LIBRARY 
 OF THE 
 
 U N I V E.RS ITY 
 OF ILLINOIS 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Newton M. Harris 
 1941 
 
 IfcfcG*-' 
 
 I 
 

Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 with funding from 
 
 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Alternates 
 
 
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 https://archive.org/details/holybiblecontain01scot_0 
 

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THE 
 
 HOLY BIBLE, 
 
 CONTAINING THE 
 
 OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS 
 
 ACCORDING TO THE AUTHORISED VERSION: 
 
 WITH 
 
 EXPLANATORY NOTES, PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS, 
 
 AKD 
 
 X. 
 
 COPIOUS MARGINAL REFERENCES. 
 
 BY THOMAS SCOTT, 
 
 RECTOR OF ASTON SANFORD, BDCK8. 
 
 PROM THE LATEST LONDON EDITION, WITH THE AUTHOR’S LAST CORRECTIONS 
 
 AND IMPROVEMENTS. 
 
 TO WHICH IS ADDED, 
 
 A CONCORDANCE 
 
 TO THE HOLY SCRIPTURES OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS. 
 BY THE REV. JOHN BROWN, OF HADDINGTON. 
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 
 J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. 
 
 1 8 6 6 . 
 
THE NAMES AND ORDER OP ALL THE BOOKS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT 
 
 OLD TESTAMENT. 
 
 GENESIS hath Chapters 
 
 Exodus ... . . . 
 
 Leviticus .... 
 
 Numbers 
 
 Deuteronomy .... 
 
 Joshua . 
 
 Judges . . 
 
 Ruth . . . . . . 
 
 I, Samuel 
 
 II. Samuel 
 
 i. Kings 
 
 11. Kings 
 
 I. Chronicles .... 
 
 II. Chronicles . . . 
 
 Ezra 
 
 Nehemiah ...... 
 
 Esther . 
 
 Job . , 
 
 Psalms . . < . « . 
 
 Proverbs . . . 
 
 60 
 . 40 
 27 
 . 36 
 34 
 . 24 
 21 
 , 4 
 31 
 . 24 
 22 
 , 25 
 29 
 . 36 
 10 
 . 13 
 10 
 . 42 
 150 
 31 
 
 Ecclesiastes . . . 
 
 The Song of Solomon 
 
 Isaiah 66 
 
 Jeremiah 52 
 
 Lamentations ....<> 6 
 
 Ezekiel 48 
 
 Daniel 
 
 Hosea . 14 
 
 Joel 3 
 
 Amos 9 
 
 Obadiah 
 
 Jonah . . ■ « 
 
 Micah 7 
 
 Nahum 3 
 
 Habakkuk 3 
 
 Zephaniah . . .3 
 
 Haggai .2 
 
 Zechariah . . . . 14 
 
 Malachi 4 
 
 NEW TESTAMENT. 
 
 MATTHEW hath Chapters . . . . 28 
 
 Mark '• 16 
 
 Luke 24 
 
 John 21 
 
 The Act” , . . 28 
 
 Epistle to the Romans 16 
 
 ». Corinthians 16 
 
 II. Corinthians 13 
 
 Galatians 6 
 
 Ephesians 6 
 
 Philippians 4 
 
 Colossians . ..........4 
 
 I. Thessalonians 5 
 
 {I. Thessalonians ......... 3 
 
 I. Timothy .....6 
 
 II. Timothy ....4 
 
 Titus ...3 
 
 Philemon i 
 
 The Hebrews 13 
 
 The Epistle of James S 
 
 I. Peter ... 6 
 
 II. Peter 3 
 
 I. John 
 
 II. John l 
 
 III. John .1 
 
 Jude 1 
 
 Revelation 22 
 
 CD hi 
 
PREFACE; 
 
 CONTAINING ESPECIALLY 
 
 A c ;mpend%ous view of the evidences that the holy scriptures, and every part of them, as they stand 
 
 IN OUR BIBLES, WERE GIVEN BY INSPIRATION FROM GOD. 
 
 Whoever seriously reflects on the powers and capacities of 
 the human mind, regarding them as the work of Him whodoeth 
 nothing in vain, and comparing them with those of the inferior 
 creatures, will readily perceive that man alone was created to be 
 religious. Of all the inhabitants of this earth, none else are 
 capable of obtaining any knowledge of their Creator, or of ren- 
 dering him worship and praise. Man alone possesses the 
 capacity of distinguishing between truth and falsehood, between 
 asoral good and evil ; and of receiving instruction in social and 
 relative duties, with the obligations under which he lies to per- 
 them, and the advantages of doing it. He alone is capable 
 of being governed by a law, and of being influenced by the 
 proposal of rewards and punishments ; of acting as under the eye 
 of an invisible Observer, and with reference to a future season 
 of retribution. From these premises we infer with absolute 
 certainty, that the all-wise Creator thus constituted our minds, 
 and conferred on us these distinguished endowments, in order 
 to render us capable of Religion, for the purpose of his glory, 
 and of our own felicity in the most intimate connexion with that 
 of our fellow-creatures. 
 
 When further, we consider what this word Religion implies ; 
 and understand it, according to its most general acceptation, to 
 be such an habitual regard to the one, true, living, and eternal 
 God, the Creator, Governor, and Judge of all, as influences us 
 to seek his favour, to do his will, and to aim at his glory, in the 
 temper of our hearts, and the regulation of our actions, both in 
 the worship which we render to him, and the duties which we 
 erform to man, for his sake and according to his will ; we shall 
 e constrained to allow, that it is most reasonable and excellent. — 
 Doubtless the exercises of true devotion, form the noblest em- 
 ployment of the human mind, which in them emulates the 
 angelic nature. A conscientious regard to the all-seeing eye of 
 a righteous and omnipotent Judge Is the best bond of human 
 society, and regulator of our relative conduct ; insomuch that 
 if this principle of action were universal and complete, human 
 laws and tribunals would be entirely unnecessary. This would 
 likewise most effectually moderate our appetites and passions ; 
 and produce the greatest possible proportion of peace, content- 
 ment, and felicity, personal and social, of which our nature, in 
 its present state, is capable. And when we look forwards, 
 beyond the grave, to that immortality and future state of recom- 
 pense, which reason itself pronounces at least highly probable, 
 the absolute necessity of religion to our felicity appears evident 
 beyond all dispute. 
 
 Hence, we determine with certainty, that religion is that 
 great business, to which all men ought to attend ; and that bles- 
 sing after which all men should seek, whatever else be ne- 
 glected, or superseded, or postponed. 
 
 While, however, it is demonstrable, that man is capable of 
 religion, and in duty and interest bound to it by the most indis- 
 pensable obligations ; stubborn facts, in every age and nation of 
 the world, undeniably prove, that, left to himself, man would 
 never be truly religious. According to the statement above given, 
 where shall we find religion on earth, in any age or nation, 
 which has not possessed, in a greater or less degree, the advan- 
 tage of those writings, which we will now take for granted to be 
 a divine Revelation, and which will hereafter be shown to be so ? 
 An assemblage of the grossest idolatries in varied forms, and of 
 the wildest absurdities in opinion ; the most vain and irrational 
 superstitions in worship, and the most dangerous mistakes, as 
 well as the most horrible cruelty, and abandoned licentiousness, 
 in morals ; from that religion, f if it may be dignified by so 
 Venerable a name,) which forces itself upon our observation, 
 wherever the light of revelation has not shone. Nor can so 
 much as a single nation, or city, or family, be excepted from 
 this general charge. If there have been a few individuals, who 
 have manifested something not wholly dissimilar from true 
 religion ; and any be disposed to allow, that indeed it was such : 
 it must be far more rational to ascribe it to the remains of ori- 
 ginal tradition, or even to a personal revelation afforded to them 
 for their own benefit, though not authenticated for the good of 
 others ; than to make it an exception to the general rule, Thut 
 without revelation , there never was any true religion on earth, 
 &mce the jail of Adam. 
 
 Those, indeed, who live under the light of revelatibn, and 
 make what use they choose of that light, may draw up systems 
 of natural religion, sufficiently plausible, and apparently rational. 
 But it should be remembt&ed, that this light is originally, through 
 one channel or another, derived from the Bible; though too 
 often, with equal absurdity and ingratitude, set up in opposition 
 to its sacred and sublime truths : and universal experience 
 demonstrates, that no such natural religion ever wa3 discovered 
 and delineated , by men of any nation, who had never seen any 
 part of the Bible, or any thing deduced from that source. 
 
 However reasonable and excellent many of those truths and 
 precepts are, which are proposed to us as the oracles of reason ; 
 not one of them ever was proposed by reason without revelation, 
 with such certainty, clearness, and authority, as to become a 
 constant principle and rule of action, in secret and in public, 
 ©wards God and towards man, to any company of men on 
 earth, perhaps not to one individual. 
 
 Indeed, after all the supposed improvements and discoveries 
 
 of modern times, if we exclude the peculiar instructions o! .be 
 Bible, what darkness and uncertainty rest upon points of ihe 
 greatest imaginable importance ! — Even in respect of the immor- 
 tality of the soul, when Reason, at her best advantage, haa 
 done her utmost, her boasted power of demonstration fails ; for 
 even, were the arguments indisputably conclusive, by which the 
 natural immortality of the soul is supported ; who knows, or 
 ran know without revelation, how it may please a just and holy 
 God to aeai with the souls of his offending creatures? ‘He 
 can create, and he destroy.’— But far greater obscurity and un- 
 certainty rests on those subjects, which relate to the nature of 
 of the future world, and the rule of judgment, with which our 
 whole conduct*, and our hope and peace, are inseparably con- 
 nected. It is difficult, if not impossible, to perceive by the light 
 of nature, the consistency of perfect justice with boundless mercy: 
 it still remains dubious, except to those who possess and believe 
 revelation, whether God will punish at all, or pardon at all ; or 
 by what rule he intends to punish, or pardon : and indeed, wher- 
 ever we turn, a thick cloud darkens our view, and discourages 
 our inquiries, if we leave “the sure testimony of God,” and 
 bewilder ourselves in speculations on matters evidently too high 
 for us. — But how much worse has the case been of almost all 
 the nations of the earth, and generations of men ! Indeed so 
 far have they been from advancing in religious knowledge, 
 where revelation has not been afforded ; that they have evidently 
 sunk deeper and deeper into ignorance, 'and several of them 
 almost into absolute atheism, as if the little glimmering which 
 once shone among them, being the effect of original tradition, 
 was gradually expiring and leaving them in utter darkness. 
 
 The most complete information, however, respecting doctrines 
 and duties, would be wholly inadequate to the production of the 
 desired effect ; except such information were enforced by suffi- 
 cient authority, gave necessary encouragement, and proposed 
 effectual assistance. The knowledge of duty, and of its reason- 
 ableness is utterly unavailing, whilst men are under the do- 
 minion of their lusts and passions ; as the laws and judicial 
 proceedings of every civilized nation sufficiently manifest. In 
 this case there is no disposition to perform the dictates even of 
 conscience or prudence. A heathen could say, Video meliora pro - 
 boque deteriora sequor. The proposal of virtue as amiable and 
 excellent, by the feeble recommendation of the moralist’s pen. 
 is infinitely inferior in energy to the authoritative command ana 
 sanction of the Almighty, denouncing his awful and eternal in- 
 dignatiori against the transgressor: and yet facts undeniably 
 show, that men venture upon sin, even with the threatenings of 
 everlasting misery sounding in their ears ; nay, with the trem- 
 bling apprehensions of it dismaying their hearts : for divine aa 
 well as human laws “ are weak through the flesh,” * and, with 
 all their sanctions and barriers, are unable to fix boundaries to 
 the swelling tide of human depravity. Indeed, were men fully 
 acquainted with all the glorious perfections of God ; with his 
 holy law, with the nature and malignity of sin, with their own 
 real character and situation as sinners, and with the rule and 
 consequences of the future judgment ; and were they, at the 
 same time, left utterly destitute of the encouragements and 
 assistances, which the Gospel proposes, and which form the 
 grand peculiarity of the Bible ; their knowledge, so far from 
 rendering them religious, would probably, by leaving them with- 
 out hope, annihilate all appearances of religion. f Wherever 
 any semblance of religion is found, which has no respect at all 
 to the mercy of God, as revealed in the gospel, through the 
 righteousness, atonement, and mediation of Emmanuel, and to 
 the effectual teaching and assistance of the Holy Spirit, it seems 
 to have its foundation, not in men’s knowledge, but kn their igno- 
 rance, of God, of themselves, of his law, and of the evil of 
 sin ; and this might easily be evinced to be the case even upon 
 rational principles. 
 
 But the proposal of suitable encouragements and assistance is 
 entirely out of the province of reason ; these are “ heavenly 
 things,”j of which we can know nothing, except by immediate 
 revelation ; and of which wc can have no assurance, but the 
 express declaration and faithful promise of God. He alone car. 
 inform us, on what terms, or in what manner, his honour permits 
 him, and his sovereign pleasure disposes him, to forgive his 
 offending creatures ; and to communicate those gracious influ- 
 ences, which may produce a holy disposition of heart, and enable 
 sinners to overcome all the obstacles, which retard the progress 
 of those who endeavour to lead “a sober, righteous, and godly 
 life.” 
 
 From such considerations, the necessity of a revelation from 
 God, in order to true religion among men, may be decidedly 
 Inferred ; and it might reasonably have been expected, that he 
 would afford such a revelation, if he intended to accep*. j! any 
 worship and service from them. Indeed this expectation has 
 been very general in the world. And as counterfeit coin proves 
 the existence of sterling money, and the value which men put 
 on it; so counterfeit revelations, (instead of invalidating the 
 argument,) if they do not prove the existence of a real reve- 
 lation, yet evince that men have felt their need of one, have 
 been sensible that it would be a most valuable acquisition, and 
 have been generally disposed to expect it. 
 
 • Note, Rom. 8 : 3, 4. t Note, P«. 130 : 3, 4. J John 3 : 12, !& 
 
 ( 3 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 All th 5 counterfei «, which hitherto have advanced a claim of 
 being divine revela l ms, have also been successfully exposed, 
 and have sunk intc general contempt or neglect : and, in this 
 age and nation, it may be asserted, without hazard of contra- 
 diction, that there is but one book in the world, which so much 
 as appears to be of divine original. This we call The Bible, 
 that is, by way of eminence, The Book : and such is the inter- 
 nal and external evidence, which authenticates its claim, that I 
 am persuaded, were men as open to conviction on this subject, 
 as they are in mathematical investigations, they could no more, 
 after due examination, reject it, than they could contradict an 
 evident demonstration. 
 
 It may therefore not be improper to insert, in this place, a few 
 of the most obvious reasons, which the more studious Christian 
 is “ ready to give of the hope which is in him and which is 
 grounded upon this first principle, ‘ The Bible is the word of 
 God ;* in order to show that it is highly reasonable to believe 
 the Bible to be a divine revelation ; and if so, then equally rea- 
 sonable to take all our measures of truth and duty from it, and 
 to b-*w our understandings and inclinations to its teaching and 
 governance. 
 
 Let it be here carefully observed, that the Divine Inspira- 
 tion, and not merely the authenticity , or genuineness, of each 
 part of the sacred writings, is intended. — Each part, and every 
 part, may be authentic, or genuine ; the work of the authors 
 whose names they severally bear ; or true and unsophisticated 
 narratives of the times to which they refer : and yet they may be 
 merely human , and of no authority in matters of doctrine and 
 duty. The Odes of Horace, and Cfesar’s Commentaries, are 
 authentic : probably the first book of Maccabees is genuine his- 
 tory ; yet they are not, on that account, in any degree the 
 authoritative guides or standards of our faith and practice. — 
 Many able and admired writers, who apparently have stood 
 forth, as the champions of the Bible, appear to the author of 
 this Exposition, to have (he hopes undesignedly) betrayed the 
 cause. An ancient warrior, having murdered his predecessor, 
 and usurped his throne, was some time after requested to permit 
 him to be numbered among the gods ; and it is said that he 
 answered, ‘ Sit divus , mcdo non sit vivus ‘ Let him be a god, 
 provided he be not living.* These apologists for the Bible seem 
 to reverse the words, and to say, ‘Sit vivus , modo non sit divus;' 
 
 ‘ Let it be genuine , provided it be not divine It would, how- 
 ever, be waste of time, to attempt to prove either the authenti- 
 city or the genuineness of the sacred writings ; unless in entire 
 subserviency to the demonstration that they are divinely inspired. 
 All the works and words of mere men are fallible , and may be 
 erroneous ; and the desideratum, that which is especially wanted, 
 is an infallible standard ; to which all other books, and in- 
 structions of every kind, may be referred, with which they may 
 be compared, and by which they may be judged. Now, if the 
 6acred writings are indeed “The Word of God,” if “all 
 scripture is given by inspiration of God,” we have this deside- 
 ratum ; and have nothing further, in this respect, to expect or 
 desire. But if the books, called by the apostles “ The oracles 
 of God,”f are merely the authentic writings of Moses, David, 
 Isaiah, and others in former times, and not the infallible word of 
 God ; we are as far off from the desideratum above mentioned 
 as ever. We may indeed learn what these sages of Israel 
 thought, as well as what the sages of China, Egypt, and Greece 
 maintained, concerning God and religion ; and we may exa- 
 mine the testimony or each, and bring in a verdict, some in 
 favour of the one, and some of the other; but we are still far 
 from an infallible standard ; as far, as if the Bible had never 
 been written ; whatever value, in other respects, may be at- 
 tached to such ancient, venerable, and interesting records. 
 
 With this view of the subject, gathering strength from year to 
 year,}: the author of this work is decided against any compro- 
 mise ; and he ventures to stand forth, as vindicating ‘■the divine 
 inspiration of the Holy Scriptures .’ He wishes indeed to see 
 far abler champions enter the lists against the Goliath of mo- 
 dern skepticism : but as most of those learned and eminent men, 
 who take up the challenge, seem in some measure to compro- 
 mise the main point, or to decline the discussion of it ; he takes 
 his sling and his stone, and says, “ Who is this uncircumcised 
 Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God.” 
 
 By ‘ the divine inspiration of the Scriptures the author 
 would be understood to mean, ‘such a complete and immediate 
 communication, by the Holy Spirit, to the minds of the sacred 
 writers, of those things which could not have been otherwise 
 known; and such an effectual superintendency, as to those par- 
 ticulars, concerning which they might otherwise obtain infor- 
 mation ; as sufficed absolutely to preserve them from every 
 degree of error, in all things, which could in the least affect any 
 of the doctrines or precepts contained in their writings, or mis- 
 lead any person, who considered them as a divine and infallible 
 standard of truth and duty.* Every sentence in this view, must 
 oe considered as “ the sure testimony of God,” in that sense in 
 which it is proposed as truth. Facts occurred, and words were 
 spoken, as to the import of them, and the instruction contained 
 in them, exactly as they stand here recorded : but the morality of 
 words and actiono, recorded merely as spoken and done, must 
 be judged of by the doctrinal and preceptive parts of the same 
 book. — On this ground, all difference or disparity between one 
 and another of the sacred writers is wholly excluded : Moses, 
 Samuel, David, and Isaiah ; Paul, James, Peter, and John, are 
 all supposed to speak or write, “ as they were moved by the 
 Holy Ghost :’* they are the voice , but the divine Spirit is every 
 a here the Speaker. They wrote indeed in such language, as 
 cheir different talents, educations, habits, and associations sug- 
 gested, or rendered natural to them : but the Holy Spirit so en- 
 tirely superintended them, when writing, as to exclude every 
 improper expression, and to guide them to all those which best 
 
 • t Pet. 3: 15. t Rom. 3: 2. Heb.5: 13 1 Pet. 4: 11. 
 
 J This part of the preface wae written above thirty years ago : and the 
 expression, here 'sed, may be considered as the author's pretent deliberate 
 tuagmeni. 
 
 ( 4 I 
 
 suited their several subjects : “ Which things also we speak not 
 in.the words which man s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy 
 Ghost teacheth Many particulars, which philosophers, ora- 
 tors, or critics, think inaccurate, may consist with this complete 
 inspiration: but every kind and -degree of misrepresentation, aa 
 springing from personal, popular, or national prejudices or opi- 
 nions, or as calculated to mislead the humble believer, or to 
 sanction error, must be totally excluded. 
 
 It will also appear, in the course of the work, that the few 
 passages, (and they are but few, compared with the whole,) in 
 which errors or interpolations have taken place, through the 
 mistakes of transcribers, form no formidable difficulty, in thus 
 regarding the Holy Scriptures. Nearly all such interpolations 
 and errors may be detected and pointed out, by sober and well- 
 informed critics, in this, as well as in other books : and if a few 
 escape detection, it is because they do not so immediately affect 
 the sense, as to make it evident to the most acute, penetrating, 
 and accurate student, that they deviate from the style and senti- 
 ment of the writer in whose works they are found. 
 
 The author has indeed, to this present time, always decidedly 
 rejected all emendations of the sacred text, which are adduced 
 either on conjecture, or without adequate authority : and eveq 
 where the authority is respectable, he has chosen to abide by 
 the present text, when there appeared no evident necessity, nor 
 any very cogent reasons, for the contrary : being aware', how 
 far such alterations may, and often do, lead men from the Scrip- 
 tures ; and how directly they tend gradually to substitute ano- 
 ther book ih the place of the Bible. Yet it is proper to observe, 
 that if all the various readings* for which any respectable au- 
 thority can be given were adopted ; they would not alter either the 
 standard of truth, or the rule of duty in one material point : but 
 whither conjectural emendations might lead, he cannot under- 
 take to prognosticate. 
 
 These things having been premised, he proceeds to state some 
 of the leading reasons, which any intelligent man may assign, 
 for believing the Scriptures, as we now have them, to be the 
 infallible word of God. 
 
 I. Great numbers of wise and good men, through many gene- 
 rations and in distant countries, have agreed in receiving the 
 Bible as a divine revelation. Many of them have been distin- 
 guished, and generally approved,, for seriousness, erudition, 
 penetration, and impartiality in judging of men and things. 
 With much labour and patient investigation, they detected the 
 impostures, by which their contemporaries were duped : yet the 
 same assiduous examination confirmed them in believing the 
 Bible to be “ the Word of God and induced them, living and 
 dying, to recommend it to all others, as the source of all true wis- 
 dom, hope, and consolation. In this view, even ‘the tradition ol 
 the church’ has great weight : for, whatever abuse has been made 
 of the term, by such as generally were no part of the true church, 
 yet it must be allowed to be a consideration of vast importance, 
 that the whole company of those who have “ worshipped the liv- 
 ing God in spirit and truth,” (including those who ventured and 
 laid down their lives for conscience’ sake, and who were the most 
 pious, holy, and useful men in every age,) have unanimously 
 concurred in handing down to us the Scriptures as a divine re- 
 velation, and have very little differed about the books which 
 form that sacred deposit. And I cannot but suppose, that if a 
 being of entire impartiality, of sound mind, and holy disposition, 
 should be shown the two companies, of those who have received, 
 and of those who have rejected the Scriptures ; and should com 
 pare the seriousness, learning, patient investigation of truth, solid 
 judgment, holy lives, and composure in a dying hour, without 
 unmanly terror or indecent levity, of the one company, with the 
 character and conduct of the other ; he would be induced to take 
 up the Bible with profound veneration, and the strongest prepos- 
 session in its favour. 
 
 II. The agreement of the sacred writers among themselves is 
 another cogent argument of their divine inspiration. Should 
 equal number of contemporaries, of the same country, education, 
 habits, profession, natural disposition, and rank in life, and asso 
 ciating together as a distinct company, concur in writing a book 
 on religious subjects as large as the Bible, each furnishing his 
 proportion, without comparing notes together ; the attentive rea- 
 der, whose mind had been long inured*) such studies, would be 
 able to discover some diversity of opinion among them. But the 
 writers of the Scripture succeeded each other, during the term of 
 fifteen hundred years: some of them were princes or priests, 
 others shepherds or fishermen ; their natural abilities, education, 
 habits, and employments, were exceedingly dissimilar; they 
 wrote laws, history, prophecy, odes, devotional exercises, pro- 
 verbs, parables, doctrines, and controversy; and each man had 
 his distinct department ; yet they all exactly coincide in the exhi- 
 bition which they give us of the perfections, works, truths, and 
 will of God; of the nature, situation, and obligations, of man; 
 of sin and salvation ; of this world and the next ; and in short of 
 all things connected with our duty, safety, interest, and comfort, 
 and in the whole of the religion inculcated by them. They all 
 were evidently of the same judgment, aimed to establish the same 
 principles, and applied them to the same practical purpose. Ap- 
 parent inconsistencies may indeed perplex the superficial reader ; 
 but they vanish after a more accurate awl persevering investiga- 
 tion : nor could any charge of disagreement, among the sacred 
 writers, ever be substantiated ; for if can only be said, that they 
 related the same facts with different circumstances, which are 
 perfectly reconcileable ; and that they gave instructions suited to 
 the persons whom they addressed, without systematically show- 
 ing the harmony of them with other parts of divine truth. They 
 did not write by concert, and they bestowed no pains to avoid the 
 appearance of inconsistency : yet the exact coincidence, which is 
 perceived among them by the diligent student, is most astonishing, 
 and cannot be accounted for on any rational principles, without ad. 
 mitting that they wrote “ as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”! « 
 
 •1 Cor. 2: 13. tSFlt. hSl. 
 
 J Mohammed, to sorre present purposes, produced his Koran by a little At a 
 time : this occasioned an evident inconsistency of one part with another ; concern- 
 ing which he only said, that (sod had a right to change his laws as he saw good. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 To this wo may add, that the scriptural history accords, in a 
 wonderful manner, with t he mostauthentic records which remain 
 of the events, customs, and manners of the countries and ages to 
 which it stands related. The rise and fall of empires ; the revo- 
 lutions which have taken place in the world ; and the grand out- 
 lines of chronology, as mentioned or referred to in the scriptures, 
 are coincident with those stated by the most approved ancient 
 writers ; whilst the palpable errors In these respects, detected in 
 the apocryphal books, constitute one most decisive reason for re- 
 jecting them as spurious. But the history of the Bible is of far 
 greater antiquity, than any other records extant in the world ; 
 and it is remarkable that, in numerous instances, it shows the 
 real origin of those absurd fables, which disgrace and obscure all 
 other histories of those remote times ; and this is no feeble proof, 
 that it was derived from some surer source of information, than 
 human tradition.* 
 
 III. The miracles, by which the writers of the Scriptures con- 
 firmed their divine mission to their contemporaries, afford us also 
 a most convincing proof in this matter. The narratives of these 
 miracles may be clearly shown to have been published very soon 
 after the time, and at the places, in which they were said to have 
 been wrought in the most conspicuous manner, and before very 
 gTeat multitudes, enemies as well as friends. This constituted 
 a public challenge to every man, to contradict or disprove them, 
 if he could : yet this public challenge never called forth a single 
 individual to deny that they were really performed ; nor was an 
 attempt of the kind ever made till long afterwards. — Can any man 
 of common sense think, that Moses and Aaron could possibly have 
 persuaded the whole nation of Israel, that they had witnessed all 
 the plagues of Egypt, passed through the Red Sea with the wa- 
 ters piled on each side of them, gathered the manna every morn- 
 ing for forty years together, and seen all the wonders recorded in 
 their history, had no such events taken place ? If then that gene- 
 ration could not be thus imposed on, when could the belief of these 
 extraordinary transactions be palmed upon the nation? Surely, 
 It would have been impossible in the next age to persuade them, 
 that their fathers had seen and experienced such wonderful 
 things, when they had never before heard a single word about 
 them ; and when an appeal must have been made to them, that 
 these were things well known among them ! What credit could 
 have been obtained to such a forgery at any subsequent period ? 
 It would have been absolutely necessary, in making the attempt, 
 to persuade the people, that such traditions had always been cur- 
 rent anfong them ; that the memory of them had for ages been 
 perpetuated, by days and ordinances observed in every succeed- 
 ing age by all the nation ; and that their whole civil and religious 
 establishment had thence originated : nay, that the very tenure 
 on which they held their estates was grounded on it ! And could 
 this have possibly been effected if they all had known, that no 
 such memorials and traditions had ever before been heard of 
 among them ? The same might be shown concerning the other 
 miracles recorded in Scripture, especially those of Christ and his 
 apostles ; and the sacrament of the Lord’s supper in remem- 
 brance of his death, and the observance of the Lord’s day on the 
 first day of the week, in commemoration of his resurrection, in all 
 ages to this present time. If not instituted at the time, immedi- 
 ately succeeding the events on which they are grounded, at what 
 subsequent period could they have been introduced, so as to per- 
 suade multitudes in very many nations, that they and their fa- 
 thers, and father’s fathers had always observed them ? So that 
 it might be made evident, that the man who denies that the mira- 
 cles were actually performed, must believe more wonderful things, 
 without any evidence, than those are which he rejects, though es- 
 tablished by unanswerable proof. To evince this as to one most 
 important instance, namely, the resurrection of Christ, which, 
 beingonce proved, undeniably establishes the divine original and 
 authority of Christianity, let the reader consult the latter part of 
 the note on John 20 : 24 — 29. 
 
 On this subject it may again be demanded, When could the 
 belief of the resurrection of Christ, and the miracles wrought by 
 his apostles and disciples in proof of it, have been obtruded on man- 
 kind, if they had never happened ? Surely not in the age, when 
 they were said to have been witnessed by hundreds of thousands, 
 who were publicly challenged to deny them if they could ! cer- 
 tainly not in any subseqent age ; for the origin of Christianity was 
 expressly ascribed to them, and millions must have been per- 
 suaded, that they had always believed those things, of which 
 they had never to that time so much as heard. f We may indeed 
 venture to assert, that no past event was ever so fully proved as 
 our Lord’s resurrection ; and that it would not be half so prepos- 
 terous to doubt whether such a man as Julius Ccesarever existed, 
 as it would be to question whether Jesus actually rose from the 
 dead. What then do they mean, who oppose some trivial appa- 
 rent variations, in the account given of this event by the four Evan- 
 gelists, (which have repeatedly been shown capable of an easy 
 reconciliation,) to such an unparalleled complication of evidence 
 that it did actually take place ? 
 
 IV. The prophecies contained in the sacred Scriptures, and ful- 
 filling to this day, fully demonstrate that they are divinely inspired. 
 These form a species of perpetual miracles, which challenge the 
 investigation of men in every age ; and which, though overlooked 
 by the careless and prejudiced, cannot fail of producing conviction 
 proportioned to the humble and reverential attention paid to them. 
 The prophecies of the Messiah which are found in almost all the 
 Cooks of the Old Testament, when compared with the exact ac- 
 complishment of them, as recorded in the authentic writings of the 
 Evangelists, abundantly prove them to have been written under 
 tj^e guidance of the Holy Spirit : while the existence of the Jews 
 as a people differing from all others upon the face of the earth, 
 and their regard to these writings, as the sacred oracles handed 
 down from their progenitors, sufficiently vouch for their antiquity : 
 though that admits of full and clear proof of another kind. Ac- 
 cording to the predictions of these books, Nineveh has been deso- 
 
 • Prslace to the Book of Genesis. 
 
 1 The Jews, at this day, do not deny, that-the miracles recorded io the New 
 testament history were actually performed, but they absurdly ascribe them all 
 Id enchantment. — See Answer to Rabbi Crooll , by the Author. 
 
 lated ;* Babylon swept with the besom of destruction ;t Tyre b« 
 come a place to dry nets in Egypt the basest of the kingdoms, 
 which has never since been able “ to exalt itself above the na- 
 tions.”^ These, and many other events, fulfilling ancient pro- 
 phecies, very many ages after they were delivered, can never be 
 accounted for ; except by allowing, that He who sees the end from 
 the beginning, thus revealed his secret purposes, that the accom 
 plishment of them might prove the Scriptures to be his word of ir« 
 struct ion to mankind. 
 
 In like manner, there are evident predictions interwoven with 
 the writings of almost every writer of the New Testament, as a 
 divine attestation to the doctrine contained in them. The destruc- 
 tion of Jerusalem, with all the circumstances predicted in the 
 Evange.ists, (the narrative of which may be seen in Josephus’s 
 History of the Jewish Wars ;) the series of ages, during which th.a* 
 city has been “ trodden down of the gentiles ;”|J the long-con 
 tinned dispersion of the Jews, and the conversion of the nationti 
 to Christianity ; the many antichristian corruptions of the gospel ; 
 the superstition, un commanded austerities, idolatry, spiritual ty- 
 ranny, and persecution of the Roman hierarchy ; the division of 
 the empire into ten kingdoms ; the concurrence of those who ruled 
 those kingdoms during many ages, to support the usurpations of 
 the church of Rome ; and the existence of Christianity to this day , 
 amidst so many enemies, who have used every possible method 
 to destroy it : — all these occurrences, when diligently compared 
 with the predictions of the New Testament, do not come short of the 
 fullest demonstration, of which the case will admit, that the books, 
 which contain those predictions, are the unerring word of God. 
 
 There are two further observations, on this subject, which seem 
 of great importance. 
 
 1. The predictions of Scripture, if carefully examined, will bo 
 found to contain a prophetical history of the world, as to all the 
 grand outlines, from the beginning to this present time ; not to 
 speak of suen as are yet unfulfilled. Who can deny, that the his- 
 tory of Abraham’s posterity ; of Israel especially; of Judah and 
 Joseph, the most renowned sons of Jacob ; and of the Jews, in 
 their present dispersions ; aud their preservation, as a distinct 
 people, “dwelling alone, and not reckoned amorig the nations,’* 
 might be clearly and particularly stated in the Very words of pro- 
 phecy PI 7 Does not almost the whole of ancient profane history, 
 as distinguished from that contained in the sacred Scriptures, and 
 also a large proportion of modern history, consist principally o! 
 the records of the four great Empires, the Chaldean, the Medo- 
 Persian, the Grecian or Macedonian, and the Roman ? And are 
 not these predicted in the book of Daniel so exactly and particu 
 larly, as to give some plausibility to the objection, which is de 
 monstrated to be unfounded, that they were written after the 
 event ?** But especially, “ the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of 
 prophecy. ”ft The changes which have taken place in the state ol 
 the world in consequence of the birth of Jesus at Beth-lehem, and 
 of his claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God, which has by 
 some been virulently opposed, by others zealously supported, 
 have been great, extensive, and durable beyond comparison with 
 all other revolutions ; but is there one particular, in all the history 
 of Jesus, and of the subsequent establishment of Christianity, 
 with all the opposition made to it, and the corruptions afterwards 
 introduced, which is not expressly predicted in Scripture ? And 
 mightnot a narrative, in many instances very circumstantial, of 
 our Lord, from his birth to his death, be drawn up in the words 
 of prophecy ? 
 
 2. From the preceding Consideration, another arises, as inse- 
 parably connected with it. The prophecies of Scripture are not de 
 tached or insulated predictions, but constitute a grand system of pre- 
 vious information, as to the secret designs of Providence, extend- 
 ing from the earliest ages even to the consummation of all things : 
 and accompanied by such distinct notations of order, place, arid 
 time, as may well be called the geography and the chronology of 
 prophecy. Insomuch that any one, in any age, who well under 
 stood the prophecies extant in his day, might have known what to 
 expect, at the specified times, and in the specified countries. As 
 one prediction received its accomplishment, others were given, 
 connecting prophecy with history till the Revelation of St. John 
 concluded the whole. Events have hitherto, in every age and na. 
 tion, corresponded with these predictions. This is well known to 
 each individual, in exact proportion to the degree in which he be- 
 comes acquainted with Scripture and with historical records, and 
 to the care and impartiality with which he compares the pro- 
 phecies with those records. As it is the manifest and avowed plan 
 of prophecy, to predict events occurring in their own place and 
 season to the end of the world ; the circumstance of several pro- 
 phecies being yet unfulfilled, does not in the least deduct from ti e 
 proof of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, derived from this 
 source : for on such a plan, some must remain unfulfilled, till the 
 end shall come. — It may also be added, that, in respect of the state 
 of the Jews, and in many other particulars, there is an evident pre- 
 paration made for the accomplishment of all the prophecies, which 
 yet remain to be fulfilled. Now, I ask, is there any thing in the 
 least coincident with such a system of prediction, from age to age, 
 in any other book in the world, except the Bible ? And could so 
 many and so extraordinary and improbable events, through so 
 many ages and nations, have occurred, in so undeniable a man- 
 ner, as foretold in the Scriptures, had not the Omniscient God him 
 self inspired the Scriptures ? The grand outline of prophecy ge 
 nerally takes in all that space of time, which was included be 
 tween the period when the prophet wrote and the end of the 
 world; and as subordinate predictions, concerning Israel and the 
 nations, and which form a kind of episode to the main design, 
 were fulfilled, other prophecies were delivered from age to age : 
 till St. John closed the whole, in The Revelation. Can any rea- 
 sonable man conceive that a design of this kind could ever have 
 entered into the thoughts of an uninspired writer ; that he could 
 form the astonishing idea into a regular plan ; and that during 
 more than fifteen hundred years, he should have successors, who 
 
 • Nah. 1:2:3. t Is. 13:14. JEz.26:4,5. § El. 29:14,15 g Luke 21 : 24. 
 
 T Notes, Gen. 12:1—3. 16:1*2. 49:8 — 12,22—26. Num.23:9. Deut. *28:65— 61 
 
 •• Notes, Da D . 2:33— 45.7:8. tt Rev. 19:10. It Notes, Is.4l:26— 29. 42:8,1. 
 
 $§ Note, It. 41: 21 — 24. 
 
 ( 5 ) 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 entered u.ly into his views, and assisted in carrying them into 
 effect ? ir can it be conceived, that such a plan, however formed, 
 could hn ve been so executed, as to have even a plausible appear- 
 ance of being successful ? He who can believe this, has no right 
 10 call those credulous, who receive the Bible as the word of God. 
 
 V. The Bible alone, and such books as make it their basis, in- 
 troduce the infinite God speaking in a manner worthy of himself, 
 with simplicity, majesty, and authority. His character, as there 
 delineated, comprises all possible excellence without any inter- 
 mixture ; his laws and ordinances accord to his perfections ; his 
 works and dispensations exhibit them ; and all his dealings with 
 his creatures bear the stamp of infinite wisdom, power, justice, 
 purity, truth, goodness, and mercy, harmoniously displayed. The 
 description given in the sacred oracles, of the state of the world 
 and of human nature, widely differs from our previous ideas of 
 them ; yet facts on full investigation unanswerably prove it to be 
 exactly true. The records of every nation, the events of every 
 age, and the history of every individual, most entirely confute the 
 self-flattery of man in this respect; and prove that the writers of 
 the Bible knew the human character immensely better, than any 
 philosopher, ancient or modern, ever did. Their account teaches 
 us what men are actually doing, and what may be expected from 
 them : while all, who form a different estimate of human nature, 
 find their principles inapplicable to facts ; their theories incapable 
 of being reduced to practice ; and their expectations strangely dis- 
 appointed. The Bible, well understood, enables us to account for 
 those events, which have appeared inexplicable to men in every 
 age : and the more carefully any one watches and scrutinizes all 
 the motives, imaginations, and desires of his own heart, during a 
 length of time, the more manifest will it appear to him that the 
 Scriptures give a far more just account of his disposition and cha- 
 racter, than he himself could have done. In short, man is such a 
 being, and the world is in such a state, as the Scripturfes have de- 
 scribed : yet multiplied facts, constant observation, and reiterated 
 experience, are insufficient to convince us of it, till we first learn 
 it from the Bible ; and then comparing all which passes within us, 
 and around us, with what we there read, we become more and more 
 acquainted with our own hearts, and established in the belief of the 
 divine original of this most wonderful book. To this we may add, 
 as a most convincing internal proof that the Bible is the word of 
 God, who “ knoweth what is in man,” that it is exactly suited to 
 our real state, character, and wants ; and proposes an adequate 
 remedy, or supply, to all of them ; which in proportion as self- 
 knowledge increases, we see more and more. While others, 
 through ignorance and self-flattery, cannot perceive that its pro- 
 posals and promises suit their case, the experienced Christian is 
 deeply convinced, that he wants all that is thus proposed and 
 promised, to render him happy, and that he wants nothing more. 
 
 The mysteries contained in Scripture rather confirm than inva- 
 Iidate this conclusion : for a book, claiming to be a revelation from 
 God and yet devoid of mystery, would, by this very circumstance, 
 confute itself. Incomprehensibility is inseparable from God and 
 from all his works, ev'en the most inconsiderable ; such as, for in- 
 stance, the growth of a blade of grass. The mysteries of the 
 S<. .:ures are sublime, interesting, and useful ; they display the 
 divine perfections ; lay a foundation for our hope ; and inculcate 
 humility, reverence, love, and gratitude. What is incomprehen- 
 sible must be mysterious : but it may be intelligible as far as it is 
 revealed, and though it be connected with things above our reason, 
 v it may imply nothing contrary to it. So that, in all respects, the 
 contents of the Bible are suited to convince the serious inquirer, 
 that it is ‘ The word of God.’ 
 
 VI. The tendency of the Scripture constitutes another unan- 
 swerable proof. Did all men believe and obey the Bible, as a 
 divine revelation ; let us seriously inquire, to what tenor of con- 
 duct it would lead them, and what would be the effect on society ? 
 Surely if repentance, and renunciation of all vice and immorality, 
 when combined with the spiritual worship of God in his ordi- 
 nances ; faith in his mercy and truth, through the mediation of 
 his Son : and all the fruits of the Holy Spirit, as visible in the life 
 of every true believer, were universal, or even general, they 
 would form the bulk of mankind to such characters, and would 
 produce such effects, as the world has never yet witnessed. Men 
 would then habitually and uniformly do justice, speak truth, 
 show mercy, exercise mutual forgiveness, follow after peace, 
 bridle their appetites and passions, and lead sober, righteous and 
 godly lives. Murders, wars, slavery, cruel oppressions, rapine and 
 fraud, and unrestrained licentiousness, woulij no more desolate the 
 world, or fill it with misery ; and bitter contentions would no more 
 destroy domestic comfort : but righteousness, goodness, and truth, 
 would bless the earth with a felicity exceeding all our present con- 
 ceptions. This is, no doubt, the direct tendency of the scriptural 
 doctrines, precepts, motives, and promises : nothing is wanting to 
 remedy the state of the world, and to fit men for the worship and 
 felicity of heaven, but to believe and obey the Scriptures. And if 
 many enormous crimes have been committed, under colour ol zeal 
 for Christianity it only proves the depravity of man’s heart : for the 
 Scripture, soberly understood, most expressly forbids such prac- 
 tices ; and men do not act in this shameful manner because they 
 duly regard the Bible, but because they will not believe and obey it. 
 
 The tendency of these principles is exhibited in the characters 
 delineated in the sacred writings; while the consistency between 
 the doctrines anil precepts of Scripture, and the actions ol men re- 
 corded in it, implies another argument of its divine original. The 
 conduct of ungodly men, as there related, entirely accords to the 
 abstract account given of human nature : and it appears, that be- 
 lievers conducted themselves exactly in that manner, which the 
 pr. iciples of the Bible might have led us to expect They had 
 naturally like passions with other men: but these were habitually 
 restrained and regulated by the fear anil love of God. and by other 
 holy affections. Their general behaviour was good, but not per- 
 fect j and sometimes their natural proneness to evil broke out, and 
 made way for bitter repentance and deeper humiliation : so that 
 they appear constantly to have perceived their need of forgiveness 
 and divine assistance: to have expected felicity from the rich 
 mercy of God ; and, instead of making a had use of that consi- 
 deration, to have deduced from it motives for gratitude, zeal, pa- 
 tience, meekness, and love to mankind 
 ( 6 ) 
 
 But one character is exhibited, in the simplest arid most un- 
 affected manner, which is perfection itself. Philosophers, orators, 
 and poets, in their several ways v have bestowed immense pains to 
 delineate a faultless character : and they have given us complete 
 models of their own estimate of excellence, and sufficient proof 
 that they had laboured the point to the uttermost of their ability 
 But the four Evangelists, (whose divine inspiration is now fre- 
 quently doubted on the most frivolous pretences,) without seem 
 ing to think of it, have done that, in which all other writers have 
 failed. They have set before us a perfect human character, by 
 recording facts, without making any comment on them, or showing 
 the least ingenuity in the arrangement of them. ‘ They have 
 given the history of one whose spirit, words, and action swere, 
 in every particular, what they ought to have been ; who always 
 did the very thing which was proper, and in the best manner 
 imaginable ; who never once deviated from the most consummate 
 wisdom, purity, benevolence, compassion, meekness, humility, 
 fortitude, patience, piety, zeal, or any other excellency : and 
 who in no instance let one virtue or holy disposition entrench on 
 another, but exercised them all in entire harmony, and exact 
 proportion.’ — ‘ This subject challenges investigation, and sets 
 infidelity at defiance. Either these four men exceeded, in genius 
 and capacity, all other writers that ever lived ; or they wrote under 
 the guidance of divine inspiration : for without labour or affecta- 
 tion, they have performed what hath baffled all others, who have 
 set themselves purposely to accomplish it.’* This is a fact which 
 cannot be denied : no perfect character is elsewhere delineated, 
 and probably no mere man could have drawn one ; and no one 
 would have thought of such a character as that of Jesus. This 
 alone, I apprehend, joined to their entire consistency in this respect 
 with one another, demonstrates that the Evangelists wrote under 
 the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 It has often been observed, that Satan would nevet have in- 
 fluenced men to write the Bible, lor then he would have been 
 divided against himself : wicked men would not have written a 
 book, which so awfully condemned their whole conduct ; and 
 good men would never have ascribed their own inventions to 
 divine inspiration, especially as such forgeries are most severely 
 reprobated in every part of it. But indeed, it is a work as much 
 exceeding every effort of mere man, as the sun surpaoses those 
 scanty illuminations, by which his splendour is imitated, or his 
 absence supplied. 
 
 VII. The actual effects , produced by the Scripture, evince 
 their divine original. These are indeed far from being equal to 
 its tendency ; because, through human depravity, the gospel is 
 not generally or fully believed and obeyed : yet they are very con 
 siderable ; and we may assert, that even at present, there are 
 many thousands, who have been reclaimed from a profane and 
 immoral course of conduct, to sobriety, equity, truth, and piety, 
 and to good behaviour in relative life, simply by attending to the 
 sacred oracles. Having been “ made free from sin, and become 
 the servants of God, they have their fruit unto holiness and 
 after “ patiently continuing in well doing,” and cheerfully bear- 
 ing various afflictions, they joyfully meet death, being supported 
 by the hope of eternal life, tk as the gift of God through Jesus 
 Christ:” while those who best know them, are most convinced, 
 that they have been rendered more wise, holy, and happy, by 
 believing the Bible ; and that there is a reality in religion, though 
 various interests and passions may keep them from duly em- 
 bracing it. What a different nation would Britain become, if all 
 its inhabitants were rendered as upright, sincere, peaceable, be- 
 neficent, and active in doing good to mankind, as a remnant of 
 them are, on scriptural principles? How would the state of the 
 whole earth be changed, if all men every where thus “ deniel 
 ungodliness and worldly lusts, and lived soberly, righteously and 
 godly in this present world ?” T his alone would do much towards 
 introducing a state of things, resembling that of the millennium, f-- 
 There are indeed enthusiasts ; but they become such, by forsak 
 ing the old rule of faith and duty, lor si me new imagination : an 
 there are hypocrites ; but they attest the reality and excellency o 
 religion, by deeming it worth their while to counterfeit it. 
 
 VIII. Brevity is so connected with fulness \n the Scriptures, 
 that they are a treasure of divine knowledge, which can never 
 be exhausted. The things that are absolutely necessary to sal- 
 vation, are lew, simple, and obvious to the meanest capacity, pro- 
 vided it be attended by a humble, teachable disposition : but the 
 most learned, acute, and diligent student cannot, in the longest 
 life, obtain an entire knowledge of this one volume. The more 
 deeply he works the mine, the richer and more abundant he finds 
 the ore : new light continually beams from this source ol heavenly 
 knowledge, to direct his conduct, ami illustrate the works ol God, 
 and the ways of men ; and he will at last leave the world con- 
 fessing, that the more he studied the Scriptures, the fuller con- 
 viction he had of his own ignorance, and of their inestimable value. 
 
 IX. Lastly, “ He that believelh hath the witness in himself.”| 
 The discoveries which he lias made by the light of the Scripture ; 
 the experience which he has had, that the Lord lulfils its pro- 
 mises to those who trust in them ; the abiding eflects produced by 
 attending to it, on his judgment, dispositions, and affections ; ami 
 the earnest of heaven enjoyed hy him in communion with God, 
 put the matter beyond all doubt; and though many believers are not 
 at all qualified to dispute against infidels, they are enabled, through 
 this inward testimony, to obey the gospel, and to suffer lor it : 
 and they can no more he convinced, by reasonings and objections, 
 that uninspired men invented the Bible, than they can he per- 
 suaded, that man created the sun, whose light they behold, and 
 by whose beams they are cheered. 
 
 And now, if an objector could fully invalidate more than one 
 half of these arguments, (to w hich many more might easily be 
 added,) the remainder would be abundantly sufficient. — Way, 
 perhaps, any one of them so far decides the question, that, were 
 there no oilier proof of the Bible’s being the word of God, a man 
 could not reject it. without acting in direct opposition o those dlc- 
 taies of common sense, which direct his conduct in lis secular 
 affairs. — But in reality, I have a confidence, that noi o *e ul these 
 
 • The author’* Atnwcr to Paine’* Age of Reaaou, p. 6G, 2 ed. ■ N 
 20:4—6. 1 Note, 1 John 6:9,10. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 proof* can be fairly answered ; at least it has never yet been 
 done : and the combined force of the whole is so i*reat, that the 
 objections, by which men cavil against the truth, only resemble the 
 foaming waves dashing against the deep-rooted rock, which has 
 for ages defied their unavailing fury. But, though these can 
 effect nothing more, they may beat oft the poor shipwrecked ma- 
 riner. who was about to ascend it, in hopes of deliverance from 
 impending destruction. 
 
 A very small part of the evidences, which, with combined 
 force, established the divine original and authority of our holy 
 religion, has here been adduced. Many books have, of late 
 years, been published on the important subject ; the writers of 
 which have treated it in different ways : yet, in general, the argu- 
 ments advanced by each seem separately to be conclusive. It 
 does not appear, that any view of the subject, materially new, 
 remains to be exhibited : but the following particulars have not, 
 as far as the Author has observed, been as yet brought forward 
 in that prominent manner, and to that advantage, of which they 
 are capable. 
 
 I. Many, in these days, allow the sacred writers to have been 
 wise and good men ; but they hesitate, and speak doubtfully, as 
 to their divine inspiration. Yet, do not all the prophets, in the 
 Old Testament, sneak most decidedly of themselves and of their 
 predecesiors, as declaring, not their own words, but the word of 
 God ?* Do not the apostles, and other writers of the New Testa* 
 ment, speak concerning the prophets who wrote the Old Testa- 
 ment, “ as holy men of God, who spake as they were moved by 
 the Holy Ghost ?”f Do they not adopt language, which, in its 
 most obvious meaning, claims the attention of their readers to 
 their own instructions, as to the word of God ? Do they not thus 
 attest and sanction one another's writings ?f Do they thus attest 
 and sanction any other books ? The answer to these questions at 
 least effectually confutes the sentiment above stated. If the sa- 
 cred writers were indeed wise men, but not inspired ; how were 
 they deluded into the false imagination, that they and their pre- 
 decessors and coadjutors were inspired ? If they were good men, 
 but not inspired , would they have thus confidently asserted their 
 own inspiration, and sanctioned that of each other; knowing that 
 this was contrary to the truth, and that they merely delivered 
 their own private sentiments ? 
 
 II. There are also very many, who so far reverence the name 
 of our Lord Jesus, as to suppose his words to be divine and 
 infallible ; and yet they speak of the writers, both cvf the Old and 
 New Testament, in more hesitating language. Now our Lord 
 himself, in numerous instances, has quoted and referred to the 
 Old Testament, and the several parts of it, as “ of divine au- 
 thority ;” and this in a manner which directly tended to mislead 
 the people, if the passages referred and appealed to, were merely 
 the private opinion of some venerable men of former ages, but 
 not the infallible word of God. And his appointment of the 
 apostles, and his giving them the power of the keys, of opening 
 and shutting the kingdom of heaven ;§ must imply, that iti their 
 writings, and in those which they sanctioned, his doctrine and 
 religion might be found unmixed and genuine. Indeed, if it can- 
 not be found there, where are we to look for it ? These consi- 
 derations show, that he himself has attested the divine inspiration 
 of both the Old and the New Testament. 
 
 An argument comprising so many and important transactions, 
 cannot here be fully discussed ; but a few specimens may 
 not improperly be annexed, of the manner in which the 
 author supposes that the position might be maintained, with 
 great effect, by any man who had talents and leisure for such an 
 attempt. 
 
 When the divine Redeemer was tempted by the devil, he 
 selected all the texts, with which, as ‘ by the sword ofthe Spirit,’ 
 he put the enemy to flight, from one of the Books of Moses. || 
 Does he then quote these books as the words of man ? Surely 
 not. He says repeatedly, “ It is written.” And had any one 
 inquired, Where ? Would he not have answered, “ In the word 
 of God?” — In his sermon on the mount he continually refers 
 to the law given by Moses; declaring that “till heaven and 
 earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the 
 law, till all be fulfilled ;” for he came not to destroy “ the law... 
 but to fulfil.”^ Now who can deny that our Lord came to fulfil 
 the types of the ceremonial law, and the requirements of the 
 moral law ? And who can imagine, that the Son of God was 
 manifested, thus to honour any institutions of mere human au- 
 thority? — Yet many learned writers speak of the laws of 
 Moses, as if. they had originated with him. 
 
 The Pharisees and Scribes in general maintained, that 
 Jehovah spake by Moses, and th^t his writings were the word 
 of God : but does our Lord ever so much as intimate that this 
 opinion was unwarranted, or held in too absolute and unre- 
 stricted a manner ?** Nay, when he saw good to expose the 
 traditions of the elders, he charges them with rejecting and 
 “ making void the commandment of God by their traditions :”ft 
 but where was that commandment of God to be found, except 
 in the books of Moses ? for he expressly referred to the fifth 
 commandment. — Again, when the Pharisees proposed a ques- 
 tion to him respecting divorces, he referred them to the Mosaic 
 history of the creation, and to the original institution of mar- 
 riage ; saying, “Have ye never read, that He which made 
 them at the beginning, made them male and female ?” Does 
 not this method of appealing to these records imply an express 
 attestation to ( the indisputable truth of them ? And does not that 
 attestation amount to a declaration, that they were written by 
 divine inspiration ? 
 
 .Who was intended by the Householder, that inclosed the vine- 
 yard of Israel, but Jehovah ? By whom did he inclose it, but 
 by Moses ? What Moses enacted and performed, was done in 
 iSe name and by the authority of Jehovah: and can his 
 
 •2 Sam. 23:1,2. Neh. 9:30. Ps. 19:7— 11. Ia. 8:20. Jer. 20:7 -9.25:3,4. 20:12 
 —19 Ez. 1:1-3.38:16,17. Dan. 9:12, 13. Mic. 3:8— 12. Zech. 1:5,6. f Notes, 
 Rom. 3:1,2. 2 Tim. 3:14— 17. Heb. 1:1,2. 2 Pet .1:19— 21. f Notes, 1 Cor. 7:39, 
 40. IThea. 4:6— 8. 5:23— 28, v. 27. 2 Pet. 3:1— 4,14,16. 1 John 4:4— 6. 
 § Notes, Malt. 16:18— 20. II Matt. 4:4— 11. IT Note, Matt. 5:17,18. 
 
 • Notes, John 5:45— 47. 9:27— 34. It Notes, Matt. 15:1— 14. Mark 7:1— 9. 
 
 writings be treated as tho word of man, by any who conslde* 
 the testimony of Christ as “ the word of God ?”* 
 
 The Sadducees proposed a case to Jesus, which they ima- 
 gined inconsistent with the resurrection of the dead : but he de- 
 cisively answered, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor 
 the power of God ;” and he then referred them to the Books ol' 
 Moses, as a confutation of their error. But did the Son of God 
 in reality appeal to the writings of an uninspired man ? or did h 
 not appeal to “ the oracles of God ?” This however is not all 
 for he says expressly, “Have ye not read, that which was 
 spoken unto you by God, saying, &.C.?” — What Moses recorder 
 was spoken by God.f 
 
 On another occasion he inculcated a regard to the Scribes and 
 Pharisees, as sitting in Moses’ seat, that is, teaching according 
 to his law ; though, at other times, he exposed their instructions 
 when, following their own traditions, they disannulled that law 
 what could this mean, but that the one was a divine revelation, 
 the other a mere human invention ?J 
 
 In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, (if indeed it be a 
 parable,) our Lord introduces Abraham saying to the rich man 
 concerning his brethren, “ They have Moses and the prophets ; 
 let them hear them ;” and again, “ If they believe not Moses and 
 the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose 
 from the dead.”§ — But would he have thus called the attention 
 of his hearers, and of all through revolving ages who read his 
 words, to the writings of Moses, if any part of them had been 
 erroneous and the mere opinion of a fallible man ?— It is worthy 
 of notice, that our Lord also expressly attested the truth of the 
 Mosaic History, in some particulars which have not been most 
 implicitly credited, in their evident and literal import: I mean 
 the account given by Moses of the universal deluge, and Noah’s 
 preservation in the ark while all else were drowned ; and of the 
 destruction of Sodom by fire and brimstone from heaven, with 
 the sudden and awful doom of Cot’s wife. || 
 
 When discoursing with Nicodemus, he referred to the Mosaic 
 history of the brazen serpent, in such a manner as both attested 
 the typical import of that transaction, and the reality of the mi- 
 racle recorded by Moses.1T 
 
 On another occasion, probably before the Sanhedrim, our 
 Lord says to the Jew3, “ Had ye believed Moses, ye would have 
 believed me, for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his wri- 
 tings how shall ye believe my words ?” — Hence we may infer, 
 that an intelligent belief ofthe words of Moses necessarily leads 
 to faith in Christ; and that it could not be expected, that the 
 Jews, who did not believe the testimony of Moses in this par- 
 ticular, would believe in him of whom he spake.** Let this 
 suffice in respect of the Books of Moses. 
 
 It may be proper also to adduce a few specimens, respecting 
 the other parts of the Old Testament. When the Pharisees 
 condemned the disciples for rubbing the ears of corn on the 
 Sabbath day, our Lord said unto them, “Have ye not read 
 what David did ?” “ Have ye not read so much as this, 
 
 what David did ?”ff and directly referred also to the law in 
 the same sentence^ Now this surely authorizes us to conclude, 
 that he regarded both the law and the Books of Samuel, as 
 equally “ the word of God.”— In like manner he called the 
 attention of his hearers to the history of the queen of Sheba, 
 as of undoubted authority ; and this is recorded both in the 
 Books of the Kings and in the Chronicles. 
 
 When he anticipated the objection of the Nazarenes, by re- 
 ferring them to the conduct of the Lord in sending Elijah to 
 Zarephath, to a Zidonian woman, rather than to any of the 
 widows in Israel; and in cleansing Naaman the Syrian, by 
 Elisha, rather than any of the lepers in Israel ; he not only au- 
 thenticated the historical records of those facts as genuine , but 
 attested the miracles recorded in them : which, admitted in their 
 full extent, can never be separated from the divine inspiration 
 of those who wrought them. lj || It should also be observed, that 
 our Lord never referred to any writings in this manner, ex- 
 cept those received by the Jews as the word of God ; he opposed 
 oral traditions, and has not once quoted the Books of the Apo- 
 crypha, some of which were then extant. It may therefore be 
 fairly inferred, that he expressly designed to confirm the opinion 
 of the Jews on that subject, by his repeated attestations, and to 
 establish exclusively the divine inspiration of their sacred books. 
 
 Jehovah had ^iven commandment by Moses, that the people 
 should offer sacrifices, exclusively at the place which he should 
 appoint : and Joshua after his death, by divine direction, as the 
 Jews supposed, placed the tabernacle at Shiloh, where it con- 
 tinued till the ark was taken by the Philistines. Afterwards 
 David removed the ark to Jerusalem, and Solomon built the 
 temple on mount Zion which was from that time regarded as 
 exclusively the place appointed by Gotl for sacrifice. — A large 
 proportion of the Old Testament, from the Books of Moses to the 
 end of it, relates to this tabernacle and temple ; to the sins of the 
 people in offering sacrifice elsewhere, or in hypocritically at- 
 tending on the ordinances there administered ; to the judgments of 
 God upon them for these sins ; to the destruction of the temple by 
 the Chaldeans ; to the rebuilding of it by Zerubbabel ; and to 
 events of a similar nature. — These tilings are so interwoven with 
 the historical records of the Old Testament ; that to deny the 
 divine authority, by whi'ch Joshua separated Shiloh, and David 
 appointed mount Zion as the exclusive place for offering sa 
 crifice, according to the command given by Moses, would tend to 
 invalidate the whole narrative ; as it would imply, that the Lord 
 inflicted tremendous judgments on the nation, merely for violating 
 the appointmens ol uninspired men. — The Samaritans indeed 
 argued, that “ men ought to worship” on mount Gerizim, and 
 not at Jerusalem : but our Lord declared to the woman of Sa- 
 maria, that the Samaritans “ knew not what they worshipped ; 
 for salvation was of the Jows.”1Tir Now, who can doubt, that this 
 
 • Matt. 21:33- 46. Mark 12:1-12. Luke 20:3-18. t Notes, Matt. 22. 
 23— 33, v. 31. f Note, Malt. 23:1 — 1. § Luke 16:27- 3‘ . H Matt, 
 
 24:37—39. Luke 17.26—32. IT Note, John 3:1T,15. •• Notee, John 5: 
 
 39—17. ft Matt 12:1— 5. Luke6:3,4. Xt Lev. 24:5— 9. Am. 1! :1— 6. 
 
 §§ 1 Kings 10:1-13. 2 Chr. 9:1— 12. Note, Malt. 12:41,42. V*lum4t 
 
 23— *7. HIT John 4:20—22. 
 
 • ( r ) 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 declaration of Jesus Christ tnd his own constant attendance 
 on the worship performed ai. Jerusalem, fully attest the divine 
 inspiration of those books, in which the appointment of this place 
 and the building of the temple are recorded, as having been done 
 by the directions and command of God himself: 
 
 Let us also very briefly consider our Lord’s testimony to the 
 writings of the Prophets, and to the Book of Psalms. The Psalms 
 are indeed ascribpu to different writers ; but it is evident that they 
 consumed a book of the Scriptures among the Jews at that time, as 
 they now do:* so that a quotation from that book, as the word of God, 
 witnout adding any limitation, is in fact an attestation of the whole. 
 
 When the children in the temple cried, “ Hosanna to the Son 
 of David;” the chief priests said to Jesus, “ Hearest thou not 
 what these say?” To which he answered, “ Yea : have ye 
 never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast 
 perfected praise ?”f Did not this attest the words of David, as 
 the language of inspiration, and of prophecy ? 
 
 On another occasion he demanded of the Pharisees, “ how 
 David in Spirit ,” or, “ by the Holy Ghost.” “ called the Mes- 
 siah, Lord which is equivalent to David’s declaration con- 
 cerning himself; “The Spirit of God spake by me, and his 
 word was in my tongue.”^ And accordingly our Lord, after his 
 resurrection, declared that “ all things must be fulfilled which 
 were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in 
 the Psalms concerning him.”|| — But why must this have been, 
 except as the writings referred to were inspired by God himself? 
 Could there be any necessity , that the words of fallible men, 
 however wise and good, should be fulfilled, in such extraordi- 
 nary events, as the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ ? 
 
 Referring to a passage in the Psalms,H he asks. “ Is it not 
 written in your law, I said, Ye, are gods ? If he called them gods, 
 to whom the word of God came ; and the Scripture cannot be 
 broken, &c.”** Who called the magistrates gods, but Jehovah ? 
 And why could not the Scripture be broken, but because it is 
 “ the word of God ?” 
 
 I shall only, in a general way, refer the reader to some of 
 our Lord’6 attestations to several of the Prophets, whose writings 
 form a part of our Scriptures. The texts referred to are surely a 
 sufficient attestation to the prophecy of Isaiah. ft When our Lord 
 says, “ Well did Esaias prophecy of you could he mean any 
 thing less than Si. Paul did, in saying, “ Well spake the Holy 
 Ghost by Esaias the prophet ?”{$ Christ gives similar attestations 
 to the prophecy of Daniel and to Hosea.|!|| He also expressly 
 attests the history contained in the book of Jonah, which is often 
 treated very irreverently .IT IT He evidently refers to the words 
 of Micah, in predicting the persecutions to which his disciples 
 would be subjected.*** And he explicitly attests the prophecy 
 of Malachi.ftt Several others of the prophets are quoted by 
 the evangelists : but none are here adduced, except those who are 
 mentioned by our Lord himself, in a manner attesting the divine 
 inspiration of the writers, or their language, as “ the word of 
 God.” 
 
 It only remains to mention his attestation to the Scriptures 
 fn general, and to the division of them which was received at 
 that time, into “ the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms.” 
 Thus he says to the Scribes, “ Did ye never read in the Scrip- 
 tures, The Stone which the builders rejected, the same is become 
 the Head of the corner ?”}tj And when he adds, “ Therefore , I 
 say unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and 
 given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof;” he evidently 
 6hows, that he quoted the passage as the word of God, which 
 “ cannot be broken.” — “ How then shall the Scriptures be 
 fulfilled that thus it must be ?” and again, “ All this was done 
 that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”§§§ 
 
 Would we know more particularly what Scriptures he meant ? 
 Let us hear his words to the apostles : “ All things must be ful- 
 fflled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the pro- 
 phets, and in the Psalms concerning me.”|||||| 
 
 The words of our Lord are very remarkable ; “Search,” says 
 be, “ the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life, and 
 they are they which testify of me.”1T1Tir Now what could the Jews 
 suppose Jesus to mean by “ the Scriptures,” but the books which 
 they had been accustomed to distinguish by that appellation ? 
 They had thought, that in these the way of eternal life was to be 
 found ; these testified of Jesus as the Messiah ; and yet they 
 rejected him, without whom they could not obtain eternal life ! — 
 This one testimony confirms indubitably the divine revelation 
 erf the whole Old Testament, as it stood at that time, to all 
 who truly believe the words of Christ : but, reversing his con- 
 clusion in another case, we may fairly say to men who call them- 
 selves Christians, ‘ If ye believe not his words, how can ye be- 
 lieve the writings of the Old Testament ?’ 
 
 When the Jews went about to stone him, because he had said, 
 “ I and mv Father are One ;” he quoted a passage from the 
 Psalms, adding, “ The Scripture cannot be broken.”**** But 
 what can we understand by “the Scripture” in this connexion, 
 but the canonical books of the Old Testament as then received by 
 the Jews ? And who can deny this to be a complete authentication 
 of them, as the unfailing word of the unchangeable God? In- 
 deed all those passages in which Christ speaks of his sufferings, 
 death, and resurrection, with the various circumstances connected 
 with them, as what “ must be,” with reference to the types and 
 prophecies of the Old Testament, prove, as far as men regard his 
 testimony, that not one tittle of those sacred records could pass 
 away, till the whole had received its full accomplishment: for 
 which no other satisfactory reason can possibly be given, than 
 this, that the whole Is a divine revelation ; “ for the prophecy 
 came not in old time by the will of man : but holy men of God 
 spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 
 
 • Luke 34: 44. Acts 1:20. 13:93. t P«. 8:2. Matt. 21:15,16. | Notes, 
 
 Ps. 110:1. Matt. 22:4 1—46. Mark 12:35 — 37 § Note, 2 Sum. 23:1,2. 
 
 t) Luke 24:44—46. TI Ps. 82:1,6,7. •* Note, John 10:32— 39. ft Matt. 
 
 13:13 — 15. 15:7 — 9.21:13. Mark 7:6,7. Luke4:17— 21. ft Act* 28:25. §§ Mutt. 
 24:15. Mark 18:14. IIU Hoe. 6:6. Matt. 9:13. 12:7. WI Matt. 12:39—41. 
 16:4. Luke 11:28—32. *** Mic. 7:6. Matt. 10:35,36. ttt Mai. 3:1. 
 
 Matt. 11:10, &«. Luke 7:27. Mai. 4:5,6. Matt. 17:10—12. Mark 9:11— 13. 
 m Ps. 118:22,23. Matt. 21:42,43. ^ Matt. 26:54— 56. II JW Luke 24.27, 
 44-46 m John 6:39,40. ***• John 1U:34,95. 
 
 ( 8 ) . 
 
 But, should it be granted that our Lord’s own words demonstrate 
 the whole Old Testament lobe “ given by inspiration from God,’ 
 as far as men reverence and believe his testimony, yet it may still b« 
 asked, Does it follow, that the books of the New Testament admit 
 of the same kind of proof from the words of Christ himself? — Lei 
 us briefly examine this subject also. It is not indeed practicable to 
 adduce so large a bodyof evidence, as has been brought in theformer 
 case ; nor is it necessary : yet I apprehend thatthe argument may 
 in a short compass be made very conclusive. — When Peter con- 
 fessed Jesus to be “ the Christ, the Son of the living God,” He 
 answered, “ I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven ; 
 and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in 
 heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed 
 in heaven.”— Peter had spoken in the name of the other apostles, 
 as well as in his own ; and it is generally allowed, that the 
 answer included them also : indeed this appears by other passages 
 of similar import, in which they were all addressed.* 
 
 If it be allowed that this absolute promise was given exclusively 
 to the apostles, we must next inquire, how they could exercise 
 this power of binding or loosing, especially after their decease, 
 except by their doctrine ? and where must the church or the world 
 look for that doctrine, if not in their writings ? Should we sup- 
 pose, that the exercise of this exclusive authority was confined to 
 the short time of their continuance on earth ; then the church has 
 ever since bqen left destitute of any rule, either for censures or 
 absolutions, even of a declarative nature ; and also of all criteria 
 for the discrimination of true Christians from other men, either 
 for the purpose of self-examination, or for the regulation of our 
 conduct “ towards the household of faith,” and the world around 
 us. But if this promise was not exclusively made to the apostles, 
 nor the authority given by it intended to be exercised according to 
 their doctrine ; the consequence must be, either that there are, 
 in every age, ministers of religion possessed of this absolute 
 power of binding and loosing ; or that the words of Christ have 
 not received their accomplishment. And, as it does not seem u> 
 accord with the prevailing sentiments of this age, to invest minis 
 ters, of any kind or description, with such an infallible arid de- 
 cisive authority ; we may, I apprehend, be allowed to conclude, 
 that the promise was made exclusively to the apostles, and was 
 fulfilled, when they were inspired by the Holy Spirit to deliver 
 that doctrine to the church, according to which the state of all 
 men, in respect of acceptance or condemnation, is and will 1* 
 finally decided. If this be allowed, it will inevitably follow, that 
 our Lord’s express testimony proves that their writings are a 
 divine revelation ; for in them especially they delivered to the 
 church what they received from the Lord ; and these have been, 
 and will be to all subsequent generations, exclusively ‘ the doc- 
 trine of Christ.’ 
 
 On the night before his crucifixion, our blessed Saviour re- 
 peatedly promised to send to his apostles, “ the Spirit of Truth, 
 who should guide them into all Truth,” and “ show them things 
 to come ;” who should “ teach them all things, and bring all 
 things to their remembrance whatsoever he had said unto them,” 
 and who “ should receive of his and show it to them.” There is 
 a subordinate sense in which these promises are, in a measure, 
 accomplished to all true Christians ; but the persons who advance 
 doubts respecting the divine authority of the books contained in 
 the New Testament, will scarcely deny that they are addressed in 
 a far superior sense, to the apostles and those immediately con- 
 nected with ihem.f Now the Spirit was given to them, as well as 
 to others, “ to profit withal and it is undeniable, that genuiire 
 Christianity, without unremiltcd miracles, could be delivered 
 down to future ages for the profit of mankind, only by writings, 
 in which it should be stated without error or corrupt mixture, and 
 preserved as a sacred deposit iu the church from generation 
 to generation. What then could the Holy Spirit, promised in 
 this' energetic language to the apostles, be so rationally supposed 
 to do for them, as to guide their minds by an immediate superin- 
 tending inspiration, when they dictated those writings, by which 
 it was evidently the design of Providence that the doctrine of 
 Christ should he perpetuated in the church ? Indeed, either they 
 did deliver to mankind the doctrine of their Lord and Master, pure 
 and uncorrupted, or they did not : if they did not, the revelation, 
 which God made of himself by his well-beloved Son, has answer- 
 ed very little purpose ; as no man, without a new revelation pro- 
 perly so called, can or ever could distinguish the truths of Christ 
 from the errors of the apostles : but if they did deliver their doc- 
 trine pure and uncorrupted to mankind ; why should we maintain, 
 that they were preserved from error when preaching the gospel, 
 in which one generation of men alone was immediately con- 
 cerned ; and yet left to fall into errors in their writings, in which 
 all future ages and nations wore most deeply interested ? If when 
 they were brought before governors for a testimony to them, 
 it was not they that spoke, but the Holy Spirit who spake by 
 them we may surely conclude, that what they wrote for a 
 testimony to all future ages and nations, was arranged under the 
 same efficacious leaching and euperintendency . 
 
 Our Lord, just before his ascension, renewed and ratified his 
 commission to the apostles: “ All power,” says he, “is given 
 unto me in heaven and earth: go ye, therefore, and teach all 
 nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
 and of the Holy Ghost ; teaching them to observe all things what- 
 soever I have commanded you ; and lo, I am with you always, 
 even to the end of the world.” “ Go ye into all the world, and 
 preach the gospel to every creature : ho that believoth and is 
 baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be 
 damned. Ӥ Yet none, those alone excepted to whom the apostles 
 personally preached, can have any concern in ihfa important 
 declaration ; unless the doctrine of Christ, delivered to the apop 
 ties, may be certainly found in their writings. — Our Lord, juol 
 before his crucifixion, intercedes for his w’hole future church in 
 these words, “ Neither pray 1 for these alone, but for them also 
 which shall believe on me through tfleir ieord;”|| and indeed all 
 
 •Notes, Matt. 16:13— 19. 1C :18. John 20:19-23. t Note, John 14*25, A. 
 
 I Notes, Matt. 10:19,20. Luke 21:12-19. § Notes, Mutt. 28: 18— 20 Mark 
 
 17:15,16. II Note, John 17:20,^1. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 real Cliristfftns in every age have believed in him, not so much 
 thiough the word of the ministers who preached to them, as 
 through that of iii' 1 apo tie . by which their doctrine must be 
 tried ; from which, if sound, it is deduced, and to which it is pro- 
 erly their custom to make an unreserved appeal. In this sense 
 t. £aul says, that believers are “ built upon the foundation of 
 the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief Corner- 
 Stone for the Old Testament written by the prophets, and 
 the New Testament by the apostles, under “ the inspiration of 
 the Holy Spirit,” contain that uoctrine, which is the foundation of 
 the faith and hope of the whole church, as resting on Christ, and 
 united in him into an holy temple, “ an habitation of God through 
 the Spirit.”* 
 
 The several books of the New Testament were written by the 
 apostles themselves, excepting the gospels of Mark and Luke, and 
 the Acts of the Apostles : and these were penned by the attendants 
 on the apostles, and under their immediate inspection, and conse- 
 quently were equally authenticated by them, as if they had them* 
 selves written them. If any should object, ii»3f Paul was not one 
 of those apostles, to whom Christ gave his express testimony, and 
 yet he wrote a great part of the Epistles : it may be answered, 
 first, that there is no alternative between denying all the facts 
 recorded concerning him, and allowing his apostolical authority 
 In its fullest extent, or that at least “ he was not a whit behind the 
 very chiefest apostles and secondly, that Peter has attested his 
 Epistles to be a part of the Scriptures, in these remarkable words, 
 
 “ Even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom 
 given unto him, hath written unto you ; as also in all his epistles, 
 speaking in them of these things ; in which are some things hard 
 to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable 
 wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own 
 destruction.”! ’ If therefore, our Lord’s own words authenticate 
 the writings of the other apostles as a divine revelation ; Peter, 
 who in some respects might be called the chief of the apostles, 
 authenticates by divine inspiration the writings of his beloved 
 brother Paul. 
 
 Finally, the only portion of Scripture, of which our Lord can in 
 any sense he called the Write#, is that which contains the epistles 
 to the seven churches in Asia, which he dictated to the apostle 
 John as his amanuensis. All his discourses , (as well as his 
 miracles, and the events of his life, death, resurrection, and as- 
 cension,) were written, not by him«elf, but by the evangelists, 
 ■wo of whom were not apostles. What greater assurance then 
 nave we, that they recorded faithfully his words, than that the 
 apostles faithfully delivered his doctrine to mankind? If the 
 evangelists were not inspired in recording his words, we are 
 not infallibly sure that he spoke what they ascribe to him ; and 
 why should we allow the divine inspiration of his historians, 
 in recording his words ; and yet doubt the divine inspiration ol 
 his apostles, in communicating his doctrine to the church and 
 to the world ? This opinion therefore is, in fact, both hostile 
 to the whole of the sacred oiacles, and at variance with itself. 
 
 The consequences of our present conduct, according to the 
 Scriptures, are so immense, that if there were only a bare possi- 
 bility that these were divine truth, it would be madness to run 
 the risk of rejecting them, for the sake of gaining the whole 
 world. What then shall we think of those who having such 
 unanswerable demonstrations of their being the word of God, 
 that they cannot reasonably doubt of it for a moment, yet disobey 
 the commands, and neglect the salvation revealed in them, for 
 the veriest trifle which can be proposed ! Especially, as it may 
 be shown, that, (besides the eternal consequences,) the firm 
 belief of the Scriptures, and the conscientious obedience which 
 true faith always produces, will render a man far happier in this 
 present life, even amidst trials and self-denying services, than any 
 other man can be made, by all the pomp, pleasure, wealth, power, 
 and honour, which the world can bestow on him. 
 
 If these arguments, which certainly contain a complete moral 
 demonstration of the divine inspiration of the Holy Scriptures, 
 excite in any reader a greater attention to the sacred volume, and 
 dispose him to read it with more strict impartiality, and larger 
 expectations of improvement ; if they induce any one, who has 
 not hitherto turned his attention to the subject, to examine it 
 carefully for himself ; if they obviate the unhappy prejudices, or 
 confirm’the wavering faith, of one individual ; if they stir up any 
 one to seek and wait for “ the witness in himself;” the Author’s 
 object, in prefixing them to this publication, will be thus far at- 
 tained. 
 
 We must next proceed to consider the nature of a divine reve- 
 lation, and the reception to which it is entitled. — Knowledge, in 
 different degrees, may be acquired by us in various ways. We 
 know some things by intuition, or the testimony of our senses ; 
 and other things by demonstration, or undeniably conclusive ar- 
 guments. Many things which do not admit of this kind of proof, 
 may be shown to be probable , in so great a degree that it would 
 be absurd to doubt of them, and madness not to regulate our con- 
 duct according to them. A very small proportion of men’s actions 
 are directed by intuitive knowledge, by demonstration, or even 
 by the higher degrees of probability. A moderate degree of pro- 
 bability is generally sufficient to excite them to activity, and to 
 direct their conduct. Testimony, especially, influences by far the 
 greatest part of human actions ; and forms the main spring of 
 men’s vigorous, self-denying exertions, their daring attempts, 
 and their persevering labours. By crediting the assertions, and 
 relying on the engagements, express or implied, of one another, 
 all the grand concerns of nations are conducted; causes, in 
 which life and death are involved, receive their final determi- 
 nation; and commerce, in all its branches, is directed and 
 influenced : and the same regard to testimony, and confidence 
 In our fellow-creatures, is inseparable from the most ordinary 
 affaiLS of human life. 
 
 Now, “ if the testimony of man be great, the testimony of God 
 © greater,”! infinitely greater. Indeed his testimony, when fully 
 ascertained, is the highest possible degree of demonstration : and , 
 when the Bible is proved, by adequate evidence, to be “ the tes - 1 
 timony of God,” the information contained in it is sure , far be- 
 
 • Note, Epb. 2:19— ®. t Note, 2 Pet. 314— 16. J Note, 1 John 5:9, 1C.; 
 
 VOL. T • — 2 
 
 yond all other information, from whatever quarter or In what 
 ever manner it is obtained.— The judge and the jury in court the 
 merchant on the exchange, the commander of a fleet or army, 
 the minister of state in council, (not to mention cases of subor- 
 dinate importance,) are fully aware, that no testimony or infor- 
 mation can be useful to direct their conduct, in their respective 
 concerns, except it be credited. '1 o appreciate its credibility and 
 its import, -is the first consideration ; and the next, when it ia 
 believed and understood, should be to form the plan of condui 
 according to it. Thus almost all human actions, and those es 
 pecially of the greatest importance, are performed and regulated 
 by faith , by that same principle which is the main spring o! 
 human activity, in the "real concerns of religion : with this sole 
 difference, that belief of human testimony, and reliance on human 
 faithfulness to promises and engagements, by word or on paper, 
 and in very many cases, as in that of physicians, lawyers, and 
 even those who prepare our food, by what is regarded as a pro 
 fessional engagement, influence men in their secular concerns ; 
 the belief of God’s estimony, and reliance on his faithfulness to 
 his promises, as written in the Scriptures, influence Christians 
 in their spiritual and eternal concerns. — These things are obvious-: 
 but they are seldom duly considered in this connexion. 
 
 The Bible is the “ testimony of God” to truths and facts, many 
 of which are not otherwise discoverable ; or not with sufficient 
 clearness and certainly, to become principles of our habitual con- 
 duct. Things pasi, future, and invisible ; truths most important, 
 sublime, and mysterious, are thus brought to our knowledge at* 
 tested by him who cannot mistake, who cannot deceive. But 
 faith is the only exercise of our rational faculties, the only ope- 
 ration of the human mind, by which we can avail ourselves of this 
 information. Faith, receiving and appropriating trie testimony of 
 God, is to reason, not unlike what the telescope is to the eye of 
 the astronomer ; who by it discerns objects invisible to all others ; 
 and sees, clearly and distinctly, those things, which toothers ap- 
 pear obscure and confused. Reason, thus appropriating, by faith, 
 the information communicated by revelation from the “ only wise 
 God,” adds immensely to her former scanty stock of knowledge : 
 possessing at the same time certainty instead of conjecture : and 
 thus, in the posture of a humble disciple, she receives that ir>- 
 struction, which must be for ever withheld from her, while she 
 proudly affects to be the teacher. Thus, even the most illiterate 
 of mankind, believing and becoming more and more acquainted 
 with the sacred oracles, acquire a knowledge in the things of Gt d 
 and religion, far more certain and useful, than ever was pos- 
 sessed by the wisest and most learned unbeliever: in the same 
 manner as the bosom friend or confidential counsellor of the 
 prince, who is informed of his real purposes and designs, exceeds 
 in practical knowledge of state-affairs the most sagacious specu- 
 lating politician ; who merely supposes that those things have 
 been done, or will be done, which he thinks ought to be done, or 
 in some way conjectures to be most probable. 
 
 When, relying on the veracity of God, we receive the Scrip- 
 tures, as in every proposition infallibly true ; the whole of the in- 
 struction contained in them becomes our own, and we may con- 
 sider them as a mine of precious ore, which will more and more 
 enrich us, in proportion to our diligence in exploring them, -and. so 
 to speak, in working the mine. 
 
 But this faith differs widely from the mere assent of the under- 
 standing to any proposition, without respect to its importance, 
 and to our own concern in it. Noah, for instance, was informed, 
 that the deluge would come ; and we are informed that it actually 
 came : but he was immediately interested in the event ; we are 
 not. We may therefore assent to the truth of it, as an historical 
 fact, without being influenced by it in our habitual conduct ; but 
 if he truly believed the divine testimony and monition, this belief 
 must necessarily influence his conduct “ By faith, Noah, moved 
 with fear, prepared the ark.” The truths of revelation, (wholly 
 unlike the reports of the day, which, whether true or false, are of 
 little consequence to us,) all relate to our eternal interests; and 
 therefore have an inseparable connexion with our practice. The 
 Bible, received in true faith, becomes the foundation of our hope, 
 the standard of our judgment, the source of our comfort, “ the 
 lantern of our feet, and the light of our paths and implicit faith 
 always produces unreserved obedience. 
 
 The province of reason therefore, in respect to revelation, is, 
 first to examine and decide, (with modesty and caution,) on t ha 
 evidences by which it is supported ; to understand and explain 
 the language in which i.t is conveyed ; to discern, in many 
 things, the.excellency of the things revealed to us ; and to us© 
 them as motives, encouragements, and rules of obedience : and. 
 in things evidently mysterious, to bow in humble submission to 
 the divine teaching; to receive in adoring faith and love what 
 we cannot comprehend ; to rest satisfied with what is revealed : 
 and to leave sacred things with God, to whom alone they be- 
 long. — Should any one indeed presume to interpret a text of 
 Scripture, in a sense which contradicts the testimony of our 
 senses or clear demonstration ; we may venture to reject this 
 interpretation : for nothing can possibly prove that to be true, 
 which we certainly know to be false. But when the doctrines 
 of revelation, or the obvious interpretations of them, according to 
 the common use of language, are only mysterious, but involve 
 no real contradiction ; when they are merely above our compre- 
 hension, or contrary to the general notions, and preconceptions, 
 or ordinary reasonings, of mankind; but are not opposite to the 
 testimony of our senses, or to any demonstrated truth : to reject, 
 on such grounds, the testimony of God, must be irrational in 
 the highest degree ; unless man be indeed wiser than hia 
 Creator. 
 
 Seeing, therefore, that the Bible may be unanswerably proved 
 to be the word of God, we should reason from it, as from self- 
 evident principles, or demonstrated truths : for “His Testimony 
 is sure, making wise the simple.” 
 
 Many parts of Scripture accord so well with the conclusion# 
 of our rational powers, when duly exercised, tbat either they 
 might have been known without revelation, or else men have 
 mistaken the capacity of perceiving truth, for tbat of discover- 
 ing it. Hence various controversies have arisen about natura » 
 
 ( 9 ) 
 
PREFACE, 
 
 religion, which many suppose to be rather taken for granted by 
 revelation than made known by it. But the term is ambiguous : 
 for the word natural includes the propensities of our hearts , as 
 well as the powers of our understandings ; and the same truths 
 which accord to the latter, are often totally opposite to the for- 
 mer. The Gentiles might have known many things concerning 
 God and his will, if they had*“ liked to retain him in their know- 
 ledge but their alienation of heart from him prevailed to keep 
 them in ignorance, or entangle them in error. So that the term, 
 
 The religion of reason,’’ would express the idea much more 
 Intelligibly, if any such distinction be deemed necessary. 
 
 This however is obvious, that many truths and precepts, which 
 are found in the Bible, have been maintained by persons who 
 were ignorant of that divine revelation, or who did not choose to 
 own their obligations to it : and many others, professing to 
 receive the Scriptures as the word of God, assent to some truths 
 contained in them, not so much because they are revealed, as 
 because they think that they may be proved hy other arguments ; 
 while they rejec% neglect, or explain away those doctrines, 
 which are not thus evident to their reason, or level with their 
 capacities. So that at last it comes to this, that they discard all 
 which is deemed peculiar to revelation ; and refuse to believe 
 “ the testimony of God,” if their own reason will not vouch for 
 the truth of what he says.* 
 
 It may indeed be questioned, whether those opinions, which 
 men so confidently magnify, as ‘ The oracles of reason,’ were 
 not originally, without exception, borrowed from revelation, as 
 far as there is any truth in them: and it is evident, that they 
 cannot possess sufficient certainty, clearness, and authority, to 
 render them efficacious principles of action, except as enforced 
 by revelation and its awful sanctions. And the wildest en- 
 thusiast never dreamed of a grosser absurdity than those per- 
 sons maintain, who suppose that the only wise God has 
 given a revelation to man, confirmed by miracles and pro- 
 phecies, and established in the world by the labours and suffer- 
 ings of his servants, and by the crucifixion of his well-beloved 
 Son ; and that this revelation at last is found to contain nothing, 
 but what we might have known as well without it ! Nay, that 
 it is expressed in such language as has given occasion to those, 
 who have most implicitly believed and reverentially obeyed it, 
 to maintain sentiments and adopt practices, erroneous and evil in 
 themselves, and of fatal consequence to mankind! 
 
 We might therefore have previously expected, that the reve- 
 lation from God should illustrate, confirm, and enforce such 
 things as seem more level to our natural powers : and that it 
 should make known to us many important matters, which we 
 could not have otherwise discovered ; and which would be found 
 exceedingly different from all our notions and imaginations ; 
 seeing that our contracted views and limited capacities are infi- 
 nitely distant from the omniscience of God. So that it is most 
 reasonable to conclude, that the doctrinal truths, which more 
 immediately relate to the divine nature, perfections, providence, 
 and government, to the invisible and eternal world and the mys- 
 teries of redemption, constitute by far the most important part 
 of revelation ; as discovering to us such things, “ as eye hath 
 not seen, nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the heart 
 of man and yet they are essentially connected with our present 
 hope, worship, and duty, and with our future happiness or 
 misery.f 
 
 He therefore cannot, according to the common use of language, 
 be called a believer, who only holds those doctrines which he 
 deems the dictates of reason as well as of revelation, whilst he 
 rejects the testimony of God, whenever he deems itunreasonable. 
 And we may hence learn what judgment we ought to form of 
 those who affirm, without hesitation, that the moral precepts, 
 with the annexed penal sanctions, and the more evident truths 
 of the Bible, are the only important part of it ; that it is of little 
 consequence what men believe, especially concerning those 
 things which are in any degree mysterious ; and that none but 
 narrow-minded bigots, and weak and ignorant people, lay any 
 stress upon speculative opinions. — “ He that believeth not, 
 maketh God a liar especially “ he that believeth not the tes- 
 timony which God hath given of his Son,” and of eternal life 
 bestowed on sinners through him. This is the uniform doctrine 
 of Scripture ; and to contradict it is equivalent to a total rejec- 
 tion of divine revelation.^ Can it be supposed, that the pro- 
 phets and apostles were commissioned, and that the Son of 
 God was “ manifested in the flesh,” died on the cross, and rose 
 from the dead, merely to inform mankind that the Lord approv- 
 ed honesty, temperance, truth, and kindness, and disapproved 
 the contrary vices ? or that the unnumbered testimonies which 
 the Scriptures contain to the mysteries of the Divine Nature, the 
 Person of the Redeemer, the work of Redemption, and the 
 influences of the Holy Spirit, may, without any criminality, be 
 disbelieved, derided, or reviled, provided men are moral in 
 their conduct towards one another ? Or that God is equally 
 pleased with those who thus affront his veracity, as with those 
 who implicitly submit to his teaching and credit his testimony ? 
 If this be the case, in what does the difference between the 
 Infidel and the believer consist ? All, except avowed atheists, 
 will allow the propriety of many precepts, and the truth of some 
 •doctrines, coinciding with those contained in Scripture : but the 
 Infidel admits them as the dictates of reason, not as “ the tes- 
 timony of God 5 ” and many professed believers reject all, with- 
 out hesitation, that does not appear to accord to the same stan- 
 dard. So that both of them believe their own reasonings, “ lean 
 to their own understandings,” and “make God a liar,” when 
 his testimony contradicts their self-confident decisions ! The 
 prevailing notion, therefore, of the comparatively small impor- 
 tance of doctrinal truth, is subversive of revelation ; and in fact 
 is only a more plausible and more dangerous species of infidelity. 
 The decided belief of the “ sure testimony of God,” on the most 
 important doctrines of revelation, and those most intimately 
 connected with our eternal salvation, our rejoicing hope, and 
 
 • Note, 1 John 5:9,10. | Notes, John 3:12,13. I Cor. 2:6 — 9. } Note*, 
 
 | olio 3-17— 21,31— 36. I Jcbn 5:9—12. 
 
 ( io ) 
 
 our adoring gratitude, is often, under the word speculative of 
 speculation , confounded with the boldest investigation of things 
 unrevealed, by the most presumptuous efforts and conclusions 
 of reasoning unbelievers : arid this scfmetimes by pious men, 
 whose excessive antipathy to controversy will not allow them 
 to admit the difference, or come near enough to perceive it. 
 
 If we believe the Scriptures to have been written by “ inspi 
 ration from God,” and have any suitable apprehensions of his 
 omniscience, veracity, and perfections, we must be convinced, 
 that it is the height of arrogance for U3, short-sighted, erring 
 creatures of yesterday, to speak of any dcctrine contained in 
 them as false or doubtful, because it is nat coincident with our 
 reasonings or conceptions. Surely, a small portion of modesty 
 and humility might suffice to induce a confession, that we are 
 more likely to be mistaken, than that the only wise God should 
 attest what is not exactly true ! In rejecting his authenticated 
 testimony, we must either advance our knowledge above his 
 omniscience, or impeach his veracity, or deny the Scriptures, 
 altogether or in part, to be his word ; reserving to ourselves 
 the determination, what part is of divine authority, and what is 
 not ! If, on the other hand, we deem any part of the Scriptures, 
 though true, to be of little or no importance, or of dangerous 
 tendency, what do we, but affront the infinite wisdom or good- 
 ness of God, as if he did not know what truths were proper 
 to be revealed to man ; or as if he purposely discovered those 
 matters, which it would have been better for mankind never 
 to have known ? And seeing it is evident that the Lord has, 
 in the Scriptures, required the belief of certain doctrines, as 
 absolutely necessary to salvation,* to insinuate that these doc 
 trines are either false, doubtful, or of no value, must involve in 
 it the grossest and most affronting blasphemy imaginable. 
 
 We do not indeed maintain, that all the truths of revelation are 
 of equal importance, because they are not stated in Scripture to 
 be so ; but none can be wholly unimporant, and we are not 
 always competent to decide upon their comparative value. Some 
 things are more obvious than others ; and such as are more hard 
 to be understood, are not so well adapted to those persons, “ who 
 are unstable and unlearned” in th? school of Christ : yet we are 
 not authorized to reject, or even to doubt, any of them. We may 
 indeed demur as to the true interpretation of them, whilst, in 
 humble, reverent teachableness and prayer, we wait for clearer 
 light upon the subject: and we must remain for some time in 
 partial ignorance or error, because we cannot at once become 
 acquainted with all the truths which are revealed, even when 
 we possess a disposition implicitly to believe them. There are 
 some things which relate to the .very life and essence of true re- 
 ligion ; and others are rather necessary to our stability, comfort, 
 and holy conduct : these we must by no means reject, or treat with 
 indifference ; but it is possible, even that the teachable and di- 
 ligent Christian may to the last be mistaken or ignorant about 
 some of them, and yet be found among “ the heirs of salvation 
 nay, there is ground to conclude, that this is indeed the case with 
 great numbers, in one way or other. 
 
 The importance of revealed truth may be shown in another 
 way ; for it is the seed or principle in the soul, whence all inward 
 or real holiness proceeds. i% Sanctify them through thy truth ; 
 thy word is truth. ”f “ Beholding as in a glass,” (namely in the 
 person, redemption, and doctrine of Christ,) “ the glory of the 
 Lord, we are changed into the same image. ”J “ Without con 
 troversy great is the mystery of godliness, Gou was manifest in 
 the flesh.” This doctrine was, in the judgment of the apostle, 
 “ the great mystery of godliness and indeed all the holy dis- 
 positions and affections towards God, all the genuine spiritual 
 worship, all the willing obedience of filial love, and all the cheer- 
 ful acquiescence in the divine will, and affiance on the divine 
 truth and mercy, which have been found in the world since the 
 fall of man, have arisen from a proper reception of this great 
 truth, and the doctrines connected with it.§ Spirituality, which 
 consists in a supreme valuation of the holy excellence of spiritual 
 things, and a disposition to seek pleasure and satisfaction in re 
 ligion, is intimately connected with a believing dependence on 
 the promised influences of the Holy Spirit. And that view of the 
 worth of the soul, the evil of sin, the justice and mercy of God, 
 the vanity of the world, and the believer’s obligations to a Sa- 
 viour, “ who loved him and redeemed him to God with his blood,* 
 which the doctrine of the cross communicates, is fundamental to 
 deep repentance, genuine humility, gratitude, 'patience, meek- 
 ness, forgiveness of injuries, love of enemies, and other parts of 
 the Christian temper and character. Without this, a proud mo- 
 rality, and a Pharisaical task and form of godliness, will com 
 prise the sum total of man’s religion ; except as he is brought 
 under those impressions and that guidance, which will in due 
 time influence him to embrace “ the truth as it is in Jesus ;” oi 
 as he is carried away intoHhe mazes of anti-scriptural enthusiasm 
 and delusion. 
 
 The Holy Scriptures should likewise be considered as a com- 
 plete revelation : so that nothing needs be known, believed, 
 or practised, as essential to religion, except what may be plainly 
 proved from them. On the other hand, it should be carefully 
 observed, that the whole word of God is our rule; and that ail 
 preference of one part to another, (except as some parts are 
 more immediately connected with our faith and practice than 
 others,) derogates from the credit of the whole, and implies a 
 latent and indulged doubt, whether the Bible be altogether of 
 divine authority; and whether only that part of it be so, which 
 coincides with the favourite tenets of the person concerned. — True 
 and intelligent faith receives the whole “testimony of God;” 
 gives every part its proper place and measure of attention, and 
 applies it to its proper use : for “ all scripture is given by inspira- 
 tion of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc 
 tion. for instruction in righleouncss ; that the man of God may be 
 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ”|| 
 
 But all unwritten tradition, and apocryphal additions to the 
 
 • Notes, Mark 16:14-16. John ,8:27—86, v. 96. 1 John 2:20-25. 5:11,12. 
 
 f Note, John 17:17—19. J Notes, Malt. 13:18,19,39 Mark 4:96—29. 2 Cor. 
 
 3:17,18. 4:9-6. Jam. 1:19—21. 1 l et. 1:23— » § f^nto, l Tim. 3 IU 
 
 II Notes, Deut. 29:29. 2 Ti.tr V 14 — 17. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 wnrd ot God, must be decidedly rejected. Tradition is so un- 
 certain a way of conveying the knowledge either of truths or 
 facts, that no dependence whatever can be placed on it ; so that it 
 Is highly improbable, that, without written revelation, any one 
 tiling revealed to the prophets and apostles, would have been 
 transmitted to us uncorrupted. Indeed there is some probability 
 In the opinion, that the art of writing was first communicated by 
 revelation to Moses, in order to perpetuate, with certainty, those 
 facts, truths, and laws, which he was employed to deliver to 
 Israel. Learned men find no traces of literary or alphabetical 
 writing in the history of the nations, till long after the days of 
 Moses, unless the book of Job be regarded as an exception.* 
 The art of expressing almost an infinite variety of sounds, by the 
 interchanges of a few letters or marks, seems more like a dis- 
 covery made to man from heaven, than a human invention ; and 
 Its beneficial effects, and almost absolute necessity, for the preser- 
 vation and communication of true religion, favour the conjecture. 
 
 But however that may be decided, all who love the Bible, will 
 be thankful to God for this most important advantage ; and also 
 for the invention of printing, by which copies of the Scriptures are 
 rendered cheap and plentiful, beyond all calculation, or com- 
 parison with the state of things before printing was discovered. 
 This gives modern Christians advantages for disseminating the 
 knowledge of divine truth among the nations, iri some respects 
 even beyond what the apostles themselves possessed : and how 
 noble and Christian is that grand design, which has lately been 
 grounded on this circumstance by ‘ The British and Foreign Bible 
 Society, 5 which is no less, than that of causing prophets and 
 apostles to speak to the inhabitants of every country on earth, to 
 each in their own language! May God accomplish to its full 
 extent this grand, pious, and beneficent purpose ! 
 
 We do not need any apocryphal additions to the Scripture. 
 Considered as human tori lings, the apocryphal books have their 
 use ; but if custom sanction any of them, being bound up in the 
 same volume with the sacred oracles, truth requires that we 
 explicitly declare, that they are not the word of God. Should 
 it be inquired, how we may distinguish between the genuine books 
 of Scripture and those which are apocryphal, we answer, that 
 not only some, but all the books, contained in our authorized 
 version of the Scriptures, have many or all of those evidences of 
 a divine original, which have been insisted on: but there is not 
 one of those called the Apocrypha , which may not be proved 
 destitute of such evidence ; and most of them contain internal 
 proof that they are spurious. 
 
 The sacred writers often express themselves in language, taken 
 from their own habits of life and the scenes with which they 
 were conversant. Knowledge therefore, of various kinds, must 
 be very advantageous, and in some instances necessary, in order 
 fully to understand them : and the knowledge of eastern manners, 
 and the local customs of the nations in that part of the world, is 
 doubtless useful to an expositor, though not to that degree which 
 many suppose. But I own I am deliberately of opinion, that 
 what is called Rabbinical learning , is rather a hinderance than a 
 help to the understanding of the sacred writings, in their spiritual 
 meaning and practical import :f and this conviction grows stronger, 
 in proportion to the opportunity which I have had, in later years, 
 of becoming more acquainted with it. The writers, as their pre- 
 decessors of old did, “ make void the commandment of God, that 
 they may keep their own tradition.” 
 
 We are, in the sftcred Scriptures, addressed as rational crea- 
 tures, endued with understanding ; and as required to employ it, 
 with diligence and earnestness, in deducing instruction, both doc- 
 trinal anil practical, from what we read ; “ comparing spiritual 
 things with spiritual.” If we do not so value divine truth, as 
 willingly to apply labour in “ searching for it, as for hid treasure,” 
 revelation must be “ a price put into the hands of a fool to get 
 wisdom, who has no heart to it.” A humble and teachable spirit 
 is above all things requisite; for “except we receive” the tes- 
 timony of God, concerning “ the kingdom.of heaven, as little 
 children, we shall not enter into it.” This will lead us to ask 
 heavenly wisdom from God, by daily fervent prayer ; and as “ he 
 giveth liberally to all men, and upbraideth not,” we shall in this 
 way “ be made wise unto salvation :” and this will appear in our 
 habitual conduct; for all our researches will be found vain, unless 
 we endeavour to practise what we have already learned. 
 
 The Author of Revelation, “ the Giver of every good and per- 
 fect gift,” has endued men with talents, differing both in their 
 nature and degree. He has also afforded some men far more 
 advantages, by education, by leisure, and by opportunities for 
 study, than others have. Some of these persons, in every age, 
 are induced, by divine grace, to devote their endowments and 
 advantages to the acquisition and communication of religious 
 knowledge, for the benefit of those who are necessarily em- 
 ployed in another manner, whose talent is of another kind, 
 whose time is otherwise occupied, and who need exciting to con- 
 sider, and help in understanding, those things which belong to 
 their eternal peace. 
 
 This is, especially, the object and service of the Christian 
 1 ministry, when conscientiously and ably fulfilled. Men, pre- 
 viously endowed with suitable qualifications of mind and heart, 
 by the great Source of all good, giving themselves up wholly to 
 this one thing, become “mighty in the Scriptures,” “scribes 
 well instructed in the kingdom of God ;” and are made useful, in 
 divers ways, in calling the attention of mankind to the sacred 
 Scriptures, and assisting them to understand the things contained 
 in them, and in animating them to a correspondent tenor of 
 conduct. 
 
 The bare reading of the Scriptures, no doubt, is frequently 
 blessed to the souls of men, in making them “ wise unto salva- 
 tion,” and few more egregious absurdities have by Antichrist 
 been palmed upon mankind, than the persuasion, that unlearned 
 men will learn heresy from the Scriptures, if put into their hand 
 1 without note or comment, 1 or without son^e ‘ guard’ to coun- 
 teract the danger : yet commonly “ faith comes by hearing, and 
 bearing by the word of God.” This is his appointed ordinance ; 
 *nd general , if not universal , experience and observation show, 
 
 • Preface to the Book of Job. t Notes, Ler. 1:5—9. 16:11 — 14. 
 
 that vital religion has uniformly prospered, in almost exact pro- 
 portion to the measure in >vhich the word of God, unadulterated 
 and unmutilated , has been earnestly and publicly preached, by 
 those persons whose disinterested labours and holy lives have 
 “ adorned the doctrine of God our Saviour,” which they testified. 
 
 But though oral preaching is the grand means of promoting 
 true religion, written preaching, (if I may be allowed the 
 expression,) has been rendered exceedingly useful. A large 
 proportion indeed of the Scriptures themselves, were occasional 
 epistles or messages, sent to those whom the writers could not 
 address by preaching ; and many pious and eminent men, who 
 died long since, still speak to us with great effect by the books 
 which they left behind them. — Provided what is written is truly 
 scriptural , the multiplication of religious books is not more 
 justly a cause of complaint, than the increase of faithful minis- 
 ters ; and false or superficial religion is, at least, as likely to he 
 disseminated from the pulpit, as from the press. 
 
 No method of conveying truth seems more advantageous than 
 that of plain expository lectures on Scripture, with animated 
 addresses to the heart and conscience. Now if this be allowedly 
 true in respect of preaching, it cannot be far otherwise in respect 
 of writing. When ,the word of God is kept in sight, and the 
 hearer or reader perceives that he is not amused with ingenious 
 fancies or speculations, but instructed in the true meaning and 
 import of the sacred oracles ; an authority over his conscience 
 may be exercised, beyond what can in any other way be ob- 
 tained. 
 
 I would not be understood to depreciate critical comments of 
 the Scripture these have an important use ; yet practical ex- 
 positions are more directly suited to edification. Indeed expo- 
 sitions of every kind may be perverted to bad purposes, by such 
 persons as “ wrest the Scriptures themselves to their own de- 
 struction ,” but the pious, diligent, and impartial commentator is 
 no more to be blamed for this, than the labour of the husbandman is 
 to be considered as the cause of the intemperate use which men 
 make of the productions' of the earth. Indeed, if expositions, 
 really and fully explaining the Scriptures, and not attempting to 
 exalt human authority, learning, genius, tradition, reasoning, or 
 conjecture, above the “ sure testimony” and authoritative law of 
 God ; if such expositions were multiplied ten-fold, there would 
 be no redundance : unless some one had exhausted the subject, 
 which in fact is inexhaustible ; and unless this one comment was 
 in every person’s hands, and read by all. But as it is impossible 
 that all men should hear the same preacher, so it is in the 
 highest degree improbable that all men should read the same 
 book. 
 
 The formation of men’s minds, and their habits of thinking, 
 are so various, that ministers of different endowments, who take 
 diverse methods of delivering and enforcing the same truths, 
 advantageously engage the attention of distinct descriptions of 
 hearers. In like manlier, some are suited with the style, method, 
 and peculiarity of one writer ; while others are more ^‘^sed and 
 profited by another, whose peculiarity is 'fery different, ^very 
 man likewise has his connexions. Some will read, with candour 
 and attention, what he writes, who have not so favourable a dis 
 position towards others, who may be even of superior excellence 
 Thus some read one man’s books, and some another’s ; and ^ 
 few have leisure and inclination to read and profit by many ot 
 them : and so knowledge is dispersed, and it may reasonably be 
 hoped that good is done. 
 
 There are indeed a considerable number of persons, who 
 avowedly disparage all commentators and their labours, and pro- 
 fess to read the Scriptures alone. But if knowledge, in a varety 
 of things, be useful, (not to say absolutely needful,) in order to 
 understand the Scriptures, and to make the best application of 
 them to practical purposes ; and if these persons have not that 
 knowledge, and despise the labours of those who have, it is not 
 likely that they should make much proficiency, even in under- 
 standing the book to which they exclusively confine themselves. 
 And surely a man, who has daily, and for a long course of years 
 been traversing an intricate path through a forest, may, without 
 arrogance, propose to give some useful directions and cautions, to 
 those who are beginning to explore the same path. Nor would it 
 savour either of wisdom or humility, if such persons should con- 
 temptuously refuse to avail themselves of the experience and 
 observation of him, who had long traced and retraced the way ; 
 and determine to proceed on their journey, without a guide, or a 
 chart of the road. 
 
 A man’s main object indeed should be, to approve himself to 
 God and to his own conscience, as to his motives and intentions in 
 any undertaking : yet, when so many comments on the Scriptures 
 are already extant, the bold undertaking of adding one more 
 to them, may seem to require an apology. The preceding ob- 
 servations may properly introduce that of the Author. Expe- 
 riencing the benefit and comfort arising from that measure of 
 acquaintance with the sacred oracles with which he has been 
 favoured, he longs that, were it possible, all others should enjoy 
 the same felicity ; and he would contribute, according to his 
 ability, to promote so desirable an object. 
 
 It is in no degree the design of this publication, to detract from 
 the merit of former commentators, or to intimate that any thing 
 will here be added, which ^as naver before been advanced : but 
 the Author having for many years, made the Bible his daily and 
 principal study ; and having bestowed great pains to satisfy his 
 own mind, as to the meaning of most parts of Scripture, and the 
 practical use which should be made of them ; and supposing also 
 that his talent chiefiy lies in speaking plainly and intelligibly to 
 persons of ordinary capacity and information; he adopts this 
 method of communicating his views of divine truth, in connex ; on 
 with the Scriptures themselves, from which he has deduced them. 
 
 Some comments are far too learned for common people, and 
 some too voluminous : while others are too compendious, to 
 admit either any adequate explanation or application of the se- 
 veral subjects, which fall under consideration. Some are in 
 very few hands, and not likely to be more generally read ; and 
 others, however excellent, are to numbers antiquated, through 
 that fastidiousness which disrelishes the style and manner o. 
 
 ( n ) 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 former and perhaps better times. Were the present attempt there- 
 fore made almost entirely upon the plan of former expositions, 
 it would not, if duly executed, be found supernumerary. But, 
 In arranging old truths, the Author purposes to adopt something 
 of a new method. Not indeed entirely vete : for Browne’s self- 
 interpreting Bible suggested the idea, and the improvements in 
 Doddridge’s family-expositor of the New Testament, were pro- 
 posed as, in some respects , models for imitation. He has often 
 remarked, that some persons so confine their interpretation of 
 Scripture to its meaning and use, with respect of those who 
 were immediately addressed, as to leave the reader in doubt, 
 whether he is at all concerned in it, or can derive any in- 
 struction from it: while others, so immediately and abruptly 
 apply to the persons whom they address the passages which 
 they undertake to explain and enforce, without inquiring whe- 
 ther they be, in character and situation, similar to those whom 
 the prophets and apostles taught, warned, or encouraged; that 
 their instructions seem rather more like an immediate revelation 
 from God, than the explanation and practical improvement of 
 a revelation given many ages ago. As this must be unsatis- 
 factory to men of reflection, and as it is frequently connected 
 with inattention to the primary meaning of the passage, (if it be 
 not a fanciful misinterpretation of it,) many are ready to con- 
 clude, that the Scriptures have no precise meaning in them- 
 selves, but may be modelled almost to any thing, by men of lively 
 imaginations and superior ingenuity. It therefore occurred to the 
 Author, that one remedy of these evils, (if riot the best remedy,) 
 would be to keep the two parts distinct : and first to explain in the 
 notes the primary meaning, as addressed to the writer’s contem- 
 poraries ; and then, in practical observations, to show what we 
 may learn from each passage, allowing for all difference in 
 circumstances, and in every other respect. It is indeed far more 
 easy to form a plan of this kind, than duly to execute it ; but this 
 has been the purpose of the present attempt ; and if some abler 
 hand should, either in any portion of the sacred volume, or on the 
 whole, more completely realize the idea, he cannot but think it 
 would be found the best method of expounding Scripture. The 
 applications of each chapter are entitled Practical Observations ; 
 not as excluding doctrine and experience, but as referring the 
 whole to the practical effect on the heart and life. The reader 
 must therefore expect, that the main object of the exposition is to 
 lead him to the true meaning of the sacred Scriptures, his own 
 concern in them, and the proper use which he ought to make of 
 them to his edification, and that of others connected with him ; 
 without any attempt of the Author to give him information on a 
 
 ( 12 ) 
 
 variety of subjects, at most only collaterally connected with the 
 right understanding and use of the Scripture. 
 
 When the Author published the first edition of this work, 
 he proposed almost entirely to comment on the translation, with- 
 out calling the reader’s attention to the original languages: but 
 during a course of thirty years, in which he has been almost con- 
 stantly employed in this work, or in studies relative to it, he has 
 turned a considerable share of his attention to those languages, 
 and has ventured to deviate from his first design. He hopes, 
 however, that he has done this with caution and diffidence ; and in 
 very few instances, in that measure which can perplex the un- 
 learned reader, or interrupt his progress, or interfere with his 
 edification. He has neither learning, nor leisure, nor inclination, 
 to engage in merely critical discussions ; and he has not gone into 
 any investigations, concerning even chronology, history, or si- 
 milar subjects, further than he thought subservient to the main 
 design of the work. — The contents of each chapter are chiefly 
 intended to assist the reader, in finding any subject which he 
 wishes to consider. 
 
 Upon the whole, to store the understanding with the know- 
 ledge of divine truth, to awaken and direct the conscience, to 
 effect and improve the heart, to promote the comfort and fruit- 
 fulness of true Christians, and to assist young students in divinity 
 in acquiring those endowments which may qualify them for 
 future usefulness, are the leading objects which the Author had in 
 view, and which he hopes he has never lost sight of, from his first 
 engaging in this work to the present day. He has therefore pur- 
 posely avoided sharp and eager controversy, and studied exact- 
 ness and consistency ; choosing rather to follow the leadings of 
 Scripture, than to press it into the service of a pre-established 
 system ; and preferring the satisfaction of promoting the edification 
 of persons who differ in some things from each other, to the re- 
 putation of being exclusively the approved expositor of any party. 
 
 Whatever acceptance this work may find from man, the Author 
 hopes to be satisfied with the testimony of his own conscience, 
 and at length to meet the gracious approbation of his Saviour and 
 Judge: and he would conclude with entreating the reader to 
 join with him in praise and thanksgivingto God, who has spared 
 and enabled him to bring this work to a conclusion, and to super- 
 intend so many editions of it ; and in prayers, that he would 
 pardon all that he has seen sinful in the writer, and prevent the 
 bad effect of whatever may be erroneous in the publicatim ; and 
 also render what is true and right abundantly useful, by hi# special 
 grace and blessing. To Him, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the 
 God of our Salvation, be everlasting praise and glory. Amen. 
 
POSTSCRIPT. 
 
 As the Marginal References formed no part of the original 
 plan of this publication, but have, with very great labour, been 
 added to the subsequent editions, it may be proper here to state 
 some particulars respecting them. 
 
 They are arranged according to the following method : — Colons 
 are used to separate figures referring to chapters, from those 
 referring to verses, as Gen. 17:14. refers to the fourteenth verse 
 of the seventeenth chapter of Genesis. Sometimes chapters are 
 referred to, without referring to particular verses ; as Lev. 3: 24: 
 26: refers to the third, twenty-fourth, and twenty-sixth chapters of 
 Leviticus. Commas are used to separate figures referring to 
 verses from each other, as Josh . 8:2,4,26,23. refers to the second, 
 fourth, twenty -sixth, and twenty-eighth verses of the eighth chap- 
 ter of Joshua. When a figure is found directly after the letter, 
 which marks a new set of references, and not followed by a colon, 
 It points to a verse in the same chapter ; but when followed by a 
 colon, it refers to a chapter in the same book ; and afterwards, 
 the references are made in the order of the books as they stand in 
 the Bible. For example, the reference r to Gen. 31:28. stands 
 thus :—r 55. 39:13. Ex. 4:27. Ruth 1:9,14., &c. Here 55. refers 
 to the 55th* verse of the thirty -first chapter of Genesis ; and 29:13. 
 to Gen. 29:13. and so on in regular order. This method is in- 
 variably adhered to ; and it has so many advantages, as abun- 
 dantly to compensate any supposed disadvantages. Especially, 
 it relieves the reader from perplexity, and prevents confusion by 
 a regular arrangement; and it so greatly saves room, that more 
 references may be adduced in a column very little crowded, than 
 eould on any other plan, by very much under-cunning. In pur- 
 suance to this plan, no more letters are used lor marking any 
 book, than are necessary clearly to distinguish it from all others : 
 and as the prophecy of Ezekiel is referred to so much more fre- 
 quently than the book of Ezra, the letters Ez. mark the former, 
 and the ,a:ier is primed at full length. A little habit will render 
 this easy and familiar to the reader. 
 
 The Author has availed himself of the pious labours of his pre- 
 decessors, in selecting Marginal References ; especially of the 
 later Editions of the Oxford Bible in Quarto, of Mr. Browne’s 
 Bible, and Mr. Canne’s ; yet he has by no means taken their re- 
 ferences as such : on the contrary he has omitted many, (es- 
 pecially of the two latter,) which did not appear to bear on the 
 subject, or to elucidate it; in numerous instances the references 
 are entirely original, and in almost all many are so. — The degree 
 of labour and attention which has been used to render the print- 
 ing of the references correct, cannot easily be conceived : yet 
 probably some errors still remain. 
 
 In some of the original references, the Author’s idea may not at 
 once be perceived by the reader : but, if the several places re- 
 ferred to be consulted, it will generally appear. He has some- 
 times proceeded by way of contrast , that the reader, by com- 
 paring the opposite characters or conduct of the persons men- 
 tioned, may more clearly perceive the excellency or evil of the 
 case in question : or by comparing the different language of Scrip- 
 ture, used on the same subject, he may more readily 6ee the true 
 Interpretation, especially on controverted subjects; or at least be 
 better enabled to judge for himself. — The meaning of scriptural 
 phrases may also be often fixed, by comparing the several places 
 
 where they are used. This is the intent of many sets of re- 
 ferences ; while others refer to the doctrine or promise inculcated 
 in the passage, and tend to establish a scriptural interpretation. 
 Where several sets of references are adduced on one verse, they 
 are generally of the former kind.— Some pains have likewise 
 been taken, even on those parts of Scripture which chiefly con- 
 sist of names, to point out other passages, in which the same 
 persons or places are mentioned : and to mark the difference in 
 spelling the same name, or the different names for the same person 
 or place which occur in different parts, and the different places and 
 persons called by the same name. Sometimes the unlearned 
 reader is perplexed or misled by these variations ; and this part of 
 the references often contains all which even the most learned 
 know upon the subject, especially in the genealogies. 
 
 It is a great discouragement, in the laborious task of collecting 
 marginal references, that it may be feared but few, in compa- 
 rison, will take the pains to consult them : indeed many persons 
 may not have leisure to do it, in every part, or fully. But though 
 the Author had, for many years, previously studied the Scriptures 
 as his one grand business ; he can truly aver, that the insight 
 which he has thus obtained into many parts, which before he 
 had not so carefully noted, is so great, as abundantly to repay his 
 labour, and to convince him, that, along with other means, (for 
 none should be recommended exclusively,) consulting well se- 
 lected marginal references forms one of the best helps for fixing 
 the word of God in the memory, leading the mind to a just inter- 
 pretation of it, and in many cases rendering it most affecting to 
 the heart. It tends powerfully to counteract all, skeptical doubts, 
 when every part of Scripture is thus found, (like the stones in 
 an arch,) to support and receive support from the'rest, and to con- 
 stitute one grand whole ; the divine inspiration of which is proved 
 by every prophecy or miracle, and all kinds of internal and 
 external evidence. It serves also to satisfy the mind as to the 
 meaning of disputed passages, when one sense is found mani- 
 festly to accord with the rest of the sacred word, and other inter 
 pretations evidently run contrary to them. And in many cases 
 the Author has found a kind of delightful surprise at striking coin- 
 cidences, which he had not before at all noticed. 
 
 To those who desire to study the Scriptures, accurately and 
 deeply, (especially to young men, either intended for the sacred 
 ministry, or newly engaged in it,) he would very earnestly re- 
 commend to set apart an hour, or half an hour, every day, when 
 it can be done ; and regularly to go through the Scriptures, care- 
 fully consulting all the references. — When it is considered, that 
 the Author has lor eight or nine years, spent at least thrice as 
 much time each day in arranging them ; this will not appear un- 
 reasonable to those who favour his attempts : and he has no doubt, 
 that it will eventually be found amply to repay their labour. 
 
 He would also advise those who only occasionally consult the 
 references, to examine all referred to under any one letter : for 
 very frequently, those from the Old Testament are principally 
 adduced, to make way for some still more pertinent in the New 
 to show the coincidence of both Testaments ; and to point oul 
 similar language concerning Jehovah in the one, and Jesus in 
 the other ; and in various ways to prove, that the same doctrine 
 pervades the whole. 
 
 ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 TO THE LONDON STEREOTYPE EDITION. 
 
 The following is a brief account of the principal points in which 
 the present edition differs from the preceding. 
 
 1. In the first place, it is in stereotypo. To this laborious and 
 expensive process it was submitted under the conviction, (which 
 has proved too well founded,) that it was the last which the 
 revered Author would be able to superintend. From the great 
 pains also, with which it was determined that the revision in 
 every part should be conducted, it was anticipated that this' 
 edition might deserve, by its accuracy , the distinction thus con- 
 ferred upon it, of being rendered permanent and nearly un- 
 alterable. And though, in the course of so long a work, it is 
 scarcely possible but that some errors should have escaped de- 
 tection, it is confidently hoped, that, upon the whole, this ex- 
 pectation has been realized. — It may be added, that should any 
 mistakes be discovered of sufficient consequence to require it, the 
 plates are not so unalterable as to render the correction im- 
 practicable. 
 
 2. As Bishop Horsley some time since pointed out in the sub- 
 stitution of thy doctrine” for “ the doctrine,” 1 Tim. 4:16. and 
 as has been subsequently shown concerning the change of the 
 stop, from a full-point to a colon or semicolon, at the close of the 
 verse, Heb. 13:7. sundry small variations have, during the lapse 
 of two centuries, crept into our common Bibles. Hence consi- 
 derable pains have been taken, by the collation of different 
 editions, to.exhibit an accurate copy of the sacred text according 
 to the authorized version. 
 
 3. Not only have the Marginal References throughout been 
 revised with the utmost care, but it will be found that the Author 
 has inserted, in the Notes and Practical Observations, frequent 
 references to other parts of his Commentary. To this improve- 
 ment he attached considerable importance: and its value will, no 
 doubt, be felt by those readers, who may bestow sufficient pains 
 upon the subject to enter into his design. — The student may be 
 advantageously referred to the Book of Proverbs for a specimen 
 of this addition to the work 
 
 4. But the most important improvement which it has received, 
 consists in the copious critical remarks which have been in- 
 troduced. Many of these occur in the Old Testament, in all 
 which the original words, in Hebrew characters, have been 
 substituted for the English letters, by which they had been 
 before expressed, wherever any thing of the kind occurred. In 
 the New Testament these remarks are numerous. Here also 
 new authorities are adduced in support of the criticisms which 
 had been previously made, particularly from Schleusner, to 
 whose valuable Lexicon of the Greek Testament the Author 
 was indebted for much assistance. — '1 he critical remarks, it is 
 also to be observed, are now uniformly carried to the end of the 
 note, instead of being interspersed in the body of it. 
 
 5. It must be matter of great thankfulness to those who rightly 
 appreciate the Author s indefatigable labours, that the full energy 
 of his mind was continued almost to the last hour of his life ; and 
 that he was enabled to complete his revision as far as the end of 
 2 Timothy 3:2. Several alterations indeed will be found, and 
 some of them of considerable importance, in parts posterior u> 
 the verse just named. These, however, have not been made 
 without authority ; but are taken, according to the Author’s 
 directions, from a copy of the last edition, which he read over 
 soon after its publication, making such corrections as occurred. — 
 The critical remarks also, contained in the former edition, have 
 been, to the close, arranged, as nearly as possible, according to 
 the plan adopted in the preceding parts of the work. 
 
 In consequence of the additions, which have been made in 
 almost every part, and the necessity which existed of reducing 
 the size of the overloaded pages to the proper dimensions, the 
 bulk, as well as the intrinsic value of the work, will be founu u> 
 have been considerably increased ; which in connexion with othei 
 circumstances, has rendered some advance of the price un 
 avoidable. 
 
 March 22, 1822. 
 
 < 13 ) 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 TO THE 
 
 OLD TESTAMENT, AND TO THE BOOKS OF MOSES. 
 
 It does not appear that the distinction of the two parts of the 
 sacred Scripture by the appellations of the Old Testament and 
 the New Testament, is of divine authority ; though it is of very 
 ancie-it use in the Christian Church. The original word, both 
 m the Hebrew and in the Greek, rendered Testament , in this 
 oonncxion is more generally rendered Covenant, and perhaps 
 ought always to be so.* It refers to the condescending manner 
 in which it has pleased God to deal with men, by covenant 
 transactions and engagements, and not merely by commands 
 and sanctions. The covenant of works , as distinguished from 
 the covenant of grace, does not seem to be intended by “ the 
 Old Testament for the covenant of grace and mercy was 
 introduced immediately after the fall of Adam, by the promise 
 that “ the Seed of the woman should bruise the serpent's head 
 the hopes of believers in every age have arisen from that source 
 alone : and all unbelievers, even under the Christian Dispen- 
 sation, remain under the condemnation of that covenant which 
 Adam transgressed : the terms of which are simply, 1 Do this and 
 live ; transgress and die.’ — But of the covenant of mercy and 
 grace, there have been, so to speak, several editions ; yet that 
 which Christianity has made known to mankind, is by far the 
 most full, clear, and enlarged. Above four hundred years after 
 Gild had established his covenant with Abraham, as ‘ the father 
 of the faithful,’ (which the apostle refers to, as the same in sub- 
 stance as that made with Christians under the gospel, t) it 
 pleased him to make a covenant with Israel, as a nation, at 
 mount Sinai. The Mosaical dispensation, and the writings of 
 the prophets, chiefly related to that period during which this 
 national covenant was in force ; and the prophets themselves 
 speak of the change, which would take place in the days of the 
 Messiah, as “ a new covenant,” distinguishing it from that 
 which was made with Israel when brought out of Egypt. This, 
 St. Paul says, “ waxed old, and was ready to vanish away.’ } — 
 At the opening of the Christian dispensation, these predictions 
 were fulfilled : and as the writings of the apostles and evangelists 
 relate principally to the dealings of God with his church, in the 
 days of the Messiah, the “ Mediator of the new covenant this 
 part of the sacred volume has received the appellation of ‘ the 
 New Testament,’ or New Covenant ; and that part which was 
 published before his coming, is called the Old Testament, or 
 Covenant. — Thus they are distinguished from, but are by no 
 means opposed to, each other. The same discoveries of the 
 glorious God, and the same views of true religion, pervade both. 
 They reciprocally establish the authority and illustrate the 
 
 • Not*, Heb. 9.15-17. t Nolel, Gal. 3:15—23. } Note* Ex. 19:5. Jer. 
 
 M 131—34. Het 8:7,13. 
 
 ( 14 ) 
 
 meaning of each other : and even those parts of the Mosaic Law, 
 which we are not now required to obey as commands, are replete 
 with important instructs i\. — In short, the whole is the unerring 
 Word of God. 
 
 The Preface to each of the books of Moses, with*which the 
 sacred Volume opens, renders it superfluous to add much in this 
 place respecting them collectively. They at e generally in the 
 New Testament, as well as in uninspired writers, called “ the 
 Law as distinguished from the other parts of the Old Testa- 
 ment. Yet a great proportion of them is historical ; they contain 
 several most extraordinary prophecies ;* and some devotional 
 compositions, exquisitely sublime and beautiful. f If the single 
 
 book of Job be excepted, (and concerning it there are different 
 opinions,!) the books of Moses are, beyond comparison, the 
 most ancient writings extant ; and certainly by far the most 
 ancient authentic records. Immediate revelation alone could 
 make known to the writer, or to those from whom he had his in- 
 formation, very many of those events which he records ; and on 
 this account, the Author of this publication is at least doubtful 
 whether the endeavours, which many persons have used, to 
 show how, by tradition or other similar means, Moses might 
 receive the knowledge of the facts which he narrates, are of 
 salutary tendency. For instance, Adam could not know the 
 particulars of the creation of the world, or of his own creation, 
 except by immediate revelation. Adam might indeed make these 
 things known to Methusaleh, ^lethusaleli to Shem, Shem to 
 Isaac, Isaac to Levi, or Amram, and Amram to Moses : I am not 
 sure that the chain might not be made shorter, by a link or two. 
 But does it strengthen , or does it not rather greatly weaken , the 
 proof, or rather the impression , of the divine original of the 
 Mosaic History, to suppose that it was derived from traditional* 
 revelation, handed down from father to son, through a few ge- 
 nerations, rather than from a revelation made directly from God 
 to Moses ? Noihing is conveyed down by oral tradition, withoul 
 alteration and deviation: Moses informs us, that “ God spake 
 with him face to face the prophecies extant in his books, 
 compared with their accomplishment during three thousand 
 years, as fully confiim his testimony to us, as his miracles did 
 to his contemporaries : and the simplest as well as the most an- 
 cient method of stating the case, is the most rational. Whatever 
 he might have known or collected otherwise, he wrote under 
 the infallible superintendency of the Holy Spirit, or by imme- 
 diate divine inspiration. • 
 
 • Note», Gen. 9:24—27. 12:1—3. 16:12. 27:27—29. 49:8 — 12. Nura. 24:11- 
 24. Deut. 4:25-23. 23:15-68. t Note*, Ex. 15:1—21. Deut.32:l- 43. J 
 face to Book of Job. 
 
 4 
 
THE FIRST BOOK OF MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Th* original Hebrew distinguishes Ibis Book merely by the first word of it, viz. JVttWO, or In the beeinning : but the Greek trana 
 l&tion, called the Septuagint, names it Genesis, The Beginning , or Original; that is of the world. — The sacred historian first 
 records the creation of the heaven and the earth, the formation of Adam and Eve after the image of God, and the institution of mar* 
 riage. He then relates how “ sin entered into the world, and death by sin ;” and how the first promise of a Redeemer was given 
 to our fallen progenitors.— He next illustrates the effects of the fall ; which were manifested in the conduct of Cain, who murdered 
 righteous Abel his brother, and in the general and almost universal prevalence of wickedness; and he likewise illustrates the power of 
 divine grace in the examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah. — A few hints are dropped concerning some of Cain’s descendants, and their 
 inventions and actions ; but a genealogy of the descendants of Seth to Noah, with the age to which each person lived who is men- 
 tioned in the genealogy, is carefully given. — At length, at the end of 1656 years, the Lord, provoked by man’s wickedness, deso- 
 lated the earth by a flood of waters, preserving his servant Noah a^d his wife, with his three sons and their wives, in the ark ; of 
 which extraordinary catastrophe all nations retain some traditions and vestiges. The repeopling of the earth by the descendants 
 of Noah’s sons is next recorded : and the genealogy is continued from Shem, in the line of Abraham, to Jacob and his sons. — In- 
 deed, this narrative, though very compendious, throws more light on the original of nations and on many coincident subjects, than 
 can be obtained ftom all other records of antiquity taken together: and its agreement with such as have the greatest claim to au- 
 thenticity, conclusively proves that it gives a true account of those ancient times, which the pagan historians had only heard of by 
 obscure tradition, and which they mutilated, or blended with most absurd fables; while the interspersed prophecies, fulfilling 
 through all succeeding generations even to the present day, fully attest its divine inspiration. (Notes, 1*2 : 1 — 3. 4S : 49.) Many 
 particulars indeed, in this part of the history, must be beyond the investigation of the unlearned : but the founding ol Nineveh and 
 Babylon, two of the greatest cities the world ever saw ; the source of the vast variety of languages, which has in all ages interrupted 
 the intercourse of mankind ; and the original of the two mcst remarkable people which have ever appeared on earth, namely, the 
 Jews and the Ishmaclites, are clearly and satisfactorily shown. Important information is also given concerning the Moabites, 
 Ammonites, Midianites, Edomites or Idumeans, all descended from Abraham. The most ancient war known to genuine history is 
 here recorded: and the awful destruction of Sodom and the neighbouring cities, as producing the Dead Sea, the peculiarities ol 
 which have always excited the attention of travellers. — The mass of interesting historical materials contained in this wonderful 
 Book, concerning those remote ages of which we have no other even plausible records, must ever render it an invaluable treasure 
 of ancient erudition to the sober scholar. But the copiousness with which the history of Abraham, “ the father of the faithful,” 
 the repository of the promises, and the ancestor of Christ, is given, with that of Isaac and Jacob the heirs of the same promises, 
 shows what is deemed most important by him, whose “ judgment is according to truth and the story of Joseph exceeds applause, 
 
 being inimitably written, and unparalleled in the annals of the world. — The impartiality also of the sacred historian, in recording 
 the imperfections of the most approved characters, though his own ancestors ; and the strong expressions of abhorrence, with which 
 he marks the crime of his immediate progenitor Levi, are worthy of an inspired writer, and hitherto almost entirely peculiar to 
 the Scriptures. The narrative is thus continued to the death of Joseph, about 713 years after the deluge, or 2369 from the creation. 
 And the important religious instruction contained in this book, concerning God our Creator, our # fallen condition, the promise of a 
 Saviour, and the redeemed sinner’s walk with God, must more endear it to the pious Christian, than all its immense and in- 
 valuable literary treasures can possibly recommend it to the learned antiquary or historian. — ‘Without this history the world 
 would be in total darkness, not knowing whence it came or whither it goeth. In the first page of this sacred book, a child may 
 learn more in one hour, than all the philosophers in the world learned without it in thousands of years.’ Fuller. 
 
 B. C. 4004. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 God creates heaven and earth, 1 ; forme '.he light , and the firmamen', 2 — 8 ; 
 separates the dry land from the waters, and produces the vegetable tribes , 
 9—13 ; forms the sun nvjon , end stars, 14 — 19 ; causes the tenters to produce 
 fishes and fowls ; and the earth to bring for h cattle, wild beas s, and creep- 
 ing things, 20—25 ; creates man in his own image ; blesses him ; gives him 
 dominion ; grants the fruits of the earth for food ; and pronounces the whole 
 “ very good," 26 — 31. 
 
 I N a the beginning b God created the heaven and 
 the earth. 
 
 a Prov. 8:22,23. John 1:1— 3. Heb. 1:10. 1 John 1:1. b Job 38:4. Ps. 89:11, 
 12. 102:25. 146:6. 148:4,5. Is. 40:28. 42:5. 44:24. 51:13. Jcr. 32:17. 51:15. Zech. 
 12:1. Acts 14:15. 17:24. Rom. 1:20. Col. 1:16. Heb. 3:4. 11:3. Rev. 4:11. 
 
 NOTES. 
 
 Chap. I. V. 1. It is natural and unavoidable for us, who 
 are but of yesterday, to inquire about those things which have 
 been before us, and to form conjectures even about the ori- 
 ginal of all things : but our reason is evidently incompetent to 
 inquiries of this kind ; and uncertainty, contrariety, and ab- 
 surdity, always bewildered the wisest of the heathens on this 
 subject. However rational it is to conclude, that all things 
 were at first created by the eternal, self-existent, and al- 
 mighty God, yet man has in every age lamentably failed of 
 drawing this conclusion: and after all, it is “by faith we un- 
 derstand that the worlds were framed by the word of God ; so 
 that things, which are seen, were not made of things which do 
 appear.” Heb. 11: 3. Reason is indeed capable of approv- 
 ing, appropriating, and applying, the information conveyed to 
 us by the word of God, but not of anticipating it. The know- 
 ledge imparted by revelation is useful and necessary; but 
 nothing is mentioned about 4 eternity a parte ante,' (a past 
 eternity,) that abyss which swallows up all our thougnt, and 
 involves all our reflections and discourse in inextricable per- 
 plexity ; for this could only have gratified curiosity, and in- 
 creased our stock of barren notions. The Script ures, in per- 
 fect harmony with the conclusions of our reason when soberly 
 exercised, declare that God is 44 from everlasting to everlast- 
 (M. R. Note, Ex. 3:14.) All else had a beginning. 
 With this the inspired historian opens his narration, and, in 
 most sublime abruptness, breaks forth, “In the beginning:” 
 as if he had said, 4 This, O man, is enough for thee to know ; 
 h?re stop thy presumptuous inquiry; call back thy intruding 
 thoughts from things too high for thee, and learn to adore thy 
 Creator.’ — The Scriptures are especially intended to teach 
 us “ the knowledge of God ;” which is done, in the manner best 
 suited to inform and affect us, by recording his works. From 
 the creation of the world, we learn 44 his eternal power and 
 
 B. C. 4004. 
 
 2 And the earth was 'without form, and void, 
 and darkness was upon the face of the deep : d and 
 the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the wa- 
 ters. 
 
 3 It And e God said, f Let there be light : and 
 there was light. 
 
 4 And God saw the light, stliat it was good: and 
 God 'divided the light from the darkness. 
 
 10:6. c Jer. 4:v3. Nah. 2:10. d Job 26:13. Ps. 33:6. 104:30. Is. 40:12,13. e F«. 
 33:9. Mm. 8:3. Jobu 11:43,41. f2 Cor. 4:S. Kph. 5-.14. g 10,12,18,25,31. E& 
 2:13. 11:7. * Heb. between the light and beta cm the darkness. 
 
 Godhead;” and discern, in the things which he hath made, his 
 infinite wisdom and goodness : while the simplicity and har- 
 mony, subsisting in the midst of tire richest variety, lead the 
 mind in the easiest manner, to conceive of the Creator, as 
 “ the One living and true God.” — It is well known that 
 the original word, commonly translated God, is plural, in a 
 language which has three numbers; and that when thus used 
 it is joined to singular verbs. The Hebrew seems to have 
 been at least a dialect of the original language ; and it is evi- 
 dent that the Lord made choice of it, for the first written reve- 
 lation of himself to man: so that this grammatical anomaly, at 
 the very opening of the Scriptures, seems intended to give us 
 some intimation concerning that mystery, which is afierwards 
 more fully revealed ; namely, the Plurality in the Unity of the 
 Godhead. It would indeed be improper to rest a doctrine, 
 which is of such importance in the Christian system, on these 
 intimations; yet this should not be rejected as a mere verbal 
 criticism. — God created the heaven and the earth, or the whole 
 universe, visible and invisible. The word heaven is sometimes 
 used in Scripture for that place, where the divine glory is 
 especially displayed, and where angels and happy spirits have 
 their residence; at other times for the boundless expanse, in 
 which the sun, moon, and stars are placed : and at others for 
 the circumambient air, even to the very surface of the earth ; 
 it must therefore be interpreted as the context requires. — 
 This general account warrants no conclusions respecting the 
 angels, or the inhabitants of other systems, except that they 
 are all the creatures of God. But this visible world was 
 formed in six days. The chaotic mass seems to have been 
 first instantaneously created out of nothing, and then gradually 
 reduced to order and beauty. 
 
 V. 2. The matter, from which this earth, and the solar 
 system connected with it, were created, was at first a con- 
 fused mass of component elements, without form; and void, 
 * 15 ) 
 
B C. 4004. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 4004, 
 
 5 And God called tht lignt h Day, and the dark- 
 ness he called Night. 'And the evening and the 
 morning were the first day. 
 
 6 H And God said, 'Let there be a 'firmament 
 in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the 
 waters from the waters. 
 
 7 And God made the firmament, and ‘‘divided 
 tire waters which were under the firmament, from 
 tire waters winch were ‘above the firmament : 
 '"and it was so. 
 
 8 And "God called the firmament Heaven : 
 And the evening and the morning were the se- 
 cond day. 
 
 9 U And God said, '’Let the waters under the 
 heaven be gathered together unto one place, and 
 let the dry-land appear : and it was so. 
 
 10 And God called the dry-land Earth, and the 
 gathering together of the waters called he Seas : 
 sand God saw that it was good. 
 
 11 And God said, r Let the earth bring forth 
 Igrass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit-tree 
 yielding "fruit after his kind, whose seed is in it- 
 self, upon the earth : and it was so. 
 
 b Ps. 74:16. 104:20. Is. 45:7. * Heb. And the evening was, an ! the morning iras. 
 8,13,19,23,31. i 14,20. 7:11,12. Job 37:11— 18. 38:22 -26. Jer. 10:13. t Heb. erpan- 
 tion. k Prov. 8:28,29. 1 Job 2S:8. Ps. 104:10— 13. 148:1. Ec. 11:3. m 9,11,15,24, Matt. 
 8:27. n 5,10. 5:2. 32:28. o5,13. pJob26:lO. 38:8—11. Ps. 24:2. 33:7.95:5. 
 104:3,5—9. 136:6. > Vov. 8:28,29. Jer. 5:22. 2 Pet. 3:5. Rev. 10:6. q 4. Deul.32: 
 4. Ps. 104:31. r2:5. Job 28:5. Ps. 104:11— 17. 147.8. Matt. 6:30. Heb. 6:7. 
 J Heb. 'ender grass, s‘29. 2:9,16. Matt. 7:17. Luke 6:43,44. Jam. 3:12. t Is. 61 : 
 
 empty, or destitute of plants, trees, or animals; and it was 
 covered with thick darkness resting on the abyss, or the un- 
 formed chaos, till dispersed by the agency of “ the Spirit of 
 God;” to which the subsequent effects are ascribed, by a re- 
 markable word, taken from the manner in which the fowls 
 brood on and hatch their eggs. Thus, at the very first open- 
 ing of the Sacred Volume, we have an intimation of that di- 
 vine Spirit, whose influence and operations form so conspicu- 
 ous and distinguishing a part of Revelation : for, as the efficient 
 cause of the creation, 44 He moved upon the surface of the 
 waters.” — Let the impartial reader here turn his attention to 
 those texts of the New Testament, which expressly ascribe all 
 creation to Jesus Christ, the Son and Word of God, and, 
 comparing them with this account of the agency of the Spirit 
 in creation, and with those Scriptures which declare that God 
 created all things ; he must allow, that, from the beginning of 
 the Bible, there is a real foundation for the doctrine of three 
 divine Persons in the unity of the Godhead. 
 
 V. 3—5. The sublimity of the language, here used, has 
 been universally admired by men of learning and taste ; and 
 indeed the simplicity of the whole narrative is unspeakably 
 more majestic, than those studied ornaments which are gene- 
 rally employed and admired. — Before the formation of the sun, 
 moon, and stars, there was, in some way which we cannot 
 explain or understand, a regular succession of light and dark- 
 ness on the chaotic mass , which thus measured out 44 the first 
 day.” 44 God saw the light that it was good ;” good in itself, 
 and admirably adapted to the benefit of his creatures. How 
 wonderful and inexplicable is light ! How indispensably ne- 
 cessary to all the purposes of human life. 
 
 V. G — 8. The word, translated firmament , and expansion , 
 ( Marg .) is used for the whole space which surrounds the 
 earth, even to the fixed stars, which are 44 set in the firma- 
 ment of heaven ;” as 44 the fowls” are said 44 to fly in the open 
 firmament of heaven ;” and 44 he called the firmament, heaven.” 
 It must therefore be understood according to the context ; but 
 it is generally in this place interpreted to mean the atmosphere, 
 or air, in which the clouds are suspended, and from which they 
 water the earth. 
 
 V. 9. The waters, being separated from the dry ground, 
 which they had hitherto overspread, or been mixed with, were 
 divided into those 44 under the firmament,” which are depo- 
 sited in the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, brooks, fountains, and 
 subterraneous receptacles ; and those ‘‘above the firmament,” 
 which are suspended in the air, form the clouds, and descend 
 in rains and dews. — Instead of attempting a further explana- 
 tion of the terms here used, I would rather call the reader’s 
 attention to the power, wisdom, and goodness of God, dis- 
 played in this part of creation. In the vast reservoir of the 
 oceans and seas, the waters are treasured up, being pre- 
 served from putridity by their saltness and incessant motion. 
 These facilitate commerce and friendly intercourse betwixt 
 distant nations, supply immense quantities of wholesome pro- 
 visions, and are in many ways serviceable to mankind. From 
 them originally, by various modes of conveyance, the whole 
 earth is supplied with water, which is rendered fresh and fit 
 for use, and communicated in the gentlest method. With this 
 all living creatures “quench their thirst;” by this the surface 
 of the earth is thus rendered fertile, and all the purposes of 
 cleanliness are answered ; and the same waters, continually 
 returning to die sea, by brooks and rivers, enrich and beautify 
 the adjacent countries, and confer manifold benefits upon man- 
 kind through the whole of their course. 
 
 V. 10. It is observable that God himself gave names to 
 
 ( 16 ) 
 
 12 And ‘the earth brought forth grass, and 
 “herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree 
 yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his 
 kind : and God saw that it was good. 
 
 13 And the evening and the morning were Ihe 
 third day. 
 
 14 H And God said, ’Let there be lights in the 
 firmament of the heaven, to divide Hhe day from 
 the night: rand let them be for signs, and for sea- 
 sons, and for days, and years. 
 
 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament 
 of the heaven, to give light upon the earth : and it 
 was so. 
 
 16 And God made two great lights ; the greater 
 light j|to ’rule the day, and the lesser light to rule 
 the night: he made the stars also. 
 
 17 And God a set them in the firmament of the 
 heaven, to give light upon the earth ; 
 
 18 And to rule over the day, and over the night, 
 and to divide the light from the darkness ; and God 
 saw that it was good. 
 
 19 And the evening and the morning were the 
 fourth day. 
 
 11. Mfirlt 4:28. u Is. 55:10,11. Mstt. 13:24,25. 2 Cor. 9:10. Gol. 6:7. x Jol. 25, 
 3,5. 38:12 — 14. Ps. 8:3.4. 19:1—6. 74:16,17. 101:19,20. 119:91. 134:7—9. 148: 
 3—6. Is. 40:26. Jer. 31:35. 33:20,25. § Heb. between the day and be'ireen the 
 night, y 8:22. || Heb. for the rule of the day, &c. r Deut. 4:19. Josh. 10:12 — 14. 
 Job. 31:26— 28. Is. 13:10. 24t23. 45:7. Ex. 32:7,8. Joel 2:10,31. 3:15. Am. 5:8. 
 8:9. Hab. 3:11 . Mali. 21:29. 27:45. Acts 2:20. Rev. 16:8,9. 21:23. a 9:13. Ps 
 8:1. Acts 13:47. 
 
 those creatures, over which Adam could not exercise domi- 
 nion ; but left him to give names to the rest. — Without doubt, the 
 original names were expressive of the nature of the creatures 
 
 V. 11, 12. Hitherto the whole was inert and lifeless: but 
 the vegetable system was next produced, in all its varied and 
 numerous tribes, for the use of man and beast: and each was 
 created with the surprising power of propagating, and multi- 
 plying almost infinitely, its peculiar species, by seeds, often 
 very minute, and scarcely discernible from each other ; and yet 
 never failing to produce plants of the same species as those 
 from which they sprang, each after his kind ! 4 God has 
 secured the seeds of all plants with singular care; some of 
 them being defended by a double, nay, a triple inclosure. 1 
 Bp. Patrick. — Thus creation is still carried on from year to 
 year ; and, in an incomprehensible manner, the earth is filled 
 with the riches and liberality of the Lord ! 
 
 V. 14 — 19. By the word of the omnipotent Creator the 
 light was, as it were, treasured up in the heavenly orbs, (as 
 water is in the seas;) and with it warmth and fertility have 
 ever since been conveyed to the different regions of the globe : 
 while, by the regular circuits of the celestial bodies, time is 
 measured out for our convenience In various respects. 4 By 
 times are meant the spring, summer, autumn, and winter; 
 and by consequence, the seasons for ploughing, sowing, plant- 
 ing, pruning, reaping, vintage, sailing ; and by a swift motion 
 round in twenty-four hours, to make a day ; and by af longer 
 to make years, and the grateful variety of seasons.’ Bp, 
 Patrick. — The moon is undoubtedly an opaque body, much 
 smaller than the primary planets ; and it is with great proba- 
 bility supposed, that the fixed stars are lights themselves, im- 
 mensely large : yet the moon is here called a great light in 
 distinction from the stars ; which proves that the sacred writers 
 were not inspired to speak of natural things with philosophical 
 exactness ; but were left to use popular language, and to dis- 
 course of them according to their appearance. As a light to 
 us , with reference to whom the sacred writer speaks, the moon 
 is greater than the stars: and indeed a modern Astronomer, 
 when not purposely expressing himself scientifically , would use 
 similar language. Ignorance or error in these respects is not 
 fatal, and the most exact knowledge is comparatively of small 
 value: 44 Unto man he said, Behold the fear of the Lord, that 
 is wisdom; and to depart from evil, is understanding.” Job 
 28:28. 
 
 V. 20 — 25. The earth reduced to order and beauty, reple- 
 nished with vegetable treasures, and lighted up with unspeak- 
 able splendour, had yet remained destitute of inhabitants : bu£ 
 in these verses we have a concise account of the formation of 
 the various species of animals which inhabit tho waters^ the 
 air, and the dry land. The similarity between fishes and birds, 
 in the general manner of producing their young, and moving 
 in their respective elements, is supposed to mark the common 
 original of both from the waters. (2:19.) The word ren- 
 dered vihalcs may include all the largo inhabitants of seas and 
 rivers. — A very superficial acquaintance with the numerous 
 tribes of animals, of different sizes, immensely largo, or invi- 
 sibly minute; their distinct modes of existence, in different 
 elements and on different sustenance ; the surprising exact- 
 ness and kind contrivance, with which the organized body in 
 every species is formed ; and the various ways in which they 
 subserve the use and pleasure of man ; may suffice to show 
 us that we have abundant reason to admire and adore the groat 
 Creator; while the nature of life itself, and its production, 
 continuance, and propagation, in every distinct species, forms 
 a very proper subject for our speculations, if wo would he coi> 
 
B. C. 4004. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 B. C. 400*. 
 
 20 H Aiul God said, ' Let the waters bring forth 
 abundantly the 'moving creature that hath 'life, 
 and 'fowl that may fly above the earth in the 
 $open firmament ot heaven. 
 
 21 And God created “great whales, and every 
 living creature that moveth, wliich the waters 
 d brought forth abundantly after their kind, and 
 every winged fowl after his kind : “and God saw 
 that it ivas good. 
 
 22 And ‘God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, 
 and multiply ; and fill the waters in the seas, and 
 let fowl multiply in the earth. 
 
 23 And the evening and the morning were the 
 fifth day. 
 
 b 22. 2:19. 8:17. l’s. 104:24,25. 143:10. Acts 17:25. • Or, creeping. 1 Kings 
 
 4:33. f Heb. a living soul. 30. Ec. 3:21. $ Heb. let jowl fly. §Heb. face 
 of the firmament of heaven. 7,14. c Job 7:12. 2S:5. Ps. 104:26. Ez. 32:2. 
 Jon. 1:17. 2:10. Malt. 12:40. d 8:17. 9:7. Ex. 1:7. 8:3. el8,25,31. ffi8. 8:17. 
 
 vinced how incomprehensible the works of God are, and how 
 ignorant man is. — The great Creator had no occasion minutely 
 to enumerate his works, in order to display his glory ; though 
 we may properly descend to the minute investigation of them. 
 There is therefore no particular mention here made of many 
 tilings, which are to us of the greatest importance. The air, 
 which modern experiments have evinced to be of absolute ne- 
 cessity to animal and vegetable life, and in which surprising 
 traces of divine wisdom and goodness are discovered, is not 
 particularly mentioned; though doubtless it is implied in the 
 general term expansion. (0. Marg.) While the surface of the 
 earth is constantly replenished with vegetable riches, and in- 
 habited by useful animals ; underneath it most valuable trea- 
 sures are stored up, placed thus out of our way, but not out 
 of our reach. “O Lord, how manifold are thy works! In 
 wisdom hast thou made them all : the earth is full of thy riches.” 
 
 V. 26, 27. The language here used, is that of consultation , 
 and not of deliberation only ; and it intimates far more than 
 the superior excellency and dignity of the creature about to be 
 formed. It is not to be conceived, that the infinite God, by 
 speaking in the plural number, should employ a language as- 
 sumed by many princes ; which is indeed, as thus used, more 
 ostentatious than dignified. But it is still more intolerable to 
 suppose, that the eternal God addressed any of his own crea- 
 tures, as fellow-workers with him in the creation of man. Yet 
 these seem the only expedients for interpreting this language, 
 which can be adopted, by those who allow the divine inspira- 
 tic n of the whole Scripture, and still refuse their assent to the 
 doctrine of the Trinity: whereas, admit this doctrine to be 
 scriptural, and the expressions are suitable, natural, and need 
 little explanation. The three Persons in the sacred T rinity 
 at first concurred, in counsel and operation, in the creation of 
 man, as afterwards in his recovery from the fall. And let it 
 not be said, that, in avoiding one difficulty, we run ourselves 
 into another and a greater ; for it can never be shown impos- 
 sible, that the same infinite Being should be Three in one 
 respect, and One in another. We know, and it is absurd to 
 deny it, that the soul and body are distinct substances ; yet 
 they form one man, who is two in one respect, and one in ano- 
 ther: but who can comprehend the bond of union betwixt his 
 own soul and body, or explain how they mutually operate on 
 each other? And if we are incomprehensible to ourselves, 
 how should it be possible for us to comprehend our great Cre- 
 ator? This indeed seems the limitation of human knowledge: 
 by experiments the natural philosopher discovers, that things 
 are so, and have such and such properties and powers ; but how 
 and why they are so and operate as they do, remains still an 
 impenetrable secret. The process of nature in vegetation, 
 from a grain of corn being cast in the earth until the gathering 
 of harvest, is no more comprehensible by us than the doctrine 
 of the Trinity ; and he who will believe no more than he can 
 comprehend, must, to be consistent, question his own exigence. 
 The authenticated testimony of Ged is surely as sufficient to 
 establish the doctrine, as to its truth and certainty, in matters 
 of revelation, as experiments are to establish the fact in phi- 
 losophy; and the manner how is no more matter ot faith in 
 the one case, than of science in the other ; nor are the difficul- 
 ties greater, except as infinity exceeds the grasp of our finite 
 capacities. 
 
 The great Creator said, “Let us make man, in o-xr image, 
 after our likeness.” The expression is doubled and varied, 
 that it may the more engage our attention, and ensure our 
 belief. This image and likeness of God cannot be in the body ; 
 for God is a Spirit, which no bodily shape can in any respect 
 resemble. We must therefore look for it in the rational soul. 
 Even in the present state of human nature, the soul of man 
 bears some faint resemblance to its Maker : the understand- 
 ing, memory, and imagination, in their several operations, ex- 
 hibit a faint shadow of the divine wisdom and knowledge ; the 
 will, as exciting and directing our activity in all respects, bears 
 a similitude to the almighty effects of the divine volitions, and 
 shows that mind can act on matter in some inexplicable man- 
 ner ; nay, conscience, in the exercise of her dictatorial and 
 judicial functions, gives a feeble reflection of the justice and 
 holiness of the Judge of all : whilst the derived and dependent 
 immortality of the human soul reminds us of Him who is self- 
 sxistent and eternal. But fallen angels, who possess these 
 Vol. I.— 3 
 
 24 IT And God said, "Let the earth bring forth 
 the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creep- 
 ing thing, and beast of the earth after liiskind: 
 and it was so. 
 
 25 And God h made the beast of the earth after 
 his kind : and cattle after their kind, and every thing 
 that creepeth upon the earth afteh his kind : and 
 God saw that it ivas good. 
 
 26 IT And God said, ‘Let us make man k in our 
 image, after our likeness : and let them 'have do 
 minion over the fish of the sea, and over the fow 
 of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the 
 earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth 
 upon the earth. 
 
 9:1. 30:27,30 . 35:11. Lev. 26:9. l's. 107:38. g6:20. 7:14. 8:19. Job 38:39,40 . 39: 
 1,5,9,19. 40:15. Ps. 50:9,10. 104:18—23. 118:10. h2:19,20. Job 12:8— 10. 26:13. 
 
 1 3:22. 11:7. John 5:17. 14:23. k5:1.9:G. Ec. 7:29. Acls 17:28,29. 1 Cor. 11:7. 
 
 2 Cor. 3:18. 4:4. Eph. 4:24. Col. 1:15. 3:10. Jam. 3:9. I 9:2,3. Job 5:23. Ps. 8: 
 
 powers in a higher degree, are never said to bear the image of 
 God ; and few places in Scripture can be fairly interpreted of 
 fallen man’s being like his Maker till renewed by divine grace* 
 There must then be a nobler sense, in which Adam was form- 
 ed in the image and likeness of God. — No adequate conception 
 indeed can be formed of man’s primeval state and powers, 
 from the brief account given of him in Scripture. . But we may 
 also avail ourselves of the revelation given us, concerning the 
 moral attributes of God ; we may contemplate the character of 
 Jesus Christ, who in human nature displayed the divine image 
 in full perfection; we may examine the moral law which de- 
 scribes, and the Christian’s character, which, being u renewed 
 in knowledge,” “ righteousness, and true holiness,” exemplifies 
 the image of God. And the expression reneived, implies that it 
 is the same image which sin had defaced. (M. R.) From 
 these sources of information satisfactory conclusions may be 
 deduced. God alone can have perfect, infallible, immutable 
 knowledge : but Adam was created after the divine image, both 
 in the capacity of receiving, and in the disposition of heart to 
 entertain, true knowledge ; and he actually possessed, from the 
 gift of God, a right understanding and a competent knowledge 
 of his Creator, of himself, of his own situation, his duty, his in- 
 terests, his obligations to obedience, and the odious nature and 
 evil consequences of disobedience. — In these and similar con- 
 cerns, we may be assured, that he knew and judged accord 
 ing to the knowledge and judgment of his Maker; though no! 
 infallibly or immutably. — Resulting from this state of his un- 
 derstanding and judgment, he doubtless possessed a disposi- 
 tion to value or contemn, to approve or disapprove, to love ot 
 detest, every object which presented itself to his mind, ac- 
 cording to its real excellency, worthlessness, or hatefulness. — 
 In such a state of the heart, that is, of the judgment, will 
 and affections, the divine image evidently must consist : anc, 
 we may thence certainly infer, that in these things Adam re- 
 sembled his Malqer. Knowledge in a creature must be limited ; 
 error may follow, and thence a change of judgment and heart 
 may be induced ; that is, a holy creature may fall, and become 
 unholy; but imperfection in the original disposition of the 
 heart , supposes the creature to be formed unholy, and is in- 
 consistent with its being created after the image of God.— 
 We determine then, that the image of God, in which Adam 
 was created, consisted in an understanding prepared to im 
 bibe true knowledge, a judgment free from corrupt bias, a will 
 disposed to obedience, and affections regulated according to 
 reason and truth; nor can we conceive that it could consist 
 in any thing else. From such a state of mind, godliness, in 
 all its internal exercises and external expressions, righteous- 
 ness, truth, benevolence, purity, and an exact regulation and 
 government of every appetite and passion, must necessarily 
 result, and every duty to God and man be constantly and 
 delightfully performed. The same disposition would ensure 
 belief of every truth which God should afterwards reveal, 
 obedience to every precept which he should enjoin, a cordial 
 acceptance of every proposal which he should make, and ad- 
 miration of every discovery of the divine glory at any time 
 vouchsafed: and could it have been possible for man to sin. 
 without losing the divine image, it would have disposed him 
 to repent : and with faith, love, and joy, to receive the Me- 
 diator in whom believers trust ; and to exercise all those 
 graces, and practise all those duties which spring from the 
 character of a redeemed sinner. — Man, thus created in the 
 divine image, was constituted ruler over the other creatures. 
 This dominion has been frequently termed a part of the divine 
 image : but it seems more natural, to consider the capacity 
 for exercising dominion as the result of that image : and that 
 the actual grant of dominion was made to man, inconsequence 
 of that capacity, and as shadowing forth the sovereignty of 
 God over all his works. Tho subjection of the animals, had 
 not sin entered, would doubtless have been far more entire 
 and voluntary, and the exercise of man’s authorily far more 
 benign and gentle, than they are at present. For man is now, 
 too generally, a severe tyrant over the animals, which are 
 within his reach and under his power ; and many creatures 
 seem to have shaken off, or fled from, his abused dominion. 
 
 V. 28. It appears from this verse, that both the man and 
 the woman were created on the sixth day ; and that the sub- 
 sequent account is only a more circumstantial recapitulation 
 ( 17 ) 
 
B. C. 4004. 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 4004 
 
 27 So God created man in his own image : in 
 the iruage of God created he him ; m male and fe- 
 male created he them. 
 
 28 And “God blessed them, and God said unto 
 them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the 
 earth, and subdue it : and have dominion over the 
 fish of the sea, “and over the fowl of the air, and 
 over every living thing that ‘moveth upon the 
 earth. 
 
 29 H And God said, Behold, °I have given you 
 every herb ’bearing seed, which is upon the face 
 of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the 
 fruit of a tree yielding seed : i’to you it shall be for 
 meat. 
 
 30 And ‘Uo every beast of the earth, and to every 
 fowl of the air, and to every thing- that creepeth 
 upon the earth, wherein there is ‘life, I have given 
 every green herb for meat : and it was so. 
 
 31 And God saw every thing that he had made, 
 and, behold, it was r very good. ’And the evening 
 and the morning were the sixth day. 
 
 4 — 8. 104:20 — 24. Jer. 27:6. Hell. 2:6— 9. Jam. 3:7. m 2:21— 25. 5:2. Mal.2: 
 15. Matt. 19:4. Mark 10:6. 1 Cor. 11:8,9. n 22 . 9:1 ,7. 17:16,20 . 22: 17,18. M: 
 60. 26:3,4.21. 33:5. 49:25. I.ev.26:9. 1 Chr. 26:5. Ps. 127:3—5. 128:3,4. 1 Tim. 
 4:3. * neb. creepeth. Ps. 69:34. marg. oPs. 24:1. 115:16. Hos. 2:8. Act9 17: 
 24,25. 1 Tim. 6:17. f Ileb. seeding seed, p 2:16. 9:3. Job 36:31 . Ps. 104:27,28. 
 136:25. 145:15.16. 147:9. Acts 11:17. q Job. 38:39—41. 39:4,8,30 . 40:15,20. 
 J Heb. a living soul, r Job 38:7. Ps. 19:1,2. 104:24,31. 1 Tim. 4:4. s5,8,13,19, 
 
 of the interesting event. — The beneficent Creator, having 
 formed them with capacities for enjoyment, and furnished 
 them with all things externally conducive to it, assured them 
 of his favour and blessing, to consummate their felicity and 
 secure its continuance ; and it is probable Adam was taught 
 to expect, that, after a term of probation upon earth, he and 
 his descendants, if they persevered in obedience, would be 
 translated into heaven, or favoured with some confirmation in 
 happiness equivalent to it. The increase of the human spe- 
 cies formed a part of the Creator’s benediction; and, had not 
 sin entered, it would have been a progressive communication 
 and multiplication of endless felicity. — In this method creation 
 is still carried on, and the divine perfections are exercised and 
 displayed in the continuance, as well as in the first production, 
 of the creatures ; though the former excites little surprise, be- 
 cause custom leads us to expect it. 
 
 V. 29, 30. Our wants and inclinations give us no right to 
 use the creatures of God, however suitable they may be to 
 supply and gratify them : the grant of the great Proprietor 
 alone confers it. In this grant the animals are joined, as 
 equally entitled to provision from the Creator’s bounty. — Ani- 
 mal food seems not to have been generally allowed, till after 
 the Hood, or to have been desired or thought of before the fall. 
 But it is not certain, either that no part of the sacrifices offer- 
 ed after that event were eaten, or that a rebellious race did 
 not take the liberty of using animal food, before it was granted 
 them. 
 
 V. 31. Very good.] Each production of creative power 
 had before been pronounced good: — but after man’s creation, 
 the whole was declared to be very good. A superior excel- 
 lency, from an harmonious connexion of perfect parts in one 
 perfect whole, was produced by each part deriving beauty 
 from, and reflecting beauty upon the rest: and the creation of 
 man, the image and vicegerent of his Maker, the only wor- 
 shipper in this august temple, who in reasonable adoration 
 might render him the glory of the whole, completed the design, 
 and stamped it “very good.” — The perfections of God are 
 worthy of being exercised, displayed, contemplated, admired, 
 and adored. Man was formed capable of perceiving that 
 manifested glory, of rendering the tribute of vocal praise, and 
 of finding felicity in his Maker’s worship and love: this was 
 well pleasing to the Lord, who was most perfectly satisfied 
 with his work, “while the morning stars sang together, and 
 all the sons of God shouted for joy.” Thus the creation of 
 the heaven and the earth was completed in six days, which 
 doubtless the Creator could have effected in an instant; but 
 he deemed it more suited to his majesty and wisdom to do it 
 gradually, and by progressive advances ; that we, leisurely 
 contemplating these wonders, might note more carefully the 
 glories displayed in them ; and, seeing each majestically rise 
 superior to all that went before, might be more suitably affect- 
 ed with admiring gratitude, and excited to adoring praise. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The account, given us in this chapter, of the Author and 
 Original of all things, is so rational, satisfactory, and sublime ; 
 and the visible creation, as it subsists at this day, displays 
 such wise contrivance, powerful operation, and beneficent 
 attention to the wants and welfare of all creatures; that 
 atheists, and all others who, with the, Bible in their hands, 
 and the creation before their eyes, “honour not the Creator as 
 God, neither arc thankful,” must be for ever left without ex- 
 cuse: and infidelity and impiety must at length manifestly 
 appear to be as absurd and foolish, as they are wicked. — The 
 Creator of all things is, without controversy, the sole Proprie- 
 tor and sovereign Lord of all. Our very bodies and souls are 
 his, and net our own ; for “ he made us, and not we ourselves.” 
 ( 18 ) 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The sabbath te instituted , 1 — 3. > Farther particulars concerning the produe. 
 tion of the vegetables , and the'ereation of mat,, 4 — 7. The garden of Eden^ 
 hoto planted , ami where situated, 8 — 14 ; man u placed in it ; and permit 
 ted to eat of the frui', rcCh a solemn interdiction of one tree, 15 — 17. The ani- 
 mals are named by Adam; and an acr ,unl given of the\:reation of woman, 
 and the institution of inairiage, 18 — 25. 
 
 T HUS "the heavens and the earth were finished, 
 and all the l, host of them. 
 
 2 And c on the seventh day God ended his work 
 which he had made : and he rested on the seventh 
 day from all his work which he had made. 
 
 3 And God ‘'blessed the seventh day and sancti* 
 fied it : because that in it he had rested from all 
 his work, which God ^created and made. 
 
 4 H These are c the generations of the heavens 
 and of the earth, when they were created : in the 
 day that the Lord God made the earth and the 
 heavens ; 
 
 5 And f every plant of the field, before it was 
 in the earth, and every herb of the field, before it 
 g-rfew : for the Lord God shad not caused it to rain 
 
 23. 2:2. Ex. 20:11. a4. 1:1. Ps. 104:2. Is. 45:18. 65:5. 65:17. Heb. 4:3. bDsou 
 4:19. 17:3. 2 Kinjs 21:3—5. 1's. 33:6. Is. 40:23— 23. 4.5:12. Jsr. 8:2. Luke 8:13. 
 Auls 7:42. c 1:31. John 5:17. d Ex. 16:22— 30. 20:8 — 11. 31:13—17 . 35:2,3. 
 I.ex. 25:2,3. Deut. 5:12— 14. Nell. 9:14. 13:15—22. Is. 56:2- 7 . 58:13,14. Jcr. 
 17:21 — 27. Mark 2:27. Heb. 4:4 — 10. § Heb. created tomnke. e5:l. 10:1. 11 
 
 10. 25.12,19. 36:1,9. Ex. 6:16. f 1:12. g Job 5:10. 38:26—28. Ps. 65:9— 11. 
 Jer. 14 .22. Matt. 5:45. 
 
 He has therefore an undoubted right to dispose of us, and o, 
 all creatures, as he pleases. To him an account must be 
 rendered of the use which we make of all bis gifts: nor should 
 we ever allow 7 ourselves to lose sight of this important truth ; 
 which is suited, not only to restrain us from abusing the work 
 and gift of God in the practice of sin, but also to quicken us in 
 employing all that we possess and enjoy in the service of our 
 liberal Benefactor. We should also accustom ourselves to 
 contemplate his glory in every object which we behold, and 
 to taste his bounty in all our comforts and enjoyments. As 
 our obligations are so vast, bis largest demands of love, wor- 
 ship, and service, are perfectlj' reasonable : yet, tried by this 
 plain rule, our own hearts must certamly condemn our past 
 and present conduct. — In our own private history, as well as 
 in that of the world through every age, we may read what 
 havoc sin has made in the creation of God, once by infallible 
 wisdom pronounced “ very good ;” especially in man, created 
 in his own image and likeness! Let us then bless his name 
 for the Gospel of Christ ; and take warning from the conside- 
 ration of the almighty power of that God against whom we 
 have sinned, (the stupendous effects of which we have been 
 contemplating,) to “flee from the wrath to come,” and- to 
 seek reconciliation to him, that his powerful arm may be 
 employed for our salvation, and not for cur destruction. And 
 what deliverances, supports, and consolations may we not 
 expect, in our greatest distresses and perils, froip the most 
 powerful enemies; if the omnipotent Creator be our Father 
 and ouu Friend? Being thus rendered victorious ovei all our 
 enemies, and new created unto the image of God in holiness, 
 we shall at length obtain admission into the “ new heavens ana 
 new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” * 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 1. Host. 1 All the pans of the 
 visible creation occupy their proper places, like soldiers in a 
 well disciplined host , or army: so that number and variety 
 connect with regularity and beauty, and conduce to the per- 
 fection of the whole. (AT. R.) — The sacred historian, having 
 given a brief account of the orderly production of all things, 
 explains in this chapter some particulars move fully, which 
 would otherwise have interrupted the order of his narration. 
 
 V. 2. The Lord was pleased to complete his design, jus! 
 when the sixth day ended and the seventh commenced; and 
 then he rested from all lys work: not that the exertion of 
 creating power had caused weariness, or that, his rest was 
 inactivity; for he still upholds, preserves, renovates, and go- 
 verns the whole; in which sense Christ says, “The Father 
 worketh hitherto, and I work.” But he ceased from creating, 
 and added no more; and he rejoiced with perfect satisfaction 
 in the whole, as worthy of himself and manifesting his glory. 
 
 V. 3. The sacred writer here both records the appoints 
 ment of the sabbath, and assigns the reason for it : “Because 
 that in it the Lord rested from all his work.” This is 
 evidently historical , and not by anticipation : for the reason 
 subsisted from the beginning; and was more cogent immedi- 
 ately, than it could he at. a distance of more than t wo thousand 
 years, when the command was solemnly renewed from Mount 
 Sinai, long after sin had marred the beauty of the great 
 Creator’s works: and it concerns the whole human race, m 
 much as the nation of Israel. This is confirmed by the 
 custom of measuring time bv weeks, whicn has generally 
 prevailed in the world ; and which is most reasonably account- 
 ed for, by supposing it to have arisen from an original tradition, 
 handed down from Adam and Noah to all their, posterity. 
 And the silence of Moses concerning the observation of the 
 sabbath by the patriarchs, so far from proving that they Wf.re 
 not commanded to observe it, will not render it so much as 
 probable that they did not actually keep it, to those who 
 
B. C. 4004. 
 
 CHAPTER II. B. C. 4004. 
 
 upon the earth, and there was not a man h to till 
 the ground. 
 
 6 But 'there went up a mist from the earth, 
 and watered the whole lace of the ground. 
 
 7 And the Lord God formed man *of the “dust 
 of the ground, and k breathed into his 1 nostrils the 
 breath of life : and man became '"a living soul. 
 
 8 H And the Loan God planted "a garden ‘’east- 
 ward in Eden : and there he put the man whom he 
 had formed. 
 
 9 And out of the ground made the Lord God 
 to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, 
 and good for food: '’the Tree of life also in the 
 midst of the garden, and ‘'the Tree of knowledge 
 of good and evil. 
 
 10 And r a river went but of Eden to water the 
 garden; and from thence it was parted, and became 
 into four.heads. 
 
 11 The nameofthe first is Pison : thatisitwhich 
 
 b 3:23. 4:2,12. ' Or, a mist which went up. t Heb. the duet of, & c. 
 
 1 3:19. Job 4:13. 33:6. Ps. 101:14. Be. 3:20. 12:7. Is. 64:8. 1 Cor. 15:47. 
 
 2 Cor. 4:7. 5:1. k Job 27:3. 33:4. John 20:22. Acts 17:25. 1 7:22. 
 
 Is.J2:22. m Num. 16:22. 27:16. 7,ech. 12:1. 1 Cur.l5:45. Heb. 12:9. n 13:10. 
 Is. 61:3. Joel 2:3 o 3:24. 4:16. 2 Kings 19:12. K?.. 27:23 . 28:13. p 322. Pro*. 
 3:18. 11:30. Ez. 47:12. Rev. 2:7. 22:2,14. q 17. 3:3,22. Is. 44:25. 47:10. 1 Cor. 
 8:1. rPs.4S:4. Rev. 22:1. s 10:7,29. 25:18. 1 Sam. 15:7. tNum.ll:7. uEi. 
 
 attentively consider how much darkness rests upon many 
 similar subjects, in the scriptural history of the Church. Yet 
 some intimations are given in this book, which show that the 
 patriarchs divided time into weeks, and regarded the seventh 
 day. ( Notes , 8:fi— It. 29:27.) — The “sabbath, being made 
 for man,” was no doubt coeval with his creation. — Even in 
 the state of innocence, Adam and Eve 4vere employed in 
 dressing and keeping the garden: and though exempt from 
 sin and suffering, yet their rational nature was capable of a 
 far more exalted state ; and they were taught to consider 
 themselves as preparing for it by progressive improvement. 
 The seventh day therefore, being blessed and sanctified by 
 God, separated from common employments, and consecrated 
 to religious worship ; on it especially they were required to 
 remember their Creator, to contemplate his works, and to 
 render him their tribute of thankful praise ; and this would, 
 even in Paradise, be conducive to the glory of God, and bene- 
 ficial to them; perhaps absolutely necessary to their safety 
 and felicity. ( Notes , Ex. 16:22 — 27. 20:8 — 11.) 
 
 V. 4. This is the real and true account of the origin of the 
 heavens and the earth ; and may therefore be opposed to the 
 fables of poets, and the fancies of speculating philosophers. — 
 The word Jehovah, the peculiar name of the living God, is 
 here first used. It seems to mean Self-existence , underived, 
 independent, and immutable. (Note, Ex. 3:14.) 
 
 Y. 5, 6. In general, God employs the genial warmth of 
 the sun and the refreshing rains, and also the labour of man, in 
 producing the fruits of the earth : but he needs them not; and 
 therefore these first productions, (which doubtless were in full 
 perfection,) were prepared before the sun was created, before 
 rhe rain descended, or man was formed : but from the time 
 that the vegetables were produced, a mist arose from the 
 earth, and fell in gentle dews for their refreshment and 
 preservation. — ‘It is Gods immediate work to communicate 
 the first principles of things, but their growth is promoted by 
 the instrumentality of man.’ Fuller. Thus regeneration is 
 immediately the work of God ; but in progressive sanctification 
 man is willing and active. 
 
 V. 7. The Creator’s skill was manifested, in forming so 
 ex’quisite a structure as the human body, of so mean materials. 
 Yet the Lord not only gave man life in common with the other 
 animals, which had bodies formed of the same dust ; but im- 
 mediately communicated from himself the rational soul, here 
 denoted by '’'•breathing into his nostrils the breath of life.” 
 Thus “ the first Adam became a living soul :” but man, by the 
 fall having become dead in sin, in infinite mercy, “ the second 
 Adam, the Lord from heaven,” became “ a quickening spirit,” 
 and, by the communication of the Holy Spirit, he restores 
 divine life and renews the divine image. — It is remarkable that 
 Jesus, after his resurrection, (with apparent reference to this 
 expression, ) “ breathed upon his disciples, and said, Receive ye 
 the Holy Ghost.” 
 
 V. 8, 9. This garden, planned doubtless with exquisite 
 beauty, and stored with every thing which could regale the 
 senses, seems to have been intended as a pledge of heavenly 
 felicity. — The word paradise, (which the Septuagint use in this 
 place for garden,) in allusion to Eden, is in some instances used 
 for heaven itself, and there, are many references to it in scrip-' 
 ture. (Luke 23:43. 2 Cor 12:4.) “ The Tree of Life” 
 
 seems also to have been a sacramental pledge of immortality ; 
 and, by eating the fruit of it, life and felicity wore sealed to 
 Adam, as long as he continued obedient. “ The Tree of 
 knowledge” might be thus called, because that, by the prohi- 
 bition of its fruit, a revelation was made to Adam of hisCrea- 
 tcr’s will; of his own duty, interest, situation, and danger; of 
 the consequences of his future conduct; and of the prescribed 
 condition of life or death, happiness or misery ; in which things 
 «is most interesting knowledge consisted. By abstaining from 
 this fruit the knowledge of good would be enjoyed ; but by eat- 
 
 compasseth the whole land of TIavilah, where. 
 there is gold ; 
 
 12 And the gold of that land is good : there is 
 ‘bdellium and “the onyx-stone. 
 
 13 And the name ol the second river is Gihon : 
 the same is it that compasseth the whole land of 
 ^Ethiopia. 
 
 14 And the name of the third river is “Hidde- 
 kel: that is it which goeth Howards the east of 
 ^Assyria. And the fourth river is ‘Euphrates. 
 
 15 And the Lord God took ntheman, and “put 
 him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to 
 
 keep it. r Practical Observations.’] 
 
 16 And^ the Lord God commanded the man, 
 saying, Of every tree of the garden Hliou mayest 
 b freely eat: 
 
 17 But c of the tree of the knowledge of good 
 and evil, thou shalt not eat of it : for in the day that 
 thou eatest thereof, "thou shalt d surely die. 
 
 28:20. 39:13. Job 28:16. Ez. 23:13. t Heh. Cush. 10:6. Is. 11:11. x Dan. 10: 
 4. § Or, tashrard lo Assyria, y 10:11. 25-18. z 15:18. || Or, Adam. 5:2. Job 
 31:33. a 8. fi Heb. eating thou shall eat. 3:1,2. b 9. 1 Tim. 4:4. 6:17. c3:l— 
 3,11,17. ** Heb. dying th ou shall die. d 3:3,4. Dent. 27:26. Ez.3:l8 — 20. 18:4, 
 13,32. Rom. 1:32.' 5:12—21. 6:16,23. 7:10—13. 8:2. 1 Cor. 15:22,56. Gal. 3:10. 
 Eph. 2:1 — 6. 5:14. Col. 2:13. 1 Tim. 5:6. Jam. 1:15. 1 John 5:16. Rev. 2:11. 20: 
 
 ing of it the knowledge of evil would be fatally introduced. It 
 might also intimate that man should set boundaries to his thirst 
 for knowledge ; and covet rather to know and obey the com- 
 mands of God, than to pry into ur.r*»vealed secrets. To these 
 meanings Satan artfully super?udc;l his pernicious misinter- 
 pretation, which will shortly require* *mr attention. — This gar- 
 den was situated eastward of Canaan, or of the wilderness where 
 Moses wrote the history. — Adam and Eve seem to have been 
 created without the garden, and to have been afterwards 
 brought into it. 
 
 V. 10 — 14. From the well-known names of the Hiddekel 
 or Tigris, and the Euphrates, we determine that the garden of 
 Eden was situated in or near Mesopotamia ; and some learned 
 men have supposed that almost the precise spot maybe ascer- 
 tained; but this is doubtful. It is supposed, that the Tigris 
 and Euphrates met and united their streams at the garden of 
 Eden, and that below it, the river parted again into two 
 streams, called Pison and Gihon ; and that all these are called 
 heads. It is manifest, that Moses intended to give an intel- 
 ligible description of the situation of Eden to his countrymen ; 
 who might doubtless, by attending to the several particulars 
 here mentioned, find the precise spot, though we cannot : and 
 notwithstanding the subsequent convulsions during the deluge, 
 which must have greatly changed the face of the country, it is 
 evident that the Tigris and Euphrates continued nearly the 
 same course after that catastrophe as before. 
 
 V. 16, 17. Man, created in the image of God, doubtless 
 had the moral law written in his heart as the law of his holy 
 nature; and was both bound and inclined to that, love of God 
 and his creatures, which constitutes its substance and fulfil- 
 ment. But the prohibition, here imposed, was an additional 
 instituted test of obedience ; and, being accompanied with the 
 liberal allowance which precedes it, formed a proper trial of 
 his love, and of the submission of his inclinations to the will of 
 his beneficent Benefactor. It likewise intimated to him, that 
 the favour of God, and not animal gratification, was the proper 
 felicity of his nature ; and taught him not to consider himself 
 at the summit of his happiness, in a state where self-denial was 
 required. The annexed denunciation, “ thou shalt surely die,” 
 or, dying thou shalt die, evidently implied, that, by transgression 
 he would totally forfeit his Maker’s favour, and incur his dis- 
 pleasure with all its awful effects ; that immediately he would 
 become liable to pain and disease, which, as a tedious execu- 
 tion, would not cease but in the dissolution of the body ; that he 
 would lose the holy image of God and the comfort of his favour; 
 and that he would experience the torment of sinful passions 
 and the terror of his Creator’s vengeance, which, according to 
 this covenant , must endure coeval with the existence of his im- 
 mortal soul. The event shows that all this was implied: for 
 the just and holy God would not subsequently inflict more than 
 he had previously denounced to Adam and Eve. The same 
 evidence proves, that the whole human race, then in the loins 
 of their common father, and represented by him as their federal 
 head, were interested in the transaction. To argue against 
 this, is to combat stubborn facts, as well as divine revelation 
 unless some more satisfactory account of the present condition 
 and character of man can be assigned, but which has never yet 
 been done. For man is evidently a sinful creature, and shows 
 his natural propensities by his first actions and continual con- 
 duct ; he is under undeniable tokens of divine displeasure, and 
 exposed to sufferings and death ; a dark cloud, impenetrable 
 except by the light of revelation, rests upon his state beyond 
 the grave ; the Scriptures always address him as in this mise- 
 rable situation, and as bearing this sinful character ; and these 
 things have been universally verified in all ages and nations. 
 If men find fault with that which God has evidently done, Jel 
 them answer it to him. He deigns not to apologize for his own 
 conduct; and, with our dark and imperfect views, we shall be 
 deemed too officious, if we attempt it — u Shall not the Judge 
 ( 19 ) 
 
B. C 1004 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 4004. 
 
 18 H And the Lord God said, It is not 'good 
 that the man should be alone : f I will make him an 
 help ‘meet for him. 
 
 19 And «out ofthe ground the Lord God formed 
 every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air ; 
 and ’’brought than unto Adam to see what he 
 would call them: and whatsoever T Adam called 
 every living creature, that was the name thereof. 
 
 20 And Adam 'gave names to all cattle, and to 
 the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field ; 
 ’biu for Adam there was not found an help meet 
 for him. 
 
 21 And the Lord God caused k a deep sleep to 
 
 6,0.21:8. e 1:31. Prov. 18:22. Ec. 4:9 — 12. f 3:12. 1 Cor. 11 :7-12. 1 Tim. 
 2:11 — 13. * Heb. as before him. gl:20 — 25 h 22,23. t Or, the man. 15. 
 
 Heb. called, i 18. k 15:12. 1 Sam. 26:12. Dan. 8:18. §Heb. builded. 1 Tim. 
 
 .13. 1 19. Prov. 18:22. 19:14. Heb. 13:4. m 29:14. Judg. 9:2. 2 Sam. 5:1. 19: 
 
 of all the earth do right?” seems the proper answer to object- 
 ors ; and to wait for a world of clearer light is our proper 
 behaviour. To allow the wisdom, justice, and goodness of the 
 divine conduct, only when we can perceive them, savours nei- 
 ther of humility nor of faith; for the same approbation is due 
 to an equal or an enemy ; but it becomes us, and is honourable 
 to God, when we adore the depths which we cannot fathom, 
 and believe that while “ clouds and darkness are round about 
 him, righteousness and judgment are the basis of his throne.” 
 Could we divest ourselves of partiality, we might discern in 
 some degree the reasonableness of the prohibition ; the pecu- 
 liar meetness of Adam, as the common father of the human 
 race, to be their representative ; and the divine goodness in 
 selecting, as the condition of this covenant, so easy a test of 
 obedience, and in making the implied stipulation, that if he did 
 not eat he should not die. Many things have been copiously 
 and plausibly argued upon these topics : but it is readily 
 granted, that great difficulties remain ; and that they, who will 
 give their Creator credit for justice and goodness, no farther 
 than they can perceive them, must stumble at this stumbling- 
 stone, after all that can be done to remove it. Man’s mortality 
 and depravity, as well as universal history, coincide with, and 
 confirm, the scriptural account of this transaction; and, as 
 collateral evidences, prove that it is the “testimony of God,” 
 and that we do not mistake its meaning: on this ground faith 
 receives it ; and humbled reason submits to her Teacher, God, 
 and allows his righteousness, though she cannot fully com- 
 prehend it. 
 
 V. 18. It was not conducive to the happiness of man f o 
 remair. without the solace of society, and the endearment of 
 tender friendship ; nor consistent with the end of his creation 
 to be without marriage, by which the earth might be reple- 
 nished, and worshippers and servants of God continually raised 
 up to render him praise and glory. 
 
 V. 19, 20. Adam seems to have been vastly better ac- 
 quainted, by intuition or immediate revelation, with the distinct 
 properties of every creature, than the most sagacious observers, 
 since the fall, have been by study. When, therefore, God 
 brought the several species before him, he gave them names 
 expressive of their distinct natures or exterior forms. This 
 was also a token of his dominion over them. — Yet, upon this 
 review, not one was found in outward form his counterpart, (as 
 the animals were created male and female,) nor one suited to 
 engage his affections, participate in his enjoyments, or asso- 
 ciate with him in the worship of God. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Adam, being supernaturally cast into a deep 
 sleep, without consciousness or pain, the Lord took from that 
 part of his body which was near the heart, the substance of 
 which he formed the woman ; who was to be as part of him- 
 self, and the object of his most cordial affections. She was 
 taken from him , and not out of the ground; that there might 
 be a natural foundation of moderate subordination on the wo- 
 man’s part, and sympathizing tenderness on the man’s; as a 
 man rules over, yet carefully defends and tenderly takes care 
 of, his own body. The Lord then conducted her as his gift to 
 Adam, that they might be united in marriage for their mutual 
 good; and that he might thus authorize, and give an example 
 for the regulation of, future marriages. Doubtless he made 
 known to Adam, perhaps during his sleep, in what manner the 
 woman had been created from a part of himself, to be his com- 
 panion. The original word translated woman , is the same os 
 is rendered man, excepting the feminine termination: it imports 
 that she was exactly his counterpart, taken from him, united 
 to him, and like him in every thing but sex ; and it expressed 
 nis satisfaction in his Creator’s gift, and his thankful accept- 
 ance of it. 
 
 V. 24. According to the original institution of marriage, 
 the nearest of all relations and the proper source of all the 
 rest, men in every subsequent age would leave the immediate 
 society even of their parents, to lay the foundation of new 
 families; and thenceforth all other relative affections and 
 duties must be regulated, in subordination to the affections 
 and duties of that, new relation. Thus one man and one 
 woman arc so closely united as to become u one flesh :” so 
 that, according to the original institution, nothing can sepa- 
 rate them, but that which dissolves the union of soul and body, 
 and even divides the component, parts of the body from each 
 other. This seems to be the remark of Moses rathor than of 
 ( 20 ) 
 
 fall upon Adam, and he slept ; and he took one of 
 his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 
 
 22 And the rib which the Lord God had taken 
 from man §made lie a woman, and 'brought her 
 unto the man. 
 
 23 And Adam said, This is now ra bone of my 
 bone, “and flesh of my flesh : she shall be called 
 » Woman, because she was taken out of "Man. 
 
 24 Therefore shall a man “leave his father and 
 his mother, and shall ^cleave unto his wife: and 
 ‘i they shall be one flesh. 
 
 25 And they were both r naked, the man and 
 his wife, and were not ashamed. 
 
 13. Eph. 5:30. n 24. II Heb. Isha. 1 Cor. 11:3,9. 9 Heb. Ith. o Ps. 45:10. 
 p IJetil. 4:4. 10:20. Josh. 23:8. Acts 11:23. q Mai. 2:11— 16. Matt. 19:3—9. 
 Mark 10:6— 12. 1 Cor. 6:16,17. 7:2—4. Eph. 5:28— 31. lPel.3:l— 7. r3:7, 
 10 , 11 . 
 
 Adam ; but certainly it was the word of God, speaking by 
 one of them. Neither polygamy nor divorces can accord with 
 this original institution. “In the beginning it was not so; ,, 
 nor would such things have been practised, but for the sinful 
 lusts of men. And equally unscriptural are constrained celi- 
 bacy, and needless restraints upon marriage. The records of 
 former times, and impartial observation on the present, evince 
 that it is not generally “good for man to be alone.” The mu- 
 tual inclination of the sexes for each other, (which, however 
 debased by sin, was originally implanted by the Creator,) when 
 regulated by the law of God, and free from other restraints, 
 becomes the foundation of all the relations of life, the source 
 of the most rational of our earthly comforts, and equally be- 
 neficial to individuals, families, and nations : like a river, which, 
 gliding within its banks, beautifies and enriches the neighbour- 
 ing plains. But when unscriptural restraints are imposed, or 
 when it bursts through the appointed bounds, it diffuses vice, 
 discord, disease, and misery, with horrible rapidity ; like the 
 same river, obstructed in its natural channel, overflowing its 
 banks, inundating and desolating the fields, and converting the 
 neighbouring country into a noxious marsh or fen. — ‘Go among 
 the enemies of the gospel, and you shall see the woman 
 either reduced to abject slavery, or basely flattered for the 
 vilest of purposes: but in Christian families, you see her 
 treated with honour and respect; as a friend, as naturally an 
 equal, a soother of man’s cares, a softener of his grief, and a 
 partner of his joys.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 25. The’human body, the most noble production in the 
 material creation, would not have required concealment, had 
 not sin disgraced the Creator’s work: and probably shame 
 would never have been excited, in the manner in which it lias 
 been ever since, had not the sinful nature been communicated 
 with the propagation of the human species. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. As God himself contemplated his whole work 
 with cordial approbation, and rested in it with entire compla- 
 cency ; it must be great presumption for us to find fault with 
 any part of it. We are indeed capable of perceiving the 
 wisdom and goodness of God, in many of the constituent parts 
 of the vast creation, and of rendering to him the tribute of 
 adoring praise ; but it is most daring pride, to suppose our- 
 selves competent to understand the whole. — The only wise 
 God instituted the Sabbath in Paradise before the entrance 
 of sin; and thus he has shown, not only the advantage, but 
 the absolute necessity, of time set apart for his immediate 
 service, as the world now is ; if we would pay any suitable 
 regard to religion, or to the salvation of our immortal souls. 
 How diligently then should we sinners keep holy the Christian 
 Sabbath ; and take care that our children and domestics have 
 leisure and opportunity, and make use of them, for the same 
 salutary purposes ! But the rest to be observed is not indolent 
 repose. The rest of heaven consists in serving God without 
 weariness and with entire satisfaction; and our sabbaths 
 should be earnests of that blessedness, and a preparation for 
 it. Indeed, God gives every thing to labour , which was needful 
 in innocence and in paradise ; .because true excellence and 
 happiness consist in action, not in inactivity. — The reflection 
 likewise, that our bodies were formed from the dust of tho 
 earth, may tend to repress tho pride of beauty, strength, or 
 agility; to abate our solicitude about them; and to teach us 
 to prepare for the execution of the sentence, “Dust thou art, 
 and unto dust shalt thou return.” 
 
 V. 16 — 25: Additional favours lay us under additional obli- 
 gations to grateful obedience : and as our liberal Benefactor 
 indulges us in all things truly good for us, it is highly reason- 
 able that we should give him credit for his wisdom and kindness, 
 even in restraints and prohibitions, and cheerfully deny our- 
 selves at his requirement. — The covenant of works was holy, 
 and just, and good ; being proposed by a God of perfect holi- 
 ness, justice, and goodness; and acceded to ty Adam, before 
 sin had impaired his powers, perverted his judgment, or de- 
 praved his heart.: yet it is contrary to us y who in Adam, and 
 after his example, have violated the terms of it. We have, 
 therefore, great reason to be thankful for another covenant, 
 established upon better promises, and ratified by the engage- 
 ments of a better Surety. To him let us flee for refuge, and 
 from him alone seek deliverance from shame and pain, from sin 
 and death. And while we receive all worldly ar>d relative com- 
 
B. C. 4004, 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 B. C. 4004, 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Tks woman, tempted by the serpent, eats the forbidden fruit, and induces Adam, 
 to do the same, 1 — 6. Therj are alarmed and ashamed , in vain attempt con- 
 cealment, ami are convicted by God, 7 — 13. Sentence is denounced against 
 them, containing' the gracious promise of a Redeemer, 14—19. They are 
 clothed, but expelled from Eden, 20 — 24. 
 
 N OW “the serpent was more subtle than any 
 beast of the field which the Loud God had 
 made: and he said unto the woman, 'Yea, '’hath 
 God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the 
 garden ? 
 
 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We 
 may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden : 
 
 a 13—15. Is. 27:1. Malt. 10:16. 2Cor. 11:3,14. Rev. 12:9. 20:2. "Heb. Yea, be- 
 cause, Sic. t, Matt. 4:3.6, 9. c 2:IC,17. J20:6. Ex. 19:12,13. 1 Chr. 16:22. Job 
 1:11.2:5. 19:21. 1 Cor. 7:1. 2 Cor. 6:17. Col. 2:21. e 13. Ileul. 29:19. Pa. 10:11. 
 2 Cor. 2:11. f Ex. 20:7. 1 Kings 22:6. Jer. 14:13,14. 28:2,3. El. 13:2—6,22. 
 
 forts from the hand of our reconciled God, and seek his blessing 
 on them, use them according to his appointment, and attend to 
 the duties which they require according to his command ; let us 
 not forget, that a union must Se formed with the Lord Jesus, 
 of which marriage itself is but a type and shadow. (2 Cor. 1 1 : 
 2.) We must be one spirit with him, and cleave to him in 
 simple dependence, cordial attachment, and devoted obedience 
 and submission; even though it should interfere with the 
 comfort of that most endeared relation. Then death, which 
 dissolves all other unions, will complete this to eternal ages. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. III. V. 1. Adam and Eve, perhaps, 
 nad noticed with pleasure and partiality, that the serpent pos- 
 sessed an instinctive sagacity, which more resembled the 
 effects of reason, than that of any other creature did ; and 
 this might suggest to Satan the device of using this animal as 
 lis instrument in temptation. For the serpent appeared to 
 speak, but in reality Satan spake by the serpent ; as, in the 
 days of Christ, the unclean spirits employed the tongues of 
 
 f iossessed persons. Common sense and the whole Scripture 
 ead us to conclude, that the serpent was only the instrument ; 
 Satan the real agent, who is therefore called the serpent, the 
 old dragon, a liar, and a murderer from the beginning. {Note, 
 Rev. 12:7 — 12.) — The word of God reveals to us the world 
 of spirits, holy and unholy, of which otherwise we should have 
 had no certain knowledge. Faith avails itself of this infor- 
 mation ; but unbelief rejects it to the infidel’s irreparable detri- 
 ment : as nothing better answers the purpose of the powers 
 of darkness , than to work in the dark ; and none serve their 
 interests more effectually, than they who deny and endeavour 
 to disprove their existence ; for we never can guard against 
 the attacks of unseen and unsuspected enemies. From the 
 Scriptures we learn, that “ angels sinned, and kept not their 
 first estate and that, being created holy and happy, they by 
 transgression forfeited the favour, and incurrred the displeas- 
 ure, of their Creator, and became unholy and miserable; yea, 
 desperate in the certain expectation ofincreasing and everlast- 
 ing misery. Being, however, still endued with vast capacities, 
 profound sagacity, extensive knowledge, and great power ; 
 and wholly actuated by enmity, malice, envy, pride, ambi- 
 tion, and subtlety ; they maintain determined rebellion against 
 their Maker : and as they are very numerous, they have esta- 
 blished a kingdom in opposition to his kingdom, under the do- 
 minion of the arch-apostat", the Devil or Satan; so that, as 
 far as they are permitted, they are unwearied and insatiable 
 in mischief, aiming at nothing less than reducing the whole 
 creation to a state of rebellion, anarchy, and misery, and ren- 
 dering all creatures as vile and wretched as themselves. — 
 Doubtless, the beauty of the recently created world, the glory 
 of God, and the happiness of man, excited the envy and rage 
 of these evil spirits, and suggested to Satan the malicious de- 
 sign of ruining the whole. For this purpose, he, with dark 
 craftiness, concealed himself in the subtle serpent, and thus 
 made his unsuspected attack on the woman when alone ; per- 
 haps msinuating that by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree, 
 the serpent had acquired the gift of reason and speech : nor 
 can we satisfactorily account for the woman’s entering into 
 conversation with the serpent, and showing no marks, of sur- 
 prise or suspicion, unless we admit a supposition of this kind. 
 Some learned men indeed have conjectured, that this serpent 
 appeared so beautiful and resplendent, that Eve supposed it 
 to be an angel, and listened to it as a heavenly messenger ; 
 and they confirm this opinion by observing, that the fiery 
 serpents are called in the original Seraphim ; (Num. 21:6, 
 8;) as the heavenly worshippers are by Isaiah, {Is. 6:2;) 
 and that the apostle notes, that “ Satan is transformed into 
 an angel of light,” in the same chapter in which he says, “The 
 serpent beguiled Eve by his subtlety.” (2 Cor. 11:3,14.) 
 This supposition, however, makes more excuse for the conduct 
 both of Eve and Adam, than the word of God authorizes ; 
 and certainly we cannot learn it from the narrative. — Nothing 
 can be conceived more artful than Satan’s first address, 
 “ Yea, hath God said?” 4 How is it that God should speak 
 th'-’s? Can it be true, that he has given you appetites, and 
 placed gratifications before you, only to mock you? — You 
 must misunderstand his meaning ; or some envious being has 
 counterfeited his authority; or at least it must be allowed 
 to be a very capricious restraint.’ Such insinuations were 
 artfully couched in this insidious question, and such objections 
 are continually raised by him and his instruments, against 
 
 3 “But of the fruit of the tree which is in the 
 midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not 
 eat of it, neither shall ye ‘'touch it, lest ye die. 
 
 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, c Ye 
 shall not surely die ; 
 
 5 For f God doth know, that in the day ye eat 
 thereof, then g your eyes shall be opened : and ye 
 shall be h as gods, ‘knowing good and evil. 
 
 6 And when the weftnan saw that the tree was 
 good for food ; and that it was pleasant k to the 
 eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise : 
 she took of the fruit thereof, and 1 did eat, and 
 
 2Cor. 11:3,13— 15. g 7. Malt. 6:23. Acts 26:18. h Ex. 5:2. 2 Chr. 32:15. Ps. 
 12:4. Ez. 28:2,9. 29:3. Dan. 4:30. 6:7. Acts 12:22,23. 2 Cor. 4:4. 2 Then. 2:4. 
 Rev. 13:4,14. 122.2:17. f Heb. a desire. Ez. 24:16,21,25. k 6:2. 39:7. Josh. 
 7:21. 2 Sam. 11:2. Job 31:1. Mall. 5:28. 1 John 216. 1 1 Tim. 2:14. 
 
 every restriction in the word of God which calls for self-denial. 
 It is observable, that no notice is taken of the largeness of the 
 grant, but merely of its limitation. 
 
 V . 2, 3. The first mistake of the woman seems to have con- 
 sisted in attempting to answer the ensnaring question proposed 
 to her. She ought net to have listened for a moment to such 
 suggestions ; nor to have entered into a parley with one, 
 whose words directly tended to excite hard thoughts of God, 
 and of his express command. She mentioned the grant of 
 the bountiful Creator, but not in the expressive language in 
 which it had been made ; “ Of every tree in the garden thou 
 mayest freely eat;” and she added to the restriction, “ neither 
 shall ye touch it.” This is, indeed, an excellent precaution ; 
 we should not come within the attractive force of forbidden 
 objects: yet it seems, as here used, to be an intimation of se- 
 verity in the prohibition. The Lord had said, u In the day 
 that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt rarely die but the wn- 
 doubted certainty of the event is here omitted. Indeed it is 
 evident, that the poison began to work ; Eve made too little 
 of the liberal grant of the Creator, stated the prohibition in 
 strong terms of severity, and rather faltered as to the certain 
 and immediate execution of the threatening. 
 
 V. 4, 5. Perceiving his advantage, the tempter grew bolder, 
 and gave a direct contradiction to the divine denunciation ; and, 
 to gain the more credit to his daring assertions, he proc <eded 
 to confirm them by an oath, blasphemously calling on God to 
 attest his horrid falsehoods : or rather, he insinuated that the 
 Lord knew his own threatening would not be executed, at least 
 in the sense in which Adam and Eve had understood it; but 
 that, on the contrary, most abundant advantage would accrue 
 to them from the violation of the Creator’s law : no less than a 
 vast advance in knowledge, and an independent felicity, without 
 subjection to the will, or dread of the displeasure, of any supe- 
 rior. Thus he insinuated, that God forbade this fruit in order 
 to keep them in ignorance, and in a mean state of dependence 
 and subjection. There is likewise an equivocation in the words ; 
 a latent truth, the reverse of their apparent meaning. “Your 
 eyes,” says Satan, “ shall be opened ;” that is, 1 When you 
 have eaten the fruit, you will too late see your own folly. 
 “Ye shall be as gods;” revolted from God, and losing his 
 image and favour, you will ambitiously affect independency ; 
 demand the homage of flattery and praise ; aspire at the pin- 
 nacle of pre-eminence, and grasp at dominion ; act as if you 
 were j r our own lords and avengers ; and thus attempt to 
 usurp the throne of God. By this conduct you will be left to 
 make trial of your ability to contrive^ effect, and secure a 
 happiness to yourselves, as if ye were gods, till you find death 
 and misery seize upon you; 41 knowing good and evil,” by 
 losing the good and experiencing the evil.’ — Of such a para- 
 phrase the words will admit, and such have been the effects of 
 eating the forbidden fruit ; but nothing could be further from 
 Eve’s thoughts than this interpretation. — Thus the assertions 
 of the tempter resembled the ancient heathen oracles, of which, 
 in one way or other, this “ father of lies” was doubtless the 
 author: for these were generally couched in such ambiguous 
 language, as might afterwards be accommodated to the event ; 
 though often in direct opposition to the disappointed expecta- 
 tions of the deluded votaries. — ‘Nothing is more common, 
 than for the most false and pernicious doctrines to be ad- 
 vanced with a boldness which stuns the minds of the simple, 
 and induces a doubt : Surely I must be in the wrong, and 
 they in the right, or they would not be so confident !’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 6. “ The lust of the eye” made way for the “ lust of 
 
 the flesh ;” when the woman looked on the fruit, till she fancied 
 there must be some very extraordinary pleasure in the taste 
 of it. As her ear, formed to receive the truth of God, had just 
 before been opened to admit Satan’s lies ; so now the eye, 
 formed to behold his works, became an inlet to concupiscence. 
 Now first the members became, as they have ever since con- 
 tinued in unconverted men, “instruments of unright eousness 
 unto sin.” (Notes, Rom. 6:12,13,16 — 19.) Eve had no 
 
 testimony except that of Satan concealed in the serpent, that 
 “ it was a tree to be desired to make one wise ;” yet she neither 
 hesitated, nor suspected any delusion; but, at his instance, 
 “ she took of the fruit, and did eat,” without consulting Adam, 
 or allowing herself leisure for consideration ! Thus she listened 
 to the tempter, till, entangled in unbelief, she suspected the 
 divine veracity and goodness, conceived hopes of impunity vu 
 transgression, and expected a vast gratification both of amV*- 
 ( 21 ) 
 
B. C. 40«4, 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 4004 
 
 gave als' unto her husband with her, m and he did 
 
 eat. [ Practical Ohat mat ions."] 
 
 7 And “the eyes of them both were opened, 
 and they "knew that they were naked ;>’and they 
 sewed n^-leaves together, and made themselves 
 ‘aprons. 
 
 8 And ‘'they heard the voice of the Lord God 
 walking in the garden in the f cool of the day : and 
 Adam and his wife r hid tlxfrnselves from the pre- 
 sence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the 
 garden. 
 
 9 And the Lord God called unto Adam, and 
 said unto him, ‘Where art thou ? 
 
 10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the gar- 
 den : ‘and I was afraid, “because I was naked ; and 
 I hid myself. 
 
 11 And he said. Who told thee that thou wast 
 
 m Hos.6:7. marg. Rom. 5:12 — 19. n 5. Deut. 28:34. Luke 16:23. o 10,11.2:25. p Job 
 9:29—31. Is. 28:20. 59:6. ’ Or, things to gild aJj >ul. q 10. Deut. 4:33. 5:25. 
 t Heb. wind. Job. 3S:1. r Job 22:14 . 34:22. 1's. 139:1—12. I’rov. 15:3. Jer. 23: 
 24. Am. 9:2,3. Jon. 1 :3, 9, 10. Heb. 4:13. s4:9. 16:8. Josh. 7:17— 19. Rev. 20:12,13. 
 t Job 23:15. Ps. 119:120. Is. 33:14. 57:11. u 7. 2:25. Ex. 32:25. Is. 47:3. Rev. 3: 
 17,18. 16:15. x 4:10. Ps. 50:21. Rom. 3:20. y2:18,22. Ex. 32:21— 24. 1 Sam. 
 15:20—24. Job 31:33. Prov. 28:13. Luke 10:29. Rom. 10:3. Jam. 1:13— 15. x4: 
 
 tion and of the sensual appetite ; and at length, with confident 
 presumption, she took the forbidden fruit, and ate. In this 
 manner was “ lust at first conceived, then sin brought forth ; 
 and sin being finished, brought forth death.” But Satan’s suc- 
 cess was yet incomplete : for had Adam refused to eat, the 
 woman’s transgression would have remained with herself. It 
 was, indeed, a great point gained to prevail with her whom 
 Adam loved so tenderly, and one who would employ her fasci- 
 nating influence, to prevail on him to follow her example. But 
 whether Adam sinned in presumption, as not seeing death 
 immediately inflicted on Eve ; or in despair, as giving up all 
 for lost ; or as overcome by Eve’s persuasions and reasonings, 
 it does not clearly appear. Yet the apostle intimates, that he 
 ■vas not deceived in the same manner and degree as the 
 ■ ••Oman. (1 Tim. 2:14.) — Considering this offence in all its 
 circumstances, and with all its aggravations, we may term it 
 the prolific parent and grand exemplar of all the transgressions 
 committed ever since. Whatever there hath been in any sin 
 of unbelief, ingratitude, apostacy, rebellion, robbery, contempt, 
 defiance of God, hard thoughts of him, and enmity against him : 
 whatever of idolatry, as comprehending faith in Satan, “ the 
 god’ and “ prince of this world,” worship of him, and obe- 
 ditmce to him ; or of pride, exorbitant self-love, and self-will, 
 in affecting that independency, exaltation, and homage which 
 belong only toGod ; and of an inordinate love to the creatures, 
 in seeking our happiness in the possession and enjoyment of 
 them : whatever discontent, sensual lust, covetousness, mur- 
 der, and mischief, were ever yet contained in any one sin, or 
 in all which have been committed upon earth, the whole were 
 concentrated in this one transaction. Nor have they been 
 wide of the truth, who have laboured to prove, that all the ten 
 commandments, extensively and spiritually expounded, were 
 at once violated ; while, in proportion as the prohibition was 
 reasonable, and the inducements to rebel against it trifling, the 
 offence was the more aggravated.— In this manner sin entered, 
 and Satan triumphed in establishing his usurped authority; 
 “ for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought 
 in bondage.” Thus man apostatized, God was provoked, the 
 Holy Spirit forsook his polluted temple, the unclean spirit took 
 possession, the divine image was defaced, and Satan’s image 
 impressed in its stead: hence the wickedness and the misery 
 of man. A lamentation it is, and should be: yet, “ righteous 
 art thou in all thy judgments, O Lord.” Let not the enemy 
 further prevail against us, we beseech thee, by taking hence 
 occasion to produce in our minds one hard thought of thee, or 
 of thy mysterious judgments ! 
 
 V. 7. Satan’s promise soon began to be accomplished. 
 The eyes of Adam and Eve were opened to see the snare, 
 when they were already caught in it: they saw also misery 
 before them with horror and dismay, and their new discoveries 
 were their torment. Their bodily nakedness had not pre- 
 viously excited the sensation of shame: but being stripped of 
 the robe of innocence, and despoiled of the image of God, tho 
 defence of his protection, and the honour of his presence, they 
 perceived that they were indeed made naked to their shame ; 
 and their outward nakedness appeared an indication of the 
 exposed and shameful condition to which they were reduced. 
 Their vain attempt to cover themselves, by fig-leaves platted 
 together, represents the fruitless pains and worthless expe- 
 dients which men employ to conceal their real character, and 
 hide their sins from each other, and even from themselves. 
 For all men are naturally more ashamed of being detected in 
 sin, than of committing it; and more desirous of keeping up a 
 good opinion of themselves, than of obtaining pardon from 
 God : though they can hide nothing from him, and can neither 
 elude his justice, nor recover his favour, by any of their own 
 contrivances. 
 
 V. 8. Some visible tokens of the Lord’s presonce, perhaps 
 in human form, seem here intimated, of which wo shall here- 
 after find undeniable instances; and which should be consi- 
 dered as anticipations of his incarnation, who is callod “ The 
 ( 22 ) 
 
 naked ? * 1 hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof 1 
 commanded thee, that thou shouldest not eat ? 
 
 12 And the man said, ^The woman whom thou 
 ga vest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and 
 I did eat. 
 
 13 And the Lord God said unto the woman, 
 z What is this that thou hast done? and the wo- 
 man said, “The serpent beguiled me, and I did 
 
 Cat. f Practical Observations. "] 
 
 14 H And the Lord God said unto the serpent, 
 Because thou hast done this b thou art cursed 
 above all cattle, and above every beast of the field : 
 upon thy belly shalt thou go, and c dust shalt thou 
 eat all the days of thy life. 
 
 15 And I will put d enmity between thee and the 
 woman, and between e thy seed and f her Seed : s it 
 shall bruise thy head, and 11 * thou shalt bruise his heel. 
 
 10— 12. 2 Sain. 12:9— 12. a 4— 6. 2 'or. 11:3. 1 Tim. 2:14. b I. 9.6. Ex. 21:28— 
 32. Lev. 20:25. c P». 72:9. 1>. 29:4. 65*5. Mic. 7 17. il Num. 21:6,7. Am. Si 
 3. Mark 16:18. Luke 10:19. Acts 28:3— G. Horn. 3:13. e Matt. 3-7. 12:34. 13: 
 38. 23:33. John 8:44. Acts 13:10. 1 John 3:10. Ils.7:l4. Jer.. 1:22. Mic. 5:3. 
 Matt. 1:23. Lube 1:31 — 35. Gal. 4:4. g Rom. 16:20. Col. 2:15. Heb. 2:14,15. 
 1 John 3:8. Rev. 20:1—3,10. h 49:17. Is. 53:3,4,12. Dan. 9:26. Matt. 4:1— 10. 
 Luke 22:39-44,53. John 12:31— 33. 14:30,31. Heb. 2:18. 5:7. Rev. 2:10.12:9— 
 
 Word of God:” though the word rendered walking may be 
 referred to the voice , and not to the Lord. Some learned 
 men, indeed, explain all these appearances of the Shechina h, 
 or visible glory indicating the divine presence, which at some 
 times shone with mild lustre, at others in terrific majesty. But 
 
 I shall hereafter assign my reasons for thinking, that this 
 hypothesis has its sole foundation in the imaginations of Jew- 
 ish Rabbies, and is totally destitute of scriptural proof, except 
 where express mention is made of visible glory. (Note, 32: 
 30.) 44 The cool of the day” was, probably, one time of Adam 
 
 and Eve’s accustomed worship; when, doubtless, they had 
 been used to welcome the tokens of the divine presence with 
 that kind of exulting joy, with which a dutiful child meets the 
 approbation of an indulgent parent. But now, Conscious guilt 
 inspired terror ; and they desired to flee and hide themselves 
 from God, as no longer their loving Father and bounteous 
 Friend, but their dreaded Enemy, who was about to take 
 vengeance on them. — Where was now the wisdom which they 
 wore to derive from the forbidden fruit? Alas! they could 
 only devise a foolish project of hiding themselves from the all- 
 seeing eye of God, under the shade of a few trees. (M. R.) 
 
 V. 9. Where art thoul ] Words of more terror, perhaps, 
 never sounded ill man’s ears, or will be heard till the day oi 
 judgment! — The command had been peremptory, the threat- 
 ening absolute, the transgression undeniable ; no escape or 
 resistance was practicable ; no mention had been made ol 
 mercy, and probably the offenders had no expectation of for 
 giveness. 
 
 V. 10, 11. Adam did not say, 4 1 saw thy glory,’ but 44 1 
 heard thy voice which implies that he saw nothing to affright 
 him ; but merely that conscious guilt appalled him, on hearing 
 the accustomed tokens of God’s special presence. — Without 
 any humiliation before his offended Lord, or confession of sin, 
 or supplication for mercy, he evasively attempted to account 
 for his flight and concealment. But the true cause was at 
 once detected. It arose from conscious guilt, for he had dared 
 to trangress the righteous command of the Most High. Thus 
 44 every mouth shall be stopped,” and e very excuse silenced, 
 when God shall arise to judgment. — 44 Who told thee that thou 
 wast naked?” Whence could arise this idea? It had before 
 no existence. 
 
 V. 12, 13. Adam could neither deny nor excuse his trans- 
 gression of his Creator’s most express mandate; yet, instead 
 of frankly confessing it, he cast the blame upon the woman; 
 as if he had been allowed to hearken to her, rather than to 
 obey God! Nay, he covertly charged the blame upon tho 
 Lord himself, saying, 44 The woman, whom thou gavest me.” 
 Here we discern the pride, and stoutness of heart, w hich cha- 
 racterize that evil spirit, who had just set up his kingdom in 
 Adam’s heart. The woman likewise discovered the same 
 spirit, in her vain attempt to exculpate herself, by throwing 
 the blame upon the Serpent. 
 
 V. 14, 15. It is probable, that the serpent was previously 
 beautiful and innoxious ; hut it now assumed the reptile form, 
 and became mischievous and hateful. F rom that season, ser- 
 pents have been more shunned, and persecuted unto death, 
 as enemies to the human race, than almost any other animal : 
 by the venomous bite of many of them they have oflen se- 
 verely avenged themselves ; and, by reason of their pronencss 
 on tho earth, they eat their food mingLJ with dust. Thus 
 tho words may imply a visible punishment to lie executed on 
 the serpent, as the instrument in this temptation: hut the 
 curse was in reality directed against t^e invisible tempter: 
 whose abject, degraded condition, and base endeavours to find 
 satisfaction in rendering others wicked and miserable, might 
 bo figuratively intimated, by the serpent’s moving on his belly, 
 and feeding on tho dust. Yet this curse on Satan is expressed 
 in language, which contains the sum of all tho blessings, which 
 a merciful God bestows on sinful man ! It is a prophecy and 
 a promise , which have ever sinco been fulfilling, hut have not 
 yet received their entire accomplishment. It comprises the 
 
B. C. 4004. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 B. C. 4004 
 
 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly mul- 
 tiply thy sorrow and thy conception ; 1 in sorrow 
 shalt thou bring forth children ; and m thy desire 
 shall be 'to thy husband, and he shall "rule over 
 thee. 
 
 17 And unto Adam he said, "Because thou hast 
 hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, I’and hast 
 eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, say- 
 ing, Thou shalt not eat of it : s cursed is the ground 
 for thy sake ; ' in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the 
 days of thy life ; 
 
 13. 13:7. 15:1— 6 . 20:7,8. 1 35:16—18. 1 Sain. 4:19— 21 . Pa. 48:6. la. 13:8. 21: 
 3 . 26:17,18. 63:11. Jer. 4:31. John 16:21. lThea.6:3. lTim.2:15. m 4:7. 
 *Or, subject to thy husband, n 1 Cor. 11 :3. 14:34. Eph. 5:2*2 — 24. 1 Tim. 2:11 
 12. Tit. 2:5. 1 Pci. 3:1—6. o 1 Sam. 15:23,24. Matt. 22:12 . 25:26,27,45. Luke 
 19:22. Rom. 3:19. p 11. 2:16,17. Jer. 7:23,24. q 5:29. Ps. 127:2. Ec. 1:2,3,13, 
 14.2:11,17. Is. 21:5,6. Rom. 8:20-22. r Job 5:6,7. 14:1. Pa. 90:7— 9. Ec. 2: 
 
 whole Gospel, and a prophetical history of the opposition 
 with which it should meet, and the success with which it 
 should be crowned, in all ages and countries to the end of 
 time. — Christ himself is “the Seed of the woman,” as the 
 most illustrious of the human race. Yet all true believers, as 
 one with him, are also included. He is called the Seed of the 
 woman , and not the Seed of Adam , though descended from 
 both ; not only because Satan had prevailed first against the 
 woman, but likewise with an evident prophetical intimation of 
 his miraculous conception and birth of a pure virgin. Mai- 
 monides, an eminent Jewish writer, says, 4 This is one of the 
 passages in Scripture which is most wonderful, and not to be 
 understood according to the letter; but contains great wisdom 
 in it. 5 4 In which words he wrote more truth than he was 
 aware, but was not able 4;o unfold this hidden wisdom, as we 
 Christians, blessed be God, are able to do.’ Bp. Patrick. — 
 The devil, his angels, and wicked men, are the Serpent and 
 his seed: 14 Ye are of your father, the devil, and the works of 
 your father ye will do.” God himself hath put enmity between 
 these two contending parties. The effect of his grace in the 
 heart of true Christians Is enmity , not against the persons of 
 sinners, but against their character, the image of Satan which 
 they bear, and the cause of Satan which they favour ; for 44 that 
 mind is in believers which was in Christ,” 44 who was mani- 
 fested to destroy the works of the devil.” Their character and 
 conduct also, the testimony which they bear against the wick- 
 edness of the world, and the opposition which they make to 
 it, as well as the success which the Lord vouchsafes them, 
 excite the rage, envy, and malice of Satan and his servants ; 
 whose pride th-*.y affront, whose consciences they disturb, 
 whose real characters they detect, and whose iniquity they 
 oppose. (M. R.) Hence Satan and his seed, by open 
 violence and cruel persecutions, by secret machinations and 
 base slanders, by artful temptations and pernicious heresies, 
 fight against the 44 Seed of the woman.” In doing this, they 
 “ bruise his heel.” They once “crucified the Lord of Glory” 
 himself; they have massacred perhaps millions of his disci- 
 ples, and by one means or other are always bringing inward 
 or outward tribulations on them : yet this is no mortal wound, 
 for it does not hinder the final glorification of the whole multi- 
 tude, who thus in succession have 44 Satan bruised under their 
 feet.” — 44 The seed of the woman,” fighting under the Redeem- 
 er’s standard, by the doctrine of truth and the armour of right- 
 eousness, which are united with prayers and patience, hatred 
 of sin, and compassion for sinners, carry on their benevolent 
 war ; and they gain most illustrious victories, when the power 
 of Satan is broken, and his deluded servants are converted 
 unto Christ. But their victories are the fruit of his severe 
 conflict, and glorious triumph over the tempter, especially 
 upon the cross ; where, in human nature, giving himself a 
 -ansom for sinners, he broke the whole force of Satan’s usurp- 
 ed empire : and now, risen from the dead, and having 44 all 
 power in heaven and earth” vested in him, he is continually 
 employed in crushing the Serpent’s head ; yet in measure and 
 order, 44 according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things 
 after the counsel of his own will.” Eph. 1:11. Already, by 
 his apostles and ministers, he hath shaken the very foundations 
 }f Satan’s kingdom, and rescued millions of his wretched 
 captives : but ere long he will even on earth gain a more 
 lecisive victory ; and at last, setting his foot, as it were, on 
 the Serpent’s head, he will entirely crush his interests, deprive 
 aim of all power to do further mischief, and execute condign 
 punishment on all his seed. (Notes, Rev. 19:17—21. 20:1 — 
 3,11 — 15.) — From this short explication we perceive, that the 
 aerson, sufferings, glory, and triumphs of the Redeemer ; the 
 character, tribulations, and felicity of the redeemed ; the tem- 
 porary success and final ruin of all the enemies of Christ and 
 his people ; and indeed almost the whole history of the church, 
 and of the world, through time and to eternity, are compen- 
 iiously delineated in this singular verse ; which stands, and 
 will stand to the end of time, an internal demonstration that 
 uhe Scripture was given by inspiration from God. — Satan’s 
 jause would be ruined by one in a nature inferior to his own ; 
 ay one emphatically called the 44 Seed of the woman,” over 
 whom the tempter had triumphed ; and the victory over the 
 $nemy would be obtained, not only by the Messiah, but by 
 all his servants. (Note, Ex. 8:16,17.) — It is remarkable that 
 nis gracious promise of a Saviour was given unsolicited, and 
 previous to any humiliation on the part of man. (Note, Rom. 
 
 18 'Thorns also and thistles shall it Tring forth 
 to thee : and thou shalt eat ‘the herb of the field 
 
 1 9 In “the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread 
 Hill thou return unto the ground: for oht of i. 
 wast thou taken : for 'dust thou art, ‘and unto dust 
 
 shalt thou return. [Practical Observations . ] 
 
 20 *H And "Adam called his wife’s name ?Eve ; 
 because she was the mother b of all living. 
 
 21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord 
 God "make coats of skins, and clothed them. 
 
 22 And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is 
 
 23,23 . 5:17. John 16:33. a Job 31 :40. Jer. 4:3. 12:13. Matt. 13:7. Heb. 6:8. 
 t Heb. cause to bud. t f‘s. 104:14,15. R om 14:2. u Ec. 1:3. Luke 22:44. Eph. 
 4:28. I Thes. 2:9. 2 Thes. 3:10. x Job lt‘21. Ps. 90:3. 104:29. Ec.5:15. y 2:7 
 18:27. z 23:4. Job 19:26. Ps. 104:29. Ec. 3:20. 12:7. Dan. 12:2. Rom. 5:12— 
 21. 1 Cor. 15:21,22. a 2:20,23 . 5:29. 16:11. 29:32—35 . 35:18. Ex. 2:10. 1 Sam. 
 1:20. Malt. 1:21,23. | Heb. Chavah. b Acts 17:26. c 7. Is. 61:10. Rom. 3:22. 
 
 5:7 — 10.) Without a revelation of mercy, inspiring hope of 
 forgiveness, the convinced sinner would be hardened in despair: 
 this intimation therefore formed that encouragement to hope, 
 which was followed by true repentance and true religion, (as 
 it is generally supposed,) in fallen Adam and Eve: and 
 though the revelation was at first obscure, it became brighter 
 and brighter, like the increasing light of the morning, till 44 the 
 Sun of righteousness arose with healing in his wings.” 
 
 V. 16. The woman was first in the transgression, and had 
 tempted Adam, as the serpent had tempted her; she there- 
 fore next received her sentence, respecting the sufferings to 
 which she and her daughters would be subjected. It cannot 
 be supposed, that pain or sorrow would have been connected 
 with pregnancy, or child-bearing, had not sin been committed : 
 but now, the Lord threatened to multiply the woman’s sorrows, 
 even those of her conception ; so that, in a world of suffering, 
 the pains and sufferings of the female sex are thus greatly 
 multiplied indeed, almost beyond expression. — It might there- 
 fore have been expected, that on this account woman would 
 generally prefer the single state, and thus prevent the increase 
 of the human species: but God (according to the probable 
 meaning of the expression as used in this connexion, (Note y 
 4:6,7.) hath so ordered it, that marriage is notwithstanding 
 generally chosen even by the suffering sex. — The authority of 
 the husband, when exercised uniformly with wisdom and 
 tenderness, would have increased mutual felicity: but, by the 
 entrance of sin, it is often converted into unreasonable and 
 unfeeling despotism, and becomes an additional source of 
 misery to vast numbers of unhappy females : and they too are 
 equally prone to neglect the duties of their station, which 
 occasions a still further increase of misery and distraction. — 
 To prevent or mitigate these evils, submission in things lawful 
 is here commanded, notwithstanding this change in the con* 
 duct of the husband, which seems also to be predicted. — 4 It 
 is well, that enmity was not put between the man and woman, 
 in the manner that it is betwixt her seed and that of the 
 serpent.’ Henry. 
 
 V. 17 — 19. The plea, by which Adam tried to extenuate 
 his. crime, was adduced as the reason of his punishment.: 
 instead of hearkening to the voice of God, he had hearkened 
 to the voice of Eve, whom he was appointed to counsel and 
 command, not to obey. Yet the Lord did not denounce a 
 curse on him and his seed, having before given intimations of 
 rich blessings intended for them : but 44 he cursed the ground 
 for his sake ;” that as he had transgressed in eating the for- 
 bidden fruit, so he might be chastised in the labour and sorrow 
 connected with his future sustenance. In consequence of this 
 curse, useless and noxious weeds and plants spring up spon- 
 taneously, and both grow and multiply with immense rapidity. 
 These must be eradicated, the soil prepared, and much labour 
 bestowed, before the precious fruits of the earth can be 
 obtained: hence incessant fatigue, pain, and penury are the 
 lot of the bulk of mankind ; which would not have been the 
 case, had not sin occasioned it. And at last, the herb of the 
 field, the ordinary productions of the earth, were substituted 
 for the delicious fruits of Eden, as a sharp rebuke for man’s 
 coveting and eating the forbidden fruit. The weight of this 
 part of the sentence falls chiefly on the man, to whom it is 
 addressed, as that of the former on the woman. Nor was any 
 respite or termination of this labour and sorrow to be expected, 
 till death should consign the body to the earth again, to mingle 
 with its original dust. — As we feel that this sentence, in every 
 part, is in full force against the whole human species ; it is 
 absurd to deny that we were all joined in th'e covenant with 
 Adam, our common representative. (Marg. Ref. q — z.) 
 But as the sentence upon the Serpent, couched, under its 
 outward meaning, the threatening of vengeance on the invisible 
 tempter, so- the death denounced against the body, which is 
 but 44 the instrument of unrighteousness,” comprehends alt*> 
 the awful punishment prepared for the soul, the deviser ol 
 every sin, and the real agent in committing it. This is evinced 
 by the sinful propensities of the human race, compared with 
 the threatenings of 44 the wrath of God against every soul o! 
 man, that doeth evil.” Our very nature is fallen under the 
 curse for Adam’s sake, and produces only sinful desires, 
 words, and actions, unless renewed by divine grace : for in 
 the very day in which Adam sinned, he died, he became 
 spiritually dead, the Holy Spirit having left his soul : and all 
 capacity of delighting in the holy service and spiritual worship 
 
 ( 23 ) 
 
B. C. 4004. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 4003. 
 
 become d as one of us, to know good and evil : and 
 now lest he put forth his hand and take also of the 
 'tree'of life, and f eaL and live for ever; 
 
 23 Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from 
 the garden of Eden, to still the ground from 
 whence he was taken. 
 
 24 So he drove out the man : and he placed at 
 the h east of the garden of Eden ‘Cherubims, and 
 11 a flaming sword which turned every way, ‘to 
 keep the way of the tree of life. 
 
 2 Cor. 5:21. .15. 1:26. 11:6,7. Is. 10:12. 47:12,13. e2:9. Pro*. 3:18. Rev. 2:7. 
 22:2. fPs. 22:26. John 6:48— 58. g 2:5. 4:2,12. 9:20. Ec. 5:6. Ii 2:8. i Ex. 
 25:22. 1 Sum. 4:4. 1 Kings 6:25—35. Ps. 80:1. 99:1. Ez. 10:2, Sic. k Num. 22: 
 23. Josh. 5:13. 1 Chr. 21:16. 1 John 14:6. Heb. 10:18—22. 
 
 of God, is extinct in every descendant of Adam, till “the 
 Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” restores divine life, by regene- 
 ration. Indeed, the apostle directly opposes the death which 
 came by Adam, to the life which comes by Christ: and there- 
 fore, if the one is eternal, so is the other. (Rom. 5:12—19.) 
 Thus all are concluded under sin and wrath, and none but 
 Jesus, the Mediator of a new covenant, can deliver ns. And 
 thus He, “ the second Adam, the Lord from heaven,” as our 
 Surety, was under subjection, and made a curse for us, laboured 
 through his sorrowful life, sweat blood in the garden, endured 
 the travail of his soul ; and at length expired on the cross, and 
 was laid in the grave, that he might bear every part of the 
 sentence deserved by man’s sin, and so finally save the whole 
 multitude of his believing people. 
 
 V. 20. Adam thankfully accepted the reprieve compre- 
 nended in the sentence, and looked forward to the increase of 
 the human species with submissive satisfaction, notwithstand- 
 ing its attendant miseries ; because he by faith embraced the 
 
 C romise of that future “ Seed of the woman, which should 
 ruise the Serpent’s head.” And he called his wife Eve, which 
 signifies Life, or Living ; not only as she Was to be the mother 
 of the whole human race, but also of him especially who is the 
 Author and Source of life eternal to all believers. 
 
 V. 21. Coats of skins.| Some conclude from this circum- 
 stance, that a considerable time had elapsed between the 
 creation and the fall, and that the animals had already begun 
 to increase, or none could have been spared to be slain: but 
 this is mere conjecture ; as are all other opinions on the sub- 
 
 i ect, in which it has not pleased God to gratify our curiosity. 
 
 t is extremely probable that some beasts, sacrificed by divine 
 appointment, furnished the skins with which Adam and Eve 
 were clothed : for, as they certainly had never slain any ani- 
 mals before the fall, and as we have no reason to suppose that 
 liny had died of themselves, it is hard to conceive in what other 
 way these skins could be procured. — Innocent animals, slain 
 in sacrifice, furnishing garments to fallen Adam and Eve, 
 would very aptly typify the promised Seed, who suffered for 
 our sms, that we might stand accepted before God in his 
 righteousness : and the circumstance of the Lord God making 
 these coats of skins, and clothing them, not only intimates the 
 kind instruction and assistance which he afforded them, in 
 accommodating themselves to their present situation ■ but re- 
 presents to us, that the Saviour and salvation are of his pro- 
 viding; and that faith, which receives and puts on Christ, is 
 his gift, and must be sought and received from him. 
 
 V. 22 — 24. The expression, “become as one of us,” em- 
 hatically denotes the plurality of persons in the Deity. ( Note, 
 :26.) — -The Lord was pleased to point out, in language, ex- 
 ressive both of pity and indignation, the sad change which 
 ad taken place, by thus alluding to the ambitious desire and 
 vain expectation of being as gods, which had been excited in 
 Adam and Eve, and to their woful disappointment. As they 
 had forfeited the blessing of immortality , it was very proper 
 that they should be deprived of the sacramental pledge of it. 
 But this by no means proves, that the fruit of the tree of life 
 had any inherent efficacy of conferring immortality : it rather 
 reflected upon their folly, who had been deluded to believe 
 that the fruit of the tree of knowledge could of itself make 
 them wise ! — After this expulsion from Eden, some angelic 
 guards, with a visible appearance, and the similitude of a 
 flaming sword, forbad all entrance into it, or access to the tree 
 of life. This indicated, that, according to the covenant sealed 
 by the tree of life, the favour of God and eternal happiness 
 were for ever unattainable by fallen man. ( Murg . Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — G. In deducing practical instruction from this im- 
 portant part of Scripture, the only difficulty lies in selection ; 
 for every part of revealed religion is virtually comprised in it. 
 —The subject calls upon us to lament and mourn ; not so 
 much for these primitive transgressors, as for ourselves, our chil- 
 dren, and the whole human race, thus involved in one common 
 ruin ; but at the same time it reminds us to rejoice in God our 
 Saviour, from whom come everlasting righteousness and felicity. 
 It behoves us, however, “ to rejoice with trembling,” lest we 
 be found among those who neglect this great salvation, through 
 the deceitfulness of our hearts, and the snares of the world ; 
 and, above all, through the subtlety of our watchful, unwea- 
 ried, and malicious enemies, the powers of darkness, and the 
 agents ill whom they lie concealed, who are still envious of 
 our happiness, and covertly plotting our destruction. For, 
 though the several steps be not always so discernible, there is 
 
 ( 24 ) 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Cain and Abel are born, 1.2. Abel's offering is accepted , anti Cain's rejected, 
 3—7. Cain inurders Aoel ; is cpnvicted, condemned , and banished : nis eub* 
 sequent behaviour , 8 — 17. His descendants to Lamech , the fifth, in descent 
 from him ; with some particulars of Lamech and his children . 18 — 24. Seth 
 is Aorn.25, 26. 
 
 A ND Adam knew Eve his wife : and she con- 
 ceived, and bare Cain, and said, “I have got- 
 ten a man from the Lord. 
 
 2 And she again bare his brother ‘Abei. b An<J 
 Abel was + a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a Hil- 
 ler of the ground. 
 
 a 25. 5:29. 1 John 3:12. • Heb. Hebe!, b 30:29—31. 46:32—34. 47:3. Ex.3:l. 
 Ps. 78:70— 72. Am. 7:15. t Heb. /eater, c 3:23. 9:20. 
 
 the same concurrence and succession in all temptations, by 
 which we are overcome, as there were in the case of Eve \ 
 and it contains a picture in miniature of all Satan’s devices 
 and victories in every age. Still he insinuates hard thoughts 
 of God and his commandments ; flatters men with hopes of 
 impunity, in direct contradiction to the sacred oracles ; en- 
 hances to the imagination the pleasure or advantage of sinful 
 indulgence ; pays court to pride and the sensual appetite: he 
 still entangles men in error, seduces them into unbelief, hurries 
 them on with precipitation, and prevails with them to u trust 
 in their own hearts,” and “ lean to their own understandings,” 
 till he has effected his destructive purposes. Whenever there- 
 fore our pride is flattered, or discontent, ambition, affectation 
 of independence, covetousness, or sensual lust is excited ; 
 when we are ready to promise ourselves impunity in sin, or 
 advantage from it ; when hard thoughts of God and his com- 
 mandments ; doubts about his veracity and faithfulness, or low 
 apprehensions of the value of his favour and of spiritual blessings 
 are suggested ; and when w’e are urged forward in self-confi- 
 dence, not brooking opposition, and not taking time for prayer 
 and consulting pious and prudent friends ; then we may be sure 
 the old Serpent is tempting us ; then especially we are called 
 to “ watch and pray and our only safety consists in speedy 
 flight, or vigorous resistance, being “steadfast in the faith.” — 
 We have also in Satan’s conduct the first example of perjury, 
 and a specimen of its horrible consequences : and perjurers 
 would do well to contemplate, as in a glass, their own cha- 
 racter, and learn whose children they are, and whose simili- 
 tude they bear. — We should, however, not only be upon our 
 guard against avowed enemies, or wicked people : we must 
 also reject every temptation to unbelief or disobedience, though 
 sent by the hands of the most lovely or beloved object on 
 earth ; recognizing the concealed tempter, and with indigna- 
 tion answering, “ Get thee behind me, Saian ; for it is writ 
 ten,” &c. (Note, Matt. 16:21 — 23.) for he still seduces us 
 by those who possess our warmest affections ; and he has in 
 all ages employed men and women as tempters to each other, 
 with immense success. — Transgressors can v seldom be con- 
 tented to sin alone ; but they endeavour to draw others to imi- 
 tate their own misconduct. Indeed, should our own senses or 
 understandings seem to testify, that forbidden objects are good 
 and desirable, we must reject that testimony, if we wouid be 
 safe and happy. Nor let it be forgotten, that the desire of 
 knowledge is as liable to exorbitancy, as the sensual appetites ; 
 and when not restricted by the word of God, it degenerates 
 into bold curiosity, skepticism, and infidelity. 
 
 V. 7 — 13. “ The wisdom of this world is foolishness with 
 God.” “ The knowledge which puffeth up,” induces men to 
 “ profess themselves wise, till they become fools and either 
 to say, “ There is no God,” or to speak and act as if there 
 were none, or as if he were “ altogether such an one as them- 
 selves.” — The triumphs of successful wickedness ai^; short, 
 and often terminate in shame and anguish ; and agreement in 
 sin commonly produces bitter recriminations, and often impla- 
 cable enmities. — When God shall “judge the *vorld in right- 
 eousness,” a summons even more dreadful than that which 
 called forth our affrighted progenitors, will constrain every 
 impenitent sinner’s attendance at his awful tribunal. Then 
 “ every mouth shall be stopped, and all the world will become 
 guilty before God and whatever excuse shall be attempted, 
 it will not only be silenced, but turned into an argument against 
 the criminal, and an aggravation of his guilt and condcmna- 
 tion. — In the meanwhile, it is very useful for us frequently to 
 propose to ourselves this question, “ Where art thou ?” In a 
 state of safety and peace ? or in the broad road to destruction ? 
 In the path of duty, or in some devious course ? — But alas’ 
 Adam’s posterity have ever shown a prevalent disposition to 
 copy his example, not only in transgression, but also in makinp 
 such excuses as ultimately throw the blame upon God him 
 self. Self-justification forms a prominent feature in the hu- 
 man character, discernible from tender infancy to hoary hairs, 
 not only among the moral and virtuous, but even down to the 
 murderer, the thief, and the prostitute ! To this there is no 
 exception. — It is indeed artfully concealed in some ; suppressed 
 in others by that proficiency in vice, which, glorying m what 
 is shameful, like Satan attempts no excuse ; and subdued in 
 others by the grace of the gospel, and the humbling influ- 
 ences of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 V. 14 — 19. We should accustom ourselves to consider al 
 the sorrows and troubles of life, however varied, and by wh»^ 
 ever second causes brought upon us, as pari of «ho sentence ot 
 
B. C. 387o. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. , B. C. 387o 
 
 3 And 'in process of time it came to pass, that 
 Cain brought of ‘'the fruit of the ground an otier- 
 ing unto the Lord. 
 
 4 And Abel, he also brought of c the firstlings 
 of his 'flock, and of the fat thereof. And the 
 Lord r had respect unto Abel, and to hfs ofler- 
 ing : 
 
 5 But sunto Cain and to his offering he had not 
 respect. And. Cain was very '“wroth, and his 
 countenance fell. 
 
 6 And the Lord said unto Cain, “Why art thou 
 wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 
 
 •Heb. at the end of doyt . I Kings 17:7. Nell. 13:6. jnarg. d Lev. 2:1 — 11. Num. 
 IS: 12 . e Ex. 13:12 Num. 18:17. Prov. 3.9. Heb. 9:22. 1 I et. 1:19,20. Rev. 
 13:8. t Heb. vhrep or gone, f 15:17. Lev. 9:24. Num. 16:35. Judg. 6:21. 
 1 Kings 18:24,38. 1 Chr. 21:26. 2 t hr. 7:1. Ps. 20:3. ma>g. g Num. 16:15. 
 Heb. 11:4. h 31:2,5. Job 5:2. Luke 15:2S— 30. Acts 1L45. i 1 Chr. 13:11 — 13. 
 Is. 1:18. Jer. 2:5,31. Jon. 4:1— 4,8— 11. Mic.6:3— 5. Matt. 20:15. Luke 15:31,32. 
 
 a righteous Judge pronounced against our sinful race. (Notes, 
 Ps. 90:3 — 11.) Even death itself should not .be spoken oi 
 
 as the debt of nature , but as the execution of the law of God 
 upon a criminal. 44 So teach us, O Lord, to number our 
 days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” — On the 
 other hand, all our comforts are undeserved mercies ; and this 
 should teach us, not only patience and contentment, but lively 
 gratitude ; especially as they are connected with the promise 
 of a Saviour, and the hope of eternal life. Even the troubles 
 to which we are here exposed, death itself not excepted, as 
 things are now circumstanced, are of a salutary tendency, if 
 duly prepared for: and the wearisome labour to which man, as 
 a criminal, is sentenced, and against which all the slothful of 
 every rank continually rebel, prevents far greater evils than it 
 occasions. — This transaction, at tirst sight, makes it manifest 
 that we are capable of ruining, but not of saving ourselves ; 
 and that the contrivance and proposal of salvation go before, 
 not only our deservings and endeavours, but, even ou desires 
 and expectations. Had not therefore the Judge of men been 
 previously revealed as the Saviour of sinners, we must all have 
 stood self-convicted and trembling before him, to hear the aw- 
 ful sentence of everlasting condemnation, without the possibi- 
 lity of escape. 
 
 Y. 20 — 24. Notwithstanding the light of revelation, and 
 the hope of eternal life, the world, ever since the fall, has 
 been full of darkness, sin, and misery : what then would it 
 have been, had the Lord finally withdrawn from his apostate 
 creatures ? And if temporal suffering causes such doleful 
 lamentations, what will be 44 the second death,” 44 the wrath 
 to come ?” The believer, however, is taught to consider the 
 former as fatherly chastisements, tokens of love, 44 light 
 afflictions, and but for a moment and is enabled to submit 
 to them, and to death itself, with cheerfulness, in the hope of 
 everlasting glory : but the latter is reserved as the portion of 
 the enemies of God. Hoping in the merits of Christ, and the 
 blood of the everlasting covenant of which he is the faithful 
 Surety, let us prostrate ourselves before God, in humiliation 
 for sin, and gratitude for salvation ; let us labour and suffer pa- 
 tiently, manfully resist temptation, and obey his commands 
 with cheerfulness: not only expecting that 44 he will bruise 
 Satan under our feet shortly ;” but that he will in due time 
 crush the Serpent’s head completely, and fill the earth with 
 truth and righteousness. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IV. V. 1, 2. The word translated 
 gotten , means acquired or possessed , and generally implies a 
 high valuation of the acquisition ; it is thus used in two remark- 
 able texts: Deut. 32:6. Prov. 8:22. Heb. Probably there- 
 fore Eve concluded that this was the promised Seed ; and in- 
 deed some think the words may be rendered, 44 1 have ac- 
 quired a Man, even Jehovah.” If so, the subsequent events 
 must have been a most distressing disappointment. On the 
 other hand the name given to Abel (which signifies Vanity ) 
 seems to imply, that far inferior expectations were formed 
 respecting him. And if Cain was early taught to consider 
 himself as entitled by his birthright to the special favour and 
 blessing of God, it might greatly tend to nourish in him that 
 proud, malignant, and envious spirit, which produced the fatal 
 consequences recorded in this chapter. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. This early use of sacrifices confirms the suppo- 
 sition, that the appointment of them formed a part of the gra- 
 cious revelation, made to Adam after his transgression. — It is 
 indeed exceedingly difficult, in any other way, to account for 
 Che use of altars and sacrifices, in appeasing the anger of the 
 offended Deity ; which has prevailed almost in all ages and 
 nations, and which does not appear to have its origin from 
 any deductions of human reason. But if God commanded 
 Adam, after the fall, to shed the blood of innocent animals, and 
 to consume part or the whole of their bodies by fire ; repre- 
 senting the punishment merited by sin, in death and after 
 death, and prefiguring the sufferings of Christ; then the whole 
 ‘vs natural : the original tradition was remembered, and the 
 ^Method of expiation practised, long after the meaning of it 
 was obscured or forgotten.— The apostle informs us that, 
 44 by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice 
 ban Cain.” (Note, Heb. 11:4.) Now Cain evidently had 
 some kind of faith in God, his Creator and providential Bene- 
 factor ; and he brought an offering as an outward acknow- 
 ledgment of his obligations and expression of his gratitude : 
 Vol. I.— 4 
 
 7 If k thou doest well, shalt thou not 'be accept- 
 ed ? and if thou doest not well, 'sin lieth at the 
 door. And $unto thee shall be his desire, and 
 
 thou shalt rule over him. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 8 And Cain “"talked with Abel his brother : and 
 it came to pass when they were in the field, that 
 "Cain rose up against Abel his brother, and sfew 
 him. 
 
 9 H And the Lord said unto Cain, "Where is 
 Abel thy brother ? And he said, i’I know not : Jim 
 
 1 my brother’s keeper ? 
 
 10 And he said, ‘•What hast thou done? the 
 
 k Ec. 8:12,13. Is. 5:10,11. Acts 10:35. Rom. 2:7 — 10 J Or, h<eoe the excellent 
 cy. 18 — 18. Rom. 7:8,9. Jam. 1:15,. § Or. subject unto thee. 3:16. more. a 
 
 2 Sam. 3:27. 13:26— 28. 20:9,10. Neli.^.7. Ps. 55:21. Prov. 26:24— 26. Luke 22: 
 40. n 2 Sam. 14:6. Matt. 23:36. Luke 11:51. 1 John 3: 12 -15. Jude 11. o3:9— 
 11. p 37:32. Job 22:13,14. Ps. 10:13,14. John 8:14. Acts 5:4— 9. q 3:13. Josh. 
 7:19. Ps. 50:21. 
 
 but he did not believe in the promised Saviour, nor come as a 
 sinner to supplicate mercy through him ; and therefore he did 
 not bring the sacrifices which prefigured the atonement. Thus 
 he manifested an impenitent and unbelieving heart, and virtu- 
 ally cleaved to the violated covenant of works ; and therefore 
 he and his offering were rejected. But Abel came in faith, 
 as a sinner, according to the appointment of God ; his 
 offering was presented insincerity, a - nd was expressive of hu- 
 mility and believing obedience : and, as he sought the mercy of 
 the new covenant, through the promised Seed, he was gra- 
 ciously accepted ; and his sacrifice was distinguished by some 
 manifest token of divine approbation. Probably it was con- 
 sumed by fire from heaven ; which intimated, that deserved 
 vengeance, consuming the sacrifice, made way for the exer- 
 cise of every mercy to the offender. (Marg. Ref. f.) — In all 
 ages there have been two such descriptions of worshippers ; 
 namely, proud despisersof salvation by faith in the blood of 
 Christ, who have attempted to please God by their own de- 
 vices ; and humble believers, who have found acceptance in 
 his appointed way, and patiently endured the envy, hatred, 
 and persecution to which this exposed them. Cain, however, 
 instead of humbly inquiring the cause of his dejection, in- 
 dulged desponding grief, and malignant resentment against 
 Abel, and even rebellion and enmity against God himself ; 
 which tormenting passions were, (as they were wont to be,) 
 strongly marked on his sullen, downcast countenance. 
 
 V. 6, 7. Though Cain manifested a most rebellious spirit, 
 yet the Lord condescended to expos! ulate with him, and 
 showed that he had no cause of dissatisfaction; that the hy- 
 pocrisy of his heart, and the unwarranted method of his ap- 
 proach, had indeed deservedly excluded him from his gracious 
 approbation ; but that, if he came in another temper, and in 
 the prescribed way, he too would he accepted. He further 
 warned him, that 44 sin lay at the door,” ready to burst in upon 
 him ; for impenitence and the indulgence of malignan' passions 
 would open the way to the commission of greater crimes 
 which would expose him to still deeper condemnation : or the 
 guilt of his unpar^oned, because unexpiated, crimes lay at 
 the door ready to .seize on him, as a lion on his prey. Neither 
 had Cain any cause for discontent or resentment ; seeing Abel 
 still loved him, and was ready to obey him, as his elder bro- 
 ther, even as he had before done. — It is not said in what way 
 the Lord spake to Cain ; but it is probable, that it was by 
 some mild and familiar appearance in human form, as in many 
 subsequent instances it was undeniably the case : for had it 
 been with a display of terrific glory, as some suppose, it can 
 hardly be conceived, that he would have dared to answer as 
 he afterwards did. 
 
 V. 8. Cain concealed his murderous hatred under the mask 
 of cordial affection, and entered into familiar converse with 
 his brother ; till he had drawn him into a place of privacy, 
 where he took the opportunity of slaying him. 
 
 V. The Lord soon called the murderer to account for 
 his conduct, (as he had formerly done Adam and Eve ;) in- 
 quiring of him, 44 Where his brother Abel was ?” and his an- 
 swer accorded to the idea before suggested of his pride and 
 unbelief. He denied that he knew where Abel was, as if he 
 could conceal his crime from God himself; and Re instantly 
 demanded, whether he was his brother’s keeper ! — I know not 
 whether we are to consider this as a denial of the omniscience 
 of God, as a rejection of his author’ y, or as a def ince of his 
 omnipotence ; but it plainly shows that sin had hardened 
 Cain’s heart and blinded his understanding. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Thus God called upon Cain to reflect on the 
 horrid nature and aggravated circumstances of his crime, and 
 the vengeance due to him, in order to awaken his remorse and 
 alarm his fears. — Undeserved hatred and proud revenge pro- 
 ducing premeditated murder, while men were comparatively 
 few in number, and probably none had yet died ; the murder 
 of a brother, in cruel disregard to their common parents, for 
 no other cause than the excellency of his character, and the 
 envy excited by the favour which God had shown him ; a ma- 
 lignant hatred of holiness, daring contempt of the Lord him- 
 self, and determined enmity to him ; were united in this one 
 crime. (Note, I John 3:11,12.) — The justice and holiness 
 of the great Governor of the universe, render ii so proper for 
 him to punish offenders, that they who suffer flagrant wrong, 
 are often spoken of in Scripture, as loudly calling upon him 
 ( 25 ) 
 
B. C. 887*5. 
 
 GENESIS. B. C. 8769 
 
 voice of thy brother’s 'blood r crieth unto me 
 from the ground. 
 
 11 And now art thou “cursed from the earth, 
 whicli hath ‘opened her mouth to receive thy 
 brother’s blood from thy hand. 
 
 12 When thou tillest the ground, “it shall not 
 henceforth yield unto thee her strength. “A fu- 
 gitive and a vagabond shalt thou be on the earth. 
 
 13 And Cain said unto the Lord, ‘My *pu- 
 nishment is greater than I can bear. 
 
 14 Behold, thou hast ‘driven me out this day 
 from the face of the earth : and “from thy face 
 shall I be hid, and I shall be a fugitive and a va- 
 gabond in the earth, and it shall come to pass, 
 b that every one that findefli me shall slay me. 
 
 15 And the Lord said unto him, “Therefore 
 whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken 
 on him d seven-fold. And the Lord set “a mark 
 upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him. 
 
 16 11 And Cain f went out from the presence of 
 the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the 
 east of Eden. 
 
 17 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived 
 and bare ‘Enoch : rand hebuildeda city, and call- 
 ed l, the name of the city after the name of his son 
 Enoch. 
 
 18 And unto Enoch was born Irad: and Irad 
 
 ■ Heb. Hoods, r 18:20. Ex. 3:7. Job 31:33,39. Ps. 9:12. Is. 5:7. Heb. 12:24. 
 Jam. 5:4. Kev. 6:10. s3:14. De.u.27-24. 28:15—20. 29:19- 21. Gal. 3:10. 
 t ob 16:18. 31:38 — 40. Is. 26:21. Rev. 12:18. u 3:17,13. l.ev. 20:20. Deni. 28: 
 23,24. x 14. Lev. 26:36. lieu:. 28:65,66. Ps. 109:10. Jer.20:3,4. Hos. 9:17. t Or, 
 Mine iniquity is greater than, that it may be forgiven, y Rev. lb:9,ll,21. 
 z Prov. 14 32.' Is. 8:22. Hos. 13:3. a 16. Job 21: 14', 15. Pb. 51 : 11— 14. 143:7. 
 Malt. 25:41,46. 2 Tl.es. 1:9. b 15. 9:5,6. Num. 17:12,13. 35:9,21. 2Sam. 14: 
 7. els. 59;11. d 24. Lev. 26:18,21,24,23. Ps. 79:12. e Ez. 9:4,6. Rev. 14:9, 
 11. f 14. 3:8. Ex. 20:24. 2 Kings 13:23. Job 1:12. 2:7. 20:17. Jon. 1:3,10. Matt. 
 
 to execute vengeance on their injurers. And, as he witnesses 
 the secret crimes which elude human justice ; so those crimes 
 themselves are represented, as demanding the punishment of 
 the offenders from the Judge of all, “to whom vengeance 
 belongs.” Thus Abel’s blood called, as with a loud voice, to 
 the Lord to punish the murderer : and Cain’s enormous 
 crime exposed him to so awful and deserved a curse, that the 
 very elements were ready to rise up in arms against him, as 
 the Creator’s instruments of vengeance ; and the earth would 
 withhold her wonted increase, because he had forced her to 
 drink the blood of righteous Abel. — There is peculiar majesty 
 and energy in thus personifying the inanimate creatures, and 
 representing them as uniting against Cain. — In consequence 
 of his crime, he would also be dreaded and detested, and the 
 sight of him would become hateful even to his parents, Adam 
 and Eve ; so that he would be compelled to leave their society, 
 and to wander as a vagabond in distant parts, filled with an- 
 guish and made a terror to himself. (Srevuv sat Tpzywv. 
 Groaning and trembling . Sept.) 
 
 Cursed from the earthy &c. (11.) Or, “ more cursed than 
 
 the ground,” &c. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. Either Cain proudly complained of the severity 
 with which he was to be punished ; or, as the words more 
 naturally signify, he stated that his crime was too great to he 
 pardoned. Thus he still manifested an unhumbled, impeni- 
 tent, unbelieving heart. He considered himself as an outlaw, 
 about to be left destitute of God’s providential protection, and 
 driven to a distance from his worshippers and ordinances, to 
 spend his days in groans ana terrors , till some person should 
 meet with him and kill him. ‘Behold here a finished picture 
 of impenitent misery ; what a contrast to the fifty-first Psalm !’ 
 Fuller. — But the Lord determined that Cain should live, a 
 monument and evidence of his abhorrence of murder; so that 
 he would severely punish any one who should slay him. — It is 
 m vain to inquire about the mark set upon Cain : il was doubt- 
 less an indelible brand of infamy, which would make him known 
 to all who saw him. — Adam and Eve had very many more 
 children than are mentioned in this brief narrative ; wnich was 
 principally intended to record a few important particulars, and 
 to trace the history, from the beginning to the time of Moses. 
 And if, as it is generally thought, Abel was murdered but a 
 short time before the birth of Seth ; the human race might be ex- 
 ceedingly increased in the space of a hundred and thirty years. 
 
 V. 1(5, 17. Cain seems entirely to have left the ordinances 
 of God, the society of his worshippers, and the places espe- 
 cially favoured with the tokens of his presence. This might 
 be at first by compulsion, in consequence of the curse de- 
 nounced on him ; but, continuing impenitent, he probably 
 soon became ODenly irreligious, or perhaps an idolater. • Nod 
 signifies a vagabond, or wanderer : the land of the vagabonds. 
 The wife of Cain is the first woman mentioned in this history, 
 Eve only excepted. The sons and daughters of Adam and 
 Eve must have intermarried. It is probable that Cain had 
 been married, and had children, long before these events ; and 
 that his descendants principally helped him to build a city, 
 and formed the majority of its inhabitants. — Thus he attempt- 
 ed to divert his mind from serious reflections and remorse of 
 ' 26 ) 
 
 begat Mehujael: and Mehujael begat Methusaet : 
 and Methusael begat ^Lamech. 
 
 19 And Lamecli took unto him ‘two wives : the 
 name of the one was Adah, and the name of the 
 other Zillah. 
 
 20 And Adah bare Jabal : he was Hhe father of 
 such as ‘dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle. 
 
 21 And his brother’s name was Jubal : he was 
 the father of all such as handle ‘"the harp and or- 
 gan. 
 
 22 And Zillah, she also bare Tuhal-cain, an 
 ninstructer of every artificer in “brass and iron : 
 and the sister of Tuhal-cain was Naamah. 
 
 23 1i And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah 
 and Zillah, "Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, 
 hearken unto my speech : for "I have slain a man 
 to my wounding, and a young man "to my 
 hurt. 
 
 24 If Cain shall be avenged seven-fold, truly 
 Lamech ^seventy and seven-fold. 
 
 25 H And Adam knew his wife again^ and she 
 bare a son, ‘‘and called his name-t‘Seth : For r God, 
 said she. .hath appointed me another seed in- [ in- 
 stead of Abel, whom Cain slew. 
 
 26 And to Seth, “to him also there was horn a 
 son ; and lie called his name “Enos : then began 
 men to §foall upon the name of the Lord. 
 
 18:20. Luke 13:26. { Heb. C/ia7ioch. s 11:4. Ec. 2:4— 11. Dan. 4:30. Luke 17: 
 28 29. h 2Sam. 18:18. Ps. 49:11. § Heb. Ltmeck. i 2:24. Matl. 19:4— 5,8. 
 
 k 21. 1 Chr.2:50— 52. 4:4,5. Rom. 4:11,12. 12. 25:27. Jer. 35:6,10. Heb. 11:9. 
 
 in 31:27. Job. 21:12. Is. 5:12. Am. 6:5. I! Heb. whciur. n Ex. 25:3. Num. 81:22. 
 Deut. 8:9. 33:25. 2 Chr. 2:7. o Num. 23:18. Judg. 9:7. H Or, I would slay a man 
 inmy wound, &c. ** Or , inmy hurt, p 15. Malt. 18:22. q 5:3,4. IChr. 1:1. Luka 
 3:38. ttHeb. Sk>th. rl — 3,3,10,11. s 5:6 — 8. J + lleb. i^nos'i . §§ Or, call them- 
 selves by the name of the LORD. Dent. 26:17,18. Is. 44:5. 48*1 . 63:19. Jer. 33: 
 16. 7,eph. 3:9. Acta 11:26. Eph. 3:14,15. 
 
 conscience ; or to attach to himself adherents, and to get a 
 name in one way, as he had forfeited his reputation in another. 
 
 V. 18 — 22. The sacred historian cursorily mentions a few 
 of Cain’s descendants ; but not in that particular manner, in 
 which he afterwards gives a genealogy of the line of Seth to 
 Noah. — Lamech is the first on record, who deviated from the 
 original institution of marriage, by taking more than one wife: 
 and this did not occur till the earth was considerably replen- 
 ished with inhabitants. Some of his sons became remark- 
 able, as the inventors of useful and ingenious arts : but no 
 intimation is given that any of them were pious persons. 
 ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 Brass and iron.] This early use of metals, seems to im- 
 ply, that some instructions in this respect had been given to 
 Adam from God. 
 
 V. 23, 24. Lamech appears to have been either suspi- 
 cious of his wives, or desirous of obviating their apprehensions 
 for his safety. It seems plain that lie was conscious of having 
 many enemies, whose resentment he had provoked by injuries 
 of one kind or other : whether therefore he spake affirmatively , 
 and acknowledged that he had killed a man, though not his 
 own brother ; or interrogatively , “ Have I killed a man to my 
 hurt ?” he evidently drew a comparison betwixt himself and 
 his ancestor Cain, and flattered himself that lie was much less 
 criminal : while he seems to have abused the patience of God 
 in sparing Cain, into an encouragement to himself to expect 
 impunity in sin, and to defy the vengeance of his adversaries. 
 
 V. 25. Perhaps Eve had some intimation, that this son 
 was to be the progenitor of the promised Seed. The mention 
 of Abel, in this connexion, was an indication of her piety, as 
 valuing pious Abel above all her children. 
 
 V. 2(5. To call upon , &c.] Or, “ to call themselves by 
 the name of the Lord (Marg.) that is, some persons, by 
 an open protession of true religion, began to protest against 
 the prevailing impiety and wickedness of the world around 
 them; to separate from the society of idolaters and irreligious 
 persons ; and to call on the Lord as his worshippers. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. The promises of God will surely be accom- 
 plished ; but the appointed season must be waited for, and 
 hasty expectations often end in hitter disappointments. An 
 instance of worship accepted by our holy God, from any of 
 our fallen race, should be a joyful and welcome sight to sin- 
 ners ; but his acceptance can only be obtained, in the way of 
 his appointment ; and unbelief, pride, and hypocrisy, are as 
 ruinous as open ungodliness. — When we fail of success in our 
 undertakings, or comfort in religious exercises, instead of 
 yielding to discontent and envy, we should diligently search 
 out and remove the sinful cause; for thus we may afterwards 
 succeed: hut if we “give place to the devil,” by harbouring 
 envy and resentment, we know not whither wo may be hur- 
 ried. — What fatal effects do wc here behold of Adam’s trans- 
 gression ! What can we discern in Cain of the divine image ? 
 Was ho “very good?” On the contrary, do not pride, an- 
 ger, envy, lies, malice, murder, enmity aga... fl God, and final 
 apostacy, the very image of Satan, mark his whole charac- 
 ter? for as divine truth, embraced in faith, is the appointed 
 
B C. 2S64, 
 
 CHAPTER V, 
 
 J3. C. 2582. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 A repeated account of Adam's creation , 1. 2. The birth of Seth, 3. The age 
 and death of Adam, 4, 5 ; Seth. 6 — 8 ; Enos, 9 — 11 ; Cainan , 12—14 ; Malta- 
 laleel, 15 — \l ; and Jared, 18 — 20. Enoch walks with Clod, and is translated , 
 21—24. The age and death of Methuselah, 25—27 ; and of Lamech, 28—31. 
 An account of Noah, and his sons, 32. 
 
 T HIS is the “book of the generations of Adam : 
 in the day that God created man, b in the like- 
 ness of God made he him : 
 
 2 Male and female created he them ; and bless- 
 ed them, and called 'their name Adam, in the 
 day when they were created. 
 
 3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, 
 and begat a son d in his own likeness, after his 
 image ; and 'called his name Seth. 
 
 4 And f the days of Adam after he had begot- 
 ten Seth, were eight hundred years : and ®he begat 
 sons and daughters : 
 
 5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine 
 hundred and thirty years : ''and he died. 
 
 ] 6 And Seth lived an hundred and five 
 
 years, and begat Enos : 
 
 7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hun- 
 d red and seven years, and begat sons and daughters-: 
 ^ ;] 8 And all the days of Seth were nine hun- 
 
 dred and twelve years : and he died. 
 
 InS;] 9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat 
 ’Cainan : 
 
 10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight 
 hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and 
 daughters : 
 
 2 S 6 i'. ] 1 1 And all the days of Enos were nine hun- 
 
 ared and five years: and he died. 
 
 12 And Cainan lived seventy years, andr^S 
 
 begat Mahajaleel. L 
 
 13 And Cainan lived after lie begat Mahalalee 
 eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons an j 
 daughters : 
 
 14 And all the days of Cainan were nine[®-^ 
 hundred and ten years : and he died. 
 
 15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five[°^j; 
 years, and begat Jared : 
 
 16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat f Jarei- 
 eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons 
 and daughters : 
 
 17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight 
 hundred ninety and five years: and he 
 died. 
 
 18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and[^ 8 §_ > 
 two years, and he begat ‘Enoch. 
 
 19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight 
 hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. 
 
 20 And all the days of Jared were nine[^; 
 hundred sixty and two years : and he died. 
 
 [Practical Obsematiom .3 
 
 21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, c- 
 and begat Methuselah. 
 
 22 And Enoch k walked with God after he begat 
 Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons 
 and daughters. 
 
 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hun- 
 dred sixty and five years. 
 
 24 And Enoch walked with God, and he vtas 
 not : 'for God took him. 
 
 a 2:4. Malt. 1:1. Luke 3:36— 38. b 1 :2S, 27. Eph. 4:24. Col. 3:10. c2:15. marg. 
 Acts 17:26. d Job 14:4. 15:14—16. 25:4. is. 51:5. Luke 1:35. John 3:6. Rom. 5: 
 12. Eph. 2:3. e 4:25. fl Chr. 1 : 1—3. Luke 3:37,38. g 7,10,13,19,22,26,30. 1: 
 28. 9:7. h 3:19. Heb. 9:27. • Heb. Kenan, f Heb. Jered. i 4:17. 1 Uhr. 1:3. 
 
 means of our recovering “from glory to glory,” the image of 
 God ; so Satan’s lies, when believed, produce his diabolical 
 nature in the soul. 
 
 V. 8 — 26. What varied anguish must have tortured the 
 hearts of our first parents at the events here recorded ! But, 
 “ Abel being dead, yet speaketh not only proclaiming the 
 heinousness of murder, and warning us resolutely to suppress 
 the first emotions of wrath ; but also teaching us, that the be- 
 liever’s happiness is not in this world ; that persecution must 
 be expected by the righteous, and that there is a future state, 
 and an eternal recompense to be enjoyed by them, through 
 faith in Christ and his atoning sacrifice. — When “Cain, who 
 was of that wicked one, slew his brother, because his own 
 works were evil, and his brother’s righteous ;” then, in con- 
 sequence of the enmity put betwixt the Seed of the woman 
 and the seed of the serpent, the war broke out, which, in one 
 way or another, hath been waged ever since : and Cain may 
 be considered as the father, the patron, and the archetype of 
 proud infidels, Pharisees, formal worshippers, and bloody per- 
 secutors, of every age and nation, from the beginning to the 
 end of the world. In this war we are all concerned : for our 
 Captain hath declared, “ He that is not with me, is against 
 me.” Under his banners therefore let us enlist, and not be 
 fearful and unbelieving, but take up our cross and follow him; 
 and let us earnestly and decidedly, yet meekly, support the 
 cause of truth and righteousness against Satan and his ser- 
 vants : and should we meet with persecution even unto death, 
 he will certainly give us the crown of everlasting life. (Rev. 
 3:21.) These are “the better things,” which the blood of 
 Jesus speaketh, than did that of Abel, who was a type of 
 him, bo'h in the righteousness of his life, and in the manner 
 of his death : but Abel’s blood called for vengeance on him 
 who shed it; while the blood of Christ pleads, before the 
 throne, for pardon and peace, grace and glory, to those whose 
 sins procured his death. — But what will it avail the sinner, 
 to deny or excuse his crimes? to impeach or blaspheme the 
 justice of his Maker? or impiously to spend the space of his 
 long-suffering in worldly projects, or in making himself emi- 
 nent among his fellow-creatures, or terrible to them ? For 
 “ the wrath of God abideth on him this will poison all his 
 enjoyments ; and heaven, earth, and hell, will speedily com- 
 bine, as it were, in effecting his everlasting destruction. In- 
 deed, worldly employments often help men to forget their dan- 
 ger and misery: and, as the first city, that is mentioned in 
 history, was built by Cain, and his posterity were the invent- 
 ors of many useful arts ; so ungodly men still frequently excel 
 in natural ingenuity and skill, those who attend to “ the one 
 thing needful ;” who, however, “ choose the good part, which 
 shall never be taken from them.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1, 2. This chapter is a brief 
 history of the posterity of Adam, in that line from which all 
 the human race since the flood is decended : and of them 
 alone ; for the immense numbers, which sprang from the other 
 branches of the families, in each generation, are ban ly men- 
 tioned. The former chapters seem also referred to- as the 
 authentic records of the original of the world, and ol the hu- 
 
 Hen-icA. Luke 3:37. k6:9. 17:1.24:40 . 48:15. Lev. 26:12. Deut. 13:4. Ps. 116] 
 9. Caul. 1:4. Am. 3:3. Mic. 4:5. 6:8. Mai. 2:6. Luke 1:6. Acts 9:31. 2 Cor. 
 6:16. Col. 1:10. 1 The«. 2:12. 1 John 1:7. 1 2 Kings 2:11. Heb. 11:5,6. Judo 
 14,15. 
 
 man race. — A dam was the name not only of the first man, 
 but also of the species : it is supposed to have been derived 
 from the red colour of the earth, out of which his body was 
 formed. 
 
 Y. 3. The distinction between Adam “c eatedin the like- 
 ness of God,” and Seth begotten in the likeness of Adam af- 
 ter the fall, is very remarkable. — It is generally allowed that 
 Adam and Eve were personally pardoned, and recovered 
 to holiness : but Adam was no longer the representative of 
 his posterity, as he was when he transgres ed the covenant; 
 thus he communicated to them that nature which he had as a 
 sinner, not the new nature which he had as a belieyer. — Seth 
 also seems to have been a godly person ; not as begotten by 
 Adam, but as “born of the Spirit ;” and this seems to have 
 been netted in respect of him, lest Cain’s wickedness should 
 be ascribed to other causes, and Abel’s righteousness to the 
 goodness of his natural disposition, and not to the grace of 
 God. But indeed the character and conduct of all Seth’s 
 posterity, (Christ alone excepted,) plainly testify what that 
 image was in which he was begotten. 
 
 V. 4 — 20. The Greek translation of the Bible, called the 
 Septuagint, varies from our version, (which was made from 
 the Hebrew,) both in this genealogy, and in that which follows. 
 ( 11:10 — 26.) In particular, by the addition of a hundred years 
 to the age of Adam, and of six of these Patriarchs, before their 
 sons here mentioned were born, and deducting them from the 
 subsequent part of their lives, making the sum total the same. 
 Thus the space between the creation and the deluge is made 
 seven hundred years more than in our account : and by a 
 similar addition, with other variations, the space between the 
 deluge and the birth of Abraham, is made almost nine hundred 
 years more. But the original Hebrew is best entitled to our 
 confidence: and the difference may be ascribed to some mis- 
 takes in the numeral letters ; or rather, perhaps, to a vanity 
 in the translators, which has been common in many nations, 
 of ascribing a very remote antiquity to the commencement of 
 their history. — The individuals here mentioned might not be 
 the first-born, as Seth was not. the eldest son of Adam ; but 
 the genealogy was continued through them, not only from 
 Adam to Noah, but afterwards even to Christ, “the second 
 Adam, the Lord from heaven.” 
 
 V. 21 — 24. “Walking with God,” is a figurative descrip- 
 tion of the intimate communion, which subsists between a 
 merciful God and true believers. “Can two walk together 
 except they be agreed ?” Amos 3:3. Without coincidence 
 in sentiment, judgment, and disposition, there can be no cordial 
 union nor harmony. But man is naturally propense to those 
 things which God abhors and forbids, and averse from those 
 which he loves and commands. Man’s understanding isdark- 
 ened, his judgment perverted, his affections depraved, and his 
 taste vitiated by sin ; so that, in almost ever}' thing, his views, 
 his choice, his desires, and pursuits, arc the reverse of those 
 which the Scripture requires. Thus he is induced to walk 
 contrary to God, to contract guilt, and merit condemnation. 
 A sinner’s walk with God, therefore, commences with the 
 change of his judgment and disposition by divine grace. Thei> 
 ( 27 ) 
 
B C. 2348. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 244a 
 
 25 And Methuselah li ved an hundred eighty 
 and seven years, and begat ‘Lantech. 
 
 26 And Methuselah lived after he begat La- 
 mecli seven hundred eighty and two years, and 
 begat sons and daughters. 
 
 27 And all the days of Methuselah were 
 nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he 
 died. 
 
 28 And Lantech lived an hundred eighty and 
 two years, and begat a son. 
 
 29 And m he called his name Noah, saying, This 
 same shall comfort us, concerning our work and 
 toil of our hands, "because of the ground which 
 the LoRD 'hath cursed. 
 
 30 And Lantech lived after he begat Noah five 
 hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and 
 daughters. 
 
 * Heb. Lemech. 4:18. Jiiarg. m 5:8. 7:23. 9:24. Is. 54:9. Ez. 14:14,20. Matt. 
 24:37. Luke 3:36. 17:26,27. Noe. Heb. 11:7. I Pet. 3:20. 2 Pet. 2:5. n 3:17,19. 
 4:12. o6:10. 7:13. 9:18.19,22— 27. 10:1,32. 1 Chr. 1:4—28. Luke 3:36. 
 a 1:28. b4:26. Ex. 4:22,23. Dent. 14:1. Ps. 82:6,7. Is. 63:16. Mai. 2.11. John 
 
 he begins to repent of his sins, to despise the world in com- 
 parison of the favour of God, to “ hunger and thirst after 
 righteousness,” to seek forgiveness and acceptance in the way 
 of God’s appointment, and to devote himself to his love and 
 service, and the pursuit of holiness. Having been thus recon- 
 ciled to God, he walks with him by habitual repentance, and 
 u faith in our Lord Jesus Christ in a realizing regard to the 
 presence of God in his whole conduct.; a daily dependence on 
 the promise, providence, and grace of God, for all things 
 needful for soul and body ; and a continual attention to his 
 word, that from thence he may learn his truth and will, and 
 derive the peace and comfort of his salvation ; by pouring out 
 his heart before the Lord in fervent prayer and grateful praise ; 
 by a believing, reverential, and delightful attendance on all 
 the ordinances of his worship, and an open profession of his 
 faith and love ; by a conscientious obedience to all his com- 
 mandments, without regarding the praise or censure of men ; 
 by submission to his providential appointments ; and finally, 
 by attention to every relative obligation, a careful improve- 
 ment of every talent, a circumspect conversation, and endea- 
 vouring to “ adorn the doctrine ofGod our Saviour in all things,” 
 and to recommend religion to all around him. — The Lord, on 
 his part, answers the expectations of those who walk with 
 him. He supplies their wants, interposes in their emergencies, 
 and evidences his care of them : he meets them in his ordinan- 
 ces, teaches them from his word, answers their prayers, accepts 
 their services : he communicates by his Spirit, wisdom, strength, 
 and consolation to their souls, and is indeed their Guide, 
 Companion, and Counsellor through life: and at length he 
 meets them at death, and takes them into u his presence, 
 Avhere is fulness of joy.” Thus ends the walk of faith ; for 
 thenceforth they walk by sight, and see him as he is ; being 
 for ever with him, and like him in holiness and felicity. — Rut 
 14 Enoch was translated, that he should not see death.” Heb. 
 11:5,6. In the prime of life, according to those times, he was 
 taken from earth to heaven, in the body, without feeling the 
 pangs of death, “ having received this testimony, that he 
 pleased God” Therefore u he was not” on earth: neither his 
 friends nor his persecutors could find him. He was a preacher 
 of righteousness ; and, if we may judge by the specimen left 
 on record, ( Jude 14,15,) his^ plain and alarming address could 
 not fail greatly to enrage the daring sinners, among whom he 
 lived. But God effectually rescued him from their malice, 
 testified his approbation of his conduct, and gave a convincing 
 proof of the existence of the invisible world, and of the future 
 state of recompense. ‘It is possible also that the translation 
 of this holy man might be conferred, in order to show what 
 should have been common to all, had man persisted in his 
 obedience: a translation from the earthly to the heavenly 
 paradise.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 29. Noah signifies rest, or refreshing . — Perhaps La- 
 raech had respect to the promise, (3:15,) and might hope he 
 had obtained the promised Seed: but it is more likely that he 
 spake by the Spirit of prophecy, which revealed to him that 
 Noah would be an extraordinary person ; and not only a great 
 comfort to his parents and relatives amidst their toils and 
 sorrows, hut. likewise a great blessing to mankind ; with special 
 reference to the preservation of the human species with him 
 in the ark, which typified the salvation of sinners by Jesus 
 Christ. He was also thus marked out as the progenitor of the 
 promised Seed. — It is generally thought that Noah greatly ; 
 improved the art of husbandry, and so lessened the labour 
 before required in cultivating the earth. (9:20.) 
 
 V. 32. Note, 10:1. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 20. This chapter contains nearly all the history 
 
 that God hath pleased to transmit to us, of the antediluvian 
 world which subsisted for the space of 1656 years. Consider- 
 ing how long men lived and had children before the flood, we 
 may well suppose that the earth was filled with inhabitants ; 
 and conjecture, with apparent probability, that there were 
 many flourishing kingdoms, many revolutions in states, many 
 mighty achievements and renowned characters, which are all 
 
 l 28 ) 
 
 31 And all the days of Lamech were seven 
 hundred seventy and seven years: and 
 
 died. 
 
 32 And Noah was five hundred years old.Tj-,^- 
 and Noah begat "Shem, Ham, and Ja- 
 pheth. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The nort hip pern of God intermar > y with the ung >dly ; wickedness rapidly in- 
 creases ; and the Lord in anger determine s to des roy the eat th, 1 — 7. Noah 
 is accepted by God ; warn'd of an approaching deluge ; and instructed to 
 prepare an ark , 8 — 21. He implicitly obeys, 22. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when men began a to muL 
 -CA- tiply on the face of the earth, and daughters 
 were horn unto them, 
 
 2 That "the sons of God saw the daughters of 
 men, c that they were fair ; d and they took them 
 wives of all which they chose. 
 
 3 And the Lord said, c My spirit shall not 
 
 8:41,42. Rom. 9:7,8. 2 Cor. 6:18. c35. 39:6,7 . 2f»ra. 11:2. Job 31:1. lJohni: 
 16. <124:3. 27:46. Ex. 34:16. Dent. 7:3,4. Jnth. 23:12,13. Ezra 9:1,2.12. Neh. 
 13:24- 27. Mai. 2:15. I Cor. 7:39. 2 Cor. 6:14— 16. eNurn. 11:17. Nch. 9:30. 
 Is. 63:10. Acts 7:51. 1 Tins. 5:18,20. 1 1 el. 3:18— 20. Jude 14,15. 
 
 now buried in oblivion : while nothing is recorded but what 
 relates to the holy seed, among whom true religion was. main- 
 tained, and who doubtless were despised and hated in their 
 generation. In the judgment of God, the saints are the only 
 excellent and eminent persons, and true religion the grand 
 concern on earth ; compared with which, all things else are 
 scarcely worth mentioning. — The power of God alone, “in 
 whom we live, and move, and have our being,” could preserve 
 the curious fabric of the human body for the few years now 
 allotted to us ; and the same power would suffice to preserve 
 it to the age of Methuselah, or for ever. Man lives as long 
 as his Creator pleases, and no longer ; which should warn us 
 not to provoke him, but to be prepared for and expecting our 
 summons. Nor have we any cause to regret the shortness of 
 our present lives: Abel and Enoch, the two most favoured 
 characters before the flood, were removed at an earlier period 
 than any others whose history is recorded. Were the world 
 less miserable, it could be no loss to die and go to heaven : nor 
 can it ever be gain to live and treasure up wrath by sin : and 
 as the long lives of the antediluvians might encourage procras- 
 tination and increase presumption ; so the shortness of our 
 days may warn us without delay, to hearken to the voice of 
 God in the gospel. 
 
 V. 21 — 32. Man, in his best estate, is altogether vanity. — 
 He is born, raises up a family, and dies. These are his me- 
 moirs : all else is a cipher, or a blot, except he walks with 
 God. — The page of history records the splendid actions of the 
 great and illustrious : the report of the day proclaims the 
 wealth which some have accumulated and left behind, and of 
 which they are gone to render an account : the monuments of 
 the dead are often inscribed with pompous titles and flattering 
 commendations : — hut may it, with truth , be engraven on my 
 tomb-stone, or whispered in the obscurest corner, “He walked 
 with God, and was not, for God took him!” and so far from 
 envying their distinctions, not even Enoch’s privilege shall be 
 anxiously desired ; but, as one expresses it, 
 
 ‘ i’ll hail the sharpest pangs of death, 
 
 Which break my way to God.’ Doddridge. 
 
 We may also observe that they, who begin young to walk with 
 God, may expect to walk with him long, comfortably, and use- 
 fully : and the true Christian’s perseverance in holiness, through 
 many a year, till God takes him, will best evince and illustrate 
 that doctrine, which many oppose, and others pervert. — But 
 walking with God requires no monkish celibacy and solitude: 
 it well consists with the cares and comforts, and much consists 
 in the conscientious performance of the duties of social and 
 relative life. — As, however, we need better comforters under 
 our toil and sorrow than the dearest relations and most pro- 
 mising offspring, may we seek and find the comforts of faith 
 in Christ, and of joy in the Holy Ghost ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1,2. The spiritual worship- 
 pers of God are his children ; and this honourable title is some- 
 times conferred on all who profess the true religion. These 
 seem to have kept themselves for a long time distinct from 
 such as were openly irreligious, or idolatrous; the former 
 uniting with Seth’s descendants, the latter with Cain’s. But 
 at length, when the human race had greatly increased, and 
 numbers of very beautiful women were observed among the 
 irreligious or idolatrous party ; the worshippers of God were 
 induced by unworthy motives, unreservedly to contract idm- 
 riages with them, which made way for a rapid increase of 
 wickedness, and an almost universal apostacy. ( Marg. Ref) 
 These women are called “ the daughters of men,” or rather of 
 Adam ; as inheriting his fallen nature, and imitating his sin, 
 but not his repentance. 
 
 V. 3. The Spirit of God strove with men, by inspiring 
 Enoch, Noah, and perhaps others, to preach to them ; as hear- 
 ing with them, and waiting to bo gracious, notwithstanding 
 their rebellions; and as exciting convictions in their con- 
 sciences. But the Lord on this occasion declared, probably 
 by Noah, that his Spirit should not thus strive with them per- 
 petually ; hut that, provoked by their obstinate resistance, not 
 only to the warning of his prophets, but oven to tha u hcii 
 
B. C. 2468. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. B. C. 2468. 
 
 always strive with man. for that he also is f flesh : 
 yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. 
 
 4 There were sgiants in the earth in those days ; 
 and also after that, when the sons of God came in 
 unto the daughters of men, and they bare children 
 to them ; the same became mighty men, which 
 were of old, h men of renown. 
 
 5 And ’God saw that the wickedness of man 
 was great in the earth, and that ‘every k imagina- 
 tion of the 'thoughts of his heart was only evil 
 'continually. 
 
 6 And it ‘"repented the Loro that he had made 
 man on the earth, and "it grieved him at his heart. 
 
 7 And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom 
 1 have created, from the face of the earth, tboth 
 man and beast, and the creeping thing, and the 
 fowls of the air : for it repentetn me that I have 
 
 made them. [Practical Observation 
 
 8 But Noah “found grace in the eyes of the 
 Lord. 
 
 9 These are ‘the generations of Noah : Noah 
 was a ajust man and ^perfect in his generations, 
 and r Noah walked with God. 
 
 10 And Noah begat three sons, 6 Shem, Ham, 
 and Japheth. 
 
 r John 3:6. Rom. 8:1— 13. Gal. 6:16—21. g Num. 13:33. Deut. 2:20,21. 3:11. 
 1 Sara. 17:4. 2 Sam. 21:15— 21. h 11:4. Num. 16:2. i 13:13. 18:20,21. Ps. 14:1 
 —4. Rom. 1-28 — 31.3:10 — 19. * Heb. the whole imagination, with the pur- 
 
 poses and desires of the heart, k 3:21. Job 15:16. Ec. 7:29. 9:3. Jer. 17:9. 
 Mark 7:21 — 23. Eph.. 2:1 — 3. Tit. 3:3. 1 Jer. 4:14. t Heb. ev ery day. m Num. 
 23:19. Deut. 32:36. 1 Sam. 15:11,29. 2 Sam. 24: 16. Ps. 106:45. 110:4. Jer. 18:8 
 —10. Hoe. 11:8. Jon. 3:10. Mai. 3:6. Rom. 11:29. Heb. 6:17,18. Jam. 1:17. 
 n Deut. 5:29. 32:29. Ps. 78:4 '. 81:13. 95:10. Is. 48:18. Luke 19:41,42. Eph. 4: 
 30. J Heb. from man unto beast, o 19:19. Ex. 33:12 — 17. Prov. 3:4. 8:35. 
 12:2. Jer. 31:2. Luke 1:30. Acts 7:46. 2 Tim. 1:18. p 2-4. 5:1. q Job 12:4. 
 
 own consciences, he would finally leave them to be hardened 
 in sin, and ripened for destruction. This he determined on, 
 because “ man was flesh not only frail and feeble, but car- 
 nal and depraved ; having prostituted the noble powers of his 
 rational soul, and every higher consideration, to make provi- 
 sion for the gratification of his corrupt inclinations. And 
 now, by the defection of those who had been distinguished as 
 u the sons of God,” this was become almost the universal 
 character of the human race ; so that man was become alto- 
 gether incapable of answering the great end of his creation. 
 Yet the Lord was pleased to declare, that he would wait a 
 hundred and twenty years, before he executed his purposed 
 vengeance ; that men might have space to repent, and to use 
 proper methods of averting his terrible indignation. 
 
 V. 4. Giants. 1 These giants perhaps were men of great 
 stature and strength, but more certainly men of enormous 
 wickedness. And the children, which sprang from the inter- 
 marriages above mentioned, were of the same character. 
 Thus they became, in those ancient times, w mighty men, — 
 men of renown,” as heroes, conquerors, and chieftains : but 
 they were apostates from God, and cruel destroyers and op- 
 pressors of mankind. 
 
 The Hebrew word (D'Ssjn), rendered giants . appears to 
 be derived from a root which signifies to fall (?£:) : either, 
 Men who had fallen from God ; or Men, who by force and 
 power caused others to fall, that is, cast them down. 
 
 V. 5. The words of this verse are peculiarly expressive : 
 — “God saw that the wickedness of man was great on the 
 earth.” He who could not mistake, or form a false estimate, 
 saw that man’s wickedness was great, open, daring, and 
 atrocious; and that among all men, throughout the earth. 
 Yet he saw the heart still worse. “ Every imagination of 
 the thoughts of the heart were only evil continually :” that is, 
 the workings of the fancy, the contrivances of the under- 
 standing, the purposes, desires, and affections of the whole 
 soul, were every one of them evil, only evil, without any in- 
 termixture of good ; only evil, every day, continually , with- 
 out interruption or cessation ! 
 
 V. 6, 7. It repented — it grieved.] Such expressions as 
 these are made use of by the Holy Spirit, in a gracious con- 
 descension to our apprehensions; and to accommodate 
 heavenly things, as far as their nature will admit of it, to the 
 similitude of earthly things : just as we speak to children in 
 their language, and in accommodation to their capacities, that 
 we may the better convey our meaning to their minds. — Me- 
 taphysical truth is too refined and subtile for mankind in 
 general, and only fitted for the amusement of speculative 
 men : but the Scriptures were written to make even the pooj 
 and illiterate wise unto salvation. To speak to them of the 
 cause, from its sensible and visible effects, more readily in- 
 forms and more deeply interests them : while other passages 
 sufficiently guard the sober inquirer from misapprehension. — 
 Should an artist, after bestowing much pains, and manifesting 
 great skill about some curious piece of mechanism, dash it 
 to pieces; we should conclude from this effect , that he repent- 
 ed having made it. Or should a parent, after conferring great 
 favours on his child, be provoked by his misconduct finally to 
 disinherit him ; we should thence infer, that he was “ grieved 
 at his heart’ that he bad bestowed so much upon him. Thus 
 
 1 1 The earth also was corrupt before God ; and 
 the earth was ‘filled with violence. 
 
 12 And God “looked i^on the earth, and be 
 hold, it was corrupt : for \all flesh had corrupted 
 his wav upon the earth. 
 
 13 v And God said unto Noah, ^The end of all 
 flesh is come before me ; for the earth is filled with 
 violence through them : and behold, I will destroy 
 them ii with z the earth. 
 
 14 "Make thee an ark of gopher-wood : "rooms 
 Shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt h pitch it 
 within and without with pitch. 
 
 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt 
 make it of: the length of the ark shall be three 
 hundred “cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and 
 the height of it thirty cubits. 
 
 16 A d window shalt thou make to the ark, and 
 in a cubit shalt thou finish it above : and “the 
 door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof: 
 ! with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou 
 make it. 
 
 17 And sbehold, I, even I, do h bring a flood of 
 waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh, where- 
 in is 'the breath of life, from under , heaven ; and 
 every thing that is in the earth k shall die. , 
 
 Prov. 4:18. Ec. 7:20. Hab. 2. 4. Luke 2:25. 23:50. Acts 10:22. fial. 3:11. Heb. 
 11:7. § Or, upright. 2Chr. 15:17. 25:2. Job 1:1.8. 1 s. 37:37. Luke 1:6. Phil. 
 3:9—15. r See on 5:22. s 5:32. t Is . 60:18. Ez. 8:17. 28: 16. Hos. 4:1,2. Hab. 
 2:8,17. u 8. Job 33:27. Ps. 33:13,14 . 53:2. Prov. 15:3. ii. 7:1,21. 9:12,16,17. 
 Luke 3:6. y Jer. 51:13. Ez. 7:2 — 6. Amos 8:2. 1 Pet. 4:7. |j Or, from the earth. 
 7:23. z Jei> 4:23— 23. 2 Pet. 3:6,7,10— 12. a Matt. 24:38. Luke 17:27. 1 Pet. 
 3:20. Tl Heb. n-sts. b Ex. 2:3. c 7:20. Deut. 3:11. d8:6. 2 Sam. 6:16. 
 
 2 Kings 9:30.* e 7:16. Luke 13:25. f Ez. 41 :16. 42:3. g 9:9. Ex. 14:17. Lev. 
 26:28. Deut. 32:39. Is. 51:12. Ez. 5:8. 6:3. 34:11,20. IIos. 5:1-4. h7:4,17,23. 
 Ps. 29:10. 93:3,4. Amos 9:6. i 2:7. 7:15. k Rom. 5:12—14,21. 6:23. 8:20—22. 
 
 the Creator, having formed the earth, and men upon it ; having 
 displayed his wisdom, power, and goodness in his works, and 
 in the riches which he had conferred on man, in whom espe« 
 cially his glory had shone ; after the earth was filled with 
 inhabitants, was provoked by their wickedness to destroy 
 them all with a flood. This was an effect which seemed to 
 flow from his repenting that he had made man, and to indi- 
 cate that he was “ grieved at his heart.” — It is, indeed impos- 
 sible that God should really be sorry, or repent of any thing 
 that he has said or done ; or really wish he had never said or 
 done it: but his change of conduct was such as in men 
 springs from these causes ; and the expression most emphati- 
 cally denotes extreme abhorrence of the crimes of men, and 
 of their desperate depravity. 
 
 V. 8, 9. Noah is the first person who is called righteous , 
 or just ; that is, he was so by the “ righteousness of faith.” 
 ( JVIurg . Ref. — Note , Heb. 11:7.) He was a true believer, 
 “he found grace,” and was the object of the Lord’s special 
 favour : being sincerely and unreservedly religious ; and one 
 who dared to be singular in that corrupt generation. 
 
 V. 11, 12. The earth was not only full of daring impiety, 
 and probably idolatry, before God , and, as it were, in defiance 
 of him ; but also of oppression, cruelty, and murder ; so that 
 men in general had corrupted their way all over the world. 
 
 V. 13. The Lord revealed to Noah, that he would destroy 
 guilty man from the earth, with all the animal tribes and all 
 the vegetable riches, with which it was replenished; and 
 also all the works of men; and so change the state of it, as 
 to render the whole one universal desolation. ( Marg . Ref) 
 
 V. 14 — 16. The word here rendered an ark , is only used 
 for Noah’s ark, and that ark of bulrushes in which the child 
 Moses was preserved. It seems to have been built, in some 
 respects, like the hulk of a ship, except that it was flat- 
 bottomed, square at each end, and roofed as a house ; so tha£ 
 it terminated at the top in the breadth of a cubit. It is noJ 
 agreed what kind of timber is meant by Gopher-wood ; per 
 haps that of the Cypress-tree. The ark was made with 
 three decks, and divided into many little cabins ; it was pitched 
 within and without to keep it tight and sweet ; and lighted 
 from the upper part, probably by one window reaching from 
 end to end. A cubit was something more than half a yard ; 
 so that this enormous vessel was about a hundred and sixty 
 yards in length, twenty-seven in breadth, and sixteen in 
 height; and thus vastly larger than our greatest ships 
 Learned men have shown, that these dimensions were far 
 more than were necessary to contain all the animals to be 
 preserved, and sufficient provision for them. But it must at 
 first sight be evident that so great a vessel, thus constructed, 
 and with so few persons on board, was utterly unsuitable to 
 weather out the deluge ; except as it was under the immedi- 
 ate guidance and protection of the Almighty. 
 
 V. 17. These were “things not seen as yet,” concerning 
 which Noah was warned; and many have since ventured to 
 deny, and it is not improbable that some would then argue 
 against, the possibility of such a deluge : but the Almighty 
 God, with a most emphatical repetition, declared that he would 
 effect it; and Noah simply credited this word. He neither 
 hesitated to expect the unprecedented catastrophe; nor ar- 
 gued against the justice or goodness of God in the awful sen- 
 ( 29 ) 
 
B. C. 2348. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 2348. 
 
 18 But with thee will I -establish my covenant: 
 and thou shalt "'come into the ark ; thou, and thy 
 sons, and thy wife, anc^thy sons’ wives with thee. 
 
 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, “two 
 of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark to keep 
 them alive with thee : they shall be male and fe- 
 male. 
 
 20 Of fowls “after their kind, and of cattle after 
 their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth 
 after his kind : i two of every sort shall come unto 
 thee, to keep them alive. 
 
 21 And take thou unto thee of sail food that is 
 eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee, and it shall 
 be for food for thee, and for them. 
 
 22 Thus did Noah ; r according to all that God 
 commanded him, so did he. 
 
 19:9,11.17:4,7,21. m 7:1,7,13. Is. 28:20. lPet.3:20. 2Pet.2:5. n 7:2,3. 8: 
 17. ol:20— 22. p7:8— IS. ql:29,30. Job 38:41. 40:20. Ps. 36:6. 104:27,28. 
 136:25. 145:16. 147:9. Matt. 6:26. r7:5. 17:23. Ei. 40:16,21,23,27,32. Malt. 
 
 7:24—27. John 2:5. 15:14. Ileb. 11:7,8. 1 John 5:3. 
 
 tence ; nor declined the immense labour and expense imposed 
 on him, or the reproach and ridicule to which it might expose 
 him ; nor made any objection to this mode of preservation. 
 But, being “moved with fear,” and reverencing the divine 
 revelation, he prepared the ark ; became a preacher of righ- 
 teodkness ; and, taking the warning given him for his subject, 
 and showing his faith by his works, he called on mankind to 
 repent of their sins. Iiad they duly regarded the warning, 
 all the inhabitants of the earth might have heard it, before the 
 expiration of the hundred and twenty years of God’s long- 
 suffering : and if a general repentance had taken place, per- 
 haps a respite would have been granted ; as there was after- 
 wards, in like circumstances, to Nineveh. (Notes, Jon. 3:) 
 L r f individuals had repented, and by faith sought admission 
 into the ark, doubtless it would have been opened to as many 
 as it could contain : and, for any thing that appears to the 
 contrary, if others had, in humble, penitent faith, prepared 
 arks, they also might have been preserved. 
 
 V. 18. This is the first place in which the word covenant 
 occurs ; and it seems to relate to the gracious assurance 
 which God gave Noah, that the earth should not be destroyed 
 by a second deluge. (Marg. Ref.) — Sons.] None of Noah’s 
 sons were born a hundred years before the flood ; but the 
 command might be given prophetically in this respect, as well 
 as in others. It is however probable, that the first intimations 
 of the approaching deluge were given some years before the 
 command for building the ark.; yet this was a work of so great 
 labour, that much time must have been employed about it. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. There is scarcely a more lamentable proof of a 
 decay in vital godliness, or a more effectual means of hasten- 
 ing it, than intermarriages between professors of true religion 
 and its avowed enemies. In all ages there seems to have 
 been a peculiar curse of God on them ; the evil example of 
 the ungodly party generally corrupts the other ; family reli- 
 gion is put an end to ; and the children, almost universally, 
 are trained up according to the maxims of the ungodly 
 parent. If we profess ourselves to be “ the sons and daugh- 
 ters of the Lord almighty,” we must not marry in opposition 
 to his will ; and he will not allow us to prefer beauty, wit, 
 wealth, or honourable alliances, to piety. Though “the 
 Lord is slow to anger, and of great kindness,” yet his “ Spirit 
 will not always strive with men;” and when they persist in 
 sin, in defiance of his word, and tho convictions of their own 
 consciences, he will at length totally withdraw from them, 
 and permit them to be hardened to their ruin. If he is so 
 grieved by our sin as to destroy the work of his own hands, 
 how reasonable is it that we should mourn for it, and that we 
 should show our repentance by seeking its destruction ! — 
 They whom the world admires as “ men of renown,” are often, 
 in the judgment of God, and even of common sense, no 
 better than cruel tyrants and oppressors: let us then desire 
 that “honour which coineth from God” on those who do good ; 
 not that which comes from man upon those who do mischief. 
 But what is now become of “ the image and likeness of God?” 
 Doth man now merit to he pronounced rERY good by the 
 Lord himself? Alas ! the old serpent, that proud, ambitious 
 apostate, rebel, liar, and murderer, hath filled the earth with 
 his detestable progeny! Yet, how few are aware that the 
 description here given of human depravity suits them, while 
 unregenerate 1 Inattention, ignorance of the divine law, and 
 self-flattery, hide this humiliating truth from men’s minds ; 
 yea, strongly prejudice them against it; but a deep conviction 
 of it, with application to our own state and character, is essen- 
 tial to a due valuation of the salvation proposed in the gospel. 
 
 V. 8 — 22. In the worst of times, God hath “a remnant 
 according to the election of grace:” and they who would 
 please him, must dare to ho singular. These believe his 
 truth, and obey his commandments; they hear his warnings, 
 and fear, but do not despair; they embrace his promises, and 
 hope, but do not presume ; they stand in awe, and do not find 
 fault ; they expect, safety upon the warrant of his word ; and 
 they refuse no obedience, however burdensome, expensive, 
 or self-denying. — But in tho warning to Noah, there is one 
 ( 30 ) 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 At God's command Noah enters the ark , with his family , and the living trees* 
 lures ; and the flood begins , 1 — 10. Its increase for f<rrty days, 17 — 20. AU 
 Jle6h it destroyed by it, 21—23. Its duration, 24. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Noah, “Come, thou 
 and all thy house, into the ark: for b thee have 
 I seen righteous before me in this generation. 
 
 2 Of every “clean beast thou shalt take to thee 
 by "sevens, the male and his female ; and of beasts 
 that are d not clean, by two, the male and his fe- 
 male. 
 
 3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the mal? 
 and the female ; to keep seed alive upon the face 
 of all the earth.. 
 
 4 For “yet seven days, and I will cause it to 
 rain upon the earth f forty days and forty nights : 
 
 n Job 5:19— 24. Ps. 91:1— 10. Prov. 14:26. 18:10. Is. 26.20,21. Ez.9:4— 6. Zeph. 
 2:3. Matt. 24:37-39. b See on 6:9. Ps. 33:18,19. Prov. 11:4-8. Is. 3:10,11. 
 2 Pet. 2:5 — 9. c8:20. Lsv. 11: Devil. 14:1— 21. Acts 10:11— 15. • Heb. tern, 
 
 •even, d Lev. 10:10. Ez. 44:23. e 10 . 6:3. 8:10— 12. 29:27,28. f 12,17. 
 
 more solemn given to us, u to flee from the wrath to come,” 
 which, with tremendous efficacy, will sweep all unbelievers 
 into the pit of destruction. Christ, (the true “Noah, which 
 same shall comfort us,”) hath, at infinite expense, already 
 prepared the ark, and kindly invites us to enter in. Whilst 
 the day of his patience continues, let us obediently hear 
 his voice, and thankfully sue for admission, which will then 
 be readily vouchsafed us. But let it be observed, that 
 they who “ go about to establish their own righteousness,” 
 act as Noah would have done, had he substituted a high 
 tower on a mountain, according to his own wisdom, for his 
 place of security, instead of the ark which God had ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIL Y. 1. At the appointed time, 
 when all needful preparations had been made, Noah was 
 directed to enter with his family into the ark ; because the 
 Lord had “seen him righteous before him in that genera- 
 tion.” The apostle says, that he “became fteir of tho 
 righteousness which is by faith.” ( Notes ^ 6:8,9. Heb. 11:7.) 
 The same principle which induced him to believe, on the tes- 
 timony of God, and contrary to all human probability, that 
 the deluge would come at the appointed season, would move 
 him “ to flee from the wrath to come and as he believed 
 that in the ark alone he could be safe from the approaching 
 deluge ; so he doubtless believed the revelation of a Saviour, 
 and sought and expected salvation through him alone. Thus 
 he was “justified by faith,” and being likewise a partaker of 
 that Spirit, whose “ fruit is in all goodness, and righteousness, 
 and truth he was righteous in his character and conduct ; 
 that is, devoted to God, and 44 walking before him in all his 
 ordinances and commandments, blameless.” 
 
 V. 2, 3. It is probable, that the clean beasts signify sir h 
 as were not rapacious, and which were exclusively offered in 
 sacrifice by the express appointment of God. They were 
 also such as were most serviceable to man. The grant of 
 animal food seems not to have been explicitly made before 
 the flood; the distinction of meats could not therefore have 
 been appointed. Seven couple of the clean beasts seem to 
 have been preserved. Some indeed suppose I hat only three 
 couple, and the seventh animal for sacrifice werfe meant. 
 (8:20.) — There must have been a very extraordinary miracle 
 wrought, perhaps by the ministration of angels, in bringing 
 two of every species to Noah, and rendering them submissive 
 to him, and peaceable with each other: yet it seems not to 
 have made any impression on the hardened spectators! — The 
 suspension of the ferocity of the savage beasts, during their 
 continuance in the ark, is generally considered as an apt figure 
 of the change which takes place in the disposition of sinners 
 when they enter the true church of Christ; (iVbte, Is. 11:6 — 9.) 
 hut it may also remind us of the hypocrite’s external good 
 behaviour, though his nature is not changed. 
 
 V. 7. Sons' wives.] Though each of Noah’s three sons 
 was at this time nearly a hundred years old, and none of them 
 had any children living; and the whole earth was about to be 
 desolated: yet no exception, even on this extraordinary occa- 
 sion, was made to the original constitution of marriage, “ they 
 twain shall be one flesh :” a decisive proof that polygamy is 
 contrary to the original institution of marriage, and not at all 
 needful for the increase of t he human species, or even condu- 
 cive to it. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. “The longsufiering of God had waited” cr, 
 hundred and twenty years; and, as many think, seven days 
 more; but at length the days of vengeance arrived. — “Be- 
 hold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters on the earth,” saith 
 the Lord. Thus speaks the Almighty, and it is absurd to 
 question whether Omnipotence could effect the deluge. Every 
 attempt to explain the manner in which the earth was over- 
 flowed, too much resembles the presumption of those who 
 inquired, “How are tho dead raised up? and with what 
 body do they come?” It is no more incredible that God 
 should drown the world, than that he should raise tho dead: 
 and, by his almighty power, he caused “the waters from 
 above the firmament, and the waters under the fiiinament, 1 
 which he had before separated, to meet together f or that pur- 
 
B. C. 2348. 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 B. C. 2348 
 
 *aml every living substance that I have made, will 
 l 'destroy from off the face of the earth. 
 
 5 And Noah did according unto ''all that the 
 Lord commanded him. 
 
 6 And Noah was 'six hundred years old, when 
 the flood of waters was upon the earth. 
 
 7 And k Noah went in, and his sons, and his 
 wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, 
 because of the waters of the flood. 
 
 8 Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not 
 (dean, and of fowls, and of every thing that creep- 
 eth upon the earth, 
 
 9 There 'went in two and two unto Noah into 
 the ark, the male and the female, as God had com- 
 manded Noah. 
 
 10 H And it came to pass 'after seven days, that 
 the waters of the flood were upon the earth. 
 
 11 In the six hundredth-year of Noah’s life, in 
 the second month, the seventeenth day of the 
 month, the same day were m all the fountains of the 
 great deep broken up, and the 'windows of heaven 
 were opened. 
 
 12 And the rain was upon the earth "forty days 
 and forty nights. 
 
 13 In the self-same day entered Noah, °and 
 Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, 
 and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons 
 with them, into the ark : 
 
 gal— 23. 6:17. * * Heb. Mot out. F.x. 32:32.33. Js. 69:28. Rev. 3:5. h 6:22. 
 Kx. 39:42,43. Ps. 119:6. Mall. 3:15. Luke 8-21. Jotin 2:5. 13:17. i 5:32. 8:13. 
 k 1. 6 : IS. Prov. 22:3. Ileb. 6:1S. 12:19. Is. 11:8—9. 65:25. Ual.3:28. Col. 3:11. 
 1 » *r, on the seven h day , 4. m 1:7. 6:17. 8:2. Job 38:8 — 11. Ps. 33:7, Prov. 8: 
 28 29. Jer. 5:22. 51:16. E?.. 25:19. Am. 9:5,6. } Or, JIoo 'ga'es. 2 Kings 7:2,19. 
 
 :»ose. (iVbte,l:9.) “The fountains of the great deep were 
 Droken up ;” and, by some vast convulsions, the waters from 
 ii j bowels of the earth and from the depths of the ocean, v'ere 
 oiced upwards ; while the windows or floodgates of heaven 
 4 were opened,” and rain poured out impetuously in cataracts , 
 or water-spouts, without intermission, for forty days and 
 nights, in every part of the globe, till a universal deluge was 
 effected. — Probably this commenced about the beginning of 
 November ; for the patriarchal year began in September. 
 
 V. 16. Shut him in.] No doubt this was done by the 
 ministration of angels, and as an evident miracle in the view 
 of all the spectators, of whom numbers, from different motives, 
 might be collected. — Probably, the door of this vast structure 
 was too massy to be securely closed by the few persons within 
 
 • the ark. Thus the Lord gave Noah a pledge of his accept- 
 ance and his care of him ; and by the same token he shut 
 out all the rest of mankind, and sealed their condemna- 
 tion. — But had Noah’s preaching no effect? Were there 
 no other believers upon the whole earth ? We may probably 
 suppose, that many had been previously taken away from the 
 evil to come ; for Methuselah is computed to have died the 
 year before the flood, or in that verj r year. But it seems evi- 
 dent, that there were no godly persons among the survivors, 
 however some might have been alarmed, affected, or con- 
 vinced : for there was room enough in the ark ; and it does not 
 appear that any were refused admittance. — Indeed, our Lord 
 has informed us of the real state of the case : 44 They did eat, 
 they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, 
 until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood 
 came and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:27. Thus they en 
 a»uraged one another in contemptuous disobedience; and il 
 any were at all disposed to pay regard to the divine warning, 
 they either procrastinated, or were afraid of being singular. 
 But what must have been their feelings, when, at the appointed 
 time, it began to rain in so extraordinary a manner, and con- 
 tinued to do so from week to week incessantly ; the waters 
 still rising, and following them to the eminences on which they 
 ascended ! How much soever they, had before despised Noah’s 
 madness, or pitied his weakness, they would now remember 
 hi* warnings, admire his wisdom, and envy his happiness ; 
 while they cursed their own folly and impenitence. 
 
 V . 17 — 19. At the end of forty days the waters were so 
 raised, that the ark was afloat : but they increased exceed- 
 ingly afterwards, by the continuance of the same causes, 
 though perhaps with some intermission. Thus the deluge 
 prevailed till “all the high hills under the whole heaven were 
 covered.” This decidedly proves the deluge to have been strict- 
 ly universal ; though some learned men have argued against 
 this : but indeed traces of the deluge are found in all parts of 
 the earth, and some confused tradition of it every where pre- 
 vails. 
 
 V. 20 — 23. The waters at length arose to be above eight 
 ya.*ds deep on the top of the highest mountains : so that every 
 project for security was frustrated ; every advantage of situa- 
 tion was unavailing. Some might escape longer than others ; 
 bu‘ first or last, all men, except those in the ark, perished. 
 Ann with the human species most of the animals perished 
 alai. (Is. 34:1 — 6.) Indeed the faithful and powerful protec- 
 tion cf God was Noah’s only security, in this wild tumult of 
 
 14 They, and every beast after his kind, and all 
 the cattle after their kind, and every creeping 
 thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, 
 and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every 
 § sort. 
 
 15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, 
 two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath o i 
 life. 
 
 16 And they that went in, went in male and fe- 
 male of all flesh, as God had commanded him : and 
 
 Pthe Lord shut him in. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 17 If And the flood was forty days upon the 
 earth : and the waters increased, and bare up the 
 ark ; and it was lifted up above the earth. 
 
 18 And the waters prevailed, and were in- 
 creased greatly upon the earth : and the ark wen 
 upon the face of the waters. 
 
 19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon 
 the earth ; and q all the high hills, that were under 
 the whole heaven, were covered. 
 
 20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters pre 
 vail ; and the mountains were covered. 
 
 21 And r all flesh died that moved upon the 
 earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, 
 and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon 
 the earth, and every ma n. 
 
 22 All in whose nostrils was m the breath of life, 
 of all that teas in the dry land , died. 
 
 Pa. 78:23,21. Mai. 3:10. n Ex. 24:18. Tent. 9:9,18. 10:10. 1 Kings 19:8. Malt. 
 4:2. o 5:32. 6:10. 9:18,19. 10:1,2,6,21. 1 ( hr. 1:4— 28. §Heh. icing, p Ps. 91: 
 I— 10. Mall. 25:10. Luke 13:25. John 10:27— 30. 1 Pel. 1:5. q Job 12-15. Ps.46: 
 2,3. 104:6 — 9. r 4. 6:6,7. 2 Pet. 3:6. || Heb. the bieath of tne spirit of life. 2: 
 7. 6:17. 
 
 the elements: and the presence of God was his only comfort 
 in this dreary confinement, and in witnessing the dire devista 
 tion of the earth and its inhabitants, and especially of the hu- 
 man species ; of his companions, his neighbours, his relatives ; 
 of those, to whom he had preached, for whom he had prayed, 
 and over whom he had wept, many of whom had even helped 
 to build the ark. (2 Pet. 2:5.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Y. 1 — 16. Numbers in every age 44 despise the riches of the 
 goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering of God, not 
 knowing that his goodness leads to repentance: but after 
 their hardness and impenitent heart they treasure up wrath 
 against the day of wrath till judgment come upon them to 
 the uttermost. But in all this the Lord’s purposes are ef- 
 fected, his predictions accomplished, and his justice displayed. 
 — Our short span of life will speedily come to a close, even 
 though we should linger out our threescore years and ten. 
 Yes, the last week, the last day, the last hour, will soon sur- 
 prise us, if we be not always watching and ready ; and with 
 no less tremendous consternation and terrible destruction, 
 than the deluge did those in the da}\s of Noah. If when “the 
 Master of the house has risen up, and shut to the door,” we 
 be found without, it will then be too late to knock for admit- 
 tance. For the threat enings of the Lord, however now ne- 
 glected or despised, will as certainly be fulfilled as his pro- 
 mises : and there is a time coming, when thej r , who have most 
 affected to pity or deride the godly, will admire or envy them. 
 
 V. 17- l 24. What a triumph was here of death, even “ over 
 those who had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s trans- 
 gression !” and how did the whole creation groan under man’s 
 sin ! But., though we may indulge the hope that the multitude 
 of infants, who died without their own actual sin, through the 
 first Adam’s transgression, obtained life without their own ac- 
 tual faith, through the second Adam’s obedienre ; yet we are 
 constrained to admit, that the same deluge, which swept the 
 rest of that generation from the earth, swept their souls into 
 the prison of hell. How tremendous then will be “ the day of 
 judgment and perdition of ungodly men !” and what will be the 
 feelings of those, who, in contempt of the divine testimony, 
 treat the “ things not seen as yet” as unreal, though revealed 
 by the infallible testimony of God ; when they shall at length 
 be seen, but seen too late ! Happy they, who are part of 
 Christ’s family, and safe with him in the ark ! they may look 
 forward without dismay, and rejoice in the assurance, that 
 they shall triumph, when a deluge of fire shall encircle the vi- 
 sible creation. But, unless we dare to be singular, and re- 
 nounce the favour, and venture the scorn and hatred of 
 the world; unless we are willing to exercise self-denial and 
 diligence ; we can find no admission into this ark. And, even 
 in the ark, while in this world, we shall need faith and pa- 
 tience, and have much to try them. — Though we should la- 
 ment, we need not wonder at, the prevalence of impiety ; nor 
 should faithful ministers despond, if their success be not so 
 large as their expectations ; for the most eminent and favoured 
 servants of God have experienced the same disappointments. — 
 Ungodly children often receive temporal mercies for their pa- 
 rents’ sake ; but unless they themselves are made partakers of 
 faith and holiness, they will not escape eternal destruction. — 
 Finally, though there is great difference of character airong 
 
 ( 31 ) 
 
B. C. 2347. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 2347. 
 
 23 And 'every living substance was destroyed 
 which was upon the face of the ground, both man, 
 and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl 
 of the heaven ; and they were destroyed from the 
 earth ; ‘and Noah only remained alive, and they 
 that were with him in the ark. 
 
 24 And the waters prevailed upon the earth "an 
 hundred and fifty days. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 God remembers Noah, and assuages the waters, 1 — 3. The ark rests on the 
 mountains of Ararat, 4, 5. Noah sends forth a raven, and then a dove, to 
 gain intelligence, 6 — 12. He leaves the ark , offers sacrifices, and is accepted 
 and encouraged, 13 — 22. 
 
 A ND a God remembered Noah, and every liv- 
 ing thing, and all b the cattle that was with 
 him in the ark : and God made c a wind to pass over 
 the earth, and the waters assuaged. 
 
 2 The fountains also of the deep, and the win- 
 dows of heaven were stopped, and e the rain from 
 heaven was restrained. 
 
 3 And the waters returned from off the earth 
 'continually: and after the end of the f hundred 
 and fifty days the waters were abated. 
 
 4 And ethe ark rested in the seventh month, on 
 the seventeenth day of the month, upon the moun- 
 tains of h Ararat. 
 
 5 And the waters decreased continually until 
 •the tenth month : in the tenth month, on the first 
 day of the month, were the tops of the mountains 
 seen. 
 
 6 HAnd it came to pass at the end of forty dajs, 
 that Noah opened k the window of the ark which 
 he had made. 
 
 7 And he sent forth ! a raven, which went forth 
 f to and fro, until the waters were dried up from 
 off the earth. 
 
 8 Also he sent forth m a dqve from him, to see if 
 the waters were abated from off the face of the 
 ground. 
 
 9 But the dove "found no rest for the sole of 
 her foot, “and she returned unto him into the ark: 
 for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. 
 Then he put forth his hand, and took her, and 
 ^pulled her in unto him into the ark. 
 
 » W* 22-13— 17. Is. 24:1— 8. Mall. 21:37— 39. Luke 17:26,27. 1 Pet. 3:20. 
 
 *•••• «... l fix. 14:28— 30. Ez. 14:14,20. Mai. 3:18. Malt. 25:46. n 8:3,4. 
 a 19:2a. 30 : 22 . Kx. 2:21. 1 Sam. 1:19. Neh. 13:14,22,29.31. Job 14:13. Ps. 106:4. 
 132:1. 136:23. 137:7. Am. 8:7. Rev. 16:19. 18:5. b Num. 22:32. Ps. 36:6. Jon. 
 4:11. cEi. 14:21. d 7:11. Prov. 8:28. Jon. 2:3. e Job 37:11— 13. 38:37. Mail. 
 8:26,27, * Heb. in going and returning, f 7:2-4. e7:17 — 19. h Jer. 51:27. 1 Heb. 
 were in going and decreasing, i 7:11. k 6: 16. 1 Lev. 11:15. 1 Kings 17:4,6. 
 Job 38:41. X Heb. in going forth and returning, m Cant. 1:15. 2:11,12,14. 
 Matt. 10:16. n Deut. 28:05. Ezek. 7:16. Matt. 11:28. John 16:33. o Ps. 116:7. 
 Is. 60:8. § Heb. caused her to come, p Ps. 40:1. Is. 8:17. Rom. 8:25. q 12. 
 
 men, and we are apt to imagine some favourable distinctions in 
 our own case : yet, if we neglect , refuse , or abuse the salvation 
 of Christ, \te shall, notwithstanding such imaginary advan- 
 tages be overwhelmed in the common destruction of an unbe- 
 lieving world. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VIII. V. 1— 3. The flood continued 
 a considerable time after the inhabitants of the earth were de- 
 stroyed ; and Noah might be tempted to be weary of his con- 
 finement, and almost to question whether u the Lord had not 
 forgotten to be gracious but at length u God remembered” 
 him, by hearing his prayers, and preparing for the release of 
 him and his family ; and also of the animals \\..ich were with 
 him in the ark, which is specially noted. — By a strong, dry 
 wind the clouds were dispersed, and so the rain ceased ; and 
 the miraculous interposition being withdrawn, things reverted 
 to their former course. Thus the waters, in going and re- 
 turning , were in part evaporated, and in part ran off into the 
 lower countries and the bed of the ocean, or sunk into caverns 
 in the bowels of the earth. 
 
 V. 4, 5. On the seventeenth day of the seventh month of 
 the year , (as it is most probable,) just five months, or a hun- 
 dred and fifty days from the beginning of the flood, the waters 
 were so far abated, that the ark rested on one of the summits 
 of mount Ararat. This is supposed to mean a ridge of moun- 
 tains, extending from Armenia eastward to a great distance. 
 The word Ararat is elsewhere translated Armenia , hut it is 
 not agreed whether the ark rested in Armenia, or more towards 
 the east. It was, however, no doubt on some lofty summit ; as 
 it was ahnost three months longer before the tops of the moun- 
 tains were seen. ( Marg . Ref.) 4 If we had been a long and 
 dangerous voyage at sea, we would he better able to conceivo 
 of the joy which this sight must have occasioned.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. C — 14. Forty days after the tops of the mountains 
 became visible, Noah sent out a raven, in order that he might 
 learn the state of the earth ; hut as this bird was used to feed 
 on flesh, it either returned no more, or, as some think, it con- 
 tinued to come back to the ark, and again to leave it, without 
 ( 32 ) 
 
 10 And he ^stayed yet other ‘‘seven days, and 
 again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. 
 
 1 1 And the dove came in to him in the evening 
 and lo, in her mouth was r an olive-leaf plucked off 
 So Noah knew that the waters were abated from 
 off the earth. 
 
 12 And “he stayed yet other ‘seven days, and 
 sent forth the dove ; wliich returned not again un- 
 to him any more. 
 
 1 3 And it came to pass in the "six hundredth and 
 first year, in the first month, the first day of the 
 month, the waters were dried up from off the 
 earth : and Noah removed the covering of the ark : 
 and looked, and behold, the face of the ground 
 was dry. 
 
 14 And in the second month, on the seven and 
 twentieth day of the month, was the earth dried. 
 
 15 H And God spake unto Noah, saying, 
 
 16 “Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and 
 thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with. thee. 
 
 17 -'Bring forth with thee every living thing 
 that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of 
 cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth 
 upon the earth ; that they may 'breed abundantly 
 in the earth, and be fruitful and multiply upon the 
 earth. 
 
 18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his 
 wife, and his sons’ wives with him : 
 
 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and everv 
 fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth 
 after their iikinds, went forth out of the ark. 
 
 20 And Noah “builded an altar unto the Lord, 
 and took of every ‘'clean beast, and of every clean 
 fowl, and offered “burnt-offerings on the altar. 
 
 21 And the Lord ‘‘smelled a “sweet savour ; and 
 the Lord said in his heart, I will not again “curse 
 the ground any more for man’s sake ; “for f the im- 
 agination of man’s heart is evil from his youth : 
 ^neither will I again smite any more every thing 
 living, h as I have done. 
 
 22 “While the earth remaineth, ‘seed-time and 
 harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and win* 
 ter, and k day and night, shall not cease. 
 
 7:4,10. rNeh. 8:15. Zech. 4:12—14. s Ps. 27:14. 130:5,6. Is. 23:9 . 26:8. Hnb. 
 2:3. Jam. 5:7,8. 110.2:2,3. u7:ll. x 7:1,7,13. Josh. 3:17. 4:10,16— 18. P». 
 121:8. Dan. 3:25,26. Zech. 9:11. Actsl6:27, 23,37— 39. y 7:14,15. z 1:22. 9:7. Ps. 
 107:38. 114:13,14. Jer. 31:17.28. II Heb. families, a 41. 12:7,8. 13:4. 22:9. 
 26:25. 33:20. 35:1,7. Ex. 20:24,25. 24:4— 8. Heb. 13:10,15,16. 1)7:2. Lev. 11: 
 
 r Lev. 1 . d Lev. 1:9,17. 26:31. Ez. 20:41. Amos 5:21,22. 2 Cor. 2: IS. Eph.5:2. 
 Phil. 4:19. Tl Heb. savour of rest. e3:17. 4:12. 5:29. 6:17. though. f6:5. 
 
 Job 14:4.15:14 — 16. Ps. 51:5. Is. 47:12,15. 48:8. John 3:fi. Rom. 1:21. 8:7,8. Eph. 
 2:1—3. g 9:11—15. Is. 54:9, 10. h 2 Pet. 3:6,7. ft Heb. As vet all the days of 
 the earth, i .45:6. Ex. 34:21. Jer. 5:24. Jam. 5:7. k Jer. 33:20 — 26. 
 
 being received into it till the waters were dried up. After se- 
 ven days therefore, as the subsequent language implies, (10,) 
 he sent forth a dove which soon returned, and was taken into 
 the ark ; and on a second trial she brought an olive-branch in 
 her mouth. This was a token that some of the fruitful plains 
 were dried, and the vegetables preserved. On the third trial 
 the dove returned no more. — The repeated mention of seven 
 days seems an intimation of the observance of the sabbath in 
 the ark ; after the ordinances of which, the dove was sent out. 
 — The olive-branch, probably from some obscure tradition of 
 this event, has generally been the emblem of peace. Thus also 
 the Holy Spirit, whose emblem is a dove, by his consolations, 
 brings to the broken-hearted believer the olive-branch of 
 peace and reconciliation with God. — According lo the com- 
 putation of time used in Scripture, Noah and his company 
 continued in the ark a year and ten days. (7:11.) 
 
 V. 15 — 19. Noah had made observations on the state of 
 the earth, and preparations for leaving the ark ; hut he waited 
 God’s .command before he actually quitted it. — It seems 
 that, by a peculiar providential interposition, no animal of 
 any sort had died, though they had been shut up in the ark 
 above a year ! and it does not appear that Ihere had been 
 any increase of them during (hat time. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. This is the first time that an altar is men- 
 tioned; and tho word rendered burnt-offerings here first 
 occurs : yet Abel's offering seems to have been of the same 
 nature, and was probably laid on some kind of altar. By 
 these burnt-offerings, Noah, in faith, ascribed his preserva- 
 tion to the mercy of God through the promised Saviour ; ht 
 rendered to him a tribute of fervent gratitude and adoration 
 lie devoted himself and family to his service ; and ho sought 
 further protection and blessing amidst the desolations which 
 surrounded him. — The smell of burning flesh could in ilsell 
 he no more pleasing to God, than “ the blood of bulls or of 
 goats but as it typified tho sacrifice of Christ, and expressed 
 Noah’s obedient faith and grateful love, tho Lord graciously 
 accepted it, and promised that he would no lmre curse 
 
R. C. 2317. CHAPTER IX. 13. C. 23-17 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The Lord blesses Noah and his family ; gran s them additionally Jlcsh for 
 food; p'Ohibits them from eating blob l ; and re .uires that murderers should 
 'is punished toith death, 1 — 7. His covenant with Noah and his jiosterity, of 
 which the rainbow was con.tti uted a //ledge , 8 — 17. Noah's family and em- 
 ployment, 18—20. His drunkenness, and the different behaviour of his sons ; 
 with his prophecy, age , and death, 21 — 29. 
 
 A ND God "blessed Noah and his sons, and said 
 unto them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and re- 
 plenish the earth. 
 
 2 And 'the fear of you, and the dread of you, 
 shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon 
 every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon 
 the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea ; into 
 your hand are they delivered. 
 
 3 d Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat 
 for you ; even 'as the green herb have I given you 
 all things. 
 
 * 1:28. 24:60. Is. 51:2. b 7,19. 8:17. 10:32. c 1:28. Lev. 26:6,22. Jol>5:22,23. 
 P!.8:4— 8. 101:20— 23. Hos. 2:18. Jam. 3:7. d Lev. 11: 22:8. Deut. 12:15. 14: 
 9—21. Acts 10.12—15. 1 Tim. 1:3—5. e 1:29,30. Item. 14:3,11,17. 1 Cor. lo:25, 
 W. Col. 2:16, 21, 22. f Lev. 3:17. 17:10—11. 19:26. Lleul. 12:16,23. 14:21.15:23. 
 
 the earth, that is, after the manner of the flood : for the ori- 
 ginal curse was not removed, nor is it clear that it was miti- 
 gated. He added, “for,” or though , (Marg.) u the imagi- 
 nation of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” The flood 
 washed away that generation of wicked men, but it did not 
 remove depravity from man’s nature ; who, being conceived 
 and born in sin, thinks, devises, and loves wickedness, even 
 from his youth ; and that as much since the flood as before. 
 Other methods indeed would be used to repress wickedness, 
 but a universal deluge should no more be employed for that 
 purpose ; nor should any other year, like the past, occur to 
 the end of the world, in which there was neither sowing nor 
 reaping. — Partial failures of seed-time and harvest, or other 
 irregularities, are not inconsistent with this gracious assu- 
 rance ; according to which the heavenly bodies have ever 
 since preserved their courses, the seasons their successions, 
 and the earth hath produced its increase for the use of man, 
 notwithstanding his ingratitude. And on this word we de- 
 pend, that thus it shall be u till the mystery of God is finished.” 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord M knoweth how to reserve the wicked unto 
 the day of judgment to be punished,” however numerous, 
 powerful, and haughty they may be ; and also u to deliver 
 the godly out of temptation” in the best time and manner, 
 though few, despised, and helpless. (2 Pet. 2:9.) For a 
 season he seems to forget his afflicted children, and they are 
 prone to judge according to appearances ; but in due sea- 
 son he will manifest his kind and careful remembrance of 
 them. — The devoted servant of God will make haste to keep 
 his commandments ; and patiently wait his time for deliver- 
 ance and promised blessings. — The faithfulness of God is 
 the best security ; and it is given to all them that trust in 
 him : for his glory is engaged for their salvation, as much as 
 for Noah’s preservation. — Alas! how many are there in the 
 visible church, who resemble the raven more than the dove ■ 
 who retain a relish for worldly things under a religious appear- 
 ance ; and who, u in time of temptation fall away !” But the 
 true Christian, partaking of the Spirit of Christ, may indeed, 
 through temptation, for a season, quit the ark and go to 
 the world; but, like the dove, he can find no rest till he 
 returns to the Lord. — They who are saved from destruction, 
 must on earth witness the desolations which sin makes, with 
 aching hearts and weeping eyes; and in many things share 
 in them. But the consolations of God will counterbalance 
 these sorrows : and in heaven all tears shall be wiped away ; 
 so that even the destruction of the wicked will in no wise 
 abate the perfect felicity of the righteous.— The mercy of 
 God, the sacrifice of Christ, and the grace of the Holy Spirit, 
 cause the difference between those who are saved, and those 
 who perish : and the first use which we should make of de- 
 liverances from trouble, is to return thanks to God for his 
 mercy, solemnly to devote oyrselves to him and his service, 
 and to seek anew his providential protection and gracious 
 blessing. Nor can that be wasted , whether of our valued 
 property or more valuable time, which is expended in the ser- 
 vice of God, according to his appointment. Finally, the di- 
 vine authority of the Scripture, as well as the faithfulness of 
 God, is demonstrated in the regular course of the seasons of 
 the year. May we therefore admire the goodness of the 
 Lord, trust his providence, receive all from his love, and use 
 all to his glory. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1, 2. It is not said, in what 
 manner the Lord revealed himself to Noah and his sons: 
 but he renewed to them the blessing pronounced originally 
 on our first parents, because they were the appointed pro- 
 genitors of a new race of men, (Note, 1:28;) and he added 
 several things, both for warning and encouragement, adapted 
 to their situation. The dominion over the animal creation, 
 which had been forfeited by sin, was again conceded ; yet 
 with some variation from the original grant. It is probable 
 that the subjection of the animals before the fall was volun- 
 tary, and that by instinct they regarded man as a friend : but 
 since that event, it hath been more the result of fear ; most 
 of them dreading him as a powerful enemy, whom they must 
 
 Vol. I.— 5 
 
 4 But flesh with f the life thereof, which is the 
 blood thereof shall ye not eat. 
 
 5 And surely your blood of your lives will I re- 
 quire : at the hand of B every beast will I require it, 
 and h at the baud of man ; at the hand of ever) 
 man’s 'brother will I require the life of man. 
 
 6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, 'by man shal’ 
 his blood be shed : for k in the image ol God made 
 he man. 
 
 7 And you, be ye fruitful, and multiply, bring 
 forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply therein. 
 
 8 H And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons 
 with him, saying, 
 
 9 And I, behold I, 'establish my covenant with 
 you, and with your seed after you ; 
 
 10 And m with every living creature that is with 
 
 Acts 15:20,29. 1 Tim. 4:4. g Kx. 21:28,29. h 4:9,10. Num. 35:31— 33. Deut. 21s 
 I— 9. Ps. 9:12. i Acts 17:25. j Ex. 21 :12— 14. Lev. 24:17. 1 Kings 2:5,6,28— 34. 
 Matt. 26:52. Rom. 13:4. Rev. 13:10. k 1:26,27. 5:1. Ps. 51:4. Jam. 3:9. Ill, 
 17.6:18.17:7,8. Is. 54:9,10. m 8:1. Ps. 145:9. Jon. 4:11. 
 
 either submit to or flee from. We continually witness the 
 fulfilment of this promise, among creatures of all sorts. The 
 ease with which horses are managed, notwithstanding their 
 strength and spirit, and the severity with which they are 
 treated ; and the safety with which large droves of oxen are 
 goaded forward, frequently by a single youth, who, conscious 
 of his superiority, fears not them whilst they stand in awe of 
 him ; are circumstances which would be deemed very won- 
 derful were they not so common ; but they are seldom con- 
 sidered as effected by the power, and as proving the faithful- 
 ness and goodness of God. Even the most savage of the 
 wild beasts have been, and are, tamed or subdued by man, 
 and have an instinctive dread of him ; shunning populous 
 places, and retreating into forests and deserts ; lying still all 
 the day while man is abroad, roaming forth when he retires to 
 rest ; and seldom injuring him unless pinched by hunger, or 
 provoked by opposition. (Note, Ps. 104:20 — 23.) Were 
 
 this instinctive fear removed, and should the animals, con- 
 scious of their force, rise in general rebellion, what confusion 
 and devastation must ensue ! 
 
 V. 3, 4. Perhaps, before the flood, men had taken the 
 liberty of eating flesh ; but it seems not to have been explicitly 
 allowed : the grant, however, here given, fully warrants our 
 use of the animals for food, but not the abuse of them by in- 
 temperance or cruelty. This is not here limited to any kind 
 of animals ; so that the distinction of clean and unclean 
 must relate to the use of them in sacrifice : and the eating of 
 blood seems principally to have been prohibited, because 
 blood typified the great atonement. (Notes, Acts 15:19 — 29. 
 Marg. Ref. f.) Yet this restriction might be intended as a 
 check to cruelty; lest men, inured to shed and feed upon the 
 blood of animals, should grow unfeeling, and be the less 
 shocked at the idea of shedding human blood. 
 
 V. 5, 6. From this energetic declaration it certainly fol- 
 lows, that wilful murder ought invariably in all communities 
 to be punished with death ; whatever form it assumes, or how- 
 ever it may, by specious pretences, be extenuated : and that 
 God will himself require it of those who suffer the murderer 
 to escape ; so that the punishment due to murder will, in 
 some way, be inflicted on them, as accessaries to the crime. 
 This implies, that magistrates should be appointed, who migl it 
 punish murderers with death; though in the case of Cain 
 the Lord had been pleased to prohibit all men from slaying 
 him. (Notes, 4:13 — 15. 2 Sam. 12:13.) Perhaps the im- 
 
 pious inhabitants of the old w'orld had been emboldened hv 
 the example of Cain; and no intimation is given, that any 
 murderer was punished with death during all that period o! 
 violence. To impress the greater horror of destroying man’s 
 life, it was enjoined that even the beast which killed a man 
 should be put to death. (Note, Ex. 21:28 — 32.) — It is a sub- 
 ject for serious inquiry, to all who are cordially affected to 
 the welfare of these nations, how far national guilt is con- 
 tracted, when so many are suffered to elude justice, who 
 commit wilful, deliberate murder in duels : whilst many thieves 
 are put to death, a punishment which God never commanded 
 to be inflicted on them, and perhaps does not approve. The 
 connivance also of British rulers in India at the murders com- 
 mitted by the inhabitants, in their idolatry and idolatrous cus- 
 toms, should not be forgotten. (Num. 35:33. 2 Kings 21:16. 
 24:4.) Though the moral image of God, in which man was at 
 first created, is defaced, yet the natural image remains : and it 
 is the most daring act of rebellion against God to assault his 
 visible image on earth, and destroy ihe life wdiich he commu- 
 nicated. — It is observable that the reason given for the punish- 
 ment of the murderer with death, is taken from the affront 
 which he offers to God, not from the injury which he does to 
 man. 
 
 V. 9 — 17. The words rendered covenant, sometimes mean 
 a reciprocal agreement between two or more parties ; and at 
 other times a positive engagement made by one party, without 
 any stipulation being required of the other : that established 
 with Noah was of the latter sort. To obviate the fears of 
 him and his posterity, the Lord engaged that he would drown 
 the earth no more, notwithstanding man’s wickedness. Proba- 
 
 ( 33 ) 
 
B. C. 2347. GENESIS. B. C. 1997. 
 
 vou, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast 
 :>f the earth with you, from all that go out of the 
 ark, to every beast of the earth. 
 
 1 1 And I will establish my covenant with you ; 
 "neither shall all flesh be cut of!' any more by the 
 waters of a flood : neither shall there any more be 
 a flood to destroy the earth. 
 
 12 And God said, This is “the token of the co- 
 venant which I make between me and you, and 
 every living creature that is with you, for perpe- 
 tual generations : 
 
 13 I do set rmy bow in the cloud, and it shall be 
 for a token of a covenant between me and the 
 earth. 
 
 14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a 
 cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in 
 the cloud : 
 
 15 And I will ^remember my covenant which is 
 between me and you, and every living creature of 
 all flesh; and 'the waters shall no more become a 
 flood to destroy all flesh. 
 
 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud ; and I will 
 look upon it, that I may remember the "everlasting 
 covenant, between God and every living creature 
 of all flesh, that is upon the earth. 
 
 17 And God said unto Noah, This is the token 
 of the covenant, which I have established between 
 me and all flesh that is upon the earth. 
 
 18 And the sons of Noah, that went forth of 
 
 n 7:21— 23. 8:21,22. 2Pet.3:ll. o 17:11. Ex. 12:13. 13:16. Josh. 2:12. Mall. 
 25:23—28. 1 Cor. 11:23—25. p Ez. 1:28. Rev. 4:3. 10:1. q Ex. 28:12. Lev. 
 26:42—45. Ps. 106:45. Jer. 14:21. Ez. 16:60. Luke 1:72. r Is. 54:8— 11). 8 1713, 
 19. 2 Sam. 23:5. Is. 55:3. Jer. 32.40. Heb. 13:20. 1 5:32. 10:1. ■■ 1U:«. * Heb. 
 Chtnaan. x 8:17. 1U:2— 32. 1 . hr. 1:4—28. y 3:18.19,23. 4:2. 5:29. I rev. 
 12:11. Ec. 5:9. z 6:9. 19:32— 36. Prov. 20:1. 23:31,32. Ec. 7:20. Lnke21:34. 
 
 bly, the rainbow had appeared before the Hood, being the effect 
 of natural causes : but it was now appointed to a new use, and 
 made a seal and pledge of a particular engagement. This 
 was confirmed by an everlasting covenant, or one which shall 
 never be abolished. (Note, 17: 7,8.) Without revelation this 
 gracious assurance could not be known; and without faith it 
 can be of no use to us : and thus it is in respect of a still greater 
 and more imminent danger, to which all are exposed ; and to the 
 new covenant, with its blessings and securities, which in 
 these events was prefigured. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 19. Of them , &c.] This precludes the conjecture 
 that Noah himself had other children, though he lived above 
 three hundred years after the flood. 
 
 V. 20 — 23. When Noah, after the deluge, began again to 
 cultivate the earth, he planted a vineyard, made wine, and 
 was betrayed into excess. Some have thought that wine was 
 now first made of grapes, and that Noah, not aware of its ef- 
 fects, was surprised into drunkenness. — But this is highly im- 
 probable ; for even in the most savage tribes, the art of mak- 
 ing intoxicating liquors is known : and though a man might 
 plant two or three vines, for the sake of the grapes ; who ever 
 44 planted a vineyard,” except for the sake of wine ? Indeed, 
 the fact seems recorded by the inspired historian, with that 
 perfect impartiality which is peculiar to the Scripture, as an 
 .instance and evidence of human frailly and imperfection. Ham 
 appears to have been a man of bad character : and probably 
 he rejoiced to find his father in so unbecoming a situation, 
 that, by exposing him, he might retaliate for the reproofs 
 wdiich he had received from his parental authority : and per- 
 haps Canaan first discovered Noah’s situation, and told it to 
 Ham. In that case, the event must have occurred several 
 years after the flood, for there were but eight persons in the 
 ark, &Rd consequently Ham had no children at that time. — 
 The conduct of Ham in exposing his father to his brethren, 
 jind their behaviour in turning away from the sight of his dis- 
 grace, form a striking contrast. (Marg. R(f.) 
 
 V. 24, 25. This portion of Scripture, though attended with 
 some difficulties, evidently contains a remarkable prophecy, 
 which was recorded for the encouragement of the Israelites, 
 in warring against the devoted Canaanitcs. — There is no au- 
 thority for altering the text, and reading, as some do, 44 Cursed 
 be Ham the father of Canaan yet the frequent mention of 
 Ham as the father of Canaan, suggests the thought, that the 
 latter was also criminal. Ham is thought to have been the 
 second, and not the youngest , son of Noah, (Note, 10:1 ;) and 
 if so, the words, u knew what his younger son had done,” 
 refer to Canaan his grandson. — Ham must have felt it a very 
 mortifying rebuke, when his own father was inspired on this 
 occasion to predict the durable oppression and slavery of his 
 posterity, Canaan also was rebuked, by learning that the 
 curse would especially rest on that branch of the family, which 
 should descend from him : for his posterity were no doubt 
 principally, though not exclusively intended. The devoted na- 
 tions, which God destroyed before Israel, were descended 
 IV. m Canaan : and so were the Phenicians and theCarthagi 
 nru s, who were at length subjugated with dreadful destruc- 
 tion by the Greeks and Romans. ‘ The whole continent ol 
 
 i 34 ) 
 
 the ark, 'were Shcm, and Ham, and Japheth : and 
 "Ham is the father of Canaan. 
 
 19 These are the three sons of Noah: and ‘of 
 them was the whole earth overspread. 
 
 20 H And Noah began to be >an husbandman, 
 and he planted a vineyard. 
 
 21 And he drank of the wine, and 7 was drunk 
 en, “and lie was uncovered within his tent. 
 
 22 And 'Ham the father of Canaan saw the 
 nakedness of his lather, and c told his two brethren 
 without. 
 
 23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and 
 laid it upon both their shoulders, d and went back- 
 ward, and covered the nakedness of their father; 
 and their faces were backward, and they saw not 
 their father’s nakedness. [ Practical Observations.^ 
 
 24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew 
 what his younger son had done unto him. 
 
 25 And he said, “Cursed be Canaan ; 'a servant 
 of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 
 
 26 And he said, ^Blessed be ''the Lord God of 
 Shem ; and Canaan shall be 'his servant. 
 
 27 God shall 'enlarge Japheth, and he shall 
 ‘dwell in the tents of Shem ; and Canaan shall be 
 his servant. 
 
 28 H Ami Noah lived after the flood three hun- 
 dred and fifty years. 
 
 29 And all the days of Noah were k nine hun- 
 dred and fifty years : and he died. 
 
 Rom. 13:13. Gal. 5:21. a Hab. 2.16. Rev. 3:18. 8 25.10:6,15—19. 1 Clir. 
 
 1:8,13—16. c 2 Mam. 1:19,20. Ps. 35:21. l*ro*. 30:17. Ob. 12,13. 1 Cor. 13:6. 
 d Ex. 20:12. Lev. 19:32. Rom. 13:7. Gal. 6:1 1 Tim. 5:17.19. 1 Pel. 2:17. 4:8. 
 e ‘22 . 3:14 . 4:11. 49:7. Deul. 27:16. 28:18. Mall. 25:41. fjosli. 9:23,27. Juilq. 
 1:28—30. 1 Kings 9:20,21. 2 Chr. 8:7,8. g i enl. 33.25. Ps. 144:15. Ii 11:10-26. 
 1*2:1 — 3. Luke 3:23 — 36. Sem. Heb. 11:16. t Or, servant to them. 27:37,40. 
 JOr t penuade. i Mai. 1:11. Eph. 2:14,19. 3:6. k 5:5,20,27,32. 11:11— 25. 
 
 Africa was peopled principally by the descendants of Ham : 
 and for how many ages have the better parts of that country 
 lain under the dominion of the Romans, and then of the Sara- 
 cens, and now of the Turks ! In what wickedness, ignorance, 
 barbarity, slavery, misery live most of the inhabitants ! and of 
 the poor negroes, how many hundreds every year are sold 
 and bought, like beasts in the market ; and conveyed from one 
 quarter of the world, to do the work of beasts in another !’ 
 Bp. Newton. This, however, in no measure vindicates the 
 covetous and barbarous oppression of those, who thus enrich 
 themselves with the products of their sweat and blood. God 
 has not commanded us to enslave negroes, as he did Israel to 
 extirpate the Canaanites ; and therefore, without doubt, he 
 will severely punish this cruel injustice. — True religion has 
 hitherto flourished very little among Ham’s descendants ; they 
 remain to this day almost entire strangers to Christianity ; and 
 their condition in every age has remarkably coincided with 
 this prediction. (Notes, Ez. 26: — 32:) 4 There never has been 
 a son of Ham, who has shaken a sceptre over the head of Ja- 
 pheth. Shem hath subdued Japheth, and Japheth subdued 
 Shem : hut Ham never subdued either.’ Mcde. This must 
 he understood, with some exceptions in the first ages of the 
 world: for the Egyptians enslaved Israel, and it is recorded 
 that they made extensive conquests in Asia. (2 Chr. 12:2 — 4.) 
 Nimrod, it also seems probable, subjugated and tyrannized 
 over the descendants of Shem, when he “went to Asher and 
 built Nineveh.” (Note, 10:8 — 12.) 
 
 V. 26. The descendants of Shem, in the line of Arphaxap, 
 Eher, and Peleg, included all the posterity of Abraham ; and 
 the Lord Jesus, 44 in whom all the nations of the earth are 
 blessed,” sprang from him. — Thus Jehovaii was especially 
 44 the God of Shem.” His descendants comprised a vast ma- 
 jority of the worshippers of the true God, till the coming of 
 Christ; and afterwards they w*re the first and principal in- 
 struments of bringing other nations to share the blessings of 
 his salvation; so that the descendants of the other sons of 
 Noah, when converted to Christianity, are taught to worship 
 and 44 bless Jehovah the God of Shorn.” (Note, Zech. 8: 
 20 — 23.) — The posterity of Abraham also subjugated or i>- 
 stroyed the posterity of Canaan ; and the nations, which 
 sprang from Shem by his other sons, have prospered greatly, 
 enjoyed fruitful countries, and been far more civilized than too 
 race of Ham. 
 
 V. 27. Japheth seems to have been the progenitor of above 
 half the human race: anil the principal success of the gospel, 
 in the calling of the Gentiles, has hitherto been among his de- 
 scendants. (Notes, 10:1 — 5.) Thus God has enlarged Ja- 
 pheth, and persuaded him, (as some render the word, marg.) 
 44 to dwell in the tents of Shem,” by receiving the Gospel from 
 preachers of Abraham’s race, who descended from Shem ; 
 and so obtaining admission into the church. — The descendants 
 of Japheth have also obtained that dominion, under the Grecian 
 and Roman Empires, and in subsequent ages, which was for 
 a long time chiefly possessed by the posterity of Shem. In- 
 deed, even a general knowledge of the outlines of history will 
 suffice to satisfy the serious inquirer, that the descendants of 
 Canaan have been subjected to those >f S’ cm and Japheth* 
 
B. C. 2320. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 B. C. 2320 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 The posterity o f .Vo ih, by Japheth, 1—5 ; by Ham, irith some par icutare con- 
 cerning Ni >i rod, anil the descendants of Canaan , 6— ‘JO ; by Shem, 21 — 3‘2. 
 
 N OW these "are the generations of the sons of 
 Noah; Shorn, Ham, and Japheth: and unto 
 them were sons born after the flood. 
 
 2 T The b sons of Japheth : Corner, and Magog, 
 and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, 
 and Tii •as. 
 
 3 And the sons of Gomcr; Ashkenaz, and Ri- 
 phath, and Togarmah. 
 
 4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tar- 
 shish, c Kittim, and 'Dodanim. 
 
 5 By these were the ‘‘isles of the Gentiles divid- 
 ed in their lands ; every one "after his tongue, after 
 their families, in their nations. 
 
 6 U And f the sons of Ham ; eCush, and Miz- 
 raim, and h Phut, and Canaan. 
 
 a 2:4. 5:1. 6:3. 1> 21. 1 Clir. 1:5—7. Is. 65:19. El. 27:7,12—14,19. 38:2,6. 39:1. 
 Rev. 20:8. c Num. 24:24. Is. *23:1,12. Pan. 11:30. « hitti-n. * Or, R-’danim. 
 d 25. Ps. 72:10. Is. *21.15. 40:15. 41:5.42:4,10. 49:1. 51 :5. Jcr. 2:10. 25:22. Zeph. 
 2:11. e *20. 11:1— 9. f 9:22. 1 Ciir. 1 :S— 16. Ps. 78:51. 105:23. 106:22. gls.ll: 
 11. hJer. 46:9. mnrg. Ex. 27:10. i 2:11. k 1 Kings 10:1. Ez. 27:22. I Is. 21: 
 
 through'many generations : and the extraordinary accomplish- 
 ment of this prediction, which contains almost a prophetic 
 history of the world, vindicates Noah from the suspicion of 
 having uttered it from personal resentment ; and fully proves 
 that the Spirit of God took occasion, from Ham’s misconduct, 
 to reveal his secret purposes, for a very important benefit to 
 posterity even to this day. ( Notes , 48: 49:) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 23. The blessing of God is the real cause of pros- 
 perity, personal, relative, and national. — With what thankful- 
 ness should we receive that immense advantage, ease, and 
 pleasure, which result from the labour of ihe domestic animals, 
 and which the fiesh of so many creatures affords us ; and the 
 security that we enjoy from the assaults of the noxious and 
 ferocious, through the fear and dread of man which God 
 hath impressed upon them! — But, though God has consti- 
 tuted us masters, he will call us to an awful account if we 
 act as tyrants ; and avenge the cause of his oppressed crea- 
 tures upon their oppressors. — How greatly then should we 
 dread murder, and all those passions which produce that 
 enormous crime ! Though the murderer may escape, or 
 bribe, or outbrave, human justice ; yet, except he repent, he 
 shall never escape the vengeance of God. — The Lord takes 
 care to obviate the fears and anxieties of his people; and we 
 should copy the example of his kindness in this and in every 
 other instance. — But what is man in his best estate! “Let 
 him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall:” and 
 let not him, who has triumphed over great temptations, be se- 
 cure even in respect of such as are le-^s ; for they who have 
 behaved well in the worst of company, and amidst the worst 
 examples, are not safe even in solitude. Let us then watch 
 and pray, and not be high-minded, but fear ; and remember 
 that drunkenness is a sin especially to be shunned, as it both 
 exposes men to shame, and is an occasion of further wicked- 
 ness of various kinds, in themselves and others. — But, though 
 the righteous fall, he shall not be utterly cast down ; nor is a 
 single act of sin, inadvertency committed, to be looked upon 
 in the same light, as allowed and habitual transgression: the 
 fymer may be the blemish of the saint, the latter is the brand of 
 the hypocrite. — In honouring parents, magistrates, seniors, and 
 other honourable characters, we ought to imitate the example of 
 Shem and Japheth; not only respecting their wisdom and 
 goodness, hut covering their incidental blemishes and failures : 
 f>r a peculiar blessing belongs to those who act in this man- 
 ner; but an awful curse awaits such as copy the pattern of 
 Canaan or Ham, m their conduct towards those whom God 
 has commanded them to honour. 
 
 V. 24 — 29. We should carefully observe, and continually 
 keep in mind, how fully these prophecies, so evidently fulfil- 
 ling in all nations and ages, demonstrate the divine original of 
 the Bible ; that we may receive the instructions and com- 
 mands of God, with more implicit faith and obedience. Thus 
 we shall learn our guilt and danger; and, fleeing from the 
 wrath and curse which is coming on the impenitent and un- 
 believing, we shall embrace the invitations of the gospel, ac- 
 cept of its precious salvation, rely on the security of the new 
 Covenant, and patiently wait for the blessings, which will as- 
 suredly be conferred on all believers. Then we shall be 
 safe in those wasting calamities, which sweep others into de- 
 struction: and, though what we witness or experience may 
 give us great pain, and may even afford lamentable proof of 
 our weakness and depravity, yet we shall be carried through 
 all trials and temptations, and overcome all our enemies ; we 
 « all be made instruments of good to others; and at length 
 fin d, that all the promises of the Scripture have been fulfilled 
 to u«, and all our prayers that were grounded on them have 
 been completely answered. 44 O Lord God of hosts, blessed 
 is the man that putteth his trust in thee !” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1. Shem, the progenitor of 
 Abraham, and of the Messiah, is constantly placed first, when 
 ■ha sons of Noah are enumerated, and Japheth last; yet it 
 
 7 And the sons of Cush ; Seim, and TIavilah, 
 and Sabtah, and Raainah, and Sabtecha : and the 
 sons of Raainah ; ‘‘Sheba, and ‘Dedan. 
 
 8 And Cush begat m Ninirod : he began to be 
 mightv one in the earth. 
 
 9 He was a "mighty hunter “before the Lord 
 wherefore it is said, '‘Even as Nimrod the might) 
 hunter before the Lord. 
 
 10 And the beginning of his kingdom was ‘Ba- 
 bel, and Erech, and Accad, and ^Calneh, in the 
 land of "Shinar. 
 
 11 Out of that land hvent forth "Asshur, and 
 budded ‘Nineveh, and Hhe city Rehoboth, and 
 Calah, 
 
 12 And Resen between Nineveh and Calah : the 
 same is a great city. 
 
 13 And Mizraim begat “Ludim, and Anamim, 
 and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim. 
 
 13. Ez. 27:15. m Mic. 5:6. n 25:27. 27:4 1. Jer. 16:16. Mic. 7:2. o6:ll. p 2Clir. 
 28:22. 1 Gr. hahylon. 11:9. q Am. 6:2. r 11:2. 14:1. Is. 11:11. i an. 1:2. 
 
 Zech. 5:11. J Or, be went ou' into Assyria. Mic. 5:6. s Nurn. 2J :22,24. Ezra 
 4:2. Ps. 83:8. Ez. 27:23. 32:22. Hos. 14:3. 1 2 Kings 19:36. Jon. 1:2. 3: Nah. 
 1:1. 2:8. 3:7. Zeph. 2:13. § Or, the stree'e of the city, u Jer. 46:9. Ez.3U;5 
 
 is generally supposed that Japheth was the eldest son of 
 Noah, and Shem the youngest. (21.) Accordingly, in this 
 chapter, the posterity of Japheth are first mentioned . — After 
 the flood. 1 This confirms the supposition, that Noah’s sens 
 had no children till after the flood. 
 
 V. 2 — 5. The sacred writer was about to enter upon the 
 history of Abraham and his family, to which his narrative 
 would afterwards be principally confined : but before he did this, 
 he was led to give a general account of the several branches 
 of Noah’s family, from which the original of many nations 
 may be distinctly traced. And, in like manner, before he 
 enters on the history of Isaac, he gives a brief account of the 
 descendants of Ishmael, and of Abraham’s sons by Keturah ; 
 and before he confines his narrative to Jacob’s family, he 
 states some particulars concerning Esau’s posterity. (25:1 — 
 18. 3G:) — This chapter, as a kind of introduction to universal 
 history, implies many things afterwards related. It is sup- 
 posed by many learned men, and shown at least by probable 
 arguments, that the descendants of Gomer, Japhetlvs eldest 
 son, settled in the northern parts of Asia Minor, and th^n 
 spread into the Cimmerian Bosphorus, and the adjacent re- 
 gions: and that from them the numerous tribes of the Gauls, 
 Germans, Celts, and Cimbrians descended. The Scythians, 
 Tartars, and other northern nations, are supposed to be descen- 
 dants of Magog, Meshech, and Tubal ; the Medes, of Ma- 
 dai ; the Ionians, and indeed all the Greeks, of Javan ; and 
 ihe Thracians of Tiras. Nearly all the inhabitants of 
 Europe, and probably of America, descended from Japheth, 
 besides those of the northern regions of Asia. — 44 The isles of 
 the Gentiles,” generally mean the parts of Europe most known 
 to the ancient inhabitants of Asia. The inhabitants of Bri- 
 tain are in general descended from Japheth, and especially 
 concerned in 44 the isles of the Gentiles.” — The reader, by ex- 
 amining carefully the marginal references, may perceive, in 
 several particulars, some of the grounds on which these con- 
 clusions rest: but it would be improper, in this place, to enter 
 on so complicated a subject. 
 
 V. 6, 7. From Cush, the son of Ham, the Ethiopians in 
 Africa, and many tribes in A«ia, (inhabiting part of Arabia, 
 and often improperly called Ethiopians,) were evidently de- 
 scended. Mizraim was the ancestor of the Egyptians, Cyre- 
 nians, and Lybians ; or (the word being plural) it may be the 
 general name of the family or tribe whence they sprang ; and 
 Phut of the Mauritanians. — In short, all Africa is supposed to 
 have been peopled by Ham’s posterity : besides the Philistines, 
 Canaanites, and Phenicians. 
 
 V. 8 — 12. Nimrod seems at first to have exceedingly dis- 
 tinguished himself by hunting, which was then not so much a 
 diversion, as a useful method of preventing the hurtful increase 
 of wild beasts. T.his employment required great courage 
 and address, and exposed a man to much danger and hard- 
 ship ; and thus afforded a field for ambition to aspire after 
 pre-eminence, and gradually attached a number of valiant 
 men to one leader. From such a beginning, it is likely that 
 Nimrod began to claim authority, and enforce subjection. In 
 fact, he is the first king of whom we read in authentic history ; 
 and afterward he took occasion to wage war to extend his 
 conquests, and to enlarge his acquisitions by violence and 
 blood. Thus in a daring manner casting off the fear of God, 
 and acting in defiance of his late prohibition of shedding human 
 blood, Nimrod rendered himself notorious, and his name became 
 a proverb. When he had erected a kingdom at Babel, 44 He 
 went forth out of that land to Asshur, and builded Nineveh.” 
 Thus the words may be rendered, ( morg .) and this appears 
 to be the true meaning of them ; for the descendants of Ham 
 are spoken of; not those of Shem, who had a son called As- 
 shur. (22.) Nimrod seems to have Lien the principal per- 
 son concerned in building both Bahyloi. and Nineveh. — The 
 words translated, the city Rehoboth , are more j roperly rendered 
 in the margin the streets of the city. Little in cresting to us is 
 known concerning the other cities here mer.uoned. 
 
 ( 35 ) 
 
•i. C. 2320. 
 
 GENESIS. R. C. 2160 
 
 14 A»d y Pathrusim, and Casluliim, (outof whom 
 same U hilistim,) and “Caphtorim. 
 
 15 And Canaan begat ‘Sidon his firstborn, and 
 •Heth, 
 
 16 And the b Jebusite, and the Emorite, and 
 the Girgasite, 
 
 17 And the c Hivite, and the Arkite, and the 
 Sinite, 
 
 18 And the d Arvadite, and the 'Zemarite, and 
 the 'Hamathite : and afterward were the families 
 of the Canaanites spread abroad. 
 
 19 And nhe border of the Canaanites was from 
 Sidon, h as thou comest to 'Gerar, unto ‘Gaza : as 
 thou goest unto k Sodom, and Gomorrah, and Ad- 
 mah, and Zeboim, even unto Lasha. 
 
 20 These are the sons of ‘Ham, after their fa- 
 milies, after their tongues, in their countries, and 
 in their nations. 
 
 21 *11 Unto Shem also, m the father of all the 
 children of Eber, “the brother of Japheth the 
 elder, even to bun were children born. 
 
 22 The “children of Shem; I’Elam and Asshur, 
 and lArphaxad, and ‘iLud, and r Aram. 
 
 23 And the children of Aram; s Uz, and Hul, 
 and Gether, and Mash. 
 
 24 And Arphaxad begat §SaIah ; and ‘Salah 
 begat Eber. 
 
 25 And unto Eber were born two sons ; “the 
 name of one was Peleg, for x in his days was the 
 earth divided ; and his brother’s name was Joktan. 
 
 x Is. 11:11. Jer. 44:1. y 1 Chr. 1:12. Jer. 41:4. z Deul.2:23. Jer. 47:4. Am. 9:7. 
 • Heb. Tzitinn. 49:13. Jn.li. 11:8. Is. 23:4. Z/'rfon. a 15:19—21. 23:3—20. Ex. 
 3:8.34:11. Josh. 12:8— 24. 2 'am. 11:3. b Judg. 1.21. 2 Sam. 24:18. Zech.9:7. 
 c 81:2. d Ez. 27:8. e Josh. 18:22. 2 Chr. 13:4. f Num.34:S. 2 Sam. 8:9. 2 Kings 
 17:24,30. Is. 10:9. Zech.9:2. g Nmn. 34:2— 15. Teut. 32:8. Josh. 12:7,8. h 13:10. 
 i 20:1. 26:1 . 1 Heb. AzzrJ,. Judg. 16:1. Jer. 25:20. k 13:10 — 13. 14:2.18:20. 
 19:24,25. Hos. 11:8. 16.11:1—9. in 1 1 : 1U — 26. n 2. o 9:26. 1 Chr. 1.17— 27. 
 p 14:1,9. Is. 11:11. 21:2. 22:6. Jer. 25:25 . 49:34—39. Acts2:9. }Heb. Ar/ach- 
 Bhnd. qls. 66:19. r Num. 23:7. s Job 1 : 1 . Jer. 25:20. § Heb.SheMi. til: 
 
 The Septaugint render the words translated “ a mighty 
 hunter,” yiyag Kvvrjyos , a hunting giant. 
 
 V. 13, 14. The names, being plural, seem to be those of 
 families, not individuals. 
 
 V. 15 — 19. Several of these tribes are not mentioned 
 among the people whom the Lord destroyed before Israel. 
 Some of them inhabited a country further northward than the 
 promised land ; and various changes would take place, during 
 a course of ages, in respect of names, especially by uniting 
 two or more families into one. The boundaries of the Ca- 
 naanites are nearly the same as those assigned to the Israel- 
 ites west of Jordan, including also the country of Sodom and 
 Gomorrah. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 21. Of Eber.] Of all the Hebrews, and of many 
 other nations, who were descended from Shem by this branch. 
 
 V. 22 — 30. Besides the descendants of Shem by Ar- 
 phaxad, the Persians are supposed to be the posterity of 
 Elam; the Assyrians and Chaldeans, of Asshur; and the 
 Syrians, Armenians, and many tribes inhabiting Mesopota- 
 mia, of Aram : and the immensely numerous inhabitants of 
 the East Indies, China and Japan, may perhaps be considered 
 as the descendants of Joktan, the son of Eber. Indeed, 
 many learned men suppose that they find all J ok tan’s de- 
 scendant’s in the large peninsula between the Red Sea and the 
 Persian Gulf; and appear to derive the Arabians in general 
 from him. But the mention of a mountain in the East, war- 
 rants us to look for his posterity more to the East ; at least 
 if they settled in Arabia at first; some of them seem after- 
 wards to have migrated to a greater distance. Indeed, this 
 appears to be the most accurate account of the peopling of 
 the regions in the eastern parts of Asia, south of Tart ary. 
 It is likewise certain, that many of the Arabians trace back 
 their original to Ishmacl and Keturah. — Peleg signifies di- 
 vision : and had not the division spoken of been appointed 
 about the time of his birth, it does not. appear why that 
 name might not as properly have been given to any of his 
 contemporaries, as to him. 
 
 V. 31. Tongues.] (Note, 11:1,2.) The division men- 
 tioned before, (25,) seems to have been made by divine ap- 
 pointment, (Marg. Ref.) but it was not complied with till 
 aft er the confusion of longues ; and the historian here refers 
 lo the consequences in later ages. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As all mankind are of one family, and nearly related in 
 Adam and Noah, how reasonable is it that we should love 
 and do good to each other ! Whenever we behold a human 
 being, whatever be his language and garb, or wherever he 
 was born, we should recognize a relation, and behave to him 
 accordingly. In this view, how unnatural and absurd is that 
 prejudice against foreigners, and that contempt of them, 
 which generally prevail ! And how can it consist with love 
 <.0 our neighbours, our brethren, “ bone of our bone, and flesh 
 ■>f our flesh,” to treat them with rigour, or hold them in 
 slavery ? — But “ whence then come wars and fightings 
 ( 36 ) 
 
 26 And ^Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph. 
 and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, 
 
 27 And Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, 
 
 28 And Obal, and Abimael, and “Sheba, 
 
 29 And “Ophir, and b Havilah, and JoDab: al) 
 these were the sons of Joktan. 
 
 30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as thou 
 goest unto Sephar, a mount of the east. 
 
 31 These are the sons of Shem, “after their 
 families, after their tongues, in their lands, after 
 their nations. 
 
 32 These d are the families of the sons of Noah, 
 after their generations, in their nations : and by 
 these were the “nations divided in the earth aftei 
 the flood. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Only one language in the world , 1. The building of Babel interrupted by lh» 
 confusion of tongues, and the builders dispersed, 2 — 9. A genenJcgy fron 
 Shem to Abram , 10 — 27. Some account o f Abram and his family, and of hi 
 remocal from his natiue country , 23 — 32. 
 
 A ND the whole earth “was of one ‘language 
 and of one 'speech. 
 
 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed tfroir; 
 the east, that they found a plain in the land ol 
 b Shinar ; and they dwelt there. 
 
 3 And Hhey said one to another, “Go to. let us 
 make brick, and "burn them thoroughly. And 
 they had d brick for stone, and “slime had they fi.r 
 mortar. 
 
 4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city 
 apd a tower, f whose top may reach unto heaven 
 
 -X 
 
 13—15. u 11:16— 19. Luke 3:35,36. x 32. Dent. 32:8. Acts 17:26. y 1 Chr. 
 1:20—23. z 25:3. 1 Kings 10:1. a 1 Kings 9:28 . 22:43. 2 chr. 8:18. 9:10. Job 22. 
 24. 28:16. Ps. 45.9. Is. 13:12. b 2:11. 25:18. 1 Sam. 15:7. c 5,20. 0 5:29—31. 
 e 25. a Is. 19:18. Zeph. 3:9. Acts 2.6. * Heb. lip. t Heb. words . J Or, eas'^ 
 ward. 13:11. Heb. b Sceon 10:10. §Heb. aman said tohis neighbour, c 4,7. 
 Ec.2:l. Is. 5:5. Jam. 4:13. 5:1. t Heb. bum them to a Lurnin _■ . d Ex. 1:14. 
 5:7— 18. 2 Sam. 12:31. Is. 9:10. 65:3. Nah. 3:14. e 14:10. Ex. 2:3. fDeut. 1: 
 28. 9:1. Dan. 4:11,22. 
 
 amongst us ?” From that first murderer, who so early stirred 
 up in fallen man the vile lusts of ambition, covetousness, 
 revenge, and cruelty, and armed brethren against each other 
 in horrid war ; and who hath in all ages filled the earth with 
 slaughter and devastation, which, it might previously have 
 been supposed, could gratify none but himself. But the very 
 existence of war, and the necessity of always being ready 
 for it, and of sometimes waging it, too plainly prove man's 
 depravity , as well as Satan's influence. Blessed be God the 
 days are coining, when all the “ nations shall beat their 
 swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks, 
 and they shall learn war no more and then ambitious or 
 rapacious conquerors will no longer be adjudged illustrious 
 characters, as in man’s partial histories ; but they will be 
 branded with infamy, as in the impartial records of the Bible. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XI. V. 1, 2. Many learned men 
 arc of opinion, that the events here recorded occurred about 
 the time of Peleg’s birth, or a hundred and one years after 
 the deluge : but their arguments are by no means conclusive : 
 and the idea impressed on the mind in reading the chapter, 
 of the numbers to which the family of Noah was already 
 increased, favours the opinion that a longer term of years had 
 elapsed. Probably the division of the earth before men- 
 tioned, was a distinct transaction from the dispersion which 
 took place on this occasion. It was the purpose of God, de- 
 clared in the blessing pronounced on the sons of Noah, that 
 they should “replenish the earth.” (9:1.) This implied 
 that they should be divided into distinct nations, under sepa- 
 rate governments, inhabiting different countries, till the whole 
 earth was repeopled. But as they all spake one language, 
 and with but few exceptions had cast off the fear of God, 
 they formed a project which tended to counteract his pur- 
 pose. — Some regular division of the earth seems to have 
 taken place at the time that Peleg was horn, probably by 
 divine appointment, under the direction of Noah and Ins 
 sons. (Marg. Ref. -Note, 10:22 — 30.) — But the several 
 families, to which the different regions were assigned, had 
 not yet separated, and were unwilling to separate. — The ex- 
 pression, “ as they journeyed from the East" may refer to 
 some of the expeditions headed by Nimrod, who, having 
 united the whole company under his government, perhaps led 
 them to combine in this undertaking, (Note, 10:8 — 12;) 
 though some think that Noah had settled to the East of Shi- 
 nar when ho left the ark, and that his descendants were 
 now removing towards the West. 
 
 V. 3, 4. The company, or their leaders, consulted to- 
 gether, and excited and animated each other in encountering 
 difficulties. The plain which they had chosen contained 
 no quarries of stone ; hut it yielded quantities of bitumen, 
 which formed a natural cement : and having thus obtained 
 mortar, their ingenuity and resolution suggested a method of 
 surmounting the other impediment to their design, (which 
 was, to erect both a city, and an exceedingly high tower, ) by 
 burning clay into bricks. If they had planned this enormous 
 
B C. 1976. 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 B. C. 1921. 
 
 *and let us make us a name, h lest we be scattered 
 abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 
 
 5 And the Lord ‘came down to see the city 
 and the tower, which the children of men builded. 
 
 6 And the Lord said, k Bchold, 'the people is 
 one, and they have all one language ; and this they 
 begin to do : and now nothing will be restrained 
 from them which they have ""imagined to do. 
 
 7 Go to, “let us go down, and there “confound 
 their language, that they rmay not understand one 
 another’s speech. 
 
 8 So the ‘'Lord scattered them abroad from 
 thence upon the face of all the earth, and they left 
 off to build the city. 
 
 9 Therefore is the name of it called ’Babel, 
 because the Lord did there confound the language 
 of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord 
 scatter them abroad upon "the face of all the earth. 
 
 10 H These are 'the generations of Shem : 
 Shem was an hundred years old, and begat Ar- 
 phaxad two years after the flood. 
 
 11 And ‘Shem lived after he begat Arphaxad 
 1 five hundred years, and begat sons and 
 
 daughters. 
 
 Ij-j'j-] 12 And Arphaxad lived five and thirty 
 years, and begat Salah. 
 
 13 And Arphaxad lived after he begat Salah 
 ftc-lfour hundred and three years, and begat sons 
 
 'and daughters. 
 
 lap] 14 And Salah lived thirty years, and begat 
 Eber. 
 
 15 And Salah lived after he begat Eber four 
 ms. ] hundred and three years, and begat sons and 
 daughters. 
 
 g 2 Sam.8:13. Prov. 10:7. Dan. 4:30. John 5:44. h 8. P«. 92:9. Luke 1:51. i 18: 
 21. Ex. 19:11. John 3:13. k 3:22. Judg. 10:14. 1 Kings 18:27. Ec. 11:9. 11. 
 0:19. Acta 17 25. m 6:5. 8:21. Ps. 2:1—4. Luke 1:51. n 5. 1:26. 3:22. Is. 6:8. 
 o Job 5:12,13. 12:20. Ps. 33:10. Acts 2:4—11. p 10:5,20,32. 42:23. Dent. 28:49. 
 Ps. 55:9. Jer. 5:15. 1 Cor. 14:2— 11. q 4. 49:7. Luke 1:51. ‘That is, Con- 
 
 building to secure themselves against a future deluge, as for- 
 getting or distrusting the promise of God, or defying his ven- 
 geance, they would probably have chosen for the purpose 
 some high mountain, and not a plain : but they proposed to 
 themselves the acquisition of renown ; they wanted to do 
 something in order to be admired and celebrated ; and they 
 sought their own glory among posterity. Yet it is remark- 
 able that no history records so much as the name of one of 
 these Babel-builders, except that obscure intimation respect- 
 ing Nimrod before referred to. — It appears likewise, that 
 they meant this tower to be a centre of union, that they 
 might not be divided, and u scattered abroad upon the face 
 of the whole earth.” And probably their chieftains, Nimrod 
 especially, intended it to be the metropolis of that universal 
 dominion of which they seem to have been ambitious. — It 
 does not appear that they built the tower for an idolatrous 
 temple expressly ; but idolatry was early introduced, and 
 this became one of its chief residences. 
 
 V. 5. The Lord took particular notice of this daring en- 
 terprise ; and men, who take such notice, come to the spot to 
 examine for themselves. ( Note , 6:6,7.) — The distinction 
 between “ the children of men,” or ihe openly profane, and 
 “ the children of God,” or professors of true religion, still 
 subsisted. We may be sure that Noah, Shem, Eber, and 
 other pious persons, had no concern in this ambitious, rebel- 
 lious project. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. Ever since Adam broke through the fence of 
 the divine prohibition, by eating the forbidden fruit, men have 
 not been restrained from any thing on which they set their 
 hearts, unless by a strong hand. The remarkable language 
 here used, not only implies counsel and determination , and an 
 indignant contempt of the presumptuous project formed by 
 the builders, but is likewise a clear intimation of the plural- 
 ity of persons in the Deity, and can admit of no other con- 
 sistent interpretation. (Note, 1:26,27.) — The power of that 
 God, who first gave man the gift of speech, was exerted in 
 confounding the language of this rebellious company ; and 
 nothing could be more suited to break their wicked combina- 
 tion. Some indeed have thought, that no more is meant 
 than dividing their counsels , by leaving them to their violent 
 passions, till they quarrelled and separated ; and several 
 other interpretations have been given : but the variety of 
 languages, which has ever since prevailed on earth, proves 
 that their language was confounded, and that they could not 
 understand each other. By an extraordinary miracle, their 
 minds were strangely confused as to the meaning of the terms 
 in which they had before conversed, and led to form other 
 words and expressions. Thus new languages were pro- 
 duced ; and, probably, these were as numerous as the princi- 
 pal families in the company, who could understand one another, 
 out could not converse with their former associates. Thus 
 din very plans which they had formed tc prevent their dis- 
 
 16 And “Eber lived four xr.d thirty years, [h.9‘ 
 
 and begat iPeleg. L 
 
 17 And Eber lived after he begat Peleg four 
 hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and 
 daughters. 
 
 18 And Peleg lived thirty yeare, and begat 
 JReu. 
 
 19 And Peleg lived after he begat Reu two 
 hundred and nine years, and begat sons and 
 daughters. 
 
 20 And Reu lived two and thirty years, ana 
 begat §Serug. 
 
 21 And Rue lived after he begat Serug two hun- 
 dred and seven years, and begat sons and [|j^- 
 daughters. 
 
 22 And Serug lived thirty years, and be- [5;.? 
 gat Nahor. 
 
 23 And Serug lived after be begat Nahor twe 
 hundred years, and begat sons and daugh- [®^’- 
 ters. 
 
 24 And Nahor lived nine and twenty years, r?:„? 
 and begat “Terah. 
 
 25 And Nahor lived after he begat Terah ar 
 hundred and nineteen years, and begat sons r®- p 
 and daughters. 
 
 26 “H And Terah lived seventy years, and begat 
 "‘Abram, Nahor, and Haran. 
 
 27 Now these are the generations of Terah : 
 Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and 
 Haran begat rLot. 
 
 28 And Haran died before his father Terah, in 
 the land of his nativity, in z Ur of the Chaldees. 
 
 29 And Abram and Nahor took them wives : 
 the name of Abram’s wife was “Sarai ; and the 
 
 fusion. 10:10. Is. 13.14: Jer. 50:51: r 10:25,32. Acts 17:26. s 27. 10:21,22. 
 
 I Chr. 1:17— 27. Luke 3:34— 36. 1 5:4,4c. u 10:21,25. 1 Chr. 1:19. t Luk* 
 
 3:35 . Phalec. } Luke 3:35. Ragau. § Luke 3:35. Saruch. II Luke 3:34. Tfuira. 
 x 12:4,5. 22:20—24. Josh. 24:2. 1 Chr. 1:26,27. y 31. 12:4. 13:1—11. 14:12. 
 19:1—29. 2 Pet. 2:7. z 15:7. Neh. 9:7. Acts 7:4. a 17:15. 20:12. 
 
 persion made way for it ; and in consequence, the several 
 tribes removed to the regions allotted to them. In some 
 respects this was a severe rebuke, and led to the more entire 
 separation of most of them from the worshippers of God ; 
 but it tended to accomplish his purpose in replenishing the 
 earth with the human species. — 1 There is scarcely a great 
 nation in the world, but what has its own language. The 
 dividing of languages was therefore the dividing of nations ; 
 and so a bar to the whole world being under one govern- 
 ment.’ Fuller. — Noah, and other pious persons, chiefly the 
 descendants of Shem in the line of Eber, not being con- 
 cerned in this project, retained the original language. Now, 
 if this was, as it is highly probable, the Hebrew , we may 
 conclude it was thus called from Eber, to whose descendants 
 it was peculiar : and perhaps this is the most satisfactory 
 reason that can be assigned, why Abraham is called the 
 Hebrew, and his posterity the Hebrews. This name, how- 
 ever, seems to have been at first general to all the race of 
 Eber. — Babel signifies confusion ; (Bp. Patrick, Leigh;) 
 and the city was afterwards called Babylon, and continued, 
 for many ages, the headquarters of idolatry, and the type 
 of the mystical Babylon, u the mother of harlots and abomi- 
 nations of the earth ;” which likewise is, and will be, confu- 
 sion. 
 
 V. 10 — 25. The sacred writer, having given a general ac- 
 count of the tribes and nations descended from the three sons 
 of Noah, before he proceeded to trace the line of Shem to 
 Abram, introduced the building of Babel, and the confusion of 
 tongues, as in a parenthesis. The Septuagint read, “ Ar- 
 phaxad lived ohe hundred and thirty-five years, and begat 
 Cainan. . . . And Cainan lived one hundred and thirty years, 
 and begat Salah.” And St. Luke refers to the genealogy, 
 with this additional link in it. (Luke 3:36.) — According to 
 the Hebrew text, followed by our version, we may by compu- 
 tation find, that the original revelation made to Adam, might 
 be transmitted to Abram, at above two thousand years’ dis- 
 tance, through only two intermediate persons. Adam lived 
 till Methusaleh was two hundred and forty-three years old ; 
 and Methusaleh died when Shem was about one hundred, 
 who lived almost as long as Abraham. 
 
 The Septuagint, indeed, add one hundred years to all, be- 
 ginning at Arphaxad ; and take them away from the subsequent 
 life of some of them. (Note, 5:4 — 20.) — It is remarkable in 
 how gradual a manner the life of man was shortened after the 
 deluge, till it was confined within its present limits. 
 
 V. 26, 27. Terah seems to have lived seventy years be- 
 fore he had any children, and in process of time to have had 
 Abram, Nahor, and Haran, and perhaps others. But, though 
 Abram was mentioned first, as the most honourable charac- 
 ter, it is probable that he was Terah’s younges son, and not 
 born till his father was a hundred and thirty ears of age. 
 For Terah lived two hundred and five yr«m * and Abram 
 ( 37 ) 
 
B. C. 192 GENESIS. B. C. 1921 
 
 name of Nahor’s wife, '■Mile ah ine daughter of 
 Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Is- 
 cah. 
 
 30 But Sarai was 'barren : she had no child. 
 
 31 And Terah d took Abram his son, and Lot 
 the son of Haran his son’s son, and Sarai his 
 daughter-in-law, his son Abram’s wife : and 'they 
 went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to 
 go into the land of Canaan ; and they came unto 
 1 Haran, and dwelt there. 
 
 32 And the days of Terah were two hundred 
 and five years : and Terah died in Haran. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 God calls Abram and blesses him, 1 — 3. He, with Is>l , leaves Haran and comes 
 to t'anaan 4,5. The L.urd appears to him, and Abram worships , 6 — 9. 
 A mam in a famine goes down to Egypt , and feigns his wife to be his sister , 
 10 — 13. She is takrn into Pharaoh.' s house, w'io by plagues is compelled 
 to restore her , 14 — 17. He rej/roves Abram, and sends him away, 18 — 20. 
 
 N OW the Lord a had said unto Abram, b Get 
 thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, 
 and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I 
 will show thee. 
 
 2 And C I will make of thee a great nation, and I 
 
 1) 22:20. 24:15. c 15:2,3. 16:1,2. 18:11,12. 25:21. 29:31. 30:1,2. Judg. 13:2. 
 
 1 Sam. 1:2. Luke 1:7,35. d 26,27. 12:1. e 23. Heb 11:8. f 32. 12:4. 27:43. 
 29:4,5. Acts 7:4. Charran. a 11:31,32. Is. 41:9. 51:2. Ez. 33:24. b Josh. 24: 
 2,3. Ps. 45:10,11. Luke 14:26—33. Acta 7:2— 6. Heb. 11:8. c 13:16. 17:6.18:18. 
 46:3. Ex. 32:10. Num. 14:12. Deut. 26:5. 2 Sam. 7:9. 1 Kings 3:8 ,9. d 14:14— 
 16. 18:18. 19:29. 28:4. 1 Kings 1:47. Gal. 3:14. e 27:29. Ex. 23:22. Num. 24:9. 
 
 who did not leave Haran till after his death, was only seventy- 
 five when he departed thence. (12:5.) 
 
 V. 28 — 32. Sarai is supposed by some to have been the 
 daughter of Haran, and the same as Iscah. — She is called the 
 daughter-in-law of Terah, (31,) as being Abram’s wife; yet 
 Abram afterwards said, u she is the daughter of my father, 
 but not the daughter of my mother.” (20:12.) Probably Ha- 
 ran was the eldest son of Terah, and Abram his youngest by 
 another wife ; and thus Sarai was the daughter, or grand- 
 daughter, of Terah, Abram’s father, but not of his mother. — 
 It seems that Terah left his country on a divine monition made 
 to Abram. (12:1. Acts 7:2,3.) — Idolatry must have become 
 very general at this early period ; for both Terah and his 
 family had served other gods before this call; which was 
 doubtless one reason of the command to Abram finally to 
 leave his native country. Terah appears to have been very 
 ready to obey the call, and even active in removing from Ur : 
 and he reached a place called Haran or Charran , (well known 
 in history, and perhaps thus named from Terah’s deceased 
 son ;) but here he stopped, probably through sickness and in- 
 firmity ; and Abram, having attended him till he died, af- 
 terwards proceeded on his journey towards Canaan. The 
 other branches of the family seem afterwards to have left Ur, 
 and to have settled at Haran. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 How soon do men forget the most tremendous judgments, 
 and return to their former crimes ! The increase of wicked- 
 ness kept pace with that of the human species ; though the 
 desolations of the deluge were before their eyes, though they 
 sprang from the stock of righteous Noah, and though that pa- 
 triarch was still living ! So ineffectual is every thing, except 
 the sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit, to rectify the obliqui- 
 ty of the human will, and subdue the depravity of the human 
 heart! — Arduous undertakings can be accomplished only by 
 counsel, harmony, and mutual encouragement ; which we 
 oft<m find in the enterprises of daring sinners against the cause 
 of God, and which are too often wanting in the endeavours of 
 his servants to promote his glory. There is, however, no 
 counsel or wisdom against the Lord. While men on earth 
 ar* plotting to defeat his purposes, 44 he sitteth in heaven and 
 laug’ieth them to scorn ;” and all the efforts of sinners to honour 
 themselves will at last terminate in shame and confusion. — 
 In the difficulty with which our intercourse with foreign na- 
 tions is carried on, and the labour with which learning is ac- 
 quired, we experience the effects of the t ransaction at Babel. 
 Indeed, one great hinderance to the promulgation of true reli- 
 gion, both in former and latter ages, has arisen from this 
 source. Yet, “righteous art thou in all thy judgments, O 
 Lord!” When it was thy sovereign purpose to spread the 
 Gospel among tho nations which thou hadst dispersed, how 
 easily didst thou by the gift of tongues remove this impedi- 
 ment ! — Oh ! remove all other impediments, and fill the earth 
 with truth and righteousness. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1 — 3. To prevent the uni- 
 versal prevalence of idolatry, and to reserve a remnant to 
 whom his oracles might be delivered, and among whom his 
 ordinances might be established, till the coming of Christ, the 
 Lord, as a Sovereign, chose Abram from among his asso- 
 ciates in idolatry. 44 Thus the God of glory appeared to him,” 
 probably by a visible manifestation ; and, having made him- 
 self known unto him, and satisfied him that this was a divine 
 revelation, he commanded him to leave his native country. — 
 It is not certain that idolatry was more prevalent there than 
 in Canaan ; but Abram might more easily avoid it among 
 strangers, than among his former associates : ho was there- 
 fore likewise reouired to leave all his kindred, that is, all who 
 
 i 3S ) 
 
 will bless thee, and make thy name great; an,. 
 d thou shalt be a blessing. 
 
 3 And e I will bless them that bless thee, and 
 curse him that curseth- thee : and f in thee shall all 
 families of the earth be blessed. 
 
 4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken 
 unto him; sand Lot went with him: and Abram 
 was seventy and five years old when he departed 
 out of Haran. 
 
 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his 
 brother’s son, and all their substance that they 
 had gathered, and h the souls that they had gotten 
 ‘in Haran ; and they went forth to go into the 
 land of Canaan, and k into the land of Canaan 
 they came. 
 
 6 And Abram passed through the land into the 
 place of 'Sichem, unto the plain of m Moreh. And 
 the "Canaanite was then in the land. 
 
 7 And the Lord 'appeared unto Abram, and 
 said, I'Unto thy seed will I give this land: and 
 there ‘'builded he an altar unto the Lord, who ap- 
 peared unto him. 
 
 Male. 2.5:40,45. f 18:18. 22:18. 26-4. 28:14. 30:27,30. 39:5. Ps. 72:17. Acts 3: 
 2-5,26. Gal. 3:8. g 11:27. h 14:14,21. marg . 46:5—26. i 11.31. k Acu 7:4. 
 Heb. 11:8,9. 1 33:18. 34:2. 35:4. Josh. 20:7. 24:32. Judg. 9-1. 1 Kings 12:1. She- 
 chem. John 4:5. Sychar. Acts 7:16. SyJi-m. ni Dent. II 30. Judg. 7:1. n 10:15, 
 19. 13:7. 15:18—21. o 17:1. 18:1. 32:30. i» 13:15. 17:3. 26:3 . 28:13. Pa. 105:9 — 
 12. q 8 . 8:20, 13:4,18 . 26:25. 33:2-). 
 
 would not accompany him. — 44 The Lord had said,” &c. 
 That is, when he was in Ur of the Chaldees: and perhaps 
 he repeated the call after Terah’s death. To engage Abram’s 
 prompt obedience, God promised to bless him personally in 
 things temporal, spiritual, and eternal ; and relatively in his 
 posterity, by “ making of him a great nation.” — God would 
 also “make his name great.” — Abram was not renowned, 
 either as a conqueror, a lawgiver, or an inventor cf useful and 
 ingenious arts : he was not a monarch, a genius, a philoso- 
 pher, or so much as an author ; but a plain man, dwelling in 
 tents, and feeding cattle all his days : yet perhaps no mere 
 man has been so widely and permanently honoured. The 
 Jews, and many tribes of the Saracens and Arabians, justly 
 own and revere him as their progenitor : many nations in the 
 East exceedingly honour his memory at this day, and glory in 
 their real or pretended relation to him. Throughout the visi- 
 ble church he has always been highly venerated ; and at this 
 day, Jews, Mohammedans, and many Gentiles, vie with each 
 other and with Christians, who should most honour this an- 
 cient patriarch ! Nothing could be more improbable at the 
 time, than this event ; yet the prediction has been fulfilling, 
 most exactly, and minutely, during the course of almost four 
 thousand years ! Need we any other proof that the histo- 
 rian wrote as “ he was moved by the Holy Ghost ?” — The 
 Lord also promised Abram that “ he should he a blessing.” 
 To the latest ages important blessings would, for his sake, be 
 vouchsafed to his posterity ; he should be an instrument of 
 great good, while he lived, to his relations, domestics, and 
 neighbours ; and his example would be eminently useful till 
 the end of time. 4 All the true blessedness the world is now, 
 or ever shall be possessed of, is owing to Abram and his pos- 
 terity. Through them we have a Bible, a Saviour, and a 
 gospel. They are the stock on which the Christian Church 
 is grafted. Their very dispersions have proved the riches of 
 the world.’ Fuller. — The Lord would also have the same 
 friends and enemies with his chosen servant, rewarding the 
 kindness, and punishing the injuries, done to him, as if done to 
 himself. In him, and in One descended from him, all bles- 
 sings centre ; and through and from him they have been com- 
 municated to unnumbered millions, and shall continue to be 
 so, till all nations shall be made happy in him, and by faith in 
 Jesus become “Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the 
 promise.” (Notes, Acts, 3:24 — 2 fi. Rom. 4: Gal. 3:) 
 
 V. 4, 5. “By faith Abram obeyed, and he went out not 
 knowing whither he went.” He was fully satisfied that the 
 call, promise, and command, were from the living God. He 
 believed that his testimony was true, and his promiso 
 faitl ful, and that ho was able to fulfil it. lie was assured, 
 that the blessing of the Almighty was sufficient to compen- 
 sate for all that he could lose or leave behind, to countervail 
 all trials, to supply all wants, and to answer and exceed all 
 his desires and expectations. His natural reluctance might 
 he strong; and many would deride him as a visionary, for 
 leaving all, without so much as being able to inform, his in- 
 quiring neighbours, or expostulating relatives, whither he was 
 going. For it seems that Canaan was almost entirely un- 
 known to him : being at least three hundred miles distant 
 from Haran, and separated by great rivers, and an extensive 
 and perilous desert. — Lot also, with his family, went with 
 him, having become, probably by his means, a believer ; and 
 they took such of their possessions as could be removed, with 
 the servants who were their property, and perhaps many 
 of them proselytes to their religion Thus with steady per- 
 severance they went forward, ai.d by the Lord’s guidance 
 and protection safely arrived in Canaan. 
 
 V. 6, 7. The Lord appeared Jo Abram on his arrival in 
 
B. C. 1921 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 B. C. 1920 
 
 8 Aiul he removed from thence unto a moun- 
 tain on the east of r Beth-el, and pitched his 
 tent, having Beth-el on the west, and 'Hai 
 on the east : and there he budded an altar 
 unto the Lord, and 'called upon*the name of the 
 Lord. 
 
 9 And Abram journeyed, 'going on still toward 
 
 tllG SOllth. [Practical Observatitmc.'] 
 
 10 H And there was “a famine in the land: and 
 Abram "went down into Egypt to sojourn there; 
 for the famine was grievous in the land. 
 
 1 1 And it came to pass, when he was come near 
 to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his 
 wife, Behold now I know that thou art ?a fail- 
 woman to look upon. 
 
 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the 
 Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This 
 is his wife : and they 'will kill me, but they will 
 save thee alive. 
 
 13 Say, I pray thee, a thou art my sister: that 
 it may be well with me for thy sake ; b and my 
 soul shall live because of thee. 
 
 rfcf:l9. 35:3.15,16. sJosh.7:2. 8:3. /li.Neh. 11:31. Aija. I 4:26. 13:4. 21:33. 
 Ph. 116:4. Joel 2:32. Acts 2:21. Rom. 10:12— 14. lCor.l:2. • Heb. Ingoing 
 and. journe'i ing. 13:3. u 26:1. 42:5. 43:1. 47:13. Ruth 1:1. 2Snm.21:l. 1 
 Kings 17:18.' 2 Kings 4:38. 6:25. 7: Ps. 107:34. Jer. 14: 1 . Acts 7: 11. x 26:2,3. 46: 
 3.4. 2 Kings 8: 1 ,2. y 26:7 . 29:17 . 39:6 . 2Snm.Il:2. Prov. 31:30. 220:11. 26- 
 
 7. 1 Sam. 27:1. Prov. 29:25. 1 John 1,8—10. a 11:29. 20:2,12. 26:7. Is. 51:11. 
 
 Canaan, to testify his acceptance of his faith and obedience, 
 and to encourage him ; at the same time that he welcomed 
 him to the promised land, which he assured him should be 
 the possession of his posterity: yet he then had no child, 
 the Can* mites dwelt in it, and he could only sojourn there 
 as a stranger upon sufferance. Accordingly Abram u builded 
 an altar, unto Jehovah, who appeared to him.” He made 
 an open profession of his religion; maintained the public wor- 
 ship of Jehovah ; avowed his faith in the promised Seed, in 
 prefiguration of whose atonement sacrifices were instituted; 
 and probably, both with his family and such of his neighbours 
 as were induced to join him, he observed the sabbaths with 
 sacred solemnity. Thus, in faith, he seemed to take posses- 
 sion of the promised land, in the name of Jehovah, as the 
 land which in future ages would be the principal seat of true 
 religion. — Sichem is afterwards spelt Shechem, which best ac- 
 cords with the original. — The word rendered plain, is gene- 
 rally supposed to mean an oak , or grove of oaks. — The clause, 
 w The Canaanite was then in the land,” might be added af- 
 terwards as an explanatory note, perhaps by Ezra : yet some 
 think that the brtmch of the devoted nations, which were cal- 
 led Canaanites, then inhabited this district, but, before the 
 times when Moses wrote, had been dispossessed by some 
 other tribe. 
 
 V. 8. j Beth-el. \ Many of these names were given after- 
 wards ; but Moses spake of the several places as they were 
 known in his time. — “Calling on the name of the Lord,” 
 seems to signify the public worship which accompanied 
 Abram's sacrifices. Some render it, 4 he preached concern- 
 ing the name of the Lord as intimating that he joined in- 
 structions to his devotions. (18:19.) 
 
 V. 10. Abram, when pressed by famine, did not return to 
 Mesopotamia, as weary of his pilgrimage, or as despising the 
 promised land ; but he retired for a season into Egypt. 
 
 V. 11 — IG. It is supposed that Sarai’s complexion being 
 fair , (as the Egyptians were sallow ,) might render her more 
 beautiful in the eyes of Pharaoh ; though she was at this time 
 sixty-five years of age. — The impartiality of the historian is 
 here worthy of admiration : but the conduct of Abram was 
 exceedingly culpable, and inconsistent with the character of 
 1 the father of the faithful,’ and w the friend of God.” His 
 counsel to Sarai could arise from noihing but distrust and un- 
 belief : for a numerous posterity had been just before promised 
 him ; and would the Lord suffer him to be slain when child- 
 less ? The words which he suggested to Sarai were at best 
 an equivocation, intended for the purpose of deceiving. He 
 tempted her to join in his sin, and thus to expose her own chas- 
 tity to imminent danger ! And his language implied a strong de- 
 pendence on the success of his carnal policy ; and a disposi- 
 tion, if it succeeded, to give Sarai the credit of preserving his 
 life, instead of ascribing his safety to the Lord. The tempta- 
 tion also, thrown in the way of Pharaoh and his princes, was 
 suited to ensnare them in guilt, and even to prejudice them 
 against Abram’s religion. — Pharaoh, (whose name was for 
 many ages common to the kings of Egypt,) was disposed to 
 add to the number of his wives, (for probably he had some 
 before,) and his courtiers were willing to assist him : but 
 they did not show any tokens of so atrocious wickedness, as 
 to take Abram’s wife from him, or to murder him on her ac- 
 « count. 
 
 V. 17. God inflicted on Pharaoh and his family some grie- 
 ous disorders, which made them sensible for what cause 
 they were plagued : and thus he preserved Sarah. And 
 probably she, being further questioned, declared the real state 
 of the case. 
 
 14 And it came to pass that when Abram was 
 come into Egypt, the Egyptians 'beheld the wo- 
 man, that she was very fair. 
 
 15 Tiie ‘‘princes also of Pharaoh saw her, anu 
 commended her before 'Pharaoh : and the womai. 
 was f taken into Pharaoh’s house. 
 
 16 And he ^entreated Abram well for her sake < 
 and ‘‘he had sheep, and oxen, and he-asses, an, 
 men-servants, and maid-servants, and she-asses 
 and camels. 
 
 17 And the Lord ‘plagued Pharaoh and his 
 house with great plagues, because of Sarai, 
 Abram’s wife. 
 
 18 And Pharaoh called Abram, and said, k What 
 is this that thou hast done unto me ? why didst thou 
 not tell me that she was thy wife ? 
 
 19 Whysaidst thou she is my sister? so I might 
 have taken her to me to wife : now therefore, be- 
 hold thy wife, take her and go thy way. 
 
 20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concern- 
 ing him ; ‘and they sent him away, and his wife, 
 and all that he had. 
 
 Matt. 26:69— 75. Gal. 2:12,13. bPs. '46:3— 5. Jer. 17:5-8. c 3:6. 6:2. 39:7. 
 Matt. 5:23. (1 Ksth. 2:2— 16. Prov. 29:12. e 40:2. 4 1 : 1 . Ex. 2:5. lKinss3:l. 
 Jer. 25:19. Ez. 32:2. f20;2. g 13:2. 20:14. h 24:35. 26:14. 32:5,13— 15. Job 1 :3. 
 42:12. i 20:18. Job34:19. Ps. 105:14,15. Heb. 13:4. k 20:9,10 . 26:9— 11. Ex. 
 32:21. Prov. 21:1. 1 1 Sam. 29:6— 11. 
 
 V. 18 — 20. Pharaoh s conduct on this occasion was equit- 
 able and honourable ; and his rebuke and expostulation could 
 admit of no answer. — To tempt others to sin is the greatest 
 of injuries. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. In the call of Abram, the chosen repository of 
 the promises, and the exemplar of believers through all future 
 ages, we have a representation of the life of faith, and the 
 walk with God. This commences when the Lord graciously 
 makes himself known to a sinner, by his word and Spirit ; 
 thus calling him to forsake his sinful and worldly pursuits and 
 connexions, to deny himself, and to become his spiritual wor- 
 shipper and devoted servant: while allured by “exceedingly 
 great and precious promises,” drawn by strong desires and 
 expectations, and convinced of the ruin which attends dis- 
 obedience, the sinner, 4 through grace obeys the calling.’ — He 
 who indeed believes the word of God, and values duly the pro- 
 mised blessings, will yield a prompt and unreserved obedience 
 to the command, however nature may revolt at, or shrink from 
 if ; and nothing but true faith will produce this self-denying obe- 
 dience. Believers, 44 being justified by faith, have peace with 
 God they are blessed themselves, and blessings to others, 
 to relatives, to friends, to neighbours, to their country, to the 
 church of God, and to posterity ; by their example, influence, 
 and prayers, living and dying : and their words and actions 
 are often long after remembered with great profit, by many. 
 As their friends will be rewarded, so their enemies will be 
 punished ; though their name may not be great on earth, it shall 
 he great in heaven ; and some, who have lived long in sin, have 
 become afterwards very eminent in faith and holiness. — We 
 must not neglect the call of Gnd, to oblige our nearest rela- 
 tions ; but we should endeavour to prevail on them to asso- 
 ciate with us in his service ; and we shall not in general be 
 altogether unsuccessful. Wherever we go, 44 the Lord is 
 there ;” and, professing his truth, attending on his worship, 
 and enjoying communion with him, we cannot but be safe, re- 
 spectable, and happy. Whatever difficulties and dangers we 
 meet with, we must never think of turning back ; but must 
 press forward, aiming at still more intimate communion with 
 God, and more entire conformity to him. 
 
 V. 10 — 20. No state on earth is free from trials; no cha- 
 racter from blemishes : famine was known in Canaan, the glory 
 of all lands ; and unbelief, with its consequent evils, was clearly 
 discernible in Abram, 44 the father of the faithful !” In heaven 
 alone can perfect felicity and purity be found. — Those ex- 
 ternal accomplishments which are most coveted and admired, 
 frequently prove sources of danger and temptation to the pos- 
 sessor, and to others. — 44 The fear of man bringeth a snare;” - 
 and nothing but lively and vigorous faith can keep us stedfast 
 in obedience, amidst perils and temptations. — Our attachments 
 to endeared relatives, and our expectations from them, an* 
 frequently idolatrous, and inconsistent with simplicity of de- 
 pendence on the Lord. — Strict sincerity, remote from the least 
 appearance of evasion or duplicity, is not only most honourable, 
 but in the event safest and most advantageous: for 44 a lying, 
 lip is but for a moment,” and disgrace is sure to follow. — Ma- 
 gistrates are exalted in Providence to be 44 a terror to evil 
 doers, and a praise to them that do well but too often they 
 are slaves to their own lusts, and sacrifice every nobler consi- 
 deration to 44 make provision for the flesh :” but they must give 
 an account of their conduct to God. And when courtiers de- 
 grade themselves, by becoming caterers to the lusts of their 
 superiors, they forfeit the honourable appellation of princes, 
 and merit the most opprobrious epithets. Yet, even in the- 
 worst of times and places, we meet with more honour and con- 
 
 ( 39 ) 
 
B. <J. 1W8. GENESIS. B. C. 1917. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Abram and Lo ' return with green riches from Egypt, 1, 5. Strife arises be - . 
 tween Abram's herdmen and those of Lot ,6,7. Abram meekly ref ere it to 
 Lot , to choose his part in the country , 8, 9 ; and he goes lo Sodom , 10 — 13. 
 Uod renews his promises to Abram , 14 — 17 ; who goes to Hebron and builds 
 an altar , 18. 
 
 A ND Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and 
 his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with 
 him, into "the south. 
 
 2 And Abram was very b rich in cattle, in silver, 
 and in gold. 
 
 3 And he went on his journeys- from the south, 
 even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had 
 been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hai; 
 
 4 Unto “the place of the altar, which he had 
 made there at the first : and there Abram d called 
 on the name of the Lord. 
 
 5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had 
 flocks, and herds, and 'tents. 
 
 6 And the land was not able to tear them, that 
 they might dwell together : for their substance was 
 great, so that they could not dwell together. 
 
 7 And there was Hi strife between the herdmen 
 of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cat- 
 tle : and the h Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled 
 there in the land. 
 
 8 And Abram said unto Lot, 'Let there be no 
 strife, 1 pray thee, between me and thee, and be- 
 tween my herdmen and thy herdmen : for we be 
 ’brethren. 
 
 9 Is k not the whole land before thee ? Separate 
 thyself, I pray thee, from me : 'if thou wilt take 
 
 a 12:9. Josh. 10:40. 18:5. I. Sam. 27:10. 2 Sam. 24:7. b 24:35. 26:12,13. Deut. 
 8:li. 1 Sam. 2:7. Job 1:10. Ps. 112.1—3. Prov. 3:9,10. 10:22. Malt. 6:33. c 18. 
 12:7,8. 35:1—3. l's.2S:S. 42:2.84:1,2,10. <1 Ps. 116:2,17. Jer.29:12. Zeph.3:9. 
 
 1 Cor. 1:2. e 4:20. 25:27. Jer. 49:29. 136:6,7. Ec. 5:10,11. Luke 12:17,18. g 26: 
 20. Ex. 2:17. 1 Cor. 3:3. Gal. 5.20. h 12:6 . 34:30. Neh. 5:9. Phil. 2:14,15. Col. 
 4:5. I Thes. 4:12. 1 Pet. 2:12. i Prov. 15:1. Mail. 5:9. I Cor. 6:6,7. Heb. 12:14. 
 
 - Heb. men, brethren. 11:27— 31.45:24. Pa. 133: Acts 7:23. Korn. 12:10. Eph.4: 
 2,3. 1 Thes. 4:9. Heb. 131. 1 Pet. 1:22. 2:17. 3:8. 4:8. 2 Pel. 1:7. 1 John 2:9 — 
 11. 3:14—19.4:7,20,21. k 20:15. 34:10. 1 Rom. 12:18. Jam. 3:13— 18. 1 Pet. 
 3:10,11. m3:6. 6:2. Num. 32:1,4c. 1 John 2:15,16. n 19:17,25. 1 Kings 7:46. 
 
 science, than we perhaps expected, and find our unbelieving 
 fears were groundless.— God protects his people notwithstand- 
 ing their infirmities; takes better care of them than they do of 
 themselves ; and overrules all things for their good : yet they 
 shall not escape rebuke, even from those who are in other 
 respects their inferiors, when they act inconsistently with their 
 character and profession. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIII. V. 1. South.] The southern 
 part of Canaan lay north-east of Egypt. 
 
 V. 2. Abram’s riches had been increased by his journey 
 to Egypt, nay, by means of his misconduct! God so over- 
 ruling it, entirely beside Abram’s intention. 
 
 V. 4. Place of the altar.] In preference to any other 
 place, as remembering with pleasure the worship which he 
 had there performed. 
 
 V. 6. The former inhabitants doubtless occupied much of 
 the best laud ; and the unoccupied part could not, in one dis- 
 trict, support so large flocks and herds. 
 
 V. 7. The Canaanite and Perizzite, being estranged from 
 true religion, would strictly scrulinize, and severely animad- 
 vert upon, the conduct of those, who openly professed them- 
 selves the servants and worshippers of Jehovah. — The Ca- 
 naanite, &c.] (IVote 12:6,7.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. Abram was the elder man, the superior re- 
 lation, and the more eminent servant of God: yet, for the sake 
 of peace, and for the credit of religion, he gave up every per- 
 sonal consideration, and with great temper and prudence sup- 
 plicated his nephew, and allowed him his choice. — 1 The best, 
 the wisest, and men of the greatest experience in the world, 
 are most inclined to peace, and most yielding in order to it.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Lot seems to have expressed no great reluc- 
 tance at leaving Abram’s family, and losing the benefit of 
 his conversation, counsel, example, worship, and instructions; 
 nor so much as to have remitted to him the privilege of the 
 first choice ! But if this was faulty, it was still worse to 
 choose, merely from “ the lust of the eye,” a well-watered, 
 fruitful land, without any higher motive than the hope that 
 his substance, already too large, would there become much 
 greater.— Before the destruction of Sodom, this region ap- 
 
 f 'cared to those who approached it by the way of Zoar, which 
 ay on its borders, like a most beautiful garden. The garden 
 of Eden seems referred to. (Marg. Ref. o.) The flat country, 
 watered abundantly by the streams of Jordan, resembled 
 Egypt in appearance and fertility. Thither Lot resorted; 
 and Abram continued to dwell in a part of that country, 
 which was afterwards inherited by his posterity. — It is not 
 said that Lot built an allar to the Lord. 
 
 V. 13. Sinners , &c.] The men of Sodom were noto- 
 rious and daring transgressors ; despising God, and openly 
 defying him ; and they were especially marked by him for 
 vengoance. 
 
 ( 40 , 
 
 the left hand, then I will go to ihe right; or W thou 
 depart to the right hgtnd, then I will go to the left. 
 
 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, ra and beheld al! 
 "the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered eve- 
 ry where, befort the Lord destroyed Sodom and 
 Gomorrah, even as “the garden of the Lord, like 
 the land of' Egypt, as thou comestunto fZoar. 
 
 1 1 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan ; 
 and Lot journeyed east: and sthey separated 
 themselves the one from the other. 
 
 12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and 
 Lot 'dwelled in the cities of the plain, and 'pitch- 
 ed his tent toward Sodom. 
 
 13 But ‘the men of Sodom were w'cked, and 
 sinners “before the Lord exceedingly. 
 
 14 IT And the Lord said unto Abram, after that 
 Lot was separated from him, ’‘Lift up now thine 
 eyes, and look from the place where thou art, 
 ^northward, and southward, and eastward, and 
 westward. 
 
 15 For all the land which thou seest, Ho thee 
 will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 
 
 16 And a I will make thy seed as the dust of the 
 earth : so that if a man can number the dust of the 
 earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 
 
 17 Arise, walk through the land, in the length of 
 it, and in the breadth of it : for I will give it unto 
 thee. 
 
 18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came 
 and dwelt in the 'plain of b Mamre which is iu 
 “Hebron, and built there d an altar unto the Lord. 
 
 o 2:9. Is. 51:3. Ez 28:13. 31:8. Joel 2:3. p 14:2,8. 19:20— 22,31). Deut. 34:3. 
 Is. 15:5. Jer. 4S:31. q9,14. Ps. 16:3. 119.63. Prov. 27:10. Hell. 10:25. r 19:29. 
 s 14:12. 19:1. Ps. 26:5. 1 Cor. 15:33. 2 Pei. 2:7,8. l 15:16. 13 20. 19:4,4c. Is. 
 1:9. 3:9. Ezek. 16:46—50. Mall. 11:23,24. u 6:11. 10:9. 38:7. 2 Kings 21:6. 
 Is. 3:8. x 10. Is. 49:18. 60:4. y 28:14. Deut. 3:27. z 12:7. 15:18. 17:8. 18:18. 
 24:7 . 26:3. 28:13. Num. 34:2, 4c. Deal. 23:2— 4. 2 Clir. 20:7. Nell. 9:7.8. Ps. 105: 
 9—12. 1121, 2. Acts 7:5. a 1.5:5. 22:17. 26:4. 28:3,14. 32:12. Ex. 32:13. Num. 
 23:10. Deut. 1:10. 1 Kings 3:8. 4:20. 1 Chr. 27:23. Is. 48:18,19. Jer. 33:22. 
 Rom. 4:16 — 18. Ileb. 11:12. t Ileb. plains, b 14:13. 18:1. c 23:2. Num 
 13:22. Josh. 14:13. d 8:20. 12:7,8. 
 
 V. 14. “Lot lifted up his eyes, &c.” (10;) — and God 
 saith to Abram, u Lift up thine eyes, &c.” — 4 Thus he who 
 sought this world lost it; and he who was willing to give up 
 any tiling for the honour of God and religion, found it.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 15. For ever.] This expression, in some instances, 
 means, forages to come. (Note, 1 7:7,8. ) ^ 
 
 V. 16. As the dust.] This promise musrhave put Abram’s 
 faith to a sharp trial: for as yet he had no child: though he 
 was far advanced in life, and had been long married. — Had an 
 innumerable posterity been promised to one of Noah’s sons, or 
 grandsons, it would not have been extraordinary ; but about 
 four hundred and thirty years had now elapsed since the de- 
 luge ; the earth was greatly replenished, and considerable na- 
 tions were already founded ; yet Abram’s descendants have 
 been so numerous, as alipost to rank with those of some of 
 Noah’s grandsons ; and none of his contemporaries can, in 
 this respect, be at all put in competition with him. When 
 Moses wrote the history, these predictions had, in some 
 measure, been fulfilled: but what proportion did the increase 
 of Abram’s seed at that time bear to the incalculable mul- 
 titudes which have since sprung from him ? Besides the na- 
 tions of Judah and Israel, his descendants by Esau, and 
 Ishmael, and the sons of Kcturah, have been astonishingly 
 numerous. What human foresight could have perceived, that 
 the nations descended from Abram would be preserved so 
 distinct, during such a lapse of ages, as to afford mankind 
 any satisfaction in inquiring into the number of his descend- 
 ants? What other nations have been kept separate from 
 the people, in the midst of whom they lived, as the Israelites, 
 Ishmaelites, and Arabians have been ? What other people 
 can trace back their origin to one illustrious progenitor, with- 
 out involving the whole in fable and uncertainty ? — Even 
 should any one doubt, against the express testimony of Christ 
 and his apostles, whether Moses wrote these hooks ; it is un- 
 questionable that they are very ancient ; and that these pro- 
 phecies have received their most illustrious accomplishment, 
 since the time when wc may certainly know that they were 
 extant. 
 
 V. 17. Arise , &c.l 1 Go and survey the inheritance al- 
 lotted to thy posterity. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We may sometimes he driven into places of temptation, but 
 we must not continue in them when the necessity ceases. — 
 The possession of* riches, though dangerous, is not absolutely 
 incompatible with the life of faith and walk w ith God. When 
 they are neither anxiously coveted, nor eagerly pursued, nor 
 improperly confided in, nor inordinately loved; — when they 
 come by the blessing of God, are thankfully received, mo- 
 derately enjoyed, and carefully improved ; — they may then 
 he ornaments of godliness, and means of usefulness. Yet 
 they are generally incumbrances to the posressoi , and sources 
 of contention or separation between brethn .a 7 id frequently 
 
15. C. 1913. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 B. C. 1913. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Wa- is teamed by four kings against tht king of Sodomand his allies, who are 
 cori/uena an l plundered , 1 — II. Lot is akttit prisoner, but is rescued by 
 Abram , 12 — 16. Abram returns , and is met by Melchizedek king of Salem ; 
 and by the king of Sodom, to xokom he restores the spoil, except the portion 
 of his oirti confederates, 17 — 24. 
 
 A ND it came to pass in the days of Amraphel 
 king 1 of "Shinar, Arioch king of b Ellasar,^ 
 Chedorlaomer king of c Eiam, and Tidal king of 
 nations ; 
 
 2 That these made war with Bera king of J Sodom, 
 and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king 
 of “Adinah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and 
 the king of Bela, which is f Zoar. 
 
 3 All these were joined together in the vale of 
 Siddim, which is the esalt-sea. 
 
 4 Twelve years h thev served Chedorlaomer, and 
 in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 
 
 5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlao- 
 mer, and the kings that were with him, and smote 
 the ‘Rephaims in k Ashteroth-Karnaim, and the 
 ‘Zuzims in Ham, and the m Emims in ’Shaveh Ki- 
 riathaim, 
 
 6 And the "Horites in their mount Seir, unto 
 f El-pa ran, which is by the wilderness. 
 
 7 And they returned and came to Enmishpat, 
 which is “Kadesh, and smote all the country of the 
 ?Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that dwelt in 
 ‘iHazezon-tamar. 
 
 8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and 
 the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, 
 and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, 
 (the same is Zoar ;) and they joined battle with 
 them in the vale of Siddim; 
 
 9 With Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and 
 with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of 
 Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar : four kings 
 with five. 
 
 i 10:10. 11.2. Is. 11:11. Dan. 1:2. Zech. 5:11. b Is. 37:12. c 10:22. Is. 21:2. 
 Jer. 2.5:25. 49:34— 39. <110:19.13:10. Is. 1:9,10. e Deut. 29:23. Hos.ll:8. 
 
 f 19:20— 30. gNum. 34:12. Deut. 3:17. Josh. 3:16. Ps. 107:34. mnr;. Ii 9:2.5, 
 23. i 15:20. 2Sam. 5:18. 23:13. 1 Chr. 11:15. 14:9. Is. 17:5. k Josh. 12:4. 13: 
 12. 1 Deut. 2:20 — 23. m Deut. 2:10,11. * Or , the plain of Kiriath aim. Jer. 
 43:1,23. n 96:9,20— 30. Deut. 2:12,22. 1 Chr. 1 :38— 42. j br, the plain ofl’a- 
 rnn. 21:21. Num. 12:16. 13:3. oNurn.20:l. Deut. 1:19,45. p 36:16. Ex. 17: 
 S— 16. N«ra. 11:13.45. 21:20. 1 Sam. 15: 30: q 2 Chr. 20:2. r 11:3. s 19:17,30. 
 
 . 11:27. 12:5. V 13:12,13. Num. 16:26. Job 9:23. Jer. 2:17— 19. 1 Tim. 6:9— 11. 
 
 they exclude men from comfortable society, and many spi- 
 ritual advantages. When they “ are increased, those are in- 
 creased that eat them which commonly creates uneasiness, 
 and renders the possession of Ihe blessing of peace more pre- 
 carious. Let the poor then learn contentment, and the wealthy 
 caution and moderation, from the example of Abram and Lot. 
 As we, who profess to be brethren in Christ, are surrounded 
 with enemies and spies, we should be careful to preserve 
 union, and to “ avoid all appearance of evil,” lest we should 
 prejudice their minds, or open their moulhs against ns: and 
 we ought to renounce every personal interest, and to make 
 every concession, for the sake of peace. — If the real servants 
 of God so lose themselves, as to leave, for temporal advan- 
 tages, the society of the faithful, and to estrange themselves 
 from sacred ordinances, by removing to dark and wicked 
 places, they will be severely corrected : while the Lord will 
 compensate, perhaps in outward blessings, certainly in spi- 
 ritual consolations, pledges of his love, and earnests of glory, 
 those who give up secular advantages for his sake, and for 
 the cause and honour of the Gospel.— In outward difficulties 
 it is very profitable for the believer to meditate, frequently 
 and intensely, on the glorious inheritance which the Lord 
 hath in reserve for him at the last. And as it is impossible 
 to conceive, that the promises and predictions of this ancient 
 book could have been so minutely and circumstantially ful- 
 filled, during a course of so many centuries, unless they had 
 been written “ by inspiration of God,” let every reader re- 
 member our Lord’s words : “ If they believe not Moses and 
 the prophets, neither would they be persuaded though one 
 rose from the dead.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1—3. This is the most 
 ancient war recorded in authentic history ; and doubtless it 
 would have been passed over in silence and buried in oblivion, 
 tad not Abram and Lot been concerned in it: edification, not 
 lie gratifying of curiosity, being the object of the inspired his- 
 .orians. — The fruitful valley of Siddim, by the destruction of 
 Sodom and Gomorrah, became a large lake, called the Salt 
 $ea, or the Dead Sea. — Some of these assailants came from 
 Mesopotamia, and others from beyond the Tigris. Amraphel 
 was king of the country in which Babel stood. (Marg. 
 Ref. a.) 
 
 V. 4. After having submitted for twelve years, these kings 
 formed an alliance to shake off the yoke of this foreign prince. 
 
 V. 5 — 7. This ancient conqueror, having subdued all the 
 neighbouring petty princes, and ravaged their territories, came 
 with his victorious army to subjugate the king of Sodom and 
 his allies. — The word Rephaim i.- often translated giants. 
 VOL.I — f 
 
 10 And the vale o Siddim was fall o/ ■'slime- 
 pits : and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, 
 and fell there: and they that remained fled to ’the 
 mountain. 
 
 1 1 And they took all the goods of Sodom and 
 Gomorrah, and all their victuals, and went their way 
 
 12 And they took l Lot, Abram’s brother’s son 
 (“who dwell in Sodom,) and his goods, and de 
 parted. 
 
 13 And there came x one that had escaped, and 
 told Abram rthe Hebrew; for he ’dwelt in the 
 plain of “Mamre the ''At no rite, brother of Eshcol, 
 and brother of Aner : and these were confederate 
 with Abram. 
 
 14 And when Abram heard that c his brother 
 was taken captive, he farmed his ^trained servants, 
 d born in his own house, three hundred and eigh- 
 teen, and pursued them unto c Dan. 
 
 15 And he divided himself against them, he and 
 his servants by night, 'and smote them, and pur- 
 sued them unto Hobah, which is on the left hand 
 of ^Damascus. 
 
 16 And h he brought back all (he goods, and 
 also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, 
 and the women also, and the people. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 17 IT And the king of Sodom went out ‘to meet 
 him, ( k after his return from the slaughter of Che- 
 dorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him,) 
 at the valley of Shaveh, which is the 'king’s dale. 
 
 18 And Melchizedek, m king of Salem, brought 
 forth "bread and wine : and he was "the priest of 
 the most high God. 
 
 19 And he rblessed him, and said, ‘■Blessed be 
 Abram of the "most high God, ’possessor of heaven 
 and earth : 
 
 Rev. 3:19. x I >am. 4:12. y 39:14. 40:15. 41 :12. 43:32. Ex. 2:6.11 . 2Cor.Il: 
 22. Phil. 3 5. y. 13:18. a24. b 10:16. Num. 21:21. c 13:8. IW. 17:17. 24:11, 
 12. Gal. 6:1,2. 1 John 3:18. J Or, led forth. § Or, instructed, d 12:5,16. 
 15:3. 17:12.27. 18:19. e Dent. 34:1 . Judg. 18:29. 20:1. fls. 41:2,3. glo:2. 
 1 Kings 15:18. Acts9:2. h 11:12. 12:2. 1 Sam. 30:8,18.19. i 1 Sam. 18:6. I rov. 
 14:20/19:4. kHeb.7:l. I2Sam. 18:18. m Ps. 76:2. Heb. 7.1 ,2. n Matt. 26: 
 26-29. o i's. 110:4. Heb. 5:6,10. 6:20.7:10—22. p 27:4,25— 29. 47:7,10. 48: 
 9—16. 49:28. Num. 6:23— 27. Mark 10: 16. Heb. 7:6.7. q Ruth 3: 10. 2 Sam. 
 2:5. r Mic. 6:6. Acts 16:17. s Ps. 115:16. Malt. 11:25. Luke 10:21. 
 
 (Marg. Ref. i.) For M all the country of the Amalekites,” 
 the Septaugint read, ‘All the rulers of Amalek. 5 (Note, 
 36:12.) 
 
 V. 12. F rom avaricious motives Lot. had chosen the fruit- 
 ful plain of Sodom, and at length had gone to dwell in that 
 wicked city, the inhabitants of which were ripe for vengeance, 
 but their wealth soon tempted plunderers, and he was stript 
 of all his property and carried captive. Had not Lot been 
 taken, the conquerors might have gone off wiih their booty ; b it 
 he was the servant of God, though he had offended ; he needed 
 a rebuke, but he must not be reduced to slavery; especially 
 as he was brother’s son to Abram the blessed , who was “a 
 blessing” to all related to him. 
 
 V. 13. Abram is called the Hebrew , probably from the 
 name of Eber his ancestor, and not, as some think, from his 
 having passed the Euphrates, the word signifying a passage. 
 (Note, 11:6 — 9.) — He had prudently firmed an alliance with 
 these chiefs for mutual defence, amidst all this violence and 
 depredation. Perhaps they were proselyted to his religion. — 
 Mamre is the name of a man, from whom the plain was called. 
 
 V. 14 — 16. Abram might have found many plausible rea- 
 sons to excuse himself from this dangerous enterprise, and 
 especially he might have pleaded the impropriety of Lot’s con- 
 duct. But he forgat all ; he disregarded difficulty and dan- 
 ger ; he feared not the numerous and victorious forces of the 
 combined kings : and having so good a cause as the relief of 
 a brother in distress, depending on God, he boldly pursued 
 them with his small company. — Though averse from war, in 
 which we do not find he ever engaged before or after, he had- 
 yet trained his domestics for it, and pul himself in a posture 
 of defence. Some indeed understand it, that he trained up his 
 servants in the faith and fear of God, which would render them 
 the best soldiers for such an expedition. In company, how- 
 ever, with his confederates, Abram followed the victors to the 
 northern borders of Canaan. He, employe. g both courage 
 and policy, attacked the enemy in the night by surprise ; and, 
 God so ordering it, he totally intimidated and subdued them, 
 slaying some, and dispersing the rest. Thus he recovered 
 all, and took a great booty. — Some think that the place called 
 Dan, was so named from its situation near the springs of the 
 river Jordan : others that this name, being given to a city 
 built long after by the Danites, was inserted by Ezra, instead 
 of Laish, the ancient name, to render the passage more intel- 
 ligible. (Marg. Ref. e.) 
 
 V. 18 — 20. Various have been the opinions of expositors 
 respecting Melchizedek. Some have conjectured that it was 
 Shem, who, as Abram’s venerable progenitor, was entitled to 
 ( 41 ) 
 
B. C. 1813 GENESIS. B. C. 1913 
 
 20 And 'blessed be the most high God, “which 
 hath lelivered thine enemies into thy hand. And 
 he give him *tithes of all. 
 
 21 And the king of Sodom said unto Abram, 
 Give me the 'persons, and take the goods to thy- 
 self. 
 
 22 And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I 
 have ^lifted up mine hand "unto the Lord, “the 
 most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth : 
 
 23 That*I will not take from a thread even to* 
 a shoe-latchet, and that I will not take any thing 
 that is thine, c lest thou shouldest say, I have made 
 Ahram rich : 
 
 24 Save only that which the young men have 
 eaten, and the portion of the men which went with 
 
 t 24:27. Ps. 12:17— 19. Eph. 1:3. I i el. 1:3,4. u Josh. 10:42. x Lev. 27:30— 
 82. Heb. 7:5 — 10. * Heb. souls. y Deut. 32:40. Dim. 1*2:7 Rev. 10:5,6. 7.21: 
 23 — 31 . Jiulg.il . 35. a 20. 17:1. Ps. 34:1. Hag. 2:8. bl Kings 13:8. 2 Kings 5:16. 
 Ealh. 9:15,16. 2' or. 11:9— 11. 12. 14 c2 Cor. 11:12. *1 13. e 1 Or. 19:14,15 a 46: 
 2. Nil in. 12:6. Ez. 1:1. 8:4. 11:24. Han. 10:1—16. Acts 10:10—17. b 14-16. 26: 
 94. 46:3. Ps 27:1. Is. 41:10,14. 43:1. 51:12. Dan. 10:12. Matt. 3:26. 10:28—31. 
 
 peculiar respect. But Shem’s genealogy was well known; 
 and Levi was descended from him as well as from Abram, 
 which is irreconcilable with the apostle’s reasoning on the 
 subject. (JVoteSf Heb. 7:1 — 10.) — Others therefore have 
 thought that it was the Son of God himself; being unwilling 
 to allow that any mere man was superior to Abram. But 
 surely the apostle in this case would never have said, that 
 Melchizedek was “ made like to the Son of God or that 
 Christ was constituted “ a Priest after the order of Melchi- 
 zedek ;” or that he was a type of himself! Melchizedek is 
 stated to have been the king of Salem ; (probably the city after- 
 wards called Jerusalem, and distinguished in Pagan writers 
 by the name Solyma ;) but we may be sure that Christ did 
 not then reign over an} f particular city as a temporal prince. It 
 is indeed very evident that Melchizedek was a mere man : but 
 the Lord has not seen good to inform us from which of Noah’s 
 sons he sprang; or who were his immediate parents, prede- 
 cessors, or successors ; indeed, he seems intentionally to have 
 concealed them. We may, however, reasonably determine, 
 that he was an aged person, venerable for sanctity, who ruled 
 over his subjects in righteousness, while they lived under him 
 in peace; which, when oppression and violence prevailed 
 among their neighbours, perhaps gave the name both to him 
 and to his city. — He also kept up the worship of the true God ; 
 and, though a king, he officiated as his priest. — In these things, 
 and many others, he was a remarkable type of Christ ; ( Notes , 
 Ps. 110:4. Heb. 7:) and, in reverence to his age, rank, piety, 
 and priestly character, Abram showed him great honour, re- 
 ceived his benediction, and gave him tithes of all his spoils: 
 being influenced to* this by some secret divine monition; per- 
 haps being led to see in this typical character his future Lord 
 and Saviour. At least the Spirit of God intended to instruct 
 Abram’s descendants by this action, “that a better priest 
 should arise,” than those of the family of Aaron. — We cannot 
 determine from the silence of the sacred historian, that this 
 was the only interview between Melchizedek and Abram: 
 for, as Shem lived almost as long as Abram, it is probable 
 they met together, though we are not informed that they did. 
 — Bread and wine constituted a suitable refreshment of 
 Abram’s weary followers: and it is remarkable that Christ 
 hath appointed the same, as the memorials of his body and 
 blood, which are “meat indeed and drink indeed.” Melchizedek 
 is the only person expressly spoken of, as the priest of the true 
 God, before the institution of the Aaronic priesthood. In this 
 he' had no predecessor, or successor, but was appointed for 
 special purposes by God himself. {Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 21. Give me, &c.j 1 Release the prisoners and take 
 the spoil, not only of the kings, but of Sodom too, vls the 
 reward of thy victory.’ 
 
 V. 22 — 24. Probably Abram solemnly vowed, before he 
 set out on this expedition, that he would not take any thing 
 which had belonged to the vanquished kings. The credit, of 
 his religious profession required, that if he engaged in war, 
 it should evidently be on the most liberal and disinterested 
 principles. This would best answer the question, “ What do 
 ye more than others ?” — Lifting up the hand to the I^ord , was 
 a customary token of taking an oath, or making a vow to the 
 Lord. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — lfi. Sinners may for a season prosper, though 
 “the wrath of God abides upon them:” but respites are not 
 pardons, and prosperity often hardens and ripens men for 
 destruction. After four hundred years, the curse denounced 
 on Canaan began to take effect: let us hear and fear, and flee 
 from the wrath to come. — Avarice, ambition, and the thirst 
 of dominion are insatiable, render men savage and brutal, 
 and in all ages have filled the earth with misery and destruc- 
 tion: yet God executes his righteous purposes even by 
 
 means of the unrighteousness of men. Some calamity 
 
 might have been expected to befall Lot for his misconduer ; 
 and we may expect similar consequences if wc imitate his 
 example, and prefer the prospect of gain to ‘the moans of 
 grace,’ and ‘ the communion of the saints.’ But the Lord, 
 though he rebuke and chasten, will not forsake his offending 
 
 ( 42 ) 
 
 me, d Aner, Eslicol, and Mamre; “let them take 
 their portion. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The Lord encourages Abram ; who com plains that he continues childless, bui 
 is assured of a numerous posterity, 1 — 5. He is juslifie'l by faith , 6. He rg. 
 quests- a jdedge to confirm his faith ; ami being dir ecu d to prepare a sacrifice 
 obeys, 7 — 1 1 . He is favoured tcilh a vision, prophetic of the condition of his 
 posterity till brought out of Egypt : and Canaan is ensured by covenant to 
 them, 12 — 21. 
 
 A FTER these things the word of the Lori 
 came unto Abram “in a vision, saying, b Fear 
 not, Abram; I am c thy Shield, and thy Exceeding 
 great Reward. 
 
 2 And Abram said, Lord God, .“what wilt thou 
 give me, seeing I go f childless, and ethe steward 
 of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus ? 
 
 3 And Abram said, h Behold, to me thou hast 
 
 28:5. Luke 1:13,30. 12:32. Rev. 1:17. c Deut. 33:29. I s. 3:3. 5:12. 18:2.84:9,11. 
 91:4. 119:114. Prov. 30:5. <1 Deut. 33:26— 29. Huth 2:12. Ps. 16:5,6. 112:5. 1 
 Cur. 3:22. Heb. 13:5,6. Hex. 21:3,4. e 12:1,3. 125:21. 30:1.2. I s. 127:3. Prov. 
 13:12. Acts 7:5. g 24:2,10. 39:4-6,9. 43:19. 44:1. I rov. 17:2. It 12:2. 13:16. 
 Jer. 12:1. 
 
 children ; and we also must be read}' to forgive our offending 
 brethren, and hasten to their relief. — War can never be 
 desirable: but in the present slate of things it may be lawful, 
 and even advisable ; and never more so, than in order to 
 relieve the oppressed. — They who serve God, whatever 
 means they employ, will not depend on an “ arm of flesh 
 and when they trust in him, and have a righteous cause and 
 a good conscience, it becomes them to be “bold as a lion,” 
 and not to shrink from difficulties in the path of duty. Nor 
 is any courage worthy of admiration or imitation, or in the 
 least degree rational, but that which springs from a believing 
 dependence upon God, and a firm persuasion that we are 
 prepared for life and death, and are in the place, and doing 
 the work which he hath assigned us. — It is a great advantage 
 to stand related to those who are the friends and followers of 
 God: for by their means, and in answer to their prayers, 
 such persons will often be preserved. 
 
 V. 17 — 24. The Lord is “the most high God, the Pos- 
 sessor of heaven and earth ;” and all our possessions belong 
 to him : we ought then to acknowledge his right, and seek 
 his blessing, by consecrating a portion to his immediate ser- 
 vice : and the tenth was early deemed, and long continued to 
 be considered, a very moderate proportion. — Oaths on im- 
 portant occasions are lawful, but they should be taken with 
 great solemnity, as an act of sacred worship, and observed 
 with great punctuality. — Nothing better becomes a profession 
 of godliness, than a noble spirit of disinterestedness ; and in 
 our whole conduct we should study to avoid, not only evil, 
 but the very appearance ofit ; especially in those things which 
 at first glance seem unsuitable to our profession. As “the 
 earth is the Lord’s and the fulness thereof,” they who belong 
 to him have no occasion to grasp at temporal advantages ; 
 for if riches are good for them, he will surely confer them. 
 We should, however, without censure, allow' many things to 
 others, which our profession and character may render it 
 expedient for us to deny ourselves. — But what is become of 
 Lot? Alas! he is gone back to Sodom; for indulged cor- 
 ruptions are not mortified except through severe discipline. — 
 Finally, let us remember “ our King of righteousness and 
 King of peace,” our “ Priest upon his throne :” let us rejoice 
 in his equitable and peaceful administration ; and declare war 
 against his and our enemies, sin, the world, and Satan. In- 
 visibly he w ill assist us in every conflict, and manifest himself 
 to us after every victor}', refresh us with his gracious pro- 
 visions, and bless us with t he earnests of his love. And 
 shortly, when the final victory is won, and he bath made us 
 more than conquerors, he will applaud our achievements, accept 
 and reward our poor services, and place us with himself upon 
 his throne ; while we rejoice in his love, and give him all the 
 glory. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XV. V. 1. This is the first time the 
 expression, “The word of the Lord,” is used in Scripture; 
 and some persons suppose that Christ, “The* Word of God, 
 is meant. — The prophets, when they received revelations ot 
 the divine will in a vision , seem generally to have 1 had the 
 exercise of their senses on outward objects suspended, though 
 they were not asleep. Yet the circumstances of the vision 
 here recorded, do not indicate that this was the case with 
 Abram.; for the whole is related as a real transaction. It is 
 however probable, that this was in some way distinguished 
 from other appearances of the Lord, and more resembled the 
 prophetic visions, than the condescending intercourse to which 
 Ahram was on other occasions admitted. — He might be 
 tempted to fear, lest the potent enemies whom he had exaspe- 
 rated, should return with larger forces and take vengeance on 
 him. The Lord therefore assured him that he was his 
 “Shield,” to defend him from all assailants; as well as his 
 “exceeding great Reward,” to compensate his generous 
 behaviour to Lot, and disinterested contempt of wealth, ir. 
 his conduct towards the king of Sodom. — {Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. In this answer of Abram, the striving of unbelief 
 and impatience against, his better judgment, is very dis- 
 cernible. Outward prosperity and security seemed o. 
 little importance, as he still continued childless; and a utran* 
 
B. C. 191$ 
 
 CHAPTER XV B. C. 1913. 
 
 given no se«d: and lo, one 'born in my house is 
 mine heir. 
 
 4 And behold the word of the Lord came unto 
 him, saying, This shall not be thine heir, but he 
 that k shall come forth out of thine own bowels 
 shall be thine heir. 
 
 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, 
 Look now toward heaven, and ‘tell the stars, if 
 thou be able to number them: and he said unto 
 him, “So shall thy seed be. 
 
 6 And “he believed in the Lord ; and he 
 “counted it to him for righteousness. 
 
 7 And he said unto him, I am the Lord that 
 rbrought thee out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give 
 thee this land to inherit it. 
 
 8 And he said, Lord God, ^whereby shall I 
 know that 1 shall inherit it ? 
 
 9 And iie said unto him, Take me r an heifer of 
 “three years old, and a she-goat of three years 
 old, and a ram of three years old, and a turtle 
 dove, and a young pigeon. 
 
 10 And he took unto him all these, and ‘divided 
 them in the midst, and laid each piece one against 
 another : but “the birds divided he not. 
 
 I 14:14. Ec. 2:7. k 17:16. 2 Sam. 7:12. 15:11. 2 Chr. 32:21. Phiiem. 12. IPs. 
 117:4. Jer. 33:22. m 22:17. Ex. 32:13. Denl.LKJ. 10:22. lehr. 27:23. Rom. 
 4:18. He!.. 11:12.* n Rom. 4:3—6.20—25. Gal. 3:6—14. Jam. 2:23. o s. 106:31. 
 Rom. 4:11,22. Cal. 3:6. 1 . 11:28— 31. 12:1. Neh. 9:7. Acts 7:2— 4. q24:2— 4. 
 Judg. 6:7—24.33 — 40. 2 King* 20:8. I*. 7:11. Luke 1:18,31. r 22:13. Lev. 1:3,10, 
 14 . 3:1,6. 9:2,4. 12:8. 14:22.30. Luke 2:24. s Is. 15. .5. l Jer. 34:18,19. u Lev. 
 1:17. x Ps. 119:113. y 2:21. 1 Sam. 26:12. Job 4:13,14. Dan. 10:8.9. zPs.4: 
 3 — 5. Acts 9:8,9. a Ex. 1: 2:5: I s. 105:23—45. Acts 7:6.7. b Ex. 12:40,41. Gal. 
 3:17. c Ex. 6:5,6. 7:14: Dent. 6.22. Ps. 78:43-^1. 105:27— 37. 135.9,14. 
 
 ger born in his house, and entrusted by jm, was likely to be 
 his heir. The numerous posterity before mentioned, and the 
 blessings comprised in the promised Seed, lay near his heart : 
 nothing else could satisfy him ; and perhaps the long delay 
 almost induced him to conclude, that he had misunderstood 
 the divine revelation. 
 
 V. 5, 6. Some expositors think, that the severa) particu- 
 lars which follow were only presented in a vision to Abram ; 
 and they urge in support of this opinion, that u the sun was not 
 gone down, 1 ’ (12,) and yet he was called on to “look toward 
 heaven and tell the stars.” But it is most unreasonable to 
 interpret one part as a visionary representation to the mind, 
 and the other as a real transaction : or to suppose that the 
 whole narrative of this solemn sacrifice, and of Abram’s deep 
 sleep and prophetical dream, and of the covenant ratified with 
 him, is merely the relation of a vision. And, if it be well 
 considered, what time would be employed in preparing for 
 the commanded sacrifice and other events, we shall be induced 
 to conclude, that Abram was led forth early in the morning, 
 before the stars disappeared, and that he spent the whole day 
 till after sunset in religious duties, and in receiving divine 
 revelations and assurances. — An innumerable posterity 
 having been again promised him, his faith was strengthened ; 
 and, depending on the divine power and faithfulness, he rose 
 superior to discouragement on account of the delays and diffi- 
 culties. Thus he gave glory to God by firmly believing, that 
 “ what he had promised he was able also to perform ; and 
 therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.” — It is 
 evident from the apostle’s reasoning, that Abram’s faith had a 
 special respect, to the promised Seed and to salvation by him : 
 and therefore, though in himself a sinner, and his very faith 
 itself not free from defect, h£ was accounted righteous , and dealt 
 with as if he had personally performed a perfect righteous- 
 ness ; being “ made the righteousness of God in Christ.” 
 This had no doubt been the case from the tune when he first 
 believed, that in “his Seed all nations should be blessed 
 but it was now more expressly attested for his encourage- 
 ment : and the sacred historian records this circumstance, as 
 a remarkable instance and example of that faith, which was 
 counted to Abram for righteousness. ( Notes , Rom. 4 : Gal. 
 3: JMarg. Ref. n. o.) — ‘Christians may believe in God, with 
 respect of the common concerns of this life ; and such faith 
 may ascertain, that they are^in a justified state: yet this is 
 not, strictly speaking, the faith by which they are justified, 
 which invariably has respect to the person and work of Christ. 
 Abram, believed in God as promising Christ ; they believe in 
 him as naving raised him from the dead.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 7, 8. The favours already shown to Abram, were 
 earnests of the fulfilment of all the promises of God, whose 
 unchangeable perfections were engaged to perform them : yet 
 Abram, that his faith might be confirmed, desired an external 
 token as an assurance that his posterity should inherit the 
 land which the Lord graciously vouchsafed him. 
 
 V. 9, 10. In order to give Abram the desired token, the 
 Lord was pleased to prescribe a solemn sacrifice. The heifer, 
 she-goat, and ram, were supposed to be arrived at maturity 
 when three years old. As the ratification of a covenant 
 between the Lord and his servant was intended, the animals 
 were divided asunder, the birds alone excepted : because the 
 form of covenanting required, that the persons concerned 
 ghoul l pass between the parts of the sacrifice ; perhaps inti- 
 
 11 And when the fowls came down upon the 
 carcasses, * Abram drove them away. 
 
 I Practical Observations.'} 
 
 12 And when the sun was going down, Ja deep 
 sleep fell upon Abram : and lo, 7 an horror of great 
 darkness iell upon him. 
 
 13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety, 
 that “thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is 
 not theirs, and shall serve them: and they shall 
 afflict them b four hundred years. 
 
 14 And also “that nation whom they shall serve, 
 will I judge ; and afterward shall they come out 
 d with great substance. 
 
 15 And “thou shalt go to thy fathers f in peace , 
 thou shalt be e buried in h a good old age. 
 
 16 But in ‘the fourth generation they shall come 
 hither again ; for the iniquity of k the Amorites ‘is 
 not yet lull. 
 
 17 U And it came to pass, that when the sun 
 went down, and it was dark, behold a “smoking 
 furnace, and 'a burning lamp that passed between 
 those pieces. 
 
 18 In that same day the Lord "made a covenant 
 with Abram, saying, “Unto thy seed have I given 
 
 d Ex. 3:21,22. 12:35,36. e 25:8. Num. 20:24. 27:13. Judg. 2:10. Ec. 12:7- 
 Acts 13:36. f 2 Chr. 34:28. Ps. 37:37. Is. 57:1,2. Dan. 12:13. Malt. 22:32. Heb- 
 6:13—15. 11.13 — 13. g 23:4, 19. 25:9. 35:29. 44:29.31. .60:13. Ec.8:3. Jer. 8:1 2- 
 li 45:7,8. 1 Chr. 23:1. 29:28. Job 5:25. 42:17. i Ex. 12:40. It lKings21:26- 
 1 Dan. 8:23. Zecli. 5:5— 11. Malt. 23:32-35. 1 Thes. 2:16. 2 Pel. 3:8,9. in Ex- 
 3:2,3. l ent. 4:20. Judg. 6:21. 13.20. 1 Chr. 21:26. Is. 62:1. Jer. 11:4. • Heb. a 
 lamp of fire. 2 Sam. *22:29. n 9:8 — 17. 17: 2 Mim. 23:5. Is. 55:3. Jer. 31:31— 
 34. 32:40*. 33:20—23. < .al. 3:15-17. Heb. 13:20. o 12:7. 13:15.25:4. 28:13. Deu 
 1:7,8. 11:24. 34:4. Josh. 1:3,4. 1 Kings 4:21. 2 Chr. 9:26. Neh.9:8. Ps. 105:11. 
 
 mating, that he who broke the covenant, might expect in 
 like manner to be cut asunder by the avenging sword of jus- 
 tice. The Gentiles, as well as the Jews, used a form of this 
 kiqd in confirming covenants and treaties; which custom 
 might perhaps be derived by tradition from this transaction ; 
 or the Lord saw good, in this instance, to condescend as far 
 as practicable, to a custom already established. 
 
 V. 1 1 . When Abram had prepared the sacrifices, he spent 
 the rest of the day in watching them, no doubt also pouring 
 out his heart in fervent prayer : and when the birds of prey 
 attempted to devour them, he drove them away. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. Perhaps Abram did not understand how the 
 transaction would end, but he patiently waited on the Lord ; 
 and about sunset, he was cast into a supernatural sleep, in 
 which he received important prophetical information concern- 
 ing the future condition of his posterity. — The “horror of 
 great darkness” was doubtless emblematical of their affliction 
 and bondage in Egypt, and many of their subsequent calami- 
 ties. From the birth of Isaac to the deliverance of Israel out 
 of Egypt, Abram’s descendants were strangers in a land, in 
 which they possessed no inheritance ; for part of the time 
 they were sojourners in Canaan, and the rest of it they spent 
 in Egypt, where for many years they were enslaved and 
 cruelly oppressed. Their departure out of Egypt is supposed 
 to have been exactly four hundred and thirty years from the 
 call of Abram : but the birth of Isaac was twenty-five years 
 later, and the prediction especially re'ates to him and his pos- 
 terity. This is therefore computed to have occurred four 
 hundred and five years before that event ; but in so long a 
 term, the five odd years are not mentioned. Some however 
 think that the term began from the weaning of Isaac, when 
 Ishmacl, the son of an Egyptian, mocked him. (Note, 21:8 — 
 12.)— The continuance of Israel in Egypt is calculated to 
 have been two hundred and fifteen years. — Their bondage in 
 Egypt being introductory to subsequent honour and prosperity, 
 and attended with signal judgments on heir enemies, differed 
 widely from the permanent slavery of the Canaanites. 
 Abram, however, would not witness these scenes ; but would 
 live to a good old age, and then die in peace : and while his 
 body would be decently interred, his soul would enter on a 
 state of blessedness among those of his believing progenitors. 
 — Afflict them , &c.] Four hundred years would elapse 
 before the end of their afflicted state. 
 
 V. 1 fi. “ The fourth generation” may mean the completion 
 of the four hundred years before mentioned : but indeed the 
 Israelites of the fourth generation, from those who went 
 down into Egypt, seem actually to have inherited Canaan. — 
 Among other reasons for these delays, this was one ; that the 
 inhabitants of the land, (of whom the Amorites seem to have 
 been the chief,) though wicked, were not yet ripe for ven- 
 geance. 
 
 Y. 17. “The smoking furnace and burning lamp” repre- 
 sented the severe trials of Israel in Egypt, and their joyful 
 deliverance ; with the hopes and supports in the mean while 
 afforded them. (Notes, Ex. 3:) Thus the Lord attested his 
 acceptance of Abram’s sacrifices, by the symbols of his 
 presence passing between the parts of them, and probably 
 at length consuming them ; but not, as it may be supposed* 
 till Abram also had passed between them. 
 
 V. 18 — 21. In this manner God confirmed the promise of 
 Canaan to the seed of Abram, by a solemn covenant, and 
 
 ( 43 ) 
 
B. C. 1911 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 1911 
 
 this land, I'from the river of Egypt, unto the great 
 river, the river ^Euphrates : 
 
 19 The ’Kenites, and the Kcnizzites, anc the 
 Kadmonites, 
 
 20 And the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and “the 
 Rephaims, 
 
 21 And ‘the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and 
 "the Girgashites, and the Jebusites. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Surat being barren gives Hagar to Abram , I — 3. Hagar d.esrisrs Sarai , who 
 complains to Abram ; he gives up Hagar to her, arid Hagar , being harshly 
 treated, Jlees from her, 4 — 6. An Angel commands her to return and submit , 
 promises her a son and a numerous posterity , and shows their character and 
 condi ion, 7 — 12. Hagar gives a name o the place, and re. urns to Sarai , 13, 
 14. The birth of Ishmael , and the age of Abram , 15, 16. 
 
 N OW Sarai Abram’s wife a bare him no chil- 
 dren ; and she had an handmaid b an Egyp- 
 tian, whose c name was Hagar. 
 
 2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, d the 
 Lord hath restrained me from bearing : I pray 
 thee go in unto my maid : it may be that I may 
 ‘obtain children by her : and Abram e hearkened to 
 the voice of Sarai. 
 
 3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid 
 the Egyptian, after Abram f had dwelt ten years 
 in the land of Canaan, and sgave her to her hus- 
 band Abram to be h his wife. 
 
 4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she con- 
 
 p Nam. 34:5. Josh. 15:4. Is. 27:12. q2:14. 2Sam.8:3. 1 Chr. 5:9. rNum.24:21, 
 '21. • 14:5. Is. 17:5. t 10:1.5—19. Ex. 23:23— 28. 33:2. 34:11. Dent. 7:1. u Matt. 8: 
 28 a 15:2,3. 25:21. ludg. 13:2. Luke 1.7,36. b 12:15. 21:9,21. dial. 4:24. Agar. 
 d 17 16. 18:10 . 25:21. 30:2,3,22. 1 Sam. 1:5. Ps. 127:3. ' Heb. be bu tided by 
 
 her. Ruth 4:11. e3:6,12,17. f 12:5. g 5. 30:4,9. h 23:9. 32:22. 35:22. Judg. 
 19:1— 4. 2 Sam. 5:13. 1 Kings 11:3. i 1 Sam. 1:6— 8. Prov. 30:23. 1 Cor. 4:6. 
 13:4,5. k Luke 10:40,41. 131:53. Ex. 5:21. 1 Sam. 24:12— 15. 2 Chr. 24:2*2. 
 
 m 13:8,9. I rov. 15:1,17,18. 1 Pet. 3:7. n Job 2:6. Jer. 38:5. t Heb. that which 
 
 more explicitly stated what was included in it. 44 The river 
 of Egypt” is supposed to have been a small current, just at 
 the entrance of that country ; and not the river Nile. — In the 
 days of David and Solomon, the Israelites ruled over the 
 whole extent of country here described : and it was the 
 effect of their sins, that they neither got possession of it 
 sooner, nor kept it longer. During the course of four hun- 
 dred years, several of the tribes here mentioned were either 
 extinct, or blended with other tribes, or had changed their 
 names. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. They who trust in God, and serve him, should 
 fear no enemies, for they have an omnipresent and omnipo- 
 tent Protector. Nor need they hesitate to renounce the 
 most valuable temporal advantages for his sake, for he will 
 abundantly recompense them; yea, he himself will be their 
 Shield and Portion, their exceedingly great and everlasting 
 Reward. — Yet “hope deferred maketh the heart sick:” the 
 strongest faith has its misgivings, the most courageous spirit 
 has its fears, and the most resigned believer his complaints: 
 these the Lord graciously notes, pities, pardons, and relieves. 
 — He who in one instance, upon the single testimony of God, 
 stedfastly expects things exceedingly difficult and improbable, 
 will be enabled to believe all that God has revealed when he 
 becomes acquainted with it, and will embrace and expect 
 whatever he promises : and this man’s “faith is accounted to 
 him for righteousness.” Yet he will seek, and God will 
 grant, further tokens of his love, to confirm and strengthen his 
 faith ; and he will be encouraged to consider former mercies 
 as earnests of future blessings. — The covenant of God with 
 sinners has always been ratified by sacrifice and the shedding 
 of blood: and, in attendance on his ordinances, we must wait 
 for the confirmation of our faith, and guard against all intru- 
 sion on our devotions : especially those vain thoughts, which 
 are apt, on the most solemn occasions, to arise, and interrupt 
 the exercise of faith, hope, and love. 
 
 V. 12 — 21 The knowledge of future events, if attainable, 
 
 would seldom add to our comfort: in the most favoured fami- 
 lies and most happy lives, there arc such chequered scenes 
 and so many afflictions, that it is merciful in God to conceal 
 from us what will befall us and ours ; for if we knew the whole, 
 we should painfully anticipate the troubles of life; and even 
 distress ourselves about things, which will not take place till 
 we are in the silent grave, or rather in the eternal world. Yet 
 multitudes far more desire to partake with Abraham in this 
 kind of information, than in his 4 most holy faith !’ — God waits 
 till iniquity be ripe ere he punishes, and in the mean time 
 gives space for repentance : let the sinner then count his long- 
 suffering to he salvation, and improve it ; and let believers 
 also wait for their mercies till they are prepared for them. — 
 Finally, the diligent Christian will daily obtain fuller assu- 
 rances and more explicit knowledge of the blessings of the 
 covenant, which God hath ratified with him. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVI. V. 1 — 3. Ten years had elapsed 
 since Abram arrived in Canaan ; and a numerous posterity 
 had repeatedly been promised him, from among whom that 
 Seed was to arise, 44 in whom all the families of the earth 
 would be blessed:” yet Sarai, though amiable and faithful, 
 ( 44 ) 
 
 ceived : and when she saw that she had con 
 ceived, 'her mistress was despised in her eyes. 
 
 5 And Sarai said unto Abram, k My wrong be 
 upon thee ; I have given my maid into thy bosom 
 and when she saw that she had conceived, I was 
 despised in her eyes : The Lord judge between 
 me and thee. 
 
 6 But m Ahram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy 
 maid is "in thy band ; do to her 'as it pleaseth 
 thee. And when Sarai tdealt hardly with her, 
 she "fled from her face. 
 
 7 H And the Angel of the Lord found her by a 
 fountain of water in the wilderness, by Pthe foun- 
 tain rn the way to Shur. 
 
 8 And he said, Hagar, iSarai’s maid, "whence 
 earnest thou ? and whither wilt thou go ? And she 
 said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai. 
 
 9 And the Angel of the Lord said unto her, 
 Return to thy mistress, and "submit thyself under 
 her hands. 
 
 10 And ‘the Angel of the Lord said unto her, 
 "I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall 
 not be numbered for multitude. 
 
 11 And the Angel of the Lord said unto her, 
 Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, 
 and x shalt call his name Slshmael ; ^because the 
 Lord 'hath heard thy affliction. 
 
 is good in thin ' e /es. J Heb . afflicted her. o Ex. 2:15. Prov. 27:8. Ec. 10:4. 
 1 > 25:18. Ex. 15:22. 1 Sam. 15:7. ql,4. Kph. 6:3-3. 1 Tim. 6:1,2. r 3:9. 4:10. 
 Ec. 10:4. Jer. 2:17,18. s Epli. 5:21. Tit. 2:9. 1 Pel. 2: 18— 25. 5:5.6. t 22: 
 15— IS. 31:11—13. 32 24—30. 48:15,16. Ex. 3:2-6. Judg.2:l— 3. 6:11,16,21— 
 24. 13:16—22. Is. 63:9. Ilos. 12:3— 5. Zech. 2:8.9. Mai. 3:1. John 1:18. Acts 7: 
 30—38. 1 Tim. 6:16. u 17:20. 21:13. 25:12— 18. Ps. 83:6. x 17: 19. 29:32-35. 
 Is. 7:14. Matt. 1:21-23. Luke 1:13,31,63. §Thalis, God shall hear . y 41:51, 
 52. 1 Sam. 1:20. z Ex. 2:23,24 . 3:7. 
 
 still continued childless, and was now seventy-five years of 
 age. The promise had not hitherto been expressly restricted 
 to her : and though we never before read of a pious person 
 having two wives at once ; yet such marriages appear to have 
 been contmon, and perhaps in no bad repute in the world : 
 and not only the natural desire of children, but the fulfilment 
 of the promises seemed to be concerned. Sarai, therefore, 
 no longer expecting to be herself the ancestor of the promised 
 Seed, proposed to Abram to take a secondary wife, and ex- 
 pressed an intention of adopting his children by her. She in- 
 deed acknowledged the hand of God in her trial, and acqui- 
 esced in his will : yet her plan resulted from carnal policy and 
 weakness of faith, and it was too hastily approved by Abram ; 
 it was also a bad example, a fatal precedent, and a source of 
 manifold uneasiness. 4 The father of mankind sinned, by 
 hearkening to his wife; and now the father of the faithful imi- 
 tates his example !’ Fuller. — Probably, Hagar was one of 
 the maid-servants, whom Pharaoh had given Abram. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Hagar, forgetful of God who had especially fa- 
 voured her, was lifted up with pride and self-preference ; flat- 
 tering herself that she should now secure Abram’s affections, 
 and probably expecting to be the mother of the promised 
 Seed. Sarai also, instead of condemning herself, seemed to 
 claim merit from her conduct ; unreasonably blamed Abram, 
 as if he had encouraged Hagar’s insolence ; improperly ap- 
 pealed to the Lord : and betrayed much passion and peevish- 
 ness, and a very uneasy frame of mind. 4 Passionate appeals 
 to God, instead of indicating a good cause, are commonly the 
 marks of a had one.’ Fuller. — In these perplexing circum- 
 stances Abram indeed acted wisely in relinquishing Hagar, 
 and showed that he had not been influenced by carnal affec- 
 tion: but he conceded too far in leaving one whom he was 
 bound to protect entirely in the power of Sarai, whose mind 
 was too much imbittered to act with equity and impartiality, 
 so that she exacted rigorously from Hagar her former service, 
 which in her situation was unjustifiable; and she otherwise 
 used her with harshness. And Hagar, not brooking to be 
 treated as a slave, when she had expected the privilege of a 
 wife, passionately and inconsiderately left Abram’s house and 
 family. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Probably, Hagar $bt out with the design of re- 
 turning to Egypt, her native country; but being unable to 
 proceed, she sat down, fatigued and overwhelmed with dis- 
 tress, by a fountain of water. — The Angel addressed her, as 
 Surras servant , not as Ahram's wife : thus her marriage was 
 tacitly censured and disallowed, which would tend to humble 
 her for despising and fleeing from her mistress. By inquiring 
 of her whence she came, and whither she would go, the An- 
 gel implicitly charged her with leaving her proper station, act- 
 ing inconsistently with her duty and interest, forsaking her own 
 mercies, anil rushing on destruction: and by commanding her 
 to return and submit to her mistress, he reminded her, that 
 her trouble was the consequence of sin, and that she must 
 patiently endure it. — This is the first time the appearance of 
 an Angel is mentioned: but. the following versc6 show us who 
 this Angel was. 
 
 V. 10, 11. The Angel said to Hagar ‘I v» 11 multiply thy 
 seed not 44 The Lord will multiply th see« ” an ’ there ij 
 
13. t 1911. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 13. C. 18‘JS. 
 
 12 And lie will be "a wild man ; b his hand will 
 be against every man, and every man’s hand 
 against him : and c he shall dwell in the presence 
 of all his brethren. 
 
 13 And she d called the name of the Lord that 
 spake unto her, e Thou God seest me : for she 
 said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth 
 me ? 
 
 14 Wherefore the well was called 'Beer-lahai- 
 roi ; behold, it is between ‘Kadesh and Bered. 
 
 15 And sHagar bare Abram a son : and Abram 
 called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, ’'Ishmael. 
 
 16 And Abram was fourscore and six years 
 J old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram. 
 
 ■ 21:20. Job 11:12. 39:5 — 8. b 27:40. c25:18. (17,9,10. 22:14.28:17,19. 32: 
 
 30. Judg. 6:24. e Ex. 33:13—23. 34:5—' 7. Ps. 139:1—12. Prov. 15:3. • That is, 
 The i ee'.l of him hat lirelh and seeth me. 21:31. 24:62. 25:11. f Num. 13:26. 
 . 11. Gal. 4:22,23. h 17:18, '20,25, 25 . 21:9— 21. 25:9,12. 28:9. 37:27. a 16: 
 16. b 12:1. c 18:14 . 28:3. 35:11. Ex. 6:3. Num. 11.23. Job 11:7. Dan. 4:35. 
 
 not the least intimation that he spake in the name of another. 
 This confirms the opinion of those who think the words should 
 he rendered the Angel-Jehovah : Jehovah himself, yet 
 the Angel or Messenger of the Covenant, the eternal Word 
 and Son of God: and the interpretation is established by the 
 •iubsequent narrative. ( Marg . Ref.) — 44 Ishmael” signifies 
 God will hear ; “he hath heard,” and therefore he will hear, 
 44 thy atHiction;” intimating that the relief was not only un- 
 merited, but unsolicited. 
 
 V. 12. The word rendered 44 a wild man,” properly signi- 
 fies a wild-ass man : and perhaps this emblem was descriptive 
 of Islnnael’s character ; but his posterity were principally in- 
 tended. The Hagarenes, Saracens, and various other tribes 
 of Arabs, are allowed to have descended in great measure 
 from Ishmael : and they have, in all ages to this present day, 
 been a hardy untamed race of freebooters, unlike every other 
 nation in the world. They have chiefly subsisted by plun- 
 dering their neighbours and passengers ; as it appears by the 
 united testimony of all the historians and travellers who have 
 written of those countries. They have provoked the enmity 
 of the neighbouring nations, and lived in a state of hostility 
 with all men ; so that there is no travelling in safety through 
 those countries, except in large armed companies, called Ca- 
 ravans ; and these are often plundered. Yet have they set 
 at defiance the mightiest conquerors in every age, and stood 
 their ground against them all. The Persians, Macedonians, 
 and Romans, successively attempted to subjugate them ; and 
 made many powerful, but ineffectual, efforts to that purpose. 
 At length Mohammed arose, and under him and his succes- 
 sors, they subdued a large part of the world. After a time 
 indeed, the power of the Mohammedans was transferred to 
 the Turks, who have repeatedly attempted to subdue the Sa- 
 racens, or Arabs : but, instead of succeeding, they have for 
 above three hundred years been obliged to pay a large tribute 
 to them, for the safe passage of their pilgrims to Mecca, the 
 city which is the centre of their religion! The descendants 
 of Ishmael also lived as ravagers in the neighbourhood of the 
 Israelites and Edomites, and other descendants of Abram, and 
 yet were never subjugated by any of them. Sec Bp. Newton 
 on the Prophecies. Biss. I. 
 
 V. 13, 14. Jehovah spake to Hagar, and she called his 
 name, 44 Thou God seest me :” yet we read of no other 
 speaker than the Angel. — Admiring the Lord’s condescension 
 and mercy, she added, 44 Have I also here looked after him 
 that seeth me ?” 4 Have /, who am so unworthj r , here , in this 
 desert, at a distance f om his ordinances, and out of the path 
 of duty, been favoured with such an encouraging appearance 
 of the Lord !’ — Accordingly, she called the name of the place, 
 The well of him that livetli and seeth me. She was now brought 
 to a better temper, returned home, and, probably, by proper 
 behaviour, pacified Sarah, and experienced better usage. 
 
 V. 15. Abram named his son Ishmael, having been in- 
 formed by Hagar of what had taken place. (11.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. In every relation and situation of life there is 
 some trouble to bear ; and the exercise of faith greatly con- 
 sists in patiently submitting to it, waiting the Lord’s lime, and 
 using those means, and those only, which he appoints and au- 
 thorizes, for its removal. But unbelief is frequently shown 
 by impatience, and hastily using unhallowed means of obtain- 
 ing those things which we inordinately desire. — Very bad ac- 
 tions may be sanctioned by the example of very good men; 
 tlu y may appear plausible, be supported with some show of 
 reason, and be suggested by those who are justly dear to us. 
 But we never have more cause to be upon our guard, than 
 when 44 Satan thus transforms himself into an angel of light.” 
 Then especially we should appeal 44 to the law and to the tes- 
 timony.” 44 What hath God said?” Then indeed we should 
 act. with deliberation, be afraid of leaning to our own under- 
 standing. and seek counsel of the Lord by earnest prayer. — 
 In Hagar’s insolence, in Sarai’s impatience, and in Abram’s 
 ur. easiness ; and also in Sarai’s severity, and in Hagar’s flight 
 anu distress, we see the effects of carnal projects, and of de- 
 viating from the original institution of marriage: and they 
 who consent together in sin will generally be chastened toge- 
 ther and will often correct each other. — Anger and discord 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The Lord, again ratifies the covenant with Abr ,tn ; changes hie name to Abra 
 ham , ant Sarai's to Sarah, and institute* c in umcieion, 1 — 15 ; he promisee 
 him a ooa by Sarah ; accepts his prayer for I.mmael ; and Jixea the lime foi 
 the birth of I sane , i6—22. Abraham circumcises himself and the males oj 
 his family , 23 — 27. 
 
 A ND when Abram “was ninety years old an.. 
 
 nine, “the Lord appeared to Abram, and saic 
 unto him, I am the “Almighty God : d walk before 
 me, and be thou 'perfect. 
 
 2 And e I will make my covenant between me ana 
 thee, and will ^multiply thee exceedingly. 
 
 3 And Abram sfell on his face : and God talked 
 with him, saying, 
 
 4 As for me, Dehold my covenant is with thee, 
 and thou shalt be h a father of ’many nations. 
 
 Eph. 3:20. Phil. 4:13. d 5:24. 6:9. * Or, upright, or, incere. Dent. 18:13. 
 Job 1:1. Matt. 5:48. e 9:9. 15:18. Ps. 105:8— 11. Gal. 3:17,18. f 12:2. 13:16. 
 g Ex. 3:6. Lev. 9:23,2-1. Num. 16:22,45. Josh. 5:14. Judg. 13:20. Ez. 1:28. 3:23. 
 9:8. Dan. 8:17. 10:9. Matt. 17:6. Rev. 1:17. h 16:10. 25:1—18. 36: Rom. 4:11 
 — 18. Gal. 3:29. t Heb. multitude of nations. 
 
 should indeed be shunned : yet even peace may be bought too 
 dear ; and we ought not to allow any person injuriously to 
 treat those who are entitled to our protection. But it is never 
 safe or prudent to quit our situation under the influence of 
 pride, impatience, and resentment. A haughty spirit indeed 
 will disdain contradiction : but it is best to endure it, and to 
 consider, that 44 yielding pacifieth great offences.” 
 
 V. 7 — 16. Important lessons of wisdom are couched under 
 the answer which ought to be made to such questions as the 
 Angel put to Hagar. Recollecting 44 who we are,” would 
 teach us our duty, and suggest motives for quietly attending 
 to it. Seriously inquiring iff many cases, 44 whence we came, 19 
 may show us our sin and folly: and considering, 44 whither we 
 will go,” may often discover our danger and misery, before it 
 -be too late; and prepare us to listen to the counsel of him 
 who calls on us to repent. of what we have done in pride and 
 passion. — How free from fear and care, how conscientious in 
 duty, how watchful against sin, and how resolute in resisting 
 temptation should we be, if we always were suitably impressed 
 with this thought, 44 Thou God seest me !” The good Lord, 
 who always sees us, and despises not the meanest, but hears 
 the affliction of the distressed, even before ii vents itself in 
 prayer, help us to realize his presence, to trust in his goodness, 
 to submit to his will, and to all those whom he commands us 
 to honour and obey for his sake ; <j.nd with admiring, humble 
 gratitude, to acknowledge his mercies to us, which are innu- 
 merable and unmerited, and often surprise us when we least 
 expeci them. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVII. V. 1 — 3. This appearance 
 of the Lord to Abram, was nearly fourteen years after his 
 marriage with Hagar: and, perhaps, this long trial of his 
 faith implied a rebuke for his misconduct in that transaction. 
 The Lord, by revealing himself as 44 the Almighty,” or the 
 all-sufficient 44 God,” most powerfully enforced the subsequent 
 exhortation to Abram, 44 to walk before him,” without being 
 discouraged ; and to 44, be perfect,” or not to waver and decline, 
 but to be constantly and entirely dependant on him, and de- 
 voted to him. 4 Have recourse no more to unbelieving expe- 
 dients: keep thou the path of uprightness; and leave me to 
 fulfil my promise in the lime and manner that seem good to 
 me.’ Fuller. — Abram, perceiving the special presence of 
 God, fell cn his face in humble adoration, and the Lord con- 
 tinued to speak to him in an audible voice. 
 
 V. 4. The Lord thus engaged, that his covenant, before 
 confirmed, and now to be further ratified and sealed, should 
 certainly be accomplished, notwithstanding delays and diffi- 
 culties. — This covenant was essentially different from that 
 made with Israel, as a nation, at mount Sinai: (Notes, Ex. 
 19:5. Gal. 3:) yet it was far more than a personal engagement 
 to Abram, concerning a numerous posterity and the inheri- 
 tance of Canaan, or even , concerning his own salvation ; 
 though these were included, with all the peculiar advantages 
 enjoyed by Israel till the coming of Christ, and even to the 
 end of lime. But, as the covenant, confirmed to Abram with 
 an oath, is fulfilled to all believers as his children ; (Notes, 
 Heb. 6:13 — 20.) it must have been in substance ihe same as 
 the Covenant of Grace, of which Christ is the Mediator and 
 Surety, and which was ratified with Abram, as 4 the father of 
 the faithful.’ In tiffs view of the subject, the promised Seed 
 was Christ, and Christians in him, of whom Israel as a nation 
 was a type ; Canaan typified heaven ; every blessing was 
 conferred on Abraham through 44 the righteousness of fai'.h ;” 
 and all who 44 are of faith, are blessed with faithful Abraham.” 
 
 V. 5, 6. (Marg. Ref.) The Ishmaelites, Midianites, and 
 other nations, were descended from Abraham by Hagar and 
 Keturah ; and the Edomites, as well as the Israelites, by 
 Sarah. AJ1 these nations were, for many ages, pov erful and 
 prosperous, and governed by princes of their own; and some 
 of them are so to this day. Besides the kings of Israel, (or the 
 ten tribes,) David and Solomon were renowned monarchs, and, 
 with their descendants, formed an illustrious race of kings for 
 almost five hundred years. — This is intimated by the change 
 of his name, from Abram, a high father, to Abraham, a 
 father of a great multitude. 
 
 V. 7, 8. Abraham chose the Lord for his portion, and de- 
 voted himself to his service ; and the Lord answered his ex 
 
 ( 45 ) 
 
B. C. 1893. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 1893. 
 
 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called 
 Abram ; but ‘thy name shall be Abraham, for a fa- 
 ther of many nations have I made thee. 
 
 6 And 1 will make thee exceeding- fruitful, and 
 1 will make k nations of thee ; and 'kings shall come 
 out of thee. 
 
 7 And m I will establish my covenant between me 
 and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their genera- 
 tions, tor an everlasting covenant ; to be n a God 
 unto thee, and “to thy seed after thee. 
 
 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after 
 thee, the land 'wherein thou art a stranger, all the 
 land of Canaan, for an '’everlasting possession : 
 
 and I will be ’'their God. [Practical Obiervatioru.] 
 
 9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt 
 r keep my covenant therefore, thou and thy seed 
 after thee, in their generations. 
 
 10 This is my covenant which ye shall keep be- 
 tween me and you, and thy seed after thee ; “eve- 
 ry man-child among you shall be circumcised. 
 
 1 1 And ye shall circumcise ‘the flesh of your 
 foreskin, and it shall be a token of the covenant 
 betwixt me and you. 
 
 12 And he that is T eight days old shall be circum- 
 cised among you, every man-child in your genera- 
 tions, “he that is born in the house, or bought with 
 money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. 
 
 13 He “that is born in thy house, and he that 
 
 i 15. 32:18. 2 Sam. 12:25, Veh. 9:7. («. IS -2— 4. 65:15. Jer. 20:3. 23:6. Mall. 
 1:21— 23. John 1:42. k 4. 35:11. 1 16. 35:31, Sc. Ezra 4:20. Mall. 1: m 15: 
 
 18.26:21. Fz. 6:1. Ps. 105:3— 1 1. Mic. 7:20. Lake 1:54,55,72— 75. n 23:13. 
 Ex. 3:6,15. Lav. 26: 12. Mail. 22:32. Hell. 11:16. o Ex. 19:5,6. Rom. 9:7— 9, 
 
 * Heb .of ihu sojourning*. 23:4 . 23:4. p48:4. Ex. 21:6. 31:16,17. 40:15. I.ev. 
 16:34. tfum. 2.5:13. 2 sam.23:5. I s. 103:17. 2 Pel. 1:11. q Ex. 6:7. Lev. 23:12. 
 Deal. 14:2. 26:18. 29:13. r Ps. 25: 1U. 103:18. Is. 56:4.5. s 34:15. Deal. 10:16. 
 30:6. Jer. 4:4. 9:25,26. Rom. 2:28,29. 3:1. 1 Cor. 7:18,19. Gal. 5:3— 6. 6: 12. 
 Eph.2:ll. Phil. 3:3. Col. 2:11. t Ex. 4:25. Josh. 5:3. 1 Sam. 18:25 — 27 . 2 Sam. 
 
 is ^bought with thy money, must needs be circum- 
 cised : and my covenant shall be in your flesh for 
 an everlasting covenant. 
 
 14 And the uncircumcised man-child, whose 
 flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul 
 shall be ‘cut. off from his people ; he halh “broken 
 my covenant. 
 
 15 H And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai 
 thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but 
 Sarah shall her name be. 
 
 16 And b I will bless her, and “give thee a son al- 
 so of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall * *be a 
 mother of nations ; d kings of people shall be of her. 
 
 17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, “and laugh- 
 ed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be horn 
 unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall 
 Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? 
 
 18 And Abraham said unto God, f Oh, that Ish- 
 mael might live before thee ! 
 
 19 And God said, §Sarah thy wile shall bear thee 
 a son indeed ; and thou shalt call his name Isaac : 
 and I will establish my covenant with him for an 
 everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. 
 
 20 And as forIshmael,I have heard thee : Behold, 
 h I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and 
 will multiply him exceedingly : twelve princes shall 
 he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 
 
 21 But ‘my covenant will I establish with Isaac, 
 
 3:14. t Huh. a eon of eiihl day*. 21:4. Lex. 12:3. Luke 1 :59. 8:21. John 7:22, 
 23. Acts 7:8. Phil. 3:5. u 23. Ex. 12:48.49. x 14:14. fix . 12:44. y 37:27,36. 
 39:1. Ex. 21:2,16. Nell. 5:5,8. Mull. 18:25. z Ex. 4:24— 26. 12:15.19. 30: 
 33 38. Lev. 7:20,21,25,27. 18:29. 19:8. Num. 15:30.31. a Fs. 55:29. ie. 24:5. 
 33:8. Jer. 11:10. 31:32. b 1:28. 24:01. c 18:10— 14. J Hell. becom nati, ns. 35: 
 11. Gal. 4:27— 31. il See on 6. Is. 49:23. e 18:12. 21:6. Rom. 4:19,20. I'Jer. 
 32:39. Acls 2:39. e 18:10— 14. 21:2,3. 2 Kings 4:16,17. Luke 1:13— 20. Rom. 
 9:6—9. Gal. 4:28-31. li 16:10— 12. 25:12— 18. i 521:10 — 12. 26:2— 5. 46:1. 48:15. 
 Ex. 2:24. 3:6. Heb. 11:9. 
 
 pectations by engaging to make him partaker of everlasting 
 felicity ; and his posterity according to the flesh had his ora- 
 cles committed to them, his prophets sent to them, and his 
 ordinances administered among them. Thus he was their God 
 by external relation, and they enjoyed vast advantages, in 
 spiritual things, above all the rest of the human race, till the 
 coming of Christ. (Note, Rom. 3:1,2.) — The word rendered 
 everlasting, must be understood according to the nature of the 
 subject: when used about the things of this present world, or 
 outward privileges, it means perpetual, and unalterable while 
 the same state of things continues : but when it relates to in- 
 ward spiritual blessings, or the concerns of a future state, it 
 seems generally, if not always, strictly to denote eternal du- 
 ration. Thus Jehovah was a God to the Israelites, till the 
 coming of the Messiah, when, according to the whole tenor 
 of prophecy, that state of tilings wa§ to terminate: yet the 
 nation is still kept separate for gracious purposes, in remem- 
 brance of this covenant. But of Abraham and all his spiritual 
 seed, God is the eternal Portion and Blessedness. (Notes, 
 Matt. 22:23 — 33. Heb. 11:13 — 16.) This covenant ‘shall 
 involve great blessings to the world ; yet it was made with 
 Abram. ...It made Abram the father of the church in all future 
 ages... .All that the Christian world enjoys, or ever will enjoy, 
 it is indebted for to Abram and his Seed !...A high honour 
 this, to be the stock whence the Messiah should spring, and 
 on which the church of God should grow.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 9 — 12. Abraham was required to accede to the cove- 
 nant, to profess his faith, and to give a proof of his ready ac- 
 quiescence in the Lord’s will, by submitting to circumcision ; 
 and he and all his posterity must observe this ordinance, as a 
 pledge and mark of their being the worshippers and servants 
 of Jehovah. Many nations have practised circumcision, 
 and do so to this day ; and even some not descended from 
 Abraham, or related to him : yet it is highly probable, that this 
 was the first introduction of this singular observance. — Cut- 
 tirg off the foreskin seems to have been intended as an inti- 
 mation, that a sinful nature is propagated with the human 
 species; and this depravity, called “the old man,” must be 
 put off \ or mortified and destroyed, by believers. (Note, Eph. 
 4:20—24.) In them the “heart is circumcised to love the 
 Lord;” and rebellion and enmity are gradually destroyed 
 out of it by sanctifying grace. This observance was the sa- 
 crament of regeneration, “ the seal of the righteousness of 
 faith;” (Note, Rom. 4:9 — 12.) for the circumcision of the 
 heart is an inward seal, that the sinner is justified by Ihe 
 righteousness of faith, as Abraham was. — Circumcision was 
 i bloody and painful ordinance: for the sanctification of the 
 Spirit is vouchsafed to sinners through the blood of Christ ; 
 the mortification of sin is painful to the flesh; and, till the 
 blood of Christ had been shed once for all, the ordinances of 
 God were generally attended with the shedding of blood ; but 
 lone since that time have been so. — Not only Abraham and 
 Isaac, and Abraham’s posterity by Isaac, were circumcised ; 
 but his son Ishmacl and his very bond-servants ; for circum- 
 ision sealed the covenant of God’s giving, not only Canaan 
 io Isaac’s posterity, hut heaven, through Christ, to the whole 
 
 ( 46 ) 
 
 Church of God. The outward sign belonged to the professed 
 people of God ; but the inward seal of the Spirit is peculiar 
 to those whom God knows (and he alone can know them) to 
 be believers. — Infants were circumcised, because a part of the 
 visible church, and because this was a proper profession of 
 their parents’ faith, and a pledge for the religious education 
 of their children, thus early dedicated to God, Yet they must 
 not be circumcised till the eighth day ; and, under the law, 
 even animals must not be presented to God before that age. 
 (Ex. 22:30.) But, as many infants would die before the 
 eighth day, this might intimate that the outward ordinance, 
 though always the parents’ duty, was not essential to salvation. 
 Males only were capable of circumcision : but. in Christ there 
 is no more distinction between male or female, than between 
 Jew and Gentile. The Gentile, who embraced the Jewish 
 religion, was circumcised adult ; but his future offspring at 
 eight days old. The uncircumcised were ordered to be cut 
 off, (14 :) for the neglect of circumcision was in fact a rejec- 
 tion of tne covenant; and the uncircumcised in heart will be 
 separated for ever from the Lord and his people. Doubtless 
 the parent would he chargeable with the guilt of his neglect, 
 and not the child till grown up. (Note, Matt. 28:19,20.) 
 
 V. 13. In your jlesh.f The outward seal of the covenant 
 would remain in the flesh of Abraham, and Isaac, and their 
 posterity, and of alt who were thus incorporated among them ; 
 for the use of circumcision, as a religious rite, would distin- 
 guish them from other people. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Sarai signifies my princess ; Sarah, a prin- 
 cess, to others as well as lo Abraham: implying how honour- 
 able her name would be in the whole church of God, as well 
 as in Abraham’s family. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 17. When Abraham heard the words of God, he again 
 prostrated himself in reverential worship, and laughed, in ad- 
 miring faith and joyful gratitude. — He himself was born when 
 Terah was a hundred and thirty years old, as it is generally 
 calculated ; (Note, 11:26,27.) but, in the course of the las! 
 hundred years, it seems to have become very uncommi n for 
 men to have children at so advanced an age. He had been 
 so long married to Sarah, and she was now so far advanced 
 in years, continuing barren, that it seems he had given up nil 
 expectation of having seed by her: and, previously to this 
 explicit declaration, thought that the promises would be fulfill! d 
 in Ishmael. 
 
 V. 18. Though Abraham “ staggered not at the promise 
 through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God ;” 
 yet he seems to have had some struggle with unbelief, in 
 which he came off victorious, llirough the repealed assurances 
 which the Lord gave him. — This verse, however, may be in- 
 terpreted as a natural and earnest desire that Ishmael might 
 have a blessing also; and not be excluded from the favotlr ot 
 God, or separated from his worshippers, though the promised 
 Seed was not to descend from him. 
 
 V. 19 — 21. It was the purpose of God, lliat Christ should 
 descend from Isaac and his son Jacob: in that family true re- 
 ligion was chiefly supported ; to them Canaan, rlio t\ im of 
 I heaven, was granted; and they represented the sp 
 
D. C. 1993.* 
 
 B. C. 189S. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 whom Sarah shall bear unto thee k at this set time 
 in the next year. 
 
 22 And He left off ‘talking with him, and God 
 went up from Abraham. 
 
 23 H And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all 
 that were born in his house, and all that were 
 bought with his money, every male among the men 
 of Abraham’s house ; and '"circumcised the flesh of 
 their foreskin, in the self-same day, as God had 
 said unto him. 
 
 24 And "Abrahart was ninety years old and nine, 
 when he was circuit cised in the flesh of his fore- 
 skin. 
 
 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, 
 when he was circumcised in the flesh of his fore- 
 skin. 
 
 26 °In the self-same day was Abraham circum- 
 cised, arid Ishmael his son. 
 
 27 And all the men of his house, born in the 
 house, and bought with money of the stranger, were 
 ^circumcised with him. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The Lord attain appears to Abrahcm , who entertains angels, 1 — 8. A son is 
 
 promised !o Sara.'i , at which she taushs, and her misconduct is rcbulcfd, 9 — 
 
 15. The Lord discovers to Abraham his purpose of desttouing Sodom , SfC. 
 
 16- -22 ; who earnestly intercedes forjhe inhabitants , 23 — 33. 
 
 A ND the Lord "appeared unto him in the plains 
 of b Mamre : and he sat in the tent-door in the 
 heat of the day. 
 
 t 21:2. Job 1413. Aclsl:7. 13. !S:33. 35:9 — 15. Ex. 20:22. Num. 12:6— 8. 
 Dent. 5:4. John 1:18. 10:30. m 18:19. 34:2-1. Josh. 5.2 — 9. Acts 16:3. Horn. 2: 
 25—29. 4:9—12. 1 t or. 7:18,19. Gal. 5:6. 6:15. n 1:17. Rom. 4:19,20. o 12:4. 
 22:3,4. Ps. 119:30. p 18:19. a 15:1. 17:1—3.22. 26:2. 48:3. Ex. 4:1. 2 Chr. 1:7. 
 Arts 7:2. 1)13:18. 1113. c 22. 19.1. <123 7.33.3—7.44:14. Ruth 2:10. 2 Kin-s 
 2:15. e 19:2 . 24:32. 43:21. 1 Sam. 25:41. Luke 7:44. John 13:5—15. 1 Tim. 5: 
 
 Seed of Abraham. Yet Ishmael and others, after this limi- 
 tation, being at that time a part of the visible church, were 
 commanded to be circumcised ; and vve are not authorized, 
 from the circumstance of the covenant concerning J.he pro- 
 mised Seed being restricted to the line of Isaac, to oetermine 
 that any of them finally perished. (Notes, 16:10 — 12.) — Ish- 
 mael was the son of a bondwoman: how unlikely that his 
 sons should be twelve princes, even when the twelve sons of 
 Jacob were only shepherds ! — His name Isaac.] (Note, 21:3,4.) 
 
 V. 22. Left off, &c.] The whole narration suggests the 
 idea of a personal conference; and leaves no reasonable 
 ground of doubt, whether he, who here calls himself 44 the 
 Almighty God,” was the same as afterwards in human na- 
 ture said, u I and my Father are One ;” and, 44 He that hath 
 seen me, hath seen the Father.” (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 23 — 27. Abraham prepared every thing for immediate 
 and exact obedience, in a painful appointment, against which 
 many objections might have been urged, and which might 
 seem even to counteract the accomplishment of the promise 
 sealed by it: and this obedience was not peculiar to him, but 
 was imitated by his household, who seem to have made no 
 opposition ; and we may conclude that many of them were 
 partakers of his faith. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Y. I — 8. The Lord, from time to 'time, vouchsafes to his 
 servants peculiar manifestations of his presence and favour, 
 and seasons of special consolation : yet their daily walk with 
 him must be maintained by that faith which 44 sees Him who 
 is invisible.” — With however long delays, and great discou- 
 ragements, the faith of true believers may be tried, God will 
 strengthen it: and they who walk before him, trust in him, 
 and wait for him, shall never be ashamed. — It is our part to look 
 to our own temper and conduct ; and to leave all in his hands, 
 who is all-sufficient and almighty ; and who, for the purposes 
 of his own glory, often delays to interpose, till expectation 
 from every other quarter fails. — But let us well consider, that 
 the Lord’s gracious condescensions should excite our adoring 
 reverence, lest we forget who He is, and what we are ! (Ps. 
 89:7. Heb. 12:28. Rev. 15:4.) 
 
 V. 9 — 27. Not only the doctrines of revelation, but the 
 very seals of the new covenant, remind us that we are guilty 
 and polluted, evince our need of atoning blood, and point to 
 the promised Saviour ; they teach us to exercise faith in him ; 
 and prove that, without regeneration, sanctification by his 
 Spirit, and the mortification of our corrupt and sensual incli- 
 nations, we cannot bear a covenant relation to him. Let us 
 then remember, that the true 44 circumcision is that of the 
 neart, by the Spirit;” that they are 44 the true circumcision, 
 who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, 
 and have no confidence in the flesh (Note, Phil. 3:1 — 7.) anc 
 that, both under the old and the new dispensation, many have 
 had the external profession, the sacramental sign, and the 
 outward seal, who were never 41 sealed by the holy Spirit of 
 promise.” — True faith evidences itself by prompt and unre- 
 served obedience in the most difficult instances : and if our 
 faith be of this kind, we may be confident that God is our 
 God and everlasting Portion ; that the everlasting covenant is 
 confirmed to us, by the security vouchsafed to Abraham ; and 
 
 2 And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and lo, 
 'three men stood by him : and when lie saw them, 
 he ran to meet them from the tent-door, and ‘‘bow- 
 ed himself toward the ground; 
 
 3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour 
 in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy 
 servant. 
 
 4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and 
 'wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 
 
 5 And 1 1 will fetch a morsel of bread, and ‘com- 
 fort ye your hearts : after that ye shall pass on ; for 
 therefore ‘are ye come to your servant. And they 
 said, So do as thou hast said. 
 
 6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sa- 
 rah, and said, tMake ready quickly ethree measures 
 of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the 
 hearth. 
 
 7 And Abraham h ran unto the herd, and fetched 
 a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young 
 man ; and he hasted to dress it. 
 
 8 And ‘he took butter and milk, and the calf 
 which he had dressed, and set it before them ; k and 
 he stood by them under the tree, ‘and they did eat. 
 
 9 And they said unto him, '"Where is Sarah thy 
 wife? And he said, Behold, "in the tent. 
 
 10 And °Hesaid,I will certainly return unto thee 
 Paccording to the time of life : and loj-^Sarah thy 
 wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the 
 tent-door, which was behind him. 
 
 1 o. fJudg. 6:18. 13:15. * Heb. stay. ludg. 19:5. t Heb. ye ha c passed. 19:8. 
 
 X Heb. hasten, e Is. 32:8. Luke 10:38 — 40. Acts 16:15. Rorn. 12:13. Gal. 5:13. 
 Heb. 13:2. 1 . et. 4:9. h 19:3. Am. 6:4. Mail. 22:4. Luke 15 23.27,30. ij'eul. 
 32:14. k Luke 12:37. 17:8. John 12:2. Rev. 3:20. 1 Luke 24;3U,43. Acts 10 41. 
 m 4:9. n 24:67. 31:33. Tit. 2:5. o 13,14. 16:10.22:15,16. p 17:21. 21:2. 2 Kings 
 4:16,17. q 17:19. Judg.l3:3— 5. Luke 1:13. Rom. 9:9. Gal. 4:23,28. 
 
 that he, who has given us a new heart, hath also 44 given us 
 a new name, which no man knoweth, save he who receiveth 
 it.” (Note, Rev. 2:17.) And while we thankfully embrace 
 the pledges of his love, and make open profession of our faith ; 
 let us not forget to seek in earnest prayer, the same blessings 
 for our children, our servants, and all connected with us. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XYIII. V. 1, 2. It is here expressly 
 said, that “Jehovah appeared to Abraham,” or was seen by 
 him ; and the manner of this appearance is afterwards related. 
 — Abraham was waiting for an opportunity of exercising 
 hospitality, by entertaining any weary traveller, who might 
 need refreshment and a cooling shade; (for inns were not. 
 then to be met with, as among us;) and at that time three 
 persons, appearing as men, presented themselves before him. 
 It is generally agreed, that two of these were created angels ; 
 but many infer from the context, that the other was the eter- 
 nal Son visibly appearing as in human form. Indeed, there 
 is not the least intimation in the narrative of any other ap- 
 pearance, except that, of the three men whom Abraham en- 
 tertained. If this were the only instance in which language 
 naturally suited to warrant ’such a conclusion was used, it 
 would not be proper to ground much upon it : but passages 
 frequently occur, which seem incapable of any other con- 
 struction, without having recourse to human tradition, in ex- 
 plaining the words of inspiration, even that very tradition 
 which our Lord opposed ; (Mark 7:9.) and thus implying 
 that the simple narrative of the sacred historian was calcu- 
 lated to mislead the unlearned. ( Note, 32:30. Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 3 — 8. Abraham addressed himself to one of the three, 
 who appeared to have the pre-eminence ; but, it is probable, 
 he did not at first know his guests : for his bowing to them 
 seems to have been rather a token of civil respect, as toper- 
 sons who appeared venerable and honourable, than an act of 
 religious adoration. (Marg. Ref. d.) — Washing the feet was 
 customary and necessary in those hot climates where only 
 sandals were worn ; and the several particulars here related are 
 suited to give us an idea of the simple, liberal, active, and 
 obliging hospitality of the ancient patriarchs. — Butter.] 1 W e 
 read of cheese in Homer, Euripides, Theocritus, and others; 
 yet they never mention butter : nor hath Aristotle a word 
 about it, though he hath sundry observations about cheese. 
 For butter was not then known among the Greeks.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 9 — 12. This attention to Abraham’s concerns would 
 gradually show him whom he had entertained. At first, they 
 inquired after Sarah, who was in her tent: and then one of 
 them, Jehovah, (as it must appear to every plain reader,) 
 spake to Abraham respecting that promise as his owyi , which 
 had been given in the foregoing chapter by the almighty God : 
 and he expressly engaged for its accompli-hment ! (Note, 1 7: 
 19 — 21.) But. as this had been delayed till it had become un- 
 precedented, according to general observation ; Sarah, who 
 heard what passed, “laughed within herself;” and spake 
 words not very dissimilar to those of Abraham in the preced- 
 ing chapter. Yet the heart-searching God, saw that her’s 
 was the expression of unbelief; and his, of faith, admiration, 
 and joy. — 44 According to the time of life,” is supposed tx» 
 mean the usual term of pregnanev. — It is observable, thai 
 
 ( 47 )' 
 
B- C. 1S98. GENESIS. «B. C. 1898 
 
 1 1 Now Abraham and Sarah were "old, and well 
 stricken in a<re : and it ceased to be with Sarah 
 after ‘the manner of women. 
 
 12 Therefore Sarah ‘laughed within herself, say- 
 ing, After 1 am waxed old, shall I have pleasure, 
 “my lord being old also ? 
 
 13 And the Lord said unto Abraham, Where- 
 fore did Sarali laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety 
 bear a child, which am old? 
 
 14 Is “any thing too hard for the Lord? At the 
 time appointed X I will return unto thee, according 
 to the time ot life, and Sarah shall have a son. 
 
 15 Then Sarah ^denied, saying, 1 laughed not: 
 for she was afraid. And he said, z Nay, but thou 
 
 didst laUgh. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 16 H And the men rose up from thence, and 
 looked towards Sodom : and Abraham went with 
 them ‘to bring them on the way. 
 
 17 And the Lord said, b Shall I hide from Abra- 
 ham that thing which I do ; 
 
 18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely ‘become a 
 great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the 
 earth shall be blessed in him ? 
 
 1-9 For d I know him, that he will ‘command his 
 children and his household after him, and they shall 
 keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judg- 
 ment: f that the Lord may bring upon Abraham 
 that which he hath spoken of him. 
 
 20 And the Lord said, Because sthe cry of So- 
 dom and Gomorrah is great, and because their b sin 
 is very grievous ; 
 
 21 I will ‘go down now, and k see whether they 
 have done altogether according to the cry of it, 
 which is come unto me; and if not, 'I will know. 
 
 22 And m the men turned their faces from thence, 
 and went toward Sodom : but Abraham "stood yet 
 
 before the Lord. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 r 17:24. Luke 1:7,36. Rom. 4:18— 21. s3I:35. 1 17:17. 21:6,7. Luke 1:18—20, 
 M, 35. Heb. 11:11,12. u Epli. 5:33. 1 Ret. 3:6. v Num. 11:23. 2 Kinss7:1.2. 
 Jer. 32:17. Zech. 8:6» Mall. 3:9. 19:26. Luke 1:37. Eph. 3:2U. Phil. 3:21. 4:13. 
 Heh. 11:19. i 10. Deul. 30:3. Ps. 90:13. v4:9. 12:13. Joh2:10. Johnl8:17, 
 25 — 27. 1 John 1:8. zl's. 44:21. Prov. 12:19. Mark 2:8. John 2:25. Rom 3:19. 
 a Acts 21:5. Rom. 15:24. 3 John 6. b 2 Kings 4:27. Ps. 25:14. Am. 3:7. John 15: 
 15. Jam. 2:23. c See on 12:2,3 22.17,18. Ps. 72:17. Acts3:25, 26. Gal. 3:8,14. 
 Cph. 1:3. d2Sam. 7:20. Ps. 1:6. John 21:17. 2 Tim 2:19. e 17:23— 27. Deul. 
 4:9,10. 6:6,7. 11:19—21. 3*2:46. Josh. 24:15. Job 1:5. Ps.78:5— 8. Prov. 6:20,21 . 
 22:6. Eph. 6:4. 1 Tim. 3:4,5,12. 2 Tim. 1:5. 3:15. fl Sam. 2:30,31. Acts 27:23, 
 21,31. g 4:10. 19:13. Jam. 5:4. h 13:13. i 11:5,7. Ex. 3:8. 33:5. Mic. 1:3. 
 John 6:38. 1 Thes. 4:16. k Jer. 17:1. Zeph. 1:12. Heb.4:13. 1 Deut. 8:2. 13: 
 
 from this very speech of Sarah, the apostle Peter quotes her 
 words concern#n|.* Abraham, in which she calls him, “ My 
 lord,” as a commendable instance of her dutiful subjection to 
 him ! (1 Pet. 3:6.) 
 
 V. 13 — 15. Here the speaker is expressly called Jehovah. 
 — By manifesting that he was acquainted with what Sarah 
 did secretly, he showed that he could accomplish his word, 
 however contrary to the ordinary course of things. The con- 
 duct of Sarah showed great weakness, and was exceedingly 
 faulty ; yet the rebuke was very gentle, and connected with a 
 renewal of the promise ! 
 
 V. 17. The Lord would not conceal from “Abraham his 
 friend,” his intention of destroying the cities of the plain ; for 
 he was concerned in the event, both on account of Lot, and 
 as the inheritance of the adjacent countries was covenanted 
 to his posterity. God would also give his servant an oppor- 
 tunity to intercede for the criminals ; and show him the rea- 
 sons of his conduct, that he might approve of it, and glorify 
 him on that account. (Note, John 15:12 — 16.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. The promises to Abraham and his posterity, 
 and, through Christ, to the nations of the earth, were abso- 
 lute ; yet Abraham’s conduct was an essential part of the 
 gracious plan. The Lord also approved his servant’s inte- 
 grity, piety, and zeal ; and knew that he would perseveringly 
 instruct his family, set them a good example, and pray for 
 them ; and use his authority in restraining evil, and promoting 
 justice and godliness among them. Of this he had just before 
 given a remarkable proof, by obeying the Lord’s command in 
 circumcising himself and family. He would also train up 
 Isaac in the same pious manner ; and thus the way would be 
 prepared for the promised blessings to be conferred on his 
 posterity. 
 
 V. 20, 21. The just judge does not pronounce sentence 
 on mere rumour ; but ascertains the criminal’s guilt before 
 he executes vengeance. Thus the Lord declared, that he 
 would impartially judge and punish the guilty cities, on full 
 proof of their atrocious wickedness. 
 
 V. 22. The two, whom we suppose to have been created 
 angels, departed at this time; and accordingly two entered 
 Sodom at evening: while the One, called Jehovah through- 
 out the chapter, continued with Abraham, who “stood yet 
 before the Lord;” before the same Person with whom he 
 had hitherto been communing. 
 
 ( 48 ) 
 
 23 H And Abraham "drew near, and said, rWilt 
 thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked ? 
 
 24 Peradventure 'Uhere be fifty righteous within 
 the city : wilt thou also destroy and not "spare the 
 place tor the filly righteous that are therein? 
 
 25 That ‘be tar from thee to do after this manner, 
 to slay the righteous with the wicked : and that ‘the 
 righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from 
 thee: "Shall not x the Judge of all the earl h do right? 
 
 26 And the Lord said, Hf 1 find in Sodom fifty 
 righteous within the city, then I will spare all the 
 place for their sakes. 
 
 27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold 
 now, "I have taken upon me to speak unto the 
 Lord, which am, but “dust and ashes. 
 
 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty 
 righteous: b wilt thou destroy all the city tor lack of 
 five ? And He said, c If I find there forty and five, 
 I will not destroy it. 
 
 29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, 
 Peradventure there shall be forty found there. 
 And He said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. 
 
 30 And he said unto him, d Oh, let not the Lord 
 be angry, and I will speak : Peradventure there 
 shall thirty be found there. And He said, I will 
 not do it, if I find thirty* there. 
 
 31 And he said, ‘Behold now I have taken upon 
 me to speak unto the Lord : Peradventure there 
 shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will 
 not destroy it for twenty’s sake. 
 
 32 And he said, f Oh, let not the Lord be angry, 
 and I will speak yet but this once : Peradventure 
 ten shall be found there. And eHe said, I will 
 not destroy it for ten’s sake. 
 
 33 And h the Lord went his way, as soon as he 
 had left communing with Abraham: ’and Abraham 
 returned unto his place. 
 
 3. m2. 19:1. n Ps. 106:23. Jer. 15:1. 18:20. Ez. 22:30. Acts 7:55. o Ps. 73: 
 28. Jer. 30:21. Heh. 10:22. p20:4. Num. 16:22. 2Nam. 24:17. Ps. 11:4 — 7. 
 Rom. 3:5,6. q 32. Is. 1:9. Jer. 5:1. Matt. 7:13,14. i*Acts27:24. e Jer. 12:1. 
 I Job 8:20. 9:22,23. Ec.7:15. 8:12,13. Is. 3:10,11. 57:1,2. Mul. 3:18. u Job 8:3. 
 34:17—19. Ps. 58:11. 94:2. 98:9. Rom. 3:6. x John 5:22—27. 2 Cor. 5:10. vis. 
 S5:8. Ez. 22:30. Matt. 24:22. z 30— 32. Ezra 9:6. Job 42:6— 8. Is. 6:5. a'2:7. 
 3:19. Job 4:19. Ps. 8:4. 144:3. Ec. 12:7. Is. 64:8. 1 Cor. 15:47,48. 2 Cor. 5:1 
 b Num. 14:17— 19. 1 Kings 20:32,33. Job 23:3,4. c26,29. (144:18. Judg. 6:39. 
 Esth. 4:11—16. Is. 55:8,9. e 27. Luke 11:8. 18:1. Eph. 6:18. Heb. 4:16. fProv. 
 15:8. Is. 62:6,7. Jam. 5:15—17. 1 John 5:15,16. g Ex. 34:6,7. Ps. 86:5. Mic. 7. 
 18. Eph. 3:20. h 16,22. 32:26. i 31:55. 
 
 V. 23 — 26. When Abraham “engaged his heart” to inter- 
 cede for the devoted cities: (Note, Jer. 30:19— 22, v. 22.) he 
 assumed it as an unquestionable truth, that “the Judge of all 
 the earth would do right.” But, knowing how “ the righteous 
 Lord delighteth in mercy,” he not only pleaded that the pious 
 remnant might be preserved, but likewise that the rest might 
 be spared for their sakes. — ‘He does not plead that the 
 wicked may be spared for their own sakes, or because it would 
 be too severe to destroy them. — This would have been siding 
 with sinners against God! — Thus Christ makes intercession 
 for sinners ; not by arraigning the divine law, not by alleging 
 aught in extenuation of human guilt ; but by pleading his own 
 obedience unto death.” Fuller. 
 
 V. 27, 28. While Abraham, with magnanimous philan- 
 thropy, pleaded for the guilty cities ; ho did not forget that he 
 himself was but “dust and ashes,” a poor, sinful, dying man. 
 His argument also was very ingenious : he had obtained from 
 the divine condescension an assurance, that Sodom should be 
 saved, if fifty righteous persons could be found in it ; and 
 would the merciful God destroy the whole city for the want 
 of only Jive of that number ? 
 
 V. 32. Ten.] It is probable, that Abraham thought that 
 he had now got within the limits of Lot’s family ; if, however, 
 there were not that small number in Sodom and its depen- 
 dencies, he must allow the justice of the sentence. — 1 Not a 
 soul seems to have been won over, by Lot’s residence in the 
 place, to the worship of the true God.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 33. Surely this is calculated to convey to us the idea 
 of a visible appearance and a personal conference ! But “ no 
 man hath seen God at any time ; the only-begotten Son. who 
 is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. and 
 thence we infer, that this was an anticipation of the future 
 incarnation of the Son of God. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. We should not “be forgetful to entertain stran- 
 gers ; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares;” 
 nay, the Lord of angels himself, as indeed we always do, 
 when for his sake we entertain one of the least of his bre- 
 thren. Cheerful liberality, and an obliging manner in show- 
 ing kindness, are great ornaments to true piety: and wealth, 
 used to pious and beneficent purposes, becomes indeed a 
 blessing to the possessor and to many others. — Though our 
 condescending Lord does not vouchsafe to us his personal 
 
B C. 18S>8, 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. - 
 
 B. C. 1893. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Lot enfsrtains tiro angels, 1 — 3. The abandoned Sodomites are smitten with 
 blindness, •! — 11. Lot is warned, and in vain warns his sons-in-law, 1*2 — 14. 
 He is directed to flee with Itis family to the mountain, but obtains leave to re- 
 tire to Zoai-y 15 — '23. Sodom and Gomorrah, are destroyed ; and I ot's wife, 
 looking back, becomes a pillar of salt,'l \ — 26. Abraham beholdv the destruc- 
 tion of Sodom, Sfc. 27 — 29. Lot retires from Zoar ; and is betrayed, into 
 drunkenness and incest , 30 — 35. The birth of Moab and Ammon, 36 — 38. 
 
 A ND there came "two angels to Sodom at 
 even ; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom : 
 and Lot seeing f/im, b rose up to meetthem;and 
 he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; 
 
 2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, 
 I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry 
 all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall arise 
 up early, and go on your ways. And they said, 
 "Nay, but we will abide in the street all night. 
 
 3 And he d pressed upon them greatly ; and 
 they turned in unto him, and entered into his 
 house : and he made them c a feast, and did bake 
 'unleavened bread, and they did eat. 
 
 4 H But ^before they lay down, the men of the 
 city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house 
 round, both old and young, ''all the people from 
 every quarter. 
 
 a 18:1,2,22. b 18:2—5. Job 31:32. Heb. 13:2. cJudg. 19:17— 21. Luke 24:28 29. 
 Acts IG:15. d2 Kings 4:8. Luke 14:23. 2 Cor. 5: 14. e 18:6-3. 21:8. Luke 5:29. 
 John 12:2. f Ex. 12:15,39. Judg. 6:19. lSain.2S;24. 1 Cor. 5:8. gProv. 4:1(>. 
 6:19. h 13:13. 18:20. Ex. 16:2. Jer. 5:1— 6,31. Matt. 27:20— 25. T Lev. 18:22. 
 20:13. Judg. 19:22. Is. 1:9. 3:9. Ez. 16:49,51. Matt. 11:23,24. Rom. 1:26,27. 1 
 
 visits, yet still, by his word and Spirit, he “ stands at the 
 door and knocks and when we are inclined to open, he 
 deigns to enter; and by his gracious consolations provides a 
 rich entertainment, on which “ he sups with us, and we with 
 him.” (Note, Rev. 3:20 — 22.) — Even the strongest believers 
 need repeated confirmations of their faith, and in trying cir- 
 cumstances sometimes “ stagger through unbelief.” — One sin 
 is commonly the introduction to another: and it is hardly to 
 he expected that we should strictly adhere to truth, when we 
 allow ourselves to question the divine veracity : but those 
 “ whom the Lord loves, he rebukes,” silences, and brings to 
 repentance, when they sin against him.— The same action 
 may in some cases be either good or bad, as it springs from 
 opposite internal principles. — Our discouragements also would 
 be greatly removed, and our temptations prevented, did we 
 more fully realize the almighty power of God, as engaged to 
 fulfil his largest promises. 
 
 V. 16 — 22. The righteous Lord exactly determines the 
 degree of criminality, both of individuals and nations, and 
 proportions his punishments to their sins ; but, alas ! the more 
 particular the scrutiny is, the more numerous and atrocious 
 abominations are generally detected and exposed. — ■“ The se- 
 cret of the Lord is with them that fear him:” and whether 
 he does, or does not, discover to his people what he is about 
 to do, lie will eventually satisfy them of his wisdom and jus- 
 tice in his most awful judgments on the wicked ; so that the 
 whole will animate their admiring adorations akd praises. — 
 He graciously notices our attention to family religion : and 
 when we use our authority and ability, in governing- and 
 m.-structing our households, it is not only an acceptable ser- 
 vice, and conducive to the diffusion and continuance of piety 
 in the world ; but is also the means of entailing spiritual 
 advantages on our posterity : while the neglect of it is often 
 visited by sore judgments on them, as in the case of Lot, of 
 Eli, and of Jehoshaphat. 
 
 V. 23—33. “ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous 
 man availeth much:” and the ungodly are little aware how 
 deeply they are indebted, as to temporal comforts, and that 
 long-suffering, which frequently makes way for their conver- 
 sion and salvation, to the prayers of the very perlons whom 
 they despise and injure ; nay, a number in any nation or city, 
 who stand in the gap by their intercessions and exertions, are 
 a stronger defence than armies’, navies, or fortifications. — It 
 is our duty and privilege thus to stand before the Lord, not 
 only in behalf of our relatives, friends, brethren, and country, 
 hut likewise of all on whom we apprehend the wrath of God 
 is about to be poured ; and to fill our mouth with arguments, 
 and order our cause before him in the best manner we can. 
 -4 nd though our unworthiness and vileness, compared with 
 his majesty and holiness, must frequently excite a conscious- 
 ness how unmeet we are thus “ to engage our hearts to 
 approach unto God yet, coming through our great and 
 merciful High-Priest to a throne of Grace, wo, sinful dust 
 md ashes, need not fear, that the Lord will be angry at our 
 Kimble, compassionate, and fervent petitions : for they are 
 * spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus 
 Christ.” We shall always find him more ready to hear than 
 we to ask ; and shall commonly discontinue our requests 
 i-cfore he ceases to grant them. Yet in many cases we 
 i*nst be satisfied with the assurance, that our "prayers will 
 return into our own bosom.” — In praying for sinners, we 
 should be careful not to impeach the justice of God in their 
 condemnation : for we could^ not desire that the destruction 
 of ‘he finally impenitent should be prevented. — The Lord 
 wil by no means deal alike with the righteous and the wicked. 
 Vol. I.— 7 
 
 5 And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, 
 'Where are the men which came in to thee this 
 night ? bring them out unto us, that we may know 
 them. 
 
 6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and 
 shut the door after him, 
 
 7 And said, k I pray you, brethren, 'do not so 
 wickedly. 
 
 8 Behold now, m I have two daughters which 
 have not known man ; let me, I pray you, bring 
 them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good 
 in your eyes : only unto these men do nothing ; 
 for "therefore came they under the shadow of my 
 roof. 
 
 9 And they said, "Stand back. And they said 
 again, ''This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he 
 will needs be a judge : now will we deal worse 
 with thee, than with them. ‘lArid they pressed 
 sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to 
 break the door. 
 
 10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled 
 Lot into the house to them, and shut to the 
 door. 
 
 Tor. 6:9. 1 Tim. 1:10. Jude 7. k Judg. 19:23. 1 Sam 30:23,24. Acts 17:26. 1 F.x. 
 32:22. m 31— 38. 42:37. Judg. 19:24. Mark 9:6. Rom. 3:8. n 18:5. o 1 Sam. 
 2.517. Prov. 9:7,8. Jer. 3:3. 6:15. 8:12. Matt. 7:6. 1)13:12. Ex. 2:14. Ails 7: 
 26—28 . 2 Pet . 2:7,8. q 11:6. 1 Sam. 2: 16. Prov. 14:16. 17:12. 27:3. Ec. 9:3. 11): 
 13. Dan. 3:19— 22. 
 
 “ That be far from him: Shall not the Judge of all the earth 
 do right ?” Yet the best of men are sinners, and niay justly 
 be involved in public calamities ; especially when they have 
 not decidedly protested against prevailing impiety, and sepa- 
 rated from the wicked : but God will make a more exact 
 discrimination in a future world. He delighteth, however, in 
 mercy ; and for the sake of a few who really serve him, he 
 ofien prolongs the tranquillity and preserves the lives of mul- 
 titudes ; so that believers are not only blessed, hut a blessing 
 wherever they live. The good Lord be pleased to increase 
 .the number of them in our land, and in every part of the 
 world ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. 1. The sacred historian, 
 more agreeably occupied, as it were, by the history of faith- 
 ful Abraham, had for some time been silent as to Lot: but 
 in this chapter he is again introduced, though not greatly to 
 his credit. The apostle Peter says, that “ Lot was vexed 
 with the filthy conversation of the wicked ; for that righteous 
 man, dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his 
 righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.’ 
 We must therefore conclude, that his character was upright, 
 and on the whole his example good. But he wanted firm- 
 ness, and was not fit for the situation into which he had 
 intruded himself; nor was he able to “set his face like a 
 flint” against the wicked inhabitants of Sodom. He went 
 thither from unworthy motives, and continued there with 
 unwarrantable pertinacity : and accordingly, he seems to 
 have done no good, and to have got much harm himself, and 
 his family still more. He however waited for an opportunity 
 of entertaining strangers ; setting an example of hospitality in 
 the midst of triumphant abominations : and in this he imitated 
 Abraham.— - Two angels appeared to Lot, and He who spake 
 as Jehovah was not sensibly present. Lot must be deli- 
 vered as “a righteous man,” and in regard to Abraham’s 
 intercession ; but sharp rebukes, rather than peculiar honour 
 and consolation, were most suited to his case. — The angels 
 appeared to him as men ; but there seems to have been 
 something extraordinary and attractive in their form and 
 manner. 
 
 V. 2, 3. In order to evince the cordiality of Lot’s invita- 
 tions, the angels at first declined them : but “he pressed on 
 them greatly aware that insults awaited them in the 
 street. (KarfSnuraro. Sept. Marg. Ref. c. d.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. This simple narration conveys more forcibly an 
 idea of the extreme and unparalleled wickedness of Sodom, 
 and of all ranks and descriptions of its inhabitants, than the 
 most laboured descriptions and rhetorical declamations could 
 have done ; and is a most beautiful example of giving inti- 
 mations concerning practices, too shameful to be mentioned, 
 in language which excites no other sensation than horror and 
 indignation. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. The regard to the rites of hospitality, which 
 Lot expressed on this occasion, was very commendable : but 
 having used all proper means of preserving his guests, he 
 ought to have left the cause with God ; and on no account to 
 have made a proposal to the outrageous Sodomites concern- 
 ing his daughters, which was entirely inconsistent with every 
 moral obligation. It may indeed be ascribed in part to the 
 excessive perturbation of his mind : but probably his judg- 
 ment was rather perverted, and his feelings blunted, by the 
 conversation and example of his profligate neighbours. (1 
 Cor. 15:33.) He thus, however, gave them occasion, by 
 violently resenting so gentle and feeble an admonition, to 
 manifest their excessive depravity, in the most striking man- 
 ner imaginable. 
 
 I 49 ) 
 
B. C. 1898. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1898. 
 
 11 And they smote the men that were at the 
 door of the house with r blindness, both small and 
 great : so that 'they wearied themselves to find 
 the door. 
 
 12 U And the men said unto Lot, ‘Hast thou 
 here any besides ? “son-in-law, and thy sons, and 
 thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the 
 city, bring them out of this place. 
 
 13 For we will destroy this place, because the 
 ’'cry of them is waxen great before the face of the 
 Lord, and v the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 
 
 14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons- 
 in-law, which married his daughters, and said, 
 'Up, get ye out of this place ; lor the Lord will 
 destroy this city: but he seemed a as one that 
 mocked unto his sons-in-law. 
 
 15 And when the morning arose, then the 
 angels b hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, 
 and thy two daughters which "are here; lest thou 
 be consumed in the 'iniquity of the city. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 16 And while he 'lingered, the men laid hold 
 upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, 
 and upon the hand of his two daughters; d the 
 Lord being merciful unto him: and they 'brought 
 him forth, and set him without the city. 
 
 17 And it came to pass, when they had brought 
 them forth abroad, that he said, 'Escape for thy 
 life ; elook not behind thee, neither stay thou in all 
 the plain ; escape to the mountain, lest thou be 
 consumed. 
 
 18 And Lot saidunto them, h Oh, not so, my Lord. 
 
 19 Behold, now, thy servant hath found grace 
 in thy sight, ‘and thou hast magnified thy mercy, 
 which thou hast showed unto me in saving my 
 life : and I cannot escape to the mountain, k lest 
 some evil take me, and I die. 
 
 r 2 Kings 6:18. Acts 13:11. s Ec. 10:15. 1 7:1. Nit in. 16:26. Josh. 6:22,23. Jer. 
 32:39. u 14. x 18:20. Jain. 5:4. y 1 (.'hr. 21:15,16. Is. 37 36. Ec. 9:5,6. Malt. 
 13:11,42,49,50 Ads 12:23. Rev. 16:1— 12. z Num. 16:21,45. Rev. 18:4— 8. 
 a Ex. 9:21. 2 Chr. 30:10. 36:16. Pmv. 29:1. Jer. 5:12—14. I.uke 17:28—30. Ads 
 17:32. 1 Then. 5:3. It Num. 16:24— 27. Prov. 6:4,5. Luke 13:24,23. 3 Cor. 5:2. 
 Heb. 3:7,8. * Heb. are found. | Or , punishment. cPs. 119:60. d Ex. 34:6. 
 Is. 63:9. Lam. 3:22. Ruin. 9:15.16.18. Eph. 2:4.5. Tit. 3:5. eJosh.6:22. Ps. 
 34:22. 2 p et. 2:9. fl Sam. 19:11. 1 Kings 19:3. Matt. 3:7. 24:16—18. Heb. 2:3. 
 g26. Luke 17:31,32. h 2 Kings 5:11,12. John 13:6— 8. Acts 9:13. 10:14. i 1 Tim. 
 1:14—16. k 12:12,13. 1 Sam. ‘27:1. Ps. 77:7— 11. 116:11. Matt. 8:25,26. Mark 
 
 V. 11. The persons, thus smitten with blindness, seem 
 not to have been aware of their real condition: but supposing 
 they saw objects which indeed they did not sec, they were 
 entirely bewildered, and wearied themselves with seeking the 
 door, while incapable of perceiving where it really was. 
 (Notes, 2 Kings 6:18 — 20.) •. 
 
 V. 13. We will destroy ... the Lord hath sent ws.] This is 
 the language of servants obeying orders ; and very different 
 from that employed in the preceding chapter. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. Probably the sons-in-lavv here mentioned, had 
 married other daughters of Lot ; who either were dead, or 
 they perished in the ruin of the city. (Note, Rev. 18:4 — 8.) 
 
 V. 16 — 22. Lot was forbidden to look behind him ; as this 
 would indicate great reluctance to leave his property in 
 Sodom, and to quit the fertile plain which had so long 
 ensnared him. Indeed, his attachment was so strong to 
 Sodom, and his lingering so criminal, that it was an instance 
 of special indulgence, that he was not left to loiter till it 
 was too late to escape. And at last, through unbelief and 
 undue valuation of worldly things, he was unwilling entirely 
 to quit the plain and flee to the mountain: yet mercy pre- 
 vailed ; and Zoar, a small city, was spared in condescension 
 1o his infirmity, and in answer to his request ! Zoar signifies 
 Little : it was before called Bela ; but being spared because 
 it was a little city, it afterwards retained the name of Zoar. — 
 Lot addressed himself especially to the angel, who led him 
 out of Sodom, and was answered by him; yet the other 
 seems to have continued with his family. Many indeed sup- 
 pose that lie, who appeared and spake to Abraham as 
 Jehovah, had now joined them; but there is no decided 
 proof of it. The angels might have a commission to spare 
 Zoar at Lot’s request; and he might express his gratitude to 
 the instrument ot his preservation, when visibly prcseM, in 
 the language here used, without ascribing to him the honour 
 due to God alone. Lot must arrive at a place of safety, 
 before vengeance could be inflicted on Sodom: this implied 
 a rebuke of his unbelieving fears, as well as a most conde- 
 scending assurance of the Lord’s merciful care of him. 
 
 V. 23. The rising sun promised a cheerful day ; but how 
 Bpeedily and awfully was the prospect changed! 
 
 V. 24, 25. The language here is remarkable ; “Jehovah 
 
 rained from Jehovah out of heaven:” and it is supposed 
 
 by many expositors to confirm the opinion, that. He, who ap- 
 peared and spake to Abraham as Jehovah, was visibly 
 present at Sodom immediately commanding the fire and 
 
 ( 50 ' ) 
 
 20 BehoIJ, now, 'this city is near to flee unto, 
 and it is a little one : Oh, let me escape thither, 
 (is it not a little one ?) m and my soul shall live. 
 
 21 And he said unto him, See, "I have accepted 
 'thee concerning this thing also, “that I will not 
 overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken. 
 
 22 Haste thee, escape thither: I’for I cannot do 
 any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore 
 the name of the city was ‘‘called Zoar. 
 
 23 The sun was Arisen upon the earth when Lot 
 entered into Z»'ar. 
 
 24 Then r the Lord rained upon Sodom and 
 upon Gomorrah, brimstone and fire from the Loud 
 out of heaven. 
 
 25 And he overthrew those cities, and ‘all the 
 plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that 
 which grew upon the ground. 
 
 26 But his wife ‘looked back from behind him, 
 “and she became a pillar of salt. 
 
 27 It And Abraham gat up early in the morning, 
 “to the place where lie stood before the Lord. 
 
 28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, 
 and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, 
 ?and lo, the smoke of the country went up as the 
 smoke of a furnace. 
 
 29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed 
 the cities of the plain, that z God remembered 
 Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the 
 overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the 
 which Lot dwelt. 
 
 30 IT And “Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt 
 in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; 
 for b he feared to dwell in Zoar : and he dwelt in a 
 cave, he and his two daughters. 
 
 31 And the first-born said unto the younger, Our 
 father is old, and there is not a man on the earth 
 c to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth. 
 
 9:19. Rom. 8:31. 1 30. Prov. 3.5— 7. nt 12.13. Ps. 119:175. n Ps. 102:17. 143: 
 19. Malt. 12:20. Heb. 2:17. 4:15,16. } Hub. (Ay /ace. o 12 2. 18:24. p32:26 
 — 28. Ex. 32:16. Dent 9:14. Mark 6:5. 2Tim.2:13. Tit. 1:2. a 13.10. 14:2. 
 Is. 15:5. Jer. 48:34. § Heb. gone forth, r 1 lent. 29:23. Job 18:15. Is. 11:6. la. 
 13:19. Jer. 49:18 . 50:40. Lam. 4:6. E?.. 16:49, .50. llos.ll:8. Am. 4:11. Zc ph. 
 2:9. Malt. 11:23,24. Luke 17:28,29. 2 Pet. 2:6. Jude 7. s 13: Id. 14:3. t 17. 
 Prov. 14:14. Luke 17:31,32. Heb. 10:38. u Num. 16:38. x 18:22. y Rev. 14: 
 10,11.18:18. 21:8. *8:1. 12:2. 18:23— 33. Deut. 9:5. Kz. 35:31,32. a 17— 23 
 b 49:4. Jer. 2:36.37. lam. 1:8. c6:4. 16:2,4. 38:8,9,14—30. Deut. 25:5. Is. 4:1. 
 
 brimstone from heaven to destroy the city. The judgment 
 came, however, M as a destruction from the Almighty;” and 
 we need not inquire how he effected it. But the cities and 
 all the inhabitants were totally destroyed ; and the whole 
 plain was converted into a great lake, called the Salt Sea, or 
 Dead Sea; jvhich exhibits an appearance in many respects 
 extraordinaty, and dissimilar to that of all other seas or lakes. 
 
 V. 26. This unhappy woman, contrary to God’s express 
 command, in unbelief and love to Sodom and its riches, regret- 
 ting what was left behind, and probably purposing to return, 
 “ looked back ;” and as some think, actually attempted to 
 return ; and our Lord’s words, w Let him not return back ; 
 remember Lot’s wife,” favour this supposition. She was 
 therefore instantaneously struck dead and petrified, and thus 
 remained to after-ages a visible monument of the divine dis- 
 pleasure ; being punished as a warning to others through suc- 
 cessive generations. — Perhaps she was a native of Sodom, 
 as nothing is said of Lot having a wife, when with Abraham. 
 — Above twenty years had passed, from the time that Lot 
 went to Sodom. 
 
 V. 27 — 29. Abraham rose early to inquire after the suc- 
 cess of his prayers, and prpbably to renew them: but the 
 awful scene which he witnessed effectually precluded further 
 intercession for those cities. Yet God remembered Abraham, 
 and rescued Lot, more in answer to Abraham’s prayers, than 
 as approving Lot’s behaviour. 
 
 V. 30. Lot retired from the place which lie had chosen, 
 perhaps finding it as wicked as Sodom : and that considera- 
 tion, joined to the inundating of the neighbouring plain by the 
 obstructed waters of Jordan, might excite apprehensions for 
 his safety, He went, thcreforo, to reside in a cave, probably 
 on the very mountain to which he was at first commanded to 
 tier. — But what hindered his return to Abraham? Doubt- 
 less Abraham would have received him, though stript of all, 
 and a wretched outcast. We cannot but attribute his con- 
 duct to stoutness of spirit, and fear of contempt, if he should 
 appear so degraded among those, who had known him in 
 more prosperous days. Whatever were his reasons, ho for- 
 sook his own mercies. — No doubt his herdmen, as well as his 
 herds, perished in the overthrow of Sodom. Iiow different 
 was his family from that of Abraham ! 
 
 Y. 31 — 38. Many conjectures have been formed concern- 
 ing the motives which induced Lot’s daughters to (his most 
 atrocious conduct; and many excuses have been al/cmpted. 
 It is not indeed improbabb that the desire i>f leaving children, 
 
B. C. 1893. 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 B. C. 1893. 
 
 32 Come, let us make our father ''drink wine, 
 and we will lie with him, that we may preserve 
 •seed of our father. 
 
 33 And they made their father 'drink wine that 
 night: and the first-born went in, and lay with 
 her father; and he perceived not when she lay 
 down, nor when she arose. 
 
 34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the 
 first-born said unto the younger, Behold, el lay 
 yesternight, with my father : let us make him drink 
 wine this night also ; and go thou in, and lie with 
 him, that we may preserve seed of our father. 
 
 35 And they made their father drink wine h that 
 night also : and the younger arose, and lay with 
 him ; and he perceived not when she lay down, 
 nor when she arose. 
 
 36 Thus “were both the daughters of Lot with 
 child by their father. 
 
 37 And the first-born bare a son, and called bis 
 name Moab : the same is the father of the ‘Mo- 
 abites unto this day. 
 
 38 And the younger she also bare a son, and 
 called his name Ben-ammi : the same is the father 
 of the ‘children of Ammon unto this day. 
 
 d 9:21. Prov. 23:31— 33. Hab. 2:15,16. e Lex. 18:6,7. Mark 12:19. f Prov. 20: 
 1.23:29—35. g Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3. 6:15. 8:12. h i s. 8:4. Ec. 2:26. Luke 21 :34. 
 1 Cor. 10.11,12. 1 Pet. 4:7. i 8. Jiulg. 1:7. 1 Sum. 15:33. k Num. 22— 21: Dent. 
 2:9.23:3. 2 Sara. 8: 2Kines3: !Deut2:19. Judg. 11: 1 Sam. 11: 2 Sam. 10: 
 
 Nell. 13:1 — 3,23 — 23. Ps.83:4— 8. a 13:1. 18:1. 2(:62. h 16:7,14. Deut. 1:1 ■». 
 1 Sam. 15:7. c 1U:19. 26:1,6,26. d 12:11— Id. 26:7. 2 Chr. 32:31. Ec. 7:20. 
 
 of which they seemed to have no other prospect, was one 
 powerful inducement: but there is little reason to think that 
 they had any expectations of being the ancestors of the pro- 
 mised Seed, for that distinction was expressly limited to the 
 seed of Abraham. The truth seems to be, that though pre- 
 served from gross crimes, they had been accustomed in Sodom 
 to hear and Witness wickedness, till their consciences were 
 become unfeeling, and their sense of shame blunted. No 
 sufficient excuse can be made either for them or for Lot ; and 
 indeed, scarcely any account can be given of the transaction 
 but this, that “ the heart is deceitful above all things, and 
 desperately wicked ; who can know it ?”■ — After this we read 
 no more, in the history, of Lot, or of his daughters. Peter’s 
 testimony satisfies us, that he lived to repent; yet there is 
 no proof that his daughters did. But he died under a dark 
 cloud ; all his substance and part of his family perished in 
 Sodom : his wife in looking back, lost her life ; and it might 
 almost have been wished, that his daughters had been taken 
 away too, that his and their sin and shame might have 
 been prevented : for, though he was not “ written child- 
 less,” his posterity were the monuments of his reproach, and 
 their very names perpetuated the memory of their disgraceful 
 origin. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. When angels entered Sodom, they found out 
 the only righteous man residing there. Thus they still in- 
 visibly encamp round them that fear the Lord: and thus 
 we ought to associate with the righteous in every place to 
 which we go. Nor is it in general very difficult to "distinguish 
 them ; for “by their fruits we may know them,” and by the 
 hatred which the wicked bear them : and hospitality prudent- 
 ly shown for the Lord’s sake will engage his protection and a 
 gracious recompense.— But to what a pitch of wickedness do 
 some sinners arrive ■ Who does not allow the justice of God 
 in the destruction of abandoned Sodom ? and could our eyes 
 at once behold all those abominations, which the Lord every 
 moment witnesses m other cities and countries, we should 
 probably expect that they would share Sodom’s doom. In- 
 deed, “except the Lord of Hosts had left unto us a very 
 small remnant, even we should,” ere this, “have been like 
 unto Sodom and Gomorrah.” The good Lord increase that 
 remnant ! — But when, at the day of judgment, God shall 
 “ bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and manifest the 
 counsels of all hearts and when the wicked shall “ suffer 
 the vengeance of eternal fire :” we shall see that the Lord 
 hath not without cause denounced the dreadful sentence, but 
 shall wonder at his patience and long-suffering towards them. 
 — In attempting to do good, or prevent evil, we must take 
 care that the methods which we adopt are justifiable : nor 
 must we commit a less sin to prevent others from perpetra- 
 ting a greater. — Nothing marks sinners more ripe for destruc- 
 tion, than when, being mad upon their lusts, they resent the 
 least check, and will bear no control; for “he that being 
 often reproved, hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be de- 
 stroyed, and that without remedy.” And they who treat the 
 friendly warnings of God’s servants and ministers as idle tales 
 and groundless fears, will be awfully convinced of their mis- 
 take by the event. 
 
 V. 16 — 38. ““The salvation of the righteous is of the 
 Lord.” Being merciful to them, he warns them, and nei- 
 ther suffers them to neglect the warning, nor leaves them to 
 the effect of their procrastinating folly : but, by the mixed in- 
 fluences of hopes and fears, he disposes them to leave all for 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Abraham sojourn s in Gerar , and denies his wife ; wham Abimelech takes, but 
 is warned in a dream to restore,!— 1. Abim lech expostulates with Abraham , 
 an l restores SarnJi wi h presents and a gentle repmof, 8 — 16. Ab.melech and 
 his family are healed , in answer to Abraham's prayer , 17, 18. 
 
 A ND Abraham journeyed from ““thence towar. 
 
 the south-country, and dwelled between b Ka 
 desh and Shur, and sojourned in “Gerar. 
 
 2 And Abraham ‘‘said of Sarah his wife, She is 
 my sister. And e Abimelech king' of Gerar sent 
 and took Sarah. 
 
 3 But God came to Abimelech in f a dream by 
 night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but f-'a 
 dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken : 
 for she is 'a man’s wife. 
 
 4 But Abimelech '“had not come near her : and 
 he said, Lord, “wilt thou slay also a righteous 
 nation ? 
 
 5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister ? and 
 she, even she herself, said, He is my brother : k in 
 the 'integrity of my heart, 'and innocency of my 
 hands, have I done thisj- 
 
 6 And God said unto him in a dream, Yea, I 
 know that thou didst this in the integrity of thy 
 heart ; for I also “"withheld thee from “sinning 
 
 Gnl. 2:11,12. e2S:l,16. f 28:12. 31:24. 37:5,9. 40:8. 41:1. &c. Job 4:12,13. 33. 
 15. Man. 1:20. 2:12,13. 27:1.1 g7. Us. 11)5:14. El. 33:44. Jon. 3:4. • Htb 
 
 married to an husband, h 6:18. i 18:23 — 25. 19:24. 2 Sam. 4:11. k Josh. 22:22 
 2 Kings 20:3. IChr. 2C:17. 2 Cor. 1:12. lThes.2:10. f Or, simplicity, or sinceri- 
 ty. I Job 33:9. I s. 26:6. 73:13. Dan. 6:22. m 18: 31:7. 35:5. I Sain. 25:25,34. 
 Hos. 2:6,7. n 39:9. Ps. 51*4. 
 
 the salvation of their souls ; and he even condescends com- 
 passionately to accommodate himself to their infirmities. Let 
 us, however, at the same time remark his awful severity on 
 apostates : let us u remember Lot’s wife,” and not allow one 
 hankering wish after forbidden or forsaken objects : and let 
 us be much afraid, lest, “ after having escaped the corrup- 
 tion which is in the world, through the knowledge of Christ, 
 we should be again entangled and overcome thereby.” For, 
 though u the Lord will not forsake his people,” the severity of 
 his multiplied chastisements may well fill our souls with holy 
 awe : and if he pursue his children with the rod, even unto 
 the grave, what will be the dreadful doom of his enemies ? 
 — It is grievous to observe, that chastisement seems in some 
 cases to lose its effect ; that, for a time, they who are cor- 
 rected sin more and more ! and that those who have escaped 
 contamination among bad examples, are overcome in soli- 
 tude : and remain unimpressed by the awful judgments which 
 they have witnessed! These may expect to suffer more and 
 more, and to die in uncertainty and dishonour ; and it is an evi- 
 dent fact, that children do suffer for their parents’ sin. Let 
 us then watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation ; 
 and especially let us guard against covetousness and drunken- 
 ness, which are inlets to all other crimes. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1 — 6. Gerar was inhabited 
 by the Philistines, and seems to have been their capital city. 
 — Abimelech signifies My father the king. He took Sarah 
 with intent to espouse her, though he had already at least 
 one wife, (17.) She still retained her beauty ; which appears 
 wonderful to us, but might not be so very remarkable at that 
 time. Probably Sarah was then pregnant, which circum- 
 stance would increase her anxiety and that of Abraham ; 
 and it was also an aggravation of their sin, which was in- 
 deed in every respect much more heinous than before. 
 (Note, 12:11 — 1C.) Before revelation by the written word 
 was afforded and completed, the Lord was pleased more 
 frequently to make known his will, in ordinary cases by 
 dreams, as distinct from prophetical discoveries to be com- 
 municated to others : but every impression of that kind, and 
 indeed all supposed discoveries of the divine will, must now 
 be tried by the infallible and perfect standard of the ho.'y 
 Scriptures ; and no farther regarded than they are warranted 
 by them. — As Sarah was another man’s wife, Abimelech 
 was warned that he should inevitably die, unless he restored 
 her ; and he was alarmed lest his people also should be visi ed 
 with overwhelming judgments on her account. Yet he was 
 conscious that he had not intended to commit adultery, but had 
 been misled by the express declarations of both Abraham and 
 Sarah; nor could he suppose that the Lord would “slay 
 also a righteous nation.” He evidently referred to the la:e 
 destruction of Sodom and the cities of the plain, which doubt- 
 less had caused great consternation, and probably a degree of 
 reformation in that neighbourhood. — As the Lord admitted 
 Abimelech’s plea, we may suppose that both he and his sub- 
 jects were free from the abominations of Sodom ; and were 
 not generally idolaters, but had some remains of true religion 
 among them; and thus were comparatively “a righteous 
 nation.” — The Lord had “ withheld Abimelech from sinning 
 against him ;” probably by some uncommon disease, with 
 which his subjects also were visited, (18.) This was in fact 
 a merciful dispensation, to keep him from bringing guilt, and 
 heavier condemnation, on himself and his people. — If all 
 adulterers were dead men in this Christian land, how would 
 it decrease our numbers, and especially bew would it thin thr. 
 
 ( 51 * 
 
 U. OF ILL o. 
 
B. C. H98 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 1897 
 
 against me : therefore suffered I thee not °to touch 
 her. 
 
 7 Now therefore restore the man his wife ; for 
 lie is a rprophet, and he shall spray for thee, and 
 thou shall live : and if thou restore her not, know 
 thou that thou shalt r surely die, thou, and "all that 
 are thine. 
 
 8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning, 
 and called all his servants, and told all these things 
 in their ears: and the men were sore afraid. 
 
 9 V Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said 
 unto him, l What hast thou done unto us ? and 
 what have I offended thee, that thou hast brought 
 on me, and on my kingdom, u a great sin ? thou 
 hast done deeds unto me that x ought not to he 
 done. 
 
 10 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What 
 sawest thou, that thou hast done this thing ? 
 
 11 And Abraham said, Because I' thought, 
 rSurely the fear of God if not in this place : and 
 they will “slay me for my wile’s sake. 
 
 12 And “yet indeed she is my sister ; she is the 
 daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my 
 mother: and she became my wife. 
 
 13 And it came to pass, when b God caused me 
 to wander from my father’s house, that I said unto 
 her, c This is thy kindness which thou shalt show 
 unto me ; at every place whither we shall come, 
 say of me, He is my brother. 
 
 14 And Abimelech d took sheep, and oxen, and 
 
 0 3:3. 2S:11. lCor.7:l. 2Cor.6:17. p 12.1— 3. 1817. Kx. 7:1 . Ps. 105:9— 15. 
 
 q 1 Sum. 7:5,8. 12:19,23. 2 Sam. 24:17. 1 Kings 13:6. S Kings S:ll. 19:2—4. 
 Job 42:8. Jer. 14:11. 15:1.27:18. Jam. 5:14— 16. lJohn5:16. r2:17. Ez. 3: 
 18.33:8,14—16. sNum. 16:32,33. 1 12:18 . 26:10. F.x. 32:21,35. Josh. 7:25. 
 
 1 Sam. 26:18,19. Prov. 28:10. u Lev. 20:10. 2Sam. 12:10.11. Heb. 13:4. x 34:7. 
 
 2 Sam. 13:12. Tit. 1:11. y 22:12. 42:18. Neb. 5:15. Job 1:1. 28:28. Ps.36:l. 
 Prov. 1:7. 2:5. 8:13. 16:6. Rom. 3:18. z 12:12. 26:7. a 11:29. 1 Thes. 5:22. 
 
 ranks of the superior orders in the community ! — Against me, 
 (fi. Note, Ps. 51:4. 
 
 V. 7. Prophet.] Abraham is the first person called apro- 
 phet in the scripture. The title seems to denote one who is 
 favoured with a peculiar intercourse with God, who receives 
 communications from him in his own personal concerns, or is 
 employed to deliver his mind and will to others ; whether he 
 utter predictions of future events or not. Various external 
 circumstances attended these communications ; and some 
 prophets had more intimate access to God, and explicit dis- 
 coveries of his will, than others : but this general definition 
 will apply almost to every place in the sacred oracles, where 
 the word is used ; except when false prophets are meant, who 
 pretended to that special intercourse with God which the true 
 prophets actually enjoyed. — The intercession of prophets was 
 deemed peculiarly effectual. ( Marg.Ref . p. q.) 
 
 V. 8. ‘His council were all of the same mind, that this 
 was a divine admonition, which it was not safe to disobey.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 9 — 13. Abimelech’s expostulation and remonstrance 
 were weighty, convincing, and mild : but Abraham’s an- 
 swer, implied criminal distrust of God, groundless suspi- 
 cion of the Gerarites, and a settled plan of misconduct ; 
 and his excuse was tinctured with equivocation. — (Note, 11: 
 28—32.) 
 
 V. 16. Abimelech either gave Abraham a thousand pieces 
 of silver, (probably shekels,) in money, besides the presents 
 before-mentioned; or this was the value of the whole. In 
 stating this to Sarah, he calls him her brother, which implied 
 a rebuke of her misconduct. — Some expound the following 
 words of the money given to Abraham ; — “ This is a covering 
 of the eyes, &c.” ‘I have given him this money to buy thee 
 a veil, that all who converse with thee here, or in any other 
 country where thou shalt come, may know thee to be a mar- 
 ried woman.’ — A veil was worn as a token of subjection to 
 her husband. — Others refer them to Abraham: “ He is to 
 thee a covering of the eyes, &c. 1 ’ ‘Thou shouldst have 
 avowed thy relation to him, which would have sufficiently 
 protected thee, either here or elsewhere.’ — Instead of, “ And 
 with all other, &c.” the Septuagint. read, ‘And in all things 
 speak truth.’ — Thus she was reproved or instructed. 
 
 V. 17,18. The disorders indicted on Abimelech and his 
 family, not only withheld him from sin, but tended to show 
 the efficacy of fervent prayer, and to put honour upon Abra- 
 ham, and so to promote the knowledge of God among the 
 Philistines. (1 Sam. 5: C :) — ‘ Man’s wisdom leads him into a 
 pit ; but God’s wisdom must draw him out.’ Fuller. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is very affecting here again to notice even ‘the father of 
 the faithful’ manifesting distrust of God, and undue solicitude 
 about life; equivocating with intent to deceive; relapsing 
 into his former sin ; drawing in Sarah to share his guilt, 
 exposing her honour and chastity, and even endangering a 
 question about the legitimacy of his promised Isaac; throw- 
 ing temptation into Abimelech’s way ; occasioning affliction 
 ( 52 ) 
 
 men-servants, and women-servants, and gave 
 them unto Abraham, b and restored him Sarah his 
 wile. 
 
 15 And Abimelech said, Behold, f my land is before 
 thee : dwell 'where it pleaseth thee. 
 
 16 And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have 
 given ethy brother a thousand pieces of silver : 
 ’■behold, he is to thee ‘a covering of the eyes, unto 
 all that are with thee, and with all other : k thus 
 she was reproved. 
 
 17 So Abraham ’prayed unto God; and God 
 healed Abimelech and his wife, and his maid-ser- 
 vants • and they bare children. 
 
 18 For the Lord had m fast closed up all the 
 wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of 
 Sarah, Abraham’s wife. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Isaac is barn and circumcised , and Abraham and Sarah rejoice , 1 — 7. Isaac 
 is weaned , 8. Is/imael mocks , and. al Sarah’s instance and bv God’s di> ec- 
 lion, is sent away wi h Hazar, 9 — 14. They are distresse i, but delivered ; 
 and Ishmnel prospers and marries an Egyptian , 15 — 21. Abraham cove- 
 nants with Abimelech , and worships God at Beersheba, 22 — 34. 
 
 A ND the Lord “visited Sarah as he had said ; 
 
 anj the Lord did unto Sarah b as he had 
 spoken. 
 
 2 For Sarah “conceived and bare AbraLam a 
 son in his old age, d at the set time of which God 
 had spoken to him. 
 
 3 And Abraham “called the name of his son 
 that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, 
 Isaac. 
 
 b 12:1. Acls7:3— 5. Heb. 11:8. c 1 Sam. 23:21. Ps.64:5. Acts 5:9. dll. 12:16. 
 e 2,7. 12:19,20. f 13:9. 34:10. 47:6. ’ Heb. as is good in thine eyes, g 5. 
 
 Prov. 27:5. h 26:11. i24:G5. k 1 Chr. 21:3—6. Prov. 9:8.9. 25:12.' Jon. 1:6. 
 Rev. 3:19. 1 See on 7. Matt. 7:7. m 12:17. a 1 ,24. Ex. 3:16. 4:31. 20:5. 
 
 Roth 1:6. 1 Sam. 2:21. Ps. 106:4. Luke 1:68. 19:41 . b 1 a. 12:6. Matt. 24:35. 
 c 2 Kings 4:16,17. Luke 1:24,25,36. Gal. 4:22. Heb. 11:11. 0 17:19.21.18:10, 
 
 14. Rom. 9:9. e 17:19. 22:2. Josh. 24:3. Malt. 1:2. Acts 7:8. Heb. 11:18. 
 
 to him and his family ; exposing himself and Sarah to just 
 rebukes, and yet vainly attempting an excuse. Shall we 
 commend or imitate Abraham in these things ? by no means. 
 They are written for our warning, that “while we think we 
 stand, we may take heed lest we fall.” Even “Abraham 
 hath not whereof to glory,” but must be justified in “ that 
 righteousness of God, which is upon all and unto all them 
 that believe.” — We must not condemn all as hypocrites who 
 relapse into sin, even with aggravation, if they do not con- 
 tinue in it ; nor need we ourselves despair, if humbly conscious 
 of having thus relapsed. But let the unhumbled and impeni- 
 tent take heed to themselves ; for their case is unspeakably 
 perilous: and let all men abhor the thoughts of “sinning on, 
 that grace may abound.” — It should also be noted, that artifice, 
 of whatever kind, is more certainly unsuccessful, and more 
 speedily detected, when used by religious characters, than 
 in the case of others. The irreligious may for a season prac- 
 tise it and prosper; but the servants of God must for their 
 good be soon put to shame. — On the other hand, though some 
 things in Abimelech must he blamed ; and it should be ob- 
 served that indulgence gives force to all our passions ; yet 
 we must commend, and should imitate, the calmness and 
 mildness of his reproof, his ready return of good for evil, and 
 the salutary counsel which he gave to Sarah : and it is plea- 
 sing to find that he mentions adultery as a horrible sin against 
 God, and temptation to it as a great injury; and that he so 
 seriously expostulates with Abraham about his misconduct 
 in that respect. — To appeal to God in particular instances, 
 concerning our integrity, is not at all inconsistent with a 
 humble consciousness, that we cannot stand before him in 
 (judgment, but continually need his pardoning mercy. Ho 
 will indeed graciously admit such appeals, when well grounded, 
 but it is difficult to vindicate ourselves, without seeming to 
 reflect upon his righteousness. — We often disquiet ourselves, 
 and even are led into temptation and sin, by groundless sus- 
 picions: and we sometimes find the fear of God where we 
 least expected it. — Combinations to deceive generally issue in 
 shame and sorrow: and restraints from sin, though by suffer- 
 ing, should thankfully be acknowledged. But though the 
 Lord rebukes, yet he will pardon and deliver his people, and 
 for his ow n glory put honour upon them and their prayers. Ho 
 will give them favour in the sight of those with whom they 
 sojourn; and will so overrule even their infirmities, when 
 they are humbled for them, that they shall prove an occasion 
 of good to themselves and others. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXI. V. 1, 2. The word visit, when 
 thus used, denotes the visible effects of the Lord's presence 
 and power, either in mercy or in judgment. Hero it signifies 
 his gracious attention to Sarah, and his faithful accomplish- 
 ment of his promise ; when in the natural course of tilings, it 
 could not be expected that she should hear a son. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Isaac signifies laughter ; and this child of promise 
 was so named, in remembrance of Abraham'} Relieving, and 
 Sarah’s unbelieving, laughter; and as an expression of jo> 
 and gratitude. In this, as well as in circum ; »tng saac on 
 
B. C. 1893. 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 £. C. 1894. 
 
 4 And Abraham circumcised iiis son Isaac, f being- 
 eight days old, as God had commanded him. 
 
 5 And Abraham was ean hundred years old, 
 when his son Isaac was born unto him. 
 
 6 And Sarah said, h God hath made me to laugh, 
 so that all that hear ‘will laugh witli me. 
 
 ViJT] 7 And she said. k Who would have said 
 
 or ' unto Abraham, that Sarah should have 
 given chidren suck ? for I have born him a son in 
 his old age. 
 
 8 IT And the child grew, 'and was weaned : 
 and Abraham made a great feast the same day 
 that Isaac was weaned. 
 
 9 And "'Sarah saw the son of Hagar, the "Egyp- 
 tian, which she had born unto Abraham, "mocking. 
 
 10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, rCast. 
 out this bond-woman, and her son : for the son of 
 this bond-woman shall not be heir with my son, 
 even with Isaac. 
 
 1 1 And the thing was very grievous in Abra- 
 ham’s sight, ‘'because of his son. 
 
 12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be 
 grievous in thy sight, because of the lad, and be- 
 cause of thy bond-woman : in all that Sarah hath 
 said unto thee, r hearken unto her voice : for s in 
 Isaac shall thy seed be called. 
 
 13 And also ‘of the son of the bond-woman will 
 I make a nation, because he is thy seed. 
 
 14 And Abraham “rose up early in the morn- 
 ing, and ’took bread, and a bottle of water, and 
 
 f ave it unto Hagar, (putting it on her shoul- 
 er,) and the child, and sent her away : and she 
 departed and nvandered in the wilderness of 'Beer- 
 sheba. 
 
 15 And “the water was spent in the bottle, and 
 she cast the child under one of the shrubs. 
 
 16 And she went, and sat her down over against 
 him, a good way off, as it were a bow-shot: for 
 she said, b Let me not see the death of the child. 
 And she sat over against him and 'lifted up her 
 voice and wept. 
 
 1 7 And God d heard the voice of the lad : and 
 
 117:10— 12. Lev. 12:3. Luke 1:50. 2:21. John 7:22,23. g 17:1,17. Rora.4>19. h 17: 
 17. IS: 12-15. I Sam. 1:25—28. Ps. 113:9. 126:2. 18.51:1. rial. 4:27. i Lute 1:14, 
 5S. Rom. 12:15. kNum.23:23. Dent. 4:32— 34. Ps.8G:8. Is. 66:8. 2Thcs. 
 
 1:10. 11 Sum. 1:22. Ps. 131:2. Hos. 1:8. m 16:3— 6,15. 17:2). n 16:1. 
 
 o 2 Kings 2:23,24 . 2 Chr. 30:10. 36:16. Neh. 4:1— 5. Ps.J2.10. 44:13,14. Pi-ov. 
 20:11. Gal. 4:29. Heb. 11:36. p Prov. 22:10. John 8:35. Gal. 4:30,31. q 17: 
 18.22:1,2. 2 Sam. 18:33. Malt. 10:37. rl Sam. 8:7,9. Is. 46:10. s 17:19, 
 21. Rom. 9:7,8. Heh. 11:18. 1 16:10.17:20. 25:12—18. u 19:27. 22:3. 24:54. 
 25:31 . Prov. 27:14. x 25:6. 36:6,7. y 16:7. 37:15. Ps. 107:4. Is. 16:8. z 33. 
 72 19. 2S:33. 46:1. 1 Kings 19:3. a 14. Ex. 15:22-25. 17 1—3. ’Kings 3:9. Ps. 
 63:1. Is. 44:12. Jer. 14:3. b 44:34. Esth. 8:6. c 27:38. 29:11. Littg. 2:4. Ruth 
 
 llie eighth day, Abraham was implicitly obedient to the com- 
 mandment of God. 
 
 V. 5 — 7. The joy of Abraham and Sarah, on this extraor- 
 dinary occasion, and the congratulations which they would 
 receive from friends and neighbours, were hut feeble earnests 
 of the rejoicing of many millions m Him, who descended 
 from Isaac, to bless the nations of the earth. 
 
 V. 8 — 12. It is probable, that Isaac was not weaned very 
 early ; some think not till he was five years old : and Abra- 
 ham made a feast on that occasion, as thankfully rejoicing 
 that his son was thus far advanced towards maturity. It ap- 
 pears that Ishmael derided Isaac as the child of promise ; 
 and that his mocking was a kind of persecution, implying pro- 
 fane contempt of the covenant’ and promise of God, and oppo- 
 sition to his purpose, and some indications of malice against 
 Isaac. — Sarah, however, seems to have been actuated, in 
 some measure, by disdain and resentment, in requiring Abra- 
 ham to send away Hagar and Ishmael: yet she was led to 
 utter words, which were afterwards to be made use of in il- 
 lustrating a most important part of divine truth. (Note, Gal. 
 4:21 — 31.) — Abraham was grieved, on account both of Ish- 
 mael’s misconduct, and Sarah’s severity ; and he might also 
 be perplexed, how to reconcile the duty which he owed to his 
 son and to Hagar, with his affection to his wife. But the 
 Lord made his duty plain to him, and showed him that Ish- 
 inael must be sent away, in order that the promises might be 
 ulfilled to Isaac and his Seed. 
 
 V. 13. Thy seed.] Ishmael should have many blessings, 
 Abraham’s son ; though not the special blessing of being 
 the ancestor of the promised Seed. 
 
 V. 14 — 1 9. “ Bread and water” denote necessaries for the 
 
 y urney of Hagar and Ishmael, probably into Egypt to her 
 i " 'ations, she being now liberated from bondage. Ishmael 
 was more than sixteen, some think he was nineteen, years of 
 age at this time : yet the provisions were put upon Hagar’s 
 shoulder, as more innured to labour ; and the lad was com- 
 mitted to her care. No doubt these circumstances were or- 
 dered according to instructions given to Abraham ; perhaps 
 
 'the Angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, 
 and said unto her, ‘What aileth thee, Hagar r 
 *Fearnot; for God hath heard the voice of the 
 lad where he is. 
 
 18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine 
 hand : for h I will make him a great nation. 
 
 19 And ‘God opened her eyes, and she saw a 
 well of water : and she went, and filled the bottle 
 with water, and gave the lad drink. 
 
 20 And k God was with the lad, and he grew, 
 and dwelt in the wilderness, and became 'an archer. 
 
 21 And he dwelt m in the wilderness of Paran : 
 and his mother took him "a wife out of the land of 
 
 Egypf, f Practical Observations .J 
 
 22 H And it came to pass at that time, that 
 "Abimelech, and Phichol the chief captain of his 
 host, spake unto Abraham, saying, rGod is with 
 thee in all that thou doest. 
 
 23 Now therefore 4s wear unto me here by God, 
 'that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with 
 my son, nor with my son’s son; but according to 
 the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt 
 do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast 
 sojourned. 
 
 24 And Abraham said, I will swear. 
 
 25 And Abraham 'reproved Abimelech because 
 of a well of water, which Abimelech’s 'servants 
 had violently taken away. 
 
 26 And Abimelech said, ‘I wot not who hath done 
 this thing; neither didst thou tell me. neither yet 
 heard I of it but to-day. 
 
 27 And Abraham “took sheep, and oxen, and 
 
 gave them unto Abimelech : and both of them 
 “made a covenant. •• 
 
 28 And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the 
 flock by themselves. 
 
 29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, ?What 
 mean these seven ewe-lambs which thou hast set 
 by themselves ? 
 
 30 And he said, For these seven ewe-lambs shalt 
 thou take of my hand, 'that they may be a witness 
 unto me, that I have digged this well. 
 
 1:9. 1 Sam. 24:16 , 30:4 . 2 Sam. 13:36. d 16:11. Ex. 3:7 . 22:27 . 2 Kings 13:4, 
 23. e See on 16:9,11. fjudg. 18:23. 1 Sam. 11:5. Is. 22: 1. g 15:1. 46:3. Ex. 
 14:13. Is. 41:10.14. h 13. 16:10. 17:20. i Nunl. 22:31. 2 Kings 6:17—20. I.nke 
 24:16,31. k 28:15. 39:2,3.21. Judg. 13:24,25. Luke 1:80. 2:40. 110:9. 16:12. 
 25:27.27:3.49:23,24. m Num. 10:12. 12:16. 13:3,26. 1 S.-im. 25:1 . n24:3,4. 
 26:34,35. 27:46. 28:1,2. o 20:2. 26:26. p 26:28. 30:27. 39:3. Is. 8:10. Zech.8: 
 23. Malt. 1:23. Rev. 3:9. q 21:3. 31:53. Josh. 2:12. 1 Sam. 20:42. 24:21,22. 30: 
 15. Heb. 6:16. * Heb. if thou shaft lie unto trie, r 26:15— 22. Prov. 17:10.25. 
 9.27:5. Malt. 18:15. s 13:7. Ex. 2:16,17. I 2 Kings 5:20 — 24. u 14:22,23. 
 Prov. 18:24. Is. 32:8. x 26:28— 31. 1 Sam. 1*:3. Ez. 17:13. Rom. 1:31. Gal. 3* 
 15. v 33:8. Ex. 12:26. 1 Sam. 15:14. z 31:44,52. Josh. 22:27,28 . 24.27. 
 
 for Hagar’s humiliation, and with some view to the futare 
 sta e of Ishmael’s posterity. She, however, “wandered,” or 
 lost her way , in the desert, which may account for the distress 
 which ensued ; for it does not appear that, the provisions were 
 consumed, or that she was sent away without money. But 
 the water was spent, and the climate was hot; so that Ish- 
 mael was overcome with fatigue and thirst, and rdady to die; 
 and Hagar assisted him in reaching the shade of some shrubs, 
 and lying down as his circumstances would admit: and fully 
 expecting that he would die, she sat down at a distance and 
 wept. In this season of deep distress the Lord heard the 
 voice of Ishmael’s groaning, perhaps of his prayer, and ad- 
 dressed Hagar by an angel, saying, “ What aileth thee, Ha- 
 gar?” “Fear not:” intimating that the promise, before made 
 toher, (16:10 — 13.) was a full security that Ishmael should 
 not die at this time, and that therefore her anguish was need- 
 less, and her fear groundless. At the same time the Lord 
 directed her attention to the relief, which was near at hand, 
 but which sne had not before observed. 
 
 V. 20, 21. The Lord prospered Ishmael in his outward 
 circumstances : nor can we positively conclude, either from 
 his past misconduct, his general character, or the typical mean- 
 ing of his expulsion from Abraham’s family, that he lived 
 and died destitute of the special grace and favour of God. He 
 became, however, an archer and a hunter; and thus the pro- 
 phecy concerning him began to he accomplished, m his person, 
 as it has been ever since in his posterity. (Note, 16:1? ' — We 
 have no reason to conclude, that he was never visilec. his 
 father, or that he came no more to see him. . (Note, 25:9,10.) 
 
 V. 22 — 24. Abimelech was convinced that the promises 
 of God would be fulfilled to Abraham ; and he was therefore 
 desirous of securing his fhendsnip, anc the benefit of it, to 
 himself, to his posterity, and to his people. — Perhaps he too 
 was a true believer: at least his character seems not at all in- 
 consistent with that supposition. (Notes, 1 Sam. 20:12 — 17.) 
 — Phicol.] Note, 26:26. 
 
 V. 25, 26. Wells of water, being scarce, were very valu- 
 able in those countries. (Marg. Ref. r.) 
 
 ( r* 
 
B. C 1872. 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 1874 
 
 31 Wherefore n.e •< ailed that place *Beer-sheba: 
 because there they stvare both of them. 
 
 32 Thus b they made a covenant at Beer-sheba : 
 then Abimelech rose up and Phichol the chief 
 captain of his host, and they returned into the 
 land of c the Philistines. 
 
 33 And Abraham planted a t grove in Beer- 
 eheba, and d called there on the name of the Lord, 
 the c everlasting God. 
 
 34 And Abraham f sojourned in the Philistines’ 
 land many days. 
 
 9 16:33. * That is, The well of the oath. 14. Josh. 15:28. b 27. 1 Sam. 18:3. c 10: 
 I*. 26:8,14. Ex. 13:17. Judg 13:1. t Or , tree. d4:26.12:8. e Deut. 33:27. Ps. 
 90:2. Is. 40:28. 57:15. Rom. 16:26. 1 Tim. 1:17. f 2 >:1. 1 Chr. 29:15. Ps. 30:12. 
 Heb. 11:9,13. a Ex. 15:25,26. 16:4. Deut. 8:2. 13:3. Judg. 2:22. 2 Chr. 32:31. 
 
 V. 31. Beer-sheba.] The well of the oath: or, The well 
 of the seven , alluding to the seven ewe lambs. Perhaps these 
 were given to Abimelech, as the proprietor of the land, in 
 which the well was digged, and as the rent of it, that the 
 well might be the more clearly Abraham’s property. — The 
 verb rendered u to swear,” is derived from the word translated 
 seven ; probably with reference to the number of the sacri- 
 fices frequently offered on these solemn occasions. 
 
 V. 32. Into the land of the Philistines.] That is, to Gerar. 
 Beer-sheba seems at that time to have been under the do- 
 minion of the king of the Philistines: (33:) but it was not 
 generally considered as a part of Philistia. 
 
 V. 33. Perhaps Abraham planted this grove to shelter 
 his tent ; and to form a shade foV the performance of sacred 
 worship, which was at that time usually performed in the 
 open air. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. Blessed are they whose hope is in the Lord, 
 and who patiently wait for him ; for their expectations shall 
 certainly be answered, and even exceeded. The delay may 
 seem tedious, and the exercise of faith and patience sharp ; 
 but they shall at length acknowledge, that their blessings 
 were onlyMeferred, that they might have them with addi- 
 tional comfort, by perceiving more plainly the power, love, 
 ^and faithfulness of God in them ; and that his name might be 
 the more glorified. He does not indeed relieve and comfort, 
 when we should choose it ; but he always observes his own 
 set time, which is the best that infinite wisdom can select: 
 and they who uprightly serve him, will never be ashamed of 
 any thing, except their unbelief ; and this shame will be swal- 
 lowed up in their thankful joy for the largeness of his per- 
 formances. — As he keeps his time in giving blessings, so we 
 must observe the appointed season for performing his com- 
 mandments, s»nd not be induced by any consideration to 
 omit or defer our obedience. — Grievous things speedily fol- 
 low joyous events in this world, and the effect of former mis- 
 carriages ofien interrupts the satisfaction of present advan- 
 tages. Even children are more certain cares than comforts ; 
 and their ill behaviour and contentions, with the fear or pain 
 of parting with them, greatly alloy the pleasure which we 
 might otherwise derive from them. — In all our anxieties, we 
 should observe the directions, obey the commandments, and 
 depend oq the promises and providence of God: and thus, 
 “casting our care on him,” our minds will be kept in peace; 
 and he will take care of those whom we love, when we are 
 no longer able to do it. — Let us not, however, neglect to 
 notice the secret influence of the Lord in this domestic trans- 
 action ; nor overlook the instruction given us, not to rest in 
 external privileges, or in our own performances, lest we be 
 outcasts with Ishmael: but let us learn to seek the blessings 
 of the new covenant, by faith in its divine Surety ; and that 
 grace and Spirit of adoption, which mark the children and 
 heirs of God, and enable them to walk at liberty in his com- 
 mandments, and cheerfully to expect the fulfilment of his 
 promises. And let us habitually recollect, that our despond- 
 ency and complaints arise from forgetfulness of his word; that 
 relief is often nearer than we perceive ; that the Lord always 
 bears the prayer of faith, and frequently the very cry of dis- 
 tress ; and that numerous advantages are conferred on the 
 posterity of those who have honoured God, for the sake of 
 their pious ancestors. 
 
 V. 22 — 34. The behaviour of believers may be so undeni- 
 ably excellent, and the Lord’s favour to them so manifest, as 
 to convince observers that. “God is with them in all they do:” 
 and this conviction is ofien the means of their conversion. 
 How important then is it, that we “walk in wisdom towards 
 those that are without!” — Common prudence might suffice to 
 teach men, that it is advantageous to be connected with those 
 whom the Lord blesses; did not the enmity of the carnal 
 mind counteract its influence. — They who would “live peace- 
 ably with all men*” must watch over their servants, and be 
 careful whom they trust, as well as be circumspect in their 
 own conduct; especially if affluence or high station require 
 many to be employed : for injuries are often committed, and 
 dharged on the principal, of which he knows and hears 
 nothing. On this, as well as on other accounts, it is far bet- 
 ter mildly to reprove those by whoni wo suppose ourselves 
 ill-used, than to complain to others, without giving them the 
 opportunity of clearing themselves. — They who profess to 
 serve God, should act in all cases with strict fidelity ; requite 
 ( b4 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Abraham, tried ly the command to sacrifice Isaac, shown his faith by obey • 
 itigf 1 — 10. H« is prevented from slaying his non, and offers a ram in hit 
 stead, 11 — 13. A name is given to the place ; and he covenant is renewed 
 with Abraham , 14 — 19. Some account of Nahor't family, ‘A) — 24. 
 
 A ND il came to pass after these things, that 
 a God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, 
 Abraham : and he said, 'Behold, here I am. 
 
 2 And he said, b Take now thy son, thine only 
 son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into 
 the land of c Moriah ; d and offer him there for a 
 
 Pro.. 17:3. 1 (’or. 10:13. Hell. 11 :17. Jam. 1:12— 1 1. »-Heb. Behdi we. 7,11. 
 Ex. 3:4. Is. 6:8. b 17: 19. 21 : 13. John 3:16. Rom. 5:8. 8:32. 1 Jolm 4:9,10. c2 
 Chr. 3:1. dJudg. 11:31,39. 2 Kings 3:27. Mic. 6:7. 
 
 every kindness liberally to the benefactor, or his relatives and 
 descendants; and exhibit, in all things, an example of integrity 
 and disinterestedness. In general it is advisable to avoid 
 oaths or vows ; yet on important occasions, and when due 
 solemnity is observed, the honour of God and religion, and 
 the cause of justice and peace, may require us to confirm our 
 covenants by these awful obligations. In this case, however, 
 it is incumbent on us to be very explicit in our requirements 
 and engagements ; that we may neither entangle our own con- 
 sciences, nor give others the least ground to suspect that we 
 have failed in fulfilling our promises. Indeed, honest and 
 friendly purposes naturally lead to an unreser ed frankness, 
 which is the best security of peace and harmony. — But while 
 we attend to outward matters with prudence and equity, we 
 must never forget that we are strangers and pilgrims on earth : 
 and, wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect, nor be 
 ashamed of, the worship of Jehovah, the everlasting God, 
 our Refuge, Rest, and Portion, through all generations, and 
 to all eternity. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXII. V. 1. “After these things ;” 
 ‘ after five and twenty years’ waiting; after the promise had 
 been frequently repeated; after hope had been raided to the 
 highest pitch, yea, after it had been actually turned into 
 enjoyment : and when the child had lived long enough to dis- 
 cover an amiable and godly disposition.’ Fuller. — Tempt.] 
 This word, as here used, conveys an idea, which may seem 
 inconsistent with other testimonies of the sacred oracles ; but 
 the case is different as to the original languages, in which, to 
 tempt , and to try or prove, are expressed in the same manner. 
 Accordingly, the old translation very properly renders the 
 clause, “God did prove Abraham.” — Every trial indeed is 
 eventually a temptation , and tends to manifest the prevailing 
 dispo itions of the heart, whether holy or unholy. As to the 
 sate of the heart, or the influence of external agents upon it, 
 exciting to sin, “ let no man say he is tempted of God, for 
 God cannot be tempted of evil, neither tempteth hfc any man :” 
 but he appoints all external circumstances, he gives us 
 general or particular commandments, and he allots us our 
 several services. In all these respects he acts in perfect 
 wisdom and holiness; yet his appointments are intended “to 
 prove us, and show what is in our hearts ;” and they fre- 
 quently give occasion to our evil propensities to manifest 
 themselves, and to Satan and wicked men to tempt us. Thus 
 the Lord may be said not only to try us, but. also to “lead us 
 into temptation ;” (Note, Matt. 6:13.) which, conscious of our 
 weakness, we are taught to deprecate. — If the young man, 
 whom our Lord required “ to sell all and follow him,” had 
 possessed Abraham’s strength of faith, he would have given 
 an illustrious example of self-denying obedience. Had Abra- 
 ham, when commanded to sacrifice Isaac, been under the 
 power of unbelief and carnal attachments, he would have been 
 recorded as a lamentable instance of defection in the day of 
 trial. — Joseph overcame a far more dangerous temptation to 
 adultery, than that by which David fell; because his heart 
 was vastly more under the influence of holy dispositions than 
 David’s was on that awful occasion. This is universally 
 applicable. The holy law gives occasion to all manner of 
 concupiscence ; and even the blessed gospel to still deeper 
 malignity, when sin reigns in the heart. ; while the most horrid 
 temptations tend to illustrate the power of divine love and 
 zeal, when holy affections completely possess it ; as the con- 
 duct of our tempted, suffering, and holy Redeemer most 
 evidently shows. — We may aiply these remarks to the case 
 of Abraham. The Lord saw good to put his faith and obe- 
 dience to a most severe trial. The evil propensities of our 
 fallen nature are, in no sense, to be ascribed to God ; for thut 
 would make him the author of sin. He did not tempt Abra- 
 ham, by suggesting evil thoughts to bis mind, or exciting sin- 
 ful passions; for thus a man is tempted by his own lust, by 
 the devil, and by his fellow-smners ; but he placed him in 
 such circumstances, as effectually showed the ruling dispo- 
 sitions of his heart, and proved them to be very excellent. 
 
 V. 2. Every word in this surprising command is marked 
 with emphasis of terror, when wo consider it as directed to a 
 tender parent: “Thy son” — “thine only son” by Sarah thy 
 wife — “whom thou lovest — even Isaac.” — Go into the land of 
 Moriah ; — then, after that long journey, offer him there for a 
 burnt-offering, shed his blood, and burn bis body to ashes !-— 
 How many objections might Abraham have started to this 
 command ! He might have urged the divine prohibition ol 
 
B. C. 1872. 
 
 B. C. 1S72. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 burnt-offering upon one of the mountains which I 
 will tell thee of. 
 
 3 Anil Abraham c rose upearly in the morning, 
 anil saddled his ass, and took two of his young men 
 with him, and Isaac his son ; and clave the wood 
 for the burnt-offering, and rose up, and went unto 
 the place of which God had told him. 
 
 4 Then on the 1 third day Abraham lifted up his 
 eyes and saw the place afar off. 
 
 5 And Abraham said unto his young men. 
 «Abide ye here with the ass ; and I and the lad 
 will go yonder and worship, and, b come again to 
 you. 
 
 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt- 
 offering, and ‘laid it upon Isaac his son ; and he 
 took the fire in his hand, and a knife : and they 
 went both of them together. 
 
 7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, 
 and said, k My father : and he said, 'Here am I, 
 my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the 
 wood : 'but where is the 'lamb for a burnt-offering? 
 
 8 And Abraham said, My son, ra God will provide 
 himself a lamb for a burnt-offering : so they went 
 both of them together. 
 
 9 And they came to the place which God had 
 told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, 
 
 e 17:23. Ps. 119:60. Ec. 9:10. Is. 26:3,4. Mali. 10:37. Mark 10:28— 31 . Luke 
 11:26. Gal. 1:16. Heb. 11-8,17— 19. f Ex. 19:11,15. 1 Cor. 15:4. g Heb. 12:1. 
 h Heb. 11:19. i Is. 53:6. Malt. 8:17. John 19:17. 1 Pet. 2:24. kMatt. 
 
 2S:39,42. John 18:11. Rom. 8:15. ■ Ueb. Behold me. \. 14:2—4. 8:20. 
 
 t Or, kid. Ex. 12:3. marg. m John 1:29,35. 1 Pet. 1:19,20. Rev. 5:6,12. 7:14. 
 13:8. n Ps. 118:27. Matt. 27:2. John 10:17,18. Acts8:32. Eph.5;2. Phil. 2:8. 
 
 0 Is. 53:6-12. Heb. 11:17— 19. Jam. 2:21— 23. p See on 16:9,10. q 1. Ex. 3:4. 
 
 1 Sam. 3:10. Acts 9:4. 26:14. r 1 Sam. 15:22. Jer. 19:5. Mic. 6:6— 8. 2 Cor. 8: 
 
 and laid the wood in order ; anil "bound Isaac his 
 son, and laid iiim on the altar upon the wood. 
 
 10 And Abraham “stretched forth his hand, a 4 
 took the knife to slay his son. 
 
 11 H And the p Angel of the Lord called uni ■ 
 him out of heaven, and said, ^Abraham, Abraham . 
 and he said, Here am I. 
 
 12 And he said, r Lay not thine hand upon the 
 lad, neither do thou any thing unto him : for “now 
 I know that thou fearest God, ‘seeing thou hast 
 not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, 
 and behold, “behind him a ram caught in a thicket 
 by his horns : and Abraham went and took the 
 ram , and offered him up for a burnt-offering x in 
 the stead of his son. 
 
 14 And Abraham ^called the name of that place 
 tJEHOVAH-jireh : as it is said to this day, 'In the 
 mount of the Lord it shall be seen. 
 
 15 And "the Angel of the Lord called unto 
 Abraham out of heaven the second time, 
 
 16 And said, b By myself have I sworn, saith the 
 Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and 
 hast not withheld thy son, thine only son : 
 
 17 That “in blessing I will bless thee, and in 
 
 12. s 20:11. 42:18. Ex. 20:20. 1 Sam. 12:24,25. Nell. 5:15. Job 28:28. Ps. 25: 
 12,14. 111:10. 112:1. Prov. 1:7. Ec. 8:12,13. 12:13. Jer. 32:40. Mai. 4:2. Acts 
 9:31. Heb. 12:28. Jam. 2:22. Rev. 19:5. t Rom. 8:32. 1 John 4:9,10. u Is. 30< 
 21. xl Cor. 5:7,8. 1 Pel. 1 : 19,20. y 16:13.14. 28:19. 32:30. Ex. 17:15. 1 Sam. 
 7:12. | That is, The LORD will see, or provide, r Deut. 32:35. Mic. 4:10. 
 
 2 Cor. 1:8—10. all. b Ps. 105:9. Is. 45:23. Jer. 49:13. 51:14. Am. 6:8. Lute 
 1:73. Heb. 6:13,14. c 27:28,29. 49:25,26. Deul. 28:2—13. Eph. 1:3. 
 
 murder ; and the evil report which such an action would 
 bring on his character, on the religion which he professed, 
 and the God whom he worshipped. He might have pleaded 
 the fatal consequences of such an example ; and ev.en the 
 very promises and covenant of God, ratified agam and again 
 with him. — Moriah,'] Moriv ah — Jah is shown: nearly the 
 same as Jehovah-jiVc/i. (Note, 14.) — The temple was 
 built on mount Moriah, which was doubtless in the land of 
 Moriah. (2 Chron. 3:1.) This therefore must have been 
 some adjacent mountain, of which there were many in that 
 neighbourhood ; and there is no improbability in the general 
 opinion, that it was mount Calvary, where Christ, the great 
 Anti-type, was afterwards crucified ; and that it was selected 
 with reference to that event. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Being assured that this was a divine command, 
 Abraham implicitly confided in the iqjinite wisdom, justice, 
 holiness, faithfulness, goodness, and power of God ; and 
 neither hesitated nor objected. Nay, the very energy of the 
 command, compared with past mercies received, and the 
 promises made to him, excited a firm expectation, that God 
 would, from the ashes, immediately restore his son to life, 
 though there had never been an instance of the kind from the 
 beginning of the worl<£ (Note, Heb. 11:17 — 19.) It does 
 not appear that he manifested that anguish or anxiety, which 
 might have been expected from the command ; or that either 
 Sarah, or his attendants, or even Isaac, perceived any thing 
 unusual in his conduct. It is probable that he did not inform 
 Sarah, lest her feebler faith and more tender frame might not 
 support so severe a shock ; or lest she should start some 
 objection, or make some opposition to the heavenly mandate. 
 — Till the third day Abraham’s faith was thus tried, that his 
 obedience might appear to be the result, not of rash precipi- 
 tation, but of calm deliberation ; and then he saw the place ; 
 perhaps, marked out by an appearance of glory, such as 
 had probably on some occasions been the token of the Lord’s 
 presence with 'him. 
 
 V. 5, 6. Abraham left the servants behind, lest their 
 affectionate, but ill-timed interference should create him dis- 
 turbance. — The expression, “We will come again to you,” 
 (the original is plural,) clearly implies an expectation that 
 God would raise Isaac again, to return along with him. — Isaac 
 was evidently grown up at this time ; some say he was 
 twenty-five years of age, some thirty, and some thirty-three 
 or thirty-five.— In carrying the wood for the intended sacrifice, 
 he typified Christ bearing his cross. 
 
 V. 7, 8. Isaac’s question, so full of consideration and filial 
 respect, must have tended to put Abraham’s resolution to the 
 sharper trial : but he deemed it not proper as yet to disclose 
 this solemn business ; and the Holy Spirit by his mouth 
 seems to have predicted “ the Lamb of God” which God hath 
 provided, and “which taketh away the sin of the world.” 
 (Note, John 1:29.) 
 
 V. 9. It is probable, that Abraham previously explained 
 to Isaac the nature and obligations of the divine command, 
 the principle of his obedience, and the expectation of his faith 
 in respect of the event ; and Isaac yielded submission and 
 concurrence : for certainly he did not attempt to escape or 
 resist, but yielded up himself voluntarily to be a sacrifice. — 
 When he lay bound upon the altar, he typified Christ, as 
 
 bound by the officers of the high-priest, and as nailed to the 
 cross : and as “ bruised and put to grief” by his heavenly 
 Father, “when he made his soul a sacrifice for sin,” even 
 for our sins. 
 
 V. 10. Abraham acted with firm and calm determination, 
 as if about to offer an ordinary sacrifice, and was allowed to 
 proceed thus far, that his obedience might be complete : but 
 at this crisis he was stopped ; for it was not the intention of 
 God that Isaac should actually be sacrificed. Thus it was 
 intimated, that nobler blood than that of animals, even the 
 blood of the only begotten Son of God, was in due time to be 
 shed for sin : but that in the mean while, the Lord would in 
 no case have human sacrifices used, as typical of that aton- 
 ing blood. 
 
 V. 11, 12. The Angel called to Abraham out of heaven 
 by name : and he says, “ Thou hast not withheld thy son . . . 
 from me and by this he knew, that Abraham feared the 
 Lord. — Doubtless God knew the. reality and vigour of Abra- 
 ham’s piety previous to this trial ; but he saw good to require, 
 experimental evidence of it, for the glory of his own grace, 
 for Abraham’s comfort, and for the benefit of his whole church. 
 — “The fear of God” is frequently put for the whole of true 
 religion, being an essential part of it, and necessarily con- 
 nected with all the rest. (Marg. Ref. s.) It seems to com- 
 prise a reverential regard to the majesty, authority, presence, 
 and purity of God ; an influential dread of his displeasure, 
 accompanied with a desire and hope of his favour ; (other- 
 wise it would drive us from him, inspire hard thoughts, ex- 
 cite enmity, and discourage all endeavours to please him ; 
 Matt. 25:24,25.) a submissive acquiescence in his appoint- 
 ments, a conscientious obedience to his commandments, and 
 a serious devoted attendance on his worship, in his holy ordi- 
 nances: nor can it be ever separated from a real belief of his 
 truth, and a cordial acceptance of his salvation, as far as we 
 are acquainted with them ; or from love, gratitude, and 
 other holy affections. In proportion as faith and hope deliver 
 the soul from terror ; humble, admiring reverence of God will 
 be increased: and when “perfect love shall have cast out,” 
 entirely and finally, that “fear which hath torment;” the 
 filial reverential regard to God, as our adorable Friend and 
 Father, will be enlarged and perfected for ever, even as it is 
 in the holy angels. (Notes, Ps. 89:6 — 12, v. 7.) 
 
 V. 13. The ram now became the type of the sacrifice ol 
 Christ’s death, and indicated what sort of prefigurations of 
 that event God would approve and accept.— Isaac thus res- 
 cued, after having been three days under the sentence ot 
 death, and living to be the progenitor of the promised innumer- 
 able posterity, represented the Saviour rising on the third 
 day, “to see his seed, and prolong his days, ilia the pleasure 
 of the Lord might prosper in his hand.” 
 
 V. 14. jEHOVAH-jireh perhaps alludes to Abraham’s 
 words, “ God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering.” 
 The latter clause should be translated, “ In the mount the 
 Lord will appear that is, just in the crisis, as he did upon the 
 mount to Abraham. This it seems became a proverb, simi 
 lar to that in our language; ‘Man’s extremity is God’s oppor 
 tunity.’ 
 
 V. 16 — 18. “Because he could swear by no greater, tho 
 Lord swarc by himself;” and thus he solemnly pledged the 
 
 ( 55 ) 
 
D. C. 1872. 
 
 multiplying ''I w fl multiply thy seed as the stars of 
 the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the 
 sea-shore and e thy seed shall possess the gate of 
 his enemies ; 
 
 18 And f inthy Seed shall all the nations of the earth 
 be blessed ; because thou hast ^obeyed my voice. 
 
 19 So h Abraham returned unto his young men, 
 and they rose up, and went together to ‘Beer-sheba, 
 and Abraham dwelt at Beer-sheba. 
 
 20 H And it came to pass after these things, 
 that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold k Milcah, 
 
 d See on 13:16. 15:5. Jer. 33:22. • Heb. liv. 1 Kings 9:26. ?narg. e 24:60. 
 Num. 24:17— 19. Josh. 1: 10: 2Sam.8: 10: Ps. 2:8,9. 72:8,9. Dan. 2:44,45. 
 Luke 1:68-75. Rev. 11:15. f See on 12:3 18:18. Acts 3:25. Gal. 3:16,28,29. 
 
 honour of his holy name, and of all his perfections, as the 
 security for the fulfilment of his engagements to Abraham. 
 The promises before given had been formed into a covenant ; 
 that covenant was signed, sealed, and ratified ; and now it was 
 solemnly confirmed with an oath. (Notes, 12:1 — 5. 15:17:) 
 This was done, not only that Abraham, but also “that we 
 might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge, to 
 lay hold on the hope set before us” in Christ. (Notes, Heb. 
 6:13 — 20.) — To the former promises it is here added, “Thy 
 seed shall possess the gate of his enemies ;” or, by occupying 
 their cities, shall acquire the dominion over them. 1 Thy 
 seed shall inherit iho, cities of the adversaries.’ Sept. This 
 was accomplished when the Israelites conquered Canaan, 
 and in the victories of David, and the extensive authority of 
 Solomon ; but in a far higher sense, when Christ, the pro- 
 mised Seed, ascended the mediatorial throne ; when the Gen- 
 tiles were converted to Christianity ; and when opposing 
 nations were crushed before him, or submitted to him. — The 
 language of the last clause also is changed. It had before 
 been said, “ In thy Seed shall all the nations of the earth be 
 blessed :” but here the expression literally is, “ They shall 
 bless themselves ;” perhaps implying how highly they would 
 value the promised Saviour, and how desirous they would 
 be to declare to others their blessedness in him, that they 
 might come and share it. — Abraham’s obedience evinced 
 the strength of his faith, and the sincerity of his love: thus 
 “ faith wrought with his works, and by works was his faith 
 made perfect.” As a sinner, he was justified before God by 
 faith alone ; as a professed believer, he was justified before the 
 whole world, by the works which his faith produced. (Note, 
 Jam. 2:21 — 24.) — “ Hast not withheld (16.) Ovk c^ciom. 
 Sept. 12. See Rom. 6:32. 2 Pet. 2:4,5. Gr. 
 
 V. 20 — 24*. This is introduced as a preface to the account 
 given of Isaac’s marriage with Rebekah, and afterwards to 
 that of Jacob with Leah and Rachel. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 [N. B. The practical observations on this chapter cannot 
 well be divided; but the first section, being on Abraham’s 
 example, may be read with the former part : and the second, 
 on the typical import of the transaction, with the latter.] 
 V. I — 12. While we remain in this world we must never 
 expect to be exempt from trials, and frequently the. sharpest 
 come last: we should therefore “put on,” and keep on “the 
 whole armour of God,” that when summoned to the conflict, 
 we may answer “ Here I am.” — Where God bestows much 
 grace, lie will be sure greatly to try it ; and though the con- 
 flict is painful, the event will be glorious and joyful. Con- 
 scious of our weakness, we ought not to rush uncalled into 
 difficult services, and should pray “not to be led into tempta- 
 tion ;” yet, if we be upright and watchful, we may be confi- 
 dent “ that the Lord will not suffer us to be tempted above 
 what we are able :” nay, we may “ count it all joy when we 
 fall into divers temptations firmly believing that “ the trial 
 of our faith shall be to praise, and honour, and glory, at the 
 appearing of Jesus Christ. -If there be any earthly object 
 which seems to rival God in our affections, we may expect 
 that he will in that particular try the sincerity and supremacy 
 of our love ; and by cheerfully parting with even our beloved 
 Isaacs for his sake, we most undeniably prove that we have 
 given him our hearts. — They who would perform unreserved 
 obedience, when satisfied what the will of God is, must nei- 
 ther be influenced by carnal affections, listen to plausible ob- 
 jections, consult partial counsellors, make needless delays, 
 nor leave an opening to interruption and disturbance; but, 
 committing all into the Lord’s hand, they must simply follow his 
 direction, and leave all consequences with him : and they need 
 not doubt, but in the trying moment he will appear for their 
 comfort or relief. — But what a wonderful sight is in this chap- 
 ter set before us! The long-expected seed, the son of joy, 
 the child of promise, the well-beloved Isaac, now grown up 
 to maturity, and entwining every day more closely round the 
 lender affections of his parents, of which he was justly de- 
 serving; nay, the church’s hope, and the declared progenitor 
 of him “in whom all the families of the earth are blessed;” 
 bound, laid upon the altar, and mildly expecting the fatal 
 nlow from the hand of his loving father; who, with collected 
 firmness and intrepid resolution, takes the knife to shed his 
 blood, and prepares immediately to kindle that fire which is 
 to consume him to ashes ! — For this singular conduct Abra- 
 ham could render no other reason, than the express com- 
 mand of God nor was there any other principle of obe- 
 ( 56 } 
 
 B. C. 1872. • 
 
 she hath also born children unto thy brother 
 ‘Nahor ; 
 
 21 m Huz his first-born, and "Buz his brother, 
 and Kemuel the father of Aram, 
 
 22 And Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and 
 Jidlaph, and Bethuel. 
 
 23 And "Bethuel begat r'Rebekah : these eight 
 Milcah did bear to Nahor Abraham’s brother. 
 
 24 And his ‘•concubine, whose name teas Reumah, 
 she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, 
 and Maachah. 
 
 ? 26:5. Heb.ll: I. 5. i 21:31. k 11:29. 24:15. ] 11:26. 24:1U, 24. 31:53. m Job 
 1:1. Uz. n Ji.b 32:2. o 24:15,24,47. 25:20. 28:2,5. p 24:51,60,67. Bom. 6:10. 
 Rebecca, q 16:3. 25:6. 
 
 dience to that extraordinary command, (an obedience never 
 equalled by mere man,) but faith , an unshaken belief of 
 the Lord’s testimony, a firm expectation of the accomplish- 
 ment of his promises, and a full confidence in his wisdom, 
 power, and love. Though the command seemed to run coun- 
 ter to ihose promises, Abraham knew it only seemed to do so : 
 obedience was his pari, and the Lord would take care to glo- 
 rify his own faithfulness. He had received Isaac from God, 
 who had a right to dispose of him : honour and comfort were 
 in his path; and, though untried before, with undaunted con- 
 stancy he walked in it. — Hear this, ye inattentive objectors, 
 who traduce the doctrine of salvation by faith, as inimical to 
 practical godliness : go, and upon your principles equal and 
 exceed this obedience : till then be dumb, or allow that, 
 though you understand it not, this apparently weak principle 
 produces effects beyond comparison prodigious. Hear this 
 likewise, ye abusers of this most holy faith, whose conduct 
 merits still deeper indignation; who “say you have faith,” 
 yet cleave to your sins, renounce not the world, deny not 
 yourselves, refuse the cross, are lovers of yourselves, of 
 pleasure, of money, or of worldly honour, more than lovers of 
 God ; and, instead of parting with a deservedly beloved Isaac at 
 God’s command, like Judas, kiss Christ, and sell him to his 
 enemies for a few pieces of silver, or some vile sensual grati- 
 fication ! Here then compare your faith with Abraham’s, and 
 acknowledge that ye are no genuine sons, of this “ father of the 
 faithful ;” but that your faith is dead, your hope presumptuous, 
 and that Abraham disowns and is ashamed of you. — In plain 
 language, nothing but faith will carry a man through with un- 
 reserved obedience, in every possible trial ; and that is no 
 true faith, which perseveres in refusing to obey a plain com- 
 mand, in any case whatever. “ Ye are my friends if ye do 
 whatsoever I command you.” — In proportion as faith stands 
 this test, when sharply and repeatedly tried, we may be as- 
 sured that we are Abraham’s children, interested in his cove- 
 nant, and in the oath by which it was confirmed ; and have a 
 right to that strong consolation which by it God wills end in- 
 tends for his people. 
 
 V. 13 — 24. In the wonderful transaction recorded in this 
 chapter, faith discerns one infinitely more stupendous. What 
 was the love which Abraham or Isaac bore to the Lord, 
 compared with the love of God the Father, in giving his only 
 begotten Son? and with that of the only begotten Son in 
 giving himself a sacrifice upon the r#ss for the sins of men ? 
 God commanded Abraham previously to his yielding up his 
 son; but the sacrifice of Christ prevented even solicitation! 
 The Lord had an undoubted right to demand that life which 
 he had given : but where shall we sinners, deserving of 
 eternal misery, ground our claim to such a gift, as that of 
 Christ to be “ the propitiation for our sins ?” The Lord had 
 been a most liberal Friend to Abraham, before he was 
 required to offer Isaac as a burnt-offering ; but “ God com- 
 mended his love to us, in that when we were yet sinners Christ 
 died for us:” and in that, “when we were enemies, we were 
 reconciled to God by the death of his Son.” Isaac was u 
 s : nner born to die : but the Son of God assumed human nature 
 for the very purpose of dying for us; and in human nature 
 being free from sin, he was under no obligation to suffer 
 death, except the bond of his love to us. If Isaac was justly 
 beloved by Abraham, Jesus was the “beloved Son of the 
 Father, in whom he was well pleased.” Had Isaac died, it 
 had been with inward peace, without extraordinary pain, and 
 with singular reputation: but Christ tasted dea lt in all its 
 bitterness, died by violence, surrounded with contempt and 
 insult, treated with indignity and cruelty, and loaded w.in tho 
 weight of our iniquities; while “it pleased the Lonn to 
 bruise him and to put him to grief, and make his very soul a 
 sacrifice for sin.” By this we know the loving kindness of 
 God our Saviour towards sinful man, in that “ho hath not 
 withheld his Son, his only Son from us:” by this wo perceive 
 the love of Christ, in that he gave himself a sacrifice for our 
 sins. — Behold, he dies; yet rises! lives, ascends, and inter- 
 cedes for us ! and calls on sinners to come to him, and partake 
 of his blood-bought salvation. Let them therefore bo warned 
 to hear his voice, and encouraged to trust in him He calls to 
 his redeemed people to rejoice in him and glorify him : “ What 
 then shall we render for all his benefits?” May this “love 
 constrain us to livo no longer to ourselves, but to him who 
 died for us and rose again,” and, admiring and adoring hi* 
 grace, let us devote our all to his service, who .aid down hi* 
 life for our salvation. Thus ovory Christian tay ko suro 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
B. C. i 860 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 B. C. 1860 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 The age and death of Sarah, 1, '2. Abraham communes with the sons of 
 Heth , and purchases the jicld and cave Machpelah of Ephron, 3 — 18 ; where 
 Sarah is buried, 19, SO. 
 
 A ND Sarah was “an hundred and seven and 
 twenty years old : these were the years of the 
 .ife of Sarah. 
 
 2 And Sarah died in b Kirjath-arba ; the same 
 is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham 
 came to ‘mourn for Sarah, and to weep for her. 
 
 3 H And Abraham stood up from before his 
 dead, and spake unto the sons of d Heth, saying-, 
 
 4 I am a 'stranger and a sojourner with you : 
 give me a possession of a f burying-place with you, 
 that I may ebury my dead out of my sight.. 
 
 5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, 
 saying unto him, 
 
 6 Hear us, h my lord : thou art 'a mighty 'prince 
 among us; in the choice of our sepulchres bury 
 thy dead : none of us shall withhold from thee his 
 sepulchre, but that thou mayest bury thy dead. 
 
 7 And Abraham stood up, and ibowed himself to 
 the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. 
 
 8 And he communed with them, saying, If it be 
 your mind that I should bury my dead out of my 
 sight, hear me, and k intreat ior me to Ephron the 
 son of Zohar : 
 
 9 That he may give me the cave of Machpelah, 
 which he hath, which is in the end of his field ; 
 for 'as much money as it is worth he shall give it 
 me, for a possession of a burying-place among you. 
 
 10 And Ephron dwelt among the children of 
 Heth. And Ephron the Hittite answered Abra- 
 ham in the taudience of the children of Heth, even 
 of 'all that went in at the gates of his city, saying, 
 11 Nay, ra my lord, hear me: the field give I 
 
 0 17:17. b 13:18. Num. 13:22. Jnsll. 14:15. 20:7. Judg. 1:10. c27:41. 5U:ll). 
 
 Num. 20:29. Ileal. 34:3. lSam.28:3. 2Chr.35:25. Jer. 22:10,18. Ez. 24:16— 18. 
 Acts 8:2. d 5,7. 10:15. 25:10. 27:45. 49:30. 1 Sam. 25:6. 2 . Sara. 23:39. e 17:8. 
 47:9. Lev. 25:23. lChr.29:15. Ps. 39:12. 105:12. Heb. 11:9,13. 1 Pet. 2:11. 
 13:19. 49:30. 50:13. Job 30:23. Ec. 12:7. Acts 7:5. g 19. h 18:12. 24:18. 31:35. 
 32:4,5,18. 42:10. 44:5,8. Ex. 32:22. Ruth2:13. * Heb. A prince n/ God. 21:22. 
 
 that in all emergencies, the Lord will appear for his relief, be 
 his shield in all dangers, provide effectually for all his wants, 
 order all events for his good, and make him conqueror over 
 all enemies, till he shall sit down with him upon his throne 
 of glory. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIII. V. 1, 2. Sarah is the only 
 woman whose entire age is recorded in Scripture. — ‘ She was 
 ten years younger than Abraham, and died thirty-eight before 
 i.im. — God often takes the youngest before the eldest.’ Ful- 
 $r. It seems that: Abraham had some time before her death 
 «.-ft his residence at Beer-sheba, and come to sojourn at He- 
 b tin. When she died, he came to her tent, to express his 
 uvteigned sorrow, and pay her the last tribute of affection. 
 
 V. 3, 4. The sons of Hoth are called elsewhere Hittites, 
 tha. is Hethites. i^braham was “a stranger and a so- 
 journer” among them; one who had no fixed settlement, and 
 did not attempt to acquire any. (Marg. Ref. e.) — It has 
 generally been the custom, in the cnurch of God, to inter the 
 dead ; though burning has elsewhere been much in use : and 
 indeed interring more aptly expresses an acquiescence in that 
 sentence, “ until thou return unto the ground whence thou 
 wast taken : for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou 
 return.” 
 
 V. G. According to those times, Abraham’s retinue, wealth 
 and prosperity, would rank him among the surrounding 
 princes. Yet the sons of Heth, in calling him “a prince of 
 God,” (marg.) might perhaps also advert to his religion, as 
 respecting his honourable character. 
 
 V. 7. Bowed.] Abraham rendered honour and respect to 
 the sons of Heth, according to the custom of that age and 
 country. — It is evidently no part of the religion of the Bible, 
 to refuse such expressions of regard ; but an ornament to 
 godliness to render them, as far as it can be done, without 
 flattering the persons, or countenancing the crimes, of those to 
 whom they are addressed. 
 
 V. 9. Abraham would have a separate burying-place; 
 perhaps intimating, that though the righteous live intermingled 
 with the ungodly in this world, there will be a separation 
 after death. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Shekel comes from a Hebrew verb, signifying 
 o weigh ; for money was not then coined and stamped ; but 
 he precious metals passed by weight. A shekel is about 
 .alf an ounce. (Tables.) 
 
 V. 20. Thus Abraham, in a burying-place, had an earnest 
 </ Canaan, and a pledge of his reversionary inheritance! 
 
 1 This chapter not only illustrates the excellent spirit of 
 
 the father of the faithful,” but exhibits a specimen of man- 
 ners which might ao honour to any age and country. The 
 scene of the transaction appears to be a public assembly of 
 the chief persons among “the sons of Heth,” — “ in the audi- 
 
 Vol. 1—8 
 
 thee, anil the cave that is therein, I give it. thee, 
 in the presence of the sons of my people give I it 
 thee : bury thy dead. 
 
 12 And Abraham bowed down himself before 
 the people of the land, 
 
 13 And he spake unto Ephron in the audience 
 of the people of the land, saying, But if thou wilt 
 give it, I pray thee hear me : "I will give thee 
 money lor the field ; take it of me, and I will bury 
 my dead there. 
 
 14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying 
 unto him, 
 
 15 My lord, hearken unto me : the land is worth 
 four hundred shekels of silver; what is that be- 
 twixt me and thee ? bury therefore thy dead. 
 
 16 And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron, and 
 Abraham “weighed to Ephron the stiver, which 
 he had named in the audience of the sons of 
 Heth, Pfour hundred shekels of silver, current 
 money with the merchant. 
 
 17 And uthe field of Ephron, which was in 
 Machpelah, which was belore Mamre, the field 
 and the cave which ivas therein, and all the trees 
 that were in the field, that were in all the borders 
 round about, were ‘made sure 
 
 18 Unto Abraham, for a possession, in the pre- 
 sence of the children of Heth, before all that 
 went in at the gate of his city. 
 
 19 "U And after this, Abraham ‘■burifid Sarah 
 his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah, 
 before Mamre : the same is Hebron in the land of 
 Canaan. 
 
 20 And the field, and the cave that is therein, 
 were made sure unto Abraham for a possession 
 of a burying-place, by the sons of Heth. 
 
 i 13:2. 14 14 . 24:35. ) 18:2. 19:1. k 1 Kings 2:17. Luke 7:3,4. Heb. 7:26. 1 John 
 2:1,2. f Heb. full money. 1 Heb. ears. 1 18. 34:20,24. Ruth 4:1— 4. Job 29:7. 
 Is. 28:6. m 6. 2 Sam. 24:20— 24. 1 Chr. 21:22— 24. n 14:22,23. Phil. 4:5— 8. CoL 
 4:5. Heb. 13:5. o43:2i. Ezra 8:25— 30. Job 28:15. Jer. 32:9. Zech. 11:12. p 1.5. 
 Ex. 30:13. Ez. 45:12. q25:9. 49:30,32 . 50:13. Acts 7:16. r Ruth 4:7— 10. Jer. 
 32:7—14. s 25:9,10. 35:27—29. 47:30 . 49:29—32 . 50:13,25. 
 
 ence of the people of the land.” Abraham “stands up and 
 bows himself” before them, with respect and deference, at 
 the commencement of his suit, and repeats this courtesy on 
 hearing their kindness and readiness to comply with his 
 wishes. He assumes no civil superiority on the ground of 
 his high religious distinctions ; nor cherishes any sense of 
 right to what he asked, in virtue of the whole land being pro- 
 mised to his family: on the contrary, while they pronounce 
 him “ a mighty prince among them,” he styles himself a 
 mere u stranger and sojourner” in the country ; and when, 
 in compliance with their invitations, he selects a particular 
 portion of land as what he should desire, he requests the 
 good offices of the assembly with one of their principal mem- 
 bers, (such we may suppose Ephron to have been,) to obtain 
 it for him. They, on the other hand, evidently sympathize 
 with him, and study to show him all the respect due to his 
 character and his circumstances. They desire him to choose 
 his own place of sepulture, assured that no one of them all 
 would withhold from him the object of his choice. When he 
 pitches upon the field of Ephron, Ephron immediately steps 
 forward, without waiting for any such intervention as Abra- 
 ham had requested, and begs he will accept the lattd as a free 
 gift. “ The field give I thee, and the cave that is therein, I 
 give it thee ; in the presence of the sons of my people give 
 I it thee: bury thy dead-.” (11.) Of this liberal offer Abra- 
 ham, however, is too disinterested to avail himself, and 
 Ephron consents to accept the price of the land, at the same 
 time observing, that it was a matter of no consideiation 
 between him and Abraham. Nothing could, throughout, be 
 more agreeable to every principle of good manners, and it is 
 impossible not to admire the behaviour of both parties. — How 
 strong must have been the impression made by Abraham’s 
 general character and conduct, to procure him such treatment 
 among persons to whom his religion would naturally he 
 obnoxious, and his prosperity an object of jealousy or envy ’ 
 
 4 The closing verses of the chapter exhibit the earliest 
 instance on record of the regular conveyance of landed pro- 
 perty : “the field, and the cave that was therein, and a the 
 trees that were in the field, and that were in all the borders 
 round about.” * 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The longest life must shortly close ; and the survivors 
 among relations only live to experience painful separations. — 
 The more valued any earthly enjoyment is, the greater must 
 be our anxiety about it, and our reluctance to part with it; 
 and the sharper the anguish when this trial takes place ; and 
 when those who have lived together in conjugal affection for 
 many years, are parted bj' death, the separation bears some 
 resemblance to the dissolution of soul and body. Thus the 
 entrance of sin, and the sentence of cW.th, have filled al’. 
 
 ( 57 1 
 
B. C IS >7. 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. c. 1857 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Abraham commissions his servant to go to Mesopotamia in order to lake a 
 toife for Isaac , 1—9. The servant arrives at th- city of Nahor ; his prayer 
 is answered , and he is entertained by Laban , 10 — 33. He proposes a mar- 
 riage between Isa -ic and Rebekah, which is acceded to , 34 — 53. Rebekah' 
 goes with him . and is married to Isaac , 59 — 67. 
 
 A ND Abraham was a old and 'well stricken in 
 age ; and the Lord had b blessed Abraham 
 in all things. 
 
 2 And Abraham said unto his 'eldest servant 
 of his house, that d ruled over all that he had, 
 »Put, I pray thee, thy hand under mv thigh : 
 
 3 And I will make thee ‘swear by the Lord, 
 the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, h that 
 thou shalt not take a wife unto my son, of the daugh- 
 ters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell : 
 
 4 But thou shalt go unto my country, and 'to 
 my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. 
 
 5 And the servant said unto him, k Peradventure 
 the woman will not be willing to follow me unto 
 this land : must I needs bring thy son again unto 
 the land from whence thou earnest ? 
 
 a 18:11. 21:5. 25:20. 1 Kings 1:1. Luke 1:7. * Heb. gone into dai/s. b 35. 12: 
 2. 49:25. Ps. 112:1—3. Prov. 10:22. Is. 51:2. Gal 3:9.' Eph. 1:3. c 15:2. d 10. 
 39:1—6.8.9. 44:1. e 9. 47:29. f 21:23. 26;2S^-31. 31:53. Ex. 20:7 . 22:11. 
 Dent. 6:13. 10:20. Josh. 2:12. 1 Sam. 20:17. Jer. 4:2. 12:16. g 14:22. 2 Kings 
 19:15. 2Chr. 2:12. Nell. 9:6. Pa. 115:15. Jer. 10:11. h 6:2,4 . 26:34.35 . 27:46. 
 28:8. Ex. 34:16. Deut. 7:3,4. I Cor. 7:39. 2 Cor. 6. 14— 17. i 12:1. 22:20— 23. 
 
 below with vanity and vexation. — Blessed be God that there 
 is a world, where sin, death, anxiety, and sorrow gain no 
 admission ; that there are relations formed, which even death 
 cannot part; and that sinners are invited to enter into this 
 bidissoluble union and intimate relation with u the everlast- 
 ing God,” by faith in his only begotten-Son. w He that is 
 Coined to the Lord is one spirit and no separation can injure, 
 >r should terrify him, who can never feel that separation from 
 God, “ which is the second death.” — Soon they whom we most 
 ove, yea, our very bodies which we often inordinately care 
 r or, will become so deformed that they must be “ buried out of 
 sight.” How vain, then, to boast of vigour and comeliness ! 
 now mean to pamper and decorate these bodies of humiliation ! 
 and how loose should we be to all earthly attachments ! Let 
 us rather seek to have our souls adorned with heavenly 
 graces ; then shall they flourish in immortal beauty ; and the 
 very body shall rise incorruptible and glorious, meet for the 
 eternal enjoyment of God, in the blessed society of the 
 angelic hosts. — As we, if true believers, are “strangers and 
 sojourners” here below, are seeking a heavenly city, and shall 
 shortly want nothing but a burying-place, let us mourn de- 
 parted friends with submission and in hope, and not indulge 
 sorrow so as to interfere with present duty, any more than 
 other passions, which are of worse repute : for indulged grief, 
 however plausible, is rebellion against Providence, ingrati- 
 tude for remaining undeserved mercies, and a proof of the 
 want or weakness of faith, and of confidence in the promises 
 and all-sufficiency of the living God. — Let ns also avoid every 
 appearance of selfishness, and not be outdone by the people 
 of this world in courteousness or generosity, when consistent 
 with sincerity and a good conscience ; let us manage our con- 
 cerns with punctuality and precision, in order to avoid con- 
 tention ; and thus let us stand prepared, and waiting for the 
 coming of our Lord. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIV. V. 1. These events took place 
 three years after Sarah’s death, when Isaac was forty years 
 of age, and Abraham a hundred and forty. — It is remarkable, 
 that though a numerous posterity was so eminent a part of the 
 promised blessing, no great haste was made about Isaac’s 
 marriage, and much less afrerwards about that of Jacob. — 
 “The Lord had blessed Abraham in all things,” notwith- 
 standing his trials, and even by means of them. 
 
 V. 2 — 9. There can be no reasonable doubt, that Eliezer 
 of Damascus was the servant employed on this occasion. 
 (15:2.) About sixty years had elapsed, since Abraham spoke 
 of him as “the steward of his house;” and the words ren- 
 dered “ the eldest servant of his house,” or his servant the 
 eider of his house , are of similar import. He was, therefore, 
 not only far advanced in years, but a person of singular piety 
 and wisdom. — “ Lifting up the hand to the Lord” was before 
 mentioned, as the form of taking an oath ; ( Note , 14:22 — 24.) 
 but “putting the hand undpr the thigh” might be used to 
 express submissive duty and fidelity. — Eliezer was required 
 to swear, that he would diligently use his influence to prevent 
 Isaac from marrying a wife of the Canaanites, who were 
 then generally idolaters, and not proper persons with whom 
 to form so intimate a connexion ; (especially as the Lord had 
 shown Abraham, that they were filling up their measure 
 of iniquity, and were doomed to destruction ;) but that he 
 would endeavour to procure him one of Abraham’s kindred, 
 among whom the worship of God was still, in some measure, 
 maintained. — ‘There does not appear in all this concern the 
 least, taint of worldly policy, or any of those motives which 
 usually govern men in the settlement of their children. No 
 mention is made of riches, or honours, or natural accomplish- 
 ments ; but merely of what related to God.’ Fuller. — Before, 
 however, Eliezer thus engaged, he inquired whether, if the 
 proper person, when found, should not consent to leave home, 
 ( 58 ) 
 
 • 
 
 6 And Abraham said unto him, 'Beware thou, 
 that thou bring not my son thither again. 
 
 7 The m LoRD God of heaven, which "took me 
 from my father’s house, and from the land of my 
 kindred, and “which spake unto me, and that 
 sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I 
 give this land ; he shall send his ''angel belbre 
 thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from 
 thence. 
 
 8 And if the woman will not be willing to follow 
 thee, then shalt thou be iclear from this my oath : 
 only bring not my son thither again. 
 
 9 And the servant r put his hand under the thigh 
 
 of A.braham his master, and sware to him con- 
 cerning that matter. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 10 And the servant took ten camels, of the 
 camels of his master, and departed, ('for "all the 
 goods of his master were in his hand:) and he 
 arose, and went to ‘Mesopotamia, unto the “city 
 of Nahor. 
 
 28:2. h 58. Kc. 5:2. 1 Heli. 10:39. 11:13—16. 2 Pel. 2:20— 22. m Em 1:8. 
 
 linn. 2:41. Jon. 1:9. Rev. 11:13. n 12:1. o 13:15. 15:18. 17:8. 22:16— 18 . 26: 
 3,4.24. Ex. 13:5. Nunn. 14:16.30. 32:11. Dent. 18. Josh. 1:6. Juclg.Q:!. p Ex. 
 23:20—23. 33:2. Ps. 34:7. 103:20. Is. 63:9. Heb. 1:14. q Num. 30.5.8. Josh . 2: 
 17—20. 9:20. r 2. t Or, ami. s 2 . 39:4—6.8,9,22,23. t Deut. 23:4. Juilg. 3: 
 8—10. IChr. 19:6. Acts 2:9. u 11:31. 29:4,5. 
 
 and become a stranger in Canaan, Isaac might to go and live 
 in Mesopotamia. But the sojourning of the patriarchs in 
 Canaan represented the state of believers in this world ; and 
 Isaac’s returning and settling in that country, from which 
 Abraham at God’s command had come, would have been an 
 emblem of apostacy in a professed worshipper of God. 
 Abraham, therefore, declared his assurance, grounded on the 
 former mercies of the Lord, and on his promises, and his 
 covenant confirmed by an oath, that “he would send his 
 angel before him” to prosper his way. And this assurance, 
 with the express stipulation, that the oath should not other- 
 wise be binding, fully satisfied this faithful and conscientious 
 servant. — We may here make some remarks about good 
 angels, as we formerly did about fallen angels. ( Note , Gen. 
 3:1.) It appears then from Scripture, that the holy angel9 
 were created by God, complete in derived and dependent 
 excellence ; that they are very numerous, and of different 
 orders, “ angels, principalities, and powers ;” that they are 
 now confirmed in holiness and felicit}' ; that they excel in 
 wisdom, knowledge, and strength : and that they are as a 
 flame of fire, with fervent love, gratilude, and active zeal ; 
 and yet proportionally influenced by deep humility, and 
 reverential awe of God. They are represented as standing 
 in his presence, waiting his commands; covering their faces 
 with their wings, or prostrate in profound adoration ; hearken- 
 ing to his voice, doing his will, and fulfilling his pleasure. 
 ( Notes , Ps. 68:17. 103:20—22. Is. 6:1—4. Rev. 5:11—14.) 
 They are, on this account, called angels , or messengers : for 
 though he “ puts no trust in them,” and even in comparison 
 with his own infinite wisdom, “charges them with folly;" 
 yet he is pleased to honour, and, (if we may so speak,) to 
 indulge them with his commands, which they execute with 
 unwearied alacrity: and when he appoints and approves, 
 the meanest or the most important services are alike delight- 
 ful to them. These blessed beings are the ministers of his 
 providence, and are often introduced as executing his awful 
 vengeance; but more generally they arc considered as “sent 
 forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation.” 
 ( Notes , 2 Kings 19:35. Heb. 1:13,14.) There is not a 
 bright seraph through all the heavenly train, who would not 
 delight and glory in attending a poor despised Lazarus, in a 
 hospital or a dungeon, to ward olf the machinations of evil 
 spirits, to procure a calm to his dying moments, and to hail 
 his departing soul to the mansions of the blessed: for they 
 are all free from pride and envy, all full of love to the Re- 
 deemer and redeemed, and all rejoice, even over one sinner 
 brought to true repentance. Our obligations to them are 
 great : but all the adoration and praise belong to Him who 
 works by them ; for they are our fellow-servants, and have 
 no claim to our worship, but abhor it as sacrilege and idola- 
 try. (Note y Rev. 19:9,10.) We may, howi ver, feel a love 
 for them, and rejoice in the thought of being with them, and 
 like them forever: and we may well endeavour to copy the 
 example of their humble zeal, their fervent love, their solemn 
 worship and cheerful services ; and in our conduct to each 
 other, take pattern from them, by condescending to the mean- 
 est and the vilest, without envying, disdaining, or overlooking 
 one another. For the lowest and worst of human creatures 
 is not so mean and vile, compared with the greatest and the 
 best of men, as the greatest and best of men is mean and 
 vile, compared even with a created angel. 
 
 V. 10. It is evident that these ten camels carried every 
 thing requisite for the journey, and suited to the occasion; 
 and that Euezer was accompanied by other servants. (30 — 
 32,59.) — The word rendered Mesopotamia , is literally Aram 
 of the two rivers ; that is, Aram, or Syria, which lies between 
 tne Euphrates and the Tigris. Nahor did not dwel* at Ur 
 of the Chaldees, but at Haran. (11:31. 29:4.) 
 
D C. 1837. CHAPTER XXIV. R. C. 1857, 
 
 11 And he made his camels to kneel down 
 without the city, by a well of water, at the time 
 of the evening, even the time that 'women go out 
 to draw water. 
 
 12 And he said, x O Lord God of my master 
 Abraham, >1 pray thee send me good speed this 
 day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham. 
 
 13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water, 
 and the 1 daughters of the men of the city come 
 out to draw water : 
 
 14 And let it come to pass, that the damsel to 
 whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray 
 thee, that I may drink ; and she shall say, Drink, 
 and I will give thy camels drink also ; let the same 
 be she "that thou hast appointed for thy servant 
 Isaac ; ’’and thereby shall I know that thou hast 
 showed kindness unto my master. 
 
 15 H And it came to pass 'before he had done 
 speaking, that behold, ‘‘Rebekah came out, who 
 was born to Betlmel, soli of e Milcah, the wife of 
 Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her f pitcher upon 
 her shoulder. 
 
 16 And the damsel was very Tair to look upon, 
 a virgin, neither had any man known her ; and 
 she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher 
 and came up. 
 
 17 And the servant ran to meet her, and said, 
 sLet me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy 
 pitcher. 
 
 18 And she said, ‘‘Drink, my lord : and she 
 hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, 
 and gave him drink. 
 
 19 And when she had done giving him drink, 
 •she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, 
 until they have done drinking. 
 
 20 And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher 
 into the trough, and ran again unto the well to 
 draw water, and drew for all his camels. 
 
 21 And the man k wondering at her held his 
 peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his 
 Journey prosperous, or not. 
 
 22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done 
 drinking, that the man ‘took a golden tear-ring, 
 “of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets lor 
 her hands, of ten shekels weight of gold ; 
 
 23 And said, Whose daughter art ihou? tell 
 me, I pray thee : is there room in thy father’s 
 house for us to lodge in ? 
 
 24 And she said unto him, "I am Ihe daughter 
 of Bethuel, the son of Milcah, which she bare unto 
 Nahor. 
 
 25 She said moreover unto him, °We have both 
 straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. 
 
 26 And the man I’bowed down his head, and 
 worshipped the Lord. 
 
 27 And he said, ^Blessed be the Lord God of 
 my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute 
 my master r of his mercy and his truth : I being- in 
 
 • Heb .women which draw water trn forth. 13 — 2U. Ex. 2:16. 1 Sam. 9:11. John 
 4:7. x 27. 31:42. 32:9. 1 Kines 18:36. 2 Kings2:14. y 43:14. Neh. 1:11. 2:4. Ps. 
 37 5. 90:16,17. 118:25. Prov. 3:3. Phil. 4:6. l'Thes. 3:10,11. z 11. 29:9,10. a 44. 
 Prov. 19:14. b 15;s. Ex. 4:1— 9. Judg. 6:17,37. 7:13— 15. 1 Sam. 6:7— 9. 10:2—10. 
 14:10. 2 Sam. 5:24. 2 Kings 20:8— 11. la. 7:11. cPs. 34:15. 145:18,19. Is. 65:24. 
 Dan. 9:20— 23. (121.22:20—23. e 11:27,29. f 21:14-. Ruth 2:2,17. Prov. 31:27. 
 t Heb. go id of countenance. 26:7. 39:6. Heb. g 1 Kings 17:10. John4:7.9. 
 h Prov. 31:26. 1 Pet. 3:8. 4:8. i 14:45,16. k Luke 2:19,51. 130. Ex. 32:2,3. 
 
 Esth.5:l. Jer.2:32. 1 Tim. 2:9, 10. 1 Pet. 3:8. + Or, jewel for the forehead. Is. 
 3:20— 23. Ez. 16:11,12. m 23:15,16. n 15. o 18:4— 8. Judg. 19:19— 21 . Is. 32:8. 
 1 . et.4:9. p 43,52. Ex. 4:31. 34:8. Neh. 8:6. Ps.95:6. q 12. Ex. 18:10. Rnlh4: 14. 
 
 V. 11 — 14. 4 That which is done for life, and which may 
 involve things of another life, requires to be done well ; and 
 nothing can be done well, in which the will of God is not con- 
 sulted, and his blessing implored. 5 Fuller. Great humihty and 
 caution are requisite, in imitating such examples as this of 
 Abraham’s servant : yet we must not limit God by our rules ; 
 and he may still at some times so impress the minds of his ser- 
 vants in perplexity, as to lead them to expect extraordinary in- 
 terpositions, and then evidently to answer these expectations. 
 We should not, therefore, hastily condemn every thing of this 
 kind ; provided it neither count enances unscriptural opinions or 
 practices ; nor takes men off from attending to the ordinary 
 means of instruction ; nor is substituted as the foundation of 
 hope, instead of the promises of God, and the work of his Spirit 
 upon the heart. — It is observable that Abraham’s servant had 
 in mind, in this address, the idea of a wife for Isaac, as one 
 who united in her character simplicity, industry, humility, 
 affability, and cheerfulness in being serviceable and hospitable. 
 
 V. 21. Abraham’s servant had attendants, who might 
 
 the way, ’the Lord led me to the house of 'my 
 master’s brethren. 
 
 28 And the damsel ran, and told them "of lie 
 mother’s house of these things. 
 
 29 And Rebekah had x a brother, and his nai. ?• 
 was Laban : and Laban ran out unto the man 
 unto the well. 
 
 30 And it came to pass when he saw the ea.' 
 ring, and bracelets upon his sister’s hands, ano 
 when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister 
 saying, Thus spake the man unto me ; that he 
 came unto the man, and behold, he stood by the 
 camels at the well. 
 
 31 And he said, Come in, Hhou blessed of the 
 Lord: wherefore standest thou without? 'for I 
 have prepared the house, and room for the camels. 
 
 32 And the man came into the house : and he 
 ungirded his camels, and gave st ra w and provender 
 for the camels, and water to a vvash his feet, and 
 the men’s feet that were with him. 
 
 {Practical Observations.] 
 
 33 And there was set meat before him to eat : 
 but he said, U I will not eat, until I have told my 
 errand. And he said, Speak on. 
 
 34 And he said, I am Abraham’s servant. 
 
 35 And 'the Lord hath blessed my master 
 greatly, and he is become great: and he hath 
 given him d flocks, and herds, and silver, and 
 gold, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and 
 camels, and asses. 
 
 36 And 'Sarah my master’s wife hare a son to 
 my master when she was old : and f unto him hath 
 he given all that he hath. 
 
 37 And ”my master made me swear, saying, 
 Thou shall not take a wife to my son of the 
 daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell ; 
 
 38 But thou shalt go unto my father’s house, 
 and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. 
 
 39 And I said unto my master, Peradventure 
 the woman will not follow me. 
 
 40 And he said unto me, The Lord, h before 
 whom I walk, Hvill send his angel with thee, and 
 prosper thy way : and thou shalt take a wife for 
 my son of my kindred, and of my father’s house. 
 
 41 Then thou shalt be clear from. t/u's my oath, 
 when thou comest to my kindred ; and if they give 
 not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath. 
 
 42 And I came this day unto the well, and said, 
 k O Lord God of my master Abraham, if now 
 thou do ‘prosper my way which I go ; 
 
 43 Behold I stand by the well of water; and it 
 shall come to pass, than when the virgin cometh 
 forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I 
 pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; 
 
 44 And she say unto me, “Both drink thou, and 
 I will also draw for thy camels : let the same be 
 "the woman whom the Lord hath appointed out 
 for my master’s son. 
 
 1 Sam. 25:32, 39. 2Sam. 18:28. Luke 1:68. r'210. la. £8:3. 1' 0:5. Mic. 7:20. 
 John 1:17. 8 Pro.. 3:6. 4:11 — 13. 8:20. I 4. 13:8. Kx. 2:11. u 55. *55.60. 29:5. 
 V 25:29. Judg. 17:2. Ruth 3:10. Ps. 115:15. I isiv. 17:8. 18 15. 19:5. i 25. a 18: 
 4 . 43:24. Juris. 19:21. 1 Sam. 25:41. Luke 7:44. John 13:4—14. h Job 23:12. Pa. 
 132:3—5. John 4:31— 34. 1 Tim. 6:2. cl. 12:2. 25:19. 26:12. 49:25. Prov. 10:22 
 d 12:16. 13:2. 28:13,14. Job 1:3. 42:12. Ps. 107:38. Mall. 5:33. e 11:29,30. 17: 
 15—19.18:11-13. f 21:10. 25:5. e2— 9. I: 5:22,21. 6:9. 17:1. 48:15. 1 Kiuri 
 
 2:3. 8:23. 2 Kines 20:3. i 7. Ex. 23:20. 8.1:2. Dan. 3:28. Rev. 22:8,16. k 12- 
 1J. Acu 10:7,8 22. 1 31. 39:3. Ezra :21. Nrh. 1:11. Is. 90:17. Rom. 1:10 
 
 m Heb. 13:2. n 14. 2:22. Prov. 16:33. 18:22. 19:14. 
 
 have spared Rebekah ; and the labour of drawing water for ten 
 camels must have been great : but he would not interpose, 
 that he might observe her conduct, and wait the answer to 
 his prayer. 
 
 V. 22. About, six ounce? of gold, in all. 
 
 V. 28. 1 It was her mother's house, not her father's .' — The 
 
 whole narrative implies, that Bethuel, Rebekah’s father, was 
 dead ; and that Bethuel, afterwards mentioned, was Laban’s 
 younger brother. (50,53.) 
 
 V. 33 — 36. Abraham had received intelligence concern- 
 ing the family of Nahor, and we may suppose they had also 
 heard of him; but now the report was authenticated, and the 
 particulars ascertained. The narration is beautifully simple : 
 well suited to recommend Isaac, and to promote the object of 
 the journey. — The servant’s heart was so deeply engaged in 
 the business, that he could not eat till he had declared it. 
 ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 44. Appointed.] Those events, which appear to u* 
 the effect of choice, contrivance, or chance, are matters of ap 
 
 l 59 ) 
 
B. C. 1857. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 1957 
 
 45 AnJ “before I had done Pspeaking in mine 
 hear*, behold Rebekah came forth with her pitcher 
 on her shoulder; and die went down unto the 
 well, and drew water : and I said unto her, Let 
 me drink, I pray thee. 
 
 46 And she made haste, and let down her 
 
 F itcher from her shoulder , and said. Drink, and 
 will give thy camels drink also : so I drank, and 
 she made the camels drink also. 
 
 47 And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter 
 art thou ? And she said. The daughter of Bethuel, 
 Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him : and 
 ul put the ear-ring upon her face, and the bracelets 
 upon her hands. 
 
 48 And r I bowed down my head, and worship- 
 ped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my 
 master Abraham, which had “led me in the right 
 way to take my master’s brother’s daughter unto 
 his son. 
 
 49 And now l if ye will deal kindly and truly with 
 my master, tell me : and if not, tell me: “that I 
 may turn to the right hand, or to the left. 
 
 50 Then x Laban and Bethuel answered and 
 said, yTiie thing proceedeth from the Lord: *we 
 cannot speak unto thee bad or good. 
 
 51 Behokl, Rebekah is before thee, take her, 
 and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s rvife, as 
 the Lord hath spoken. 
 
 52 And it came to pass, that when Abraham’s 
 servant heard these words, he “worshipped the 
 Lord, bowing himself to the earth. 
 
 53 IT And the servant brought forth ‘jewels of 
 silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave 
 them to Rebekah : He gave also to her brother 
 and to her mother b precious things. 
 
 54 And they did eat and drink, he and the men 
 that were with him, and tarried all night: and 
 they rose up in the morning, and he said, “Send 
 me away unto my master. 
 
 0 15—20. Ib. 65:24. Dan. 0:19,23. Acts 4:24— 33. 10:30. 12:12 — 17. plSam.l: 
 13—15. Keli. 2:4. Roin.8:26. o22 53. Is. 45:9,13,14. Is. 62:3— 5. Ez. 16:10— 13. 
 Eph. 5:25,27. .r-26,27,52. s27. Ex. 18:20. Ps.32:8. 48:14. 107:7 Prov. 3:6. 4:11. 
 Is. 43:17. t 17:29. Josh. 2:14. u Num. 20:17. Deut.2:27. x 15,28,55,60. vPs.118: 
 23. z 31:24,29 . 2Sorn. 13:22. a26,4S. lChr.29:2l. 2Chr. 20:13. Ps.95:6. 107: 
 21,22. 116:1,2. Mali. 2:11. Acts 10:25,26. • Heb.oerse/s. Ex. 3:22. 11:2. 12:35. 
 b Dent. 33:13— 15. 2Chr.21:3. Ezra 1:6. Is. 39:2. c 55 . 28:5,6 . 45:24 . 2Sam. 
 
 pointment with God : and the persuasion of this does not pre- 
 vent, but rather encourage, the use of all proper means ; at 
 the same time that it confines us to proper means, and deli- 
 vers the mind from useless anxiety about consequences. 
 
 V. 45. Some things form more proper subjects for secret 
 than for social prayer : Abraham’s servant therefore used 
 mental prayer, and was silent, till the singularity of the an- 
 swer required that it should he conmiunicated. 
 
 V. 50. The whole concern was so evidently according to 
 the appointment, and under the direction of the Lord, that 
 there was no room for hesitation or objection. 
 
 V. 53. Her brother and mother.] No mention is made of 
 her father. 
 
 V. 55,56. This good and faithful servant’s desire of com- 
 municating the agreeable intelligence at home, no doubt in- 
 duced him to hasten his departure as much as he could with 
 propriety: yet the transaction may admit of a useful accom- 
 modation. (P. O. 33 — 67.) 
 
 V. 58. I will go.] The excellence of Rebekah’s charac- 
 ter forbids us to think, that there could be any tiling in her 
 answer inconsistent with true delicacy ; though it does not 
 accord to the modern standard, which is frequently subversive 
 of sincerity. No doubt she saw with peculiar clearness, that 
 the whole was tile appointment of God ; and she would not 
 so much as seem to slight the honour and happiness of being a 
 progenitor of the promised Seed : but, like his immediate pa- 
 rent, she answered, “ Behold the handmaid of the Lord ; be 
 it unto me according to thy word.” Puke 1:38. 
 
 V. 59,60. Their sister . . . our sister.] Bethuel, as well as 
 Laban, must have been her brother. — Nurse.] Note, 35:8. 
 
 V. 63. To meditate.] To reflect on the works and truths 
 of God, and pour out ins heart in prayer and praise. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The effect of good example and instructions, and 
 [he reverential worship of God, in public ordinances and in 
 private families, will generally appear in the piety, faithful- 
 ness, prudence, and affection of the domestics : and to live in 
 pious families, or to be favoured with pious servants, is a 
 blessing highly to be valued, and thankfiilly to be acknowledged. 
 — No concern in life is of more importance to ourselves, to 
 others, and to the church, and even to posterity, than con- 
 tracting marriage ; which therefore ought always to be under- 
 taken with much circumspection and urudenco, with an eye 
 to the will and appointment of God, and wilh prayer for his 
 direction and blessing. — It is an important part of a parent’s 
 ( 60 ) 
 
 55 And her brother and her mother said, Le: 
 the damsel abide with 11 s “'a few days, at the leas* 
 ten ; after that she shall go. 
 
 56 And he said unto them, d Hinder me not, 
 seeing the Lord hath prospered my way : send 
 me away, that I may go to my master. 
 
 57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and 
 inquire at her mouth. 
 
 58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her. 
 “Will thou go with this man ? And she said, I will 
 go. 
 
 59 And they sent away Rebekah < their sister 
 and her enurse, and Abraham’s servant and his 
 men. 
 
 60 And h they blessed Rebekah, and said unto 
 her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother ot 
 thousands of millions, and let ‘thy seed possess 
 the gate of those which hate them. 
 
 61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and 
 k they rode upon the camels, and followed the 
 man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his 
 way. 
 
 62 Tl And Isaac came from the way of the well 
 'Lahai-roi ; for he dwelt in the south-country. 
 
 63 And Isaac went out fto ""meditate in the 
 field at the even-tide : and he lifted up his eyes, 
 and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. 
 
 64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when 
 she saw Isaac, she "lighted off the camel. 
 
 65 For she had said unto the servant, What 
 man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? 
 And the servant had said, It is my master: there- 
 fore she took a “veil and covered herself. 
 
 66 And Pthe servant told Isaac all things that Ire 
 had done. 
 
 67 And Isaac brought her in to ffiis mother Sa- 
 rah’s tent, "and took Rebekah, and she became his 
 wife : and he loved her : and Isaac was "comforted 
 after his mother’s death. 
 
 18:19, ‘27.28. Luke 8:38,39. t Or, a full year , or ten mouths. Lev. 25:29. 
 d45:9— 13. Prov. 25:25. e Ps. 45:10,11. Luke 1:38. f50, 53,60. g 35:8. hi: 
 
 28. 9:1. 14:19. 17:16.28-3. 48:15,16,20. Ruth 4:11,12. i See on 22:17. k 31:34. 
 1 Sam. 30:17. Eslh. 8:10.14. 116:14.25:11. j Or, to pray, m Josh. 1:8. Ps. 
 1:2. 77:11,12.104:34.119:15. 139:17,18. 143:5,6. nJosh. 15:18. Judg. 1:14. 
 o 20:16. 1 Cor. 11:5,5,10. pMark6:30. q 18:6,9,10. r 2:22-24. 2 Cor. 11:1,2. 
 Eph.5:22— 33. s 37:35 . 38:12: lThes.4:13. 
 
 duty, to direct, counsel, and assist his children in this parti- 
 cular, with great tenderness and affection : and those young 
 persons are highly favoured, who have parents that will, in a 
 proper manner, and with suitable consideration, perform this 
 duty ; and they are wis>e who avail themselves of these advan- 
 tages. But where such parents are not consulted and re- 
 garded, the blessing of God cannot be expected ; nor when 
 godliness is not regarded as the primary requisite in a com- 
 panion for life. — They who stay their minds on God, will be 
 kept in peace, and enabled to disregard the pcradventurcs 
 which trouble others : they wait to know his appointment, are 
 prepared to be satisfied with it, and assured that in due time it 
 will take place and correspond with his promises ; and they only 
 aim to know and to do their duty, and use the proper means. 
 But, in binding ourselves by an oath, we should take great 
 care that, through inattention, we do not ensnare our souls. 
 
 V. 10 — 32. They who acknowledge God in all their ways, 
 will find him present to direct their paths, and make their way 
 prosperous : and when the prayer of faith meets with an im- 
 mediate answer, the glory ought as speedily to he rendered 
 to God in solemn praise and thanksgivings. — IIovv are the 
 times changed, since the chief persons, and their sons and 
 daughters, cheerfully performed the most laborious services 
 with their own hands ! It is to be feared we have got but a 
 .poor exchange, in our excessive refinements, for the simplici- 
 ty, diligence, and usefulness, which characterized the patri- 
 archs. And surely common sense must allow, that these are 
 the most valuable endowments in one, who is to fill up the 
 important duties of a wife and a mother; to be the companion 
 of a wise and pious man’s retired hours ; and to be entrusted 
 with the management of his domestic concerns, and with form- 
 ing the tender minds of his children ! 
 
 V. 33 — fi7. Whatever business we arc entrusted with, we 
 should, like this pious servant, attend to it in preference to 
 our own indulgence or refreshment : and when our purpose w 
 honourable, and vve are waiting to know the Lord’s appoint- 
 ment, a plain recital of facts, in which the hand of God appears 
 evident, is more becoming, and frequently more effectual, than 
 all the trappings of oratory, which too often disguise the real 
 truth. — The remarkable private experience, which we have 
 of God’s mercy and faithfulness, ought to be declared among 
 those who fear God, for his glory and their encouragement.— 
 Though the counsel and consent of parents should be oS» 
 tained ; yet, before marriage is solemnized, the mutual an© 
 cheerful compliance of the contracting parties is also ri>|uisitb 
 
B. C. lS»a2. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 B. C. 1773. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Abraham marries Keturah, 1: his sons by her ,2 — 4. He gives hie substance 
 to Isaac ; and sends them at cay wi'h gifts, 5, 6. His asre. death , and burial, 
 7— IU. Ood blesses Isaac, 11. The posterity, age, and death of Ishmael , 
 
 12 — IS. Isaac prays for Rebekah, who was barren; and is heard , 19 — 
 21. Circumstances preceding and attending the birth of Esau and Jacob, 
 22—26. Their different characters and pursuits, 27, 28. Esau sells his birth- 
 righ ■ o Jacob,** — 34. 
 
 T HEN “again Abraham took a wife, and her 
 name ivas Keturah. 
 
 2 And she hare him Zimran, and Jekshan, and 
 Medan, and b Midian, and Ishhak, and c Shuah. 
 
 3 And Jokshan begat d Sheba and e Dedan. 
 And the sons of Dedan were f Asshurim, and 
 Letushim, and Leummim. 
 
 4 And the sons of Midian ; *Ephah, and Epher, 
 and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these 
 were the children of Keturah. 
 
 5 And Abraham l 'gave all that he had unto Isaac. 
 
 6 But unto the sons of the 'concubines, which 
 Abraham had, Abraham gave k gifts, and sent them 
 away from Isaac his son, (while he yet lived,) 
 eastward, unto the 'east-country. 
 
 7 ^ And these are the days of the years of 
 b. c.-i Abraham’s life which he lived, an hundred 
 ia- 2 . J threescore and fifteen years. 
 
 8 Then Abraham "'gave up the ghost, and died 
 in a "good old age, an old man, and full of years ; 
 and was “gathered to his people. 
 
 9 And his sons, ‘Isaac and Ishmael, buried him 
 'tin the cave of Machpelah ; in the field of Ephron 
 the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before 
 Mamre ; * 
 
 a 23:1,2. 1 Chr. 1:32,33. b 36:35. 37:28.36. Ex. 2:13,16. 18:1— 4. Num.22:4. 
 25:17,18.31:2,8. Jml B .6:7:8: cJob2:ll. d I Kings 10:1. Job6:19. Pa. 72: 
 
 10. e Jer. 25:23 . 49.8. Ez. 25:13. 27:20. fEz.27:6. gls.60:6. Ii 21:10— 12. 
 24:36. Malt. 11:27. 28:18. John 3:35. Rom. 8:17,32. 9:7—9. 1 Cor. 3:21— 23." 
 Gal. 3:2". 4:28. Heb. 1:2. i 1. 18:3 . 30:4.9.32:22. 35:22. Judg. 19:1,2.4. kPs. 
 17:14.15. Luke 11:11— 13. Acts 14:17. 1 Jud B . 6:3. Job 1:3. m 17. 35:18. 49: 
 
 33. Ads 5:5,10. 12:23. n 15:15. 35:28,29. 47:8,9. Judg. 8:32. 1 Chr. 29:28. Job 
 
 being essential to the comfort and happiness of that honour- 
 able state : and when matters are thus begun and completed 
 in faith, and with the prayer of all parties, the blessing of God 
 on them and their posterity may reasonably be expected ; 
 while the comfort of one relation will compensate for the loss 
 of another. — But will not the most sober judgment allow, that 
 in this transaction we have a type of Christ and his church? 
 We know who is the Bridegroom, that in perfect harmony 
 with his heavenly Father, having offered himself as a sacrifice 
 for sin, espouses his church unto himself, by the ministration 
 of his servants the preachers of the gospel ; who, with his 
 commission, go to find out those who are afar off, u that they 
 may present them as a chaste virgin unto Christ.” They re- 
 present. to sinners his glory, his excellency, his suitableness 
 and loving kindness ; their own experience of his grace, and 
 his unsearchable riches, to induce their willingness : and by 
 these representations, the drawings of his Spirit, and some 
 foretastes of his goodness, they are prevailed on to consent to 
 their own happiness, and made willing to forsake their own 
 country, and to renounce all for him. (Note, John 16:14,15.) 
 Then he adorns them with the robe of his righteousness, and 
 the graces of his Spirit ; endows them with all his riches ; enno- 
 bles them by their relation to him, and makes them happy 
 in his love, and their fellowship with him. They are now 
 supremely attached to his person and interest, and faithful to 
 their engagements to him ; they give him their heart, and de- 
 vote body and soul to his service, in sincerity and simplicity. 
 He greatly delights in the beauty which he hath put upon 
 them : being thus united to him, they bring forth fruit unto 
 God ; and at length he will wash away every spot and blemish, 
 and present them, (adorned as a bride for her husband,) 
 faultless before his presence with exceeding joy. — In this view, 
 how punctual, laborious, faithful, self-denying, disinterested, 
 fervent, in prayer, watchful of providence, jealous for Christ, 
 and affectionately desirous of souls ought all to be, who sus- 
 tain the sacred ministerial character ! The good Lord send 
 forth many such labourers and stewards, and make them wise 
 to win souls ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXV. V. 1—4. Abraham was a 
 hundred and thirty-seven years of age when Sarah died ; and 
 nearly forty years before that event, his age had rendered it 
 very improbable he should have children : yet he had six 
 sons by Keturah, whom he sent away in his lifetime : and 
 on these grounds it has been conjectured that he had mar- 
 ried this wife long before. — But the language of the original 
 text, “ And Abraham added, and took a wife,” as well as the 
 unnatural disturbance which this supposition occasions in the 
 simple narration, militates against the opinion. The Lord 
 had promised him an innumerable posterity, and the long 
 lelay both served to try his faith, and to illustrate the divine 
 ,iower andi faithfulness ; when at length, beyond all probabi- 
 . tty, the promise was so remarkably fulfilled. And, as Abra- 
 ham lived thirty-eight years after Sarah’s death, all these 
 children might be grown up, and much older than Ishmael 
 
 10 The field which Abraham purchased of the 
 sons of Heth : there was Abraham buried, an • 
 Sarah his wife. 
 
 1 1 And it came to pass (after the death of Abra- 
 ham. that God blessed his son Isaac : and Isaac 
 dwelt by the well “Lahai-roi. 
 
 12 tl Now ‘these are the generations of Ishmael 
 Abraham’s son, whom Hagar, the Egyptian, 
 Sarah’s handmaid, bare unto Abraham. 
 
 13 And these are "the names of the sons of 
 Ishmael, by their names, according to their gene- 
 rations : The first-born of Ishmael, “Nebajoth ; 
 and ^Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam. 
 
 14 And Mishma, and z .Dumah, and Massah, 
 
 15 ’Hadar, and “Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and 
 Kedemah. 
 
 16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these 
 
 are their names, by their towns, and by their 
 castles ; b twelve princes according to their p. o. 
 nations. L I773- 
 
 17 And “these are the years of the life of Ishmael, 
 an hundred and thirty and seven years : and he 
 gave up the ghost and died, and was gathered 
 unto his people. 
 
 18 And they dwelt from ''Havilah unto Shur, 
 that is before Egypt, e as thou goest ‘towards 
 Assyria : and he ‘died sin the presence of all his 
 
 brethren. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 19 IT And these are the generations of Isaac, 
 Abraham’s son : h Abraham begat Isaac. 
 
 20 And Isaac was forty years old ‘when he took 
 
 42:17. o 7. 49:33. Num. 20:24 . 27:13. Judg. 2:10. Acts 13:36. p 21:9,10 . 35:29. 
 q 21:9— 20 . 49:29,30 . 50:13. r 12:2. 17:19 . 22:17. 50:24. s 18:14. 24:62. 1 15: 
 
 10—15.17:20.21:13. Ps.83:6. i> 1 Chr. 1:29— 31. 5:19,20. x 36:3. Is. 60:7. 
 yl’s. 120:5. Cant. 1:5. Is. 21:16,17. 42:11. 7. Is. 21:11. ’ Or, Hadad. 1 Chr. 1: 
 30. a Job 2:11. 6:19. b 17:20. c 7,8. d 2:11. 10:7,29. 20:1. 1 Sam. 15:7. e 13: 
 10. f 2 Kings 23:29. Is. 19:23,24. f Heb. fell, g 16:12. h l Chr. 1:34. Matt. 
 1:2. Luke 3:34. Acts 7:8. i 22:23. 24:67. 
 
 was when he was sent away, and might be settled in the 
 world before his death. — They were afterwards intimately 
 connected with the Ishmaelites ; and many great nations a^ 
 this very day claim Abraham for their progenitor, by some 
 of these branches. — Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses, was 
 descended from Midian : and Job and some of his friends, 
 either from others ofKcturah’s sons, or from Ishmael, or from 
 Esau. (JMarg. Ref. Note , Job 2:11.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. Abraham gave the bulk of his substance to Isaac, 
 as his legitimate heir, his only son by Sarah the free woman, 
 according to the promise. Isaac typified the Son of God* 
 “ whom he hath appointed Heir of all things and also 
 represented believers, to whom with Christ the Father giveth 
 all things. — The word concubine is used, not only for one who 
 cohabited with a man that had another wife, as Hagar ; but 
 also for one who was a lawful wife, though not admitted to 
 the full privilege of that relation, in respect of rank and pos- 
 sessions, as Keturah. Ishmael was one of the sons here 
 mentioned ; and we may hence infer that he was not sent 
 away destitute, or finally deserted by Abraham. 
 
 V. 7, 8. The sacred historian here concludes the history 
 of Abraham, to prevent the subsequent interruption of his 
 narrative ; for Esau and Jacob were born fifteen years before 
 the death of Abraham. — The word rendered u Gave up the 
 ghost,” means no more than expired , or censed to breathe. A 
 Greek word of similar import is used concerning Ananias 
 and Sapphira : but the words of one Evangelist concerning 
 our Lord signify, that 41 he yielded up his spirit.” (Matt. 
 27:50.) — The words, of years , are not in the original; and 
 the term employed seems to denote, that Abraham was 
 satisfied with living in this world, and ripe for a better. — The 
 expression, “gathered to his people,” decides nothing con 
 cerning the eternal state of the persons spoken of, being used 
 without any exact discrimination of characters. (Marg. 
 Ref. o.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. It is probable that Isaac and Ishmael main- 
 tained a degree of friendly intercourse with each other ; and 
 that Ishmael was satisfied the inheritance belonged to Isaac, 
 as the son of Sarah, and that his father had acted properly 
 in leaving it to him. 
 
 V. 11. God blessed Isaac with that special blessing, which 
 had been engaged to his believing father. 
 
 V. 16. The Ishmaelites were settled in towns and castles, 
 when Moses wrote this history; and probably had been so a 
 long time before the descendants of Isaac were delivered out 
 of Egypt. 
 
 V. 18. The Ishmaelites inhabited the country to the east 
 and south of Judea, from the entrance into Egypt almost to 
 the river Euphrates: perhaps the direct road ftom Egypt to 
 Assyria, lay through their country. Thus Ishmael’s lot fell 
 among his brethren, Abraham’s sons by Keturah, who proba- 
 bly survived him ; and he died surrounded by them and their 
 descendants. 
 
 V. 20, 21. The faith of Isaac was tried by the barrennewi 
 
 ( 61 ) 
 
B C. 1837. GENESIS. B. C. 1803. 
 
 11. bckali to wife, the daughter of Bethuel k the 
 Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the 
 Syrian. 
 
 21 And Isaac Untreated the Lord for his wife, 
 “because she was barren: and the Lord was 
 intreated of him, "and Rebekah his wife conceived. 
 
 22 And the children struggled together within 
 her: and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? 
 And she went to °inquire of the Lord. 
 
 23 And the Lord said unto her, ‘Two nations 
 are in thy womb, and ''two manner of people shall 
 be separated from thy bowels : and the one people 
 shall be stronger than the other people, and r the 
 elder shall serve the younger. 
 
 24 And when her days to be delivered were 
 ulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 
 
 25 And the first came out red, e all over like an 
 hairy garment : and they called his name Esau. 
 
 26 And ‘after that came his brother out, and 
 his hand “took hold on Esau’s heel ; and his name 
 b. e.-nvas called ’'Jacob : and Isaac ?was three- 
 id3 7 . J score years old when she bare them. 
 
 27 And the boys grew: and Esau was z a 
 cunning hunter, a man of the field ; and Jacob 
 was “a plain man, ’’dwelling in tents. 
 
 28 And Isaac loved Esau, because ‘he did eat 
 of his venison : but Rebekah loved Jacob. 
 
 k 28:5,6. 31:18,20,24. 35:9. Beut.20:5. I 1 Sam. 1:11,27. Luke 1:13. m 11:30. 
 15:2,3. 16:2. 17:16—19. 1 Sam. 1:2. I.uke 1:7. n Rom. 9:10—12. o 1 Sam. 9:9. 
 10:22. 28:6. 30:8. p 17:16. 21:60. q 27. 32:6. 33:3. 36:31. Num. 20:14. r 27. 
 29,40. 2 Sam. 8:14. 1 Kings 22:47. 2 Chr. 25:11.12. Ps. 60:8.9. 8 :5— 15. I..3i: 
 53:1-6. Jcr. 19:7—22. K*. 25:12— 14. 35: Am. 1:11,12. Ob. 1—16. Mai. 1:2-4. 
 Rom. 9:10— 13. s 27:11,23. t 38:28— 30. u Ho.. 12:3. x 27:36. v20. t 10:9. 
 21:20 . 27:3-5,40. a 28:10,11. 31:39— 41. 46:31. b Heb 11:9. • Heb. venison 
 
 of Rebekah during twenty years, as that of Abraham and 
 Sarah had been for a much longer time ; but Isaac, depending 
 on the promise of an innumerable posterity, ceased not to 
 intreat the Lord to remove this hinderance to its fulfilment ; 
 and at length his prayer was answered. 
 
 V. 22, 23. The extraordinary sensations experienced by 
 Rebekah, convinced her that there was something super- 
 natural in her case. — She therefore said, “ If so, why is it 
 thus with me 1” ‘ This must be inquired into.’ Abraham 
 was yet living, and was a prophet ; and probably he directed 
 her in inquiring of the Lord ; but the particular method used 
 on this occasion is not recorded. She however received for 
 answer, that two nations, and two manner of people, were in 
 her womb ; namely, the Israelites and the Edomites or Idu- 
 means, being then in their common parents, Jacob and Esau. 
 They were men of very opposite dispositions, and their de- 
 scendants were as dissimilar ; they personally struggled hard 
 for the pre-eminence, and so did their posterity during many 
 ages. In the days of David, the descendants of Esau, the 
 elder brother, were generally subject to those of Jacob the 
 younger ; and much more entirely in the latter times of the 
 Jewish state. — These struggles may be considered as an em- 
 blem of the conflict between the world and the true church of 
 God, the seed of the serpent and the Seed of the woman ; 
 in which the church, which is the younger, after many strug- 
 gles, will gain a final mastery. (Note, 3:14,15.) — The con- 
 
 flict between “ that which is born of the flesh, and “ that 
 which is born of the Spirit,” in the true believer, is of the 
 same nature, and will have a similar event. (Notes, John 
 3:7,8. Gal. 5:16—18.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. Esau signifies made, or formed. — 1 He was as 
 full of hairs when he was born, as others are at man’s estate.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. Jacob, even at his birth, seemed to struggle 
 for the primogeniture, which was an indication of his subse- 
 quent conduct. His name was given him with evident allu- 
 sion to this circumstance ; and signifies a supplanter, or one 
 who throws down another, by taking hold of his heel. 
 
 V. 27. Esau hunted the beasts of the forest with dex- 
 terity and address ; till probably, like Nimrod, he became a 
 warrior and conqueror: accordingly, when he met his bro- 
 ther he had with him four hundred men. But Jacob was 
 a plain man dwelling in tents ; an industrious, honest, pious 
 character: “a stranger and pilgrim” in his spirit, and a 
 shepherd all his days. 
 
 V. 28. (Notes, 27:) — Venison.] That which is taken in 
 
 hunting. (Qnpa, Sept.) 
 
 V. 30. Edom signifies red, and is nearly the same as 
 Adam. (Note, 5:1,2.) This name was given Esau, because 
 he so eagerly desired the red pottage of Jacob. 
 
 V. 31 — 34. As it does not appear that Jacob inherited a 
 double portion of Isaac’s substance, it is probable this was 
 not meant by the birthright. But it included the special bles- 
 sings covenanted to Abraham and his posterity ; not only in 
 respect of the land of Canaan, but also in respect of the 
 Messiah, who would arise from among them, and all the reli- 
 gious advantages connected with this distinction. These 
 blessings Jacob as a believer supremely valued, but unbe- 
 lieving Esau despised them. — It cannot be conceived that 
 Esau was literally dying of hunger, nor would the transac- 
 (62 
 
 29 H And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came 
 from the field, c and he. was faint. 
 
 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray 
 thee, 'with that same red pottage ; for I am faint : 
 therefore was his name called d Edom. 
 
 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birth- 
 right. 
 
 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am *at the point 
 to die : e and what profit shall this birthright do 
 to me ? 
 
 33 And Jacob said, ( Swear to me this day: 
 and he sware unto him : sand he sold his birth- 
 right unto Jacob. 
 
 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage 
 of lentiles : and he did '’eat and drink, and rose 
 up, and went his way : Thus Esau despised his 
 birthright. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Isaac, because of a famine, sojourns in Gerar ; and the Lord instructs end 
 blesses him, 1 — 5. He denies his wife, and is detected and reproved, 6— 
 11. The Philistines envy his prosperity ; he removes from them, and they 
 Jill up, or take from him, the wells which his fatlur and he had dug, 12— 
 17. He digs several other wells, 18—22. The Lord blesses him at Beer- 
 sheba, 23 — 25. Abimdech covenants with him, 26 — 33. Esau marries two 
 Canaanitish wives, to the grief of his parents, 34, 35. 
 
 A ND there was a famine in the land, besides 
 “the first famine that was in the days of Abra- 
 ham. b And Isaac went unto ‘Abimelech king of 
 the Philistines, unto Gerar. 
 
 was in his mouth. 27:4,19. cJudg. 8:4,5. 1 Sam. 14:28,31. Is. 40:30,31. t Heb. 
 with that red, with that red pottage, d 36:1,9,43. Ex. 15:15. Nom. 20:14 — 21. 
 Deut. 23:7. 2 Kings 8:20. } Heb. g>inj to die. e Job 21:15. 22:17. 34:9. Mah 
 3:14. f 24:3. Mark 6:23. Heb. 6:16. g 27:36 . 36:6,7. h Is. 22:13. 1 Cor. 15:32. 
 i Zech. 11:13. Matt. 22:5. 26:15. Luke 14:18— 20. Phil. 3:13,19. Heb. 12:16,17. 
 a 12:10. b 25:11. c20:2. 
 
 tion have been so severely condemned had this been so. He 
 had indeed come in from hunting in the field, where he had 
 continued till he was faint for want of refreshment: but 
 doubtless, other food might have been procured in Isaac’s 
 family, had he not inordinately craved Jacob’s pottage, which 
 he probably saw as soon as he entered the house, and deter- 
 mined at any rate to obtain. The words signify, 1 1 am 
 going towards death,’ and he seems to have meant, 4 I shall 
 never live to inherit Canaan, or any of these future supposed 
 blessings ; and what signifies it who has them when I an 
 dead?’ This was the language of profaneness, for whicr 
 the apostle condemns him ; and it implied a great contempt 
 of the birthright, which the historian notes with decided cen- 
 sure. (iVo/e, Heb. 12:15 — 17.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 18. By repeated examples the Lord teaches us 
 that he tries the faith of his people b}' long delays ; but at 
 length vastly exceeds their expectations, by fulfilling to them 
 his largest promises. — u The vision is for an appointed time, 
 but at the end it shall speak and not lie ; though it tarry, wait 
 for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Hab. 
 2:3. — A great part of this history relates to those who go off. 
 and those who appear on, the stage of life ; and it is of little 
 consequence, whether our continuance on this grand theatre 
 be short or long, provided we act in such a manner as to quit 
 the world with comfort to ourselves, witlnbenefit to others, and 
 with the approbation of our gracious God. Only let us be 
 anxious to leave behind us a testimony from our lips to the 
 faithfulness and goodness of the Lord, and in the consciences 
 of others, to the uprightness and consistency of our walk be- 
 fore him ; and the blessing of God to our families. Having 
 then lived to every good purpose, and being ripe for the world 
 above, we may cheerfully resign our souls into the hands of our 
 Redeemer, expecting to join 44 the spirits of just men made per- 
 fect and leave our bodies to the silent tomb, in joyful hope of 
 a happy resurrection. But God forbid, that the writer or any 
 of the readers of these observations should rest contented with 
 earthly blessings, which the Lord bestows on the men of this 
 world ; or should come short of those special and eternal bles- 
 sings, which belong to the children of the promise ! Though the 
 former seem to have the pre-eminence here, yet the latter will 
 have their portion, when that of the former is spent and gone 
 for ever. 
 
 V. 19 — 34. They who are stirred up, by the delays of pro- 
 mised and expected blessings, to “ pray always and not faint,” 
 will surely succeed; for “every one that asketh received),” 
 though perhaps not immediately. — In all our doubts and per- 
 plexities, we should inquire of the Lord by prayer, attendance 
 on his ordinances, and attention to his word : and in many of 
 our contlicts and struggles with sin and templations, we may 
 adopt Rebekah’s words : 44 If it be so, why am 1 thus ?” 4 If a 
 child of God, why so careless or carnal ? If not a child of God, 
 why so afraid of sin or burdened with it?’ — In the best ol 
 characters we perceive infirmities, and in the best of parents 
 sinful partialities ; but surely those children are entitled to our 
 superior regard, who are evidently beloved of the Lord! — 
 Men, who are slaves to their appetites, and who inordinately 
 crave earthly things, and despise spiritual blessings, will, 
 however sagacious in other respects, find I lionise) 'cs inni Holy 
 
B. 0. 1800. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. B. C. 1800. 
 
 2 Anil th Lord ^appeared unto him, and said, 
 Go not down into Egypt; 'dwell in the land which 
 v shall tell thee of. 
 
 3 f Sojourn in this land, and *1 will be with thee ? 
 and will bless thee : for h unto thee and unto thy seed 
 I will give all these countries, and will perform the 
 'oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father. 
 
 4 And 1 will make thy seed to k multiply as the 
 stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all 
 these countries : and in thy 'Seed shall all the na- 
 tions of the earth be blessed : 
 
 5 Because that Abraham m obeyed my voice, 
 and kept my charge, my commandments, my sta- 
 tutes, and my laws. 
 
 6 IT And Isaac dvvelt in Gerar. 
 
 7 And the men of the place asked him of his 
 wife ; and he said, “She is my sister : for he feared 
 to say, She is my wife ; lest, said he, the men of 
 the place should kill me for Rebekah, because she 
 was “fair to look upon. 
 
 8 And it came to pass, when he had been there 
 a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines 
 looked out at ^a window, and saw, and behold, 
 Isaac leas Sporting with Rebekah his wife. 
 
 9 And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, Behold, 
 of a surety, she is thy wife: and how saidst thou, 
 She is my sister ? And Isaac said unto him, Be- 
 cause I said, Lest I die for her. 
 
 10 And Abimelech said, r What is this thou hast 
 done unto us? one of the people might lightly 
 have lien with thy wife, and thou shouldst have 
 brought guiltiness upon us. 
 
 11 And Abimelech charged all his people, say- 
 ing, He that s toucheth this man or his wife, shall 
 
 surely be put to death. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 12 U Then Isaac sowed in that land, and 're- 
 ceived in the same year ‘an hundred-fold, and the 
 Lord "blessed him. 
 
 13 And the man waxed great, and 'went for- 
 ward, and grew until he became very great. 
 
 14 For he had 'possession of flocks, and pos- 
 
 d 12:7. 17:1. e 12:1. Pa. 37:3. f 20:1. Ps. 39:12. Heb. 11:9,13 — 16. g28:15. 
 
 39:2,21. Phil. 4:9. h 12:7. 13:15,17. 15:18. 17:8. i 2216,18. Ps. 105:9. Ileb. 
 6:17. k 13:16. 15:5. 22.17. Hel). 11:12. 112:3.22:18. Ps. 72:17. Acu 3:25. 
 
 Gal. 3:8,16. m 12:4. 17:23. 18:19. 22:18. Ps. 112:1,2. Matt. 5:19. 7:24. Gal. 5: 
 6. Heb. 11:8. Jam. 2:22. n 12:13. 20:2,5,13. Prov. 29:25. o 24:16. p Juilg. 5:28. 
 Proe. 7:6. Cam. 2:9. q Prov. 5:18,19. Ec. 9:9. r 12:19. 20:9,10. s20:6. Ps. 
 105:15. Prov. 6:29. Zech.2:8. -Heb .found, l Ps. 72:16. Ec. 11:6. Zech.8:12. 
 
 excelled in wisdom by those, who “ choose that good part 
 which shall never be taken from them.” But, while we should 
 be of Jacob’s judgment in preferring the birthright, we ought 
 carefully to avoid all approaches to imposition, in seeking to 
 obtain the most important advantages ; and even the appear- 
 ance of being a supplanter, should be shunned with scrupulous 
 vigilance. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVI. V. 1. Abraham sojourned 
 in Gerar just before the birth of Isaac, and soon after entered 
 into a treaty with Abimelech ; and Isaac was sixty years of 
 age when his sons were born, and a hundred when Esau mar- 
 ried. (31.) Esau and Jacob are spoken of in the close of the 
 former chapter, as grown up. The transaction, therefore, 
 recorded in this chapter, must have been at least ninety years 
 afrer the former covenant. — It is probable that Abimelech, 
 (which signifies ‘ my father the king,’) was the common name 
 of the kings of the Philistines ; and that this Abimelech was a 
 successor to him with whom Abraham covenanted. ( Note , 
 Ps. 34: title.) 
 
 V. 2 — 5. Abraham had gone down into Egypt during a 
 famine, and we may suppose that Isaac was purposing to do 
 (he same ; but God commanded him to dwell in some part of 
 the land of Canaan, according to such intimations as should 
 from time to time be given him. For the present he was 
 directed to sojourn in the country of the Phili-tines : and the 
 Lord promised to be with him, to supply his waats, and to pro- 
 tect and comfort him ; and he renewed the promises, which 
 nad been repeatedly ratifiei -o Abraham. God thus testified 
 his approbation of Abraham s remarkable obedience, for the 
 honoui of his own name, and the encouragement of Isaac, and of 
 others in every age and nation. This obedience likewise con- 
 duced to the fulfilment of the promises. It was the evidence 
 of that faith, by which Abraham was justified ; and, in conse- 
 quence of his prompt obedience, the covenant respecting his 
 seed was confirmed to him by an oath. — The several expres- 
 sions made use of seem to refer to Abraham’s unreserved 
 obedience, in leaving his native country, sojourning in Canaan, 
 offering sacrifices, being circumcised, and circumcising his sons 
 and servants, and at length intentionally sacrificing Isaac, at 
 God’s command ; as well as to his general course of piety, 
 -ighteousness, and holiness. — As “ Abraham was justified by 
 faith," which referred to the righteousness of Christ ; so the 
 
 session of herds, and great store of ^servants. 
 And the Philistines ^envied him. 
 
 15 For all the wells which 2 his father’s servants 
 had digged, in the days of Abraham his father, 
 the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them 
 with earth. 
 
 16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us: 
 for thou art much “mightier than we. 
 
 17 And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his 
 tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there. 
 
 18 IT And Isaac digged again the wells of water, 
 which they had digged in\he days of Abraham his 
 father ; for the Philistines had stopped them, alter 
 the death of Abraham : and he called their names 
 alter the names by which his father had called 
 them. 
 
 19 And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, 
 and found there a well of ^springing water. 
 
 20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with 
 Isaac’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours : and 
 he called the name of the well "Esek, because they 
 strove with him. 
 
 21 And they digged another well, and strove for 
 that also : And he called the name of it "Sitnah. 
 
 22 And he removed from thence, and digged 
 another well ; ant for that they strove not: and 
 he called the name of it "Rehoboth ; and he said. 
 For now b the Lord hath made room for us, and 
 we shall be fruitful in the land. 
 
 23 And he went up from thence to c Beer-sheba. 
 
 24 And the Lord appeared unto him the same 
 night, and said, d I am the God of Abraham thy 
 father : “fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless 
 thee, and multiply thy seed, for my servant Abra- 
 ham’s sake. 
 
 25 And he fbuilded an altar there, and called 
 upon the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent 
 there : and there Isaac’s servants digged a well. 
 
 26 H Then e Abimelech went to him from Gerar, 
 and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the 
 chief captain of his army. 
 
 Man. 13:23. 1 Cor. 3:6. 2 Cor. 9:10,11. Gal. 6:7,8. u 29. 30:30. Job 42:12. Prov. 
 10:22. f Heb. went going, x Job 1:3. Ps. 112:3. t Or. husbandry . y 37:11. Job 
 5:2. Ps. 112:10. PruV.27:4. Ec.4:4. z 21:30. a Ex. 1:9. § Heb. living. Cant. 
 4:15. John 4:10,1 1 . || That is, Contention. TC That is, Haired. ** 'I bat is, Room, 
 bis. 4:1. 18:19. 118:5. c 21:31. 46:1. d 15:1. 17:7 . 24:12. 28:13. Ex. 3:6. 
 Matt. 22:32. Acts 7:32. e Ps. 27.1. 46:1,2. Is. 12:2. 41:10,14. 51:7,12. Luke 12: 
 32. Heb. 13:6. f 8:20. 12:7. 35:1. Ex. 17:15. g 21:22— 32. 
 
 Lord’s blessing Isaac for Abraham’s sake, was virtually bles- 
 sing him through the Redeemer. — The principle of blessing 
 some for the sake of others, seems to have been intended to 
 prepare men’s minds for receiving the blessings of salvation, 
 not as due to them, but a a given for the sake of the divine 
 Saviour. 
 
 V. 7. (Notes, 12:10 — 20. 20:) The questions of the men 
 of Gerar excited Isaac’s apprehensions : his answer con- 
 tained a more direct falsehood than that used by Abraham ; 
 and his unbelief was the more inexcusable, because he lived in 
 Gerar by God’s express command, and under his immediate 
 protection. 
 
 V. 8. A long time.] Without interruption, which showed 
 that Isaac’s suspicions were injurious to the Philistines. 
 
 V. 11. Probably Abimelech recollected the reproof and 
 correction, which bad been incurred on Abraham’s account, 
 in similar circumstances. 
 
 V. 12. An hundred-fold .] If this be the meaning of the 
 passage, (for it is not without difficulty,) it was an extra- 
 ordinary increase, and an evident effect of the divine blessing. 
 In many parts of this land, with all our improvements in agri- 
 culture, an ordinary crop of grain is very seldom known to 
 exceed twenty-fold ; and much more frequently, without any 
 remarkab’e mismanagement, or disaster, to come short of ten- 
 fold clear increase upon the seed sown.- — ‘And he found the 
 barley increased unto him an hundred-fold in that year.’ 
 Sept. 
 
 V. 13 — IS. The conduct of the Philistines was a direct 
 infringement of the covenant, which Abimelech had made 
 with Abraham : but Isaac’s prosperity excited their envy and 
 jealousy, which induced forgetfulness of all moral obligations. 
 
 V. 17. Valley of Gerar.] Upon the borders of Abime- 
 lech’s kingdom. 
 
 V. 21. Sitnah.] Hatred, (marg.) or opposition. Ezra 
 4:6. Heb. The name Satan, an adversary, is derived from 
 the same root. 
 
 V. 22. The piety of the language here used in the ordi- 
 nary concerns of life, is worth noticing and imitating. 
 
 V. 24. Fear not.] ‘ Be not afraid of the envy or enmity 
 of the Philistines.’ (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 26. Phichol.] This seems to have been the name <ff 
 some dignity among the Philistines ; for probably Phichol, who 
 ( 63 ) 
 
13 C. 1790. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 Ii. C. 1760 
 
 27 And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come 
 ye to me, h seein§ ye hate me, and have sent me 
 away from you ? 
 
 28 And they said, ’We saw certainly that the 
 Lord was with thee; and we said, ‘Let there he 
 now an oath hetwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, 
 and let us make a covenant with thee ; 
 
 29 1 That thou wilt do us no hurt, as we 
 have not touched thee, and as we have done 
 unto thee nothing hut good, and have sent thee 
 away in peace : thou art now k the blessed of the 
 Lord. 
 
 30 And he 'made them a feast, and they did 
 eat and drink. 
 
 31 And they rose up m bctimes in the morning-, 
 and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them 
 away, and they departed from him in peace. 
 
 32 And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac’s 
 servants came, and told him concerning the well 
 which they had digged, and said unto him, We 
 have found water. 
 
 33 And he called it ; Shebah : therefore the 
 name of the city is tBcer-sheba unto this day. 
 
 34 H And Esau was forty years old when he 
 took to wife Judith, “the daughter of Beeri the 
 Ilittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the 
 Hittite : 
 
 35 “Which were a "grief of mind unto Isaac and 
 Rebekah. 
 
 b Jtidg. 11:7. Acts 7:9,14,35. Rev. 3:9. * Heb. see ing we saw. i 31:49 — 53. 
 
 t Heb. if • hou shall, Stc. k 24:31. Ps. 115:15. 1 31:54. Rom. 12:18. Heb. 12: 
 14. 1 Pet. 4:9. m22:3. % That is, an oath. §That is, the veil of the oath. 
 
 n24:3. Ex. 34:16. o 6:2. 27:46. 28:2.8. || Heb. bitterness of spirit, a 48: 
 
 came with Abimelech to Abraham on a similar occasion, was 
 dead before this time. (21:22,32.) 
 
 V. 29 — 31. The Philistines attempted to justify their con- 
 duct, though indeed they had acted deceitfully and unjustly, 
 and in a manner wholly inexcusable ; but Isaac, loving peace, 
 admitted their plea wi hout altercation. 
 
 V. 35. ‘And they were quarrelling with Isaac and Re- 
 bekah.’ Sept. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. Repeated famines in “the land of promise,” 
 taught the patriarchs, and uneasiness in the most eligible 
 situations should teach us, to look to the heavenly inheritance 
 for unalloyed felicity. Yet they are happy, even on earth, 
 who are guided by Jehovah’s counsel, upheld and protected 
 by his power, encouraged by his presence, and assured of an 
 interest in his everlasting love. If he engage to be with us, 
 and if we abide in our proper place, nothing but unbelief and 
 distrust can prevent our comfort. The blessing which 
 descends upon posterity in answer to prayer, as the effect of 
 wholesome instructions and a good example, and as a gracious 
 recompense of the obedience of faith, is unspeakably prefera- 
 ble to any other riches which can be left them. “ The righteous 
 Lord loveth righteousness,” and will show his love of it by 
 abundantly rewarding the good works of his believing people. — 
 But alas 1 it is far more natural and easy to imitate the faults 
 of eminent characters, than their faith and holiness ; and 
 too many conclude, that they may venture on improper con- 
 duct, because pious persons have been betrayed into it. 
 How careful therefore should we be, not to sanction trans- 
 gression, or give force to temptation, by our example ! * The 
 
 falls of them who have gone before us are as so many rocks, 
 on which others have split ; and the recording of them is 
 like placing buoys over them, for the security of future mari- 
 ners.’ Fuller. Such examples also show, that righteousness 
 cometh not by the law, but by the faith of Christ. — Let us, 
 however, imitate the conduct of Abimelech, in seriously rc- 
 roving Isaac, and in returning good for evil. It may also 
 e proper to inquire whether his abhorrence of adultery will 
 not risp up in judgment “ against such a nation as this,” or 
 at least against very many of its inhabitants, its robles, and 
 princes. 
 
 V. 12 — 35. The Lord detects and reproves his offending 
 servants; but he also pardons and blesses them. His bles- 
 sing maketh rich, and the increase of the earth is his gift : 
 but riches generally excite envy, suspicion, and jealousy ; 
 and we may very often call our worldly acquisitions, (as 
 Isaac did his wells,) contention and enmity. — “ The spirit 
 that is in us lusteth to envy and, while we watch and pray 
 against it in ourselves, we shall avoid whatever may need- 
 lessly excite it in others ; for when once it is kindled, none 
 can tell what malice and mischief it may occasion. — As 
 Isaac constantly chose to reside near a well, so we should 
 give up many other advantages, in order to be near the ordi- 
 nances of God. Many wili try to deprive us of these “ wells 
 of salvation but we must contend for them earnestly, yet 
 meekly ; and endeavour to preserve for our children, the reli- 
 gious privileges which we have received from our fathers. — In 
 other things, “ the wisdom which is from above,” will teach 
 us to recede from our right, and retire from the contentious ; 
 ( O'* ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Isaac when old sends Esau to take venison, intending to bless him , 1 — 4. Re* 
 bekah instructs Jacob how to secure the blessing, and overrules hie objec- 
 tions, 5 — 13. The stratagem succeeds, and Isaac blesses Jacob, supposing 
 him to be Esau, 14 — 29. Esau afterwards arrives, complains bitterly, and 
 by importunity ob.ains a blessing, 30 — 40. Esau purposes to murder Jacob , 
 who is sent away to Mesopotamia, 41 — 46. 
 
 A ND it came to pass that when Isaac was old, 
 and his eyes were a dim, so that he could not 
 see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto 
 him. My son : and he said unto him, Behold here 
 am I. 
 
 2 And he said, Behold now, I am old, b I know 
 not the day of my death. 
 
 3 Now therefore “take, I pray thee, thy wea- 
 pons, thy quiver, and thy bow, and go out to the 
 field, and ’take me some venison ; 
 
 4 And make me savoury meat, such as I lovt , 
 and bring it to me, that I may eat ; d that my soul 
 may bless thee before I die. 
 
 5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spake to 
 Esau his son : and Esau went to the field to hunt 
 for venison, and to bring it. 
 
 6 II And Rebekah spake unto Jacob her son, 
 saying, Behold, I heard thy lather speak unto 
 Esau thy brother, saying, 
 
 7 Bring me venison, and make me savoury meat, 
 that I may eat, and bless thee “before the Lord 
 before my death. 
 
 8 Now therefore, my son, fobey my voice, ac- 
 cording to that which I command thee. 
 
 10. 1 Pam. 3:2. Ec. 12:3. b 48:21. Prof. 27:1. Ec. 9:10. Is. 33:1. Jam. 4: 
 14. c 10:9. 25:27,28. • Heb. hun\ cl 7. 48:9,15-20. 49:28. I’eut. 33:1, &c. 
 
 Luke 24:51. Heb. 11:20. e Josh. 6:26. 1 Sam. 26:19. f 13. Acts 4:19. 5:29. 
 Eph. 6:1. 
 
 and if we are injuriously driven from one place, the Lord 
 will make room for us in another, and recompense us with the 
 assurance and consolations of bis love. Yea, he will “ make 
 our enemies to be at peace with us,” and to court our friend- 
 ship, acknowledging that he loveth us : and we should always 
 show ourselves disposed to reconciliation and hospitality. — 
 We must, however, have some trial to counterbalance each 
 comfort : yet children are highly culpable, who by their sins 
 grieve the hearts of their pious and affectionate parents : nor 
 has any thing been more generally (he banc of domestic hap- 
 piness, as well as of piety, than unhallowed marriages, and 
 the practice of polygamy. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVII. V. 1. The subsequent 
 narrative shows, that Joseph was born about fourteen years 
 after the events recorded in this chapter. (23:20,30. 30:21 — 
 26.) Joseph was thirty years of age when he stood before 
 Pharaoh; (41:46.) and after the seven years of plenty, and 
 twa or three years of famine, Jacob told Pharaoh that lie was 
 a hundred and thirty. (47:9.) Jacob must have been about 
 ninety when Joseph was born, and about seventy-five at this 
 time; and as Isaac was sixty when Esau and Jacob were 
 born, he must have been about a hundred and thirty-five or 
 six years of age. Since Esau married his two wives, thirty- 
 five or six years had elapsed, concerning which nothing is 
 recorded. 
 
 V. 2. Isaac deemed it best to settle his domestic concerns, 
 that he might not have incumbrances of that kind to discom- 
 pose him at the solemn season of death, which his infirmities 
 led him continually to expect. Yet he lived almost forty-four 
 years longer. 
 
 V. 3, 4. As this preparation was not intended for a public 
 feast, but merely for a private self-indulgent meal, it must be 
 considered as, in some degree, a carnal introduction to the 
 spiritual blessing, which Isaac purposed to pronounce : a 
 solemn sacrifice would have been much more consistent with 
 his character, and more suitable to t he occasion. (7.) — 
 Isaac’s partiality for Esau, and the custom of regarding the 
 elder brother as the heir, led him to forget, misunderstand, ot 
 disregard, the answer which the Lord had formerly given Re- 
 bekah on this subject. (25:23.) 
 
 V. 6 — 10. Rebekah was sensible that Isaac was about to 
 act improperly ; for she knew that the blessing was intended 
 for Jacob, anti expected that ho would have it. But she 
 ought cither calmly to have argued the ease and expostulated 
 with Isaac; or, if that appeared inexpedient, to have com- 
 mitted the matter to the Lord by prayer, and by no means 
 to have used any artifice on such an occasion. She indeed 
 did no wrong to Esau in regard to the birthright ; as both the 
 purpose of God, and his own agreement, ratified with an 
 oath, deprived him of all claim to it : (Notes, 25:22,33. 31 — 
 34.) but she injured Isaac, by practising an imposition upon 
 ltim ; and Jacob, by using her authority and persuasions to 
 tempt him to sin. She also dishonoured the power and faith- 
 fulness of God, by supposing that he needed such means of 
 effecting his purpose and fulfilling his promise. Nay, by 
 exciting Jacob to act so treacherous a part, she even threw a 
 stumbling-block in Esaus way; and furnished him with a 
 plausible pretext for his enmity, not only against his brother 
 but also against religion. 
 
B. C. 17G0. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 B. C. 1760 
 
 9 Go now to the flock, and fetch me from thence 
 «t\vo good kids of the goats ; and I will make them 
 sinoury meat for thv father, such as lie loveth. 
 
 10 And thou shaft bring it to thy father, that 
 he may eat, ana tnai ne may bless Uiee neiore ms 
 death. 
 
 11 And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, Be- 
 hold, Esau my brother, is a h hairy man, and I am 
 a smooth man. 
 
 12 My father peradventure will feel me, and I 
 shall seem to him as 'a deceiver; k and 1 shall bring 
 a curse upon me, and not a blessing. 
 
 13 And his mother said unto him, ‘Upon me be 
 thy curse, my son : only obey my voice, and go 
 fetch me them. 
 
 14 And he went, and fetched, and brought them 
 to his mother : and his mother m made savoury 
 meat, such as his father loved. 
 
 15 And Rebekah took ‘goodly raiment of her 
 eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, 
 and put them upon Jacob her younger son. 
 
 16 And she put the skins of the kids of the goats 
 upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck. 
 
 17 And she gave the savoury meat, and the 
 bread which she had prepared, into the hand of 
 her son Jacob. 
 
 18 11 And he came unto his father, and said, 
 My father: And he said, Here am I: who art 
 thou, my son? 
 
 19 And Jacob said unto his father, n I am Esau 
 thy first-born ; I have done according as thou 
 badest me : arise, I pray thee, sit and eat of my 
 venison, that thy soul may bless me. 
 
 20 And Isaac said unto his son, How is it that 
 
 thou hast found it so quickly, my son ? And he 
 said, “Because the Lord thy God brought it ho 
 me. * 
 
 21 And Isaac said unto Jacob, Come near, I 
 pray thee, that I may feel thee, my son, whether 
 thou be my very son Esau, or not. 
 
 22 And Jacob went near unto Isaac his father ; 
 and he felt him, and said, The voice is Jacob’s 
 voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. 
 
 gjudg. 13:15. 1 Sam. 16:20. h 15:25. i 36 . 25:27. IThes. 5:22. k9:25. 
 
 Deut. 27:18. Mai. 1:14. 125:23,33. 1 Sam. 11:24— 28,36— 45. 2Sam. 11:9. 
 
 Mall. 27:25. m 4,7,9,17,31. 25:28. Ps. 141:4. Prov. 23:2,3. • Heb . .tesira- 
 
 hlt. 27. n 21,24. 29:23—25. 1 Kings 13:18. 14:2. Zech. 13:3,4. Mall. 26:70-74. 
 o Ex. 20:7. f Heb. before me. p l Sam. 21:2,13. 27:10. 2 Sain. 14:5. Job 13: 
 7,8. 15:5. Prov. 12:19,22. 30:8. Rom. 3:7,8. Eph. 4:2-5. qCanl.2:13. 4:11—14. 
 7:12,13. Hos. 14:6. r26:12. Heb. 6:7. s Deut 11:11,12. 32:2. 33:13,28 . 2Sam. 
 1:21. 1 Kings 17:1. Ps. 65:9— 13. 133:3. Hos. 14:5,7. Mic. 5:7. t 39. 45:18. 
 
 V. 11 — 14. Jacob objected to the proposed measure as 
 impolitic ; and feared that he should be detected, and put to 
 shame, for trying to impose on his father by means of his in- 
 firmities ; and that he should thus provoke him to pronounce a 
 curse on him instead of a blessing: but he does not seem to 
 have been in any degree properly impressed with the sense of 
 the exceedingly great criminality of the attempt. And Re- 
 bekah, (who, from her confidence that Jacob would obtain the 
 blessing, was encouraged to urge him to commit evident sin,) 
 in engaging to take the consequences on herself, acted too 
 much like those persons who are bold in transgression, because 
 “ God is rich in mercy.” Thus they both contracted deep 
 guilt, for which they were afterwards sharply chastised; yet 
 the purposes of God were accomplished, even by means of 
 their misconduct. 
 
 V. IS. The animals, in those hot climates, are not co- 
 vered with so thick a coat of hair, as they are in more nor- 
 therly regions. 
 
 V. 19,20. Jacob not only told the most palpable falsehoods 
 on this occasion, but directly profaned the name of the Lord 
 in his answer to Isaac’s inquiry ; and thus made religion the 
 cloak of his dissimulation 1 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Isaac no doubt would have rejoiced to hear 
 Esau use the language of piety, as Jacob had affected to do: 
 yet this circumstance seems to have concurred in exciting his 
 suspicions. But as his eyes failed him, he distrusted his ears 
 also; and thus the plan of Rebekah succeeded. — How won- 
 derful is that difference, which there is betwixt the faces and 
 the voices of the several individuals of the human species ! 
 Scarcely any two of the innumerable millions are exactly alike 
 in either, and yet the difference cannot be defined or de- 
 scribed ! The power, wisdom, and kindness of our Creator, 
 should be admired and adored in this remarkable circum- 
 stance ; for they are very visible. — This description of Jacob 
 is not unaptly accommodated to the character of a hypocrite : 
 his voice , his language, is that of a Christian ; his hands , or 
 conduct, that of an ungodly man : but the judgment will pro- 
 ceed from God the Judge of all, at the last day, as in the pre- 
 sent case, not by the voice, but by the hands. 
 
 Vol. I.— 9 
 
 23 And lie discerned him not, because his hand* 
 were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands. So he 
 blessed him. 
 
 24 And lie said, Art thou my very son Esau ? 
 And he said, *4 am. 
 
 25 Ana ne said, Bring it near to me. and 1 
 will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may 
 bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and 
 he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he 
 drank. 
 
 26 And his father Isaac said unto him, Come 
 near now, and kiss me, my son. 
 
 27 And he came near, and kissed him : and he 
 smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him. 
 and said, See, Uhe smell of my son is as the smeli 
 of a field, r which the Lord hath blessed. 
 
 28 Therefore God give thee 8 of the dew of hea- 
 ven, and ‘the fatness of the earth, and “plenty ot 
 corn and wine. 
 
 29 “Let people serve thee, and nations bow 
 down to thee; y be lord over thy brethren, and let 
 thy mother’s sons bow down to thee c, ‘Cursed be 
 every one that curseth thee, and blessed be he 
 
 that blesseth thee. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 30 H And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had 
 made an end of blessing Jacob, and Jacob was 
 
 et scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac 
 is father, that Esau his brother came in from his 
 hunting. 
 
 31 And he also had made savoury meat, and 
 brought it unto his father; and said unto his 
 father, Let my father arise, and eat of his son’s 
 venison, that thy soul may bless me. 
 
 32 And Isaac his fcther said unto him, Who 
 
 art thou ? And he said, I am thy son, thy first 
 born Esau. * 
 
 33 And Isaac ttrembled very exceedingly, and 
 said, Who, where is he that hath Haken venisOn, 
 and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before 
 thou earnest, and have blessed him ? “yea, and he 
 shall be blessed. 
 
 34 And when Esau heard the words of his 
 father, b he cried with a great and exceeding bittei 
 
 Ps. 36:8. Rom. 11:17. u Deut. 7:13. 8:8. 33:28. x 9:25. 49:8— 10 . 2 Sam. 
 8:10. 1 Kiries 4:21 . I s. 2:6— 9. 72:8. Is. 9:7. Dan. 2144,45. Rev. 19:16. v 37 
 25:22,23. 2 Sam. 8:14. 1 Kings 11:15,16 . 22:47. 2 ( hr. 25 11— 14. Ps.60: title 
 Is. 63:1— 6. Mai. 1:2— 5. Rom. 9:12. i 12:3. Num.24:9. Zech. 2:8,9. MotU 
 25:40,45. } Heb. trembled with a great trembling greatly. Job 21:6. 37:1. 
 
 Ps. 55:5. § Heb. hunted, a 28:3,4/ Rom. 1 1 :29. Heb. 11 :20. b 1 Sam. 30:4. 
 Prov. 1:24—28. 19:3. Luke 13:24—28. lleb. 12.17. 
 
 V. 27 — 29. The hand of God is manifest in this trans- 
 action ; and the bledfeing pronounced on Jacob was an evident 
 prophecy, which was fulfilled in the history of the two nations 
 descended from Jacob and Esau ; and indeed the language of 
 the original implies this ; being literally, 14 God shall give thee. . . 
 the people shall serve thee, &c.” It is likewise observab’e,. 
 that no explicit mention is made here, as elsewhere, of the 
 promised Seed and of the promised land. Perhaps Isaac was 
 conscious, that these were intended for Jacob, and confined 
 his interpretation of the answer given Rebekah to these par- 
 ticulars ; or he deemed that matter determined by the sale 
 of the birthright ; or he knew that Esau did not set much 
 value on the spiritual meaning of the blessing, and therefore 
 couched it in general terms. Indeed, he seems to have spoken 
 with hesitation ; yet he was led to use such expressions, as 
 assigned the dominion to Jacob, and conferred on him the 
 substance of the blessings first promised to Abraham. (JVote v 
 12:1 — 3.) — Deiu , &c. (28.) Marg . Ref. s. — Thy mother's 
 
 sons. (29.) The sons not only of the same father, as Ishmael 
 was brother to Isaac ; but of the same mother also, as Jacob 
 was brother to Esau. Jacob, with his posterity, was especially 
 intended, whom Isaac desired and hoped would be subject to 
 Esau and his posterity; though their mother Rebekah, as he 
 well knew, favoured Jacob. 
 
 V. 33. By the unexpected entrance of Esau, and his ad- 
 dress and answer, Isaac was exceedingly agitated and alarmed. 
 Various reflections now rushed at once into his mind ; and he 
 was convinced that he had been rashly attempting to counteract 
 the appointment of God. The language of this verse most 
 emphatically expresses the confusion into which he was 
 thrown, on perceiving in what manner his intention had been 
 counteracted : but he acquiesced in what had been done, as 
 manifestly the will of God : and indeed he seems to have been 
 directed by the Spirit of prophecy, in thus confirming the 
 blessing to Jacob. 
 
 V. 34. Esau was exceedingly grieved and vexed at being 
 thus circumvented and disappointed ; and at finding that the 
 providence of God had ratified his former foolish bargain. 
 Perhaps he dreaded some immediate temporal calamity in 
 
 ( S5 ) 
 
B. C. 1 7K), 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1760 
 
 cry, and said unto liis father, Bless me, even me 
 also, O my father. . 
 
 35 And he said, c Thy brother came with sub- 
 tlety, and hath taken away thy blessing. 
 
 36 And he said. Is not he rightly named ' Jacob ? 
 for he hath supplanted me these two times : he 
 took away my birthright; and behold now he 
 hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast 
 thou not reserved a blessing for me ? 
 
 37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, 
 Behold, d I have made hirn thy lord, and all his 
 brethren have I given to him for servants ; and 
 with corn and wine have I ‘sustained him: and 
 what shall I do now unto thee, my son ? 
 
 38 And Esau said unto his father, 'Hast thou but 
 one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O 
 my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 
 
 39 And Isaac his Either answered, and said 
 unto him, 'Behold thy dwelling shall be ‘the fatness 
 of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. 
 
 40 And by g thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt 
 ‘serve thy brother : and it shall come to pass when 
 tlym shalt have the dominion, that ‘thou shalt break 
 his yoke from off thy neck. 
 
 c 19— 23. 2 Kin°s 10:19. Mnl. 2:10. 1 Thes. 4:6. * Thnl is, a Supplanter. 25: 
 31— 34. 32:28. John 147. d 29. 23:23. limn. 9:10— 12. t Or <//«/. e34, 
 36. 49:28. Is. 65:14. Heb. 12:17. 136:6—8. Josh. 24:4. | Or .of the <atness.‘28. 
 g 32:6. It 2 Sam. 8:14. 1 Kings 11:15— 17. 2 Kings 14:7,10. 1 Chi'. 18:11—13.2 
 Chr. 25: 11,12. Ps. 60:8. Obad. 17—21. 1 2 Kings 8:20— 22. 2Chr.21:8. *4:5- 
 S. Ezek. 25.12—14. 35:5. Amos 1:11,12. Ob. 10— 14. I John 3:12. 135:29.50:4, 
 
 consequence : yet it is plain that he expressed no proper value 
 r or the spiritual blessings of the covenant, made with Abra- 
 ham and Isaac, which were thus transferred to Jacob. 
 
 V. 36. Is not he ? &c.] tow 'on Or, u Is it because 
 one called his name Jacob?” — Does he act in this manner, 
 because the name Jacob was given him? — See 2 Sam. 23:19. 
 Heb. Esau spoke, as if Jacob had taken away the birth- 
 right by force or -fraud ; being more disposed to blame his 
 brother than himself. — Jacob.] Note , 25:25,26. 
 
 \. 38. If Esau might not have that very blessing, which 
 was promised to Abraham, and then limited to Isaac, and 
 now given to Jacob, and which implied and typified the ever- 
 lasting blessings which believers have in and by Christ, as 
 descended from Jacob; he earnestly entreated, that he might 
 have an assurance of some blessing, though not exactly of the 
 same kind. 
 
 And Esau lifted up , &c.] 1 And Isaac being pierced in 
 
 his heart , (Karavv^evrog, Acts 2:37. Gr.) Esau cried out 
 with his voice and wept.’ Sept. 
 
 V. 39, 40. This blessing was very well suited to Esau’s 
 character, and probably would not have been disagreeable to 
 him, had it not been for the clause, “ Thou shalt serve thy 
 brother.” Yet it was intimated that Esau’s posterity would 
 break the yoke, and not serve submissively, but indignantly ; 
 and that at some times they would be so powerful as to revolt 
 successfully, though never so as to acquire dominion over the 
 descendants of Jacob. (Marg.Ref.) Probably, the coun- 
 try in which Esau dwelt, was fertile in his days ; but it after- 
 wards became barren. (Note, Mai. 1:2 — 5.) 
 
 V. 41, 42. Jacob had given Esau a plausible pretext for 
 his enmity ; yet it originated from the same source, and was 
 of the same nature, as the hatred of Cain to Abel; namely, 
 the piety of Jacob’s character, and the evident preference 
 which the Lord had manifested for him. — Esau seems to have 
 retained no regard for Rebekah, whom probably he disliked 
 for her love to Jacob, and for assisting him in procuring the 
 blessing: and therefore, when Isaac should be removed, 
 (which he erroneously supposed would soon take place, 
 Note, 2.) he purposed to slay his brother, whatever anguish 
 his mother might endure. And, it seems, he could not keep 
 his purpose to himself ; but told it to others, and thus it came 
 to the ears of Rebekah. 
 
 V. 45. Both in one day.] Either by the death of the 
 murtlerer, by some judgment from God, if human justice 
 reached him not ; or by her son Esau’s thus becoming so vile, 
 as to be only a trouble and a grief of heart to her. 
 
 V. 46. Rebekah, being reluctant to render Isaac’s mind 
 more uneasy, did not mention tho principal reason of her 
 proposal ; but adduced one, which was perfectly consistent 
 with truth, and which gives us a melancholy idea of Esau’s 
 two wives, and the effect of this part of his conduct on his 
 father’s domestic felicity : for her words imply, that they were 
 still living; though she likewise referred to the general cha- 
 racter of the daughters of the land. — “ What good ? &c.”] 
 Or, w For what do I live ?” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 29. What is long life, of which we are naturally 
 bo desirous, but surviving our dearest friends and choicest 
 comforts, our capacities of enjoyment, and our very faculties 
 and senses ? and what can life then be, but “labour and sor- 
 ow ?” — We should indeed be willing to live as long as, either 
 jy active service or patient suffering, we can glorify God and 
 ‘serve our generation:” but we should never postpone the 
 ( 66 ) 
 
 41 II And Esau k hated Jacob, Decause of the 
 blessing wherewith his father blessed him : and 
 Esau said in his heart, ‘The days of mourning for 
 my father are at hand, ra then will I slay my brother 
 Jacob. 
 
 42 And these words of Esau her elder son were 
 told to Rebekah : And she sent and called Jacob 
 her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy 
 brother Esau, asfouching thee, doth "comfort him- 
 self, purposing to kill thee. 
 
 43 Now therefore, my soil, "obey my voice : and 
 arise, tlee thou to Laban my brolher to rHaran. 
 
 44 And tarry with him few days, until thy 
 brother’s fury turn away ; 
 
 45 Until thy brother’s anger turn away from 
 thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to 
 him : 'then I will send and fetch thee from thence. 
 “Why should I be deprived also of you both in one 
 day ? 
 
 46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, ‘I am weary of 
 my life, “because of the daughters of Heth : if 
 Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such 
 as these which are of the daughters of the land, 
 what good shall my life do rpe ? 
 
 10,11. Pent. 34:8. 2 hr. 35:24. Ps. 35:14. m2 Sam. 13.28,29. Ec.7:9. Eph.4 
 26,27. 1 J..hn 3:12—15. n 37: 18-20. 42.21 ,22. Job 20:12-14. Ps. 61:3. Prov.2 
 14. 4:16.17. o8,13.28:7. l J rov. 30:17. Jer. 35:14. Arm 6:29 p 11:31. 12:4.5 
 28:10. q 31:38 r Prov. 19:21. Lom.3:37. Jum. 4:13— 15. a 4:3— 16. 9:5, « 
 2 Sam. 14:6,7. Acta 28:4. t Num. 11:15. 1 Kings 19:4. Job 3:20— 22. 7: 16 
 14:13. Jon. 4:3,9. u 26:34,35. 23:8 . 34:1,2. 
 
 necessary preparation for death ; and, if ready, we need not 
 be unwilling to quit this vale of tears, whenever the Lore 
 shall call. Nor will the constant expectation of that uncer- 
 tain hour, or habitual preparation for it, in the least haster 
 its approach. — The same impartiality, which influenced the 
 inspired writer, requires us to note, that we must not follow 
 the best of men further than they act in conformity to the law 
 of God, and that we meet with many things in this chapter 
 decidedly to condemn and slum : such as Isaac’s partiality for 
 profane Esau, and the unworthy grounds of that preference ; 
 his disregard of the divine revelation, and his heedless at- 
 tempt to disannul the purposes of God ; Rebckuh’s rash 
 project to deceive Isaac, her putting into Jacob’s mouth 
 many falsehoods, and urging him to venture on them with her 
 absurd engagement, “Upon me be thy curse, my son ;” ana 
 Jacob’s undertaking and going through with this most fraudu- 
 lent and disgraceful design. Nor could their faith, or desire 
 of the blessing, justify or excuse, (much less sanctify,) such 
 unlawful means ; for “ we must not do evil that good may 
 come.” We may likewise observe, that the arts of falsehood 
 are soon learned ; that one sin makes way for many ; and 
 that “ a lying lip is but for a moment.” Nor can they ex- 
 pect to be treated with candour and truth by others, who do 
 not strictly adhere to veracity themselves. (Notes, 29:22, 
 23. 37:32.) 
 
 V. 30 — 46. They, who profanely despise spiritual bles- 
 
 sings, may one day bewail their folly with unavailing lamen- 
 tations ; nay, even in this world, there are seasons when the 
 most ungodly perceive and envy, though they will not seek 
 for the superior felicity of believers. — Impenitent sinners 
 blame any rather than themselves: and, in the abundance of 
 worldly enjoyments, they soon forget the folly and misery of 
 forfeiting spiritual blessings. — A pious man, when reminded 
 and convinced of the will of God, will submit his*inelination 
 to it, though before he were otherwise minded. — The wicked, 
 indeed, being the seed of the old serpent, implacably and 
 without cause hate the righteous: but sometimes the miscon- 
 duct of the latter furnishes them with a pretext, and draws 
 forth their enmity into more immediate malice and murder ; 
 and it .behooves us to be very circumspect, that we may not 
 thus become their tempters. — There is much wickedness in 
 the world ; but far more in the heart of man. It is however 
 restrained by fear, natural affection, shame, conscience, or 
 human laws ; without which the earth would be a mere field 
 of blood : for that heart must be truly diabolical, which can 
 seek comfort in a brother’s murder. — Though the Lord over- 
 ruled the conduct of the parties concerned in the transac- 
 tions here recorded, to the accomplishment of his own pur- 
 poses ; yet we may learn his judgment respecting it, from 
 Isaac’s trembling and consternation, and the subsequent dis- 
 cord in his family ; from the anguish of Rebekah, when she 
 heard of Esau’s murderous intentions, and when she parted 
 with her beloved Jacob, probably no more to meet with him 
 on earth ; from Jacob’s tedious exile, and great and many 
 hardships ; and from his fear, long after, that, enraged Esau 
 would smite the mother with the children. (32:11.) — Wo 
 would commend Rebekah for her prudent care to prevent the 
 fatal effects of her son’s anger, for her tenderness to Isaac, 
 and for her dislike to the ill behaviour of Esau’s wives ; yet 
 it is hard to express abhorrence of evil, without some mixture 
 of impatience : for life may be valuable and useful, though 
 the world, and even our near relatives be wicked and un- 
 grateful. 
 
B. C. 1760. 
 
 CHAPTER aXVIII. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 Isaac bleat e* Jacob , and sends him to Ptulan aram to take a wife from thence , 
 1—5. Esau marries Mnhaluth the daughter of Tthmad, 6 — 9. Jacob jour- 
 rues, >. us a atone us a pillar, culls the place 
 
 Bcth-cl, and makes a solemn vow, 10 — *22. 
 
 A ND Isaac called Jacob, and "blessed him, and 
 charged him, and said unto him, b Thou shalt 
 not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan. 
 
 2 Arise, go to c Padan-aram, to the house of 
 Bethuel thy mother’s father ; and take thee a wife 
 from thence of the daughters of d Laban thy mo- 
 ther’s brother. 
 
 3 And "God Almighty bless thee, fand make 
 thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest 
 be ‘a multitude of people : 
 
 4 And give thee g the blessing of Abraham, to 
 thee and to thy seed with thee ; that thou mayest 
 inherit the land Hvherein thou art a stranger, 
 •“which God gave unto Abraham. 
 
 5 And Isaac sent away Jacob, and he went to 
 Padan-aram unto Laban, son of Bethuel the Sy- 
 rian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob’s and Esau’s 
 mother. 
 
 6 H When ' Esau saw that Isaac had blessed 
 Jacob, and sent him away to Padan-aram, to take 
 him a wife from thence : and that as he blessed 
 him, he gave him a charge, saying, Thou shalt 
 not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan : 
 
 7 And k that Jacob obeyed his father, and his 
 mother, and was gone to Padan-aram : 
 
 8 And Esau seeing that 'the daughters of Ca- 
 naan tpleased not Isaac his father : 
 
 9 Then went Esau ra unto Ishmael, and took 
 unto the wives which he had, SMahalath the 
 daughter of Ishmael Abraham’s son, the sister of 
 Nebajoth, to be his wife. 
 
 a 3,4. 27:^7 — 33. b 21:3,37. 26:34,35. 27:46. 31:9,16. Ex. 31:15,16. 2Cnr.6: 
 14—16. c 22:20— 23. 24:10,15—84. 25:20. 31:18. 35:9 . 46:15. <124:29,50. 
 t 17:4 — 6. 2217,18. 33:11. 43:14. 4S:3. Ex. 6:3. 2Cor.6:18. Rev. 21:22. 11:23. 
 9:1. 24:60. 11:52. Ps. 127:3 — 5. * Heb. an assembly of people . gl2:l — 3,7. 
 15:5—7. 17 6 — S. 22:17,18. Gal. 3:8,14. Eph.!:3. t Hill, of thy snjournings. 
 h 13:14—17. 15:18—21. ' s. 105:5—12. Heb. 11:9-13. i 27:33. k 27:43. Pro*. 
 30:17. Eph. 6:1 — 3. 1 1. 24:3. 23:34,35. J Heb. were evil in 'be eyes. 1 >ain. 
 8:6 mirg. m25:13— 17. 36:3. § Called also, Bashcmat’i. 86:3. n 11:31. 
 
 Hos. 12:12. || Acts 7:2. Charran. o Mact. 8:20. p 15:1,12. 20:6,7. 37:5-11. 
 40: 41: Num. 12:6. .lob 4:12— 21. 33:15,16. Can. 2: 4: 7:1. Malt. 1:20. 2:12,13. 
 19. q 32:1,2. 2 Chr. 1S:9. Is. 41:10. John 1:51. 2 Tim. 4:16,17. Heb. 1:14. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVIII. V. 2. Bethuel.] Bethuel 
 had been long dead, but Jacob was directed to*go to his family 
 and descendants. 
 
 V. 3. 4. Isaac at this time deliberately Confirmed the bles- 
 sing before pronounced on Jacob ; lest it should not be deemed 
 valid, seeing it had been obtained by fraud. — And it is remark- 
 able, that he more explicitly than before mentions the bles- 
 sings which God gave to Abraham and his seed, as thus pledged 
 to Jacob. — The original is, “God Almighty shall bless thee 
 being the language of prophecy, rather than of prayer. (Note, 
 27:27—29.) 
 
 V. 9. Ishmael had been dead some time, but Esau went 
 to his family. It is doubtful whether he would have done 
 right, had he married Ishmael’s daughter, first and singly. 
 Probably, some regard to Abraham’s God remained in Ish- 
 mael’s familj' ; yet it did not look well in Esau to unite himself 
 with those who were cast out from the inheritance by God 
 himself: and to marry a descendant of Ishmael, when he had 
 two other wiyes, was certainly wrong, and wholly contrary to 
 the original institution of marriage. 
 
 V. 10. 11. We should not resolve the solitary journey of 
 Jacob, on this occasion, merely into the simplicity of the times : 
 for the servant of Abraham, when he took the same journey 
 on a similar occasion, had a suitable retinue; and probably 
 Isaac was much more wealthy than his father. We may there- 
 fore suppose, that the plan was concerted by Rebekah, in 
 order that Jacob might set out, unobserved by Esau, lest he 
 should embrace that opportunity of murdering him ; and that 
 Esau’s envy and jealousy might not be inflamed, as they 
 would have been, had Jacob been sent away with a suitable 
 attendance ; but rather be abated by the consideration of the 
 hardships to which he was exposed : and to show that he did 
 not, in consequence of the birthright and blessing, advance 
 any claim to the temporal riches of his father. — Jacob, as a 
 plain man, would have no objection to go unattended and ob- 
 scure. Yet we must not conclude from the meanness of this 
 night’s lodging, that he had not wherewithal to purchase abet- 
 ter : but as night came on, and there was no public inn nor 
 hospitable person at hand ; and as the climate was mild, and 
 the spot pleasant, (Note, 19 :) having taken such refreshment 
 ts he had with him, and being weary and of a hardy dispo- 
 sition, he soon composed him to sleep ; though in circum- 
 stances which we should think neither comfortable nor secure. 
 
 V. 12. This ladder seems to have been an emblem of the 
 gracious care, which the God of heaven takes of the inha- 
 bitants of the earfh, especially of such as fear and trust in 
 him This is, in many things, carried on by the ministry of 
 
 B. C. 1 76C. 
 
 To H And Jacob went out from Becr-shcba, ana 
 "went toward l! Haran. 
 
 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and 
 tarried there all night, because the sun was sei • 
 °and he took of the stones of that place, and pul 
 them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to 
 
 Sleep. [ Practical Observations .7 
 
 12 And rhe dreamed, and behold, a ladder set 
 upon the earth, and the top of it reached to hea- 
 ven ; and behold the angels of God ascending and 
 descending on it. 
 
 13 And behold, r the Lord stood above it, and 
 said, 'I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, 
 and the God of Isaac : ‘the land whereon thou 
 liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed. 
 
 14 And "thy seed shall he as the dust of the 
 earth : and thou shalt ’’spread abroad *to the west, 
 and to the east, and to the north, and to the south : 
 rand in thee and in thy seed shall all the families 
 of the earth be blessed. 
 
 15 And behold, T am with thee, and will keep thee 
 in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee 
 again into this land : for I will not leave thee "until 
 I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 
 
 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he 
 said, Surely the Lord is in this place ; b and 1 knew 
 it not. 
 
 17 And c he was afraid, and said, How dreadful 
 is this place ! this is none other but d the house of 
 God, and this is the gate of heaven. 
 
 18 If And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and 
 took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and "set 
 it up /or a pillrfr, and 'poured oil upon the top of it. 
 
 19 And he called sthe name of that place "Beth-el. 
 but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. 
 
 r 35:1,6,7. 48:3. s 15:1. 31:42. 32:9. 46:3. Ex. 3'6,I5,1«. Matt. 22:32. l Set 
 on 4. 1113:16.35:11,12. Num. 23:10. II Heb. break forth, x Ueut. 12:20 
 Mali. 8:11. v 12:3. 18:18 . 22:18. 26:4. Gal. 3 16. 1 20,21 . 26:24 . 31:3.39:2, 
 21. 46:4. Ex."3: 12. Josh. 1:5. Judg.6:16. Ps. 46:7,11. Is. 7 14. 8:10. 43:2. Jer 
 1:19. Malt. 18:2'l. 28:20. Rom. 8:31. Heb. 13:5,6. aNum. 23:19. Josh. 23:14 
 —16. Matt. 21:35. b Ex. 3:5. Josh. 515. Job 9:11. c Ex. 3:6. Judg. 13:22. 
 Matt. 17:0. Rev. 1:17. d 22. 2 Chr. 5:14. Ec.5:l. Heb. 10-21. 1 let. 4:17 
 e 31:13.45. 35:14,20. Josh. 24:26,27. 1 Sarn. 7:12, 2 Sam. 18:18. Is. 19:19. f Lev 
 8:10— 12. Num. 7:1. g 12:8. 35:1. 48:3. Judg. 1:22-26. Hos. 12:4,5. ••Thai 
 in, The house of God. 
 
 holy angels, executing his mandates and reporting their ser- 
 vices. (Note, 24:2 — 9.) But it is vouchsafed to us, only 
 through Jesus Christ, as “ God manifest in the flesh,” the 
 Mediator and Advocate for sinners. He is the true Ladder ; 
 and Jacob, as well as Abraham, “ saw his day and was glad.” 
 (Note, John 1:47 — 51.) — 1 It was giving the patriarch a glimpse 
 of that glory, which should be accomplished in his Seed. 
 Fuller. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. The Lord seems to have appeared to Jacob 
 above the ladder, in some visible form ; and, as the God of 
 Abraham and Isaac, he ratified to him in the fullest manner 
 the blessings originally covenanted to them ; accompanying 
 this transaction with most encouraging promises, suited to his 
 present circumstances. — He was at this time about seventy- 
 five years of age, and unmarried. 
 
 V. 16, 17. Jacob was not ignorant of God’s omnipresent e, 
 or of his gracious nearness to those who fear him. But, hav- 
 ing left his father’s house under the rebukes of Providence, 
 probably uneasy in his conscience, and fleeing from the face 
 of enraged Esau being removed not only from the company 
 of endeared friends, (of wh«m he had taken a sorrowful fare- 
 well,) but from the ordinances of divine worship ; and having 
 nothing before him but a long journey into a strange country ; 
 his heart was disquieted within him, and he was ready to say, 
 “ I am banished from the sight of thine eyes.” Little ex- 
 pecting the ordinary comforts of religion, he was surprised 
 with this extraordinary visit, and these gracious assurances, 
 which in fact formed a prophetical revelation of the Lord’s 
 will to him : and, in a deep sense of his own unworthiness, 
 ashamed of his unbelieving despondency, and in a thankful, 
 reverential acknowledgment of the divine condescension, he 
 thus expressed his mingled affections. — The vision of angels 
 and the display of the divine glory, with the gracious pro- 
 mises which he had received, induced the conviction, that 
 Jehovah was present in a special manner in that place, 
 which thus might he considered as “ the house of God, and 
 the gate of heaven for there He appeared, attended by his 
 angelic retinue. 
 
 V. 18. Jacob thus expressed, as well as he was able in 
 his present situation, his willing mind to offer “ the sacrifice 
 of praise,” and his desire to keep in remembrance the good- 
 ness of the Lord ; and to leave a sort of monument, by which 
 the place of this gracious vision might be readily known, when 
 he should return to perform his vows. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 19. It seems that there was even then a ci y near the 
 place, though Jacob did not go to it. — Luz.] nS. This 
 word is rendered hazel, (30:37.) where alone it occurs in the 
 
 ( G7 ) 
 
B. C. 17IjO 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1753 
 
 20 And Jaw \ h vowed a vow, saying. ‘If God 
 will be with me and will keep me in this way that 
 I go, and k will give me bread to eat and raiment 
 to put on : 
 
 21 So that I come again to my father’s house 
 in peace : 'then shall the Lord he my God ; 
 
 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, 
 shall be '"God’s house : and of all that thou shalt 
 give me, n I will surely give the tenth unto thee. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Jacob arrives at Haran, and confers with S’>me shepherds , 1 — 8. He meets 
 with Rachel , is entertained b/ L>iban, and se-ves seven years for Rachel , 
 9 — 20. He is cheated by Laban with Leab ; he remonstrates, and Laban 
 excuses himself ; Jacob m irries both sis ers. and serves other seven years, 
 21 — 30. Rachel is barren ; but L.ah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Ju- 
 dah, 31 — 35. 
 
 T HEN “Jacob 'went on his journey, and b came 
 into the land of the ‘people of the east. 
 
 2 And he looked, and behold, c a well in the field, 
 and lo, d there were three flocks of sheep lying by 
 it ; for out of that well they watered tne flocks : 
 and a great stone was upon the well’s mouth. 
 
 3 And thither were all the flocks gathered : and 
 they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and 
 watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon 
 the well’s mouth in his place. 
 
 4 And Jacob said unto them, My brethren, 
 whence be ye? and they said, e Of Haran are we. 
 
 5 And he said unto them. Know ye Laban the 
 son of Nahor? And they said, We know him. 
 
 6 And he said unto them, f Js ‘he well ? And 
 they said, He is well : and behold, Rachel his 
 daughter cometh with the sheep. 
 
 7 And he said, g Lo, Ht is yet high day, neither 
 
 h Lev. 27. Num. 6:1—20. 21:2,3. Judg. 11:30,31. 1 Sam. 1:11. 14:24. 2 
 Sam. 15:8. Neh. 9:10. Ps. 76:11. 119:106. Ec.5:l— 7. Is. 19:21. Jon. 1:16. 
 Acts 18:18. 23:12 — 15. i See on 15. kl Tim. 6:8. 1 Ex. 15:2. Deut. 25:17. 
 
 2 Kings 5:17. m 17. 35:1—15. n 14:20. Lev. 27:30—33. Deut. 14:22,23. 
 a Ps. 119:32. Ec. 9:7. * HqJ}. lifted up his feet, b 28:5—7. Num. 23:7. Jude. 
 6:3,33. 7:12. 8:10. I Kings 4:30. t^eb. chd Iren. c24:ll. Ex. 2:15. tils. 23: 
 
 Hebrew. — Probably the spot was remarkable for the num- 
 ber of hazel trees which it produced. The meaning gene- 
 rally given it, as denoting an almond tree, is taken from the 
 Arabic. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 20 — 22. Jacob solemnly bound himself unto God by a 
 voluntary engagement in the particulars here stated. His 
 language does not imply any unbelieving distrust of the divine 
 promise, or disposition to dictate to the Lord : but he merely 
 took his words, put the most moderate sense upon them, and 
 intimated, that having food and raiment, he desired no more ; 
 and that,^vhen he returned in peace, as it had been promised, 
 he would publicly set up the worship of the Lord his God, as 
 his father and grandfather had done ; build an altar in that 
 very spot ; and offer the tenth of all the substance which 
 he brought back with him, to the immediate service of God, 
 and the support of his worship, or to pious and charitable uses 
 in general. All that he engaged for was lawful and prac- 
 ticable ; and the circumstances, the place of this solemn wor- 
 ship, and the proportion of his goods to be thus dedicated, 
 were in themselves things discretionary, and thus the proper 
 matter for a religious vow. This is the first instance of the 
 kind which we meet with in Scripture. Yet Abraham had 
 given the same proportion of the spoils to Melchizedek, and 
 it was afterwards appropriated by the law to the priests: so 
 that we may reasonably suppose, the patriarchs had some 
 traditional or immediate intimations of the will of God in this 
 particular. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Y. 1 — 11. It is incumbent on parents to unite their in- 
 fluence and authority with wisdom and experience, in warn- 
 ing and advising their children, and in charging things of con- 
 sequence upon their consciences: and when such instructions 
 are joined with fervent, affectionate prayers, they are likely 
 to make a deep impression. It is also well, when former 
 miscarriages render us more watchful and attentive ; and 
 when we have humility enough, openly and explicitly to re- 
 tract what we have erroneously attempted. — Good examples 
 of obedience to God and pious parents, cannot but make 
 some impressions, even upon the profane and malicious ; but 
 a few external acts of partial or imaginary amendment, which 
 only spring from a desire of pleasing men, too often serve as 
 a fatal quietus to the conscience. — We know not to what 
 hardships we may in Providence be called : it is therefore 
 prudent to inure ourselves to labour and self-denial ; as the 
 mean accommodations, which are intolerable to the delicate 
 and luxurious, are scarcely inconvenient to those, who have 
 been accustomed to labour and fare hardly. 
 
 V. 12 — 22. When the Lord hath made his offending chil- 
 dren humbly sensible of their misconduct, he will again cn- 
 « ourage them, lest they should 44 be swallowed up of over- 
 much sorrow :” and generally the sweetest comforts are 
 afforded in the sharpest trials, and surprise us when ready to 
 faint under deserved rebukes. — When the soul by faith can 
 ( 68 ) 
 
 is it time that the cattle shoulfl he gathered toge- 
 ther: water ye the sheep, and go arid feed them. 
 
 8 And they said, We cannot, h until all the flocks 
 be gathered together, and till they roll the stone 
 from the well’s mouth ; then we water the sheep. 
 
 9 And while he yet spake with them, ‘Rachel 
 came with her father’s sheep: for she kept them. 
 
 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel 
 the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and 
 the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother ; that 
 Jacob went near, k and rolled the stone from the 
 well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his 
 mother’s brother. 
 
 11 And Jacob ‘kissed Rachel, and lifted up his 
 voice, and wept. 
 
 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her 
 father’s “brother, and that he was Rebekah’s son : 
 "and she ran and told her father. 
 
 13 And it came to pa?s, when Laban heard the 
 "tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, that he “ran to 
 meet him, and embraced him, and ‘’kissed him, 
 and brought him to his house. And he told Laban 
 all these things. 
 
 14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou i art my 
 bone and my flesh ; and he abode with him ‘‘the 
 space of a month. 
 
 15 IT And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou 
 art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me 
 for nought? 'tell me what shall thy wages be? 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 16 And Laban had two daughters : the name 
 of the elder S was Leah, and the name of the 
 younger was Rachel. 
 
 2. Coni. 1:7. Is. 49:10. Rev. 7:17. e 27:43. 28:10. 143:27. 1 Heb. pence lo 
 
 him ? 37:14. Ex. 18:7. 1 Sam. 17:22. marg. g Gal. 6:10. § Heb. yet the day 
 is Treat, h 3. i 24 : 15. Ex. 2:16. k Ex. 2:17. 113.33:4. 43:3U. 45:2,14,15. 
 
 Ex. 4:27. 18:7. m 13:8. 14:14— 16. n 24:28. II Heb. hearing, o 24:29. p Luke 
 7 45. Rom. 16:16. q 2:23. Jurle. 9:2. 2 Sam. 5:1. 19: 12,13. " U Heb. a month of 
 days, r 30:28. 31:7. s 17,25— 32. 30:19. 31:4. 33:2. 35:23. 46:15. 49:31. Ruth 4:11. 
 
 see Christ, the true Ladder, opening the way of communi- 
 cation betwixt heaven and earth, and securing to us accep- 
 tance with God, the protection of his providence, the minis- 
 trations of his angels, and the consolations of his Spirit ; every 
 place becomes pleasant, and every prospect joyful. With 
 the Lord for our Guide, Companion, and Comforter, we may 
 defy all enemies, outbrave all dangers, and despise all diffi- 
 culties : every thing must succeed^ and end well ; and he will 
 never leave u$, till his last promise is accomplished in our 
 everlasting felicity. — The places and ordinances in which 
 God is more especially present, ought to be regarded with 
 solemn reverence ; and peculiar consolations should leave us 
 filled with holy awe, prepared for self-denying services, and 
 disposed to adopt every means of keeping the Lord’s goodness 
 in remembrance. — Many 44 an Israelite indeed,” who had been 
 for a time burdened with guilt, oppressed with desponding 
 fears, and conflicting with difficulties and temptations, has at 
 length unexpectedly been surprised with sweet peace, and a 
 sense of pardoning mercy, through 44 the love of God shed 
 abroad in his heart by the Holy Spirit;” anti, in adoring gra- 
 titude, has surnamed the scene of such a deliverance, Beth- el ; 
 has deemed it the 44 very house of God, and the gate of 
 heaven;” and perhaps has been afraid to quit it, lest he 
 should lose the sweet consolations which he there had tasted, 
 or forget the loving-kindness of the Lord. At such times, 
 how ready are we to inquire, 44 What shall we render unto 
 the Lord for his goodness!” How willing are we to forego 
 all worldly considerations, and to be contented with food and 
 raiment, however mean and hardly earned ! How do we 
 stand prepared for any service or suffering ; and, by solemn 
 vows, to yield ourselves unto the Lord, to take him for our 
 God, and to devote all we have and arc to his glory ! All 
 this is well, and as it should be : but oh, that there were at all 
 times such a heart, in us ! Let us remember our Bcth-els, be 
 ashamed of our forgetfulness, and 44 pay the vows which we 
 vowed, when the Lord answered us in the day of our dis- 
 tress.” (Notes, 35: 1 — 5.) 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXIX. V. 3. This verse describes 
 what was usually done, by some mutual compart among the 
 shepherds ; and shows the purpose for whic h the flocks lay 
 by the well : for the stone was not removed till all the Hocks 
 had been collected. (8.) 
 
 V. 5. Laban seems to have been grandson to Nahor, who, 
 as the head of the family, is mentioned rather than Bethuel. 
 (Notes, 24:28,53.) 
 
 V. 8. It is probable that there was some regulation agreed 
 on, to prevent the waste or the unequal use of the water, 
 where it was so scarce and valuable. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. Jacob, informed Rachel, that ho was 44 her 
 father’s brother.” (12.) Accordingly Laban calls Jacob 
 44 my bone and my flesh.” He owns him as a very near rela- 
 tion; being his sister’s son. — The word brother is ofter used 
 in scripture yith this or greater latitude. (13:8.) 
 
B. C. 1753, 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 B. C. 1743 
 
 17 Leah teas tender-eyed, but 'Rachel was 
 “beautiful and well-favoured. 
 
 18 And Jacob ‘loved Rachel ; and said, *1 will 
 serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger 
 daughter. 
 
 19 And Laban said, l It is better that I give her 
 to thee, than that I should give her to another 
 man : abide with me. 
 
 20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel ; 
 b. c. a and they seemed unto him but a few days, 
 it53. Jnf or ti ie i ove ii e ) ia d to her. 
 
 21 IT And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my 
 wile, ( or my days are fulfilled,) that I may go in 
 unto her. 
 
 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of 
 the place, b and made a feast. 
 
 23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he 
 took Leah his daughter, and “brought her to him : 
 and he went in unto her. 
 
 24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah, 
 d Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. 
 
 25 And it came to pass that in the morning, 
 behold it was Leah : and he said to Laban, What 
 is this thou hast done unto me? did 1 not I serve 
 with thee for Rachel? “Wherefore then hast thou 
 beguiled me? 
 
 26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our 
 'country, to give the younger before the first-born. 
 
 16—12,18. 30:1,2,22. 35:19,20,24. 46:19—22. 49:7. 1 Sam. 10:2. Jer. 31:13. 
 Mart. 2:18. u 12:11. 24:16.39:6. Prov. 31:30. x 20,30. y 31:41. 34: 12. Ex. 
 22:16,17. Ilos. 3:2. 12:12. z Ps. 12:2. a Cant. 8:6,7. 1 t or. 13:7. 2Cor. 
 5:14. Iijudg. 14:10— 13. Ruth 4:10— 13. Malt. 22:2— 10. 25:1 — 10. John 2:1—10. 
 Rev. 19:9. t 24:55 . 33:14,15. tl 16:1. 24.59. 30:9—12. 46:18. e 27:35,36. Prov.ll: 
 31. Matt. 7:2. John 21:17. Rev. 3:19. • Heb. l-lare. f 2:2,3. 8:10—12. I.ev. 18: 
 18. J.itlg. 14:12. Mai. 2:15. Matt. 19:5. i»2u. h See on 24— 30:3— 8. 35:22,25. 37: 
 2. i 20,31 . 44:20,27. k 18. 30:25,25. 31:15. 1 Sam. 18:17—27. Hce. 12:12. I 30 . 27: 
 
 V. 18, 19. When Abraham’s servant came, with great 
 appearance of wealth, to take a wife for Isaac, Laban 
 readily consented that Rebckah should accompany him. 
 But Jacob came in a great measure destitute ; and it might 
 he supposed that, notwithstanding the transactions of the 
 birthright and the blessing, Esau, being on the spot, would 
 inherit Isaac’s wealth. Therefore, though Jacob had told 
 him the circumstances and motives of his journey ; and had 
 doubtless informed him, that he came to seek a wife from 
 among his mother’s kindred, as well as to escape from Esau ; 
 Laban did not see that “ the matter proceeded from the 
 Lord;” (21:50.) or offer to give Jacob one of his daughters, 
 til) he had witnessed his ability and industry ; and then 
 Jacob’s proposal addressed his selfishness with success. Yet 
 he would not, it seems, let him have his daughter, till he had 
 performed his seven years’ service! (Notes, 24:29—60.) 
 
 V. 21. The language of the narration evidently deter- 
 mines, that Jacob waited till the seven years were expired 
 before his marriage. This interpretation has indeed been 
 objected to, both on account of Jacob’s age, and also as not 
 allowing time enough before he went to Egypt, for the several 
 events which intervened : but the objection does not seem 
 well grounded, nor the difficulty insurmountable. — The pro- 
 mise of an innumerable posterity was first given to Abraham ; 
 yet he was very old before he had any child, and a hundred 
 years of age before Isaac was born. It was again made to 
 Isaac, who was childless till the age of sixty ; and then it 
 was ratified to Jacob, who did not marry till he was about 
 righty-three or four years old. These circumstances were 
 
 n: able evidences or exercises of their faith : but it might be 
 expected that the descendants of these patriarchs, as the pro- 
 genitors of so numerous a posterity, would marry and have 
 children as soon as possible ; which was accordingly the case. 
 
 V. 22, 23. The public feast, made on this occasion, 
 formed the regular method of recognizing the marriage ; and 
 in the evening it was customary to convey the bride, veiled, 
 to her husband’s house. Thus Jacob, who had deceived 
 Isaac by personating Esau, was imposed on by Laban and 
 Leah, in a most important concern, by a similar desception 1 
 In this the Lord was righteous, but the parties concerned 
 were highly criminal. — If Rachel had been led to expect that 
 she was to be given to Jacob at that time, probably she was 
 not undeceived till it was too late to undeceive Jacob : though 
 if it had been otherwise, it might not have been practicable 
 or expedient to do so. 
 
 V. 26. This seems to have been a mere pretence; but, if 
 it was the custom of the country, Laban ought previously to 
 have informed Jacob of it. 
 
 V. 27, 28. The week, here mentioned, was that of the 
 marriage-feast ; and did not relate to the years Jacob after- 
 wards served. There existed no express and positive law 
 against polygamy; Jacob considered Rachel as his wife, and 
 "et he could not desert Leah ; and so he seems to have 
 . Sought himself obliged to retain both. — The division of time 
 oy weeks, intimates that some regard was paid to the sab- 
 Datb. 
 
 Y. 30, 32. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, not only 
 
 27 Fulfil her f week, and ewe will give thee this 
 also, for the service which thou shalt serve with 
 me yet seven other years. 
 
 28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: 
 and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. 
 
 29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter 
 h Bilhah his handmaid, to be hef maid. 
 
 30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and 'hfe 
 loved also Rachel more than Leah, and k served 
 with him yet seven other years. 
 
 31 And when the Lord saw that Leah 'was 
 hated, m he opened her womb : but Rachel was 
 barren. 
 
 32 And Leah conceived and bare a son, and she 
 called "liis name iReuben : for she said, Surely the 
 Lord hath “looked upon my affliction: now 
 therefore my husband will love me. 
 
 33 And she conceived again, and bare a son : 
 and said, rBecause the Lord hath heard that I 
 teas hated, he hath therefore given me this son 
 also : and she ‘'called his name tSimeon. 
 
 34 And she conceived again, and bare a 
 son ; and said, Now this time will my hus- 
 band be joined unto me, because I have borne him 
 three sons : therefore r was his name called ^Levi. 
 
 35 And she conceived again, and bare a son ; 
 and she said, Now will I praise the Lord : there- 
 fore She “called his name "Judah, and '"left bearing - . 
 
 41. Dent. 21: 15. Mai. 1:3. Matt. 6:24. 10:37. ?.uke 14:26. John 12:25. m 21:1, 2. 25: 
 21. 30:2,22. Jndg. 13:2,3. ISara. 1:5,20,27. 2:21 . Ps. 127:3. n 35:22. 49:3,4. 1 Chr. 
 5:1. t That is. See as n. o Kx. 3:7. 4:31. 1 Sam. 1:11,20. 2 Sam. 16:l2. Ps. 
 25:13. Luke 1:25. 1)30:6,8,18.20. q 34:30. 42:24. } That is, Jfca/inj. r 49: 
 ,5—7. Ex. 2:1. 32:26—29. Dent. 33:8— 10. § That is, Joined. Num. 18:2,4. 
 8 44:18—34. 49:8—12. Dent. 33:7. 1 Chr. 5:2. Matt. 1:2. II That is, Praise 
 IT Heb. stood from bearing. 
 
 as most beautiful and amiable, and the object of his first and 
 most endeared affection ; but likewise, because he considered 
 Leah as having concurred in the imposition put on him by 
 Laban. Thus his preference of Rachel led him, in some 
 respects, to treat Leah with an indifference and neglect, 
 which resembled hatred. 
 
 V. 32 — 35. From the names which Leah gave her sons, 
 and the reasons which she assigned for them, it seems proba 
 ble that she was piously disposed ; though criminal in imposing 
 on Jacob, and faulty in some other respects. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. i — 15. Gracious consolations are intended as cordials, 
 to animate and strengthen us, that we may proceed without 
 weariness or fainting, in the arduous and self-denying paths 
 of obedience : and in so doing, we shall speedily experience 
 the faithfulness of God to his promises; even as he accom- 
 panied and kept Jacob, in all the places to which he went. — 
 We cannot but approve the simplicity, courteousness, and 
 benevolence, which mark this first interview between Jacob 
 and the shepherds ; the frank manner in which he makes his 
 observations, offers his advice, and affords his assistance* 
 and the mild and candid reception that he meets with from 
 them ; for the proud arc offended when intimations are given 
 that they are mistaken or to blame. — He, who has all hearts 
 in his hands, disposes all things for the good of those who 
 trust in him, and works upon the natural affection even of 
 selfish hearts, to procure them kind entertainment. And they 
 who are skilful and active in business, being capable of ren- 
 dering themselves useful, will generally, when known, be 
 made welcome. Relations, however, should not be less 
 rewarded for their services tnan others, but meet with greater 
 encouragement. 
 
 V. 16 — 35. Love, whatever be its object, is a most active 
 and powerful principle ; and not only engages a man in hard 
 and difficult services, btft. even renders them delightful. If 
 then the Lord possess our supreme love, we shall greatly 
 delight in his commandments, and all other affections will 
 be regulated and subordinated by it, and rendered lawful and 
 Useful; yet times may come, when we must, in the superi- 
 ority of our love to him, be called to disregard our dearest 
 friends, as if we hated them. But, on the other hand, if they 
 have our supreme regard , we shall for their sakes despise and 
 neglect the Lord. — How often in Providence are men re- 
 minded of their sin in their punishment, and corrected by 
 others much worse than themselves ! One cannot but lament 
 to see Jacob cheated into polygamy in so extraordinary a 
 manner, and indeed the malice and artifice of Satan are 
 clearly discernible in the transaction. — The Lord, however, 
 so sets one thing against another, that there is less difference 
 in the comparative happiness of mankind, than superficial 
 observers imagine : and in the most ordinary circumstances 
 of private life, his hand should be acknowledged ; especially 
 when he relieves our distresses, and answers our prayers. — 
 And let us always remember, that “children and the fruit ol 
 the womb are a heritage and gift that cometh of the Lord, 
 and should be received as from his hand, and trained up ft* 
 his service. 
 
 ( 69 ) 
 
fc 0. 174’,' 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1745 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Rachgi envies Leah , and complain s impatiently to Jacoby who sharply re- 
 bukes nr ; yet q/ her instance takes Bilhah io wife, toho bears Dan and 
 Naphtili, 1 — 8. Leah gives Zilpa/t to Jacob, and she bears Gad and Asher, 
 
 9 — J 3. Leah purchases Jacob's company , of Rachel, by her son's mandrakes; 
 and bears lesacha/r, Zebulun, and Dinah, 11 — *24. Rachel bears Joseph, 
 22 — 24. Jacob desires to leave Laban, who agrees with him for his fu- 
 ture services , 25—36. The means by which Jacob grew rich , 37 — 43. 
 
 A ND when “Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no 
 children, b Rachel envied her sister ; and 
 said unto Jacob, Give me children, “or else I die. 
 
 2 And Jacob’s d anger "was kindled against 
 Rachel ; and he said, e Jtm I in God’s stead, who 
 hath 'withheld from thee the fruit of the womb ? 
 
 3 And she said, ^Behold my maid Bilhah, go in 
 unto her: and h she shall bear upon my knees, 
 that I may also 'have children by her. 
 
 4 And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid ‘to 
 wife : and Jacob went in unto her. 
 
 5 And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son. 
 6 And Rachel said, k God hath judged me, and 
 hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a 
 son : therefore called she his name T Dan. 
 
 7 And Bilhah Rachel’s maid conceived again, 
 and bare Jacob a second son. 
 
 8 And Rachel said, With tgreat wrestlings have 
 wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed : 
 'and she called his name ^Naphtali. 
 
 9 H When Leah saw that she had left bearing, 
 she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to 
 wife. 
 
 10 And Zilpah Leah’s maid bare Jacob a son. 
 11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and m she 
 called his name "Gad. 
 
 b. c.-i 12 And Zilpah Leah’s maid bare Jacob 
 ms. J a secon( i SO n. 
 
 13 And Leah said, ’’Happy am I, for the daugh- 
 ters "will call me blessed : “and she called his name 
 "Asher. 
 
 14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat- 
 harvest, and found '‘mandrakes in the field, and 
 brought them unto his mother Leah. Then 
 'Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of 
 thy son’s mandrakes. 
 
 15 And she said unto her, aJs it a small matter 
 that thou hast taken my husband ? and wouldest 
 
 n 29:31. b 37:11 . 1 Sam. 1:4—8. Ps. 106:16. Prov. 14:30.27:4. 1 Cor. 3:3. Gal. 
 5:21. Jam. 4:5. c 33:16-19. Nam. 11:15. 1 Kings 19:4. Job 3: 1—3.11.20— 22. 
 5:2. 13:19. Jer. 20:14— 18. Jon. 4:3,8. 2Cor. 7:10. d 31:38. Ex. 32:1.9. Mali. 
 5:22. Mark. 3:5. Eph.4:26. e25:21. 50:19. lSam.l:5. 2:5,6. 2Kings5:7. 
 fDeui. 7:13,14. Fs.ll3:9. 127:3. Luke 1:42. g 9. 16:2,3. h 1,23. Jub3:12. 
 • Reb.be built up by her. 16:2. mars. Ruth 4:11. i 16:3. 21:10. 25:1,6.33:2. 
 35:22. 2 Sam. 12:11. k 29:32—35. Ps. 35:24. Lam. 3:59. f That is, Judging. 
 49:16,17. Deut. 33:22. Judg. 13:2,21. 15:14—20. J Heb. wrestlings of God. 
 Ex. 9:28. 1 Sam. 14:15. marg. 149:21. Deut. 33:23. § That is, My wrcs’ling. 
 32:24,25. Matt. 4:13. Nepthalim. m 49:19. Deut. 33:20,21. || That is, A troop, 
 or company. Is. 65:11. TI Heb. In my happiness, n Prov. 31:28. 1 ant. 6:9. 
 Luke 1:48. o Gen. 49:20. Deut. 33:24,25. ** That is, Happy, p Cant. 7:13. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXX. V. 1, 2. * Under the influence 
 of selfish and malignant passions, Rachel impatiently mur- 
 mured against God, and expressed her fretfulness in very 
 absurd language, which Jacob justly, though sharply, re- 
 proved. — Instead of humbly entreating the Lord, as Isaac 
 and no doubt Rebekah had done, and waiting his time of 
 granting her requests, she declared that her heart would break 
 with grief and vexation, if she continued any longer childless! 
 — She who said, u Give me children, or else I die,” after- 
 wards died in child-birth. (Marg. Ref.) Hannah, whose 
 trial resembled Rachel’s, but was much heavier, acted far 
 more properly, and had several children with comfort and a 
 blessing. (1 Sam. 1:2—28. 2:1—11,20,21.) 
 
 V. 3. Rachel intended to adopt and nurse Bilhah’s chil- 
 dren as her own, and thus solace herself under the trial and 
 reproach of barrenness. But had n$>t her sister been her 
 rival, and had she not been influenced by envy and resent- 
 ment, she would have thought Leah’s children nearer to her, 
 and more entitled to her care, than Bilhah’s could be. 
 
 V. 4. Rachel might, in some measure, be induced to this 
 conduct by the same motives which influenced Sarah in a 
 similar case; and Jacob doubtless supposed that he was 
 merely imitating his illustrious progenitor: but the circum- 
 <• stances were, in all respects, so different, as to render their 
 conduct far less excusable. (JVotes, 1G:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 8. The literal marginal translation, wrestlings of God , 
 in this connexion, seems to imply, that Rachel thought there 
 was some excellency , as well as earnestness, in her contest ; 
 and that her success was a token of God’s favour, if not an 
 answer to her prayers. Yet she seems to have been mis- 
 taken ; her motive might in part be good, but her measures 
 cannot be justifie I. 
 
 V. 1 1. A troop cometh.] The word in the Hebrew text (*U3) 
 more obviously means, “In a troop:'' and so answers to the 
 marginal reading, verse 13, u In my huppincts,' ("h^ns). 
 
 ( 70 ) 
 
 thou take away my son’s niandraxes also? And 
 Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to 
 night for thy son’s mandrakes. 
 
 16 And Jacob came out of the field in the even 
 ing, and Leah went out to meet him, and said 
 Thou must come in unto rne, for surely I have 
 hired thee with my son’s mandrakes. And he lay 
 with her that night. 
 
 17 And r God hearkened unto Leah, and she 
 conceived and bare Jacob the fifth son. 
 
 18 And Leah said, God hath given me mine 
 hire, because I have given my maiden to my hus 
 band: “and she called his name lT Issachar. 
 
 19 And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob 
 the sixth son. 
 
 20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with 
 a good dowry : 'now wil my husband dwell with 
 me. because I have borne him six sons : "and she 
 called his name 1+Zebulun. 
 
 21 And afterward she bare a daughter, “and 
 called her name ^Dinah. 
 
 22 H And God ^remembered Rachel, nndf 
 God hearkened to her, z and opened her womb. L 
 
 23 And she conceived and bare a son : and said 
 God hath “taken away my reproach. 
 
 24 And b she called his name ""Joseph, and said 
 The Lord shall add to me another son. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 25 11 And it came to pass, when Rachel had 
 borne Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send 
 me away, that I may^o unto mine own place, and 
 c to my country. 
 
 26 Give me d my wives and my children, for 
 whom I have served thee, and let me go : for 
 'thou k no west my service which I have done thee. 
 
 27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if 1 
 have found "favour in thine eyes, tarry: for 1 
 have learned by experience, that Hhe Lord hath 
 blessed me for thy sake. 
 
 28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and 1 
 will give it. 
 
 29 And lie said unto him, 'Thou knowest how 1 
 have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. 
 
 30 ForiJ was little which thou liadst before 1 
 
 q Num. 16:9,10.13. Is. 7:13. Ez. 1G:47. 1 Cor. 4:3. r22. Ex. 3:7. I Sam. 1:20. 
 26,27. Luke 1:13. s 49:14.15. 17e-.it. 33:18. ft That is, ,4n hire. I 15. 29:34. 
 u 49:13. Judg. 4:10. 5:14. Ps.68 27. ♦♦ Thai Is, D:- citing. Mad. 4:13. Zn uUn. 
 x 34:1— 3,26. 46:15. §$ Thai is. Judgment, y 8:1. 1 Sam. 1:19,20. Ps. 105:42. 
 z 2. 21:1.2. 25.21. 29:31. Ps. 113:9. 127:3. n29:31. 1 Sam. 1 :S. Is. 4:1. Luke 
 1:25. I. 37:2,4. 42:6. 48:1, &c. 49:22— 26. Teut. 33:13— 17. Ez. 37:16. Acts 7: 
 9— 15. Ileli. 11:21,23. Rev. 7:8. ,|l| That is, Adding. 35:17,18. c 24:6,7 . 25:3. 
 27:44,45. 28:13,15.31:13. Acts 7:4,5. Heb. 11:1516. <129:19.30. 31:26,31,41. 
 Hos. 12:12. e 29,30. 31:6,33— 40. f Ex. 3:21. Nell. 1:1 1. 2:5. Dan. 1:9. Acts 
 7:10. g3U. 12:3. 3.9:2— 5,21— 23. Ps. 1:3. Is. 61:9. h29:15. i Sec on 5. Et.lt. 
 6:5-8. Col. 3:22-25. Tit. 2:10. 1 Pet. 2:13. 
 
 V. 14. Mandrakes.] These were either fruit or flowers, 
 pleasing to the eye, the smell, or the taste ; probably the lat- 
 ter. It is generally thought that the word is not properly 
 translated ; but it is uncertain what they were, though very 
 much has been written on the subject. 
 
 V. 15, 16. The desire, good in itself, but often inordinate 
 and irregular, of being the mother or aneestor of the promised 
 Seed ; together with the honour of being prolific, and the 
 reproach of being barren, may be supposed to have had con- 
 siderable influence in these contests ; though combined with 
 jealousy and other selfish passions. 
 
 V. 18. Leah was so far from considering herself culpable, 
 in giving her handmaid to her husband, that she deemed it 
 meritorious, and erroneously interpreted the Lord’s kindness 
 as the reward of it! 
 
 V. 21, 22. Dinah means the same as D in, tlje name of 
 Jacob’s first son by Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid ; and this 
 name seems to have been given by Leah to her daughter, in 
 a kind of triumph over her sister. It therefore follows that 
 u God remembered Rachel.” 
 
 V. 23. All these children were born to Jacob, within the 
 second seventh year of his serving Laban, (25.) Reuben, 
 therefore, was not much above six years older than Joseph ; 
 and Judah not more than four. 
 
 V. 25, 26. The fourteen years being expired, Jacob, 
 depending on the promise of God, was willing to depart, 
 without any other recompense from Labnn for his hard ser- 
 vice, than his large family ; though he could appeal to Laban 
 himself, that ho had served him with diligence, fidelity, and 
 success ! He was also very desirous of returning to Isaac 
 and Rebekah, and tho land of his pilgrimage, lint ho had, 
 in many ways, an equitable claim on Laban’s large substance, 
 and it was the will of God that he should he amply prjvideJ 
 for out of i'. 
 
 V. 30. Laban had acknowledged that M the Lo n D bless*sj 
 
B. C. 1710. 
 
 tame , and it is now 'increased unto a multitude, 
 ‘and the Lord hath blessed thee 'since my com- 
 ing : and now 'when shall I provide for mine own 
 house also ? 
 
 31 And he said, What shall I give thee? And 
 Jacob said, m Thou slialt not give me any thing : 
 if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed 
 and keep thy flock : 
 
 32 I will pass through all thy flock to-day, re- 
 moving from thence all the speckled and spotted 
 cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, 
 and the spotted and speckled among the goats : 
 and "of such shall be my hire. 
 
 33 So shall my “righteousness answer for me 
 tin time to come, when it shall come for my hire 
 before thy face : every one that is not speckled 
 and spotted among the goats, and brown among 
 the sheep, that shall be accounted stolen with 
 me. 
 
 34 And Laban said, Behold, H would it might 
 be according to thy word. 
 
 35 And he removed that day the he-goats, that 
 were ring-streaked and spotted, and all the she- 
 goats that were speckled and spotted, and every 
 one that had some white in it, and all the brown 
 among the sheep, and gave them into 'Uhe hand 
 of his sons. 
 
 36 And he set three days’ journey betwixt 
 himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of 
 Laban’s flocks. 
 
 37 H And "Jacob took him rods of green poplar, 
 dhd of the hazel and chestnut-tree ; and pilled 
 white streaks in them, and made the white appear 
 which was in the rods. 
 
 38 And he set the rods which he had pilled 
 before the flocks in the gutters in the watering- 
 troughs, when the flocks came to drink ; that they 
 should conceive when they came to drink. 
 
 39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, 
 
 •Heb. broken forth. k27. t Heb. at my foot. 1 2 Cor. 12:14. 1 Tim. 5:8. 
 m2 Sam. 21:4— 6. »31:8. o 31:37. 1 Sim. 26:23. 2 Sam. 22:21 . f’s. 37:6. J Heb. 
 to-morroic. Ex. 13:14. pNmn. 22:29. 1 Cor. 7:7. 14:5. Gal. 5:12. Rev. 3:15. 
 q 31:9. r31:9— 13. s 31:9 — 12. Ex . 12:35,36. Jer. 27:5,6. t 30. 13:2. 24:35. 26: 
 13,14. 28:15. 31:7,8. 32:10. 33:11. 35:7. a8,9. Job 31:31. Ps. 120:3— 5. bEalh. 
 
 him for Jacob's sake," (27 ;) but Jacob, with observable mo- 
 desty, alters the term for one of a more general application. 
 (Marg.) 
 
 V. 31 — 34. Jacob chose to refer his cause to God in the 
 way here proposed, rather then to enter into an agreement 
 for stated wages with Laban, whose selfishness was excessive. 
 He would have no such cattle left undey his care, as were 
 coloured in any unusual way ; and then he required that the 
 spotted and speckled, &c. which they bred, should be given 
 to him. Thus it would appear, whenever the question con- 
 cerning his hire should be started, that he had acted honestly ; 
 provided none, but those of the stipulated colours, were found 
 in his possession. And Laban, judging from common obser- 
 vation, that his cattle would breed but few colours different 
 from their own, eagerly acceded to his proposal. 
 
 V. 37 — 42. Jacob’s conduct in this transaction has com- 
 monly been considered as an instance of his policy and ma- 
 magement ; and it has by many been objected to, by others 
 vindicated and commended. But, as the means which he 
 used would not in general produce similar effects ; nay, pro- 
 bably the experiment was never in any other instance tried 
 with success ; It is more reasonable to suppose, that he was 
 directed by some divine intimation ; and rendered successful, 
 if not by a direct miracle, yet at least by the Lord’s giving a 
 new and uncommon bias to the tendency of natural causes. 
 (Note, 31:10 — 13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 24. When eminent persons sanction any thing evil 
 by their example, the consequences are often durably per- 
 nicious ; because it is far more easy to imitate the misconduct 
 of those whom we esteem, than to copy their faith and obe- 
 dience. And when we tread their devious footsteps, it is na- 
 tural for us to g or" further than they did: nay, we are apt to 
 think ourselves authorized, or at least excused, in so doing. 
 What an unhappy precedent was Sarah to Rachel and Leah, 
 and Abraham to Jacob! We are grieved to see this plain 
 man, in his old age, yielding to one suggestion after another 
 to multiply wives ; though by that means he multiplied bitter 
 envying and contention in his family. This “ his way was 
 his folly though many of his posterity approved and imitated 
 his example. — To carry matters even between two wives, who 
 nave an equal claim to affection, is almost, if not utterly, im- 
 possible ; and to fail of it ensures emulation and strife, and 
 may even perpetuate discord to posterity. How much more 
 comfortably did Isaac live with Rebekah, according to God’s 
 primary institution, than Jacob with his two wives and their 
 
 B. C. 1739 
 
 and ‘brought forth cattle ring-streaked, speckled 
 and spotted. 
 
 40 And Jacob did separate the lagjbs, and set 
 the faces of the flocks toward the ring-streaked, 
 and all the brown in the flock of Laban : and he 
 put his own flocks by themselves ; and put them 
 not unto Laban’s cattle. 
 
 41 And it came to pass whensoever the stronger 
 cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before 
 the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might 
 conceive among the rods. 
 
 42 But when the cattle were feeble, he put them 
 not in : so the feebler were Laban’s, and the 
 stronger Jacob’s. 
 
 43 And the man ‘increased exceedingly, and , 
 had much cattle, and maid-servants, and men 
 servants, and camels, and asses. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Jacob is envied by Laban and his eons , 1,2. Being commanded by God tn 
 return to his kindred , he proposes it to his wives ; ex])lains the Lord's 
 dealings with him ; and , with, their consent , privately departs , taking his 
 family and substance , 3—21. Laban pursues him, but is warned in a . dream 
 not to injure him: he overtakes Jacob and expostulates with him , 22 — 32. 
 Laban searches in vain for his images, which Rachel hod stolen and con - 
 cealed, 33—35. Jacob vindicates himself , an I compldins of Laban, 36 — 
 
 42 ; they enter into a covenant, and Laban returns home , 43—55. 
 
 A ND lie heard the words of Laban’s sons, say- 
 ing, “Jacob hath taken away all that was our 
 father’s ; and of that which was our father’s hath 
 he gotten all this b glory. 
 
 2 And Jacob beheld the “countenance of La- 
 ban, and behold, d ituars not toward him 'as before. 
 
 3 And the Lord said unto Jacob, “Return unto 
 the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred ; and 
 I will be with thee. 
 
 4 IT And Jacob sent and called Rachel and 
 Leah to the field unto his flock ; 
 
 5 And said unto them, el see your father’s coun- 
 tenance, that it is not toward me as before : but 
 h the God of my father hath been with me. 
 
 6 And ye know that ‘with all my power I have 
 served your father. 
 
 5:11. Job 31:24 ,25. Ps. 17:14. 49:16,17. Is. 5:14. Jer.9:23. Matt. 4:8. 1 Pet. 1:24. 
 c 4:5. 1 Sam. 18:9 — 11. Dan. 3:19. d 30:27. * Heb. as yesterday and the day 
 
 before. Ex. 4:10. Dent. 19:4. 1 Sam. 19:7. margins, e 28:15,20,21. 32:9. 35:1. 
 46:2,3. 50:24. f26:3— 5 . 28:4,13. 30:25. g 2,3. h 42:53. 32:9. 48:15. 50:17. 
 
 i 38 — 42. 30:29. Tit. 2:9,10. • 
 
 handmaids! — Envy and jealousy are most tormenting pas- 
 sions to the breast which harbours them, vexatious to all 
 around, and introductory to much impatience and ungodli- 
 ness : observing, therefore, how absurd and odious they ap- 
 pear in Rachel, we should watch and pray against them in 
 ourselves ; and turn aside from all such objects and pursuits 
 as tend to excite them. — Too frequently they who possess 
 the most beautiful countenances are lamentably deficient in 
 w the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit ; which is in the 
 sight of God” and of all wise men, of much greater value ; 
 and partial affections are often corrected by the persons on 
 whom they are misplaced. — They who are angry only at sin, 
 and express that anger by reasonable, though sharp, rebukes, 
 and with zeal for the honour of God, are not sinfully angry: 
 nor must those whom we love best be connived at in wicked- 
 ness. — Our natural conscience is a partial and erroneous 
 judge, and, if left to itself, will often excuse , nay commend , our 
 very faults : we ought, therefore, to seek to the word, and 
 pray for the Spirit, of God, to illuminate our understandings, 
 and deliver our consciences from mistake and self-flattery. 
 
 V. 25 — 43. The Lord is ever ready to hear the prayer of 
 faith, and to forgive the transgression of his people ; and he 
 graciously recompenses and honours their integrity and faith- 
 ful industry. He convinces all, with whom they are con- 
 nected, that he hath loved them, and that he blesses others 
 on their account ; so that it is not uncommon for those, who 
 love neither them nor their religion, to value them from in- 
 terested motives ; and to desire to employ them in preference 
 to others : and u all who name the name of Christ” should, for 
 the honour of his gospel, be ambitious of this distinction. — 
 The Lord will also, in one way or other, plead the cause of 
 the injured and oppressed ; and honour those who simply trust 
 his providence, avoid evil and the appearance of it, and walk 
 so wisely, as to give no occasion of reproach to those who 
 manifestly are seeking it. And, as u the earth is the Lord’** 
 and the fulness thereof,” he hath an indisputable right to dis- 
 pose of every one’s property as he pleases ; and who shall 
 dare to find fault, with his appointments ? 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXI. V. 1 — 3. Laban’s sons were 
 probably younger than his daughters ; but were now grown up, 
 and resembled him in selfishness. Instigated by them, Laban 
 appeared so dissatisfied, and expressed in his looks so much 
 envy and resentment, that Jacob deemed it dangerous to con- 
 tinue longer with him. But, though he had overheard the 
 words of Laban’s sons, and evidently perceived the effect 
 which they had produced ; yet he did not attempt to remove,. 
 
 ( 71 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
B C. 1739. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 1739 
 
 7 And your father hath deceived me, and 
 changed my wag:es y ten times : but God suffered 
 him not to hjjrt me. 
 
 W If he said thus, m The speckled shall be thy 
 wages ; then all the cattle hare speckled : and if 
 he said thus, The ring-streaked shall be thy hire ; 
 then hare all the cattle ring-streaked. 
 
 9 Thus "God hath taken away the cattle of 
 vour father, and given them to me. 
 
 10 And it came to pass at the time that the 
 cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and 
 saw in °a dream, and behold, the 'rams which 
 leaped upon the cattle were ring-streaked, speck- 
 led, and grizzled. 
 
 1 1 And the ''Angel of God spake unto me in a 
 dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, iHere am I. 
 
 12 And he said, 'Lift up now thine eyes and 
 see ail the rams which leap upon the cattle are 
 ring-streaked, speckled, and grizzled : for E I have 
 seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. 
 
 13 low ‘the God of Beth-el, where thou anoint- 
 edst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow 
 unto me : now arise, get thee out from this land, 
 and “return unto the land of thy kindred. 
 
 14 And Rachel and Leah answered, and said 
 unto him, Is there x yet any portion or inheritance 
 tor us in our father’s house ? 
 
 15 Are we not counted of him strangers ? for 
 he hath - v sold us, and hath quite devoured also our 
 money. 
 
 16 For all the riches which *God hath taken 
 from our father, that is ours, and our children’s : 
 now then whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do. 
 
 17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and 
 his wives "upon camels. 
 
 *41. I.ev. 25:26. Num. 14:22. \eh.4:12. Job 19:3. Is. 4:1. Zech. 8:23. 129. 20:6. 
 Fs. 105:14. 13.54:17. m 30:32. n 1,16. Esth. 8:1,2. Ps. 50:10. Prov. 13:22. 
 Man. 20:15. o 24 . 20:6. 23:12. • Or, he-goats. p 5:13. S* on 16:7—13. 48: 
 
 15,16. q 22:1. Ex. 3:4. 1 Sam. 3:4,6.8,16. Is. 58:9. r 30:37— 43. s 42. Ex. 3: 
 7,9. Ec. 5:8. Acts 7:31. 128:12— 22. 35:7. marg. u3 . 32:9. x 2:24 . 29.24,29. 
 v 41 . 29:18—20,27—30. 30:26. Ex. 21:7— 11. Neh.5.8. i See on 1,9. a24:10, 
 61. 1 Sam. 30:17. b 27:1 ,2,41. 28:21. 35:27 — 29. t Heb. teraphim. 30,32. Josh. 
 24 2. Judg. 17:4,5. 18:14—24,31. 1 Sam. 19:13. Ez. 21:21. Hos. 3:4. J Heb. the 
 heart of Laban. 27. marg. c2:14. 15:18. d 46:28. Luke 9:51 — 53. e 23. 
 
 till the Lord expressly commanded him : perhaps thinking it still 
 more dangerous to come within the reach of his brother Esau. 
 
 V. 7. Ten times.] As the history of these six years is 
 very compendious, we cannot determine, whether Laban 
 changed Jacob’s wages exactly ten times, or whether the ex- 
 ression only meant in general, many times. It is plain, 
 owever, that Laban tried all methods of circumventing and 
 defrauding him, but in vain. (Marg. Ref. k.) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. It has before been supposed, that Jacob had 
 some previous divine intimation, suggesting the plan which he 
 adopted respecting the cattle; (Note, 30:37 — 42.) but the 
 dream, which he here relates to Rachel and Leali, seems to 
 have taken place towards Ihe close of his service. Thus he 
 accounted to them for the rapid increase of his Hocks, and in- 
 troduced the subsequent proposal, in which he made known to 
 them the will of Gcd, and the justice of his cause ; that by 
 thus appealing to them, and consulting with them, he n ight 
 obtain their willing acquiescence. The Lord himself pointed 
 out the circumstance concerning the colour of the rams, that 
 Jacob might ascribe his success to the divine blessing, and 
 possess his substance with a thankful heart and a quiet con- 
 science, regardless of the unmerited anger of Laban and his 
 sons. — The language of the passage is worthy of peculiar at- 
 tention. “ The Angel of God spake: ... I am the God of 
 Beth-el.” The supposition of some learned men, that the 
 angel spake as an ambassador, in the name of God, is ex- 
 tremely unreasonable : for what ambassador, when represent- 
 ing his principal, ever said, ‘I am the king?’ Would not 
 such language be a claim to the honour due only to his so- 
 vereign ? — The Jewish expositors, and some others, imagine , 
 that on such occasions there was a glorious appearance of 
 'Jehovah, distinct from the angel : but were there two 
 speakers in this instance? Nothing can be plainer, than 
 that he, who is called, “ The Angel,” said, “ I am the God 
 ■tf Beth-el.” — Repeated instances of this kind continually atig- 
 ■meut the evidence, that the Speaker was no other than the 
 Word and Son ofGod, who “ was God, and with God,” hut 
 now condescended to be the Angel or Messenger of the Fa- 
 ther to men ; as he afterwards did in human nature to “ take 
 upon him the form of a servant.” Yet in both manifestations 
 of himself he could say: u He that hath seen me hath seen the 
 Father ; for I and the Father are One.” — The title, “ the God 
 of Beth-el," would be peculiarly encouraging to Jacob. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Laban, instead of providing for his daughters, 
 had sold them as strangers and slaves to increase his wealth, 
 which he spent entirely on himself and his sons. But God 
 nad provided for them, I'V giving Laban’s substance to Jacob ; 
 and they acknowledged his hant in it, and were well salis- 
 
 ( 71 ) 
 
 18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all 
 his {roods which he had gotten, the cattle of his 
 getting, which lie had gotten in Padan-aram, b for 
 to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. 
 
 19 And Laban went to shear his sheep : and Ra- 
 chel had stolen the timages (hat were her father’s. 
 
 20 And Jacob stole away ^unawares to Laban 
 the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. 
 
 21 So he fled with all that he had, and he rose 
 up, and c p asse( l over the river, and d set his face 
 
 toward the mount 'Gilead. [Ptaclical Observations.'] 
 
 22 U And it was told Laban on the f third day, 
 that Jacob was fled. 
 
 23 And he took his ^brethren with him, and 
 pursued after him seven days’ journey ; and they 
 overtook him in the mount Gilead. 
 
 24 And God came to Laban h the Syrian in a 
 •dream by night, and said unto him, k Take heed 
 that thou speak not to Jacob ^either good or bad 
 
 25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob 
 had ‘pitched his tent in the mount : and Laban 
 with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead- 
 
 26 And Laban said to Jacob, "‘What hast thoai 
 done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, 
 and "carried away my daughters, as captive? 
 taken with the sword ? 
 
 27 Wherefore °didst thou flee away secretly 
 and iisteal away from me ? and didst not tell me, 
 Pthat I might have sent thee away ^with mirth 
 and with songs, Avith tabret and with harp? 
 
 28 And hast not suffered me to r kiss my sons 
 and my daughters ? thou hast now done s foolishly 
 in 50 doing. 
 
 29 It is in l the power of my hand to do you 
 hurt : but "the God of your father spake unto me 
 
 Num. 32:1. Judg. 10:18. 1 Kings 17:1. f30:36. e 13:8. 24:27. Ex. 2:11. h 28: 
 5. Deut. 25.5. Hos. 12:12. i 1U,29. 20:3. 40:5. 41:1. Num. 22:20. Job 33:15— 
 17. Malt. 27:19. k 42. 24:50. Num. 24:13. 2 Sam. 13:22. § Heb. from good to 
 bad. 1 12:8. 33:18. Heb. 11:9. m 36. 4:10. 1 Sam. 17:29/ John 18:35. n 16. 
 2:24 . 34:29. 1 urn. 30:2. o 3— 5,20,21 ,31 . Judg. 6:27. || Heb. hast staler, me. 
 
 20. mar-, p Prov. 26:24—26. q 24:59,60. Job 21 : 11— 14. r 55. 9:13. Ex. 4: 
 27. Ruth 1:9,14. 1 Kings 19:20. Acts 20:37. s 3,13,24. 1 Sam. 13:1J. 2 Cbr. 16: 
 9. 1 C or. 2:14. t Ps.52:l. John 19:10,11. u 42,53. Josh. 24:2,3. 2 Kings 19:10. 
 
 fied. The conduct of Leali and Rachel, in this particular, 
 does not appear reprehensible : they could not have concur- 
 red with Laban, without neglecting their duty to a still nearer 
 relation’; and preferring the cause of an idolater, and an 
 unjust man, to that of Jacob, the approved servant of God. 
 What they said was private, and in conjugal confidence : 
 and so did not dishonour Laban. 
 
 V. 17. Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son, could not be much 
 above twelve years of age at this time. 
 
 V. 19. Rachel and Leah no doubt returned to theirtents, 
 and to the house of Laban, to take what belonged to them; 
 which gave Rachel the opportunity of stealing these images* 
 or teraphim. (Marg. Ref.) It is evident, that they had 
 been made for idolatrous or superstitious purposes: but it is 
 not clear what Rachel’s motive was in taking them away ; 
 whether she intended to use them, or to prevent her father 
 from so doing. She however acted very improperly ; she 
 exposed herself and the rest of the company to great danger ; 
 and the images afterwards seem to have been a snare to 
 Jacob’s family. (JVote, 35:2,4.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. Had Laban known of Jacob’s intentions, he 
 would doubtless have attempted forcibly to defeat them ; but 
 Jacob eluded his vigilance , and was actually rot to a groat 
 distance before Laban heard of it. — The Hebrew phrase 
 translated, unawares to Laban , seems to mean, that Jacob 
 rendered his sagacity and vigilance as useless as if he had 
 deprived him of his understanding. ( Mang .) 
 
 V. 23, 24. Without doubt, Laban intended at least tc 
 plunder Jacob’s property ; if he could not induce him by 
 promises or threats to return, or compel him to do so. But 
 the Lord, in a dream, at this critical time, effectually deter- 
 red Laban from all such attempts. Jacob had pass'd the 
 Euphrates, and crossed the spacious desert, which intervenes 
 between that river and mount Gilead, before Laban overtook 
 him. This was a very long journey, considering ihe-lar^e* 
 ness of his company, and all his encumbrances. 
 
 V. 26. Cap/iocs.] This was very 'also ami injurious 
 Jacob had a nearer interest in Leah and Rachel than Laban 
 bad ; they had voluntarily agreed to e< with their husband, 
 rather than abide with their father ; and indeed it was their 
 duty so to do. (Marg. Ref. u.) 
 
 V. 27 — 29. Laban pretended to a very amicable disposi- 
 tion towards Jacob', now that he was overawed and durst not 
 hurt him and his company : perhaps he thought that he acted 
 from religious motives, in regarding the divine admonition. 
 
 V. 30. Laban thus insinuated that Jacob had no cause of 
 dissatisfaction wilh him ; and that he went aw y, merely ho- 
 causc he exceedingly longed to see his ^ a rents und friends. 
 
B. C. 1739. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 B. C. 1739. 
 
 yesternight, saj ing, ‘Take thou heed that thou 
 speak not to Jacob either good or bad. 
 
 30 And now thong'll thou wouldest needs be 
 gone, because thou sore longedst after thy lather’s 
 house; yet wherefore hast thou stolen ?my gods? 
 
 31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, 
 •Because I was afraid : for I said, Peradventure 
 thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. 
 
 32 With “whomsoever thou findest thy gods, 
 let him not live : b before our brethren discern 
 thou what is thine with me, and take it to Ihee: 
 •for Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. 
 
 33 And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into 
 d Leah’s tent, and into the two maid-servant’s 
 tents; but he found them not. Then went he 
 out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s 
 tent. 
 
 34 Now Rachel e had taken the images, and put 
 them in the camel’s furniture, and sat upon them ; 
 and Laban "searched all the tent, but found them 
 not. 
 
 35 And she said to her father, Let it not dis- 
 please f my lord that I cannot srise up before thee : 
 for the h custom of women is upon me : and he 
 searched, but found not the images. 
 
 36 H And Jacob ‘was wroth, and chode with 
 Laban: and Jacob answered, and said to Laban, 
 What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou 
 hast so hotly pursued after me ? 
 
 37 Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, 
 what hast thou found of all thy household-stuff ? 
 k set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, 
 that they may judge betwixt us both. 
 
 38 This 'twenty years have I been with thee ; 
 thy m ewes and thy she-goats have not cast their 
 young, and "the rams of thy flock have I not 
 eaten. 
 
 39 That which was “'torn of beasts I brought 
 not unto thee ; r>I bare the loss of it : of my hand 
 didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, sor 
 stolen by night. 
 
 40 Thus I was ; r in the day the drought con- 
 sumed me, and the frost by night ; and my sleep 
 departed from mine eyes. 
 
 41 Thus have I been twenty years in thy house ; 
 I served thee “fourteen years for thy two daugh- 
 ters, and six years for thy cattle : and thou hast 
 changed my wages ‘ten times. 
 
 x 24. Acts 5:38,39. 9:5. y 19. Judg. 6:31. 18:24. 1 Sam. 5:2—6. 2 Sam. 5:21. Is. 
 37:19. 46:1.2. ? 26,27. a 19,30. 44:9—12. 5 23. 30:33. 1 Sam. 12:3—5. 2 Cor. 8: 
 20,21.12:17—19. c 1 Sam. 14:24— 29. d 24:67. e 17,19. • Heb ./ell. f 18: 
 12. Ex. 20:12. 1 Pet. 3 0. s l.tv. 19:32. 1 Kings 2:19. h 18.11. Lev, 15:19. 
 1 30:2. 34.7. 49:7. Nnm. 16:15. 2 Kings 5:11. 13:19. Mark 3:5. Eph.4:26. Jam. 
 1:19,2(1. k See on 32. Josh. 7:23. Matt. 18:16. 1 Cor. 6:4,5. 1 41. m30:27,3U. 
 Ex. 23:25. Dent. 28:4. n Ex. 34:2-4. o Ex. 22:31. Lev. 22:8. 1 Sam. 17:34, 
 35. John 10:12,13. p Ex. 22:10— 13. q Luke 2:8. rEx.2:19— 22. 3:1. Ps. 
 78:70,71. Hos. 12:12. John 21:15— 17. 1 Pet. 5:2— 4. s29:18-30. 30:33— 4l>. 
 
 t See on 7. u 24,29. l’s. 121:1— 3. x 53. Ps. 76:11,12. Is. 8:13. y See on 12. 
 
 V. 31. Jacob answered Laban’s former question in the 
 first place without mentioning it; “Wherefore didst thou 
 fiee away secretly, and steal away from me?” (27.) “Be- 
 cause,” says Jacob, “I was afraid.” This implied a strong 
 charge of injustice and oppression against Laban. 
 
 V. 32. Not live.] This was rash, and might have pro- 
 duced fatal effects: but Jacob was partial to Rachel, and did 
 not. suspect her ; and he was indignant at being accused of a 
 crime which he deeply abhorred. 
 
 V. 34. Probably the furniture of the camels formed a kind 
 of a couch, for the conveniency of women in long journeys. 
 
 V 39. Note, Ex. 22:7—15. 
 
 V. 40. The transition from great heat in the day, to chill- 
 ing cold in the night, is often known in those regions. 
 
 V. 42. The Fear of /saac.] The God, whom Isaac (who 
 was still living) worshipped with “ reverence and gixlly 
 fear.” — Jacob’s language, though keen, was too obviously true 
 to admit of any answer ; and it is too plain to need any 
 comment. (Marg. Ref.) Laban’s silence proves Jacob’s 
 innocence. 
 
 V . 45, 46. Thus a large heap of stones was formed to be 
 an abiding memorial of this compact, and a reproach to him 
 who should pass over this heap to injure the other. 
 
 V. 47. Jegar-sahadutha — Qateed..] The former word in 
 die Chaldee or Syriac, the latter in Hebrew, signifies the heap 
 of witness. These were indeed distinct dialects of the same 
 general language, which marked the inhabitants of the diffe- 
 rent regions ; though they had no difficulty in understanding 
 each other. 
 
 V. 53. There seems to be some ambiguity in Laban’s 
 language, respecting the G >d bv whom he sware: for Abra- 
 ham and Nahor, and then * * father Torah, had worshipped 
 
 Vol. I.— 10 
 
 42 "Except the God of my father, the God of 
 Abraham, and the “Fear of Isaac, had been witn 
 me, surely thou hadst sent me awSy now empty : 
 God rhatn seen mine affliction, and the labour ol 
 my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight. 
 
 43 And Laban answered, and said unto Jacob 
 These daughters are my dauglfters, and these 
 children are my children, and these cattle are my 
 cattle, and all that thou seest is mine : and what 
 can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto 
 their children which they have borne ? 
 
 44 Now therefore come thou, 'let us make a 
 covenant, I and thou ; and let it be for “a witness 
 between me and thee. 
 
 45 And Jacob took a b stone, and set it up for a 
 pillar. 
 
 46 And Jacob said unto his brethren, 'Gather 
 stones ; and they took stones, and made an heap : 
 and they did eat there upon the heap. 
 
 47 And Laban called it '.Jegar-sahadutha : hut 
 Jacob called it 'Galeed. 
 
 48 And Laban said. This heap is a witness be- 
 tween me and thee this day. Therefore was the 
 name of it called Galeed: 
 
 49 And §Mizpah ; for he said, The Lord watch 
 between me and thee, when we are absent one 
 from another. 
 
 50 It' thou shalt ‘'afflict my daughters, or if thou 
 shalt take other wives besides my daughters, no 
 man is with us ; see, e God is witness betwixt me 
 and thee. 
 
 51 And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, 
 and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt 
 me and thee ; 
 
 52 This "heap be witness, and this pillar be 
 witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, 
 and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and 
 this pillar unto me, for harm. 
 
 53 The sGod of Abraham, and the God of Na- 
 hor, the God of their father, h ju<lge betwixt us. 
 And Jacob sware by the ‘Fear of his father Isaac. 
 
 Then Jacob "offered sacrifice upon the mount, 
 and called his brethren to eat bread : and they 
 k did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. 
 
 55 And early in the morning Laban rose up, 
 'and kissed his sons and his daughters, and '"blessed 
 them : and Laban departed, "and returned unto 
 his place. 
 
 16:11. 29:32. 1 Chr. 12:17. z 21 :22— 32. 26:28— 31. 1 S™. 211:14— 17. n 48.52. 
 21 :3t). Deul. 31: 19,21 ,26. Josli. 22:27. 24:2.5—27. 528:18-22. c Josh. 4.5-9, 
 
 *2(J — 24. 7:26. 2 Sam. 18:17. Ec.3:5. t That is, the heap of witness, dial, 
 f That is, the heap of witness. Heb. § That is, A beacon , or vmtehtower. Judg. 
 10:17. 11:29. Mixpeh. d Lev. 18:18. Matt. 10:5.6. e Jude. 11:10. 1 Sam. 12: 
 5. Jer. 29:23. 42.5. Alic. 1:2. Mai. 2:14. 3:5. 1 Tl.es. 2:5. f5e«o/ia44. ell: 
 24—29,31. 22:20—24 . 24:3,4. Josli. 24:2. h 16:5. i Se - on 4 2. I eut. 6:13. || Or, 
 kitted beasts, k 26:30. Ex. 18:12. 2 Sam. 3:20,21. 128. Ruth 1:14. ni24.60. 
 
 28:1. Num. 23:8,11. Prov. 16:7. n 18:33. Num. 24:35. 
 
 other gods in Mesopotamia: (Josh. 24:2.) and Laban’s 
 
 expressions in this discourse imply that he was an idolater, 
 and did not worship the true God alone. (29, 30.) Jacob 
 therefore appealed to the God of his father Isaac, who had 
 never been an idolater, that he might not leave it in doubt, to 
 whom he rendered this act of solemn worship. 
 
 V. 54, 55. Laban had spoken of a common feast, (27;) 
 but Jacob offered a solemn sacrifice, and feasted the company 
 in a religious manner. In this we read the different charac- 
 ters of the two men ; and hence we may form some estimate 
 of the low state of refigior. in Laban’s family. — This parting 
 proved final ; ana we near no more of Laban, or any other 
 of that branch of Abraham’s family ; who seem after this to 
 have sunk into idolatry, and to have been lost among the 
 other Gentiles. — Some indeed think that Balaam descended 
 from Laban ; but this is quite uncertain. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. How particularly are the affairs of these farm- 
 lies related, while the great events of states and kingdoms 
 are passed over in silence, and buried in obscurity! Indeed 
 the Bible is intended to teach people the duties of common 
 life ; and how to serve God, enjoy comfort, and do good, in 
 their several stations and relations: and but very few are 
 concerned in the government of empires, compared with the 
 numbers who support the characters of parents and children, 
 husbands and wives, masters and servants. — The selfish think 
 themselves robbed of all which others obtain from them, how- 
 ever justly ; and covetousness destroys even natural affection. 
 Yet those objects which the men of the world count “ all 
 their glory,” are so scanty, that in the pursuit or possession 
 of them, they stand in each other’s way, and everj r onc seems 
 to be taking from the rest : hence discontent, and envy, and 
 
 ( 73 ) 
 
B. C. 1739. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1739 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Jacob has a vision of angels, 1 , 2. He semis a message to Esau ; and , alarm- 
 ed by the report of his coming with four hundred men , pruys for deliver- 
 ance, 3 — 12. lie prepares a present for Esau ; instructs his servants , and 
 passes the brook Jabbok , 13 — 23. He wrestles at Pemel ; prevails , is bless- 
 ed, and called Israel ; ye goes away billing , 24—32. 
 
 A ND Jacob went on his way, and the “angels 
 of God met him. 
 
 2 And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is 
 God’s host : and he called ‘the name of that place 
 "Mahanaim. 
 
 3 And Jacob sent messengers before him to 
 E?au his brother, unto the land of d Seir, the ’coun- 
 try of “Edom. 
 
 4 And he commanded them, saying, Thus shall 
 ye speak unto f ray lord Esau : Thy ^servant Ja- 
 cob saith thus, I have sojourned with Laban, and 
 stayed there until now. 
 
 5 And h I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and men- 
 servants, and women-servants : and I have sent 
 to tell my lord, that I ' may find grace in thy sight. 
 
 6 And the messengers returned to Jacob, saying, 
 We came to thy brother Esau, and also lie corneth 
 to meet thee, k and four hundred men with him. 
 
 7 Then Jacob was ‘greatly afraid, and distressed: 
 and he divided the people that was with him, and 
 the flocks and herds, and the camels, into two bands; 
 
 8 And said, m If Esau come to the one company 
 and smite it, then the other company which is left 
 shall escape. 
 
 9 TI.And "Jacob said, °0 God of my father 
 Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Loud 
 
 a s . 91:1 1 . Ht-b. 1:14. bJosh.5 14. 2 Kings 6.17. Ps. 34:7. 103:21. 148:2. 
 Luke 2:13. c Josh. 21:38. 2 Sam. 2:8. 17:24,27. 1 Kings 2:8. 4:14. • Thai is, 
 two hosts, or camps. Cant. 6:13. cl 14:6. 36:6 — 8. Dent. 2:5,22. Josh. 24:4. 
 t Heb. field. e See on 23:30. f 5,18. 4:7. 23:6. 27:29,37. 33:8. Ex. 32:22. 
 1 Sam. 26:17. Prov. 15:1. g 1 Kings 2U:32. Ec. 10:4. h 30:43. 33:11. Job 6:22. 
 i 33:8,15. 47:25. Ruth 2:2. 1 sain. 1:18. 2 Sam. 16:4. k 11.27:40,41. 33:1. Amos 
 5:19. lEx. 14:10. Ps. 55:4,5. 61:2. Matt. 8:26. 2 Cor. 1:8— 10. m33:l— 3. 
 
 Mall. 10:16. n 1 Sam. 30:6. 2 Chr. 20:6,12. 32:20. 18.34:4—6. 50:15.91:15. 
 
 discord. But there are possessions of such extent, as amply 
 to suffice for all: happy they who seek them in the first 
 place! — We may however thankfully receive, and cheerfully 
 use, the portion which Providence allots us, as far as we 
 obtain it with a clear conscience, and a testimony in the con- 
 sciences of others to our fidelity and integrity : and even if 
 men should hate and criminate us without reason, yet, when 
 u our ways please the Lord,*’ he will plead our cause, and 
 t4 make our very enemies to be at peace with us ;” he will 
 vindicate our characters, do us justice, and overrule every 
 event for our good. — In all our removals we should have 
 ,*espect to the command, promise, and providence of God ; 
 and if he be with us, we neeJ not fear in the most dangerous 
 circumstances. Indeed, so many are the perils vviih which 
 we are surrounded, that nothing else can reasonably ensure 
 our safety, or encourage our hearts. — The remembrance of 
 favoured seasons of communion with God is very refreshing 
 to us, when embarrassed in difficulties ; and the recollection 
 of our vows should be frequent, that we may not fail to fulfil 
 them. 
 
 V. 22 — 55. God can put a bridle into the mouth of wicked 
 men, to restrain their malice, even without changing their 
 hearts : and then, though they have no love for his people, 
 they will pretend to it, and try to make a merit of necessity. 
 But great watchfulness is necessary to keep out evil, and the 
 appearance of evil, even from ihose undertakings which are 
 in themselves according to the will of God; yet nothing less 
 than this can stop the mouths of our enemies, and make those 
 ashamed who would speak evil of us. — There are seasons 
 when a sharp reproof may consist with meekness , and remind- 
 ing otheis of our services, with humility •* but great wisdom 
 and grace are necessary on such occasions, that the reproofs 
 may be well timed, well conducted, and unanswerably con- 
 vincing ; and they should always be accompanied with a dis- 
 position to forgiveness, to accept of even a partial apology, 
 and to overlook injurious insinuations. — Those who mean 
 honestly and kindly, need not scruple assurances ; but these 
 should be solemnly entered into, in the fear of God, who is 
 both the Witness and the Avenger of fraud and injustice. — 
 And finally, an amicable conclusion of differences, though 
 upon disadvantageous terms, is generally preferable, in respect 
 of our Innocence, peace, and interest, to the most successful 
 litigation. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXII. V. 1, 2. A company of 
 angels met Jacob, in some visible and glorious appearance, to 
 encourage him with the assurance of the divine protection, 
 especially from the power and anger of Esau. This he 
 called w God’s host” or army ; by which wo learn that the 
 angels were numerous, and appeared very formidable and 
 powBrful, ^o protect or to destroy. Mahanaim signifies two 
 armies : the one, as some suppose, having conveyed him safe 
 from Mesopotamia, the other was ready to welcome him to 
 Canaan, and receive him under their protection. Or perhaps 
 ( 74 ) 
 
 Pwhicb saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, 
 and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: 
 
 10 I am tnot ^worthy of the least of all the mer 
 cies, and of all the ‘truth which thou hast shower 
 unto thy servant; for with 8 my staff I passed ove* 
 this Jordan, and now I am become ‘two bands. 
 
 11 "Deliver me, I pray thee, from the hand ol 
 my brother, from the hand of Esau : for I fear him, 
 lest he will come and smite me, and “the mother 
 ^with the children. 
 
 12 And >'thou saidst, “I will surely do thee good, 
 and make thyseed as the sand ofthe sea, which can- 
 not be numbered for multitude. [ Practical Observations A 
 
 13 *n And he lodged there that same night ; and 
 took of that “which came to his hand, b a present 
 for Esau his brother ; 
 
 14 Two ‘hundred she-goats and twenty he- 
 goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams. 
 
 15 Thirty milch camels with their colts, forty 
 kine and ten bulls, twenty she-asses and ten foals. 
 
 16 And he delivered them into the hand of his 
 servants, every drove by themselves ; and said unto 
 his servants, Pass over before me, and put a space 
 betwixt drove and drov'e. 
 
 17 And he commanded the foremost, saying, 
 When Esau my brother meeteth thee, and asketh 
 thee, saying, d Whose art thou ? and whither goest 
 thou ? and whose are these before thee ? 
 
 18 Then thou shalt say : They *be thy servant 
 Jacob’s ; it is a present sent unto my lord Esau : 
 and behold also he is behind us. 
 
 1‘hil. 4:6,7. o 17:7. 28:13. 31:29,42. Ex. 3:6. p3t:3,I3. } Heb. less than all. 
 q 18:27. 2 Sam. 7:18. Job 42:5,6. Is. 6:5. 63:7. Dan. 9:8,9. Luke 5:8. 2 Cor. 18* 
 11. lTim. 1:12— 15. 1 Cel. 5:5. 1 John 1:8— 10. r24:27. 28:15. Mic.7:20. 
 
 s 23:10,1 1 . Job 8:7. l 7. u 1 Sam. 12:10. 24:15. Ps. 23:20. 31 :2. 119:134. 142; 
 6. Dan. 3:17. Matt. 6:13. x*Hos.lU:14. § Heb. upon, y Ex. 32:13. Num. 
 23:19. Matt. 24:35. Tit. 1:2. Heb. 6:17. z 28: 13— 15. 46.3,4. a 1 Sam. 25:8* 
 b 20,21. 33: 1U. 1 Sam. 25:27. Prov. 17:8. ls ; 16. 19:6.21:14. c 30:43. 31:9,16. 
 Deut. 8: 18. 1 Sam. 25:2. Job 1:3. 42: 12. d 33:3. e $ee on 4,5. . 
 
 one encamped before, and the other behind him and his com- 
 pany, as his guard on every side, both against Laban and 
 Esau. 
 
 V. 3. The word rendered M angel” signifies a messenger . 
 so that the same term is used for the messengers whom Jacob 
 sent to Esau, and for those whom the Lord sent to protect 
 him. — While Jacob, to whom the promise and blessing be- 
 longed, had been a hired servant to a hard master, Esau was 
 become a prince, and had established his authority in mount 
 Seir, which was afterwards called Edom from him. (25:30.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. My lord.] Esau’s success in obtaining authority, 
 probably by conquest, in mount Seir, had no doubt procured 
 him from others the title of honour which Jacob gave him. 
 By this humble message, Jacob intimated that he was well 
 satisfied with his present possessions, the fruit of his labour; 
 and was ready to give up all pretensions to Isaac’s substance, 
 and to render his brother all suitable respect. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. Jacob doubtless understood from the messengers, 
 that Esau came towards him in a hostile manner. This ap- 
 pezifs from the narrative itself, and from Jacob’s precautions, 
 and from the language of his prayer: and to suppose the con- 
 trary, is to assume, without the least proof, that both Jacob 
 and the messengers were mistaken. Indeed, the conscious- 
 ness of having deeply offended his brother, might render him 
 suspicious ; yet Esau’s resentment, seems actually to have 
 revived on this occasion. And though the Lord did not re- 
 strain him by force, or in a dream prohibit him fidm injuring 
 Jacob, as he had prohibited Laban; yet he influenced his 
 heart to kindness, and blessed the means of conciliation 
 which Jacob employed. (Prov. 1 0:7. ) 
 
 V. 9 — 12. There can scarcely he a finer model of genuino 
 prayer than this. Jacob’s thankful acknowledgment of for- 
 mer unmerited favours; the humble confession of his entire 
 unworthineFs ; his simple description of his fears and distress ; 
 his unreserved reference of the whole matter to God, renounc- 
 ing all other dependence, and resting all his hopes on him* 
 his explicit mention of the very words both of the Lord’s pre- 
 mises and commands, as engaging his own glorj' to protect 
 him ; and his anxiety for the preservation of his family, bu f 
 especiallj' of his children, in whose lives the promises seemed 
 chiefly concerned ; — these are points peculiarly worthy of no- 
 tice and of imitation. — Thus he made w the name of the Lord 
 his strong tower,” and could not but he safe. 
 
 V. 13. Came to his hand.] Or, that which Providence had 
 put into his possession. 
 
 V. 14, 15. The present was noble; and not intended as 
 a restitution for injuries done to Esau. — The blessing be- 
 longed to Jacob, by God’s own appointment ; and Esau was 
 onl y affronted^ and disappointed in his object, not injured in 
 his property, by Jacob’s misconduct. 
 
 V. 10 — 20. Jacob had purchased tne birthright, and the 
 dominion had been expressly promised him in the blessing: 
 yet, understanding that the temporal advantages were prince 
 
B. C. 1739 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII 
 
 B. C. 1739 
 
 19 And so commanded he the second, and the 
 tl ird, and all that followed the droves, saying-, 
 On this manner shall ye speak unto Esau, when 
 ye find him. 
 
 20 And say ye, moreover, Behold, thy servant 
 Jacob is behind us: tor he said, f I will appease 
 him with the present that goeth before me, and 
 afterward I will see his face : speradventure he 
 will accept 'of me. 
 
 21 So went the present over before him: and 
 himself lodged that night in the company. 
 
 22 And he rose up that night, and took h his two 
 wives, and his two women-servants, and his eleven 
 sons, and passed over the ford 'Jabbok. 
 
 23 And he took them, and/sent them over the 
 brook, and sent over that he had. 
 
 24 ’ll And Jacob was left alone : and there k wres- 
 tled a 'man with him, until the tbreaking of the day. 
 
 25 And when he saw m that he prevailed not 
 against him, he "touched the hollow of his thigh : 
 and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, 
 as he wrestled with him. 
 
 f 43:11. 1 Sam. 25:17— 35. Prov. 15:19. 16:14. 21:14. s 1 Sam. 6:5. 1 Kings 20 
 31. Jon. 3:9. 2 Tim. 2:25. * Hub. my face. Job 42:8,9. Prov. 6:35. margins 
 h 29:23 — 35. 30:1 — 20. i Dent. 2:37. 3:16. Josh. 12:2. 1 Heb. caused to pass 
 k 30:3. Luke 13:24. 22:44. Rom. 8:26. 15:30. Eph. 6:12. Col. 2:1. 4:12. Heb. 5:7 
 I 28,30. Is. 32:2. Hos. 12:3— .5. 1 Cor. 15:47. X Heb. ascending of t' e morning 
 Cam. 2:17. m Vm*. 14:13,14. Matt. 15:28. I, tike 11:5 — 8. n 32. 2 Cor. 12:7-*9 
 O Ex. 32:10. Dent. 9:14. Is. 64:7. Luke 24:28,29. p Cant. 3:4. Luke 18:1— 7 
 
 pally intended for his posterity, and satisfied with the spiritual 
 benefits for himself, he paid homage to Esau, as an acknow- 
 ledged superior. — His liberal present being thus divided, and 
 the persons attending each drove thus repeating the same ex- 
 pressions of respect to Esau, would have a powerful tendency 
 to soften his resentment and conciliate his favour. 
 
 V. 21—23. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 24. Having taken every needful precaution, Jacob 
 retired into some solitary place, to renew his earnest sup- 
 plications ; and while he was thus employed, one 44 in fashion 
 as a man” appeared to him, and engaged in wrestling with 
 him. Nothing requires more vigour, activity, attention, and 
 unintermitting exertion, than wrestling ; which seems on this 
 account to have been selected as an emblem of the fervent 
 prayer of faith, persisted in amidst delays, alarms, discourage- 
 ments, and opposition from every side ; and which at length 
 will surely he crowned with success. (Marg. Ref. k.) 
 
 V. 25. Prevailed no/.] This circumstance significantly 
 marked out that frame of mind, which refuses, as it were, to 
 yield, or take a denial. (Notes, Matt. 15:21 — 28.) He with 
 whom Jacob wrestled, by touching the hollow of his thigh, 
 and dislocating the bone, evidently showed, that when he 
 suffered himself to be prevailed over, it was the effect of 
 mercy, and the gracious acceptance of Jacob’s importunity 
 in prayer. The dislocation seems to have been momentary, 
 though the effect in some measure continued afterwards. 
 
 V. 26. The morning now called Jacob to the care of his 
 family which was here intimated to him. But Jacob, in the 
 person who contended with him, recognised a friend ; yea, 
 that Friend from whom all blessings flow; and therefore 
 he refused to let him go, till he had blessed him. 
 
 V. 27, 28. This change of name, from Jacob to Israel , 
 signified that he was no longer to be regarded as one who got 
 the blessing, yet with some discredit, by twice supplanting 
 his elder brother ; but, as a prince of God , (marg.) who had 
 wrestled with him for it, and prevailed to his everlasting 
 honour. Having power with God, he would surely also pre- 
 vail with man. Thus he was, so to speak, knighted in the 
 field. His posterity inherited his new name , but were never 
 called after his original name ; and the nation of Israel was a 
 type of 44 the Israel of God,” in every age and country, who 
 wrestle and prevail with him by faith and prayer. (Note, 
 John 1:47 — 51.) 
 
 V. 29. Wherefore? &c.] After what had passed, there 
 could be no ground of doubt or uncertainty, in respect of Him 
 with whom Jacob had wrestled ; and it was therefore wholly 
 needless to inquire his name. But Jacob’s other request was 
 granted, 44 and he blessed him there probably ratifying to 
 him the blessings covenanted to Abraham, and Isaac, and 
 afterwards to him. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 30. He who appeared to Jacob Was before called a 
 Man ; yet here he is called God. The prophet Hosea calls 
 him u the Angel, even Jehovah the God of hosts, Jehovah 
 is his memorial and says, that 44 Jacob wept and made sup- 
 plication to him.” (Note, Hos. 12:3 — 6.) We cannot, there- 
 fore, reasonably doubt the sentiments of Jacob, of Moses, 
 and of Hosea, concerning him who now wrestled with Jacob, 
 and surnamed him Israel . And the Scriptures referred to in 
 the margin, if carefully examined and compared, will have a 
 powerful tendency to convince the impartial inquirer, that he 
 could be no other than the eternal Son of God, by these ap- 
 pearances anticipating his incarnation. — It is indeed asserted 
 by the Rabbinical expositors, and from them adopted by some 
 earned men, that the Shechinah, or visible glory of God, 
 of which the attendant angels constituted a part, was dis- 
 
 26 And lie said, °Let me go, for the day break- 
 eth : And lie said, i’I will not let thee go, except 
 ‘'thou bless me. 
 
 27 And he said unto him, r What is thy name? 
 And he said Jacob. 
 
 28 And he said, s Thy name shall he called no 
 more Jacob, but ^Israel : for as a prince hast thou 
 ‘power with God and “with men, and hast pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 29 And Jacob asked him, and said. Tell me, 1 
 pray thee, thy name : And he said, “Wherefore is 
 it, that thou dost ask after my name ? and he 
 ^blessed him there. 
 
 30 And z Jncob called the name of the place 
 "Peniel : for “I have seen God face to face, and my 
 life is preserved. 
 
 31 And as he passed over Penuel, the sun rose 
 upon him, and b he halted upon his thigh. 
 
 32 Therefore the children of Israel c eat not of 
 the sinew which shrank, which is upon the hollow 
 of the thigh, unto this day : because he touched 
 the hollow of Jacob’s thigh, in the sinew thatshrank. 
 
 Horn. 8:37. q 1 Chr. 4:10. Ps. 67:1,6,7. 1 15: 12,13. r29. a 17: 7,15. 33:20. 3o: 
 10. 2 Kings 17:34. Is. 62:2 — 4. 65:15. $ That is, A prince of God. t 24. Hos. 
 12:3—5. u 25:31. 27:33—36. 31:24.33:4. 1 Sara. 26:25. Prov. 16:7. x 27. Judg. 
 13:16— 18. Is. 9:6. y 27:28.29. 28:3.4.13.14. z31. Penuel. 23:19. Judg. 8:8,17. 
 1 Kings 12:25. i| That is, The face of God. a 16:13. Ex. 24:10,11. 33:14,19— 
 23. Nurn. 12:8. Judg. 6:22,23. 13:21,22. Is. 6:5. John 1:18. 2 Tim. 1:10. b 25. 
 c 1 Sam. 5:5. 
 
 played on this occasion, as well as on all others of a similar 
 kind ; and that these expressions, and the language often used 
 by the angel who appeared, are to be thus accounted for. — 
 But there seems no scriptural ground for this sentiment ; and 
 it was probably first devised, to answer the arguments taken 
 from such passages by the ancient Christian writers, for the 
 Deity of the predicted Messiah, and the doctrine of the Tri- 
 nity ; though it has been since espoused by many who profess 
 those doctrines. The word Shechinah is not found in 
 Scripture, but only in the Rabbinical Hebrew. It signifies 
 merely a habitation: but it is used to denote all those appear- 
 ances, by which the special presence of Jehovah was an- 
 nounced. It is readily allowed, that a visible glory of this 
 kind afterwards appeared to Moses and to Israel ; and per- 
 haps in the holy of holies, both of the tabernacle and temple, 
 above the Mercy-Seat. (Ex. 13:21,22. 14:19 — 24. 16:10. 
 33:7—11,18—23. 40:34,38. Num. 12:4,5. 14:10. 16:19,42. 
 
 1 Kings 8:10,11.) But it must strike every attentive reader, 
 that these displays of the glory of the Lord differed exceed- 
 ingly from such appearances, as we have repeatedly consi- 
 dered ; in which an Angel spake in the name of God, and as 
 Jehovah ; or one in human form was addressed by the pa- 
 triarchs as Jehovah, and spoken of by them and by the his- 
 torian in that character. No doubt, the tabernacle and tem- 
 ple were intended as types of Him, in 44 whom dwelleth all 
 the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He in fact, is the true 
 Shechinah: “ No man hath seen God at any time; the 
 only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he 
 hath declared him:” and I cannot doubt, afier the most deli- 
 berate examination, that the exposition, which has been given 
 in he notes, on this and many preceding passages, is the 
 only true, scriptural, and consistent interpretation. — Jacob, 
 beholding the Lord in human form, was not overwhelmed by 
 the appearance ; as it was generally supposed they must be 
 who beheld the divine glory. He had also received an as- 
 surance of deliverance from the dreaded resentment of Esau ; 
 and in both respects his life was preserved. (Note, Ex. 33: 
 20—23.) 
 
 V. 31. Halted .] Israel carried this token away with 
 him, that it was a reality, and not a dream , or vision, or dc- 
 lusive imagination. 
 
 V. 32. Probably this was done by some divine appoint- 
 ment, before the giving of the law: and the meaning was 
 clear to them, though obscure to us. 
 
 practical observations. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Though we cannot behold ihe angels meeting 
 us, and, as 14 the host of God,” encamping round us ; yet, 
 possessing that 44 faith which is the evidence of things not 
 seen,” we may have a full and comfortable assurance that 
 they actually do so. And we need to be encouraged, not 
 only by expecting the guardianship of angels, but by a firm 
 reliance on ihe protection of the God of angels, to render us 
 secure and happy in such a world as this ; where victory in 
 one conflict only reminds us to arm for another; and deli- 
 verance from one trouble or danger, to prepare for further 
 suffering. Yet our severest trials frequently result from for- 
 mer transgressions, and call them to our remembrance for 
 our deeper humiliation. — Prudent precautions may and ought 
 to be employed by those who simply trust in God ; and to 
 neglect them is to tempt him : nor are any means more pro- 
 per to disarm resentment, especially that of proud and worldly 
 men, than humble, respectful language, and cheerfully relin- 
 quishing the objects of contention. Yet these are but meant , 
 and unless God arrest and influence the heart, they cannot 
 subdue the power of jealousy and revenge. — In times ot 
 ( 75 ) 
 
B. C. I 15 9' 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 1739. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Eeau and Jacob mee', and after an amicable conference, Esau dcparte , 1 
 — 16. Jaco'> alt idee at Succoth ; and buys a field , and builds an altar at 
 Shechcm, 17—20 
 
 A ND Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and 
 behold, "Esau came, and with him lour hun- 
 dred men. b And he divided the children unto 
 Leah and unto Rachel, and unto the two hand- 
 maids. 
 
 2 And he put the handmaids and their children 
 foremost, and Leah and her children after, "and 
 Rachel and Joseph hindermost. 
 
 3 And he d passed over before them, and "bowed 
 himself to the ground seven times, until he came 
 near to his brother. 
 
 4 And Esau ran to meet him, and Embraced 
 him, and sfell on his neck, and kissed him : and 
 they wept. 
 
 5 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw the women 
 and the children; and said, Who are those ‘with 
 thee ? And he said, The '"children which God hath 
 graciously given thy servant. 
 
 6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and 
 their children, and they bowed themselves. 
 
 7 And Leah also with her children came near, 
 and bowed themselves : and after came Joseph 
 near, and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. 
 
 8 And he said, 'What meanest thou by "all this 
 drove, which I met ? And he said, These are to 
 find grace in the sight of my lord. 
 
 9 And Esau said, I have enough ; k my brother, 
 Jkeep that thou hast unto thyself 
 
 10 And Jacob said, Nay, I pray thee, 'if now I 
 have found grace in thy sight, then receive my 
 
 a 27:41 ,42. 32:6. b 32:7. c 29:30. 30:22— 24. 37:3. Mai. 3:17. <1 John 10:4.11, 
 12. e 18:2. 42:6. 43:26. 132:28 . 43:30. 45:2,15. Kara 7:27,28. Neh. 1:11. Ps. 
 34:4. Prov. 16:7. 21:1. g 45.14. 46:29. Luke 15:20. Acts 20:37. * Heb./o thee. 
 h 30:2. 48:9. Ruth4:13. lChr.28:5. 1 s. 127:3. Is. 8:18. t Heb. What is all 
 this band to thee ? i 32:13—20. k4:9. 27:41. Judg. 20:23. Acts S: 17. 21:20. 
 Philem. 7,16. 1 Htb. be that to thee that is thine. 1 19:19.47:29.50:4. Ex. 33: 
 12,13. Ruth 2:10. 1 Sam. 20:3. Jer.31:2. m 32:30. Job 33:26. Matt. 18:10. 
 Rev. 22:4. n Josh. 15:19. 1 Sam. 25:27. 30:26. 2 Kings 5:15. 2 Cor. 9:5,6. o9. 
 Phil. 4:11,12,18. § Heb. all things. Rom. 8:32. I Cor. 3:21. 2 Cor. 6:10. I hil. 
 
 urgent danger, even strong faith and repeated assurances 
 will not entirely exclude terror and distress: but they will 
 put life and vigour into humble, fervent prayer ; and enable 
 us to plead the promises, to remember former mercies and 
 deliverances ; and, in the path of unreserved obedience, so to 
 leave ourselves in the Lord’s hands, as shall ensure pro- 
 tection, and restore peace to our souls. 
 
 V. 13 — 32. Every duty has its season; and the care of 
 
 our families, according to present emergencies, may properly 
 succeed, though it must not exclude our devotions : and again, 
 when we have used every prudent means for our own and 
 others’ good, we must retire and pray for the blessing. If we 
 are in a proper frame of mind, we shall rather abridge our- 
 selves of wonted refreshments than neglect communion with 
 God : nay, there may be urgent cases, when even the night 
 itself does not seem too long to pour out our hearts before 
 him ; and if our faith do not fail, our spirits flag, and we 
 grow forma!, our devotions should not be counted too long. 
 When 44 the Spirit of God helpeth our infirmities,” and our 
 intense, earnest, and vast desires can scarcely find words 
 large and emphatic enough to utter them, but we still mean 
 more than we can express ; then prayer is indeed wrestling 
 with God : and however we be tried or discouraged, we shall 
 certainly prevail. He will approve our importunity, and 
 largely communicate his blessings ; and, prevailing with him 
 in prayer, we shall succeed against all our enemies who per- 
 sist’ in striving with us, and prevail on many to be at peace 
 with us. Indeed, in every case in which we desire to prevail 
 with man, fervent prayer to God is our most efficacious 
 means. (Notes, Neh. 1:5 — 1. 2:4.) — But it is only in hu- 
 man nature that sinners can see God, and live. 44 The God 
 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” God as reconciled in 
 and through him, is .the Object of a sinner’s acceptable wor- 
 ship ; with him we may be as importunate as we please ; 
 and if, in humble faith, we determine 44 not to let him go 
 except he bless us,” he will take it well : nor should we ever 
 leave off wrestling, in the nights of trouble or temptation, till 
 the day break, nay, till 44 the Sun of righteousness arise” 
 upon our souls. Thus shall we be acknowledged as true 
 Israelites, and crowned as princes with God ; and while we 
 -'arry away the memorials of our victories, we must record 
 ti\s goodness, for his glory and the benefit of others. But we 
 must not wonder, if even our sweetest consolations carry 
 with them evidences of our infirmity ; and if we have after- 
 wards a thorn in the flesh and buffetings of Satan, to preserve 
 us from being exalted above measure. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIII. V. 2. Rachel.] Rachel 
 and Joseph being dearest to Jacob, he provided most care- 
 fully for their security. 
 
 V. 3. Jacob still prosecuted his plan of satisfying Esau, 
 
 ( 70 ) 
 
 present at my hand : for therefore m I have seen 
 thy face, as though I had seen the face of God, 
 and thou wast pleased with me. 
 
 11 Take, I pray thee, "iny blessing that is 
 brought to thee; because God hath dealt g,a- 
 ciously with me, “and because I have ^enough; 
 and he Purged him, and he took it. 
 
 12 And he said, Let us take our journey, and 
 let us go, and I will go before thee. 
 
 13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth 
 that "ithe children are tender, and the flocks and 
 herds with young are with me ; and if men 
 should over-drive them one day, all theflockwill die. 
 
 14 Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before 
 his servant : and I ™11 lead on softly, “according 
 as the cattle thatgoetli belore me and the children 
 r be able to endure; until I come unto my lord 
 "unto Seir. 
 
 15 And* Esau said, Let me now "leave with 
 thee some of the folk that are with me : And he 
 said, "What needeth it ? Let me "find grace in the 
 sight of my lord. 
 
 16 So Esau returned that day on his way unto 
 Seir. 
 
 17 IT And Jacob journeyed to “Succoth, and 
 built him an house, and made booths lor his cattle : 
 therefore the name of the place is called 1 'Succoth. 
 
 18 And Jacob came to *Shalem, a city of 
 “Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when 
 he came from "Padan-aram ; and pitched his tent 
 before the city. 
 
 19 And lie “bought a parcel of a field, where 
 he had spread his tent, at the hand of the children 
 
 4:18. p2 Kings2:17. 5:16,23. Luke 14:23. q la. 40:11. Ez. 34:23. John 21-15 
 — 17. || Heb. according to he foo' of the work , Sfc.; and according to the foot 
 of the rhilnren. r Mark 4:33. Rom. 15:1. 1 Cor. 3:2. 9:19—22. s See vn 32:3. 
 Dent. 2:1. Judg. 5:4. 2 Chr. 20:10. Ez. 25:8, 35:2,3. If Heb. set, or place, 
 •• Heb. Wherefore is this 1 t 34:11. 47:25. Ruth 2:13. 1 Sam. 25:8. 2Sam.l6r 
 4. u Josh. 13:27. Judg. 8:5,8,16. 1 Kings 7:46. Ps. 60:6. tt That is, Boohs, 
 x John 3:23. y Josh. 24:1. Judg. 9:1. Acts 7:16. Si/chem. z 25:20 . 28:6,7. 35*. 
 9.46:15. a 23:17— 20. 49:30— 32. Josh. 24:32. John 4:5. 
 
 that, he made no claim to secular pre-eminence, but readily 
 yielded him all due respect, as his superior. 
 
 V. 4. In answer to Jacob’s prayer, and in accomplishment 
 of the promise made to him, the Lord thus influenced Esau’s 
 heart, to the exercise of natural affection towards his brother. 
 The reconciliation from this time seems to have been cordial ; 
 though there is no proof or token that Esau was become truly 
 religious. 
 
 V. 5. The children , &c.] The piety and simplicity of this 
 answer is well worthy of admiration and imitation. ( Marg. 
 
 Rtf-) ... 
 
 V. 7. It is remarkable that, on this affecting occasion, we 
 find no intimation of Esau’s expressing any good will to his 
 brother Jacob’s numerous family, thus respectfully bowing 
 before him, one after another. No good wish towards them 
 is recorded, such as even irreligious men often make in simi- 
 lar circumstances. Much less was any prayer offered in 
 their behalf for the blessing of God upon them. This should 
 be carefully noticed in estimating Esau’s character. 
 
 V. 10. Jacob expressed the great satisfaction which ho 
 took in this friendly interview, as if it resembled even the 
 pleasure of intimate communion with God. We may sup- 
 pose him to have used a proverbial expression : yet we can- 
 not so cordially approve of this answer, as of the preceding 
 unless in Esau's conduct, he recognized the special presence 
 and favour of God, who was thus granting the prayers which 
 he had presented, when he saw his face and wrestled with 
 him. (32:30.) — To accept a present from an inferior, was a 
 customary pledge of friendship ; but refusing it implied disaffec- 
 tion : and the case in the eastern world is the same at this day. 
 
 V. 12. Esau thus offered to escort Jacob into the land of 
 Seir. 
 
 V. 14. It is not likely that Jacob intended to setflo in 
 Seir with his family ; nor do we know that be ever pr.> { Finn 
 a visit there, though he probably at this time intended it: 
 there is no proof, Jiowever, that he did not. But, perhaps, 
 on more mature consideration, or by divine monition, or be- 
 cause of some change in his circumstances, he might after- 
 wards alter his intention, or fail of performing it. 
 
 V. 15. What needeth it ?] Guarded thus far by tho 
 angels of God, Jacob neither required nor wished for a guard 
 of soldiers. The friendship of Esau was all that ho asked. 
 (Note, Ezra 8:21—23.) 
 
 V. 17. Succoth was on tho cast side of Jordan, being the 
 last, station at which Jacob rested before he passed that 
 river. After a very long journey, ho stayed here awhile, in 
 some temporary habitation which he had hastily built, to rest 
 and refresh his family and his flocks. 
 
 V. 18. Shalt m.] This place was situated on the west 
 
 side of Jordan, on which Jacob was after he had crossed that 
 
B. C. 1732. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIY. 
 
 B. C. 1732. 
 
 of b Hamor, Shec'iem’s father, for an hundred 
 "pieces of money. 
 
 20 And he erected there an 'altar, and called if 
 'El-Elohe-Israel. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Dinah visits the daughters of the land , and is defiled by Shechem, who loves her 
 and provosts to marry her , 1 — 1*2. Jacob's sons insidiously consent, on con- 
 dt i >n ’hat all the Shechemitee be circumcised ; t» which a 1 Shechem' s instance 
 they submi', 13— ‘2-4 . Simeon and Levi murder all he nun of Shechem, plun 
 der the city, make captives of the women and children, and, recover Dinah, 
 £>— 29. Jacob bitterly complains , and his sons excuse their conduct , 30, 31. 
 
 A ND “Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she 
 bare unto Jacob, went out to see b the daugh- 
 ters of the land. 
 
 2 And when 'Shechem the son of Hamor the 
 Hivite, prince of the country, d saw her, he took 
 her, and lay with her, and ‘defiled her. 
 
 3 And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter 
 of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake 
 'kindly unto the damsel. 
 
 , 4 And Shechem spake unto his father Hamor, 
 saying, 'Get me this damsel to wife. 
 
 5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah 
 his daughter : 'now his sons were with his cattle 
 in the field .; and Jacob held his peace until they 
 were come. 
 
 6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out 
 unto Jacob to commune with him. 
 
 b 34:2, &c. Acts 7:16. Emtnor. * Or, lambs, c 12:7,8. 13:18. | That is, God, 
 Vie God of Israel. 32:28 . 35:7. a 30:21. 46:15. b 26:34 . 27:46. 28.6. c 33:19. 
 d6:2. 39:6,7. 2 Sam. 11:2. Job 31: 1,9. Matt. 5:28. * Heb. humbled her. Deut. 
 21:14. 22:24,29. Jude. 19:24,25. Ez. 22:10,11. t Heb. to the heart of the damsel. 
 2 Sam. 19:7. 2 Chr. 30:22. Is. 40:2. Hos.*2: 14. murg. e 21 .21 . Judg. 14:2. 2 Sam. 
 13:13. f30. 35. 37:13,14. 1 Sam. 16:11. 17:15. Luke 15:2-5,29. g Deut. 22:21. 
 Josh. 7:15. Judg. 19:22— 25. 20:6. 2 Sam. 13:12,13. h 20:9. Lev. 4:2,13,27. 
 
 river. Some translate it, He came in peace to the city of 
 Shechem ; and it is probable that this is the true meaning of 
 the clause. 
 
 V. 20. El- Elohe- Israel.] The altar was erected and 
 inscribed to Him with whom Jacob had before wrestled and 
 prevailed, and by whom he had been surnamed Israel , as the 
 very name indisputably proves : and this is an additional dis- 
 covery, who that Man was ; and an indication, what value 
 Jacob put on the new name which he had thus received. 
 (Notes, 32:24—30.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When we have poured out our souls before the Lord in 
 fervent prayer, we are prepared to meet dangers and diffi- 
 culties with confidence and comforr, and shall soon expe- 
 rience the mercy and faithfulness of God. He hath various 
 methods of 44 making our enemies to be at peace with us 
 he can either bind their hands, awe their spirits, excite 
 natural affection, or plant supernatural grace in their hearts. 
 Yet in all this the Lord works by suitable means ; and 
 u yielding” often forms the wisest method of w pacifying great 
 offences.” This is done by waving points in contest, paying 
 all due respect, and receding from our temporal interest ; and 
 by manifesting to the consciences of our opponents, that we 
 are satisfied with a portion earned by our labour, and neither 
 envy nor covet their abundance ; that we count it 44 more 
 blessed to give than to receive that we consider ourselves 
 happy in the Lord’s favour, and under his protection ; and 
 that we want nothing more than to live in peace and amity, 
 which we much desire and greatly value. Yet, in such cir- 
 cumstances, we must be careful that we do not carry too far 
 our desire of pleasing, or our fear of offending, or profess 
 more than consists with piety or sincerity : nor may we con- 
 ceal or be ashamed of our religion, when in the company of 
 those who fear not God. It is not therefore desirable to be 
 too intimate with superior ungodly relations, who will expect 
 us to join in their vanities, or at least to connive at thtem, 
 though they disapprove and perhaps deride our religion ; and 
 thus they will either be a snare to us, or offended with our 
 conduct. It is more prudent to keep at a distance, and live 
 among such as have less ascendency over us, and where we 
 can be more at liberty. — Let us also observe, that we shall be 
 least willing to expose to hazard that which we value most 
 and love best : we shall therefore venture the loss of all 
 things rather than endanger the loss of our souls, if we know 
 their value ; or than renounce Christ, if we truly love him. 
 And while we admire Jacob’s tender care of his family and 
 flocks, the good Shepherd of our souls, who 14 gathers the 
 lambs in his bosom, and gently leads those that are with 
 young,” should not be forgotten ; whose example we should 
 all imitate, whether as parents, teachers, or pastors. Blessed 
 be his name, he is still 44 The mighty God, the God of 
 Israel:” may he who writes these reflections, and may all 
 who read them, be numbered among the true Israel of God ; 
 that we may record his name, and rejoice in his love, through 
 our pilgrimage here on earth, and for ever in the Canaan 
 above ! Amen. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXIV. V. 1. Jacob must have con- 
 tinued several years near Shechem, before the events record- 
 ed in this chapter took place ; and this made way for too free 
 an intercourse between his family and the Shechemites. 
 
 7 II And the sons of Jacob came out of the fieH 
 when they heard it, and the men were grieved, 
 and they were very wroth: because lie had 
 ^wrought folly in Israel, in lying with Jacob’s 
 daughter ; which h thing ought not to he done. 
 
 8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, 
 ‘The soul of my son Shechem longedi for vour 
 daughter : I pray you give her him to wife. 
 
 9 And 'mahe ye marriages with us, and give 
 your daughters unto us, and take our daughters 
 unto you. 
 
 10 And ye shall dwell with us: k and the land 
 shall be before you; dwell and trade you therein, 
 and get you possessions therein. 
 
 11 And Shechem said unto her father, and unto 
 her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and 
 what ye shall say unto me I will give. 
 
 * 12 Ask me never so much 'dowry and gift, and 
 I will give according as ye shall say unto me : hut 
 give me the damsel to wife. [Practical Obser rations.} 
 
 13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shecheir. 
 and Hamor his father "’deceitfully, and said, be- 
 cause he had defiled Dinah their sister : 
 
 14 And they said unto them, We cannot do this 
 thing, to give our sister to one that, is '‘uncircum- 
 cised : for that were a reproach unto us. 
 
 Deut. 23:17. Eph.5:3. 1 Tim. 5:13. Jam. 3:10. i 3. 1 Kings 11:2. Ps. 03:1. 84: 
 2. 119:20. i 6:2. 24:3. 26:34,35. 27:46. Deul.7:3. >-21-23. 13:9. 20:15. 42:S4. 
 47:27. 124:53.29:18. Ex. 22:16,17. Deul. 22:28.29. 1 Sam. 18:25— 27. 2 Sam. 
 
 3:14. Hos. 3:2. m Jmlg. 1.5:3. 2Sam. 13:23—29. Ps. 12:2. Prov. 12:18—20. 21: 
 28,29. 26:24—26. Rom. 12:19. 1 Tl.es. 5:15. n 17:11. Josh. 5:2— 9. 1 Sum. 14: 
 6. 17:20,36 . 2Sam.l:2U. 15:7. 1 Kings 21:9. Malt. 2:8,13. 
 
 Dinah seems to have been about the age of Joseph, or rather 
 younger. As, some time after Jacob’s departure from She- 
 chem, Joseph was seventeen years of age, and went to his 
 brethren and was sold by them ; so Dinah could not at this 
 time be more than fifteen years old. She was an only daugh- 
 ter, doubtless much beloved, and probably too much indulged ; 
 and having got acquainted with the daughters of their hea- 
 then neighbours, she went to visit them, and to look about with 
 them , as the original implies, probably on some public occa- 
 sion of mirth and festivity : but it does not appear, whether 
 it was with or without the consent of her parents. 
 
 V. 2. There is nothing, in the narrative, which implies 
 that Shechem committed a rape on Dinah ; nay, the contra- 
 ry is denoted in the words, “ Should he deal with our sister, 
 as* with a harlot ?” (31) for force is not used with harlots. 
 The Jewish expositors, however, assert that he ravished her. 
 Perhaps they devised this, in order to palliate the cruelty and 
 injustice of Jacob’s sons, by the greatness of the provocation. 
 But Shechem rather seems to have used the common arts of 
 seduction ; and to have detained Dinah with the promise of 
 marrying her, till she was afterwards taken away by her 
 brethren. 
 
 V. 5. Jacob kept silence till his sons returned home ; as 
 scarcely knowing what to say, or as afraid, either of exas- 
 perating the men of Shechem, or of taking some improper 
 step. Probably he would have acted more wisely, if he had ' 
 taken the management of the business wholly upon himself : 
 instead of intrusting it with his sons, who were young, rash, 
 and violent, and had too much influence with him. 
 
 V. 7. Jacob’s sons were extremely grieved and enraged ; 
 more, probably, on account of the disgrace of their family, 
 than for the sin committed against God. — What follows 
 seems to be the sentiment of the historian, who spake accord- 
 ing to the language of the times in which he wrote, to inti- 
 mate to the children of Israel, the inconsistency of such prac- 
 tices with their name and profession : for it is not probable, 
 that at this early period the name of Israel was so well 
 known, and so much regarded in its genuine import, by tho 
 sons of Jacob. 
 
 V. 8 — 12. Hamor seems to have made his proposal to 
 Jacob alone, in the first instance, who deferred him till his 
 sons came home, when it was more fully stated to them. 
 Shechem appears to have been sincerely desirous of concilia- 
 ting their favour, and obtaining their consent to his marriage 
 with Dinah, on any terms. Nothing, as matters then stood, 
 could have been spoken more fairly : and it may be ques- 
 tioned whether, in such a case, it would have been wrong in 
 Jacob to consent to Dinah’s marriage ; though the proposal, 
 of forming further connexions of that kind, ought perhaps to 
 have been declined. But Shechem’s conduct in detaining 
 Dinah did not well accord to his language. 
 
 V. 13. Because , &c.] Jacob’s sons made Shechem’s sin 
 the excuse for their own deceitful project. Perhaps at first 
 most of them only intended to procure an opportunity of res- 
 cuing their sister, in case Shechem should refuse to restore 
 her peaceably : but Simeon and Levi formed and executed a 
 far deeper scheme of revenge and plunder. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 14 — 17. Neither Abraham nor Isaac had daughters : 
 both Isaac and Jacob had married the daughters of uncir- 
 cumcised persons; and we have reason to conclude, I hat 
 
 ( 77 ) 
 
B. C. 1732. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 1732. 
 
 15 But in this will we’ consent unto you : “If ye 
 will be as we be, that every male of you be 
 circumcised ; 
 
 16 Then will we give our daughters unto you, 
 and we will take your daughters to us, and we 
 will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 
 
 17 But if ye will not hearken unto us to be cir- 
 cumcised, then will we take our daughter, and we 
 will be gone. 
 
 18 And their words pleased Hamor, and She- 
 chem, Hamor’s son. 
 
 19 And the young man deferred not to do the 
 thing, Pbecause he had delight in Jacob’s daughter : 
 and he ivas more ^honourable than all the house 
 of his father. 
 
 20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came unto 
 r the gate of their city, and communed with the 
 men of their city, saying, 
 
 21 These men are peaceable with us, therefore 
 let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for 
 the land, behold, it is large enough for them ; let 
 us take their daughters to us for wives, and let us 
 give them our daughters. 
 
 22 Only herein “will the men consent unto us, 
 for to dwell wijh us, to be one people, if every male 
 among us be circumcised, as they are circumcised. 
 
 23 Shall ‘not their cattle, and their substance, 
 and every beast of theirs be ours? Only let us 
 consent unto them, and they will dwell with us. 
 
 0 Gal. 4:12. p 29:2(1. C«nt.8:6. Is. 62:4. q Niim. 22:15. 2 Kincs 5:1. Is.3:3— 5. 
 6:13. 23:8 9. Acts 13:50. 17:12. r 22:17. 23:10. Ruth 4:1. Job 29:7. 1 rov. 31:23. 
 Am. 5:10,12,15. Zecli. 8:16. s 15,17. t John 2:16. 6:26,27. Acts 19:24— 26. 
 
 1 Tim. 6:6— 10. u 17:23. Is. 1:10— 16. Matt. 7:6. IJnm. 2:23,23. 1 Cor. 7:19. 
 
 x Josh. 5:8. y 29:33,34. 45:5— 7. Num. 31:7,17. • Heb. mouth. Deut. 32:42. 
 
 most of Jacob’s sons, if not all, did the same. 6:15. ) As 
 far as we know, there was no law nor custom against inter- 
 marriages with uncircumcised persons at that time existing ; 
 though the intermarriages of Abraham’s family with idolaters 
 in general, and with the inhabitants of the land in particular, 
 were in many ways discountenanced. Indeed, this seems 
 to have been merely a pretence , as used by Jacob’s sons ; 
 though it might have become a general opinion in his family, 
 grounded on the covenant ratified with Abraham by circum- 
 cision, and perhaps on tradition : but religion was by no 
 means their object in this transaction. — Some doubt may 
 exist concerning the propriety of admitting into the church by 
 circumcision the Shecheinites, who belonged to the devftted 
 race of Canaan, even if they had made an intelligent and 
 suitable profession of religion : but the very proposing the 
 performance of this religious ordinance, as a condition of se- 
 cular advantages, was as inconsistent with true piety as the 
 deceitful intention and subsequent conduct of Jacob’s sons 
 were with truth, justice, and humanity. Yet alas ! practices 
 of the same nature are still shamefully common in the visible 
 church ! 
 
 V. 13 — 24. The Shecheinites acted upon the most selfish 
 principles, and submitted to circumcision without the least 
 regard to its nature, meaning, or divine institution, avowedly 
 to obtain their own secular ends : yet they were much more 
 excusable in this profanation than the sons of Jacob, who 
 proposed it to them, and who might have been expected to 
 know better. 
 
 V. 25 — 28.. Simeon and Levi, sons of Leah, were Dinah’s 
 brethren by the whole blood. — It has not improbably been 
 conjectured, that they were at that time hospitably enter- 
 tained in Sherhem's house ; which gave them a fairer oppor- 
 unity of coming upon the Shechemites, when sore and un- 
 prepared, and of effecting this dreadful execution. Though 
 no more of Jacob’s sons were concerned in the massacre, 
 perhaps some servants might assist ; and it seems that all 
 the rest, without hesitation, concurred in the plunder. 
 
 V. 29. We are not informed what became of these cap- 
 tives afterwards, any more than of the servants of Jacob’s 
 household ; whether they were otherwise previously disposed 
 of, or whether they went down with Jacob's family into 
 Egypt. Some think that, Jacob restored both the persons 
 and Ihe property to their surviving relatives and countrymen ; 
 and indeed this is highly probable. 
 
 V. 30. Tn make me tn stink.] Abraham and Isaac had 
 been respected, though strangers; and their religion honour- 
 ed, through their good behaviour and that of their families : 
 but by this infamous conduct, Jacob apprehended that his 
 sons would cause him and his religion to be even execrated 
 among the heathen, whose crimes they had surpassed. 
 
 V. 31. Thus the criminals attempted to vindicate them- 
 selves, and wickedly insinuated that Jacob was willing to 
 permit his daughter to he treated as a harlot. — Though he 
 said nothing more for the present, their conduct made a 
 deep and durablo impression on his mind. — After this, we 
 read nothing more of Dinah than her name ; and it may he 1 
 concluded that she lived and died unmarried, but we hope 
 not impenitent 
 
 24 And unto Hamor and unto Shechem his son 
 hearkened all that went out of the gate of his 
 city : and “every male was circumcised, all that 
 went out of the gate of his city. 
 
 25 H And it came to pass on the third day, 
 when they were \sore, that two of the sons oi 
 Jacob, ^Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brethren, took 
 each man his sword, and came upon the city 
 boldly, and slew all the males. 
 
 26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem his son 
 with the 'edge of the sword, and took Dinah out 
 of Shechem r s house, and went out. 
 
 27 The sons of Jacob came upon the slain, and 
 “spoiled the city; because “they had defiled their 
 sister. 
 
 28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and 
 their asses, and that which was in the city, and 
 that which was in the field, 
 
 29 And all their wealth, and all their little or.^s, 
 and their wives took they captive, and spoiled 
 even all that teas in the house. 
 
 30 If And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “Ye 
 have troubled me to make me “to stink among the 
 inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites, and 
 the Perizzites ; d and I being lew in number, they 
 shall gather themselves together against me, and 
 slay me, “and I shall he destroyed, I and my house. 
 
 31 And they said, f Should he deal with our 
 sister as with a harlot ? 
 
 2 Sam. 2:26. Is. 31:8. z Rsth. 9:10.16. a 2,31 . See on 13. b Josh. 7:25. 1 Kings 
 18:18. 1 Chr. 2:7. c Ex. 5:21. lSam. 13:4. 27:12. 1 Chr. 19:6. ilDeul. 4:2'7. 
 7:7. Ps. 105:12. e 12:2,12. 28: 13,14. 1 Sam. 16:2. 27:1. Rom. 4:13— 20. f See 
 on 13. 49:7. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Young persons, especially females, are never 
 so safe as under the inspection of prudent and pious parents : 
 for their own inexperience and credulity, and the intoxicating 
 nature of flattery, together with the artifice of those who are 
 continually laying snares for them, expose them to imminent 
 danger. They are therefore their own enemies if they desire 
 to go from home alone, especially among thcfSe who are 
 strangers to God and true religion : but those parents are 
 much more inexcusable who allow or encourage their children 
 in acting so imprudently ; nay, who do not interpose their 
 authority to prevent them from heedlessly exposing them- 
 selves to unseen and unsuspected danger. — Children who 
 are indulged because beloved, too often, like Dinah, become 
 the shame and grief of their relations. And indeed large 
 families, even when trained up in the fear of God, will fre- 
 quently occasion many trials, anxieties, and sorrows to their 
 parents ; and the grief of losing them in infancy is transient 
 and tolerable, compared with that of seeing them grow up 
 and live in wickedness. Let parents then reioice as though 
 they rejoiced not, and submit with resignation if the Lord 
 bereave them of their beloved offspring ; and if their children 
 be spared, let them bring them up for the Lord, and commend 
 them to his gracious protection. — When young women listen 
 to the vile proposals or flattering promises of seducers, they 
 not unfrequently seclude themselves from every prospect of 
 forming honourable connexions ; and voluntarily consign 
 themselves to a single life, if still worsfe consequences do not 
 ensue : and this consideration, combined with nobler motives, 
 should induce them to reject, with determined indignation 
 and disdain, every dishonourable proposal. — No sin is made 
 lighter of by multitudes than lewdness : yet no crime is more 
 injurious to the bodies and souls of individuals, to the peace 
 and comfort of families, and to the welfare of society ; and 
 no sin makes way for more horrible consequences, as intro- 
 ductory to all other wickedness. But how will these hea- 
 thens rise up in judgment against thousands, falsely called 
 Christians, and condemn them; who, having seduced and 
 defiled the objects of their pretended affection, afterwards 
 treat them with contempt and hatred ; leave them to the 
 infamy and misery of prostitution, disease, and death ; and, 
 without the least compassion for them or their broken-hearted 
 parents, proceed to add new trophies of their infamous suc- 
 cess, and to multiply the victims of their unbridled lusts ! 
 Surely Shechem was in this more honourable, not only than 
 all the house of his father, but than all the rest of his bre- 
 thren, the whole tribe of seducers ; who are in honour and 
 conscience bound to make this only, but inadequate repara- 
 tion, though very few of them are willing to do it ! 
 
 V. 13 — 31. How lamentable is it that children who have 
 profited little by the example and instructions of their godly 
 parents, should so often gain an undue ascendency over 
 them ! and that they who express great indignation at the 
 crimes of others, and the u folly wrought in Israel,* should 
 prove, themselves so unacquainted with the charu< ter of a 
 true Israelite, as far to exceed ir. their qwn conduct those 
 crimes which they punish in others ! They, who under the 
 pretext of religion, and by pro r unmg its sacred institutions, 
 
 ( 78 * 
 
B. C. 1732 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 E. C. 1 132. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Ood commands Jacob to go to Brth-sl , and pay his vows ; and he obeys , 1 — 7. 
 The death of Deborah , Rebekah's nurse , 8. I'he l.ord appears to Jacob , and 
 encourages him, and Jacob worships, 9 — 15. Benjamin is born, and Rachel 
 dies , 16—20. Reuben commits ncest with Bilhah, 22. The names of 
 Jacob's sons ,23 — 26 Jacob visits Isaac; Isaac's age. death, and burial, 
 27—29. • 
 
 A ND God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to 
 ‘Beth-el, and dwell there : and make there 
 an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee b when 
 thou' fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. 
 
 2 Then Jacob said c unto his household, and to 
 all that therewith him, Put a way the Strange gods 
 that are among you, and be "clean, and change 
 your garments : 
 
 3 And let us arise, and go up to Beth-el ; and I 
 will make there an altar unto God, f who answered 
 me in the day of my distress, and ®was with me in 
 the way which I went. 
 
 4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange 
 gods which were in their hand, and all their h ear- 
 rings which ivere in their ears ; and Jacob 'hid 
 them under k the oak which was by Shechem. 
 
 5 And they journeyed : and ‘the terror of God 
 was upon the cities that ivere round about them, 
 and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. 
 
 6 So Jacob came to m Luz, which is in the land 
 of Canaan, (that is Beth-el,) he and all the people 
 that were with him. 
 
 7 And he "built there an altar, and called the 
 piace 'El-beth-el : because there God appeared 
 unto him, when he fled from the face of his brother. 
 8 If But DeboraJi "Rebekah’s nurse died, and she 
 
 a 7. 12:8 . 13:3,4. 28 10—22. 31:13. Ec. 5:4— 6. Hot. 12:4. Nah. 1:15. b 27:41 
 -45. c 18:19. Josh. 24:15. Ps. 101:2-7. d 31:19,34. Josh. 24:2,28. Jutie. Ill: 
 IS. 1 Sam. 7:3. 2 Cor. 0:15-17. e 22. 34:2,24.25. Ex. 19:10,1 4. Job 1:5. Ps. 51: 
 2,7. Ec.5:l. Ex. 18:31. 38:25. 2Co . 71. Heb. 10:22. Jam. 4:8. 1 Pei. 2:1,2. f28: 
 12.13. Pa. 46:1. 50:15. 66:13,14. 91:15. 103:1—5. 107:8. 116:1,2,16,13.118:19—22 
 fr 23:20. 31:3. I mv. 3:6. Is. 43:2. b Ex. 32:2—4. Jmlg. 8:24—27. Hos.2:13. i Ex. 
 32:20. Deut. 7:5,25. Is. 2:20 . 30:22. k Josh. 24:25,26. Judg. 9:6. 1 34:30. Ex. 15: 
 15,16. 23:27. 34:24. Deut. 11:21. Jusli. 2:9—11. 5:1. 1 Sam. 11:7. 14:15. 2Chr. 
 14:14. 17:10. Ps. 14:5. m 12:S. 28:19. Juilg. 1:22— 26. n 1,3. Ec. 5:4,5. -Thru 
 
 can conceal iheir designs, that they may, without being sus- 
 pected, execute atrocious wickedness, are the most danger- 
 ous enemies of religion : for they cause both it and its pro- 
 fessors to be hated and execrated, expose them to inward 
 anguish and outward persecution, and open the mouths and 
 harden the hearts of multitudes to their destruction. — But 
 they who are wicked enough to perpetrate enormous crimes, 
 will never fail to vindicate them ; nor can any thing but the 
 grace of God, or the discoveries which will be made at the 
 day of judgment, effectually stop men’s mouths and silence 
 their excuses. Then, however, the impenitent sinner will 
 awfully learn, at length, that the crimes of others form no 
 excuse for his own : and though God may justly punish those 
 who profane his ordinances, or transgress his laws, even by 
 the hands of their very tempters ; yet the latter shall be 
 punished with still greater severity. — The good Lord preserve 
 our families from such crimes and miseries, and his church 
 from such scandals, as arc recorded in this chapter ! 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXXV. V. 1. Jacob had hitherto 
 deferred to perforri! his vow at Beth-el, and to dedicate the 
 tenth part of his substance to the Lord ; but on what account 
 we are not informed. — Perhaps his afflictions, recorded in the 
 former chapter, were intended to chastise that delay ; and 
 indeed they might arise, as natural consequences, from his 
 continuing so long near Shechem. But being now reminded 
 by an immediate revelation of the will of the Lord, he 
 doubtless accomplished tile whole of his vow, though we are 
 not particularly informed about it. 
 
 V. 2. The “ strange gods” were idols, worshipped by 
 those who were strangers (o the true God and his covenant. 
 Probably the images which Rachel had stolen were of that 
 number, and some might have been found among the spoils 
 of the Shechemites. It seems that some of Jacob’s house- 
 hold worshipped them, and that he had been aware of this ; 
 yet had timidly or indolently connived at it. — It is evident, 
 that there existed rules for external purification before the 
 promulgation of the Mosaic law, probably from traditional 
 revelation. The means of purifying, thus appointed, were 
 designed to represent the sanctification of the Spirit, as the 
 sacrifices prefigured the atonement of Christ’s death. The 
 abominations recorded in the foregoing chapter, as well as 
 the other evils which prevailed in Jacob’s family, rendered 
 such reformation and purification very needful, as a prepara- 
 tion to the solemn sacrifices and services which Jacob was 
 about to perform. 
 
 V. 4. Jacob’s family seem to have parted with their idols 
 less reluctantly than he expected. The ear-rings were pro- 
 bably worn as an amulet or charm, in token of some depend- 
 ence on the strange gods ; and rather from superslition than 
 ‘or ornament. Jacob buried them in the ground secretly, 
 mat his family might not know what he had done with them. 
 He would not convert the metal to other uses ; and perhaps he 
 did not know how more entirely to destroy it. [Note, Ex.i'2:20.) 
 
 was buried beneath Beth-el, funder an oak : ano 
 the name of it was called 'Allon-bachuth. 
 
 9 H And ‘iGod appeared unto Jacob again, when 
 he (kmc out of Padan-aram; and blessed him. 
 
 10 And God said unto him, Thy name is Ja 
 cob: r thy name shall not be called any more Ja 
 cob, but Israel shall be thy name; and he called 
 his name Israel. 
 
 11 And God said unto him, I am God Almigh- 
 ty ; be fruitful and multiply : 'a nation and a com- 
 pany of nations shall be of thee: and kings shall 
 come out of thy loins. 
 
 12 And "the land which I gave Abraham ana 
 Isaac, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed after 
 thee will I give the land. 
 
 13 And x God went up from him, in the place 
 where he talked with him. 
 
 14 And Jacob v set up a pillar in the place where 
 he talked with him, even a pillar of stone : and he 
 poured a drink-offering thereon, and he poured oil 
 thereon. 
 
 15 And Jacob called the name of the place, 
 where God spake with him, Beth-el. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 16 *11 And they journeyed from Beth-el: and 
 there was but *a little way to come to "Ephrath : 
 and Rachel travailed, and she had "hard labour. 
 
 17 And it came to pass when she was in hard 
 labour, that the midwife said unto her, ' Fear not ; 
 thou sha.lt have this son also. 
 
 18 And it came to pass as c her soul was in de- 
 
 i3, The. God of Beth-el. Ex. 17:15. Jude. 6:24. Ex. 48:35. o24:59. plSam 
 
 31:13. t Thai is, The oak of w.'-jjine. Judg. 2:5. qgS :I3. 31:3,1 1— 13. 32:24— 
 30.46:2,3.48:3,4. r 17:5,15. 32:27,28. 1 Kinjes 18:31. 2 Kings 17:34. s 17 1 
 43:14. 48:3,4. Ex. 6:3. 2 Cor. 6:18. t See on 17 6,7,16. 28:3. u 12:7. 13:14—17 
 15:18.26:3,4.28:3,4,11.48:4. x 11:5. 17:22. 18:33. y 20. 28:18,19. 1 Sara. 7: 
 12. J Heb . a lit le piece of ground . 7,48:7. Ruth 1:2. Ps. 132:6. Mic. 5:2 
 
 a 3:16. 1 Tim. 2:15. b 1 Sam. 4:19— 21. c Ps. 1G:10. Ec. 12:7. Lam. 2:12 
 Luke 12:2). 23-46. Act s 7:59. 
 
 V. 5. Terror of God.} Though the inhabitants of the 
 land could not approve the conduct of Shechem ; yet the 
 revenge taken by the sons of Jacob was so complicated an 
 act of treachery, cruelty, and rapine, that it is scarcely con- 
 ceivable how they were restrained from combining together 
 and making war against them, or at least from pursuing them 
 as they fled. But perhaps they respected the character of 
 Jacob, as a worshipper of Jehovah, and were afraid to 
 make any assault on his family. — Probably Jacob had made 
 what reparation he could to the survivors ; yet the preserva- 
 tion of him and his family is expressly ascribed to a divine 
 influence. 
 
 V. 8. As Jacob was a hundred and thirty years old 
 when Joseph was about forty ; (compare 41:46. 45:6. with 
 47:9.) he was, about ninety when Joseph was born, who at 
 this time was fifteen or sixteen. (Note, 34:1.) Jacob was 
 then about a hundred and six ; Isaac had been married 
 twenty years when Jacob was horn ; so that at least a hun- 
 dred and twenty-five years had passed since Isaac’s mar- 
 riage. Probably after Rcbekah’s death, (which is not re- 
 corded,) this aged servant was taken into Jacob’s house by 
 the desire of Leah and Rachel, as peculiarly dear to them : 
 thus her death was recorded in Jacob’s history rather than in 
 Isaac’s; and from this it is inferred, that Ja^ob had before 
 this visited his father Isaac. u Allon-bachuth” signifies tie 
 oak of weeping. Deborah was not a relation but a servant 
 in extreme old age ; and probably not only incapable of being 
 useful to others, but occasioning much trouble : yet her good 
 behaviour had so engaged the affections of the whole family, 
 that her death was greatly lamented. 
 
 Y. 9. Several years had passed, since Jacob returned 
 from Padan-aram ; but this appearance is thus distinguished 
 from the Lord’s appearance to him before he went to Padan- 
 aram, and when in that, country. 
 
 V. 10 — 13. He called. (10.) The Lord, appearing in 
 some visible and remarkable manner, thus confirmed tc 
 Jacob all the special favour and protection, which the name 
 Israel implied. 
 
 Y. 14, 15. Jacob seems to have renewed, with greater 
 solemnity, the ceremony which he observed when God fiist 
 met him at Beth-el ; and confirmed to the place more pub- 
 licly that name by which he had privately called it; ant, 
 which it ever after bore, till it became Beth-aven, a house of 
 vanity and idolatry. (Notes, 28:18 — 22. Josh. 7:2.) 
 
 V. 17. The midwife, in saying, “ Thou shah have this 
 son also,” seems to have alluded to the name of Joseph , ana 
 the occasion of that name. (30:24.) 
 
 V. 18. The expression, “ her soul was in departing,” 
 aptly describes the nature of death, which is the dissolution 
 of : he union betwixt soul and body. — Rachel had rashly said, 
 u Give me children, or else I die :” God gave her children, 
 and she died in childbirth. — Jacob, by changing the name 
 which Rach<’ Had given to her son, intimated that it was 
 
 ( 79 ) 
 
B. (J. 1716. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B C. 1716 
 
 parting, (for she died,) that sne called his name 
 'Benoni: but his father called him 'Benjamin. 
 
 19 And Rachel died, and was buried in the way 
 
 to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 0 
 
 20 Anil Jacob set a pillar upon her grave : that 
 is e the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day. 
 
 21 D And Israel journeyed, and spread his tent 
 beyond the tower of Edar. 
 
 22 And it came to pass when Israel dwelt in 
 that land, that Reuben went a^id May with Bilhah 
 his father’s concubine : and Israel heard it. &Now 
 the sons of Jacob were twelve. 
 
 23 The h sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob’s first- 
 born, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issa- 
 char, and Zebulun. 
 
 24 The 'sons of Rachel; Joseph and Benja- 
 min. 
 
 25 And k the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaid ; 
 Dan and Naphtali. 
 
 26 And ! the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid ; 
 Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, 
 which were born to him in Padan-aram. 
 
 27 *H And m Jacob came unto Isaac his father 
 unto "Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, (which is 
 Hebron,) where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. 
 
 b. c.-j 28 And the days of Isaac were °an hundred 
 ms.J an( j fourscore years. 
 
 29 And Isaac Pgave up the ghost and died, and 
 was gathered unto his people, being old and full 
 of days : and this sons Esau and Jacob buried him. 
 
 • That is, The son of my sorrow. 1 Chr. 4:9. | That is, The son of the right 
 hand. 42:4,38. 43 14.44:27— 31. e 14. 1 Sam. 10:'2. 2 Sam. 19:18. f 49:4. Lev. 
 18:8. 2 Sam. 16:21,22.20:3. 1 Chr .5:1. 1 Cor. 5:1. g 18. 29:31— 35. 30:5— 24. 
 46:8— 27. 49:1— 28. Ex. 1:1— 5. Num. 1:5-15, 20, &c. 2:5— 33. 7:12, &c. 26:5— 51, 
 57— 62.34:14— 28. Deut. 33: Josh. 13: 21: lChr .2:1,2. Ez. 48: Rev. 7:4— 8. h 29: 
 32—35.30:18,20.33:2.46:8—15. i 16— 18. 30:22— 24. 46: 19— 22. k 30:4—8. 
 
 not proper so to indulge his sorrow, as to overlook the mer- 
 cies still vouchsafed him, or neglect the duties of his sta- 
 tion. — 1 Vie son of the right hand, seems to mean one valued 
 as a right hand ; or, ‘ a son, who shall be my defender in old 
 age, as if he were my right hand.’ 
 
 V. 21. Tower of Edar.] The same words (njrblJD) are 
 rendered, “ Tower of the flock,” in Micah. ( Mic . 4:8. Heb.) 
 
 V. 22. Reuben and Bilhah doubtless flattered themselves 
 that their abominable crime would be concealed; yet Jacob 
 was made acquainted with their conduct, and most decidedly 
 showed his abhorrence of it. Their actual crime is indispu- 
 table, notwithstanding the palliating glosses of some Jewish 
 writers. {Note, 49:3,4.) 
 
 V. 27. It should not be concluded, from the silence of 
 Scripture, that Jacob had not before this visited his fath’er. 
 Probably he came often to see him; but atjengih, as he evi- 
 dently drew near death, he came to dwell with him, or in the 
 neighbourhood. 
 
 V. 28. The age, death, and burial of Isaac, are here in- 
 serted by anticipation; for by computation we find that he 
 did not die till about the time that Joseph stood before 
 Pharaoh. Isaac was about a hundred and fifty years old 
 when Joseph was born ; Joseph therefore must have been 
 thirty when Isaac was a hundred and eighty. (Note, 27:1.) 
 
 V. 29. Esau, instead of taking this opportunity to mur- 
 der Jacob, as he had purposed, found his heart so influenced, 
 that he amicably assisted at Isaac’s funeral. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. Such is the imperfection of the best of men, 
 that they are prone to defer those things which they know 
 ought to be done, and which they really intend to do ; and to 
 forget the mercies which they have received, and the obli- 
 gations under which they lie: nay, without great circum- 
 spection, gross abuses will find their way even into religions 
 families, especially if numerous. We need therefore to be 
 frequently reminded of our duty, and even rebuked for ne- 
 glecting it ; and we should deem it a very great mercy to be 
 stirred up to personal or family reformation, and cheerfully 
 part with every thing, however valuable, which proves an 
 occasion of sin. — Not only rebukes, however, but sharp chas- 
 tisements, may be expected, if we neglect or postpone our 
 solemn tribute of praise to God, when he hath “ answered 
 us in the day of our distress.” — A good example and serious 
 admonitions will go a great way in promoting the good be- 
 haviour of those around us ; and there is often less opposition 
 made to our pious endeavours than we expected. — The Lord 
 does not deal with his people and their families according to 
 their deservings; nay, he is better to them than their fears: 
 and when he overawes the spirit of their enemies, his ser- 
 vants cannot but be safe whithersoever they go, or wherever 
 they are. When we have obediently hearkened to the Lord’s 
 reproving voice, have rectified abuses, and paid our vows, 
 we may expect to hear from him with comfort, and to enjoy 
 the assurance and earnest of his covenanted blessings. But 
 all our consolations in this world only prepare us for trials, 
 and are intermingled with sorrows: and the continual ra- 
 ( 80 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Esau' 8 wives and children ;■ hia removal to mount Heir , lav* hu ~c*cendaut> 
 in Seir, 1 — 19. The descendants of Seir the Horile, 20 — 30. Kings and 
 dulces of Edom, 31 — 43. 
 
 N OW these are “the generations of Esau, who 
 ’ is Edom. 
 
 2 Esau b took his wives of the daughters of Ca- 
 naan ; Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite, and 
 Aholibamah the daughter of Anali, the daughter 
 of Zibeon the Hivite : 
 
 3 And “Bashemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister >. 
 Nebajoth. 
 
 4 And d Adah bare to Esau, Eliphaz: andrn. c. 
 Bashemath bare Reuel. L > v6o. 
 
 5 And Aholibamah bare Jeush, and Jaalam, and 
 Korah: these are the sons of Esau, which were 
 born unto him in the land of Canaan. 
 
 6 And Esau took his wives, and his sons, and 
 his daughters, and all the 'persons of his 
 house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and L 
 all his substance which he had got in the land o 
 Canaan ; and “went into the country, from the face 
 of his brother Jacob. 
 
 7 For i their riches were more than that they 
 might dwell together: and the land wherein they 
 were strangers could not bear them, because of 
 their cattle. 
 
 8 Thus dwelt Esau in Amount Seir: Esau is 
 Edom. 
 
 9 If And these are the generations of Esau the 
 father of the ’Edomites, in mount Seir. 
 
 37:2. 46:23—25. 130:9—13. 46:16—18. m 27:43-45. 28:5. n 13:18. 23:2,19. 
 
 Josh. 14:15. 15:13. o2S:7. 47:23. 50:26. p 15:15. 25:7,8,17. 27:1,2. 49:33. Job 
 5:26. q23:19. 25:9. 27:41. 49:31. a 25:24— 34. 27:35-41. 32:3— 7. Num.2U: 
 
 14— 21. Deut. 23:7. Is. 63:1. Ez. 25:12. b 26:34,35 . 27:46. c25:!3.2S:9. d 1 Chr. 
 1:35. * Heb. souls, e 13:6,1 1 . 17:8. 28:4. f 13:6. g 32:3. Deul. 2:5. Josh. 24: 
 4. Mai. 1:3. t Heb. Edom. 
 
 vages of death, bereaving us of our nearest and best beloved 
 friends and relatives, will frequently excite our fears and la- 
 mentations, and remind us to be ready also, and to set our 
 affections on things above. — It is very becoming when ser- 
 vants, by good behaviour, deservedly enjoy the endeared af- 
 fection of the families in which they reside, so that they live 
 beloved and die lamented ; and when they, who have had the 
 benefit of their faithful services, while in health and strength, 
 provide comfortably for them in sickness and old age. — Such 
 scenes of domestic life are far more beautiful and instructive, 
 than the events which crowd the pages of history, with splen- 
 did evidences of the folly and madness of mankind. 
 
 V. 16 — 29. We should be very cautious not to desire too 
 earnestly any temporal object, nor impatiently to complain of 
 the want of it ; as the Lord may remember our unadvised 
 expressions long after, and rebuke them even in granting our 
 desires, without giving his blessing with them. — Even the 
 most favoured servants of the Lord are frequently tried with 
 afflictions, which quickly succeed each other.' Yet u all shall 
 work together for their good.” — While we live in this world, 
 we must witness so much sin around us, and mourn over so 
 much in ourselves and our families, as well as experience so 
 many bodily infirmities and outward disappointments, that 
 we may well congratulate, and almost envy, those who have 
 finished their measure of sufferings and services, and leave 
 the world full of days, and ripe for glory : for if we are fit for 
 heaven, “ better is the day of our death, than the day of our 
 birth.” — They, who live the most peaceably and comfortably, 
 are least noticed in history : and it may be some consolation 
 to reflect, that while we read of scarcely any thing else than 
 the vices and miseries of mankind, very many, unnoticed by 
 man, have u walked with God, and are not, for God hath 
 taken them.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXVI. V. 2, 3. Esau married 
 u Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath 
 the daughter of Elon the Hittite.” (26:34.) And as these 
 wives are mentioned many years after, in a manner which 
 implies they were then living, (27:46. 28:9.) we can hardly 
 suppose that they both died childless, and that afier their 
 death Esau married the wives, by whom he had most of his 
 children, and especially Eliphaz his eldest son. — Possibly his 
 wives had different names. Bashemath might also be called 
 Adah. And if Aholibamah were the same person as Judith, 
 Beeri the Hittite might be her falher, anti Allah, t he daugh- 
 ter of Zibeon the Hivite, her mother. — It is evident that Ba- 
 shemath, the daughter pf Ishmael, is also called Mahalath. 
 (28:9.) And indeed such variations in names are very com- 
 mon in Scripture. 
 
 V. 6, 7. Probably Esau came frequently to Isaac during 
 his lifetime, and had part of his family and property in Ca- 
 naan, where his children were born : but after his father’s 
 death he toolwaway all his possessions, and finally removed 
 from Canaan, the land of promise, tin type of heaven ; and 
 left Jacob unmolested in the prospect of his reversionary 
 inheritance. — He seems, however, to have inherited a large 
 portion of Isaac’s riches. 
 
B. C 1810. 
 
 10 These are the names of Esau’s sons, Eliphaz 
 the son of Adah the wife of Esau, Reuel the son of 
 Bashemath the wife of Esau. 
 
 1 1 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, 
 ‘Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. 
 
 12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz Esau’s 
 son; and she bare to Elipha/ ; , ‘Amalek : these were 
 the sons of Adah Esau’s wife. • 
 
 18 And these are the sons of Reuel; Nahath, 
 and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah: these were 
 the sons of Bashemath Esau’s wife. 
 
 14 And these were the sons of k Aholibamah, the 
 daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon Esau’s 
 wife : and she bare to Esau, Jeush, and Jaalam, 
 and Korah. 
 
 15 These were dukes of the sons of Esau: the 
 sons of Eliphaz the first-born son of Esau ; ‘duke 
 Teman, duke Omar, duke Zephoj duke Kenaz, 
 
 16 Duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Ama- 
 lek: These are the m dukes that came of Eliphaz, 
 in the land of Edom: these were the sons of Adah. 
 
 17 And these are the sons of "Reuel Esau’s^on ; 
 duke Nahath, duke Zerah, duke Shammah, duke 
 Mizzah. These are the dukes that came of Reuel, 
 in the land of Edom: these are the sons of Bashe- 
 math Esau’s wife. 
 
 18 And these are the sons of°Aholibamah Esau’s 
 wife: duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah: 
 these were the dukes that came of Aholibamah the 
 daughter of Anah Esau’s wife. 
 
 1 9 These are the sons of Esau, (rwho is Edom,) 
 and these are their dukes.' 
 
 it. c.-| 20 H These are the sons of ‘iSeir the Ho- 
 
 1810 . J r it e) w ho inhabited the land : Lotan, and 
 Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, 
 
 21 And Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan : these 
 are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in 
 the land of Edom. 
 
 22 And the children of Lotan were, Hori, and 
 'Heman : and Lotan’s sister was Timna. 
 
 23 And the children of Shobal u'ere these ; 
 r Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and 
 Onam. 
 
 24 And these are the children of Zibeon : both 
 Ajah, and Anah : this was that Anah that s found 
 the mules in the wilderness, as he fed the asses of 
 Zibeon his father. 
 
 h l Chr. 1:35. Zephi. i 14:7. Ex. j7:8 — 16. Num. 24:18— 20. Dent. 23:7. 25:17— 
 13. k 2,18. 111,12. 1 Chr. 1:36,45,51— 54. Job2:ll. 4:1. Jer. 49:7,20. Ez. 25:13. 
 Am. 1:12. Ob. 9. Hab. 3:3. m Ex. 15:15. n 4,13. 1 Chr. 1:37. o5,14. 1 Chr. 
 1:35. piSeeorcl. q 14:6. Dent. 2‘12,22. 1 Chr. 1:38 — 42. * J Chr. 1:39. 
 
 Hnmwn. r 1 Chr. 1:40. Alian. Sheihi. s Lev. 19:19. 2Sam. 13:29. 18:9. 
 1 Kings 1:38,44. 4:28. Zech. 14:15 t 2,5,14,18. 1 Chr. 1:41. u 1 Chr. 1:41. 
 
 V. 12. Amalek.] It has generally been talcen for granted, 
 that the Amalekites descended from this grandson of Esau : 
 but, as they were a powerful people when the Israelites came 
 out of Egypt, and able to contend with them in battle ; as 
 they are always spoken of as a distinct people from the 
 Edomites ; and as mention had before been made of their 
 country; this opinion is not very probable. The marginal 
 references may enable the reader to form a judgment on the 
 subject. Timna was sister to Lotan a descendant of Seir. 
 ( 20 — 22 .) 
 
 V. 15, 16. Dukes.] D’Otbs Heads of families, princes, or 
 military leaders, some of whom were contemporaries. — Ko- 
 rah is not mentioned before among the sons of Eliphaz: pro- 
 bably he was one of his grandsons. 
 
 V. 20. The sons of Seir the Horite.]‘ These were the 
 former inhabitants of that country, with whom probably the 
 descendants of Esau intermarried, and were in a great mea- 
 sure incorporated. 
 
 V. 24. Found, &c.] This passage is particularly diffi- 
 cult, as the word translated mules occurs in no other place : 
 and many conjectures have been formed concerning what it 
 was that Anah found ; among which the more general has 
 been, that in keeping asses he discovered the method of breed- 
 ing mules, either by accident or contrivance. — Anah is the 
 name both of a woman and a man, as Aholibamah likewise 
 is. (2,14,18,20,25,41.) 
 
 V. 31 — 39. It is not agreed whether these kings were 
 descendants of Esau or of Seir. — They seem to have been 
 elective, and to have reigned in succession over the whole 
 country. 
 
 V. 40. ZJufres.) These were either eminent leaders un- 
 der the kings before mentioned ; or, as some suppose, they 
 succeeded them in authority, by a revolution in the form of 
 government. It has been thought that some part of this 
 chapter was written after the death of Moses, or added from 
 the first chapter of Chronicles ; and perhaps it was : but all 
 VOL. I.— 1 1 
 
 B. C. 1500. 
 
 25 And the children of Anah were these : Di- 
 shon, and Aholibamah, the daughter of ‘Anah. 
 
 26 And these are the children of Dishon ; "Hem- 
 dan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. 
 
 27 The children of v Ezer are these ; Bilhan, and 
 Zaavan, and x Achan. 
 
 28 The children of Dishan are these ; *U/,,an(l 
 Aran. 
 
 29 These are the dukes that came of the r u e. 
 Horites ; ‘duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke *- im 
 Zibeon, duke Anah, 
 
 30 Duke Dishon, duke Ezer, duke Dishan : 
 these are the dukes that came of Hori, among: 
 their dukes in the land of Seir. 
 
 31 If And these are “the kings that reigned in 
 the land of Edom, before there reigned any king 
 over the children of Israel 
 
 32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom, 
 and the name of his city was Dinhabah. 
 
 33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah 
 of b Bozrah reigned in his stead. 
 
 34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of 
 "Temani reigned in his stead. 
 
 35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of 
 Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, 
 reigned in his stead : and the name of his city was 
 Avith. 
 
 36 And Hadad died, and Sarnlah of Masrekah 
 reigned in his stead. 
 
 37 And Sarnlah died, and Saul of ‘‘Rehoboth hy 
 the river reigned in his stead. 
 
 38 And Saul died, and Baal-hanan the son of 
 Achbor reigned in his stead. 
 
 39 And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and 
 'Hadar reigned in his stead : and the name of his 
 city was Pau ; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, 
 the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 
 
 40 IT And these are the names of the rn. c 
 ‘dukes that came of Esau, according to their L 15 °o- 
 families, after their places, by their names ; duke 
 Timnah, duke ‘Alvah, duke Jetheth, 
 
 41 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 
 
 42 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, 
 
 43 Duke Magdiel, duke Irani : these he nhe 
 dukes of Edom according to their habitations, in 
 the land of their possession : he is Esau the father 
 oftthe Edomites. 
 
 Amrnm. v 21. 1 Chr. 1:38. x 1 Chr. 1:42. Jakan. y Job 1:1. Jer. 25:20. Lam. 
 4:21. 7.20. 1 Chr. 1:38. a 17:6,16 . 25:23. Num. 20:14. 24:17,18. Deut. 17:14— 
 20. 33:5. 1 Chr. 1:43-50. b Is. 34:6. 63:1 . Jer. 49:13,22. Mic. 2:12. c See on 
 15. Job 2:11. Jer. 49:7. d 10:11. 1 Chr. 1:48. el Chr. 1:50. Hadad. Pai. 
 I See on 15:16. 1 Chr. 1:51—54. f 1 Chr. 1:51. Aliah. g Ex. 15:15. Num. 20: 
 14. X Heb. Edom. 
 
 these events might very well take place w hile Israel was in 
 Egypt and in the wilderness. (Ex. 15:15.) Eight succes- 
 sions are mentioned ; but it is uncertain when the period 
 began, or how long it continued. — Moses had before recorded 
 the prediction, that kings should descend from Jacob ; but 
 these kings reigned before that prophecy began to be fulfilled. 
 ( Marg . Ref. on 31.) 
 
 V. 43. Their possession.] The descendants of Esau 
 were settled in possession of the land of Seir; while Israel 
 had his inheritance only in reversion. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 This chapter seems intended to evince the faithfulness o r 
 God in performing his promise to Abraham, “Nations shall 
 come of thee and to show the accomplishment of his pro- 
 phetical information to Rebekah, “ Two nations are in thy 
 womb;” and of the blessing pronounced on Esau, “By thy 
 sword shalt thou live.” It might also be in many w ays useful 
 to the children of Israel. Yet it contains mere registers, 
 and is very different from tl.e particular history of the heirs 
 of promise; who have the best place and the highest charac- 
 ter in the book of God, though not in many other books. — 
 However men may struggle against the purpose of God, his 
 counsel will stand ; they will finally be compelled to give place 
 to it, and he hath many ways of inducing them to do so. He 
 often gives ungodly people a large portion of this world ; and 
 satisfied with it, they leave others to nossess and enjoy 
 spiritual blessings unenvied and unmolested. This is Esau : 
 still the profane despiser of heavenly things, as when he sold 
 his birthright ; though not the same malicious persecutor, as 
 when he vowed Jacob’s destruction. — Yet persons of his 
 character look great, become dukes and princes, and are 
 envied and courted ; while the “ Israel of God” are poor 
 obscure, and despised ! But soon the slate of things will be 
 reversed: the vvicked shall be cut down, and wilher as the 
 grass: while “ihe righteous shall flourish as the cedar inLi- 
 banus •” anJ having their good things, when those of the sin- 
 ( 81 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
B. C. 1729. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1 729. 
 
 CHA'i'TER XXXVII. 
 
 Joseph it loved by Jacob , but baled by bin b r ethren, 1 — 4. Hit dreamt and the 
 interpretation, 5— 11 . Jacob sends him to hit brethren, who counsel to tiny 
 him, 12 — 20. At Reuben's desire they cast him into a pit, 21 — 24 : and after- 
 ward tell him to the Ithmaelitet ; while Reuben grieves at not finding him, 
 25—30. Hie coat, covered with blood, is sent to Jacob, w'’n mourn \ inordi- 
 nately, 31 — 35. Joseph is brought to Egypt, and told to Potiphar, 3G. 
 
 A ND Jacob dwelt in the land ‘wherein his fa- 
 ther was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. 
 
 2 These are “the generations of Jacob : Joseph 
 being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock 
 with his brethren, and the lad was with the sons 
 of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s 
 ‘‘wives : and Joseph brought unto his father their 
 'evil report. 
 
 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his 
 children, h cause he was the d son of his old age : 
 and he made him c a coat of many ‘colours. 
 
 4 And when his brethren saw that their father 
 loved him more than all his brethren, they f hated 
 him, and could not speak peaceably unto him. 
 
 5 And Joseph ^dreamed a dream : and he told 
 it his brethren : and they hated him yet the 
 more. 
 
 6 And he said unto them, h Hear, I pray you, 
 this dream which I have dreamed. 
 
 7 For behold, we were binding sheaves in the 
 field, and lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood up- 
 right; and behold, ‘your sheaves stood round 
 about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. 
 
 8 And his brethren said unto him, ‘Shalt thou 
 indeed reign over us ? or shalt thou indeed have 
 dominion over us ? and they hated him yet the 
 more for his dreams, and for his words. 
 
 9 And he dreamed yet k another dream, and told 
 it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed 
 
 • Heb. of his father's soioumings. 17:8. 23:4. 28:4. 36:7. Heb. 11:9 — 16. a 2: 
 4.5:1.6:9.10:1. b 30:4,9. 35:22. c 1 Sam. 2:22— 24. 1 Cor. 1:11. 5:1. 11:18. 
 d 44:20. e 23,32. Judg. 5:30. 2 Sam. 13:18. Ps. 45:13,14. Ez. 16:16. ^Or, pie- 
 ces. f 11,18—20. 4:5. 27:41. 49:23. 1 Sam. 16:12,13. 17:28. John 7:3— 5. g9. 
 28:12. 40:5. 41:1. 42:9. Num. 12:6. 1 Kings 3:5. 1.44:18. Judg. 9:7. i 42:6,9. 
 43:26.44:14. ) 4. Ex. 2:14. 1 Sam. 10:27. Ps. 2:3— 6. 118:22. Luke 19:14. 2J: 
 17. Acts 4:27,28. 7:35. k 41:26,32. 1 10.43:28.46:29.47:12. 50:15—21. Acts 
 7:9—14. m 27:29. Is. 60:14. Phil. 2:10,11. n Is. 26:11. Matt. 27:18. Mark 15: 
 
 ner are spent and gone, they shall have them durably, yea 
 eternally. Let us then seek an interest in these blessings ; 
 and not covet, envy, or glory in those fading distinctions which 
 are so often lavished upon the enemies of God, and “ the 
 vessels of wrath fitted for destruction.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXVII. V. 1. Jacob continued 
 to dwell in Canaan, “ the land of his father’s sojournings,” 
 ( marg .) after Esau had got possessions and exercised lord- 
 ship in Seir. (Notes, 24:2 — 9. Heb. 11:13 — 16.) 
 
 V. 2. By “ the generations of Jacob,” we may under- 
 stand the history of him and of his family. (35:23 — 26.) The 
 inspired writer had done with Esau, except as he came in 
 his way when treating of the affairs of Israel: he had joined 
 himself to the heathen; let him be numbered among them: 
 but of Jacob and the chosen seed, Moses had much to re- 
 cord. — Joseph, though greatly beloved, was’ not trained up 
 delicately and in sloth, but inured to labour. Though but a 
 lad, he accompanied the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, parti- 
 cularly assisting them in their pastoral employments. Per- 
 haps his father thought, that the sons of Bilhah, his mother’s 
 handmaid, would favour him ; and that those of Zilpah would 
 be less disposed to emulation against him, than the sons of 
 Leah. But he witnessed’ their ill behaviour, and brought to 
 his father their evil teport, in order that the crimes which he 
 could not prevent, might be reproved and repressed by Ja- 
 cob’s authority. 
 
 V. 3. Jacob had no son by his beloved Rachel, till about 
 seven years after his marriage, when he was far advanced 
 in years. Benjamin was, in the more strict sense, “ the son 
 of his old age but he was at the same time very young. — His 
 
 other sons had in many things grieved and disgraced him : 
 but Joseph eems to have given early indications of that wis- 
 dom and piety, which adorned his maturer age. He was 
 therefore the chief earthly comfort Jacob enjoyed after 
 Rachel’s death ; and, in token of special affection, he clothed 
 him in “ a coat of colours,” or “ of pieces for there is no- 
 thing for many in the original. — However this may be under- 
 stood, it is evident that the garment was deemed superior to the 
 clothing worn by the others; but this distinction between him 
 and his brothers seems to have been invidious and injudicious. 
 
 V. 4. The preference manifested to Joseph excited the 
 envy of his brethren ; and the ground of that preference, even 
 his wisdom and piety, called forth their enmi’y. Conscious 
 of his superior excellency, and hating him for it, they consi- 
 dered Ta cob’s approbation of his conduct as a reproach of 
 then* : all which was augmented by bis repor'ing their evil 
 deeds.— In this Joseph was a type of Christ, the Beloved of 
 the Father, who was on 'hat account etr ied and hated by 
 tb.e Jews and by the world ; not only nrtnnthstn.n^intS his ex- 
 cellency , b it for it, as it rep- -.ached and exposed their hy- 
 ( 02 ) 
 
 a dream more ; and behold, 'the sun and the moon, 
 and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. 
 
 10 And he told it to his father, and to his bre- 
 thren ; and his lather rebuked him, and said unto 
 him, What is this dream thou hast dreamed? 
 ""Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed 
 come to how down ourselves to thee, to the earth ? 
 
 1 1 And his brethren "envied him : but his fa- 
 ther 'observed the saying. 
 
 12 U And his brethren went to feed their father’s 
 flock Pin Shechem. 
 
 13 And Israel said unto Joseph, Do not thy 
 brethren feed the flock in Shechem ? ‘Come, and I 
 will send thee unto them. And he said unto him, 
 ’Here am I. 
 
 14 And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, ‘see 
 whether it be well with thy brethren, and well 
 with the flocks ; and bring: me word again. So he 
 sent him out of the vale of "Hebron, and he came 
 to Shechem. 
 
 15 And a certain man found him, and behold, 
 'he vfhs wandering in the field : and the man asked 
 him, saying, “What seekest thou ? 
 
 16 And ne said, I seek my brethren: ’’tell me, I 
 pray thee, where they feed their flocks. 
 
 17 And the man said, Tney are departed hence : 
 for I heard them say, Let us go to >'Dothan. And 
 Joseph went after his brethren and found them in 
 Dothan. 
 
 18 And when they saw him afar offl even before 
 he came near unto them, they ’conspired against 
 him to slay him. 
 
 19 And they said one to another, Behold, this 
 ^dreamer cometh. 
 
 10. Acts 7:9. o Dan. 7:28. Luke 2:19,51. p 1. 33:18. 34:25—31. q 1 Sam. 17: 
 17— 20. Malt. 10:16. Luke 20:13. r22:l. 27:1,18. 1 Sam. 3:1,5.6,8,16. } Htb. 
 see the peace of thy brethren, ((c. 1 Sam. 17:17,18. Jet. 29:7. Luke 19:42. s23: 
 2. 35:27. Num. 13:22. Josh. 14:13,15. 1 21:14. u Judg. 4:22. John 1:38. 4:27. 
 18:4,7.20:15. x Cant. 1:7. v2Kings6:13. z 1 Sam. 19:1. Ps. 31:13. 37:12, 
 32. 94:21. Matt. 21:38. 27:1. Mark 12:7. 14:1. Luke 20:14,15. John 11:53. Acta 
 23:12. § Heb. master of dreams. 
 
 procrisy and wickedness ; and because he also “teslified of 
 them, that their works were evil.” (John 7:7.) This was 
 the effect of the old enmity put between “ the Seed of the 
 woman and the seed of the serpent.” 
 
 V. 5. God, by supernatural dreams, gave Joseph a pre- 
 intimation of his future greatness, to prepare him for his pre- 
 vious trials, and to support him under them. — Mr. Henry 
 observes, 1 that he dreamed of his preferment, but not of 
 his imprisonment ; as young people are apt to dream of pros- 
 perity, but think nothing of affliction !’ 
 
 V. 6 — 9. Some expositors consider Joseph as faulty in 
 disclosing his dreams, but probably he was led by a divine 
 impulse on his mind to do so! It was on many accounts pro- 
 per they should be known, though otherwise it would have 
 been impolitic for him to declare them. His brethren rightly 
 interpreted the dream, though they abhorred the interpreta- 
 tion ; and while in endeavouring to defeat it they spared no 
 pains, and ventured upon the most atrocious crimes, they 
 were themselves the instruments of its accomplishment. — 
 Thus the Jews understood Christ’s parables, and the intima- 
 tions he gave of his kingdom ; but, determining that he should 
 not reign over them, they consulted to put him to death, anil 
 by his crucifixion they actually made way for that exaltation, 
 which they intended to prevent. — ‘ Their hatred’ (that of 
 Joseph’s brethren towards him) ‘had originated in religion: 
 and the thought of God having determined to honour him, 
 provoked them the more. Such were the operations of ma- 
 lice in Cain towards Abel, in Esau towards Jacob, in Saul 
 towards David, antf in the Scribes and Pharisees toward? 
 the Lord of glory.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 10, 11. Perhaps Jacob meant to abate the indignation 
 of his other sons by rebuking Joseph ; yet it is evident that 
 he thought, there was something supernatural in the dream. — 
 Rachel, the mother of Joseph, was dead ; hut it is probable 
 that Leah was still alive: the expression may, however, only 
 mean the whole family, with peculiar reference to tho num- 
 ber of his brethren. 
 
 V. 12—14. Shechem was at least forty miles northward 
 from Hebron, where Jacob then resided. Dothan was about 
 eight miles further, (17,) — Jacob had bought a piece of land 
 there: hut it is probable that his sons went thither, for the 
 sake of better pasture for their numerous flocks, than could 
 be found in the region about Hebron. After the wickedness 
 which they had perpetrated on the Shechemites, it is more 
 wonderful that they should venture thither, than that Jacob 
 should he anxious for their safety. Had lie suspected their 
 malignant enmity against Joseph, lie would not have thus 
 exposed hi ;; favourite son ; but the hand of the Lord was in it. 
 
 V. 15. lirandering.] Either having lost his way or tra- 
 versing the country m search ufliiv brethren 
 
B. C. 1729. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII 
 
 B. C. 1729 
 
 20 Come now therefore, "and let us slay him, and 
 cast him into some pit : and we will say, Some evil 
 beast hath devoured him : b and we shall see what 
 will become of his dreams. 
 
 21 And ‘Reuben heard it, and he delivered him 
 out of their hands; and said, Let us not kill him. 
 
 22 And Reuben said unto them, Shed no blood, 
 but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, 
 and lay no hand upon him ; that he might rid him 
 out of their hands, to deliver him to his father 
 again. 
 
 23 And it came to pass when Joseph was come 
 unto his brethren, that they d stript Joseph out of 
 his coat, his coat of many 'colours that was on him. 
 
 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: 
 and 'the pit roas empty, there was no water in it. 
 
 25 And 'they sat down to eat bread: and they 
 lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a com- 
 pany ot ^Ishmaelites came from h Gilead, with their 
 camels bearing spicery, and balm, and myrrh, going 
 to carry it down to Egypt. 
 
 26 And Judah said unto his brethren, ‘What 
 profit is it if we slay our brother, and k conceal his 
 blood ? 
 
 27 Come, and let us 'sell him to the Ishmaelites, 
 
 and m let not our hand be upon him ; for he is "our 
 brother, and our flesh : and his brethren.! were con- 
 tent. • 
 
 28 Then there passed °hy Midianites, merchant- 
 
 i Pa. 64:5. Prov. 1:U,,16. 6:17. 27:4. b 1 Sam. 24:20 . 26:2. Matt. 2:2— 16. 27: 
 40— 42. Mark 15:29— 32. John 12:10,11. Acta 4:16— 18. c 35:22. 42:22. <13,32, 
 33. Matt. 27:28. * Or, pieces. 3. marg. e Pa. 40:2. 88:6,8. 130:1,2. Jer. 38:6. 
 Lam. 3:52— 55. Zech. 9:11. f Esth. 3:15. Amos 6:6. g28,35. 16:11,12.25:1—4, 
 16— 18. Ps. 83:6. h 43:11. Jer. 8:22. i 25:32. Pa. 30:9. Jer. 41:8. Rom. 6:21. 
 k 4:10. Job 16:18. E*. 24:7. 1 Ex/21: 16. Neh. 5:8. Matt. 26:15. 1 Tim. 1:10. 
 Rev. 18:13. m 1 Sam. 18:17. 2 Sam. 11:14—17. 12:9. n 29:14. 42:21. f Heh. 
 hearkened, o 25. Num. 25:15,17. 31:2. Judg. 6:1— 3. Ps. 83:9. p 45:4,5. Pa. 
 105:17. Zech. 11:12,13. Matt. 27:9. Acta 7:9. q 34 . 44:13. Num. 14:6. Judg. 
 
 V. 19, 20. These unnatural children had no more com- 
 passion for their father than for Joseph ; nay, perhaps they 
 secretly enjoyed the pleasure of disappointing and grieving 
 him. Their proposal showed how desperate their enmity 
 was ; and the sarcasm concerning Joseph’s dreams, intimated 
 at least some misgivings, that they were divine presages of 
 his future pre-eminence. — ‘ Let us kill him,’ say they, ‘ and 
 then he cannot rule over us.’ (Marg. Ref.) — Their dia- 
 bolical malignity rendered them prompt to invent a subtle 
 plan of concealment. None, I think, after consulting the 
 marginal references, can douht, that Joseph was, in the 
 strictest sense, a type of Christ. And the conduct of his 
 brethren, on this occasion, calls to our recollection those of 
 whom Christ said, “ Now have they both seen and hated 
 both me and my Father.” John 15:24. 
 
 V. 21. Reuben had been guilty of “such fornication, as 
 is not so much as named among the Gentiles yet here he 
 opposed the wickedness of his brethren, of another kind ! 
 Human depravity runs in different channels; some are more 
 prone to one sin, some to another. 
 
 V. 22. Reuben spake as if he meant, that Joseph should 
 be left to starve in the pit ; but he purposed to restore him 
 to his father, hoping probably by that service to recover his 
 favour : and though his purpose was disappointed, yet God 
 by his means preserved the life of Joseph, on which conse- 
 quences infinitely important depended. — Thus Joseph, mur- 
 dered in the intention of his brethren, and, as it were, buried 
 in the pit, yet preserved in order to his exaltation, was a type 
 of Christ crucified, buried, risen, and glorified. 
 
 V. 25. The descendants of Ishmael, Midian, Medan, and 
 the other sons of Abraham by Keturah, (who were grown 
 into a multitude, while the descendants of the promised Isaac 
 were few in number,) uniting together, engaged in this traffic. 
 
 V. 26. What profit'! &c.] Judah seems to have been 
 naturally prone to covetousness, as Judas afterwards was ; 
 one great objection with him to killing Joseph was, that they 
 should get nothing by it. The word rendered profit is almost 
 always used in a bad sense. 
 
 V. 28. Sold Joseph .] Thus Christ was sold for thirty 
 pieces of silver, and by a Judas or Judah ; one of the same 
 name as his who proposed the sale of Joseph. 
 
 V. 29, 30. Reuben seems to have been sincerely grieved 
 when he missed his brother, no doubt suspecting that some 
 violence had been done to him ; and he might also dread his 
 father’s displeasure against himself, as his eldest son, who 
 ought especially to have protected his beloved Joseph. But 
 though he was absent when th'e plan of selling him had been 
 proposed, agreed upon, and executed ; yet he never disclosed 
 this circumstance to his father ; for fear, perhaps, of drawing 
 down the resentment of the rest upon himself. Whether he 
 was informed of the transaction or not, he concurred in the 
 plan of imposing on Jacob. 
 
 V. 32. Thy sons coat.] Not our brother's coat , nor Jo- 
 seph's, but “thy son’s;”. as if, even in this cruel imposition, 
 tney would reproach their father for his partiality to Joseph, 
 
 men ; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of 
 the pit, and fsold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 
 twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph 
 into Egypt. 
 
 29 And Reuben returned unto the pit; and behold 
 Joseph was not in the pit ; and ^he rent his clothes 
 
 30 And he returned unto his brethren, and said 
 r The child is not; and I, whither shall I go? 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 31 H And they took 'Joseph’s coat and killed a 
 kid of the goats, and dipped the coat in the blood. 
 
 32 And they sent the coat of many colours, and 
 they brought it to their father; and said, This 
 have we found ; know now whether it be 'thy son’s 
 coat or no. 
 
 33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat ; 
 an “evil beast hath devoured him : Joseph is with- 
 out doubt rent in pieces. 
 
 34 And Jacob 'rent Iris clothes, and put sack- 
 cloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many 
 days. 
 
 35 And all his sons and all his daughters x rose 
 up to comfort him ; but he refused to be comforted ; 
 and he said, ?For I will go down into the grave 
 unto my son, mourning. Thus his father wept for 
 him. 
 
 36 And 'the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto 
 Potiphar, an ^officer of Pharaoh’s, £nd ^captain of 
 the guard. 
 
 11:35. Job 1:20. Joel 2:13. Ads 14:14. r 42:13,32,36. Jer. 31:15. s3;23. I 3. 
 44:20— 23. Luke 15:30. u 44:28. v 20. Josh. 7:6. 2 Sam. 1:11. 3:31 . lKines20: 
 31. 21:27. IChr. 21:16. Ezra 9:3—5. Neh. 9:1. E»th.4:l— 3. Job 1:20. 2:12. Ps. 
 69:11. Is. 22:12,13. 36:22. 37:1,2. Jer. 36:24. Joel 2:13. Jonah 3:5-8. Mall. 11: 
 21.26:65. Acts 14:14. Rer. 11:3. x 2 Sam. 12:17. Job 2:11. Ps. 77:2. Jer. 31 : 15 
 y 42:3d. 44:29 — 31 . 45:28. i 28. 39:1. J Heb. eunuch, chambtrlain, or cour ter. 
 Esth. 1:10. § Or, chie f marshal. Heb. chief of the slaughtermen , or, execu- 
 tioners. 40:4. 2 Kings 25:8. marg. 
 
 and almost insinuate that he alone was considered as a 
 son ! 
 
 V. 34. Rent his clothes, &c.J These were, in the earliest 
 ages, the customary indications of great sorrow ; and 
 they seem also to have implied abhorrence of sin, and humi- 
 liation before God on account of it, as the cause of affliction 
 — This is the first instance recorded in Scripture of wearing 
 sackcloth ; as that of Reuben (29) is of rending the clothes. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 35. Daughters .] NoConly Dinah, but his son’s wives, 
 for many of them were at that time married,) joined in en- 
 eavouring to comfort Jacob. — His sons too seem to have 
 rather relented, when they witnessed his excessive sorrow : 
 yet not so far as to confess their evil deeds ; though Jacob’s 
 grief might have been thus abated, and probable measures 
 taken for recovering Joseph. — The word translated the grave, 
 is rendered elsewhere hell ; and means the unseen state, either 
 of the body in the grave, or of the soul in the world of departed 
 spirits. (Notes, Ps. 16:10. Acts 2:25—32.) — Joseph was 
 not supposed to be buried in the grave; but Jacob expected 
 to meet him in another world. Yet he wept for him immo- 
 derately, and without proper resignation to the will of God. 
 
 V. 36. The word in this place signifies Medanites, rather 
 than Midianites. (25:2.) — Pharaoh was the common name 
 of the kings of Egypt. (12:15— 20.)— Potiphar seems to-have 
 been, according to our translation, captain of the guard to 
 Pharaoh ; and, in that capacity, to have had the charge of 
 the state-prisoners, and to have superintended the execution 
 of criminals. (Marg.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 30. They who hate to be reformed, hate also to be 
 reproved, and are offended with those who expose them to 
 reproof : and though it is often of important advantage to 
 disclose the secret crimes which men commit to such as are 
 authorized to restrain them; yet nothing requires more pru- 
 dence and candour. It should never be done out of resent- 
 ment, or without urgent occasion, but always from hatred of 
 the sin and love to the sinner, and with reluctance, as expect- 
 ing nothing but unpleasant consequences to ourselves.— In the 
 present state of tilings, there will frequently he contentions 
 among brethren, especially those of opposite characters ; and 
 while parents ought to manifest a preference of such as 
 behave with the greatest piety and prudence, even this will 
 excite the enmity and envy of those who are proud and on- 
 godly. Great care should therefore be taken not to inflame 
 these malignant passions by useless and invidious distinc- 
 tions ; and that wisdom which is from above is greatly wanted 
 to avoid sowing those seeds of discord, that will not speedi.y 
 be eradicated. For when once malice and envy have got 
 possession of the heart, every circumstance inflar u 6 them 
 love shown to the person envied is considered as hatred to ’he 
 envious man ; and commendation and kindness bestowed 
 on the one, seem to be reproaching and injuring the other- 
 yea, the very excellency of a person’s character and conduct 
 makes him appear the more odious, ii: the distempered judg- 
 
 l S3 ) 
 
B. C. 1717. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 17’ . 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 Judah' 8 marriage and children , 1 — 5. His eon Er's marriage and death , 6, 7. 
 Onan marries hie brother' e widow; is cut off for his sin ; and Tamar his 
 widow is r> served for Shelah , 8—11. Judah's wife dies ; he is deceived by 
 Tamar and commits incest with her ; his crime is detected, and Tamar bears 
 to him Pharez and Zarah, 12 — 30. 
 
 A ND it came to pass at that time, that Judah 
 went down from his brethren, and “turned in 
 to a certain b Adullamite, whose name was Hirah. 
 
 2 And Judah c saw there a daughter of a certain 
 Canaanite, whose name was d Shuah: and he took 
 her and went in unto her. 
 
 3 And she conceived. and bare a son; and he 
 called his name e Er. 
 
 4 And she conceived again, and bare a son ; and 
 she called his name Onan. 
 
 5 And she yet again conceived, and bare a son ; 
 and called his name f Shelah : and he was at Che- 
 zib, when she bare him. 
 
 6 And Judah «took a wife for Er his first-born, 
 whose name was Tamar. 
 
 7 And Er, Judah’s first-born, was h wicked in 
 the sight of the Lord ; and the Lord slew him. 
 
 8 Ami Judah said unto Onan, 'Go in unto thy 
 
 a 19:3. Juclg. 4:18. 2 Kings 4:3. Prov. 13:20. b Josh. 15:35. 1 Sam. 22:1. 2 Sam. 
 23:13. Mic. 1:15. c 3:6. 6:2. 24:3. 34:2. Jmlg. 14:2. 16:1. 2 Sam. 11:2. d 1 Clir. 
 2:3. Shun, e 46:12. Num. 26:10. f 11,26. 1 Chr. 4:21 g 21:21. 24:3. h 13:13. 
 19:13. 2 Chr. 33:6. 1 Lev. 18:16. Deut. 25:5— 10. Ruth 1:11. 4:5— 11. Malt. 
 
 brother’s wife, and marry her, and raise up seed to 
 thy brother. 
 
 9 And Onan knew that the seed should not be 
 his : and it came to paas, when he went in unto his 
 brother’s wife, that he spilled it on the ground, 
 Uest that he should give seed to his brother. 
 
 10 And the thing which he did 'displeased the 
 Lord : wherefore he slew him also. 
 
 11 Then said Judah to Tamar his daughter-in- 
 law, Remain a widow at thy father’s house, k til) 
 Shelah my son be grown; (for he said, Lest per 
 adventure he die also as his brethren did:) and 
 Tamar went and dwelt in her father’s house. 
 
 [Practi cal Obsr.rv ations."] 
 
 12 ’ll And bn process of time, the daughter ot 
 Shuah, Judah’s wife, died : and Judah was 'com- 
 forted, and went up unto his “sheep-shearers to 
 Timnath, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite 
 
 13 And it was told Tamar, saying, Behold, thy 
 father-in-law goeth up to "Timnath, to shear his 
 sheep. 
 
 14 And she put her widow’s garments off from 
 her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped her- 
 
 22:23 — 27. J Jam. 4:5. * Heb. ions evil in the eyes of the LORD. Num. 11:1. 
 22:34 . 2 Sam. 11:27. 1 Chr. 21:7. Prov. 24:18. Ilab. 1:13. k Ruth 1:13. t Heb 
 the days irrre multiplied. 124:67. 2 Sam. 13:39. m 31:19. 1 Sam.25:4— 8,36. 
 2 Sam. 13:23 — 29. n Josh. 15:10,57. Timna'i. Judg. 14:1. 
 
 ment of his conjpetitor. These passions, when matured, 
 break through every tie of nature, every obligation of duty, 
 and every restraint of conscience and compassion : and, if 
 grafted upon that enmity, which is in the “ seed of the ser- 
 pent against the seed of the woman,” — upon religious enmity 
 and the spirit of persecution, — they produce the most atro- 
 cious crimes, committed without remorse or reluctance. — 
 But though the Lord knows that his favours, and the honour 
 which comes from him, will excite these diabolical disposi- 
 tions, and inflame them more and more yet, he will not on 
 that account, withhold the marks of his approbation ; nay, he 
 will rather confer them, purposely to evidence the force and 
 tendency of these base passions, either for the sinner’s future 
 conviction and humiliation, or to manifest the justice of his 
 condemnation. For he can make “ the wrath of man to 
 praise him, and the remainder of it he will restrain he can 
 check and moderate the force of men’s passions, work upon 
 their humanity or natural affection, excite horror or terror 
 in their minds, or even let loose selfishness, covetousness, 
 or fear of man to counteract the effects of malice and re- 
 venge : so that, in direct opposition to their own intentions, 
 his enemies shall just go far enough to accomplish his pur- 
 poses, and to defeat their own ; and to promote the benefit 
 and advancement of believers, which they meant to hinder. — 
 In whatever way he may give his servants any previous inti- 
 mations of future honour and usefulness, they may be con- 
 sidered as equivalent to assurances of many preparatory 
 trials : for “ before honour is humility and the human heart 
 is seldom sufficiently humbled, for suitably filling up import- 
 ant stations, without a previous course of painful discipline. 
 
 V. 31 — 36. Scarcely any thing can be baser, than for 
 children to insult und torture the heart of a parent, whose 
 chief fault consists in having too much indulged them ; yet 
 in this common case, though the conduct of the child is vile, 
 the appointment of God is wise and righteous. — The more 
 we love earthly objects, the greater affliction are we exposed 
 to oh their account ; and impatient mourning, when they are 
 taken away, too plainly proves the excess of our affection, 
 and the need there was of the salutary stroke. Yet our sor- 
 row would often cease, and be turned into joy, if we knew 
 all the truth. We should therefore endeavour, in the exer- 
 cise of faith, to rest satisfied, that though we know not now 
 what the Lord is doing, we shall know and approve it here- 
 after; and thus to find comfort, instead of rashly, and in 
 general falsely, determining, under severe trials, to go down 
 mourning to the grave. (45:28. 48:11.) — As we know not 
 what we may come to before we die, if is good to habituate 
 ourselves to labour, self-denial, and submission. — When men 
 are bent upon wickedness, they will never want some strata- 
 gem to effect it, and some pretext to conceal it ; yet, how- 
 ever unanimous they may be in hiding their sins, they will at 
 last be discovered to their confusion. — But let us in all this 
 behold Jesus, hated, envied, persecuted, sold, and suffering 
 for us • yea, in some sense by us ; for we are like-minded by 
 nature with those who crucified him ; and our sins were the 
 real causes of those sufferings which made way for his me- 
 diatorial exaltation. Thus while we were enemies, provision 
 was made for our extreme necessity, against the time when 
 we should become sensible of our real character and condi- 
 tion: ami then we find, that he was thus waiting his opportu- 
 nity cf overcoming evil with good. — While we receive from 
 his fulness daily, let us not forget the anguish of his soul, 
 when suffering for our sins ; that we may mourn for our 
 crimes, and crucify his crucifiers ; that we may love and 
 serve him ; and through envy, reproach, and tribulation, fol- 
 ww him to glory. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXVIII. V. 1,2. The inspired 
 historian here breaks off his narration, to relate some other 
 occurrences which had taken place in Jacob’s family, and 
 were doubtless an additional cause of great grief to the aged 
 Patriarch. — Though Judah and his brethren so strenuously 
 opposed the marriage of Dinah with an uncircumcised per- 
 son ; yet he, and probably all the rest, married the daughters 
 of those who were not circumcised. (Note, 34:14 — 17.) — 
 The marriages of Israelitish women with uncircumcised per- 
 sons, were, by the law, virtually forbidden ; for they were 
 not allowed to marry Gentiles who had not fully embraced 
 the religion of Israel ; and who were consequently uncircum- 
 cised. But if the daughters of uncircumcised persons were 
 converted to the worship of 'he true God, not being capable 
 of circumcision, they might become the wives of Israelites, 
 without violating any statute ; and indeed this seems to have 
 been allowed in some other cases. (Deut. 21:10 — 14. Judg. 
 14:1 — 4. Ruth 3:9 — 13.4: Matt. 1:5.) It does not however 
 appear, that Judah was more careful in this respect, than 
 Esau had been. He must have been very young when he 
 married, which probably took place before Joseph was sold 
 into Egypt ; yet he seems to have acted without Jacob’s con- 
 sent, by the advice of his Canaanitish friend. Adullam was 
 not far from Ephrath, and it is generally supposed, to the 
 north of Hebron. Probably, Judah at this time left his 
 father’s house for some other residence. — Shuah was the 
 name of Judah’s wife’s father, and not that ofhis wife, (12.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Probably Judah was from home when these 
 two sons were born, and so his wife named them. — Chesib is 
 supposed to have been the same as Achzib. (Josh. 15:44.) 
 
 V. 7. Er was “wicked in the sight of the Lord;” but 
 perhaps not in the sight of man, from whom he concealed 
 his crimes. The Lord, however, was so provoked at his 
 secret sins, that he slew him. — Many premature deaths might 
 probably be accounted for in the same manner, had we as im- 
 partial and well informed historians to record them. 
 
 V. 8. The custom of marrying a brother’s widow, when 
 he died childless, seems to have been traditional before it be- 
 came a written law ; and the first-born from such marriages 
 was accounted the child of the deceased, adopted into his fa- 
 mily, and so became his heir. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 9,10. Onan’s habitual conduct, (for this is meant,) was 
 not only unnatural and detestable in itself, but full of envy 
 and malice, and not . without something of the nature of mur- 
 der in it: for the same principle would have induced him to 
 murder a child born to him, but accounted his brother’s, if ho 
 could have done it with impunity. It implied also a contempt 
 of the promise of a numerous posterity, made to Abraham, 
 Isaac, and Jacob, and of that Seed especially in whom all 
 nations “should be blessed.” 
 
 V. 11. Perhaps Judah, being ignorant of the real cause of 
 his sons’ death, attributed it to some ill behaviour of Tamar, 
 and therefore secretly determined not to marry Shelah to her. 
 For the present, however, he put the matter off, by intimat- 
 ing that his son was too young, and that he should wait some 
 time longer before he allowed them to marry. 
 
 V. 14 — 16. Tamar could not think this a probable way 
 of forwarding her marriage with Shelah ; but perhaps she con- 
 cluded that Judah never intended it. It is supposed, that, 
 according to the custom of the times, she was considered as 
 Shclah’s wife, and could not be married to another in such 
 circumstances. Some think, that she was ambitious of being 
 brought into the lino of Christ’s ancestors, and of having eliil 
 dren by some of Jacob’s family; and perhaps some intimation 
 had been given, that our Lord should spring from Judah: not 
 expecting therefore to be married to Shelah, she saw no othor 
 
 ( 84 ) 
 
B. C. 1716. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII, 
 
 B. C. 1711- 
 
 self, °aml saf in ’an open place, which is by the 
 way to Timnath : for she saw Pthat Shelah was 
 grown, and she was not given unto him to wife. 
 
 15 When Judah saw her, he thought her to be 
 a harlot : because she had covered her face. 
 
 16 And he turned unto her by the way, and said, 
 Go to, I pray thee, let me come in unto thee, (for 
 he knew not that she was his daughter-in-law :) 
 and she said, 4 What wilt thou give me that thou 
 mayest come in unto me? 
 
 17 And he said, r I will send thee f a kid from the 
 flock : And she said, s Wilt thou give me a pledge, 
 till thou send it ? 
 
 18 And he said, What pledge shall I give thee ? 
 And she said, ‘Thy signet, and thy bracelets, and 
 thy staff' that is in thine hand : and he “gave it her, 
 and came in unto her, and she conceived by him. 
 
 19 And she arose, and went away, and 'laid by 
 her veii from her, and put on the garments of her 
 widowhood. 
 
 20 H And Judah sent the kid by the hand of *his 
 friend the Adullamite, to receive his pledge from 
 the woman’s hand : but he found her not. 
 
 21 Then he asked the men of that place, saying, 
 Where is the harlot, that was topenly by the way- 
 side? And they said, There was no harlot in this 
 place. 
 
 22 And he returned to Judah, and said, I cannot 
 find her ; and also the men of the place said that 
 there was n<5 harlot in this place. 
 
 o Prov. 7:12. Jer. 3.2. Ez. 16:25. * Heb. the door of eyes, or, of Erwjim. 
 
 p 11,26. q Matt. 26:15. 1 Tim. 6:10. r Ez. 16:33. t Heb. a k d of the goats. 
 b 24,25. I’rcv. 20:16. Luke 16:8. t Jer. 22:24. Luke 15:22. u 25,26. Hos.4:ll. 
 v 14. 2 Sam. 14:2,5. x Judg. 14:20. 2 Sam. 13:3. Luke 23:12. jOr, in Enajim. 
 14. y Prov. 6:33. Rom. 6:21. 2 Cor. 4:2. Eph.5:12. Rev. 16:15. §Heb. become 
 a contempt. % 34:31. Judg. 19:2. Jer. 2:20. 3:1, 6, 8. Ez. 16:15,28,41.23:5,19,44. 
 Hos. 2:5. 3:3. 4:15. a Lev. 20:10. 21:9. Deut. 22:21— 27. 2 Sum. 12:5,7. Jer. 
 
 way but the very criminal one which she adopted. If this 
 was her motive, though it by no means excuses or palliates 
 her conduct, she certainly obtained her end ; for Christ was 
 descended from her by this very incestuous intercourse ! — 
 Judah did not discover that she was his daughter-in-law, as 
 she was veiled, and he took her for a harlot, because she sat 
 by the way-side. 
 
 V. 17. Pledge.] ApjiaSton, Sept, which is rendered earnest 
 in 2 Cor. 1:22. 5:5. Eph. 1:14. 
 
 V. 18. Signet, bracelets, and staff.] These were probably 
 of considerable value, and would afford Tamar an opportunity 
 of exposing Judah ; yet he was so infatuated as to intrust them 
 with a supposed harlot 1 
 
 V. 21. IVhere is the harlot ; ] By the answer returned 
 to this question, we learn that these practices were neither 
 so common, nor so shameless, among the Canaanites, as they 
 are now in general among nominal Christians. 
 
 V. 23. Lest we be shamed.] For the whoredom, and for 
 the folly connected with it. 
 
 V. 24. Some suppose that Judah only meant to brand 
 Tamar with a mark of infamy. If he meant to burn her to 
 death, though pregnant, it shows, not only that he considered 
 her as betrothed to Shelah, and an adulteress, but also that 
 he was actuated by excessive severity, and dislike to Tamar. 
 — In those days, when a general civil government was not es- 
 tablished through the country, but different tribes and fami- 
 lies were ruled by their several heads, the injured party, if a 
 principal person, seems to have been both accuser, judge, 
 and frequently the executioner ; as in the case of murder, the 
 nearest relation was the avenger of blood. 
 
 V. 25. He who had been the adviser of the sale of Joseph, 
 and of sending his coat to Jacob, with this taunting message, 
 “ Know now whether this be thy son’s coat or no was at 
 length taunted in a similar manner, “ Discern, I pray thee, 
 whose are these (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 26. Judah had intentionally conimitted only fornication, 
 while Tamar had been guilty of incest: yet, conscious of be- 
 ing the occasion of her crime by withholding Shelah, and of 
 excessive severity in the harsh sentence which he had ut- 
 tered against her, and perhaps being truly penitent, he con- 
 demned himself more than her : “ and he knew her again no 
 injre.” Though he was yet young, it does not appear that 
 he married again. — It cannot be supposed, that Tamar was 
 after this married to Shelah; but probably she lived the rest 
 of her days in widowhood. 
 
 V. 27 — 30. By a hard labour, Tamar was corrected for her 
 crime. From these twins, the offspring of so much sin, de- 
 scended the principal part of the tribe of Judah, from whom 
 the whole na'ion are to this day called Jews, or Judeans ; 
 and who had little cause to boast that “ they were not born 
 of fornication.” — Some make the singular circumstances of 
 this birth emblematical of the Jews and Gentiles: the Jews, 
 like Zarah, seemed marked for priority in the church of 
 Christ, yet they drew back; and the Gentiles, like Pharez, 
 have gnr the birthright: yet, in due time, the Jews shall 
 again find admission, and share the same privileges. 
 
 23 And Judah said, Let her take it to lie;-, -'es- 
 we Sbe shamed : behold, I sent this kid, and thoV 
 hast not found her. 
 
 24 And it came to pass about, three months >f- 
 ter, that it was told Judah, saying, Tamar thy 
 daughter-in-law hath 'played the harlot; and also 
 behold, she is with child by whoredom : and Judah 
 said, Bring her forth, and “let her be burned. 
 
 25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her 
 father-in-law, saying, By the man whose these are , 
 am I with child : and she said, '’Discern, I pray 
 thee, whose are these, the signet, and bracelets, 
 and staff. 
 
 26 And Judah acknowledged them, and said, 
 “She hath been more righteous than I ; ‘'because 
 that I gave her not to Shelah my son ; -'and he 
 knew her again no more. 
 
 27 U And it came to pass in the time of her tra- 
 vail, that behold twins were in her womb. 
 
 28 And it came to pass when she travailed, that* 
 the one put out his hand ; and the midwife took 
 and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, 
 This came out first. 
 
 29 And it came to pass as he drew Dack his 
 hand, that behold his brother came out; and she 
 said, “How hast thou broken forth ? this breach be 
 upon thee: therefore f his name was called ’’Pharez. 
 
 30 And afterward came out his brother, that had 
 the scarlet thread upon his hand; sand his name 
 was called Zarah. 
 
 29:22,23. Mull. 7:1—5. Rom. 2:1, 2. b37:32. Ps. 50:21. Jer. 2:26. Bom. 2:16. 
 
 I Cur. 4:5. Rev. 20:12. c 1 Sam. 21:17. 2 Sam. 24:17. Er,. 16:52. Bab. 1:13. 
 John 8:9. Rom. 3 19. d 14. e Job 31:31,32. 40:5. Malt. 3:8. 1 Pel. 1:2.3. 
 
 II f)r, Wherefore hast thou made this breach against thee ? f 46:12. Num. 26: 
 20. 1 Chr.2:4. 9:4. Nell. 11:4,6. Perez. Matt. 1:3. Luke 3:33. Phares. U That 
 is, a breach, g lChr.9:6. Zerah. Matt. 1:3. Zara. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. What a melancholy view do these records give 
 us of Jacob’s family, of the trouble which he had with his 
 children, and of the state of religion in the visible church of 
 God! — Is this “Judah, vAom his brethren shall praise!” 
 Rather let us praise God for his patience with him; and that 
 “ where sin had abounded, grace” as we have reason to con- 
 clude, “ much more abounded” in his salvation. — The friend- 
 ship of those who flatter young persons, and assist them in 
 gratifying their licentious inclinations, is often much valued, 
 and their company courted and preferred before that of pious 
 friends and relations ; but it corrupts good manners and prin- 
 ciples, and makes bad ones worse. Though, all ihings con- 
 sidered, it is best for most men to marry early in life ; yet 
 surely not when they are incapable of judging for themselves, 
 and will not be counselled or directed by their parents and 
 friends; but are influenced by those who fear not God, to 
 form connexions with others of the same character. Indeed, 
 parents themselves frequently lead their children into the 
 mistakes and sins, of which they themselves have been guilty ; 
 and are instrumental in their ruin, tempora. and eternal. — 
 The Scriptures sparingly hint at tnose vile practices, which, 
 being done in secret, are a shame to be spoken of : this suffices 
 to show, that the Lord notices and abhors them, and vviil 
 bring to light all the lasciviousness, of which it is to be feared 
 multitudes are guilty in heart and life, who stand fair in the 
 world’s esteem. Then the secret history of every individual, 
 who hath not truly repented, and washed away his sins in 
 the blood of Christ, will be written with an impartial pen, and 
 published to the world of men and angels: every mouth will 
 be stopped ; and God’s righteousness, in the condemnation of 
 sinners, manifested to the whole universe. 
 
 V. 12 — 30. Mirth, festivity, and vain company, furnish 
 fuel to licentious inclinations, and opportunity inflames the 
 heart ; then interest, credit, and conscience are sacrificed, 
 and the wisest of men act as if bereft of common sense : for 
 “ wine and whoredom take away the heart,” and stupify the 
 conscience. — What need have we then to “watch and pray, 
 that we enter not into temptation 1” Unthought-of conse- 
 quences will soon prove the folly of those who give license 
 to their lusts; and they who fear shame before men, more 
 than condemnation before God, often find the very thing come 
 upon them which they feared, notwithstanding all Iheir care 
 to prevent it.— Injurious suspicions and unjust treatment fre- 
 quently drive those to evil practices, who were not previously 
 disposed to them ; but miserable and infatuated beyond ex- 
 pression are they, who barter chastity, reputation, and even 
 their souls, for the paltry reward of sin. Nor are any more 
 hardened against compassion, or more disposed to treat others 
 with unrelenting severity, than they who are most indulgent 
 to themselves, and heedlessly continue in unrepented wicked- 
 ness : yet it is hopeful, jrhen being put to shame before 
 men produces conviction of guilt, humiliating confessions, 
 and renunciation of the sin thus exposed, never more to re- 
 turn to it. — But while we compassionate pious Jacob, thus 
 wounded on every side by the misconduct of his family, let 
 
 ( 35 ) 
 
b. c. i m 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 172 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 Joseph ia t ought by Potiphar , and preferred in the family , I — 6 ; tempted by 
 hia mia'resa , but overcomes the temptation , 7 — 12 ; accused by her , and im- 
 prieoned by Potiphar , 13—20; favoured by the Lord' s presence , and advanced 
 by the keeper of the prison, 21 — 23. 
 
 A ND Joseph “was brought down to Egypt: and 
 Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the 
 guard, an Egyptian, bought him of the hands of 
 ‘ the Ishmaelites, which had brought him down 
 thither. ■ 
 
 2 And c the Lord was with Joseph, and he was 
 a prosperous man : and he was in the d house of 
 his master the Egyptian. 
 
 3 And his master e saw that the Lord was with 
 him, and that the Lord made all that he did to 
 f prosper in his hand. 
 
 4 And Joseph sfound grace in his sight, and he 
 served him : and he made him h overseer over his 
 house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 
 
 5 And it came to pass from the time that he 
 had made him overseer in his house, and over all 
 that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s 
 house 'for Joseph’s sake : and the blessing of the 
 Lord was upon all that he had, in the house, and 
 in the field. 
 
 6 And lie fie ft all that he had in Joseph’s hand ; 
 and he knew not aught he had, save the bread 
 which he did eat : and Joseph was k a goodly per- 
 son, and well favoured. 
 
 7 I 1 And it came to pass after these things, that 
 his master’s wife ‘cast her eyes upon Joseph ; and 
 she said, m Lie with me. 
 
 8 But he "refused, and said unto his master’s 
 wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with 
 me in the house, and he hath committed all that 
 he hath to my hand. 
 
 a 37:36. 45:4. Ps. 105:17. Acts 7:9. b 37:25, -28. c 21,22. 28:15. 1 Sam. 3:19. 16: 
 18. Ps. 46:7,11. Is. 8:9,10. 41:10. 43:2. Jer. 15:20. Matt. 1:23. Acts 7:9,10. Rom. 
 8:31. d 1 Cor. 7:20— 24. c 21:22. 26:24,28. 30:27,37. 1 Sara. 18:14,28. Zech.8: 
 23. Rev. 3:9. 123. Josh. 1:7. 2 Chr. 26:5. Neh. 2:20. Ps. 1:3. 1 Cor. 16:2. g 21. 
 13:3. 19:19. 32:5. 33:8,10. Neh. 2:4,5. Prov. 16:7. h 22. 15:2. 24:2. 41:40,41. 
 Prov. 11:35. 17:2. 27:18. Acts 20:28. i 12:2. 19:29. 30:27. Deut.28:3— 6. Acts 
 27:24. j 4,8,23. k 12:14,15.29:17. 1 Sam. 16:12. Acts 7:20. 1 6:2. Job 31:1. 
 Pa. 119:37. Ez. 23:5,6,12— 16. Matt. 5:28. 2 Pet. 2:14. 1 John 2:16. m 2 Sam. 
 13:11. Prov. 7:13. Jer. 3:3. n Prov. MO. 2:10,16— 19. 6:20— 25,32,33. 7:25— 27. 
 
 9 13— 18. 22:14.23:26—28. oNeh. 6:11. Luke 12:48. 1 Cor. 4:2. Tit. 2:10. p20: 
 
 9 There is "none greater in this house than I : 
 neither hath he kept back any thing from me, but 
 thee, because thou art his wife : phow then can I 
 do this great wickedness, and isin against God ? 
 
 10 And it came to pass as she spake to Joseph 
 day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie 
 
 by her, r Or to be with her. [ Practical Observation *.] 
 
 11 U And it came to pass about this time, that 
 Joseph went into the house to do his business ; and 
 there was 'none of the men of the house there 
 within. 
 
 12 And she ‘caught him by his garment, saying, 
 Lie with me : "and he left his garment in her 
 hand, and fled, and got him out. 
 
 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he 
 had left his garment in her hand, and was fled 
 forth, 
 
 14 That she called unto the men of her house, 
 and spake unto them, saying, See, he hath brought 
 in x a Hebrew unto us to mock us: ftie came in 
 unto me to lie with me, and I cried with a ‘loud 
 voice. 
 
 1 5 And it came to pass,, when he heard that I 
 lifted up my voice and cried, that he left liis gar- 
 ment with me, and fled, and got him out. 
 
 16 And she 'laid up his garment by her until his 
 lord came home. 
 
 17 And she spake unto him according to these 
 words, saying, “The Hebrew servant which thou 
 hast brought unto us, came in unto me to mock me. 
 
 18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice 
 and cried, that he left his garment with me, and 
 fled out. 
 
 19 And it came to pass, when his master b heard 
 the words of his wife, which she spake unto him, 
 
 3,6. Lev. 20:10. 2 Sam. 11:27. Job 31:9— 12. Jer. 5:8,9. 1 Cor. 6:9,10. Gal. 5:19 
 —21. Heb. 13:4. Rev. 21:8. 22:15. q Num. 32:23. 2 Sam. 12:13. Neh. 5:15. 
 Ps. 51:4. Jer. 28:16. 50:7. r Prov. 1:15. 5:8. 1 Cor. 6:18. 15:33. 1 The*. 5:22. 
 
 2 Tim. 2:22. 1 Pet. 2:11. ■ Job 24:15. Jer. 23:24. Mai. 3:5. t lrov. 7: 13. 
 Ec. 7:26. Ez. 16:30 — 34. u 1 Sam. 15:27. Prov. 6:5. Mark 14:51,52. x 17. 10: 
 21.14:13.40:15. y Is. 51:7. 54:17. Matt. 5:11. 26:59. 1 .uke 23:2. 2 Cor. 6:8. 1 
 Pet. 2:20. 3:14 — 18. 4:14 — 19. * Heb. great, i Jer. 4:22.9:3—5. a 14. Ex. 
 
 20:16. 23:1. 1 Kings 21:9— 13. Ps. 55:3. 120:3.4. Prov. 19:5,9. b Job 29:16. 
 Prov. 18:17.29:12. Acts 25:16. 
 
 us admire the sovereign purpose and grace of God, who by 
 all these events, was preparing for the manifestation of his 
 Son in human nature. Our Redeemer sprang from Judah by 
 Tamar, and from Pharez : for his excellency was personal ; 
 and, though himself sinless, it suited the end of his appear- 
 ance, for him to be 44 made in the likeness of sinful flesh.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIX. V. 2—6. Joseph was not 
 only favoured with the comforting presence of the Lord, and 
 with seasons of peculiarly sweet communion with him, but 
 he was so remarkably furnished with wisdom from above, 
 and prospered in all his undertakings, that it was evident, 
 even to Potiphar himself, that the Lord was with him, assist- 
 ing and succeeding them. Thus, though a slave, he was had 
 in reputation ; and, being diligent in his business, he became 
 a favourite with his master, who greatly countenanced and 
 confided in him. Potiphar, no doubt, would hear from Jo- 
 seph, (who, it is evident, avowed his religion, and refused to 
 join in idolatry,) many things concerning Jehovah, the God 
 whom he worshipped : and finding all his affairs prospered, 
 and that Joseph ascribed this to the Lord’s special blessing, 
 he might be convinced, (as Laban had been concerning 
 Jacob,) that the Lord blessed him for Joseph's sake; indeed, 
 it seems to have been evident to all concerned. Thus at 
 length Potiphar, having full confidence in his integrity, pru- 
 dence, and good success, left all his concerns to his manage- 
 ment; and, without anxiety, enjoyed his abundance. Con- 
 sidering Potiphar’s rank, it is not probable that Joseph was 
 referred to so important a station, till his ability and fidelity 
 ad been fully proved. About thirteen years elapsed, from 
 the time when he was sold into Egypt, to that of his standing 
 before Pharaoh. Some years he was confined in prison : 
 but probably more elapsed during his continuance in Poti- 
 phar’s family, before his imprisonment ; where he would have 
 .arge opportunity of acquiring that kind of knowledge and 
 address, which his future elevated station required. — Joseph’s 
 comeliness is spoken of in the very terms before used in the 
 original concerning his mother Rachel. (29:17.) 
 
 V. 7. Lie with me.] The disparity in rank between Poti- 
 phar’s wife and Joseph, and the observation of his modesty, 
 as equal to his other virtues, probably made her despair of 
 inveigling him by distant hints: and considering how much it 
 was his interest, to oblige her, and how dangerous to give her 
 offence, and hurried on by her criminal passions, she was not 
 ashamed to address him in this impudent manner, not greatly 
 fearing a repulse. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Art ending to ’the circumstances before men- 
 •jonrd, and considering Joseph as a single man in the vigour 
 ( 86 ) 
 
 of youth, the importunity with which he was assaulted, and 
 the opportunity and privacy afforded him, we cannot too 
 much admire this glorious victory of chastity, the power of 
 divine grace displayed in it, and the excellence of him who 
 was hated of his brethren. Comparing his conduct with that 
 of Judah, Reuben, and the other sons of Jacob, it must be 
 allowed, that he had justly the preference in his father’s 
 esteem. — Nor was this refusal more worthy of admiration 
 than the manner of it. The calmness of his spirit, the force 
 of his arguments, the generosity and delicacy, as well as 
 piety, of his sentiments, are most beautiful. — His master’s 
 kindness to him, the honourable station which he held in his 
 family, the peculiar relation in which his tempter stood to 
 his generous benefactor, the greatness of the injustice and 
 ingratitude to him ; — but above all, the greatness of the 
 wickedness in the sight of God, whose authority and dis- 
 pleasure he was not ashamed to mention to this adulterous 
 woman ; — these were the topics on which he insisted ; and 
 had not her vile passions stupified and hardened her heart, 
 surely she must have been reclaimed, or even converted to 
 his God, and induced to ombrace that religion, which ho so 
 adorned and recommended by his conduct ! — While she 
 assailed him day by day continually, no doubt Satan, as far 
 as permitted, would paint to his imagination in lively colours 
 the advantages of compliance, and the consequences of refu- 
 sal : but all was in vain ; for the grace of our Lord was suf- 
 ficient for him. And when ho found her deaf to the remon- 
 strances of duty, conscience, gratitude, honour, and the fear 
 of God, and that he could not reclaim her, he avoided her 
 company as much as possible ; being distrustful of himself and 
 fearful of being overcome, if ho parleyed with the temptation. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. Tho base affection of this wicked woman, 
 being finally disappointed, was changed for the most ran- 
 corous enmity; and she seems to have exulted in the oppor- 
 tunity of being revenged upon Joseph. When therefore the 
 men came in, she addressed them in the affected language of 
 rage and disdain ; alluding to Potiphar, in language which 
 seemed to charge him as accessary to the indignity which 
 she pretended to havo received. She called Joseph a Hebrew 
 in contempt of his original and religion : and added that he 
 left his garment with her; intimating, that when she called 
 aloud for help, he hasted to escape; upon which, seizing hole 
 of his garment, she had in vain endeavoured to retain him 
 till they came to apprehend him. 
 
 V. 17. Tn mock me ] To insult and treat me in i base 
 unworthy manner. 
 
 V. 19, 30. Josoph did not attempt ‘o speak in his own do- 
 
B. C. 1720. 
 
 CHAPTER XL, 
 
 B. C. 1713 
 
 saying, After this manner did thy servant to me; 
 that c Tiis wrath was kindled. 
 
 20 And Joseph’s master took him, and put 
 him d into the prison, a place where 'the king’s 
 prisoners were Dound : and he was there in the 
 prison. 
 
 21 U But fthe Lord was with Joseph, and 
 "showed hint mercy, and egave him favour in the 
 sight. of the keeper of the prison. 
 
 22 And the keeper of the prison h committed to 
 Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the 
 prison: and whatsoever they did there, he was 
 the doer of it. 
 
 23 The 'keeper of the prison looked not to any 
 tiling that was under his hand ; k because the Lord 
 was with him: and that which he did, the Lord 
 made it to prosper. 
 
 c Prov. 6:34,35. <140:15.11:14. Ps. 105:18. I Pet. 2:19. e 40:1— 3. 41:9— 14. 
 Pg. 76:10. f See on 2. * Heb. extend'd, kindness unto him. e Ex. 3:21. 
 11:3. 12:36. I s. 105:19,22. Prov. 16:7. Dan. 1:9. Acts 7:10. h 4,9. i 40:3,4. 
 k See on 2,3. 49:23,24. 1 Sam. 2:30. Ps. 37:3— 11. Is. 43:2. Dan. 6:22. a 39: 
 
 fence : perhaps he was not permitted ; or he might not be in- 
 clined, sensible it would be in vain. Doubtless, however, he 
 would say, as David did, “ Thou shalt answer for me, O 
 Lord, my God.” Potiphar was no doubt blameable, for so 
 hastily crediting this accusation against a person of approved 
 excellence ; yet, considering the absolute authority which mas- 
 ters possessed over the lives of their slaves, the vehement 
 rancour of his accuser, that accuser his master’s wife, and the 
 baseness of the crime very plausibly laid to his charge, it 
 must be ascribed to a special interposition of God, that he 
 was not Immediately put to death. Instead of this, he was cast 
 into the prison where the king’s prisoners were confined, in 
 which circumstance also the hand of the Lord should be no- 
 ticed ; for in any other prison probably Pharaoh would never 
 have heard of him. 
 
 V. 22. He was the doer of it.] Through the wisdom and 
 fidelity which Joseph manifested, he soon acquired the con- 
 fidence of the keeper of the prison ; and though at first se- 
 verely treated, (Note, Ps. 105:18.) yet he afterwards became 
 both comfortable and useful. No doubt, the prisoners were 
 used by him with singular humanity, and probably benefitedby 
 his pious counsels, excellent example, and winning benevolence. 
 
 V. 23. Because the Lord , &.C.] This was so evident that 
 the keeper of the prison noticed it ; and was influenced, per- 
 haps even converted, by what he observed. Thus, in all 
 respects, Joseph was a blessing. (12:2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. Our enemies may strip us of external distinc- 
 tions and ornaments, but wisdom and grace cannot be taken 
 from us : they may banish us from our friends, relatives, and 
 country ; but they cannot deprive us of the presence of the 
 Lord: they may even exclude us from the benefits of com- 
 mon providence, rob us of our liberty, and confine us in dun- 
 geons ; but they cannot shut us out from the throne of grace, 
 or bereave us of the blessings of salvation. — The ordinances 
 of God and the society of his people are very useful, and, in 
 some sense, almost necessary, to the life of faith and growth 
 of grace, especially in young converts ; so that parents and 
 ministers are justly fearful lest their beloved children or 
 people should be secluded from them : but if, contrary to our 
 inclination, we should be deprived of these advantages, His 
 gracious presence can supply the deficiency, and even make 
 our souls like a watered garden, rendering us comfortable, 
 respectable, prosperous, and useful. — Had Potiphar pur- 
 chased Joseph with half the substance of his house, he would 
 have made an advantageous bargain ; and, till imposed upon, 
 he learned his value by experience, and treated him accord- 
 ingly. Yet how little do many Christians understand the 
 worth of such servants as fear God, who will always be most 
 faithful, industrious, and successful! But we must allow, on 
 the other hand, that mere pretenders to religion, of character 
 and conduct exactly the reverse of Joseph, occasion this pre- 
 judice among those who cannot or will not discriminate, be- 
 tween the humble Christian, and the noisy hypocrite. — When 
 the Lord pleases he can easily give his servants favour, even 
 among strangers ; and no one was ever a loser by being kind 
 to them. In general, they who accommodate themselves to 
 a low ana aborious situation, will get forward, and acquire 
 confidence. But alas ! prosperity draws on temptation : and 
 personal accomplishments are often snares to others, as well 
 as to the possessor, who has therefore no cause to glory in 
 them; nor ought any one to envy or covet them. Through 
 the force of human depravity, those amiable qualities, which 
 should command esteem, attract the attention of the licen- 
 tious eye, and excite the licentious passions ; which, having 
 acquired the ascendency, scorn restraint and regard to mo- 
 desty and decency. Thus “ when lust is conceived, it 
 bringeth forth sin and the infatuated wretch, rushing head- 
 long to destruction, turns seducer, and becomes the factor for 
 Satan, m tempting others to wickedness. Nor is any thing 
 more to be dreaded than such a tempter, or more to be shun- 
 ned than such temptations : so that if we do not mean to com- 
 mit iniquity, we ought to “ flee as a bird from the snare of 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 Pharaoh's chief butler and chief baker being imprisoned , Joseph is cha-ge± 
 with them, 1—4. He inten/rels then dreams, and offers a petition to lit 0 
 chief butler, 6—19. The dreams are accomplished, and the chief butler for- 
 gets Joseph , 20—23. 
 
 A ND “it came to pass after these things, that 
 b the butler of the king of Egypt and his 
 baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. 
 
 2 And Pharaoh was "wroth against two of hi? 
 officers, against d the chief of the butlers, ana 
 against the chief of the bakers. 
 
 3 And he put them in ward in the house of the 
 captain of the guard, into the prison, 'the place 
 where Joseph was bound. 
 
 4 And f the captain of the guard charged Joseph 
 with them, and he served them ; and they con- 
 tinued a season in ward. 
 
 5 If And sthey dreamed a dream both of them, 
 
 20—23. Esth. 6:1. b 13. Nell. 1:11. 2:1,2. cPs.76:10. Prov. 16:14. Acts 12: 
 20. <1 1 Chr. 27:27. e 39:20. f 39:1,21— 28. g 8. 20:3. 37:5,10. 41:1— 7. 
 Judg. 7:13. Dun. 2:1—3.4:5,9,19. 
 
 the fowler, and as a roe from the band of the hunter.” Let 
 us not, however, rest satisfied with admiring Joseph, in the 
 honourable victory which he acquired ; but let us consider 
 him as a bright example proposed to our imitation, and an 
 illustrious proof of the energy of divine grace. Trusting to 
 that grace, we may hope to be more than conquerors, not 
 only if exposed to the fiery trial of persecution, but even if 
 assaulted in the far more dangerous manner that Joseph was. 
 But, would we stand steadfast in the day of trial, we must 
 have our minds armed with gratitude, justice, fear of God, 
 faith, lov.e, abhorrence of evil, contempt of worldly pleasure 
 or gain, and readiness for the cross ; we must learn also to 
 judge of every sin, and of licentious indulgences especially, 
 not in that slight manner whicn the world does, but as enor- 
 mous crimes, “ for the sake of which the wrath of God cometh 
 upon the children of disobedience.” And, that importunity 
 may not prevail o . er us, nor secrecy encourage us, we should 
 endeavour to have our minds habitually possessed with a 
 sense of our obligations unto God, his all-seeing eye upon us, 
 and the approaching discoveries of the day of judgment. 
 
 V. 11 — 23. If Satan cannot induce us to sin, he will do 
 his utmost to distress us : and we must expect the imbittered 
 resentment of those, whose wicked inclinations we disap- 
 point; and to be accused of the very crimes which we abhor, 
 yea, because we abhor them. It is, however, far “ better, if 
 the will of God be so, that we suffer for well-doing, than for 
 evil-doing :” a clear conscience and the presence of a merci- 
 ful God will support us, not only under our trials, but under 
 the most injurious, calumnies : and we need not use much la- 
 bour to vindicate ourselves ; for in due time the Lord will 
 vindicate us, and clear off every aspersion. — The more 
 meekly and patiently we suffer, the less bitterness shall wo 
 experience in our trials, and the more consistent will our con- 
 duct be with the Christian character. By all these things, 
 the Lord is training up his people for glory : perhaps for bet- 
 ter scenes, and important services, in this present world ; and, 
 if we are not in a wrong spirit, or out of the path of duty, we 
 can never be out of the way either of comfort or usefulness.— 
 But let us not forget, through Joseph, to look unto Jesus, 
 who “ suffered being tempted,” yet without sin ; who wa3 
 calumniated and persecuted, but without cause ; “ who was 
 led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her 
 shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth” to recriminate, 
 or to vindicate himself; and who by the cross ascended to the 
 throne. May we be enabled, and contented, to follow in the 
 same path of submissive suffering, to the same place of glory. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XL. Y. 3. Potiphar was “ captain 
 of the guard and it seems this state-prison was adjoining 
 to his house, and intrusted to his care ; so that the keeper of 
 the prison probably was his deputy. (37:36.) 
 
 V. 4. Joseph at first was not only closely confined, but 
 severely treated in the prison. (Note, Ps. 105:18.) Yet, 
 after some time, Potiphar’s resentment seems to have cooled : 
 and, considering the whole of Joseph’s prudent and excellent 
 conduct, he perhaps began to suspect that he had been mali- 
 ciously accused. He however connived at the kindness shown 
 to Joseph, and, being sensible of his abilities, was not unwil- 
 ling he should be trusted, and prove serviceable in that situa- 
 tion. Being thus employed, he gave the king’s butler and 
 baker, as prisoners of rank, all the attendance required. — ‘On 
 how many little incidents of which the parties at the time 
 think nothing, do some of the greatest events depend ! If 
 they had gone to another prison, Joseph might have died 
 where he was, and no provision been made for the seven 
 years of famine: and Jacob and his family, with millions of 
 others, have perished for want; and so all the promises of 
 their becoming a great nation, and of the Messiah springing 
 from among them, and all nations being blessed in him, would 
 have been frustrated. But he that appoints the end, ap- 
 points all the means which lead to it.’ Fuller. 
 
 Y. 6. The prisoners, considering their dreams as super- 
 natural, were very melancholy; for their situation, and per- 
 haps conscious guilt, caused them to forebode the worst. In. 
 
 ( 87 ) 
 
I i. C. 1717 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 1717. 
 
 each man Ins dream in one night, each man ac- 
 cording to the interpretation of Ins dream ; the 
 outler and the baker of the king of Egypt, which 
 were hound in the prison. 
 
 6 And Joseph came in unto them in the morning, 
 and looked upon them, ‘and behold they were sad. 
 
 7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers that were 
 with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, 
 k Wherefbre 'look ye so sadly to-day? 
 
 8 And they said unto him, We have dreamed 
 a dream, and there is no interpreter of it. And 
 Joseph said unto them, 1 Do not interpretations 
 belong to God ? tell me them, I pray you. 
 
 9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph, 
 and said unto him, In my dream, behold, ra a vine 
 was before me. 
 
 10 And in the vine were three branches: and 
 it teas as though it budded, and her blossoms shot 
 forth ; and the clusters thereof brought forth ripe 
 grapes. 
 
 11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand: and I 
 took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh’s 
 cup, and! gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. 
 
 12 And Joseph said unto him, “This is the in- 
 terpretation of it : “The three branches are three 
 days. 
 
 13 Yet wiuiin three days Pshall Pharaoh hift up 
 thy heau, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou 
 shalt deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the 
 former manner when thou wast his butler. 
 
 14 But 7 think son me when it shall be well with 
 thee, and r show kindness, 1 pray thee, unto me ; 
 
 I 8. Dan. 4:5. 5:6. k2Sam. 13:4. Neh. 2:2. Luke 24:17. • Heb. are your 
 
 faces evil? 141:15,16. Is. 8:19. Dan. 2:11,28,47. 5:11—15. 1 Cor. 12:10,11. 
 m 37:6— 10. Judg. 7:13-15. Dan . 2:31 . 4:10, &c. n 41:25. Dan. 2:36, &c. 4:19, 
 &c. o 41:26. Judg. 7:14. Matt. 26:26. 1 Cor. 10:4. Gal. 4:25. p 2 Kings 25:27. 
 Ps. 3:3. Jer. 52:31. t Or, reckon. 19,20. marg. | Heb. remember me with thee. 
 q 1 Sam. 25:31. Luke 23:42. 1 Cor. 7:21. r Josh. 2:12. 1 Sam. 20:14,15. 2 Sam. 
 9:1. 1 Kings 2:7. s 37:28. Ex. 21 :16. Deut. 24:7. 1 Tim. 1:10. 1 14:13. 41:12. 
 u 39:20. 1 Sam. 24:11. Ps. 59:3,4. Dan. 6:22. John 10:32. 15:2-5. Acts 24:12—21. 
 
 deed, it must have appeared very extraordinary, that each of 
 them should have so significant a dream at the same time. 
 
 V. 7. This is a beautiful specimen of that attentive ten- 
 derness and sympathy, by means of which God gave Joseph 
 favour with every one whom he approached. 
 
 V. 8. The prisoners could not consult the diviners, in 
 
 lorn they placed confidence ; and this added to their anxiety. 
 Joseph’s apposite question intimates, that . he had before dis- 
 coursed with them concerning the true God, and endeavoured 
 to draw them off from those lying vanities to his worship and 
 service. It also precluded them from giving him the honour 
 of the interpretation. 
 
 V. 9—13. The rapid budding and blossoming of the vine, 
 and ripening of the grapes, seems to have fixed the interpre- 
 tation to three days, rather than weeks, months, or years : and 
 the actual delivery of the cup into Pharaoh’s hand obviously 
 denoted a prosperous event. — “ The three branches are three 
 days,” (12.) “This is my body.” 
 
 V. 1 4, 15. Joseph desired, by an appeal to Pharaoh, to 
 obtain his liberty ; but he had no further request to present. 
 He did not say by whom, or in what manner, he was stolen, 
 and sold for a slave ; for he was not disposed to criminate or 
 reproach : neither did he so much as accuse his wicked mis- 
 tress, or at all reflect on Potiphar, or express any resentment 
 for his false imprisonment. — It seems that Abraham, Isaac, 
 and Jacob, with large families and in flourishing circumstances 
 had so long sojourned in the southern part of Canaan, that 
 it had become known in the adjacent countries as “ the land 
 of the Hebrews.” 
 
 V. 16 — 19. The baked-meats, eaten by the birds and not 
 brought to Pharaoh, was the unfavourable presage. The bad 
 dream would not admit of a good interpretation ; nor could 
 Joseph, without unfaithfulness, conceal the truth, however it 
 might pain him to speak it. The baker might b< Benefited 
 by the warning, if he prepared to meet the predicted event. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. The anniversary of Pharaoh’s birthday being 
 observed as a season of festivity, these officers were inquired 
 after; and either through the merits of their cause, or the 
 caprice of their sovereign, they were thus differently dis- 
 posed of. 
 
 V. 23. Neither the kindness shown by Joseph, nor the 
 interpretation of his dream thus remarkably verified, nor the 
 discourses which doubtless he had heard concerning religion, 
 nor the excellent conduct of Joseph which adorned it, made 
 any lasting impression on the chief butler, when he was again 
 possessel of the emoluments of his office, and enjoying the 
 pleasures of the court 1 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 High stations are slippery places ; and from the presence- 
 chamber to the dungeojj is, in many earthly courts, only a 
 short step: but a place in the favour of God, who will not for- 
 sake his true servants, is of unspeakable value. — In the vo- 
 ( S3 ) 
 
 and make mention of me unto Pharaoh, and bring 
 me out if this house 
 
 15 For indeed I was 'stolen away out of the 
 land of 'the Hebrews : and here also have I 
 “done nothing that they should put me into the 
 dungeon. 
 
 16 H When 'the chief baker saw that the in- 
 terpretation was good ; he said unto Joseph, I 
 also was in my dream, and behold, 1 had three 
 swhite baskets on my head. 
 
 17 And in the uppermost basket there was of all 
 manner of "bake-meats for Pharaoh ; and the birds 
 did eat them out of the basket upon my head. 
 
 b6 And Joseph answered and said. This is the 
 interpretation thereof: >The three baskets are 
 three days. 
 
 19 Yet 'within three days shall Pharaoh "‘lift up 
 thy head from off thee, and shall “hang thee on a 
 tree : b and the birds shall eat thy flesh from off 
 
 thee. 
 
 20 H And it came to pass the third <hy, which 
 was Pharaoh’s “birthday, that he made a least 
 unto all his servants : and he "lifted up the head 
 of the chief butler, and of the chief baker, among 
 his servants. 
 
 21 And he restored the chief butler unto his 
 butlership again; and he ‘‘gave the cup into 
 Pharaolrs hand : 
 
 22 But “he hanged the chief baker : as Joseph 
 had interpreted to them. 
 
 23 Yet did not the chief butler remember 
 Joseph, f but forgat him. 
 
 25:10,11. 1 Pet. 3:17,18. x 1,2. § Or , baskets full of holes. || Heb. meal 
 of Pharaoh, the work of a baker , or cook, y See on 12. 41:26. 1'Cor. 10:4. 
 11:24. z 13. TT Or, reckon ihee and take tby office from thee, a 22. 41:13. 
 Deut. 21:22,23. Josh. 8:29. 10:26. 2 Sam. 21:6. Gal. 3:13. b 17. 1 Sum. 17:44, 
 46. 2 Sam. 21:10. Ez. 39:4. c Matt. 14:6. Mark 6:21. ** Or, reckoned. 13,19. 
 marg. Matt. 18:23— 25. Luke 16:1,2. d 13. Neh. 2:1. e 8,19. 41:11— 13,16. 
 Dan. 2: 19—23,30. 5:12. f Job 19:14. Ps. 31:12. Ec. 9:15,16. Am. 6:6. 
 
 luntary actions of men, who know not God and pay no regard 
 to him, we may discern his hand ; and perceive how his pur- 
 poses unfold, and his counsels slowly, but surely, work towards 
 an accomplishment. While we are encouraged by the gra- 
 cious dealings of the Lord towards his afflicted servant, let us 
 mark how he resembled Christ; and may we, through the 
 grace of God, resemble and imitate him in fidelity, humanity, 
 compassion, unaffected piety, and humility ; in repressing the 
 pride and resentment, which agitate our hearts, imbitter our 
 spirits, and sometimes disgrace our conversation, when we 
 meet with injurious treatment, or speak of that which we have 
 met with ; and in modestly pleading our own cause, without 
 needlessly mentioning or exposing the faults, even of our most 
 malignant enemies. — The foresight of sinners, however at- 
 tained, reaches but a few days forward ; but, by faith, the 
 believer looks through the sufferings of time, and anticipates 
 the glories of eternity. — Though we ought not in general to 
 expect information from dreams, and need not regret the 
 want of an interpreter : yet, to be favoured with a wise and 
 faithful interpreter of God’s providences and oracles, espe- 
 cially in seasons of affliction, is an inexpressible mercy. 
 (Note, Job 33:19 — 26.) Here also 44 interpretations belong to 
 God:” from him we must seek them, and to him give the 
 praise, whatever instruments he employs. But the same 
 faithful interpretation which encourages one man, will contain 
 an awful warning to another of a contrary character : yet 
 even this is of salutary tendency ; for blessed be God, if wo 
 discover our danger, we need not long seek in vain for a refuge. 
 Temporal deliverances must generally be longer waited for 
 by the Lord’s servants, than by others, that they may have 
 them with the fullest advantage, and be previously prepared 
 for thorn : and he will teach them to cease from man, before 
 they obtain their best blessings. — The festive observation of 
 birthdays by men, who are exceedingly desirous of living in 
 this world, seems rather incongruous ; for, in fact, they thus 
 celebrate, with every indication of joy and gladness, the de- 
 cease, as it \vere, of one year after another of their uncertain 
 span ; nor are the two instances of this vanity, recorded in 
 Scripture, suited to recommend the practice. (l\Iark 6:16 — 
 29.) A Christian, however, maj' properly observe his birth- 
 day, with praise and thanksgiving to Und for giving him life, 
 and with gladness of heart that he approaches the conclusion 
 of sin and sorrow, and the completion of his felicity. He 
 may also take occasion, at these returning seasons, to bless 
 the Lord for the mercies of the past year, to humble himself 
 for the sins which he has committed, and to seek the divine as- 
 sistance and blessing in all he shall undertake during the year 
 on which he then enters. -We must not complain or he dis- 
 couraged, if we are forgotten, or ung ah fully rtqui’od. by 
 those wr.om we have served. Jngratii .de is, a’ as ! the fault 
 of our nature : and we as 'veil as others nve guilty of ft, es- 
 pecially in our ba^e forgetfulness oft ud • Bt t let us retuein- 
 
B. C. 1715. 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 B. C. 1715 
 
 CHAPTER XLI. 
 
 Pharaoh has two dreams , which the magicians cannot interpret , 1 — 8. The 
 chief butler recommends Joseph , who is sent for , and interprets the drearns 
 to foretell seven years of great plenty and seven of as great scarcity, ft— 3 *2. 
 lie gives counsel to Pharaoh ; and is- highly preferred , 33 — 41 ; and married, 
 45. The seven years of plenty , and Joseph's wise management , 46 — 49. The 
 names of his two sons, 50 — 52. The seven years of scarcity begin, and the 
 £ '.gyp tans are relieved by Joseph, 53—57. 
 
 A ND it came to pass at the end of two full 
 years, "that Pharaoh dreamed, and behold he 
 stood by b the river. 
 
 2 And behold, c there came up out of the river 
 seven well-favoured kine, and fat-fleshed ; and they 
 fed in a meadow. 
 
 3 And behold, seven other kine came up after 
 them out of the river, ill-favoured, and lean- 
 fleshed: and stood by the other kine,. upon the 
 brink of the river. 
 
 4 And the ill-favoured and lean-fleshed kine did 
 eat up the seven well-favoured and fat kine. So 
 Pharaoh awoke. 
 
 5 And he slept and dreamed the second time : 
 and behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one 
 stalk, Tank and good. 
 
 6 And behold, seven thin ears and d blasted with 
 the east wind sprang up after them. 
 
 7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven 
 rank and full ears: and Pharaoh awoke, and be- 
 hold it was a dream. 
 
 8 And it came to pass in the morning, that e his 
 spirit was troubled ; and he sent and called for all 
 the f magicians of Egypt, and all The wise men 
 thereof : and Pharaoh told them his dreams ; h but 
 there was none that could interpret them unto 
 Pharaoh. 
 
 9 H Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, 
 saying, 'I do remember my faults this day. 
 
 10 Pharaoh was wroth with his servants, and 
 ut me in ward in the captain of the guard’s 
 ouse, both me, and the chief baker. 
 
 11 And we Jdreamed a dream in one night, I 
 and he : we dreamed each man according to the 
 interpretation of his dream. 
 
 12 And there was there with us a young man, 
 a Hebrew, k servant to the captain of the guard ; 
 and we told him, and he 'interpreted to us our 
 dreams : to each man according to his dream he 
 did interpret. 
 
 13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to us, 
 so it was : “me he restored unto mine office, and 
 him he hanged. 
 
 14 Then Pharaoh "sent and called Joseph, “and 
 they 'brought him hastily out of the dungeon; 
 and rhe shaved himself and changed his raiment, 
 and came in unto Pharaoh. 
 
 a 37:5-10 . 40:5. Eslh. 6:1. Dari. 2:1— 3. 4:5, &c. Matt. 27:19. b Deul. 11:10. 
 Ez. 29:3,9. c 17— 27. • Heb. fat. Dent. 32:14. d Ez. 17:10. 19:12. IIos. 13:15. 
 e 40:6. Dan. 2:1—3. 4:5. 5:6. 7:28.8:27. Hab. 3:16. f Ex. 7:11,22. 8:7,18,19. 9: 
 11. Lev. 19:31.20:6. Dent. 18:9—14. Is. 8:19. 19:3. 47:12,13. Dan. 2:2.4. 7. 5:7, 
 11. g Matt. 2:1. Acts 7:22. h Job 5:12,13. Ps. 25:14. Is. 19:11— 13. 29:14. Dnn. 
 2:4— 11.27,28. 1 Cor. 3:18— 20. i 40:1— 3,14,23. I 40:5-8. ■ k 37:36 . 39:1,20. 
 140:12-19. m 40:20— 22. Jer. 1:10. Ez.43:3. n 1 Sam. 2:8. Ps. 105:19— 22. 
 113:7,8. o Ex. 10:16. Dan. 2:25. f Heb. made him i mn. Ex. 10:16. Dnn.2:25. 
 p 2 Sam. 19:24. 2 Kings 25:29. Esth. 4:1—4. 5:1. Is. 61:3,10. Jer. 52:32,33. q 9 
 
 ber the sufferings, promises, and love of our Redeemer, and 
 mark in this narration of Joseph, a type of Jesus, in the depth 
 of his humiliation, mercifully assuring one of the malefactors, 
 who hung beside him, of immediate and eternal felicity ; and 
 with awful justice leaving the other to hardness of heart and 
 eternal perdition. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLI. V. 1. Joseph must have been a 
 considerable time in prison, before he would be so far trusted, 
 as to have the two state-prisoners under his charge ; they were 
 confined for some time, and yet two years more elapsed with- 
 out any tokens of approaching deliverance 1 Surely he would 
 often be ready to say, “Lord, how long?” — But it was 
 the will of God, that his servant should receive liberty, and 
 preferment also, not as an obligation conferred on an indigent 
 person, but for the benefit of others, and in the character 
 of a benefactor to the king and people of Egypt. — The scene 
 of Pharaoh’s dreams is laid at the river Nile, the annual 
 overflowing of which caused the fertility of Egypt ; but the 
 failure of it was followed by famine, or at least by scarcity. 
 
 V. 2 — 7. The fat cattle and full ears of corn were apt 
 emblems of plenty ; the lean cattle and blighted ears, of fa- 
 mine. “ The kine” seem to bear an allusion to the grass for 
 the use of cattle ; and “ the ears” to the corn for the food of 
 man. 
 
 V. 8. The circumstances of Pharaoh’s dreams were 
 strange and unnatura’, yet they seemed very significant ; and 
 
 Vol. I— 12 
 
 15 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, l hate 
 dreamed a dream, and there is none that can it 
 terpret it : and il have heard say of thee, Uhat 
 thou canst understand a dream, to interpret it. 
 
 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, T lt is 
 not in me : God shall give Pharaoh an answer ol 
 peace. 
 
 17 H And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, s In my 
 dream, behold, I stood upon the bank of the river. 
 
 18 And behold, there came up out of the river 
 seven kine, l fat-fleshed, and well-favoured ; and 
 they fed in a meadow. 
 
 19 And behold, seven other kine came up after 
 them, poor and very ill-favoured, and lean-fleshed, 
 such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for 
 badness. 
 
 20 And the lean and the ill-favoured kine did 
 eat up the first seven fat kine. 
 
 21 And when they had beaten them up, it could 
 not be known that they had eaten them ; but they 
 were still ill-favoured, as at the beginning. So I 
 awoke. 
 
 22 And I saw in my dream, and behold, seven 
 ears came up in one stalk, full and good. 
 
 23 And behold, seven ears, “withered, thin, "and 
 blasted with the east-wind, sprang up after them. 
 
 24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good 
 ears : and I told this unto the magicians; hut there 
 was none that could declare it unto me. 
 
 25 And Joseph said unto Pharaoh, The dream 
 of Pharaoh is one: *God hath showed Pharaoh 
 what he is about to do. 
 
 26 The seven good kine are seven years ; and 
 the seven good ears are ^seven years : The dream 
 is one. 
 
 27 And the seven thin and ill-favoured kine that 
 came up after them are seven years ; and the 
 seven empty ears blasted with the east-wind , shall 
 be seven years of famine. 
 
 28 This is the thing which I have spoken unto 
 Pharaoh : “What God is about to do, he showeth 
 unto Pharaoh. 
 
 29 Behold, there come seven years of great 
 plenty, throughout all the land of Egypt. 
 
 30 And there shall arise after them 1 seven years 
 of famine, and all the plenty “shall he forgotten in 
 the land of Egypt: and the famine shalT’consume 
 the land. 
 
 31 And the plenty shall not he known in the 
 land, by reason of that famine following : for it 
 shall be very "grievous. 
 
 32 And for that the dream was “doubled unto 
 Pharaoh twice ; Ht is because the thing is "esta- 
 
 — 13. Dan. 5:16. 1 Or, when thou hea> est a dream thou const in'erpret it. 
 r 40:8. Dan. 2: 18—23,28—30,47. Acts 3: 12. 14:14,15. 2Cor. 3:5. s 1— 7. tjer. 
 24:1 — 3,5,8. § Heb. come to the inicard pm ts of them. Ez.3:3. Rev. 10:9.10. 
 || Or, small, u 6. 2 Kings 19:26. 1 s. 129:6,7. Hos. 8:7, 9:16. x See on 16. Is. 
 41:22 23. 43:9. Mark 13:23. Rev. 4:1. v See nr. 40:12. 7.2:24. Ex. 26:6. 1 John 
 5:7. a See on 16,25. b 27. 2 Sam. 24:13. 1 Kings 17:1 . 2 Kings 8:1 . I.uke4:25. 
 Jam. 5:17. c 21:51. Prov. 31:7. Is. 65:16. d 47:13. H Heb. heavy. 1 Sam. 5:6. 
 Is.24:20. e 37:7,9. 2 Cor. 13:1. fNum. 23:19. Is. 14:24— 27. 46:10,11. Man. 24: 
 35. ** Or, prepared. Is. 30:33. Matt. 25:34,41 . Mark 10:40. 1 Cor. 2:9. Rev. 9:15. 
 
 they impressed his mind, as a presage of some great events 
 to himself or his kingdom: and God so ordered it, to forward 
 Joseph’s advancement, that the magicians and wise men could 
 not make so much as a plausible conjecture at the meaning of 
 them. ( Marg . Ref.) It does not appear by what rules 
 they interpreted dreams, or why they declined giving any in- 
 terpretation on this occasion. 
 
 V. 9. My faults.'] Either formerly against Pharaoh, or in 
 forgetting Joseph. 
 
 V. 16. Thus Joseph spake of the Lord and his “statutes 
 before kings, and was not ashamed.” By this modest and 
 pious answer he tacitly condemned all the pretended skill of 
 the magicians, and endeavoured to draw the king himself 
 “from these lying vanities unto the living God at the same 
 tirrrt? he renounced all pretensions to superior sagacity, ex- 
 pressed his good will to Pharaoh, and intimated a confidence 
 that the dream and interpretation would prove beneficial to 
 his kingdom. 
 
 V. 25 — 27. Both dreams had one meaning; the same 
 events being represented under two emblems.— The seven 
 good kine and the seven good ears, “ were seven years,” or 
 denoted seven years : a very common mode of expression ; 
 though in a single instance multitudes have inferred things 
 absurd and impossible from one similar to it ; ziz. “This is 
 my body.” — (See 40:12.) 
 
 V. 28 — 32. Thus Joseph emphatically intimated to Pha 
 ( 89 ) 
 
B..C. 1715 GENESIS. B. C. 1760. 
 
 blished by God, and God will shortly bring it to 
 pass. 
 
 33 Now ^therefore let Pharaoh h look out a 
 man discreet and wise, and set him over the land 
 of Egypt. 
 
 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint 
 "officers over the land, ‘and take up the fifth part 
 of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years. 
 
 35 And let them k gather all the food of those 
 good years that come, and lay up corn under 
 the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in 
 the cities. 
 
 36 And that food shall be for store to the land, 
 against the seven years of famine, which shall be 
 m the land of Egypt : ‘that the land ‘perish not 
 through the famine. 
 
 37 11 And m the thing was “good in the eyes of 
 Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. 
 
 38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we 
 find such a one as this is, a man °in whom the 
 Spirit of God is 7 
 
 39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch 
 as t'God hath showed thee all this, there is none 
 so discreet and wise as thou art. 
 
 40 Thou uslxalt be over my house, and according 
 unto thy word shall all my people +be ruled : only 
 in the throne will I be greater than thou. 
 
 41 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, r See, I have 
 set thee over all the land of Egypt. 
 
 42 And Pharaoh took off 5 his ring from his 
 hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed 
 him in vestures of §fme linen, and put ‘a gold 
 chain about his neck. 
 
 43 And he made him to ride in the second 
 chariot which he had ; and they cried before him, 
 “Bow the knee : and he made him a ruler over all 
 the land of Egypt. 
 
 44 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, 
 
 g Dan. 4:27. h Ex. 18:19 — 22. Dent. 1:13. Acts 6:3. * Or, overseers. 
 
 S Prov. 6:6—8. 22:3. 27:12. k 48,49,55. 45:6,7. I 47:13-25. t Heb. be no ' cut 
 off. 30. m Prov. 10:20. 25:11. Acts 7:10. n Josh. 22:30. 2 Sam. 3:36. 1 Kings 
 21:2. margins, o Num. 27:18. Job 32:8. Pan. 4:8,18. 5:11.14. p See on 16,25, 
 28,33. q39:4 — 6. Ps. 105:21,22. Prov. *22:29. Dan. 2:48. 6:3. X Heb. be armed, 
 or /cist. 1 Sam. 10:1. Ps. 2:12. r 44. Esth. 10:3. Pan. 4:2,3. Malt. 28:18. Phil. 
 2:9—11. s Esth. 3:10,12. 6:7-12. 8:2,8,10,15. 10:3. Dan. 2:46,47. 5:7,29. Luke 
 15:22. § Or, silk, t Prov. 1:9. Cant. 1:10. Ez. 16:11. Dan. 5:7,16. H Or, Ten- 
 der father. 45:8. Heb. Ab.eck. u 42:6,30,33. 45:8,26. Acts 7:10. x Ex. 11:7. 
 
 raoh, that the fertility of Egypt, or the contrary, was entirely 
 the work of Jehovah ; and that the overflowing of the Nile, 
 and its failure, were second causes, entirely directed and 
 ordered by the God of heaven. 
 
 V. 33 — 36. Joseph presumed to offer Pharaoh this counsel, 
 as the practical inference from the revelation which God had 
 afforded him; for that was intended to forewarn the king, 
 that he might make preparation. There could be no risk in 
 following this advice; as corn was not to be reserved, except 
 as it could be well spared from the regular consumption. — 
 Besides all the corn which Pharaoh should lay up, it might 
 be supposed that many of the wealthy Egyptians would pro- 
 vide private granaries ; and that an immense quantity would, 
 in different ways, be collected during the years of plenty. 
 
 V. 37. Under the present impression of Joseph’s inter- 
 pretation of the dream, not only Pharaoh, but his counsellors 
 likewise, approved Joseph’s advice as undeniably good ; 
 perhaps not without each expecting, for himself or his friend, 
 this lucrative and honourable employment. — Thus God gave 
 Joseph/auour as well as wisdom. 
 
 V. 38. Spirit of God.] This conclusion probably sprang 
 from the remainder of a traditional opinion, that the highest 
 and noblest wisdom was derived from the inspiration of the 
 Spirit of God: and the judgment of Pharaoh concerning 
 Joseph was doubtless formed, not only from the interpreta- 
 tion, as excelling all the skill of the magicians, but also from 
 his purposed plan, as equally superior to all the sagacity of 
 his counsellors. All parties were silent on the occasion, and 
 it may well be ascribed to God’s overawing their minds, that 
 no opposition was made, when we consider how propense 
 human nature is to envy, and that Joseph was a stranger and 
 a slave ! 
 
 V. 40. Thus was Joseph made chief minister and ruler 
 ui every department of government; as well as placed over 
 the business of collecting corn : a station which no man on 
 earth could have held with equal advantage to all concerned, 
 and with less danger to any ; for in this Joseph was an espe- 
 cial typo of our perfectly wise, righteous, faithful, and com- 
 passionate Mediator and King. 
 
 Be ruled.] be armed, kiss, (mars.) — Notes, 1 Sam. 
 
 10:1. Ps. 2:10—13. 
 
 V. 41 — 43. Perhaps Joseph was modestly disposed to de- 
 cline so weighty and exalted a station, and intimidated at the 
 difficulty and danger of it ; and therefore ho needed repeated 
 ( 90 ) 
 
 and without thee shall no man *Lft up his hand o* 
 foot in all the land of Egypt. 
 
 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaph 
 nath-paaneah ; and he gave him to wile Asenath 
 the daughter of Poti-pnerah “priest of On: ana 
 Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt. 
 
 46 And Joseph was y thirty/ years old when 2 he 
 stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph 
 went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went 
 throughout all the land of Egypt. 
 
 47 And in the seven plenteous years the earth 
 brought forth by “handfuls. 
 
 48 And b he gathered up all the food of the seven 
 years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid 
 up the food in the cities : the food of the field 
 which was round about every city, laid he up in 
 the same. 
 
 49 And Joseph gathered corn c as the sand of 
 the sea, very much, until he left numbering : for 
 it was without number. 
 
 50 H And d unto Joseph were born two sons 
 before the years of famine came : which “Asenath, 
 the daughter of Poti-pherah '’priest of On, bare 
 unto him. 
 
 51 And Joseph f called the name of the first- 
 born tfManasseh ; for God, said he, hath made me 
 forget all my toil, and all my father’s house. 
 
 52 And the name of the second ^called he 
 t J Ephraim : for God hath caused me to he fruitful 
 in h the land of my affliction. 
 
 53 If And ‘the seven years of plenteousness, 
 that was in the land of Egypt, were ended. 
 
 54 And k the seven years of dearth began to 
 come, ‘according as Joseph had said : m and the 
 dearth was in all lands ; but in all the land of Egypt 
 there was bread. 
 
 55 And when all the land of Egypt was "fa- 
 mished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread: 
 
 1] Or, -prince. Ex. 2:16. marg. 2 Sam. 8:18. 20:26. Heb. v 37:2. Num. 4:3.2 
 Sam. 5:4. Luke 3:23. z 1 Sam. 16:21. 1 Kings 12:6. Prov. 22:29. Dan. 1:19. 
 Luke 21:36. Jude 24. a 26:12. Ps. 72:16. b 35,36. 47.21. c 22:17. Judg. 7:12. 
 1 Sam. 13:5. Ps. 78:27. Jer. 33:22. d 46:20. 48:5. e 45. 46:20. ** Or, prince 
 f 48:5,13,14,18—20. Deut. 33:17. ft That is, Forgetting. See on 30. Ps. 45:10. 
 g 29:32-35. 30:6—13. 50:23. XX That is, Fruitful. 48:16,19. 49:22. h Ps. 105: 
 17^18. Am. 6:6. Acts 7:10. i 29— 31. Ps. 73:20. Luke 16:25. k Ps. 105:16. 
 Acts 7:11. 130. m 42:2,5. 43:1.45:11.47:13. n 2 Kings 6:25-29. Jer. 14:1- 
 6. Lam. 4:3—10. 
 
 assurances to encourage him. — By these several tokens, the 
 king publicly avowed his appointment, and showed that it would 
 be at the peril of any one who dared to oppose it. — Cha- 
 riot , (43.) This is the first time that a chariot or any carriage 
 is mentioned in Scripture. — Bow the knee.] See the margin. 
 
 V. 44. Iam Pharaoh.] ‘As sure as I am king of Egypt, 
 I will stand by thee ; so that no man shall do any thing con- 
 trary to thy command and allowance.’ 
 
 V. 45, 46. Some interpret Zaphnath-paaneah to signify 
 The preserver of the land: but others suppose it to mean, in 
 the Egyptian tongue, a revealer of secrets ; or “ the man to 
 whom secrets are revealed — Poti-pherah is a different name 
 from Potiphar, and another person than Joseph’s master is 
 meant. As priest, or prince of On or Heliopolis, he was some 
 great lord of the court, or at least had been ; for perhaps he 
 was dead, and his daughter a ward of Pharaoh. — Joseph 
 immediately went over all the land to take surveys, build 
 granaries, and make preparations for the execution of his 
 grand design. — Thirty years old.] Notes, 27:1. 39:2 — 6. 
 
 V. 47. By handfuls.] An uncommon and vast increase. 
 
 V. 49. Perhaps the fifth before mentioned was imposed 
 as a public tax ; and Joseph might also buy large quantities, 
 when corn was cheap, which he stored up near the spot ; 
 thus consulting both ease and convenience, and giving tho 
 people a pledge that it was laid up for them, not taken from 
 them. — Some think, that the grain, or a considerable part of 
 it, was preserved in the straw, in stacks; that so the straw 
 might be food for the starving cattle, the produce of the first 
 years of plenty being used in the beginning of the scarcity . 
 
 V. 51. Manasse.h.] Causing to forget. God had made 
 Joseph forget all his toil and his father’s house, by the pros- 
 perous event of his captivity, slavery, and imprisonment. 
 Perhaps, when he sought enlargement through the chief but- 
 ler, he had thoughts of* returning home, out of regard to his 
 father and family: but, heing now settled and engaged other- 
 wise in Providence, he had relinquished this design. — It must 
 be ascribed to the peculiar disposal of God, that he was kept 
 from sending to inquire about his father, or to inform him of 
 his advancement. 
 
 V. 54. In all lands.] In all the countries adjoining to 
 Egypt. 
 
 V. 55. Famished. J The private stores of the Egyptians 
 were afler a time exhausted; and then th*y had in gent n» 
 no other resource but the public granaries, without whu t a 
 
B. C. 1706. 
 
 and Pharaoh said i nto all the Egyptians, °Go unto 
 Joseph ; what he saith to you, do. 
 
 56 And the famine was over all '‘the face of the 
 earth : and Joseph opened ‘all the storehouses, 
 and asold unto the Egyptians: and the famine 
 waxed sore in the land ot Egypt. 
 
 57 And r all countries came into Egypt to Jo- 
 seph for to buy corn; because that the famine was 
 so sore ‘in all lands. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 Jacob sends ten of his sons to Egypt to buy co> n, 1 — 5. Joseph, who knows them 
 but is unknown to them, imp< isons them ns spies , 6 — 17. They betray before 
 Joseph remorse for their cruelty to him ; he conceals his sympathy ; retains 
 Simeon, and sends the t est home, with provisions, requiring them to bring 
 their younger brother, IS— 25. They find their money in their sacks ’ mouths , 
 and are alarmed : they report the matter to Jacob, who complains, laments, 
 is affrights l, an l refuses to send Benjamin, 26 — 38. 
 
 N OW “when Jacob ‘‘saw that there was corn in 
 Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, c Why do ye 
 look one upon another ? 
 
 2 And he said, Behold, I have heard that there 
 is corn in Egypt : d get you down thither, and buy 
 
 o 40,41. Mutt. 3:17. 11:5. pis. 23:17. Zech. 5:3. Luke 21:35. Acts 11:26. 
 
 • Heb. (ill wiurein was. q 42:6. 47.14— 24. r 42:5. s 51,56. a 41:54,57. 
 Acta 7:12. l>2. 1 Kings 19:3. Hos.5:13. Gal. 2:7. c Josh. 7:10. 2Kmgs7: 
 
 3,4. Ezra 10:4. Jer.8:14. d 43:2,4. e 43:8. Ps. 118:17. Is. 38:1. Mott. 
 
 desolating famine must have ensued. — The coincidence of 
 events with Joseph’s predictions, would greatly increase his 
 influence both with prince and people. 
 
 V. 56, 57. Joseph does not seem to have opened the pub- 
 lic granaries, till the private stock was nearly exhausted. 
 This measure would tend to frugality, and subserve his design 
 both of enriching the public treasure, and preventing the hor- 
 rors of famine in that and the adjacent countries. — “ Face of 
 the earth," (56.) Or, “ Of the land," or, “ the country, (pun.)” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 38. The Lord in his appointed time will bring his 
 people out of trouble, purified as gold from the furnace ; but 
 seldom according to their expectations, either as to the way 
 or the season of their deliverance ; and not until he hath 
 brought them off from other dependences, to a simple trust in 
 him and submission to him. — “ In the multitude of dreams 
 there are divers vanities,” and in general they are neither 
 worth repeating, nor capable of any useful interpretation : 
 yet, so absolutely is our imagination, sleeping as well as 
 waking, in the Lord’s hand, that without supposing any thing 
 prophetical, (as in Pharaoh’s dreams,) he may by a dream 
 leave an impression upon the mind, of the most important 
 consequences to ourselves and others. — We should not deem 
 those expectations frustrated which are not immediately an- 
 swered ; nor that seed of the word thrown away, which does 
 not immediately spring up : as the most negligent and forget- 
 ful may hereafter remember, and be humbled for their pre- 
 sent inattention. — Deliverances, both from temporal and 
 spiritual distress, often surprise the praying soul when least 
 expected, so that a man at once becomes “ like them that 
 dream:” and as God frequently pours contempt upon princes, 
 and takes pleasure in abasing the haughty ; so he delights as 
 much in advancing the humble “ from the dunghill, to make 
 them inherit the throne of glory.” — Humility and a regard to 
 the glory of God are requisite, in order to behave suitably in 
 prosperous circumstances ; and an answer of peace may be 
 expected, when those are consulted “ in whom is the Spirit 
 of God,” by those who sincerely desire to know his truth and 
 will. — To honour those who honour him, the Lord frequently 
 “confounds the wisdom of the wise, and brings to nothing the 
 understanding of the prudent and when he pleases to give 
 wisdom and favour, he can conciliate the affections of all, or 
 overawe their spirits ; and prevent opposition from the jarring 
 counsels and selfish passions of the ambitious and envious. 
 
 V. 39 — 57. Important trusts, however unexceptionably 
 obtained and managed, are an encumbrance rather than an 
 advantage to the possessor ; who might be more comfortable, 
 though not so useful, in a more obscure situation. Indeed, all 
 worldly prosperity, like the ears of plenty, is fleeting away, 
 and will soon be forgotten and swallowed up in the afflictions 
 which are coming upon the wicked. In Joseph, however, we 
 still see a bright example of fidelity, activity, and equity ; and 
 an instance of the extensive good, which in some circum- 
 stances may be done by one man, who is called forth, quali- 
 fied, and prospered by the Lord. — The knowledge of future 
 temporal events might in some instances be useful, yet would 
 seldom be pleasant ; but the knowledge of the future state 
 and eternal world will be both useful and pleasant, if we do 
 but “ labour for that meat, which endureth unto everlasting 
 life, which the Son of man shall give us ; for him hath God 
 'he Father sealed.” He is the great Antitype of Joseph. — 
 Risen, ascended, and exalted on the throne of glory, all power 
 is vested in him as Mediator : he is the Revealer of secrets , 
 and the Saviour of the world. Through the whole earth the 
 ?ouls of men are perishing without resource, save in him, 
 ‘the Bread of Life,” whose fulness is inexhaustible. To 
 him the Father bears testimony, “ This is my beloved Son, 
 hear ye him ‘Go to Jesus, and what he bids you, do.’ To 
 tl-ese who attend to this voice and apply to him, he will open 
 his treasures, and will satisfy the hungry soul in every age 
 
 B. C. 1706. 
 
 0 
 
 for us from thence; 'that we may live, and not 
 die. 
 
 3 And Joseph’s 'tea brethren went down to bu) 
 corn in Egypt. 
 
 4 But ^Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, Jacob sent 
 not with his brethren : lor lie said, h Lest peradven- 
 ture mischief befall him. 
 
 5 H And the sons of Israel came to buy corn 
 among those that came : 'lor the famine was in the 
 land of Canaan. 
 
 6 And Joseph was the k govcrnor over the land, 
 and ‘he it was that sold to all the people of the 
 land : and Joseph’s brethren came, and m bowed 
 down themselves before him, with their laces to 
 the earth. 
 
 7 And Joseph saw his brethren, and he knew 
 them, but made himself strange unto them, and 
 spake ‘roughly unto them ; and he said unto them, 
 Whence come ye ? And they said, F rom the land 
 of Canaan to buy food. 
 
 4:4. f 5,13. g35:16— 19. h 38. 33:1,2. 43:14,25. 44:20— 22,27— 34. 1 12: 10. 
 26:1. 41:57. Axis 7:11. 11:28. k 41:40,41. 45:8,26. ft. 105:16— 21. Acis7: 
 10. 141:55,56. ra 37:7. 44:14. Re*. 3:9. * Heb. hard, things with hem. 1 4— 
 17,19,20. Malt. 45:23— 26. 
 
 and nation, and that “without money and without price.” 
 But they who slight this provision must starve ; and they who 
 bow not the knee before him, and “ will not that he should 
 reign over them,” will be inevitably destroyed, as enemies to 
 him and his cause. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLII. V. 1, 2. Jacob learned, not 
 only from report, but from those who had actually procured 
 supplies, that in this time of general scarcity there was abun- 
 dance of corn in Egypt, which was sold to other nations.— 
 When he said, “W-hy do ye look one upon another ?” it 
 implied that already they were reduced to great distress, and 
 scarcely knew what to do: and if this was the case in Jacob’s 
 family, after the first or second year of the famine, how terri- 
 ble must have been the case of multitudes, before the seven 
 years were expired 1 
 
 V. 3. All Jacob’s sons seem to have been married, and to 
 have had families, at this time: perhaps the wealth of the 
 family being thus divided, and by the badness of the times 
 exceedingly diminished, they had parted with most of those 
 servants of whom we before read : and probably they disposed 
 of the rest, previously to their going to reside in Egypt ; for 
 no further mention is made of servants, or of any that went 
 down, besides Jacob and his descendants, with their wives. — 
 Camels, of which Jacob had formerly possessed very many, 
 (31:17. 32:15.) would have been more suited to fetch corn 
 
 upon, than asses ; but all of these seem to have been pre- 
 viously disposed of, probably to raise money, with which to 
 purchasefood in this emergency. (45:11.) For none are after- 
 wards mentioned among his possessions, or those of his sons. 
 
 Y. 4. Lest ... mischief , &c.] As Jacob supposed had 
 befallen his beloved Joseph. 
 
 V. 6. Bowed, &c.] Joseph’s dreams at length began to 
 be accomplished : his brethren’s sheaves bowed to his sheaf; 
 for his was full, and theirs were empty. — Probably a peculiar 
 vigilance was on this occasion exercised respecting foreigners, 
 lest any should cpme for bad purposes ; and all, who were any 
 way remarkable, were brought before Joseph in person. 
 Thus his brethren would be introduced to him ; for it must 
 be supposed, that he employed deputies in selling the corn in 
 different parts of the land. 
 
 V. 7, 8. It is evident that Joseph did not behave thus 
 from resentment ; for in the whole transaction he exceedingly 
 denied himself, and put a powerful restraint on his own incli- 
 nations. No doubt he was unwilling to augment his father’s 
 grief, and would rather have rejoiced to set his heart at ease 
 by an immediate message ; yet his behaviour had for a time 
 a contrary tendency. It is most probable that the whole 
 transaction, from Joseph’s first advancement to Jacob’s 
 descent into Egypt, was conducted by some intimations from 
 God to Joseph, in order to accomplish his purposes respecting 
 Jacob and his posterity. — It would not indeed have been pro- 
 per for Joseph immediately to receive his brethren into favour, 
 till it appeared that they were sensible of their guilt, and 
 showed some symptoms of remorse. Now, by being con- 
 cealed, he had a fair opportunity of discovering the real state 
 of their mind, from time to time : and by virtue of his autho- 
 rity, he was able not only to make strict trial of them, but to 
 employ means exactly suited to produce that state of mind 
 which he wished to see ; by exciting a beneficial remorse of 
 conscience, and repressing their pride and stoutness of heart. 
 By his own experience he knew the good effects of severe 
 and long continued troubles, and was willing to try the same 
 remedy upon them. At the same time he seems to have been 
 very solicitous to obtain information concerning the state of 
 the family ; especially as he did not see Benjamin among his 
 other brethren. — J sseph was seven’een when sold into Egypt ; 
 he was now about thirty-eight ; and he might be more altered 
 in the space of above twenty years than his elder brethren. 
 This would concur with his rank and state, to prevent then 
 knowing him. 
 
 CHAPTER XLII. 
 
 ( 91 ) 
 
B.Q. 706. GENESIS. B. C. 1706. 
 
 8 Aud Joseph knew his brethren, “Din they 
 knew not liim. 
 
 9 And Joseph “remembered the dreams which 
 lie dreamed of them, and said unto them, rYe are 
 spies ; to see the ^nakedness of the land ye are come. 
 
 10 And they said unto him, Nay, r my lord, ! ut 
 to buy food are thy servants come. 
 
 11 We are all one man’s sons : we are “true men ; 
 thy servants are no spies. 
 
 12 And he said unto them, Nay, but to see the 
 nakedn?ss of the land ye are come. 
 
 13 And they said, ‘Thy servants are twelve 
 brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Ca- 
 naan ; and behold, the youngest is this day with 
 our father, and “one is not. 
 
 14 And Joseph said unto them, x That is it that 
 I spake unto you, saying, Ye are spies. 
 
 15 Hereby ye shall be proved : Jby the life of 
 Pharaoh ye shall not go forth hence, 'except your 
 youngest brother come hither. 
 
 16 Send one of you, and let him fetch your bro- 
 ther, and ye shall be ‘kept in prison, “that your 
 words may be proved, whether there be any truth 
 in you : or else by the life of Pharaoh surely ye are 
 spies. 
 
 17 And he 'put them all together into b ward, 
 three days. 
 
 18 And Joseph said unto them the third day, 
 This do, and live : for C I fear God. 
 
 19 If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be 
 bound in the d house of your prison : go ye, “carry 
 corn for the famine of your houses. 
 
 20 But 'bring your youngest brother unto me : 
 so shall your words be verified, and ye shall not 
 
 die. ® And they did SO. [Practical Observation'!.'] 
 
 21 And h they said one to another, We are verily 
 guilty concerning our brother, in that 'we saw the 
 anguish of his soul, when he besought us ; and we 
 would not hear: therefore is k this distress come 
 upon us. 
 
 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, ‘Spake 
 I not unto you, saying, Do not sin against the 
 
 n Luke 24:16. John 20:14. 21:4. o37:5— 9. p 9,16,30,31,31. Num. 13:2,16— 
 
 20. Josh. 2:1. 6:23. Judg. 1:24. 1 Sam. 26:4. Lwke20:20. Heb. 11:31. q Ex. 
 32:25. r27:29, 37. 37:8. 44:9. 1 Sam. 26: 17. 1 Kings 18:7. 8 19,33,34. John 7: 
 
 18. 2 Cor. 6:S. t 11,32. 43:7. u 36,38.37:30. 44:20, 28. 45:26. Lam. 6:7. 
 Matt. 2:18. x 9—11. Job 13:24. 19:11. Matt. 15:21—28. V Deut. 6:13. 
 
 1 Sam. 1:26. 17:55. Mott. 5:33— 37. 23:16—22. Jam. 5:12. 7 20,34. 43:3.44: 
 
 20—34. * Heb. bonrvt. a 7,12,30. t Heb. gathered. Is. 24:22. Acts 5:18. 
 
 b 40:4,7. 41:10. Lev. 21:12. Acts 4:3. Heb. 12:10. c 20:11. Lev. 25:43. 
 Neh. 5:9,15. Luke 18:2,4. d 40:3. Is. 42:7,22. Jer. 37:15. e 1,2,26. 43:1,2. 45: 
 23. f 13. 43:5. 44:23. g ’26. 6:22. John 2:5. h 41:9. 2 Sam. 12:13. 1 Kings 17: 
 
 V. 9. Joseph now experienced in part the accomplishment 
 of his dreams, of which perhaps he had sometimes been 
 rep.dy to despair. — To effect his purposes, he charged his 
 brethren with being spies, sent by some foreign prince who 
 intended to invade Egypt, that they might spy out the most de- 
 fenceless quarter for an attack ; and he urged that they only 
 covered their real business under the pretence of buying corn. 
 
 V. 11 — 13. It was not likely that one man would venturi 
 ten sons in the hazardous employment of spies. — Thus Jo- 
 seph drew from them the information which he wanted : but 
 what must have been his feelings when they said u One is not !” 
 
 V. 15. It is painful to censure so high a character as 
 Joseph. But the expression, u by the life of Pharaoh,” 
 could be no other than a sort of court-oath, and a profane 
 flattery of the prince, which Joseph should not have sanc- 
 tioned by his example. It may be supposed, that he did not 
 customarily use it, but only now assumed it as a more 
 effectual blind ; but. still it was, at best, u doing evil, that 
 good might come.” “Let your communication,” (that is, in 
 ordinary conversation,) u be yea yea, nay nay ; for whatso- 
 ever is more than these cometh of evil.” An oath by any 
 creature is virtually an act of idolatry ; and even the outward 
 concurrence, in such a case, should be strictly avoided. 
 
 V. 17. Considering Joseph’s authority, the nature of the 
 crime of which he professed to suspect the strangers, and the 
 roughness of his behaviour, they perhaps expected little else 
 during these three days, than to be put to death. — They 
 seem to have been unwilling to comply with his requirement ; 
 or they could not agree who should be the messenger of ill 
 tidings to Jacob : and they were therefore confined till they 
 submitted, and came to a determination. — Three days.] u The 
 third day,” (18.)— Compare Matt. 20:19. 27:63,64. 
 
 V. 18. I fear GW.] This expression might surprise, and 
 perhaps encourage Joseph’s brethren : but his chief design 
 seems to have been this ; by declaring that, he, a supposed 
 Egyptian, feared God, and would not do injustice, ho meant 
 to awaken their remorse; who, though educated in the true 
 religior had not been restrained by the fear of God from 
 truelly treating their brother. 
 
 ( 92 
 
 child; and ye would not hear? theirfore behold 
 also, m his blood is required. 
 
 23 And they knew not that Joseph understood 
 them; for the spake unto them by a.i interpreter. 
 
 24 And he turned himself about f jm them, and 
 "wept; and returned to them aga n, and com- 
 muned with them, and took fronftJ'em “Simeon, 
 and bound him before their eyes. 
 
 25 Then Joseph Pcommanded to fill their sacks 
 with corn, and to restore every man’s money into 
 his sack, and ito give them provision for the way : 
 r and thus did he unto them. 
 
 26 If And they laded their asses with the corn, 
 and departed thence. 
 
 27 And as one of them opened his sack to give 
 his ass provender in ‘the inn, he espied his money: 
 for behold it was in his sack’s mouth. 
 
 28 And he said unto his brethren, My money is 
 restored ; and lo it is even in my sack ; and 'their 
 heart Mailed them, and they were afraid, saying 
 one to another, “What is this that God hath done 
 unto us ? 
 
 29 And they came unto Jacob their father, unto 
 the land.of Canaan, and told him all that befell unto 
 them, saying, 
 
 30 The man who is the lord of the land spake 
 “roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country. 
 
 31 And we said unto him, We are true men; 
 we are no spies. 
 
 32 We be twelve brethren, sons of our father: 
 one is not, and the youngest is this day with our 
 father in the land of Canaan. 
 
 33 And the man, the lord of the country, said 
 unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men , 
 leave one of your brethren here with me, and take 
 food for the famine of your households, and be gone. 
 
 34 And bring your youngest brother unto me : 
 then shall I know that ye are no spies, but that ye 
 are true men : so will I deliver you your brother, 
 and ye shall "traffic in the land. 
 
 35 And it came to pass as they emptied their 
 sacks, that behold, revery man’s bundle of money 
 
 18. Job 33:27,28. 34:31. 36:8,9. Hos.5:15. Mark 9:44.46,48. Luke 16:28. 137:23 
 —28. Jude. 1:7. Pro*. 21:13. 24:11,12. 28:17. Jcr. 34:17. Malt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. 
 kProv. 1:27,28. 137:21,22,29,30. Luke 23:51. Rom. 2:15. m4:10. 9:5,6. 
 
 1 Kings 2:32. 2 Chr. 24:22. I s. 9:12. Ei. 3:18. I.uke 11:50,51. Acts 28:4. J Heb. 
 an interjireter was helwcen'htm. n 43:30. Luke 19:41. Rom. 12:15. 1 Cor. 12: 
 26.0 34:25.49:5—7. p44:l,2. Is. 55:1. q 45:21. Matt. 6:33. t Matt. 5:44. 
 
 Rom. 12:17— 21. s 43:21. Ex. 4:21. Luke 2:7. 10:34. i Lev. 25:36. Deut. 23: 
 
 65. 1 King! -10:5. Cant. 5:6. Luke 21:26. § Heb. went forth, u Is. 45:7. lam. 
 2:17. 3:37. Am. 3:6. || Heb. with us harxL things. 7—20. x 34:10,21. 1 Ki<igs 
 10:15. Ez. 17:4. y 27,28. 
 
 V. 20. They did so.] They consented to the proposal. 
 
 V. 21,22. Joseph’s brethren at length felt a keen remora *, 
 though perhaps insensible before, or at least not deeply covi- , 
 vinced of their heinous crime : and considering how the fear 
 of God influenced an Egyptian, as they supposed, their unre- 
 lenting malice to their brother recurred to their remembrance; 
 and they were unable any longer to conceal their convictions, 
 but began to speak their thoughts one to another on the sub- 
 ject. — The anguish of Joseph, and his earnest and pathetic 
 intreaties for mercy, when his brethren were about to sell 
 him for a slave, or to kill him, are not mentioned in the narra- 
 tive, but are here introduced with great effect : and they were 
 ready to conclude, that God was about to take vengeance 
 upon them for that cruelty. Reuben had remonstrated at 
 the time with his brethren, but they would not hear, and now 
 he reproached them, and seemed to denounce their doom. 
 Thus will conscience at length reproach and torture those, 
 who at present neglect its warnings. In this respect Reuben 
 could plead not guilty ; but his conscience would condemn 
 him in another matter, respecting which his brethren could 
 plead not guilty. (35:22. Notes, 49:3,4. Row. 2:12 — 16.) 
 
 V. 23. They knew not,] Thus Joseph was favoured with 
 an encouraging token of the success of his plan, to support his 
 mind till he should witness the final effect. 
 
 V. 24. Simeon was one of the murderers of the Shechem- 
 ites, and probably of a daring, hardy spirit. It is not unlikely 
 that, ho was peculiarly vehement against Joseph when he 
 was sold, or that he seemed at this time the least affected, 
 and therefore Joseph allotted him this additional discipline. 
 
 V. 27. Inn.] Probably this was nothing •more than a 
 shelter provided for travellers, to which every one brought his 
 own provisions. 
 
 V. 28. The sons of Jacob, expecting no favour from the 
 Egyptians, regarded 'bis as a snare laid for them ; and were 
 afraid of being pursued and prosecuted as thieves. (Notes, 
 44:2 — 16.) This was doubtless the effect which Joseph 
 intended to produce, in order to augment their convictions and 
 humiliation. As they had before escaped when giubv, 'h *y 
 were ready to conclude, that they should now sctJJr .o; a 
 
B. C. 1705. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 B. C. 1705. 
 
 was in ms sack: and when both they and their 
 father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. 
 
 36 And Jacob their father said unco them, *Me 
 have ye bereaved of my children. Joseph is not, 
 and Simeon .is not, and ye will take Benjamin 
 away : "all these things are against me. 
 
 37 And Reuben spake unto his father, saying, 
 b Slay my two sons, if I brine: him not to thee : 
 deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to 
 thee again. 
 
 38 And he said, My son shall not go down with 
 you ; for c his brother is dead, and he is left alone : 
 if mischief befall him by the way in the which ye 
 go, then shall ye d bring down my gray hairs with 
 sorrow to the grave. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIII. 
 
 Jacob at length is persuaded to send Benjamin, who goes with hie brethren 
 into Egypt, 1— lo. They are brought into Joseph's house, and are greatly 
 alarmed , but are encouraged by Joseph's stewara, 16 — 25. Joseph is kind to 
 them, inquires about their father, is ajfec’ed at seeing Benjamin ; and they 
 do obeisa-ice to him, 26—29. Joseph retires to weep, and then hospitably 
 entertains them, 30 — 34. 
 
 ND "the famine was sore in the land. 
 
 2 And it came to pass when they had eaten 
 up the- corn which they had brought out of Egypt, 
 their father said unto them, b Go again, buy us a 
 little food. 
 
 3 And Judah spake unto him, saying, The "man 
 
 i 37:20— 35. a 45:28. 47:12. lSam.27:l. Job 7:7. Ps. 34:19. Ec.7:8. la. 38:10. 
 Bom. 8:28. 1 Cor. 10:13. 2 Cor. 4:17. Jam. 5:7— 11. b 43:9. 44:32— 34. Mic.6:7. 
 c 30:22—24 . 35:16—18 . 37:33. 44:20,27—34. <1 44:29,31. 1 Kings 2:6. Ps. 71:18. Is. 
 46:4. a 41:54 — 57. 42:5. I,am. 5:10. Acts 7:11 — 13. b42:l,2. 1 Tim. 5:8. 6:6— 8. 
 e 42:15 — 20.44:23. *Heb. protesting, protested. Acts 7:34. d5. 2 Sam. 3:13. 14: 
 
 crime, of which they were innocent ; and they acknowledged 
 the hand of God in it. 
 
 V. 36. Probably Jacob suspected a fallacy in the relation, 
 and feared lest his sons had really committed some base 
 crime, which was the cause of Simeon’s being left behind; 
 and perhaps that they had some design upon Benjamin : at 
 least he charged the blame upon them, in language implying 
 such distrust. — All these things lay as a heavy burden upon 
 him , which he thought his sons but little felt. Jacob made 
 this lamentation, when, had he known all, his heart would 
 have exulted with joy. — Me have ye bereaved, &c.] It is pro- 
 bable that concurring circumstances, and their conduct in 
 other respects, made him suspect the truth of their report 
 concerning Joseph. 
 
 V. 37. Reuben (as the first-born) was the only one who 
 brake silence on this occasion ; and probably he intended 
 principally to divert the discourse from Joseph ; but his pro- 
 posal was very rash and absurd ! What right had he over 
 the lives of his children? and what satisfaction could the 
 murder of two grandchildren give Jacob for the loss of Ben- 
 jamin ? — Moreover, Reuben engaged to bring back Benjamin 
 without so much as adding, ‘ By the blessing of God,’ or ‘If 
 the Lord will as if his puny arm could both defend and up- 
 hold him. Jacob, in other respects, seems to have placed but 
 ittle confidence in him. (Notes, 43:8,9. 49:8,9.) 
 
 - PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. , 
 
 V. 1 — 20. When tne Lord rendereth a “ fruitful land 
 barren’ for the wickedness of them that dwell therein,” he 
 seldom proceeds to extremities. Though much misery is 
 endured, there is some redress and respite ; one country 
 supplies the deficiencies of another, and one year fu’rtiishes a 
 redundance to help out the scarcity that follows or precedes it : 
 for in the other world alone will happiness or misery be un- 
 mixed: no scarcity in the Canaan above, no redress in hell 
 beneath. — In distress or danger, we should not stand looking 
 one at another, desponding and inactive ; but, having disco- 
 vered where help may be had, we ought, to apply for it with- 
 out delay, and without shrinking from labour, or grudging ex- 
 pense ; especially in the dangers to which our immortal souls 
 are exposed. There is provision in Christ, and to him we 
 must come, and from him we must diligently seek it; even 
 though in obtaining it. we be called to “ deny ourselves, take 
 up our cross, and forsake all that we have.” — When we or 
 our friends go from home, we should commend ourselves and 
 them to the divine protection ; for we know not what unex- 
 pected dangers may be in the way: and, when returned in 
 safety, we should not forget our tribute of grateful praise ; for 
 many meet with terrible disasters.— Though God’s purposes 
 slowly unfold, yet they are certainly accomplished, often by 
 the most improbable means ; nay, those enemies, who have 
 set themselves to defeat his designs, are made the instru- 
 ments of their fulfilment! — Neither the guilt nor the con- 
 sciousness of sin will wear out by time : and though men may 
 commit crimes with unconcern, and remain insensible for 
 many years, conscience being struck dumb and stupified ; 
 yet there may be a time even in this life, when it shall 
 iwake, and inspire such terrors as cannot be described. 
 Happy is it when this is the case : otherwise the never-dying 
 wo-m will certainly torment the soul for ever, in another 
 world. In order therefore to awaken serious reflection in 
 tne guilty breast, the most afflictive dispensations of Provi- 
 dence are precious blessings ; and, in some instances, it is 
 
 'did solemnly protest unto us, saying 1 , Ye shall not 
 d see my face, except your brother be with you. 
 
 4 If’ thou wilt send our brother with us, we w\V 
 go down and buy thee food. 
 
 5 But if thou wilt not send him, we 'will not go 
 down ; for the man said unto us, Ye shall not see 
 my face, except your brother be with you. 
 
 6 And Israel said, Wherefore dealt ye so ill with 
 me, as to tell the man whether ye had yet a bro- 
 ther ? 
 
 7 And they said, The man tasked us straitly o 
 our state, and of our kindred, saying, Is your fa 
 ther yet alive ? have ye another brother ? And we 
 told him according to the ttenor of these words : 
 §Could we certainly know that he would say, Bring 
 your brother down ? 
 
 8 And Judah said unto Israel his father, Send 
 the lad with me, and we will arise and go ; 'that 
 we may live and not die, both we, and thou, and 
 *also our little ones. 
 
 9 I h wi!l be surety for him ; 'of my hand shalt 
 thou require him : If I bring him not unto thee, 
 and set him before thee, then let me bear the blame 
 for ever. 
 
 10 For except we had k lingered, surely now we 
 had returned "this second time. 
 
 32. Acta 20:25,38. e42:38. 44:26. Ex. 20:12. t Heb. asking, asked us. "i.marg. 
 J Heb. mouth. § Heb. knowing could we know. 3. mar g. f4'2.'2. Jleut. 33:6. 
 2 Kings 7:4,13. Ps. 118:17. g 45:19. 50:8,21. Num. 14:31. Ezra 8:21. h 42:37. 44: 
 32,33. Ps. 119:122. Philem. 18,19. Heb. 7:22. i 9:5. 31:39. Ez. 3:18,20 . 33:6,8. 
 Luke 11:50. k 19:16. \\ Or, twice by this. 
 
 the result of wise love, to treat the proud and careless with 
 roughness and distance ; and, as far as equity and the fear of 
 God will allow, to show them, in our dealings with them, the 
 picture of their conduct to others, in order to bring their sins 
 to remembrance, and excite a salutary remorse. They there- 
 fore who are of a very kind and tender disposition, if they 
 would do good, must sometimes disguise their feelings undei 
 an assumed sternness; as the humane surgeon probes the 
 Wound, or cuts the limb, with firmness and 1 apparent uncon- 
 cern, while his heart bleeds for the anguish which he oc 
 casions. 
 
 V. 21 — 38. When conscience is once awakened, there 
 needs no accuser ; for every circumstance increases the dis- 
 may : and under calamities, in which many are involved, the 
 consciousness of having avoided and protested against those 
 crimes, which are thus called to remembrance, affords a sin- 
 gular support. — Many are the troubles of the righteous : yet 
 imagination and a mistaken judgment often magnify them; 
 and many things appear to be against them, which are most 
 effectually conducive to their good. The Lord will make 
 such persons ashamed of their distrustful complaints ; and 
 their gray hairs shall not descend to the grave with that sor- 
 row which they have presaged ; for the latter end of the up- 
 right man shall be peace. — But in this narration let us look 
 unto Jesus. Thus does he conceal himself and his favour: 
 thus does he rebuke and chasten those for whom he hath 
 purposes of love; and by sharp corrections, and humiliating 
 conviction from the spirit ofbondage, he breaks the stoutness 
 and subdues the pride of their hearts, and brings them to true 
 repentance : nor will he disclose his reconciled countenance, 
 till he has fully humbled their hearts, perhaps by long con- 
 tinued discouragements: till he has proved their sincerity, 
 and led them to the simplicity of faith and dependence on 
 him: and then by “ the Spirit of adoption,” he will manifest 
 himself unto them as their Brother and their Friend. Yet 
 before they fully know him, or taste that he is gracious, he 
 both consults their good, and sustains their souls; preserves 
 them from despair, and strengthens them to wait upon him, 
 and wait for him. — Thus may we do continually ; never yield- 
 ing to discouragement, determining to seek no other refuge, 
 and humbling ourselves more and more under his mighty 
 hand; and then in due lime he will answer our petitions, and 
 far exceed our expectations. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XLIII. V. 1—7. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 8, 9. Probably Judah, (whom we observed before to 
 have shown some tokens of repentance,) had acquired more 
 of the confidence of Jacob than either Reuben pr Levi : and 
 he seems to have been sincerely desirous of the welfare o! 
 Benjamin, as well as of the family; remembering perhaps 
 with inward anguish his former treatment of Joseph. His 
 arguments were very forcible. Unless Benjamin went with 
 them, they must all perish together by famine ; and 'jus even 
 he would be more endangered by staying at home, than by 
 going into Egypt. — Judah’s engagement meant, that he would 
 venture or endure any thing to preserve Benjanvn : which he 
 fulfilled by the most heroic and generous proposa imaginab e. 
 (Note, 44:33,34.) 
 
 V. 10. Jacob’s refusal to let Benjamin accompany h.s 
 brethren had already caused them to iose much time ; and 
 Judah thus intimated that the whole family was likely to 
 perish, by means of their father’s unreasonable care of an 
 individual. 
 
 ( 93 ) 
 
B C. 1705. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. C. 1705. 
 
 1 1 And their father Israel said unto them, 'If it 
 must be so now, do this ; take of the best fruits in 
 the land in your vessels, and ""carry down the man 
 a present, "a little balm, and a little honey, "spices, 
 and myrrh, nuts, and almonds. 
 
 12 And take Pdouble money in your hand : and 
 the money that was brought again in the smouth 
 of your sacks, carry it again in your hand ; perad- 
 venture it ivas an oversight : 
 
 13 Take also your brother, and arise, go again 
 unto the man. 
 
 14 And "God Almighty give you mercy before 
 
 the man, that lie may send away your other bro- 
 ther, and Benjamin : 'If I be bereaved of my chil- 
 dren, I am bereaved. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 15 H And the men took that present, and they 
 took double money in their hand, and Benjamin ; 
 and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood 
 before Joseph. 
 
 16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, 
 he said to s the ruler of his house, Bring these men 
 home, and 'slay and make ready : for these men 
 shall tdine with me at noon. 
 
 17 And the man did as Joseph bade: and the 
 man brought the men into Joseph’s house. 
 
 18 And "the men were afraid, because they were 
 brought into Joseph’s house, and they said, Be- 
 cause of the money that was returned in our sacks 
 at the first time, are we brought in ; that he may 
 Sseek occasion against us, and fall upon us, and 
 take us for bondmen, and our asses. 
 
 19 And they came near to the steward of Jo- 
 seph’s house, and they communed with him at the 
 door of the house ; 
 
 20 And said, O sir, "we came indeed down the 
 first time to buy food : 
 
 21 And it came to pass, when fwe came to the 
 inn, that, we opened our sacks, and behold, every 
 man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our 
 money in full weight: and ‘we have brought it 
 again in our hand. 
 
 22 And other money have we brought down in 
 our hands to buy food : we cannot tell who put 
 our money in our sacks. 
 
 I 14. Esth. 4:16. Acts 21:14. m 32:13— '21. ISam. 25:27. Prov.l8:16. 21:14. n37: 
 23. Jet-. 8:22. Ez. 27:17. o 1 Kings 10:15. 2 Ohr. 32:27. C'ant. 4:10,14— 16. 5:1. 8: 
 14. p Rom. 12:17. 2 Cor. 8:21. Phil. 4:8. 1 Tltes. 5:21. q 42:25,35. r 17:1. 32:11, 
 28. Ezra 7:27. Nell. 1:11. Ps. 37:5. Prov. 16:7. 21: 1 . Acls 7:10. • Or, And I, 
 as T have been, &e. See on U. s 15:2. 24:2,10. 39:4,5. 44:1. t Heb. kill a 
 killing. 1 Sam. 25:11. ma: g. } Heb. eat. x 42:21,28,35. Job 15:21. Is. 53:5. 
 73:16. Is. 7:2. Matt. 14:26,27. Mark 6:16. § Heb. roll himself upon us. Job 
 
 30:14. || Heb. coming down we came down. 3:7. y 42:27,35. z See on 12.— 
 Heb. 13:18. a Jude;. 6:23. 19:20. 1 Sam. 25:6. 1 Chr. 12:18. Ezra 4:17. Luke 
 24:36. John 14:27.20:19,21,23. T! Heb. Your money came to me. b 14 . 42:24, 
 
 V. 11, 12. The productions of the high and mountainous 
 parts of Canaan would differ greatly from those of Egypt, 
 which is flat, and annually inundated. The dry seasons, 
 which caused a famine, might not prevent the increase of 
 those things which are here mentioned ; and no doubt Jacob 
 selected what he knew was likely to be most acceptable to 
 an Egyptian prince. He likewise directed his sons to carry 
 hack the money that had been returned, and to take other 
 money with which to purchase corn; perhaps double the sum 
 which they took before, in case the prices should be ad- 
 vanced. Thus they would show, that they meant to act 
 fairly. — Spices.] (37:25.) Some think, that these were 
 
 brought from India. (Marg. Ref. o.) 
 
 V. 14. Jacob knew, by experience, the influence which 
 the Lord has over every heart, to incline it favourably to his 
 eople : and it. is observable that in this speech, in which he 
 as recourse to his former method of prevailing with man, by 
 faith and prayer to God, he. is dignified with the name of 
 Israel. — The concluding words expressed a humble resigna- 
 tion to the will of God. ‘ If 1 be bereaved of my children, 
 be it so ; the Lord hath wise reasons for thus dealing with 
 me.’ 
 
 V. 10 — 23. Joseph seems especially to have sought time 
 to compose his mind, that his tender feelings respecting Ben- 
 jamin might not defeat his designs. 
 
 V. 27. Joseph’s inquiry was aptly introduced by the pre- 
 sent brought him ; and while he, with wonderful propriety, 
 acted in his assumed character, his question expressed the 
 most benevolent and attentive disposition. 
 
 V. 28. In thus bowing down at the mention of their father, 
 they, as it were, did obeisance in his name ; according to 
 Joseph’s second dream. (37:9,10.) 
 
 V. 29 — 31. This union in Joseph of exquisite sensibility, 
 with firmness and entire command of his passions, in every 
 /■jrcuinstance which required it, is a decided indication of a 
 w ery superior character. 
 
 ( 94 ) 
 
 23 And he said, "Peace be to you, fear not : 
 your God, and the God of your lather, hath given 
 you treasure in your sacks : "I had your money. 
 ''And he brought Simeon out unto them. 
 
 24 And the man brought the men into Joseph’s 
 house, and ‘gave them water, and they washed 
 their feet, and tie gave their asses provender. 
 
 25 And d they made ready the present against 
 Joseph came at noon : for they heard that they 
 should eat bread there. 
 
 26 IT And when Joseph came home, they 
 brought him the present which was in their hand 
 into the house, and ‘bowed themselves to him to 
 the earth. 
 
 27 And he asked them of their "welfare, and 
 said, 1 Us your father well, rthe old man of whom 
 ye spake ? Is he yet alive r 
 
 28 And they answered, Thy servant our father 
 is in good health, he is yet alive : g and they bowed 
 down their heads, and ’’made obeisance. 
 
 29 And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his bro- 
 ther Benjamin, his ‘another’s son, and said, Is this 
 your younger brother, k of whom ye spake unto 
 me ? And he said, God he gracious unto thee, 'my 
 son. 
 
 30 And Joseph made haste ; for “his bowels did 
 yearn upon his brother: and he sought where to 
 weep, and he entered into his chamber, and "wept 
 there. 
 
 31 And he washed his face, and went out, and 
 ‘refrained himself, and said, Set on bread. 
 
 32 And they set on for him by himself, and for 
 them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, which 
 did eat with him, by themselves ; because the 
 Egyptians might not eat bread with Ihe Hebrews ; 
 for that is ran abomination unto the Egyptians. 
 
 33 And they isat before him, the first-born ac- 
 cording to his birthright, and the youngest ac- 
 cording to his youth : and the men marvelled one 
 at another. 
 
 34 And he took and sent "messes unto them, 
 from before him. But Benjamin’s mess s was five 
 times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, 
 and Jtwere merry with him. 
 
 36. c 18:4. 19:2.24:32. I.uke 7:44. John 13:4— 17. d 11,16. e 27:29. 37:7— 10. 
 19,20.42:6. I's. 72:9. Rom. 14:11. Phil. 2:10,11. •• Heb. peace. 37:14. Ex. 18: 
 7. Judg. 18:15. 1 Sam. 17:22.25:5. tl Heb. Is there peace to your father > f 42: 
 11,13. g 26 . 37:9,10. h Ex. 18:7. 2 Sam. 1:2. 14:4. 1 Kings 1 1C. 2 Chr. 24:17. 
 i30:22—24.35:17,18. k 42:13. 145:8. Josh. 719. 2 Chr. 29:11. Mntt. 9:2,22. 
 Mark 10:24. m 1 Kings 3:26. Jer. 31:20. Phil. 1:8. 2:1. Col. 3:12. 1 John 3:17. 
 n 42:24. John 11:33— 38. Acts 20:19,31,37. 2Tim.l:4. o45:l. Is. 42:14. Jer. 
 31:16. 1 Pet. 3:10. p 46:34. Ex. 8:26. q 44:12. r2 Sam. 11:8. r 45:22. 1 Sam. 
 1:5. 9:22 — 24. Heb. drank largely . Cant. 5:1. Hag. 1:6. John 2:10. 
 
 V. 32. Probably Joseph, as known to be a Hebrew, con- 
 nived at the superstitious prejudices of the Egyptians ; but he 
 would not sit with his brethren, lest it should excite suspicion. 
 The abomination in which the Egyptians held eating with the 
 Hebrevys, has generally been ascribed to the latter eating the 
 flesh of those animals which the former held sacred : therefore 
 shepherds also were an abomination to the Egyptians, though 
 they likewise had flocks and herds. This however is very 
 doubtful; as we have no intimation of Ihe kind in the history, 
 nor any other records of so ancient a date. Indeed national, 
 and even religious antipathies are so common, and so unrea- 
 sonable, that it is not greatly worth while to inquire particu- 
 larly into the occasion of them. 
 
 V. 33. No doubt, Joseph’s brethren were seated in this 
 order by his appointment, which excited their surprise. But 
 probably they ascribed it to some extraordinary sagacity, or 
 to divination, which he afterwards mentioned. 
 
 V. 34. Five times , &c.l A token of respect customary in 
 those days, which should not be judged of by modern man- 
 ners. Joseph tried whether his brethren would envy Benja- 
 min this distinction, as they had envied him his coat of many 
 colours. The word (votth) rendered, were merry , sometimes 
 means, were intoxicated : but it seems to be properly trans- 
 lated ; for we cannot suppose, either that in such circumstances 
 they would drink to excess, or that Joseph would have coun- 
 tenanced them in so doing. — EpcSvcSijouv, Sept. MsSuoSuhm, 
 John 2:10. u Have well drunk.” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. Wo should use great caution in forming resolu- 
 tions concerning our future measures in things indifferent ; for 
 our perseverance so much depends on the events of Provi- 
 dence, that the conduct which we most fully purpose may 
 become impracticable : in most things, therefore, where duty is 
 not concerned, we are best ruled by circumstances as they 
 arise. But if we have formed a rash resolution, to v\ltich ne 
 cannot with propriety adhere, we must, virtually or explicitly 
 
B. C. 1705. CHAPTER XLIV. B. C. 1705. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIV. 
 
 / oseph directs his steward to put the money into the mouths of his brethren's 
 sucks, and his silver cup into that of Benjamin , 1,2; and afterwards to 
 pursue than and accuse them of theft , 3 — 6. Their sacks are searched ; the 
 cup is found ; and in deep distress they return to Joseph , 7 — 13. They 
 humble themselves before him , 14—17 ; and Judah makes a most pathetic 
 speechjconcluding tcilh a most generous request, IS — 34. 
 
 A ND he commanded 'the steward of his house, 
 IX. saying, "Fill the men’s sacks with food, as 
 much as they can carry, and put every manis mo- 
 ney in his sack’s mouth. 
 
 2 And put my b cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s 
 mouth of the youngest, and his corn-money : and he 
 did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 
 
 3 il As soon as the morning was light, the men 
 were sent away, they and their asses. 
 
 4 And when they were gone out of the city, and 
 not yet far oil, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, 
 follow after the men ; and when thou dost over- 
 take them, say unto them, "Wherefore have ye 
 rewarded evil for good ? 
 
 5 Is not this it, in which my lord drinketh ? and 
 whereby indeed he hlivine th ? ye have done evil 
 in so doing. 
 
 6 And he overtook them, and he spake unto 
 them these same words. 
 
 7 And they said unto him, d Wherefore saith my 
 lord these words ? God forbid that thy servants 
 should do according to this thing. 
 
 8 Behold, "the money .which we found in our 
 sacks’ mouths we brought again unto thee out of 
 the land of Canaan: fhow then should we steal 
 out of thy lord’s house silver or gold ? 
 
 • Heb. him, 'hat was over the house. 24:2. 43: 16. a 42:25. b 42:15.16,20. Dent. 
 8:2 16. 13:3. 2 Cor. 8:8. c 1 Sam. 24:17. 2Chr.20:ll. Ps. 35:12. 109:5. Prov. 
 17:13. John 10 32. t Or, maketh trial. 15 .marg. d 34:25-31. 35-22. 37:18— 
 82.38:16 — 18. Josh. 22:22 — 29. 2 Sam. 20:20. 2 Kings 8:13. e 42:27,35. 43:12,21, 
 22. f See on 7. Jam. 2:10,1] . £31:32. Job 31:35—40. I s. 7:3—5. Acts 25:11. 
 h 43:18. i 17,33. Ex. 22:3. Malt. 18:24,25. k 43:33. 126—32. 42:36—38 . 43: 
 
 acknowledge our mistake, and forego our determination: for 
 though firmness is essential to usefulness and comfort, yet 
 obstinacy is both foolish and ruinous. — There may be cases, 
 in which we must refuse obedience to an earthly superior ; 
 because it is superseded by a higher obligation: but this 
 should never be done without necessity ; and should always 
 be grounded on cogent arguments, and expressed in gentle 
 and respectful language : and even when a refusal is unex- 
 ceptionable, an impartial judge can seldom approve the man- 
 ner in which it is given. — When the Lord seems to frown on 
 us, we are prone to blame others ; and thus we often rebel- 
 liously murmur against the Author of our troubles, by quar- 
 relling with the instruments. — But when all our contrivances 
 are overruled, and necessity compels us to say, “ It must be 
 so now then submission to the will of the all-wise Disposer, 
 and a believing dependence on the almighty Lord, who hath 
 all hearts in his hands, will yield us a seasonable support. 
 While we use every prudent conciliatory means, we shall 
 best prevail with man, by first prevailing with the Lord in fer- 
 vent prayer ; and “ Thy will be done” should close every pe- 
 tition for temporal benefits, or against temporal afflictions. — 
 Though men value very highly their gold and silver, and the 
 luxuries which are accounted the best fruits of every land; 
 et, in a time of famine, they willingly barter them away for 
 read : how little then will they stand us in stead in the day 
 of wrath ! and how ready shall we be, if truly wise, to re- 
 nounce them all “ as loss, for the excellency of the knowledge 
 of Jesus Christ !”■ — They who mean sincerely , are apt to en- 
 gage for more than they can perform : and, if we feel our pas- 
 sions greatly moved, our tongue should be held in as with a 
 bridle ; or it may afterwards occasion us much trouble. 
 
 Y. 15 — 31. Terror once excited is increased by every 
 event : yet innocence gives confidence, and supplies the want 
 of eloquence ; or rather furnishes that which is the most sim- 
 ple and expressive. — “ He that walketh with wise men will be 
 wise :” and the good and pious words of the Egyptian, Joseph’s 
 steward, show us that a godly man’s conversation is never 
 useless ; and teach us to abound in that speech, which is good 
 for the use of edifying. — Even they who inadvertently, and by 
 oversight, have got possession of the property belonging to 
 another, are bound to restore it, when they discover the mis- 
 take ; and, however we acquire honest gain, we ought to look 
 m the Lord as the Giver of it. — His purposes are continually 
 advancing to their full accomplishment : but they who would 
 have his special blessings, must wait for them ; and they who 
 desire to do special good, must learn to bridle and conceal 
 their tenderest passions. — In Joseph’s conduct, we see that 
 of Jesus, who shows those whom lie loves more and more of 
 their extieme necessity; makes them perceive that he is their 
 only Refuge from destruction ; and, consulting their future 
 good more than their present comfort, by salutary terrors and 
 troubles overcomes their reluctance, and brings them to him- 
 self. Then, in his wise and holy sovereignty, according to 
 that proportion which he sees good, he gives them some taste 
 of his exhilarating love, and welcomes them to the provisions 
 
 9 With whom soever of thy servants it be found, 
 «both let him die, h and we also will be my lord’s 
 bondmen. 
 
 10 And he said, Noav also let it he according 
 unto your words: ‘he with whom it is found shall 
 be my servant; and ye shall be blameless. 
 
 1 1 Then they speedily took down every man his 
 sack to the ground, and opened every man his sack. 
 
 12 And he searched, and k began at the eldest, 
 and left at the youngest: ‘and the cup was found in 
 Benjamin’s sack. 
 
 13 Then they “Tent their clothes, and lad5d 
 every man his ass, and returned to the city. 
 
 14 If And Judah and his brethren came to Jo- 
 seph’s house, (for “he ivas yet there,) and they "It'll 
 before him on the ground. 
 
 15 And Joseph said unto them, fWhat deed is 
 this that ye have done ? ^wot ye not, that such a 
 man as I can certainly ^divine. 
 
 16 And "Judah said, "What shall we say unto 
 my lord ? what shall we speak ? or how shall we 
 clear ourselves? ‘God hath found out the iniquity 
 of thy servants : behold, we are my lord’s ser- 
 vants, both we, and he also with whom the cup 
 is found. 
 
 17 And he said, “God forbid that I should do 
 so : but the man in whose hand the cup is found, 
 "he shall be my servant ; and as for you, get you 
 up Hn peace unto your lather. 
 
 18 IT Then Judah came nearuntohim, and said, 
 O my lord, "let thy servant, I pray thee, speak a 
 
 14. m 37:29,34. Num. 14.6 2 Sam. 1:1!, 11. 13:19. n 43:16,25. o37:7— 9. 50: 
 
 18. I hil. 2:10,11. p4, 5.3:13. 4:10. q 21:26. 39:8. Ei. 32:1 } Or, male trial. 
 
 5. r 32. 43:8,9. s Kara 9:10,15. Jot>40:4. Acts 2:37. 1 37:18—28. 42:21,22. 
 
 Num. 32:23. Josh. 7:1,18. Prov. 28:17. Luke 12:2. u 18:25. 42:18. 28am. 23:3. 
 Prov. 17:15. i 10. y 37:32,33. z 18:30,32. 2 Sam. 14:12. Job 33:31. Acts 2 29. 
 
 of his house, as earnests of what he further intends for them , 
 yet so as still to prove and try them, with a view to their more 
 complete humiliation. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLIV. V. 2. It may be supposed, 
 that this silver cup had been used at the entertainment. 
 (43:32 — 34.) — Joseph seems to have been desirous of ascer- 
 taining beyond doubt, how his brethren stood affected to Ben- 
 jamin, Jacob’s present favourite, and to their father on his ac 
 count. Had they envied and hated Benjamin, (the other son 
 of Rachel, Leah’s rival,) as they had him ; and had they been 
 influenced by the same unfeeling indignation against Jacob as 
 they were formerly, they would cn this occasion have disco- 
 vered it: for when the cup was found upon Benjamin,. they 
 would have had a plausible pretence for leaving him to he a 
 slave, and returning home without him. In this case Joseph 
 no doubt would have acted far otherwise than he did, when 
 the event proved them to be so affectionately disposed both 
 towards Benjamin and their father. At the same time this 
 trial was exceedingly calculated to increase their humiliation. 
 
 V. 4 — -6. The abruptness of this unexpected address was 
 well suited to surprise and confuse, and to favour the design. — 
 Joseph probably meant that by divination he had discovered 
 who had stolen his cup, (15;) which he could not have done, 
 had he divined by means of the cup : and the words might be 
 rendered, “that about which he hath used divination.” — It is 
 not however certain, that divination is meant ; as the original 
 word is used sometimes for accurate investigation or diligent 
 observation. (30:27. 1 Kings 20:33. Heb.) 
 
 V. 9. Probably Joseph expected that his brethren, con- 
 scious of their innocence, would make use of such language 
 as this ; which favoured his design of proving how they stood 
 affected towards Benjamin. Their money had before been 
 put into their sacks, they knew not how, and they might have 
 suspected somewhat similar on this occasion : their confi- 
 dence therefore was very imprudent. 
 
 V. 12, 13. ‘In very agony they rend their clothes. — As 
 they walk along their thoughts turn on another event. — “ It 
 is the Lord.” We arc murderers: divine vengeance suf- 
 fers us not to live.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 14. Now Joseph had, in every sense, the dominion 
 over his brethren, according to their interpretation of his 
 dreams. . 
 
 V. 15. Wot ye not! &c.) ‘What! Could you suppose 
 that I, who foretold the famine seven years before it came, 
 was unable to discover who had stolen my cup ?’ 
 
 V. 1G. God hath found out, & c.l Probably Judah inwardly 
 meant, the former guilt of himself and his brethren, which 
 was now visited upon them. Jonscious of his own inno- 
 cence, as to the present concern, he very prudently waived 
 all mention of it ; for otherwise lie must either have allowed 
 Benjamin’s guilt, or reflected on Joseph’s equity. 
 
 V. 17. Get you up, St. c.] At this time the experiment 
 was at the crisis, and no doubt Joseph anxiously expected ihf 
 event. 
 
 V. 18. As Pharaoh.] That is, equally to he respected 
 
 ( 95 ) 
 
B C. 1705. 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 1705. 
 
 wt rd in my lord’s ears, and let not thine "anger 
 burn against thy servant: for thou art even b as 
 Pharaoh. 
 
 19 My lord "asked his servants, saying, Have 
 ye a father or a brother ? 
 
 20 And we said unto my lord, We have a 
 father, an old man, and d a child of his old age, 
 a little one: "ajnd his brother is dead, and f he 
 alone is left of his mother, and his father loveth 
 him. 
 
 21 And thou saidst unto thy servants, «Bring 
 him down unto me, that I may set mine eyes upon 
 him. 
 
 22 And we said unto my lord, The lad cannot 
 leave his father ; for if he should leave his father, 
 b his father would die. 
 
 23 And thou saidst unto thy servants, ‘Except 
 your youngest brother come down with you, ye 
 shall see my face no more. 
 
 24 And it came to pass, when we came up unto, 
 thy servant my father, k we told him the words of 
 my lord. 
 
 25 And our father said, 'Go again, and buy us 
 a little food. 
 
 26 And we said, m We cannot go down : if our 
 youngest brother be with us, then will we go 
 
 a Eath. 1:12. Fa. 79:5. b 41:40,44. Prov. 19:12. Dan. 3:15,19—23.5:19. c42:7 
 —10. 43:7,29. <137:3. 43:8. e 37:33— 35. 42:36,38. 127—29. Luke 7:12. g4 3: 
 29. h 30. 42:38. i 42.15— 20. 43:3. k 42:29— 34. 143:2. m 43:4,5. Luke 11 : 
 7 . n 29:18 — 21,28. 30:22 — 25.35:16 — 18. 46;19. o 37:13,14. p 37:33. q 42:36, 
 
 and feared. The reader should keep the dreams still in 
 mind : Joseph’s brethren soon learned what was become of 
 them. (37:20.) — Judah being intrusted with Benjamin, and 
 perhaps more affectionate than the rest both to him and his 
 father, and having conceived the generous design mentioned 
 in the close of the chapter, assumed the office of speaker in 
 the name of the rest; probably with their concurrence. But 
 it was an arduous task to plead with the judge after sentence 
 had been passed. 
 
 V. 20. Joseph had been long dead to his father, and his 
 brethren had been long accustomed to speak of him as dead. 
 Every word in this verse is simplicity and pathos itself. 
 No man of the least taste or sensibility can read it without 
 great emotion. Indeed the whole speech is exquisitely beau- 
 tiful, and perhaps the most complete pattern of genuine 
 natural eloquence, extant in any language. Had Joseph been 
 merely a humane judge, and no relation, and had Benjamin 
 been guilty, such an address must have been irresistibly forci- 
 ble : with what feelings then must Joseph have heard it ! — 
 When we read this generous speech we forgive Judah all the 
 past, and cannot refuse to say, “ Thou art he whom thy bre- 
 thren shall praise.” (49:8.) 
 
 V. 26. We cannot , &c.] Judah had said, “ We will 
 not;” (43:5.) but he here softened the harshness of that 
 expression. 
 
 V. 28. Judah touched on this subject with a kind of 
 trembling hesitation. As a part of his plea it must not be 
 omitted ; yet his conscience seems to have made him falter 
 in reporting Jacob’s language, which he knew resulted from 
 a deception.— It is surprising that Joseph could refrain on 
 hearing this. ‘ 
 
 V. 30, 31. Nothing can exceed the tender affection ex- 
 pressed for Jacob in this speech ; which confirms the senti- 
 ment, that from the discovery of Judah's incest with Tamar, 
 he had been a true penitent, and consequently a more duti- 
 ful son than before. It might be feared that the sad tidings 
 of Benjamin’s hopeless bondage would quite overwhelm Jacob, 
 and cause his immediate death. Perhaps Judah considered 
 the former guilt of himself and brethren respecting Joseph, 
 as the cause of this severe visitation ; and as the means of 
 rendering it insupportable to Jacob. In deep anguish of con- 
 science, he seems to have apprehended, that he and his bre- 
 thren would actually be chargeable in the sight of God, with 
 the guilt of murdering their father ; as well as of the death 
 or slavery of Joseph and Benjamin. 
 
 V. 33, 34. Judah would be as useful a servant as Benja- 
 min • Joseph would be no loser ; his father could perhaps sur- 
 vive the loss of him ; and he was willing to submit to any 
 hardship, rather than occasion and witness his aged father’s 
 death. — What must Benjamin have felt, when he heard his 
 brother conclude his speech with a proposal, which could 
 never have been thought of, if it had not been actually made ! 
 Perhaps the annals of the whole world do not produce an 
 instance of so heroic and disinterested affection in any mere 
 man. Some would even dare to die for a beloved or honoured 
 friend, who nevertheless would not willingly submit to be a 
 slave for life to ransom him. Without exception, this may be 
 considered as by far the most affecting speech that was ever 
 recorded. Either the speakers and writers, in this sacred 
 volume, excelled all other men in native genius and simple 
 eloquence, or they were divinely inspired : for surely, no men 
 ever spake and wrote as they did. 
 
 ( 96 ) 
 
 down : for we may not see the man’s face, except 
 our youngest brother' be with us. % 
 
 27 And thy servant my father said unto us, Ye 
 know that “my wife bare me two sons. 
 
 28 And “the one went out from me, and I said, 
 pSurely he is torn in pieces ; and I saw him not 
 since. 
 
 29 And if ‘lye take this also from me, and mis- 
 chief befall him, ye shall bring down my gray hairs 
 with sorrow to the grave. 
 
 30 Now therefore r when I come to thy servant 
 my father, and the lad be not with us ; (seeing 
 that “his life is bound up in the lad’s life :) 
 
 31 It shall come to pass, ‘when he seeth that 
 the lad is not with us, that. he will die : and thy 
 servants “shall bring down the gray hairs of thy 
 servant our father with sorrow to the grave. 
 
 32 For thy servant became “surety for the lad 
 unto my father, saying, If I bring him not unto Ihee, 
 then I shall bear the blame to my father for ever. 
 
 33 Now, therefore, *1 pray thee, let thy servant 
 abide, instead of the lad, a bondman to my lord ; 
 and let the lad go up with his brethren. 
 
 34 For how shall I go up to my father, and the 
 lad be not with me ? z fost peradventure I see the 
 evil that shall ‘come on my father. 
 
 38. 43:14. Fa. 88:3,4. r 17,31,34. a 1 Sam. 18: 1 . 2 Sam. 18:33. tl Sum. 4:17, 
 18. 2 Cor. 7:10. 1 Thea. 4:13. u 29. 31*26,27,35. 13:21,23,36—38. 1 Sam. 22:22. 
 x See on 43:8,9, y Ex. 32:32. Rom. 5:7— 10. 9:3. r. 1 Sam. 2:33,34. 2 Cllr. 31: 
 28. Esth. 8:6. Jer. 62:10,11. • Ueb.Jind. Fs. 116:3. 115:143. marg. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. j 
 
 V. 1 — 17. They who have been guilty of deceit and injus- 
 tice, must blame themselves when afterwards suspected with- 
 out cause, and put upon repeated trials, before they recover 
 the confidence of those whom they have injured : but if they 
 are sincere, the event will make amends for the severest 
 scrutiny. — Though open and direct measures are generally 
 preferable ; yet, in some cases, stratagems are lawful : and 
 never more so, than when they tend to the benefit of the per- 
 sons for whom they are laid, in order that they may remember 
 and repent of their own treacherous dealings. — To reward 
 evil for good is so evidently base, that nothing can be urged 
 in excuse of it : how then shall we stand in judgment before 
 that God whom we have so ungratefully requited for his 
 multiplied benefits? — Men think it har'd to be suspected of 
 crimes, which are contrary to a few of their outward actions ; 
 though they are inwardly conscious of much worse, which 
 they conceal from their fellow-creatures ! Yet conscious inno- 
 cence has no occasion to fear a fair trial : but, as all hearts 
 are totally concealed from us, except our own, we should be 
 cautious in answering for others also : and they who are most 
 confident in self-justification, may soon have their mouths 
 stopped, and not know what to say. — If, before the powerful 
 of the earth, it is sometimes prudent to w aive the question of 
 right, and to appeal to their compassion and generosity ; 
 much more should we submit to the righteousness of God, 
 and renouncing all other pleas, cast out selves upon his infinite 
 compassion : for he is perfectly righteous, and will be acknow- 
 ledged to be so, by all who would approach him with accept- 
 ance. 
 
 V. 18 — 34. In many cases, undissembled narrations form 
 the most conclusive and affecting arguments. (Acts 11:1 — 18.) 
 Such addresses to the tender passions, as are grounded upon 
 evident reason, truth, and fact, and carry with them internal 
 testimony of disinterestedness, generosity, and relative affec- 
 tion, are almost irresistible : and< the glow of filial affection, 
 through manly sense and fortitude, has a peculiar beauty and 
 energy. — How careful should children be not to grieve their 
 parents, lest by imbittering their infirm age, they should 
 shorten their days, and be indicted now at the bar of their 
 own consciences, or hereafter at the judgment-seat of God, 
 for the horrible crime of parricide; which many aro guilty of 
 who never suspect themselves, or are suspected by others ! — 
 True penitents will show, that a total revolution has taken 
 place in their principles and practice : were it possible, they 
 would undo their former misconduct ; and therefore they will 
 endeavour to make amends for it, and prevent any further ill 
 effects, though in the most self-denying manner : and this w ill 
 evidence that their sins are pardoned, and prepare tile way 
 for their receiving the comfort of forgiveness. — Thus Jesus, 
 the Antitype, proceeds to humble and prove his people, even 
 after they have had some tastes of his loving-kindness : ho 
 brings their sins renewcdly to remembrance, that they may 
 renew and evidence their repentanco ; he tries, that he may 
 manifest, their graces: his bowels yearn over thorn, while his 
 face wears a frown, and his hand holds the rod of correction ; 
 and thus by rebukes and chastenings, ho prepares them for 
 comfort here and for glory hereafter. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLV. V. 1, 2. It is a remarkable 
 proof of the strength of mind, which united with exquisite 
 sensibility in Joseph’s character, that he could so long repress 
 bis emotions, and conceal them from all parties ; but Judah’s 
 
B. C. 1705. 
 
 CHAPTER XLY. B. C. 1705 
 
 CHAPTER XLV. 
 
 foscph makes himself known to his brethren, 1 — 3 ; encourages them by showing 
 them the Lord' a merciful purposes in these transactions , 4 — 8 ; orders them to 
 fetch his father and family into tCgypt ; and cordially embraces them , 9 — 15. 
 Pharaoh confirms the invitation, 16—20. Joseph furnishes his brethren fur 
 their journeys, and exhorts them to concord, 21 — 24. They report the whole 
 to Jacob, who hardly believes the tidings, but is at length revived by. them, 
 25-28. 
 
 T HEN Joseph a could not refrain himself before 
 all them that stood by him ; and he cried, 
 b Cause every man to go out from me : and there 
 stood no man with him, while Joseph made him- 
 self knotyn unto his brethren. 
 
 2 And he 'wept aloud : and the Egyptians and 
 the house of Pharaoh heard. 
 
 3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, “I am 
 Joseph; doth my father jet live? And his bre- 
 thren could not answer him ; d for they were trou- 
 bled at his presence. 
 
 4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come 
 near to me, I pray you : and they came near : and 
 he said, T am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold 
 into Egypt. 
 
 5 Now therefore f be not grieved, *nor angry 
 with yourselves, that ye sold me hither ; for «God 
 did send me before you to preserve life. 
 
 6 For these h two years hath the famine been in 
 the land ; and yet there are five years, in the 
 which there shall neither be ‘earing nor harvest. 
 
 7 And God sent me before you, Ho preserve 
 you a posterity in the earth, and k to save your 
 lives by a great deliverance. 
 
 8 So now Ht was not you that sent me hither, 
 but God: and he hath made me a "‘father to 
 Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler 
 throughout all the land of Egypt. 
 
 9 Haste you, and go up to my father, and say 
 unto him, "Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath 
 
 a 43:30,31. Jer.20:9. b2 Sain. 1:20. Matt. 18:15. Acts 10:41. * Heb. gave forth 
 his voice in weeping. Num. 14:1. 2 Kings 20:3. c Matt. 14:27. Acts 7:13. d Job 
 4:5. 23:15. Zech. 12:10. Maik 6:50. Luke 5:8. 24:37,38. Rev. 1.7. f Or, terri- 
 fied. e 37:23 . 50:18. Acts 9.5. t Is. 40:1 ,2. 2 Cor. 2:7. | Heb. neither let there 
 be anger in your ryes, g 7 8. 47:25. 50:20. 2. Sam. 16:10 — 12.17:14. Job 1:21. 
 Ps. 105:16,17. Acts 2:23. 4:24—28 . 7:9—15. h 41:29— 31,54— 56. 47:18. i Ex. 
 34:21. Dent. 21:4. 1 Sam. 8:12. Is. 30:24. §Heb.<o put for you a remnant, 
 k Judg. 15:18. 1 Chr. 11:14. Ps. 44:4. Acts 7:35. 1 John 15:16. Rom. 9:16. m41: 
 
 most affecting speech and generous proposal entirely over- 
 came him. He would not, however, let the Egyptians learn 
 any particulars of his brethren’s guilt ; and he still refrained 
 himself, till the former were gone out of the room : but then 
 his restrained passions hurst forth with the greater violence. 
 
 V. 3. Joseph had doubtless all along been addressed and 
 spoken of by his Egyptian name, or by his titles of office : so 
 that, though the historian calls him Joseph, probably his 
 brethren had never heard that name before, from any person 
 in Egypt. — It is impossible that the tongue, the pen, or the 
 pencil, can ever do justice to the mixed emotions of surprise, 
 fear, grief, remorse, hope, natural affection, and joy, which 
 must alternately, yet almost at the same instant, have seized 
 upon their minds at this unexpected discovery. — But Joseph 
 evidently perceived, that confusion and terror were likely to 
 predominate, and to fill them with apprehensions, that he 
 would now avenge the injustice and cruelty, of which they 
 had been guilty. 
 
 V. 4. The name of Joseph might have led his brethren to 
 a recollection of his features and- voice : yet the mention of 
 their having sold him was necessary, though painful ; both to 
 remove all doubts of his being their brother, and also to intro- 
 duce the kind attempt, which he intended to make, to obviate 
 their fears, and to inspire confidence and comfort. — Perhaps 
 he called them near to him, lest the Egyptians should over- 
 hear this part of the conversation. 
 
 V. 5. Every passion has its proper boundaries, which it 
 ought not to exceed. The skilful physician aims to produce 
 an effect : yet, having produced it, he often sees occasion to 
 check, and even sometimes to counteract, his first intention ; 
 lest it prove excessive, and expose the patient to the opposite 
 danger. Joseph had designed to humble and to reprove his 
 brethren, to bring their sin to remembrance, to fill them with 
 remorse for it, and to evince that they really repented, and 
 were not disposed to repeat the crime. But he now per- 
 ceived, from their confusion and dismay, that they were in 
 danger of being overwhelmed by over-much sorrow, and of 
 sinking under despondency : and therefore he endeavoured to 
 comfort and encourage them. (Marg. Ref .)— Not only 
 would the authority of one, whom they had so grossly injured, 
 affright them ; but the excellence of his character, the repu- 
 tation which he had acquired, and the accomplishment of 
 •hose dreams, as divine predictions, which they had con- 
 temptously opposed, would make their crime appear more 
 norrid than before ; and all together might induce them to- 
 conclude, that they had sinned beyond the reach of forgive- 
 ness. — Though the merciful purpose of God, in sending him 
 into Egypt, in no degree excused their sin, and therefore 
 Vol. I.— 13 
 
 made me lord of all Egypt; “come down unto me, 
 tarry not. 
 
 10 And thou shalt dwell rin the land of Goshen, 
 4and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy 
 children, and thy children’s children, and thy 
 flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast. 
 
 11 And there “will I nourish thee; (for yet 
 there are five years of famine ;) lest thou, and thy 
 household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty 
 
 12 And behold, “your eyes see, and the eyes ot 
 my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that 
 speaketh unto you. 
 
 13 And ye shall tell my father of all l my glory 
 in Egypt, and of all that ye have seen ; and ye 
 shall haste, and "bring down my father hither. 
 
 14 And he Tell upon his brother Benjamin’s 
 neck, and wept; and Benjamin wept upon his neck. 
 
 15 Moreover Hie kissed all his brethren, and 
 wept upon them : and after that his brethren 
 talked with him. 
 
 16* H And the fame thereof was heard in Pha- 
 raoh’s house, saying, Joseph’s brethren are come : 
 and "it pleased Pharaoh well, and his servants. 
 
 17 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Say unto 
 thy brethren, This do ye ; z Iade your beasts, and 
 go, get you unto the land of Canaan. 
 
 18 And take your father, and your households, 
 and come unto me : and I will give you the good 
 of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat a the fat of 
 the land. 
 
 19 Now thou art commanded, this do ye; take 
 you wagons out of the land of Egypt b for your 
 little ones, and for your wives, and bring your 
 father, and come. 
 
 20 Also ’’regard not your “stuff: for d the good 
 of all the land of Egypt is yours. 
 
 39— 18. Judg. 17:10. Job 29:16. n26— 28. o 13,19,20. p46:31. 47:1—6. Ex 
 3:22.9:26. q John 14:2,3. 17:24. r 47:12. Mult. 15:5,6. Mark 7:9— 12. s 42. 
 23. l.uke 24:39. John 20:27. t John 17:24. 1 Prt. 1:10— 12. Rev. 21:23. u Act, 
 7:14. x 29: 1 1. 33:4. Rom. 1:31. y-2Sam. 14:33. Lukel5:20. I| Heb. wa, 
 good in the eyes of Pharaoh. 16:6. 20:15. 41:37. margins, z 42:25,26. 44:J,2 
 a 27:28. 47:6. Deut. 32:14. Ps. 147:14. Is. 28:1,4. b 31: 17,18. If Heb. let not 
 y ur eyes spare , &c. Is. 13:18. Ez. 9:5. 20:17. c Matt. 24:17. Luke 17:31. d 18 
 20:J5. Ezra 9: 12. Is. 1:19. 
 
 ought not to prevent their humiliation and repentance ; yet it 
 might very properly abate their anguish of spirit, and encou- 
 rage their hope of pardon from so gracious a God: and it 
 might assure them of Joseph’s forgiveness, who clearly saw 
 the wisdom of God, and richly experienced his goodness, in 
 that event. 
 
 V. 6. Earing.] That is, ploughing , or preparing the 
 ground and sowing it. It appears by this, that the Egyptians, 
 finding Joseph’s predictions exactly accomplished thus far, 
 followed his counsel, and wasted no corn in sowing the land. 
 The entire failure of the accustomed overflowing of the Nile, 
 which probably took place, would in general render agricul- 
 ture impracticable, yet where it might have been attempted,- 
 it was not. (47:23.) 
 
 V. 8. 1 No longer confine your thoughts to your own mis- 
 conduct in that affair : but see and admire the wonderful con- 
 trivance of God in it, who sent me hither for such important 
 benefits, especially to you and your families.’ — Thus Joseph, 
 by repeatedly pointing out the wisdom and mercy of God in 
 these dispensations, both obviated the desponding conclusions, 
 which his brethren might have been tempted to deduce, and 
 assured them of his cordial forgiveness. — He was made a 
 father to Pharaoh, as the instrument of God in preserving 
 him and his kingdom. 
 
 V. 12. Benjamin was so very young when Joseph was 
 sold, that il is not probable he remembered him ; but doubtless 
 he had heard much concerning him. 
 
 V. 13. Tell my father.] This direction was given, not in 
 ostentation, but to rejoice Jacob’s heart, and likewise to in- 
 duce him the more readily to come into Egypt. 
 
 Y. 14. Benjamin, having no share in the crimes of his 
 brethren towards Joseph, would have his joy unmingled with 
 those painful feelings, which the rest experienced. 
 
 V. 15. ICissed.] As a token of entire reconciliation and 
 endeared affection. This seems to have been the first thing 
 which encouraged them to speak to him. 
 
 V. 16. It pleased . ] This is a conclusive testimony how 
 highly Joseph was esteemed, and how little he was envied. 
 
 V. 17. Pharaoh left all other concerns to Joseph; but 
 here he generously interposed, and gave most liberal orders, 
 about Jacob and his family ; which would be very aareeable 
 to the feelings of all parties. 
 
 V. 19. IVagons.] No montion has hitherto beet made 
 of horses, among the possessions of the patriarchs, or of wheel- 
 carriages, both of which abounded in Egypt at that time. I: 
 is probable these wagons were drawn by horses. ( N’otes , 
 47:17. Deut. 17:16.) 
 
 V. 20. Your stuff.] Such furniture, or other property, as 
 
 ( 97 ) 
 
B. C. 1705, 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1705. 
 
 21 And the children of Israel did so : and 
 Joseph gave them 'wagons, according to the 
 ’commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them pro- 
 vision for the way. 
 
 22 To all of them he gave r each man changes 
 of raiment : but no Benjamin he gave three 
 hundred pieces of silver, and five changes of rai- 
 ment. 
 
 23 And to his father he sent after this manner ; 
 ten asses *laden with the good things of Egypt, 
 and ten she-asses laden with corn and bread and 
 meat for his father by the way. 
 
 24 So he sent his brethren away, and they de- 
 parted : and he said unto them, h See that ye fall 
 not out by the way. 
 
 25 If And they went up out of Egypt, and 
 came into the land of Canaan unto Jacob their 
 father ; 
 
 26 And told him, saying, 'Joseph is yet alive, 
 land he is governor over all the land of Egypt. 
 k And 1 Jacob’s heart fainted, 'for he believed them 
 
 not. 
 
 27 And they told him all the words of Joseph, 
 which he had said unto them : and when he saw 
 
 e 19,27. 46:5. Num.7:3 — 9. Ez. 23:24. * Heb. mouth. Num. 3:1G. mare. 
 
 2 Chr. 35:22. Lara. 1:18. mafg. f Juile. 11:12,19. 2 Kings 5:5,22,23. g43:34. 
 1 Heb. carrying, h 37:22. 42:22. Ps. 133. John 13:31,35. 1:31.32. i hil.2: 
 
 2— 5. Col. 3:12,13. 1 Thes. 5:13. i Luke 24:34. J 8,9. k 37:35. 42:36,38. 44: 
 28. J Heb. his. 1 Job 9:16 . 29:24. I s. 126:1. Luke 24:11,41. m Lula. 15: 
 19. Ps. 85:6. Is.57:15. Hos. 6:2. n 46:3U. Luke 2:28— 30. John 16:21,22. 
 
 could not be conveniently removed so far, should be left be- 
 hind without concern. 
 
 V. 22. To Benjamin .] Thus Joseph slill continued the 
 trial of his brethren, to see whether any of them were dis- 
 posed to envy Benjamin. 
 
 V. 24. It would be natural for this company, during so 
 interesting a journey, to converse freely concerning their 
 conduct in selling Joseph, and the manner in which they 
 should relate the particulars to Jacob: and as some of them 
 had been much more criminal than others, and as Reuben, 
 in Joseph’s hearing, had sharply reproached his brethren; 
 these passions might easily produce altercations, and even 
 quarrels of fatal consequence. But as, after all, Joseph for- 
 gave and loved them, so he required them to forgive and love 
 one another. 
 
 V. 26. For above twenty years Jacob had been used to 
 consider his beloved Joseph as dead; with what emotions 
 then must he have heard the words, “ Joseph is yet alive, 
 and is governor over all the land of Egypt!” 
 
 V. 27. This must have been attended by a confession of 
 their own base conduct respecting Joseph ; but Jacob had no 
 heart now for reproaches or complaints. 
 
 V. 28. It is enough , &c.] ‘ I shall then account myself 
 
 to have lived long enough.’ — Joseph’s glory in Egypt seemed 
 little to Jacob. As he was alive, that thought swallowed up 
 all other considerations. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. In endeavouring to render men sensible of their 
 faults, we should be careful lest we needlessly expose them. — 
 True excellence does not consist in being devoid of passions, 
 but in having them all under the government of reason and 
 conscience; so as to know how to restrain them, and how to 
 yield to them with prudence and expediency: and true wis- 
 dom discovers itself, in being able to suit, our conduct and 
 conversation to the persons with whom we have to do, and to 
 the circumstances in which they are placed. — In speaking to 
 men about the concerns of their souls, two grand objects 
 should always be kept in view; namely, to awaken the care- 
 less conscience to an adequate sense of guilt and danger, and 
 to inspire the burdened and desponding heart with the hope of 
 pardon and peace. — It is very profitable for us to observe the 
 footsteps of Providence, and to note how infinite wisdom and 
 goodness deduce the most beneUcial effects from the crimes 
 and follies of men ; especially we should study the history of 
 our own lives with this design: we shall not then want proof, 
 that the only wise God hath overruled many of our mistakes 
 and sins to our important good ; and thus we may also per- 
 ceive some of the outlines of his plan, “ who worketh all 
 things after the counsel of his own will.” This review, if duly 
 made, cannot reasonably lead us to entertain a slighter sense 
 of the evil of sin, or better thoughts of ourselves ; it cannot 
 encourage us to go on in disobedience, or lessen our humi- 
 liation and self-abasement ; but, on the contrary, it. will con- 
 vince us the more deeply of our own ignorance and folly, and 
 render us more ashamed of ofTending against so kind a Be- 
 nefactor. Yet it will prevent our despairing df forgiveness; 
 check that sorrow, which unfits the mind for duty and damps 
 our gratitude; and excite that admiration, love, and confi- 
 dence, which produce cheerful obedience. 
 
 V. 9 — 28. W e should ever manifest brotherly love, even 
 to those who have treated us injuriously ; and show a readi- 
 ness to forgive, and an earnest desire to disperse those fears 
 and jealousies, which the recollection of past offences may 
 ( 98 ) 
 
 the wagons which Joseph had sent to carry him, 
 m the spirit of Jacob their father revived. 
 
 28 And Israel said, n Jl is enough: Joseph my 
 son is yet alive : I will go and see him before I die. 
 CHAPTER XLVI. 
 
 Jacob offers sacrifices, and has an encuuragin g vision , 1—4. He goes with his 
 family into Egypt, 5—7. The names anti the number of his descendants, 8 — 27. 
 He meejs and confers with Joseph, who instructs his brethren how to answer 
 Pharaoh, 28 — 34. 
 
 A ND Israel took his journey with all that he 
 had, and came to a Beer-sheba, b and offered 
 sacrifices c unto the God of his father Isaac. 
 
 2 And God spake unto Israel d in the visions of 
 the night, and said, e Jacob, Jacob: and he said, 
 Here am I. 
 
 3 And he said, I am God, the God of thy father : 
 f fear not to go down into Egypt ; for el will there 
 make of thee a great nation. 
 
 4 I h wiU go down with thee into Egypt ; ‘and I 
 will also surely bring thee up again : and ‘‘Joseph 
 shall put his hand upon thine eyes. 
 
 5 And Jacob rose up from Beer-sheba: and 
 the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, and 
 their little ones, and their wives, ^n the wagons 
 which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. • 
 
 a 21:14,31. 26:23. 1 Sam. 3:20. b 4:4. 8:20. 12:8. 22:13. 33:20 . 35:3,7. Job 1:5. 
 42:8. c 21:33 . 26:23— 25. 28:13. 31:42,53. d 15:1. Num. 12:6. Job 4:13. 3& 
 14,15. e 22:1. Ex. 3:3,4. 1 Sam. 3:4,10. Acts 9:4. 10:13. 115:13.26:2,3. Is. 
 41:10. Jer. 40:9. Acts 27:24. g 12:2. 35:11. Ex. 1:7-10. Dent. 1:10. 10:22. 26; 
 5. Acts 7:17. li 28:15. Is. 43: 1 ,2. i 15.14— 16. 50:13,21,25. Ex. 3:8. k50:l. 
 
 1 31:17. 45:19,27. 
 
 excite; by uniting the most compassionate affection with our 
 faithful attempts to make men sensible that they have of- 
 fended. — But what haste ought children to make, and what 
 gratification should they account it, to contribute to the com- 
 fort of their tender parents ! They should check every mean 
 desire, and spur themselves on to every laudable pursuit, with 
 the idea, that the one will grieve, and the other gladden, a 
 kind parent’s heart. They ought to value prosperity, espe- 
 cially as enabling them to share it with them ; and spare a 
 considerable portion, even of a moderate provision, to requite 
 the cares, toils, and anxieties of an aged father and mother. 
 How shamefully unlike Joseph are they, who, in comparative 
 affluence, through pride, covetousness, or self-indulgence, ne- 
 glect, and leave to languish in indigence, such near rela- 
 tions ! — Oil! how it adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour, 
 when believers, by a blameless, useful, and prudent conduct, 
 conciliate the good will of many, and silence the reproaches ol 
 all. — If men may without injustice confer unmerited favours 
 on whom, and in what proportion, they please, who shall dare 
 to find fault, if our righteous God, punishing none above their 
 deservings, 41 has mercy on whom he will have mercy?” — 
 When the reasons of the divine appointments are made 
 known tp us, we shall clearly perceive the Lord’s wisdom, 
 love, and faithfulness ; we shall know that all those things are 
 for us which once we thought against us, and that our mur- 
 murs sprang from ignorance and unbelief ; we shall say, 44 It 
 is enough,” 4 1 am now satisfied ;’ and therefore in the ex- 
 ercise of faith we should endeavour to anticipate that disco- 
 very. — Here also we behold Jesus, manifesting himself as a 
 Brother and Friend to those, who once were his despisers, 
 his enemies, and, in some sense, his murderers, having pre- 
 viously humbled them in true repentance; preventing most 
 kindly their dismay and confusion; assuring them of his love, 
 and of the provisions of his grace; explaining to them the 
 mysteries of his cross, and the designs of the Father in his 
 sufferings and glory ; admitting them into sweet, fellowship 
 with himself; bidding them go, and inform others of his love 
 and grace, that they may come and share it also; command- 
 ing them to lay aside envy, anger, malice, and contention, and 
 live in peace with each other; teaching them willingly to re- 
 nounce the w r orld for him and his fulness ; giving them ear- 
 nests of his love, and supplying all that is needful to bring 
 them home to himself, that 44 where he is, there they may bo 
 also.” And though, when he sends for his people by death 
 as his messenger, they may at first feel some discouraging 
 apprehensions ; yet the thoughts of seeing his glory, and heint? 
 with him, will enable them at length to say, 44 It is enough, 
 — 4 1 am willing to die, and go to see, and be with, the Be- 
 loved of my soul.’ 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLVI. V. 1. Perhaps Jacob chose 
 Beer-sheba for his solemn sacrifices, either us having been 
 frequently the scene of his father’s communion with God, or 
 because it was the last place in Canaan which he was now 
 leaving never to see again. Ho spoke at first with rapture of 
 going to see Joseph ; but it had been revealed to Abraham, 
 that his posterity would bo durably oppressed in Egypt ; and 
 Isaac had been forbidden to go thither. Perhaps, recollect- 
 ing these things, Jacob hesitated about leaving Canaan, till 
 he had sought direction and protection from God. — Nothing 
 is recorded concerning sacrifices, from this tune till Israel’s 
 deliverance from Egypt. 
 
 V. 4. God would surely bring Jacob hack again to Ca- 
 naan, in his posterity, of which his burial in Canaan was an 
 
B. C. 1705. 
 
 CHAPTER XL VI. 
 
 B. C. 1705, 
 
 6 Ami they took their cattle, and their goods 
 which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, 
 and came '"into Egypt, Jacob and all his seed 
 with him : 
 
 7 His sons and h.s sons’ sons with him, his 
 daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his 
 seed brought he with him into Egypt. 
 
 8 H Anil these are "the names of the children of 
 Israel, which came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: 
 ■'Reuben, Jacob’s first-born. 
 
 9 And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch, and 
 Phallu, and Hezron, and Carmi. 
 
 10 And the sons of ^Simeon; ‘Jemuel, and 
 Jamin, and Ohad, and tJachin, and JZohar, and 
 Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman. 
 
 11 And the sons of ‘Levi ; *Gershon, Kohath, 
 and Merari. 
 
 12 And the sons of r Judah ; Er, and Onan, and 
 Shelah, and Pharez, and Zarah : But. Er and 
 Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons 
 of Pharez were Hezron, and Hamul. 
 
 13 And the sons of ‘Issachar; Tola, and ""Phu- 
 vah, and ’’Job, and Shimron. 
 
 14 And the sons of ‘Zebulun ; Sered, and Elon, 
 and Jahleel. 
 
 15 These be the sons of “Leah, which she bare 
 unto Jacob in Padan-aram, x with his daughter 
 Dinah : all the souls of his sons and his daughters 
 were thirty and three. 
 
 16 And the rsons of Gad; “Ziphion, and Hag- 
 gi, Shuni, and ,f Ezbon, Eri, and UArodi, and 
 Areli. 
 
 17 And the sons of "Asher; Jimnah, and Ishuah, 
 and Isui, and Beriah, and Serah their sister : And 
 the sons of Beriah ; Heber, and Malchiel.’ 
 
 18 These are the sons of “Zilpah, whom Laban 
 gave to Leah his daughter : and these she bare 
 unto Jacob, even sixteen souls. 
 
 19 The sons of b Rachel, Jacob’s wife : "Joseph, 
 and Benjamin. 
 
 20 And unto Joseph in the land of Egypt were 
 born J Manasseh and Ephraim, which Asenath 
 the daughter of Poti-p’herah Spriest of On bare 
 unto him. 
 
 21 And e the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and 
 
 Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, f Ehi, 
 and Rosh, *Muppim, and h Huppim, and Ard. 
 
 22 These are the sons of Rachel, which wert 
 born to Jacob : all the souls were fourteen. 
 
 23 And the sons of 'Dan ; k Hushim. 
 
 24 And the sons of ‘Naphtali ; m Jahzeel, and 
 Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem. 
 
 25 These are the sons of "Bilhah, which Laban 
 gave unto Rachel his daughter, and she bare 
 these unto Jacob : all the souls were seven. 
 
 26 All the souls that came with Jacob into 
 Egypt, which came out of his ""loins, besides Ja- 
 cob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were threescore and 
 six. 
 
 27 And the sons of Joseph which were born 
 him in Egypt, were two souls : all the souls of the 
 house of Jacob, which came into Egypt, were 
 "threescore and ten. 
 
 28 If And he sent p Judah before him unto Jo- 
 seph, sto direct his face unto "Goshen ; and they 
 came into the land of Goshen. 
 
 29 And Joseph made ready ‘his chariot, and 
 went up to meet Israel his father to Goshen ; and 
 presented himself unto him : and he 'fell on his, 
 neck, and wept on his neck a good while. 
 
 30 And Israel said unto Joseph, “Now let me 
 die, since 1 have seen thy face, because thou art 
 yet alive. 
 
 31 And Joseph said unto his brethren, and to 
 his father’s house, X I will go up and show Pha- 
 raoh, and say unto him, My brethren and my 
 father’s house, which were in the land of Canaan, 
 are come unto me : 
 
 32 And the men are ^shepherds, for "'"’their trade 
 hath been to feed cattle ; "and they have brought 
 their flocks, and their herds, and all that they 
 have. 
 
 33 And it shall come to pass when Pharaoh 
 shall call you, and shall say, “What is your occu- 
 pation ? 
 
 34 That ye shall say, b Thy servants’ trade hath 
 been about cattle, from our youth even until now. 
 both we and also our fathers : that ye may dwell 
 in the land of Goshen : "for every shepherd is an 
 abomination unto the Egyptians. 
 
 m Num. 20:15. Deut. 10:22. Josh. 24:4. 1 S&m. 12:8. Ps. 105:23. Is. 52:4. Acts 7: 
 15. u Ex. 1:1— 5. IChr. 2:1,2. o 29:32. 49:3,4. Ex. 6:14. Num. 1:20,21. 2:10— 13. 
 26:5. Dent. 33:6. 1 Chr. 5:1,3. p 29:33. 34:25,30. 49:5-7. Ex. 6:15. Num. 1: 
 22,23. 2:12,13. 26:12, 13. * Or, Nemuel. t Or, Jarib. } Or, Zerah. 1 Chr. 4:24. 
 q Ex. 6:16. Num. 3:17 — 22. 26:57,58. Deut. 33:8— 11 . 1 Chr. 6:1— 3. § Or, Ger- 
 thorn. 1 Chr. 6:16. r 38:1— 3,24-30. 49:8—12. Num. 1:26,27. 26:19 — 21. Deut. 
 83:7. Judg. 1:2. 1 Chr. 2:3— 5. 4:1. 5:2. Ps. 78:68. Matt. 1:1— 3. Heb.7:14. Rev. 
 5:5. 8 49:14,15. Num. 1:28,29. 26:23— 25. Deut. 33:18. 1 Chr. 12:32. || Or, Puah. 
 * Or, Jashub. 1 f'hr. 7:1. t 49: 13. Num. 1:30.31.26:26.27. Deut. 33:18,19. u 29: 
 82 — 35. 30:17 — 21. 35 23. x 30:21. 34:1, &c. v 30:11 . 49:19. Num. 1:24,25. 
 Deut. 33:20,21. ** Or, Zepbon. ff Or, Ozni. %1 Or. Arod. Num. 26:1.5—17. 
 r. 49:20. Num. 1:40,41. 26:44—46. Deut. 33:24. 1 Chr. 7:30,31. a 29:24 . 30:10. 
 
 earnest ; and Joseph would be with him in his dying moments, 
 to perform the last offices of filial affection, and to close his 
 eyes. Thus the Lord assured him, that his beloved Joseph 
 would survive him, and that no heavy calamities would come 
 on his soed during his life. 
 
 V. 7. His daughters, &c.] Jacob had but one daughter, 
 IS;) but perhaps his sons’ wives were intended. His sons’ 
 aughters are also mentioned ; yet only one of them is named, 
 (17 ;) and it does not appear on what account she was distin- 
 guished from the rest. 
 
 V. 12. Judah was the fourth son of Leah, and Joseph was 
 born when Jacob had been married about seven years : (29: 
 35. 30:24,25.) consequently Judah might be about three or 
 four years older than Joseph ; yet he could not be above 
 forty-four at this time, for Joseph was only forty. — His two 
 sons Er and Onan had been married to Tamar, and a consi- 
 derable time after their death had elapsed before Pharez was 
 born. (38:) It can then hardly be conceived, that this event 
 took place much before Judah was forty years old. So that 
 Pharez could not be more than four or five years old at this 
 tjme. The heads of families, therefore, which were born in 
 Egypt during Jacob’s life, seem to have been included. 
 
 V. 15, Thirty and three.] When Er and Onan are de- 
 ducted, the whole number amounts only to thirty-two ; but 
 Jacob himself must be added to complete the number. 
 
 V- 21. The marginal references show, that several of 
 these were Benjamin’s grandchildren. It is evident that 
 Benjamin was born after Dinah had been defiled, and she was 
 about Joseph’s age: supposing her therefore but in her four- 
 teenth year at that time, Benjamin could not now be more 
 than twenty-five or twenty-six years old : we can then scarcely 
 
 conceive, that he could have several grandchildren. It is 
 
 therefore most probable that the historian mentions some 
 born in Egypt during Jacob’s lifetime, who afterwards be- 
 
 b 29-18. 30:24.35:16—18,24.44:27. c 37: 39: 40:— 45: 47: 49:22-27. 50:1, Sc. 
 Num. 1:36,37 . 26:38—41. Peut. 33:12— 17. .1 41:51,52. 48.4,13,14. Num. 1:32 
 — 35. 26:28 — 37. §§ Or, prince. 41:45,50. marg. e 1 Chr. 7:6 — 12. 8:1 — 7. 
 f Num. 26:38. Ahiram. g Num. 26:39. Sbupham. 1 Chr. 7:12. Shuppim. 
 h Num. 26 39. Huphnm. » 49:16,17. Num. 1:38,39. Deut. 33:22. k Num. 26: 
 42,43. Shuham. 149:21. Num. 1:42,43.26:48—50. m 1 Chr. 7 13. Jahziel. 
 n 29:29 . 30.4—8. 35:25. !!!l Heb. thigh. 35:11. Ex. 1:5. marg. v Deut. 10:22. 
 Acts 7:14. p 43:8. 44:16— 34. 49:8. q 31:21. r 34. See on 45:10. > 41:43. 45: 
 19,21. t 33:4. 45:14. Luke 15:20. Acts 20:37. u 45:28. Luke 2:29. x 45:16— 
 20. 47: y 4:2. 31:18. 37:2. 47:3. Ex. 3:1. 1 Sam. 16:11. 17:15. Ps. ^:70— 72. 
 Is. 40:11. Zech. 13:5. TfTT Heb. they are men of cattle. 34. z 45:10. a 47.3,4. Jon. 
 1:8. b 32. 34:5. 37:12. c 43:32. Ex. 8:26. 
 
 came heads of families in Israel, as it was before intimated. 
 (Note, 12.) 
 
 V. 27. Threescore and six were before mentioned, (26 :) 
 so that Joseph and his two sons, together with Jacob himself, 
 complete the seventy persons here enumerated ; and the 
 numbers stated in verses 15,18,22,25, amount to seventy. — 
 The Septuagint, adding some of the descendants of Ephraim 
 and Manasseh, who became heads of families in these tribes, 
 makes the number seventy-five : and perhaps St. Luke took 
 the number as it stood in this version, in recording the speech 
 of Stephen before the council. Other methods, however, 
 have been devised for reconciling the sacred historians 
 (Note, Acts 7:14.) 
 
 V. 28. To direct.] To give Joseph notice of his arrival, 
 that he might meet him in Goshen. This region lay near the 
 entrance of Egypt, bordering on Arabia. — Judah seems to 
 have been selected on this occasion, as having acted nobly in 
 Joseph’s presence before. 
 
 V. 29. Asa prince, Joseph went forth to meet nis father 
 in a chariot, showing him proper respect: but for Jacob, 
 always a plain man and now in years, he sends a convenient 
 but less splendid conveyance ; as the varied term evidently 
 implies. 
 
 V. 32 — 34. ‘ It is observable, how careful Joseph is to 
 keep his brethren clear of the snares of Egypt. . . . He is 
 more concerned for their purity than their outward dignity. 
 .. . . If we wish to destroy our souls, or the souls of our chil- 
 dren, let us seek for ourselves, and for them, great things 
 but if not, it becomes us, having food and raiment, therewith 
 to be content. Fuller. — Abomination, (34.) Note, 43:32. 
 This would more effectually keep them distinct and separat* 
 from the Egyptians. 
 
 ^PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In those events and undertakings, which appear most jc 
 
 ( 99 ) 
 
B. C. 1705. 
 
 GENESIS. 
 
 B. 0. 1704. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVII. 
 
 Joseph presents, frat his brethren, and then his father, to Pharaoh ; with the 
 conference between them, 1 — 12. The terms on which Joseph dealt out corn 
 to the Egyptians : and the compact which he finally settled between Pha- 
 raoh and his subjects ; with their grateful acknowledgments, 13 — 26. Jacob 
 on the approach of death calls Joseph, and gives orders concerning his 
 burial, 27 — 31. 
 
 T HEN a Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and 
 said, My fatner and my brethren, and their 
 flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are 
 come out of the land of Canaan ; and behold they 
 are b in the land of Goshen. 
 
 2 And he took some of his brethren, even five 
 men, c and presented them unto Pharaoh. 
 
 3 And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, d What 
 is your occupation ? And they said unto Pharaoh, 
 Tliy servants are shepherds, both we and also 
 our fathers. 
 
 4 They said moreover unto Pharaoh, “For to 
 sojourn in the land are we come ; for thy servants 
 have no pasture for their flocks, ' for the famine is 
 sore in the land of Canaan : now therefore, we 
 pray thee, elet thy servants dwell in the land of 
 Goshen. 
 
 5 And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, 
 Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee : 
 6 The land of Egypt Hs before thee; in the 
 
 * 45:16. 46:31. b 45:10. 46:28. Ex. 8:22. 9:26. c2C'or.4:I4. Col. 1 :28. Jude 
 24. d 46:33,34. Am. 7:14,15. .Ion. 1:8. 2Thes.3:10. e 12:10. 1513. Dent. 
 26:5. Ps. 105:23. Is. 52:4. Acta 7:6. f 43:1. Acts 7:11 . g 46:. 4. h 13:9. 20:15. 
 34:10. 45:18-20. il Sam. 21:7. 1 Clir. 27:29— 31 . 2 Chr.26:10. Prov. 22:29. 
 k See on 10. * Heb. How many are the days of the years of thy life! 9. 
 
 I l Chr. 29:15. Ps. 39:12. 119:19,54. Heb. 11:9— 16. 13:14. 1 l et. 2:1 1. m Job 
 
 fill, there are probable consequences involved, which may 
 remind us to “ rejoice with trembling and warn us not to 
 proceed without seeking counsel, assistance, and a blessing 
 from the Lord. Attending on his ordinances, and receiving 
 the pledges of his covenant-love, we may expect his presence, 
 and that peace which it confers : and when we are satisfied 
 that we arc his people, and in the path which he marks out to 
 us, being assured of his supports and consolations, we may 
 not only enter into the iron furnace of bondage and oppres- 
 sion, but into the fiery furnace of persecution. — In all our 
 removals, we need to be reminded of our removal out of 
 this world : and though it is desirable to be surrounded at the 
 eve of life with our beloved friends and children ; yet nothing 
 can encourage us to fear no evil, when “ passing through the 
 valley of the shadow of death,” but the presence of Jesus 
 Christ to receive our souls. — Be our families never so large, 
 God’s providence can with perfect ease support them : and 
 be repenting sinners never so numerous, “ the unsearchable 
 riches of Christ” are sufficient, and in Heaven there is room 
 enough for them all. — However generous our friends may be, 
 it is prudent to be modest, and not to give them any ground 
 to suspect us of encroaching, or to complain that we are bur- 
 densome. In general the further from courts, the nearer to 
 Canaan ; and however obscure and despised our lot be, if it 
 prove advantageous to our souls, and favourable to com- 
 munion with God, we ought to be thankful for it. Our lives 
 are in the Lord’s hands, whatever we wish and desire ; and 
 though we should be willing to die, yet we should be also wil- 
 ling to wait his time. In the mean while, if even the abhor- 
 rence of the world keep us separate from it, we have cause to 
 rejoice and be glad on that account. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLVII. V. 2. Joseph, by thus pre- 
 senting his brethren, both showed respect to Pharaoh, and 
 intimated that he would do nothing without his knowledge 
 and approbation : he also put honour upon them, manifesting 
 that he was not ashamed of them, though now his inferiors ; 
 and that he did not harbour resentment against them. 
 
 V. 3. Pharaoh took it for granted, that Jacob’s sons had 
 some peculiar occupation ; and though a shepherd was had 
 in abomination among the Egyptians, they did not attempt to 
 conceal their employment. Thus they showed a hearty con- 
 currence with Joseph, in choosing to remain in their obscure, but 
 more safe and advantageous employment. (iVofe, 46:32 — 34.) 
 
 V. 4. Probably, Jacob and his sons only meant to con- 
 tinue in Egypt till the famine was over ; but, meeting with 
 kind treatment, they remained there : at length another king 
 arose ; and they were detained in bondage, contrary to their 
 intention , but according to the purpose and prediction of God. 
 
 V. G. Pharaoh seems to have been fully sensible of Jo- 
 seph’s excellent services, and very grateful for them. He 
 would, however, have none but men of activity advanced 
 even as shepherds. It does not seem to have been the cus- 
 tom at that time, for kings to prefer the dependents of great 
 statesmen, out of compliment to them, whether fit for prefer- 
 ment or not. It is at least evident, that Joseph did not re- 
 quire, and Pharaoh did not propose, neither did the sons of 
 Jacob expect, such advancement : they only desired pasturage 
 for their flocks. If the rich and great are disposed to over- 
 look and neglect their poor relatives ; these on the other 
 liand are often equally culpable, in expecting such things from 
 5hcm, as it would be very improper to confer. The cattle of 
 the. Egyptians, as it appears front the subsequent history, 
 ( 100 ) 
 
 best of the land make thy father and thy hre* 
 thren to dwell, in the land of Goshen let thei» 
 dwell : and if thou knowest any men of activi 
 among them, then make them ‘rulers over m> 
 cattle. 
 
 7 H And Joseph brought in Jacob his father, 
 and set him before Pharaoh: k and Jacob blessec 
 Pharaoh. 
 
 8 And Pharaoh said unto Jacob, *How old ar» 
 thou ? 
 
 9 And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, -The days ol 
 the years of my pilgrimage are m an hundred and 
 thirty years : few and evil have the days of the 
 years of my life been, and “have not attained unto 
 the days of the years of the life of my fathers, in 
 the days of their pilgrimage. 
 
 10 And Jacob °blessed Pharaoh, and went out 
 from before Pharaoh. 
 
 11 And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, 
 and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, 
 in the best of the land, in the land of Siameses, as 
 Pharaoh had commanded. 
 
 12 And Joseph nourished ^his father and his 
 brethren, and all his father’s household with bread 
 ^according to their families. 
 
 14:1. Pa. 39:5. 89:47,48. 90:3—12. Jam. 4:14. n 28. 5:27. 11:11,24,25. 25:7 
 35:28 . 50:26. Ex. 7:7. Dent. 34:7. Jonh. 24:29. 2 Sam. 19:32— 35. Job 42:16,17 
 ol4:19. Num.6:23— 27. Dent. 33:1. Ruth 2:4. 2 Sam. 8:10. 19:39. Ps. 119:46. 
 129:8. Heh. 7:7. p Ex. 1:1 1 . 12:37. q Matt. 15:4— 6. Mark 7:10— 13. 1 Tim. 
 5:4,8. f Or, as a little child is nourished. Heb. according to the little ones. 
 50:24. 1 Thes. 2:7. 
 
 were very numerous, and highly valued ; (16. Ex. 9:3 — 6,19 
 — 21.) nor is there any intimation, that they did not use 
 them for the same purposes as other nations did ; or that at 
 so early a period they worshipped them. Perhaps shepherds 
 were held in abomination in Egypt, only as a low and vulgar 
 set of men, compared with princes, sages, and soldiers. 
 
 V. 7. With the gravity of old age and the piety of a be- 
 liever, and even with the authority of a patriarch and a pro- 
 phet, Jacob pronounced a blessing upon Pharaoh: that is, he 
 solemnly supplicated the Lord to bestow his blessing upon 
 him. Thus he acted in character, as not ashamed of his 
 religion, and as desirous of expressing his gratitude to the 
 benefactor of himself and family, and of recompensing him in 
 the only way in which he was able. And though Jacob thus 
 in some sense assumed the Superiority, Pharaoh seems to 
 have been well pleased with this token of his regard ; hav- 
 ing, in the character and usefulness of Joseph, abundantly 
 experienced the value of the blessing of Jacob’s God, and 
 perhaps being himself favourably disposed to his worship. 
 
 V. 8. Pharaoh observed somewhat peculiarly venerable in 
 the aspect of Jacob ; and conceiving perhaps that he was 
 older than he really was, (to which appearance his various 
 hardships and trials might contribute,) he was curious to 
 know his age. 
 
 V. 9. We have here a very uncommon answer to a very 
 common question; but it is an answer full of pertinent 
 instruction and admonition. Jacob calls his life a pilgrimage ; 
 that is, the sojourning of a stranger in a foreign country, or 
 his journey home to his own country ; intimating that he was 
 not at home on earth, and that his habitation, his inheritance, 
 and his treasures were in heaven, whither he was daily jour- 
 neying, in the bent and desires of his heart, and the tenor 
 of his conduct. u For they which say such things confess 
 that they seek a better country, that is, a heavenly.” ( JVote, 
 Heb. 11:13 — 16.) He also numbers his life by the days of his 
 years : it consisted of a few years, each year composed of a 
 few days. One day goes, and another, and soon a year is 
 gone: and thus year after year imperceptibly glides away, till 
 life, with its many sorrows and scanty pleasures, conies to 
 an end ; just as a wearisome journey gradually is finished, 
 and we arrive at home. Though Jacob had now lived a 
 hundred and thirty years, yet he accounted them but few, in 
 comparison of the lives of his forefathers ; and as nothing 
 compared with eternity. They were evil also ; not only as the 
 lives of others are, but in that he had had an uncommon share 
 of troubles. — Such an answer, from so venerable a person, 
 could not fail to impress the mind of Pharaoh, and almost to 
 extort the reluctant sigh, by reminding him of the insuffi- 
 ciency and short continuance of all human prosperity and 
 felicity ; and that after a life of vanity and vexation, man 
 goes down into the grave, from the throne as well as from the 
 cottage ; and that nothing can make him happy, but the pros- 
 pect of an everlasting home in heaven, after the close of his 
 short weary pilgrimage on earth. 
 
 V. 11. Those parts of Egypt which lay low might pep- 
 haps afford good pasturage, especially in the plains near the 
 Nile ; though the upland countries, and most parts of Canaan 
 especially, were totally burnt up during the years of famine. 
 ‘There was more grass in the marshes and k tiny parts of 
 Egypt, when tthe Nile did not overflow enough to make plenty 
 of corn.’ Augustine. 
 
 V. 12. Besides pasturage for the flocks and herds, Joseph 
 
B. C. 1701. CHAPTER XLVII. B. C. 1689 
 
 13 IT And there was no bread in all the land : 
 for the famine was very sore, r so that the land of 
 Egypt and all the land of Canaan ’fainted by 
 reason of the famine. 
 
 14 And Joseph gathered up all ‘the money that 
 was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land 
 of Canaan, for the corn which they bought : and 
 “Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 
 
 15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt, 
 and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians 
 came unto Joseph, and said, v Give us bread: for 
 why should we die in thy presence ? for the mo- 
 ney faileth. 
 
 16 And Joseph said, Give your cattle; and I 
 will give you for your cattle, if money fail. 
 
 17 And they brought their cattle unto Joseph : 
 and Joseph gave them bread in exchange *fbr 
 horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the 
 herds, and for the asses ; and he 'fed them with 
 bread, for all their cattle, for that year. 
 
 18 When that year was ended, they came unto 
 him the second year, and said unto him, y We will 
 not. hide it from my lord, how that our money is 
 spent, my lord also hath our herds of cattle ; there 
 is* not aught left in the sight of my lord, but our 
 bodies and our lands. 
 
 19 Wherefore shall we die before thine eyes, 
 both we and our land ? ‘Buy us and our land for 
 bread, and we and our land will be servants unto 
 Pharaoh : “and give us seed, that we may live and 
 not die, that the land be not desolate. 
 
 20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for 
 Pharaoh ; for the Egyptians sold every man his 
 field, because the famine prevailed over them : so 
 the land became Pharaoh’s. 
 
 21 And as for the people, he removed them b to 
 
 r 41:30. 1 King»18:5. Jer. 14:1— S. Lam. 2:19,20. 4:9. sJer.9:12. Joel 1:10 
 —12. t 41:56. u Luke 16:1,2,10— 12. lCor.4:2. 1 Pel. 4:10. v 19. Ps. 37:3. 
 Is. 33:16. Matt. 6:11. x Ex. 9:3. 1 Kings 10:28. Is. 31:1. * Heb. led them. 
 
 y 2 Kings 6:‘2G. z Neh. 5:2,3. Job 2:4. Lam. 5.6,9. Matt. 16:26. Plul. 3:8,9. 
 a See on 23. b 41:48. I Or, princes. 41:45,50. marg. c Ezra 7:24. d 19. 
 • 41:27. 45:6. Ps. 107:36,37. Prov. 12:11. 13:23. Is. 28:24.25. 55:10 . 2 Cor. 9: 
 10. f 41:34. Lev. 27:32. 1 Sam. 8:15— 17. Ps. 112:5. g 41:45. marg. 45:6— 8. 
 
 supplied the several branches of his father’s family with corn, 
 by a stated allowance, according to the number of their house- 
 holds. 
 
 V. 13. Fainted.] A strong metaphor, taken from the 
 fainting or languor of an individual for want of sustenance, 
 and applied, in a manner emphatically descriptive, to the 
 distress of the whole nation. This was about the end of the 
 third year of the famine. 
 
 V. 14. Into Pharaoh's house.] None of it being appro- 
 priated to Joseph’s own use, or given in presents or pen- 
 sions to his family. — Thus the people were sustained during 
 the fourth and fifth years. 
 
 V. 17. Horses .J Tins is the first time that horses are 
 mentioned in Scripture. The patriarchs, as far as we can 
 learn, had no horses, nor are any mentioned among the pos- 
 sessions of Israel when they left Egypt. (Ex. 12:38. ) 
 
 V. 19. Give us seed.] As this was the seventh year of 
 the famine, and as every particular had hitherto accorded to 
 Joseph’s prediction, the people fully expected an end to the 
 calamity. Probably the Nile had begun again to overflow ; 
 and therefore they wanted corn for seed as well as for bread. 
 
 V. 21. This verse may only mean that Joseph removed 
 the people from the distant villages to the cities, where the 
 corn was stored up, in all parts of the land, for the conve- 
 nience of supplying them with food : but, if the common inter- 
 pretation be adhered to, the state of affairs in Egypt might 
 require this regulation, as conducive to public tranquillity, and 
 to the more equitable distribution of property. 
 
 V. 22. Priests.] This word is sometimes translated 
 princes ; nnd seems here used, not only for the ministers of the 
 superstitious worship of the Egyptians, but for the officers of 
 state, and for their wise men and diviners, who, having their 
 maintenance from Pharaoh, were not under the necessity of 
 selling their lands. 
 
 V. 23 — 26. Adverting to the words of the people, Joseph 
 says, “I have bought you:” but it is evident he took no 
 advantage of this part of the agreement. It does not appear 
 that even their political liberty was materially abridged in 
 consequence ; but they held their lands, either their former 
 estates, or others assigned to them, by a new tenure ; on con- 
 dition of paying one fifth of the clear produce as a constant 
 tax to Pharaoh : and this was made a law, which remained 
 in force when Moses wrote his history, probably above two 
 hundred years after. This reserve seems to have been made 
 instead of all other taxes, and it does not appear to have 
 been at all oppressive ; it is indeed evident that the people did 
 not consider it as a hardship, but the contrary. — The absurd 
 opinion, that Joseph reduced the Egyptians to personal slavery, 
 
 cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt, even 
 to the other end thereof. 
 
 ^ 22 Only the land of the tpriests bought he not 
 c for the priests had a portion assigned them of 
 Pharaoh, and did eat their portion which Pharaoh 
 gave them ; wherefore they sold not their lands. 
 
 23 Then Joseph said unto the people, Behold, 
 I have d bought you this' d.iy, and your land, for 
 Pharaoh : lo, "here is seed for you, and ye shall 
 sow the land. 
 
 24 And it shall come to pass in the increase, 
 that ye shall give f the fifth part unto Pharaoh, 
 and four parts shall be your own, for seed of the 
 field, anti for your food, and for them of your 
 households, and for food for your little ones. 
 
 25 And they said, sThou hast saved our lives: 
 ''let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we 
 will be Pharaoh’s servants. 
 
 26 And Joseph made it a law over the land of 
 Egypt unto this day, that Pharaoh should have 
 the fifth part ; 'except the land of the J priests only, 
 which became not Pharaoh’s. 
 
 27 IT And Israel dwelt in the land of Egypt, in 
 the country of Goshen : and they had possessions 
 therein, and k grew, and multiplied exceedingly. 
 
 28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt 'seven- 
 teen years: so Hhe whole age of Jacob was a 
 hundred forty and seven years. 
 
 29 And the time drew nigh that Israel m must 
 die : and he called his son Joseph, and said unto 
 him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, "put, 
 I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and °deal 
 kindly and truly with me ; Pbury me not, I pray 
 thee, in Egypt. 
 
 30 But I will o]ie with my fathers, and thou shalt 
 carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their bu- 
 
 Prov. 11:26,27. h 33:15. Ruth 2:13. i22. } Or, princes. See on 22. k 13: 
 16.26:4. 28:14. 46:3. Ex. 1:7. Ps. 107:38. Zech. 10:8. Acu7:17. 137:2. 
 
 § Heb. the days of the years nf his life. 8. marg. 9. Ps. 90:10,12. 119:84. m 9. 
 50:24. Dent. 31:14. 2 Sam. 7:12. 14:14. 1 Kings 2:1. Job 7:1. 14:14. 30:23. Heb. 
 9:27. n See on 24:2. o24:49. p50:25. Acts 7:15,16. Heb. ll:tt. 0 23:19.2% 
 9. 49:29—32. 50:5—14. 2 Sam. 19:37. 1 Kings 13:22. Neh. 2: 3,5. 
 
 is contrary to the whole tenor of the narration, and not tho 
 least trace of it can be discerned in the subsequent history. 
 But it seems to have originated wi h those who are glad of 
 any pretext to criminate approved characters of Scripture, as 
 their only way of answering the arguments which demon- 
 strate it to be divinely inspired. — Joseph was raised up by the 
 Lord for this very service, and he is every where commended 
 in it, and no where censured : the friends of revealed truth 
 should, therefore, be very cautious, how they start objections 
 to his conduct, of which at this distance of time and place 
 they cannot be competent judges. The customs and maxims 
 of different regions and ages are exceedingly dissimilar. No 
 doubt, the government of Egypt, both before and after this 
 transaction, was far more arbitrary than Britons would ap- 
 prove. It is manifest, however, that the Egyptians were 
 entirely satisfied with Joseph’s management, both at the time 
 and long after ; aud regarded him with the warmest gratitude 
 as a public benefactor. And though we may not perceive the 
 reason of some arrangements; yet the whole transaction is 
 strongly marked with such equity, benevolence, disinte- 
 restedness, and impartiality, as have seldom, if ever, been 
 equalled. Joseph acted between Pharaoh and his subjects 
 in the fear of God, and without any undue attachment to the 
 interests of his brethren, or even of his own children. (Note, 
 48:5.) — It was also necessary that the corn should be sold , not 
 given ; nay, that it should be sold at a high price : otherwise 
 it would have been improvidently used ; and in that case a 
 destructive famine must have followed, before the end of the 
 seven years ; and to complete the misery, the seed to sow 
 the land might not have been reserved. Raising the price 
 of corn in a real scarcity, by increasing the difficulty of ob- 
 taining it, reduces a nation to short allowance, and so pre- 
 serves the inhabi»an*s from destruction. — Joseph, by giving 
 the Egyptians seed, encouraged them to cultivate their land, 
 and sanctioned, in his prophetical character, their expecta- 
 tion of a crop. — In Egypt the harvest follows the seed- Line 
 much more closely than in this country ; so that hope now 
 dawned on the afflicted inhabitants. 
 
 V. 29, 30. Jacob was sensible that death was speedily 
 approaching, and he greatly desired the presence of his be- 
 loved Joseph, who lived at court, while himself was at a con- 
 siderable distance ; for not even affection to his parent could 
 induce Joseph to relax his unremitting attention to the import- 
 ant duties of his station.— Jacob’s dying request, “ not to be 
 buried in Egypt,” evidenced his oelief of the Lord’s promise 
 concerning Canaan, of which land he would thus take and 
 keep possession. It also intimated, that he desired to have 
 his lot after death, not with the Egyptians, but with his 
 ( 101 ) 
 
B. C. 1689. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 1689. 
 
 rying-place. And! be said, I will do as thou hast 
 eaid. 
 
 31 And he said, Swear unto me : Andhesware 
 unto him. r And Israel bowed himself upon the 
 bed’s head. 
 
 CHAPTER XLVIII. 
 
 Jacob hieing sick, is visited by Joseph with his two sons, 1,2. He adopts 
 Joseph's sons as his own children ; with an affectionate mention of Rachel's 
 death, 3 — 8. He blesses Joseph and them, prophetically preferring the 
 younger to the elder, 9 — 20. He predicts the re:um of his family to Canaan, 
 and assigns a portion there to Joseph, 21, 22. 
 
 A ND it came to pass after these things, that one 
 told Joseph, Behold, a thy father is sick: and 
 he took with him b his two sons, Manasseh and 
 Ephraim. 
 
 r 48:2. 1 Kings 1:41. Heb. 11:81. aJohtill:3. b 41:50— 52. 46:20. 50:23. Job 
 42:16. Ps. 128:6. c Dent. 3:28. 1 Sam. 23:16. Neh.2:18. Ps.41:3. Frov. 23:15. 
 Eph. 6:10. d 17:1. 28:3. 35:11. Ex. 6:3. Rev. 21:22. e 28:12— 19. 35:6,7,12. 
 
 fathers Abraham and Isaac, in that heavenly rest which Ca- 
 laan typified. 
 
 V. 31. Israel bowed , &c.] In an act of solemn worship, 
 yet in feebleness thus supporting himself, and expressing his 
 fill satisfaction and his willingness to leave the world. (iVo/e, 
 Heb. 11:21.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The kindness of liberal benefactors, so far from 
 encouraging us to encroach upon them, should remind us to 
 show them all proper attention and deference : and in attend- 
 ing to some peculiar relative duties , we should look round upon 
 the whole circle , and so proportion them as not to intrench 
 upon others. — When Joseph selected Jive from his eleven 
 brethren to present before Pharaoh, he doubtless had good 
 reasons for his conduct, though not made known to us, nor 
 probably to them. Thus the Lord Jesus, in dispensing his 
 special benefits as he sees good, acts m perfect wisdom, 
 though we are not acquainted with the grounds of his distin- 
 guishing grace : and thus, neither despising our meanness, nor 
 ashamed even in his highest exaltation “ to call us brethren,” 
 nor resenting our past misconduct, however base, he presents 
 us, when we submit and believe in him, for acceptance before 
 his Father’s throne. — Industry, in any honest employment, is 
 always creditable ; and indeed all, who are not in some way 
 diligent, are worthless encumbrances on the community. Nor 
 ought a man, in compliance with fashion or prevalent notions, 
 to be ashamed of the lowest useful occupations ; for nothing 
 that is not sinful is disgraceful, in the sight either of God, or 
 % of wise and good men. — It is generally best to abide with 
 God in our own calling; for what the world calls me?iding 
 ourselves , is frequently little better than renouncing peace, 
 content, and a situation favourable to the prosperity of our 
 souls, for gilded cares, encumbrances, and manifold tempta- 
 tions. — Indeed, our life is but a pilgrimage : few ai)d evil are 
 the days of it; and provided they be spent with God, and to 
 his glory, the rest is of very little consequence. If we have a 
 prospect that, when we go hence and are no more seen, we 
 shall go home to our Father’s house, we shall not want, and 
 ought not to desire, the paltry interests of the world ; why 
 then should we burden ourselves with unavailing cares and 
 sorrows? Why covet riches, shortly to be left behind ? 
 Why engage in projects to be left unfinished? or aspre 
 at distinctions which death will terminate? We do not 
 act thus on a journey, when our heart is at home : the 
 conveniences or inconveniences which we meet with, but 
 little affect us to retard our progress ; we do not want to erect 
 stately mansions, or to lay up wealth, in a country which we 
 are leaving, and to which we shall return no more ; nor do 
 we encumber ourselves with those things which we are not 
 in need of, and which must be left behind when we embark 
 for our native country. — “ Godliness with contentment is 
 great gain : for we brought nothing into this world ; and it is 
 certain we can carry nothing out ; and having food afid rai- 
 ment, let us be therewith content.” But oh ! how miserable 
 are they, who have all their good things during the few and 
 evil days of this present life, and whose last comfort must ex- 
 pire with their dying breath ! — Let us then “give diligence to 
 make our calling and election sure and, as our days are likely 
 to be so much fewer than Jacob’s, let us often ask ourselves 
 seriously, how old we are : that our life may not vanish unim- 
 proved, nor death approach while we are unprepared for it. 
 “ A hoary head is a crown of glory,” only “ when it is found 
 in the way of righteousness and they whose consistency of 
 character will bear them out, need neither be ashamed nor 
 afraid to bear testimony for God before the greatest princes, 
 who, if wise, will highly value their pious prayers. 
 
 V. 1 1 — 31 . They who have been exalted, cannot too care- 
 fully avoid the appearance of despising their former equals ; 
 and they who have been injured, the appearance of resenting 
 former ill treatment: and when we receive kindness from 
 men, we should acknowledge the kindness of God in raising 
 up such friends. — A useful life consists in a constant succes- 
 sion of duties : exalted stations, properly filled, call for unre- 
 mitting ’'ibour and attention ; anil they who occupy them need 
 great wisdom, firmness, disinterestedness, and impartiality, 
 to ward off envy, to silence reproach, and to keep a clear 
 conscience ; rendering to God, to the prince, and to the peo- 
 ( 102 ) 
 
 2 And one told Jacob, and said. Behold, thy son 
 Joseph comcth unto' thee : and Israel 'strength- 
 ened himself, and sat upon the bed. 
 
 3 And Jacob said unto Joseph, d God Almight, 
 'appeared to me at >Luz in the land of Cailaan, 
 and blessed me. 
 
 4 And said unto me, Behold, si will make thee 
 fruitful, and multiply thee, and I will make of thee 
 a multitude of people ; and will give this land to 
 thy seed after thee for an h everlasting possession. 
 
 5 And now thy 'two sons, Ephraim and Manas- 
 seh, which were born unto thee in the land of 
 Egypt, before I came unto thee into Egypt, k are 
 mine ; as 'Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 
 
 Hos. 12:4. f Juilg. 1:23. g 12:2. 13:15,16 . 22:17. 26:4 . 28:13. h 17:8. i 41: 
 50—52. 46:20. Josh. 14:4. 16: 17: k Lev. 20:26. Is. 43:1. Ez. 16.8. Mai. 3:17. 
 2 Cor. 6:18. Eph. 1:5. UChr. 5:1,2. 
 
 pie, their respective dues. But if Providence calls a man to 
 such a station, he ought to seek grace sufficient for it, and ex- 
 pect that God will bestow it upon him. — If withholding the 
 rain from heaven, or other customary advantages, so soon re- 
 duces the most opulent nations to poverty and distress ; how 
 absolute must our dependence be upon Him, win m we so 
 often wantonly offend and foolishly forget ! And if Joseph 
 extorted this confession from the Egyptians, “ Thou ha£t 
 saved our lives what multitudes will gratefully say to Jesus 
 at last, ‘ Thou hast saved our souls from the most tremen- 
 dous destruction, and in the season of uttermost distress!’ — 
 The Egyptians were willing to part with all their property, 
 and even their liberty, for the saving of their lives : can it 
 then be too much, for us to count all but loss, and part with 
 all, at his command and for his sake, who will thus both save 
 our souls, and give us a hundred-fold even in this present 
 world ? And surely, if saved by Christ, we shall willingly 
 become the devoted servants of him and his Father, whose 
 glory he consults in harmony with our salvation. — Yet they 
 who lived on Joseph’s provision, and even Jacob who was so 
 dear to him, must die; but Jesus gives us the true Bread, 
 that we may eat and live for ever. To him then let us apply, 
 and devote ourselves to his service ; and when we draw 1 near 
 to death, he who supported us through life, will meet us, and 
 assure us of an everlasting inheritance. Then, on the very 
 bed of death, we may bow down and worship with joyful 
 hearts, and breathe out our spirits into his faithful handj, with 
 the most entire composure and satisfaction. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XLVIII. Y. I. As Jacob did not ap- 
 pear to be immediately in the state of a dying person, Joseph 
 had returned to his important employments : but being in- 
 formed by a messenger of his relapse or increasing sickness, 
 and expecting his death, he went to visit him, and took his 
 two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, with him; either by 
 Jacob’s express desire, or in hopes that the solemn scene, to- 
 gether with the dying benediction and discourse of the vene- 
 rable Patriarch, would make a useful impression upon their 
 minds. They were at this time above twenty years of age. 
 
 V. 2. Strengthened himself, &c.] Jacob, being animated 
 by the presence of Joseph and his sons, exerted all his 
 strength to improve this last opportunity. He was also en- 
 dued with inward strength, and raised above himself by the 
 Holy Spirit, that he might utter those prophecies with which 
 he was inspired. 
 
 V. 3. 4. Jacob had called Luz by the name pf Seth-el. 
 (28:19.) The Lord had twice appeared to him there; but 
 he especially referred to the time when he tied from Esau. 
 That unexpected visit of a gracious God, in his extreme dis- 
 tress, could never be erased from his memory : and, as he 
 had already experienced in a great degree the fulfilment ot 
 the promises then made to him, he mentioned them with 
 much thankfulness, before he pronounced the subsequent 
 blessings on his posterity. 
 
 V. 5. Thus Jacob adopted Ephraim and Manasseh, that 
 being numbered with his own sons, they might, as heads of 
 distinct tribes, have a proportionable share in the inheritance 
 of Canaan. This he spake by the Spirit of prophecy. — Con- 
 sidering Joseph’s rank and prospects m Egypt, a carnal mind 
 would have regarded this remote inheritance, with the rest ol 
 Jacob’s sons, as a very inconsiderable matter. But it does 
 not appear that Joseph either purchased estates, or amassed 
 wealth in Egypt, for his sons; and this, not only because ho 
 was disinterested, but because he was a believer, and was 
 unwilling to attach his children to Egypt ; desiring, on the 
 contrary, to lead their thoughts to Canaan, and to the inherit- 
 ance of the children of Israel, as their proper portion. Jacob 
 also wished them to consider, that to be numbered w ith his 
 sons, who was the heir of the promises made to Abraham and 
 Isaac, and who had been named Israel, because lie prevailed 
 with God, and would certainly prevail with man, was far 
 more honourable and desirable, than to bo the richest of 
 Pharaoh’s courtiers. Probably, this led them to unite inte- 
 rests with the Israelites, and to adhere to the worship of God, 
 in preference to the Egyptians and their superstitions, with 
 which, in their station, they were peculiarly in danger of 
 being infected. — Reuben and Simeon wero the two eldest 
 sons of Jacob. 
 
CHAPTER XLVIII. 
 
 B C. 1689. 
 
 B. C. 1689. 
 
 6 And thy issue which thou begettest after them, 
 shall be thine, and shall be called after the name 
 of their brethren in their inheritance. 
 
 7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, 
 “Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan, in the 
 way : when yet there was but a little way to come 
 unto “Ephrath : and I buried her there in the way 
 of Ephrath, the same is Bcth-lehem. 
 
 8 tI And Israel beheld Joseph’s sons, and said, 
 Who are these ? 
 
 9 And Joseph said unto his father, They are 
 °my sons, whom God hath given me in this place : 
 And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto' me, 
 and I will ''bless them. 
 
 10 (Now nthe eyes of Israel were "dim for age, 
 so that he could not see.) And he brought them 
 near unto him ; and he ‘kissed them, and embraced 
 them. 
 
 11 And Israel said unto Joseph, “I had not 
 thought to see thy face ; and lo, God bath showed 
 me also thy seed. 
 
 12 And Joseph brought them out from between 
 his knees, and he ‘bowed himself with his face to 
 the earth. 
 
 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his 
 right hand towards Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh 
 in his left hand towards Israel’s right hand, and 
 brought them near unto him. 
 
 14 And Israel stretched out. his right hand, and 
 •laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, 
 and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, ^guiding 
 his hands wittingly; for Manasseh teas the first-born. 
 
 ra35:9,16— 19. n Ruth 1:2. 1 Sam. 1:1. 17:12. Mic.5:2. o 30:2. 33:5. Ruth 
 4:11—11. 1 Sam. 1:20,27. 2:20,21. Ps. 127:3. Is. 8:18. 56:3—5. p 27:4,23,29,34 
 —40. 28:3,1. 49:28. Deut. 33:1. Heb. 11:21. q27:l. 1 Sam. 3:2. 4:15. • Heb. 
 
 heavy. Is. 6:10. 59:1. r 27:27. 31:55. 45:15. 1 Kings 19:20. s37:33. 42:36. 45: 
 26. t 18:2. 19:1. 23:7. 33:3. '42:6. Kx. 20:12. u Num. 8:10,18. Deut. 34:9. 
 Matt. 19:13,15. Mark. 6:5. 16:18. Luke 4:40. 13:13. Acts 6:6. 8 17— 19. 13:3. 
 
 1 Tim. 4:14. 5:22. x 19. v Heb. 11:21. z 5:22— 24 . 6:9. 17:1. 21:40. Jer. 8:2. 
 Col. 2:6. 1 Tlies. 2:12. a28:20. Ps.37:3. Ec.2:24,25. 5:12,18. 6:7. Is. 33:16. 
 Matt. 6:25— 34. 1 Tim. 6:6— 10. b 16:7— 13. 28:15. 31:11— 13,24. Ex. 3:2— 6. 23: 
 20. Juilg. 2:1 — 4. 6:21-21. 13:21,22. Ps. 31:7. Hos. 12:4,5. Mai. 3:1. Acts 7:30 
 
 V. 6. It does not appear that Joseph had any other chil- 
 dren ; but, according to (his limitation, if he should have, they 
 must be incorporated with the tribes ofEphraim and Manasseh. 
 
 V. 7. The manner in which this is introduced, intimates 
 how much Jacob laid that stroke to heart. He seemed still 
 to feel the anguish of it, and to assign it as a reason of his 
 peculiar attachment to Rachel’s posterity. This tender 
 mention to Joseph of his beloved parent must have been pe- 
 culiarly affecting. — The circumstance of Rachel’s dying in 
 childbirth, while on a journey, explained the reason why 
 she was not buried in the cave of Machpelah, where Jacob 
 iesired to be buried with the rest of his family ; and it was 
 introduced no doubt for that purpose. 
 
 V. 8. Jacob could discern that two persons besides Joseph 
 were present ; but he was so dim sighted, that he could not 
 certainly tell who they were. (10.) 
 
 V. 9. “ Whom God hath given me, in this place,” whither 
 I was sold as a slave, where I was long imprisoned, and 
 where I have received so many mercies. — The piety of this 
 language should not pass unnoticed. 
 
 V. 12. He bowed , &c.] Joseph thus showed, that his ex- 
 ternal greatness did not render him forgetful of the respect 
 due to his father, or of the veneration to which his age and 
 piety entitled him ; and evinced the high value which he put 
 upon the adoption of his children, to be partakers of the pro- 
 mised blessings. 
 
 V. 14. Though Manasseh was the first-born, and Jacob 
 knew it, yet under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, he by 
 this token gave Ephraim the preference. — ‘God was wont 
 from the beginning to prefer the younger ... to show that di- 
 vine benefits were not confined to the order of nature, but 
 dispensed freely, according to God’s most wise goodness.’ 
 Theodoret. — Laying on of hands is here first mentioned in 
 Scripture. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 15. Jacob first blessed Joseph, and then his sons; or 
 he blessed Joseph in blessing his sons. — Abraham and Isaac 
 walked before God, by habitually through faith, maintaining 
 communion with him in his ordinances, devoting themselves 
 to his service, acting as under his eye depending on his pro- 
 tection, and rejoicing in his loving kindness and mercy. 
 [Note, 5:21 — 24.) — Jacob had often been in outward straits, 
 and especially with his numerous posterity had been in great 
 distress by famine ; but God had always provided for him, and 
 pad sent Joseph beforehand to make preparation for him in 
 Egypt. There God had fed him seventeen years in his in- 
 firm old age by Joseph, just as long as he had fed Joseph by 
 Jacob’s hand in his infancy and youth ; thus enabling the son to 
 requite his parent.— This divine interposition was therefore 
 very properly introduced : and as Jacob had been fed, he did 
 not complain, though he had not been enriched, but greatly 
 impoverished. 
 
 15 And he ^blessed Joseph, and said, God, be- 
 fore whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac “did 
 walk, the God which “fed me all my life long unto 
 this day, 
 
 16 The b Angel which “redeemed me from aD 
 evil, bless the lads ; and let d my name be named 
 on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham 
 and Isaac ; and let them igrow into e a multitude 
 in the midst of the earth. 
 
 17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid 
 his right band upon the head of Ephraim, it dis- 
 pleased him : and he held up his father’s hand to 
 remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s 
 head. 
 
 18 And Joseph said unto his father, f Not so, 
 my father; g for this is the first-born; put thy 
 right hand upon his head. 
 
 19 And his father refused, and said, h I know it, 
 my son, I know it ; he also shall become a peo- 
 ple, and he also shall be great: but truly his 
 younger brother shall he greater than he, and his 
 seed shall become §a multitude of nations. 
 
 20 And he blessed them that day, saying, In 
 thee shall ‘Israel bless, saying, God make thee as 
 Ephraim, and as Manasseh : ‘‘and he set Ephraim 
 before Manasseh. 
 
 21 And Israel said unto Joseph, 'Behold, I die: 
 but “God shall be with you, and bring you again 
 unto the land of your fathers. 
 
 22 Moreover, I have "given to thee one portion 
 above thy brethren, which I took out of the hand 
 of “the Amorite with my sword and with my bow. 
 
 —35. c Matt. 6:13. John 17:15. Rom. 8:23. 2 Tim. 4:18. Tit. 2>14. d 5. 32:28. 
 Deut. 28:10. Jer. 14:9. Am. 9:12. Acts 15:17. t Heb. as fishes increase. 1:21, 
 22. e Ex. 1:7. Num. 26:28— 37. Deut. 33:17. Josh. 17:17. t Heb. was evil in 
 his eyes. 28:8. Num. 22:34. mars. 1 Kings 16:25. f 1 9: 18. Ex. 10:11. Mfftt.25: 
 9. Acts 10:14. 11:8. g 27:15. 29:26 . 43:33. 49:3. h 17:20,21. 25:23. Num. 1:33 
 —35. 2:19—21. Deut. 33:17. Is. 7:17. Ez. 37:19. § Heb. fulness i 24:60. Ruth 
 4:11,12. k Num. 2:18— 21. 7:48,54. 10:22,23. 13:8,11,16. 150:24. Ps. 146:3,4 
 
 Zech. 1:5.6. Acts 13:36. Heb .7: 3, 8 ,23— 2-5. m 28:15. 46:4. Deut. 31:8. Josh. It 
 5,9. 3:7. Ps. 18:46. n 33:19. Josh. 24:32. I Chr. 5:2. John 4:5. o 15:16 . 34:28. 
 Josh. 17:14—18. 
 
 Y. 1G. Jacob here called “God, before whom Abraham 
 and Isaac had walked,” and who had “ fed him all his life 
 long,” “ the Angel.” As God does not give his glory to the 
 creatures, we may be sure that such things were not spoken 
 of a created angel . This is one proof therefore among many, 
 that he, who is by Malachi called “ the Messenger,” or Angel, 
 “of the Covenant,” even Jesus Christ, was known by the 
 Patriarchs, to be distinct from the Father, yet One with 
 him; and that as such he manifested himself to them, and 
 was worshipped by them. [Notes, 32:30. Hos. 12:3 — 6.) 
 The deliverances from misery and danger of sinful men, who 
 believe in him, according to his word, by the interposition of 
 God, coming through the ransom of the blood of Christ, are 
 frequently in Scripture entitled redemptions. Jacob, now 
 closing his eyes in death, joyfully considered himself as “ re- 
 deemed from all evil ;” and therefore expected henceforth good, 
 and nothing but good. — He prayed for his grandsons, that they 
 might stand in the place, inherit the privileges, and walk in 
 the steps, of their progenitors; but especially, that his new 
 name, Israel, “might be named on them.” [Rev. 2:17. 3: 
 12.) This would be a name of nobler import than any 
 which Egypt could afford. 
 
 V. 17 — 20. Joseph was not satisfied with his father’s con- 
 duct ; supposing that he was influenced by a groundless par- 
 tiality, and not by the guidance of the prophetic Spirit. — The 
 pre-eminence belonged to Manasseh by general custom, and 
 thus it was afterwards commanded in the law : yet in many 
 parts of Scripture we have instances of the younger being 
 preferred to the elder. The law teaches us what is just and 
 proper for us to do ; but a sovereign God, in conferring un- 
 merited favour, claims an indisputable right of “ doing what he 
 will with his own.” He however always exercises it in per- 
 fect equity, faithfulness, and wisdom. — Jacob blessed the sons 
 of Joseph in faith, and in consequence of an immediate reve- 
 lation; and the prediction was fully accomplished in their sub- 
 sequent history. [Note, 49:22 — 26.) 
 
 V. 22. Jacob first bought this piece of ground of Hamor: 
 but probably after the slaughter of the Shechemites, the Amo- 
 rites seized upon it ; and afterwards he recovered it by force 
 of arms, in a way, and at a time, of which we are not in- 
 formed. Though it does not appear that he or his sons at 
 this time or long after, had any advantage from it; yet in 
 faith he bequeathed it to Joseph, as an accession to the por- 
 tion which would be assigned by lot to his posterity, when 
 put in possession of Canaan. — Here Joseph’s bones were at 
 length deposited. [Josh. 24:32.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. The death-beds of eminent believers often at 
 ford most instructive lessons. “ This is the end of all men, 
 and the living will lay it to heart ;” and such scenes, with the 
 prayers and counsels of dying persons, are so suited to make 
 
 ( 103 ) 
 
B. C. 1689. 
 
 GENESIS 
 
 B. C. 16S8 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX. 
 
 Jacob calls his sons together to receive his prophetical benediction, 1, 2. He 
 addresses each of them, by name, and utters predictions concerning their 
 posterity , 3 — 28. tie gives them a charge respecting his burial , and. dies, 
 29—33. 
 
 A ND Jacob called unto his sons, and said, 
 ’Gather yourselves together, that I may tell 
 you that which shall befall you in b the last days. 
 
 2 Gather yourselves together, and hear, ye sons 
 of Jacob ; and 'hearken unto Israel your father. 
 
 3 H Reuben, thou art d my first-born, 'my might, 
 and the beginning of my strength, the excellency 
 of dignity, and the excellency of power. 
 
 a Deut. 31:12,28,29. 33:1. Am. 3:7. Rev. 4:1. b Nora. 24:14. Deal. 4:30. Is. 2:2. 
 Jer. 23:20. Dan. 2:28. Acts 2:17. 1 Tim. 4:1. 2 Tim. 3:1. Heb. 1:2. cPs. 34:11. 
 Prov. 1:8,9. 4:1—4.23:22. d 29:32. 48 : 18. Num. 1:21). 1 Chr. 5:3. e Deut. 21:17. 
 Ps. 78:51. 105:36. f Jain. 1:6 — 8. 2 Pet. 2:14. 3: 16. * Heb. do not thou excel. 
 
 g 35:22. Deut. 27:20. 1 Chr. 5:1. t Or, my couch is gone, h 29:33,34. 34:25— 
 
 serious impressions on the young, the gay, and the prosperous, 
 that we do well in taking our children with us on these occa- 
 sions, when it can be done with propriety. — It is very desira- 
 ble, if the Lord please, to bear our dying testimony to the 
 truths of God, to his faithfulness, and to the pleasantness of 
 his ways. One would wish to be strengthened at such a so- 
 lemn season, to render our last service to our survivors ; and 
 we should have regard to this in our whole conduct, that we 
 may so live as to give energy and weight to our dying ex- 
 hortations: yet, after all, the Spirit dispenseth in this matter 
 severally, as he willeth. Abraham and Isaac died in faith 
 and in peace, yet we have no record of their dying testimony ; 
 but Jacob spoke with great copiousness and energy. All true 
 believers are blessed at their death; but all do not depart 
 equally full of spiritual consolation, nor are all alike edifying 
 to the spectators. — The joint inheritance of the promised bles- 
 sing with the true Israel of God, let who will despise it, is in- 
 finitely preferable to the sole inheritance of all the kingdoms 
 of the world : and the best expression of particular affection 
 for our children and relatives consists in recommending to 
 them our God and our religion ; and in seeking for them his 
 grace by earnest prayers, that they may be his adopted chil- 
 dren and heirs, according to the promise. Though we cannot 
 bless them in Jacob’s Spirit of prophecy, yet we may with his 
 spirit of faith ; and humbly hope that our prayers for them 
 will be answered, and our exhortations followed, even after 
 jve are dead. But alas ! too many parents, who profess 
 themselves Christians, act in direct opposition to the example 
 of Joseph, by anxiously and covetously, if not dishonestly, 
 heaping up wealth for their children; as if they meant to 
 teach them to forget the promised land, or to prefer a plen- 
 teous portion of this present world ! 
 
 V. 9 — 22. There is nothing more comfortable to the 
 dying believer himself, or more edifying and affecting to those 
 around him, than to reflect upon and speak of the promises of 
 God, and his experience of their faithful accomplishment ; to 
 be mindful of his Bethels and Peniels, and to acknowledge 
 that, notwithstanding his trials and troubles, all hath been 
 done wisely and graciously. In this view, even temporal 
 mercies and deliverances, yea, our daily bread, when consi- 
 dered as the gift of the great “ Angel of the covenant,” the 
 purchase of his redemption, and earnests of better things 
 reserved for us, become most precious blessings. And when 
 a dying man can consider himself with confidence as “re- 
 deemed from all evil as pardoned and sanctified ; and about 
 to have done with conflict, labour, sin, temptation, darkness, 
 sorrow, and the danger of any more offending or dishonouring 
 God ; and having good, and nothing but good, before him to 
 ail eternity ; with what comfort may he u walk through the 
 valley of the shadow of death !” And though flesh and heart 
 fail, though the eyes grow dim, and nature sink in decay, how 
 may he triumph in that God, who is “ the Strength of his 
 heart, and his Portion for ever !” Having experienced that 
 the Lord hath been better to him, not only than his despond- 
 ing fears, but even than his most sanguine hopes, he may 
 cheerfully descend into the grave, leaning on the tried faith- 
 fulness of God to his promises. — But would we thus die the 
 death of the righteous, we must “ walk before God in the land 
 of the living;” and, in the exercise and obedience of faith, 
 bear the name and tread in the steps of these ancient be- 
 lievers : then, though our comforts are dying all around us, our 
 heavenly Father will be with us, to countervail all losses, and 
 to fulfil his largest promises. — Whatever we think while we 
 live, we shall at death know, that to be u fed all our life long,” 
 is all that we can have in this world. Little indeed can those 
 possessions profit us, about which there are soqmany cares 
 and contentions : and though it may be proper, to adjust with 
 exactness every thing respecting them, lest we bequeath dis- 
 cord to our posterity ; yet soon a burying-place will be all 
 .hat the amplest patrimony can afford us. — How poor then 
 are they, who have no other riches ! and how miserable is 
 a death-b.o to those who have no well-grounded hopo of 
 good, but dreadful apprehensions of evil, and nothing but evil 
 for ever ! Let us then fear being put off with a portion in this 
 world, or with a hypocritical religion and a presumptuous 
 nope, which will at last leave us in despair. Rather, what- 
 ever we lose or go without, let us u choose that good part, 
 ( 104 ) 
 
 4 'Unstable as water, 'thou shalt not excel, 
 ^because thou wentest up- to thy lather’s bed ; then 
 defiledst thou it : 'he went up to mv couch. 
 
 5 H ''Simeon and Levi are brethren : 'instru- 
 ments of cruelty are in their habitations. 
 
 6 'O my soul, k come not thou into their 'secret; 
 unto their assembly, mine m honour, he not thou 
 united : for in their anger they slew “a man, and 
 in their self-will they ^digged down a wall. 
 
 7 Cursed °be their anger, for it was fierce ; and 
 their wrath, for it was cruel : pI will divide them 
 in Jacob, and scatter them in Israel 
 
 [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 31. Prov. 18:9. | Or, their swords are weapons of violence. 34:25. i Jude. 5 : 21 , 
 Ps. 42:5,11. 43:5. 103:1. Jer. 4:19. Luke 12:19. k 3-1:30. Ps. 26:4,5. 28:3.94: 
 20 21. 139:19. Prov. 1:11. lDeut. 27:24. Ps. 64:2. in I s. 16:9. 30.12. 57:8. n 34/ 
 25,26. §0 r, houghed oxen. o2 Sam. 13:22 — 28. Prov. 26:24,25. 27:3. pJosh. 19* 
 1—9. 21: 1 Chr. 4:24— 31. 
 
 which shall never be taken from us and then poverty, pain, 
 Veproach, and death itself, will be as so many favourable 
 gales, to waft us to the haven of eternal bliss. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XLIX. V. 1,2. All Jacob’s sons 
 were still living; and now at his command they collected 
 round his bed, perhaps with their children, to hear his dying 
 words. The repetition of this call might intimate his desire, 
 that they should keep together, and live in harmony as one 
 family, without intermingling with the Egyptians. — This 
 dying address to them should not at all be considered as the 
 expression of his private affection, or resentment, or partiality ; 
 but as the language of the Holy Spirit, declaring the purpose 
 of God respecting the character, circumstances, and situation 
 of the several tribes descended from them, in the last times % 
 or in after ages * for the prophecy evidently looks forward be- 
 yond the coming of Christ, and some of it seems to be yet un- 
 accomplished. In this and in some other passages, such as 
 Noah’s prophecy, (Notes. 9:24 — 27.) and Moses blessing the 
 tribes, ( Notes , Deut. 33 :) there is so large an extent of pre- 
 diction comprised in a few words, that brevity will allow us to 
 adduce but a small part of what might properly be said, by 
 way of elucidating them. In many instances, we have only 
 the scriptural history to proceed upon, if we attempt to illus- 
 trate the prophecy by its accomplishment : and this mentions 
 but little concerning several of the tribes. Had we a more 
 particular account of the distinguishing character, situation, 
 and success of each tribe, we should probably perceive a 
 more striking exactness in all these predictions, than we now 
 discern in any of them. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Reuben, being Jacob’s eldest son, might expect 
 the precedency: as “the excellency of dignity, and the ex- 
 cellency of power,” the larger portion of the inheritance, and 
 the principal authority among his brethren, properly belonged 
 to him. But he had incurred a forfeiture ; and therefore his 
 father, as it were, arrayed him with the insignia of royalty, 
 that he might the more solemnly and judicially degrade him. — 
 The word rendered unstable , seems to denote especially a 
 haughty, arrogant disposition, which, like swelling waters, 
 overflows or breaks through all restraints, and renders a man 
 altogether unworthy of confidence, and unfit for useful ser- 
 vices. Or it may mean an inconstant spirit, which, turns this 
 way or the other, at the impulse of every temptation, as water 
 driven by the wind. — (Marg. Ref.) — Some think the word 
 means licentious , but that is not clear. It is used in the fol- 
 lowing passages, anti not elsewhere : Judg. 9:4. Jer. 23:32. 
 Zeph. 3:4. — Probably an insolent self-preference, on account 
 of his primogeniture, concurred in emboldening Reuben to 
 commit incest with Bilhah, his father’s concubine, as in some 
 respects laying a claim to the inheritance. (2 Sam. 16:21. 
 1 Kings 2:17,21,22.) But, by that verj r action, he forfeited 
 all the privileges of the distinction which so elated him. Reu- 
 ben’s incest had been committed forty years before, and pro- 
 bably was repented of, and pardoned as to its eternal punish- 
 ment : yet, being a crime of so infamous a nature, it was on 
 this occasion remembered, and his tribe was degraded on ac- 
 count of it; to testify not only Jacob’s, but the Lord’s abhor- 
 rence of such abominable practices, for a warning to the 
 Israelites, and to others in all future ages. Thus children 
 actually do suffer for their parents’ crimes in this world: hut 
 this is for wise, equitable, and merciful reasons; namely, to 
 warn them not imitate their sins, lest, they both be punished 
 themselves, and entail misery on their beloved offspring.— 
 The descendants of Reuben seem to have resembled him in 
 character; and, according to this prediction, his tribe never 
 had the pre-eminence in any respect : nor is any mention 
 made in the subsequent history, of either judge, king, pro- 
 phet, or renowned person, descended from Reuben; except 
 of Dathan and Abiram, who, according to the character here 
 described, proudly rebelled against Moses and against God: 
 and of Adina, one of David’s captains. (1 Chr. 11:42.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. Simeon and Levi, the next in seniority, were 
 degraded also, and with still deeper abhorrence of the crime 
 which they had committed. They were brethren , not only de- 
 scended from the same parents, but as being of the same 
 fierce and untractablo disposition. The swords, those “ in’ 
 struments of cruelty” with which they massacred the Sh<*- 
 chcmites, remained in their houses, as monuments of their 
 
fc. C. 1693. 
 
 CHAPTER XLIX. 
 
 B. C. 1689 
 
 8 IT Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren 
 sshall praise; 'thy hand shall be in ’the neck of 
 thine enemies : l thy father’s children shall bow 
 down before thee. 
 
 9 Judah is “a lion’s tv help; from the prey, my 
 
 <1«9:3S. 14:18— 34. Deni. 33:7. 1 Chr. 5:2. Heb. 7:14. r Num. 1 :27. 10:14. 26:22. 
 Juoc. 1:1,2. 20:18. 2 Sum. 24:9. 2 t'lir. 11:12— 17. 11:8. 15:9. 17:2,14-16. 30:11. 
 Pi. 18:40. 78:68— 70. lj.9:7. Phil. 2; 10,11 . lleh. 7:14. 10:13. Rev. 5:5. 11:15. 
 • Josh. 1V.24. 2 Sam. 22:41. El. 21:29. 127:29.37:7—10.42:6. 2Snm.5:3. u Num. 
 
 odious crime ; or rather, “ Their compacts are the instru- 
 ments of cruelty for tlius the clause may be rendered, per- 
 haps more properly than it is either in the text, or in the 
 margin of our version. They made a treacherous agreement 
 with the Shechcmites, in order to execute their fierce and 
 bloody revenge. (Notes, 34:14 — 28.) — Perhaps Jacob had 
 been suspected of allowing their treacherous revenge, but he 
 here entered his dying protest against it. — ‘ No,’ says he, ‘ my 
 soul would have abhorred so villanous a project ; and had X 
 been admitted into their secret, I would have immediately 
 divulged it.’ His honour also was intimately connected with 
 that of his religion, and the glory of God: he therefore adds, 
 
 ‘ Let it never he imputed to me, that I was one of this scan- 
 dalous confederacy : it would not only be a disgrace to my 
 character, but it would discredit the worship of Jehovah 
 in future ages and in distant nations, were it said that Israel, 
 “ who had power with God and prevailed,” was guilty of such 
 a crime. Let then Simeon and Levi, though my own sons, 
 bear the blame ; and let the degraded state of their tribes 
 still proclaim my abhorrence, yea, my God’s abhorrence, of 
 their wickedness.’ — In their rage against Shechern, they slew 
 him ; but they scorned to lay hands on him alone, and there- 
 fore slew Hamor his father, and many others with him. 
 (Esth. 3:6. ) And they were too self-willed and headstrong, 
 either to ask or take any wholesome counsel ; but proceeded 
 likewise to desolate and plunder the city, and, as some render 
 it, to “ hough the oxen,” or to maim and treat cruelly the in- 
 nocent animals. — Jacob therefore execrated, and called on all 
 men to detest, their fierce anger and cruel wrath. He did 
 not, however, curse them ; nay, he is said to have blessed all 
 his sons, but he pronounced a prophetic sentence upon them 
 in the name of God, that they should be divided from each 
 other, and one part of their descendants from the rest, in 
 Jacob and Israel : for, though degraded from the pre-emi- 
 nence, they would share in the land promised to his posterity, 
 in the ordinances of God, and in the benefits of the covenant 
 made with their fathers. — Accordingly, the tribe of Simeon 
 had only a portion within the lot of Judah, where being strait- 
 ened, part of them went in quest of new settlements, and 
 were thus divided in Jacob. Tradition also reports, that num- 
 bers of this tribe were dispersed among the other tribes, as 
 instructors of children, for their support. The sentence in 
 Levi’s case was not reversed, but converted into a blessing, 
 in consequence of the service which his descendants per- 
 formed, in their zeal against the worshippers of the golden 
 calf; (Notes, Ex. 32:27 — 21). Deut. 33:9,10.) so that being con- 
 secrated to God, as the priestly tribe, they were honourably 
 and profitably divided and scattered in that character through- 
 out Israel. — But the tribe of Simeon, being deeply criminal 
 in the matter of Baal-peor, were not so favoured. (Num. 
 25:14. Note, Num. 2li:14.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. “ Judah” signifies Praise. — Leah thus called her 
 son, as expressing her admiring gratitude to God for his good- 
 ness ; but Jacob alluded to the name, with reference to Judah 
 himself. (29:35.) There was nothing praiseworthy in the 
 former part of Judah’s life : but he acted most nobly and disin- 
 terestedly, in his conduct before Joseph respecting Benjamin, 
 and was entitled :o the praises of all his brethren. (Notes, 
 44:18 — 34.) Yet Judah personally was not so much intended 
 as his descendants, especially Christ, whom all his brethren 
 shall praise for ever. — This clause implies, that the other 
 tribes would deem it an honour to stand related to that of 
 Judah; and that Judah personally would be applauded by 
 them, as well as his tribe distinguished among them. Had 
 Jacob been influenced by human passions, he would probably 
 have set Juifeh aside, as he had his elder brethren; in order 
 to confer the privileges of primogeniture exclusively on his 
 beloved Joseph, the son of his beloved Rachel, to whom, as 
 the single wife whom he intended to marry, this precedency 
 might be supposed due : but he spake by the Spirit of pro- 
 phecy, as the events predicted completely demonstrate. Un- 
 der this guidance he foretold, that the descendants of Judah 
 would be victorious over their enemies, and rule over their 
 brethren of the other tribes, as their willing subjects. — Their 
 character also, as courageous, but not ferocious ; victorious, 
 but not tyrannical ; willing to live in peace, yet terrible to 
 those who provoked them ; is represented under the well- 
 known emblem of the lion, who rules over the beasts of the 
 forest ; and of the lioness, as the word (noS) rendered old 
 lion may signify, and who is still fiercer when enraged. — Now 
 all this has certainly been fulfilled in the most circumstantial 
 manner, even to this present day. — In every age the tribe of 
 Judah was more honoured than any of the other tribes ; un- 
 ess, perhaps, some may think a few years of Saul’s reign an 
 xception. The Lord assigned it the precedency in the en- 
 campments of Israel in the wilderness; (Note, Num. 2:3.) 
 and in presenting the oblations at the sanctuary. (Num. 
 Vol. I.— 14 
 
 son, thou art gone up; he stooped down, he 
 couched as a lion, and as an old lion; who shall 
 rouse him up? 
 
 10 The x sceptre shall Dot depart from Judah, 
 nor a lawgiver from 'between his feet, “until 
 
 23:24. 24-9. llos. 5:14. Itev. 5:5. x Num. 24:17. Jei 30 “'1. F.z. 19:11,14. Zeeh. 
 10:11. y Num. 21:18. Ps. 60:7. 108:8. z l)eut.28:.iV. « Ib. 9:6. 11:1. 62:11. 
 
 Jer. 23:6. Dm. 9:25. Mult. 1:21. 21:9. Luke 1:?‘',3\ John 9:7. 18:31. 19s 
 12,15. 
 
 7:12.) It had ihe first lot in Canaan, even in preference to 
 Ephraim, Joshua’s own tribe, (Josh. 15:) After Joshua’s 
 death, “ the children of Israel asked the Lot 1 ', saying, Who 
 shall go up for us against the Canaanites fiist, to fight against 
 them ? And the Lord said, Judah shall go up.” ( Judg . 
 1:1,2.) Othniel, the first judge, was of this nibe, and Caleb 
 also, who almost equalled Joshua in reputation. — At length 
 the Lord chose David, of the tribe of Judah, to rule over his 
 people ; and made a covenant with him concerning the per- 
 petuity of the kingdom in his family, which evidently pre- 
 figured the everlasting kingdom of Christ. Accordingly, 
 David and his son Solomon ruled over all Israel, with great 
 prosperity and renown ; Judah was praised and had in honour ; 
 “ his hand was in the neck of his enemies, and his father’s 
 children bowed down to him. — He was a lion’s whelp ; he went 
 up from the prey; he stooped, he couched down as a linn, 
 and as a lioness ; who shall rouse him up ?” — After Solomon’s 
 death, this glory was in some degree eclipsed by the revolt of 
 the ten tribes. Yet the kingdom of Judah, for above 400 
 years, was governed by his descendants in lineal succession. 
 The tribe of Benjamin and that of Levi, with numbers from 
 the other tribes, united themselves to Judah, from whom the 
 whole kingdom was called Judah, and the land was distin- 
 guished as the land of Judah. This kingdom was far morn 
 prosperous than that of the ten tribes. Above half of their 
 kings were pious men, and many of them very zealous in the 
 cause of God ; their reigns were remarkably long in propor- 
 tion ; and consequently religion prospered much more in 
 Judah than in Israel. While their pious princes adhered to 
 the worship of God, their most powerful and haughty foes 
 were intimidated, or subdued: and even when the ration, for 
 idolatry, was given up for a time into the hands of their as- 
 sailants, they soon returned to the I.ord, and were restored 
 and prospered. During the last contest with the Chaldeans, 
 their power and courage were very conspicuous, in the long 
 struggle which they made against the victorious and potent 
 Nebuchadnezzar. — After the captivity, the Jews alone, as a 
 nation, returned ; while the Israelites were either finally scat- 
 tered, or incorporated with them. From this period all the 
 remainder of Jacob’s descendants have been called from 
 Judah, Jews or Judeans, and the distinction of tribes gra- 
 dually fell into disuse ; and this is the name by which they 
 are at this day known all over the earth: a most remarkable 
 event, that the people should neither be called afier Abra- 
 ham, nor Isaac, nor Jacob, nor one of his three elder sons ; 
 but from Judah, his fourth son. Thus it is manifest, that Judah 
 has been unspeakably more known and celebrated than any 
 other of J acob’s sons ; his brethren have praised and honoured 
 him ; they have bowed down to him, and have preserved their 
 most valued dislinctions, by standing related to him and hear- 
 ing his name. — His has been, in all respects, the conquering 
 and the ruling tribe, though more especially distinguished by 
 giving birth to Christ, the Lord of all and the King of glory. — 
 Indeed, the power and reputation of the Jews after the cap- 
 tivity, never equalled their preceding eminence : yet the stand 
 which they made against the Syrian kings, especially the 
 successes of the Maccabees (who, though Levites, were 
 closely united with Judah) against Antiochus Epiphanes, 
 and afterwards against the Roman generals, especially before 
 the last destruction of Jerusalem, proves that they were very 
 powerful and formidable. Many of the other tribes joined 
 with them, and frequently possessed authority, and headed 
 their armies ; but the body of the people descended from 
 Judah, and the whole was called by his name. And though 
 Jerusalem was situated in the lot of Benjamin, yet the tribe 
 of Judah inhabited part of that city: the throne of David and 
 his descendants was placed in Jerusalem ; there the family of 
 Judah ruled over their brethren; and thither the other tribes 
 resorted to the courts of justice, as well as for the worship of 
 God. It is therefore undeniable that events, even to this 
 day, during more than 3,000 years, have, with astonishing ex- 
 actness, corresponded to this ancient prediction, in a manner 
 which no human sagacity could have foreseen or conjectured. 
 
 V. 10. The word here translated “sceptre," properly sig- 
 nifies a rod or staff ; though sometimes it is rendered a tribe ; 
 and it simply denotes the exercise of dominion or authority, 
 of which the rod or sceptre was the badge. Judah was at 
 this time merely the head of a family ; for Israel, properly 
 speaking, was no more divided into tribes, than governed by 
 kings: hut it was thus prophetically intimaled that Judah 
 would shortly acquire authority, not only as a distinct tribe, 
 but likewise over his brethren. — The word rendered “law- 
 giver,” in general signifies a ruler or judge ; and implies, that 
 rulers and magistrates, descended from Judah, or called by 
 his name, would succeed each olher for a length of time. 
 This authority in Judah, however assailed, or changed as to 
 external form, should not finally depart till Shiloh came, 
 ( 105 ) 
 
B. C. 16 S 8 . GENESIS. B. C. 16S8. 
 
 Shiloh come, and unto him shall ll the gathering of 
 the people be. 
 
 11 Binding c his foal unto the vine, and his ass’s 
 colt unto the choice vine j he washed his garments 
 in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes. 
 
 12 ''His eyes shall be red with wine, and his 
 teeth white with milk. 
 
 13 K “Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the 
 sea: and he shall be lor a haven of ships; and 
 his border shall be unto Zidon. 
 
 *> Is. 2:2. 11:10. 42:3,4. 19:6,7,22,23. 53:4,5. 60: Ez. 21:27. Hag. 2:7. Zech.2: 
 II. 8:20—23. Mult. 25:32. Ram. 15:12. 2 Cor. 5: 10. c I Kines 4:20,25. 2 Kinja 
 18:32. Joel 3:18. Mic. 4:4. Re*. 7:14. il Pro*. 23:29. e 30:20. Deut. 33:18,19. 
 Josh. 19:10—16. i 30:18. Dull. 33:18. Josh. 19:17—23. Juilg. 5:15. 10:1. 1 Chr. 
 
 on whom the legislative and judicial authority would devolve ; 
 and in this, compared with the preceding part of the prophecy, 
 it is implied, that the regal dominion would be exercised by 
 Shiloh however previously interrupted : for as Shiloh, to 
 whom 44 the gathering of the people wbuld be,” was to de- 
 scend from Judah, the meaning evidently is, that the autho- 
 rity would remain with Judah, till he came, whose .right it 
 was, and with him it would thenceforth remain for ever. 4 As 
 to the time of his coming, it is foretold clearly, that it should 
 be before the sceptre and lawgiver should depart from Judah, 
 or about that time. And it is at least hinted that it would 
 not be long before that departing of civil policy from Judah ; 
 and that it would be after its departure from the other tribes : 
 for if it was to continue with them, as well as with Judah, till 
 Shiloh came, the patriarch’s words would not be suitable to 
 the obvious design of them.’ Maclaurin. We have seen how 
 the sceptre and the authority remained with Judah till the 
 captivity. — Even in Babylon the Jews seem to have been 
 under some internal government, exercised by the family of 
 David. After their return from Babylon, Zerubbabel, of 
 David’s race, was their leader; and the tribe of Judah, and 
 those who incorporated with them, hail regular magistrates 
 and rulers from among themselves, under the kings of Persia 
 and Syria, and afterwards under the Romans. — The Sanhe- 
 drim, constituted in great measure of the tribe of Judah, and 
 the other courts dependent on it, possessed great authority 
 till the coming of Christ, according to the concurrent testi- 
 mony of ancient writers. The tribe of Judah likewise was 
 preserved distinct, and could trace back its genealogies 
 without difficulty. In all respects, the sceptre , though gra- 
 dually enfeebled, did not depart ; nor was the exercise of 
 legislative and judicial authority, though interrupted, finally 
 suspended till after that event. — The word Shiloh may 
 mean, He v)ho is sent , or The Seedy or the Peaceable , or Pros- 
 perous One ; but all allow that the Messiah was intended, 
 who was sent into the world, as the promised Seed, to be 
 ‘the Prince of Peace.” Till his coming, Judah possessed 
 considerable authority: but shortly after his crucifixion, this 
 authority was vastly abridged ; and within that generation, 
 according to his express predictions, Jerusalem was de- 
 stroyed, the whole civil and ecclesiastical state was sub- 
 verted, and all distinctions among the poor harassed remnant 
 were confounded ; they were scattered abroad over the face 
 of the earth; and to this day, after almost 1800 years, they 
 have been more destitute of sceptre and lawgiver, than even 
 during the Babylonish captivity. This consideration so per- 
 plexed a learned Jew, above 700 years ago, that he wrote 
 thus to his friend : 4 1 would fain learn from thee, out of the 
 testimonies of the law, and the prophets, and other Scrip- 
 tures, why the Jews are thus smitten in this captivity wherein 
 we are; which may be properly called, the perpetual an- 
 ger of God, because it hath no end. For it is now above 
 1000 years since we were carried captive by Titus ; and yet 
 our fathers who worshipped idols, killed the prophets, and 
 cast the law behind their back, were only punished with a 
 seventy years’ captivity, and then brought home again ; but 
 now there is no end of our calamities, nor do the prophets 
 promise any/ S . Moraccanus, in ftp. Patrick. — This inquiry 
 must press the Jews, if they duly consider it, more and more 
 every century. Compared with the astonishing prophecy 
 before us, it undeniably shows that Shiloh is come ; that 
 Jesus the Son of Mary was he; and that the Jews filled up 
 the measure of their national guilt by crucifying Him, and 
 have ever since been left, as wretched outcasts dispersed 
 through the nations, to be a living demonstration, that 44 the 
 Scriptures cannot be broken.” — The inspired Patriarch ad- 
 ded, 44 To him shall the gathering of the people be.” — If we 
 understand this of Judah, its exact accomplishment has been 
 already shown. The other tribes gathered to that of Judah, 
 during their encampments in the wilderness ; they collected 
 themselves as one body to make David king; and afterward 
 they came from all the other tribes, to attend his courts, and 
 form his armies, and those of his son Solomon. After the 
 revolt of Jeroboam and Israel, vast multitudes from other 
 tribes left their possessions to join themselves to Judah. The 
 people gathered to Judah, both in serving under the kings of 
 David’s race, attending on the courts of justice, and even in 
 celebrating their solemn feasts. Afler the captivity, many 
 out. of the other tribes joined the Jews, and were gradually 
 incorporated among them ; and the whole nation has ever 
 6inco been called after Judah. — But the clause seems more 
 ( 106 ) 
 
 14 U l Issachar is a strong ass, couching down 
 between two burdens/ 
 
 15 And he saw that k rest was good, and the 
 land that it was pleasant ; and 'bowed his shoulder 
 to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. 
 
 16 H Dan m shall judge his people, as one of the 
 tribes of Israel. 
 
 17 Dan "shall be a serpent by the way, *an 
 adder in the path ; that biteth the horse-heels, so 
 that his rider shall fall backward. 
 
 12:32. k Josh. 14:15. Judg. 3:11. 2 Sam. 7:1. IPs. 81:6. Ez. 29:18. Matt. 23 
 4. m 30:6. Num. 10:25. l.’eui. 33:22. Judg. 13:2,24,25. 15:211.13:1.2. n Juu* 
 14: 15: 16:22—30. 18:22—31. 1 Chr. 12:35. * Heb. an anow-enuke. 
 
 immediately to refer to Shiloh. After his coming, when 
 the sceptre departed from Judah, the gathering both of Jews 
 and Gentiles was to Him, as their Prince and Saviour. It 
 has continued to be so even to this present time ; and we are 
 taught to expect that this will be the case, more and more, 
 till 44 the earth shall be filled with his glory ;” and that the 
 very Jews, now without prince or sceptre, will ere long bo 
 gathered to him as his willing people. (Notey Ho 8. 3:4,5.) 
 But, 44 when the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all 
 his holy angels with him, then shall he sit on the throne of 
 his glory ; and before him shall be gathered all nations * 
 And, finally, the unnumbered millions of the redeemed shall 
 be gathered to him into his heavenly kingdom, to behold his 
 glory, and to rejoice in his love for ever. — Some render tho 
 clause, 44 To him shall the obedience of the people be;” and 
 if this translation should be preferred, it may easily be seen* 
 that the accomplishment in all respects has answered the pre- 
 diction in this sense, as well as in the other. Indeed, for 
 what purpose did the people gather either to Judah, to David 
 and his royal race, or to Jesus Christ, but in order to submit 
 to them, and render them willing, loyal, and cordial obe- 
 dience ? — Before the coming of Christ, the Jews, under their 
 greatest difficulties, had a government of their own : but since 
 that time, they have had none; except as Christ, of the tribe 
 of Judah, is the Prince of Peace and the King of Glory, to 
 whom both Jews and Gentiles are required to yield obedience. 
 The actual success of the Gospel, and the vast multitudes 
 who have, through many revolving centuries, bowed in will- 
 ing subjection to the Saviour’s authority, is as striking an ac- 
 complishment of this part of the prophecy, as the present 
 state of the Jews is of the other. 
 
 V. 11, 12. These verses relate to the lot of Judah in Ca^ 
 naan, and the advantages which they would enjoy, along with 
 the other tribes, until the coming of Shiloh. It was fore* 
 told, that Judah’s inheritance should abound in vines so strong, 
 that they would tie their young asses to them, and so fruitful, 
 that their garments would be stained with the juice of the 
 grape. — They would have plenty of wine for exhilaration, which 
 w-ould sometimes be abused in intemperance, so that their 
 eyes would be 44 red with wine;” and 44 their teeth white with 
 milk,” with which also their lot should abound, the pasture- 
 ground being very fertile and luxuriant. — We have seen much 
 of the preceding prophecy applied to Christ, the 44 Lion of the 
 tribe of Judah,” terrible to his obstinate foes, but merciful to 
 those who submit : and we may also observe that he is 44 the 
 true Vine ;” that wine is the appointed symbol of 44 his blood, 
 which is drink indeed,” as shed for sinners and applied in 
 faith ; and that all the blessings of his gospel are 44 wine and 
 milk, without money and without price,” to which every 
 thirsty soul is welcome. 
 
 V. 13. According to this prediction, the tribe of Zebulun 
 had a portion assigned to it, which extended nearly, if not en- 
 tirely, from the sea of Galilee to the Mediterranean sea, on 
 which some think it had sea-ports. The maritime situation 
 in which this tribe was placed tended greatly to enrich it, 
 both by fisheries and commerce ; ( NotCy Dmtt. 33:18,19.) and 
 its inheritance reached to the borders of that country, of 
 which Zidon was the capital. — As the land of Canaan was 
 long after this divided by loty it was the more surprising, that 
 Jacob should thus exactly describe the situation of the tribes. 
 Zebulun was younger than Issachar, yet Jacob mentions 
 him first : and accordingly his inheritance was first allotted to 
 him. (Josh. 19:10 — 17.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. Issachar is described under the emblem of a 
 strong ass, as Judah had been under that of a fierce lion. 
 This implied that the tribe of Issachar would be industrious 
 and unambitious ; bearing labour or tribute peaceably, of which 
 burdens others grievously complained. The expression, 
 44 couching down between two burdens,” is variously inter- 
 preted ; but it certainly denotes a quiet, persevering industry. 
 He was sensible that rest, not from labour, but from war and 
 contention, was profitable ; and, being satisfied with tho 
 pleasantness of a remote part of the country, he little inter- 
 meddled with the affairs of the state, or of war; or with 
 maritime affairs as Zebulun did. — Accordingly, this tribe is 
 seldom mentioned in the subsequent history. Thoreis, how- 
 ever, one remarkable exception. (1 Chr. 12:32.) 
 
 V. 16, 17. Dan signifies judgment : and Jacob foretold 
 that, though he was the son of one of his concubines, and 
 the first, of* them whom he mentions, he should he the head of 
 a separate tribe, and have * share in public affairs ; oven oj 
 
8. C . 1633 CHAPTER XLIX. B. C. 1688. 
 
 18 I have °vvaited for thy salvation, O Lord. 
 
 19 If t'Gad, a troop shall overcome him: but he 
 shall overcome at the last. 
 
 20 11 Out of 2 Asher his bread shall be fat, and 
 he shall yield royal dainties. 
 
 21 If r Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth 
 goodly words. 
 
 22 II Joseph is 'a fruitful bough, even a fruitful 
 bough by a well; whose ‘branches run over the wall. 
 
 23 The ‘archers have sorely grieved him, and 
 shot at him. and hated him. 
 
 24 But “his bow abode in strength, and the 
 arms of his hands x were made* strong, by the 
 
 oPs. 119:166, 174. 130:5. Is. 45:9. 23:8. Luke 2:25,30. Rom. 8:25. Gal. 5:5. IThes. 
 1 10. |j 30:11. Deut. 33:20,21. 1 ( hr. 5: 11—22,26. q30:13. Deul. 33:24,25. r30:8. 
 Deut. 33:23. Jude. *1:6,10. 5:18. Matt. 4:15,16. Nephthnf.im. s 30:24 . 41:52.48: 
 16. Deut. 33:17. Josh. 17:14—17. * Heb.&itwAfe/*. t 37 : 39 : 42:21. Ps.64:3. 
 118:13. u Neh. 6:9. 18.27:14. Col. 1:11. 2Tira. 4:17. x Job 29:20. Ps. 37:15. 
 
 if he had been descended from Leah or Rachel. — What fol- 
 lows is a sketch of the character of the Danites, as subtle 
 and mischievous, like serpents and vipers ; and of their suc- 
 cess in stratagems : and the propriety of these emblems would 
 probably appear to us far more striking, if we knew their his- 
 tory. — Samson was of this tribe, who unexpectedly buried 
 the Philistines in the ruins of the temple of Dagon ; as the 
 viper, which lies on the sandy road, causes the horse to throw 
 his rider: and indeed all his previous successes had been ob- 
 tained in the same unexpected and extraordinary manner. 
 The tribe of Dan, in general, seems to have excelled more in 
 stratagems than in open war. 
 
 V. 18. Many expositors imagine, that Jacob here meant 
 to offer tip his prayers, with reference to the conflicts and vic- 
 tories which he had predicted : but it is far more natural to 
 suppose, that being exhausted with speaking to his sons, he 
 here paused and spake unto the Lord, by way of refreshing 
 his spirits in the recollection of the near approach of that 
 complete salvation, for which he had so long waited. (Note, 
 48:16. ) Mr. Henry on the passage observes, ‘ That the pious 
 ejaculations of lively devotion may sometimes appear incohe- 
 rent, but ought never to be censured as impertinent.’ — ‘ Old 
 age is the time for “ the patience of hope” to bear its richest 
 fruits: and a pleasant thing it is to see this and other graces 
 in full bloom, while the powers of nature are falling into de- 
 cay.’ Fuller. 
 
 V. 19. Gad signifies a troop ; and both the character and 
 situation of this tribe are here described. The Gadites were 
 renowned for valour : (1 Chron. 12:8.) and, having their in- 
 heritance beyond Jordan eastward, they lay open to incur- 
 sions from troops of Ammonites, Moabites, Syrians, and 
 others, by whom doubtless they were frequently annoyed; 
 but they maintained their ground, gained decisive victories, 
 and under David and his posterity they subjugated their ene- 
 mies. — This blessing aptly describes a Christian’s conflict : 
 he is overcome in many combats, but is more than conqueror 
 in the final event of the war. 
 
 V. 20. Asher signifies blessed ; and Jacob, by the Spirit 
 of prophecy, assigned him a plentiful country, yielding abun- 
 dance for himself and others ; even royal dainties, to supply 
 the table of kings, at home and abroad. His inheritance 
 bordered on Carmel, which was fruitful to a proverb. (Josh. 
 19:24—26. Is. 35:2.) 
 
 V. 21. This may be considered as a sketch of the cha- 
 racter of this tribe. Unlike the laborious ox and ass; affect- 
 ing ease and liberty ; insinuating and affectionate; active but 
 volatile ; more noted for despatch, than for steady labour and 
 perseverance ; and more disposed to exult in national bless- 
 ings, than to fight in defence of them ; like the hind which 
 flees from the enemy, not like the lion who f ces and over- 
 comes him; like the suppliant, who with goodly words craves 
 mercy, not like the warrior who disdains to ask or even ac- 
 cept of quarter; yet in this way maintaining his ground, as the 
 hind stands firm even on the craggy and steep rocks. — Barak 
 and many of his soldiers were of this tribe, and though at 
 last they fought successfully, at first they were very timorous. 
 I recollect no other warriors of this tribe. (Notes, Judg. 4:5. ) 
 
 V. 22 — 26. Part of what Jacob says concerning his be- 
 loved Joseph is historical, and relates to his past life: much 
 however is prophetical. — He is here called “afruitful bough,” 
 or young tree planted by the water-side : he had no more than 
 two sons, yet from them sprang two very numerous tribes ; 
 but his prosperity was preceded by base injuries and heavy 
 afflictions. “ The archers,” or such as were most skilful in 
 the use of the bow, “ had sorely grieved him, shot at him, and 
 hated him.” His brethren pursued him with unrelenting envy 
 and enmity, and spared hi3 life only to sell him for a slave. 
 Potiphar’s wife tempted and then slandered him ; Potiphar 
 condemned and imprisoned him ; and though we do not read 
 of it, it is a singular case indeed, if some of the Egyptians 
 did not revile and envy him. This part may likewise be con- 
 sidered as prophetical of the terrible wars, which his descend- 
 ants waged, especially with the kingdom of Judah— His 
 weapons, however, in this warfare failed him not, as a broken 
 or weakened bow would have done: and his hands and arms, 
 notwithstanding the most fatiguing exertions, were strength- 
 -ned to use them by the power of the God of Jacob ; who in 
 
 hands of nhe mighty God of Jacob; (from thence 
 is 'the shepherd, “the stone of Israel :) 
 
 25 Even by b the God of thy father, who shall 
 help thee, and by ‘the Almighty, who shall bless 
 thee, with d blessings of heaven above, blessings 
 of the deep that lieth under, blessings of the breasts 
 and of the womb. 
 
 26 The blessings of thy father 'have prevailed 
 above the blessings of my progenitors, unto the 
 utmost bound of the f everlasting hills : they shall 
 be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of 
 the head of him that ewas separate from his 
 brethren. 
 
 V 35:10,11. Fix. 3:6. Fs. 132:2,5. 1 45:7. 47:12. 50:21. Nutn. 27:15— 18. Fe.it. 
 34:9. Josh. 1:1-9. I s. 80:1. a Ps. 118:22. Is. 23:16. Z«cli.3:9. 1 Pel. 2:4— 8. 
 b 28:13. 43:23. Deul. 33:13,17. c 17:1. d Dent. 28:2— 12. I s. 84:11. Lull. 1:3. 
 1 Tim. 4:8. e 27:27— 29,39,40. 28:3,4. f Deut. 33: 15. Jon. 2:6. Hub. 3:6. g 37: 
 28. Ps. 105:17—22. 
 
 providence outwardly protected and prospered him, and by his 
 Spirit endued him inwardly with such strength of faith and 
 of grace, as produced invincible courage, resolution, and per- 
 severance : and thus he was enabled to stand his ground, and 
 to repel every attack of his enemies. His life was preserved, 
 his reputation was cleared, his integrity remained unimpeach- 
 ed: when he rose superior to all opposition, his brethren sued 
 to him, and became dependent on him ; and all his enemies 
 bowed before him and sought his favour. By the divine as- 
 sistance and blessing, and through all these trials and trou- 
 bles, he at length became “ the shepherd of Israel,” to sustain 
 his father and family, and to take care of them with ail their 
 flocks and herds ; and “the stone of Israel,” the foundation 
 and strong support of their interests. In these respects, as in 
 many other things, he was a remarkable type of the good 
 Shepherd, and tried Corner-Stone, of the whole church of 
 God. — Indeed, though the royal dignity, and the honour of 
 being the progenitor of Christ, were conferred on Judah, yet 
 Joseph was the especial type of the Savkmr among Jacob’s 
 sons, and all that is here spoken of him ought to be consider- 
 ed as descriptive of the great Antitype. He too was greatly 
 grieved, shot at, and hated ; but his bow abode in strength : 
 and by the power of the Holy Spirit, he will not fail nor be 
 discouraged, till his enemies are put under his footstool, and 
 his brethren are brought to be with him where he is, to behold 
 and share his glory. — Thus Joseph, being helped by the God 
 of his father Jacob, was personally, and in his posterity, tri- 
 umphant over all his enemies. — It was also predicted, that 
 God would bless his posterity with a temperate climate, a 
 fruitful soil, the treasures that are dug from the bowels of the 
 earth, a numerous and healthful progeny, and extensive and 
 durable blessings of every kind ; being like the mountains, 
 which shall endure as long as the earth itself, and as precious 
 as their most desirable productions. 'All these benefits were 
 typical of the vast and everlasting blessings that are conferred 
 upon the spiritual seed of Christ. — Thus Jacob blessed all 
 his sons , more particularly, copiously, and clearly, than Abra- 
 ham and Isaac had done: the promises also dresv nearer to 
 their accomplishment, and his Seed were multiptying very 
 fast. But especially he. blessed Joseph, “ who was sepa s- 
 rated from his brethren,” not only as sold by them into Egypt, 
 but as possessing eminent dignity, and as far more excellent 
 than they. The words may be rendered, “a Nazarite from 
 among his brethren,” one devoted unto God : and the expres- 
 sion, “on the crown of the head," may refer to the Nazarite’s 
 vow, which seems to have subsisted before the giving of the 
 law, and only to have been regulated by it. (Notes, Num . 
 G:) In this also he was a type of Hirn who “ was holy, un- 
 defiled, and separate from sinners.” — If we compare this pro- 
 phecy with that contained in the preceding chapter, we shall 
 readily perceive, that, according to the words of the dying pa- 
 triarch, Ephraim and Manasseh woujd be ihe heads of two 
 distinct tribes in Israel, and that the descendants of Ephraim 
 would be more numerous, powerful, and renowned, than those 
 of Manasseh. This accordingly took place in after ages. 
 No one of Jacob’s other sons was the progenitor of two dis- 
 tinct tribes *, yet each of these was as numerous and illustri- 
 ous as any of the other tribes of Israel, Judah excepted.— 
 When the Israelites were first numbered in the wilderness, 
 the descendants of Joseph amounted to 72,200, and those of 
 Judah to 74,600, which was a vast proportion out of 600,000. 
 At the second numbering, they amounted to 85,900, or 9,4G0 
 more than Judah. At this period, Ephraim was so decreased, 
 as to be above 20,000 less than Manasseh : yet, when Moses 
 blessed them just afterwards, he confirmed Jacob’s prophecy, 
 saying, “ They are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they 
 are the thousands of Manasseh and it is evident from the 
 whole history, that the Ephraimites were shortly increased to 
 an immense multitude, and in all respects exceeded the Ma- 
 nassites. For while the two divisions of Manasse h, on each 
 side Jordan, belonged to the kingdom of Israel, the politic? 1 
 influence of Ephraim so vastly preponderated, that the whole 
 kingdom was called Ephraim, as distinguished from Judah, 
 during the whole term of its continuance. — It is well known 
 that Joshua, the conqueror of Canaan, was an Ephraimite; 
 but, instead of taking measures to advance his own tribe, he 
 rejected the application of both Ephraim and Manasseh, when 
 
 ( 107 ) 
 
B. C 1638. 
 
 GENESIS, 
 
 B. C. 1683. 
 
 27 H 'Benjamin shall 'raven as '‘a wolf: in the 
 morning he shall devour the prey, and ‘at night he 
 shall divide the spoil. 
 
 28 It All these are '"the twelve tribes of Israel : 
 and this is it that, their lather spake unto them, 
 and blessed them ; every one according to his 
 blessing he blessed them. 
 
 29 And he charged them, and said unto them, 
 I am to he "gathered unto my people ; “bury me 
 with my fathers, in the cave that is in the field of 
 Ephron the Hittite, 
 
 30 In the cave that is in the field of Machpe- 
 Iah, which is before Mamre in the land of Ca- 
 naan, Pwhich Abraham bought with the field of 
 Ephron the Hittite, lor a possession of a burying 
 place. 
 
 h 35:18. Dent. 33:12. i Jmlg. 3:15— 29.20: I Sam. 11:4— 11. 14i 15: Acts 8:3. 
 9:1. Pliil. 3:5. k Jer. 5:6. Ez. 22:25,27. Zeph.3:3. Matt. 7:15. 10:16. Acts2U: 
 29. INum. 23:24. Esili.8:U. Ez. 39:10. Zech. 14:1— 7. tn Ex. 28:21. 1 Kings 
 18:31. Acts 26:7. Jam. 1:1. Rev. 7:4. n 15:15. 25:8,17. 35:29. Heb. 12:23. 
 
 they requested a larger inheritance, because they “ were a 
 great people, and the Lord had blessed them hitherto.” 
 (Josh. 17:11 — 18.) In the days of Jephthah, the Gileadites slew 
 42,000 Ephraimites at once, which might have been supposed 
 sufficient to annihilate their political importance ; yet they 
 were so increased, that it seems to have had no effect in that 
 respect ; and the prophecy was evidently and undeniably ful- 
 filled. In short, through revolving centuries to this day, the 
 names of Judah and Joseph have been far more celebrated, 
 than those of Jacob’s other sons ; which in the history , as 
 well as in this prophecy , are comparatively obscure. The 
 tribes of Judah and Ephraim have eclipsed all the other 
 tribes, by giving names to the two grand divisions of the na- 
 tion ; and Ephraim has been far more illustrious than Ma- 
 nasseh. This is precisely what might have been supposed, 
 even on a cursory reading of these chapters as prophecy : 
 and how can it be accounted for, that events through remote 
 futurity should so accord to this ancient book, if it had not 
 been divinely inspired ? Let those who deny or doubt its 
 divine inspiration solve this difficulty if they are able. 
 
 V. 27. According to the emblem here used, the character 
 of this tribe would be fierceness and cruelty ; which especially 
 appears in the history of the Levite’s concubine ; when after 
 tlie wickedness was committed, the Benjamites singly with- 
 stood all the other tribes, and had the advantage in two bat- 
 des ; nor did they yield till almost entirely destroyed. ( Notes , 
 Judg. 19:20:) Ehud, the second judge, and Saul the first 
 King, were of this tribe.— In the former part of the history, 
 we read frequently of the Benjamites as a warlike people ; 
 and in the latter times they joined themselves to the tribe of 
 Judah, and thus divided the spoil, and shared with them in 
 their privileges. — Paul was of this tribe, who, as it were, in 
 the morning of his life, ravened as a wolf, and devoured the 
 prey in persecuting the Christians ; but in the evening of his 
 days, as a preacher of the gospel, he shared the blessings 
 with Judah’s Lion, assisted in his victories, and thus divided 
 the spoil. — Benjamin was peculiarly dear to Jacob, yet little 
 is spoken of him in this blessing ; and there is nothing of the 
 tender and fervent affection, which marks the blessing pro- 
 nounced on Joseph: for Jacob spake by the Spirit of pro- 
 phecy. — The tribe of Benjamin did not join itself to the 
 descendants of his brother Joseph ; but to those of Judah. 
 
 V. 28. Every one, &c.] That is, according to the bless- 
 ing, which God intended in after times to bestow upon them. 
 — Though some of Jacob’s sons were reproved and disgraced, 
 yet none of them were excluded (as Ishmael and Esau had 
 been) from the promised land, arid the peculiar privileges of 
 Abraham’s seed ; and when we compare their situation with 
 the Gentile nations, it clearly appears that they were all in- 
 deed blessed with most, invaluable blessings. 
 
 Y. 29, 30. Jacob charged all his sons in this matter, as 
 he had done Joseph before. One design seems to have been, 
 to draw off their thoughts from Egypt, to weaken their 
 attachment to that country, and to lead them to fix their 
 hearts upon Canaan, as their promised inheritance. 
 
 V. 31. By burying Leah, and wishing to be buried him- 
 self, not where his beloved Rachel lay, but where Abraham 
 and Isaac lay, Jacob expressed his faith in the God of 
 Abraham ami Isaac, and his desire of having his portion 
 with them beyond the grave. (Notes, 23:) Of Leah’s death 
 and burial, nothing further is recorded. 
 
 V. 33. Thus Jacob, having been enabled to finish all for 
 which he wished to live, lay down and died with the utmost 
 serenity and composure. 
 
 PRYCTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. The gracious consolations and aids of the Holy 
 Spirit, can make men forget pain, raise them above the feel- 
 ing o r an exhausted frame, and enablo them to speak on a 
 death-bed, with pleasure to themselves and profit to others. 
 But views into futurity, except as they respect the felicity of 
 heaven, would afford us little satisfaction. Had not Jacob 
 looked forward to the coming of Shiloh, and “ waited for his 
 salvation,” he could have rejoiced but little in these propheti- 
 cal benedictions of his family, with respect merely to this 
 ( 108.) 
 
 31 There ithey buried Abraham and Satah his 
 wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his 
 wife : and there I buried Leah. 
 
 32 The purchase of the field, and of the cave 
 that is therein, was from the children of Heth. 
 
 33 And when Jacob had “made an end of com- 
 manding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the 
 bed, ’and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered 
 unto his people. 
 
 CHAPTER L. 
 
 Jacob mourned for, and embalmed , 1—3. Joseph requests Pharaoh that he may 
 go and bury his father, and obtains leave, 4— 6. Jacob is buried in Mach- 
 pelah,! — 13. Jos'uh mid his brethren return to Egi/pt ; their surjricious 
 fears of him ; and his kindness to them, 14—21. Joseph's age, posterity, 
 prophecy , and charge concerning his bones ; his death and interment , “22 — 26. 
 
 A ND Joseph “fell upon his father’s face, and 
 b wept upon him, and kissed him. 
 
 o 47:30. 2Sam. 19:37. p 23:16— 20. 50:13. Acls7:16. q 23:19. 25:9. 35:29. 
 
 r 50:24— 26. Josh. 24:27— 29. Heb. 11:22. s 25:8,17. 35:29. Job 5:26. 30:23. Luke 
 2:29. Heb. 11:13— 16. a 46:4. b 33:3. 2 Kina 13:14. Mark 5.38,39. John 11: 
 35,38. Acts 8:2. 1 Thee. 4:13. 
 
 present world : so vain is the best state of earthly bliss ! — 
 Whatever therefore tends to draw off our affections from 
 things below, and raise them to things above ; whatever 
 tends to cement our union with the people of God, and to 
 disunite us from the world, must be good for us. And such 
 in general is the tendency of the admonitions, and even 
 rebukes, of pious parents, especially at the close of life, and 
 when mixed with prayers for their children’s welfare. — Sins 
 long since committed, if not washed away in the blood of 
 Christ, will at last rise up against us to our condemnation : 
 and, even when repented of and pardoned, we may be re- 
 minded of them, by the correction of our merciful Father, 
 the rebukes of kind friends, and the upbraidings of unkind 
 enemies ; and in many ways be made to bear the reproach, 
 and to “ possess the iniquities of our youth,” in our circum- 
 stances, constitutions, and reputations. W e should therefore 
 remember them for our humiliation, and that we may bear 
 such rebukes with patience and meekness : for if our viola- 
 tions of the divine law do not exclude us from heaven, we 
 shall have great cause for thankfulness ; and if we be truly 
 penitent, our very sufferings will be converted into blessings 
 to ourselves and others. — Those who are of eminence in the 
 profession of religion, should be peculiarly steadfast in protest- 
 ing against the wickedness of other professors ; and in wiping 
 away every suspicion of conniving at their sins, though it 
 should leave infamy upon their nearest relations : for it is far 
 better that they should bear the reproach, than that it should 
 rest upon the gospel. — Revenge or sensual pleasure may be 
 sweet at the time, but will leave a lasting sting behind: such 
 men as are unstable, insolent, and arrogant will never be 
 eminent either in the world or in the church ; and they who 
 are self-willed, commonly make themselves and others mise- 
 rable. 
 
 V. 8 — 33. In severely animadverting on the sins of atro- 
 cious criminals, we must take care neither to condemn whole 
 families or collective bodies indiscriminately, nor to magnify 
 every offence into a crime of deep malignity. Notwith- 
 standing defects, some persons merit our commendation: 
 and though all are not of the same disposition or alike pros- 
 perous, God dispensing to men variously as he plcasos ; yet 
 he blesses all with many unmerited mercies, and especially 
 those who live under his ordinances, and enjoy the means of 
 grace. — But praise is chiefly due to him who sprang from 
 Judah, in whom the most opposite excellencies harmonize. 
 As “ the Lion of the tribe of Judah,” he will terribly avenge 
 upon his enemies his slighted love; and, as “the Lamb of 
 God,” “by the sacrifice of himself” “ho taketh away the 
 sin of the world.” He stretches forth his sceptre of grace 
 from the mercy-seat, and invites us perishing sinners to draw 
 near, and accept of his salvation, that we may not feel the 
 stroke of his iron rod: and “if his wrath be kindled, yea, 
 but a little, blessed are all. they who trust in him.” Assu- 
 redly, the Messenger of Peace is come, and unbelieving 
 Jews without sceptre or governor are his unwilling witnesses. 
 But may they and the fulness of the Gentiles be gathered 
 unto him, and with us enjoy blessings, incomparably uettcr 
 than the richest fruit of the vine and the cornfield, and all 
 royal dainties ; than treasures dug from mines, gained by 
 commerce, or seized by conquest; blessings more firmly 
 secured than the foundations of the hills, and more durable 
 than creation itself; even everlasting felicity. With the 
 earnests of this happiness comforting our hearts, “his yoke 
 will be easy and his burden light;” nor will the hardest ser- 
 vice, or the heaviest tribute, which he imposes, prevent our 
 finding rest for our souls ; his grace will be sufficient for us ; 
 so that we shall conquer our most powerful, and supplant our 
 most subtle foes. We may indeed be grieved and galled by 
 the arrows of temptation and slander, but “ no weapon formed 
 against us shall prosper, and every tongue that ariseth against 
 us in judgment, we shall condemn ;” because Jacob’s God 
 will be on our side. — Under the caro of the Shepherd of 
 Israel, we shall lark nothing; built upon ’he Rock of salva- 
 tion, we shall abide immoveable, until oe ■ work be finished ; 
 and then, breathing out our souls into I s han Is, for whose 
 
B. C. 16S3. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 B. C. 1688 
 
 2 And Joseph commanded his servants the 
 uhysicians to embalm his father : and the physi- 
 cians 'embalmed Israel. 
 
 3 And forty days were fulfilled for him, (for so 
 are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed;) 
 and the Egyptians "mourned for him d threescore 
 and ten days. 
 
 4 And when ‘the days of his mourning were 
 past, (Joseph spake unto the house of Pharaoh, 
 saying, If now I have found grace in your 
 eyes, speak, I pray you, in the ears of Pharaoh, 
 saying, 
 
 5 My father emade me swear, saying, h Lo, I 
 die : in my grave which 'I have digged for me in 
 the land of Canaan, there shalt thou k bury me. 
 Now therefore 'let me go up, I pray thee, and bury 
 my father, and I will come again. 
 
 6 And Pharaoh said, Go up, and bury thy father, 
 according as he made thee swear. 
 
 7 And Joseph went up to bury his father : m and 
 with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, 
 the elders of his house, and all the elders of the 
 land of Egypt. 
 
 8 And all the house of Joseph and his brethren^ 
 and his father’s house : "only their little ones, -ana 
 their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land 
 of Goshen. 
 
 9 And there went up with him both "cha- 
 riots and horsemen : and it was a very great com- 
 pany. 
 
 10 And they came to the threshing floor of Atad, 
 which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned 
 with a great and very sore lamentation : and he 
 made a mourning for his father ('seven days. 
 
 c 26. 2 Chr. 16:14. Matt. 23:12. Luke 24:1. John 19:39,40. * Heb. wept. 
 
 d Num. 20:29. Dent. 34:9. e 10. f Esth. 4 2. g 47: 29— 31 . h 24. 48:21 . Dent. 
 4:22. 1 Sam. 14:43. i2( hr. 16:14. Is. 22:16. Matt. 27:60. k 3:19. Job 30:23. 
 Ec. 12:7. I Malt. 8:21,22. Luke 9:59,60. in 14:16. n Ex. 10:8,9. Num. 32: 
 24—27. o 41:43. 46:29. Ex. 14:7,17.28. 2 Kings 18.24. Cant. 1:9. p 4. 1 Sam. 
 31:13. Job 2:13. q 10:15 — 19. 13:7.24:5. 34:30. f That is, The mourning of the 
 
 salvation we have waited, we shall depart in peace, and leave 
 a blessing on our children after us. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. L. V.2, 3. The Egyptians were emi- 
 nent for the art of preserving dead bodies from putrefaction, 
 by the skilful use of spices and drugs. Several of these 
 bodies remain to this day, and are called Eg} r ptian mum- 
 mies, being preserved as great curiosities ; and some of them 
 have probably continued in this state above 2000 years. — The 
 same persons, who were consulted as physicians for the liv- 
 ing, embalmed the dead bodies ; and at least forty days were 
 requisite to complete the process. These physicians were 
 generally retained as servants in the courts of princes, and 
 in the families of great men; and Joseph, in his high station, 
 had several of them in his household. As therefore the cus- 
 tom was not sinful, and as in the case of Jacob’s body, which 
 was to be buried at a distance, it was very expedient ; Joseph 
 complied with it on this occasion : and for similar reasons 
 the survivors afterwards embalmed his body. (26.) 
 
 V. 4. The days of public mourning, or, as we should say, 
 court-mourning, were past ; but the mourning of Joseph and 
 his brethren could not be supposed to terminate till after the. 
 funeral, (10.) — Perhaps it was not^allowed to come into the 
 presence of the king in mourning: (Note, Esth. 4:2.) or 
 Joseph wished to make his request to Pharaoh with all the 
 modesty and decorum possible ; and, in sending his message 
 by the courtiers, he at once showed his respect to him and 
 to them. 
 
 V. 5. Joseph did not choose to appear weary of applica- 
 tion to business, or negligent of the interests of Egypt and of 
 Pharaoh, in thus requesting leave of absence : he was there- 
 fore careful to represent the matter, not so much as his own 
 inclination, as the dying request of his father, who was so 
 earnest in it, that he laid him under the solemn obligation of 
 nn oath, to bury him in Canaan. — The cave at Machpelah 
 seems to have been large, with many separate burying places in 
 it ; so that Jacob, in addition to those before prepared, had pre- 
 viously formed one for the reception of his body at his decease. 
 
 V. 6. The king would not have Joseph violate an oath 
 for his sake. — ‘Such heathen kings will rise up in judgment 
 against those Christian princes who make a jest of their 
 oaths.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Perhaps it would be difficult to find any funeral, 
 either in ancient or modern times, more distinguished by the 
 numerous attendance of great and eminent persons than this 
 of Jacob: yet he was neither monarch, nor conqueror, nor 
 lawgiver ; but a plain shepherd to the end of his days !— As 
 tnis distinguished honour was conferred on Jacob, principally 
 for the sake of his son, it shows in what esteem Joseph was 
 held in Egypf : and serves to prove that, whatever modern 
 adversaries may say of his conduct, he was considered at the 
 cure as the great benefactor and deliverer of the country. 
 
 11 And when the inhabitants of the land, *Jthe 
 Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, 
 they said, This is a grievous mourning to the 
 Egyptians ; wherefore the name of it was called 
 tAbel- mizraim, which is ‘beyond Jordan. 
 
 12 And his sons did unto him “according as he 
 commanded them. 
 
 13 For his sons carried him into the land of 
 Canaan, and buried him in ‘the cave of the field 
 of Machpelah ; which Abraham bought with the 
 field for a possession of a burying place, ofEphron 
 the Hittite, before Mamre. 
 
 14 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he and his 
 brethren, and all that went up with him to bury 
 his father, after he had buried his father. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 15 IF And when Joseph’s brethren saw that 
 “their father was dead, they said, x Joseph win 
 peradventure hate us, and will certainly requite 
 us all the evil which we did unto him. 
 
 16 And they (sent a messenger unto Joseph, 
 saying, Thy lather did command before he died, 
 saying, 
 
 17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, ^Forgive, I 
 pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and 
 their sin ; for “they did unto thee evil : and now 
 we pray thee forgive the trespass of the "servants 
 of the God of thy father. And Joseph b wept 
 when they spake unto him. 
 
 18 And his brethren also went and "fell down 
 before his face : and they said, Behold, we be thy 
 servants. 
 
 19 And Joseph said unto them, d Fearnot: ‘for 
 am I in the place of God ? 
 
 Egyptians . r Dent. 3:25,27. 11:30. s 47:29— 31. 49:23— 32. Acts 7:16. t23; 
 16 — 18. 2 Kings 21: 18. u 27:41.42. *42:17. I,ev. 26:36. J Heb. charged. 
 
 v Malt. 6:12, 14, 15. 18:35. Luke 17:3,4. Eph. 4:32. Col. 3:13. 7.20. Job 33:27, 
 28. Frov. 28:13. Jam. 5:16. a 31:42. 49:25. Matt. 25:4(1. Fliilem. fr-20. b 42:21 
 —24.45:4,5,8. c 37:7— 11. d Mott. 14:27. Luke24:37, 38. e 30:2. Deut. 32:35. 
 Job 34:29. Bom. 12:19. Heb. 10:30. 
 
 V. 10, 11. Moses wrote or revised his history on the east 
 side of Jordan ; and therefore in his five books, beyond Jordan 
 means west-ward of Jordan : in other parts of Scripture it 
 generally means east-ward. — During seven days Jacob’s sons 
 performed solemn funeral obsequies, as it seems, before they 
 came to the cave of Machpelah ; perhaps because the 
 place which they chose was more convenient for the encamp- 
 ment of so large a company. The inhabitants of Canaan 
 naturally called them all Egyptians, as coming out 
 Egypt ; though some of them must know to whom the sepul- 
 chre belonged. 
 
 Y. 14. Various motives concurred to induce the descend- 
 ants of Jacob to continue in Egypt, notwithstanding Abra- 
 ham’s prophetical vision of their bondage there. Some might 
 forget it, or disregard it if remembered ; others might submit, 
 and not deem themselves allowed to move without command 
 from God; while fear, interest, love of ease and plenty, and 
 similar inducements, would concur in detaining them, and 
 effecting the purpose of God. At this time, however, Joseph 
 had engaged to return ; he could not have done otherwise 
 without the greatest impropriety and ingratitude; and both 
 he and his brethren had left their families and possessions in 
 Egypt, to which they must return. (Ex. 10:9 — 11,24.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. Joseph’s brethren perhaps supposed that ten- 
 derness to Jacob had hitherto restrained him from inflicting 
 punishment on them, which they were conscious they had 
 merited : and judging of him from the general temper of hu- 
 man nature, they apprehended that he would now avenge 
 himself on them ; and, not being able to resist or flee away, 
 they attempted to soften him by entreaties. A deep convic- 
 tion of their criminality, in their conduct to him, rendered 
 them unreasonably suspicious; but their fears and submis- 
 sions were calculated still more to humble and soften them, 
 as well as to accomplish the purposes of God. — They first 
 sent messengers to Joseph ; but afterwards they were en- 
 couraged to go in person. They did not say, “owr father,” 
 but more pathetically, u thy father.” They urged the dying 
 words of Jacob, who doubtless had given them some injunc- 
 tion to this purpose, that he might render them more deeply 
 sensible of their guilt ; and they pleaded with Joseph for par- 
 don, in the character of the servants of Jacob’s God. This 
 shows with what care and prudence they had concerted the 
 business ; and we need not wonder that Joseph was greatly 
 affected, at witnessing this most exact accomplishment ol 
 his dreams. 
 
 V. 19. It belongs to God to execute vengeance, and 
 Joseph did not intend to usurp his prerogative. Thus he in- 
 structed his brethren not to fear him, but to fear God, to 
 humble themselves before God, and to seek his forgiveness. 
 
 Y. 20. Joseph’s brethren, in selling him to the Ishmaelites, 
 had acted with extreme malice and wickedness ; and they 
 
 ( m ) 
 
B. C 1634. GENESIS. B. C. 1634. 
 
 20 But as for you, f ye thought evil against 
 me ; but sGotl , meant it unto good, to bring 
 to pass, as it is this day, to save much people 
 alive. 
 
 21 Now therefore fear ye not: h I will nourish 
 you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, 
 and spake 'kindly unto them. 
 
 22 *11 And Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he, and his 
 father's house : and Joseph lived a hundred and 
 ten years. 
 
 23 And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children, of the 
 third generation : ‘the children also of Machir, 
 
 f 37:4,18 — 20. g 45:5-8. Pa. 76:10. 195:16,17. Is. 10:7. Acts 2:23. 3:13— 15, 
 26. Rom. 8:23. it 45:10,11. 47:12. Mali .5:44. Rom. 12:20,21. • Heb. torteir 
 hearts. 34:3. Is. 40:2. marg. i Num. 32:33. Josh. 17:1. Job 42:16. Ps. 128:6. 
 
 intended that lie should live and die a destitute slave. But 
 God, in permitting it, “ meant it unto good" to Joseph, to 
 Jacob, to his brethren, to their families, to Egypt, to Canaan, 
 and to the neighbouring nations ; nor can we number up all 
 the important purposes answered by it to the church and to 
 the world ; or calculate how many important events depended 
 on it, through all succeeding generations. — The same is ob- 
 servable in many other instances in Scripture ; and we can- 
 not possibly account for the dispensations of Providence, 
 without admitting that God leaves evil men and evil spirits 
 to themselves to commit wickedness, as far as he intends to 
 overrule it for good, but no further. They are influenced 
 only by a desire of gratifying their own wicked and hateful 
 passions, and are therefore justly condemned ; but He, in 
 omniscience and infinite wisdom, purposing most extensive 
 and durable good, is on that very account worthy of all ado- 
 ration and praise. 
 
 V. 22. A hundred and ten years.] Joseph survived 
 Jacob about fifty-four years, and probably continued in au- 
 thority to the last. 
 
 V. 23. Upon Joseph's knees.] Thus he expressed his 
 affection, and the pleasure which he took in them. 
 
 V. 24—26. “By faith Joseph, when he died, made men- 
 tion of the departing of the children of Israel ; and gave com- 
 mandment concerning his bones.” He fully expected that 
 the promise of God would be verified, and desired to have 
 his lot beyond the grave with the Israelites, and not with the 
 Egyptians. It is probable that he required, not only his 
 brethren, but the chief persons in their several families, to 
 take this oath: yet he did not order his body to be carried 
 directly to Canaan for burial, but to remain in Egypt until 
 God should visit them. It was therefore embalmed, and 
 kept in a coffin in Egyptj most likely by the Israelites ; and 
 this circumstance would keep alive the expectation of a 
 speedy departure from Egypt, and preserve Canaan con- 
 tinually in their mind. It would also tend to attach Joseph’s 
 posterity to their brethren, and to prevent them from incor- 
 porating with the Egyptians.— It is not expressly said, how 
 long each of the other sons of Jacob lived, or where they 
 were buried ; but it is generally thought that their bones 
 likewise were carried to.Canaan by the Israelites. (iVbte, 
 Acts 7:15,16.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. Though our pious friends have lived to a good 
 old age, and we are confident that they are gone to glory, 
 we may well regret our own loss, and should pay respect to 
 their memory by lamenting for them: for grace does not de- 
 ftroy natural affection ; but purifies, moderates, and regulates 
 all our passions. — Others, besides relatives, have cause to 
 
 the son of Manasseh, were 'brought up upon 
 k Joseph’s knees. 
 
 24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die : 
 and God will surely 'visit you, and bring m you out 
 of this land, unto the land which he sware to 
 Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 
 
 25 And Joseph "took an oath of the children of 
 Israel, saying, God will surely visit you, “and ye 
 shall carry up my bones from hence. 
 
 26 So Joseph died, t being a hundred and ten 
 years old : and 2 they embalmed him, and he was 
 put in a coffin in Egypt. 
 
 t Heb. bum. k 30:3. 121:1. Ex. 4:31. m. 15:14— 16. 26:3. 35:12. 46:4. Ex 
 3:16,17. n 47:29— 31. o Ex. 13:19. Josh. 24:32. A«s 7:16. Heb. lt:22. p23 
 47:9,28. Josh. 24:29. q 3. 
 
 mourn the death of eminent believers: for as their prayers, 
 example, and influence were a public benefit, so is their death 
 a public loss. But alas ! such mournings in general are a 
 mere compliment ; and men are scarcely in earnest about any 
 thing, but the pursuits of ambition, wealth, or pleasure. — The 
 attention paid to the dead, though commonly the effect of 
 custom or superstition, should result from faith in the doctrine 
 of the immortality of the soul, and the resurrection of the 
 body. Our deceased friends still live, and we shall meet 
 ag:ain ; though separated from the body, a reunion shall cer- 
 tainly take place. Therefore we commit the body, with de- 
 cent respect, unto the ground, 1 in sure and certain hope of 
 the resurrection to eternal life’ of all true believers ; and what- 
 ever our hopes or fears may be, God is the only infallible 
 Judge who are, and who are not, true believers. — We ought 
 scrupulously to observe the last will and dying requests of 
 our deceased friends ; and much more should we most reli- 
 giously reverence the oath of God. But, in the most exact 
 attention to necessary affairs, we should consult in what man- 
 ner to do them ; that we may give as little umbrage as pos- 
 sible, and interfere with other duties no more than can be 
 avoided. 
 
 V. 15 — 26. “ There are many devices in the heart of 
 man, but the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand :” and 
 while men are often influenced by the worst of motives, God, 
 by means of them, effects his own most righteous purposes. — 
 How guilt dismays the heart in times of danger ! It would 
 however be well if it excited us to as diligent and humble 
 endeavours to obtain forgiveness from God, as it often does 
 to appease the displeasure of man, and to avert temporal ca- 
 lamities. — True religion will teach us, not only to forgive those 
 who are conscious of having injured us, and whom we have 
 in our power ; but effectually, by kind actions as well as 
 words, to obviate their fears, assure them of our forgiveness, 
 and exhort them to seek pardon from him to whom ven- 
 geance belongs. — But the kindest friends, and the most du- 
 rable of our earthly comforts must die : let us then look off 
 even from Joseph, that we may lo k unto Jesus, who ever 
 liveth to bless those who trust in him. Notwithstanding for- 
 mer crimes, and present unbelieving injurious suspicions, he 
 acknowledges for his brother every humble sinner who sup- 
 plicates his mercy; and as such he will comfort his heart, 
 provide for his wants, and receive him to glory. Let us then 
 seek his favour, rely on his mercy, and submit to his will: 
 and when we come to die, give him charge of both soul and 
 body: so shall we find him faithful and “able to keep that 
 which we have committed to him,” until the great decisive 
 day, so that “ when Christ, who is our Life, shall appear, 
 we shall also appear with him in glory.” 
 
 < 110 ) 
 
THE SECOND BOOK OF MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 IN the Hebrew Bible this book is called Shemoth, or, Names , from the clause (mottf nSfO) with which it begins : but the trans- 
 lators of the Old Testament, into that Greek Version called the Septuagint, entitled it Exodus, or The Departure : because the 
 departure of Israel out of Egypt is the grand subject recorded in it. A general view is indeed given of the circumstances of tha 
 Israe.ites In Egypt, from the death of Joseph to that event, which took place about a hundred and forty -four years after : but the 
 sacred historian dwells very fully on all the particulars which made way for this grand catastrophe, and which attended or imme- 
 diately followed it. The subject is introduced by Moses with an account of his own parentage, birth, perilous exposure, mar- 
 vellous preservation, education in Pharaoh’s court, espousing the cause of his enslaved brethren, fleeing into Midian, living there 
 as a shepherd, and at length being exoressly commissioned and instructed by Jehovah, to lead Israel out of Egypt. He then re- 
 cords the miraculous plagues, by which proud Pharaoh was compelled to liberate the enslaved Israelites, and the manner in which 
 the Red Sea was divided, and they were led through it as on dry land ; while Pharaoh and his army were overwhelmed by its 
 waters, and perished. We are next informed how Jehovah miraculously conducted his people in the wilderness, notwithstand- 
 ing their murm tilings and rebellions ; and how he spake the moral law to them from the fiery summit of Sinai, and delivered many 
 parts of the judicial and ceremonial law to Moses : entered into covenant with the nation, appointed the Aaronic priesthood, com- 
 manded the erection of a Tabernacle, and instituted his worship among them ; notwithstanding the interruption of these gracious 
 plans, by the idolatry of the golden calf. — It is worthy of peculiar notice that the events recorded in this book are constantly re- 
 ferred to both in the Old and New Testament, as matters of undoubted certainty and notoriety, and with many express quotations 
 from it, both by the sacred historians, in the Psalms, by the prophets, and by our Lord and his apostles: and this, in such lan- 
 guage as implies most evidently, not only that they regarded thrs narrative as the genuine work of “ Moses, the servant of the 
 Lord,” but as divinely inspired ; so that the miracles recorded are constantly referred to, as actually wrought by a divine power, 
 to prove the laws promulgated and the doctrines established, to be the oracles of God himself. The Reader, by consulting the 
 marginal references, may easily satisfy himself that this remark is well grounded. — This book likewise contains some prophecies, 
 which were fulfilled before or soon after the death of Moses, and also others which were verified in after ages: especially that 
 which is given in these words, “ Neither shall any man desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear before the LORD thy 
 God, thrice every year which the whole history shows to have been exacrly accomplished. (Note, 34:24.) Indeed the Types 
 with which it abounds more than any book in Scripture were real prophecies ; the exact accomplishment of which, after 1490 years 
 in the great Antitype, is a divine attestation that this book was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. — Learned men hav« 
 also sufficiently shown, that many of those fables with which ancient profane history uniformly begins, were nothing more than 
 distorted traditions of those events which Moses plainly relates, blended with various imaginations suited to the corrupt taste of 
 mankind ; and that Pagan writers had heard some reports of the transactions, of which we have here an authentic history. — Having 
 therefore so firm ground for our confidence, that the narrative before us is the infallible word of God ; let us read it with reverence 
 and attention, and we shall find it replete with most important instruction, as to the real nature and effect of true religion. 
 
 B. C. 1634. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The names of Jacob's sons, t — 5. The death of that generation, and the vast 
 increase of ’heir posterity , 6, 7. The politic, but vain attempts of the king 
 of Egypt to check their increase , 8—14. Jiis cruel orders to the midwives , 
 and their pious disobedience accepted by the Lord , 15—21. Pharaoh com- 
 mands his subjects to destroy the male infants , 22. 
 
 N OW “these are the names of the children of 
 Israel, which came into Egypt, every man 
 and his household came with Jacob. 
 
 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 
 
 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 
 
 4 Dan, and Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. 
 
 5 And all the souls that came out of the 'loins 
 a f Jacob, were b seventy souls : for Joseph was in 
 Egypt already. 
 
 6 And “Joseph died, and all his brethren, and 
 all that generation. 
 
 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful, and 
 
 a 6:14— 16. Gen. 29:32-35. 30:1— 21. 35:18,23-26. 46:8— 26. 49:3-27. 1 Chr. 
 2:1,2. Rev. 7:4 — 8. * I-Ieb. thigh. Gen. 46:26. Judg. 8:30. marg. b Gen. 46: 
 25,27. Deut. 10:22. c Gen. 50:26. Acts 7:14—16. d Gen. 1:20,28 . 9:1. 12:2. 13: 
 16. 15:5. 17:16. 22:17. 26:4. 28:14. 35:11. 46:3. Deut. 26:5. e Ec. 2:18,19. 9: 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. I. V. 5. Notes , Gen. 46:27. Acts 7:14. 
 
 V. 7. The energetic expressions of this verse, being va- 
 ried and accumulated, and some of them taken from the im- 
 mensely rapid increase of insects, and of fishes, or other 
 aquatic animals, are admirably suited to excite the reader’s 
 attention to the unparalleled multiplication of the Israelites 
 in Egypt, according to the repeated promises of God to their 
 ancestors ; and also to show that they were as remarkably 
 strong and healthy. It is computed, that the number of the 
 Israelites was doubled every fourteen years, from the going 
 down of Jacob and his family into Egypt, until the Exodus 
 Thus their multitude and power became so great, that they 
 became very formidable to the Egyptians. 
 
 V. 8. This must have been some years after Joseph’s 
 death, perhaps not less than sixty. Whether this king sprang 
 from another family, or was a descendant of Joseph’s patron, 
 is not certain ; but having no personal knowledge of Joseph, 
 he had no regard to his memory, esteem for his excellency, 
 or sense of the benefits which Egypt had received from him : 
 and therefore he preferred his own supposed political in- 
 terests to the claims of honour and gratitude, after the 
 too general maxims of kings and rulers. 
 
 V. 9, 10. Pharaoh took occasion, from the great increase 
 of the Israelites, compared with that of the Egyptians, to ex- 
 cite suspicions of them in his subjects, and thus to cover his 
 intentions of enslaving them. As if he had said, 4 In order 
 to keep them under, let us begin without delay, or they will 
 Decome too powerful.’ — For when he afterwards expressed 
 his apprehension lest they should 14 get them up out of the 
 
 B. C. 1 588. 
 
 increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed 
 exceeding mighty ; and the land was filled with 
 
 them. [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 8 11 Now there arose up e a, new king over 
 Egypt, which knew not Joseph. 
 
 9 And he said unto his people, Behold, 1 the 
 people of the children of Israel are more and 
 mightier than we. 
 
 10 sCome on, let us deal h wisely with them: 
 lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that when 
 there falleth out any war, they join also unto our 
 enemies and fight against us, and so get them up 
 out of the land. • 
 
 1 1 Therefore they did set over them task-masters, 
 ’to afflict them Avith their k burdens. And they built 
 for Pharaoh treasure-cities, Pithom and ‘Raamses. 
 
 12 f But the more they afflicted them, the more 
 
 15. Ac.s 7:18. fPs. 105:24,25. Prov.l4:28. g Pa. 10:2. 83:3,4. Prov. 1:11. 
 h Job 5:13. Prov. 16:25. 21:30. Acts 7:19. 1 Cor. 3:18— 20. Jam. 3:15—18. i 3: 
 7. Gen. 15:13. Deut. 26:6. k 2:11. 5:4,5. Pa 81:6. lGen. 47:11. ) Heb .And 
 as they afflicted them, so they multiplied. 
 
 land,” ho discovered, that he feared .nothing but missing his 
 opportunity of subjugating them, and of enriching himself by 
 their labours.— He had probably heard, that the Israelites 
 sometimes spokeof an approaching season, when they should 
 leave Egypt, to take possession of their promised inheritance ; 
 and this would the more excite his fear of losing such a num- 
 ber of useful subjects.- — There are several intimations tn 
 Scripture, that the Israelites generally conformed to the ido- 
 latry of the Egyptians, for which they were thus chastised 
 by {hem. (Josh. 24:14. Ez. 20:7,8. 23:8.) 
 
 V. 11. Various labours seem to have been exacted of the 
 Israelites, as a kind of tax, but in a degree which reduced 
 them to slavery ; and the task-masters were Egyptians, ap- 
 pointed over them by public authority, to enforce these ini- 
 quitous exactions. — By this policy the Egyptians seem to 
 have intended not only to enrich themselves, but to break the 
 spirits of the Israelites, that they might not affect liberty, or 
 aspire after dominion : and also to prevent their too rapid in- 
 crease, by imbittering domestic life. — The cities which they 
 budded, were either intended (after the pattern which Joseph 
 had set them) for granaries to lay up corn in store against a 
 year of scarcity ; or they were fortified places. They, were 
 however useful works, and as Israel’s toil saved both the la- 
 bour and the purses of the Egyptians, we may be sure these 
 would favour the oppression. 
 
 V. 12. It exceedingly chagrined the Egyptians to find 
 their schemes prove abortive ; and excited alarms in their 
 minds, lest in process of time the Israelites should resent and 
 revenge the inhuman treatment which they had received 
 
 ( 111 ) 
 
8. C. 1576. EXODUS. B. C. 1573 
 
 they multiplied and crew. And they were ""grieved 
 because of the children of Israel. 
 
 13 And the Egyptians made the children of 
 Israel to serve with rigour. 
 
 14 And they made "their lives bitter with 
 hard bondage, °in mortar, and in brick, and 
 in all manner of service in the field ; all their 
 service wherein they made them serve, p was with 
 rigour. 
 
 15 U And the king of Egypt spake to the He- 
 brew midwives, (of which the name of one was 
 Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah :) 
 
 16 And he said, When ye do the office of a 
 midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon 
 the stools ; if it he a son, 4then ye shall kill him, 
 but if it be a daughter, then she shall live. 
 
 17 But the midwives "feared God, and did not 
 as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved 
 the men-children alive. 
 
 18 And the king of Egypt called for the mid- 
 wives, and said unto them, s Why have ye done 
 
 m Job 5:2. Prov.27:4. John 12:19. Acts 4:2 — 4. 5:28 — 33. n 2:23. 6:9. Num. 
 20:15. Dent. 4:20. Ruth 1:20. ol's. 68:13. Natl. 3:14. p 13. 5:7—21. Lev. 25: 
 43,46,53. Is. 14:6. 51:23. 52:5. 58:6. Jer. 50:33,34. Mic. 3:3. q 22. Rev. 12:4. 
 r Gen. 20:11. 42:18. Neh. 5:15. Prov. 16:6. Dan. 3:16— 18. 6:13. Hoa.5:ll. 
 
 Thus Egypt’s persecution could not prevent Israel’s increase, 
 but Israel’s increase could disturb Egypt’s comfort ; for such 
 is the warfare between the Seed of the woman and the seed 
 of the serpent. 
 
 V. 14. In the field.] That is, in cultivating the ground, 
 digging trenches to convey the waters of the Nile, carrying 
 out the dung to manure the land, and other mean and labo- 
 rious services. — The Egyptians treated the Israelites with 
 rigour, both in the excess of their labours, and the severity of 
 their punishments. — Many have supposed that, besides the 
 useful works here mentioned, the Israelites were employed 
 in building those enormous piles called the pyramids, which 
 remain to this day, and probably will continue till the end of 
 the world; monuments, not so much of the greatness and 
 wisdom, as of the folly, caprice, exorbitant power, and cruel 
 tyranny, of the monarchs who projected them. It cannot in- 
 deed be denied, that the skill by which they were planned 
 equals the vastness of the labour with which they were com- 
 pleted ; but then, it is evident that they never could be use- 
 ful, in any degree adequate to the toil and expense with 
 which they were erected. The supposition, however, is en- 
 tirely groundless : for the Israelites were employed in making 
 bricks , while it is well known that the pyramids were built of 
 hewn stone. — But whatever were the works in which the 
 Israelites were compelled to serve, the Egyptians could give 
 as good reasons for thus cruelly oppressing them, as any at 
 this day can urge in favour of the detestable slave-trade : for 
 all the arguments adduced on the subject, when fairly 
 weighed, mean nothing more than that, without this oppres- 
 sion, men could not amass so large estates, nor gratify their 
 sensual appetites with such refined excess. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. These midvvives, who feared God, seem to 
 have been Hebrew women, and not Egyptians, appointed to 
 this office, as some have conjectured. — Pharaoh might think 
 that he could awe or bribe them into compliance, even to so 
 inhuman and treacherous a conduct towards their own na- 
 tion: for princes are not often refused in such cases. We 
 may consider these two as the chief of the midwives, whose 
 conduct would influence that of the others ; for there must 
 have been many more. — Pharaoh and his servants did not 
 fear female slaves, however numerous, but accounted them 
 their riches. 
 
 V. 19. Through the peculiar blessing of God, we may 
 suppose, that this was generally the case ; yet not so but that 
 the midwives might have had many opportunities of mur- 
 dering the infants, had they been so disposed.— Provided we 
 do not speak falsehood, the strictest veracity does not at all 
 times require us to speak all that we know, though our silence 
 should lead men into error; provided such error be no injury 
 to them, or to others: and silence must still more evidently 
 be allowable, when it prevents the commission of sin. — When, 
 however, a measure of infirmity or error undesignedly at- 
 tends the conduct of those who uprightly fear God, and aim 
 to do his will; he graciously pardons what is defective, and 
 recompenses what is good: lor in this case there is no inten- 
 tion of “doing evil that good may come.” 
 
 V. 21. God rewarded the midwives, for their concurrence 
 in the ine'ease and prosperity of Israel, by the increase and 
 prosperity of their own families. 
 
 V. 22. Probably Pharaoh proposed considerable rewards 
 for these services. — Thus the land would be filled with mer- 
 cenary informers and murderers : numbers of infants would 
 doubtless be slain in the arms and before the eyes of their 
 distressed and almost distracted mothers ; and had not he 
 who says to the swelling ocean, “ Hitherto shalt thou go and 
 no further,” undertaken lor the increaso of Israel, they must 
 have been desolated. — Pharaoh at this time, (as Herod did 
 tong after,) proved his relation to that great dragon, who 
 ( 112 ) 
 
 this thing, and have saved the men-children 
 alive ? 
 
 19 And the midwives ‘said unto Pharaoh, 
 Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyp- 
 tian women : for they are lively, and are delivered 
 ere the midwives come in unto them. 
 
 20 Therefore "God dealt well with the midwives: 
 and the people multiplied and waxed very mighty. 
 
 21 And it came to pass, because the midvvives 
 feared God, that he x made them houses. 
 
 22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, 
 yEvery son that is born ye shall cast into the river, 
 and every daughter ye shall save alive. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Moses is born, and exposed in an ark among the flags, li — 4. He is found by 
 Pharaoh's daughter , 5, 6 ; who employs his own mother to nurse him , and 
 brings him up as her son, 7 — 10. He visits his brethren, slays an Egyptian 
 who had injured one of them, arid flees into Midian, 11 — 15. The priest of 
 Midian en'ertains him , and gives him his daughter, of whom Gershom is 
 bom , 16 — 22. The king of Egypt dies , and the Lord regards the cry of the 
 Israelites, 23 — 25. 
 
 A ND there went a man a of the house of Levi, 
 and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 
 
 Mic. 6:16. Matt. 10:28. Acts 4:19. 5:29. sEc.8:4. tJosh.2:4. 2Sam. 17:19, 
 20. u I*b. 41:1,2. Prov. 11:18. Ec. 8:12. Is. 3:10. Heb. 6:10. xlSam.2<35. 
 
 2Sam. 7:11— 13,27— 29. 1 Kings 2:24. 11 :38. Ps. 127:1. y 7:19— 21. AcU 7:19. 
 Rev. 16:4— 6. a6:16— 20. Num.26:o9. 2Cbr.6:l— 3. 23:2—11. 
 
 sought to destroy the man-child as soon as it was born. 
 (Rev. 12:4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. The very titles of these first two books in the 
 Bible remind us, that the history of man is little more than 
 a narrative of his beginning, and of his departure. Thus 
 one generation is swept away after another, and nothing re- 
 mains except the names of a very few, and some of them 
 covered with infamy! Happy they whose names are writ- 
 ten in the book of life, and enrolled the>e as true Israelites 
 and heirs of Heaven ! — How soon may the sun of prosperity 
 be darkened by the deepest cloud of adversity, and the 
 place of our refuge become the scene of our misery ! our 
 best friends succeeded by enemies, and onr best services re- 
 paid with ingratitude ! We should therefore trust the Lord 
 alone : for as nothing can hasten the accomplishment of his 
 purpose before the appointed time, so nothing can retard it 
 when that season arrives. — For the space of above two hun- 
 dred jears, whije Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and their families 
 lived at liberty, in peace, and in prosperity and affluence, 
 they only increased to seventy persons : but afterwards, in 
 about the same number of years, under galling oppression 
 and cruel bondage, they multiplied into a large nation! Nor 
 did their most rapid increase commence till after the death 
 of Joseph, their chief friend; for God will secure to himself 
 the glory of fulfilling his own promises. Thus was the Chris- 
 tian church more especially increased after the death of 
 Jesus; and thus hath vital religion, in all ages, most prospered 
 under the pressure of severe persecutions. By this the Lord 
 covers his enemies with confusion, and teaches his people 
 “not to fear them who kill the body, and after that have no 
 more that they can do.” 
 
 V. 8 — 22. It is an old practice of “ the accuser of the 
 brethren” and his servants, to vindicate their cruel treatment 
 of God’s people, by aspersing their characters, protending to 
 suspect them of bad designs, or averring that their increase 
 would be dangerous to the state: they therefore should en- 
 deavour, by well-doing and patient suffering, to confute such 
 calumnies, and prove themselves quiet and useful members 
 of society. But though we may suffer unjustly from men, 
 God is just in all that he inflicts upon ns by their hands: and 
 it is a singular favour to be kept from sinful compliances, or 
 conformity to the world, even by severe corrections. — The 
 word of God frequently calls that deceit, injustice, cruelty, 
 yea folly, which men account acting “ wisely ;” for such 
 “wisdom is earthly, sensual, devilish,” ami such politicians 
 are eventually “taken in their own craftiness.” — There is no 
 degree of treachery and inhumanity to which the spirit of 
 persecution will not prompt ; and they who are actuated by 
 it, seldom fail of finding instruments as destitute of honour 
 and conscience as themselves. But if they meet with those 
 who truly fear God, neither bribes nor terrors will prevail 
 upon them to sin against him; and he will plead their cause, 
 and recompense their conscientious disobedience to the un- 
 lawful commands of men. — But as we see, in this history, 
 the church of God groaning under persecution, so we may, 
 by viewing the object in another light, see the miserable con- 
 dition of Satan’s wretched bond-slaves, who are so enslaved 
 to their lusts that they never can deliver themselves, how- 
 ever miserable or affrighted, until the Lord sends them re- 
 demption by his word and powerful grace. Nor should we 
 hore forget that this enemy, who by Pharaoh aimed to de- 
 stroy the church in its very infancy, is equally busy to stifle 
 the first risings of serious reflections in the heart of man; 
 and thence to “take away the seed of the word, lest wo 
 should believe and bo saved ;” and lest these feeble begin- 
 nings should increaso, and wo grow strong enough to renounce 
 his service. Let them therefore who would escape, “ tak* 
 
CHAPTER II.. 
 
 B. C. 1533. 
 
 B. C. 1573. 
 
 2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: 
 
 and when b she saw him that lie was a goodly child, 
 she hid him three months. % 
 
 3 And when c she could not longer hide him, she 
 took for him d an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it 
 “with slime and with pitch, and put the child 
 therein ; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s 
 tirink. 
 
 4 And f his sister stood afar off, to wit what 
 would be done to him. ^ 
 
 5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to 
 wash herself at the river, and her maidens walked 
 along by the river’s side : and «when she saw the 
 ark among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. 
 
 6 And when she had opened it, she saw the 
 child : and behold the babe wept. And h she had 
 compassion on him, and said, This is one of the 
 the Hebrews’ children. 
 
 7 Then said his sister to Pharaoh’s daughter, 
 Shall I go, and call to thee A nurse of the Hebrew 
 women, that she may nurse the child for thee ? 
 
 8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, 'Go. 
 And the maid went and called the child’s mother. 
 
 9 And Pharaoh’s daughter said unto her, Take 
 
 o Acls 7:20. Heb. 11:23. c 1 :22. Malt. 2:13,16. Acts 7: 19. d Is. 18:2. e Gen. 
 6:14. 11:3. 14:10. f 15:20. Num. 12:1—15. 20:1. 26:59. Mic.6:4. g 1 Kings 17: 
 6. Ps. 46:1. 76:10. Pruv. 21:1. Jon. 1:17. 2:10. h 1 Kings 8:50. Neh. 1:11. 
 Ps. 106:46. Acts 7:21 . iPs. 27:10. Is. 46:3,4. Ez. 16:8. k Gen. 48:5. Acts 
 7:21,22. Gal. 4:5. 1 John 3: l . - That is, Drawn ovt. lGen.4:25. 16:11. 
 
 more earnest heed to the things which they hear be afraid 
 of sinning against the testimony of their consciences ; and 
 without delay cry fervently to the Lord for deliverance, and 
 continue to pray with persevering constancy. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 2. Miriam, Moses’s sister, 
 must have been at least ten years older than he, as it is evi- 
 dent from the history in this chapter : and Aaron was three 
 yeais older than Moses: but it does not appear that his pre- 
 servation was attended with any peculiar difficulty ; and from 
 tiris we may infer, with some degree of probability at least, 
 that the last bloody edict was not then enacted. Aaron was 
 born eighty-three years before the Exodus, and Joseph died 
 about a hundred and forty-five years before that event : the 
 edict therefore could not be passed less than sixty-two years 
 after the death of Joseph. But it is not known how long 
 that prince, “ who knew not Joseph,” had reigned before the 
 edict was made. — Moses when born appeared to be a goodly 
 child ; and the notice taken of this in several places, indicates 
 that something extraordinary was observed in him, which 
 was considered as an intimation of his future greatness. 
 His mother therefore hid him three months, which the 
 apostle informs us was done in faith. (Heb. 11:23.) Either 
 she had some peculiar assurance given her of his preserva- 
 tion, or believing in general the promises of deliverance to 
 Israel, she was encouraged to conceal her infant, in depend- 
 ence on God, though perhaps at the hazard of her own life. 
 
 V. 3, 4. It is probable that the mother of Moses had re- 
 ceived some intimation that she was discovered, and expected 
 that the executioners would come and murder the child in 
 the house before her eyes. She therefore took fer him an 
 ark, or a small basket, formed of rushes, and made water- 
 proof by being coated \vith a kind of bitumen and pitch 
 within and without. (Note, Is. 18:2.) Expecting some pro- 
 vidential interposition in his behalf, and under the secret 
 guidance of the Lord, she placed Moses in this ark, con- 
 cealed it among the flags on the side of the river, and set his 
 sister to watch it. This expedient did not seem likely to 
 answer for any time ; as the infant must at length have 
 perished, or been devoured by the crocodiles with which the 
 Nile abounds, if Pharaoh’s servants had not found him. But 
 she acted in faith, and the Lord answered her expectation. — 
 Perhaps she intended to take him home in the evening, if 
 nothing had intervened ; and to carry him out again in the 
 morning, so that if sought after he might not be found. 
 
 V. 5 — 9. Had any other persons found the exposed infant, 
 they would scarcely have dared to preserve its life, even if 
 they had been disposed to do so : but Pharaoh’s daughter, 
 with her attendants, passing near that part of the river, in 
 going to some convenient place for bathing, (which was cus- 
 tomary, not only for refreshment, but as a religious obser- 
 vance,) she discoversd the ark and sent for it. The beautiful 
 babe weeping excited her compassion, so that she deter- 
 mined to bring him up : and when his sister, (probably after 
 some delay, and observing that the company was at a loss 
 how to proceed,) offered to fetch a Hebrew woman to nurse 
 the child, she was sent for one : thus his own mother was 
 employed to nurse him, and well rewarded for her pains ! — 
 The manner in which the great Ruler of the world accom- 
 plishes his secret purposes, without at all interfering with the 
 free agency of his rational creatures, by imperceptibly lead- 
 ing them, in following their own inclinations and judgments, 
 to such measures as coincide with his plans, is very observa- 
 ble in all these circumstances.' — With what admiring joy and 
 eratitude must Moses’s mother have engaged in her delight- 
 Vol. I.— 15 
 
 this child away and nurse it for me, and I will giv« 
 thee thy wa^es. And the woman took the child 
 and nursed it. 
 
 10 And the child grew, and she brought hin 
 unto Pharaoh’s daughter, k and he became her son 
 And she called his name 'Moses: and she said 
 ‘Because I drew him out of the water. . 
 
 f Practical Observations.'] 
 
 1 1 H And it came to pass in those days, i-b. c 
 when "’Moses was grown, that he went out L 1533 
 unto his brethren, and looked on their “burdens : 
 and he spied an Egyptian smiting a Hebrew, one 
 of Iris brethren. 
 
 12 And “he looked this way and that way, and 
 when he saw that there was no man, he slew the 
 Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. 
 
 13 And when he went out the second day, be- 
 hold, two men of the Hebrews strove together : 
 Pand he said to him that did the wrong, Wherefore 
 smitest thou thy fellow ? 
 
 14 And he said, iWho made thee *a prince and 
 a judge over us ? Intendest thou to kill me, as thou 
 killedst the Egyptian ? And r Moses feared, and 
 said, Surely this thing is known. 
 
 1 Sam. 1:20. Mall. 1:21. m A els 7:25. Heb. 1 1 :24— 26. n 1:11. 3:7. 5:9— 14. 
 Is. 58:6. Matt. 11:28. Luke 4:18. o Acts 7:24 — 26. p 1 Cor. 6:7,8. q Gen. 
 19:9. 37:8—11,19,20. Num. 16:3,13. Ps. 2:2— 6. Matt. 21:23. Luke 12:14. 19: 
 14,27. Acts 7:26 — 28,35. | Heb. a man , a prince, r Prov. 19:12. 29:25. 
 
 ful office! And how must she have adored the hand of God 
 in so marvellously answering, and far exceeding, her believing 
 expectations ! — A great variety of traditions are handed 
 down to us concerning these events : but as there is no cer- 
 tainty in any of them, and they are neither interesting nor 
 edifying, they may very properly be omitted. The narration, 
 as we have it, is beautifully simple and concise. 
 
 V. 10. After Moses had continued a proper time with his 
 mother, (from whom he no doubt learned whose son he was, 
 and received the general principles of true religion,) he was 
 educated and provided for, as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s 
 daughter. Tradition reports that she was Pharaoh’s only 
 child, and had no offspring of her own, and that Moses was 
 looked upon as presumptive heir to the crown; but all this is 
 very doubtful. — AY e know however from better authority, 
 that w he was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and 
 was mighty in words and in deeds.” He was certainly much 
 trusted and employed ; and in Egypt he acquired those ac- 
 complishments, which were afterwards requisite for him in 
 the important services of standing before Pharaoh and go- 
 verning Israel. 
 
 V. 11, 12. ( Note , Heb. 11:24 — 26.) During forty years 
 Moses seems to have lived as an Egyptian, and as men of 
 high rank generally do, and not particularly to have regarded 
 his oppressed brethren ; but at this time 11 it came into his 
 heart to visit them,” under a firm persuasion that M God by 
 his hand would deliver them,” and supposing they would thus 
 understand it. He likewise deliberately purposed to renounce 
 the honours, wealth, and pleasures of his rank among the 
 Egyptians ; to cast his lot among Abraham’s seed, and to 
 participate in their privileges, especially their relation to the 
 promised Saviour; for the sake of which he was willing to 
 share in the reproach and affliction which they endured as 
 the people of God. We suppose that his mother had in- 
 formed him of his real descent, and he would naturally fee. 
 an attachment to his people ; but he was now made a par- 
 taker of that 11 faith which overcomes the world ;” and, su- 
 premely valuing the blessings of the new covenant through 
 the Redeemer, he was willing, not only to risk, but to re- 
 nounce and suffer all for his sake ; assured that Israel was 
 the people of God, and that the promises made to them 
 would certainly be accomplished. He therefore went out to 
 seek an opportunity of delivering Israel : perhaps he intended 
 openly to join their interests, expecting that they would cor- 
 dially welcome him, and concur with him in suitable mea- 
 sures; and considering himself as acting under a divine com- 
 mission, in defence of the oppressed, he took an opportunity 
 of executing just punishment on one cruel oppressor. In 
 this he seems to have acted rather prematurely; for the 
 spirits of the Israelites were sunk, their dispositions become 
 servile, and faith and hope were almost extinguished among 
 them. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. When Moses had entered on the execution 
 of his design, he seems to have intended daily to proceed in 
 it : but he was discouraged by finding that his brethren, in 
 their quarrels with each other, were no more disposed to 
 submit to his authority or award than the Egyptians were : 
 and discovering that his conduct, in slaying the Egyptian, 
 was known, he was aware that the Egyptians would deeply 
 resent it. Perceiving also that the Israelites would not 
 stand by him, and learning soon after that the king sought to 
 slay him, his faith and courage failed him, and he too hastily 
 concluded that his only safety lay in leaving the country — 
 Thus the deliverance of Israel was delayed fb-ty years, be- 
 7 113 ) 
 
B. C. 1533. EXODUS. B. C. 1J91 
 
 15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing’, he 
 sought to slay Moses. But Moses "tied l'rom the 
 ace of Pharaoh ; and dwelt in the land of ‘Midian; 
 
 ad he u sat down by a well. 
 
 16 Now the 'priest of Midian had seven daugh- 
 tei ■ : and “they came and drew water, and filled 
 the -oughs to water their father’s flock. 
 
 17 And Hhe shepherds came and drove them 
 away : but Moses stood up and helped them, and 
 watered their flock. 
 
 18 And when they came to ‘Reuel their lather 
 he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to-day? 
 
 19 And they said, “An Egyptian delivered us 
 out of the hand of the shepherds, b and also drew 
 water enough lor us, and watered the flock. 
 
 20 And he said unto his daughters, And where 
 is he ? Why is it that ye have left the man? “Call 
 him that he may eat bread. 
 
 21 And Moses was d content to dwell with the 
 man : and he gave Moses “Zipporah his daughter. 
 
 22 And she bare him a son, and he called his 
 
 t 4:19. 1 Kings 19:1—3,13,14. Jer. 26:21—23. Mali. lu:23. Acts 7:29. t Geu.25: 
 2,4. u Gen. 24:11 . 29:2. John 4:6. * Or, prince. Gen. 14:18. 41:45. nuirs. 
 
 x Gen. 24:14— 20. 29:6—10. lSam.9:ll. y Gen. 21:25. 26:15— 22. 7.3:1. 4: 
 18. 18:1 — 12. Jethro. Num. 10:29. Hague/. a Gen. 50:11. b Gen. 29:10. 
 c Gen. 24:31— 33. 29:13. 31:54. 43:2.5. d 10. Gen. 31 :38— 40. Phil. 4:11 ,12. 
 I Tim. 6:6. Heb. 11:25. 13:5. Jam. 1:10. e 4:20— 25. 18:2— 6. Num. 12:1. f 10. 
 18:3. Acts 7:29. Heb. 11:13. g 7:7. Acts 7;30. h 4:19. Matt. 2:19,20. Acts 12: 
 
 cause they rejected their deliverer. In the mean time Egypt 
 filled up, and Canaan was filling up, the measure of their 
 iniquities; the Israelites were rapidly increasing ; and Moses 
 was learning to endure hardship, to exercise faith, patience, 
 and meekness ; and to walk wi.h God in the lowly and re- 
 tired life of a shepherd. 
 
 V. 16. Priest.] Or prince. (JMarg.) Probably Reuel 
 (18) was prince of a small district upon the eastern shore of 
 the Red Sea; and, still retaining among his people some 
 knowledge of the true God, and regard to his worship, he 
 acted also as a priest over them. The Midianites were the 
 descendants of Abraham by Keturah. {Gen. 25:2.) 
 
 V. 17. Perhaps these shepherds were the servants of some 
 other neighbouring person, who was rich in flocks and herds. 
 The scarcity of water in those hot and sandy regions, gave 
 occasion to these contentions. 
 
 V. 21. Content.] This was a singular example of one, 
 brought up as Moses had been, submitting cheerfully to so 
 laborious a business, and to be a servant also in that employ- 
 ment. Yet without doubt these forty years were the hap- 
 iestof his life. — The events of a long period are here very 
 riefly touched on. — Probably Moses had lived a considerable 
 time with Reuel, before he gave him his daughter ; or else he 
 was long married before Zipporah had any children ; for after 
 forty years one of his sons seems to have been very young. 
 (4:25.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. We should take occasion, from reading of the 
 cruel scenes which these Hebrew parents witnessed, and 
 the bitter sorrows which they felt, to be thankful that we can 
 bring up our children with security and comfort. Still how- 
 ever they are exposed to so many perils, that the heart of a 
 tender parent must often heave with anxious sighs about 
 them: except as enabled, by the prayer of faith, to commit 
 them to the care of the Almighty ; and to use all means for 
 their welfare, temporal and spiritual, in dependence upon his 
 providence and grace. Then, indeed, we are prepared for 
 every event: for if the Lord have any service for them to 
 perform, he will preserve their lives, though in the midst of 
 dangers ; and surely every Christian parent would rather re- 
 sign the dearest infant to death, than wish it to live wicked, 
 mischievous, and miserable. And methinks our gracious 
 God says to the believer, when presenting his infant-offspring 
 to him in baptism, or pouring out his prayers in its behalf: 
 “ Take home this child, and bring it up for me, and I will 
 pay thee thy wages.” In obedience then to his command, 
 and in expectation of his blessing, let us bring up our chil- 
 dren “ in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” and 
 cheerfully leave the event with him. — Even among the blood- 
 thirsty Egyptians, we meet with a beautiful example of hu- 
 manity, which will rise up in judgment against numbers who 
 live under the light of revelation, and are called Christians, 
 but who are so far from compassionating the children of 
 others, that they are indolently and negligently cruel to their 
 own offspring! — They who carefully watch the conduct of 
 <3od’s providence, experience many signal interpositions in 
 their favour which excite their admiration ami gratitude, 
 strengthen their faith, and encourage their hope for the 
 future, and thus well recompense their attention. They fre- 
 quently find their wants supplied, perhaps even from their 
 very enemies, and their sharpest trials end most comfort- 
 ably: and God takes care in his providence to qualify both 
 them and theirs for whatever service or situation he intends 
 for them. For he very often furnishes the minds of those 
 . whom he means to employ, even while inattentive to reli- 
 &un. with those acquisitions of knowledge which afterwards 
 • 114 I 
 
 name Gershom: f for lie said, I have been a 
 stranger in a strange land. 
 
 23 And it. came to pass «in process of time, tha 
 ''the king of Egypt died; and the children of Is- 
 rael 'sighed by reason of the bondage, and they 
 cried; and their k cry came up unto God, by rea- 
 son of the bondage. 
 
 24 And 'God heard their groaning, and God 
 m remembered his covenant with Abraham, with 
 Isaac, and with Jacob. 
 
 25 And God "looked upon the children oflsrael, 
 and God T had respect unto them. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Mn'-es feeds thejlock of Jethro , 1. God appears to him in a flame of fire in a 
 bush ; and settle him to deliver Israel, 2 — 12. Moses inquire and is to/d , 
 the name of God , 13, 14. He is instruclid vlint to s eak to Israel, and tt 
 Pharaoh, whose decided opposition is foretold. 15 — 19; and is assured that 
 at last the people shall leave Eg.ypt greatly enriched , 20 — 22. 
 
 N OW Moses a kept the Hock of Jethro b his fa- 
 ther-in-law, the yriest of Midian : and he led 
 the flock to the back side of the desert, and came 
 to Hhe mountain of God, even to d Horeb. 
 
 23,24. i Gen. 16:11. Num. 20:16. l ent. 26:7. Pa. 12:5. k 3:7— 9. 22:22— 27. 
 Gen. 4:10. 18:20,21. Peut. 24:15. Is. 5:7. Jam. 5:4. 1 6:5. Judg. 2: 18. Ps. 79: 
 11. 102:20. m Gen. 15:14— 18. 26:3. 46:4. Neh. 9:8,9. Ps. 105:8— 11,42. 106:45. 
 Luke 1:72,73. n 4:31. 1 Sam. 1:11. 2 Sam. 10:12. Job 33:27. J.uke 1:25. 
 t Heb. knew. 3:7. Ps. 1:6. Matt. 7:23. a Ps. 78:70 — 72. Arn. 1:1.7:14. Matt. 
 4:18,19. Luke 2:8. b2:16. 18:1—6. Num. 10:29. Judg.4:ll. c5. 18:5. 19:3,11. 
 1 Kings 19:8. d 17:6. Deut. 1:6. 4:10. Ps. 106:19. Mai. 4:4. 
 
 prove very useful in fitting them for the services to which 
 they are appointed ; but which they would neither have had 
 leisure nor inclination to attain, had they previously minded 
 M the one thing needful.” 
 
 V. 11 — 25. How powerful a principle is true failh ! Kow 
 it overcomes the love of the world and the fear of the cross, 
 even when they oppose it with their utmost force ! The 
 favour of God, an interest in Christ, and an inheritance 
 among his people, are the pre-eminent objects of every be- 
 liever’s desire: this, joined to the love of Christ and attach- 
 ment to his cause, prepares him for making every requisite 
 sacrifice ; and that faith which refuses to do this is uot 
 genuine. — But they, who boldly enter upon services for God, 
 must not only expect fierce opposition from his avowed ene- 
 mies, but great discouragement from the lukewarmness, con- 
 tempt, cowardice, and ingratitude of his professed servants. 
 And while contentions among brethren disgrace and weaken 
 the common cause of religion, he that would M set them at 
 one again,” however gently, must expect to be reproached, 
 as taking too much upon him : and this perhaps by both par- 
 ties, but assuredly by the party which is most in the wrong, 
 and which is always the most impatient of control. These 
 disappointments, however, help to correct the forwardness 
 and self-sufficiency of hasty zeal, and to prepare men for their 
 work in its due season. — Bui our impatience is apt to inter- 
 pret delays as denials; to yield to discouragement, when we 
 should only be humbled ; ami from rash impetuosity to sink 
 into unbelieving negligence: and perhaps it requires stronger 
 faith to be contented in obscurity and neglect, cheerfully to 
 labour without any prospect of applause, and patiently to 
 prepare and wait for future opportunities of service, without 
 despondency, than to face danger, outbrave reproach, and 
 suffer persecution in some eminent sphere of usefulness. — 
 The providence of God will find a refuge, and raise up friends, 
 for his people ; communion with him sweetens every solitude 
 and trial ; and it is our wisdom to inure ourselves to self- 
 denial, that we may be fit for whatever is before us. — To 
 assist the weak and vindicate the oppressed, to show kind- 
 ness, and use hospitality, and requite those who have been 
 serviceable to us, are always becoming ; nor is modest dili- 
 gence in any business useful or lawful, a disgrace to the 
 daughters either of a prince or a priest. — When assistance 
 appears to us most distant, and deliverance most improbable, 
 they are often near at band. To God all things arc easy, 
 and his whole plan lies before him : he remembers his holy 
 covenant; and, for the purposes of his own glory, he will ap- 
 pear for his people, notwithstanding their sins. Even theii 
 groans, extorted by oppression, have a share of his compas- 
 sionate attention; and in the darkest night of affliction, when 
 they begin to cry to him, the day of deliv erance will speedily 
 dawn. — Finally, if Satan’s work ceases not, for want of a 
 succession of instruments, the Lord, in answer to our prayers, 
 will certainly furnish labourers for his harvest, in all ages, 
 unto the end of the world. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1. Some expositors are of 
 opinion that Reuel, or Raguel , was grandfather to Zip- 
 porah, that Jethro was her father, and that Hobab, afier- 
 wards mentioned, was her brotJier : others suppose that 
 Reuel was her father, and that Jethro was her brother, and 
 brother-in-law to Moses, which the word may signify : bui 
 the Septuagint use the names Reuel and Jethro, indiscri- 
 minately, for the father-in-law of Moses. (2:18. Num. 10: 
 29.) — Horeb was called “the mountain of God” by way of 
 anticipation ; as Moses wrote for those who knew it by that, 
 title after the law had there been given. — Sinai and Horo I 
 are supposed to be two summits of a mountain, which had the 
 
B. C 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 2 And the 'Angel of the Lord appeared nnto 
 him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush : 
 and he looked, and behold, the bush 'burned vvitli 
 fire, and the bush was not consumed. 
 
 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, sand 
 see this great sight, why the bush is not burned. 
 
 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside 
 to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the 
 bush, and said, h Moses, Moses. And he said, Here 
 am I. 
 
 5 And he said, 'Draw not nigh hither : k put off 
 thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon 
 thou standest is holy ground. 
 
 6 Moreover he said, *1 am the God of thy father, 
 the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the 
 God of Jacob. And Moses m hid his face ; for he 
 
 WaS afraid to look upon God. [Practical Observations. 1 
 
 7 And the Lord said, "I have surely seen the 
 affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and 
 have heard their cry, by reason of their tasK-mas- 
 ters : for I know their sorrows. 
 
 8 And °I am come down to pfleliver them out 
 
 e 4,6. Gen. 16.7 — 13. 22:15,16. 18:16. Deut. 33:16. Is. 63:9. Hos. 12:4,5. Mal.3.1. 
 Acls7:30— 35. f Gen. 15:13— 17. Deni. 4:2c. Ps. 66:12. Is. 43:2. Dan. 3:27. 2Cor. 
 1:6—10. g Ps. 111:2— 4.Acts 7:31. h Gen. 22:1, 11. 46:2. 1 Sam. 3:10. Aas9:4. 10: 
 3,13. i 19:12,21. I,ev.l0:3. Heb. 12:20. kGen.2S:16,17. Josh. 5:15. Ec.5:l. Acts 
 7:33.1 15.,ien. 17:7.8. 26:13. I Kings 18:36. Mou. 22:32. Acts7:32. m Gen. 17:3. 
 1 Kings 19: 13. Job 42:5,6. ls.6.1 — S. Unn. 10:7,8. Matt. 17:6. Heb. 12:21. Rev. 1: 
 17. n 2:25. Gen. 29:32. 1 Sam. 9: 16. Ps. 105:44. Is. 63:9. Heb. 4:15. oGen. 11:5. 
 18:21. Po. 16:9. Is. 64:1. John 3:13. 6:38. p 6:6— 8. Gen. 15:14 . 50:24. ql3:5.33: 
 
 same base. It was situated in the interior parts of the desert, 
 at some considerable distance from Jethro’s habitation ; and 
 probably Moses led the dock thither for better pasturage. 
 * Moses was taken from the sheepfold, (as David in after 
 times,) to be ruler of God’s people: “for as hunting of wild 
 beasts,” says Philo, “ is proper to men of a martial genius, 
 and fits men to be captains and generals of armies, so the 
 feeding of sheep is the best exercise and preparation for a 
 kingdom, and the gentle government of mankind.” ’ Bp. 
 Patrick. — These governors were also types of the “Good 
 Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep.” 
 
 V. 2. This Angel is afterwards called Jehovah, and 
 ( '^d, (4, 6.) — “God called to him out of the midst of the 
 
 1 <h and he said, “ I am that I am.” With what pro- 
 p.ietjr can this language be used, in a revelation expressly 
 intended to instruct men in the knowledge and worship of the 
 true God, and to withdraw them from idolatry of every kind, 
 if we do not allow the doctrine of the coequality and deity of 
 the Son of God, and that he i$ the Speaker in this place? — 
 Fire is a scriptural emblem of the divine holiness and justice ; 
 of that vengeance which, in his righteous indignation, God 
 
 indicts on sinners ; of the afflictions and trials by which he 
 proves and purifies his people, whether immediately, or by 
 instruments ; and even of that baptism of the Holy Ghost, by 
 which the dross of sinful affections is consumed, and the soul 
 transformed into its own nature and image. ( Note , Matt. 
 
 3 11,12.) — This fire was seen in a bush, not in a cedar. A 
 bramble or thorn-bush is prickly, and of little use except for 
 fuel, but easily and speedily burned ; yet the bush was not 
 consumed. The ertiblem was primarily intended to describe 
 the state of Israel in Egypt 5 their meanness and unworthi- 
 ness, their extreme distress, and their marvellous preserva- 
 tion by the power and presence of God : but Israel was in this 
 a type of the Church, exposed to persecution; and of a be- 
 liever, grievously harassed by temptations and afflictions. It 
 has also been thought, that the fire in the bush represented 
 the manner in which the law would be given from the ad- 
 jacent mountain ; the nature of that law as given to sinners; 
 and the deliverance of the people from the destruction to 
 which they were thus exposed. — The name Sinai seems de- 
 rived from the word (ruo) rendered a hash , either with re- 
 ference to this bush, or to the bushes which grew upon it. 
 
 V. 4, 5. No appearance of the Lord is recorded since 
 Jacob’s descent into Egypt, above two hundred years before; 
 and Moses, when addressed by name, must have been as 
 much surprised by what he heard, as by what he saw. — He 
 might reverently at a distance contemplate the object before 
 mm, for his instruction and encouragement ; but he must not 
 presume to gratify his curiosity, by a ne’arer approach, or 
 by particular examination. He was also directed to put off 
 nis shoes, as an external token of humble reverence ; for the 
 spot became holy ground by this vision of the Almighty, and 
 should thus be regarded by him. Probably, this was, at. that 
 time and in those countries, a customary expression of re- 
 verence and veneration, (JVote , Josh. 5:13 — 15.) — It is sup- 
 posed by many learned men, that the priests officiated bare- 
 foot in the tabernacle and temple : but we meet with no ex- 
 press command enjoining it. 
 
 V. 6. Jehovah was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Ja- 
 cob, being the Object of their worship, confidence, love, and 
 obedience ; and their Salvation, Portion, and everlasting Fe- 
 licity in body and soul. But this declaration was intended to 
 remind the Israelites of the promises made to their fathers, 
 especially with reference to the land of Canaan: for Jeho- 
 
 of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them 
 up out of that land, "tunt > a good land, and a large, 
 nnto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto 
 the place of the r Canaanites, and the Hittites, and 
 the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites 
 and the Jebusites. 
 
 9 Now therefore behold, the cry of the children 
 of Israel is come unto me ; s and I have also seen the 
 oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. 
 
 10 Come now therefore, * l * 3 and I will send thee 
 unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my 
 people the children of Israel out of Egypt. 
 
 11 And Moses said unto God, “Who am I, that 
 I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring 
 forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? 
 
 12 And he said, ’Certainly I will be with thee ; 
 and this shall be a "token unto thee, that I have 
 sent thee ; when thou hast brought forth the peo- 
 ple out of Egypt, Jye shall serve God upon this 
 
 mountain. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 13 ^ And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I 
 come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto 
 
 2,3. Gen. 15:18. Nmn. 13:27. 14:7,8. Deut. 1:7,25. 8:7—9. 11:9. 26:9—15. Nth. 9: 
 25. Jer. 11:5. 32:22. Ez.20:6. r Gen. 15:18 — 21. Deut. 7:1. Josh. 9:1. Neh.9:8, 
 s 7. Prov. 22:22,23. Ec.4:l. 5:8. Jer. 50:33,34. Am. 4 :1 . Mic. 2:1— 3. tPs. 103:6,7. 
 105:26. Mic. 6:4. Acts 7.35. u 4:13. 6:12. 1 Sam. 18:18. Is. 6:5— 8. Jer. 1:6. 
 Ads 7:23—25. v 4:12,15. Deut. 31:23'. Josh. 1:5. Is. 41:10. 43:2. Matt. 28:20. 
 Mark 16:20. Ads 11:21. Rom. 8:31. x Is. 7:14. 37:30. Jer. 43:9,10. 51:63,64. 
 y 19:1, &c. 
 
 vah was the God of Israel, as a nation; and not the God of 
 the Ishmaelites and Midianites, though descended from Abra- 
 ham, or of the Edomites, though descended from Isaac. 
 Amram, Moses’s father, is also supposed to be personally 
 included, as a believing descendant of Abraham. 
 
 V. 7. “ I have surely seen,” or, “ Seeing I have seen,” 
 
 (that is, with attention and compassion,) “the afflictions of 
 my people.” — Notwithstanding the ignorance, idolatry, and 
 wickedness of the Israelites, the Lord acknowledged them 
 as his people, because of their relation to Abraham, because 
 they constituted the visible Church, and because there was 
 a remnant of true believers among them. — The severity of the 
 task-masters extorted their bitter cries, which in most of them 
 were merely the expression of distress, not of faith ; tho 
 prayer of nature, not of grace : yet the Lord noticed and 
 pitied their sorrows. Perhaps they almost universally de- 
 spaired of deliverance ; and Moses, having been forty years a 
 shepherd, probably expected and desired nothing more than 
 to live and die in that situation, and had given up all thoughts 
 of delivering Israel : yet then the very time was come. 
 
 V. 8. Come down.] This was spoken after the manner 
 of men, and expressed with energy the intent of Jehovah’s 
 appearance to Moses. ( Marg . Ref. o.) 
 
 V. 11. Moses had before deemed himself in a measure 
 competent to this service, which he had some intimations that 
 he was to perform ; and he set about it probably with undue 
 haste, and not without some improper dependence on his 
 rank, influence, and reputation among the Egyptians ; but 
 now, when he was unspeakably better qualified with heavenly 
 wisdom, experience, patience, meekness, steadfastness, hu- 
 mility, and piety ; and was, without competition, the most, 
 proper person on earth for it, he was also become conscious 
 of his insufficiency ! This was in a great measure the effect 
 of increasing knowledge of God and of himself : but there 
 was also a deep sense of the vast difficulty of the business, 
 not without some culpable fear of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, 
 and of comtempt and opposition from Israel. Before, self- 
 confidence mingled with, and assumed the appearance of, 
 strong faith and great zeal : but now, some degree of sinful 
 distrust of God was associated with deep humility ; and in- 
 duced him timidly to shift, as well as humbly to decline, the 
 important service. — So very defective are the strongest 
 graces, and the best duties, of the most eminent saints ! 
 
 V. 12. Certainly J, &c.] All objections, expressed or im- 
 plied, were thus answered at once; ‘As I send thee, I will 
 certainly go with thee : and then all thy insufficiency, and all 
 possible difficulties, can form no hinderance at all.’ (iVote, 
 Matt . 2S:1 9,20. ) — The token annexed was made not to sense, 
 but to faith ; and therefore the sign was consequent to the event 
 confirmed by it : as if God had said, 4 1 promise to meet thee 
 and Israel at this mountain : this promise is thy assurance o 
 success : depend on my power and faithfulness, and go fetch 
 them forth, nothing doubting.’ (Marg. Ref.) — It was also a 
 private token to Moses,' and not intended as a sign to Israel 
 or to Pharaoh. 
 
 V. 13. Moses had seen enough in Egypt, forty yoars be- 
 fore, to convince him of his people’s ignorance and ungodli- 
 ness ; and he was not sanguine in his expectations of finding 
 them more favourably disposed towards him, than they had 
 been. He was therefore afraid that they would scarcely un- 
 derstand, much less believe him, when he spake to them of 
 “ the God of their fathers.” He had before Deen scornfully 
 asked, “Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?” and 
 he was not prepared to answer the question: therefore he 
 
 ( U5 ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto 
 you ; and they shall say to me, 'What is his name ? 
 what shall I say unto them ? 
 
 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I 
 AM : And he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the 
 children of Israel, 11 1 AM hath sent me unto you. 
 
 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus 
 shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, b The 
 Loan God of y«ur fathers, the God of Abraham, 
 the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent 
 me unto you : 'this is my name for ever, and this 
 is my d memorial unto all generations. 
 
 16 Go and gather the 'elders of Israel together, 
 and say unto them, The Lord God of your fathers, 
 the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, ap- 
 peared unto me, saying, I have surely fvisited you, 
 and seen that which is done to you in Egypt. 
 
 17 And I have said, si will brin^- you up out of 
 the affliction of Egypt, h unto the land of the Ca- 
 naanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and 
 the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, 
 unto a land flowing with milk and honey. 
 
 z 14. 15:3. Gen. 32:29. Jndg. 13:6,17. Prov. 30:4. 1 b. 7:14. 9:6. Jer. 23:6. 
 Malt. 1:21,23. a 6:3. Ps. 68:4. 80:2. Is. 44:6. Matt. 18:2). 23:20. John 
 8:58. Heb. 13:8. Rev. 1:4,8,17. b 6. 4:5. Gen. 17:7,8. Deut. 1:11,35. 4:1. 
 3 Chr. 28:9. Matt. 22:32. Acts 7:32. cPs. 135:13. il Ps. 102:12. Hos. 12:5. 
 t 4:29. 18:12. 24:11. Gen. 50:7. Malt. 26:3. Acts 11:30. 20:17. 1 Pet. 5:1. f 4: 
 31. Gen. 21:1. 50:24. Luke 1:68. 19:44. ris 15:14. 1 Pet. 2:12. g Gen. 15:13— 
 21.46:4. h See an 8. i 4:31. 2 Chr. 30:12. Ps. 110:3. k S:1 — 3. 17:16.9:1, 
 
 desired at this time to have fuller instructions and better au- 
 thenticated credentials. The patriarchs had received re- 
 velations from God ; but Moses seems to have been the first, 
 after the deluge, who was expressly sent to speak to others 
 in his name. 
 
 V. 14. I AM THAT I AM, (or, I WILL BE THAT I WILL 
 be,) signifies, I am he that exists ; and implies self-existence, 
 independence, unchangeableness, incomprehensibility, eter- 
 nity, and consummate perfection. “ I am, and there is none 
 else beside me.” All else have their being from God, and 
 are entirely dependent on him. — There is a majestic simpli- 
 city and an expressive dignity in this language, which dis- 
 graces beneath contempt the high-sounding, pompous titles, 
 which (Mortals have been proud to arrogate to themselves. — 
 Jehovah, (aname of similar signification,) thus distinguished 
 himself from the idols of the nations, which are nothing in 
 the world ; and from all creatures, which have only a derived, 
 dependent, mutable, existence in him and from him. Thus 
 he proposed himself as the only Object of his people’s wor- 
 ship, the sure Foundation of their hopes, and the all-sufficient 
 Fountain of their felicity. I am that I am. Not I was,' 
 but I am, and will he. With him the past, the present, and 
 the future are all one, as alike open to the view of his omni- 
 science. — Let us not here forget him whom the apostle de- 
 clares to be “ The same yesterday, to-day and for ever 
 whom another apostle introduces saying, “ I am Alpha and 
 Omega, the first and the last;” and who, dwelling in human 
 flesh, said, with a noble disregard to the rules of human lan- 
 guage, “ Before Abraham was I am.” This evident assump- 
 tion of the title, 1 am that I am, the unbelieving Jews at 
 that day fully understood, and for it attempted to stone him ; 
 though modern unbelievers cannot or will not perceive it 1 
 There is no doubt, however, but the Speaker is the same in 
 both places; for “no man hath seen God at any time; the 
 only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he 
 hath declared him." — When the Lord subjoined “ I am,” or 
 he that exists, (6 Siv, Sept.) “ hath sent me unto you,” 
 it was intended to give authority to the message, and to en- 
 sure the accomplishment of his purpose by bis incompre- 
 hensible power and perfection. 
 
 V. 15. The title of Jehovah, the God of Abraham, &c. 
 would remind the Israelites of his relations and engagements 
 to them, as the descendants of these illustrious patriarchs. — 
 The Lord had before declared his name, as signifying eternal 
 self-existence; and he here adds liis covenant-relation to the 
 seed of Abraham, as the perpetual memorial of his former 
 mercies, and security of future blessings to his Church. The 
 title “ The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,” is 
 the same to us, under the Christian dispensation, as the 
 Name here expressed was to Israel. 
 
 V. 18. Such a willingness to be delivered, as would in- 
 duce the Israelites to use the means, encounter the difficul- 
 ties, and face the dangers, requisite for that purpose, was so 
 contrary to their dispirited and desponding frame of mind, 
 that il could only be effected by the powerful influence of God 
 upon their hearts : but he here engaged to Moses, that he 
 would thus prepare Ihem in due time to concur decidedly in 
 his efforts for their deliverance. — The Elders seem to have 
 been the more aged and distinguished persons in the several 
 tribes and families ; but it does not appear that they were 
 invested wilh any authority. 
 
 V. 19, 20. The Lord, when he engaged for Israel’s willing- 
 ness, warned Moses of Pharaoh’s obstinate and final unwil- 
 lingness, that he might know what to expect. — Pharaoh 
 -eluctantly consented, when under the terror of imminent 
 ( 116 ) 
 
 18 And ‘they shall hearken to thy voice: k ana 
 thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto 
 the king- of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, ‘The 
 Lord God of the Hebrews hath m met with us : 
 and now let us go, we beseech thee, “three days* 
 journey into the wilderness, °that we may sacri- 
 fice to the Lord our God. 
 
 19 And I am sure that the king of Effypt will 
 not let you go, ‘no, not by a mighty hand. 
 
 20 And I will Pstretch out my hand, and <ismite 
 Egypt with all my wonders which 1 will do in 
 the midst thereof : and r after that he will let 
 you go. 
 
 21 And I s wi!l give this people favour in the 
 sight of the Egyptians : and it shall come to pass, 
 that when ye go, ye shall not go empty. 
 
 22 But l every woman shall borrow of her neigh- 
 bour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, 
 jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: 
 and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon 
 your daughters; and ye shall “spoil Uhe Egyp- 
 tians. 
 
 13.10:3. m 4:24. 5:3. Nnm. 23:3,4,15,16. Is. 64:5. n 8:27. o 12. 7:16. 8:25— 
 28. 10:24—26. *Or, but bu a slroru hand. 6. 1. Pa. 136:11,12. Is. 63:12. p 6:6. 
 7:5. 9:15. Ez. 20:33. q7:'3. 11:9. Deut. 4:34 . 6:22. Neh. 9:10. Pd. 105:27.106: 
 22. 135:8,9. Is. 19:22. Jer. 32:20,21. Acts 7:36. r 11:8. 12:31,39. s 11:3. 12: 
 36. Gen. 39:21. Neh. 1:11. I s. 106:46. Prov. 16:7. Acts 7:10. t 11:2. 12:35. 
 Gen. 15:14. u Job 27:16,17. Prov. 13:22. Is. 33:1. Ez. 39:10. f Or, Egypt. 
 
 destruction ; but he retracted that consent, and perished in 
 opposing Israel’s departure. 
 
 V. 21,22. The circumstances in which the Egyptians 
 were placed, were overruled to induce multitudes of them to 
 favour Israel ; while others were hardened to their destruction. 
 The Israelites were directed to borrow , or rather to ask , 
 of the Egyptians, their richest furniture and ornaments : and 
 he who is the great Proprietor of all tilings, and giveth to all 
 men as he pleases, seeing the Egypiians enriched by op- 
 pressing the Israelites, thus constrained them to refund, and 
 to pay them the wages which their labour justly deserved. 
 (NoteSy 1 1:2,3. 12:35,36. Gen. 31:10 — 16.) — The word bor» 
 row suggests the idea of fraud in the transaction; which the 
 original word does not imply. It means to ask y whether as a 
 gift or a loan. — A great part of this gold and silver was after- 
 wards used in building and furnishing the tabernacle. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. When the Lord exercises the faith and patience 
 of his servants, the)' should rest assured that he acts in wis- 
 dom, faithfulness, and mercy ; and that when the best time is 
 come, their expectation shall bh abundantly answered : but such 
 is the human heart, that the best of men generally need prepa- 
 ring, by a long course of humiliating discipline, for behaving, 
 when greatly prospered, in a manner honourable to God and 
 religion. It is therefore 41 good that a man should both hope, 
 and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” But quiet- 
 ness and patience must be distinguished from indolence : for 
 the Lord always requires his servants to be employed, and 
 meets them at their employments ; and the meanest honest 
 labour is more reputable to the greatest characters, than 
 inactivity. — The discoveries of himself, which God vouch- 
 safes us in his holy word and in his works, should be re- 
 garded with reverent attention, at an equal distance from 
 contemptous indifference, and bold curiosity. — Whatever 
 stands in relation to God is consecrated and made holy ; and 
 though “bodily exercise profiteth little,” yet it is proper to 
 express our inward reverence and adoration by such external 
 tokens as are customary and significant. A decent exterior 
 behaviour indeed may be hypocritical; but the neglect of it 
 betrays a heart not properly impressed with awe of the 
 majesty and purity of God, nor suitably humbled under the 
 sense of its own meanness and unworthiness: and the con- 
 descending kindness of the Lord should not abate, but in- 
 crease this holy awe. — In accommodation to our infirmities, 
 God very graciously condescends to address our senses, as 
 well as understandings: and by the burning bttsh he teaches 
 us many useful lessons. We need not tremble fv>r the Church 
 of God in its lowest estate, though it appear contemptible to 
 the carnal eye, and seem ready to be consumed by the 
 flames of persecution ; for the Lord is in the hush, and it 
 cannot be injured. Never was bush so honourable as that 
 in which Jehovah dwelt, though it was on fire: and since 
 the Son of God dwelt in frail human nature, and passed 
 through the hottest fire of Satan’s temptations, of the world’s 
 hatred, and of the wrath of God for our sins ; we need not 
 be apprehensive about any poor burning bush, in which Je- 
 hovah dwells. — This is the privilege and security of every 
 true Christian, with whom, when afflicted and tempted, wo 
 should sympathize ; but we ijeed not he anxious about the 
 event. — While men are strengthened to maintain the conflict, 
 and to persevere in the patli of duty, they air not deserted 
 by God, whatever their fears or feelings may bo ; nor can 
 the fire, however hot, consume any thing but the dross of 
 remaining sinful inclinations. — But let the mere professor of 
 the gospel tremble, even when exempt from temptation, oppo* 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER IY. 
 
 B. C 1491 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Lord assures Moses of his effectual assistance , by miraculous signs and 
 giacious promises , I — 12 j and is angry at his backwardness to the service ; 
 yet appoints Aaron to assist him, 13 — 17. Moses leaves Jethro , and sets out 
 on hts journey ; and is charged with a message to Pharaoh, 18—23. He is 
 rebuked by the way ; Zipporah circumcises her son : Aaron meets Moses, 
 arid they are welcomed by the Israelites , 24 — 31. 
 
 A ND Moses answered, and said. But behold, 
 “they will not believe me, nor hearken unto 
 my voice : for they will say, The Lord hath not 
 appeared unto thee. 
 
 2 And the Lord said unto him, What is that in 
 thy hand ? And he said, b A rod. 
 
 3 And Ire said, Cast it on the ground; and he 
 cast it on the ground, and “it became a serpent: 
 and Moses flea from before it. 
 
 4 And the Lord said unto Moses. d Put forth 
 thy hand, and take it by the tail. e And he put 
 forth his hand and caught it, and it became a rod 
 in his hand. 
 
 5 That 'they may believe that sthe Lord God of 
 their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, 
 and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee. 
 
 6 And the Lord said furthermore unto him, 
 Put now thy hand into thy bosom ; and he put his 
 hand into his bosom ; and when he took it out, 
 behold, his hand was h leprous as snow. 
 
 7 And he said, Put thy hand into thy bosom 
 
 n 31. 2:14. 3:18. Acts 7:25. b 17:20. Lev. 27:32. Ps. 110:2. Is. 11:4. Mic. 7:14. c7: 
 10—15. Am. 5:19. til’s. 91:13. Mark 16:18. Luke 10:19. Acts 28:3-6. e John 
 2:5. f 8. 3:18. 19:9. John 5:36. 11:15 42. 20:31. g 3:15. h Num. 12:10. 2 Kipps 
 5:27. iS Kings 5 14. Matl.8:3. k 30,31. Is. 28:10. John 12:37. lDeut. 32:39. 
 2 Kin^s 5:7. Joh 5:18. * It eb. shall be, and shall be. m 1:22. 7:19 — 25. Matt. 
 
 7:2. John 2.8—1 1. Rev. 16:3 — 6. f Heb. a man oi w *rd<. 1 Cor. 2:1 — 4. 2 Cor. 
 
 sition, or conflict ; these he escapes because he “ walks 
 according to the course of this world,” with which he will be 
 condemned. And let the careless and presumptuous sinner 
 also take warning; for he is proper fuel for the fire of God’s 
 vengeance, which will burn for ever, but never consume those 
 who finally sink under it. 
 
 V. 7 — 12. Oppressors and prosperous tyrants should re- 
 member, that however they may elude or outbrave human 
 justice, and however God may defer to take vengeance, yet 
 all their crimes are noted in his book ; that their measure of 
 iniquity is filling up ; and they will speedily be made to dis- 
 gorge the prey which they have ravenously devoured, and to 
 experience the vengeance of the Almighty ; unless repentance 
 and fruits meet for repentance prevent their doom. ( Luke 
 19:8,9.) — And let the oppressed recollect that God is their 
 peculiar Patron ; that he counts their sighs and groans ; and 
 if he answers the mere cry of distress, “ shall he not avenge 
 his own elect, who cry day and night to him, though he bear 
 long with them? Yea, he will avenge them speedily.” But 
 when he comes to avenge his people on their oppressors, 
 “ will he find faith on the earth ?” Alas, “ hope deferred 
 maketh the heart sick and though true faith will not totally 
 fail ; yet at such times it will often be very feeble, and ex- 
 pectations even of promised blessings extremely languid. 
 
 V. 13 — 22. Let us be careful not to distrust and dis- 
 honour the power, faithfulness, and love of God. He is the 
 great I AM ; “ a thousand years with him are but as one 
 day :” he remembers his holy covenant ; he deals with his 
 people according to the abundance of his mercies ; he forgives 
 the multitude of their transgressions ; and he sends deliverance 
 in its appointed season. — When God employs any one in his 
 service, he will certainly go with him : but “ before honour is 
 humility ;” and success is frequently delayed or denied, to in- 
 struments otherwise qualified, because they do not possess a 
 humble spirit. — Yet nothing good is unalloyed in man, and ihe 
 most unatfected humility may prove an occasion to irresolu- 
 tion, or reluctance to the work which the Lord requires of us. 
 They who would be useful, must depend upon God to make 
 their endeavours acceptable to their brethren ; especially 
 where such benefits are intended as require men to exert 
 themselves, to endure hardship, and to face danger : and, if 
 we go in this dependence, he will secure our success with 
 some ; while we deliver our message to all, “ whether they 
 will hear, or whether they will forbear.” — But in Pharaoh’s 
 tyranny, and Israel’s oppression, we see a picture of the sin- 
 ner’s miserable and abject submission : however galled with 
 the yoke of Satan, he still drudges on, till the Lord sends re- 
 demption. With the invitations of his gospel, he communi- 
 cates the life-giving, drawing, and teaching influences of his 
 Spirit ; and thus men are made willing to seek and strive for 
 deliverance: then Satan loses his power to retain them; 
 they come forth with all they have and are, and consecrate 
 tiie whole to the glory of God and the service of his Church. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1—5. The Lord had expressly 
 assured Moses, that the people should hearken to him, 
 (3:18.) so that his objection was unreasonable, and a proof 
 that his faith was wavering. Yet it was proper he should be 
 informed, that the Lord would authenticate his commission 
 by miracles, both to Israel and to Pharaoh. — The rod in his 
 hand was probably a common staff, or shepherd’s crook; but 
 it was now consecrated to God, to be the token of his pre- 
 
 again : and he put his hand in'o his bosom again 
 and plucked it out of his bosom, and behold, 'it was 
 turned again as his other flesh. 
 
 8 And it shall come to pass, k if they wJ not be- 
 lieve thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first 
 sign, that ‘they will believe the voice of the latter 
 sign. 
 
 9 And it shall come to pass, if they will not be- 
 lieve also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy 
 voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, 
 and pour it upon the dry land: and the water 
 which thou takest out of the river, ‘shall become 
 ra blood upon the dry land. 
 
 10 And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, 
 I am not ^eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since 
 thou hast spoken unto thy servant : but I am “slow 
 of speech, and of a slow tongue. 
 
 11 And the Lord said unto him, "Who hath 
 made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or 
 deaf, or the seeing, or the blind ? have not I the 
 Lor d ? 
 
 12 Now therefore go, and H will he with thy 
 mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. 
 
 13 And he said, O my Lord, ^send I pray thee, 
 by the hand of him whom thou Hvilt send. 
 
 14 And r the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 
 10:10. 11:6. J Heb. since yesterday nor since the third day . n 6:12. Jer. 1:6. 
 Acts 7:22. o Ps. 51:15. 94:'9. Is. 35:5,6. Ez. 3:26,27. 33:22. p Is. 49:2. 50:4. 
 Jer. 1:9. Malt. 10:19,20. Mark 13:11. Luke 12:11,12. 21:14,15. Eph. 6:19. q 1 
 Kings 19:4. Jer. 20:9. Ez. 3:14,15. Jon. 1:3. § Or, shouldst. r Luke 9:59,60 
 
 Acts 15:38. Phil. 2:21. 
 
 sence and operation, and was therefore afterwards called 
 u the rod of God.” When waved by the hand of Moses or 
 Aaron, it was a'token to Israel of guidance, encouragement, 
 and protection ; but to Egypt it was the appointed token of 
 desolating judgments, like the mortal bite of the most poison- 
 ous serpent. — In this it was also a tvpe of the gospel, “ the 
 rod of the Redeemer’s strength,” (Ps. 110:2.) which is a 
 savour of life to some and of death to others. — Though Mo- 
 ses was greatly affrighted at the serpent thus miraculously 
 produced, which seems to have been very formidable, yet his 
 faith was so far strengthened by the sign, that he ventured, 
 at God’s command, to seize it by the tail, and it again became 
 a harmless rod. This was Intended to show him, that the 
 performance of a similar miracle before his people, would 
 convince them that the Lord had sent him. 
 
 V. 6, 7. This sign denoted, that God could easily remove 
 Israel’s sin, though they were unclean as the leprous hand ; 
 that he could employ Moses’s ministry, though feeble and un- 
 worthy in itself, and by him inflict his plagues on Egypt, or 
 remove them as he pleased ; and that he could effect the 
 deliverance of his people by the most unlikely means, not- 
 withstanding the most powerful opposition. — It is very pro- 
 bable that the absurd story, mentioned by Josephus, of Moses 
 and the Israelites being driven out of Egypt, because infected 
 with leprosy, was derived from some distorted tradition of 
 this miraculous sign. 
 
 V. 10. Moses supposed that great eloquence would bo 
 requisite, both to persuade Israel and to plead before Pha- 
 raoh : and he objected, that in the Egyptian court he had, at 
 all former times, been defective in the gift of a ready and 
 graceful elocution ; and that even since the Lord had spoken 
 to him, he had experienced no alteration in this respect. 
 We read, however, that he “was mighty in words' as well 
 as deeds : and so was St. Paul, though he affected no 
 eloquence, and was deemed by some “ in speech contempti- 
 ble.” They both could speak with energy and to the purpose, 
 though not with the enticing words and delusive charms ol 
 human oratory. 
 
 Slow of speech.] I oxvotpuvos. — Of a slender voice , or speak- 
 ing with hesitation and interruptions of voice. 
 
 V. 11, 12. The Lord alone originally gave to Adam and 
 his posterity the inexplicable power of articulate speech ; and 
 he is the sole Author of the disparity which subsists among 
 men in these and other endowments : could he not therefore 
 easily remove from Moses this impediment, if he saw that a 
 more fluent and graceful utterance was requisite for him ? — 
 It may be useful to compare Jehovah’s promise to Moses 
 with our Lord’s words to his disciples, “I will give you a 
 mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be 
 able to gainsay, or resist.” Can any but God “give a mouth 
 and wisdom?” ( Note , Luke 21:12 — 19.) 
 
 Y. 13. 1 Send by any one else, only excuse me as incom 
 petent.’ ( JYotes , Is. 6:5 — -8.) 
 
 V. 14. Moses’s unbelief, and reluctance to engage in nis 
 arduous and dangerous service, excited the divine displeasure ; 
 which probably was shown by some sensible toker., perhaps 
 by the fire in the bush becoming more vehement : >*et the 
 Lord did pot supersede his commission : but in condescension 
 to his weakness, and perhaps also as a gentle rebuke he as- 
 signed him an assistant, who should share the dang "r, the 
 burden, and the honour. Thus Christ sent out his disciples 
 ( 117 ) 
 
B C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 against Moses; and he said, Is not Aaron the 
 Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak 
 well. And also behold, "he cometh forth to meet 
 thee : and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in 
 his heart. 
 
 15 And thou shalt speak unto him; ‘and put 
 words in his mouth : “and I will be with thy mouth 
 and with his mouth, and x will teach you what ye 
 shall do. 
 
 16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the peo- 
 ple : and he shall be, even ffle shall be to thee in- 
 stead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead 
 of God. 
 
 17 And thou shalt take z this rod in thy hand, 
 
 Wherewith thou Shalt dO SlgnS. [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 18 If And Moses went and returned to 'Jethro 
 his father-in-law, and said unto him, “Let me go, 
 I pray thee, and return unto my brethren, which 
 are in Egypt, b and see whether they be yet alive. 
 And Jethro said to Moses, c Go in peace. 
 
 19 And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, 
 Go, return into Egypt : d for all the men are dead 
 which sought thy life. 
 
 20 And Moses took his wife, and his sons, and set 
 them upi 'l an ass, and he returned to the land of 
 Egypt. And Moses took e the rod of God in his hand. 
 
 21 And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou 
 goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all 
 those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put 
 
 s27. 1 Sam. 10:1— 7. Mark 14:13— 15. 2 Cor. 2:13. 7:6,7. 1 Thes. 3:6,7. t 7:1, 
 2. 2 Sam. 11:3. Is. 51:16. 53:21. u Num. 22:33. 23:5,12,16. Deul. 1S:18. Moll. 
 28:20. 1 Cor. 11:23. 15:1. xDeut.5:31. y 7:1,2. John 10:31,35. z 7:9,19. 
 
 * Heb. Jether. &eeon3:l. a 1 Tim. 6:1. b Gen. 45:3. Acts 15:36. cl Sam. 
 1:17. Luke 7:50. Acts 16:36. d 2:15,23. Mall. 2:20. e 17:9. Num. 20:8,9. t'7: 
 3,13. 9:12,35. 10:1,20. 14:8. Gen. 6:3. Dent. 2:30— 33,36. Josh. 11:20. 1 Kings 
 22:22. Is. 6:10. 63:17. John 12:40. Rom. 1:28. 9:18. 11:8-10. 2 Cor. 2:16. 
 
 by two and two; and several of them were brethren. — We 
 are not informed in what station Aaron had hitherto lived; 
 but he seems to have enjoyed many advantages of education, 
 probably by means of Moses ; and he had become remark- 
 able for eloquence. Perhaps this might occasion his being 
 called 44 Aaron the Invite” as a person of eminence among 
 the descendants of Levi. — The Lord had revealed himself to 
 Aaron, at the same time as he did to Moses, and had di- 
 rected him to meet him, (27.) This remarkable concurrence 
 would encourage both of them. 
 
 V. 15. With his mouth.] Though Aaron was eloquent, 
 yet he could not speak to any good purpose without the 
 teaching and assistance of the Lord. 
 
 V. 16. Moses, though the younger brother, was the su- 
 perior in this commission : the word of God came first to 
 him ; and he dictated to Aaron what he should speak, as God 
 put his words into the mouth of his prophets. 
 
 V. 18. Moses, now'resolved to obey the heavenly vision, 
 intimated to Jethro, (who had behaved with great kindness,) 
 that he was about to leave him, as one who asked his permis- 
 sion to visit his afflicted brethren: (Gen. 31:30.) but it does 
 not appear that he informed him of the particulars. Thus he 
 parted amicably from him, and the mutual affection between 
 them was not interrupted. — The intercourse between nations 
 was at that time very difficult ; and the peculiar circum- 
 stances in which Moses was placed, might preclude him from 
 inquiring after, or learning, the condition of his brethren. 
 
 V. 19. This revelation to Moses in Midian , seems to 
 have been distinct from that at Horeb. — A secret dread of 
 Pharaoh and the Egyptians, as incensed against him for his 
 former conduct, was one cause of his reluctance: and it does 
 not appear that the Lord informed him that his enemies were 
 dead, till he had first set about obeying his command. 
 
 V. 21. Harden.] God never communicates 44 hardness,” 
 or wickedness to the heart of man, by a positive act; 44 for 
 he cannot be tempted of evil, neither tempteth he any man.” 
 But, when provoked by atrocious crimes, he gives a person 
 up to his own heart’s lusts ; he permits Satan to entice, de- 
 ceive, and blind him; and he takes off those providential re- 
 straints, by which many are kept from wickedness, because 
 they have not opportunity or power to commit it, or dare not 
 through fear or shame. When a man is thus left, commands, 
 warnings, judgments, and deliverances, every truth in Scrip- 
 ture and every dispensation of Providence, prove the occa- 
 sion of increasing obduracy and insensibility, pride and pre- 
 sumption. — By this general declaration, Moses was taught 
 to expect and prepare for difficulty and opposition ; and the 
 subsequent history will give an abundant opportunity of stat- 
 ing the several stages by which Pharaoh’s obduracy was in- 
 duced, and the import of the several words made use of, in 
 this remarkable instance and illustration of the Lord’s dealing 
 with obstinate sinners. 
 
 V. 22, 23. Israel was despised by the Egyptians as a 
 contemptible people; but was honoured of God, bung near 
 •ind dear to him as a child is to his father, and as having that 
 pre-eminence among the nations which the first-born has 
 among the brethren. Pharaoh therefore might be assured 
 
 ( 113 ) 
 
 in thy hand : but ‘I will harden his heart, that hi, 
 shall not let the people go. 
 
 22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith 
 the Lord, dsrael is mv son, even my first-born. 
 
 23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he 
 may serve me : and if’ thou refuse to let him go, 
 behold, h I will slay thy son, even thy first-born. 
 
 24 H And it came to pass by the way in the inn, 
 that ‘the Lord met him, and ^sought to kill him. 
 
 25 Then Zipporah took *a sharp 'stone, and cut 
 off the foreskin of her son, and least it at his feet, 
 and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me. 
 
 26 So he let him go : then she said, A bloody 
 husband thou art, because of the circumcision. 
 
 27 And the Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the 
 wilderness to meet Moses. And he v/ent, and met 
 him in "the mount of God, and kissed him. 
 
 28 And Moses “told Aaron all the words of the 
 Lord, who had sent him, and all the signs which 
 he had commanded him. 
 
 29 And Moses and Aaron went, and '’gathered 
 together all the elders of the children of Israel. 
 
 30 And Aaron spake all the words which the 
 Lord had spoken unto Moses, and sdid the signs 
 in the sight of the people. 
 
 31 And the people ‘believed : and when they 
 heard that the Lord had “visited the children of 
 Israel, and that he had ‘looked upon their affliction, 
 then they “bowed their heads and worshipped. 
 
 2 Thes. 2:10—12. 1 Pet. 2:8. g 19:5,6. Dent. 14:1. Jer. 31:9. Hos. 11:1. Rom. 
 9:4. Heb. 12:23. h 11:5. 12:29. Ps. 78:51. 105:36. 135:8. i 3:18. Num. 22:22, 
 23. 1 Chr. 21:16. Hos. 13:8. kGen.17 14. Lev. 10:3. 1 Kings 13:24. I Josh. 
 5:2,3. t Or , knife. % Heb. inode it touch, m 14 — 16. Acts 10:5,6,20. n 3:1, 
 19:3. 20:18. 24:15—17. 1 Kinga 19:8. o Jon. 3:2. Matt. 21:29. p 3:16 24:1, 
 11.. q 2 — 9. r 3:18. Ps. 106:12.13. Luke 8:13. sSce<m3:16. 12:25.3:7. u 12c 
 27. Gen. 17:3. 1 Chr. 29:20 . 2 Chr. 20:18. 
 
 that God would defend, avenge, deliver, and provide for 
 Israel : and that if he attempted to retain in bondage that 
 people, who stood related to Jehovah, as his first-born son, 
 and forbad them to worship and serve him ; he must expect 
 to feel the effects of omnipotent indignation, which would at 
 length slay his eldest son, with all the first-born in the land 
 of Egypt. — True believers are 44 the church of the first-born, 
 whose names are written in heaven:” and though rulers are 
 entitled to honour and civil obedience from them, they have 
 no right to prohibit them from serving God, according to the 
 dictates of their conscience ; and they may expect severe re- 
 bukes if they attempt it. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. Either the Lord appeared to his servant, by 
 some external token of his presence, as if about immediately 
 to slay him ; or, as some suppose, he inflicted on him a sud- 
 demand very dangerous disease. Moses seems, however, to 
 have understood that he was rebuked for neglecting to cir- 
 cumcise his son ; probably from regard to Zipporah, who was 
 averse to it. It is supposed that circumcision was in use 
 among the Midianites, as descended from Abraham ; and 
 that Zipporah had merely induced Moses to defer the per- 
 formance of it beyond the appointed time, on account of the 
 journey, or on some other pretence. But he was raised up 
 for an extraordinary service, and it was proper he should 
 set an example of exact obedience in his own conduct, and 
 therefore he was thus sharply rebuked. — As he was either 
 under great perturbation of mind, or dangerously ill, Zippo- 
 rah immediately circumcised her son with a knife made of a 
 sharp flint, such knives being common in some countries: 
 and ihis may intimate the haste in which the rite was per- 
 formed. — The words which she spake when she laid the 
 foreskin of her son at the feet of Moses, are differently un- 
 derstood : some think that she rashly reproached both him 
 and his religion, which required this bloody ordinance ; but 
 others are of opinion that she spake in great affection, as 
 having anew espoused him, by circumcising her son; seeing 
 the blood shed in that rite had been the means of restoring 
 him to her again. For when it had been performed, the Lord 
 delivered Moses and allowed him to prosecute his journey. — 
 It is probable that on this occasion Zipporah returned to 
 Jethro for a time. ( Note „ 18:1 — 5.) Some render the clause, 
 44 So he let him go,” so she left him , as referring to this ; but 
 the translation cannot be supported, as the Hebrew text now 
 stands ; both words being masculine. 
 
 V. 27. The Lord had directed Aaron to meet his brother 
 in the wilderness. — Moses seems to have been retarded by 
 his family concerns, while Aaron made great haste ; and thus 
 he met Moses almost as soon as he had set out upon his 
 journey, which would be a great encouragement to him. 
 Probably, they had not seen or heard of each other for a 
 lcyig time before. 
 
 V. 30. Signs.] Moses gave the people this proof of his di 
 vine mission, to ensure their concurrence, before he applied tu 
 Pharaoh in their behalf. — It is supposed that Moses performed 
 the miraculous signs, while Aaron delivered the message of 
 God to the people, (15 — 17.) — 44 And /tedid the signs,” &o. 
 
 V. 31. Thus the Elders of Israel acknowledged Jehovah 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 B. C. 1 49V. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Moses and y\aron delivir their message to Pharaoh, v>ho disdainfully rejects 
 it, l — 5. He increases the task of the Israelites, allows them no straw, and 
 silences their complaints, (*— 19. They despond and murmur, and Moses 
 complains to the Lord , 20—23. 
 
 A ND afterwards Moses and Aaron went in, 
 “and told Pharaoh, Thus said the Lord God 
 of Israel, Let my people go, that they may hold 
 °a feast unto me in the wilderness. 
 
 2 And Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord that I 
 should obey his voice to let Israel go ? d I know not 
 the Lord, “neither will I let Israel go. 
 
 a 1 Kings 21:20. Is. 119:46. K/.. 2:6. Jon. 3:3,4. Mall. 10:18,28. Acls4:29. 
 b 10:9. Is. 25:6. 1 ( or. 5:8. c 3:19. 2 Chr. 32:15,19. Job 21:15. Ps. 10:4. 12:4. 
 14:1. d 1 Sam. 2:12. John 16:3. Horn. 1:28. 2Thes.l:8. e 3:19. Jsr. 44:16,17. 
 
 as the true God, and the God of their fathers, and Moses as 
 his messenger for their deliverance ; and they testified their 
 gratitude and expectation, in an act of solemn worship. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. How indisposed are men to believe the testi- 
 mony of God ! Whether he denounce vengeance upon ob- 
 stinate offenders, or promise acceptance, assistance, and sal- 
 vation to the returning sinner, they are always prone to ques- 
 tion his veracity ; and to act as if his word could not abso- 
 lutely be depended on, or was not likely to be accomplished ! 
 Thus some are hardened in presumption, others sink into de- 
 spondency, and others are discouraged and faint-hearted in 
 all their endeavours. — But the Lord, being slow to anger and 
 of great mercy, deals not with us according to the multitude 
 of our sins ; else the strongest believer upon earth, instead 
 of being saved by his faith, might be righteously condemned 
 for his unbelief. — When we shrink from trouble and self-de- 
 nial, or the reproach or danger of any service, self-love soon 
 suggests some excuse, which appears sufficient to us, how- 
 ever trivial it may be in the judgment of others ; and it is no 
 uncommon case, for those who have been rebuked for rash- 
 ness and precipitation, afterwards to become timidly negli- 
 gent of their evident duly. But let unbelief, sloth, and cow- 
 ardice start ever so many objections against our doing the 
 duty of that station to which it hath pleased God to call us, 
 his word furnishes us with answers to them all ; and the as- 
 surance of his assistance and protection should in every case 
 fully satisfy our minds. — When God gives revelations of new 
 truths, or introduces new dispensations, materially differing 
 from all which have preceded, he always sets his seal to 
 them, and enables his servants to authenticate their mission 
 by some conclusive sign : but they who are employed to en- 
 force the old authenticated revelation, need not such testi- 
 monials ; as both their character and doctrines must be tried 
 by the oracles of God, to which they appeal. — The miracles, 
 which he enabled his servants of old to perform, were not 
 doubtful and equivocal, nor merely effects of power to excite 
 wonder ; but they were expressive of his justice and good- 
 ness, and instructive tokens of his favour to his people, and 
 vengeance on his enemies. — He does not always make it ap- 
 pear, that ho hath furnished men for services, till they are 
 actually called to engage in them ; but we may depend upon 
 him to qualify us for whatever he commands us to do. All 
 knowledge, wisdom, and utterance, with every good gift, are 
 derived from him: but many endowments are supposed need- 
 ful or useful iivthe public service of God and his church, 
 which he pours contempt upon, as mere tinsel ; worthless, 
 if not pernicious. Such are all the studied and affected arts 
 of human oratory, which the great apostle would not conde- 
 scend to employ, u that the faith” of the people “ should not 
 stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” Yet 
 to this day they are highly valued by most professed Chris- 
 tians and many true Christians ; and many seem to think that 
 little or nothing can be done without them. (Notes, 1 Cor. 
 2:1 — 5.) — Even when the Lord is displeased with the sins of 
 his servants, he condescends to their infirmities : and in ar- 
 duous undertakings, it is a great favour to have helpers who 
 cordially unite with us ; though they should share, or even 
 eclipse, our reputation. But while we censure Moses for 
 shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own 
 hearts, whether we are not neglecting such duties as are un- 
 speakably more easy and less perilous. 
 
 % V. 18 — 31 . In obeying the commands of the Lord our God, 
 we should take' care to give no needless offence, and always 
 be ready to give up our own inclinations, rather than preju- 
 dice our friends and relatives : yet after all, we shall frequently 
 be constrained to cross the humours, endure the reproaches, 
 and forego the comforts, of our nearest connexions, if we de- 
 termine not to deviate in any thing from our known duty. — 
 Even sinful omissions will draw upon us severe rebukes: and 
 to neglect the seals and pledges of the new covenant is a sin 
 of no small aggravation ; being more replete with contempt 
 of God, and ingratitude for his distinguished mercies, than 
 professed Christians generally suppose. — They who, are 
 employed in calling others to trust and obey God, should 
 be careful themselves to set an example of implicit confidence 
 and obedience ; and if they, in any remarkable instance, fail 
 of this, they will surely experience some very painful effects 
 from their misconduct. Yet when they are zealous, and re- 
 pent, and attend to their duty, the Lord will return to them 
 vi mercy — The reproaches cast upon religion and its conscien- 
 
 3 And they said, The God of the Hebrews hath 
 met with us : let us go, we pray thee, three days’ 
 journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto tht 
 Lord our God; flest he fall upon us with pesti- 
 lence, or with the sword. 
 
 4 And the king of Egypt said unto them, 
 ^Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron, let the people 
 from their works ? get you onto your burdens. 
 
 5 And Pharaoh said, Behold, the people of the 
 land now are h many, and ye make them rest from 
 their burdens. 
 
 f2 Kings 17:25. 2 Chr. 30:8. Etra 7:23. Zech. 14:16—19. g Jer. 38:4. Am. 7:10. 
 Luke 23:2. Acts 16:20,21. 24:5. h 1:9— 11. Prov. 14:28. 
 
 tious professors, redound to the lasting disgrace of those who 
 vented them : none can provoke God more than those, who 
 by terrors or temptations deter or entice his children from 
 his service : nor are scarcely any more in danger of being 
 given up to judicial hardness of heart, than cruel tyrants and 
 persecuting oppressors. — It frequently happens that less diffi- 
 culty is found than was expected in such undertakings as 
 are according to the will of God, and for his glory ; and that 
 many are inclined to concur in them, from whom we looked 
 for opposition. Let us then arise and attempt our proper 
 work, and the Lord will be with us and prosper us. — But if 
 Israel welcomed the tidings of temporal deliverance, and 
 worshipped the Lord, how should we welcome the glad 
 tidings of eternal redemption, embrace it in faith, and adore 
 the Redeemer ! and “ how shall we escape, if we neglect so 
 great salvation ?” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1. Moses and Aaron, having ob- 
 tained the concurrence of the people, requested an audience 
 of Pharaoh ; and were admitted to him as the representatives 
 of the nation, probably accompanied by some of the elders. 
 (3:18.) But when introduced, they delivered to him a mes- 
 sage from “Jehovah, the God of Israel.” — This is the first 
 time this title is given to the Lord, with respect to Israel as 
 a nation : though Jacob erected an altar to El-Elohe-Israel, 
 to God, the God of Israel, referring to the name which he 
 had just before received. (Note, Gen. 33, 20.) — In the name 
 of Jehovah, who thus honoured Israel in his low enslaved 
 condition, Moses and Aaron demanded, that the people 
 should be allowed to hold a sacred feast, according to the ob- 
 servances of their religion : and as they could not perform 
 this solemn service in Egypt, surrounded by those who held 
 their sacrifices in abomination ; they required permission to 
 retire to a distance into the wilderness, where their worship 
 would not be liable to interruption, and could give no umbrage 
 to the Egyptians. 
 
 V. 2. Pharaoh had probably heard some general report 
 of Jehovah, as claiming by his servants to be the only 
 “ living and true God,” the Creator and Governor of the 
 whole earth : but he and his predecessors had long tyrannized 
 over his professed worshippers ; and as they seemed to have 
 derived so little advantage from his favour, he concluded that 
 he had as little to fear from his wrath. He therefore treated 
 the message delivered to him with contemptuous indifference, 
 ranking Jehovah among, or rather beneath, the gods of the 
 nations, and especia'ly the gods of Egypt. — His language is 
 very emphatical ; ‘ Shall I, who was king of Egypt, lord it 
 over Israel, obey the God of Israel? No, I scorn to regard 
 him !’— Pharaoh had no knowledge of the Lord, and therefore 
 he set him at defiance. ‘Nor did he desire to know [him;] 
 being so transported with anger, that he would not examine 
 their commission, but only resolved he would not obey it.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. Israel was a numerous people, by whom the 
 wealth of his subjects, and his own greatness, were exceed- 
 ingly increased ; and it would not consist with either his honour 
 or interest, (to speak in the language of politicians,) thus 
 to risk the depopulation of his kingdom. He had been ac- 
 customed to tyrannize over them : and shall he now meanly, 
 on such a summons, consent to liberate them ? But if he de- 
 termined not to yield to this, he must crush their first attempts, 
 and not allow them to feel their own strength, or at all to taste 
 the sweets of liberty. Thus pride, ambition, covetousness, 
 and worldly policy, engaged him in the contest ; and a point 
 of honour, that is, an obstinate determination not to have it 
 said he was overcome, hardened him to persist in it to his 
 destruction. 
 
 V. 3. It may be supposed that Moses and Aaron do 
 dared to* Pharaoh some of the grand distinguishing particulari 
 of their religion, and spake in general terms of the perfec 
 tions and works of Jehovah. But it does not appear that, 
 on this occasion, they either wrought any miracle, or threaten 
 ed any punishment ; but only stated the danger to which they 
 themselves should be exposed, if they neglected to worship, 
 the Lord their God. This gentle and submissive applica- 
 tion was suited to illustrate the character of the tyrannical 
 oppressor ; for as he disdained such a message, «,o wonder he 
 raged when he more fully understood the commission under 
 which Moses and Aaron acted. 
 
 V. 4, 5. Pharaoh seems entirely to have disregarded all 
 that had been said concerning the appearance and command- 
 ment of the Lord to Moses and Aaron ; supposing the whole 
 plan to originate from ambitious, interested views, and ‘hat 
 
 ( 119 ) 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 6 And Pharaoh commanded the same day 'the 
 task masters of the people, and theirofficers, saying, 
 
 7 Ye shall no more give the people straw to 
 make brick, as heretofore : let them go and gather 
 <traw for themselves. 
 
 8 And the tale of the bricks which they did 
 make heretofore, ye shall lay upon them ; ye shall 
 not diminish aught thereof: for they be idle; 
 therefore they cry, saying, Let us go and sacrifice 
 to our God. 
 
 9 'Let there more work be laid upon the men, 
 that they may labour therein ; and let them not 
 
 regard K V a 1 1 1 words. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 10 H And the ‘task-masters of the people went 
 out, and their officers, and they spake to the peo- 
 ple, saying, Thus saith Pharaoh, I will not give 
 you straw. 
 
 1 1 Go ye, get you straw where ye can find it : 
 yet not aught of your work shall be diminished. 
 
 12 So the people were scattered abroad through- 
 out all the land of Egypt, to gather stubble instead 
 of straw. 
 
 13 And the task-masters hasted them, saying, 
 Fulfil your works, your tdaily tasks, as when there 
 was straw. 
 
 14 And the officers of the children of Israel, 
 which Pharaoh’s task-masters had set over them, 
 were beaten, and demanded, Wherefore have ye 
 not fulfilled your task in making brick, both yes- 
 terday and to-day, as heretofore? 
 
 * 10,13,15,19. Prov. 12:10. ’ Heb. Let the work he heavy upon the men. 
 
 k 2 Kin°s 18:20. Job 16:3. Zcch. 1:6. Mai. 3:14. Eph. 5:6. 11:11. Prov. 29:12. 
 t Heb. a matter nf a day in his day. m Malt. 26:8. John 6:27. 2 Thee. 3:10,11. 
 n Ez. 18:18. Dan. 2:9 — 13. o Deut. 32:36. Ec. 4:1. 5:8. p 6:9. Gen. 16:5. q Ec. 
 
 they abused the people’s superstition to promote their own 
 selfish designs. — He therefore ordered them to their burdens, 
 as well as the elders who attended them ; and it must be 
 ascribed to a div-ine interposition, that he did not send them 
 to a dungeon, or to execution ; considering his character, and 
 the nature of their message. — He also represented them as 
 doing a public injury to Egypt, and endangering the peace of 
 the community, by taking so large a multitude off from their 
 work, and putting thoughts of another kind into their minds. 
 
 V. 7. Some suppose that the straw was cut short, and 
 mingled with the clay in making bricks ; the nature of the 
 clay, and the imperfection of their skill, requiring it : and 
 others supposed that they burned the bricks with it. — But in 
 many places straw is now used in covering the clay before 
 the bricks are formed, and covering the bricks before they are 
 burned, to defend them from the burning sun or heavy rains ; 
 and indeed something of this kind is indispensably necessary. 
 
 V. 8, 9. Though the fruits of Israel’s industry were many 
 and great, Pharaoh took it for granted, without examining, 
 that the people were not fully employed : and too many of 
 the rich and powerful imitate his example, and act in such 
 matters upon report or conjecture, without inquiry. He 
 therefore determined to fill their hands with work, that they 
 might have somewhat else to think on, than such vain or lying 
 words, as he supposed those of Moses and Aaron to be. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. A large proportion of the people being employed 
 in gathering stubble, part of which they were constrained to 
 fetch from a great distance, it was impossible that the rest 
 could furnish the usual quantity of bricks. Yet the Egyptian 
 task-masters, by Pharaoh’s orders, insisted on this being 
 done : and when for two days a deficiency was found, the 
 Israelitish officers, whom the task-masters had placed over 
 their brethren to superintend their labours, were severely 
 beaten ; and thus an attempt was made to drive them, in their 
 own defence, to join in this cruel oppression ! 
 
 V. 15 — 23. It seems that the Israelitish officers were in- 
 formed of Pharaoh’s decision, by the Egyptian task-masters 
 (6;) and they might suspect that they had misrepresented his 
 words : but their appeal to Pharaoh was answered in that 
 cruel and sarcastical manner, which was calculated to break 
 their spirits, or drive them to desperate measures ; as well as 
 to make them conclude, that all their hopes of deliverance 
 from the Lord were groundless. As their prospects were 
 very gloomy, and there is no reason to suppose that many of 
 them were partakers of the courage and patience of faith, it is 
 the less wonderful that they spoke sharply to Moses and 
 Aaron ; who, being deeply interested in the concerns of their 
 brethren, were waiting to learn what answer they had re- 
 ceived. It must have been a severe trial to them to find, that 
 while Pharaoh reproached them for taking off the people 
 from their work, the officers of Israel complained of them, as 
 if they had intentionally set Pharaoh against them, and given 
 him a pretence for putting them to death, as well as for in- 
 creasing the burdens of Israel ; and that they even called on 
 God to plead their cause against them. Thus while the king 
 of Egypt denied that the Lord had sent Moses and Aaron, 
 the Israelites themselves overlooked ihe proofs which they 
 ( 120 ) 
 
 15 U Then the officers of the children of Israel 
 came and cried unto Pharaoh, saying, Wherefore 
 dealest thou thus with ihy servants F 
 
 16 There is no straw given unto thy seivants, 
 and they say to us, Make brick : and behold, thy 
 servants are beaten ; but the fault is in thine own 
 people. 
 
 17 But he said, m Ye are idle, ye are idle : there- 
 fore ye say, Let us go, and do sacrifice to the 
 Lord. 
 
 18 Go therefore now, and work : for there shall 
 no straw be given you, “yet shall ye deliver the 
 tale of bricks. 
 
 19 And the officers of the children of Israel did 
 
 see that they were in “evil case, after it was said, 
 Ye shall not minish aught from your bricks of 
 your daily task. • 
 
 20 And they met Moses and Aaron, who stood 
 in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh : 
 
 21 And they said unto them, pThe Lord look 
 upon you, and judge ; because ye have made sour 
 savour to tbe abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and 
 in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their 
 hand to slay us. 
 
 22 And Moses “returned unto the Lord, and 
 said, Lord, Wherefore hast thou so evil entre&ted 
 this people ? “why is it that thou hast sent me ? 
 
 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak 'in thy 
 name, he hath done evil to this people ; ^neither 
 hast thou delivered thy people at all. 
 
 10:1. Joel 2:20. 2 Cor. 2:15,16. | Heb. to stink. Gen. 34:30. 1 Sam. 13:4. 27:12. 
 2 Sam. 10:6. 1 Chr. 19:6. i 17:4. 1 Sam. 30:6. Jer.l2:l. s Num. 11:14,15. 
 1 Kings 19:4,10. Jer. 20:7. t Ps. 118:26. Jer. 11:21. John 5:43. § Heb. de- 
 
 livering, thou hast not delivered. Is. 26:17,18. 28:16. Heb. 10:36,37. 
 
 had witnessed of their divine commission! — Yet we may the 
 less wonder at this, as even Moses, when thus tiied, was 
 led to murmur against the Lord, for honouring him with this 
 important commission ; to forget that he had been forewarned 
 of Pharaoh’s opposition ; and almost to despair of success ! 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The servants of God may be called into very 
 perilous situations: but while they adhere to theii instruc- 
 tions, they may “ set their fac *s as a flint for he will bear 
 them out against their most haughty and imperious enemies. 
 The reasonableness of the divine commands always leaves 
 the disobedient without excuse. If \>* decline from the path 
 of duty when comparatively easy, we shall never confine our- 
 selves to it when greater self-denial is requisite ; and if we 
 refuse to devote a portion of our time and substance to the 
 service of God, how shall we obey, should he call us to leave 
 all, to take up our cross, to endure persecution, and to lay 
 down our lives for his sake ! Yet unless we are prepared for 
 this, we cannot he Christ’s disciples. But sinners aie afraid 
 of losing the pleasure or profit which they derive oi expect 
 from transgression ; not knowing that 4 the service of God is 
 perfect freedom,’ a continual feast, and an enduring inherit- 
 ance. — Without that knowledge of God, which is derived 
 from faith and experience, there is no true fear oi loye of 
 him : and therefore they who know him not habitually dis- 
 obey him, and often insolently despise him, and presump- 
 tuously set him at defiance, when his precepts and denuncia- 
 tions interfere with their ambitious and worldly projects. But 
 this ignorance of God is no excuse ; as it arises not so much 
 from want of information, as from men 44 not liking to retain 
 God in their knowledge.” — It is common for the irreligious to 
 treat all the fears, hopes, conscientious scruples, and expe- 
 riences of true believers, as superstition and enthusiasm ; and 
 to censure them as vain words and foolish fancies. It must 
 indeed be allowed that there is much superstition and en- 
 thusiasm in the world ; yet true religion cannot but be expe- 
 rimental ; for it must produce its effects upon the judgment, 
 heart, and conscience, before they can appear in the life and 
 conversation. We should therefore learn to distinguish be- 
 tween u the precious and the vile,” according to the standard 
 of the Holy Scriptures. — It is very common for worldly people 
 to condemn an attention to the ordinances of God, as idleness ; 
 and to consider all the time or money which is expended in 
 religion, as wasted to no purpose. To this day we find num- 
 bers disposed to exclaim against some of their neighbours, for 
 spending a few hours, spared from business, in the service of 
 God ; crying out, 44 Ye are idle, ye are idle;” an«l yet they 
 do not censure, or only with great lenity, those who allot twico 
 the time to dissipation and intemperance! Thus is God de- 
 spised among men, as if nothing could be so misemployed 
 as that which is devoted to him ! Nor is it to this day an 
 obsolete device of Satan, to t 11 men’s hands with business, 
 their heads with projects, and their hearts with cares, in 
 order to divert them from the worship of God, and from at- 
 tention to 44 the one thing needful.” 
 
 V. 10 — 23. The yoke of Satan and of sin is in itself im- 
 mensely more dreadful than that of cruel Pharaoh and hia 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 God encourages Moses, by Ms name JEHOVAH , and by promises ; 1 — 8. 
 Moses in rain attempts to encourage the Israelites , 9. He and Aaron are 
 charged to go again unto Pharaoh , 10 — 13. The genealogy of Reuben and 
 of Simeon ; and of Levi the ancestor of Moses and Aaron, 14 — '25. The 
 history is resumed, 26 — 30. 
 
 T HEN the Lord said unto Moses, “Now shalt 
 thou see what I will do to Pharaoh : for 
 b with a strong hand shall he let them go, and with 
 a strong hand shall he 'drive them out of his land. 
 
 2 And God spake unto Moses, and said unto 
 him, d I am the Lord : 
 
 3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, 
 and unto Jacob, by the name of “God Almighty, 
 but by my name f J EHOVAH was I not known to 
 them. 
 
 4 And I have also ^established my covenant 
 with them, to give them the land of Canaan, 
 11 the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were 
 strangers. 
 
 5 And I have also heard the ‘groaning of the 
 
 a 14:13. Num. 23:23. Deul. 32:39. 2 Kings 7:2,19. 2 Chr. 50:17. Ps.l2:5. b 3: 
 19,20. Deut. 4:34. Ps. 89:13. 136:12. Is. 63:12. Ez. 20:33,34. c 11:1. 12:61—33, 
 39. d 6,8. 11:18. 20:2. Gen. 15:7. Is. 12:8. 43:11,15. Jer. 9:31. Mai. 3:6. 
 e Gen. 17:1. 28:3. 35:11. 18:3. f 3:14. Gen. 12:78. 13:18. 22:11. I'.. 68:4. Mil. 
 83:18. Is. 11:6. 52:5,6. Join: 8:58. Rev. 1:4. g Gen. 6: 18. 1.5:18. 17:7,13. 2. Sam. 
 23:5. Is. 55:3. h Gen. 15:13. 17:8. 23:4. 26:3. Ps. 105:12. Acts 7:5. i 12:24. 3: 
 7. Is. 63:9. k2:24. Gen. 8:1. 9:15. Ps. 105:8. 106:45. Luke 1:54,72. 1 See on 
 
 task-masters : and when sinners begin to feel their misery, 
 and the Lord is preparing deliverance for them, the disco- 
 veries which they continually make of the strictness and 
 spirituality of the divine law, the evil of sin, and the strength 
 of their evil propensities, often concur with the temptations of 
 the devil in urging them to conclude, that it is impossible to 
 overcome their corrupt passions and evil habits ; for these 
 seem rather irritated than subdued by convictions, while they 
 remain ignorant of the gospel. Then indeed they suppose 
 themselves to be in an evil and a hopeless case ; and are 
 ready to wish they had never attended to that doctrine which 
 has thus disquieted them ; nay, to quarrel with the instru- 
 ment, as if he were the cause of their distress and misery ! 
 On this account, as well as others, they who desire to be 
 honoured by God in any public sphere of usefulness, should 
 well count their cost ; and not only expect to meet with oppo- 
 sition from the world, but to experience still more painful 
 trials from the impatience, and even ingratitude and re- 
 proaches of the very persons whose good they are earnestly 
 seeking ; and to be accused, not only of those crimes of which 
 they are innocent, but, by men of different characters, of 
 things directly contrary to each other. Such as seem to 
 believe, will 44 in time of temptation fall away and they 
 who really believe, under the pressure of severe trials, often 
 forget all they knew, and distress faithful ministers with their 
 distrust, impatience, and peevish complaints. But indeed 
 the ministers themselves, being conscious how they also dis- 
 honour and offend God, and admiring his forbearance and 
 compassion to them, should learn to imitate him in bearing 
 with their brethren. For the most faithful, on some occa- 
 sions, not at first perceiving the fruits of their labours, or not 
 duly understanding the Lord’s method of preparing sinners 
 for the liberty and consolations of the gospel, by very humi- 
 liating and painful experiences ; while they return to spread 
 the case before God, are apt to discourage themselves, and 
 • mpatiently to complain that they are sent to no purpose, and 
 that he doth not by them deliver the people at all : but this is 
 heir sin and their folly, of which at length they will be 
 ashamed. — Let us not however close this chapter, without 
 contrasting our mild and benign government, and the civil 
 and religious liberty which we enjoy, with the cruel tyranny 
 and oppression of Pharaoh : and, uniting gratitude to God 
 and man for such blessings, let us pray for the continuance 
 of them to us and to our posterity, and for the choicest bless- 
 ings upon those who are the instruments of God in them: 
 and let us remember how much we are bound to live, (espe- 
 cially under such rulers,) in all godliness and honesty, and 
 in quietness and conscientious submission. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1. Moses found that his in- 
 terference had only rendered the condition of Israel worse 
 than before ; for Pharaoh set Jehovah at defiance, and the 
 people were sinking in abject despondency. But at this 
 crisis the Lord declared that he would display his own 
 power, and effect their deliverance himself, that he might 
 have all the glory of it. — When Pharaoh felt the power of 
 God’s indignation, he not only consented to Israel’s depart- 
 ure, but he and his people urged and hastened it : yet this 
 consent was extorted by force, and was entirely contrary to 
 Pharaoh’s habitual inclinations.— It is not said in what way the 
 Lord spake unto Moses on each of these occasions ; but we 
 nave reason to believe, that there was, in general, some per- 
 sonal appearance and an audible voice, like that with which 
 the patriarchs had been favoured. (33:11. Num. 12:8.) 
 
 V. 3. ‘I am,’ saith God, 4 that unchangeable, and all- 
 perfect Being, who am known by the name Jehovah, and 
 always act consistently with that name.’ — The Lord was 
 known to the patriarchs, as “ God Almighty,” or the all- 
 sufficient God, who possesses all wisdom, power, and dom /- 
 Vol. L -16 
 
 children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in 
 bondage : and h I have remembered my covenant. 
 
 6 Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, 'I 
 am the Lord, and m l will bring you out from under 
 the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you 
 out of their bondage : and I will "redeem you with 
 a stretched-out arm, and with great judgments. 
 
 7 And I "will take you to me for a people, and 
 i’I will be to you a God : and ye shall know that 
 
 1 am the Lord your God, which bringeth youou- 
 ifrom under the burdens of the Egyptians. 
 
 8 And I will bring you in unto the land con- 
 cerning the which I did 'swear r to give it, to 
 Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob ; and I will give 
 it you for a heritage : "I am the Lord. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 9 And Moses spake so unto the children of 
 Israel : but they ‘hearkened not unto Moses, for 
 f anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage. 
 
 10 And the' Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2. Ez. 20:7-9. m 3:17. 7:4. Deut. 26:8. Ps. 81:6. □ 15:13. Feul. 7:8. 15:15. 
 
 2 Kings 17:36. I Chr. 17:21. Neh. 1:10. o 19:5,6. Gen. 17:78. Deut. 4:20. 7:6. 
 14:2. 26: 18. 2 Sum. 7:23,24. Jer.31:33. Hos.LlO. lPet.2:10. p 29:45,46. 
 Dent. 29:13. Zech. 13:9. Matt. 22:32. Heb. 11:16. Rev. 21:7. qPs. 81:6. 
 * Heb. lift up my hand. Gen. 14.22. Deut. 32:40. Ez. 20:5,6,15,23,28,42. 36:7. 
 47:14. r 32:13. Gen. 15:18. 22:16,17 . 26:3. 28:13. 35-12. e See on 2. Num. 
 23:19. ISam. 15:29. 1 5:21 . 14:12. t Heb. shortness, orslraitness. Num. 21:4. 
 
 nion, to contrive and effect the purposes of his love. — It is 
 most probable that the latter clause should be read with an 
 interrogation : “ And was I not known to them by my name 
 Jehovah?” For Moses had constantly used the name 
 Jehovah in the preceding history; the patriarchs built their 
 altars, and “called upon the name of Jeiiovah Abraham 
 called the place where he was about to sacrifice Isaac, 
 jEHOVAH-jire/i ; and God, speaking to Jacob in Bethel, 
 saith, 44 1 am Jehovah, the God of Abraham.” — The inten- 
 tion of these words seems to have been this. Moses was 
 discouraged, because the difficulties before him appeared 
 insurmountable; but this was unreasonable: the same glo- 
 rious God, who revealed himself to Abraham, Isaac, and 
 Jacob, as Almighty , and who pledged the honour of his 
 name for the accomplishment of the covenant which he made 
 with them, that he would give their posterity the land in 
 which 44 they were strangers;” was indeed Jehovah, the 
 self-existent, eternal, and unchangeable God, and was known 
 to them by that name also. No difficulty therefore had arisen, 
 or could arise, but what he foresaw when he made the pro 
 mises; nor any, which his power was not able to remove. 
 As if he had said, 4 Remember, Moses, who it was that made 
 the promises to the fathers ; and assure thyself he is well able 
 to fulfil them. — Thus Jesus, who is the same yesterday, to 
 day, and for ever,” said to Martha, over the grave of Lazarus, 
 44 Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest believe, thou 
 shouldest see the glory of God ?” referring to what he had 
 said before, 44 1 am the Resurrection and the Life.” (John 
 11:37 — 40.) — Some however think, that though the patriarchs 
 knew the same Jehovah, they were not instructed in this 
 meaning and application of it; and that this is the purport of 
 the passage; especially as Moses was the first, as far as we 
 know, who was sent with a message to others in the name of 
 Jehovah, and enabled to confirm that message by public 
 and incontestable miracles. 
 
 V. 5 — 7. Jehovah, the righteous and compassionate 
 
 Patron of the oppressed, and the covenanted Friend of 
 Israel, was absolutely engaged and determined to put forth 
 his omnipotence to rescue them from bondage ; as a man 
 stretches forth his arm and employs his whole force to effect 
 any thing about which he is in earnest. And as this had 
 respect to the redemption of the promised Saviour, and would 
 also be accomplished at the price of desolating Egypt ; the 
 deliverance was spoken of in language taken from ihe ran- 
 soming of slaves and captives. (Note, Is. 43:3,4.) He there- 
 fore engaged to take them under his especial care and pro- 
 tection, and to maintain his truth and worship among them, 
 while other nations were suffered to walk in their own ways. 
 44 To know the Lord,” is often used in Scripture for that 
 knowledge of the being, perfections, and omnipotent dominion 
 of God over all his works, which is the effect of experience ; 
 whether of his mercy and love, or of his righteous vengeance. 
 But, to know him as 44 the Lord our God,” implies either a 
 spiritual relation to him as our Friend and Father, or at leas’ 
 those religious advantages which are the outward signs and 
 means of so great a blessing. Israel would know that he 
 was the Lord, in the experience of his powerful and faith- 
 ful loving-kindness ; and might thus discover that he was 
 justly entitled to all that love and service which his law re- 
 quired. 
 
 V. 9. The people were so crushed by oppression, and so 
 filled with anguish by their late distressing disarn>''mtment ; 
 that, perceiving no sensible tokens of approaching deliverance, 
 but an increase of their oppressive burdens, they quite do- 
 sponded, disregarded the message of God, and refused to 
 make any further attempts. 
 
 For anguish of A 7ro rrjg o\tyo\pvxtas, from 
 
 ness, or dejection of spirit. Se t i . — 1 Thes. 5:14. Gr 
 l i21 ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 11 Go in, “speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, 
 that he let the children of Israel go out of his 
 Land. 
 
 12 And Moses spake before the Lord, saying. 
 Behold “the children of Israel have not hearkened 
 unto me ; how then shall Pharaoh hear me, who 
 am of runcircumcised lips? 
 
 13 And the Lord spake unto Moses, and unto 
 Aaron, and “gave them a charge unto the children 
 of Israel, and unto Pharaoh king of Egypt, to 
 bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. 
 
 14 H These be “the heads of their fathers’ 
 houses : b The sons of Reuben the first-born of 
 Israel ; Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi : 
 'these be the families of Reuben. 
 
 15 And the d sons of Simeon; Jemuel, and 
 Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and 
 Shaul the son of a Canaanitish woman: these 
 are the families of Simeon. 
 
 16 And these are the names of the “sons of 
 Levi, according to their generations : Gershon, 
 and Kohath, and Merari : and the years of the 
 s c.] life of Levi were fa hundred thirty and 
 low. J seven years. 
 
 17 The ssons of Gershon; Libni, and Shimi, 
 according to their families. 
 
 18 And the h sons of Kohath ; Amram, and 
 Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel: ‘and the years of 
 the life of Kohath were a hundred thirty and 
 three years. 
 
 19 And the k sons of Merari; Mahali, and 
 Mushi : these are the families of Levi, according 
 to t{ieir generations. 
 
 u 29. 3:11). 5:1,23. 7:1. x3:13. 4:29—31. 5:19—21. y 30. 4:10. Lev. 26: 
 
 11. Deut. 30:6. Is. 6:5. Jer. 1:6. 6:10. 9:25. Acts 7:51. z Num. 27: 19,23. Deut. 
 31:14. Ps. 91:11. Matt. 4:6. 1 Tiro. 1:18. 5:21. 6:13,17. 2 Tim. 2:2. 4:1. aSS. 
 Josh. 11:1. 19:51. 1 Chr. 5:24. 7:2,7. 8:6. b Gen. 46:9. 49:3,4. Num. 26:5,6. 
 I Chr. 5:3. c Num. 26:7. Josh. 13:15,23. d Gen. 46:10. Num. 26:12,13. 1 Chr. 
 4:24. Nemu l. Jarib. Zerah. e Gen. 46:11. Num. 3:17. 1 Chr. 6:1,16. f 18,20. 
 (Jen. 35:28 . 47:28 . 50:26. gGcn. 46:11. Num. 3:18. Skinui. 1 Chr. 6:17. 23:7. 
 Laa lan. Skimei. h Num. 3:19. Izebar. 26:57. 1 Chr. 6:2,18. i See on 16. 
 k Num. 3:20. 1 Chr. 6:19. 23:21. 12:1,2. Num. 26:59. m See on 16. n24. 
 
 20 And 'Amram took him Joc..?ued bis father’s 
 sister to wife; and she bare him Aaron and 
 Moses : m and the years of the life of Amram were 
 a hundred and thirty and seven years. 
 
 21 And the sons of Izhar ; “Korah, and Nepheg, 
 and Zichri. 
 
 22 And the “sons of Uzziel; Mishael, and i-b.c. 
 
 Elzaphan, and Zithri. L 1530 - 
 
 23 And Aaron took him rElisheba, daughter o. 
 ^Amminadab, sister of Naashon, to wile ; and 
 she bare him r Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and 
 Ithamar. 
 
 24 And the sons of “Korah ; Assir, and 'Elkanah, 
 and Abiasaph: these are the families of the 
 Korhites. 
 
 25 And Eleazar Aaron’s son took him one of 
 the daugh ters of Putiel to wife ; and she bare him 
 “Phinehas : these are v the heads of the fathers of 
 the Levites, according to their families. 
 
 26 These are “that Aaron and Moses, to whom 
 the Lord said, ‘Bring out the children of Israel 
 frormthe land of Egypt according to their 'armies. 
 
 27 These are they which “spake to Pharaoh 
 king of Egypt, b to bring out the children of Israel 
 from Egypt : these are that Moses and Aaron. 
 
 28 *11 And it came to pass on the day when the 
 Lord spake unto Moses in the land of Egypt, 
 
 29 That the Lord spake unto Moses, saying. 
 C I am the Lord : d speak thou unto Pharaoh king 
 of Egypt all that I say unto thee. 
 
 30 And Moses said before Ihe Lord, Behold, I 
 am of “uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh 
 hearken unto me ? 
 
 Num. 16:1,32. 26:10,11. 1 Chr. 6:37,38. oLev. 10:4. Num. 3:30. ]> Luke 1:5. 
 
 q Num. 1:7. 2:3. Ruth 4:19,20. 1 Chr. 2:10. Mall. 1:4. r 24: 1,9. Lev. 10:1,2. 
 Num. 3:2 — 4. 26:60,61. 1 Chr. 6:3. 24:1,2. ,21. Num. 16:1,32. 26:9-11. 1 Chr. 
 6:22,33,37,38. Ps.84:85: itles. tl Sam. 1:1. I Chr. 6:23,27,23. u Num. 25:7— 
 13. 31:6. Josh. 22:13,31,32. Juilg.20:28. Ps. 106:30,31. v 14. * 13,20. Josh. 24: 
 5. 1 Sam. 12.6,8. 1 Chr. 6:3. Ps. 77:20. 99:6. Mic.6:4. y 7. 3:10,11. 20:2. 32: 
 1,7,11. lets 7:35,36. z7:4. 12:17,51. 13:18. Num. 33:1. n5:l-3. 7:10. b Set 
 or. 26. 33:1. cS.eon6,8. d Jer. 1 :7,17— 19. 26:2. Kz.3:17. Matt. 28:20. Acli 
 20:27. e See on 12. 4:10. 
 
 V. 12. Even Moses himself was so discouraged, that his 
 faith almost entirely failed, and he was ready to give up the 
 service as hopeless. He forgot that the Lord had engaged to 
 deliver the people by a strong hand, and not by persuasive 
 words ; so that liis uncircumcised lips, or want of eloquence, 
 could no! prevent his success. — Unci r cumcised often denotes 
 unsuitableness and incapacity, through some defect or impe- 
 diment ; as the carnal heart of man is entirely unsuited to 
 the spiritual service of God, and the purposes of his glory. 
 (Marg. Ref. y.) 
 
 V. 13. The Lord here absolutely commanded Moses and 
 Aaron, without further objections or delays, to deliver his 
 message to Israel, and also to Pharaoh, to whom they seem 
 to have been directed to speak with more authority than be- 
 fore ; and to denounce the vengeance of the Lord upon him 
 if he proved refractory. Indeed, they were not only charged 
 to attempt bringing Israel out of Egypt, but absolutely to 
 effect it ; and this charge was calculated to increase their 
 faith, and raise their expectations. 
 
 V. 14 — 20. Before the historian proceeded with his narra- 
 tive, he digressed from the subject, to give some account of 
 the persons to whom this charge was given. — Reuben was 
 the first-born, and accordingly is first mentioned, to mark the 
 accomplishment of Jacob’s prediction; seeing he was passed 
 by, and the deliverer did not spring from him. — For the same 
 reason Simeon also is mentioned, who was the next in seni- 
 ority ; yet the deliverer of Israel did not descend from him, 
 but from Levi, the third son, who, though he had been dis- 
 graced, began now to be dignified. ( Notes , Gen. 49:3 — 7.) 
 Levi, though older than Joseph, survived him above twenty 
 years; and his son Kohath attained nearly, and his grandson 
 Amram fully, to the same age. It is not recorded how long 
 the other sons of Jacob lived. Moses was no more than a 
 hundred and twenty when he died : yet his age was deemed 
 extraordinary ; and he fixes the term of man’s life to seventy 
 or eighty years, (Fs. 90:10.) which from about that time have 
 in general been its appointed bounds. — According to the Sc*'* 
 tuagint and the Jewish traditions, Jochebed was cousin , noi , 
 aunt to Amram : but this construction was probably put on the 
 original word to save the credit of Moses and Aaron ; because 
 tiie marriage of an aunt is afterwards forbidden. (Lev. 18: 
 12,14.) For the meaning of the word hero used is fixer! 
 by another passage, in which it is said: u The name of 
 Amram’s wife was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her 
 mother bare to Levi in Egypt.” (Num. 26:59.) It is proba- 
 ble that Jochebed was born when Levi was old, and was 
 as young as Amram. — The impartiality of the historian ap- 
 pears in his recording that he was born of a marriage, which 
 the law afterwards condemned as incestuous ; and by his 
 silence in other respects concerning his parents, though 
 ( 122 1 
 
 there is sufficient ground to conclude that they were pious 
 persons. 
 
 V. 23 — 25. Elisheba is the same as Elisabeth. She was 
 the sister of Naashon, or Nahshon , who was of the tribe o* 
 Judah, and an ancestor of Christ. Thus an alliance was 
 formed between the family of the priests and that of the kings; 
 which might shadow forth him who was both Priest and 
 King in one Person. — It is observable that Moses in this 
 place records nothing of his own descendants, who were left 
 among the ordinary Levites; though he mentions such of the 
 other branches of his family as were afterwards in any way 
 distinguished, and especially the descendants of Aaron, the 
 priest of the Lord. 
 
 V. 26, 27. The transactions which Moses was about to 
 record, were exceedingly important in themselves, and in 
 their consequences ; and there could be no doubt that other 
 nations and ages would hear the report of them. Accord- 
 ingly, some traditions concerning them are found in many 
 pagan writers : but they are greatly misstated ; and espe- 
 cially the parentages , and even the tribe of Moses are mis- 
 taken in them. It was therefore of great importance, in order 
 to give the stamp of authenticity to his history, that a very 
 particular and clear account should be given of the principal 
 persons mentioned. This has frequently been done by other 
 historians, who have on such occasions spoken of themselves 
 in the third person ; as Ezra, Daniel, and the apostle John: 
 so that there is not the smallest reason for any objection, on 
 this account, to these books having been written by Moses, 
 according to the general testimony of all antiquity, sanction- 
 ed by the express attestations of our Lord himself. (John 
 
 5:46,47.) 
 
 Armies. (26) When the Israelites left Egypt, they 
 marched in good order, without trepidation or confusion: and 
 when the several tribes were regularly encamped, they ap- 
 peared as so many armies prepared for battle, under the 
 immediate conduct of the Lord of armies himself. 
 
 V. 28 — 30. Having stated the above particulars, the sacred 
 vriter resumes his narrative. (Marg Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. We are most likely to prosper in our endeavours 
 to glorify God and serve our generation, when we are con- 
 vinced by experience that we can do nothing of ourselves: 
 for when we can truly say that our whole dependence is 
 placed on the Lord, and 14 our expectation is only from him ; u 
 wc are prepared to mark and to record his works of power 
 and love, and to render him our tribute of adoring, thankful 
 praise. Ho therefore previously proves and humbles those 
 whom he loves and employs, and brings them to feel , as well 
 as acknowledge, their insufficiency : but while ho is thus 
 mortifying their pride and ambition, Fatan )ften takes the 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER VII. B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Hi Lord encourages Moses and Aaron to go unto Pharaoh, 1 — 6. Their ages 
 are noted,!. Aaron easts down his rod, which becomes a serpen', an<l the 
 magicians do the same ; but their rods are swallotoedup by Aaron's rod : yet 
 Pharaoh's h-art is hardened. 8 — 13. Another message is sent to Pharaoh, 
 and the river is turned into blood , 14—23. The distress of the Egyptians, 
 24,25. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Moses, “See, I have 
 made thee b a god to Pharaoh : and Aaron thy 
 brother shall be thy prophet. 
 
 2 Thou shalt speak c all that I command thee : 
 and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, 
 that he send the children ol'Israel out oP his land. 
 
 3 And d I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and 'mul- 
 tiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. 
 
 4 But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, f that 
 I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth 
 mine sarmi s, and my people, the children of Israel, 
 out of tl*e land of Egypt, h by great judgments. 
 
 5 And the Egyptians 'shall know that I am the 
 Loro, when 4 stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, 
 an* bring out the children of Israel from among 
 them. 
 
 a 16:29. Gen. 19:21. 1 Kings 17:23. 2 KinRs 6:32. Ec.l:10. b 4 :15,16. Ps. 82:6. 
 Jer. 1 : 1U. John lu: 35.36. c 6:29. Deul. 4:2. I Kings 22:14. Jer. 1:7,17. hr. 3:19. 
 
 17. Malt. 28:20. Acts 20:27. il See on 4:21. e9:16. 11:9. Dent. 4:34. T:\9. 
 
 Nell. 9:10. Ps. 78:43— 51. 11)5:27—36. 135:9. Is. 51:9. Jer. 32:20,21. Mic.7:15. 
 John 4:48. Ads 2:22 . 7:36. f 9:3. 10:1. Judg.2:I5. Lam. 3:3. g6;26. 12:51. 
 
 b6:6. Prov. 19:29. Is. 26:9. Ei. 14:21. 25:11. 30:14,19. Ilev.l5:4. 16:7. 19:2. 
 .9:10,22. 14:4,18. Ps.9:16. Ez. 25:17. 28:22 . 36:23. 39:7,22. j See on 3:20. k 10. 
 
 opportunity of tempting them to discontent, impatience, and 
 discouragement; that “their hands may hang down and 
 their knees wax feeble,” and that they may be reluctant to 
 the work assigned them. In such circumstances, they are 
 apt to displease the Lord by unbelieving objections and hesi- 
 tations; yet lie graciously pities and pardons them, and ob- 
 viates their discouragements. And nothing is more effectual 
 for this purpose, than discovering to them his immutable per- 
 fection, his incomprehensible wisdom and power, his uncon- 
 trollable dominion, his condescending compassion, love, and 
 faithfulness; and his oath and covenant, by which he hath 
 engaged to fulfil his largest promises to his church, and to 
 every living member of it. Calling these things to remem- 
 brance, and recollefcting his wonders of old, the drooping 
 heart revives, faith recovers strength, larger expectations are 
 formed, and the servant of God rises superior to despond- 
 ency, and patiently proceeds in the work assigned him. 
 
 V. 9 — 30. Our compassionate Lord regards our groanings 
 under temporal calamities; but when the guilt and power of 
 sin and temptation become our chief complaint, and extort 
 the exclamation, “ Oh, wretched man that I am ! Who shall 
 deliver me?” he particularly notes it, and will certainly per- 
 form to us “ the oath which he sware unto . . . Abraham, . . . 
 that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, 
 might serve him without fear, in holiness ami righteousness 
 before him, all the days of our life.” (Luke 1:72 — 75.) When 
 we find that we cannot deliver ourselves* he will show us 
 what he can do ; and redeeming us by his strong hand and 
 stretched-out arm, from the power of our enemies, he will 
 take us to be his people, and will be our God. He will guard 
 us safely all the way to that good land where tears, groans, 
 sins, and enemies are known no more for ever ; and there he 
 will give us everlasting felicity. But even these glorious and 
 joyful assurances afford no consolation to the soul which is 
 overwhelmed with present trouble, finds matters apparently 
 grow worse, and has no sensible tokens of the divine favour. 
 For we are very prone to expect the continuance and in- 
 crease of such dispensations as we at present experience. 
 Even universal observation of the mutability of human affairs 
 does not prevent those in prosperity from expecting greater 
 prosperity, and those in adversity from expecting deeper 
 scenes of affliction : and this gives Satan an immense advan- 
 tage, in attempting to buoy up some men in careless pre- 
 sumption, and to depress others in heartless despondency, 
 If then we would be safe, and walk comfortably in such a 
 world as this, 1 we must walk by faith, not by sight.” For 
 he, and he only, who habitually believes the testimony and 
 relies on the promise of God, will find his heart prepared for 
 humble watchfulness, patient hope, and cheerful submission : 
 while frequent reflections on his own unworthiness, connected 
 vvith lively prospects of heavenly felicity, tend to silence his 
 somplaints, animate his admiring love and gratitude, and 
 ender him persevering and active in the duties.of his place 
 vnd station. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1, 2. Moses, as the ambas- 
 sador of Jehovah, representing him and speaking in his 
 name, possessed and exercised an authority over Pharaoh, 
 and laid injunctions, denounced threatenings, and called for 
 judgments on him, with a power which Pharaoh, proud and 
 great as he was, could not resist, and was unable to despise, 
 or to endure. Thus Moses had a decided superiority over 
 Pharaoh, and did not stand in awe of his authority, hut made 
 nim tremble before him. All this seems to ^e implied in 
 •his srrong expression, “ I have made thee a god to Pha- . 
 ► aoh and, in answer *o Moses’s objection that he was “of 
 uioircumcised lips,” he was assured that Aaron should de- | 
 
 6 And Moses and Aaron did 'as the Lord com* 
 manded them, so did they. 
 
 7 And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron 
 
 lourscore and three years old, when they spake 
 unto Pharaoh. £, Practical Observa ions .] 
 
 8 And the Lord spake unto Moses, and untc 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 9 When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, 
 m Show a miracle for you : then thou shalt say unto 
 Aaron, "Take thy rod and cast it before Pharaoh, 
 and it shall become a serpent. 
 
 10 And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, 
 and they did so as the Lord had commanded : and 
 Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and be- 
 fore his servants, and °it became a serpent. 
 
 11 Then Pharaoh also called the Pwise- men, and 
 the sorcerers : now the magicians of Egypt, Uhey 
 also did in like manner with their enchantments; 
 
 12 For they cast down every man his rod, and 
 they became serpents : r but Aaron’s rod swallowed 
 up their rods. 
 
 12:28.* 39:43. 40:16. Gen. 6:22. 22:18. John 15:10,14. 1 Gen. 41 :4G. Dent. 29:5. 
 31:2. 34:7. Ps. 90:10. Acts 7.23,30. m Is. 7:1 1. John *2:18. 6:30. 10:38. n JO- 
 12. 4:2.17,20. 9:23. 10:13. o 4:3. Am. 9:3. Mark 16:18. I.uke 10:19. p Gen. 
 41:8,38,39. Is. 19:11,12. 47:12.13. Dan. 2:2,27. 4:7—9. 5:7 11. 2 lim.3:S. Rev. 
 19:20. q Dent. 13:1— 3. Matt. 24:24. 2Thea.2:9. Rev. 13: 1 1—15. r8;l.\19. 
 
 9:11. Acls8:9— 13. 13:8—11. 19:19,20. 1 John 4.4. 
 
 liver his message faithfully and properly to Pharaoh, and thus 
 be “ his prophet.” — The last three verses of the foregoing 
 chapter might be more conveniently placed at the beginning 
 of this. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Notes , 13. 4:21. 6:26,27. 
 
 V. 5. Know.] By the dreadful judgments inflicted on 
 them, especially the destruction of all the first-born, the 
 Egyptians had a full demonstration that the God of Israel 
 was the great Jehovah, “the Lord of the whole earth.” 
 (Note, 6:5 — 7.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. At length Moses was delivered from his fears ; 
 and being strengthened in faith, he no longer objected, but 
 went about his arduous work with undaunted courage, and 
 proceeded in it with indefatigable perseverance ; Aaron also 
 heartily assisting him, in the same courage and constancy of 
 faith. — Being matured in years and experience, and venera- 
 ble on that account, they were more proper to speak in the 
 name of God, before Pharaoh and, his courtiers, than younger 
 men would have been. 
 
 V. 9. 10. It is here supposed that extraordinary divine 
 commissions should be attested by miracles : and, unless 
 brought in proof of such doctrines as evidently contradi< t the 
 first grand principles of all religion, or of revealed truth in 
 particular, they may be considered as the seal of Heaven 
 affixed to the prophet’s commission ; so that open, undeniable* 
 and repeated miracles, are a divine attestation in behalf of 
 the person by whom they are wrought. (John 3:2. 5:36. 6:27. 
 10:38. 14:11. 15:24.) And indeed it cannot he supposed that 
 God will allow his seal to be so counterfeited, as to impose 
 on the attentive, humble, and impartial inquirer, however he 
 may leave the proud and prejudiced to be deceived by delu- 
 sive appearances. There is likewise a vast difference be- 
 tween miracles wrought publicly before enemies , in proof of a 
 doctrine which has got no establishment in the world , and 
 which by its very nature, and the circumstances of those 
 who promulgate it, is never likely to succeed, unless the 
 miracles are undeniable, so that the whole cause rests upon 
 them; and miracles, supposed to have been performed in 
 private, or among friends, in proof of a system already esta- 
 blished, and supported by the wealthy, the powerful, and the 
 learned, to whom it is the interest of others to pay court. 
 All the miracles wrougnt by Moses and Aaron were of the 
 former kind : and their success itself, in so extraordinary an 
 undertaking, demonstrates that they were wrought by the 
 power of God. Moses delivered the rod to Aaron, who in 
 general gave the token for the performance of the miracles. — 
 The command given to him by Moses before Pharaoh, im- 
 plied a prediction of the miracle, which tended to render it 
 the more undeniable. 
 
 A serpent.] (I : '' n ) which the LXX render bpaieti) v, a 
 dragon , as also the plural in ihe twelfth verse dpaKovreg. 
 The word (wna) is used before, (4:3.) and is rendered by the 
 LXX o0t?. 
 
 V. 11, 12. No doubt. Pharaoh and his servants were both 
 astonished and alarmed, when they saw Aaron’s rod become 
 a terrible serpent, before them. But as magicians and sor- 
 cerers were in high repute in Egypt, being called .wise men, 
 and supposed capable of performing very extraordinary things 
 by their skill in the occult sciences ; probably Pharaoh and 
 his courtiers endeavoured to believe, that Moses and Aaron 
 were nothing more than two great magicians, and that ’he 
 sorcerers and magician s of Egypt were able to contend with 
 them. Accordingly, some of the most renowned among 
 them were called in, of whom we find Jannes and Jambres 
 were the principal: (2 Tim. 3:8.) and “they also did in like 
 manner with their enchantments ; for they cast down every 
 
 ( 123 ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 13 IT And 'he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that 
 he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had 
 said. 
 
 14 H And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s 
 heart is hardened, ‘he ref'useth to let the people go. 
 
 15 Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning'; lo, 
 “he goeth out unto the water, and thou shalt stand 
 by the river’s brink, against he come : and v the 
 rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take 
 in thine hand. 
 
 16 And thou shalt say unto him, “The Lord 
 God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee r say- 
 ing, rLet my people go, that they may 'serve me 
 in the wilderness : and behold, hitherto thou 
 wouldest not hear. 
 
 17 Thus saith the Lord, In this “thou shalt 
 know that I am the Lord : behold, I will smite 
 with the rod that is in my hand, upon the wa- 
 ters which are in the river, b and they shall be 
 turned to blood. 
 
 18 And “the fish that is in the river shall die, 
 and the river shall stink ; and the Egyptians d shall 
 loathe to drink of the water of the river. 
 
 19 And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto 
 Aaron, Take thy rod, and 'stretch out thy hand 
 
 p 4:21. 8:15. 111:1,20,27. 14:17. Deut.2.30. Zech. 7:11,12. Rom. 1:28. 2:5. Hell. 
 8:7,8,13. 14:23. S.2. 9:2. 10:4. Is. 1:20. Jer. 8:5. 9:6. Heb. 12:25. u2:5. 8:20. 
 Ez. 29:3. v 10. 4:2—4. x 3:18. 5:3. 9:1.13 10:3. 1 Sam. 4:6— 9. y 8:1,20. 
 13:15. 14:5. Is. 45:13. Jer.50:33. Arts 4:21— 23. z3:12. 5:2,3. 9:1. a5:2. 6:7. 
 1 Sam. 17:48,47. 1 Kings 20:28. 2 Kings 19:19. Ps. 83:18. Kz. 29:9. 30:8,19. 3-2: 
 15. 38:23. 39:28. Dan. 4:17,32,37. 5:21,23. 01:22. 4:9. Ps. 78:41. 105:29. Rev. 
 
 man his rod, and they became serpents.” — No doubt many of 
 these professors of sorcery, or magic, were expert in leger- 
 demain, and imposed on the spectators by various artifices : 
 yet they who reverence the Scriptures will hardly deny that 
 many of them had a real intercourse with evil spirits, and by 
 their help actually made discoveries, and produced effects, 
 beyond the reach of human power or sagacity. It remains 
 therefore to inquire into the fact here briefly recorded, what it 
 was, and how performed. Some expositors consider it as 
 merely an illusion , by which the magicians made the specta- 
 tors think that they saw serpents when they did not. Others 
 imagine that the magicians had contrived to convey serpents 
 thither, concealing their rods, to make it appear as if they 
 were changed into serpents. Others think that the power of 
 Satan produced appearances like serpents , instead of the rods 
 which were conveyed away. But some expositors are not 
 satisfied with any of these interpretations, because it is ex- 
 pressly said, 44 they became serpents and u Aaron’s rod 
 swallowed up their rods” They therefore conclude that the 
 rods actually became real living serpents, and in that form 
 were swallowed by the serpent into which Aaron’s rod was 
 changed. We cannot, indeed, in general assign exact bounds 
 to thepower of evil spirits, who, when permitted, seem capa- 
 ble of any thing which created beings can do: yet, creation, 
 in every instance, is commonly supposed to be exclusively 
 the work of God. And on this account, they who adhere to 
 the literal interpretation conclude, that while the magicians 
 used their enchantments, expecting the interposition of the 
 demons to whom they applied, the Lord himself was pleased 
 to interpose, and to effect a real change of their rods into 
 serpents, and, as they could not certainly know how far the 
 power of their demons extended, they would naturally sup- 
 pose that this was the effect of their enchantments. — Pha- 
 raoh was evidently seeking some pretence for disregarding 
 the miracle which he had witnessed, and proudly disobeying 
 the divine command ; and it was the Lord’s design to give 
 him up to final obduracy. It does not therefore appear that 
 there is any thing, on this supposition, inconsistent with the 
 divine perfections, or materially different from his dealings 
 with other haughty and obstinate rebels in similar circum- 
 stances. {Notes, 1 Sam. 28:11 — 19. 1 Kings 22:19 — 23. 
 
 2 Thes. 2:5 — 12.) — But, however this may be determined, 
 when “Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods;” that is, when 
 the serpent into which his rod had been changed swallowed 
 the serpents into which their rods had been changed; and 
 when it again became a rod in Aaron’s hand, but their rods 
 were vanished, and were no more found ; the event would 
 have satisfied any impartial person, on which side the truth 
 lay : and had not. a previous bias lain upon Pharaoh’s mind, 
 this must have convinced him that Moses and Aaron spake 
 and acted by divine authority. 
 
 V. 13. He hardened Pharaoh's heart.] Or rather, 44 Pha- 
 raoh’s heart was hardened ;” for nothing is here said concern- 
 ing any interposition of God in the case. The same words 
 are afterwards rendered, 44 Pharaoh’s heart was hardened,” 
 (22,) and this accords with the subsequent words of God, 
 u Pharaoh|s heart is hardened, ,” (14.) 44 The heart of Pha- 
 raoh” became strong , presumptuous , unfeeling , (Kariox^oev, 
 Sept.) Probably, lie had been at first alarmed and ready to 
 yield : but he would now say, that the magicians had pro- 
 duced serpents also, and that Moses and Aaron were onty 
 greater adepts in magic than they; that Jehovah had no 
 ( 124 ) 
 
 upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, 
 upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon 
 all ’their pools of water, that they may become 
 blood : and that there may be blood throughout all 
 the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood, and in 
 vessels of stone. 
 
 20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord 
 commanded: and fhe lifted up the rod and smote 
 the waters that were in the river, in the sight of 
 Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants : and sail 
 the waters that were in the river were turned to 
 blood. 
 
 21 And h the fish that ivas in the river died ; and 
 the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink 
 of the water of the river: and there was blood 
 throughout all the land of Egypt. 
 
 22 And the ‘magicians of Egypt did so with 
 
 their enchantments : k and Pharaoh’s heart was 
 hardened, neither did he hearken unto them : as 
 the Lord bad said. , 
 
 23 And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, 
 ‘neither did he set his heart to this also. 
 
 24 And all the Egyptians digged round about 
 the river for water to drink : m for they could not 
 drink of the water of the river. 
 
 8:8.16:3—6. c21. d 24. Num. 11:20. 21:5. e 8:5,6,16 . 9:22,23,33. "Heb. 
 
 gathering of th-ir waters. Gen. 1 :10. f 17:5,6,9 — 12. Num. 20:8 — 12. g See 
 on b. 17. John 2:9— 11. h See on 18. Rev. 8:9. i See on 11. 8.7,8. Jer. 27: 
 18. k See on 13. 19:21. Deui. 32:46. 1 Sam. 4:20. marg. Job 7:17. Pa. 62:10. 
 
 Prov. 24:32. marg. 29:1. Is. 26:11. Jer. 5:3. 36:24. Ez.40:4. Am. 4:7—12. Hag. 
 1:5. marg. Mai. 2:2. m 18,21. 
 
 concern in it ; and that there was no occasion to liberate the 
 Israelites. Thus the effect produced tended to embolden 
 him in rebellion, and to fortify him against conviction. The 
 Lord foresaw, and foretold, that this would be the case, and 
 he formed his whole plan accordingly. 
 
 V. 15 — 20. Moses was the ambassador of Jehovah to 
 Pharaoh, and Aaron was appointed to be his assistant: but 
 Pharaoh haughtily rejected the embassy, and demanded their 
 credentials ; and he continued obstinate, after having wit- 
 nessed a menacing but harmless miracle. • Moses was there- 
 fore sent to him the very next morning, with his rod in his 
 hand, as denoting the authority by which he acted, and 
 reminding Pharaoh of the preceding miracle. — Some sup- 
 pose that Pharaoh went to pay his devotions to the river 
 Nile, or to its supposed tutelar deity, and that Moses was 
 directed to take that occasion of addressing him : for perhaps 
 it was not, at this time, easy to find admittance to him in his 
 palace. — Moses was commanded solemnly to renew to Pha- 
 raoh the demand, which he had before made in the name of 
 Jehovah ; and if he still answered, 44 1 know not the Lord, 
 neither will I let Israel go,” he must denounce the dreadful 
 judgment on him and his people, of which smiting the river 
 would he the signal. And, as the warning produced no 
 effect, Moses delivered the rod to Aaron, who smote the 
 river, and stretched out the rod over all the large collections 
 of waters, which were directly converted into blood. — The 
 vessels of wood and of stone, it is probable, were the cisterns, 
 in which the Egyptians preserved the waters of the river: 
 when the annual inundation took place, the water was, by 
 various contrivances, conveyed even to those parts of the 
 country, which were most distant from the river, and there 
 kept in large reservoirs for use, till the next inundation. But 
 this water also was turned into blood. 
 
 V. 21. The very sight of such immense quantities of 
 entire blood must have been very horrible ; the effects of such 
 a change distressing and calamitous beyond expression! 
 The Egyptians gloried in the river Nile, by the inundations 
 of which the whole country was enriched ; and probably they 
 even then adored it, as one of their principal deities: but 
 now they could not look at it, without horror and dismay ! 
 They had cruelly cast the children of Israel into the river , 
 and now the river itself was turned into blood ! A great 
 part of their provisions consisted of fish ; but now this was 
 generally destroyed ; their waters were useless or noxious ; 
 the most tremendous consequences might bo apprehended 
 from the continuance of this judgment, and it awfully fore- 
 boded all the desolations which followed.— The first miracle 
 of Christ turned water into wine, the first plague upon Egypt 
 turned all their water into blood. ( Notes < and P. O. John 
 2 : 1 — 11 .) 
 
 V. 22, 23. The magicians should have attempted to 
 remove the plague, and to remedy or prevent its fatal con- 
 sequences, in order to make a fair trial of the efficacy of theii 
 art, in opposition to the miracles wrought by Moses: but 
 they only amused Pharaoh, and increased the distress ot 
 Egypt, (either in realily or in appearance,) by imitating, or 
 rather apeing, the surprising miracle of Moses ; and by pre- 
 tending at least to turn into blood some of the little water, 
 which the irercy of God had spared. Yet this sufficed to 
 embolden aim harden Pharaoh’s heart, and to prevent him 
 from acknowledging the hand of God even in this judgment ; 
 which probably, he attributed to the superior skill in magic, 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 25 And “seven days were fulfilled after that the 
 Loan had smitten the river. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The plague of frogs is threatened andsent, 1 — 6 ; is imitated by the magicians, 
 7 ; ana removedin ansiccrto the prayer of Moses, made at Pharaoh's request , 
 who yet hardened his heart , 8— do. The plague of lice, which the magicians 
 could not irniiate, 16 — 19. The plague of flies, 20—24 ; Pharaoh relents, the 
 plague is removed, and his heart is hardened , 25—32. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, “Go unto 
 Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the 
 Lord, b Let my people go, that they may serve me. 
 
 2 And if thou “refuse to let them go, behold I 
 will smite all thy borders with d frogs. 
 
 3 And the rivers shall bring forth frogs abun- 
 dantly, which shall go up and come into thy 
 house, and into thy bedchamber, and upon thy 
 bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon 
 thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy 
 'kneading troughs. 
 
 4 And the frogs shall come up both e on thee, 
 and upon thy people, and upon all thy servants. 
 
 5 And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto 
 Aaron, 'Stretch forth thy hand with thy rod over 
 the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, 
 and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. 
 
 n 8:9,10. 10:23. 2 Sam. 21:13. a Jer. 1:17— 19. 15:19—21. F.z. 2:6,1. b See on 
 5:1.7:16. c Sen on 7:14. 9:2. <1 IV 73:15. 105:3:1. lie*. 16:13,11. • Or, dour/i 
 12:34. ePs. 107:40. Is. 19:11,22. 23:9. Dan. 4:37. Acu 12:22,23. f 7: 19. k Ps. 
 78:45. 105:30. 1 7:11,22. Dent. 13:1— 3. Matt. 24:24 . 2 Thes. 2:9— 11. 2Tim. 
 
 3:8. Rev. 13:14. m 5:2. 9:2-'. 10:17. Num. 21:7. 1 am. 12:13. 1 Kings 13:6. 
 
 that Moses and Aaron had acquired : hoping at the same 
 time, that by further study or netv enchantments, his magi- 
 cians would yet be able to contend wilh them. Being there- 
 fore indignant against Moses and Aaron, and bidding defiance 
 to Jehovah, he seemed to be rffgardless of the distress of 
 his subjects, and careless about Ihe consequences! 
 
 V. 25. Seven days.] Thus long the awful calamity con- 
 tinued, and was then it seems removed : for the Lord would 
 give respite to Egypt and to Pharaoh, and make way for 
 other plagues ; that his own power and justice, and the 
 obstinacy of Pharaoh and his servants, might be more fully 
 displayed. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. When the Lord has humbled and proved his 
 servants, and qualified them for their work, he will put 
 honour upon them : and the least of those who are intrusted 
 with his message, and employed to speak in his name, are, 
 in this delegated character, and while faithfully executing 
 their office, superior to the greatest and haughtiest of those 
 to whom they are sent. They ought therefore to speak with 
 firmness and authority, without fear of the anger, respect of 
 the persons, or desire of the favour, of those who are living 
 in disobedience to God ; and in this spirit the prisoner Paul 
 may expect to make even Felix tremble. — But to deliver the 
 message of God to proud persecuting tyrants, requires that 
 strength of faith, that intrepid courage, and that meekness of 
 wisdom, with which very few are endued : and we have cause 
 to be not only satisfied, but thankful, that we are not called 
 to such arduous services. — Indeed, gravity, wisdom, expe- 
 rience, fortitude, patience, and meekness are requisite for 
 all those who, in any circumstances, speak in the name of 
 God, and declare his truth and will: yet they who do not 
 rashly intrude themselves, but are “ allowed by him to be 
 put in trust of the gospel,” need not be discouraged by an 
 humble consciousness of their defects. Let them simply 
 trust in his promised teaching and assistance, and observe 
 his directions ; and he will bear them out, and carry them 
 through every service to which* they are called.— If sinners 
 will not attend to the message of grace and salvation, and so 
 learn to know and love the Lord our God ; they will certainly 
 experience the effects of his wrath, and knout him as a God 
 of righteous vengeance. How careful then should men be, 
 not to provoke him to give them up to hardness and impeni- 
 tence ! If they would escape that awful judgment, they must 
 neither continue to practise presumptuous sins, nor procras- 
 tinate in the great concerns of salvation: they must watch 
 against heedless and proud insensibility under affliction, and 
 insolende in prosperity. They must not turn away their 
 ears from instruction and reproof; or smother convictions of 
 conscience by dissipation, business, or company ; by rushing 
 into sin, or by hating and shunning the awakening light, of 
 divine truth. For these are some of the steps, by which 
 multitudes proceed to the brink of that awful precipice. 
 
 V. 8—25. No evidence suffices to convince men while 
 left to themselves, that those doctrines are true and divine 
 which affront the pride of their hearts, and condemn their be- 
 loved iniquities : but the least shadow of an argument, though 
 counterbalanced by demonstration itself, induces the belief of 
 those opinions which they wish to find true. Thus all mental 
 errors in religion originate, in some degree, from the state of 
 the heart, and from the contrariety of revealed truths to 
 men’” prejudices, interests, or inclinations. “ Because I tell 
 you the truth, ye believe rae not.” John 8:45. — Our merciful 
 God always accompanies the word with sufficient evidence of 
 
 6 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the 
 waters of Egypt: and k the frogs came up and 
 covered the land of Egypt. 
 
 7 And ‘the magicians did so with their enchant’ 
 ments, and brought up frogs upon- the land of 
 Egypt. 
 
 8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, 
 and said, "Entreat the Lord, that he may take 
 away the frogs from me, and from my people , 
 "and I will let the people go, that they may do sa- 
 crifice unto the Lord. 
 
 9 And Moses said unto Pharaoh, +Glory over 
 me : when shall I entreat for thee and for thy ser- 
 vants, and for thy people, Uo destroy the frogs 
 from thee, and thy houses, that they may remain 
 in the river only ? 
 
 10 And he said, § To-rtiorrow. And he said, 
 Be it according to thy word : that thou mayest 
 know that 0 there is none like unto the Lord our 
 God. 
 
 11 And Pthe frogs shall depart from thee, and 
 from thy houses, and from thy servants, and 
 from thy people ; they shall remain in the river 
 only. 
 
 Acts 8:24. n 25-28. 10:8— 11,2-1— 27. 12:31,32. 14:5. Ps.66:3 tnarg. 78:34- 
 36. Jer. 34:3 — 16. f Or, Have this honour o. er me : against when. 1 King* 
 13:25. ^ Heb. to cut off. § Or, Azainst to-morrow. Prov.27: 1. Jam. 4: 14. 
 
 o9:14,29. 15:11. fceul. 32:31. 33:26. 2 Sam. 7:22. 1 Chr. 17:2U. Ps.83:I8. 86:8. 
 89:6— 8. Is. 40:25. 46:9. Jer. 10:6,7. p 3,9. 
 
 its divine authority, were we but suitably disposed to attend 
 to it: but, when men are bent upon disobedience, and inclined 
 to cavil and object, he often permits a snare to be laid, in 
 which they are entangled. Nor are any deceivers more in- 
 strumental to the destruction of sinners, than such as resist 
 the truth, in the same manner as the magicians withstood 
 Moses; namely, by amusing men with some resemblance 
 and counterfeit of it : indeed Satan himself is most to be 
 dreaded, when “ transformed into an angel of light.” — But 
 “ madness is in the heart of man,” or he would never dare 
 to provoke that God, who can so easily turn his choicest 
 comforts into the most dreadful plagues ; and who may so 
 righteously render those things which have been the fuel of 
 men’s pride, or the instruments of their cruelty, the weapons 
 of his indignation: and then no human help can avail to alle- 
 viate or remove the inflicted misery. — In the mystery of Pro- 
 vidence, subjects often suffer through the crimes of their 
 princes ; yet for their own sins, which provoke God to send 
 them wicked rulers : and they, for their own profit or pleasure, 
 join their iniquity, and are involved in the punishment. — 
 u The righteous Lord so delights in mercy,” that he proceeds 
 by slow degrees to extremities, even with the most atrocious 
 offenders : but, if neither judgments nor mercies bring them to 
 repentance, destruction will at length overtake them without 
 remedy. — We seldom duly value our comforts, till we are 
 deprived of them: but let us remember, that as the anger of 
 God converts the most valued advantages into scourges, or 
 curses, to his enemies; so the love of Christ renders the 
 most common mercies special blessings to his disciples. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VIII. V. 1—6. It is probable that this 
 message was sent at the end of the seven days, and just about 
 the time when the former plague was removed. The predir - 
 tion of each judgment was an additional proof, that it was 
 wrought by the power of Jehovah, and was not the mere 
 effect of second causes. The plague of frogs must have be^n 
 peculiarly distressing; as the immense multitudes of them 
 infested every place, harassed all ranks of the Egyptians 
 night and day, and rendered them incapable of either eating, 
 drinking, or sleeping, in peace and comfort. As it was limited 
 to Pharaoh’s servants and people, we may infer, that in this 
 as well as in the preceeding miracle, the Israelites were in a 
 great measure, if not entirely, exempted.— *Here again Moses 
 issued the mandate ; and Aaron, who bare the rod, the token 
 of the divine presence and power, gave the signal for the 
 miracle. • 
 
 V. 7, 8. The magicians succeeded in their attempt to 
 imitate this miracle also, but 1 they should rather have shown 
 their skill in removing the frogs, . . . which, one would think, 
 Pharaoh expected from them. ... So Ahcn Ezra observes, 
 “He called for Moses, because he saw that the magicians 
 had only added to the plague, but could not diminish it.” 7 ?p. 
 Patrick. The continuance of the plague was so intolerable 
 that Pharaoh, notwithstanding his haughtiness and impiety, 
 was constrained to tremble before the power of Jehovah, 
 thus exerted against him ; and even to honour Moses and 
 Aaron, by entreating them to intercede for him and his ser- 
 vants. Under the anguish of this most humiliating and dis- 
 gusting judgment, he seemed inclined to dismiss Israel ; but it 
 was an extorted, reluctant consent, and therefore it was not 
 durable, but was soon retracted. 
 
 V. 9 — 11. In order the more fully to convince Pharaoh 
 that the power of Jehovah alone had inflicted the judgment, 
 Moses allowed him to “glory over him,” or to have the 
 honour of fixing the time when, in answer to his prayer, tne 
 ( 125 ) 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 12 And Moses and Aaron went out from Pha- 
 raoh: and Moses scried unto the Lord, because 
 of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. 
 
 13 And the Lord did according to the word of 
 Moses : ami the Irogs died out of the houses, out 
 of the villages, and out of the fields. 
 
 14 And they gathered them together upon 
 heaps : r and the land stank. 
 
 15 But when Pharaoh S saw that there was re- 
 spite, ‘he hardened his heart, and hearkened not 
 unto them; as the Lord had said. 
 
 {Practical OLs rvationa .] 
 
 16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto 
 Aaron, “Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of 
 the land, that it may become lice throughout all 
 the land of Egypt. 
 
 17 And they did so; for Aaron stretched out 
 his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the 
 earth, and it became *lice, in man and in beast : 
 all the dust of the land became lice throughout all 
 the land of Egypt. 
 
 18 And the magicians did so with their enchant- 
 ments to bring forth lice, but rthey could not : so 
 there were lice upon man and upon beast. 
 
 19 Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, ‘This 
 is the finger of God : “and Pharaoh’s heart was 
 hardened, and he hearkened not unto them ; as 
 the Lord had said. 
 
 20 H And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up 
 
 » See 071 8,30. 9:33. 10:18. 3-2:11. I Sam. 12:23. Jam. 5:16— 18. r24. 7‘2l. 
 
 Is. 34:3. Ez. 39:11. Joel 2:20. s 14:5. Ec.8:ll. Is. 26:11). Jer. 34:7— 11. 
 Has. 6:4. I See on 4:21. 7:13, 14. Frov. 29:1. Zech. 7:1 1,12. Heb. 3:8,15. Rev. 
 15:9. u5. x Ps. 105:31 . Is. 23:9. Acts 12:23. y 9:11. Gen. 41:8. Is. 19:12. 47: 
 12,13. Dan. 21U.1I. 4:7. 5:8. z 1 Sam. 6:9. la. 8:3. Dan. 2:10.11 ,19. Mott. 
 12:23. Luke 11 :2U. John 11 :47. Acts 4: 16. aSeeon\5. b7;15. * Or, a mixture 
 
 frogs should be destroyed, whether immediately or afterwards : 
 for Moses earnestly desired that Pharaoh by submitting 
 might escape destruction. ‘Appoint (ra£at) to me when I 
 shall pray for thee. 5 Sept. The Lord was pleased thus to 
 influence his servant, that all cavils and objections might be 
 the more effectually obviated ; the very time of the removal 
 of the plague having been exactly foretold. — But why did not 
 Pharaoh choose to be delivered from the frogs immediately ? 
 He seems to have still indulged some hopes that they would 
 go away of themselves ; and then he should not be obliged to 
 Moses, or under ihe necessity of submitting to Jehovah, 
 and letting Israel go ; and therefore he would stand out till the 
 next day, that if possible he might escape this most bitter 
 mortification. Perhaps he had learned from the magicians 
 to count some days more fortunate than others : and Moses, 
 knowing this, allowed him to fix his own time, that the power 
 of Jehovah might be rendered the more conspicuous; and 
 he preferred the next day, in order to try whether that power 
 could remove the frogs at the appointed time. 
 
 V. 14. It thus appeared that they were real frogs, which 
 God in his judgment at first created, and afterwards in mercy 
 destroyed. 
 
 V. 15. Pharaoh had now no pretence to question, either 
 the power of Jehovah, or the divine mission of Moses. 
 While the plague pressed upon him, he was inclined to sub- 
 mit, for it was insupportable: but when it was removed, and 
 ne had, (as the word denotes,) time to take his breath , he 
 mistook a respite for a deliverance. Ambition, pride, and in- 
 terest again influenced his mind ; and thus he was induced 
 to break his promise, and persist in disobedience. Hav- 
 ing engaged in the contest, the further he proceeded the more 
 he was infatuated ; that which at first appeared a los-*, and a 
 weakening of his kingdom, was now considered as an insuffer- 
 able degradation of his dignity; and he thought himself en- 
 gaged in honour .not to be threatened and forced into sub- 
 mission. This being the state of his mind, judgments and 
 mercies alike combined to increase his obduracy. 
 
 V. 16, 17. Had the Lord sent a great number of lions and 
 tigers to devour the Egyptians, or armies of victorious ene- 
 mies to desolate the land ; Pharaoh, though crushed, would 
 have appeared, in his own eyes and in the eyes of others, of 
 some consequence : but it was inconceivably humiliating, and 
 rendered him extremely contemptible, to be thus vanquished 
 by creatures so insignificant and despicable, as frogs, lice, and 
 flies, which however he could neither escape, nor oppose, nor 
 endure. — This judgment seems to have been sent without any 
 previous warning ; as an awful declaration, how greatly the 
 Lord was provoked by the recent instance of Pharaoh’s pre- 
 varication and obstinacy. 
 
 V. 18, 19. The Lord allowed the magicians to proceed 
 till his righteous purposes were answered, and then they could 
 do nothing ; to convince them that they had no power against 
 Moses, but “ what was given them from above,” or exercised 
 by the permission of God. Some suppose, from the concluding 
 part of the verse, that they at length attempted to remove the 
 plague, but could not. Probably the lice harassed the ma- 
 gicians, as well as others ; and this extorted from them a 
 ( 126 ) 
 
 early in the morning*, and stand before Pharaoh, 
 ( b lo, he cometh forth to the water,) and say unto 
 him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that 
 they may serve me. 
 
 21 Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold 
 I will send 'swarms of flies upon thee, and upon 
 thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy 
 houses : and the houses of the Egyptians shall be 
 full of “swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon 
 they are. 
 
 22 And I will d sever in that day the land of Go- 
 shen;, in which my people dwell, that no swarms 
 of flies shall be there ; to the end thou mayest know, 
 “that I am the Lord in the f midst of the earth. 
 
 23 And I will put f a division between my people 
 and thy people : 'to-morrow shall this sign be. 
 
 24 And the Lord did so : and ethere came a 
 grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, 
 and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land 
 of Egypt : h the land was ^corrupted by reason of 
 the swarm of flies. 
 
 25 And Pharaoh'called for Moses, and for Aaron, 
 and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. 
 
 26 And Moses said, k It is not meet so to do ; 
 for hve shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyp- 
 tians to the Lord our God : lo, shall we sacrifice 
 m the abomination of the Egyptians before their 
 eyes, and will they not stone us? 
 
 27 We will go "three days’ journey into the 
 
 of noisome beasts, 4c. c Ts. 78:45. 105:31. 18.7:18. rl 9:4,6,26. 10:23. 11:6,7. 
 12:13. Mai. 3:18. e Seton 10. 7:17. Ex. 30:19. I Ps. 74:12. 110:2. 1 llet.. o 
 
 rcdemi>tinn. } Or, h v to-morrqio. g2l. hSeeonM. $ Or, destroyed, i . See 
 on 8. 9:27. 10:16. 12:31. Rev. 3:9. k 3:18. 2 Cor. 6: 14— 17. 1 Gen. 43:32. 46c' 
 
 34. Dcui. 7:25,26. 12:31. m 1 Kings 11:5 — 7. 2 Kings 23:13. n 3:18. 5:1. 
 
 confession that it was “the finger of God.” They might also 
 intend to vindicate their art and their skill in it, by intimating 
 that no power, but that of God himself, could thus have over- 
 come them. ( Note , Dan. 2:10 — 13.) Yet this declaration 
 produced no effect on Pharaoh, whom their enchantments 
 had helped to harden ; for he was too deeply engaged in the 
 contest, and had too often done violence to his convictions, to 
 be influenced by their opinion. Probably he still endeavoured 
 to believe , that Moses was onlv a magician of superior attain- 
 ments ; and that his magicians intended, by this concession, 
 to conceal their own deficiency in professional skill. 
 
 V.21. Sivarms of flies.] myrrriN ; 4 a mixtuie of noisome 
 beasts.’ ( Marg .) Der. from a*^y j nisceri, confundi. The 
 idea of mixture is supposed to be implied in the different mo- 
 difications of words from this root. a mixed multitude , 
 
 or mingled people • (12:38. JVch. 13:3.) — Insects, however, of 
 different kii ds, are generally supposed to be meant. — 1 a 
 mixture of insects, or various animals; as wasps, hornets, 
 locusts, beetles.’ Robertson's Thesaurus. ‘ Kwo^via, the dog- 
 fly Sept. The same word is retained in the Hebrew, and 
 translated in the same manner by the LXX. (Ps. 78:45. 105: 
 31.) — Winged insects, most noxious and harassing to man- 
 kind, seem intended. The common fly is ’called MT •* whence 
 Baal-zebub. Locusts were afterwards sent as a separate 
 plague; and they keep together in a compact body: we may 
 therefore conclude that they did not form a part of this 
 mixture ; and the effects described do not comport with the 
 idea of the larger destructive animals. But immense swarms 
 of winged insects of various kinds, such as have been men- 
 tioned, would form a mos^ distressing and mortifying judg- 
 ment on this proud monarch and his haughty nobles and 
 people. 
 
 V. 22, 23. Perhapslhe Israelites, for their correction, had 
 in some small measure felt the former plagues. At least the 
 distinction between them and the Egyptians had not been so 
 particular^' noticed, as it would be rendered on this occasion, 
 when the express prediction, and exact accomplishment, 
 would so mark the difference, that it could imt be overlooked. 
 Thus it must appear that Jehovah, the God of the whole 
 earth, protected the region inhabited by his worshippers, 
 while he executed judgment on his enemies who dwelt close 
 by them. — The very nature of the plague of flies, which so 
 readily move from place to place, would render the exemption 
 of Israel the more remarkable. — ‘ I will greatly ’honour 
 (irapaSo^aaio) the land of Gcsem.’ Sept. 
 
 V. 24. This plague seems to have been sent, without the 
 token of waving the rod of Moses, or striking the ground with 
 it; perhaps lest Pharaoh should ascribe the effects to some 
 magical virtue in the rod itself, instead of considering it as a 
 token of the divine operation. — When we consider, that flics 
 in general propagate by magots of one kind or another, we 
 shall perceive the emphasis of the expression, “ the land was 
 corrupted by them :” for it would not only be desolated by the 
 flies themselves, hut filled with stench and filthiness by thorr 
 magots ; as no doubt the insects intended were in a state -tf 
 maturity, however produced. 
 
 V 25 — 27. Pharaoh was aware, that if the Israelites «» ent 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER IX. B. C. 1491. 
 
 wilderness, and sacrifice to the Lord our God, °as 
 he shall command us. 
 
 28 And Pharaoh said, H will let you go, that ye 
 may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilder- 
 ness ; only ye shall not go very far away : ^Entreat 
 lor me. 
 
 29 And Moses said, Behold, I go out from thee, 
 and I will entreat the Lord, that the swarms of 
 flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, 
 and from his people, ' to-morrow : but let not Pha- 
 raoh ’deal deceitfully any more, in not letting the 
 people go to sacrifice to the Lord. 
 
 30 And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and en- 
 treated the Lord. 
 
 31 And the Lord did according to the word of 
 Moses ; and he removed the swarms of flies from 
 Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; 
 there remained not one. 
 
 32 And ‘Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time 
 also, neither would he let the people gc. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The plague of murrain predicted , and sent on the cattle of the Egyptians ; while 
 the cattle of Israel are exempted , 1—7. The plague of boils, 8 — 12. Moses 
 expostulates with Pharaoh, and predicts 'he plague of hail , which is sent, and 
 causes immense devastation, 1 — 25. Pharaoh confesses his wickedness , 
 deprecates fur her judgments, atid promises to let Israel go, 27, 28. Moses 
 intercedes, the hail ceases, and Pharaoh continues hardene 1, 29—35. 
 
 T HEN the Lord said unto Moses, a Go in i*nto 
 Pharaoh, arid tell him, Thus saith the Lord 
 
 • 10:26. 34:11. Lev. 10:1. Mull. 28:20. pHos,10:2. q See on 8. 9:28. 10.17. 
 
 I Kin S3 13:6. Kc. 6:10. r 10. s8,15. Ps. 66:3. m-.rs. 78-31—37. Jer. 42.20,21. 
 
 Aces 5:3,4. Gal. 6:7. l See on 4:21. 7:13 14. Is. 63: 17. Acts 28:25. 27. Jain. 1:13.14. 
 
 3 13. 3:13. 4:24,23. 5:1. 3:1,20. 10:3. 04:23. 8:2. 10:4. I .ev. 26:14— 16,23,24, 
 27,2$. Ps. 7:1 1,12. 68:21. Is. 1:20. Rom. 2:8., Rev. 2:21,22. 16:9. c 7:4. 1 Sam. 
 
 into the wilderness to offer sacrifice, they would not readily be 
 brought back again ; and he intimated, that if they only 
 meant to sacrifice to Jf.hovah, they might do it in the land, 
 and he would make no farther opposition. But Moses ob- 
 jected, that according to the rites of their religion, they must 
 sacrifice to Jehovah “the abomination of the Egyptians 
 before their eyes,” who would thus be provoked to stone them. 
 It is well known that the Egyptians in after times worshipped 
 oxen or calves, and other animals ; and it seems natural to 
 conclude, that the Israelites had in Egypt imbibed the idea of 
 making an image of God in the form of a calf, and that this 
 worship prevailed there at that time : if so, to offer the very 
 animals as sacrifices, which the Egyptians adored as deities, 
 would be an abomination in their eyes, even as their idolatry 
 was an abomination in itself. It was therefore necessary for 
 the Israelites to retire to a great distance in the wilderness. 
 
 V.29. To-morrow.] In the former instance, Pharaoh had 
 chosen to wait till the morrow for the removal of the plague : 
 and on this occasion he was left to suffer under the rod till 
 the morrow, perhaps to remind him of his folly in that in- 
 stance ; and to warn him not deal deceitfully any more by 
 breaking his promise, as he had repeatedly done. (8,15.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. How dangerous is it to provoke that God, who 
 hath such a variety of ways in which he can inflict dreadful 
 punishment on his rebellious creatures ! He can employ the 
 most despicable insects as formidable executioners of his- ven- 
 geance : he can turn all our pleasures into loathing; our 
 comeliness and decorations into deformity and corruption, and 
 pour contempt on all our pride and self-importance ! Nor is 
 there any resistance or escape from his tremendous indigna- 
 tion. Yet he still continues merciful ; he is ready to forgive 
 every sinner who submits ; and he pursues with vengeance 
 such alone as persist in their rebellion. But let us not mis- 
 take transient relentings, or hasty determinations of amend- 
 ment, for that unreserved submission which the word of God 
 requires. Under the weight of incumbent affliction, and the 
 dreadful expectation of still heavier sufferings, the proudest 
 and hardest heart feels some pangs of remorse : the despised 
 and hated servants of the Lord may then perhaps be called 
 for ; their prayers requested, and amendment promised ; but 
 alas! such appearances are entitled to small regard. Even 
 the evil spirits once besought Christ not to torment them; and 
 experience shows, that prayers offered, under severe suffer- 
 ings and urgent terrors, frequently spring from no higher 
 principle. For when there is a respite, men again harden 
 their hearts, throw off their assumed and constrained shows 
 of piety, return to their sins, and commonly proceed to more 
 daring ungodliness. But though we must not countenance 
 the delusion of men living in sin, and expecting to die peni- 
 tent, or give unscriptural encouragement to fallacious appear- 
 ances ; yet, knowing that “ nothing is too hard for the Lord,” 
 we should be ready to assist, with our counsel and prayers, 
 even those persons who have been our most injurious ene- 
 mies ; rendering them every kind of service, and showing 
 them every species of courteousness, (except that of flattering 
 them in false confidence,) without being wearied of well-doing 
 by reiterated disappointments. 
 
 V. 16 — 32. It is peculiarly necessary to remind such per- 
 sons as repeatedly show tokens of remorse, that on former 
 occasions they relapsed into their evil courses ; and to warn 
 
 God of the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they 
 may serve me. 
 
 2 For b if thou refuse to let them go, and wilt 
 hold them still, 
 
 3 Behold, c the hand of the Lord is upon thy 
 cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon 
 the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and 
 upon the sheep; there shall be a very grievous 
 murrain. 
 
 4 And the Lord shall “'sever between the cattle 
 of Israel, and the cattle of Egypt : and there shall 
 nothing die of all that is the children’s of Israel. 
 
 5 And the Lord appointed e a set time, saying, 
 To-morrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land. 
 
 6 And the Lord did that thing on the morrow, 
 and f all the cattle of Egypt died : but of the cat- 
 tle of the children of Israel died not one. 
 
 7 And Pharaoh sent, and behold, there was not 
 one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And «the 
 heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let 
 the people go. 
 
 8 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, and unto 
 Aaron, '“Take to you handfuls of ashes of the fur- 
 nace, and let Moses sprinkle it towards the heaven 
 in the sight of Pharaoh. 
 
 9 And it shall become small dust in all the land 
 of Egypt, and shall be ‘a boil breaking forth with 
 
 5:6— 11. 6:9. Acts 13:11. d 8:22. 10:23, 12:13. Is. 6.5:13,14. Mai. 3:18. e IS. 
 8:23. 10:4. Mum. 16:5. Job 24.1. Kc.3:l— 11. Jer. 28: 16,17. Mali. '27:63,64. 
 f 19, 25. Ps. 73:48. g 12. 7:14. Job 9:4. Piov. 29:1 . Is. 48:4. Dmi.5:20. Rom. 
 9:18. Ii 8:16. i Deut. 28:27,35. Job 2:7. Re*. 16:2. 
 
 them no longer to deal deceitfully : for the love of sin, and 
 its supposed advantages and pleasures, joined with the pride 
 of the human heart, if not effectually subdued by the grace of 
 God, will certainly prevail against all convictions. Hence, ’ 
 “many seek to enter in, and are not able:” they seem in 
 earnest, but there is some reserve, some Herodias, some be- 
 loved secret sin, of which they are ready to say, as Lot ol 
 Zoar, “ Is it not, a little one ?” They are unwilling to think 
 themselves exposed to everlasting misery ; they hope for some 
 abatement or some allowance ; they propose to make some 
 compromise ; they refrain from other sins ; they do many 
 things, and give liberally, yea, punish themselves severely : 
 they even abstain at some times, and, as it were, let their sin 
 depart a little way, provided it may remain with in call. But 
 finally to divorce Herodias, to sell all, and follow Christ, 
 bearing the cross ; alas ! if this be the case, they must have 
 longer time tc consider ; they must postpone, though not 
 forego, the thoughts of eternal life ; they are sorrowful, but 
 depart from Christ, determined to keep the world at present, 
 and hoping for some future season, when salvation may be 
 had without such costly sacrifices. Yet the word of God is 
 peremptory : “ He is of one mind, and who can turn him ?” 
 The expected abatement, the favourable season, is waited for 
 in vain ; the conviction wears off, the heart grows hard ; and 
 at length the poor sinner is “ driven away in his wickedness,’ * 1 * 3 
 and left without hope to execrate his own folly and madness. 
 Would we escape this dreadful end, we must earnestly pray 
 for grace to enable us, “ if our right hand, or eye, or foot offend 
 us,” resolutely to part with it. Without reserve or delay, we 
 must hearken to the voice of Christ, which bids us finally to 
 break off every sin, and to renounce all that leads to evil ; and 
 we must stand prepared, when called to it by his command 
 and in Providence, to forsake all for his sake. Nor let us forget, 
 that they who would serve God must separate from the society 
 of sinners, whose conduct is an abomination to the true Chris- 
 tian, and who reciprocally hold him in abhorrence. — We may 
 also observe, for our comfort, that though wicked men and 
 deceivers often “ practise and prosper,” yet their power is 
 limited; and however they may impose on others, they can- 
 not hurt the servant of God ; but in clue time shall be con- 
 strained to confess that the Lord is with him. And whether 
 God do, or do not, exempt his people from the common afflic- 
 tions of the world, he will make all at last to “ return and 
 discern between the righteous and the wicked ; between him 
 that serveth God, and him that servethhim not.” Mai. 3:18. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 6. No mention is made in 
 the narrative of this miracle of the rod of Moses, probably 
 for the same reason as before. (Note, 8:24.) The subse- 
 quent history shows, that some of the cattle were preserved , 
 but vast multitudes of every kind were suddenly destroyed 
 throughout the whole land of Egypt. — It is supposed that, 
 even at this early period, the Egyptians idolized some Kinds 
 of cattle, and represented their deities under images in the 
 shape of them ; and this terrible calamity was well suited to 
 expose the stupidity of this practice, as well as to show the 
 power of God, both in destroying the cattle of the Egyptians, 
 and preserving the cattle of Israel. 
 
 V. 7. It doe6 not appear, that Pharaoh had in any for- 
 mer instance sent to inquire, whether the Israelites were 
 involved in the calamities, or not; for he had treated the 
 nation with contempt: yet on this occasion ho sent to in- 
 
 ( 127 ) 
 
B. C. 1 491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 blains, upon man, and upon beast, throughout all 
 the land of Egypt. 
 
 10 And they took ashes of the furnace, and 
 stood before Pharaoh, and Moses sprinkled it up 
 towards heaven: and it became a boil breaking 
 forth with blains, upon man, and upon beast. 
 
 11 And the magicians k could not stand before 
 Moses, because of the boil : for the boil was upon 
 the magicians, and upon all the Egyptians. 
 
 12 And ‘the Lord hardened the heart of Pha- 
 raoh, and he hearkened not unto them; as the 
 Lord had spoken unto Moses. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 13 H And the Lord said unto Moses, m Rise up 
 early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, 
 and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of 
 the Hebrews, Let my people go, that they may 
 serve me. 
 
 14 For I will at this time send "all my plagues 
 upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and 
 upon thy people : "that thou mayest know that 
 there is none like me in all the earth. 
 
 15 For now I will stretch out my hand, rthat I 
 may smite thee and thy people with pestilence : 
 and thou shalt be ^cut off from the earth. 
 
 16 And in very deed "for this cause have I 'raised 
 
 k 8:18,19. Is. 47:12— 14. 2 Tim. 3:8,9. 1 See or, 4:21. 7:13.14. Ps. 81:11,12. 
 Rev. 16:10,11. m 1 . 7:15. 8:20. n Lev. 26:18 21.28. Dent. 28:17— 17,59— 61. 
 29:20—22. 32:39—42. 1 Sam. 48. Jer. 19:8. Mic. 6:13. Rev. 18:8. 22:18. o See 
 on 8:10. p 11:4— 6. 12:29,30. ql4:28. 1 Kings 13:34. Prov. 2:22. rl s. 83: 
 
 17,18. Prov. 16:4. Rom. 9:22. 1 Pet. 2:8. Jude 4. * Heb. 7/iatle thee stand. 
 6 14:4. 15:11—16. 18:11. Josh. 2:10,11. 1 Sam. 4:8. Ps. 136:10— 15. 1 1 Chr. 
 
 quire, and he learned that not one of their cattle had died. 
 But he had so long done violence to his conscience, that it 
 was become callous, as 44 seared with an hot iron so that this 
 marked distinction made no impression on him. (Note, 12.) 
 
 V. 8 — 10. It is thought that these ashes were taken from 
 the furnaces, or kilns, in which the Israelites burned the bricks ; 
 and that this was intended to show Pharaoh, that he was 
 visited with these sore judgments for his cruel opppression of 
 the people of Jehovah. — Instead of waving the rod, as in 
 some former instances, the sprinkling of the ashes by Moses 
 and Aaron in the sight of Egypt’s haughty monarch, was 
 made the token of a dire disease, which arose from the state 
 of the air, out of which small dust fell on the people through- 
 out the land, and most dreadful ulcers followed. — The former 
 miracles distressed and impoverished the Egyptians, yet their 
 health and persons had not been touched: but the judgments 
 of God came nearer and nearer ; so that their bodies, as well 
 as the poor remains of their cattle, were now visited by the 
 most distressing tokens of divine indignation. 
 
 V. 11. The magicians, though baffled, had hitherto it 
 seems persisted in the contest, at least so far as to encourage 
 Pharaoh to stand out in his opposition, as expecting that they 
 would soon be able to overcome Moses and Aaron ; but, 
 being visited by this loathsome and painful disorder, they 
 were rendered contemptible, and finally driven away : 44 their 
 folly appeared unto all men,” and we hear nothing more 
 respecting them in the sacred records; but traditions, both of 
 Jewish Rabbies and of Mohammedans, concerning them, are 
 many, sufficiently contradictory and absurd. 
 
 V. 12. The Lord had declared twice, that 44 he would 
 harden the heart of Pharaoh (4:21. 7:3.) but this is the first 
 time, in which it is expressly said that 44 the Lord hardened 
 Pharaoh’s heart yet this expression is afterward several 
 times repeated. Hence we may infer, that as God had before 
 permitted and appointed a variety of events, which had a 
 tendency to augment Pharaoh’s obduracy ; so now, in punish- 
 ment of his presumptuous rebellion, he totally gave him up to 
 his own lusts, and to the power of Satan: nor can we inter- 
 pret the expression too strongly, if we only remember this 
 one thing, that God did not by his own power create any 
 hardness or wickedness in his heart ; 44 for God is not tempted 
 of evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (Note, Jam. 1:13 — 
 15.) — It was his settled purpose that Pharaoh should be 
 finally hardened, for the accomplishment of which he effec- 
 tually provided, and in which he doubtless was perfectly 
 righteous. 4 The sentence of destruction was irreversibly 
 denounced again t him, and God resolved to dispose things 
 so that he should not repent, but run headlong to his ruin.’ 
 B P . Patrick. Indeed, we may perceive that this proud 
 tyrant and cruel oppressor deserved to be made an example, 
 by the just Judge of the universe: and provided none are 
 punished who do not deserve it, and none above their deserts, 
 there can be no reasonable cause of complaint, or ground of 
 objection. — Hardness of heart is a figurative expression, de- 
 noting that insensibility of mind, upon which neither threat- 
 enings nor promises, judgments nor mercies, make any 
 abiding impressions ; but the conscience being stupificd, and 
 the heart filled with insolent pride and presumption, the obdu- 
 rate rebel persists in determined impenitence, unbelief, and 
 disobedience : not from a natural incapacity of obeying, or as 
 deprived of his understanding; but from eninily of heart, and 
 a determined opposition of his will against the known com- 
 ( 128 ) 
 
 thee up, ‘for to show in thee my power; and 
 ‘that my name may be declared throughout all the 
 earth. . 
 
 17 As yet "exaltest thou thyself against my 
 people, that thou wilt not let them go ? 
 
 18 Behold, x to-morrow about this time, >4 will 
 cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as hath 
 not been in Egypt, since the foundation thereof, 
 even until now. 
 
 19 Send therefore now, *and gather thy cattle, 
 and all that thou hast in the field : for upon every 
 man and beast which shall be found in the field, 
 and shall not be brought home, the hail shall come 
 down upon them, and they shall die. 
 
 20 He that “feared the word of the Lord among 
 the servants of Pharaoh, made his servants and. 
 his cattle flee into the houses. 
 
 21 And he that ‘regarded not the word of the 
 Lord, left his servants and his cattle in the field. 
 
 22 And the Lord said unto Moses, b Stretch 
 forth thine hand towards heaven, that there may 
 he hail in all the land of Egypt ; upon man, and 
 upon beast, and upon every herb of the field, 
 throughout the land of Egypt. 
 
 23 And Moses stretched forth his rod toward 
 
 16:-?4. Ps. 64:9. 83:1$. Is. 63:12-14. Mai. 1:11,14. Rom. 9.17. u Job 9:4. 15: 
 25.40:9. Is. 10:15. 26:11. 37:23,24,29. 45:9. Acls 12:23. 1 Cor. 10:22. il 
 Kings 19:2. 2U:6. 2 Kings 7:1 ,18. y 22 — 25. z Hab. 3:2. a Prov. 22:3. Jon. 3:5,6. 
 Murk 13:14 — 16. Heb. 11:7. f Heb. set not his heart unto. 7:23. 1 Sam. 4:20 
 mnrg. 1 < hr. 22:19. Job 7:17. 34:14. Irov. 24:32. marg. Ez. 40:4. Dan. 10:12. 
 b 7: 19. 8:5,16. 
 
 mands of God. The tendency of our nature to this state of 
 mind is also called the stony heart ; and to it is opposed 44 the 
 heart of flesh,” the broken, contrite, and tender heart. — 
 (Note, Ez. 11:17 — 20.) — Though the boil w r as upon the magi- 
 cians, yet probably Pharaoh had escaped it, which might 
 conduce to increase his obduracy. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. Pharaoh, even when given up to judicial 
 obduracy , was not at all exempted from obligation to obey 
 God, nor excused in his wilful and insolent disobedience, 
 (34.) Accordingly Moses was again sent to him, in the 
 name of the Lord, requiring him to 44 let his people go, that 
 they might serve him and enforcing the demand with still 
 more awful denunciations of desolating judgments on him, 
 and on his people, who concurred in his rebellion ; that he 
 might be effectually convinced of the unrivalled power and 
 majesty of Jehovah, above all the imagined gods of the 
 nations, in the whole earth. After many other plagues, the 
 Lord would smite him and his people with the pestilence , 
 which seems to denote the destruction of the first-born. Yet 
 it was implied that Pharaoh himself, while he felt most ex- 
 quisitely the anguish of that dreadful judgment, would not 
 die by it ; but 44 be cut off from the earth” by a subsequent 
 stroke. For indeed 44 the Lord had raised him up” for this 
 very purpose. He 44 who worketh all tilings after the counsel 
 ofhis own will,” knowing the heart of Pharaoh, had placed him 
 on the throne, and established him in great prosperity, at the 
 very time long before appointed and predicted for Israels 
 deliverance. (Notes, Gen. 15:12 — 16.) God foresaw ihal 
 Pharaoh’s pride and presumption would induce him to refuse 
 obedience; and that every circumstance would concur in de- 
 termining him to persist in the contest with desperate ob- 
 stinacy. Accordingly, the Lord had purposed to leave Pha- 
 raoh to be hardened to his destruction; and, in the example 
 of this haughty tyrant and cruel oppressor, to display ni\ 
 almighty power, sovereign authority, and awful justice ; that 
 all the nations might hear and know that the God of Israel 
 was indeed the Lord of the whole earth, for the glory of his 
 name, and for an extensive and durable advantage to man- 
 kind. (Notes, Rom. 9:15 — 18,22,23.) 
 
 V. 17. 4 Art thou so infatuated as still to oppose thy 
 feeble arm against that omnipotence, the effects of which thou 
 hast already witnessed V In exalting himself against Israel, 
 Pharaoh exalted himself against God. 
 
 V. 18, 19. Rain or hail was very rare in Egypt ; but such 
 a tremendous storm of rain and hail, with thunder and light- 
 ning, as Moses denounced, would be entirely unprecedented.— ' 
 Warning of this judgment was mercifully given, that indi- 
 viduals, who were not hardened in rebellion, might escape 
 the more ruinous effects of it. 
 
 V. 20, 21. When Moses had delivered the message to 
 Pharaoh, the report would doubtless spread swiftly among 
 the people ; and some, by what they had seen and heard, 
 were so far influenced as to provide against the approaching 
 storm. But a great part of the people remained almost as 
 obdurate as Pharaoh himself. — This instance aptly illustrates 
 the inseparable connexion between believing and obeying. 
 Some believed that the judgment would come, others did not ; 
 and both acted accordingly, obeying or disobeying. 
 
 Y. 23, 24. This plague must have been inconceivably 
 tremendous, as well as destructive in its effects : few words 
 indeed are used in describing it, but they arc peculiarly 
 emphatical. 
 
11 . C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER X. B. C. 149 
 
 heaven, and 'the Loan sent thunder and d hail, and 
 the fire ran along upon the ground ; and the Lord 
 rained hail upon the land of Egypt. 
 
 24 So there was hail, and fire mingled with the 
 hail, very grievous, such as there was “none like 
 it in all the land of Egypt, since it became a na- 
 tion. 
 
 25 And the hail smote throughout all the land 
 of Egypt, all that was in the field, both* man and 
 beast : and the hail smote every herb of the field, 
 ar d brake every tree of the field. 
 
 26 Only fin the land of Goshen, where the 
 children of Israel were, was there no hail. 
 
 27 H And Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses 
 
 and Aaron, and said unto them, e I have sinned 
 this time ; h the Lord is righteous, and I and my 
 people are wicked. 1 
 
 28 ‘Entreat the Lord (for it is enough) that 
 there be no more ‘mighty thunderings and hail ; 
 and I will let you go, and k ye shall stay no longer. 
 
 29 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am 
 gone out of the city, I will ‘spread abroad my hands 
 unto the Lord : and the thunder shall cease, nei- 
 ther shall there be any more hail ; that thou mayest 
 know, how “that the earth is the Lord’s. 
 
 30 But as for thee and thy servants, "I know 
 that ye will not yej fear the Lord God. 
 
 31 And the flax and the barley was smitten: 
 for “the barley was in the ear, and the flax was 
 boiled. 
 
 32 But the wheat and the rye were not smit- 
 ten: for they were f not grown up. 
 
 3? And Moses went out of the city from Pha- 
 raoh, and spread abroad his hands unto the Lord : 
 
 19:16. 30:18. ISam. 12:17. Job 37:1— 5. Ps. 29:3. 77:18. Rev. 16:18,21. d Josh. 
 .0:11. Job 38:22:23. Ps. 18:13. 78:47.43. 105:32,33. 148:8. Is. 30:30. Ei. 38:22. 
 Rev. 8:7. e 10:6. Matt. 24.21. 18:22.10:23. 11:7. Is. 32:18,19. g 10:16. 
 
 <4um. 22:31. 1 Sam. 15:24,30. 26:21. Matt. 27:4. h 2 Chr. 12:6. Ps. 145:17. 
 Luin. 1:18. Dan. 9:14. Rom. 2:5. 3:19. i 8:8,23. 10:17. Acts 8:24. *tleb. 
 oicesof God. Ps. 29:3,4. k 11:1. 1 1 Kings 8:22,38. 2Chr. 6:12,13. Ezra 9:5. 
 Job 11:13. Ps. 143:6. Is. 1:15. m Deiit. 10:14. Ps. 24:1,2 . 50:12. 95:4,5. 1 Cor. 
 10:26,28. n Is. 23:10. 63:17. o Ruth 1:22. 2:23. t Heb. hidden , or, dark. 
 
 . 10:18,19. Jam. 5:17,18. q 8:15. Ec. 8:11. r 2 Chr. 28:22. 36:13. Rom. 2:4,5. 
 
 V. 25. Jt/ait.] Hitherto the lives of the Egyptians had 
 oeen spared ; but this plague first began to destroy them. 
 
 V. 30. Moses knew that Pharaoh and his servants would 
 not give up the contest, both as he was made acquainted 
 vith the purpose of God, and as he knew the human heart. 
 He was sensible that Pharaoh’s confessions and promises 
 were not the effect of any radical change of mind and heart 
 «y special grace ; but extorted merely by terror and anguish, 
 le would not, however, leave him the least shadow of ex- 
 ruse for his conduct, and therefore readily complied with his 
 request. 
 
 V. 31. Was boiled.] The flax was grown up into stems 
 or stalks ; and, as some think, had begun to form pods for 
 he seed. ‘ The flax was forming seed.’ (To Se \ivov trireppa- 
 djov.) Sept. 
 
 V. 32. The wheat and rye were not destroyed, because 
 they were hidden. ( Marg .) They were tender and flexible ; 
 and, not being yet eared, the hail did not much injure them. 
 — It can hardly be supposed that the barley was in ear, and 
 die wheat not above ground, as our version seems to imply ; 
 or this is contrary to known fact, as to the different kinds of 
 pain in those countries. — The LXX read, ‘ They were 
 <ite,’ or 1 backward, ( 01 pipa yap nv.') 
 
 V. 33. Moses, assured of the divine protection, expressed 
 diis confidence before Pharaoh and his servants, by fearlessly 
 going forth from the city in the midst of this destructive tem- 
 pest : for it is evident, that he went forth before there was 
 any abatement of the storm. (29.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. I — 12. “ Because sentence against an evil work is not 
 executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is 
 fully set in them to do evil and they are emboldened in sin, 
 because God is long-suffering and slow to anger. — But, “ evil 
 pursueth sinners and, with rapid though often unnoticed 
 steps, approaches nearer and nearer: nor is there any possi- 
 ble escape without repentance, and works meet for repent- 
 ance. — God hath various methods of impoverishing those who 
 have grown rich by injustice, and depriving men of the things 
 which they have idolized : and if they will not take warning, 
 and submit to him, when he bereaves them of their substance, 
 he can fill their bodies with disease, and their hearts with 
 terror, and at length cut them off in their wickedness— Satan 
 encourages his servants with hopes of great advantages, but 
 he cannot ensure even their present impunity : and they who 
 wait patiently, shall see the folly of all seducers and de- 
 ceivers made as manifest, as that of these magicians was. 
 They who perish in rebellion, have none to blame but them- 
 selves ; as nothing but their own depraved inclinations ren- 
 ders them obstinate in pride and ungodliness, and impels them 
 Vol. I.— 17 
 
 i>and the thunders and hail ceased, and the ram 
 was not poured upon the earth. 
 
 34 And when Pharaoh ‘isaw that the rain, and 
 the hail, and the thunders were ceased, he sinnec 
 yet more, r and hardened his heart, he and his set 
 vants. 
 
 35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, 
 neither would he let the children of Israel go, “as 
 the Lord had spoken tby Moses. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Moses is sent to denounce the plague of locusts, 1 — 6. The servants of Pharaoh 
 persuade him to let Israel go, 7 ; he sends for Moses , treats with him , but 
 drives him away, 8—11. The plague of locusts, 12 — 15. Moses is vent for t 
 and entreqts the Lord ; the locusts are removed, and Pharaoh is hardentd, 
 16 — 20. The plague of darkness; Pharaoh again treats with, Moses, but is 
 again hardened, and drives him away with menaces, 21 — 29. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Moses, Go in unto 
 Pharaoh : for “I have hardened his heart, and 
 the heart of his servants ; b that I might show these 
 my signs before him : 
 
 2 And 'that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy 
 son, and of thy son’s son, what things I have 
 wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have 
 done among them ; d that ye may know how that 
 I am the Lord. 
 
 3 And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, 
 and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of 
 the Hebrews, “How long wilt thou refuse to f hum- 
 ble thyself before me ? Let my people go, that they 
 may serve me. 
 
 4 Else if thou refuse to let my people go, be- 
 hold, sto-morrow will I bring the ‘‘locusts into thy 
 coast. * 
 
 5 And they shall cover the ‘face of the earth, 
 that one cannot he able to see the earth : and they 
 
 a 4:21. 7:3,4.11:9,10. } Heb. by the hand of Moses, a See on 4:21. 7:13,14. 
 9:34,35. b 3:20. 7:4. 9:16. 14:17,18. 15:14,15. Josh. 2:9,10. 4:23,24. I 8am. 4* 
 8. Korn. 9:17. c 13:8,9,24. Deul. 4:9. 6:20—22. Ps. 44:1. 71:18 . 78:5,6. Joel 
 1:3. d See on 7:17. Ps. 58:11. Ez. 20:26,38. e 9:17. 16:28. Nom. 14:27. I 
 Kings 18:21. Prov. 1:22,24. Jer. 13:10. Ez. 5:6. Heb. 12:25. f 1 Kings 21:28. 
 2 Chr. 7:14 . 33:12,19. 34:27. Job 42:6. Prov. 18:12. Is. 2:11. Jer. 13:18. Jam. 4- 
 10. 1 Pet. 5:6. g 8:10,23. 9:5,18. 11:4,5. h Prov. 30:27. Joel 1:4—' 7. 2:2-1 1 , 
 25. Rev. 9:3. * Heb. eye. 
 
 to pervert the bounty and patience of God into an occasion 
 and encouragement to sin : and in whatever way the Lord 
 hardens the hearts of men, he always does it judicially, as a 
 punishment of former sins ; and generally of the sin of har- 
 dening their own hearts under solemn warnings, deep con- 
 victions, severe rebukes, and remarkable deliverances. 
 
 V. 13 — 33. The haughty and powerful may despise the 
 Lord, and set him at defiance ; but they cannot defeat his 
 purposes ; and many have been advanced to thrones, and 
 greatly prospered and exalted, in order to manifest the ex- 
 treme wickedness of their hearts, that the justice and power 
 of God might be displayed in their destruction, for the glory 
 of his great name. — Even in wicked nations, which are ripe 
 for vengeance, some are more des'itute of all fear ef God, 
 and more daring in sin, than others. But, alas ! men in gene- 
 ral are vastly more careful of their cattle and property than 
 of iheir immortal souls! — Would we escape the threatened 
 vengeance of God, we must notice his warnings, and flee for 
 refuge at his appointment ; for they who disregard his word 
 will be convinced of its truth when it is too late. — Under the 
 prospect of impending destruction, the anguish of suffering, 
 and the dismay of conscience, the proudest sinner "is often 
 appalled, and the most humiliating confessions are extorted 
 from him : nay, he may even use the language of piety ; not 
 because he thoroughly means it, but because he feels a mo- 
 mentary conviction that it suits his case and situation. These 
 reluctant and transient convictions cannot indeed avail those 
 who remain impenitent ; but they are honourablb to God, and 
 illustrate his justice in punishing such as, having respite, re- 
 turn to their crimes, and are hardened in iniquity. — While 
 all things concur in hastening the obstinate sinner’s condem- 
 nation, the Lord gives his people safety, amidst storms and 
 tempests ; and the most tremendous scenes sometimes fail of 
 disturbing, even at the moment, the sweet serenity of their 
 souls ; for “the work of righteousness shall be peace, and 
 the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for 
 ever.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1,2. The Lord here says, “ I 
 have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants 
 the servants of Pharaoh had copied his wickedness, and 
 were involved in his punishment, (7.)- — As these awful judg 
 ments were inflicted on purpose that the power and glory of 
 Jehovah might be illustrated for the instruction of future 
 generations; it was proper that Moses should again and 
 again go to Pharaoh, and warn him of the approaching 
 plagues, that his obstinate defiance of God might more fully 
 show the justice of his condemnation. 
 
 V. 3. Refuse, &c.] The point in contest was whethei 
 Pharaoh would humble himself before God, or not. Refusing 
 
 ( 129 ) 
 
1). C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 shall ea( ‘the residue of that which is escaped, 
 which remainetl unto you from the hail, and shall 
 eat every tree wnich groweth for you out of the 
 field. 
 
 6 And tliev shall k fill thy houses, and the houses 
 of all thy servants, and the houses of all the Egyp- 
 tians : ‘which neither thy fathers, nor thy fathers’ 
 fathers have seen, since the day that they were 
 upon the earth, unto this day. ra And he turned 
 himself, and went out from Pharaoh. 
 
 7 And Pharaoh’s servants said unto him, “How 
 long shall this man be a “snare unto us? Let the 
 men go, that they may serve the Lord their 
 God : knowest thou not yet, Pthat Egypt is de- 
 stroyed ? 
 
 8 And Moses and Aaron were ‘‘brought again 
 unto Pharaoh : and he said unto them, Go, serve 
 the Lord your God : but 'who are they that shall 
 go? 
 
 9 And Moses said, r We will go with our young 
 and with our old, with our sons and with our 
 daughters, with our flocks and with our herds 
 will we go: for we must hold’s, feast unto the Lord. 
 
 10 And he said unto them, Let the Lord be so 
 with you, as I will let you go, and your little ones : 
 ‘look to it, for evil is before you. 
 
 11 Not so : go now ye that are men, and serve 
 the Lord, for that ye did desire. “And they were 
 driven out from Pharaoh’s presence. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 12 H And the Lord said unto Moses, “Stretch 
 out thine hand over the land of Egypt for the 
 iocusts, that they may come up upon the land of 
 Egypt, and eat etfery herb of the land, even all 
 that the hail hath left. 
 
 13 And Moses stretched forth his rod over the 
 land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an ?east 
 wind upon the land all that day, and all that 
 night : and when it was morning, the east wind 
 brought the locusts. 
 
 1 9:32. k 8:3. 114.15. 9:24. 11:6. Joel 2:2. mil. 11:8. Heb. 11:27. n 3. 
 
 o2j:33. Josh. 23:13. ISam. 18:21. Prov.29:6. Ec. 7:26. p Is. 14:20. 51:9. 
 Jer. 48:4. 51:8. Zepli. 1:18. q 16,24. 12:31. * Heb. who and who , &c. 
 
 r Gen. 50:8. Deut. 31:12,13. Josh. 24.15. Ps. 148:12,13. Ec. 12:1. Eph. 6:4. 
 a 3:18. 5:1,3. 8:25—28. 13:6. Ntim. 29:2. ICor. 5:7,8. t 2Chr. 32:15. Lam. 
 8-37. u28. 5:4. x 7:19. y 14:21. Ps. 78:26. 107:25— 28. 148:8. Jon. 14. 4:8. 
 e Pent. 28:42. 1 Kings 8:37. Ps. 78:46. 105:34,35. a 6. b Joel 1:6,7. 2:1—11, 
 25. f Heli. hastened to call, c 9:27. Num. 22:34. 1 Sam. 15:24,30. 26:21. 
 
 2 Sam. 19:20. Job 34:31,32. Prov. 28:13. Matt. 27:4. d 1 Sam. 15:25. e See 
 
 to do this was his ruin ; and the case is the same with all 
 impenitent sinners. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 6. The ravages which locusts make in those eastern 
 countries are frequently extremely terrible. They even darken 
 the earth, by intercepting with their inconceivable multitudes 
 the light of the sun ; they turn fruitful countries into deso- 
 late deserts, and leave the wretched inhabitants to perish 
 with famine ; nor can they by any means be resisted or es- 
 caped. But the locusts sent on Egypt were dreadful beyond 
 example and comparison, in size and multitudes, and in the 
 desolations which they occasioned: and the plague was thus 
 foretold, that the hand of the Lord in sending it might be the 
 more evident. — Pharaoh had repeatedly violated his promises ; 
 and Moses seems to have left his presence abruptly, without 
 waiting for an answer. 
 
 V. 7. Some of Pharaoh’s servants were less hardened 
 than others of them, and embraced this occasion of expostu- 
 lating with him. 
 
 V. 10, 11. Let the LORD , &c.] This was either 
 spoken in scorn and contempt, as if Pharaoh would say, ‘Let 
 the Lord be with you, and take care of you if he can ; hut I 
 will not. let you go or by way of imprecation ; ‘ I would , that 
 the Lord may as certainly cease to be with you any more, 
 as I shall refuse to let. you go with all your company, for to 
 this I never will consent.’ He intended to keep the children, 
 and probably the women also, as hostages to ensure the re- 
 turn of the men. Nay, he threatened to punish Moses and 
 Aaron, if they continued to trouble him ; and his mad pre- 
 sumption was such, that he certainly would have attempted 
 it, had not God dismayed and restrained him. Some suppose 
 'that, he charged them with the design of stirring up the peo- 
 ple to a revolt, when he said, “evil is before you.” — As, 
 however, they were not satisfied with his proposal, he drove 
 them with violence from his presence. 
 
 That are men. (11) D'niajn vir, masculus , quasi validus. 
 
 Robertson’s Thes. f Oi aivlptf. Sept. 
 
 V. 13. East wind.] ‘Being lifted up by the wind, they 
 fly in the air in a great cloud ; . . . people looking on them in 
 £reat fear, lest they fall down and cover the country.’ Pliny. 
 
 V. If, 17. Pharaoh now had nothing before his eyes, but 
 inevitab'e death to himself and his people by famine, unless 
 *ome respite could be obtained : for all vegetation was totally 
 ( 130 ) 
 
 14 And “the locusts went up over all the land of 
 Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt : 
 very grievous were they ; “before them there 
 were no such locusts as they, neither after them 
 shall be such. 
 
 15 For b they covered the face of the whole 
 earth, so that the land was darkened ; and they 
 did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit 
 of the trees, which the hail had left : and there 
 remained not any green thing in the trees, or in 
 the herbs of the field, through all the land of 
 Egypt. 
 
 16 Then Pharaoh ^called for Moses and Aaron 
 in haste ; and he said, C I have sinned against the 
 Lord your God, and against you. 
 
 17 Now therefore d forgive, I pray thee, my sin 
 only this once, “and entreat the Lord your God, 
 that he may take away from me ‘this death only. 
 
 18 And he went out from Pharaoh, sand en- 
 treated the Lord. 
 
 19 And the Lord turned h a mighty strong west 
 wind, which took away the locusts, and least them 
 into ‘the Red Sea : there remained not one locust 
 in all the coasts of Egypt. 
 
 20 But k the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, 
 so that he &ould not let the children of Israel go. 
 
 21 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Stretch 
 out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be 
 ■"darkness over the land of Egypt, Seven darkness 
 which may be felt. 
 
 22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward 
 heaven : and there was a "thick darkness in all 
 the land of Egypt three days. 
 
 23 They saw not one another, neither rose any 
 from his place for three days : “but all the children 
 of Israel had light in their dwellings. 
 
 24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, 
 rGo ye, serve the Lord : only ^let your flocks and 
 your herds be stayed : r let your little ones also go 
 with you. 
 
 on8:8. Acts 8:24. f2Kings4:40. 2 Cor. 1:10. g See on 8:9,29. Matt. 5:44. 
 Luke 6:28. h 13. f Heb. fastened, i 13:18. 15:4. Joel 2:20. k See on 4:21. 
 7:13,14. 9:12. 11:10. Deut. 2:30. Is. 6:9,10. John 12:39,40. Horn. 9:18. 2 Thes. 
 2:11,12. 19:22. m Ps. 78:49. 105:28. Prov. 4:19. Is. 8:21,22. Mall. 27:45. 
 Mark 15:33. Luke 23:44. 2 Pel. 2:4,17. Jude 6,13. Rev. 16:10,11. § Heb .that 
 one may feel darkness, n 20:21. Deut. 4:11. 5:22. Joel 2:2,31 . Am. 4:13. o 8t 
 22. 9:4,26. 14:20. Josh. 24:7. Is. 60:1- 3. 65:13 14. Mai. 3:18. p 8,9. 8:28. 9* 
 28. q Gen. 34:23. r 10. 
 
 destroyed. He therefore confessed his sins to Moses, craved 
 forgiveness of him, and entreated him to pray for him ; but it 
 does not appear, that he confessed his sins unto the Lord, or 
 besought him to forgive him. 
 
 V. 19. Red Sea.] “The sea of weeds,” or flags , as it 
 is in the original. — The Greek translators of the Bible call it 
 ‘ the Red Sea,’ either from the colour of the waters, the soil, 
 or the weeds, or flags ; or from the neighbourhood of the 
 Edomites, whose name signifies red. This is a large arm of 
 the sea, which runs up between Arabia and Idumea on one 
 hand, and Egypt on the other, and separates the continents 
 of Africa and Asia ; except as they communicate by the 
 narrow isthmus of Suez, which lies betwixt the end of the 
 Red Sea and the Mediterranean. — The Red, Sea in most 
 ancient writers means what is now called the Indian Ocean. 
 
 V. 20. (Note, 9:12.) 
 
 V. 21. .Darkness.] It is generally supposed, that some 
 extraordinary fog which combined in occasioning this plague, 
 extinguished all the lamps of the Egyptians, and left them in 
 total darkness: and that this was felt in the pain which it ex- 
 cited. Certainly it was such a darkness as we have no concep- 
 tion of: and not wholly unlike the “blackness of darkness 
 for ever.” 
 
 V. 22. Thick darkness.] misty and thick dark - 
 
 ness, full of obscurity. (From the radical noun 'ten which 
 has a similar signification.) — 5>oro? yvo(t>o$, ^ucAAa ciri,K. r. A. 
 Darkness , thick darkness , a tempest upon , &c. Sept. Vvotty 
 Kat (TKOTM, Kat $vc AA/7, “ to blackness and darkness and tem- 
 pest.” Heb. 12:18. 
 
 V. 23. It is a tradition of the Jews, that the Egyptians 
 were affrighted with horrible noises, occasioned by evil spirits 
 and that this is the meaning of the expression of the Psalm- 
 ist, “He sent evil angels among them.” (Note, Ps. 78: 
 Iff — 49.) Doubtless their consciences were filled with horror, 
 and inflicted torment upon them, when thus enclosed in this 
 tremendous darkness. — The Israelites might now have march- 
 ed off unmolested; hut it was the Lord’s pleasure, that 
 they should go forth, not as abject fugitives, but as triumphant 
 conquerors. 
 
 V. 2*1. After the end of the three days, when the dark- 
 ness terminated, Pharaoh called 'nr Mos*m to treat qrrip 
 with him. 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 B. C. 1491 . CHAPTER XL 
 
 25 And Moses said, Thou must give 'us also 
 sacrifices, and burnt-pfferings, that we may sacri- 
 fice unto the Lord our God. 
 
 26 Our ’cattle also shall go with us ; there shall 
 not an hoof be left behind : for thereof must we 
 take to serve the Lord our God ; ‘and we Know 
 not with what we must serve the Lord until we 
 come thither. 
 
 27 But the Lord “hardened Pharaoh’s heart, 
 and he would not let them go. 
 
 28 And Pharaoh said unto him, “Get thee from 
 me, take heed to thyself, see my face no more : 
 Jfor in that day thou seest my face thou shalt die. 
 
 29 And Moses said, Thou hast spoken well, *1 
 will see thy face again no more. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The Lord shows Moses that one more plague is coming on Egyp', and directs 
 that the Israelites should ask jewels of the Egyptians, 1,2. Moses is 
 honoured hy the Egyptians, 3. He denounces the death of the Jirs - 
 bom, and goes out from Pharaoh, 4 — 8. The Lord hardens Pharaoh's 
 
 heart, 9, 10. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Moses, "Yet will I 
 bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and 
 
 t Heb. into our hands, s 12:32. Is. 23:18. 60:5 — 10. Hos. 5:6. Acts 2:44, 
 45. 2 Cor. 8:5. t Prov. 3:9. Heb. 11:8. u See on 4:21. 14:4,8. Rev. 9:20. 16:10, 
 11. x 1 1 . v 2 Chr. 16:10. 25:16. Am. 7:13. z 11:4— 8. 12:30,31. Ileb. 11:27. 
 a 9:14. Lev. 26:21. Dent. 4:34. 1 Sam. 6:4. Job 10:17. Rev. 16:9. 22:18. b3:20. 
 Gen. 15:14. c 12:31— 33,39. cl 3:22. 12:35,36. Gen. 31:9. Job 27:16,17. Ps.24: 
 1. 105:37. Prov. 13:22. Hag. 2:8. Matt. 20:15. e 32:2— 4,24. 35:22. Ez. 16:10— 
 
 V. 27. It is worthy of notice, how frequently, in the con- 
 cluding part of the narrative, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart 
 is unreservedly ascribed to God. (1,20. 11:10.) Different, 
 language was previously used ; which shows, that God’s hard- 
 ening Pharaoh’s heart was the punishment of his hardening 
 nis own heart. 
 
 V. 29. The first three verses of the next chapter may be 
 read as a parenthesis: for Moses seems to have warned 
 Pharaoh of the death of all the first-born, before he quitted 
 his presence at this time ; and then he went out purposing 
 never more to see his face. 
 
 PRACTICAL ORSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. The manifestation of his own glory is the ulti- 
 mate end of all the Lord’s dispensations, whether of judgment 
 or mercy ; and though we do not at present clearly discern 
 it, yet we shall hereafter behold it in full splendour: and all 
 his servants with joyful acclamations proclaim, that he is 
 “righteous in all his ways and holy in all his works.” Then 
 “ the wicked shall be silent in darkness for “ every mouth 
 shall be stopped, and all the world shall become guilty before 
 God.” — Again and again he sends to demand of his rebellious 
 creatures, “ How long will ye refuse to humble yourselves 
 before me?” But the haughtiness and stoutness of the 
 human heart induce men to defer this mortifying submission, 
 even when severely suffering the effects of their obstinacy, in 
 former instances; when expostulated with for acting in so 
 ruinous a manner to themselves* 1 and others ; and when nothing 
 but the patience of God keeps them from utter destruction. 
 But “ hast thou,” O sinner, “ an arm like God ? and canst 
 thou thunder with a voice like his?” — The examples of se- 
 verity and goodness, recorded in the sacred Scriptures, were 
 written for our profit; and if we duly regard them, our oyvn 
 experience will prove their extensive and lasting usefulness. — 
 Whatever we learn from the word and works of God, we 
 should point out, and interpret to our children, and show 
 them his power, wisdom, justice, and love, as displayed in 
 them ; for they were intended, not only for our good, but for 
 that of our children also. — We should likewise remember, 
 that Satan and his instruments are extremely averse to our 
 serving God with our sons and our daughters ; and that they 
 employ various methods of keeping them from joining in his 
 service. We ought therefore to be very peremptory in this 
 concern, and be careful to initiate them, even when “ little 
 ones,” in the ways and worship of God ; “for of such is the 
 kingdom of heaven.” But alas! many apparently religious 
 parents act as if they were of Pharaoh’s opinion, and sup- 
 posed that, the service of God was intended for men alone : 
 for they allow their children to stay behind when they go to 
 worship, and permit them to spend their time in dissipation 
 and vanity; as if they would leave them under the yoke of 
 Satan, “the god of this world,” as hostages for their own re- 
 turn to his service. — But let young people themselves observe, 
 hat the Lord himself says, “ Remember thy Creator in the 
 lays of thy youth;” while Satan and his servants are they 
 who counsel them to put off the thoughts of God and religion 
 till some future period. 
 
 V. 12 — 29. It is incumbent on us to serve God, not only 
 with our households, but likewise with all our substance ; 
 neither avariciously hoarding any part of it, nor spending it 
 upon our pride and self-indulgence of any kind, but consider- 
 ing the whole as the Lord’s property committed to our stew- 
 ardship. And not knowing what he may immediately de- 
 mand, we should be prepared to expend, or part with, any 
 proportion which may be required, without hesitation and 
 reluctance. But if we would sincerely and decidedly serve 
 the Lord, we must learn to disregard the contempt, reproach, 
 
 upon Egypt ; b afterwards he will let you go hence ; 
 when he shall let you go, he shall surely Hhrusl 
 you out hence altogether. 
 
 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and le 
 every man d borrow of his neighbour, and ever) 
 woman of her neighbour, jewels o f silver, an., 
 jewels of gold. 
 
 3 And f the Lord gave the people favour in the 
 sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the mai 
 sMoses was very great in the land of E gypt, in 
 the sight of Pharaoh’s servants, and in the sight 
 of the people. 
 
 4 And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, h About 
 midnight ‘will I go out into the midst of Egypt. 
 
 5 And all the first-born in the land of Egypt 
 shall die, from k the first-born of Pharaoh that 
 sitteth upon his throne, even un'n the first-born 
 of the maid-servant that is ‘behind the mill ; and 
 all the first-born of beasts. 
 
 6 And there shall be m a great cry throughout 
 all th§ land of Egypt, such as there was none like 
 it, nor shall be like it any more. 
 
 13. Hos. 2:8. f 3:21. 12:36. Gen. 39:21. Ps. 106:46. Acts 7:10. g Gen. 13:2. 
 2 Sam. 7:9. Eslh.9:4. Is. 60:14. Acts 7:22. Rev. 3:9. It 12:23,29. Job34:20. 
 Am. 4:10. 5:17. Matt. 25:6. i2Sam.5:24. Ps. 60.10. Is. 42:13. Mic. 2:13. 
 
 Zeclt. 14:3. k -1:23. 12:12. 13:15. Ps. 78:51. 105:36. 135:8. 136:10. Heb. 11:23. 
 1 Jude. 16:21. Is. 47:2. Lam. 5:13. Matt. 24:41. tn 3:7. 12:30. Pruv. 21:13. Is. 
 15:4,5,8. Jer. 31:15. Lam. 3:8. Zepli. 1:10. Luke 13:28. Rev. 6:16,17. 18:18,19. 
 
 and even menaces of wicked men. They may indeed 
 haughtily affirm that “ evil is before us ;” but if we simply 
 and faithfully trust and obey God, we need not “ fear what 
 flesh can do unto us.” For he will be for us; and perhaps 
 they will ere long be constrained to address us with respect, 
 and entreat our prayers or assistance. Assuredly in the days 
 of adversity, and in the gloomy vale of death, when the 
 wicked are consumed with terrors, and tormented by their 
 own consciences, believers will walk in the light of God’s 
 countenance, and rejoice in his salvation: and when the 
 wicked are driven into the blackness of eternal darkness, 
 believers will have an inheritance among the saints in light 
 eternal- Let us then “ lift up our heads, for our redemption 
 drawekh near “ yet looking diligently lest any man fail of 
 the grace of God:” for the most hardened sinner often trem- 
 bles, the most insensible is sometimes self-condemned ; nay, 
 many that are finally lost, have “ been almost persuaded to 
 be Christians.” But pride, the love of sin, and aversion to 
 the immediate exercises of piety, with procrastination, as the 
 result of it, form the threefold cord which men cannot break ; 
 and upon persons thus enslaved, all counsel is thrown away, 
 though enforced with the evidence of the most undeniable 
 facts, and the certain prospects of destruction. They would 
 treat about reconciliation ; but they will not yield unreservedly 
 to part with every sin, and cast themselves wholly on the 
 Lord’s mercy. He therefore rejects their proposals with dis- 
 dain: and every relenting and respite leaves them still harder; 
 as the winter sun thaws the snow, which, when its beams are 
 withdrawn, congeals into ice. Such persons often use good 
 Words, and put the Lord’s servants in his place, as if they 
 were gods to them, (7:1.) and seem to expect salvation from 
 them : but they do not pray earnestly and constantly for 
 themselves ; and therefore sin retains its dominion, and Sa- 
 tan his possession, and “ their last state is worse than the 
 first.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1. It is probable that this was 
 a secret revelation to Moses while in the presence of Pha- 
 raoh; in order that he might denounce the last dreadful judg- 
 ment on Egypt before he went out from him. Moses, no 
 doubt, would be glad to hear that this contest, which deso- 
 lated Egypt in order to deliver Israel, would so speedily be 
 determined. — ‘When he shall send you away with every 
 thing, he will cast you out with an expulsion.’ (EnSoXy. 
 Acts 27:18. Gr.) Sept. 
 
 V. 2, 3. The original does not in the least imply, that the 
 Israelites asked the Egyptians to lend them the jewels, or 
 vessels of gold^nd silver, as promising to return them ; but 
 rather that they requested, or even required them : and the 
 Lord engaged to dispose the Egyptians to comply with their 
 requirement ; for the words may be rendered, “ And the 
 Lord will give the people favour, &c.” (Note, 3:21,22.) — 
 The Egyptians revered Moses, as an extraordinary person, 
 of wonderful courage, wisdom, and sanctity ; and endued 
 with powers of inflicting judgments, or removing them, at 
 pleasure: and probably many of them were persuaded that 
 he had justice on his side, and blamed Pharaoh, as the real 
 cause of their calamities. For while oppressors pursue in- 
 fatuated counsels, and are flattered by hireling courtiers, it 
 often happens that their subjects secretly favour the cause of 
 the oppressed, even where themselves have no personal 
 ground of complaint; considering a measure of liberty as the 
 common right of mankind. 
 
 Borrow. (2) Kirquarb). Sept. 
 
 V 4. The Lord went out on this awful occasion, as a 
 mighty Conqueror, to trample down and triumph over his 
 enemies. 
 
 t 131 ) 
 
B. C. 491. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 7 Bvt against any of the children of Israel shall 
 not a "dog move his tongue, against man or beast; 
 that ye may know how that the Loud doth put 
 “a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. 
 
 8 And rail these thy servants shall come down 
 unlo me, and bow down themselves unto me, 
 saying, Get thee out, and all the people that ’follow 
 thee : and after that l will go out : and he went 
 out from Pharaoh in ‘a great anger. 
 
 9 And the Lord said unto Moses, ^Pharaoh 
 shall not hearken unto you : that my r wonders 
 may be multiplied in the land of Egypt. 
 
 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders 
 before Pharaoh: and “the Lord hardened Pha- 
 raoh’s heart, so that he would x.ot let the children 
 of Israel go out of his land. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The month of Israel's deliverance is aj/poimtd to be the first of their year, 1, 
 2. Tie institution of the passover , and the feast of unleavened bread, 3 — 
 28. The first-born throughout Egypt are cut off at once, 29, 30 ; the Israelites 
 are sent away in haste, 31 — 33; they spoil the Egyptians and march out, 
 attended by a mixed multitude , 3-1 — 39. The term of their sojourning , and 
 the fulfilment of God's promise to Abraham , 40 — 12. Further rules respect- 
 ing the passover, 43 — 51. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron 
 in the land of Egypt, saying, 
 
 2 “This month shall he unto you the beginning of 
 months : it shall be the first month of the year to you. 
 3 b Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, 
 
 o Josh. 10:21. o See on 7:22. 10:23. Mai. 3:18. 1 Cor. 4:7. p 12:31— 33. Is. 
 49:23,26. Rev. 3:9. * Heb . is at thy feet. Judg. 4: 10. 1 Kings 20:10. 2 Kings 3: 
 9. marg. | Heb. heatof anger. Deut. 29:24. 32:24. Ps. 6:1. Ez, 3:14. Dan. 3; 
 19. q 3:19. 10:1. Rom. 9:17,18. r See on 7:3. s See on 4:21. 7:13,14. 10:20, 
 27. Deut. 2:30. 1 .Sam. 6:6. Job 9:4. Rom. 2:4,5. 9:22. a 13:4. 23:15. 34:18. 
 Lev. 23:5. Num. 28:16. Deut. 16:1. Esth. 3:7. b 4:30. 6:6. 14:15.20:19. Lev. 
 1:2. c 6. John 12:1,12. d Gen. 4:4. 22:8. 1 Sam. 7:9. John 1:29,36. 1 Cor. 
 5-7. Rev. 5:6— 13. 7:9—14. 13:8. * Or, kid. Lev. 5:6. Num. 15:11. 2 Chr. 
 
 35:7. e Lev. 1:3,10 . 22:19-24. Deut. 17:1. Mai. 1:7,8,14. Heb. 7:23. 9:13,14. 
 
 V. 5. (Note, 12:29,30 .) — Behind the mill.] Watermills 
 and windmills were not known till many ages after this time ; 
 but the female slaves ground the corn for use, by handmills. 
 (Marg. Ref. 1.) 
 
 V. 6. ‘ The calamity being in every house, it made a 
 general and loud lamentation: men, women, children, and 
 servants, bewailing the loss of the prime person in the family.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7. Move his tongue.] ‘ No one shall dare to do the 
 Israelites harm, or to speak any evil of them ; but all shall 
 stand in awe of them.’ — The expression seems to have been 
 proverbial. 
 
 V. 8. Moses thus expressed his abhorrence of Pharaoh’s 
 obstinacy, who probably treated this last message with con- 
 tempt ; and he solemnly left him to the judgment of God, as 
 an incurable rebel. 
 
 V. 9. This may be rendered, “For the Lord had said, 
 &c.” (7:3. Note, 4:21.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When the Lord has inflicted so many and severe judg- 
 ments, that man can conceive of nothing worse, he has still 
 more terrible plagues in reserve ; yet he generally executes 
 those last, which he denounced first : ( 4:23. ) for “ he endures 
 with much long-sulfering the vessels of wrath fitted for 
 destruction, that he may show his wrath and make his power 
 known.” (Notes, Rom. 9:19 — 23.) But what are all these 
 ten plagues combined, when compared with “ the wrath to 
 come,” that one plague reserved for all obstinate rebels in 
 another world! — The Lord can make his people “ a burden- 
 some stone to all who burden themselves with them ( Zcch. 
 12:3.) and render all men sensible that it is at their peril 
 they touch them: nay, he is able to give them favour in the 
 sight of those who have been their enemies. — When he ena- 
 bles his servants to maintain a consistency of chara'cler, he 
 will put such honour upon them, as shall silence and confound 
 all those who slander anil despise them ; and constrain men 
 in general to approve of their conduct, reverence their per- 
 sons, and even to bow down before them: and when the 
 people of God shall triumph in his redenyition, and their 
 enemies cry out under the anguish of his indignation, the 
 difference will be too evident to remain any longer unnoticed. 
 They who are employed by him in public services, may, con- 
 sistently with the deepest humility, “ magnify their office 
 and, without deviating from the most exemplary Christian 
 meekness, they may and ought to express deep indignation, 
 as well as sorrow, at the wickedness of mankind ; after his 
 example, who looked round with “ anger, being grieved for 
 the hardness of their hearts.” Such anger against the sin of 
 those, whose good th^y have perseveringly sought in vain, 
 and for whom their prayers have again and again prevailed, 
 is a terrible indication, and usual forerunner of the wrath of 
 God. The Lord, however, will at last he glorified in all 
 his dispensations ; and as he hath foretold that his gospel 
 would be slighted and abused, we must not think the worse 
 of it on that account. 
 
 NOTES. — Ciiap. XII. V. 1. These instructions must 
 have been given to Moses and Aaron some days before the 
 las' message was delivered to Pharaoh, and perhaps before I 
 
 ( 132 ) 
 
 saying, c In the tenth- day of this month, theysha-. 
 d take to them every man a 'lamb, accordTing ti 
 the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house. 
 
 4 And if the household be too little for the lamb, 
 let him and his neighbour next unto his house take 
 it, according to the number of the souls ; every 
 man, according to his eating, shall make your 
 count for the lamb. 
 
 5 Your lamb shall 'be without blemish, a malt 
 tof the first year; ye shall take it out from tilt 
 sheep or from the goats. 
 
 6 And ye shall keep it up until the 'fourteenth 
 day of the same month : and ethe whole assembly 
 of the congregation of Israel shall kill it fin tht 
 evening. 
 
 7 And they shall take of the h blood and strike 
 it on the two side-posts, and on the upper door- 
 post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it. 
 
 8 And they shall ‘eat the flesh in that night; 
 k roasted with fire, and ‘unleavened bread, and 
 ra with bitter herbs they shall eat it. 
 
 9 Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water 
 “but roast with fire : his head with his legs, and 
 with the purtenance thereof. 
 
 10 And ye shall let “nothing of it remain until 
 the morning: and that which remaineth of it until 
 the morning, ye shall burn with fire. 
 
 1 Pet. 1.18,19. t Heb. son of ayear. Lev. 23:12. 1 Sara. 13:1. marg. fl.tv. 
 23:5. Num. 9:3. 28:16,18. Deut. 16:1—6. 2 Chr. 30:15. Ez. 45:21. g Is. 53:6. 
 Matt. 27:20,25. Mark 15:1,8,11. Luke 23:1,18. Acts 2:23. 3:14. 4:27. } Ilel>. 
 between the two evenings. Matt. 27:46 — 50. h 22,23. Eph. 1:7. Heb. 9:13,14,22. 
 10:14,29. 11.28. 1 Pet. 1:2. i Matt. 26:26. John 6:52-57. k Deut. 16:7. Ps. 
 22:14. Is. 53:10. 1 13:3,7. 34:25. Deut. 16:3. Am. 4:5. Matt. 16:12. 1 Cor. 5: 
 6-8. Gal. 5:9. mNum. 9:11. Zech. 12:10. 1 Thes. 1:6. n8. Lam. 1:13. o 23: 
 18. 29:34. 34:25. Lev. 7:15—17. 22:30. Deut. 16:4,5. 
 
 the plague of darkness was inflicted ; for the tenth day of 
 the month was not come when they were given, (3 ;) yet the 
 people observed the passover on the fourteenth, which seems 
 to have been the very day on which Moses went out from 
 Pharaoh. (11:4.) 
 
 V. 2. The month called Abib, (which signifies an ear of 
 corn , because the corn was then eared ,) and also Nisan , an- 
 swers nearly to the latter part of our March, and the begin- 
 ning of April. This had hitherto been reckoned the seventh 
 month ; and the Israelites continued afterwards to compute 
 several of their civil concerns by this reckoning, which agreed 
 with that of the surrounding countries : but in remembrance 
 of their deliverance out of Egypt, when they were formed 
 into a nation and a church, and received, as it were, a new 
 kind of existence, it was appointed to be the first month of 
 the year to them, and their sacred institutions were regulated 
 according to it. This new style began the year with the 
 spring, when the face of the creation was renewed. 
 
 V. 3 — 10. It may be supposed, that the people had been 
 ordered to prepare for leaving Egypt at the shortest notice, 
 and had a variety of engagements to occupy their time ; yet, 
 amidst them all, they were required to observe a sacred fes- 
 tival. For on this occasion the passover was instituted, to 
 be then celebrated as a token , or means , of their deliverance, 
 and afterwards as a sacramental memorial of it, and a pre- 
 figuration of redemption by the promised Saviour. (Note, 
 11 — 14.) — The Israelites, though not guilty of the same crimes 
 as the Egyptians, were in many respects deserving of the 
 wrath of God: and this institution was suited to show them, 
 that they were preserved and rescued, not for their own 
 righteousness, but by the mercy of God through an atoning 
 sacrifice. (Notes, Ez. 20:5 — 9.) They were therefore di 
 rected, on the tenth day from the new moon, to select a lamb 
 or kid for every one of those households, into which the fami- 
 lies of their tribes were subdivided ; unless when the small 
 number of persons in the household made it. proper to join 
 with some of their neighbours. They were allowed to take 
 either a lamb, or a kid ; but, as Christ is commonly repre- 
 sented under the emblem of a Lamb, and never under that 
 of a kid, it is supposed that lambs were generally preferred. 
 This lamb must be “without blemish, a male of the first 
 year,” or under a year old ; as typifying the “ Lamb of God,” 
 “ without spot and blemish,” who was “ slain from the foun- 
 dation of the world.” — Afier four days of preparation, which 
 would afford time leisurely to examine t lie ini ended victims, 
 they were slaughtered on the fourteenth by the whole congre- 
 gation; the head of each household killing the lamb selected 
 for it, as it is probably concluded. This was done between 
 the two evenings ; (marg.) and it is supposed, that the first 
 of these evenings began when the sun h;uk passed the meri- 
 dian, and that the second ended at sunset, g The paschal 
 offerings, therefore, seem to have been slam from throe 
 o’clock in the afternoon till sunset; and afterwards the 
 people ate the passover, when the fifteenth dev of the month 
 had begun; for they reckoned from sun-‘t. to sunset. — 
 Learned men are of opinion, that tne Lord . esus, our pass- 
 over, entered Jerusalem <>n the icuih of the first month, at 
 the very time when the paschal sacrifices .v* •? selt -ted ; and 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 11 And thus shall ye eat it; with Pyour loins 
 girded, your sshoes on your feet, and your staff in 
 your hand : and ye shall eat it in haste ; r it is the 
 Lord’s passover. 
 
 12 For I will ‘pass through the land of Egypt 
 this night, and ‘will smite all the first-born in the 
 land of Egypt, both man and beast; and "against 
 all the 'gods of Egypt I will execute judgment ; 
 X I am the Lord. 
 
 13 And nhe blood shall be to you for a token 
 upon the houses where ye are : and when I see 
 tire blood, I will pass over you, and the plague 
 shall not be upon you, ffo destroy you, when I 
 smite the land of Egypt. 
 
 14 And this day shall be unto you ‘for a memo- 
 rial ; and ye shall keep it a feast to the Lord 
 throughout your generations : ye shall keep it a 
 feast “by an ordinance for ever. 
 
 p Molt. 25:19,20. Luke 12:35. Eph.6:14. 1 Pel. 1:13. q Luke 7:38. 15:22. Eph. 
 6:15. r27. Lev. 23:5. Num. 28:16. Dent. 16:»-6. 1 Cor. 5:7. s 23. 11:4,5. Am. 
 5:17. I See on 29,30. 11:4-6. u Num. 33:4. 1 Sam. 5:3. 6:5. 1 Chr. 14:12. Is. 
 19:1. Jer. 43:13. Zeph. 2:11. • Or, princes. 22:28. Ps. 82:1,6. John 10:31,35. 
 x 6:2. Ii.43:ll—15. Er. 12:16. y 23.' G»n. 17:11. Josh. 2:12. Heb. 11:23. 
 t Heb. fora destruct ion. z 13:9. Num. 1 6:-40. Josh. 4:7. P«. 111:4. 135:13. 
 
 the language of the Evangelist may be thus interpreted: for 
 if the three days , after which Christ should rise from the dead, 
 contained only one complete day and part of two others, 
 according to the custom of the Jews in computing time ; five 
 days before the passover may -mean three whole days and 
 part of two others. (John 12:1,12.) It is likewise supposed, 
 by many expositors, that Christ was crucified on the four- 
 teenth day of the month, and expired soon after the ninth 
 hour, or three o’clock in the afternoon, at the very time when 
 the paschal lambs were slain: but the Evangelists expressly 
 state, that he ate the passover at the accustomed time, on the 
 evening of the fourteenth day; and if so, it is certain that he 
 was crucified on the fifteenth. (Matt. 26:17. Mark 14:12. 
 Luke22:l.) He was, however, put to death, in the midst of 
 the assembled congregation of Israel, and at their united re- 
 quest ; and he expired, just before the hour when the paschal 
 lamb began to be sacrified, though not on the same day. — 
 The blood of these victims, having been preserved for that 
 purpose, was ordered to be sprinkled, with a bunch of hyssop, 
 on the side-posts, and on the upper door-posts, of the houses 
 in which the passover was eaten ; and this was the token of 
 the Israelites being preserved when the first-born of Egypt 
 were destroyed : it was also a type of our avowed depend- 
 ence on the atonement of Christ, while ‘we feed on him in 
 our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.’ But the blood was 
 not sprinkled or poured on the threshold, which would have 
 implied contempt; and this seems to have been intended as 
 a typical caution against apostacy and abuse of the gospel. 
 (Heb 10:29.) — Leaven is the known emblem of hypocrisy, 
 malice, and wickedness : unleavened bread therefore was the 
 representation of sincerity, truth, and love. (1 Cor. 5:8.) — 
 The bitter herbs might be an emblem of godly sorrow, deep 
 repentance, self-denial, and mortification of depraved pas- 
 sions ; and of those outward tribulations which accompany 
 the exercise of living faith in Christ: and the roasting of the 
 lamb by fire, (the emblem of divine wrath,) might prefigure 
 the varied and excruciating sufferings which Christ endured, 
 <n bearing our sins, and preparing our blessedness. — It was 
 'akewise ordered that the whole of the lamb should be thus 
 Prepared and eaten. This might imply that true faith re- 
 ceives the entire salvation of Christ, and depends upon him 
 in every part of his mediatorial character, without any excep- 
 tion : while the annexed order, that if any part of the lamb 
 was left, it should before the morning be burned with fire, 
 and not reserved either for food or any superstitious purposes, 
 implied that it was a solemn propitiatory sacrifice of awful 
 import, and not merely a cheerful festival. 
 
 Eat not of it raw.] (9) This by no means proves, that 
 the Israelites were accustomed to eat raw flesh at their 
 meals, as some have concluded from the expression : for no 
 other intimation of the kind is any where given in the whole 
 Scripture : but merely that they were not, in this religious 
 service, to adopt any such practice. It is well known, that 
 idolaters have in many instances eaten the flesh of their sacri- 
 fices, or part of it, raw, and even drunk the blood of them : 
 but these superstitions must have no sanction in the ordi- 
 nances of the people of Jehovah. 
 
 V. 11 — 14. The Israelites were directed at this time to 
 eat the paschal lamb, in the attire and posture of men, who 
 were setting out on a journey, and in haste to depart. It does 
 not appear, however, that the passover was afterwards cele- 
 brated in this manner; and our Lord and his apostles seem 
 to have eaten it, in the posture commonly used at their meals. 
 Indeed several things, required at this institution, were not 
 afterwards observed. No intimation is given, that the lamb, 
 which our Lord used at his last passover, was selected four 
 days before ; and he with his apostles left the house soon 
 after the celebration of it. But the circumstances in which 
 tne Israeliti s were placed, at this time, rendered these obser- 
 vances significant and proper : for they were taught, that it 
 
 15 b Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread 
 even the first day ye shall put away leaven out ol 
 your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread 
 from the first day until the seventh day, ‘that sod 
 shall be cut off from Israel. 
 
 16 And in the first day, there shall be d an holy 
 convocation, and in the seventh day there shall be 
 an holy convocation to you : 'no manner of work 
 shall be done in them, save that which every 
 tman must eat, that only may be done of you. 
 
 17 And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened 
 bread ; for f in this self-same day have I brought 
 your armies out of the land of Egypt : therefore 
 shall ye observe this day in your generations, eby 
 an ordinance for ever. 
 
 18 h In the first month, on the fourteenth day ol 
 the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, 
 until theone and twentieth day ofthe month ateven. 
 
 Zech. 6:14. Matt. 26:13. Luke 22:19. 1 Cor. 11:23-26. a 17,24,43. 13:10. Lev. 
 23:4,5. Num. 10:8. 18:8. 1 San,. 30:25. 2 Kines23:21. Ez. 46:14. b See on 8 
 13:6,7. 23:15. 34:18. Lev. 23:6. Num. 28:17. Dent. 16:3,8. Acti 12:3. c 19,20. 
 31:14. Gen. 17:14. Lev. 17:10,14. Num. 9:13. Mol. 2:12. Gal. 5:12. d Lev. 23: 
 2,3,7,8,24,25,27. Num. 28:18,25. 29:1.12. el6:23. 20:10 . 35:2.3. Jer. 17:21,22. 
 |Heb. soul. f7:5. 13:8. g See on a. 14. h See on 15. Lev. 23:5,6, 
 
 was the “Lord’s passover:” that he was about to go through 
 the whole land of Egypt, destroying every first-born of man 
 and beast without exception, triumphing over the id as, as 
 well as the princes, of that country: and that he woull re- 
 spect the sprinkled blood on the doors of the Israelites ; and 
 pass by or over them, nay effectually protect them, at the 
 time of this general desolation. They must therefore be 
 ready to march, on the shortest notice within the course of 
 that night. — The manner and posture in which the passover 
 was then eaten, might represent the Christian’s deliverance 
 from the bondage of sin, and his heavenly pilgrimage by 
 faith in Christ. — It is probable, that a devastation of the 
 temples and idols of Egypt was miraculously effected on this 
 occasion ; as Dagon afterwards was broken before the ark of 
 God. — The observance of the passover, by the Israelites in 
 Egypi, was an open avowal of their relation to Jehovah as 
 his people; a profession of their faith in his promises to 
 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; a means of grace, and an act 
 of solemn worship and obedience. Most of them, probably, 
 rested in the outward observance, which was connected with 
 their temporal deliverance ; but, had any disobeyed the com- 
 mand, they would have been involved in the judgments exe- 
 cuted on the Egyptians. In after ages, it was a memorial 
 of the power and love of God, in delivering Israel, and of the 
 miracles connected with that deliverance. Had not these 
 events taken place, the nation could not possibly have been 
 persuaded, that they were eye-witnesses of them, and in- 
 duced to adopt such a memorial of them ; and if it had not 
 been adopted at the time, when these public and extraor- 
 dinary events were said to have occurred, at what future time 
 could the nation be persuaded, that they had, from age to 
 age, believed and commemorated them? It was thus a de- 
 monstration that Moses spake and acted by divine authority, 
 and that the religion which he established was from God ; 
 while it exceedingly favoured the instruction of the people, 
 and of young persons especially, in the nature and obligation 
 of that religion. (26,27.) — It was also a prefiguration of 
 Christ our Passover : and believers would discover, from the 
 promises and prophecies, under the teaching of the Holy 
 Spirit, something of the nature of redemption through him, 
 and of all other blessings ; and in them it would not only be a 
 joyful tribute of gratitude for former temporal mercies, but 
 an act of humble faith and dependence on the promised 
 Saviour, even until his coming. — Learned men have indeed 
 pointed out many customs among the pagans with reference 
 to which they suppose these several circumstances were 
 arranged ; especially in order to keep the Israelites at a dis- 
 tance from the idolatrous worship of their neighbours : but it 
 may be questioned, whether the origin of those customs was 
 not of much later date than the institution of the passover. 
 
 I will pass over you.] (13) Hkctumtu bya $. — (/ will cover y 
 or, shelter you.) Sept. 
 
 V. 15 — 18. From the evening of the fourteenth day of the 
 first month, till the evening of the twenty-first, the Israelites 
 were forbidden to eat any leaven : and every person who 
 violated this precept was sentenced to be “ cut off from 
 Israel.” It does not appear, that the magistrate was re- 
 quired to put the offender to death, even if his offence were 
 known ; but the Lord himself threatened to inflict punish- 
 ment on him, however secretly he violated the command. — 
 It is not agreed, what is meant by this expression, ( Marg . 
 Ref. c;) but something bej'ond exclusion from the religious 
 privilege of an Israelite must be intended, as the si rangers 
 also are included in it, (19.) — During all the seven days, 
 sacrifices were appointed to be offered ; but, on the first, and 
 on the last, u a holy convocation” was held, or an assembly 
 of the people for solemn worship. These days were ac- 
 counted holy, like the sabbaths, and no manner ol *rork was 
 permitted to be done, except preparing their food » .Vurg 
 Ref. e.) 
 
 ( 133 ) 
 
B C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 B C. 1491 
 
 19 Seven Jays shall there be no leaven found in 
 vour houses : for whosoever eateth that which is 
 leavened, 'even that soul shall be cut off from the 
 congregation of Israel, ^whether he be a stranger 
 or born in the land. 
 
 20 Ye shall eat nothing leavened : in all your 
 habitations shall ye eat unleavened bread. 
 
 21 H Then Moses called for all the k elders of 
 Israel, and said unto them, Draw out ‘and take 
 you *a lamb according to your families, and kill 
 the passover. 
 
 22 And ye shall take m a bunch of hyssop, and 
 dip it iri the blood that is in the basin, and strike 
 the lintel, and the two side-posts, with the blood 
 that is in the basin : "and none of you shall go 
 out of the door of his house until the morning. 
 
 23 For the Lord “will pass through to smite 
 the Egyptians, and when he seeth the blood upon 
 the lintel, and on the two side-posts, the Lord 
 will pass over the door, Pand will not suffer the 
 •festroyer to come in unto your houses to smite 
 you. 
 
 24 And ye shall observe this thing ''for an 
 ordinance to thee, and to thy sons for ever. 
 
 25 And it shall come to pass, r when ye be come 
 to the land, which the Lord will give you accord- 
 ing as he has promised, that ye shall keep this 
 service. 
 
 26 And it shall come to pass, when “your chil- 
 dren shall say unto you, What mean ye by this 
 service ? 
 
 27 That ye shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of the 
 Lord’s passover, who passed over the houses of 
 the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote 
 the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And 
 the people "bowed the head and worshipped. 
 
 28 And the children of Israel went away, and 
 did as the Lord had commanded Moses and 
 
 Aaron, SO did they. [ Practical Observatii jfm.] 
 
 1 See on 15. i 43,48. k 3:16. 17:5. 19:7. Num. 11:16. 1 3. Num. 9:2— 5. Josh. 5:10. 
 
 2 Kings 23.21. 2Chr. 30:15— 17. 35:5,6. Matt. 26:17-19. • Or, kid. 3. marg. 
 m Lev. 14:6,7. Num. 19:18. Ps. 51:7. Heb. 9:1,14,19. 12:24. 1 Pet. 1:2. n Malt. 
 25:30. o See on 12. p 2 Sam. 24:16. Is. 37:36. Ei. 9:6. 1 Cor. 10:10. Heb. 11: 
 23. Rev. 7.3. 9:4. q See on 14. Gen. 17:8-10. rDeut.4:5. 12:8,9. 16:5-9. 
 Josh. 5:10— 12. Ps. 105:44,45. s 13 8,9,14.15. Deut. 6:7. 11:19. 32:7. Josh. 4:6, 
 7,21— 24. Ps. 78:3—6. 145:4. Is.38:19. Eph. 6:4. I See on 11,23. 34:25. Deut. 
 16:2,5. 1 Cor. 5:7. u 4.31. 34:8. 1 Chr. 29:20. 2 Chr. 20: 18. 29:30. Nell. 8:6. 
 x See on 12. 11:4. 13:15. Job 34:20. lThes.5:2. y Num. 3:13. 28:17. 33:4. Ps. 
 
 V. 19, 20. The people were commanded to put away all 
 .t aven from their houses, that none might be found by any 
 person, to tempt him to transgress. Heathen slaves, there- 
 fore, and strangers, seem to have been included ; and not 
 merely proselytes who had been circumcised. Indeed, the 
 latter alone might eat the passover ; but all without exception 
 were required to abstain from leaven. — This was a shadow 
 of the holy life of the true believer, who, by the grace of 
 Christ, through faith in his atonement, puts away the old 
 leaven of sin with abhorrence, and walks with God in new- 
 ness of life : ( Note , 1 Cor. 5:6 — 8.) and also, of that pious 
 attention to his domestics, as to their external conduct, which 
 is required of him. 
 
 V. 22, 23. The blood of the paschal lamb, sprinkled on 
 the lintel and door-posts, was the only security to the Israel- 
 ites from the destroyer who smote the Egyptians ; and under 
 that protection they must abide during the whole night, if 
 they would be secured from destruction. — Thus we must 
 abide in Christ by faith to the end of our days. 
 
 V. 26. (Notes, 11 — 14. 13:8—10.) 
 
 V. 27. Sacrifice.] The passover was a “ sacrifice,” as 
 offered to God and typical of Christ; but it differed from all 
 the other sacrifices, in that no part of it was consumed upon 
 the altar. The Jewish writers indeed say, that the fat was 
 burned on the altar ; but the Scripture is silent on that head. 
 
 V. 29, 30. The hour chosen, for this most tremendous 
 execution, was suited to enhance the consternation. Pro- 
 bably, the persor.s smitten expired with agonizing cries, which 
 awakened every family ; and the report would rapidly spread 
 from house to house. The Egyptians, for three days and 
 nights just before, had been kept in perpetual solicitude and 
 horror by the darkness; and now their rest was broken by a 
 still more terrible calamity. By the death of the first-born, 
 they were righteously punished for murdering the children of 
 the Israelites ; as well as for keeping that nation in bondage, 
 which God honoured by calling it “ his son, and his first- 
 born.” — Words can never express the terror and bitterness 
 of this sudden blow, from an invisible hand, destroying the 
 pride, and hope, and comfort of every family of all ranks, 
 throughout this populous kingdom; the whole nation at once 
 motirn'ng over the dead, and trembling for themselves! 
 
 V. 31, 32. It is probable, that Pharaoh only sent a mes- 
 sage to Moses and Aaron, allowing and requiring Israel to 
 depart; and that Moses never saw him again after he left 
 ( 134 ) 
 
 29 H And it came to pass that T at midnight nhe 
 Lord smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt, 
 from “the first-born of Pharaoh that sat on his 
 throne, unto the first-born of the captive that 
 was in the ‘dungeon; and all the first-born of 
 cattle. 
 
 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he and 
 all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there 
 was a “great cry in Egypt : for there was not a 
 house where there was not one dead. 
 
 31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night, 
 and said, b Rise up, and get you forth from among 
 my people, both you and “the children of Israel 
 and go serve the Lord, as ye have said. 
 
 32 Also take d your flocks and your herds, as ye 
 have said, and he gone ; and “bless me also. 
 
 33 And the Egyptians were ‘urgent upon the 
 people, that they might send them out, of the land 
 in haste : for they said, ®We he all dead men. 
 
 34 And the people took their dough belore it 
 was leavened, their ‘kneading troughs being 
 bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders. 
 
 35 And the children of Israel did according to 
 the word of Moses : h and they borrowed of the 
 Egyptians jewels of silver and jewels of gold, and 
 raiment. 
 
 36 And ‘the Lord gave the people favour in the 
 sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them 
 such things as they required : and they spoiled the 
 Egyptians. 
 
 37 And the children of Israel journeyed from 
 k Rameses to Succoth, about ‘six hundred thousand 
 on foot that were men, besides children. 
 
 38 m And $a mixed multitude went up also with 
 them; and flocks, and herds, even very much 
 cattle. 
 
 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the 
 dough which they brought forth out of Egypt, 
 for it was not leavened : because they were 
 
 78:51. 105:36. 135:8. 136:10. Heb. 11.28. i4:23. 11:5. t Heb. house of the 
 pit. Is?24:22. 51:14. Jer. 38:6,13. Zech. 9:11. a See on 1 1 :6. Prov. 21 :13.’ Am. 
 5:17. Jam. 2:13. b 3:19,20. 6:1. 11:1,8. Pa. 105:38. c See on 10:9. d See on 
 10:26. e 8:28. Gen. 27:34,38. Ezra 6:10. fll:i. Ps. 105:38. g Gen. 20:3. Num. 
 17:12,13. X Or, dough. 8:3. h 3:22. 11:2,3. Gen. 15:14. Ps. 105:37. 1 3:21. 11: 
 3. Gen. 39:21. Prov. 16:7. Dan. 1:9. Acts 2:47. 7:10. k 1:11. Gen. 47:11. 138: 
 26. Gen. 15:5. 46:3. Num. 1:46. 11:21. m Num. 11:4. Zech. 8:23. § Heb. a 
 
 great mixture. 
 
 him in anger, as before related. (Note, 11:8.) — The first 
 words may be rendered, “And he called to Moses and 
 Aaron.” 
 
 V. 35, 36. In their extreme terror, the Egyptians were 
 willing to purchase the favour, and the speedy departure, ol 
 Israel at any price: and thus the Lord both took care that 
 their hard-earned wages should at last be paid, and that tho 
 people should be well provided for their journey. They 
 therefore left the country laden with the wealth of the Egyp- 
 tians, as if they had plundered them in war. (Nous, 3:21,22. 
 11:2,3.) 
 
 Borrowed. (35) ‘The word signifieth also to ask or re- 
 quire. Junius renders it peticrunt. Mont aims, postulaverunt. 
 Leigh. — Jewels.] aiccvi]. Sept. Not only ornaments, but 
 
 also vessels of gold and silver : plate as well as jewels. — Lax t. 
 (36.) diSnc', txpnaav. Sept. — “I have lent him (wn'jNit'n) 
 to the Lord.” (1 Sam. 1:28.) This seems to be the only other 
 place in which the Hiphil of Snip occurs : and the word lent 
 does not well suit the transaction there recorded. (Note, 1 
 Sam. 1:28.) 
 
 V . 37, 38. It seems the Israelites made a general rendez- 
 vous at Rameses, and from thence marched to some distance, 
 where they pitched their tents : for tho word Succoth signi- 
 fies tents.— The word rendered men, literally denotes strong 
 men : and it is generally supposed, that not only the minors 
 and women, but such men as were incapable of great exer- 
 tion by reason of age, were excluded in this computation; 
 and the subsequent numberings of the people confirm the 
 supposition. So that the whole company could not be much 
 less than two millions ; an immense increase from seventy 
 persons, in little more than two hundred years '—Of “ the 
 mixed multitude” that followed Israel, it is probable, that 
 some left Egypt because it was desolated, others because 
 they were distressed or discontented ; and others out of curi- 
 osity to seo what would become of Israel, anu how they 
 would serve tho Lord : some might bo connected with tho 
 Israelites by marriage; and perhaps a few accompanied them 
 from love to them and their religion. But these were few 
 indeed: for the hulk of this multitude became a snare to 
 them, and probably aflor a time returned into Egypt (Num. 
 11:4.) — Cattle seem to have been almost the only property 
 which the Israelites possessed in Egypt ; and these the Lord 
 had lately caused exceedingly to increase. 
 
 V. 39. The Israelites, though no doubt warned to preparo 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. B. C. 1491, 
 
 “thr ist out of Egypt, and could not tarry, neither 
 had they prepared for themselves any victual. 
 
 4U ! 1 Now the “sojourning of the children of 
 Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was rfour hundred 
 and thirty years. 
 
 41 And it came to pass, at the end of the four 
 hundred and thirty years, even 4 the self-same day 
 it came to pass, that all the r hosts of the Lord 
 went out from the land of Egypt. 
 
 42 It is "a night to be much “observed unto the 
 
 Lord, for bringing them out from the land of 
 Egypt : this is that night, of the Lord to be ob- 
 served of all the children of Israel, in their genera- 
 tions. [Practical Obsarvations.') 
 
 43 IT And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron, 
 This is the ordinance of the passover : ‘there shall 
 no stranger eat thereof. 
 
 44 But every man’s servant, that is bought for 
 money, when thou hast “circumcised him, then 
 shall he eat thereof. 
 
 n33.6:l. HU. o Acts 13:17. p Gen. 15:13. Act. 7:6. Gal. 3:17. q P>. 102:13. 
 Dan. 9:24. Hab. 2:3. John 7:8. Acts 1:7. r 7:4. Josh. 5:14. * Heb. a night of 
 observations, s 14. Deut. 16:1 — 6. t 48. Lev. 22:10. Num. 9:14. Eph. 2:12. 
 a Gen. 17:12,13,23. x 1 Cor. 12.42. Eph. 2:19-22. y Num. 9:12. Joh« 19:33,36. 
 
 for a speedy departure, were at last driven out of Egypt so 
 suddenly, that they had not provided themselves with victuals 
 for the journey. But being constrained to set off while they 
 were about to lay in a stock of bread, when the dough was 
 yet unleavened, they took it with them in that state : and 
 when they came to Succoth, they baked cakes of it for the 
 present use. Probably this was their principal supply till 
 the manna was sent. Thus the Lord took care that they 
 should keep the feast of unleavened bread, which otherwise 
 they would perhaps have neglected. 
 
 V. 40. From the first calling of Abraham, to the departure 
 out of Egypt, exactly four hundred and thirty years seem to 
 have passed. — The Septhagint read it, ‘ the sojourning of 
 Israel ... in Egypt and the land of Canaan. 1 But this is 
 merely a comment, though a just one. (Notes, Gen. 15:12 — 
 16.) 
 
 V. 42. To be observed , &c.] It was thus observed when 
 the passover was duly celebrated. (IIpoAeAatcu, a vigil, or a 
 watching. Sept.) 
 
 V. 43 — 45. Every person in each household, including 
 women and children, ate this first passover, none being ex- 
 cepted but uncircumcised males. The law was not yet given ; 
 and whatever traditional customs prevailed, no restriction is 
 mentioned in this chapter in respect of ceremonial unclean- 
 ness. Yet afterwards, even before the ceremonial law had 
 been explicitly given, we read of those, who “ being defiled 
 by the dead body of a man, could not keep the passover on 
 that day.” (Note, Num. 9:6 — 8.) The ceremonially un- 
 clean, therefore, were thenceforth excluded. The women and 
 children were not indeed commanded to go up to the taber- 
 nacle, where alone it was celebrated ; but when they did, 
 they joined in this sacred feast. — It does not appear that any 
 servant or stranger was compelled to be circumcised: but till 
 he was circumcised, he must not be allowed to eat the pass- 
 over. — This may intimate, that without regeneration or “ the 
 circumcision of the heart,” we cannot share the benefits of 
 redemption by the death of Christ; and by parity of reason, 
 we are not meet communicants at the Lord’s table. 
 
 V. 46. When two households joined for one lamb, they 
 were not allowed to divide it, either before or after it was 
 roasted ; but they must meet in one house and eat it together. 
 This coincided with the direction before given, (9 ;) and im- 
 plied that all believers receive the whole of Christ’s salvation 
 and have fellowship one with another, while they live on his 
 fulness, and share the blessings derived from his cross. — The 
 injunction, “ neither shall ye break a bone thereof,” may be 
 considered also as prophetical, to be literally fulfilled in the 
 great Antitype, and which the apostle thought worthy of spe- 
 cial notice. (John 19:36.) 
 
 V. 48, 49. A stranger, though he renounced idolatry, and 
 by circumcision professed himself a worshipper of the God 
 of Israel, was not allowed to eat the passover, unless all the 
 males in his family also were circumcised : and, as there was 
 11 one law to him that was home-born and to the stranger,” 
 It seems that even an Israelite, who retained uncircumcised 
 persons in his household, must not eat the passover. It is 
 therefore probable, according to the opinion of Jewish writers, 
 that if any heathen slave after a year’s trial, oersisted in re- 
 fusing to be circumcised, he was sold to some of the heathen 
 eighbours. As to other persons, who refused to embrace 
 <ie religion of Israel, and to profess it by circumcision, they 
 were allowed to remain with them. The practice, indeed of 
 open idolatry must not be tolerated ; but such as professed to 
 worship the true God, though not according to the ceremonies 
 of the law, might live in the country, but notin the households 
 of the Israelites.— A great part of the observations of learned 
 men on this chapter, and on other parts of the ceremonial 
 iaw, consists of citations from Jewish writers, concerning the 
 manner in which they suppose the several rules were ob- 
 
 45 A foreigner, and an hired servant shall no* 
 eat thereof. 
 
 46 In *one house shall it be eaten : tliou shalt 
 not carry forth aught of the flesh abroad out c 
 the house : ^neither shall ye break a bone tbereo . 
 
 47 ‘All the congregation of Israel shall 'keep it 
 
 48 And when “a stranger shall sojourn wit! 
 thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, Me 
 all his males be circumcised, and then let him conn 
 near and keep it; and he “shall be as one that is* 
 born in the land : for no uncircumcised person 
 shall eat thereof. 
 
 49 l, One law shall be to him that is home-born, 
 and unto the stranger that sojourneth among 
 you. 
 
 50 Thus did all the children of Israel ; “as the 
 Lord commanded Moses and Aaron, so did the)'. 
 
 51 And it came to pass the sell-same day, that 
 the Lord did bring the children of Israel out ol 
 the land of Egypt, f by their armies. 
 
 z3,6. Num. 9:13. t Heb. do it. a 43. Num. 9:14. 15:15,16. b Gen. 17:12. Ez, 
 44:9. 47:22. c Gal. 3:28. Col. 3:11. d Lev. 24:22. Num. 15:15,16,29. e Deut. 
 4:1,2. 12:32. Matt. 7:21,25. 28:20. John 2:5. 13:17. 15:14. Rev. 22:14. f 41. 
 6:26. 7:4. 
 
 served by their ancestors : but as they were not authorized 
 to add to the divine law, or to take from it, we can make no 
 other use of their information, than as it sometimes helps us 
 to understand more clearly the meaning of the scriptural 
 expressions. In other respects, their traditions form a kind 
 of comment on the Mosaic institutions, not much dissimilar 
 from that of Popish writers on the Christian sacraments; 
 and only show, how far they have ventured to deviate from 
 the simplicity of their written rule. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 28. The Lord makes all things new to those whom 
 he delivers from the bondage of Satan, and takes to himseli 
 as his peculiar people ; and the era of their enlargement is 
 the commencement of a new life, of new hopes, pleasures, 
 and employments. They who in early life are devoted to 
 the service of God, are peculiarly happy : and we should 
 begin every year, and month, and week, and day, with the 
 great duties of religion ; endeavouring to engage our families 
 likewise. For nothing is more honourable to God, or more 
 profitable to men, than harmonious family religion : it is the 
 best bond of domestic peace, the best solace of domestic 
 afflictions, and the best security for the continuance and in- 
 crease of domestic felicity ; while it affords an important 
 advantage for constant “ growth in grace and in the knowledge 
 of Jesus Christ.” — In order to attain these advantages and 
 communicate them to others, we should diligently study the 
 holy Scriptures, that we may understand the true nature and 
 meaning of every part of our religion, and be enabled to ex- 
 plain it to our children ; who ought to be encouraged in their 
 inquiries, and informed by clear and satisfactory answers, 
 that, in the most easy and agreeable manner, they may be- 
 come acquainted with the word and works of God, and join 
 with us in celebrating the praises of his truth and mercy, and 
 the wonders of his powerful arm. — But, in attending on the 
 ordinances of God, we should carefully observe the stated 
 order and season : and, while we must not neglect or 
 despise any of his appointments, we may properly take time 
 for serious inquiry and conscientious preparation, that we 
 may at length attend on them with more solemnity, and to 
 better purpose. But, if we would have the comfort of ac- 
 ceptance in our religious services, we must watch against the 
 leaven of hypocrisy, malice, and wickedness, which, in num- 
 berless instances, have rendered, and still do render, attend- 
 ance on the very ordinances that God himself has appointed, 
 an abomination in his sight. (Notes, Is. 1:10 — 20.) And 
 whatever we offer to the Lord, should be the best which we 
 possess. 
 
 V. 29 — 42. When the Lord’s time comes to perform his 
 promises, mountains melt and flow down at his presence, and 
 nothing creates any more difficulty, than is proper to illus- 
 trate his powerful operation. — The greatest and proudest 
 sinner is not exalted out of the reach of his omnipotent 
 vengeance, and the least are not beneath his notice : and if a 
 temporal calamity filled Egypt with universal, inexpressible 
 terror and lamentation, what words can describe, or imagi- 
 nation conceive the consternation and anguish of the wicked 
 at the approaching judgment-day 1 — For fear of impending 
 death, the Egyptians were willing to part, not only with their 
 bond-slaves, but with their gold and silver: and “ what shall 
 a man be profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his 
 own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his 
 soul?” Al|s! riches will not profit in the day of wrath, for 
 it costs m re to redeem souls from destruction : but if we 
 would escape, we must moderate our worldly attachments, 
 renounce our sinful projects, and hold ourselves in continual 
 readiness to leave all and follow Christ ; and if we should he 
 called to part with, not, only our wealth, but every temporal 
 coinfort, the perfect freedom of his service will give a relish, 
 to our meanest provisions. — But alas 1 a very tumorous 
 ( 135 ) 
 
i3 C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 r.HAPTER XIII. 
 
 The first-born of nan, an' firstlings of ca'tle. are sanctified to God, 1 , 2 . The 
 feast of unleavened bread is appointed to be kepi annually as a memorial of 
 Israel's deliverance Jrom Egypt, 3 — 10. Their children must be instructed, 
 in the meaning of these observances, 11 — 16. The Lord guides forth the peo- 
 ple, 17, IS ; who lake with them the bones of Joseph, 19 ; ana, under the guid- 
 ance of a pillar of cloud and of fire, arriveat Etham, 20 — 22 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 “Sanctify unto me all the first-born, what- 
 soever openeth the womb among the children of 
 Israel, both of man and of beast : it is mine. 
 
 3 II And Moses said unto the people, b Remem- 
 ner this day, in which ye came out from Egypt, 
 'exit of the house of 'bondage ; for by d strength 
 of hand the Lord brought you out from this 
 place : 'there shall no leavened bread be eaten. 
 
 4 This day came ye out, in the month f Abib. 
 
 5 And it shall be when the Lord «shall bring 
 thee into the land of the Canaanites, and the 
 Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Hivites, and 
 the Jebusit.es, which he h sware unto thy fathers to 
 give thee, ‘a land flowing with milk and honey, 
 that Hhou shalt keep this service in this month. 
 
 6 k Seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread, 
 and in the seventh day shall be a feast to the 
 Lord. 
 
 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days : 
 and there shall 'no leavened bread be seen with 
 thee, neither shall there be leaven seen with thee 
 in all thy quarters. 
 
 8 And m thou shalt show thy son in that day, 
 saying, This is done because of that which the 
 Lord did unto me, when I came forth out of 
 Egypt. 
 
 9 And it shall be for “a sign unto thee upon 
 thi.ie hand, and for a memorial beiween thine 
 eyes ; that the Lord’s law “may be in thy mouth : 
 for with a Pstrong hand hath the Lord brought 
 thee out of Egypt. 
 
 10 Thou shalt therefore “■keep this ordinance in 
 his season, from year to year. 
 
 11 M And it shall be when the Lord shall bring 
 thee into the land of the Canaanites, r as he sware 
 unto thee and to thy fathers, and shall give it 
 thee, 
 
 12 That Hhou shalt set apart unto the Lord 
 all that ‘openeth the matrix: and every firstling 
 that cometli of a beast, which thou hast, the males 
 shall be the Lord’s. 
 
 13 And every firstling “of an ass thou shalt 
 
 6 12—15. 22:29,30. 23:19. 34:19,20. Lev.27:26. Num. 3:13. 8:16.17. 18:15. 
 Dent. 15:19. Luke 2:23. Heh. 12:23. b 12:42. 20:8. Dent. 5:15. 15:15. 16:3,12. 
 24:18,22. 1 Chr. 16:12. Ps. 105:5. Luke22:19. 1 Cor. 11:24. c 14. 20:2. Deul. 
 5:6. 6:12. 8:14. 13:5,10. Josh. 24:17. Judg. 6:8. • Heb. servants, d 6:1. Dent. 
 4:34. 11:23. Nth. 9:10. Eph. 1:19. e See on 12:8,15. (23:15.34:18. Deui. 16: 
 1. g 3:8. 34:11. Gen. 15:18— 21. Dent. 7:1. 12:29. 19:1. 26:1. Josh. 24:11. 
 b 6:8. 33:1. Gen. 17:7 8. 22:16— 18. 26:3. 50:24. Num. 14:16,30. 32:11. i See 
 on 3:17. j See on 12:25. k See on 12:15— 20. 34:18. Lev. 23:8. I 12:19. Malt. 
 
 mixed multitude have hitherto accompanied the camp of 
 Israel ; who, from various worldly motives, or transient con- 
 /ictions, seem to leave Egypt, and to set out for the heavenly 
 Canaan. While they retain their profession, they often 
 prove snares and tempters to others , and at length in 44 time 
 of temptation they fall away,” and 41 their last state is worse 
 .han the first.” Let us then 44 look diligently,” that we may 
 not prove such as 44 draw back to perdition but be found 
 among 44 those who believe to the saving of their souls.” — 
 While we hear even hardened Pharaoh, under the dread of 
 immediate destruction, not only consenting to let Israel go, 
 according to the utmost demand of Moses and Aaron, but 
 even entreating them to 41 bless him also we may know what 
 in general to think of the confessions and pious language, 
 which are extorted from many wicked men, when death 
 affrights them; and which, being injudiciously attested as 
 genuine repentance , by some Christians and ministers, often 
 give encouragement to others to procrastinate, in hopes of 
 being saved at last in the same manner. 
 
 Y. 43 — 51. “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;” 
 his blood is the only ransom for our souls ; without the shed- 
 ding of it there could have been no remission, without the 
 sprinkling of it there can be no salvation. But have we, by 
 faith, sheltered our souls from the deserved vengeance of 
 God, under the protection of his atoning blood ? Do we keep 
 close to him, in habitual dependence on his merits, and access 
 to the throne of grace through his intercession? Do we so 
 profess our faith in the divine Redeemer, and our obligations 
 to him, that all who pass by may know, as by the blood- 
 besprinkled door, to whom we belong? Are we careful not to 
 pervert or disgrace this our profession, by any inconsistent 
 conduct, lest we should trample the blood of the covenant 
 under our feet? Is Christ, indeed, the Food and Feast of 
 our souls ? Do w*e ‘feed on him in our hearts by faith with 
 thanksgiving,’ deriving all our life, strength, hope, and conso- 
 lation from his fulness of truth and grace? Do we receive 
 him in his whole character, and for all the purposes of salva- 
 tion, from wrath, from sin, from this evil world, and from the 
 powers of darkness ? Do we in consequence stand prepared 
 for his service, and prompt to walk in his ways : to separate 
 ourselves from his enemies, and assert that liberty with which 
 he makes his people free? These are questions of vast im- 
 portance to our souls: the Lord direct our consciences to 
 give an honest answer to them ! Without the daily exercise 
 of godly sorrow and true repentance, we can never eat of this 
 true Passover: and though we must also bear our cross, and 
 have our feast alloyed by the bitter herbs of tribulation and 
 temptation ; we shall find the life of faith and grace a feast 
 indeed, a source of joy, such as the world can neither give 
 nor take away. — Finally, the Lord’s supper is our unbloody 
 passover, our feast upon the atoning sacrifice, our 4 sacrifice 
 of praise and thanksgiving.’ Having previously 44 examined 
 ourselves whether we be in the faith,” and seriously as sin- 
 ners applied to the Lord Jesus for his salvation, and devoted 
 ourselves to his service; let us frequently and constantly, in 
 this appointed way, remember our Redeemer’s love and suf- 
 ferings; let us make this confession of our sins, this profes- 
 sion of our faith, this declaration of our gratitude, and this 
 surrender of ourselves to his service, as “bought with a 
 price to glorify him, both in body and spirit, which are his.” 
 Thus ur.firig ourselves to him, and having fellowship with 
 aim and Jus people here, we shall receive from his fulness, 
 
 16:6,12. m See on 12:26,27. Deul. 4:9,10. Ps. 44:1. 78:3—8. Is, 38:19. Eph. 6: 
 4. n 16. Num. 15:39. Dent. 6:8. 11:18,19. Piov. 1:9 . 6:20- 23. Is. 49:16. Jer. 
 22:24. Matt. 23:5. o Deut. 30:14. Josh. 1:8. Is. 59:21. Rom. 10:8. p 3. 6:6. 
 Josh. 1:9. Neh. 1:10. Ps. 89:13. Is. 27:1. 40:10. 51:9. Joel 2:11. Rev. 18:8. 
 q 12:14,24. 23:15. Lev. 23:6. Deut. 16:3,4. 1 Cor. 11:26. r See onh.5. s See 
 on 2. | Heb. cause to pass over, t 34:19. Num. 3:12. 18:15. u 34:20. Num 
 18:15—17. 
 
 rejoice in his ways on earth, and at length sit down with him 
 in his heavenly kingdom. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 2. In remembrance of the 
 destruction of the first-born of Egypt, both man and beast : 
 and of the preservation of Israel, and their deliverance out of 
 bondage by means of that judgment ; the first-born males of 
 the Israelites must be solemnly presented and dedicated to 
 the Lord, and a price was appointed to be paid for their re- 
 demption : — This represented to them that their lives were 
 preserved through the ransom of the atonement, which in due 
 time was to be made for sin ; and that they ought to consider 
 themselves, thus ransomed from death, as consecrated to the 
 service of God. — Th e first-born may mean either the first son 
 of his father, or the first son of his mother. Reuben was the 
 first son both of Jacob and Leah, and Joseph was the fir>t- 
 born of Rachel ; but Jacob acknowledges Reube n only as his 
 first-born. (Gen. 49:3. Deut. 21:15 — 17.) — In many cases 
 the eldest son of the father, who was entitled to some pecu- 
 liar privileges, might not be the first-born of the mother: but 
 the first-born of the mother, exclusively, was dedicated to 
 God out of Israel, as the language used clearly shows ; and 
 it may be supposed, that the destruction of the first-born in 
 Egypt was made by the same rule. 
 
 V. 3 — 7. On the arrival of Israel at Succoth, Moses 
 seems to have again enforced the injunctions before given in 
 Egypt, lest the people should forget them; and to show that 
 these institutions were to be considered as of perpetual obli- 
 gation, especially after they were settled in the promised 
 land ; for they could not regularly observe them in the wilder- 
 ness. This Moses did with varied expressions, •concerning 
 the leaven. Accordingly we are told that the Israelites were 
 very careful in searching every corner of their houses, that 
 no leaven might remain ; and what they found, they burned, 
 buried, or in some way destroyed, before the feast of the 
 passover. — The first day of unleavened bread was particu- 
 larly observed, in remembrance of Israel’s setting out from 
 Egypt on that day ; and many expositors supposed that they 
 passed the Red ^ea on the seventh day, and that it was like- 
 wise the Sabbath day. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. The constant observance of these institutions, 
 with plain and easy explications of the meaning to the young 
 persons, would render the deliverance out of Egypt familiar 
 to the Israelites from generation to generation ; and be a con- 
 tinual memorial, as well as an open profession of their obli- 
 gations to love and serve the Lord : as those who wish to 
 remember and fear to forget any thing, use a variety of me- 
 thods to remind them of it. Inscribing it upon the hand, plao- 
 ing it before their eyes, or as a frontlet upon their foreheads, 
 seem to have been used in those times for such purposes. — 
 44 That the Lord’s law may be in thy mouth;” ‘that their 
 children might be able to declare to their posterity, the law 
 of the Lord about these matters.’ Bp. Patrick. — In like 
 manner Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, if clearly explained 
 and duly attended on, would render the nature of Christianity, 
 and the obligations of Christians, familiar to the minds of ono 
 generation after another; and remind them, or give them oc- 
 casion to remind one another, of their obligations, their duty, 
 and the vows of God which are upon them. 
 
 V. II — 16. The first-born .males alone > ere thus set 
 apart for God : if a female preceded, '.he li rt si; reeding 
 male was not considered as the first-born. The firslling males 
 of such animals as were appointed for sacrifice wen offered 
 
 KO ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 redeem with 'a lamb ; and if thou wilt not redeem 
 it, then thou shalt break his neck : and all the 
 first-born of man among thy children v shalt thou 
 redeem. 
 
 14 And it shall be when 'thy son asketh thee 
 ’in time to come, saying, What is this ? that thou 
 shalt say unto him, By strength of hand the Lord 
 brought us out from Egypt, from the house of 
 bondage. 
 
 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would 
 hardly let us go, that Hhe Lord slew all the first- 
 born in the land ol Egypt, both the first-born of 
 man, and the first-born of beast: 'therefore I 
 sacrifice to the Lord all that openeth the matrix, 
 being males ; but all the first-born of my children 
 I redeem. 
 
 16 And it shall be for “a token upon thine hand, 
 and for frontlets between thine eyes : c for by 
 
 strength of hand the Lord brought us forth out of 
 Egypt. 
 
 17 H And it came to pass when Pharaoh had 
 let the people go, that God led them not through 
 the way of the land of the Philistines, although 
 that was near : for God said, Lest peradventure 
 “the people repent when they see war, and they 
 •return to Egypt. 
 
 18 But God 'led the p eople about, through the 
 
 ’ 0r > ’? :3 > 2 !- margins- * Num. 3:46— 51. Rev. 14:4. xSeeonlS'26 
 
 S'”!' 6 In - ? 4 'h J j S r' ?'*• 145;4 - t Heb. to-morrow. Gen. 30:33! 
 
 Dent. 6.20. Josh 4.6 . 22:24. margin, y See on 12:29. z See on 12. a 9, 
 
 £ b Deut. 6:7— 9. 11:18. c9:I4. d 14:11,12. Num. 14-1— 4 
 
 Dent. 20:8 Judg. 7:3 Luke 14:27-32. Acts 13:13. 15:38. 1 Cor. 10:13. e 16:2 
 3. Neh. 9:17. Acts 7:39. f 14:2. Num. 33:6— 8. Pa. 107:7. } Or, by fire in a 
 
 jjj ■ al’ai-; but others must either be exchanged, or killed. 
 
 a he firstling of an ass is mentioned, as asses were common 
 ’* le Israelites ; but that of horses or camels likewise, 
 which were not common, seem to have been under the same 
 regulation. The Levites were afterwards taken instead of the 
 first-born children. ( Notes, Num. 3. )— ' This custom, likewise, 
 would give parents an important opportunity of instructing 
 then- children, in respect of the wonderful works of God in 
 behalf of his people. 
 
 V. 17, 18. The’nearest road from Egypt to Canaan was 
 only a few days’ march ; as it must be evident to every read- 
 er, who considers the journeys of the sons of Jacob into 
 Egypt. But the Philistines were a hardy warlike people ; 
 and the Israelites were unarmed, dispirited by long bondage, 
 and not acquainted with war; and they might have been 
 greatly discouraged, had they been reduced to the necessity 
 of engaging so soon with these formidable enemies. This 
 was one reason, and probably the avowed reason, why the 
 Lord led them another way : so that, by his express com- 
 mand, the Israelites took their route much more to the south 
 than the direct road lay ; and they marched towards the 
 banks of the Red Sea, instead of going directly to the isth- 
 mus of Suez, which communicates between Africa and Asia. 
 It is probable, that at this time, the Israelites had scarcely any 
 weapons of war: though they seem to have procured some 
 from the dead bodies of the Egyptians, before the Amalekites 
 attacked them. (17:8 — 13.) — The margin intimates that the 
 word, translated harnessed, may signify, by Jive in a rank ; 
 but the room such a multitude must have taken from the van 
 to the rear, is immense, had they marched in this manner • 
 as there would have been 120,000 lines of five men each, be- 
 sides women and children. It seems rather to mean that they 
 marched in five distinct squadrons; or in general, that though 
 unarmed, they journeyed in regular order, and not as a dis- 
 orderly multitude The LXX translate it in the fifth gene- 
 ration.— The Psalmist informs us, that “there was not one 
 eeble person among their tribes :” Ps. 105:37. This was a 
 very extraordinary circumstance, which the history of the 
 world cannot parallel: yet it was very suitable to the situation 
 ot those, who had sufficient encumbrances in their march, 
 without having invalids to take care of. It also completed 
 their triumph over Pharaoh and the Egyptians, since they 
 vere not constrained to leave one of the company behind them. 
 
 HamessedJ 18) tuvan. Rendered by the LXX tv^voi,Josh. 
 
 xr a , n o d Josh. 4:12. — It occurs also Jude. 7:1 1 . 
 
 V v 3 \ ,. rhe bones °f Joseph had long been a pledge of 
 .S L C ; e r Ce ’ r n n ° f u' eir lnheritin g Canaan. Some 
 “ ,nk t , hat ’, he .. bon T es of !. the 0,her s ons of Jacob likewise were 
 carried with the Israelites to Canaan, though it is not here 
 expressly mentioned. (Note, Gen. 50:24 — 26.) 
 
 •Y’ 21 ’ ? 2 ‘, The L 01,11 , manifested his gracious presence 
 with Israel, by a miraculous appearance in the air, in form 
 
 ihprnm ar ’fr e ^i 56 Was so large as to overshadow 
 
 of Israek rbls " as so<m by day as a cloud, and 
 by night it gave light as fire ; and it seems to have been con- 
 tinued with them, to direct their marches, and as a pledge of 
 the divine protection, till they entered Canaan.— This pillar re- 
 presented the guidance, comfort, and security, which the I ord 
 affords his true people, from the time when they renounce 
 the service of sin and Satan, until they safely arrive in heaven 
 
 Vol. I.— 18 
 
 way of the wilderness of the Red Sea : and the 
 children of Israel went tip diarnessed out of the 
 land of Egypt. 
 
 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with 
 him: «lbr he had straitly sworn the children ol 
 Israel, saying, h God will surely visit you ; and ye 
 shall carry up my bones away hence with you. 
 
 20 And ‘they took their journey from Succoth, 
 and encamped in Etham, in the edge .of the 
 wilderness. 
 
 21 And k the Lord went before them, by day 
 in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way ; and 
 by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light: to 
 go by day and night. 
 
 22 He ‘took not away the pillar of the cloud by 
 day, nor the m pillar of fire by night from before 
 the people. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 7V.r way taken by Israel proves the occasion of hardening Pharaoh’s heart. 
 1 I. He pursues them, 5— 9. Being affrighted, they murmur; but are 
 encouraged by Moses, 10—14. God instructs Moses , 15 — 18. The cloud 
 removes behind Me camp; the Red Sea is divided; Me Israelites pass ihroash 
 U ; but the Egyptians following them are drowned , 19— 30a The Israelitet 
 are suitably affected, 31. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children ol Israel, “that 
 they turn and encamp before Pi-hahiroth, between 
 “Migdol and the sea, over against Baal-zephon : 
 beiore it shall ye encamp by the sea. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1—10. We are so unteachable in divine things, that 
 we need the same lessons over and over, in a variety of ways 
 before we make any tolerable proficiency : repetitions there- 
 fore are neither impertinent nor useless— The instructions o! 
 the Holy Scriptures are suited to render divine truths and 
 precepts very plain and familiar to our minds, that we may 
 have them continually in view, frequently converse about 
 them, and regulate our conduct by them. Ministers when 
 teaching their congregations, and parents when educating their 
 children, should keep this constantly in sight ; and embrace 
 every opportunity of deeply impressing the minds of those 
 committed to their charge, with a sense of their obligations to 
 the Lord for all his benefits. They should use every means 
 of rendering them well acquainted with his wonderful works 
 especially the redemption of the world by Jesus Christ, and 
 his harmonious perfections, displayed in that grand design 
 that they may thus be led to know, trust, love, and serve the 
 God of their salvation. — But if we sincerely desire to devote 
 ourselves to God, we must be as careful to search out, and 
 put away, all remains and occasions of sin, and to mortify 
 and subdue every carnal and corrupt affection, as the Israel- 
 ites were to remove the leaven from their houses, when they 
 celebrated the passover. 
 
 v. 11—22. By creation, and-as preserved and sustained 
 by him, we are the Lord’s property, and he has a right to 
 dispose of us as he pleases: but redemption gives him a new 
 and more endearing title to our bodies, souls, and services • 
 and exemption from the desolations which come on the wicked' 
 and deliverance from the malice of our enemies, flow from 
 Ins mercy, through the ransom of Die Redeemer’s blood and 
 by the power of his mighty arm. If we are really made par- 
 takers of these benefits, we belong to “the church of I he first- 
 born, whose names are written in heaven and we are re- 
 quired to “ present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and 
 acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service.” Nor 
 shal we ever enjoy so much liberty, or so much comfort in oui 
 children and substance, as when we most unreservedly devote 
 ourselves and them to him. “ The strong man, armed” with 
 our lusts and passions, our inveterate habits anil intimate 
 evd connexions, vehemently opposes our conversion, and 
 will hardly let us go but “ when a Stronger than he comes 
 upon him, he takes from him his armour wherein he trusted, 
 and divides the spoil.” Then, being delivered from bondage 
 putting ourselves under the Lord’s care and protection, and 
 joining ourselves to his people, we learn to walk before him 
 in all his ordinances and commandments : and thoiwh I he wav 
 in which he leads us is widely different from that which we 
 should choose for ourselves; we shall find that he in every 
 particular regards our weakness, and that he orders all things 
 for our good, and in such a manner as may most effectually 
 keep us from returning back to sin and the world —Through 
 all the intricacies and dangers of the way, he will guide and 
 guard us by his word and Spirit; he will enlighten every 
 dark night of affliction by his holy consolations, and shelter 
 us from the burning sun of temptation, until he brin^ us to his 
 heavenly rest with everlasting songs of joy and piiTsp 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 2. The IsraeffleSbefore this 
 had marched, not in the direct road lo Canaan, but more to 
 the south, towards the Red Sea ; until they came lo the edge 
 (137 I 
 
B /. 1491 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 3 F >r 'Pharaoh will say of the children of 
 Israel, d They are entangled in the land, the wilder- 
 nes > hath shut them in. 
 
 4 And “I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he 
 shall follow after them, f and I will be honoured 
 upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; s that the 
 Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And 
 they did so. 
 
 5 And it was told the king of Egypt, that the 
 people fled : and h the heart of Pharaoh and of his 
 servants was turned against the people, and they 
 said, 'Why have we done this, that, we have let 
 Israel go from serving us ? 
 
 6 And he made ready his chariot, and took his 
 people with him : 
 
 7 And he took ^six hundred chosen chariots, and 
 all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every 
 one of them. 
 
 8 And 'the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh 
 king of Egypt., and he pursued after the children 
 of Israel : and the children of Israel went out 
 “with an high hand. 
 
 9 But “the Egyptians pursued after them, (all 
 the horses and chariots ol Pharaoh, and his horse- 
 
 c 7:3.4. Deul. 31:21. Ps. 139:2,4. Ez. 38:10,11,17. Acts 4:28. cl Judg. 16:2. 1 Sam. 
 23:7,23. Ps. 71:11. Jer. 211:10. *8,17. See on 4:21. 7:3,13,14. Ham. 11:8. 118. 
 9:16. 15:10.11,14—16. 18:11. Nell. 9:10. Is.2:ll,12. Ez. 20:9. 28:22.39:13. Dan. 4: 
 30— 37. Rem. 9:17,22,23. Rev. 19:1— 6. g See on 7:17. h 12:33. Ps. 105:25. 
 
 I Jet. 35:10— 17. Luke 11:24— 26. 2 Pet. 2:20— 22. k 23. 15:4. Josh. 17:16— 18. 
 Judg.4:3,15. Ps. 20:7. 68:17. Is. 37:24. 1 See one. 4. m6:l. 13:9,16,18. Niiro. 
 83:3. Deul. 32:27. I’s. 89:13. Acts 13:17. n 15:9. Josh. 24:6. o See on 2. pPs. 
 63:5. Is. 7:2. 8:12,13. 51:12,13. Matt. 8:28. 14:30,31. qJosh.24:7. 2Chr. 18; 
 
 of the wilderness, whither the Egyptians expected they were 
 retiring to offer sacrifices to the Lord. ( 1 3:20. ) But now 
 they received orders to turn still further out of the way, into 
 some impervious straits, or narrow defiles. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. It was the avowed design of God to harden the 
 heart of Pharaoh ; and he knew how to effect it, without 
 being in any sense or degree the Author of sin. It would 
 suffice for this purpose to remove all restraints from his heart 
 and conscience ; to leave him entirely to his own pride, and 
 impetuous lusts, and to the instigations of Satan; and to 
 arrange the dispensations of providence, so as most effectually 
 to encourage his hopes of yet prevailing in the contest. The 
 heart of Pharaoh had been sorely galled, but it was not in 
 the least humbled. He had been repeatedly baffled and 
 frighted, and forced to yield ; yet his daring spirit was not 
 subdued, but revolted more and more against the violence 
 done him, so that he was fired with resentment and thirsted 
 for revenge. His covetousness and ambition had been se- 
 verely disappointed ; his kingdom had been desolated and 
 almost depopulated, and his first-born son slain : he had 
 suffered an ignominious defeat ; and nothing, but despair of 
 success, and the urgent terror of death, could have extorted 
 his consent to Israel’s enlargement. — While under tile imme- 
 diate pressure of the last dreadful visitation, every thing ex- 
 cept the preservation of his life was forgotten : but when his 
 terror and anguish were somewhat subsided, and his convic- 
 tions abated, then his stoutness of spirit returned ; and the 
 thoughts of the mortifications, ignominy, and loss which he had 
 sustained, with all their probable and possible effects, no doubt 
 rushed into his mind. Then every thought or counsel would 
 be welcome, which could point out the way, or revive the 
 hope, of reducing Israel, or of wreaking his vengeance on 
 them. — Had they marched directly towards Canaan, they 
 jvould, probably, have been out of his dominions, before he 
 had recovered from ills fright, and he might have given them 
 up in despair : but as they turned another way, and were, as 
 he supposed, entangled in the wilderness, and shut up by sur- 
 rounding rocks, mountains, and seas ; he would conclude that 
 they were not under an infallible guidance, and thence infer 
 that they had not an almighty protection, hut might yet be 
 subdued to his will : and what he ardently wished, feeble evi- 
 dence would induce him to believe. — This the Lord foresaw; 
 and that he might be honoured upon the Egyptians, and make 
 his power and justice known, he gave his directions to Israel 
 accordingly. — I will 4 show my power and justice in their de- 
 struction, which would not have been so visible, had they 
 died of the pestilence, ... as it was by hardening Pharaoh so 
 far as to follow the Israelites into the Red Sea, where he 
 and his whole host were overthrown ; which made the terror 
 of the Lords wrath manifest to the world.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 5 — 9. The Egyptians had consented to the departure 
 of the Israelites, and even urged them to be gone ; and when 
 they liberally bestowed on them the gold and silver, and rai- 
 ment which they asked, they seem to have had no expecta- 
 tion that they would return. But as the Israelites, probably, 
 had not expressly declared themselves on this head; when 
 the Egyptians heard, ( perhaps by some of the mixed multitude 
 who came hack,) that they neither hailed in the desert to 
 offer sacrifices, nor kept the direct road to Horeh, (where 
 some think they had said that they had intended to keep a 
 leas! to the Lord,) but turned aside into intricate paths: 
 ( 138 ) 
 
 men and his army,) qnd overtook them “encamping 
 by the sea, beside Pi-haliiroth before Baal-zephon 
 
 [Practical Obscriulions .) 
 
 10 It And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the chil 
 dren of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold the 
 Egyptians marched after them, ‘’and t hey were 
 sore afraid : and the children of Israel ‘‘cried out 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 11 And they said unto Moses, 'Because there 
 were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away 
 to die in the wilderness? ‘Wherefore hast thoi. 
 dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt: 
 
 12 l Is not this the word that we did tell thee 
 in Egypt, saying, "Let us alone, that we may serve 
 the Egyptians? "For it had been better for us L> 
 serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in 
 the wilderness. 
 
 13 And Moses said unto the people, >Fear ye 
 not, stand still, and ‘see the salvation of the Lord, 
 which he will show to you to-day : Tor the Egypt- 
 ians whom ye have seen to-day ‘ye shall see them 
 again no more for ever. 
 
 14 b The Lord shall fight for you, and ye slial. 
 hold your peace. 
 
 31. Neh. 9:9. Ps. 34:17. 107:6.13,19,28. Is. 26:16. Jer. 22:23. Mall. 8:25. r 15: 
 23,24. 16:2,3. 17:2,3. Num.ll:l. 14:1—4. 16:41. Ps. 106.7,8. s 5:22. Gen. 43 
 6. Num. 11:15. t 5:21. 6:9. uHos. 4:17. Mark 1:24. 5:7,17.18. x Jon. 4:3,8. 
 y Num. 14:9. Deul. 20:3. 2 Kings 6:16. 2 Chr. 20:15,17. Ps. 27.1,2. 46:1—3. Is. 
 26:3. 30:15. 35:4. 41:10,14. Malt. 28:5. z 30. 15: 1 Chr. 11:14. marg. Is. 43:11. 
 Jer. 3:23. Lam. 3:26. Hos. 13:4,9. JIab. 3:8,13. * Or, for wh> t eas ye have seen 
 the Egyptians to-day , &c. a 30. 15:4,5,10,19,21. b 25. 15:3. Dent. 1:30. 3:2*2. 
 20:4. Josh. 10:10,14,42. 23.3. Judg. 5.20. 2 Chr. 20:17,29. Nell. 4:20. Is. 31:4,5. 
 
 they began to treat them as fugitive slaves. The servants of 
 Pharaoh, while terrified by the divine judgments, and suffer- 
 ing severely the effects of them, had counselled him to dis- 
 miss Israel : yet considering themselves sharers in his loss 
 and disgrace, and being again encouraged to expect better 
 success ; they blamed themselves for having let them go, and 
 gave Pharaoh more agreeable advice : and lie was so in- 
 fatuated by worldly policy, and so hardened in obstinate 
 rebellion against the Lord, that, forgetting his late terrors, he 
 determined to take vengeance on Moses and on Israel. 
 Accordingly he collected all his forces which were at hand, 
 especially his chariots of war and his cavalry, which was the 
 chief strength of his army; and without delay pursued the 
 fugitives: but they, not expecting so formidable an enemy, 
 had marched on with great alacrity, and in good order, not 
 at all like slaves who were fleeing from their masters; and 
 were at that time encamping by the sea. It is generally 
 supposed, that on the right and left of their encampment 
 there were impassable mountains or fortifications ; while the 
 Red Sea was in the front, and Pharaoh and his army pressed 
 upon their rear. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. It is evident, that all the wonders, wrought 
 for Israel in Egypt, had excited in most of them nothing be- 
 yond transient convictions, hopes, and joy ; and that in gene- 
 ral they were destitute of true faith and confidence in God. 
 They had therefore been in high spirits, when no danger ap- 
 peared; but when they saw (he army of Pharaoh marching 
 up to them, they sunk into terror and despondency ; and their 
 cries to the Lord, having been extorted by dismay, were 
 soon succeeded by rebellious murmurs. Yet il must be sup- 
 posed that some out of the vast mulfitude, in tills emergency, 
 sought the Lord in fervenl prayer, while the rest vented their 
 anguish in bitter complaints against Moses. All however 
 were sensible, that such an unarmed multitude could not 
 withstand Pharaoh’s disciplined troops : they had no thought!) 
 therefore of fighting, no prospect of escaping by flight, no 
 hope in submitting to so enraged a tyrant ; and very few ol 
 them had any confidence in God or expectation from him, so 
 that death seemed inevitable. They therefore expostulated 
 bitterly with Moses, for leading them out of Egypt; as if he 
 had done it by his own authority, and in order I" expose them 
 to the rage of Pharaoh, that he might kill the n in the wilder- 
 ness ! — Thus, while Pharaoh, hardened in desperate pre- 
 sumption, forgat Ihe wonderful works of God, which he and 
 his people had seen and severely felt; the Israelites them- 
 selves, in unbelieving despondency, were equally regardless 
 of them; and looked back with sail regret on the wretched 
 slavery, under which they had before groaned ! 
 
 V. 13, 14. On this trying occasion, he faith of Moses 
 was peculiarly illustrious. He answered the injurious com- 
 plaints of Israel without the least resentment and with great 
 sedateness, meekness, and presence of -ind. He expressed 
 no fear of Pharaoh and his army ; and omy required the peo- 
 ple to be still, and not put themselves into disorder, hut lo 
 stand prepared to obey his word of direction; being assured 
 that the Lord would deliver them by his own powerful arm. 
 It would not bo at all needful for them to fight against the 
 Egyptians; hut merely to look on with silent astonishment, 
 and lo witness their destruction. (Marg. Ref.) For .his 
 would be the last time they would over see them, ns living 
 enemies, either lo injure or affright them. They afterwards 
 
li. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. 
 
 15 And the Loi. n said unto Moses, 'Wherefore 
 criest thou unto me ? Speak unto the children of 
 Israel, that they gx> forward. 
 
 16 But d ll»l thou up thy rod, and stretch out 
 thine hand over the sea, and divide it; 'and the 
 children of Israel shall go on dry ground through 
 the midst of the sea. 
 
 17 And f I, behold g I, will harden the hearts of 
 the Egyptians, and they shall follow them : h and 
 I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all 
 his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horse- 
 men. 
 
 18 And the Egyptians shall 'know that I am the 
 Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pha- 
 raoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 19 IT And Hhe Angel of God, which went before 
 the camp of Israel, removed and went behind 
 them ; 'and the pillar of the cloud went from 
 before their face, and stood behind them. 
 
 20 And it came between the camp of the Egypt- 
 ians and the camp of Israel ; and it was m a cloud 
 of darkness to them , but it gave light by night to 
 these : so that the one came not near the other all 
 the night. 
 
 21 IT And Moses stretched out his hand over the 
 sea, and "the Lord caused the sea to go back by 
 a strong east wind all that night, an(I made the 
 sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 
 
 22 And "the children of Israel went into the 
 midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the 
 
 Josh. 7:10. Ezra 10:4,5. tl 21,26. 4:2,17,20. 7:9 19. eSeron21,22. fGen. 
 f 17. 9:9. Lev. 26:28. Deut. 32:39. Is. 48:15. 51:12. Jer.23:39. Ez. 5:8. 6:3. 34: 
 t • ,20. Hos. 5:14. e See on 4:23. 7:3,13,14. h 18. Seeon4. i See on 7:5,17. 
 k 24. 13:21. 23:20,21. 32:34. Mum. 20:16. ft. 63:9. Acts 7:38. 1 See on 13:21, 
 
 2i. mPs. 18:11. Prov. 4:18,19. Is. 8:14. 2 Cor. 2:15,16. n 15:8. Josh. 3:13— 
 If 4:23. Neh. 9:11. Job 26:12. Ps.66:6. 74:13. 78:13. 106:7-10.114:3—5. 136: 
 13 ls.51:10.15.63:12. o Num. 33:8. 1 Cor. 10:1. Heb. 11:29. p 15:8. Hab. 
 8:8,9. Zech. 2:5. q 17. 15:9,19. 1 Kines 22:20. Ec.9:3. Is. 14:24—27. rlSam. 
 11-11. s Job 40:12. Pf. 18:13,14. 77:16— 19. 104:32. t 19:20. u 25. Job 22:13. 
 
 indeed saw the deid bodies of some of them on the seashore ; 
 (30. 15:5,12.) but it is very remarkable, that the power of 
 Egypt was so crushed, and the spirit, of the rulers so broken, 
 by this last stroke, that the Egyptians never attempted to 
 pursue or molest Israel, even when shut up in the wilderness 
 during forty years. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Moses was earnest in prayer at this trying 
 conjuncture; and it cannot be supposed, that the Lord was 
 displeased with him : but he thus assured him, that his re- 
 quest was granted, and that he was about to effect the de- 
 liverance of Israel. Moses needed only to excite and encou- 
 rage the people to march forward ; and God would make way 
 for them, by dividing the sea, that they might go through it 
 as on dry land. 
 
 V. 17. /, behold I] This speaks the certainty of the 
 event, as the Lord himself undertook that the heart of Pha- 
 raoh and of his subjects should be hardened. These had 
 associated themselves with their king in rebellion, and were 
 thus with him doomed to the same deserved punishment. 
 
 V. 18. The Egyptians .] The miserable remains of this 
 once flourishing people. — The expression, again and again 
 repeated, 11 1 will be honoured upon Pharaoh, &c.” as mark- 
 ing the grand design of all these transactions, should be pecu- 
 liarly noticed. 
 
 V. 19. The Angel.] Either a created angel, by whose 
 ministry this pillar was produced, and moved ; or rather the 
 great Angel of the Covenant, the eternal Son of God. (24.) 
 
 V. 20. Even in the night, the cloud caused an additional 
 gloom to the Egyptians : yet it was a light to the Israelites, 
 who marched as by daylight to the seashore ; while their 
 enemies bewildered in darkness could scarcely discern the 
 prey, which they expected at once to seize upon ! 
 
 V. 21 — 23. At the stretching forth of Moses’s hand, and 
 the waving of his rod, the Lord caused a strong east wind to 
 Plow ; but even this was only the signal of his power, by 
 which he divided the waters, till they formed two mighty 
 walls, and a spacious road between, through which the Is- 
 raelites marched securely ; being encouraged outwardly by 
 the word of Moses, but inwardly by the power of God ; while 
 the Egyptians, given up to desperate hardness of heart, pre- 
 sumptuously followed them. Some however think, that be- 
 wildered by the darkness, and hearing the Israelites before 
 them, they were not aware that they had entered the sea, till 
 it was too late to escape ; but the language of the apostle 
 seems to favour the former interpretation. (Heb. 11:29.) 
 
 V. 24, 25. The Israelites who marched foremost proba- 
 b y entered the channel of the sea while it was yet day ; and 
 a very spacious opening being made for them, the others f al- 
 lowed in a broad column, so that the whole multitude was 
 marching on the bed of the channel of the sea, at the begin- 
 ning of the night, the Egyptians closely pursuing them. — The 
 watches , into which the Israelites, and afterwards the Romans, 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 waters were Pa wall unto them, on their right hand, 
 and on their left. 
 
 23 And itlie Egyptians pursued, and went in 
 after them, to the midst of the sea, even all Pha- 
 raoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 
 
 24 IT And it came to pass "that in the morning- 
 watch, the Lord ’looked unto the host of the 
 Egyptians, ‘through the pillar of fire and of the 
 cloud, "and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 
 
 25 And "took off their chariot-wheels, .that 
 they drave them heavily : so that the Egyptians 
 said, JLet us flee from the face of Israel ; "lor the 
 Lord fighteth tor them, against the Egyptians. 
 
 26 And the Lord said unto Moses, "Stretchout 
 thine hand over the sea, that '’the waters may 
 come again upon the Egyptians, upon their cha- 
 riots, and upon, their horsemen. 
 
 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the 
 sea, "and the sea returned to his strength when 
 the morning appeared, and the Egyptians fled 
 against it: d and the Lord 'overthrew the Egypt- 
 ians in the midst of the sea. 
 
 28 And 'the waters returned and covered the 
 chariots and the horsemen, and all the host of 
 Pharaoh that came into the sea after them : there 
 Remained not so mucli as one of them. 
 
 29 But the children of Israel ^walked upon dry 
 land in the midst of the sea : and the waters were 
 h a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their 
 left. 
 
 30 Thus ‘the Lord saved Israel that day out of 
 
 23:15,16. 34:20,29. Ps.48:5. x Judg. 4:15. Fs.4S;9. 76:6. Jer. 51:21. • Or, And 
 made th m to go heavily, y Job 11:20 . 20:24 . 27:22. Pa. 68:12. Am. 1:14. 5:19. 
 9:1. z See on 14. Deut. 3:22. ISnm. 4:7,8. u 7:19. 8:5. Matt. 8:27. bl:22. 
 Judg. 1:6,7. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. Rev. 16:6. c 21,22. 15:10,19. Jash.4:18. d 15: 
 
 1 — 7,21. Judg. 5:20,21. t Heb. shook off. e I/etit. 11:4. Ps. 78:53. Hub. 3: 
 8—10. Heb. 11:29. f 13. 2 Chr. 20:24. Ps. 106:9— 11. 136:15. gJob 38:3-11. 
 Ps. 66:6,7. 77:19,20. 18.43:2. 51:10,13. 63:12,13. h Josh. 3:16. i 13. 1 Sam. 
 14:23. 2 Chr. 32:22: Is. 63:9. Jude 5. 
 
 and probably many other nations, divided the night, were 
 so called from the term allotted to wa'chmen or soldiers who 
 kept guard, after which they were relieved. The morning- 
 watch seems to have begun about three hours before sunrise ; 
 so that the whole company, both of Israel and of Egypt, had 
 probably been many hours marching, with all possible speed, 
 between the waters, piled up as walls on either side of them : 
 and they must have gone several miles at that time. The 
 channel of the Red Sea is thought by some to have been len 
 or twelve miles across, by others twenty, or more : but taking 
 the larger dimensions, even the Egyptians might have gone 
 far more than half the way before the morning-watch. — The 
 Scripture uniformly states that the Lord led Israel through 
 the Red Sea: yet the Jewish expositors, and some others, 
 who pay far too much deference to their comments, are of 
 opinion, that after Pharaoh and his army were overwhelmed, 
 the Israeliles came out on (he same side by which they had 
 entered. This they ground chiefly on the improbability of 
 this largo company marching so far, in the short time allotted 
 them ; which in fact amounts to nothing : for if the path through 
 the channel of the sea was as wide as the ordinary road by 
 which they travelled ; they might as well march twelve, or 
 even twenty miles during the night, on this occasion, as the 
 same distance during the same time, in any other part of their 
 journey; and they were surely as likely to make all haste, 
 while pursued by the Egyptians, and environed by the sea, 
 as on an ordinary march. — It is also said, that they encamped 
 in the wilderness of Etham, the first, stage after they came 
 out of the sea ; and they encamped at Etham on the edge Oi 
 the wilderness, after they left Succoth. (Comp. 13:20. Num. 
 33:6—8.) But is it not most likely, that the wilderness of Etham 
 extended on each side of the extremity of the Red Sea, while 
 Etham was a town or village, situated near the place where 
 the Israelites first entered that wilderness, whence it took its 
 name? (Note, Num. 33:8.) Certain it is that Horeb lay 
 east of the sea, and they appear to have come out on khat 
 side nearest Horeb. — In the morning-watch, Jehovah looked 
 upon the Egyptians, as evidently frowning on them, through 
 the pillar of fire. (19.) It is probable, that, there was a tre- 
 mendous storm of thunder, lightning, and hail, and othei 
 dreadful appearances, which concurred with an inward influ- 
 ence on their minds to trouhle and dismay them ; while by 
 some extraordinary interposition, their chariot wheels were 
 broken or taken off, so that they could not get forward , and 
 thus they were made sensible, when too late, that Jehovah 
 fought against them in behalf of his people. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 26 — 30. We may suppose, that the Israelites were 
 nearly arrived on the opposite shore, when Moses received 
 this command, which was given perhaps by a voice from the 
 pillar of fire: but there is no improbability in the opinion, that 
 the vva'ers began to roll back v.irh irresistible violence lo 
 their ancient channel, in that part of the sea where the Egvot- 
 ( 169 ) 
 
EXODUS, 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 of the Egyptians : anil Israel k saw the 
 Egyptians dead jpon the seashore. 
 
 31 And Israel saw that great "work which the 
 Loan did upon the Egyptians: and the people 
 ‘feared the Lori , and ‘"believed the Lord, and his 
 servant Moses. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Hi long of Moses, Miriam, and Israel, on their deliverance, 1—21. In the 
 mlderncb-s the y want water, 22 ; the waters of MaraJl are bitter , they mur- 
 mur, Moses prays, and the waters are matte sweet by means which God ap- 
 pointed, who also gives them lus charge and promise, 23 — 26. They encamp 
 at Elim, 27. 
 
 T HEN a sang Moses and the children of Israel this 
 song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will 
 
 Ps. 58:10. 91:8.92:9— 11. ‘Heb. hand. 1 1 Sam. 12: 18. Ps. 119:120. m4:31.19:9. 
 £Chv. 20:20. Ps. 106:12,13. Luke 8:13. John 2:11,23— 25.8:30— 32. 11:45. Acis8;13. 
 a Judg. 5:1, &c. 2 Sam. 22:1, &c. Ps. 106:12. 107:8,15,21,22. Is. 12:1, &c. 51:10, 
 11. Rev. 15:3. b 21. 14:17,18,27. 18:11. Col. 2.15. c Ps. 18:1,2. 28:8. 59:17. 62:6,7. 
 118:14. Hab. 3:17—19. Phil. 4:13. d Deut. 10:21. Ps. 22:3. 109:1. R?v. 15:3. e 14: 
 13. 2 Sam. 22:51. Ps. 68:20. Is. 12:2. 45 17. 49:6. Jer. 3:23. L«ke 1:77. 2:30. John 4: 
 
 ians were, though they still continued a wall to Israel where 
 they marched; and the introduction of verse 29 seems to 
 favour it. It is however sufficient to know, that Israel was 
 completely preserved; and Pharaoh, with the Egyptians, so 
 entirely overwhelmed that not one remained. The returning 
 light of the morning would show them their dreadful situation ; 
 but every effort to escape was fruitless. — The Egyptians had 
 drowned the male children of the Israelites in the river ; and 
 now the righteous Lord took vengeance on them for those 
 cruel and multiplied murders, by drowning all the strength 
 and flower of the nation in the Red Seal — It is probable that 
 very many of the dead bodies were driven on shore, near the 
 place where the Israelites went up out of the sea, the Lord 
 thus ordering it; and that they were furnished with arms, as 
 well as enriched with other spoils, by that means. — The 
 Egyptians were renowned for their art in embalming the 
 dead, and for their attention to the bodies of their relatives, 
 and especially their princes and grandees ; but God now 
 poured contempt upon all the great ones of the nation, and 
 caused their bodies to be left unburied on the seashore ! 
 
 V. 31. When the Israelites witnessed this stupendous 
 scene, they were for the time greatly affected, both with 
 reverence of the majesty, power, and justice of the Lord, 
 and with gratitude for their surprising deliverance ; and they 
 showed a readiness to believe his word, as delivered to them 
 by Moses, and to trust in him for the future ; but, alas ! this 
 proved only a temporary faith, as the event in a little time 
 evinced. (Note,Ps. 106:12 — 14.) — Learned men have shown, 
 by various citations, that a traditionary mutilated report of 
 this grand transaction prevailed among the surrounding na- 
 tions, many centuries afterwards. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The Lord, by all his commands and dispensa- 
 tions makes trial of men’s spirits ; and every thing eventually 
 concurs to harden the hearts of obstinate rebels to their des- 
 truction, and to exercise and increase the faith of his people: 
 that by making known the glories of his name, he may be 
 Honoured by the one, and on the other. Would we then 
 escape the awful sentence of being judicially hardened, we 
 should take care not to harden our own hearts in sin, when 
 called upon to repent, and submit ourselves to God ; for none 
 •ire thus punished, who have not righteously deserved it. — 
 Genuine faith gives the Lord credit for his wisdom, faithful- 
 ness, and love, even where they are not discernible, and 
 expects the accomplishment of his promises in the way of 
 unreserved obedience to his commandments, however con- 
 trary to the suggestions of human policy ; it also rests sa- 
 tisfied, that die event will clear up every difficulty ; and in 
 this its excellence greatly consists. — -Unless the heart be truly 
 numbled, sin of every kind abhorred, and love to God and holi- 
 ness implanted, no religious impressions will be abiding. 
 Under remorse of conscience, the anguish of sufferings, and 
 the terrors of impending destruction, and while temptations 
 are out of sight, sinful propensities appear to be slain : but 
 they soon revive when there is respite, when convictions 
 wear off, terrors subside, and temptations return; and only 
 rage with redoubled force, for having received a temporary 
 check. Then, the past is forgotten, and the heart grows 
 harder than ever in bold presumption; till, given up of God, 
 and infatuated by Satan, men become even ashamed of their 
 constrained repentance, and impetuously rush upon their 
 own destruction ! Such is the progress of those who rebel 
 against the light, and encourage one another in wickedness, 
 till they arc involved in one common ruin. “ Let us there- 
 fore fear lest we also should be hardened by the deceitful- 
 ness of sin.” 
 
 V. 10—18. Our fallen race is prone, not only in desperate 
 presumption to lose sight of the power and wonderful works 
 of God, and his threatened destruction of the wicked ; but also, 
 in despondency, to forget his wonders of love ami promises 
 of deliverance to his people ; and in large companies even of 
 Dtofessed worshipper:-, thero always have been multitudes des- 
 titute of faith anil grace. These in times of trial, when others 
 are crying to the Lord for help, manifest their impatience and 
 rebellion again U God, by quarrelling with his servants : and 
 they of.cn discourage others, and lead them to mingle unbe- 
 ( HO ) 
 
 sing unto theLoRD, Tor he hath triumphed gloriously; 
 the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 
 
 2 The Lord is my “Strength and ‘‘Song, and he 
 is become 'my Salvation : lie is f my God, and I 
 will prepare him «an habitation; my Tather’s 
 God, and I will 'exalt him. 
 
 3 The Lord is Ja man of war: k the Lord is 
 his name. 
 
 4 Pharaoh’s 'chariots and his host hath he cast 
 into the sea: his "'chosen captains also are drowned 
 in the Red Sea. 
 
 5 The "depths have covered them : “they sank 
 into the bottom as a stone. 
 
 22. Acts 4:12. Rev. 19:1. f4:22. Gen. 17:7. Ps. 22:10. Jer. 31:33. 32:38. Zech. 
 13:9. g 40:34. Gen. 28:21,22. 2 Sam. 7:5. Ps. 132:5. Is. 66:1. 2 Cor. 5:19. Epli.2: 
 22. Col. 2:9. h See on 3: 15,16. i Pd. 18:45. 30: 1 . 34:3. 99:5,9. 118:28. 145:1. 
 Is. 25:1. John 5:23. Phil. 2:11. Rev. 5:9-14. j Ps. 2-1:8. Rev. 19:11 — 21. k Sea 
 on 3: 13,15. 6:3,6. Pa. 83: 18. Is. 42:8. 1 14:13—28. m 14:7. n 14:28. K*. 27:34. 
 Jon. 2:2. Mic.7:19. Matt. 18:6. o Neb. 9:11. Jer. 51:63,64. Rev. 18:21. 
 
 lieving murmurs, and peevish complaints, with their prayers 
 and supplications. Indeed, it is too commonly the case, that 
 when men meet with unexpected difficulties in their first en- 
 trance on a religious life, or on any particular service, they 
 are tempted to wish they had never gone about it, or to utter 
 expressions equally unreasonable and sinful ; and few of those 
 who watch their own hearts, can fairly plead not guilty in 
 this respect. — But the Lord still pities and pardons the up- 
 right: and he encourages some by the faith and boldness of 
 others, and th'e meekness with which they bear the reproaches 
 that are cast upon them. For the wisest and best of men 
 must not expect to escape calumny, even in their most disin- 
 terested endeavours to be useful: so that we should espe- 
 cially arm ourselves with the mind of Christ, in “meekness 
 of wisdom,” if we would do any real good in the world. — The 
 more we observe human nature, the fuller will be our con- 
 viction, that there is immense difficulty in prevailing with men 
 to use the means of salvation , in which the Lord hath pro- 
 mised to meet and bless us ; and to find a willing people to 
 welcome a willing Saviour. For this also we should trust 
 in his power, and lift up our prayers to him ; and likewise 
 exhort, admonish, and persuade those to whom we are sent, 
 with all earnestness and perseverance. If the Lord answers 
 our desires, so that sinners are excited to observe his direc- 
 tions, whether to patient waiting, or to go forward in his 
 ways ; we need not fear but he will fight for them, and open 
 them away through difficulties and obstacles, as insurmount- 
 able as mountains and seas ; and make the number and 
 power of their enemies subservient to his glory, and their 
 final and abundant advantage. But. he sometimes leads us 
 into circumstances, in which we can see no possible way of 
 escape or success ; that we may the more admire his power 
 and love in our deliverance, and be more encouraged and 
 affected by it. • 
 
 V. 19 — 31. How dark do all the dispensations of Provi- 
 dence, and even the doctrines of the gospel, (which give light 
 and comfort to believers,) appear to those who are fighting 
 against God! And who can stand before him, who has all 
 creatures at his command? All men will at length see, that 
 Jehovah fighteth for his church against all her enemies ; 
 but, alas ! multitudes harden their hearts in mad rebellion, 
 till they fall into destruction, beyond the possibility of escape! 
 And how tremendous will that day be, when the wicked shall 
 sink into the depths of hell, and “all the people that forget 
 God !” But happy are they, who at his command march 
 forward under his banner, enlightened by his word, comforted 
 by his Spirit, and protected by his arm. From time to time, 
 even here, they experience such interpositions in their favour, 
 as silence their complaints, make them ashamed of their de- 
 spondings, and excite them to animated praises and cheerful 
 obedience. How then will their hearts exult, in adoring, 
 triumphant love, jo}', and gratitude, when, finally delivered 
 from every enemy, they shall stand on the heavenly shore, 
 and celebrate their great Deliverer with everlasting songs of 
 praise ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XV. V. 1. The capacity of tho 
 human mind for poetry and music, and for taking pleasure in 
 them, has been common to every age and nation ; and though 
 too generally perverted to the worst of purposes, through the 
 depravity of our fallen nature, (as all our other capacities 
 have been,) it was doubtless originally implanted by the 
 Creator for wise and hoi/ reasons, and should be conse- 
 crated to his service and glory. Accordingly, hymns or 
 songs of praise form a considerable portion of the sacred 
 Scriptures; some of which were composed on particular 
 occasions, and sung as a part of solemn worship at the time, 
 or afterwards in commemoration of the transactions cele- 
 brated in them ; while others seem to have been of a more 
 general nature, as suiting the experience, and expressing the 
 varied affections, of believers in every age. The poetry of 
 these sacred hymns has been carefully investigated, ami 
 much admired by many persons of eminent attainments in 
 ancient learning, as in many respects vastly superior to all 
 other remains of antiquity; especially by Dr. L< wth, the late 
 Bishop of London, in his Pralcctioncs . — This <ong, which 
 Moses prepared, doubtless by divine inspiration in o dor to 
 
B. C 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 6 Thy Prishl hand, O Lord, is become glorious 
 jn power : thy right hand, 0 Lord, hath 'idashed 
 in pieces the enemy. 
 
 7 And in r the greatness of thine excellency 
 thou ,.ast overthrown ’them that rose up against 
 tl.ee : thou sentest. forth thy wrath, which 'con- 
 si me it them as stubble. 
 
 8 A id with the "blast of thy nostrils the waters 
 were gathered together : x t.he floods stood upright 
 as an heap, and the depths were congealed m the 
 heart of the sea. 
 
 9 The enemy said, ? I will pursue, I will overtake, 
 I will divide the spoil : my lust shall be satisfied 
 upon them, I will draw my sword, my hand shall 
 'destroy them. 
 
 p 11. 1 Chr. 29:11.13, Pa. 11:7. -11:3. 60:5.71:11. 77:10.89:3-13.98:1. 118:15,16. 
 I«. 51:9. 52:lil. Matt. 6:13. qPs.2;9. Is. 80:11. Jef. 13:14. Rev. 2:27. r 9:16. 
 Deuc. 33:26. Ps. 1 18:13. !«. 5:16. Jer. 10:6. a Is. 37:17,23,29,36,38. Mic.4:ll. 
 Nall. 1:9—12. Zech.2:8. 14:3,3. Vets 9:4. t Ps. 5.9:13. 83:13. Is. 5:24. 47:14. 
 Nah. 1:10. Mai. 4:1. u 14:21. 2 Sam. 22: 16. Job 4:9. Is. 11:4. 37:7. 2 Thes. 2: 
 8. x See on 14:22. Ps. 78:13. Hab. 3:10. zjutlg.5:30. 1 Kings 19:2. 20:10. Is. 
 10:8—13 . 36:20. Hub. 3:14. Luke 11-22. • Or, repossess. 14:5,9. a 14:21. 
 
 Gea. 8:1. Ps. 74:13,14. 135:7. 147:18. Is. 11:15. Jet-.10:13. Am. 4:13. Matt. 8: 
 
 instruct Israel how to express their admiring gratitude to the 
 Lord for their late surprising deliverance, is the most ancient 
 composition of the kind now extant in the world. It was 
 sung by Moses and the congregation of Israel ; while Miriam 
 led the women, to accompany them, not only with sing- 
 ing, but also with timbrels and dances. (Note, 20,21.) Mr. 
 Henry observes, that, 4 this proves Psalm-singing to be more 
 ancient than the ceremonial law, and therefore no part of it 
 and it proves the same also concerning the use of instrumental 
 music in the worship of God, and even of religious dances. 
 Whether, in present circumstances, either the one or the other 
 tends to the glory of God and the edification of men, and there- 
 fore whether either of them ought to be retained, or both ex- 
 cluded from the worship of the New Testament Church, 
 s another question: but it seems evident, that they form no 
 part of the ceremonial law, and are neither commanded nor 
 prohibited in the Scripture ; though we have examples of 
 them in the Old Testament, and none in the New. — Pharaoh 
 and the Egyptians had contended with pertinacious obstinacy 
 against Jehovah the God of Israel; but Jehovah, unex- 
 pectedly and with violence, throwing the 44 horse and his rider 
 into the sea,” had obtained a complete victory, and triumphed 
 most gloriously: it was therefore Israel’s bounden duty to 
 sing joyful praises to their great Deliverer, and to celebrate 
 the wonders which he had wrought in their behalf. 
 
 V. 2. The original word here translated 44 The Lord,” 
 is J ah, which seems to have the same meaning as Jehovah, 
 and to be derived from the same root; indeed, some think it 
 »s merely a contraction of it. Both names are supposed to 
 signify nearly the same as the words rendered I am that I 
 am ; and to denote Self-existence. 4 That character from 
 which the acutest reasoners have endeavoured demonstra- 
 tively to deduce, as from their source, all the divine attri- 
 butes, is Self-existence. Is it not then highly remark- 
 able, that it is under this character, the Divinity is described, 
 on his first manifestation to the Jewish Lawgiver ? — The 
 Self-existence, and by consequence the eternity and immuta- 
 bility of the one Great Jehovah?’ Graves . — On the al- 
 mighty power, and sovereign authority of the Creator of the 
 world, and the God of their fathers, the Israelites had been 
 taught to depend for protection and deliverance ; and he had, 
 in the crisis of extreme danger, answered and exceeded their 
 expectations. He was their 44 Strength,” and they celebrated 
 his praises in joyful songs, because 44 he was become their 
 Salvation.” (Is. 12:2.) This every Israelite was taught to 
 profess, in the most explicit manner : and Moses, prophe- 
 tically intimating the Lord’s design, of having a tabernacle 
 and afterwards a temple among them, as the external token 
 Oi his gracious presence, the centre of their worship, and the 
 type of the human nature of Christ, “in whom dwelleth all 
 the fulness of the godhead bodily,” led them also to avow 
 their purpose of preparing him a habitation, as the God whom 
 alone they would worship.— The Lord had also manifestly 
 shown himself to be the God of their u father” Abraham, and 
 of Isaac, and Jacob; and had glorified his mercy and truth by 
 fulfilling the promises which he had made to them : and on 
 this account, he should be exalted by their loftiest adorations 
 and most grateful acknowledgments. — It is obvious, that all 
 this is a shadow of the true Christian’s confidence, conflicts, 
 victories, and triumphs; and of the praises which the whole 
 ransomed church shall at last render to the glorious God of 
 their salvation, and which here on earth they in a feeble 
 manner anticipate. (Note, Rev. 15:1—4, laUer part.) 
 
 V . 3. Jehovah had acted as a renowned warrior and con- 
 queror, whose achievements ought to be celebrated in sacred 
 songs of praise, as those of the heathen conquerors were in 
 their profane poems, emphatically so called, while they as- 
 cribed the honours due to God to some ambitious, cruel man. — 
 Perhaps die Holy Spirit might in the expression, “ A Man 
 of War,” have some reference to the incarnation of the divine 
 Saviour : for every deliverance of the church was granted, in 
 consequence of his engagement to take on him our nat ure ; his 
 most glorious victories have been, and will be, obtained by 
 
 10 Thou didst “blow with thy wind, b the sea 
 covered them: “they ■sank as lead in the mighty 
 waters. 
 
 11 Who is ‘'like unto thee, O Lord, amongst 
 the 'gods? who is like thee, “glorious in holiness, 
 f fearful in praises, doing wonders ? 
 
 12 Thou sstretchedst out thy right hand, the 
 earth swallowed them. 
 
 13 Thou ''in thy mercy hast 'led forth the peopli 
 which thou hast redeemed : thou hast '‘guided t hen 
 in thy strength unto thy 'holy habitation. 
 
 14 The people shall m hear and he afraid : sorrow 
 shall take hold on the inhabitants “of Palestina. 
 
 15 Then the “dukes of Edom shall be amazed, 
 the mighty men i’of Moab, trembling shall take 
 
 27. b Deut. 11:4. c See on 5. d Deut.3:24. 33:2$, I .Sam. 2:2. 2 E;im. 7:22. I Kin^s 
 8:23. I s. 35:10. 77:19. 86:8. 89:6—8. Is. 40:18,25. Jer. 10:6,16. 49:19. t Or, 
 mighty ones, e Lev. 19:2. Ps. 89:18. 145:17. Is. 6:3. 30:11. 57:15. 1 Pet. 1:15 
 16. Rev. 4:8. fPs.66:5. 89:5,7. 90:11. 119:120. Is. 64:2.3. Jer. 10:7. Luke 12* 
 5. Heb. 12:28,29. Rev. 15:4. 19:1—6. g &«.)>> 6. Ii Gen. 19:16. Kpli.2:4. 
 i Ps. 77:14,15. 78:52,53. 106:9. Is. 63:12,13. Jer. 2:6. k 1 Pet. 1.5. 1 l a. 78:54. 
 m Nam. 14:14. 22:5. Deut. 2:4,25. Josh. 2:9,10. 9 24. Is. 48:6. n Is. 14:29,31 . 
 o Gen. 36:40. Num. 20:14 — 21. 1 Chr. 1:51 — 54. pNum.22:3 — 5. Hub. 3:7. 
 
 him, under the character of “the Son of Man;” and all di- 
 vine perfections are displayed in the sight of the universe, 
 through the medium of his human nature. 
 
 V. 5. The Egyptians, overwhelmed by the weight of the 
 waves which impetuously rushed upon them, sank to the bot- 
 tom as a stor.e ; and probably multkudes of them “rose no 
 more, (12 ;) though others were washed up again, and driven 
 to the land. (Note, 14:26 — 30.) 
 
 V. G. Or, “ Thy right hand is glorified in power.” — All 
 men would admire the greatness and power of God, as glori- 
 fied in the destruction of Pharaoh; and, in like manner, his 
 right hand would dash in pieces every other enemy. 
 
 V.' 7. Excellency .] Not only excelling in power, but ex- 
 cellent in justice, wisdom, truth, and goodness. — This verse, 
 and the latter clause of the foregoing, are in the future tense 
 in the original ; and may be considered as a solemn warning 
 to all men, not to copy the persecuting, impious, and obsti- 
 nate conduct of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, if they would 
 escape the dreadful effects of Jehovah’s omnipotent indig- 
 nation. — “ Thou wilt dash, &c.” 
 
 V. 8. The wind may, by a strong metaphor, be called 
 “ the blast of the Lord’s nostrils,” or indignation, naving 
 been excited by his power, as the token of his dividing the 
 Red Sea. The waters piled up into immense heaps on eact 
 side of the road, on which Israel marched, stood as if petrified 
 into solid rocks. 
 
 V. 9, 10. The former of these verses, in the highest style 
 of genuine sublimity, describes the rage, pride, and presump- 
 tion of Pharaoh and the Egyptians, confirming what was 
 spoken upon that subject in the foregoing chapter ; while the 
 litter, with inimitable simplicity and brevity, describes the 
 perfect ease with which they were arrested by the Lord, anil 
 overwhelmed in the sea ; so that they sank to the bottom 
 suddenly, as lead at once sinks in the water. 
 
 Y. 11. Not only the mightiest princes, but also all the 
 objects of religious worship of the Egyptians and other idola- 
 ters, through which Satan proudly affected to be worshipped 
 as “ the god of this world,” were thus proved wholly unworthy 
 to be in any respect compared to Jehovah. His righteous- 
 ness, faithfulness, purity, and love, (that is, his holiness,) 
 form his essential glory and excellence ; and reflect glory upon 
 all the contrivances of his consummate wisdom, and the ope- 
 rations of his almighty power, which, if nol devised and per- 
 formed in holiness, would be tremendous, but not glorious. 
 Such majesty also, and excellency, are displayed in the 
 Lord’s works of love and mercy, as cannot be suitably admired 
 and praised, unless the mind be filled with solemn awe and 
 reverential fear. 
 
 V. 12. 1 They who were drowned in the sea, are . . . said 
 to be swallowed up in the earth: (Jon. 2:6.) because the sea 
 is in the depths of the earth.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13. It is here acknowledged, that the deliverance of 
 Israel was a display of mercy , even as the destruction of thb 
 Egyptians was an act of justice. This miraculous redemp- 
 tion from bondage was an earnest of their being put in posses- 
 sion of Canaan, which is spoken of as if it had been already 
 accomplished. — Canaan seems to be called the “ holy habita- 
 tion” of Jehovah, and afterwards “the mountain of his 
 inheritance,” and “the sanctuary ;” because God had chosen 
 it for the place of his future special residence, where he would 
 manifest his presence and love, establish his holy ordinances, 
 and publish his holy word. (Note, 17.) — This is a shadow 
 of the believer’s merciful redemption from iniquity and the 
 powers of darkness, and of his being powerfully guided to the 
 holy habitation of God in heaven. 
 
 V. 14 — 1G. The Philistines had been objects of terror to 
 Israel; (Note, 13:17,18.) but the people now suppose these 
 formidable enemies to he filled wiih dismay and anguish, at 
 the report of this wonderful deliverance : and no doubt it pro- 
 duced very "real efforts on all the surrounding nations, for a 
 long time. The inhabitants of Jericho, forty years after, had 
 not got over the alarm which it occasioned. (Note, Josh. 2: 
 S — II.) Thus the nations would he awed into silence, and 
 
 ( HI ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 hoM upon them: nail the inhabitants of Canaan 
 shall r melt away. 
 
 1 13 Fear and “dread shall fall upon them : by the 
 preatness of thine arm they shall be as 'still as a 
 stone ; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the 
 people pass over '‘winch thou hast purchased. 
 
 17 Thou slrnlt bring them in, and "plant them 
 in the ^mountain of thine inheritance, in the 
 place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to 
 dwell in : in the sanctuary, O Lord, which thy 
 hands have established. 
 
 18 The "Lord shall reign for ever and ever. 
 
 19 For the “horse of Pharaoh went in with his 
 chariots, and with his horsemen into the sea, and 
 the Lord b brought again the waters of the sea 
 upon them : but the children of Israel went on dry 
 land in the midst of the sea. 
 
 20 H And Miriam the “prophetess, the d sister of 
 Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand: and “all the women 
 went out after her, with timbrels and with dances. 
 
 21 And Miriam f answered them, eSing ye to 
 the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously ; the 
 horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 q Josh. 2:11. 5:1. r Petit. 20:8. Josh. 2:9. 7ntirg. 14:8. 1 Sam. 14:16. 2 Sam. 
 17:10. Ps. 68:2. Is. 13:7. 19:1. E/..21:7. Nah.2:10. 6 Deut. 11:25. t 11:7. 
 
 1 Sam. 2:9. 25:37. u 19:5,6. Dent. 32:6. 2 Sam. 7:23. Ps. 74:2. Is. 43:1— 3. 51: 
 10. Jer. 31:11. Acts 20:28. Tit. 2:14. 1 Pet. 2:9. 2 Pet. 2:1 . x Ps. 44:2. 78:54, 
 55. 80:8. Is. 5.1—4. Jer. 2:21. 32:41. y l s. 78:54,68,69. Jer. 31:23. z Ps. 10: 
 16.146:10. Is. 57:15. Dan. 2:41. 7:14. Matt. 6:13. Rev. 11 :15— 17. a 14:23. 
 Prov. 21:31. b 14:28,29. Heb. 11:29. cJu<]g.4:4. 1 Sam. 10:5. 2Kin e s22:14. 
 Luke 2:36. Acts 21:9. 1 Cor. 11:5. 14:34. d 2:4. Num. 12:1. 20:1. 26:59. Mic. 6:4. 
 eJudg. 11:34. 1 Sam. 18:6. 2 Sam. 6: 14. Ps. 68:25. 149:3. 150:4. fl Sam. 18:7. 
 2Chr. 5:13. Ps.24:7— 10. 134: g See on I. Judg. 5:3. Is. 5:1. Rev. 7:10— 12. 
 
 be restrained from resistance, as if petrified, and become 
 stones, by the glory of Jehovah’s power and indignation ; 
 seeing he had ransomed his people at the price of so flourish- 
 ing a country as Egypt. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Pass over. (IG) Note , Josh. 3:2, end. 
 
 V. 17. (Note, 13.) ‘Moses seems to have foreseen, by 
 the Spirit of prophecy, that God would place his habitation 
 apon mount Zion ; which he understood, perhaps, from the 
 sacrifice of Isaac on mount Moriah.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note 
 Gen. 22:2, latter part.) 
 
 V. 18. In perfect wisdom, justice, and goodness, “Je- 
 hovah shall reign forever,” as the only Lawgiver and Judge 
 over his willing people ; and he will finally and eternally crush 
 all his enemies with irresistible force. — Two distinct words 
 are used in the original to express what is rendered “ for 
 ever and ever,” which mutually confirm each other, and evi- 
 dently signify eternity, in the strictest sense of the word. — 
 The translation in the LXX is remarkable : Kvpioi (3aai\cvuiv 
 rov aioiva, xai c;r’ aioiva, Kai en. ‘ The Lord reigning over 
 eternity, and unto eternity, and beyond,' (or evermore.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. Miriam is joined, by Micah, with Moses and 
 Aaron, in leading forth the people; (Mic. 6:4.) and she is 
 here called a prophetess : yet nothing is recorded of her in that 
 character, but her leading the women in this song of praise, 
 joined, according to the usages of the times, with trimbrels 
 and dances. It may, however, be observed, that she as well 
 as Aaron said, “ Hath not the Lord spoken by us ?” ( Num. 
 12:2.) and though she was rebuked for her misconduct on that 
 occasion, yet the context seems to imply that the I.ord had 
 spoken by her, but not in the same manner as to Moses. Per- 
 haps on some occasions, she delivered the messages of God 
 to the women of Israel. She was at this time about ninety 
 years of age ; and, having generally lived with Aaron, she is 
 called his sister, rather than the sister of Moses. — It is sup- 
 posed that the Israelites sang responsively ; and that Miriam 
 led the chorus of the women , when it came to their turn to 
 take up the song of praise. Many passages of Scripture seem 
 to denote this alternate mode of singing, some of which are 
 referred to in the margin, (f.) 
 
 V. 22 — 24. This immense multitude, with their numerous 
 flocks and herds, marching for three days without any water, 
 except as they might carry some small quantity with them, 
 must have experienced great distress and perhaps disease : 
 and having found water, but not being able to drink it, they 
 were still more disappointed. Probably, the waters of Ma- 
 ah were not only very nauseous, but also unwholesome, so 
 that the trial was indeed very great. (Note, 25,26.) When 
 first delivered from the Egyptians, the Israelites were so 
 mpressed with the power exerted in their behalf, that “ they 
 feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant 
 Moses,” as acting under his authority : but being again 
 alarmed, as well as distressed, “they soon forgat his works,” 
 and began to vent their discontent and distrust, in peevish 
 murmurs against Moses, as if he had acted of himself! — 
 They ‘should rather have prayed to God than murmured 
 Against Moses.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 25, 26. Moses did what the people had neglected to 
 do; and, in answer to his prayer, a tree was pointed out to 
 him, by means of whi h the waters became sweet and whole- 
 tome. It cannot reasonably be supposed, that this change 
 ( M2 ) 
 
 22 IT So Moses . brought Israel from the Red 
 Sea, and they went out into the h wilderness of 
 Sliur : and they went ‘three days in the wilderness, 
 and found no water. 
 
 23 And when they came to k Marah, they could 
 not drink of the waters of Marah, for they vjere 
 bitter: therefore the name of it was called 'Marah. 
 
 24 And the people Murmured against Moses, 
 saying. m What shall we drink ? 
 
 25 And he “cried unto the Lord, and the Lord 
 showed him°a tree, which when he had cast it into 
 the waters, the waters were made sweet : there 
 he made for them statute and an ordinance, 
 and there he ^proved them, 
 
 26 And said, r If thou wilt diligently hearken to 
 the voice of the Lord thy God, s and wilt do that 
 which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his 
 commandments, and keep all his statutes ; I will 
 put none of these diseases upon thee, which 1 
 have brought upon the Egyptians ; “for i am the 
 Lord that healeth thee. 
 
 27 And they came to x Elim, where were twelve 
 wells of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees: 
 and they encamped there by the waters. 
 
 5:9.14:3.15:3.19:1—6. h Gen. 16:7. 25:18. 1 Sam. 15:7. i3:18. kNurn.33. 
 8. ’ That is, Bitterness. Ruth 1:20. 114:11. 16:2,8,9.17:3.4. Num. 11:1— 6 
 11:1— 4. 16:11,41. 17:10. 20:2—5. 21:5. 1 Cor. 10:10. Phil. 2:14. Jude 16 
 m 17:3. Ps. 78:19,20. Matt. 6:25. n 14:10. 17:4. Ps. 50:15. 91:13. 99:S. Jer. 15: 
 1. o 2 Kings 2:21. 4:41. 1 Cor. 1:18. p Josh. 24:21— 25. q 16.4. Deut. 8:2,16 
 13:3. Judg. 2:22. 3:1,4. Ps. 66:10. 81:7. Prov. 17:3. Jer. 9:7. 1 Pet. 1:6,7. 
 r Lev. 26:3— 13. Deut. 7:12,13. 28:1— 15. s Deut. 12:28. 13:18. 1 Kings 11 :33, 38. 
 2 Kings 22:2. Ez. 18:5. t 9:10,11. 12:29. Deut. 7:15. 28:27,60. u 23:25. 2 Kings 
 20:5. Job 5:18. Ps. 41:3,4. 103:3. 147:3. Is. 57:18. Jer. 8:22. 33:6. Hcs. 6:1. 
 Jam. 5:11—16. x Num. 33:9. Is. 12:3. Ez. 47:12. Rev. 7:17. 22:2. 
 
 was made by a natural efficacy ; but rather, that the wood 
 was the appointed token of God’s miraculous operation. 
 (iV<^es, 2 Kings 2:19 — 22. 4:40,41.) It may also call to our 
 remembrance the blessings of the gospel, which Christ ob- 
 tained for us when he hung upon the tree ; and which sweeten 
 all our bitterest trials, by giving peace to the conscience, 
 comfort, and the hope of glory. — On this occasion, the Lord 
 was pleased to give Israel some intimations of his holy will, 
 previous to the promulgation of the law ; as well as to show 
 them by what rule he intended to act towards them ; even 
 according to their conduct, whether obedient or disobedient. 
 Perhaps, they were reminded to observe the Sabbath, and 
 directed how to order their religious worship, as well as in* 
 structed in the grand outlines of the moral law. Whilst the 
 Lord engaged to provide for them, and continue their healtl 
 and comforts, if they were obedient ; he also intimated that 
 if they were rebellious, the very diseases and judgments, 
 which they had seen inflicted upon the Egyptians, would 
 come upon them also. Perhaps the want of water, and the 
 unwholesome waters of Marah, which some of them had 
 drunk, occasioned sickness, and filled the multitude with dis- 
 mal apprehensions, which were thus obviated and overruled 
 for good purposes. 
 
 V. 27. Twelve wells , &c.] A well of water to each tribe, 
 and the palm-trees for a cooling shade and pleasant fruit. — 
 It is remarkable that the number answers to the twelve patri- 
 archs and the seventy elders, and to the twelve apostles and 
 the seventy disciples. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. Those events in providence, and those expe- 
 riences in the life of faith, which have occasioned our most 
 distressing apprehensions, often terminate in such a manner 
 as to fill our hearts with gratitude, and our lips with praise : 
 nor would the Lord lead those whom he loves into straits, 
 did he not intend to render them subservient to his own glory, 
 and to their comfort and advantage. — When we have pa- 
 tiently and quietly waited for deliverance out of trouble, and 
 have had our expectations answered, we should proclaim to 
 all around us the wonderful works of God : and every one, in 
 the improvement of his talent, and I he exercise of his par- 
 ticular endowments, should concur in so pleasant and rea- 
 sonable a service. — They who oppress the ptople of God 
 arc his declared enemies, over whom he will at length triumph 
 completely ; and all shall acknowledge, that he is “ glorious 
 in holiness,” as well as in power, in their destruction, and in 
 that of all impenitent sinners. But they, who humbly sub- 
 mit to him and trust in his mercy, will find that he u is be- 
 come their Salvation,” and He will “compass them about 
 with songs of deliverance.” — What his grace begins, his power 
 and faithfulness will complete ; and, having redeemed them 
 from the bondage of sin and Satan, every past favour becomes 
 an earnest of future benefits, till he shall bring them to his 
 holy habitation in heaven. — The judgments inflicted on some 
 enemies of God are evidences that judgment will he executed 
 on the rest; and he often intimidates those whom he intends 
 to punish. Ere long “every enemy shall be destroyed, 
 which hath done evil in his sane'uary the whole church 
 shall sing “the. song of Moses and of the Lamb,” as tri- 
 umphing over the fall of every antichrist; “and the Loro 
 shall reign for ever and ever,” io the eler il sate ta* tu n of 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 B. C. 1 191 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The Israelites came to the ictldcmess of Sin, and murmur for leant of bread , 
 1 — 4. Manna , Hfc. is promised, and the people are rebuked , 5—12. Quails 
 and manna are scat, 13—15. Manna is described , and rules are given for 
 
 f athering id ; the people disobey in hoarding it, and in see'.ing it on the sal)- 
 nth-day, 16 — 31. God commands that an omer of it should be preserved, 
 S2-36. 
 
 A ND they “took their journey from Elim* and 
 all the congregation of the children of Israel 
 came unto the wilderness of b Sin, which is between 
 Ehm and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second 
 month, after their departing out of the land of 
 Egypt. 
 
 2 And the 'whole congregation of the children 
 of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in 
 the wilderness. 
 
 3 And the children of Israel said unto them, 
 d Would to God 'we had died by the hand of the 
 Loro in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the 
 'flesh-pots, and when we did eat bread to the 
 full : for ye have brought us forth into this wilder- 
 ness, "to kill this whole assembly with h hunger. 
 
 4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, ‘I 
 will rain bread from heaven for you : and the peo- 
 
 ple shall go out and gather a 'certain rale every 
 day. that I may k prove them, whether they will 
 walk in my law, or no. 
 
 5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day 
 they shall ‘prepare that which they bring in ; ‘“and 
 it shall be twice as much as they gather daily. 
 
 6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the chil- 
 dren of Israel, At “even, then ye shall know that 
 “the Lord hath brought you out from the land of 
 Egypt. 
 
 7 And in Pthe morning, then ^ye shall see the 
 glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your 
 murmurings against the Lord : And ■'what are we, 
 that ye murmur against us ? 
 
 8 And Moses said, This shall be when the 
 Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, 
 and in the morning bread to the full ; for that 'the 
 Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur 
 against him. And what are we ? your murmur- 
 ings are not against us, but ‘against the Lord. 
 
 9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all 
 the congregation of the children of Israel, “Come 
 
 a 15:27. Num. 33:10— 12. b 17:1. Num. 33:12. Ez. 30:15,16. c Ss. on 15:24. 
 Ceil. 19:4. Ps. 106:7,13.2'). 1 Cor. 10:10. (1 Num. 20:3— 5. rieut.28:67. Josh. 7: 
 7 . 2 Sam. 18:33. Arts 26:29. 1 Cor. 4:8. 2 Cor. 11:1. e Num. 11:15. 14:2. Job 
 3:1,10.20. Jer. 20:14—18. Jon. 4:8,9. 12:23. Num. 11:4,5. c 5:21. 17:3. Num. 
 16:13,41. h Dent. S:3. Jer. 2:6: Lam. 4:9. i Ps. 78:24. 105:40. John 6:31,32. 
 1 Cor. 10:3. * Heb. the portion of a day in his day. Neh. 11:23. Prov. 30:8. 
 
 his redeemed people, and the eternal confusion of his adver- 
 saries. 
 
 Y. 22 — 27. In this world we must pass through many 
 changes : and those praises which only spring from gratified 
 self-love, will soon be turned into rebellious murmurs. Hypo- 
 crites may have a temporary faith, and sometimes very high 
 affections, and be very earnest in religious exercises ; but, 
 in time of temptation, they often fall away: and even true 
 believers, in seasons of sharp trial, are frequently induced to 
 fret, distrust, and murmur. But, in every dispensation, we 
 should cast our care upon the Lord, and pour out our prayers 
 before him ; and we shall find (hat a submissive will, a peace- 
 ful conscience, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, render the 
 bitterest trials tolerable, yea pleasant. And, let us not for- 
 get that we are preserved from destruction, and delivered 
 from our enemies, to be the servants of God ; that he proves 
 us in order to our more unreserved obedience ; that our ex- 
 emptions from the afriictions which others endure, is intended 
 to encourage us in the path of duty; and that the evidence of 
 our being interested in his redeeming love, arises from the 
 habitual disposition to keep his commandments. Our health, 
 both of body and soul, depends on him : may he then sanc- 
 tify our bodily sicknesses, restore our souls to the health of 
 holiness, enable bis “to draw water with joy from the wells 
 of salvation,” and “ to sit down under his shadow with great 
 delight,” and find “his fruit sweet to our taste.” — (Cant. 2:3. 
 Is. 12:3.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVI. V. 1 — 3. We are informed in 
 another place, (Num. 33:10 — 12.) that the Israelites marched 
 Dack to the Red Sea, when they left Elim. Perhaps the 
 Lord saw good to lead them thither again ; in order to remind 
 them of his past mercies, and to renew the impressions made 
 at first on their mind, which were in great measure erased at 
 Marali. — They however arrived in the desert of Sin, not far 
 from Sinai, exactly a month after they set off from Egypt : 
 but when they came thither, having by this time consumed 
 nearly the whole stock of provisions which they had brought 
 with them, and seeing no prospect of a supply, “the whole 
 congregation,'’ including the elders and the body of the peo- 
 ple, with very few exceptions, murmured vehemently against 
 Moses and Aaron. As they had been liberated from Egypt- 
 ian bondage, and conducted thus far, by a series of stupen- 
 dous miracles ; doubtless they should have expected to be 
 trrovided for in a similar manner: hut, instead of this confi- 
 dence in G oil, they looked only to natural causes ; and, per- 
 ceiving nothing but approaching famine and desolation, they 
 passionately wished that they had died by some sudden judg- 
 ment, in like manner as the first-born of Egypt had been 
 6lain ! Nav, they seemed to envy their speedy death, while 
 they considered themselves reserved to a more lingering and 
 painful execution! They had likewise forgotten the galling 
 labours and oppression of their cruel bondage, and only re- 
 membered the plenty which they had enjoyed, magnifying it 
 probably far beyond the truth : as if their enslaved condition 
 ’n Egt'pt had been a most desirable privilege! ‘They un- 
 ruly magnify their former condition, that they may represent 
 their present to be more miserable than really it was.’ Bp. 
 Patrick.— Not daring directly to arraign the justice of God, 
 they passionately arraigned the conduct of Moses and Aar n ; 
 as if they had purposely intended the destruction of the 
 whole cong-egation 1 
 
 V. 4, 5. The conduct of Israel was ungrateful, perverse, 
 and distrustful ; yet, as their distress was real and urgent, 
 he Lord did r.ot execute deserved punishment on them, or 
 so much as threaten it. But he determined to prove them, 
 and to make it manifest, as by a fair trial, whether any rca- 
 
 Matt. 6:11,32,33. Luke 11:3. k See on 15:25. Josh. 24:15. 123. 35:2,3. Lev. 
 
 25:21,22. m 22. n8,12,13. o 3. 6:7. 12:51. 32:1,7,11. Num. 16:28— 30. Ps. 
 77:20. Is. 63:11,12. p 13. q 10:24. 10:16. Lev. 9:6. Num. 14:10. 16:42. Is.35: 
 2. 40:5. John 11:4,10. r2,3,8. Num. 16.11. 6 9,12. Num. 14:27. Matt. 9:4. 
 
 John 6:41— 43. 1 Cor. 10:10. t Num. 21:7. 1. Sam. 8:7. Is. 32:6 . 37:29. Luke Uh 
 16. John 13:20. Rom. 13:2. 1 Thes. 4:8. u Num. 16:16. 
 
 sonable indulgence, or any miraculous interpositions, would 
 induce them to obey his commandments. — The manna came 
 from the region of the air, which is sometimes called the 
 heavens, (Note, Gen. 1:6 — 8.) where it was miraculously 
 produced ; and it descended in the form of rain or dew : it 
 might therefore properly be said, that the Lord “rained bread 
 from heaven for them.” The manna was also a type of 
 Christ, “the living Bread, who came down from heaven to 
 give life to the world.” (Notes, John 6:30 — 35,47 — 51.) — It 
 was the purpose of God to keep Israel m dependence on 
 him; and therefore this miraculous bread (for it answered the 
 purposes of bread) was sent daily, in proportion to the wants 
 of each day. But he promised to send on the sixth day 
 twice the usual quantity, that they might prepare it against 
 the Sabbath. — Whatever the custom of the patriarchs had 
 been respecting the Sabbath, or the traditions handed down 
 among their descendants concerning its sacred obligation, we 
 may reasonably conclude, that the Israelites, when bond- 
 slaves in Egypt, had not been allowed to rest from labour on 
 that day : and probably the observance of it was almost, 
 wholly neglected, and the institution itself nearly forgotten. 
 But if, as many learned men suppose, they left Egypt on the 
 Sabbath, and passed the Red Sea on the Sabbath, which 
 events were commemorated on the first and last days of un- 
 leavened bread ; we may conclude, that the old traditional 
 recollection of the institution would be now revived ; and 
 they would he prepared for more explicit instructions con- 
 cerning the manner of sanctifying that sacred rest. — Indeed 
 it is very doubtful, whether the Israelitish Sabbath was ob- 
 served on the seventh day, as calculated from the close of 
 the six days “in which God created the heavens and the 
 earth and when we consider, that a whole day is lost by 
 sailing round the world in one direction, and gained by going 
 round it in the other, we must perceive that no great stress 
 can be laid on such calculations. The seventh day was ap- 
 pointed at first in remembrance of creation being completed ; 
 one day in seven was continued to be set apart under the 
 law, but perhaps the day was determined with reference to 
 Israel’s deli erance from Egypt: and the same proportion is 
 observed under the Christian Dispensation, but the day is 
 fixed in commemoration of our Lord’s resurrection. In all 
 these instances, the day observed was a memorial, through 
 all subsequent generations, of the event, which gave occasion 
 to its being instituted. 
 
 Y. 6 — 8. The people saw in the evening, when the quails 
 came, and in the morning when the manna descended, an ad- 
 ditional, miraculous, and merciful proof, that the Lord him- 
 self had brought them out of Egypt ; and that Moses and 
 Aaron had only executed his commission, and adhered to his 
 instructions. Thus they saw his glorious power and good- 
 ness, in supplying by miracle the urgent wants of this vast 
 multitude. But perhaps the words, “ In the morning ye 
 shall see the glory of the Lord,” may also refer to that v isi- 
 ble display of divine glory which appeared in the cloud, (10,) 
 as showing them from whom that supply would he sent. They 
 would, however, evidently perceive, that the Lord regarded 
 their murmurings with decided displeasure: for while they 
 reproached Moses and Aaron, as if unwise, unjust, or unkind, 
 in leading them out of Egypt ; they did not considei nor re- 
 collect that all their murmurings were indeed against God 
 himself, and a daring impeachment of his conduct towards 
 them. 
 
 V. 9, 10. We have frequently read, that Jehovah ap- 
 peared to his servants, and that he spake to them ; and manj’ 
 expositors suppose, probably on insufficient grounds, that this 
 was always, or generally, from some visible glorious manifes- 
 
 ( 143 ) 
 
B. C 1491 EXODUS. B. C. 1491 
 
 near liefore the Lord: for he hath x heard your 
 murnnirings. 
 
 10 And it came to pass^ as Aaron spake unto 
 the whole congregation of the children of Israel. 
 »that they looked toward the wilderness, and 
 behold, the glory of the Lord 'appeared in the 
 cloud. 
 
 11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 12 I have heard the murmurings of the chil- 
 dren of Israel ; speak unto them, saying, At even 
 ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be 
 filled with bread : and a ye shall know that I am 
 the Lord your God. 
 
 13 'll And it came to pass, that at even b the 
 quails came up, and covered the camp : and in 
 •the morning the dew lay round about the host. 
 
 14 And when c the dew that lay was gone up, 
 behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay 
 a small round thing, as small as d the hoar-frost on 
 the ground. 
 
 15 And when the children of Israel sa wit, they 
 said one to another, "It is e manna : for they wist 
 not what it was. And Moses said unto them, 
 
 x See on 2,8. y7. Nam. 14:10. 16:19,42. z 13:21,22. 40:34—38. Lev. 9:6. 
 
 Nura. 16:42. 1 Kings 8:10,11. Matt. 17-5. a 4:5. 6:7. 7: 1 7. Jer. 31:34. Ez. 34: 
 30 . 39:22. Joel 3:17. Zech. 13:9. b Nura. 11:31— 33. Ps. 73:27,28. 105:40. 
 c Nura. 11:7—9. Deut. 8:3. Neh. 9:15. Ps. 78:24. 105:40. il Ps. 147:16. • Or, 
 
 Wiiat is this 7 or, It is a portion, e Deut. 8:3,16. Josh. 5:12. Neh. 9:20. John 
 
 tation, which they call the Shechinah : but on this occa- 
 sion, Israel is summoned by Aaron, at the word of Moses, 
 to draw “ near before the Lord and when “ they looked to- 
 ward the wilderness, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared 
 in the cloud.” It is evident that, at this time, there was some 
 extraordinary splendour, which intimated the special presence 
 of God ; but if this had not differed from all the former ap- 
 pearances of God, why is the language so very different? — 
 
 ‘ It is not unlikely that Moses bade Aaron go speak to the 
 people, because he himself retired to speak to God ; that is, 
 to pray for them, and to acknowledge his great goodness in 
 passing by their murmurings.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 11, 12. It is probable, that the Lord himself audibly 
 addressed Moses from the glory which appeared in the cloud ; 
 and thus confirmed what he had before spoken. By the mi- 
 raculous and very large supply of provisions about to be sent, 
 tile people would be convinced, not only that the Lord was 
 able, but also that he considered himself engaged, to protect 
 and provide for them : unless they forfeited that privilege by 
 rebellion and apostacy. 
 
 V. 13. There arc different opinions concerning the meaning 
 of the word translated quails. Some imagine that they were a 
 species oflocusts; but the language of Scripture uniformly leads 
 us to consider them as wild fowl, of whatever species they 
 might be. (Marg. Ref. b.) — Such a large multitude of these 
 were miraculously brought to the camp of Israel, and lighted 
 among the people, that without difficulty they caught as many 
 as sufficed for the whole multitude ! This miracle of mercy 
 may be contrasted with the plague oflocusts which devoured 
 the remaining sustenance of Egypt. 
 
 V. 14, 15. After the Israelites had feasted at night upon 
 the quails, they found in the morning that, along with the dew, 
 there had fallen all around the camp, “ a small round thing, 
 as small as the hoar-frost yet it had not been exhaled with 
 the dew, but lay on the ground as a solid substance : and 
 while they did not know what it was, and inquired of each 
 other, they were led to say, man hu : “ This is man," or, 
 manna. This is prepared or appointed, or portioned out ; that 
 is, ‘ This is the food before predicted, which God hath pre- 
 pared or appointed for us.’ — The name thus first given it, has 
 been retained, as to the substance, in most languages into 
 which the Scriptures have been translated. — As the people 
 seemed not to be generally satisfied, that this was the bread 
 which God had promised to “rain from heaven for them,” 
 Moses expressly assured them that it was. — The name man- 
 na has also been given to several substances, procured in 
 • different ways ; but it does not appear, that any of them was 
 the same as the manna given to Israel, or at all fitted to an- 
 swer the same purposes. It was indeed a miraculous provi- 
 sion, given immediately from God ; and not the production of 
 second causes. 
 
 It is manna. (15) (On |n. ‘ Quasi preparatus cibus, aut com- 
 paratus sine labore.’ Robertson. — It is formed from run as 
 w a precept from mx and ’p a line, from rep. The word may 
 be derived from the substantive run, a portion, a distribution. 
 The common opinion that Nprtjn means What isthisl seems 
 entirely destitute of foundation. 
 
 V. 16 — 20. The Lord sent the manna, but the people must 
 go out early to gather it ; and they were directed to take, for 
 each individual, such a quantity as would in general suffice a 
 healthy man ; for that seems to he the meaning of the expres- 
 sion, “Every man according to his eating,” when compared with 
 the context. There would be in each tent several women 
 and children, who did not require so much food as the grown 
 ■nen. vet these were directed to gather for every one of them, 
 ( 144 ) 
 
 f This is the bread which the Lord hath given you 
 to eat. 
 
 16 This is the thing which the Lord hath com 
 manded, Gather of it every man according to his 
 eating : an *omer Tor every man according to the 
 number of your Ipersons, take ye every man lor 
 them which are in his tents. 
 
 17 And the children of Israel did so, and 
 gathered, some more, some less. 
 
 18 And when they did mete it with an omer 
 h he that gathered much had nothing over, and he 
 that gathered little had no lack: they gathered 
 every man according to his eating. 
 
 19 And Moses said, Let no man 'leave of it till 
 the morning. 
 
 20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto 
 Moses, but some of them left of it until the mor 
 ning, and it k bred worms and stank : ‘and Moses 
 was wroth with them. 
 
 21 And they gathered it every ""morning, every 
 man according to his eating: and when the sun 
 waxed hot, it melted. 
 
 22 And it came to pass that “on the sixth day 
 
 6:31,32,49,58. 1 Cor. 10:3. Rev.2:17. f See on 4. Nura. 21:5. Piov.9:5. Luke 
 12:30. g 18,33,36. t Heb. by the poll, or, head. } Heb. souls, h 2 Cor. 8:14, 
 15. i 12:10. 23:18. Matt. 6:34. k Matt. 6:19. Luke 12:15,33. Heb. 13:5. Jam. 
 5:2,3. INum. 12:3. 16:15. Mark 3:5. 10:14. Eph. 4:26. m Prov. 6:6— 11. Ec. 
 9:10. 12:1. Matt. 6:33. John 12:35. 2 Cor. 6:2. n5,16. Lev. 25:12,22. 
 
 each man according to his own eating. And, as an Omer is 
 computed to be nearly three quarts, wine-measure, it would 
 be a competent supply for any individual. We may suppose 
 that the several persons capable of labour, in each tent, cast 
 all they gathered into one stock ; and when the father of the 
 family came to measure it, he was allowed to retain an Omer 
 for each of his household : but, if he had any over, he must 
 impart it to his neighbour xvho had less than that quantity ; 
 for some would be less active than others. Thus it came to 
 pass, that he who “gathered much had nothing over, and he 
 that gathered little had no lack but they daily gathered for 
 every individual in that vast assembly according to the eating 
 of a grown man, or an Omer each ; and this was the case 
 during forty years.— The apostle’s argument, grounded on the 
 passage, leads us to this interpretation ; (JVofe, 2 Cor. 8:1 0 
 — 15.) else hoxv could the case of Israel have been in point to 
 that of Christians, when exhorted to impart of their super- 
 fluity, to supply the wants of their brethren, and to trust the 
 Lord to send them a new supply, as they needed it ? If this 
 exposition be not admitted, it must he supposed, that num- 
 berless miracles were constantly wrought, without any appa- 
 rent occasion, in augmenting or diminishing the quantity ga- 
 thered by each person, as “ some gathered more and some 
 less.” But if we allow that every head of a family who had 
 gathered above the quantity was directed to keep an Omer 
 for each of the several persons in his tent, and to give the 
 overplus to his neighbour who had not gathered so much, tho 
 whole may be easily explained. Some might retain more 
 than the Omer each, and so hoard what they ought to have 
 imparted : and others, finding an Omer each more than suffi- 
 cient for his family for the present day, might hoard part of 
 it for the morrow, fearing lest no more should fall. But as 
 the Israelites were taught by this way of subsisting, to live 
 continually and cheerfully dependent on God, and in liberal 
 love to each other; and, as the daily supply of the manna 
 was an emblem of the life of faith in Christ : hoarding in 
 either way was expressly forbidden. And while those who 
 gathered much imparted to their neighbours, they w ho could 
 not consume an Omer each, might, as some think, give the 
 residue to their cattle; or burn it before the next morning, as 
 they did the remains of the paschal lamb, and other sacrifices. 
 But when some of them selfishly and distrustfully disobeyed 
 this injunction, the manna which they had kept bred worms 
 and stank, though when preserved by the Lord’s command it 
 continued perfectly good. 
 
 V. 21. As the people were required to use, impart, or 
 destroy the manna gathered each day, before the next 
 morning, they were under the necessity of gathering it early 
 in the day, “every man according to his eating,” or else they 
 would have had no food: for though it did not exhale with 
 the dew in the morning, “when the sttn waxed hot it molted.” 
 This wasavery extraordinary circumstance, that a substance, 
 which was so easily dissolved and exhaled, should he suffi- 
 ciently nutrimental to support the people in health and vigour 
 for so long a course of years, and also that what melted and 
 totally disappeared when tho sun waxed hot, might yet ho 
 baked or seethed (23) without any such effect. 
 
 V. 22 — 27. It is evident, that the miracle, on this occa- 
 sion, consisted in the larger quantity of manna that fell on 
 the sixth day; which caused it to be so much thicker on the 
 ground than at other times, that the people gathered twico 
 the quantity, with little additional labour, (29;) and not in a 
 subsequent increase of the quantity which each person had 
 gathered. — As the rulers came to inform Moses that the peo- 
 1 pie had gathered twice tho usual quantity ; il may bo sup* 
 
B. C. • 41)1. 
 
 they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for 
 one man : and all the rulers of the congregation 
 came and told Moses. 
 
 23 And he said unto them, This is that which 
 the Lord hath said. To-morrow is the “rest of the 
 no v sabbath unto the Lord: rbake that which ye 
 will bake to-day, and seethe that ye will seethe ; 
 and that which remaineth over lay up for you to 
 be kept until the morning. 
 
 24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses 
 
 bade : ‘Jand it did not stink, neither was there anv 
 worm therein. J 
 
 25 And Moses said, Eat that to-day; for to- 
 day w r a sabbath unto the Lord: to-day ye shall 
 not find it m the field. 
 
 26 ’Six days ye shall gather it : but on the 
 seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall 
 be none. 
 
 27 And it came to pass, that there went out 
 some ol the people on the seventh day for to 
 gather, ‘and they found none. 
 
 28 And the Lord said unto Moses, u How long 
 
 refuse ye to keep my commandments and mv 
 aws r , 1 
 
 29 See, for that the Lord ’hath giyen you the 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 B. C. 149.. 
 
 20 : 8 — 11 , 31 : 15 . 35 : 3 . Gen. 2 : 2 , 3 . Lev. 23 ■ 3 Mark 2 27 9k t niraoa.^c n 
 
 «3 l °Fz P 4?i m i l i :8 iq 14 20,3 p r S ?' e on 23 - 29 - Neh. 9:14. ’ 8*20:9,11. Deut^’ 
 J . i, i, ^3:14. tProv. 20:4. u 10:3. Num 14 11 20 12 2 Km»c i-j! 
 
 9VVs 8 yi3l J ,S K7 i lh , !b Jer I 4:1 L ?- 
 
 ■ 1 - 1 . Is. 58 . 13 , 14 . bz. 20 , 12 . y Luke 23 :o 6 . z Lev. 23 : 3 . D*ut. 5 : 12 — 14 «Heb. 
 
 sabbath, therefore he give.th you on the sixth day 
 the bread of two days : ^abide ye every man : r 
 his place, let no man go out of his place on the 
 seventh day. 
 
 30 So the people ’rested on the seventh day. 
 
 .i 31 4 n A ^ ie house of Israel "called the name- 
 thereof Manna : b and it was like coriander-seed 
 white: an< ^ l he taste of it was like wafers made 
 with honey. 
 
 32 H And Moses said, This is the thing whir., 
 the Lord commandeth, "Fill an omer of It to be 
 kept for your generations ; that they may see the 
 bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, 
 when I brought you forth from the land of Egvpt. 
 
 33 And Moses said unto Aaron, d Take a 'pot 
 
 and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay 
 it up before the Lord, to be kept for your vene- 
 rations. • 
 
 . .34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron 
 laid it up before the "testimony, to be kept. 
 
 35 And the children of Israel did eat manna 
 u° rty /? ars > gimtil the y came t0 a land inhabited • 
 they did eat manna, until they came unto ''the 
 borders of the land of Canaan. 
 
 36 Now 'an omer is the tenth part of an ephah. 
 
 posed, that they were appointed to superintend the distribu- 
 tion, and wanted his directions in the present case: and Ihis 
 gave lum the opportunity of more fully stating to them, and 
 by ‘ l"! 1 t0 * e people, the obligation of keeping the sabbath 
 as a holy rest unto the Lord. — In whatever way they chose 
 to prepare the manna, they might use what they wanted on 
 that day, and reserve the remainder for the morrow: and it 
 
 thevlerefn^s? Iff 1 but iC , is ? enerall y thought, that 
 they were forbidden to bake or seethe it on the sabbath-day • 
 though the language used does not necessarily imply this — 
 It is remarkable, that three miracles were wrought, every 
 
 'Zfthr awT ° f th m sab , batb ’ even b . e f° re ‘he promulgation 
 llW® the q uan tity fell the day before; 
 kent fn^tWd® Sab ^’ day i nor did that stink which they 
 kept for that day This confirms the opinion, that the insti- 
 tution of the sabbath was from the beginning. Indeed the 
 whole narrative implies, that reference was made to an insti- 
 a ‘ ‘? n , bef hr e known, but not properly remembered or re- 
 garded; and not to any new law given on the occasion 
 Neither the inquiry of the elders, nor the language of Moses 
 Ca v b ?« CO an Ste m y lnter P re ‘ ed of an entirely new institution! 
 
 , P, , . dhe People had murmured against Moses and 
 against God, in Egypt, at the Red Sea, at Marah, and before 
 the manna was sent ; which implied a rebellious and refrac- 
 tory spirit: when foroidden to hoard the manna, they dis- 
 ° b , uyed; and a S aln ' " hen forbidden to go out for manna on the 
 sabbath they went out. After all the miracles of mercy 
 which they had experienced, this was exceedingly ungrateful 
 
 , a n , "!h!! 0V ° f ln? ’ and i tbe L ? rd shar ply rebuked their conduct, 
 in thus refusing to keep his commandments and laws, as 
 J,T nM n0Wn M ° ses -— Th e extraordinary circumstance of 
 
 nmnf of .h Ua f ^>° f j manna 0 ". the S ' Xth da y> was a sufficient 
 ' [ ‘ h , e L, r , I ds determination to enforce the hallowing of 
 
 he sabbath This was originally instituted when creation 
 was finished: (Note, Gen. 2:3.) but as the posterity of fallen 
 Adam, being generally sunk into idolatry, entirety: neglected 
 to observe it; the God of Abraham, as a special favour, had 
 
 fmXt 'he deb . cendan ‘ s of that patriarch the Sabbath, that it 
 mght be a day of holy rest unto them. They must not 
 
 (msinesif Thh tbelr !? abltat,ons on ‘hat day for any secular 
 iL.l l , h e for the P resent Proved sufficient to induce 
 ffished? 6 ° bSerVe lt ’ th ° Ush the ofrenders were not p„- 
 
 3 '!' e s l? a P e °f ‘he manna was like coriander-seed 
 ; s h ’ ™" nd t nd small i “ was white; and its taste resem- 
 
 whieh b w f f akeS m ! Xed Up Wlth a sma ’l Quantity of honey, 
 which were frequently used in those days.— It had also at 
 
 ivve S et^il G1 wtt m - S ° me particular wa y» the flavou^ of 
 sweet oil, which was in great request and use amon^ the 
 
 fhat^t'was \ Num ' II; G — 8.) We may therefore conclude 
 that it was a very pleasant substitute for bread, and very 
 
 0?e Jews S t ; h^°? had h all h * St0ry itsalf , confutes ‘he tradition of 
 
 mg SSrcm ° f Pleasar,t flaV0,lrs ’ accord - 
 
 givln 3 t 2 ili 3 the ark S of R toe Pr ° bab,e that ,. ,his direction was not 
 gnen till the ark of the covenant, the testimony of God’s 
 
 gracious presence with Israel, was made, and placed in the 
 holy of holies The apostle informs us! (accordm- to ffie 
 Septuagmt,) that the pot in which the manna was preserved 
 ,, 1 * e »‘her sacred vessels, was made of gold.-Thus by mira’ 
 cle, lhe manna, which was dissolved by the sim^not 
 gathered, an d when kept in distrust, stank in one ni»ht, was 
 
 preserved pure from genera *ion to generation ’ 
 
 Vol. I U) 
 
 4:9. a See on 15. b Num. 11:6,7. Cant. 2:3. cPt 10312 lrvs-q m.,: 
 Luke 22:19. H e b. 2:1. dHeb.9:4. e 25:16,21. 27:21 30-6 36 31 18 38-21* 
 
 78-24*25 ^ “Ehn f L Nl c n lb 33: K 8 N* Deut - 8:2 - 3 - Neh.9:15;20;2L S fI; 
 i 16 32 33 J h 6,30 “ 53 - 6 Josh. 5:12. h Num. 33:48-50. Deut. 1:8. 34:1—4 
 
 V. 35, 3b. As Moses lived till a great part of the fortieth 
 year was past, when Israel was encamped in the plains of 
 Moab ; there is no reason to say, that the thirty-fifth verse 
 was added after his decease.— An ephah was something more 
 than seven gallons of our measure, and less than our bushel. 
 1 he manna was a type of Christ, provided by God, and given 
 to sinners, who must otherwise have inevitably perished, who 
 were altogether undeserving of such a gift, and prone to 
 despise and undervalue it. The careless multitude under- 
 go .a? 1 - what this heavenly manna is, or what use to make 
 of it, till instructed that it is the Bread which the Lord 
 hath given them. The hypocrite retains the doctrine as a 
 notion, which corrupts, and produces pride and vain confi- 
 dence. The true Christian, having an appetite for this 
 heavenly provision, seeks it diligently and early, day by day 
 labours for it, though it is the gift of God ; and ‘feeds upon it 
 m his heart by faith with thanksgiving,’ by which his soul 
 acquires health and vigour, and he becomes strong to lalaiur 
 and to fight with his enemies.— There is a sufficiency in this 
 provision for the whole congregation of Israel, but nothin-* 
 over for any one. We must have it fresh, and feed upon it 
 daily, to the end of our journey to the heavenly Canaan ; and 
 though it appear to some light bread, it will hold out to the 
 end: that is, we must by faith receive from Christ, as the 
 purchase of his sacrifice, pardon and peace, grace and 
 strength, every day till we come to heaven. And though we 
 now seem to gather a double portion on the sabbath-dav ■ 
 yet, when we keep the heavenly Sabbath, we shall not need’ 
 to gather any more, nor will the stock we have acquired anv 
 more corrupt ; but in that holy of holies it will endure for ever 
 as provision for our souls, to the glory of our God. ’ 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 , V - 1- T 12 - Changes are prepared for us in this world: we 
 should therefore prepare for them, and be ready to endure 
 hardship, and to exercise faith, patience, and self-denial, 
 whenever called to it. But, before we severely censure 
 others, we ought to put “ our souls in their souls’ stead ” 
 We may easily condemn the Israelites: but perhaps we do 
 not readily suspect, that we also should distrust, despond, anu 
 murmur, if proved by far less trials, and left to ourselves : ner 
 do we sufficiently regard their conduct as an intended picture 
 of human nature ; and their history, as that of the human 
 heart under the varying dispensations of Providence In 
 whatever situation we are placed, we are prone to under- 
 value our mercies, to aggravate our troubles, and to compare 
 the unfavourable side of our present circumstances with the 
 favourable side of some former, or some, imaginary situation • 
 and in this way we are perversely ingenious in rendering our- 
 selves discontented and unthankful; and are ever wishing for 
 some change, yet ever seemiDg to change for the wors°e — 
 When ashamed to reflect directly upon God, we are apt to 
 vent our impatience in complaints against the instruments 
 or mere occasions, of our uneasiness ; not aware that our 
 murmunngs are against the Lord himself. It behooves us 
 therefore, to watch and pray against this rebellious, unthank- 
 ful spirit, the offspring of pride and unbelief; that, confiding 
 m the wisdom of God, and conscious of our own unworthi- 
 ness, we may learn contentment: and if plain and sharp 
 reproofs humble and quiet us, they are valuable advantages. 
 But the Lord is s ow to anger,” and mercifully considered! 
 our frame; and he knows how hard we find it to bear rr'ui 
 want without impatience, and to believe his word in direct 
 opposition to every appearance of probability He therefore 
 
 ( 145 ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The people want water, chide with Moses, and tempt the Lord , 1,2; Moses 
 ez/iostuialeu with them, and complains to God; and , at his command , smites 
 the rock in Horeb , which pours out water , 3 — 6 ; the place is named Massah, 
 and Meribah , 7. Amalek assaults Israel , and z'» overcome by Joshua, while 
 Moses holds up hie hands wi'h the rod oj God , 8—13. Amalek is doomed 
 to destruction : and Moses builds an altar , called JEHOVAII-NTSSI , 
 14—16. 
 
 A ND all the congregation of the children of 
 Israel journeyed from the wilderness of a Sin, 
 after their journeys, according to the command- 
 ment of the Lord, and pitched in b Rephidim : and 
 there was no water for the people to drink. 
 
 2 Wherefore c the people did chide with Moses, 
 and said, d Give us water that we may drink. And 
 Moses sa ; d unto them, Why chide ye with me ? 
 Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord: 
 
 3 And the people thirsted there for water ; and 
 
 a 16:1. Num. 33:12 — 14. b8. 19:2. c 5:21. 14:11,12. 15:24. 16:2,3. Num. 11:4— 
 6. 14:2.20:3—5.21:5. (1 Gen . 30:1 ,2. 1 Sam. 8:6. Luke 15:12. e 1. Num. 14: 
 22. Deni. 6:16. Ps. 78: 18, 41, 56. 95:9. 106:14. Is. 7:12. Mai. 3:15. Mali. 4:7. 16: 
 1—3 Luke 4:12. Acts 5:9. 15:10. 1 Cor. 10:9. Heb. 3:9. f See on 16:3. gI4: 
 15. 15:25. Num. 11:11. h Num. 14:10. 16:19. 1 Sam. 30:6. John 8:59. 10:31. 
 
 frequently shows us his glory, and proves our obedience by 
 supplying our wants, and exceeding our expectations ; and 
 this tends, for the future, to deprive us of all plausible pre- 
 tence of saying, that we want encouragement to trust and 
 serve him. 
 
 V. 13 — 21. The Lord could, at all times, supply his peo- 
 ple with superfluities, and in some cases he does so: but, in 
 general, he sees it best for them to have only things neces- 
 sary, and that from day to day ; and he constrains most of 
 them to expect their support from him on the morrow, that 
 they may see the glory of his power, and taste the sweetness 
 of his truth and love, in their daily bread. If our faith were 
 strong, we should sleep no worse, though like Israel we went 
 to rest night afler night, without one morsel in the house for 
 the next day ; or any other prospect of obtaining it, except 
 confidence in him, who as u a Father, knoweth what things 
 we have need of.” Yet we must “ labour even for the meat 
 that perisheth,” in subordination to our labouring for that 
 44 which endureth unto everlasting life though both are the 
 gift of God : and it is the Lord’s will, that the poor should be 
 liberal of their little, as well as the rich out of their abundance. 
 But whether we have much or little, that which is hoarded 
 in covetousness and distrust, corrupts, breeds worms, and 
 stinks; and that alone is useful, which supplies our wants 
 and relieves the necessities of others. 
 
 V. 22 — 36. Whatever diligence we use in worldly business 
 on other days, we are to consider the sabbath as the Lord’s 
 gift to us ; and should previously contrive every thing, even in 
 reject of our food, in that manner which may best render it a 
 day of holy rest from worldly business, and in spiritual employ- 
 ments ; and he will take care that we shall eventually be no 
 losers by so doing. — But there is in us, by nature, a spirit of 
 perverseness, which takes pleasure in acting contrary to the 
 Lord’s commands : and by our conduct, as it were, declar- 
 ing, that we will not submit to him : nor can we be his 
 true servants, unless this proud self-will be mortified and sub- 
 dued. — Whatever Providence in any honest way allots us, we 
 should consider as “the bread which the Lord giveth us to 
 eat,” and be thankful and contented with it. — But, if we can- 
 not merit our bodily food, what claim can we have to that 
 44 Bread which came down from heaven, to give life to our 
 souls ?” ( Notes , John 6:22 — 58.) Let us then with thankful 
 hearts, early and diligently go forth to gather this heavenly 
 provision, and joyfully feed upon it ; let us seek earnestly 
 for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to turn all our knowledge of 
 the doctrine of Christ crucified into spiritual nourishment for 
 our souls by faith and love ; that we may not rest in barren 
 notions, feed on worldly vanities, or satisfy ourselves with 
 former supposed experiences ; but, living upon this Bread 
 from day to day, in attendance on all the means of grace, we 
 shall show that our souls are nourished in all holiness, and 
 fitted for unreserved obedience. And thus also, edifying 
 others by the way, we shall in due time arrive at the heavenly 
 •Canaan, there to feast for ever on the rich provisions of our 
 Father’s house above. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVII. V. 1, 2. There are other 
 intermediate stages mentioned in Numbers; ( Marg . Ref. a.) 
 out here the sacred historian pointed out such places alone 
 as were on some account made remarkable. — “ The com- 
 mandment of the Lord,” respecting the journeys of the people, 
 was made known by the moving of the pillar. They were, 
 however, still disposed, after all they had* seen and heard, 
 even while marching under this guidance, and living upon the 
 manna, on every new trial, to forget God, and to speak and act 
 as if they thought, that Moses and Aaron had of themselves 
 brought them out of Egypt i Thus they 41 tempted the Lord;” 
 hey put his omniscience and omnipotence to the trial ; and 
 nehaved as if they would tempt him to take vengeance on 
 them, or to leave them to the consequences of their perverse- 
 ness and unbelief; or as if they would presumptuously pre- 
 scribe to him, or limit him, and put if to the proof, whether 
 he could perforin their requirements or not ; being disposed 
 ■to reject his authority, and refuse to believe that lie was 
 among them, if he did not. (Marg. Rtf. e.) 
 
 ( 146 ) 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 the people murmured against Moses, and said, 
 Wherefore is this that ' thou hast brought us up 
 out of Egypt, to kill us and our children, and our 
 cattle, with thirst? 
 
 4 And Moses scried unto the Lord, saying, 
 What shall I do unto this people ? They be h almost 
 ready to stone me. 
 
 5 And Hie Lord said unto Moses, ’Go on before 
 the people, and take with thee of the elders of 
 Israel : and k thy rod, wherewitli thou smotest the 
 river, take in thine hand, and go. 
 
 6 Behold, ‘I will stand before ..thee there upon 
 the roc.k m in -Horeb ; “and thou shalt smite the 
 rock, and there shall come water out of it, “that the 
 people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight 
 of the elders of Israel. 
 
 Acts 7:59. 14:19. iEz.2:6. Acts 20:23,24. k7:I9,20. Num. 20:8. 1 16:40. 
 
 tn3:l — 5. n Num. 20:9 — 11. Deut. 8:15. Neh.9:l5. Ps. 78: 15,10,20. 105:41. 
 114:8. Is. 48:21. 1 Cor. 10:4. oPs.46:4. Is. 41:17,18. 43;19.2u. John 4: 10,14. 
 
 7:37,38. Rev. 22:17. 
 
 V. 3, 4. When the people wanted water, they immedi- 
 ately showed great impatience and bitterness of spirit ; but, 
 when left for a while to experience the distress of unallayed 
 thirst, in order to make them sensible of their entire depend- 
 ence on God, and to prepare them to receive the miraculous 
 supply intended, with the greater admiration of his power and 
 goodness, they became so outrageous, that they were ready 
 to stone Moses, in a popular tumult, as the author of their 
 calamity, which they supposed would end in the destruction 
 of the whole multitude ! But he, in the meekness and confi- 
 dence of faith, stated the case before the Lord, and calmly 
 sought his direction, assured of his seasonable and effectual 
 interposition. 
 
 V. 5, 6. It is observable, that each of the several extra- 
 ordinary interpositions of the Lord, in behalf of Israel, was 
 preceded by some remarkable discovery of their ungrate- 
 ful and rebellious disposition ; and this served exceedingly to 
 illustrate the riches of his unmerited mercy towards them. — 
 Instead of commanding Moses to lift up his rod, and call for 
 some dreadful plague, like those inflicted on Egypt, destroy 
 the ringleaders of this tumult, and dismay the rest, God di- 
 rected him to take, as his attendants, some of the elders ol 
 Israel, to be eye-witnesses of the miracle about to be wrought, 
 which the people could only behold afar oii'; and also the 
 rod with which the Nile had been smitten, when its waters 
 became blood ; and at mount Horeb, which lay at some dis- 
 tance, he and the elders should see the visible glory of God 
 from the cloud, resting on one particular rock, which he must 
 smite with the rod ; and then water would burst from it, 
 sufficient for the necessities of the people. — An immense 
 quantity of water would be required for so large a multitude, 
 and for their flocks and herds, even in one day : but we have 
 reason to conclude that this water followed them as a river 
 in the wilderness from place to place, for a long time ; and 
 some think that it continued afterwards to water those parts 
 of the desert. — The apostle calls this w ater 44 spiritual drink,” 
 as the emblem of spiritual blessings ; and he says, 44 that Rock 
 was Christ;” that is, a type of him; and this should direct 
 our interpretation of the passage. (Note, 1 Cor. 10:1 — 5.) 
 It is also observable, that God is never in Scripture called a 
 Rock, till after this event, but afterwards the expression often 
 occurs. A rock is indeed firm and unshaken, as a foundation 
 on which to build: but from a rock of flint, as this was, w-e 
 might sooner expect fire than water : and thus Christ is a tried 
 Foundation of immoveable power and stabili-y ; but sinners 
 had more reason to expect vengeance than happiness from 
 him. The rock must be smitten by the rod of Moses, the 
 giver of the law, even that rod by which the \ lagnes were 
 inflicted upon Egypt: thus Christ was made under the law, 
 and bore its righteous curse, even that punishment w hich our 
 sins deserved. The rock was smitten by Moses, nt the 
 Lord’s command, once , in the presence of the elders of Israel, 
 the people who were then full of rebellion, beholding at a dis- 
 tance^ while the symbol of the Lord’s presence and glory 
 rested upon it : and thus Christ was crucified by the demand 
 of the rebellious Jewish elders, the whole multitude consent- 
 ing to his death, once for all, and by man’s instrumentality , 
 but by his determinate purpose, who said, 44 Awake, O swoid, 
 against my Shepherd, against the Man who is my Fellow, 
 saith the Lord of Hosts: smite the Shepherd ( Zech . 13: 
 
 7.) while evident tokens of divine majesty attended his cruci- 
 fixion and death. (Matt. 27:45 — 54.) After the rock was 
 smitten, the waters flowed forth abundantly, without which 
 supply Israel must have perished: and thus after Christ’s 
 crucifixion, resurrection, ascension, and intercession, the Holy 
 Spirit, in all his humbling, sanctifying, and comforting influ- 
 ences, as well as in his manifold gifts and operations, was 
 abundantly communicated. For this seems to have been 
 especially meant, though all the blessings of salvation are 
 included. — Immense as the congregation of 1 m ad was, there 
 was water enough for them all, and a co» uant, abundant 
 supply ; and numerous as believers are, the Spirit of Christ 
 siithces amply ; yea, thole s so large and inexhaustible a 
 fulness in linn that millions of millions might drink ntu 1 W 
 
 exodus. 
 
JJ. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 7 And lie called the name of the place 'Massah 
 and ’Meribah, because of the '’chiding of the 
 children of Israel, and because ‘•they tempted 
 the Loud, saying, r Is the Lord among us, or 
 not? 
 
 8 H Then came “Amalek, and fought with Israel 
 in Rephidim. 
 
 9 And Moses said ‘unto hJoshua, “Choose us 
 ut men, and go out, fight with Amalek : to-mor- 
 ow I will stand on the top of the hill, with “the 
 
 rod of God in mine hand. 
 
 10 So >' Joshua did as Moses had said to him, 
 and fought with Amalek : z and Moses, Aaron, and 
 Hur went up to the top of the hill. 
 
 11 And it came to pass when b Moses held up 
 his hand, that Israel prevailed : and when he let 
 down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 
 
 12 But Moses’s 'hands were heavy, and they 
 took a stone and put it under him, and he sat 
 thereon : and Aaron and Hur ‘'stayed up his hands 
 the one on the one side, and the other on tin 
 other side; and his hands were steady until the 
 going down of the sun. 
 
 13 And “Joshua discomfited Amalek and his 
 people with the edge of the sword. 
 
 14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write thi 
 for a ‘memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the 
 ears of Joshua : efor I will utterly put out h the 
 remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. 
 
 15 And Moses built an altar, and called the 
 name of it §Jehovah-nissi. 
 
 16 Por he said, 'JBecause ’’the Lord hath sworn 
 that the Lord ‘ will have war with Amalek from 
 generation to generation. 
 
 • Th«t IS, Temprnti: n. Deut. 9:22. • t That is, Chiding or Strife. Ps.81:7. 
 pSreon'l. q ] s. 95:8. Heb. 3:8,9. r 34:9. Dent. 31:17. Josh. 22:31. Is. 12: 
 6. Mic 3:11. John 1:14. Acts 7:37— 39. s lien. 36:12,16. 1 Sam. 30:1. Pa. 
 83:7. t 13. 24:13. Num. 11:28. 13;16. Oshea. Jehoshua. I'eut. 32:44. Hoshea. 
 } Called Jesus. Acts 7:45. Heb.4:8. u Num. 31:3,4. x 4:2,20. vjosh. 11:15. 
 Matt. 28:20. John 2:5. 15:14. i!. a 12. 24:14. b Ps. 56:9. Luke 18:1. 1 Tim 
 2:8. Jam. 5:16. c Mall. 26:40— 45. Matk 14:37— 40. Eph. 6:18 Col. 4:2. d Is’ 
 
 35:3.2cm-. 1U1. Phil. 1:,9. 1 The».6:25. Heb. 12:12. Jam. 1:6. e Josh. 10:28 
 32 37,42. 11:12 '120 4. 13:9. 34:27. Deut.31:9. Josh. 4:7. Job 19:23. Hah. 2: 
 
 2,3. gN.un. 24:20. Deut. 25:17— 19. 1 Sam. 1.5:2,3,8,18. 27:8,9. 2 Sam 113 
 — 16. 1 Chr. 4:43. h Job 18:17. Ps. 9:6. Prov. 10:7. § Thalia, 7V LORDrny 
 Oanner. Gen. 22:14 33:211. Juclg. 6:24. Ez. 48.35. | Or, because Me hand of 
 
 Amalek is against the throne of the LORD, therefore, &c. 11 The han't upon the 
 throne of the LORD. Is. 66:1. Acts 7:49. iPs.21:8— 11. 
 
 satisfied, if so many were athirst for these living waters. The 
 water flowed from the rock in streams to refresh the wilder- 
 ness, and attended the people on their way to Canaan : and 
 the water typified by it flows from Christ through his ordi- 
 nances, in the barren wilderness of this world, to refresh our 
 souls, and to purify and fructify them, until we come to glory. 
 Multitudes, however, who drank of the water whicli flowed 
 from the rock, perished in the wilderness : but “ whosoever 
 drinketh of the Water which Christ shall give him, it shall be 
 in him a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.” 
 (Note, John 4:10—15.) 
 
 V. 7. The place, before called Rephidim, was afterwards, 
 from the misconduct of the people, generally called Massah 
 and Meribah, or Temptation and Chiding; for they had there 
 chided with Moses, and tempted the Lord. 
 
 Y- 8— 1 3. It is generally taken for grant ed, that the Ama- 
 lekites were descended from Esau : yet there is no proof at 
 all of this, except that Eliphaz, the son of Esau, had a son 
 called Amalek, who probably was his youngest* on ; and this 
 seems by no means a conclusive argument. (Note, Gen. 3fi • 
 32. ) T he Amalekites, however, were not included among 
 the nations whose land was granted to Israel, nor had they re- 
 ceived any injury from them : yet, whether from enmity or 
 policy, they attacked them unexpectedly, and smote some of 
 the people, who were feeble, and followed the camp at a dis- 
 tance ; (Deut. 25:18.) and in other respects they showed a 
 determination to wage war with them. Accordingly Joshua, 
 (or Oshea, Note, Num. 13:16.) who already was an eminent 
 person, was directed to choose a company of warlike men, and 
 give battle to Amalek; while Moses would place himself on 
 a hill, within sight of the combatants, lifting up the rod of 
 God, which had been the token of so many miracles, wrought 
 for Israel and against their enemies. No doubt Moses, 
 Aaron, and Hur, (whom some conjecture to have been the 
 husband of Miriam, ) united their earnest prayers ; and Moses 
 especially was Israel’s ty.iica! intercessor and mediator ; yet 
 the holding up of his.handt, (probably first one and then the 
 other,) with the rod of God, must chiefly be considered as an 
 avowed dependence, not on human valour, but on the power 
 of Jehovah, for victory. Thus, so long as Moses was able 
 to hold up the rod, Israel prevailed ; but when his hand droop- 
 ed, then Amalek prevailed : yet, by proper assistance, he was 
 enabled to hold it up till sunset, by which time Joshua had 
 obtained a complete victory. Perhaps Amalek was the name 
 of the king, as well as of the people ; or the Amalekites were 
 aided by allies, or dependents.— This transaction tended to 
 show the nature and efficacy of faith, and the prevalence of 
 prayer ; and typified Christ’s effectual intercession for his 
 disciples in all their conflicts. — The people had just before 
 quarrelled with Moses, as if he had meant to kill them ; but 
 he was now honoured by holding up the rod of God, the token 
 of their deliverance and triumph. 
 
 V. 14. This is the first time that writing is mentioned in 
 fecripture ; though it is generally thought that Moses had be- 
 fore this time written the book of Genesis. Some however 
 imagine, that even this direction was given after the law had 
 been delivered from mount Sinai : for they consider alphabeti- 
 cal writing, not so much a human invention, as a divinely 
 appointed method of perpetuating revealed truth. They 
 therefore are of opinion, that the law, written by God himself 
 on the tables of stone, was the first alphabetical writing in 
 the world ; and that Moses was afterwards instructed in 
 writing his books. Yet this is only conjeclure, no intimation 
 ol the kind being given in Scripture : but it may be stated 
 ujore confidently, that the command given to Moses, first to 
 \ rite this account in a book, and then to rehearse it in the 
 ears of Joshua, is an internal evidence that Moses wrote this 
 history himself, and gave it to Joshua in that form before his 
 death. As Joshua was chosen to command in the wars of 
 srael, it was proper that he should he informed of this sen- 
 »nce, that he might embrace every opportunity of executing 
 
 it, and enjoin the same conduct to his successors: yet it was 
 not accomplished till the reign of David, after whose time we 
 seldom read of the name of Amalek. 
 
 /n a book.] Et? fiiphtov, Sept. Billion, the word from which 
 Bible is taken. 
 
 V. 15,16. Moses ascribed the victory to Jehovah’s ban- 
 ner, under which Israel fought ; and he gave him the glory of 
 it, and considered it as an earnest of many subsequent victo- 
 ries. This is the first altar that we read of since Jacob went 
 down into Egypt ; and it does not appear that public sacri- 
 fices to Jehovah had been offered during the intervening 
 period. This altar, however, was not intended for sacrifices, 
 but as an additional memorial of God’s purpose concerning 
 Amalek. — The expression translated “The Lord hath 
 sworn,” is variously interpreted : for some think it refers to an 
 ancient method of taking a solemn oath, by laying hold on the 
 throne, or tribunal, 'according to one of the marginal render- 
 ings, “ The hand upon the throne of the Lord :” but others 
 consider it as stating the reason of this denounced extirpa'ing 
 war, “ Because the hand of Amalek is against the throne f 
 the Lord.” According to this latter marginal rendering, 
 Jehovah had fixed his throne in Israel, and shown his glo- 
 rious power and majesty in bringing him out of Egypt: vet 
 Amalek, unprovoked, had attacked this throne of the Lord, 
 who therefore determined to take signal vengeance on him, 
 for an example to all future generations. 
 
 practical observations. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. When we are walking according to the com- 
 mandments of the Lord, we may surely depend on him to 
 supply our real wants, in his own time and manner; hut vie 
 must expect trials, and learn to exercise patience as well as 
 faith. Inordinate and impatient thirsting, even for needful 
 things, puts the mind into a ferment ; renders us forgetful of 
 the power and goodness of the Lord, when we have most 
 abundantly experienced them ; 'and disposes us to quarrel 
 with our best friends, and even presumptuously to tempt, dis- 
 trust, and prescribe to God himself. — They who endeavour to 
 do important good to others, must expect much unreasonable 
 and ungrateful behaviour; and not only to be reproached, but 
 exposed to danger, for their best services: they need there- 
 fore to be well armed with patience, prudence, and meekness ; 
 and to have constant and near communion with God, that they 
 may spread every case before him, and seek from him gm- 
 .dance, comfort, and protection. — The Lord will honour those 
 who behave thus in trying circumstances, in the presence of 
 their despisers, and perhaps make them instruments of their 
 preservation.— When Moses, with the rod, so often the token 
 of vengeance on Egypt, smote the rock to bring forth water 
 for Israel, after all their base rebellions, how powerfully did 
 he teach them “not to be overcome of evil, but to overcome 
 evil with good 1” But this was far more emphatically en- 
 forced, when “ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, 
 being made a curse for us,” who might justly have sunk under 
 that wrath, which the glorious Son of God willingly endured 
 in our stead! — From this smitten Rock flow the streams of 
 salvation, which follow us through the wilderness. Thence 
 the believing soul receives in measure answerable, not only 
 to his necessities, but to his largest expectations; while a.1 
 who “ are athirst,” yea, “ all that will, are invited to come, 
 and take of them freely.”— Indeed “ where sin hath abound- 
 ed, grace much more abounds.”- The Lord often meets the 
 sinner with his converting grace, at the moment when it 
 might have been expected that he would have made him an 
 example of his vengeance; and the believer is sometimes sur- 
 prised with the sweetest consolations, when most overwhelm- 
 ed with a sense of his own unworthiness! — Yet this gracious 
 Lord abhors iniquity: and, while he pardons sin, and blesses 
 penitent sinners, he still shows his abhorrence of their crimes, 
 and takes effectual methods, that they shall remember, fo* 
 their humiliation, how they have tempted tnd prov oked hitn.- 
 But, happy are his peop.e 1 They can never w .nt, when He 
 
 ( 147 ) 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 E. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Jethro brings to Mo j s fits wife and sons, 1—6. Moses entertains him ; and 
 relates the l. uni’s foodness to Israel, 7,8. Jethro rejoices, blesses God, 
 and offers sacrifice* , 9—12. He °ives good counsel to Moses , and Moses 
 acts according to it , 13—26. He departs from Moses, 27. 
 
 ATCHEN “Jethro, the priestof Midian, Moses’s 
 \ V father-in-law, b heard of all that c God had 
 'done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and 
 that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt; 
 
 2 Then Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, took 
 'Zipporah Moses’s wife, after he had sent her 
 back; 
 
 3 And her * two sons, of which the name of the 
 one was 'Gershom, (for he said, I have been an 
 alien in a strange land ;) 
 
 4 And the name of the other was 'Eliezer, (for 
 the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and 
 ^delivered me, from the sword of Pharaoh :) 
 
 5 And Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, came with 
 his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilder- 
 ness, where he encamped at the b mount of God. 
 
 6 And he said unto Moses, I, thy father-in-law 
 Jethro, am come unto thee, and thy wife and her 
 two sons with her. 
 
 7 And Moses ‘went out to meet his father-in- 
 law, and k did obeisance, and 'kissed him, and they 
 asked each other of their twelfare : and they came 
 into the tent. 
 
 8 And Moses m told his father-in-law all that 
 ‘he Lord had done unto Pharaoh, and to the 
 Egyptians for Israel’s sake , " and all the travail that 
 had §come upon them by the way, and how “the 
 Lord delivered them. 
 
 9 And Jethro '’rejoiced for all the goodness 
 which the Lord had done to Israel ; whom he had 
 delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. 
 
 u 2:16,21. 8:1. 4:18. Nnm. 10:29. Jude. 4:11. bPs.34:2. 44:1. 78:4. Jer.33:9. 
 Zech. 8:23. Hal. 1:23,24. c Acts 7:33,36. 14.27. 15:12. 21:19,20. Rom. 15:18. 
 :17— 15: Josh. 2:10. 9:9. Neh. 9:1(1,11 . I's. 77: 14,15. 78:50— 53. 105:36—41. 106: 
 6—11.136:10—16. Is. 63:11— 13. e 2:21 . 4:25.26. f lets 7:29. * That is, A 
 
 stranger there. 2:22. Ps. 30:12. Heb. 11:13. 1 Pet. 2: 11. t Thai is, A/y Obits 
 an Help. Ps 43:1. Is. 50:7— 9. Heb. 13:6. »2:15. Ps. 18: title. AS. 34:4. Dan. 
 6:22. Acts 12:11 . 2 Cor. 1:8— 10. 2 Tim. 4:17. h 3:1,12. 19:11.20 . 24:16,17. 
 
 1 lvm»s 19:8. i Gen. 46:29. Num. 22:36. Judg. 11:34. Acts 28:15. It Gen. 18:2. 
 19:1/33:3-7. IGen. 29:13. 31:28. 45:15. Ps.2:12. Luke 7:45. Acts 20:37. 
 t Heb. pence. Gen. -13 27. 2. Sam. 11:7. margins, m Seeon\. Neh. 9:9 — 15. Ps. 
 66:16. 71:17 — 20. 105:1,2.145:4—12. n 15:22— 24. 16:3. 17:2. § Heb. found 
 
 them. Gen. 44:34. Nuin. 20:14. Neh. 9:32. margins . o Ps. 78:42. 106:10. 107: 
 •2. p Is. 44:23. 66:10. Horn. 12:10,15. 1 Cor. 12:26. q Gen. 14:20. 2 Sam. 18: 
 29. I Kings 8:15. Ps. 41:13. 106:47,48. Luke 1:68. Eph. 1:3. 1 Thes. 3:9. 1 Put. 
 
 who commanded food from the clouds, and sent water from 
 the rock, engages to provide. — Let us then ask and receive, 
 and drink, and rejoice, and live for ever. 
 
 V. 8 — 16. We should expect that our enemies will es- 
 pecially assault us, when drinking most abundantly from the 
 living streams of salvation : these will, however, prepare us 
 for the conflict ; and fighting under the Lord our Banner , we 
 shall finally prevail, and give him the glory. — We may also 
 observe that some men are useful in one way, and some in 
 another; but none are so serviceable as they who serve the 
 public by the fervent, persevering prayers of faith. Little do 
 statesmen in the cabinet, or commanders in the field, under- 
 stand, how much the success of their deliberations and efforts 
 is influenced by the prayers of the true Christian in his closet, 
 in his family, and in the house of God ! — But alas ! how soon 
 we flag in those spiritual exercises, even sooner than the 
 soldier wearies in the field of battle ! and we have need to be 
 supported and animated by each other; but especially we 
 need continual assistance from the Lord, that “ we may pray 
 always and not faint.” — Oh! what cause have they to trem- 
 ble, who have not only the sword of an enemy, but the prayers 
 of God's people, and the memorials of his word, against 
 them ! — Nor let it be ever forgotten, that the complete salva- 
 tion of the righteous is inseparable from the entire destruction 
 of the wicked. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVIII. V. 1 — 5. It is generally sup- 
 posed, that Moses sent Zipporah to Jethro, when the Lord 
 met him by the way in anger, because he had neglected to 
 circumcise his son. (iVote, 4:24 — 26.) The dangers and 
 difficulties to be encountered in Egypt were very great ; and 
 perhaps Moses was aware, that she did not possess adequate 
 fortitude and patience : but as soon as the Lord had brought 
 Israel firth out of Egypt, and led them near to the residence 
 of Jethro, Jethro brought Zipporah and her two sons back to 
 Moses ; doubtless according to some previous appointment. — 
 The younger son of Moses seems to have been born but a 
 short time before he set off to return into Egypt, and to have 
 been circumcised by the way, as before related. But Moses, 
 being at that time about to face the Egyptian monarch, re- 
 collected lus deliverance from the power and anger of a former 
 king of Egypt: and considering this as a pledge of his safety 
 and success in the present undertaking, he called his son 
 Elieznr, or My God is a Help , with reference to his past ex- 
 perience, and his present confidence. 
 
 V. 6—11. Jethro seems to have informed Moses, by 
 
 ( 148 ) 
 
 10 And Jethro sftid, ^Blessed he the Lord, who 
 hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egypt 
 ians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hatr 
 delivered the people from under the hand of the 
 Egyptians. 
 
 11 Now r I know that ’the Lord is greater than 
 all gods : for ‘in the thing wherein they dealt 
 “proudly, he was above them. 
 
 12 And Jethro, Moses’s father-in-law, x took a 
 burnt-offering, and sacrifices for God : and ?Aaron 
 came, and all the elders of Israel, to r eat bread 
 with Moses’s father-in-law before God. 
 
 13 H And it came to pass on the morrow, that 
 Moses “sat to judge the people : and the people 
 stood by Moses from the morning unto the eve- 
 ning. 
 
 14 And when Moses’s father-in-law saw all that 
 he did to the people, he said, What is this thing 
 that thou doest fo the people ? Why sittest thou 
 thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from 
 morning unto evening? 
 
 15 And Moses said unto his father-in-law, 
 Because the people come unto me b to inquire of 
 God. 
 
 16 When they have c a matter, they come unto 
 me, and I judge between "one and another, and 
 I do d make them know the statutes of God and 
 his laws. 
 
 17 And Moses’s father-in-law said unto him, 
 The thing that thou doest is not good. 
 
 18 ’’Thou wilt surely “wear away, both thou and 
 this people that is with thee : for this thing is too 
 heavy for thee ; f thou art not able to perform it 
 thyself alone. 
 
 19 ^Hearken now unto my voice : I will give 
 
 1:3. Rev. 5:11— 13. 19:1—6. r9:16. 1 Kings 17:24. 2 Kings 5:15. s 15:11. 
 
 1 Chr. 16:25. 2Chr.2:5. Ps.95:3. 135:5. ( 1:10,16,22. 5:2. 14:8,18. u See on 
 9:17. 10:3. 1 Sam. 2:3. Neh. 9:10,16,29. Job40:ll,I2. Dan. 4:37. Luke 1:51. 
 Jam. 4:6. 1 Pet. 5:5. x 24:5. Gen. 4:4 . 8:20. 12:7 . 26:25. 31:54. Job 1:5. 42:8. 
 y 24:11. Lev. 7:11— 17. Dent. 12:7. 27:7. 1 Chr. 29:21,22. 2Clir. 30:22. 1 Cor. 
 10:18,21,31. z 2:20. Gen. 43:25. 2Sam. 9:7. Job 42:11. Han. 10:3. Luke 14:1, 
 15. a Judg. 5:10. Job 29:7. Is. 16:5. Joel 3:12. Malt. 23:2. Rom. 12:8. 13:6. 
 b 19,20. Lev. 24:12— 14. Num. 15:34 . 27:5. c23:7. 24:14. l ent. 17:8— 12. 
 
 2Sam.l5:3. Job 31:13. Acts 18;14. 1 Cor. 6:1. || Heb. a man and Lis fellow. 2: 
 
 13. dLev. 24:15. Num. 15:35. 36:6—9. Deut.4:5. 5:1. 6:1. 1 Sam. 12:23. 
 Matt. 28:20. 1 Thes. 4:1,2. Heb. Fading thou wilt fade, e 2 Cor. 12:15. 
 Phil. 2:30. 1 Thes. 2:8,9. fNum. 11:14—17. Deut. 1:9—12. Acts6:l-4. g 24. 
 Prov. 9:9. 
 
 messengers, that he was arrived at the borders of the camp 
 and by them he thus addressed him: (Notes, Matt. 8:5 — 9. 
 Luke 7:1 — 10.) accordingly, Moses went forth without the 
 camp to meet him, and gave him a very affectionate and 
 respectful reception. — The joy and praise of Jethro, for tho 
 mercies shown by the Lord to Israel, was a remarkable con- 
 trast -to Israel’s murmurs and rebellion. He declared, that 
 his faith was greatly confirmed, and his heart encouraged in 
 worshipping the God of Israel, as distinguished from all idols, 
 by this decided victory, which Jehovah had obtained over 
 the proud and presumptuous opposition of Pharaoh and the 
 Egyptians, and over the idols of Egypt, and by the redentp 
 tion of Israel. 
 
 V. 12. The Aaronic priesthood was not yet established 
 for there seems no ground at all for the opinion of the Jewish 
 expositors, that these events occurred some time after the 
 giving of the law. It is therefore evident that Jethro, as an 
 ancient priest of tho Lord, officiated in these sacrifices, in 
 which, though not of Israel , he had fellowship with Israel : 
 and this appeared favourable to the case of the Gentiles. 
 Having offered a burnt-offering, which was wholly consumed 
 he sacrificed other sacrifices; and he and Moses and Aaron 
 with the elders of Israel, feasted together with thankfulness 
 and cheerfulness, as before God. This was a representa- 
 tion of the life of faith in Christ, and the communion of the 
 saints. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. Moses, the divinely appointed Deliverer of 
 Israel from Egyptian bondage, was of course acknowledged 
 as the Ruler, or chief Magistrate ; and, in this capacity, he 
 undertook to hear and decide all the controversies which arose 
 among the people. — Besides the various revelations, which 
 had been made in preceding ages, to Adam, Plnoch, Noah, 
 Abraham, and others, concerning the grand docl titles and 
 requirements of true religion, which had been handed down 
 by tradition to the descendants of Jacob ; no doubt Moses 
 had received much immediate instruction in these respects, 
 before the solemn promulgation of the law from Sinai, and 
 could thus answer those, who “ came to him to inquire of 
 God,” and “ make them know his statutes and laws. — Tho 
 peoplo were generally ignorant, and, we may well conclude, 
 contentious, as well as numerous ; Moses was very acces- 
 sible and meek ; and their suits were managed without 
 expense to them : and therefore they would doubtless furnish 
 him with abundance of employment. 
 
 V. 17 — 23. Tho earnestness of mind, with whir* Moso» 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX, 
 
 JB. C. 1491, 
 
 thee counsel, and h God shall be with thee. ‘Be 
 thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest 
 bring the causes unto God : 
 
 20 And thou shalt Reach them ordinances and 
 laws, and shalt show them 'the way wherein they 
 must walk, and the "“work that they must do. 
 
 21 Moreover, “thou shalt provide out of all the 
 people, “able men, Psueh as fear God, q men of 
 truth, ‘hating covetousness : and place such over 
 them, to be “rulers of thousands, and rulers of 
 hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 
 
 22 And let them judge the people ‘at all seasons : 
 and it shall be, that every “great matter they shall 
 bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall 
 judge ; so shall it be easier for thyself, and “they 
 shall bear the burden with thee. 
 
 23 If thou shalt do this thing, and rGod com- 
 mand thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, 
 ‘and all this people shall also go to their place in 
 peace. 
 
 h 3:12. 4:12. Gen. 39:2. Deut. 20:1. Josh. 1:9. 2 Sam. 14:17. Mali. 28:20. 
 i See an 15. 4:10. 20:19. Deut. 5:5. k 16. Deul. 4:1,5. 5:1. 6:1,2. 7:11. N«h. 
 9:13,14. 1 1 Sam. 12:23. Ps. 32:8. 143:8. Is. 30:21. Jer. 6:16. 42:3. Mic. 4:2. 
 1 Thes. 4:1. m Deut. 1:18. Ez.3:17. Mall. 28:20. Mark 13:31. 2 Thee. 3:6— 12. 
 n Deut. 1:13 — 17. Acts 6:3. ol Kings 3:9 — 12. Prov.28:2. p 23:2— #. Gen. 22: 
 
 12. 42.18. 2 Sam. 23:3. I Kings 18:3,12. 2Chr. 19:5-9. Neli.5:9. 7:2. Ec. 12: 
 
 13. Luke 18:2,4. q Job 29:16. Is. 16:5. 59:4,14,15. Jer. 51. Zech. 7:9. 8:16. 
 r 23:8. Deut. 16:18,19. 1 Sam. 8:3. 12:3,4. Ps. 26:9,10. Is. 33:15. Ez. 22:12. 
 
 engaged in this important work, had caused him to overlook 
 the consequences of such incessant application, which must 
 have soon worn him down, and have eventually proved inju- 
 rious to the people also ; and it did not please the Lord to 
 instruct him in this point of discretion immediately, but by the 
 counsel of a wise and pious man, and a descendant of Abra- 
 nam, though not an Israelite. — When Jethro therefore ob- 
 served his method of procedure, he ventured to object to it, 
 und to give him advice which he trusted God would approve 
 and prosper. — Let him reserve himself for such causes as 
 were more difficult ; or such as more immediately referred to 
 the ordinances and commandments of God, as far as then 
 made known to him ; and concerning which he would, by 
 divine inspiration, receive more complete instruction that he 
 might teach the people : and let him select proper persons 
 for ability, piety, integrity, and disinterestedness, in due 
 subordination to each other ; who might judge and decide 
 all those causes to which.they were competent, and only 
 refer those to Moses, which they knew not how to deter- 
 mine. (Marg. Ref. n — s.) But, in giving this wise coun- 
 sel, Jethro intimated, that Moses should refer the matter to 
 God, and only follow it in case he commanded him. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. (Notes, Deut. 1:11 — 18.) It is probable, that 
 Moses consulted the Lord on this subject ; and, by his ap- 
 pointment, carried Jethro’s counsel into effect, with the con- 
 currence of the people. (Note, Acts 6:2 — 6.) The magis- 
 trates, thus constituted over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and 
 tens, were distinct persons from the seventy elders chosen 
 on another occasion, and far more numerous. (Note, Num. 
 11:16.) Probably, this arrangement was permanent in Israel, 
 at least as far as the rulers over thousands. (Judg. 6:15. 
 marg. Mic. 5:2.) 
 
 V. 27. It is evident, that after Jethro had given this 
 counsel to Moses, and had continued some time longer with 
 him, he returned home ; where no doubt he did what he could 
 to promote true religion, and probably with considerable 
 success. (Notes, Num. 10:29 — 32.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. The report of the Lord’s power and goodness, 
 shown in behalf of Israel, having reached distant places, con- 
 firmed the faith, and excited the joy and gratitude, of those 
 who were not personally interested in these peculiar benefits: 
 and the records of the same events handed down to these 
 distant ages, should produce the same effects upon our 
 minds, that we too may be established in the faith, and 
 stirred up to trust and praise the Lord for his mercies to 
 Israel. — Husbands and wives may, on some occasions, be 
 obliged to separate for a time; but the sooner they meet 
 again, and the more they live together, the better: and 
 Clough it may be improper for the female sex to share the 
 dangers and hardships of extraordinary undertakings ; yet the 
 wife should participate in the ordinary cares, and every com- 
 fort and honour, of the husband. Nor should children be need- 
 lessly deprived of the great benefit which they may derive 
 from the instruction and example of pious and wise parents: 
 and when the people witness how well they, who are in- 
 trusted with the administration of public, affairs, and take 
 care of the church of God, regulate their own families, the 
 example will be peculiarly useful. — When we record our 
 trials, we should be sure to record our mercies also: “perse- 
 Mted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;” 
 exiles, but protected by the God of our fathers. — It is very 
 .ecoming, when persons employed in the most important 
 public services, pay a proper attention to the duties and 
 regards of private life ; and when they, who are highly 
 nonoured of God, are very humble and affable, and show 
 all respect to superior relations, and gratitude to benefac- 
 
 24 So “Moses hearkened to the voice of his 
 father-in-law, and did all that he had said. 
 
 25 And Moses b chose able men out of all Israel, 
 and made them heads over the people, rulers o> 
 thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, anti 
 rulers of tens. 
 
 26. And they judged the people c at all seasons. 
 d the hard causes they brought unto Moses, bu 
 every small matter they judged themselves. 
 
 27 And Moses “let his father-in-law depart : and 
 he went his way into his own land. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Israel arrives at mount Sinai, and encamps there , 1,2. Moses hears the 
 message of God , and delivers it to the people ; they engage to obey , and he 
 reports it to the Lord, 3 — 8. Preparations arc made , regulations prescribed, 
 and the time set , for the giving of the law, 9 — 15. The tremendous intro- 
 duction to that solemn transaction, 16 — 25. 
 
 I N “the third month, when the children of Israel 
 were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the 
 same day b came they into the wilderness of Sinai. 
 2 For they were departed from “Rephidim, and 
 
 Ads 20:33. 1 Tim. 3:3. 6:9—11. 2 Pel. 2:14, 15. sNum.l0:4. Deut. 1.15. Josh. 
 22:14. I Sam. 8:12. I 26. Rom. 13:6. u Deut. 1:17. 17:8,9. x 14. Niun.il: 
 17. y Gen. 21:10— 12. 1 Sam. 8:6,7,22. Ads 15:2. Gal. 2:2. i2Sam. 18:3. 21- 
 17, I hil. 1:24,25. a 2 — 5,19. Ezra 10:2 — 5. Prov. 1:5. 1 Cor. 12:21. b See on 
 21. Deut. 1:15. Acts 6:5. c 14,22. d See on 15,22. L'eui. 17:8. 1- Kings 3:16 — 
 28. 10:1. Job 29:16. e Gen. 24:59. 31:55. Num. 10:29. Judg. 19:9. a 12:2,6. 
 Lev. 23:16— 18. b 16:1. Num. 33:15. c 17:1. 
 
 tors. — Our meeting, from time to time, with our friends on 
 earth will be very comfortable and useful, if we converse 
 together concerning the loving-kindness and wonderful works 
 of God ; if we unite in praise and thanksgiving ; and if, by 
 sobriety, love, gratitude, and the fear of God. we turn every 
 festive interview into a religious ordinance, “a sacrifice ac- 
 ceptable, well-pleasing to the Lord.” What then will our 
 final meeting in heaven be, where the love, and joy, and 
 praise will be complete, uninterrupted, and eternal ! 
 
 V. 13 — 27. Our affectionate attention to relatives and 
 friends must not induce us to neglect our proper business ; 
 any more than the ingratitude, which we experience, should 
 render us weary of doing good. The most exalted stations, 
 if properly filled, have the heaviest work connected with 
 them : for such is human nature, that it is not only an ardu- 
 ous undertaking to restrain men from ungodliness, hut very 
 difficult to keep them from devouring one another : and they 
 who would administer justice, keep the peace, and repress 
 violence and fraud, will have enough to engross their thoughts, 
 to burden their spirits, and to occupy their time. Yet, in 
 “ doing with our might whatever our hand findeth to do,” a 
 prudent regard to our health is not only allowable, but a duty, 
 which it is not good to neglect, however well we may be em- 
 ployed: and “wisdom is profitable to direct” men in high 
 stations, what they must do themselves, and what they may 
 do by others. The Lord hath also divided his gifts severally 
 to different men ; and an impartial observer, though of inferior 
 endowments, may sometimes suggest a counsel, which the 
 wisest may very profitably attend to : yea, his wisdom will 
 dispose him to attend to it ; for “ give instruction to a wise 
 man, and he will be yet wiser ; but fools despise wisdom and 
 instruction.” Yet we must not follow the wisest counsel, 
 until we have, by attention to the Scriptures, and by prayer, 
 consulted the Lord also; who often counsels us by the ad- 
 vice of our pious friends, that we may love and be united to 
 them, as well as dependent on him, and thankful to him. — 
 Magistracy, as well as the ministry of the Gospel, is an or- 
 dinance of God : they, therefore, who are employed even in 
 the most subordinate offices of government, should be chosen 
 persons, “ able men,” of clear heads and sound judgments ; 
 and such as “ fear God,” and from a principle of genuine 
 piety, are steadily “men of truth,” of integrity and fidelity ; 
 and have learned to “ hate covetousness,” that they “ may 
 shake their hands from holding of bribes,” and administer 
 justice impartially. What then ought lawgivers, supreme 
 magistrates, and the ministers of religion to be ' Happy 
 indeed are the people, that are blessed with such rulers and 
 teachers ; “yea, blessed are the people who have the Lord 
 for their God.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. 1. Inthe third month.] Or, 
 “ on the third new moon.” The Israelites left Egypt on the 
 fifteenth day of the first month, and it is supposed that they 
 arrived at Sinai on the first day of the third month ; and, com- 
 puting by the space of time between one new moon and 
 another, which is somewhat more than twenty-nine days and 
 a half, this will appear to have been on the forty-sixth day 
 after their departure. Probably on the next day Moses went 
 up to the mount, and three days afterwards the law was 
 delivered ; that is, on the fiftieth day, on which the feast ol 
 Pentecost was held, as it is supposed, in commemoration of 
 this event. 
 
 V. 2. Rephidim could not be far from Horeb or from 
 some parts of the mountain so called ; because whco Israel 
 was encamped at Rephidim, Moses, atu tided by tl e elders, 
 and probably followed by numbers of tne people, smote a 
 rock in Horeb, which poured forth wate for them and their 
 cattle. But the assault of the Amalekites might * luse delay 
 
 ( 149 ) 
 
EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 149 j 
 
 i}. C 1491 
 
 were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched 
 in the wilderness ; and there Israel d camped before 
 the mount. 
 
 3 And Moses e went up unto God, and the Lord 
 t called unto him out of the mountain, saying, 
 Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and 
 tell the children of Israel ; 
 
 4 Ye have sseen what I did unto the Egyptians, 
 and how h I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought 
 y m unto myself. 
 
 5 Now therefore hf ye will obey my voice 
 indeed, and k keep my covenant, then ye shall be 
 'a peculiar treasure unto me above all people : for 
 m all the earth is mine. 
 
 6 And ye shall be unto me “a kingdom of 
 
 d 18:5. Acts 7:30,38. Gal. 4:24. e 20:21. 24:15—18. 34:2. Deut. 5:5.31. f 3:4. 
 e 7: — 14: Dent. 4:9,33—36. 29:2. Is. 63:9. h Dent. 32:11,12. Rev. 12:14. i 23: 
 22. 24:7. Deut. 11:27. 28:1. Josh. 24:24. 1 Sam. 15:22. Is. 1:19. Jer.7:23. 11:4— 
 7. Heb. 11:8. k Deut. 5:2. Ps. 25:10. 103:17,18. Is. 56:4. Jer. 31 :31— 33. 
 
 1 Deut. 4:20. 7:6. 14:2. 26:18. 32:9. Ps. 135:4. Jer. 10:16. Mai. 3:17. Tit. 2:14. 
 m 9:29. Deut. 10:14. Job 41:11. Ps. 24:1. 50:12. Dan. 4:34,35. 1 Cor. 10:26,28. 
 
 and so they continued encamped at Rephidim for some time 
 after the rock was smitten, before they marched to that part 
 of the mountain, generally called Sinai, from whence the law 
 was delivered. (Notes, 17:) * 
 
 V. 3. Moses went up to mount Sinai, doubtless by the 
 Lord’s command, who “had called to him out of the mountain” 
 by an audible voice, requiring him to come up, in order to 
 receive his message to the people. They were now to be 
 incorporated, as a church and nation, under the government 
 of God, and in covenant with him ; having hitherto been, first 
 a single family, and then a multitude of slaves. 
 
 V. 4. On eagles' wings.] As the eagle carries her young 
 upon her wings out of the reach of those who would attempt 
 their destruction, so the Lord had rescued the Israelites 
 from Egypt, that they might be his people, dwelling under his 
 protection, and devoted to his worship and service. (Note, 
 Deut. 32:11,12.) 
 
 V. 5. Covenant.] The national covenant with Israel was 
 here meant ; the charter upon which they were incorporated, 
 as a people under the government of Jehovah. It was an 
 engagement of God, to give Israel possession of Canaan, 
 and to protect them in it: to render the land fruitful, and the 
 nation victorious and prosperous, and to perpetuate his ora- 
 cles and ordinances among them ; so long as they did not, as 
 a people, reject his authority, apostatize to idolatry, and 
 tolerate open wickedness. These things constituted a for- 
 feiture of the covenant, as their national rejection of Christ 
 did afterwards. — True believers among them were personally 
 dealt with according to the covenant of mercy and grace, 
 even as true Christians noware ; and unbelievers were under 
 the covenant of works, and liable to condemnation by it, as 
 at present : yet the national covenant was not strictly either 
 the one or the other, but had something in it of the nature of 
 each. It did not refer to the final salvation of individuals ; 
 nor was it broken by the disobedience, or even idolatry, of 
 any number of them, provided this was not sanctioned or 
 tolerated by public authority. It indeed, in many respects, 
 prefigured the dealings of God with his people, # under the 
 Christian dispensation ; in which the new covenant of grace 
 and mercy, made with all true believers, is more clearly ex- 
 hibited, than under any of the preceding dispensations; yet 
 it “had not the very image,” but only “a shadow of good 
 things to come.” When, therefore, the nation had broken this 
 covenant, the Lord declared that he would make “ a new 
 covenant with the house of Israel, . . . putting his law,” not 
 only in their hands, but “ in their inward parts and “ writing 
 it,” not upon tables of stone, “but in their hearts ; forgiving 
 their iniquity, and remembering their sins no more.” (Jer. 
 31:32 — 34. Heb. 8:7 — 12. 10:16,17.) — In the scriptures re- 
 ferred to, the covenant spoken of, “ as ready to vanish away,” 
 is evidently not the covenant, of works, but the national 
 covenant with Israel, which the Israelites had vacated by 
 their sins.— Unless we carefully attend to this distinction, wo 
 shall be liable to fall into perpetual mistakes in reading the 
 Old Testament. Hardly any thing can be more absurd, than 
 to suppose that the whole nation of the Jews was under the 
 covenant of works, which contains nothing about repentance, 
 faith in a Mediator, forgiveness of sins, or grace : yet we 
 often meet with language in Christian authors, which conveys 
 this idea. And it is perhaps more common to hear the whole 
 nation of Israel spoken of, as if they all bare the character, 
 and possessed the privileges, of true believers, actually in- 
 terested in the covenant of grace; and conclusions are con- 
 tinually drawn from such premises, as if undeniable ! — But in 
 fact, the Israelites were under a dispensation of mercy, and 
 had outward privileges and great advantages in various ways 
 for salvation ; yet, like professing Christians, the most of 
 them rested in these and looked no further. “ For they are 
 not all Israel, which are of Israel.” The outward covenant 
 was made with the nation, entitling them to outward advan- 
 lages, upon the condition of outward national obedience : and 
 the covenant, of grace was ratified personally with true be- 
 lie. prs, and sealed and secured spiritual blessings to them, by 
 ( 150 ) 
 
 priests, °and an holy' nation. These are the word 
 which thou shalt speak unto the children oflsrae* 
 
 7 And Moses came and called lor ‘’the elders ol 
 the people, ^and laid before their laces all these 
 words which the Lord commanded him. 
 
 8 And all the people r answered together, and 
 said, All that the Lord hath spoken, we will do. 
 And Moses returned the words of the people unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 9 And the Lord said unto Moses, e Lo, I rorfie 
 unto thee in a thick cloud, * l that the people may 
 hear when I speak with thee, add “believe thee 
 for ever. And Moses told the words of the peo- 
 ple unto the Lord. 
 
 10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the 
 
 n Is. 61:6. Rom. 12:1. I Pet. 2:5,9. Rev. 1:6. 5:10. 20:6. o Lev. 11:44,45. 19:2. 
 20:26.21:7,8,23. Deut. 7:6. 26:19. 28:9. Is.G2:l2. I Pet. 1:15.16. p 5<e 
 3:16. q 1:29,30. 1 Car. 15:1. r 20:19. 24:3,7. Deut. 5:27,28. *6: 17— 19. Josh. 
 24:24. Neh. 10:29. s 16. 20:21. 2-1:15,16. Deut. 4 1 1 . 1 Kin** 8.12. 2 t hr. 6:1. 
 Ps. 18:11 12. 97:2. Is. 19:1. Matt. 17:5. Mark 9:7. Luke 9:34.35. Rtv D7. 
 t Deut. 4:36. John 12:29,30. ti 14:31. 2 Chr. 20:20. Is. 7:9. Luke 10: 16. 
 
 producing a holy disposition of heart, and spiritual obedience 
 to the divine law. — In case Israel kept the covenant, the 
 Lord promised, that they should be to him “a peculiar trea- 
 sure, ” which is safely reposited because highly valued. Tho 
 whole earth being the Lord’s, he might, have chosen any 
 other people instead of Israel : and this* implied, that as his 
 choice of them was gratuitous, so, if they rejected his 
 covenant, he would reject them, and communicate their privi- 
 leges to others ; as indeed he hath done, since the introduction 
 of the Christian dispensation. 
 
 A peculiar treasure.] n^JD. Deut. 7:6. 14:2. 20:18. i 
 Chron. 29:3. Mai. 3:17. — The LXX render it Xaos ~epiovaios, 
 “ a peculiar people.” See Tit. 2:14. Gr. 
 
 V.6. Israel was formed into “a kingdom of priests,” an 
 honourable and sacred kingdom, under Jehovah himself as 
 their King, who manifested his special presence among them 
 from above the Mercy-seat. They were also distinguished 
 from other kingdoms, by laws and statutes immediately given 
 them from God, and bearing the stamp of his holiness. He, 
 in an especial manner, was their Protector against every foe; 
 and they were his professed worshippers, according to the 
 oracles and ordinances which he gave them. Thus they 
 were a “kingdom of priests,” and “a holy nation,” sepa- 
 rated from 9ther people, consecrated to God, permitted to 
 approach him to offer sacrifices dnd supplications, and pos- 
 sessing a sacred character among the nations of the earth. 
 Israel had these outward distinctions ; blit the nation was only 
 a type of all true Christians, in their spiritual privileges and 
 real character in the sight of God and before the world 
 (Notes, 1 Pet. 2:9,10. Rev. 1:4—6. 5:8—10.) 
 
 V. 7 — 9. “The elders of the people” seem to have been 
 the principal persons, or seniors, in each tribe and fami!y f 
 who in some sense represented the rest : and Moses, having 
 assembled them, plainly stated before them the terms of the 
 covenant, which God was about to make with the nation, that 
 they might propose them to the people at large; and these 
 unanimously and at once acceded to them, probably without 
 due consideration and with too much confidence. — ‘ Upon tho 
 report made to God of the people’s consent, he proceeds . . . 
 to declare the laws by which they should be governed, (20: — 
 23:) and then in the twenty-fourth chapter these laws pass 
 into a covenant between God and them.! Bp. Patrick. In 
 order that this might he rendered peculiarly solemn and 
 affecting, ihe Lord declared that he would “come in a thick 
 cloud,” much denser than that from which his glory had 
 before been manifested, and indicating a tremendous tempest ; 
 for the scriptures referred to in the margin show,jhat most 
 dreadful lightnings and fire continually hurst from the cloud 
 in the sight of the people. (Marg. Ref. s.) This was 
 intended, among other reasons, to convince them, that tho 
 Lord spake by Moses, and to induce them 1o believe his 
 testimony, and ever after willingly to receive the commands 
 of God from his servant, rather than behold such a sight any 
 more. — The thick cloud also represented the comparative 
 darkness of that dispensation : and when Christ was trans- 
 figured, the vioce came out of a bright cloud, “This is my 
 beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye him.” 
 (Note, Matt. 17:5 — 8.) 
 
 V. 10 — 15. Moses was ordered to “sanctify the people;’ 
 that is, he was to instruct them in what manner they should 
 sanctify themselves, and to enforce the observance of his 
 directions. It is probable, that the two days which preceded 
 the giving of the law, and the day on which it w as given, 
 were observed in some respect as a season of solemr "asting 
 and prayer. — Tho washing of the clothes by the people, and 
 the other external observances, (similar to what we meet 
 with in the scriptures referred to in tho margin,) represented 
 the inward purification of the heart by the sanctification of 
 the Holy Spirit, when sin is repented of and renounced, sin- 
 ful desires are mortified, and sinful thoughts are excluded 
 with abhorrence; and when attention to the great c< ncerns ot 
 religion renders men indifferent even about law ful satidacti< us. 
 All this was peculiarly proper, now that the p<\ le wire 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 B. C. 149. 
 
 people and Sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, 
 and let them Jwash their clothes, 
 
 , 1 1 And be ready against the third day : for the 
 
 third day 'the Lord will come down in the sight 
 of all the people upon mount Sinai. 
 
 12 And thou shalt “set bounds unto the people-i 
 round about, saying, b Take heed to yourselves, 
 that ye go not up into the mount, c or touch the 
 border of it : whosoever touche th the mount shall 
 be surely put to death. 
 
 13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he 
 shall surely be stoned or shot through ; d whether 
 it be beast or man, it shall not live: “when the 
 ’trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the 
 mount. 
 
 14 And Moses went down from the mount unto 
 the people, fand sanctified the people, and they 
 washed their clothes. 
 
 15 And he said unto the people, g Be ready 
 against h the third day ; ‘come not at your wives. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 16 If And it came to pass on the third day in 
 the morning, that there were k thunders and light- 
 nings, and a 'thick cloud upon the mount, and the 
 m voiceof the trumpet exceeding loud; so that "all 
 the people that was in the camp trembled. 
 
 i 15. Joit). 3:5. 7:13. I Sam. 16:5. 2Chr.29:5,34. 30:17—19. Job 1:5. 1 Cor. 6: 
 11. y 14. Gen. 33:2. Lev. 11:25. 15:5. Num. 8:7,21. 31:24. Zech. 3:3,4. Heb. 
 10:22. Rev. 7:14. z 18,20 . 3:8. 34:5. Num. 11:17. Deul.33:2. Ps. 18:9. 144:5. 
 19.64:1,2. Hub.3:3— 6. John 3:13. 6:38. a 21,23. Josh. 3:4. b 10:28. 31:12. 
 Deni. 2:4. 4:9. c Heb. 12:20,21. (121:28,29. Lev. 20:15,16. e 1 Cor. 15:52. 
 
 I Thes. 4:16. * Or, cornet, f See on 10. g Am. 4:12. Mai. 3:2. Matt. 3:10 — 12. 
 24:44. 2 Pet. 3:11,12. h 11,16. i 1 Sam. 21:4,5. Zech. 6:3. 12:12— 14. 1 Cor. 7: 
 5. k 9:23,28,29. 20:18. I Sam. 12:17*8. Job 37:1—5 . 38:25. Ps. 18:11—14. 29: 
 3— 11. 50:3. 77:18. 97:4. Heb. 12:18,19. Rev. 4:5. 8:5. 11:19. \Seeon9. 40: 
 
 about to be admitted into covenant, as a holy nation with a 
 holy God ; who also would display his glory among them in 
 the most evident and awful manner. The other regulations, 
 and all the terrific solemnities of this transaction, were cal- 
 culated to impress the minds of the people with a deep sense 
 of the divine majesty and purity : to convince them of their 
 own guilt and unholiness ; and to show them, that they could 
 not stand in judgment before God by their own obedience to 
 that law which was about to be delivered. 
 
 V. 16 — 20. It is intimated, in several parts of Scripture, 
 that these tremendous appearances and voices were effected 
 by the ministration of angels, as attending on this sublime 
 display of the glory of Jehovah. (Acts 7:53. Gal. 3:19. 
 Heb. 2:2)— When the signal had been given, by the long and 
 loud sound of a trumpet, Moses led the congregation, who 
 trembled at what they saw and heard, to the foot of the 
 mount ; where they took their station, and waited doubtless 
 in great trepidation, to hear the Lord himself speak to them. 
 But while they stood there, the appearances became more 
 and more dreadful ; the mountain itself trembled exceedingly, 
 and every blast of the trumpet which continued sounding, 
 was more terrible than those which had preceded ; as an- 
 nouncing the presence of the Lord, and demanding an awful 
 attention to his words. — It was at this crisis, no doubt, that 
 Moses himself said, “I exceedingly fear and quake:” (Note, 
 Heb. 12:18 — 21.) for “he spake, and the Loud answered 
 him by a voice,” encouraging him not to fear, and calling him 
 to come up into the mount. 
 
 Voice of the trumpet. (16) A voice, or sound resembling 
 that of a trumpet, made, as we must suppose, by some of the 
 attendant angels. (1 Cor. 15:52. 1 Thes. 4:16. Heb. 12:19. 
 Rev. 1:10. 4:1.) , 
 
 V. 21 — 25. It might have been supposed, that the terror 
 of this prospect would have checked all presumptuous cu- 
 riosity : but it is continually demonstrated by undeniable 
 facts, that the hard heart, of sinners can trifle with the most 
 terrible denunciations and judgments»of an angry God; nay, 
 convert them into diversion and amusement, or make them 
 the subject of curious speculations ! — It is evident that Moses 
 went up into the mount, amidst all the tremendous appear- 
 ances, which at first dismayed him ; and the Lord ordered him 
 to “ go down, and charge the people.” Some were therefore 
 disposed to break through, while others were appalled with 
 terror ; and Moses must go and warn them, that that if they 
 did, God would certainly punish their presumptuous intrusion 
 with immediate death. — It is much controverted among learned 
 men, who the priests were, “ that came near to the Lord :” 
 Dut probably they were some of the chief persons in the 
 several families, who generally took the lead in every act of 
 religious worship, and perhaps had sometimes offered sacri- 
 fices. Presuming on this distinction, they were not suitably 
 impressed by the solemn scene, and they had in some degree 
 neglected the orders to sanctify themselves, in preparation for 
 k : they were therefore warned to act with greater reverence 
 of God. Moses, indeed, thought there was no danger that 
 the people should attempt to break through ; but he was mis- 
 taken, and was sent down to take proper precautions against 
 such an interruption of the awful solemnity. He was also 
 directed to bring Aaron up along with him ; doubtless in 
 
 17 And “Moses brought forth the people out o'* 
 the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the 
 nether part of the mount. 
 
 18 And I’mount Sinai was altogether on t 
 smoke, because the Lord descended upon it 3ir. 
 fire : and the smoke thereof ascended r as the 
 smoke of a furnace, and the “whole mount quaked 
 greatly. 
 
 19 And ‘when the voice of the trumpet sounded 
 long, and waxed louder and louder, “Moses spake 
 and “God answered him by a voice. 
 
 20 And rthe Lord came down upon Mount 
 Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord 
 called Moses up to the top of the mount, and 
 “Moses went up. 
 
 21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, 
 tcharge the people, lest they “break through unto 
 the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish. 
 
 22 And let b the priests also, which come near 
 to the Lord, “sanctify themselves, lest the Lord 
 d break forth upon them. 
 
 23 And Moses said unto the Lord, The people 
 cannot come up to mount Sinai : for thou charg- 
 edst us, saying, “Set hounds about the mount, and 
 sanctify it. 
 
 24 And the Lord said unto him, Away, get 
 
 34. 2Chr.5:14. m Rer. 1:10. 4:1. nJer.5;22. Heb. 12:21. oDeul.4.10. 5: 
 
 5. p 20:18. 1'cut. 4)11,12. 5:22. 33:2. Judg. 5:5. Ps. 68:7,8. 104:32. 144:5. See 
 onl3. Is. 6:4. Hab. 3:3. Rev. 15:8. q3:2. 24:17. 2Thes.l:8. 2lel.3:10. 
 
 r Gen. 15:17. 19:28. s 1 Kings 19:11,12. Ps.68:8. 77:18. 114:7. Jer.4:24. Nab. 1: 
 5,6. Hab. 3:10. Zech. 14:5. Matt. 24:7. t 13,16. u Heb. 12:21. xPs.81:7. 
 
 y See on 11. Neh. 9:13. r 3. 24: 12,13,18. 34:2,4. Lieut. 9:9. t Heb. contest. 
 12,13. tt 3:3,5. 1 Sam. 6:19. Ec. 5:1. Heb. 12:28,29. b24:5. Lev. 10:1—3. Is. 
 52:11. cSee on 5,14,15. d2Sam. 6:6,8. 1 Chr. 13:9— 11. 15:U. 2 Clir. 30:3, 
 15,18,19. Acts 5:5,10. 1 Cor. 11:30—32. e 12. Josh. 3:4,5. 
 
 order that the people might learn to honour their future high- 
 priest by seeing him thus distinguished. — If Moses and 
 Aaron went up into the mount directly, before the law was 
 given, as it seems they did ; (for Aaron did not accompany 
 Moses afterwards;) they soon descended again, as it appears 
 in the next chapter. Every circumstance and expression, in 
 this transaction, were suited to evince, that the law now 
 about to be given, though 44 holy, just, and good,” could speak 
 nothing but terror and destruction to transgressors ; and to fill 
 the heart of every sinner with horror, dismay, and despe- 
 ration. In subserviency to the Covenant of grace, its uses 
 are manifold, and of vast importance, as will presently be 
 shown. But it is extremely difficult to drive men from the 
 absurd notion, that a sinner may and ought to seek justifica- 
 tion before God by his imperfect, scanty, and external obe- 
 dience. To counteract that propensity in fallen human nature, 
 no doubt this tremendous scene was exhibited ; as well as to 
 teach the Israelites, that even in respect of their national co- 
 venant, though their obedience was required, yet the blessings 
 were not merited by it, but freely given by a gracious God, 
 in a way becoming his own holiness. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. The blessedness of the Lord’s people originates 
 from his most free and plenteous mercy ; yet unless we yield 
 ourselves to his service, and willingly walk in his command- 
 ments, we can bring no proof that we belong to that happy 
 company. — What admirable and adorable condescension and 
 compassion hath the God of glory shown to us fallen sinners, 
 in taking any of our apostate race to be unto him 44 a peculiar 
 treasure !” But let us never forget, that he “purifies” every 
 one of 44 them to himself, to be a peculiar people, zealous of 
 good works.” If we have any scriptural reason to conclude 
 that we are of this number, let us recollect, that he who has 
 thus distinguished us is Lord of the whole earth, and might 
 have chosen others and passed us by, had he seen good. — 
 We should also 44 remember all the way that he hath led us,” 
 in redeeming us from our far worse than Egyptian bondage , 
 and often meditate on the kind and effectual methods by which 
 he accomplished our deliverance, notwithstanding the power 
 of our enemies, yea, notwithstanding our own rebellious and 
 unbelieving opposition to the conduct of his grace. Then 
 shall we perceive, that he 44 bare us as on eagles’ wings, ana 
 hath brought us to himself.” May we prove m all our future 
 conduct, that we are indeed, 44 a chosen generation, a royal 
 priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people ; to show forth the 
 praises of him, who hath called us out of darkness into his 
 marvellous light.” May we abound in “spiritual sacrifices, 
 which are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ,” yield 
 ourselves to his service, and allow of nothing inconsistent 
 with our holy profession and character ! — But we are all 
 naturally more disposed to profess and to resolve , than to 
 practise. Let us not then say, that we will do these things; 
 but beg of God to enable us to do them. — The ministers of 
 the Lord are required fairly and plainly to lay I he whole of 
 their message before the people, and in prayer they report 
 before him the reception with which it meets ; but they are 
 not answerable for consequences. — The more seriously we 
 prepare for divine ordinances, and the more our minus are 
 abstracted from all earthly objects, the greater benefit ww* 
 ( 151 ) 
 
B. C. HOI. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 thee flown, 'and thou shalt come up, thou, and 
 Aaron with thee: shut let not the priests and the 
 peopie break through to come up unto the Lord, 
 b iest he break torth upon them. 
 
 25 So 'Moses went down unto the people, and 
 spake unto them. 
 
 f See on 20. g See on 12,21 . Malt. 11:12. Luke 13:24. 16:16. John 1 :17. Heb. 4. 
 16. 10:19 — 22. 12:18—25.29. Ii See on d.22. Rom. 4:15. 2 Cor. 3:7— 9. Gal. 1: 
 JU, 11, 19— 22. i 2-1. a Deui. 4:33,36. 5:22. Acts 7:38,53. b Gen. 17:7,8. Lev. 26: 
 
 we receive. But in approaching to God, we must never lose 
 tight of his holiness and greatness, and of our own meanness 
 and pollution. 
 
 V. I fi — 25. How could we sinners approach the Lord upon 
 the terrible mount Sinai? Could we rush into the midst of 
 the fire, tempests, and earthquakes? or can we stand in judg- 
 ment before him, according to the tenor of his righteous law ? 
 If so tremendous tokens of the divine justice accompanied 
 the promulgation of the law, what will that day be when the 
 earth shall be encircled in flames ; and when all who ever 
 dwelt upon it, through successive generations, shall be 
 gathered before the tribunal of the Judge, to hear their final 
 and decisive sentence ! Happy they, who have discovered 
 their need of a Mediator, have hearkened to the voice of the 
 Saviour, and from him have obtained forgiveness of all their 
 sins, and acceptance with God ; who have received the law, 
 disarmed of its curses and deprived of its terrors, from his 
 loving, kind, and gracious hands, and have been taught by his 
 grace to love it, and obey it in sincerity and truth. These, 
 like Moses and Aaron, though at first they tremble at God’s 
 word, and are always humbled before him ; yet through Christ 
 will grow, as it were, familiar with mount Sinai. Fearless of 
 condemnation, they will meditate on the terror of the sen- 
 tence of the law, and thence draw arguments to increase 
 their gratitude, and animate their willing services; and they 
 will finally triumph, when the wicked shall be calling in vain 
 to the rocks and mountains to cover them from the wrath of 
 their olfended Judge. — Blessed be God, we are yet in the 
 land of forgiveness, of prayer, of hope : and, in this favoured 
 country, we are all under a dispensation of mercy, and have 
 the oracles and ordinances of God continued to us. We are 
 not come to mount Sinai, to tremble or despair ; but to mount 
 Zion, where our God reigns upon a mercy-seat, and waits to 
 be gracious to every returning sinner. — Let us, however, re- 
 member his awful words : u See that ye refuse not him that 
 speaketh ; for if they escaped not, who refused him that spake 
 on earth, how much more shall not we escape, if we turn 
 away from him that speaketh from heaven ?” Let none then 
 rest in outward advantages or distinctions ; for “ our God is 
 still a consuming Fire,” and will be sanctified by those who 
 draw nigh to him: and let none indulge a presumptuous 
 curiosity, by attempting to u intrude into things not seen, 
 vainly puffed up by a fleshly mind lest the Lord in ven- 
 geance break forth upon him. Finally, let us “all fear, lest 
 a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of us 
 should seem to come short of it and perish after the man- 
 ner in which an immense majority of this vast multitude fell 
 in the wilderness, when the Lord “ sware in his wrath that 
 they should never enter into his rest.” 
 
 NOTES. — Ciiap. XX. V. 1. After the preparations 
 recorded in the former chapter, and the glorious and tremen- 
 dous display of the special presenc^of God on mount Sinai, 
 had solemnized the minds of the people, and excited their 
 awful expectations; it maybe supposed that the sound of the 
 trumpet ceased, and Jehovah himself immediately spake, in 
 a voice loud enough to be distinctly heard by the immense 
 assembled multitude. For while it is evident, that many 
 tilings, on this extraordinary occasion, were effected by the 
 ministration of angels ; and probably some other parts of the 
 law were delivered to Moses by them ; (Acts 7:53. Gal. 3:19. 
 Heb. 2:2.) the language here and elsewhere used, issoexpress 
 and decided, that it cannot reasonably be doubted that God 
 himself, by his own immediate agency, without the interven- 
 tion of angels, formed that awful voice by which the following 
 words were delivered, from the midst of the fire, to the con- 
 gregation of Israel. ( Dcut . 4:11,12,33.5:4,22.) — The words 
 spoken are generally called, ‘The ten commandments;’ and 
 they are justly considered as the grand outlines of the holy 
 taw of God ; of that law, which is commonly called the moral 
 law, to distinguish it from the other injunctions of the Mosaic 
 dispensation. — As the full and exact knowledge of this law is 
 peculiarly important, in order to our clearly understanding 
 the whole system of revealed religion, I shall introduce the 
 ■exposition of it, by some observations on its nature, obliga- 
 tions, and uses. It is evident that there is a distinction 
 between moral precepts , and instituted appointments. Some 
 things are in themselves so indifferent, that the same autho- 
 rity which enjoined (hem, might, without impropriety, have 
 prohibited them; as the use of bread and wine in one religious 
 ordinance, and the use of water in another. But there are 
 /aws of a widely different nature: and it is absurd to suppose 
 that God could have forbidden us to love him and one another, 
 or to speak truth and do justice. Indeed, ritual precepts are 
 for the time equally obligatory; except when they come in 
 ■competition with moral duties, and then the Lord “ will have 
 mercy , and not sacrifice” But the ritual injunction is of tem- 
 porary obligation ; it had no existence before its express 
 ( 152 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The ten commandments are spoken in an audible voice , by J EHOVAH, to the 
 whole congregation of Israel ,! — 17. The people are alarmed, and con- 
 fer with Moses, 18 — 20. Moses receives f rom God an additional prohibt 
 tion of idolatry, and rules for erecting an altar , 21 — 26. 
 
 A ND “God spake all these words, saj ing, 
 
 2 I am b the Lord thy God, which have 
 
 1,13. Deut. 5:6., 6:4,5. 2Chr.28:5. Ps. 50.7. 81:10. Jer. 31:1,33. Hob. 13:4. 
 Rom. 3:28. 10:12. 
 
 appointment, and it may be vacated by the same authority ; or, 
 having answered the purpose, its obligations may cease of 
 course ; while the moral precept is, on the contrary, of immuta- 
 ble and eternal validity. The different circumstances, indeed, 
 in which rational creatures may be placed, occasion a variation 
 arising from those changes of circumstances ; as the entrance 
 of sin and misery has rendered patience, and forgiveness of inju- 
 ries, exercises of our love to God and to our neighbour. These, 
 and many other things required of us in our present situation, 
 will cease entirely in heaven ; yet the grand principle from which 
 they are deduced would have been the same, had we never 
 sinned, and they will remain the same to all eternity. — Some 
 traces of the moral law are discoverable by our natural reason, 
 and the whole perfectly accords to it. It has its foundation 
 in the nature of God and of man ; in the relations men bear 
 to him and to each other ; and in the duties which result from 
 those relations : and on this account it is immutable and uni- 
 versally obligatory. Though given, on this particular occa- 
 sion, to Israel, it demands obedience from all mankind ; and 
 the whole world will be judged according to this law, and to 
 the opportunity which they have had of becoming acquainted 
 with it, whether by reason and tradition alone, or by the light 
 of the written word ; except the believer who has obtained 
 deliverance from its merited condemnation. The law is also 
 spiritual : that is, it takes cognizance of our spirits, of our 
 most secret thoughts, desires, intentions, and dispositions; 
 and demands a holy regulation of the judgment, will, and 
 affections. It principally requires love, without which the 
 best external obedience is condemned as mere hypocrisy. 
 This is peculiar to the law of God, who alone can search ttie 
 heart ; and no other law ever attempted to enforce the obedi- 
 ence of the heart ; biff, in common with other laws, it demands 
 perfect, unfailing, uninterrupted, and perpetual obedience ; for 
 no law can tolerate the transgression of itself. From the 
 entrance to the close of life, God requires of us exact confor- 
 mity to every precept : he that “keepeth the whole law, am. 
 offendeth in one point, is guilty of all:” (Note, Jam. 2:8 — 13.) 
 and the least deviation, whether by omission or commission, 
 excess or defect, is sin ; and every sin deserves wrath and 
 needs forgiveness. (1 John 3:4.) — The ten commandments 
 are a compendium ot the holy law, which is commented on 
 in all the preceptive parts of Scripture ; and the substance 
 of its requirements is given, still more concisely, in the two 
 great commandments, “ Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, 
 with all thine heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy 
 soul, and with all thy strength :” and, “ Thou shalt love thy 
 neighbour as thyself.” We are authorized by the example 
 of Christ, to interpret every one of these commands in the 
 strictest, most spiritual, and extensive sense, of which it is 
 capable. Even repentance, faith in a Mediator, and all evan- 
 gelical graces and duties, are exercises of this entire love to 
 God, and are required cf sinners placed under a dispensation 
 of mercy; though originally the law had no direct, connexion 
 with redemption, but lay at the foundation of another cove- 
 nant. We may therefore waive the controversy concerning 
 the rule of duty, whether this be the ten commandments, or 
 the whole word of God ; for the one, properly understood, will 
 be found as broad as the other: seeing we cannot love God 
 with all our hearts , unless we love every discovery which he is 
 pleased to make of his glory ; believe every testimony and em- 
 brace every promise which he gives ; seek his favour in the use 
 of all the means that he appoints ; and employ ourselves in dif- 
 fusing the knowledge of his glorious excellencies and wonder- 
 ful works, according to our ability and opportunity, and the 
 station which we occujiy in society. — The Lord Jesus per- 
 fectly fulfilled the extensive requirements of this holy law 
 yet, in his peculiar circumstances, it actually required all that 
 love for the Father, and for his brethren, and all those ex- 
 pressions of it, which, subsequent to his incarnation that he 
 might be our Mediator, he manifested in his life and death. 
 But no apostle or prophet ever reached, in one single instance, 
 that degree of love and purity which it demands. — The uses 
 of this holy law, in connexion with the gospel of Christ, and 
 in subserviency to the covenant of grace, are many and impor- 
 tant. “By the law is the knowledge of sin :” and if it were 
 more fully understood, in the extent and excellency of its spi- 
 ritual requirements, and the justice of its awful sanctions, sin- 
 ners would be at once convinced of their guilt and danger ; 
 they would learn what they ought always to have been and 
 to have done, and thus discover their real character and situ- 
 ation, of which most men are entirely ignorant ; they would 
 become acquainted with their wants, and prepared to under- 
 stand and value the inestimable blessings of the gospel ; 
 and they would perceive their need of regeneration, and of 
 that repentance, that life of faith in the Son of God, and 
 sanctification by the Holy Spirit, which in genen. a. o disre- 
 garded, nay, frequently ridiculed. — Believe s may them * learn 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 ‘brought thee out of the land of Egypt, d out of 
 the house of ‘bondage. 
 
 10:— 15: Lev. 19:86. 23:43. .113:3. Deal. 5:15. 7:8. 13:10.15:15.28:5—8. 
 Hob. servants, t 15:11. Deut. 5:7. 6:5,14. Josh. 2-1:18 — 24. 2 Kings 17:29 — 
 35. Pi. 29:2. 73:25. 81:9. Is. 26:1. 43:10. 44:8. <45:21,22 . 46:9. Jer. 25:6: Matt. 
 4:10. 1 Cor. 8:4,6. Kph. 5:5. Phil. 3:19. Col. 2:18. 1 John 5:20,21. Rev. 19: 
 
 their obligations to the divine Redeemer: and receiving the 
 law from his hands, as the rule of their grateful obedience 
 and the standard of holiness ; daily self-examination accord- 
 g to it serves io keep them humble, dependent on free 
 mercy, diligent in pressing forward to the mark, and watchful 
 against every temptation or suggestion to evil. It also di- 
 rects them in acquiring an exact judgment and correct spi- 
 ritual taste, in respect of every part of the Christian temper; 
 and, in many other ways, it promotes their establishment, 
 fruitfulness, and consolation. — Besides these uses, the law 
 served to restrain the Israelites from gross transgression, by 
 its strictness and terrors ; and it still, in a measure, answers 
 the same purpose even to wicked men, and, where known, 
 serves to keep the world in some degree of order. It also 
 discovers the holy character of God, the nature of his govern- 
 ment of the world, and the rule and measure of the future 
 judgment, that “day of wrath and perdition of ungodly men.” 
 On the other hand, the bad effects resulting from ignorance 
 or mistakes concerning the holy law of God, are manifold and 
 deplorable. The dreams of a purgatory, either before or 
 after the day of judgment. ; the flattering illusions of the merit 
 of human obedience; the palliating excuses that are made for 
 sin ; the objections to the sovereignty of divine grace in the 
 gospel, an 1 to God’s method of justifying sinners ; and all 
 antinornian perversions of those precious truths of revelation, 
 seem principally to arise from this source. Ignorance of the 
 extensive requirements of the divine law supports careless pre- 
 sumption and pharisaical self-confidence : ignorance of its 
 excellency excites murmurs and objections against the severity 
 of its awful sanction. The same ignorance has led some to 
 frame, in imagination, a new law y which has been substituted 
 in the place of the holy law of God, since by sin man became 
 unable to obey it; and the same ignorance has occasioned 
 innumerable objections to the doctrine, and mistakes about 
 the nature of regeneration ; and indeed it has prevented 
 many real Christians from glorifying God in that manner 
 which they otherwise might have done. In short, were the 
 law of God well understood, the person and office of the 
 Sav.our must appear most suitable and precious ; and the 
 genuine beauty of Christianity, as reinstating a lost sinner in 
 his Maker’s favour, and recovering him to his image, in a 
 way honourable to all the perfections of the Deity, would shine 
 forth with unclouded lustre. 
 
 We may consider the giving of the law from mount Sinai, 
 either as a publication to mankind of the law of their reason 
 and nature, as originally written in their hearts, but erased or 
 obscured by sin : or as given to Israel, for the rule and foun- 
 dation of their national covenant. — For want of adverting to 
 this obvious distinction, it has been incautiously asserted, that 
 the law itself was given only to the redeemed ; which senti- 
 ment not only supposes the rest of Jehovah’s universal 
 kingdom without a law, but vacates redemption itself; for 
 w where there is no law there is no transgression,” no con- 
 demnation, no occasion for redemption. On the other hand, 
 it is often asserted, or assumed, that the believer has in no 
 6ense any thing to do with the law ; nay, it is sometimes even 
 ranked among the enemies^ from which Christ came to deliver 
 us ! 44 Do we then make void the law through faith ? God 
 forbid: yea, we establish the law.” All rational creatures 
 are bound by its authority, and all transgressors are under its 
 condemnation: but since Christ has fulfilled its righteousness 
 and borne its curse, all who hear the Gospel are under a dis- 
 pensation of mercy, and have forgiveness proposed to them ; 
 and all true believers are actually pardoned and justified, and 
 are required and inwardly disposed, to render a sincere, unre- 
 served, habitual obedience to the law, though not able to obey 
 it perfectly. 
 
 V. 2. The great Lawgiver prefaced his injunctions, by 
 proclaiming his own essential glory and perfection. u I am 
 Jehovah.” As the Source of existence, and consequently 
 of all power, wisdom, justice, truth, and goodness, God is the 
 Standard of excellence and beauty; from whom all created 
 amiableness is an emanation, and of whose glory it is a feeble 
 reflection. To him alone the throne belongs; he alone is 
 qualified to be the Lawgiver and Judge of the universe; and 
 he has the sole and unalienable right to that love and service 
 which his law demands. To this he added, “ Thy God,” 
 to express Israel’s relations and obligations to him. We are 
 all his rational creatures ; and every benefit which he be- 
 stows binds us more forcibly to love and obedience. But 
 the Israelites were the children of the covenant made with 
 Abraham ; they had the external seal of circumcision in their 
 fl^sh ; his glorious presence was among them, and they had 
 consented to enter into covenant with him: and professed 
 Christians, dedicated to God in the initiatory sacrament of 
 naptism, favoured with the light of revelation, and avowing 
 themselves his worshippers, stand in a similar relation to 
 •urn.— The *'cent deliverance also of Israel from Egypt laid 
 Uie Israe 1 -'- under addiional obligations to obedience, and 
 ifter wards rendered their disobedience more inexcusable. 
 This was a type of our redemption from sin and Satan; and 
 Vol. I. — 20 
 
 3 Thou shall have e no other gods before me. 
 
 4 Thou f slialt not make unto thee any gravel 
 
 10. 22:9. f 32:1, 8, 23. 34:17. Lev. 19:4. 26:1. Deut . 4: 15 — 19,23 — 25. 5:8. -27:15 
 1 Kinas 12:23. 2 < hr. 33:7. Ps. 97:7. 115:4—8.135 15—18. In. 40:18-20. 42 .8 
 17. 44:9—20. 45:16. 46:5-8. Jer. 10:3—5,8,9,14—16. Ez.8:10. Acm 17:29. 19:26- 
 35. Rom. 1:23. Rev. 9:20. 13:14,15. 14:9—11. 16:2. 
 
 t hou gh a]l men ought to obey the law of God, yet none actual!> 
 yiqld it any spiritual obedience except his redeemed people. 
 
 V. 3. The commandments are addressed, in the singula*, 
 number, to each person, because every one is concerned ir 
 them on his own account; and each piohibition implies i 
 positive duty. — This first commandment requires a disposi- 
 tion and conduct, suited to the relation in which we stand t* 
 Jehovah, as our God. He alone is the adequate Object o 
 our love, and able to satisfy our capacity of happiness : al 
 we are and have, is derived from him ; and he possesses ar 
 unalienable right to prescribe the use which we should make 
 of all his gifts. He has so clear a title to our love, gratitude 
 and adoration, our reverence, submission, credence, con 
 fidence, and obedience, that we cannot withhold them frer 
 him without the most palpable injustice. Considering Who 
 he is, and what he hath done for us ; except we love him to 
 the utmost extent of all our natural powers, we do not render 
 him his due : and if we thus loved him, all contrary affections 
 would be excluded, all inferior affections subordinated. Ad- 
 miring his excellency, desiring and delighting in him and his 
 favour, being grateful for his loving-kindness, and zealous for 
 his glory, with all the energy of our whole souls ; it is evident 
 that all our love to other objects would be for his sake, and 
 according to his will ; no creature could then rival him in our 
 affections, or prevail with us to neglect his service ; and, while 
 we rendered him the tribute of adoring love and praise, we 
 should possess unalloyed felicity in his favour. This is the 
 reasonable state, in which things should be ; thus it has always 
 been with holy angels ; thus it will be for ever with the 
 redeemed in heaven ; and all that deviates from it is sin, and 
 the effect of apostacy from God. — These reflections may pre- 
 pare us for understanding the nature and extent of the prohi- 
 bition, 44 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Mankind 
 in general, as reasonable creatures, though fallen, have re- 
 quired some object of worship, and some kind of religion; but, 
 disliking the holy attributes and spiritual worship of the true 
 God, they have been led to substitute deities and religious 
 rites more congenial to themselves. Thus, (to the disgrace 
 of the human understanding,) the grossest idolatry has been 
 almost universal; while a more refined and plausible kind of 
 idolatry has often supplanted it, in the few places where 
 something more rational has prevailed; and that proud ambi- 
 tious spirit, who is the enemy of God and man, has been 
 gratified in the success of his presumptuous attempis to be- 
 come, by these means, 44 the god of this world.” This wor- 
 ship of creatures, whether actually existing, or only supposed- 
 to exist, is the principal violation of the commandment ; as it 
 ascribes to them the glory of those perfections which Jehovah 
 incommunicably possesses, and seeks those blessings from 
 them which he alone can confer. The immensely varied 
 idolatries of the Gentiles, which the Israelites were con- 
 stantly disposed to imitate, are always in Scripture spoken of 
 with decided abhorrence, as flagrant transgressions of the 
 letter of this command: and it is impossible for those pro- 
 fessed Christians, who render religious worship to saints and 
 angels, to show that their practice is not so too, or to disprove 
 the charge of ascribing the glory of the divine perfections to 
 mere creatures. — All pretences to witchcraft likewise, or to 
 magic, fortune-telling, charms, astrology, or enchantments, 
 deeply partake of the same guilt ; as in these ways men 
 expect that information or assistance from other beings, 
 which God alone can afford. — But this spiritual precept 
 reaches much further. To love, desire, delight in, or expect 
 good from, any forbidden indulgence, even in the smallest 
 degree, is evidently a violation of it; and to suffer the most 
 valuable and excellent creature to rival God in our affections, 
 must be a proportionable contempt of him. By atheism and 
 irreligion, men set up themselves as gods, aspire at independ- 
 ence, reject subordination, and refuse to render homage, 
 worship, love, or praise, to any superior or benefactor ; as if 
 they had created themselves, and were sufficient for their 
 own happiness! The proud man idolizes himself, offers 
 incense to his own deity, and expects others to do the same: 
 therefore 44 God resists him” as his rival. The ambitious pay 
 homage to the opinions of men, and seek happiness in their 
 applause, or in such distinctions as they can bestow. The 
 revengeful usurp the throne of God, and invade the preroga- 
 tive of him 44 to whom vengeance belongeth.” The covetous 
 man deifies his wealth ; the sensualist, his vile appetites ; and 
 the rapturous lover, his mistress: he lives on her smiles, his 
 heaven is placed in her favour, and her frown would make 
 him the most miserable of creatures. Nay, the doting hus- 
 band, and the fond parent, may deify the objects of their affec- 
 tions : for though they ought to love them tenderly, yet this 
 affection, and the manner in which it is exercised, should be 
 absolutely subordinated to the will and glory of God. 
 
 But no comment can equal the extent of this command. 
 Whatever does not consist with the most perfect love, grati* 
 tude, reverence, submission, and devotedness to God, is a 
 transgression of it; and it requires us to love the Lord and 
 all his creatures, according to their real worthiness ; not more 
 
 ( 153 ) 
 
e. c. 14" 4 !. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 i'.age, or any likeness of any thing that is jn 
 leaven above", or that is in the earth beneath, or 
 that is in the water under the earth : 
 
 5 Thou shalt not show down thyself to 
 them, nor serve them : h for I the Lord thy 
 God am a jealous God, ‘visiting the iniquity 
 
 g *3:24. Lev. 23:1. Josh . 23:7,16. Judg. 2:19. 2 Kings 17:35,41. 2 Chr. 25:14. 
 Mint. 4 9. 1.34:14. Jleill. 4:24. 6:15. 32:21. Josh. 24:19. P». 78:58. I rov. 6: 
 34,35. Jv-.. 8:3. Null. 1:2. 1 Cor. 10:33. i 34:7. Lev. 20:5. 26:28,33,40. Num. 
 11:18.33. 1 x»o. 15:2,3. 2 Sam. 21:1,6. 1 Kings 21:23. 2 Kings 23:26. Job 5:4.21: 
 13. Ps. 79:3 109:14 Is. 14:20,21 . Jer. 2:9. 32:18. Mali. 23:34— 36. j Deut. 7: 
 
 nor less, except as finite beings cannot love infinite excellence 
 in an adequate manner. Obedience to this precept would 
 perfectly enthrone the Lord in our judgment and affections: 
 and the whole of our love being thus given to him, we should 
 love all others for his sake, and according to the measure 
 which he had enjoined : while the violation of it destroys this 
 regular subordination, and gives the creature the throne in 
 our heart. Well therefore may it stand foremost in the De- 
 calogue ; for our obedience in all other things depends upon 
 it. Other transgressions injure the subject, and affront the 
 Sovereign ; but the violation of this law is high treason against 
 the majesty of heaven, and is therefore called u an abomina- 
 tion.” At the same time it is entirely destructive to the 
 transgressor, who “forsakes the Fountain of living waters, to 
 hew out broken cisterns which can hold no water.” Its 
 reasonableness and excellence, therefore, are equal to its 
 strictness and spirituality ; and without conformity to it in its 
 fullest extent, the glory of God and the felicity of rational 
 creatures cannot be secured. — The expression, “before me,” 
 implied, that Israel might he considered as immediately in the 
 presence of God, who in an especial manner dwelt among 
 them; that idolatry would daringly insult him to his face; 
 and that H. could not be kept so secret, but he would detect 
 an 1 punish it. 
 
 V. 4. The second commandment requires us to render 
 to the Lord our God a worship and service suited to his 
 perfections, and honourable to his name. His incomprehen- 
 sible nature cannot be represented by any similitude. — The 
 most exquisite painting or sculpture can only give an external 
 resemblance of a man : even animal life with its several 
 function*- cannot he thus exhibited, much less can a likeness 
 be made of the soul and its operations. How dishonourable 
 then must be every attempt to represent the infinite God, 
 “ by silver or gold, graven by art and man’s device !” The 
 general disposition of mankind, to form images of the Deity, 
 proves that low apprehensions of him are congenial to our 
 fallen nature ; and the practice has exceedingly increased the 
 grossness of nlen’s conceptions concerning him. The more 
 stupid of the heathen alone worshipped the picture or image 
 itself, others used it as a visible representation of the invisible 
 A T umen y or Deity: and all that ingenious papists have urged, 
 in behalf of their images, is equally applicable to Israel’s 
 worship of the golden calves, or to that rendered by the 
 Ephesians to “ the image of Diana which fell down from 
 Jupiter.” — A material image of the Deity is likewise an 
 affront to the Person of Christy the only adequate “Image 
 of the invisible God:” and the worship of saints and angels, 
 as mediators and present deities , by images, in every respect 
 robs him of his mediatorial glory. — The commandment does 
 not prohibit the makihg of images and pictures, for other pur- 
 poses, as some have ignorantly supposed: for God com- 
 manded several of these to be made even in the construction 
 of the tabernacle : but the making of them, in order to men’s 
 bowing down before them, and worshipping them ; and in this 
 case, both the maker and the worshipper of the image are 
 involved in the guilt. The prohibition includes every kind of 
 creature, because all are utterly unfit to represent the infinite 
 Creator* and there are some devices common among us, as 
 emblematic of the. Trinity, which do not accord to the strict- 
 ness of this injun ction. — But the spiritual import of the com- 
 mandment reaches much further. Superstition of every kind 
 is an evident violation of its spirit and intent: and so are all 
 human appointments in religious worship, when at all relied 
 on as accep T able with God. The use of things indifferent in 
 religion, without command from God, leads men’s minds to 
 gross conceptions of him ; as if he delighted in that outward 
 splendour, or those external forms, which excite in them 
 lively but false affections, that are often mistaken for devo- 
 tion : and it is commonly connected with a false dependence; 
 it substitutes something else in the place of the appointments 
 of God ; and it tends to the usurpation of authority over men’s 
 consciences. — But many circumstances of worship must be 
 regulated by human discretion: every man therefore should 
 udge for himself which regulations tend to these evils, and 
 which do not; and be candid in judging such as diffe’r from 
 him. — Hypocrisy and formality, arising from unworthy appre- 
 hensions of God, together with all unscript ural delineations 
 of the divine character, are certainly here prohibited: for 
 men, forsaking the light of revelation, and “not liking to 
 retain God in their knowledge,” frame notions of a deity 
 according to their own opinions of excellence, warped by their 
 predominant vicious inclinations; and then dignity tlys crea- 
 ture of their fancy with the title of the Supremo Being. But 
 this object of their love and worship is altogether unlike “ the 
 God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ;” especially in 
 ( 154 j 
 
 of the fathers upon the children unto the 
 third and fourth generation )of them that hate 
 me : 
 
 6 And Showing mercy unto thousands of them 
 that dove me, and keep my commandments. 
 
 7 Thou shalt not m take the name of the Lort* 
 
 10. 32:41. 1*8.81:15. Prov.8:36. John 7:7. 15:18,23,24. Rom. 1:30. 8:7. Jam. 4; 
 4. k Deut. 4:37. 5:29. 7:9. Jer. 32:39,40. Acts 2:39. Rom. 11:28,29. 1 John 14: 
 15,21 . 1 John 4:19. 5:3. 2 John 6. m Lev. (9:12. 24:11 — 16. Deut. 5:11 . 6:13. 
 23:21—23. Ps. 15:4. 50.14— 16. Prov.30:8,«. Ec. 5:4 — 6. Jer. 4:2. Mutt. 5:33 
 —37. 23:16—22. 26:63,64 . 3 Cor. 1:23. 11:31. Heb. 6:16,17. Jam. 5:12. 
 
 respect of justice and holiness , Being in -general deemed so 
 clement that he cannot hate or punish sin. — The Jews of old 
 supposed they worshipped the God of their fathers, yet they 
 were declared by our Lord neither to have known nor loved 
 him ; nay, in “ hating the Son, to have hated the Father that 
 sent him:” and it will at last be proved in this case also, that 
 the worshippers of these ideal deities were as real idolaters, 
 as they who adored the work of their own hands. In short, 
 the second commandment requires us to conceive of God, in 
 all respects, as far as we are able, according to the revelation 
 which he has made of himself to us : to realize his glorious 
 presence to our minds, by faiths not by fancy : and to worship 
 him as a Spirit “ in spirit and truth ;” not with corporeal 
 representations of him before our eyes, or low conceptions of 
 him in our minds ; but sincerely, inwardly, with the most fer- 
 vent affections, and profound reverence of his infinite majesty; 
 in all his appointed ordinances, and in them alone ; and with 
 constancy and frequency, as performing a service reasonable 
 in itself, and most pleasant to our own souls, as well as most 
 honourable to his great name. 
 
 V. 5. God is so tenacious of his honour, in respect o. 
 idolatry, that the least approach to it', especially in the con- 
 duct of his professed worshippers, excites his hottest dis- 
 pleasure : even as the jealous husband is exasperated, and 
 roused to seek vengeance, by whatever leads him to suspect 
 his wife of adultery. — If then Israel, or any Israelites, should 
 revolt to idolatry, they would be deemed “haters of God; v 
 as the wife would be supposed to hate her husband, when 
 she preferred any worthless stranger to him. — It is observa- 
 ble, that throughout the Scriptures, the words fury, indigna- 
 tion , jealousy , as ascribed to God, and hatred , abomination , 
 detestable things , and other strong expressions of abhorrence, 
 in respect of man’s conduct, are principally used when idola- 
 try is spoken of. — It is evident that children in general are 
 sufferers by the crimes of their parents ; but Israel was 
 under a peculiar covenant, which idolatry violated in its 
 primary condition. If then the parents forfeited the covenant- 
 blessings, their posterity must sutler the effects of the for- 
 feiture. As this was intended to restrain them from sin, by 
 means of natural affection, the third and fourth generation 
 only are mentioned ; for they could not expect to see more of 
 their descendants, and would be less concerned about their 
 remote posterity : or it may imply, that the Lord being ready 
 to forgive, the effects would cease after that period, unless 
 the children persisted in the sins of their parents. — In every 
 age, whatever brings any family into the visible church and 
 under the means of grace, is a benefit to that family, and 
 often to its remote posterity ; and whatever excludes any 
 from the church, is a heavy loss to them. 
 
 V. 6. The law, as given to sinners in subserviency to tho 
 covenant of grace, (as well as to Israel with reference to 
 their national covenant,) makes mention of the mercy of 
 God, though not properly belonging to its own nature ; and 
 this with an especial reference to his character; and in order 
 to manifest how deserving he is of that love and service, 
 which according to it he claims as his unalienable right. — 
 This mercy is promised unto thousands ; not only unto great 
 multitudes, or to the third or fourth generations, but to suc- 
 cessive generations to the end of time. The Lord’s dealings 
 with the posterity of Abraham, who believed his word, loved 
 him, and kept his commandments, illustrates this promise. 
 
 V. 7. The worshippers of the Lord must have frequent 
 occasion to mention his name; and sometimes it will be 
 requisite for them to call him to witness the truth of their 
 words, and to bind themselves by vows and engagements as 
 in his sight. This third commandment therefore forbids us 
 to “take the name of the Lord our God in vain;” that is, 
 to use it irreverently, or profanely, or in fraud, dissimulation, 
 and hypocrisy. It forbids all rash and unlawful vows, and 
 such as relate to things uncertain or impracticable. But 
 perjury of every kind is the capital transgression of it: for 
 by this men appeal to tho omniscient, heart-searching God, 
 for the truth of what they testify or ussert. or for their sin- 
 cerity in what they engage to do: when they do not know 
 the truth of the one, or even think that it is false, and are con- 
 sciously insincere in the other. This is one of the most atro- 
 cious and provoking crimes imaginable, though common 
 among us in this land to an inconceivable degree, so that it is 
 little noticed unless accompanied with flagrant injustice! 
 But, alas ! it is very closely connected with other instances 
 of disregard to this law, by the unnecessary multiplication of 
 oaths in all judicial transactions and commercial regulations, 
 even on the most frivolous occasions ; and by being adminis- 
 tered with extreme irreverence, instead of all the solemnity 
 of a religious ordinance, which every thinking person must 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 thv God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him 
 •g-.iltless that taketh his name in vain. 
 
 b “Remember the sabbath-day, to keep it holy. 
 if rSix days shalt thou labour, and do all thy 
 %-ork. 
 
 •0 But 3 the seventh day is the sabbath of the 
 
 ■ Lev. 01:16,23. Dent. 23:21— 23. Josh. 2:12,17. 9:20. 2 Sam. 21:1,2. 1 Kings 
 «;9. El. 17:13— 19. Zech. 5:3,4. o 16:23-30 . 31:13,11. Gen. 2:3. Lev. 19:3,30. 
 
 13 3 26:2. llejt. 6:12,13. Is. 56:1— 6. 58:13. Es. 20:12. p 23:12. Luke 
 13 0—16. , 31:15. 31:21. Lev. 23:3. rl6:27,2S. 35:2,3. Mum. 15:32— 36. 
 
 allcw to be reasonable. — All appeals to God in common con- 
 versation, with such expressions as ‘ the Lord knows,’ when 
 the matter attested is either not true, or not important, 
 involves a measure of the same guilt. — All cursing and swear- 
 ing is a most horrid violation of this commandment.— The 
 use of the words, 1 God, Lord, Christ,’ or such like, without 
 necessity, seriousness, and reverence ; whether in improper 
 religious discourse, or as expletives, in talking about other 
 matters: every expression that takes the form of an adjura- 
 tion or imprecation, though the name of God be not used: 
 indeed, all that is more than “yea, yea; nay, nay,” that is, 
 every thing which, in common conversation, goes beyond a 
 simple affirmation or denial ; all jesting with the word of God 
 or sacred things ; all irreverence to whatever relates to him ; 
 and the use of his tremendous name, in religious worship, in 
 a heedless or hypocritical manner: all these, I say, are vio- 
 lations of the spirit of this law. It likewise implies a com- 
 mand to remember habitually the infinite majesty, purity, 
 and excellency of God ; and to behave towards him, in word 
 and deed, with that awe and reverence of his perfections, 
 which becomes such mean and worthless creatures, in his 
 infinitely glorious presence. 
 
 To this law it is added, that Jehovah “will not hold the 
 transgressor guiltless.” Men may not discover, or they may 
 neglect to punish, this crime ; and the sinner’s conscience 
 may scarcely trouble him about it : but let him know, that 
 God will certainly detect and punish that atrocious affront, 
 which is thus put upon him, often without even the plea of 
 temptation, or expectation of profit or pleasure ; unless men 
 can find pleasure in disobeying and defying their Creator ! 
 But when it shall at last be said to the daring transgressor, 
 
 “ Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the 
 Lord ?” his profane trifling will be turned into terror and 
 despair. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. The form of the fourth commandment implies, 
 that it had been previously known to the patriarchs and their 
 descendants, though they were prone to forget it. (Note, 
 Gen. 2:3.) — The separation of a portion of our time to the 
 immediate service of God, is doubtless of moral obligation ; 
 for his glory, and our good, personal and social, temporal and 
 eternal, are intimately connected with it, and therefore it is 
 inserted in the moral law: but the exact proportion, as well 
 as the particular day, may be considered as of positive insti- 
 tution. Yet one day in seven seems to have been fixed upon, 
 by infinite wisdom, as the most proper, in every age of the 
 world; though the change of the dispensation, after the re- 
 surrection of Christ, has occasioned an alteration of the day, 
 and an addition to the topics which call for peculiar com- 
 memoration and contemplation, on this season of sacred rest. 
 — It is plain that the words, “ Six days shalt thou labour, and 
 do all thy work,” were merely an allowance , and not an in- 
 junction ; for the Lord forbad, by other precepts, all labour 
 on some of these days: but they were assigned for the dili- 
 gent performance of the business which relates to this pre- 
 sent life, while the seventh was consecrated to the immediate 
 service of the Lord. The concerns of our souls must in- 
 deed be attended to, and God worshipped, every day, that 
 our business may be regulated in subserviency to his will ; 
 but on the other days of the week “ we should do all our 
 work," reserving none for the sabbath, except works of charity, 
 piety, and necessity ; for these alone consist with the holiness 
 of that sacred day of rest, and are allowable, because “ the 
 sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.” All 
 works, therefore, which arise from avarice, distrust, luxury, 
 vanity, and self-indulgence, are entirely prohibited. Our af- 
 fairs should be previously so arranged, that the sacred duties 
 of the Lord’s day may be interrupted as little as possible. 
 Buying and selling, paying wages, settling accounts, writing 
 letters of business, reading books on ordinary subjects, trifling 
 visits, journeys, excursions, dissipation, or conversation which 
 serves only for amusement, cannot consist with “ keeping a 
 day holy to the Lord ;” and sloth is a carnal, not a spiritual 
 rest. The sabbath should be a cessation from worldly 
 labour, and a rest in the service of God. Serious self-exami- 
 nation ; perusal of the Scriptures ; private, social, and public 
 worship ; instruction of children and servants ; meditation 
 and pious conversation, should occupy our time from morn- 
 •ng till evening ; except as these duties are suspended by 
 attention to such things, as really conduce to our own good, or 
 hat of others. Servants and some others may, however, be 
 under a real necessity of doing things which are not necessary 
 in tPeinselves : though good management might often greatly 
 lessen the evil; and the pious servant will prefer a place of 
 less emolument, where he can have more entire liberty of 
 keeping holy the sabbath-day. Were our love to God and 
 spiritual things as intense as it ought to be, we should deem 
 
 Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any. work 
 thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, *thy man 
 servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor 
 'thy stranger that is within thy gates. 
 
 11 For in “six days the Lord made heaven and 
 earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and res'ed 
 
 Luke 23:56. .Lev. 26:6,7. Deal. 5:14,15. t 12:18,49. 22:21 . 23.9— 12. Gen. 
 17:12,13,23. Lev. 19:33,34. 23:25. Num. 15:14—16.26,29,311. Dent. 16:11,12. 24: 
 11—22. Nell. 10:31. 13:1.5—21. u 31:17. Gen. 2:2,3. I •=. 95:4—7. Murk 2.27,28 
 John 20:19,26. Acts 20:7. 1 Cor. 16:2. Heb. 4:2-6,9—11. Rev. 1:10. 
 
 a day thus spent our great delight, ; for heaven will he an 
 eternal rest, not essentially differing from it. All our aver- 
 sion from such strictness arises from “ the carnal mind, 
 which is enmity against God:” and the advantages whi'h 
 would accrue from thus hallowing the sabbath, to the morals, 
 health, liberty, and happiness of mankind, are so many and 
 so obvious, that they who doubt its obligation often allow its 
 expediency. — But parents and masters are required, not only 
 themselves to hallow the sabbath, and not lo employ their 
 children, servants, or slaves, in any needless work; but they 
 should also with authority require them to keep holy the 
 Lord’s day, which is greatly intended for their benefit; and 
 they are responsible to God for it, if those uqder their ca.e 
 violate this holy rest, by their command, or connivance, or 
 negligence. — The cattle must also be allowed to rest from 
 the hard labour of husbandry, journeys, and all employments 
 connected with trade or pleasure ; though doubtless we may 
 employ them too in works of necessity, piety, and charity, 
 and thus they may properly be used for the gentle service of 
 conveying those to places of public worship, who could not 
 otherwise attend, or perform the duties to which they are 
 called. (Note, 2 Kings 4:23.) Yet, alas! ostentation and 
 self-indulgence so multiply violations of the Lord’s day in 
 this respect, that it is with hesitation that this observation is 
 admitted; and the true Christian would wish to adhere to 
 the letter of the prohibition in all cases, when it did not in- 
 terfere with its intention. — The stranger likewise, though not 
 of the same religion, was not only to be. persuaded and 
 encouraged to hallow the sabbath ; but prohibited from exter- 
 nally violating its sacred rest, while he resided among the 
 Israelites : for this was the law of their land, as well as of 
 their religion. (Notes, 35:2,3. Num. 15:32 — 3G.) And, though 
 the government of Israel differed from that of other people, 
 yet there seems a great propriety in nations professing Chris- 
 tianity making it a part pf their law likewise. J5ut, alas ! 
 how often do such laws lose their energy, for want of being 
 sanctioned by the example of the legislators themselves, and 
 by that of those whose office it is to carry them into execu- 
 tion. 
 
 V. 11. The sabbath was originally instituted in remem- 
 brance of the completion of the work of creation, and in 
 honour of the great Creator; the Israelites had additional 
 reasons assigned them, why they should observe it ; and 
 Christians have some of a still more important nature: but 
 all the perfections of the Lord, as displayed in creation, pro- 
 vidence, redemption, or in any of his w orks of power and lovo 
 to us or to his church, should be remembered and adored by 
 us on this solemn and joyful day. 
 
 This compendious exposition of the first table of the law 
 suffices l o prove its requirements to be very extensive, spi- 
 ritual, reasonable, and beneficial; yet it must be owned to be 
 entirely contrary to the disposition of our hearts, and diverse 
 from the tenor of our lives. We all therefore need mercy, 
 redemption, and a new creation to holiness, in order that we 
 may please God and be made fit for heaven. — W e now pro- 
 ceed to the second table. 
 
 V. 12. According to the principle which has hitherto 
 directed our interpretation, this commandment must be consi- 
 dered as the abstract of relative duties. All other relations 
 spring from that of parents and children, or partake in a mea- 
 sure of its nature ; and this most nearly resembles our relation 
 to the great Creator. — Children are required to honour their 
 parents; which implies, that it is the duty f parents to behave 
 honourably , by diligently performing the several parts of their 
 important charge, as intrusted with the care of their offspring, 
 both in body and soul; and by a becoming deportment in all 
 other respects. Yet children are not absolved from their duty 
 by the misconduct of their parents, for which they must an- 
 swer to God: and such a limitation, in this and other relative 
 precepts, would absurdly constitute all the inferior relations, 
 judges and lords over their superiors. Children, under God, 
 derive their being from their parents: and they arc generally 
 taken care of by them, with much labour and expen e and 
 self-denial, during helpless infancy and inexperienced youth. 
 It is therefore reasonable, that they should so long obey them 
 unreservedly in all things lawful ; and afterwards in all things 
 which are not manifestly injurious to them, though they may 
 be disagreeable. They ought to love their parents; to 
 respect their characters, counsels, and instructions ; to consuls 
 their interest, credit, and comfort ; to conceal their infirmities , 
 to bear with their tempers and humours, alleviate their sor 
 rows, and rejoice their hearts as far as possible: and when 
 they are grown old, or become in any way incapable of main- 
 taining themselves, children are bound, if able, even to labour 
 for their support, as their parents did for them when infants. 
 In all these respects, both parents are equally included ; and 
 v *55 ) 
 
B C. 1491. EXODUS. B. C. 1491. 
 
 the seventh day : wherefore the Lord blessed the 
 sabbath-day, and x hallowed it. 
 
 12 ^Honour thy father and thy mother : z that 
 
 x Lev. 22:32. Jer. 17:20—27. Ez. 20:20. 44:24. Matt. 6:9. Luke 11:2. y 21: 15,17. 
 22:28. Gen. 9:2*2,23. Lev. 19:3,32.20:9. Deut. 5: 16. 21 ; 18— 21 . 27: 16. 1 Kings 2: 
 19. 2 Kings 2:12. 5:13. 13:14. Prov. 1:8,9.6:20.15:5. 19:26 . 20:20. 23:22— 25. 28: 
 24. 30:11,17. Is. 3:5. Jer. 35:18,19. Mai. 1:6. Matt. 15:4— 6. 19:19. Mark 7: 
 10—12. 12:17. Luke 18:20. Horn. 13.7. Eph.5:21. 61—3. Col. 3:20. 1 Tim. 5: 
 1,2,4,17. 6.1,2. Heb. 13:7. 1 Pel. 2:17. 3:1—7. 5:5,6. Jude 8. z Leul. 4:26,40. 
 
 should alike be honoured and obeyed, and not in opposition to 
 one another ; which should teach the parents to set their 
 children an example of impartiality , and to be harmonious in 
 their conduct towards them. — By parity of reason, every one, 
 who has acted a parent’s part, is entitled to a correspondent 
 respect and deference ; and all the superior and inferior rela- 
 tions have their several reciprocal duties, which may be re- 
 ferred to this command, but will hereafter be considered. 
 
 ( Notes, Rom. 13:1—7. Eph. 5:21—33. 6:1—9. Col. 3:18— 
 25. 4:1. 1 Tim. 6:1—5. 1 Pet. 2:13—25. 3:1— 7.)— The 
 
 annexed promise of long life to obedient children might have 
 a peculiar reference to the covenant of Israel ; yet, careful 
 observers of mankind have n'oted its remarkable fulfilment m 
 other nations. Subordination, in the family and community, 
 tends to personal and public felicity ; and the dislike which 
 the human heart bears to submission renders it proper to 
 enforce it by motives of every kind. 
 
 V. 13. The sixth commandment requires us to “love our 
 neighbour as ourselves,” in respect of his person and life. — 
 Magistrates, as “God’^ ministers in executing vengeance,” 
 are in some cases commanded to put men to death ; and in 
 others it may be allowable , because conducive to the public 
 good. — Witnesses or executioners may also concur in such 
 capital punishments without the guilt of murder. We may 
 doubtless take away another’s life in defence of our own: for 
 he who assaults another’s life, by that action forfeits his own ; 
 and there is no opportunity of referring the cause to the civil 
 magistrate. Perhaps, in peculiar circumstances, the same 
 may be allowable in defence of our property ; especially when 
 violence is menaced. — Some wars are necessary and una- 
 voidable to one party, because of the injurious conduct of the 
 other ; and the blood shed in them is not imputed as murder 
 to those who shed it : yet the guilt of it must rest somewhere ; 
 and few wars indeed are so entered upon and conducted, as 
 to leave any of the contending parties free from blood-guilti- 
 ness. — A man may by misfortune kill another: yet God con- 
 demns, as wilful murder , many of those actions by which life 
 is taken away, but which are called by our law manslaughter. 
 Furious passions, excited by sudden provocation or drunk- 
 enness, is no where in Scripture excepted from the general 
 rule, “ He who sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood 
 be shed.” The duellist is a proud and revengeful murderer 
 of the most atrocious kind ; and, in general, he is distinguished 
 from all other criminals, by an habitual determination to com- 
 mit the sin, whenever he shall be tempted to it. — All fighting 
 for wagers, or prizes, or renown, violates this command ; and 
 the blood thus shed is murder. — Whatever, by force or stra- 
 tagem, deprives another of his life, is prohibited. All the 
 slaughter committed by oppressions, persecutions, or at- 
 tempts to deprive of liberty, or confine in slavery, our unof- 
 fending fellow-creatures, on any pretence whatever, is wilful, 
 cruel murder. What then shall we think of the accursed 
 slave-trade, and how thankful should we b^, that it is at length 
 abolished ! — Even laws, needlessly sanguinary, involve the 
 persons concerned in this enormous guilt : and they, who 
 ought to punish the murderer, and yet suffer him to escape, 
 will be numbered among the abettors of his crime at the tri- 
 bunal of God. But capital punishments are denounced, in 
 this land, in so very many instances, that they counteract 
 their own intention ; and yet are executed in such numerous 
 instances, and for offences so different in the degree of crimi- 
 nality, as almost to obliterate in the minds of numbers the 
 disparity of crimes, and to lessen exceedingly the horror of 
 committing murder : and impartial judges must allow, that 
 our criminal code is in this respect both unscriptural, impoli- 
 tic, and unreasonably severe. 
 
 This commandment likewise prohibits us to assault, maim, 
 or wound others, or to assist those who do ; to tempt men to 
 crimes that destroy their constitutions, or endanger their lives, 
 either from the sword of justice, or the resenlment of the 
 injured party ; nay, to entice them, by the prospect of a large 
 reward, to such enterprises and labours, as are known gene- 
 rally to shorten life. Many parents and wives are murdered 
 Dy the gross misconduct of their children and husbands ; and 
 numbers will be found guilty of transgressing this command- 
 ment, by covetously or maliciously wishing the death of others. 
 The spiritual import of it prohibits all envy, revenge, hatred, 
 or causeless anger ; all that insulting language, vyhich pro- 
 vokes to wrath anil rrturder ; and all the pride, ambition, and 
 covetousness, which prompt to it. Nay, that man will be 
 condemned as the hater and murderer of his brother, who, 
 seeing his life endangered by the want of food, raiment, or 
 medicine, and having ability to relieve him, selfishly neglects 
 iO do it. (Notes, 1 John 3:13 — 17. ) — But the murder of the 
 eoul is still more heinous. This is committed by seducing 
 7ien to sin ; by a bad example ; by disseminating poisonous 
 orinciples ; by terrifying others from' religion by persecution,* 
 or by reviling or ridiculing such as attend t< \ ; by withhold- 
 ( 156 ) 
 
 thy days may be long upon the land which the 
 Lord thy God giveth thee. 
 
 13 tt Thou shalt not kill. 
 
 6:2. 17:20 . 25:15. 32:47. Prov. 3:16. a 21:14,20,29. 22:2.3. Gen. 4:8— 15,23. 9: 
 5,6. 27:41,45. 49:6. J.ev. 24:17,21. Num. 35:16—21,31—34. Deiil. 5:17. 19: 1 1 — 
 13. 21:1—9. 2. Sam. 12:9,10. 1 Kings 2:5,6. 2 Kings 21:16. 2Chr.24:22. Ps 10- 
 8—11. Prov. 1:11,18. 28:17. Is. 1:15. 26:21. Jer. 26:15. Malt. 5:21,22. John 8- 
 44. Acts 28:4. Korn. 13:9. Gal. 5:21. 1 Tim. 1:9. Jam. 2:11,13. 4:1,2. 1 Jehu 3: 
 12 — 15. Rev. 16:6. 17:6. 21:8. 22:15. 
 
 ing instructions, nfeedful warning and counsels, especially 
 such as are due from parents to their children, or ministers to 
 their people : and it is tremendous to think, what numbers 
 will be thus condemned as the murderers of the souls of men. — 
 The heinousness of suicide likewise should be especially 
 marked. It is in reality the most malignant of all murders ; 
 and, as scarcely ever repented of, it combines the guilt of 
 murdering both soul and body at once. We were not the 
 authors, and are not the lords, of our own lives : nor may we 
 leave our assigned post, or rush without a summons into the 
 presence of our Judge, any more than we may execute ven- 
 geance on our neighbour, or send him to the tribunal of God. 
 Self-murder may be easily shown to be a complication of 
 ingratitude, contempt of the Lord’s gift of life, impatience, 
 pride, rebellion, and infidelity ; nor is it generally the effect of 
 insanity , (as verdicts, in which perjury is deliberately commit- 
 ted from false tenderness, would lead us to suppose ;) except 
 as all are in some sense insane , who are hurried on by fierce 
 passions and Satan’s temptations. That original murderer 
 knows this present life to be the only season in which salva- 
 tion can be obtained : and therefore he tempts men to such 
 excesses, as destroy the constitution, or render life miserable ; 
 and he urges them on to suicide, that he may destroy both 
 body and soul by their hands, not being permitted to do it by 
 his own power. Extravagance, discontent, and despondency 
 should therefore be most carefully shunned ; and gratitude, 
 patience, and hope most diligently cultivated. — In a word, this 
 command requires enlarged benevolence, kindness, long-suf- 
 fering, and forgiveness ; and a disposition to seek, in all 
 respects, the welfare of every human being. 
 
 V. 14. The seventh commandment regulates our love to 
 our neighbours, in respect of their purity , and domestic com- 
 fort ; and requires the proper government of those inclinations, 
 which God hath implanted in order to the increase of the 
 human species. — The marriage of one man with one woman 
 was the original institution of the Creator ; and not merely a 
 civil contract , as some state it to be : one man and one woman 
 “became one flesh” in this respect, as if they formed one 
 body, actuated by one soul ; in order to promote and share 
 one another’s satisfactions, and with united attention to edu- 
 cate their common offspring. (Note, Mai. 2:13 — 16.) The 
 entrance of sin and death made way for the dissolution of this 
 union, a variety of evils began to imbitter the relation, and 
 abuses were soon introduced. Some things. were under the 
 preceding dispensations connived at, which did not accord to 
 the original institution ; but Christ refers his disciples to that 
 standard of honourable marriage, as far as the change of cir- 
 cumstances can admit of it. — The force acquired by men’s 
 passions, in consequence of sin, renders the “ prevention of 
 fornication” one express end of marriage ; mutual forbearance 
 and reciprocal compliances are now needful and incumbent ; 
 the sorrows of the female sex, as well as the afflictions of life, 
 require peculiar sympathy, to alleviate the anguish of the 
 suffering party ; and the separating stroke of death leaves the 
 survivor free to take another companion. We as Christians 
 therefore must not explain adultery, as prohibited in this com- 
 mandment, according to the judicial law of Moses, which xx ill 
 afterwards come under consideration ; (Lev. 20:10. Deut. 22: 
 22.) but by the decisions of Christ, with which polygamy and 
 divorces (except for unfaithfulness) are utterly incompatible. 
 It is evident, that marriage, recognised in some appointed 
 way, to distinguish it from illicit connexions, gives each party 
 such a property in the other’s person and affections, that 
 every violation of conjugal fidelity, on either side, is adultery, 
 according to the New Testament; and is far more deserving 
 of death, (if we estimate crimes by their mischievous < fleets,) 
 than many offences which are capitally punished. (Notes, 
 Matt. 19:3- 9. Mark 10:2—12. 1 Cor. 7:1—5.) On either side, 
 it is a violation of this spiritual commandment; it militates 
 against the ends and intentions of marriage; is inconsistent 
 with that union of hearts and interests which it implies ; is a 
 breacli of the marriage-compact; mars domestic peace ; pre- 
 vents the harmonious agreement in training up children; aril 
 forms an alienation of that property, which both husband and 
 wife have in the persons anil affections of the other, and which 
 is scarcely ever lost without the bitterest anguish and keenest 
 resentment. Adultery on the woman’s side is indeed more 
 generally chargeable with the injustice of introducing a spuri- 
 ous offspring to inherit the husband’s property : but, his infi 
 dclity is not seldom productive of a similar effect, when (he 
 husband has the disposal of that, which was the property of 
 the wife. And though jealousy is especially “ (1 e rage of 
 man,” and produces (he most fatal effects; yet sometimes 
 female passions overpower female timidity, and dreadful con- 
 sequences ensue on that side also. So that, in the impartial 
 judgment even of reason, the difference of the injury ami of 
 its effects in the two cases is not very great. — AH otfu» r com 
 merce between the sexes is Prohibited by the spirit < f this 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 P. L i 49 1 
 
 14 b Thou shalt not commit adultery. 
 
 15 c Thou shalt not steal 
 
 16 tl Thou shalt not bear false witness against 
 thy neighbour. 
 
 0 Lev. 18:20. 19:29 . 20:10. Dent. 22:21— 24. 2 Sum. 11:4,5,27. 12:9—11. Job 
 81:1,9.10. Ps. 50:18. Prov. 2:15— 18. 5-15-20. 6:21—35.7:18—27. Jer. 5:8,9. 7: 
 9. 13.27. 23:14. 29:22,23. Ez. 18:6,11,15. 22:9—11. Mul. 3:5. Matt. 5:27,28. 
 19:9. Mark 10:11,12. Jolm 8:3— ll. Rum. 1:24—29 . 7:2,3. 1 Cor. 6:9— 11. 7:4. 
 Gal. 5:19,20. Enh. 5:3-5. 1 The*. 4:4—7. Heb. 13:4. Jam. 4:4. 2 Pet. 2:14,18. 
 Rev. 2:20-22. 17:1 —5. 21.8. 22:16. c 21 : 16. 22:1—6.7—13. l.ev. 6:1—7. 19: 
 Hi; 35—37. Dent. 5 19. 19:14 23:24,25. 24:7. 25 13—16. Job 20:19— 22. Ps. 
 50: IS. Prov. 1:13—15. 6:30,31. 11:1.20:10. Jer. 5.26— 29. 7:8—11. Amos 3:10. 
 511. 12. 8:4—6. Mic. 6:10,11. 7:3. Zech. 5 3,4. Mai. 3:5. Matt. 15:19. 19:18. 
 21:13. -3:14. Mnrkl0:l9. Luke 3:13,14. .8:20. 19:8. John 12:6. Rom. 13:9. 
 
 1 Cor. 6:10. Epli.4: 8. lThes'.4:6. 1 Tim. 1:10. Jam. 5:4. d 23:6,7. l.ev. 19: 
 11 15. Dent. 5.20. 19:15—21. 1 Sam. 22:8— 19. 1 Kni|s 21: 10— 13. Pa. 15:3. 50: 
 
 law ; from the lowest scenes of prostitution, to the temporary 
 connexions that are formed and dissolved at pleasure. The 
 difference between the tempters and the tempted , and other 
 circumstances, vary the degree of guilt contracted ; for the 
 seducer’s character is diabolical : but fornication is found in 
 almost every black catalogue in the Scripture ; and, however 
 men may be deceived by vain words, its dire effects on the 
 human species prove the goodness of God, as well as his jus- 
 tice, in thus strictly forbidding it, and threatening those who 
 violate the prohibition, with his severest indignation. — Under 
 the word lasciviousness, various transgressions are denoted, 
 which cannot be mentioned without offence : and every thing, 
 which does not comport with the design of marriage, though 
 sanctioned by that name, violates the spiritual meaning of the 
 prohibition. — All impure discourse, imaginations, or desires, 
 are likewise condemned by this law. “Whosoever looketh 
 on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with 
 her already in his heart.” — Writing, publishing, vending, cir- 
 culating, or reading obscene books ; exposing to view indecent 
 pictures or statues, or whatever else may excite men’s pas- 
 sions, must partake of the same guilt : and wit, elegance, and 
 ingenuity only increase the mischief, wherever the specious 
 poison is administered. — All the arts of dress, motion, or de- 
 meanour, which form temptations to heedless youth ; with all 
 those blandishments, insinuations, amorous looks and words, 
 which subserve seduction, and make way for criminal indul- 
 gence, fall under the same censure. — In short, the command- 
 ment requires the utmost purity, both of body and soul, in 
 secret as well as before men ; with a holy indifference to ani- 
 mal indulgences, and the strictest government of all the 
 appetites, senses, and passions. And it enjoins the desire 
 and endeavour of preserving the same disposition and beha- 
 viour in all others also, as far as we have it in our power. 
 
 V. 15. This commandment is the law of love in respect 
 of property. The productions of the earth are obtained 
 and prepared for use by labour : this gives property, which 
 justly descends to the owner’s posterity or heirs. From this 
 and similar causes, combining their effects for ages, the differ- 
 ence in men’s worldly circumstances originates. That por- 
 tion which we honestly obtain, is “ the bread that God hath 
 given us;” and with this we should be satisfied. But men’s 
 passions crave more ; and sloth refuses to labour : hence force 
 and fraud are employed to get possession of the property of 
 others, without their free consent fairly obtained. It is not 
 necessary to enumerate those violations, of which human laws 
 take cognizance ; but men may, in various ways, break the 
 iivine law, and yet escape present punishment. Fraudulent 
 bargains, which impose on the ignorant, credulous, or necessi- 
 tous ; abuse of confidence ; extortion ; exorbitant gain ; deceit- 
 ful combinations to enhance the price of goods or labour, or to 
 lower the wages of the poor, will be all condemned at the 
 tribunal of God as violations of this command, though perhaps 
 hardly censured in human society. — The overgrown ravager 
 of nations and provinces, who smiles defiance at human jus- 
 tice, will be adjudged a pi iucipal robber, without any other 
 distinction. Defrauding the public constitutes a most atro- 
 cious transgression of this law ; whether it be done by oppres- 
 sive rulers, who burden the people with merciless exactions ; 
 or by those who embezzle the treasures committed to their 
 stewardship ; or by smuggling, and in various ways evading 
 the payment of taxes. Contracting debts to support vanity 
 and luxury, or in pursuit of some scheme of aggrandizement, 
 or for any thing not absolutely necessary, without a fair pros- 
 pect of paying ; taking advantage of humane laws, to evade 
 payment, when the insolvents are again able to do it ; all 
 extravagance, beyond the sober allowance of a man’s income ; 
 and slothfulness, or unnecessary subsistence upon charity, are 
 violations of it in different ways. Nay, for men to withhold 
 from real objects of compassion proper relief ; or to squeeze 
 the poor so low in their wages, as hardly to allow them a 
 subsistence, in order that their employers may live in atflu- 
 ence and enrich their families, is absolutely inconsistent with 
 its evident demands. — In short, the spirit of it’prohibits inordi- 
 nate love of the world, covetousness, luxury, and the pride of 
 life; and requires industry, frugality, sobriety, submission to 
 Providence, and a disposition “to do to all others,” in respect 
 of worldly property, as we “ would they should do unto us.” 
 
 V. Hi. Themin h commandment is the law of love, as it 
 respects our neighbour’s reputation ; though, in the connexion 
 of human affairs, the violation of it may likewise affect his 
 property or life ; and bearing false witness, in a court of 
 •ustice in this land, may he nerjurv, robbery, and murder, as 
 
 17 e Thou shalt notco\et thv neighbour’s house 
 thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s i wile, no. his 
 man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, no 
 his ass, nor any thing that g is thy neighbour’s. 
 
 20 . 52:2-4.101:5—7. Irov. 10:18. 11:13. 18:8. 19:5.9.20:19. 25:23. 26 ;2C~ 
 22. la. 59:3,4. Jer. 9:4. Ez. 22:9. Matt. 26:59,60. Aas 6:13. Rom. 1 :3U. 1 Cor. 
 6:10. Eph. 4:31. 1 Tim. 1:10. 3:11. 2 Tim. 3:3. Tit. 2:3. Jitm. 4:11. 1 Pet. 
 2:1. 2 Pei. 2:10,11. Rev. 12:10. 22:15. e Gen. 3:6. 14:23.34:23. I eut. 5:21. 
 Josh. 7:21. 1 Sum. 15:19.- 1 Kings 21:6— 16. 2 Kings 5:2u. Ps. 10:3. 119:36. Ec. 
 4:8.5:10,11. Is. 33:15. 56:11 . 57:17. Jer. 22:17. Ez. 33:31. Am. 2:6,7. Mic. 
 2:2. Hul). 2:9. Mutt. 6:19— 24. Luke 12:15. 16:14. John 12:6. .cts20:33. Rom. 
 7:7. 13:9. 1 Cor. 5: 10. 6: 10. Eph.5.5. Phil. 3: 19. Col. 3:5. 1 Tim. 6:6— 10. Heh. 
 13:5. Jam. 4:1,2. 2 Pel. 2:14,15. 1 John 2:16. f2 Sam. 11:2— 4. Jub31:l,a 
 Prov. 4:23. 6:24,25. Jer. 5:8. Matt. 5:28. Jam. 1:14,15. 2 Pel. 2: 14. g Malt. 
 20:15. Acts 5:4. 2Thes.3:12. 
 
 well as calumny. In such important concerns, we should 
 attest nothing of which we have not the fullest assurance ; 
 and all human passions should be watched over, that our evi- 
 dence may not be warped by any of them. We should be 
 exact to a word in reporting what we know, and in speaking 
 the truth, and no more than the truth ; while equal caution is 
 required in juries, and in the judge who decides the cause. — 
 The malicious invention and circulation of slanderous reports, 
 to the injury of a man’s character, is a very heinous violation 
 of this commandment. To do this in spore is an imitation 
 of 41 the madman, who throws about firebrands, arrows, and 
 death,” for his diversion. To spread stories which others have 
 framed to the discredit of our neighbour, when we suspect 
 them to be false or aggravated ; or even if we suppose or know 
 them to be true, when there is no real occasion for it, (such 
 as the detection of a mischievous hypocrite, or designing 
 villain,) is prohibited by this law: for this practice results 
 from pride, self-preference, malevolence, or affectation of wit 
 and humour. — Severe censures, bitter sarcasm, ridicule, harsh 
 judgments, ascribing good actions to bad motives, inuendos, 
 misrepresentations, collecting and circulating in any way 
 family anecdotes, or anecdotes of persons in high life or con- 
 spicuous station, unfavourable to the reputation of those con- 
 cerned, or exposing them and their connexions to ridicule, and 
 various other practices of the same nature, can never consist 
 with it. — This commandment is very frequently violated by 
 authors : a lie or a slander is*far worse when printed, than when 
 only spoken ; and religious controversy is too generally dis- 
 graced by the most abominable calumnies: fur bigots, of all 
 parties, agree in misstating the actions, misquoting the writ- 
 ings, and misreporting the words, of their opponents. — All lies 
 are a violation of this law. They are in every poss ible case an 
 abuse of speech, and of our neighbour’s confidence, and a 
 derogation from the value of truth ; and almost always hurtful 
 to mankind. — Even injurious thoughts, groundless suspicions, 
 and secret prejudices, or envy of the praises and commenda- 
 tions which others receive, do not consist with the spirit of this 
 precept. F or it requires sincerity, truth, fidelity, candour, and 
 caution, in all our conversation and conduct ; and a disposition 
 to honour in every man what is honourable, to commend w hat 
 is commendable, to vindicate and excuse w hat can be vindicated 
 and excused, and to conceal what may law fully be concealed ; 
 and in every respect to consult his reputation, and even to 
 rejoice in his credit and renown, as we should w ere it our own, 
 and as we might reasonably desire he also should. In our ow n 
 case, we all feel the excellenc 3 ' and reasonableness of the pre- 
 cept, in its strictest sense ; we value and are tender of our repu- 
 tation; and expect, nay demand, to be treated with candour, 
 respect, and sincerity ; and we are greatly pained and affronted 
 when we are imposed upon, or held forth to scorn, ridicule, 
 and censure, by the tongues or pens of others. But, through 
 the exorbitancy of self-love, and want of love to others, we 
 are prone, in an amazing degree, to violate the rules which 
 we should impose on our neighbours, in our own conduct 
 towards them, and that without much remorse, or sense of 
 guilt. Nor can words express how heinously this reasonable 
 commandment is every day transgressed, in almost every 
 company, and among persons of all characters ! 
 
 V. 17. This concluding commandment forbids us to covet 
 any thing that is our neighbour’s. This restriction is placed 
 as the fence of all the rest. The apostle’s reference to it, 
 (Note, Rom. 7:7,8.) shows that it comprises the utmost spirit- 
 uality of the law ; and it is a perpetual confutation of all those 
 systems, by which the outward, gross crime is considered 
 as the only violation of each command. — We are here 
 expressly, and in the most forcible language, prohibited so 
 much as to desire what is withheld from us by the command 
 or providence of God : and, so far from wanting to level pro- 
 perty, or seize violently on our neighbour’s possessions, wo 
 may not so much as at all hanker after them. — The most 
 secret wish for another man’s wife violates this precept; but 
 to desire a union by marriage with an unmarried woman, 
 becomes sinful only when it is excessive, and when it is not 
 submitted to the will of God, if he render it impracticable. 
 We may desire that part of a man’s property, which he is 
 inclined to dispose of, if we mean to obtain it only on equitable 
 terms; but what he chooses to keep w<*may not covet. The 
 poor man may desire moderate relief from the rich ; but he 
 must not covet his affluence, or repine even if he do not 
 relieve him. Men exposed to equal hazards, may agree to 
 a proportionable contribution to him who suffers loss ; for it 
 accords with the law of love to help the distressed. Thif 
 
 ( 157 ) 
 
D. C. KOI. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1-191. 
 
 18 If An f h n!l the people saw the thunderings, 
 on 1 the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, 
 and the mountain smoking; and when the people 
 saw it, 'they removed and stood afar oft'. 
 
 19 And they said unto Moses, k Speak thou with 
 us, anil we will hear : but ‘let not God speak with 
 us, lest we die. 
 
 20 And Moses said unto the people, m Fear not: 
 for God is come to “prove you, and that °his fear 
 may be before your faces, that ye sin not. 
 
 21 And rfhe people stood afar ofti and Moses 
 > drew near unto the ‘Thick darkness where God 
 
 teas. 
 
 22 And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou 
 
 h 19:16— 18. See on Deut. 4:10,11,36. 5:22,23. i Ps. 138:7,8. Jer. 23:23, 24- 
 kDeul. 5:27. Ib: IS. Acts 7:38. Gal. 3:19. Heb. 12:18,19. 133:20. Gen. 32:30. 
 Deni. 5:24,26. m 1 Sam. 12:20,24. n 15:25,25. Gen. 22:1 ,12. Dent. 8:2,16. 13: 
 3. oGeu. 20:11. 12:18. Deut. 4:10. 6:2. 10:12. 17:13,19 . 28:58. Josh. 24:11. Neh. 
 5:15. Job 28:28. Prov. 1 7. Is. 8: 13. Jer. 32:39,40. Matt. 10:28. Heb. 12:28. 
 p 19:17. Deut. 5:5. q 1 Kings 8:12. Z . hr. 6:1. Ps. 13:0,12. 97:2. 104:2. lTim. 6: 
 16. r eut. 1:35. Neh. 9:13. Hob. 12:25,26. s 3— 5. See on 32:1— 1. 1 Sam. 5: 
 4,3. 2 Kings 17:33,41. Et.2o.39. 43:3. Dan. 5:4,23. Zepb. 1:5. 1 Cor. 10:21,22. 
 
 exculpates ensurance when fairly conducted. But every 
 species cf gaming originates from an undue desire and hope 
 of increasing our property, by proportionably impoverishing 
 otfier men ; and is therefore a direct violation of this law. — 
 Public gaming by lotteries, so far from being less criminal 
 than other species of that vice, is the worst of them all ; for it 
 abets and sanctions, as far as example and concurrence by 
 statute can do it, a practice which opens the door to every 
 species of fraud and villany ; which is pregnant with the most 
 extensive evils to the community and to individuals; which 
 seldom fails annually to bring several to an untimely end, by 
 suicide or the sentence of the law ; which unsettles an immense 
 multitude from the honest employments of their station, to 
 run in quest of imaginary wealth ; and which exposes them to 
 manifold temp'a'ious, unfits them for returning to their usual 
 mode of life, and often materially injures their circumstances, 
 breaks their spirit-, sours their tempers, and excites the 
 worst passions of which they are susceptible. Indeed the 
 evils, political, moral, and religious, of lotteries , are too glaring 
 to he denied, even by those vviio plead necessity for continuing 
 them ; and too numerous to he recapitulated in this place. 
 Can it therefore consist with the law of God, “Thou shalt 
 not covet,” or with the character of a Christian, to concur in 
 so iniquitous and injurious a system, from a vain desire of 
 irregular gain ? Whatever argument proves it unlawful for 
 two or three men to cast lots for a sum of money, or to game in 
 any At her way, is much more strongly conclusive against a 
 million of persons gaming publicly by a lottery, to the stagna- 
 n >!i iu great measure of every other business : while the gain 
 made by government, and by individuals, from the stakes 
 deposited with them, renders it as imprudent as it is sinful in 
 the adventurers ; for every individual stakes at least three to 
 two on an even chance , if a covetous appeal to Providence 
 may be called chance. {Note, Prov. 1G:33.) Even Tontines 
 are by no means to be justified, as they constitute a kind of 
 complicated wager about longevity, to be decided by Provi- 
 dence in favour of the survivors; and must therefore partake 
 of the nature of other games of chance. Coveting the pro- 
 perty of our neighbours contrary to the law of love, and 
 enriching the survivors, commonly at the expense of the 
 relatives of the deceased, are intimately connected with them: 
 while they lead men into strong temptation secretly to wish 
 the death of others, for the sake of advantages which they 
 inordinately desire, and irregularly pursue. — In fine, discon- 
 tent, distrust, love of wealth, pleasure, and grandeur, desire 
 of change, the habit of wishing, and every inordinate affection, 
 are the evils here prohibited ; and we know them to be the 
 sources of all other crimes, and of man’s misery. The com- 
 mand requires moderation in respect of all worldly things, 
 submission to God, acquiescence in his will, love to his com- 
 mand', and a reliance on him for the daily supply all our 
 wants, as he sees good. This is right and reasonable, fit for 
 God to command, and profitable for man to obey ; the very 
 temper and felicity of heaven itself: hut it is so contrary to 
 the disposition of our heart by nature , and so superior to the 
 actual attainment, of the best Christians on earth, that it 
 is very difficult to persuade men in general, that God requires 
 such perfection; s ill more difficult to satisfy them, that it is 
 indispensable to the happiness of rational creatures; and 
 most difficult of all to convince them, that every tiling incon- 
 sistent with this, or short of it, is sin ; that it deserves the 
 wrath of God, and cannot, he taken away, except by the mercy 
 of God, flu* )ugh the atonement of Christ. — We cannot close 
 this brief explication of the divine law, (in which we find 
 nothing redundant, nothing defective, nothing injurious, but all 
 things “ holy, and just, and good,”) more properly, than by 
 che words o{ our ch rch-service, 4 Lord, have mercy upon 
 us,’ (forgive all our past transgressions,) 4 and write all these 
 thy laws in our hearts, we beseech thee.’ 
 
 V- Id — 20. The hundcrings and lightnings continued 
 during the whole of this awful solemnity ; and we may sup- 
 pose, that as soon as the Lord had ceased to speak, the 
 trumpet, again sounded loudly, as before. The people there- 
 fore, witnessing such a continuance or succession of tremen- 
 ( 158 ) 
 
 shalt say unto the children oflsrael, Ye have seen 
 that r I have talked with you from heaven. 
 
 23 Ye “shall not make with me gode of silver, 
 neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold. 
 
 24 An ‘altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, 
 and shalt sacrifice thereon thy "burnt-offerings, 
 and thy peace-offerings, thy sheep and thine oxen: 
 “in all places where 1 record my name, I will come 
 unto thee, and I will ^bless thee. 
 
 25 And “if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, 
 thou shalt not 'build it of hewn stone : for if thou 
 lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it. 
 
 26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine 
 altar, that a thy nakedness be notdiscovered thereon. 
 
 2Cor. 6:14— 16. Col. 2:18,19. 1 John 5:20,21. Re». 22:15. tJohn4:24. u Lev. 
 1:3. x Deut. 12:5,11,21. 16:5,6. 26:2. 1 Kings 8:29.43. 9:3. 2 1 hr. 6:6. 7:16. 
 12:13. Ezra 6:12. Nell. 1:9. Ps. 74:7 . 76:2 . 78:68. 132:13,14. Jer. 7:10— 12. Mai. 
 1:11. Matt. 18:20. 28:21). John 4:20— 23. I Tim. 2:8. ylien.l2:2. Num. 6:24 
 —27. Deut. 7:13. 2Sam. 6:12. Ps. 128:5. 134:3. z Dent. 27:5,6. Josh.8:3L 
 * Heb. build them with hewing, a Lev. 10:3. Ps. 89:7. Ec. 5:1. Heb. 12:28,29. 
 1 Pet. 1:16. 
 
 dous scenes, removed in trepidation to a greater distance; 
 and requested that Moses would, from that time, deliver the 
 commands and will of God to them, promising to be attentive 
 and obedient. — “ They could not endure the things which 
 were spoken,” any more than the tremendous manner in 
 which they were delivered: and though their request to 
 Moses was rather the language of terror than of judgment ; 
 yet it implied that they needed a Mediator, and could not 
 stand before God without one. Moses, however, encouraged 
 them not to fear immediate death, which they seem to have 
 expected : for these solemn displays were not intended for 
 their destruction ; hut lo prove them, whether they would be 
 obedient or not, and lo impress them with reverential fear of 
 the authoriiy and majesty of Jehovah, that they might be 
 restrained from sinning against him.— Thq distinction between 
 servile fear, and ihe dread of immediate vengeance, on this 
 particular occasion, and the salutary fear of God, which 
 habitually influences the conduct, is very observable in this 
 passage. 
 
 y. 21 — 25. At this time Moses directed the people to re- 
 turn to their tents, while he approached nearer to that thick 
 darkness, from which the Lord had especially manifested his 
 presence, and had spoken the ten commandments. There 
 he received the following directions, enforcing what had been 
 delivered, especially the commandments prohibiting idolatry 
 of every kind, as being the most essential of all: particularly 
 stating, that the precious materials, of which images might 
 be made, would not diminish the guilt of the maker or wor- 
 shipper.— It must be supposed they would now bring sacri- 
 fices, as an act of worship, which had been in use from the 
 beginning : and in sacrificing, either burnt-offerings to be 
 wholly consumed, or peace-offerings, on part of which they 
 were allowed to feast, they must make no other altar than 
 one of sods or rough stone. In due time another altar would 
 he formed, according to special directions about to be given : 
 in the mean while, they must remember that God principally 
 looked to the heart and intention of the offerer, and to that 
 Saviour whom the sacrifices typified. But he would after- 
 wards record his name, or fix places where he would display 
 his glory, and accept their worship; and there he would meet 
 and bless them. — The rules prescribed about the altar might 
 refer to some usages of the Gentiles, or in several waj’s be 
 intended to exclude superstition : and ihey seem to have been 
 of permanent obligation, as to occasional altars, raised on 
 any emergency at a distance from the places where the Lord 
 recorded his name ; of which we shall hereafter meet with 
 several instances. 
 
 V. 2fi. The Heathen worship was frequently attended by 
 shameful indecencies, from which the Lord would keep his 
 people at the utmost distance ; and, as they wore loose gar- 
 ments, this precaution was very proper. — II is supposed, (hat 
 the ascent to the altar at the tabernacle, and even at the 
 temple, was by a gentle slope. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. Though we neither hear the thunders, nor see 
 the lightnings, nor witness the awful circumstances with 
 which the holy law was given ; and though we are not ap- 
 palled by the voice of God himself, speaking lo us from ihe 
 top of blazing Sinai; yet, if we attend to ihe things then 
 spoken, wc shall perceive, that we have as much occasion lo 
 tremble as the Israelites had, when Ihey stood at the foot 
 of the mountain. This law, which is so extensive that we 
 cannot measure it, so spiritual ilmt we cannot evade it, and 
 so reasonable that we cannot find fault with it, will he the 
 rule of the fuliho judgment of God, ns il is of the present 
 conduct of man. Nnr would it consist with Ihe glory of the 
 Lord’s perfections, the honour of his government, the interests 
 of his universal and everlasling kingdom, or even with the 
 felicity of his rational creatures, to reverse, repeal, or relax 
 one precepl of it ; for it is all perfectly “ holy, just, and good.’ 
 — Comparing the state of the world with its spiritual require- 
 ments, we see most evidently that nmn is a fal'en erea’ure; 
 for his character, disposition, and conduct, so far from oeing 
 perfectly conformable to this holy law, are quite contrary ;o 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Laic* concerning the release or detention of Hebrew slaves, 1— € ; the treat- 
 ment of female slaves, 7—11 : murder , manslaughter, smiting or cursing 
 parents, man-stealing, maiming any person, killing or wounding a slave, 
 hurting women with child, and other injuries, 13— *27 ; mischiefs by cattle, 
 and by pits, 28—36. 
 
 N OW these are “the judgments b whicb thou 
 shalt set before them. 
 
 . Lev 18:5,25. 19:37. 20:22. Nun. 35:21. 36:13. Deut. 5:1,31. 6:20. 1 Kings 6: 
 
 2 2 C hr. 19:10. Nell. 9:13,14. 10:29. P«. 147:19. Es. 20:11,25. Mai. 4:4. bl9: 
 7.24:3,4. Deut. 4:5,8,14,45. 6:20. Matt. 28:20. lThes.4:l,2. cl2:44 . 22:3. 
 
 »: “ The carnal mind” of man “is enmity against God; for 
 it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.” Ex- 
 amined by this rule, our own past lives appear a continued 
 series of transgressions ; our best actions, defective in their 
 "rinciple, end, and measure, and defiled with sin : and our 
 judgment, will, and affections, the reverse of what they ought 
 to be: so that, while we behold ourselves in this mirror, we 
 cannot but use the language of the prophet, “We are all as 
 an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy 
 rags.” And we may learn to what imminent danger of hope- 
 less misery every one is exposed, from the words of the 
 apostle, or of the Lord by Moses, “ Cursed is every one , that 
 contipueth not in all things , which are written in the book of 
 the law, to do them:” (Note, Deut. 27:26.) especially, as our 
 Lord assures us that, at the solemn day of judgment, he will 
 thus address those on his left hand, “Depart from me, ye 
 cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his 
 angels;” and that “these shall go away into everlasting pu- 
 nishment.” — Yet, if we impartially consider the excellency of 
 every commandment, we shall gradually be constrained to 
 approve of the whole ; to allow the evil of transgression ; and, 
 in some degree, to perceive the equity of that “ wrath of God, 
 which is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and 
 unrighteousness of men.” For if transgression of human 
 laws, in any case, justly merits the death of the body, the 
 utmost punishment which man can inflict ; transgression of 
 God’s law, (considering who he is, and what are our obliga- 
 tions to him,) may surely be allowed justly to merit the 
 utmost effect of his power, “ who is able to destroy both body 
 and soul in hell.” Thus the law, when applied by the con- 
 vincing Spirit of God, shows men their lost estate, their guilt, 
 danger, and misery ; and effectually demonstrates to their 
 consciences, that their own righteousness cannot justify them, 
 their own arm cannot save them. Under these convictions, 
 who can despise the gospel of Jesus Christ? Pardon of sin, 
 justification by faith, access unto God upon a mercy-seat, 
 the renewal of our souls to holiness, and eternal life as the 
 free gift of a gracious God, can appear superfluous or de- 
 spicable only to him, who knows not the extent, spirituality, 
 or excellency of the divine law ; or who has never carefully 
 examined his heart and life according to it, with the day of 
 judgment placed before his eyes. — In the person, undertaking, 
 obedience, and death of Christ, this law was magnified and 
 made honourable, and the justice of God satisfied; so that his 
 hatred of sin now harmonizes with his love to sinners. Here 
 he “gives the knowledge of salvation to his people by the 
 remission of their sins;” for “Christ hath redeemed them 
 from the curse of the law, being made a curse for them.” If 
 we view the character of Christ, in human nature, in the 
 midst of temptations and sufferings, even unto the death 
 upon the cross ; we shall learn that he was perfectly obe- 
 dient to this law in its fullest extent : and on this obedience 
 his divine nature stamped infinite value. This, O self-con- 
 demned sinner, is the provision God hath made for thy justi- 
 fication ! This righteousness, being commensurate with the 
 largest demands of the divine law, is “the righteousness of 
 God, which is unto all and upon all them that believe ; for 
 there is no difference :” and, through the atoning blood of 
 Christ, and his intercession, we have open access to a recon- 
 ciled God and Father, notwithstanding our guilt and unwor- 
 thiness. — But can it be imagined, if the law is so holy and 
 excellent, and such honour has been put upon it, by the obe- 
 dience and sufferings of the incarnate Son of God, that any 
 redeemed sinner should be allowed to disobey it? It is ab- 
 surdity, impossibility, blasphemy! The knowledge of the 
 taw shows our need of repentance ; the knowledge of Christ 
 crucified is inseparably connected with repentance. In every 
 believer’s heart sin is dethroned and crucified, the law is 
 written, and the image of God is renewed ; Christ is “made 
 sanctification” to him : the Holy Spirit disposes, inclines, and 
 enables him to hate and flee from sin; to love, delight in, and 
 keep this law in sincerity and truth : and to copy daily the 
 example of him who perfectly fulfilled it. Nor will the be- 
 liever ever cease to exercise repentance, or to follow after 
 holiness, till he becomes “holy, as he who hath called him is 
 holy.” May this be indeed our religion : and while “ we 
 .count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge 
 'of Christ,” that “we may be found in hirn,” and “made the 
 righteousness of God in him;” may his holy precepts be “our 
 delight and our counsellors,” and may we be careful to “ adorn 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things !” 
 
 V. 18—26. The language of men, under terror of con- 
 science, or in the prospect of immediate death, is often entirely 
 apposite toth- ir habitual conduct and character at other times ; 
 and therefo-e very little to. be depended on. — When thus 
 alarmed, they r requcnt!y apply with respect and earnestness 
 
 2 If thou buy “an Hebrew servant, six years he 
 shall serve : d and in the seventh he shall go out 
 free lor nothing. 
 
 3 If he came in *by himself, he shall go out by 
 himself: if he were married, then his wife shall 
 go out with him. 
 
 4 If his master have given him a wife, and she 
 
 Gen. 37:28,36. Le*. 25:39,44 . 2 King! 4:1. Neh. 5:)— 5,8. Malt. 18:25. 1 Cor. 
 6:20. d Ler. 25:40—43,45. Deut. 15:1,12— 15,18. 31:10. Jer. 34:8—17. • HcL. 
 wi th hie body . 
 
 to the ministers, whom they before treated w ith neglect ct 
 loaded with reproaches ! And they make many promises > rid 
 resolutions, how attentive and obedient they will be, if spared 
 at that time ; which they soon after violate without scruple. 
 Not that they are always, or generally, insincere On these 
 protestations : but they speak the language of their terrors, 
 which form the predominant passion at the time ; but which 
 soon subside, and leave the heart under the influence of other 
 passions, which habitually enslave them to sin. — Indeed, ail 
 convictions, which leave the heart unrenewed, and conse- 
 quently alienated from God, tend eventually to drive men from 
 him ; and often terminate in a wilful and studied forgetfulness 
 of all those subjects which have excited them : so that dissi- 
 pation, excess, open impiety, and even infidelity, are not 
 seldom the refuges to which convinced sinners flee, to escape 
 the reproaches of a guilty conscience. On the other hand, a 
 presumptuous confidence in the mercy of God quiets the fears 
 of numbers, though they continue strangers to “repentance, 
 and works meet for repentance.” — The ministers of Christ, 
 however, must use all proper methods of warning men against 
 these delusions ; and they should endeavour to abate the 
 terrors of awakened sinners, when verging to despondency, 
 by showing them the purposes of God in giving the law, in 
 revealing his wrath from heaven against transgressors, and in 
 alarming their consciences ; and by holding forth the invita- 
 tions and encouragements of the gospel. Thus they may 
 expect that, in many instances, these terrors will make way 
 for that holy, habitual fear of God, which, united with faith, 
 and hope, and grateful love, will preserve them from sinning 
 against him. It is in this manner, that our God “seeks men 
 to worship him in spirit and truth,” and forms “ a holy priest- 
 hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices” unto their reconciled 
 God, “ through Jesus Christ such as attend wherever he 
 records his name, to give him praise and honour, while “ he 
 comes unto them and blesses them.” (Note, Matt. 18:19,20.) 
 — But we must remember, that all uncommanded endeavours 
 to decorate and embellish divine ordinances, by ingenuity 
 magnificence, or human devices of any kind, tend to super- 
 stition, false affections, and low thoughts of God ; and so in 
 fact pollute what they were intended to improve. “ For the 
 Lord seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh at the out- 
 ward appearance, but the Lord looketh at the heart.” Yet 
 purity of heart will show itself in purity of manners ; a d 
 while simplicity is most suited to our spiritual worship, sure., 
 we should carefully avoid every thing in the least inconsistent 
 with the rule laid down by the apostle, “Let all things be 
 done decently and in order.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXI. V. 1. Judgments.] (Marg. 
 Ref.) This word here evidently, and by general allowance, 
 means judicial laws, or rules of judgment, by which the 
 magistrates and judges of Israel should proceed in deter- 
 mining causes and trying criminals. And making some allow- 
 ance for the circumstances, varying in different ages and 
 nations, there is a spirit of equity in these laws, which is well 
 worthy of being transfused into those of any state. — This 
 chapter, and the two following, continue the narrative of what 
 the Lord spake to Moses, when “ he drew near to the thick 
 darkness,” after the peopte had removed from the mount. 
 The whole of the judicial or political law of Israel, except 
 some injunctions about the Sabbath, was either given on this 
 occasion, or afterwards spoken to Moses from above the 
 mercy-seat in the tabernacle : whence also a great part of 
 the ceremonial law was delivered. (Leu. 1:1.) For little seems 
 to have been prescribed to Moses, during his continuance tor 
 forty days in the mount, as afterwards recorded; except what 
 related to the tabernacle and its sacred furniture, and to the 
 holy garments for Aaron and his sons ; the manner of their 
 consecration to the priesthood ; and the composition of the 
 holy oil and of the incense. 
 
 V. 2. The Israelites sometimes sold themselves or their 
 children, through poverty ; magistrates sold some persons for 
 their crimes ; and creditors were, in certain cases, allow ed 
 to sell their insolvent debtors. In these ways slavery had 
 been, or would soon be, introduced among the Israelites, even 
 that of their brethren as well as of strangers : and God did 
 not see good, in the judicial law, totally to prohibit this, and 
 several other things, which are not agreeable to the perfect 
 demands of the moral law. — In the government of Rations, 
 legislators must judge how' far it is practicable, expedient, <,r 
 conducive to the grand ends of magistracy, to require all that 
 is right, a’nd forbid all that is wrong under penal sanctions 
 and in this respect Israel was like other nations. Indeed, the 
 moral and judicial law were enacted by the same I. aw giver 
 and coincided, as far as infinite wisdom saw it to be condu- 
 cive to the grand ends in view ; but as they were intended 
 for very distinct purposes, they must ill many things vary 
 
 ( 159 ) 
 
B. C. 1 193 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 'iave borne him sons or daughters ; the wife and 
 her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go 
 out by himself. 
 
 5 And e if the servant ’shall plainly say, I love 
 my master, my wife, and my children, I will not 
 go out free : 
 
 6 Then his master shall bring him unto f the 
 judges ; he shall also brin£ him to the door, or 
 unto the door-post: and his master shall shore 
 his ear through with an awl ; and he shall serve 
 him h for ever. 
 
 7 And if a man 'sell his daughter to be a maid- 
 servant, she shall not go out as the men-servants 
 do. 
 
 8 If* she please not her master, k who hath 
 betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be 
 redeemed. To sell her unto a strange nation he 
 shall have no power, ‘seeing he hath dealt deceit- 
 fully with her. 
 
 e Deut. 15:16,17. Is. 26:13. 2 Cor. 5:14.15. * Heb . saying shall sou . f22. 18: 
 
 21—26.22:8,9,28. Num. 25:5— 8. Deut. 1:16. 16:18. 19:17,18. 1 Sam. 8:1,2. 
 Is. 1:26. Zeph. 3:3. gPs.4U:6— 8. h Lev. 25:23,40. Deut. 15:17. 1 Sam. 1: 
 
 22. 27:12. 23:2. 1 Kings 12:7. \ See one. Neh. 5:5. t Heb. be evil in the 
 
 eyes of. Gen. 28:8. Judg. 14:3. 1 Sam. 8:6. 18:8. mar°. k Deut. 20:7. 21: 
 11—14. 18:29. Judg. 9:19. Job 6:15. Mai. 2:11— 15. m 1 Cor. 7:1— 6. n5ee 
 <*i2. o 20:13. Gen. 9:6. Lev. 24:17. Num. 35:16— 24,30,31. Deut. 19:11— 13. 
 
 The moral law commanded every thing spiritually good in its 
 utmost perfection, and tolerated nothing wrong in the small- 
 est degree ; but the sentence of it was reserved “to that day 
 when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ.” 
 Th e judicial law commanded nothing morally bad, and forbad 
 nothing morally good ; but, as sentence according to it would 
 be pronounced by the civil magistrate, it did not insist on the 
 same perfection : and besides, that it enjoined nothing con- 
 cerning the state of the heart, except as the intentions could 
 be judged of by words and actions ; it had also respect to 
 the situation, character, and peculiar circumstances of the 
 nation to be governed ; and supposed the existence of some 
 evils, which could not be eradicated without a constant mira- 
 cle ; and it provided against their worst effects. — This dis- 
 tinction, carefully attended to, will account for many things, 
 tolerated in the Mosaic law, which are condemned in the 
 New 'Testament; and not only there, but in the moral law 
 of “ loving our neighbour as ourselves.” They are not sanc- 
 tioned, but merely “ suffered because of the hardness of the 
 people’s hearts," or on some account to prevent worse con- 
 sequences. 
 
 Slavery was almost universal in the world: and though like 
 wars, it always proceeded of evil, and was generally evil 
 in itself, yet the wisdom of God deemed it better to regulate, 
 than to prohibit it. We should not, however, judge of the 
 practice itself by these judicial regulations , but by the law of 
 love. Slavery, like war, may in some cases in the present 
 state of things, be lawful : for the crime which forfeits life, 
 no doubt forfeits liberty ; and it is not inconsistent even with 
 the moral law, for a criminal to be sold and treated as a 
 slave, during a term of time proportioned to his offence. In 
 most other cases, if not in all, it must be inconsistent with 
 the law of love. — The plain meaning of this verse is, that on 
 what account soever a Hebrew was bought as a slave, he 
 should be set at liberty at the end of six years, or at the be- 
 ginning of the seventh, whether that were the sabbatical year 
 or not : and he was not entitled to his liberty till that time, 
 even if the sabbatical year intervened. But the Jewish ex- 
 positors, (on whose authority some learned men build very 
 much,) both here, and all through these laws, make so many 
 distinctions, additions, and exceptions, that they almost abro- 
 gate the very statutes which they profess to elucidate. Our 
 blessed Lord, in vindicating the law from the corrupt glosses 
 of the Scribes and Pharisees, and asserting its authority in 
 opposition to their traditions, (which often vacated it,) does 
 not much countenance his disciples in paying deference to 
 such commentators ; and the successors of these scribes, in 
 after ages, have by no means proved themselves entitled to 
 more implicit credence. In matter of fact, respecting the 
 usages and customs of the nation in their own times and in 
 preceding ages, they may be useful ; and we may learn how 
 they understood the several laws: but it seems, to me at 
 leas’:, that they generally perplex the subject which they 
 attempt to explain ; as a quibbling lawyer causes the meaning 
 of the plain statute to appear doubtful or obscure, by his 
 frivolous distinctions and exceptions. 
 
 V. 3 — 6. If the person sold for a slave had a wife, and 
 she, either by choice or compulsion, accompanied him ; she 
 must not be detained when her husband was liberated. — 
 Many expositors state that the person, who bought a married 
 man for«a slave, was bound to maintain his wife and children 
 during the term of his servitude : but if so, it is reasonable to 
 suppose, that, he had the advantage of their labour. If the 
 person sold had no wife, or his wife did not accompany him, 
 and his master gave him one of his female servants to wife 
 during his servitude ; she was not set at liberty with him at. 
 the end of the six years, and the children were considered 
 as the property of ihe master. It is generally thought that 
 an Israelitish woman could not on any account be thus dis- 
 ( 160 ) 
 
 9 And if he have betrothed her unto his son, he 
 shall deal with her after the manner of daughters. 
 
 10 If he take him another wife : "'her food, her 
 raiment, and her duty of marriage shall he no*, 
 diminish. 
 
 11 And if he do not these three unto her, "the ' 
 shall she go out free without money. 
 
 [Practical Obsei'vations.'] 
 
 12 If He that "smiteth a man, so that he die 
 shall be surely put to death. 
 
 13 And if a man Plie not in wait, out iGoa 
 deliver him into his hand ; then r I will appoin 
 thee a place whither he shall flee. 
 
 14 But if a man come "presumptuously upon 
 his neighbour to ‘slay him with guile ; thou shalt 
 “take him from mine altar, that he may die. 
 
 15 And he that ’‘smketh his father, or his mother, 
 shall be surely put to death. 
 
 16 And he that tstealeth a man, and *selleth 
 
 2 Sam. 12:13. Malt. 26:52. pNum. 35:11. Deut. 19:4 — 6,11. Mic 7-2 
 q 1 Sam. 24:4,10,18. 2. Sam. 16:10. Is. 10:7. r Num. 35-11. . cut . 4:41 — 43. IP 
 1—3,9. Josh. 20:2— 9. s Num. 15:30,31. Deut. 1:43. 17:12.13. 18:22. Ps. 19:13 
 Heb. 10:26. 2 Pet. 8:10. t Num. 35:20,21. Deut. 27:24 . 2fam. 3:27 . 20:9,10 
 II 1 Kings 1:50,51. 2:28 — -34 . 2Kinzsll:15. x Deut. 21 :18— 21 . Piov. 30:11 17. 
 1 Tim. 1:9. yGen. 40:15. Deut. 24:7. 1 Tim. 1:10. zGen. 37:28. Rev. 18:12,13. 
 
 posed of; and that the slaves, thus given in marriage for the 
 time, were Gentiles. Yet this can hardly be supposed, as the 
 prohibitions against intermarriages with ihe heathen were so 
 express. — It does not appear lhat children born in slavery, 
 (as this very statute shows some would be,) were entitled to 
 liberty, at any time before the year of jubilee : of these, there 
 might be women of Hebrew extraction, to be given as wives 
 for the time to Hebrew slaves ; and others, originally of Gen- 
 tile extraction, might be proselyted to the religion of Israel. 
 If however in any case, the slave, whose time was expired, 
 deliberately and constantly avowed such an affection to his 
 wife and children, and such an attachment to his master, that 
 he preferred his present situation to “ going out by himself 
 it was enacted, that he should, by solemn process before Ihe 
 magistrates, have his ear bored at his master’s door, inti- 
 mating that he was from that time to be considered as a part 
 of his household, entirely under his authority ; and he must 
 then continue his servant for ever, or perpetually, either to 
 his death, or to the year of jubilee. — As we find from a 
 parallel passage, (Dent. 15:17.) that female servants were 
 under the same law ; there might, among such as chose to 
 continue with their masters, be found wives for the Hebrew 
 slaves. 
 
 The judges. (6) D'rt?Nn gods. (To KOtrrjptov tov 0 eov. 
 Sept.) Notes, Ps. 82:1,5,6. John 10:32 — 39. 
 
 V. 7 — 11. A parent might sometimes be induced to sell 
 his daughter in her youth ; but this seems not to have been 
 allowed, except he was compelled by poverty ; and except 
 there was either some engagement or expectation that the 
 person who bought her, would take her, when of age, as his 
 wife or concubine. (Note, Gen. 25:5,6.) If therefore the' 
 person who bought her changed his mind, and did not espouse 
 her, or if he afterwards grew weary of her, he was required 
 to let her “ be redeemed” at any time by her friends, at a 
 reasonable price : and if this were not done, he was not 
 allowed to marry her to any other person, or to sell her 
 into another family. Thus the words rendered “ a strange 
 people,” are generally understood, because it is supposed 
 no Hebrew slave could be sold to a Gentile: yet perhaps 
 they mean, that he must not sell her to one of another nation, 
 who desired to have her as his concubine where she would 
 be in danger of forgetting the true religion ; and having 
 already deceived her, he must not be permitted to add one 
 injury to another. — If he had betrothed her to his son, he 
 must act towards her as a father to his daughter, not as a 
 master to his slave : and whether he or his son had married 
 her, and then afterwards took another wife ; he must either 
 maintain her suitably, and give her some recompense for the 
 injury; or else freely set her at liberty. It is evident this casu 
 was very different from that of a woman sold for theff, or who 
 sold herself because of her poverty ; for there is no proof that 
 that might not be thd case of a woman as well as of a man. 
 (Deut. 15:12.) But a daughter sold by her father, in expecta- 
 tion that she should be espoused by her master or one of his 
 sons, was entitled to peculiar tenderness, and must be dealt 
 with by other rules than slaves of another description. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. If a mail smote another wilfully, so that he 
 died, whether out of previous resentment, or sudden anger, it 
 was to be deemed murder ; but when it was merely by acoi- 
 den*, which is here called “ God’s delivering him into his 
 hand,” (as God was thus pleased to take away the life which 
 he gave,) the cities of refuge would be appointed for him to 
 flee to. (Marg. Ref. r.) Yet so far would they be from 
 affording a security to the wilful, presumptuous, deliberate 
 murderer, that he was to he taken by the officers of justice 
 even from the altar of God itself, and put to death. 1 Though 
 he was the high-priest, and in the act of sacrifice, he was to 
 be taken away without delay, if he had committed wilful 
 murder.’ Bp. Patrick, (Ptote, 1 Kings 2:26,27.) — The 
 
0. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI B. C. 149 
 
 nim, or if he be ‘found in his hand, he shall surely 
 be put to death. 
 
 f? And b he that 'curseth his father, or his 
 mother, shall surely be put to death. 
 
 18 H And if "men strive together, and one 
 smite tanother with d a stone, or with his fist, and 
 he die not, but keepeth his bed : 
 
 19 If he rise again, and walk abroad ‘upon his 
 stall', then shall he that smote him be quit : only 
 he shall pay for Uhe loss of his time, and shall 
 cause him to be thoroughly healed. 
 
 20 And if a man f smite his servant, or his maid, 
 with a rod, and he die under his hand ; she shall 
 be surely ^punished. 
 
 21 Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or 
 two, he shall not be punished : for ''hew his money. 
 
 22 H If men 'strive and hurt a woman with 
 child, so that her fruit depart fro^n her , and yet no 
 mischief follow ; he shall be surely punished, ac- 
 cording as the woman’s husband will lay upon 
 him ; and he shall pay k as the judges determine. 
 
 23 And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt 
 give 'life for life, 
 
 24 m Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, 
 foot for foot, 
 
 a 22:1. b Lev. 20:9. Deut. 27:16. Prov. 20:20. 30:11,11. Malt. 15:3—6. Mark 
 7:10,11. * Ur, revileth. c 22. 2:13. Deut. 25:11. 2Snm.l4:6. t Or, his 
 
 neiihbour. d 20. Num. 35:16 — 24. e 2 Sam. 3:29. Zech.8:4. J Heb. his 
 ceasing, f 25,27. Deut. 19:21. Prov. 29:19. In. 58:3,4. g(ien.9:6. Num. 35: 
 SO— 33. §Heb. avenged. Geu. 4:15,24. Num. 35:19. Rom. 13:4. h Lev. 25:45, 
 
 heathen altars and temples were generally refuges for crimi- 
 nals : but God would not have his altar profaned, by pro- 
 tecting those who deserved punishment ; nor did he appoint 
 any sacrifice for murder. (Note, 1 Kings 2:28 — 34.) — It is 
 thought, that there was some place appointed in the camp, as 
 a refuge for the unfortunate manslayer, while the Israelites 
 were in the wilderness. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. To smite either father or mother, in a manner 
 which indicated contempt or malice, or left marks of violence, 
 was deemed a proof of so ungrateful and unnatural a dispo- 
 sition, that no provocation was admitted as an excuse, but 
 the offence was made capital : nay, he who cursed his father 
 or mother, who uttered imprecations, ill- wishes, or revilings, 
 against a parent, was included in the same sentence ; though 
 few crimes were made capital by the law of Moses ! The 
 authority of God, as delegated to parents, is honoured when 
 they are honoured, and despised when they are despised. 
 To rebel against the lawful exercise of this authority is 
 rebellion against God : and in any case, where not only 
 obedience is refused, but revenge and malice expressed, or 
 violence attempted against the person of a parent, it must be 
 considered as one of the highest crimes both against God and 
 man, which can be conceived. (Note, Matt. 15:3 — 6.) — The 
 same honour is as expressly required by the divine law, to be 
 rendered to rulers, as the ministers of Providence in govern- 
 ing nations : yet both rulers and parents may ofien be very 
 faulty, both in their general conduct, and in the exercise of 
 their delegated authority. — Between these two capital of- 
 "ences, another is very remarkably inserted ; namely, that of 
 stealing a man in order to sell him for a slave ; whether the 
 thief had actually sold him, or whether he continued in his 
 possession, having had no opportunity of selling him before 
 nis crime was detected. — The Jewish writers assert, that it 
 was not a capital crime to steal one of another nation, but 
 only when the person stolen was a Hebrew ; yet this is by no 
 means consistent with the text, which certainly implies, that 
 ne who stole any one of the human species, in order to make 
 a slave of him, should be punished with death. It can scarcely 
 be supposed, that the Israelites in general would purchase 
 their brethren of those who stole them : so that this crime 
 would commonly be aggravated, by sending them away into 
 foreign countries, to be slaves to idolaters, at a distance from 
 the worship and ordinances of God. — The Septuagint reverse 
 the order, and place the two judgments concerning parents 
 together, in the most natural order. 
 
 V. 18, 19. If on any sudden quarrel two men fought 
 together, and one smote the other, either with his fist or a 
 stone, or whatever came to hand ; he was not to be punished 
 as a murderer, provided the wounded person so far recovered 
 as to walk abroad again ; because, if he died afterwards, it 
 might be supposed that his death arose from some other 
 cause. — This exception forcibly establishes the general rule; 
 and shows that, even in unpremeditated encounter, if one man 
 killed another, either on the spot, or by a mortal wound, he 
 was adjudged a murderer, and punished as such ; without 
 even determining who was the aggressor in the quarrel : nor is 
 here any exception, in this case, in the laws respecting the 
 cities of refuge. — Even if the person smitten recovered, the 
 other must pay him for his loss of time, and the expenses of 
 his being thoroughly cured.— It may be proper to notice the 
 contrariety of this law to the usages in this nation; accord- 
 ing to which, even those, who fight duels with weapons of 
 death, or contend in pitched battles for prizes or renown, 
 Vol. I. 21 
 
 25 Bur/ mg’ for burning, wound for wound 
 stripe for stripe. 
 
 26 And if a man "smite the eye of his servant 
 or the eye of his maid, that it perish ; he shall let 
 him go free for his eye’s sake. 
 
 27 And if he smite out his man-servant’s tooth, 
 or his maid-servant’s tooth; he shall let him go 
 free for his tooth’s sake. 
 
 28 H If an ox gore a man or a woman, that 
 they die : then "the ox shall he surely stoned, and 
 his flesh shall not be eaten ; but the owner of the 
 ox shall he quit. 
 
 29 But if the ox were wont to push with his 
 horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his 
 owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he 
 hath killed a man or a woman ; the ox shall 
 be stoned, and Phis owner also shall be put to 
 death. 
 
 30 If there be laid on him a sum of money, 
 then he shall give sfor the ransom of his life what- 
 soever is laid upon him. 
 
 31 Whether ne have gored a son or have goreu 
 a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be 
 done unto him. 
 
 32 If the ox shall push a man-servant, or maid- 
 
 46. i 18. k 30. Deut. 22: 18,19. 1 Num. 35:31. m 26,27. Lev. 24:19,20. Deut. 
 19:21. Judg. 1:6,7. 1 Sam. 15:33. Malt. 5:38— 40. 7:2. Iiev. 16:6. n 20. Deut. 
 16:19. Neh. 5:5. Job 31:13-15. Ps. 9:12. 10:14,18. 72:12— 14. Prov. 22:22.23. 
 Eph.6:9. Col. 4:1. o 32. ‘inn. 9:5,6. Lev. 20:15,16. p Dent. 21:1 — 9. q 22. 
 Num. 35:31—33. 
 
 and in them kill their opponents, in general escape almost, if 
 not entirely, without punishment ! 
 
 V. 20, 21 . The killing of a slave, by any weapon of death, 
 was not distinguished in the law from other murders: and if 
 a slave died, while his master was correcting him with a rod, 
 or staff, the master must be surely punished. It is not said, 
 “ He shall surely be put to death:” and it is therefore sup- 
 posed, that a discretionary power was lodged with ihe magis- 
 trates, to punish him according to circumstances, which 
 might make his cruelty appear more or less atrocious. It 
 could not however be supposed, that he mean! to commit 
 murder, and the death of his slave would be a considerable 
 loss to him : so that if the slave lived a day or two after- 
 wards, the master was not to be punished by the magistrate, 
 but left to the judgment of God. 
 
 V. 22 — 25. In case two men strove together, and the wife 
 of one of them, being pregnant, interposed, and received a 
 hurt which caused her to miscarry, but produced no further 
 mischief ; the other party must be punished for the injury, by 
 a fine laid on him to be paid to the woman’s husband, who might 
 lay his damages for the mischief; yet the magistrates must 
 determine what compensation should actually be paid. But if 
 any further detriment followed to the woman, the magistrates 
 were authorized to punish the offender, even so far as to put 
 him to death if the woman died ; and in case of lighter 
 injuries, to inflict an exact retaliation on him. These were 
 not allowances made to private revenge ; but laws to regulate 
 the magistrate’s decision, who might go thus far if the heinous- 
 ness of the offence required it, but not further : and it seems 
 reasonable to suppose, that they were also allowed to abate 
 of this rigour, when alleviating circumstances rendered it 
 proper. — As a variety of mischiefs are stated, some of which 
 could scarcely happen in the case referred to : it is likely, that 
 various other suits for personal injuries were determined by 
 the same rule. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 26, 27. It is obvious, that this merciful restraint on the 
 passions of those who possessed slaves, though it only men- 
 tioned the eye and the tooth, was meant to extend to every 
 other material personal injury ; and that all slaves, whether 
 Israelites or not, were to have the benefit of it. The degree 
 of melioration, which the condition of slaves would receive 
 from such a law impartially executed, can scarcely be con- 
 ceived. 
 
 Y. 28 — 32. To show the value of the life of man, in the 
 judgment of God ; to enhance the horror at the thoughts of 
 murder in the mind of every Israelite ; and to increase cir- 
 cumspection in guarding against every thing which might 
 cause death ; it was enacted, that the ox, or bull, which gored 
 any person so that he died, should be stoned. For similai 
 reasons, and that the owner’s loss might he the greater, it 
 was added that his flesh should not be eaten. — It is obvious, 
 that the spirit of this statute would apply to a variety of 
 similar cases. If this was the first instance, in which the 
 owner had been fairly acquainted with the' mischievousness 
 of his ox, or bull, he was not liable to any further punishment ; 
 but if he had been informed of preceding instances of the 
 same kind, and had neglected to take care of the animal, and 
 through his neglect any one lost his life ; not only must the ox 
 be stoned, but the owner might be punished as a murderer. 
 Yet, in case of alleviating circumstance?, the magistrates 
 were permitted to change this punishment into a pecuniary 
 mulct, as the ransom of his life. And this statute was to ho 
 enforced, not only if a grown man or woman was killed, but 
 ( 161 ) 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 seivant; he shall give unto their master r thirty 
 shekels of silver, 'and the ox shall be stoned. 
 
 33 H And if a man shall ‘open a pit, or if a man 
 shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an 
 ass fall therein ; 
 
 31 The “owner of the pit shall make it good, 
 avd give money unto the owner of them ; and the 
 dead beast shall be his. 
 
 35 And if one man’s ox hurt another’s that he 
 die, then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the 
 money of it, and the dead ox also they shall divide. 
 
 36 Or x if it be known that the ox hath used to 
 ush in time past, and his owner hath not kept 
 im in ; he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the 
 
 dead shall be his own. 
 
 rGen. 37:28. Zech. 11:12,13. Mall 26:15. 27:3— 9. >28:29. i P.. 9:15. 119: 
 85. Piov. 28:10. Ec. 10.8. Jer. 18:20,22. u 29,30 . 22:6,14. * 29. * Or, gout. 
 aLev.6:l— 6. Num.5.7. 2Sam,12:6. Pro».6:3I. Luke 19:8. bProv,14:4. 
 
 also if it was a male or a female child, provided it were not a 
 slave. But in case the person gored was a slave, the owner, 
 besides the loss' of the ox, must pay the fine of thirty shekels 
 to the proprietor of the slave. — This valuation of a slave was 
 precisely the sum for which Judas betrayed Christ ! — As a 
 compensation in this law is expressly allowed, we may con- 
 clude that it was not allowed where it is not mentioned. 
 
 If there he laid , &c. (30) w If an atonement ("«£-) be laid 
 upon him, he shall give a ransom of his life, &c.” E av U 
 A VTpa £7Tl6\tJ&J1f k. t. A. Sept. 
 
 V. 33 — 36. It must be supposed, that these compendious 
 statutes were intended as general rules, according to which 
 an immense number of particular causes would be decided 
 by the magistrates : for it is impossible to multiply laws to 
 meet all the vast variety of cases, which occur in the course 
 of human affairs. But if the spirit of these laws were observed, 
 every litigation might equitably bo terminated, by a due con- 
 sideration of the degree in which carelessness or selfishness 
 had been concerned, in the injuries which one man suffered 
 by the cattle or other property of his neighbour. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. The commandments of God, as well as his 
 providential dispensations, not only relate to the grand out- 
 lines of his administration, but descend to minute particulars 
 and the meanest objects ; especially when righteousness, good- 
 ness, and iruth, are concerned. With a condescending regard, 
 he particularly watches over those, who are most exposed to 
 oppression, injustice, or damage; and he has respect to all 
 ranks, from the poorest beggar to the mightiest monarch ; and 
 to all the stages of human existence, from the newly-conceived 
 embryo in the womb to decrepit old age. Though he no longer 
 reigns over any single nation, in that peculiar sense in which 
 he reigned over Israel ; yet he is King over all the earth, and 
 will at his awful tribunal arraign and condemn those violations 
 of his law, which here escape notice, or elude or outbrave the 
 sword of human justice. — Having his precepts and example 
 before our eyes, and this future judgment in our remembrance ; 
 with what equity, sincerity, and humanity should we treat our 
 servants, dependents, and inferiors ! Indeed we ought so to 
 behave towards our domestics, that, though free from other 
 bonds, they may be attached to us by the ties of love, and 
 count it their privilege to spend and close their days in our 
 service. — Let us also recollect, that now the gospel “ pro- 
 claims liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison to 
 them that are bound nothing but love to our hateful and 
 ruinous bondage, and to our associates in it, can keep us from 
 enjoying true freedom in the service and favour of God. But, 
 if we deliberately choose slavery, we must serve sin and 
 Satan for ever. Let us then, as the redeemed of the Lord, 
 break off every sinful connexion, and leave all for his sake: 
 and from love to his name, let us have our ears, as it were, 
 nailed to the posts of his door, that we may be his happy 
 servants for ever and ever. — But, if we are his willing people, 
 we shall be far from behaving deceitfully in the important con- 
 cern of marriage. How much then shall we abhor the base- 
 ness of consigning to lasting disgrace or misery, for the sake 
 of our own indulgence, an unhappy object, over whom in any 
 way we have acquired an ascendency! On the contrary, 
 while purity, sincerity, and equity, mark our whole conduct, 
 we shall learn habitually to sacrifice our own inclinations 
 even in things lawful, to the general interests of humanity, or 
 the particular advantage or comfort of the individuals over 
 whom we have the greatest influence or authority. 
 
 V. 12 — 36. Let children hear, with trembling, the sentence 
 denounced by the unchangeable God against such as are 
 ungrateful and rebellious: and let them remember, that if they 
 dare to lift a hand, on any account, against their parents, or 
 to curse them in their hearts, or slander their characters, or 
 needlessly publish their faults, either while they live, or after 
 their death, God will severely punish them, except they 
 repent. And let parents also hence learn to redouble their 
 care, in educating their children, giving them good instruc- 
 tions, praying for them, and setting them a good example, 
 especially in restraining their passions: and let them likewise 
 avoid that harshness or severity, which might provoke them to 
 wrath, and tempt them to such heinous crimes. — While we 
 ( 162 ' 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Laws concerning theft and. fraud ; kindling fires which o.casioned damage / 
 breath of trust; and things borrowed and hired , 1 — 15. Concerning sedt^ 
 cere, witchcraft , bestiality, idolatry, and he. trea ment of stranf^rs, 
 widows, an I orphans, 16 — 24. Against usury and reviling rulers : concern- 
 ing the first-fruits and firstlings, and against eating the Jlesh of torn ani- 
 mals, 25— 3T. 
 
 I F a man shall steal an ox, or a "sheep, and kill 
 it, or sell it ; a he shall restore b five oxen for an 
 ox, and four sheep for a sheep. 
 
 2 If a thief be found ‘breaking- up, and be 
 smitten that he die, there shall d no blood be shed 
 for him. 
 
 3 If the sun be risen upon him, there shall be 
 blood shed for him ; for lie should make full resti- 
 tution ; if he have nothing, “then he shall be sold 
 for his theft. 
 
 c Job 24:14. 30:5. Hos.7:l. Joel 2:9. Malt. 6:19,20. 24:43. lThes.5:2. lKw. 
 35:27. e S<e on 21:2. Judg.2:14. 10:7. Is. 50:1. 
 
 rejoice that, in this island , laws concerning slavery are not 
 wanted; let us remember, that if we are true Christians, we 
 shall have no occasion for penal statutes to restrain us from 
 stealing or enslaving our brethren of the human species; or of 
 such varied methods to inspire us with horror of the sin of 
 murder : for, so far from lying in wait to shed blood, or trading 
 in the bodies of men, we shall watch for, and gladly embrace, 
 the opportunity of preserving the liberty or life of our enemy ; 
 still repressing the rising emotfons of anger, pouring out our 
 prayers for them, and attempting acts of kindness under the 
 greatest provocations ; and instead of enforcing the law of reta- 
 liation, we shall ever be ambitious of u overcoming evil with 
 good.” — We shall also guard, though with trouble and loss, 
 against whatever can endanger the life or property of another ; 
 and while ready in any way to make up, to the utmost of our 
 power, the damage which we have indiscreetly, or even with- 
 out blame, occasioned to others, we shall be very backward in 
 demanding such satisfaction to ourselves. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXII. V. 1—4. The instances here 
 adduced, to fix the principles on which the magistrates of 
 Israel must proceed in regard to theft and robbery, are taken 
 especially from the cattle; because in these their property 
 chiefly consisted, and these would likewise be most exposed 
 to depredation. — If any person had stolen a sheep or goat, 
 and had proceeded so far as to kill or sell it, he was sen- 
 tenced to restore fourfold ; if an ox, w hich besides its value 
 was very useful for labour, fivefold. Yet, in case his theft 
 was detected while the animal w as still alive in his possession, 
 he was only required to restore it double : probably, because 
 in this case he seemed to discover more hesitation, and less 
 subtlety or industry, in dishonesty, than if he had proceeded 
 to sell or kill it. The ass is also mentioned in this clause, 
 (4,) and no doubt the camel, and other useful animals, were 
 included in the design of the law. — But if the thief voluntarily 
 confessed, and restored the property which be had stolen, he 
 was only required to add a fifth part to it. {Lev. 6:4,5.) — Ir 
 case, however, any one was detected in the nighty endeavour- 
 ing forcibly to break into a house, it m-ight be considered as 
 an assault on the lives of the inhabitants, as well as an 
 attempt to plunder their property ; and if, in repelling the 
 assault, the robber was slain, the person who killed him was 
 not punishable. But if he was slain after sunrise , his death 
 must be punished as murder ; because there was another 
 method of securing or recovering the property; and it is sup- 
 posed that no assault was made on the life of any one. — In 
 all cases, when the thief or robber could not make the stipu- 
 lated restitution, he was sold for the theft for a limited time, 
 not exceeeding six years: and, without doubt, the injured 
 person received the emolument arising in either way, at least 
 when moderate expenses had been deducted. — It is not stated 
 what restitution should be made by him, who forcibly plun- 
 dered goods from a house; so that it must be supposed, that 
 the magistrates were authorized to decide according to cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 Such statutes would be deemed, at present, very inade- 
 quate to the security of property. But though the state of 
 society in this age and nation is very different, yet human 
 nature is the same; and we have no reason to consider the 
 Israelites as more tractable than the rest of our species. It 
 may in some cases be urged, that robbery among us is more 
 commonly connected with the avowed purpose of murder, in 
 case of resistance, which enhances the crime exceedingly, 
 hut it requires more serious consideration, how far this arises 
 from the punishment of theft being made equal to that of 
 murder, which confounds the disparity of the two crimes in 
 the minds of men, and removes the restraint arising from the 
 dread of a severer penalty. This plea, however, in very many 
 cases, cannot be advanced ; and not only the equity , but even 
 the policy , of multiplying capital offences, is very question- 
 able ; nay, facts prove that it defeats its own end. Humane 
 persons are reluctant to be concerned in taking away the life 
 of one, who has only deprived them of property: and there- 
 fore they will not prosecute if it, can be avoided. And, in 
 various ways, compassion allows the young offender to 
 escape with impunity: this encourages him to proceed with 
 greater confidence ; and having corrupted many ctn^rs, as well 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER aXII 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 4 If the theft he certainly f found in his hand 
 alive, whether it be ox, or ass, or sheep; g he shall 
 restore double. 
 
 5 H If a naan shall cause a field or vineyard to 
 be eaten, and shall put in his beast, and shall feed 
 in another man’s field : of the best of his own 
 field, and of the best of his own vineyard, h shall 
 he make restitution. 
 
 6 If fire break out, and catch in thorns, ’so that 
 the stacks of corn, or the standing corn, or the 
 field be consumed therewith ; k he that kindled the 
 fire shall surely make restitution. 
 
 7 H If a man shall deliver unto his neighbour 
 money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of the 
 man’s house ; 'if the thief be found, m let him pay 
 double. 
 
 8 If the thief be not found, then the master of 
 the house shall be brought unto “the judges, to see 
 whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour’s 
 goods. 
 
 9 For all manner of “trespass, whether it he for 
 ox, for ass, for sheep, lor raiment, or for any 
 manner of lost thing, which another challengeth 
 to be his, rthe cause of both parties shall come 
 before the judges ; and whom the judges shall 
 condemn, he shall spay double unto his neigh- 
 bour. 
 
 f 21:16. el, 7, 9. Prov. 6:31. Is. 40:2. Jer. 16:18. Rev. 18:6. h 3,12. Job 20:78. 
 i Judg- 15:4,5. 2Sara. 14:30,31. It 9,12. 21:33,34. I Prov. 6:30,31. Jer. 2:26. 
 John 12:6. 1 Cor. 6:10. m See on 4. n28. mnrg. 21:6. Dent. 16:18. 19:17,18. 
 
 1 Chr. 23:4. Ps. 82:1. o Num. 5:6,7. 1 Kings 8:31. Malt. 6:14,15. 18:15,35. 
 Luke 17:3,4. p 18:21,22 . 23:6—8. Deul. 16:18,19. 19:16—18. 25:1. 2 Chr. 19: 
 10. q 4,7. r Gen. 39:8. Luke 12:48. 16:11. 2 Tim. 1:12. * Lev. 5:1. 6:3. 
 
 I Kings 2:42,43. Prov. 30:9. Heb. 6:16. I 8. 23:1. u 7. Gen. 31:39. x Ez. 4: 
 
 as multiplied crimes more and more atrocious, he at last per- 
 haps is sentenced to die. — But frequent escapes give boldness 
 m perilous attempts of all kinds ; and the same self- flattery, 
 which soothes every adventurer in a lottery with the hope of 
 the highest prizes, though very few can gain them ; far more 
 powerfully operates on the minds of the dishonest, to expect 
 impunity, while so very many in proportion actually escape. — 
 The dread of a lighter punishment, yet exposing the culprit 
 to much present pain or hard labour, and total exclusion from 
 all congenial society, and so constantly inflicted as to appear 
 unavoidable, would probably be far more effectual in prevent- 
 ing crimes, than a remote possibility of an ignominious death ; 
 especially as a future state of retribution has seldom much 
 place in the thoughts of these unhappy men. 
 
 V. 5, 6. It is evident that these instances were intended 
 as illustrations of the general principles of equity, by which 
 many similar cases were to be determined. We may sup- 
 pose that the fire, which did the mischief, was kindled care- 
 lessly, or on a man’s own ground for some special purpose , and 
 that for want of proper attention, it spread so far as to injure 
 others: for wilfully and maliciously to kindle a destructive 
 fire, is a crime deserving of far severer punishment. 
 
 V. 7 — 15. If money, plate, or furniture, were intrusted to 
 any one, from which he derived no emolument, and it was 
 lost out of his house , where he had placed it for security ; he 
 was not bound to make it 'good, in case it was stolen and 
 could not be recovered. Yet if any suspicion rested on him, 
 that he had secreted the property intrusted, the magistrates 
 were authorized to examine the evidence, and decide accord- 
 ingly. — In this and other matters of trespass or trust, their 
 sentence was final ; and breach of trust, as well as theft, was 
 punishable by double restitution. When an ox, sheep, or ass, 
 was committed to another’s care, (probably with a compen- 
 sation for its subsistence, or wages for tending it,) if it hap- 
 pened to die, or to receive any hurt, or to be driven away 
 with other cattle by an invading enemy, or by robbers, when 
 none were present to bear witness, the person intrusted, on 
 making oath that he had not been accessary to the loss, was 
 freed ; but if it was stolen from among his cattle, and there 
 was any reason to suppose he had not taken proper care of 
 it, he must make it good. If, however, it had been torn in 
 pieces by a wild beast, and he could bring any remains of the 
 carcass in proof of it, he was not answerable. — He who gra- 
 tuitously used the labour of his neighbour’s ox, or ass, or 
 camel, if it died or was hurt in the absence of the owner, 
 must make it good : for it might be thought he had caused 
 it to labour excessively, or been cruel to it ; but if the owner 
 was present, this could not be suspected, and he must not be 
 compelled to make it good. When hire was paid for the la- 
 bour of an animal, and any harm came to it, the owner could 
 not demand restitution, at least unless he could prove that 
 it had been abused. — The more attentively these statutes are 
 examined, the more clearly will it be seen, that the spirit of 
 them is equitable, reasonable, mild, and humane, in no com- 
 mon degree. 
 
 V. 16, 17. This statute relates to a case, which must 
 carefully be distinguished from some others, that may be con- 
 founded with it. It is assumed, that no force was used, but 
 merely persuasions and blandishments ; and that the young 
 
 10 If a man “deliver unto his neighbour an ass 
 or an ox, or a sheep, or any beast to keep ; and 
 die, or be hurt, or driven away, no man seeing it 
 
 1 1 Then shall *an oath of the Lord be between 
 them both. ‘that he hath not put his hand unto his 
 neighbours goods : ard the owner of it shall ac- 
 cept thereof , and he shan not make it good. 
 
 12 And if it be “stolen from him, he shall make 
 restitution unto the owner thereof. 
 
 13 If it be Morn in pieces, then let him bring it 
 for witness, and he shall not make good that which 
 was torn. 
 
 14 And if a man ^borrow aught of his neigh- 
 bour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof 
 being not with it ; he shall surely 'make it good. 
 
 15 But if the owner thereof be with it, he shall 
 not make it good : if it be an hired thing, “it came 
 
 for his hire. [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 16 H And if b a man entice a maid that is no* 
 betrothed, and lie with her ; he shall surely endow 
 her to he his wife. 
 
 17 If her father “utterly refuse to give her unto 
 him, he shall 'pay money according to the d dowry 
 of vinrins. 
 
 18 Thou e shalt not suffer a witch to live. 
 
 19 Whosoever f lieth with a beast, shall surely 
 be put to death. 
 
 t4. Am. 3:12. Mic. 5.8. N»h. 2:12. y Dent. 15:2. 23:19,20. Neh. 5:4. Pa. 37: 
 21. Matt. 5:42. l.tike 6:35. z II. 21:34. Lev. 24:18. aZtcli.8:10. bGen.34: 
 2 — 4. Deul. 22:28,29. c Deul. 7:3,4. "* Heb .weigh. Gen. 23:16. il Gen. 34:12 . 
 1 Sam. 18:25. e Lev. 19.26,31. 20:6,27. Deul. 18:10,11. 1 Sam. 28:3,9. Is. 19* 
 3. Acts 8:9— 11. 16:16—19. 19:19. Gal. 5:20. f Lev. 18:23. 20:15,16. Deul. 
 27:21. 
 
 woman was not betrothed to another man. In general, it 
 might be supposed, that promises, or at least intimations, of 
 marriage would be made by the seducer ; and therefore he 
 was bound to “endow her to be his wife.” Some expositors 
 are of opinion, that he must either endow hei^ that is, give her 
 a sum of money for the injury, or marry her : but the obvious 
 meaning of the law is, that he must take her fir his wife, and 
 endow her, or provide for her suitably according to his station. 
 It does not appear, that either the seducer, or the person 
 seduced, was allowed £ negative ; but the young woman’s 
 father might refuse his consent, and in this case the seducei 
 must pay a certain sum of money as a compensation for the 
 injury. This sum is generally supposed to have been fifty 
 shekels : but the passage from which this conclusion is made, 
 seems to refer to a rape ; and then the money was paid to 
 the father ; though the offender was obliged to marry, and not 
 allowed to divorce, the injured damsel. (Deut. 22:28,29.) — 
 The option here granted the father, shows that great defer- 
 ence is owing in respect of marriage to parental authority ; 
 and it also demonstrates, that marriage is -entirely a distinct 
 matter, in the word of God, from any voluntary intercourse 
 between a man and a woman, however privately accompanied 
 by reciprocal assurances, if not avowedly sanctioned by some 
 public recognition. — It is not here stated, whether the seducer, 
 if previously married, was bound to take the seduced damsel 
 also as his wife ; nor is it material to us. Polygamy was then 
 an existing evil , concerning which many regulations were 
 made ; but Christianity has in general terminated it, as far as 
 its authority has been acknowledged. — Nothing could be con- 
 ceived more equitable, than some regulation like this statute, 
 if properly restricted to real seduction by an unmarried man. 
 But it is matter of fact, capable of full proof, that, in these 
 licentious days, young women in inferior circumstances, and 
 even encouraged by their parents, (shocking as it mayseem,) 
 employ their utmost address to attract the attention of young 
 men of better circumstances ; in order that, under the pre- 
 tence of seduction , they may be married to greater advantage ! 
 And, in attempting to remedy the grievous evil of real seduc- 
 tion, this should by no means be encouraged and increased. 
 It is, however, highly reasonable, that every unmarried man, 
 whatever his circumstances be, who debauches a virgin with 
 promises of marriage , or any engagements which have the 
 same effect upon her mind, should be obliged actually to marry 
 her; and that, if a married man, professing himself unmar- 
 ried, should thus seduce a virgin, he should be obliged t* 
 maintain her, while she continues unmarried. But a young 
 woman, who suffers herself to be enticed by a man, whom 
 she knows to be married, seems not entitled to the same 
 compensation, whatever punishment he may deserve. 
 
 V. 18. Witchcraft is generally understood to mean, ‘ a 
 compact with evil spirits, by whose agency and assistance, 
 applied for by certain incantations, effects of various kinds 
 may be produced, by which malice, or covetousness, or other 
 corrupt passions, may be gratified.’ A vast variety of prac- 
 tices, with different degrees of aggravation, which will here- 
 after be considered, agree in common with witchcraft, in 
 avowedly making Satan “ the god of the world,” and the god 
 of those who thus apply lo him for information or assistance 
 — It is readily allowed that much imposture on the one hand, 
 
 ( 163 J 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 20 He that ^sacrificeth unto any pod, save unto 
 die IjOkd only, he shall he ‘‘utterly destroyed. 
 
 21 H Thou shalt. neither ‘vex a stranger, nor 
 oppress him : k lor ye were strangers in the land 
 of Egypt. 
 
 22 X v 'shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless 
 child. 
 
 23 If thou afflict them in any wise, and they 
 ,n cry at all unto me, "I will surely hear their cry ; 
 
 24 And °my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill 
 you with the sword ; and Pyour wives shall be 
 widows, and your children fatherless. 
 
 g Num. 25:2—5. Deut. 13:1— 15. 17:2-5. 18:20. hNura.21:3. Josh. 23:15, 
 16. i 23:9. Lev. 19:33. 25:35. Deul. 10:19. Jer. 7:6. 22:3. Zeclt. 7:10. k2(J: 
 2. 23:9. Dent. 10:19. 15:15. 23.7. 1 Deut. 10:18. 24:17. 27:19. I>s.94:6. Is. 1: 
 1723. 10:2. Ez.22:7. Zecli. 7:10. Jam'. 1:27. m Deut. 15:9. 24: 15. Job 31:38, 
 37. 35:9. Luke 18:7. n Job 34:28. Ps. 10:17,18. 18:6. 140:12. 146:7— 9. Prov. 
 22:22,23. 23:10,11. Jam. 5:4. o Job 31. 23. Ps.76:7. 90:11. Nah. 1:6. Bom. 2: 
 5—9. Heb. 10:31. p Job 27:13— 15. Ps. 78:63,64. 109:9. Jer. 15:8. 18:21. Luke 
 
 (which forms a very singular kind of hypocrisy,) and much 
 superstition, folly, and cruelty, on the other, have taken place, 
 in respect of these practices, whether real or pretended. 
 But it seems one of the most flagrant absurdities of modem 
 Sadduceism, to suppose that God himself would repeatedly 
 command the magistrates of his people to punish with death 
 a crime which never was committed ! If it should be said, 
 that mere pretences to witchcraft might warrant laws against 
 it, I would only desire the reader to examine the marginal 
 references, and judge for himself, whether it be not spoken of 
 in Scripture as a real practice. — The existence, sagacity, 
 malice, ambition, and power of evil spirits, are sufficiently 
 declared in Scripture : there can be no doubt, that they are 
 both able and willing thus to interpose, if permitted : and that 
 human nature is capable of such wickedness, as even know- 
 ingly to combine with them. That witchcraft may be, that 
 it hath been, and that it still is in some parts of the world, ac- 
 tually practised, seems capable of proof, were any collateral 
 evidence necessary to confirm the truth of the divine testi- 
 mony. — But as, by certain degrees of cultivation, wild beasts 
 are banished or extirpated ; so, in some stages of civilization, 
 the practice of witchcraft is nearly excluded. The truth is 
 this : in such circumstances it no longer so well answers Sa- 
 tan’s grand purpose of deception and destruction : he there- 
 fore changes his ground, and varies his attack ; nor is he any 
 loser, by exchanging the practice of witchcraft for the pre- 
 valence of skepticism. — Though witch , in the feminine, is the 
 word here used ; yet in other place*, the masculine word is 
 employed, and various things of the same nature are prohi- 
 bited on the penalty of death. 
 
 V. 20. Idolatry was universally prohibited in the moral 
 law; but by the judicial law, it was punishable by death, 
 when committed by an Israelite, or by one that dwelt among 
 the Israelites : for to these exclusively, laws given to the 
 magistrates of Israel could extend. Sacrificing, being the 
 principal act of religious worship at that time, was selected 
 as the open act of idolatry, which constituted the capital 
 offence. The expression utterly destroyed implies, that the 
 offender should be devoted to entire destruction, as an ac- 
 cursed thing, or a sacrifice to the awful justice of God. — 
 Whole cities involved in the guilt of idolatry were afterwards 
 sentenced to utter destruction, by an universal execution of 
 the inhabitants : (Notes, Deut. 13:) for this crime especially 
 was a breach of the national covenant ; but, so long as the 
 judges punished it according to the law, it would not be ac- 
 counted a national forfeiture, 
 
 V. 21 — 24. It was desirable that strangers should be 
 allured by kind usage to live among the Israelites, provided 
 they did not practise idolatry, or violate the requirements of 
 the judicial law ; in order that they might thus be induced to 
 think favourably of true religion, and at length to embrace it. 
 They must not, therefore, be harassed by any injury, or 
 reproach, or vexation, which might harden them in prejudice, 
 or drive'them hack among idolaters.— In thus behaving kindly 
 to strangers, the Israelites should call to mind their late situa- 
 tion in Egypt, and the anguish of spirit which they had en- 
 dured under oppression in a strange land. — The subsequent 
 verses, in which Jehovah avows himself the Husband of the 
 widow, and the Father of the orphan, are peculiarly illustra- 
 tive of the kind and compassionate spirit of the Mosaic law ; 
 though special reasons rendered some statutes needful and 
 salutary, which at present appear rigorous to the superficial 
 reader. No penalty was enjoined to be inflicted by the ma- 
 gistrates on those who oppressed the stranger, the widow, 
 and the orphan, unless some violation of other statutes could 
 be proved : because the Lord himself undertook to avenge 
 their cause, by a just retaliation on their oppressors and their 
 families. 
 
 V. 25 — 27. Usury, as hero stated, properly consists in 
 taking interest from the poor, on what they borrow for present 
 subsistence, or in urgent need; which tends to enrich the 
 lender by still more impoverishing the borrower. This was 
 frequently carried to such a pitch among the ancients, and 
 even the Israelites, that the creditors constrained their debtors 
 to sell themselves or their children for slaves ; which was an 
 aggravated violation of the law of love. (Note, Nth. 5:1 — 5.) 
 
 The Israelites were but little engaged in commerce and 
 
 ( 164 ) 
 
 25 If thou olentl ' money to any of my people 
 that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as 
 an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. 
 
 26 If thou at all take thy neighbour’s raiment 
 'to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him by that 
 the sun goeth down : 
 
 27 For that is his covering only, it is his rai- 
 ment for his skin : wherein shall he sleep ? And 
 it shall come to pass, "when he crieth unto me, 
 that I will hear ; l for I am gracious. 
 
 28 Thou shaft not revile the 'gods, “nor curse 
 the ruler of thy people. 
 
 6:38. q Lev. 25:35— 37. Deut. 23:19,20. 2 Kings 4:1,7. Neh. 5:2— 5,7,10,11. P». 
 15 5. Prov. 28:8. Jer. 15:10. Ez. 18.8,17. Mull. 25:27. Luke 19:23. r Deut. 24: 
 6,10 — 13,17. Job 22:6 . 24:3,9. Prov. 20:16 . 22:27. Ez. 18:7,16. 33:15. Am. 2:8. 
 s 2:23,24. Fa. 34.6. 72:12. Is. 19:20. 134:6. Ps. 136:10,11. *Or,./u /<«.». Fa. 
 82:1— 7. 138:1. 'John 10:34,35. u 21:17. 1 Sam. 24:6,10. 26:9. Ec. 10:20. Acta 
 23:5. Rom. 13:2-7. Tit. 3:1,2. 1 Pel. 2:17. 2Pet. 2:10. Jude8. 
 
 their law was not only suited, but intended , to keep them 
 from mingling by any means with other nations. Their land 
 also was divided by lot, and they were not allowed to alien- 
 ate their inheritances. They were not, therefore, greatly in 
 the way of lending or taking up money upon interest, to em- 
 ploy in trade, or expend in estates : in which cases, and in 
 those of the like nature, it does not appear inconsistent with 
 either equity or love, for the lender to receive a proportion 
 of the profits from the borrower. The original is indeed 
 remarkable ; for it may be rendered, u If thou lend money to 
 my people, even to a poor man , &c.” yet it is generally 
 thought, that the Israelites were not allowed in any ordinary 
 case, to take interest for money, or usury of any other kind, 
 from their brethren. As, however, they were permitted to 
 take it of the Gentiles, though expressly required not to 
 oppress them ; it is evident that interest on lent money is not 
 in itself unjust, or contrary to the divine law, when not 
 attended by oppressive circumstances. (Deut. 23:19,20.) But, 
 besides the practice of exacting exorbitant interest of the 
 poor, it was also customary to take a pledge for the payment 
 of the money advanced ; and this was commonly either the 
 garment which they wore, by day, or the covering under 
 which they slept at night. But if an Israelite in any case 
 took such a pledge, he was required to restore it before night; 
 not by compulsion of the magistrate, but as a matter of con- 
 science towards God. The language assigning the reasons, 
 why this should be done, is a very beautiful appeal to the ten- 
 derest emotions of pity for the distressed : and the concluding 
 sentence, — “ And it shall come to pass when he crieth unto 
 me, I will hear : for I am gracious,” — gives a most endearing 
 view of the perfections and government of God, for the 
 encouragement and imitation of his worshippers. Yet the 
 tender compassion and mercy of the Lord are stated to be 
 perfectly consistent with his severest vengeance on the cruel 
 oppressor of the needy who cry unto him. — How far the 
 business of a pawnbroker, in the present state of society, 
 consists with the spirit of these precepts, is a question which 
 involves much difficulty. Some are of opinion, and argue with 
 considerable plausibility, that the very practice is radically 
 injurious to society, and inconsistent with Christianity ; and 
 certainly, as it is frequently conducted, it is so. But, as re- 
 ceiving - interest is not in all cases absolutely prohibited, it may 
 be doubted whether taking pledges be always unjust or im- 
 proper. It is not, however, an employment to which a real 
 Christian can be supposed so partial, as to choose it either 
 for himself or his children, after he has become acquainted 
 with the truth, power, and spirit of the gospel. But should 
 the grace of God meet with a person already engaged in this 
 business, as having been educated to it, or accustomed to get 
 his subsistence by it ; and should his disposition be really 
 formed to strict uprightness, benevolence, and conscientious- 
 ness ; it may be questioned whether, by rendering his employ- 
 ment much less lucrative, he may not make it even beneficial, 
 or at least not oppressive, to others ; so as to have the 
 prayers of the poor for him, not their cries against him. In 
 this case the employment may be consistent with the princi 
 pies of Christianity, and perhaps in no other. If such a per- 
 son should, after serious examination and fervent prayers to 
 God for direction, find himself at liberty to continue in his 
 calling, he will u abide therein with God he will consider it 
 as his cross, and take it up as such ; and disdaining the pros- 
 pect of heaping up wealth by every profit which the laws of 
 the land may allow, he will carefully consult the law of God, 
 of equity, of humanity, and of love ; and will only go so far 
 in his employment, as he verily deems consistent with these 
 rules. And if a man’s heart be upright, the Lord will either 
 satisfy him to proceed, or encourage him to cast himself upon 
 his providence in renouncing it. 
 
 V. 28. The word here rendered gods is repeatedly 
 
 used forjudges in this chapter; and it is therefore probable, 
 that the former clause of the verso referred to the magistrates 
 of Israel in general ; and the latter to their chief magistrate, 
 who was also the high-priost, when Paul before the council 
 quoted this statute. (Note, Acts 23:1 — 5.) The language 
 used is very similar to that, by which cursing a parent was 
 denounced a capital crime : only no particular punVhmert >■ 
 appointed, that being left to the discretion of the Wlgis trite 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 29 Tliou *sual not delay to offer 'the first of thy 
 ripe fruits an 1 of thy 1 liquors : *the first-born of 
 thy son s shall thou give unto me. 
 
 90 Likewise shall. thou do with thine oxen, and 
 with thy sheep : *seyen days it shall be with his 
 dam : on the eighth day thou shalt give it me. 
 
 31 And ye shall be “holy men unto me : b neither 
 shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the 
 field : ye shall cast it to the dogs. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Lutes fot bidding slander , false witness, wresting judgment, bribery, and 
 oppression ; anti requiring kindness to enemies ,\ — 9. The law of the sab- 
 batical year and the weekly sabbath, wi'h a caution against idolatry, 10 — 13. 
 The three great annual feas 's appointed , 14 — 19. The Lord promises to con- 
 duct Israel safe to Canaan, to put them in possession of it, to enlarge their 
 borders and destroy their enemies ; and adds some cautions and precepts , 
 20-33. 
 
 T HOU “shalt not "raise a false report: put not 
 thine hand with the wicked to be b an unright- 
 eous witness. 
 
 x23:19. Dent, 26:2 — 10. 2Kin»s4:42. 2 Chr. 31:5. Prov. 3:9,10. Ez. 20:40. 
 Mall. 6:33. Rom. 8:23. Jam. 1:18. * Heh .thy fulness, t Heb. tear, y 13:2, 
 12. z Lev. 22:27. a 19:5,6. Lev. 11:45. 19:2. Deut. 14:21. 1 Pel. 1:15,16. 
 b Lev. 1? 22:8. Deut. 14:31. Ex. 4:14. 44:31. Acts 10:14. 15:20. 
 
 a 7. 20:16. l ev. 19:16. 2 Sam. 16:3. 19:27. Ps. 15:3. 101:5. 120:3. Prov. 10:18. 
 17:4. 25:23. Jer. 20:10. Malt. 28:14,15.' Rom. 3:8. * Or, receive, b Deut. 5: 
 20. 19:16—21. I Kings 21:10 — 13. Ps. 27:12. 35:11. Prov. 6:19. 12:17. 19:5,9. 
 21:23. 25:18. Matt. 19:18. 26:59— 61. Luke 3: 14. 19:8. Acts 6:11— 13. 2 Tim. 
 3:3. 1 Pet. 3:16. Rev. 12:10. c 32:1—5. Gen. 6:12. 7:1. 19:4,7—9. Num. 14:1 
 —10. Josh. 24:15. 1 Sum. 15:9,24. 1 Kings 19:10. Job 31:34. Prov. 1:10,11,15. 
 4:14. Matt. 27:24— 26. Mark 15:15. Luke 23:24,51. John 7:50,51. Acts 24.27. 
 25:9. Rom. 1.32. Gal. 2:11 — 13. } Or, answer, d Lev. 19:15. Deut. 1:17. Ps. 
 
 or rather these precepts towards the close of the chapter were 
 proposed, as binding on the conscience in the sight of the Lord. 
 Bnt, as the word generally translated God, is used, many 
 think that blasphemy against God, as well as reviling or curs- 
 ing the magistrate, was intended ; and some even contend 
 that the Israelites were by that clause forbidden to revile or 
 curse the gods of the heathen. 
 
 V. 29 — 31. These were ceremonial appointments, some 
 of which have been in part considered, ( Notes , 13:2 — 1G.) and 
 others will be more fully spoken of afterwards. — The first- 
 fruits of the orchard and vintage being presented to God, 
 were used by the priests: but the proportion was left to the 
 liberality of the offerer. — No animal must be presented to 
 God before the eighth day from its birth, the day fixed fbi the 
 circumcision of the male child ; and probably this referred to 
 that institution. — As a holy people, the Israelites must not 
 eat anything torn by beasts ; for it had the blood in it. ( Marg . 
 Ref. b. Note, Malt. 7:6.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. A careful comparison of these ancient statutes, 
 given to Israel, with the most celebrated productions of hea- 
 then lawgivers, whether in Greece, Rome, India, or China, 
 must effectually convince any impartial person, that Moses 
 had a right to say, “ Keep therefore and do them ; for this is 
 your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of all the 
 nations which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely 
 this great nation is a wise and understanding people 1 — And 
 what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments 
 so righteous, as all this law, which I set before you this day i” 
 Nay, were he on earth at present, he might safely make the 
 same challenge, in respect of tile municipal laws of any coun- 
 try in the world ; and a full investigation of the subject would 
 evince, that the laws enacted by him were uniformly more 
 wise, equitable, humane, mild, and salutary in their tendency, 
 than the complex body of laws of the most civilized nations, 
 even of those where Christianity has most flourished. For 
 the former bear the evident stamp of a divine original ; the lat- 
 ter are invariably tarnished by the infirmities and passions of 
 our fallen nature. — According to the spirit of the divine law, we 
 should, as the worshippers of God, always be inclined to mild- 
 ness and mercy ; tender of the lives and souls even of thieves 
 and robbers ; and not value our property so highly, as to put 
 it in competition with concerns of such immense importance. 
 We ought never to be willingly accessary to the death of ano- 
 her, except in the defence of our own lives, or in the execu- 
 lon of public justice : and then we should go about it as a 
 nost painful duty, with reluctance and sorrow of heart ; not 
 irged on by resentment or self-interest, but by conscience, to 
 acrifice the life of an individual to the general good. We 
 should likewise remember that we are answerable in the sight 
 of God for the consequences not only of what we do mali- 
 ciously, but of what we do heedlessly; and are chargeable 
 with injustice, for abuse of confidence, double dealing, care- 
 lessness of ihings borrowed, and various kinds of selfishness, 
 which are not punishable by human laws. If then we are 
 conscious of having injured our neighbour in any of these 
 ways, and are truly penitent, we shall endeavour to make 
 restitution to the utmost of our ability, though not compelled 
 to it by the sentence of the magistrate. 
 
 V. 1G — 31. If the fear of God rule in our hearts, and his law 
 >e written there ; an humble recollection of our own transgres- 
 sions, and a thankful sense of the Lord’s unmerited mercies 
 \-> us, will induce an habitual disposition to show kindness 
 and mercy, as well as to do justice, to our neighbours ; to sub- 
 ject all our passions and appetites t* the will of God ; and to 
 
 2 Thou shall not 'follow a multitude to do evil, 
 neither shalt thou ’speak in a cause, a to decline 
 after many to wrest judgment. 
 
 3 Neither shalt thou “countenance a poor man 
 in his cause. 
 
 4 If thou meet f lhine enemy’s ox or his ass 
 going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to 
 him again. 
 
 5 If thou see the ass of him that hatetli thee 
 lying under his burden, and twouldest foi bear to 
 help him : thou shalt surely help with him. 
 
 6 Thou shalt not swrest the judgment of thy 
 poor in his cause. 
 
 7 Keep thee h far from a fidse matter : and ’the 
 innocent and righteous slay thou not: Ifor I will 
 not justify the wicked. 
 
 8 And k thou shalt take no gift : for the gift 
 blindeth Hhe wise, and perverteth the words of 
 the righteous. 
 
 72:2. Jer. 37:15,21. 38:5,6,9. Er. 9:9. Hab. 1:4. margins, e Ps. 82:2,3. Jam.3 : 
 17. f Deut. 22:1— 4. Job 31:29,30. Prov. 24:17,18 . 25:21. Matt. 5:44. Luke6 ; 
 27,28. Rom. 12:17 — 21. 1 Thes. 5:15. X Or, wilt thou cease to help him ? on 
 wouldest cease to leave thv business for him ; thou shall surely leave it to join 
 withhim. g2, 3. Deut. 16:19. 27:19. 2Chr. 19:7. Job 31:13,21,22. Ps. 82:3,4. 
 Ec. 5:8. Is. 10:1,2. Jer. 6:28. 7:6. Am. 5: 11,12. Mic.3:l— 4. Zeph. 3:1— 4. 
 Mai. 3:5. Jam. 2:5,6. h Lev. 19:11. Deut. 19:16—21. Job 22:23. Prov. 4:14,15. 
 Is. 33:15. Luke 3:14. Eph.4:25. 1 Thes. 5:22. i Deut. 27:25. j 34:7. Prcv. 17: 
 15. Nah. 1:3. Rom. 1:18. 2:5,6. k J. eut. 16:19. 1 Sam. 8:3. 12:3. Ps. 26:10. 
 Prov. 15:27. 17:8,23. 19:6. 29:4. Ec. 7:7. Is. 1:23. 5:23. Ez. 22:12. lios.4:18. 
 Am. 5:12. Mic. 7:3. Acts 24:26. § Heb. the seeing. 
 
 shun all evil, and every occasion and appearance of evil. 
 Kindness and humanity to the stranger, tne widow, and the 
 fatherless ; and liberal compassion to the poor and needy, 
 will freely flow from the principle of genuine love implanted 
 in our hearts, and from a desire of adorning our holy religion, 
 and recommending it to those who are without. And while 
 we study to submit to those who are placed over us, and show 
 due respect to all men ; we shall not forget to u honour the 
 Lord with our substance and with the first-fruits of all our 
 increase,” and to devote ourselves to Sea holy people unto his 
 name. — What a contrast do such characters form to those, 
 whose selfish and filthy hearts are capable of crimes far more 
 than brutal, nay, truly diabolical ! who need to be held in 
 with strict laws and dreadful punishments, from the most de- 
 testable crimes, and yet burst through even these restraints ! 
 who have the cries of the oppressed, the widow, the orphan, 
 and the poor, with the wrath of God, against them, and who 
 must be cut off by the avenging sword of human justice, to 
 prevent further mischief! The one is human nature un- 
 changed and unrestraiiftd : the other is the effect of true grace 
 converting and ruling in the heart. — 14 Turn thou us, O Lord, 
 and we shall be turned,” that we may be 44 unto thee a pecu- 
 liar people zealous of good works,” through Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIII. V. 1 — 3. These verses seem 
 especially to relate to the trial of causes, and to the conduct 
 of all parties concerned on such occasions, though they also 
 contain general rules of universal application. He who 
 invents a slander, or first raises a vain report , and he who 
 receives and propagates it, (marg.) are at all times very crimi- 
 nal ; but the iniquity is most atrocious, when the calumny is 
 advanced or taken up in a court of justice ; and when the 
 witnesses thus 44 put their hand with the wicked,” to give suc- 
 cess to an unrighteous cause, by lying testimony, or by attest- 
 ing as fact the vain rumours circulated against the other party. 
 Even if such reports had obtained general credit, the wit- 
 nesses must 44 not follow a multitude to do evil,” in sanction 
 ing them, not knowing them to be true ; nor the judges in de-. 
 ciding according to them ; nor the pleader, in adducing them 
 to prejudice the minds of the magistrates or audience. In no 
 case must any party be influenced to act contrary to strict 
 •equity and impartiality, either by public opinion, or by the sen- 
 timents or inclinations of the great and powerful ; or even by 
 compassion for the poor man whose cause was unjust. — The 
 word rendered countenance , signifies adorn , and seems to 
 refer to the arts of oratory and the sophistry of law, by which 
 the badness of a cause is varnished over. — 4 Neither parties, 
 friends, judges, witnesses, nor vulgar opinions, must neove 
 us to lessen great faults, aggravate small ones, vindicata 
 offenders, accuse the innocent, or misrepresent any thing, tc 
 procure an unjust sentence.’ Brown. 
 
 V. 4, 5. The connexion of these verses has suggested to 
 several expositors the observation, 4 That there are ways innu- 
 merable of showing pity and kindness, without supporting a 
 poor man in an iniquitous cause.’ Yet, the precepts do not spe- 
 cify the poor y but an enemy , and one that hateth : and no doubt 
 persons of every nation and character were included, though 
 the Jewish writers expound them only of Israelites. — Besides 
 the reluctance men naturally have to a laborious and trouble- 
 some action, from which no advantage is likely to arise the 
 circumstance of the owner being an enemy , an unreconciled 
 . bitter enemy , would have much influence. Yet regard to the 
 interest even of such an enemy c as well as mercy to a pool 
 animal, and above all, the will of God thus made known, 
 would induce every conscientious Israelite to bring back :he 
 
 C 165 ) 
 
B. C 1491. EXODUS. B. C. 1491. 
 
 9 A so 'thou shalt not oppress a stranger : for 
 “ye ki.ovv the ‘heart of a stranger, seeing ye were 
 strangers in the land of Egypt. [ Practical observation,.) 
 
 1 0 IT And six years thou shalt sow thy land, 
 and shalt gather in the fruits thereof. 
 
 11 But "the seventh year thou shalt let it rest 
 and lie still ; that the poor of thy people may eat : 
 and what they leave, the beasts of the field shall 
 eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vine- 
 yard, and with thy 'olive-yard. 
 
 12 "Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on 
 the seventh day thou shalt rest : that thine ox 
 and thine ass may rest, Pand the son of thy hand- 
 maid, and the stranger, may be refreshed. 
 
 1 3 And in all things that I have said unto you, 
 <be circumspect : and r make no mention of the 
 names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of 
 thy mouth. 
 
 ISee on 22:21. Deul. 10:19. 24:14—18. 27:19. Ps. 94:6. Ez.22:7. Mai. 3:5. 
 m Matt. 18:33. Heb. 2:17,18. • Heb. soul, n See on Lev. 25:2—7,11,12,20,22. 
 26:34,35. t Or, olive-trees, o See on20:8 — 11 . 31:15,16. Luke 13:14. p Deut. 5:13 
 —15. Is. 58:3. q Deut. 4:9,15. Josh. 2*2:5. 23:11. 1 f hr. 28:7—9. Ps. 39:1. Eph. 5: 
 15. 1 Tim. 4:16. Heb. 12:15. r Dent. 12:3. Josh. 23:7. I’s. 16:4. Jer. 10:11. Hos. 
 2:17 Zech. 13:2. Eph. 5: 12. a 34:22. Lev. 23:5,16,34. Deut. 16:16. 112:14—28,43 
 —49. 13:6,7. 34:18. Lev. 23.5—8. Num. 9:2—14. 28:16—25. Deal. 16:1—8. Josh. 
 
 ox or ass that had gone astray ; nay, to assist an injurious 
 and malicious adversary, whose very presence would be 
 uneasy to him, to lift up the animal which had sunk under his 
 burden ! It does not appear, whether the magistrates were 
 authorized to punish those who 1 neglected this duty. The 
 spirit of these laws entirely coincides with the precepts of 
 Christ, though the Jews in general do not acknowledge it ; and 
 many Christians speak, as if there was no marked coinci- 
 dence, and affirm that love and kindness to enemies are pecu- 
 liar to the New Testament dispensation. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. It may reasonably be supposed, that the pre- 
 ceding verses implied an instruction to the judges, as they are 
 included between two passages, which evidently relate to 
 them in particular. — There might in some cases be danger, 
 lest compassion should 'nduce unjust partiality to a poor man 
 in a legal process ; but far more instances must occur, in 
 which the magistrates would be tempted to neglect or pervert 
 his cause, either to oblige a rich opponent, or to save trouble, 
 or because the poor man had not money to pay the requisite 
 expenses ; or finally, because nothing could be gained by 
 doing him justice, and nothing risked by deciding against him. 
 But the expression, thy poor , is supposed to imply an answer 
 to such evil thoughts and surmises. 4 He is of the same 
 nature, of the same blood, and the protection of him in his 
 right is committed, O magistrate, to *rhee especially, by the 
 great Judge of the world: therefore “wrest not his cause,” 
 and refuse not on any account to do him justice.’ — In order to 
 enforce this general principle, of doing impartial justice with- 
 out respect to persons, and without fear, favour, or affection ; 
 the judges were reminded, that if they wilfully or incautiously 
 hearkened to false testimony, or decided wrong in a case of 
 life and death, either directly or by consequerfce, they would 
 be deemed the murderers of the innocent and righteous. Did 
 they tremble at the thoughts of such an atrocious crime ? 
 They should remember, that the righteous God would not 
 judge according to the frivolous distinctions, which men 
 invent to shade the malignity of their conduct ; bur would con- 
 sider every man as a murderer, who aided, from corrupt 
 motives, or wilful negligence, in putting an innocent man to 
 death: for “he would not justify the wicked.” And, by 
 parity of reason, they who thus concurred in depriving others 
 of their property, would be guilty of theft or robbery. — In 
 , order to keep at a distance from such wickedness, the magis- 
 tiates were forbidden to take any gift from the persons whose 
 cause they were about to decide, though no express condition 
 were annexed to the acceptance of it : for such is human 
 nature, that a gift tends exceedingly to blind the understand- 
 ing of the most sagacious, and to pervert the words, or de- 
 cisions, even of those who were otherwise righteous. — It is 
 recorded of Sir Matthew Hale , that upon his circuit as a 
 judge, he refused to try the cause of a gentleman, who had 
 sent him the customary present of venison, until he had paid 
 for it : for he well understood the spirit of these excellent 
 laws. — The concluding verse is nearly the same as one before 
 considered: (22:21.) but it seems here introduced as a cau- 
 tion to the judges to beware of prejudice against foreigners, 
 in diciding causes in which they were concerned; and to be 
 sure not to oppress them ; for they knew how strangers felt 
 on sui h occasions, having themselves been oppressed by 
 Egyptian magistrates. — The glosses of the Jewish expositors 
 ■>n tnetie laws, which almost totally invalidate them, show the 
 need there was for this caution : but alas ! it Seems to have 
 v>een but little noticed. (Note^ Matt. 5:43—48.) The very 
 question of the lawyer, “ But who is my neighbour?” with 
 >ur Lord’s answer, may give some faint idea of those cor- 
 rupt glosses, by which the scribes explained awa^, and made 
 void the law of love, as to their whole conduct towards 
 strangers. ( Notes, Luke 1Q»25 — 37.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. The Israelites were commanded to comme- 
 morate the creation of the world, not only by sanctifying one 
 
 C 166 ) 
 
 14 IT "Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto 
 me in the year. 
 
 15 Thou shalt keep ‘the feast of unleavened 
 bread : thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven 
 days, as I commanded thee in the time appointed 
 of the month Abib; for in it thou earnest out 
 from Egypt: “and none shall appear before me 
 empty. 
 
 16 And the *feast of harvest, the first-fruits of 
 thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field : 
 and the Teast of ingathering which is in the end 
 of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy 
 labours out of the field. 
 
 17 Three times in the year "all thy males shall 
 appear before the Lord God. 
 
 18 Thou shalt not offer the “blood of my sacri- 
 fice with leavened bread, neither shall the fat of 
 my ^sacrifice b remain until the morning. 
 
 5:10,11. 2 Kings 23:21 — 23. Mnrk 14:12. Luke 22:7. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. u34:20. Ler. 
 23:10. Deul. 16:16. Piot. 3:9.10. i 22:29. Lev. 23:9— 21 . Num. 28:26— 31. 
 Deul. 16:9— 12. Ads 2:1. 7 34:22. I.ev. 23:34-44. Num. 29:12—39. Deul. 16: 
 13—15. Neh.8:!4— 18. Zech. 14:16— 19. John 7:2,37. 7,34:23. Deul. 12:5. 31: 
 11. ft. 84:7. Luke 2:42. a 12:8,15. 34:25. Lev.2:ll. 7:12. Deut. 16:4. I Or. 
 feast, b 12:19. Lev. 7:15. 
 
 day out of seven, as a holy rest to the Lord, but also by 
 intermitting the culture of their land every seventh year. 
 Yet a promise was implied in this command, that the ground 
 should, even in that year, produce spontaneously a consider- 
 able increase ; which they were required to allow the poor, 
 who had no lands in possession, to gather for their use and 
 enjoyment: and on the residue the beasts of the field might 
 feed. It is evident that the owners were not allowed to reap 
 any harvest, or gather in the increase of the vineyard or 
 olive-yard, during this sabbatical year ; yet it is generally 
 thought that they might, along with their poor neighbours, 
 gather some of the fruits, which could not be preserved, for 
 present use. — The law seems to have been intended to teach 
 the people that they were merely the Lord’s tenants for their 
 estates ; and that they would incur a torfeiture, if they did 
 not observe his rules in cultivating them. It was also suited 
 to teach them dependence on his Providence ; and to lead 
 them to observe his faithfulness, in sending a proportionate 
 increase on the sixth year. It evidently and cogently incul- 
 cated indifference to worldly wealth ; and liberality, without 
 grudging, to the poor. The institution, as far as observed, 
 likewise gave the Israelites leisure to attend on more import- 
 ant concerns; and no doubt was a real advantage to the 
 ground, by letting it sometimes lie fallow : while it typified the 
 rest of heaven, when all earthly labours, cares, and interests 
 shall cease for ever. — Some expositors think, that the seventh 
 thousand years of the world will be in some respect ana- 
 logous to this sabbatical year. ( Notes , Lev. 25:1 — 7,20 — 22.) 
 
 V. 12. Even on the sabbatical year, the holy rest of the 
 sabbath-day must be observed, as well as at other times. 
 ( Notes, 20:8 — 1 1 . Deut. 5:12—15.) 
 
 V. 13. In order to exact circumspection in keeping these 
 commandments, and especially in avoiding all occasions of 
 idolatry, or approaches to it, the Israelites were forbidden to 
 mention , or cause to he remembered , the names of other gods, 
 or to let them be heard from their mouths. No doubt, on 
 some occasions, they might mention the names of idols, in 
 order to express their abhorrence of them ; for thus, and thus 
 only, the sacred writers mention them: but the use of their 
 names in common conversation, would tend to abate this 
 abhorrence, and to make way for the worship of them. — It is 
 worth while to inquire, how far the familiar acquaintance with 
 the heathen mythology, which generally accompanies a clas- 
 sical education, and is considered as essential to it, consists 
 with this law : and whether it do not subserve the cause o. 
 skepticism and immorality, and prove very unfavourable to 
 genuine Christianity. The characters and anecdotes of Jupi- 
 ter, Bacchus, Apollo, Mars, Mercury, Venus, and olher 
 abominable idols, told in the fictions of the poets in a fasci- 
 nating manner, lose their horror, and fill the youthful mind 
 with delight and admiration: and an imagination stored with 
 ideas, and a judgment perverted by examples, of this kind, 
 promise nothing very desirable, either in respect of purity, 
 integrity, or piety. It were to bo wished that such books as 
 Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and many others of that cast, were 
 cither totally kept out of the hands of inexperienced youth, 
 or more cautiously intrusted to them. — As to the places of 
 public diversion, they subsist by accommodation to tne more 
 plausible passions of depraved human nature: and the hca» 
 thenism of them only forms an additional proof of their un- 
 favourable aspect on Christianity, and an additional reason 
 why real Christians should keep themselves and their chil- 
 dren from them. 
 
 V. 14 — 18. Three solemn religious festivals were insti- 
 tuted to be observed by the Israelites, during all succeeding 
 generations, while they continued to be the peculiar people ol 
 God. — “The feast of unleavened bread,” in remembrance of 
 their deliverance out of Egypt, has been considered. (NoU'm^ 
 12: 13:8 — 10.) “The feast of harvest,” when it became 
 ripe, called also “the feast of pentocost,” seems to have 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII, 
 
 B. C. 1495 
 
 19 The 'first of the first-fruits of thy land 
 thou shalt bring into the house of the Lord ihy 
 God. Thou shalt not d seeth a kid in his mo- 
 ther’s milk. 
 
 20 H Behold, I send an 'Angel before thee to 
 keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the 
 place which I have 'prepared. 
 
 21 'Beware of him, and obey his voice; h provoke 
 him not : for ‘lie will not pardon your transgres- 
 sions : for k my Name is in him. 
 
 22 But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and 
 do all that I speak ; then I will be 'an enemy unto 
 thine enemies, and 'an adversary unto thine ad- 
 versaries. 
 
 23 For mine Angel shall go before thee, and 
 bring ra thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, 
 and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites,the Hivites, 
 and the Jebusites : and I will cut them off. 
 
 24 Thou “shalt not bow down to their gods, nor 
 serve them, nor °do after their works : but thou 
 shalt utterly Poverthrow them, and quite break 
 down their images. 
 
 25 And “ye shall serve the Lord your God, and 
 
 0-22:29. 34:26. Lex. 23:10— 17. Num. 18:12,13. Deut. 12:5-7. 26:10. Neh. 10: 
 
 05. 1 Cor. 15:20. Rev. 11:1. d 31:26. Deut. 14:21. Prov. 12:10. Jer. 10:3. e 3: 
 2—6 . 32:34 . 33:2,14. Gen. 48:16. Num. 20:16. Jo«h.5:13. 6:2. I. .63:9. Mil. 3: 
 I. 1 Cor. 10:9,10. fGen. 15:18. Mall. 25.34. John 14:3. g l'..2:12. Matt. 17:5. 
 Heb. 12:25. h Num. 14:11. Ps. 78:40,56. Eph.4:30. Heb. 3:10,16. i 32:34. 
 Num. 14:35. Deut. 18:19. Josh. 24:19. Heb. 3:11. 10:26—29.12:25. 1 John 5: 
 16. k 3:14. 34:5—7. Ps. 72:19. 83:18. Is. 7:14. 9:6. 42:8. 45:6. 57:15. Jer. 23: 
 
 6. Matt. 1:23 John5:23. 10:30,38. 14:9,10. Col. 2:9. Rev. 1:8. 2:8,23. 3:7. 
 
 1 Gen. 12:3. Num. 24:9. Deut. 30:7. Jer. 30:20. Zech. 2:8. Acts 9:4,5. * Or, / 
 vill ajflict them that afflict thee, m See on 3: 17. Gen. 15:19 — 21.34:2. Josh. 
 ^4:8 — 11. n See on 20:5. o Lev. 18:3,26— 30. Deut. 12:30,31. 2 Chr. 33:2,9. 
 
 instituted in remembrance of the promulgation of the Law 
 from mount Sinai : and the “ feast of ingathering” when the 
 harvest was completely secured - , called also “ the feast of 
 tabernacles,” in remembrance of the people dwelling in tents 
 in the wilderness. This was observed in the seventh month, 
 called here “ the end of the year for the year began in 
 autumn, till Israel was delivered out of Egypt. — Various 
 oblations were required on all these occasions, which we 
 shall hereafter consider ; as also the command, that every 
 male should appear before the Lord at his tabernacle or tem- 
 le, at those times, and not appear empty. — No leavened 
 read was allowed to be offered with the blood of the sacri- 
 fices ; that is, say expositors, the sacrifice of the passover : 
 but the other sacrifices at that festival were also intended ; 
 as likewise in the caution, not to leave any of the fat until 
 the morning, lest it should be in danger of corrupting. A 
 similar injunction had before been given respecting the 
 flesh of the paschal lamb. (12:10. Notes, Lev. 23: Deut. 
 16:1—17.) 
 
 V. 19. Not seeth, &c.l This singular practice, which is 
 more than once prohibited, might be deemed to have some 
 semblance of cruelty ; or it might be considered as an unna- 
 tural gratification of the appetite : but probably it was a super- 
 stition, or a sort of incantation, in use among idolaters, by 
 which they thought to secure a plentiful harvest. (Marg. 
 Ref. d.) 
 
 V. 20 — 23. After the Lord had enacted all these laws, he 
 concluded this revelation to Moses, by him to be delivered to 
 Israel, with many encouraging promises, interspersed with 
 warnings and exhortations. He engaged especially to “send 
 his Angel before” the people, to conduct them to Canaan : 
 but he cautioned them to take heed and obey him, and not be 
 refractory and rebellious ; as he would not endure their pro- 
 vocations, but take signal vengeance on them, if they per- 
 sisted in them: “ for,” says Jehovah, “ rily Name is in him.” 
 (Marg. Ref. k.) — When we recollect the many scriptures, 
 which call an Angel, that appeared to the people of God, by 
 the names, Jehovah, and Elohim, that is, God, we can 
 hardly doubt who this Angel was, who had power on earth 
 to forgive, or not to forgive, and in whom was the name of 
 Jehovah ; which seems naturally to mean the participation 
 of the divine perfections, as well as acting with divine au- 
 thority. — “But,” adds the Lord, “if thou shalt indeed obey 
 his voice, and do all that I command thee," then I will confer 
 the promised blessings. 
 
 V. 26. Number, &c.] The righteous Governor of the 
 world has established such a connexion between causes and 
 effects, that the wickedness of men conduces, in an immense 
 degree, to shorten their lives, and those of others, even to 
 succeeding generations: so that very few of the human race 
 tive so long as they might, did not their own misconduct, or 
 that of other men, bring them to an untimely end. No doubt 
 in this, as in all other respects, the council of the Lord is 
 accomplished: and this is one of his methods of restraining or 
 punishing vice.— But “the number of their days,” which the 
 Lord promised “to fulfil” to the Israelites, while obedient, 
 refers to that term of human life, which men of a good consti- 
 tution might be expected to attain to, if they did nothing to 
 nipair their health, were preserved from the effect of other 
 vrien’s vices, and by the blessing of God, were protected from 
 external injuries, and exemDted from pestilences and fatal 
 
 r he shall bless thy bread, and thy walcr : and 
 •will take sickness away from the midst of thee. 
 
 26 There ‘shall nothing cast their young, n 
 be barren in thy land : “the number of thy clays 
 will fulfil. 
 
 27 I will send *my fear before thee, and wi : 
 destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, 
 and I will make all thine enemies turn their ‘backs 
 unto thee. 
 
 28 And I will send ^hornets before thee, which 
 shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the 
 Hittite, from before thee. 
 
 29 I will not drive them out from before thee 
 •in one year ; lest the land become desolate, and 
 the beast of the field multiply against thee. 
 
 30 By little and little I will drive them out. from 
 before thee, until thou be increased, and inheri 
 the land. 
 
 31 And “I will set thy hounds from the Red Sea 
 even unto the sea of the Philistines, and from the 
 desert unto the river : for I will “deliver the in- 
 habitants of the land into your bond ; and thou 
 shalt drive them out before thee. 
 
 Ps. 106:35— 38. Ez. 16:47. p 32:20. 34:13,14. Num. 33:52. Deut. 7:5,25,26. 12: 
 3. 2 Chr. 34:3— 7. q Deut. 6:13. 10:12,20. 11:13. 13:4.28:1—6. Josh. 22:5. 24: 
 14,15,21,21. 1 Sam. 7:3. 12:20,24. Jer. 8:2. Matt. 4:10. r Dent. 7:43. 28:5—8 
 Mai. 3:10.11. s 15:26. Deut. 7:15. Is. 33:24. I Deut. 7:14.28:4. Job 21:10. 1 «. 
 107:38. 144:13. uGeu.25:8. 35:29. 1 Chr. 23:1. Job5:26. 42:17. I s. 55:23. 90: 
 10. Is. 65:20. x 15:14— 16. Gen. 35:5. Deut. 2:25. 11:23,25. Josh. 2:9— 11 
 1 Sim. 14:15. 2 Kings 7:6. 2 Chr. 14:14. t Heb. ntek. Ps. 18:40. y Deut. 7:20 
 Josh. 24:11,12. z Deut. 7:22. Josh. 15:63. 16:10. 17:12,13. Judg. 3:1— 1. aGen. 
 
 45:18. Num. 34:3— 15. Deut. 11:21. Josh. 1:4.1 Kings 4:21,24. Ps.72:8. h Num 
 21:31. Deut. 3:2. Josh. 8:7,18. 10:8,19. 21:44. 23:14. 24:8. 1 Sam. 23:4. 1 Kings 
 20:13. 
 
 diseases. We ought not to suppose, that such assurances, 
 as we meet with in the close of this chapter, engaged to every 
 individual long life, health, and fruitfulness ; but only that a 
 special blessing should attend them, in addition to the natural 
 tendency of a sober, righteous, and godly life ; and that they 
 would in this respect be evidently distinguished from other 
 nations. — When a universal prevalence of genuine Chris- 
 tianity shall terminate wars, oppressions, enfeebling poverty, 
 intemperance, and licentiousness, men will far more generally 
 than at present, live to old age. (Notes, Lev. 26:3 — 13. Is, 
 65:20—23.) 
 
 V. 27. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 28. The sting of the hornet, or large wasp, is very 
 terrible ; they are also exceedingly courageous insects, and 
 not to be gotcid of but by destroying them : vast swarms of 
 them might therefore effectually drive away the inhabitants 
 of Canaan, and prove even a more dreadful plague to them, 
 than the frogs, lice, flies, or locusts had been to Egypt. — No 
 account indeed is found, in the subsequent history, of hornets 
 assaulting the armies which fought against Israel: but Joshua 
 attests the fulfilment of the promise, in respect to the two 
 kings of the Amorites, in a manner which proves that it wa. 
 well known by all the people. (Note, Josh. 24:12.) It may 
 be inferred, from the texts referred to in the margin, that the 
 hornets attacked the devoted nations, either before they en- 
 gaged in battle, thus weakening and dismaying them ; or after 
 they were put to flight, and attempting to hide themselves in 
 caverns or desolate places, to consume the remains of them, 
 or drive them out of the land. And this may account for the 
 silence of the history on the subject. Probably, the three 
 tribes here mentioned were more dreadfully harassed by the 
 hornets than the rest were. — Learned men have shown from 
 ancient historians, that traditions prevailed of nations forced 
 swarms of different kinds of insects to leave their country ; 
 most of which, probably, originated from some confused report 
 of the Lord’s dealings with the Egyptians and Canaanites. 
 (Note, 8:24.) 
 
 V. 29, 30. The Israelites might conclude, from the pro- 
 mises made to their fathers and to them, that the Lord would 
 at once expel or destroy the old inhabitants of the land before 
 them ; and, experiencing delays, they might question whether 
 he had not failed of his word. But this consequence was 
 obviated by the intimation here given ; and the reason as- 
 signed, for a gradual extirpation of the devoted Canaanites, 
 shows that the country assigned to Israel was far more than 
 sufficient for that generation, which yet consisted at least of 
 two millions : and as they could not occupy the whole till 
 they were still more increased, it would be better for them,, 
 that some of the ancient inhabitants should remain, than that 
 the country, lying desolate, should be infested with wild 
 beasts. — Other causes however combined, in preventing the 
 Israelites from at once obtaining possession of the whole 
 country assigned them. 
 
 V. 31 . The boundaries of the promised land, as here stated, 
 if compared with the passages referred to in the margin, 
 may be thus explained. The northern extremity of the Red 1 . 
 Sea was at no great distance from the river of Egypt, which 
 ran into the Mediterranean, on the shore of which the Philis- 
 tines dwelt. From the extremity therefore of the Red Sea,, 
 across to the Mediterranean Sea, and the course of its shore, 
 as far as mount Lebanon, was the western boundary from 
 
 ( 167 ) 
 
li O .491. EXODUS. B. C. 1491. 
 
 32 Thou c shalt make no covenant with them, 
 d nor with t’leir rods. 
 
 33 They shall not dwell in thy land, lest 'they 
 make thee sin against me : for if thou serve their 
 gods, it will surely be a snare unto thee. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Mocee, beitt ? cabled to go up to 'he mount , delivers the lavs to Israel , and they 
 consent to covenant with God , 1 — 3. An altar and twelve pillars are prepared , 
 and the covenant is ratified , with sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood , 4 — 
 8. Moses , Aaron, ana his sons, and the elders of Israel , are favoured with 
 a vision of God, and feast before him , 9 — II. Moses ascends the mount, 
 Joshua at first accompanying him ; he leaves Aaron and llur to rule the peo- 
 ple ; and abides in the mount forty days and nights, 12 — 18. 
 
 A ND he said unto Moses, “Come up unto the 
 Lord, thou and Aaron, b Nadab and Abihu, 
 
 e 34:12,15. Dent. 7:2. Josh. 9:14—23. 2 Sam. 21:1, 2. cl Nnm.25:l,2. Dent. 7:16. 
 e! Kings 14:16. 2Clir. S3:9. IDeut. 12:30. Josh. 23.13. Judg. 2:3. Ps. 106:36. 
 2 Tim. 2:26. n 3:5. 19:9,20,24. 20 21. 34:2. b 6:23 . 28:1. I, cv. 10:1,2. I Chr. 
 6:3.24:1,2. c 9. 1:6. Num. 11:16,24,25. El. 8:11. Luke 10:1,17. d 15,18. 20: 
 
 south to north. The great desert, at the southern extremity 
 of Canaan; and at the south-east of the adjacent countries 
 behind the Dead Sea and beyond Jordan, as far as the great 
 river Euphrates, formed the southern and eastern boundaries ; 
 while a line from the Mediterranean Sea, passing by mount 
 Libanus to the river Euphrates, would mark its boundaries 
 on the north, or on the north-west. — There are considerable 
 difficulties, at this distance of time, in ascertaining these 
 limits with any tolerable exactness, and consequently differ- 
 ent opinions in some particulars prevail ; but this statement 
 seems to accord with the most approved authorities. — It is 
 generally supposed, that the promise of driving out the ancient 
 inhabitants, related only to the devoted nations of Canaan^* 
 for^vhen the other countries, included in this grant, were 
 subjected to David and Solomon, they never attempted to 
 expel or extirpate the inhabitants ; nor does it appear that 
 they had any command or authority to do it. 
 
 V. 32, 33. When the Israelites were forbidden to “ make 
 any covenant with the devoted nations or their gods ;” it 
 seems to intimate, that individuals or collective bodies, that 
 were willing to renounce idolatry, and to embrace the religion 
 of Israel, might be spared, and admitted into covenant with 
 them ; and the subsequent history favours this supposition. 
 But while the devoted nations continued idolaters, they must 
 not be tolerated in the land, if the Israelites could by any 
 means expel or destroy them : for, the Lord’s purpose of 
 “driving them out by little and little,” did not excuse the 
 negligence of the people, who willingly allowed them to live 
 among them ; the consequence of which was, that they were 
 either tempters or scourges to them.— The last clause may 
 be rendered, u For thou wilt serve their gods f for it will be 
 a snare unto thee.” If idolaters were allowed to live among 
 the Israelites, it would prove a snare to them, and they would 
 be induced to worship their idols. — The latter part of this 
 chapter primarily relates to the national covenant, the solemn 
 ratification of which is recorded in the next chapter. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. How manifold are the temptations, and occa- 
 sions of sin, in this evil worid ! He who would “ keep a 
 conscience void of offence towards God and man,” must not 
 only mortify his own covetousness, pride, resentment, envy, 
 and sensuality; but likewise take heed that his judgment be 
 not biassed, and his heart prejudiced, by the authority, ex- 
 ample, or reasonings of men, who are held in reputation for 
 wisdom, learning, and virtue ; by the influence of the rich 
 and great; by gratiiude to benefactors; by natural affection 
 to relations, or by partiality to beloved friends ; by fear of 
 offending those op whom he depends, or from whom he has 
 expectations ; by reverence to superiors ; by popular clamours ; 
 by a party-spirit ; by vulgar reports ; by. conformity to the 
 maxims, customs, and fashions of the world ; or even by an 
 easy and friendly temper, and compassion for the poor and 
 afflicted. For there is no passion or propensity in the human 
 heart, however amiable in its general exercise, which will not 
 betray us into imprudence, injustice, and even impiety, unless 
 it be regulated by divine grace, and subordinated to the fear 
 and love of God. — The laws delivered by Moses, however 
 misunderstood by the scribes and Pharisees, and by many 
 professed Christians, required the same equity and truth, the 
 same tenderness of men’s reputation and comfort, the same 
 regard to their liberty and property, the same love even to 
 enemies, and the same disposition, however injured or exas- 
 perated, to mortify malevolence, and to return good for evil, 
 which are inculcated by our blessed Saviour and his apostles. 
 It is likewise very useful to examine and meditate on these 
 statutes, as select instances, familiarly illustrating the more 
 general rules of equity and love, and teaching us how to apply 
 them in the ordinary concerns of life. Indeed, the more we 
 thus compare one part of Scripture with another, the better 
 we shall understand every part ; and the fuller will be our 
 conviction, that the whole is “the word of God.” — Integrity, 
 impartiality, and benevolence; a noble disinterestedness; 
 firmness and boldness ; an habitual fear of God, and a con- 
 stant expectation of the great day of retribution ; are pecu- 
 liarly requisite for legislators, magistrates, lawyers, juries, 
 witnesses, dr prosecutors, and all concerned in courts of 
 Tistioe. For when human wisdom has done its utmost, they 
 ( 168 ) 
 
 and ^seventy o( the elders of Israel ; and worship 
 ye afar off. 
 
 2 And Moses d alone shall come near the Lord: 
 but they shall not come nigh, neither shall the 
 people go up with him. 
 
 3 And Moses came and told the people all the 
 words of the Lord, and e all the judgments: and 
 all the people answered with one voice, and sai l. 
 f All the words, which the Lord hath said, wilt 
 we do. 
 
 4 And Moses swrote all the words of the Lord, 
 and rose up early in the morning, h and buildedan 
 altar under the hill, and ‘twelve pillars According 
 to the twelve tribes of Israel. 
 
 21. Num. 16:5. Jer. 30:21. 49:19. Heb. 9:24. IU:21,22. e 21 : — 23: Pent. 4:1.5 
 45.5:1,31.6:1. 11 1. f7. 19:8. Dent. 5:27,28. Josli. 24:22. g Dent. 31:S. Josh .*24: 
 26. h 20:24— 26. i Gen. 23:18,2*2. 31:45. Josh. 24:27. Gal. 2:9. k 28:21 . Lev. 24: 
 5. Num. 17:2. Josh. 4:2,3,8,9,20. lKings 1 1:3(1. E7.rn6:17. Luke 22:30. Rev. 21: 14 
 
 will often be strongly tempted to wrest or pervert judgment ; 
 perhaps to the oppression of numbers, and even to the murder 
 of the innocent and righteous ; nor will opportunities be want- 
 ing. Such legal murders have in many ages and nations 
 been extremely frequent ; but, with considerable confidence 
 and gratitude, we may assert, that they are well guarded 
 against in this favoured nation ; how desirable is it that we 
 might without hesitation add, and in all its distant provinces! 
 But, wherever committed, they are the most malignant of all 
 murders, and will be found so at the day “when the earth 
 shall disclose her blood, and no more cover her slain.” — Wc 
 have all great need to “ watch and pray that we enter not 
 into temptation,” and to shun all occasions of sin : for the 
 remaining evil of the heart is attracted by the evil that is in 
 the world, with a kind of magnetic force, which increases as 
 they approach each other. Hence it is, that a near prospect 
 of secular advantages so frequently “blinds the wise, and 
 perverts the words of the righteous.” Let us then “ take heed 
 and beware of covetousness ;” pray earnestly for contentment 
 with food and raiment ; and learn to expect needful supplies 
 from the Lord, day by day, in the conscientious performance 
 of the duties to which we are called. And, as we must be 
 sensible, (whether we “know the heart of a stranger,” by 
 painful experience, or not,) that oppressions would be viry 
 galling to us ; let us on no consideration concur in oppress.ng 
 any human being: on the contrary, “whatsoever we would 
 that men should do unto us, let us do even so to them ; for 
 this is the law and the prophets.” 
 
 V. 10 — 33. While we carefully observe the rules of 
 justice, truth, and mercy, in our conduct towards our brethren 
 and neighbours, we must not forget our still higher obligations 
 to the Lord our God: and if we be indeed his people, we 
 shall cheerfully devote ourselves to his service, submit to all 
 his will, and seek his glory, in the conduct of our secular 
 affairs, in the use of our property, and in the spending of our 
 time. We shall count his sabbaths and ordinances our 
 refreshment and pleasure ; we shall readily dedicate to him 
 the first and best of all his gifts, and share our portion, even 
 if small, with those who have still less than wc ; depending on 
 his promise and providence for the future. — But in all these 
 things, and even in the government of our tongues, it behooves 
 us to be “ circumspect for we can neither “ work out our own 
 salvation,” nor glorify God and do good, without great dili- 
 gence and attention ; and the ruinous consequences of mere 
 heedlessness are seldom duly considered. Let us then pitt 
 ourselves under the guidance and banner of the great Angel 
 of the covenant, in whom is the name of Jehovah: let us 
 obey his voice, submit to his will, fear nothing but his indigna- 
 tion and failing of his forgiveness, desire the comforts of his 
 Spirit, depend on *his arm, and expect the fulfilment of his 
 promises; and thus march forward towards the heavenly 
 Canaan, through hosts of opposing foes, all of which he will 
 enable us to overcome. We shall then learn by experience, 
 that his ways are ways of pleasantness and peace, notwith- 
 standing conflicts and self-denial ; that, in the ordinary course 
 of things, obedience to his precepts conduces to health, long 
 life, and domestic comfort : and that the provisions which he 
 sends, (though often such as the world counts mean and 
 scanty,) being accompanied by his blessing, are far better 
 than tlio greatest affluence of ungodly men. ( Note , Ps. 37 
 10,17.) And though it is not bis will to destroy our inward 
 enemies at once, but by little and little ; yet they too shell 
 finally be extirpated; and ho will make us more than con- 
 querors in the event. Nay, in the mean while, he will take 
 occasion, from their existence and opposition," to display Ins 
 own glory, and to promote our good ; so that the whole shall 
 terminate in our deeper humility, and in more admiring love 
 and ardent gratitude, for ever. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V. 1,2. After Moses had 
 received the foregoing laws, ho was sent down from “ the 
 thick darkness where God was,” (20:21.) to deliver then to 
 the people: and at the same time the Lord gave him direc- 
 tions concerning the subsequent solemn transactions. Vie 
 and Aaron, with Aaron’s two eldest sons, and seventy eld«rs 
 ot Israel, were directed to come up into the mount ; after 
 they (and probably the congregation with them) had wo** 
 shipped at a distance, to express thtir humble reverence ot 
 
B. C 1191. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 5 And lie sent 'young men of the children of 
 Israel, which offered ""burnt-offerings, and sacri- 
 ficed "peace-o flerings of oxen unto the Loan. 
 
 C And Moses took half of the blood, and put it 
 m basins; and half of “the blood he sprinkled i'on 
 the altar. 
 
 7 And he took ‘ithe book of the covenant, and 
 'read in the audience of the people : and they 
 said, S A11 that the Lord hath said will we do, and 
 be obedient. 
 
 I 19:22. m See on 18: 12. Lev. 1: n Lev. 3: 7:11 — 21. 08 . 12:7,22. Col. 1:20. 
 Heb. 12:24. 1 Pet. 1:2.13. p29:16— 20. Lev. 1 :5,li. 3 2,8. 4:6. q 4. Heb. 9: 
 
 18—23. rOeut. 31:11 — 13. ,‘ct« 13:15. Col. 4:16. 1 Tiles. 5:27. s See on 3. 
 Jer. 7:23,24. I See on 6. Lev. 8:30. Is. 52:15. ill. 36:25. Hcb.9:18,19. u Z«ch. 
 
 the divine majesty, and to produce in their minds proper 
 solemnity for a nearer approach. Yet only Moses was per- 
 mitted to ascend the top of the mountain, where the glory of 
 God was peculiarly manifested ; while the others must keep 
 at a great distance, though some would be admitted nearer 
 than others. — It is not evident who the seventy elders were. 
 They are spoken of as part of a larger company. Some think 
 they were a part of the rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, 
 and tens, who had been appointed by the advice of Jethro ; 
 but these are not called elders: elders are repeatedly spoken 
 of before that time : and the seventy elders mentioned in 
 another place, were evidently appointed some time after. 
 (Marg. Ref. c.) It is, however, very natural to suppose, 
 tnat in each tribe there were some persons who on one ac- 
 count or another, bore the chief sway ; and from these seventy 
 were selected, who were also called “ the nobles” or princes 
 “of Israel;” (11.) and who attended as representatives of 
 their several tribes, in solemnly covenanting with God. 
 
 V. 3, 4. When Moses had set before the people “ all the 
 judgments,” or the judicial law which he had received, with 
 the moral law of ten commandments delivered from mount 
 Sinai, and the promises made to them of special blessings 
 while obedient ; they unanimously and willingly consented, 
 and engaged to obey. Accordingly, he wrote in a book the 
 four foregoing chapters, as the conditions of the national cove- 
 nant, which was now about to be solemnly ratified. For such 
 it certainly was : as ‘ the covenant of works’ has nothing to do 
 with altars, sacrifices, and the sprinkling of blood; and ‘the 
 covenant of grace’ is not made with whole nations, or collec- 
 tive bodies of divers characters ; but only representatively with 
 Christ, as the Surety of those given to him, and personally 
 with true believers. But while this covenant was made with 
 the nation of Israel, in regard to their outward blessings, it 
 was a “ shadow of good things to come ;” and in many 
 respects their situation under it accorded to that of those, 
 who live under the gospel, and have the benefit of the ordi- 
 nances and oracles of God. — The day on which Moses went 
 down from the mount having been thus employed, he arose 
 early the next morning, and made the necessary preparations, 
 by building an altar and raising twelve pillars. The altar 
 seems to have been intended to denote Jehovah’s presence, 
 as a party in this covenant ; and the twelve pillars, the twelve 
 tribes of Israel, as the other party ; and between ‘the two 
 covenanting parties Moses acted as a typical mediator. 
 
 V. 5. Young men.] It does not appear whether these 
 w r ere the persons before called priests, or not ;( 1 9:22. ) but they 
 acted merely as assistants to Moses, who officiated as priest 
 on this and several other occasions. The opinion, confidently 
 maintained by some learned men, concerning a primeval right 
 tp the priesthood, vested in the eldest son of each family, is 
 destitute of every shadow of scriptural support, and indeed at 
 variance with the only facts to which an appeal can be made. 
 Abel, the younger son, sacrificed at the same time as Cain, 
 and was accepted, while Cain was rejected. Noah, not one 
 of his sons, sacrificed after the flood. (Gen. 8:20.) Abra- 
 ham was commanded to sacrifice, and Isaac, instead of being 
 die priest, was to be the oblation : and afterwards Abraham, 
 not Isaac, offered the ram. Israel, not Reuben, nor any of 
 his sons, sacrificed at Beer-sheba. (46:1.) Job officiated 
 as priest, and offered sacrifices for his sons. ( Job 1:6.) Nor 
 
 there the least, trace of any thing in Scripture that favours 
 .he sentiment, which is a mere human invention, by whomso- 
 ever originally devised. — Oxen only are here mentioned : but 
 we learn from the apostle that other animals were sacrificed. 
 (Heb. 9:18—20.) 
 
 V. 6 — 8. Half the blood of the sacrifices was immediately 
 sprinkled on the altar; and the other half, being reserved for 
 diat purpose, was afterwards sprinkled on the people : either 
 on the seventy elders, as personally representing the congre- 
 gation, or on the twelve pillars which had been erected along 
 wi'h the altar, as an external sign or emblem of the twelve 
 tribes ; or, as some think, it was carried in basins, and 
 sprinkled on the people in general : for this part of the solem- 
 nity preceded the ascent of the selected company into the 
 mount. (9.) We learn from the apostle, that the book was 
 also sprinkled. Moses had read, or proclaimed, the contents 
 of it in the audience of the people, as the terms of the cove- 
 nant about to he ratified with them ; and they had renewed 
 their consent to it, before the sprinkling of the blood on them 
 and on it ; and then afterwards he subjoined, “ This is the 
 bleed of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you 
 Vol. I 22 
 
 8 And Moses took the blood, and 'sprinkled it 
 on the people; find said, Behold “the blood ol 
 the covenant, which the Lord hath made with 
 you concerning all these words. 
 
 9 Then "went up Moses and Aaron, Nadab and 
 Abilin, and seventy of the elders of Israel. 
 
 10 And they rsaw the God of Israel : and there 
 was under his feet as it were a paved work 7 of a 
 sapphire-stone, and as it were the body of heaven 
 “in his clearness. 
 
 9:11. Mn U. 26:28. Mark 14:24. Luke 22:20. 1 Cor. 11:25. Kph. 1:7. Heb 
 9:20. 10:1,5.13:20. iSii ml. y 29. 3:6. 33:20,23. Gen. 32:30. Judg. 13: 
 21,22. Is. 6:1—5. Hi. 1:28. John 1:18. 14:9. I Tim. 6:16. I John 4:12. z Ez. 1:26 
 27. 10:1. Rev. 4:3. 21:19—23. a Cant. 6:10. Matt. 17:2. Rev. 21:11,18. 
 
 concerning all these words.” The whole transaction was 
 calculated to impress their minds with the important instruc 
 tion, that the covenant was made with them, only through the 
 blood of the atoning sacrifice ; that neither their persons, 
 moral obedience, nor religious services, could be accepted by 
 a holy God, except through the shedding and sprinkling of 
 blood ; that even the blessings of the national covenant were 
 all of mercy ; and that, though they were secured to them only 
 during their obedience, the Lord would deal tvith them in 
 kindness, and not construe every act of disobedience into a 
 forfeiture of the covenant. In this manner was the business 
 transacted before all the people : and we learn from aposto- 
 lical authority, that it was intended as a shadow or type of the 
 manner, in which the true Israelites are admitted into cove- 
 nant with God, through the atoning blood of Christ: and, 
 yielding themselves to his service, willingly receive his com- 
 mandments as the rule of their subsequent grateful obedience. 
 (Note, Heb. 9:18—23.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. After this part of the important solemnity had 
 been concluded, Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and 
 the seventy elders, went up to a higher part of the mount ; 
 and there “ they saw the God of Israel.” Many commenta- 
 tors understand this vision of an appearance of the Son of 
 God in human form, anticipating his incarnation. And 
 though the expression, “Ye saw no manner of similitude,” 
 (Deut. 4:15.) seems to militate against this opinion: yet it 
 may be answered, that this was spoken concerning the people 
 in general, as receiving the law in an audible voice from the 
 mount; but the words here used relate to a few individuals 
 and to a subsequent time. It is said of Moses, “The 
 Similitude of the Lord shall he behold.” (Note, Num. 12:4 — 
 8.) Christ is the “Image of the invisible God;” the Efful- 
 gence of his glory, and the Character of his subsistence. (2 
 Cor. 4:4. Notes, John 1:18. Col. 1:15—17. Heb. 1:3,4.) 
 The two appearances under consideration were a direct con- 
 trast : the former was that of the holy Lawgiver and Judge, 
 in terrible majesty delivering to sinners “the ministration of 
 condemnation ;” the latter that, of a Saviour, through the 
 sacrifice and sprinkling of blood, admitting believers into com- 
 munion with himself. Now it is only in Christ, that God mani- 
 fests himself as reconciled to sinners, or admits any of them 
 into communion with him. — No doubt “God in Christ,” the 
 Saviour of sinners, was the God of Israel, who manifested 
 himself on this occasion: yet, it may reasonably be doubted, 
 whether it was a visible appearance in human form. The 
 expressions, “ There was under his feet as it were a paved 
 work of sapphire-stone, and as it were the body of heaven in 
 his clearness,” accord with some passages in Ezekiel’s first 
 vision* in which it is evident, the idea of a personal appear- 
 ance in human form is carefully excluded ; and they seem 
 rather to imply some grand display of glory, which might 
 feebly be illustrated by such similitudes. (Note, Ez. 1:26 — 
 28.) — It appears therefore more consistent with the narrative, 
 to understand it of a most resplendent manifestation of the 
 divine glory ; but in mild majesty, and not with the terrific 
 displays' which attended the promulgation of the law; yet 
 even this visible glory itself could not be represented- by any 
 similitude: but that which appeared beneath the feet of the 
 God of Israel, (that is, under the resplendent majesty, or as 
 it were beneath the glorious throne on which he manifested 
 his presence, as Israel’s King,) might be compared to a 
 pavement of sapphires, which are of a beautiful bine colour; 
 or to the azure sky, as most visible in its splendour on a 
 bright night when spangled with stars. But, while this was 
 a far more distinct vision of the glory of God, than that which 
 had been made at the giving of the law, when nothing was 
 seen but clouds, darkness, fire, and tempest : yet, through 
 the sacrifice and sprinkling of blood, and the covenant now 
 ratified, this glory did not inspire terror, but confidence ; and 
 the representatives of Israel received no harm, but much 
 comfort, while they feasted on the peace-offerings, in full view 
 of the divine glory. Not only was this the case with Moses, 
 the typical mediator; with Aaron, the intended high-priest: 
 and with his two eldest sons, who were next to him in the 
 priesthood ; but also with the nobles of Israel, as the seventy 
 elders are called, being the principal persons of their several 
 tribes. Even on them the Lord laid not his hand, to injure 
 them, but admitted them to feast before him with safety and 
 comfort. — Thus the believer, beholding, in the face of Jesus 
 Christ, far clearer discoveries of the glorious justice and ho- 
 liness of God, than ever he saw under his most terrifying 
 
 ( 169 y 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 11 And upon the ’’nobles of the children of 
 
 Israel he “laid not his hand : also d they saw God, 
 and 'did eat and drink. [ practical observer ,™. ] 
 
 12 H And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up 
 »o me into the mount, and be there : and I will 
 f ive thee f tables of stone, and a law and com- 
 mandments which I have written nhatthou mayest 
 teach them. 
 
 13 And Moses rose up, and h his minister 
 Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of 
 God. 
 
 14 And he said unto the elders, ‘Tarry ye here 
 for us, until we come again unto you. And be- 
 hold, Aaron and k Hur are with you : 'if any man 
 have any matters to do, let him come unto them. 
 
 15 And Moses went up into the mount, and m a 
 cloud covered the mount. 
 
 b l,S..Num. 21:18. .Tuflg. 3:13. 1 Kings 21:8. 2Chr.23:20. Neh. 2:16. Jer. 14:3. 
 c 33:20—23. Gen. 32:24—32. Dent. 4:33. Jmlg. 13:22. d See on 10. Gen. 16; 
 13. e 18:12. Dent. 12:7. Ec. 9:7. I.ukc 15:23,24. 1 Cor. 10:16— 18. f 31:18. 
 Dent. 5:22. Jer. 31:33. 2 Cor. 3:3,7. Iter. 9.4. g Deut.4:14. Ezra 7:10. Matt. 
 5:19. Ii 17:9— 14. 32:17. 33:11. Num.U:23. i 32:1. Gen. 22:5. 1 Sam. 10:8. 
 
 convictions; feels no dismay, as before, and receives no 
 harm : but with humble confidence, through the meditation of 
 the Saviour, enjoys sweet communion with a holy God, and 
 is inspired with comfort, peace, and joy. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. After the national covenant had been thus 
 solemnly ratified, the Lord called Moses, (probably by an 
 audible voice from the visible glory,) to come up to him into 
 tile mount, to receive the law, even the commandments, which 
 God himself had now written on two tables of stone, as well 
 as before spoken from the mount. Thus a peculiar honour 
 was put on the moral law, and it was authenticated in another 
 manner, than either the judgments, or the ritual institutions. 
 The people had promised to obey the whole law, and the ten 
 commandments especially contained that law ; obedience to 
 which might be considered as the condition of the covenant 
 on their part. But they soon broke the principal require- 
 ments of it, by direct idolatry; and then the tables, which 
 God had prepared, and on which he himself had written the 
 law, were broken. Yet the same law was again given them, 
 written by the Lord on tables of stone, prepared by Moses ; 
 along with the ceremonial law, which typified redemption and 
 salvation by Christ. This intimated that the rule of duty 
 remains unchangeably the same, though the covenant of works 
 is broken, and another covenant is mediated by the divine 
 Saviour for the benefit of his people. — Joshua, the minister 
 and intended successor of Moses, and a remarkable type of 
 Christ, accompanied him part of the way up the mount : for 
 he was thus by degrees to be honoured before all the congre- 
 gation, by being admitted nearer to the manifested glory of 
 God, than any other person, except Moses himself. — But be- 
 fore Moses, attended by Joshua, ascended further up the 
 mount, he ordered the elders of Israel to tarry there for them, 
 that is, at the foot of the mountain ; and not in the exact spot 
 where they then were, as it is evident from the appointment 
 of Aaron and Hur, to be the deputies of Moses in his ab- 
 sence ; which would have been of no use, had they remained 
 separated from the people. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Having given these directions, Moses ascended 
 further up the mount, even to the cloud that, covered it ; yet 
 he remained six days before he was called to enter into the 
 midst of the cloud. — The subsequent narrative shows that 
 Joshua attended him, when he parted from Aaron and his 
 sons, and the elders, and that he waited for his return at a 
 distance from the camp. (32:17.) It is therefore probable, 
 that he continued with Moses during seven days, joining in 
 holy conference and fervent devotion. These do not seem to 
 have been a part of the forty days and nights afterwards men- 
 tioned: and as no intimation is given that Joshua fasted 
 during the time Moses continued in the mount, we may 
 suppose they both had manna while together, and Joshua 
 had it after Moses had left him. No doubt he spent his time 
 in prayer and holy contemplation. 
 
 V. 17, 18. While the divine glory appeared to Israel, from 
 the midst of the cloud, as devouring fire ; Moses, being sum- 
 moned by the Lord, and encouraged by his supporting grace, 
 entered with holy boldness into that very cloud; (Marg. 
 Ref. q;) and there he continued without food forty days and 
 forty nights, favoured with divine discoveries, and receiving 
 further instructions for the people. (Marg. Ref. r.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. Having in the sacred Scriptures, as now com- 
 pleted by the New Testament, not only the laws which God 
 gave by Moses, but the words of grace and truth which he 
 sent to sinners by his only-begotten Son ; we are more 
 favoured than Israel of old : and we are invited to join our- 
 selves to the Lord in an everlasting covenant, through our 
 divine Mediator, and in the ordinances which he has institu- 
 ted as pledges of his love. But alas ! numbers profess their 
 consent to the covenant, and attest it by attendance on- the 
 most solemn ordinances ; numbers will be able to say, “ Lord, 
 we have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou bast 
 taught in our streets ;” to whom the Judge at last shall say, 
 
 ( 170 ) 
 
 16 And "the giory of the Lord abode upon 
 mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: 
 and the “seventh day he called unto Moses out oi 
 the midst of the cloud. 
 
 17 And the sight of the glory of the Lord was 
 ’’like devouring fire on the top of the mount, in 
 the eyes of the children of Israel. 
 
 18 And Moses iwent into the midst of the cloud, 
 and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was 
 in the mount Torty days and forty nights. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 The Lord directs Moses concerning an offering from the people, in order to 
 erect a tabernacle , 1—9. The form of the ark of the c veruint, and the 
 mercy-seat, 19—22. The table of show-bread , 23—30. The golden candle- 
 stick , with the tongs and snuff-dishes , 31 — 40. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, that 
 
 13:8—13. k 17:10,12. 1 18:25,26. m 19:9,16. 2Chr.6:l. Matt. 17:5. n 17. 
 16:10. Lev. 9:23. Nnm. 14:10. 16:42. Ez.l:28. 2 Cor. 4:6. o 19:11. 2010 Rev. 
 1.10. p 3:2. 19:18. Deut. 4:24,36. F.z. 1:27. Hell. 12:18,29. q 17. 9:29,33. 19: 
 20. Prov. 28:1. r 34:28. Deut. 9:9,18,25. 10:10. 1 Kings 19:8. Mutt. 4:2. Mark 
 1:13. Luke 4:2. 
 
 “ I tell you, I know you not whence ye are, depart from me, 
 all ye workers of iniquity.” (Luke 13:26,27.) When indeed 
 we recollect, that the whole generation of Israel, who at that 
 time consented to the covenant, and engaged to be obedient ; 
 with the seventy nobles, who “ saw the God of Israel, and 
 did eat and drink” before him ; at length, with very few ex- 
 ceptions, perished in the wilderness ; and that even Nadab 
 and Abihu were afterwards struck dead by fire from before 
 the Lord ; we shall perceive the importance of the apostle’s 
 caution, “ Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest 
 he fall.” With such examples before our eyes, we cannot 
 surely be so absurd, as to rest in outward privileges, forms, 
 or notions, of whatever kind ; or in any thing short of an in- 
 ward renewal to holiness, which is both the seal of the Spirit, 
 and the earnest of our inheritance. — In this transaction the 
 true Christian can trace the outlines of his own experience. 
 Attending to the holy law of God, he learned to fear his de- 
 served wrath, and could find no peace, till he also heard the 
 sweet words of mercy and grace. But having 'received in- 
 struction concerning the sacrifice of Christ, and the covenant 
 which he mediated, he by faith applied for this salvation, and 
 acceded to this covenant ; and thus, by the sprinkling of thn 
 Redeemer’s blood, “ his conscience was purged from dead 
 works to serve the living God,” while the book of the law 
 likewise, as it were sprinkled with blood, was put into his 
 hands, to be the rule of his future delightful obedience ; and 
 with it the Spirit of adoption was given, inclining and enabling 
 him to obey. Thus the covenant was ratified ; and now be 
 has access to God upon a mercy-seat, be sees his glory in the 
 face of Jesus Christ, enjoys communion with him, and is 
 encouraged to serve him in righteousness and true holiness. 
 And though his subsequent life be not one continued feast of 
 strong consolations, yet at times he is thus favoured ; and he 
 has generally “the peace of God, which passeth all under- 
 standing, keeping his heart and mind through Christ Jesus ;” 
 except when by sin he grieves the Holy Spirit, or brings down 
 upon himself the chastening rod of his reconciled Father. • 
 
 V. 12 — 18. They, who would enjoy near and sweet com- 
 munion with the Lord, must obediently hearken to his words, 
 obey his call, and wait for him in faith and patience : and 
 such as are humbly desirous of being employed by him in 
 useful and honourable services, must cheerfully attend to the 
 duties of the lowest station, if at, present assigned them ; con- 
 tinue faithful and active in occupying with their one talent : 
 and spend much time in retirement, meditation, and devo- 
 tion. — The lively exercise of faith, and the encouraging ex- 
 perience of the Lord’s goodness, inspire the soul with a holy 
 but humble boldness in approaching him. The terrors, which 
 once were felt at the discovery of his glorious holiness and 
 justice, are dissipated, even while these awful attributes are 
 more distinctly perceived and steadily contemplated, in the 
 person and atonement of the great Redeemer ; and while 
 others tremble at a distance, when convinced that “our God 
 is a consuming fire ;” the established believer “ has grace to 
 worship him with revorence and godly fear,” combined with 
 adoring, thankful love. And finding that his consolations 
 abundantly compensate the want of outward enjoyments, and 
 at some times enable him to forget the craving even of natural 
 appetites ; he is not, in these favoured seasons, in haste to 
 terminate the sweet intercourse, hut desires still to commune 
 with his God, till a sense of duty compels him reluctantly to 
 return to the ordinary employments of his station. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXV. V. 1. Moses in tnc mount, 
 like Paul in the third heaven, without doubt saw and heard 
 very glorious and wonderful things : hut it was not lawful or 
 possible to utter them, (Note, 2 Cor. 12:1 — 6.) and he re- 
 ported nothing to the people but what referred to their duty, 
 and to the worship of God which was to he established among 
 them. 
 
 V. 2. The Israelites must he exhorted to oiler a porti.i 
 towards the establishment of religious worship, from the spoils 
 of the Egyptians, or from such oilier propo iy as they ha-1 by 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. B. C. 1491. 
 
 •they "bring me an ^offering : of every man that 
 giveth it b willingly with his heart, ye shall take 
 my offering. 
 
 3 And this is the offering which ye shall take of 
 them ; gold, and silver, and brass, 
 
 4 And c blue, and purple, and scarlet, and *fine 
 lir.en, and goats’ hair, 
 
 5 And d rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ 
 skins, and 'shittim-wood, 
 
 6 f Oil for the light, Apices for anointing oil and 
 for sweet incense, 
 
 7 h Onyx-stones. and stones to be set in the 
 ephod and in the breastplate. 
 
 8 And let them make me ‘a sanctuary that k I 
 may dwell amongst them. 
 
 9 According to all that I show thee, after ‘the 
 pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all 
 the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it. 
 
 10 H And they shall make m an ark of shittim- 
 wood : two cubits and a half shall be the length 
 therebf, and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, 
 and a cubit and a half the height thereof. 
 
 11 And thou shalt "overlay it with pure gold, 
 within and without shalt thou overlay it; and 
 shalt make upon it a crown of gold round about. 
 
 12 And thou shalt cast "four rings of gold for it, 
 and put them in the four corners thereof ; and two 
 rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings 
 m the other side of it. 
 
 13 And thou shalt make Pstaves of shittim- 
 wood, and overlay them with gold. 
 
 14 And thou shalt put the staves into the rings, 
 
 a 35:5—29. Num. 7:3— 88. Deut. 16:16,17. 1 Chr. 29: • Heb. take for me. 
 
 t Hr, hear e-off erins. Num. 18:24. b 35:5 21. Judg. 5:9. 1 Chr. 29:17. Ezra 1: 
 6.3:5.7:16. Neh. 11:2. Ps. 110:3. 2 Cor. 8:12. 9:7. c 26:1.28:31.39:3. Heb. 9: 
 
 19. X Or, sil/c. Gen. 41:42. Ez. 16:10. Rev. 19:8,14. d 26:14. e 26:15,26,37. 
 27:1.36:20. f 37. 27:20. 40:24,25. g 30:23— 38. h 28:9— 21. i 15 2. 36:1— 4. 
 I.ev. 4:6. 21:12. Heb. 9:1,2. It 29:45. 1 Kings 6:13. Is. 12:6. Zech. 2:10. 8:3. 
 2 Cor. 6:16. Heb. 3.6. Rev. 21:3. 1 40. 1 Chr. 28:11-19. Heb. 8:5. 9:9. m 37: 
 l— 3. Deut. 10:1—3. 2 Chr. 8.11. Heb. 9:4. Rev. 11:19. n 24. 30:3. 1 Kings 6: 
 
 20. 2 Chr. 3:4. o 15,26 . 26:29. 27:7.37:5.38:7. p 28. 27:6. 30:5. 37:4. 40:20. 
 Num. 4:6,8,11,14. 1 Chr. 15:15. q 1 Kings 8:8. 2 Chr. 5:9. r 10:34 . 27:21.30: 
 6,36.31:18 . 32:15. 34:29. 38:21. Num. 17:4. Deut. 10:2— 5. 31:26. 1 Kings 8:9. 
 
 any means obtained ; yet this oblation, (called a heave-offering , 
 ( marg . ) probably because lifting it up towards heaven was 
 the ceremony by which it was devoted to God,) was neither 
 exacted by compulsion, nor regulated by prescription ; but 
 every one was left to give as he was “ disposed in his heart.’ 
 (Note, 2 Cor. 9;6,7.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. Wool, and linen, and goats’ hair, or other mate- 
 rials for working into clothes, dyed of the colours here men- 
 tioned, were highly valued. — The Lord so ordered it, that 
 the Israelites had received of the Egyptians all the materials 
 required for building the tabernacle, and setting forward the 
 worship to be there performed, according to the several 
 particulars here mentioned ; and this not only intimated favour 
 to the Gentiles, but also represented the use, which God 
 often makes of the abilities and substance of strangers, in 
 supporting and promoting true religion. 
 
 V. 8. The word (iftpo from < to sanctify , or make holy,) 
 rendered sanctuary, denotes a holy habitation for the Lord’s 
 immediate residence. This was intended for a visible pledge 
 and token that he was present with his people, to protect, 
 instruct, guide, and govern them ; to pardon their sins, to 
 accept their services, and to supply their wants. — The taber- 
 nacle was also a type of the human nature of Jesus Christ, 
 u in whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily 
 of the Church of God, which, as one with him, is a spiritual 
 house: of every true believer, who, as a part of that great 
 temple, is “ a habitation of God through the Spirit and of 
 heaven, where the presence of God is visibly displayed, and 
 ne dwells among his holy angels and redeemed sinners, as 
 their everlasting Felicity, and accepts their holy worship. 
 
 V. 9. The Lord not only directed Moses by words, how 
 to build the tabernacle, and form its sacred furniture; but he 
 showed him a model, exactly representing the form of every 
 part, and the proportion of each to all the rest. It is observ- 
 able, that this related to the construction of the tabernacle 
 and its furniture alone, or perhaps the priestly garments ; and 
 has no reference to the rest even of the ceremonial law, as 
 it is frequently supposed. (Note, 40.) Indeed it is not easy 
 to form an idea of a pattern, or model, of any thing which is not 
 material. — During the continuance of Israel in the wilderness, 
 and during four hundred and forty years after their settle- 
 ment in Canaan, the sanctuary was only a tent, or moveable 
 building: but afterwards a temple was built upon mount Zion, 
 and the typical ordinances were confined to one place. This 
 nay mark the difference between the church on earth and 
 the church in heaven: wandering and journeying through this 
 wilderness, we take our religion, and the ordinances of it, 
 along with us all the way ; but in heaven there is rest for the 
 Church of God, and no more removals for ever. 
 
 V. 10 — 21. “ The ark of the covenant” was so called, 
 
 by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be hoi ne 
 with them. 
 
 15 4The staves shall be in the rings of the ark: 
 they shall not be taken from it. 
 
 16 And thou shalt put into the ark r the testi- 
 mony which I shall give thee. 
 
 17 And thou shalt make ’a mercy-seat of pure 
 gold: two cubits and a half shall be the length 
 thereof, and a cubit and a half the breadth’ thereof. 
 
 18 And thou shalt make l tvvo cherubims o/gold : 
 of beaten work shalt thou make them, in tiie two 
 ends of the mercy-seat,. 
 
 19 And make one cherub on the one end, and 
 the other cherub on the other end : even *of the 
 mercy-seat shall ye make the cherubims on the 
 two ends thereof. 
 
 20 And the cherubims shall stretch forth then 
 wings on high, "covering the mercy-seat with theii 
 wings, and their faces shall look one to another: 
 •toward the mercy-seat shall the liiccs of the che- 
 rubims be. 
 
 21 And thou shalt ?put the mercy-seat. above 
 upon the ark, and z in the ark thou shall put the 
 testimony that I shall give thee. 
 
 22 And there I will meet With thee, "and I wili 
 commune with thee, from above the mercy-seat, 
 from b between the two cherubims which are upon 
 the ark of the testimony, of all things which 1 will 
 give thee in commandment unto the children ol 
 Israel. 
 
 23 If Thou shalt also make c a table of shittim- 
 wood : two cubits shall be the length thereof, and 
 
 2 Kings 11:12. 2 Chr. 34:14,15. Acls7:44. Heb. 9:1, s 26:34.37:6. 40:20. Lev. 
 16,12—15. 1 Chr. 28:11. Rom. 3:25. Heb. 4: 16. 1 John 2:2. l 37:7—9. Hen. 3: 
 
 21. 1 Sam. 4:4. 1 Kings 6:23—28. 8:6,7. 1 Chr. 28:18. £?.. lu.2,20. 41:18,19. 
 Heb. 9:5. § Or, o/ the mailer of the mercy seal, u Ez. 23:14. x Gen. 28,. 
 12. Is. 6:1— 5. Ez. 1:20. Matt. 24:31. John 1:51 . 1 Cor. 4:9. 11:10. Kpli. 3. It). 
 Col. 2:10. Heb. 1:14. 1 Pet. 1:12. 3:22. Rev. 5:11.12. y 17 . 26:34. Rom. 10:4. 
 z See on 16. a 20:24 . 31:18. Gen. 18:33. Lev. 1:1. 16:2. Num. 7:89.’ 17:4, 
 Deut. 5:26— 31. Jtnlg. 20:27. b 29:42,43. 31 :6. 1 a in. 4:4. 2. Sam. 6.2. 2 King? 
 19:15. Ps. 80:1. 99:1. Is. 37:16. c 37: 10— 10. 40:22,23. Lev. 24:6. Nnm.3:31. 
 1 Kings 7:48. 1 Chr. 28:16. 2 Chr. 4:8,19. Ez. 40:41,42. Heb. 9:2. 
 
 not only as it contained the tables of the law, which were the 
 basis of the national covenant ; but also because it was an 
 abiding symbol of God’s gracious presence w ith his people, 
 and typified those peculiar benefits, which belong to the cove- 
 nant of peace, mediated by Christ in behalf of the true Israel. 
 It was a chest, made of wood not liable to rot, of about four 
 feet in length, and two feet and a half in breadth and in depth, 
 plated all over, both within and without, with plaies of pure 
 gold, having a border, or cornice of gold round about it ; and 
 covered with a covering all of massy gold, which was called 
 the covering, or “the propitiatory,” or “the mercy-seat,” and 
 it was kept firm in its place by the cornice , as the word ren- 
 dered “crown” seems here to mean. In this ark the two 
 tables of stone, which contained the law of the ten command- 
 ments were put : it was placed in the holy of holies ; before it 
 the blood of the sacrifices was sprinkled, and the incense burnt, 
 by the high-priest on the day of atonement ; and above it 
 appeared the visible glory, which w-as the symbol of the divine 
 presence. — This was an evident type of Christ, as to his 
 sinless human nature, (which “saw no corruption,”) in per- 
 sonal union with his divine nature, magnifying the law, and 
 covering our transgressions of it, by “having it in his heart,” 
 obeying it in his life, and atoning for the violations of it by his 
 death. Through the sprinkling of his blood, and the inter- 
 cession which, as our High-Priest, he make.- in the true holy 
 of holies, God appears to sinners with mild glory upon a mercy- 
 seat, and accepts the persons and services of believers, dwell- 
 ing among them and abundantly blessing them. — “ The testi- 
 mony” signifies the tables of the law, which testified God’s 
 authority over the Israelites, his regard for them, and his 
 presence with them: they also testified, that ''bile he was 
 merciful to them, he required them to be obedient : and the 
 same would testify against them, if they neglected or forsook 
 his service and worship. The two cherubim were emble- 
 matical representations of the angels, “ desiring to look ' into 
 the mysteries of redeeming love : they were therefore formed 
 with their faces towards the mercy-seat, as coiiiemplating it 
 and the mysteries which it contained. — Various conjectures 
 have been advanced concerning the form or shape of the 
 cherubim; but the text in this place mentions no more than 
 their faces and wings, and arguments taken fron. other emble- 
 matical parts of Scripture are not saiisfactory. -It is thought 
 they were formed of the same mass of gold as the propitiatory, 
 and that this is the meaning of the word rendered beaten - 
 work ; though ethers interpret, it to denote the polish and 
 finishing of the workmanship. — As the ark and propitiatory 
 were intended to be carried about, there were go.de n rings at 
 the four comers, and staves plated with golu ; which were 
 not taken out of the rings, even when it was si at ionary. 
 
 V. 22. After the tabernacle had been cons ructed, and ti • 
 
 ' ( 171 ) 
 
B. C. ii9l. EXODUS. B. C. 1491. 
 
 a cubit the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half 
 the height thereof. 
 
 24 And thou shalt d overlay it with pure gold, 
 and make thereto a crown of gold round about. 
 
 25 And thou shalt make unto it a border of an 
 hand-breadth round about, and thou shalt make 
 'a golden crown to the border thereof round about. 
 
 26 And thou shalt make for it f four rings of 
 gold, and put the rings in the four corners that 
 are on the four feet thereof. 
 
 27 Over against the. border shall the rings be, 
 efor places of the staves to bear the table. 
 
 28 And thou shalt make the staves of shittim- 
 wood, and overlay them with gold, that h the table 
 may be borne with them. 
 
 29 And thou shalt make ‘the dishes thereof, and 
 spoons thereof, and covers thereof, and bowls 
 thereof 'to cover withal : of pure gold shalt thou 
 make them. 
 
 30 And thou shalt set upon the table ''show- 
 bread before me alway. 
 
 31 II And thou shalt make 'a candlestick of pure 
 gold, o/beaten work shall the candlestick be made ; 
 his shaft, 'and his branches, his bowlsi m his knops, 
 and his flowers shall be of the same. 
 
 32 And six branches shall come out of the sides 
 of it : three branches of the candlestick out of the 
 
 d See on 11 . 1 Kings 6:20— 22. e30:3.37:2. fSee<vtl2. gl4,28. h!4,27. Num. 
 10:17. Acts 9:15. i 37:16. Num. 4:7. 7: 13,19,31, &c. 1 Kin's 7:50. 2: hr. 4:22. 
 Ezra 1:9 — 11. Jer. 52:18,19. * Or, to pour out xoilJial. Lev. 24:5 — 9. Cant. 5:1. 
 Rev. 3:20. k 35:13 . 39:36. Num. 4:7. 1 Sam. 21:6. 1 Chr. 9:32. 23:29. 2 Chr. 
 13:11. Matt. 12:4. 1 35.14.37:17—21.40:24,25. 1 Kings 7:49. Zech. 4:2. Heb. 
 9:2. Rev. 1:12,20. 2:1,5. 4:5. m 1 Kings 6:18. 7:24. n 37:19,20. Zech. 4:3. 
 o 18. Num. 8:4. 1 Kings 10:16,17. 2 Chr. 9:15. p 37:23. Rev. 1:12,20. 2:1. 4:5. 
 
 ark of the covenant had been put in the most holy place, the 
 Lord displayed his glory from above the mercy-seat, between 
 the cherubim ; and thence he delivered to Moses the rest of 
 the ceremonial and judicial law ; communing with him, proba- 
 bly in an audible voice, and answering all his inquiries. 
 
 V. 23 — 30. Nothing but the ark of the covenant, with the 
 propitiatory or mercy-seat, was put within the most holy place ; 
 but without the veil, a table was fixed, of the same height as 
 the ark, but neither so long nor so broad. It was made of the 
 same materials as the ark, and with a golden cornice : but it 
 had also another cornice below the edge and one at the bottom ; 
 with a border between the two of a hand-breadth ; though 
 some think one border only was below the edge, and that this 
 was towards the bottom, to keep the feet or legs more closely 
 united. The table also had rings and staves for the conve- 
 nience of removing it. — To it were annexed several vessels ; 
 as dishes, in which some think the show-bread was placed ; 
 or, according to others, the flour of which it was made, or the 
 oil used for various purposes : — spoons , which were employed 
 about the incense offered on the golden altar, or carried within 
 the veil in a censer on the day of atonement ; and some think 
 the word denotes vials, as we read of vials full of odours, or 
 incense: {Rev. 5:8.) — covers, which seem to have been put 
 over both the loaves and the incense ; yet some suppose, they 
 were vessels used in drink-offerings ; but that is more reasona- 
 bly considered as the use of the bowls, mentioned in the last 
 lace. — The show-bread will more conveniently be spoken of 
 ereafter: {Note, Lev. 24:5 — 9.) but, in general, this part of 
 the ceremonial institution seems to have typified the com- 
 munion, which in his ordinances the Lord holds with his 
 redeemed people; the provisions of his house, and the feasts 
 with which they are sometimes favoured ; the food for 
 their souls, which they always find when they hunger after 
 it ; and the delight which he takes in their persons and ser- 
 vices, as presented before him in Christ Jesus. {Cant. 5:1. 
 Rev. 3:20.) 
 
 V. 31 — 39. The candlestick was made entirely of pure 
 gold, beaten into plates and burnished. It is generally thought, 
 that it might be taken in pieces, for the conVeniency of re- 
 moving it. The shaft, or trunk , is supposed to have had a 
 foot, on which the whole candlestick stood firm ; yet no men- 
 tion is made of this foot. On each side of the shall were three 
 oranches , shaped like reeds, or canes , one above the other, 
 being six in all. Each branch was ornamented by three bowls, 
 shaped like almonds, (which perhaps were so placed as to 
 receive any thing that fell from the lamps ;) and by a knop like 
 a pomegranate and a flower. These seem to have been placed 
 above the uppermost bowl, just under the lamp, which was at 
 the top of each branch. — On the shaft, or main pillar , called 
 on that account the candlestick , were four bowls like almonds, 
 and four knops and foil r flowers. — Three of these are supposed 
 to have been made on the shall, immediately under the place 
 where each of the three branches arose out of it, on either 
 side . the knop and the flower being above the bowl. And the 
 fourth bowl, knop, and flower, were fixed beneath the lamp, 
 which was on the top of the shaft, and which, with those on 
 each of the branches, made the, number seven in all. The 
 height of the candlestick is not mentioned, nor indeed the 
 lUmof.iions of any part: but. wiih its vessels, or the tongs and 
 ( 172 ) 
 
 one side, and three branches of the candlestick 
 out of the other side. 
 
 33 Three bowls made like unto almonds, with 
 a knop and a flower in one branch • "and three 
 bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with 
 a knop and a flower : so in the six branches tha: 
 come out of the candlestick. 
 
 34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls 
 made like unto almonds, with their knops and 
 their flowers. 
 
 35 And there shall be a knop under two branches 
 of the same, and a knop under two branches of the 
 same, and a knop under two branches of the same, 
 according- to the six branches that proceed out of 
 the candlestick. 
 
 36 Their knops and their branches shall he ol 
 the same, all of it shall be one °beaten work o/’ pure 
 gold. 
 
 37 And thou shalt make the Pseven lamps 
 thereof : and ?they shall flight the lamps thereof, 
 that they may r give light over against flt. 
 
 38 And s the tongs thereof, and the ‘snuff-dishes 
 thereof, shall be of pure gold. 
 
 39 Of a talent of pure gold shall he make it, 
 with all these vessels. 
 
 40 And look “that thou make them after their 
 pattern, which Hvas showed thee in the mount. 
 
 q 27:21.30:8. Lev. 24:2 — 4. 2 Chr. 13:11. t Or, cause to ascend, r 30:24. 
 Num. 8:2. Ps. 119:105. Prov. 6:23. Is. 8:20. Matt. 5:14. Luke 1:79. John 1:9. 
 8:12. 12:35. Acts 26:18. Rev. 21:23-25. 22:5. J Heb. Me face of it . Nurn. 8:2. 
 s 2 Chr. 4:21. Is. 6:6. t 37:23. Num. 4:9. 1 Kings 7:50. 2 Kiims 12:13. 25:14. 
 Jer. 52:18. u 26:30.39:42,43. Num. 8:4. 1 Chr. 28:11,19. Ez. 43:11,12. Acts 7: 
 44. Heb. 8:5. § Heb. thou toast caused to see. 
 
 snuff-dishes for dressing the lamps, it contained a talent of 
 pure gold, or about a hundred weight. This might suffice 
 to direct the workmen in respect of the proportions to be 
 observed ; especially as Moses would remember the model 
 shown him in the mount. — There were no windows in the 
 tabernacle ; but the candlestick being placed over against the 
 table of show-bread, each lamp would cast its light to the part 
 of the tabernacle over against it, and the whole would thus be 
 sufficiently lighted. — This typified the light of revelation, and 
 the teaching of the Holy Spirit, through Christ Jesus, afforded 
 to the church in this dark world, to direct her worship and 
 obedience, and administer to her consolations : but in heaven, 
 u the Lord will be unto her an everlasting Light, and God 
 himself her glory.” — All these sacred vessels were so framed, 
 that the Israelites might take them with them in their journeys ; 
 and they were highly decorated. Thus the religion of Christ 
 must accompany his people through life ; and it is fitted to be 
 diffused through all nations: there is in him ail beauty and 
 glory ; and he adorns his church with the graces of the Spirit, 
 and all the beauty of holiness. — They were all made of the 
 most precious metals: for Christ is most precious in himself, 
 and in the estimation of the Father, of his people, and of all 
 the inhabitants of heaven. His Church also consists of the 
 excellent of the earth; he requires us to consecrate unto him 
 the best and most valuable of every thing, of our time, our 
 substance, our abilities, and especially our affection > ; and he 
 will accept of nothing but that which is the very best of the 
 kind. 
 
 V. 40. The ceremonial law was altogether instituted wor- 
 ship , which derives all its obligation from the express appoint- 
 ment of God. It was likewise in every part typical of Christ 
 and his salvation: but especially the sanctuary and its furni- 
 ture, were a shadow of him, in his person, righteousness 
 mediation, and grace ; and of our life of faith and communion 
 with him. It was therefore highly proper, that every particu- 
 lar should be fashioned exactly according to the model set 
 before Moses on the mount ; and nothing at all lefl to human 
 invention. Indeed, it is evident, that uniformity in worship, 
 as far as related to the services at the tabernacle, and after- 
 wards at the temple, was prescribed by the law, though it 
 was seldom adhered to; but it is equally plain, that such a 
 uniformity, according to a precise rule, in the externals of 
 worship, was not intended under the new dispensation: and 
 the very disputes, which this subject has so long occasioned, 
 are a complete demonstration that no such exact and explicit 
 rule subsists ; for if it did, the controversy must cease of course, 
 or rather could never have been started. The old ritual is 
 evidently antiquated, and nothing of tho same kind is substi- 
 tuted in its place; therefore a latitude is allowed us by tho 
 Lord, and we have no right to impose our sentiments on others, 
 or to condemn those who differ from us. Yet we must remem- 
 ber, that we are accountable to God for tho use which we 
 make of this liberty. We should take heed, that we do not 
 reject the truths or “commandments of God to keep our own 
 traditions ;” and that we consider every thing of this kind as 
 a mere circumstance, though in our judgment expedient for 
 the more regular attendance on God’s ordinances, profession 
 of his truths, and obedience to his commandmonts. ( lleb . 8; 
 5. Note , 9.) 
 
B. C. 1*191. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVF. 
 
 Directions for making the ten curtains of the sanctuary, 1 — 6. The eleven 
 curtains of goats' hair; and the coverings of rams' skins and badgers' 
 thing, 7 — 14. The boards , sockets , and bars, 15—30. The veil and pillars 
 to separate the most holy place , 31 — 33. The arrangement of the furniture 
 tn the sanctuary ; and the hanging for the door, 31 — 37. 
 
 M OREOVER thou shalt make “the tabernacle 
 with ten curtains of b fine twined linen, and 
 blue, and purple, and scarlet ; with C cherubims of 
 ‘cunning work shalt thou make them. 
 
 2 The length of one d curtain shall be eight and 
 twenty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four 
 cubits : and every one of the curtains shall have 
 one measure. 
 
 3 The five curtains shall be 'coupled together 
 one to another : and other five curtains shall be 
 coupled one to another. 
 
 4 And thou shalt make f loops of blue upon the 
 edge of the one curtain, from the selvedge in the 
 coupling : and likewise shalt thou make in the 
 uttermost edge of another curtain, in the coupling 
 of the second. 
 
 5 Fifty loops shalt thou make in the one cur- 
 tain, and fifty loops shalt thou make in the edge 
 of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second; 
 that the loops may take hold one of another. 
 
 6 And thou shalt make fifty Caches of gold, and 
 pouple the curtains together with the taches : and 
 it shall be b one tabernacle. 
 
 a 25:8.38:8—19.40:2,17—19. 1 Chr. 21:29. John 1.14.2:21. Heb. 8:2. 9:9,23,24. 
 Rev. 21:3. b 36.25:1.35:6,35. Rev. 19:8. c See on 25:18. • Heb. the work 
 of a cunning workman, or, embroiderer, d 7,8. Nym. 4:25. 2 Sam. 7:2. 
 
 1 Chr. 17:1. e 9. 36:10. John 17.21: 1 Cor. 12:4,12—27. Eph. 2:21,22. 4:3—6, 
 16. Col. 2:2,19. f 5,10,11. 36:11,12,17. g 11,33.35:11.36:13,18.39:33. h Eph. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Tn all things the Lord prevents us with his bounty, and we 
 can present nothing to him, but what was previously his gift. 
 (Note, 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19.) In the great concerns of salvation, 
 his love suggested the gracious design, and his wisdom formed 
 the wonderful plan : the Father loved the world, and gave his 
 Son for our redemption ; the Son loved us, and gave himself 
 a sacrifice for our sins ; his word reveals this salvation ; his 
 providence by special designation hath sent it to us ; the ordi- 
 nances, in which he will meet us, are of his appointment, and 
 rendered effectual by his blessing ; and his preventing grace 
 produces at first the willing mind to attend on them. But 
 while he reveals himself in Christ Jesus, as a reconciled 
 Father upon a mercy-seat, affords us the light of his word, 
 and promises the teaching of his Holy Spirit, to direct us to 
 the Bread of life, and guide us into sweet communion with 
 him, that we may feast upon the plenteousness of his holy 
 temple ; he reasonably requires that we diligently attend on 
 his ordinances, come to his mercy-seat, inquire his will, feed 
 upon the Bread of life, walk in the light, and present our bodies, 
 souls, and all we have, to him, to be employed according to 
 his will, and for his glory ; and that we, with a willing and 
 liberal mind, according to the ability which he giveth us, actu- 
 ally separate to his service, both for the support of religion 
 and communicating to the poor, a proportion of our substance, 
 to prove the sincerity of our faith and love. If we have no 
 inclination to this, we have no proof that we are his true 
 people ; but if we hive indeed a willing mind, and give the 
 best which we possess in simplicity, we may take the comfort 
 of this good evidence, that God hath bestowed on us his saving 
 grace. Though no exact proportion is prescribed, yet the 
 Lord sdith, that “ he which soweth sparingly, shall reap also 
 sparingly ; and he which someth bountifully, shall reap also 
 bountifully,” — in peace and assurance on earth, and in abun- 
 dant glory in heaven. Finally, let us remember, that if we 
 are true Christians, we are the temples of the Holy Spirit, 
 have the law of God written in our hearts, live a life of com- 
 munion with God, feast on his ordinances, and are the light 
 of the world. The Lord help us to try ourselves by this view 
 of Christianity, and to walk according to it. 
 
 NOTES.— Ciiap. XXVI. V. 1 — G. As these rich cur- 
 tains formen the principal covering of the sanctuary, they are 
 called the Tabernacle, or Dwelling-place, namely, of Israel’s 
 God and King. They were made of the finest linen, dyed of 
 the richest colours, spun and woven in the most curious man- 
 ner, and beautifully embroidered all over with cherubim, the em- 
 blematic representation of angels, as joining in the worship of 
 the God of Israel. Each curtain was about fifteen yards long, 
 and something more than two yards wide: but though woven 
 and wrought separately, thev were afterwards joined together 
 into two grand divisions of five curtains each ; probably by 
 needlework. Each of these divisions would be about eleven 
 yards wide ; and they likewise were joined together into one 
 tabernacle. Fifty loops of blue tape, or riband, were fastened 
 >0 the edge or selvedge of the outermost of the five curtains, 
 that side by which it was to be coupled to the outermost of 
 the other five curtains ; on the selvedge of which, fifty loops 
 were placed exactly answering to the others. — These loops 
 seem to have been joined together, by being passed through 
 each other : and fifty taches, or buttons , or clasps, of gold, were 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 7 IF And thou shalt make 'curtains of k goaw 
 hair to be 'a covering upon the tabernacle ; '"eleven 
 curtains shalt thou make. 
 
 8 The “length of one curtain shall be thirty cu- 
 bits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits : 
 and the eleven curtains shall be all of one mea 
 sure. 
 
 9 And thou shalt couple “five curtains by them- 
 selves, and six curtains by themselves, and shalt 
 double the sixth curtain in the fore-front of the 
 tabernacle. 
 
 10 And thou shalt make pfifty loops on the edge 
 of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, 
 and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain which 
 coupleth the second. 
 
 11 And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, 
 and put the taches into the loops, and couple the 
 •tent together That it may be one. 
 
 12 And the remnant that remaineth of the cur- 
 tains of the tent, the half-curtain that remaineth 
 r shall hang over the back side of the tabernacle. 
 
 13 And s a cubit on the one side, and a cubit on 
 the other side ?of that which remaineth in the 
 length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang 
 over the sides of the tabernacle, on this side, and 
 on that side to cover it. 
 
 14 And thou shalt make l a covering for the 
 
 1:2!, 23. 4:16. lPet.2:4,5. i 35:26.36:14—18. Nura.4:25. Ps. 45:13. 1 Pet. 3:4 
 5:5. 1( 25:4 35:6,23. Num. 31:20. 114. Is. 4:5. m 1.9.12. n 2,13. o 3. 
 
 p 4—6. t Or, covering, q See on 3,6. r 9. s 2,8. I Heb. in the remainder, 
 or, surplusage, t 36:19. Num. 4:5. Ps. 27:5. 121 :4, 5.' Is. 4:6. 25:4. 
 
 also made, to each of which, two loops, one of either outside 
 curtain, were closely fastened, in order to render the whole 
 compact : yet so that the two grand divisions might easily be 
 separated, when there was occasion to remove k. Thus 
 firmly joined together, it was spread over the top of the sanc- 
 tuary, and reached on each side, within less than a yard of 
 the ground, covering also the whole length of it. The ten 
 curtains were forty cubits wide, (except any tiling should be 
 deducted for the seams and joinings,) yet the sanctuary was 
 not much more than thirty cubits long: hence it has been 
 thought, 'that one division of the covering was exactly spread 
 over the holy place, which was twenty cubits in length ; and 
 that the other covered the most holy place, which was ten cubits 
 square ; and that the residue hung over on the west enu 
 towards the ground. But this is not here mentioned : and 
 perhaps this inner covering being spread rather loosely over 
 the sanctuary, did not extend much beyond the ends of it ; 
 which is the more likely, as mention is expressly made of the 
 surplus of the second curtains. 
 
 V. 7 — 14. The curtains of goats’ hair were above a yard 
 longer than the rich curtains, and would therefore extend 
 above half a yard lower on each side, that is, almost to the 
 ground. Being one more in number than the others, and of 
 the same width, they would, when joined, be more than txvo 
 yards wider, and so much the more would he left to hang 
 over at the ends of the sanctuary : but it seems that the 
 greater part of the additional curtain, was brought to the east 
 end or opening of it : and there doubled up, perhaps for orna- 
 ment as a festoon ; yet some also remained at the west end, 
 to cover the curtains and the boards. They were joined to- 
 gether, as the rich curtains were, except that the taches were 
 made of brass instead of gold. The language, however, de- 
 scribing the way in which they were fastened to each other, * 
 is varied, and perhaps may be thus more clearly rendered : 
 “ Thou shalt make fifty loops at the border of the first cur- 
 tain, which is outmost next to the coupling, and fifty loops in 
 the border of the curtain that coupleth, even of the second.” 
 For these were the two curtains by which all the rest were 
 coupled together: and on the outmost border of each of these, 
 fifty loops were fixed ; which by means of the taches, or 
 clasps, or buttons, were firmly joined together into one tent or 
 covering. — Thus the coarser curtains completely covered, 
 and concealed, the richer: yet a two-fold security against the 
 effects of the weather was added, in the covering of rams’ 
 skins dyed red, and that of badgers’ skins, which was spread 
 over all the rest. — The whole represents the person and doc- 
 trine of Christ, his true church, and all heavenly things, 
 which are outwardly, and to the carnal eye, mean ; but are 
 inwardly, and in the sight of God, exceedingly glorious and 
 precious. The secure protection which he prepares for those 
 who are precious in his sight, may also be denoted : and the 
 unity of the whole, formed of so many pieces, and of such 
 different materials, into one covering of the sanctuary, repre- 
 sents the spiritual temple, formed of persons of different na- 
 tions, dispositions, abilities, and attainments, compacted to- 
 gether into one church, by th« uniting influence of the Spirit 
 of love. 
 
 V. IS — 29. The sockets of silver, each weighing a talent, 
 that is, about a hundred weight, were placed in rows upon 
 the ground ; forty on the south, forty on die north iwe.ve on 
 
 ( 173 ) 
 
B. L 1 191 
 
 EXOpUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 tent, of “rair s’ skins dyed red, and a covering above 
 of badgers skins. 
 
 15 ”fl Ard thou shalt make x boards for the 
 ‘tabernacle, 'of shittim-wood, standing up. 
 
 16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, 
 and a cubit and a half shall be the Dreadth of one 
 board. 
 
 17 Two ‘tenons shall there be in one board, set 
 in order or.e against another: thus shalt thou 
 make for all the boards of the tabernacle. 
 
 18 And thou shalt make the boards for the 
 tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side, south- 
 ward. 
 
 19 And thou shalt make 'forty sockets of silver 
 under the twenty boards : two sockets under one 
 board for his two tenons, and two sockets under 
 another board for his two tenons. 
 
 20 And for the second side of the tabernacle 
 on the north side, there shall be twenty boards. 
 
 21 And their forty sockets of silver ; a two 
 sockets under one board, and two sockets under 
 another board. 
 
 22 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward, 
 thou shalt make six boards. 
 
 23 And two boards shalt thou make for the cor- 
 ners of the tabernacle in the two sides. 
 
 24 And they shall be 'coupled together beneath, 
 b and they shall be coupled together above the head 
 of it unto one ring : thus shall it be for them both ; 
 they shall be for the two corners. 
 
 25 And they shall be eight boards and their 
 sockets of silver, sixteen sockets : two sockets 
 under one board, and two sockets under another 
 board. 
 
 26 And thou shalt make c bars of shittim-wood : 
 five for the boards of the one side of the taber- 
 nacle, 
 
 u 25:5. 35:7,23. 39:34. Num. 4:10. Ez. 16:10. x 18,22-29. 36:20— 33. 40:17, 
 18. Num. 4:31,32. Eph. 2:20,21. y25-5. • Heb .hands, z 25,37. 27:10,12— 18. 
 86:24—26. 38:27,30.31.40:18. Num. 3:36. 4:31,32. Cant. 5:15. a 19. t Heb. 
 twinned, b 36:29,30. Ps. 133:1—3. 1 Cor. 1:10. c 36:31—38. Num. 3:36. 4:31. 
 Rom. 15:1. Gal. 6:1,2. d See on 25: 1 1,12. o 40:2,17,18. Num. 10:21. Josh. 
 18:1. Heb. 8:2. 1 25:9,40.27:8. .Acts 7:44. Heb. 8:5. 9:23. g 36:35. 40:3,21 . 
 Lex. 16:2,15. 2Chr.3:14. Matt. 27:51. Mark 15:38. Luke 23:45. Eph. 2:14. 
 
 the west, and two at each corner on the west end. In every 
 couple of these sockets, and by two tenons fitted to the hol- 
 lows of them, was fixed a substantial board of shittim-wood, 
 covered with plates of gold : the boards seem also to have 
 been fastened together by mortises and tenons, or by a con- 
 cave in the one exactly fitted to a convex in the other. The 
 corner boards were also joined to the boards on either side of 
 them, both at top and bottom, by a ring or staple, no doubt 
 of gold. — Thus a wall was formed on three sides of the sanc- 
 tuary; which was still further strengthened by five bars of 
 shittim-wood, covered with gold, passing through rings of gold. 
 As the middle bars alone are said to “ reach from end to 
 end,” it may be supposed that the others were not so long. 
 The whole was so firmly compacted together, that it could 
 not be shaken or thrown down much more easily than an 
 edifice of stone ; though it might readily be taken down, and 
 afterwards put together again ; its materials also were very 
 costly. — In all these things, it was a type of the church of 
 God, “ built upon the foundation of the apostles and pro- 
 
 *phets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-stone, in 
 whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an 
 holy temple in the Lord.” Eph. 2:20,21. 
 
 V. 30. (Notes, 25:9,40.) 
 
 Y. 31 — 33. This veil separated “the holy place,” or what 
 the apostle calls “ the first tabernacle,” “ from the most holy 
 place and it was hung upon pillars fixed in sockets of 
 silver, in the manner of the boards. — It was formed of the 
 same materials, and with the same ornamental work, as the 
 innermost curtains ; but it is generally thought, to have been 
 made exceedingly thick, that it might completely conceal the 
 most holy place, and the ark of the covenant. — We need only 
 hint, that sin had excluded man from the gracious presence of 
 God, so that nothing short of the death of Christ could re- 
 move the obstacle, rend the veil, and give the sinner free 
 access with boldness to the mercy-seat. 
 
 V. 3fi, 37. This hanging was suspended on five pillars, 
 overlaid with gold, at the east end of the sanctuary, and 
 served instead of a door ; on the removal of which the priests 
 might enter the sanctuary between the pillars. It seems to 
 have been less ornamented, in all respects, than the inner 
 veil, and without cherubim ; and the sockets for the pillars 
 were made of brass instead of silver. In venoration of the 
 rising sun, many of the Gentiles worshipped towards the 
 east : but Israel was required to protest against that idolatry, by 
 turning their hacks upon the east in worshipping God ; for we 
 must disregard the most excellent and useful creatures, when 
 they would divert our homage and affections from the Creator. 
 
 ' 174 ) 
 
 27 And five bars for the boards of the other 
 side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards 
 of the side of the tabernacle for the two sides 
 westward. 
 
 28 And the middle bar in the midst of the boards 
 shall reach from end to end. 
 
 29 And thou shalt d overlay the boards with 
 gold, and make their rings of gold for places foi 
 the bars : and thou shalt overlay the bars with 
 gold. 
 
 30 And thou shalt 'rear up the * *abernacle 
 f according to the fashion thereof which was 
 showed thee in the mount. 
 
 31 H And thou shalt make a veil of h blue, anc 
 purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen of 'cun 
 ning work : with k cherubims shall it be made. 
 
 32 And thou shalt hang it upon four 'pillars ot 
 shittim-ioood, overlaid with gold : their hooks shal. 
 be of gold, upon the four sockets of silver. 
 
 33 And thou shalt hang up the veil under m the 
 taches, that thou mayest bring in thither "within 
 the veil, "the ark of the testimony : and the veil 
 shall divide unto you between rthe holy place and 
 the most holy. 
 
 34 And thou shalt sput the mercy-seat upon the 
 ark of the testimony, in the most holy place. 
 
 35 And thou shalt set "the table without the 
 veil, and "the candlestick over against the table on 
 the side of the tabernacle toward the south : and 
 thou shalt put the table on the north side. 
 
 36 And thou shalt make an ‘hanging for the 
 door of “the tent, x o/'blue, and purple, and scarlet., 
 and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework. 
 
 37 And thou shalt make for the hanging five 
 pillars of shittim-wood, and ^overlay them with 
 gold : and their hooks shall be of gold : and thou 
 shalt cast five sockets of brass for them. 
 
 Heb. 9:3— 8. 10:20.21. h 25:4. 35:6,25,35. 36:8. i 1. 28:15. 38:23. 2 Chr. 2:7— 
 13. Ps. 137:5. Cant. 7:1. k See on 25:18. 1 37. 36:38. Esth. 1 :6. m 27:10. 
 
 36:36. n Heb. 9:4,5. o See on 25:16. 40:21. p 1 Kings 8:6,10. 2 Chr. 5:7— 
 10. Heb. 9:2,3. q See on 25:21 . 40:20. Heb. 9:5. r See on 40:22. Heb. 3:2, 
 8,9. s See on 25:31— 37. 40:24. i 36:37. 40:28. John 10:9. 14:6. u 35:11.39: 
 33. 40:29. Num. 3:25. 9:15. 2 Sam. 7:6. Ps. 78:60. x See on 31. y 36:38. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 With this typical description of Christ and his church be- 
 fore our eyes, let us ask ourselves what our judgment on these 
 subjects is. Do we see any glory in the person of Christ ? 
 any excellency in his character, or preciousness in his salva- 
 tion, or wisdom in the doctrine of the cross ? Do we per- 
 ceive iny beauty in holiness, or any amiableness in the 
 character of Christians? These things are hidden under 
 external meanness, from the carnal eye of the superficial 
 observer, but are spiritually discerned by every true believer ; 
 who sees, through the exterior covering, the internal glory 
 and hidden excellency of heavenly things. As our judgment, 
 choice, and consequent practice arc, so is our state towards 
 God. “To you that believe, Christ is precious.” — Let us 
 also examine ourselves, as to the state of our own hearts ; 
 whether we possess a consciousness of dependence on God, 
 love to him, hatred of sin, desire after holiness, and a full 
 purpose of heart, through divine grace, to glorify him ? Will 
 our religion bear examination ? and are we more careful to 
 approve our hearts to God, than our characters to men? JPor 
 notwithstanding all our imperfections, this state of mind is in 
 the sight of God of great price. — The hypocrite is the reverse 
 of all this : he keeps up a specious appearance before men, 
 but he shrinks from examination ; for “ his inward part is 
 very wickedness;” and God knows it. — Thus also the Chris- 
 tian’s comfort and his inheritance are not an outside show 
 of mirth and prosperity, covering an aching heart, and a still 
 doomed to destruction ; but an inward sweetness and peace 
 unobserved of men, and a glorious inheritance* reserved 
 within the veil. Nay, the mean appearance of the church, 
 and of the Christian, is often a security from persecution 
 and temptation. — As every part of this spiritual building of 
 God, in subserviency to his power and love, conduces to the 
 stability of the whole, let us consider how much it behooves 
 us to “endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bund 
 of peace let us watch against discontent, envy, ambition, 
 and contention ; and^each in his proper place, study to serve 
 the common interests* of genuine Christianity. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVII. V. 1—8. The altar for the 
 sacrifices made by fire, at the entrance into the sanctuary, 
 was almost three yards square, and above a yard and a halt 
 in height. The frame was of shittim-wood, forming a hollow 
 sqpare within. And on each corner was a small turret, or 
 pinnacle, of the same wood ; to which, on some occasions at 
 least, the animals to be sacrificed were bound ; and to which 
 part of the blood was applied. The frame of the altar was 
 covered with plates of brass, probably of a considerable 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 The brazen altar for burnt ancr'i/ice, and its ves els , 1 — 8. The court of thi 
 tabernacle, its hangings, pillars, and dimensions, 9 — 19. The oil far the 
 candlestick, and the. ordering of it, 20, 21. 
 
 A ND thou shalt make an “altar of slnttim- 
 woorf, five cubits long, and five cubits broad: 
 the altar shall be four square, and the height 
 thereof shall be three cubits. 
 
 2 And thou shalt make the b horns of it upon 
 the four corners thereof: his horns shall be of the 
 same : and thou shalt c overlay it with brass. 
 
 3 Anti thou shalt make his pans to receive his 
 ashes, and 'fiiis shovels, and his 'basins, and his 
 f flesh-hooks, and his sfire-pans: all the vessels 
 thereof thou shall make of brass. 
 
 4 And thou shalt make for it h a grate of net- 
 work of brass : and upon the net shalt thou make 
 four brazen ‘rings in the four corners thereof 
 5 And thou shalt put it under the compass of 
 the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the 
 midst of the altar. 
 
 6 And thou shalt make k staves for the altar, 
 staves of shittim-wood, and overlay them with 
 brass. 
 
 7 And the staves shall be put into the rings, and 
 the staves shall be put upon the two sides of the 
 altar to 'bear it. 
 
 8 Hollow with boards shalt thou make it : m as 
 ’it was showed thee in the mount, so shall they 
 make it. 
 
 9 And thou shalt make “the court of the 
 tabernacle for the south side southward : there 
 shall be “hangings for the court of fine twined 
 linen of an hundred cubits long, for one side. 
 
 10 And the twenty pillars thereof, and their 
 twenty “sockets shall be of brass ; the hooks of 
 the pillars, and their sfillet.s shall be of silver : 
 
 1 1 And likewise for the north side in length, 
 there shall be hangings of an hundred cubits long, 
 
 and his twenty pillars, and their twenty sockets oj 
 brass : the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets of 
 silver. 
 
 12 And for the breadth of the court, on the 
 west side, shall be hangings of fifty cubits : theii 
 pillars ten, and their sockets ten. 
 
 13 And the breadth of the court on the east 
 side eastward shall be filly cubits. 
 
 14 The “hangings of one side of the gate shall 
 be fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their 
 sockets three. 
 
 15 And on the other side shall be hangings 
 fifteen cubits: their pillars three, and their sockets 
 three. 
 
 16 And for the gate of the court shall be an 
 hanging of twenty cubits, s of blue, and purple 
 and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with 
 ‘needlework : and their pillars shall be four, and 
 their sockets four. 
 
 17 All the pillars round about the court shall be 
 filleted with silver : their hooks shall be of silver, 
 and their sockets of brass. 
 
 . 18 The “length of the court shall be an hundred 
 cubits, and the breadth tfifty every where, and the 
 height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their 
 sockets of brass. 
 
 19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the 
 service thereof, and x all the pins thereof, and all 
 the pins of the court, shall be of brass. 
 
 20 H And thou shalt command the children of 
 Israel, that they bring thee ^pure oil-olive beaten, 
 Tor the light, to cause the lamp ho burn always. 
 
 21 In “the tabernacle of the congregation b with 
 out the veil, which is before the “testimony; 
 d Aaron and his sons shall order it from “evening 
 to morning before the Lord : it shall be fa statute 
 for ever unto their generations, on the behalf of 
 the children of Israel. 
 
 • 20:21 — 23. 24:4. 38:1 — 7. 40:10,29. 2 .-am. 2-1:18. 2Chr.4:l. Er. 43:13— 17 
 Heb. 13:10. b 20:12. Lev. 4:7.18, 25. 8:15. 16:18. 1 Kings 1:50. 2:28. 1’s. 118- 
 27. Heb. 6:18. c Num. 16:38,39. 1 Kings 8:64. cl Lev. 16:12. I Kings 7:40, 
 45. 2Chr. 4:11. Jer. 52:18. e 24:6. f 38:3. Num. 4:14. 1 Sam. 2:13,14. 1 Chr. 
 83:17. 2 Chr. 4:16. g 2 Kings 23:15. Jer. 52:19. h 35:16 . 38:1,5. i Stc on 25: 
 12. k See on 25:13 — 15. 1 25:28. 30:4. Num. 4:13,14. m 25:9,40. 26:30. I Chr. 
 88:11,19. Mail. 15:9. Col. 2:20— 23. Heb. 8:5. * Heb. he showed, n 389— 
 
 20.40:8. 1 Kings 6:35. 8:64. 2 ( hr. 33:5. Ps. 84:10. 92:13. 100:4. 116:19. Kz.40: 
 14,20,23,23,32,44.42:3,19,20.46:20— 2-1. o 26:31—37.35:17.39:40. p See on 
 
 26:19 — 21. q 36:38. Jer. 52:21. r 9.26:36. s See on 26:31 36 t 28-39 36 
 
 37 39:29. Judg. 5:3 °. p s . 4 5: 14 . u 9-12. f Heb. pfty byfify. * §fl8. § 
 20,31. 3.:40. Num. 3:37. 4:32. Ezra 9:8. Ec. 12:11. Is. 22: 23— 25. 33:20. Zech 
 10 ‘ 4 - y Lev. 24:2— 4. J uc!g.9 ; 9. Ps.23-5. Zech. 4:11-14. Rev. 11:4 
 
 z See on 2o:31 — 37. 1 Heb. ro ascend up. a 29:1U 44 I.ev 3 8 Num R-Q 
 b 23:31-33. 40:3. c See on 16:34. 25:16,21. d 30:8. 1 sim. 3 3 2 Ch? 13U1 
 Mai. 2:7. Man. 4:16. John 5:35. 2 Cor. 4:6. 2 Pet. 1:19 .rTv. 2?1. e oh, i 5 
 o. eV 1f :3 ' Si 34 ’ 1, f 28:43.29:9,28. Lev. 3:17. 16:34. 24:9. Num. 18:23 
 19:21. 1 Sam. 30:2o. 
 
 thickness, both within and without: the horns also were overt 
 laid with brass. Over the hollow in the middle, was placed 
 a brazen grate, to receive the fire and the sacrifices, being 
 full of holes, as a net, through which the ashes might fall 
 down under the altar ; whence they were removed from 
 time to time. This grate seems to have sloped down on every 
 side, and so to have reached half way to the bottom of the 
 altar within : and by four rings it might be taken up to be 
 cleaned or to be removed, separately from the rest of the 
 altar. By means of this grate, the fire was kept at a proper 
 distance from the wood of which the frame was made; and 
 it had this protection in addition to the covering of brass. 
 There seem likeiyse to have been rings to the altar, as well 
 as to the grate, by which it was carried on the staves or bars. 
 Connected with the altar, were various vessels for different 
 purposes ; as pans, into which the ashes were taken to be 
 carried away ; basins, to receive the blood of the sacrifices, 
 and the meat-offerings ; flesh-hooks, or forks, by which the 
 flesh was put on the altar, or ordered when there : and fire- 
 pans, in which it is supposed the sacred fire was taken, when 
 the altar was removed ; but which might likewise be used on 
 other occasions, especially in carrying fire from the brazen 
 altar, with which to burn incense on the. golden altar within 
 the sanctuary. The altar, formed of wood, but protected 
 from the fire by the brazen plates, may typify the human 
 nature oi Christ, supported under the fire of the divine wrath 
 for sin, by Us union with his divinity. 
 
 V. 9—19. The tabernacle, when set up, was enclosed in 
 a court, between fifty and- sixty yards in length, and between 
 twenty-five and thirty in breadth; formed by curtains hung 
 U P “ r 1 azen . P'Uars, fixed in brazen sockets, after the manner 
 of the boards of the sanctuary ; and having an entrance at 
 the east end, similar to the entrance of that building. The 
 curtains for this court were made of fine linen, spun and 
 woven, after the manner of the rich curtains called the taber- 
 nacle; yet neither dyed nor embroidered as they were- but 
 those that formed the entrance into it, were dyed and wrought 
 with ornamental needlework, though not with cherubim.— 
 The brazen pillars likewise were embellished with chapiters 
 overlaid or environed with plates of silver ; (38:17.) and the 
 nooks on which the curtains were hung were made of silver. 
 The pins (19) are supposed to have been intended to hold 
 down the bottom of the curtains to the sockets, that the wind 
 might not blow them aside : and it seems, such pins were 
 also used to hold down the curtains of the tabernacle, which 
 
 were made of brass, though the sockets were made of silver, 
 and the boards covered with gold. Yet some think, that only 
 the pins for the curtains at the door of the sanctuary, the pil- 
 lars of which stood in sockets of brass, are meant. Within 
 this enclosure the priests and Levites attended at the altar, 
 and hither the people were admitted, at least such as brought 
 sacrifices: the priests went likewise into the sanctuary ; but 
 none, except the high-priest, went into the holy of holies, 
 and that but on one day in a year : yet the whole people of 
 Israel was “ a kingdom of priests and a holy nation,” com- 
 pared with the heathen. Surely, this divine appointment is 
 suited to teach us, how far sin has separated between us and 
 a holy God, and what difficulties bar our reunion ! Surely 
 it evinces the falsehood of that proud sentiment, which re- 
 presents man’s poor services, as in themselves acceptable and 
 meritorious before God ; since even this “ kingdom of priests” 
 could not approach his very mercy-seat, in their own persons, 
 or with their own services, however costly ; but only by their 
 representative, their typical mediator, with the sprinkling of 
 blood and the burning of incense !— These distinctions also 
 represented the difference between the visible nominal church 
 and the true spiritual church, which alone hath access to God 
 and communion with him. 
 
 V. 20, 21. The purest oil, which ran freely from the olives 
 when bruised, and not such as was squeezed out by a press 
 or mill, was required for the seven lamps of the golden can- 
 dlestick -. and they were to be lighted and ordered by Aaron 
 and by his sons, through successive generations ; some of 
 whom probably attended on them all the night. It is said, 
 
 Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning . 
 and from this and some other expressions in the scriptures 
 referred to. m the margin, (Marg. Ref. d.) many have con- 
 cluded that the lamps were' not lighted in the daytime. But 
 as the sanctuary had no windows, and as the priests were 
 required to offer incense twice every day on the golden altar, 
 as well as to order other things within the sanctuary during 
 the day, this construction can scarcely be admitted. Jose- 
 phus, who was a priest, says, that only three of the seven 
 were lighted in the daytime; and he is an unexceptionable 
 witness to the customs of his own times , hut then those cus* 
 toms were often unscriptural. Perhaps, had it not been for 
 an express injunction, the priests might have thought it 
 enough to order the lamps during the day when wanted ; and 
 have left them to go out in the night : but they were particu^ 
 larly commanded to order them through the night* 44 to caus© 
 ,( 175 ) 
 
 0 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Aaron and his sons ai e appointed to the priesthood, 1. The holy garments pre- 
 scribed, for the high-priest , 2 — 5 ; consisting of the ephod and girdle, 6—14 ; 
 the breastplate of judgment with l' rim and Thu minim, 15— 3U ; the robe of 
 the ephod \ the mitre, and the coat of fine linen, 31 — 39. The gai'ments of the 
 other priests, 40 — 43. 
 
 A ND "take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, 
 and his sons with him, from ’’among the 
 children of Israel, that he may minister unto me 
 in the priest’s office, even Aaron, c Nadab and 
 Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 
 
 2 And thou shalt make d holy garments for Aaron 
 thy brother, for 'glory and for beauty. 
 
 3 And thou shalt speak unto all that are < wise- 
 hearted, whom I have stilled with the Spirit of wis- 
 dom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to 
 consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in 
 the priest’s office. 
 
 4 And these are the garments which they shall 
 make ; h a breastplate, and an 'ephod, k and a robe, 
 and 'a broidered coat, a m mitre, and a girdle : and 
 they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy 
 
 a Lev. 8:2. Non. 16:9—11. 17:2 — 9. Heb. 6:1—5. b 41. 29:1,9,44. 30:30. 31:10. 
 35:19. Nurn. 18:7. Deni. 10:6. 1 Chr. 6:10. 2 Chr. 11:14. Luke 1:8. c 6:23, 24: 
 19. Lev. 10:1,12. Num. 2:4. 26:61. 1 Chr. 24:1— 4. d 29:5— 9,29,30. 31:10. 39: 
 1. 40:13. Lev. 8:7—9,30. Num. 20:26— 23. Pa. 132:9,16. Is. 61:3, tO. 64:6. Zeeh. 
 3:3,4. Rom. 3:22. 13:14. Gal. 3:27. Heb. 7:26. Rev. 10:8. e 40. I9:5„6. Num. 
 27:20.21. dob 40:10. Ps. 90:16,17. 96:6. 149:4. Is. 4:2. Jer. 9:23,24. 1 Cor. 1:30, 
 31. f 31:3 — 3. 33:31 — 35. 3S;1, 2. Is. 28:24—25. g Deut. 34:9. Is. 11:2. ICor. 
 
 the lamp to burn always and the expressions, before refer- 
 red to, may only denote, that in the evening they paid an 
 especial attention to the lamps, preparatory to their care of 
 them through the night. Upon the whole, it seems probable 
 that the light never went out in the sanctuary, except when 
 the priests neglected or mistook their duty. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Of what vast importance, in true religion, must the Person, 
 the priesthood, and the sacrifice of the Son of God be, when 
 they are forced upon our attention in such a variety of types 
 and representations ! — He indeed is our Prophet, and we 
 must welcome and submit to his teaching ; our King, and we 
 must willingly obey him; our Example, and we must imitate 
 him : but he is also our Altar, our Priest, our Sacrifice, our 
 Mediator; and we have neither been truly taught by him, 
 nor have we rendered him any genuine obedience, unless we 
 have learned to come to the Father, as lost sinners, through 
 him, the Way, the Truth, and the Life; to draw all our 
 sufficiency from his fulness, as the Fountain of grace ; and to 
 rely on his merits, as the Foundation of our hope. — Wohave 
 abundant cause to bless our God, that we are within the en- 
 closure of his visible church, and favoured with the means of 
 grace : let us not however rest in outward profession, but be 
 very earnest and diligent, to be found of the number of those 
 who “truly have fellowship with the Father and with his Son 
 Jesus Christ.” W e should also recollect, that even the Scrip- 
 tures will not prove effectual to enlighten our minds, in those 
 things which belong to eternal salvation, without the unction 
 of the Holy Spirit, communicated to us through that great 
 High-Priest, of whom Aaron and his sons were types, and 
 who “ walketh amidst his golden candlesticks.” But at the 
 same time we must consider, that ministers, by opening and 
 applying the Scriptures, and preaching the gospel continu- 
 ally ; and private Christians, in performing the duties of 
 their several stations ; and all, by their fervent and frequent 
 prayers ; are instrumental in diffusing the divine light in this 
 dark world. Let us then diligent!}! tend the lamp of the 
 sacred Scriptures, that we may walk in the light ourselves, 
 and communicate it to all around us. And may the Lord 
 send forth many able and faithful ministers, to diffuse the 
 light throughout the earth : for, blessed be his name, it is not 
 now confined to the sanctuary in Israel, but is intended to 
 lighten the gentiles in every part of the world. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXVIII. V. 1. Several intimations 
 had before bqen given of the Lord’s purpose ; but this is the 
 first express appointment of Aaron and his sons to the priest- 
 hood. The heads of families seem hitherto to have officiated 
 as priests, and to have offered sacrifices ; but now that prac- 
 tice was terminated, and the sacerdotal office was restricted 
 to the family of Aaron. Moses not only gave a decided proof 
 of his disinterestedness, in leaving his own posterity in (he 
 rank of private Levites, while he confirmed Aaron and his 
 descendants in this important and honourable service; (1 
 Chr. 23:14 — 17. Note, 14.) but he also fully evinced, that he 
 acted entirely by divine direction: and this is further proved 
 b v the remarkable circumstance, that no provision was made 
 for the succession to the priosthood, in case Aaron’s family 
 should be extinct. According to human observation, this was 
 a very probable event, especially after the death of Nadab 
 and Abihu : and it must havo been followed by the entire 
 subversion of the religious system at this time established ; 
 for it was fundamental to it, that no person, in any age or in 
 any case, should officiate as priest, under the penalty of death, 
 except he were of Aaron’s family : yet Moses left the whole 
 dependent on an apparent contingency ! This, human policy 
 never would have done. But the providence of God took 
 I 176 ) 
 
 brother, and his sons, that he may minister untr 
 me in the priest’s office. 
 
 5 And they shall take “gold, and blue, and pur- 
 ple, and scarlet, and fine linen. 
 
 6 H And they shall make the ephod of gold, of 
 blue, and of purple, of scarlet and fine twined 
 °linen, with cunning work. 
 
 7 It shall have the Ptwo shoulder-pieces thereof 
 joined at the two edges thereof ; and so it shall be 
 joined together. 
 
 8 And sthe ’curious girdle of the ephod which 
 is upon it, shall be of the same according to the 
 work thereof : even of gold, of blue, and purple, 
 and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 
 
 9 And thou shalt take two r onyx-stones, and 
 •grave on them the names of the children of Israel. 
 
 10 Six of their names on one stone, and the 
 other six. names of the rest on the other stone, 
 'according to their birth. 
 
 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like 
 the "engravings of a signet, shalt thou engrave 
 
 12:7—11. Enh. 1:17. h 39:8—21. Is. 59:17. Eph.6:14. 1 Thes. 5:8. Rex. 9:17. 
 i 6 — 14.39:2 — 5,21,22. Lev. 8:7,8. 1 Sara. 2:18. 22:18. 23:6. 30:7. 2 Sam. 6:14. 
 k 31— S4. 39:25,26. 1 39,40. Lev. 8:7. m 39:28. Lev. 8:9. Zech. 3:5. e, See 
 on 25:3,4. 39:2,3. oSeeon25:l. p 39:4. q 27,28. 29:5. 39:20,21. Lev. 8:7. 
 Is. 11:5. 1 Pet. 1:13. Rev. 1:13. * Qr, embroidered, r 20. 39:13. Gen. 2:12. 
 
 Job 28:16. Ez. 28.13. a 36. 39:6. 2 Chr. 2:7. Cant. 8:6. Is. 49:16. l 1:1— 4. 
 Gen. 43:33. u21. Jer. 22:24. Zech. 3:9. Eph. 1:18. 4:30. 2 Tim. 2:19. Itev. 7.2. 
 
 care of that, which was thus simply committed to him ; and 
 the priests of the family of Aaron increased, and continued 
 as long as that dispensation, and until the Christian dispen- 
 sation was introduced. — The word to ) rendered 44 that 
 
 he may minister in the priest’s office,” seems originally to 
 have meant serving in an honourable station : and therefore it 
 is used concerning the sons of David, who could not be 
 priests, strictly speaking. (2 Sam. 8:18.) Hence it is in 
 several places in the margin rendered princes. And as 
 princes or courtiers wait on the king, and are honoured by 
 nearer access to him than others ; so the priests under the 
 law, both in respect of their office, and as types of Christ, 
 waited on the Lord in his courts, and were admitted nearer 
 to him than other Israelites. Therefore u no man took this 
 honour to himself, but he who was called of God, as was 
 Aaron for it was absolutely requisite that the Lord should 
 select the persons, whom he would admit into his special 
 presence, and distinguish as the types of his beloved Son, in 
 mediating between him and his sinful creatures. — Wherever 
 the word ( Tro ) is connected with any of the names of God, 
 it seems always to denote a priest ; but when it stands alone, 
 it sometimes means a prince <fr eminent person. 
 
 Y. 2. Whatever was separated from common uses, and 
 consecrated to the immediate service of God, was called 
 holy. These garments were intended to distinguish the 
 priests, and to render their persons and ministrations re- 
 spected by he people.: they were also emblematical of that 
 holy conversation and conduct, which should ever be tlxc 
 44 glory and beauty,” the distinguishing mark, of the ministers 
 of religion ; without which they, and the services which they 
 perform, will be had in contempt. But especially they were 
 typical of the glory of the divine majesty, and the beauty of 
 perfect holiness, which rendered Jesus Christ u such a High- 
 Priest as became us,” and stamped infinite value on his whole 
 work. ( Note , Heb. 7:2G — 28.) • 
 
 V. 3. Whoever is endued with skill and ability to perform 
 the service assigned him, especially in promoting true religion, 
 and does it uprightly and diligently, is wise-hearted, and will 
 give God the glory of making him so ; for all natural wisdom 
 is the gift of God : but this seems to have been supematurally 
 bestowed ; as it is added, M whom I have filled with the Spirit 
 of wisdom.” {Notes, 31:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. The different parts of the priestly garments will 
 be briefly considered, as they are afterwards more particu- 
 larly described. — They were made for Aaron and 41 his sons, 
 that he might minister in the priest’s office :” and it is gene- 
 rally thought that tho priests never wore the sacred vest- 
 ments, except when ministering at the sanctuary. All the 
 garments seem to havo been made of linen , though some 
 writers, without any scriptural proof, assert that part of them 
 was made of wool. Where no colour is mentioned, tho linen 
 was white. 
 
 V. 6 — 14. The ephod, or the outer garment of tho priests 
 which they wore over the rest to keep them close about 
 them, was a short coat without sleeves; but made with two 
 shoulder-pieces, one for each shoulder, to join tho whole 
 garment together, and to retain it in its place. Ephods wore 
 worn by the inferior priests, and even by others on some 
 occasions ; as by Samuel when a child, and by David when 
 ho danced before the ark. (1 Sam. 2:18. 2 Sam. 0:14.) But 
 these were made only of linen ; whereas the e phod of gold 
 was richly dyed and curiously embroidered, and had much 
 gold wrought upon it. According to our translation, and tlie 
 general sense of expositors, it was likewise girt on with a 
 girdlo over tho breast, dyed, embroidered, and interwr /en 
 with gold, like tho other parts of tho ephod : but it is not 
 
li. C 149.. CHAPTER XXYIII. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 the two stones, witli the names of the children of 
 Israel : thou shalt make them to be set in “ouches 
 of gold : 
 
 12 And thou shalt put the two stones upon 
 nhe shoulders of the ephod, for stones of memo- 
 rial unto the children of Israel. And 'Aaron shall 
 bear their names before the Lord, upon his two 
 shoulders for a “memorial. 
 
 13 And thou shalt make ouches of gold: 
 
 14 And two b chains of pure gold at the ends : 
 of “wreathen work shaft thou make them, and 
 fasten the wreathen chains to the ouches. 
 
 15 II And thou shalt make ‘'the breastplate of 
 judgment with cunning work, 'after the work of 
 the ephod thou shalt make it : of gold, of blue, and 
 of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen 
 shalt tnou make it. 
 
 16 Four-square it shall be being doubled ; a 
 span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall 
 be the breadth thereof. 
 
 17 And f thou shalt ’set in it settings of stones, 
 even four rows of stones : the first row shall be 
 ea tsardius, h a topaz, and 'a carbuncle : this shall 
 be the first row. 
 
 18 And the second row shall be an "emerald, 'a 
 sapphire, and m a diamond. 
 
 19 And the third row n a ligure, °an agate, and 
 an amethyst. 
 
 20 And the fourth row, ra beryl, and ‘tan onyx, 
 and r a jasper : they shall be set in gold in their 
 lenclosings. 
 
 21 And the stones shall be with the names of 
 die children of Israel, “twelve, according to their 
 names ; like the engravings of a signet, every 
 
 x 13,14.25. 39:6,13,13. y 7. Ps. 89:19. Is. 9:6. 12:2. Zech. 6:13,14. Heb. 
 7:25—23. z 29. a 12:14. 13:9. 39:7. Gen. 9:12— 17. Lev. 24:7. Num. 16:40. 
 31:54. Josh. 4:7. Is. 62:6. mars. Luke 1:54,72. Acts 10:4. b 24. 39:15. c 22— 
 25.39:17,18. 1 Kiiies 7:17. 2 Kings 25:17. 2 Chr. 4:12,13. <1 See on h. 4,30. 
 
 39:8. Lev. 8:8. e See on 6. 25:1 . f See on 9,11 . 39:10. Mai. 3:17. - Heb. 
 
 fill in it fillings of stone, g Ez. 28:13. Rev. 21:19 — 21. t Or, ruby. Job 28: 
 18. Prov. 3:15. 8:11. 20:15. 31:10. Lam. 4:7. h Job 28:19. Rev. 21:20. i Is. 
 
 certain, whether the original words mean a girdle ; or merely 
 that the whole of the ephod which went round the body , as 
 well as that which was on the breast and shoulders, should 
 be thus ornamented. The ephod, however, was buttoned on 
 each shoulder by a if onyx set in gold ; and on these two onyx- 
 stones were engraven the names of the twelve sons of Israel, 
 six on each onyx, according to their seniority ; that the chief 
 priest might bear their names before the Lord in his minis- 
 trations, and thus both remember to plead their cause, and 
 also put the Lord in remembrance of his prbmises to them. 
 There were likewise two chains of gold, curiously wreathen, 
 and fixed to the ouches, in which the onyx-stones were set ; 
 and these chains seem to have served also to fasten the 
 breastplate on the ephod. (22 — 28.) — Thus Christ appeared 
 to the apostle “girt about the paps with a golden girdle:” 
 for “ righteousness was the girdle of his loins “ he was 
 clad with zeal as a cloak ;” “ the government was upon his 
 shoulders ;” and he bears the names of his people before God, 
 as a memorial ; while, as their Representative and Advocate, 
 with all his power, he interposes in their behalf, and maintains 
 their cause. 
 
 V. 15 — 29. “ The breastplate of judgment” was so called 
 because the high-priest wore it whenever he consulted the 
 Lord about the concerns of religion and government, in 
 order to deliver the judgment of God to the rulers in the con- 
 gregation. It was a piece of fine linen cloth, woven, dyed, 
 and embroidered, like the golden ephod, and being doubled it 
 was a span square. Upon it were fixed twelve precious 
 stones, set in twelve ouches of gold ; and on each of them was 
 engraven the name of one of the sons of Israel ; these being 
 considered as the representatives of the twelve tribes. It is 
 doubted, whether the name of Levi was engraven, as that 
 tribe might be sufficiently represented by the high priest him- 
 self; or whether Manasseh and Ephraim had each a sepa- 
 rate stone, as forming two tribes ; but the text seems to imply, 
 .hat the names of all Jacob’s sons were engraven, and no 
 other.— Learned men have formed discordant opinions about 
 the precious stones intended by the original words ; but we 
 may as well rest satisfied with our version, which probably 
 ts as correct as any. Nor have the endeavours which some 
 nave used to find out a coincidence between the precious 
 stone, and the character or circumstances of the tribe sup- 
 posed to have been engraven on it, proved at all successful. It 
 suffices, that they were emblems of the divers excellencies, 
 found in the several members of the Church of Christ, who 
 among them possess all that is truly valuable upon earth. 
 This breastplate Aaron wore, when he went into the holy 
 place, for a memorial before the Lord, to remind him lhat he 
 acted in a public character ; and that he must have the inte- 
 rests of all the tribes, whom he represented, near his heart in 
 approaching the Lord, without any prejudice or partiality. 
 Voi I. — 23 
 
 one with his name shall they be 'according to the 
 twelve tribes. 
 
 22 And thou shalt make "upon the breastplate 
 chains at the ends, of wreathen work, of pure gold. 
 
 23 And thou shalt make upon the breastplate 
 two rings of gold, and shalt put the two rings on 
 the two ends of the breastplate. 
 
 24 And thou shalt put the two wreathen chains 
 of gold in the two rings which are on the ends of 
 the breastplate. 
 
 25 And the other two ends of the two wreathen 
 chains, thou shalt fasten in the two ouches, and 
 
 ut them “on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod 
 
 efore it. 
 
 26 And thou shalt make two rings of gold, and 
 thou shalt put them upon the two ends of the 
 breastplate, in the border thereof, which is in the 
 side of the ephod inward. 
 
 27 And two other rings of gold thou shalt make, 
 and shalt put them on the two sides of the ephod, 
 underneath, towards the forepart thereof, over 
 against the other coupling thereof, above Hhe 
 curious girdle of the ephod. 
 
 28 And they shall bind the breastplate, by the 
 rings thereof unto the rings of the ephod with “a 
 lace of blue, that it may be above the curious 
 girdle of the ephod, and that the breastplate be 
 not loosed from the ephod. 
 
 29 And Aaron shall bear the names of the 
 children of Israel “in the breastplate of judg 
 ment, b upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the 
 holy place, for c a memorial before the Lord con 
 tinually. 
 
 30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate ot 
 
 54:11,12. k 39:11. Ez. 27:16. 1 24:10. Job 28:6,16. Cant. 5:14. Ez. 1:26. 10:1. 
 Rev. 4:3.21:19. m Jer. 17:1. Ez. 28:13. n 39:12. o Is. 54:12. p Ez.I:I6. 
 10:9. Dan. 10:6. Rev. 21:20. q See on 9. r Rev. 4:3. 21:11 ,18. J Heb. 
 fillings. 13. s 9—11. t 1 Kings 18:31. Luke 22:30. Jam. 1:1. Rev. 7:4— 8. 21: 
 12. u 14. x 7. y SeeonS. 7.31,37.39:30,31. Num. 15:38. n See on 15, 
 30. b See on 12. Jer. 30:21. Rom. 10:1. c Cant. 8:6. Is. 49:15,16. 
 
 This was an evident type of Christ, who has the name even 
 of every individual of his people engraven upon his heart; 
 and within the veil will be sure never to forget or neglect any 
 of them, or of their concerns, however destitute or despica- 
 ble they may be upon earth. — The breastplate, thus richly 
 decorated, was firmly joined to the ephod of gold. Two 
 golden rings xvere fixed on the two uppermost corners of the 
 breastplate, to which the wreathen chains of gold, (before 
 mentioned in the description of the ephod,) being joined to 
 the ouches of gold on the shoulder-pieces, xvere fastened. 
 (14,25.) Then two other rings of gold were placed under- 
 neath, and out of sight, at the lowermost corners of the 
 breastplate ; and two answering them on the ephod, at the 
 bottom of the shoulder-pieces, as the word rendered sides (27) 
 evidently means ; and these rings on the breastplate and on 
 the ephod, were tied fast together by a blue lace or riband 
 on each side, over the curious work of the ephod. Thus it was 
 so completely fastened at all the four corners, that it could 
 not move. 
 
 V. 30. The Scriptures nowhere inform us, what the 
 Urim and Thummim were ; nor was any direction given to 
 Moses howto make them. The original words signify The 
 Lights, (or illuminations ,) and the Perfections ; and a 
 variety of conjectures have been made on the subject.' Some 
 suppose that the precious stones, engraven with the names of 
 the sons of Israel, are meant ; which are thus called from 
 their brilliancy, and because they were the most perfect of 
 their kind ; but the context seems to imply that something 
 further was intended, and this interpretation is not satisfac- 
 tory. Others think, that the words D'nnni 0 "'Nn were either 
 xvrought in the substance of the breastplate, or engraven on 
 a plate of gold, and fixed upon it, as Holiness to the Lord 
 was upon the mitre ; intimating, that divine illumination and 
 strict integrity or soundness of heart, were requisite in the 
 sacred office of the high-priest; or rather, that the cleares 
 light and knowledge, with the most perfect counsel and direc- 
 tion, would be obtained by thus consulting the Lord. This 
 interpretation seems not inconsistent with the narrative: but 
 it is objected, that no direction is given how these words were 
 to be put into the breastplate, as there is afterwards con- 
 cerning the inscription on the mitre, (3(i.) Others therefore 
 think, that the Urim and Thummim were something given 
 to Moses on the Mount, to be privately enclosed in (he 
 breastplate, as a pledge that the Lord would answer the 
 high-priest when he thus inquired his will ; and that it was 
 the Lord’s express intention none should know what they 
 were. Several other opinions have been formed, but these 
 seem the most plausible. Yet, after all, it may be doubted, 
 whether any thing were put into the breastplate, distinct 
 from the things before described ; and whether the use to which 
 it was to be appropriated xvere not principally .mended.- -When 
 
 ( 177 ) 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 judgment d the Urim and the Thummim ; and 
 they shall he upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth 
 in before the Loan: and Aaron shall 'bear the 
 judgment of the children of Israel f upon his neart 
 before the Lord continually. 
 
 31 H And thou shalt make sthe robe of the ephod 
 all of blue. 
 
 32 And there shall he an hole in the top of it, 
 in the midst thereof: it shall have a binding of 
 woven work round about the hole of it, h as it 
 were the hole of an habergeon, 'that it be not 
 rent. 
 
 33 And beneath, k upon the *hem of it, thou shalt 
 make 'pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and 
 of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and 
 m bells of gold between them round about. 
 
 34 A "golden be'l and a pomegranate, a golden 
 bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe 
 round about. 
 
 35 And it shall be upon Aaron, to minister: 
 and his sound shall be heard when he "goeth in 
 unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he 
 cometh out ; that he die not. 
 
 d Lev. 8:8. Num. 27:21. Deut.33:8. Judg. 1:1.20:18, 23,27, 48. 1 Sam. 23:9— 12. 
 23:6. 30:7,8. Ezra 2:63. Nell. 7:65. e Zech.6:13. 12 Cor. 6:11,12. 7:3. 12:15. Phil. 
 1:7,8. Heh. 2:17. 4:15. 9:12,24. g 4:28. 39:22. Lev. 8.7. h 39:28 . 2 Cljr. 26: 
 14. Net). 1:16. Job 41:26. i John 19:23,24. E;>h. 4:3-16. k 39:24 — 26. -Or, 
 skirts. 1 1 Kings 7:18. 2 Kings 25:17. m Zech. 14:20. n Fs. 89:15. Cant. 2: 
 3. 4-3,13. 6:7,11. 8.2. John 15:4 — 8.16. Col. 1:5,6,10. o Lev. 16:2. Heb.9:12. 
 n See on 9,1 1 . q 39:30. Lev. 8:9. 10:3. 19:2. Ps. 93:5. Ez. 43:12. Zech. 14:20. 
 Web. 7:2G, 12:14. 1 Pet. 1:15,16. 2:9. r Seeon28. s 4. 29:6. 39:30.31. Lev. 8: 
 
 however the high-priest, as Israel’s representative, wearing the 
 breastplate, inquired for the ruler and congregation of Israel, 
 what they ought to do ; he was illuminated and instructed 
 to give perfect counsel in the most difficult cases. Various 
 opinions are also formed concerning the manner in which 
 these answers were given ; but only two seem at all probable : 
 either the high-priest was answered hy an audible voice from 
 above the mercy-seat within the veil, or he was inspired as a 
 prophet, to declare the will of God on the occasion. It is 
 evident that none but the high-priest was authorized to inquire 
 of G od in this manner ; and he only at the tabernacle, in the 
 holy place without the inner veil : but some instances, here- 
 after to be considered, render it probable, that on particular 
 occasions, the Lord answered inquiries made in this manner , 
 at a distance from the tabernacle. (1 Sam. 1 4:18,36,37. 23: 
 1 — 12.) — The Jewish writers say, that this method of inquiring 
 the will of God was terminated, when Solomon had built the 
 temple : and it is certain, that little is afterwards recorded 
 concerning it ; but it. seems rather to have fallen into disuse, 
 because the high-priests in general neglected their duty ; and 
 the prophets, as extraordinary messengers of God, were 
 appointed t® .supersede -them. It however finally ceased at 
 the captivity; till Christ, the great Antitype, arose, as a 
 Priest with Urim and Thummim, who communicates to his 
 true Church, from his treasury of divine wisdom and grace, 
 through his word, and by his Spirit, all wisdom, knowledge, 
 and righteousness, and every perfect gift, in measure suffi- 
 cient for every emergency. And as the Urim and Thum- 
 mim were on Aaron’s heart , whenever he entered the sanc- 
 tuary to inquire the will of God ; and he never approached 
 the Lord in this manner , on his own personal concerns, as 
 distinct from those of his people, but as “ bearing the judg- 
 ment of the children of Israel upon his heart continually ;”so 
 Christ “appears in the presence of Gtd for us” and ever 
 bears the interests of his whole church and of every believer 
 on his hearty in his unremitting intercession for us. 
 
 V. 31 — 35. The robe of the ephod was the middle gar- 
 ment, which was worn under the ephod, and above the coat, 
 (39.) It had a hole through which the head passed when it 
 was put on : and it seems to have been formed carefully of 
 one piece, that it should not be rent. This may remind us of 
 Christ’s coat “ without a seam, woven from the top through- 
 out,” and which was not rent, but cast lots for by the soldiers ; 
 an emblem of his perfect uninterrupted obedience to the divine 
 law, and of the unbroken harmony which ought to subsist in 
 his church. — Upon the hem, or lowermost border of the robe, 
 which is supposed to have reached to ihe ankles, were fixed 
 artificial pomegranates, which were richly dyed, though tJhe 
 rest of the robe was entirely blue, and between every two of 
 the pomegranates was fastened a golden bell. It is not said 
 how many there were of each : but it is much more probable 
 that they accorded to the twelve tribes of Israel, than that 
 there should be seventy-two, as some writers assure us. — 
 These may represent the sound of divine truth, preached or 
 professed, being joined with the precious fruits of holiness, in 
 the ministers of the gospel and in true Christians : but it espe- 
 cially typified the glad tidings which Christ is anointed to 
 preach, and the fragrant fruits of his priesthood which he 
 confers upon his Church. The bells were also intended to 
 give notice to the people when the high-priest entered into the 
 most holy place, perhaps that they might join his ministrations 
 within the sanctuary with their prayers. (Luke 1:10.) It is 
 ditto added, u That he die not ;’ which c might expect to 
 
 l 178 ) 
 
 36 If And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, 
 and ‘’grave upon it, like the engravings ol'a signet, 
 ‘‘Holiness to the Lord. 
 
 37 And thou shalt put it on r a blue lace, that it 
 may be upon the mitre: upon the lore-front of “the 
 mitre it shall he. 
 
 38 Attd it shall be upon Aaron’s forehead, that 
 Aaron may ‘bear the iniquity of the holy things, 
 which the children of Israel shall hallow in all 
 their holy gifts ; and it shall be always upon his 
 forehe ad, that they may be “accepted before the 
 Lord. 
 
 39 And thou shalt '‘embroider the coat of fine 
 linen, and thou shalt make the mitre of fine linen, 
 and thou shalt make Hhe girdle of “needlework. 
 
 40 H And b for Aaron’s sons thou shalt make coats, 
 and thou shalt make for them girdles, and "bonnets 
 shalt thou make for them, d for glory and for 
 beauty. 
 
 41 And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy 
 brother, and his sons with him : and shalt 'anoint 
 them f and Consecrate them, and sanctify them, that 
 they may ^minister unto me in the priest’s office. 
 
 9. Zech. 3:5. t 43. Lev. 10:17. 22:9. Num. 18:1. Is. 53:6,11,12. Ez.4:4— 8. 
 John 1:29. 2 Cor. 6:21. Hell. 9:28. 1 Pet. 2:24. 3:18. u Lev. 1:4. 22:27. 23:11. 
 Is. 56:7. x .Se« on 4. z See on 8. a Ps. 45:14. b 4.39:27 — 29,41. Lev. 8:13. 
 Ez. 44:17. c 29:9. d See on 2. 1 Tim. 2:9,10.6:9—11. Tit. 2:7,10. 1 Pet. 3: 
 3,4. 5:5. e 29:7.30:23—30.40:15. Lev. 10:7. Is. 10:27. 61:1. John 3:34. 2 Cor. 
 1:21,22. 1 John 2:20,27. f 29:9,35. Lev. 8:33. Num. 3:3. Ez. 43:26. Heb. 7.28. 
 t Heb. fill thei r hand. 29:24. g Sie on 1,4. 
 
 do, if he did not act according to the prescribed rules, in this 
 sacred and typical interposition between sinners and a holy 
 God. 
 
 V. 36 — 38. The mitre was made of fine linen, rolled up, 
 not much unlike the turbans worn at this day in the eastern 
 countries, as the original name evidently indicates. (nsiSD, 
 h vertere , volvere , circumdare.) On this crown, or turban, 
 
 was fastened, by a blue riband or lace, passed through it 
 and tying behind, a plate of fine gold, beaten into the form of 
 a leaf or one of the petals of a beautiful flower, and rendered 
 as bright as possible ; for so the word seems to mean. On 
 this plate were engraven the Hebrew words mrp? ttnp, signi- 
 fying Holiness to the Lord ; and it was placed on the 
 mitre exactly over the high-priest’s forehead, so that every 
 one whom he faced might read the inscription. This was 
 suited to remind him of the sanctity of his office and cha- 
 racter, as the typical mediator between Jehovah and his 
 people ; and so especially required to he in all respects de- 
 voted in holiness to the service of a holy God : and to warn 
 him neither to disgrace, nor attempt to conceal, his sacred 
 function. It likewise instructed the people to honour his per 
 son and ministrations. — In wearing constantly, when officiat 
 ing as high-priest, this holy crown, he was also reminded that 
 he u was to bear the iniquity of the holy things,” which Israel 
 offered to the Lord. ' If any thing was neglected, or done 
 contrary to law, he must be answerable for it, and should 
 therefore be circumspect ; and their involuntary imperfections 
 must be expiated by his typical services. In all this he 
 represented our great High-Priest, whose perfect holiness, 
 and voluntary dedication of himself in our behalf unto the 
 Father, to fulfil his will and magnify his law by his obedience 
 unto death, have prepared the way for his being “made to 
 us Sanctification, by his Holy Spirit. Through the same 
 he also “ bears the iniquity of our holy things,” and, by his 
 prevailing intercession, renders our sinful persons and imper- 
 fect services acceptable to a holy God. 
 
 V. 39. We read before of an embroidered coaty but no 
 particular directions were given how il was to he made. It 
 is supposed to have been the innermost garment worn by the 
 high-priest, having sleeves down to the wrists, made rather 
 close to the body, but hanging loose, except as fastened hy a 
 girdle. It was made of fine linen, (as the mitre also was.) 
 probably white, but curiously embroidered: and the girdle 
 was not only embroidered, but dyed of various colours. (39: 
 29.) Some affirm likewise that it was made so long, as to 
 reach many times round the body, like a sash ; and to have 
 ends hanging down almost to the ground, which, when < m- 
 pioyed, the high-priest threw across his shoulder. (Rev. 1:13.) 
 
 V. 40, 41. The coats and girdles of the ordinary priests 
 are thought to have been made, in all respects, like those of 
 the high-priest: but the bonnets worn on their heads were 
 different from his crown or tiara, as another word is used ; 
 (myajo) but the precise difference is not certainly known. 
 They too had ephods, but of plain white linen; and thefcmwf- 
 plate.y the robe of the ephod , and the golden crown inscribed 
 Holiness to the Lord, were peculiar to the high-priest. 
 Yet the garments of the ordinary priests were made “for 
 them for glory and fo?* beauty,” as well as his. They typified 
 the glorious and beautiful holiness of Christ, our great High- 
 Priest, which is communicated to all the royal priesthood of 
 his true disciples : and, while it required great euro in the 
 priests to keep their garments pure and white, they wero 
 reminded of the holiness which they ough' diligently to evtcrve 
 
E. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 E. C. 1491. 
 
 42 And thou shalt make them liner ’’breeches 
 to cover their 'nakedness: from the loins even 
 Tinto the thighs they shall 'reach. 
 
 43 And they shall he upon Aaron, and upon his 
 sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of 
 the congregation, or when they come near unto 
 the altar to minister in the holy place ; that they 
 'bear not iniquity, and die. It shall be k a statute 
 lor ever unto him, and his seed after him. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 The ceremonies and sacrifices to be used in consecrating the priests and the 
 altar, \ — 37. The daily oblation, 38 — 41. Gracious promises, 42 — 46. 
 
 A ND this is the thing that thou shalt do unto 
 them to "hallow them, b to minister unto me 
 in the priest’s office : c Take one young bullock, 
 
 and two rams d without blemish, 
 
 2 And mnleavened bread, and cakes unleavened 
 
 h 20:26. 39:28. Lev. 6:10. Ez. 44:18. Rev. 3:18. 16:15. • Heb. flesh of their na- 
 kedness. t Heb. be. i Lev. 5:1,17.20:19,20. 22:9. Num. 9:13. 18:22. Mult. 
 22:12,13. k 27:21. l ev. 17:7. a 21. 20:11. 28:41. Matt. 6:9. bSeeon28:3. 
 c Lev. 8:2. 9:2. 16:3. 2 Clir. 13 9. d 12:5. Lev. 4:3. 5:15,16. 6:6. 22:20. Mai. 
 1:13,14. .Heb. 7:26. 1 Pel. 1:19. eSeeonl2:8. Lev. 2:4. 6:20— 22. 8:2. 1 Cor. 
 5:7. f 23. Lev. 2:4,5,15. 7:10. Num. 6:15. g Lev. 7:12. 8:26. Num. 6:15,19. 
 
 in all their conduct.. — It is said by the Jewish expositors, that 
 these garments were never washed ; but when soiled, they 
 were used for other purposes about the sanctuary, and sup- 
 plied by new ones. — The particulars of the arraying, anoint- 
 ing, and consecrating Aaron and his sons, will hereafter be 
 considered. 
 
 V. 42, 43. The indecencies attending the worship of idols, 
 were strongly protested against by the care taken to avoid 
 every approach to them, and every accidental appearance of 
 them, in the ministration of the priests of the true God. They 
 were therefore required to wear linen breeches, or drawers, 
 at all times, when they officiated at the sanctuary; though it 
 does not appear that the Israelites in general wore any other 
 than loose garments, according to the general custom of the 
 east to this day. And it seems especially with reference to 
 this part of the priestly clothing, that the concluding caution 
 was given: if they were negligent in this matter, they would 
 bear iniquity and die ; for this was “ a statute for ever to 
 Aaron and his sons ;” that is, perpetually, as long as that 
 priesthood endured. This was suited to impress both priests 
 and people with a sense of the holiness of God and their own 
 sinfulness ; and to show that he would be sanctified by all 
 who approached him, especially by his priests. — As no shoes 
 or sandals are mentioned among the sacred vestments, it is 
 supposed that the priests always ministered barefoot ; for 
 Moses was ordered to pull off his- shoes, when the Lord 
 appeared to him in the burning bush. (Note, 3:4,5.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Blessed be God, that we have such a High-Priest as is in 
 this chapter typically delineated : one solemnly appointed by 
 God and consecrated to his work ; furnished for his high 
 office by the glory of his divine majesty, and the beauty of 
 perfect holiness ; who bears the names of all his people upon 
 his shoulders, and upon his heart, presenting them and all 
 their several cases before the Father in heaven, and ever 
 living, by his continual intercession, to apply the salvation 
 which his sacrifice has purchased : in whom are Illumina- 
 tions and Perfections, even inexhaustible treasures of 
 wisdom and grace, to be communicated to them ; who, him- 
 self Holiness to the Lord, is made Sanctification to his 
 people, that they may be “ holiness unto the Lord also,” 
 m their measure in this world, perfectly in that to come. 
 Happy are we, if we are so well instructed in the spirituality 
 of the divine law, the evil of sin, and our own sinfulness, as 
 to be deeply convinced that “ such a High-Priest became us 
 that we can have no access to a holy God, nor acceptance 
 with him, but by Jesus Christ ; no light, no wisdom, no per- 
 fection but from him ; no glory nor beauty, but in conformity 
 to him. If this be our judgment and experience, let us take 
 encouragement from the power, love, and compassion of our 
 High-Priest to the meanest of his people, “to draw near with 
 boldness to the throne of grace, that we may*obtain mercy, and 
 find grace to help in time of need.” Yet, “let us have grace 
 to worship him with reverence and godly fear ; for our God is a 
 consuming fire :” not forgetting, that garments were at first 
 necessary to hide the shame of our fallen parents; that when 
 we use them for ostentation we glory in our shame ; that they 
 who prefer ornament to modesty are still more basely crimi- 
 nal ; and that this vanity and indecency is most of all abomi- 
 nable in the courts of the Lord. Let us then make a bold 
 and consistent profession of our devotedness to God, and be 
 careful to adorn it by the fruits of righteousness in our lives ; 
 making Christ our Counsellor,- by whom we may inquire of 
 the Lord, and learn his truth and will, that we may be wise- 
 hearted for every service to which he shall appoint us. By 
 .tally meditating upon his word, let us endeavour, “with open 
 / ice, as in a glass, so to behold his glory, that w*e may be 
 changed in'o the same image from glory to glory, by the 
 Spirit of the Lord. — ^Clothed in his righteousness for glory 
 and for beauty, who in his death hath borne the iniquity of 
 our holy things, let us, through him, as his “spiritual priests,” 
 “ offer unto God the sacrifice of praise continually, giving 
 
 'tempered with oil, and ^wafers unleavened 
 anointed with oil: of wheaten Hour shalt thou 
 make them. 
 
 3 And thou shalt put them into one basket, an>i 
 bring them ''in the basket, with the bullock and the 
 two rams. 
 
 4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring 'unto 
 the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 
 and shalt k wash them with water. 
 
 5 And thou shalt take the ‘garments, and put 
 upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, 
 and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him 
 with the curious girdle of the ephod. 
 
 6 And thou shalt put the m mitre upon his head, 
 and put the holy crown upon the mitre. 
 
 7 Then shalt thou take the "anointing oil, and 
 pour it upon his head, and anoint him. 
 
 h Lev. 8:2,26,31. Num. 6:17. i 26:36. 40:28. Lev. 8:3— 6. k 30:18— 21. 40: 
 12. Lev. 8:6. 14:8. Dent. 23:11. Ez. 36:25. John 13:8— 10. Eph. 5:26. Tit. 3:5. 
 Heb. 10:22. 1 Pet. 3:21. Rev. 1:5,6. 1 See on 28:2,4. Lev. 8:7.8. m See on 
 
 28:36— 39. Lev. 8:9. n 28:41. 30:23-31. Lev. 8:10— 12. 10:7. 21 :10. Num. 
 35:25. Ps. 89:20. 133:2. Is. 61:1. John 3:34. 1 John 2:27. 
 
 thanks unto his name and let us see to it, that “our loins 
 are girt about with truth that we wear the breastplate of 
 righteousness, and that we “are sober, and hope to the end ;” 
 for “ blessed are those servants, whom their Lord when he 
 cometh shall find so doing.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIX. V. 1 — 7. Directionshaving 
 been given, about making the sacred garments for Aaron and 
 his sons ; the manner of their consecration to the priesthood 
 is next prescribed. Though appointed by office to expiate 
 the sins of the people by the typical sacrifices ; they must 
 be reminded that they themselves likewise were sinners, and 
 needed an expiation ; a young bullock therefore, (or rather 
 bull,) for a sin-olfering, a ram for a burnt-offering, and a ram 
 of consecration as a peace-offering ; and bread, cakes tem- 
 pered with oil, and wafers anointed with oil, all unleavened, 
 for a meat-offering, were first prepared. The distinguishing 
 nature and meaning of the several kinds of sacrifice, with 
 the manner in which they were offered and used, will here- 
 after be considered. — This preparation having been made, 
 and the meat-offering in a basket, as well as the young bull 
 and the two rams, brought to the door of the tabernacle; 
 Moses, who would officiate as priest on this occasion, was 
 directed to bring Aaron and his sons to the same place, and 
 there to wash them with water. Probably, they were at that 
 time washed all oter, though on many other occasions they 
 only washed their hands and feet. Moses was then directed 
 to clothe Aaron with the sacred garments ; completing the 
 whole, by “putting the holy crown upon the mitre.” (Note, 
 28:3(5 — 38.) The golden plate, inscribed Holiness to the 
 Lord, being called “ the holy crown,” not only showed how 
 honourable Aaron’s office was, but further intimated that the 
 High-Priest, whom he typified, would also be a King ; and 
 there seems to be a reference to the two words, used for this 
 plate of gold, in the former chapter and here, when the 
 Psalmist says of the Messiah, “Upon himself shall his 
 crown flourish (Ps. 132:18.) for in the original both the 
 words are used. — When Aaron had been thus arrayed, Moses 
 was directed to anoint him with the sacred oil, the compo- 
 sition of which is afterwards prescribed, which being poured 
 on his head, “ran down to his beard,” and “even to the 
 skirts of his raiment ;” or, as some with probability suppose 
 the word to mean, the upper border of his raiment, that fast- 
 ened round his neck. (Note, Ps. 133:2.) — In all this, Aaron 
 was evidently a type of Christ. He indeed, being without 
 sin, was not admitted to his sacerdotal office by atoning saert 
 fices : but, being “ made in the likeness of sinful flesh,” he 
 submitted to be baptized by John, before he entered on his 
 sacred work ; which ordinance in its general use denoted the 
 washing away of the pollution of sin, as the washing of the 
 priests also did. We have seen that the sacred garments 
 likewise typified his endowments and qualifications for his 
 High Priesthood : and he was also anointed wijh the Holy 
 Spirit without measure, not for himself only, but for all his 
 people. — The ceremonies of this consecration seem, likewise, 
 to denote the admission of sinners into the spiritual priest- 
 hood, to offer “ spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through 
 Jesus Christ.” They must be washed in regeneration; 
 clothed in that righteousness, which is upon all them that 
 believe ; anointed with the unction of the Holy Spirit ; and 
 have an interest in the one great Sacrifice for sin, before they 
 can glorify God as his holy priesthood, or rejoice in their own 
 invaluable privileges. 
 
 V. 8, 9. The sons of Aaron, when they had been washed 
 with water, needed only to be arrayed with the garments 
 prescribed for them ; for they were not anointed on the head 
 with the sacred oil, which was peculiar to the high-priest. 
 The words rendered “ consecrate,” literally mean fill the 
 hands. Probably this was done by putting the sacrifice into 
 their hands, to be waved before the Lord. The ministers of 
 God have their hands filled, when they enter upon their office ;‘ 
 and will continue to have their hands full of work of one sort 
 or another, if they duly seek for it and attend to it : but far 
 ( 179 ) 
 
B. 0. 1491- 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B C. 1491. 
 
 8 And thou shalt bring °his sons, and put coats 
 upon them. 
 
 9 And thou shalt gird them* with girdles, (Aaron 
 and his sons,) and 'put the bonnets on them : and 
 Pthe priest’s office shall be theirs for a perpetual 
 statute :• and thou shalt hionsecrate Aaron and his 
 sons. 
 
 10 And thou shalt ^cause a bullock to be 
 brought before the tabernacle of the congrega- 
 tion: and Aaron and his sons shall r put their 
 hands upon the head of the bullock. 
 
 11 And s thou shalt kill the bullock before the 
 Lord, by the ‘door of the tabernacle of the con- 
 gregation. 
 
 12 And thou shalt take of “the blood of the bul- 
 lock, and put it upon “the horns of the altar with 
 thy finger, and rpour all the blood beside the bot- 
 tom of the altar. 
 
 13 And thou shalt take 'all the fat that covereth 
 the inwards, “and the *caul that is above the liver, 
 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon 
 them, and b burn them upon the altar. 
 
 14 But 'the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, 
 and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without 
 the camn : d it is a sin-offering. 
 
 15 U Thou shalt also take “one ram, and Aaron 
 and his sons shall fput their hands upon the head 
 of the ram. 
 
 16 And sthou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt 
 take his blood, and sprinkle it round about upon 
 the altar. 
 
 o 28:40,41. Lev. 8:13. • Hcb.ilmi. p28:l. Num. 16:10,35,40. 18:7. Hcb. 5:4, 
 5,10. 7:11—14. 1 heb. fill the hand of. 28:41.32:29. marg. Lev. 8:26— 28. Heb. 
 7:23—28. ql. r 15,19. Lev. 1:4. 3:2.8:14,18. 16:21. Is. 53:6. 2 Cor. 5:21. 
 e Lev. 1:4,5. 8:15. 9:8,12. t See on 4. Lev. 1:3. u Lev,. 8:15. 9:9. 16:14,18,19. 
 Heb. 9: 13,14,22. 10:4. x 27:2. 30:2. 38:2. y Lev. 4:7,18,25,30,34. 5:9. 9:9. 
 z 22. Lev. 3:3,4,9,10,14—16. 4:8,9,26,31,35. 6:12. 7:3,31. Ps. 21:14. Is. 1:11. 
 34:6.43:24. a Lev. 8:16,25. 9:10,19. t Or, midriff, b 18,25. Lev. 1 :9, 15. 16: 
 25. 17:6. Num. 18:17. lSam.2:16. c Lev. 4: 1 1,12,21 . 8:17. 16:27. Heb. 13:11 
 —13. d 30:10. Lev. 4:3,25,29,32. 5:6,8. 6:25. 9:2. 16:3,11. Num. 7:16. 2 Chr. 
 
 more covet the emolument or honour of the ministry, than its 
 work. Indeed, the case is the same with all Christians : 
 each may have his hands filled with work, if his heart be 
 disposed to do it. ( Mark 13:34.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. “Putting the hands on the head” of the sin- 
 offering, not only implied the surrender of it as an oblation to 
 God; but also, and especially, it denoted a confession of guilt, 
 which was thus typically transferred to the sacrifice that it 
 might be expiated by it ; so that, the priests thus acknowledged 
 themselves deserving of death, and that they could not offer 
 sacrifices for others, unless the Lord first accepted their sin- 
 offering, and forgave their transgressions. — Moses, as priest 
 on this extraordinary occasion, slew the several sacrifices; 
 though in ordinary cases the offerers themselves might slay 
 them. (Notes, Lev. 1:4 — 9.) 
 
 V . 12 When Moses had slain the bull for a sin-offering, 
 he was lequired to apply part of the blood with his finger to 
 the four horns of the altar of burnt-offering; and then to pour 
 all the remainder at the bottom of it, where no doubt there 
 was a trench, by which whatever was redundant might be 
 carried off. Thus the altar itself must first be sanctified , by 
 sacrifice and blood, before it could sanctify the gift : for every 
 creature of God on earth has been so polluted by man’s sin, 
 that none is meet to be set apart for his immediate service, 
 till purged with blood : and all the ministrations of sinners are 
 so defiled, that the best would condemn them, even their 
 most solemn sacrifices, unless sprinkled with the blood of 
 Christ. This was evidently intended to teach the Israelites 
 the holiness of God, the defiling nature of sin, their own sin- 
 fulness, and their need of the promised Saviour, who should 
 “ take away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” 
 
 V. 13, 14. According to the law of the sin-offering, after- 
 wards given, (Notes, Lev. 4:4 — 11.) all the fat of this bull 
 was directed on this occasion, as by anticipation, to be burnt 
 on the altar ; but the flesh, skin, and dung, were to be burned 
 with a strong fire , (the word is altered,) without the camp. 
 It should be observed, that the fat, which the Israelites 
 always burnt, on the altar, was not what is blended with the 
 flesh in every part of the body ; but the suet and loose inward 
 fat. When an animal is opened, the several intestines appear 
 covered with fat, which forms an integument both suited to 
 keep them separate, and to preserve a proper warmth. These 
 integuments, and the suet with the kidneys covered by it, are 
 evidently meant in all the passages in which this is instituted, 
 though learned men have differently explained the terms used 
 on the subject. — The flesh of the other sin-offerings, the blood 
 of which was not carried into the sanctuary, was eaten by 
 tiie priests: but this was the sin-offering of the priests, who 
 could neither bear nor atone for their own sins. In this inci- 
 pient state therefore of the Lcvitical priesthood, though the 
 blood was not carried into the holy place, (the high-priest 
 not being yet fully authorized to perform that service,) 
 Ihe flesh was burned without the camp as it was after- 
 ( 180 ) 
 
 17 And thou shalt cut the ram in pieces, and 
 h wash the inwards of him, and his legs, and put 
 them Sunto his pieces, and unto his head. 
 
 16 And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon 
 the altar : it is ‘a burnt-offering unto the Lord : 
 it is J a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 19 H And thou shalt take k the other ram, ‘and 
 Aaron and his sons shall put their hands upon the 
 head of the ram. 
 
 20 Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his 
 blood, and m put it upon the tip of the right ear of 
 Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his 
 sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and 
 upon the great toe of their right foot, and "sprin- 
 kle the blood upon the altar round about. 
 
 21 And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon 
 the altar, and of “the anointing oil, and sprinkle it 
 upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his 
 sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him : 
 and he Pshall be hallowed, and his garments, and 
 his sons, and his sons’ garments with him. 
 
 22 Also flthou shalt take of the ram the fat and 
 r the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, 
 and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys, 
 and the fat that is upon them, and s the right shoul- 
 der ; for it is a ram of consecration : 
 
 23 And ‘one loaf of bread, and one cake of oiled 
 bread, and one wafer, out of the basket of the 
 unleavened bread, that is before the Lord. 
 
 24 And thou shalt “put all in the hands of 
 
 29:24‘. Ezra 8:35. e 3: 19. Lev. 8:18— 21 . {SeeonlO. gSeeonl\,l2. h Lev. 
 1:9,13. 8:21. 9:14. Jer. 4:14. Matt. 23:26. 6 Or, upon, i Gen. 22:2,7,13. Lev. 
 9:24. 1 Sam. 7:9. lKings3:4. 18:38. Ps. 50:8. Is. 1 :11. Jer. 6:2(1. 7:21,22. Mark 
 12:33. Heb. 10:6— 10. j Gen. 8:21. Lev. 1:17. Eph. 5:2. Phil. 4:18. k 3. Lev. 
 8:22—29. 1 See on 10. m Lev. 14:14. Is. 50:5. Mark 7:33. n Lev. 14:7,16. 16: 
 14,15,19. Is. 52:15. Heb. 9:19— 23. 10:22. 12:24. 1 Pel. 1:2. o 7. 30:25— 30. 
 Lev. 8:30. 14 15— 13,29. Ps. 133:2. Is. 11:2— 5. 61:1—3. it See on John 17:19. 
 Heb. 9:22. 10:29. q 13. Lev. 8:25- 27. r I.ev. 3:9. 7:3. 9:19. s Lev. 7:32,33. 
 9:21. 10:14. Num. 18:18. I 2,3. uLev.8:27. 
 
 wards appointed in respect of the sin-offerings for the high- 
 priest, congregation, or ruler, the blood of which was car- 
 ried into the holy place. — The word rendered “ sin-offer- 
 ing” is merely sin ; “ It is sin.” This implied, that it must 
 be treated with abhorrence and consumed by the fire, which 
 represented the justice of God, as if it were sin itself ; and 
 the expression helps to - explain the apostle’s energetic lan- 
 guage in the following passage, as also other similar passages 
 in the New Testament: “Christ was made Sin for us, who 
 knew no sin ; that we might be made the Righteousness of 
 God in him.” 
 
 V. 15 — 18. One of the rams, before-mentioned, was directed 
 to be offered as “ a burnt-offering” with the ceremonies in 
 that case prescribed. (Notes, Lev. 1:) Every sacrifice of 
 innocent useful animals, implied the sinfulness of the offerers, 
 and prefigured the vicarious sufferings of the Holy Jesus: the 
 priests therefore were required to lay their hands on the head of 
 the ram for a burnt-offering, and even on that of consecration, 
 (as well as on that of the young bull for a sin-offering,) 
 implying the translation of their guilt to the animal about to 
 be sacrificed. The whole of the blood was to be sprinkled 
 about the altar ; or as some suppose, poured on the altar round 
 about, to be consumed by the fire along with the flesh. The 
 entire animal, except the skin, being burnt, no separation 
 was made between the loose fat and the intestines ; but the 
 whole, being previously well cleansed, was laid, with the 
 flesh and the head, on the altar. In connexion with the typical 
 import, this sacrifice denoted the offerer’s profession of unre- 
 served devotedness, in body and soul, to the service of God, 
 according to the duties to which he was called. 
 
 V. 19 — 21. “The ram of consecration” was evidently a 
 sacrifice of peace-offering , though presented on a particular 
 occasion. (Notes, Iav. 3:) With reference to this occasion, 
 part of the blood was applied, not as that of the sin-offering 
 to the horns of the altar, but to Aaron and his sons; to the 
 tips of their right ears, the thumbs of their right hands, and 
 the great toes of their right feet : implying their obligation to 
 hearken diligently to the word of God, to do his work in the 
 best manner which they could, and to walk in his ways with 
 steady perseverance ; and also, that they could not do these 
 things acceptably, except through the atoning blood received 
 and applied by faith. Then part of the blood reserved upon 
 the altar, probably in a basin for that purpose, was mingled 
 with the holy anointing oil, and sprinkled on the garments 
 both of Aaron and his sons, to hallow them to the Lord. 
 ‘This may be looked upon as a lively representation of our 
 purification by the blood of Jesus Christ, and by*his Holy 
 Spirit.’ Bp. Patrick. Wc may add, that these always go 
 together. (Notes, Bom. 6:10 — 19. 12:1.) 
 
 V. 22 — 28. In ordinary pence-olfcfings of the herd, the fat 
 alone was burnt on the altar ; but of sheep tne rumps also, 
 which are often exceedingly large and fat in those countries; 
 and in this particular case, the tight shoulder, with a portion 
 
CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 B. C. 1191. 
 
 Aaron, and in the hands of his sons; and slialt 
 ’wave thein/or ’a wave-offering before the Loan. 
 
 25 And nhou shalt receive them of their hands, 
 and burn them upon the altar for a burnt-offering, 
 •for a sweet savour before the Lord ; it is “an 
 offering made by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 26 And thou shalt take the breast of the ram 
 of Aaron’s consecration, and wave it for a wave- 
 offering before the Lord : and it shall be thy 
 part. 
 
 27 And thou shalt sanctify b the breast of the 
 wave-offering, and the shoulder of the heave-of- 
 fering, which is waved, and which is heaved up 
 of “the ram of the consecration, even of that which 
 is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons. 
 
 28 And d it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’ by a 
 statute for ever, from the children of Israel: for it 
 is e an heave-offering: and it shall be an heave- 
 offering from the children of Israel, of ‘the sacri- 
 fice of their peace-offerings, even their heave- 
 offering unto the Lord. 
 
 29 IT And sthe holy garments of Aaron shall be 
 h his sons’ after him, to be ‘anointed therein, and 
 to be consecrated in them. 
 
 30 And 'that son, that is priest in his stead, 
 shall put them on k seven days when he cometh 
 into the tabernacle of the congregation to minis- 
 ter in the holy place. 
 
 31 H And thou shalt take ‘the ram of the con- 
 secration, and m seeth his flesh in the holy place. 
 
 32 And "Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh 
 
 • neb. shake to and fro. x 26,27. Lev. 7:30. 9:21. 10:14. y Lev. 7:23— 31 . 8:28. Ps. 
 99:6. z See on 18. a 41. Lev. 1.9.13.2:2,9,16. 3:3,5,9,11,14,16.7:5,25. 10:13. 1 Sam. 
 2:2S. b Lev. 7:31— 34 . 8:29 . 9:21. 10:15. Num. 6:20. 18:18,19. c'22,34. Lev.7:37. 
 8:28—31. <1 Lev. 7:32— 34. 10:14,15. Deut. 18:3. e27. Lev. 7:14. Num. 15:19,20. 
 18:24,28. 31.29,41. f Lev. 3: 7:11, &c. g 28:3,4. h Num. 20:26— 28. i 5-7.30:30. 
 40:15. Lev. 8:7 — 12. Num. 18:8. 35:25. | Heb. lie of his sons. Heb. 7:26. k 35. 
 12:15. Hen. 8:10,12. Lev. 8:33— 35. 12:2,3. 13:5. Josh. 6:14,15. Ez. 43:26. Acts 20: 
 6,7. 1 See on 27. m Lev. 8:31. 1 Sam. 2:13,15. Ez. 46:20—2-1. n 24:9—11. Lev. 
 10:12—14.0 2,3,23. p Lev. 10: 16-18. Ps. 22:26. John 6:53— 55. 1 Cor. 1 1 :24,26. 
 q Lev. 22:10—13. Num. 1:51. 3:10,38. 16:40. 18:4,7. r Num. 16:5. s 22:26,28. 
 
 of each part of the meat-offering, having been first put into 
 the hands of Aaron and his sons, to be waved by them, were 
 presented by Moses, as a burnt-offering to the Lord, and laid 
 on the altar wiih the fat. From this circumstance, the sacri- 
 fice was called w the ram of consecration,” or of fillings , as 
 the hands of Aaron and his sons were first filled with these 
 parts of it, before they were presented to God ; implying, that 
 they did not set themselves to work, but undertook their 
 sacred services by his express direction. The breast of the 
 ram having been waved by Moses himself, was allotted to 
 him, as priest, for his portion of the peace-offering. In other 
 instances, however, after Aaron and his sons had been fully 
 initiated in their office, both the right shoulder and the breast 
 of every peace-offering were allotted to the priests. — The 
 heaving these parts of the sacrifices upwards towards heaven, 
 and the waving of them to the right hand and left, or to the 
 four quarters of the globe, implied, that they were thus dedi- 
 cated to the God of heaven and of all the earth ; and were 
 then used by his priests as given by him to them : and per- 
 haps the right shoulder and the breast being thus presented, 
 might intimate, that the priests and offerers also should devote 
 themselves to the service of God, with all their power, and 
 with their whole heart. 
 
 Consecration. (26) D'N^Dn, from to he full , or to fill. 
 (Note, 8,9.) 
 
 V. 29, 30. On this occasion, another general law was 
 given, respecting the appointment of one of Aaron’s sons, at 
 his death, fjr his successor in the high priesthood ; who must 
 »e clothed in the sacred vestment of his father, that he might 
 be anointed and consecrated in them; and must put them on 
 reven days before he performed the peculiar functions of the 
 high-priest ; in order that he might be habituated to the dress, 
 and have time to learn what was necessary to a due perform- 
 ance of these sacred services. 
 
 V. 31 — 34. The remainder of the ram of consecration, 
 with that of the meat-offering, was to be eaten by the priests, 
 as their portion of their own peace-offering; but, as the occa- 
 sion was peculiar, they must eat it in the court of the taber- 
 nacle and not elsewhere, for none, even of their families, 
 might join with them in thus feasting before the Lord in his 
 courts; and the residue must be burned, and not be kept till 
 morning. In these particulars it was ordered differently from 
 most other peace-offerings. 
 
 V. 35 37. The consecration of Aaron and his sons was 
 to be continued for seven days, during which time a young 
 bull for a sin-offering, according to the form before esta- 
 blished, (Notes, 10—14.) was everyday offered for atonement, 
 (or rather atonements,) both for them and for the altar, which 
 must thus be c! earned, (or expiated, as the word signifies,) 
 and anointed, before it was fully consecrated as an altar. 
 Some expositors are of opinion, that these seven days for the 
 cleansing of the altar, were distinct from the seven days of 
 
 of the ram, "arid the bread that is in the basket, 
 by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 33 And they shall Peat those things, wherewith 
 the atonement was made, to consecrate and to 
 sanctify them : but ‘ia stranger shall not eat there- 
 of, because ‘they are holy. 
 
 34 And if aught of ‘the flesh of the consecra- 
 tions, or of the bread, remain unto the morning ; 
 then thou shalt ‘burn the remainder with fire : it 
 shall not be eaten, because it is holy. 
 
 35 And “thus slialt thou do unto Aaron, and to 
 his sons, “according to all things which [ have 
 commanded thee: kseven days shalt thou conse- 
 crate them. 
 
 36 And thou shalt offer “every day a bullock 
 for a sin-offering, for atonement : and thou shalt 
 “cleanse the altar, when thou hast made an atone- 
 ment for it, and thou shalt b anoint it to sanctify it. 
 
 37 Seven days thou shalt make an atonement 
 for the altar c and sanctify it : and d it shall he an 
 altar most holy: whatsoever toucheth the altar 
 shall be holy. 
 
 38 H Now this is that which thou shalt offer 
 upon the altar ; “two lambs of the first year, day 
 by day continually. 
 
 39 The one lamb thou shalt offer ' in the morn 
 ing ; and the other lamb thou shalt offer sat even. 
 
 40 And with the one lamb h a tenth-deal of flour 
 mingled with the fourth part of an ‘hin offheaten 
 oil : and the fourth part of an hin of wine for la 
 drink-offering. 
 
 112:10.16:19. Lev. 7:18,19. 8:32. 10:16. u 40:12— 15. Lev. 8:4, &c. x 39:42,43. 
 40:16. John 15:14. y 30,37. 40:13. Lev. 8:33. 14:8—11. z See on 10—14. Ez.43: 
 2.5,27. 45:18—20. Heb. 10:11. a Lev. 16:16—19,27. Heb. 9.22,23. b 30:26. 40: 
 9—11. Lev. 8:10,11. Num. 7:1. c 40:10. Dan. 9:24. <1 30:29. Malt. 23:17,19. 
 
 e Num. 28:3—8. 1 Chr. 16:40. 2 Chr. 2:4. 13:11. 31:3. Ezra 3:3. Dan. 9:21,27. 
 12:11. John 1:29. Heb. 7:27. 1 Pet. 1:19. Rev. 5:9—12. f 2 Kings 16:15. 2 Chr. 
 13:11. Ps. 5:3. 55:16,17. Luke 1:10. Acts 26:7. g See on 41. h 16:36. Num. 
 15:4,9. 28:5,13. i 30:24. Lev. 23:13. Num. 15:4. 28:14. Ez.4:ll. 45:24. 46:5,7, 
 1114. j Gen. 35:14. Lev. 23:13. Num. 6:15-17. 15:5,7,10,24 . 28:10,14,15,24. 
 29:16. Deut. 32:38. Is. 57:6. Ez. 20:28. 45:17. Joel 1:9,13. 2:14. Phil. 2:17. Gr. 
 
 consecrating the priests ; and that they preceded them, and 
 attended the erection of the sanctuary by Moses. And they 
 argue in favour of this opinion, that the purifying of the altar 
 must have preceded all sacrificing upon it; but that Moses 
 offered a burnt-offering and a meat-offering upon it, when he 
 placed it in the court of the tabernacle. (40:29.) The lan- 
 guage, however, here used, by no means admits of this con- 
 struction : as the bull for atonement was offered on each of 
 the days, in which Aaron and his sons were consecrated, 
 and with the blood of these very bulls the altar was expiated. 
 It seems evident that some things, in the first introduction of 
 the Levitical ceremonial, must necessarily have come short 
 of the exact regularity which it required when completed. 
 Moses had never been consecrated to the priesthood, as 
 Aaron was ; yet he acted as priest during this interval : and 
 can we wonder, if he sacrificed on the altar before it had 
 been fully dedicated ? When the burnt-offering was slain, 
 he would put the blood on the horns of the altar, or sprinkle 
 it round about ; and this would be a sufficient confession, that 
 all things, with which sinners have to do, need purging with 
 atoning blood, when used in the service of a just and holy 
 God. And when Aaron and his sons were consecrated, the 
 more solemn expiation or dedication of the altar was carried 
 on at the same time, and by the same sacrifices, from apply- 
 ing the blood of the first sin-offering to the horns of it, till it 
 was finished on the seventh day. Then it was made an altar 
 “most holy; whatsoever touched it should be holy.” None 
 but priests of Aaron’s family might approach it : from that 
 time Moses sacrificed no more, and every oblation presented 
 at it was “holy to the Lord.” 
 
 V. 38 — 41. When the priests had been fully consecrated, 
 and the altar sanctified, two lambs of the first year must be 
 offered daily, one in the morning, the other in the afternoon, 
 as a burnt-offering. This observance might never on any 
 account be omitted, whatever additional sacrifices were 
 appointed for the sabbaths and solemnities, or presented on 
 various occasions by the rulers, priests, or people ; for it 
 especially typified “the Lamb of God who taketh away the 
 sin of the world ;” the constant efficacy of his one all-suffi- 
 cient atonement ; and our continual need of it, in all our 
 approaches unto a holy God. It likewise taught the people, 
 that God must be worshipped every day continually, morning 
 and evening at least, with prayer, and praise, and thanks- 
 giving, and not only on sabbaths and solemn festivals : and 
 that this should be considered as a sacred feast, to which 
 they were admitted, and in which the Lord condescended to 
 meet with them. — To render this idea of communion with 
 God more familiar to their minds, the several particulars 
 requisite to a feast accompanied the sacrifice ; especially 
 bread and wine, in the form of a meat-offering and a drink- 
 offering. — The word rendered “ tenth-dea ,” means a tenth 
 that is, of an ephah, or about three quarts >f ? u ie-mea9iire 
 
 ( 181 j 
 
B L 1491 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 41 And the other lamb thou shalt k offer at even, 
 ard shalt do thereto according to the meat-offering 
 of the morning, and according to the drink-offer- 
 ing thereof, for a sweet savour, an offering made 
 by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 42 This shall he a 'continual burnt-offering 
 •hroughout your generations, at the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, before the Lord ; 
 "“where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee- 
 
 43 And there I will meet with fche children of 
 Israel, and ‘the tabernacle shall be "sanctified by 
 my glory. 
 
 44 And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the 
 congregation, and the altar : I will "sanctify also 
 both Aaron and his sons, to minister to me in the 
 priest’s office. 
 
 45 And I will Pdwell among the children of 
 Israel, and will be their God. 
 
 46 And they shall know that “d am the Lord 
 their God, that brought them forth out of the 
 land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them : r I 
 am the Lord their God. 
 
 k 1 Kings 18:29,36. Ezra 9:4. Pa. 141:2. Ez. 46:13— 15. Dan. 9:21. 130:S.Num. 
 28:6. Dan. 8.11—13. 12:11. m 25:22. 30:6,36. Lev. 1:1. Num. 17:4. "Or, 
 Israel, n 40:31. I Kings 8:11. 2 Chr. 5:14. 7:1— 3. Is. 6:1— 3. 60:1. Ez.43:5. 
 Hag. 2:7— 9. Mai. 3:1. 2 Cor. 3:18. 4:6. 1 John 3:2. Rev. 21:22,23. o Lev. 21: 
 15. 22:9,16. John 10:36. Rev. 1:5,6. p 15:17. 25:8. Lev. 26:12. Ps. 68:18. Zech. 
 2:10. John 14:17,23. 2 Cor. 6:16. Eph.2:22. Rev. 21:3. q See on 20:2. Jer. 31:33. 
 
 being the same as an omer. A hin contained the sixth part 
 of an ephah, or about five quarts wine-measure. So that 
 about three quarts of fine flour, mixed up with a quart and 
 half & pint of the very best oil, was morning and evening 
 burned upon the altar, along with the lamb of the daily sacri- 
 fice ; and a quart and half a pint of wine was poured as a 
 libation upon it. The whole of this oblation, both in its 
 typical import, as an act of solemn worship, and as denoting 
 the gracious communion of the Lord with his people, was “ a 
 sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord.” 
 ( Marg . Ref. Note , Gen. 8:20—22.) 
 
 V. 42 — 46. The continual burnt-offering must be sacri- 
 ficed nowhere except at the door of the tabernacle. The 
 word rendered u the congregation,” here, and in very many 
 places, undoubtedly refers to the Lord’s meeting with the 
 people , and not to their assembling together at the tabernacle : 
 for the reason of the name is expressly and particularly 
 shown. So long as the atoning sacrifice was daily offered, 
 the Lord promised to meet his people at the tabernacle in 
 mercy. There he intended to meet Moses, and deliver to 
 him, doubtless in an audible voice, all the remaining parts of 
 the law. And there he would likewise meet Israel, and the 
 nation (rather than the tabernacle , marg.) should be sanctified. 
 as a holy people, by the Lord’s glory manifested to them and 
 put upon them. Thus he would likewise sanctify the taber- 
 nacle, the altar, and the priests, by his glorious presence, and 
 by especially appropriating them to his own worship, that he 
 might dwell among the children of Israel, as their King, their 
 Protector, and their God; communicating all blessings to 
 them, and accepting their persons and services, through these 
 institutions ; which were shadows of the good things to come, 
 by which all the true Israel of God are indeed sanctified as his 
 redeemed people, that he may dwell among them, as the 
 Lord their God, for evermore. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Blessed be God, our High-Priest is not altogether like the 
 high-priests of the family of Aaron. — He indeed is solemnly 
 set apart to his office, and has “ his hands filled *n*' he has 
 the interest of all his people to maintain, and the/r cause to 
 plead ; and all power and authority in heaven anil earth are 
 £iven unto him for that purpose: he is also clothed with ma- 
 jesty and honour, and has not only the holy anointing, but 
 the fulness of the Spirit treasured up in him. He however 
 needed not to offer any sacrifices for himself; and by one 
 single sacrifice he hath fully atoned for all the sins of all his 
 people, through all generations, and opened for them the gates 
 of heavenly felicity. There could be no occasion, in his 
 case, to prescribe rules for the appointment, of his successor : 
 because “he hath an unchangeable priesthood, seeing he 
 ever Iiveth to make intercession for us.” Yet is he at the 
 same time, our Sin-offering, our Peace, our Altar, yea, our 
 true Tabernacle, in which “dwelleth all (he fulness of the 
 Godhead bodily.” — Here the righteous Lord meets, and 
 blesses, and sanctifies his people by his glory; and there they 
 meet him, and present themselves as living sacrifices, while 
 they offer him “the fruit of their lips, giving thanks to his 
 name.”— “ Truly,” may every real Christian say, “our fel- 
 lowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 
 But are we of that number ? Do wo wash our souls, as hum- 
 ble penitents, “in the Fountain which he hath opened for 
 sin and for uncleanness?” Do we present ourselves to God, 
 day by day, arrayed in the priestly garments of Christ’s 
 righteousness, trusting only in his merits, and not at all in our- 
 selves or in our services, for acceptance with God? Are we 
 anointed with the unction of the Holy Spirit, purifying our 
 hearts from the love of sin, and shedding abroad in them the 
 l 1 '32 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Directions concerning the altar of incense, 1 —10 ; the half shclccl of ran. 
 som-money , 11 — 16 ; the brazen laver , 17 — 21 ; the holy anointing oil , 22— 
 33 ; and the incense , 34 — 38. 
 
 A ND thou shalt make “an altar to burn incense 
 upon : of shittim-wood shalt thou make it. 
 
 2 A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a 
 cubit the breadth thereof, four-square shall it be; 
 and two cubits shall be the height thereof: b the 
 horns thereof shall be of the same. 
 
 3 And thou shalt "overlay it with pure gold, 
 the ’top thereof, and the 'sides thereof rouna 
 about, and the horns thereof : and thou shalt make 
 unto it a crown of gold round about. 
 
 4 And two golden d rings shalt thou make to it 
 under the crown of it, by the two 'corners thereof, 
 upon the two sides of it shalt thou make it ; and 
 they shall be for places for the staves to bear it 
 withal. 
 
 5 And thou shalt make the “staves of shitiim- 
 wood. and overlay 'them with gold. 
 
 6 And thou shalt put it before the 'veil, that is 
 by the ark of the testimony ; before g the mercy- 
 
 r Lev. 11:44. 18:30. 19:2. Ez. 20:5. a 37:25— 28. 40.5. Lev. 4:7,18. 1 Kinps 6: 
 20 2 Chr. 26:16. Rev. 8:3. b See on 27:2. c25:ll,24. • Heb. roof, t Heb. 
 
 walls, d 25:12,14,27. 26:29. 27:4,7. 1 Heb.riie. e 25:13,27. 1 26:31—35.40: 
 3,5,26. Mall. 27:51. Heb. 9:3,4. g 25:21,22. Lev. 16:13. 1 Chr.28:ll. Heb. 4: 
 16. 9:5. 
 
 love of God ? Do we, as confessing our sins and exercising 
 faith, lay our hands upon the head of the great Sacrifice ? 
 And are our hearts and “ consciences purged, by his blood, 
 from dead wdrks to serve the living God ;” and our bodies 
 presented, not as a burnt-offering, but as a living sacrifice, 
 holy and acceptable to God ; whilst the members of them, 
 which once were instruments of unrighteousness unto sin, 
 are now made instruments of righteousness unto him? Do 
 we maintain daily communion with him, presenting our morn- 
 ing and evening sacrifice of secret and family worship, accept- 
 able through the atonement of “ the Lamb of God, who 
 taketh away the sin of the world ?” And are our hands filled 
 with his work, and our time and talents offered to the Lord 
 as a wave-offering, and improved to his glory ? Is this the 
 sincere intention and desire of our hearts, all the day long? 
 Alas ! how little do the most of professing Christians know ot 
 this spiritual consecration unto God through Christ Jesus ! 
 yet all else is but the name and the form: this, and nothing 
 less than this, is the religion of the “royal priesthood, the 
 holy nation, the peculiar people, whom he hath called out of 
 darkness into marvellous light, to show forth his praise.” Let 
 us not then rest in any thing short of it, hut press forward to 
 this mark : then will God speak to us in his word, meet us in 
 his ordinances, make himself known to us as our God and 
 Saviour, and fill our hearts with his holy consolations. 
 
 NOTES —Chap. XXX. V. 1— 6. The altar of incense 
 was -made, like the ark of the covenant, of shittim-wood 
 covered with plates of gold. It was something more than half 
 a yard square, and above a yard in height ; and from the four 
 corner posts arose four horns y or pinnacles , which were 
 covered with plates of gold. It was surrounded on the top 
 with a cornice of solid gold, underneath which were placed 
 two golden rings, probably on two opposite corners, for the 
 conveniency of carrying it on staves, during the marches of 
 Israel in the wilderness, and afterwards when removed to 
 different places in Canaan. — This altar, and the incense burned 
 on it, typified the Son of God, in our nature, making inter- 
 cession for us ; as the altar of burnt-offering and its oblations 
 typified his sacrifice. The former was therefore placed within 
 the sanctuary, the latter in the court without ; for his sacri- 
 fice was offered on earth, his intercession is in heaven. But 
 it was not put in the most holy place ; because the continual 
 intercession of Christ was represented by the other priests, 
 as well as the high-priest, daily burning incense upon it morn- 
 ing and evening. It was therefore placed without the veil, but 
 nearer to it than the tabic or the candlestick ; and in the centre 
 of the tabernacle, directly over against the ark, except as the 
 veil was between. 
 
 V. 7, 8. Aaron alone is here mentioned as burning in- 
 cense on the altar : but it is generally agreed, that not only 
 succeeding high-priests, but also the ordinary priests in theii 
 courses, performed this service. ( Notes , Luke 1:5 — 10.) 
 
 When Aaron or his sons had offered the morning sacrifice, 
 one of them went into the tabernacle, and on that occa ion 
 he trimmed and ordered the lamps for the day, and perhaps 
 cleansed and burnished the candlestick : ho also burned 
 incense on the golden altar, while the peoplo were offering 
 their prayers without. In the evening likewise, when (he 
 lamb nad been sacrificed, the priest again entered the sanc- 
 tuary, and both lighted the lamps and burned incense on the 
 altar. — It is probable, that no more than one priest at a time 
 entered the sanctuary to burn incense: and that if the high- 
 priest were present, and had no impediment, he performed 
 this service, at h ast in the first ages of the church of Israel. 
 As the oil might be nearly burned out, and perhaps some of 
 the lamps extinguished ; it is here called lighting the lumps; 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. B. C. 149» 
 
 scat, that is over the testimony, where h I will meet 
 with thee. 
 
 7 And Aaron shall burn thereon "sweet incense 
 every morning : when he 'dresseth the lamps he 
 shall burn incense upon it. 
 
 8 And when Aaron dighteth the lamps tat even, 
 he shall burn incense upon it ; k a perpetual in- 
 cense before the Lord, throughout your genera- 
 tions. 
 
 9 Ye shall offer no 'strange incense thereon, nor 
 burnt-sacrifice, nor meat-offering ; neither shall 
 ye pour drink-offering thereon. 
 
 10 And m Aaron shall make an atonement upon 
 the horns of it once in a year, with the blood of 
 "the sin-offering of atonements : once in the year 
 shall he make atonement upon it, throughout your 
 generations : it is most holy unto the Lord. 
 
 11 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saving, 
 
 12 When thou “takest the sum of the children 
 
 of Israel, after Hheir number ; then shall they 
 give every man Pa ransom for his soul unto the 
 Lord, when thou numberest them : that there be 
 ino plague among them, when thou numberest 
 them. 1 
 
 13 This they shall give every one that passeth 
 among them that are numbered ; half a shekel, 
 after the shekel of the sanctuary : ( r a shekel is 
 twenty gerahs :) s an half shekel shall be the offer- 
 ing of the Lord. 
 
 14 Every one that passeth among them that are 
 numbered, 'from twenty years old and above, shall 
 give an offering unto the Lord. 
 
 15 The "rich shall not "give more, and the poor 
 shall not "give less than half a shekel, when they 
 
 h 36. 29:42,43. Num. 17:4. * Heb. incense of spices. 34 — 38. i 27:20. ISam. 
 2:28.3:3. 1 Chr. 23:13. Luke 1 :9. Acts 6:4. f Or, eettetk up. Heb. cause th 
 to ascend. J Heb . between the two evens. 12 ;6. marg. k Rom. 8:34. 1 Thes. 
 5:17. Heb. 7:25. 9:24. 1 Lev. 10:1. m 29:36,37. Lev. 16:29,30. 23:27. Heb. 1:3. 9: 
 22,23. n Lev. 16:5,6. o 38:25,26. Num. 1 :2— 5. 26:2— 4. 2 Sam. 24:2. $,Heb.tkem 
 that are to be numbered, p Num. 31:50. 2 Chr. 24:6. Job 33:24 . 36:18. Ps. 49: 
 7. Matt. 20:28. Mark 10:45. 1 Tim. 2:6. 1 Pet. 1:18,19. q 2 Sam. 24:13,15. 
 
 I Chr. 21:12,14. 27:24. r Lev. 27:25. Num. 3:47. Ez. 45:12. s38:26. Matt. 17: 
 24. Gr. t Num. 1:3,18,23. 14:29 . 26:2. 32:11. u Job 34:19. Prov. 22:2. Eph. 
 
 and as Aaron and his sons were directed to “order them 
 from evening to morning,” we cannot suppose that they left 
 them from the time of the evening sacrifice to the ensuing 
 morning; but that the priest, whose office it was to burn 
 incense, ordered them at that time, and that some other of 
 the priests, in rotation, tended them during the rest of night. 
 
 ( Note , 27:20,21.) — The daily sacrifices represented the per- 
 petual efficacy of Christ’s atonement, and the burning of 
 incense morning and evening typified his continual interces- 
 sion for us ; while the dressing and lighting of the lamps pre- 
 figured the preaching of the word, which could only be rendered 
 effectual by that intercession, bringing down a blessing, in 
 answer to the prayers of his people. — As no grate is men- 
 tioned in this altar, nor any thing said about cleaning it, 
 expositors generally think, that a censer with coals was placed 
 on it when incense was burnt. 
 
 V. 9, 10. Nothing except the incense afterwards de- 
 scribed, might be offered on the golden altar: but once every 
 year, on the great day of atonement, the high-priest must 
 apply to the horns of it the blood of the sin-offering ; to show 
 that all the services performed at it needed purging with 
 blood, to be accepted by a holy God. This denoted that the 
 intercession of Christ in heaven derives all its efficacy from 
 his sufferings on earth ; and that we need no other sacrifice 
 or intercessor but Christ only. 
 
 V. 11 — 16. The Israelites were twice numbered in the 
 days of Moses, by divine command ; and doubtless on both 
 these occasions this law was observed. (Marg. Ref. o.) 
 Indeed, the collecting of the half shekel, if exactly done, 
 would itself be equivalent to numbering them. — Women and 
 minors were exempted from the tax, not being numbered ; 
 and so were the Levites, as it is manifest from comparing the 
 number of those who paid the tax, with the sum total of the 
 congregation, besides the Levites. (38:26. Num. 1:46,47.) 
 Indeed it is probable, that the old men, who were incapable 
 of war, were also exempted. (Num. 1:42,45.) The shekel 
 of the sanctuary, where the standard weight was kept, was 
 nearly half an ounce troy-weight; so that the sum paid by 
 each person was about fifteen pence. — This silver was at 
 that time used for the sockets of the sanctuary, and for hooks 
 lor the curtains, and for plates, to fillet or cover the chapiters 
 of the pillars round the court. (Note, 38:20—28.) But it is 
 probable, a similar assessment was made as often as neces- 
 sary, being the same as was demanded of our Lord : ( Note, 
 Matt. 17:24—27.) and it was in general expended in pur- 
 chasing sacrifices, wood, arid other things, for the service of 
 the sanctuary ; or perhaps in repairs. Other contributions 
 were voluntary, and proportioned to the ability or liberality 
 of the offerer , but this was the ransom of the souls or lives 
 
 give an offering unto the Lord, to make *an 
 atonement for your souls. 
 
 16 And thou shalt take the atonement-money 
 of the children of Israel, and shalt ^appoint it ftv 
 the service of the tabernacle of the congregation , 
 that it may be z a memorial unto the children of 
 Israel before the Lord, to make an atonement fo 
 your souls. 
 
 17 11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying 
 
 18 Thou shalt also make a a laver of brass, and 
 his foot also of brass to wash ivithal : and thou 
 shalt b put it between the tabernacle of the con 
 gregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water 
 therein. 
 
 19 For Aaron and his sons shall 'wash their 
 hands and their feet thereat. 
 
 20 When they go into the tabernacle of the 
 congregation, they shall wash with water, that 
 they d die not : or when they come near to the 
 altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, 
 that they die not ; and it shall be e a statute for 
 ever to them, even to him, and to his seed through- 
 out their generations. 
 
 22 H Moreover the Lord spake unto Moses, 
 saying, 
 
 23 Take thou also unto f thee principal spices, 
 of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet 
 cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and 
 fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred 
 and fifty shekels, 
 
 24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after sthe 
 shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil-olive an h hin. 
 
 6:9. Col. 3:25. || H eb. multiply. H Heb .diminish, x Lev. 17:11. Num. 31; 
 
 50. 2 Sam. 21:3. y 38:25— 31. Neh. 10:32,33. z See on 12:14. Num. 16:40. 
 Luke 22:19. a 31:9. 38:8. Lev. 8:11. 1 Kings 7:23,38. 2 Chr. 4:2,6,14,15. Zerh. 
 13:1. Tit. 3:5. Gr. 1 John 1:7. b 40:7,30- 32. c 40:31,32. Pa. 26:6. Is. 52:11. 
 John 13:8—10. 1 Cor. 6:9—11. Tit. 3:5. Heb. 9:10. 10:22. Rev. 1:5,6. d 12:15. 
 Lev. 10:1— 3. 16:1,2. 1 Sam. 6:19. I Chr. 13:10. Ps.89:7. Acts 5:5,10. Heb. 12: 
 28,29. e 28:43. f 37:29. Pa. 45:8. Prov. 7:17. Cant. 1:3,13. 4:14. Jer. 6:20, 
 Ez. 27:19,22. g Num. 3:47. Ez. 45:12. h 29:40. Lev. 19:36. Num. 15:5. 
 
 of the people, and the same sum was paid by every man, 
 whether rich or poor ; and if they refused to pay it, they could 
 have no interest in the sacrifices, and might expect to be 
 visited with the plague for their contempt. Some think that 
 David’s offence, in numbering the people, was enhanced, by 
 his neglecting to raise this capitation tax. (Notes, 2 Sam. 
 24:) — The law implied that the souls of all are of equal value, 
 equally forfeited, and equally in need of a ransom; Christ is 
 equally proposed to all who hear the gospel, and all believers 
 have an equal interest in him; but, without this interest in 
 him, we can have no benefit from his sacrifice ; and, instead 
 of ransom for our souls, may expect additional vengeance for 
 neglecting so great salvation. And though we can add 
 nothing to the all-sufficient atonement of Christ, which is 
 freely given without money and without price, to all who 
 believe in him ; yet we may, by our worldly substance, assist 
 in maintaining the expenses of religious ordinances, which are 
 memorials to us of the atonement made for our souls. 
 
 V. 18 — 21. The laver of brass was a large cistern, pro- 
 bably circular, in which was continually kept a quantity of 
 water ; and perhaps the foot was a circular vessel which 
 received the water out of the cistern, by several cocks or spouts, 
 for immediate use. For the priests, though washed at their 
 consecration, were commanded, on pain of death, to wash 
 their hands and feet every time they officiated, or at least 
 every day ; which intimated the continual guilt which they 
 contracted in their daily employments and converse with the 
 world. (Note, John 13:6 — 11.) But, besides this use, much 
 water would be wanted for washing the sacrifices, the vessels, 
 and other things about the sanctuary, in order to preserve 
 the court clean and sweet, when so many animals were 
 slaughtered, so much blood sprinkled and poured out, and so 
 much fat and flesh consumed on the altar.— The laver was 
 placed nearer to the door of the sanctuary than the altar was ; 
 and the Levites replenished it as often as it was necessary. 
 
 V. 22 — 33. The several spices here mentioned, being 
 
 the very best of those kinds, which were most highly valued 
 at that time, and amounting in all to a hundred and twenty 
 pounds troy-weight, with about five quarts of oil of olive 
 added to them, doubtless of the purest sort, were formed into 
 a rich and highly aromatic ointment, or oil, according to the 
 methods used by the makers of unguents or perfumes. It. is 
 generally supposed that it still continued a liquid, and that 
 the dreggy part of the spices was strained out of it. — With 
 this holy oil, all the furniture belonging to the sanc'uary was 
 anointed. It was poured on the head of Aaron and his 
 successors, when they were consecrated to the high priest, 
 hood: and, with the blood of the burnt-offoring, it was sprin- 
 kled on the garments both of the high-priests, and of the other, 
 ( 1S3) 
 
11. C. 1491, 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy oint- 
 ment, an ointment compound after the art of the 
 'apothecary : it shall be 'an holy anointing- oil. 
 
 26 And thou shalt k anoint the tabernacle of the 
 congregation therewith, and the ark of the testi- 
 mony, 
 
 27 And the table and all his vessels, and the 
 candlestick and his vessels, and the altar of in- 
 cense, 
 
 28 And the altar of burnt-offering with all his 
 vessels, and the laver and his foot. 
 
 29 And thou shalt sanctify them, that thev may 
 be most holy : 'whatsoever toucheth them shall be 
 holy. 
 
 30 And thou shalt m anoint Aaron and his sons, 
 and "consecrate them, that they may minister unto 
 me in the priest’s office. 
 
 31 And thou shalt speak unto the children of 
 Israel, saying, This shall be °an holy anointing oil 
 unto me, throughout your generations. 
 
 32 Upon Pman’s flesh shall it not be poured, 
 neither shall ye make any other like it, after the 
 composition of it : it is holy, and it shall be holy 
 unto you. 
 
 33 Whosoever ‘■compoundeth any like it, or 
 whosoever putteth any of it upon r a stranger, shall 
 even be "cut off from his people. 
 
 34 H And the Lord said unto Moses, Take 
 ‘•unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and 
 
 • Or, perfum-r. 1 Chr. 9:30. i Num. 35:25. Pa. 89:20. 133:2. Ilcb. 1:9. k40:9— 
 15. Lev. 8:10—12. Num. 7:1,10. Is. 61:1 AcU 10:38. 2 Cor. 1:21,22. 1 John 2:20, 
 27. 129:37. Lev. 6:13. Malt. 23:17,19. m 29:7. 40:15. Lev. 8:12 30. Num. 3:3. 
 n See on 28:3. 29:9,35. o 37:29. Lev. 8:12. 21:10. Pa. 89:20. p Lev. 21:10. 
 Malt. 7:6. q Luke 12.1,2. Heb. 10:26— 29. r 29:33. a 12:15,19. Gen. 17:14. 
 Lev. 7:20,21. 17:4,9. 19:8. 23:29. Nam. 9:13. t25:6. 37:29. u Lev. 2:1,15. 5: 
 
 riests, when admitted to their office. The anointing with 
 this holy oil especially completed the consecration of the 
 riests, and the dedication of the sanctuary and its furniture, 
 as most holy ; and therefore it must not be used for any com- 
 mon purposes, or made by any other person, on peril of 
 death. — It is indeed generally supposed that the kings of 
 Judah were by the Lord’s express appointment anointed 
 with it: for it is reasonable to conclude, in opposition to 
 Jewish traditions, that it was made, under the inspection of 
 tjie high-priest, as often as it was wanted, which would 
 frequently be the case in successive generations. This 
 6acred oil or ointment typified the Holy Spirit, especially 
 as given to our great High-Priest without measure; and all 
 his personal and mediatorial excellencies, as the u well 
 beloved Son, in whom the Father is well pleased,” and 
 whose name is to the believer’ u as ointment poured forth.” 
 It also intimated, that u if any man have not the Spirit of 
 Christ, he is none of his,” notone of his holy priesthood; and 
 that we cannot attend on any divine ordinance, or officiate in 
 any sacred service, acceptably or usefully, without his sanc- 
 tifying influences. — The concluding prohibition reminds us, 
 that hypocrisy which counterfeits, and profaneness which 
 ridicules, the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit, brings swift 
 destruction on the guilty ; and, in general, that Christ himself, 
 and his holy gospel, are u a savour of death” to unbelievers. 
 (Note, 2 Cor. 2:14—17.) 
 
 V. 34 — 38. The spices, or gums, of which this perfume , 
 or incense , (for so the word is'elsewhere rendered,) was com- 
 posed, are not all certainly known ; because some of the 
 words are seldom used in Scripture. — The stacte is supposed 
 by the most approved commentators to have been the purest 
 part of myrrh : and the onycha , an odoriferous shell, though 
 some think it was the gum called Ladanum. The galbanum 
 is thought to have been of a different sort from the gum called 
 now by that name, the smell of which is very disagreeable. 
 The frankincense is well known. — The word, rendered tem- 
 pered together , signifies salted: (marg.) and it is supposed, 
 that salt was mingled with the other ingredients ; as indeed 
 it was used in every oblation. This incense being beaten 
 small, was placed within the sanctuary, probably on the table ; 
 that it might be ready for the priests to take and burn on the 
 .golden altar, before the testimony , or ark, as nothing but the 
 veil interposed : (Note, 1 — 6.) for this daily burning of incense 
 within the sanctuary was as necessary, in order to Israel’s 
 communion with God, as the daily sacrifices on the altar of 
 burnt-offering. — Let the attentive reader compare the lan- 
 guage used on these subjects, with the account of the giving 
 of the moral law from mount Sinai; and study the difference, 
 betweeo a sinner meeting God as a Lawgiver and a Judge, 
 and his coming before him on u ? throne of grace,” as a God 
 of salvation, through the atonement and intercession of the 
 great High-Priest of our profession. But they, who corrupt 
 or pervert the doctrine of free mercy, to gratify their own 
 carnal and sensual inclinations, and they who constitute other 
 .intercessors, alike violate the spirit of the annexed prohibition. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 If men do not wilfully shut their eyes to the things which 
 
 ( 1S4 ) 
 
 galbanum ; these »weet spices with pure “frank- 
 incense : of each shall there be a like weight. 
 
 35 And thou shalt make it a '‘perfume, a con- 
 fection after the art of the apothecary, 'tempered 
 together pure and holy. 
 
 36 And thou shalt beat some of it very small, 
 and put of it before nhe testimony in the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, Hvhere I will meet with 
 thee : it shall be unto you most holy. 
 
 37 And as for the perfume which thou shalt 
 make, a ye shall not make to yourselves according 
 to the composition thereof: b it shall be unto thee 
 holy for the Lord. 
 
 38 Whosoever shall make like unto that, to 
 smell thereto, shall even "be cut off from his 
 people. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Dezaleel and Aholiab are appointed and qualified to erect the tabernacle, and 
 make the sacred furniture , 1—11. The observance of the sabbath is enforced , 
 12 — 17. The tables of the law are delivered to Moses , 18. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying. 
 
 2 See, a I have called by name b Bezaleel the 
 son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe ol 
 Judah. 
 
 3 And I have "filled him with the Spirit of God, 
 in wisdom, and in understanding, and in know- 
 ledge, and in all manner of workmanship. 
 
 4 To d devise cunning works, to work in gold, 
 and in silver,’ and in brass, 
 
 II. 24:7. 1 Chr. 9:29. Neh. 13:5. Canl. 9:6. Matt. 2:11. x Prov. 27:9. Caul. 1: 
 3. 3:6. John 12:3. t Heb. sailed. Lev. 2:13. y See on 16:34. z6. 25:22. 29. 
 
 42,43. Lev. 16:2. a 32,33. b 29:37. Lev. 2:3. c See on 33. a 33:12,17. 35:30. 
 Mark3:16— 19. John 3:27. b 37:1 . 1 ( hr. 2: 19,20. c 35:31 . Is. 28:6, 26. 1 Cor. 
 12:4—11. d 25:32— 35. 26:1. 28:15. 1 Kings 7:14. 2 Chr. 2:7,13,14. 
 
 are written in the word of God, they cannot but see in these 
 ceremonial institutions, compared with the New Testament, 
 that Jesus Christ is the grand Subject of the Scriptures ; and 
 the sum of all true religion, as u made of God unto us, 
 Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption.” 
 To assert that the language of the New Testament con- 
 cerning his priesthood, oblation, entrance into the holiest, 
 and intercession for his people, were accommodations to these 
 Old Testament rites, is to suppose that, in building the spi- 
 ritual temple, the all-wise Architect, without any previous 
 design, planned and formed a very intricate and unnecessary 
 scaffolding, and then erected the building for the sake, and 
 according to the pattern, of that scaffolding ! But u known 
 unto God are all Ins works from the beginning of the world.” 
 He first formed the plan of salvation in his own infinite mind, 
 then showed as much of it as was needful to Moses in the 
 mount; and according to it this scaffolding was formed, for 
 the sake of the intended building, which accordingly has since 
 been erected exactly answerable to it. — From this chapter 
 let us observe, that our duty, and our urgent wants call upon 
 us daily to approach our Creator and Benefactor, with our 
 thanksgivings and supplications ; but that we are not worthy 
 to draw nigh in our own name, or in any other way than 
 through the meritorious and prevailing intercession of the 
 Son of God. Though we are without on earth, and he is 
 ascended into heaven, and is out of our sight ; let us by faith 
 behold him, and realize him to our minds, as ever living to 
 receive and present our worship, perfumed with the sweet 
 incense of his intercession, before the Father’s mercy-seat 
 for acceptance. We must therefore not be slack, unfrequent 
 or doubtful in our supplications : nay, we should ask abundantly 
 and constantly, and expect copious blessings, that our joy may 
 be full, and our God be glorified. Blessed be his name, tho 
 Priest, the sacrifice, the incense, and anointing oil, are all 
 ready prepared to our hands, without any concurrence of 
 ours : but, if we know the value of this great salvation, wo 
 shall not grudge either time, labour, or expense, which the 
 maintaining, or attending on, divine ordinances may require ; 
 and it is to be feared that we have no interest in the sacrifice, 
 if we hesitate to contribute. Nor should we forget, that the 
 poor are as welcome to Christ as the rich; and the rich as 
 much in want of his ransom for their souls, as tho poor: for, 
 in this grand concern, no external distinctions make any 
 difference, and all are alike bound to express their valuation 
 of Christ and of his salvation. Even they who are washed, 
 in their first conversion, from the sins of their past lives, and 
 from prevailing sin in their hearts, have occasion for renewed 
 repentance, forgiveness, and grace, from day to day ; and 
 must still approach as sinners washed in the blood of Jesus, 
 anointed by the Spirit, and pleading the Saviour’s merits. 
 But let us beware of attempting to render a religious profes- 
 sion subservient to our secular interests; of treating heavenly 
 things with irreverence or contempt ; or of gratifying our 
 sinful inclinations under the pretence of Christian liberty: for 
 these are most dangerous and fatal perversions of tin gospel 
 of Christ. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXI. V. 1-5. I cm not N* si >- 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 5 And "in cutting of stones to set them , and in 
 carving of timber to work in all manner of work- 
 manship. 
 
 6 And I, behold, fl have given with him eAho- 
 liab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan : 
 and in the hearts of all that are h wise-hearted I 
 have put wisdom ; that they may make all that I 
 have commanded thee : 
 
 7 The 'tabernacle of the congregation, and the 
 k ark of the testimony, and the mercy-seat that is 
 thereupon, and all the ’furniture of the tabernacle,* 
 
 8 And 'the table and his furniture, and the 
 m pure candlestick with all his furniture, and "the 
 altar of incense, 
 
 9 And "the altar of burnt-offering with all his 
 furniture, and Hhe laver and his foot, 
 
 10 And sthe cloths of service, and the holy gar- 
 ments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of 
 his sons, to minister in the priest’s office, 
 
 11 And r the anointing oil, and ‘sweet incense 
 for the holy place : according to all that I have 
 commanded thee shall they do. 
 
 12 U And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 13 Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, 
 
 *23:9—21. f 4:14,1S. 6:26. Ezra 5:1,2. Ec. 4:9— 12. Matt. 10:2— 4. Luke 
 10:1. Acu 13:2. 15:39,40. 5 36:1. h28:3. 35:10,25,26. 36:8. 1 Kiees 3:12. 
 
 Jam. 1:5,16,17. i 26: 27:9— 19. 36:8—38. k25:I0— 22. 37:1—9. • Heb. ves- 
 
 S'la. 125:23— 30. 37:10— 16. m 25:31-40. 37:17— 24. 11 30:1— 10 . 37:25— 
 23. 0 27:1—8. 38:1—7. p30:18— 21. 38:8. 40:11. q 28: 39: Ler. 8:7,8,13. 
 
 Num.4:6— 14. r 30:23— 33. 37:29. s30:34— 38. t See on 20:8— 11. Lev. 19:3, 
 30. 23:3. 25:2. 11 17. Ez. 20:12,20. 44:24. a Lev. 20:8. 21:8. Ez. 37:28. John 
 
 posed that the Israelites, who had been employed as bond- 
 slaves in Egypt, were in general qualified for such curious 
 workmanship as had been described ; any more than that the 
 apostles, taken from their fishing-boats, and other low occu- 
 pations, were capable of speaking fluently and correctly in 
 the languages of all nations to whom they were commanded 
 to preach : but the same Spirit, who gave the apostles utter- 
 ance in divers tongues, miraculously endued the persons here 
 appointed with requisite skill, or exceedingly improved them 
 in it ; for they might have acquired some knowledge in par- 
 ticular branches of these ingenious arts, which are thought to 
 have been very successfully cultivated in Egypt, at this early 
 period. — Neither Moses, nor Aaron, nor any of Aaron’s sons 
 were appointed to this service : the honour already conferred 
 must suffice for them ; and if they attended to their proper 
 employment, they would find that also sufficient. Nor were 
 Moses’s sons appointed : for it was the Lord’s will that his 
 disinterestedness and divine legation, should appear illustrious 
 in the obscurity of his posterity! IfHurwas (as some think) 
 Miriam’s husband, and in consequence Bezaleel a distant 
 relation of Moses ; as the Lord expressly called him by name, 
 to preside in the whole business, all occasion of murmuring 
 was precluded. 
 
 V. 6. Aholiab was also expressly appointed to be assistant 
 to Bezaleel, and next under him, in this service : yet not only 
 to these two, but to many others, the Lord gave wisdom and 
 understanding, as well as a willing heart, to perform various 
 parts of the work, under their superintendency. — They were 
 not, however, allowed to exercise their ingenuity, in contriving 
 any decorations to embellish the sanctuary ; but merely to 
 devise how to execute the commands of God, with exactness, 
 readiness, and elegance. — Dan.] Huram, the principal work- 
 man in building Solomon’s temple, was “ the son of a woman 
 of the daughters of Dan.” (2 Chr. 2:13,14. 4:11 — 18. Note, 
 1 Kings 7:14.) 
 
 V. 8. Pure candlestick.] Thus called, because it was 
 made entirely of pure gold : and not merely overlaid with 
 gold, as other parts of the sacred furniture xvere. 
 
 V. 10. Cloths of service.] These are supposed to have 
 been the coverings, prepared for the sacred furniture, when 
 it xvas to be removed. ( Num . 4:6 — 14.) 
 
 V . 13 — 17. The injunction, to sanctify the sabbath, seems 
 to have been repeated and enlarged on at this time, to show 
 the people, that the sacred rest must not be interrupted, even 
 while they were employed in erecting the tabernacle. The 
 appointment of the weekly sabbath was a sign, or token, of 
 the Lord’s special favour to Israel. Their strict and constant 
 observance of it would not only distinguish them, as the wor- 
 shippers of God, who created the heavens and the earth in 
 six days and rested on the seventh, from all the surrounding 
 idolaters ; but, through successive generations, it would be a 
 sign of their covenant relation to him, and an important 
 means of bringing them more fully acquainted with his glo- 
 rious perfections, and of rendering them indeed a holy people 
 devoted to his service. It was therefore at this time expressly 
 made a part of the judicial law, that every Israelite should 
 hallow the Sabbath : if any one violated it, he must be put to 
 death by the magistrate, provided his crime were known; 
 and if he kept it secret, he might expect to be cut off by some 
 iHvine judgment. Other seasons were set apart, as a kind of 
 sabbath : but this was the principal ; “ a sabbath of rest, holy 
 to the Lord the public observance of which by the nation, 
 Vol. I.— 24 
 
 saying, ‘Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep : for it 
 is a "sign between me and you, throughout your 
 generations ; ‘that ye may know that I am the 
 Lord, that doth sanctify you. 
 
 14 Ye shall ^keep the sabbath therefore : for it 
 is holy unto you. ‘Every one that defileth it shall 
 surely be put to death : for whosoever "doeth any 
 work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among 
 his people. 
 
 15 b Six days may work be, done, but in the 
 seventh is "the sabbath of rest,’ f lioly to the Lord: 
 d wliosoever doeth any work in the sabbath-day, 
 he shall surely be put to death. 
 
 16 Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep 
 the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout 
 their generations, for e a perpetual covenant. 
 
 17 It is a sign between me and the children of 
 Israel forever: for inf six days the Lord made 
 heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he 
 rested, and «was refreshed. 
 
 18 tl And he h gave unto Moses, when he had 
 made an end of communing with him upon mount 
 Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, 
 written with ‘the finger of God. 
 
 17:17,19. 1 The*. 5:23. Jude 1. y Deut. 5:12— 15. Neh. 9:14. Is. 56:2— 6.58:13, 
 14. z Is. £6:2,6. £2.20:13,16,21,24. a 35:2,3. b 17. 16:26 . 34:21. Lev. 23:3. 
 Ez. 46:1. Luke 13:14. c 16:23. Lev. 23:3,32. Luke 23:56. Heb. 4:9. Gr. f Heb. 
 holiness, d Num. 15:32— 36. Jer. 17:24— 27. e Gen. 9:13. 17:11. Jer. 5U:5. 
 fGen. 2:2,3. Heb. 4:3.4,10. gGen.l:3l. Job 38:7. Ps. 104:31. Jer. 32:41. 
 h 24:12,18. 32:15,16. 34:1—4,28,29. Deul. 4:13. 5:22. 9:9—11. 2 Cor. 3:3. i 8 : 
 19. 32:16. Jer. 31:33. Malt. 12:28. Luke 11:20. 2 Cor. 3:7,8. 
 
 and the punishment of such as violated it, formed one condi- 
 tion of the national covenant throughout their generations. 
 For it was kept in honour of the Creator, who rested and 
 was refreshed , when he had completed his design : such satis- 
 faction did he take in that display of his glory ! Surely then 
 his worshippers ought to find refreshment and delight, in 
 contemplating his works, rendering him the tribute of adoring 
 and grateful praise, and performing the duties of that holy 
 day. 
 
 V. 18. After all the preceding laws and instructions 
 (which probably were given at different times,) when the 
 forty days of Moses’s continuance on the mount were nearly 
 ended, the Lord gave him the tables of stone before spoken 
 of, (24:12.) with the ten commandments written on them by 
 his own immediate power. They are here called the u two 
 tables of testimony because the laws written on them were 
 the substance of that will of God, which he testified to them ; 
 and likewise because, by giving this law to them, and by 
 placing it in the ark under the mercy-seat, from above which hie 
 displayed his glory, he testified his special favour to that nation, 
 and the way in which it would be continued to them. The 
 stones , on which the law of the ten commandments was writ- 
 ten, denoted its perpetual, unchangeable obligation ; in which 
 it differed from the other laws, which would after a time be 
 superseded. — By the finger of God , the Holy Spirit may be 
 meant, as the texts referred to show, ( Marg . Ref. i;) and 
 he writes this law in the hearts of all the spiritual children 
 of Israel, having prepared them for that purpose. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord confers his unmerited favours on whom he pleases : 
 but the honour which cometh from him is always attended 
 with a work to be done : and to be employed by him is indeed 
 the highest honour, and the noblest privilege. — Men are not 
 now called forth by name, as in the days of Moses : yet oUr 
 God generally marks out the persons whom he hath made 
 choice of, by endowing them with correspondent dispositions 
 and qualifications by his Spirit, and opening the way to their 
 work in his providence. We may indeed certainly know that 
 we are not appointed to any service, for which we continue 
 utterly unqualified. Yet there are cases, in which men are 
 unexpectedly and evidently called to situations, and engaged 
 in services, for which they are humbly conscious of being in 
 themselves wholly insufficient ; but they may depend upon 
 God to give them 41 the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and 
 knowledge” for their work, even af:er they are engaged in it; 
 if they simply seek his glory, do his will, and are employed 
 by him. He confers different gifts on different persons ; that 
 they may feel their need of each other, and receive mutual 
 benefit, as the members in the human body : let then each 
 person mind his proper work, and improve his own talents 
 diligently ; remembering that whatever wisdom any man pos- 
 sesses, the Lord hath put it into his heart, to the end that he 
 may do all his commandments. Let no one envy, despise, 
 intermeddle with, or depreciate, the gift or work of his bre- 
 thren : and let each “study to be quiet, and to do his own 
 business and to rejoice in the superior endowments of 
 others, without murmuring or disputing, or by ostentation 
 provoking their envy or resentment. — Every useful work is 
 beautiful in its season ; but the more immediate exercises of 
 religion belong especially to the sanctification of the sabbath: 
 and as the appointment itself is an external sign of the Lord’s 
 good Avill to sinful men ; so our love to it, and delight in hal- 
 
 ( 185 ) 
 
B C. 149V 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Aaron, at the people's instigation, makes a golden calf, and they worship it. 1 
 —6. God informs Muses, who intercedes for Israel , and prevails, 7 — 14. 
 He comes down from the mount, breaks the tables of the law , destroys the idol , 
 and expostulates with Aaron, 15 — 24. He commissions the Lf sites, who slay 
 three thousand of the criminals, 25—29. He again intercedes for the nation, 
 89 — 35. 
 
 A ND when the people saw that Moses “delayed 
 to come down out of the mount, the people 
 gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and 
 said unto him, b Up, 'make us gods d which shall go 
 before us : for as for this Moses, 'the man that 
 brought us up out of the land of Egypt, f we wot 
 not what is become of him. 
 
 2 And Aaron said unto them, Break off the 
 egolden ear-rings which are in the ears of your 
 wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and 
 bring them unto me. 
 
 a 24:18. Dent. 9:9. Matt. 24:43. 2Pet.3:4. b Gen. 19:14. 44:4. Josh. 7:13. 
 c 20:3 — 5. Dent. 4:15— 18. Acts 7:40. 17:29. 19:26. dl3:21. 33:3,14,15. e7,U. 
 14:11. 16:3. Hos. 12:13. Mic. 6:4. fGen. 21:26. 39:8. 44:15. g 12:35.36. Gen. 
 24:22,47. Jude. 8:21— 27. Ez. 16:11 ,12,17. Hos. 2:8. h Judg. 17:3,4. Is. 40:19, 
 20. 46:6. Jer. 10:9. i 20:23. Dent. 9.16. I's. 106: 19— 21 . Is. 44:9,10. Acts 7:41. 
 17:29. k 28:9,11. 1 1 Kings 12:28,32. 2 Kings 10:29. 2Clir. 11:15. 13:8. Hos. 8: 
 
 3 And all the people h brake off the golden ear 
 rings which were in their, ears and brought them 
 unto Aaron. 
 
 4 And he received them at their hand, and 
 ‘fashioned it with k a graving tool, after he had 
 made it a molten ‘calf: and they said,- “These be 
 thy gods, O Israel, “which brought thee up out oi 
 the land of Egypt. 
 
 5 And when “Aaron saw it, he huilt an altar 
 before it, and Aaron Pmade proclamation, and said, 
 To-morrow is sa feast to the Lord. 
 
 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and 
 'offered burnt-offerings and brought peace-ofler- 
 ings : and the people ‘sat down to eat and to drink, 
 and rose up to play. 
 
 7 And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Go, get thee 
 
 4,5.10.5.13:2. m 8. Juilg. 17:3. 1 Kings 12:28. Neh.9:13. Is. 40:18. Rom. 
 1:21—23. n 1,8 20:2. o I Sam. 14:35. 2 Kings 16:11. Hos. 8.11,14. p Lev. 
 23:2,4. 1 Kings 21:9. 2 Kings 10:20. 2 Chr. 30:5. q4. 10:9.12:14. 1 Kings 12: 
 32,33. I Cor. 5,8. r24:4,5. s Num. 25:2. Juilg. 16:23— 25. Am. 2:8. 8:10. Acts 
 7:41,42. 1 Cor. 10:7. Rev. 11:10. t 19:24. 33:1. Deut. 9:12. 
 
 lowing it, is a good internal evidence, that he hath begun and 
 will continue to sanctify our souls. — May the Lord therefore 
 have mercy upon us, pardon all our transgressions, take 
 away the heart of stone, and write this and his laws in our 
 inmost souls: then, though every sweet season of communion 
 with God on earth must come to a close, we shall at length 
 be admitted into his presence in heaven, where “is fullness 
 of joy, and pleasures for evermore.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXII. V. 1. Just when Moses, 
 Israel’s faithful representative, had transacted all their great 
 concerns upon the mount, and was coming down, fully 
 instructed and authorized to erect the tabernacle, and set up 
 the worship of God among them, a sad interruption took place, 
 through their shameful disobedience. — They seem to have 
 been weary of waiting so long at Sinai ; though, had they been 
 so disposed, they might have improved the time very profit- 
 ably, in reflecting and conversing on what they had heard and 
 seen. While some of them “ in heart turned back into Egypt,” 
 others were in great haste for the corn and wine, the milk and 
 honey, of Canaan. But the grand evil was this ; their carnal 
 minds did not relish the spiritual worship of an invisible holy 
 God. Many of them were infected with idolatry, and doubt- 
 less had witnessed in Egypt religious feasts suited to a sen- 
 sual mind ; (Note, Ez. 20:7 — 9.) and probably they expected 
 the same in the feast which they were to hold unto the Lord : 
 but in this they were greatly disappointed, and the whole was 
 a very serious, alarming, and painful employment to them. — 
 In the absence of Moses, therefore, they formed the project of 
 a religious feast more suited to their taste, which having 
 solemnized, they intended to leave Sinai, and to march, either 
 back into Egypt, or forward to Canaan. — They, who duly 
 consider in what manner religious festivals are observed among 
 millions of professed Christians, will readily perceive how 
 agreeable such a religion must he to a sensual mind, as con- 
 sists “ in sitting down to eat and drink, and rising up to play 
 (6) that is, to dance, and sing, and divert themselves. — In 
 forwarding this project, they pretended that they “ knew not. 
 what was become of this Moses,” of whom they spake with 
 the utmost indifference : they seemed to intimate, that the 
 fire had consumed him, or that he had perished with hunger, 
 or perhaps was taken up into heaven. — Indeed they had no 
 reason to think he delayed longer than was necessary ; or to 
 doubt that he was safe, and faithfully employed for them, and 
 that he would in due time return. But, supposing he had been 
 dead, surely a decent respect should have been shown to his 
 memory : and had they then questioned whether Aaron and 
 Hur should succeed him, or some other persons be appointed, 
 there might have been an appearance of reason in it: but to 
 propose making them gods, because Moses was gone, showed 
 them “ mad upon their idols,” and glad of any pretence to 
 return to them ! Not much above forty days before, they had 
 heard God himself speak unto them out of the midst of the fire, 
 while they saw no similitude ; and he had expressly prohibited 
 them not to form any image of him : that fire, and the cloud 
 attending it, were still before their eyes ; all the other wonders 
 were fresh in their memories ; they daily ate of the manna 
 from the clouds, and drank of the water from the rock: yet 
 even “in Horcb they forgat God their Saviour,” ascribed 
 their deliverance out of Egypt first to the man Moses, and 
 then to the idol which they had formed ! (4.) Such was this 
 astonishing transaction ! 
 
 Gods.] C'hSn ; the same word as is every where used for 
 the true God ; but it is here, and in other places of this nar- 
 rative, joined with a plural verb, which is not the case when 
 it means the true God. They wanted a visible representa- 
 tion of the object, or objects, of their worship ; and perhaps at 
 first desired more /mages than one : a single idol, however, 
 satisfied them. It is probable, that the pillar of cloud and fire, 
 which had led them, continued stationary on the mount; and 
 they thence concluded thr.t it would no longer go before them, 
 and so they required other guides. 
 
 V. 2— •(>. If the conduct of Israel ns a people was sur- 
 prising, that of “ Aa: on, the saint of the Loud,” was ' 
 
 ( 186 ) 
 
 more so. Many conjectures have been made concerning his 
 reasons for acting as he did ; but his conduct seems to have 
 been too unreasonable to be either excused or accounted for: 
 yet the Lord permitted it, to evince by facts, of what man is 
 capable ; and to show that the priesthood was given to Aaron 
 entirely of grace, when he might most justly have been cut off 
 for his transgression; that he might wear his honours the 
 more humbly ever after, as Peter did after denying his Lord ; 
 that when the sin-offering of consecration was offered, he might 
 indeed feel his need of the atonement ; and that it might appear, 
 that sinful man wanted a High-Priest of another and a nobler 
 order. — The Jews indeed have a tradition that Hur was killed 
 for opposing the project, and that Aaron feared the same fate : 
 but if so, he would have had a better excuse to make before 
 Moses. (Note, 21 — 24.) He might indeed be frighted, but 
 he had not so just cause: for, however disposed the people 
 had shown themselves to rebellion, it is not intimated that they 
 assembled seditiously, or with violence, on this occasion. The 
 demand of the golden ear-rings has been considered as an 
 attempt to put the people off from their purpose ; and as there 
 was much gold in their camp besides this, and such orna- 
 ments are reluctantly parted with, it is probable he entertained 
 some hope that they would not comply with so self-denying 
 and expensive a proposal. But it was a feeble measure, and 
 far from that decision which became him : for they readily and 
 zealously parted with their ornaments, which they had newly 
 acquired as the spoil of Egypt; and he as readily, however 
 he acquired his skill, formed it into the shape of a calf, or ox ! — 
 The words rendered, “He fashioned it with a graving tool, 
 after he had made it a molten calf,” are variously interpreted. 
 4 The order is inverted. He first cast the calf, then he formed 
 it with a graving tool or scraping instrument, cutting away the 
 redundancies, and polishing it. — Or, preserving the right order, 
 it may be explained ; He framed, or marked out with a graving 
 instrument, the image to be made, namely, that the mould might 
 be fashioned, into which the gold should be poured ; and he 
 thence, in this manner, made the molten calf.’ In Pools 
 Synopsis. — It is likewise much disputed, what induced Aaron 
 to make the image in this shape. Some deny that the Egj'p- 
 tians worshipped either an ox, or the image of one, at this 
 early period : but they can only show, that we have iio posi- 
 tive evidence they did, and for the same reason we have no 
 proof they did not ; for we have no records so ancient, except 
 the Scriptures, which favour the conclusion that they did. 
 Some indeed imagine, that Aaron took the hint from the 
 cherubim, which they suppose to have had faces as oxen* 
 but, whatever may be decided as to this, they forget that the 
 cherubim, on the mercy-seat and tabernacle, were not yet 
 made, or known of except by Moses. — It is therefore proba- 
 ble, that Aaron complied with the wishes of the people, and 
 formed the resemblance of a calf, in conformity to what they 
 had seen in Egypt. (Ez. 20:8. 23:8.) With this they were 
 mightily pleased ; and, though probably but. a rude represen- 
 tation of a beast, they stupidly considered it as a very proper 
 similitude of the God, or gods, who brought them out of the 
 land of Egypt ! They evidently intended to worship .1 p.hotah 
 by it, however ignorant and inconsistent their language migh* 
 be. But this was infinitely dishonourable to his incompre- 
 hensible majesty, and no better than “turning their glory into 
 the similitude of an ox, that eateth grass.” Our surprise, 
 however, at Israel’s and Aaron’s conduct may be somewhat 
 abated, when we consider how great a part of the professing 
 Christian Church hath for ages concurred in, pleaded for, and 
 vindicated similar practices, in as direct opposition to every 
 part of the word of God, as this was to the law w hich Israel 
 had just heard from mount Sinai ; and wit h no bettor excuses 
 than Aaron could have pleaded, had not Moses silenced him. 
 But when the word of God does not coincide with our inte- 
 rests, inclinations, and prejudices, the chief discovery of man’s 
 ingenuity is manifested in explaining it away. — When Aaron 
 therefore found, that the people were so well satisfied with his 
 performance, he was induced still further to concur in theif 
 designs ; i»nu perhaps he vainly hoped by compliance to retain 
 
B. C. 149 
 
 CHAPT.Ltt XXXII 
 
 IL C. i 491 
 
 down : for "tl v people, which thou broughtest 
 out of the land oi Egypt, have ‘corrupted them- 
 selves. 
 
 8 They ?have turned aside quickly out of the 
 way ‘which I commanded them : they have made 
 them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and 
 have sacrificed thereunto, and said, "These be thy 
 gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out 
 of the land of Egypt. 
 
 9 And the Lord said unto Moses, b I have seen 
 this people, and behold, it is c a stiff-necked people. 
 
 10 Now therefore d let me alone, that e my wrath 
 may wax hot against them, and that I may con- 
 sume them : and ‘I will make of thee a great na- 
 tion. 
 
 11 And Moses ^besought ’the Lord his God, 
 and said, Lord, h why doth thy wrath wax hot 
 against thy people, 'which thou hast brought forth 
 out of the land of Egypt, with great power, and 
 with a mighty hand r 
 
 12 Wherefore k should the Egyptians speak and 
 say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay 
 them in the mountains, and to consume them from 
 the face of the earth? 'Turn from thy fierce wrath, 
 and m repent of this evil against thy people. 
 
 13 "Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy 
 servants, °to whom thou swarest by thine own 
 self, and saidst unto them, p I will multiply your 
 seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that 
 I have spoken of will I give unto your seed, and 
 they shall inherit it for ever. 
 
 14 And the Lord ''repented of the evil which 
 he thought to do unto his people. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 u 1,11. x Gen. 6:11,12. Deut. 4:16. 32:5. Jndg. 2:19. Hoa. 9:9. v Dent. 9:16. 
 J udg. 2:17. z 20:3,4. aSeeon4. bDeut.9:13. Jer. 13:27. Hoa. 6:10. c 33:3,5. 
 84:9. Petit. 9:6. 10:16. 31:27. 2Clir. 3J:8. Neh. 9:17. Ps. 78:8. Prov.29:l. Is. 
 48:4. Zech. 7:11,12. Acts 7:51. d Gen. 18:32,33 . 32:26—28. Num. 14:19,20.16: 
 22.45—48. Jer. 14:11.15:1. Jam. 5:16. e 11 ,19.22:24: f Num. 14:12. Dent. 9:14. 
 g Deut. 9:18 — 20. Pa. 106:23. *Heb. the face of the LORD, b Num. 11:11. 16:22. 
 Ps. 74:1,2. Is. 63:17. Jer. 12:1,2. i 7. k Num. 14:13—16. Deut. 9:28 . 32:27. Josh. 
 7:9. Ps. 74:18. 79:9,10. Ez. 20:9,14,22. 1 Deut. 13:17. Josh. 7:26. Ezra 10:14. 
 Ps. 78:38 . 85:3. m 14. Gen. 6:6. Deut. 32:36. Ps . 90: 13. 106:45. Am. 7:3,6. 
 Jon. 3:9. Zech. 8:14. n Lev. 26:42. Deut. 7:8. 9:27. Luke 1:54,55. o Gen. 22: 
 16. 26:3,4. Heb. 6:13. p Gen. 12:2,7. 13:15,16. 15:5,18. 26:4 . 28:13,14 . 35:11, 
 
 them within some bounds, and by allowing the use of an image , 
 to keep them from directly worshipping other gods. He there- 
 fore proclaimed, that on the morrow a feast would be held to 
 Jehovah : and the people, with great alacrity, brought burnt- 
 ofFerings and peace-offerings ; (for the use of those was known 
 before ;) and having offered sacrifices to the image of the calf, 
 they feasted on the residue of the oblations, and were engaged 
 in mirth and diversion, if not more gross sensuality, when 
 interrupted by the return of Moses. 
 
 V. 7 — 10. The Lord had before given Moses the tables 
 of the law. in order ^hat he might go down from the mount : 
 but at lengtn ne uiged his departure, in language which implied, 
 that the people had rejected Jehovah, as their Deliverer out 
 of Egypt; and thence Moses might conclude that he had 
 rejected them. Considering the short time which had passed, 
 since they heard the law from mount Sinai, and promised 
 obedience, and afterwards were warned not to 44 make to them 
 gods of silver or of gold ;” (20:23.) it might well be said, they 
 M had turned quickly out of the way and though they intended 
 their idol as a representation of an invisible deity, or deities ; 
 yet they must have had very confused and erroneous notions 
 of the divine Unity, when they used the language here 
 ascribed to them. Their conduct therefore formed an addi- 
 tional proof, after all preceding instances of their rebellion, 
 that they were u a stiff-necked people that is, stubborn and 
 untractable, like unruly bullocks, upon whose neck the yoke 
 could not be put, without great difficulty. — But, as Moses 
 was preparing to intercede for them, the Lord said to him, 
 14 Let me alone for should his faithful servant interpose, he 
 could not, as it were, proceed to execute deserved vengeance 
 upon them. This, which seemed to forbid, in reality encou- 
 raged the prayer of Moses. — The proposal of exceedingly 
 multiplying his posterity, that the promises made to the patri- 
 archs, which Israel had forfeited, might be entailed on his 
 family, was intended to prove and manifest the sincerity and 
 fervcur of his love to his people, and the extent of his disin- 
 terestedness. 
 
 V. 11 — 14. Instead of at all mentioning the proposal, 
 which God had made to him, or neglecting to pray for his 
 people, Moses interceded for them with such earnestness, as 
 put him into an agony of mind; for so the word (Sm) seems 
 to signify. He did not, however, attempt to palliate or excuse 
 their sin ; but he pleaded the glory of the divine perfections 
 as concerned in the event: for if the Lord should destroy 
 Israel, (of whom he says, 44 thy people, whom thou hast 
 brought out,”) the Egyptians would impeach his justice and 
 goodness. The destruction of the nation could not appa- 
 •entiij be reconciled with his promises and oath to Abraham, 
 
 15 IT And Moses ‘turned, and went down frorr 
 the mount, and the two tables of “the testimony 
 were in his hare l : the tables were ‘written on both 
 their sides ; on the one side and u the other wer 
 they written. 
 
 16 And “the tables were the work of God, and 
 the writing was the wnfing of God graven upon 
 the tables. 
 
 17 And when “Joshua heard the noise of the 
 people as ?they shouted, he said unto Moses, 
 ’■There is a noise of war in the camp. 
 
 18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that 
 shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them 
 that cry for tbeing overcome : “but the noise of 
 them that sing do I hear. 
 
 19 And it came to pass as soon as he came nigh 
 unto the camp, that b he saw the calf, and c the 
 dancing : and Moses’s d anger waxed hot, and he. 
 cast the tables out of his hands, and e brake them 
 beneath the mount. 
 
 20 And he took 'the calf which they had made, 
 and burnt it in the fire, and ground it to powder, 
 and strawed it upon the water, and “made the 
 children of Israel drink of it. 
 
 21 And Moses said unto Aaron, h What did this 
 people unto thee, that thou hast Irought’so great 
 a sin upon them ? 
 
 22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my 
 lord wax hot : thou 'knowest the people 'that they 
 are set on mischief. 
 
 23 For k they said unto me, Make us gods which 
 shall go before us : for as for this Moses, the man 
 that brought us up out ot the land of Egypt, we 
 wot not what is become of him. 
 
 12. 48:16. q 2 Sam. 24:16. 1 Chr. 21:15. Ps. 106:45. Jer. 18:8. 26:13,19. Joel 2: 
 
 13. Jon. 3:10. 4:2. r24:18. Dent. 9:15. s See on 16:34 . 40:20. Dent. 5:22. I a 
 19:7. t Rev. 5:1. u 31:18. 34:1,4. Deut. 9:9— 11. 10:1. 2 Cor. 3:3.7. Heb. 8* 
 10. x 5 e on 17:9. 24:13. y 18. Ezra 3:11— 13. Ps. 47:1 . z Josh. 6:5,10,16,20. 
 Judg. 15:14. 1 Sain. 4:5,6. 17.20,52. Job 39:25. Jer. 51:14. Am. 1:14. 2:2. 
 t Heb. weakness, a 15:1, &c. Dan. 5:4.23. b4 — 6. 1 ent. 9:16. c 15:20. 2 Sam 
 6:14. Lam. 5:15. d 11 . Num. 12:3. Matt. 5:22. Mark 3:5. 10:14. Eph.4:26. 
 e Deut. 9:17. 27:26. Jer. 31:32. Zech. 11:10,11,14. fDeut. 7:525. 9:21.2King3 
 23:6,15. gProv. 1:31. 14:14. h Gen. 20:9. 26:10. Deut. 13:6— 8. 1 Sam. 26; 
 19. 1 Kings 14:16. 21:22. 2 Kines 21:9— 1 1 . i 14:11. 15:24. 16:2—4,20,28. 17:3 
 —4. Deut. 9:7,24. j 1 Sam. 15:24. Ps. 36:4. 1 rov. 4.16. k See on 1—4,8. 
 
 Isaac, and Israel : and, whatever their sin deserved, surely 
 Jehovah would not give occasion to any injurious reflections 
 being cast upon his own great name. (Note, Deut. 32:26,27.) 
 This regard to the divine honour was well ideasing to ihe 
 Lord, who graciously intimated his design of sparing them, 
 as he had before seemed determined upon their destruction: 
 which change, in the external discovery of his purpose, is 
 called “repenting of the evil, which he thought to do to his 
 people.” (Note, Gen. 6:6,7.) — Thus Moses did not go down 
 from the mount till mercy was promised ; and his example 
 instructs us in the most affecting manner, how to pray, what 
 pleas to urge, and whence to deduce encouragements for 
 persevering in our supplications. 
 
 V. 15. On both their sit/es.] This is differently interp. 3ted. 
 Some think, that the ten commandments were written on only 
 one side of each table, part on the one and part on the other ; 
 that so they might close together as a book, when laid in the 
 ark : but others are of opini n that each table was written on 
 both sides. 
 
 V. 17. Joshua had waited patiently, during all the for.v 
 days, in the place where Moses had left him ; below the 
 summit of the mount, at a distance from the people, and out 
 of the way of temptation. 
 
 V. 19. Moses’s anger was hot, and he intended to express 
 his abhorrence of Israel’s crime : yet his breaking of the 
 tables of the covenant was no rash sally of passion, as some 
 have imagined ; but a' significant action, done probably by a 
 divine suggestion, to denote that the covenant was broken, 
 and that the people lay exposed to the severest vengeance o\ 
 God. 
 
 V. 20. The people seem to have been overawed by the 
 presence of Moses, and not to have attempted any resistance, 
 while he. took away their idol to destroy it. As it is very 
 difficult to reduce gold to powder, many conjectures have 
 been formed on the manner in which it was done on this 
 occasion : but the text leads us to consider Moses, as firs! 
 destroying the form of the idol, by melting it down ; and then 
 proceeding to reduce it, by violent friction or filing, to a fin* 
 powder. (Marg.Ref.) No doubt this would require muci 
 labour ; but many might assist him, both of those who hat 
 kept clear of this vile idolatry, and of such as were brough’ 
 to a sense of their guilt ; and it is absurd to suppose that i\ 
 was impossible to be done. — It was proper that the treasure, 
 thus employed in idolatry, should finally perish, as an accursen 
 thing; and that the idol itself should be rendered as con- 
 temptible as possible, before its stupid worshippers. Bj 
 strewing the powder in the stream, which ran perhaps rapidly 
 from the rock, the people would be forced to drink soir v oi 
 
 ( 1S7 ’l 
 
B. C. 
 
 EXODuS. 
 
 B. G. 149 
 
 24 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any 
 gold, let him break it off. ‘So they gave it me: then 
 least it into the fire, and there came out this calf. 
 
 25 And when Moses saw that the people were 
 m naked ; (for "Aaron had made them naked unto 
 their “shame, amongst 'their enemies;) 
 
 26 Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, 
 and said, r Who is on the Lord’s side? let him 
 come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered 
 themselves together unto him. 
 
 27 And he said unto them, Thus saith the Lord 
 God of Israel, Put every man his sword by his 
 side, and, go in and out, from gate to gate, through- 
 out the camp, and islay every man his brother, 
 and every man his companion, and every man his 
 neighbour. 
 
 28 And the children of Levi did according to 
 the word of Moses : and there fell of the people 
 that day about three thousand men. 
 
 29 tFor s Moses had said, ^Consecrate your- 
 
 1 4. Gen. 3:12,13. Luke 10:29. Rom. 3:10. m 33:4 — 6. Gen. 3:10. Hos. 2:3. Rev. 
 
 3:17,18.16:15. n Deut. 9:20. 2 Chr. 28: 19. o Ez. 16:63. Dan. 12:2. Rom. 6: 
 21. • Heb. those that rose up against them. p Josh. 5:13. 2Sam. 20:11. 
 
 2 Kings 9:32. Matt. 12:30. q 26,29. Num. 25:5,7—12. Deut. 33:8,9. Luke 14: 
 
 26. 2 Cor. 5:16. r Num. 16:32-35,49. 1 Cor. 10:8. Heb. 2:2,3. t Or, And 
 Moses said , Consecrate yourselves to-day to the LORD : because every man 
 hath been against his son and against his brother , Slc. s Num. 25:11 — 13. Deut. 
 13:6—11. 1 Sam. 15:18—22. Zech. 13:3. Malt. 10:37. % Heb. fill your hands . 
 
 it with the water: which intimated, that they must expect 
 to experience the fatal effects of their sin, as bringing a curse 
 upon all their comforts. 
 
 V. 21 — 24. tyloses did not inquire of Aaron, what induced 
 him to concur with the people in this detestable idolatry ; but 
 in what they had offended him, that he should revenge him- 
 self by leading them into so great a wickedness. This most 
 emphatically declares his judgment of Aaron’s conduct, and 
 confutes all the pleas which have been invented to palliate it. 
 Indeed, nowise man ever made a more unmeaning and foolish 
 excuse, than Aaron did. We should never have supposed 
 u that he could speak well,” were we to judge of his eloquence 
 by this specimen. If the people were bent upon mischief, 
 Aaron, the saint and servant of the Lord, who was intrusted 
 with authority over Israel, should have ventured and suffered 
 all extremities in opposing their mad design : but while he 
 was as pliant as they could wish, and very active in the 
 business, he charged all the blame on others, and spake as if 
 the golden calf had been produced almost by accident, without 
 his concurrence, and beyond his expectation ; and he seemed 
 only intent to deprecate the anger of Moses, not that of 
 God ! — No wonder that 44 the Lord was angry with him also 
 to have destroyed him but Moses prayed for him too ; 
 (Deut. 9:20.) and we may be sure that he was ever after 
 deeply humbled, and greatly ashamed of his conduct. 
 
 V. 25. The sin of the people had despoiled them of all 
 claim to the Lord’s protection, and had left them exposed 
 without excuse to his righteous vengeance, and the scorn and 
 rage of their enemies. They had stripped themselves of 
 part of their ornaments to make the golden calf ; and they 
 were ordered to lay aside the rest in a way of humiliation, on 
 this shameful occasion. (Note, 33:4 — 6.) Perhaps, also, in 
 their dancing and sensual festivity, many of them had unco- 
 vered themselves in an indecent and shameful manner ; as 
 well as exposed themselves to the danger of being assaulted, 
 and ignominiously scattered by their enemies. — Idolatrous 
 feasts have scarcely ever, in any age or nation, been free 
 from shameful indecencies. 
 
 V. 26 — 29. The Levites with ©ne consent, having come 
 promptly at the call of Moses, as decidedly 44 on the Lord’s 
 side,” in this general defection, were commi sioned to slay 
 the ringleaders in this wickedness, without respect to friend- 
 ship, relation, or any other social tie : for idolatry was a crime 
 to be punished by their magistrates. Yet it seems none 
 were executed, but those who openly*and boldly stood forth 
 as disposed to vindicate their conduct: while those who 
 retired as ashamed were spared. This commission, being 
 faithfully executed, brought a great blessing upon the tribe ; 
 and was a preparation for its being appointed to the service 
 of the sanctuary, which was a very honourable and advan- 
 tageous distinction. For, however men might blame them, 
 they made it manifest, that though doubtless some individuals 
 were guilty, as the words, “Every man upon his son, and 
 upon his brother,” imply; (Note, Deut. 33:9.) yet, as a tribe, 
 they had been peculiarly free from this national idolatry, not- 
 withstanding Aaron had set them so bad an example; and 
 that they were valiant for God and for his honour. And as 
 they were seconded by the divine power, which confounded 
 and intimidated the transgressors, no opposition was made to 
 the execution. It does not however appear, that any from 
 the other tribes joined the Levites ; and it is thence supposed, 
 that all the rest had concurred in the idolatry. 
 
 V. 30 — 33. It may he supposed, that Moses expatiated 
 before the people on the exceeding heinousness, and the 
 many aggravations of their crime; and attempted to bring 
 them to humble themselves in deep repentance on account of 
 ii while he went to intercede in their behalf before God. 
 
 ( ) 
 
 selves to-day to the Lord, even every man upon 
 his son, and upon his brother, that he may bestow 
 upon you a blessing this day. 
 
 30 And it came to pass on the, morrow, that 
 Moses said unto the people, 'Ye have sinned a 
 great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; 
 “peradventure I shall make an 'atonement for your 
 sin. 
 
 31 And Moses ^returned unto the Lord, and 
 said, Oh, this people have 'sinned a great sin, and 
 have "made them gods of gold. 
 
 32 Yet now, b jf thou wilt forgive their sin — ; 
 and if not, “blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book 
 which thou hast written. 
 
 33 And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever 
 hath d sinned against me, him will I blot out of 
 e my book. 
 
 34 Therefore now go, lead the people unto the 
 place of which I have spoken unto thee : behold, 
 'mine angel shall go before thee : nevertheless, 
 
 t 31. 1 Sam. 2:17. 12:20. 2 Sam. 12:9. 2 Kings 17:21. Luke 7:47. u 2 Sam. 16: 
 12. Am. 5:15. Jon. 3:9. 2Tim.2:25. x 32. Num. 16:47. 25:13. Rom. 9:3. Gal. 
 3:13. y 34:28. Deut. 9:18,19. zSeeoniO. Ezru 9:6,7,15. Nell. 9:33. Dun. 9-5, 
 8,11. a 20:4,23. b Num. 14:19. Dan. 9:18,19. Am. 7:2. Luke23:34. c 10. 
 Deut. 9:14 . 25.-19. 29:20. Ps. 69:28. Ez. 13:9. Rom. 9:3. Rev. 3:5. 22:19. .1 Ex. 
 18:4. e Ps. 109:13,14. Phil. 4:3. Rev. 13:8. 20:12. 123:20. 33:2,14,15. Num. 
 
 20:16. 
 
 His words were suited to preserve them in a due medium 
 between desponding fear and presumptuous confidence : 
 “ Peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.” 
 Perhaps he expected that a sin-offering for the nation might 
 be appointed, and that through this typical atonement their 
 crime might be pardoned : or he referred to the proposal which 
 he was about to make. His words however imply, that 
 without an atonement there could be no forgiveness ; and that 
 they could make no atonement for (hemselves. He had 
 received some intimation from the Lord, that he would spare 
 the nation, before he went down from the mount ; yet he was 
 so affected by a nearer view of the guilt which they had con- 
 tracted, that he seems almost to have questioned, whether 
 this could consist with the honour of God. When therefore 
 he went to meet him, (probably not on the top of the mount 
 Sinai, but at a distance from the camp,) he mournfully 
 deplored the great sin of his people ; and pleaded for them 
 in an imperfect sentence, implying rather an ardent desire, 
 than a direct request. The meaning of his vehement language 
 has been much disputed : and some contend, that he expressed 
 his willingness to be blotted out of the book of life, and finally 
 to perish, provided this might be accepted as an atonement 
 for the sin of his people; and they put the same construction 
 on the words used by St. Paul, on a somewhat similar occa 
 sion. (Note, Rom. 9:1 — 3.) But this interpretation seems 
 inadmissible ; for the spiritual law of God requires us to 44 love 
 our neighbour as ourselves,” and not more than ourselves, 
 which surely is implied, in being willing to be for ever mise- 
 rable, either for their temporal or eternal salvation. Even 
 Christ, of whom Moses is supposed to be a type in this 
 proposal, was only willing for our salvation to die a temporal 
 death, with every possible circumstance of inward and out- 
 ward suffering; not to be eternally miserable: and the apostle 
 says, 44 We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren ;” not 
 that we ought to devote our souls to destruction for them. — 
 No doubt, zeal for the honour of God glowed in the heart of 
 Moses, when he thus expressed himself ; and perhaps he 
 could not. conceive, how that could be secured and mani- 
 fested, either by destroying or sparing Ins people. But it 
 should be remembered, that not only final misery, but final 
 desperate enmity to God, is implied in the proposal, if thus 
 understood ; and it is wonderful how any man could ever 
 think, that a willingness to be eternally wicked, and a de- 
 sperate hater of God, can spring from love to him, and be a 
 proper expression of zeal for his glory ! — If therefore Moses 
 referred to this proposal when he said, 44 Peradventure I shall 
 make an atonement for your sin ;” the words may be thus 
 paraphrased : 4 O Lord, instead of destroying Israel as a sacri- 
 fice to thy justice, and making of me a great nation ; let me 
 be the sacrifice, and spare them: and if it may not consist 
 with thy glory to spare them otherwise, and my death may 
 suffice for that purpose, exclude me from Canaan, and take 
 me out of life, in any way which thou seest good, that my 
 >eople maybe preserved and thy name glorified.' — Or perhaps 
 le only meant to say, 4 If my people must be destroyed, cut 
 me off also, and let me not survive or witness their destruc- 
 tion.’ — The expression, 44 Blot, mo out of thy book,” is an 
 allusion to the affairs of men, which is used in various senses 
 in the Scriptures. (Marg. Ref. e.) — Whatever Moses 
 meant by the request, the Lord did not accede to it, at hast 
 on that occasion ; but only answered, that he would 44 blot 
 those who had sinned out of his book;” that is, he wruld 
 pumsn he guilty, not the innocent : yet, when Moses after- 
 wards ort^ndo^ God, and was excluded from Canaan w tile 
 his people inherited it, ho would no doubt remember this 
 request. 
 
 If thou wilt, he. (32) E i nev a<ptif avrots T *.v fptyT 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 B. C. 14V 
 
 in «the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon 
 them. 
 
 35 And the Lord plagued the people, because 
 ‘they made the calf, which Aaron made. 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 The Lord orders Muses to lead the people to Canaan, under the conduct of an 
 ansel , refusing himself to go with them, 1 — 3. The. people express sorrow 
 and humiliation, -1 — 6. Moses removes the tabernacle ow of the camp ; and 
 the Lord there displays his glory, and communes with Moses, while the peo- 
 ple worship at their tent-doors, 7 — 11 . Moses prevails toith the Lord to ac- 
 company them , and desires to behold his glory, 12 — 23. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Moses, “Depart, and 
 go up hence, thou and the people which b thou 
 hast brought up out of the land of Egypt, unto 
 c the land which I sware unto Abraham, to Isaac, 
 
 *20:5. Num. 14:27—30. Deut. 32:35. Jer. 5:9,29. Am. 3:14. Matt. 23:35. 
 Rom. 2:4— 6. h 25. 2 Sam. 12:9,10. Matt. 21.3—1. Acts 1:18. 7:41. a 32: 
 34. b 17:3. 32:1,7. c 32.13. Gen. 22:16— 18. 26:3. 28:13— 15. dUen.127. 
 13:14—17.15:18. e 23:20. 32:34. f See on 3:8,17. Deut. 7:22. Josh. 24:11. 
 g 13:5. Lev. 20:24. Num. 13:27. 14:8. 16:13. Josh. 5:6. Jer. 11:5. h 15—17.32: 
 
 ti 6c fir,, k. t. X. Sept . — 1 If thou wilt forgive them their sin, 
 forgive ; but if not, & c.’ Comp. Luke 13:9. Gr. 
 
 V. 34, 35. The Lord, in commanding Moses to lead the 
 people to Canaan, and in merely promising that his angel 
 should go before him, intimated that he would not immediately 
 pour out his vengeance upon them, to destroy them ; but at the 
 same time he declared, that their national violation of the 
 covenant would be remembered against them, when their 
 other crimes should induce him to visit them in anger. The 
 Jews have to this day a saying current among them to this 
 effect, 1 That all the calamities, which have ever since befallen 
 the nation, have in them a measure of the Lord’s indignation 
 for the sin of the golden calf.’ — It is not said, in what manner 
 he plagued the people at this time ; but in some way they 
 sensibly felt the effects of his displeasure : and it is parti- 
 cularly to be noticed, that however Aaron endeavoured to 
 exculpate himself, and whatever things have since been urged 
 in his excuse ; yet God expressly mentioned him as a principal 
 agent in this heinous transgression of Israel. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1—14. It is not in general adviseable for magistrates, 
 ministers, or heads of families, to be long absent from their 
 respective charges; and if they have no good reason for such 
 absence, they will in great measure be answerable for all the 
 consequences. — They who are so soon weary of waiting upon 
 God, as to be eager to return to their worldly interests and 
 pleasures, have evidently profited very little by instruction : 
 and as the people rushed into wickedness, because they did 
 not expect the return of Moses ; so unbelief, as to a future 
 judgment, lies at the root of the ungodliness of vast multi- 
 tv des. (Matt. 24:48 — 51. 2 Pet. 3:4.) — High affections, 
 urgent terrors, confident professions, and transient comforts, 
 are not sufficient evidences of true conversion; for they 
 frequently go off, and leave the heart more hard, and the 
 conscience more callous, than before : nor can any external 
 means, mercies, or judgments, change the heart, or for any 
 long time win or awe men even into exterior good behaviour. 
 — The servants of God should not expect much gratitude or 
 respect from those, who ungratefully and contemptuously 
 rebel against him : and after being favoured with sweet fellow- 
 ship with him, they must often return to witness, to mourn 
 over, and to bear testimony against, the wickedness even of 
 those among whom they have laboured, and for whom they 
 have poured out their souls in prayer. — No carnal heart can 
 long endure the humbling truths, the holy precepts, and the 
 spiritual worship of God: and they who hate his glorious 
 perfections, must dislike his image in his faithful people. But 
 a god, a priest, a worship, a doctrine, and a sacrifice, suited 
 to a carnal mind, will always meet with abundance of devo- 
 tees : nay, the very gospel itself may be sophisticated , so as 
 to suit their taste ; its hearers, having offered their sacrifice. 
 “ will sit down to eat and drink, and rise up to play ;’ ’ and 
 while they can render selfishness, self-gratification, and dissi- 
 pation, consistent with religion, by their views of Christianity, 
 they will cry them up as loudly and zealously, as Israel did 
 the golden calf, and call the whole “ a feast unto the Lord !” 
 Yea, their example, influence, persuasion, and discourses, will 
 draw in some ill-judging, compliant Aarons, to sanction and 
 give credit to this motley religion ; though the whole be as 
 contrary to that of Christ, as “ the works of the flesh are to 
 the fruits of the Spirit!” We have the more need to be upon 
 our guard against such delusions, when we consider that “ the 
 neart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked ;” 
 and that Satan can easily blind the understanding, pervert the 
 judgment, and mislead the conscience of the best of men, if 
 left to themselves. Soon do we, when in this case, forget 
 the terrors of mount Sinai, and the more affecting scenes 
 which Gethsemane and Golgotha exhibit, yea, all our sweet 
 experience of the love of Christ: while some golden or gilded 
 idol usurps his throne and his worship ; and we are easily 
 induced to disgrace his gospel, and gratify his enemies.— 
 Well is it for us, that the “Prophet like unto Moses,” but 
 infinitely more powerful and merciful, once veiled his majesty, 
 made atonement for our souls, and interested the glory of the 
 Father in our salvation, and now effectually intercedes in our 
 behalf; else we should in a moment be consumed by his hot 
 Ais Measure. 
 
 and to Jacob, saying, ‘'Unto thy seed v, : I1 1 give 
 it : 
 
 2 And I will send e an angel before thee ; and 1 
 will drive out 'the Canaanite, the Amorite, anc, 
 the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the 
 Jebusite : 
 
 3 Unto sa land flowing with milk and honey. 
 h for I will not go up in the midst of thee, for thou 
 art ‘a stiff-necked people ; k lest I consume thee ii 
 the way. 
 
 4 And when the people heard these evil tidings 
 'they mourned : m and no man did put on him his 
 ornaments. 
 
 10,14. Num. 14:12. Deut. 32:26,27. 1 Sam. 2:30. Jer. 18:7— 10. Ez. 3:18,19. 33: 
 13—16. Jon. 3.4,10. i 32:9. Deut. 9:6—13. Ps. 78:8. Acib 7:51. k 23:21. Num. 
 16:45. Am. 3:13,14. 1 Num. 14:39. Hos. 7:14. Zech. 7:3,5. m Lev. 10:6. 
 
 2 Sam. 19:24. I Kings 21:27. 2 Kings 19:1. Ezra 9:3. Estli. 4:1 — 4. Job 1:20. 2:12. 
 Is.32:ll. Ez. 24:17,23. 26:16. Jon. 3:6. 
 
 V. 15 — 35. While we rejoice in the intercession and 
 grace of Christ, we should recollect, that the law is now 
 written in the hearts of the true Israel, who love and obey its 
 precepts, and deeply repent whenever they break them ; and 
 we should inquire whether we have this good evidence that 
 cur sins are pardoned, and that the everlasting covenant is 
 ratified with us ; for otherwise sin hath “ made us naked to 
 our shame,” and hath left us without protection in the hands 
 of our enemies, yea, exposed us to the wrath of God himself. — 
 However sinners may now rejoice in iniquity, when Christ 
 returns to judgment, the stoutest hearts will fail, and their 
 mirth will be turned into “ weeping, wailing, and gnashing of 
 teeth.” Then every vain excuse will be silenced; every 
 one’s sin will find him out; consent in wickedness will be 
 turned into mutual recriminations ; and the tempters and the 
 tempted will be involved in one common, though not equal, 
 condemnation. Let us now therefore cast ourselves humbly 
 on the divine mercy, thankfully accept of the chastisement of 
 our sins, and earnestly seek deliverance from the wrath to 
 come ; and, as a pledge of it, deliverance from the power and 
 love of sin in this world. — Of all the crimes which we commit, 
 none are so injurious to man, as those which tempt or 
 encourage others to sin: and if we would show ourselves 
 decidedly on the Lord’s part in this rebellious world, we must 
 not shrink from any service, however difficult, dangerous^ or 
 contrary to our natural feelings ; nor must we in such a case 
 “ know any man according to the flesh.” Yet we have a 
 cause for thankfulness, that our testimony 'against sin, and 
 our service for God, are not now of that nature, which were 
 frequently required in these ancient times. But though his 
 judgments are under the Christian dispensation more spirilual, 
 let presumptuous sinners remember, that they will at length 
 be on that very account the more dreadful. — Our abhorrence 
 of sin, and indignation against it, are never too strong, if we 
 be able, in the midst of our hot displeasure, to pray earnestly 
 for sinners, and labour disinterestedly to do them good : and 
 as the glory of God may be pleaded with him as a good 
 argument, why he should not destroy his people ; may it not 
 be also pleaded with them as a cogent argument why they 
 should not sin against him, and cause his holy name and 
 religion to be blasphemed? — He will surely honour those 
 who are preserved from prevailing sins, and who boldly 
 protest against them : and retirement and communion with 
 him are happy means of keeping us out of the way of tempta- 
 tion. — Yet, if we have been thus preserved, we must give 
 God the glory, and become supplicants in behalf of others ; 
 for “ the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth” 
 sometimes to the saving of a nation. But alas ! the most 
 zealous may often be ashamed, when they compare the 
 assiduity, liberality, and earnestness of idolaters, and of the 
 idolatrous devotees of worldly interests, pleasures, and prefer- 
 ments, with their own supineness, lukewarmness, and want 
 of generosity in the service of God. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXXIII. V. I, 2. Moses had 
 pleaded the promise and oath of God to Abraham, Isaac, 
 and Jacob ; and interested his glory in preserving Israel and 
 putting them in possession of Canaan : therefore he was 
 commanded to lead them directly thither, without any men- 
 tion of erecting the tabernacle, or establishing the worship of 
 Jehovah among them. As ifhe had said, ‘ Let them have 
 the land flowing with milk and honey ; and an angel shall go 
 before them, and put them in possession of it ; but let them 
 have it without any special blessing, or further religious 
 advantages, to distinguish them from the nations around them.’ 
 — It is observable, that as Moses, when he had seen their 
 wickedness, did not call them the Lord’s people, but said, 
 “Oh, this people;” (32:31.) so the I.ord calls them, “the 
 people whom thou hast brought up out of Egypt,” as though 
 he disdained to have any more to do with them : but Moses, 
 having thus far prevailed, was encouraged still further to urge 
 his intercession. 
 
 V. 3. I will not , &c.] Such declva^ons rather show, 
 what God justly might do, what it would become him to do, 
 and what he would do, were it not for some intervening con- 
 sideration, than his irreversible purpose ; and they alwavs 
 imply a reserved exception, in case the party offending be 
 truly penitent. The Lord therefore expressed himeoll, as f 
 ( 189 ) 
 
G. C. 1401. 
 
 EXODUS, 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 5 For the Lord had said unto Moses, Say unto 
 the children of Isra jI, Fe are a stiti-necked peo- 
 ple: 1 will come up into the midst of thee "in a 
 moment, and consume thee: therefore now °put 
 oil’ thy ornaments from thee, that pI may know 
 what to do unto thee. 
 
 6 And the children of Israel '•stripped them- 
 selves of their ornaments, by the mount Horeb. 
 
 7 And Moses took the tabernacle, and pitched 
 t without the camp, r afar off' from the camp, and 
 called it “the Tabernacle of the congregation. 
 And it came to pass, that every one which 'sought 
 the Lord, "went out unto the tabernacle of the 
 congregation which vms without the camp. 
 
 8 And it came to pass, when Moses went out 
 unto the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, 
 x and stood every man at his tent-door, and looked 
 after Moses, until lie was gone into the taber- 
 nacle. 
 
 9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into 
 the tabernacle, the ^cloudy pillar descended, and 
 stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the 
 LORD ’'talked with Moses. 
 
 10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar 
 stand at the tabernacle-door: and all the people 
 rose up and "worshipped, every man in his tent- 
 door. 
 
 n Num. 15:21,45. Job 34:20. Ps. 73:19. Lara. 1:6. o Is. 22:12. p Gen. 18:21.22:12. 
 Dent. 8:2. Ps. 139:23. q 4.32:3. Jer. 2: 19. r Ps. 10:1.35:22. Prov. 15:2.9. Is. 59: 
 2. Hus. 9:12. s See on 29:12.43. t Dent. 4:29. 28ara.vl:l. Is. 27:3. Is. 55:6,7. 
 Malt. 7:7,8. u Heb. 13:11— 13. x Num. 16:27. y See on 13:21,22. Ps. 99:7. 
 1 11.25:22.31:18. 34:3.9. Gen. 17:22. 18:33. Num. 11:17. Ez. 3:22. a 4:31. 1 Kings 
 8.14.22. Luke 18:13. It 9. Gen. 32:30. Num. 12:8. Deut. 5:4. 34:10. c2Chr. 2ll:7. 
 Job 16:21. Is. -12 8. John 3:29. 11:11. 15:14,15. Jam. 2:23. cl 17:9.21:13.32:17. 
 e 1.32:31. f 17. Gen. 18:19. Ps. 1:6. Jer. 1:5. John 10:14.15. 2Tim.2:19. 
 
 he would not have a tabernacle, or dwelling-place, among the 
 people, or in any way manifest bis special presence and glory 
 in the midst of them; seeing rhat they were disposed to treat 
 him with such insufferable contempt, that these favours would 
 only serve to increase their guilt, and to provok'e his jealousy 
 to their destruction. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. The people had parted with some of their orna- 
 ments to make the golden calf ; yet doubtless they had 
 generally arrayed themselves in festive garments to worship 
 the idol : but they laid the whole aside when they heard of 
 the Lord’s hot displeasure against them, and no more at- 
 tempted to resume them. For the Lord had intimated an 
 intention of destroying them in a moment : yet at the same 
 time he had ordered them to assume the habit of mourners 
 or penitents, while he, as it were, deliberated how to act 
 towards them. This implied a design of mercy, provided 
 they showed signs of repentance ; and as they complied with- 
 out hesitation, and seemed more grieved because the Lord 
 refused to go with them, than on account of the terrible execu- 
 tion recorded in the foregoing chapter, it may be supposed that 
 several of them were truly humbled ; and the others, by an 
 external humiliation, gave glory to God, which made way for 
 him honourably to avert the national judgment. (Note, 1 
 Kings 21:27 — 29.) — The words (a^n *tnn) rendered 44 by the 
 mount Horeb,” seem to mean, at a distance from the holy 
 mount ; which was another token of humiliation. 
 
 V. 7. The tabernacle here mentioned seems to have been 
 a tent that. Moses had prepared, in which he administered 
 justice, and answered the inquiries of those who applied to 
 him. It is also probable that before the Tabernacle was 
 erected as prescribed on the mount, the people assembled 
 here to worship, and the pillar of fire and cloud appeared on 
 the top of it. We r*»ay suppose that Moses did not inform 
 the people, how far he had succeeded in making up the breach ; 
 as it was his purpose to bring them to repentance : and, in 
 removing this tent to a distance from the camp, no doubt by 
 divine direction, he gave them another indication of the Lord’s 
 heavy displeasure, who, as it were, refused to dwell any longer 
 among them. — On this occasion he called it u The Tabernacle 
 of the congregation,” or of meeting ("ipO Shn); that is, the 
 place where the Lord met his people ; the name given to the 
 sanctuary after wards erected. But the Israelites in general 
 were not worthy of being thus honoured and favoured ; and 
 if any were desirous of seeking God and humbling themselves 
 before lunrv or of offering sacrifice to him, they were required 
 to follow .Abernacle out of the camp. 
 
 V. 8 — 11. When Moses left the camp, and went to the 
 tabernacle now pitched at a distance, the people in general 
 came out to see what the event would be, and kept their eyes 
 on him till he had entered the tabernacle. It is probable, 
 that after the making of the golden calf, the cloudy pillar had 
 disappeared ; but now it again descended, and rested at the 
 door of the tabernacle. This reappearance of it, not over 
 the camp, but at a distance, where Moses was, ratified all 
 that he had done ; and the people were so impressed by it, 
 that, they prostrated themselves in solemn worship, at the door 
 of their tents, before the symbol of the divine presence.~In 
 the mean while, the Lord conversed with Moses, not as in a 
 ( 190 ) 
 
 11 And the Lord b spake unto Moses lace to 
 Pace, as a n,an speaketh unto c his friend. And 
 he turned ajrain into the camp; but d his servant 
 Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed 
 not out of the tabernacle. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 12 H And Moses said unto the Lord, see, 
 e thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people : anil 
 thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send 
 with me. Ye\ thou hast said, f I know thee by 
 name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight. 
 
 13 Now therefore, I pray thee, «if 1 have found 
 grace in thy sight, h show me now thy way, ‘that 
 I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy 
 sight: and Consider that this nation is thy people. 
 
 14 And he said, k My presence shall go with 
 thee, and I will give thee 'resf. 
 
 15 And he said unto him, m If thy presence go 
 not with me, carry us not up hence. 
 
 16 For wherein shall it be known here, that I 
 and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is 
 it not "in that thou goest with us? So shall we he 
 "separated, I and thy people, from all the people 
 that are upon the face of the earth. 
 
 17 And the Lord said unto Moses, pI will do 
 this thing also tlrat thou hast spoken : far "ithou 
 hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by 
 name. 
 
 g See on 17. 34:9. h Ps. 25:4 . 27: 11. 86:11. 1 19:33. Coni. 1:7,8. Is. 30:21. 
 i 18. Jnhi) 17:3. Eph. 1 :17. ( ol. 1:10. 2 Pet. 3:18. i 32:7. Dent. 9:26,29. Is. 
 63:17,19. Joel 2:17. Rom. 11:28. k 13:21.40:34—38. Josh. 1:5. Is. 63:9. Mali. 
 28:20. I Dcut.3:20. Josh. 21:44. 22:4. 23:1. Ps. 95:11. Jer. 6. 16. Matt. 11:28. 
 Heb. 4:8.9. m 3.34:9. n Num. 14:14. Man. 1:23. o 8:22.19:5,6.34:10. 
 Num. 23:9. Deut. 4.7.34. 2 Sam. 7:23. 1 Kings 8:53. Ps. 147:20. 2: or. 6:17, 
 p Gen. 18:32. 19:21. Is. 65:24. iohn 16:23. Jam. 5:16. 1 John 5:14,15. q 12. 
 G*n. 6:8. 19:19,21. 
 
 dream or vision, but by an audible voice, in the most familiar 
 manner ; even as when a man speaketh face to face with his 
 friend. There does not seem to have been any visible 
 appearance in human form at the time : but it may be sup- 
 posed, that the cloud appeared within as well as above the 
 iabernacle ; and that the voice came from the cloud, as when 
 our Lord was transfigured. After some time Moses returned 
 to the camp, probably to instruct and encourage the people : 
 and, as it does not appear why Joshua should remain at the 
 tabernacle when Moses left it, the latter clause has been 
 thus rendered by some expositors ; “ He turned again to the 
 camp with his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young 
 man.” But “ He” (that is, the Lord, as appearing in the 
 cloud) “departed not out of the tabernacle.” Thus the Lord 
 still refused to manifest himself in the camp of Israel. — Joshua 
 was at this time about fifty-three years old ; but he was a 
 young man compared with Moses, and this was a common 
 title for those who acted as servants to others. 
 
 Y. 12 — 1G. This is cither the substance of the conference 
 before spoken of, (11,) or else Moses returned to the taber- 
 nacle, and thus pleaded and prevailed for his people. — The 
 Lord had promised to send an angel with him, to put Israel in 
 possession of Canaan ; but his refusal to accompany them 
 implied that this would be merely a created angel, the minister 
 of his providence. (Notes, 1 — 3.) Moses therefore pleaded, 
 that God had not informed him whom he would send with 
 him ; though he had given him the fullest assurances of his 
 special grace and favour. But if indeed he was thus distin- 
 guished, as one known by God ; he prayed that he would 
 “ show him his way," the method according to which he pur- 
 posed to deal wilh Israel, or the way in which he would have 
 his people walk before him ; that he might more fully know 
 him, and continue to enjoy his special favour. Yet even this 
 was not all he desired; for he earnestly requested I ho Lord 
 to consider, that Israel was his people whom he had chosen, 
 and who alone of all nations worshipped him. He could not 
 endure to have his interests separated from those of his bre- 
 thren : and this emphatically implied a request, that the Lord, 
 though offended, would vouchsafe his special presence with 
 his people, and set up his tabernacle among them, over which 
 the cloudy pillar might rest, and in which his glory might 
 appear above the mercy-seat. This plea, resulting from dis- 
 interested love to Israel, united with zeal for the honour of 
 God, prevailed : and the Lord assured Moses, that his gra- 
 cious presence should accompany him, in leading Israel to 
 Canaan, the promised rest. But he, desiring still more par- 
 ticular and explicit assurances, entreated (hat they might 
 proceed no further without that presence, and tho religious 
 advantages which it implied : as these only could fully prove, 
 that the Lord specially favoured him and his people ; and 
 thus alone they would he distinguished and kept separate 
 from all other nations on earth. 
 
 V. 17. The Lord at length, well pleased with Mjsos’s 
 importunity, fully grnntcd his requests ; and for his sake, 
 (who was in this transaction a remarkable type of Christ,) 
 the breach was made up. Accordingly, in the following 
 chapters we read that the tabernacle erected, and tho 
 ordinances appointed, by which Israe oas reptrated fron 
 
It. c. 1491. 
 
 18 And he said, 1 beseech thee, ‘show me thy 
 
 glory. 
 
 19 And he said, I will make ’all my goodness 
 pass before thee, and I will ‘proclaim the name of 
 the Lord before thee ; and will u be gracious to 
 whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on 
 whom I will show mercy. 
 
 20 And he said, x Thou canst not see my face : 
 tor there shall no man see me, and live. 
 
 21 And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place 
 by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock. 
 
 22 And it shall come to pass, while my glory 
 passeth by, that I will put thee y in a cleft of the 
 
 r 20. Ps. 4:6. John 1:18. 2 Cor. 3:18. 4:6. lTim.6:16. Tit. 2:13. Rev. 21:23. 
 
 • Neh. 9:25. Ps. 23:13. marg.65:4. Jer. 31:12,14. Zech. 9:17. Rom. 2:4. Ejjh. 
 1:6—3. t S,e on 3:13— 15. 34:5— 7. Is. 7:14. 9:6. 12:4. marg. u Rom. 9:15— 
 18,23. x 24:10. Gen. 32:30. Deul. 6:24. Judg. 6:22. Is. 6:5. John 1:18. Rev. 
 
 other nations : and though Moses never entered the rest of 
 Canaan, lie found rest to his soul in the ways of the Lord, 
 and in the comfort of his presence ; and entrance into “ the 
 rest .which remaineth for the people of God.” 
 
 V. 18, 19. Encouraged by the condescending mercy of 
 God, Moses ventured to request that he would “ show him 
 his glory,” as a pledge of his special favour, and an earnest of 
 the accomplishment of his promises. — He seems to have 
 meant something distinct from the external displays which he 
 had witnessed, and of a more spiritual nature. Accordingly, 
 the Lord promised to “ cause all his goodness to pass before 
 him ;” that he might have a clear discovery of his holy per- 
 fections, which, though transient in itself, would leave a perma- 
 nent impression on his mind. — The goodness of God may 
 cither mean, in general, the holy excellence of his nature, 
 which is altogether lovely ; or his kindness to sinful men, in 
 all its varied exercises : but especially his unfathomable love 
 and mercy, as manifested, in harmony with infinite justice 
 and holiness, in the salvation of Christ : for this is the grandest 
 display which we are capable of beholding, and to us by far 
 the most interesting. (1 John 4:8 — 10.) — At the same time, 
 the Lord promised to proclaim his name before Moses ; and 
 an account of this transaction is recorded in the next chapter. 
 He also added, “ And I will be gracious to whom I will be 
 gracious, and I will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” 
 As if he had said, ‘ I will pardon what sinners I please; nor shall 
 any degree of guilt bar this sovereign exercise of my mercy.’ 
 (Note, Rom. 9:15 — 18.) Thus, while some, whose crimes ap- 
 pear to us of inferior malignity, are left to hardness of heart, 
 and suffer the deserved punishment of their evil deeds; in other in- 
 stances, “where sin hath abounded, grace much more abounds.” 
 V. 20 — 23. “ No man hath seen God at any time,” for he 
 “ dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto ;” so 
 that “ no man hath seen him, or can see him.” It is there- 
 fore evident, that all the appearances of God, spoken of in 
 Scripture, were far ditferent from a visible display of his es- 
 sence, or essential glory, which in its own nature is invisible: 
 and this applies equally to the familiar appearances with 
 which the patriarchs were favoured ; the more awful and glo- 
 rious manifestations which were made to the prophets in 
 vision ; the Shechinuh, or visible glory which appeared above 
 the mercy-seat : and the manifestations vouchsafed to Moses, 
 when “ the Lord spake to him face to face, as a man speak- 
 eth to his friend.” And not only must the divine essence 
 always continue invisible to our bodily eyes ; but even the 
 full discovery of the divine glory to our souls, or such an ex- 
 ternal splendour as might be rendered visible, would over- 
 whelm and dissolve the feeble frame of man in his present 
 state. In this sense, it seems to have been, that the Lord 
 said to Moses, “ Thou canst not see my face : for there shall 
 no man see me, and live.” Yet, as far as mortal man could 
 endure the sight, Moses should have his request granted. In 
 some place, near the spot where he was communing with 
 God, he should stand upon a rock: (perhaps the rock in 
 Horeb, whence the waters miraculously flowed;) and while 
 the I.ord passed by, in some most august display of his glory, 
 he would put him in a cleft of the rock, and “ cover him with 
 his hand,” or shelter him by his power, or perhaps veil the 
 glory by a cloud. But when the overwhelming splendour was 
 past, he would remove his hand, that Moses might behold his 
 glory ; as if a man should see, not the countenance, but the 
 back of some august personage who passed by him. — It is 
 not agreed what external appearance attended this display ; but 
 there is no sufficient reason to conclude that it was in human 
 form, as the words, face, hands, and back-parts, seem to be 
 used figuratively. The transaction, however, was doubtless 
 emblematic. We can, in this world, see the glory of God, 
 mly as reflected from his works, or as revealed in his word : 
 lor the more direct display of his essential glory to the soul 
 is reserved for the beatific vision.— The rock on which 
 Moses stood, and in the cleft of which he was sheltered, was 
 doubtless an emblem of Christ ; in whose person, character, 
 and salvation alone, we sinners may by faith see the glory of 
 God and live : for there it appears in softened splendour ; as 
 the sun, when his brightness is diminished by a mist, is be- 
 held more distinctly by the human eye. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. While multitudes of professed Christians perish 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 rock : and will ‘cover thee with my hand while I 
 pass by. 
 
 23 And I will take away mine hand, and “thou 
 shalt see my back-parts : but my face shall not be 
 seen. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Moses is commanded to hew two tables of stone, and to ascend mount Sinai 
 alone , 1 — 4. The Lord proclaims his name , and Moses worships, 5 — 9. The 
 Lord renews his covenant with Israel, and repeats marry laws before gi. en t 
 10 — 27. Moses, after forty days' fasting, retu ns with the tables of lh°, law .* 
 his face shines, and. he covers it with a veil, 28 — 35. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Moses, a Hew thee 
 two tables of stone like unto the fifst : 
 and b I will write upon these tables c the words 
 
 1:16,17. y Pe. 18:2. Cant. 2.3. Is. 32:2. 1 Cor. 10:4. 2 Cor. 5:19. z Deu .33: 
 12. Ps. 91:1,4. a Job 11:7.26:14. 1 Cor. 13:12. 1 Tim 6:16. a See on 31 :l&. 
 32:16. Deut. 10:1. b 28. Deut. 10:2 — 4. c Ps. 119:89. 
 
 in sin, God knows how to secure the honour of his faithful- 
 ness. — He often confers outward prosperity in anger on 
 wicked men, who take it as their portion and look no further. 
 But, while the conscience remains tender, prosperous ungod- 
 liness, and the removal of divine ordinances, will be dreaded 
 as the heaviest judgments. — Yet obstinate wickedness, under 
 the means of grace, ensures the severest vengeance. — Every 
 commandment of God to sinners implies some degree of en- 
 couragement; and in humble obedience they should wait to 
 see what the Lord will do with them. — When he calls to 
 weeping and mourning, those enjoyments and ornaments, 
 which at other times are allowable, will be laid aside and 
 slighted by the true penitent : and indeed it is most shameful, 
 if Christians refuse to part with their ornaments, in com- 
 pliance with the demands of decency, charity, and perhaps 
 justice, while idolaters give up theirs for the sake of their 
 worthless idols! — Yet alas! external expressions of humilia- 
 tion do not always , or indeed generally, prove that the heart is 
 truly humbled before God. — When the Lord appears about 
 to leave a degenerate church or people, we must be decided 
 in protesting against prevailing iniquities, in withdrawing 
 from obstinate offenders, and in following the word and ordi- 
 nances of God, whithersoever they go, let who will stay 
 behind : and when young persons love his courts, it promises 
 a useful and honourable old age. (Note,Ps. 92:13 — 15.) 
 
 V. 12 — 23. The Lord will show such tokens of his favour 
 to his approved servants, as shall be evident to all their op- 
 posers ; and in communion with himself will make them rich 
 amends for all their troubles. — Whatever interest we have at 
 a throne of grace, we should improve it in behalf of others ; 
 remembering that our God delights in and honours importu- 
 nity : and we should take encouragement from success, to 
 request still more and more. — If we have any useful know- 
 ledge of him, it arises from our having been first noticed by 
 him with distinguished regard : and it will lead us to desire to 
 know more of him, of his ways, and of his special grace, day 
 by day. We shall therefore in every undertaking, and in all 
 our removals, urgently desire to tie under his guidance : ear- 
 nestly pray, “ that unless his presence go with us he wiil not 
 carry us up thence ;” and he careful that covetousness or 
 conveniency do not draw us from our proper place, or to a 
 distance from his ordinances. Nor should we forget, that as 
 the Lord’s people are distinguished and separated by peculiar 
 privileges from others; so they are called to separate them- 
 selves, that they may “ be unto him a peculiar people zealous 
 of good works ;” which is both the effect of divine teaching, 
 the evidence of divine grace, the present rest of the soul, and 
 the earnest of everlasting rest. — They, who have been 
 favoured with a glimpse of the Lord’s glory and a taste of his 
 goodness, will ardently desire more full discoveries and com- 
 munications ; and, as here “ they see through a glass darkly,” 
 they will by that desire be gradually rendered willing to de- 
 part hence, that they may “ see him face to face.” In the 
 mean time they will thankfully, as sheltered in Ihe rock of 
 salvation from the consuming fire of his holiness and justice, 
 contemplate his footsteps and the discoveries made of his 
 glorious perfections in all his works, but especially in the 
 work of redemption : and these views are peculiarly suited 
 to humble them ; to wean them from the world, and to eclipse 
 all its vain splendour ; and gradually to transform them into 
 the image of him, whom they thus contemplate by faith, 
 through the teaching of his Holy Spirit. <Note, 2 Cor. 3.17, 
 18.) If then he causes all his goodness to pass before us, 
 and makes us acquainted with bis Name, as a God of grace 
 and mercy ; while we acknowledge our obligations to our 
 heavenly Advocate, who by his prevailing intercession hath 
 completely repaired the breach which sin hath made ; we 
 may well be willing to wait for further discoveries, till we 
 depart hence to be vvith him. — Finally, let not sinners forget 
 that “ he, who is gracious to whom he will he gracious, and 
 hath mercy on^vhom he will have mercy,” halh also assured 
 us, that “ him, who cometh unto him, he will in nowise cast 
 out.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIV. V. 1. (32:15,1(5.) Tore- 
 mind the people of the sin, through which the former tables 
 had been broken, the Lord would not prepare these himself, 
 but Moses was ordered to hew them, or prepare them, for 
 the writing ; which it seems was not a work of very great 
 
 ( 191 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
B. C. J 19! 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 149 
 
 that were in the first tables, d which thou brak- 
 est.. 
 
 2 And be ready in the morning-, and come up 
 in the morning unto mount Sinai, and present 
 thyself there to me e in the top of the mount. 
 
 3 And no man shall f come up with thee, neither 
 let any man be seen throughout all the mount : 
 neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that 
 mount. 
 
 4 And he hewed two tables of stone like unto 
 the first ; and Moses rose up early in the morning, 
 anckwent up unto mount Sinai, as the Lord had 
 commanded him, and took in his hand the two 
 tables of stone. 
 
 5 And the Lord ^descended in the cloud, and 
 stood with him there, and proclaimed h the name 
 of the Lord. 
 
 d 32:19. Dent. 9:15—17. e 19:20,24 . 24:12. Deul. 9:25. f 19:12,13,21. Lev. 16: 
 17. 1 Tim. 2:5. Heb. 12:20. e 19:18. 33:9. Num. 11:17,25. 1 Kings 8:10—12. Luke 
 9:34,35. h 33.19. Pent. 32:3. Ps. 102:21. Prov. 18:10. Is. 50:10. i 33:20— 23. 
 
 1 Kings 19:11. k Num. 14:17— 19. Is. 12:4. 13:13—16. m Ileut. 5:10. 2 Chr. 
 80:9. Neh. 9:17. Ps. 86:5,15. 103:8-13. 111:4. 112:4. 116:5. 145:8. Joel 2:13. 
 Jon. 4:2. Rom. 2:4. n Ps. 31:19. Mic. 7:18. Rom. 5:20,21. Eph. 1:7,8. o Ps. 
 57:10. 91:4. 108:4. 111:8. 138:2. 146:6. I,am. 3:23. Mic. 7:20. John 1:17. p 20: 
 6. Dent. 5:10. Neh. 1:5. 9:32. Jer. 32:18. Dan. 9:4. q Ps. 103:3. 130.4. Dan. 
 
 labour or exactness, for it was speedily performed. — When 
 God made man in his own image, the moral law was written 
 in his heart without any external created concurrence : but 
 since the covenant then made with him was broken, the 
 ministry of men has been used, both in giving the Scriptures, 
 and in bringing sinners to believe and obey them. Yet the 
 whole writing is the Lord’s : all Scripture was given by in- 
 spiration from him ; and he alone can write the law in the 
 heart, so as to produce true conviction of sin, penitent faith 
 in Christ, and willing and unreserved obedience. 
 
 V. 2, 3. The people were tried forty days more, whether 
 they would wait for the return of Moses, though they “ knew 
 not what was become of him:” and the injunctions given on 
 a former occasion, being now rendered still more strict, would 
 tend also to impress them with an awful sense of the divine 
 holiness, their own exceeding unworthiness, and the Lord’s 
 special regard for Moses. ( Marg . Ref.) 4 
 
 V. 4. It does not appear whether any persons were left 
 in authority at this time, or not. Aaron had greatly offended, 
 and Hur is no more mentioned in the history. (24:14.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. According to the promise made in the preceding 
 chapter, the Lord met Moses in a cloud on the mount, and 
 thence proclaimed his Name, or concerning his Name: 
 that is, those perfections, and that character, which are de- 
 noted by the name Jehovah. This was proclaimed in an 
 audible voice, that Moses, and from him Israel, and all the 
 earth, might know the God with whom they had to do : not 
 only that there was a God, but what his moral perfections 
 were ; and consequently what he must require of them, and 
 what they might expect from him. When the Lord made 
 himself known to Moses by the name I am that I am, he 
 declared unto him (as in this passage, by the words “the 
 Lord, the Lord God”) his self-existence, unchangeableness, 
 eternity, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence ; with 
 his authority, as everlasting, absolute, and universal Sove- 
 reign, Lawgiver, and Judge ; who, having created the whole 
 world, and still upholding and providing for it, demands all 
 love, worship, and obedience from his rational creatures. But 
 here especially are made known the moral perfections of 
 this eternal God : for he first, in a variety of expressions, 
 declared his mercy and grace, with which sinners are espe- 
 cially concerned ; that they may both be certified there is 
 hope, and know from whence that hope arises. “ The Lord 
 God is merciful;" that is, condescending and compassionate, 
 as a father to his children ; ready to relieve the indigent, and 
 to rescue tile miserable : gracious, or propense to bestow un- 
 merited benefits, nay, to be kind to such as deserve his hot 
 displeasure . and long-suffering, or slow to anger, patiently 
 bearing the multiplied provocations of his rebellious creatures, 
 affording them space for repentance, and not delighting in 
 their misery ; but only punishing when the honour of his 
 name and law, and the welfare of his universal and everlast- 
 ing kingdom, require it. He is also “ abundant in goodness 
 and truth that is, the riches of his liberality and bounty are 
 infinite ; the whole creation is replete with his benefits ; all 
 creatures, even sinners, abundantly receive them, though they 
 abuse them and are ungrateful for them : and all that he re- 
 veals is infallible truth ; all that he proposes is in absolute 
 sincerity ; and all that he promises, is in perfect faithfulness ; 
 while he hath revealed, proposed, and promised, even to us 
 sinners, such abundant goodness, as can neither be expressed 
 nor conceived. — “ Keeping mercy for thousands that is, con- 
 tinually showing mercy in all its various exercises, to thou- 
 sands of sinners, and having still inexhaustible treasures for 
 thousands more, yea, for increasing numbers till the end of 
 time ; doing all good to those who trust in his mercy at “re- 
 sent, and reserving good for them in future, even to eternity: 
 and not for them only, but for their “ children’s children 
 “for his mercy endureth for ever.” — “Forgiving iniquity and 
 transgression and sin because all his mercy and goodness 
 
 ( 192 ) 
 
 6 And the Lord 'passed by before him, and 
 k proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord God, m mercif'ul 
 and gracious, long-suffering, and "abundant in 
 goodness and “truth, 
 
 7 pKeeping mercy for thousands, ^forgiving ini- 
 quity and transgression and sin, and that r wm by 
 no means clear the guilty ; “visiting the iniquity 
 of the fathers upon the children, and upon the 
 children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth 
 generation. 
 
 8 And Moses made haste, and ‘bowed his head 
 toward the earth, and worshipped. 
 
 9 And he said, x If now I have found grace in 
 thy sight, O Lord, /let my Lord, I pray thee, go 
 among us ; (for it is z a stiff-necked people ;) and 
 “pardon our iniquity and our sin, and Take us for 
 
 thine inheritance. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 9:9. Matt. 6:14,15. 12:31. 18:32 — 35. L-ike 7:42,48. Acts 5:31. 13:38. Rom. 4:1 
 8. Eph. 1:7. 4:32. 1 John 1:9. r 22.7,21 Num. 14:18— 23. Deut. 32:35. Josh 
 24:19. Job 10:14. Ps. 9:16,17. 11:5,6. 58:10,11. 136:10,15. Is. 45:21. Mic. 6:11 
 Nah. 1:2, 3, 6. Rom. 2:4—9.3:19—26. 9:22,23. Heb. 12:29. Rev. 20:15. 21 :L 
 s See on 20:5. t 4:31. Gen. 17:3. 2 Chr. 20:18. x 33:13,17. y See on 3L 
 14—16. Matt. 28:20. z See on 32:9. 33:3,5. Is. 48:4. a Num. 14:19. 
 25:11. b 19:5. Deut. 32:9. Ps. 28:9. 33:12. 78:62 . 94:14.135:4. Jer. 10:1^. 
 Zech. 2:12. 
 
 either make way for the full, free, and everlasting forgiven***! 
 of every kind and degree of sin which can be specified ; c? 
 they consist in it, or result from it. — “And that will by no 
 means clear the guilty all this mercy and grace consist with 
 the most entire hatred of all moral evil, and the most abso- 
 lute determination to punish it : indeed, the holiness and 
 justice of God are a part of his goodness and love, considered 
 in their exercise towards all his rational creatures, throughout 
 universal space and everlasting duration. For mercy and 
 forgiveness are never exercised by our holy and righteous God, 
 but through the atonement of the death of Christ, and to 
 those who believe in his name : and in the sufferings which 
 he endured, the holiness and justice of God have their grand 
 display, and the evil of sin is most fully manifested. None 
 are pardoned but those who repent , and forsake the allowed 
 practice of every sin ; forgiving mercy being always attended 
 by converting and sanctifying grace. Nay, even they, for 
 whose sins the blood of Christ hath fully atoned, are severely 
 chastised in this world for those failures, into which, through 
 the remaining sinfulness of the heart and the power of tempta- 
 tion, they are betrayed. But that sinner, who remains guilty , 
 having not, by repentance and faith, obtained an interest in 
 the great Sacrifice for sin, shall by no means be acquitted or 
 escape : nor any who pervert, neglect, or despise so great 
 salvation, in impenitence and unbelief. The severest ven- 
 geance of God shall fall upon the heads of such persons ; the 
 very mercy which they have perverted into an encouragement 
 to sin, shall occasion their deeper condemnation ; and if Israel, 
 or any other nation, dare to abuse such a proclamation of the 
 name of a merciful God, national judgments on them and 
 their posterity shall vindicate the honour of his insulted jus- 
 tice. (Notes, 20:5. Num. 14:13 — 19. Nah. 1:2 — 6.) — As 
 the word guilty is not in the original, many commentators in- 
 terpret the words to mean, ‘that, in executing judgments, the 
 Lord will not proceed to extremities with his people.’ But 
 the words literally signify, clearing he will not clear : and in 
 such a solemn proclamation of the Name of Jehovah, it 
 would be wonderful, if no intimation should be given of holi- 
 ness and justice ; which are as essential to the perfection of 
 his character, and the honour of his government, as even his 
 grace and truth. Yet if this interpretation be adopted, these 
 attributes are not so much as hinted at. — The marginal re- 
 ferences will show the careful student, that the exposition 
 above given accords to the general tenor of Scripture : and 
 every one, who knows the plan of Christianity, must see the 
 importance of the views thus set before us, to the right 
 knowledge of God, our Lawgiver and Saviour. There should 
 then be very cogent arguments adduced, before we consent 
 to give up the instruction conveyed by our translation ; which 
 indeed seems clearly to express the genuine meaning of the 
 original. 
 
 Will by no means clear the guilty. (7) np^ nS np3. Kat ov 
 KaSaptet rov evoxov. Sept. The same words, ( Num. 14:18.) 
 are rendered KaSaptayw ov KaSapiei rov evoxoiu But the same 
 expression, (Nah. 1:3.) is rendered A Smov ovk aSiowoct, Will 
 not absolve the innocent ; which gives no clear meaning. ‘ The 
 doctors explain it, He cleanses those that repent ; but those 
 who are unwilling to repent, he does not cleanse. . . . Who so 
 remits sins, that he may sanctify himself, and prove himself 
 just.’ In Robertson. 
 
 V. 8, 9. This proclamation of the name of God had its 
 proper effect upon Moses, who, immediately bowing down in 
 reverential worship, seized, as it were, the encouraging words 
 from the mouth of the Lord, and pleaded his mercy, as an 
 argument with him to forgive Israel, to continue his special 
 presence with them, and to tako them for his inheritance, 
 “ though a stiff-necked people.” Or, if wc retain our trans- 
 lation, he makes even that circumstanco an additional rea- 
 son; as they, being a stiff-necked people, needed the conduct 
 of such a merciful and gracious God ; they could no otherwise 
 
ft C. 1491. 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 10 And he said, Behold, e I make a covenant; 
 before all thy people ll I will do marvels, such as 
 have not been done in all the earth, nor in any 
 nation ; and all the people, amongst which thou 
 art, shall see the work of the Lord : for it is e a 
 terrible thing that I will do with thee. 
 
 11 H 'Observe thou that which I command thee 
 this day : Behold, si drive out before thee the 
 Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and 
 the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 
 
 12 ''Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a 
 covenant with the inhabitants of the land, whither 
 thou goest, 'lest, it be for a snare in the midst of 
 thee* 
 
 13 But >‘ye shall destroy their altars, break their 
 ‘images, and cut down their groves. 
 
 14 For thou shalt ‘worship no other god: for 
 the Lord, "whose name is Jealous, is a "jealous 
 God: 
 
 15 Lest thou "make a covenant with the inhabit- 
 ants of the land, and they go a '’whoring after 
 their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and 
 one ''call thee, and thou r eat of his sacrifice ; 
 
 16 And s thou take of their daughters unto thy 
 sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their 
 gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their 
 gods. 
 
 17 Thou shalt make to thee l no molten gods. 
 
 18 H The "feast of unleavened bread shalt 
 thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened 
 bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the 
 month Abib: for in the month Abib thou earnest 
 out from Egypt. 
 
 c 21:7,8. Dent. 4:13. 5.2. 29:12 — 14. Josh. 24:25. d Dent. 4:32— 3-5. 32:30. 
 Josh. 6:20. 10:12,13. 3 Sam. 7:23. Ps. 77:14. e Deut. 10:21. Ps. 65:5. 66:3,5. 
 6305. 73:1-2. 105:22. 1-15:6. Is. 61:3. Jer. 32:21. f Deut. 4:1,2,40. 5:32. 
 6:3,25. 12:2s' .32. 28:1. Matt. 28:20. John 14:21. g See on 3:8,17.33:2. 
 Gen. 15:13— 21. 1:23:32.33. Pent. 7:2. Jiidg. 2:2. i Dent. 7:16. Jude. 3:3. 
 8:27. Ps. 106:36. k 23.21. Dent. 7:25,25. 12:2,3. Jndg. 6:26. 2 Kings 18:4. 23: 
 11. 2 Chr. 31:1. 31:3,4. • Hob. statues. 120:3—5. Dent. 5:7. Mntt.4:10. 
 
 0 ) 5— 7.33-19. Is. 9:6. 67:16. n 20:5. Deut. 4:24. 6:15. 29:20. 32:16,21. Josh. 
 24:19. Nal:. 1:2. 1 Cor. 10:22. n 10,12. 23:32. Pent. 7:2. [) Lev. 17:7. 20:5, 
 
 I. Num. 15:39. l ent. 31:16. Jndg. 2:17. Ps. 73:27. Ez. 6:9. Hos. 4:12. 9:1 . 
 R-v. 17:1—5. q Num. 25:2. 1 l or. 10:27. r Ps. 106:23. 1 Cor. 8:4,7,10. 10:20, 
 
 II. Rev. 2:20. s Pern. 7: :,4. 1 Kings 11:2—4. Ezra 9:2. Neh. 13:23. 2 Cor. 6: 
 14—17. t 32:8. I.ev. 19:4. Is. 46:6,7. Jer. 10:14. Acts 17:29. 19:26. u 12:15 — 
 
 be done any good to, and would afford him full opportunity of 
 glorifying his mercy and grace. 
 
 V. 10. The prayer of Moses being granted, the Lord 
 again promised to make a covenant with Israel, that is, to 
 renew the covenant which had been broken : and he assured 
 Moses, that in fullilling this covenant, he would do such won- 
 ders as had not been done on earth. The word signifies 
 created, (iNhtn) : and the astonishing miracles, by which Israel 
 was brought into Canaan, and made triumphant over every 
 foe, and which seemed to reverse in many things the settled 
 order of creation , were especially meant. Yet the effects of 
 Jehovah’s power in the midst of the people were as terrible 
 to them when disobedient, as at other times to their enemies. 
 
 V. 11 — 17. The covenant made with Israel was a mar- 
 riage-covenant ; idolatry was considered as adultery, land the 
 name of God is Jealous, so that every approach to that sin 
 would provoke him to jealousy. (Notes, 5 — 7.20:5.) They 
 were commanded therefore to destroy every monument of 
 idola’ry, however curious and costly ; to reject all treaties of 
 alliance, friendship, or marriage with idolaters, however ad- 
 vantageous ; to refuse all invitations to idolatrous feasts, 
 (Marg. Ref. r ;) and especially not to repeat their old crime 
 of making a molten image of God. The repetition of these 
 laws, with enlargement, and additional cautions and warnings, 
 was peculiarly suitable and seasonable at the renewing of 
 the covenant, after the late shameful violation of it. (Notes, 
 23:20 — 23,32,33.) — The same observation is also applicable 
 to many of the subsequent laws, which had before been given, 
 but were on this occasion enforced with greater energy and 
 authority. — (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Whose name is Jealous. (14) The idols of the nations 
 were not characterized as jealous ; at least in any great de- 
 gree. They were not supposed to be offended, by their 
 worshippers paying occasional, or even stated worship to 
 Aher deities, provided the number and value of the sacrifices 
 offered to them were not diminished. Hence arose what has 
 been called an intercommunity of the worshippers of different 
 idols with each other ; who scrupled not to worship the gods 
 of other nations, especially when among them. But this, 
 Jehovah, the one living and true God, would not endure. 
 Hence conscientious Israelites were universally counted bi- 
 gots. 
 
 V. 18. Marg. Ref. u. Notes, 12:15—20. 13:3—7. 
 
 V. 10, 20. Marg. Ref. v— z. A T otes, 13:2,11—16. 
 
 Every firstling among thy cattle... that is male. (19) 
 -i!32 -otn -pptrSa. Most lexicographers suppose the mean- 
 ing of the Nipli. of -or (which occurs only in this place) to 
 be taken from the noun "Ot a male ; and the sentence is ren- 
 Vol. I.— 25 
 
 19 x\ll that T openeth the matrix is mine, and 
 every firstling among thy cattle, whether ox or 
 sheep, that is male. 
 
 20 But x the firstling of an ass thou shalt redeem 
 with a ‘lamb : and if tiion redeem him not, then 
 slujt thou break bis neck. All Uhe first-born of 
 thy sons thou shalt redeem : and "none shall appear 
 betbre me empty. 
 
 21 “Six days thou shalt work, but on the se- 
 venth day thou shalt rest: in b earing-time and in 
 harvest thou shalt rest. 
 
 22 And thou shalt observe "the feast of weeks, 
 of the first-fruits of wheat-harvest, and the feast 
 of ingathering at the ^year’s end. 
 
 23 ‘‘Thrice in the year shall all your men-chil- 
 dren appear before the Lord God, e the God oi 
 Israel. 
 
 24 For f I will cast out the nations before thee, 
 and ^enlarge thy borders : neither shall any man 
 h desire thy land, when thou shalt go up to appear 
 before the Lord thy God, thrice in the year. 
 
 25 Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice 
 with ‘leaven, neither shall the sacrifice of the feast 
 of the passover ‘‘be left unto the morning. 
 
 26 The ‘first of the first-fruits of thy land thou 
 shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God. 
 Thou shalt not "seeth a kid in his mother’s milk. 
 
 27 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, "Write 
 thou these words: for after the tenor of these 
 words T have made a covenant with thee and 
 with Israel. 
 
 28 And he was there with the Lord rforty days 
 and forty nights ; he did neither eat bread, r... 
 
 20. 13:4,6,7.23:15. Lev. 23:6. Deut. 16:1— 4. Mark 14:1. Luke22:l. Acts 12: 
 3. v 13:2,12. 22:29. Num. 18:15— 17. Ez. 44:30. Luke 2:23. x 13:13. fur, 
 kid. V 13:15. Num. 3:45— 51. z 23: 15. Deul. 16:16. 1 Sam. 9:7,8. 2 Sam. 24: 
 24. a' 20:9— 11.23:12. 35:2. Deul. 5:12— 15. Luke 13:14. 23:56. b Gen. 45:6. 
 Deul. 21:4. 1 Sam. 8:12. Is. 30.24. e 23:16. Num. 28:16— 31.29:12— 39. Deul. 
 16:10 — 15.' John 7:2. Acta 2:1. 1 Heb. revolution of the year, cl 23:14,17. 
 
 Deul. 16:16. Ps.84:7. e Gen. 32:23. 33:20. 1 23:27—30.33:2. Lev. 18:24 
 
 Deut. 7:1. Ps. 78:55. 80:8. g 23:31. Deut. 12:20. 19:8. 1 Chr. 4:10. h Gen 
 35:5. 2 Chr. 17:10. Prov. 16:7. Acts 18:10. i 12:20. 23:18. Deut. 16:3. 1 Cor 
 5:7,8. k 12:10. 23:18.29:34. Lev. 7:15. Num. 9:12. 1 23:19. Deut. 26:2,10 
 
 Prov. 3:9,10. Malt. 6:33. 1 Cor. 15:20. Jam. 1:18. m 23:19. Deut. 14:21 
 n 17:14.24:4,7. Deut. 31:9. o See on 10. p See on 24:18. Deut. 9:9,18,25 
 
 dered by Buxtorf, ‘Omne pecus tuum, quod masculum 
 nascetur.’ But mpD is masc. and "O'.n is either 3d pers. 
 fern, or 2d pers. masc. of the future. They cannot therefore 
 agree together. — The Chaldee renders it, ‘ Omne pecus tuum 
 masculum sanctificabis.’ But perhaps the verb has in tliis 
 place also its usual signification of remembering, and we may 
 translate it with Cocceius, * Q.uoad omnem pecudem tuam, 
 facies te in recordatione esse.’ Or, taking in ' 1 tflD, 1 As to all 
 thy cattle, thou shalt be mindful of the opening,’ or ‘ of that 
 which openeth,’ viz. Dm the womb ; as the phrase is com- 
 pleted in the beginning of the verse. — The word is not 
 rendered at. all in our translation, but the words “ that is 
 male,” put in italics in its stead.— Parkhurst, by rejecting the 
 points, translates if, ‘From all thy cattle thou shalt moke a 
 memorial with the firstling of the ox and of the sheep.’ — See 
 Heb. Lex. under -ot, § II.; and Robertson’s Thes. -ot col. 4. 
 
 V. 21. Marg. Ref. a, b. Notes, 20:9 — 11. 35:2,3. Gen. 
 45:6. 
 
 V. 22, 23. Marg. Ref. c, d. Note, 23:14—13. 
 
 The Lord God, the God of Israel. (23) 'npN nitr hurt 
 Vm-hp', “ The Lord, Jehovah, God of Israel.” 
 
 V. 24. Neither, &c.j This remarkable promise would 
 form, while the people continued to observe the solemn feasts, 
 a full demonstration of the divine origin of their religion : and 
 three times in the year they would put this matter to a new 
 proof. No instance is recorded, through the whole history, 
 of the land being invaded on these occasions, though scarcely 
 any but women, children, and old men were left behind ! No 
 false prophet would ever have inserted such an engagement 
 in his writings, by which itis own imposture would always be 
 liable to detection. 
 
 V. 25, 26. Marg. Ref. Notes, 12:3—10,19,20. 23:19. 
 
 V. 27. Moses wrote in a book the judicial and ceremonial 
 precepts, that he had received : but God himself wrote the 
 ten commandments, the substance of the moral law, on the 
 tables of stone. (Note, 28.) This difference strongly marked 
 the permanency and perpetual obligation of the moral law, 
 and the inferior importance and temporary obligation of the 
 ceremonial institutions ; and even of the judicial law, except 
 as coincident with the moral. — Thus the national covenant 
 was renewed on the same terms as before. 
 
 V. 28. looses was miraculously supported, this second 
 time, to fast forty days and nights ; and it is probable, he did 
 not sleep at all, but spent much of his time in prayer an*d 
 supplication for his people. — “ He wrote;” that is, “the 
 Lord.” — (Marg. Ref. q. Note, 1.) 
 
 V. 29 — 35. As the light of the sun causes even opaque 
 bodies, on wMch it shines, to appear luminous ; so, long con 
 ( 193 ) 
 
E C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 drink water: and "die wrote upon the tables the 
 wards of the covenant, the ten 'commandments. 
 
 29 "(I And it came to pass when Moses came 
 down from mount Sinai, with the r two tables of 
 testimony in Moses’s hand, when he came down 
 from the mount, that Moses ’wist not that ‘the Skin 
 of his face shone, while he talked with him. 
 
 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Is- 
 rael saw Moses, behold the skin of his face shone, 
 and they were "afraid to come nigh him. 
 
 31 And Moses ^called unto them, and Aaron 
 and all the rulers of the congregation returned 
 unto him : rand Moses talked with them. 
 
 32 And afterward all the children of Israel 
 came nigh ; and he ’gave them in commandment 
 all that the Lord had spoken with him in mount 
 Sinai. 
 
 33 And till Moses had done speaking with 
 them, he put a a veil on his face. 
 
 q 1.31:18. 32:16. Deut. 4:13. 10:2 — 4. 2Cor. 3:7. ‘Heb. words. r S.e on 32:15. 
 e 16:15. Josh. 2.4. 8:14. Judg. 16-20. Mark 9:6. 14:40. Luke 2:49. John 5:13. 
 Acts 12:9. 23:5. t Matt. 17:2. Luke 9:29. Acts6:15. 2f or. 3:7— 9. Res. 1:16. 
 10:1. u Num. 12:8. Mark 9:3, 15. Luke 5:8. x 3:16. 24:1— 3. v Gen. 45:3,15. 
 l 1 Kings 22:14. Matt. 28:20. 1 Cor. 11:23. 15:3. n Rom. 10:4. 2 Cor. 3:13— 18. 
 
 templation of the divine glory caused an irradiation of the 
 soul of Moses, which was miraculously represented to the 
 people, by this external brightness of his countenance : but 
 he himself was not conscious of it. His countenance did not 
 shine when he came down the first time from the mount : but 
 he seems, during the second time, to have had far more clear 
 discoveries of the glorious perfections of the divine character, 
 even of the goodness, mercy, righteousness, holiness, and truth 
 of God, than before. Thus the Lord put honour upon him 
 before the people, and made them stand in awe of him ; so 
 that even Aaron did not venture to approach, till Moses 
 called him and the princes and people to him. Yet even 
 then, the splendour of his face was too much for them to 
 bear ; and therefore he covered it with a veil when he spoke 
 to them, but took it. off when he appeared before the Lord, to 
 inquire his will and commune with him. — Some think that this 
 splendour continued as long as Moses lived ; and others, that 
 it ceased when the law had been fully given, and the worship 
 at the tabernacle, under the conduct of Aaron and his sons, 
 was fully established. — The Latin translation of the Bible, 
 called the Vulgate , which is exclusively sanctioned by the 
 church of Rome, understands the word, translated shone , to 
 mean horned ; though it seems only to refer to the manner in 
 which rays of light are reflected. Yet, on this slender ground, 
 painters have almost universally proceeded in drawing Moses 
 with something like horns on his head ! — The veil which he 
 used marked the obscurity of this dispensation, compared 
 with that of the New Testament; it. was also an emblem of 
 that veil, which pride and carnal-mindedness have put upon 
 the hearts of men respecting spiritual things; and it repre- 
 sented the veil, that was and is upon the minds of such mul- 
 titudes of the nation of Israel, respecting the true meaning of 
 the Scriptures of the Old Testament ; which can only be 
 taken away by the Spirit of the Lord, showing to them 
 “ Christ, as the End of the law for righteousness to every one 
 that believeth.” ( Notes , 2 Cor. 3:12 — 18.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The giving of the law to sinful man, was an indi- 
 cation that the Lord had purposes of mercy to him; and the 
 writing of it in our hearts is the only sure evidence that our 
 sins are forgiven, that God hath taken us into covenant with 
 himself, and that we are become his people : so that he who 
 can truly say, u I delight in the law of God after the inward 
 man,” notwithstanding the infirmities, conflicts, and remaining 
 sinfulness, which cause him to u groan, being burdened,” is 
 certainly a true believer, and reconciled to God by Jesus 
 Christ. — When we obey the Lord’s commands, implicitly 
 and without delay, and resort to those places and ordinances 
 which he hath appointed, he will certainly condescend to 
 meet us, and fulfil his kindest promises. But the Name of 
 the Lord proclaimed to Moses, as a just God and a Saviour, 
 can alone give relief to a burdened conscience, or encourage 
 the prayers of an humbled sinner. Let. no inquiring soul 
 overlook this Name : for it is intimately connected with the 
 “great Mystery of godliness, God manifested in the flesh,” 
 44 purchasing the Church with his own blood.” Let no dis- 
 couraged sinner despond with these words of grace and truth 
 pounding in his ears : yet let none abuse such mercy ; for 
 God knows how to punish as well as pardon ; to punish con- 
 sistently with the glory of his mercy, as well as to pardon 
 .consistently with his justice and holiness ; as those guilty 
 wretches will one day know, who “ sin on that grace may 
 abound.” But a true discovery of the Lord’s glory will pro- 
 duce a happy union of filial confidence with profound reve- 
 *ence, in the heart of an experienced believer, and put. life 
 and vigour into his prayers and supplications; and every 
 perfection of the name of God will furnish him with an argu- 
 ment, which he may plead with him, for the forgiveness of 
 his sins, the sanctification of his heart, and the enlargement 
 of the Redeemer’s kingdom. 
 
 ( 104 ) 
 
 34 But when Moses went in belore the Lord 
 to speak with him, b he took the veil off, until he 
 came out. And he came out and spake unto 
 the children of Israel, that which he was com- 
 manded. 
 
 35 And the children of Israel c saw the face ol 
 Moses, that the skin of Moses’s face shone : and 
 Moses put the veil upon his face again until he 
 went in to speak with him. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Moses shows the will of God concerning the sabbath, the voluntary offer tng, 
 and the tabernacle and its furniture I — 19. The people readily contribute 
 and assist, 20 — 29. Bezaleel and Aholiab are called to the work, 30 — 35. 
 
 A ND Moses gathered all the congregation of 
 the children of Israel together, and said unto 
 them, “These are the words which the Lord hath 
 commanded, that ye should b do them. 
 
 2 "Six days shall work be done, hut on the se- 
 venth day there shall be to you 'an holyday, % 
 
 4:4—6. b Heb. 4:16. 10:19— 22. c 29,30. Ec. 8:1. Dan. 12 3., Matt. 5:16. 13: 
 43. John 5:35. Phil. 2:15. a 25: 31:1— 11. 34:32. b Malt. 7:21— 27. Rom. 2:13. 
 Jam. 1:22. ^ c 20:9,10. 23:12. 31:13—16. 34:21. Lev. 23:3. Deut. 5:12 — 15. 
 * Heb. holiness. 
 
 V. 10 — 35, Whilst we take encouragement from the 
 promises of God, we must observe to do his commandments ; 
 else every external advantage will only serve to increase our 
 condemnation : and in seeking assurance that the Lord hath 
 made with us an everlasting covenant of peace, we must 
 break every covenant with sin, renounce all needless con- 
 nexion with sinners, shun every snare and temptation, avoid 
 all appearance of evil, and not spare or covet any object that 
 tends to it: for “the Lord whose name is Jealous, is a 
 jealous God,” and will endure no rival in our affections. 
 Nor is any thing more ensnaring to souls, or more destruc- 
 tive to religion, than the marriages of God’s people with those 
 who are ungodly, or of a false religion. — Such is our forget- 
 fulness in the concerns of our souls, that we need not only 
 to have the same things repeated in our ears, but to have 
 them committed to writing, that we may have them ever 
 before our eyes. ( Note , 2 Pet. 1:12 — 15.) — While we devote 
 ourselves to the Lord’s service, and attend with delight on his 
 worship, we may intrust ourselves and our possessions to his 
 keeping, with confidence that none can do us any real hurt: 
 and when a due portion of our time and substance is conse- 
 crated to his immediate service, we secure a sanctified and 
 comfortable enjoyment of the remainder. — What true believer 
 would not willingly forego all sensual pleasures, to enjoy with 
 Moses the sacred pleasure of the holy mount ? But ala6 ! 
 though 14 it is good to be there,” how backward are we to begin 
 the sweet service of prayer and praise, and how apt to grow 
 weary of it! In heaven it shall be otherwise: no leisure 
 for such things as here occupy our time and engross our 
 hearts, no thought of them, no desire after them. — The more 
 we now set our affections on things above, seek communion 
 with the Lord, and enjoy the contemplation of his glory in 
 the gospel, by faith and serious meditation ; the more shall 
 we be 44 changed into his image, from glory to glory by the 
 Spirit, of the Lord and when we come forth from our devo- 
 tion, we shall shine in our holy conversation before men, and 
 show by our good works that we have been with God. But 
 it is well when others behold it, and glorify him on our behalf- 
 while we ourselves are unconscious of it, being “clothed with 
 humility.” Indeed, while we are in this world we must ac- 
 commodate ourselves to our situation, and to what those 
 around us are able to bear: and not only should we avoid 
 ostentation in respect of our religious experiences, and the 
 especial favours which the Lord hath vouchsafed us; but 
 prudently avoid speaking of them, lest we 44 throw our pearls 
 before swine, which may trample them under foot, and turn 
 again and rend us :” contented to rejoice in them, and be 
 thankful before God in secret ; for it is 44 a joy which a stran- 
 ger intermeddleth not with.” — Indeed, in every thing we 
 should endeavour to abate envy by condescension and cour- 
 tesy, if the Lord has at all distinguished us ; and to accom 
 modate ourselves to the capacity of our weaker brethren, for 
 their edification. But let us not forget, that we must appear 
 before God without any veil, and just what we are, whether 
 better or worse than men suppose us to be. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXV. V. I. These , &c.] This 
 especially relates to the directions given to Moses in the 
 mount, concerning the tabernacle, the worship to be there 
 performed, and the several things which pertained to it. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. The sanctification of the sabbath, being essential 
 to every part of religion, is again and again repeated, and 
 enforced in a variety of ways. The annexed penally of death 
 to the transgressor shows this to have been a judicial statute ; 
 and the connexion favours the opinion, that the prohibition 
 41 to kindle a firo throughout their habitations on the sabbath- 
 day,” was meant of fires used in manufactories or trades, 
 by smiths, plumbers, and others, of which many would be 
 required in preparing the sanctuary: bill none' even of that 
 work might be done on the holy day of God. — If fires in gene- 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 sabbath of rest to the Lord : 'whosoever doeth 
 work therein, shall be put to (heath. 
 
 3 Ye shall ' kindle no tire throughout your habi- 
 tations upon the sabbath-day. 
 
 4 H And Moses spake unto all the, congregation 
 of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing 
 which the Lord commanded, saying, 
 
 5 Take ye from among you an offering unto the 
 Lord : 'Whosoever is of a willing heart, let him 
 bring it, an ottering of the Lord : gold, and sil- 
 ver, and brass, 
 
 6 And sblue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine 
 linen, and h goats’ hair, 
 
 7 And rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, 
 and shittim-wood, 
 
 8 And ‘oil for the light, and k spices for anoint- 
 ing oil, and for the sweet incense. 
 
 9 And 'onyx-stones, and stones to be set for the 
 ephod, and for the breastplate. 
 
 10 And every ra wise-hearted among you shall 
 come, and make all that the Lord hath com- 
 manded ; 
 
 11 The "tabernacle, his tent, and his covering, 
 his taches, and his boards, his bars, his pillars, and 
 his sockets, 
 
 12 The °ark, and the staves thereof, with the 
 mercy-seat, and >'the veil of the covering, 
 
 13 The stable and his staves, and all his ves- 
 sels, and the show- bread, 
 
 14 The r candlestick also for the light, and his 
 furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light, 
 
 15 And s the incense-altar, and his staves, and 
 the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and ‘the 
 hanging for the door at the entering in of the 
 tabernacle, 
 
 16 The "altar of burnt-offering with his brazen 
 grate, his staves, and all his vessels, “the laver and 
 his foot, 
 
 17 sThe hangings of the court, his pillars, and 
 their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the 
 court, 
 
 18 The pins of the tabernacle, and the pins of 
 the court, and their cords, 
 
 19 ‘The clothes of service, to do service in the 
 
 d Mum. 15:32— 36. John 5:16. Heb. 2:2,3. 10:28,29. e 16:23.' la. 53:13. f See on 
 25:2—7. Judg. 3:9. P«. 110:3. 2 Cor. 8:12. 9:7. g See on 26.1,31,36. 23:5,6,15.33. 
 h See on 26:7— H. i See on 27:20. k Sec on 25:6 . 30:23— 28. 1 See on 28:9,17— 
 21.39:6—14. m Seeon3l:l— 6. 36:1— 1. n Seron31:7— 9. 36:8— 34. oSeeon25: 
 10—22 . 37:1—9. p See "n 26:31—33. 36:35,36. q See on 25:23— 30. 37:10— 16. 
 r 'ee on 25:31— 39. 37:17—24. s See on 30:1—10,22—33. 37:25—28. I See on 26: 
 36,37. 36:37,38. u See on 27:1—8. 38:1— 7. xSeeon 30:18—21.38:8. ySeeon27: 
 9-19.33:9—20. z See on31:10. 39:1,41. Num. 4:7— 15. aSee on28: 39:1—31. 
 
 ral be understood, we must suppose, either that it was a tem- 
 porary institution for the time during which the people in the 
 wilderness were miraculously provided for ; or that some 
 exceptions were allowed in favour of the sick, infirm, and 
 children, who must suffer extremely at some seasons, even in 
 warm climates, for want of fire ; or, that a fire which was 
 burning might be kept up, though a fresh one might not be 
 kindled. The subsequent parts of Scripture give no light on 
 the subject : and among the various instances recorded, in 
 which the Israelites were reproved and individuals punished, 
 for neglecting to sanctify the sahbath, this is not once men- 
 tioned ; nor is any intimation given, that the Jews in the times 
 of Christ and his apostles, had no fires on that day, or even 
 that they prepared no victuals. The sacred festivals would 
 sometimes happen on the Sabbath, and the paschal lamb was 
 roasted in the house where it was eaten: some exceptions 
 must therefore be supposed, if we understand the prohibition 
 concerning fires in general. — The modern Jews expound 
 it literally : vet they use fires in various ways on their sabbath, 
 but employ other persons to kindle them, or keep them up ! 
 While, however, we conclude, that fires for ordinary purposes 
 on the Lord’s day are allowed us ; we should recollect, that 
 the permission of works which are necessary, or conducive 
 to our own or other men’s real advantage, does not warrant 
 us to “ make provision for the flesh to fulfil its lusts.” 
 
 V. 4— IS. Marg. Ref. Notes, 25:— 27: 30: 31:1—9. 
 
 V. 19. Marg. Ref. Notes, 28: 31:10. 
 
 V. 20 — 24. When Moses *had delivered his message to 
 the people, they departed to their tents, to fetch their several 
 oblations ; and on this occasion a peculiar influence was felt, 
 enlarging their hearts to liberality. Many of those, no doubt, 
 who had offered towards the golden calf, were now willing to 
 retrieve their character with Moses and their brethren, or to 
 “bring forth fruits meet for repentance;” and such as had 
 Kept clear of that crime, were desirous of showing themselves 
 more zealous for the worship of God than the idolaters had 
 been for their idol. Yet the language used seems to imply, 
 that only some of the people were thus liberal ; and that 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 boly place, “the holy garments for Aaron the priest 
 and the garments of his sons, to minister in thi 
 priest’s office. 
 
 20 H And all the congregation of the children 
 of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 
 
 21 And they came, every one b whose heart 
 stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit 
 made willing, and they brought the Lord's olfer- 
 ing to the work of the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gation, and for all his service, and for the holy 
 garments. 
 
 22 And they came both men and women, as 
 many as were willing-hearted, and brought ‘brace- 
 lets and ear-rings, and rings, and tablets, all jew- 
 els of gold : and d every man that offered, offered 
 an offering of gold unto the Lord. 
 
 23 And every man with whom was found ‘blue, 
 and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats* 
 hair, and red skins of rams, and badgers’ skins, 
 brought them. 
 
 24^Everv one that did offer an offering of silver 
 and brass, brought the Lord’s offering : and every 
 man with whom was found shittim-wood for any 
 work of the service, brought it. 
 
 25 And all the women that were fwise-hearted, 
 did spin with their hands, and brought that which 
 they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of 
 scarlet, and of fine linen. 
 
 26 And all the women swhose heart stirred 
 them up in wisdom, spun goats’ hair. 
 
 27 And the rulers broughf'onyx-stones, and stones 
 to be set for the ephod, and for the breastplate ; 
 
 28 And "spice, and oil for the light, and for the 
 anointing oil, and for the sweet incense. 
 
 29 The children of Israel brought a willing 
 offering unto the Lord, every man and woman 
 Hvhose heart made them willing to bring for all 
 manner of work, which ‘the Lord had command- 
 ed to be made, by the hand of Moses. 
 
 30 H And Moses said unto the children of Is- 
 rael, m See, the Lord hath called by name Beza- 
 leel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe 
 of Judah : 
 
 31 And he hath filled him with the Spirit of 
 
 b 5,22,26,29. 25:2. 36:2. Judg. 5:3,9. 2 Sam. 7:27. 1 Chr. 28:2,9. 29:3,5,6,9,14,17, 
 18. Ezra 1:5,6. 7:27. Pa. 110:3. Jer. 30:21. 2 Cur. 8:12. 9:7. c 32:3. Num. 31:50. 
 Is. 3:19. Ez. 16:11. d 1 Chr. 29:6,7. 2 Chr. 24:9— 1 4. Ezra2:68.69. Neh.7 70 
 —72. Is. 60:9,13. Mall. 2:11. Mark 12:41— 44. e See on 6— 10. 25:2—7. f28: 
 3. 31.6. 361. 2 Kings 23:7. Prov. 14:1. 31:19—24. Luke 8:2,3. Acts 9:39. Horn. 
 16:1-4,6. Phil. 4:3. g21,29. 36:8. h 9. i 8. 30:23-38. k 21,22. 1 4. Deui. 
 12:32. Mall. 28:20. m Nee on 31:2— 6. lKings7:14. Is. 28:26. 1 Cor. 12:4,11. 
 Jam. 1:17. 
 
 others did not offer at all, or less freely : no compulsion, how- 
 ever, or persuasion, was employed, but each was left to 
 follow the dictates of his own mind. Nothing but ear-rings 
 seem to have been given to make the golden calf; but various 
 other golden ornaments were offered on this occasion, princi- 
 pally of the spoils of Egypt; both men and women being 
 willing to part with their newly acquired adornings, to beau- 
 tify the sanctuary of God. A rare example! But besides 
 these articles of manufactured gold, some of the people pre- 
 sented such as was unwrought, and used as money ; for this 
 is thought to be meant by the words rendered “ Every man 
 that offered, offered an offering of gold unto the Lord.” — 
 When this oblation was completed, those who had less 
 valuable things to offer, brought them. Afterwards the ruler? 
 brought the precious stones, &c. (27,28.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. JVisdom, in this connexion, means skill toper- 
 form the work in the best manner. As the blue, purple, and 
 scarlet, are distinguished from the fine linen; it has generally 
 been thought that wool dyed of these colours was meant. But 
 wool is not once mentioned : either in the directions given to 
 Moses, or the execution of them ; as the goats’ hair and 
 badgers’ skins are. All the sacerdotal garments had fine 
 linen in their texture ; and the law forbade the people to wear 
 linen and woollen mingled together in the same garment. 
 (Lev. 19:19. Deut. 22:11.) — The Jews indeed say that an 
 exception was made to this law, in the case of the high-priest 
 alone ; but the other priests also wore girdles of the same, 
 (39:27 — 29.) and the Scripture does not mention this excep- 
 tion. In Ezekiel’s vision, the priests are expressly forbidden 
 to wear wool in their ministrations. ( Ez . 44:17,18.) — The 
 word rendered fine linen is used for linen of ?. /eculiar kind, 
 and it is allowed that several sorts were then in use ; and per- 
 haps this fine linen was woven without dyeing, and then 
 embroidered with other linen, dyed of the several colours 
 here mentioned. 
 
 V. 30 — 35. (Notes, 31:1—6.) The supernatural qualifi- 
 cations of Bezaleel and Aholiab proved their divine a; point 
 ment; yet they had an express nominator! to their w rk 
 ( 195 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXY. 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1491. 
 
 God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in know- 
 ledge, and in all manner of workmanship; 
 
 32 And to devise curious works, to work in 
 gold, and in silver, and in brass, 
 
 33 And in the cutting of stones to set them, and 
 in carving of wood to make any manner of cun- 
 ning work. 
 
 34 And “he hath put in his heart that he may 
 teach, both he and “Aholiab the son of Ahisamach 
 of the tribe of Dan. 
 
 35 Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, 
 to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and 
 of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer, 
 in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine 
 linen, and fof the weaver, even of them that do 
 any. work, and of those that devise cunning work. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Bezaleel and Aholiab receive the oblations and begin to work, 1 — 3. The 
 liberality of the people is restrained , 4—7. The several parts of the sanc- 
 tuary are made , 8—38. (Notes, Sfc. 26:) 
 
 T HEN wrought “Bezaleel and Aholiab, and 
 every wise-hearted man, in whom the Lord put 
 wisdom and understanding, to know how to work 
 all manner of work Tor the service of the sanctuary, 
 according to all that the Lord had commanded. 
 
 2 And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and 
 every wise-hearted man, c in whose heart the Lord 
 had put wisdom ; even every one d whose heart 
 stirred him up to come unto the work to do it. 
 
 3 And they received of Moses all e the offering 
 which the children of Israel had brought, for the 
 work of the service of the sanctuary, to make it 
 withal. And they brought yet unto him free 
 offerings f every morning. 
 
 4 And all the «wise men that wrought all the 
 work of the sanctuary, came every man from his 
 work which they made ; 
 
 5 And they spake unto Moses, saying, The peo- 
 ple bring h much more than.enough for the service 
 of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. 
 
 6 And Moses gave commandment, and they 
 caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, 
 aying, Let neither man nor woman make any 
 more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So 
 the people were restrained from bringing. 
 
 7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all 
 the work to make it, and too much. 
 
 8 11 And every ‘wise-hearted man, among them 
 that wrought the work of the tabernacle, )made 
 ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and 
 purple, and scarlet; with k cherubims of cunning 
 work made he them. 
 
 9 The length of one curtain was twenty and 
 eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four 
 cubits ; the curtains were all of one size. 
 
 10 And he ‘coupled the five curtains one unto 
 another : and the other five curtains he coupled 
 one unto another. 
 
 1 1 And he made loops of blue on the edge of 
 one curtain, from the selvedge in the coupling : 
 likewise he made in the uttermost side of another 
 curtain, in the coupling of the second. 
 
 1 2 Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty 
 
 n Km. 7 10,27. Neh.2:12. Join. 1:18,17. o 2Chr. 2:14. 1 Oor. 1:5-7. 12:7. 
 |) Jo') 7:0. Is. 38:12. a Sae on 31:1— 6. 35:30 — 35. bS,4. Num.7:9. Heb. 8:2. 
 023:3.31:6. 35:10,21—35. Acts 6:3. d 35:21,25. 1 Cbr. 29:5. e Sre 85:5— 
 21,2 . f Ps. 5:3. Is. 50:4. Jer. 21:12. e Mult. 21:15. Luke 12:42. 1 Cor. 3:10. 
 hSClir. 24:14. 31:6— 10. 2 Cor. 8:2,3. Phil. 1:18. i S c on 31:6. 35:10. j See 
 
 they were also miraculously qualified to instruct their assist- 
 ants, as well as to superintend ihem. Christ alone builds the 
 temple of the Lord, and hears the glory ; but ministers and 
 private Christians, under his direction and by his grace, may 
 be fellow-workers logether with him. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Let us here observe the faithfulness of Moses, and learn 
 to imitate it, in every thing intrusted to us ; and through him 
 look unto Jesus, who was “faithful as a Son over his own 
 house.’’— Without a willing mind the most cosily offerings 
 would be abhorred ; hut with it, the meanest will meet with 
 a gracious acceptance ; and our hearts may he said to be 
 willing, when we cheerfully contribute and assist, according 
 to our ability, in promoting the cause of God and his truth: 
 hut, as even this is the gift and work of God, we should 
 beseech him daily to increase in us a willing mind, to abound 
 unto every good work. — They, who in mean employments 
 are diligent and humbly contented, are as acceptable to God, 
 
 ( 196 ) 
 
 loops made he in the edge of the curtain which 
 was in the coupling of the second : the loops held 
 one curtain to another. 
 
 13 And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupleo 
 the curtains one unto another with the taches 
 m So it became one tabernacle. 
 
 14 If And he made "curtains of goats’ hair, for 
 the tent over the tabernacle : eleven curtains he 
 made them. 
 
 15 The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, 
 and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain : 
 the eleven curtains were of one size. 
 
 16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves, 
 and six curtains by themselves. 
 
 17 And he made fifty loops upon the uttermost 
 edge of the curtain in the coupling; and fifty 
 loops made he upon the edge of the curtain, which 
 coupleth the second. 
 
 18 And he made fifty taches of brass to couple 
 the tent together, that it might be one. 
 
 19 And he made a “covering for the tent, of 
 rams’ skins dyed red, and a covering of badgers’ 
 skins above that. 
 
 20 H And he made rboards for the tabernacle, 
 of ishittim-wood, standing up. 
 
 21 The length of a board was ten cubits, and 
 the breadth of a board one cubit and a half. 
 
 22 One board had two tenons, equally distant 
 one from another : thus did he make for all the 
 boards of the tabernacle. 
 
 23 And he made boards for the tabernacle : 
 twenty boards for the south side southward. 
 
 24 And forty sockets of silver he made under 
 the twenty boards : two sockets under one board 
 for his two tenons, and two sockets under another 
 board for his two tenons. 
 
 25 And for the other side of the tabernacle 
 tv Inch is toward the north corner, he made twenty 
 boards, 
 
 26 And their forty sockets of silver : two sockets 
 under one board and two sockets under another 
 board. 
 
 27 And for the sides of the tabernacle west- 
 ward, he made six boards. 
 
 28 And two boards made he for the corners of 
 the tabernacle in the two sides. 
 
 29 And they were ‘coupled beneath, and coupled 
 together at the head thereof, to one ring ; thus he 
 did to both of them in both the corners. 
 
 30 And there were eight boards, and their 
 sockets were sixteen sockets of silver, hinder evei v 
 board two sockets. 
 
 31 H And he made r bars of shittim-wood : five 
 for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 
 
 32 And five bars for the boards of the other 
 side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the 
 boards of the tabernacle for the sides westward. 
 
 33 And he made the middle bar to shoot through 
 the boards from the one end to the other. 
 
 34 Anti he overlaid the boards with gold, and 
 made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, 
 and overlaid the bars with gold. 
 
 35 U And he made “a veil of blue, anil purple, 
 
 on 26:1 — 6. k See on 2.5:18—22. 1 Zeph. 3:9. Acts 2:1. Eph. 4:3-6. I hit. 2:2. 
 m 1 Cor. 12:20. Eph. 2:20 — 22. 1 Pet. 2:4,5. u See on 2t>:7— 13. o See on 26:14. 
 \> See on 26:15—25. 40:18,19. q25:5,10. Num.25:I. Dent. 10:8. *lleb. 
 
 twined, f Heb. two sockets, two sockets, undero’ic board. 26:25. r See un 
 26:26—29. 30:5. s See on 26:31—35. 30:6. Malt. 27:51 . Heb. 10:20. 
 
 as those who are engaged in more splendid services. The 
 women who spun the goats’ hair were wise-hearted « as well 
 as the persons who presided over the work of the tabernacle, 
 or as Aaron who burned incerise there ; because they “ did it 
 heartily to the Lord.” ( Note , Cal. 3:22 — 25.) Thus the 
 
 labourer, mechanic, or menial servant, who conscientiously 
 attends to the work of his situation, in the faith and fear oi 
 God, may be as wise for his station as the most useful mi- 
 nister, and will certainly meet with the divine acceptance ns 
 well as he. .In short, our wisdom and duty consist in giving 
 God the glory and use of our talents, be they more or less; 
 neither abusing nor burying them, but occupying with thorn 
 till our Lord shall come; being satisfied that it is better to he 
 a door-keeper in his service, than the most mighty and 
 renowned of the ungodly. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Chap. XXXVI. The promptitude and nlacr»*$ with 
 which these builders sot about their work, the cxactn v tli 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII, 
 
 B. C. lvM 
 
 and scarlet, and fine twined linen ; with cherubims 
 made he it of cunning' work. 
 
 ' 36 And he made thereunto four pillars of shit- 
 tim-?«ooc/, and overlaid them with gold : their 
 hooks were of gold, and he cast for them four 
 sockets of silver. 
 
 37 H And he made ‘an hanging for the taber- 
 nacle-door, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and 
 fine twined linen, of ’needlework, 
 
 38 And the five pillars of it with their hooks : 
 and he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets 
 with gold : but their five sockets were of brass. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 The ark and mercy-seat made, I — 9. The table of show-bread, 10 — 16. And 
 the candlestick, 17 — 24. The altar of in cense, 25—28 ; and the holy oil and 
 incense, 29. {Notes, Sfc. 25: 30:1—10,22—38.) 
 
 A ND Bezaleel made “the ark of shittim-wood: 
 two cubits and a half was the length of it, and 
 a cubit and a half the breadth of it, and a cubit 
 and a half the height of it. 
 
 2 And he overlaid it with pure gold within and 
 without, and made a crown of gold to it round 
 about. 
 
 3 And he cast for it four rings of gold, to be set 
 by the four corners of it : even two rings upon 
 the one side of it, and two rings upon the other 
 side of it. 
 
 4 And he made staves of shittim-wood, and 
 overlaid them with gold. 
 
 5 And he put the staves into the rings, by the 
 sides of the ark, to bear the ark. 
 
 6 And he made the b mercy-seat of pure gold : 
 two cubits and a half teas the length thereof and 
 one cubit and a half the breadth thereof. 
 
 7 And he made two “cherubims of gold, beaten 
 out of one piece made he them, on the two ends 
 of the mercy-seat. 
 
 8 One cherub ’on the end on this side, and 
 another cherub ‘on the other end on that side : out 
 of the mercy-seat, made he the cherubims on the 
 two ends thereof. 
 
 9 And the ‘'cherubims spread out their wings 
 on high, and covered with their wings over the 
 mercy-seat, with their faces one to another : even 
 e to the mercy-seat-ward were the faces of the 
 cherubims. 
 
 10 And he made f the table of shittim-wood : 
 two cubits was the length thereof, and a cubit the 
 breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the height 
 thereof. 
 
 11 And he overlaid it with pure gold, and made 
 thereunto a crown of gold round about. 
 
 12 Also he made thereunto a border of an hand- 
 breadth round about: and made a crown of gold 
 for the border thereof round about. 
 
 13 And he cast for it four rings of gold, and put 
 the rings upon the four corners, that were in the 
 four feet thereof. 
 
 t See on 25:36,37. * Heb. the work of a needleworker, or, embroiderer. 
 
 a See on 25:10 — 16. 26:33. 31:7. 40:3,20,21. Num. 10:33-36. b See on 25: 17— 
 22. Lev. 16:12—15. Rom. 3:25. 1 John 2:2. c 1 Kings 6:23—29. Ps. 80:1. 104: 
 4. Ez. 10:2. * Or, nut of, fyc. f Or, out of , If c. rl Gen. 3.24. 28:12. John 1 : 
 51. 1 Tim. 3:16. Heb. 1:14. e Eph. 3:10. 1 Pei. 1:12. { $ee on 25:23— 30. 35: 
 
 13. 40:4,22,23. Ez. 40:39 — 42. g See on 25:29. \ Or, pour out withal, h See 
 
 which they performed it, and the disinterested fidelity with 
 which they objected to the people’s bringing any more contri- 
 butions, are well worthy of our imitation: Thus should we 
 
 serve God, yea, and our earthly superiors for his sake, in all 
 things lawful ; and thus should all, who are employed in public 
 trusts, abhor filthy lucre, be superior to covetousness, and 
 avoid an occasions and temptations to it, or appearances of 
 it ; for robbing the public is robbing many, which is worse 
 than private theft ; as murdering a multitude is worse than 
 killing an individual. — Nor is the people’s liberality less worthy 
 of commendation : for this proclamation to restrain their 
 bounty was far more reputable for them, and honourable to 
 God, than one would have been, which required an addition 
 to their too scanty contributions. — It should however be care- 
 fully observed, that though the rich can never devote their 
 substance too entirely to the service of God, yet they may 
 exceed in the particular application of it : and there have 
 been ages of the church, and there may still be instances, in 
 which an ill-judged liberality has introduced pride, indolence, 
 and luxury, where there should be bright examples of humility, 
 diligence, and self-denial. But this is not the general fault of 
 the age in which we live : and though some few individuals may 
 err on this side ; yet the circumstances of too many, of every 
 denomination, who labour m the word and doctrine, as well 
 
 14 Over against the border were the rings, tlit 
 places for the staves, to bear the table. . 
 
 15 And he made the staves of shittim-wooa 
 and overlaid them with gold, to bear the table. 
 
 f6 And he made the vessels which were upon 
 the table, his ^dishes, and his spoons, and his 
 bowls, and his covers to icover withal, of pure 
 gold. 
 
 17 M And he made h the candlestick of pure 
 gold : of beaten work made' lie the candlestick, 
 his shaft and his branch, his bowls, his knops, and 
 his flowers were of the same : 
 
 18 And six branches going out of the sides 
 thereof ; three branches of the candlestick out of 
 the one side thereof, and three branches of the 
 candlestick out of the other side thereof : 
 
 19 Three bowls made after the fashion of al- 
 monds, in one branch, a knop and a flower ; and 
 three bowls made like almonds, in another branch, 
 a knop and a flower : so throughout the six 
 branches, going out of the candlestick. 
 
 20 And in the candlestick were four bowls made 
 like almi ads, his knops and his flowers. 
 
 21 Ar.d a knop under two branches of the same, 
 and a knop under two branches of the same, and 
 a knop under two branches of the same, accord- 
 ing to the six branches going out of it. 
 
 22 Their knops and their branches were of the 
 same : all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. 
 
 23 And he made his 'seven lamps, and his snuf- 
 fers, and his snuff-dishes, of pure gold. 
 
 24 Of a talent of pure gold made he it, and all 
 the vessels thereof. 
 
 25 H And he made the k incense-altar of shittim- 
 wood : the length of it teas a cubit, and the breadth 
 of it a cubit, ( it was four-square,) and two cubits 
 was the height of it; the horns thereof were of 
 the same. 
 
 26 And he overlaid it with pure gold, both the 
 top of it, and the sides thereof round about, and 
 the horns of it : also he made unto it a crown o 
 gold round about. 
 
 27 And he made two rings of gold for it under 
 the crown thereof, by the two corners of it, upon 
 the two sides thereof, to be places for the staves 
 to bear it withal. 
 
 28 And he made the staves of shittim-wood, 
 and overlaid them with gold. 
 
 29 And 'he madf the holy anointing oil, and the 
 pure “incense of sweet spices, according to the 
 work of "the apothecary. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 The altar of burnt-offering made ; and the laver, the pillars, and the hangincs 
 for the court, 1 — 20. The money collected and the use made of it. 21 — 31. 
 {Notes, Src. 27 : 30:11—21.) 
 
 A ND he made a .the altar of burnt-offering of 
 shittim-wood : five cubits was the length 
 
 ori25:31—39.40:24,25. Zech. 4:2,11. Matt. 5:15. John 1:4— 9. Phil. 2:15. Rev. 
 1:20. i Rev. 1:12,20. 2:1. 5:5. k See on 30:1—5. 40:5,26,27. Luke 1:9. Rev. 
 8:3,4. I See on 30:23 — 38. Is. 1 1 :2. 61:1. John 3:34. 2 Cor. 1:21 ,22. 1 John 2:20, 
 27. m Ps. 141:2. Web. 7:25. n Ec. 10:1. a See on 27:1— 8. 40:6,29. 2 Chr. 4 
 1. Ez. 43:13— 17. Heb. 13:10. 
 
 as the appearance of many places of worship, evidently 
 prove that most men, in our days, are sufficiently careful not 
 thus to injure the cause of godliness. Wisdom, however, is 
 profitable to direct : and when God puts wisdom and grace 
 into the heart, the hands will be diligently employed in every 
 good work, or cheerfully stretched out to contribute to it. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Chap. XXXVII. After what hath been already said, 
 we need only observe, that such repetitions were peculiarly 
 useful to the Israelites ; for in these types they chiefly had 
 their gospel, and they were not permitted to see the things 
 themselves, as they were placed within the sanctuary: and 
 thus in the New Testament we have the same things related 
 in two or three places, with not very material variations, yet 
 not without usefulness. — The exactness of the workmen to 
 their rule is worthy of our imitation : and it is neve*- unsea- 
 sonable to observe, that through the great Antitype, tlie sub- 
 stance of all these shadows, our way being opened to the 
 mercy-seat, we should continually draw near in faith ; feed- 
 ing daily upon him and his fulness, as the nourishment of our 
 souls ; walking through this dark world according to the light 
 of his word, and seeking for renewed and enlarged anoint- 
 ings of his Holy Spirit ; that here we maj' K^joic * in him ana 
 glorify him, and at length be forevei w th 1. ti in heaven. 
 
 ( 197 ) * 
 
B. C. 1491 
 
 EXODUS. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 thereof, and lw; c.ubits the breadth thereof, (it 
 was four-sq jure,) and three cubits the height 
 thereof. 
 
 2 And he made the horns thereof on the four 
 corners of it ; the horns thereof were of the same : 
 and he overlaid it with brass. 
 
 3 And he made all the vessels of the altar, the 
 ots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the 
 esh-hooks, and the fire-pans : all the vessels there- 
 of made he of brass. 
 
 4 And he made for the altar a brazen grate . 
 of net-work, under the compass thereof, beneath 
 unto the midst of it. 
 
 5 And he cast four rings for the four ends of the 
 grate of brass, to be places for the staves. 
 
 6 And he made the staves of shittim-wood, and 
 overlaid them with brass. 
 
 7 And he put the staves into the rings on the 
 sides of the altar, to bear it withal : he made tha 
 altar hollow with boards. 
 
 8 If And he made b the laver of brass, and the 
 foot of it of brass, c of the 'looking-glasses of the 
 women f assembling, which assembled at the duor 
 of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 9 H And he made d the court : on the soutn side 
 southward, the hangings of the court were of fine 
 twined linen, an hundred cubits. 
 
 10 Their pillars were twenty and their brazen 
 sockets twenty : the hooks of the pillars, and their 
 fillets were of silver. 
 
 11 And for the north side, the hanging's were 
 an hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and 
 their sockets of brass twenty : the hooks of the 
 pillars, and their fillets of silver. 
 
 12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty 
 cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten : the 
 hooks of the pillars, and their fillets of silver. 
 
 13 And for the east side eastward, fifty cubits. 
 
 14 The hangings of the one side of the gate were 
 fifteen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets 
 three. 
 
 15 And for the other side of the court-gate, on 
 this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen 
 cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three. 
 
 16 All the hangings of the court round about 
 were of fine twined linen. 
 
 17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass : 
 the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver : 
 and the overlaying of their chapiters of silver : 
 and all the pillars of the court were filleted with 
 silver. 
 
 18 And the hanging for the gate of the court 
 teas needlework o/blue, and purple, and scarlet, 
 and fine twined linen : and twenty cubits teas the 
 length, and the height in the breadth was five cu- 
 bits, answerable to the hangings of the court. 
 
 19 Apd their pillars were four, and their sockets 
 
 b See on 30:18—21. 40:7,30—32. 1 Kings 7:23—26,38. Zech. 13:1. John 13:10. 
 Tit. 3:5,6. Heb. 9:10. c Job 37:18. Is. 3:23. Jam. 1:23,24. * Or, brazen glasses. 
 t Heb. assembling bu troops. 1 Sam. 2:22. Prov. 8:34. Luke 2:37. 1 Tim. 5:5. 
 d See on 27: 9—1 9. 40:8,33. 1 Kinga 6:36. Ps. 92:13. 100:4. e27:19. Ezra 9:8. 
 
 Ec 12:11. Is. 22;23. Eph. 2:21,22. Col. 2:19. f 25:16. 40:3. Num. 1:50,63. 9:15. 
 10:11. 17:7,8. 18:2. Acts 7:44. Rev. 11:19. g Num. 4:28,33. Ezra8:26— 30. h 6: 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXVIII. V. 8. Of the looking- 
 glasses , &c.] These are supposed to have been plates of 
 the finest brass, highly polished, which, before the invention 
 of glass, served for the purpose of mirrors, and cast a much 
 stronger reflection than those made of silver. Some women, 
 peculiarly devoted to God, and zealous for the establishment 
 of his worship, who were used to assemble together at the 
 door of the tabernacle, where the Lord met his people, before 
 the sanctuary was erected, at a time when much brass was 
 wanted, and perhaps no great quantity was in the camp, 
 expressed their zeal by parting with their mirrors ; which are 
 generally deemed necessary, and which must be allowed to 
 be very convenient. (Note, 1 Sam. 2:22.) 
 
 V. iS. Height, b c.] The hangings of the court were five 
 cubits in height ; but that which was the height of the hang- 
 ing for file gate, when hung up, was its breadth, not its length, 
 as it lay on the ground. 
 
 V. 21 — 24. After the malting of tho several parts of the 
 sanctuary, the sacred historian interrupts the narrative,, to 
 state some particulars concerning the gold and silver em- 
 ployed in that work. By the command of Moses, the Levites 
 erformed the service here mentioned, under the direction of 
 thamar, Aaron’s youngest son. 
 
 An. embroiderer. (23) This confirms what was before 
 ( 198 ) 
 
 of brass four, their hooks of silver, and the over- 
 laying of their chapiters, and their fillets, of silver. 
 
 20 And all e the pins of the tabernacle, and a 
 the court round about, were of brass. 
 
 21 IT This is the sum of the tabernacle, even of 
 the f tabernacle of testimony, as it was counted, 
 according to the commandment of Moses, for the 
 service of the Levites, sby the hand of h Ithamar 
 son to Aaron the priest. 
 
 22 And ‘Bezaleel the son of Uri the son of Hur, 
 of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord 
 commanded Moses. 
 
 23 And with him w as Aholiab, son of Ahisa 
 mach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a 
 cunning workman, and an embroiderer in blue, 
 and in purple, and in scarlet, and fine linen. 
 
 24 All k the gold that was occupied for the work, 
 in all the work of the holy place , even the gold of the 
 offering, was twenty and nine talents, and seven 
 hundred and thirty shekels, after the shekel of the 
 sanctuary. 
 
 25 If And the silver of them that were numbered 
 of the congregation, was an hundred talents 
 and a thousand seven hundred and threescort 
 and fifteen shekels, after e the shekel of the sane 
 tuary. 
 
 26 m A bekah for tevery man, that is, half s 
 shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, forever) 
 one that went to be numbered, from twenty yeari 
 old and upward, for "six hundred thousand and 
 three thousand and five hundred and fifty men. 
 
 27 And of the hundred talents of silver, were 
 cast “the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets 
 of the veil ; an hundred sockets of the hundred 
 talents, a talent for a socket. 
 
 28 And of the thousand seven hundred seventy 
 and five shekels, he made hooks for the pillars, and 
 overlaid their chapiters, and filleted them. 
 
 29 And the brass of the offering was seventy 
 talents, 'and two thousand and four hundred 
 shekels. 
 
 30 And therewith he made >’the sockets to the 
 door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and 
 the brazen altar, and the brazen grate for it, and 
 all the vessels of the altar, 
 
 31 And the sockets of the court round about, 
 and the sockets of the court-gate, and all the pins 
 of the tabernacle, and all the pins of the court 
 round about. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 The several garments of the priests made, (Notes, vVc.28:) 1 — 31. The whole 
 
 work finished, and reviewed by Moses, who blesses the workmen, 32 — 43. 
 
 A ND of “the blue, and purple, and scarlet, they 
 made b clothes of service, to do service in the 
 c boly ]>lace, and made d the holy garments for 
 Aaron ; as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 23. 1 Chr. 6:3. 24:4. i 31:2,6. 35:30— 35. k 1 Chr. 22:14— 16. 29:2— 7. Hng. 
 2:8. 1 30:13.14. I.ev. 5:15. 27:3,25. Num. 3:47. 18:16. m 30:1.7,16. JHiib.n 
 poll, n 12:37. Num. 1:46 . 26:51. 1)26:19,21,25,32. |> 26:37. 27: 1 0,17. a 25: 
 4.35:23. b 31:10. 35:19. c Kz. 43:12. Heb. 9:12,25. il 28:2,4. 31:10. El. 
 42:14. 
 
 advanced, that the fine linen was embroidered with these 
 colours. (Note, 35:25,26.) 
 
 V. 26 — 28. A shekel is about half an ounce troy-weight. 
 At halfa shekel each, 0000 persons collected a talenl of silver: 
 consequently a talent consisted of about a hundred and 
 twenty-five pounds troy, or rather more than a hundred 
 weight. This passage fixes the weight of a talent at 3000 
 shekels ; for both the round sum and the residue agree with 
 this computation, and can agree with no other. This seems 
 indeed to have been the weight of a talent, of whatever metal ; 
 and it may easily be computed how much it would bo worth 
 of our current coin. — The silver called “the ransom of their 
 souls,” was raised as a tax which each must pay, hut all the 
 rest was voluntary. (Note, 30:11 — 16.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In all ages there have been some persons more devoted to 
 God, more constant in their attendance upon his ordinances, 
 and more willing to part with lawful things foi his sake, than 
 others. These are never censured, but always commended 
 and honoured in the word of God : fi>r when relative duties 
 and social obligations are not neglected or violated, we cannot 
 too much renounce the world, deny ourselves and .devote our 
 all to the Lord, and seek our whole happiness from him. 
 (Note, Luke 2:36 — 38.) — It may also be added, t. o' t’Se en- 
 
B. C. 1491. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 B. C. 1419. 
 
 2 And he made 'the ephod of gold, blue, and 
 purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 
 
 3 And they did beat the gold into thin plates, 
 and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, and 
 in the purple, and in the scarlet, and in the fine 
 In.eivwht/t cunning work. 
 
 4 They made shoulder-pieces for it, to couple 
 it together : by the two edges was it coupled to- 
 gether. 
 
 5 And the fcurious girdle of his ephod that 
 was upon it xvas of the same, according to the 
 work thereof: of gold, blue, and purple, and 
 scarlet, and fine twined linen, as the Lord com- 
 manded Moses. 
 
 6 And they wrought eonyx-stones enclosed in 
 ouches of gold, graven as signets are graven, with 
 the names of the children of Israel. 
 
 7 And he put them on the shoulders of the 
 ephod, that they should be stones for h a memorial 
 to the children of Israel ; as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 8 H And he made the ‘breastplate of cunning 
 work, like the work of the ephod ; of gold, blue, 
 and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen. 
 
 9 It was four-square ; they made the breast- 
 plate double : a span was the length thereof, and a 
 span the breadth thereof, being' doubled. 
 
 10 And they set in it four rows of stones : Hhe 
 first row teas 'a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle : 
 this was the first row. 
 
 11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, 
 and a diamond. 
 
 12 And the third row, a figure, an agate, and 
 an amethyst. 
 
 13 And the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, and a 
 jasper: they were enclosed in ouches of gold in 
 their enclosings. 
 
 14 And the stones were according to the names 
 of the children of Israel, twerve according to their 
 names, like the engravings of a signet, every one 
 with his name, according to the twelve tribes. 
 
 15 And they made upon the breastplate k chains, 
 at the ends, of wreathen work of pure gold. 
 
 16 And they made two ouches of gold, and two 
 gold rings : and put the two rings in the two ends 
 of the breastplate. 
 
 17 And they put the two wreathen chains of 
 gold in the two rings on the ends of the breast- 
 plate. 
 
 18 And the two ends of the two wreathen 
 chains they fastened in the two ouches, and put 
 them on the shoulder-pieces of the ephod, be- 
 fore it. 
 
 19 And they made two rings of gold, and put 
 them on the two ends of the breastplate, upon the 
 border of it which was on the side of the ephod 
 inward . 
 
 20 And they made two other golden rings, and 
 put them on the two sides of the ephod under- 
 neath, toward the forepart of it, over against the 
 other coupling- thereof, above the curious girdle of 
 the ephod. 
 
 • See on 28:6— 12. Lev. 8:7. f See on 29:9. Is. 11:5. Rev. 1:13. g See on 
 35:9. Job 28:16. Ez. 28:13. h 28:29. Josh. 4:7. Mark 14:9,22—25. i See on 
 28:4.15—29. Lev. 8:8,9. Is. 59:17. Epl> . 6:14. j See on28:17, 21. Rev. 21:19 
 —21. ’Or, ruby. kCant.lUO. ISre on 28:31— 35. m Cant. 4:3,13. 6:7. 
 a Deut. 22:12. Matt. 9:20. o See on 28:40-42. Lev. 8:13. Is. 61:10. Ez. 44: 
 
 closure of this court, being only of curtains, might intimate 
 that it should in due time be removed : and so we may take 
 occasion to bless God for the enlargement of his church, by 
 the calling of us Gentiles into it ; and to pray that all remain- 
 ing boundaries may be removed, and the whole earth filled 
 with the knowledge of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
 Spirit, to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIX. V. 3. The art of draw- 
 ing metal into wire was not known at that time, as appears 
 f rom this verse ; otherwise the gold might have been drawn 
 out to any length and fineness which they chose. 
 
 V . 43. The words, u as the Lord commanded Moses,” or 
 to that effect, are used no less than ten times in this chapter. 
 This shows the importance of the exact observance of the 
 directions given, to the acceptableness of the service ; with- 
 out which the liberality and activity of the people, and the 
 skill of the workmen, would have been of no avail. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When unanimity diligence, and zeal animate the hearts of 
 
 21 And they did bind the breastplate by his 
 rings unto the rings of the ephod, with a lace of 
 blue, that it might be above tne curious girdle of 
 the ephod, and that the breastplate might not bt 
 loosed from the ephod ; as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 22 IT And he made 'the robe of the ephod of 
 woven work, all of blue. 
 
 23 And there was a hole in the midst of the 
 robe, as the hole of an habergeon, with a band 
 round about the hole, that it should not rend. 
 
 24 And they made upon the hems of the robe 
 pomegranates of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and 
 twined linen. 
 
 25 And they made bells of pure gold, and put 
 the bells between the pomegranates, upon the 
 hem of the robe, round about between the pome- 
 granates. 
 
 26 A bell and a m pomegranate, a bell and a 
 pomegranate, round about the “hem of the robe 
 do minister in; as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 27 IT And they made “coats of fine linen, of 
 woven work, for Aaron and for his sons. 
 
 28 And a mitre of fine linen, and goodly bonnets 
 of fine linen, and linen breeches of fine twined 
 linen. 
 
 29 And a girdle of fine twined linen, and blue, 
 and purple, and scarlet, of needlework ; as the 
 Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 30 11 And they made rthe plate of the holy 
 crown of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, 
 like to the engravings of a signet, ^HOLINESS 
 TO THE LORD. 
 
 31 And they tied unto it a lace of blue, to fasten 
 it on high upon the mitre; as the Lord com- 
 manded Moses. 
 
 32 IT Thus was all the work of the tabernacle 
 of the tent of the congregation finished : and the 
 children of Israel did r according to all that the 
 Lord commanded Moses, so did they. 
 
 33 And they brought the tabernacle unto Moses, 
 "the tent, and all his furniture, his taches, his 
 boards, his bars, and his pillars, and his sockets, 
 
 34 And the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, 
 and the covering of badgers’ skins, and the veil 
 of the covering, 
 
 35 The ark of the testimony, and the staves 
 thereof, and the mercy-seat, 
 
 36 The table, and all the vessels thereof, and 
 the show-bread, 
 
 37 The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, 
 even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the 
 vessels thereof, and the oil lor fight. 
 
 38 And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, 
 and the tsweet incense, and the hanging for the 
 tabernacle-door, 
 
 39 The brazen altar, and his grate of brass, 
 his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his 
 foot, 
 
 40 The hangings of the court, his pillars, and 
 his sockets, and the hanging for the court-gate, 
 his cords and his pins, and all the vessels ot the 
 
 18. Rom. 3:22. 13:14. Gal. 3:27. lPet.l:13. p See on 28:36— 38. Heb.7:2S. 
 q Zech. 14:20. Til. 2:14. Rev.5:10. r25:40. Dent. 12:32. 1 Sam. 15:22. 1 Chr. 
 28:19. Matl. 28:20. 8 See on 31:7 — 11. 35:11 — 19. t Heb. the incense of sweet 
 spices. 
 
 numbers in a good cause, much may be done in a short time : 
 and when the commandment of God is continually attended 
 to, as the rule and standard of every service, the whole will 
 be done well. — We ought indeed daily to prove our own work, 
 to take the counsel and regard the judgment of others, to pre- 
 sent all we do before the Lord, and beg to be shown how far 
 he approves or disapproves it: but the grand trial of all our 
 actions will be at the conclusion of them. We ought not 
 therefore rashly to judge others, or their works, before tha 
 time ; nor be elated by man’s applause, or cast down by his 
 reproach, which are often alike erroneous and unmerited: 
 but we should exercise ourselves to keep a conscience void of 
 offence, be contented with its testimony, and wait that day, 
 44 when the Lord shall come, and bring to light the hidden 
 things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the 
 hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God.” For 
 though the glory of all the good we do belongs to him, and 
 our best needs much forgiveness; yet, if by his grace our 
 hearts are humbly upright and willing, and vv<* *;oik bv his- 
 
 ( 199 ) 
 
B. C. ) IS, 
 
 EXODUS 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the con- 
 gregati m, 
 
 41 The 'cloths of service to do service in the 
 holy place , and the holy garments for Aaron the 
 priest, mid his sons’ garments to minister in the 
 priest’s office. 
 
 42 According to all that the Lord commanded 
 Moses, so the children of Israel made all the 
 work. 
 
 43 And Moses “did look upon all the work, and 
 behold, they had done it as the Lord had com- 
 manded, even so had they done it : and Moses 
 ‘blessed them. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 Moses , at God's command , sets up the tabernacle , and consecrates it with its 
 furniture , 1 — 33. The Lord by the cloud and glory , takes possession of it, 
 and guides and pro' ects Israel , 34 — 38. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 On the first day of a the first month shalt 
 thou set up the b tabernacle of the tent of the con- 
 gregation : 
 
 3 And thou shalt put therein c the ark of the 
 testimony, and cover the ark with the veil. 
 
 4 And thou shalt bring in d the table, and set in 
 order 'the things that are to he set in order upon 
 it, and thou shalt bring in “the candlestick, and 
 ligh t the lamps thereof. 
 
 5 And thou shalt set f the altar of gold, for the 
 incense, before the ark of the testimony, and "put 
 the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. 
 
 6 And thou shalt set b the altar of the burnt- 
 offering before the door of the tabernacle of the 
 tent of the congregation. 
 
 7 And thou shalt set ‘the laver between the tent 
 of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put 
 water therein. 
 
 8 And thou shalt set up k the court round about, 
 and hang up the hanging at the court-gate. 
 
 9 11 And thou shalt take 'the anointing oil, and 
 anoint the tabernacle and all that is therein, and 
 6halt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it 
 shall be holy. 
 
 10 And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt- 
 offering, and all his vessels, and m sanctify the 
 altar : and it shall he an altar hnost holy. 
 
 1 1 And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, 
 and sanctify it. 
 
 12 IT And thou shalt “bring Aaron and his sons 
 unto the door of the tabernacle of the congrega- 
 tion, and wash them with water. 
 
 13 And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy 
 
 t 1.31:10. u Gen. 1:31. * Gen. 14:19. Ley. 9:!!2,23. Num. 6:23—27. 2 Sam. 6: 
 18. 1 Kings 8:14. 1 Chr. 30:27. a 17. 12:1,2. 13:4. Num. 7:1. b 6,10. 23:7,30. 
 27:21. 30:86. 35:11. 36:18. Jot 21:28. marg. c21. See on 25:17— 22 . 26:33,34. 
 Num. 4:5. Rev. 11:19. 15:5. d 22. See on 25:23— 30 . 26 35,36. -Hob . the or. 
 der thereof. Ley. 24:5,6. e 24,25. See on 25:31— 39. f 26,27. See on 30: 1—5. 
 37:25— 28. 1 John 2:1,2. g 29 . 26:36,37. 36:37,38. h 29. See on 27:1— 8. 38:1— 
 7. i 30 — 32. See on 30:18— 21. 38:8. Ps. 26:6. Zech. 13:1. k 33. See on 27:9 
 —19. 38:9—19. 1 30:23—33. 37:29. Pb. 45:7. la. 11:2. 61:1. Matt. 3:16. John 3: 
 
 rule, for his glory, and in dependence on his teaching and 
 assistance, he will graciously applaud us, and say, “Well 
 done, good and faithful servants;’’ and his blessing will abun- 
 dantly repay our labour, which indeed is even here its own 
 reward. After his example, therefore, as well as that of 
 Moses, parents, masters, ministers, magistrates, and others, 
 should learn not to be always finding fault ; but to show them- 
 selves pleased with, and to commend, the honest endeavours 
 of others to do well. — They who serve the cause of religion 
 have a claim to our prayers, even as if they were our own 
 benefactors ; and we should both thank God for them, and 
 beg of him to bless them. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XL. V. 2. On the fifteenth day of the 
 ■first month the Israelites came out of Egypt; on the fiftieth 
 day after that event the law was given; and with several 
 intervening delays, Moses spent at least eighty days upon 
 the mount. Half the year must therefore have passed, or 
 perhaps more, before they began to work upon the taber- 
 nacle ; in half a year, or somewhat less, the whole was com- 
 pleted ; and immediately Moses received directions for setting 
 it up. — “ The tabernacle” means the whole building; “the 
 tent,” the curtains by which it was covered. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. Marg. Ref. c — e. Notes, 25:10 — 39. 
 
 V. 5. Marg. Ref. f, g. Notes, 2f>:3G,37. 30:1—8. 
 
 V. fi. Marg. Ref. Note, 27:1—8. 
 
 'V. 7, 8. Marg. Ref. i, k. Notes, 27:9—19. 30:18—21. 
 
 V. 9— 11. Marg. 'Ref. \, m. Notes, 29:35—37. 30:22 
 
 33. 
 
 v! 12— M. Marg. Ref. n, o. Notes, 29:1—37. 
 
 V. 15. Everlasting .] This priesthood endured, in tlv) 
 l 200 ) 
 
 garments, and “anoint him, and sanctify him ; that 
 he may minister unto me in the priest’s office. 
 
 14 And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe 
 them with coats : 
 
 15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst 
 anoint their father, that they may minister unjo 
 me in the priest’s office : for their anointing shall 
 surely be an '’everlasting priesthood, throughout 
 their generations. 
 
 16 Thus did Moses: according to all that the 
 Lord commanded him, so did he. 
 
 17 H And it came to pass," in ithe first i-b.c. 
 month, in the second year, on the first day of L 1490 - 
 the month, that the tabernacle was reared up. 
 
 18 And Moses “reared up the tabernacle, and 
 fastened his sockets, and set up the boards there- 
 of, and put in the bars thereof, and reared up his 
 pillars. 
 
 19 And he spread abroad "the tent over the 
 tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above 
 upon it; as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 20 And he took and put ‘the testimony into the 
 ark, and set the staves on the ark, and put the 
 “mercy-seat above upon the ark. 
 
 21 And ‘he brought the ark into the tabernacle, 
 and set up the veil of the covering, and covered 
 the ark of the testimony ; as the Lord command- 
 ed Moses. 
 
 22 And 7he put the table in the tent of the con- 
 gregation, upon the side of the tabernacle “north- 
 ward without the veil. 
 
 23 And he a set the bread in order upon it, 
 before the Lord ; as the Lord had commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 24 And he put b the candlestick in the tent of 
 the congregation, over against the table, on the 
 side of the tabernacle southward. 
 
 25 And he lighted the lamps before the Lord 
 as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 26 And he put the “golden altar in the tent of 
 the congregration, before the veil. 
 
 27 And he burnt sweet incense thereon ; as the 
 Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 28 And he d set up the hanging at the door of 
 the tabernacle. 
 
 29 And he put “the altar of burnt-ofiering by 
 the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the con- 
 gregation, and offered upon it the burnt-ofiering, 
 and the meat-offering; as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 30 And he set f the laver between the tent of 
 
 S4. 1 John 2:20. m 29:36,37. Lev. 8:11. t Ileb. holiness of holincsses. u See 
 on 29:1— 33. Lev. 8:1— 13. o See on 28:41 . John 3:34. 17:19. Heh. 10: 
 10— 29. 1 John 2:20,27. p 12:14. 30:31. Num. 25:13. Ps. 110:4. Heh. 7:3,17, 
 24. q 2. Num. 7:1. 9:1. r 26:15— 30 . 36:20— 34. s 26: 1— 14. 36:S— 19. t 16: 
 34. 25:16—21. 31:18. Ps. 40:8. u 37:6—9. Rom. 3:25. 10:4. Heb.4:16. 10:19 — 
 21.1 J#hn2:2. *3.26:33.35:12. y4. *24. 26:35. a 25:30. 1.25:31—35. 
 
 37:17—24. John 8:12. Rev. 1:20. 2:5. c 30:1—10. Rev. 8:3,4. d 5. 26:36,37. 
 38:9—19. e 6 . 27:1— 8 . 38:1— 7. Heb. 13:10. f 7. 30:18-21. 3S:8. F.*. 36:26. 
 
 family of Aaron, till Christ came ; anti in him, the Substance 
 of all these shadows, it rests forever. — The sons of Aaron 
 were anointed with the same holy oil as their father; but it 
 is not generally supposed, that it was poured on their heads, 
 as it was on his. At least this is never mentioned concerning 
 any other than the high-priest.. (29:7. Lev. 8:12. 21:10. Ps. 
 133:2.) The anointing oil was “sprinkled both on Aaron 
 and his garments, and on his sons, and on their garments.” 
 (29:21. Lev. 8:30.) — In this respect, “Moses anointed them, 
 as he anointed their father:” and perhaps some of the oil 
 might be applied to their heads, though not poured on them, 
 as on that of their father. The distinction between the 
 anointed priest, or high-priest, and the other priests, seems 
 marked through all the subsequent part of the Old Testa- 
 ment, wherever the subject is introduced. 
 
 V. 16. Moses 4 took the same care in erecting the taber- 
 nacle, and disposing every thing in its place, that the work- 
 men had done in making all things according to the mind of 
 God.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 17 — 33. (Marg. Ref.) In the whole of this solemn 
 service, Moses acted as a priest, and as a type of him, who 
 unites in his own person the officos of a Prophet, Priest, and 
 King. (Note, Dent. 18:15 — 19.) But after Aaron and his 
 
 sons were fully established in their office, it does not appear 
 that Moses performed any of the services to which they 
 were especially appointed. As however he went into the 
 tabernacle to inquire of the Lord, it may he supposed that, 
 on these occasions, he washed his hands and f«nM at the laver 
 as Aaron and his sons did in their daily l’tinisl aliens. — The 
 time, in which the anointing and cunsec* itirji of the sacred 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 the congregation and the altar, and put water 
 there, to wash ivithal. 
 
 31 And Moses, and Aaron and his sons, «wash- 
 ed their hands and their feet thereat. 
 
 32 When they went into the tent of the con- 
 gregration, and when they came near unto the 
 altar, > they washed ; as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 33 And he reared up h the court round about 
 Hie tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hang- 
 ing of the court gate : 'so Moses finished the work. 
 
 34 11 Then k a cloud covered the tent of the 
 congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the 
 tabernacle. 
 
 r John 13:10. h 8. 27:9 — 16. I 39:32. 1 Kings 6:9. Zech. 4:9. John 4:34. 17:4. 
 5 Tim. 4:7. Heb. 3:2-5. k 13:21 ,22. 14:19,-20,24. 25:8,22.29:43. 33:9. Lev. 
 16:2. Num. 9:15-23. 1 Kings 8:10. 2Clir.5;13. Is. 6:4. Ez.43:4— 7. Hag. 2:7, 
 
 vessels took place, seems to have been the same, as that in 
 which Aaron and his sons were consecrated ; though Moses 
 in this general narrative did not specially mention it. 
 
 V. 34, 35. The Lord testified his acceptance of the ser- 
 vices of the people, and his entire reconciliation to them as a 
 nation, by hi-: gracious residence among them in the cloud, 
 the symbol of his special presence. This rested above the 
 tabernacle, while a more resplendent glory filled it, so that 
 Moses himself could not enter for a time ; but probably it 
 afterwards was confined to the holy of holies, above the 
 mercy-seat between the cherubim. 
 
 V. 36 — 36. ( Note , Num. 9:16 — 23.) In allusion to this 
 
 special guidance of Israel, many pious persons use the 
 expression, “moving of the cloud,” as denoting the providen- 
 tial and gracious direction which God now affords his people : 
 and doubtless it is allowable thus to accommodate and apply 
 these typical passages to our own circumstances, provided it 
 be done with sobriety, judgment, and caution. But we 
 should be careful not to introduce a new rule of duty ; or 
 give occasion to uncertainty, error, or enthusiasm, by a vague 
 and indeterminate use of such allusions. We are not under 
 the same evident infallible guidance that Israel was : the 
 word of God, soberly explained, is our only and our sufficient 
 rule of duty ; and in understanding it, and in applying general 
 precepts to particular circumstances, good counsel, fervent 
 prayer, and a careful observance of Providence, should be 
 employed. Some things are always our duty, when we have 
 opportunity and ability ; and these need no other direction : 
 other things are lawful in themselves ; but it may be doubtful, 
 whether in our case and situation they are advisable ; that 
 is, whether they are likely, all things considered, to conduce 
 to the glory of God and our own real good, and the good of 
 our brethren and neighbours. When, after mature consulta- 
 tion and fervent prayer, such matters still remain doubtful ; 
 the events of Providence may be of some weight in the deci- 
 sion, especially in cases where self-denial must be exercised, 
 and danger encountered. But, when any undertaking is 
 evidently wrong, or plainly inexpedient, or unadvisable in 
 the opinion of impartial judges, and yet the inclination leans 
 that way ; in this case, that which men call the “ moving of 
 the cloud,” or the opening of Providence, is generally no more 
 than a temptation of Satan. The suggestions of that enemy 
 
 35 Ami Moses 'was not able to enter into the 
 tent of the congregation, because the cloud abode 
 thereon, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabei 
 nacle. 
 
 36 And "'when the cloud was taken up from 
 over the tabernacle, the children of Israel 'went 
 onward in all their journeys : 
 
 37 But if the cloud were not taken up, then 
 they journeyed not, till the day that it was taken 
 up. 
 
 38 For the cloud of the Lord was upon the 
 tabernacle by day, and "fire was on it by nigh 
 in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughou 
 all their journeys. 
 
 9. 11 Kings 8:11. 2 Chr. 5:14. 7:2. Rev. 15:8. m Num. 10:11— 13,33— 36. 
 
 Neh. 9:19. 1 Cor. 10:1. * Heb. journeyed, n Pa. 78:14. 105:39. Is. 4:5,6. 
 
 are often mistaken for divine impressions ; and men fancy 
 they are following the Lord, when they are gratifying their 
 own wayward inclinations. Upon the whole, in all matters, 
 let us refer “to the law and to the testimony.” Plain pre- 
 cepts and maxims of wisdom are far surer rules, than the 
 most ingenious allusions : and the book of Providence, as 
 well as the supposed guidance of the Spirit, must be exa- 
 mined by, and brought to the test of, the plain rules of the 
 written word, “ which are the light of our feet and the lantern 
 of our paths.” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The several parts of divine revelation, the distinct offices of 
 Jesus Christ, and the various graces of the Christian character, 
 are never seen in their glory and beauty, till they are viewed 
 as united in one harmonious whole ; which whole the believer 
 values, desires, and seeks to call his own. — The periodical 
 return of the seasons should remind us of the duties to God 
 and our souls, to which we are called : and we may hope for 
 a good year, month, week, or day, if we begin it with serious 
 attention to the worship of God, and solemn dedication of our- 
 selves to him. But when we remember that within this very 
 year, which was entered upon in so promising a manner, the 
 Lord was not well pleased with the most of the Israelites, and 
 doomed “ their carcasses to fall in the wilderness we may 
 justly fear, lest we should amuse and deceive ourselves with 
 a form of godliness : and the consideration, how few of them 
 entered Canaan, should warn young people not to postpone 
 the care of their souls till they are settled in life, lest that 
 should prove too late. — Happy they, who like Moses receive 
 repeated testimony from God, that they do his will and keep 
 his commandments: But, through him, let us look unto Jesus 
 
 Christ, who collects his people from all nations and ages; and 
 according to the will of the Father, having washed them in his 
 blood, and anointed them with the unction of his grace, forms 
 them into one holy temple, “ a habitation of God through the 
 Spirit,” in which he dwells to illuminate, to purify, to guide, 
 and to defend them through life, and in which he will dwell 
 for ever. Being then taught by the Spirit to imitate Christ, 
 as well as to depend en him, devoutly to attend on his ordi- 
 nances, and obey his precepts ; we shall be preserved from 
 losing our way, and be “ led in the midst of the paths of judg- 
 ment,” till we come to heaven, the habitation of his holiness 
 
 • 4 . 
 
 Vol. I. — 26 
 
 ( »! ) 
 
THE THIRD BOOK OF MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 In the Hebrew Bible this book, like the preceding, is named from the first word (N"'p v ») : but, after the Greek translation, we call p 
 Leviticus : because it records the solemn consecration of Aaron and his sons, who were of the tribe of Levi, to be the priests ot 
 the Lord, nrid the confirmation of the priesthood to their descendants in all subsequent ages, while that dispensation endured ; ana 
 because directions for their various ministrations are here very particularly given ; though many thing's respecting the separation 
 of the rest of the tribe, and the services allotted to them, are recorded in the subsequent book. It contains little history, except 
 the awful death of Nadab and Abilin, the sons of Aaron, as soon as consecrated, for irreverence in their sacred office : and it 
 principally cou-ists of ritual laws, delivered to Moses from above the mercy-seat, during the first month after the Tabernacle was 
 erected ; though moral piecepts are frequently interspersed. — In these ceremonies the gospel was preached to Israel : and the 
 solemn and exact manner, and the many repetitions, with which they are enforced, are suited to impress the serious mind with r. 
 conviction, that something immensely more important and spiritual, than the external observances, is couched under each of them. 
 We are indeed thus taught, that all true religion must be grounded on divine revelation* and be regulated by it ; and not be left in 
 any degree to human invention : yet one inspired aposfle calls the legal institutions “ beggarly elements,” and “the law of a 
 carnal commandment and another allows, that they formed “ a yoke which neither they nor their fathers were able to bear.” 
 — But if we look carefully into the New Testament, we shall be convinced, that these ordinances, which to numbers appear so 
 unmeaning and unreasonable, were not only “shadows of good things to come,” but real prophecies; which, being exactly 
 accomplished in the gospel, prove the book in which they are found to be divinely inspired. It is not known how far the Israelites 
 observed the singular law concerning the sabbatical year, anil that of Jubilee, which, it is evident, were very frequently neglected; 
 bui no impostor would have ventured to enact such statutes; much less to have committed himself by these words: “And if ye 
 shall s.iy, What shall we eat the seventh year ? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase. Then I will command my 
 blessing on you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of 
 old fruit until the ninth year ; until her fruits come in, ye shall eat of the old store.” (25:20 — 22.) Yet, we do not find, in the 
 whole history, a single complaint that this extraordinary promise failed of an exact accomplishment. The twenty-sixth chaptei 
 likewise contains an evident prediction of the present state of the nation of Israel, which amidst all its dispersions and oppressions 
 has hitherto been preserved a distinct people, apparently in order to the performance of the promises made them in the close of the 
 chapter. It seems peculiarly useful, in this skeptical age, to introduce each book in the sacred volume, by some notice of those 
 prophecies found in it which have received an evident accomplishment, many ages after the time when we have full proof the 
 books Were extant ; as this tends to establish, not only their authenticity, but also their divine authority, far more than human 
 testimony can do. — In addition to this we may observe, that the sacred writers, in all the subsequent parts of Scripture, and even 
 our Lord, as well as his apostles, quote or refer to this book in language which proves, both that it is the genuine work of Moses, 
 and also that the statutes contained in it are the word of God ; the two points which many, called Christians, seem at present ready 
 to concede to skeptics and infidels. (2 Chron. 30:1b. Ezra 7:6,12. Matt. 8:4. Luke 2:22 — 24. Rom. 10:4,5. Comp. 26:12. with 
 2 Cor. 6:16. and 19:19. with Gal. 5:14.) Let us therefore adhere to the testimony of these unexceptionable witnesses, and study it 
 as a part of “ the oracles of God ;” and very important instruction will be derived from it, even to us in this remote age, though 
 (ve are no longer under the obligation of its ritual appointments. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The law of the burnt -offering, of abuVocJc, 1 — 9 : of a sheep , or goat, 10 — 13 : 
 of fowls, 14—17. 
 
 A ND the Lord a called unto Moses, and spake 
 unto him b out of the tabernacle of the con- 
 gregation, saying, 
 
 a Ex. 19:3. 24:1,2,12. 29.42. John 1:17. b Ex. 25.22. 33:7 . 39:32. 40:34,35. 
 Nura. 12:4,5. c 22:18,19. Hen. 4:3— 5. 1 ( hr. 16:29. R«>m. 12:1,6. Eph. 5:2. 
 tl 6:9 — 13. 8:18—21. Gen. 8:20. 22:2,8,13. Ex. 24:5. 29:18,42. 32:6. 38:1. Num. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1, 2. The laws, recorded in the 
 book of Exodus, were either delivered to the people imme- 
 diately from Sinai, or to Moses on the top of that mountain ; 
 but after the sanctuary had been erected, the remaining part of 
 the law was delivered to Moses by an audible voice from the 
 divine glory, which first filled the tabernacle, and then rested 
 above the mercy-seat. When this glory filled the holy place, 
 Moses was not able to enter ; but the Lord called to him to 
 draw nigh, and as he stood without he spake the laws to him. 
 — The word rendered offering , (pip Corban , Mark. T*1 1 . ) 
 signifies brought near , and, in general, means any oblation 
 presented to God ; and therefore the meat-offerings, regulated 
 ti the next chapter, were intended, as well as the burnt- 
 offerings, &c. — The sacrificing of innocent animals had been 
 an institution of true religion from the fall of Adam; and 
 thence by tradition it was derived into the various species of 
 false religion, which prevailed in the world. — Among the 
 worshippers of the true God, no animals but those called clean 
 were offered. In most cases the head of the family, or the 
 person presenting the sacrifice, officiated as priest. (Note, 
 Ex. 24:5.) The blood of the animal was shed, and then the 
 body was consumed by fire on an altar : or sometimes only a 
 part of it ; and then the remainder was feasted on by the 
 person who sacrificed, along with his family and friends. 
 (Gen. 31:54. Note, Ex. 18:12.) But, under the Mosaic dis- 
 pensation, very particular laws were given upon this subject, 
 which were connected with the exclusive appointment of 
 Aaron’s family to the priesthood. In general, all the sacrifices 
 in various ways typified Christ ; and also shadowed out the be- 
 liever’s duty, character, privilege, and communion with God : 
 and indeed, if we except the divine Person, the miracles, and 
 the meritorious mediation, of the Lord Jesus, there is scarcely 
 any thing in the whole Scripture spoken of him, which is so 
 appropriate, as not to have also a subordinate meaning that 
 concerns his people ; and therefore we need not hesitate to 
 apply the same things, both to Christ and to Christians, in 
 different respects. — Such animals only were allowed in sacri- 
 fice, as are most useful and valuable to man, which ho is able 
 ( 209 ) 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, c If any man of you bring an offering 
 unto the Lord, ye shall bring your offering of the 
 cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. 
 
 3 If his offering be d a burnt-sacrifice of the head, 
 let him offer e a male without blemish : he shall 
 
 28:3, 10, 11, 19, 23/21, 27, 31. 29:8—11,13. Is. 1:11. Hell. 10:8—10. e3:l. 4:23. 
 
 22:19—25, Ex. 12:5. Dent. 15:21. Zech. 13:7. Mai. 1:14. Luke 1:35. Ei)h. 6i 
 27. Heb. 7:26. 9:14. 1 Pet. 1:18,19. 2:22—24. 
 
 to possess as property, and the increase of which he promotes : 
 and not all of them ; but those only which are most domestic, 
 harmless, patient, cleanly, and whose flesh is most commonly 
 used for food. Neither filthy swine, nor devouring lions, nor 
 the warlike horse, nor the subtle fox, nor the voracious dog. 
 nor any creature which subsists on animal food, was appointed 
 for sacrifice ; nor yet the timorous hare or deer, which flees 
 from the intercourse of man: but those alone which repre- 
 sented most aptly what Christ would be, and what his people 
 ought to be ; as the laborious, patient ox ; the gentle, harmless, 
 and cleanly sheep ; and the tender, loving dove : for even the 
 useful goat was sacrificed far less frequently, than sheep and 
 oxen. — It is known that the heathens offered* various animals, 
 which were deemed unclean by the Israelites ; especially 
 swine and horses. 
 
 V. 3. The burnt-offering, or the offering which ascended , 
 that is, in smoke from the altar, was the principal sacrifice, 
 and the most ancient. No part of it was eaten, either by the 
 priest or the offerer ; but the whole, when it had been duly 
 prepared, was consumed by fire on the altar, as consecrated 
 to the Lord. When an Israelite brought this offering to the 
 sanctuary, he professed his willing devotedness to the worship 
 of God: and the transaction aptly represented the true 
 believer’s dedication of himself without reserve, in body and 
 soul, to the service and glory of God, whether by doing or 
 suffering his will ; “ whether by life or death :” (Phil. 1:20.) 
 but this is always accompanied by repentance, and faith in 
 the atonement of Christ. Whatever else therefore was 
 denoted by these sacrifices, they especially typified Christ 
 in the intcnsencss of his sufferings, both of body and soul, 
 when he gave himself a sacrifice for our sins ; and when, at 
 the time that man shed his blood, M it pleased the Lord to 
 bruise him and to put him to grief:” and they likewise showed 
 forth the perfection of that zeal and love, with wl ich he volun- 
 tarily went through his inexpressible sufferings.- A male with- 
 out blemish was deemed the most complete of.tne kind ; thus 
 Christ was without spot or blemish ; and his people must 
 serve him with their best in every thing, a' d they re in 
 
B. C. 1430. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 13. C. 1490 
 
 offer it of f his owi v« ut .ary will, R at the door of 
 the tabernacle of the congregation before theLoRD. 
 
 4 And he shall h put his hand upon the head of 
 the burnt-offering 1 : and it shall ‘be accepted for 
 him to make kitonement for him. 
 
 5 And he shall k kill the bullock before the Lord : 
 and ‘the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall bring the 
 blood, and '"sprinkle the blood round about upon 
 the altar, that is by the door of the tabernacle of 
 the congregation. 
 
 6 And he shall "flay the burnt-offering, and cut 
 it into his pieces. 
 
 7 And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put 
 ‘fire upon the altar, and Hay the wood in order 
 upon the fife. 
 
 8 And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall slay the 
 parts, the head, and the fat, in order upon the 
 wood, that is on the fire which is upon the altar. 
 
 9 But his 'inwards and his legs shall he wash in 
 water: and the priest shall “burn all on the altar, 
 to be a burnt-sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of 
 a ‘sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 10 If And if his offering be "of the flocks, namely,. 
 
 r7.1G. 2-2:10.21 . Ex. 35:5,21 ,29. 36:3. Ps. 40:8. 110:3. 2 Cor. 8:12. 9:7. p 16: 
 7.171. Ex. 29:1. Dem. 12 -1.6,13,14,27. Et. 20:40. John 10:7,9. Eph. 2:18. 
 h 3:2, S, 13. 4:4,15,24,29. 8:11,22.16:21. Ex. 29:10,15,19. Num.8:12. In. 53:4— 
 6. 2 Cor. 5,21. i 22:21,87. li.56:7. Rom. 12.1. Phil. 4:18. ) 4:20,26,31 ,35. 5:6. 
 6:7. 9:7. 16:24. Nuin. 15:28 25:13. 2 Chr. 29:23,24. Dan 9:24. Rom. 3:25. 5:11. 
 
 It 11. 3:2,8.13. 16:15. 2 Cl.r. 29:22— 24. Mic. 6:6. 1 11,15. 2 Chr. 35:11. Hob. 
 10:11. 0111.3:2,8,13. Ex. 21:6— S. 29:16. Num. 18:17. Is. 52:15. Et. 36:25. 
 Heb. 12:24. 1 Pol. 1:2. n 7:8. Gun. 3:21. o 6: 12,13. 9:24. 10:1. Klir.21: 
 
 themselves the excellent of the earth. ( Ps . I G;3 . ) — The 
 sacrifices of the congregation, -daily, weekly, monthly, and 
 annually, as well as those for the great feasts, were prescribed 
 by express laws ; and so were the sin-otferings and the tres- 
 pass-offerings : but the burnt-offerings here spoken of were 
 voluntary. — The word (wH) rendered voluntary will, may 
 indeed signify, for his acceptance, that is, that he might be 
 accepted before the Lord. £" 0 ;. 28:38. Is. 1:0:7. Heb. 
 
 Burnt-sacrifice.] (t'l nbf ascendere.) 'OhoKavroipa. 
 
 Sept . — ‘ Tota cremanda. — Holocaustum, sic dictum, quod totum 
 ignc absumptum sursum ascenderet, et evanesceret.’ Robertson. 
 
 V. 4. The offerer, by laying his hand on the head of the 
 young bull about to be sacrificed, acknowledged the Lord as 
 the Giver of all that he possessed ; and surrendered the 
 animal entirely to him, for the purposes of his glory. But 
 this significant action more especially implied an humble con- 
 fession of sin, as deserving the wrath of God, and the penalty 
 denounced against transgressing the law ; with a desire that 
 the guilt, (or exposedness to punishment and death,) might 
 be transferred from the offerer to the innocent animal ; and 
 that the shedding of its blood, and the burning of its body at 
 the altar might be accepted, instead of his bearing the deserved 
 vengeance in his own person. — Accordingly, the Lord pro- 
 mised that it should be “ accepted for him to make atonement 
 for him.” — It is surprising lhat any one should argue, in oppo- 
 sition to the express words of the text, that it was not an 
 atoping sacrifice ; merely because there were other atoning 
 sacrifices, appointed for particular occasions : for this was a 
 general oblation, when a man was humbly conscious of sin, 
 in numerous instances of his daily conduct, in his spirit and 
 temper, and in his best services ; though he had not committed 
 those special offences, for which the sin-offerings or trespass- 
 offerings were required ; or those against which death was 
 denounced, and no sacrifice appointed. — The sacrifices, which 
 from the beginning prefigured “the Lamb of God, who taketh 
 away the sin of the world,” were generally burnt-offerings ; 
 and so were the morning and evening sacrifices offered day 
 by day continually. Indeed, the sacrifice of Christ was pre- 
 figured more aptly, and far more frequently, by this than by 
 any other oblation. And though it never was “possible for 
 the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin,” as to the con- 
 science ; yet these sacrifices were so far accepted from the 
 Israelites in general, that their peculiar advantages were 
 continued to them, through the typical atonement, notwith- 
 standing their numerous offences. 
 
 V . 5—9. It is a common opinion, that none but the priests 
 and Levites were employed in killing the sacrifices, and pre- 
 paring them for the altar ; but it does not seem to be founded 
 on Scripture. Indeed Moses, who acted as a priest in the 
 consecration of Aaron and his sons, was directed to slay the 
 sin-offering, the burnt-offering, and the ram of consecration : 
 and no doubt he observed the direction. (Note, 8:15. Ex. 
 29:11,19,20.) After the seven days of consecration were 
 expired, Aaron slew his own sin-offering and burnt-offering, 
 and the sin-offering of the people whom he represented. 
 (9:8,15,18.) And in the days of Hezekiah, the Levites slew 
 the paschal-lambs for such as were not clean. (2 Chr. 30:17.) 
 But these were particular cases : and in general the person, 
 who brought the sacrifice, was required to slay it: which 
 more exactly typified Christ crucified by sinners, as well as 
 for them. Indeed, these verses seem expressly to declare 
 what the priests should do, and what the offerer. The offerer 
 was directed to kill the sacrifice, and the priest to receive and 
 
 of the sheep, ot tf the goats, for a bn rm-sacrifice 
 he shall bring it x a male without blemish. 
 
 11 And Hie shall kill it on the side of the altar 
 “northward helore the Lord : “and the priests, 
 Aaron’s sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about 
 upon the altar. 
 
 12 And lie shall cut it into his pieces, with his 
 head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in 
 order on the wood that is on the fire which is 
 upon the altar. 
 
 13 But lie shall wash the inwards and the legs 
 with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and 
 burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt-sacrifice, an 
 offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 14 H And if the burnt-sacrifice, for his offering 
 to the. Lord, h be of fowls; then he shall bring his 
 offering of turtle-doves, or of young pigeons. 
 
 15 And the priest shall bring it unto the altar, 
 and 'wring off his head, and burn it on the altar: 
 and the blood thereof shall be wrung out at the 
 side of the altar. 
 
 16 And he shall pluck away his crop with this 
 
 26. 2 Chr. 7:1. Mai. 1:10. p Gen. 22:9. Nell. 13:31. q 8:18— 21. 9:13,14. E*. 
 29:17,18. 1 Hines 18:23,33. r 13.8:21. 9:1-1 Ps. 51:6. Jer. 4:14. Mall. 23:25- 
 28. s 13,17. 3:11. Ps. 66:15. Zecb. 13:7. Heb. i: 14. t Gen. 8:21. 2 Cor. 2:15. 
 Eph. 5:2. Phil. 4:18. u 2. Gen. 4:4. 8:20. Is. 53:6,7. Jolm 1:29. Acts 8:32. 
 x See on 3. 4:23. 22:19. Mai. 1:14. ySeeonS. z 6:25. 7:2. a See on 7— 9. 
 9:12 — 1-1. b 5:7. 12:8. Luke 2:24. 2 Cor. 8:12. *’ Ur, pinch off tht head with 
 
 the nail. | Or, the filth thereof. 
 
 sprinkle the blood. Then the offerer was to strip off the skin, 
 and cut the animal in pieces ; and the priests to prepare the 
 fire, and lay the wood in order upon it, and the several parts 
 of the sacrifice on the wood, in that manner which best sub- 
 served the intention of speedily consuming them to ashes. 
 It seems also that the offerer was required to wash the legs 
 and intestines; and then the priests laid them on the other 
 parts that they might be burned on the altar. It is however 
 very probable, that when the Levites, and afterwards the 
 Nethinims, were appointed to the service of the sanctuary, 
 they assisted those who presented the sacrifices, especially 
 such as were not expert at these employments. — A great 
 part of the expositions of many learned men, on this part of 
 Scripture, consists of the opinions held by the Jewish Rabbies 
 on the subjects treated on. But I would once for all observe, 
 that the Jewish writers knew nothing more about these 
 ancient rites, with any certainly, than what they learned from 
 the very words of the law, to which we have equal access. 
 Most of them quoted as authorities on such questions, lived 
 many centuries after sacrifices had ceased in consequence ol 
 the destruction of the temple : and the few who lived at a 
 more early period could only know, at most, (he practice of 
 the priests, at a time when the traditions of the elders had 
 greatly corrupted their religion. Every degree of attention 
 therefore to their opinions, further than as they throw light' 
 upon the words of the sacred writer, is sanctioning these 
 traditions ; and always adds something to the law, takes 
 something from it, or alters something in it. — The sacri- 
 fices offered, during the consecration of Aaron and his sons, 
 and of the sanctuary, seem to have been consumed by fire 
 kindled in the common way ; but afterwards, the fire which 
 came down from heaven was preserved and tended by the 
 priests, and the sacrifices were consumed by it. — The “sprin- 
 kling of the blood” denoted the application of the atonement, 
 to render the religious services of the offerer acceptable to a 
 holy God : and the particular mention of washing the inwards 
 and legs, might signify the inward purity and the outward 
 holy walk, which became the worshippers of God, and were 
 found absolutely perfect in Jesus Christ. The expression, 
 “ of a sweet savour to the Lord,” must be supposed to refer 
 in a subordinate sense to the devotion of the offerer ; but in 
 a far higher, to the sacrifice of Christ thus typified, and the 
 glorious display of the divine perfections made in it. (Notes, 
 Gen. 8:20—22. Eph. 5:1,2.) 
 
 Y. 11. ItJs not said, that the other burnt-offerings should 
 be slain on The north side of the altar ; but it is generally 
 understood, that this was peculiar to the larger victims. The 
 reason is not known. 
 
 V. 13. Though the sacrifice of a ram or he-goat was 
 much less expensive than that of a young hull ; yet it was 
 equally accepted when expressive of the offerer’s repentance, 
 faith, and devotedness to God ; and when it accorded to his 
 circumstances. 
 
 Y. 14 — 17. No birds but turtle-doves, or young pigeons, 
 (the former, say some, being best when full grown, and the 
 latter, when young,) were allowed in sacrifice at the altar. 
 Even the other tame fowls were passed by, either as feeding 
 grossly, or as fierce in their nature ; but the cleanly, gentle 
 nature of the dove aptly typified the holy, harmless Saviour, 
 and represented the character of his true disciples. — As the 
 blood of this sacrifice also must be sprinkled or poured ou' 
 by the priest, he was ordered to kill it, lest the l-lood should 
 be wasted, being but little in all. The prieje was nisi* 
 ( 203 ) 
 
iJ C. 1490 
 
 LEVITICUS, 
 
 B. C. 1490- 
 
 feathers, and cast it beside the altar, on the east 
 part, c by the place of the ashes. 
 
 17 And he shall cleave it, with the wings thereof, 
 but ‘'shall not divide it asunder : and the priests 
 shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that is 
 upon the fire: “it is a burnt-sacrifice, an offering 
 made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The law of the meat-offerings of flour, with oil and incense, raw or baken , 1 — 
 10. No leaven or honey lobe used in them, 11. The first fruits not lobe buimed 
 on the altar , 12. Salt to be used with every offering , 13. The meat- 
 offering of first-fruits in the ear , 14—16. 
 
 A ND when any will offer a “meat-offering unto 
 the Lord, his offering shall be of b fine flour ; 
 and he shall “pour oil upon it, and put ‘‘frankin- 
 cense thereon. 
 
 2 And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the 
 priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of 
 the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all 
 the frankincense thereof ; and the priest shall burn 
 “the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering 
 made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 3 And i the remnant of the meat-offering shall 
 6e Aaron’s and his sons’ : it is a thing ^most holy 
 of the offerings of the Lord made by fire. 
 
 4 H And if thou bring an oblation of a h meat- 
 
 c4:12. 6:10,11. d Gen. 15:10. e 10,13. Rom. 12:1. Heb. 10:6— 12. 13:15,16. 
 a 6:14— 18,20— 23. 9:17. Num. 15:4— 21. Is. 66:20. John 6:35. b Ex. 29:2. 
 Num. 7:13,19. Joel 1:9. 2:14. c 4—8,15,16. 7:10—12. 1 John 2:20.27. Jude 20. 
 d Mai. 1:11. Luke 1:9,10. Rev. 8:3. e 9. 5:12. 6:15. 24:7. Ex. 30:16. Num. 5: 
 18. Neh. 13:14,22. Is. 66:3. -lets 10:4. f 6:16,17,26. 7:9.10:12. 21:22. Num. 
 18:9. 1 Sam. 2:28. g 6:17. 10:12. 21:22. Ex. 29:37. Num. 18:9. h 1 Chr. 23: 
 
 required to prepare it for the altar, in which great exactness 
 was needful. It was the sacrifice of the poor, and as accept- 
 able as more costly oblations, when brought in a right, spirit : 
 it was therefore proper the priests should attend particularly 
 to it, though neither splendid in itself, nor attended with any 
 perquisites to them ; (7:8.) to teach them, that the souls of 
 the poor were to be as carefully watched over as those of 
 the wealthy. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It might have been said of all these sacrifices, w To what 
 purpose is this waste ?” All these bulls, and rams, and goats, 
 might have been “ sold for very much, and given to the poor,” 
 and would have supported very many indigent families : why 
 then burn all this flesh upon the altar? Yet were they 
 appointed by God himself, and were “ a sweet savour unto 
 him.” That can never be wasted which is spent in a manner 
 acceptable to the Lord, and honourable to his name : and be 
 our obedience ever so expensive, we can be no losers in the 
 event ; for he can supply our wants, and repay our losses, and 
 also furnish us with a sufficiency to give to the poor, whom 
 we have always with us. But, if an Israelite might not 
 grudge the expense, labour, and inconvenience of his religion ; 
 how inexcusable are we, if we ungratefully refuse the easy, 
 pleasant, and reasonable service which is required of us under 
 the Christian dispensation ! Indeed, the Lord always prevents 
 us with his goodness.: and we can no more offer the sacrifice 
 of a broken heart, or of praise and thanksgiving, than an 
 Israelite could offer a bull or a goat, except as God hath first 
 given unto us. Or his own we present unto him ; and the 
 more we do in his service, the greater are our obligations to 
 him, both for the will, the ability, and the opportunity. ( Note , 
 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19.) — Though in many things he leaves us to 
 determine the proportion which shall be immediately spent 
 in his service, whether of our time or of our substance ; and 
 though two doves, or two mites, may in some cases be more 
 acceptable than thousands of gold and silver in others ; yet, 
 where Providence hath put more into a man’s power, such 
 scanty oblations will not be accepted : because they are 
 no proper expressions of a willing mind. “ But this I say, 
 he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he 
 which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” — While 
 we, in all these sacrifices, have our own sinfulness and 
 Christ’s sufferings brought, to remembrance, we should call 
 upon ourselves to renew our repentance ; to exercise faith in 
 the Saviour, and love to him ; to reflect deeply upon the free- 
 ness and vastness of his love to us, and the immense price 
 which our salvation cost him : that so we may deduce argu- 
 ments and motives to increase our abhorrence of all sin, and 
 determination of heart against it ; and our devotedness in body 
 and soul to his service, whatever he may call us to renounce, 
 venture, do, or suffer for his sake. Nor let us forget, that 
 though our bodies should be living sacrifices unto God, yet 
 the body of sin must be destroyed ; the flesh with its lusts 
 crucified ; and the soul baptized with the Holy Spirit and with 
 fire, consuming all its dross, and kindling all holy affections 
 there. Nay, possibly , we may not only be called to other 
 suffering and self-denying services, but even to lay down our 
 lives for him, who Was made a sacrifice for our sins. In the 
 mean time, contemplating those animals, which were ap- 
 pointed as emblems of the Saviour’s purity, patience, meek- 
 ness, and usefulness ; let us endeavour and pray to be enabled 
 Wfiranscribe every amiable and heaven. j Jnc in his perfect 
 ( 204 ) 
 
 offering baken in (lie oven, it shall be 'unleavened 
 cakes of fine flour mingietl with oil, or unleavenea 
 k wafers anointed with oil. 
 
 5 And if th}’ oblation be a meat-offering' baken 
 'in a pan, it snail be of fine flour unleavened, 
 mingled with oil. 
 
 6 Thou shalt “part it in pieces, and pour oil 
 thereon : it is a meat-offering. 
 
 7 And if thy oblation be a meat-offering baken in 
 the frying-pan, itshall be made"o/ fine flour with oik 
 
 8 And thou shalt bring the meat-offering that is 
 made of these things, unto the Lord: and when it 
 is presented unto the priest, he shall bring it unto 
 the altar. 
 
 9 And the priest shall take from the meat* 
 offering a memorial thereof, and shall burn it upon 
 the altar : it is °an offering made by fire, ot a 
 sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 10 And rthat which is left of the meat-offering, 
 shall be Aaron’s and his sons’ : it is a thing most 
 holy of the offerings of the Lord made by fire. 
 
 If If No meat-ofiering which ye shall bring unto 
 .the Lord shall be made with leaven : for ye shall 
 burn 9no leaven, nor any ‘honey, in any offering 
 of the Lord made by fire. 
 
 29. Ex. 46:20. i 7:12. Ex. 12:8. 1 Cor. 5:7. k Ex. 16:31 . 29:2. * Or, on a fid 
 plate, or slice, m 1:6. n See on 1,2. o Ex. 29: 18. Rom. 12:1. 15:16. Phil. 
 2:17. 4:18. p See on 3. q6:17. Ex. 12:19,20. Matt. 16:6.12. Mark8:15. Luke 
 12:1. 1 Cor. 5:6— 8. Cal. 5:9. r Prov. 24:13. 25:16,27. Luke 21:34. Acta 14:22. 
 1 Pet. 4:2. 
 
 character into our own temper and conversation ; that wc 
 may be conformed to his image, and walk in his steps, as an 
 evidence that we are washed in his blood, and stand accepted 
 in his righteousness, “ in whom the Father is well pleased.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 1 — 3. Meat-offerings were 
 appointed along with other sacrifices ; but these, here pre- 
 scribed, were offered alone, as a voluntary oblation : yet the 
 single circumstance that a part of them was eaten by the 
 priests, shows them to have been entirely of a different nature 
 from the burnt-offerings. Some expositors say, that the 
 Israelites, who could not afford any other sacrifice, might 
 bring this : but a sufficient quantity of flour, oil, and frankin- 
 cense, would not, except in very peculiar cases, be less expen- 
 sive than a single pigeon. — The meat-offerings may typify 
 Christ, as presented to God for us, and as being the bread of 
 life to our souls ; but they rather seem to have been a thank- 
 ful acknowledgment to God for providential blessings: and to 
 have represented good works as acceptable to God, when 
 performed in the proper manner. They are therefore men- 
 tioned after the burnt-offerings ; for without a believing reli- 
 ance on the sacrifice of Christ, and devotedness of heart to 
 God, other services could not be accepted. — They must con- 
 sist of fine flour, one of the most useful of the productions of 
 the earth ; with oil poured upon it, which was used as butter 
 is with us, and was therefore proper for an oblation which 
 was food for the priests : it might also denote the necessity of 
 the influences of the Holy Spirit, which are often represented 
 by anointing with oil. Frankincense likewise was .added, 
 which might represent the intercession of Christ. All the 
 frankincense and part of the oil and flour, as burned upon the 
 altar of bumt-ojfering , might remind the people, that their 
 best services must be offered through the atonement of th© 
 Saviour, presented through him, and done for his sake ; and 
 that their good works would thus come up as a memorial 
 before God, and also be serviceable to men. This was signi- 
 fied by the residue of the meat-offering being eaten by the 
 priests, who alone might partake of “the most holy things.” 
 
 V. 4 — 8. Some of these meat-offerings would be prepared, 
 before they were presented, in different ways according to the 
 customs of those times : but. oil must always be used, either 
 as mixed with them, or poured on them ; and a part, must be 
 burned on the altar, as an oblation to God, before the priests 
 ate the remainder. Tt. is supposed that provision was made 
 in the court of the tabernacle and temple, for preparing those 
 meat-offerings; and perhaps this was the case when Israel 
 was settled in Canaan, and such oblations were greatly mul- 
 tiplied ; but the law seems rather to imply that, the offerers 
 first made thorn, and then brought them to the priests. 
 
 V. 9. The priest, and not. the offerer, seems to have 
 taken the portion from the meat-offerings which he burned on 
 the altar, though the second verse leaves this rather doubtful. 
 
 V. 11 Leavened bread, and probably honey, might bo 
 offered for the use of the priests ; hut no part, of ii must be 
 burned on the altar. (Marg. Ref. q, r. Note. 7:12- — 14.) — 
 Leaven is the known emblem of pride, malice, and hypocrisy, 
 as honey may he of sensual indulgence : and these are oppo- 
 site to the believer’s character, and hindevances to his fruit- 
 fulness. Christ was perfect in humility, truth, and love: his 
 suffering life and agonizing death were the opposite to worldly 
 pleasure; and his people must follow him and be conformed 
 to him. — It is thought that leaven and honey were much used 
 by the heathen in their sacrifices : but we kr. <v< scarcely any 
 
B. C. 1190. 
 
 CHAPTER III. B. C. 1490. 
 
 12 As for “the oblation of the first-fruits, ye 
 shall offer them unto the Lord: but they shall 
 not ’be burnt on the altar for a sweet savour. 
 
 13 And every oblation of thy meat-offering 
 
 shalt thou season ‘with salt; neither shalt thou 
 suffer “the salt of the covenant of thy God to be 
 lacking from thy meat-oflering : with all thine 
 offerings thou sha u offer salt. # 
 
 14 IT And if tin 'U offer “a meat-offering of thy 
 first-fruits unto the Lord, thou shalt offer, for the 
 meat-offering of thy first-fruits, green ears of corn 
 dried by the fire, even >corn beaten out of full 
 ears. 
 
 15 And thou shalt ‘put oil upon it, and lay 
 frankincense thereon : it ts a meat-offering. 
 
 16 And the priest shall burn “the memorial of 
 it, part of the beaten corn thereof, and part of the 
 oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof: it is 
 an offering made by lire unto the Lord. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The law of the peace-offerings, of the herd, 1 
 goal , 12 — 16. A 
 
 A 
 
 •5 : of the flock, 6 — 11 : of a 
 *A prohibition to eat the fat, or the blood, 17. 
 
 ND if his oblation be “a sacrifice of peace-of- 
 fering, if he offer it of the herd, whether it 
 
 be a male or female ; he shall offer it b without 
 blemish before the Lord. 
 
 2 And he shall “lay his hand upon the head ol 
 his offering, and d ki!l it at the door of the taber 
 nacle of the congregation : and Aaron’s sons the 
 priests shall sprinkle the blood upon tin alta' 
 round about. 
 
 3 And he shall oiler of the sacrifice of the peace- 
 offering, an offering made by fire unto the Lord , 
 'the ’lilt that covereth the inwards, and all the fat 
 that is upon the inwards : 
 
 4 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is on 
 them, which is by the flanks, and the tcaul above 
 the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take away. 
 
 5 And f Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar 
 supon the burnt-sacrifice, which is upon the wood 
 that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, 
 of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 6 H And* if his offering for a sacrifice of peace 
 offering unto the Lord, h be of the flock, ‘male or 
 female ; he shall offer it without blemish.* 
 
 7 If he offer a lamb for his offering, then shall 
 he k offer it before the Lord. 
 
 8 And ‘he shall lay his hand upon the head ol 
 
 • 23:10,11,17. Ex. 22:20. 23:19. Num. 15:2C. Deut. 26:10. 2 Chr. 31:5. 1 Cor. 
 15:20. Rev. 14:4. * Heb. ascend. t Ezra 7:22. Ez. 43:24. Matt. 5:13. Mark 
 9:49,50. Col. 4:6. u Num. 18:19. 2 Chr. 13:5. x 23:14— 17,20. Num. 23:2. 
 Deut. 26:2. Prov. 3:9,10. v 2 Kings 4:42. zSeeonl. a See on 2,9. Ps. 141:2. 
 a 7: 11 — 21,29 — 34 . 22:19—21. Ex.20;24. 24:5.29:28. Num. 6: 14. 7:17. Judg. 
 20:26. 21:4. 1 Chr. 21:26. Prov. 7:14. Ez. 45:15. Am. 5:22. Rom. 5:1,2. Col. 1: 
 20. 1 John 1:3. b See on 1:3. cl:4,5. 8:22. 16:21,22. Ex. 29:10. Is. 53:6. 
 
 2 Cor. 5:21. 1 John 1:9,10. d 1:11. Zech. 12:10. Acts 2:38— 38. 3:15,26. 4:10 — 
 12,26 — 28. e 16. 4:8,9. 7:3,4. Ex. 29:22. Deut. 30:6. Ps. 119:70. Prov. 23:26. 
 Is. 6:10. Ez. 36:26. Matt. 13:15. 15:8. Rom. 5:5. 6:6. ’ Or, suet. | Or, mid- 
 riff over the liver , and over the kidneys, f 1:9. 4:31,35. 6:12. 9:9,10. Ex. 29: 
 13. 1 Sam. 2:15,16. 1 Kings 8:6-L 2 Chr. 35:14. Ez. 44:7,15. g6:12. 1 Pet. 2:5. 
 h 1. 1:2,10. Is. 60:7. i Gal. 3:28. k 1. Eph. 5:2. Heb. 9:14. 1 See on 2—5. 
 
 tiling of their customs in those early ages ; and afterwards 
 they in some things imitated the Israelites, and in others 
 adopted contrary observances. 
 
 V. 12. These first-fruits seem to be such as individuals 
 brought, for a voluntary oblation out of all their increase ; 
 and not such as were offered by the congregation at the festi- 
 vals. In this case, honey and leaven might form a part, as 
 the priests used the whole for food, and no part was burned 
 f>n the altar. ( Notes , 23:15 — 21. Num. 15:17 — 21.) 
 
 V. 13. Salt of the covenant , &c.J Covenants were gene- 
 rally ratified at an amicable feast, in which salt was always 
 used ; hence it became an emblem of friendship. Many 
 scriptures represent reconcilation to God, and communion 
 with him, as a feast to which the Lord in ites us, and at 
 which he ratifies his covenant with us. Salt is an emblem of 
 incorruption ; and while this use of it intimated the perpetuity , 
 yea eternity , of the covenant made with believers; it also 
 represent ed the grace of the Holy Spint, by which their ser- 
 vices and worship are acceptable to God through Jesus 
 Christ, and their example and conversation useful and instruc- 
 tive to mankind ; in counteracting the effects of human depra- 
 vity, and communicating a savour of piety around them. 
 (Marg. Ref. 1, u.) 
 
 V. 14 — 16. These first-fruits also seem to have been the 
 voluntary oblation brought by individuals, of the finest ears of 
 coni out of the field, before the harvest was ripe, and prepared 
 by drying or parching them at the fire, and then beating 
 them out for use. As this was intended to be an early 
 acknowledgment of the Lord’s goodness in giving the increase 
 of the earth ; and as corn was used in this form for food among 
 the Israelites, (1 Sam. 25:18.) it was presented as a meat- 
 offering, and the rules before given were to be observed in 
 respect of it. — Cain brought this kind of oblation; but Abel 
 brought also the firstlings of his flock. (Note, Gen. 4:3 — 5.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There is that excellency in Christ, and in his mediatorial 
 work, which no types and shadows, however varied and 
 multiplied, can adequately represent: and our need of him is 
 so entire, and our reliance on him should be so constant, that 
 we ought never to lose sight of it in any thing we do. Even 
 our sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, our works of mercy, 
 charity, and righteousness, yea, every good work, must spring 
 from his grace, and from love to him ; ascend, as it were, with 
 his sacrifice from the altar of burnt-offering ; and be presented 
 through his intercession ; that u whatsoever we do, in word 
 6'A l in deed, we may do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
 g«ung thanks to God and the Father by him.” Thus 
 presented, our acknowledgments of common mercies, and 
 our most ordinary actions of justice and benevolence to men, 
 and especially of kindness to his servants and to the poor, will 
 be “a sweet savour unto the Lord.” (Note, Col. 3:16,17.) 
 But let us take care, that we leaven not our works with 
 pride and ostentation, hypocrisy or malice ; or spoil them with 
 indulging “fleshly lusts which war against the soul:” and 
 that they be seasoned with the salt of grace, and continued 
 in with perseverance ; that so they may be comfortable to us, 
 honourable to God, and instrumental to the good of others. 
 In all this we must look unto Jesus, and follow his example, 
 devoting the first and best of every thing which we possess to 
 die service of God through him. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1. The original name for this 
 oblation is nat) a sacrifice of peace , or peaces ; for the 
 
 word is plural. — Peace, in Scripture, is often used for all 
 kinds of prosperity and comfort ; and the language may imply 
 that, through the typical priesthood and atoning sacrifices, 
 Israel would enjoy all blessings in the favour of God, dwelling 
 among them upon a mercy-seat, while they adhered to his 
 worship and service. — The burnt-offerings were wholly con- 
 sumed on the altar ; the priests had a part of the meat-offer- 
 ing; but the peace- offering was divided between the altar, 
 the priests, and the offerer, and formed a kind of feast, in 
 which the Lord, and his priests and people, met together. — 
 Either male or female of the herd or flock, if without blemish, 
 might be offered in these sacrifices, both being good for food ; 
 but pigeons or turtle-doves are not mentioned: for the division 
 of such small creatures into the proper proportions would 
 have been inconvenient. — The peace-ode rings seem to have 
 especially represented the application of the redemption of 
 Christ to the heart and conscience ; the communications of 
 peace and comfort through him; and the sweet communion 
 which his reconciled people hold with him, and with each 
 other, in his ordinances: (Matt. 26:29. liev. 3:20.) while 
 w his flesh is meat indeed, and his blood is drink indeed” to 
 their souls ; and while, they are enabled to exercise faith in 
 his atonement, loVe and gratitude to him, and love to each 
 other for his sake, with enlarged hearts rejoicing in each 
 other’s comfort, and communicating to one another's necessi- 
 ties. The peace-offerings might likewise intimate, that all 
 the blessings which sinners enjoy come through the sacrifice 
 of Christ; and that the greatest sweetness even of temporal 
 mercies arises from receiving them as the fruit of his atone- 
 ment and the pledges of his love, and frim sharing them with 
 his people. They were voluntary oblations, either in the 
 performance of a vow, in acknowledgment of mercies received, 
 in seeking some special blessing from God, or in expressing 
 love to his worship, his priests, and people. 
 
 V. 2 — 5. When the offerer laid his hand on the head of 
 the peace-offering, it may be supposed that he both confessed 
 his sins, and devoted the animal to God, as a typical atone- 
 ment, to suffer in his stead ; and also rendered t hanks for the 
 mercies which he had received, and prayed for the blessings 
 which he sought. — From the language here used, it seems 
 evident, that the offerer slew the sacrifice, and brought the 
 portion that was burnt on the altar, devoting it to God ; and 
 that the priests only sprinkled the blood, and burnt the fat on 
 the altar, along with the daily burnt-offerings, or on the fire 
 which had been prepared for them. (Note, 7:29 — 34.) — This 
 observance might denote that we should be inward and hearty 
 in all our services, calling u on our souls, and all that is 
 within us” to exercise repentance, faith, love, and gratitude ; 
 and giving up our hearts to the Lord. Or it may rather 
 imply, that our inward lusts must be mortified, if we would 
 have peace and communion with God ; especially, that the 
 insensibility and obduracy of the heart and conscience mus/ 
 be removed ; for fatness of heart is a scriptural represen- 
 tation of this insensibility, as the fat of a living animal is 
 supposed to be destitute of feeling. — This was to be laid on 
 the burnt-offering : for no self-denial, mortification of the flesh, 
 or devotedness to God can find acceptance with God, excep 
 through the sacrifice of Christ, and by the supply of his Spirit, 
 which, as fire, consumes our lusts and purifies our hearts. — 
 When these appointments had been complied with, the priests 
 had a portion of the peace-offering assigned them, and then tho 
 offerer and his friends religiously feasted upon the remainder 
 
 ( 205 ) 
 
u. 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 B. C. 14 JO 
 
 hi 4 offering', and kill it before the tabernacle of the 
 congregration : and Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle 
 the blood thereof round about upon the altar. 
 
 9 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the 
 peace-offering, an offering made by fire unto the 
 Lord: the fat thereof and m the whole rump, it 
 shall he take off hard by the back-bone: and the 
 fat that covcreth the inwards, and all the fat that 
 is upon the inwards: 
 
 10 And the two kidneys, and the fat that is 
 upon them, which is by the flanks ? and the caul 
 above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take 
 away. 
 
 11 And the priest shall burn it upon the altar: 
 it is "the food of the offering made by fire unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 12 II And if his offering be °a goat, then he 
 6hall offer it before the Lord. 
 
 13 And he shall Hay his hand upott the head of 
 it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gations and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle the 
 blood thereof upon the altar round about. 
 
 14 And he shall offer thereof his offering, even 
 an offering made by fire unto the Lord ; the fat 
 that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is 
 upon the inwards, 
 
 15 And trie two kidneys, and the fat that is 
 upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul 
 above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take 
 away. 
 
 16 And the priest shall burn them upon the 
 altar : Hi is the food of the offering made by fire, 
 for a sweet savour. All the fat is the Lord’s. 
 
 17 It shall be a s perpetual statute for your gene- 
 rations throughout all your dwellings, that ye ‘eat 
 neither fat nor "blood. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The law of the sin-offering for a priest , 1—12 : for the congregation, 13—21 ft 
 for a ruler , 22 — 26 : for a private person , 27—35. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, 
 If a soul shall sin “through ignorance against any 
 of the commandments of the Lord, concerning 
 filings b which ought not to be done, and shall do 
 against any of them : 
 
 3 If c the priest that is anointed do sin according 
 to the sin ol the people ; then let him bring for his 
 sin which he hath sinned, d a young bullock without 
 blemish unto the Lord, e lor a sin-offering. 
 
 4 And he shall 'bring the bullock unto the door 
 of the tabernacle of the congregation before the 
 Lord; and shall Hay his hand upon the bullock’s 
 head, and kill the bullock before the Lord. 
 
 5 And the priest that is anointed shall Hake of 
 the bullock’s blood, and bring it to the tabernacle 
 of the congregation. 
 
 6 And the priest shall ‘dip his finger in the blood, 
 and sprinkle of the blood k seven times before the 
 Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary. 
 
 7 And the priest shall put some of the blood 
 upon ‘the horns of the altar of sweet incense be- 
 fore the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of the 
 congregation ; and shall pour m all the blood of the 
 bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt- 
 offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of 
 the congregation, 
 
 8 And he shall take off from it "all the fat of the 
 bullock for the sin-offering ; the fat that covereth 
 the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the in- 
 wards. 
 
 9 And the two kidneys and the fat that is 
 upon them, which is by the flanks, and the caul 
 
 m 7:3. 8:25. 9:19. Ex. 29:22. n 15. 21:6,8,17,21,22. 22:25. Num 28:2 Ez. 44: 
 7. Mai. 1:7,12. Rev. 3:20. o 1 : 10. 9:3,15. 10:16. Matt. 25:32,33. Rom. 8:3. 
 S Cor. 5:21. uScon 2-5. 1 Pet. 2:24. 3:18. q See on 11. r 4:8— 10. 7:23— 
 25. 17:6. 1 Sam. 2:15,16. 2Chr.7:7. Matt. 22:37. s 6:18. 7:36. 16:34.17:7. 23:14. 
 Num. 19:21. t Deot. 3214. \'eli.8:10. ti 7:26. 17:10— 14. Gen. 9:4. Dent. 12:16, 
 23. 1 Sam. 14 :32,33. Ez. 33:25.44:7,15. Matt. 26:28. Acts 15:20,21. 1 Tim. 4:4. 
 a 5: 15,17. Num. 15:22— 29. Deot. 19:4. 1 Sam. 14:27. Is. 19:12. ITim 1:13. 
 
 V. 9. As the tail, or rump, of the sheep is large and fat 
 in those countries, it was added to the inward fat to be burned 
 upon the altar. 
 
 V. 11. The food , &c.] This part of the offering fed the 
 sacred fire, which was emblematical of the divine justice, 
 and typified the satisfaction made for sin by the death of 
 Christ. Communion with God, as reconciled to believers 
 through this atonement, is in this ceremonial constantly 
 represented as a feast in which God meets with his worship- 
 pers ; and therefore that portion of the sacrifice, which was 
 consumed on the altar, is often called the bread , or food , of 
 God ; as the reader may see by turning to the scriptures 
 referred to in the margin. — What with the daily sacrifices, 
 the occasional burnt-offerings, and the fat of the peace-offer- 
 ings and other sacrifices, the fire upon the altar would gene- 
 rally be supplied. (16) 
 
 V. 17. That ye eat neither fat nor blood.] That is, 
 neither the blood which is contained in the larger veins and 
 arteries, nor the suet or the fat which is within the animal : 
 for the blood which assumes the form of gravy, and the fat 
 which is intermixed with the other flesh, might be eaten. 
 This law not only related to the sacrifices, but. to all the 
 cattle which the Israelites slaughtered for food ; which might 
 teach them self-denial. But especially it led them to observe 
 the distinction between common and sacred tilings ; it pre- 
 served them uninfected with the superstitions of idolaters, and 
 separate from their company ; and it tended to impress them 
 more deeply with the idea of some most important mystery, 
 inculcated in shedding the blood and burning the fat of the 
 solemn sacrifices. (Note, 7:23 — 27.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Penitent confessions, and a believing dependence on Christ, 
 must accompany all our thanksgivings, praises, and prayers ; 
 and even all our undertakings or enjoyments, if we would 
 prosper and be comfortable. He, as the Prince of Peace, 
 having “ made peace with the blood of his cross,” now preaches 
 it to sinners who are afar off: through him the believer is 
 reconciled to God ; and having his peace in his conscience 
 and heart, he is disposed to follow peace with all men. Thus 
 peace is his legacy, his privilege, and his employment ; and 
 to be peaceable, and a peace-maker, are his distinguished 
 characteristics. ‘ Feeding in his heart upon Christ by faith 
 with thanksgiving,’ he enjoys sweet communion with God and 
 his saints ; becomes lively and zealous in religious exercises ; 
 learns to treat divine things, and especially the blood of atone- 
 ment, with sacred reverence; and grows gradually more and 
 more indilferent about sensual indulgences, while at the same 
 time he has double relish for common mercies. He becomes 
 
 C 206 } 
 
 Heh.5:2. 9:7. b 27. Gen. 20:9. Jam. 3:10. c8:12. 21:10—12. Ex. 29:7,21. 
 
 d 14. 9:2. 16:6.11. Ez. 43:19. e 5:6. Ex. 29:14. 30:10. Num. 8:8. Ezra 8:35. 
 Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor. 5:21. Heb. 5:3. 7:27,28. f 1:3. Ex. 29:10,11. gSeeonl:4. 
 16:21. Is. 53.6. Dan. 9:26. 1 Pet. 3:18. h 16,17. 16:14,19. Num. 19:4. 1 John 
 1:7. i 17,25,30,34. 8:15. 9:9. 16:14,19. Num. 19:4. k 14:16,27. 25:8. 26:18,24, 
 28. Josh. 6:4,8. 18:15. 9:9. 16:18. Ex. 30:1— 10. Heb. 9:21—25. m 18:34. 5:9, 
 8:15. Eph. 2:13. n See on 3:3— 5,9— 11,14— 16. 
 
 also liberal and zealous, and increases his social enjoyments, 
 by sharing them with others around him ; and by avoiding 
 selfishness, pride, and contention, which are the bane of real 
 happiness. — Thus amiable, useful, and happy are consistent 
 Christians : may the Lord multiply grace, mercy, and peace 
 to all who have attained to, or are aspiring after such privi- 
 leges, and who would bear such a character ; and may ne fill 
 all the nations of the earth with these sons of peace and love. 
 Amen. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 2. If a soul sin.] Thatis, if 
 any person sin. The soul is the agent, the body only the 
 instrument, in committing sin : it must however be allowed, 
 that this exact precision is not observed in the language of the 
 Scriptures. — The “sin-offering” seems to have been appointed 
 for such violations of express prohibitions, when ignorantly 
 and heedlessly fallen into, (especially in those things which 
 more immediately related to the worship of God,) as, if com- 
 mitted presumptuously , were punishable with death. 
 
 V. 3. “ The priest that is anointed” is generally supposed 
 to mean the high-priest, who was most solemnly anointed : 
 and, as he was the typical mediator between God and the 
 people, and their appointed representative, the whole nation 
 was more immediately concerned in his transgression, than in 
 that of the other priests ; who, (if not here included,) were 
 under the same law in this respect as the common Israelites. 
 If the high-priest were so ignorant of the divine law, as to 
 violate some express precept unwittingly ; or so regardless of 
 it, as to do this heedlessly ; he must he very criminally negli- 
 gent, and would be likely to mislead the people also : his crime 
 therefore was peculiarly heinous. — The same original word 
 fnxton or nxtin) is rendered both sin, and sin-offering ; 
 (Dan. 9:24. Heb.) and this remark may throw light on some 
 passages in the New Testament. (Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor. 5:21.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. The high-priest himself, if he were exclusively 
 meant in this law, was required to kill the sin-offering, and 
 to perform the several ceremonies here instituted. This 
 might tend to awaken his conscience the more to a sense of 
 his guilt. Laying his hand on the head of the innocent animal, 
 as confessing his sin, and transferring to it his guilt, or desert 
 of death; then shedding its blood, and witnessing its dying 
 agonies ; and afterwards sprinkling the atoning blood seven 
 times before the veil, and applying it to the horns of the golden 
 altar; evinced that this oflence, though committed ignorantly, 
 had polluted all his services : nor could any thing, which ho 
 did, be profitable either to himself or the peopte, except it 
 were expiated by the blood of the sin-offering. The seven- 
 fold sprinkling, which was only used in extraordinary Tisea, 
 shewed the difficulty of atoning for his heinous <> r uuj 
 
B C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take 
 
 10 As it was taken off from the bullock of the 
 sacrifice of peace-offerings: and the priest shall 
 burn them upon the altar of the burnt-offering. 
 
 11 And “the skin of the bullock, and all his flesh, 
 with his head and with his legs, artd his inwards 
 and his dung, 
 
 12 Even the whole bullock shall he carry forth 
 ‘without the camp, unto a clean place where '’the 
 ashes are poured out, and burn him on the wood 
 with fire: 'where the ashes are poured out, shall 
 he be burnt. 
 
 13 H And if the whole congregation of Israel 
 sin ^through ignorance, and the thing be hid from 
 the eyes of the assembly, and they have done 
 somewhat against any of the commandments of 
 the Lord, concerning things which should not be 
 done, and r are guilty : 
 
 14 When the sin which they have sinned 
 against it is known, then the congregation shall 
 offer a 'young bullock for the sin, and bring him 
 before the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 15 And ‘the elders of the congregation shall 
 “lay their hands upon the head of the bullock 
 before the Lord : and the bullock shall be killed 
 before the Lord. 
 
 16 And x the priest that is anointed shall bring 
 of the bullock’s blood to the tabernacle of the con- 
 gregation. 
 
 17 And the priest shall dip his finger in some of 
 the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the 
 Lord, even before the veil. 
 
 18 And he shall put some of the blood upon the 
 horns of the altar, which is before the Lord, that. 
 is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall 
 pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar 
 of the burnt-offering, which is at the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 19 And he shall take all his fat from him, and 
 burn it upon the altar. 
 
 20 And he shall do with the bullock as he did 
 with the bullock for a sin-offering, so shall he do 
 with this : and the priest shall make an ^atonement 
 for them, and it shall be forgiven them. 
 
 21 And he shall carry forth the bullock without 
 
 0 21 . 6:30. 8:14—17 . 9:8—11. 16:27. Ex. 89:14. Num. 19:5. Ps. 103:12. Heb. 
 13-11 — 13. * Heb. to without the camp. 13:46. Num. 5:3. 15:35. 19:3. p 6: 
 
 10,11. t Heb. at the pouring out of the ashes, q See on 1,2. 5:2,5. Num. 15: 
 25-29. Josh. 7:21—26. 1 Tim. 1:13. Heb. 10:26— 29. r 5:5,17. 6:4. Ezra 10. - 
 19. Hos. 5:15. marg. 1 Cor. 11:27. s See on 3. t Ex. 24:1.9. Num. 1 1 :16,25. 
 Deut.2l:3— 9. u See on 4. 1:4. *6:21. x See on 5— 12. Heb. 9:12 — 14. y 1: 
 4. 5:6. 6:7. 12:8. 11.18. Ex. 32:30. Num. 15:25. Pan. 9:24. Rom. 5:11. Gal. 
 3:13. Heb. 1:3. 2:1 . 9:14. 10:10— 12. 1 John 1 :7. 2:2. z 16:15,21. 2 Chr. 29: 
 21—24. Etra 8:35. Matt. 20:28. 2 Cor. 5:21. 1 Tim. 2:5,6. a Ex. 18:21. Num. 
 
 V. 11. The skin and the flesh of the sin-offerings in gene- 
 ral were the perquisite of the priests: (7:7,8. 10:16,17.) but 
 when the high-priest offered the sin-offering for himself, or for 
 the congregation, the whole was burnt ; as a more effectual 
 expression of the greatness of the offence, and the abhorrence 
 D which he held it. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 12. Thus the guilt was typically conveyed away from 
 the whole congregation, who were otherwise liable to suffer 
 for it. — Christ, who was made sin, or a sin-offering, for us, 
 suffered without the gate of Jerusalem, as bearing away the 
 sin of his people ; that when it is sought for, it may nowhere 
 be found. — ( Note , Heb. 13:9 — 14.) This was also expressive 
 of the nature of true repentance, which expels sin with abhor- 
 rence, drives it to a distance out of the camp, and refuses to 
 have any thing more to do with it. 
 
 Place where the ashes are poured out.] See Note, 6:8 — 13. 
 
 V. 13 — 21. The sin of the whole congregation required 
 the same expiation as that of the high-priest. By a criminal 
 oversight , or misconstruction of the law, it might happen, that 
 some prohibition of the ceremonial institutions should be gene- 
 rally violated, and thus become the sin of the nation at large ; 
 even when the worship at the sanctuary was regularly main- 
 tained, and idolatry carefully shunned : and in this case, when 
 the error was discovered, the national sin-offering was ap- 
 pointed. — The elders (who are distinguished from the con- 
 gregation) were directed to lay their hands on this sacrifice, 
 as confessing their sin and the sin of the people, and typi- 
 cally laying the guilt, upon the animal ; not only as the repre- 
 sentatives of the nation, hut also as the principals in the crime, 
 who had misled the people. It is not said who should slay 
 the sacrifice ; but probably this was done by one of the elders, 
 or perhaps of the priests, as the part of the high-priest is sepa- 
 rately mentioned. The other ceremonies exactly accord 
 wilh those of the high-priest’s sin-offering. 
 
 V. 22—26. The word (m-®'), rendered “ ruler ” frequently 
 
 the camr>, and burn him ns lie burned the first bul- 
 lock: it is 'a sin-offering for the congregation. 
 
 22 H When a “ruler hath sinned, and ''done 
 somewhat through ignorance against any of the 
 commandments of the Lord his Gad, concerning 
 things which should not be done, and is guilty; 
 
 23 Or c if his sin, wherein he hath sinned, come 
 to his knowledge; he shall brin" his offering, d a 
 kid of the goats, a male without blemish. 
 
 24 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of 
 the goat, and kill it e in the place where they kill 
 the burnt-offering before the Lord : 'it is a sin- 
 offering. 
 
 25 And the priest shall take of the blood of the 
 sin-offering with his finger, and 6 put it upon the 
 horns of the altar of burnt-offering, and shall pour 
 out his blood at the bottom of the altar of burnf- 
 offering. 
 
 26 And be shall burn all his fat \ipon the altar, 
 as h the fat of the sacrifice of peace-offerings : and 
 the priest shall make 'an atonement for him as 
 concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him. 
 
 27 And if tany one of the ^common k people sin 
 through ignorance, while he doeth somewhat 
 against any of the commandments of the Lord, 
 concerning things which ought not to be done, 
 and be guilty ; 
 
 28 Or if his sin, which he hath sinned, come to 
 his knowledge : then he shall bring his offering, a 
 kid of the goats, ‘a female without lilemish, lor his 
 sin which he hath sinned. 
 
 29 And he shall m lay his hand upon the head of 
 the sin-offering, and slay the sin-offering in the 
 place of the burnt-offering. 
 
 30 And the priest shall take of the blood thereof 
 with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the 
 altar of burnt-offering, and shall pour out all the 
 blood thereof at the bottom of the altar. 
 
 31 And he shall take away “all the fat thereof, 
 as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of 
 peace-offerings ; and the priest shall burn it upon 
 the altar, for°a sweet savour unto the Lord : and 
 the priest shall make an atonfement for him, and it 
 shall be forgiven him. 
 
 32 And if he bring Pa lamb for a sin-offering, 
 he shall bring it a female ‘•without blemish. 
 
 16:2. 2 Sam. 21:1— 3. 24:10— 17. b See on 2,13. c 14. 2 Kings 22:10— 13. d 9: 
 3.23:19. Num. 7.16,22,28,34. 15:24.28:15,30. 29.5,11,16,19. Rom. 8.3. e 1:11. 
 6:25.7:2. I See on 3. % 7,18,30,34. 8:10,15. 9:9. 16:18. Heb. 9:22. li 3—10, 
 35. Sen on 3:5. 6:20—30. t See on 20. Num. 15:28. 1 Heb. any soul. 2. 
 Num. 15:27. § Heb. people of the land. V See on 2,13. Ex. 12:49. Num. 5: 
 6. 15:16.29. 123. Gal. 3:28. m See on 4,15,24. Heb. 1U:4— 14. u 3:14. 
 
 01:9.3:5. Ex. 29:18. Ezra 6:10. Job 42:8. Ps. 40:6,7. 51:16,17. 69:30,31. Is. 
 42:21. 53:10. Matt. 3:17. Eph. 5:2. 1 Pet. 2:4,5. p John 1:29. 1 Pet. 1.19.20. 
 q Eph. 5:27. Heb. 9:14. 1 Pet. 2:22. 3:18. 
 
 denotes the head of a tribe ; but the Jews understand it to 
 mean the president of the sanhedrim or national council. 
 When the nation had judges, or kings, or any ruler distinct 
 from the high-priest, he, as well as those next under him in 
 authority over the several tribes, would be concerned in this 
 law. Yet the sin-offering to be offered for him, when he dis- 
 covered his offence, was not. only of less value than that 
 appointed for the high-priest or congregation, but it was sacri- 
 ficed with very different rites : for it was not expected that 
 the civil magistrates should understand the ordinances of reli- 
 gion so well as the high-priests ; nor was he so absolutely the 
 representative of the nation before God, as this typical media- 
 tor. — As the ruler’s sacrifice was a sin-offering of a distinct 
 nature from those before mentioned, it was slain in the same 
 place where the burnt-offerings were.; whereas the other sacri- 
 fices were killed in any part of the court. Any priest, as far 
 as it appears from the text, might officiate; the blood was not 
 carried into the sanctuary, nor was the body burnt without 
 the camp, hut eaten by the priests. 
 
 V. 27 — 35. The sin-offering for one of the people was of 
 something less value than that of the ruler ; but it was pre- 
 sented with exactly the same ceremonies. The transgression 
 of the high-priest and that of the whole congregation brought 
 a kind of typical pollution on the interior part of the sanc- 
 tuary, as endangering the very essence i -cligion : the blood 
 of the sin-offering was therefore applied to the altar of incense ; 
 for without expiation the typical intercession could no longer 
 be accepted. But the sin of the ruler, or of the private 
 Israelite, did not interrupt this important observance: the 
 blood of the sin-offering therefore was only applied to the 
 altar ofburnt-offering, that their sacrifices might there be pre- 
 sented with acceptance. Wc may suppose, tnat some place 
 was made at the bottom of the altar, to receive and carry 
 away the blood of the victims : and that various methods were 
 used to preserve the court sweet and clean, while so many 
 
 ( 207 ) 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 33 And r he shall lay his hand upon the head of 
 the sin-offering, and slay it for a sin-offering, in 
 the place where they kill the burnt-offering. 
 
 34 And the priest shall take of the blood of the 
 sin-offering with his finger, and put it upon 'the 
 horns of the altar of burnt-offering, and shall pour 
 out all the blood thereof at the bottom of the 
 altar. 
 
 35 And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as 
 the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice 
 of the peace-offerings: and the priest shall burn 
 them upon the altar, ‘according to the offerings 
 made by fire unto the Lord : and the priest shall 
 make an atonement for his sin that he hath com- 
 mitted, and it shall be forgiven him. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The law of the trespass-offering , in some special cases, 1 — 13 : in respect of 
 holy things, 14- — 19. 
 
 A ND if a a soul sin, and b hear the voice of 
 swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath 
 seen or known of it ; if he do not utter it, then 
 he shall ‘bear his iniquity. 
 
 2 Or if a soul d touch any unclean thing, 
 
 See on 4. 29 — 31. s 30. John 17:19. t See on 3:5. a 15,17. 4:2. Ez. 18: 
 4,20. bEx. 22:11. Judg. 17:2. 1 Kings 8:31 . 22. Hi. 2 Chr. 18:15. Pro v. 29: 
 2-* *. 30:9. Matt. 26:63. c 17. 7:18. 17:16. 19:8.20:17. Nnm.9:13. Ps. 38:4. Is. 
 5": 11. 1 Pet. 2:24. d 7:21. 11:24,28,31,39. Num. 19:11.13— 16. Deut. 14:8. Is. 
 57 11. 2 Cor. 6:17. e4,17. Fs. 19:12. Luke 11:44. ( See 'm 4:\3. g 13:45,46. 
 15- 22:4— 6. Num. 19:11— 16. h 27:2, &c. Josh. 2:14. 9:15. Judg. 1 1:31. 21 : 
 
 whether it be a carcass of an unclean beast, ora 
 carcass of unclean cattle, or the carcass of unclean 
 creeping things, and if it be 'hidden from him ; 
 he also shall be unclean, ‘and guilty. 
 
 3 Or if he touch sthe uncleanness of a man, 
 whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man shall be 
 defiled withal, and it be hid from him ; when he 
 knoweth of it, then he shall be guilty. 
 
 4 Or if a soul swear, pronouncing with his lips 
 h to do evil, or to do good, whatsoever it be that a 
 man shall pronounce with an oath, and it be hid 
 from him ; when he knoweth of it, then he shall 
 be guilty in one of these. 
 
 5 And it shall be when he shall be guilty in one 
 of these things , that he shall 'confess that he hath 
 sinned in that thing. 
 
 6 And he shall bring his k trespass-offering unto 
 the Lord for his sin which he hath sinned, 'a 
 female from the flock, a lamb or a kid of the goats, 
 for a sin-offering; and m the priests shall make an 
 atonement for him concerning his sin. 
 
 7 If And n if "he be not able to bring a lamb, 
 then he shall bring for his trespass which he hath 
 
 7,18. 1 Sam. 1:11. 14:84— 28. 24:21,22.25:22. 2 Sam. 21:7. 2 Hines 6:31. Ps. 
 132:2—5. Ec. 5:2 — 6. Ez. 17:18,19. Malt. 14:7.9. Acts 23:12. i 16:21 . 26:40. 
 Num. 5:7. Ezra 10: 1 1 ,12. Job 33:27. Prov. 28:13. Jt. . 3:13. 1 John 1:3—10. 
 k 4:28,32. 6:6 . 7:1—7. 14:12,13. 19:21,22. Num. 6:12. Er. 40:39. 42:13. 44:29. 
 46:20. 14:28,32. m See on 4:20. n 11. 12:8. 14:21. 2 Cor. 8:12. Jam. 2:5,6. 
 
 * Heb. his hand cannot reach to the sufficiency of a lamb. 
 
 animals were continually slaughtered in it. — It is observable 
 that the words, 41 a sweet savour to the Lord,” are added to 
 none of these sin-offerings, but that of the private Israelite ; 
 which might anply an encouragement to offenders to present 
 their offerings when conscious of having sinned, though their 
 sin was not known by others ; for, though less costly than 
 those appointed for other orders, they would be equally 
 acceptable to God. — In all the cases however it is implied, 
 that the atonement would be accepted, and the offence par- 
 doned. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is evident that God hath never*had any infallible vicege- 
 rent in his church on earth ; for even the high-priest appointed 
 by himself, with Urim and Thummim, who had access to his 
 oracle in the holy place to inquire of him, and the whole 
 church of God under that dispensation, were supposed liable 
 to fall into sins of ignoyince , and to sanction by their autho- 
 rity, example, and general usage, such practices as were 
 directly contrary to some of the commandments of God. All 
 pretensions therefore to infallibility, whether in an individual, 
 or in a multitude, are presumptuous usurpations, claims of 
 arrogance, and sure marte of Antichrist. — We are indeed all 
 liable to err, and ignorance is an alleviation of guilt; yet it is 
 not a sufficient excuse : with the Bible in our hands, it is 
 generally the effect of pride, sloth, and inattention ; and would 
 be avoided, were we duly anxious to know the truth and the 
 will of God ; and our consequent transgressions arise from 
 want of circumspection. We have need therefore to use 
 frequent self-examination, joined with serious perusal of the 
 Scriptures, and earnest prayers for the convincing influences 
 of the Spirit of God, that we may detect our sins of igno- 
 rance, ir* order that we may repent of them, and so obtain 
 forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ. — But let us 
 beware of presumptuous sins : for though they also may be 
 forgiven inrough his all-sufficient sacrifice ; yet when they 
 gain the dominion, they often provoke God to leave the 
 offender to final impenitence and unbelief. — They who sus- 
 tain public characters much more dishonour God and injure 
 others by their sins, than more obscure individuals: they have 
 therefore double need of circumspection, and earnest prayer 
 for the divine teaching and assistance ; and they have also a 
 peculiar right to expect a place in the prayers of others, who 
 are all interested in their conduct. This is especially the 
 case of ministers of the gospel, in whom ignorance of God’s 
 commandments is peculiarly shameful ; to whose sacred cha- 
 racter every sin is a direct contradiction ; and whose evil 
 examples will operate as a fatal and swift-spreading infection. 
 In all cases public scandals require public confession, however 
 contrary to the pride of our hearts. — Nations, in their political 
 capacity, should, by their rulers, prevent, or punish and purge, 
 our national sins, if they would escape national calamities. — 
 None are so highly advanced in rank, or so sacred by their 
 office, as to bo excused from exercising repentance and humi- 
 liation before God, or as to have no occasion for the atone- 
 ment of Christ : and none a e so low and inconsiderable, as 
 either to be exempted from ‘he same duties, or excluded from 
 the same advantages. Let us then learn in this way to put 
 away the guilt, the love, and the practice of sin. And let us 
 adopt the language of the Psalmist, 44 Who can understand 
 his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Koep 
 back thy servant also from presumptuous sins : let them not 
 have dominion over mo : then shall I be upright, and I shall 
 be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of 
 my mouth, and the meditation of mv heart be acceptable in thy 
 mght, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.* 1 Ps. 19:12—14. 
 
 ( 208 ) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1. If a man were adjured, or 
 required upon oath to bear testimony in a court of ju»iice, 
 and did not declare what he knew, -though he did not bear 
 positive false witness, he must consider himself as guilty of a 
 great sin ; and exposed to punishment from God, however he 
 might escape detection from men. 
 
 V. 2, 3. When a man had in any respect contracted cere- 
 monial uncleanness, and had neglected the appointed purifi- 
 cation ; or had inadvertently attended upon sacred things 
 while thus unclean ; he, by his carelessness, contracted guilt 
 before God. 
 
 V. 4. This relates to rash oaths and vows which a man 
 was afterwards unable to perform, or which it would have 
 been sinful in him to adhere to. — Of these some instances 
 are referred to in the margin. — The expression, 44 he shall be 
 guilty in one of these,” is supposed by some to mean, that he 
 who had rashly sworn to do an unlawful thing, must be guilty 
 either of breaking his oath, or of adding sin to sin by keeping 
 it, and would either way need a trespass-offering. 
 
 V. 5. Confess.] This implies a voluntary acknowledgment 
 of the offence, from conviction of conscience, previous to a 
 discovery of it by man. Perhaps some punishment would 
 have been awarded, if the offender had been detected before 
 he had made his confession. The typical sacrifices could 
 only exempt the offerer from the temporal effects of his sin, 
 and not purge the conscience from guilt ; and the benefit of 
 the efficacious sacrifice of the great Antitype belongs only to 
 those who humbly confess their sins, and seek an interest ir 
 it by faith. As this referred equally to the three cases before 
 stated, and was preparatory to a trespass-offering for each , 
 it is plain that all the sacrifices appointed in this chapter 
 were trespass- offerings : yet many expositors are of another 
 opinion. 
 
 V. 6. The difference between the sin-offering for the high- 
 priest, or for the whole congregation, and that for the ruler, 
 or for a common Israelite, was briefly noted in the former 
 chapter: and the distinction between the latter sin-offering 
 and the trespass-offering , should here be clearly and precisely 
 stated. Few things have more perplexed commentators ; and 
 the discordant, and even opposite sentiments of the most 
 learned and laborious expositors yield little satisfaction, at 
 least to the author’s mind. — It is evident on the one hand that 
 the two words, translated sin-off eiing , and trespass-offering , 
 are often used for each other, as the attentive reader even of 
 the translation may observe ; yet, on the other hand, the mar- 
 ginal references show, that these are frequently mentioned as 
 distinct kinds of sacrifice; (Marg. Rtf. k :) and indeed the 
 blood of the sin-offering was put on the horns of the altar, 
 while that of the trespass-offering was sprinkled about the 
 altar. (9.4:25,30.) The word (oitn) rendered 44 trespass- 
 offering” signifies also trespass, as that rendered 44 sin-offering* 
 signifies also sin ; which is a strong proof that the guilt or 
 exposedness to punishment, was typically translated from the 
 offender to the innocent animal which was to he sacrificed. 
 The root whence it is derived signifies to he guilty , with refer- 
 ence either to actual criminality , or to the. consciousness oj 
 that criminality ; and the same word is used when the pro- 
 phet says, 44 Thou shall make his soul an offering for sin * 
 or a trespass-offering . Is.- 53:10. But this does not show the 
 nature of the trespass-offering, or how it differed from the 
 sin-offering. — In general, neither of them were v oluntary obla- 
 tions, as the peace-offerings, and many of the burnt-offerings 
 were : but some of ihe sin-offerings were appointed at stated 
 seasons, and others were required in particular eases; while 
 all the trespass-offerings were occasional. The sin-offering 
 
. C 1 100. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 B. C. 1490, 
 
 committed, “two turtle-doves, or two young pi- 
 geons, unto tlic Lord ; tone for a sin-oflering, and 
 the other for a burnt-offering. 
 
 8 And he shall bring them unto the priest, who 
 shall oiler that which is for the sin-offering first, 
 and iwring off his head from his neck, but shall 
 not divide it asunder. 
 
 9 And he shall r sprinkle of the blood of the sin- 
 offering upon the side of the altar ; and the 'rest 
 of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of 
 the altar: it is a sin-offering. 
 
 10 And he shall offer the second for a burnt- 
 offering, according to the ‘manner: and the priest 
 ‘shall make an atonement for him for his sin which 
 he hath sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. 
 
 11 11 But "if he be not able to bring two turtle- 
 doves. or two young pigeons ; then he that sinned 
 shall Dring for his offering x the tenth part of an 
 ephah of ffine flour for a sin-oflering ; he shall put 
 •no oil upon it, neither shall he put any frankin- 
 cense thereon : a for it is a sin-offering. 
 
 12 Then shall he bring: it to the priest, and the 
 priest shall take his handful of it, even b a memo- 
 rial thereof, and burn it on the altar, c according to 
 the offerings made by fire unto the Lord : it is a 
 sin-offering. 
 
 13 And d the priest shall make an atonement for 
 him, as touching his sin that he hath sinned in 
 
 one of these, and it shall be forgiven him; and 
 the remnant 'shall be the priest’s, as a meat-offer- 
 ing. 
 
 14 If And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 15 If 'a soul commit a trespass, and sin through 
 ignorance, sin the holy things of the Lord ; then 
 he shall bring for his trespass, unto the Lord, h a 
 ram without blemish out of the flocks, with 'thy 
 estimation by shekels of silver, after k the shekel of 
 the sanctuary, for a trespass-offering. 
 
 16 And he shall 'make amends for the harm that 
 he hath done in the holy thing, and shall add ra the 
 fifth part thereto, and give it unto the priest : "and 
 the priest shall make an atonement for him with 
 the ram of the trespass-offering, and it shall be 
 forgiven him. 
 
 17 And if °a soul sin, and commit any of these 
 things which are forbidden to be done by the com- 
 mandments of the Lord; rthough he -wist it not, 
 yet is he guilty, land shall bear his iniquity. 
 
 18 And he r shall bring a ram without blemish 
 out of the flock, with thy estimation, "for a tres- 
 pass-offering unto the priest : and ‘the priest shall 
 make an atonement for him concerning his igno- 
 rance wherein he erred, and wist it not ; and it 
 shall be forgiven him. 
 
 19 It is a trespass-offering: he hath certainly 
 "trespassed against the Lord. 
 
 ol:ll,15. Malt. 8:16. 10:16. I.uke 2:24. p 8,9. 9:3. 11:22,31. 15:14,15,30. 16: 
 5. Heb. 10.6— 10. q 1:15. r See on 1:5. 4:25,30,34 . 7:2. s 4:7,18,25. 'Or, 
 ordinance. See on 1:14 — 17. t 6. nSeeonl. x Ex. 16:18,36. y2:l. Nura. 
 7:13,19, &c. 15:4 — 9. z 2:1,2,4,5,15,16. Num. 5:15. a 6,9,12. 2 Cor. 5:21. b 2: 
 2,9,16. 6:15. Num. 5:26. Acts 10:4. Eph. 5:2. c 1:9,13,17. 2:9. 3:5,11. 4:35. 
 d 6. 4:20,31. e 2:3,10. 7:6. 1 Sam. 2:28. Hos. 4:8. 1 Cor. 9:13. f 1,2. 4:2. 
 
 g 16. 7:1,6. 10:17,18. 22:1—16.24:5—9. 27:9—33. Num. 18:9—32. Deul. 12:5— 
 12,26. 15:19,20. 26:1—15. h 18. 6:6. Ezra 10:19. i 27:2— 8,12,13,17,18,23— 27. 
 k Ex. 30:13. 1 22:14. Ex. 22:1,3,4. Ps. 69:4. Luke 19:8. Acts 26:20. m 6:4,5. 
 
 Num. 5:7. n 6,13. Heb. 9:13,14. 1 John2:l, 2. o 1. 4:2— 4,13. p 15. Ps. 19: 
 12. Luke 12:48. Rom. 14:23. q See nn c. 1. r See on 15,16. s6:6. 1 Tun. 2; 
 
 5,6. t 1:4. 4:20. 6:7. u Ezra 10:2. Ps. 51:4. Mai. 3:8. 2 Cor. 5:19—21. 
 
 seems t« have been the expiation of offences committed in 
 matters of religion, from a mistake or inadvertency respecting 
 the law. But the trespass-offerings were required for the 
 casual deviations from the ritual law, when known, through 
 inattention or surprise ■' or for crimes committed against the 
 moral precepts, which implied injustice to men. In short, all 
 the cases, in which trespass-offerings were appointed, may 
 be referred to the following heads: First, Transgressions of 
 the ritual law, by oversight or surprise. When a man disco- 
 vered his offence in this case, he was required to bring a tres- 
 pass-offering, as guilty and needing an atonement and forgive- 
 ness from God. (2,3.) The trespass-offering of the leper 
 seems to have been of this nature ; for amidst the various and 
 exact rules laid down for his conduct, it could hardly be sup- 
 posed that he had never once deviated from any of them, at 
 least by oversight ; (14:12.) and that required in a particular 
 case of the Nazarite, was evidently of this kind. (Num. 6:9 — 
 12.) Secondly, Such as were appointed when a man had 
 violated the moral law, in some particular which was injurious 
 to his neighbour ; even'if he had sinned wilfully and know- 
 ingly, provided some circumstances in the case exempted him 
 from punishment by the magistral*. (Notes, G:2 — 7. 19:20 — 
 
 22.) Thirdly, Such as were required, where an inadvertent 
 infringement of a moral precept of the first table, might also 
 prove injurious to man. (Note, 4.) Lastly, Such as were 
 appointed for trespasses inadvertently committed in holy 
 things, which violated both the ritual and moral law, and were 
 a robbery of God and an injustice to the priests. (IS — 19. 
 Mai. 3:8,9.) — The burnt-offerings were typical atonements 
 for sin in general, especially against the moral law ; but 
 these were superadded on particular occasions. 
 
 V. 7 — 10. The preceding sacrifice was the same as had 
 been appointed for the sin-offering of the common people ; 
 and it was offered with the same observances, except that the 
 blood was not put on the horns of the altar. (4:25,34.) But, 
 as deviations from some or other of the numerous and parti- 
 cular ritual laws would frequently be committed, even where 
 considerable pains had been taken to understand and observe 
 them ; it was proper that a less expensive sacrifice should be 
 appointed for the poor, who otherwise might be discouraged 
 from owning their offences, when conscious of them : and the 
 gracious and condescending Lord was pleased to accept two 
 turtle-doves, or young pigeons, from him who could not afford 
 a lamb or a kid. One of these was offered as a sin-offering, 
 and as such was eaten by the priests, (which appointment 
 had a typical meaning, as it will hereafter appear ; Note, 
 10:16 — IS.) and the other was consumed on the altar, as a 
 •mrnt-offering ; for otherwise no part of tho oblation would 
 have been presented immediately to God. Thus the two 
 instinct sacrifices made one trespass-offering . and therefore 
 *ne dove could not be accepted, as in the case of the volun- 
 «iry burnt-offerings. (1:14 — 17.) 
 
 V. 11—13. In general, it might have been supposed that 
 two young pigeons, (the smallest animals allowed in sacri- 
 fice,) would have been procured, as readily as the oblation 
 here substituted : but circumstances might render it impracti- 
 cable, at some seasons of the year, for a poor man to procure 
 them ; and in this case of necessity, an offering of fine flour 
 would be accepted, when presented with voluntary confession 
 Vol. I.— 27 
 
 of sin. The tenth part of an ephah was about five pints. — 
 Part of this oblation was burnt on the altar, “ upon the offer- 
 ings made by fire unto the Lord,” (so the words may more 
 properly be rendered,) as accepted through those oblations; 
 and the rest was eaten by the priests. — No oil or frankincense, 
 which were presented with the voluntary meat-offerings, were 
 brought with this oblation, as it especially expressed the 
 sorrow of the offender, and the sufferings of Christ for sin. 
 
 V. 15, 16. When any one had failed of paying the full of 
 his tithes, first-fruits, or other oblations, and had unwittingly 
 kept back any part of the portion which the Lord demanded, 
 or had eaten of the holy things of which none but the priests 
 should eat; he was required, not only to make restitution in 
 standard-money, adding a fifth part to it, but also to offer a 
 ram for a trespass-offering, as soon as he discovered his 
 defraud. — The priest was to estimate the value of that in 
 in which the offerer had trespassed : and his estimation must- 
 be taken by the offender. 
 
 Y. 17 — 19. This case is supposed to differ from the 
 preceding, merely in that the person concerned was not 
 entirely certain whether he had, or had not, committed the 
 trespass. Upon recollection he was led to suspect, that he 
 had eaten, or otherwise used, some portion of that which 
 was allotted to the priests, and which God had forbidden 
 others to partake of ; but yet he could not be certain, whether 
 this had actually been the case or not. This construction 
 is gathered from the variety of terms used about it — “his 
 ignorance wherein he erred, and wist (or knew) it not.” 
 It is therefore called the doubtful-offering. Yet the man must 
 consider himself as guilty, and burdened with the suspected 
 iniquity ; till he had brought his trespass-offering, and made 
 restitution, according to the estimation of the priest, though 
 without adding the fifth part. In this doubtful case, let the 
 offender take the safest course, and bring his trespass-offeringv 
 This would serve to render the people more circumspect in 
 such things. — As the offences in these latter instances were 
 more complicated, than in those in the former part of the 
 chapter, a more valuable trespass-offering was required. — 
 The offences specified in this chapter, may serve to illustrate 
 the apostle’s meaning, when he says, “ The law entered, that 
 sin might abound.” (Note, Rom. 5:20,21.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The law of God is so exceedingly broad, the occasions of 
 sin in this wicked world so numerous, and we are so propense 
 to evil, that we have need to fear always, and to pray con- 
 tinually that we may be preserved ; to look before us every 
 step in such a perilous path ; and to keep a guard on all our 
 senses, members, and faculties ; especially on our tongues, 
 which are unruly and mischievous, and the instruments of 
 much iniquity. With a tender conscience and “ the heart 
 of flesh,” we shall seldom so transact business, form engage- 
 ments, spend time in company, or even alone, or in God’s 
 ordinances, as not to find somewhat upon recollection, which 
 will grieve and humble us : and the true Christian is daily 
 pleading guilty before God, and seeking forgiveness through 
 the blood of Christ, on the account of much better services, 
 than those which others boast of as meritorous. — In infinite 
 condescension the salvation of the gospel is so free, that the 
 poorest penitent is not excluded ; and so full, that the mos> 
 ( 209 ) 
 
13. C. 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS, 
 
 B. C. 1-190. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The trespass-offering for sins done wi/tingly, 1 — 7. The law for the priest 
 
 respecting the burnt-o faring, and the meat-offering, 8 — 18. The high-priest's 
 
 meat-offering , 10 — 23. The law of the sin-offering , 24 — 30. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 If a soul sin, and ‘commit a trespass 
 against the Lord, and b lie unto his neighbour c in 
 that which was delivered him to keep, or 'in fel- 
 lowship, or in a thing taken away by violence, or 
 hath d deceived his neighbour ; 
 
 3 Or 'have found that which was lost, and lieth 
 concerning it, and f sweareth falsely ; in any of all 
 these that a man doeth, sinning therein : 
 
 4 Then it shall be, sbecause ne hath sinned and 
 is guilty, that he shall restore that ''which he took 
 violently away, or the thing which he hath deceit- 
 fully gotten, or that which was delivered him to 
 keep, or the lost thing which he found ; 
 
 5 Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely, 
 he shall even 'restore it in the principal, and shall 
 add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto 
 him to whom it appertaineth, in the day f of his 
 trespass-offering. 
 
 6 And he shall bring his trespass-offering unto 
 the Lord, ia ram without blemish out of the flock, 
 with thy estimation for a trespass-offering, unto 
 the priest. 
 
 7 And the priest shall k make an atonement for 
 
 him before the Lord: and it shall be forgiven 
 him, for any thing of all that he hath done, in tres- 
 passing therein. [Practical Observations .3 
 
 8 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 9 Command Aaron and his sons, saying. This 
 is the law of 'the burnt-offering: (it is the onrnt- 
 offering, ^because of m the burning upon the altar 
 all night unto the morning, and the fire of the altar 
 shall be burning in it.) 
 
 10 And the priest shall put on his "linen gar- 
 ment, and his linen breeches shall he put upon his 
 flesh, and take up the ashes which the fire hath 
 
 • 5:15,19. Num. 5:6 — 8. Ps.51:4. b 19: 11 . Gen. 26:7. John 8:44. Acts 5:4. Kph. 
 4:25. Col. 3:9. Rev. 22:15. c Ex. 22:7 — 10. * Or, in dealing. Heb .inputting 
 
 of the hand. Is. 21:2. 24:16. 33:1 . Hab. 1:13. d Prov. 24:28 . 26: 19. Is. 59:13 
 — 15. Jer. 9:5. .Am. 8:5. Mic. 6:10— 12. e Ex. 23:4. Dent. 22: 1—3. f 19:12. 
 Ex. 22:9— 11. Prov. 30:9. Jer. 7:9. Zech. 5:4. Mai. 3:5. g 4:13 — 15. 5:3,4. 
 b Gen. 21:25. Job20:19. 24:2. Is. 59:6. >>..18:7,12,18. Am. 3:10. Mic. 2:2. 
 Zeph. 1:9. i 5:16. Ex. 22:1,4,7,9. Num. 5:7,8. 1 Sam. 12:3. Prov. 6:30,31. Is. 
 58:6,9. Luke 19:8. t Or, of his being found guilty. Heb. of his trespass. 
 Matt. 5:23,24. i 5:15,18. Is. 53:10,1 1 . k 4:20, 26, 31.' 5:10,13.18. Ex. 34:7. Ez. 
 IS:21— 23,26,27. '33:14— 16,19. Mic. 7:18. 1 John 1:7,9. 2:1,2. 1 See on l.Ex.29: 
 
 burdened conscience here finds complete relief: yet is the 
 evil of sin so displayed, as to fill pardoned sinners with 
 abhorrence and dread of it ; seeing that not the least trans- 
 gression can be forgiven, but through the agonizing death of 
 the great Emmanuel. They therefore, whose sins are indeed 
 forgiven, will walk circumspectly, and be frequently examining 
 their hearts and lives ; and when they but suspect evil, they 
 will have recourse to this one great atonement. They will be 
 careful to bear no false witness, and to withhold no required 
 information; to avoid rash oaths, and carelessness in the 
 performance of their vows and engagements ; and to render 
 to God, to the king, and to every one, their due ; and should 
 they after all discover that they have failed, they will scru- 
 ulously make ample restitution to their utmost ability, ac- 
 nowledge their fault without extenuation, and seek forgive- 
 ness both of God and of the injured party. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 2 — 7. These verses, as they 
 relate to a trespass-offering, would have been more properly 
 annexed to the preceding chapter : and they are so in the 
 Hebrew. The various offences specified in them were directly 
 and wilfully injurious to man ; but they were also trespasses 
 against God, both in themselves, and as in some of them a 
 false oath had been taken. “Because he hath sinned, and 
 is guilty that is, he is conscious of his sin, and willing to 
 acknowledge it. If the offender had been convicted , he would 
 have been exposed to punishment by the magistrate ; and 
 must, in some of the cases, have made larger restitution to 
 the injured person : but as he voluntarily confessed his crime, 
 which seemed to imply repentance, he was only required to 
 add a fifth part of the value of the defraud or robbery, accord- 
 ing to the valuation of the priest, and give it to the injured 
 person: he must, however, also bring a trespass-offering to 
 the Lord. This was evidently intended to show, that disobe- 
 dience to God is the great evil, even of those crimes which 
 are injurious to man : and that repentance and works meet 
 for repentance, though needful in order to forgiveness, cannot 
 atone for sin, which can only be expiated by the blood of 
 Christ, and pardoned through faith in his name. — Some 
 explain the priest’s estimation , as relating to the value of the 
 ram, which was to bo greater or less according to the degree 
 of the offence. 
 
 V. 8 — 13. In the preceding part of this hook, Moses was 
 directed to instruct the people concerning several of the sacri- 
 l 210 ) 
 
 "consumed, with the burnt-offering' on the altar, 
 and he shall put them ''beside the altar. 
 
 1 1 And he shall ‘‘pul off his garments, and put 
 on other garments, and carry forth the ashes 'with 
 out the camp unto a clean place. 
 
 12 And “the fire upon the altar shall be burning 
 in it, it shall not be put out : and the priest shall 
 ‘burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt- 
 offering in order upon it, and he shall burn there- 
 on the fat of the peace-offerings. 
 
 13 The fire shall ever he burning upon the altar : 
 it shall never go out. 
 
 14 H And this is the law of “the meat-offering : 
 the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the Loro, 
 before the altar. 
 
 15 And he shall take of it his handful, of the 
 flour of the meat-offering, and of the oil thereof, 
 and all the frankincense which is upon the meat- 
 offering, and shall burn it upon the altar, for a 
 sweet savour, even “the memorial of it unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 16 And x the remainder thereof shall Aaron and 
 his sons eat : with ^unleavened bread “shall it be 
 eaten in the holy place : in the court of the taber 
 nacle of the congregation they shall eat it. 
 
 17 It shall not be “baken with leaven: I have 
 given it unto them for their portion of my offerings 
 made by fire : b it is most holy, as is the sin-offer- 
 ing, and as the trespass-offering. 
 
 18 "All the males among the children of Aaron 
 shall eat of it : Ht shall be a statute for ever in 
 your generations concerning the offerings of the 
 Lord made by fire : 'every one that loucheth 
 them shall be holy. 
 
 19 *fl And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 20 This is fthe offering of Aaron and of his 
 sons, which they shall offer unto the Loud, in the 
 day when he is anointed: sthe tenth part of an 
 ephah of fine flour for h a meat-offering perpetual, 
 
 38— 42. Num. 28:3. J Or,/or the livmins. mI2,13. n 16:4. Ex. 28:40— 43. 
 39:27—29. Ez. 44:17,18. Rev. 7:13. 19:8,14. o 1:9,13,11. Num. 16:21,35. Ps. 20: 
 3. marg. p 1:16. q 16 23,24. K>.44'19. . 4:12,21. 14:40,41. 16:27. 
 
 Hell. 13:1—113. s 9:24. Num. 4:13,14. Mark 0:48 49. HeO. 10:27. I 1:7—9. 3: 
 3—5,9—11,14—16. Ex. 29:38— 42. Nell. 13:31. u See on 2:1,2. Num. 15:4,6,9. 
 John 6:32. r .See on 2:2,9. x 2:3,10. 5:13. Ez. 44:29. 1 Cor. 9:13— 15. y Ex. 
 12:8. 1 Cor. 5:8. z 2G. 10:12,13. Num. 18:9.10. n 2:11. 1 Pel. 2:22. b25. 2:3. 
 7:1,6. Ex. 29:33,34,37. c 29. 21:21,22. Num. 18:10. (1 Nee on 3: 17. e 22-5— 7. 
 Ex. 29:37. Hag. 2:12 — 14. Zech. 14:211,21. 1 Pel. 1 :16. 2:9. I Num. 18:26— 32. 
 Heb. 5:1. 8:3,4. g 5:11. Ex. 16:36. h2:l,&c. Ex. 29:35-42. Num. 28:3— 10. 
 
 fices to be brought by them : but here he was ordered to 
 command the priests, respecting sdme particulars of their 
 official services. — It is generally thought, that the stated even- 
 ing burnt- offering was laid on the iu!far by pieces, so as to 
 continue burning during the whole night, till the time of the 
 morning burnt-offering ; which was consumed more speedily, 
 at least when other sacrifices were brought, in order to make 
 room for them. This, however, is not deducible from the 
 text; but only that the fire must be kept in during the night, 
 as well as the day, and never be permitted to go out. As 
 soon as the priests and the tabernacle were fully consecrated, 
 the fire on the altar was kindled from heaven ; and it must 
 not be suffered to go out, and then be replaced by ordinary 
 fire. — Prom this law and some report of this custom in Israel, 
 it is probable, that the gentiles derived their sacred perpetual 
 fires, which were very common in different nations : but they 
 did not understand that this fire was an intended type of the 
 eternal avenging justice of God, and the perpetual efficacy 
 of Christ’s all-sufficient atonement. — In order to keep the 
 fire clear and pure, directions were also given concerning the 
 ashes of the flesh and wood consumed on the altar : ami, as 
 whatever touched it was relatively holy, the priests in their 
 sacred garments must remove them ; and then put off their 
 priestly vestments, to carry these ashes out of the camp to a 
 clean place in the ordinary garments of Israelites. Probably, 
 after the Levites were set apart, and given to Aaron and his 
 sons, they performed this as well as other menial services 
 about the sanctuary. 
 
 V. 14 — 18. (Notes, 2.) Many of the oblations were in- 
 tended as a provision for the families of the priests : but. the 
 meat-offerings were most holy, and must therefore be eaten 
 with, or as, unleavened bread, by the priests alone, and their 
 male children, who were priests by birth, though not yet of 
 age to officiate. — The priests were types of Christ ; and the 
 command that they should eat these meat-offerings and sin- 
 offerings, seems to have intimated, that, they would typically 
 bear and expiate the sins of the people, and that they should 
 take pleasure in their work. (Marg. Rtf .1 — The clause, 
 
 “ Every one that toucheth them shall he holy,” implies that 
 the priests nuM not cat of these oblations, when under any 
 ceremonial defilement; and, as some think, that all the uten- 
 sils used about them must he holy, and not he emoloj .*d ;r, 
 onj' other way. 
 
6. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 E. C. 1490. 
 
 •alf of it in the morning and half thereof at 
 night. 
 
 21 In 'a pan it shall be made with oil, and when 
 tt is baken, thou shalt. bring it in : and. the baken 
 pieces of the rneat-offering shalt thou offer for a 
 sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 22 And the priest of his sons, that k is anointed 
 in his stead, shall offer it : it is a statute lor ever 
 unto the Lord, it shall be ‘wholly burnt. 
 
 23 For every meat-offering for the priest shall 
 be wholly burnt; '"it shall not be eaten. 
 
 24 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 25 Speak unto Aaron and to his sons, saying, 
 This is "the law of the sin-offering : °in the place 
 where the burnt-offering is killed, shall the sin- 
 offering be killed before the Lord : Pit is most 
 holy 
 
 26 The ‘‘priest that offereth it for sin shall eat 
 it: in the holy place shall it be eaten, r in the 
 court of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 27 Whatsoever shall 'touch the flesh thereof 
 shall be holy : and when there is sprinkled of the 
 
 12:5. 7:9. I Chr.9:31. k4:3. Dent. 10:6. Heb. 7:23. I 8:21. Ex. 29:22— 25. Is. 
 53:10. m 16,17. 2:10. n See on 4:3, &c. 21,24,33,34. o 13:3,5,11. 4:33. p 17. 
 21:22. q 10:17,18. Num. 18:9,10. Ex. 44:28,29. 46:20. Hos.4:8. r Ex. 27:9— 
 18.38:9—19.40:33. Es. 42:13. s 18. Ex. 29:37. 30:29. Hag. 2: 12. t 11:32. 
 2 Cor. 7:1,11. u 11:33. 15:12. Heb. 9:9.10. x Seeon IS. y 4:3— 21. 10:18. 16: 
 
 V. 20 — 23. This oblation seems to have been required of 
 the high-priest alone, 44 on the day in which he was anointed,” 
 and from that time, every morning and evening as long as he 
 continued in the office ; and then in like manner of his suc- 
 cessor : for, by the sins of Aaron may be understood, his 
 descendants and successors in the high priesthood, in their 
 generations. Perhaps the words, 44 anointed in his stead,” may 
 signify, not only the person who succeeded to the high priest- 
 hood, when the high-priest died, but also the next in succes- 
 sion, as anointed to officiate in his stead, while living, should 
 any thing incapacitate him. — The whole of this meal-offering, 
 when duly prepared, was consumed on the altar, probably 
 being laid upon the daily hurnt-offering by the priest who 
 officiated : and neither of this prescribed oblation, nor of the 
 voluntary meat-offerings of the priests, must any part be 
 eaten; but the whole must be dedicated to the Lord. — The 
 priests typically bore and expiated the sins of the people, but 
 they could not actually atone for them: they therefore, in 
 respect of their own sacrifices, and some others, ate no part, 
 but burnt the whole ; which was a typical translation of the 
 guilt from themselves and the people to Christ and his sacri- 
 fice, who actually bore and expiated them. — This meat- 
 offering might also represent, that the best duties and services, 
 even of the high-priest himself, could be accepted only through 
 the great Antitype : and that he and his brethren must, never- 
 theless, daily abound in good works and in personal religion, 
 in the most devoted and disinterested manner. 
 
 V. 25 — 29. The sin-offerings for the ruler, or for indi- 
 viduals, were slain where the burnt-offerings were. The 
 priest who officiated had for his perquisite the whole carcass, 
 on which he and his sons, and any other of the priests whom 
 he invited, might feast in the court of the tabernacle, during 
 the day on which it was sacrificed. But none might touch 
 the flesh of it, except such as were holy persons, and free 
 from ceremonial defilement: and, if the garment of the offerer 
 or any other person was sprinkled with the blood, it must be 
 washed in the court of the tabernacle : nay, when Xhe flesh 
 was sodden in an earthen vessel, which was porous and might 
 retain some part of it, the vessel must be broken: and even 
 a brazen one must be carefully scoured and washed. This 
 shows that all the oblations were sodden or boiled ; and none 
 roasted, except the paschal lamb in the houses of the Israel- 
 ites.— All these regulations were calculated to express the 
 polluting nature of sin, and the translation of guilt from the 
 sinner to the sacrifice ; yet so that it was not actually taken 
 away, but in some sense adhered to them: and they denoted 
 that a more efficacious sacrifice was represented by them. — 
 They might .also intimate, that no one must pretend to any 
 share with Christ in atoning for sin ; that none but the spiritual 
 priesthood, which is separated from the world and sin, and 
 truly devoted to God, have any real benefit from the sacrifice 
 of Christ, or truly feed upon him in their hearts ; and that his 
 atonement becomes to many an occasion of additional guilt 
 and deeper condemnation, through their contempt or perver- 
 sion of it ; but that the youngest and most, infirm believer is 
 as certainly interested in this salvation, as the most mature 
 and established, though not honoured with so much usefulness.* 
 
 V. 30. (Note, 4:12.) This is an additional law concern- 
 ing the sin-offerings for the high-priest, or the whole congre- 
 gation: and it was also a general rule for the stated sin-ofler- 
 mgs. These seem to have been a more explicit type of 
 Christ’s suffering without Jerusalem, as devoted to a death 
 >rononneed accursed in the law, than any other of the Mosaic 
 •*istitutions : while the priest at the same time carrying the 
 blood into the sanctuary, applying it to the golden altar, and 
 sprinkling it before the veil, most aptly represented the 
 Redeemer rising, ascending, and appearing iu the presence 
 
 ( 2U > 
 
 blood thereof upon any garment, thou shalt ‘was. 
 that whereon it was sprinkled in tne holy place. 
 
 28 But “the earthen vessel wherein it is sodden 
 shall be broken : and if it be sodden in a brazen 
 pot, it shall be both scoured, and rinsed in water. 
 
 29 All “the males among the priests shall eat 
 thereof: it is most holy. 
 
 30 And ?no sin-offering whereof any of the 
 blood is brought into the tabernacle of the con 
 gregation, to reconcile withal in the holy place , 
 shall be eaten : it shall be burnt in the fire. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The law for the priests, of the trespass-offering, 1 — 10 : and of the. pea:* 
 offering, 11 — 34. The whole summed up, 35—38. 
 
 L IKEWISE this is “the law of the tretpass- 
 oflering : h it is most holy. 
 
 2 In c the place where they kill the burnt-offer- 
 ing, shall they kill the trespass-offering : and d the 
 blood thereof shall he sprinkle round about upon 
 the altar. 
 
 3 And he shall offer of it, e all the fat thereof ; 
 the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwards, 
 
 27,28. Heb. 9:11,12. 13:11. a 5: 1:6—7. 14:12,13. 19:21,22. Num. 6:12. El. 40:39. 
 44:29. 46:20. b6:17. 21:22. c 1:3,5,11. 4:24,29,33. 6:25. d 1:5. 3:2,8. 5:9. I«. 
 52:15. Ez. 35:25. Heb. 9:19— 22. 11:28. 12:24. I Pel. 1:2. e See un 3:3-5.9— 
 11.4:8—10. Ex. 29:13. Pa. 51:6,17. 
 
 of God for us ; and, in virtue of his atonement and by his inter- 
 cession, rendering both our persons and services accepted. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. It is impossible to enumerate all the various 
 methods, in which men, prompted by covetousness, have 
 contrived unjustly to appropriate their neighbour’s properly. 
 Human laws must indeed discriminate as to punishments, 
 with reference to the welfare of the community: but all these 
 methods of injustice are alike violations of the divine law ; 
 (not excepting the case of keeping what is found, when the 
 owner can be ascertained ;) and they are generally accom- 
 panied with lies, and frequently with perjury. — Would’ the 
 offender, therefore, escape the vengeance of God, (though he 
 be not exposed to punishment from man,) he must both make 
 ample restitution, if in his power, and seek forgiveness, by 
 faith in that one offering which taketh away the sin of the 
 world/ — Confession of sin makes no satisfaction to justice: 
 our municipal laws, therefore, do not require the offender to 
 plead guilty, or to criminate himself, nor will it avail for the 
 mitigation of his sentence ; and the case is the same in respect 
 of the law and justice of God. But, before his mercy-seat, 
 that man alone who ingenuously confesses his sin, and 
 condemns himself, obtains the benefit of Christ’s satisfaction, 
 the free forgiveness of all sin, and the full comfort of it. Our 
 God approves of that state of heart which produces this 
 conduct, as right and reasonable in a sinner: and no one, 
 who is unfeignedly of a contrite spirit, will either depend on 
 any thing for forgiveness, but free mercy through the blood 
 of Christ, or wilfully continue in sin, or fail to bring forth tht 
 fruits meet for repentance. 
 
 V. 8 — 30. The efficacy of die priesthood and mediation 
 of Christ is perpetual, and we can never approach to God in 
 his name, by day or by night, unseasonably : thus should the 
 fire of our holy affections, the exercise of our faith and love, 
 of prayer and praise, be constant and without ceasing also ; 
 and we should be watchful and unwearied in well-doing. 
 The true ministers of Christ especially should have the fire 
 of their zeal constantly burning, and their spiritual sacrifices 
 ascending ; being 44 instant in season and out of season,” in 
 their important work ; without sloth, weariness, or dissipation , 
 with all reverence and exactness; and not deeming the 
 meanest service beneath them or admitting of a careless 
 performance. — Such ministers, though they need continual 
 forgiveness themselves, will yet be very useful in bringing 
 men to repent, to seek and find forgiveness, and to become 
 44 zealous of good works ;” and they alone have a w'ell-ground * 
 ed claim to be maintained from the sanctuary. But they 
 will also be the last persons to be’ peremptory in their demands 
 of this nature, to be discontented with their provision, o” 
 attentive to their own interest or indulgence. Rather they 
 will make it their study to convince the people thp.t they 
 44 seek not theirs , but them that they would far gather 
 promote their sanctification, than profit by their sins; and 
 that they desire to be examples to the flock, in practicing 
 what they preach, in foregoing their just claims, and m seeking 
 the glory of God and the good of souls, even when their dili- 
 gence meets with no recompense, or a very ungrateful return, 
 from man. Above all, they will teach the people, both by 
 word and deed, to shun the defilement of sin, to treat sacred 
 things with serious regard, to reverence the atoning blood ol 
 Christ, and in a holy manner to apply its benefits ; not thence 
 taking encouragement to sin, but deducing powerful motives 
 for devoted obedience unto God. May the Lord send form 
 many such labourers into his harvest, for the honour of Jesus, 
 the great Head of the Church ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIT. V. 1 — 1J. In the ‘ase ofthe sin- 
 otfernig and the trespass- offering, me hole sacnf?e wa 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS 
 
 4 And the tw'. kid leys, and the fat that is on 
 them, which is by the flanks, and the caul that is 
 above the liver, with the kidneys, it shall he take 
 away. 
 
 5 And the priests shall f burn them upon the 
 
 altar, for an offering made by fire unto the Lord : 
 it is a trespass-offering'. • 
 
 6 Every emale among the priests shall eat 
 thereof : it shall be eaten in the holy place : it is 
 most holy. 
 
 7 As the sin-offering is, so is h the trespass-offer- 
 ing : there is one law for them : the priest that 
 maketh atonement therewith shall have it. 
 
 8 And the priest thatoffereth any man’s burnt- 
 offering, even the priest shall have to himself 
 'the skin of the burnt-offering which he hath 
 offered. 
 
 9 And all ithe meat-offering that is baken in 
 the oven, and all that is dressed in the frying-pan, 
 and ’in the pan, k shall be the priest’s thatoffereth 
 
 tt. 
 
 10 And everv meat-offering mingled with oil, 
 and dry, shall all the sons of Aaron have, 'one as 
 much as another. 
 
 11 11 And this is the law of m the sacrifice of 
 peace-offerings, which he shall offer unto the 
 
 Lord. 
 
 12 If he offer it for a "thanksgiving, then he 
 shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving un- 
 leavened cakes mingled with oil, and "unleavened 
 wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with 
 oil, of fine flour, fried. 
 
 13 Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offer- 
 ing rleavened bread, with the sacrifice of thanks- 
 giving of his peace-offerings. 
 
 14 And of it he shall offer one out of the whole 
 oblation, for ’an heave-offering unto the Lord, 
 and it shall be r the priest’s that sprinkleth the blood 
 of the peace-offerings. 
 
 15 And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace- 
 offerings for thanksgiving shall s be eaten the .same 
 day that it is offered : he shall not leave any of it 
 until the morning. 
 
 16 But if the sacrifice of his offering l be a vow, 
 or “a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same 
 
 f 1:9,13. 2:2,9, 16. 3:18. Gal. 2:20. 5:24. 1 Pet. 4:1,2. g 6:16—18,29. Num. 
 18:9,10. h 6:25,26 14:3. i 1:6. 4:11. Gen. 3:21. Ex. 29:14. Num. 19:5. 
 Rom. 13:14. Phil. 3:9. j 2:4 — 7. * Or, on the flat plate, or slice. 2:5. marg. 
 
 k 2:3,10. 5:13. 6:16—19. 1 Cor. 9:7,13. Gal. 6:6. 1 Ex. 16:18. 2 Cor. 8:14. 
 
 m See on 3. 22:18—21. n 22:29. 2Chr.29.31. 33:16. Neh. 12:43. Ps. 50:13,14, 
 23. 103:1,2. 107:8,21,22.116:17. Jer. 33:11. IIos. 14:2. Luke 17:16,18. Rom. 
 1:21. 2 Cor. 9:11—15. Eph. 5.20. Heb. 13:15. 1 Pet. 2:5. o2:4. 6:16. Num. 6: 
 15. p 23:17. Am. 4:5. Matt. 13:33. 1 Tim. 4:4. q See on Ex. 29:27,28. Num. 
 15:1.9—21. 18:24—28.31:29,41. r6:2G. Num. 18:8— 11,19,26— 32. s 22:29,30. 
 See on Ex. 12:10. 16:19. Ec. 9: 10. John 9:4. 2 Cor. 6:2. Heb. 3:13— 15. t 22: 
 18—21. 23:38. Num. 15:3. Peut. 12:6,11,17,23. Ps. 66:13. 116:14,18. Nah.l:15. 
 u 22:23,29. Dent. 12:6. Ez. 46:12. x J9:S— 8. y Gen. 22:4. Ex. 19:11. Hos. 6: 
 
 divided between the altar and the priest ; and the offerer had 
 no share in it, as he had in the peace-offerings. The former 
 was an expression of repentance and sorrow for sin, and was 
 therefore more properly accompanied by fasting than by feast- 
 ing, but feasting was very suitable to the occasions of the peace- 
 offerings, which denoted communion with a reconciled God 
 in Christ, the joy and gratitude of a pardoned sinner, and the 
 privileges and cheerful services of a believer. The remem- 
 brance of sin is never pleasant to a true Christian; but the 
 remembrance of the former kindnesses of God, and his answers 
 to prayer, and the expectation of future benefits, always are 
 so. — The priest, who offered the sacrifice, in some cases, had 
 all that was not burnt for his own perquisite, which would 
 encourage and recompense a constant attendance. In other 
 cases all the priests shared alike, which might forward friendly 
 intercourse and fellowship with each other. The skin belonged 
 to the priest who offered the sacrifice ; 4 that is,’ say the Jewish 
 writers with considerable probability, 4 the skins of sacrifices 
 brought by individuals ; while those of the public sacrifices 
 were sold to defray the expenses of repairing the tabernacle.’ 
 
 V. 12 — 14. Besides the different kinds of unleavened 
 cakes and wafers brought with other sacrifices, leavened 
 bread was presented with the peace-offerings for mercies 
 received ; for a thankful, cheerful meal was intended, and 
 such bread was usual at feasts. One loaf or cake of this 
 bread was presented to the Lord as a heave-offering, and 
 eaten by the priest; but none was burnt on the altar. ( Note , 
 2:11 ) 
 
 Y. 15 — 18. In the prohibition of any part of the sacrifices 
 being k<*pt unto the third day , when it would begin to putrefy, 
 there might he a reference to Christ, who rose again in about 
 the same time, and saw no corruption. But, more evidently, 
 the Israelites were thus cautioned against procrastination in 
 tendering thanks, in paying vows, or in seeking spiritual 
 ( 212 ) 
 
 B. C. 149Gk 
 
 day that he offereth his sacrifice : and on the inor 
 row ‘also the remainder of it shall be eaten. 
 
 17 But the remainder of the flesh of the sacri- 
 fice, y on the third day shall be 'burnt with fire. 
 
 18 And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of 
 his peace-offerings be eaten at all on the third day 
 a it shall not be accepted, neither shall it b be imputed 
 unto him that offereth it : it shall be °an abomina- 
 tion, and the soul that eateth of it ahall rt bear his 
 iniquity. 
 
 19 And the flesh, that 'toucheth any unclean 
 thing , shall not be eaten, it shall be burnt with 
 fire : and as for the flesh, all that be clean shall 
 eat thereof. 
 
 20 But the soul that eateth of the flesh of the 
 sacrifice of the peace-offerings, that pertain unto 
 the Lord, < having his uncleanness upon him, even 
 that soul shall be cut off from his people. 
 
 21 Moreover, the soul that shall touch any un- 
 clean thing, as ethe uncleanness of man, or any 
 ''unclean beast, or any ‘abominable unclean thing, 
 and eat of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace-offer- 
 ings which pertain unto the Lord, even that soul 
 shall be k cut off from his people. 
 
 22 51 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 23 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, 
 Ye .shall eat no manner of 'fat, of ox, or of sheep, 
 or of goat. 
 
 24 And the fat of the 'beast that dieth of itself, 
 and the fat of that which is torn with beasts, may 
 be used in any other use : but ye shall in nowise 
 eat of it. 
 
 25 For whosoever eateth the fat of the 'beast, 
 of which men offer an offering made by fire unto 
 the Lord, even the soul that eateth it, "‘shall be 
 cut off from his people. 
 
 26 Moreover, "ye shall eat no manner of blood, 
 whether it be of fowl or of beast, in any of your 
 dwellings. 
 
 27 Whatsoever soul it be that eateth any man- 
 ner of blood, even “that soul shall be cut off from 
 his people. 
 
 28 51 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 29 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, 
 rHe that offereth the sacrifice of his peace-offer- 
 
 2.1 Cor. 15:4. z 6:22,23. 10:16. Ex. 12:10. 20:14. a 10:19. 19:7,8. 21:23,25. 
 Jer. 14:10,12. Hos. 8:13. Am. 5:22. Mai. 1:10.13. b Num. 18:27. Rom. 4:11. 
 c 11:10,11,41. Is. 1:11—14. 65:4. 66:3. Luke 16:15. d 5:17. 10:17. 17:16. 19:8, 
 20:17,19.22:16. Is. 53:11,12. Ez. 18:20. Heb. 9:28. I Pet. 2:24. e 11:24—39. 
 Num. 19:11— 16. Lukell:41. Acts 10: 15,16,28. Rom. 14: 14,20. 2 Cor. 6:17. Tit. 
 1:15. f 15:2, &c. g5:2, 3. 13:1— 3. 15:3— 12. 22:4. Num. 19:11— 16. 1:11:24— 
 42. Deut. 14:7,8,10,12— 20. i 11:10— 13,20,41,42. Petit. 14:3. Ez. 4:14. k 20. 
 25,27. 17:10,14. 18:29. Gen. 17:14. Ex. 12:15,19. 30.33,38. 13:16,17. 1:8—10. 
 
 17:6. Deut. 32:38. 1 Sam. 2: 15— 17,29. Acts 23:27. Rom. 8:18. 13.13. t Heb.ror- 
 cass. 17:15. 22:8. Ex. 22:31. Deut. 14:21. Ez. 1:14. 44:31. } Ver. 20,27. in 21. 
 
 0 3:17.17:10—14. Gen. 9:4. 1 Sam. 14:33,34. Ez. 33:25. Acta 15:20,29. Eph. 1:7. 
 
 1 Tim. 4:4. o 20,21,25. Heb. 10:29. p 3:1. Col. 1:20. 1 John 1:7. 
 
 blessings; against superstition; and against distrust and 
 covetousness. And they were taught to use hospitality to 
 their friends and to the poor, without grudging ; for, if they 
 spared, they only spared for the fire; except they would, by 
 disobedience, prevent the acceptance of their sacrifice, and 
 even render it an abomination. — The thank-offering must he 
 entirely eaten on the same day on which it was sacrificed : 
 for we should especially make haste, when recent mercies 
 have excited our gratitude, to express it by fervent thanks- 
 givings ; and the Lord’s kindness to us should peculiarly 
 enlarge our hearts in bounty to our brethren. — If these laws 
 were wilfully broken, the offender would 44 hear his iniquity;’* 
 nor was any sacrifice appointed : hut an inadvertent violation 
 of them must he expiated by a trespass-offering. 
 
 V. 20. Cut off from his people.] We find no rule or 
 example, leading to suppose that this was a law, which the 
 priest or the civil magistrate was empowered to execute, 
 either by solemn excommunication, or by death. It seems 
 rather to have been an awful denunciation of divine vengeance. 
 The offenders would deserve, and might expect, to he cut off 
 by some immediate judgment of God ; and no sacrifice was 
 appointed to expiate their guilt. (Marg. lief, k.) 
 
 V. 23 — 27. (JVoie } 3:17.) The prohibition of the fat, ->r 
 suet, was restricted to such animals as were offered in sacri- 
 fice ; hut that of the blood was extended to all kinds of land 
 animals. The former taught reverence to the altar and 
 ordinances of God ; hut the latter had especial respect t the 
 atoning blood of Christ. 
 
 V. 29 — 34. The offerer was required, with his «wn hands 
 to bring these parts of the sacrifice to the priest, that the obla- 
 tion of them might appear his own voluntary action. Tho 
 breast, (which seems to have included tho \\h«.lo of what is 
 at. present, in cutting up slaughtered animals, divided into the 
 two breasts,) having been solemnly waved to and fn>, a< 
 
£3. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 ings unto the Lord, shall bring his oblation unto 
 the Loro, of the sacrifice of his peace-offer- 
 ings. 
 
 30 ‘'His own hands shall bring the offerings of 
 the Loro made by fire; the fat with the breast, 
 it shall he t ring, that r the breast may be waved 
 for a wave-offering before the Lord. 
 
 31 And the priest shall burn the fat upon the 
 altar : but ’the breast shall be Aaron’s and his 
 sons’. 
 
 32 And ’the right shoulder shall ye give unto 
 the priest for an heave-offering, of the Sacrifices 
 of your peace-offerings. 
 
 33 He among the sons of Aaron, "that offereth 
 the blood of the peace-offerings apd the fat, shall 
 have the right shoulder for his part. 
 
 34 For x the wave-breast and the heave-shoul- 
 der have I taken of the children of Israel, from off 
 the sacrifices of their peace-offerings, and have 
 given them unto Aaron the priest, and unto his 
 sons, y by a statute for ever, from among the chil- 
 dren of Israel. 
 
 35 H This is the portion 'of the anointing of 
 Aaron, and of the anointing of his sons, out of 
 the offerings of the Lord made by fire, in the day 
 when a he presented them, to minister unto the 
 Lord in the priest’s office; 
 
 36 Which the Lord commanded to be given 
 them of the children of Israel, in the day that he 
 anointed them, by a statute for ever, throughout 
 their generations. 
 
 37 This is b the law of the burnt-offering, "of the 
 meat-offering, d and of the sin-offering, e and of the 
 trespass-offering, and fof the consecrations, and 
 *of the sacrifice of the peace-offerings ; 
 
 38 Which the Lord commanded Moses in 
 mount Sinai, in the day that he h commanded the 
 children of Israel to offer their oblations unto the 
 Lord, in the wilderness of Sinai. 
 
 Q 3:3,4,9,14. Ps. 110:3. John 10:18. 2Cor. 8:12. r 8:27. 9:21. See on Ex. 
 29:24—28. Nil in. 6:20. s 34 . 5:13. 6:16,26. 8:29. Num. 18:18. 1 8:25,26. 
 
 9:21.10:14. Num. 6:20. 18:18,19. Deut. 18:3. 1 Cor. 9:13,14. u 3. 6:26. 
 x See on 30 — 32. y Ss- on 3:17. Ex. 29:9. 7.8:10—12,30. Ex. 29:7,21. 40: 
 13—15. Is. 10:27. 01:1. John 3:34. 2 Cor. 1:21. 1 John 2:20,27. nEx.28:l. 
 29:1. Num. 18.7— 19. hi: 6:9— 13. Ex. 29:38— 42. c2:6:14— 18. d 4: 6:24 
 —30. e 1—7. 5: 6:1— 7. f6:20— 23. Ex. 29:1. g 11 — 21.3: h Set on 1:1. 
 
 • Ex. 29:1— 4. b Ex. 28:2— 4,40— 43. 39:1— 31,41 . c Ex. 30:23— 37. 40:12— 15. 
 d See on Ex. 29:1,2. Heb. 7:27. e Num. 20:8. 21:16. 1 Chr. 13:5. 15:3.2Chr. 
 
 devoted to God, was eaten by the priests in general : but the 
 right shoulder, having been heaved upwards, as in like 
 manner given to the Lord, was the perquisite of the officiat- 
 ing priest. This might intimate, that as Christ, with his 
 whole heart and all his power, serves the interest of his 
 Church, so ought the priests to serve God and the congre- 
 gation. (A Tote, Ex. 29:22 — 28.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The faithful ministers of religion will indeed readily forego 
 their own interest or indulgence, for the glory of God and the 
 good of souls : yet it should be noticed, what ample provision 
 God himself of old made for them ; and that in proportion to 
 their diligent attendance at his courts. And we have no 
 reason to suppose from the New Testament, that he would 
 now have them doomed to indigence; or that those persons 
 do their duty, who live in plenty, and permit them to continue 
 in perplexing straits: while the more willing any of them are 
 “ to suffer all things, rather than hinder the gospel of Christ,” 
 the more inexcusable are those, who allow them to be losers 
 by their disinterestedness. — Every thing is beautiful in its 
 season: there is a time, when the Lord calls to weeping and 
 fasting, and a time when thankful joy admits of festivity : 
 indeed, godly sorrow for sin, and believing meditation upon the 
 Saviour’s . bitter sufferings, prepare for feasting upon his 
 spiritual provisions, and rejoicing in his holy comfort. The 
 infinite sufficiency which is in Christ, furnishes a plenteous 
 feast for ali even the vilest sinners, who accept of his gracious 
 invitations: the true believer therefore longs for all around 
 him, yea, for the whole world, to share with him in his felicity. 
 And the same principle, counteracting natural selfishness, 
 covetousness, and distrust, and inspiring gratitude and con- 
 fidence in God, as well as good-will to man, will enlarge his 
 heart to liberality in temporal things, and render him willing 
 to communicate, and ready to distribute. Nor is any one a 
 loser by so doing: rather they are losers indeed, who are of 
 a contrary spirit ; as they lose the blessing of God upon their 
 substance, and the comfortable enjoyment of it; together with 
 the acceptance and benefit of their religious services. For 
 whatever professions may be made of repentance, faith, love, 
 or holy joy : if the heart be leavened with allowed covetous- 
 ness or malice, or absorbed in selfishness, every religious 
 performance will be deemed an abomination ; and the self- 
 deceived wretch, who thus presents it, will be exposed to the 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The Lord commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons, 1 — 5. //• 
 
 washes anil clothes them ; and anoints Aaron ; nntl also the tabernacle and it 
 furniture, the al'ar and the Inver , 6 — 13. The sin-offering, burnt-offering 
 and ram of consecration sacrificed for Aaron and his sons, with the appointed 
 rites , 14 — 92. The place ana lime of their consecration , 33 — 36. « 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Take "Aaron and his sons with him, and 
 b the garments, and the "anointing oil, and d a bul- 
 lock for the sin-offering, and two rams, and a basket 
 of unleavened bread. 
 
 3 And 'gather thou all the congregation toge- 
 ther unto the door of the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gation. 
 
 4 And Moses f did as the Lord commanded 
 him ; and the assembly was gathered together 
 unto the door of the tabernacle of the congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 5 And Moses said unto the congregation, This 
 is the thing which the Lord ^commanded to be 
 done. 
 
 6 U And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, 
 and b washed them with water. 
 
 7 And 'he put upon him the coat, and girded 
 him with the girdle, and clothed him with the 
 robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded 
 him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and 
 bound it unto him therewith. 
 
 8 And he put k the breastplate upon him : also 
 he put in tlie breastplate ‘the Urim and the 
 Thummim. 
 
 9 And he put m the mitre upon his head ; also 
 upon the mitre, even upon his fore-front did he 
 put the golden plate, the holy crown ; as the Lord 
 commanded Moses. 
 
 10 And Moses took "the anointing oil, and 
 anointed the tabernacle and all that was therein, 
 and sanctified them. 
 
 11 And "he sprinkled thereof upon the altar 
 seven times, and anointed the altar, and all his 
 
 5:2-6. 30:2,13,25. Neh.8;l. Ps.22:25. Acta 2:1. 19,13,17,29,35. Ex. 39:1,5,7, 
 21,26,29,31,32,42,43. Deut. 12:32. Matt. 28.20. 1 Cor. 11:23. 15:3. g Ex*29:4, 
 4c. h Ex. 29:4. 40:12. 1's. 51:2,7. Is. 1:16. Ex. 36:25. Zech. 13:1. John 13:8—10. 
 1 Cor. 6:11. Eph. 5:26. Heb. 9:10. 10:22. Rev.l:5,6. 7:14. iSeeon Ex. 28:4. 
 29:5. 39:1,4c. Is. 61:3,10. Rom. 3:27. 13:14. Gal. 3:27. k Ex. 28:15— 29. 39:8 
 — >21. Cant. 8:6. Is. 59:17. Eph. 6:14. 1 The6. 5:8. 1 See on Ex. 28:30. Ezra 2:63. 
 m Ex. 28:4,36—38. 29:6 . 39:28—30. Zech. 3:5. 6:11-14. Phil. 2:9—11. a Ex. 
 30:23-29. 40:9—11. o 4:6,17. 16:14,19. Is. 52:15. Ez. 36:25. Tit. 3:6. 
 
 awful wo of “ bearing his own iniquity.” — Delays often cause 
 good purposes and holy affections to wear off without effect ; 
 and we frequently lose the benefit of divine ordinances, by 
 improperly conducting ourselves after them. — To approach 
 the throne of grace, or the Lord’s table, unclean through unre- 
 pented sin ; or in proud contempt and careless neglect of the 
 cleansing blood of Christ, and the sanctifying influences of his 
 Spirit ; is an awful presumption, and will be terribly punished, 
 except it be repented of : yet, on such services do multitudes 
 depend to atone for their sins, and to merit everlasting life 1 But 
 indeed any presumptuous sin, unless truly repented of, must 
 exclude a man from every ivell-grounded expectation of divine 
 favour, and expose him to awful vengeance. “ Let us there- 
 fore have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with 
 reverence and godly fear ; for our God is a consuming fire.” — 
 For the honour of God, and for an example to others, we 
 should, in some cases, be as explicit as possible in our profes- 
 sion of faith, and in dedicating ourselves and all we have to 
 the Lord : and we ought at all times to do his will, seek his 
 glory, and serve his people, after the example of Christ, with 
 our whole heart and soul. Thus performing the work that he 
 assigns us, we may thankfully receive the portion. which he 
 allots us ; and be satisfied that, whatever treatment we meet 
 with from man, he will both graciously supply our wants, and 
 accept of our endeavours ; while with joyful hope we look 
 forward to the period when he will “ present us faultless 
 before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 2. This consecration o i 
 Aaron and his sons had been prescribed some time before, 
 but was delayed urUil the tabernacle had been prepared, and 
 the laws of the several sacrifices given. ( Notes, Ex. 29:1— 
 37.) 
 
 V. 3 — 5. The congregation was assembled, that they 
 might witness the consecration of Aaron and his sons ; and 
 be impressed with the conviction that they had not intruder 
 themselves into this important office, but were called to it by 
 Jehovah himself. 
 
 V. 6 — 14. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 29:1 — 12. 
 
 V. 15. The beginning of this verse may be rendered, 
 “ And Moses slew it, and took the blood, &c.” We find it 
 expressly said in Exodus, that Moses slew these sacrifices' 
 (Ex. 29:11.) yet, in general, the offerer seems to have killed 
 his own sacrifice. (Marg. Ref. Note, 1:5 — 9.) 
 
 C 213 ) 
 
B. C. K90 LEVITICUS. B. C. .4*', 
 
 vessels, both the laver and his foot, to sanctify 
 them. 
 
 12 A nd Phe poured of the anointing oil upon 
 Aaron’s head ; and anointed him to sanctify 
 him. • 
 
 13 And Moses ^brought Aaron’s sons, and put 
 coats upon them, and girded them with girdles, 
 and 'put bonnets upon them ; as the Lord com- 
 manded Moses. 
 
 14 ^ And r he brought the bullock for the sin- 
 offering: and Aaron and his sons ’laid their 
 hands upon the head of the bullock for the sin- 
 offering. 
 
 15 And ‘he slew it, and “Moses took the blood, 
 and put it upon the horns of the altar round about 
 with his finger, and purified the altar ; and poured 
 the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified 
 it, ’to make reconciliation upon it. 
 
 16 And he took *all the fat that was upon the 
 inwards, and the caul above the liver, and the 
 two kidneys, and their fat, and Moses burned it 
 upon the altar. 
 
 17 But nhe bullock and his hide, his flesh and 
 his dung, he burnt with fire without the camp ; as 
 the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 18 IT And he brought ‘the ram for the burnt- 
 offering : and Aaron and his sons laid their hands 
 upon the head of the ram. 
 
 19 And he killed it, and Moses sprinkled the 
 blood upon the altar round about. 
 
 20 And he cut the ram into pieces, and Moses 
 burnt the head, and the pieces, and the fat. 
 
 21 And he washed the inwards and the legs in 
 water ; and Moses burnt the whole ram upon the 
 altar : it was a burnt-sacrifice for a a sweet savour, 
 and an offering made by fire unto the Lord ; as 
 the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 22 H And he brought the other ram, b the ram 
 of consecration : and Aaron and his sons laid 
 their hands upon the head of the ram. 
 
 23 And he slew it, and Moses ‘took of the 
 blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron’s 
 right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, 
 and upon the great toe of his right foot. 
 
 24 And he brought Aaron’s sons, and Moses 
 put of tine blood upon the tip of their right ear, 
 and upon the thumbs of their right hands, and 
 upon the great toes of their right feet : and 
 
 p 4:3. Ex. 28:41. 29:7. 30:30. Ps. 133:2. q Ex. 28:40,41.29:8,9. 40:14,15. Ps. 132: 
 9. Is. 61:6, 10. 1 Pel. 2:5,9. Rev. 1:6. 5:10. • Heb. bejuud. r 2. 4:3— 12. 16:6. 
 Ex. 29:10— 14. Is. 53:10. Ex. 43:19. Rum. 8:3. 2Cor.5:21. Heb. 7:26— 28. 
 1 Pet. 3:18. s See on 1:4. 4:4. 16:21. t 1:8,11. 3:2,8. Ex. 29:10,11. n 4:7,17, 
 18,30. Ex. 29:12,36,37. Ex. 43:19— 27. Heb. 9:18— 23. v 6:30. 16:20 . 2 |,r. 29- 
 21. Ex. 45:20. Dan. 9:24. Rom. 5:10. 2 Cor. 5:18—21. Eph. 2:16. Col. 1:21. Heb 
 2:17. x See on 3:3 — 5. 4:8,9. Ex. 29:13. v 4:11, 12.21. 6:30. 16:27. Ex. 29:14 
 Gal. 3:13. Heb. 13:11— 13. z Sot on 1:4— 13. Ex. 29:15— 18. a 1:17. 2:9. Geo. 
 
 V. IH — 21. Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 29:13 — 18. 
 
 V. 22 — 24. The sin-offering implied that. Aaron and his 
 sons deserved to have their blood shed ; and, after death, to 
 be made a sacrifice to the offended justice of God ; instead of 
 being able to bear and atone for the sins of the people, and 
 being honoured as intercessors for them, and typical repre- 
 sentatives of the Saviour. The burnt- offering denoted, that, 
 being pardoned and accepted through the atonement of Christ, 
 they willingly and thankfully dedic&ted themselves without 
 reserve, to be consecrated unto God for this sacred ministry. 
 The ram of consecration was their peace-offering ; and repre- 
 sented that, as reconciled unto God, they had fellowship with 
 him, and delighted in his service and in being wholly employed 
 in it ; that he would accept and honour their services and 
 ministrations ; that they were thankful for past and present 
 benefits, and confided in him for future sufficiency and accept- 
 ance. Accordingly, the several laws prescribed in the forego- 
 ing chapters were observed by Moses, the officiating priest ; 
 with Only such additions and variations, as had a peculiar 
 reference to their enlire separation to God for the work of the 
 priesthood. (Note, Ex. 29:19 — 21.) 
 
 V. 25 — 32. Moses, as the priest, had the breast, and 
 Aaron and his sons the remainder, except the right shoulder, 
 which was laid on rhe altar with the fat. This, in all />ther 
 peace-offerings, belonged to the officiating priest: but, as 
 Moses was the only priest till Aaron and his sons were fully 
 consecrated, and as the whole breast belonged to him ; so it 
 seems to have been appointed on this occasion, that the 
 shoulder should be laid on the altar, rather than left to lie 
 burnt witli the residue in some other place, according to the 
 law of the peace-offerings. ( Note, Ex. 29:22 — 28.) 
 
 V. 33 — 35. During seven da 3 's, Aaron and his sons abode 
 Constantly at the door of the tabernacle, not being yet allowed 
 ( 214 ) 
 
 Moses sprinkled the Diood upon i 2 altar ronna 
 about. 
 
 25 And he took d the fat, and the rump, and ; . 
 the fat that was upon the inwards, and the cau. 
 above the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat 
 and the right shoulder. 
 
 26 And out of the basket of unleavened bread, 
 that was before the Lord, lie took one unleavened 
 cake, and a cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, 
 and put them on the fat, and upon the right 
 shoulder. 
 
 27 And he put all upon Aaron’s hands, and 
 upon his sons’ hands, ’and waved them for a 
 wave-oflering before the Lord. 
 
 28 And Moses took them from off their hands, 
 and burnt them on the altar, upon the burnt-offer- 
 ing : f they were consecrations for a sweet savour : 
 it is an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 29 And Moses took nhe breast, and waved ii 
 for a wave-offering before the Lord : for of the 
 ram of consecration it was Moses’s part ; as the 
 Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 30 And Moses took of h the anointing oil, and 01 
 the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled 
 it upon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon 
 his sons, and upon his sons’ garments, with him : 
 and sanctified Aaron and his garments, and his 
 sons, and his sons’ garments with him. 
 
 31 And Moses said unto Aaron, and to his sons, 
 ‘Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the 
 congregation : and there k eat it with the breaa 
 that is in the basket of consecrations, as I com- 
 manded, saying, Aaron and his sons shall eat it. 
 
 32 And that which 'remaineth of the flesh and 
 of the bread, shall ye burn with fire. 
 
 33 And ye shall not go out of the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation in seven days, until 
 the days of your consecration be at an end : for 
 m seven days shall he consecrate you. 
 
 34 As “he hath done this day, so the Lord 
 hath commanded to do, to make an atonement 
 for you. 
 
 35 Therefore shall ye abide at the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, day and night 
 seven days, and “keep the charge of the Lord, 
 that ye die not : for so I am commanded. 
 
 36 So ‘‘Aaron and his sons did all things which 
 the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. 
 
 8:21. Ex. 29:18. Eph. 5:2. b 2,29. 7:37. Ex. 29:19,31. Rev. 1 :5, 6. c 14:14.17, 
 28. Ex. 29:20. Rom. 6:13,19. 12:1. 1 Cor. 6:20. Phil. 1:20. 2:17. il Set on 3:9. 
 Ex. 29:22— 25. e See un 7:30,31. fSeeon22. (7:34. Ex. 29:26,27. la. 66:20. 
 1 Cor. 10:31. h See on Ex. 29:21. 30:30. Gal. 5:22-25. 1 Cel. 1:2. 1 John 2:27. 
 i 6:28. Ex. 29:31,32. Ez. 46:20—94. k 10:17. John 6:51 ,53— 56. I 7:17. Ex. 12: 
 10. 29:31. m 14:8. Ex. 29:30, 35. Num. 19:12. Ex. 43:25—27. n Hub, 7:16,27. 
 10:11,12. o 10:1. Num. 3:7. 9:19. Debt. 11:1. 1 Kings 2:3. 1 Tim. 1:3,4,18. 5: 
 21. 0:13,17,20. 2 Tim. 4:1. p Ex. 39:43. 
 
 to enter into it. We may suppose, that such accommoda- 
 tions were provided for them as were necessary: but it seems 
 that they watched, at least by turns, day and night all the 
 while. On each of these days, a sin-offering, a Inwnt-offer- 
 ing, and a peace-offering of consecration, were sacrificed, with 
 exactly the same ceremonies as on the fir^t day, and they 
 were expressly warned, that it would be at the peril of their 
 lives, if they neglected to observe the commands given them. 
 All this was suited to show the ineffieacy of these oblaiions 
 and purifications: and that they were only “shadows of good 
 things to come.” — One sabbath must have occurred during the 
 time of their consecration ; perhaps it was on the last day ol 
 the seven : and it has been observed, that the Lord Jesus, our 
 great High-Priesr, came to Jerusalem and to the temple, on 
 the day after the sabbath, and five days before the passover. 
 which he spent in labours and watchings, and was crucified 
 on the sixth day ; then he rested on the sabbath-day, and 
 arose the next morning, as having fully completed his conse- 
 cration. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In these types we see our great High-Priest, as solemnly 
 appointed, anointed, and invested in his sacred office ; and, 
 by his own blood, and the influences of his Holy Spirit, sanc- 
 tifying the ordinances of religion to the benefit of Ins people; 
 and to the honour of God, who, for his sake, accepts our 
 worship, though we are sinners and our services polluted 
 with sin. We may also rejoice that lie, though free from 
 Rin himself, yet, “having suffered being tempted ” is 41 a mer- 
 ciful and faithful High-Priest,” full of tender compassion to 
 the feeble-minded and tempest-tossed soul; and that, having 
 finished his consecration and sacrifices upon earth as our 
 perfected High-Priest, he 44 for ever appears in the |i*e<ence 
 of God for us.” Hut when those heavenly things wtne 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Tti e newly consecrated priests , directed by Moses , enter on their office, l — 7 : 
 and offie^ sacrifices for themselves and for the people, 8 — 21. Moses and 
 Aaron bless the people ; and the glory of the Lord appears , 22, 23. Fire 
 from before the Lord consumes the sacrifices, and the people worship, 24. 
 
 ND it came to pass on '‘the eighth day, that 
 Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the 
 elders <of Israel. 
 
 2 And he said unto Aaron, Take thee b a young 
 calf for a sin-offering, and c a ram for a burnt-offer- 
 ing, without blemish, and offer them before the 
 
 Lord. 
 
 3 And unto the children, of Jsrael thou shalt 
 speak, saying, d Take ye a kid of the goats for a 
 sin-offering ; and e a calf, and a lamb, * both of the 
 first year, without blemish, for a burnt-offering ; 
 
 4 Also s a bullock and a ram for peace-offerings, 
 to sacrifice before the Lord ; h and a meat-offering 
 mingled with oil : for to-day the Lord will appear 
 unto you. 
 
 5 And they brought that which Moses com- 
 manded, before the tabernacle of the congregation : 
 'and all the congregation drew near, and stood 
 before the Lord. 
 
 6 And Moses said, This is the thing which the 
 Lord commanded that ye should do : and k the 
 glory of the Lord shall appear unto you. 
 
 7 And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the 
 
 a 8:33. 14:1(1,23. 15:14. Ez. 43:27. b 7,8. 4:3. 8:14. Ex. 29:1. Heb. 7:27. 10: 
 10—14. c8.1S. (14:23. 16:5 15. Ezra 6:17. 10:19. Is. 53:10. Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor. 
 5:21. Heb. 9:26— 28. 1 Pet. 2:24. 3:18. eSeeon2. f 12:6. 14:10.23:12. Ex. 
 12:5. g See on 3: h See on 2: — 6:14— 23. Num. 15:3 — 9. i Ex. 19:17. Dent. 
 31:12. 1 Chr. 15:3. 2 Chr. 5;2,3. Neh.8:l. k23. Ex. 16:10. 24: 16. 40:34,35. 
 
 shadowed forth in the persons and priesthood of men ; what 
 care was taken to show that they were not appointed, for 
 any worthiness of such an honour, or capacity for such a 
 service, in themselves, when they were not admitted to 
 appear before God, except through the shedding of the blood, 
 and the burning of the bodies, of so many innocent and useful 
 animals ; through repeated washings, sprinklings, and anoint- 
 ings, with change of garments, and every observance which 
 could mark them in themselves to be guilty and polluted in 
 his sight, and show that they defiled all they touched 1 Surely 
 this was intended to lead the people to expect a nobler priest- 
 hood, better sacrifices, and a more effectual atonement and 
 intercession : and we must be blind indeed, yea, willingly 
 ignorant, if it do not teach us, that nothing can atone for 
 sin, or render a sinner accepted of God, but the righteous- 
 ness, blood, and intercession of the holy Jesus, our great 
 High-Priest ; which are always accompanied with his sancti- 
 fying grace poured into every believer’s heart. — Doubtless, 
 when Aaron offered his sin-offering, he would remember, 
 with mixed humiliation, admiration, and gratitude, his recent 
 transgression in making the golden calf, and the Lord’s for- 
 giveness of it ; and would acknowledge that he deserved him- 
 self to be made a sacrifice to offended justice with those who 
 perished, instead of being appointed to so honourable an 
 office. This would teach him lowliness of mind, and com- 
 passion and tenderness to other poor sinners, seeing “ he 
 himself was so compassed with infirmity.” Thus was “ boast- 
 ing excluded the whole glory given to God, and a prepara- 
 tion made for Aaron’s properly bearing the honour of the 
 priesthood, and performing its duties. In like manner, our 
 God prepares his true ministers for their office: he teaches 
 them the knowledge of him and of themselves; he convinces 
 them of their guilt and sinfulness, and brings them to a simple 
 dependence on Christ for every thing needful for their own 
 salvation. Thus they lean) to consider themselves as no 
 better than the vilest sinners; except as the Lord hath made 
 them to difTer, by interesting them in the Redeemer’s sacri- 
 fice, washing them in his blood, arraying their souls in his 
 righteousness, and anointing them with his grace. Whilst 
 they feed upon his spiritual provision, and are happy in com- 
 munion with him ; and whilst their hearts are fraught with 
 love to Christ, and compassion for their fellow-sinners : they 
 are prepared and qualified for the work, and disposed to 
 “ give themselves wholly to it ;” and to be constant, perse- 
 vering, tender, and affectionate in it : and they are made 
 willing to forego all personal considerations, that they may 
 point out the Saviour to perishing sinners, and assist the 
 spiritual sacrifices of believers, to the glory of God and to 
 the salvation of souls.— But, indeed, all true Christians are 
 consecrated to be spiritual priests: and we should seriously 
 ask ourselves, whether we are conscious of such a consecra- 
 tion, as “ bought with a price, to glorify God, in body and 
 spirit which are his?” whether we are partakers of this wash- 
 ing, anointing, and arraying in the robes of righteousness and 
 salvation? whether in our daily walk we study to maintain 
 the honour of the priestly character? and whether we abound 
 n “ spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus 
 Christ?” If so, let us not despise, disdain, or despair of our 
 Allow-sinners ; but, remembering what we have done, and 
 how we a.e saved, let us seek and pray for their salvation 
 too. Yet at last, our whole life, after our conversion, is only 
 
 altar ? and 'offer thy sin-offering', and thy burnt- 
 offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and 
 for the people, and ""offer the offering of the people 
 and make an atonement lor them, as the Lord 
 commanded. 
 
 8 H Aaron therefore went unto the altar, "and 
 slew the calf of the sin-offering, which was lot 
 himself. 
 
 9 And the sons of Aaron brought the blood 
 unto him : and °he dipt his finger in the blood, and 
 put it upon the horns of the altar, and poured out 
 the blood at the bottom of the altar. 
 
 10 But Pthe fat, and the kidneys, and the caul 
 above the liver of the sin-offering he burnt upon 
 the altar; *>as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 11 And "the flesh and the hide he burnt with 
 fire, without the camp. 
 
 12 And he slew "the burnt-offering; and Aaron’s 
 sons presented unto him the blood, which he 
 sprinkled round about upon the altar. 
 
 13 And they presented the burnt-offering unto 
 him, with the pieces thereof, and the head : and 
 he burnt them upon the altar. 
 
 14 And he did wash the inwards and the legs, 
 and burnt them upon the burnt-offering on the 
 altar. 
 
 15 H And he brought the people’s offering, and 
 
 1 Kings 8:10— 12. Ez. 43:2. 14:3,20.8:34. 1 Sam. 3:14. Heb. 5:3. 7:27. 9 7. 
 m4:16— 20. Heb. 5:1. 1:1:4,5.4:4,29. o 4:6,7,17,18,25,30. 8.15. 16:18. Ileb. 
 9:22,23. 10:4—19 p See on 3:3— 5,9— 11. 4:8—12. 8:16. Ps. 51:17. q4:8. r Set 
 on 4:11,12. 8:17. 16:27,28. a See on 1: 8:18—21. Eph. 5:2,25— 27. 
 
 a week of consecration, as God’s priests, to offer up spiritual 
 sacrifices in his courts above, throughout an eternal sabbath. 
 Let us then improve our present opportunity, wait with 
 patience and perseverance, and cheerfully expect this high 
 and everlasting honour. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1 — 7. On the eighth day, 
 after the consecration of Aaron and his sons had begun, 
 Aaron was directed to enter on his sacerdotal ministrations: 
 but though so many sin-offerings had been brought, and so 
 many solemn rites of purification had been exactly observed ; 
 his first oblation must be another sin-offering for himself! As, 
 however, no particular offence was to be expiated, but merely 
 the defects of his preceding services, a calf of the first year, 
 instead of a young bullock, was appointed ; yet some think 
 that he was thus reminded of his sin, in making the golden 
 calf. — After offering this and his own burnt-offering, the next 
 sacrifice was a sin-offering for the people ; not a young 
 bullock, as required for any special transgression, but a kid 
 of the goats as on the great day of atonement. After the sin- 
 offering and burnt-offering of the people had been sacrificed, 
 peace-offerings were added, on which they might feast before 
 God : but, as the priests would have a part of the oblations 
 brought by the people, they presented no peace-offering. 
 During the preceding days, there had been no peculiar disco- 
 veries of the divine presence or glory ; and the sacrifices seem 
 to have been offered with common fire, as on former occa- 
 sions : but now, in honour of Aaron’s typical priesthood, and 
 to sanction what had been done, the Lord intended to display 
 his presence and glory, and the people must therefore prepare 
 to meet him. 
 
 V. 8 — 11. It seems evident from the narrative, that 
 Aaron personally (though assisted by his sons) slew his own 
 sacrifices ; and also those of the people as their representa- 
 tive, though perhaps the elders assisted in this part of the 
 service.* The Levites were not yet set apart for their work ; 
 and the most laborious part of such offices afterwards devolved 
 on them, or on the Nethinims. On this occasion, however, 
 Aaron and his sons took the lead, as well in killing and 
 preparing the sacrifices, as in burning the ‘sin-offerings. It 
 does not appear that the blood, either of the sin-offerings 
 described in the preceding chapter, or of this for Aaron, was 
 brought into the sanctuary : yet the bodies were burned with- 
 out the camp. The priests ate the sin-offerings of the people, 
 as typically bearing their iniquity ; but they could not bear 
 their own sin ; and therefore they ate no part of any sin- 
 offerings sacrificed for themselves, but the whole was carried 
 forth out of the camp, as taken quite away by Christ the 
 great Antitype. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. It is not certain, whether these burnt-offer- 
 ings, and the fat of the other sacrifices, were consumed by 
 common fire, as on the former days ; or only laid in readi- 
 ness, till the fire from the Lord fell and consumed the 
 whole. 
 
 Y. 15. Aaron prepared the sin-offering of the people as 
 he had his own; but it is not certain, whether it was then 
 burnt without the camp, or afterwards on the altar. It ought 
 no' to have been burnt at all, but eaten by him and his sons. 
 (Notes, 10:10—20.) 
 
 V. 17. Besi'le the burnt-sacrifice, &c.] It is probable, 
 that from the first setting up of the altar, Mosc had offered 
 on it the morning and evening sacrifice of a lamb for a burnt 
 
 ( 215 ) 
 
B. C. 1490, 
 
 LEVITICUS 
 
 B. C. 1490, 
 
 took ‘the goat which was the sin-offering- for the 
 people, and slew it, and offered it for sin, as the 
 first. 
 
 16 And he brought the burnt-offering, and offer- 
 ed it according to the ‘manner. 
 
 17 And he brought “the meat-offering, and Hook 
 an handful thereof, and burnt it upon the altar, 
 ‘beside the burnt-sacrifice of the morning. 
 
 18 He slew also the bullock and the ram, for ?a 
 sacrifice of peace-offerings which was for the peo- 
 ple : and Aaron’s sons presented unto him the 
 Wood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round 
 about, 
 
 19 And ‘the fat of the bullock, and of the ram, 
 the rump, and that which covereth the inwards, 
 and the kidneys, and the caul above the liver. 
 
 20 And “they put the fat upon the breasts, and 
 he b burnt the fat upon the altar : 
 
 21 And “the breasts and the right shoulder 
 Aaron waved for a wave-offering, before the 
 Lord ; as Moses commanded. 
 
 22 And Aaron d lifted up his hand towards the 
 people, and blessed them : and came down from 
 offering of the sin-offering, and the burnt-offering, 
 and peace-offerings. 
 
 L See on 4:27 — 31. Is. 53:10. Heb. 2:17. * Or, ordinance. 1:3 — 10. u2:l,2. 
 t Heb .filled, his hand out of it. x Ex. 29.38 — 42. y See on 3; 7:11 — 18. Rom. 5:1, 
 10. Eph. 2: 14—17. Col. 1:20. zSeeonlO. a 7:29— 34. b 3:14 — 17. c 7:30— 34. 
 Ex. 29:27,28. d Gen. 14:18— 20. Num. 6:23— 27. Deni. 10:8. 21:5. 1 Kings 8: 
 65. IChr. 23:13. 2 Chr. 6:3. 1*8.72:17. Mark 10:16. Luke 24:50. Acts 3:26. 
 2 Cor. 13:14. Heb. 7:6,7. 1 Ret. 3:9. e Luke 1:21,22. Heb. 9:24— 28. f See on 
 6. Nmn. 14:10. 16:19,42. g Gen. 4:3,4. 15:17. Ex. 3.2. Judg. 6:21. 13:19,20,23. 
 1 Kings 18.38. 1 Chr. 21:26. 2 Chr. 7:1— 3. Ps.20:3. marg. h Gen. 17:3. 1 Kings 
 18:39. Ezra 3:11. a Ex. 6:23. 24:1,9. 28:1. b 16:12. Ex. 27:3. 38:3. Num. 16: 
 6,7,16,17,46. Heb. 9:4. c Ex. 30:1—9,34—36. 31:11. 37:29. 40:27. 1 Kings 13. 
 
 offering ; and accordingly, it had been offered on the morning 
 &f this memorable day. 
 
 Y. 22, 23. When Aaron had finished his sacred work at 
 
 altar, he blessed the people before he left the place : that 
 is, he prayed for them, pronounced a blessing on them in the 
 name of God, and encouraged their hopes of the divine accept- 
 ance in their services. This seems to have been always consi- 
 dered as a part of his priestly office ; and orders are after- 
 wards given about it. (Notes, Num. 6:23 — 27.) He then 
 came down ; (for the altar seems to have been rather raised 
 above the rest of the court ;) and he entered into the taber- 
 nacle with Moses, who doubtless directed him how to per- 
 form the appointed services there, as he had before shown 
 him how to order the sacrifices at the altar. Then they both 
 united in again blessing the people ; and, while thus employed, 
 the divine glory appeared resplendent from the cloud, resting 
 on the tabernacle, and probably filling it ; which denoted the 
 Lord’s acceptance of it for his typical dwelling-place in 
 Israel. 
 
 V. 24. This fire came forth from the visible glory before 
 mentioned. Perhaps the former sacrifices had already been 
 consumed, and the latter had been placed upon the altar ; when 
 fire from before the Lord rapidly consume^ them. This fire 
 was afterwards long preserved upon the altar. By this token 
 the Lord signified his acceptance of the vicarious atonement; 
 as the fire which represented his righteous vengeance con- 
 sumed the sacrifice and spared the sinners. On witnessing 
 this awful, but probably expected scene, the people shouted 
 with exultation, and prostrated themselves in adoring wor- 
 ship. — Thus, our sins having been laid upon Christ, and 
 divine justice satisfied by his atonement, mercy is extended 
 and grace given to every true believer. ( Marg . Ref. g.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 After the example of Aaron and his sons, and of him 
 whom Aaron typified, the ministers of Christ should consi- 
 der their ordination as “ filling their hands ;” and without 
 delay enter upon their important business : for he that 
 properly desires that office, desires not honour, profit, ease, 
 or pleasure, but “ a good work :” so that, without waiting to 
 receive even the congratulation of his friends, he should set 
 about it; and not deem any thing, which is honourable to 
 God, or useful to the Church, or to a single individual, too 
 laborious, mean, or disgusting. He should also first take 
 heed to himself; and be careful that his public ministrations 
 do not interrupt his personal religion, and the care of his own 
 soul. And all persons should remember, that the exercise of 
 repentance, faith, and devotedness to God, and communion 
 with him in his ordinances, is not merely the work of a few 
 days, at the commencement, of a **e!igious profession, but the 
 daily business of the believer’s whole life. — Words can never 
 express the energy, with which these multiplied sacrifices, all 
 at once superseded by the death of Christ, mark the insuffici- 
 ency of all other atonements, and the efficacy of his u one 
 offering of himself ;” and teach us that our best services need 
 washing in his blood ; and that the guilt of our best sacrifices 
 needs expiating by one more pure and noble than they. Let 
 us then be thankful that “we have such-a High-Priest over 
 the House of God,” who hath no sin of his own to atone for, 
 and who, by his 1 one oblation of himself once offered,’ hath 
 ( 216 ) 
 
 23 And Moses and Aaron went into the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, and e came out and 
 blessed the people: and ‘the glory of the Lord 
 appeared unto all the people. 
 
 24 And Hhere came a fire out from before the 
 Lord, and consumed upon the altar (he burnt- 
 offering, and the fat : which when all the people 
 saw, ''they shouted and fell on their faces. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Nadab and Abiliu, burning incense icith strange fi< e, arc consumed by fire from 
 the Lord , 1, 2. Moses shows the reason of this judgmen', and orders heir 
 burial ; while Aaron holds his )>eace , 3 — 5. Aaron and his o her sons are for* 
 bidden to mourn, 6,7 ; and are prohibited from drinking wine , or strong nrink , 
 when going into the sanctuary , 8 — 11. Moses gives dircc ions about eating 
 the holy things , 12 — 15. A mistake is discovered about the people's sin-offer* 
 ing ; A loses reproves the priests, and Aaron excuses it, 16 — 20. 
 
 A ND “Nadab and Abihu, the sons of’ Aaron, 
 took either of them his b censer, and put fire 
 therein, and c put incense thereon, and offered 
 d strange fire before the Lord, e wnich he com 
 manded them not. 
 
 2 And there went out f fire from the Lord and 
 devoured them, and ethey died before the Lord. 
 
 3 Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that 
 the Lord spake, saying, h l will be sanctified in 
 them that come nigh me, and ‘before all the people 
 I will be glorified. And k Aaron held his peace. 
 
 1,2. 2 Chr. 26: 16—20. Ps. 141:2. Jer. 44:8,15,19— 21. Luke 1:9—11. Rev. 8:1 
 —5. <19:24. 16:12. Num. 16:18,46. e Ex. 30:9. Deut. 4:2. 12:32. 17:3. Jer. 
 
 7:31.19:5.32:35. f 16:1. Num. 3:3,4. 16:35. 26:61. I Chr. 24:2. gNum. 16:32 
 33,49. 1 Sam. 6:19. 1 Chr. 13:10. 15:13. Acts 5:5,10. 1 Cor. 10:11. h 8:35. 21: 
 6. 2*2:9. Ex. 14:4. 19:22.29:43,44. Num. 20:12. Deut. 32:51. 1 Sam. 6:20 
 1 Chr. 15:13. Ps. 89:7. 119:120. Is. 52:11. Ez. 20:41. He!.. 12:28.29. i 1 Sam. 2t 
 30. Is. 49:3. Ez. 28.22. John 13:31,32. 14:13. Acts 5:11— 13. 2The». 1:10 
 1 Pet. 4:17. k Gen. 18:25. 1 Sam. 3:18. Job 1:20,21. 2:10. Ps.39:9. 46:10. la 
 
 39:8. Malt. 10:37. 
 
 fully atoned for the sins of all his people. Having offered hia 
 sacrifice, and being risen from the dead, he blessed his church 
 before he entered the holy place, to appear in the presence of 
 God, and to make intercession for us : (Note, Luke 24:50 — 
 
 53.) whence he will shortly come' again; and with the full 
 consent of prophets, apostles, saints, and angels, make good 
 his benediction, in the everlasting felicity of every true Israelite. 
 In the mean time, he will manifest himself, and show the 
 glory of the Father to those who wait upon him, though not 
 to the world. — Let us, however, remember with holy awe, 
 that the same agonies of the beloved Son of God, which assure 
 the humble penitent of exemption from the deserved fiery ven- 
 geance of divine justice, loudly proclaim the inevitable 
 destruction of such as proudly and impenitently neglect, or 
 hypocritically abuse, so great salvation : for he, who in awful 
 justice M spared not his own Son,” will not spare them. 
 Finally, let us attend on the means of grace; and, as it were, 
 lay the wood in order, and prepare the sacrifice, and wail 
 and pray, till the u baptism of the Holy Ghost and of fire” 
 burn up our corrupt affections, kindle the flame of true devo- 
 tion, and enable us to offer “ spiritual sacrifices, acceptable 
 to God through Jesus Christ.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. X. V. 1, 2. The golden calf had 
 occasioned a lamentable delay in erecting the tabernacle ; 
 and now the sin of Nadab and Abihu caused an awful inter- 
 ruption in the opening of the service. Next to Moses and 
 Aaron, none stood higher, or were more likely to be honour- 
 able in Israel, than these two young men. Perhaps they 
 were elated with this distinction, and were influenced by 
 pride and ostentation ; it is also probable they were in some 
 measure heated with wine. (Note, 8 — 11.) Being fully con- 
 secrated, and considering the burning of incense as the most 
 honourable part of their office, they were impatient to enter 
 upon it: ana, at the season, when the people were prostrated 
 in adoration of the manifested presence and glory of God, 
 they rashly and presumptuouly, without orders , which they 
 should have waited for; both at once, which was never prac- 
 tised; and with fire taken, not from the altar of burnt-offer- 
 ing, but probably from under the peace-offerings ; attempted 
 to enter the tabernacle to burn incense, though it was not the 
 hour at which this service was appointed to be done. Perhaps, 
 they intended to place their censers on the golden altar. 
 This conduct evidenced great irreverence, and might have 
 been a very bad precedent to their brethren and successors ; 
 to prevent which, the Lord was pleased to make them an 
 example to t he Old Testament church at its first formation, 
 by causing the fire from his presence to slay them suddenly, 
 without consuming their bodies, or their clothes ; (Note, Num. 
 10:35.) as Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead at the first 
 establishment of the New Testament church. (Note, Arts 
 5:1—11.) 
 
 V. 3. The priests were especially intended by the words, 
 “them that come nigh me;” and some of the texts referred 
 to in the margin show, that they had been repeatedly warned 
 in this respect, in order that their example might edify tho 
 people. Indeed, this accords to the tenor of divine revelation 
 m every part : and not only ministers, but all who worship God, 
 are often reminded, that if they do not honour him, no will 
 honour himself m their punishment. — Even the wn* of a 
 
D. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 B. C. 1 190 
 
 4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the 
 sons of 'Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said unto 
 them, Come near, "’carry your brethren from be- 
 fore the sanctuary out of the camp. 
 
 5 So they went near, and carried them in their 
 coats out of the camp; as Moses had said. 
 
 6 And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Elea- 
 zar and unto Ithamar his sons, "Uncover not. your 
 lieads, neither rend your clothes ; lest ye die, and 
 lest “wrath come upon all the people: but let your 
 brethren, the whole house of Israel, bewail the 
 burning' which the Lord hath kindled. 
 
 7 And rye shall not go out from the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die : for 
 sthe anointing oil of the Lord is upon you. And 
 they did according to the word of Moses. 
 
 8 IT And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying, 
 
 9 Do 'not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, 
 nor thy sons with thee ; when ye go into the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, lest ye die. * It shall be 
 a statute for ever throughout your generations : 
 
 10 And that ye may ‘put difference between holy 
 and unholy, and between unclean and clean : 
 
 11 And “that ye may teach the children of Israel 
 all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto 
 them by the hand of Moses. [Practical observations .] 
 
 1 Ex. 6:18,22. Num. 3:19. I Chr. 6:2. m Luke 7:12. Acts 5:6,10. 8:2. n 13:45. 
 21:1— 15. Num. 5:18. 6:6,7. 11:6. Deui. 33:9. Jer. 7:29. Ez. 24:16,17. Mic. 1: 
 16. o Num. 16:22,41— 47. Josh. 7:1,11. 22:18,20. 2 Sam. 24:1,15— 17. p 21 : 12. 
 Matt. 8:21,22. Luke 9:60. q 8:12,30. Ex. 28:41. 30:30. 40:13—15. Acts 10:38. 
 
 2 Cor. 1:21. r Num. 6:3,20. Prov. 31:4,5. Is. 28:7. Jer. 35:5,6. Ez. 44:21. Luke 
 1:15. Eph. 5:18. 1 Tim. 3:3,8. 5:231 Tit. 1:7. s See on 3:17. t 11:47. 20:25. 
 
 sinner’s acceptance, though full of encouragement, and an 
 especial manifestation of the mercy of God, clearly reveals 
 his awful justice and holiness ; and solemnly and loudly pro- 
 claims that he will be approached with reverence, and in 
 sincere abhorrence of all sin: but this is often overlooked. 
 The Lord hath therefore seen good, under both dispensa- 
 tions, to deter men from perverting his mercy, by terrible 
 threatenings and awful judgments ; and we have reason to 
 think, that the death of Nadab and Abihu had a very salutary 
 and durable effect, especially upon Aaron and his sons, and 
 their successors. But with what exquisite anguish must the 
 heart of Aaron have been torn ! and what dismay must have 
 seized upon him, at this unlooked-for and most afflicting 
 stroke ! His own sons — his eldest sons — just consecrated to 
 so high and important an office, — concerning whom he had 
 doubtless formed the most pleasing hopes; — cut off suddenly, 
 in such a state of mind, by the immediate judgment of God, 
 for presumptuous disobedience, and publicly, as an example 
 to all Israel! — Each of these reflections must have struck a 
 dagger into his heart, and have aggravated the agony to 
 which he was all at once reduced, from a confluence of the 
 most delightful sensations. This must have been the effect 
 of every reflection, but one ; namely, on the justice, wisdom, 
 and love of God ; his sovereign right to dispose of him and 
 his, as he saw good ; and the important purposes, for his 
 glory and the good of his people, which would thence result : 
 and this thought seems to have so far quieted his mind, as to 
 repress every hard and murmuring thought, and to bow his 
 will into reverent submission ; as well as to stop his mouth, 
 and prevent him from uttering one complaining word ! — 
 Without doubt, he would now recollect the golden calf, with 
 deep humility and admiration of the Lord’s patience towards 
 him. Indeed, in all respects, he seems to have been pecu- 
 liarly supported by divine grace on this most trying occasion. 
 
 V. 4, 5. It is far more probable, that Nadab and Abihu 
 were struck dead at the door of the tabernacle, than that they 
 had actually entered: for Moses and others seem to have 
 witnessed the catastrophe, which would not have been the 
 case, had they been wilhin. The sacerdotal garments being 
 thus polluted, were no longer fit for use, and they seem to have 
 been buried in them. — Mishael and Elzaphan were Levites: 
 the service allotted them was an impressive lesson ; and when 
 they carried the dead bodies through the camp, they pre- 
 sented to the view of the people a most affecting sight, which 
 would be an important caution and a solemn warning to them 
 all. 
 
 V. 6. Different opinions have been formed, concerning 
 the prohibition contained in the words rendered, u Uncover 
 not your heads." But, as it must denote something imme- 
 diately to be done or omitted, the opinion that the priests 
 were forbidden to put off their sacerdotal bonnets, as well as 
 to rend their clothes, is most probable.— Aaron, however, 
 and his surviving sons, were forbidden to express their grief 
 by the customary tokens ; that they might not seem to reflect 
 on the divine justice and goodness ; to teach them to subject 
 their strongest passions to reason and conscience ; and to 
 remind them, that in comparison of the divine glory, even the 
 nearest relations must be disregarded. And as they had so 
 lately been anointed to their sacred and important office, with 
 which even the safety of the nation was intimately connected ; 
 they must not, on any personal consideration, suffer their 
 Vol. I 28 
 
 12 IT And Moses spake unto Aaron, ana unto 
 Eleazar, and unto Ithamar, his sons that were left, 
 "Take the meat-offering that remaineth of the 
 offerings of the Lord made by fire, and eat it 
 without leaven beside the altar: “lor it is mos < 
 holy. 
 
 13 And ye shall eat it in the holy place, because 
 it is thy due and thy sons’ due, of the sacrifices 
 of the Lord made by fire : for so I am com- 
 manded. 
 
 14 And Hhe wave-breast and heave-shoulder 
 shall ye eat in a clean place ; thou and thy sons, 
 and thy daughters with thee : for they be thy due, 
 and thy sons’ due, which are given out ef the 
 sacrifices of peace-offerings vl '.-he children of 
 Israel. 
 
 15 The heave-shoulder, and the wave-breast 
 shall they bring, with the offerings made by fire 
 of the fat, to wave it for a wave-offering before 
 the Lord, and it shall be thine and thy sons’ with 
 thee, by a statute for ever ; as the Lord hath 
 commanded. 
 
 16 H And Moses diligently sought Hhe goat of 
 the sin-offering, and behold it was burnt : and he 
 was “angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of 
 Aaron which were left alive, saying, 
 
 Jer. 15:19. Ez. 22:26. 44:23. Tit. 1:15. 1 Pet. 1:14— 16. uDeut.24:8. 33:10. 
 
 2 Chr. 17:9. 30:22. Nell. 8:2,8. 9:13,14. Jer. 2:8. 18:18. Mel. 2:7. Matt. 28:20. 
 Acts 20:27. 1 Thes. 4:2. v 2: 6:15-18.7:9.21:22. Ex. 29:2. Num. 18:9,10. Ez. 
 44:29. x 21:22. y 7:29— 34 . 9:21 . Ex. 29:21— 28. Num. 18:1 1 . John 4 34. z6: 
 26,30. 9:3,15. a Ex. 32:19— 22. Num. 12:3. Matt. 5:22. Mark 3:5. 10:14. Eph. 
 4:26. 
 
 services to be interrupted. For had they also provoked the 
 Lord to slay them, the people would have been left without 
 priest or sacrifice, exposed to the just wrath of God. Yet 
 neither on this occasion, nor at any subsequent period, was 
 another family appointed to succeed, in case that of Aaron 
 should be extinct. — The people in general, however, were 
 allowed to bewail this event, which doubtless they did, with 
 the usual expressions of sorrow. 
 
 Y. 8 — 11. As the sin of Nadab and Abihu seems, in part 
 at least, to have been occasioned by a degree of inebriation ; a 
 law was on this account enacted, that the priests should drink 
 no wine, nor intoxicating liquor, either before or during their 
 ministrations in the sanctuary ; in order that their judgments 
 might be unclouded by the fumes of intemperance, especially 
 when required to practise or interpret the law of God. This 
 command was immediately giv en to Aaron, to encourage him 
 by such a token of regard ; and because the Lord would not 
 have it appear, as if Moses had not sympathized in his affiio 
 tion, or had intended to charge him with criminality in this 
 respect. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. (Marg. Ref.) Moses at this time repeated, 
 or explained and enforced, the laws before given ; lest the 
 interruption which had taken place should cause Aaron and 
 his sons to forget them. — The meat-otfering, as most holy, 
 must be eaten by the priests, or the sons of the priests, in the 
 holy place ; but the portion allotted them of the peace-offer- 
 ings might be eaten in any clean place, with their families. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. The sacrifice here spoken of was a sin-offer- 
 ing »for the congregation; yet, as it was a goat, and not a 
 young bull, (no doubt by special direction,) the blood was not 
 carried into the sanctuary, to be put upon the altar of incense, 
 or sprinkled before the veil ; and therefore the flesh ought not 
 to have been burnt without the camp, or upon the altar; but, 
 when the priests had done eating, to have been consumed in 
 the same manner as the remaining flesh of the other sacrifices. 
 It is not evident, whether this was done by inadvertency, or 
 because Aaron, from the state of his mind, drew a wrong 
 conclusion. Moses, however, was angry at this deviation 
 from the divine precept, and probably feared tnat further 
 rebukes would be the consequence. He therefore expostu- 
 lated with Eleazar and Ithamar; not with Aaron, lest he 
 should add to his heavy distress. — His language is remark- 
 able; “God hath given it to you to bear the iniquity of the 
 congregation, &c.” Sinners, who suffer deserved punishment 
 are said to “ eat of the fruit of their own ways, and to be filled 
 with their own devices.” Prov. 1:31. Thus the priests, by 
 eating the sin-offering of the people were represented as 
 bearing their iniquity for them: but in burning without the 
 camp their ovm sin-offerings, and all qther sacrifices, the blood 
 of which was carried into the sanctuary, they owned that 
 they were only types ; and that both their own iniquity, and 
 that of the people, must be finally transferred to the great 
 Antitype, and effectually expiated by him. — 4 God bestowed 
 upon the priests this reward of their service, that tney might 
 be more willing to take upon them the people’s sins, and to 
 make an expiation carefully for them. And indeed, the very 
 eating of the people’s sin-offering argued the sins of the people* 
 in some sort, laid upon the priests, to be taken away by them 
 Which being done, they had reason to rejoice also in a feast 
 upon this sacrifice, which God had been pleased to accept, 
 for the taking away of the sins of the people. From whence 
 
 t 217 ) 
 
B. C 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 B. C. 1 190 
 
 17 Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin-offer- 
 ing in the holy place, seeing it is most holy, and 
 God hath given it you b to hear the iniquity of the 
 congregation, to make atonement for them before 
 the Lord ? 
 
 18 Behold, c the blood of it was not brought in, 
 within the holy place : ye should indeed have 
 eaten it in the holy place , d as I commanded. 
 
 19 And Aaron said unto Moses, Behold, 'this 
 day have they offered their sin-offering and their 
 burnt-offering before the Lord ; and such things 
 hive befallen me : and if I had eaten the sin-offer- 
 
 b 16:22. 22:16. Ex. 28:38,43. Nnm. 18:1. Is. 53:11. Ez. 4:4— 6. 18:19,20. 
 Heb. 9:28. 1 Pet. 2:24. c 6:30. d6:26. e 9:8,12,15. f I)eut. 12:7. 26:14. 
 
 ing to-day, f should it have been accepted in the 
 sight of the Lord ? 
 
 20 And when Moses heard that, e he tvas con- 
 tent. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 What beasts might be eaten and what might not , 1 — 8 : zehat fishes, 9 — 12 : vW 
 birds , or flying creatures , 13—23. How ritual uncleannese would be contract - 
 ed , by touching the carcasses of unclean animals ; and how it must be clean** 
 ed, 24 — 40. Reptiles not to be eaten , 41 — 43. The reason of these laws, 
 44—47. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, and to 
 Aaron, saying unto them, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, 
 
 1 Sam. 1:7, 8. Hos.9:4. Mai. 2:13. Phil. 4:4. g 2 Cbr. 30:18— 20. Matt. 12:8 
 —7,20. 
 
 the sacrifice of Christ may be explained, who is said to bear 
 our iniquity , (as the priest is here said to do,) all our sins 
 being laid on him; who took upon him to make an expiation 
 for them by the sacrifice of himself. For the priest here, by 
 eating of the sin-offering, receiving the guilt upon himself, 
 may well be thought to prefigure one, who should be both 
 priest and sacrifice for sin: which was accomplished in 
 Christ.’ Dp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 19, 20. Though Eleazar and Ithamar were addressed, 
 Aaron alone replied ; conscious perhaps that the sin-offering 
 had been burnt by his directions, or that he had not been 
 sufficiently careful that it should be rightly disposed of. He 
 acknowledged that, in this respect, the rule had not been 
 Exactly observed : but he intimated that, in other things, his 
 surviving sons had been very attentive to their duty, and had 
 offered the sin-offering and burnt-offering for the people, (for 
 so he seems to mean,) with much circumspection. Indeed, 
 the deviation which had been made, was by no means the effect 
 of a presumptuous disregard to the divine command ; and such 
 things had befallen him, that he could not have eaten the 
 sacred feast with calmness and cheerfulness, though he had 
 submitted to the will of God in the awful dispensation. And, 
 as his mind was agitated with various conflicting passions, 
 and depressed with a sense of his unworthiness ; he could not 
 suppose that his service would have been acceptable, if he 
 had attempted it. — With this excuse Moses was satisfied ; 
 being sensible that Aaron had borne his alfliction in a proper 
 manner ; that he could not possibly with cheerfulness have 
 eaten the holy things; and that he intended to do right in 
 burning them. It seems also, that the Lord approved of this 
 determination. 
 
 Their sin-offering. Sic. (19) The priests had, on the same 
 day 44 offered their sin-offering, and their burnt-offering,” 
 which were burnt ; and through inadvertency, they had dis- 
 posed of the sin-offering of the people in the same manner. 
 This may be the meaning ; and then the sin-offering of the 
 eople was not burned intentionally , by Aaron’s direction, but 
 y the mistake of his sons. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. With what solemn attention should we hear 
 these words of the great and terrible Lord God, 44 1 will be 
 sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the 
 people I will be glorified !” Contemplating with holy awe his 
 majesty, purity, and avenging justice, we may well exclaim, 
 44 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy 
 judgments.” Nay, even the discoveries of his boundless 
 mercy, as revealed in the gospel, and of the way in which 
 that mercy is exercised, are suited to form our spirits to 
 humble reverence united with filial confidence. — Alas ! when 
 we consider from what motives, and in what manner, great 
 numbers of those who are called the 44 priests of the Lord,” 
 draw nigh to him in their sacred services ; and what effects 
 their spirit, conduct, and ministrations, are suited to produce 
 on the people ; we cannot but wonder, that examples of seve- 
 rity, like that before us, are not frequently made. But assu- 
 redly, unless repentance intervene, the Lord will, before the 
 assembled world, 44 be glorified” in the dreadful punishment of 
 those who have thus openly dishonoured him, and who have led 
 others also to despise his ordinances or revile his truth. — It 
 behooves us, however, to beware, not only of profaneness, or 
 gross irreverence in this sacred work, but likewise of strange 
 fire. Great earnestness and fervency may be shown, when 
 we are actuated by no better motives than an eager desire 
 of distinguishing ourselves, of acquiring honour or advan- 
 tage, or of promoting the credit and success of the party to 
 which we are attached. Our zeal may result from enthu- 
 siasm and unscriptural confidence ; it may be exercised with 
 bitterness and malevolence ; it may excite us to call for fire 
 from heaven on our opponents, or to kindle the flames of per- 
 secution on earth ; and in various ways it may be no other 
 than the heat and vehemence of selfish passions. This is 
 strange fire, not k indled at the altar of burnt-offering, not the 
 fruit, of the Spirit of Christ, not a heavenly fervour of love to 
 God and man, inducing humble, earnest, affectionate, and 
 patient endeavours, by warranted means alone, to promote 
 the cause of religion in the world, and especially among those 
 with whom we are immediately connected. But. not minis- 
 ters alone are concerned : all who profess to worship God, 
 44 draw nigh to him .and if their lives do not honour him, he 
 vill at length glorify himself in their awful destruction. — We 
 need not, however, go further than ourselves : for when we 
 ( 218 ) 
 
 duly consider the holiness of our heart-searching Judge, and 
 the adorations of the heavenly host, and then reflect on our 
 •prayers and praises ; we must be ready to say, “Wo is me, 
 I am undone ! because I am a man of unclean lips, and i 
 dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips ; for mine eyes 
 have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts !” Is. 6:5. And 
 nothing but the sense of pardoning love through the atonement 
 of Christ, his gracious promises, and the consolations of the 
 Holy Spirit, can embolden us in attempting to serve and wor- 
 ship our Holy God. Yet, even thus encouraged, we should 
 look diligently to ourselves and to our rule, that we may 
 approach him in the appointed manner, and in a recollected, 
 humble spirit; fearing the rebukes with which he chastens 
 his own people, even though delivered from the dread of the 
 everlasting punishment reserved ^for his enemies. — Honours 
 and distinctions are dangerous, because they tend to excite 
 and invigorate the pride and ambition of our hearts ; we 
 should therefore be peculiarly watchful over ourselves, and 
 earnest in prayer to be kept humble, when the Lord is oleased 
 to employ us in any useful and reputable service, or in any 
 way to advance us above our brethren. And as all, who 
 would serve God, must 44 take heed, that their hearts be not 
 overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness ;” so the minis- 
 ters of religion especially should keep at the greatest distance 
 from this hateful vice. Above all other men they need clear 
 heads and sound judgments, as well as upright hearts ; not 
 only that 44 they themselves die not,” but that they may ‘‘put 
 a difference between holy and unholy,” 44 and leach the people 
 all that the Lord hath spoken.” They are peculiarly re- 
 quired to watch and be sober, that they may rise superior 
 even to their natural affections, that they may be able to 
 govern every passion, and be examples to others of that 
 supreme love of God, which subordinates all other regards : 
 for the important work of their ministry must not be inter- 
 rupted, lest wrath come upon the people also. Indeed, we 
 all should learn to mourn and rejoice, as though we mourned 
 and rejoiced not ; for we may be assured, that all our com- 
 forts must be counterbalanced with trials, and all our honours 
 with “some thorn in the flesh, lest we should be exalted 
 above measure.” But the remembrance of former sins may 
 well stop our mouths, and produce silent submission under 
 our bitterest sorrows : 44 for it is of the Lord’s mercy we are 
 not consumed ;” and we have still many unmerited comforts 
 remaining, and encouraging prospects before us. However 
 great our inward anguish may be, we should learn to suppress 
 the rising murmur, to 44 keep our mouth as with a bridle,” 
 and be careful that we do not reflect upon God. If we thus 
 profit by these examples of his severity, we shall have “ a wit- 
 ness in ourselves” of the wisdom and goodness of God, in this 
 part of his dealings with mankind. 
 
 V. 12 — 20. Though our improper attendance on religious 
 ordinances may expose us to wrath, yet we must not neglect 
 them. Some indeed, by unworthily receiving the Lord’s 
 supper, ‘have provoked the Lord to plague them with divers 
 diseases, and with sundry kinds of death ;’ yet others should 
 not, on that account, 4 neglect this bounden duty and service ;* 
 on the contrary, 44 let a man examine himself, and so let him 
 eat of that bread, artd drink of that cup.” Nor need an humble 
 communicant, who comes, 4 not trusting in his own righteous- 
 ness, hut in the Lord’s mercy,’ be discouraged ; for he knows 
 how to distinguish between presumptuous rashness or con- 
 temptuous disobedience, and the involuntary infirmities or 
 unallowed mistakes of the conscientious. After the example 
 of Christ also, his ministers, while taking heed that all is done 
 in the prescribed manner, noticing whatever is amiss, and on 
 some occasions expressing a holy indignation, and rebuking 
 with all authority ; must be cautious not to confound inad- 
 vertencies with intended disobedience, or to grieve those 
 whom the Lord has wounded : they must rather make allow- 
 ances, and accept of excuses ; and 44 restore those who have 
 been overtaken in a fault, in the spirit of meekness, consider- 
 ing themselves, lest they also bo tempted.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1. Aaron was at this time 
 fully established in the high priesthood, and these laws related 
 to such things as fell especially under the cognizance i n.m 
 and his sons ; he was therefore addressed along win Moses 
 on this occasion. 
 
 V. 2. The Creator pronounced all his works separately 
 good . and altogether, when finished, very good : (Note, Gen. 
 1:31.) yet the distinction between clean and unclean animals 
 was known even before the flood ; though probably it onij 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. B C 1490, 
 
 •These are the beasts which ye shall eat, among 
 all the beasts that are on the earth. 
 
 3 Whatsoever b parteth the hoof, and is cloven- 
 footed, and C cheweth the cud among the beasts, 
 that shall ye eat. 
 
 4 Nevertheless, these shall ye not eat, of them 
 that chew the cud, or of them that divide the 
 hoof: ns the camel, because he cheweth the cud, 
 but divideth not the hoof ; he is unclean unto 
 you. 
 
 5 Ann d the coney, because he cheweth the cud, 
 
 but. divideth not the hoof: he is unclean unto 
 you. « 
 
 6 And the fhare, because he cheweth the cud, 
 but divideth not the hoof: he is unclean unto 
 you. 
 
 7 And the eswine, though he divideth the hoof, 
 and be cloven-footed; yet he cheweth not the 
 cud : he is unclean to you. 
 
 8 Of their tlesh ye shall not eat, and their 
 carcass ye shall not touch : h they are unclean to 
 you. 
 
 9 H These shall ye eat, of all that are in the 
 waters : ‘whatsoever hath fins and scales in the 
 waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall 
 ye eat. 
 
 10 And all that have not fins nor scales in the 
 seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the 
 waters, and of any living thing, which is in the 
 waters; ithey shall be an abomination unto 
 you. 
 
 11 They shall be even an abomination unto 
 
 ou : ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall 
 
 ave their carcasses in abomination. 
 
 12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the 
 waters, that shall be an abomination unto you. 
 
 13 'll And these are they which ye shall have in 
 abomination among the fowls, they shall not be 
 
 a Deut. 14:3— 8. Ez.4:l4. Dan. 1:8. Mall. 15:11. Mark 7:15— 19. Rom. 14:2,3, 
 14,15. 1 Tim. 4:1 — 6. Heb. 13:S. bPs.l:l. Prov. 9:6. 2 Cor. 6: 17. c Deut. 6:6,7. 
 Ps. 1:2. Prov. 2:1,2,10. Acts 17:11. 1 Tim. 4:15. d'Ps. 104:18. Prov. 30.26. 
 e Job 36:14. Matt. 7:26. Rom. 2:18— 24. Phil. 3:18,19. 2 Tim. 3:5. Tit. 1:16. 
 f Rev. 21:8. g Is. 65:4. 66:3,17. Matt. 7:6. Luke 8:33. 15:15. 2 Pel. 2:18— 22. 
 a 5 .2. Is. 52:11. Hos. 9:3. Mark 7:2,15,18. Acts 1U:11— 15,23. 15:2 J. Rom. 14: 
 14—17,21. I Cor. 8:8. 2 Cor. 6:17. Col. 2:16,21—23. Heb. 9:10. i Deut. 14:9, 
 10. j 7:18. Dent. 14:3. Ps. 139:21,22. Prov. 13:20 . 29:27. Rev. 21-8. k Deut. 
 
 related to sacrifices. But at this time, very particular laws 
 were enacted respecting the people’s diet, and the ceremonial 
 uncleanness contracted by touching' the carcasses of unclean 
 animals. These laws seem to have been enacted, in the first 
 place, as a test of obedience, like the prohibition to Adam of 
 the tree of knowledge and to teach the Israelites habits 
 of self-denial, and the government of their appetites. Secondly, 
 to keep them distinct from other nations, both by throwing 
 hinderances in the way of their social intercourse with them, 
 and by establishing the distinction between clean and unclean, 
 which was applicable to persons as well as things : when 
 therefore this distinction was no longer to be observed, Peter 
 was instructed by a vision, which had relation to the distinc- 
 tion of meats, “ not to call any man common or unclean.” 
 (iVbfe, Acts 10:9 — 1G.) Many also of these forbidden ani- 
 mals were occasions of superstition and idolatry to the 
 Jleathen. Thirdly, to teach them to make distinctions be- 
 tween holy and unholy, in the choice of companions, and in 
 forming intimate connexiens. And fourthly, the propensities 
 of these animals taught them what manner of persons they 
 ought to be : for if the pure, useful, gentle, patient nature of 
 the animals appointed for sacrifice, was emblematical of the 
 Saviour’s character, it is obvious to conclude, that the exclu- 
 sive prescription of some animals for the diet of the Lord’s 
 people was also significant. Some have even thought that 
 the allowance of the slaughter of innocent animals , for the 
 food of sinful man , forms a continued type of the purchase 
 and application of the salvation of Christ, and of our trans- 
 formation into his image, while we spiritually “ eat his flesh 
 and drink his blood.” 
 
 V. 3 — 8. “ Parting the hoof” may denote separation from 
 sin and the world, and distinguishing between truth and error, 
 good and evil ; while “ chewing the cud” aptly represents 
 serious, pleasant, habitual meditation upon the truths and 
 Tecepts of the word of God, in order to a holy conversation, 
 /“hese are united in the experience and character of the true 
 Christian ; but hypocrites show that they do neither in sin- 
 .erity, by evidently attempting to separate between profession 
 tnd practice ; and therefore they are as unclean as the avowed 
 infidel or profligate. — The fox, the dog, the lion, the wolf, and 
 ndeed animals in general which are carnivorous, neither chew 
 ihe cud nor divide the hoof; other animals do only the one, 
 find wete therefore unclean. The former are apt emblems 
 if 'he c-afty, the covetous, the cruel, and the fierce; many 
 th. •> l.i .ter, of the lewd, the sensual, and the carnally minded ; 
 
 eaten ; they are an abomination : k the eagle, an i 
 the ossifrage, and the ospray, 
 
 14 And the vulture, and the kite, after nis kind : 
 
 15 Every ‘raven after his kind: 
 
 16 And "’the owl, and the night-hawk, and the 
 cuckoo, and the hawk, after his kind, 
 
 17 And the little owl, and the cormorant, and 
 the great owl, 
 
 18 And the swan, and the pelican, and the gier 
 eagle, 
 
 19 And the stork, the heron after her kind, and 
 the lapwing, and the bat. 
 
 20 All fowls that "creep, going upon all four 
 shall be an abomination unto you. 
 
 21 Yet these may ye eat of every flying creep- 
 ing thing that goeth upon all four, which have 
 legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the 
 earth : 
 
 22 Even these of them ye may eat : “the locust 
 after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, 
 and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper 
 after his kind. 
 
 23 But all other flying creeping things, whici 
 have four feet, sliallbe an abomination unto you. 
 
 24 And for these ye shall he unclean : whoso- 
 ever I’toucheth the carcass of them shall be un- 
 clean until the even. 
 
 25 And whosoever beareth aught of the carcass 
 of them shall swash his clothes, and be unclean 
 until the even. 
 
 26 The carcasses of every beast which divideth 
 the hoof, and is not cloven-footed, nor cheweth 
 the cud, are unclean unto you : every one that 
 toucheth them shall be unclean. 
 
 27 And whatsoever goeth upon his paws, 
 among all manner of beasts, that, go on all four, 
 those are unclean unto you : whoso toucheth their 
 carcass shall be unclean until the even. 
 
 14:12— 20. Job 39:27— 30. Jer. 4:13. 43:40. Lam. 4:19. Hab. 1:8. Man. 21:28. 
 Rom. 3:13— 17. 1 Gen. 8:7. 1 King3 17:4,6. Prov . 3U : 1 7. I. like 12:24. m Pa. 
 102:6. Is. 13:21.22. 34:11—15. John 3:19— 21. Bull. 4:18,19. 5.7—11. 1 ’Hies. 5: 
 5—7. Rev. 18:2. nMalt.6:24. 1 hil. 3: 18,19. 1 John 2:15— 17. Jude 10,19. 
 
 o Matt. 3:4. Mark 1:6. p 27,31. 1 Cor. 15:33. 2 Cor. 6:17. Eph. 2:1— 3. 6:11. 
 Heb. 9:26. q 28:40. 14.8. 15:5. 16:28. Ex. 19:10,14. Num. 19:8,10,19,21. 31: 
 24. Zed:. 13:1. Joint 13:8. Acts 22:16. IIcb.9:10. Rev. 7:14. 
 
 whilst the sheep and ox, and other animals which unite the 
 two, aptly teach us what we ought to be, and with whom we 
 should associate. The foot of the camel is divided on the 
 upper part of it, but it is strongly joined beneath ; so that he 
 does not “part the hoof.” It is doubled whether the words 
 rendered coney and hare , be properly translated ; because it 
 is not known that these animals chew the cud. They were, 
 however, unclean. The swine is the emblem of filthiness ; 
 but it is marked as unclean on the same ground as the other 
 animals. It is probable, that the peculiar aversion of the 
 Jews to the swine, arose from those animals being commonly 
 sacrificed in the worship of idolaters. Some think that the 
 flesh of the unclean animals was prohibited as unwholesome ; 
 yet the flesh of hares and rabbits seems to be as wholesome 
 as that of sheep and goats. — The Israelites were not only 
 forbidden to eat the flesh of the unclean beasts, but they must 
 not touch their dead bodies : and consequently the use of their 
 skins, and even of their fat, was interdicted. 
 
 V.9 — 12. Frogs, amphibious creatures, sea-monsters, 
 eels, and several species of fishes, were thus prohibited as 
 an abomination ; but the emblem is very obscure : some of 
 them may re,» -esent such persons as attempt to reconcile in 
 their conduct t.ie service of God and mammon. 
 
 V. 13 — 20. H^re the critics find abundance of work; and 
 if this law were m.-' in force, it would be necessary to decide 
 upon the meaning t. f the original words, many of which are 
 used in no other pa of Scripture, except in the parallel 
 passage in Deutero.^oi (Deut. 14:11 — 20.) Many of the 
 
 unclean birds are horce and ravenous ; others feed very 
 grossly ; several instinctively love darkness and desolate 
 places ; and few of them are generally eaten at present 
 The harmless, loving dove, and such as were of a cleanly 
 nature, were allowed for food ; and the emblem is easily 
 applied. 
 
 V. 21, 22. The several species of locusts, here excepted 
 from the general prohibition, (for the words rendered beetle 
 and grasshopper , are supposed to mean different kinds of 
 locusts,) have, besides four feet on which to walk or crawl 
 on the earth, two longer legs on which they leap. Locusts 
 have been eaten by many nations, and are at this da}'. — 
 “ After his kind,” means all of this kind. 
 
 V. 26, 27. Not only those beasts which have single hoofs, 
 as horses and asses, were unclean, but such likewise as 
 divided the feet into paws, or more than two pa. is, as 1’cos, 
 tigers, and many other beasts. 
 
 ( *219 ) 
 
P. C. 1491). 
 
 LEVITICUS, 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 28 And lie that beareth the carcass of them 
 shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until the 
 even : they are unclean unto you. 
 
 29 "il These also shall he unclean unto you 
 among the 'creeping things that creep upon the 
 earth ; the weasel, and 'the mouse, and the 
 tortoise after his kind, 
 
 30 And the ferret, and the chameleon, and the 
 izard, and the snail, and the mole. 
 
 31 These are unclean to you among all that 
 creep : whosoever doth touch them, when they be 
 dead, shall be unclean until the even. 
 
 32 And upon whatsoever any of them, when 
 they are dead, doth fall, it shall be unclean; 
 whether it be any vessel of wood, or raiment, or 
 skin, or sack, whatsoever vessel it be, wherein any 
 work is done, ‘it must be put into water, and it 
 shall be unclean until the even ; so it shall be 
 cleansed. 
 
 33 And every earthen vessel whereinto any of 
 them falleth, whatsoever is in it shall be unclean ; 
 and u ye shall break it. 
 
 34 Of all meat which may be eaten, that on 
 which such water cometh, shall be unclean : and 
 all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel, 
 shall be unclean. 
 
 35 And every thing whereupon any part of 
 their carcass falleth, shall be unclean ; whether it 
 be oven, or ranges for pots, they shall be broken 
 down : for they are unclean, and shall be unclean 
 unto you. 
 
 36 Nevertheless, a fountain or pit, ‘wherein 
 there is plenty of water, shall be clean : but that 
 which toucheth their carcass shall be unclean. 
 
 37 And if any part of their carcass fall upon 
 any “sowing-seed which is to be sown ; it shall be 
 clean. 
 
 r Ps. 10:3. 17:14. Hah. 2.6. Luke 12:15. 10:14. Col;3:5. 2Tim.3:2— 5. sis. 
 66:17. t 6:28. 15:12. Tit. 2:14. 3:5. 1 John 1:7. u 14:45. 2 Cor. 5.1— 8. Phil. 
 3:21. * Heb. a gathering together of waters, x 1 Cor. 15:37. y 15.5,7. Num. 
 19:11. z See 6n 25. 17:15. 22:8. Deut. 14:21. Is. 1:16. Ez. 4:14. 36:25. 44:31. 
 Zech. 13:1. 1 Cor. 6:11. 1 John 1:7. a Gen. 3:14,15. Is.65:25. Mic. 7:17. Malt. 
 
 V. 31 — 33. When they be dead. (31) The unclean animals 
 did not render a person unclean, who touched them when 
 alive ; for many of them were beasts of burden, as the horse, 
 ass, and camel. Yet, even with this limitation, the law 
 would be to us extremely burdensome : for instance, a dead 
 mouse, cat, weasel, or squirrel, falling upon earthen vessels, 
 ovens, or rangers, would render it necessary to destroy them : 
 and even When vermin or reptiles were killed, the removal of 
 their carcasses, or those of any animal that died of itself, 
 would occasion pollution. (32 — 35.) This indeed was only 
 ceremonial ; yet, it would often exclude persons from public 
 ordinances and society ; and much circumspection, in pro- 
 perly purifying themselves and their furniture, would be 
 requisite, and a constant circumspection to avoid contracting 
 defilement. This evidently represented the necessity of the 
 44 sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience the daily pursuit 
 of true holiness, in the exercise of 44 repentance towards God, 
 and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ ;” and habitual watch- 
 fulness and self-examination. 
 
 V. 34 — 38. If water, from any vessel thus rendered un- 
 clean, fell on such food as was before clean, this must not 
 afterwards be eaten ; nor must water be drunk from such a 
 vessel. But water in a well or pit, into which any carcass 
 had fallen, was not unclean ; but, when afterwards brought 
 or drawn from it, might be used. — This exception seemed 
 necessary, in order that water for the various ablutions might 
 be procured. — Corn for food, if the carcass of any creature 
 fell into it, must not be used till washed and cleansed: but 
 this was not needful in seed-corn, except it Was steeped in 
 water ; and then it must be washed in other water. 
 
 V. 39, 40. The carcasses of unclean animals, in whatever 
 way they died or were killed, rendered those unclean who 
 touched them; but the carcasses of the clean animals did not 
 pollute, except when they died in any way by which (he blood 
 was not separated from them. In this case, if anyone inad- 
 vertently ate of them, he contracted uncleanness, and needed 
 t/ie appointed cleansing. 
 
 V. 41 — 45. The serpent, by which the devil tempted Eve, 
 was condemned to move on his belly, and to eat dust ; and 
 deceivers, liars, slanderers, and murderers, of every descrip- 
 tion, with all who hate God and diffuse the poison of impiety 
 among men, are in Scripture called the seed of the serpent, 
 and the children of the devil. (Note, Gen. 3:14,15.) Other 
 reptiles aptly represent the earthly minded and sensual ; and 
 probably this was the implied instruction of the prohibition. 
 The word abomination denotes an union of hatred and terror. 
 The frequent use of this word concerning these animals, 
 would have a great tendency to render the Israelites peeu- 
 narly circumspect in keeping aloof fVom them ; and shows 
 
 i 220 ) 
 
 38 But if any water be put upon the seed, and 
 any part of their carcass fall thereon ; it shall be 
 unclean unto you. 
 
 39 And if any beast, of which ye may eat, die ; 
 he that ^toucheth the carcass thereof shall be un- 
 clean until the even. 
 
 40 And he that 'eateth of the carcass of it, shall 
 wash his clothes, and be unclean until the even : 
 he also that beareth the carcass of it shall wash 
 his clothes, and be unclean until the even. 
 
 1 H And every creeping thing that creepeth 
 upon the earth shall be an abomination : it shall 
 Hot be eaten. 
 
 42 Whatsoever “goeth upon the belly, and what 
 soever goeth upon all four, or whatsoever T hath 
 more feet among all creeping things that creep 
 upon the earth ; them ye shall not eat, for they 
 are an abomination. 
 
 43 Ye b shall not make ty ourselves abominable 
 with any creeping thing that creepeth, neither 
 shall ye make yourselves unclean with them, that 
 ye should be defiled thereby. 
 
 44 For C I am the Lord your God: ye shall 
 therefore sanctify yourselves and d ye shall be holy; 
 for I am holy : neither shall ye defile yourselves 
 with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth 
 upon the earth. 
 
 45 For I am the Lord "that bringeth you up 
 out of the land of Egypt, to be your God : ye 
 shall therefore f be holy ; for I am holy. 
 
 46 This is sthe law of the beasts, and of the 
 fowl, and of every living creature that moveth in 
 the waters, and of every creature that creepeth 
 upon the earth : 
 
 47 To h make a difference between the unclean 
 and the clean, and between the beast that may be 
 eaten and the beast that may not be eaten. 
 
 3:7. 23:33. John 8:44. 2 Cor. 11:3,13. Tit. 1:12. 1 Heb. dol/t mulliply Jeet. 
 b 41,42. 20:25. } Heb .; your souls, c See on Ex. 20:2. <110:3.19:2. 20:7,26. 
 Ex. 19:6. Deut. 14:2. 1 Sara. 6.20. Ps. 99:5,9. Is. 6:3— 5. Am. 3:3. Matt. 5:48. 
 1 Pet. 1:15,16. 2:9. e Ps. 105:43 — 45. f Se. on 44. 1 Thes. 4:7. g 7:37. 14:54. 
 15:32. Ez. 43:12. h 10:10. Ez. 44:23. Mai. 3:18. Rom. 14:2,3,13-23. 
 
 how we should abhor and dread the contagion of wicked 
 companions, and the poison of false doctrines. — The argument 
 deduced from the holiness of Jehovah, who redeemed Israel 
 from Egypt, and separated them from other nations, to enforce 
 their diligent attention to these rules concerning external 
 purity, proves much more conclusively, that his redeemed 
 worshippers should be 44 holy in all manner of conversation.” 
 (Note, 1 Pet. 1:13 — 1C.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Whilst we enjoy our Christian liberty, as exempted from 
 burdensome observances, and are allowed the use of so many 
 kinds of wholesome and palatable food, from which Israel 
 was restricted, let us not forget to be thankful, and to serve 
 God with joyfulness of heart, that we are indulged in this 
 abundance of all things : and let us be careful not to use our 
 44 liberty as an occasion to the flesh.” Even at this day, “to 
 the unbelieving all things arc unclean ; yea, to all except 
 those who receive them with thanksgiving, and to whom they 
 are sanctified by the word of God and prayer: and such will 
 not be slaves to their appetites; but both in the quality and 
 quantity of what they eat and drink, will consider what fits 
 them for God’s service ; and what suits their circumstances, 
 and consists with temperance, justice, and charity, that they 
 may do all to his glory. — The Lord hath redeemed and called 
 his people, that they may be holy even as he is holy : we 
 should therefore come out, and be separate from the world ; 
 we must renounce the company of the ungodly, and all inti- 
 mate and needless connexions, with those who are dead in 
 sin ; we should be 44 a peculiar people zealous of good works ;” 
 44 followers of God as dear children ;” devoted to him, con- 
 formed to the image of his Son, and associating with his 
 people : and, if we would not commit wickedness, we must 
 watch and pray against temptation. — Let us also remember, 
 that in this sinful world we are contracting, not ceremonial , 
 but moral pollution every day ; and except we are con- 
 tinually washing 44 in the Fountain opened for sin and for 
 uncleanness,” we can have no fellowship with a holy God on 
 earth, or admission into a holy heaven : and that this will be 
 the case till the evening of death, when all who have been 
 thus washed shall be clean for ever; but they that are found 
 “filthy shall be filthy still,” even to eternity. We should 
 therefore spare no pains, nor grudge any expense or self- 
 denial, which we may he called to in the pursuit of holiness ; 
 we should walk very circumspectly, frequently employ our- 
 selves in self-examination, and be far more careful to discover, 
 and to avoid or wash ivway, the pollution of sin. than the 
 Israelite would he about his ceremonial uncleanness ; waiting 
 with glad expectation our dismission from this sin! »l world. 
 For though death, being the wages of sin, is in itself pollu 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 /HAPTER XII. 
 
 The lato of a toonAtn's uncleanness by childbirth, 1 — 5. Her subsequent puri- 
 fication, 6 — 8. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, 
 •If a woman have conceived seed, and borne a 
 man-child: then she shall be unclean seven days; 
 J’according to the days of the separation for her 
 infirmity she shall be unclean. 
 
 3 And in the c eighth day, the flesh of his fore- 
 skin shall be circumcised. 
 
 4 And she shall then continue 'fin the blood of 
 her purifying three and thirty days : she shall 
 touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanc- 
 tuary, until the days ot her purifying be fulfilled. 
 
 5 But if she bear a 'maid-child, then she shall 
 be unclean two weeks, as in her separation ; and 
 she shall continue in the blood of her purifying 
 threescore and six days. 
 
 6 If And when the days of her purifying are 
 fulfilled, for a son or for a daughter : she shall 
 bring f a lamb "of the first year for a burnt-offering, 
 and a young pigeon or a turtle-dove for a sin- 
 offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the 
 congregation unto the priest ; 
 
 7 Who shall offer it before the Lord, and smake 
 an atonement for her, and she shall h be cleansed 
 
 from the issue of her blood. This is the law for 
 her that hath borne 'a male or a female. 
 
 8 And if f she be not k able to bring a lamb, then 
 she shall bring two turtles, or two young pigeons: 
 the one for the burnt-offering, and the other for a 
 sin-offering : and the priest shall ‘make an atone- 
 ment for her, and she shall be clean. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Rules for distinguishing the plague of leprosy , 1 — 44. The conduct prescribed 
 to lepers , 45, 46. The leprosy in garments, 47—59. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, 
 saying, 
 
 2 When a man shall have in the skin of his 
 flesh, a "rising, “a scab, or bright spot, and it be 
 in the skin of his flesh like b the plague of leprosy ; 
 then c he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or 
 unto one of his sons the priests. 
 
 3 And the priest d shall look on the plague in 
 the skin of the flesh : and when the hair in the 
 plague is turned white, and the plague in sight 
 be 'deeper than the skin of his flesh ; it is a plague 
 of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him and 
 f pronounce him unclean. 
 
 4 If the bright spot be white in the skin of his 
 flesh, and in sight be not deeper than the skin, and 
 the hair thereof be not turned white ; then the priest 
 shall sshut up him that hath the plague seven days. 
 
 I Gen. 1:28. 3:16. Job 14:4. 15:14. Ps.51:5. Rom. 5:12 — 19. b 15:19. cGen. 
 11:12. Luke 1:59. 2:21. John 7:22,23. Rom. 4:11,12. Gal. 3:17. Phil. 3:5. Col. 
 2:11. d 15:25 — 28. eCen.3:13. 1 Tim. 2:14,15. f 1:10. 5:5-10. John 1:29. 
 1 Pel. 1:18,19. * Heb. a son of his year, g See on 1:4.4:20,26,31. Job 1:5. 
 
 h 15:28 — 30. i Gal. 3:28. | Heb. her hand find not sufficiency of a lamb, k 5: 
 7. Luke 2:22,24. 2 Cor. 8:9. 1 4:26. * Or, swelling, a 14:56. Deut. 28:27. Is. 
 
 tion, and issues in corruption, yet to the believer its sting is 
 not only removed, but its uncleanness is destroyed ; and, as 
 a desirable messenger, it conveys him home to his Father’s 
 holy and blissful habitation. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XII. V. 2—5. For one week the 
 mother of a male child, and for a fortnight the mother of a 
 female, was ceremonially unclean herself, and rendered all 
 who touched her unclean : during the remainder of the terms 
 here prescribed, the mother was secluded from sacred ordi- 
 nances, but communicated no pollution to others. — The time 
 appointed for the female child was double; for by that sex 
 sin first entered : but in Christ this stigma is removed. When 
 the seven days were expired, and the touch of the mother no 
 longer caused pollution, .the male child was to be circumcised. 
 This was enjoined to Abraham, as the seal of the covenant 
 made with him; {Notes, Gen. 17: Rom. 4:9 — 17.) and it was 
 also incorporated with the law, as distinguishing the worship- 
 pers of Jehovah from idolaters. 
 
 V. 6, 7. The sacrifices, appointed on this occasion, were 
 not peace-offerings, as expressing gratitude and joy, which 
 might have been expected : but a burnt-offering, implying a 
 solemn dedication of both mother and infant unto God ; and 
 a sin-offering to make atonement, and to bring sin to remem- 
 brance, that it might be repented of and expiated. 
 
 V. 8. Here again the case of the poor is specially pro- 
 vided for. (Notes, Luke 2:21 — 24.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 What could the infinitely wise God intend by all these in- 
 Ititutions, but to bring a charge of guilt and pollution against 
 the whole species, as born of Adam’s fallen race ? Doubt- 
 less this charge is well grounded : and the Lord, knowing how 
 prone men are to deny or forget their real character and situ- 
 ation, thus purposed to hold up the memorial of them conti- 
 nually before their eyes ; and “ by line upon line, and precept 
 upon precept,” to teach them this salutary lesson ; that man, 
 from his conception in the womb to his grave, is an unclean 
 creature ; that he contracts guilt, through this defilement, even 
 in the most lawful and necessary actions ; and that he pro- 
 pagates the same depraved nature to his offspring : insomuch 
 that, except as the atonement of Christ and the sanctification 
 of the Spirit prevent, the original blessing, “increase and 
 multiply,” is become to the fallen race a dire curse, and the 
 communication of sin and misery : for “ who can bring a clean 
 thing out of an unclean ? Not one.” This should teach us 
 habitual humiliation before God, and to rejoice in our domes- 
 tic comforts with trembling; to walk watchfully; to search 
 out the evil that cleaves to our ordinary actions ; and to give 
 diligence that we may secure the salvation of the gospel. — 
 As we are so unworthy of every good, we have the greater 
 reasori to be thankful for all our mercies, and to unite the 
 exercise of repentance and faith, with all our sacrifices of 
 praise And thanksgiving. — When those women, who profess 
 godliness,, have been preserved in childbirth ; though ex- 
 empted from these burdensome ceremonies, they should deem 
 themselves doubly bound to take the earliest opportunity of 
 rendering public unfeigned thanks to God for such a mercy : 
 they should acknowledge the justice of God in all the pains 
 and perils which through sin have come upon the sex: and 
 join all with penitent confessions of guilt, renewed application 
 to the blood of Christ for forgiveness, and dedication of them- 
 
 3:17. b 14:3,35. Ex. 4:6,7. Num. 12:10,12. 2Sarr,.3:29. 2 Kings 5:1,27. 2Chr. 
 26:19—21. Is. 1:6. c Deut. 17:8,9. 24:8. Matt. 8:4. Mark 1:44. Luke6:H. 17: 
 14. d 2. 10:10. Ez. 44:23. Hag.2:ll. Mai. 2:7. e 2 Tim. 2:16,17. 3:13. 
 f Matt. 16:19. 18:17,18. John 20:23. 1 Cor. 5:4— 6. 2 Thes. 3:14,15. 1 Tim. 
 1:20. gDeut. 13:14. 1 Tim. 5:24. 
 
 selves unto God through him. And whilst these sacrifices of 
 praise, for mercies in some sense common to both parents, 
 are offered with united hearts by both ; conscious that their 
 infant offspring hath from them derived a depraved nature, 
 and is come into an evil world, how proper it is that with 
 harmonious consent they devote their child unto the Lord ; 
 and take comfort from the assurance, that the “ covenant is 
 made with them, for their good, and the good of their children 
 after them!” for “in Christ Jesus there is neither male nor 
 female.” Finally, let us bless God, that the Saviour “was 
 made of a woman, made under the law, that he might redeem 
 them that were under the law, that we might receive the 
 adopti<M> of sons :” and also that “ for our sakes he became 
 poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich.” 
 (Notes, Gal. 4:4—7. 1 Tim. 2:15.) 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XIII. V. 1, 2. As the law contained 
 in the preceding chapter, was easily understood and applied, 
 it was addressed to Moses only ; but as that contained in this 
 chapter and the next, involved many difficulties, of which the 
 priests were the appointed judges, it was given to Aaron 
 likewise. — Whatever diseases, in some respects like that 
 here described, had been known in other nations ; it is evident 
 from the very language used, that this disease was in great 
 measure peculiar to Israel. — It is called “ the plague of le- 
 prosy,” which implies that it was generally, if not always, in- 
 flicted by the immediate judgment of God. Indeed, this must 
 be evident from a careful consideration of the scriptures 
 referred to in the margin. No remedy is any where men- 
 tioned : nay, it is implied in the answer of the king of Israel 
 respecting the leprosy of Naaman, that it could not be cured 
 but by the immediate power of God. (2 Kings 5:7.) When 
 any one supposed that he was visited with this disorder, or it 
 was suspected by those about him ; he was not directed to con- 
 sult a physician, but to apply to the priests: great care was 
 required, and many particular rules given, in order to distin- 
 guish it from other maladies ; and when it was removed, the 
 diseased person is more frequently said to be cleansed, than 
 healed. — It does not appear to have been infectious, as many 
 suppose ; but, as ceremonial pollution was communicated to 
 all who touched the leper, he was excluded from the society 
 of the people, as well as from the courts of the Lord: and 
 when the leprosy was cleansed, he was not readmitted, till 
 after divers sacrifices and purifications.— All this seems to 
 represent the state of a sinner, whose heart is entirely un- 
 sanctified, and in whom sin has dominion : whatever his pro- 
 fession may be, he has yet no benefit from the great Sacrifice 
 for sin, nor is he meet for communion with God, or his peo; le 
 on earth, much less in heaven, unless he be cleansed : and as 
 we proceed, we shall perceive many other things admitting of 
 an apt accommodation. — A few hints, however, must suffice 
 on this intricate, and to us not very interesting subject. Yet 
 we must suppose that the all-wise Legislator had some impor- 
 tant meaning in these institutions; and therefore we should 
 not blame the sober attempts of those, who modestly point 
 out what seems to them to have been intended. Indeed, the 
 scriptures referred to in the margin generally give the best 
 intimations on the subject. 
 
 V. 3 — 8. The hair turned white, in the diseased part, may 
 denote the case of those who grow hoary in sin, and yet go 
 on in it ; and the plague apparently deeper than the skin, bg 
 
 ( 221 ) 
 
B. L. J490. LEVITICUS. B. C. 1490. 
 
 5 Aqd the priest shall 'look on him the seventh 
 day: and, behold, if the plague in his sight be at 
 a stay, and the plague spread not in the skin; 
 then the priest shall shut him up seven days 
 more. 
 
 6 And the priest shall look on him aarain the 
 seventh day : and, behold, if the plague he some- 
 what dark, and the plague spread not in the skin ; 
 tiie priest shall '“pronounce him clean : it is but “a 
 scab: and he shall '“wash his clothes, and be clean. 
 
 7 But if 'the scab spread much abroad in the 
 skin, after that he hath been seen of the priest for 
 his cleansing ; he shall be seen of the priest again. 
 
 8 And if the priest see, that, behold, the scab 
 spreadeth in the skin ; then the priest shall “"pro- 
 nounce him unclean ; it is a leprosy. 
 
 9 If When the plague of leprosy is in a man, 
 then he shall be brought unto the priest : 
 
 10 And the priest "shall see him: and, behold, 
 if the rising be white in the skin, and it have turn- 
 ed the hair white, and there be "quick raw flesh in 
 the rising ; 
 
 11 It is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, 
 and the priest shall pronounce him unclean, and 
 shall not shut him up : for he is unclean. 
 
 12 And if a leprosy break out abroad in the 
 skin, and the leprosy "cover all the skin of him 
 that hath the plague, from his head even to his 
 foot, wheresoever the priest looketh ; 
 
 13 Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, 
 if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall 
 pronounce him clean that hath the plague : it is all 
 turned white : he is clean. 
 
 14 But when Praw flesh appeareth in him, he 
 shall be unclean. 
 
 15 And the priest shall see the raw flesh, and 
 pronounce him to be unclean: for the raw flesh is 
 unclean : it is a leprosy. 
 
 16 Or if the raw flesh “flurn again, and be 
 changed into white ; he shall come unto the priest : 
 
 17 And the priest shall see him ; and, behold, 
 if the plague be turned into white ; then the priest 
 shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague : 
 he is clean. 
 
 18 If The flesh also, in which, even in the skin 
 thereof, was r a boil and is healed, 
 
 19 And in the place of the boil there be a white 
 rising, or a bright spot white, and somewhat red- 
 dish, and it be showed to the priest : 
 
 20 And if, when the priest seeth it, behold, it 
 be B in sight lower than the skin, and the hair there- 
 of be turned white ; the priest shall pronounce 
 him unclean : it is a plague of leprosy broken out 
 of the boil. 
 
 h Is. 11:3, 4. 42:3. Rom. 14:1 . Judrt 22,23. i 2. Deut. 32:5. Jam. 3:2. It 11:25.28,40. 
 14:8. Ps. 19:12. Pra».20:9. Jolm 13:8—10. 2 Cor. 7:1. Hob. 9:10. 10:22. 1 John 
 1:7-9. 127,35,36. Ps. 38:3. Is. 1:5,0. Rom. 6:12— 14. 2 Tim. 2:16,17. m See 
 on 3. Mall. 15:7,8. ,4clo8:21. Phil. 3:18,19. 2Pet. 2:19. n 3,4. Nurn. 12:10— 
 12. 2 Kings 5:27. 2 Chr. 26:20. * Heb. the quickening of living flrsh. 14,15,24. 
 Prov. 12:1. Am. 5:10. John 319, 20. 7:7. o 1 Kings 8:33. Job 40:4. 42:6. Is. 64: 
 6. John 16:8,9. Rom. 7:14. 1 John 1:8— 10. p 10. q Rom 7:14—24. Gal. 1:14 
 
 opposed to a superficial, cutaneous disorder, may mark those 
 evil courses, which result from the habitually corrupt state of 
 the heart, as distinguished from sins fallen into through sud- 
 den temptation. — If the case were doubtful, the priest must 
 shut up the person for a week or two, if needful : which im- 
 plies the care ministers should take, in discriminating between 
 cases which at first view appear alike. If then the disease 
 appeared to be stopped, and no peculiar symptoms of leprosy 
 were seen, it was concluded to be some other disorder, and 
 the priest pronounced him clean ; yet, having been considered 
 as a leper, he must wash his clothes before he went into so- 
 ciety, or to the courts of the Lord. — On the other hand, the 
 spreading of the disease was a proof that it was a leprosy ; 
 as it is evident, that a man who grows worse and worse, after 
 convictions and reproofs, is under the dominion of sin. 
 
 V. 9 — 17. The principal symptoms to bo noted in these 
 verses, are u the quick raw flesh in the tumour,” indicating a 
 sharp corrosive humour, breaking through the skin in a parti- 
 cular part. It was thus distinguished from a disorder, called 
 indeed the leprosy, but of another nature, which freely broke 
 out in a white scurf all over the body, but without the raw 
 flesh. The former indicated an inveterate leprosy, and when- 
 ever it appeared rendered the person unclean; but the latter 
 4id not. As these are thus contrasted, the latter apfly repre- 
 sents that con piousness of sin, which produces unreserved 
 ingenuous confessions, and patience of reproof, and the former 
 may perhaps denote the d sposition of unhumbled sinners to 
 
 ( ‘m ) 
 
 21 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, 
 there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not 
 lower than the skin, but be somewhat dark ; then 
 the priest shall shut him up seven days. 
 
 22 And if' it spread much abroad in the skin, 
 then the priest shall pronounce him unclean ; it is 
 a plague. 
 
 23 But if the bright spot ‘stay in his place, and 
 spread not, it is a burning boil ; and the priest 
 shall pronounce him clean. 
 
 24 H Or if there be any flesh, in the s*in 
 whereof there is ta hot burning, and the quick 
 flesh that burnetii have a white bright spot, some- 
 what reddish or white ; 
 
 25 Then the priest shall look upon it : and, be- 
 hold, if the hair in the bright spot be "turned 
 white, and it be in sight deeper than the skin ; it 
 is a leprosy broken out of the burning : where- 
 fore the priest shall pronounce him unclean : it is 
 the plague of leprosy. 
 
 26 But if the priest look on it, and, behold, 
 there be no white hair in the bright spot, and it be 
 no lower than the other skin, hut be somewhat 
 dark; ““then the priest shall shut him up seven 
 days. 
 
 27 And the priest shall look upon him the 
 seventh day ; and if it be spread much abroad in 
 the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him un- 
 clean : >“it is the plague of leprosy. 
 
 28 And if the bright spot stay in his place, and 
 spread not in the skin, but it be somewhat dark : 
 it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall 
 pronounce him clean ; for it is an inflammation of 
 the burning. 
 
 29 H If a man or woman hath a plague “upon 
 the head or the beard ; 
 
 30 Then the priest shall see the plague : and, 
 behold, if it be in sight deeper ’than the skin, and 
 there be in it a yellow thin hair ; then the priest 
 shall pronounce him unclean : it is a dry "scall, 
 even a leprosy upon the head or beard. 
 
 31 And if the priest look on the plague of the 
 seal!, and, behold, it be not in sight deeper than 
 the skin ; and that there is no black hair in it : 
 then the priest shall shut up him that hath the 
 plague of the scall seven days. 
 
 32 And in the seventh day the priest shall 
 look on the plague : and ? behold, if the scall 
 spread not, and there be in it no b yellow hair, 
 and the scaH be not in sight deeper than the 
 skin ; 
 
 33 He shall be shaven, but the scall shall he not 
 shave : and the priest shall shut up him that hath 
 the scall seven days more. 
 
 —16. Phil. 3:6— 8. 1 Tim. 1:13— 15. r Ex. 9:9. 15:26. 2 Kins. 20:7. Job 2:7. 
 Ps. 38:3—7. Is. 38:21. s See on 3. Molt. 12:45. John 5:14. 2 Pet. 2.20. t Gen. 
 38:26. 2 Sam. 12:13. 2 Chr. 19:2,3. Job 34:31,32. 40:4,5. Prov. 28:13. Mult. .6: 
 75. 2 Cor. 2:7. Gal. 6:1. lPel.4:2,3. t Heb. a turning of f.re. In. 3:24. u 4 : 18 
 — 20. x 4,5,33. ySee cm 2. x 1 Kinss 12:28. Ps. 53:4. Is. 1:8. 5:20. 9:15. Mio. 
 3:11. Matt. 6:23. 13:14,15. John 16:2,3. Act* 22:3,4. 26:9,10. 2 Cor. 4:3.4. 
 2The*. 2:11,12. a 34— 37. 14:54. b 30. Matt. 23:5. I.uke 18:9— 12. Rom. 2:23. 
 
 resist conviction, and, amidst the clearest evidence of crimi- 
 nality, to be angry with the mildest faithful reprover. 
 
 V. 18 — 23. These verses direct the priests how to dis- 
 tinguish between any ordinary malady, which might follow an 
 old ulcer after it had been healed, and the leprosy breaking 
 out in the spot. — The word rendered “reddish” probably 
 signifies very shining , and seems distinguished from a dusky 
 white , as a symptom of leprosy. — The 44 leprosy broken out 
 of the boil,” may represent the return of a professed believer 
 to the habitual practice of sin, when 44 his last state becomes 
 worse than the first.” 
 
 V. 24 — 28. This passage is supposed to state the case of 
 such as had been hurt by fire ; for the introductory words 
 may be rendered, 44 Or the flesh, when there shall be in the skin 
 a burning of fire" &c. This would leave a scar ; and a leprosy 
 might appear in the spot, and must be distinguished from the 
 scar by the rules here given. — It may be discovered on careful 
 investigation, whether sin or grace rules in the heart, from 
 the effects produced by various external events on a man’s 
 spirit and conduct. 
 
 V. 29 — 37. The priests wero here taught, to distinguish the 
 leprosy among the hair, on the head or heard, from oilier dis- 
 orders which might resemble it. The yellow thin hair, instead 
 of the white, was here the symptom of leprosy, in conra \ion 
 with the marks before laid down, and the black hair »<! the 
 
 If therefore neither of these ap] *r ’he 
 
 person had been shut up seven days, the case still ivmninc J 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 34 Ami in c the seventh day the priest shall lool< 
 on the scall: and behold, if the scall ‘‘be not 
 spread in the skin, nor be in sight deeper than the 
 skin ; then the priest shall pronounce him clean : 
 ‘and he sha wash his clothes, and be clean. 
 
 35 But if the scall f spread much in the skin 
 after his cleansing ; 
 
 36 Then the priest shall look on him : and, be- 
 hold, if the scall be spread in the skin, the priest 
 shall not seek for yellow hair ; he is unclean. 
 
 37 But if the scall be in his sight at a stay, and 
 that there is black hair grown up therein ; the 
 scall is healed, he is clean : and the priest shall 
 pronounce him clean. 
 
 38 11 If a man also, or a woman, have in the 
 skin of their flesh bright spots, even white bright 
 8 pots ; 
 
 39 Then the priest shall look : and, behold, "if 
 the bright spots in the skin of their flesh be darkish 
 white ; it is a freckled spot that groweth in the 
 skin ; he is clean. 
 
 40 11 And the man whose ’hair is fallen off his 
 head, he is bald : yet is he clean. 
 
 41 And he that hath his hair fallen off from the 
 art of his head toward his face, he is forehead- 
 aid : yet is he clean. 
 
 42 And if there be in the bald head, or bald 
 forehead, a white reddish sore ; it is a leprosy 
 sprung up in his bald head, or his bald forehead. 
 
 43 Then the priest shall look upon it: and, be- 
 hold, the rising of the sore be ivhite reddish in 
 his bald head, or in his bald forehead, as the le- 
 prosy appeareth in the skin of the flesh ; 
 
 44 He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the 
 priest shall pronounce him b utterly unclean ; his 
 plague is in his head. 
 
 45 H And the leper in whom the plague is, 'his 
 clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he 
 shall k put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall 
 cry, ‘Unclean, unclean. 
 
 46 All the days wherein the plague shall be in 
 him, he shall be defiled ; he is unclean : he shall 
 dwell alone, “without the camp shall his habita- 
 tion be. 
 
 47 "IT The "garment also that the plague of le- 
 prosy is in, whether it be a woollen garment, or a 
 linen garment, 
 
 48 Whether it be in the warp, or woof, of linen 
 
 c 1 John 4:1. Jude 22. Rev. 2:2. d 23. eSeeon 6. f7:27. 2 Tim. 2:16,17. 3: 
 
 13. g Ec. 7:20. Rom. 7:22 — 25. Jam. 3:2. ’Heb . head is pilled. h Job 36: 
 
 14. Malt. 6:23. 2 Pet. 2:1.2. 2 John 8— 10. i Gen. 37:29. Job 1:20. Jer. 3:25. Joel 
 
 2:13. k Ez. 24:17.22. Mic. 3:7. 1 Job 42:6. Is. 6:5. 52:11. 64:6. Lam. 4:15. 
 
 Lake 5:8. 7:6,7. 17:12. m Num. 5.2. 12:14,15. 2 Kings 7:3. 15:5. 2 ( hr. 26:21. 
 Lam. 1:8. 1 Cor. 5:9— 13. 2 Thes. 3:6,14. 1 Tim. 6:5. Ileb. 12:15,16. Rev. 21: 
 
 doubtful, and he must be shut up other seven days. — Yet, at 
 last, if the disorder spread much, after the priest had pro- 
 nounced him clean, he was to be deemed leprous, even though 
 no yellow hairs appeared. 
 
 V. 38, 39. Such spots as are called freckles are here dis- 
 tinguished from leprosy.— May not the while, very shining, 
 yellow, gold colour, which in all cases distinguished the leprosy 
 from other disorders, and which are opposed to black, or 
 darkish white, be emblematic of the pride, self-complacency, 
 and ostentation, or of the boasting and glorying in things either 
 evil or worthless, which mark the servant of sin, as contrasted 
 with the modesty and humility of the true penitent? — Even 
 “ the bright spots,” in this case, are said to be darkish white. 
 
 V. 40 — 44. The leprosy in the bald head is here distin- 
 guished from mere baldness. — The word rendered “reddish," 
 here also means very shining. — It is observable, that he that 
 was leprous in the head was pronounced “ utterly unclean.” 
 This may represent the dangerous case of those who are 
 emboldened in wickedness by infidel or heretical principles. 
 
 Y. 45, 4(1. The leprosy was a disgrace to a man’s character ; 
 it incapacitated him for business, secluded him Trom the so- 
 ciety even of his nearest friends, and that of all persons 
 except lepers like himself ; and even shut him out from the 
 sanctuary of God : yet he must abide by the decision of the 
 priest, and humble himself under the divine rebuke ; proclaim 
 his own shame, and show peculiar indications of self-abase- 
 ment, and of submission to the righteousness of God. 
 
 V. 47—59. The leprosy in garments was evidently super- 
 natural, and peculiar to the Israelites. The word rendered 
 “greenish,” means the most vivid green. — The different kinds 
 of garments mentioned are put for every sort which they 
 should use. — This extraordinary case might denote the ma- 
 lignity and defiling nature of sin, and the necessity there is 
 of parting with all occasions of transgression, “ hating even 
 the garment spotted with the flesh.” Such spotted garments 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 or of woollen, whether in a skin, or in any 'thing 
 made of skin : 
 
 49 And if the plague be greenish or reddish in 
 the garment, or in the skin, either in the warp or 
 in the wool, or in any Hhing of skin ; °it is a 
 plague of leprosy, and shall be showed unto the 
 priest. 
 
 50 And the priest shall look upon the plague, 
 and shut up it that hath the plague seven days. 
 
 51 And he shall look on the plague on the 
 seventh day : if the plague be spread in the gar 
 ment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in a 
 skin, or in any work that is made of skin ; th» 
 plague is a fretting leprosy ; it is unclean. 
 
 52 He shall therefore (’burn that garment, 
 whether warp or woof, in woollen or in linen, 
 or any thing of skin, wherein the plague is: for it 
 is a '(fretting leprosy ; it shall be burnt in the fire. 
 
 53 And if the priest shall look, and, behold, 
 the plague be not spread in the garment, either 
 in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of 
 skin ; 
 
 54 Then the priest shall command that they 
 wash the thing' wherein the plague is, and he shall 
 shut it up seven days more. 
 
 55 And' the priest shall look on the plague 
 "after that it is washed: and, behold, if the 
 
 lague have not changed his colour, and the plague 
 e not spread ; it is unclean, thou shalt burn it in 
 the fire ; it is fret inward, whether ht be bare 
 within or without. 
 
 56 And if the priest look, and, behold, the 
 plague be somewhat dark after the washing of it: 
 then he shall jend it out of the garment, or out Oi 
 the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof. 
 
 57 And if it appear still in the garment, either 
 in the warp, or in the woof, or in any thing of 
 skin ; it is a spreading plague : thou * 3 shalt burn 
 that wherein the plague is, with fire. 
 
 58 And the garment, either warp or woof, or 
 whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt 
 wash, if the plague be departed from them, then 
 it shall ‘be washed the second time, and shall be 
 clean. 
 
 59 This is the law of the plague of leprosy in 
 a garment of woollen or linen, either in the warp 
 or woof, or any thing of skins, to pronounce it 
 clean, or to pronounce it unclean. 
 
 27. 22:15. n Is. 3:16—24. 59:6. 61:6. Ez. 16:16. Rom. 13:12. Eph. 4:22. Col. 3 
 
 3. Jade 23. t Heb. work of. } Heb. vessel , or instrument, o See on 2. p 11: 
 35. Dent. 7:25,26. Is. 30:22. Acts 19:19,20. q 14:44,45. r Ez. 24:13. Heb. 6:4 
 — 7. 2 Pel. 1:9. 2:20 — 22. § Heb. it be bald in the head thereof, or in the fore- 
 head thereof . e Is. 33:14. Matt. 2*2:7. 25:41. Rev. 21:8,27. I 2 Kings 5: 10,14. 
 Ps. 51:2. 2 Cor. 7:1. 12:8. Heb. 9:10. Rev. 1:5. 7:14. 
 
 are those, however rich and beautiful, which are the incen- 
 tives to pride and lust. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is a question of the utmost importance, whether sin 
 possess dominion in our hearts, or not. For if it do, we have 
 no interest in Christ, no fellowship with Christians, no real 
 communion with God in his ordinances, no inheritance in his 
 kingdom, no meetness for that holy habitation: but, if sin be 
 dethroned, though it dwell within, and cause much conflict 
 and disquietude, and even produce defilements in our conduct 
 and in our best services, which require us to humble ourselves 
 before God ; yet we are his children, accepted in the Beloved, 
 and have the seal of his Spirit in our hearts. We should 
 therefore be willing to give this important matter a fair trial, 
 according to the sacred oracles, using the assistance of mi- 
 nisters and experienced Christians; but, above all, opening 
 the case to our heart-searching, compassionate High-Priest 
 above. Though we ought to be jealous of ourselves, and ready 
 to suspect the worst, we should not deem every infirmity, or 
 occasional misconduct, an evidence of hypocrisy or unconver- 
 sion : but should judge impartially ; duly considering, on the one 
 hand, the imperfect state of Christians in this world, and on 
 the other, adverting to the numbers “ who think themselves 
 something when they are nothing.” — The ministers of Christ 
 peculiarly need exact knowledge of the Scriptures, and expe- 
 rimental acquaintance with the nature and effects of divine 
 grace, as well as much caution, attention, and tenderness, 
 when they are called upon to deal thus with men’s consciences 
 in doubtful cases ; that they may neither deceive some, nor 
 distress others: and they must be sure to do nothing rashly, 
 or without mature examination. — They who desire to ascer- 
 tain the state of their own souls, should not decide hastily \ 
 but should wait upon the Lord, and on the ministry of the 
 word, week afier week: and if on such occasions they sepa- 
 rate themselves more than usual from the world, that thev 
 ( 222 j 
 
LEYITICUS. 
 
 B. C. 149G 
 
 B. C. 149C. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The ceremonies and sacrifices appointed , when a leper had been healed, 1 — 32. 
 
 The lei/rosy in a house, and the cleansing of it, 33 — 53. The subject cloeed, 
 
 Si— 57. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying;, 
 
 2 This shall be “the law of the leper, b in the 
 day of his cleansing : c he shall be brought unto 
 the priest: 
 
 3 And the priest shall go forth d out of the camp: 
 and the priest shall look, and. behold, if the plague 
 of leprosy e be healed in the leper ; 
 
 4 Then shall the priest command to take for 
 him that is to be cleansed , 1 two 'birds alive and 
 clean, and ^cedar-wood, and h scarlet, and ‘hyssop. 
 
 5 And the priest shall command that one of the 
 birds be killed in an k earthen vessel over running 
 water : 
 
 6 As for 'the living bird, he shall take it, and the 
 cedar-wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and 
 shall m dip them and the living bird in the blood of 
 the bird that was killed over the running water. 
 
 7 And he shall "sprinkle upon him, that is to be 
 cleansed from the leprosy, "seven times, and shall 
 Ppronounce him clean, and shalMet the living bird 
 loose ‘into the open field. 
 
 8 And he that is to be cleansed shall "wash his 
 clothes and shave off' all his hair, and “wash him- 
 self in water, that he may be clean ; and after that 
 he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad 
 out of his tent ‘seven days. 
 
 9 But it shall be on the seventh day, that he 
 
 a 54—57. 13:59. bNum.6:9. c Malt. 8:2 — 4. Mirk 1:40 — 44. Luke5:13-I4. 
 17:14. d 13:46. e Ex. 15:26. 2 Kings 5:3,7,8,14. Job 5:18. Matt. 10:8. 11:5. 
 Luke4:27. 7:22. 17:15— 19. 1 Cor. 6:9— 11. 11:14.5:7.12:8. * Or, sparrows. 
 g6,49— 52. Num. 19:6. h Heb. 9:19. i Ex. 12:22. Num. 19:18. Ps. 51:7. k Num. 
 5:17. 2 Cor. 4:7. 5:1. 13:4. Heb. 2:14. IJohnl4:19. Rom. 4:25. 5:10. 
 Phil. 2:9—11. Heb. 1:3. Rev. 1:18. m 51—53. Zech. 13:1 . Rev. 1:5. n Num. 
 19:18,19. Is. 52:15. Ez. 36:25. John 19:34. Heb. 9:13 19. 10:22. 12:24. 1 Pet. 1: 
 2. 1 John 5:6. o 51. 4:6,17. 8:1:. 16:14,19. 2 Kings 5:10,14. Ps. 51:2,7. Eph. 
 5:26,27. p 13:13,17. q 16:22. Dan. 9:24. Mic. 7:19. Heb. 9:26. 1 Heb. upon 
 
 may in secret search the Scriptures, and pour out their hearts 
 more frequently and fully in prayer, it will greatly conduce to 
 a satisfactory solution. But even if this question is resolved, 
 and we are humbly satisfied that we are real Christians, we 
 must remember that u in many things we offend all and that 
 we have occasion for continual washing in the blood of Christ. 
 — On the other hand, when it is plain, on scriptural grounds, 
 that a man is unconverted and unclean ; it is right that he 
 should know it, and that others should be warned to withdraw 
 from his polluting society. And how dreadful is the case of 
 those whom the decisions of faithful ministers, the conduct of 
 true believers, and the express testimonies of God’s word, 
 concur in declaring unmeet to partake of sacred ordinances ; 
 and consequently inadmissible into the kingdom of heaven, if 
 they live and die in this state ! Even on earth all their pos- 
 sessions, comforts, and performances, are defiled ; if they do 
 not also contaminate the principles and conduct of others. 
 Yet still there is hope in this case; for by the gospel that 
 leprosy is cleansed, which the law could but discover. It is 
 therefore the only wisdom of him who discovers this to be his 
 case, to condemn himself, to submit to God, and to seek the 
 mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; to watch against 
 the self-deceptions to which the human heart is prone ; to be- 
 ware of self-preference, on account of those splendid distinc- 
 tions which men admire, but which are often abominations in 
 the sight of God ; and to apply to the Saviour, as he of old, 
 “ Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” But would 
 they hear him say, “ I will, be thou clean ;” they must re- 
 nounce every other plea, be willing to part with every sin, 
 and every occasion of sin, submit to his rebukes, attend upon 
 his directions, and give him all the praise for their deliverance 
 from so dreadful a malady. Finally, if we have in some 
 measure experienced his cleansing power, we shall gradually 
 become willing to put off this leprous garment of the body, 
 and leave it to be refined in the grave, that we may be for 
 ever with the Lord. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1 — 3. No means are here 
 appointed for healing the leper ; the cleansing mentioned 
 being no ether than his ceremonial purification , previously to 
 his readmission to sacred ordinances and to society, when 
 the Lord had been pleased to remove the plague : and the 
 rules given very aptly represent many of the duties of repent- 
 ing sinners, as well as those of ministers respecting them. — 
 It seems the priests might visit the lepers, and even touch 
 them, without contracting uncleanness; and the seasonable 
 instruction which they might give them, as well as the assist- 
 ance that they would be able to afford them in their devotions, 
 might often render this a great mercy and comfort to them 
 tinder their affliction. 
 
 V. 4 — 7. The “ two birds,” one slain over springing water 
 in an earthen vessel, and the other set at liberty, having been 
 dipped in this mixture of blood and water, may signify Christ 
 shedding his blood for sinners, and then rising and ascending 
 into heaven, there to appear in the presence of God for us: 
 
 ‘ ( 224 ) 
 
 shall “shave all his hair off his head, and his beard, 
 and his oyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave 
 off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall 
 wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean. 
 
 10 And on the ^eighth day he shall Hake two 
 ‘he- lambs without blemish, and one “ewe-lamb ‘of 
 the first year without blemish, and b three tenth- 
 deals of fine flour for c a meat-offering mingled 
 with oil, and one d log of oil. 
 
 11 And the priest that maketh him clean, shall 
 'present the man that is to be made clean, and 
 those things before the Lord, at the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation : 
 
 12 And the priest shall take one he-lamb and 
 offer him for f a trespass-offering, and the bg of 
 oil, and E wave them for a wave-offering before 
 the Lord. 
 
 13 And he shall slay the lamb h in the place 
 where he shall kill the sin-offering and the burnt- 
 offering in the holy place : for ‘as the sin-offering 
 is the priest’s, so is the trespass-offering : k it is 
 most holy. 
 
 14 And the priest shall take some of the blood of 
 the trespass-offering, and the priest shall put it 
 ‘upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be 
 cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, 
 and upon the great toe of his right foot. 
 
 15 And the priest shall take some of the log of 
 "•oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left 
 hand : 
 
 the face of the field, r 11:25. 13:6. 15:5-8. Ex. 19:10,14. Num. 8:7. Rex. 7. 
 14. s 8:6. 1 Pet. 3:21. Rex. 1:5,6. 18:33—35.13:5. u Num. 6:9. 8:7. x 23. 
 9:1.15:13,14. y Malt. 8:4. Mark 1:44. Luke 5:14. z 1:10. John 1:29. 1 Pel. 
 1:19. a 4:32. Num. 6:14. % Heb. the daughter of her year. 1)23:13. Ex. 29: 
 40. Num. 15:9 . 28:20. c 2:1. Num. 15:4—15. John 6:33,51. d 12,15,21,24. e 8: 
 3. Ex. 29:1—4. Num. 8:6—11,21. f5:2,3, 6,7,18,19. 6:6. Is.53:l0. g7:30. 8t 
 
 27— 29. Ex. 29:24. h 1:5,11. 4:4,24. i 7:7. 10:17. k 2:3. 7:6. 21 :22. 18:23, 
 24. Ex. 29:20. Is. 50:5. Rom. 6:13,19. 12:1. 1 Cor. 6:20. 2 Cor. 7:1. Phil. 1:20. 
 1 Pet. 1:14,15. 2:5,9,10. Rev. 1:5,6. in P*. 45:7. John 3:34. 1 John 2:20. 
 
 or the bird that was slain may represent the Saviour dying 
 for our sins ; and the living bird, the sinner, preserved and 
 liberated, by being washed in his atoning blood, and the puri- 
 fying grace of his Spirit ; and being set free from sin and 
 Satan, “seeking those things which are above, where Christ 
 sitteth on the right hand of God.” The “cedar-wood,” a 
 supposed emblem of the soundness of the cleansed leper’s 
 fiesh, may denote the sincerity of the true convert’s heart, 
 and the incorruptible nature of true grace : the “ scarlet,” as 
 distinguished from the glistening whiteness of the leprosy, 
 might imply that the man was recovered to his former ruddy 
 complexion, and represent the true penitent as come to him- 
 self and to his right mind ; the “ hyssop,” a shrub commonly 
 used in the legal sprinklings, might signify faith, of small esti- 
 mation among men, but of great efficacy in applying the 
 salvation of Christ to the soul ; or it might show that mean 
 instruments may be useful in directing sinners to Christ 
 These were to be dipped in the blood and water : for all our 
 sincerity, repentance, and faith, are derived from the Holy 
 Spirit, and are accepted only through the blood of the Saviour. 
 
 V. 8, 9. The healed leper, who was about to cleanse him- 
 self from ceremonial pollution, was required to wash his 
 clothes, and, after “shaving off all his hair" to wash his 
 body also. Then he was admitted into the camp ; but it is 
 supposed he was obliged there to lodge in some hut, apart 
 from his family and all society, during seven days : and then, 
 having again shaved, and washed his clothes and his body, 
 he was restored, as clean, to his family and the congregation 
 of God. — Thus the penitent, having in private conference 
 with the ministers of Christ, and in the secret exercises of 
 faith and prayer, got some comfortable hope of acceptance, 
 proceeds to put away all the remainder of his sins, an<* 
 seriously to prepare himself for a more solemn profession ol 
 his faith in the public ordinances of the gospel, and in com- 
 munion with the Lord’s people. 
 
 V. 10 — 20. To show that the leprosy was to be con 
 sidered, both as a judgment immediately inflicted by the 
 Lord, and also as an emblem of a transgressor under the 
 condemnation and dominion of sin; these multiplied sacrifices 
 and purifications were required before the healed leper was 
 fully restored to the privileges of an Israelite. A trespass- 
 offering, a sin-offering, and a burnt-offering, must be presented 
 by him; perhaps the trespass-offering for the deviations from 
 the prescribed rules, which might have been fallen into during 
 his leprosy ; the sin-offering for the offence which exposed 
 him to this plague ; and the burnt-offering as a renewed 
 dedication of himself to the Lord. Peace-offerings might 
 indeed afterwards he accepted as voluntary oblations, but 
 they did not suit a leper’s condition, till fully restored to com- 
 munion with the people of God. Meat-offerings for each of 
 these sacrifices were also required, and a small quantity of 
 oil, the emblem of the sanctifying A log was al out 
 
 three quarters of a pint. — The priest pre>«>a«<d the man and 
 his oblations, bill the mar himself seems tr have kdle 1 the 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. B. C. 1490. 
 
 16 And the pnebt .bar lip his right finger in 
 the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle of 
 the oil with his finger seven times "before the 
 Lord. 
 
 17 And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand, 
 shall the priest put upon °the tin of the right ear 
 of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb 
 of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his 
 fight foot, upon the blood of the trespass-offer- 
 ng. 
 
 18 And Pthe remnant of the oil that is in the 
 priest’s hand, he shall pour upon the head of him 
 that is to be cleansed : and the priest shall make 
 ian atonement for him beihre the Lord. 
 
 19 And the priest shall offer r the sin-offering, 
 and make an atonement for him that is to be 
 cleansed from his uncleanness, and afterward he 
 shall kill the burnt-offering. 
 
 20 And the priest shall “offer the burnt-offering, 
 and the meat-offering, upon the altar: and the 
 priest shall make an atonement for him, and he 
 shall be clean. 
 
 21 IT And if he be ‘poor, and ‘cannot get so 
 much ; then he shall take "one lamb for a trespass- 
 offering tto be waved, to make an atonement for 
 him, and one tenth-deal of fine flour mingled 
 with oil for a meat-offering, and a log of oil; 
 
 22 And two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, 
 such as he is able to get ; and the one shall be a 
 sin-offering, and the other a burnt-offering. 
 
 23 And he shall bring them on the eighth day, 
 for his cleansing, unto the priest, unto the door of 
 the tabernacle of the congregation, before the 
 Lord. 
 
 24 And *the priest shall take the lamb of the 
 trespass-offering, and the log of oil, and the priest 
 shall wave them for a wave-offering before the 
 
 Lord. 
 
 25 And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass- 
 offering, and the priest shall take some of the blood 
 of rthe trespass-offering, and put it upon the tip 
 of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and 
 upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the 
 great toe of his right foot. 
 
 26 And the priest shall pour of the oil into the 
 palm of his own left hand. 
 
 27 And the priest shall sprinkle with his right 
 
 li 4:6,17. Luke 17:18. 1 Cor. 10:31, o8:3l). Ex. 23:20,21. F.z. 36:27. John 1:16. 
 Til. 3:3— 6. 1 Pet. 1:2. p8:12. Ex. 29:7. 2 Cor. 1:21,22. Eph. 1:17,18. q4:26, 
 31.5:16. r 12. 12:6—8. Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor 5:21. a 10. Eph. 5:2. 1 1:14. 5:7. 12:8. 
 1 Sam. 2:8. Job 34:19. Prov. 17:5. 22:2. Luke 6:20. 21:2—4. 2 Cor. 8:9,12. Jam. 
 2:5,6. * Heb. his hand reach not. u See on 10. t Heb. for a leaving, x See 
 on 10— 13. y See on 14— 20. Ps. 40:6. Ec.5:l. z 18,20. Ex. 30:15,16. John 17: 
 19. 1 John 2:1,2. 5:6. a 22. 12:8. 15:14,15. Luke 2:24. Rom. 8:3. b 2,54— 57. 
 
 sacrifices. — The ceremonies, observed on this occasion, are 
 exceedingly similar to those used in consecrating the priests. 
 The principal difference was, that, common oil was sprinkled 
 seven times before the Lord, and put over the blood on the 
 right ear, the thumb, and the great toe of the leper, and also 
 poured on his head ; whereas the holy anointing oil was 
 sprinkled with the blood on the garments of the priests, and 
 poured only on the head of the high-priest. But, in the former 
 case, the blood was that of a sin-offering , taking away' the 
 guilt of crimes, in which the members of the body had been 
 instruments, and thus, typically preparing them in general 
 for the Lord’s service ; in the latter, it was the blood of “ the 
 ram of consecration,” by which the priests were set apart to 
 their special service. This similarity was very instructive. 
 For every true penitent is, through Christ, a spiritual priest.; 
 and no priest, except the Saviour himself, vyas ever any better 
 than a cleansed leper. — According to the emblem here given, 
 the Christian’s dedication of himself to the Lord, at his table, 
 should be the counterpart of what, has secretly passed between 
 God and his soul : and the exercise of repentance and faith 
 should always be followed by this public profession; in pre- 
 paring for which, the counsel and approbation of pious and 
 experienced ministers may be very useful. 
 
 V. 21 — 32. The condescension of the Lord to the case of 
 the poor, in these institutions, is very instructive. Yet not 
 one ceremony was omitted in the poor man’s cleansing, 
 though the sacrifices were cheaper. Even in this case, one 
 .amb was absolutely necessary; which might intimate, that 
 no sinner could ever have beep saved, had it not been for 
 “ the Lamb t-hat was slain", and hath redeemed us to God 
 with his blood.” — It is remarkable, that the priest, in putting 
 the oil upon the head of him that was to be cleansed, is said 
 to “ make an atonement for him ;” which may imply, that 
 the work of the Spirit seals our interest in the great atone- 
 ment, as well as enables us to apply it. 
 
 Vol. I. — 29 
 
 finger some of the oil that is in his left hand, seven 
 times before the Lord. 
 
 28 And the priest shall put of the oil that is in 
 his hand, upon the tip of the right ear of him the 
 is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right 
 hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, 
 upon the place of the mood of the. trespass-offer- 
 ing. 
 
 29 And the rest of the oil that is in the priest s 
 hand, he shall put upon the head of him that is to 
 be cleansed, ‘to make an atonement for him before 
 the Lord. 
 
 30 And he shall offer the "one of the turtle- 
 doves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can 
 get; 
 
 31 Even such as he is able to get, the one for a 
 sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, 
 with the meat-offering. And the priest shall make 
 an atonement for him that is to be cleansed, before 
 the Lord. 
 
 32 This is b the law of lnm in whom is the plague 
 of leprosy, ‘whose hand is not able to get that 
 which pertaineth to his cleansing. 
 
 33 11 And ‘the Lord spake unto Moses, and 
 unto Aaron, saying, 
 
 34 When d ye be come into the land of Canaan, 
 “which I give to you for a possession, and 1 1 put 
 the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of 
 your possession ; 
 
 35 And he that owneth the house shall come 
 and tell the priest, saying, It seemeth to me there 
 is as it were "a plague in the house ; 
 
 36 Then the priest shall command that they 
 ♦empty the house, before the priest go into it to 
 see the plague, that all that is in the house ''be 
 not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall 
 go in to see the house. 
 
 37 And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, 
 if the plague be in the walls of the house, ‘with 
 hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight 
 are lower than the wall ; 
 
 38 Then the priest shall go out of the house to 
 the door of the house, and shut up the house seven 
 days. 
 
 39 And the priest shall come again the seventh 
 day, and shall look : and, behold, if the plague be 
 k spread in the walls of the house ;' 
 
 13:59. c See on 10,21. Pj. 72:12— 14. 136:23. 1 Cor. 1 :27,28. d23:10. 25:2 
 Num. 35:10. Deut. 12:1,8. 19:1. 26:1. 27:3. e Gen. 12:7. 13:17. 17:8. Nwn. 
 32.32. Deut. 12:9,10. 32:49. Josh. 13:1. f Ex. 15:26. Deut. 7:15. 1 Sam. 2:6. Is. 
 45:7. Am. 3:6. Mic.6:9. g Deut. 7:26. Josh. 7:21. 1 Sam. 3:12— 14. 1 Kings 13: 
 34. Ps. 91:10. Prov. 3:33. Zecb. 5:4. } Or, prepare, h 1 Cor. 15:33. 2 Tira. 
 2:17,18. Heb. 12:15. Rev. 18:4. i 13:3,19,20,42,49. k 13:7,8,22,27,36,51. 
 
 V. 34 — 53. This extraordinary plague is expressly spoken 
 of! as immediately inflicted by the hand of God ; and it is very 
 probable it was one method, in which he rebuked the idolatry 
 or iniquity which men committed in their houses, and the 
 dishonest or sacrilegious gain which they brought into them, 
 when the magistrate did not detect and punish them. Indeed, 
 the plague of leprosy in genesa! may well be considered, as 
 one of the punishments in those cases, where it is said, “that 
 man shall bear his iniquity:” and yet the criminal escaped 
 the sword of the magistrate. — Many expositors endeavour to 
 account in part for this singular disorder from natural causes, 
 and likewise consider many of these rules and restrictions, as 
 cautions against infection : but there is not the most remote 
 intimation in these laws, or any where in Scripture, that the 
 disorder was at all infectious. — The methods to be taken, ir 
 respect of the leprosy in houses, are very similar to those 
 prescribed in the other cases ; and also the ceremonies of 
 purification, when the plague was removed ; only no sacrifiees 
 were in this case brought to the altar. — It might represent 
 the prevalence of sin in families, churches, and nations ; and 
 it very aptly described the state of Israel, when idolatry had 
 so infected the whole nation, that it must, as unclean, be 
 demolished, and carried captive to Babylon, the unclean 
 metropolis of idolatry. — The rules prescribed seem to imply 
 the care with which they who fear God, should protest 
 against prevailing iniquities, and separate from them ; and the 
 attention and pains which magistrates, ministers, and masters 
 of families should employ, in checking, restraining, censuring,, 
 and punishing sin, in preventing its progress, and in promot- 
 ing reformation. They may also be emblems of the methods 
 which the Lord takes with nations and churches, before he 
 proceeds to extremities ; and of the certain, shameful, and 
 miserable destruction, which awaits them, when these methods 
 prove unsuccessful : and they likewise intimate that the Lord 
 frequently gives men up to that filthiness, in which they have 
 
 ( 225 ) 
 
8. C. 1490 
 
 LEVI'j 
 
 40 Then the priest shall command that they 
 •take awa> the stones, in which the plague is, and 
 they shall cast them into an unclean place with- 
 out the city. 
 
 41 And he shall cause the house to be scraped 
 within round about, and they shall pour out the 
 dust that they scrape off, without the city, m into 
 an unclean place. 
 
 42 And “they shall take other stones, and put 
 them in the place of those stones: and he shall 
 take other mortar, and shall plaster the house. 
 
 43 And if "the plague come again, and break 
 out in the house, after that he hath taken away 
 the stones, and after he hath scraped the house, 
 and after it is plastered ; 
 
 44 Then the priest shall come and look, and, 
 behold, if the plague be spread in the bouse, it is 
 Pa fretting leprosy in the house: it is unclean. 
 
 45 And he shall ibreak down the house, the 
 stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the 
 mortar of the house : and he shall carry them forth 
 out of the city 'into an unclean place. 
 
 46 Moreover he that goeth into the house, all 
 the while that it is shut up, "shall be unclean until 
 the even. 
 
 47 And he that lieth in the house, shall wash 
 his clothes: and he that eateth in the house, shall 
 ‘wash his clothes. 
 
 48 And if the priest ’shall come in, and look 
 upon it, and, behold, the plague hath not spread 
 in the house, after the house was plastered : then 
 the priest shall pronounce the house clean, “because 
 the plague is healed. 
 
 49 And he shall take "to cleanse the house two 
 birds, and cedar-wood, and scarlet, and hyssop*. 
 
 50 And he shall kill the one of the birds in an 
 earthen vessel, over running water. 
 
 51 And he shall take the cedar-wood, and the 
 hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and 
 dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the 
 running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 
 
 52 And he shall cleanse the house with the blood 
 of the bird, and with the running water, and with 
 the living bird, and with the cedar- wood, and 
 with the hyssop, and with the scarlet. 
 
 53 But he shall let go the living bird out of the 
 
 I Ps. 101:5,7,8. Pmv. 22:10.25:4,5. Is. 1:25,28. Mutt. 18:17. John 15:2. 1 Cor. 5: 
 5,8,13. Tit. 3:10. 2JohnlO, 11. Rev. 22,6, 14— 16.21). m Job 36:13,14. Is. 65: 1. 
 Matt. 8:28. 24:51. 1 Tim. 1:20. Her. 22:15. n Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. 2Chr. 17: 
 7—9. 19:5—7. 29:4,5. Ps. 101:6. Acts 1:20—26. 1 Tim. 5:9,10,21,22. 2Tim.2.2. 
 Tit. 1:5-9. o Jer. 6:28— 30. Ea. 24:13. p 13:51,52. q2 Kinas 17:20— 23. 25:1 — 
 12,25.26. E’.z. 5:4. Matt. 22:7. 24:2. Rom. 11:7—11. Rev. 11:2. r See on 41. 
 6 11:24,25,28. 15:5—8,10. 17:15. 22:6. Num. 19:7— 10,21,22. tSceon8,9. 
 
 delighted. — Thus also sin is so interwoven with the fabric of 
 the human body, that it must be taken down by death: but if 
 previously the leprosy be cleansed, and sin be dethroned and 
 mortified, the soul will be received into the holy mansions of 
 the blessed, and the body also will be raised incorruptible ; 
 otherwise both soul and body must at last be carried forth out 
 of the city of God, to that unclean place u prepared for the 
 devil and his angels.” — Yea, the earth itself must be destroyed 
 by fire, as the unclean, leprous habitation of the polluted sons 
 of men. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When u God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love, 
 wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sms, 
 quickens us” by his Spirit, we soon evidence the change, by 
 sincerely repenting, and forsaking all our evil ways ; we 
 discover a right judgment, and disposition of heart, and 
 become the servants of the Lord ; but especially we are led, 
 by the ministry of the word, to see the suitableness and 
 preciousness of the atoning blood, and the sanctifying grace 
 of Jesus Christ; and gladly washing in M tbs fountain opened 
 for sin and for uncleanness,” we in heart and affection ascend, 
 whither the risen Saviour is gone before. They, who are 
 thus delivered from the prevailing power of sin, endeavour 
 continually to “cleanse themselves” more and more “from 
 ^11” remaining “ filthiness of flesh and spirit, and to perfect 
 holiness in the fear of God and they should deem it their 
 duty and privilege, without needless delay, yet with previous 
 examination and serious preparation, to seek admission to the 
 communion of the saints; that \vith them they may publicly 
 orofess thefir faith, and their grateful love to the Saviour, in 
 jhe ordinance of his appointment. Considering themselves 
 as bought with a price, they now desire to do all in the name 
 of Christ, and through him “to glorify God with body and 
 spirit, which are his.” — This is the true cleansing of a leper, 
 and his subsequent admission into the courts of the Lord’s 
 house; or the consecration of an unclean sinner to the 
 f'.nrilual priesthood. — Have we then the inward rmscious- 
 ( 226 ) 
 
 ,'icus: b. c. i49u. 
 
 city into the opeii fields, and make an atonement 
 for the house: and it shall be clean. 
 
 54 11 This is nhe law for all manner of plague, 
 of leprosy, and "scall, 
 
 55 And for "the leprosy of a garment, and ol 
 an house, 
 
 56 And b for a rising, and for a scab, and for a 
 bright spot : 
 
 57 To "teach Uvhen it is unclean, and when it 
 is clean: d this is the law of leprosy. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Laics respecting Ike running issues of men , 1 — 18 ; and of women , 19 — 3S. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, and “to 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, b When any man hath a ’running issue 
 out of his flesh, because of his issue he is unclean. 
 
 3 And this shall be his inicleanness in his issue : 
 whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be 
 stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness. 
 
 4 Every bed, whereon he lieth that hath the 
 issue, is unclean : and every Rhing whereon he 
 sitteth shall be "unclean. 
 
 5 And whosoever toucheth his bed, shall 'hvash 
 his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and he un- 
 clean until the even. 
 
 6 And he that sitteth on any thing, whereon he 
 sat that hath the issue, shall wash his clothes, and 
 bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the 
 even. 
 
 7 And be that toucheth the flesh of him that 
 hath the issue, shall wash his clothes, and bathe 
 himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 
 
 8 And if he that hath the issue spit upon liim 
 that is clean ; then lie shall 'wash his clothes, and 
 bathe himself in water, and he unclean until the 
 even. 
 
 9 And what saddle soever he rideth upon that 
 hath the issue, shall he unclean. 
 
 10 And whosoever toucheth any tiling that was 
 under him, shall be unclean until the even : and 
 he that beareth any of those things, shall wash his 
 clothes, and bathe himself in water, and he unclean 
 until the even. 
 
 11 And whomsoever lie toucheth that hath the 
 issue, (and hath not rinsed his hands in water,) he 
 
 * Heb. in coming in shall come in, Si c. n 3. Job 5:18. Hos. 6:1. M irk 5:29,34. 
 Luke 7:21. x See on 4—7. v ‘2,3*2. 6:9,14,25. 7:1,37. 11:46. 15:3*2. Num. 5:29. 
 6:13.19:14. z 13:30,31. r 13:47 — 59. 1-13:2. c 10:10. Jer. 15: 19. Ez. 44:23. 
 f Heb. in the day of the unclean , and in the da'/ of the clean. d Deni. 
 24:8. h 11:1. 13:1. ’ b22:4. Num. 5:2. 2 Sam. 3:29. Mark 7.20— 23. * Or, 
 
 running of the reins. Heb .vessel, c Tit. 1:15. <111:25,28. 14:9,9,46,47. 17: 
 15. Num. 19:10. Heb. 10:22. Rev. 7:14. e Is. 1 : 16. J»rn. 4:8. 
 
 ness of such a change ? and have we thus joined ourselves 
 to the Lord and to his people? If so, let us give him the 
 praise ; let us humbly remember what we were ; let us abound 
 in spiritual sacrifices according to our ability and opportunity ; 
 let us follow after holiness ; and let us compassionate other 
 poor lepers, and seek and pray for their cleansing also. — All 
 these ancient institutions should remind us of the odious 
 nature and the desert of sin, and the absolute necessity of the 
 blood of Christ, to render our repentance, and the best of our 
 “ fruits meet for repentance,” acceptable before a holy God ; 
 and that all, w ho are interested in the blood of the Redeemer, 
 partake of his Spirit, and are devoted to bis service. They 
 likewise call on us to watch and pray ; and to look well to 
 our hearts, to our households, anil to the Church of God: 
 that in our places we may search and purge out our iniquity, 
 and so prevent its prevalence to the destruction of those with 
 whom we are connected. For the readiness of God to 
 pardon the true believer is not more manifest, than his deter- 
 mination to destroy impenitent sinners. — Let us all then take 
 warning, and cry earnestly to him to cleanse our souls before 
 we die, that we may never enter the place where unclean 
 spirits are tormented; hut that, “when this earthly house of 
 our tabernacle shall be dissolved, we may have a building of 
 God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 
 NOTES.— Chai>. XV. V. 2 . It is not needful for us 
 particularly to consider the laws contained in this chapter: 
 they arc not binding on us; and the emblematical instruction 
 may be sufficiently understood from the Practical Observa- 
 tions. In some cases, the disease mentioned was contracted 
 by licentiousness; in others it might be tin* result of shameful 
 secret practices ; and even the diseases and infirmities, which 
 were only an affliction, and had no immediate connexion with 
 personal and actual sin, were nil originally the consequence 
 of the sinful state of humun nature : nay, the cases, in which 
 neither positive disease nor actual sin was implied, might ho 
 tlviji marked, to show how a fallen nature p<> iutes every 
 thing we do. 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 shall wash h's clothes, and bathe himself in water, 
 and be unclean until the even. 
 
 12 And 'the vessel of earth, that he toucheth 
 which hath the issue, shall he broken : and every 
 vessel of wood shall De rinsed in water. 
 
 13 And when he that hath an issue is cleansed 
 of his issue ; then he shall number to himself 
 seven days for his cleansing', h and wash his clothes, 
 nd bathe his flesh in running water, and shall be 
 lean. 
 
 14 And on the eighth day he shall take to him 
 two turtle-doves, or two young pigeons, and come 
 before the Lord, unto the door of the taoernwAe 
 of the congregation, and give them unto the priest. 
 
 15 And the priest shall offer them, k ihe one for 
 sin-offering, and the other for a burnt-offering ; 
 
 and the priest shall make 'an atonement for him 
 before the Lord, for his issue. 
 
 16 And m if any man’s seed of copulation go out 
 from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water, 
 and be unclean until the even. 
 
 17 And every garment, and every skin whereon 
 is the seed of copulation, shall be washed with 
 water, and be unclean until the even. 
 
 18 The woman also with whom man shall lie 
 with seed of copulation, they shall both bathe 
 themselves in water, and.be “unclean until the 
 even. 
 
 19 U And if a woman have an issue, and “her 
 issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be "put apart 
 seven days : and whosoever toucheth her, shall be 
 unclean until the even. 
 
 20 And '’every thing that she lieth upon in her 
 separation, shall be unclean : every thing also that 
 she sitteth upon, shall be unclean. 
 
 21 And whosoever toucheth her bed, shall wash 
 his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be 
 unclean until the even. 
 
 22 And whosoever toucheth any thing that she 
 sat upon, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself 
 n water, and be unclean until the even. 
 
 16:28. 11:32,33. 2Cor.5:l. Phil. 3:21. g28.8:33. 9:1. 14:8. Num. 12:14. 19: 
 11.12. h Jer. 33:8. Ez. 36:25— 29. 2 Cor. 7:1 . 129,30.12:6,8.14:22,23. k 5: 
 7—10. 14:19,20,30,31. 1 See on 4:20. 12:7. Num. 15:25 . 25:13. m22:4. Deiil. 
 23:10,11. n 1 lx. 19:15. 1 Sum. 21-4,5. Px. 51:5. 1 Cor. 6:12. 1 The*. 4:4,5. Heb. 
 13:4. o 12:2. Lam. 1 :8,9,I7. Ez. 36:17. * Heb. in her separation, p See on 
 
 V. 11. If the diseased person rinsed his hands in water, 
 just before he touched any one, he did not communicate 
 pollution ; otherwise he did. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. The purification and sacrifices, when this 
 disorder was removed, were not very dissimilar to some of 
 those, which were appointed at the cleansing of a leper; but 
 the sacrifices were less expensive, and only a sin-offering and 
 a burnt-offering were required. 
 
 V. 16 — IS. In these cases, as well as that of one who 
 contracted pollution by touching an unclean person, nothing 
 but ablution was required. This part of the law the Jews 
 might observe at present ; but it is said they do not think 
 themselves bound by it, now they have no temple, and live in 
 other lands ; as it had reference to the sanctuary of God and 
 the holy land. (31) 
 
 Y. 24. When this was done in presumption, it was to be 
 punished with death if detected ; and if not, the offenders 
 might expect to be cut off by the judgment of God: (20:18.) 
 but when inadvertently, this purification was to be observed. 
 This restriction must not be considered as merely ceremonial ; 
 for the nature of the case, and the punishment denouncer 
 against wilful transgressors, combine to prove'' it to be of 
 perpetual moral obligation. 
 
 Y. 28. It is not said, that the woman must “wash her 
 clothes, and bathe her flesh in running water,” as it had been 
 of the man. (13) The reason of this difference does not 
 appear. 
 
 V. 31. This shows, that these laws were principally 
 intended to impress the minds of the Israelites with reverence 
 for the sanctuary: and on the one hand, to show them what 
 need they had of circumspection and purity of heart and life, 
 in order to worship the holy God with acceptance : and on 
 the other hand, that being sinners in a world full of tempta- 
 tions and defilements, they would continually need forgiveness, 
 through the great atonement typified by all the sacrifices, 
 and the sanctification of the Spirit shadowed forth by all the 
 purifications. While they were encamped in the desert, it 
 would not be very burdensome to bring the prescribed obla- 
 tions ; but after they were settled in .Canaan, many of them 
 at a great distance from the tabernacle, this would become 
 nuch more difficult. — We may however observe, that many 
 of the cases stated only required such washings as might any 
 where be performed ; and that those respecting which sacri- 
 Sces were appointed, wou.d more rarely occur. We may 
 
 23 And if it be on her bed, or on any thing 
 whereon she sitt eth, when he toucheth it ; he shat, 
 be unclean until the even. 
 
 24 And if tany man lie with her at all, ano her 
 flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven 
 days : and all the bed whereon he lieth shall b** 
 unclean. 
 
 25 And if a woman have an issue of her blood 
 r many days out of the time of her separation, or if 
 it run beyond the time of her separation ; all the 
 days of the issue of her uncleanness shall be as 
 the days of her separation ; she shall be unclean. 
 
 26 Every bed whereon she lieth all the days oi 
 her issue, shall be unto her as the bed of her sepa- 
 ration : and whatsoever she sitteth upon shall be 
 unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. 
 
 27 And whosoever toucheth those things shall be 
 unclean, and “shall wash his clothes, and bathe 
 himself in water, and be unclean until the even. 
 
 28 But if she be cleansed of her issue, then she 
 shall 'number to herself seven days, and after that 
 she shall be clean. 
 
 29 And on the eighth day she shall take unto 
 her two turtles, or two young pigeons, and bring 
 them unto the priest, to the doorof the tabernacle 
 of the congregation. 
 
 30 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin- 
 offering ; and the other for a burnt-offering: and 
 the priest shall make an atonement for her before 
 the Lord, for the issue of her uncleanness. 
 
 31 H Thus “shall ye separate the children of 
 Israel from their uncleanness, "that they die not 
 in their uncleanness, when they defile my taber- 
 nacle that is among them. 
 
 32 This is nhe law of him that hath an issue, 
 and of him whose seed goetii from him, and is de- 
 filed therewith ; 
 
 33 And ’of her that is sick of her flowers, and 
 of him that hath an issue, of the man, and of the 
 woman, “and of him that lieth with her which 
 is unclean. 
 
 4—9. q 33. 20:18. Ez. .8:6. 22:10. r Malt. 9:20 Mark 5:25. Luke 8:43. 
 s5 — 8.13,21. 17:15,16. Zech.l3:l. i See an 13— 15. u 11:47. 13:59. Num. 5: 
 3. Dent. 24:8. Ez. 44 23. Heb. 12:15. x 41:23. Num. 5:3. 19:13,20. Ez. 5:11. 
 23:38.44:5-7. 1 Cor. 3:17. y 1—18. 13:59. 14:2,32,54— 57. Ez. 43:12. z 19— 30. 
 a 24. 20:18. 
 
 also suppose, that provided these were brought, when the 
 person who had been unclean first came to the sanctuary, it 
 would suffice ; though distance or other hindrances pre- 
 vented its being done immediately, at the expiration of the 
 seven days. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We have great cause for thankfulness that we need fear 
 no defilement but that of sin ; and have no occasion for any of 
 these ceremonial and burdensome purifications ; yet when we 
 consider how nearly we are beset with occasions of moral 
 uncleanness, by day and by night, alone and in company 
 nay, sleeping as well as awake, we may well say with David, 
 44 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from 
 secret faults.” — And these laws may remind us that God sees 
 all those things, which are totally concealed from human eyes, 
 and escape the censure of mortal men. Being unholy crea- 
 tures, and having to do with so holy a God, we must for ever 
 have been banished from his presence, had he not said, 44 From 
 all their filthiness w’ill I cleanse them and both provided 
 the fountain for our purification, and appointed the means. In 
 the daily exercise of self-examination, repentance, and faith 
 in the one sin-offering of Christ, and by daily prayer for his 
 sanctifying grace, we seek and find this purification, and this 
 purily of heart, with which we shall be admitted to 44 see 
 God.” — While we observe the rule of God’s word, and aim 
 at his glory through Jesus Christ, all things become pure to 
 us : but every thing is an occasion of increasing and com- 
 municating defilement to the impenitent and unbelieving. 
 With serious recollection and humble reverence, we should 
 approach our holy, heart-searching God in his ordinances 
 and in our daily walk be careful to “possess our vessels in 
 sanctification and honour consulting expediency and avoid- 
 ing excess in things most lawful, and being careful not to be 
 “brought under the power of any.” — Many of our diseases 
 may remind us of our personal transgressions; all our infir- 
 mities evince that we are sinners: thence we should learn 
 patience, and take occasion to humble ourselves before God 
 more earnestly to seek forgiveness ; and to wait with cheer- 
 ful expectation for the coming of him 44 who shall change oui 
 vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his gloridus body 
 according to the working, whereby he is able even to sub- 
 due all things to himself.” (Note, Phil. 3:20,21.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVI. V. I. The appointment of th« 
 annual day of atonement tended to encourage Aaron, by the 
 ( 227 ) 
 
B. C. l-iao LEVITICUS 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The high-pric :• must not enter the moat holjy place at all times : but, on a day 
 of atonemen ysarly observed, having shun a sin-offering for himself, ana 
 another for i he oeople , he must enter with the sprinkling of blood, awl burn- 
 ing of incer»se, 1 — 17. The al.ar of incense, purified with blood, 18, 19. 
 The scape-goat tent away, awl burnt-offerings sacrificed, and the sin offerings 
 burnt without the camp, 20 — 28. The day of this solemnity instituted , 
 29—34. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, after "the 
 death of the two sons of Aaron, when they 
 offered before the Lord, and died : 
 
 2 And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto 
 Aaron thy brother, that b he come not at all times 
 nto the holy place within the veil, before the 
 mercy-seat, which is upon the ark ; "that he die 
 not: for I will appear d in the cloud upon 'the 
 mercy-seat. 
 
 3 Thus shall f Aaron come into the holy place : 
 with ea young bullock for a sin-offering, and h a 
 ram for a burnt-offering. 
 
 4 He shall put on the ‘holy linen coat, and he 
 shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and 
 shall be girded with the linen girdle, and with the 
 linen mitre shall lie be attired : these are holy 
 garments ; k therefore shall he wash his flesh in 
 water, and so put them on. 
 
 5 And he shall take of the congregation of the 
 children of Israel, 'two kids of the goats for a sin- 
 offering, and one ram for a burnt offering. 
 
 6 And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin- 
 offering, ""which is for himself, and make "an 
 atonement for himself, and for his house. 
 
 7 And he shall take the two goats, and "present 
 
 a 10:1,2. b Ex. 26:33,51. 40:20, 21. 1 Kings 8:6. Heb. 9:3,’ 7,8. 10:20. c 13. 8: 
 33. N»m. 4:19. 17:10. Matl. 27:51. Heb. 4:14 — 16. 10:19. d Ex. 40:35. 1 Kings 
 8:11,12. 2 Chr. 5:14. e Ex. 25. 17— 22. f Heb. 9.7,12,24,25. g 4:3. 8:14. Num. 
 29:7—11. b 1:3,10. 8:18. 9.3. i 6:10. Ex. 23:2,40— 13. 39:27—29. Is. 53:2. Ex. 
 44:17,18. Luke 1:35. Phil. 2:7. Heb. 2:14. 7:2S. It 8:6. Ex. 29:4. 30:20. 40:12, 
 31,32. Rev. 1:5,6. 1 4:14. 8:2,14. 9:8— 16. Num. 29:11. 2 Chr. 29:21. Ezra 6: 
 17. Ez. 45:22,23. Rom. 8:3. Heb. 7:27,28. 10:5—14. ra8:14— 17. Heb. 9:7. 
 
 assurance that he would be continued and accepted in the 
 priesthood ; and to instruct him and his sons how to avoid l lie 
 sin and punishment of Nadab and Abihu : for they would be 
 perfectly safe whilst they adhered to the rule, and that exam- 
 ple would render them attentive to it. 
 
 V. 2. The ordinary priests went into the sanctuary, where 
 the golden candlestick and the table of show- bread were 
 placed ; and there, without “ the veil, before the mercy-scat,” 
 they burnt incense upon the golden altar, one at a time : but 
 they went no further. (Notes, Ex. 30:7,8. Luke 1:8 — 10. Heb. 
 9:0,7.) The high-priest alone went within the veil into the holy 
 of holies, where the ark of the covenant was ; and that only 
 on one day in the year : and it was at the peril of his life, if at 
 any other time, or in any other manner, on ordinary occasions, 
 he ventured into the presence of the Lord, of which the cloud 
 of glory above the mercy-seat was the symbol ; for the visible 
 glory seems to have shone from the midst of a cloud. — When 
 the tabernacle was to be removed, and on some other occa- 
 sions, deviations from this strict rule became indispensable. 
 (Notes, Num. 4:5. 2 Chr. 29:12 — 19.) — The worship ap- 
 pointed by the law was intimately connected with sensible 
 objects, which are less revered when rendered familiar : hut 
 that of the New Testament, being more simple, is maintained 
 entirely by faith ; and the objects of it are admired and 
 adored, in proportion to the frequency and intenseness with 
 which we meditate upon them : the Israelites therefore were 
 commanded to keep their distance, but we are invited to draw 
 near. 
 
 V. 3. The daily sacrifice doubtless preceded the solem- 
 nities appointed in this chapter. 
 
 V. 4. The repeated washings of the high-priest might 
 typify Christ’s perfect purity;' but they more evidently re- 
 minded him of his own sinfulness. — He performed the appro- 
 priate services of this day, in the mean garments of the ordi- 
 nary priests, not in his own rich robes : for Christ made atone- 
 ment for us in his holy human nature, having laid aside his 
 robes of majesty when he assumed “ the form of a servant 
 and as man he even now intercedes for us. (1 Tim. 2:5 — 7.) 
 
 V. fi. The word “ offer” seems in this verse to mean no 
 more than to present the bullock before the Lord, with con- 
 ession of sins, and earnest prayer that it might be accepted 
 as an expiatory sacrifice. (11) 
 
 V. 8 — 40. The word rendered w the scape-goat,” (Ststj7 
 comp, of ry a she-goat, and Sin to go away), signifies “the goat 
 which went away.” But the Jews say, that the place, to 
 which the goat was led, is intended, and not the goat itself. — 
 Probably, however, our translation is as expressive of the 
 meaning of the type, as any other for which it could be 
 changed. The other goat was allotted to the Lord to he sacri- 
 ficed to him ; and this was sent away into a separate place , 
 at. a distance from the tents and dwellings of Israel. (22. 
 marg.) — The dying goat represented Christ suffering for our 
 sins ; “ the scape-goat,” Christ rising to carry into effect the 
 purposes of his death in the actual forgiveness and justifica- 
 ( 228 ) 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 them before the Lord, at the door of the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation. 
 
 8 And Aaron shall '’cast lots upon the two goats ; 
 one lot lor the Lord, and the other lot lor the 
 'scape-goat. 
 
 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat ‘Uipon which 
 the Lord’s lot 'fell, and offer him for a sin 
 offering. 
 
 10 But the goat on which the lot fell to be "the 
 scape-goat, shall be presented alive before the 
 Lord, \o make an atonement with him, and to 
 ‘let him go for a scape-goat into the wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 11 M And Aaron shall bring “the bullock of the 
 sin-offering, which is ibr himself, and shall make 
 an atonement lor himself, and for his house, and 
 shall kill the bullock of the sin-offering, which u 
 for himself. 
 
 12 And he shall take a censer full of burning 
 coals of fire ’'from off the altar before the Lord, 
 and his hands full of “sweet incense beaten small 
 and bring it within the veil. 
 
 13 And he shall put the incense upon the fire 
 before the Lord, that Hhe cloud of the incense 
 may cover the mercy-seat that is upon the testi- 
 mony, that he die not. 
 
 14 And he shall take of “the blood of the bul- 
 lock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy- 
 seat eastward : and before the mercy-seat, shall he 
 sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 n 9:7. Ezra 10:18,19. Job 1:5. Ez. 43:19— 27. o 1:3. 4:4. 12:6,7. Matt. 16:21. 
 Rom. 12:1. p Num. 26:55. 33:54. Josh. 18:10,11 . 1 Nam. 14:41 ,42. Prov. 16:33. Ex. 
 48:29. John 1:7. Acts 1:23 — 26. * Heb. Azazel. q Acts 2:23. 4:27,28. t Heb. 
 went up. r 21,22. s Is. 53:10,11. Rom. 4:25. Heb. 7:26. 9:23,24 . 1 John 2:2. 3:16 
 t 14:7. ' u See on 3,6. v 10:1. Num. 16:18,46. Heb. 9:14. 1 John 1:7. xEx.30: 
 34—38. 31:11. 37:29. Rev. 8:3,4. y Ex. 25:21. Heb. 1:14 — 16. 7 25. 9:24. 1 John 
 2:1,2. z 4:5,6,17. 8:11. Rom. 3:24— 26. Heb. 9:7,25. 10:4,10—12,19.12:24. 
 
 tion of his believing people. A goat was clean by the law, 
 yet not cleanly as the sheep in the opinion of man ; nay, 
 goats are the emblem of the wicked in the representation of 
 the day of judgment. (Matt. 25:32,33.) Thus Christ seemed 
 to men a sinner, but was absolutely sinless ; and when “num- 
 bered among transgressors,” he died by the sentence of man 
 as a malefactor, but in the purpose of God as a Sacrifice. — 
 Two kids of the goats having been provided as a sin-offering, 
 it was decided by lot which should be slain and which should 
 escape. A lot is a solemn appeal to God in a doubtful mat- 
 ter, relative to practice, as an oath is in testimonies and 
 engagements ; and each of them ought to be the last resource, 
 when other methods of decision fail, and to be used as a 
 solemn act of religion, or not at all. It is therefore an unan- 
 swerable objection to all lotteries and games of chance, that 
 they are a profanation of a religious ordinance : for so it is 
 every where spoken of in Scripture. “ The lot is cast into 
 the lap, but the whole disposal of ii is of the Lord :” they are 
 therefore an appeal to God to decide in a matter of covetous- 
 ness, or of diversion ; and so form a species of “ taking his 
 name in vain,” not much unlike rash and profane swearing in 
 trifling conversation, or when men are striking bargains. 
 
 V. 1 1 — 14. After the high-priest had slain the sin-offering 
 for himself and his family, he seems to have left the other 
 priests to prepare the blood, the fat, and the flesh of the 
 sacrifice ; and to have taken a censer full of burning coals 
 from off the altar, and as much incense as both his hands 
 would hold, wNich doubtless was put into a cup or plate for 
 that purpose. With these he entered within the veil, 
 immediately putting the incense on the coals, and causing the 
 smoke to ascend before the mercy-seat; without which ho 
 must not have gone thither on pain of death. He then seems 
 to have fetched the blood of his own sin-offering, and to have 
 sprinkled it as prescribed : then to have gone forth again, and 
 to have killed the people’s sin-offerings, and with the blood of 
 them to have entered the third time ; and to have left tho 
 censer, till he had applied the blood to the altar of incense, 
 and then to have entered the fourth time to fetch it away. — 
 All that the Jewish writers have very copiously advanced on 
 the manner in which the services of this day were performed, 
 can only show how they understood the Scriptures which 
 relate to the subject: and in some cases what variations, and 
 additions to the divine appointments they made, which 
 contribute little to our edification: for it should be kept in 
 mind, that what learned men extract from them on these 
 subjects, was written long after the temple was finally 
 destroyed by the Romans, and the Mosaic ceremonial thus 
 actually abolished ; and many of their assertions are directly 
 contrary to the words of the law. — As the mercy-seat was 
 placed at the west end of the tabernacle, the word eastward 
 must oither mean, that the high-priest stood eastward of the 
 mercy-scat when he sprinkled the blood ; or that it was 
 sprinkled on that part of the mercy-scat wUVch faced the 
 east. 
 
Ii. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI, 
 
 B. C. 1490, 
 
 *15 U Then “shall he kill the goat of the sin- 
 offering that is for the people,- and “bring his blood 
 within the veil, and do with that blood as he did 
 with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon 
 the mercy-seat, and before the mercy-seat. 
 
 16 And he shall make c an atonement for the 
 holy place, because ,of the uncleanness of the chil- 
 dren of Israel, and because of their transgressions 
 in all their sins: and so shall he do for the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation that ‘remaineth among 
 them, in the midst of their uncleanness. 
 
 17 And there shall be ‘‘no man in the tabernacle 
 of the congregation, when he goeth in to make an 
 atonement in the holy place, until he come out, 
 'and have made an atonement for himself, and for 
 his household, and for all the congregation of 
 Israel. 
 
 18 And he shall f go out unto the altar that is 
 before the Lord, and make an atonement for it; 
 and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of 
 the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns 
 of the altar round about. 
 
 19 And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it 
 with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and 
 shallow it from the uncleanness of the children of 
 Israel- 
 
 20 IT And when he hath made an end of ‘‘recon- 
 ciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the 
 congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the 'live 
 goat : 
 
 21 And Aaron shall k lay both his hands upon 
 
 *5,9. Hcb. 2:17. 5:3. 9:7,25. b 2. Heb. 6:19. 9:3,7,12. c 18. 8:15. Ex. 29:36,37. 
 Ez. 45:18,19. John 14:3. Heb. 9:22,23. • lleb .dwcllcth. <1 Ex. 34:3. Is. 53 6. 
 Da, i.9:24. Luke 1:10. Acls 4: 12. 1 Tim. 2:5. Heh. 1:9. 1 Pel. 2:24. 3:18. ell), 
 11. f 16. Ex. 3U:10. John 17:19. Heb 2:11. 5:7,8. g Ex. 43:18 — 22. Ztch. 13: 
 1. h 16. 6:30. 8:15. Ez. 45:20. 2 Cor. 5:19. Col. 1:20. i Rom. 4:25. 8:3-1. Heb. 
 7:25. Rev. 1:18. k Se.on 1:4. Ex. 29:10. 126:40. Ezra 10:1. Neh. 1:6,7. 9:3, 
 4c Ps. 32:5. 51:3. Pan. 9:3— 20. m Is. 53:6. 2 Cor. 5:21. t Heb. o man oj 
 
 V. 15 16. The uncleanness of the people, and all their 
 manifold transgressions, contaminated even the tabernacle 
 that was among them, and all its furniture; yea, the holy of 
 holies; even if none either of the priests or people had 
 entered, during the whole preceding year. 4 See,’ says 
 Ainsworth, 4 the horrid filthiness of sin !’ — Thus the depravity 
 of the human heart renders the best services of man defiled, 
 so that he needs the atonement of the blood of Christ to 
 render them acceptable. 
 
 V. 17. The high-priest was the grand type of Christ, 
 under the Mosaic dispensation, and this .solemnity more 
 especially represented his sufferings for us on earth, and his 
 intercession for us in heaven : the express prohibition there- 
 fore of any man, even of the priests, to enter into the taber- 
 nacle while the high-priest performed this typical service, 
 emphatically showed, that no sacrifice, no intercession, must 
 so much as in appearance be joined with those of Christ, in 
 his mediatorial work. — It is said, that the high-priest spent a 
 considerable part of the day in prayer for himself, his family, 
 and the congregation ; and without doubt this would be the 
 case with those high-priests who fullj r entered into the 
 design of the sacred service. 
 
 V. 18, 19. The altar of incense is generally supposed to 
 be here intended ; for this ceremony had been appointed for 
 that altar, but not for the altar of burnt-offering, at 'The foot 
 of which all the residue of the blood was poured out. ( Note , 
 Ex. 30:9,10.) The typical meaning also requires this inter- 
 pretation : for every thing within the sanctuary was purged 
 with the blood shed without, at the altar of burnt-offering ; as 
 the efficacy of our Lord’s intercession in heaven is derived 
 from his sacrifice here on earth. — Aaron came out of the most 
 holy place into the holy place for this part of the«service. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. The word rendered 44 reconciling,” is the 
 same as that before translated 44 make atonement,” and it 
 signifies to cover or hide. — When the high-priest had sprinkled 
 the blood of the two sin-offerings, separately, in the most holy 
 place, upon the mercy-sear, and afterwards seven times each 
 in the holy place before the mercy-seat, and applied it to the 
 altar of incense ; he then came out of the tabernacle, and 
 laying both his hands on the head of the live goat, he con- 
 fessed over it all the sins of Israel of every kind with their 
 various aggravations. Thus the guilt was typically trans- 
 ferred to it, in respect of the temporal punishment : for such 
 sacrifices 44 could not make him that did the service perfect, 
 as pertaining to the conscience;” much less could they 
 actually remove the guilt of every individual in Israel, whether 
 penitent Dr impenitent. But by this annual confession and 
 atonement, the judgments of God were averted from the 
 nation. The Lord still condescended to dwell among them, 
 as his worshippers, notwithstanding their past transgres- 
 sions ; and they continued to enjoy the benefit of his ordi- 
 nances and oracles. — In the latter days of the Jewish church 
 he high-priest had a form of confession : but God prescribed 
 ♦one. An attentive observant f the divine law, and of the 
 
 the head of the live goat, and ‘confess over him 
 all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all 
 their transgressions in all their sins, "“putting them 
 upon the head of the goat, and shall send him 
 away by the hand of ‘a lit man into the wilderness. 
 
 22 And the goat shall “bear upon him all their 
 iniquities, unto a land ffiot inhabited ; and he slial 1 
 let go the goat in the wilderness. 
 
 23 And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of 
 the congregation, and “shall put off the linen gar- 
 ments, which he put on when he went into the 
 holy place, and shall leave them there. 
 
 24 And he shall Pwash his flesh with water in 
 the holy place, and put on ibis garments and come 
 forth, and otter r his burnt-offering, and the burnt- 
 offering of the people, "and make an atonement 
 lor himself, and for the people. 
 
 25 And ‘the fat of the sin-offering shall he burn 
 upon the altar. 
 
 26 And “he that let go the goat for the scape- 
 goat, shall - x wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh 
 in water, and afterward come into the camp. 
 
 27 And the bullock for ? the sin-offering, and the 
 goat for the sin-offering, whose blood was brought 
 in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one 
 carry forth 'without the camp, and they shall burn 
 in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung. 
 
 28 And he that burneth them, “shall wash his 
 clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and after- 
 ward he shall come into the camp. 
 
 29 H And this shall be a statute for ever unto 
 
 opportunity. n 1*. 53: 11,12. John 1:29. Gal. 3:13. Heb. 9:28. 1 Pel. 2:24. 
 1 Heb. of separation, Ps. 103:12. Ex. 18:22. Mic. 7:19. o4. Ez. 42:14. 44:19. 
 Rom. 8:3. lhil. 2:6— 11. Heb 9:28. p 4. 8:6. 14:9. 22:6. Ex. 29:4. Heb. 6:10. 
 10:19— 22. Rer. 1:5,6. q 8:7— 9. Ez. 28:4, 4c. 29:5. r3,5. s 17. t 6. 4 8— 
 10,19. Ex. 29:13. u 10,21,2!. x 28. 14:8. 15:6— 11,27. Nura. 19:7,8.21. Heb. 
 7:19. 5-4:11,12,21.6:30.8:17. z Mali. 27:31— 33. Heb. 13:11-1.1. a See 
 
 on 26. 
 
 people’s conduct, with suitable previous consideration, would 
 enable him to do it much more profitably without one. — 
 When the sins of Israel had thys been 44 put upon the head 
 of the goat,” a proper person was sent to lead him away into 
 the wilderness, to a place sufficiently distant from the habita- 
 tions of men ; and there to let him go at liberty, bearing 
 upon him their sins, never more to be heard of. — Christ 
 44 bare our sins in his own body on the tree;” they were im- 
 puted to him, and he bare the punishment due to them : this 
 was typified by the goat which was slain and burnt. He 
 then ascended into heaven, and by his intercession grounded 
 on his atonement, renders our persons and services accepted: 
 this was typified by the high-priest entering with the blood 
 and incense into the most holy place. In consequence of 
 this, the sins of all believers are entirely forgiven; and they 
 a»*e dealt, with, as if they had never committed them : this 
 was shadowed by the scape-goat sent away into the wilder- 
 ness. 
 
 V. 23 — 25. When the scape-goat hod been sent away, 
 “bearing on him all the iniquities of Israel,” the high-priest, 
 going into the tabernacle, put off his linen garments, and left 
 them there ; (the Jews say, never to be worn again ;) and 
 then, having 44 washed his flesh with water in the holy place,” 
 he put on the rich garments which were peculiar to his office : 
 for the more humiliating, sorrowful, and penitential part of the 
 solemn service was now ended, and way was made for joy 
 and exultation. — The word here rendered wash, is very 
 frequently translated bathe; (26,28.) but it is obvious, that it 
 cannot exclusively mean the covering of the whole body with 
 water ; for there was no provision made for this, either in the 
 holy place, or in the court of tl\p tabernacle, which probably 
 induced the translators to render it wash in this connexion , 
 but whether the hands and feet alone were washed, or somo 
 of the other parts of the body, or every part of it, seems to 
 have depended on circumstances. (15:6,7,13,16.) The high- 
 priest, having touched the scape-goat, seemed to have con- 
 tracted a degree of ritual uncleanness, which his washing 
 might refer to. — He then offered his own burnt-offering: and 
 also that of the people, which probably means one prescribed 
 in a subsequent law: ( Num . 29:8.) though some suppose 
 this to have been offered in the morning, and that the burnt- 
 offering here mentioned was the evening sacrifice ; all the 
 intervening time having been taken up in the solemn services 
 of the day. By these oblations, Aaron made a further atone- 
 ment for himself and the people, at the altar of burnt-offering 
 and thus the expiation was completed, in respect of all things 
 pertaining to the instituted worship of Israel. — As the bodies 
 of the sin-offerings were reserved till the other solemnities 
 were finished, before they were carried out of the ramp to 
 be burned ; so the fat of them was likewise kept to be .’aid on 
 the altar upon the burnt-offerings : for we have no reason U 
 suppose, that this also was mentioned out of bs prope- ruer. 
 
 V. 26 — 28. To show still further the defiling nat» r o 
 sin, and the insufficiency of these typical ex] iti ms ; both he 
 ( 229 ) 
 
B. £ 4490. 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 you : that '’in the seventh month, on the tenth day 
 of the month, ye 'shall afflict your souls, and d do 
 no work at all, whether it he one of your own 
 country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you. 
 
 30 For on that day shall the priest make an 
 atonement for you, “to cleanse you, that ye may be 
 clean from all your sins, before the Lord. 
 
 31 It shall be fa sabbath of rest unto you, and 
 ye shall afflict your souls by a statute for ever. 
 
 32 And s the priest whom he shall anoint, and 
 whom he shall ’consecrate h to minister in the 
 priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the 
 atonement, and shall ‘put on the linen clothes, even 
 the holy garments. 
 
 33 And he shall make k an atonement for the 
 holy sanctuary : and he shall make an atonement 
 for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the 
 altar : and he shall make an atonement for the 
 priests, and for all the people of the congregation. 
 
 b 23:27—32. Ex. 30:10. Nura. 29:7. I Kings 8:2. Ezra 3:1. c Ps. 35:13. 69: 
 10. Is. 53:3,5. Dan. 10:3,12. 1 Cor. 11:31. 2 Cor. 7:10,11. d 23:3,7,8,21,28, 
 S 1,36. Ex. 12:16. 20:10. Is. 58:13. Heb. 4:10. o Ps. 51 :2,7,10. Jer. 33:8. Er.. 
 36:20—27. Eph.5:26. Tit. 2:14. Heb. 9:13,14. 10:1,2. 1 John 1:7— 9. 123:32. 
 
 25:4. Ex. 31:15. 35:2. g4:3,5,16. * Heb. Jill his hand. Ex.29:9. marg. hE*. 
 
 who led away the scape-goat, and he who burnt the sin- 
 offering, contracted defilement and needed purification. 
 Note , 6:30.) — Jerusalem in later ages anwered to the camp 
 in the wilderness. (Note, Heb. 13:9 — 14.) 
 
 V. 29 — 31. The Israelites, all over the camp at this time, 
 and all over the land afterward in Canaan, were required to 
 spend this day in solemn humiliation before God for their 
 sins ; in godly sorrow, penitent confessions, and devotional 
 exercises, either in secret, or in their families and assemblies : 
 and for this purpose all other business was laid aside. Fast- 
 ing is not expressly mentioned ; but it is generally supposed 
 to be implied, with several other expressions of contrition, 
 and instances of self-denial. The day must also be observed 
 as a most solemn sabbath, on which no work mignt be done, 
 either by an Israelite or a stranger ; for u afflicting their 
 souls” for sin would be sufficient employment. (Marg. Ref. 
 c. Note , Acts 27:9.) — Various reasons are assigned, why the 
 tenth day of the seventh month was particularly appointed: 
 but there seems no certainty in any of them. 
 
 V. 32 — 34. None except the high-priest was allowed to 
 perform the solemn service of this day; and “he could not 
 continue by reason of death it was therefore appointed, that 
 he, among Aaron’s descendants, who was anointed to the 
 high-priesthood through succeeding generations, should thus 
 make atonement for the sanctuary, the priests, and the 
 people, once every year. — Moses anointed and consecrated 
 Aaron, and probably Eleazar; but it is not expressly said by 
 whom the high-priests in succession should be anointed. It 
 is generally thought, that the eldest son of the high-priest, (if 
 a proper person,) or the next in succession, was previously 
 anointed and consecrated, that he might officiate, if any thing 
 occurred to prevent the high-priest, as sickness or ceremonial 
 •ncleanness: and then he entered on that office when his 
 predecessor died. It is probable, in this case, that the high- 
 priest himself anointed his successor: if this had not been 
 done we may suppose that the chief of the priests, in age or 
 authority, anointed the eldest of the sons of the deceased 
 high-priest, who had no defect or impediment: or perhaps, a 
 subsequent anointing also was used after the high-priest’s 
 death ; as David, after having been anointed by Samuel to 
 succeed Saul, was repeatedly anointed after Saul’s death, 
 when he entered on his regal office. (1 Sam. 16:12,13. 
 Notes , 2 Sam. 2:4. 5:3.) — The words rendered “whom he 
 'shall anoint,” seem only to mean, who shall be anointed ; and 
 may be rendered, “ whom one shall anoint.” — Many learned 
 men imagine, that these atonements expiated nothing but the 
 guilt contracted by transgressing the ceremonial law ; and 
 they seem to think it actually prevailed for the full and final 
 ardon of these offences, to all for whom they were offered : 
 ut the varied expressions used on this occasion, show that 
 all kinds of sins were alike atoned for: (16,21.) and the 
 apostle’s argument (Heb. 9:8 — 10.) proves that no sin was 
 thus actually pardoned, as to the conscience. All true 
 believers, using these as means of grace, were pardoned and 
 accepted for the sake of the great Antitype and his atone- 
 merf. : the temporal punishment, for sins of every kind, was 
 averted by the offering in that case instituted ; but there were 
 many crimes for which no sacrifice was appointed. The 
 annual expiation of national guilt, however, prevented the 
 forfeiture of the national covenant : but in idolatrous times it 
 was either utterly neglected, or very carelessly attended to; 
 and when the Substance came, all these shadows lost their 
 use and efficacy: tor the words rendered “ everlasting,” and 
 “for ever,” in this connexion mean perpetual during that 
 typical dispensation. (Note, Gen. 17:7,8.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. C — f >-4. These varied shadows of good things to come 
 lead us into almost unavoidable repetitions ; for it must surely 
 be inexcusable to shut our eyes that we may not see, or 
 seeing to refrain from noting, though repeatedly, these mani- , 
 ( 230 ) 
 
 34 And this shall be ’an everlasting statute unto 
 you, to make an atonement for the children oi 
 Israel, for all their sins, m once a year. And he did 
 as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The blood of beasts slaughtered for food , must be offered to the Lord , that no 
 sacrifices -may be off ere l to devils, 1 — 9. No blood must be eaten , nor that 
 ■which died of itself , 10 — 16. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, and 
 unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them, 
 This is the thing which the Lord hath command- 
 ed, saying, 
 
 3 What man soever there be “of the house of 
 Israel, b that killeth an ox, or lamb, or goat in the 
 camp, or that killeth it out of the camp, 
 
 4 And c bringeth it not unto the door of the 
 tabernacle of .he congregation, to offer an offering 
 unto the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord ; 
 d blood shall be imputed unto that man : “lie hath 
 
 29:29,30. Num. 20:26— 28. iSeeonl. k See or, 16.18,19,24. 123:31. Nura. 
 
 29.7. m Ex. 30:10. Heb. 9:7,25. 10:3,14. a 8, 12,13, 15. b Dent. 12:5— 7, Il- 
 ls, 20— 22,26,27. c 1:3. Ez. 20:40. John 10:7,9. 14:6. (17:18. I's. 32:2. Rora. 
 4:6. 5:13,20. Ihifemot 18,19. els. 66:3. 
 
 fold remembrances of sin, as chargeable upon the best of men 
 in their most holy actions ; as polluting all things that the 
 sinner touches ; yet atoned for by nothing except blood, and 
 nobler blood than that of bulls and goats. Doubtless these 
 are so many demonstrations, that we rightly understand what 
 the New Testament teaches of Christ, when we consider him 
 as the Substance of all these shadow's; and his Church the 
 building, for which all these scaffoldings were prepared. 
 Here, in a type, we view our great High-Priest, our Sacri- 
 fice, our Advocate, our Savioifr from sin. Thus he veiled 
 his glory. “ Because the children were partakers of flesh 
 and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same,” 
 and appeared in human nature, yet free from sin ; though ho 
 had richer robes of glory and beauty, when angels saw and 
 adored him “ in the form of God,” as their Creator and Lord. 
 By the one sacrifice of himself he made an actual atonement 
 for sin on earth; and with the same human nature, and with 
 his own blood, he ascended into heaven, to appear before the 
 Father’s mercy-seat, to present the incense of his prevailing 
 intercession for his people ; in which service none, even of the 
 spiritual priesthood, must presume to unite *vith him. Thenco 
 with his spiritual presence he meets his assembled disciples, 
 and renders his ordinances sanctifying to them, and accept- 
 able to God ; and at the end of the world he “ will come in 
 his own glory, and in the glory of his Father,” to complete 
 the grand design. 
 
 Y. 15 — 34. Jlere also in another glass, we see the Saviour 
 in the sin-offering of the goat. In the likeness of sinful flesh, 
 he suffered without the camp, by the hands of wicked men, 
 but according to the purpose of God ; while in the scape-goat 
 we see him rising, and bearing the sins of all true believers 
 into the land of forgetfulness. But in how many things do 
 these shadows fail of truly representing the substance! It 
 was very evident “ that the way into the holiest was not made 
 manifest,” when the high-priest himself must enter so seldom, 
 and so circumspectly, on pain of death. Jesus needed not 
 to offer sacrifice for his own sin ; for he w as without sin. 
 Though “ the Lord caused to meet on him the iniquities o( 
 us all,” yet he thence contracted no pollution, nor needed 
 any purification, having perfectly expiated the whole. And 
 feebly indeed do “ the holy places made with hands” shadow 
 forth the heaven of heavens ; or the smoke of the fragrant 
 gums, for a few hours in a year, his continued and meritorious 
 advocacy. — Nor are the benefits which Israel as a nation 
 derived from this annual atonement, or the external privileges 
 thus continued to them, at all comparable to “ the access 
 with boldness to the throne of grace,” the mercy, the peace, 
 the spiritual and everlasting blessings, and consolations, 
 which true believers in all ages enjoy through the alonement 
 of the Son of God ! — Yet let it be remembered that none but 
 humbled souls, who “ repent and bring forth fruits meet for 
 repentance,” can derive true comfort from these privileges. 
 The proud, the carnal, the impenitent and unbelieving, have 
 but the shadow still ; a shadow oflen of their own de\ ising, not 
 of God’s appointing. It was not requisite that Christ should 
 suffer more than once ; but we need constantly to look to 
 him: and, besides our daily exercise of repentance, seasons 
 set apart from time to time to afflict our souls, to humble 
 ourselves before God, and to mortify our sinful desires, are 
 very profitable, and have in all ages met with the approba- 
 tion of God, and been sanctioned by the example of holy 
 men. Nor will this mar our holy joy: ir w ill rather purify 
 it; it will endear the Saviour, and greatly assist us, in so 
 looking unto him, that we may not he weary or faint in our 
 minds, either in doing his will or suffering for his sake. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 3—7. The language of 
 this passage evidently means, that the Israelites, while in the 
 wilderness, must not kill any of those aninals which wero 
 appointed to be sacrificed, even for food, elsewhere, either m 
 the camp, or without* hut must bring them all, as peac#- 
 
B. C. 1490.. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. M90 
 
 shed blood ; and that man shall 'be cut off from 
 among his people : 
 
 5 To the end that the children of Israel may 
 bring their sacrifices, which they offer 6 in the open 
 field, even that they may bring them unto the 
 Lord, unto the door of the tabernacle of the con- 
 gregation unto the priest, ''and offer them for peace- 
 jfferings unto the Lord. 
 
 6 And the priest shall sprinkle the blood upon 
 the altar of the Lord, at the door of the taberna- 
 cle of the congregation, and Jburn the fat for a 
 sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 7 \nd they shall no more offer their sacrifices 
 k untc devils, after whom they have 'gone a whor- 
 ing. This shall be a statute for ever unto them 
 ‘throughout their generations. 
 
 8 And thou shalt say unto them, Whatsoever 
 man there he of the house of Israel, or of the 
 strangers which sojourn among you, m that offereth 
 a burnt-offering or sacrifice, 
 
 9 And briiweth it not unto the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, to offer it unto the 
 Lord ; even that man shall be cutoff from among 
 his people. 
 
 10 H And whatsoever man there he of the 
 house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn 
 among you, "that eateth any manner of blood ; °I 
 
 f 10,14. 18:29. 20:3,16,18. Gen. 17:14. Ex. 12:15,19. Num. 15:30,31. B Gen.21: 
 33 . 22:2,13. 31:51. Deul. 12:2. 1 Kings 14:23. 2 Kings 16:4. 17:10. 2Chr.28:4. 
 Ex. 20:28 . 22:9. h 3: 7:11—21. Ex. 24:5. i 3:2,8,13. ) 3:5,11 ,16. 4:31. Ex. 
 
 29:13. Num. 18:17. k Dent. 32:17. 2 Chr. 11:15. Ps. 106:37. John 12:31. 14:30. 
 1 Cor. 10:20. 2 Cor. 4:4. Eph. 2:2. Rev. 9:20. 120:5. Ex. 34:15. Deut. 31:16. 
 Jer. 3:1. Ez. 23:8. Rev. 17:1— 5. m 10. 1:2. Judg. 6:26. 1 Sam. 7:9. 10:8.16: 
 2. 2 Sam. 24:25. 1 Kings 18:30—38. Mai. 1:11. n 11.3:17. 7:26,27. 19:26. Gen. 
 9:4. Dent. 12:16,23. 15:23. 1 Sam. 14:33. Ez. 33:25. 44:7. Acts 15:20,29. Heb. 
 
 offerings, to the door of the tabernacle ; that the blood might 
 be sprinkled, the fat burnt on the altar, and the due portion 
 allotted to the priest, according to the laws before given. — 
 It may be supposed, that few animals, in proportion to the 
 multitudes of Israel, would at this time be slain ; the manna 
 being their principal sustenance : and when they came into 
 Canaan, and many of them lived far from the sanctuary, 
 they might kill cattle for food in any place. “ Even as the 
 roe buck, and au the hart, so shalt thou eat them.” (Deut. 
 12:15,22.) These animals, therefore, or any other clean 
 animal, not, appointed for sacrifice, if caught in the wilder- 
 ness, might be eaten, without being brought to the door of the 
 tabernacle. In the mean while, the transgression of this law 
 would be imputed to any Israelite, as a capital crime ; even 
 as if he had committed murder ; and, if the magistrate did 
 not punish him, God himself would “ cut him off from among 
 his people." — This law was intended to honour the divine 
 institutions, and to put an end to the custom of offering sacri- 
 fices “ in the open field,” or in any place indiscriminately, by 
 habituating the people to bring all their oblations to the taber- 
 nacle ; nay, to present the animals slain for food as a sacri- 
 fice to God. — It was also meant as a preservative from idol- 
 atry, which was even at that time secretly practised, in 
 direct violation of the national covenant. For idolatry is 
 evidently intended ; when it is said, that the people “ sacri- 
 ficed to devils, after whom they had gone a whoring ,” the com- 
 mon term for idolatry in the Scriptures. The word (Di'jny) 
 translated “ devils,” is taken from the roughness of a goat , 
 and indeed signifies goats: and many translate it satyrs , 
 which are fabled to have appeared in the form of goats in the 
 woods to their votaries ; and it is certain, that several ima- 
 ginary deities of the Gentiles were often worshipped by images, 
 formed nearly in the shape of goats. — Our translation, how- 
 ever, is not improper : for all idolatry in fact deifies devils, by 
 rendering worship to those ambitious spirits, even as all 
 wickedness is serving them ; and by both Satan aspires to 
 be honoured as the god and prince of this world. (A Tote, 
 1 Cor. 10:18 — 22.) — The prohibition of offering sacrifices 
 elsewhere than at the sanctuary, was of perpetual obliga- 
 tion ; though the people were afterwards allowed to kill 
 animals for food in any place. (Notes, Deut. 12:5 — 7,22.) — 
 The whole kingdom of Israel, from the days of Jeroboam, 
 habitually violated this law : and through the reigns of most 
 of David’s successors, the kingdom of Judah was in great 
 measure guilty of the same, whilst “the people sacrificed 
 upon the high places.” In some cases the Lord dispensed 
 with the letter of it, by accepting sacrifices from his prophets 
 on particular occasions, which were offered elsewhere : for 
 the typical import formed the grand intention of the cere- 
 monial law. — The worship of God at the tabernacle repre- 
 sented the sinner's approach to God in Christ, and through 
 his mediation: but sacrifices, offered elsewhere, generally 
 evinced a proud, contemptuous neglect of that great salvation. 
 
 V. 8, 9. A mixed multitude accompanied Israel out of 
 Egypt, many of whom probably had before this returned: 
 but some might still continue, and strangers from other parts 
 might come on different occasions. None of these however 
 were permitted, in the camp of Israel, while sojourning in the 
 
 will even set my face against that soul that eateth 
 blood, and will cut him off from among his people. 
 
 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and 
 p I have given it to you upon the altar, to make a a 
 atonement for your souls : for it is the blood that 
 maketh an atonement for the soul. 
 
 12 Therefore I said unto the children of Israel, 
 No soul of you shall eat blood, ’’neither shall any 
 stranger that sojournelh among you eat blood. 
 
 13 And whatsoever man there be of the chil 
 dren of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourr 
 among you, which ’hunteth and catcheth any beast 
 or fowl that may be eaten, he shall even "pour out 
 the blood thereof, and cover it with dust. 
 
 14 For it is s the life of all flesh, the blood of it is 
 for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children 
 of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of 
 flesh : for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: 
 whosoever eateth it shall be cut off'. 
 
 15 And ‘every soul that eateth 'that which died 
 of itself , or that which was torn with beasts, 
 (whether it be one of your own country, or a 
 stranger,) he shall “both wash his clothes, and 
 bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the 
 even : then shall he be clean. 
 
 16 But if he wash themnot, nor bathe his flesh; 
 then “he shall bear his iniquity. 
 
 10:29. o20:3— 6. 26:17. Ps. 34:16. Jer. 21 :10. 44:1 1 . Ez. 14:8. 15:7. p8:15. 
 16.11,14—19. Matt. 20:28. 26:28. Mark 14:24. Rom. 3:25. 5:9. Eph. 1:7. Col. 
 1:14,20. Heb. 9:22. 13:12. 1 Pet. 1:2. 1 John 1:7. 2:2. Rev. 1:5. p Ex. 12:49. 
 * Heb. hunteth any hunting . r Deut. 12:16. 15:23. 1 Sam. 14:32 — 34. Job 16:18. 
 Ea. 24:7. a 11. Gen. 9:4. Deut. 12:23. t 22:8. Ex. 22.31. Deut. 14:21 . Ez. 4: 
 14.44:31. t Heb. a carcass, u 1 1 :25. 15:5,10,21 . Num. 19:8,19,21. Rev. 7:14. 
 x 5:1. 7.18. 19:8. 20:17,19,20. Num. 19:20. Is. 53:11. John 13:8. Heb. 9:28. 
 1 Pet. 2:24. 
 
 wilderness, or afterwards residing among them in the land 01 
 Canaan, to offer sacrifices of' any kind to their idols, or any 
 sacrifice even to Jehovah, except at the sanctuary: and il 
 any one resolutely violated this law, he, as well as the rebel 
 lious Israelite, would be cut off from among his people. It is 
 certain, that in after ages many uncircumcised persons 
 brought sacrifices to the temple, which were offered by the 
 priests in their behalf, though they themselves might not 
 enter into the inner court; and it does not appear that this 
 was a violation of the law. Many learned men, however 
 understand all these passages, in which strangers are men- 
 tioned, of proselytes , or circumcised Gentiles , and the Septua* 
 gint is thought to favour this interpretation. But the proselytes 
 of this description, in ordinary cases, seem to have been 
 incorporated with the Israelites : and the rules, here and 
 elsewhere given, may relate to the case of such persons, from 
 other countries, as were not fully proselyted to the religion of 
 Israel, whether they ever resided among the Israelites or 
 not. 
 
 V. 10 — 16. This prohibition has repeatedly been consi- 
 dered. (Marg.Ref. Notes, 3:17. Gen. 9:3,4. Acts 15:19 — 
 21.) The expression, “ I will set my face against that 
 man,” implies the highest degree of indignation and avenging 
 justice ; and is seldom used, except for idolatry, or some very 
 aggravated wickedness. (Note, 20:2 — 5.) — The reason of 
 the prohibition is several times repeated ; namely, because 
 the life of the animal is in the blood, and it was appointed at 
 the altar to make atonement for the lives of the people ; as a 
 type of him, who gave himself a sacrifice for our sins, to save 
 our souls from eternal death. — This law extended even to 
 clean animals taken in hunting, or wild fowl, as well as all 
 tame land-animals ; and the covering of the blood with dust 
 taught the people, that some great mystery was implied in 
 the atonement of blood, and tended to create a reverence ol 
 it: for the same reason they were forbidden to eat the 
 animals which died of themselves ; for the blood was in them 
 also. — Yet this is not forbidden in such energetic language as 
 the eating of blood in other cases ; and a ceremonial purifica 
 tion was appointed, in case of failure, which is generally 
 understood of inadvertent transgressions. The stranger was 
 included in this statute also; and yet the Israelites might give 
 that which died of itself to the “strangers within theip 
 gates,” or sell it to aliens. (Note, Deut. 14:21.) This seems 
 to establish a distinction among strangers, according as they 
 had in some degree embraced the religion of Israel, or tho 
 contrary. It also marked a distinction between directly 
 eating the blood, either as actually separated from the flesli,. 
 or as wilfully retained in it ; and eating it with the flesh when 
 it was unavoidably combined with it. The former was 
 expressly forbidden to all the sons of Noah, the latter only to. 
 Israel : but after the use of blood in sacrifice ceased, tho 
 reason of the restriction in both cases was taken entirely away. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We should greatly reverence all the Lord’s appointments,, 
 and it is at their peril if men contemn or change them : but 
 the greatest danger lies in neglecting the salvation, which is 
 in Jesus Christ. “ In him dwelleth all the fulness of tho 
 Godhead bodily.” “ He that honourelh not the Son, lionoureth' 
 
 C 231 ) 
 
E. 0. 1490. 
 
 LEVITICUS 
 
 E. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 V’le customs of Egypt and Canaan to be avoided , and God's commands obey- 
 ed , I — 5. Laws restricting marriage among relations, 6 — 18 : and against 
 base lusts and idolatries , enforced by the Judgments about to be excculedon 
 the Canaanites , 19 — 30. 
 
 AND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 A 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and 
 say unto them, I “ am the Lord your God. 
 
 3 After b the doings of the land of Egypt 
 wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and 'after the 
 doings of the land of Canaan, whither I bring you, 
 shall ye not do : neither shall ye walk in their 
 ordinances. 
 
 4 Ye shall d do my judgments, and keep mine or- 
 dinances, to walk therein: I am the Lord your God. 
 
 5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my 
 judgments : 'which if a man do he shall live in 
 them : • I am the Lord. 
 
 6 U None of you shall approach to auv that is 
 'near of kin to him, eto uncover their nakedness : 
 I am the Lord. 
 
 7 The nakedness of thy father or the naked- 
 ness of thy mother, shalt thou not uncover : she is 
 thy mother, thou shalt not uncover her nakedness. 
 
 8 The nakedness h of thy father’s wife shalt thou 
 not uncover : it is thy father’s nakedness. 
 
 9 The nakedness of 'thy sister, the daughter of 
 thy father, or daughter of thy mother, whether 
 she he born at home, or born abroad, even their 
 nakedness thou shalt not uncover. 
 
 l 11:44. 19:3,4,10,34. 20:7. Gen. 17:7. Kit. 6:7. 2u:2. Ps. 3312. Ez. 20:5,7,19, 
 £0. I. Ez. 20:7,3. 23:8. Epli. 5:7—11. 1 Pel. 4:2—4. c20:23. Ex. 23:24. Den. 
 12:4,30,31. Jev. 10:2,3. Rom. 12:2. <4 25. 19:37. 20:22. Dent. 4 : 1 ,2. 6: 1 . Ps. 
 105:45. 119:4. Ex. 20:19 . 36:27. 37:24. Luke 1:6. John 13:14. e Ex. 20: 1 1 ,13, 
 SI. Luke 10:28. Horn. 10:5. Gel. 3:12. f Ex. 6:2,6,29. Mat. 3:6. • Heb. 
 
 remainder of his flesh. g7— 19. 20:11,12,17— 21. It 20:11. Gen. 35:22. 19:4. 
 
 not the Father, that sent him.” “And he that gathereth 
 not with him scattereth.” If then his human nature be the 
 true temple, in which God dwells and will be worshipped ; — 
 “ if his name be Emmanuel — “ if this be the true God, and 
 eternal Life;” — may we not add, “Little children, keep your- 
 selves from idols?” (Note, 1 John 5:20,21.) Surely all 
 who value their own souls, should look to themselves in an 
 age and nation, where men, called Christians, spend their lives 
 in degrading him, whom prophets and apostles shed their 
 blood to glorify, and “whom all the angels of God worship.” 
 For though we may offer our spiritual sacrifices in every 
 lace, yet unless we come by Christ as our Way, trust in 
 1 m as our all-sufficient Atonement and almighty Saviour, 
 and worship God in him; our services will be found an 
 abomination, and our hope a delusion. From such tempta- 
 tions of the enemy we should keep at the utmost distance, by 
 adhering to the word of God, constantly attending on his 
 ordinances, and depending on his grace alone ; and lie will in 
 that case preserve us from the snares of our crafty and 
 malicious enemy: while faith in Christ, and love to him and 
 bur brethren, will sanctify even our ordinary meals, and con- 
 vert them into spiritual sacrifices. — Though the prohibitions 
 vve have been reading are no longer in force, we may learn 
 from them to adore the mystery of atoning blood with deep 
 veneration ; to use our liberty without cruelty or sensuality ; 
 and to exercise habitual self-denial and circumspection, while 
 we seek to “purify ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and 
 spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” But let pre- 
 sumptuous, careless sinners tremble : for if God “ set his face 
 against them,” he will at length cut thorn olf with terrible 
 vengeance. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVIII. V. 2 — 4. Many of thelaws, 
 enacted in this and the following chapters, were extremely 
 different from the- maxims and customs of other surrounding 
 nations; and this introduction, though applicable to the 
 general conduct, of Israel, seems particularly to have related 
 to these laws. The great Lawgiver, therefore, again and 
 again confirms his statutes by adding, “ I ant Jehovah your 
 God ;” intimating that he would be obeyed in all his require- 
 ments. — The people were especially warned against the 
 customs of Egypt and Canaan, because most in danger from 
 those nations ; but others doubtless were also meant. 
 
 V. 5. IV hich if a- man rlo, &e.] By an upright obexlienee 
 to the moral precepts, and a believing attendance on the 
 appointed ordinances of the law, not only temporal advantages, 
 but the favour of God and eternal life might be expected ; 
 though not as a merited recompense. But probably the Lord 
 intended thus to warn the Israelites of the danger not only of 
 ’incurring condemnation by neglecting these commandments, 
 hut of resting in their imperfect obedience, instead of looking 
 through them to “ Christ, as the end of the law for righteous- 
 ness to every one that boiieveth,” as he alone perfectly 
 fulfilled its demands. (Note, Ez. 20:11.) Si. Paul repeat- 
 edly quotes this text as descriptive of the righteousness of 
 the law, in distinction from the righteousness of faith: and 
 this also shows, that the words relate to something more 
 Ihiportar" u.Jn temporal prosperity. ( Marg . Ref. e.) 
 
 ( 232 ‘ 
 
 10 The nakedness of thy son’s daughter, or of 
 thy daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness 
 thou shalt not uncover : for theirs is thine own 
 nakedness. 
 
 1 1 The nakedness of thy father’s wife’s daugh- 
 ter, begotten of thy father, she is thy sister, thou 
 shalt not uncover her nakedness. 
 
 12 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of 
 thy ^father’s sister : she is thy father’s near kins- 
 woman. 
 
 13 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy 
 mother’s sister : for she is thy mother’s near kins- 
 woman. 
 
 14 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy 
 Mather’s brother, thou shalt not approach to his 
 wife : she is thine aunt. 
 
 15 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness ol 
 thy ‘daughter-in-law : she is thy son’s wife, thou 
 shalt not uncover her nakedness. 
 
 16 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of thy 
 ■"brother’s wife ; it is thy brother’s nakedness. 
 
 17 Thou shalt not uncover the nakedness of "a 
 woman and her daughter, neither shalt thou take 
 her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to 
 uncover her nakedness; for they are her near 
 kinswomen; °it is wickedness. 
 
 18 Neither shalt thou take f a wife to her sister, 
 p to vex her, to uncover her nakedness, besides the 
 other in her life-fiwie. 
 
 Deut. 22:30. 27:20. 2S»m. 16:21,22. Ex. 22:10. Am. 2:7. lCor.5:l. 120:17. 
 Deul. 27:22. 2 Sam. 13:11 — 14. Ex. 22:11. j 20:19. Ex. 6:20. k20:20. 120:12 
 Gen. 38:18,26. Ex. 22:11. m 20:21. Deul. 25:5. Malt.l4:3,4. 22:24. Mark 6: 
 17. 12:19. Luke 3:19. n 20:14. Deut. 27:23. Amox 2:7. o20:14. • Or, one ui/t 
 to another. Gen. 4:19. 29:28. p Gen. 30:15. 1 Sam. 1:6 — 8. Mai. 2:15. 
 
 V. C — 17. As these laws forbad marriage betwixt near 
 relations, they certainly prohibited unchastity between them, 
 and every approach to it : and this may account in part, for 
 the singular manner in which they are expressed. — The mar- 
 riage of parents and children, or grandchildren, &c. in all the 
 variations here spoken of, has something in it at first glance 
 unnatural ; and would be destructive of all authority and sub- 
 ordination, which are of the greatest importance to society. 
 In the marriages of nephews with aunts, somewhat of the same 
 kind may be perceived: and it is observable that the marriage 
 of uncles with their nieces is not prohibited, though, from ihe 
 supposed parity of the case, it is included in our laws. The 
 only collateral relations which are forbidden to marry, are 
 brothers and sisters, by whole or half blood, or by affinity, 
 legitimate or illegitimate. The first marriages indeed of 
 Adam’s posterity must have been of brothers and sisters ; 
 and therefore we cannot pronounce them immoral in them- 
 selves. But, as human nature now is, it is very expedient 
 that those, who are so much together in youth, should by such 
 a restriction be taught to look upon all intercourse as pro- 
 hibited and incestuous ; which must assist in keeping out 
 temptations to evil. It is moreover desirable, that by inter- 
 marriages, relationship, and its endearments and benevolence 
 should be diffused, and an unsocial separation of families pre- 
 vented; and this is the tendency of these laws. They are 
 therefore to be considered, either as moral in themselves, or 
 so nearly connected with other moral obligations, as to be pro- 
 per to be observed by all mankind ; and in general the wiser 
 heathens have deemed such marriages unlawful, and ab- 
 stained from them. It is elsewhere enjoined, that if a man 
 died without issue, his surviving brother should marry his 
 widow. ( Note , Deut. 25:5 — 10.) But, as this appointment 
 respected special purposes under the Mosaic dispensation, the 
 prohibition of marrying a brother’s wife is absolute to us ; and. 
 by parity of reason, that of a woman marrying the husband of 
 her deceased sister. — Some laws on this subject seem essen- 
 tially necessary, and have always been judged to he so by 
 legislators, heal hen as well as Chrbtian. Yet if these laws 
 are not obligatory under the Christian dispensation, there is no 
 law of God in force regulating marriages, nor any, restricting 
 the intermarriages of the nearest relations. — Did the Lord 
 then intend to leave his church under the New Testament, 
 wholly without law in this most important concern.? or hath 
 he confirmed his own pre-existing law, as of moral obligation? 
 St. Paul’s language concerning the incestuous Corinthian, — 
 “Such fornication as is not named among the Gentiles, that 
 one should have his father’s wife,” (1 Cor. 5:1.) — implies that 
 Christians had a rule in this respect, and a stricter rule than 
 the Gentiles: yet that rule can be found only in this chapter. 
 The restrictions here imposed are all of moral tendency, and 
 highly beneficial : as missionaries and others, who attempt to 
 propagate Christianity among the heathen, know and feel 
 more than other Christians ; because others live among those, 
 who are habitually restricted by them. I therefore must con 
 sidcr these laws as in equal force at this day an ong Chris- 
 tians, as they wore formerly in Israel: those mplied uv 
 parity of reason, as well as those more cxpres»h mentioned 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 19 H Also thou slialt not approach unto a woman 
 to uncover her nakedness, 'ias long as she is put 
 apart for her uncleanness. 
 
 20 Moreover thou shalt not lie carnally with 
 thy neighbour’s wife, to defile thyself with her. 
 
 21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed 
 •pass through the fire l to Molech, neither shalt 
 thou “profane the name of thy God : I am the 
 Lord. 
 
 22 Thou shalt not lie with ’mankind, as with 
 womankind : it is abomination. 
 
 23 Neither shalt thou lie with any *beast to de- 
 file thyself therewith : neither shall any woman 
 stand before a beast to lie down thereto: it is 
 ^confusion. 
 
 24 “Defile not ye yourselves in any of these 
 things: “for in all these the nations are defiled 
 which I cast out before you. 
 
 25 And “the land is defiled: “therefore I do visit 
 the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself 
 ri vomiteth out her inhabitants. 
 
 26 Ye shall therefore “keep my statutes and my 
 
 q 15: 19, 24. 20: IS. Ez. 13:5. 22:10. r 20:10. Ex. 20:11. Dent. 5:18. 22-22,2$. 
 SSain.il 3,1.27. !«. :Q9— 32. Mnl.3:5. Mull. 5:27,28. Rom. 2:22. 1 Cor. 6: 
 9. liiil. 5:19. lleb. 13.4. 820:2. Dent. 12:31. 18:10. 2 Kings 15:3. 21 :6. 23:10. 
 P,. 105:37,33. ler. 7:31. 19:5.32:35. Ez. 20:31.23:37,39. t 1 Kini-s 11:7,33. ,'mos 
 5:26. Aria 7:43. M n 19:12. 20:2— 5. 21:6 . 22 2.32. Ez. 33:20— 23. Mai. 
 
 1:12. Rom. 1:33. 2:24. v 2013. Gen. 19:5. Judg. 19:38. I Kings 14:24. Rom. 
 1-25,27. 1 C-.r.6:9, 1 Tim. 1:10. Jinlr 7. x 20:15,16. Ex. 22:19. v 20: 12. z 31). 
 Jer. 0:1. Malt. 15:18— 20. Mark 7:10-23. 1 Cor. 3:17. >20:22,23. Dent. 12: 
 
 according lo the regulation of our ecclesiastical law ; perhaps 
 with the single exception of an uncle being prohibited to marry 
 nis niece. Yet even this exi’-'-ntion may be doubtful, and is 
 not to be insisted on. 
 
 V. 18. Some think, tha mis verse contains an express 
 prohibition of polygamy ; supposing the word sister merely to 
 signify a wife, which 'he person spoken of had already mar- 
 ried. But though the Mosaic law contains no explicit allow- 
 ance of polygamy yet there is no other passage which 
 favours the interpretation of this text as a direct law against 
 it, and many things in the whole subsequent history imply a 
 connivance at it. The context also seems to suggest a more 
 literal interpretation ; namely, the marrying of two sisters 
 together. This conduct in Jacob proved a source of vexation 
 both to Leah and Rachel ; who \yere more jealous of each 
 other than of the handmaidens whom they willingly gave to 
 their husband : and perhaps it would be found on trial, that 
 those who before had lived together in the intimate equality 
 of this near relationship, would be more apt to rival each 
 other, if married to the same man, than strangers would be ; 
 at least their jealousies and bickerings would be more uri- 
 Eeemly and distressing. As a woman might not in ordinary 
 cases marry the brother of her deceased husband; it can 
 hardly be supposed, that it was allowable for a man to 
 marry the sisier of his wife, even after her decease ; though 
 this verse seems not to contain a prohibition of it. — These 
 are all the restrictions on marriage, which are contained in 
 the divine law ; and such as pride, covetousness, or human 
 policy have superadded, do not seem to have proved beneficial 
 to mankind. 
 
 V. 21. Molech is nearly the same as the word always 
 rendered king, and is of similar meaning with Baal, which 
 signifies lord, or governor. It is generally supposed, that the 
 sut. was worshipped under the name of Molech. Children 
 on some- occasions were consecrated to him, by passing 
 through the fire : but at other times, one of the family was 
 Eacrificed *.o him, in a most cruel manner, in order to secure 
 is favoui and protection to the rest. {Note, 20:2 — 5.) The 
 former piactice is supposed to be here meant. — The several 
 abominations, afterwards mentioned, certainly were practised 
 by the heathens, even in their religious worship ; as it might 
 be proved by the remaining unexceptionable testimonies of 
 pagan writers themselves. 
 
 V. 21 — 30. The word abomination, repeatedly used in 
 •Jiese verses, seems especially to refer to the vile and unnatu- 
 ral practices above spoken of. Incestuous marriages indeed 
 of the gross kind always were an abomination ; but some of 
 tnose above prohibited had in certain circumstances been 
 necessarily allowed, nay, virtually enjoined, by the Creator 
 himself ; and though in other circumstances they are highly 
 inexpedient and wisely prohibited, yet they must not be 
 classed with the unnatural practices here reprobated with 
 such decided abhorrence. — The observance of the divine laws 
 respecting marriage, would be a strong barrier to Israel, to 
 keep them at a great distance from the abominations of the 
 heathen : the example of the Canaanites, on whom they were 
 commissioned to execute the vengeance of God, would be a 
 salutary but awful warning: and at length, when they never- 
 theless copied the example of the devoted nations, and were 
 driven out of the promised land, the denunciation, here im- 
 plied, was proved to be a prediction of what would take 
 place in remote ages. — Nothing can exceed the energy of the 
 strong figure lipre used, of a land loathing and vomiting out 
 its inhabitants. 
 
 Vol. I —30 
 
 judgments, and shall not commit any of these 
 abominations; neither any of your own nation, 
 f nor any stranger that sojourneth among you ; 
 
 27 (For all these ^abominations have the men 
 of the land done, which were before you, and the 
 land is defiled ;) 
 
 28 That the land h spue not you out also, when 
 ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were 
 nefore you. 
 
 29 For whosoever shall commit any of these 
 abominations, even the souls that commit them 
 shall be 'cut off from among their people. 
 
 30 Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that 
 ye commit not any one of these k abominable cus- 
 toms, which were committed before you, and that 
 ye defile not yourselves therein : 'I am the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Miscellaneous lairs , moral and ceremonial , being in general repetitions , or ex- 
 planations i, of precerla before given , 1 — 37. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying*, 
 
 2 Speak unto all the congregation of the 
 
 31.18:12. b Num. 35: 33,34 . Ps. 106:38. Is. 2-1:5. Jer. 2:7. 16:18. Ez. 36:18. 
 Horn. 8:22. c Ps. 89:32. Is. 26:21 . Jer. 5:9,29. 9:9. 14:10. 23:2. Hos.2:13. 8: 
 13.9:9. (128.20:22. e 5,30. Eeut. 4:1 ,2,40. 12:32. Ps. 11)5:44,45. Luke8:15. 
 11:28. John 14:15,21— 23. 15:14. f 17:8,10. g24. Deut. 20:18 . 23:18 . 25:16. 
 27:15. 1 Kings 14:24. 2 Kings 16:3. 21:2. 2 Chr. 36:14. Ez. 16:50. 22. 1 1. Hos. 
 9:10. b 25. Jer. 9:19. Ez. 36:13,17. Rom. 8:22. Rev. 3:16. i 17:10. 20:6. See 
 on Ex. 12:15. k See on 27. Deni. 18:9— 12. \Seton2. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 If we would obey the divine commands, we must break off 
 bad customs, and also renounce conformity to the world : for 
 wherever we go, we shall find its maxims and observances, 
 in many things, directly opposite to the law of God ; yet en- 
 forced with an authority which rivals his, and which is dis- 
 obeyed with great difficult}', and at the expense of much con- 
 tempt and reproach. But the broad, smooth, frequented paths 
 of the world lead to destruction ; the ways of God to life eter- 
 nal : every one of his commandments is also good in itself, 
 and conducive to the peace, comfort, and true honour of the 
 human species; and he is as kind in what he prohibits, as in 
 what he allows. He formed mankind for social life, created 
 them male and female, instituted marriage, and blessed it ; he 
 hath formed the regulations of it in wisdom and love, for the 
 good of individuals, of families, and of society, — of the pre- 
 sent and of succeeding generations. Where his laws are 
 observed, the most important advantages follow: where they 
 are disregarded, disgrace, disease, and numberless most 
 destructive evils ensue. — But what a sink of iniquity is the 
 human heart, that ii should he necessary to prohibit such 
 detestable, filthy, and cruel practices, as are here mentioned! 
 That ever it should enter into the minds of rational crea- 
 tures to serve the devil and their own lusts, with degradation 
 far beneath the brutes themselves! From this polluted 
 fountain the earth hath been filled with abominable crimes in 
 all ages, and the very creation groans under the burden of 
 man’s iniquity : and though one land after another vomiteih 
 out its inhabitants, as unable any longer to endure their 
 wickedness^ and though one generation is swept away after 
 another into the grave; yet still the earth is filled with sin. 
 Ere long it shall he burnt up with all its works: and “new 
 heavens and a new earth, in which dwelleth righteousness,” 
 shall succeed. But unless we he previously cleansed in the 
 f )unfain of the Redeemer’s blood, and have a “ new heart 
 given us, and a new spirit put within us,” we shall not find 
 admission there. Let us then profit by the awful examples 
 of vengeance recorded, and fear the threatenings denounced, 
 in the sacred oracles : let us mortify the deeds of the body, 
 and learn self-denial: and above all, aware of the deceitful- 
 ness and wickedness of the human heart, let us walk watch- 
 fully, and humbly dependent upon the grace of God sought in 
 earnest prayer. Then we shall escape ihe condemnation of 
 the wicked, and the Lord himself Mill he our God and our 
 Portion for ever. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. 2. Holiness consists in 
 separation from sin, devotedness to God, and conformity to 
 his moral excellences, which are also transcribed in his holy 
 law. Without holiness we cannot walk with God, or have 
 fellowship with him : and though an external , or ceremonial , 
 purity was called being “ holy to the Lord yet it was only 
 as an emblem of that purity of heart whbh was especially 
 intended. ( Note , 1 Pet. 1:13 — 16.) This injunction is 
 repeated on different occasions, to enforce the several prohi- 
 bitions to which it is annexed. ( Mar g. Ref.) Should the 
 worshippers of a holy God copy the vile practices of abomi- 
 nable idolaters ? 
 
 Y. 3. In order to understand most of these precepts, an 
 attentive mind and an obedient heart, in the reader, are more 
 requisite than the labour of the expositor. — “ Every man,” 
 whatever his age, wisdom, or wealth may he, is commanded 
 “ to fear his mother,” (here placed first,) “and his father.” 
 That is, to treat them with respecl and tenderness, fearing to 
 grieve or offend them, and reverencing their authority an 
 
 ( 233 ) 
 
B. C. 143*>. LEVITICUS. * B. C. 1490. 
 
 children of Israel, and say unto them, “Ye shall be 
 holy : for I the Loud your God am holy. 
 
 3 Ye shall Tear every man his mother and his 
 father, and ‘keep my sabbaths : I am the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 4 Turn ye ‘'not unto idols, nor make to your- 
 selves 'molten gods : I am the Lord your God. 
 
 5 And if ye otter f a sacrifice of peace-offerings 
 unto the Lord, sye shall offer it at your own 
 will. 
 
 6 It h shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and 
 on the morrow : and if aught remain until the 
 third day, it shall be burnt in the fire. 
 
 7 And if it be eaten at all on the third day, it is 
 'abominable ; k it shall not be accepted. 
 
 8 Therefore every one that eateth it shall hear 
 his iniquity, because he hath profaned the hallow- 
 ed thing of the Lord : and that soul shall be cut 
 off from among his people. 
 
 9 And when 'ye reap the harvest of your land, 
 thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, 
 neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy 
 harvest. 
 
 10 And thou shalt not “glean thy vineyard, 
 neither shait thou gather every grape of thy vine- 
 yard ; "thou shalt leave them lor the poor and 
 stranger: 1 am the Lord your God. 
 
 a 11:4-1 ,45. 2U : 7 .‘211 . 21:9. Ex. 13:6. Is. 6:3,4. Am. 3:3. Mall. 5:48. 2 Cor. 6:14 
 — 16. 7 1. 1 IVt. 1:15,16. b Ex. 211:12. 21:15,17. Deot. 21 : 18-21 . 27: 16. Frov. 
 1:S. 6 : 20 , 21 . 23:22 . 30:11,17. Hz. 22:7. Mai. 1:6. Mult. 15:4— 6. Eph. 6 :!— 3. 
 Heb. 14.9. c 25:2. Ex. 16:29. 2U:8. 31:13—17. Is. 56:4— 6. 58:13. Ez. 40:12,20. 
 24-. cl 2S:1. See on Ex. 20:3— 5. 1 Cor. 10:14. I John 6:21. e Ex. 20:23. 32: 
 
 4. 35:17. Dr, ,1.27.15. Hah. 2:18. f3: 24:21. Ex. 21:5. 2Clir.31:2. Ez. 45:15 
 —17. 46:2,12. K|ih. 2:13,14. c 1:3. 22:19,23,29. 1:7:11—17. i Is. 1:13. 65:4. 
 66-3. Jit. 16:8. kSeeon 7:18 — 41. 22:23,45. 123:42. Deal. 24:19— 21. Ruth 
 2:2.15.14. m jMdt. 8:2. Is. 17:6. 24:13. Jer. 49:9. Oh. 5. Mic. 7:1. n25:6. 06 : 
 2. Kx. 20:15,17. 22:1,7,10— 12. Dent. 5:19. Jer.6:13. 7:9— 11. Zech. 5:3.4. 8 : 
 10,17. 1 Cor. 6 : 8 — 1--. K|:h.4:2S, p 1 Kings 13: 18. Ps. 101 :7. 116:11. Jer. 9:3— 
 
 5. Acts 5:3,4. Hum. 3:4. Kp!,. 1:25. Col. 3.9. d im. 1:10. Rev. 21:8. q 6:3. Ex. 
 2.1:7. Dei, 1.3:11. P«. 15:4. Jer. 4:2. 7:9. Zech. 5:4. Mai. 3:5. Mall. 5:33,31. 
 Jam. 5.12. r 18:21. 24:11,15,16. s Prov. 20: 10. 22:22. Jer. 22:3. Ez. 22:29. 
 
 11 t Ye “shall not steal, neither deal falsely 
 neither rlie one to another. 
 
 12 And 8ye shall not swear by my name falsely, 
 neither shalt thou ‘profane the name of thy God: 
 
 I am the Lord. 
 
 13 Thou shalt not ’defraud thy neighbour, nei 
 ther rob him; ‘the wages of him that is hired shall 
 not abide with thee all night until the morning. 
 
 14 Thou shalt not "curse the deaf nor put a 
 stumbling-block before the blind, but shalt “fear 
 thy God : I am the Lord. 
 
 15 Yeshall do^no unrighteousness in judgment: 
 thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor 
 honour the person of the mighty : but in righ- 
 teousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. 
 
 16 Thou shalt not go up and down 7 as a tale- 
 bearer among thy people : neither shalt thou “stand 
 against the blood of thy neighbour : I am the 
 Lord. 
 
 17 Thou shalt not Tate thy brother in thine 
 heart . thou shalt in any wise “rebuke thy neigh- 
 bour, ‘and not suffer sin upon him. 
 
 18 Thou shalt not ‘'avenge, nor bear any grudge 
 against the children of thy people, but “thou shalt 
 love thy neighbour as thyself : I am the Lord. 
 
 19 v Ye shall keep my statutes Thou shalt 
 not let f thy cattle gender with a diverse Kind: 
 
 Mark 10:19. Luke 3:13. 1 Tlies. 4:6. l Deut. 24:14,15. Job31:39. Jer.22:13. 
 Mai. 3:5. Jam. 5:4. u Dcut. 27:18. Rom. 12:14. 14:13. 1 Cor. 8 8— 13. 10:32. 
 Rev. 2.14. x 32. 25:17. Gen. 42:18. Nell. 5:15. 1 l ei. 1:17. y 35. Ex. 18:21. 
 23:2,3,7,8. Ileul . 1 : 17. 16: 19. 25: 13— 16 . 27:1 9. 2 Cbr. 19:6,7. I s. 82:2. Pror. 
 18:5. 24:23. Jam. 2:6—9. z Ex. 23:1. Ps. 15:3. 50:20. Prov. 11:13. 20:19. Jer. 
 6:28.9:4. Ez. 22:9. 1 Tim. 3:11. 2 Tim. 3:3. Tit. 2:3. 1 Pel. 2:1. a Ex. 20:16. 
 23:7. 1 Kings 21:10—13. Malt. 26:60,61. 27:4. Acts6:!l-13. 24:4—9. b Gen. 
 27:41. Prov. 26:24— 26. 1 John 2:9,11. 3:12—15. c Ps. 141:5. I rov. 9:8. 27:5,6. 
 Malt. 18:15—17. Luke 17:3. Gal. 2:11— 14. 6:1. Eph. 5:11. 1 Tim. 5 20. Til. 1: 
 13. 2:15. * Or, that thou bear not sin for him. Rom. 1:32. 1 Cor. 5:2. 1 Tim. 
 5:22. 2 John 10,11. d Ex. 21:4,5. I eui.32:35. 2 Sam. 13:22,28. Prov. 20:22. 
 Matt. 5:43,44. Rom. 12:17,19. 13:4. Gal. 5:20. Eph. 4:31. ( ol.3:8. 1 Pet. 2:1. 
 e Matt. 5:43. 19:19. 22:39. Miuk 12:31— 34. Luke 10:27— 37. Rom. 13:9. Gal. 
 5:14. Jam. 2:8. fGen. 36:24 . 2 Sam. 13:29. 18:9. lKingsl:33. Ezra 2:66. 
 
 commands. Children are apt to feel most love for their 
 mother, and fear of the father ; and when arrived at maturity 
 they are apt to treat the authority of their mothers with ne- 
 glect, though they may be kind to them. To obviate this pro- 
 pensity, the precept seems intentionally to be thus worded, 
 and thus connected, as equally indispensable with keeping the 
 sabbaths of God. 
 
 V. 4. The word (d'S^n) rendered idols , signifies phan- 
 toms, things of naught, vanities , and not deities. It is a word 
 of contempt as well as of execration 
 
 V. 5 — 8. ( Notgs, 3:) The word (S*od), rendered abomi- 
 nable, (7) is used concerning the flesh of unclean animals. — 
 (Is. 1)5:4. Ez. 4:14.) — It, however, seems to mean fetid., or 
 corrupted, and therefore abominable ; and to be used figuratively 
 of the flesh of an unclean animal. — Christ rose the third day, 
 and M saw no corruption ;” and to keep the flesh of any sacri- 
 fice to the third day would have endangered its corruption, 
 and been contrary to the typical meaning of that appoint- 
 ment. — Many reasons for the repetition of some laws more 
 than others, might arise from the conduct or customs of the 
 people, or those of the surrounding nations. 
 
 V. 9, 10. (Marg. Ref.) — Where, in any code of laws 
 merely human, is a requisition to be found, so counteracting 
 selfishness, so encouraging liberality, so beneficently consider- 
 ing the poor and needy, while the more wealthy were gather- 
 ing in their abundance? 
 
 V. 11,12. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 20:7,15. 
 
 V. 13. The wages, &c.] That is, if the person concerned 
 required payment. 
 
 V. 14. The spirit of this law forbids speaking to the dis- 
 advantage of the absent ; reproaching and insulting the meek ; 
 imposing on the ignorant, or giving them bad counsel ; and 
 reviling or ridiculing men’s bodily infirmities. (Note, Deut. 
 27:18.) 
 
 V. 15. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 23:1 — 9. 
 
 V. 16. A tale-bearer.] The original word (Sw) seems 
 to imply a pedter, who trades in scandal, and goes from place 
 to place, bartering one slander for another, to the injury of 
 all parties concerned. This infamous, though common prac- 
 tice, is here joined with conspiring or procuring the death of 
 another, as the false witnesses did, who stood up against the 
 ife of Naboth, of Stephen, yea, of Christ himself. (Marg. 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 17. If any one have injured us, instead of harbouring 
 resentment, venting reproaches, or contriving revenge, we 
 should calmly and fairly reason the matter with him ; not 
 only in order that, being convinced of his fault, he may make 
 proper acknowledgments and reparation to us, but that, he 
 may repent and obtain forgiveness from God. ( Notes, Matt. 
 18:15- -18. and P. O. 15 — 22.) This seems the literal import 
 of this remarkable precept; but the spirit of it extends much 
 further ; and shows that it evinces a want of love to others, if 
 we see them commit sin and continuo in it, with indifference, 
 and without attempting to bring them to repent and forsake 
 ( 234 ) 
 
 their evil courses; and that mild, plain, and seasonable 
 reproofs are the best expressions of love to our brother of 
 which we are capable, though very difficult and generally 
 urfwelcome. — It is like seizing a serpent, which is about to 
 bite a man mortally, at the hazard of being bitten ourselves. 
 The last clause is, however, by some supposed to mean, that 
 in reproving an injurer, we should be careful not to overcharge 
 him, or needlessly put him to shame before others. 
 
 Not suffer sin, &c.] u That thou bear not sin for him.” 
 (Marg.) — This meaning, which the original may well con- 
 vey, would imply, that neglecting the proper means of restrain- 
 ing others from sin, renders any one a 44 partaker of their 
 evil deeds so that the crimes which they commit, will be 
 imputed to the negligent person, and punished in him also. 
 
 V. 18. Love thy neighbour , &c.l This law, as given to 
 the Israelites, seems here limited to their brethren of the house 
 of Israel ; for, as they would at first live among the devoted 
 Canaanites, whom they were required to extirpate, they could 
 not extend to them this law of love ; and their love to each 
 other was a representation of that special love which we owe 
 to our believing brethren in Christ Jesus. — This gave rise to 
 the narrow interpretation, which the scribes put upon it ; 
 though they might have seen from this same chapter that 
 others also were included in it. (Note, 33,34.) — The whole 
 law, as it relates to our duty to man, 44 is briefly compre- 
 hended in this saying, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thy- 
 self;” (Note, Rom. 13:8 — 10.) which is so often quoted in the 
 New Testament, and so higlily commended. — It evidently 
 requires that we should be as unwilling to injure, and as desi- 
 rous to benefit, any human being, as we are unwilling to hurt, 
 and desirous to do good to ourselves ; and this in relation to 
 body, soul, property, character, ease, peace, and connexions ; 
 (Notes, Ex. 20:13 — 17.) and that we should honour what is 
 honourable, love what is lovely, commend what is commend- 
 able, excuse what is excusable, and compassionate what 
 calls for pity: even as we would have others to do in our own 
 case. — This one rule, properly observed, would fill the world 
 with peace and happiness ; even as full as it now is of dis- 
 cord and misery. (Note, Matt. 7:12.) 
 
 V. 19. These practices might be considered as an attempt 
 to alter the original constitution of God in creation: and the 
 law may not unaptly be regarded, as implying a command of 
 44 simplicity and godly sincerity” in all things. An entiro 
 dependence on the mercy of God through tho merits and 
 mediation of Christ ; a single eye to his will, glory, and appro- 
 bation ; and an expectation of happiness from him alone as 
 our Portion ; may bo considered as required by tho .spirit o. 
 it. And the prohibition may fairly be accommodated to tho 
 case of those who endeavour to reconcile tho service of God 
 and mammon ; or tho pleasures of tho world and those of 
 religion ; to unite works and grace in tho matter of justifica- 
 tion : and to many other heterogeneous and unnaturul com- 
 mixtures. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. As tho woman hero spoken of was neither 
 
B. C. 1JH0. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 thou shalt not sow thy field with ^mingled seed : 
 neither shall a garment mingled of linen and wool- 
 •en come upon thee. 
 
 20 And whoever lieth carnally with a woman 
 ♦.hat is a bondmaid 'betrothed to an husband, and 
 not at all redeemed, nor freedom given her ; ‘she 
 shall be scourged : h they shall not be put to death, 
 because she was not free. 
 
 21 And he shall bring his 'trespass-offering unto 
 the Lord, unto the door of the tabernacle of the 
 congregation, even a ram for a trespass-offering. 
 
 22 And the priest shall make an atonement for 
 him with the ram of the trespass-offering before 
 the Lord, for his sin which he hath done : land 
 the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him. 
 
 23 IT And k when ye shall come into the land, 
 and shall have planted all manner of trees for food, 
 then ye shall count the fruit thereof as uncircum- 
 cised : three years shall it be as ‘uncircumcised 
 unto you : it shall not be eaten of. 
 
 24 But in the fourth year m all the fruit thereof 
 shall he ‘holy, to praise the Lord withal. 
 
 25 And in the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit 
 thereof, "that it may yield unto you the increase 
 thereof : I am the Lord your God. 
 
 26 IT Ye shall not eat any thing- "with the blood : 
 neither shall ye ruse enchantment, inor observe 
 times. 
 
 27 Ye shall not ' round the corners of your heads, 
 neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. 
 
 t Deut. 22:9— II. Matt. 9:16,17. Rom. 11 :G. 2 Cor. 6:14— 17. Gal. 3:9—11 • Or, 
 abused, by any. Heb. reproached by, or, for man. t Or, they. Heb. there shall 
 be a scourging, h Ex. 21 :*2U,21 . Dent. 22:23,24. i 5: 6:1 — 7. j See on 4:20, 
 25. k Steon 14:34. 1 12.3.22:27. Ex. 6:12,30. 22:29,30. Jer.6:10. 9:25,26. 
 Acts 7:51. m Num. 18:12,13. 1 -'em. 12: 17,18. 14:28,29. 18:4. I Heb. holiness 
 of , raises to the LORD, n 26:3,4. Prov. 3:9,10. Ec. 11:1,2. Hag. 1:4— 6,9— 
 11. 2:18,19. Mai. 3:8—10. o See on 3:17. 7:25. 17:10—14. Ueut. 12:23. p Ex. 
 7:11.8:7. 1 Sam. 15:23. Jer. 10:2. Dan. 2:10. Mai. 3:5. q Dent. 18:10,14. 
 2 Kings 21:6. 2 Chr. 33:6. r 21:5. Is. 15:2. Jer. 16:6. 48:37. Ez. 7:18. 44:20. 
 e Dent. 14:1. I Kings 18:28. Mark 5:5. t Rev. 13:16,17. 14:9,11. 15:2. 16:2. 
 19:20. 20:4. § Heb. profane, u 21:7. Deut. 23:17. Hos.4:12 — 14. 1 Cor. 6:15. 
 
 fully married, nor yet in any degree set at liberty ; her case 
 was made different from that of a free woman espoused to a 
 husband : for then both parties would have been adjudged to 
 death. (20:10. Note , Deut. 22:22—27.) Yet the crime 
 was heinous, and must not be passed over, but 44 there must 
 be a scourging,” (a most severe scourging, as the word 
 implies,) probably of the man as well as of the woman: and 
 he must also offer a I respass-offering fur his sin, as the ran- 
 som of his life ; which the woman having no property was 
 not expected to do. — The legal sacrifices could not atone for 
 sin, as pertaining to the conscience, in such a manner that 
 the impenitent should he actually forgiven in respect of the 
 eternal judgment ; and the penitent and believing, whether 
 sin-offerings or trespass-offerings were sequired or not, were 
 certainly pardoned and justified through the Saviour that 
 was to come : there was therefore no real difference in the 
 situation of the two parties ; both were rescued from death ; 
 and their final salvation, or the contrary, depended on some- 
 thing widely different from the ceremonial institutions. The 
 words rendered “ betrothed to an husband,” are translated 
 in the margin, reproached by, or far man ; as if they im- 
 plied, that the woman was previously of suspicious charac- 
 ter: and this has been by some considered as the ground 
 of the difference between this and other cases of a similar 
 kind. 
 
 V. 23 — 25. Whatever was unfit for use was accounted 
 nncircumcised, till that unfitness was removed, or ceased. 
 The fruit of young trees was therefore to be thus deemed 
 unclean , during three years ; and either to be destroyed before 
 it was ripe, or left to perish. On the fourth year it was con- 
 secrated as a thank-offering to praise the Lord : but in the 
 Sfth the owner might eat of it, and expect a blessing to 
 render the increase abundant. — Some suppose that this law 
 had reference to the idolatrous customs of the surrounding 
 nations: but it also might be intended to teach the people to 
 wait patiently the Lord’s time for every desirable good, and 
 not to yield to the eagerness of their natural appetites and 
 inclinations. — Thus he also waits for the maturity of our 
 fruits of righteousness ; though our first attempts to glorify 
 him may be unmeet for that purpose, even as the fruits of 
 drese young trees, whilst they were to be accounted uncircum- 
 deed. 
 
 V. 26. Use enchantment, &e.] Astrological calculations, 
 O' other attempts at prediction or fortune-telling ; the use of 
 s\ ells and charms for the cure of diseases ; with many other 
 practices, too frequent among professed Christians ; are 
 attempts to revive this worship of Satan, and should be 
 abhorred as his very ordinances: being means used to get 
 help and information elsewhere, instead of depending on God, 
 -ubmitting to him, and wailing for all needful good from him 
 in the use of lawful means. (31) 
 
 V. 27 — 29. Some explain the words, “ Thou shalt not mar 
 •he corners of thy beard," as forbidding the Israelites to 
 
 28 Ye shall not make any 'cuttings in your flesh 
 for the dead, nor ‘print any marks upon you: I 
 am the Lord. 
 
 29 Do not ^prostitute thy daughter, “to cause 
 her to be a whore ; test the land tall to whoredom, 
 and the land become full of wickedness,. 
 
 30 Ye shall x keep my sabbaths, and >ri /erence 
 my sanctuary : I am the Lord. 
 
 31 Regard not them that have 'familiar spirits, 
 neither seek after wizards to be defiled by them 
 
 1 am the Lord your God. 
 
 32 Thou shalt "rise up before the lioary head 
 and honour the face of the old man, and tear thy 
 God : 1 am the Lord. 
 
 33 And b if a stranger sojourn with thee in your 
 land, ye shall not “vex him. 
 
 34 But the stranger that dwelleth with you 
 shall be unto you as one born among you, and 
 “thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were 
 strangers in the land of Egypt : 1 am the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 35 Ye shall do ‘‘no unrighteousness in judgment, 
 e in mete-yard, in weight, or in measure. 
 
 36 Just balances, just '“weights, a just ephah, 
 and a just hin shall ye have : ‘ 1 am the Lord 
 your God, which brought you out of the land of 
 Egypt. 
 
 37 Therefore shall ye ^observe all my statutes, 
 and all iny judgments, and do them : I am the 
 Lord. 
 
 X Sceon3. 26:2. y 10:3. 15:31. 16:2. Gen. 28:16,17. 2Chr. 33:7. 36:14. Ps. 89: 
 7. Ec. 5:1. Ez. 9:6. Matt. 21:13. John 2:15,16. 2 Cor. 6: 16. 1 Pet. 4:17. z 26. 
 20:6. Ex. 22:18. Deut. 18:10—14. 1 Sam. 28:3,7— 9. 2 Kings 17:17. 21:6. 2 Chr. 
 33:6. Is. 8:19. 29:4. 47:13. Acts 8:11. 13:6—8. 16:16— 18. 19:19.20. Gal. 5:20. 
 Rev. 21:8. a I Kings 2:19. Prov. 16:31 . 20:29. fs. 3:5. Lam. 5:12. Rom. 13:7. 
 
 I Tim. 5:1. 1 Pet. 2:17. b Ex. 22:21. 23:9. Dent. 10:18,19. 24:14. Mai. 3:5. 
 
 II Or, oppress. Jer. 7:6. Ez. 22:7,29. c See on 18. Ex. 12:48,49. Malt. 5:43. 
 dSeeo/il5. e Dent. 25:13,15. Prov. 11:1. 16.11.20:10. Ez. 22:12,13. .‘m.8: 
 5,6. Mic.6:ll. Malt. 7:2. TI Heb. stones, f See on Ex. 20:2. g See on 18:4, 
 5. Deut. 4:1,2, 5, 6. 5:1. 6:1,2. 8:1. 1 John 3:22,23. 
 
 shave their beards: but if this had been intended, it would 
 have been more plainly expressed. ( Marg . Ref. r, s.) The 
 meaning of the several clauses is not very clear ; but, no 
 doubt they were all superstitious practices of the Heathens. 
 And perhaps the prohibition of the twenty-ninth verse has 
 also relation to the very common practices of idolaters in 
 honour of their infamous deities : and indeed nothing could so 
 promote lewdness as to make it a part of religion. — But alas, 
 numbers even in Christian countries, are guilty of violating 
 this prohibition, to a degree not in general known, or sus- 
 pected. 
 
 V. 31. Notes, 26.20:6. Ex. 22:18. 
 
 V. 32. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 33, 34. The Israelites were commanded to encourage 
 strangers to reside among them, that they might learn the 
 knowledge of God, and of his truth, law, and worship. 
 Remembering the kind usage which their fathers at. first met 
 with in Egypt, and how reasonable it appeared to them, they 
 were required to imitate it : and remembering how cruel and 
 hard they deemed their subsequent oppression, they were 
 cautioned to avoid copying so bad an example. — The Jews 
 most unreasonably expound this precept, as relating only to 
 such strangers as had been fully proselyted to their religion ; 
 whereas the reason assigned for it demonstrates, that all 
 strangers who dwelt among them were intended. By such 
 traditionary glosses, they have, ever since as well as before 
 the coming of Christ, explained away the holy commands of 
 God ; so that their comments should be read w ith peculiar 
 caution, and constant reference to the New Testament. 
 
 V. 35, 36. Marg. Ref. Note , Ex. 20:17. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Though 41 the Lord is rich in mercy and goodness,” yet 
 his perfect holiness renders it impossible that we should be 
 happy in him, or that he should delight in us, unless we ho 
 made holy also ; those therefore, whom he especially loves, 
 he effectually sanctifies. To understand the nature of holi- 
 ness, let us meditate on these moral precepts: for there we 
 shall learn, that it consists in reverencing ihe majesty and 
 authority of God, in loving his excellency, in gratefully remem 
 beringhis mercies, in delighting in his worship and service, ir 
 keeping his sabbaths, and reverencing his sanctuary ; in sub- 
 mitting to his will, and confiding in his power and love : and 
 that it includes truth, integrity, equity, and universal benevo- 
 lence, love to our brethren, compassion for the miserable, 
 liberality to the poor, kindness to strangers and to enemies, 
 with a suitable regard to all relative duties ; and also purity, 
 chastity, sobriety, and an habitual government of the appetites 
 and passions, according to the commandments of God. 
 Would we know in what manner this holiness is to be 
 attained, we must consider the intention and meaning o. 
 the positive institutions of the Scripture ; that by a believing 
 attendance on those which the New Te tament enjoins we 
 may through them receive, from the Redeemer’s fulness, the 
 
 ( 235 ) 
 
B C. 14!»0. LEVITICUS. B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The man mho care of his seed, lo Molech must be stoned ; or the Lord mould 
 ci t him off , with those who connived at him, and those who consults 1 wizards , 
 1--6. lfolinr.sa required, 7,8. < 'apital punishments appointed for him who 
 
 cursed his parents , or committed adultery, or some hinds of incest, or unna- 
 tural crimes ; and vengeance denounced on such as violated the laics concern- 
 ing marriage, 9—21. Exhortations to holy obedience, 22 — 26. Witches and 
 wizards to be stoned, 27. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Again, thou shalt say to the children of 
 Israel, “Whosoever he beofthe children ofisrael, or 
 of the strangers that sojourn in Israel, that b giveth 
 any of his seed unto Molech ; he shall surely be 
 ut to death : c the people of the land shall stone 
 im with stones. 
 
 3 And d I will set my face against that man, 
 and will cut him off from among his people : be- 
 cause he hath given of his seed unto Molech, e to 
 defile my sanctuary, and to f profane my holy 
 name. 
 
 4 And if the people of the land do any ways 
 'hide their eyes trom the man, when he giveth of 
 his seed unto Molech, '“and kill him not ; 
 
 5 Then I will set my face against that man, 
 and ‘against his family, and will cut him off, and 
 all that go a hvhoring after him, to commit whore- 
 dom with Molech, from among their people. 
 
 6 And the soul that turneth after such as have 
 ^familiar spirits, and after wizards, to 'go a whor- 
 ing after them, I -will even set my face against 
 that soul, and will m cut him off from among his 
 people. 
 
 7 H "Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye 
 holy : for I am the Lord your God. 
 
 8 And °ye shall keep my statutes, and do them : 
 l am the Lord which Psanctify you. 
 
 9 For every one that icurseth his father or his 
 mother, shall be surely put to death: he hath 
 cursed his father or his mother, 'his blood shall be 
 upon him. 
 
 a 17:8 13,15. b 18:21. Deut. 12:31. 18:10. 2 Kings 17:17. 23:10. 2Chr.28:3. 
 33:6. Ps. 106:33. Is. 57:5,6. Jer. 7:31. 32:35. Ez. 16:20,21. 20:26,31. 23:37,39. 
 /els 7:43. Moloch. c27. 24:14,23. Nnm. 15:35,36. Deut. 13:10,11. 17:5—7.21: 
 21. Acts 7 58,59. tl See on 17:10. 1 Pel. 3:12. e Num. 19:20. Ez. 5:11. 23:38, 
 39. f 18:121. Ez. 20:39. 2 Cor. 6:16. gActsl7i30. h Deut. 13:8. Josh. 7:12. 
 1 Sara. 3:13,14. I King920:42. Rev. 2:14. i Ex. 20:5. Jer. 32:28— 35,39. 1 17: 
 
 7. Ps. 106:39. k 27. See on 19:26,31. Deul. 18:10— 14. Is. 8:19. I Ex. 34:15, 16. 
 Num. 15:39. Ps. 73:27. Ez.6:9. Hos. 4:12. m 1 Chr. 10:13,14. n 11:44. 19:2. 
 Eph. 1:4. Phil. 2: 12,13. Col. 3:12. lThes.4:3,7. Heb. 12:14. 1 Pet. 1:15^6. 
 See on 18:4,5. 19:37. Matt. 5:19. 7:24. 12:50. John 13:17. Jam. 1:22. Rev. 22, 
 
 sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit; remembering also, 
 that the vanities of the world, and the superstitions of false 
 religion, are as much the means of sin , as divine ordinances 
 are m-ans of grace ; and therefore we must withdraw from 
 them lo the utmost distance, if we would be the holy people 
 of a holy God. — As he is peculiarly attentive to the poor, if 
 we are his people we shall be so too ; and “ while he gives us 
 all things richly to enjoy,” we must not think that our indigent 
 brother is to be always put off with bare necessaries, but 
 should enable him to taste the comforts of life also ; not 
 deeming that wasted which he receives. All these duties 
 must be performed from a regard to the Lord, who both 
 avenges the ip : "ries done, and recompenses the kindness 
 shown to tho.j who cannot avenge themselves, or make 
 return for the benefits they receive ; and who especially 
 blesses those who obey their parents, and give honour to 
 whom honour is due. — And let it bo well noticed, that the 
 great Judge of the world not only observes and will certainly 
 punish gross and scandalous instances of injustice, but also 
 the petty dishonesty of false weights and measures : and our 
 consciences ought to be no less exact and minute. — Alas ! 
 how prone to iniquity must man’s heart be, when parents are 
 capable of prostituting their own daughters ; and when such 
 shameful practices, instead of exciting abhorrence, are 
 readily imitated till they overspread whole nations! But 
 though some crimes are more enormous than others, none 
 can be expiated save by the blood of Christ, or forgiven 
 without repentance: nor should any precepts of the Lord be 
 accounted small ; but we must show our simplicity and godly 
 sincerity, by giving every part of religion its due place and 
 proportion, without neglecting or perverting any. — If sin is 
 the greatest of all evils, what n?ed have we to be thankful to 
 those who tell us plainly of our faults, and will not suffer sin 
 upon us ! and how important is it that we learn to perform 
 this duty in a proper manner! But all menshoidd detest the 
 conduct of those who backbite and slander others, and rob 
 them of their characters, when they have no power to defend 
 themselves. — Finally, the nearer our lives and tempers are to 
 the precepts of God’s law, the happier shall we be, and the 
 happier shall we render all arouru. us, and the better shall we 
 adorn the go spiel : let, us then daily and earnestly pray, ‘ Lord, 
 have mercy upon us, and write all by laws in our hearts, wc 
 laseoch thee.’ {K x. 20 : / J . O.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XX. V. 2- 5 {Note, 18:21.) Molech 
 ( 23G ) 
 
 10 And the man that committeth adultery with 
 another man’s wife, even he that committeth adul- 
 tery witli his neighbour’s wife, “the adulteier and 
 the adulteress shall surely be put to death. 
 
 11 And the man that ‘lieth with his father’s 
 wife hath uncovered his father’s nakedness : both 
 of them shall surely be put to death ; “their biood 
 shall be upon them. 
 
 12 And if a man ’lie with his danghter-in-law, 
 both of them shall surely be put to detail : they 
 have wrought ’confusion ; their blood shall be upon 
 them. 
 
 13 If a man also ffie with mankind, as he lieth 
 with a woman, both of them have committed an 
 abomination : they shall surely be put to death ; 
 their blood shall be upon them. 
 
 14 And if a man take 'a wife and her mother, 
 it is wickedness : they shall be “burnt with fire, 
 both he and they ; that there be no wickedness 
 among you. 
 
 15 And if a man b lie with a beast, lie shall 
 surely be put to death; and ye shall slay the 
 beast. 
 
 16 And if a woman approach unto any beast, 
 and lie down thereto, thou shalt kill the woman 
 and "the beast: they shall surely be put to death; 
 their blood shall be upon them. 
 
 17 And if a man shall take his d sister, his father’s 
 daughter, or his mother’s daughter, and see her 
 nakedness, and she see his nakedness, it is a 
 wicked thing ; and they shall he cut off in the 
 sight of their people : he hath uncovered his 
 sister’s nakedness ; he shall bear his iniquity. 
 
 18 And if a man shall lie with a woman “having 
 her sickness, and shall uncover her nakedness, he 
 hath "discovered her fountain, and she hath un- 
 covered the fountain of her blood : and both of 
 them shall be cut off from among their people. 
 
 14. p 21 :8. Ex. 31:13. Ez. 20:12 . 37:28. 1 Then. 5:23. 2Thes.2:13. q Ex. 21, 
 17. Deul. 27:16. Pro*. 20:20. 30:11,17. Malt. 15:4. Mark 7:10. r 11— 13.16.27. 
 Josh. 2:19. Judg. 9:24. 2 Sam. 1:16. 1 Kings2:32. Malt. 27:25. s Deul. 92:22— 
 24. 2 Sara. 12:13. Ez. 23:45— 47. John 8:4,8. 1 18:8. Deut. 27:20. .ra,2:7. 
 
 1 Cor. 5:1. u See on r. 9. r 18:15. Gen. 38:16,18. Deut. 27:23. x 18:23. 
 y 18:22. Gen. 19:5. Judg. 19:22. Rom. 1:26,27. 1 l or. 6:9. ITim. 1:10. Ju.le7. 
 z 18:17. Deul. 27:23. Am. 2:7. a 21:9. Josh. 7: 16,25. b 18:23. Ex. 22:19. 
 Deut. 27:21. c Ex. 19:13. 21:28,32. lleb. 12:20. dl8:9. Gen. 20:12. Deul. 27: 
 22. 2. Sam. 13:12. Ez.22:14. e 15:24. 18:19. Ez. 18:6. 22:10. -Heb .made 
 naked. 
 
 is supposed to have been an idol, worshipped by the Am- 
 monites and neighbouring nations, to whom they sometimes 
 offered their children as sacrifices ; according to some authors 
 in the following manner. An image of an enormous size, 
 made of hollow iron, was heated with great fires beneath; 
 and when it was sufficiently hot, they put the children into 
 its arms, where they were burnt to death: mean time their 
 cries were drowned in the noise of drums or trumpets, and of 
 musical instruments played on for that purpose. At other 
 times the children only passed through a fire, or between two 
 fires, and were thus devoted to this demon. The former, 
 however, is supposed to be here meant.* Nothing can be 
 conceived more horrible than such practices. Nothing can 
 more demonstrate the madness and desperate wickedness of 
 the human heart, and the power of Satan, than that there 
 should be any need to enact such laws as this, and to pro- 
 hibit parents from such cruelty to their own offspring on pain 
 of death ; except it be that, notwithstanding numbers cf 
 Israelites were, from age to age, so infatuated as to persist 
 in this barbarity! (Marg. Ref. b.) Committed by mcm, it 
 was the highest imaginable contempt of the Name, sanc- 
 tuary, and worship of God ; and a shameful violation of their 
 national covenant ! So that the very strangers who were 
 allowed to sojourn among them, must pay such respect to 
 the sanctuary of Jehovah, who dwelt among his people, 
 and to his holy name, as to stand aloof from these abomi- 
 nations, on the same penalty as native Israelites: and if the 
 criminal escaped the sword of the magistrate, through a 
 wicked connivance, God determined to execute vengeance on 
 him, on his family, and on all who abetted this spiritual 
 whoredom. — Ten thousands of sacrifices equally horrible are 
 offered in India annually, and connived at by British Rulers' 
 
 V. 6. Go a whoring.] This expression st ill further proves . 
 that consulting with men or women, who practise, or pretend 
 to , witchcraft in any form, is a real act of idolatry, and of 
 worshipping the devil. (27) 
 
 V. 9. His blood shall be upon him.] They who put the 
 offender to death would contract no guilt: he deseiml his 
 doom, and had none to blame but himself. (Note, JEx. 21: 
 15-17.) 
 
 V. 10 — 19. The laws before given against these several 
 enormities, (Note's, 1 8:0 — 23.) are hero guarded by \ sen- 
 tence of death to be inflicted on the offenders by the magis- 
 trate. It is supposed that in many c» this punishment 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 19 And thou shalt not uncover the nakedness 
 of thy f mother’s sister, nor of thy father’s sister : 
 for he ^uncover ;th his near kin: they shall bear 
 their iniquity. 
 
 20 And if a man shall lie with his h uncle’s wife, 
 he hath uncovered his uncle’s nakedness : they 
 shall bear their sin; they shall die 'childless. 
 
 21 And if a man shall take k his brother’s wife, 
 it is 'an unclean thing: he hath uncovered his 
 brother’s nakedness, they shall be childless. 
 
 22 H Ye shall therefore keep all my 'statutes, 
 and all my '"judgments, and do them; that the 
 land whither I bring you to dwell therein "spue 
 you not out. 
 
 23 <And ye shall not walk "in the manners of 
 the nations which I cast out before you : for they 
 committed all these things, and therefore I ab- 
 horred them. 
 
 24 But 'I have said unto you, Ye shall inherit 
 their land, and I will give it unto you to possess 
 it, a land that floweth with milk and honey : I am 
 the Lord your God, "which have separated you 
 from other people. 
 
 25 Ye shall therefore "put difference between 
 clean beasts and unclean : and between unclean 
 fowls and clean : and ye shall not make your 
 souls ‘abominable by beast or by fowl, or by any 
 manner of living thing that 'creepeth on the 
 ground, which I have separated from you as 
 unclean. 
 
 26 And ye shall be holy unto me : for I "the 
 Lord am holy, and have "severed you from other 
 people, that ye should be mine. 
 
 27 A man also or woman that hath ?a familiar 
 
 spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to 
 death : they shall stone them with stones ; "their 
 blood shall be upon them. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Laws, for the mourning and marriages of the priests, 1 — 8 : the punishment of 
 a priest’s daughter convicted of fornication, 9 : the mourning and marriage 
 of the high priest, 10 — 15 ; ana the bodily blemishes which excluded from Hit 
 work of the priesthood, 16 — 24. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Moses, "Speak unto 
 the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto 
 them, b There shall none be defiled for the dea 
 among his people. 
 
 2 But for his "kin that is near unto him, that is, 
 for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, 
 and for his daughter, and for his brother. 
 
 3 And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto 
 him, which hath had no husband ; for her may he 
 be defiled. 
 
 4 But 'he shall not defile himself, being a chief 
 man among his people, to profane himself. 
 
 5 They shall d not make baldness upon their 
 head, neither shall they shave off the corner of 
 their beard, nor make any cuttings in their flesh. 
 
 6 They shall be "holy unto their God, and not 
 'profane the name of their God; for the offerings 
 of the Lord made by fire, and the sbread of their 
 God, they do offer : therefore they shall be holy. 
 
 7 They shall not take a wife Hhat is a whore, 
 or profane ; neither shall they take a woman 'put 
 away from her husband: for he is holy unto his 
 God. 
 
 8 Thou shalt k sanctify him therefore, for he 
 offereth the bread of thy God : he shall be holy 
 unto thee ; 'for I the Lord which sanctify you am 
 holy. 
 
 f 18:12,13. Ex. 6:20. g 18:6. h 18:14. iJobl8:19. Pb. 109:13. Jer. 22:30. 
 Luke 1:7,25. 23:29. k 18:16. Matt. 14:4. * Heb. aseparation. 1 18:4,5,26. 
 
 19:37. 1's. 19:8— 11. 105:45. 119:80,145,171. Ez. 36:27. m Ex. 21:1. Deut. 4: 
 45.5:1. Ps. 119:20,106,160,164,175. Is. 26:8,9. n 18:25— 28. 26:33. Deut. 28: 
 25,26. o 18:3,24,30. Deut. 12-30,31. Jer. 10:1,2. p 18:27. Deut. 9:5. Ps. 78:59. 
 Zech. 11:8. q See on Ex. 3:8,17. 6:8. r Ex. 19:5,6. 33:16. Num. 23:9. Dent. 
 7:6. 14:2. John 15:19. 2 Cor. 6:17. 1 Pet. 2:9. s 11. Deut. 14:3—21. Acts 10:11 
 —15,28. Eph. 5:7-11. 1 11:43. \ Ox,mnveth. u7. 19:2. Pa. 99:5,9. Is. 6:3. 
 80:11. 1 Pet. J:15, 16. Rev. 3:7. 4:8. xTit.2:14. y 19:31. Ex. 22:18. Deut. 
 
 was inflicted by strangling ; in others stoning is expressly 
 appointed ; and in one instance burning with fire , though the 
 reason of this latter sanction is not obvious. It is not said, 
 that the criminals should be burnt alive : and when Achan, 
 by the express direction of the Lord, was burnt with fire, he 
 was first stoned : and it does not appear, why this might not 
 be the case in the present instance, and on similar occasions. 
 (Note, Josh. 7:25,20.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. Childless.] Marg. Ref. i. 
 
 V. 22—26. Notes, 18:24—30. 19:2. 
 
 V. 27. Note, Ex. 22:18. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When neither the fear and love of God, nor regard to a 
 future and eternal recompense, nor any motives of reason, 
 truth, decency, and the welfare of society, can deter men 
 from enormous crimes ; it is needful for the magistrate to 
 use his sword, and by cutting olf a mortified limb, to prevent 
 further mischief to the body politic. Such examples of 
 severity, when not needlessly multiplied, are wholesome 
 lessons ; and the lives of individuals, thus taken away, 
 prevent the increase of wickedness, and the accumulation 
 of national guilt. But if magistrates neglect their duty, 
 and criminals evade human laws, God will set his face 
 against them, and against those who suffer them to escape, 
 and even against their families likewise. And tto pleas of 
 compassion, or of indulgence to relations, friends, or the 
 female sex, will be noticed in excuse of this criminal lenity, 
 which emboldens numbers to venture on crimes, till whole 
 nations are corrupted, and desolating judgments prove the 
 awful consequence. — Are we shocked at the unnatural cruelty 
 of ancient idolaters, in sacrificing their children to the devil in 
 the form of an idol ? Alas ! there are vast multitudes of 
 parents, who, by their pernicious instructions and wicked 
 examples, and by the mysteries of iniquity into which they 
 early initiate their children, effectually devote them to Satan’s 
 service, and blindly forward their everlasting destruction, in 
 a manner no less to be lamented. But what an account 
 must they at last render to God! and what a meeting will 
 they have with their children at the day of judgment ! On 
 the other hand let children remember, that “ he who cursed 
 father or mother was surely put to death,'’ with “ his blood 
 upon his own head.” Let adul'erers hear the judgment of 
 God respecting their crimes; and remember that the slack- 
 less of human justice, and the impunity which now embol- 
 ditis them in sin, can give but an expiring joy, and will 
 probably occasion their st 11 deeper guilt and condemna- 
 tion. — Tile secret and unnatural crimes, of which many arc 
 conscious who conceal them from men, will soon be brought 
 •o light, and into judgment, before a holy G id : ana crusir.al 
 
 18:10—12. 1 Sam. 28:7,8. rSeson9. aHos.5:l. Mai. 2:1,4. b 11. 10:6,7. 
 Num. 19:14,16. Ez. 44:25. c 18:6. lThes.4:13. * Or, being on husban-l among 
 his people, he shall not defile himself for his wife, &c. Ez. 24:16,17. (\ 10:6. 19-: 
 27,28. Deut. 14:1: Is. 15:2. 22:12. Jer. 16:6. 48 37. Ez. 44:20. Ain. 8:10. Mic. 
 1:16. e 8. 10:3. Ex. 28:36. 29:44. Ezra 8:28. 1 Pet. 2.9. f 18-21. 19:12. Mai. 
 1:6,11,12. £ 3:11 . Ez. 44:7. Mai. 1:7. h 8. Ez. 44:22. 1 Tim. 3: 1 1 . i Deut. 
 
 24:1,2. Is. 50:1. k 6. Ex. 19:10,14. 28:41. 29:1,43,44. 1 11.44,45.19:2.20:7,8. 
 John 10:36. 17:19. Heb. 7:26. 10:29. 
 
 indulgences will surely issue in dreadful lamentations here* 
 after, if not mourned for with godly sorrow and bitter remorse 
 in this world. — Such crimes caused God to abhor the Canaan- 
 ites, and he will much more abhor them in his professing 
 people. By his word and ordinances he hath severed us from 
 others, and is known by the name of 44 The Lord that sanc- 
 tifieth us.” Let us then separate ourselves from the com- 
 pany and practices of the ungodly; and let us attend on his 
 ordinances, plead his promises, and seek his salvation : that 
 we may be holy in reality, as well as in profession ; that we 
 may learn and observe the difference between clean and 
 unclean in every thing; and that the Lord may indeed be 
 our God and Portion, and we his people in time and to 
 eternity. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXI. V. 1 — 5. The word rendered 
 the dead , is far more commonly translated, the soul, or the life. 
 When it signifies the dead , it means the body of some crea- 
 ture which lately had life. The paucity of words, in most 
 languages, occasions phrases to prevail in a sense widely dif- 
 ferent from the primary meaning of the terms composing 
 them ; and consequently they must be understood according 
 to the connexion. — The clause here implies, that the priests 
 must not defile themselves for any person whatever, when 
 dead, except the near relations particularly specified ; and 
 consequently that they must in no other case attend a fune- 
 ral or enter the tent where a corpse lay. The wife is not 
 here mentioned, and the marginal reading (4) seems to imply 
 that she was excepted ; yet this is not likely ; and when Eze- 
 kiel, who was a priest, refrained by express command from 
 signs of mourning for his wife, the people deemed it very 
 strange. Being a distinguished person among his people, his 
 example and ministrations were of great importance ; and he 
 must not u profane himself, ”or separate himself from his sacred 
 employments on any ordinary occasion. (Notes, Ez. 24:16 — 
 24.) — By these restrictions, and the prohibition of expressing 
 grief by any extravagant or superstitious tokens, the priests 
 were taught to moderate their natural passions ; and per- 
 haps to avow their belief of a future state. (Note, 1 The s. 
 4:13—18.) 
 
 V. fi. The office of the priests in offering sacrifices, (here 
 called 41 the bread of their God,” the provisions of God’s 
 house and altar, where he, as it were, came and feasted with 
 his people,) would place them in a conspicuous light, and 
 many would note their conduct: it behooved them, therefore, to 
 be very circumspect, lest God and his worship should he dis- 
 regarded, through their misconduct even in lighter matters. 
 
 V. 7. A priest must not marry a woman who had been a 
 harlot, though penitent; or one of suspicious character, or 
 ungodly ; or one who had been divorced, as it might be pre- 
 
 - ( 237 ) 
 
B. C. 1490. LEVITICUS. B. C. 1490. 
 
 9 Ami "“the. daughter of any priest, if she pro- 
 fane herself by playing the whore, she profaneih 
 her father : she shall be “burnt with fire. 
 
 10 'll And he that is the high-priest among his 
 brethren, “upon whose head the anointing oil was 
 poured, and that is 'consecrated to put on the 
 garments, shall not ^uncover his head, "nor rend 
 his clothes ; 
 
 1 1 Neither shall he go in to any dead body, nor 
 defile himself for "his father, or for his mother : 
 
 12 Neither shall he "go out of the sanctuary, 
 nor profane the sanctuary of his God ; “for the 
 crown of the anointing oil of his God is upon 
 him: I am the Loro. 
 
 13 And he shall take a wife in her virginity. 
 
 14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or profane, 
 or an harlot, these shall he not take : but he shall 
 take v a virgin of his own people to wife. 
 
 15 Neither shall he ""profane his seed among his 
 peoples for I the Lord do sanctify him. 
 
 16 M And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 17 Speak unto Aaron, saying, Whosoever he he 
 of thy seed in their generations, that hath any 
 ^blemish, "let him not approach to offer the 'bread 
 of his God : 
 
 18 For whatsoever man he he that hath a ble- 
 mish, he shall not approach : a a blind man, or a 
 
 ro lt'am. 2:17,34. 3:13.14. Ez. 9.6. Mai. 2:3. Mall. 11:20—24. 1 Tim. 3:4,5. Til. 
 1:6. n 20:14. Gen. 38:24. Josh. 7:15,25. Is. 33:14. Rev.21:8. o8:12. 10:7. 16: 
 32. Ex. 29:29,30. Num. 35:2.5. Ps. 133.2. p 8:7— 9. Ex. 28:2— 4. q 10:6. 13: 
 45. 2Sam. 15:30. Esth. 6:12. rGen. 37:34. Job 1:20. Malt. 26:65. si, 2. 
 Nam. 6:7. 19:14. l)eut.33:9. Matt. 8:21,22. 12:46— 50. Luke 9:59,60. 14:26. 
 2 Cor. 5: 16. 110:7. u Ex. 28:36. Is. 61:1. Acls 10:38. v 7. Ez. 44 :22. 2 Cor. 
 11:2. Rev. 14:4. x Ezra 2:62. 9:2. Neh. 13:23-29. Mol. 2:11,15. Rom. 11:16. 
 
 sumed that it was for some misconduct. All the male children 
 of the priests were priests by birth, 4 and he that would seek a 
 godly seed must first seek a godly wife.* Henry. 
 
 V. 8. This seems addressed to Moses, (and to all subse- 
 quent rulers in Israel,) as a command to exercise his authorit 3 r 
 and influence, that the priests might be preserved from unhal- 
 lowed marriages, and from every other thing inconsistent with 
 their sacred character. 
 
 V. 9. Whoredom in a priest’s daughter would be highly 
 disgraceful to religion, and a reflection upon the parent’s care of 
 his family. The dreadful punishment denounced by God 
 himself would not only be a restraint upon the children ; 
 ( Note , 20:10 — 19.) but likewise a lesson to the parents to 
 watch over them, to keep them out of the way of temptation, 
 and to give them a proper education. 
 
 V. 10 — 15. The eldest son of the high-priest is supposed 
 by many to have been anointed in his father’s lifetime, if he 
 came to a proper age, and to have acted as his deputy, incase 
 of sickness or ceremonial uncleanness ; and upon his death 
 the office immediately devolved upon him ; nor must he inca- 
 pacitate himself for performing it, on any account whatever. 
 It is therefore thought that he, or the apparent successor to 
 the high-priesthood, was bound by these rules, as well as the 
 ligh-priest actually in office. — The high-priest, however, as 
 the immediate type of Christ, must show greater superiority 
 over his natural affections, and be more circumspect in his 
 whole conduct than the other priests. He must therefore 
 marry none but a virgin ; nor leave any stain on his posterity, 
 tither by his own improper marriage, or by allowing them to 
 jarry improperly. Many learned men indeed think, that all 
 Jie priests were bound by the law of marrying none but vir- 
 gins: but they can bring no proof of it from Scripture , except 
 from Ezekiel’s mystical vision, (Note, Ez. 44:22.) which cer- 
 .ainly varies in many things from the law of Moses ; and the 
 context, in this chapter, evidently implies the contrary. It is 
 more properly observed, that polygamy was virtually forbid- 
 den the high-priest ; but not a second marriage, as some have 
 imagined. 
 
 V. 17 — 24. These several blemishes in the body incapa- 
 citated the priests for some of their sacred work ; yet did not 
 exclude them from their maintenance, or from subordinate 
 services, or even from instructing the people. They were 
 external emblems of the scandals and reproaches of sin, rest- 
 ing on a man’s character, which render even the penitent unfit 
 for the -ministry, until the impression, made by them on the 
 minds of men, be done away by a continued course of good 
 behaviour. — Learned men have copiously showed, that the 
 pagans literally observed several of these rules respecting 
 priests ; probably they originally derived their usages from the 
 law of Moses. — Some have argued from these laws that a 
 deformed person, or one who wants a limb, or is otherwise 
 materially blemished, should not be a minister of the gospel ; 
 but this is a groundless imagination, as these incapacitating ble- 
 mishes were mere shadows of a wrong state of heart and mind. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As these priests were typed of Christ, so all ministers espe- 
 cially must be followers of him ; that their example may eluci- 
 date and corroborate their instructions, and teach the people 
 m imitating them t < imitate the &p.y*owr. He was perfectly 
 f 238) 
 
 lame, or he that hath a flat nose, or any thing su- 
 perfluous, 
 
 19 Or a man that is broken-footed, or broken 
 handed. 
 
 20 Or crook-backed, or f a dwarf, or that hath a 
 blemish in his eye, or be scurvy, »or scabbed, or 
 b hath his stones broken : 
 
 21 No man that hath a blemish of the seed of 
 Aaron the priest, shall come nigh to offer the offer- 
 ings of the Lord made by fire : he hath a blemish, 
 he shall not come nigh c to offer the bread of his 
 God. 
 
 22 He shall eat the bread of his God both d of 
 the most holy, and ,e of the holy ; 
 
 23 Only he shall not < go in unto the veil, nor 
 come nigh unto the altar, because he hath a ble- 
 mish ; that he ^profane not my sanctuaries : for I 
 the Lord do sanctify them. 
 
 24 And Moses told it unto h Aaron, and to hifl 
 sons, and unto all the children of Israel 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 The priests might not eat of the holy things when unclean, 1 — 9. Who might 
 eat of them , 10 — 13. The restitution to be made by him who had unwittingly 
 eaten of them, 14 — 16. The sacrifices must be without blemish, and above 
 seven days old, 17 — 28. The law of eating the sacrifices of thanksgiving , 
 29, 30. Calls to obedience , 31 — 33. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, that 
 
 1 Cor. 7:14. y 22:20— 25. 1 Thes. 2:10. 1 Tim. 3:2. Heb. 7:26. 7.21. 10:3. 
 Num. 16:5. Ps. 65:4. * Or, food. 3:16. n Is. 56:10. Matt. 23:16,17,19. 1 Tiin. 
 3:2,3, 7. Til. 1:7,10. t Or, too slender. bDeut.23:l. c6,8,l7. (12:3,10.6: 
 16,29.7:1.24:8,9. Num. 18.9,10. e 22: 10— 13. Num. 18- 10. fEx.3U:6— 8. 
 
 40:26,27. Ez. 44:9— 14. g 12. See on 15:31. h Mai. 2:1— ' 7. Col. 4:17. 1 Tim. 
 1:18. 2 Tim. 2:2. 
 
 superior to all natural affections ; and in the business of his 
 heavenly Father, would not be interrupted or biassed, even 
 by his regard to his earthly parent. Absolutely dead to the 
 world, and filled with zeal for the glory of the Father and 
 compassion to the souls of men, he was unwearied in his 
 labours, and persevering in his sufferings till he could say, 
 44 It is finished.” Without blemish, and separate from sin- 
 ners, he executed his priestly office on earth: and being 
 ascended into heaven, he is preparing his church of redeemed 
 sinners, that 44 not having spot, or blemish, or any such 
 thing,” he may espouse it as a chaste virgin unto himself for 
 ever: and he requires all his family to remember the relation 
 in which they stand unto him, and to act consistently. What 
 manner of persons then should his ministers be? Surely 
 their characters should be free from scandal ; and their hearts 
 from the dominion of sin, and from the love of filthy lucre, 
 worldly honour, and sensual indulgence ! They should he 
 unwearied and cheerful in their work, 44 giving themselves 
 wholly to it,” and letting nothing divert them from it. They 
 should be patient in tribulations, superior to the power of their 
 passions, circumspect in their walk, cautious in their connex- 
 ions, and exemplary in the government of their families. 
 Nothing is of more importance to the interests of religion than 
 the unblemished character, and the sober, decent, and respect- 
 able conduct and demeanour of the wives and children of 
 ministers: for the people wiil always think themselves autho- 
 rized to go further in conformity to the world, and its vain 
 fashions and customs, and in pursuit of its interests and plea- 
 sures, than the minister and his family do ; and will interpret 
 his preaching by their practising ; supposing him accountable 
 for weir misconduct, or as giving it the sanction of his appro- 
 bation. (Notes, 1 Tim. 3:2 — 5.) — Our God is as holy now , 
 as when he commanded the offending daughter of a priest to 
 be burnt with fire ; how then should the children of ministers 
 tremble lest they disgrace the character of their parents, pre- 
 vent the effects of their ministry, and expose themselves to 
 the fierce wrath of God! Equally careful should this render 
 ministers of their children; not aiming to give them a genteel 
 education, in conformity with the customs and fashions of the 
 world ; hut to train them up in useful knowledge, with sobriety, 
 frugality, and industry, and in the fear of God ; restraining and 
 correcting every evil propensity, setting them a good example, 
 and offering continual prayers for them ; for the child’s wicked- 
 ness will be considered as the parent’s reproach, as well as 
 affliction ; and frequently it is so, though not always. — But 
 we are all, if Christians, spiritual priests: and the minister is 
 called to set a good example, in order that the people may 
 imitate it. They too must he dead to the world and separ 
 rated from it : not sorrowing or rejoicing, desiring or pursuing, 
 or possessing temporal things, in t/ie same manner as others 
 do ; but taking the Lord for their Portion, rejoicing in him 
 continually, delighting in his service, and using all to his glory. 
 Our bodily infirmities, blessed ho God, cannot exclude us 
 from his heavenly glory. And they, who on many accounts 
 may ho disqualified for the work of the ministry, may servo 
 God with comfort in other situations in his church. Finally, 
 such as, without their own fault, are incapable of furl her ser- 
 vice, must neither bo despised, nor deprive of sizable main- 
 tenance. 
 
B. C 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 they ‘separate themselves from the holy things of 
 tire children of Israel, and that they b profane not 
 my holy name in those things which they ‘hallow 
 unto me : I am the Lord. 
 
 3 Say unto them, Whosoever he be of all your 
 seed among your generations, that goeth unto the 
 holy things, which- the children of Israel hallow 
 unto the Lord, ''having his uncleanness upon him, 
 that soul shall be cut off ‘from my presence : I am 
 the Lord. 
 
 4 What man soever of the seed of Aaron is fa 
 leper, or hath a 'running issue ; he shall not eat of 
 the g holy things, h until he be clean. And whoso 
 toucheth any thing that is 'unclean by the dead, or 
 a man k whose seed goeth from him; 
 
 5 Or ‘whosoever toucheth any creeping thing, 
 whereby he may be made unclean, ra or a man of 
 whom he may take uncleanness, whatsoever un- 
 cleanness he hath : 
 
 6 The "soul which hath touched any such shall 
 ce unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy 
 things, unless he wash his flesh with water. 
 
 7 And when the sun is down, he shall be clean, 
 and shall afterward eat of the holy things ; “be- 
 cause it is his food. 
 
 8 That which fdieth of itself, or is torn with 
 beasts, he shall not eat to defile himself therewith : 
 I am the Lord. 
 
 9 They shall therefore keep mine ordinance, 
 lest they ibear sin for it, and die therefore, if they 
 profane it : I the Lord do sanctify them. 
 
 10 There shall r no stranger eat of the holy 
 thing: a sojourner of the priest, or an hired ser- 
 vant, shall not eat of the holy thing. 
 
 11 But if the priest buy any soul with Uiis 
 money, he shall eat of it, and he that is born in 
 his house : they shall eat of his meat. 
 
 12 If the priest’s daughter also be married unto 
 *a stranger, she may not eat of an offering of the 
 holy things. 
 
 13 But if the priest’s daughter be a widow or 
 divorced, and have no child, and is ‘returned unto 
 her father’s house, ‘as in her youth, she shall eat 
 of her father’s meat ; but there shall no stranger 
 eat thereof. 
 
 14 And if a man "eat of the holy thing unwit- 
 
 3— 6. 15:31. Num. 6:3— 8. b 32. 18:21. 19:12. 20:3. 21:6. c Ex. 13:12. 28: 
 93. Nnm. 18:32. Deut. 15:19. .17:20,21, e Ex. 33:11,15. Pa. 16:11. 51:11. Matt. 
 85:41. 2 Thes. 1:9. f .-ee on 13:2,3,44 — 46. * Heb. running of the reins. 15:2, 
 8 . g 2:3.10. 6:25-29. 21.22. Nnm. 18:9,19. h 14.2, &c. 15:13—15. i 21:1. 
 Num. 19:11— 16. k 15:16. 111:43, U. m 15:7,19. a 11:24,25. 15:5.16:24— 
 *8. Num. 19:7— 10. 1 Cor. 6:11. Heb. 10:22. o 21:22. Num. 13:11— 19. Deut. 
 18:3,4. 1 Cor. 9:4.13,14. p 17:15. Ex. 22:31. Deut. 14:21. Ez. 44:31. qlO-1,2. 
 16:2. Ex. 28:43. Num. 18:22.32. r 1 Sam. 21:6. Matt. 12:4. t Heb. the purchase 
 of his money . Ceil. 17:13. Num. 18:11 — 13. X Heb. a man, a stranger, s Gen . 
 Mill, t 10:14. Num. 13:11— 19. u 5:15— 19. 27:13,15. x 9. 19:8. Num. 18: 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXII. V. 2. “ Holy things” were the 
 parts of the sacrifices given to the priests, the show-bread, 
 and whatever was more immediately presented to the Lord. 
 Some were most holy, to be eaten only by the priests in the 
 sanctuary ; others were holy, to be eaten by them and their 
 families in their own houses. But the proportion of the 
 tithes which belonged to the priests, and many other perqui- 
 sites, might he disposed of at their will. 
 
 V. 3 — 9. The females, as well as the males, were bound 
 by these laws. — Yet, as the holy things constituted a consi- 
 derable part of the stated maintenance of the priests and their 
 families, the uncleanness contracted in some of the specified 
 cases, was speedily and easily removed. But if any persons 
 presumptuously neglected the prescribed rules, they would 
 
 1 bear sin for it,” and might expect to be cut off by divine 
 justice, after the example of Nadab and Abihtt. 
 
 Cut off from my presence. (3) Some interpret this of the 
 offender being excluded from officiating as a priest; others, 
 of his being cut offhv some immediate stroke from God. 
 
 V. 10 — 13. Boarders, lodgers, and hired labourers or ser- 
 vants, not being a regular part of the priest’s family, were not 
 allowed to eat of the holy things ; but slaves, whether bought 
 or born in the house, as a part of his stated family, were. — 
 If his daughter married a priest, she might eat of them in right 
 of her husband, as well as of her father; but if she married 
 any other man she forfeited that right : and if left a widow with 
 children, she and they formed a family distinct and separate 
 f rom the priesthood ; but if left a widow without children, or 
 if being divorced she returned to her father’s house to live 
 with him as in her youth, she became again a part of his 
 family, and might partake of the holy things. 
 
 V. 14 — If). The presumptuous transgressor was left to 
 the judgment of God ; but he, who inadvertently ate any part 
 jfwhat belonged to the priest, was required, when he found 
 
 tingly, then he shall put the fifth part thereol unto 
 it, and shall give it unto the priest, with the holy 
 thing. 
 
 15 And they shall not ‘profane the holy things 
 of the children of Israel which they offer unto the 
 Lord ; 
 
 16 Or §sufler them Ho bear the iniquity of tres- 
 pass, when they eat their holy things ; ‘for I the 
 Lord do sanctify them. 
 
 17 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 18 Speak unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto 
 all the children of Israel, and say unto them, 
 "Whatsoever he be of the house of Israel, or * l ot 
 the strangers in Israel, that will offer his oblation 
 for all his “vows, and for all his d free-will offerings, 
 which they will offer unto the Lord for a burnt- 
 offering : 
 
 19 Ye shall offer at your own will e a male with- 
 out blemish of the beeves, of the sheep, or of the 
 goats. 
 
 20 But whatsoever f hath a blemish, that shall 
 ye not offer : for it shall not be acceptable for you. 
 
 21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice g of peace- 
 offerings unto the Lord, h to accomplish his vow, 
 or a free-will offering in beeves, or "sheep, it shall 
 be perfect to be accepted ; there shall be no ble- 
 mish therein. 
 
 22 'Blind, or broken, or maimed, or having a 
 wen, or scurvy, or scabbed, ye shall not offer these 
 unto the Lord, nor make an offering by fire o. 
 them upon the altar unto the Lord. 
 
 23 Either a bullock, or a ’’lamb, that hath any 
 thing superfluous or lacking in his parts, that 
 mayest thou offer for a free-will-ofiering ; but for 
 a vow it shall not be accepted. 
 
 24 Ye shall not offer unto the Lord that which 
 is bruised, or crushed, or k broken, or cut ; neither 
 shall ye make any offering thereof in your land. 
 
 25 Neither from 'a stranger’s hand shall ye offer 
 ra the bread of your God of any of these ; because 
 their corruption is in them, and blemishes be in 
 them : they shall not be accepted for you. 
 
 26 IT And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 27 When a bullock, or a sheep, or a goat, is 
 brought forth, then it shall be "seven days under 
 the dam: and from the eighth day, and thence- 
 
 32. Ez. 22:26. §0 r, lade themselves with the iniquity of trespass in their 
 eating, r 7:18. Ps. 38:4. I». 53:11.12. 1 Pet. 2:24. z 9. See on 20:8. al7:ll), 
 13. b Nnm. 15:14— 16. c 7:16. 23:38. Num. 15:3. Deut.12.fi. Ps. 22:25. 5fi: 
 12. 61:5,8. 65:1. 66:13. 116:14,13. Ec.5:4. Jon. 1:16. 2:9. Nall. 1:15. Acts 18: 
 18. d Num. 15:3. Deut. 12:6,17. 16:10. e 1:3,10. 4:32. Ex. 12:5. Matt. 27:4, 
 19,24,54. Luke 23:14,41,47. John 19:4. 2 Cor. 5:21. Kuh.5:27. Heb. 9:14. 1 Fet. 
 1:19. 2:22-24 . 3:18. f2S. Deut. 15:21. 17:1. Mai. 1:8 13,14. g 3:1.6. 7:11, 
 he. h Gen. 28.20. 35:1—3. Deut. 23:21— 23. P».50:l<. Prov.711. Ec. 5:4.5. 
 II Or, goa'e. i 21:18— 21. II Or, iW, k20. Deut. 23:1. 1 Num. 15:14— 16. 
 
 Ezra 6:8— 10. m 21:6,8,21,22. Mai. 1:7,8,12— 14. n 12:2,3. 19:23,24. Ex. 22 30 
 
 out his mistake, to make restitution with a fifth part added to 
 the value of it. This the priests must require, that the hal- 
 lowed things might not be applied to common uses. For that 
 would indeed be allowing the people to burden theinselvel 
 with guilt, by violating the divine law in eating the hot* 
 things: while that very action typically implied a vain at 
 tempt to expiate their own guilt; instead of transferring it V 
 the priests, who were in this respect the types of Chris' 
 {Notes, 5:15,16. 10:16—18.) 
 
 V. 18 — 24. The burnt-offerings typified Christ’s unble- 
 mished sacrifice, and denoted the offerer’s entire devotedness 
 to God ; and the peace-offering of a vow implied an indispen- 
 sable duty : in these cases, therefore, no animal having any 
 kind of blemish would be accepted. — But one that had a dis- 
 proportion in its limbs, or something superfluous or wanting, 
 might be accepted as a free-will-offering ; when love for the 
 courts and altar of God, and for his brethren, disposed a man, 
 without any previous obligations, to offer a sacrifice, and make 
 a sacred feast for his friends, for the priests, and for the poor 
 Yet even in this case such animals as were blemished, or 
 diseased in other respects, must not be offered. — Without 
 entering into the particulars of these defects and blemishes, it 
 is obvious that the word translated bullock means 'a young 
 bull; for the male, unless a bull, was blemished. — ft is evi- 
 dent from the original of the twenty-third verse, that the 
 words often translated at ytyur own will, (29) should in most 
 places be rendered for your acceptance. (Note, 1:3.) 
 
 V. 25. As an intimation of the Lord’s purposes of mercy 
 to the Gentiles, they were encouraged to offer sacrifices to 
 him ; but these were not allowed of, unless free from blemish. 
 — Some are of opinion, that the Gentiles were not allowed to 
 offer any sacrifices, except burnt-offerings : but the connexion 
 of this verse seems unfavourable to that supposition. 
 
 V. 27. From the same time as the male children were 
 ( 239 ) 
 
B. C 1190. LEVITICUS. B. C. 149o. 
 
 forth, t shall he accepted for an offering made by 
 fire unto the Lord. 
 
 28 And whether it he cow or 'ewe, °ye shall not 
 kill it a»d her young both in one day. 
 
 29 And when ye will offer i'a sacrifice of thanks- 
 giving unto the Lord, offer it at your own will. 
 
 30 On the same day it shall be eaten up ; ve 
 shall cleave none of it until the morrow : I am the 
 Lord. 
 
 31 Therefore shall ye r keep my commandments, 
 and do them : I am the Lord. 
 
 32 Neither shall ye "profane my holy name ; but 
 l I will be hallowed among the children of Israel : 
 I am the Lord which ^hallow you, 
 
 33 *That brought you out of the land of Egypt, 
 to be your God : I am the Lord. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Laws concerning the weekly sabbath, 1 — 3 : the passover, the feast of unleav- 
 ened bread , and the sheaf of first-fruits , 4 — 14 : the feast of Pentecost ; 
 with a memento to leave the gleanings for the poor, 15 — 22: the feast 
 of trumpets , 23 — 25 : the day of atonement, 26 — 32 : the feast of tabernacles, 
 33 — 4 4. • 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, concerning “the feasts of the Lord, 
 which ye shall b proclaim to be holy convocations, 
 even these are my feasts. 
 
 • Or, ehe-zanl. o Ex. 230 9. 34:26. Deut. 14:21. 22:6,7. p7:12. 1 s. 107:22. 
 
 116:17. Hos. 14:2. linos 4:5. Heb. 13: 15. 1 Pel. 2:5. q 7:15— IS. 19.7. Ex. 16: 
 19,20. r .See on 18:4,5. Num. 15:40. Deut.4:40. 1 Thes. 4:1,2. b See on 2. 
 18:21. t 10:3. Is. 5:16. Matf. 6:9. Luke 11:2. u 16. 20:8. 21:8,15. Ex. 19:5,6. 
 John 17:17. 1 Cor. 1:2. x 11:45. 19:36. 25:38. Ex. 6:7. 20:2. Num. 15:41. 
 a 4,37. Ex. 23:14— 17. Is. 1:13,14. 33:20. Lam. 1:4. Hos. 2:11. Nah. 1:15. John 
 5:1. Col. 2:16. b Ex. 32:5. Num. 10:2,3,10. 2 Kin^s 10:20. 2 Chr. 30:5. Ps. 
 81:3. Joel 1:14. 2:15. Jon. 3:5—9. c 19:3. Ex. 16:23,29. 20:8—11. 23:12 . 31: 
 
 dedicated to the Lord by circumcision, the cattle were 
 deemed meet for sacrifice : that is, say the Jewish writers, 
 when one sabbath, which sanctifies all things, must have 
 passed over them. (Note, 12:2 — 5.) 
 
 V. 28. The reason of this restriction is not very evident. 
 The practice might seem cruel and unfeeling ; yet it does not 
 seem to have been forbidden thus to slay other cattle for food, 
 besides these here mentioned. It might perhaps refer to 
 some pagan superstition. 
 
 V. 29, 30. Note, 7:15—18. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Whilst with gratitude we recollect, that our holy and 
 florious High-Priest is not liable to any incapacitating impe- 
 diments to the discharge of his office, either habitual or 
 incidental, but is perfectly such an one as became us ; and 
 that his unblemished sacrifice is of perpetual efficacy for 
 “all who come to God through him;” let us also remember, 
 that the Lord requires us likewise to reverence his Name, 
 his truths, his ordinances, and his commandments. The 
 man, who enters into the ministry, and who handles the word 
 of God, or administers his sacraments, out of covetousness 
 or ambition, whilst he indulges in known, habitual sin, either 
 openly or in secret; .and those professed Christians who 
 make religion then* pretence, but gain their object; or who 
 approach ihe Lord’s table as a step to preferment, or with a 
 heart full of covetousness, malice, or lust ; — sych persons I 
 say, presume to eat of the holy things with their uncleanness 
 upon them, and must answer for it to God. Let us then 
 beware of hypocrisy ; and both examine ourselves, and seek 
 to be purified from our sinful defilements, in the blood of 
 Christ, and by his sanctifying Spirit: that we may not pro- 
 fane the Name of God in these hallowed things, but use them 
 with acceptance, to his glory, and to our own benefit and 
 comfort; and when, as his priests, we have feasted at his 
 table, let us never more defile ourselves with the base 
 pleasures of sin. — It is very proper, that we should carefully 
 distinguish between those who ought, and those who ought 
 not, to eat of these holy things : and we shall find, if we 
 carefully consult the Scriptuies, that the man who atiempts 
 to expiate his own sin, or to justify himself before God by 
 his own supposed virtues, puts as great an affront on Christ, 
 whose bleeding love to sinners he professes to commemorate, 
 as he who comes to the Lord’s lable, from the indulgence of 
 his passions by direct and gross immoralities. This is a sin 
 which is often committed unwittingly ; hut must be repented 
 of, if men would not bear their own iniquities, which ‘is a 
 burden too heavy for them’ to support. Nor can the minis- 
 ter, who loves the souls of the people, suffer them to continue 
 in this dangerous delusion ; but must call upon them, not only 
 to repent and forsake their sins ; hut to put their whole trust 
 in the atonement of Christ, for pardon and acceptance with 
 God : for thus, and thus only, will the Lord sanctify them 
 for his peculiar people. — We must serve the Lord with the 
 best of all we have and are : yet if there he a willing mind, and 
 an upright, humble, thankful heart, with a simple depend- 
 ence on the unblemished sacrifice of Christ; our imperfect 
 oblations will not be rejected of God, and will he useful to 
 our fellow-creatures. — It is very desirable that, strangers 
 should he brought acquainted with the Saviour: but we should 
 6c careful, tha. our zeal for multiplying converts do not load 
 us to encourage .iypocrit.es, “ whose corruption is in them,” 
 ( 240 ) 
 
 3 c Six days shall work he done, but the seventh 
 day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation : 
 ye shall do no work therein : it is the sabbath of 
 the Lord in all your dwellings. 
 
 4 II These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy 
 convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their 
 seasons. 
 
 5 d In the fourteenth day of the first month at 
 even is the Lord’s passover. 
 
 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month 
 is e the feast of unleavened bread unto the Lord : 
 seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. 
 
 7 In the first day fye shall have an holy convo- 
 cation ; ye shall do no servile work therein. 
 
 8 But ye shall offer an offering made by fire 
 unto the Lord seven days : in the seventh day is 
 an holy convocation, ye shall do no servile work 
 therein. 
 
 9 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, say- 
 ing, o 
 
 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and sav 
 unto them, eWhen ye be come into the land which 
 I give unto you. h and shall reap the harvest there- 
 of, then ye shall bring a 'sheaf of 'the first-fruits 
 of your harvest unto the priest : 
 
 15. 34:21. 35:2,3. Deut. 5:13. Is. 56:2,6. 58:13. Luke 13.14. 23:56. Acts 15:21. 
 Rer. 1:10. d Ex. 12:2—14. 13:3—10. 23:15. Num. 9:2—7. 28:16. Deut. 16:1 — 
 
 7. Josh. 5:10. 2 Chr. 35:18,19. Matt. 26:17. Mark 14:12. Luke 21:7. 1 Cor. 5:7, 
 
 8. e Ex. 12:15,16. 13:6,7. 34:18. Num. 28:17,13. Deut. 16:8. Acts 12:3,4. 
 fNum. 28:18—25. g Seeon 14:34. h 2:12 — 16. Ex. 23:16,19 . 31:22,26. Num. 
 15:2,18 — 21. 28:26. Deut. 16:9. Josh. 3:15. * Or, handful. Heb. O'uer. i Prov. 
 3:9,10. Ez. 44:30. Rom. 11:16. 1 Cor. 15:20—23. Jura. 1:18. Rev. 14:4. 
 
 and who will be a scandal to the cause. — Even when the 
 reason of the Lord’s appointments doth not appear, or when 
 we meet with many repetitions in his word ; we may profit- 
 ably be reminded to exercise humility, faith in his wisdom, 
 and submission to his authority, who deserves from us the 
 most unreserved obedience and confidence in every thing. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIII. V. 2. The word (D'lyiD) 
 rendered “feasts,” properly means assemblies convened at an 
 appointed time andplace. — It is sometimes translated solem- 
 nities. (Is. 33:20.) The day of atonement was a great 
 solemnity , but it was a fast. 
 
 V. 3. The weekly sabbath was the greatest of all these 
 solemnities, as instituted in remembrance of the creation, to 
 be observed through all generations. — It is called “a holy 
 convocation ;” and it may he supposed at least to have been 
 the will of the Lawgiver, that assemblies for religious worship 
 and instruction should be held in every place, as well as for 
 sacrifices at the temple. This was done at length in the 
 synagogues ; but besides this, it was also to be observed as a 
 sacred rest in all the dwellings of Israel. 
 
 Y. 4. Ye shall proclaim, &c.] The priests were directed 
 to give notice of the solemnities, and to call together the 
 holy convocation by sound of trumpet. It would also devolve 
 upon then) to calculate the seasons of the annual feasts : and, 
 in order that the computation by moons might coincide as 
 nearly as could be with the revolutions of the sun, proper 
 intercalations must be made from time to time. For twelve 
 revolutions of the moon want about eleven days of one entire 
 revolution of the sun ; so that a month must have been 
 intercalated sometimes in the third, and at others in the second 
 year; in order that the fifteenth day of Nisan might never 
 precede that season of the year, which the offering of the 
 first-fruits required. (Note, 10 — 14.) — Many other obser- 
 vances would require the same. When the people were 
 settied in Canaan, proclamation must, in some way, he made 
 to all the tribes, that there might be no error or disunion 
 among them. 
 
 V. 5 — 8. ( Notes, and P. O. Ex. 12:) It is observable that in 
 respect of all the solemnities, except the weekly sabbath and 
 the day of atonement, the word servile is added, in the pro- 
 hibition of the work to be done upon them. Hence it is rea- 
 sonably concluded, that several things of a domestic nature 
 might be performed on the other solemnities, which must not 
 he done on the weekly sabbath, or the day of atonement. 
 The Jewish writers aro very particular on this distinction: 
 hut, it is enough to state in general, that in one case any 
 work, except such as respected commerce, manufactures, 
 agriculture, or menial services, was allowable ; hut in the 
 other none, unless strictly speaking necessary, or subservient 
 to the exercise of piety, charity, and humanity, could accord 
 to the strictness of the*, injunction. 
 
 Y. 10 — 14. The word rendered sheqf in the text is in the 
 original omer, as in the margin. — It is supposed, that some 
 barley, (for that must he meant,) having been reaped, was 
 dried by the fire, ground, and made into fine flour; enough of 
 which to fill an omer, was annually' presented in ihe namo of 
 the whole nation, when put in possession of Canaan, with a 
 sacrifice, a meat-offering, and a drink-offering. — The sabbath 
 here mentioned was the day of holy convocation, or the first 
 day of unleavened broad, which might or might not ho the 
 weekly sabbath. According to the exact letter, (5 — 7, and 
 
B. (J. 1 490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 11 And lie shall hvave the sheaf before the 
 Loan, to be accepted lor you : on the morrow 
 after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. 
 
 12 And ye shall offer that day, when ye wave 
 the sheaf, k an lie-lamb without blemish of the first 
 year for a burnt-offering unto the Lord. 
 
 • 13 And 'the meat-offering thereof shall be two 
 tenth-deals of fine flour mingled with oil, an offer- 
 ing made by fire unto the Lord for a sweet 
 savour: and m the drink-offering thereof shall be 
 of wine, "the fourth part of an liin. 
 
 14 And ye shall “eat neither bread, nor parched 
 corn, nor green ears, until the self-same aay that 
 ye have brought an offering unto your God : Ht 
 shall be a statute for ever throughout your gene- 
 rations, in all your dwellings. 
 
 15 And ye shall count unto you ifrom the 
 morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye 
 brought the sheaf of the wave-offering: seven 
 sabbaths shall be complete. 
 
 16 Even unto the morrow after the seventh 
 sabbath, shall ye number r fiff.y days, and ye shall 
 offer a new meat-offering unto the Lord. 
 
 17 Ye shall bring out of your habitations ’two 
 wave-loaves of two tenth-deals : they shall be of 
 fine flour ; they shall be baken with ‘leaven ; they 
 are “the first-fruits unto the Lord. 
 
 18 And ye shall offer with the bread “seven 
 .ambs without blemish, of the first year, and one 
 
 oung bullock, and two rams : they shall lie for a 
 urnt-offering unto the Lord, rwith their meat- 
 offering, and their drink-offerings, even an offer- 
 ing made by fire of sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 19 Then ye shall sacrifice ’one kid of the goats 
 for a sin-offering, and “two lambs of the first year 
 for a sacrifice of peace-offerings. 
 
 20 And the priest shall b wave them with the 
 bread of the first-fruits for a wave-offering before 
 the Lord, with the two lambs: they shall be 
 *holy to the Lord for the priest. 
 
 19:21.10:14. Ex*29:24. k 1:10. Heb. 10:10— 12. 1 Pet. 1:19. 12:14—16. 14:10. 
 Num. 15:3-12. m Ex. 29:40.41. 30:9. Num. 28:10. Joel 1:9,13. 2:14. n Ex. 30: 
 24. Ex. 4:11. 45:24. 46:14. o 19:23— 25. 25:2,3. Gen. 4:4,5. Josh. 5:11,12. ,,3:17. 
 10:11. Deni. 16:12. Neh.9:14. Is. 19:8. q 10,11. 25:8. Ex. 34.22. Hern. 16:9, 
 
 16. r Acts 2:1 . sNum. 28:26. l 7:13. Matt. 13:33. u 10. Ex. 22:29. 23:16, 
 
 19. 34:22,26. Hum. 15:19 — 21. Deut.26:2. Prov. 3:9,10. Rom. 8:23. 1 Cor. 15: 
 
 20. Jam. 1:18. Rev. 14:4. x 12,13. Num. 28:27— 31. v Num . 15:4— 12. z4:23 
 —28. 16:15. Num. 15:24. Rom. 8:3. 2Cor.5:21. a 3: '7:11— 18. b 17 . 7:29,30. 
 Ex. 29:24. Luke 2:14. Eph. 2:14. c7:31— 34. 8:29.10:14,15. Num. 18:8— 12. 
 Deut. 18:4. (12,4. Ex. 1216. Deut. 16:11. Is. 11:10. e 14. Gen. 17:7. Ex. 12: 
 
 17. Num. 18:23. 119:9,10. Deut. 16:11— 14. 24:19— 21. Ruth 2:3— 7,16. Job. 
 
 Marg. Ref. d.) Christ was crucified on this day of holy 
 convocation: yet whether the Jews calculated the days in 
 another manner, or not, it seems not to have been thus 
 observed ; but the next being the sabbath was a high day, and 
 probably was kept as the day of holy convocation. Thus 
 the first day of the week 1 was the day of offering the first- 
 fruits, on which day Christ arose the first-fruits from the 
 dead. The first-fruits, presented to God with a saciifice, 
 implied that the title of the Israelites to the fruits of the earth 
 rested on the gift of a reconciled God, through the sacrifice 
 of the promised Saviour ; and that the comfortable and holy 
 use of them arose from their devoting themselves and their 
 substance to his service and glory. — They also prefigured 
 Christ, not only as the first-fruits from the dead, and the 
 earnest of the great harvest of the resurrection, but as the 
 first-fruits of all the race of Adam ; and who, having sanctified 
 himself to be obedient to the precept, and to endure the 
 penalty of the law of God, presented himself unto the Father 
 as the earnest of an innumerable multitude of his brethren, 
 being consecrated to God through him. For Christians also 
 themselves are a kind of first-fruits of God’s creatures : and 
 while they partake of the sanctifying influences of the Spirit 
 as the first-fruits of glory, their feeble worship and adoration 
 are the first-fruits of their eternal hallelujahs. (Jam. 1:18.) 
 
 V. 15 — 21. (Note., Ex. 23:14 — 18.) By the time of “ the 
 feast of weeks,” or the Pentecost, the barley-harvest, which 
 was eared and nearly ripe at the feast of the passover, would 
 be gathered in ; and the wheat-harvest ripe, and in part 
 reaped. Of this latter, therefore, ihe people must make 
 another acknowledgment “ out of their habitations,” as the 
 first-fruits were from the field ; in fine flour made into bread, 
 and leavened as for food, not for sacrifice. This was to he 
 accompanied with burnt-offerings, a sin-offering, and peace- 
 offerings: all denoting their unworthiness in themselves, their 
 acceptance through Christ, devotedness to God, consequent 
 comfortable use of their substance, and communion with God 
 and with their brethren. Two bullocks and but one ram are 
 mentioned in Numbers; but the reason of this difference is 
 not evident : perhaps it was left to the option of the priests or 
 rulers. (Num. 28:27.) — The feast is supposed to have been 
 Vol. I. — 31 
 
 21 And ye shall '’proclaim on the self-same day 
 that it may be an holy convocation unto you : ye 
 shall do no servile work therein : it shall be e a 
 statute for ev^r in all your dwellings throughout 
 your generations. 
 
 22 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, 
 ftliou shalt not make clean riddance of the corners 
 of thy field when thou reapest, neither shalt thou 
 gather any gleanings of thy harvest: thou shalt 
 leave them unto the poor, and to the stranger : I 
 am the Lord your God. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 23 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, sin 
 the seventh month, in the first day of the month, 
 shall ye have a sabDath, a memorial of blowing oi 
 trumpets, an holy convocation. 
 
 25 Ye shall do no servile work therein : hut ye 
 shall offer an offering made by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 26 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 27 Also on b the tenth day of this seventh month 
 there shall be a day of atonement, it shall be an 
 holy convocation unto you : and ye shall ’afflict 
 your*souls, and k offer an offering made by fire unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 28 And ye shall do no work in that same day : 
 for it is ‘a day of atonement, to make an atone- 
 ment for you before the Lord your God. 
 
 29 For whatsoever soul it be m that shall not be 
 afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from 
 among his people. 
 
 30 And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any 
 work in that same day, "the same soul will I 
 destroy from among his people. 
 
 31 Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be 
 a statute for ever throughout your generations in 
 all your dwellings. 
 
 32 It shall be unto you °a sabbath of rest, and 
 ye shall Pafflict your souls : in the ninth day of the 
 month at even, from even unto even shall ye 
 'celebrate your sabbath. 
 
 31:16—21. Pb. 112:9. Prov. 11:24,25. la. 58:7,8,10. Luke 11:41. 2Cor.9:8-ll. 
 (Num. 10:10. 29:1— 6. 1 Chr. 15:28. 2 Chr. 5:13. Ezra 3:6. Ps. 81 . 1—1. 98:6. 
 Is. 27:13. 1 1 or. 15:52. lThes.4:16. h 16:29,30. 25 9. Num. 29:7— 1 1. i 16:31. 
 Num. 29:7. Ezra 8:21. Ps. 35:13. Is. 58:5. Dan. 10:2,3. Zecli. 12:10. Acts 2:37, 
 38. 2Cor. 7:10,11. Jam. 4:9. k 16:1 1,15.24. 1 16:34. Is. 53:10. I an. 9:24. 
 Zech. 3:9. Rom. 5:10,11. Heb. 9:12,26. 10:10,14. 1 John 2:2. 4:10. 5:6. m Sal 
 on 27,32. n 20:3. Gen. 17:14. Jer. 15:7. Ez.l4:9. Zeph. 2:5. lCor.3:17. 
 nSee on 16:31. Mall. 11:28— 30. Heb. 4:3,11. pSeeon27. Is. 35:13. 51:17. 
 69:10,11. 126:5,6. Is. 57:15,18,19. 58:3— 7. 61:3. Matt. 5:4. 1 Cor. 11:31, 
 * Heb. rest. 
 
 held in remembrance of the giving of the law, fifty days after 
 the departure of the people out of Egypt ; and to have looked 
 forward to the pouring out of the Holy Spirit, fifty days after 
 the resurrection of Christ. (Notes, Ex. 19:1. Acts 2:1.) 
 Having finished and presented his perfect obedience and 
 acceptable sacrifice, as the first-fruits unto the Father; he* 
 through the gift of the Holy Ghost to the apostles, and by 
 the conversion of three thousand souls at once, presented the 
 other first-fruits of the Christian church, as an earnest of that 
 harvest of innumerable multitudes, which hath been gather- 
 ing, and shall yet be gathered, in all ages and nations to the 
 end of time. 
 
 V. 22. Marg. Ref. f. Note , 19:9,10. 
 
 V. 24, 25. (Note, Num. 10:2 — 10.; This feast seems to 
 have been instituted on the first day of the seventh month, 
 both because the civil new year began at that time ; and 
 because of the other solemnities observed in that month, 
 which were thus announced. — The blowing of trumpets 
 especially represented the preaching of the gospel ; b 3* which 
 men are called to repent of sin, and accept the salvation of 
 Christ, which was signified by the day of atonement; and to 
 rejoice in God, and become strangers and pilgrims upon, 
 earth, which was denoted by the feast of tabernacles,. both 
 of which were observed in this month. — Some think, that the 
 feast of trumpets was appointed as a memorial of the creation, 
 which they suppose to have been completed at this season of 
 the year. 
 
 V. 26 — 32. (Notes, and P. O. 16:) The day of atone- 
 ment was only five days before the feast of tabernacles: and 
 though the Israelites were not required to attend at the taber- 
 nacle or temple, as on the three great feasts; yet it mkjht be 
 expected that many of them would come in time to be present 
 at this solemnity al§o. But whether they did, or did not, 
 they were required strictly to observe the day, as a most 
 holy sabbath, and a season of peculiar mortification and self- 
 denial, on pain of death by the immediate judgment of God. — 
 All these meetings tended to increase their acquaintance and 
 affectionate intercourse with each other. 
 
 Afflict , &c. (27) Marg. Ref. i. p. 
 
 V. 34—36. (Note, Ex. 23:14—18.) The feast of taber- 
 
 ( 241 ) 
 
b. C. 1490, 
 
 LEVITICUS. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 33 If And the Lord spake unto Moses, sayin", 
 
 34 Speak unto the children oflsrael, saying', sThe 
 fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the 
 feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the Lord. 
 
 35 On the first day shall be r an holy convoca- 
 tion : ye sh'all do no servile work therein. 
 
 36 'Seven days ye shall offer an offering made 
 by fire unto the Lord : on ‘the eighth day shall 
 be an holy convocation unto you ; and ye shall 
 offer an offering made hy fire unto the Lord : it 
 is a 'solemn assembly, and ye shall do no servile 
 work therein. 
 
 37 These are “the feasts of the Lord, which 
 ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer 
 an offering made by fire unto the Lord, a burnt- 
 offering, and a meat-offering, a sacrifice, and 
 
 rink-offerings, every thing upon his day: 
 
 38 Beside x the sabbaths of the Lord, rand 
 Deside your gifts, and beside all your vows, and 
 beside all your free-will-offerings, which ye give 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 39 Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh 
 month, ‘when ye have gathered in the fruit of the 
 land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven 
 days : a on the first day shall be a sabbath, and on 
 the eighth day shall be a sabbath. 
 
 40 And ye shall take you on the first day b the 
 'boughs of goodly trees, branches c of palm-trees, 
 and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the 
 brook ; and ye shall d rejoice before the Lord your 
 God seven days. 
 
 41 And ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord 
 
 q Ex. 23:16 . 34:22. Diut. 16:13— 15. Ei.ra3:4. Neh. 8:14. Zech. 14:16— 19. 
 John 1:14. 7:2. Hell. 11:9,13. r 7,8,34,45. s Num. 29:12— 38. 1 2 Chi. 7:8- 
 11. Nch. 8:18. John 7:37. * Heb. day of restrain'. Deut. 16:8. Joel 1:14. 
 
 margins, a See on 2,4. Dent. 16:16,17. x See on 3. 19:3. Gen. 2:2,3. Ex. 20:8 
 —11. y Num. 29:39. Dent. 12:6. 1 Chr. 29:3— 8. 2 Chr. 35:7,8. Ezra 2:68,69. 
 T See on 34. Ex. 23:16. Deut. 16:13. a See on 24,36. bNeh.8:15. Matt. 21:8. 
 t Heb. fruit, c Ps. 92:12. John 1213. Rev. 7:9. d Deut. 16:14,15. la. 35:10. 
 66:10. John 16:22. Rom. 5:11. Phil. 3:3. 4:4. 1 Pet. 1:8. e Gen. 33:17. Num. 
 9*1:2 — 5. Neh. 8:16,17. Jer. 35:10. 2 Cor. 5:1. Heb. 11:13— 16. f Dent. 31:10— 
 
 nacles, strictly so called, is supposed to have continued only 
 seven days, during which all the Israelites dwelt in booths, 
 except sickness or some other hinderance prevented them. 
 (Notes, 39—42. 1 Kings 8:63—65. Neh. 8:14 — 18.)— The 
 eighth day is thought to have been an additional festival, 
 observed in gratitude for the fruits of the earih which had 
 just been gathered in ; and which, it is said, they celebrated in 
 their own houses. The sacrifices to be offered during this 
 solemnity are elsewhere specified. (Notes, Num. 29:12 — 38.) 
 
 V. 37, 38. The weekly sabbaths, with the sacrifices, first- 
 fruits, vows, and free-will-offerings, were strictly to be attended 
 to ; though these stated solemnities might sometimes appear 
 to supersede them, or to interfere with them. 
 
 V. 39 — 43. This annual solemnity was especially a com- 
 memoration of Israel’s dwelling in tents in the wilderness, as 
 well as of their fathers having lived in tents in Canaan; to 
 remind the nation both of the meanness of their origin, and 
 also of the greatness of their deliverance. Christ, taber- 
 nacling in human nature, might also be prefigured : but 
 especially the believer’s life on earth, as a joyful stranger and 
 pilgrim, whose home is in heaven, whither he is daily jour- 
 neying, is very aptly represented. ( Marg . Ref. d, e.) 
 
 V. 44. The feasts.] All the solemnities, except that of 
 the new moon, are here enumerated. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 22. We should not overlook the admonition of 
 observing u the sabbath of the Lord,” not only in public, 
 “but in all our dwellings;” both ourselves, and in our 
 fami'iL/s: allowing our domestics to cease from labour, and 
 teaching them, by precept and example, to improve their 
 leisure ; in order that their souls may now find rest in Christ, 
 and at length enjoy u the rest reserved for the people of 
 God.” — We should also learn to consider the time employed 
 in the service of God as profitably spent; and to esteem his 
 ordinances as holy feasts, relished more by the heaven-born 
 soul than all other pleasures, which it willingly renounces for 
 the sake of them. A day, thus set apart for the business of 
 religion, will have so much and so important work belonging 
 to it, that all other employment mus; be postponed to make 
 way for it. — Let us never forget “ to honour the Lord with 
 our substance, and with the first-fruits of all our increase ; so 
 shall our barns be filled with plenty, and our presses burst 
 out with new wine.” And “when we give alms of such things 
 as we have, behold all things arc clean unto us.” Nor will 
 the husbandman ever have cause to complain, that ho has 
 less profit or comfort from his crop ; because, by leaving good 
 gleanings, he hath made a little harvest for the poor widow, 
 and .the labouring man with a large family, who have no land 
 or crop of their own. — In all these solemnities we should look 
 unto Jesus, as the ireat. Sacrifice for sin, the true Paschal 
 Lamb, the First-frn/s unto God, our Forerunner to glory, 
 ( 242 ) 
 
 seven days in the year: it shall be a statute for 
 ever in your generations : ye shall celebrate it in 
 the seventh month. 
 
 42 Ye shall dwell e in booths seven days: all 
 that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths. 
 
 43 That fyour generations may know that I 
 made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, 
 when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: 
 I am the Lord your God. 
 
 44 And Moses ^declared unto the children of 
 Israel the feasts of the Lord. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Lawn concerning the oil for the lamps of the golden candlestick , and the 
 
 ordering of them , 1—4 : and concerning the show-bread, 5—9. Shelomith’s 
 
 son stoned for blasphemy , with some laws repeated on that occasion , 
 
 10—23. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Command the children of Israel, a that they 
 bring unto thee pure oil-olive beaten for the light, 
 to cause b the lamps to ’burn continually. 
 
 3 Without the veil of the testimony, in the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, shall Aaron order 
 it from the evening unto the morning, before the 
 Lord continually : it shall be a statute for ever in 
 your generations. 
 
 4 He shall order the lamps upon the c pure 
 candlestick before the Lord continually. 
 
 5 H And thou shalt take fine flour, and hake 
 d twelve cakes thereof : two tenth-deals shall be in 
 one cake. 
 
 6 And thou shalt set them e in two rows, six on 
 a row, upon the fpure table before the Lord. 
 
 7 And thou shalt put epure frankincense upon 
 
 13. Ps. 78:5,6. g 1,2. 21:24. Matt. 28:20. a Ex. 27:20,21. 39:37. 40:24,25. 
 Num. 8:2 — 4. lSam.3:3,4. b2Chr.13.ll. Ps. 119:105,130. Prov. 6:23. Is. 
 8:20. 11:2. Matt. 4:16. 5:16. 25:1— 8. Luke 1:79. John 1:4,9. 5:35. 8:12. Arts 
 26:18. 2 Cor. 4:6. Eph. 1:17,18. 5.8— 14. I hil. 2: 15,16. • Heb. ascend, c Ex. 
 25:31—39. 31:8. 37:17-24. Num. 3:31. 4:9. 1 Kings 7:49. I Chr. 28:15. Jer. 
 52:19. Zecl). 4:2,3,11— 14. Heb. 9:2. Rev. 1:20.2:1,5. 11:4. d Ex. 25:30. 40:23. 
 1 Kings 18:31. Acts 26:7. Jam. 1:1. e 1 Cor. 14:40. 1 Ex. 25:23,24. 37:10— 
 
 16. 39:36. 40:22,23. 1 Kings 7:48. 2 Chr. 4:19. 13:11. Heb. 9:2. g 2:2. Eph. lc 
 6. Heb. 7:25. Rev. 8:3,4. 
 
 the provision for our souls, and the Fountain of grace; from 
 whose fulness the Holy Spirit flows to all his people, as the 
 Source of all joy, and heavenly hope, and victory over the 
 world and every enemy. 
 
 V. 23 — 44. Viewing these solemnities together, we may 
 consider them as an abstract of the life of faith, and the walk 
 with God. — Being called from the service of Satan, and from 
 a worldly, sensual life, the true penitent begins his course 
 with the sprinkling of the Saviour’s blood, by the exercise 
 and upright profession of faith in him. — In godly sorrow, self- 
 denial, and bearing the cross, he purges out the old leaven o( 
 malice and wickedness ; feasts upon the Passover before God, 
 with “ the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth ;” tastes 
 the first-fruits of heavenly joy, and offers the first-fruits of 
 heavenly adoration; yea, presents himself and all that he has, 
 to be as the first-fruits unto God, and consecrated to his 
 glory. That law, which was given from mount Sinai, written 
 on tables of stone, and lodged in the ark of the covenant, (as 
 an emblem of its being honoured in the Saviour’s life and 
 death,) he now desires to have written in his heart, by the 
 Spirit which was given to the apostles and first Christian!; on 
 the day of Pentecost ; and he has his desire granted, and his 
 prayer answered. — Still, however, the trumpet of the gospel, 
 though a joyful sound, often reminds him to renew his repent- 
 ance, to afflict his soul, and to apply to the atonement. And 
 indeed they who do not thus “afflict their souls” for sin, 
 “shall be cut off from among the people,” notwithstanding the 
 atonement and their professed belief of if. But mourning for 
 sin makes way for heavenly joy ; and from his depth of 
 humiliation, the Christian soars nearer heaven, and leaves 
 the world further and further beneath. A stranger and 
 pilgrim here below, his home and heart are above ; where bis 
 Saviour, who once tabernacled on earth, now in human nature 
 dwells in glory: and as his assurance increases of having “ a 
 building not made with hands eternal in the heavens,” he 
 becomes desirous of “ departing hence, and being v\ith Christ, 
 which is far better for though he has holy feasts from time 
 to time on earth, yet they suffer many interruptions, and have 
 much alloy ; and he expects “ ihe fulness of joy at God’s 
 right hand for evermore.” — May the God of all grace prepare 
 the heart of the writer and of every reader of these observa- 
 tions, for this self-same thing, and give us the earnest of his 
 Spirit, through Christ Jesus. Amen. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V. 1—4. Marg. Rtf. Note, 
 Ex. 27:20,21. 
 
 V. 5 — 9. These loaves of bread, one for each tribe, pre- 
 sented before the Lord every week, and afte’wnrds eaten by 
 the priests, might typify Christ, ns '.he Breao of life and the 
 continual Food of the souls of his peop , having offered him- 
 self unto God for them. Or they may denote the services of 
 believers presented before God thr*Tigh him, and accepted 
 
B C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. B. C. 1490. 
 
 each row, that it mny be on h the bread for 'a me- 
 morial, even an offering 1 made by fire unto the 
 
 Lord. 
 
 8 Every k sabbath he shall set it in order before 
 the Lord continually, being taken from the chil- 
 iren of Israel by an everlasting covenant. 
 
 9 And it shall be 'Aaron’s and his sons’, and 
 ■"they shall eat in the holy place ; for it is most 
 holy unto him, of the offerings of the Lord made 
 by fire, by a perpetual statute. [Practical observations .] 
 
 10 U And the son of an Israelitish woman, whose 
 “father was an Egyptian, went out among the chil- 
 dren of Israel; and this son of the Israelitish woman 
 and a man ot Israel strove together in the camp; 
 
 11 And the Israelitish woman’s son “blasphemed 
 the name of the LORD, and Pcursed : and they 
 •brought him unto Moses ; (and his mother’s name 
 was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe 
 of Dan :) 
 
 12 And they put him in ward, ‘that r the mind 
 of the Lord might be showed them. 
 
 13 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 14 Bring forth him that hath cursed “without 
 the camp; and let 'all that heard him lay their 
 hands upon his head, and “let all the congregation 
 stone him. 
 
 15 And thou shalt speak unto the children of 
 Israel, saying, Whosoever curseth his God shall 
 v bear his sin. 
 
 16 And he that blasphemeth the name of the 
 Lord, he shall surely be put to death, and all the 
 congregation shall certainly stone him : as well 
 the stranger, as he that is born in the land, when 
 
 h John 6:35,51. i Gen. 9:16. Ex. 12:14. 13:9. 17:14. Acts 10:4,31. ICor.ll: 
 23—25. k Nam. 4:7. 1 Chr. 9:32. 23:29. 2 ( hr. 2:4. Nell. 10:33. Mail. 12:3—5. 
 18:31. 1 S.im. 21 :6. Mai. 1:12. Malt. 12:4. Mark 2:26. J,uke6:4. m 6:16. 10: 
 17. 21:22. Ex. 29:32. n Ex. 12:39. Nnm. 11:4. o 15,16. Ex. 20:7. 2 Sam. 12: 
 14. 1 Kinss 20: 10,13. 2 Kings 18:30,35,37. 19:1—3,6,10.22. 2 Chr. 32:14—17. Pa. 
 74:18,22. Matt. 26:65. Acls6:ll— 13. Rom. 2:24. 1 Tim. 1:13. Rev. 16:11,21. 
 p Job 1:5,11,22. 2:5,9,10. Is. 8:21. q Ex. 18:22,26. Num. 15:33— 35. • Heb. 
 
 to expound unto them according to the mouth of the LORD. r Ex. 18:15, 
 16:23. Num. 27:5. 36:5,6. a 13:46. Num. 5:2^-4. 15:35. t Deni. 13:9. 17:7. 
 
 for his sake. Or the whole may mean communion between 
 our reconciled Father, and his adopted children in Christ 
 Jesus ; who, as it were, feast at the same table, whilst he de- 
 lights in the fruits of his Spirit in their hearts, and they are 
 "easted with his love. The frankincense placed upon each 
 oaf for a memorial, and then burnt upon the altar, may 
 denote either the advocacy of Christ, or the sweet influences 
 of his Spirit, which are a memorial to the Lord, to ensure 
 the acceptance of the believer’s person and services. This 
 would be a sweet savour unto God, whilst the bread would be 
 serviceable to the priests ; which applies both to the sacrifice 
 of Christ, as honourable to God and beneficial to man, and 
 also to the good works of his people. ( Eph . 5:2 — Phil. 4: 
 18.) — The bread and the frankincense formed one offering ; of 
 which the frankincense, as the part required by the Lord, 
 was burnt upon the altar, among the offerings made by fire 
 unto him. 
 
 Tenth-deals (5) wy&V, tenth parts : generally supposed to 
 mean of an ephah ; being the same as the omer : about three 
 quarts. — Pure table. (6) Note, Ex. 25:23 — 30. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. • No doubt, this man was one of the mixed 
 multitude who accompanied Israel out of Egypt ; (Note, Ex. 
 12:37,38.) but it is uncertain whether he had ever professed 
 the religion of Israel. It is supposed that, by reason of the 
 dispute between him and an Israelite, he was Brought before 
 the magistrates ; and the cause being, according to the law of 
 God, decided against him, he blasphemed, or cursed Him, 
 before whose tremendous name all heaven adores, and all hell 
 trembles! The words, u of the LORD,” are added in the 
 translation ; but with a sort of solemn reverence are omitted 
 in the original, as if the sacred writer Scrupled to mention 
 whose name it was that the man blasphemed. (15,16.) This 
 blasphemer’s name is not mentioned •, for he, who thus treated 
 the holy name of God, was not distinguished by having his 
 name written in the sacred scriptures. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. By the express command of God himself, all 
 who heard the blasphemy were required to lay their hands on 
 the head of the blasphemer ; as solemnly persevering in their 
 lestimony, and as devoting him to death, that the guilt of such 
 •\ crime might not rest on Israel ; and avowing that his blood 
 was upon his own head, and that all the rest were clear. 
 This was done after he had- been brought without the ramp, 
 as in the ca^e of the sin-offering, on which the guilt and 
 merited curse of Israel was laid ; and he was stoned to death, 
 by the general act of the congregation.- This event occa- 
 ioi<*d the giving of a law against speaking in a reviling and 
 opprobrious manner of the God of Israel, or blaspheming his 
 sacred name ; in which all strangers dwelling in the land 
 were included. — It is a vain imagination of foe Jews, that the 
 very mention of the word Jehovah was the crime intended ; 
 
 he “blaspheireth the name of the LORD, shall w 
 put to death. 
 
 17 And y he that ♦killeth any man shall surely be 
 put to death. 
 
 18 And he “that killeth a beast shall make it 
 good ; tbeast for beast. 
 
 19 And if a man cause a blemish in his neigh 
 hour ; as he hath done, so shall it be done to him 
 
 20 "Breach for breach, eye lor eye, tooth for 
 tooth : as he hath -caused a blemish in a man, st 
 shall it be done to him again. 
 
 21 And he that killeth a beast, he shall restore 
 it : and he that killeth a man, he shall be put to 
 death. 
 
 22 Ye shall have b one manner of law, as well 
 for the stranger, as for one of your own country : 
 for I am the Lord your God. 
 
 23 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, 
 “that they should bring forth him that had cursed 
 out of the camp, and stone him with stones : and 
 the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 The law of the sabba'ical year, 1—7. That of the year of jubilee , 8 — 17. 
 Various laics, relating to the due obseinance of the sabbatical year, and the 
 year of jubilee , 18 — 3o. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses "in mount 
 Sinai, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the, children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, b When ye come into the land which I 
 give you, then shall the land ‘keep a sabbath unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 3 Six years thou shalt sow thy field, and six 
 
 u 20:2,27. Num. 15:35,36. Deut. 13:10. 21:21. 22:21. Josh. 7:25. John 8:59. 10i 
 31—33. Acls 7:58,69. , 5:1. 20:16,17. Num. 9:13. x Ps. 74:10,18. Malt. 12:31. 
 Mark 3:28,29. John 8:58,59. 10:33—36. Acts 26:11. I Tim. 1:13. Jam. 2:7, 
 yGen. 9:5,6. Ex. 21:12— 14. Num. 35:31. t Heb. smiteth the li fe of a man. 
 z Ex. 21:34-36. | Heb .life for life, a Ex. 21:23— 25. Deut. 19:21. Matt. 5: 
 38. 7:2. b 17:10. 19:34. Ex. 12:49. Num. 9:14. 15:15,16,29. c See on 14—13. 
 Num. 15:35,36. Heb. 2:2,3. 10:28,29. a Ex. 19:1. Num. 1:1. 10:1 1 .12. Gal. 4: 
 24,25. bSee on 14:34. Deut. 32:8,49. 3i:4. Ps. 24:1,2. 115:16. Is. 8:8. Jer. 27: 
 5. * Heb. rest. 23:32. marg. 
 
 for it certainly is implied that the criminal mentioned it with 
 contempt and enmity, nay, malignant execration. 
 
 V. 17 — 22. This event occasioned a third interruption in 
 
 giving the law: and these precepts also are here repeated, cn 
 occasion of the contest with this son of a stranger. (Notes, 
 Ex. 21:12—36.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. Jesus Christ is the Light, of his church, yea, 
 “the Light of the world:” in and through his word He 
 shines: and his ministers, in opening and alleging, in reason- 
 ing and persuading from the Scriptures, tend and order the 
 light, which, by the influences of his Spirit, illuminates the 
 minds of men unto salvation. (Note, Ps. 119:130.) But the 
 people who enjoy and value this light, must defray the 
 expenses of it ; and contribute cheerfully towards its shining 
 brighter and wider, and continuing to future generations : and 
 they must be spoken to on this subject, if not ready of them- 
 selves. — By this light we shall discern the spiritual food pre- 
 pared for our souls, first presented to the Father, and then 
 distributed to us ; and shall daily, but especially from sabbath 
 to sabbath, ‘feed on it in our hearts by faith with thanks- 
 giving :’ and in consequence shall render worship well plead- 
 ing unto the Lord, and perform good works very profitable 
 to his people, which will again “abound in many thanks- 
 givings unto God.” Thus we shall have “fellowship with 
 the Father, with his Son Jesus Christ,” and with the brethren 
 by the communion of the Holy Ghost, and at last shall all 
 “be presented faultless before the presence of his glory with 
 exceeding joy.” 
 
 V. 10 — 20. The marriages of professed believers with 
 ungodly persons produce fatal effects even to posterity; and 
 contentions between men often make way for blasphemies 
 against God : yet profligate manners give rise to wholesome 
 laws. But how wicked soever men are, nothing must be done 
 against them unadvisedly, or without consulting the mind and 
 will of God, as now completely made known to tis in his holy 
 word. And it is his will that strangers, or those of another 
 religion, should neither be oppressed, nor allowed to commit 
 wickedness with impunity ; but in this respect be treated as 
 other members of society. — Blasphemy against God, yea, con 
 tempt of him expressed in words or actions, is in its owr 
 nature not only more heinous than theft or robbery of any 
 kind, but even than murder ; and though it frequently escapes 
 unpunished by man, yet it shall by no means escape the 
 righteous vengeance of God. — The solemn and public execu- 
 tion of daring offenders, not only sets a salutary example, but 
 purges away national guilt ; and every member of society 
 bound to concur in his place in bringing such criminals to 
 justice ; yet so that it be done with the utmost caution, and 
 that none bear any testimony to w hich they' can .lot s' and 
 ( 243 ) 
 
B. C. 1490. LEVITICUS. B C. 1490 
 
 jri-ars thou «f hall, irunt thy vineyard', and gather 
 in the fruit thereof; 
 
 4 But “in the seventl year shall be a sabbath of 
 rest unto the land, a sabbath for the Lord ; tiiou 
 shalt neither sow thy field, nor prune thy vine- 
 yard. 
 
 5 That which d groweth of its own accord of 
 thy harvest, thou shalt not reap, neither gather 
 the grapes of "thy vine undressed : for it is a year 
 of rest unto the land. 
 
 6 And the sabbath of the land shall be meat for 
 you : "for thee, and lor thy servant, and lor thy 
 maid, and for thy hired servant, and for thy stran- 
 ger that sojourneth with thee, 
 
 7 And for thy cattle, and for the beast that 
 are in thy land, shall all the increase thereof be 
 meat. 
 
 8 H And thou shalt number fseven sabbaths of 
 years unto thee, seven times seven years, and the 
 space of the seven sabbaths of years shall be unto 
 thee forty and nine years. 
 
 9 Then shalt thou cause the trumpet fof the 
 jubilee to sound, on the tenth day of the seventh 
 month : in h the day of atonement, shall ye make 
 the trumpet sound throughout all your land. 
 
 10 And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and 
 ‘proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all 
 the inhabitants thereof: it shall be a jubilee unto 
 you : and ye shall return k every man unto his 
 
 ossession, and 'ye shall return every man unto 
 is family. 
 
 11 A ra jubilee shall that fiftieth year be unto 
 you : "ye shall not sow, neither reap that which 
 
 c 20-23. 26:34, 35, 43. Ex. 23:10,11. 2Chr. 36:21. d 2 Kings 19:29. Is.S7:30. 
 • Heb. thy separation, e Ex. 23:11. Acts 2:44 . 4:32,34,35. f 23; 15. Gen. 2:2. 
 t Heb. loiul of sound. Num. 10:10. Ps. 89:15. Act9 13:38,39. Rom. 10:18. 15; 
 19. 2 Cor. 5:19— 21. 1 Thes. 1:8. g 10— 12. 27:17,24. Num. 36:4. h 16:20,30. 
 23:24,27. i Ex. 20:2. Ezra 1:3. Ps. 146:7. Is . 49.9,24,25. 61 : 1-3. 63:4. Jer. 34: 
 8,13—17. Zech. 9:11,12. Luke 1:74. 4:18. John 8:32— 36. Rom. 6:17,18. 8:21. 
 2 Cor. 3:17. Gal. 4:25— 31. 5:1,13. 1 Pet. 2:16. 2 Pet. 2: 19,20. k 13,26— 28,33, 
 34 . 27:17—24. 1 Num. 36:2—9. m 27:17. n 5—7. o 17. 19:13. Deut. 16:19,20. 
 Judg. 4:3. 1 Sam. 12:3,4. 2Chr. 16:10. Neh. 9:36,37. Job20:19,20. Ps. 10:18. 
 Prov. 14:31. 21:13. 22:16. 28:3,8,16. Ec. 5:8. Is. 1:17. 3:12—15 . 5:7 . 33:15. 58: 
 
 What enmity against God must be in the heart of man, when 
 curses and blasphemies against him proceed out of his mouth ! 
 And if “ he that despised Moses’s law died without mercy 
 of “ what punishment will they be thought worthy,” who 
 despise and abuse the gospel of the Son of God ! Let us 
 learn then to watch against anger ; to do no evil, but only 
 good to all men, especially to the household of faith ; to avoid 
 all improper connexions with wicked people; and to reve- 
 rence and honour habitually that worthy name which sinners 
 blaspheme or despise. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXV. V. 1—7. (Notes, Ex. 23: 
 10 — 12.) The appointment of the sabbatical year might be 
 intended, among other reasons, to impress the minds of the 
 people more forcibly with the obligation of the weekly sab- 
 bath, and to afford them more leisure for the study of the law 
 and the business of religion ; as well as to give the poor some 
 relaxation from their labours, and an acquisition to their enjoy- 
 ments. — The Israelites were thus taught to live by faith in the 
 rovidence of God, to receive their supply from his hand, and to 
 e generous in the use of it : and the observance was a pro- 
 fession that they were the worshippers of Jehovah, and 
 held their estates immediately of him by a special tenure. 
 They were likewise reminded of the life of paradise, before 
 sin had laid men under the sentence of “ eating bread by the 
 sweat of their brow and the institution might typify the 
 believer’s rest of soul in Christ by faith on earth, and the rest 
 of heaven. — The Israelites did not get possession of Canaan, 
 till seven years after they entered the land ; and probably the 
 seventh year afterwards, or the fourteenth after their entrance, 
 was observed as a sabbatical year. It is supposed to have 
 begun in autumn, after the harvest and vintage. 
 
 V. 8 — 13. After seven returns of the sabbatical year had 
 been completed, notice was ordered to be given throughout 
 the land, on the evening of the great day of atonement, for 
 the observance of the year of Jubilee ; and while the people 
 were seeking forgiveness of their own sins from God, it might 
 be hoped, that they would be more disposed to kindness to 
 each other. Thus the proclamation of liberty and salvation 
 by the gospel results from the atoning sacrifice of the Re- 
 deemer ; and is intended to cheer the hearts of the humble 
 and penitent. — This notice was given by a peculiarly sonorous 
 and animated sound of trumpets; for this seems to bo the 
 meaning of the word rendered jubilee.— The language used 
 by the sacred writer, absolutely decides that the year of 
 jubilee was not the same as the seventh sabbatical year, but 
 the year afterwards, that is, the fiftieth, and not the forty- 
 ninth year ; and similar language concerning the day of Pen- 
 tecost is always thus explained. (23:15,16. Deut. 16:9,10.) 
 The only objection of any weight, which can bo urged against 
 tills opinion, namely, the difficulty of the na' cr. subsisting 
 ( 244 ) 
 
 gVoweth of itself In it, nor gather the grapes in ' 
 of thy vine undressed. 
 
 12 For it is the jubilee ; it shall be holy unto 
 you : ye shall eat the increase thereof out of the 
 field. 
 
 13 In the year of this jubilee ye shall return 
 every man unto his possession. 
 
 14 H And if thou sell aught unto thy neighbour 
 or buyest aught of thy neighbour’s ha.td, ye shaL 
 not “oppress one another. 
 
 15 According "to the number of yeais after the 
 jubilee thou shalt buy of thy neighbour, and ac- 
 cording unto the number of years of the fruits 
 he shall sell unto thee : 
 
 16 According to the multitude of years thou 
 shalt increase the price thereof, and according to 
 the fewness of years thou shalt diminish the price 
 of it: for according to the number of the years 
 of the fruits doth he sell unto thee. * 
 
 17 Ye shall not therefore oppress one another, 
 but thou shalt tfear thy God; lor I am the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 18 IT Wherefore r ye shall do my statutes, and 
 keep my judgments, and do them ; and s ye shall 
 dwell in the land in safety. 
 
 19 And ‘the land shall yield her fruit, and ye 
 shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. 
 
 20 And if ye shall say, “What shall we eat the 
 seventh year ? behold, we shall not sow, nor gather 
 in our increase : 
 
 21 Then *1 will command my blessing upon 
 you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth Iruit 
 for T three years. 
 
 6. Jer. 22:17. Ez. 22:7,12,13. Amos 5:11,12. 8:4 — 7. Mic. 2:2. 6:10— 12. 7:3. 
 Luke 3:14. 1 Cor. 6:8. Jam. 5:1— S. p27:18— 23. Phil. 4:5. q 43. 19:14,32. 
 Gen. 20:11. 22:12. 39:9. 42:18. Ex. 20:20. r>eu'.25:!8. 1 Sam. 12:24. 2 Chr. 
 19:7. Neh. 5:9,15. Ps. 19:9. Prov. 1 :7. Mai. 3:5. Luke 12:5. Acts 9:31 . 10:2,35. 
 Rom. 3:18. 11:20. r 19:37. e 26:3— 12. Deut. 12:10 . 28:1—14 . 33:12,28. Pro*. 
 1:33. Jer. 7:3— 7. 23:6 . 25:5. 33:16. Ez. 33:24— 26,29. 36:24— 28. l Ps. 67:6. 
 85:12. Is. 30:23 . 65:21,22. Ez. 34:25—28 . 36:30. Joel 2:24,26. u Num. 11:4,13. 
 2 Kings 6:15— 17. 7:2. 2Chr.25:9. Ps. 78:19,20. Is. 50:2. Matt. 6:25- 34 . 8:26. 
 Luke 12:29. Phil. 4:6. Heb. 13:5,6. x Gen 26:12. 41:47. Ex. 16:29. Deut. 28:3 
 1 s. 1.43:3. Prov. 10:22. 2Cor. 9:10. y 4:8—11. 
 
 for two years without sowing their ground, is afterwards 
 expressly obviated. (Note, 20 — 22.) — This institution would 
 form a suitable trial of the people’s faith, and served to illus- 
 trate the power and faithfulness of God whenever they ob- 
 served it : but we read scarcely any thing of the year of jubi- 
 lee after its institution. 
 
 V. 14 — 17. Thus it was provided that the lands of Israel 
 should not be alienated from the families ? to which they were 
 assigned by lot ; for they could only be disposed of by leases, 
 at a proportionable price, till the year of jubilee, and must 
 then return, either to the seller, if living, or to his next heir. 
 This tended to preserve the tribes and families of Israel, and 
 consequently their genealogies, distinct, till the coming of the 
 Messiah : it would also prevent the exorbitant wealth of some, 
 and the extreme poverty of Others ; promote a brotherly 
 equality among them ; and remind them not to oppress their 
 brethren. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. The sabbatical year commenced in the au- 
 tumn of the sixth year ; at the close of the eighth year, (or 
 the year of jubilee,) according to the civil computation of 
 time, when two full years had passed without sowing or reap- 
 ing, the people were directed to make preparation for the 
 harvest in the ninth year, and it was expressly promised, that 
 the fruits of the sixth year should suffice, not only for the 
 sabbatical year, (which the supposed inquiry more directly 
 mentions,) but also for the year of jubilee, and till the crop 
 was ripe in the following year. As the sixth year brought 
 forth fruits for three years, and not merely for two ; it is evi- 
 dent that both the sabbatical year, and the year of jubilee 
 were distinctly provided for. — They would not sow, from the 
 sixth to the eighth year, omitting two seed-times ; nor reap 
 from the sixth to the ninth year, omitting two harvests. Can 
 any thing be more explicit ? (Note, 8 — 13.) — No legislator, 
 unless conscious of being divinely inspired, would have com- 
 mitted himself by enacting such a law as this : nor can any 
 thing of the kind be found among the systems of jurisprudence 
 of any other nations, ancient, or modern. — It. therefore stands 
 as a proof that Moses acted, not according to the dictates ol 
 human policy, but by the express direction of the almighty 
 God. — 4 How incredible is it, that any legislator would have 
 ventured to propose such a law as this : or any people have 
 submitted to receive it, exeept in consequence of the fullest 
 conviction on both sides, that a divine authority had dictated 
 this law, and that a peculiar Providence *»ould constantly 
 facilitate its execution { . . . Nothing could 1 are produced this 
 conviction, but the experienee or the belief ol so>nc such mira- 
 culous interposition as the history of the Pvntateueh details 
 The very existence of this law is a standing monument, 
 that when it was given the Mosaic miracles we o fully be- 
 lieved. Now the law was coeval with the witiusscs of the 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 B. C. l-i90. 
 
 22 And ye shall sow the ‘eighth year, and eat 
 yet of "old fruit until the ninth year ; until her 
 fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store. 
 
 23 The land b shall not be sold 'for ever : ‘for the 
 land is mine, for d ye are strangers and sojourners 
 with me. 
 
 24 And in all the land of your possession, ye 
 shall grant a ‘redemption for the land. 
 
 25 If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold 
 away some of his possession, and f if any of his kin 
 come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which 
 liis brother sold. 
 
 26 And if the man have none to redeem it, and 
 i himself be able to redeem it : 
 
 27 Then elet him count the years of the sale 
 thereof, and restore the overplus unto the man to 
 whom he sold it, that he may return unto his pos- 
 session. 
 
 28 But if lie be not able to restore it to him, 
 then that which is sold shall remain in the hand of 
 liim that hath bought it until the year of jubilee: 
 and in the jubilee it shall go out, and h he shall re- 
 turn unto his possession. 
 
 29 And if a man sell a dwelling-house in a wall- 
 ed city, then he may redeem it within a whole 
 year after it is sold : within a full year may he re- 
 deem it. 
 
 30 And if it be not redeemed within the space 
 of a full year, then the house, that is in the walled 
 city, shall be established forever to him that bought 
 it, throughout his generations : it shall not go out 
 in the jubilee. 
 
 31 But the houses of the villages which have no 
 walls round about them, shall be counted as the 
 fields of the country ; tthey may be redeemed, and 
 they shall go out in the jubilee. 
 
 32 Notwithstanding, 'the cities of the Levites, 
 and the houses of the cities of their possession, 
 may the Levites redeem at any time. 
 
 33 And if $a man purchase of the Levites, then 
 the house that was sold, and the city of his pos- 
 session shall go out in the year of jubilee : k for the 
 houses of the cities of the Levites are their posses- 
 sion among the children of Israel. 
 
 1 2 Kings 19:29. Is. 37:30. ajosh. 5:11,12. b See on 10. 1 Kings 21:3. Ez. 48: 
 14. * Or, to be quite cut off. Heb .for cutting off . c Deut. 32:43. 2 Chr. 7:20. 
 Ps . 24 : 1 . 85:1. Is. 8:8. Hos.9:3. Joel2:18. d Gen. 47:9. lChr.29:15. Ps. 39:12. 
 119:19. Heb. 11:9— 13. 1 Pet. 2:11. e 27,31,51— 53. Rom. 8:23. 1 Cor. 1:30. 
 Eph. 1:7,14. 4:30. f Ruth 2:20. 3:2,9,12. 4:4—6. Jer. 32:7,8. 2 Cor. 8:9. Heb. 
 2:13,14. Rev. 5:9. f Heb. his hand hath attained , and found sufficiency. 
 5:7. marg. g 50 — 53. h See on Is. 35:9,10. Jer. 32:15. 1 Cor. 15:52 — 54. IThes. 
 4:13 — 18. 1 Pet. 1-4,5. J Heb. redemption bdongeth unto it. Ps. 49:7,8. i Num. 
 85:2 — 8. Josh. 21: § Or, one of the Levites redeem them. kNum. 18:20—24. 
 Deut. 18:1,2. 1 23. .Acts 4:36,37. m25. Deut. 15:7,8. Prov. 14:20,21. 17:5. 
 
 19:17. Mark 14:7. John 12:8. 2 Cor. 8:9. Jam. 2:5,6. || Heb. his hand failelh. 
 I) Ps. 37:26 . 41:1. 112:5,9. Prov. 14:31 Luke6:35. Acts 11:29. Rom. 12:13,20. 
 
 miracles themselves.’ Graves on the Pentateuch., Vol. i. 
 p. 230. 
 
 V. 25 — 28. The nearest relation had a claim to the first 
 refusal of the lands, which were to be sold : but if another 
 had bought them, the kinsman had a right to redeem them 
 at the same price, deducting for the time during which the 
 purchaser had enjoyed them ; and he was in that case 
 appointed to keep them for the proprietor till the year of 
 jubilee. Or the seller, if he afterwards were able, might 
 redeem his estate : otherwise it continued till the year of 
 jubilee, when it returned to him or his family freely. — The 
 kinsman here evidently typified Christ, our Brother and 
 Redeemer, who ransoms our lost inheritance, and will keep 
 it for us till the day of judgment", when he will restore it 
 unto us : whereas that of the wicked must be forfeited for 
 ever, as they can never redeem it, and have none to redeem 
 it for them. 
 
 V. 29, 30. The houses in cities and walled towns did not 
 mark the distinction of families ; they were built with labour 
 and expense, and were not the inheritance of fathers : they, 
 would also want continual repairs, and undergo great alter- 
 ations in a little time ; and therefore they were under another 
 law than the rest of the land. These houses were especially 
 useful for commerce : and this allowance of acquiring them 
 as permanent property, would induce strangers to come and 
 settle among the Israelites; and be an encouragement to 
 proselytes who might possess houses in full right, though 
 they could not thus obtain lands. 
 
 V. 32 — 34. {Note, Num. 35:2 — 8.) The houses possess- 
 ed by the Levites, in the cities afterwards allotted to them, 
 and the gardens and pastures in the suburbs, were in fact 
 heir only permanent estate in Israel : and they were there- 
 V>re under the same law as the lands of the other tribes ; 
 except that, (as some thins,' any Levite might redeem the 
 house which another had sola ; though he was no otherwise 
 
 34 But ’the field of the suburbs of their cities 
 may not be sold ; lbr it is their perpetual posses- 
 sion. 
 
 35 H And if m thy brother be waxen poor, and 
 "fallen in decay with thee ; ’’then thou slialt "re- 
 lieve him : yea , though he be °a stranger, or a 
 sojourner ; that he may live with thee. 
 
 36 Take thou no fusury of him, or increase : 
 but Tear thy God ; that thy brother may live with 
 thee. 
 
 37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon 
 usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase. 
 
 38 I am the Lord your God, ‘which brought 
 you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you 
 the land of Canaan, ‘and to he your God. 
 
 39 If And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee 
 be waxen poor, and ‘he sold unto thee ; thou shalt 
 not "compel him to serve as a bondservant: 
 
 40 But as an hired servant, and as a sojourner, 
 he shall be with thee, and shall serve thee unto the 
 year of the jubilee. 
 
 41 And '‘then shall he depart from thee, both he 
 and his children with him, and ‘shall return unto 
 his own family, and unto the possession of his 
 fathers shall he return. 
 
 42 For they are ^my servants, which I brought 
 forth out of the land of Egypt : they shall not be 
 sold t‘as bondmen. 
 
 43 Thou shalt not ‘rule over him witl\ rigour, 
 “but shalt fear thy God. 
 
 44 Both b thy bondmen, and thy bondmaids, 
 which thou shalt have, shall be of the heathen, 
 that are round about you ; of them shall ye buy 
 bondmen and bondmaids. 
 
 45 Moreover, ‘of the children of the strangers 
 that do sojourn among you, of them shall ye buy, 
 and of their families that are with you, which they 
 begat in your land : and they shall be your posses- 
 sion. 
 
 46 And ye shall take them as an inheritance for 
 your children after you, to inherit them for a pos- 
 session ; ttthey shall he your bondmen for ever: 
 but over your brethren, the children of Israel, ye 
 shall not rule one over another with rigour. 
 
 2 Cor. 9:1 ,12 — 15. Gal. 2:10. 1 John 3:17, H Heb. strengthen, o 19:34. Ex. 
 23:9. Dent. 10:18,19. Malt. 25:35. Heb. 13:2. p Ex. 22:25. r e ul. 23:19,20 
 Neh. 5:7— 10. Ps. 15:5. Prov. 28:8. Ez. 18:8,13.17. 22:12. q See . n 17. Neh. 
 5.9,15. r See on Ex. 20:2. s 11:45. 22:32,33. Num. 15:41 . Je> . 31: 1 ,33. 32:38. 
 Heb. 11:16. L Ex. 21:2. 22:3. Deut. 15: 12. 1 Kings 9.22. 2 Kings 4: 1 . Neh. 5: 
 5. Jer. 34:14. ** Heb .serve thyself with him with the service of . 46. marg. 
 
 Jer. 25:14. 27:7. 30:8. u Ex. 21 :3- John 8:32. Rom. 6: 14. Til. 2:14. x See on 
 10,28. y 55. Rom. 6:22. 1 Cor. 7:21 — 23. ft Heb. with the sale of a bondman. 
 z 46,53. Ex. 1:13,14. 2.23. 3:7,9. 5:14. Is. 47:6. 58:3. Eph. 6:9. Col. 4 : 1 . a See 
 on 17. Ex. 1:17,21. Deut. 25:18. Mai. 3:5. bEx. 12:44. Ps. 2:8,9. Is. 14:1,2. 
 Rev. 2:26,27. c Is, 56:3 — 6. Heb. ye shall serve yourselves with them. See 
 
 related to him, than as one of the same tribe. For the 
 clause, “ And if a man purchase of the Levites,” may be 
 rendered, “ And whoever of the Levites shall redeem, &c.” 
 (Marg.) 
 
 V. 35 — 37. (Note, Exod. 22:25 — 27.) When an Israelite 
 was reduced to poverty, and lived among his brethren as a 
 stranger and sojourner, without any possession or inherit- 
 ance ; they must remember to treat him as a brother, both 
 giving to him liberally, and lending him what he wanted 
 without usury. Indeed poor strangers also seem to be 
 intended. (Marg. Ref. p.) 
 
 V. 39 — 43. When a man was sold for some debt, or 
 fraud for which he could not make restitution, he was libe- 
 rated at the end of seven years. (Notes, Exod. 21:1 — 6.) 
 But if he voluntarily, through poverty, sold himself without 
 limitation of time; or from love to his master, and his wife 
 and children, had refused liberty at the end of seven years 
 and perhaps if he had been sold for some larger debt, or 
 greater crime ; he continued a servant for life, unless the year 
 of jubilee intervened : but then he was set at liberty, and 
 returned with his family to his inheritance. In the mean 
 time, his master must not treat him with rigour as a slave, 
 but with kindness as a hired servant. 
 
 V. 44 — 46. The Israelites were permitted to keep slaves 
 of other nations ; perhaps in order to typify, that none but the 
 true Israel of God participate of that liberty with which Chnist 
 hath made his people free. But it was also allowed, in order 
 that in this manner the Gentiles might become acquainted 
 with true religion: (Gen. 17:10 — 13. 18:19.) and when the, 
 Israelites copied the example of their pious progenitors, 
 there can be no reasonable doubt, that it was overruled to 
 the eternal salvation of many souls. It foes not, however, 
 appear from the subsequent history, that the people availed 
 themselves of this allowance to any great extent ; for w e read 
 but little of slaves from among the Gentiles possessed r. v mcra- 
 
 ( 245 ) 
 
B. C 491. LEVITICUS. B. C. 1490 
 
 %7 II And i( *a sojourner or stranger wax rich 
 ■jy thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax 
 poor, and sell himself'unto the s: ranger or sojourner 
 by thee, or to the stock of the stranger’s family: 
 
 48 After that he is sold he may be redeemed 
 again ; ‘'one of his brethren may redeem him: 
 
 °49 Either his uncle, or his uncle’s son, may re- 
 deem him, or any that is nigh of kin unto him, of 
 his family, may redeem him : or, e if he be able, he 
 may redeem himself. 
 
 50 And he shall f reckon with him that bought 
 him from the year that he was sold to him, unto 
 the year of jubilee : and the price of his sale shall 
 be according unto the number of years ; ^according 
 to the time of an hired servant shall it be with him. 
 
 51 If there be yet many years behind, according 
 unto them he shall give again the price of his re- 
 demption, out of the money that he was bought 
 for. 
 
 52 And if there remain but few years unto the 
 year of jubilee, then he shall count with him, and 
 according unto his years shall he give him again 
 the price of his redemption. 
 
 53 And as a yearly hired servant shall he be 
 with him : ''and the other shall not rule \yith rigour 
 over him in thy sight. 
 
 • Heb. the hand of a stranger, See. attain , &c. 1 bam. 2:7,8. Jam. 2:5. d See 
 oa 25. Neh. 5:8. Hal. -1:4,5. Heh. 2:11— 13. e See un 26. 127. g 40,53. Deut. 
 15:18. Job 7:1,2. 14:6. Is. 16:14. 21:16. li See on 43. t Or, hi/ these means. 
 1 40 41. Ex. 21:2,3. Is. 49:9,25. 52:3. k 42. Ex. 13:3. 20:2. Ps. 116:16. Is. 43:3. 
 Luke 1:74,75. Rom. 6:14,17,18,22. 1 Cor. 7:22,23. 9:19,21 . Gal. 5:13. a 19:4. Ex. 
 20.4,5,23 . 23 24 . 34:17. Deul.4:16— 19. 5:8,9. 16:21,22. 27:15. Ps.97:7. 115:4—8. 
 2:20 . 44:9—20. 48:5—8. Jer. 10:3—8. Acts 17:29. Rom. 2:22,23. 1 Cor. 10:19, 20. 
 
 V. 47 — 55. In case any of the strangers, who were 
 
 allowed to sojourn in the land, (Notes, Ex. 12:48,49. 22:21 — 
 24.) growing rich, should purchase a poor Israelite as a slave, 
 the relations of the slave were allowed the privilege of 
 redeeming him at any time: or if property came into his 
 possession, he might redeem himself; deducting from the 
 purchase-money, according to the proportion of years which 
 had passed since his sale, to those which remained till the 
 year of jubilee. And if he were not redeemed before that 
 time, he was then entitled to liberty. — It is not said that his 
 relations were bound to redeem him, but it seems to have 
 been left to their discretion. — The father is not mentioned ; 
 for it could hardly be conceived he would let his son sell 
 himself, if he likewise had not been impoverished. The 
 magistrates also were to take care, that strangers did not 
 oppress such Israelites as they kepi for servants. — This law 
 exhibited a type of Christ, as our Brother, redeeming us from 
 the bondage of sin and Satan, to be his servants. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is a desirable privilege to have seasons of relaxation 
 from worldly care and employments, that we rnay have more 
 leisure for the study of the Scriptures, and the concerns of 
 our souls. The poor labourer too should be allowed such 
 intervals : and our hearts should rejoice to see him refreshed 
 from his toil, and enjoying the fruits of our liberality. All 
 these statutes teach us 44 to beware of covetousness, for a 
 man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of his possessions;” 
 to exercise willing dependence on Providence for our sup- 
 port : to be contented with food and raiment for the present, 
 and to be thankful for them ; and without hesitation to leave 
 the future to that God whose blessing suffices abundantly, in 
 various ways which we cannot, imagine, to make up every 
 suppo^d loss, which might be feared in consequence of 
 simply obeying his commandments. — We should also consi- 
 der ourselves as the Lord’s tenants and stewards, if we have 
 land or property; and use it accordingly: and not only be 
 moderate and temperate in our enjoyments, but kind and 
 gentle to our inferiors, u ready to distribute and willing to 
 communicate” to our poor brethren, after his example, who, 
 44 thougli he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that 
 we through his poverty might be rich.” — He is our Redeemer, 
 and assumed our nature, that he might ransom our souls from 
 Satan’s bondage, into which we had been sold for the debts 
 which we had contracted, and for the crimes that we had 
 committed ; nay, into which we had foolishly sold ourselves, 
 through love of sinful pleasures: and that, together with our 
 liberty, he might also redeem our forfeited and wasted inhe- 
 ritance, without which we must otherwise have been to all 
 eternity in most miserable want. Having paid the ransom, 
 and entered into possession of the inheritance in our behalf, 
 and in virtue of his atonement; he, by the gospel’s joyful 
 sound, from age to age proclaims u liberty to the captive, and 
 the opening of the prison to those that are bound:” (Notes, 
 Is. 61:1 — 3. Luke 4:16 — 19.) and, accompanying this procla- 
 mation by his powerful grace, he sets his people at liberty^; 
 which they enjoy with rest for their souls, and the earnest of 
 heaven through faith in him and obedience to him. When 
 they die, their souls ascend to heavenly rest; and ere long the 
 last trumpet shall sound the jubilee of the resurrection, “the 
 redemption of the body,” unci they shall be then put in final 
 ( 2 16 ) 
 
 54 And if he be not redeemed fin these years, 
 then 'he shall go out in the year of jubdee, both he, 
 and his children with him. 
 
 55 For unto me the children of Israel are ser- 
 vants ; they are k rny servants whom I brought 
 forth out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Idolatry again forbidden , and regard to the Lord's sabbaths and sanctuary re 
 quired, 1,2. Blessings ensured to the people white obedient, 3 — 13. judg- 
 ments threatened in case of disobedience , and still more and more severe at 
 long as they •persisted in it, 14 — 39. Encouragements, if at lenglti they 
 should repent, 40 — 4G. 
 
 Y E shall “make you no idols nor graven image, 
 neither rear you up a "standing image, neither 
 shall ye set up any fimage of stone in your land, 
 to bow down unto it : Tor I am the Lord your 
 God. 
 
 2 Ye shall b keep my sabbaths, and reverence 
 my sanctuary : I am the Lord. 
 
 3 H c If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my 
 commandments, and do them ; 
 
 4 Then ''I will give you rain in due season, and 
 “the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of 
 the field shall yield their fruit. 
 
 5 And your f thrashing shall reach unto the vm 
 tage, and the vintage shall reach unto the sowing- 
 
 Rev. 13:14,15. 22:15. *Or, pillar. | Or , figured stone. Heb. a s one of picture. 
 b See on 19:30. c 18:4,5. Deut. 11:13 — 15. 28:1—14. Josh. 23:14,15. 'Jude. 2.1. 
 2. Ps. 81 : 12 — 16. Is. 1:19. 48:18,19. Malt. 7:24, ’35. Rom. 2:7— 10. Rev. 22:14. 
 d Deut. 28:12. 1 Kings 17:1. Job 5:10. 37:11—13. 38:25—28. Ps. 65:9— 13. 68:9. 
 104:13. Is. 5:6. 30:23.. Jer. 14:22. Ez. 34:26,27. Joel2:23. Amos 4:7,8. Malt. 
 5:45. Acts 14:17. Jam. 5:7,17,18. Rev. 11:6. e25-21. Ps. 67:6. 85:12. Ez. 36: 
 30. Hag. 2:18,19. Zech.8:12. f Amos 9:13. Matt. 9:37,38. John 4:35,36. 
 
 and eternal 44 possession of the purchased inheritance to the 
 praise of his glory ;” whilst the wicked must sink into 44 the 
 blackness of darkness for ever.” We cannot ransom our 
 own souls, or our forfeited inheritance ; but let us not 44 neglect 
 so great salvation,” thus freely proposed, and the fruit of such 
 love and of such sufferings. We cannot ransom our fellow- 
 sinners: but we may recommend Christ to them; and by his 
 grace our holy lives may adorn his gospel, express our love 
 and gratitude, and glorify his holy name. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXVI. V 1,2. Mars. Ref. Notes , 
 Ex. 20:4,5,8—10. 
 
 V. 3, 4. These promises to Israel, in case they were 
 obedient, should be understood with a special reference to 
 their national covenant; As long as they maintained a 
 national regard to the worship, sabbaths, and sanctuary of 
 God, and did not turn aside to idolatry, he engaged to con- 
 tinue to them various temporal mercies, and distinguishing 
 religious advantages. Yet even among the Israelites, indivi- 
 duals were not uniformly prosperous or afflicted, according to 
 their obedience or disobedience: nay, the contrary was so 
 commonly the case, that the prophets and the Psalmist, in 
 several places, speak of it as a peculiar temptation; (Marg. 
 Ref. d. Notes, Ps. 73. Jer. 12:1 — 4.) and the royal preacher 
 declares, 44 that all things come alike to all.” (Note, Ec. 9: 
 1 — 3.) But national prosperity was uniformly, and without 
 one exception, the effect of national obedience, and national 
 judgments the result of national wickedness. Israel indeed 
 was under a peculiar covenant, and no other people is 
 governed exactly according to the same rule: yet still God 
 deals with nations as collective bodies; nothing but regard to 
 religion and righteousness can ensure national prosperity ; 
 and wickedness will end in the ruin of any people, especially 
 where the word of God and the light of the gospel are 
 afforded. Individuals will exist, and be judged and recom- 
 pensed in a future world ; hut bodies politic will have no 
 future existence, and are therefore recompensed in this 
 world. — Concerning individual Christians, it is enough to 
 say, that the Lord will afford them as much temporal pros- 
 perity as his infinite wisdom secs good for them ; that in one 
 way or other, their comforts are proportioned to the simplicity 
 and exactness of their obedience; and that they frequently 
 experience the Lord’s kindness to them in his providence, 
 and in answer to their prayers, whether according to the 
 letter of these temporal promises or not. Their obedience 
 has a natural tendency to exempt them from a variety of 
 . miseries which others endure, and to secure them many 
 comforts of body, mind, and circumstances, which others do 
 not enjoy; all their trials and afflictions are needful anti 
 useful, sanctified to them, and counterbalanced by inward 
 peace: and upon the whole, even in this world, including 
 their heavenly hope, they have by far the largest proportion 
 of true felicity, notwithstanding ull the tribulation and perse- 
 cution which l hey endure, the self-denial which they exer- 
 cise, and the correction of their Father’s love. — Those 
 promises may also he considered as typical of the spiritual 
 prosperity, health, peace, and victory, with which the Lord 
 favours his believing people when walking in his ways, and 
 of the blessings which his church enjoys. From the beginning 
 of this chapter, and other passages of a similar nature, sot ic 
 learned men have undertaken to show, that lie church, before 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXYI. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 time : and ye shall "eat your bread to the full, and 
 h dwell in your land safely. 
 
 6 And 'I will give peace in the land, and k ye 
 shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid: 
 and I will ‘rid evil beasts out of the land, neither 
 •shall the sword go through your land. 
 
 7 And ye shall chase your enemies, and they 
 shall fall before you by the sword. 
 
 8 And m five of you shall chase an hundred, and 
 an hundred of vu > shall put ten thousand to flight; 
 and your enemies „nall fall before you by the sword. 
 
 9 For "I will have respect unto you, and “make 
 you fruitful and multiply you, and Pestablish my 
 covenant with you. 
 
 10 And ye shall seat old store, and bring forth 
 the old because of the new. 
 
 11 And I will r set my tabernacle among you: 
 and my soul shall not “abhor you. 
 
 12 And ‘I will walk among you, and "will be 
 your God, and ye shall be my people. 
 
 13 *1 am the Lord your God which brought 
 you forth out of the land of Egypt, that ye 
 should not be their bondmen ; and rl have broken 
 the bands of your yoke, and made you go upright. 
 
 [Practical Observations.] 
 
 14 H But * 1 2 if ye will not hearken unto me, and 
 will not do all these commandments ; 
 
 15 And if ye shall "despise my statutes, or if 
 your b soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will 
 not do all my commandments, but that ye "break 
 my covenant ; 
 
 16 I also will do this unto you ; I will even 
 ^appoint f over you "terror, f consumption, and the 
 
 g 25:19. Ex. 16:8. Dent. 11:15. Joel 2:19,26. Acts 14:17. lTim.6:17. h25:18. 
 Job 11:18,19. Ps. 46:1 — 7 . 90:1. 91 : 1—14. Prov. 1 :33. 18:10. Jer. 23:6. Ez. 34:25 
 —27. Matt. 23:37. 1 Pel. 1:5. i 1 Chr.22:9. Ps. 29:11. 147:14. Is. 9:7. 45:7. Jer. 
 30:10. Hos. 2:18. Mic. 4:4. Zech. 9:10. John 14:27. Rom. 5:1. Phil. 4:7— 9. 
 k Ps. 3:5. 4:3. 127:1,2. Prov. 3:24. 6:22. Jer. 31:26. Ex. 34:25. Zeph. 3:13. Ads 
 12:6. * Heh. cause to cease. Ex. 23:29. 2 Kings 2:24. 17:25,26. Job 5:23. Is. 
 35:9. Ez. 5:17. 14:15,21. 1 Ez. 14:17. m Nnm.l4:9. Dent. 28:7 . 32:30. Josh. 
 23:10. Judg. 7:19—21. 1 Sam. 14:6— 16. 17:45—52. 1 Chr. 11:11.20. Ps. 81:14, 
 15. n Ex. 2:25. 2 Kings 13:23. Neb. 2:20. Ps. 89:3. 138:6,7. Jer. 33:3. Heb.8: 
 9. o Gen. 17:6,7,20 . 26 4. 28:3,14. Ex. 1:7. I)eut. 28:4— 11. Neh. 9:23. Ps. 
 107:38. pGen. 6.18. 17:7. Ex. 6:4. Is. 55:3. Ez. 16:62. Luke 1:72. q 25: 
 22. Josh. 5:11. 2 Kings 19:29. Luke 12:17. r Ex. 25:8. 29:45. Josh. 22:19. 
 
 1 Kings 8:13,27. Ps. 76-2. 73:68,69. 132:13,14. Ez. 37:26— 28. Eph. 2:22. Rev. 
 21:3. s 20:23. Deut. 32:19. Ps. 106:40. Jer. 14:21. Lam. 2:7. Zech. 11:8. tGen. 
 3:8. 5:22,21. 6:9. Deut. 23:14. 2 Cor. 6:16. Rev. 2:1. u Gen. 17:7. Ex. 3:6. 6: 
 7. 19:5,6. Ps. 50:7. 68:18—20. Is. 12:2. 41 .10. Jer. 7:23. 11:4. 30:22. 31:33. 32: 
 38. Ez. 11:20. 36:28. Joel 2:27. Zech. 13:9. Matt. 22:32. Heb. 11:16. Rev. 21: 
 7. x 25:38,42,55. See on Ex. 20:2. Ps. 81:6— 10. 1 Cor. 6:19,20. y Ps. 116:16. 
 Is. 51:23. Jer. 2:20. Ez. 34:27. z 18. Deut. 28:15. Jer. 17:27. Lam. 1:18. Mai. 
 2:2. Acts 3:23. Heb. 12:25. a 43. Num. 15:31. 2 Sam. 12:9,10. 2 Kings 17:15. 
 
 2 Chr. 36:16. Prov. 1:7,30. Jer. 6:19. Zech. 7:11— 13. Acts 13:41. 1 Thes. 4:8. 
 
 the coming of Christ, had only temporal promises, and that 
 the law of Moses was enforced merely by temporal sanctions. 
 This however, at first glance, appears very paradoxical to 
 those who consider the language of ancient believers, and the 
 declarations of Christ and his apostles respecting them : 
 (Matt. 8:11. 22:32. Heb. 11:13 — 16,26,35.) yet it has not a 
 little perplexed many serious persons. But let it be well 
 considered, that “ the covenant which was confirmed before 
 of God in Christ,” with Abraham and his seed, “ the law 
 which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disan- 
 nul, that it should make the promise of none effect.” ( Nnte , 
 Gal. 3:15 — 18.) The church of Israel was not deprived of 
 any part of the light previously communicated, when God 
 entered into a national covenant with them ; and a Saviour 
 to come, and a future and eternal world, were, beyond all 
 doubt, revealed to the patriarchs from the very fall of Adam. 
 The examples of Abel, and Enoch, and Noah, and Abra- 
 ham, recorded by Moses himself, as introductory to the law, 
 powerfully inculcated these grand truths, and many others 
 connected with them. The belief of a Saviour to come, a 
 future state of retribution, and the resurrection of the dead, 
 was generally maintained in the church of Israel, during all 
 succeeding ages, to the coming of our Lord. ( John 11:24. 
 Note, Matt. 22:23 — 33.) The law, as to individuals in things 
 pertaining to the conscience, was enforced by promises and 
 threatenings to be fulfilled in the eternal world : unbelievers, 
 in the ipost flourishing times of religion, and most prosperous 
 state of the nation, remained under the curse : believers 
 always were interested in the promises made especially to 
 Abraham; but the nation, as a corporate body, received the 
 law with only temporal sanctions. Indeed the nature of the 
 case did not admit of any other ; though in every age, the 
 careless and carnal thence deduced erroneous conclusions. 
 
 V. 5. Large crops of corn, and plentiful vintages, would 
 keep the people constantly employed, and consequently well 
 provided for, all the year round. — This is by some considered 
 as an emblem of the abundant increase given to the seed of 
 the word in the days of the apostles and in the primitive 
 times of Christianity. 
 
 V. 7, 8. Notes, Deyt. 32:30,31. Is. 30:15—17. 
 
 V. 10. This promise intimated, that the people ought 
 not, and would not be disposed, to build new barns in which 
 
 burning ague, that shall ‘consume the eyes, ant. 
 cause sorrow of heart: and ^ye shall sow you. 
 seed in vain ; for your enemies sltall eat it. 
 
 17 And I will 'set my face against you, and k ye 
 shall be slain beiore your enemies : they that hate 
 you shall reign over you ; and ye shall J flee when 
 none Dursueth you. 
 
 18 And if ye will not yet for all this hearken 
 unto me, then I will punish you m seven times more 
 for your sins. 
 
 19 And "I will break the pride of your power; 
 and °I will make your heaven as iron, and your 
 earth as brass. 
 
 20 And ryour strength shall be spent in vain: 
 for lyour land shall not yield her increase, neither 
 shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. 
 
 21 IT And if ye walk '’contrary unto me, and 
 will not hearken unto me ; I will bring seven times 
 more plagues upon you, according to your sins. 
 
 22 I will also send^ r wild beasts among you, 
 which shall 3 rob you of your children, and destroy 
 your cattle, and make you few in number, and 
 'your high - ways shall be desolate. 
 
 23 And if “ye will not be reformed by me by 
 these things, but will walk contrary unto me ; 
 
 24 Then "will I also walk contrary unto you, 
 and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. 
 
 25 And X I will bring a sword upon you, that 
 shall ^avenge the quarrel of my covenant : and 
 when ye are gathered together within your cities, 
 T will send the pestilence among you ; and ye 
 shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. 
 
 26 And when a I have broken the staff of your 
 
 b Ps. 50:17. Prov. 5:12. Rom. 8-7. «Gen. 17:14. Ex. 19:5. 24:7. Dent. 31:16. 
 Is. 24:5. Jer. 11:10. 31:32. Ez. 16:59. Heb. 8:9. H Ps. 109:6. t Heb. ui. on you. 
 e Deut 28:65-67 . 32:25. Job 15:20,21. 18:11. 20:25. Ps. 73:19. Is. 7:2. Jer. 15: 
 8. 20:*. Heb. 10:31. f Ex. 15:26. Deut. 28:21,22,35. g Deut. 28:32,34,67. 
 
 1 Sam. 2:33. Ps. 78:33. Ez. 33:10. Zech. 14:12. h Deut. 28:33,51 . Judg. 6:3— 
 6.11. Job 31:8. Is. 65:22— 24. Jer. 5:17. 12:13. Mic. 6:15. Hag. 1:6. i See on 
 17:10.20:5,6. Ps. 68:1,2. k Deut. 28:25. Judg. 2:14 . 1 Sam. 4:10. 31:1. Neh. 9: 
 27— 30. Ps. 106:41,42. Jer. 19:7. Lam. 1:5. 136. Ps. 53:5. Prov. 28:1. m21, 
 
 24,28. Dan. 3:19. n 1 Sam. 4:3,11. Is. 2:12. 25:11. 26:5. Jer. 13:9. Ez.7:24. 
 30:6. Dan. 4:37. Zeph. 3:11. o Deut. 28:23. 1 Kings 17:1. Jer. 14:1—6. Luke 
 4:25. pPs. 127:1. Is. 49:4. Hab. 2:13. Gal. 4:11. q See on 4. Deut. 11 :17. 28: 
 18,38—40,42. Job 31:40. Ps. 107:34. Hag. 1:9 — 11.* 6:16. 1 Cor. 3:6. t Oi , ai 
 all adventures uith me, and so 24. r6. Deut. 32:24 . 2 Kings 17:25. Jer. 15:3. 
 
 Ez. 5:17. 14:15,21. s 2 King? 2:24. t Judg. 5:6. 2 Chr. 15:5. Is. 24:6. 33:8 
 Lam. 1:4. Ez. 14:15. 33:28. Mic. 3:12. Zech. 7:14. uls. 1:16— 20. Jer. 2:30 
 5:3. Ez. 24:13,14. Am. 4:6— 12. v2Sam. 22:27. Job 9:4. I s. 18:26. x DeuU 
 32:25,41. Judg. 2: 14— 16. Ps. 78:62— 64. Is. 31:5,6. Jer. 9:16. 14:12,13. 15:2—4. 
 Lam. 2:21. Ez.5:17. 6:3. 14:17. 21:4—17. 33:2. y Deut. 32:35. Ps.94:l. Ez. 
 20:37. Heb. 10:28— 30. z Num. 14:12. 16:49. Deut . 28:21 . 2Sam. 24:15. Jer. 
 14:12. 34:10 . 29:17,18. Am. 4:10. Luke 21:11. a Ps. 105:16. Is. 3:1. 9:20. Jer. 
 14:12. Lam. 4:3— 9. Ez. 4:10,16. 5:16. 14:13. Hos. 4:10. Mic. 6:14. Hag. 1.6. 
 
 to hoard their plenty for future use: (Notes, Luke 12:15— 
 21.) but that they would bring it forth to make room for the 
 new ; and so dispose of it, at a low price or freely, to the poof 
 and needy ; having a liberal heart, as well as an abundant 
 provision. 
 
 V. 11, 12. The continuance of the ordinances of religion, 
 among the Israelites, was the chief of these promises ; but 
 this was only ‘ the means of grace,’ and a shadow of the 
 privilege of every true believer. Yet the language here used, 
 if duly attended to, was sufficient to convince them, that 
 under the temporal promises made to them as a nation, spi- 
 ritual blessings were engaged to every true believer, reaching 
 even to eternity: “ for God is not the God of the dead, but 
 of the living.” — The expression, “ My soul shall not abhor 
 you,” is remarkable ; and implies that it was an act of mere 
 mercy, that so holy a God did not abhor the fellowship of 
 such sinners, as they were when most obedient; and that if 
 they were rebellious he would abhor them. (30,44. Notes , 
 Job 42:1 — G. Ez. 36:31,32.) — In the days of Joshua, of some 
 of the judges, of David and Solomon, and some of their 
 successors, these prophetical promises had their accomplish- 
 ment: and indeed this chapter and the twenty-eighth of 
 Deuteronomy , are a prophetical abstract of the future history 
 of Israel even to this day; nor has it yet received its full 
 accomplishment. (Notes, Ex. 23:20 — 30.) 
 
 V. 14—18. Marg.Ref. 
 
 V. 19. The heavens should no more give rain than if they 
 were iron, nor the earth any more yield corn than if it were 
 brass ; and this would effectually break the pride of Israel’s 
 power. (Note, Deut. 28:23.) — This prophecy had a remark- 
 able accomplishment during the long famine foretold by 
 Elijah in the time of Ahab. (1 Kings 17: 18:) 
 
 V. 20. Marg. Ref. Note , Hag. 1:5 — 11. 
 
 V. 24. Yet seven times.] . The Lord repeatedly declared 
 that he would render the miseries of rebellious Israel still 
 more and more dreadful ; as Nebuchadnezzar attempted, by 
 making the furnace seven times hotter than usual, to increase 
 the torture of the objects of his vengeance. His indeed was 
 a mere impotent, foolish effort; but the Lord was able tor 
 accomplish his denunciations, however awful, in the fullest 
 sense. (Note, Ps. 90:11.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. When the sword of the enemy threatened the' 
 
 ( 247 ) 
 
D. C. 1490. 
 
 LE YTJ 
 
 bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one 
 oven, and the)’ shall deliver you your bread again 
 by weight : and'ye shall eat, and not be satisfied. 
 
 27 And it' ye will not for all this hearken unto 
 me, but walk contrary unto me; 
 
 28 Then I will walk contrary unto you also a in 
 fury : and 1, even I, will chastise you seven times 
 for your sins. 
 
 29 And b ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and 
 the flesh of your daughters shall ye eat. 
 
 30 And C I will destroy your high places, and 
 cut down your images, and cast your carcasses 
 upon the carcasses of your idols, and d my soul 
 shall abhor you. 
 
 31 And T will make your cities waste, fand 
 bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and ®I will 
 not smell the savour of your sweet odours. 
 
 32 And '‘I will bring the land into desolation ; 
 and ‘your enemies which dwell therein shall be 
 astonished at it. 
 
 33 And k I will scatter you among the heathen, 
 and will draw out a sword after you ; and your 
 land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. 
 
 34 Then ‘shall the land enjoy her sabbaths as 
 long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ 
 land : even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her 
 sabbaths. 
 
 35 As long as it lieth desolate, it shall rest ; 
 
 a Is. 27:4. 59:H. 63:3. 66:15. Jer. 21:5. Ez. 5:13,15. 8:18. Nah. 1:2,6. b Dent. 
 28:53—57. 2 Kings 6:28,29. Jer. 19:9. Lara. 2:20. 4:10. Ez. 5:10. Matt. 24:19. 
 Luke 23:29. c 1 Kings 13:2. 2 Kings 23:8,16,20. 2Chr. 14:3— 5. 23:17. 31:1. 
 34:3—7. Is. 27:9. Jer. 8:1— 3. Ez. 6:3—6,13. d See on 11,15. 20:23. Ps. 78:58, 
 56. 39:38. Jer. 14:19. e 2 Kings 25:4—10. 2CI,r. 36:19. Nell. 2:3,17. Is. 1:7. 21: 
 10—12. Jer. 4:7. 9:11. Lara. 1:1. 2:7. El. 6:6. 21:15. Mlc.3:12. fPs. 74:3-8. 
 Jer. 22:5. 26:6,9. 52:13. Lam. 1:10. Ez. 9:6. 24:21. Matt. 24:1,2. Luke 21:5,6, 
 24. Acts 6:14. g See on Gen. 8:21. Is. 1:11—14. 66:3. Am. 5:21—23. Heb. 10: 
 26. Ii Dent. 29:23. Is. 1:7,8. 5:6,9. 6:11. 24:1. 32:13,14. 64:10. Jer. 9:11. 25:38. 
 44:2,22. Lara. 5:18. Ez. 33:28,29. Dan. 9:2,18. Hab.3:17. Luke 21:20. i Dent. 
 28:37. 29:24—28. 1 Kings 9:8. Jer. 18:16. 19:8. Lam. 4:12. Kz. 5:15 k JJeut. 
 4:27.28:64—66. Ps. 44:11. Jer.9:16. Lam. 1:3. 4:15. Ez. 12:14,16. 20:23. 22: 
 15. Zeclt. 7:14. L tike 21:24. Jam. 1:1. I 25:2-4,10. 2 Chr. 36.21. mis. 24:5, 
 6. Rom. 8:22. n Gen. 35:5. Deul. 28:65—67. Josh. 2:9—11. 5:1. I Sam. 17:24. 
 
 disobedient Israelites, they would flock into thedefenced cities 
 for security ; but the Lord declared, that in this case, he 
 would commission the pestilence to pursue them, till they 
 should be compelled to surrender themselves into the hands 
 of the besiegers : or he would visit them with the most dread- 
 ful and desolating famines. — The reader who consults the 
 marginal references, will in them find the most instructive 
 comment on this chapter; and be more and more convinced, 
 as he proceeds, that it is a kind of prophetical history of that 
 nation, even to this present time ; which could never have 
 been written, except by inspiration of God, who seeth the 
 events of the most remote futurity as if actually present. — 
 It is thought, that the expression, walk contrary to me , implies 
 that the people would remain careless, imputing their calami- 
 ties to chance or second causes ; till the constant increase of 
 them, and their long continuance, should convince them, that 
 the dreadful vengeance of God was poured out upon them. 
 
 Avenge , &c. (25) Note, Ez. 20:33 — 38. 
 
 By weight. (26) Note , Ez. 4:9 — 17. 
 
 V. 29. Eat the flesh, &c.] This was literally fulfilled in 
 the siege of Samaria by Benhadad ; in the siege of Jerusalem 
 by the Chaldeans ; and in the last siege of Jerusalem by the 
 Romans, as is recorded by the Jewish historian Josephus. 
 {Notes, JDeut. 28:49 — 57. 2 Kings 6:28,29. Lam. 4:10.) 
 
 V. 30. The several words used in this threatening, relate 
 to different kinds of idolatry afterwards prevalent in Israel. 
 We shall hereafter have frequent occasions of considering 
 the high -places, both for idolatry, and for the irregular wor- 
 ship of Jehovah. The images here mentioned are supposed 
 to have been statues dedicated to the sun : and the word 
 rendered idols (D3^V?j) is similar to that which signifies dung 
 (SS^>), and is an expression of extreme contempt for their 
 worthless, filthy objects of worship. The connexion of this 
 verse with the preceding has been thought to imply, that the 
 Israelites would be more attached to their idols than even to 
 their children. But the order is more remarkable, if consi- 
 dered as a prophecy. Though the pious kings of Judah, 
 especially Hezekiah and Josiah, were employed by the Lord 
 to execute, in a measure, this sentence, and the latter burned 
 the bones of the priests on the altars of their idols ; and though 
 Sennacherib cast many of their idols into the fire, when he 
 invaded the land ; yet the grand fulfilment of the prophecy 
 was subsequent to the siege of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans, 
 in which the people had actually been reduced to eat their 
 own children. The desolations, connected with that event, 
 effectually swept away all their idols, and idol altars, and 
 temples, so that they were never afterwards restored. Thus 
 the Lord, abhorring the people for their wickedness. (11) 
 cast their dead carcasses on their broken or degraded idols, and 
 destroyed tin; idolaters and idolatry at once. (Marg. Ref. c.) 
 
 V. 31 — 35. These verses also contain a prophecy, both of 
 Israel’s sin and punishment; which the subsequent history 
 sufficiently explains. — By the sanctuaries , some understand 
 ( 243 ) 
 
 ,'ICUS. B. C. 1490. 
 
 ‘"because it did not rest in your sabbaths, when ye 
 dwelt upon it. 
 
 36 And upon them that are left alive of you, 
 “I will send a tiiiiituess into their hearts in the 
 lands of their enemies ; and °the sound of a 
 'shaken leal' shall chase them; and they shall flee 
 as fleeing from a sword ; and they shall fall when 
 none pursueth. 
 
 37 And Pthey shall fall, one upon another, as it 
 were before a sword, when none pursuetli : and 
 iye shall have no power to stand before your 
 enemies. 
 
 38 Ami r ye shall perish among the heathen, and 
 the land of your enemies shall eat you up. 
 
 39 And they that are left of you "snail pine 
 away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands ; ‘and 
 also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine 
 away with them. 
 
 40 H If “they shall confess their iriquity, and the 
 iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which 
 they trespassed against me, “and that also they 
 have walked contrary unto me ; 
 
 41 And that I also have walked contrary unto 
 them, and have brought them into the land of their 
 enemies ; if then, ? their uncircumcised hearts be 
 'humbled, and "they then accept of the punish- 
 ment of their iniquity :• 
 
 42 Then h will 1 remember my covenant with 
 
 2Kimra 7:6,7. 2 Chr. 14:14. Job 15:21,22. Ia. 7:2,4. Ez. 21:7, 12. o7,S,17. Deul. 
 1:44. Prov.28:l. Is. 36:17. * Heb. driven. pjudg.7:22. 18am. 14:15,16. Is. 
 
 10:4. Jer. 37:10. q Num. 1 1:42. Josh. 7: 12,13. Juilg. 2:14. r Lent. 4:27. 28: 
 48,68. Is. 27:13. Jer. 42: 17,18,22. 44:12—14,27,28. sDeut. 28:65 . 30:1. Ps. 32: 
 3,4. Jer. 3:25. Ez. 4:17. 24:23. 33:10. t Ex. 20:5. 34:7. Norn. 14:18. Deul. 5: 
 9. Jer. 31:29. Ez. 18:2,3,19. Matt. 23:35,36. Rom 11:8—10. u Num. 5:7. DeuL 
 4:29 — 31. 30:1—3. Josh. 7:19. 1 Kings 8:33— 36,47. Neh.9:2. Job 33:27,28. I’s. 
 32:5. Prov. 28:13. Jer. 31:48-20. Ez. 36:31. Dan. 9:3— 20. Hos. 5:15. 6:1,2. 
 Luke 15:18,19. 1 John 1:8—10. x 21.24,27,28. y Dent. 30:6. Jer. 4 4. 6:10. S: 
 25,26. Ez. 44:7. Acts 7:51. Rom. 2:28,29. Gal. 5:6. Phil. 3:8. Col. 2:11. z Ex. 
 10:3. 1 Kings 21:29. 2 Chr. 12:6,7,12. 32:26.33:12,13,19,23. Ez. 6:9 . 20:43. Matt. 
 23:12. Luke 14:11. 18:14. Jam. 4:6—9. 1 l et. 5:5,6. a Ezra 9:13,15. Neh. 9:33. 
 Dan. 9:7— 14,18,19. b Geu. 9:16. Ex. 2:24. 6:5. L’eut.4:31. Pb. 106:45. Ez. 16: 
 60. Luke 1:72. 
 
 the temple, as divided into the holy place and the holy of 
 holies , with its several courts: but others include the high- 
 places, both in Judah and Israel, in which God was wor- 
 shipped : and some think synagogues also were meant : 
 but the next clause, “I will not smell the savour of your 
 sweet odours,” seems to confine the expression to places 
 where sacrifices and incense were offered. — After the Baby- 
 lonish captivity, the temple-worship was restored, and 
 doubtless the Lord accepted the oblations of his faithful 
 people : but after the time of Christ, the whole degenerated 
 into a mere form of godliness; and the destruction of the 
 temple by the Romans finally abolished that kind of service, 
 because a more simple and spiritual worship had been intro- 
 duced. — Indeed the dispersed stale of the Jews since that 
 time, more fully answers the import of the subsequent pre- 
 dictions, than even the desolations of the Babylonish captivily : 
 during that calamity, however, the land enjoyed its sabbaths ; 
 and the prophecy seems to intimate, that this part of the 
 divine law was generally neglected during most of the inter- 
 vening ages. (Note, 2 Chr. 36:21.) 
 
 V. 36, 37. Marg. Ref. Notes , I hut. 28:65 — 67. Is. 30: 
 15—17. 
 
 V. 38, 39. The ten tribes never returned to their own 
 land, as a collective body. The Jews, wh,o rebclliously deter- 
 mined to go into Egypt, miserably perished there. (Jer. 42: 
 — 44.) — Great multitudes of the other Jews remained after- 
 wards in the nations where they were dispersed ; a large pro 
 portion of the whole multitude of Israelites have doubtless 
 been lost, as it were, in the nations among whom they 
 sojourned. The massacres made of them, in many countries 
 and different ages, have been very great ; and they have been 
 more generally, durably, and cruelly oppressed, (ban perhaps 
 any other people. For, continuing impenitent, formerly in 
 idolatry and iniquity, and since the time of Christ, in obsti- 
 nate unbelief ; they lie under the load of national guill, which 
 has been accumulating for ages, ami pine away in heartless, 
 timid despondency, or stupid insensibility, without earnestly 
 inquiring into the causes of their calamities, or using proper 
 means of redress and deliverance. It is remarkable, how 
 exactly this passage describes the general character of tho 
 Jews at this day. 
 
 Pine away.] Marg. Ref. s. Notes, Ez. 24:19 — 24. 33:10. 
 
 V. 40. After all these threatening to the nation of tem- 
 poral calamities, most accumulated, aggravated, and long 
 continued, which were a shadow of still more tremendous 
 destruction to impenitent individuals in a future world ; the 
 prophet concluded with intimations of mercy in resoive for a 
 remnant of the people, when at length brought to repentance 
 Thus, previously to the deliverance of the Jews ft \ m the Baby- 
 lonish captivity, Daniel (with whom doubtless numbers con- 
 curred) confessed his sins, and those of his fathers ar I peo- 
 ple, in deep humiliation. (Notes, Dan. 9* ' — 20.)— And 
 afterwards, before their further establi' tiucut in Judea, Ezra 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 Jacob, and also my covenant with Isaac, ami also 
 my covenant with Abraham will I remember : and 
 ■1 will remember the land. 
 
 43 The land also shall be left of them, and ''shall 
 enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth desolate without 
 them : c and they shall accept of the punishment of 
 their iniquity ; because, even because they 'de- 
 spised my judgments, and because etheir soul 
 abhorred my statutes. 
 
 44 And yet for all that, when they be in the 
 land of their enemies, h I will not cast them away, 
 neither will 'I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, 
 and k to break my covenant with them : for I am 
 the Lord their God. 
 
 45 But I will 'for their sakes remember the 
 covenant of their ancestors, '"whom I brought 
 forth out of the land of Egypt "in *he sight of the 
 heathen, that I might be their God: I am the 
 Lord. 
 
 46 These are °the statutes and judgments and 
 laws, which the Lord made between him and the 
 children of Israel Pin mount Sinai, sby the hand of 
 Moses. 
 
 cPs. 85:1,2. 136:23. Ez. 36:1 — 15,33,34. d See on 34. e See on41. 1 King6 8: 
 46—48. 2Chr. 33:12. Jcfo 5:17. 34:31,32. Ps. 50:15. 119:67,71,75. Is. 26:16. 
 Jer. 31:19. Dan. 9:7— 9,14. Heb. 12:5— 11. f See on 15. 2 Kings 17:7— 17. 
 2 Chr. 36:14-16. g 15.30. Ps. 5017. Am. 5:10. Zech. 11:8. John 7:7. 15:23,24. 
 Rom. 8:7. h Deut. 4:29,30. 2 Kings 13:23. Neh. 9:31 . Ez. 14:22,23. Rom. 11: 
 2,26. i See on 11. k Jer. 14:21. 33:20,21. Ez. 16:60,61. 1 Gen. 12:2. 15:18. 17: 
 
 and Nehemiah, and the people with them, did the same, and 
 in language which seems evidently to refer to this chapter. — 
 (Notes, Ezra 9: Neh. 9:) 
 
 V. 41, 42. Pride, impenitent love of sin, and enmity to 
 Jehovah and his worship, proved the hearts of the people to 
 be uncircumcised, that is, unrenewed by divine grace ; for cir- 
 cumcision was the sacramental sign of regeneration : but 
 when a change took place they would be humbled before God, 
 acknowledge his hand, and submit to his justice in all their 
 sufferings ; they would seek forgiveness from his mercy, and 
 return to their duty ; and then would he remember and deal 
 with them according to the covenant made with their fathers, 
 respecting Canaan, the type of heaven. (Notes, Deut. 10:16. 
 30:1—10. /er.4:3,4. 9:25,26. Rom. 2:25—29.) 
 
 Covenant. (42) It is observable, that it is not said, the 
 Lord would remember his covenant, ratified with Israel at 
 mount Sinai ; but the covenant made with their progenitors, 
 the patriarchs, long before the Sinai covenant. The future 
 restoration of Israel will be in fulfilment of the Abrahamic 
 covenant. (Notes, Rom. 11:25 — 32. Gal. 3:15 — 18. Heb. 
 6:13—20.) 
 
 V. 43 — 45. Notwithstanding these promises, the land 
 would certainly be desolated ; and the preceding calamities 
 would rest on the people, till they should “accept of the 
 punishment of their iniquity,” and acquiesce in it, as just. — 
 The subsequent verses imply a prediction that the people 
 would thus repent, as well as an assurance of reconciliation 
 to the penitent. The word (anS), rendered “for their sakes,” 
 may more literally and justly be translated for them, or in their 
 behalf. — A glorious accomplishment of this part of the pro- 
 phecy may hereafter be expected, by the conversion of the 
 Jews to Christ, and probably by their restoration to their own 
 land: and indeed, after the fulfilment of the previous threat- 
 enings, in their present dispersion of above seventeen hun- 
 dred years’ duration, they are still most marvellously preserved 
 a distinct people, evidently in order to this most desirable 
 event. (Notes, Num. 23:9. Jer. 30:10,11.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. Our true interest and happiness consists in wor- 
 shipping the Lord, giving him our hearts, hallowing his sab- 
 baths, reverencing his sanctuary, and doing every thing with 
 a believing regard to that Saviour, “ in whom dwelleth all the 
 fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Our obedience indeed can- 
 not. justify us : but that obedience which takes its rise from 
 “ repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus 
 Christ and which consists in an humble attendance on his 
 ordinances, and an unreserved respect to all his command- 
 ments ; both evinces that we are justified, and will induce 
 peace and spiritual copsolations into our hearts, with the hope 
 of glory, and the blessing of God upon our families and posses- 
 sions ; so that the most afflicted state of a consistent Chris- 
 tian is more comfortable than any ungodly prosperity, how- 
 ever great. This frame of mind is the health of the soul, and 
 vhe antepast of heaven ; while God sets up his tabernacle in 
 us, and dwells and walks with us, as the sure pledge of eter- 
 nal glory. But wilful sin, even in a believer, will grieve the 
 Spirit, cloud this bright prospect, and bring darkness and dis- 
 tress into the soul, as well as chastisements from his heavenly 
 father’s rod. — Righteousness also exalteth a nation, and 
 ^mong other blessings, especially ensures the continuance of 
 the gospel with it. But it is truly wonderful, that the Lord 
 hath not long since so abhorred this our sinful land, as to de- 
 prive us of our other manifold mercies, and especially of the 
 word of his salvation, which has been so greatly neglected, 
 eesp.sed and perverted. 
 
 Vo;.. L— 32 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 L'iws concerning singular van s to God , respecting persons, 1 — 8 ; arul cattle , 
 9 — 13 ; and houses an / lands, 14 — 23. Firstlings must not he thus dedicated, 
 2S, 27, Of things devoted to destruction. 28, 29. The law of lithes % 
 3U— 34. “ • 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying’, 
 
 2 Sp eak unto the children ot'Israel, and say 
 unto them, “When a man shall make a singular 
 vow, the persons shall he for the Lord by thy 
 estimation. 
 
 3 And b thy estimation shall be, of the male from 
 twenty years old even unto sixty years old ; even 
 thy estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, "after 
 the shekel of the sanctuary. 
 
 4 And if it he a female, then thy estimation shall 
 be d thirty shekels. 
 
 5 And if it be from five years old even untc 
 twenty years old ; then thy 'estimation shall be o, 
 the male twenty shekels, and for the female ter 
 shekels. 
 
 6 And if it be e from a month old even unto five 
 years old ; then thy estimation shall be of the male 
 five shekels of silver, and for the female thy esti • 
 mation shall be three shekels of silver. 
 
 7,8. Ex. 2.24. 19:5,6. Rom. 11:12,23-26,28,29. 2 Cor. 3:15,16. m22:33. 25:3* 
 S.e on Ex. 20:2. n Ps. 98:2,3. Ez. 20:9, 14, 22. o27:34. Deut. 6: 1 . 12:1. 13:4. John 
 1:17. p25: 1 . q 8:36. Num. 4:37. I 8.77:20. a Gen. 28:20— 22. Num. 6:2. 21 i 
 2. Deut. 23:21— 23. Juclg. 11:30,31. 1 Sam. 1:11. b 14. 5:15. 6:6. Num. 18:16 
 2 Kings 12:4. mnrg. c 25. Ex. 30:13. d Zech. 11:12,13. Matt. 26:15.27:9,1* 
 e Num. 3:40— 43. 18:14,16. 
 
 V. 14 — 46. Sooner or later, sin will be the ruin, as well 
 as reproach, of every people ; and our national violation of 
 the sabbath, contempt of the ordinances of God, opposition 
 to his truth, and abhorrence of his commandments, after our 
 manifold rebukes, dangers, and deliverances, which wefe in- 
 tended to bring us to repentance and upright obedience, have 
 a very gloomy aspect on this yet favoured land. It we con- 
 tinue still to 44 walk contrary to God,” we may expect that 
 he will punish us seven times more than he has done ; and 
 that he will avenge the quarrel of his gospel upon us ; and if 
 He, who has all creatures in his hand as ministers of his ven- 
 geance, should set his face against us, who can conjecture 
 where the contest will end ? Oh that, being deeply humbled 
 before God, and ingenuously confessing our sins, we might, 
 'by a general revival of religion and reformation of manners, 
 with the harmonious concurrence of all ranks and orders of 
 men, avert the rising storm before it burst upon us ! — But 
 though national judgments, such as desolating war, pestilence, 
 and famine, be dreadful ; yet. they are but temporal evils, and 
 personal judgments alone are eternal: let every sinner then 
 tremble for himself, take warning and flee from the wrath to 
 come. — The career of iniquity commences in contempt of 
 God’s statutes, and hatred of his service : and ingratitude 
 and abuse of his mercies soon make way for the hardening of 
 the heart under afflictions, and against convictions. Such 
 persons, 44 walking contrary to God,” will find that he walks 
 contrary to them : and as they turn their face from him, he 
 will 6et his face against them, will abhor them, pursue them 
 with one misery after another, and at length utterly destroy 
 them, if they continue impenitent ; and the stoutest of them 
 will find their hearts wax faint and tremble, and in black 
 despair perceive that they have no power to resist or escape, 
 when he arises to execute vengeance. — But if at length any 
 sinner be deeply humbled, and confess his guilt, and cry for 
 mercy through faith in Jesus Christ, and according to the 
 covenant made with all believers in him ; God will remember 
 that covenant, and pardon that sinner u according to the mul- 
 titude of his mercies so that none need despair, and 44 pine 
 away in their iniquities.” Whilst we joyfully avail ourselves 
 of such a precious privilege, and are confirmed in our faith 
 even by the desolate and dispersed condition of the disobe- 
 dient Israelites ; let us not abhor and despise them, but com- 
 passionate them, and pray that they may at lengt h be remem- 
 bered according to the covenant made with their fathers. — 
 And let us take warning not to imitate their infidelity, and 
 not to trust in external distinctions. — God grant that we may 
 in this our day effectually consider the things which belong to 
 our eternal peace. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVII. V. 2— 8. The Israelites, 
 from an extraordinary zeal and love to the worship of God, 
 would sometimes, by a solemn vow, dedicate themselves, or 
 their children, to the immediate service of the Lord in the 
 sanctuary for life : but as the priests and Levites were set 
 apart by God himself for that service, and none were allowed 
 ed to interfere with their work, these persons could only be 
 employed in the lowest and most laborious services ; and if 
 too great numbers thus devoted themselves, they would bean 
 encumbrance, rather than an advantage, to the sanctuary.— 
 The Gibeonites were afterwards employed 44 as hewers of 
 wood and drawers of water and perhaps some others, who 
 refused to redeem themselves, performed menial services to 
 the priests and Levites. Probably these, as well as the 
 Gibeonites, were called JVethinim , or dedicated persons, of 
 whom we shall read hereafter. (Notes, Josh 9:27. 1 Chr . 
 
 9:2 . ) Samuel, who was a Levite, was thus dedicated by his 
 ( 249 ) 
 
C , L . 14 1! ./ • 
 
 LE^ IT1CUS. E. C. 1 190. 
 
 7 An.l if c r oe i' from sixty years old and above ; 
 if it be a ma'e, then thy estimation shall be fifteen 
 shekels, and for the female ten shekels. 
 
 8 But if ho be/poorer than thy estimation, then 
 ne shall pi 'sent himself belbre the priest, and the 
 priest shah value him : according to his ability that 
 vowed shall the priest value him. 
 
 9 H And if it be a beast, whereof men bring an 
 offering unto the Lord ; all that any man giveth 
 of si eh unto the Lord shall be holy. 
 
 1 0 He ’’shall not alter it, nor change it, a good 
 far a bad, or a bad for a good : and if he shall at 
 all change beast for beast, then it and the exchange 
 thereof shall be holy. 
 
 1 1 And if it be anv ‘unclean beast, of which they 
 do not offer a sacrifice unto the Lord ; then he 
 shall present the beast before the priest : 
 
 12 Anl the priest shall value it, whether it be 
 goo 1 or bad ; 'as thou valuest it, who art the 
 priest, so shall it be. 
 
 13 B it if he will at all redeem it, k then he shall 
 add a fifth part thereof unto thy estimation. 
 
 14 < il And when a man shall ’sanctify his house 
 to be holy unto the Lord; then the priest shall es- 
 timate it, whether it be good or bad: m as the priest 
 shall estimate it, so shall it stand. 
 
 1 5 And if he that sanctified it will redeem his 
 house, “then he shall add the fifth part of the 
 money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall be his. 
 
 16 And if a man shall sanctify unto the Lord 
 some part °of a field of his possession ; then thy 
 estimation shall be according to the seed thereof: 
 fan Wi >mer of barley-seed shall be valued at fifty 
 shekels of silver. 
 
 17 If he sanctify his field from the year of jubi- 
 lee, according to thy estimation it shall stand. 
 
 18 But if he sanctify his fietd ‘’after the jubilee; 
 then the priest shall reckon unto him the money 
 according to the years that remain, even unto the 
 
 fPs. 90.10. *5:7. 128. 11:21,22. Mar!: 14:7. Luke 21:1— 4. 2 Cor. 8:12. h 15 
 — 33. Jam. 1:8. i Dent. 93:18. Mah 1:11. * Hub. according to thy estimation, I 
 O priest, &c. k 1(1,15, 19. 5:16. 6:4,5. 2*2:14. 121. 25:29—31. Num. 18:14. 
 
 m 12. n Sec on 13. o \cts 4:34 — 37. 5:4. t Or, the land of an homer, ftc. 
 pis. 5:10. Ez. 45:11— 14. Hog. 3:2. q 25:15,16,27,51 ,52. rSf*onl3. s 25: 
 10,29,31. 1 28,29. Pent. 13:17. Josh. 6:17. Ezra 10:8. Ez. 44:29. margins. 
 
 mother ; and, not being redeemed, he was employed about 
 the sanctuary from his childhood, long before the age when 
 the Levites entered upon their office. — Perhaps some others, 
 who dedicated themselves or their children, were thus employ- 
 ed : yet in general they were allowed, or even ordered, to be 
 redeemed, at the valuation here prescribed ; which was 
 equitable and moderate, and was reduced still lower in cases 
 of poverty. Children might not thus devote themselves; but 
 their parents might devote them. The women, if not redeem- 
 ed, would find employment in spinning, weaving, and making 
 the garments for the priests, or washing for them, and in 
 various other ways ; as we may suppose the Gibeonitish 
 women, and the wives of the Nethinim did. 
 
 V. 9 — 13. If any particular animal were thus vowed unto 
 the Lord, it was to be accounted holy, and must not be ex- 
 changed ; but must be sacrificed, provided it were fit for sacri- 
 fice : otherwise it was to he valued and sold ; but at a dearer 
 rate to him who vowed it than to another person, as a rebuke 
 for his rashness and inconstancy. Some suppose that the 
 money was put into the treasury of the sanctuary, to defray 
 the expenses of the worship there performed: others, that the 
 priests had it for their own use. — The difference between this 
 singular vow and ordinary vows , seems to have been this : — 
 tfye ordinary vow was made, when in quest of some blessing, 
 or when some special mercy was received : the person who 
 vowed engaged to offer certain sacrifices of burnt-offerings or 
 peace-offerings unto the Lord ; and it included nothing else. 
 But a singular vow was the solemn dedication of a man’s person 
 nr child, or some part of his property, to the immediate use of 
 the sanctuary, or of the priests; with special designation , 
 whether fit for sacrifice or not. 
 
 V. 1(5. A man was not allowed to alienate in this man-, 
 ner his whole patrimony, hut only some part of a field: he 
 might express his good-will for the house of God, but he must 
 not impoverish his own family. 
 
 An homer , &c.] That is, as much land as required a ho- 
 mer of barley to sow it. An omer was only the tenth part of 
 an ephah ; a homer contained ten ephahs, or above eight 
 bushels Winchester measure. 
 
 V. 17— 19. Notes, 25:11— 30. 
 
 V . 20—24. If the person who dedicated his land refused to 
 redeem it, it became the perpetual inheritance of the priests, 
 and could only be leased out till the year of jubilee. If he 
 had sold his right in it to another man, afler having made his 
 vow ; he forfeited that right , but the purchaser did not suc- 
 ceed to it. A man could not thus alienate such land, as by 
 ( 250 ) 
 
 year of the jubilee, and it shall he abated from thy 
 estimation. 
 
 19 And if he that sanctified the field will in any 
 wise redeem it; r then he shall add the filth part of 
 the money of thy estimation unto it, and it shall 
 be assured to him. 
 
 20 And if he will not redeem the field, or if lie 
 have sold the field to another man, it shall not be 
 redeemecTany more. 
 
 21 But if the field, ’when itgoeth out in the jubilee, 
 shall be holy unto the Lord, as a field 'devoted: 
 the possession thereof shall be the "priest’s. 
 
 22 And if a man sanctify unto the Lord a field 
 which he hath bought, which is not of the fields 
 of x his possession ; 
 
 23 Then the priest shall reckon unto him the 
 worth of >thy estimation, even unto the year of the 
 jubilee, and he shall give thine estimation in that 
 day, as a holy thing unto the Lord. 
 
 24 In the year of the jubilee the field shall re 
 turn unto him of whom it was bought, even 'to 
 him to whom the possession of the land did belong. 
 
 25 And “all thy estimations shall he according 
 to the shekel of the sanctuary : Twenty gerahs 
 shall be the shekel. 
 
 26 Only the Ifirstlingof the beasts, 'which should 
 be the Lord’s firstling, no man shall sanctify it : 
 whether it be ox or sheep, it is the Lord’s. 
 
 27 And if it be of an unclean beast, then he shad 
 redeem it according to thine estimation, and shall 
 add a fifth part of it thereto : or if it be not redeem- 
 ed, then it shall be sold according to thy estima- 
 tion. 
 
 28 If Notwithstanding, d no devoted thing that a 
 man shall devote unto the Lord, of all that he 
 hath, both of man and beast, and of the field of 
 his possession, shall be sold or redeemed,: every 
 devoted thing is most holy unto the Lord. 
 
 29 None devoted, which shall be devoted of 
 
 u Num. 18:14. Ez. 44:29. x 25:10,25. y 12,18. z20. 25:28. n S. h Ex 30:13. 
 Num. 3:47. 18.16. Ez. 45:12. J Heb. first-born, Sc. c Ex. 13:2,12,13. 22: 
 30. Num. 18:17. Peul. 15:19. dSteon21. Ex. 22:20. Num. 21:2.3. Deul. 
 7:1,2. 13:15,16.20:16,17.25:19. Josh. 6: 17— 19.26 . 7:1,11— 13, 25.Jude. 11:30, 
 31.21:5.11,18. 1 Sam. 14:21—28,38—45. 15:3,18,32,33. Mall. 25.41. Acts 23:12— 
 14. Rom. 9:3. 1 Cor. 16:22. Gal. 3:10,13. 
 
 law returned at the year of jubilee to the family of which it 
 had been bought ; but if he had vowed it, he must redeem it 
 at the estimation made of it. Houses and lands, if thus vowed, 
 became the property of the priests at the year of jubilee ; un- 
 less redeemed by him that vowed them. This was an addi- 
 tional reason, why the fifth part should in that case be added 
 to the priest’s estimation of them. 
 
 V. 26, 27. As these firstlings were the Lord’s before, it 
 would have been a solemn mockery to pretend to make them 
 a matter of a singular vow ; for they were already appointed, 
 if clean, to be sacrificed. But if an unclean firstling were 
 thus dedicated to God, the owner might redeem it, as another 
 unclean firstling, though not with a lamb, hut with its estima- 
 tion in money, adding to it a fifih part; and if he refused to 
 redeem it, it was killed, and sold for the benefit of the priests, 
 or the support of the sanctuary. 
 
 V. 28, 29. Tiie word (D"»n), here rendered a devoted thing , 
 implies an anathema , or curse. Persons thus devoted, were 
 by solemn vows consigned to utter destruction without re- 
 demption: but then this vow could not be valid, if contrary to 
 any part of the divine law ; and in that case the person 
 making it needed repentance and forgiveness. In respect of 
 thbigs devoted , they were either utterly destroyed by fire, or 
 wholly dedicated to religious uses. The Lord himself thus 
 devoted the Amalekites, and the Canaanites in general, and 
 the inhabitants of Jericho in particular; but he reserved the 
 precious metals for the sacred treasury. And the Israelites 
 thus devoted the cities of Arad. (Note, Num. 21:1 — 3.) — 
 Probably Jephthah’s vow, and his manner of performing it, 
 arose from a misconstruction of this law; for whatever was 
 thus devoted was surely to be put to death, if no divine law 
 forbad: hut the people rescued Jonathan, whom his father 
 Saul had thus rashly and unwittingly devoted, and doubtless 
 they acted properly. (Notes, Judg. 11:3*1 — 40. 1 Sam. 
 
 14:36—46.) 
 
 V. 30 — 34. The custom of dedicating the tenth part of 
 any profit or increase to religious uses, was doubtless moro 
 ancient than the Mosaic law: (Notes, Gen. 14:18 — 20. 28:20 
 — 22.) and learned men have shown that (probably from 
 tradition) it prevailed in many nations ; though not so regu- 
 larly as in Israel. From the law afterwards given concern- 
 ing the division of these tithes, it is evident that they were 
 intended to be a considerable part of the stated inain'enance 
 of the priests and Levites; (Num. 18:21 — 32.) and they must 
 therefore be carefully distinguished from the second tithes, on 
 which the people feasted before the Lord, with the Levites. 
 
B C. 1490 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 men, shall be redeemed : but shall surely be put to 
 death. 
 
 30 IT And 'all the tithe of the land, whether of 
 the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is 
 the Lord’s : it is holy unto the Lord. 
 
 31 And if a man will f at all redeem aught of 
 
 his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part there- 
 of. * 
 
 32 And concerning the tithe of the herd, or of 
 
 • . e3. 14:20.28:2a. Num. 18:21—24. Deut. 12:5,6. 14:22,23. 2 Chr. 31:5,6,12. 
 Neh. 12.37,33. 12:44. 13:5,12. Mil. 8:8—10. Mmt. 23:23. Luke 11:42. 18:12. 
 
 (Note, Deut. 14:22 — 29.) The regulations here made would 
 prevent the introduction of a modus in collecting the tithes, 
 as well as impropriations , and various other methods, which , 
 have in many' places reduced almost to beggary the clergy, 
 for whose maintenance tithes were originally given. What- 
 ever may be said in this case, where tithes are only a human 
 institution ; it would certainly have been wrong where they 
 were an express divine appointment. Yet doubtless this law 
 teaches, that they u who labour in the word and doctrine” 
 have a right to a maintenance, and ought not to be defrauded 
 of it. . 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is good to be zealously affected, and liberally disposedj to 
 the service and sanctuary of the Lord: but consideration 
 should precede, and prudence should direct, the application 
 of our liberality ; otherwise rash vows, and inconstancy in 
 performing them, will dishonour God and embarrass our own 
 minds. — We should dedicate ourselves and our families to his 
 service, according to the situation of life in which the provi- 
 dence of God has placed us. But may we not aptly accom- 
 modate these 44 singular vows of persons” to the case of those, 
 who, perhaps with good intention , but great impropriety , are 
 determined to leave their proper employments, and to enter 
 into the ministry ; or to those, who resolve to bring up their 
 children to that sacred office, before they can know whether 
 they will be properly qualified or disposed for such a service ? 
 Too many seem to forget, that there are other ways of glori- 
 fying God and serving his church, besides preaching the gos- 
 pel: and though no general rules can be prescribed in such 
 cases ; yet much caution, deliberation, prayer, patient waiting, 
 and submission to Providence, should precede every person’s 
 leaving another calling to enter into the ministry. Nor should 
 
 the flock, even of whatsoever spasseth under the 
 rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord. 
 
 33 He shall not search whether it be good or 
 bad, ''neither shall he change it : and if he change 
 it at all, then both it and the change thereof shal*. 
 be holy : it shall not be redeemed. 
 
 34 These are ‘the commandments which the 
 Lord commanded Moses, for the children ot 
 Israel k in mount Sinai. 
 
 Heb. 7:5-9. f 13. gjer.33:13. Ez. 29:37. Mic.7:14. h 10. i 26:46. Deut. 
 4:45. John, 1:17. kNum. 1:1. Gal. 4:21,25. Heb. 12:18—25. 
 
 any resolutions or vows be considered binding, unless the Lord 
 allows them, by giving proper qualifica lions and dispositions, 
 and opening a regular door of admission in his providence. 
 Otherwise such persons had better endeavour themselves, 
 and bring up their children, to honour God by their example, 
 influence, and substance in a private character : for to this 
 day he will choose his own ministers, whom he employs in his 
 sanctuary, without regarding our partial or selfish desires and 
 intentions. — Aur houses, lands, cattle, and substance should 
 be possessed and used to his glory ; and a portion dedicated 
 immediately to the support of his worship, and tp promote his 
 cause, is acceptable to him, if done with a constant and 
 willing mind, and in prudence and equity. But he neither 
 approves of those who grudge his servants their support, nor 
 of those who injure their families, and perhaps their creditors, 
 by an imprudent or ostentatious profusion in these respects ; 
 nor yet of those who rashly engage, and inconstantly retract 
 their engagements. But let us not forget that we sinners 
 were devoted to utter destruction, as under the curse of a 
 broken law; and that Jesus willingly devoted himself to be 
 44 made a curse for us,” and tasted the bitterness -of death, 
 yea, the wrath of the Father, for our redemption. The doom 
 of those who neglect this great salvation will be irreversible ; 
 and it will by the omnipotent Judge be said to them, 44 Depart 
 from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the 
 devil and his angels.” Let us then flee to him as a Saviour 
 for refuge ; and, receiving the reconciliation, let us yield our- 
 selves to him, without wishing or desiring a change, to be 
 unto him a holy people, that 44 his name may be glorified in 
 us,” living and dying, and for ever ; 44 and we glorified in him, 
 according to the grace of our God, and of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ.” (Note, 2 Thes. 1:11,12.) 
 
 THE FOURTH BOOK OF MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 This book takes its name from the repeated numberings of the people and of the Levites, which it records. It derives this name 
 (as the preceding books do theirs) from the Septuagint; but the names of ttye others stand in the original Greek, while this is 
 translated into English. It is called in the original. ("Oioa) 4 In the loilderness from the account which it contains of the Israel- 
 ites in the wilderness. It opens with an account of the arrangement of the twelve tribes into regular encampments, in four divi- 
 sions under their several leaders, around the tabernacle ; the care of which, and of all its furniture, was committed to the Levites, 
 in three divisions, according to their families. The history of Israel afterwards proceeds : and the sacred writer having recorded 
 that instance of rebellion which provoked God “ to swear in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest,” gives an account 
 of the continuance of the Israelites in the wilderness for above thirty-eight years : and the whole is intermixed with many laws, 
 moral and ceremonial. — In confirmation of the united testimony of antiquity, that Moses wrote the books ascribed to him, which is 
 uniformly sanctioned by all the sacred writers, and in an especial manner by our Lord and his apostles ; it may be useful to the 
 6tudious reader to notice, how constantly the laws and facts of this book are referred to in all the subsequent parts of Scripture, as 
 things of established credit and notoriety ; which never could have been the case, had not the book been well known among the 
 Israelites. In general, the marginal references, if carefully consulted, will most fully establish this point : in particular, the mi- 
 nistrations severally allotted to the priests and Levites ; the unbelief and rebellion which excluded this generation of Israel from 
 Canaan ; their subsequent wanderings for almost forty years in the wilderness ; the conquest of the countries possessed by Sihon 
 and Og ; and the settlement of two tribes and a half east of Jordan, are pre-supposed as notorious facts in every subsequent part 
 of the sacred Volume. But the prophecies delivered by Balaam, which have already received a most signal accomplishment, not 
 only prove the narrative to be genuine, and that Balaam spake by the Spirit of prophecy : but as introduced in close connexion 
 with the history, long before any of the predictions were fulfilled, or in human probability likely to be so ; they form a collateral 
 argument, that the book itself was divinely inspired : for in this manner the Lord has seen good to set his seal to most, if not all, 
 of the several books of holy writ. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 f%e Lord commands Moses to number Israel, and appoints by name a prince 
 from each tribe to assist him, 1—16. The number of each tribe , and the 
 sum total, 17 — 46. The Levites are not numbered with the rest, being to 
 serve at the tabernacle , 47 — 54. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses a in the wil- 
 derness of Sinai, b in the tabernacle of the 
 congregation, c on the first day of the second 
 
 a 10:12. fix. 19:1. Lev. 27:34. b Ex . 25:22. Lev. 1: 1 . c 9:1 . 10:11. Ex. 40:17. 
 1 Kings 6:1. *126:2—1,63,64. Ex. 30:12. 38:26. 2Sam.24:2,3. 1 Chr. 21:2. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1 — 3.. Though the sum total in 
 this chapter is exactly the same with that before mentioned, 
 the numbering cannot be the same ; for that preceded the 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 month, in the second year after they were come 
 out of the land of Egypt, saying, 
 
 2 Take ye d the sum of all the congregation of 
 'the children of Israel, f after their families, by the 
 house of their fathers, with the number of their 
 names, every male by tbeir polls : 
 
 3 From ^twenty years old and upward, all that 
 
 eOen. 49:1 — 3. Ex. 1:1— 6. f 18,22,26, &c. Ex. 6:14— 19. g 14:29. 32:11. Ei 
 30.14. 
 
 construction of the tabernacle, which was set up on the first 
 day of the first month, and the bases were formed of the silver 
 collected upon that occasion ; whereas this was ordered on 
 
 ( 251 ) 
 
B C. 1430. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 pic Il al)le to go forth to war in Israel: thou and 
 Anion shall number them 'by their armies. 
 
 4 1i And with you there shall be a man of 
 every tribe, k every one head of the house of his 
 fathers. 
 
 5 And these are the names of the men that shall 
 Stand with you : Of the tribe of Reuben; 'Elizur, 
 
 he son of Shedeur. 
 
 6 Of Simeon ; '"Shelumiel, the son of Zuris- 
 haddai. 
 
 7 Of Judah; “Nahshon, the son of Ammina- 
 dab. 
 
 8 Of Issachar ; "Nethaneel, the son of Zuar. 
 
 9 Of Zebulun; I'Eliab, the son of Helon. 
 
 10 Of the children of Joseph : of Ephraim; 
 lElishama, the son of Ammibud : of Manasseh ; 
 r Gamaliel, the son of Pedahzur. 
 
 1 1 Of Benjamin ; s Ahidan, the son of Gideoni. 
 
 12 Of Dan; tAhiezer, the son of Arrftnishacklai. 
 
 13 Of Asher; “Pagiel, the son of Ocran. 
 
 14 Of Gad; I Eliasaph, the son of Deuel. 
 
 15 Of Naphtali ; y Ahira, the son of Enan. 
 
 16 These were Hhe renowned of the congrega- 
 tion, princes of the tribes of their fathers, “heads 
 of thousands in Israel. 
 
 17 *H And Moses and Aaron took these men 
 which are expressed by their names : 
 
 18 And they assembled all the congregation 
 together on the first day of the second month ; and 
 they declared b their pedigrees after their families, 
 c by the house of their fathers, according to the 
 number of the names, from twenty years old and 
 upward, by their polls. 
 
 19 ''As the Lord' commanded Moses, so he 
 numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai. 
 
 20 And the children of Reuben, “Israel’s eldest 
 son, by their generations, after their families, by 
 the house of their fathers, according to the num- 
 ber of the names, by their polls, every male from 
 twenty^ years old and upward, all that were able 
 to go forth to war ; 
 
 21 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Reuben, 'were forty and six thousand 
 and five hundred. 
 
 22 H Of the children of ^Simeon, by their 
 generations, after their families, by the house of 
 their fathers, those that were numbered of them, 
 according to the number of the names, by their 
 
 h Dem. 3:18. 2 fhr. 17:13 — IS. 26:1 1 — 13. 133:1. Ex. 12:17. k 16. 17:3. 
 
 23 1.11. Kx. 18:25. Jnsli. 22:14. 12:10.7:30.10:18. m 2:12. 7:36. 10:19. 
 n 7:3. 7:12. 10:14. Ruth 1:13—22. Molt. 1:2— 5. Naasson. o 2:5. 7:18. 10:15. 
 p 2:7. 7:24. 1U: 16. q2:18. 7:18. 10:22. 1 Chr. 7:25.27. r 2:20 . 7:54. 10:23. 
 
 e 2:22. 7:60. 10.21. 1 2:25. 7:68. 10:2$. n 2:27. 7:72. 10:26. x 7:«. 10:2 •.* 
 
 So* «r/f 2:11. V 2:29. 7:78. 10:27. t7:2. 16:2. 26:9. Judx. 6:15. 1 Chr. 27: 
 16—22. a 4. Ex. 18:21,25. Dem. 1:15. 1 Sam. -.2:7. 23:23. Mic. 5:2. b Ezra 
 
 the first day of the second month. (Ex. 38:25 — 28. 40:2.) 
 — The Levit.es were exempted both from the tribute and 
 from war, and consequently were not included in either 
 account. None seem to have been numbered who were un- 
 serviceable, whether through age or infirmities ; but as 
 u there was not one feeble person among their tribes” when 
 they left Egypt, we may suppose there were very few at this 
 time. (Note, Eop. 13:17,18, latter part.) Yet all the women, 
 the minors, and probably the old men, were omitted ; as well 
 as the m xed multitude which came up with them out of 
 Egypt. Each iribe was reckoned in even numbers; no less 
 sum than fifty being mentioned, and that but in one instance ; 
 (25) as they were ranked under rulers of thousands, of 
 hundreds, and of fifties, yet according to their tribes, families, 
 and households ; it is probable they were registered accord- 
 ingly, with the omission of the odd numbers: and the altera- 
 tions had been so few since the former account was taken, 
 that it made no difference in the round sum. Some indeed 
 infer from this circumstance, that not one had died in the 
 intervening space : but if this were allowed, it must also be 
 supposed, that no individual had attained the age of twenty 
 years in that time; which is totally improbable! They were 
 numbered in order to illustrate the divine faithfulness in thus 
 increasing the seed of Jacob ; to prepare the way for their 
 regular march and encampments, as now about to depart from 
 Sinai ; and in order to their being trained up for the wars and 
 conquests of Canaan ; as well as to ascertain their genealogies, 
 in order to the division of the land by lot. — The Israelites had 
 now continued almost a year at mount Sinai. (Note, Ex. 
 49:1.) 
 
 V. 5 — 10. (Marg. Ref.) The heads of the tribes are 
 here arranged, according to the mothers of Jacob’s sons. 
 Those of Leah are first placed in the order of their birth) and 
 ttien those of Rachel ; but. Ephraim, the younger son of 
 ( 252 ; 
 
 polls, every ma.e irom twenty, years old and up- 
 ward, all that were able to go lorth to war; 
 
 23 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Simeon, h we?re fifty and nine ihousand 
 and three hundred. 
 
 24 H 01' the children of 'Gad, by tneir genera- 
 tions, after their families,, by the house of their 
 fathers, according to the number of the names, 
 from twenty years old and upward, all that were 
 able to go lorth lo war ; 
 
 25 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Gad, were k forty and five thousand 
 six hundred and fifty. 
 
 26 11 Of the children of 'Judah, by their gene- 
 rations, after their families, by the house of their 
 lathers, according to the number of the names, 
 from twenty years old and upward, all that were 
 able to go forth to war ; 
 
 27 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Judah, were m threescore and fourteen 
 thousand and six hundred. 
 
 28 H Of the children of "Issachar, by their 
 generations, after their families, by the house of 
 their fathers, according to the number of the 
 names, from twenty years old and upward, all that 
 were able to go forth to war ; 
 
 29 Those that were numbered of them, even ol 
 the tribe of Issachar, were "fifty and four thousand 
 and four hundred. 
 
 30 U Of the children of I’Zebulun, by their 
 generations, after their families, by the house of 
 their fathers, according to the number of the 
 names, from twenty years old and upward, all 
 that were able to go forth to war ; 
 
 31 Those that were numbered of them, even ol 
 the tribe of Zebulun, were i fifty and seven thou- 
 sand and four hundred. 
 
 32 H Of the children of "Joseph, namely, of the 
 children of Ephraim, by their generations, after 
 their families, .by the house of their fathers accord- 
 ing to the number of the names, from twenty years 
 old and upward, all that were able to go forth 
 to war 
 
 33 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 ■the tribe of Ephraim, 1 were forty thousand and 
 five hundred. 
 
 34 Of the children of Manasseh, by their gene- 
 rations, after their families, by the house of their 
 
 2:59. Nell. 7:61. Heb. 7:3,6. margins, c See on 2. il 26:1,2, 2 Sam. 24:1 — 10. 
 e Den. 29:32. 49:3,4. 1 Chr. 5:1. f2:10,U. 26:7. gGen. 29.33. 34:25— 30. 42: 
 24.49:5,6. h 2:. 3u 25:8,9,14. 26:14. i Gen. 30:10,11. 49:19. k 2:15. 26:18. 
 
 1 Gen. 29:35. 49:8—12. 1 Chr. 5:2. m 2:3,4 . 26:22. 2Snm. 24:9. 2 Chr. 17:14 
 —16. n Gen. 3U;18. 49:14,15. o 1:6. 26:25. p Gen. 30:20. 49: 13. q 2:8. 26: 
 27. r Gen. 30:24. 37: 39:— 18: 49:22-26. s Gen. 48:5. Dem. 33:17. t 2 : 1 9 
 26:37. 
 
 Joseph, is placed first. Afterwards the sons of the hand- 
 maids are mentioned ; but it is observable, that Bilhah’s 
 eldest son is first named, and the two sons of Zilpah next, 
 yet the youngest first ; and at last Napntali, the other son of 
 Bilhah. This arrangment is not easily accounted for: nor is 
 it adhered to in the subsequent part of the chapter* — 
 Elishama, the son of Ammihud, (10) was Joshua’s grand- 
 father. (1 Chr. 7:26,27.) 
 
 V. 17— 21. Marg. Ref. Comp. 26:7. 
 
 V. 22, 23. Marg. Ref. Note , 26:14. 
 
 V. 24. The tribe of Gad marched along with that of 
 Simeon, under the standard of Reuben ; and it seems on that 
 account to have been introduced in this order. The other 
 tribes also are classed together according to their encamp- 
 ments, and the order of their subsequent march ; and not ac- 
 cording to the arrangement before given of their princes. 
 
 V. 25. Comp. 26:18. 
 
 V. 26, 27. Jacob had given Judah the pre-eminence in 
 his prophetical blessing; and that, tribe was to have the pre- 
 cedency in the encampments of Israel: accordingly God hud 
 increased them more than any of their brethren ; indeed, to 
 more than double the number of some of the tribes. — Ephraim 
 and Manasseh, according to the same prophecy, were num- 
 bered as distinct tribes, Ephraim having the superiority as it 
 had been foretold; and Joseph indeed appears 14 a fruitful 
 bough:” yet the tribe of Judah was more numerous, by one 
 thousand nine hundred men, than these two tribes united. — 
 (32—35. 26:22. Notes, Gen. 49:8 10,22—26.) 
 
 V. 28 — 46. Marg. Ref. Comp. 26:23 — 51. 
 
 V. 47 — 50. The Leviles were by this regulation exempted 
 from war, because they were appointed to another special ser- 
 vice. It is evident that they had not been included, when thft 
 half shekel each was collected from those who were num- 
 bered ; for intimations had all along bccngi«ti. * <i the Loi In 
 
B. C 4D0. 
 
 CHAPTER II. B. C. 1490. 
 
 fathers, according to the number of the names, 
 from twenty years old and upward, all that were 
 able to go forth to war ; 
 
 35 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Manasseh, were "thirty and two thou- 
 sand and two hundred. 
 
 36 H Of the children of "Benjamin, by their 
 generations, after their families, by the house of 
 their fathers, according to the number of the 
 names, from twenty years old and upward, all 
 that were able to go forth to war ; 
 
 37 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Benjamin, were ^thirty and five thou- 
 sand and four hundred. 
 
 38 H Of the children of 'Dan, by their genera- 
 tions, after their families, by the house of their 
 fathers, according to the number of the names, 
 from twenty years old and upward, all that were 
 able to go forth to war ; 
 
 39 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Dan, were "threescore and two thou- 
 sand and seven hundred. 
 
 40 If Of the children of b Asher, by their genera- 
 tions, after their families, by the house of their 
 fathers, according to the number of the names, 
 from twenty years old and upward, all that were 
 able to go forth to war ; 
 
 41 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Asher, were "forty and one thousand 
 and five hundred. 
 
 42 If Of the children of d Naphtali, throughout 
 their generations, after their families, by the house 
 of their fathers, according to the number of the 
 names, from twenty years old and upward, all that 
 were able to go forth to war ; 
 
 43 Those that were numbered of them, even of 
 the tribe of Naphtali, were "fifty and three thou- 
 sand and four hundred. 
 
 44 If These f are those that were numbered, 
 which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the 
 princes of Israel, being twelve men : each one 
 was for the house of his fathers. 
 
 45 So were all those that were numbered of 
 the children of Israel, by the house of their fathers, 
 from twenty years old and upward, all that were 
 able to go forth to war in Israel ; 
 
 46 Even all they that were numbered were 
 
 u 2:2). 25:34. Gen. 48:19,20. x Gen. 35:16— 18. 44:20. 49:27. , 2:23. 26: 
 
 II. Jude. 20. 14 — 18. 2 Chr. 17:17.18. 7. Gen. 30:5,6. 49:16,17. a2:26 . 26: 
 
 43. I, Gen. 30:12,13. 49:20. c2:28.26:47. d Gen. 30:7,8 . 49:21. e2:30. 28: 
 
 50. C2 — 16 . 26:64. g 2:32. 23:10. 26:51. Gen. 13:16. K.x. 12:37. 33:26. Deut. 
 10:22. 1 Kings 4:20. 2 Chr. 13:3. He 1 ). 11:11,12. Rev. 7:4—9. h2:33. 3: 4 : 26: 
 57-62. 1 Chr. 6: 21:6. i 3:5— 10. 4:15,25—33. Ex. 32.26— 29 . 38:21. 1 Chron. 
 23: 25: 26: Ezra 8:25— 30,33,34. N(Ji. 12:8,22 47. 13:5,10—13,22. k53 . 20:11. 
 
 Ex. 31:18. 33:21. Ps. 122:4. 12:17.3:23-38. 10:21. m 4:5— 33. 10:17,21. 
 
 intentions respecting them, which were on this occasion more 
 explicitly declared. (Note, Ex. 30:11 — 16.) 
 
 V. 51. Notes, 4:5—18. 
 
 V. 53. The wrath of God would have come on the whole 
 congregation, if the service of the sanctuary had been ne- 
 glected ; or if the people had indiscriminately entered into the 
 tabernacle, or attempted to remove it when they marched. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 From noting the faithfulness of God to his promises, how- 
 ever large, and however improbable the performance might 
 appear in the case of Israel; we may take courage in expect- 
 in-', and praying for, the accomplishment of those which yet 
 remain to be fulfilled, to ourselves, and to the church of God. 
 And again, by considering the astonishing manner in which 
 this immense multitude of men, besides women, children, and 
 strangers, were fed, watered, and provided for in the wilder- 
 ness ; we may learn to trust the Lord for such things as are 
 needful for us and our families. Yet when we recollect how 
 soon, and in what manner, their carcasses fell in the wilder- 
 ness; we may also be reminded to revere the awful justice of 
 God, to prepare for death, which is continually making such 
 ravages ; and to repent and depart, from sin which produces 
 such fatal effects. — We here also see, as in a glass, the true 
 Israel of God ; “a number which no man can number,” yet 
 all known by name, and written in the book of life, by the 
 Captain of our salvation. They are his willing subjects, and 
 do not “ despise dominion,” whether of magistrates or minis- 
 ters, as acting by commission from him; they are indeed men 
 of peace, yet marshalled, armed, and prepared for battle ; 
 and they are daily assaulted, whilst on earth, by many ene- 
 mies : but under the command and protection of their Cap- 
 lain, they shall all finally, one after anothe-, be crowned con- 
 querors. — Nor are ministers discharged irom this war; but 
 must he careful “ not to entangle themselves with the affairs 
 of this life, that they may please him, who hath chosen them 
 
 *six hundred thousand, ana tnree thousand, ana 
 five hundred and fitly. 
 
 47 11 But h the Levites, after the tribe of their 
 fathers, were not numbered among them. 
 
 48 F or the Lord had spoken unto Moses, 
 saying, 
 
 49 Only thou shalt not number the tribe J 
 Levi, neither take the sum of them among tl * * 
 children of Israel ; 
 
 50 But ‘thou shalt appoint the Levites over k the 
 tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels 
 thereof, and over all things that belong to it : they 
 shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof 
 and they shall minister unto it, and shall ‘encamp 
 round about the tabernacle. 
 
 51 And when the tabernacle sefteth forward 
 m the Levites shall take it down ; and when the 
 tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it 
 up : and "the stranger that cometh nigh shall be 
 put to death. 
 
 52 And the children of Israel shall "pitch their 
 tents, every man by his own camp, and every man 
 by his own standard, throughout their hosts. 
 
 53 But the Levites rshall pitch round about the 
 tabernacle of testimony, that ‘There be no wrath 
 upon the congregation of the children of Israel : 
 and r the Levites shall keep the charge of the taber- 
 nacle of testimony. 
 
 54 And the children of Israel did "according 
 to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so did 
 they. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A command that the people should encamp according to their tribes, 1,2. 
 Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, on the east; Ine first division, 3 — 9. Reuben , 
 Simeon, Gad, on the south: the second division, 10 — 16. The Levites 
 around the tabernacle in the midst, 17. Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin , 
 on the west; the third division, 18 — 21. xJan, Asher, Naphtali, on the 
 north, and in the rear 25—31. A general recapitulation, 32 — 34. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses and unto 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 2 Every man of the children of Israel "shall 
 pitch by his own standard, with b the ensign of their 
 father’s house : ‘far off "about the tabernacle of 
 the congregation shall they pitch. 
 
 3 H And on the east side, toward the rising of 
 the sun, shall they of d the standard of the camp of 
 Judah pitch, throughout their armies : and "Nah- 
 shon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the 
 children of Judah. 
 
 n 3:10,38. 16:40. 18:22. Lev. 22:10— 13. 1 Sam. 6:19. 2 Sam. 6:7. o 2:34. 
 p 50. q 8:19. 16:46. 18:5. Lev. 10:6. Jer. 5:31. 23:15. Acts 20:28— 31. r 3:7,8. 
 8:24,25.18:3—5. 31:30,47. 1 Chr. 23:32. 2 Chr. 13:10. s2:34. Ex. 40:16,32. 
 Mall. 28:20. a 3,10. 1:52. 10:14,18,22,25. b la. 11 : 10 — 12. 18:3. Zech.9:16. 
 
 * Heb. over against. Josh. 3:4. c 1:50,53. Ps. 76:11. Is. 12:6. Ex. 43:7. I hil. 
 1:27. Col. 2:19. Rev. 4:2-5. cl Gen. 49:8— 10. Judg. 1 :1 ,2. 1 Chr. 5:2. el-7. 
 7:12,17. 10:14.26:19—22. Ruth 4:20. 1 Chr. 2:10. Matt. 1:4. Luke 3:32,33. 
 Naasson. 
 
 to be soldiers,” yea, officers in his army ; and they must learn 
 “ to endure hardship as good soldiers.” ( Note, 2 Tim . 2:3 — 7. ) 
 If exempted from secular concerns, it is in order that they 
 may be the more given up to the study and preaching of the 
 word of God, and to prayer, which are the chief weapons of 
 their warfare ; for by these means they may endeavour to 
 avert the wrath of God from the people. As Christians are 
 separated from the world, so ministers should be still more 
 detached from its pursuits and employments, and examples 
 to the flock ; ‘ not,’ says Mr. Henry, ‘ affecting to seem 
 greater, but aiming to be really better, every way better, than 
 others.’ 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 2. The Israelites encamped 
 in four grand divisions, with the tabernacle in the centre ; yet 
 at some distance from it, as a token of awe and reverence. — 
 The sanctuary and the ark, as pledges of Jehovah’s special 
 favour, were in reality the glory and defence of the people ; 
 yet the people were stationed, as if they had been the guar- 
 dians of the sanctuary, and no enemy could approach it 
 without forcing the way through their hosts. Religion is in- 
 deed our protection ; yet it is our duty to support its cause 
 and interest with our whole power and ability. — This en- 
 campment is computed to have formed a moveaple city ot 
 twelve miles square: and many think that the door of every 
 tent faced the tabernacle, that thence the people might wor- 
 ship towards this token of God’s presence upon a mercy-seat- 
 We know nothing certain concerning the standards of the 
 several tribes : but it is highly improbable that they should 
 have been the figures of any animals, as the Jewish writers 
 assert; for this might have proved an occasion to idolatry, 
 and indeed it was deemed unlawful in after ages. 
 
 V. 3. The tribe of Judah, from which Christ sprang, was 
 appointed to the highest station, and under it were ranked 
 the tribes of Issachar and Zebulun, Judah’s younger brethren 
 by the same mother. — The tribe of Reuben, Jacob’s eldest 
 l 253 ) 
 
B. C. 1 190. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 E. C. 1490. 
 
 4 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, 1 were threescore and fourteen thousand 
 and six hundred. 
 
 5 And those that do pitch next unto nim shall 
 he the tribe of Issachar: sand Nethaneel the son 
 of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issa- 
 char. 
 
 6 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 thereof, were h fifty and lour thousand and four 
 hundred. 
 
 7 Then the tribe of Zebulun ; and ’Eliab the son 
 Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun. 
 
 8 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 thereof, there k fifty and seven thousand and four 
 hundred. 
 
 9 All that were numbered in the camp of Judah 
 were an hundred thousand and fourscore thousand 
 and six thousand and four hundred, throughout 
 their armies : ’these shall first set forth. 
 
 10 if On the south side shall be the standard of 
 the camp of “Reuben, according to their armies: 
 and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be 
 "Elizur, the son of Shedeur. 
 
 11 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 thereof, were °lbrty and six thousand and five 
 hundred. 
 
 12 And those which pitch by him shall be the 
 tribe of Simeon : and the captain of the children 
 of Simeon shall be rShelumiel the son of Zuris- 
 haddai. 
 
 13 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, were “ififty and nine thousand and three 
 hundred. 
 
 14 Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of 
 the sons of Gad shall be ‘Eliasaph the son ofReuel. 
 
 15 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, were "forty and five thousand and six 
 hundred and fifty. 
 
 16 All that were numbered in the camp of 
 Reuben, were l an hundred thousand and fifty and 
 one thousand and four hundred and fifty, through- 
 out their armies : and "they shall set forth in the 
 second rank. 
 
 17 “If Then x the tabernacle of the congregation 
 shall set forward, with the camp of the Levites in 
 the midst of the camp : as they encamp so shall 
 they set forward, every man in his place, by their 
 standards. 
 
 18 If On the west side shall be the standard of 
 the camp of ^Ephraim, according to their armies : 
 and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be 
 "Elishama the son of Ammihud. 
 
 19 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, were "forty thousand and five hundred. 
 
 (1:27.26:22. B 1:8. 7:13,23. 10:15. h 1:29. 26:25. 1 1:9. 7 24,29. 10:16. It 1: 
 31.26:26,27. 1 10:14. m Gen. 49:3,4. 1 Chr. 5: 1. n 1:5. 7:30,35. 10:18. o 1: 
 21.26:7. p 1:6. 7:36,41. 10:19. q 1:23. 26:14. r 1:14. 7:42,47. 10 *20. Son nf 
 Deuel, s 1:25. 26:18. t 9.24.31. ti 10:18. x 2. 1:50— 53. 3:38. 10:17,21. 
 
 1 Cor. 14:40. Col. 2:5. y 1:32. 10:22. Gen. 48:5,14— 20. Dent. 33:17. Ps. 80:2. 
 t 1:10. 7:48,53. 10:22. 1 Chr. 7:26,27. a 1:33. 26:37. b 1:10. 7:54,59. 10:23. 
 
 son, though degraded, was appointed to lead the second 
 squadron, under whom ranked the tribe of Simeon his younger 
 brother, and that of Gad, the eldest son of ZiTpah, Leah’s 
 handmaid. — The three tribes descended from Rachel formed 
 the third squadron: and the three other tribes, descended 
 from the concubines, formed the fourth, under the command 
 of a cap‘ain of the tribe of Dan ; concerning which Jacob 
 prophesied, “ Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes 
 of Israel.” — Thus the whole arrangement was formed in evi- 
 dent wisdom, as well as sovereign aut hority, so as to conduce 
 to peace, and perpetuate relative affection. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 5. Nethaneel.] The remembrance of the God of their 
 fathers, which many of the Israelites retained during their 
 bondage in Egypt, appears from the names which they gave 
 their children as Nethaneel , which signifies, the gift of God: 
 Eliah , my God a father : Elizur , my God a rock; Shclumicl , 
 God my price: Eliasaph , my God hath added: Elishama , 
 my God hath heard , &c. 
 
 V. fi— 10. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 17. When the people were encamped, one division of 
 the congregation was placed at each quarter over against the 
 sanctuary ; but when they marched, two divisions went be- 
 fore and two after it. (Note, 10:21.) 
 
 V. 18—34. Marg. Ref. Note, Ex. 38:26—28. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord in his overruling providence, as certainly, though 
 with less observation, appoints tho hounds of our habitation 
 tnd our rank ira life, as he did tho encampments of Israel in the 
 ( 254 ) 
 
 20 And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh : 
 and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall 
 be b Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 
 
 21 And his host, and those that were numbeied 
 of them, were 'thirty and two thousand and two 
 hundred. 
 
 22 Then the tribe of Benjamin : and the cap- 
 tain of the sons of Benjamin shall be d Abidan the 
 son of Gideoni. 
 
 23 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, were "thirty and five thousand and four 
 hundred. 
 
 24 All that were numbered of the camp of 
 Ephraim were < an hundred thousand and eight 
 thousand and an hundred, throughout their ar- 
 mies : sand they shall'go forward in the third 
 rank. 
 
 25 IT The standard of the camp of Dan shall be 
 on the north side by their armies : and the captain 
 of the children of Dan shall be h Ahiezer the son 
 of Ammishaddai. 
 
 26 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, were ‘threescore and two thousand and 
 seven hundred. 
 
 27 And those that encamp by him shall be the 
 tribe of Asher : and the captain of the children ol 
 Asher shall be k Pagiel the son of Ocran. 
 
 28 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, were ’forty and one thousand and five 
 hundred. 
 
 29 Then the tribe of Naphtali : and the captain 
 of the children of Naphtali shall be “Ahira, the son 
 of Enan. 
 
 30 And his host, and those that were numbered 
 of them, ivere “fifty and three thousand and four 
 hundred. 
 
 31 All they that were numbered in the camp of 
 Dan, were “an hundred thousand and fifty and 
 seven thousand and six hundred : Pthey shall go 
 hindmost with their standards. 
 
 32 H These are those which were numbered of 
 the children of Israel, by the house of their fa- 
 thers : all those that were numbered of the camps, 
 throughout their hosts, were ‘’six hundred thou- 
 sand and three thousand and five hundred and 
 fifty. 
 
 33 Bufthe Levites were not numbered among 
 the children of Israel ; as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 34 And the children of Israel did "according to 
 all that the Lord commanded Moses : 'so they 
 pitched by their standards, and so they set for- 
 ward, every one after their families, according to 
 the house of their fathers. 
 
 el:35. 26:34. d 1:11. 7:60,65. 10:24. c 1:37. 26:41. (9,16,31 . g 10:21. hi 
 12. 7:66,71. 10:25. i 1:39. 26:43. k 1 :13 . 7:72,77. 10:26. 11:41.26:47. ml 
 15.7:78,83.10:27. n 1:42,43. 26:50. o9, 16,21. p 10:25. q 9. 1:46. 11:21. 26 
 51. Ex. 12:37. 38:26. r 1:47— 49. a 1:54. Ex. 39:42. P«. 119:6. Luke 1:6. 12 
 10:28. 23:9,10,21. 24:5,6. 
 
 wilderness. It is therefore our duty and interest to he con- 
 tented with our place, and to endeavour to occupy it in a 
 proper manner ; without attempting to desert it, or wishing 
 to change it ; without murmuring, ambition, or covetousness. 
 And if he M who ordercth all things after the counsel of his 
 own will,” hath allotted our station near to his word and ordi- 
 nances, and hath taught us to believe in the divine Redeemer, 
 we have abundant reason to he thankful. Though in a wil- 
 derness, in a cottage, in poverty, we have no reason, and 
 surely should have no disposition, to envy those who possess 
 stately mansions, elegant gardens, or cultivated estates, hut 
 have no lot in Israel, nor inheritance in Canaan. — The Lord is 
 a God of order andof^eace ; and he commands that all things 
 in his^hurch should be done “decently and in order and “that 
 all things be done in peace.” It would bo well if in attempt- 
 ing to accomplish the former purpose, according to their own 
 idea of decency and order, all denominations of Christians 
 had not too much lost sight of the latter injunction. It is desi- 
 rable that real Christians should be of one judgment : hut i! 
 that cannot bo obtained, it is of great importance that they 
 be of one heart ; and that, like these four squadrons of Israel, 
 they should live in harmony with one another; and in their 
 different encampments surround the ark, as all of one family, 
 embarked in one common interest, and marching to tho same 
 heavenly Canaan: and that they be upon their guard against 
 the suggestions of those enemies, who would persuade them 
 to quarrel about their different, ensigns, and to draw the sword 
 of war against their brethren ; instead of being Valiant fo| 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The sons of Aaron, 1—4. The Levites given to them for assistants, instead 
 of the first-bqrn , 5 — 13. The Levites numbered according to the three fami- 
 lies o> Gershon, Kohath, and Merari ; and their several charges assigned 
 
 them, 14 — '1. I ' f ises ana Aar "n, 38, 39. The first-born changed 
 
 for the Levites, and the redemption of the uver/dus, 40 — 51. 
 
 T HESE also are the “generations of Aaron and 
 Moses in the day that the Lord b spake with 
 Moses in mount Sinai. 
 
 2 And these are 'the names of the sons of 
 Aaron ; Nadab the first-born, and Abihu, Elea- 
 zar, and Ithamar. 
 
 3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, 
 d the priests which were anointed, ‘whom e he con- 
 secrated to minister in the priest’s office. 
 
 4 And 4 Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, 
 when they offered strange fire before the Lord in 
 the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children: 
 ?and Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s 
 office in the sight of Aaron their father. 
 
 . 5 H And the Lord siiake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 6 h Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present 
 them before Aaron the priest, that they may minis- 
 ter unto him. 
 
 7 And they shall 'keep his charge, and the 
 charge of the whole congregation, before the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, to k do the service of 
 the tabernacle. 
 
 8 And 'they shall keep all the instruments of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge of 
 the children oflsrael, to do the service of the taber- 
 nacle. 
 
 9 And m thou sbalt give the Levites unto Aaron, 
 and to his sons; they are wholly given unto him 
 out of the children of Israel. * 
 
 10 And thou sbalt appoint Aaron and his sons, 
 and "they shall wait on their priest’s office : "and 
 the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to 
 death. 
 
 11 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 12 And I, behold, >’I have taken the Levites 
 from among the children of Israel, instead of all 
 the first-born that openeth the matrix among the 
 children of Israel ; therefore the Levites shall be 
 mine. 
 
 13 Because iall the first-born are mine ; for r on 
 the day that I smote all the first-born in the land 
 of Egypt, I hallowed unto me all the first-born in 
 Israel, both man and beast ; mine they shall be : 1 
 am the Lord. 
 
 a Gen. 2:4. 5:1. 10:1. Ex. 6: 15,20,25. Mad. 1:1. b 1:1. Lee. 25:1. 27:34. c26: 
 60. Ex. 6:23. 28:1. I Chr. 6:3. 24:1. <1 F.x. 28:41. 40:13,15. Lev. 8:12,30. 
 
 ’ Ileb. whose hand "e filled. e Ex. 29:1 — 37. Lev. 8: 9. Heb. 7:28. f 26:61. 
 Lev. 10: 1 . 1 Chr. 24:2. e 1 Chr. 24: 1— ' S. h 1 :49— >53. 2:17,33. 8:6— 15,22— 26. 
 16:9—11.18:2—6. Ex. 32:26—29. Deut. 33:3.9. i 3:32. 8:26. 31 :30. 1 Chr. 23: 
 28 — 32. 26:26. k 1:50.8:11,15,24—26. I 4:15,28,33.10:17,21. 1 Chr. 26.20— 28. 
 Ezra 8:24—81.1. la. 92:11. in 8:19. 18:6. Eph. 4:8,11. n 18:7. 1 Chr. 6:49. Ez. 
 44:8. Arts 6:3,4. Horn. 12:7. 1 Tim. 4:15.16. o 38. 1:51. 16:35,40. 18:3. 1 Sam. 
 6:19. 2 Sam. 6:7. 2 Chr. 26:16— 21. Heb. 8:4. p 41. 8:16. 18:6. q 8:17. 18:15. 
 
 tlie truth, and against the common enemies of their religion. 
 Then would the church be “ comely, and terrible as an army 
 with banners and not the less so for being divided into differ- 
 ent squadrons, encamped or marching separately ; provided 
 each division vied with all the others, which should be most 
 zealous for the cause of God and truth, and most careful to 
 “adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things:” — “Let 
 then brotherly love continue and may the Lord prosper the 
 attempts, and increase the numbers of those who “ endeavour 
 to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace !” (Notes, 
 Eph. 4:1—6. Phil. 1:27—30.2:1—4.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1 — 3. The sons of Moses 
 are not particularly mentioned on this occasion, having no 
 distinction conferred on them above their brethren. This 
 was a singular instance of his disinterested moderation, and 
 submission to the appointment of God ; who, in proof of the 
 divine legation of his servant, willed him to act in a manner 
 so contrary to all other eminent men : for they almost univer- 
 sally seek the advancement of their posterity.— Aaron is 
 here first mentioned, because the honour of the priesthood 
 was conferred upon him and his sons ; while those of Moses 
 were only common Levites, and therefore classed among 
 them. (1 Chr. 23:14 — 20. Notes, 11. 26:24—27.) 
 
 V. 4. In the sight — ] That is, according to Aaron’s 
 direction, under his eye, and in concurrence with him. 
 Thus, by attending to his prudent counsel, they were pre- 
 served from the sin and punishment of their brethren. Their 
 regular and reverential ministrations would doubtless afford 
 much consolation to Aaron after his affliction. 
 
 V. 5 — 10. There was at this time much work to be done, 
 and only three priests to perform it : some assistants were 
 
 14 H And the Lord spake unto Moses in the 
 wilderness of Sinai, saying, 
 
 1 5 Number the children of Levi, after the house 
 of their fathers, by their families ; “every male 
 from a month old and upward sbalt thou number 
 them. 
 
 16 And Moses numbered them according to the 
 f word of the Lord, as he was commanded. 
 
 17 And 'these were the sons of Levi, by their 
 names ; Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari. 
 
 18 And these are the names of the sons of Ger- 
 shon, by their families; “Libni, and Shimei. 
 
 19 And the sons of Kohath, by their families ; 
 "Amrani, and Izehar, Hebron, and Uzziel. 
 
 20 And the sons of Merari, by their families ; 
 rMahli, and Mushi. These are the families of the 
 Levites, according to the house of their fathers. 
 
 21 H Of Gershon was the family “of the Lib 
 nites, and the family of the Shimites : these are 
 the families of the Gershonites. 
 
 22 Those that were numbered of them, ac- 
 cording to the number of all the males, from a 
 month old and upward, even those that were num- 
 bered of them, were "seven thousand and five 
 hundred. 
 
 23 The families of the Gershonites shall pitch 
 b behind the tabernacle westward. 
 
 24 And the chief of the house of the father of the 
 Gershonites, shall be Eliasaph (lie son of Lael. 
 
 25 And c the charge of the sons of Gershon, in 
 the tabernacle of the congregation, shall be d the 
 tabernacle, and the tent, the covering thereof, and 
 “the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the 
 congregation: 
 
 26 And ‘the hangings of the court, and the cur- 
 tain for the door of the court, which is by the 
 tabernacle, and by the altar round about, and sthe 
 cords of it, for all the service thereof. 
 
 27 II And h of Kohath was the family of the 
 Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and 
 the family of the Hebronites, and the family of 
 the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Ko- 
 hathites. 
 
 28 In the number of all the males, from a month 
 old and upward, were 'eight thousand and six 
 hundred, k keeping the charge of the sanctuary. 
 
 29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall 
 pitch 'on the side of the tabernacle south 
 ward. 
 
 Ex. 13:2,12. 34:19. Lev. 27:26. Luke 2:23. Heb. 12:23. r Ex. 12:29,30. 13:15. 
 s 22,28,34,39,40,43. 18:16.26:62. t Heb .moolh. t 26:57,58. Gen. 46:11. Ex. 
 6:16. 1 Chr. 6:1,2,16-19. Gers om.23:6— 23. u Ex. 6:17. 1 Chr. 6:17.20. x Ex. 
 6:18,20. 1 Chr. 6:18,38. 23:12,13,18,19,20. Izhnr. y Ex. 6:19. 1 CI.r. 6:19,29, 
 47.23:21,23. X. 18. a 4:38— 10. b 1:53. 2:17. c 7. 4:24— 28. 7 7. 10:17. 1 Chr. 
 9:14—33.23:3-2.26:21,22. 2 Chr. 31:2,11—18. Ezra 8:28— 30. Mark 13.34. Rom. 
 13:6 — 8. Col. 4:17. I Tim. 1:18. d Ex. 25:9. 26:1— 14. 36:8— 19. 40:19. e Ex. 
 26:36,37.36:37.38.40:28. f Ex. 27:9— 16. 38:9— 16. s Ex. 35:18. h See on 
 19. 1 Chr. 23:12. 26:23. i 4:35,36 k 7,31. 123. 1:53. 
 
 therefore necessary to attend on the more ordinary services, 
 whilst they sprinkled the blood, burned the fat, and offered 
 incense, especially when the tabernacle was to be taken 
 down, and carried with them in their marches. That no 
 improper persons, none “ who were not called of God,” might 
 be employed, the tribe of Levi was on this occasion set apart 
 for these services. To this tribe Moses and Aaron belonged: 
 it had been signalized by its zeal against idolatry in the 
 matter of the golden calf. (Notes, Ex. 33:27 — 29. Deut. 
 33:9.) It was by far the smallest tribe of all: and, in short, 
 it seemed good in the sight of God to choose the Levites to 
 approach to him, in preference to the other Israelites. (Note, 
 Ps. G5:4.) Several intimations had before been given of this 
 purpose of God, but it was now more fully and expressly 
 declared. — The services allotted to the Levites, at this time 
 and in subsequent ages, may be most exactly known by 
 carefully consulting the Scriptures referred to in the margin, 
 and the notes made on them. 
 
 V. 13. Some learned men have argued, that the first-born 
 of each family were the priests of the Lord by birth, before 
 this change; but this has no scriptural ground. Indeed, the 
 very mention of the day, and occasion of the first-born having 
 been hallowed, proves that no such custom or notion had 
 previously existed. (Notes, Ex. 13:2,11 — 16. 24:5.) The 
 Levites, as substituted for the first-born, were not admitted 
 to the priesthood ; nor were they exchanged for the first-born 
 of mature age, but for the young first-born children. ( Marg. 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 14 — 19. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. G:1 4 — 25. 
 
 V. 25, 26. Marg. Ref. 4:23—28. 7:7. 
 
 V. 27—31. Marg. Ref. Notes, 4:5—16. 7:4—9. 
 
 , ( 255 ) 
 
E. C. 1490. 
 
 30 And the chief of the house of the father of 
 the families of the Kohathites, shall be Elizaphan 
 the son of Uzziel. 
 
 31 And their charge shall be m the ark, and 
 the table, and the candlestick, and “the altars, 
 and the vessels of the sanctuary wherewith they 
 minister, and “the hanging, and all the service 
 thereof. 
 
 32 And p E,eazar the son of Aaron the priest 
 shall be chief over the chief of the Levites, and 
 have the oversight of them that keep the charge 
 of the sanctuary. 
 
 33 H Of Merari was ithe family of the Mahlites, 
 and the family of the Mushites: these are the 
 families of Merari. 
 
 34 And those that were numbered of them, ac- 
 cording to the number of all the males, from a 
 month old and upward, were r six thousand and 
 two hundred. 
 
 35 And the chief of the house of the father of 
 the families of Merari was Zuriel, the son of Abi- 
 hail : nhese shall pitch on the side of the taberna- 
 cle northward. 
 
 36 And 'under the custody and charge of the 
 sons of Merari, shall be ‘the boards of the taber- 
 nacle, and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, 
 and the sockets thereof, and all the vessels there- 
 of, and all that serveth thereto, 
 
 37 And the pillars of the court round about, 
 and their sockets, and their pins, and their 
 cords. 
 
 38 11 But those that encamp before the taber- 
 nacle "toward the east, even before the tabernacle 
 of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses and 
 Aaron, and his sons, “keeping the charge of the 
 sanctuary, >'for the charge of the children of Israel: 
 and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to 
 death. 
 
 39 All that were numbered of the Levites, 
 which Moses and Aaron numbered at the com- 
 mandment of the Lord, throughout their families, 
 all the males from a month old and upward were 
 •twenty and two thousand. 
 
 *i 4:4—16. Ex. 25:10— 40. 37:1—24. n Ex. 27:1— 8. 30:1—10. 37:25—29. 38:1 
 —7. o Ex. 26:31— 33. 36:35,36. p 4:16,27. 20:25- 28. 2Kings25:18. 1 Chr. 
 9:14—20.26:20—24. q See on20. 1 Chr. 6: 19. 23:21. r 5:43,44. a 23,29. 
 • Heb . the office of the charge, t 4:29— 33. 7:8. Ex. 26:15— 29,32,37. 27:9— 
 19. 36:20-34,36.38:17—20. u 23,29,35. 1:53.2:3. x 18:1—5. 1 Chr. 6:48,49. 
 
 V. 32. Eleazar, who was next in succession to the high- 
 priesthood, was appointed to rule those who were placed over 
 all the Levites, in respect of their different services, and to 
 allot those of each family their own work. The special 
 charge, in the constituent parts of the sanctuary, allotted 
 to each division, may be clearly seen by examining the 
 marginal references. 
 
 V. 36. Marg. Ref. 4:29—33. 7:8. 
 
 V. 38. The three divisions of the Levites being stationed 
 on the west, the south, and the north, of the sanctuary ; the 
 east, or fore-front, which was the most important station, was 
 guarded by Moses and the priests, who thus were at hand to 
 exclude all improper persons. 
 
 V. 39. The sum total of the Levites was 22,300 ; “ of 
 Gershon 7,500:” (22) of “ Kohath 8,600 :” (28) “of Merari 
 6,200.” (34) But the 300 of the Levites are supposed to be 
 the first-born of their several families, after the departure 
 out of Egypt* who were already devoted to the Lord : and we 
 must acknowledge a peculiar interposition of Providence in 
 this near coincidence in the number of the Levites, and that 
 of the first-born. (43) 
 
 V. 41 — 43. The first-born, in any company, must in 
 general at least amount to one in eight or ten ; whereas the 
 number here mentioned, was scarcely one in fifty of all the 
 males young and old : for there were above 600,000 adults, and 
 perhaps almost as many under age. It is therefore evident, 
 that none were numbered, but those who had been born after 
 the destruction of the first-born of Egypt. This indeed 
 seems the meaning of the law, which referred to the future, 
 and not to the past; (Ex. 13:2.) and it is evident that the 
 firstlings of the cattle were thus reckoned. Indeed 45,000 of 
 both sexes, which is rather more than double the first-born 
 males, seems a vast number of first-born children within the 
 space of one year : but upon reflection, we shall find it by no 
 means improbable, that among 1 ,200,000 persons of both sexes, 
 who were above twenty years of age, (and many might marry 
 much younger than that age,) there should be within that 
 time 50,000 marriages : that is, about the twelfth part of the 
 company iff marriageable persons of each sex. Especially 
 if we consider that multitudes might bo inclined to marry, 
 when they found they were about to enjoy liberty : and when 
 ( 256 ) 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 40 IT And the Lord said unto Moses, “Number 
 all the first-born of the males of the children of 
 Israel, from a month old and upward, and take 
 the number of their names. 
 
 41 And thou shalt take the Levites for me, (I 
 am the Lord,) instead of all the first-born among 
 the children of Israel ; and the cattle of the Le- 
 vites, instead of all the firstlings among the cattle 
 of the children of Israel. 
 
 42 And Moses numbered, as the Lord com- 
 manded him, all the first-born among the children 
 of Israel. 
 
 43 And all the first-born males, by the number 
 of names, from a month old and upward, of those 
 that were numbered of them, b were twenty and 
 two thousand two hundred and threescore and 
 thirteen. 
 
 44 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 45 Take “the Levites instead of all the first 
 born among the children of Israel, and the cattle 
 of the Levites instead of their cattle, and the 
 Levites shall be mine: I am the Lord. 
 
 46 And for those that are to be d redeemed, of 
 the two hundred and threescore and thirteen of 
 the first-born of the children of Israel, “which are 
 more, than the Levites ; 
 
 47 Thou shalt even take f five shekels apiece by 
 tlie poll; after sthe shekel of the sanctuary shalt 
 thou take them : (the shekel is twenty gerahs :) 
 
 48 And thou shalt give the money, wherewith 
 the odd number of them is to be redeemed, unto 
 Aaron and to his sons. 
 
 49 And Moses took the redemption money of 
 them, that were over and above them that were 
 redeemed by the Levites. 
 
 50 Of the first-born of the children of Israel 
 took he the money; h a thousand three hundred 
 and threescore and five shekels, after the shekel of 
 the sanctuary. 
 
 51 And Moses ‘gave the money of them that 
 were redeemed, unto Aaron and to his sons, ac- 
 cording to the word of the Lord, as the Lord 
 commanded Moses. 
 
 y See on 7,8,10. 2 4:47,48. 26:62. Mitt. 7:14. a See on 12,15,45. Ex. 32i 
 26—29. b 39. c 40. d 18:15. Ex. 13:13. e 39,43. f 18:16. Lev. 27:0. 
 
 g 50. Ex. 30:13. Lev. 27:25. Ez. 45:12. h 46,47. i 48. 16:15. 1 Sam. 12:3,4. 
 Ada 20:33. 1 Cor. 9:12. 
 
 they recollected, that the promises made to Israel peculiarly 
 respected a very rapid increase, and thal there would doubtless 
 be a very great blessing upon them in this respect. — The first- 
 born Israelites were therefore all unfit for service on this 
 emergency: and as they were the heirs of their several 
 families, they probably would not have been very willing when 
 of age to become servants to the priests ; and consequently 
 the change would be as acceptable to the relations of those 
 who were set aside, as to those who were substituted in their 
 stdad. — It seems, however, that the Levites and their posterity 
 were thus dedicated to God, only in lieu of the first-born at 
 that time ; Cor the law concerning the presentation and 
 redemption of the first-born was in force through all succeed- 
 ing generations, until the days of Christ. (Luke, 2:22,23.) 
 
 V. 44 — 51 . Either it was determined by lot, who should 
 pay the redemption money, and for whom the Levites should 
 be accepted ; or it was paid by a common tax : or, as some 
 think, they began with the eldest ; and so the youngest, not 
 being changed, were redeemed. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Whilst we consider Jesus, our great High-Priest, appointed 
 of the Father, and intrusted with the charge of the sanctuary 
 and of the whole congregation, and keeping that charge witn 
 unremitting attention, and entire faithfulness, love, and power ; 
 we should recollect, that his ministers, as presented unto him 
 and ministering before him, have a solemn charge committed 
 to them also. They are called upon to wait in their office ; to 
 serve the Lord with reverence; to offer no strange fire; tc 
 do nothing of their own mind, or in their own spirit ; and with 
 all diligence and fidelity to follow the instructions and copy 
 the example of their Lord But it is of the utmost import- 
 ance that each should know his own post and duty ; that no 
 part of the work may bo neglected ; and that there may bo 
 no interference, and no occasion given for envy, ambition, or 
 discontent. No service required by such a Master can bo 
 either mean or hard; for he will put honour upon tho faithful 
 in the lowest situation, and will provide assistance where the 
 work is too laborious. Christians also, though not engaged 
 in tho ministry, havo a work to do, and a charge to keep ; and 
 must remember, that as all men are the Lord’s by creation, 
 believers are his by redemption ; and that, as the ministry 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
D.'C. 1 11)0. 
 
 CHAPTER IY. 
 
 B. C. 1 490 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 A command to number the family of Kohalh from thirty to fifty years old 
 1 — 3. The most holy things to be carried by them, having been p re pared 
 and covered by the priests, 4 — 15. The charge of Eleazar, 16. Moses and 
 Aaron solemnly charged about covering the holy things, 17 — ' 20. The ser- 
 vice and burden of the eons of Gershon, from thirty to fifty , 21—28 ; and of 
 the Mcrarites, 29—33. The number of the Kohathites , 34—37 ; of the Ger- 
 ehonites, 38—41 ; and of the Merarites , 42—14. The sum total, 45—49. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses and unto 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 2 Take the sum of the sons of “Kohath from 
 among the sons of Levi, after their families, by 
 the house of their fathers, 
 
 3 From thirty years old and upward, even 
 until fifty years old, all that 'enter into the host, to 
 ''do the work in the tabernacle of the congrega- 
 tion. . [Practical Observations. 1 
 
 4 This shall he "the service of the sons of Ko- 
 hath in the tabernacle of the congregation about 
 the most holy things. 
 
 5 And f when the camp setteth forward, ^ Aaron 
 shall come, and his sons, and they h shall take down 
 the covering veil, 'and cover the ark of testimony 
 with it ; 
 
 6 And shall put thereon the covering of bad- 
 gers’ skins, and shall spread over it k a cloth wholly 
 of blue, and shall put in ‘the staves thereof. 
 
 7 And upon ‘"the table of show-bread they shall 
 spread a cloth of blue, and put thereon the dishes, 
 and the spoons, and the bowls, and covers to 
 "cover withal : and the continual bread shall be 
 thereon. 
 
 8 And they shall sp^ad upon them °a cloth of 
 scarlet, and cover the same with a covering of 
 badgers’ skins, and shall put in the staves thereof. 
 
 9 And they shall take a cloth of blue, and cover 
 Pthe candlestick of the light, and his lamps, and 
 his tongs, and his snuff-dishes, and all the oil- 
 vessels thereof, wherewith they minister unto it. 
 
 10 And they shall put it, and all the vessels 
 thereof, ^within a covering of badgers’ skins, and 
 shall put it upon a bar. 
 
 1 1 And upon ' the golden altar they shall spread 
 a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of 
 badgers’ skins, and shall put to the staves thereof. 
 
 12 And they shall take all "the instruments oi 
 ministry, wherewith they minister in the sanc- 
 tuary, and put them in a cloth of blue, and cove." 
 them with a covering of badgers’ skins, and 
 shall put them on a bar. 
 
 13 And they shall take away ‘the ashes from 
 the altar, and spread “a purple cloth thereon : 
 
 14 And they shall put upon it "all the vessels 
 thereof, wherewith they minister about it, even the 
 censers, the flesh-hooks, and the shovels, and the 
 'basins, all the vessels of the altar; and they shall 
 spread upon it a covering of badgers’ skins, and 
 put to the staves of it. 
 
 15 And when Aaron and his sons have made an 
 end of covering the sanctuary, and all the vessels 
 of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward ; 
 y after that, the sons of Kohath shall come to bear 
 it : but “they shall not touch any holy thing, lest 
 they die. "These things are the burden of the 
 sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gation. 
 
 16 IT And to b the office of Eleazar the son of 
 Aaron the priest pertaineth ‘the oil for the light, 
 and d the sweet incense, and “the daily meat-offer- 
 ing, and f the anointing oil, sand the oversight of 
 all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the 
 sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof. 
 
 17 IT And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 18 h Cut ye not off the tribe of the families of 
 the Kohathites from among the Levites : 
 
 19 But thus do unto them, that they may live 
 and not die, when they approach unto the most 
 holy things ; Aaron and his sons shall go in, and 
 appoint them every one to his service, and to his 
 burden. 
 
 20 But 'they shall not go in to see when the 
 holy things are covered, lest they die. 
 
 21 IT And the Lord spake unto Moses, say- 
 ing, ^ 
 
 22 Take also k the sum of the sons of Gershon, 
 throughout the houses of their fathers, by their 
 families : 
 
 Luke 
 10 — 
 e 24 
 
 a See on 3:19,27. b 8:24 — 26. Gen. 41 :46. 1 Chr. 23:3,24— 27. 28:12 13 T 
 3:23. 1 Tim. 3:6. c 2 Kings 11:4— 12. 2 Chr. 23:1— fl. 2 Cor. 10:3,4. Enh' 6- 
 Jj-1 J™.- I; !8. tl 3:7,8. 16:9. 1 Clir. 6:48. 23:4,5,28-32. 1 Tim. 3:1 . « 
 30.3:311,31. Murk 13:34. 12:16,17.10:14. g 5. 3:27 — 32. h Ex 26-31—33' 
 36:35.40:3. Mat!. 27:51. Heb. 9:3. 10:20. i Ex. 25:10— 22. 37:1— 8. 2 Sam’ 
 6: V 9 -„a A , 'f 11 ,- 1 . 3 ' Cx. 35:19.39:1,41. 1 Ex. 25:14,15. 1 King, S:™! 
 
 m Ex. 25:23 — .30.37:10 — 16. Lav. 24:5 — 8. * * Or, pour out. o6 7 9]l 15 
 
 p Ex. 25:31— 39. 37:17—24. Ps. 119:105. Rev. 1:20. 2.1. q 6,12. r Ex’. 30:1— 
 
 10. 37:25—28. s 3:8. Ex. 25:9. 1 Chr. 9:29. 2 Chr. 4:11,16,19,22. I Ex. 27-3-- 
 5. Lev, 6:12,13. » 6 — 9,1 1 ,12. Ex. 39:1,41. xEx.3S:l— 7. tOr. tovl, 
 
 y 8:9. 10:21. Ileut.31:9. 2 Sam. 6:3. 1 Chr. 15:2,15. 7.3:38. 1 Sam. 6 19 2Sam 
 6:6,7. 1 Chr. 13:9,10. Heb. 12:18— 29. a 3:30,31. b 3:32. cEx.256 27-20 
 
 21. Lev. 24:2. d Ex. 30:34— 38 . 37:29. e Ex. 29:39— 11. fEx 30-23—33’ 
 
 * Acts 20:28. 1 Pet. 5:2. h 16:32. 17:10. 18:5. Lev. 10:2. Jer.38:23. i 15 19 ' 
 Ex. 19:21. 1 Sam. 6:19. Heb. 10:19,20. Rev. 11:19. k See on 3:18 21 '24. 
 
 was appointed for their benefit, they are required to strengthen 
 the hands and to encourage the hearts of those, who minister 
 before the Lord in their behalf. — Blessed be God, we may all 
 at present enter even into the holiest, without danger of 
 death, nay, with assurance of acceptance and life eternal, if 
 tve come by faith in Jesus Christ. Still however we must 
 regret, that the Lord’s people form a very«mall proportion of 
 the whole multitude of mankind; and we should be reminded 
 to pray for the sending forth of more faithful ministers: 
 for when they are increased, it is a hopeful sign that the Lord 
 is about to accomplish great things in increasing his church 
 Nor let us forget, that children, though unfit for service, were 
 numbered as part of this holy tribe ; “ for of such is the 
 kingdom of God.” But whilst we desire that our offspring 
 should be numbered among the Lord’s peculiar people, and 
 that they should excel in holiness; let us, after the example 
 of Moses, be indifferent about every other distinction and 
 interest, either for them or for ourselves. 
 
 NOTES. Chap. IV. V. 3. The people were numbered 
 for war from twenty years of age; but the Levites were not 
 numbered for the service of the sanctuary till thirty. This, 
 however, had special reference to the charge and burden of 
 emoving the tabernacle : for they entered as probationers at 
 wenty-five; (Notes, 8:24— 26.) and in David’s time, when the 
 work was more extensive, but not so heavy, they were admit- 
 ted at twenty years old. (Note, 1 Chr. 23:24— 28.)— Jesus 
 Ihnst deferred entering on his public work till he was thirty 
 years of age: John the Baptist seems to have be»un his 
 ministry rather earlier in lire.— The Levites also had an 
 honourable discharge from the most laborious parts of their 
 employment, after twenty years service, though they were 
 still to be occupied in one way or other.— These laws are not 
 binding in the letter of them upon the ministers of the cospel • 
 '*ut they may afford them much useful practical instruction ’ 
 
 V. 5. The law prohibiting any person except the high- 
 pnest on one day m the year, to enter into the most holy 
 place, must have admitted of an exception, while the Israeli- 
 tes were continually removing in the wilderness : that excep- 
 on therefore was expressly made ; and the directions given 
 Vol. I. — 33 
 
 relating to it must be religiously observed, or the service 
 could not be safely performed.— While the cloud rested on the 
 tabernacle, the general rule was in force ; but when it was 
 removed, then the priests might enter to prepare the sacred 
 vessels for removal. 
 
 V. 6. These coverings were intended not so much for 
 security and decent respect, as for concealment ; and they 
 marked not only the reverence due to holy things, but the 
 mysteriousness of the things signified by those types, and 
 the darkness of that dispensation.— Some suppose that the 
 cloth of blue represented the azure firmament, which inter- 
 poses between us and the majesty of heaven. — The covering 
 of badgers’ skins, made for the tabernacle, was carried by the 
 Gershonites; (24,25. ) but this was one made to conceal and 
 shelter the ark, when it was to be carried. 
 
 V. 7. Continual bread..] The Israelites might 'be able to 
 procure corn enough from the adjacent countries, even when 
 in the . wilderness, to make the show-bread, and to present 
 the daily meat-offerings. 
 
 V. 13, 14. The embers of the sacred fire seem to have 
 been removed in the grate, which was carried apart from the 
 brazen altar; (Note, Ex. 27:1—8.) both being covered from 
 view by purple cloths. 
 
 V. 15. Marg. Ref. z. 
 
 V. 16. Eleazar himself, perhaps with the other priests, 
 was required to carry the oil for the light the incense, and 
 the flour for the daily meat-offering, and the holy ointment; 
 besides superintending the Levites.— It may be supposed, 
 that he himself catried no more of the oil than for oresent 
 use. (Note, Ex. 30:22 — 33.) 
 
 V. 18. Eleazar and the priests would be chargeable with 
 the death of the Kohathites, if they failed to give them proper 
 cautions and directions ; or permitted them to gaze irreve- 
 rently or curiously upon the holy things, which they might 
 carry, but must not see. (20) 
 
 V. 22—26. Marg . Ref. 
 
 Y. 27, 28. The Levites were under the command of the 
 priests. Eleazar exercised this authority in general, as next 
 in succession to Aaron and he in particular wap placed over 
 ( 257 ) 
 
B. C. 1400. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 23 From Unity years old and upward until 
 fifty years ,(d f-fialt thou number them; all that 
 enter in to 'peiform the service, to do the work 
 in the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 24 This is the service of the families of the 
 Gershonites, to serve, and for 'burdens. 
 
 25 And they shall bear m the curtains of the 
 tabernacle, and the tabernacle of the congrega- 
 tion, his covering, and the covering of the bad- 
 gers’ skins that is above upon it, and the hanging 
 for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 26 And the hangings of the command the 
 hanging lor the door of the gate of the court, 
 which is by the tabernacle and by the altar round 
 about, and their cords, and all the instruments of 
 their service, and all that is made for them; so 
 shall they serve. 
 
 27 At the tappointment of Aaron and his sons 
 Bhall be all the service of the sons of the Gershon- 
 ites, in all their burdens, and in all their service: 
 and ye shall appoint unto them in charge ail their 
 burdens. 
 
 28 This is the service of the families of the 
 sons of Gershon, in the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gation : and their charge shall be "under the hand 
 of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 
 
 29 H As for “the sons of Merari, thou shalt 
 number them after their families, by the house of 
 their fathers : 
 
 30 F rom thirty years old and upward even unto 
 fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one 
 that entereth into the ^service, to do the work of 
 the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 31 And this is ' the charge of their burden, ac- 
 cording to all their service in the tabernacle of 
 the congregation ; the boards of the tabernacle, 
 and the bars thereof, and the pillars thereof, and 
 sockets thereof, 
 
 32 And the pillars of the court round about, 
 and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, 
 with all their instruments, and with all their ser- 
 vice : and by name ye shall reckon l Uhe instru- 
 ments of the charge of their burden. 
 
 33 This is the service of the families of the 
 sons of Merari, according to all their service in 
 the tabernacle of the congregation, "under the 
 hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 
 
 34 H And Moses and Aaron, and the chief of 
 the congregation, numbered the sons of the 
 Kohathites, after their families, and after the house 
 of their fathers; 
 
 35 From ‘thirty years old and upward even 
 unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into 
 the service, for the work in the tabernacle of the 
 congregation. 
 
 1 See on 3. * Ileb. to mar the warfare. 3. ‘2Cor.6:7. 10:3, -1. 1 Tim. 1:18. 
 
 2 Tim. 2:3,4. 4:7. t Or, carriage, m Sec on 3:25,26. 7:5 — 7. } Heb. mouth. 
 
 Luke 1 :70. 1 Cor. 11:2. n 33. 1 Cor. 12:5,6. o See on 3:33-35. § fleb. war- 
 
 the Kohathites ; while Ithamar, his younger brother, com- 
 manded the Gershonites and Merarites. (33) 
 
 V. 32. Reckon the instruments.] An inventory seems to 
 have been taken of every particular, even to the pins belong- 
 ing to each part ; that nothing might be wanting, when the 
 tabernacle was to be set up. 
 
 V. 44. Three thousand and two hundred.] The family of 
 Merari was smaller than either of the other families of Levi; 
 yet there was in it a greater number of able men ; and they 
 were charged with the heaviest part of the sanctuary: and 
 though wagons were afterwards provided for them, yet the 
 loading and unloading of the sockets, and other things of 
 great weight, would require much strength. (Comp. 36,40. 
 ■with 3:22,28,34.) The sum total of effective Levites was very 
 small, compared with that of the other tribes: (48) yet there 
 wo.uld be more by far than could at. once be employed in (his 
 service. But they might carry by turns and case one another, 
 and thus do the whole expeditiously and cheerfully. They 
 would also have their own tents to remove, and their own 
 families to take care of. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 3. The minister of Christ ought not on any account 
 to strive or war with carnal weapons^ yet he must “enter 
 into the host of llm Lord;’ 5 and both in his personal conflict 
 against sin and Satan, and in the duties of his important 
 calling, he must boldly fight the good fight of faith,” with 
 the appointed weapons of his warfare, sound doctrine, fervent 
 rayer, and a holy example. Peculiar gravity, prudence, 
 umility, ripeness of judgment, experience, meekness, anti 
 
 ( 258 ) 
 
 36 And those that w#e numbered of them, by 
 their families, were ‘two thousand seven hundred 
 and fifty. 
 
 37 These tvere they that were numbered of the 
 families of the Kohathites, all that might do 
 service in the tabernacle of the congregation, 
 which Moses and Aaron did number, according 
 to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of 
 Moses. 
 
 38 And those that were numbered of the sens 
 of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the 
 house of their fathers ; 
 
 39 From thirty years old and upward even unto 
 fifty years old, every one that entereth into the 
 service, for the work in the tabernacle of the con- 
 gregation ; 
 
 40 Even those that were numbered of them 
 throughout their families, by the house of their 
 fathers, were "two thousand and six hundred and 
 thirty. 
 
 41 These are they that were numbered of the 
 families of the sons of Gershon, of all that might 
 do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, 
 whom Moses and Aaron did number, according to 
 the commandment of the Lord. 
 
 42 And those that were numbered of the 
 families of the sons of Merari, throughout their 
 families, by the house of their fathers, 
 
 43 From thirty years old and upward, even 
 unto fifty years old, every one that entereth into 
 the service for the work iH the tabernacle of the 
 congregation ; 
 
 44 Even those that were numbered of them, 
 after their families, were *three thousand and two 
 hundred. 
 
 45 These be those that were numbered of the 
 families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and 
 Aaron numbered, according to the word of the 
 Lord by the hand of Moses. 
 
 46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, 
 whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel 
 numbered, after their families, and after the house 
 of their fathers ; 
 
 47 F rom thirty years old and upward even unto 
 fifty years old, reVery one that came to do the 
 service of the ministry, and the service of the 
 burden in the tabernacle of the congregation ; 
 
 48 Even those that were numbered of them, 
 Hvere eight thousand and five hundred and four- 
 score. 
 
 49 According to the commandment of the 
 Lord they were numbered by the hand of Moses, 
 every one according to his service, and according 
 to his burden : thus were they numbered of him. 
 as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 fare. Set on 3:23. 1 Tiro. 6:12. p See on 3:36,37. 7:8,9. q 3:8. 7: 1 . Ex.i>. 
 9. 98:17. 1 Chr. 9:39. i-28. Is. 8:6. .3:23,30. 8*4,26. 1 Chr. 23:3,87. tSi 
 
 28. u 3:22. x 3:34. y 15,24,37. Rom. 12:6— 8. I Cor. 12:4— 31. zS.39. 
 
 patience, are necessary, in order to a due performance of the 
 work of the ministry, to the glory pf God, the edification of 
 the church, and the silencing of gainsayers ; and ministers 
 are exposed to many temptations from the smiles and frowns 
 of men, from popularity and opposition. It is therefore far 
 more advisable for those, who are intended for this sacred 
 service, to spend much previous time in retirement, study, 
 meditation, and communion with God, that t hey may come 
 forth well prepared and furnished for usefulness, when a 
 proper occasion is afforded ; than that they should, by an 
 indiscreet and hurtful zeal, be allowed or encouraged to 
 violate the apostle’s rule, by prematurely entering on public 
 services. ( Note , 1 Tim. 3:6.) From the neglect of this 
 caution, many mischiefs have arisen, both to individuals and 
 to the cause of God. When, however, men are engaged, 
 and have health and strength, and work assigned them, they 
 should lose no time, and miss no opportunities of usefulness; 
 for these may be regretted, but cannot he recalled. — As tho 
 faithful servants of God grow in years, and their natural vigour 
 abates, they must not bfe censured, if they in some respects 
 moderate their labours, especially in those services which 
 require great exertion. And if it please God to lay them 
 quite aside by sickness and infirmity, they may still serve the 
 church of God by their prayers, and an exair*, V/c of faith 
 pat ience, and obedience ; and they are si ill entitled to respec t 
 and maintenance. They ought not indeed, and will not 
 desire, to cease from labour whilst capable of it : but. they 
 must not murmur, if they aro thus discharged, or if they see 
 others 11 increase whilst they decrease.” For the Lord wi 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The leper.* * and unclean to be excluded from the camp . 1 — 4. The laio of 
 restitution enforced. 5— 10. The trial to be made of a woman suspected 
 by her husband of aiultenj, 11 — ftl. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Command the children of Israel, that 
 they “put out of the camp every leper, b and every 
 one that hath an issue, c and whosoever is defiled 
 by the dead : 
 
 3 Both male and female shall ye put out, d with- 
 out the camp shall ye put them ; that they c defile 
 not their camps, 'in the midst whereof I dwell. 
 
 4 And tht ch ldren of Israel did so, and put 
 them out without the camp : as the Lord spake 
 unto Moses, so did the children of Israel. 
 
 5 'll And the Loud spake unto Moses, sajing, 
 
 6 Speak unto the children of Israel, g W hen a 
 man or woman shall commit any sin that men 
 commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and 
 that person be guilty: 
 
 7 Then they shall ''confess their sin which they 
 have done ; and he shall recompense his trespass 
 ■with the principal thereof, and add unto it the 
 fifth part thereof, and give it unto him against 
 whom he hath trespassed. 
 
 8 But if the man ihave no kinsman to recom- 
 pense the trespass unto, let the trespass he recom- 
 pensed unto the Lord, even to the priest, k beside 
 
 r 12:11. L/v. 13:46. Deiu. 24:8,9. 2 Kinjs 1:3. b Lev. 15:2—27. c 9:6—10. 19: 
 11— 16. 31:19. Lev. 21:1. d 1 Cor. 5:7— 13. 2 Cor. 6:17. 2 Thes. 3:6. Tit. 3:10. 
 Ileb. 12:15,16. 2 John 10,11. Rev. 21:27. e 19:22. Ha*. 2:13,14. fLev. 26:11, 
 12. Dent. 23:14. Pa. 68:18. Is. 12:6. 2 Cor. 6:16. Rev. 21:3. g Lev. 5:1— 4,17. 
 6:2,3. h Lev. 5:5. 26:40. .Tosh. 7:19. Job 33:27,28. Ps.32:5. F'rov.28:13. 1 John 
 1:8—10. i Lev. 5:15. 6:4,5. Luke 19:8. ) Lev. 25:25,26. k Lev. 6:6,7. • Or, 
 
 do his work by a succession of servants : and he will let them 
 all see, that he can do without them; that the work is in his 
 hand; that when he employs them, he does not need them; 
 and that he can easily send out others in their stead, when 
 they are no longer serviceable. 
 
 V. 4 — 49. Though we are not under the comparative 
 obscurity and severity of the Mosaic dispensation; yet we 
 should remember that heavenly things must be treated with 
 reverence, and not curiously, contemptuously, or presump- 
 tuously inquired into. It is very dangerous to attempt being 
 “ wise above what is written,” in respect of those great mys- 
 teries which relate to the infinite God, and his works and 
 ways ; or to intrude into those things over which he hath 
 purposely thrown a veil. And the ministers of God, and 
 those who have attained to a superior degree of influence 
 or authority, should caution and deter their juniors, and the 
 people, from such intrusion. Indeed, the rule holds good in 
 all things: we ought to prevent others from committing sin to 
 the utmost of our ability, as far as consists with other relative 
 duties; and we are accessary to the guilt and the ruin of 
 those, who perish through our neglect. (Note, 1 Tim. 5:21, 
 22.) — But though the Lord is great and holy, and vengeance 
 belongeth unto hint; and we are mean, polluted, and guilty 
 creatures ; we may yet approach him with safety, comfort, 
 and confidence, in the way which he hath opened, provided 
 we use the appointed means, and observe the directions 
 which he has given.— In this moveable world changes await 
 us: but, to whatever place we remove, we must be sure to 
 take our religion with us, to prefer the house and worship of 
 God to our temporal interests, and to serve him with the 
 prime of our health and strength. Ere long this earthly 
 house of our tabernacle will be taken down ; hut if it hath 
 been “a habitation of God through the Spirit,” this great and 
 solemn removal will be all under the hand of Jesus, our 
 merciful High-Priest : he will give his angels a charge to 
 convey our souls invisibly to glory; and all the constituent 
 parts of the tabernacle shall, by his power, be brought 
 together to heaven, and there raised up again incorruptible, 
 immortal, and glorious; “and so shall we ever be with the 
 • jOrd let us therefore quicken and comfort ourselves and 
 ••ach other with these words. (Notes, Rom. 8:10,11. 1 Thes. 
 
 *13— 18.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. V. V. 1 — 4. The camps of Israel 
 \ eing now formed, with the sanctuary of God in the centre ; 
 irders were given, that, in honour of him who thus conde- 
 scended to dwell among them, the lepers and unclean persons 
 . hould be excluded from the camp, according to laws at 
 /liferent times given on these subjects. (Mars. Ref. 
 
 \ Votes, 12:14,15. Lev. 13:45,46. 15:) «. 
 
 V. 6. That -men commit!] These words seem to intimate, 
 nat Adam's children are very prone to acts of fraud and 
 ’ishonesty : though each of them 's u a trespass against the 
 P RD.” — The expression, “ and that, person be guilty,” does 
 lot merely refer to his actual criminality, but. to his con- 
 iciousness of guilt respecting it : for this case must be distin- 
 guished from that of a person detected in dishonesty, which 
 e attempted to conceal. 
 
 V. 7, 8. If the person injured were dead, restitution 
 would of course be made to his heir ; but if he had '^0 n-> 
 
 the ram of the atonement whereby an atonement 
 shall be made for him. 
 
 9 And every ‘offering' of all the holy things ol 
 the children of Israel, which they bring unto th»? 
 priest, shall be his. 
 
 10 And every man's 'hallowed things shall by 
 his : whatsoever any man giveth the priest, it 
 
 shall be his. [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 11 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 12 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, m If any man’s wife go aside, ard 
 commit a trespass against him, 
 
 13 And a man "lie with her carnally, and it be 
 hid from the eyes of her husband, and be. kept 
 close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness 
 against her, neither she he taken with the manner ; 
 
 14 And "the spirit of jealousy come upon him, 
 and he be jealous of his wife, and she he defiled ; 
 or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he 
 be jealous of his wife, and she be not defiled ; 
 
 15 Then shall the man bring his wife unto the 
 priest, and he shall bring ijier offering for her, the 
 tenth part of an ephah of barley-meal: he shall 
 pour no oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon: 
 for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of me- 
 morial, ^bringing iniquity to remembrance. 
 
 16 And the priest shall bring her near, and r set 
 her before the Lord. 
 
 heave offering. 18:8,9.19. Ex. 29:28. I Lev. 6:17,18,26 . 7:6— 14. 10:13.22:2,3. 
 Deut. 18:3,4. Ex. 44:29,30. 1 Cor. 9:7— 13. m 19,20. Prov. 2:16,17. n Lev. 18: 
 20. 20:10. Prov. 7:18, t9. 30:20. o 30, Prov. 6:34. Cant . 8:6. 1 Cor. 10:22. 
 I» Lev. 5:11. Hos. 3:2. q 1 Kiii S s 17:18. Ez. 29:16. Ileb. 10:3. rLev. 1:3. Jer. 
 17:10. Heb. 13:4. Rev 2:22,23. 
 
 near relation, to whom the restitution might properly be 
 made, the priest was appointed to receive it, when the 
 criminal offered the trespass-offering. — Doubtless real poverty 
 would excuse a man : yet this exception is not made ; for 
 men are ready enough to find out excuses for themselves, 
 where their own interest is concerned. They therefore, who 
 establish general scriptural rules of duty, should not be 
 censured, though they do not mention every particular excep- 
 tion. — This law conclusively shows the absolute necessity of 
 restitution, in one form or other, where actual poverty does 
 not hinder, either to the injured person, to his relations, to 
 the poor, or to pious uses ; for, as Mr. Henry observes, ‘ it 
 is certain, while that which is got by injustice, is knowingly 
 retained in the hands, the guilt of the injustice remains upon 
 the conscience, and is not purged by sacrifice or offering, 
 prayers or tears ; for it is one and the same continued act of 
 sin persisted in' Some say, that this doctrine tends to embar- 
 rass tender consciences : but it is the doctrine of right reason, 
 and of the word of God ; and it is rather calculated to detect 
 hypocrites, and to direct such as have tender consciences to 
 a proper conduct, which, springing from faith in Christ, will 
 make way for inward peace. 
 
 V. 9, 10. This law tended to encourage the priests in 
 constant attendance on their work: for what any priest 
 received of the people, in private sacrifices or oblations, 
 belonged to him, and was not divided with his brethren. 
 
 V. 12. The remarkable law which follow^, was no doubt 
 intended to fortify the minds of the Israelitish women in 
 the. hour of temptation, when opportunity, importunity, and 
 secrecy werq combined ; and to render them watchful against 
 all occasions of exciting suspicion in the breasts of their hus- 
 bands. On the other hand, it was calculated to prevent the 
 cruel treatment from husbands, which such suspicions might 
 produce, “through the hardness of their hearts,” when the 
 crime could not be proved, or the rage of jealousy allayed ; 
 and it would also lessen the number of hasty divorces. If 
 properl# regarded, the guilty could hardly escape, or the 
 innocent remain under injurious suspicions; and in many 
 ways it would subserve the interests of purity and of domestic 
 peace, both by constantly holding out a salutary warning, 
 and by the alarm which would be raised whenever it was 
 carried into execution. 
 
 V. 13, 14. God had commanded that the adulterer and 
 adulteress should be put to death, if detected and the fact 
 proved: {Lev. 20:10.) but when the husband entertained 
 suspicions on some probable grounds, and could not bring 
 proof ; he was allowed to make this solemn appeal to a heart* 
 searching God, and to put his wife on the awful trial. If no* 
 grossly criminal, it must be supposed she had been too regard 
 less of appearances. (2 Cor. 8:21. 1 Thes. 5:22.) 
 
 V. 15. This coarse offering, without oil or frankincense 
 implied the baseness of the crime of which the woman waw 
 suspected, and the mournful state of the family. It was n</ 
 an atoning sacrifice, but an oblation for a memorial , as solemnly 
 referring the decision to the Lord, and calling upon him to 
 bring the iniquity to remembrance, and to punish it in case 
 the accused was guilty. (Mrcrg. Ref.) 
 
 V. lfi, 17. As this process could not. be carried on, except 
 at the sanctuary ; the trouble and expense attending it would 
 ( 259 ) 
 
Li. C. j!!)0. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 17 And the priest si. ill take “holy water in an 
 earlhern vessel; and 'of the dust that is in the 
 floor of the tabernacle the priest shall take, and 
 put it into the water. 
 
 18 And the priest shall set the woman before 
 the Loan, and "uncover the woman’s head, “and 
 put the oflbring of memorial in her hands, which 
 
 the jealousy-offering' : and the priest shall have 
 iit his hand "the hitter water that causeth the curse. 
 
 19 And the priest shall ^charge her by an oath, 
 and say unto the woman, If no man have lain 
 with thee, and if thou hast not gone aside to 
 uncleanness 'with another instead of thy husband, 
 be thou free from this bitter water that causeth 
 the curse : 
 
 20 But if thou hast gone aside to another in- 
 stead of thy husband, and if thou be defiled, and 
 some man hath lain with thee beside thine husband ; 
 
 21 Then the priest shall charge the woman 
 with 'an oath of cursing: and the priest shall say 
 unto the woman, “The Loan make thee a curse 
 and an oath among thy people, when the Lord 
 doth make thy thigh to hot, and thy belly to 
 swell : 
 
 22 And this water that causeth the curse shall 
 b go into thy bowels, to make thy belly to swell, 
 and thy thigh to rot. And "the woman shall say, 
 d Amen, amen. 
 
 23 And the priest shall “write these curses in a 
 book, and he shall f blot them out with the bitter 
 water ; 
 
 ■ 19:2-9. Ex. 30:18. I Job. 2:12. Jer. 17:13. I,nm.3:22. John 8:6.8. u Lev. 
 13:43. I' or. 11.15. Heb. 4:12,13. * 15,25,26. x 17,22,24. 1 tin. 29:18. 1 Sam. 
 15:32. i ruv. 5:4. He. 7:28. Is. 38: 17. Jer. 2:19. Rev. 1U:9,1U. y Matt. 26:63. 
 * Or, being in he power of thy husband. Heb. under thu husbanl. Rom. 7:2. 
 Gr. 7 . Josh. 6:26. 1 Sam.' 14:21. Neb. 11L29. Malt . 26 74. a Is. 65:1.5. Jer. 
 29:2-2. f Heb .fall. 2 Chr. 21:15. Frov. 10:7. 1.27. Ps. 109:18. Pro v. 1:31. 
 Ez. 3:3. c : enL 27:15— 26. Job 31 :21 ,22,39,10. Ps. 7:4.5. cl Ps. 41 :13. 72: 19. 
 8J:52. John 3:3,11. 5:24, 23. 6:53. Gr. e Ex. 17 14. Dem. 31:19. 2 Chr. 34:24. 
 
 render men cautious how they instituted it without some 
 urgent reason. It is generally supposed, that the water of* t he 
 laver in the court of the tabernacle is meant; being called 
 holy because of its separation from ordinary uses. This 
 was put into a mean and brittle vessel, and dust from the 
 floor of the tabernacle was cast into it for the women to 
 drink: ^11 this implied the disgrace which she lay under, the 
 shame §o which she would be exposed if guilty, and the pu- 
 nishment that she would justly endure ; in which every thing 
 relating to the worship of a holy God, would, as it were, com- 
 bine together for her destruction. — This watci'was called the 
 bitter water, from the bitter effects which would follow, when 
 drunk by a guilty person. (18,19. Note , 27.) 
 
 V. 19. Instead of thy husband.] Or, “being under the 
 power of thy husband ;” that is, a married woman, which was 
 marked as the grand aggravation of the crime charged on her. 
 (Marx. Ref.) 
 
 V. 22. Amen , Amen.] This two-fold solemn consent of 
 the woman to the awful appeal to God, referring to boih parts 
 of it, implied a hearty desire to he dealt with according to 
 her innocence or guilt : and an acknowledgment of the justice 
 of God, in inflicting his dreadful vengeance upon such as were 
 guilty. This appeal could not be made by a person who was 
 consciously guilty, without the most entire hardness of heart 
 and presumptuous defiance of God, and even atheistical unbe- 
 lief: and every circumstance was suited to warn and alarm 
 the w oman, that, if guilty, she might rather confess her crime, 
 than venture the terrible consequences. The Jewish writers 
 say, that if she refused this oath, and confessed her guilt, she 
 was not put to death, but only divorced without a dowry. 
 
 V. 23. The words of the oath or curse were written on a 
 piece of parchment, which was called a book at tflat time ; 
 and the writing was washed off into the water, as if the 
 curse had been infu-ed in ir, that the woman might, drink it. 
 
 V. 27. The water, by its natural efficacy, could not harm 
 an innocent person. But if any woman added to the crime 
 of adultery, the awful guilt of such a deliberate perjury, God 
 would supernaturally thus punish her. — The Jews have a 
 tradition that the adulterer also would die of a similar dis- 
 ease at the same time; which probably was not altogether 
 unlike that loathsome distemper, with which God has in 
 these latter ages shown his abhorrence of lewdness ; yet it 
 was far more immediate in its effects. 
 
 V. 31 . Even when the husband’s jealousy was groundless, 
 he would not he accounted guilty, if he took this method of 
 clearing up the matter: but otherwise it would lead him to 
 do those things which would bring guilt upon him. This law 
 is a singular proof of the divine legation of Moses. No mere 
 politician would have thought of such a law, which at first 
 sight generally appears harsh and strange: yet the effect, 
 when carried into execution, must have been in all respects 
 most salutary, and worthy of the divine wisdom. Again, it 
 could not he carried into execution, without a miracle: and 
 ( 2fi0 ) 
 
 24 And lie shall cause the woman to drink the 
 bitter water that causeth the curse: - g and the 
 water that causeth the curse shall enter into her, 
 and become bitter. 
 
 25 Then the priest ''shall take the jealousy- 
 offering out of the woman’s hand, and shall 'wave 
 the offering before the Lord, and oiler it upon the 
 altar. 
 
 26 And the priest shall take an handful of :.he 
 offering, even k the memorial thereof, and burn it 
 upon the altar, and afterward shall cause the wo- 
 man to drink the water. 
 
 27 And when he hath made her to drink the 
 water, then it shall come to pass, that 'if she be 
 defiled, and have done trespass against her hus- 
 band, that the water that causeth the curse shall 
 enter into her, and become bitter, and her belly 
 shall swell, and her thigh shall rot: and the wo- 
 man m shall be a curse among her people. 
 
 28 And n if the woman be not defiled, but be 
 clean ; then she shall be free, and shall conceive 
 seed. 
 
 29 This is °the law of jealousies, Pwhen a wife 
 goeth aside to another instead of her husband, and 
 i$ defiled ; 
 
 30 Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon 
 him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set 
 the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall 
 execute upon, her all this law : 
 
 31 Then shall the man ^be guiltless from ini- 
 quity, and this woman shall r bear her iniquity. 
 
 Job 31:35. Jer. 51:60 — 64. 1 Cor. 16:21,22. Rev. 20:12. f Ps. 51 :1 ,9. Is. 43:25. 
 44:2-2. Acts 3: 19. g Zech. 5:3,4. Mai. 3:5. h 15,18. i Ex. 29:24. k Lev. 2:2 
 5:12.6:15. I 20. Prov. 5:4,1 1 . Ec. 7:26. Rom. 6:21 . 2 Lor. 2:16. Heb. 10:28 
 —30. 2 Pel. 2.10. m Deut. 28:37. Ps. 83:9— 11. 13.65:15. Jer. 24:9 . 29:18,22. 
 42:18. Zech. 8:13. n 19. Mic. 7:7— 10. 2 Cor. 4:17. 1 Pet. 1:7. o Lev. 7:11. 
 11:46.13:59.14:54—57.15:32,33. p 12— 15. q Ps. 37:6. r 9:13. Lev. 20:10, 
 17—20. Ez. 18:4. Rom. 2:8,9. 
 
 no legislator, pretending to be sent by God, would have 
 committed himself, by an institution which might at any time 
 disprove his claim. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The people of God should separate from such 
 as are unclean by impenitent iniquity, and exclude them as 
 far as they are able from their fellowship: and then if, under 
 the mask of hypocrisy, they affront the Lord and profane his 
 holy ordinances by an unhallowed intrusion, they do it at their 
 peril. But assuredly such shall never... “ that holy city, 
 where the tabernacle of God shall be with men, and he will 
 dwell with them ;” but will be left without, “ where is weep- 
 ing and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.” In this miserable 
 company, will most certainly be found those unrighteous per- 
 sons who have unjustly obtained, and as unjustly keep pos- 
 session of, their neighbour’s property : and he who pretends 
 to piety, and thus encourages himself in dishonesty by a 
 professed dependance on the atonement of Christ, as grossly 
 affronts him, as that man does, who substitutes his own ho- 
 nesty or morality in the stead of His merits and sacrifice, at 
 the price of his acceptance with God ! Indeed the confes- 
 sion, the restitution, and the trespass-offering must always 
 go together. — It is the will of God, not only that his ministers 
 should be provided for, but that the most diligent and zealous 
 should receive the greatest encouragement ; though alas ! 
 this is seldom attended to, as far as these concerns fall under 
 the management of men. 
 
 V. 11 — 31. The Lord’s abhorrence of adultery, and his 
 vengeance against it, appear conspicuous in this chapter : and 
 though we have neither a law of a jealous} offering to detect 
 adulterers, and adulteresses, nor any method of bringing them 
 to condign punishment; so that they may e.ther conceal or 
 glory in their shame, and the impunity with which they trans- 
 gress : yet assuredly their sin will at last find them out ; for 
 God himself will detect the most secret offenders, and con- 
 found the most daring. Indeed, his providence often stamps 
 infamy upon sinners of this description, by those dreadful 
 diseases with which he visits them, and with which they in- 
 fect, plague, and curse one another m this world ; and his 
 word denounces the severest vengeance against them in the 
 world to come. But ail approaches to this horrid crime must 
 be studiously avoided : and married persons especially should 
 act in such a manner as to inspire mutual confidence in each 
 other; and eacip of them should avoid every intimacy, and 
 every word and look, which may excite uneasiness in the 
 other’s breast. For conjugal affection is prone to jealousy, 
 and Satan delights in exciting “a spirit of jealousy” in the 
 hearts of husbands and wives; knowing that it is alike tor- 
 menting to suspect and to be suspected. He blows also that 
 such suspicions subvert domestic peace, set. asi le familv-reli- 
 gion and the pious education of children, and ex. lose both par- 
 ties to manifold -temptations : so that what began with heed- 
 less imprudence and groundless ; ealousy oflei term: nates in 
 
D. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Nazavite'e tote, 1—9. Ilis rule, incase he unavoidably contracted uti- 
 cleanness, 9 — 12. His sacrifices and observance* at the erpiration of his 
 void, 13 — 21. The blessing which the priests were to pronounce on the 
 people, 22-27. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, “When either man or woman shall 
 separate themselves b to vow a vow of a Nazarite, 
 *to separate themselves unto the Loan ; 
 
 3 He shall separate himself “from wine, and 
 strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine, 
 or vinegar of strong drink : neither shall he drink 
 any liquor of grapes, nor eat moist grapes, or 
 dried. 
 
 4 All the days of his ^separation shall he eat 
 nothing that is made of the Ivine-tree, from the 
 kernels even to the husk. 
 
 5 All the days of the vow of his separation, 
 there shall no d razor come upon his head ; until 
 the days be fulfilled, in the which he separateth 
 himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall 
 iet the locks of the hair of his head grow. 
 
 6 All the days that he separateth himself unto 
 the Lord, e he shall come at no dead body. 
 
 7 He shall not make himself f unclean for his 
 father, or for his mother, for his brother, or for his 
 sister, when they die ; because the Consecration 
 of his God is upon his head. 
 
 .5,6. Ex. 33:18. Lev. 20:26. Prov. 18:1. Rom. 1:1. 2Cor. 6:17. Gal. 1:16. Heb. 
 7:26. b Lev. 27 :2. 1 Sam. 1.28. Am. 2:11,12. Luke 1 :15. Acts 21:24. 'Or.lo 
 make themselves Nnzarites. c Lev. 10:9. Judg. 13:14. Prov. 31:4,5. Jer. 35:6 
 —8. Luke 7:33,34. 21:34. Eph.5:18. lThe«.S:22. lTim.5:23. f Or, Naza- 
 ritee p. t Heb. vineof the wine, d Judg. 13:5. 16:17. 1 Sam. 1:11. Lam. 4: 
 7.8. I Cor. 11:10 — 15. e 19:11— 16. Lev. 19:28. Jer. 16:5,6. Ez.24:16— 18. 
 
 deep criminality and the most fatal consequences. We 
 should “abstain from all appearance of evil and watch and 
 pray continually, that we may neither excite nor indulge such 
 di e suspicions. If, however, we have a clear conscience and 
 a true faith, we may be calm under the most injurious asper- 
 sions ; and God in due time will clear up our characters, and 
 convert our affliction into a blessing. — But how should men 
 tremble at the thoughts of appealing to God, when their own 
 hearts condemn them 1 “ for God is greater than their hearts, 
 and knoweth all things,” and he will be sure at length tremen- 
 dously to revenge such a daring affront. — Sensual lusts will 
 certainly end in bitterness ; and they who delight in cursing 
 shall be filled with it. — Finaily, such as allow iniquity in their 
 hearts, under a profession of faith, will find that all the doc- 
 trines of God’s word, (by which the true believer becomes 
 joyful and fruitful in the works of righteousness :) all the 
 ordinances of his house, and all the dispensations of his provi- 
 dence, concur to increase their guilt, obduracy, and condem- 
 nation. * 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 2. The word “Nazarite” 
 signifies one who is separated. The Lord himself set apart 
 Samson and John the Baptist before their birth, to be Na- 
 zarites all their days : Samuel was devoted by his mother to 
 be a perpetual Nazarite, when he was “asked of the Lord:” 
 and the family of the Rachabites were a sort of Nazarites 
 from one generation to another, by the injunction of Jonadab 
 their progenitor. (Notes, Jer. 35:) But in general the Na- 
 zarites became such by a voluntary vow, which any person 
 might make, of peculiar separation from the world and 
 devotedness to the exercises of religion, for a limited time, 
 and under certain regulations. (Notes, 30:) — Among the 
 distinguishing favours which -God conferred on Israel, it is 
 stated that “ he raised up of their young men for Nazarites 
 whence we may infer, that their prayers, examples, and 
 instructions, were considered as a public blessing. (Am. 
 2:11,12.) The Jews say, that this vow could not he made for 
 less than thirty days, but St. Paul seems to have taken it for 
 no more than seven days. (.dels 21:24 — 27.) 
 
 To separate themselves.] nunS, inf. hiph. from -63, to be 
 separate : whence 'i'tj, a Nazarite. Hence the word is ren- 
 dered in the margin, 1 to make themselves Nazarites .’ The 
 word (Mbs') rendered “separate themselves,” in the first 
 clause, is the same as is used concerning the making of a 
 singular vow; (Lev. 27:2.) and seems to convey the idea of 
 a person’s acting from an extraordinary zeal for God and re- 
 ligion. — This use of the two distinct words seems to imply, 
 that the singular vow, and the vow of the Nazarite, were in 
 some things of a similar nature. (Note, Lev. 27:2 — 8.) 
 
 V. 3, '4. “Drinking wine,” or strong drink of any sort, 13 
 an emblem, both in its nature and effects, of the intoxicating 
 pleasures of sin and sense ; and from this, in every form, and 
 from all approaches to it, the Nazarites were commanded 
 most scrupulously to abstain. — There is nothing in Scripture 
 vhich bears the most remote affinity to the religious orders 
 of the church of Rome, except these Nazarites : but mark 
 the difference, or rather the opposition ! The religious in 
 that church are forbidden to marry ; but no such restriction 
 was laid upon the Nazarites. They are commanded to 
 abstain from meats; but the Nazarites might eat any food 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 8 All the days of his separation he is holy untt? 
 the Lord. 
 
 9 And if any man die very suddenly by him, 
 sand he hath defiled the head of his consecration , 
 then he shall h shave his head in the day of his 
 cleansing, on the seventh day shall he shave it. 
 
 10 And 'on the eighth day he shall bring two 
 turtles, or two young pigeons; to the priest, to the 
 door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 1 1 And the priest shall loffer the one for a sin- 
 offering, and the other for a burnt-offering, and 
 make an atonement for him, for that he sinned by 
 the dead, k and shall hallow his head that same 
 day. 
 
 12 And he shall consecrate unto the Lord the 
 d s of hit- separation, and shall bring a lamb of 
 t first year for 'a trespass-offering; m but the 
 d s that were before shall "be lost, because hi' 
 separation was defiled. 
 
 13 H And this is the law of the Nazarite : when 
 the days of his separation "are fulfilled, he shall be 
 brought unto the door of the t bernacle of the 
 congregation ; 
 
 14 And he shall offer his offering unto the Lord, 
 "one he-lamb of the first year without blemish for 
 a burnt-offering, and rone ewe-lamb of the first 
 year without blemish for a sin-offering, and q one 
 ram without blemish for peace-offerings. 
 
 Malt. 8:21,22. Luke9:59,60. 2 Cor. 5:16. f9:6. Lev. 21:1,2,10— 12. Ez. 44:25. 
 § Heb .separation, g 19:14 — 19. h 18. Acts 18:18, 21:23,24. i Lev. 5:7 — 10. 
 14:22,23.15:14,29. ) Lev. 5:8— 10. 14:30,31. k5. 1 Lev. 5:6. 14.24. m El. 
 18:24. Matt. 3:15. 24:13. John 8:29— 31. Join. 2:10. 2Johu8. II Heb. fall. 
 n Acts 21:26. o Lev. 1:10— 13. I Chr. 15:26. p Lev. 4:32. q Lev. 3:6. 
 
 allowed to other Israelites. They are not generally prohi- 
 bited wine, even on fasting days ; but the Nazarites might not 
 drink it at any time. Their vow is perpetual to the end of 
 their lives; but the Nazarites vow was only for a limited 
 time, at his own discretion ; and in certain cases not unless 
 allowed by husbands or parents. A similar contrast may 
 often be discerned, between the rules of men’s invention, for 
 fasting and for extraordinary sanctity, and the precepts of 
 Scripture. 
 
 Y. 5. This inattention to the hair, by which it was left to 
 grow and to hang neglected, would give the Nazarites a 
 singular appearance of mortification to the world, and disre- 
 gard to the body. It might also denote their peculiar subjec- 
 tion to the Lord; (Note, 1 Cor. 11:2 — 16.) and it served to 
 distinguish them from other men, as they passed through the 
 streets. 
 
 V. 6, 7. The Nazarites were not allowed to attend the 
 funerals of their nearest relations ; by which they were repre- 
 sented as more “ holy to the Lord” than the ordinary priests, 
 and in this particular ranked with the high priests. (Notes, 
 Lev. 21:1—5,10—15.) 
 
 V. 9 — 12. No penalty was appointed for those who wil- 
 fully violated their vow of being Nazarites, nor any sacrifice 
 required of them ; they must answer for such profane trifling 
 with the Lord another day. But if, by the very sudden death 
 of any person near them, they contracted uncleanness they 
 would not only be unclean seven days, and require purifying 
 as other Israelites did ; but they must offer sacrifices of atone- 
 ment at the tabernacle or temple, lose all the past time, and 
 begin over again to consecrate their appointed season of se- 
 paration to the Lord. And how often soever this might take 
 place, in every renewed instance, the whole time which had 
 been vowed, must be entered upon again. — Though the pollu- 
 tion contracted was involuntary, yet it was a transgression 
 of the ceremonial law, and as such required expiation ; and in 
 some instances, due care might not be taken. In one way or 
 another, however, a degree of sin would doubtless be commit- 
 ted ; and therefore the Nazarite must appear before God as a 
 sinner, with the offerings required of a man who had been un- 
 clean by a running issue and was healed, and with a trespass- 
 offering. (Lev. 15:13 — 15.) This was suited to render the 
 Nazarites very circumspect in their whole conduct. No 
 ceremonial uncleanness caused this interruption, except the 
 touch of the dead body of man ; for death came in by sin, 
 and was thus accounted unclean, till the death, burial, and 
 resurrection of Christ, as it were, sanctified death and the 
 grave to his people. But the soul dead in sin, and in the 
 dead works attending that state, are still as polluted and 
 polluting as ever. 
 
 V. 13 — 20. By these sacrifices and ceremonies, at the 
 expiration of his term, the Nazarite was taught to confess, 
 that his performance of the vow needed atonement and for- 
 giveness, being mixed with sin ; to acknowledge that tho 
 honour of all which was done well belonged to the Lord ; and 
 that, though he was no longer a Nazarite, he was still by 
 duty and choice the devoted servant of the Lord, and con- 
 sidered communion with a reconciled God as the delight of his 
 soul. The hair was shaven off, as a token that the vo v was 
 accomplished ; and was burnt, not on the altar, a* If / t could 
 ( 261 ) 
 
II < 1490. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. G. 1490 
 
 15 And r a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of 
 line (lour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleav- 
 ened bread ‘anointed with oil, and their meat-offer- 
 ing, and their ‘drink-offerings. 
 
 16 And the priest shall bring them before the 
 Lord, and shall offer his sin-offering, and his 
 burnt-offering. 
 
 17 Ami he shall oiler the ram for a sacrifice of 
 peace-offerings unto the Lord, with a basket of 
 unleavened bread : the priest shall ofier also his 
 meat-offering, and his drink-oliering. 
 
 18 And the Na/,arite shall “shave the head of 
 l.is separation at the door of the tabernacle of the 
 congregation; and shall take the hair of the head 
 of Ins separation, v and put it in the fire which is 
 under the sacrifice of the peace-offerings. 
 
 19 And the priest shall take the “sodden shoulder 
 of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the 
 basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall ?put 
 them upon the hands of the Nazarite, after the 
 hair of his separation is shaven. 
 
 r Lev. 5:4. 8:2. 9:4. John 6:50— 59. s Ex. 29:2. t 15:5,7,10. Is. 62:9. Joel 1:9, 
 13. 2:14. l( o, . 10:31. 11:26. u 5,9. Acts 18:18. 21:24,26. v Luke 17:10. Eph. 
 1:6. X Lev. 8:31.1 Sam. S: IS. y Ex .29:23— 27. Lev. 7:30. 8:27. z5:25. Lev. 9:21 . 
 10:15. 23.11. a 18:18. Lev. 7:31,34. 1, Ps. 16:10,11. Ec. 9:7. Is. 25:6. 3.5:10. 53: 
 10—12. Zech. 9:15,17. 10:7. Matt. 26:29. Mark 14:25. John 17:4,5. 19.30. 2 Tim. 
 4:7.8. c See on 5:29. tl Ezra 2:69. Gal. 6:6. Heb. 13:16. e Gen. 14:19,20. 24:60. 
 27:27—29. 28:3,4. 47:7,10. 44:20. Lev. 9:22,23. Deul. 33:1. 1 Chr. 23:13. Luke 
 21:50,51. Horn. 1:7. 1 Cor. 1:3. 2 Cor. 13:14. Heb. 7:1,7. 11:20,21. I Pet. 1:2. 
 2 Pet. 1:2,3. 2 John 3. f Ruth 2:4. Ps.’134:3. 1 Cor. 14:16. Eph. 6:24. Phil. 4: 
 
 make atonement, but under the peace-offerings , implying the 
 gracious acceptance of such services by a God of peace and 
 love. The left shoulder, when boiled, was given by the Na- 
 zarites to the priests, in addition to their portion out of the 
 peace-offerings. (Note, Lev . 7:29 — 34.) 
 
 V. 21. Besides that, &c.] If the Nazarite were poor, he 
 would be accepted in simply performing what his vow re- 
 quired ; hut if he had it in his power, it would be proper to 
 offer free-will-offerings also. It seems the pious friends of 
 the Nazarites sometimes were at charges with them on these 
 occasions ; and that they feasted together on the sacrifices, 
 having probably taken the vow upon them for a few days be- 
 forehand. (Note, Acts 21:22 — 26.) 
 
 V. 23. The priests, in this action, typified the Lord Jesus, 
 who came to bless us ; 44 and who, while he was blessing his 
 disciples, was parted from them, and was taken up into 
 heaven.” As the ministers of the Lord, the priests very 
 solemnly prayed for the people, and pronounced a blessing 
 upon them : the apostolical epistles are most of them begun 
 or closed with a similar benediction : and it has been a com- 
 mon and very proper custom, for the minister, in Christian 
 assemblies, to dismiss the congregation in the same manner ; 
 both as expressing his affectionate good-will to them, and his 
 fervent prayers for them ; and as assuring them in the name 
 of God, that a blessing will attend on those who are indeed 
 the Lord’s believing people : for hypocrites can have no 
 share in these special benefits. 
 
 Y. 24 — 26. The word Jehovah is three times solemnly 
 repeated in this benediction, and the Jews themselves have 
 supposed that there is some great mystery contained in that 
 repetition. When we compare it with the form of Christian 
 baptism, u Into the name of the Father, and of the Son, 
 and of the Holy Ghost ;” with the blessing that St. Paul 
 pronounced on the Corinthians, which is in common use in 
 our places of worship ; and with John’s salutation of the 
 churches; (Notes, Matt. 28:19,20. 2 Cor. 13:14. Rev. 1:4 — 
 6.) we can be at no loss to determine what that mystery is. 
 When sinners repent and believe, they are blessed with all 
 spiritual blessings by the triune God of salvation, the Father 
 who chose, the Son who redeemed, and the Holy Spirit who 
 sanctifies and comforts all the elect people of God. — To 
 abide, in body and soul, under the almighty protection of God 
 our Saviour ; and to enjoy his favour, as the smile of a loving 
 Father, or as the enlightening, cheering beams of the sun ; 
 while he mercifully forgives our sins, pities our sorrows, 
 supplies our wants, satisfies our desires, and communicates 
 sweet peace to the conscience and consolation to the heart; 
 and whilst he graciously accepts our persons and services, 
 and prepares us for eternal glory : — these things form the 
 substance of this blessing, and the sum total of all blessings; 
 and in such a rich inventory, worldly joys arc not deemed 
 worthy to be mentioned. The texts referred to in the margin, 
 throw great light on the several words here used. The 
 nation of Israel collectively seems to have been especially 
 intended ; and the Lord will assuredly bless lus people Israel, 
 and all' who are Israelites indeed. — Can any man, after 
 carefully considering the words of this blessing, help being 
 a.uo.iished, to hear learned divines seriously maintain, that 
 the Israelites were taught in the law to expect only temporal 
 advantages, and that the precepts were enforced only by 
 temporal promises and threatenings? 
 
 V. 27. Put my name, &c.] That is, 4 They shall bless 
 them in my name, as my people; as such pray for them ; and 
 direct ihem to expect and ask all hlcssings from mo : and so 
 doing thev shall not bo disappointed ; for my Name , by which 
 ( 262' ) 
 
 20 And 'the .priest shall wave them for a wave- 
 offering before the Lord; this is holy for the 
 priest, ^ with the wave-breast, and heave-shoulder : 
 and ’’after lh*t, the Nazarite may drink wine 
 
 21 This is c the law of* the Nazariie who hath 
 vowed, and of his offering unto the Lord for his 
 separation, d besidcs that that his hand shall get: 
 according to the vow which he vowed, so he must 
 do after the law of his separation. 
 
 [ Practical O'jsci eat ions .] 
 
 22 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying-, 
 
 23 Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons, saying, 
 On this -vvise e ye shall bless the children of Israel, 
 saying unto them, 
 
 24 ‘The Lord bless thee, and ekeep thee ; 
 
 25 The Lord h n,ake his face shine upon thee, 
 and be ‘gracious unto thee ; 
 
 26 The Lord Mift up his countenance upon 
 thee, and 'give thee peace. 
 
 27 And they shall m put my name upon the chil- 
 dren of Israel, and “I will bless them. 
 
 23. Rev. 1:4,5. g Ps. 91:11. 121:4— 7. Is. 27:3. 42 6. John 17.11. Phil. 4:7 
 
 1 Thus. 5:23. 1 Pet. 1:5. Jmle 24. 1: Ps.21:6. 31:16. 67 1. 80:1—3,7,19. 119:135. 
 Dan. 9:17. i Gen. 43:29. Ex. 33:49. Mai. 1:9. John 1:17. I: Ps.4:6. 42:5. 89: 
 15. Acts 2:28. I Ps. 29:11. Is. 26:3,12. 57:19. Mic. 5:5. L|lke2:14. John 14:27. 
 16:33.20:21,26. Acts 10:36. Rom. 5:1. 15:13,33. Eph. 2:1 1—17. 6:23. Phil. 4:7. 
 
 2 Tiies. 3:16. m Ex? 3:13— 15. 6-.3. 34:5— 7. Deul. 23:10. 2Chr. 7:14. Is. 43;7. 
 Jer. 11:9. Dan. 9:18,19. Mall. 28:19. n Geu. 12:2.3. 32:26.29. 1 Chr. 4:10. Ps. 
 67:7. 115:12. Eph. 1:3. 
 
 they are called, shall he their honour, security, confidence, 
 and comfort.’ 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. While we rejoice in Christ Jesus, as perse- 
 vering in the work for which he had separated and sanctified 
 himself, without contracling any defilement, or shrinking from 
 self-denial or suffering, till he had completed it, and arrived 
 with honour and glory unspeakable 44 at the joy set before 
 him let us not forget, that he is our Example, as well as 
 our Surety. For his sake we must renounce worldly plea- 
 sures, 44 abstain from fleshly lusts,” separate from sinners, 
 touch no unclean thing, be indifferent about the indulgence or 
 adorning of our bodies, be intent about the feeding and adorning 
 of our souls, make an open profession of our faith, moderate 
 natural affections, be abstracted from worldly cares, be spi- 
 ritually minded and devoted to God’s service, zealous for his 
 glory, and desirous to be an example and a blessing to his 
 people, and to all around us. — If after profession of faith in 
 Christ, any wilfully and finally apostatize and return to 
 wickedness, 44 there remains no other sacrifice; but a certain 
 fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation.” (Note, 
 Heb. 10:26,27.) While we judge that the true Nazarite 
 never thus entirely renounces his vow of separation, we 
 should also remember that he may and will inadvertently 
 commit sin and contract defilement; and then he must renew 
 his repentance, exercise faith in Christ, and begin all over 
 again, as when he first 44 fled for refuge to the hope set before 
 him.” And when the Christian is finishing his course ot 
 faith and holiness, of self-denial and bearing the cross, and is 
 about to close his eyes in death, and open them in the realms 
 of uninterrupted joy ; he will still acknowledge that he has 
 nothing to trust to hut the blood of Christ, since the best 
 which he hath done has been mixed with sin, and needs for- 
 giveness ; he will give the glory to the Lord of all that he hath 
 done in any measure well ; he will value reconciliation and 
 communion with God as his only comfort, and depart with 
 thankful acknowledgments for the past; perhaps with joyful, 
 at least with peaceful, expectations for the future, to go and 
 drink the new wine of the kingdom with his beloved Redeemer 
 in the realms of bliss. 
 
 V. 22 — 27. Blessings at all times, and of every kind, will 
 certainly be bestowed on all true believers ; hut when they 
 shall have finished their course and kept the faith to the end 
 of their days, their great High-Priest will especially pro- 
 nounce them blessed in the name of the triune Jehovah, 
 which is put upon them : then will ho shine and stnile upon 
 them ineffable joys; then will he wipe all tears from their 
 eyes, and be gracious to them for ever. In hopes of this 
 immortal crown, let us here cheerfully endure the cross: let 
 us fear nothing hut dishonouring our profession: let us ever 
 be prepared for the approach of death, which often cornea 
 44 very suddenly.” Let us he very watchful in a world so full 
 of pollutions: let us remember, that the higher wo stand in 
 the profession of holiness, the slighter inadvertency will dis- 
 grace us, and dishonour our God. And may the Lord keep, 
 and bless, and comfort in life, and at death, and for ever, with 
 all the blessings of salvation, the writer and every reader td 
 these remarks, Amen! 
 
 NOTES— Chap. VII. V. 1—3. Those tMngs which 
 had been expressly commanded, were first performed : for it 
 is evident that the tabernacle was erected, the nrivsts conse- 
 crated, the people numbered, the camp formed, the Lovites 
 appointed to their services, and all things put into a r< gular 
 train for carrying on the service of the sanctuary, before 
 these voluntary oblations were made by Ow p inces. Indeed. 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER YII. 
 
 B. C . . 190 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Tht princes of Israel present, at the dedication of the sanctuary , six covered 
 wagons and twelve oxen, which the Lord directs to be given to the Levites, 
 1—5. Each of the twelve princes, on twelve succeeding days, brings 
 oblations and sacrifices, 10—88. The Lord speaks to Moses from the mercy- 
 seat, 89. 
 
 A ND it came to pass on the day that Moses 
 ‘had fully set up the tabernacle, and had 
 b anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instru- 
 ments thereof, both the altar, and all the vessels 
 thereof; and had anointed them, and ‘sanctified 
 them: 
 
 2 That ,l the princes of Israel, heads of the house 
 of their lathers (who were the princes of tlie tribes, 
 "and were over them that were numbered,) 'of- 
 fered : 
 
 3 And they brought their offering before the 
 Lord, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a 
 wagon for two of the princes, and for each one 
 an ox : and they brought them before the taber- 
 nacle. 
 
 4 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 5 f Take it of them, that they may be to do the 
 service of the tabernacle of the congregation ; 
 and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to 
 every man according to his service. 
 
 6 And Moses took the wagons and the oxen, 
 and gave them unto the Levites. 
 
 7 sTwo wagons and four oxen he gave unto 
 the sons of Gershon, according to their service. 
 
 8 And ''four wagons and eight oxen he gave 
 unto the sons of Merari, according unto their ser- 
 vice, under the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron, 
 th£ priest. 
 
 9 But unto the sons of Kohath he gave none; 
 ‘because the service of the sanctuary belonging 
 unto them was that they should bear upon their 
 shoulders. 
 
 10 11 And the princes offered for k dedicating of 
 the altar, in the day that it was anointed, even the 
 princes offered their offering before the altar. 
 
 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, 'They shall 
 offer their offering each prince on his day, for the 
 dedicating of the altar. 
 
 12 And he that offered his offering the first day, 
 was '"Nahshon the son of Amminadab, of the 
 tribe of Judah. 
 
 13 And his offering was one silver "charger, 
 the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty 
 shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after 
 
 a En. 40:17—19. bEi. 30:23—30. I.ev. 8:10,11. c Gen. 2:3. Ex. 13:2. 1 Kings 
 8:64. Matt. 23:19. cl See on 1:4 — 16. * Heb. who stood, e Ex. 35:27. 1 Chr. 
 29:6— 8. 2 Chr. 35:8. Ezra 2:68,69. Neh. 7:70— 72. f Ex. 25:2. 35:5. Ps. 16:2, 
 3. Tit. 3:8. g 3:25,26. 4:24—26. h 3:36,37. 4:31—33. i 3:31 . 4:5— 16. 2 Sam. 
 6:6,13. 1 Chr. 15:3,13. 23(26. k Deut. 20:5. 1 Kings 8:63. 2 Chr. 7:5,9. Ezra 6: 
 16. Neh. 12.27. Ps. 30: title. John 10:22. 1 I Cor. 14:33 40. m 2:3. 10:14. Gen. 
 49:8. Matt. 1:4. Luke 3:32. Naasson. n Ex. 25:29. Ezra 1:9,10. 8:25. Jer. 52: 
 
 this supposes that more time had elapsed, since Moses had 
 begun to set up the tabernacle, than was employed in anoint- 
 ing and dedicating it, and in consecrating the priests: but 
 perhaps the language used was intended to take in likewise 
 the arrangements made concerning the encampment of the 
 tribes around the sanctuary, and the charge of it assigned to 
 the priests and Levites. As, however, the princes are the 
 same as presided over the numbering of the people ; and as 
 they afterwards offered in the order of their encampments, 
 nol in that of the seniority; (which is shown by comparing 
 this chapter with the second;) we must conclude that these 
 regulations had previously been made.— The wagons are 
 supposed to have been neat carriages, such as were then used 
 to ride in; yet made very strong: and some think they were 
 richly decorated, as well as Covered to keep out the wet or 
 dust. 
 
 V. 4 — 9. It seems that Moses hesitated on the propriety 
 of receiving this oblation, and about the disposal of it, till he had 
 consulted the Lord. The sockets of silver and brass alone 
 are computed to have weighed more than eight tons, which 
 would be fully sufficient to load four strong wagons : so that 
 the sons of Merari would still have much to carry upon their 
 shoulders ; as probably the sons of Gershon also had. The 
 Kohathites had in all only a moderate weight. ; and in reve- 
 rence to the sacred things, they were expressly ordered to 
 carry them at all times upon their shoulders. As the priests 
 were of this family, they often assisted in this service. The 
 neglect of this rule was David’s first and chief mistake, when 
 ’Tzzah was smitten. (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:3,12,13.) 
 
 V. 10. It is probable that there was some difference of 
 rank and possessions among the Israelites even in Egypt : 
 and consequently at their departure, the chief men would 
 obtain a larger port' <n of the spoil; by which means they 
 
 “the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them were 
 full of fine flour mingled with oil, lor a Pmeat-ofler 
 ing: 
 
 14 One ispoon of ten shekels of gold, full o. 
 "incense : 
 
 15 “One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of 
 the first year, for a burnt-offering : 
 
 16 One kid of the goats for l a sin-offering: 
 
 17 And fora sacrifice of “peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Nahshon the 
 son of Amminadab. 
 
 18 H On the second day "Nethaneel the son of 
 Zuar, prince of Issachar, did offer. 
 
 19 He ^offered for his offering one silver char- 
 ger, the weight whereof was an hundred and thirty 
 shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after 
 the shekel of tbe sanctuary^ both of them full of 
 fine flour mingled with oil, lor a meat-offering 
 
 20 One spoon of gold of ten shekels, full ol in- 
 cense : 
 
 21 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 first year, for z a burnt-offering : 
 
 22 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 23 And lor a sacrifice of “peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Nethaneel the 
 son of Zuar. 
 
 24 H On the third day ''Eliab the son of Helon, 
 prince of the children of Zebulun, did offer. 
 
 25 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, 
 one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel 
 of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 
 mingled with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 26 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of in- 
 cense : 
 
 27 One “young bullock, one ram, one lamb of 
 the first year, for a burnt-offering : 
 
 28 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 29 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son 
 of Helon. 
 
 30 If On the fourth day ‘’Elizur the son of She-' 
 deur, prince of the children of Reuben, did offer. 
 
 31 His offering was one silver charger, of the 
 weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver 
 bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the 
 
 19. Dan. 5:2. Zech. 14:20. Matt. 14:8,11 . o Ex. 30:13. Lev. 27:3,25. p Lev. 
 2:1. q 4:7. Ex. 37:16. 1 Kings 7:50. 2 Kings 25:14,15. 8 Chr. 4:2*. 24:14. r Ex. 
 30:7,8,34—38. 35:8, sLev.l: t Lev. 4:23. u Lev. 3: 2 Cor. 5:19— 21. x 1:8. 
 2:5. y See on 12— it. lGen.8:20. Rom. 12:1. Eph.5:2. a Lev. 7:11— 13. 
 1 Kings 8:63. Prov. 7:14. Col. 1:20. b 1:9. 2:7. cPs. 50:8— 14. 51 :16. Is. 1:11. 
 Jer. 7:22. Amos 5:22. (11:5.2:10. 
 
 • 
 
 were enabled to present these oblations. Yet some persons 
 conjecture, that the princes offered not only in the behalf, but 
 at the expense, of their several tribes. 
 
 V. 11. As the princes were preparing to bring their obla- 
 tions all at once, the Lord ordered, that they should present 
 them separately ; both to prevent confusion, to increase the 
 solemnity, that the priests might not be overburdened with 
 work, and that they might have leisure to grow more expert 
 by daily practice. And, as a large proportion of the sacri- 
 fices was feasted upon, both by the priests and people, it 
 would also prevent excess or waste, and promote hospitality, 
 to have only one oblation at a time. Though one tribe was 
 more numerous and wealthy than another, they all presented 
 exactly the same oblations and sacrifices; for they were all 
 equally inlerested in the sanctuary and worship of God, and 
 were all willing to express an equal affection for them. Every 
 one’s offering is nevertheless particularly mentioned ; for the 
 Lord takes pleasure in recording the willing services of his 
 people. 
 
 V. 12. Nahshon is the only one, who is not called a 
 prince, in the history of this transaction.. Some suppose that 
 this was a humiliating circumstance, intended to counter- 
 balance his pre-eminence ; others conjecture, that this title- 
 was omitted, because it was reserved for Christ, who was to 
 descend from this tribe: but perhaps it was considered as 
 needless, seeing he was the principal person in the whole 
 company. 
 
 Y. 13,14. The silver chargers, or dishes, might be useful 
 for the meat-offerings, and to contain the flesh of the sacri- 
 fices when the priests feasted upon it. The silver bowls 
 would be useful for the drink-offerings, and to receive tho 
 blood for sprinkling ; and the golden spoons were suited to tho 
 service of the altar of incense. (Note, Ex. 2523—30 , 
 
 ( 263 I 
 
B. C. 1490. NUMBERS. . B. C. 1490. 
 
 sanctuary;, both jf t\ em full of fine flour mingled 
 with oil, lor a meat-offering : « 
 
 32 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 'in- 
 cense. 
 
 33 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 first year, lor a burnt-offering : 
 
 34 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 35 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Elizur the 
 son ol’Shedeur. 
 
 36 H On the fifth day fShelumiel the son of 
 Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, 
 did offer. 
 
 37 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, 
 one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the she- 
 kel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine 
 flour mingled with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 38 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 39 One young bullock, one ram, eone lamb of 
 the first year, for a burnt-offering : 
 
 40 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 41 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the 
 son of Zurishaddai. 
 
 42 H On the sixth day h Eliasaph the son of 
 Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered. 
 
 43 His offering was one silver charger, of the 
 weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, a silver 
 Dowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the 
 sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 'mingled 
 with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 44 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 45 One k young bullock, one ram, one lamb of 
 the first year, for a burnt-offering: 
 
 46 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 47 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 axen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Eliasaph the 
 son of Deuel. 
 
 48 *11 On the seventh day 'Elishama the son of 
 Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, 
 offered. 
 
 49 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof teas an hundred and thirty shekels, 
 one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel 
 of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 
 mingled with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 50 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 5 1 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 first year, for aburnt-offering : 
 
 52 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering. 
 
 53 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Elishama the 
 son of Ammihud. 
 
 54 H On the eighth day offered m Gamaliel the 
 son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manas- 
 seh. 
 
 55 His offering was one silver charger, of the 
 weight of an hundred and thirty shekels, one silver 
 bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the 
 sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled 
 with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 56 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 57 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 fPst year, for a burnt-offering: 
 
 58 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 59 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 
 ■e Pa. 66:15. Mai. till. l,uke 1:10. Rev. 8:3. fl:6.2:12 B fix. 12:5. John 1 : 
 *9. Acu8:32. 1 Pel. 1:19. Rev. 5:6. h 1:14. 2:11. Son of Rouel. ll.tr. 2:9. 
 14 10. Hob. 1:9. 1 John 2:27. k P«. 40:6. la. 53:4. 2 Cor. 9:21. 11:10.2:1?. 
 m 1:10. 2:20. n 1:11. 2:22. oPs. 141:2. lo. 66:20. Don. 9:27. Rom. 15:16. 
 
 Probably, the princes had noticed, that the tiirnilure for the 
 tabernacle was not, in these particulars, suited to the rest, or 
 was not sufficient for the purpose. 
 
 V. 83. Offering .] JCorbnn, hore and in all the other 
 places, where it thus occurs in this chapter. ( Mark 7:11.) 
 
 I 264 ) 
 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the 
 son of Pedahw r. 
 
 60 On the ninth day "Abidan the son of Gide 
 oni, prince of the children of Benjamin offered. 
 
 61 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels, 
 a silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel 
 of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 
 mingled with oil, for a meat-offering. 
 
 62 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 “incense : 
 
 63 One young bullock, one ram, one lanlb of the 
 first year, for a burnt-offering: 
 
 64 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering : 
 
 65 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 •oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of' the 
 first year. This was the offering of Abidan the 
 son of Gideoni. 
 
 66 H On the tenth day pAhiezer the son of Am- 
 mishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered. 
 
 67 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels. 
 one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel 
 of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 
 mingled with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 68 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 69 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 first year, for a burnt-offering : 
 
 70 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering: 
 
 71 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five jambs of the 
 first year. This teas the offering of Ahiezer the 
 son of Ammishaddai. 
 
 72 IT On the eleventh day iPagiel the son of 
 Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered. 
 
 73 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof was an hundred and thirty shekels. 
 one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel 
 of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 
 mingled with oil, for a meat-offering : 
 
 74 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 75 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 first year, for a burnt-offering: 
 
 76 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering: 
 
 77 And for a sacrifice of peace-offerings, t\vo 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Pagiel the 
 son of Ocran. 
 
 78 H On the twelfth day 'Ahira the son of Enan, 
 prince of the children of Naphtali, offered. 
 
 79 His offering was one silver charger, the 
 weight whereof was an hundred and t hirty shekels, 
 one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel 
 of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour 
 mingled with oil, for a meat-offering: 
 
 80 One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of 
 incense : 
 
 81 One young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the 
 first year, for a burnt-offering: 
 
 82 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering: 
 
 • 83 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two 
 oxen, five rams, five he-goats, five lambs of the 
 first year. This was the offering of Ahira the 
 son of Enan. 
 
 84 H This was "the dedication of the altar, in 
 the day when it was anointed by the 'princes of 
 Israel : twelve chargers of silver, twelve silver 
 bowls, twelve spoons of gold ; 
 
 85 Each charger of silver weighing an hundred 
 and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy : all the 
 silver vessels weighed “two thousand and four 
 hundred shekels, "after the shekel of the sanctuary. 
 
 Phil. 4:18. Heb. 13:15. p 1:12. 2:25. q 1:13. 2:27. 1-115.2:2?. .Sim 10. 
 
 1 ( hr. 29.(5— 8. F.lrn 9:68.69. Neh. 7:71) — 72 Is. 50:6— 10. Ill'll. 13:10. Rer. 
 21:14. I Judf. 5:9. Nell. 3:9. li 1 Chr, 22 14. 29:4,7. Kim 8:29,29. * Sit 
 
 on 13. 
 
 V. 84. Probably, the term dedication was used for this 
 solemn public oblation « if the princes, as representatives of 
 their tribes, to the service of the altar; and not for its first 
 consecration by Moses. 
 
 V. 89. The Lord spake to M so* i r an audible voice oi 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 B. C. 1 190. 
 
 86 The golaen spoons were twelve, full of in- 
 cense, weighing' ten slukels apiece, after the 
 shekel of the sanctuary : all th6 sold of the spoons 
 was an hundred and twenty shekels. 
 
 87 All the oxen for the burnt-offering were 
 twelve bullocks, the rairs twelve, the lambs of the 
 first year twelve, with .heir meat-offering: and 
 the kids of the goats, foi sin-offering, twelve. 
 
 88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the 
 peaos-otferings were twenty and four bullocks, the 
 rams sixty, the lie-goats sixty, the lambs of the 
 first year sixty. This was the dedication of the 
 altar after "that it was anointed. 
 
 89 II And when Moses was gone into the 
 tabernacle of the congregation x to speak with 
 "him, then ?he heard the voice of one speaking 
 unto him from off the mercy-seat that was upon 
 the ark of testimony, from between the ‘two 
 cherubims : and he spake unto him. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The lamps of the candlestick lighted, 1—4. The Leviles consecrated , 5—22. 
 
 Their age and time of service, 23 — -26. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, 
 When thou “lightest the lamps, the seven lamps 
 shall give light over against the candlestick. 
 
 3 And Aaron did so: he lighted the lamps 
 thereof over against the candlestick ; as the Lord 
 commanded Moses. 
 
 4 And b this work of the candlestick was of 
 beaten gold ; unto the shaft thereof, unto the 
 flowers thereof, teas “beaten work : according 
 unto d the pattern which the Lord had showed 
 Moses, so he made the candlestick. 
 
 5 V And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 6 Take the Levites from among the children of 
 Israel, and “cleanse them. 
 
 7 And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse 
 
 v 1,10,81. i 12:8. Ex. 33:9— 11. • That is, Gad. y 1:1. Ex. 25:22. Lev. 1: 1 . 
 Utli. 4:16. 7 . Ex. 25:18— 21. 1 Saw. 4:4. 1 Kings 6:23. Ps. 80:1. 1 Pet. 1:12. 
 
 a Ex. 35:37. 87:18.19,23. 40:35. Lev. 24:1,2. Ep. 119:105,130. Is. 8:20. Malt. 
 5 14. John 1.9. 2 Pet. 1:19. Rev. 1:12,20.2:1. 4:5. b Ex. 25:31—39. 37:17—24. 
 c Ex. 25:8. 37:7,17,22. d Ex. 25:9,40. 1 Chr. 28:11— 19. Heb. 8:5. 9:23. e Ex. 
 19:15. 2 Cor. 7:1. Jam. 4:8. f Lev. 8:6. 14:7. Is. 52:15. Ez. 35:25. Heb. 9:10. 
 g 19:9, 1(J, 13, IS, 19. Ps. 51:7. Heb. 9:13. * Heb. let them cause a razor to 
 
 pass over, ft c. Lev. 14:8,9. h 19:7.8,10,19.31:20. Gen. 35:2. Ex. 19:10. Lev. 
 15:6,10,11,27. 16:23. Ps. 51:2. Jer. 4:14. Malt. 23:25,26. Jam. 4:8. 1 Pet. 3:21. 
 
 this occasion, as he had often before done ; and as he pro- 
 bably spake to the high-priests afterwards, when they inquired 
 ofhim by Urimand Thummim. ( Note , Ex. 28:30.) — ‘This 
 audible articulate voice from God, which was perceived by 
 human ears, represented God as if he were incorporate, and 
 may well be looked upon as an earnest of that great Mys- 
 tery, “God manifest in the flesh,” who in the fulness of time 
 became a man, and spake to the Jews familiarly in their own 
 language.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 They whom Providence distinguishes as princes, nobles, or 
 wealthy persons, should take the lead and set the example in 
 every good work, with liberal hearts devising “ liberal things 
 for this is the proper improvement of their talents. But a 
 liberal mind should be under the direction of prudence and 
 discretion : and the circumstances of the times, the state of 
 the church and its ministers, and the necessities of those 
 around them should be considered ; that nothing may be 
 wasted in useless expense, but all wisely directed to the sub- 
 stantial benefit of those who need it. — The servants of God 
 have no occasion to be discouraged in the prospect either of 
 heavy services, or of fiery trials : for he can send them sea- 
 sonable and unexpected relief whenever he pleases ; and will 
 be sure to proportion his assistance to their necessities. — 
 Every thing in the worship of God should be “done decently 
 and in order,” and as may best promote edification. On some 
 occasions it may be proper to employ a great deal of time, 
 and to expend much money in his immediate worship : and the 
 growing Christian will not be weary or complain of this ; but 
 will account it his gain, his pleasure, and his honour. All 
 our works of piety and charity must be accompanied with an 
 humble acknowledgment of our sinfulness, and a believing 
 dependence on the sacrifice of Christ; they must spring from 
 love to God, gratitude to him for the blessings of redemption, 
 an unreserved surrender of ourselves to his service, and a dis- 
 position to delight in doing his will, and in rendering him all 
 the praise. Such good works are “spiritual sacrifices, ac- 
 ceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” The Lord delights to 
 honour those who thus honour him. He remembers and records 
 their expressions of faith and love. In this world he com- 
 n.unes with his disciples from his mercy-seat, by answering 
 their prayers, and counselling and comforting their hearts : 
 and he will at the day of judgment, publish to the assembled 
 universe, distinctly and pari jularly, the fruits of holiness, 
 Vol. I.— 34 
 
 them: 'Sprinkle ctvater of purifying upon them, 
 and 'let them shave a 11 their flesh, and let .them '‘wasn 
 their clothes, and so make themselves clean. 
 
 8 Then let them take ‘a young hullock with k his 
 meat-offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, ana 
 'another young bullock shalt thou take for a sin 
 offering. 
 
 9 And Thou shalt bring the Levites before the 
 tabernacle of the congregation : and thou “snail 
 gather the whole assembly of the children of 
 Israel together. 
 
 10 And thou shalt bring the Levites before the 
 Lord, and "the children of Israel shall put their 
 hands upon the Levites : 
 
 1 1 And Aaron shall f offer the Levites before the 
 Lord, for an ^offering of the children of Israel, 
 that Rhey may rexecute the service of the 
 Lord. 
 
 12 And the ^Levites shall lay their hands upon 
 the heads of the bullocks : and thou shalt offer 
 r the one for a sin-offering, and the other for a 
 burnt-offering, unto the Lord, to make an "atone 
 ment for the Levites. 
 
 13 And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, 
 and before his sons, 'and offer them for an offering 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 14 Titus shalt thou “separate the Levites from 
 among the children of Israel ; “and the Levites 
 shall he mine. 
 
 15 And after that shall the Levites ?go in to do 
 the service of the tabernacle of the congregation : 
 and thou shalt cleanse them, 'and offer them for 
 an offering. 
 
 16 For they are wholly given unto me from 
 among the children of Israel ; "instead of such as 
 open every womb, even instead of the first-horn 
 of all the children of Israel, have I taken them 
 unto me. 
 
 Rev. 7:14. i Ex. 29:1,3. Lev. 1 ;3. 8:2. k 15:8,9. Lev. 2:1. 1 Lev. 4:3,14. 
 
 16:3. la. 53:10. Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor. 5:21. m Ex. 29:4. 40: 12. n Lev. 8:3. o 3: 
 45. Acts 6:6. 13:2,3. 1 Tim. 4:14. 5:22. | Heb .wave. } Heb. wave-offering . 
 6:20. Ex. 29:24. Lev. 7:30. 8:27,29. § Heb. they may be to execute, &c. 
 
 p 1:49—53. 3:5—43. q Ex. 29:10. Lev. 1:4. 8:14. 16:21. r 8. 0:14.16. Lev. 5: 
 7,9,10. 8:14,18. 9:7. 14:19,20,22. Heb. 10:4—10. 9 Lev. 1:4. 4:20,35. 8:34. 16:6, 
 11,16—19. Heb. 9:22. t 21 . See on 11. 18:6. Rom. 12:1 . 15:16. u 6:2. 
 Debt. 10:8. Rom. 1:1. Gal. 1:15. Heb. 7:26. x 17. 3:45. 16:9,10. 18:6. Mai. 3: 
 17. v 11. 3:23—37. 4:3—32. 1 Chr. 23: 25 : 26: z See on 11,13. 3:12. a 3:12,45. 
 
 which by his grace they produced on earth: as evincing them 
 to be the heirs of the “ kingdom prepared for his people, from 
 before the foundation of the world.” [Notes, and P. O.Mati. 
 25:31 — 4G.) 
 
 NOTES. -Chap. VIII. V. 2—4. The shaft of the 
 candlestick was all in one piece : but the seven lamps were 
 formed separate, and might be taken off, or fixed upon it, as 
 occasion required. (Note, Ex. 25:31 — 39.) — It is a tradition 
 of the Jews, that the middle lamp was lighted from the altar 
 of burnt-offering, and the other lamps from it, which being 
 done, each lamp gave light to the part of the sanctuary “over 
 against it.” — Pattern. (4) Notes, Ex. 25:9,40. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. The Levites were not distinguished from the 
 other Israelites, by any prescribed garments : nor were they 
 washed or anointed, after the manner in which Ihe priests had 
 been; but though they were set apart with less solemnity, to 
 mark the inferiority of their office, and because they were not 
 so expressly typical of Christ as the priests were ; ( Notes, Lev. 
 8: 9:) yet there was equally a remembrance of sin, both in 
 its guilt and defilement, and of the need of atonement and 
 sanctification, in the separation of them to their office. Their 
 clothes were washed ; they were sprinkled with the water ol 
 purifying; (Notes, 19:) a sin-offering and a burnt-offering 
 were sacrificed in their behalf; and they shaved all their 
 flesh, according to the ceremony of the leper’s purification 
 (Note, Lev. 14:8,9.) This might denote “the laying apart 
 all filthiness, and superfluity of naughtiness ;” the mortifica- 
 tion of natural depravity, and the renouncing of unnecessary 
 worldly avocations and employments, that they might more 
 entirely devote their time and attention to the services assign- 
 ed them. 
 
 V. 9 — 11. The words translated “the whole assembly, 
 often signify, the elders or principal persons in the several 
 tribes ; who, as the representatives of the whole congregation 
 laid their hands on the heads of the Levites : thus expressin 
 their ready consent to the substitution of them in the stea 
 of the first-born, and their surrender of them to the Lord for 
 the purpose of serving at the sanctuary : and then Aaron, by 
 some significant action, offered them as a wave-offering to 
 the Lord. (11. marg.) 
 
 V. 12. Notes, Ex. 29:10,11. Lev. 1:4. 16:20—22. 
 
 V. 14—18. Marg. Ref. Notes, 3:41—43. Ex. 13:2,11 
 
 — 16 . 
 
 V. 19. When Aaron had offered the Levites af an offe» 
 
 ( 265 ) 
 
B. Cv v i'K). 
 
 • NUMBERS. 
 
 13. C. MOO. 
 
 17 For h aJI the first-born of the children of 
 {ir.oel are mine, both mail and beast: ‘on the day 
 that I smote every first-born in the land of Egypt, 
 d l sanctified them for myself. 
 
 18 And 1 have taken the Levies for all the 
 first-born of the children of Israel. 
 
 19 And e I have given the Levites as 'a gift to 
 Aaron, and to his sons, from among the children 
 of Israel ; to do the service of the children of 
 Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and 
 to make an atonement for the children of Israel : 
 fthat there be no plague among the children of 
 Israel, when the children of Israel come nigh unto 
 the sanctuary. 
 
 20 And Mpses, and Aaron, and all the congre- 
 gation of the children of Israel, did to the Levites 
 according unto all that the Lord commanded 
 Moses concerning the Levites, so did the children 
 of Israel unto them. 
 
 21 And the Levites g vvere purified, and they 
 washed their clothes ; and Aaron h offered them as 
 an otfering before the Lord ; 'and Aaron made an 
 atonement for them to cleanse them. 
 
 22 And k after that went the Levites in, to do 
 their service in the tabernacle of the congregation 
 before Aaron, and before his sons : as the Lord 
 had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so 
 did they unto them. 
 
 23 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 24 This is it that belongeth unto the Levites; 
 •from twenty and five years old and upward they 
 shall go in to hvait upon the service of the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation : 
 
 b Ex. 13:5,12,13. Luke 2:23. c Ex. 12:29. Pa. 78:51. 105:36. 135:8. Heb. 
 11:23. il Kx. 13:14,15. 29:44. Lex. 27:14,15,26. Ex. 20:12. John 10:36. 17:19. 
 Heb. 10:29. Jam. 119. e 3:6— 9. 18:2— 6. 1 Chr. 23:28— 32. Ex. 44:11— 14. 
 * Heb. given, f 1:53. 16:46. 18:5. .1 Sam, 6:19. 2 Chr. 26:16— 20. g See on 
 7. 19:12,19. h Sec on 11,13,15. 3:12. i 12. k 15. 2 Chr. 30:15 — 17,27. 31:2, 
 35 3—15. i 4:3,23. 1 Chr. 23:3,24— 27. 28:12,13. f Heb . war the warfare 
 
 of, be. 1 Cor. 9:7. 2 Cor. 10:4. 1 Tim. 1:18. 6:12. 2 Tim. 2:3— 5. J Heb. re- 
 turn from the warfare of, &c. 4:23. 2 Tim. 4:7. m 1:53.3:32. 18:4.31:30. 
 
 ing unto the Lord, the Lord gave them back to Aaron, who 
 might now with comfort make use of their assistance, "in, 
 or at, the tabernacle that is, in the court ; or “ about the 
 tabernacle, when it was removed. They likewise assisted 
 in offering those sacrifices, by which atonement was made. 
 This and the other services allotted them being duly per- 
 formed, without any unallowed intrusion of the other tribes, 
 would preserve the people from those terrible effects of the 
 divine displeasure which they might otherwise apprehend. 
 
 V. 24. At the age of twenty-five the Levites began 
 to attend upon the ordinary services of the tabernacle : but 
 they were neither required, nor allowed, to assist in its 
 removal, till they were thirty years old. Probably, at the 
 age of twenty-five the Levites were, in after ages, solemnly 
 admitted to their office, according to the prescribed order of 
 this chapter. 
 
 V. 25, 2(i. The Levites, above fifty years of age, might 
 superintend and assist their junior brethren in the ordinary 
 offices; and give them and the people counsel and instruc- 
 tion : but they were exempted from carrying the tabernacle, 
 and trom other laborious services. (Note, 4:3. ) — It is remark- 
 able, that no law was made concerning the age at which the 
 priests >noul:i begin to officiate ; and though various blemishes 
 disqualified them for the. service of the sanctuary, yet they 
 continued their ministrations till death, if capable. On the other 
 hand, nothing is said concerning any bodily defects or ble- 
 mishes disqualifying the Levites : but the timeoftheir service 
 is expressly set tied. Their work was far more laborious than 
 that of the priests ; it is probable that, without necessity, the 
 priects would not begin very early to officiate; and the 
 wisdom and experience of age would increase, rather than 
 diminish, their fitness for the sacred duties of their office. 
 practical observations. 
 
 Jesus Christ is the only Light of this dark world ; in virtue 
 of his atonement he diffuses, by his holy word and Holy 
 Spirit, divine light around ; anil all that is called illumination, 
 but is not derived from that source, is but, the greater and 
 more dangerous darkness. (Notes, Is. 8:20. Matt. fi:22, 
 23.) — Faithful and able ministers in searching the Scriptures, 
 comparing one part with another, and with what they observe 
 and experience; and imparting knowledge by preaching the 
 gospel, and by various other methods, are, in their several 
 places, “burning and shining lights,” communicating the light 
 received from Christ to those over against them, in their 
 congregations and neighbourhoods: and private Christians do 
 the same in their several connexions, when their knowledge 
 and profession of the truth are accompanied with the orna- 
 ment of a holy and exemplary conversation. In this way, 
 one is enlightened from another, and truth and righteousness 
 will he diffused ere long through all the nations of the earth. — 
 But so poTIled is every one horn of Adam’s fallen race, that 
 ( 266 ) 
 
 25 A nil from the ag’e of fifty years they shall 
 
 5cea.se waiting upon the service thereof , and shall 
 serve no more ; * 
 
 26 But shall minister with their brethren in tl^ 
 tabernacle of the congregation, m to keep th. 
 charge, and shall do no service. Thus shall ihou 
 do unto the Levites touching their charge. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The observance of the passover enforced , 1 — 5. The case of some who w*re 
 unclean. 6 — 8. The passover to be observed in the second month by suck 
 as could not keep it in ile season, 9 — 14. The cloud directs the removals 
 and encampments of Israel , 15 — 23. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses in the wil- 
 derness of Sinai, "in the first month of the 
 second year after they were come out of the land 
 of Egypt, saying, 
 
 2 Let the children of Israel also ’’keep the pass- 
 over at c his appointed season. 
 
 3 In the fourteenth day of this month ’at even 
 ye shall keep it in his appointed season : d accord- 
 ing to all the rites of it, and according to all the 
 ceremonies thereof, shall ye keep it. 
 
 4 And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, 
 that they should keep the passover. 
 
 5 And they kept the passover on the fourteenth 
 day of the first month at even, in the wilderness 
 of Sinai ; ‘according to all that the Lord com- 
 manded Moses, so did the children of Israel. 
 
 6 H And there were certain men, who were fdefiled 
 by the dead body of a man, that they could not 
 keep the passover on that day ; and sthey came 
 before Moses and before Aaron on that day? 
 
 7 And those men said unto him, We are defiled 
 by the dead body of a man ; wherefore are we 
 
 1 Chr. 23-32. 26:20— 29. Ex. 44:8,11. a S c on 1:1. Ex. 40:2. b Ex. 12:7,3, 
 &c. c 28:16. Ex. 12:6,14. Lev. 23:5. Deul. 16:1,2. Josh. 5:10. 2 Chr. 35:1. 
 Ezra 6:19. Mark 14:12. Luke 22:7. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. * Heb. between the tr.o even- 
 ings. Ex. 12:6. marg. Heb. 9:26. d 11,12. See on Ex. 12:7—11. e 8:20. 29:40. 
 Gen. 6:22.7:5. Ex. 39:32,42. Deut. 1 :3. 4:5. Matt. 28:20. John 15:14. Acts 26: 
 19. Heb. 3:5. 11:8. f5:2. 6:6,7. 19:11,18. John 18:28. g 15:33. 27:2. Ex. 18:15, 
 19,26. Lev. £4:11. 
 
 none can approach or serve God, except as an humble penitent 
 he plead guilty, depend upon the Saviour’s atoning blood, 
 and be sanctified by his Holy Spirit. And if the heart be 
 cleansed by divine grace, the outward conduct and conver- 
 sation will be clean likewise. — The Lord himself hath pro- 
 vided and appointed the method and means of our cleansing, 
 and giving us “ exceeding great and precious promises” for 
 our encouragement : but, “ having these promises,” we are 
 exhorted to “ cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and 
 spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God ;” ( Note, 2 Cor 
 7:1.) and to lay aside and put off our sinful pursuits and indul- 
 gences, that we may glorify God “with our bodies and our 
 spirits, which are his,” as “ bought with a price.” Everj* 
 real Christian is thus cleansed from sin, separated from ths 
 world, and presented to the Lord, “as a living sacrifice holy 
 and acceptable to him :” but the ministers of Christ especially. 
 When these are regularly appointed to the sacred office, with 
 the approbation of their brethren and of the church of God; 
 and when faithful and diligent in their work ; so far from 
 being considered as a useless part of the community, (as 
 they are often profanely represented,) they may fairly be 
 shown to be the most useful members of society, by their 
 examples, labours, and prayers, in repressing sin which 
 ruineth, and in promoting righteousness which exalteth any 
 people ; and in making known that great atonement by which 
 the wrath of God is averted from our guilty souls, and from 
 guilty nations. Let persons of another stamp, called minis- 
 ters, plead for themselves as they can: but those who act up 
 to this character should never be deserted by men, and will 
 never be forsaken by the Lord, in their old age; they may 
 still he useful by their counsel and influence; and “when the 
 chief Shepherd shall appear, they shall receive a crown of 
 glory which fadeth not away.”* (Note, 1 Pet. 5:1 — 4.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1 — 5. This passage is dated 
 before any other of the events recorded in this book : name.y 
 in the first month of the second year, or the next year a (lev 
 Israel left Egypt. * (1:1. Note , Ex. 40:2.) — It is generally 
 thought, that the Passover was no more celebrated after thi* 
 time, till the people arrived in Canaan. (Notes, Josh. 5:2 — 
 10.) The difficulty of procuring flour, during their frequcif, 
 removals, might be one reason, that the observance was no 
 more required in the desert ; and ibis renewed commtfml 
 would make way for the more regular celebration of it in 
 Canaan. This interruption however intimated, that these 
 ordinances were only a shadow of good things to come, and 
 not intended for perpetuity in the church. (Notes, and P . O. 
 Ex. 12:) 
 
 V. 6 — 8. The laws respecting ceremonial defilement had 
 not at this time been explicitly given: yet sc /oral intimations 
 had been made, which created scruples in the cuiecnnces o( 
 these persons, who probably had been under the necessi'j af 
 
D. C. 1490 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 IP C. 149'v 
 
 kept back, A. a "wo maj not offer an offering of 
 the Loan in Ilia appointed season among the chil- 
 dren of Israel r 
 
 8 And Moses said unto them, 'Stand still, and 
 k I will hear what the Lord will command con- 
 cerning you. 
 
 9 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If 
 any man of you, or of your posterity, shall 'be 
 unclean by reason of a dead body, or be in a 
 journey afar off, m yet he shall keep the passover 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 11 The "fourteenth day of the second month at 
 even they shall keep it, °and eat it with unleavened 
 Dread and bitter herbs. 
 
 12 They fshall leave none of it unto the morn- 
 ing, nor 'ibreak any bone of it: "according to all 
 the ordinances of the passover they shall keep it. 
 
 13 But the man that is clean, and is not in a 
 journey, and fforbeareth to keep the passover, 
 even the same soul shall be cut off from among 
 his people ; ‘because he brought not the offering 
 of the Lo p.d in his appointed season, that man 
 shall "bear his sin. 
 
 14 And *if a stranger shall sojourn among you, 
 and will keep the passover unto the Lord ; ac- 
 cording to the ordinance of the passover, and ac- 
 cording to the manner thereof, so shall he do : ye 
 shall have ojie ordinance,' both for the stranger, 
 and for him that was born in the land. 
 
 15 H And ^on the day that the tabernacle was 
 reared up, ’the cloud covered the tabernacle, 
 namely, the tent of the testimony: and at even 
 there was upon the tabernacle as it were the ap- 
 pearance of fire until the morning. 
 
 h 2. 2 Chr. 30:17-19. i Ex. 14:13. 2 Chr. 20:17. k 27:5. John 7:17. 17:8. 
 
 1 Cor. 11:23. Hr!,. 3:5,5. | 6,7. m Matt. 5:24. 1 Cor. 1128. n 2 Chr. 30:2 
 —15. o Ex. 12:3. p Ex. 12:10. q Ex. 12:46. John 19:36. r 3. Ex. 12: 
 43. s 15-30. 19:13. Pen. 17:'4. Ex. 12:15. I.rr. 17:4,10.14— 16. Heh. 6:6. 10: 
 26—29. 12:25. I See on 2.3,7. n 5:31. Lev. 20:21). 22:9. Ex. 23:49. Heb. 9.28. 
 x Ex. 12:18,19. Lev. 22:25. 24:22. Is. 56:3— 7. Eph.2.19— 22. y Ex. 40:2,18. 
 
 attending the funeral of some relation. They counted it their 
 duty and privilege to eat the passover, but feared to eat it 
 vvit^ their uncleanness upon them ; they therefore desired to 
 know what they ought to do, and very properly referred the 
 case to the decision of Moses, who applied for direction to the 
 Lord. This seems to have occurred at the time, when the 
 rest of the congregation were about to celebrate the pass- 
 over. — The passover is here called “ the offering of the 
 Lord;” being a solemn sacrifice, though no part of it was 
 burnt on the altar. 
 
 V. 10 — 14. The appointment of a passover in the second 
 month, for those who were defiled at the regular season, 
 implied a prohibition of its being eaten by any person cere- 
 monially unclean. It must be supposed, that they who were 
 at a great distance on a journey, had a good reason for being 
 from home at that season, and could not reach the place of 
 the tabernacle in due time. The feast of unleavened bread 
 might be observed at a distance from the sanctuary, and even 
 by the ceremonially unclean : it is therefore thought by many, 
 that it was not kept after the passover in the second month ; 
 yet Hezekiah, when he celebrated the passover in the second 
 month, observed the feast of unleavened bread, and that 
 during fourteen days. (Notes, 2 Chr. 30:2 — 4,21 — 25.) 
 Women and children, and such as were not required to go 
 ap to the sanctuary at the three great feasts, were not parti- 
 cularly concerned in the law; at least not in the annexed 
 denunciation against such as wilfully neglected the passover, 
 and who might expect to be visited by some divine judg- 
 ment. — They, who were unclean or at a distance in the 
 second month, were not allowed to keep the passover in any 
 subsequent month. — Strangers, renouncing idolatry, might 
 live among the Israelites : but if they desire to keep the pass- 
 oyer, they and the males of their households must be circum- 
 cised ; and in all things they must conform to the law con- 
 cerning it ; and then they would be, m that respect, partakers 
 of the privileges enjoyed by those who were Israelites by 
 birth. (Mara. Ref. Note, Ex. 12:48,49.) 
 
 V. 15. “ The tent of the testimony” was the west end 
 of tile tabernacle over the most holy place, where the ark of 
 foe covenant, with the tables of the law was placed, which 
 testified Israel to be the Lord’s people, and him to be their 
 God. (Notes, Ex. 25:10—22.) 
 
 V. 1C— 23. (Notes, Ex. 13:21,22. 40:36—38.) The 
 moving or abiding of the cloud, as the signal of Israel’s 
 marching, or continuing in their encampm -nts, would doubt- 
 less often try the patience of the people, and he very incon- 
 venient to them: yet we do not find, amidst all their rebellions, 
 •hat they ventured to act in direct, opposition to these intima- 
 x.ons of the divine will, except in on ' instance. (14:40 — 45.) — 
 Onkelos, an old Jewish commentator, in many places para- 
 
 16 So it was "alwny : the clout! covered it by 
 day, and the appearance of fire by night. 
 
 ' 17 And ’’when the cloud was taken lip from the 
 
 tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel 
 journeyed : ‘and in the place where the cloud 
 abode, there the children of Israel pitched their 
 tents. 
 
 18 At the commandment of the Lord the chil- 
 dren of Israel journeyed : ''and at the command 
 ment of the Lord they pitched : as long as the 
 cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in 
 their tents. 
 
 19 And when the cloud 'tarried long upon the 
 tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel 
 'kept the charge of the Lord, and journeyed not. 
 
 20 And so it was when the cloud was a few 
 days upon the tabernacle : according to the com- 
 mandment of the Lord they abode in their tents, 
 ami according to the commandment of the Lord 
 they journeyed. 
 
 21 And so it was when the cloud tahode from 
 even unto the morning, and that the cloud was 
 taken up in the morning, then they journeyed : 
 whether it was by day or by night that the cloud 
 was taken up, they journeyed. 
 
 22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or 
 a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, 
 remaining thereon, the children of Israel f abode 
 in their tents, and journeyed not : but when it was 
 taken up they 'journeyed. 
 
 23 At the commandment of the Lord they rested 
 in their tents, and at the commandment of the 
 Lord they journeyed : sthey kept the charge ol 
 the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord by 
 the hand of Moses. 
 
 1 14:14. Ex. 14:19,20.24 . 33:9,10 . 40:34. Ps. 78:14. 105:39. Is. 4:5. Ez. 10:3,4. 
 1 Cor. 10:1 . a Ex. 13:21,22. 40:38. Deut. 1:33. Nell. 9: 12,19. 0 10:11,33,34. 
 
 Ex. 40:35.37. Ps. 80:1,2. c Ex. 33:14,15. Ps. 32:8. 73:24. John 10:3,4,9. <1 20. 
 10:13. Ex. 17:1. 2John 6. * Heb. prolonged, e See on 1:52,53. 3:8. f Heb. 
 wa/t. f See on 17. Ex. 40:36,37. Dent. 1 :6, 7. 2:3,4. Ps. 77:20. Prov. 3:5,6. 
 Acts 1:4. g 19. Gen. 26:5. Josh. 22:3. Ez. 44:8. Zech.3:7. 
 
 phrases the words rendered, “ at the commandment of the 
 Lord,” at the mouth of the Word of the LORD. This shows 
 that the ancient Jews had some knowledge of the doctrine 
 with which the apostle John sublimely opens his gospel. — 
 The case of two or three millions of people, shut up in a 
 dreary wilderness, for almost forty years, without ever see- 
 ing house, or garden, or corn-field ; and that as completely as 
 if the highest walls, garrisoned by the most valiant troops, had 
 surrounded them ; when compared with their rebellions in 
 other things, and their submission in this respect, most 
 strikingly shows, that they were convinced beyond the possi- 
 bility of doubt, that resistance must bo unavailing : yet nothing 
 short of having witnessed the miracles recorded in these 
 books, could have induced this strong conviction. 
 
 * PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We are so immersed in the things of time and sense, that 
 the most pure minds have need to be repeatedly “ stirred up, 
 by way of remembrance,” to such duties as they have before 
 been instructed in. (Notes, 2 Pet. 1:12 — 15. 3:1 — 4.) — Alas ! 
 in what a sad dilemma are multitudes of professed Christians ! 
 They are habitually unclean, through indulged lusts and unre- 
 pented sins, and cannot approach the Lord’s table without a 
 presumptuous profanation: yet in slaying away they neglect 
 ‘their bounden duty and service ;’ and virtually confess that 
 they have no part in Christ, but are liable to bear the heavy 
 load of their own iniquity, and to be cut off by the righteous 
 judgment of God ; not so much for disregarding this outward 
 sign, as for neglecting the great salvation itself. When, how- 
 ever, this becomes their burden, and they sincerely inquire 
 what they must do, considering the ordinances of God as their 
 duty and privilege, and every impediment as their affliction; 
 their case then becomes hopeful. For they are directed to 
 the “Fountain open for sin and for uncleanness and having 
 been “ washed and sanctified, and justified iD the name of the 
 Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” they may approach 
 with comfort to partake of that sacred feast. But men should 
 reflect, that if they are not prepared for the Lord’s table, they 
 are not fit lor death and judgment ; and that it is very ungrate* 
 ful for Christians tb neglect the command of him who loved 
 us, and gave himself for our sins, and, as with his dying lips, 
 said to his disciples, “ Do this in remembrance of me.” 
 Under difficulties and distress of conscience it is proper to 
 consult pious and faithful ministers, and plainly to state the 
 case unto them. And it becomes them to be accessible to 
 such inquirers ; and not only to offer them the best counsel 
 they can, but in doubtful cases to take time for deliberation, 
 and consulting the word of God, and prayer, in order to give 
 them a satisfactory solution : and as the Lord makes a dif- 
 ference between occasional defilements and presumptuous 
 disobedience, they should do the same. (Note, 2 Chr. 3616 
 ( 267 ) 
 
R. U. ;490. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 149U 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Directions for making awl us : ng trie silver trumpets, 1 — 10. The Israelites 
 Journey from Sinai to l J arni, 11 — 13 ; and he nr ter in which they marched , , 
 14- --23. Moses entreats Hohab to continue with them, 2d — 32. His prayer 
 at the removing , a»d the resting <>f the ark , 33 — 36. 
 
 ND thg Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Make thee “two trumpets of silver ; b of a 
 whole piece shall, thou make them, that thou 
 mavest use them for c the calling of the assembly, 
 and for the journeying of the camps. 
 
 3 And when d they shall blow with them, all -the 
 assembly shall assemble themselves to thee, at the 
 door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 4 And if they blow but with one trumpet, then 
 the princes, which are “heads of the thousands of 
 Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. 
 
 5 When ye ' blow an alarm, then sthe camps 
 that lie on the east parts shall go forward. 
 
 6 When ye blow an alarm the second time, 
 then h the camps that lie on the south side shall 
 take their journey : they shall blow an alarm for 
 their journeys. 
 
 7 But when the congregation is to be gathered 
 together, 'ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an 
 alarm. 
 
 8 And k the sons of Aaron the priests shall blow 
 with the trumpets : and they shall be to you for 
 an ordinance for ever throughout your genera- 
 tions. 
 
 9 And if ye go to war in your land against the 
 enemy that ‘oppresseth you, “then' ye shall blow 
 an alarm with the trumpets: and ye shall be "re- 
 membered before the Lord your God, and ye shall 
 be saved from your enemies. 
 
 10 Also °in the day of your gladness, and in 
 your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your 
 months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your 
 burnt-offerings, and over the sacrifices of your 
 peace-offerings; that they may be to you for ra 
 memorial before your God : I am the Lord your 
 
 God. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 11 11 And it came to pass, son the twentieth day 
 
 » 2 Kings 12:13. 2 Chr. 5:12. b Ex. 25-18,31. Eph. 4:5. c 7. Ps. 81:3. 89:15. 
 Is. 1:13. Hos. 8:1. Jnel 1:14. d Jer. 4:5. Joel 2:15,16. e See on 1 4— 16. 7:2. 
 Ex. 18:21. Deut. 1:15. 16:7. Is. 58:1. Joel 2:1. g2:3— 9. h2:10— 16. i 3.4. 
 k 31:6. Josh. 6:4— 16. 1 ( hr. 15:24. 16:6. 2 Chr. 13: 12— 15. 1 Judg. 2:18. 3:27. 
 
 4:2. 6:9,34. 7.16-21. 10:8,12. 1 Sam. 10:18. Pa. 106:42. mis. 18:3. 58:1. Jer. 
 4:5,19,21. 6:1,17. Ex. 7:14. 33 3— 6. Hos. 5 8. Am. 3:6. Zeph. 1:16. 1 Cor. 14: 
 8. n Gen. 8:1 . Ps. 106:4. 136:23. Luke 1:72— 74. o 29:1. Lev. 23,24 . 25:9,10. 
 
 1 Chr. 15-2S. 16:42. 2 ( hr. 5:12,13 . 7.6. 29:26,28. Ezra 3:10. Neh. 12:35. Ps. 
 81:3. 89:15.98:5,6. 150:3. Is. 27: 13. 55: 1—4. Matt. 11:28. 1 Cor. 15:52. 1 Thes. 
 4:16,18. Rex. 22:17. p Ex. 28:29. 30:16. Josh. 4:7. 1 Cor. 11:21—26. q 1:1. 9: 
 
 — 20.) — We may often, without our own fault, be deprived of 
 the opportunity of attending on divine ordinances ; hut in lhat 
 case we shall not lose the blessing : and when thus kept away 
 at one time, we should be doubly careful to improve the next 
 opportunity. — Blessed be God, that we strangers of the Gen- 
 tiles are admitted to participate in the blessings of “ Christ 
 our Passover, who was sacrificed for us but let us be care- 
 ful to celebrate the sacred feast after the prescribed manner ; 
 as true penitents and spiritual pilgrims, with the unleavened 
 bread of sincerity and truth. (Note,! Cor. 5:fi — 8.) — Though 
 we are not under the miraculous direction of the cloud ; yet 
 the providence of God appoints the bounds of our habitation, 
 and his word is the perfect and sufficient rule of our conduct. 
 Wherever our lot is cast, let us study contentment. When- 
 ever called upon to remove, let us be careful that we act 
 according to the commandment of our God, and in depend- 
 ence on his promises, in the patience of hope, and quietly 
 wailing for his salvation : and when we pass through tempta- 
 tion and tribulation, or the gloomy vale of death, if his pre- 
 sence go with us, we must be safe and shall be happy. Let 
 us beg of him, therefore, to choose for us our places of abode 
 in this world, our time of removal out of it, and our everlast- 
 ing inheritance ; for he never chose to the final disadvantage 
 of those, who were enabled to refer all their concerns to his 
 decision. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 2. — 10. These silver trum- 
 pets were evidently intended to typify the preaching of the 
 gospel. (Notes, Lev. 23:24,25. Ps. 89:15 — 18. Is. 27:12,13.) 
 The priests alone were allowed to blow them; and as there 
 were at that time but two priests, the sons of Aaron the high- 
 priest, only two trumpets were made : but we read after- 
 wards “of one hundred and twenty priests sounding with 
 trumpets.” (2 Clir. 5:12.) In allusion to the uses assigned 
 to Ihem, in this place, and in others referred to in the margin, 
 and which do not seem to require explanation ; (Marg. Ref. 
 e — p ;) we may observe that the gospel sounds (lie alarm to 
 sinners ; calls them to repentance ; proclaims liborty to cap- 
 tives and slaves ; collects the spiritual worshippers of God, 
 in all ages and nations, to keep their solemn fasts of godly 
 sorrow, and feasts of holy joy ; summons them to become 
 ( 268 ) 
 
 of the second month, in the second year, that r the 
 cloud was taken up trout off the tabernacle of the 
 testimony. 
 
 12 Ami the children of Israel "took their jour- 
 neys 'out of the wilderness of Sinai ; a ltd the cloud 
 rested in "the wilderness of Paran. 
 
 13 And they first Took their journey, according 
 to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of 
 Moses. 
 
 14 It In The first place went the standard ot the 
 camp of the children of Judah, according to their 
 armies: and over his hosts was "Nahshon the son 
 of Amminadab. 
 
 15 And over the host of the tribe of the children 
 of Tssachar, was Nethaneel the son of Zuar. 
 
 16 And over the host of the tribe of the chil- 
 dren of b Zebulun, was Eliab the son of Helon. 
 
 17 And “the tabernacle was taken down: and 
 d the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set 
 forward, bearing the tabernacle. 
 
 18 H And the standard of “the camp of Reuben 
 set forward, according to their armies : and over his 
 hosts t vas f Elizur the son of Shedeur. 
 
 19 Andover the host of the tribe of the children 
 of ^Simeon, ivas Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 
 
 20 And over the host of the tribe of the children 
 of Gad, vms ''Eliasaph the son of Deuel. 
 
 21 And 'the Kohathites set forward, bearing the 
 sanctuary ; and 'the other did set up the taberna- 
 cle against they came. 
 
 22 And the standard of k the camp of the 
 children of Ephraim set forward, according to 
 their armies : and over his host was ‘Elishama the 
 son of Ammihud. 
 
 23 And over the host of the tribe of the children 
 of Manasseh, was m Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 
 
 24 And over the host of the tribe of the children 
 of Benjamin, was "Abidan the son of Gideoni. 
 
 25 11 And the standard of °the camp of the* 
 children of Dan set forward, which was rthe rear- 
 ward of all the camps throughout their hosts : and 
 
 1,5,11. Ex. 40:2. r See on 9:17 — 23. «33:16. Ex . 13:26. 40:36. Deut. 1:19. 
 
 l 1:1. 91. 33:15. Ex. 19:1,2. u 12:16. 13:3.26. Gen. 21 :21 Deut. 1:1. *3:2. 
 
 1 Sam. 25:1 Hub. 3:3. X 9:23. y 2:3-9. 26: 19— 27. Gen. 49:8. i Aim 1-7, 
 7:12. a 1:8. 7:18. bl:9. 7:34. c 1:51. Heb. 9.11. 12:28. 2 1 et. 1:14. (13: 
 
 25,26,36,37 . 4:24-33.7:6—8. e 2:1(1— 16. 26:5— 18. f 1:5. 7:35. gl:6. 7:36. 
 h 1:14. 2:14. Son of Heuel. 7:42. i 2: 17. 3:27—32. 4:4—16. 7:9. I Chr. 15:2, 
 12 — 15. ’ That is, the Gershonites and the Merarites. 17. 1:51. k 2: 18 — 24. 
 
 26:23— 41. Gen. 48:19. Ps. 80:1,2. 11:10.7:48. m 1:10. 7:54. n 1:11. 7:60. 
 o2:28—31. 26.42— 51. Gen. 49:16,17. p Deut. 25: 17,18. Josh. 6:9. Is. 52.12. 
 58:8. 
 
 strangers anti pilgrims upon earth ; directs and encourages 
 their heavenly journey ; excites them to combat, against 
 Satan, the world, and sin; animates them with the assurance 
 of victory; calls their attention to the sacrifice of Christ; 
 explains it, and tends suitably to affect them with it ; and is a 
 constant memorial of the Lord’s gracious presence with them, 
 for their encouragement and protection, and for a terror and 
 dismay to all their enemies. (2 Chr. 13:12.) — The distinct 
 ways of sounding the trumpets were doubtless well under- 
 stood both by priests and people: and this might imply, that 
 the word of God should be rendered as plain as possible to 
 every description of those who hear it. ( JVote, 1 Cor. 14:6 — 
 12 ‘) 
 
 V. 11 — 13. After the Israelites had continued nearly 
 a year at mount Sinai, (Ex. 19:1.) to settle every thing re- 
 specting their future worship, they began their march to Ca- 
 naan ; whither they might speedily have arrived, had they not 
 renewed their rebellions. This may typically teach us, that 
 though true religion begins with the knowledge of the holy 
 law, and humiliation for sin ; yet we should also press for- 
 ward, and 44 go on towards perfection,” in an acquaintance with 
 Christ and his gospel, and those effectual encouragements, 
 motives, and assistances to holiness, which it proposes. — Pre- 
 viously to the removal of the cloud, the people seem to have 
 had an express command to set out on their journey. (JVote 9 
 Deut. 1:6 — 8.) In consequence of this we may suppose, that 
 they had got all ready for their march, when the removing of 
 the cloud gave the signal for their actually setting off; and 
 that, in general, they had time allowed fo: Jnese purposes. 
 
 V. 21. The Gershonites and Merarites, who marched 
 before the Kohathites for that purpose, t" m ) set up the luier- 
 nacle, to receive the sacred things wnen the Kohathites 
 arrived with them. 
 
 V. 25. This division not only brought up the rear of Israel, 
 hut also gathered under it such ns were left behind through 
 weariness, and the mixed multitude which followed them, and 
 those who, being unclean, were excluded from the camp. 
 
 V. 29. It. is most probable, that Jethro was the same per- 
 son as Reuel, or Raguel; and that Hob .o was his son, and 
 Moses’s brother-in-law, who had remrmod ^ ith Moses and 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 B. C 1190. 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 over his host was ?Ahiezer the son of Ammishad- 
 dai 
 
 26 And over the host of the tribe of the children 
 of Asher, was 'Pagiel the son of Ocran. 
 
 27 And over the host of the tribe of the children 
 of Napht ali, teas ‘Ahira the son of Enan. 
 
 28 ‘Thus were the journeyings of the children 
 of Israel, ‘according to their armies, when they 
 set forward- 
 
 29 H And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of 
 “Raguel the Midianite, Moses’s father-in-law, We 
 are journeying unto the place of which “the Lord 
 said, I will give it you : Jcome thou with us, and 
 we will do thee good ; z for the Lord hath spoken 
 good concerning Israel. 
 
 30 And he said unto him, I will not go ; but I 
 ‘•will depart to mine own land, and to my kindred. 
 
 31 And he said, Leave us not, I pray thee : 
 forasmuch as thou knowest how we are to encamp 
 in the wilderness, and thou mayest be to us b in- 
 stead of eyes. 
 
 32 And it shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it 
 shall be, that c what goodness the Lord shall do 
 into us, the same will we do unto thee. 
 
 33 11 And they departed from d the mount of the 
 
 q 1:12. 7:66. rl:13. 7:72. sl:I5.7:78. • Hcb. these, t 35,36 . 2:34. 24:4, 
 
 5. Caul. 6:10. 1 Cor. 14:33,40. Col. 2:5. a Ex. 2:18. Jteuel. 3:1. 18:1,27. x Gen. 
 12:7.13.15.15:18. Acts 7.5. y Joclg. 1:16. 4:11. 1 Sam. 15:6. I s. 34:8. Is. 2: 
 8. Jer. 50:5. Zech. 8:21 — 23. Rev. 22:17. z 23:19. Gen. 32:12. Ex. 3:3. 6:7,8. 
 Til. 1:2. Heb.6:!8. a Gen. 12:1. 31:30. Ruth 1:15— 17. Ps. 45:10. Luke 14:26. 
 2Cor. 5:16. Heb. 11:8,13. bJob29.15. Ps. 32:8. 1 Cor. 12:14— 21. Gal. 6:2. 
 
 c Jude. 1:16. 1 John 1:3. d Ex. 3.1. 19:3. 24:17,18. e Deni. 9:9. 31:26. Josh. 
 4:7. Jude. 20:27. 1 Sam. 4:3. Jer. 3:16. Heb. 13:20. f Ex. 33:14,15. Dent. 1:33. 
 Josh. 3:2—6,11—17. Jer. 31:8,9. g Ps. 95: 11. Is. 23:12. 66:1. Jer. 6:16. Matl. 
 
 Israel when his father departed from them ; or had come to 
 them afterwards. 
 
 V. 31, 32. Though the people were under the immediate 
 direction of God in their march ; yet, in respect of the con- 
 veniences or inconveniences of the places through which they 
 passed, they might receive profitable cautions and instruc- 
 tions from a person acquainted with the desert. — Some how- 
 ever translate the words rendered “ thou mayest be unto us 
 instead of eyes,” in the past tense, and interpret it as a thank- 
 ful acknowledgment of the advantages which Israel had de- 
 rived from Hobab’s counsel and direction ; for which they 
 could make him no amends, except he would go with them, 
 and share the kindness which the Lord had in reserve for 
 them in the promised land, whither they reasonably expected 
 soon to arrive. But others interpret the words to signify, 
 that (like his father Jethro) he might be very useful to Moses 
 by his advice, and should be admitted among his select 
 counsellors, if he would continue in thecamp. We may sup- 
 pose, that Hobab was withdrawn from his first purpose, and 
 accompanied them. We shall hereafter read of his posterity : 
 and it is probable, that an inheritance was assigned them in 
 Canaan. The whole passage implies that Hobab, like his 
 father, was a wise and pious man, a devoted worshipper of 
 the God of Israel ; and that, on the supposition that he “re- 
 turned to his kindred,” (30) he did not return to idolatry. 
 ( Notes , Ruth 1:11 — 17.) 
 
 V. 33, 34. It is doubtful, whether on this occasion the ark 
 was carried separately before the camp, or with the other sa- 
 cred things in the midst of it. The cloud, however, (which 
 above was diffused as a canopy over the heads of the people 
 in the day, and afforded light to them by night,) rested be- 
 neath upon the ark in such a manner, that in directing their 
 march, the ark on which it rested might very properly be said 
 to go before them , to single out the particular spot on which 
 they were to halt for refreshment ; and after three days, the 
 spot on which they were to encamp. 
 
 V. 35, 3G. Moses, as the leader, though Aaron was the 
 high-priest, solemnly addressed the Lord in this emphatical 
 prayer, the former part of- which David used, probably on a 
 similar occasion. (Note, Ps. 68: 1 — 3.) The expression, 
 “the many thousands of Israel,” is In the original, the ten 
 thousand thousands of Israel, among whom Moses thus be- 
 sought the Lord again to manifest his presence, and to take 
 up his residence. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The trumpet of the gospel, being God’s ap- 
 pointed ordinance, demands the serious attention of all to 
 whom it is sent. Let our character, situation, trials, or duty, 
 oe what they may, this trumpet, when skilfully used by the 
 ministers of Christ, will give such a distinct sound, as at one 
 •ime or another exactly to suit our case; and to afford us 
 that warning, direction, encouragement, or exhortation, of 
 vhich we stand in need: and in this manner we should expect 
 to be counselled and comforted by the Lord. But they who 
 sound this trumpet ought to be very skilful, faithful, and affec- 
 tionate, and observant both of the word of God, of their ow n 
 hearts, and of the situations bf the people ; lest they give false 
 alarms, or neglect to give the alarm when necessary ; lest by 
 an uncerlain sound they encourage such as need reproof, or 
 disov-uiage ihe nearts of such as should bo comforted; or in 
 
 Lord three days’ journey : and 'the ark of the 
 covenant of the Lord ' went before them in tht 
 three days’ journey, to search out «a resting-place 
 for them. 
 
 34 And h the cloud of the LoRif was upon then 
 by day, when they went out of the camp- 
 
 35 And it came to pass, when the ark set for 
 
 ward, that Moses said, 'Rise up, Lord, and let 
 thine enemies be scattered ; and let them that hate 
 thee flee before thee. * 
 
 36 And when it rested, he said, '‘Return, O 
 Lord, unto the 'many thousands of Israel. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The people complain , and the fire of the Lord burns among them, but is quenched 
 through Moses’s prayer , 1,2; the place is called Tabevah, 3. TV.ey 
 grow weary of manna, and lust for flesh, A — 9. Moses complains, 10 — 15. 
 
 God promises to give him seventy assistants ; nnd fi-sh to the people for a 
 month, 16 — 2). Moses's faith is staggered, 21 — 23. God. gives of his Spivit 
 to seventy elders, 24, 25. Two prophesy in the camp : Joshua would forbid 
 them ; but Moses reproves him, 26 — 30. The quails are sent in oast abun- 
 dance, but in wrath, 31 — 35. 
 
 A ND *when the people 'complained, 'it displeas- 
 ed the Lord: and the Lord heard it ; and 
 his anger was kindled: and b the fire of the Lord 
 burnt among them, and consumed them that were 
 in "the uttermost parts of the camp. 
 
 2 And the people d cried unto Moses ; and when 
 
 11:23—30. Heb. 4:3— 11. h Ex. 13:21,22. Neh. 9:12,19. Ps. 105:39 ir s .68i 
 1,2. 132:8. Is. 51:9. k Ps. 90:13 — 17. f Heb. ten thousand thousands. Gen.24:60. 
 a 10:33.20:2—5.21:5. Ex. 15:23,24. 16:2,3,7,9. 17:2,3. Lain. 3:39. 1 Cor. 10:10. 
 Jude 16. * Or, were as it were complainers. t Heb. it was evil in the cars 
 
 of the LORD. Gen. 38:10. 2 Sam. 11:27. marg. Jam. 5:4. b 16:35. Lev. 10: 
 2. Dent. 32:22 . 2 Kings 1:12. Job 1:16. Ps. 78:21. 106:18. Is. 30:33. 33:14. Nah. 
 1:5. Mark 9:43— 49. Heb. 12:29. c Deut. 25:18. d 21:7. Ps. 78.34,35. Jer. 37: 
 3.42:2. Acts 8:24. 
 
 any other way defeat those ends for which the preaching o. 
 the word is intended. — “Blessed is the people who know the 
 joyful sound,” and clearly understand its meaning, whether it 
 call them to watch and pray, to weep or rejoice, to attack 
 their enemies or to resist their assaults, to march forward with 
 alacrity, or to endure the labours of the way with patient per- 
 severance ; and who so understand its sound, as to pay it 
 that prompt obedience, which the disciplined soldier pays to 
 the sound of the trumpet. Such persons will never be left 
 destitute of encouragement, instruction, or counsel, through 
 the whole of their journey. Though they “have here no 
 continuing city,” but are always removing from one wilder- 
 ness to another: yet, by hearkening to the word of God, they 
 will follow the ark in all their removals, and be taught habi- 
 tually to depend on the promises and perfections of God and 
 the mediation of his Son, to obey his commands, and imitate 
 his example, in their proper place aqd station; and ever to 
 abide under the care of his providence, enjoy the comforts of 
 his Spirit, and have fellowship with him in his ordinances. 
 
 V. 11 — 36. The Lord himself goes before his believing peo- 
 ple, to find them out resting-places from time to time by the 
 way: he will give them rest to their souls on earth, until he 
 bring them to his heavenly felicity ; he will arise to scatter his 
 and their enemies, and “ all that hate him shall flee before him 
 and he will abide with every individual, and with all the thou- 
 sands and millions of Israel, “ always even unto the end of 
 the world:” for he has promised, that he will “never leave 
 them nor forsake them,” and this is the substance of all their 
 prayers and desires. — While we are thus journeying to the 
 place of which the Lord hath spoken to us, and hath engaged 
 to give us ; we should endeavour, by our general good be- 
 haviour and tranquil cheerfulness, by special acts of kindness, 
 and by pressing exhortations and persuasions, to induce our 
 relatives, friends, and neighbours to attend us; aiming to con- 
 vince them, that the Lord is with us, that he hath spoken 
 good concerning us ; that he hath good in reserve for us, and 
 that it is for their true advantage to accompany us ; frankly 
 proposing to them a participation in all our privileges and 
 comforts, and assuring them of all the kindness which God 
 shall enable us to do unto them. ( Note , 1 John 1:3,4.) By 
 persevering attempts of this kind, and by fervent prayers, we 
 may frequently overcome the reluctance of those, who at first , 
 were unwilling to renounce the pleasures of sin, or the inte- 
 rests of the world, or who were loth to encounter the hard- 
 ships of the journey, or who valued not the promised inherit- 
 ance. — Though in every thing our dependence must be ulti- 
 mately placed upon the Lord, yet we may use the services o» 
 men as instruments of good to us, and should in our turn aim 
 to do them good ; and thus we may be as eyes and ears and 
 hands to each other, for our mutual comfort, and to the glory 
 of our common Lord. We should also be careful, that we 
 begin every undertaking, especially those in which the cnurch 
 of God is concerned, with earnest prayer for direction, assist 
 ance, and success: and not only ministers, but magistrates 
 and princes also, should be men of prayer, as well as of acti- 
 vity, integrity, and ability ; for whatever talents and instru- 
 ments are employed, the Lord alone sends prosperity. Fi- 
 nally, in all our supplications at the throne of grace, the many 
 thousands of Israel should without fail be remembered by us. 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1 — 3. “ The people were as 
 ( 261 ) ) 
 
r». i i -too. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 R. C. 1400. 
 
 Moses 'prayed unto ihe Lord, fthe fire ‘was 
 quenched. 
 
 3 And lie called the name of the place f Tabe- 
 
 rali; because the fire of the Lord burnt among 
 them. » 
 
 4 tl And *the mixed multitude that was among 
 them Tell a lusting: and h the children of Israel 
 also Swept again, and said, ‘Who shall give us 
 flesh to eat ? 
 
 5 We*remember k the fish which we did eat In 
 Egypt freely : the cucumbers, and the melons, and 
 the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick : 
 
 6 But now 'our soul is dried away : there is 
 nothing at ail, besides this manna, before our eyes. 
 
 7 And m the manna was as coriander-seed, and 
 the “colour thereof as the colour of "bdellium. 
 
 8 And “the people went about, and gathered it, 
 and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and 
 rbaked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the 
 ’taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. 
 
 9 And when r the dew fell upon the camp in the 
 night, the manna fell upon it. 
 
 10 II Then Moses heard the people ’weep 
 throughout their families, every man in the door 
 of his tent : and 'the anger of the Lord was 
 kindled greatly ; "Moses also was displeased- 
 
 e 14:13— 20. Gen. 18:23— 33. Ex. 32:10 — 14,31,32. 34:9. Deut. S:19,20. Ps. 
 106:23. Is. 37:4. Jer.l5:l. Am. 7:2— 6. Jam. 5:16. 1 John 8:16. f 16:45— 
 48. Heh. 7:26. 1 John. 2:1,2. * Heb. sunk. t That is, A burning. Lent. 9: 
 22. g Ex. 12:38. Lev. 24:10,11. Neh. 13:3. t Heb. lustxl a lust. ' h 1 Cor. 
 15:33. § Heb. returned and wept. i Ps. 78:18 — 2l. 106:14. Rom. 13:14. 
 
 ! Cor. 10.6. k Ex. 16:3. Is. 17:14. Phil. 3:19. 121:5. 2 Sam. 13:4. m Ex. 
 16:14,15,31. 1 Cor. 1 23,24. Rev. 2:17. || Heb. rye of it as the eye of. 
 
 n Gen. 2:12. o Ex. 16:1 >— 18. John 6:27,33— 58. p Ex. 16:23. q Ex. 16:31. 
 r Ex. 16:13,14. ' eut. 32 > s 7, m-Uj M.»:40. s 14:1,2. 16:27.31:5. Ps. 
 105:25. t Dent. 32:22. P-. 78:21,59. Is. 5:25. Jer. 17:4. u 12:3.20:10— 13. 
 Ps. 105:32,33. Mark 3:5. lb:14. v 15. Ex. 17:4. Deut. 1:12. Jer. 15:10,18. 20: 
 
 it were complainers ;” ( marg .) that is, they murmured against 
 Moses, and against the Lord. — When we consider the won- 
 derful works wrought for Israel before their eyes ; the excel- 
 lent laws which they had received; the mild government 
 under which they lived; the manner in which their camp was 
 victualled, watered, guarded, and guided; and the tokens 
 which they enjoyed of the Lord’s special presence and favour ; 
 we are apt to inquire, what grounds of complaint they could 
 have. But some would be dissatisfied, that they and their 
 friends were excluded from the government, and from the 
 priesthood; some would murmur a f being kept so long in the 
 wilderness ; others would be weary with marching three days 
 together without resting, except merely to take present 
 refreshment ; and various occasions of discontent would be 
 found among so large a multitude. Since the sin committed 
 in respect of the golden calf, the people had appeared obe- 
 dient and tractable, and the rulers liberal and cheerful in 
 affording assistance ; but their evil dispositions, though over- 
 awed, were not slain: they therefore speedily revived, and 
 produced more fatal effects than ever. The Lord being thus 
 provoked, made them sensible of the power of his fiery indig- 
 nation. Probably, some of them were destroyed, as Nadab 
 and Abihu had been, by fire from the Lord, or by flashes of 
 lightning, perhaps from the fiery pillar. Though they had 
 several times before murmured, they had not been thus pu- 
 nished : for, not having known so much of the Lord’s will, nor 
 seen so much of his glory, nor experienced so much of his 
 kindness, they were before more excusable than at this 
 time. — Yet even now tin: lire seems only to have consumed 
 some of those, who resorted to the uttermost parts of the 
 camp, to associate with the mixed multitude: (4) and when 
 Moses, at the request of the people, prayed, it was at once 
 quenched. — The place, however, acquired a new name from 
 this lire that consumed the criminals. — Taberah.] A burning. 
 (Marg.) 
 
 V. 4 — 9. This lusting for other food than manna began 
 among the mixed multitude ; hut it seems to have rapidly 
 spread among the Israelites, and to have anew excited their 
 impatient lamentations and murmurings. They were not, on 
 this occasion, merely guilty of discontent, and an inordinate 
 desire of flesh to eat ; but they limited the power of God, as if 
 it were impossible for him to give them it in their present 
 circumstances. The subsequent particulars are mentioned 
 concerning the manna, in order to illustrate the goodness of 
 the Lord to Israel, in giving them, without trouble or expense, 
 so suitable, nourishing, and palatable a food ; and which 
 afforded them variety also, by the different ways in which it 
 might he prepared. (Notes, Ex. 10:22 — 27,31.) Thus the 
 ingratitude and unreasonableness of the people in their lust- 
 ing s were strongly marked. — It is nowhere intimated that 
 they were sickly or feeble, in consequence of feeding con- 
 tinually upon manna; though the greediness of their appetite 
 for other food drank up their spirits, and caused u their soul 
 uo dry away.” — It would not indeed have been proper for them 
 to have slain all their numerous flocks and herds, nor would 
 the whole have satisfied their lusting s : yet, had they not been 
 too covetous, oir too desirous of dainty meats, they might 
 ( 270 ) 
 
 11 And Moses said unto the Lord, v Wherefore 
 hast thou aliiicted thy servant? and x vvherelore 
 have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou 
 layest the burden of all this people upon me? 
 
 12 Have I conceived all this people? have I 
 begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, 
 ^Carry them in thy bosom ( z as a nursing- father 
 beareth the sucking child) unto n the land which 
 thou swarest unto their fathers ? 
 
 13 b Whence should I have flesh to give unto all 
 this people ? for they weep unto me, saying, Give 
 us flesh, that we may eat. 
 
 14 I am c not able to bear all this people alone, 
 because it is too heavy for me. 
 
 15 And if thou^ deal thus with me, ,l kill me, 1 
 pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour 
 in thy sight ; and e let me not see my wretched 
 ness. 
 
 16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Gather unto 
 me t seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom 
 thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and 
 ^officers over them ; and bring them unto the taber 
 nacle of the congregation, that they may stand 
 there with thee. 
 
 17 And h I will come down, and 'talk with thee 
 there ; and k I will take of the Spirit which is upor 
 
 7—9,14—18. Mai. 3:14. 2 Cor. 11:28. x Job 10:2. Ps. 130:3. 143:2. Lam. 3: 
 22,23,39,40. v Is. 40 1 1 . Kz. 31:23. John 10:11. z Is. 49: 15,23. Gal. 4:19 
 1 Tliee. 2:7. a Gen. 22:16,17. 26:3. 50:24. Ex. 13:5. b Malt. 15:33. Mark 8: 
 4.9:23. c Ex. 18:18. Dent. 1:9— 12. Ps. 89:19. Is. 9.6. Zech.6:13. 2<or.2: 
 16. d 1 Kings 19:4. Job 3:20— 22. 6:8— 10. 7: 15. Jon. 4:3, 8,9. Phil. 1:20 — 24. 
 Jam. 1:4. e Jer. 15: 18. 20: 13. Zeph.3:J5. f Gen. 46:27. Ex. 4:29. 24:1,9. 
 Ez. 8:11. Luke 10:1,17. g Deut. 1 ; 15. 16:18. 31:28. h 25. 12:5. Gen. 11:5. 
 18:21. Ex. 19:11,20 . 34:5. John 3:13. i 12:8. Gen. 17:3,22. 18:20— 22,33. k 27: 
 18. 1 Sam. 10:6. 2 Kings 2:9,15. Neh. 9:20. Is. 44:3. 59:20.21. Joel 2:28. John 
 7:39. Rom. 8:9, 1 Cor. 2.12. 12:1—11. 1 Thes.4:8. 1 Pet. 1:22. Jude 19. 
 
 from time to time have feasted upon flesh, by presenting 
 peace-offerings to the Lord. But to their dissatisfied mind 
 every thing appeared worthless, in comparison of the Egyp- 
 tian diet, which they speak of particularly, and with great 
 regret; though probably it was nothing better than the most 
 ordinary food of the very poorest of the people ! ( Note , Ex. 
 
 16:1—3.) 
 
 V. 10. The former complaining seems to have been only 
 a secret discontent ; but this broke out ii tc an open and 
 general dissatisfaction, and portended a revolt. It was there- 
 fore extremely provoking to God ; “ it was evil also in the 
 eyes of Moses.” (Heb.) 
 
 V. 11 — 15. Moses had indeed a very difficult and burden- 
 some service : and the expressive similitude which he used 
 would be betier understood by the Israelites, than it is by us; 
 being taken from the circumstance of the fathers carrying the 
 young children, during their long marches in the wilderness, 
 for which the mothers were generally unable. (Marg. Ref. 
 y, z.) He cannot however be excused in imitating t lie people, 
 by murmuring against the Lord ; in complaining of the 
 honours and favours bestowed upon him ; in expostulating 
 with God as if he dealt unkindly and unjustly with him; in 
 magnifying his own services, and speaking as if he were 
 required to supply the people with flesh ; and above all, in 
 begging for immediate death, as his only possible relief, and 
 as the greatest instance of favour which the Lord could show 
 him. (Marg. Ref. d. Note, Jer. 20:14 — 18.) 
 
 V. 16. IVhom thou knowest , &c.] Moses had said, that 
 “ he was not able to hear all the people alone:” (14) the 
 Lord therefore graciously condescended to assign him helpers, 
 whom he might choose for himself, out of such persons as he 
 knew to be elders , not only in respect of years, but in wisdom 
 and ability; and in the influence and authority, which they 
 possessed in their several tribes and divisions. It is most 
 probable, that in consequence of Jethro’s advice, (Notes, 
 Ex. 18:17 — 26.) Moses before this had assistants in the 
 administration of justice, and in the affairs of civil govern- 
 ment : but it had been reserved to him w to he for the people 
 to Godward.” In this department the Lord, on this occasion, 
 appointed him coadjutors, endued with special wisdom and 
 grace for that service ; whose assistance, counsel, and autho- 
 rity he might, use, in allaying the tumults, quieting the minds, 
 or opposing the violence of the people. The Sanhedrim, or 
 council of seventy persons, in the after- ages of the Jewish 
 nation, seems to have been a continuance, or imitation, of 
 this council assigned to Moses. The number is supposed to 
 have been taken from the number of persons who went down 
 into Egypt. (Marg. Ref. f.) 
 
 V. 17. Moses would not on this account have less of the 
 influences of the Spirit of truth, wisdom, boldness, power, and 
 holiness: but the elders would he endued with a measure of 
 the same Spirit, that they might be enabled and disposed 
 cordially to concur with him in salutary measures, for the 
 people’s good: ns lamps are lighted one from another withott* 
 any diminution of the light of the lamps from which they are 
 ligiited. (Notes, 25. 2 Kings 2:9,10. Is. 59 10,21.) 
 
 V. 18. The people were about to witness an »ntra- di» 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 l/tce, mul will put if upon them : and ‘they shall 
 bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou 
 bearif not thyself alone, l Practical owz-oomom.] 
 
 18 And say thou unto the people, ""Sanctify 
 yourselves against to-morrow, and ye shall eat 
 flesh : for "ye have wept in the ears of the Lord, 
 saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for °it was 
 well with us in Egypt: therefore the Lord will 
 give you flesh, and ye shall eat. 
 
 19 Ye shall not. eat one day, nor two days, nor 
 five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; 
 
 20 But even a 'whole month, until it come out 
 at your nostrils, ‘’and it be loathsome unto you : 
 because that ye have ‘‘despised the Lord which is 
 among you, and have wept before him, saying, 
 Why came we forth out of Egypt? 
 
 21 And Moses said, the people among whom 
 I am, are "six hundred thousand footmen ; and 
 thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they 
 may eat a whole month. 
 
 22 Shall s the flocks and the herds be slain 
 for them to suffice them ? or shall all the fish of 
 the se« be gathered together for them to suffice 
 them ? 
 
 23 And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Is the 
 Lord’s hand waxed short ? "thou shalt see now 
 whether my word shall come to pass unto thee, or 
 not. 
 
 24 1i And Moses went out, and told the people 
 the words of the Lord, and "gathered the seventy 
 men of the elders of the people, ‘and set them 
 round about the tabernacle. 
 
 25 And the Lord 'came down in a cloud, and 
 spake unto him, and "took of the Spirit that was 
 upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders : 
 and it came to pass that, when the Spirit rested 
 upon them, "they prophesied, and did not cease. 
 
 26 But there remained two of the men in the 
 
 1 Ex. 18:2-2. Act. 6:3,4. m Gen. 35:2. Ex. 19:10,15. Josh. 7:13. n 1.4—6. Ex. 
 
 18:3— 7. Jiulg. 21 -2. o Sec on 5. 14:2.3. Acts 7:39. * Hel). month of days. 
 
 Ex. 15:8.13. p 21:5. Ps. 78:27-30. Prov. 27:7. q I Sam. 2:30. 2 Sam. 12:10. 
 Mai. 1-6. Acts 13:41. 1 Thes. 4:8. r 1 :46. 2:32. Gen. 12:2. Ex. 12:37. 38:25. 
 e 2 Kings 7:2. Mau. 15:33. M.vk 6:37. 8:4. Luke 1:18,34. John 6:6,7. t Gen. 
 18:14. Ps. 73:41. Is. 50 2 . 59:1. Mic. 2:7. Malt. 19:26. Luke 1:37. u23:19. 
 
 2 Kings 7:2,17-19. Jer. 44:28,29. K/.. 12:25. 24:14. Malt. 24:35. x See on 16, 
 26. v 17. 12:5. Ex. 34:5. 40:33. Ps. 99:7. Luke 9:34,35. zSeeonk, 17. 
 2 Kings 2:15. Jam. 1:17. a 1 Sam. 10:5,6.10. 19:20— 24. Joel2:28. Acts2:17, 
 
 camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and tne 
 name of the other Medad : and the Spirit rested 
 upon them, (and they were of them that were 
 written, hut ‘’went not out unto the tabernacle,) 
 and they prophesied in the camp. 
 
 27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses 
 and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the 
 camp. 
 
 28 And "Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of 
 Moses, one of his young men, answered, and said, 
 d My lord Moses, forbid them. 
 
 29 And Moses said unto him, "Enviest thou for 
 my sake.? 1 2 Would God that all the Lord’s people 
 were prophets, and ilhat the Lord would put his 
 Spirit upon them. 
 
 30 And Moses gat. him into the camp, he and 
 the elders of Israel. 
 
 31 H And there went forth h a wind from the 
 Lord, ’and brought quails from the sea, and let 
 them fall by the camp, as it were ‘a day’s journey 
 on this side, and as it were a day’s journey on the 
 other side, round about the camp, and as it were 
 two cubits high upon the face of the earth. 
 
 32 And the people stood up all that day, and all 
 that night, and all the next day, and they gathered 
 the quails : he that gathered least gathered ten 
 k homers; and they spread them all abroad for 
 themselves round about the camp. 
 
 33 And ‘while the flesh was yet between their 
 teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord 
 was kindled against the people;. and the Lord 
 “smote the people with a very great plague. 
 
 34 And he called the name of that place 4Kib- 
 roth-hattaavah : because there they buried the 
 people that lusted, 
 
 35 And the people "journeyed from Kibroth- 
 hattaavah "unto Hazeroth ; and ^abode at Haze- 
 roth. 
 
 18. 11:28. 21:9—11. 1 Cor. 11:4,5. 14:1—3,32. 2 Pet. 1:21. b Ex. 3:11. 4:13,14. 
 1 Sam. 10:22. 20:26. Jer. 1:6. 36:5. c See on Ex. 17:9. d Mark 9:38,39. Luke 
 9:49,50. John 3:26. e 1 Cor. 3:3,21. 13:4. Phil. 2:3. Jam. 3:14,15. 4:5. 5:9. 
 1 Pet. 2:1. f ActB 26:29. 1 Cor. 14:5. Phil. 1:15— 18. g Matt. 9:37,33. Luka 
 10:2. h Ex. 10*13,19. 15:10. Ps. 135:7. i Ex. 16:13. Ps. 78:26— 23. 105:40. 
 t H eb. the way of a day . k Ex. 16:36. Ez. 45:11. 1 Ps. 78 : 30,31 . 106:14,15. 
 m 16:49. 25:9. Deut.28:27. J That is, The graves of lust. 33:16. Leut. 9:22. 
 1 Cor. 10:6. n 33:17. o 12:16. Oeul. 1:1. § Heb. they were in, &c. 
 
 nary manifestation of the divine power, in sending them flesh 
 to eat: but as they had greatly displeased the Lord, by lust- 
 ing for it, with bitter complaints against him and contempt of 
 him, they might expect likewise a display of his righteous 
 indignation; except they humbled themselves, sought forgive- 
 ness, and were found in a better frame of spirit ; and thus 
 endeavoured to avert t^e impending storm. 
 
 V. 19, 20. About a year before this, the people had for 
 one day been thus feasted : (Ex. 16:13.) but now such plenty 
 was about to he afforded them, for a whole month, and they 
 would use it. so greedily, that at last they would entirely loathe 
 the food, which they had so inordinately craved. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Some suppose that Moses only expressed his 
 admiration; or inquired into the method how this wonderful 
 provision was to be furnished. (Note, Luke 1:34 — 38.) But 
 the Lord’s answer implies that there was also a measure of 
 unbelief; which was the more criminal, after he had seen such 
 effects of the divine power in Egypt and at the Red Sea: 
 nor could he suppose that, the Lord’s hand was shortened. 
 Moses seems however to have been fully satisfied with the 
 further assurance given him, without any other information. 
 
 V. 25. The persons selected on this occasion, being en- 
 dued with the Holy Spirit, either praised God with such fer- 
 vency and in such exalted strains ; or they spake in so fluent 
 and edifying a manner, in exhorting the people, and were 
 bo raised above themselves in wisdom and utterance, that 
 ail around them were sensible they spake by a divine influ- 
 ence: perhaps they likewise foretold future events. (Marg. 
 Ref. a.) These gifts were a divine sanction to their appoint- 
 ment, as assistants to Moses in governing the nation. — The 
 words ('do' R-) rendered “ did not cease,” may be translated 
 added no further. They prophesied on that occasion, but not 
 afterwards ; for they were designed to be magistrates, not 
 prophets: or they prophesied only when “the Spirit rested 
 upon them.” It is ovident that the Lord continued to them 
 the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, to fit them for the office, 
 to which he thus sealed their commission by the gift of pro- 
 phecy. (Note, 17.) 
 
 V. 26. Some suppose, that these two persons were cere- 
 monially unclean ; but others think that they humbly declined 
 so arduous an office, or were reluctant to engage in it, and 
 (herefore did not go forth to Moses at the tabernacle. The 
 Spirit of God however, singled them out in the camp, and 
 there they prophesied. 
 
 V. 28, 29. Joshua would have had Eldad and Medad 
 silenced, lest they should occasion a schism, or rival Moses: 
 but Moses was not in the least, afraid of such effects from 
 that Spirit which God had put upon him and them ; and he 
 did not in the least seek his own glory, but the glory of God, 
 and the advantage of his people. (Note, Mark 9:38—40. 
 John 3:25,26.) — ‘ The gift of prophecy was a distinct thing 
 from the gift of government : for he did not wish they might 
 all be made rulers ; than which nothing could have been more 
 absurd.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 31, 32. (Marg. Ref. Note, Ex. 16:13.) By a most 
 astonishing miracle, an immense multitude of quails (some 
 kind of wild fowl) was collected, and driven on with a vehe- 
 ment wind, till wearied out with their flight, they settled 
 round the camp of Israel ; and for about twenty miles on every 
 side they lay above a yard deep on the ground, incapable ol 
 flying away ; so that the Israelites in general spent thirty-six 
 hours in taking them, without much intermission. And after- 
 wards what they did not eat at this time, they dried, by spread- 
 ing them round the camp, so that they were able to keep them 
 during the remainder of the month. — A homer was an ass’s 
 load, or almost eight bushels. Ten homers was an immense 
 quantity for every individual, or even for every head of a 
 family ; but the whole was evidently intended to illustrate the 
 power of God, and the eagerness with which the people 
 seized upon this provision. 
 
 V. 33, 34. The sin of the people did not consist in desir- 
 ing suitable food, or in eating such as the Lord sent them ; 
 but in eagerly craving unnecessary indulgence, and intem- 
 perately gratifying their appetites. The Lord therefore, 
 having shown his power by sending this immense 'supply, 
 punished their discontent, ingratitude, and lusting, and by a 
 pestilence executed immediate vengeance on the ringleaders 
 of the rebellion., (Ps. 78:26 — 31.)— What multitudes are 
 there in all places, who shorten their lives by excess of one 
 kind or other; and whose sepulchres might justly be called, 
 “ Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people 
 that lusted !” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. I — 17. Fallen man is a discontented creature: for 
 having forsaken his proper rest, he feels himself uneasy and 
 wretched how much soever he is prospered or distinguished. 
 Ambition, sensuality, covetousness, and malice, are disease* 
 of the soul, which are not abated, but increased by indulgence 
 ( 271 4 
 
B. C. 1490. 
 
 NUMBERS 
 
 B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, 1, 2. Hie singular meekness, 3. 
 God vindicates Moses, and punishes Miriam with a leprosy , 4 — 10. Aaron 
 submits, and Moses intercedes for Miriam, 11 — 13. The Lord directs that 
 she should be shut, out of the camp seven days ; and afterwards the people 
 march to the wilderness of Paran, 14 — 16. 
 
 A ND a Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses, 
 because of the ‘Ethiopian woman whom he 
 had hnarried : b for he had married an Ethiopian 
 woman. 
 
 a Matt. 10:36. 12:48. John 7:5. 15:20. Gal. 4:16. * Or, Cushite. Ex. 2:16,21. 
 
 t Heb. taken, b Gen. 24:3,37. 26:34,35. 27:46. 28:6 — 9. 34.14,15. 41:45. Ex. 
 34:16. Lev. 21:14. c 16:3. Ex. 4:30. 5:1 . 7:10. 15:20,21. Mic. 6:4. d 11:29. 
 Prov. 13:10. Rom. 12:3,10. Phil. 2:3,14. 1 Pet. 5:5. e 11:1. Gen. 29:33. 2 Sam. 
 
 and they who are under the power of them, like persons in a 
 fever, are continually desirous of changing their place or pos- 
 ture ; as if that were the cause of the disquietude, which 
 indeed springs merely from distemper! While this is the 
 case, every appointment of God must excite secret or open 
 complaint : and though discontent has its abatements and 
 paroxysms ; yet there is no cure till the soul return to its 
 rest, in the knowledge, love, and favour of God, and in a cor- 
 dial reli \nce on his wisdom, truth, and power, and in acquies- 
 cense ip his will. But the Lord sees and hears, and is dis- 
 pleased at our murmurs, though concealed from men : the 
 greater k ndnesswe have received from him, the severer cor- 
 rection w ■» may expect when we thus offend : and they who 
 escape hia chastening rod, will at length experience the dread- 
 ful effects of hi# fiery indignation. — It should be well consi- 
 dered, that sinners are far more indebted to their pious friends 
 than they are aware of ; and many will cry to them to advise 
 them and pray for them in their distresses and dangers, who 
 despised and hated them before : nor should they ever on any 
 account refuse such requests. But it is especially happy for 
 us, that Jesus ever liveth to make intercession for us ; when 
 in our troubles we cry unto him to help us, and to quench the 
 fire of divine wrath which our sins have kindled. Yet alas ! 
 how soon do we forget the smart and terror of our chastise- 
 ments, and relapse into our former offences with still deeper 
 aggravation ! nay, when we are surrounded with mercies, we 
 are capable of overlooking them all, and of deeming one slight 
 inconvenience an intolerable grievance ! On the other hand, 
 forgetting the anguish under which we have groaned in some 
 former situation, from which we are now delivered, ( Ex . 1:14. 
 2:23,24. 3:7 — 9.) we can murmur and fret at the absence of 
 one imaginary or worthless advantage, which we then pos- 
 sessed : and scarcely any of our repinings arise from the want 
 of what is really needful and proper for us ; but relate to 
 such things, as are in one way or other, fuel to our lusts. 
 Nay, the choicest blessing which God can bestow, even the 
 very gospel of salvation, is slighted and despised by us, if we 
 have not every thing exactly to our mind, when we are under 
 the influence of this evil disease! We can readily blame 
 and express our astonishment at the perverseness of the 
 Israelites : but their conduct is only a picture of our hearts, 
 a fair specimen of human nature ; and we have every one of us 
 murmured and complained before now, with as little reason, 
 and with as much folly and ingratitude, as they did. Let us 
 then watch our own hearts ; let us repress the first emotions 
 of discontent and inordinate desire ; let us consider frequently 
 how many unmerited mercies we worthless sinners enjoy ; 
 let us pray earnestly for grace, “to be satisfied with such things 
 as we have and to refer to the wisdom, love and faithfulness 
 of God, the choice of what kind our temporal supplies shall 
 be, with the measure of them, and the time and manner of 
 receiving them. This is the more requisite, because we are 
 constantly reminded, that the most eminent saints were some- 
 times evidently defective, in the very graces by which they 
 were most distinguished : so that Moses himself expressed a 
 distrust, an impatience, and a peevishness, which cannot be 
 excused, and must not be imitated. We have therefore 
 nothing to trust in but the mercy of God and the merits of 
 Christ; and we are taught to watch and pray continually lest 
 we enter into temptation. — It is also worth noting, that we 
 seldom wish for death, but when we are fretful and impa- 
 tient, and consequently unfit to meet it comfortably and pro- 
 perly. — As eminent stations are confessedly attended with 
 weighty cares and burdens, to all those especially who study 
 to fill them in such a manner as to be nursing-fathers to the 
 people ; (and they who do not must have an awful account to 
 render of their abused talents ;) we may learn to be contented 
 with a more obscure situation, and cheerfully to bear our 
 lighter afflictions. — But the Lord is very gracious to his ser- 
 vants ; he considers their trials and weakness ; and both for- 
 gives their sins, sends them help in difficulties, affords them 
 comfort in communion with him, and exceeds their largest 
 expectations. He can also easily multiply either good magis- 
 trates or ministers, or improve the qiujifications of those 
 already raised up, by “the supply of the Spirit of Jesus 
 Christ;” and this should excite us to pray earnestly to him 
 for these important blessings. 
 
 V. 18 — 35. In general, the Lord secs it best for those 
 whom he loves, to be poor, to fare hardly, and to receive their 
 supply from day to day. And whatever the world may think, 
 an inheritance in heaven, and a provision by the way, though 
 mean and scanty, if sought by daily prayer, and received with 
 gratitude from our heavenly Father’s love, is “ better than 
 the riches of many wicked and has in it more sweetness, 
 ( 272 ) 
 
 2 And they said, 'Hath the Lord in deed 
 spoken only by Moses ? d hath he not spoken also 
 by us ? And 'the Lord heard it. 
 
 3 (Now the man Moses was 'very meek, Rabove 
 all the men which were upon the lace of the 
 earth.) 
 
 4 And h the Lord spake suddenly unto Moses, 
 and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, ‘Come out, ye 
 
 11:27. l's. 94:7 — 9. Is. 37:4. Ez. 35:12,13. f Ts. 147:6. 148:4. Mat!. 5:5. 11:29. 
 25:5. 2 Cor. 10:1. 1 Thes. 2:7. Jam. 3:13. 1 Pet. 3:4. e 11:10—15. 20:10—12. 
 Pa. 106:32,33. 2 Cor. 11:5. 12:11. Jam. 3:2,3. l:Ps.76:9. i 16:16- -21. 
 
 and less vexation anH temptation. ( Note,Ps . 37:16,17.) But 
 if he sometimes surrounds his people with plenty, it.is not for 
 an occasion of excess, but for a trial of their temperance and 
 moderation, and that they may have a sufficiency for every 
 good work : and to abuse abundance shows a sensual mind, 
 and will expose a man to the heavy wrath of God. (Notes, 
 Luke 16:19 — 26.) Against such luxury and excess every 
 true Christian should, by his example at least , enter a pro- 
 test : but alas ! too many are more apt to catch the infection of 
 lusting and self-indulgence from the world, or from the more 
 worthless kind of professed believers, than to manifest a 
 decided disapprobation of it: and numbers who would bo 
 thought Christians, though surrounded with far greater variety 
 than the Israelites were, are ready to complain, that they are 
 outdone in wealth, splendour, and the pride of life, by their 
 neighbours: and perhaps at some times are ready even to 
 grow weary of their religion ; to think that it was well with 
 them in Egypt; to allow a hankering after forsaken pleasures, 
 almost to covet their former bondage, and to inquire why they 
 came forth thence. If we are conscious that this hath been 
 the secret thought of our heart, let us repent without delay, 
 and- entreat God that it may be forgiven ; lest he send us the 
 things which we have inordinately desired, and by his heavy 
 indignation render them a curse to us. For it is not from 
 want of power or love, that he doth not at all times indulge 
 the desires of his people ; but because his wisdom sees that 
 those things, which they desire as a blessing, would be inju- 
 rious to them : and if they do not acquiesce in his appoint- 
 ments, he will perhaps be induced to convince them by bitter 
 experience. — Even while the Lord is evidently giving helpers 
 to his faithful servants, by answering our prayers for the 
 pouring out of his Spirit from on high ; “ the spirit, which" 
 naturally “is in us, lusteth to envy,” in behalf of our friends 
 and our party, or ourselves ; and disposes us to wish to silence 
 those who follow not with us. Yet the Lord gives more grace, 
 and they who are wisely zealous for his glory, and truly love 
 the souls of men, will rejoice in the increase of useful instru- 
 ments, though they should rival and eclipse them, or their 
 beloved and revered pastors. Indeed, if all the present num- 
 ber of the Lord’s people were rendered real, able, authorized 
 ministers of Christ, the world is wide enough ; and there 
 might be work fenough for them, in calling sinners to “ repent- 
 ance towards God and faith towards the Lord Jesus,” and in 
 feeding and edifying his church. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1,2. Moses had at this time 
 been so long married to Zipporah, that there is some difficulty 
 in understanding, how his conduct in that respect should at 
 length give occasion to Miriam and Aaron to oppose him: 
 yet there is no intimation that Zipporah was dead or divorced, 
 or that he had married another woman ; and it is utterly 
 incredible, that after the giving of so great a part of the law, 
 he should himself take to wife a stranger, or one of another 
 nation ; or that the Lord should unreservedly sanction what 
 he had done. (Ex. 34:16.) No intimation is any where 
 given, that Moses ever had any other wife than Zipporah ; 
 or that he acted at all improperly in this rqspect. The word 
 rendered “ an Ethiopian woman,” signifies a Cushite , which 
 properly means a descendant of Cush; (Gen. 10:6 — 8.) but 
 it is used with some latitude ; and it is generally supposed to 
 include other tribes, besides the posterity of Cush, either in 
 Asia, or Africa. It is probable, that Zipporah was a de- 
 scendant of Abraham by Keturah; (Note, Ex. 2:16.) now the 
 different tribes, which sprang from Abraham by her, inhabited 
 some parts of Arabia, and were greatly blended with the 
 Ishmaelites, and perhaps also with some of the race of Cush. 
 (Note, Gen. 25:1 — 4.) In this large sense, Zipporah might 
 be called a Cushite: and though this was said of her at first 
 contemptuously ; yet not being altogether erroneous, accord- 
 ing to the common way of speaking, Moses did not contradict 
 it. — Miriam seems to be mentioned first, as the leader in this 
 opposition. It appears that the Lord had on some occasions 
 spoken, not only by Aaron, but also by her : and probably it 
 was thought that Zipporah and her relations had too much 
 influence with Moses. The name of Aaron had not been 
 mentioned in the appointment of the seventy elders; and this 
 might give umbrage to him and Miriam. Perhaps (here had 
 been some private jar between Miriam and Zipporah; though 
 no blame at all is laid on the latter in the narrative. But 
 probably it was a general opinion, that Moses’s wife, being a 
 foreigner, was a disgrace to him and the people : and that he 
 ought to put her away, and marry an israclitish woman. 
 
 V. 3. Moses, writing as moved by the Holy Spirit, 
 impartially records his own faults, and unreservedly speaks 
 of the grace of God bestowed upon him. Meekness is hero 
 
B. C. 1 190. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 B. C. 1491 
 
 three, unto the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 And they three came out. 
 
 5 And the Lord came down k in the pillar of 
 tire cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, 
 and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both 
 came forth. 
 
 6 And he said, Hear now my words : If there 
 be ‘a prophet among you, I the Lord will make 
 myself known unto him m in a vision, and will 
 speak unto hftn in n a dream. 
 
 7 My servant “Moses is not so, who is pfaithful 
 
 in all mine house. « 
 
 8 With him will I speak '’mouth to mouth, even 
 apparently, and not in r dark speeches ; and the 
 •similitude of the Lord shall he behold : where- 
 fore then 'were ye not afraid to speak against my 
 servant Moses ? 
 
 9 And "the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 against them, and he departed. 
 
 10 And "the cloud departed from off the taber- 
 nacle ; and. >behold, Miriam became deprous, 
 w kite as snow : and Aaron looked upon Miriam, 
 and behold, she was leprous. 
 
 1 1 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas ! my lord, a I 
 beseech thee, May not the sin upon us, wherein we 
 have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. 
 
 k 11:25 Ex. 34:5. 40:33. Ps.99:7. I Gen. 20:7. Ex. 7:1. Ps. 105:15. Matt. 23:31, 
 34,37. I. nke 2:':G. K|ih. 4:11. Rev. 11:3,10. m Gen. 15:1. 40:2. Job 4:13. 33:15. 
 
 i. 89:19. Ez. 1:1. Dan. 8:2. 10:3,16.17. t.uke 1:11,22. Acts 10:11,17. 22:17,18. 
 n Gen. 31:10,11. 1 Kings 3:5. Jer. 23:28. Dan. 7:1. Matt. 1:20. 2:12,13,19. 
 oDeut. 18:13. Matt. 11:9,11. Acts 3:22,23. 7:3t. plCor.4:2. 1 Tim. 3:15. 
 Heb.3:3— 6. q 1414. Ex. 33:11. Deut. 34:10. 1 Tim. 6:16. rPs.49:4. Ez. 17: 
 2. 20:49. Malt. 13:35. John 15:15. 1 Car. 13:12. s Ex. 24:10,11. 33:23 . 34:5—7. 
 Dent. 4:15. is. 40:18. 46:5. John 1:18. 14:7-10. 15:24. 2 Cor. 3:18. 4:4— 6. Col. 
 1:15. He!). 1:3. t Ex. 34:30. Lnkel0:16. 1 Thes. 4:8. 2Pet.2:10. Jude 
 
 8. u 11:1. Hos. 5:15. x Ex. 33:7— 10. Ez. 10:4,5,18,19. llos.9:12. Matt. 25: 
 
 contrasted with pride, wrath, and resentment.. Moses, not- 
 withstanding the extraordinary honours put upon him, was 
 exceedingly humble, modest, unassuming, patient of contra- 
 diction, forbearing, and ready to forgive : and the whole 
 history, especially that in this chapter, proves this testimony 
 to be true. — Several of the sacred writers have spoken of 
 themselves, as enabled by divine grace to act with great 
 integrity and holiness in most trying circumstances, yet 
 without any vainglory or ostentation ; and our Lord says of 
 himself, “ I am meek and lowly in heart.” It is therefore a 
 senseless cavil to adduce this declaration, as a proof that 
 Moses was not the author of this book, in opposition to the 
 unanimous tradition of antiquity, and the testimony of Christ, 
 and his apostles in the New Testament. — As Moses was so 
 meek, he took no notice of the affair, to resent it, or to punish 
 any persons for their misconduct ; and it was therefore the 
 more necessary tj^at the Lord himself should plead his cause. 
 
 V. 4 — 8. Aaron ar.d Miriam, with Moses, were sum- 
 moned to the tabernacle, probably by an audible voice from 
 the cloud ; where the Lord expostulated with them. He made 
 himself known in dreams and visions to other prophets, when 
 their bqdily senses were locked up, ( Marg . Ref. m, n.) or 
 by dark signs and obscure parables, which they often did not 
 well understand. But to his faithful servant Moses he spake 
 openly ; when he was fully awake ; in the clearest and most 
 intelligible language imaginable ; and constantly, almost from 
 day to day, as a man converses with his friend. He also was 
 admitted to “ behold the similitude ofthe Lord the “express 
 image of his person,” even his eternal Son appearing in 
 visible glory. This, Aaron and Miriam knew, and could ndt 
 deny : and seeing Moses had been honoured and favoured 
 so far above them, they should have been afraid of opposing 
 him ; as Aaron had feared to approach him, when his face 
 shone, on his descending from Sinai. (Ex. 34:30.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. The removal of the cloud, which seems to have 
 entirely disappeared till after Miriam was readmitted into the 
 camp, expressed the Lord’s displeasure ; and Miriam, as the 
 ringleader, directly became leprous. Aaron was spared in 
 honour of the priesthood : yet he was severely rebuked in the 
 punishment of Miriam, and in being the priest appointed to 
 examine her, and pronounce her unclean ; which is implied 
 when it is said, “Aaron looked upon Miriam.” (Lev. 13: 
 2 , 12 .) 
 
 V. 11 — 13. Aaron submitted to God and to Moses: yet 
 his confession was by no means so ingenuous and unreserved, 
 as might have been expected. The doleful condition of 
 Miriam, and the disgusting appearance which she made, are 
 very strongly marked in the similitudes here used ; which also 
 may help us to conceive something of the loathsomeness of 
 that disease, which is the special emblem of our sinfulness. 
 
 V. 14, 15. If Miriam had provoked her father to dis- 
 grace her by some marked expression of anger, she would 
 have shown her sorrow and shame by a temporary solitude, 
 ind not at once come again before him. A similar conduct 
 under the divine rebuke was therefore prescribed her. 
 When she honoured God in leading the praises of Israel, 
 (Note, Ex. 15:20,21.) she was honoured as oneof the chief 
 ornaments of the nation : but now for her contempt of God, 
 Vol. I.— 35 
 
 12 Let. her not be c as one dead, d of whom the 
 flesh is half consumed, when he cometh out ot 
 his mother’s womb. 
 
 13 And Moses 'cried unto the Lord, saying. 
 Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. 
 
 14 And the Lord said unto Moses, If he. 
 father had but f spit in her face, should she not be 
 ashamed seven days? Met her be shutout from 
 the camp seven days, and after that let hei be 
 received in again. 
 
 15 And Miriam was h slmt out from the camp 
 seven days : ’and the people journeyed not, k til. 
 Miriam was brought in again. 
 
 16 And ‘afterward the people removed from 
 Hazeroth, and pitched in the ro wilderness of Paraiv 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Moses sends twelve men to search the land , 1 — 16. He instructs them, 17 — 20. 
 They return after jorty days ; and ten of them bring a discouraging report , 
 from which Caleb and Joshua dissent , 21 — 33. 
 
 \ ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 -“A- 2 “Send thou men, that they may search 
 the land of Canaan, which I give unto the chil- 
 dren of Israel : b of every tribe of their fathers 
 shall ye send a man, every one c a ruler among 
 them. 
 
 3 And Moses, by the commandment of the 
 
 41. v Deut. 24:9. z Lev. 13:2,3. &c. 2 Kings 5:27. 15:5. 2Chr. 26:19.20. a Ex. 
 12:32'. 1 Sam. 2:30' 12:19. 15:24,25. 1 Kings 13:6. Jer. 42:2. Acts 8:24. Rev. 3: 
 9. b 2Sam. 19:19.24:10. 2Chr. 16:9. Ps. 38:1—5. Prov. 30:32. cPs.88:4,S. 
 Eph. 2:1—5. Col. 8:13. 1 Tim. 5:6. d Job 3: 1C. Ps. 58:8. 1 Cor. 15:8. e 14:2, 
 13—20.16:41,46—50. Ex. 32:10— 14. 1 Sam. 12:23. 15:11 . Mall. 5:44,45. Luka 
 6:28.23:34. Acts 7:60. Rom. 12:21. f Deut. 25:9. Job 30:10. Is. 5l):6. Matt. 26: 
 67. Heb. 12:9. g 5:2,3. I.ev. 13:45,46. 14:8. 2 Uhr. 26:20,21 . h Deut. 24:8,9. 
 i Gen. 9:21— 23. Ex. 20:12. k I am. 3:32. Mic. 6:4. 7:8,9. Ilab. 3:2. 111:35. 
 33:18. m 10:12. 13.3,26. Gen. 21:21. 1 Sam. 25:1. H»b.3:3. aDeut. 1:22—25. 
 Josh. 2: b 1:4.34:18. c 11:16. Ex. 18:25. Deut. 1:15. 
 
 she was lightly esteemed, and expelled the camp as if she 
 were a disgrace to it 1 — Her leprosy seems to have been 
 cleansed directly, in answer to the prayer of Moses: and 
 after seven days’ purification, we may suppose the legal sa- 
 crifices were offered. In the mean time the people waited 
 for her ; both as a tebuke to them, who were disposed to join 
 in opposition to Moses and to the Lord ; and as a decent re- 
 spect to her. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 They who are especially honoured of God must expect the 
 severest and most repeated trials from men ; and even from 
 those whom they most love, and to whom they have been 
 most useful. — The contentions among brethren, and among 
 believers, are not only the effects of remaining pride, ambi- 
 tion, envy, and selfishness ; but should be traced back to ihe 
 malicious policy of Satan, who thus devises to disgrace the 
 gospel, and weaken the hands and discourage the hearts of 
 its best friends : and when the mind is disposed for contests, 
 the most frivolous and groundless pretences will suffice to ex- 
 cite or to vindicate them. They who are exposed to such 
 provocations need much meekness, and, waiting simply upon 
 ihe Lord, will from him receive it: while the less anxious we 
 are to justify or revenge ourselves, the more certainly will 
 he plead our cause, and clear our character from every un- 
 just aspersion.- — If it was so criminal and dangerous to oppose 
 the faithful and honoured servant of the Lord ; how dreadful 
 will be their doom, who dishonour, despise, or oppose “ha 
 beloved Son, in whom he is well pleased!” (Note, Heb. 
 3:1 — 4.) — They who exalt themselves will be abased, and fall 
 into disgrace, if not into destruction : and they who speak 
 against the Lord’s servants may soon be constrained to make 
 the most humiliating submission and supplications to (hem, 
 and to confer on them the most honourable titles and com- 
 mendations. (Note, Rev. 3:8,9.) But it is well when re- 
 bukes produce penitent confessions : for those offenders with 
 whom this is the case, though corrected and disgraced, shall 
 be pardoned ; their brethren, even though they have been 
 deeply affronted or injured by their misconduct, will earnestly 
 pray for them ; Jesus himself will intercede for them ; and 
 they shall in due time be restored to comfortable fellowship 
 with God and his church, and with renewed strength pursue 
 their heavenly pilgrimage. But it was happy for Aaron, and 
 it is well for us, that the church of God has “ such a High- 
 Priest as became us, who is holy, harmless, and undefiled, 
 separate from 'sinners, and made higher than the heavens.” 
 ( Notee, Heb. 7:26—28. 8:1,2.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 2. The Israelites had now 
 by several stages arrived at the southern border of Canaan; 
 and they might have gone up and taken immediate posses- 
 sion, had no breach intervened. We find elsewhere, that the 
 people first proposed to Moses this design of searching the 
 land ; who, not suspecting the distrust and unbelief which 
 had suggested it, approved the proposal, and asked counsel o»‘ 
 tJieLord. He, having been provoked by their former rebel 
 lions, permitted it, and-gave directions accordingly ; in orclei 
 to a further discovery of their wickedness, the display of his 
 own glory, and for the instruction of his church in all ages 
 (Note, Deut, 1:22 — 28.) There was indeed no urgent neces 
 ( 273 ) 
 
B. C. 1400. 
 
 NUMBERS. B. C. 1490. 
 
 Lord, sent them ‘'from the wilderness of Paran: 
 all thos< men were heads of the children of Israel. 
 
 4 And these were their names; Of the tribe of 
 Reuben ; Shammua, the son of Zaccur. 
 
 5 Of the tribe of Simeon ; Shaphat, the son of 
 Hori. 
 
 6 Of the tribe of Judah; 'Caleb, the son of 
 Jephunneh. 
 
 7 Of the tribe of Issachar; Igal, the son of 
 Joseph. 
 
 8 Of the tribe of Ephraim ; 1 Oshea, the son of 
 Nun. 
 
 9 Of the tribe of Benjamin ; Palti, the son of 
 Raphu. 
 
 10 Of the tribe of Zebulun; Gaddiel, the son 
 of Sodi. 
 
 1 1 Of the tribe of Joseph, namely , of the tribe 
 of Manasseh ; Gaddi, the son of Susi. 
 
 12 Of the tribe ol Dan; Ammiel, the son of 
 Gemalli. 
 
 13 Of the tribe of Asher; Sethur, the son of 
 Michael. 
 
 14 Of the tribe of Naphtali ; Nahbi, the son of 
 Vophsi. 
 
 15 Of the tribe of Gad; Geuel, the son of 
 Machi. 
 
 16 These are the names of the men which 
 Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses 
 called eOshea the son of Nun, h Jehoshua. 
 
 17 And Moses sent them to spy out the land of 
 Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way 
 •southward, and go up into 'the mountain ; 
 
 18 And see k the land what it is ; and the people 
 that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or 
 weak, few or many ; 
 
 19 And what the land is that they dwell in, 
 whether it be good or bad ; and what cities they 
 be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong- 
 holds ; 
 
 20 And what the land is, 'whether it be fat or 
 lean, whether there be wood therein or not : and 
 be ye of m good courage, and bring of the fruit of 
 
 a See on 12:16. 32:S. Dent. 1:19. 9,23. e 30. 11:6,24,30,38. 26:65. 31:19. Josli. 
 11:6—15. 15:13—19: Jn.l». 1 : 10— 15. 1 Chr. 4:15. 116. Jehoshua. 11:28.27:18, 
 21. Ex. 17:9—13.21:13. 32:17. Deul. 31.7,8,11,23. 31 9. Josh. 1:1—9,16. Joshua. 
 pHos. 1:1. Rom. 9:25. h See on 8. Matt. 1:21 — 23. Acts 7:45. Heb. 4:8. 
 /reus. i 21. Geo. 12:9. 13:1. Josh. 15:3. Jud*. 1:15. j 14:40. Gen. 14:10. 
 Deut. 1:44. Judg. 1:9,19. kEx.3:8. Es. 34:14. 1 Neh. 9:25,35. m 30.31. 
 
 Pout. 31:6— 8.23. Jush. 1.6,9. 2:3,22,23. 1 Chr. 22: 11. Heb. 13.6. o 23,24. Mic. 
 71. o 20:1 . 27:14. 33:36. 34:3,4. Dent. 32:51. Josh. 15:1. p Josh. 19:28. q2 
 ham. 8.9. Am. 6:2. r Josh. 11:21,22. 15:13,14. Judg. 1:10. s Gen. 13: 18. 23 2. 
 Jcsh. 14:13— 15. 21.13. 2 Sam. 2:1,11. t Ps. 78:12,43. Is. 19: 1 1. 30:4. * Or, 
 
 sity to search a land which the Lord had chosen for them, 
 and into which he had undertaken to lead them ; but there 
 was no evil in the thing itself : and had it not been for the 
 unbelief and rebellion of most of the persons concerned, the 
 consequent report might have served greatly to encourage 
 their faith and hope. The number and rank of the spies, 
 had they all been like Caleb and Joshua, might have had 
 very good effect on the people. 
 
 V. 16. Oshea may signify Save thou , being a prayer for 
 salvation : Jehoshua may signify, He will save , being an assu- 
 rance of salvation in answer to prayer. But very able critics 
 seem conclusively to support the opinion, that the former 
 name denotes salvation: the latter, (with the addition of part 
 of the name Jehovah,) signifies the LORD Salvation. 
 The change of Joshua’s name on this occasion, (for the men- 
 tion of him before by this name, may be considered as an an- 
 ticipation of the historian, for the sake of perspicuity,) seems 
 to have been intended as an encouragement to him and his 
 associates, confidently to expect protection and safety from 
 the Lord. It is well known that Jesus is the same name, 
 f>rmed to a Greek termination ; and he is the Lord our Sal- 
 vation, of whom Joshua was an eminent type. ( Marg . 
 Ref. Note , Matt. 1:20,21.) 
 
 V. 20. Good courage.] The service in which the spies 
 were employed, required great courage ; for they could ex- 
 pect no favour from the Canaanites, in case* they were de- 
 tected and apprehended, and they must therefore go forth at 
 the hazard of their lives. It would likewise be necessary for 
 them, in order that by their example and report they might 
 encourage the people. This courage, in their circumstances , 
 could only spring from strong faith, which Caleb and Joshua 
 possessed, but the rest did not. 
 
 V. 21, 22. Entering at the southern border, the spies 
 surveyed the whole land, even to the northern extremities ; 
 and returned back by Hebron, which was then called Kirjath- 
 arba, and was possessed by a family of gigantic stature. — 
 The decided and explicit manner in which Moses declares 
 exactly how long Hebron was built before Zoan, (though 
 probab.y no other author gives the least account when either 
 ( 274 ) 
 
 the land. (Now the time was the time of "the first 
 
 ripe grapes.) 
 
 21 11 So they went up, and searched the land 
 "from the wilderness of Zin unto pRehob, as men 
 come to sHamath. 
 
 22 And they ascended by the south, and came 
 unto Hebron, where r Ahiman, Sheshai, and Tal 
 mai, the children of Anak, were. (Now 'Hebron 
 was built seven years before l Zoan in Egypt.) 
 
 23 And they came unto the 'broftk ol' Eshcol, 
 and cut down from thence a branch with one 
 cluster of grapae, and they bare it between two 
 upon a staff: and they brought of the pomegra- 
 riates, and of the figs. 
 
 24 The place was called the 'brook ^Eshcol, 
 because of the cluster of grapes which the children 
 of Israel cut down from thence. 
 
 25 And they returned from searching of the 
 land after “forty days. 
 
 26 If And they went and came to Moses, and to 
 Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children 
 of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to *Kadesh ; 
 and brought back word unto them, and unto all 
 the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the 
 land. 
 
 27 And they told him, and said, We came unto 
 the land whither thou sentest us, and surely *it 
 fioweth with milk and honey: and this is the fruit 
 of it. 
 
 28 Nevertheless, the people be 'strong that 
 dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and 
 very great: and moreover we “saw the children of 
 Anak there. 
 
 29 The b Amalekites dwell in the land of the 
 south ; and c the Hiltites, and the Jebusites, and 
 the Amorites, dwell in the mountains ; and the 
 Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of 
 Jordan. 
 
 30 And ‘'Caleb stilled the people before Moses, 
 and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for 
 we are well able to overcome it. 
 
 31 But the men that went up with him said, 'We 
 
 valley. 24. 32:9. Dent. 1:24. f Or, valley. 23. t That is, a cluster of grapes. 
 u 14:33,34. Ex. 24:18 . 34:28. x 20:1.16 . 32:8. 33:36. Deut. 1:1*9. Josh. 14:6. 
 v 14:8. Ex. 3:8,17. 13:5.33:3. Lev. 20:24. Deut. 1:25. 6:3. 11:9. 26:9,11,15. 
 27:3. 31:20. Josh. 5:6. Jer. 11:5. 32:22. Ez. 21.6.15. i Deut. 1:28. 2:10,11,21. 
 3:5. 9:1.2. a 22,23. Josh. 11:22. 15:14. Judg. 1:20. 1. 14:43. 24:20. Gen. 14:7. 
 Ex. 17.8—16 Judg. 6:3. 1 Ram. 14:48. 15:3, &c. 30:1. Ps. 83:7. c See on Geu 
 15:19-21. Ex. 3:8,17. d 14:6—9,24. Josh 14:6,7. Ps. 27.1,2. 60:12. 1 18:10.11. 
 Is 41:10-16. Horn. 8:31. Phi). 4:13. Heb. 11:33. e 32:9. Deut. 1:28. Josh. 14» 
 8. Heh. 3:19. 
 
 of them was founded,) shows a consciousness of authentic 
 information, and a freedom from all fear of being contra- 
 dicted, even by the Egyptians, who were proud of their an- 
 tiquity, and may well be considered as an internal evidence 
 that the history is genuine. 
 
 V. 23, 24. In some spot near the borders of the land, 
 the spies met with an extraordinary bunch of grapes, which 
 they cut off, with the branch on which it grew, and carried to 
 their brethren : this was an apt emblem of the earnests of 
 heavenly joys, which believers receive on earth in the conso- 
 lations of the Holy Spirit. (Notes, 2 Cor. 1:21,22. £ph. 
 1:13,14.) Some suppose that Caleb and Joshua alone 
 brought this cluster; the others not being so favourably dis- 
 posed towards Canaan, or willing to labour in order to recom- 
 mend it. From this event, the place was afterwards called 
 u The Brook,” or the valley , “ of Eshcol Eshcol signifying 
 a cluster. 
 
 V. 26 — 29. The spies could not deny that, the land was 
 rich and fruitful ; but it is evident they meant to insinuate, 
 that this was of no consequence, as the inhabitants were ex- 
 ceedingly powerful. The Amalekites would assault them, if 
 they attempted to pass them in entering the country ; and the 
 situation, wealth, or gigantic stature of the other nations, 
 rendered them invincible. 
 
 V. 30. Caleb may signify all heart: and lie was evidently 
 a man of true courage, steadfastly facing danger in the path of 
 duty, in the exercise of vigorous faith, and entire dependence 
 on God. When the report of I lie other spies, by a misre- 
 presentation of the truth, had excited a tumult among the 
 people against Moses, Caleb stood forth to still them, doubt- 
 less with the concurrence of Joshua. He did not sa>, ‘Lot 
 us go and attack the Canaanites :’ but, “ Let us go up at 
 once, and possess the land:” as if he thought the forty days 
 spent in searching the land had been too long a delay, and 
 was impatient to take possession of the country which God 
 had given them. (Note, Josh. 14:6 — 13.) 
 
 V. 31. These persons were deficient in courage, in thu® 
 fearing the Canaanites, when such a multitude were ah en- 
 gaged to fight for themselves and their families : but when we 
 
B. C. 1-190. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. B. C. 1490 
 
 be not able to go up against the people ; for 
 they are stronger than we. 
 
 32 And they 'brought up an evil report, of the 
 land which they had searched, unto the children 
 of Israel, saying, The land, through which we 
 have gone to search it, is a eland that eateth up 
 the inhabitants thereof: and all the people that 
 we saw in it are ‘men of a great stature. 
 
 33 And there we saw ''the giants, the sons of 
 Anak, which come of the giants : and ‘we were in 
 our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were 
 in their sight. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The people mu- mur, and propose returning to Egpyt ; and threaten to stone 
 Caleb and Jmh a, while they in vain attempt to pacify them, 1 — 10. God 
 threatens to destroy them at once , but Moses intercedes, and prevails for 
 iheir rescue ; yet that generation is doomed to fall in the wilderness, Caleb 
 and Joshua excepted, 11 — 35. The men who raised, the evil report, die by the 
 36 — 33. The people attempt to inarch to Canaan; but are warned, 
 y Moses, and smitten by their enemies, 39—15. 
 
 A ND all the congregation lifted up their 
 voice, and cried; and the people wept that 
 night. 
 
 2 And all the children of Israel b murmured 
 against Moses, and against Aaron : and the whole 
 congregationsaid unto them, c Would God that we 
 
 f 14:36,37. Matt. 23:13. g See on 23. E*. 36:13. Am. 2:9. * Heb. men of 
 statures. 2 Sam. 21:20. Heb. 1 Chr. 20:6. marg. h Deut. 1:28. 2:10. 3:11. 9: 
 2. 1 Sam. 17:4— 7. 2 Sam. 21:20— 22. 1 Chr. 11:23. i 1 Sam. 17:42. Is. 40.22. 
 a 11:1—4. Deut. 1:45. b 16:41. Ex. 15:24. 16:2,3. 17:3. Deut. 1:27. Ps. 106: 
 25. 1 Cor. 10:10. Phil. 2:14,15. Jude 16. c 28,2.4. 11:15. 1 Kings 19:4. Job 3:1 1. 
 7:15,16. Jon. 4:3,8. d Pa. 78:40. Jer. 9:3. e 31,32. f Deut. 17:16. 28:68. 
 Neh. 9:16.17. Duke 17:32. Acts 7:39. Heb. 10:38,39. 11:15. 2 Pet. 2:21,22. 
 
 g 16:4.22,45. Gen. 17:3. Lev. 9:24. Josh. 5:14. 7:10. 1 Kings 18:39. 1 Chr. 21: 
 16. £z. 9:3. Dan. 10:9. Mall. 26:39. Rev. 4:10. 5:14. 7:11. h 24,30,^.13:6,8, 
 
 consider the mighty works of the Lord, which they had wit- 
 nessed in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness, even 
 to that present day, their unbelief appears the more surpris- 
 ing. Had the Canaanites been a thousand limes stronger 
 Jian Israel, they could not be stronger than Israel’s God, as 
 Pharaoh had found to his cost. 
 
 V. 32. Some suppose that there was a great mortality in 
 the land just at the time, by which the Lord was weakening 
 his enemies, and fighting for Israel ; but which the spies per- 
 versely ascribed to an unwholesome climate. At the same 
 time that they represented the country fruitful and populous, 
 and all the people of great stature, and powerful and pros- 
 perous; they inconsistently speak of the land as eating up its 
 inhabitants ! 
 
 V. 33. As grasshoppers .] That is, 1 They despised us 
 as puny creatures; and we, conscious of ouj insignificance 
 and feebleness, trembled before them.’ — It seems they passed' 
 as travellers, and were not suspected by the inhabitants. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The righteous Lord frequently gives up to their own de- 
 vices, such persons as confide in their own wisdom and policy 
 in preference, or in opposition, to his express word of promise : 
 and even obedience to his commandments, if formal and 
 hypocritical, may prove an occasion of men’s falling into 
 delusjon, sin, and misery. (Notes, 2 Chr. 25:6- — 10,13.) We 
 should, therefore, take heed both what, we do, and in what 
 manner and with what spirit we do it ; as the same action 
 may spring from contrary motives, and will certainly be pro- 
 ductive of contrary effects to ourselves, according to the inten- 
 tion md disposition of our hearts. — Of the numbers whose 
 names crowd the page of history, nay, even of those whose 
 names are written in the Scriptures, the greater part are re- 
 corded to their perpetual disgrace 1 Happy they, and they 
 only, whose names are written in the book of life, in the regis- 
 ters of eternity, as the people of the “Lord our salva- 
 tion.” — In the exercise of faith and hope, and by careful 
 investigation of the sacred word, we may profitably search 
 out the heavenly country, and hear a good report concerning 
 ,t; and take encouragement to go up in the strength of the 
 Lord and possess it at once. But carnal sense, and carnal 
 preachers and professors, are not to be trusted in this busi- 
 ness : and unbelief overlooks the promises and power of God, 
 magnifies every danger and difficulty, and fills the heart with 
 overwhelming discouragement. — May God help us to believe, 
 and we shall then find all things possible! Faith will still the 
 tumult of our passions, and inform us far beyond the report 
 of either sense or reason : whilst earnests of heavenly joys 
 will form a “witness within ourselves,” that will confute the 
 false testimony of those who deny the reality or the excel- 
 lence of spiritual blessings; and will animate us in “seeking 
 those things which are above,” nay, render us willing to de- 
 art and to be with Christ, which is far better than all things 
 ere below. 
 
 NOTES. — 4Hhap. XIV. V. 1. The people in general 
 vented thc-ir discontent and despondency, as children are apt 
 o do, in clamorous lamentations and wailings. 
 
 V. 2 — 4. Nothing can be conceived more absurd, as well 
 *s rebellious, than the whole conduct of Israel on this occa- 
 sion. Surely it would have been at least as eligible to fall 
 soldierlike, sword in hand, in attempting to conquer Canaan, 
 
 had died in the land of Egypt! or would Clod we 
 had died in this wilderness! 
 
 3 And wherefore- hath d the Lord brought ua 
 unto this land, to fall by the sword, that “our wivet 
 and our children should be a prey? were it not 
 better lor us to return into Egypt ? 
 
 4 And they said one to another, 'Let us make 
 a captain, and let us return into Egypt. 
 
 5 Then Moses and Aaron efell on their faces 
 before all the assembly of the congregation of the 
 children of Israel. 
 
 6 And h Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the 
 son of Jephunneh,. which were of them that 
 searched the land, 'rent their clothes. 
 
 7 And they spake unto all the company of the chil- 
 dren of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed 
 through to search it, is inn exceeding good land. 
 
 8 If the Lord k delight in us, then he will bring 
 us into this land, and give it us ; a land which 
 floweth with milk and honey. 
 
 9 ‘Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither 
 fear ye the people of the land : for they m are bread 
 for us ; their ’defence is departed from them, and 
 "the Lord is with us ; fear them not. 
 
 10 But “all the congregation bade stone them 
 
 30. i Gen. 37:29.31.44:13. Josh. 7:6. Judg. 11:35. 2 Sam. 3:31. 2 Kings 1S:3I. 
 Job 1:20. Joel 2:12,13. Mall. 26:65. j 13.27. Deut. 1 :25. 6:10.11 . 8:7— 9. 
 k Teut. 10:15. 2 Sam. 15:25,26 . 22:20. 1 Kings 10:9. Ps. 22:8. 147:10,11. 
 
 Is. 62:4. Jer. 32:41. Zeph.3:17. Rom. 8:31. 1 Deut. 9:7,23,24. Is. 1:2. 
 
 63:10. Dan. 9:5,9. Phil. 1:27. m 24:8. Deut. 32:42. Ps. 14:4. 7114. * Heb. 
 
 shadow. Ps. 91:1. 121:5. Is. 30:2,3. 32:2. n Gen. 48:21. Ex. 33:16. Deut. 7:21. 
 20:1—4.31:6,8. Josh. 1:5. 2 Chr. 15:2. 32:8. Ps. 46:1,2,7. la. 8:9,10. 41:10. 
 
 Matt. 1:23. Rom. 8:31. o Ex. 17:4. 1 Sam. 30:6. Matt. 23:37. Acts 7:52,59. 
 
 as to die slaves in Egypt, or by famine or pestilence in the 
 wilderness ! Had it been possible for them to reach Egypt, 
 they might have expected much more severe treatment, 
 than that which had formerly extorted their doleful groans. 
 But that must have been absolutely impracticable ; for could 
 they expect to be miraculously guided, victualled, and watered 
 in their rebellious retrograde march? Yet without this, 
 such a company could never have traversed that waste howl- 
 ing wilderness ; hut, without any immediate judgment from 
 God, must inevitably have perished. The whole was a 
 strong indication of the most horrible ingratitude, blasphemy, 
 and rebellion. The Lord was directly charged with an inten- 
 tion of bringing them out of Egypt, by alluring them with the 
 most encouraging promises, on purpose to destroy them and 
 their families : and the whole present government of his 
 express appointment, was to be set aside, and a new leader # 
 chosen, in opposition to him, and in defiance of him ; nay, it 
 seems one was actually appointed. (Neh. 9:17.) Such is 
 human nature ! and such counsellors are discontent and pas- 
 sion ! 
 
 V. 5. Moses and Aaron being shocked at the blasphemy 
 and rebellion of the people, expecting some terrible judgment 
 upon them, perhaps entreating them to desist from their fatal 
 purposes, fell down before them on their faces, to deprecate 
 the divine displeasure by their prayers. 
 
 V. fi. Rent their clothes .] This was a common expres- 
 sion of intense grief or deep abhorrence. (Marg. Ref. i.) 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Caleb and Joshua, with great intrepidity, and 
 in the most energetic language, contradicted the evil report 
 of the other spies. The land was exceedingly good ! and if 
 the Lord delighted in Israel, as they had every reason to 
 expect he would, unless they forfeited his favour by their sin ; 
 he would bring them into this most desirable land, by the 
 same power which had rescued them from Egypt. They had 
 indeed great reason to fear rebelling against the Lori*; 
 otherwise they had nothing to dread from their enemies ; 
 who, having filled up the measure of their iniquity, weie 
 deprived of the providential defence of God, and exposed to 
 his holy indignation. — The expression, u they are bread for 
 us,” denoted that the wealth and prosperity of the Canaanites 
 would afford Israel the more abundant present support and 
 future accommodation. 
 
 V. 10. Perhaps the other spies, counting this language a 
 reproach of their conduct and a charge of direct falsehood, or 
 else the rulers of the tribes and families first gave the word: 
 and it soon became the general outcry through the who'll 
 multitude, that they who were nearest should immediately 
 stone them; that is not only Caleb and Joshua, hut Moses 
 and Aaron also, as it seems probable from the narration. 
 And now dreadful deeds would have been done, had not 
 the Lord interposed to calm this tumult of the people by a 
 visible display of his glory, probably like the fire on ‘h^ top 
 of Sinai, which intimidated them for the moment. 
 
 V. 11, 12. This is the abrupt language of astonishment 
 and indignation. The Israelites had been tried and spared 
 so long to no purpose, and still proceeded in their unbelie, 
 and provocations, to such a degree, that it was in vain to bear 
 with them any longer. (Matt. 17:17. Mar\. 9:19.) Toe 
 Lord therefore declared their deservings , in his threatening to 
 destroy them at once; and his faithfulness , in renewing his 
 ( 275 ) 
 
B. C. I 100. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 with Stones. And The "lory of the Lord appeared 
 n the tabernacle of the congregation, before all 
 the children ol Israel. 
 
 11 H And the Lord said unto Moses, iHow 
 mug will this people 'provoke me? and how long 
 will it be ere they 'believe me, lor all the signs 
 which I have showed among them ? 
 
 12 1 will ‘smite them with the pestilence, and 
 disinherit them, and u will make of thee a greater 
 nation, and mightier than they. 
 
 13 And Moses said unto the Lord, x Then the 
 Egyptians shall hear it, (for thou broughtest up 
 this people in thy might from among them ;) 
 
 14 And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this 
 (ana : for nhey have heard that thou, Lord, art 
 among this people; that thou, Lord, 'art seen 
 tace lo lace ; and that a thy cloud standeth over 
 them ; and that thou goest before them, by day- 
 time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire 
 by night. 
 
 15 Now if thou shalt kill all this people b as 
 one man, then the nations, which have heard the 
 lame of thee, will speak, saying, 
 
 16 Because “the Lord was not able to brin°- 
 this people into the land which he sware unto 
 them, therefore he hath slain them in the wil- 
 derness. 
 
 17 And now, I beseech thee, let the power of 
 my Lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, 
 saying, 
 
 18 The Lord is d long-suffering, and of great 
 mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and 
 by no means clearing the guilty ; visiting the ini- 
 
 B. C. 1490 
 
 & i0 , :6 ’ f x ,\ 24;16,17. 40:34. L»r. 9:23. q 27. Ex. 10:3. 16:28. 
 rrov. 1.2*. Jer.4:14. Uos.8:5. Matt. 17:17. r Dent °-7 8 22 23 P* 
 
 15<J4 ti'h' - £ : ?'?' 4 V J 0 ** 1 - Mar ^ 9:19.' John 10:33.12:37: 
 
 L? M Heli. 3T3. t 16:46—49. 2 o:9. Ex. 5:3. 2 Sam. 24:1,12—15. u See on Ex 
 
 32:12. Deut. 9:26— 28. 32:27. Josh. 7:8,9. I s. 106:23. Ez 20-9 ll’ 
 
 Lhiii-lS li Tt'p 1 ^ 1 1 u 2: |-o Ge "- 3S:30 - Ex. 33:11. Deut. 5:4. 34:1 o! 
 
 'Alv. 14 ,9 ‘ 01 • 13:12. 1 John 3:2. a 9:15 — 21. Ex. 13 21 22 40-38 Neh 
 
 on eL 9 ' 34 S 6 7 y:I p 6: ! 6 o c A i? e,lt - 9:2S - 32:26,27. Josh. 7:9.' d See 
 
 Mf, :h if- M.C.7U8. Nah. 1:2,3. Rom. 3.24-20. 
 
 R. Vi 4.7 , V,\ X j 8J 4”. 3l i?- Lo",'P 8 , : ? 4 4 ft. 20 8,9. Dan. 9: 
 
 L. 1 N.^.7, I it. 3.4—7. g Ex. 32:10— 14.33:17. Ps. 78:38. 106:7,8,45. Jon. 
 
 proposal of fulfilling his promises to the posterity of Moses. 
 (Note, Ex. 32:7 — 10.) 
 
 19. In this earnest prayer, Moses does not in 
 the least excuse the sin of Israel, or object to the justice of 
 . the awful sentence, or a gue that such a conduct would not 
 consist with the divine truth and goodness: but he pleads the 
 appearance which it would have, and the construction which 
 the iiigyphans and neighbouring nations would put upon it, in 
 their communications with each other. They had witnessed, 
 or heard of, the miracles which God had wrought for Israel 
 and the promises which he had made to the nation ; and would 
 never think of ascribing their destruction to the true cause, 
 but conclude that Jehovah was unable to fulfil his engage- 
 men s. He therefore prays that the Lord would show his 
 great power ; not in their immediate destruction, but in spar- 
 ing them, an.! m performing his promises to them. He further 
 pleads the name of the Lord, which had been proclaimed 
 before him; and the examples of his former forgivenesses, 
 from the departure of Israel out of Egypt to that day : thus 
 he argues, that consistently with his character God could do 
 it ; and that former experience encouraged him still to expect 
 it. (Note, Ex. 34:5 — 7.) Moses referred to the very words, 
 in which the name of the Lord had been proclaimed; though 
 some expressions might seem unsuitable to his purpose. But 
 it is probable, he did not expect to prevail so entirely, as that 
 all, even the most guilty, should be exempted from punish- 
 ment ; or that the nation should not be visited with lighter 
 judgments, descending even to their posterity ; but only, ’’that 
 they should not all be consumed in a moment, or the nation 
 entn ely disinherited. No doubt Moses was convinced, that 
 the glory of the justice and holiness of God was concerned : 
 and that it was necessary to show by some decisive measure, 
 that he would not suffer his commandments to be trampled 
 upon, lus promises despised, or his threatenmgs disregarded: 
 yet he p.cadea, that the honour of his power and faithfulness, 
 in the view of the nations, required him to mitigate or defer 
 the punishment oi Israel ; and that he could magnify his mercy 
 ^utfcourmg his justice. (Notes, Ex. 32:11—14. 
 
 V . 20, 21. The Lord granted the prayer of Moses, and 
 , , no "^mediately destroy the whole congregation : but he 
 declared, that he would also take occasion, from the rebellions 
 i T iiu hy !“ 3 dea,m S s with them, to make known his 
 glory to all the nations of the earth. (Note, Ex. 32:34,35.) This 
 he confirmed by an irreversible oath ; and accordingly, wher- 
 ever the Scriptures have been made known, men of every age 
 and nation have learned the glorious perfections of God, and 
 his means of governing his rat ional creatures, from the history 
 of Israel, in which these particulars are most strikingly illus- 
 ( 276 ) 
 
 quity of the fathers upon the children, unto the 
 third and fourth generation : 
 
 19 'Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this 
 people, according unto the greatness of thy 
 mercy, sand as thou hast forgiven this people from 
 Egypt even ‘until now. 
 
 20 And the Lord said, I have pardoned, ac- 
 cording to thy word : 
 
 21 But, b ax truly as I live, 'all the earth sbhllbe 
 filled with the glory of the Lord. 
 
 22 Because all those men k wh:ch have seen my 
 
 glory, and my miracles which I did in Egypt, and 
 in the wilderness, and have 'tempted me now 
 these m ten times, and have not hearkened to my 
 voice : 1 
 
 23 (Surely “they shall not see the land which I 
 sware unto their fathers ; neither shall any of 
 them that provoked me see it ; 
 
 24 But “my servant Caleb, because he had 
 another spirit with him, and hath ^followed me 
 fully, him will I bring into the land whereunto he 
 went ; and his seed shall possess it. 
 
 25 (Now Mie Amalekites, and the Canaanites 
 dwelt in the valley.) To-morrow r turn you, and 
 get you into the wilderness, hy the way of the 
 Bed Sea. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 26 H And the Lord spake unto Moces, and unto 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 27 «How long shall I bear with this evil congre- 
 gation, which murmur against me ? l l have heard 
 the murmurings of the children of Israel, which 
 they murmur against me. 
 
 Mic. 7:18. Jam. 5:15. 1 John 5:14 — 16. • Or, hitherto h Deut 32-40 
 4- “S 18 - i er ‘ 22:24 ‘ Ez. 5:11. 18:3.33:11,27. Zenh.2:9 iPs' 72^9 Vlfb 2-‘ 
 
 17 : 2 M Ps 1 '9 6 5 9°‘l06‘ 1 ‘V I r ,e j5* 1 :31 -34. A. 95:9,10. He'b.3:17. I Ex'. 
 
 r? lal,3:15. Mall. 4:7. 1 Cor. 10:9. Heb. 3:9. m Gen 
 31:7 41. Job 19:3. t Heb. If they see. » 26:64.32:11. Dent. 1:35. Neh 9-23,* 
 Ps. 95:1 1. 106:26. Ez.2U:15. Heb. 3:18. 4:3. o 6— 9. 13:30. 26:65. Deut 136 
 
 Pa^EMT^i. 1 ; 81 * 16:28 “‘ 9 - 
 
 trated : and in process of time all nations shall bo filled with 
 ms glory in the same manner. 
 
 V. 22, 23. After all the displays of the power and all the 
 experience of the goodness and truth of God, with which the 
 Israelites had been favoured ; they had again and again put 
 these perfections, of Jehovah lo a new trial, by their mur- 
 murs, and proved his patience by their disobedience. Ha 
 therefore most solemnly protested, that not one of that per- 
 verse generation, who had thus provoked him, should inherit 
 the promised land. — Ten times, signifies many times, a 
 definite number being used for an indefinite. ( Marg. Ref. m. ) 
 
 V. 24. Caleb perhaps took the more active part on this 
 occasion : and as Joshua was designed to be the successor of 
 Moses, Caleb is the more frequently spoken of, though 
 Joshua was evidently included. (30) Caleb had “ another 
 spirit with him, even a spirit of faith and holiness: (Note, 
 ?i Cot -„ 4:I3 7' 18 -) he ,ller efore “followed the Lord fully;” 
 (literally, fulfilled after me:) that is, he had faithfully 
 discharged the service to which he had been called, and was 
 ready for any service, however perilous or self-denying, to 
 which the Lord should call him ; for he simply believed his 
 word, embraced his promises, observed his directions, obeyed 
 his commandments, depended on his faithfulness, power, and 
 goodness ; and confidently expected that matters would even- 
 tuaHy take place exactly as he had said, notwithstanding 
 difficulties or improbabilities. This he did with perseverance 
 and courage, though influence, example, terrors, and suffer- 
 mgs, combined to divert him from his course : and ho was 
 willing to venture or endure whatever was necessary in so 
 doing. In consequence, he at first met with haired, reproaches, 
 and dangers : hut he survived his enemies and their opposition, 
 and at length had honour from God and man, much comfort, 
 and a valuable recompense. (Note, Josh. 14:6— 15.)— The 
 posterity of the rebels inherited Canaan; but Caleb and lus 
 posterity inherited Hebron, where the Anakims dwelt, whom 
 he and the other spies had seen; but they were discouraged, 
 and he was not. a ’ 
 
 V. 25. “ The Amalekites and Canaanites dwell in the 
 valley ; to-morrow, Sic.” Thus the passage may ho read 
 Wlt >j U c il 1 . P ar< | nt hesis. If the people went forward, they 
 would tall into the hands of their enemies who were waiting 
 for them ; and the Lord would not protect thorn. Nay, ho 
 commanded them to return into the howling wilderness, which 
 they had passed, as if about to go back to the Red Sea and 
 Egypt, fins command must have been inexpressibly mor- 
 tifying. 
 
 V. 27 — 30. Probably some new murmuis arose, which 
 gave occasion to this expostulation, and thn more explicit 
 sentence of exclusion of that generation from t annan.— Thus 
 
B. C. 1-190. 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. B. C. 149CH 
 
 28 Say unto them, a JIs truly as 1 live, saith the 
 Lord, *as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I 
 do to you : 
 
 29 Your ^carcasses shall fall in this wilderness; 
 and 'all that were numbered of you, according to 
 your whole number, from twenty years old and 
 upward, which have murmured against me. 
 
 30 Doubtless ye shall not come into the land 
 concerning' which 1 'sware to make you dwell 
 therein, “save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and 
 Joshua the son of Nun. 
 
 31 But your b little ones, which c ye said should 
 be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall 
 know d the land which ye have despised. 
 
 32 But as for you, “your carcasses, they shall 
 fall in this wilderness. 
 
 33 And your children f sliall Hvander in the 
 wilderness eforty years, and h bear your whore- 
 doms, until your carcasses be wasted in the wil- 
 derness. 
 
 34 ‘After k the number of the days in which ye 
 searched the land, even forty days, (each day for a 
 year,) 'shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty 
 years ; and m ye shall know my tbreach of promise. 
 
 35 I the Lord have said, “I will surely do it 
 unto all “this evil congregation, that are gathered 
 together against me : in this wilderness they shall 
 be consumed, and there they shall die. 
 
 36 IT And Pthe men which Moses sent to search 
 the land, who returned, and made all the congre- 
 
 ii Seem 21,28.26:61,65.32:11. Deut. 1:35. Ps. S0:8,9. il. y 32,33. 1 Cor. 
 10:5. Heb. 3:17. Jiule 5. z 1:45. * Heb. lift cd up my hand. Gen. 14:22. a 38. 
 26:65.32 12. Deut. 1:36— 38. b 26:4,64. Deut. 1:39. c 3. tl Gen. 25:34. 1's. 
 106:24. Pro*. 1:25,30. Matt. 22:5. Acts 13:41. Heb. 12:16,17. e See on 29. 
 f 32:13. Josh. 14:10. Ps. 107:4,10. t Or, feed, g 33:38. Deut. 1:3.2:14. h 5: 
 31. Kz. 23:31,45— 49. i 13:25. 2 Clir. 36:21. k Ps. 95:10. Kz. 4:6. Dan. 9:24. 
 Ke*. 11:3. I 18:23. Lev. 20:19. Ps. 38:4. Ez. 14:10. m 1 Kings 8:56. Ps. 77: 
 8.105:42. Heb. 4:1. J Or, altering of my purpose, Deut. 31:16,17. ISam. 
 
 “ the Lord sware in his wrath, that they should not enter 
 into his rest;” and irrevocably condemned them to wander in 
 the wilderness for forty years, and never to see city, or town, 
 or cultivated field, till that generation was dead, and their chil- 
 dren grown up to inherit the land, according to his promise 
 to their fathers. (Note, Ps. 95:9—11.) Having sworn by 
 himself, and pledged the honour of all his perfections, the 
 sentence was made absolute and irreversible ; and his almighly 
 ower shut them up in the desert, as effectually as if it had 
 een surrounded with the highest and strongest walls imagin- 
 able. — The Levites, who were numbered from a month old, 
 were not included; for it is evident that Eleazar, the son of 
 Aaron, assisted Joshua in dividing the land of Canaan after 
 the conquest of it; (Josh. 14:1.) though he was old enough to 
 officiate in the priest’s office before this time, and was chief 
 over the Levites. The women and minors, with Caleb and 
 Joshua, were also excepted. — The promises were made to 
 the descendants of the patriarchs, and not to the individuals 
 of this generation. 
 
 V. 31 . Know the land.] The children of these Israelites, 
 By possessing Canaan, knew *vhat a good land their fathers 
 had despised. 
 
 V. 33. (Notes, 1 Cot. 10:1 — 5. Jude 5 — 8.) Forty years 
 elapsed, from the departure of Israel out of Egypt to their 
 entrance into Canaan ; and the whole term is evidently 
 included. — The word rendered wander, signifies feed: and 
 thus implies, that the Israelites should move from place to 
 lace in the deserts, as shepherds in many countries do, who 
 ave no certain dwelling, but go from one district to another 
 seeking pasture for their flocks. — The word “whoredoms” is 
 generally used for idolatry ; and it is thought that this doom 
 was denounced on the people for their sin in worshipping the 
 golden calf, and for their other idolatries; as well as for the 
 transgression which they had just committed. (Note, Ex. 
 32:34,35.) 
 
 V. 34. Neither the text, nor the marginal reading, seems 
 to convey the precise meaning of the word ('nNun) rendered, 
 “ My breach of promise.” Some translate it, ‘Ye shall know 
 the fury of my anger,' or 'my vengeance.’ But perhaps it 
 may signify my disannulling. The words may either mean, 
 that the people should know whether the Lord, having pro- 
 nounced sentence against them, would disannul it, or not ; 
 that is, they should experience the truth of it : or that they 
 should know, that whilst his promises stood firm to the believ- 
 ing and obedient, hypocrites and apostates had no benefit 
 from them. They perhaps would consider this exclusion as a 
 “ breach of promise :” but he would show that it was only a 
 delay made for wise, righteous, and gracious purposes; and 
 that he would fulfil the promises to their descendants. 
 
 V. 39 — 45. The Israelites lamented very much that the 
 sentence of exclusion had been pronounced; and, like Esau 
 in similar circumstances, they sought with tears to have it 
 reversed: (Notes, Gen. 27:38. Hah. 12:15-17.) but their 
 subsequent conduct proved that they had not sorrowed to 
 repei .ance. They were not truly humbled for their most 
 
 gation to murmur against him, by bringing up a 
 slander upon the land ; 
 
 37 Even those men, that did bring up the cvi 
 report upon the land, ndied by the plague befort 
 the Lord. 
 
 38 But 'Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the 
 son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that 
 went to search the land, lived still. 
 
 39 And Moses told these sayings unto all the 
 children of Israel : and the people “mourned greatly. 
 
 40 And they ‘rose up early in the morning, and 
 
 f at them up into the top of the mountain, saying, 
 . 0 , we be here, and will go up unto the place 
 which the Lord hath promised : for we have 
 sinned. 
 
 41 And Moses said, Wherefore now x do ye 
 transgress the commandment of the Lord ? ?but 
 it shall not prosper. 
 
 42 'Go not up, for the Lord is not among you; 
 that ye be not smitten before your enemies. 
 
 43 For “the Amalekites and the Canaanites are 
 there before you, and ye shall fall by the sword : 
 b because ye are turned away from the Lord ; 
 therefore the Lord will not be with you. 
 
 44 But “they presumed to go up unto the hill- 
 top : nevertheless, d the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord, and Moses, departed not out of the camp. 
 
 45 Then “the Amalekites came down, and the 
 Canaanites which dwelt in that hill, and smote 
 them, and discomfited them, even unto ‘Hormah. 
 
 2.30. Zech. 11:10. n23:19. 0 28,29. 26:65. 1 Cor. 10:5,11. Heb. 3:19. p 13- 
 30—33. q 12. 16:49.25:9. Jer.28:16, 17. 29:32. 1 Cor. 10:10. Heb. 3:17. r26: 
 65. Josh. 14:6— 10. sEx.33:4. Pro*. 19:3. Mall. 8:12. Heb. 12:17. I Dent. 
 1:41. Ec. 9:3. Mall. 7:21— 23. 25:11, 12.» Luke 13:25. x 25. 2 Chr. 24:20. 
 v Joh 4:9. Jer. 2:37. 32:5. z Deul. 1:42. *Josh. 7:8,12. Ps. 44:1,2— 11. a 25. 
 13:29. Lev. 26:17. Dent. 28:25. b Judg. 16:20. lChr.28:9. 2 C hr. 15:2. Is. 
 63:10. H os. 9:12. c 15:30. Deut. 1:43. d 10:33. ISam. 4:3— 11. e See on 
 43. Ex. 17:16. Deut. 1:44. 32:30. Josh. 7:5,11,12. f21:3. Judg. 1:17. 
 
 heinous sin : having repeatedly escaped, they concluded 
 that the Lord would not proceed to extremities ; and being 
 convinced by the death of the spies that they had sinned, 
 they vainly hoped that an alteration of conduct would produce 
 at least a mitigation of the sentence. But the irreversible 
 oath was sworn, and they only added one rebellion to ano- 
 ther. The Lord bad expressly commanded them to return 
 into ihe wilderness towards the Red Sea ; (25) and Moses, 
 with the priests who used to carry the ark, protested against 
 their presumption. The Lord, their Defence, had been pro- 
 voked to leave them; the Amalekites and Canaanites waited 
 for them ; the honour of the divine justice was concerned to 
 punish them ; and accordingly it is probable, that a great 
 slaughter of them was made by their victorious enemies. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 25. We shall not derive the full benefit from Scrip- 
 ture, unless we consider it as the history of human nature; 
 written with an infallible and perfectly impartial pen ; and 
 are aware that we ourselves are disposed to act, in similar 
 circumstances, exactly after the same manner as the Israel- 
 ites did. If we are conscious of this, we shall see, in the 
 chapter before us, a very humiliating picture of our own 
 hearts, which may be of great advantage to us. For we 
 must perceive, that it is natural to sinful man to believe a lie 
 in preference to the faithful word of God ; and this gives 
 Satan and his instruments their grand advantage, in opposing 
 religion and deceiving souls. In this spirit of unbelief, we 
 are prone to harbour hard thoughts of God, to rebel against 
 him, to torment ourselves, and to rush headlong upon our 
 own destruction ; and we should be completely ruined, if our 
 wishes were granted us, when discontent and unbelief influ- 
 ence our hearts : for we are capable of quarrelling even with 
 our choicest mercies, nay, of impatiently desiring those very 
 evils, which at other times are most dreaded ! But we 
 should watch and pray against the first beginnings of this 
 ungrateful and rebellious frame of mind ; and keep a guard 
 at the door of our lips, when such thoughts arise in our 
 hearts: for the Lord frequently takes rebels at their word, 
 and sends them the judgment, or Ihe death, for which they 
 rashly wish. — But the madness of a discontented heart is as 
 manifest in its resolves, as in its desires, or wishes. Nor is 
 there any thing so impracticable, or so desperate, that man 
 dares not attempt it, when ragifig in feeble rebellion against 
 the will of God : as if he could overpower Omnipotence, and 
 disannul the appointments of his Maker 1 Entreaties, coun- 
 sels, encouragements, and warnings, at such a time, are vain, 
 or only enrage the more: and thus Solomon’s words are 
 illustrated, “ Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, 
 rather than a fool in his folly.” (Note, Prov. 17:12.) But 
 the grace of the Holy Spirit, possessing the soul, produces 
 a contrary disposition : the servants of the Lord under this 
 influence are inclined to stoop, and to venture or suffer any 
 thing, in order to rescue infatuated sinners from impending 
 ruin : and while they abhor their crimes, they compassionate 
 their persons, and both plead with them n.if i a for them, 
 (. -77 ) 
 
B. C. 1490. NUMBERS. B. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The law of the mat-offerings and drink-offerings to be brought toith the 
 sacrifices ; in which strangers are included , 1—16. The heave-offering of 
 dough , 17—21. The sin-offerings of the congregat ion , and of private per- 
 sons for sins of ignorance , 22 — 29. The punishment of presumption , 
 exempli tied in the stoning of a sabbath-breaker , 30 — 36. Fringes to be worn, 
 37—41 . ' . 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying’, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, a When ye be come into the land of 
 your habitations, which I give unto you, 
 
 3 And b will make an offering by fire unto the 
 Lord, c a burnt-offering, or d a sacrifice in 'p er_ 
 forming a vow, “or in a free-will-offering, or fin 
 your solemn feasts, to make g a sweet savour unto 
 the Lord, of the herd or of the flock ; 
 
 4 Then shall he that offereth his offering unto 
 the Lord, bring h a meat-offering of a tenth-deal 
 of flour, mingled with ‘the fourth part of an hin 
 of oil. 
 
 5 And k the fourth part of an hin 'of wine for a 
 drink-offering shalt thou prepare, with the burnt- 
 offering or s icrifice, for. one lamb. 
 
 6 Or m for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat- 
 
 , 18. Lev. 11:34 . 23:10. 25:2. Deut. 7:1,2. 12:1,9. b Ex. 29:18,25,41. Lev i:9, 
 13,17. 10:13. c Lev. 1:1, &c. cl Lev. 7: 16 . 22: 18— 23. Deut. 12:11. ■ Heb. 
 
 separating. Lev. 27:2. e Lev. 22:21 ,23. Deut. 12:6, 17. 16: 10. 128:16-19,27. 
 
 29 1.8.13, &c. Lev. 53:8,12,36. Deed. 16:1— 17. g On. 8:21. Ex. 29:18. Matt. 
 S;17. Eph. 5:2. Phil. 4:18. h Ex. 29:40. Lev. 2:1. 6:14. 7:9,10. 23:13. Is. 66: 
 
 even when they see them full of enmity and rage against 
 them. — The Lord will afford peculiar protection, and singu- 
 lar marks of regard, to those who, in genuine love, venture to 
 stem the torrent of prevailing iniquity, without being intimi- 
 dated by the scorn and malice of their enemies ; and the dis- 
 plays of his glory are sufficient to dismay the stoutest spirits 
 of rebels, and to encourage the hearts of his servants in the 
 most extreme danger. TWbugh millions of the Lord’s pro- 
 fessed people perish in unbelief and disobedience, his cove- 
 nant and promises stand sure: and, whilst he glorifies his 
 truth and mercy in his dealings with his faithful servants, he 
 takes occasion from the perverseness of unbelievers more ex- 
 tensively and durably to glorify his whole name. With the 
 glory of God at heart, and the word of God dwelling within 
 us, we cannot pray amiss, or plead in vain. Intercessors of 
 this character are an invaluable blessing to any people, though 
 seldom much esteemed, and' often treated .with the basest in- 
 gratitude : but while they avert temporal judgments, and pre- 
 vail for the conversion of many individuals, their prayers will 
 not prevent the final destruction of obstinate and impenitent 
 sinners. 
 
 V. 26 — 45. In his hottest displeasure, the Lord knoweth 
 now to distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, 
 and to exercise his faithfulness and mercy, as well as his jus- 
 tice and holiness, according to the characters of men: so 
 that they who manifest “ another spirit,” and follow him 
 fully, being valiant and patient in his cause, shall in due 
 time have the distinguished credit and comfort of their faith- 
 fulness. — But dreadful is the case of those against whom 
 the oath of God is gone forth! for as it is the irreversible se- 
 curity of the covenant of grace, for the u strong consolation of 
 all who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before 
 them;” (Note, Heb. 6:16 — 20.) so it seals irrevocably the 
 doom of those who provoke him to u swear in his wrath, that 
 they shall never enter into his rest.” And it is in vain to 
 oppose the execution of the sentence ; as the Lord can fence 
 around the waste howling wilderness, and convert it into 
 a prison, in which effectually to confine the most outrage- 
 ous rebels, so that they can by no efforts escape. These 
 truths are plain and important ; yet sinners will not take 
 warning, but persist in their rebellion, only varying the mode 
 of it : and they are often blind enough to think that one act 
 of disobedience may atone for another, — a hypocritical un- 
 commanded form of devotion, for gross profaneness or injus- 
 tice ! But evil pursueth them : many plagues remain for all 
 who go on still in their wickedness ; and they may read their 
 own condemnation, when the Lord’s people separate from 
 them, and protest against them. — But, in this history of those 
 who were excluded from Canaan, let us advert to a case of 
 infinitely greater and more universal importance. A heavenly 
 rest is revealed and proposed to us in the sacred oracles. 
 The ministers of Christ describe it as an exceedingly good 
 land, flowing with richer blessings than milk and honey, and 
 freely given to.all in whom the Lord delighteth: and the very 
 proposal of such a blessing to us by his gospel is a token for 
 good. They point out the way in which sinners must come, 
 and the means which they must use, if they would enter this 
 good land : they assure them in the name of the Lord, that, 
 notwithstanding all their gudt, depravity, and weakness, — not- 
 withstanding the power, malice, and number of their ene- 
 mies, — the Lord will bring them into it and give it them, if 
 they rebel not against him by neglecting so great salvation ; 
 and that they need fear no opposition, since even conflicts, 
 temptations, and persecutions will eventually do them good. 
 They exhort them to-day to hearken to the voice of the 
 l ord ; they warn them not to harden their hearts, and pro- 
 
 ( 278 ) 
 
 offering' two tenth-deals of flour, mingled with the 
 third part of an hin of oil. 
 
 7 And for a drink-offering, thou shalt offer th. 
 third part of an hin of wine, for a sweet savour 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 8 And when thou preparest a bullock for a 
 burnt-offering, or for a sacrifice in performing . 
 a vow, or “peace-offerings unto the Lord : 
 
 9 Then shall he bring with a bullock °a meat 
 offering of three tenth-deals of flour, mingled with 
 half an hin of oil. 
 
 10 And thou shalt bring for ra drink-offering 
 half an hin of wine, for an offering made by fire 
 of a sweet savour unto the Lord. 
 
 11 Thus shall it be done for one bullock, or for 
 one ram, or for a lamb, or a kid. 
 
 12 According to the numDer that ye shall pre- 
 pare, so shall ye do to every one according to 
 their number. 
 
 13 All that are born of the country shall do 
 these things after this manner, in offering an offer- 
 ing made by fire of a sweet savour unto The Lord. 
 
 20. Mil]. 1:11. - Rom. 15:16. Heb. 13:16. i 28:5. Ex. 29:40. Lev. 2 15. 14:10. 
 23:13. Judg. 9:9. Ex. 46:14. k28:7,14. 1 Judg. 9:13. Ps. 116:13. Cant. 1:4. Zech. 
 9:17. Malt. 26:28,29. PI, il. 2:17. 2 Tim. 4:6. m 4. 23:12—14. n He. on Lev. 3:1. 
 7:11—18. o29:9. Lev. 6:14. 7:37. 14:10. 1 Chr. 21:23. Neh. 10:33. Et. 42:13. 
 46:5,7,11,15. Joel 1:9. 2:14. p See on 5. 6:15. 
 
 voke him by delay ; and admonish them to “ take heed that 
 there be not in them an evil heart of unbelief, in departing 
 from the living God.” (Notes, Heb. 3:14 — 19. P. O. 7 — 19.) 
 In such addresses and exhortations, and in fervent prayers 
 for them, they must, and will, and do, persist with unceas- 
 ing importunity, in the face of hatred, contempt, and persecu- 
 tion, so long as hope is left. But alas ! most men “ despise 
 the pleasant land, and believe not the word of God they 
 place no dependence on his promises ; are discouraged by the 
 prospect of real or imaginary difficulties and dangers ; do not 
 think even heaven worth so much trouble and self-denial ; 
 prefer a portion in this world, and harden their hearts till it 
 be too late ; till their exclusion is irreversibly determined, 
 and then they unavailingly regret their folly. How many 
 also, who appear to set out, through unbelief grow weary, 
 and in their hearts, perhaps in their conduct, return hack to 
 the world : and many, who profess to have searched out the 
 good land, bring an evil report upon it ; and either by their 
 doctrine, or by their evident attachment to temporal inte- 
 rests, and carelessness about spiritual things, weaken the 
 hands of believers, and strengthen those of unbelievers ! 
 These, being ringleaders in wickedness, will have the first 
 share, or the largest proportion of divine vengeance. — “ Let 
 us then fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into the 
 Lord’s rest, any of us should seem to come short of it let 
 us take warning from the fate of Israel, lest we perish “after 
 the same example of unbelief:” (Note, Heb. 4:1,2.) let us 
 be afraid of nothing, hut of “provoking the Lord to swear in 
 his wrath, that we shall never enter into his rest let us go 
 forth depending on his mercy, power, promise, and truth ; let 
 us follow him, fully prepared to venture or sutler every thing 
 for his sake : and he will assuredly be with us, and bring our 
 souls to everlasting rest in heaven. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XV. V. 2. That generation ot 
 Israel was doomed to fall in the wilderness, and the whole 
 congregation to wander in it forty years ; during which space 
 many new provocations and judgments were likely to inter- 
 vene, which might seem to threaten their final exclusion from 
 Canaan : yet, as the Lord actually intended to put the rising 
 generation into possession of it, he enacted these laws as a 
 pledge and assurance of his purpose, and as a token of his 
 being thus far reconciled. — We read that the people conti- 
 nued at Kadesh many days ; during which time, it is probable 
 numbers died : and while they lay encamped, we may suppose 
 these regulations were made. (Note, Deut. 1:46.) 
 
 V. 3 — 12. In the wilderness, while the people had neither 
 corn-fields, nor vineyards, nor olive-yards, hut lived upon 
 manna, they could not easily bring meat-offering and drink- 
 offerings; and these seem not to* have been then required. — 
 The meat-offerings before prescribed were offered srpa 
 ralely : (Notes, Dev. 2:) but those here appointed accompa- 
 nied all animal sacrifices except that of doves. The Jew- 
 ish expositors say, that the whole of these oblations was 
 burnt on the altar : but this is not enjoined in the law itself; 
 and perhaps only a portion was burnt, and the remainder 
 was eaten by the priests: and the drink-offering was disposed 
 of in a similar manner. These sacrifices not only typified 
 Christ, with all fulness of spiritual blessings in him for our 
 use, even all which is well pleasing and honourable to the 
 Father ; but they likewise shadowed forth the pleasure which 
 a reconciled God takes in the services of his redeemed people, 
 and the delight which they take in communion with him. 
 This was represented by their feasting together: and there- 
 fore all those things were directed to he brought, which were 
 of general use at feasts ; and in due proportions, accord ng to 
 the kind or number of the sacrifices. — A tenth-deal w* tlu» 
 
B. C. 1490. CHAPTER XY. B. C. 1490 
 
 14 Aiul if a stranger sojourn with you, or who- 
 soever be among you in your generations, and will 
 offer an offering made by fire of a sweet savour 
 unto the Loro ; as ye do, so he shall do. 
 
 15 < iOne ordinance shall be both for you of the 
 congregation, and also for the stranger that so- 
 journeth with you, r an ordinance for ever in your 
 generations : as ye are, so shall the stranger be 
 before the Lord. 
 
 16 One law, and one manner, shall be for you 
 and for the stranger that sojourneth with you. 
 
 17 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 18 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, ‘When ye come into the land whither 
 I bring you, 
 
 19 Then it shall be, that ‘when ye eat of the 
 bread of the land, ye shall offer up an heave-offer- 
 ing unto the Lord. 
 
 20 Ye shall offer up “a cake of the first of your 
 dough, for an heave-offering : as ye do T the heave- 
 offering of the thrashing-floor, so shall ye heave it. 
 
 21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto 
 the Lord, w an heave-offering in your generations. 
 
 22 It And x if ye have erred, and not observed 
 all these commandments which the Lord hath 
 spoken unto Moses, 
 
 23 Even all that the Lord hath commanded 
 you by the hand of Moses, from the day that the 
 Lord commanded Moses, and henceforward 
 among your generations ; 
 
 24 Then it shall be, fff aught be committed by 
 ignorance, ’without the knowledge of the congre- 
 gation ; that all the congregation shall offer ‘one 
 young bullock for a burnt-offering, for a sweet 
 savour unto the Lord, with his meat-offering, and 
 his drink-offering, according to the (manner, and 
 "one kid of the goats for a sin-offering. 
 
 25 And b the priest shall make an atonement for 
 all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it 
 shall be ‘forgiven them ; for it is ignorance : and 
 they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by 
 
 q 29. 9:14. Ex. 12:49. Lei. 24:22. Gal. 3:28. Eph.2.11— 22. Col. 3:11. r 10:8. 
 18:8. Ex. 12:14,24,43. 1 Sam. 30:23. sSt-m!. Deut.26;l. t Josh. 5:11,12. 
 u 18:12. Ex. 23:19. Dent. 26:2— 1U. Neh. 10:37. Prov. 3:9,10. Ex. 44:30. Malt. 
 6:33. Rom. 11:16. 1 Cor. 15:20. Jam. 1:18. Rev. 14:4. v Lev. 2:14. 23:10, 
 16,17. w 18:26. Ex. 29:28. x Lev. 4:2,13,14,22,27 . 5:13,15—17. Ps. 19:12. 
 Luke 12:48. y See on Lev. 4:13. * Heb. from the eyes. z See on Lev. 4:14 — 
 21. t Or, ordinance. a 28:15. Lev. 4:23. 2 Chr. 29:21— 24. Ezra 6: 17. 8:35. 
 b See on Lev. 4:20,26. Rom. 3:25. 1 John 2:2. c Luke 23:34. Acts 13:39. <1 See 
 on Lev. 4:27,28. Acts 3:17. 17:30. I Tim. 1:13. e Lev. 4:35. f See on 15. 9:14. 
 
 same as an omer, or about five pints : a bin is computed by 
 some to have been twice as much. ( Tables at the end.) 
 
 V. 14 — 16. (Marg. Ref.) The intention of this law might 
 be, to induce strangers to attend the worship and ordinances 
 of God ; to intimate to the Israelites,- that if they became 
 profligate and ungodly, they would be treated as strangers: 
 and to signify that in due time the Gentiles would be fully 
 admitted into the church. Though uncircumcised persons 
 might not eat the passover, they might offer other sacrifices 
 in the appointed way, if they were so disposed. These 
 regulations referred to sacrifices and ordinances only ; not to 
 public offices, nor to marriages. 
 
 V. 17 — 21. (Notes, Lev. 23:15 — 21.) The oblation be- 
 fore prescribed, seems to have been a general acknowledg- 
 ment from the people at large : but this was an oblation from 
 every one that reaped a harvest : who was required, pre- 
 viously to tasting it himself, to offer a portion of dough as a 
 leave-offering to the Lord. This is supposed to have been 
 given to the priests in their several cities, and not carried to 
 .he tabernacle. 
 
 V. 22—29. This law concerning sins of ignorance, being 
 entirely diverse from one before considered, occasions con- 
 siderable difficulty. (Notes, Lev. 4 :) Some explain that 
 law as relating to sins of commission, this to sins of omission: 
 others explain the one of inadvertent violations of the moral 
 law, and the other of the transgressions of the ceremonial law : 
 and some think that related to the whole nation, this to any 
 one tribe : or that to the bulk of the nation, this to the rulers 
 and elders. — The Jews say, that the former law referred to 
 such national transgressions through heedlessness, as con- 
 sisted with the maintenance of the prescribed worship in the 
 main, but that this especially respected the case of the na- 
 tion, when through inattention, and the example and autho- 
 rity of wicked rulers, they had turned aside and committed 
 •dolatrv, or conducted their worship directly contrary to law; 
 yet through a culpable ignorance, and not in presumption. 
 This was evident ly the case under several of their kings, and 
 .he explanation seems well grounded. — The law concerning 
 individuals, who sinned through ignorance, does not so mate- 
 •ially differ from that before given. The marginal references 
 •nay assist the student ill forming his judgment on the several 
 
 fire unto the Lord, and«their sin-offering before the 
 Loud, for their ignorance. 
 
 26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation 
 of the children of Israel, and the stranger tna 
 sojourneth among them; seeing all the people, 
 were in ignorance. 
 
 27 H And if ‘'any soul sin through ignorance, 
 then he shall bring a she-goat of the first year for 
 a sin-offering. 
 
 28 And ‘the priest shall make an atonement for 
 the soul that sinneth ignorantly, when he sinneth 
 by ignorance before the Lord, to make an atone- 
 ment for him ; and it shall be forgiven him. 
 
 29 Ye shall have f one law for him that Jsinneih 
 through ignorance, both for him that is horn among 
 the children of Israel, and for the stranger that 
 sojourneth among them. 
 
 30 But the soul that sdoeth aught Spresiimptu- 
 ously, ( whether he be born in the land, or a stran- 
 ger,) the same h reproacheth the Lord ; and that 
 soul shall be cut off from .among his people. 
 
 31 Because he hath 'despised the word of the 
 Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that 
 soul shall utterly be cut off : k his iniquity shall be 
 upon him. 
 
 32 H And while the children of Israel were ir 
 the wilderness, they found a man 'that gathered 
 sticks upon the sabbath-day. 
 
 33 And they that found him gathering sticks, 
 ■“brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all 
 the congregation. 
 
 34 And they "put him in ward, because it was 
 not declared what should he done to him. 
 
 35 And the Lord said unto Moses, “The man 
 shall be surely put to death : all the congregation 
 shall Pstone him with stones without the camp. 
 
 36 And all the congregation brought him with- 
 out the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he 
 died ; as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 37 11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid 
 
 Lev. 16:29. 17:15. Rom. 3:29,30. } Heb .riocth. g 9:13. 1 144. Gen. 17:14. 
 
 Ex. 21:14. I.ev. 20:3,6,10. Dent. 1:43. 17:12. 29:19,20. P«. 19:13. Mall. 12:32 
 Heb. 10:26,29. 2 Pel. 2:10. § Heb. I rilh onhighhrmd. hPs.69:9. 74:18,22.79: 
 12.89:51. Prov. 14:31. la. 37:23,24. i Lev. 26:15,43. 2 8am. 12:9 Ps. 119:126. 
 1’rov. 13:13. Is. 30:12. 1 Thes. 4:8. Heb. 10:28. k Lev. 5:1. Ps. 38:4. Is. 53:6, 
 Ez. 18:20. 1 Pet. 2:24. 1 Ex. 16:23,27,28. 20:8— 10. 35:2,3. m John 8:3, &c. 
 n Lev. 24:12. u Ex. 31:14,15. p See on Lev. 24:14,23. 1 Kings 21:13. Aela 7:58. 
 Heb. 13:11,12. 
 
 interpretations before stated : but the difference of sentiment, 
 on such a subject, does not at all interfere with the practical 
 instructions of the passage. 
 
 V. 30, 31. To do aught presumptuously, implies that it is 
 done wilfully, deliberately, in contempt of the authority oi 
 God’s word, in defiance of his justice, u with a high hand,” 
 (marg".) and in direct rebellion. Suchaconduct “reproacheth 
 the Lord,” as if his commands were needless, unreasonable, 
 and inimical to man’s happiness ; as if his authority were only 
 fit to be trampled under foot ; his favour were not desirable, 
 or his wrath not to be feared ; in short, as if it were more 
 advantageous to rebel against him than to serve him. (Marg. 
 Ref. g, h, i. Notes , 2 Sam. 12:9,10.) Many crimes will be 
 found to be sins of presumption, which did not appear such to 
 the offender, at the time when he committed them. Whenever 
 we set our own inclinations in opposition to the known com- 
 mand of God ; and when God saith, Thou shalt not , our con- 
 duct replies, But I will ; we are guihy of sins of presumption* 
 and though the matter be in itself trivial, yet the daring re- 
 bellion is exceedingly atrocious. (Notes, 1 Sam. 15:22,23.) 
 For an offender of this kind no sacrifice was appointed : he 
 was condemned to bear his own iniquity, and to be utterly cut 
 off : in most cases by a public execution, in others by the 
 immediate judgment of God. (Note, 2 Sam. 12:13.) 
 
 V. 32 — 36. This example was evidently introduced to 
 illustrate the foregoing law. A certain person was observed 
 gathering sticks on the sabbath-day, in contempt of the com- 
 mandment : and he was condemned as a presumptuous of- 
 fender to be stoned, for a warning to the rest; which sen- 
 tence was executed the next day. (Note, Heb. 2:1 — 4.) 
 
 V. 38 — 40. The word rendered “fringes,” denotes an 
 ornament resembling a flower , which Jieing added to the bot- 
 tom of the skirts of the g outward garment, and tied together 
 on each division of it, by a riband or lace of a blue colour, 
 placed upon the fringes, would render the wearer conspicuous 
 among strangers. But it was especially intended as a mark 
 of distinction, which thelraelifes themselves might frequently 
 look upon, and so be put in mind of their character and obli- 
 gations as the worshippers and servants of Jehovah : that 
 they might remember and keep his commandments, and act 
 consistently in all places, companies, and transactions ; not 
 
 ( 279 > 
 
B. n. 147 . 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1471 
 
 them that they make them “Cringes in the borders 
 of their garments, throughout their generations, 
 and that they put upon the fringe of the borders 
 a riband of blue. 
 
 33 And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that 
 ye may look upon it, and r remember all the com- 
 mandments of the Lord, and do them; and that 
 >ye seek not after your own heart, and your own 
 eyes, after which ye use to l go a whoring; 
 
 40 That ye may remember and do all my com- 
 mandments, and u be holy unto your God. 
 
 41 I am the Lord your God, which x brought. 
 you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I 
 am the Lord your God. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Korah, Dathan, and Abiram , openly rebel ; and Moses falls down before God , 
 1 — 4. Moses remonstrates with Korah for seeking the priesthood ; and sends 
 for Dathan and Abiram , who refuse to come, 5 — 15. Korah an l his company 
 tjurn incense , and draw together the congregation. The ploiy of the Lord 
 appears, 16 — 19. He threatens to consume them; but is stayed by the 
 prayer of Closes and Aaron, 29 — 22 By divine command , Moses calls the 
 people away from the tents of the rebels , and denounces their doom ; the 
 earth opens and suallows up some, while fire consumes those who burnt 
 incense, 23 — 35. Their censers are reserved to cover the altar, for ame- 
 morial to posterity, 3d — 40. 'The rebellion is renewed; c plague breaks 
 out, but is stopped by Aaron burning incense, 41 — 48. The n um ber that 
 died, 19. 50 
 
 N OW a Korah, the son oflzhar, the son Kohath, 
 the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, 
 the sons of Eliab, and On, the son ofPeleth, b sons 
 of Reuben, took men ; 
 
 qDeut. 22:12. Ma *. 9:20. 23:5. Luke8:44. rEx.l3:9. Deut. 6:6— 9. 11:18 
 
 —21,28—32. Prov : 3: 1 . s Ueut. 29:19. Job 3L7. Pruv. 28:26. Ec. 11:9. Jer. 9: 
 14. Ex. 6:9. t Ex. 34: 15,15. i s. 73:27. 106:39. Hos. 2:2. Jam. 4:4. u Lev. 11: 
 41.45. 19:2. Rom. 12:!. Eph. 1:4. Col. 1:2. 1 Thes.4:7. 1 Pet. 1:15,16. x Lev. 
 22:33. 25:38. Ps. 105:45. .Ter. 31:31—33. 32:37—41. Ez. 36:25— 27. 1 Pet. 2:9,10. 
 a 23:9.10. 21:3. Ex. 6 :l$, 21. Jude 11. b Gen. 49:3,4. 1 Chr. 5:1,2. c Gen 6:4. 
 1 Chr. 5:24. 12:30. Ez. 16:14. 23:10. d 11. 12:1,2. 14:1—4. Ps. 106:16. Acts 
 7:39,51. * Keb. It is much for you. e Ex. 19:6. Ezra 9:2. Is. 1:11 — 16. Jer. 
 
 following their own corrupt inclinations, or yielding to the 
 allurements of their senses. These they had ever shown a 
 strong propensity to prefer before the will of God, and had 
 thus frequently been seduced into idolatry , as well as other 
 heinous sins. — Christ was obedient to this law; for the word 
 translated “ the hem,” or border, means the fringe of his 
 garment: and the Pharisees ostentatiously enlarged their 
 fringes. — It is remarkable that the modern Jews generally 
 neglect this precept which they might obey , while many parts 
 of their religion are become absolutely impracticable. — Some 
 have argued that it would prevent much wickedness among 
 the clergy, if they were always obliged to appear in their 
 peculiar habits : hut wretchedly abandoned must that cler- 
 gyman be, who needs such a restraint from open wicked- 
 ness. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We should study to order our conduct in obedience to the 
 several commands of God, in that manner which may best 
 conduce’ to his glory, and be useful to those around us. And, 
 if “ repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord 
 Jesus Christ,” he connected with godliness, righteousness, 
 love, and temperance, in our daily walk, we shall attain that 
 end. — When our chief delight is sought in the ordinances of 
 God, and in communion with him, we shall find access and 
 acceptance: and grateful, adoring love, connected with benifi- 
 rence and temperance, will lead to the comfortable enjoyment 
 of temporal blessings. But alas ! we fallen creatures are 
 always violating one or another of God’s commandments, 
 when most circumspect : and even those slips which are 
 accounted small, and which spring from ignorance or inad- 
 vertency, are not pardonable but through atoning blood. 
 Blessed be God for the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ : to 
 this the true believer may always have recourse ; and he 
 alone feels his need of it continually, and cannot pervert it 
 into an encouragement to sin. — But let presumptuous sinners 
 tremble ; for though that great sacrifice is available for all 
 who humbly repent and depend upon it ; it enhances the guilt 
 of those who contemptuously reject it, or hypocritically pro- 
 fess to rely on it, while they allow themselves in iniquity. 
 Nor have any persons greater cause to tremble, than they 
 who, in hold contempt of God’s authority violate the holy rest 
 of the sabbath-day ; for though they at present escape punish- 
 ment, yet unless they repent, the Lord will at length u utterly 
 cut off their souls, with their iniquity upon them:” and it 
 must, be far worse with us as a nation than it was with Israel, 
 when they provoked God in the desert ; for they generally 
 regarded the sabbath, we almost universally break it. — As 
 we sinners of the Gentiles are now fully admitted to share 
 the benefit of the Saviour’s atoning blood, we should be abun- 
 dant in our spiritual sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving ; we 
 should boldly profess our faith in the sight of the world, and 
 circumspectly walk according to it. We should use every 
 means of refreshing our memories, in respect to the precepts 
 of our God, of animating and quickening our obedience, and 
 of arming our minds against temptation. We should learn 
 to mortify all our sinful inclinations, and to regulate and sub- 
 ordinate such as are not sinful in. themselves, that we may 
 net “ think our own thoughts, speak our own words, or find 
 ( 280 ) 
 
 2 And they rose up before Moses, with certain 
 of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty 
 princes of the assembly, 'famous in the congrega- 
 tion, men of renown : 
 
 3 And they a gathered themselves together 
 against Moses, and against Aaron, and said unto 
 them, ' Ye take too much upon you, seeing 'all the 
 congregation are holy, every one of them, and 
 The Lord is among them : wherefore then lift ye 
 up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? 
 
 4 And when Moses heard it, .she fell upon his 
 face : 
 
 5 And he spake unto Korah, and unto all his 
 company, saying, Even to-morrow The Lord will 
 show, who are his, and huho is holy ; and “will 
 cause him to come near nnto him : 'even him 
 whom he hath chosen, will he cause to come near 
 unto him. 
 
 6 This do ; "Take you censers, Korah, and all 
 
 his company ; * 
 
 7 And put fire therein, and put incense in them 
 before the Lord to-morrow : anil it shall be, " that 
 the man whom the Lord doth choose, he shall be 
 holy : ye take “too much upon you, ye sons of 
 Levi. 
 
 8 And Moses said unto Korah, Hear, I pray 
 you, ye sons of Levi : 
 
 7:3—12. Malt. 3:9,10. Rom. 2:28,29. f 14:14. 35:34. Ex. 29:45,46. Ps. 68:17. 
 g 45. 14:5. 20:6. Josh. 7:6. h Mai. 3:13. 2Tim.2:19. i 3. Lev. 21:6— 8,12- 
 15. Is. 61:5,6 . 1 Pet. 2:5—9. Rev. 1:6. 5:9,10. k Ex. 28.43. Lev. 10:3. Ps. 65: 
 4. Ez. 40:46. 44:15,16. Eph. 2:13. Heb. 10:19— 21. 117:5. Ex. 23:1. Lev. 8:2. 
 1 Sam 2:28. Ps , 105:26. John 15:16. 3cls 1:2,24. 13:2 15:7.22:14. 2 Tim. 2:3, 
 4. m 35— 40,46-48. Lev. 10:1. 16:12,13. 1 Kines 18:21— 24. n See on 3:5. 
 Eph. 1:4. 2Thes 2:13. 1 Pet. 2:9. o 3. 1 Kings 18:17,18. Malt. 21:23-27. 
 
 our own pleasure but that we may seek the glory of the 
 Lord, and do his commandments, as his redeemed and holy 
 people. 
 
 NOTES?— Chap. XVI. V. 1 — 4. We are not informed 
 of the date of this rebellion : but probably it was soon 
 after the congregation had been sentenced to wander in the 
 wilderness. — It is remarkable how the giving of laws, and the 
 breaking out of rebellions, are interchanged in this history; 
 for sin, by the commandment, takes occasion to show itself 
 and its exceeding sinfulness. (Note, Rom. 7:9 — 12.) — 
 Korah was a near relation to Moses and Aaron : (Marg. 
 Ref. a.) he was discontented with being an ordinary Levitc, 
 in subjection to the priests, and became a competitor with 
 Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. Dathan and Abiram, 
 the sons of Reuben, Jacob's first-born, seem to have aspired 
 to the supreipe authority, as rivals to Moses ; probably being 
 also displeased with the pre-eminence of ihe tribe of Judah. — 
 On is only once mentioned ; either he repented, or he was of 
 small note in the transaction. The former rebellions had 
 been mere popular tumults: but this was a regular conspiracy, 
 headed by persons of consequence, abetted by many of the 
 princes, and favoured by most of the congregation. Korah is 
 supposed to have been the first mover of this insurrection ; 
 but having engaged Dathan and Abiram, by their assistance 
 lie soon gained over others, who were men of reputation and 
 influence among the people: and they intimated, that both the 
 civil government and priesthood had been usurped by Moses 
 and Aaron, without any commandment from God. Yet they 
 allowed that the Lord was among them, and had shown them 
 special regard, when this could be rendered subservient to 
 their purpose: and, by maintaining that all the people were 
 alike holy, they attempted to overturn the whole system, civil 
 and religious, which the Lord had established among them. 
 Notes, Ex. 19:6.) The two hundred and fifty princes, who 
 o not appear to have been exclusively Levites, hut heads of 
 the families in the several tribes, under the idea that the 
 people were all holy as the worshippers of God, thought they 
 had as good a right to officiate in tile priest’s office, as Aaron 
 and his sons. They likewise accused both Moses and Aaron 
 of “taking too much upon them,” and of “lifting themselves 
 up above the congregation of the Lord ;” because every thing 
 respecting the priesthood, the services of the Levites, and 
 the arrangement of the camps, was settled according to their 
 word, without the counsel or approbation of them and their 
 friends. They therefore thought that this extraordinary 
 authority ought to cease ; and that they, and the other princes, 
 should thenceforth be consulted, and share the dominion. — 
 The priesthood was the pretext; yet the civil authority was 
 likewise assailed. — Moses fell on his face to deprecate the 
 wrath of God. and to seek his direction, 
 
 V. 5 — 7. (Note, Ps. 65:4.) Moses was directed to chal- 
 lenge thoso who aimed at the priesthood, to refer the matter 
 in this way to the Lord’s decision, if they would venture on 
 so perilous an appeal : and it was appointed for the morrow, 
 that they might consider and deliberate upon il, and so be 
 induced to decline it. — Nadah and Abihu, though priests, had 
 been cut off for burning incense with strange fire ; and i, 
 would he at their own peril, if these pcrsi-i s, »ho were no 
 
B. C. 1-171. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 L. C. 1171 
 
 9 Secmeth it but t'a small thing unto you, that 
 the Goil of Israel hath 'iseparateil you from the 
 congregation of Israel, to bring you near to him- 
 self, to do the service of the tabernacle of the 
 Lord, and to stand before the congregation to 
 minister unto them? 
 
 10 And he hath brought thee near to him, and 
 all thy brethren the sons of Levi with thee : r and 
 seek ye the priesthood also ? 
 
 11 For which cause, both thou and all thy com- 
 pany are gathered together ‘against the Lord : 
 and ‘what is Aaron, that ye murmur against 
 him? 
 
 12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, 
 the sons of Eliab ; “which said, We will not come 
 
 up. 
 
 13 Is it ‘a small thing that thou hast brought us 
 up rout of a land that floweth with milk and honey, 
 ‘to kill us in the wilderness, except “thou make 
 thyself altogether a prince over us ? 
 
 14 Moreover, b thou hast not brought us into a 
 jand that floweth with milk and honey, or given us 
 inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou "put 
 out the eyes of these men ? we will not come up. 
 
 15 And Moses was ‘very wroth, and said unto 
 the Lord, ‘‘Respect not thou their offering : e I have 
 not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt 
 one of them. 
 
 16 And Moses said unto Korah, f Be thou and 
 all thy company ^before the Lord, thou and they, 
 and Aaron to-morrow : 
 
 17 And take every man his censer, and put 
 incense in them, and bring ye before the Lord 
 every man his censer, two hundred and fifty cen- 
 sers ; thou also, and Aaron, each of you his censer. 
 
 18 And they took every man his censer, and put 
 
 p 13. Gen. SO: 15. 1 Sam. 18:23. 2 Sam. 7:19. Is. 7:13. Ez. 34:18. 1 Cor. 4:3. q Is 
 53. 3:41—15. 8:14—16. 18:2—6. Deal. 10:8. 2 Chr. 35:3. Neh. 12:44. Ez. 44:10, 
 11. Acts 13:2. r Prov. 13:10. Mail. 20:21,22. Luke 22:24. Rom. 12:10. Phil. 2: 
 3. 3 John 9. s 3. 1 Sam. 8:7. Luke 10:16. John 13:20. Rom. 13:2. I Ex. 16:7,8, 
 17:2. 1 Cor. 3:5. u Prov. 29:9. Is. 3:5. 1 Pet. 2:13,14. Jude 8. x See on 9. 
 y 11:5. Ex. 1:11,22. 2:23. z 20:3,4. Ex. 16.3. 17:3. aEx.2:14. Ps. 2:2,3. 
 
 Luke 19:14. Acts 7:2>— 27,35. b 45:8— 10. See on Ex. 3:8,17. Lev. 20:24. 
 
 • Heb. fiorcour. c 12:3. Ex. 32:19. Matt. 5:22. Mark 3:5. Ej.h.4:26. d 6,7. 
 Gen. 4:4,5. e l Sam. 12:3,4. Acts 20:33,34. 1 Cor. 9:15. 2 Cor. 1:12.7:2. 12:14 
 — 17. 1 Thes. 2:10. f See on 6,7. g 1 Sam. 12:7. 2 Tim. 2:14. h 1,2. i 42. 
 
 priests, ventured on this highest part of the sacerdotal office. 
 (Note, 2 Chr. 26:16—23.) 
 
 V. 8 — 11. In these verses Moses particularly addressed 
 Korah, and the other sons of Levi, and charged them with 
 despising the special honour which God had vouchsafed them, 
 m appointing them to the service of the sanctuary ; and with 
 seeking the priesthood also. By this it appears, that while 
 Korah charged Aaron and his sons with exercising a usurped 
 authority ; he really meant, by the assistance of the Levites 
 and people, to exclude them and to seize upon the honour and 
 emolument o their sacred office for himself and his family ! 
 and that whilst they all pretended to rise up against Aaron, 
 they were in fact gathering together in rebellion against 'the 
 Lord. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. Moses, as the ruler whom God had placed 
 over Israel, summoned Dathan and Abiram to appear before 
 him, to infornrhim of ihe cause of this insurrection : but they, 
 doubtless aspiring to the government, would not own his 
 authority, and insolently refused to appear before him. They 
 likewise absurdly and basely spake of Egypt, where they had 
 groaned in abject servitude, in the very language which the 
 Lord had used concerning tire land of promise ! and sarcasti- 
 cally accused Moses of deceiving them with vain expectations 
 of a valuable inheritance, which they were never likely to see ; 
 and of usurping dominion over the nation. They charged 
 him likewise with attempting to impose on the people, with 
 pretences of acting by divine authority, and for their advantage 
 while he was sacrificing all their interests to the establish- 
 ment of a usurped authority ; as if he had attempted to put 
 out their eyes, that he might lead them when blind wherever 
 he chose. — The cloak of religion did not so well serve the 
 purposes of those, who aspired to the civil government ; and 
 therefore they never mentioned the Lord at all ; but ascribed 
 all to Moses, as if they had never witnessed any miracles, or 
 divine interpositions ! 
 
 V. 15. Respect not, See.] That is, the offering of incense 
 by Korah a- •! his company, who were confederates with 
 Dathan and Abiram. Much mere seems to have been 
 meant than was expressed. Moses prayed, that some 
 evident effect of divine wrath might vindicate his injured 
 character, and confirm his authority in Israel. He was 
 indeed their ruler, under God ; but, so far from oppressing 
 !hem, he had not imposed the smallest tax on them, nor 
 aken even as a present, so much as an ass from one of 
 hem. (Marg. Ref. Note, 1 Sam. 12:2 — 7.) 
 
 V. 16 — 18. The former challenge was now again repealed: 
 Vol. I.— 36 
 
 fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood 
 in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation 
 with Moses and Aaron. 
 
 19 And “Korah gathered all the congregation 
 against them unto the door of the tabernacle o 
 the congregation: and ‘the glory of the Lorp 
 appeared unto all the congregation. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 20 H And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 21 k Separate yourselves from among this con- 
 gregation, ‘that I may consume them in a moment. 
 
 22 And "‘they fell upon their faces, and said, O 
 God, “the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall “one 
 man sin, and wilt thou be wroth with all the con- 
 gregation ? 
 
 23 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 24 Speak unto the congregation, saying, pGet 
 you up from about the tabernacle of Rorah, 
 Dathan, and Abiram. 
 
 25 And Moses rose up, and went unto Dathan 
 and Abiram ; and ithe elders of Israel followed 
 him. 
 
 26 And he spake unto the congregation, saying, 
 ■Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked 
 men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be cou- 
 sumed in all their sins. 
 
 27 So they gat up from the tabernacle of Korah, 
 Dathan, and Abiram, on every side : and Dathan 
 and Abiram came out, and ‘stood in the door of 
 their tents, and their wives, and their sons, and 
 their little children. 
 
 28 And Moses said, ‘Hereby ye shall know that 
 the Lord hath sent me to do all these works ; for 
 I have not done them “of mine own mind. 
 
 29 If these men die Rhe common death of all 
 
 12:5. 14:10. Ex. 16.7,10. Lev. 9:6,23. k Gen. 19:15— 22. Jer.51:6. Acts2:40. 
 2 Cor. 6:17. Eph. 3:6,7. Rev. 18:4. 145. 14:12,15. Ex. 32:10. 33:5. Pa. 73:19. 
 Is. 37:36. m 4,45. 14:5. n 27:16. Job 12:10. Ec. 12:7. Is. 57:16. Zech. 12:L 
 Heb. 12:9. o Gen. 18:23— 25. 2 Sara. 24: 1,17. 1 Cor. 13:7. p See on 21. q 11: 
 16,17,25,30. r See on 21 — 24. Gen. 19:12— 14. Deut. 13:17. Is. 52:11. Malt' 10. 
 14. Acls8:20. 13:51. s 2 Kings 9:30,31. Job 9:4. 40:10,1 1 . Prov. 16:18. 18:12. 
 Is. 28:14. I Ex. 4:1— 9. 7:9. Deul. 18:22. John 5:36. 11:42. 14 11. u 24:13. 
 1 Kings 18:36. Jer. 23:16. Ez. 13:17. John 5:30. 6:38. t Heb. as evert/ man 
 diet/l . 
 
 but Aaron and Korah were directed to appear together on 
 this occasion, as the competitors for the priesthood, between 
 whom the Lord was about to decide. It is certain that the 
 company met in the court of the tabernacle, and not in the 
 sanctuary ; and that Aaron in this critical emergency was 
 required to burn incense in the court, though it was not exactly 
 regular: (46) for the sanctuary could not have contained sc 
 large a company without great inconvenience; and the 
 people would not, in that case, have witnessed the event, 
 as they evidently did. 
 
 V. 19. While the Levites, and others of their party, 
 presumptuously burnt incense: Korah, instead of directly 
 joining the company according to the requirement of Moses, 
 seems to have been employed with vast success, in stirring 
 up the whole congregation to rebellion. By these means he 
 gathered them together to witness the event of the context: 
 and probably he intended to seize the disputed prize, perhaps 
 with the slaughter of all who attempted opposition, had not 
 the terrific appearance of the divine glory overawed and 
 intimidated him and his party. 
 
 V. 22. The God of the spirits of all flesh.] Man is a 
 spirit embodied in flesh, the creature and subject of God. 
 This relation of God to the spirits of mortal men seems to be 
 here pleaded, as a reason why he should not indiscriminately 
 punish the whole congregation: for he was acquainted with 
 the inmost spirits of men, and could not be imposed upon ; 
 but could distinguish both the innocent from the guilty, and 
 the tempters from the tempted: and Moses and Aaron seem 
 charitably to have hoped, that Korah alone had sinned pre- 
 sumptuously ; and that the rest had been misled, and had 
 sinned ignorantly. 
 
 Y. 24. By this command the Lord admitted the plea oi 
 Moses and Aaron ; and they who testified their repentance, 
 by separating from the ringleaders of the rebellion, were 
 exempted from their punishment. Thus the congregation 
 escaped., though many rebels perished in their presumption. 
 
 V. 26. The rebels, with all that belonged to them were, 
 as an accursed thing', devoted to utter destruction. (Notes, 
 Lev. 27:28,29. Josh. 7:13 — 15,23 — 26.) The people there- 
 fore were forbidden to touch tiny thing belonging to them ; 
 that they might enter a solemn protest against their wicked- 
 ness, acknowledge the justice of their punishment, and express 
 their fear of being involved in it. 
 
 V. 27. Though the insurgents were of different tribes, 
 they had quitted their proper situartions in the camp, ana 
 pitched their tents close together ; or they had formed one 
 ( 281 ) 
 
b. C 1471. 
 
 NUMBERS 
 
 B. C. 1471 
 
 men, or if they be "-visited after the visitation of 
 all men ; then nhc Lord hath not sent me : 
 
 30 But if the Lord 'make "a new thing-, and the 
 earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with 
 all that appertain unto them, and “they go down 
 quick into the pit ; then ye shall understand that 
 these men have provoked the Lord. 
 
 31 And it came to pass as he had made an end 
 of speaking all these words, that b the ground 
 clave asunder, that was under them: 
 
 32 And c the earth opened her mouth, and swal- 
 owed them up, and their houses, and d all the 
 men that appertained unto Korah, and all their 
 goods. 
 
 33 They, and all that appertained to them, went 
 down alive “into the pit, and the earth closed upon 
 them: and 'they perished from among the con- 
 gregation. 
 
 34 And all Israel that were round about them 
 efled at the cry of them : for they said, h Lest the 
 earth swallow us up also. 
 
 35 And there 'came out a fire from the Lord, 
 and consumed the k two hundred and fifty men 
 that offered incense. 
 
 36 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 37 Speak unto Eleazar, the son of Aaron the 
 priest, that he take up 'the censers out of the 
 burning, and scatter thou the fire yonder; for 
 they are “hallowed. 
 
 38 The censers of these "sinners against their 
 own souls, let them make them broad plates for a 
 covering of the altar ; lor they offered them before 
 the Lord, therefore they are hallowed : and they 
 shall be °a sign unto the children of Israel. 
 
 Z Ex. 20:5. 32:34. Job 35:15. 15.10:3. Jer. 5:9. Lara. 4:22. yl Kings 22: 
 23. 2 Ohr. 18:27. * Heb. create a creature. Is. 45:7,12. z Job 31:3. Is. 23:21. 
 43:19. Jer. 31:22. n Ps. 55:15. b 26: 10. Dent. 11 :6. Ps. 106:17. c30.Gen.4: 
 11. Is. 5:14. Rev. 12:16. d 26:11. 27:3. I Chr. 6:22,37. Ps. 84: 85: 88: titles. 
 e Ps. 9:15. 55:23. 69:15. 143:7. Is. 14:9,15. Ez. 32: 18, .30. f Jude 11. g Is. 33: 
 3. Zech. 1-1:5. Rev. 6:15— 17. h 17:12,13. i 11:1. 26:10. Lev. 10:2. Ps. 106: 
 18. k See on 2. 1 See on 7,18. m See on Lev. 27:28. nl Kings 2:23. Prov. 
 1:18. 20:2. Hab. 2:10. o 40. 17:10. 26:10. Ez. 14:8. 1 Cor. 10:11. 2 Pet. 2:6. 
 
 large tent, as the rendezvous of the whole party. (24) Yet 
 Dathan and Abiram at this time were in their own tents; 
 and, in the height of impiety and insolence, appeared with all 
 fcheir families at the doors, as setting Moses the servant of 
 the Lord at defiance. 
 
 V. 28 — 34. The solemn and express appeal to God, and 
 the prediction given by Moses, combined with the awful 
 event incontestably to demonstrate, that he acted by divine 
 authority in all those things respecting which he was accused 
 of assuming too much. — It is probable, that Korah was 
 swallowed up with Dathan and Abiram, and their families; 
 though some think that he perished by fire. Such of his 
 household as remained in the tent, perished ; but his sons 
 survived: hence it may be concluded, that they separated 
 themselves from the transgressors. ( Notes , 26:10,1 1.) — The 
 criminals, when they saw their doom inevitable, cried out so 
 lamentably, that the Israelites who were at a distance were 
 alarmed lest the same judgment should overtake them also. — 
 The word translated the pit, is often rendered hell: but, as 
 the little children, and the property also, went down into 
 this pit; we must allow, that the word means the grave , 
 or an unseen state , whether of body or soul. (Note, Ps, 16: 
 10 .) 
 
 Make a new thing. (30) Marg. Note , Jer. 31:21,22. 
 
 Y. 35. These two hundred and fifty persons seem to 
 have been not only slain by the fire, but also entirely con- 
 sumed ; being themselves made awful sacrifices to the justice 
 of God, whose priesthood and sacrifices they had despised. 
 For no mention is made of the burial of their bodies, as in the 
 case of Nadab and Abihu. — Aaron may be supposed to have 
 stood close by the persons thus consumed, as by most tremen- 
 dous lightning ; and not only to have escaped unhurt, but to 
 have been exempt from terror, confidently expecting the 
 decision of Jehovah in his favour. — Moses was at some 
 distance, as it appears, with the other company : for, probably, 
 the two awful judgments took place at. the same time. 
 
 V. 37 — 40. These censers, having been once presented 
 to God, and used in burning incense, though in an uncom- 
 manded manner, must never more be employed about ordi- 
 nary purposes : but to impress the greater veneration for 
 that typical institution, they were consecrated to the Lord, 
 and used in such a manner as to remain a constant and use- 
 ful memorial to the people who brought the sacrifices, and to 
 the Levites who assisted in offering. — It was an awful em- 
 ployment for Eleazar to gather them from amidst the dread- 
 ful conflagration ; and must have reminded him of the some- 
 what similar fate of his brethren. (Notes, Leu. 10:1 — 3.) — 
 Eleazar was appointed to this service, in order perhaps to 
 mark him out. as successor to the high priesthood. Aaron 
 was full} employed, and some think ho might have contracted 
 ( 282 ) 
 
 39 And Eleazar the priest took the brazen 
 censers, wherewith they that were burnt had 
 offered ; and they were made broad plates for 
 covering of the altar : 
 
 40 To be a memorial unto the children of'Israe 
 Pthat no stranger which is not of the seed o. 
 Aaron, icome near to offer incense belbre the 
 Lord, that he be not as Korah and as his com 
 pany ; as the Lord said to him by the hand o* 
 Moses. 
 
 41 H But on the morrow r all the congregation 
 of the children of Israel murmured against Moses, 
 and against Aaron, saying, “Ye have killed the 
 people of the Lord. 
 
 42 And it came to pass, ‘when the congregation 
 was gathered against Moses, and against Aaron, 
 that they looked toward the tabernacle of the 
 congregation : and, behold, the cloud covered it, 
 and "the glory of the Lord appeared. 
 
 43 And Moses and Aaron came before the ta- 
 bernacle of the congregation. 
 
 44 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 45 "Get you up from among this congregation, 
 that I may consume them as in a moment. ?And 
 they fell upon their faces. 
 
 46 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a censer, 
 and put fire therein “from off the altar, “and put 
 on incense, and go quickly unto the congregation, 
 and make b an atonement for them : for “there is 
 wrath gone out from the Lord; the plague is 
 begun. 
 
 47 And Aaron took as Moses commanded, d and 
 ran into the midst of the congregation ; and, 
 behold, the plague was begun among the people : 
 
 p 3:38. 18:4 — 7. Lev. 22:10. 2 Chr. 26:18-20. Judell. q 1 Kings 13:1— 3. 2Chr. 
 26:16—21. r See on 1—7. 14:2. Ps. 106:13,23. Is. 26:11. s 3. 2 Sam. 16:7,8. 
 
 1 Kings 18:17. Jer. 37:13,11. 38:4. 43:3. Am. 7: 10. Matt. 501. Acts 5:28. 21:28. 
 
 2 Cor. 6:8. t 19. u 19. 14:10. 20:6. Ez. 16:7,10. 24:16 . 40:34,35. LeT.9:23. 
 x See on 21 ,26. y 22. 20:6. 1 Chr. 21: IS. Malt. 26:39. z Lev. 9:24. 10:1. 16: 
 12,13. Is. 6:6,7. Rom. 5:9,10. Heb. 7:25-27. 9:25,26. Rev. 8:3—5. a Ps. 141: 
 2. Mai. 1:11. bKx.30:7— 10. I.ev. 16:11— 16. 1 John 2:1,2. c 1:53. 8:19. 11: 
 33. 18:5. 1 Chr. 27:24. Ps. 106:29. d Matt. 5:41. Rom. 12:21. 
 
 defilement ; but no mention is at all made of the dead bodies, 
 which seem to have been entirely consumed, leaving not the 
 least remains. — The fire in the censers, as unhallowed, was 
 thrown aside, probably among the ashes. — It was the intent 
 of the rebels to injure Moses and Aaron; but in effect, they 
 brought destruction upon themselves both in body and soul, 
 even as if they had expressly designed it. 
 
 V. 41 — 43. While the congregation with one voice most 
 absurdly imputed the opening of the earth, and the consum- 
 ing fire, to Moses and Aaron, as if they had caused them ; 
 they impiously called the persons thus perishing in their re- 
 bellion, w the people of the Lord !” Nothing can possibly 
 be imagined more perverse and provoking than such a con- 
 duct. — It is likely, that the cloud had disappeared for a while, 
 during the dreadful scenes which had been exhibited : but 
 now, >vhen the whole congregation was gathered against 
 MoSes and Aaron, as about to proceed to further violence, 
 it reappeared, and the glory of the Lord was seen in it. — 
 Moses and Aaron seem to have gone to the tabernacle for 
 security, and to intercede for the people. 
 
 V. 45 — 50. Notwithstanding the intercession of Moses 
 and Aaron, while prostrated before the tabernacle, the Lord 
 proceeded to execute vengeance on the rebellious Israelites, 
 in so awful a manner as evidently to show them, that he 
 could have consumed the whole multitude in a moment. It 
 is probable, that when great numbers were dying, (perhaps 
 the most daring of the insurgents,) by a sudden stroke from 
 an invisible hand ; and still more and more were seized with 
 death, even by hundreds and thousands at once : the outcries 
 of the sufferers, and their neighbours, made Moses acquainted 
 with the dire calamity ; and he, most cordially attached tc 
 the cause of his ungrateful brethren, immediately proposed 
 to Aaron, without the loss of a moment, to take fire from the 
 altar of burnt-offering, and to put on incense, and to go ana 
 burn it in the very midst of the dying Israelites ; that thus the 
 honour of the Lord’s own institutions might he engaged in the 
 cause. The faith, courage, and love to the peoj <e, which 
 Aaron also manifested in running , at his advanced age. 
 without regard to consequences, into the midst of an enraged 
 mu/titude, and a devouring pestilence, were very illustrious . 
 and the success was a decisive proof of the accent ablcnoss 
 and efficacy of his priesthood, and consequently of its divine 
 appointment. Whilst -they Vvlio presumed to hum incense, 
 were themselves consumed ; by nis burning of incense, the 
 plague, which was so rapidly wasting the congregut on. was 
 instantly stayed ! In this lie was an eminent type of Christ, 
 of his priesthood, and his intercession, by which his atone- 
 ment is rendered effectual to our salvation. (Ma g. lief. 
 Note, Ps. 99:6.) Aaron did not return to Moses, till th« 
 plague had entirely ceased. 
 
B C 1471 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 1471, 
 
 •and he pul. on acense, and made an atonement 
 for the people. 
 
 48 And 'he stood between the dead and the 
 living ; and the plague was stayed. 
 
 49" Now they that died it) the plague were 
 ^fourteen thousand and seven hundred, beside them 
 that died about the matter of Korah. 
 
 50 And Aaron h returned unto Moses, unto the 
 door of the tabernacle of the congregation . and 
 the plague was stayed. 
 
 • See on a. 46. Dent. 33:10,11. Is. 53:10— 12. f 18,35. 2.3:8 — 11. 2Sam. 24:16, 
 17,23. IChr. 21:26. I Thee. 1:10. 1 Tim. 2:5,6. Jam. 5:16. 1 John 5:14. g32 
 —35.25:9. IChr. 21:14. lleb.2:l— 3. 10:28,29. 12:25. h 43. 1 Chr. 21:26— 30. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 19. On reading this chapter ‘we may well inquire, 
 for what purpose these events were thus particularly re- 
 corded. In order to derive instruction from them, we should 
 remember that the house of Israel was “planted a noble vine, 
 wholly a right seed ;” nor can we reasonably suppose that 
 they were of a more perverse and wicked disposition than 
 other people. But we have in their history an unflattering 
 picture of human nature, a thorough dissection of the human 
 heart. Were any other number of men circumstanced, 
 roved, and left to themselves as they were: and were their 
 istory written with as complete information and as impartial 
 a pen, they would appear at least as black as Israel. The se- 
 cret history of every individual, who lives and dies in sin, es- 
 pecially from under the means of grace, when made known at 
 the day of judgment, will be found a similar compound of in- 
 fidelity, ingratitude, rebellion, and absurdity ; yea, the true 
 believer sees in his former conduct, and feels in his daily ex- 
 perience, that his heart is of the same kind as that of Israel. 
 This trial was therefore made of human nature, in order to 
 expose the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness of the 
 human heart ; that we might, as in a glass, see the reflection 
 of our own character ; be led to examine and watch our own 
 thoughts, desires, and motives ; to judge and condemn our- 
 selves ; to become sensible of our need of pardoning mercy, 
 and sanctifying grace ; and so learn to seek them heartily and 
 earnestly. Instead therefore of expressing our surprise and 
 indignation at these ancient rebels, let us look to ourselves ; 
 and we shall soon become sensible that “ the spirit that is in 
 us lusteth to envy," pride, ambition, and covetousness. — 
 These restless passions are continually called forth in'o ex- 
 ercise : and whatever advantages men enjoy, by their rank 
 in life, or station in the church of God ; though wealthy, 
 “famous in the congregation, and men of renown so long as 
 God withholds any imagined blessing, or advances any one 
 above them, they experience those insatiable cravings, which 
 •are only increased by indulgence. — Except these lusts are 
 subdued by the grace of God, suitable occasions and tempta- 
 tions would induce any man on earth to despise the dominion 
 which God hath placed over him ; to treat every exercise of 
 authority as usurpation and oppression ; to aspire at a law- 
 less independence, or to seize upon the authority for himself 
 and his party ; and to account all inferior favours and mercies 
 but a small thing. Nor can any wisdom, equity, or excel- 
 lence in superiors or competitors, abate envy and enmity ; or 
 stop the mouths of those from slanderous accusations, who 
 are under the power of these hateful passions. This un- 
 grateful and injurious conduct towards man, is often accom- 
 panied with infidel daring rebellion against God ; which no 
 evidences, no judgments, no warnings, no mercies can re- 
 press : or if they give its malignity a temporary check, it af- 
 terwards breaks out the more desperately. And if it should 
 appear better to suit the purpose, he is capable of cloaking his 
 ambition and selfishness under a pretence to godliness, and a 
 hypocritical profession of being the Lord’s holy people. — Such 
 is human nature ! Such are our hearts! yea, worse than 
 this, even “ desperately wicked ; who can know them ?” 
 Such they would appear to be, if fully proved : such they 
 nave in a measure appeared already, when put to the trial. 
 And, comparing the Lord’s kindness to us with our conduct 
 towards him, during our past, lives, we may each of us ex- 
 claim, “It is of his mercies that we are not consumed,” -s 
 Korah and his company were ! — One dreadful effect of this 
 depravity is the daring presumption, with which numbers 
 intrude into the sacred ministry, from the base motives of 
 covetousness and ambition, and love of ease or indulgence, 
 without any suitable dispositions, without any delight in the 
 work or love for it, any zeal for the honour of God, or any 
 deep compassion for the souls of perishing signers. Yet will 
 such men dare to say, in the most solemn manner, before 
 God and his congregation, ‘ that they judge themselves 
 moved by the Holy Ghost to take this office upon them 
 though they are not only conscious of hypocrisy in this de- 
 claration, but deride the very inquiry as enthusiasm ! Of 
 such conduct the Author himself was guilty, and to the end 
 of his days would be abased before God on account of I 
 it, and admire and adore the patience and loving-kindness of 
 the Lord, that, instead of being visited alter the manner of 
 Korah, it hath pleased God to give him repentance and for- 
 giveness ; and to employ him in the work of the ministry, 
 with some small degree of usefulness . “ for where sin hath 
 abounded, grace hath much more abounded.” And he men- 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 7 Tie Lord commands twelve rods, one from each tribe, u..h the name written 
 on it, to be laid up before the ark, l — 5. Aaron's rod alone buds, blos- 
 soms, and bears a/Trwn<l8,6 — 9. It is laid up for a memorial, 10, 11. The 
 people are affrighted, and despond, 12, 13. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying’, 
 
 2 Speak unto the children of’ Israel, an<i 
 take of every one of them a rod, according to the 
 house of their fathers, of “all their princes, ac- 
 cording to the house of their fathers, twelve '’rods : 
 write thou every man’s name upon his rod. 
 
 al:5— 16. 2:3—30. 10:14—27. b Gen. 49:10.' Ex. 4:2,17. Pa. 110:2. 125:3. Eu 
 19:14. 21:10,13. 37:16—20. Mic. 7.14. 
 
 tions this humiliating subject, not only that the pious reader 
 may bless God in his behalf ; but that he may hope and pray 
 earnestly and constantly for others, who lie under the same 
 guilt, that they may experience the same grace. For our 
 God 44 hath mercy on whom he will have mercy.” 
 
 V. 20 — 50. The Lord will, first or last, manifest 44 who 
 are his,” 44 whom ne hath chosen,” 44 and who are holy :” for 
 it is not enough that we have his word in opr hand, or his 
 name in our mouth, unless we really believe his truth, and 
 keep his commandments: 44 nor will doing the service of the 
 sanctuary,” and “ standing before his congregation,” though 
 with acceptance from man, and usefulness also, prevent the 
 doom of the hypocritical and rebellious ; nay, rather _ they 
 will aggravate it. And wo be to them, who refuse to judge 
 or condemn themselves, till the Judge detects and condemns 
 their iniquity ! — He is 44 the God of the spirits of all flesh 
 all creatures obey him ; and frequently in this world he 
 makes examples of the wicked, to deter others from sin. 
 But if in his long-suffering he spare them here, and they 
 still persist in rebellion, relapsing again and again, after so- 
 lemn warning, and with still greater aggravations, as numbers 
 do ; their doom will be the more dreadful at last : and they will 
 indeed be cast alive into the bottomless pit, and the fire of 
 hell will continually torment, but never consume them. 
 (Note, Heb. 2:1 — 4.) — Let sinners then take warning from 
 such awful judgments, lest they too be swallowed up: let 
 them separate from the wicked, and have no fellowship with 
 their unfruitful works, but rather reprove and protest against 
 them, if they would not be associated with them in punish- 
 ment. But the Lord knows how to distinguish between the 
 deluded and the presumptuous, the penitent and the impeni- 
 tent ; and to glorify his mercy towards the one, while he mag- 
 nifies his justice upon the other, and records their doom for a 
 useful lesson to succeeding generations. — Let us, however, 
 turn from such awful objects to contemplate, admire, and imi- 
 tate the effects of divine grace in the conduct of Moses and 
 Aaron, in their patience, fortitude, meekness, forgiveness o. 
 injuries, and unwearied labours and prayers for the welfare of 
 their ungrateful enemies. May we have the same testimony 
 of our conscience to our integrity and benevolence, whenever 
 we are falsely accused : may we be thus angry without sin- 
 ning, and thus able to u bless them that curse us 44 not being 
 overcome with evil, but overcoming evil with good.” Then 
 will the Lord protect, vindicate, and honour us in due time, in 
 the presence of our opposers, and we shall be blessed our- 
 selves and blessings to others. — But we may in all this look 
 unto Jesus, dying for us, when enemies ; praying for his cru- 
 cifiers ; hastening between the dead and the living, with the 
 incense of his meritorious intercession, to stay the plague 
 which sin had occasioned, and by which multitudes have 
 perished, and by which we all must otherwise have been 
 eternally ruined. Through him we are spared and live: may 
 44 his love constrain us to iive no longer to ourselves, but to 
 him who died for us, and rose again.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 2—5. The rebellious 
 spirit excited by Korah and his company was so violent, and 
 had spread so widely through all the tribes, that even the 
 awful judgments recorded in the foregoing chapter did not 
 effectually repress it. It therefore pleased the Lord to bring 
 the point in contest to decision, by a miracle, significant in 
 itself, and harmless in its effects. He had before expressly 
 named the princes of the several tribes, without exact regard 
 to primogeniture: (Note, 1:5 — 16.) and he had appointed 
 
 Aaron to the priesthood, and also to he prince or representa- 
 tive of the tribe of Levi. (Note, 3:5 — 10.) To confirm his 
 authority, to establish the priesthood in his family, and finally 
 to silence all other claims, and all murmurs on this account, 
 were the express ends proposed on this occasion. ( Notes , 
 16:1 — 7.) — The rods seem to have been sceptres, or badges of 
 authority used by the princes : but some think they were all 
 cut out of the same almond-tree on this occasion. — The wri- 
 ting was doubtless formed in such a manner, as to render them 
 certainly distinguishable : and the Lord expressly foretold, that 
 one of them, and but one, should blossom, to determine the 
 tribe and priesthood which he had chosen. 
 
 V. 6 — 11. Moses, who had access at all times into the 
 most holy place, left the rods before the ark all night ; and in 
 the morning that of Aaron was covered with buds, and blos- 
 soms, and ripe almonds ; but those of the other princes, 
 (though probably they were all made of the wood of the 
 almond-tree,) were unchanged. Thus, beyond all dispute, 
 the Lord showed his choice of the tribe of Levi, and of Aaroa 
 ( 263 ) 
 
B. C 470. 
 
 B. C. 1470 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 3 At d thou shall write Aaron’s name upon the^ 
 rod of Levi : for one rod shall be for c the head of 
 the house of their fathers. 
 
 4 And thou shalt lay them up in the tabernacle 
 of the congregation, ‘‘before the testimony, where 
 I will meet with you. 
 
 5 And it shall come to pass, that the man’s rod 
 •whom I shall choose, shall f blossom : and e I will 
 make to cease from me the murmurings of the 
 children of Israel, whereby h they murmur against 
 you. 
 
 6 ^ And Moses spake unto the children of 
 Israel ; and every one of their princes gave him 
 *a rod apiece, for each prince one', according to 
 their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods : and the 
 rod of Aaron was among their rods. 
 
 7 And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord, 
 in ‘the tabernacle of witness. 
 
 8 And it came to pass, that on the morrow 
 Moses went into the tabernacle of witness : and, 
 behold, the rod of Aaron, for the house of Levi, 
 was i budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed 
 blossoms, and yielded almonds. 
 
 9 And Moses brought out all the rods from 
 before the Lord unto all the children of Israel: and 
 they looked, and tooit every man his rod. 
 
 10 And the Lord said unto Moses, k Bring 
 Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept 
 ‘for a token against the h-ebels ; and thou shalt 
 quite take away their murmurings from me, that 
 they die not. 
 
 11 And Moses did so : as the Lord commanded 
 him, so did he. 
 
 12 And the children of Israel spake unto Moses, 
 saying, "’Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish. 
 
 t 3:2,3. 18:1,7. Ex. 6;16, 20. d Ex. 25:16— 22.29:42,43. 30:6,36. eSee on 16:5. f8. 
 Is. 5:24. 11:1. 27:6. 35:1,2. Hos. 14:5. g 10. Is. 13:11. Ez. 16:41. 23:27. h See 
 on 16:11. * Heh. a rod for one prince, a rod for one -prince. See "n 2. i 18:2. 
 
 Ex. 38:21. Acts 7:44. ) Seeonb. f. Gen. 40:10. Ps. 110:2. 132: 17,18. Cant. 2:3. 
 Is. 4:2. E?.. 17:24. John 15:1—6. k Heb. 9:4. 1 16:38,40. Ex. 16:32. Deut. 31:19 
 — -2S. f Heb. children of rebellion. 1 Sam. 2:12 . 30:22. Ps. 57:4. Is. 1:2. Hos. 
 10:9. Eph. 2:2,3. 5:6. m 26:11. Prov. 19:3. Heb. 12:5. n 1:51-53. 18:4 — 7. 
 o'Gen. 3:3. 1 Sam. 6:19— 21. 2 Sam. 6:6— 12. 1 Chr. 13:11-13. 15:13. Ps. 130: 
 3,4. Acts 5:5,11—14. p 16:26 . 32:13. Deut. 2:16. Job 34:14,15. Ps. 90:7. Is.22. 
 
 as his priest. — Accordingly, the rod of Aaron was laid up 
 “for a token against the rebels,” and probably continued in 
 that very state to future ages ; (Heb. 9:4.) and no mention is 
 made in the whole history of Israel of any further murmurs on 
 this account. ‘ This was a fit emblem of the Messiah’s resur- 
 rection, as declarative ... of his priesthood’s being acceptable 
 to God ; nothing being more fit to represent one raised from 
 the dead, than a dead branch ... restored to vegetable life, 
 and made to bud, and blossom, and bring forth fruit.’ Mac- 
 laurin. 
 
 V. 12, 13. The language of these verses is exceedingly 
 descriptive of a forced submission, attended with terror and 
 despondency, and an inward revolting against an appoint- 
 ment which they dared no longer oppose. And it signifi- 
 cantly expresses the state of mind and heart of the people, 
 and the greatness of the ferment which prevailed among them. 
 In the preceding events, they “despised the chastening of the 
 Lord ; ” and now “ they fainted when rebuked by him. ” 
 (Note, Heb. 12:4—8.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Though “the Lord hath no pleasure in the death of the 
 wicked yet such is his holiness and justice, that continuance 
 in sin is inseparable from ruin: he therefore graciously 
 removes the occasions of offending, that men may be pre- 
 served from condemnation. He gives all proper satisfaction 
 to those who are disposed to be convinced, and manifest the 
 equity of his determinations to every impartial and humble 
 inquirer : but, as we have no claim to his favours, “ he does 
 what he willeth with his own,” and deigns not to assign his 
 reasons for making one man to differ from another. — Our Lord 
 Jesus was unanswerably demonstrated to be the “ great High- 
 Priest over the house of God,” by his resurrection from the 
 dead, and when “ the rod of his strength went forth out of 
 Zion, and multitudes were made wilting in the day of his 
 lower, in the beauties of holiness;” and when through him, 
 * Israel shall blossom, and bud, and fill the face of the work 
 vith fruit,” it will appear still moro illustriously divine. 
 (Notes, Ps. 110:3. Is. 26:19. 27:2—6.) Nor shall those 
 uinisters, whom he chooses, remain as dry rods before him 
 nd his church : but, more or less, sooner or later, they shall 
 “bud, and blossom, and bear fruit;” both that of holiness in 
 their lives, and that of usefulness in their ministry. And 
 •vhen they are opposed and persecuted, they may hope with 
 increasing confidence for more signal success; in order that 
 their adversaries may bo silenced, tile faith of the Lord’s peo- 
 ple established, and their own hearts encouraged in their work 
 of faith and labour of love. — And whether this usefulness be 
 more immediate, or he longer waited and prayed for, it will 
 < 284 ) 
 
 13 "Whosoever cometh "any thing near unto 
 the tabernacle of the Lord shall die : shall we be 
 ^consumed with dying ? 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The charge of the priests and Leviles , 1 — 7. The portion of the priests , 
 
 0 20. The li'hee assigned to the Leviles, and the lithe of that iilhe to th* 
 
 priests, 21 — 32. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Aaron, a Thou and thy 
 sons, and thy father’s house with thee, shall 
 *>bear the iniquity of the sanctuary ; and thou and 
 thy sons with thee shall bear the iniquity of your 
 priesthood. 
 
 2 And thy brethren also of the tribe of Levi, 
 the tribe of thy father, bring thou with thee, that 
 they may be "joined unto thee, and d minister unto 
 thee : "but tnou and thy eons with thee shall 
 minister before the tabernacle of witness. 
 
 3 And they shall keep thy charge,' and the 
 charge of all the tabernacle: ‘only they shall not 
 come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the 
 altar, that ^neither they, nor ye also die. 
 
 4 And they shall be joined unto thee, and keep 
 the charge of the tabernacle of the congregation, 
 for all the service of the tabernacle : and h a stran- 
 ger shall not come nigh unto you. 
 
 5 And ‘ye shall keep the charge of the sanctu- 
 ary, and the charge of the altar ; that there be 
 k no wrath any more upon the children of Israel. 
 
 6 And ‘I, behold, m I have taken your brethren the 
 Lcvites from among the children of Israel ; to you 
 they are "given as a gift for the Lord, to do the 
 service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 7 Therefore thou and thy sons with thee, shall 
 keep your priest’s office for every thing of the 
 altar, and "within the veil ; and ye shall serve : I 
 
 a 17:3,7,13. Heb. 4:15. b22. 14:34. Ex. 28:38. Lev.22:9. Ez. 3:18,19. Acts 20: 
 25 27. Heb. 13:17. r 4. Gen. 29:34. d See on 3:6— 9. 8: 19,22. e4:15. 16:40. 
 
 17 7. 1 Clir. 16:39,40. 2Chr. 30:16. Ez. 44:15. f Lite on 3:25.31 ,36 . 4:19,20. 
 e 4:15. h 1 :51. 3:10. 1 Sam. 6:19. 2 Sam. 6:6,7. i 8:2. Ex. 27:21. 30:7. Lev. 
 24:3. 1 Chr. 9:19,23,33. 24:5. 1 Tim. 1:18. 3:15. 5:21. 6:20. k 8:19. 16:46. Jer. 
 23:15. Zech. 10:3. I Gen. 6:17. 9:9. Ex. 14:17. 31:6. Is. 48:15. 51:12. Ez. 34: 
 11,20. m See on 3:12,45. u See on 3:9. 8:16 — 19. oLev.l6:2,12 — 14. Heb. 9; 
 3—6. 
 
 be “fruit which shill remain” before the Lord, to his ever- 
 lasting glory, and their eternal recompense ; and in the church 
 for the good of many, after they have finished their course. 
 (Notes, John 15:12 — 16. v. 16.) — But alas! when man’s pre- 
 sumption is checked, and his self-sufficiency is abated, lie 
 naturally verges to the opposite extreme : and, in unbelieving 
 despondency arising from hard and injurious thoughts of God, 
 neglects divine ordinances, lest he should be guilty of profan- 
 ing them : buries his talent in the earth, lest lie should be 
 condemned for wasting it; and often justifies himself in both, 
 because he cannot merit heaven by his good works ! — The 
 Lord give us grace to avoid all the extremes, into which an 
 evil heart and a subtle enemy combine to betray us ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVIII. V. 1. Aaron and his family 
 were now confirmed in the priesthood against all competitors ; 
 and the people were exceedingly terrified lest the tabernacle 
 should occasion their destruction: but, to counterbalance the 
 honour conferred on the former, and to allay the terrors and 
 abate the envy of the latter, it was declared that the priests 
 must bear the blame of every thing, which was not properly 
 conducted in respect of the tabernacle and its service ; and 
 that the people had in this respect nothing to fear, except a 
 presumptuous intrusion into the places and services, from 
 which they were by the law excluded. But the priests must 
 be very circumspect, active, and exemplary, both in their 
 ministrations and conversation, else they would soon be laden 
 with guilt, which their sacrifices could not expiate. 
 
 V. 2 — 6. Levi signifies joined, (Gen. 29:34.) and the 
 name seems alluded to in this appointment. The Lcvites, 
 though brethren to the priests, were given to them as ser- 
 vants ; and the menial and most laborious parts of tho ser- 
 vice, in the court of the tabernacle, were allotted them: 
 but the priests alone might minister within the sanctuary, and 
 sprinkle the blood, and order the sacrifices at. tho altar of 
 burnt-offering. Nay, tho Lcvites must not look upon the 
 sacred vessels which they carried, till they were covered. 
 (Notes, 4:5 — 18.) The ordinary priests performed the other 
 services ; and the high-priest once every year entered within 
 the veil. 
 
 V. 7. A service of gift.] Tho priests were thus taught 
 to account their work and charge to bo a special gift and 
 favour from God, and not to consider them as a disagreeable 
 appendage to tho distinction and emolument of their office. 
 (Marg. Rif. p.) 
 
 V. 10. “The most holy place" here signifies the precincts 
 of the tabernacle, which wero most lio,y, compared with the 
 houses or tents of tho priests. — It was ver V proper on this 
 occasion, to renew the grants before ins llolc the priests ; and 
 
B. C. 1470. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 1470. 
 
 have given your priest’s office unto you fas a ser- 
 vice of gift: and ithe stranger that cometh nigh 
 shall be put to death. 
 
 8 ^ And the Lord spake unto Aaron, Behold, I 
 also have givea .oee r the charge of mine heave- 
 offerings, of all toe hallowed things of the children 
 of Israel ; unto thee have I given them, 'by reason 
 of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance 
 for ever. 
 
 9 This shall be thine of the most holy things 
 reserved from the fire : every oblation of theirs, 
 ‘every meat-offering of theirs, and "every sin-ofier- 
 ing of theirs, and *every trespass-offering of theirs, 
 which they shall render unto me shall be most holy 
 for thee, and for thy sons. 
 
 10 In rtlie most holy place shalt thou eat it: 
 •every male shall eat it : it shall be holy unto thee. 
 
 11 And this is thine; "the heave-offering of 
 their gift, with all the wave-offerings of the children 
 of Israel : I have given them b unto thee, and to 
 thy sons, and to thy daughters with thee, by a 
 statute for ever : 'every one that is clean in thy 
 house shall eat of it. 
 
 12 All the ‘best of the oil, and all the best of the 
 wine, and of the wheat ; d the first-fruits of them 
 which they shall offer unto the Lord, them have 
 I given thee. 
 
 13 And 'whatsoever is first ripe in the land, 
 which they shall bring' unto the Lord, shall be 
 thine : every one that is clean in thine house shall 
 eat of it . 
 
 14 Every thing ‘devoted in Israel shall be thine. 
 
 15 Every t hirin' that sopeneth the matrix, in all 
 flesh which they bring unto the Lord, whether it 
 be of men or beasts, shall be thine : nevertheless, 
 h the first-born of man shalt thou surely redeem, 
 and the firstling of unclean beasts shalt thou re- 
 deem. 
 
 16 And those that are to be redeemed from a 
 month old shalt thou redeem, ‘according to thine 
 estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the 
 shekel of the sanctuary, k which is twenty gerahs. 
 
 17 But 'the firstling of a cow, or the firstling of 
 a sheep, or the firstling of a goat, thou shalt not 
 redeem, they are holy : m thou shalt sprinkle their 
 blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat for 
 an offering made by fire, for a sweet savour unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 p 16:5 — 7. 1 Sam. 2:28. John 3:27. Rom. 15:15,16. Eph. 3:8. Heb. 5:4. 
 q 4. 3:38. 16:10. r 5 9. Lev. 6:16,18,20. 7:6,32-34. 10:14,15. Deut. 12:6, 
 21 . 6:13. s Ex. 29:21,29. 40:13,15. Lev. 7:35. 8:30. 21:10. Is. 10:27. Heb. 1: 
 9. 1 Jolm 2:20,27. t Lev. 2:2,3. 10:12,13. ti Lev. 4:22.27. 6:25,26. 10:17. 
 x Lev. 5:6. 7:1. 14:13. y Ex. 29:31 ,32. Lev. 6:16,26. 7.6.10:13,17.14:13. 
 i Lev. 6:18,29 . 7:6 . 21:22. a 8. Ex. 29:27,28. Lev. 7: 14,30— 34. b Lev. 10:14. 
 Deut. 18:3. c Lev. 22:2,3,11— 13. * Heb .fat. d 15:19— 21. Ex. 22:29. 23:19. 
 84:26. Lev. 2:14. 23:17,20. Deut. 18:4. 26:2. Neh. 10:35-37. e Ex. 22:29. Jer. 
 24:2. Hos. 9:10. Mic.7:l. f Lev. 27:28. Fz. 44:29. mkrg. « 3:13. Ex. 13:2,12. 
 34:20. Ijev. 27:25. h Ex. 13:13 . 34:20. Lev. 27:27. i 3:47. Lev. 27:2-7. k Ex. 
 
 18 And the flesh of them shall he thine, "as 
 the wave-breast and as the right, shoulder are 
 thine. 
 
 19 All "the heave-offerings of the holy thir.gs 
 which the children of Israel offer unto the Lord, 
 have I given thee, and thy sons and thy daughter! 
 with thee, by a statute lor ever: it is >’a covenani. 
 of salt for ever before the Lord unto thee, and tc 
 thy seed with thee. 
 
 20 *0 And the Lord spake unto Aaron, iThou 
 shalt have no inheritance in their land, neither 
 shalt thou have any part among t hem : 1 'am thy 
 
 f iart and thine inheritance among the children of 
 srael. 
 
 21 And behold, I have given the children of 
 Levi all "the tenth in Israel, for an inheritance, for 
 their service which they serve, 'even the service of 
 the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 22 Neither must, the children of Israel hence- 
 forth “come nigh the tabernacle of the congrega- 
 tion, lest they x bear sin, ‘and die. 
 
 23 But the Levites shall ?do the service of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear 
 their iniquity. It shall be a statute for ever 
 throughout your generations, that 'among the chil- 
 dren of Israel they have no inheritance. 
 
 24 But "the tiihes of the children of Israel, 
 which they offer as an heave-offering unto the 
 Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit; 
 therefore I have said unto them, Among the chil- 
 dren of Israel they shall have no inheritance. 
 
 25 II And the Lord spake unto Moses, pay- 
 
 ins'! 
 
 26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto 
 them, When ye take of the children of Israel* the 
 tithes which I have given you from tjiem for your 
 inheritance, b then ye shall offer up an heave-offer- 
 ing of it for the Lord, even c a tenth part of the 
 tithe. 
 
 27 And this your heave-offering shall be reck- 
 oned unto you d as though it were 'the corn of the 
 thrashing-floor, and as the fulness of the wine- 
 press. 
 
 28 Thus ye also shall offer an heav, offering 
 unto the Lord, of all your tithes which ye receive 
 of the children of Israel ; ‘and ye shall give there- 
 of the Lord’s heave-offering to Aaron the priest 
 29 Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every 
 
 30:13. Lev. 27:25. Ez. 45:12. 1 Deut. 15:19 — 22. m See on Lev. 3:2 — 5. n Ex. 
 29:26—28. Lev. 7:31— 34. o 8. 15:19— 21. 31:29.41. l ev. 7:14. Deut. 12:6. 
 2 Chr. 31:4— 10. p Lev. 2:13. 2 Chr. 13:5. q 23,24. 26:62. Lent. 10:9. 12: 12. 
 14:27,29. Josh. 14:3. r Deut. 18:1,2. Josh. 13:14,33. 18:7. Ps. 16:5. 73:26. 142* 
 5. Lam. 3:24. Ez. 44:28. 1 Cor. 3:21— 23. Rev. 21:3. s24— 26. Lev. 27:30— 32. 
 Pent. 12:17— 19. 14:22—29. 2 t hr. 31:5,6,12. Neh. 10:37— 39- 12:44. 13:12 
 Heb. 7:5—9. t 6. 3:7,8, 1 Cor. 9:13,14.\Gal. 6:6. u 7. 1:51. 3:1U,38. x See on 
 Lev. 20:20. 22:9. f Heb. to die. y See on 3:7. z See on 20. a Mai. 3:8—10. 
 h See on 19. c Neh. 10:38. d Lev. 6:19 — 23. e 30. 15:20. Deut. 15:14. 2 Kings 
 6:27. Hos. 9:1,2. f Gen. 14:18. Heb. 6:20. 7:1—10. 
 
 which have already been considered. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 
 Lev. 6:14 — 18. 7:1—10.) 
 
 V 11-14. Marg. Ref. Notes, Tax. 2:1—14. 7:29—34. 
 23:15—21. 
 
 V. 15—18. Marg. Ref. Notes, ExA3:U—lG. Lev. 27: 
 
 V. 19. A covenant of salt.] Note, Lev. 2:13. — The Lord 
 established it, as a perpetual and stable covenant, with the 
 family of Aaron, and an unalterable statute to Israel, all the 
 time they possessed Canaan, that the priests should have these 
 perquisites for themselves and their families; by reason of 
 their anointing to the sacred office. 
 
 V. 20. No inheritance, &c.] The priests and Levites 
 possessed houses and lands for gardens and pasturage in the 
 suburbs of their cities ; and they might purchase estates to 
 the year of jubilee : but they had no portion allotted them in 
 the division of the land of Canaan ; for it was the will of 
 God, that they should be maintained by that portion, which 
 he reserved to himself as a rent out of the estates of the 
 other Israelites. Thus they were exempted from many avo- 
 cations and snares, which the cultivation and improvement 
 of lands would have occasioned ; and were plentifully supplied 
 with every thing needful and comfortable. At the same time, 
 their interests were placed in an inseparable connexion with 
 the maintenance of the worship of God : for if the people 
 vecame generally irreligious or idolatrous, they would neither 
 bring sacrifices nor pay tithes. And indeed the nature of 
 nan, and the entail of the priesthood and sacred ministry 
 •jpon one family and tribe, would render it proper to employ 
 every tie and motive, to engage them to support the worship 
 of God to the utmost of their ability. 
 
 V. 2! . The Lord, by this statute, gave the Levites a clear 
 tenth of the whole increase of the land ; that is, of the labour 
 
 and improvements, as well as of the estates of all the other 
 tribes. This was a large proportion for by far the smallest 
 tribe ; and, when joined to all the rest assigned them, was an 
 abundant provision. But the other tribes would have also the 
 advantages accruing from trade and manufactures, in which 
 the Levites were not allowed to be occupied. — This tenth 
 seems to have been the common stock of the tribe, and 
 divided among them accordingly : and this would obviate that 
 common bad effect of tithes ; namely, the contentions which 
 arise about them, between ministers and the people of their 
 peculiar charge : as the tithes were not paid toan individual, 
 but to a collective body : or rather they were presented as an 
 oblation to God, who was pleased to give them to the Levites. 
 (U.) 
 
 V. 25 — 32. The foregoing regulations were delivered to 
 Aaron, and by him to the people : but this law, immediately 
 relating to the interests of him and his family, was given by 
 Moses. — The Levites, receiving tithes of the people, gave a 
 tithe of them to the priests ; and some have conjectured that 
 the tenth of this tithe was allotted for the high-priest’s support, 
 according to the pre-eminence to which he was advanced 
 This tithe of the tithes was the oblation of the Levites to the 
 Lord, and as acceptable as that which was paid out of the 
 estates of the other Israelites ; and when it had been offered 
 of the best, they might use the rest with comfort and a good 
 conscience, as if it had been the produce of their own lands. 
 But they would pollute the holy things , if they used the tithes 
 without separating the portion assigned to the griests. 
 
 The hallowed part. (29) That part which was most pro- 
 per to be selected as Imllowerl, or devoted to God, who 
 requires the best of all things to be employed in his immediate 
 service. 
 
 ( 285 ) 
 
B. 0. 1470. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1470. 
 
 he? vc offering of the Lord, of all the 'best there- 
 of even the hallowed part thereof, out of it. 
 
 40 Therefore thou shalt say unto them, When 
 ye have heaved g r,he best thereof from it, then it 
 shall he counted unto the Levites as the increase 
 ot the thrashing oor, and as the increase of the 
 wine-press. 
 
 31 Ami ye shall eat it h in every place, ye and 
 your households: for it is ‘your reward for your 
 service in the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 32 And ye shall k bear no sin by reason of it, 
 when ye have heaved from it the best of it : neither 
 shall ye 'pollute the holy things of the children of 
 Israel, lest ye die. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 The water of separation directed to be made with the ashes of a red heifer; 
 and all who prepared these mutt be cleansed from pollution , 1 — 10. The 
 cases in which the water was to be used, and how : the soul that neglect- 
 ed it to be cut off ; and the person that sprinkled it to be cleansed, 11 
 — 2 * 2 . 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses and unto 
 Aaron, saying, 
 
 2 This is "the ordinance of the law which the 
 I.ord hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the 
 children of Israel, that they bring thee b a red 
 heifer without spot, wherein is c no blemish, and 
 d upon which never came yoke. 
 
 3 And ye shall give her unto Eleazar th? priest, 
 that he may bring her forth “without the camp, 
 and one shall slay her before his face. 
 
 • Hel i.fat. e 28. Gen. 43:11. Deul. 6:5. Prov. 3:9,10. Mai. 1:8. Matt. 6: 
 83. 10:37—39. Phil. 3:8,9. h Petit. 11:22,23. i Matt. 10:10. Luke 10:7. 1 Cor. 
 9:10—11. Gal. 6:6. 1 l ira. 5:17,18. k 22. Lev. 19:8. 22: 16. 1 Lev. 22:2,15. 
 
 a 31:21. Heb. 9:10. b 6. Lev. 14:6. Is. 1:18. Rev. 1:5. t. See on Ex. 12:5. Lev. 
 22:20—23. Lake 1:35. Heb. 7:26. I Pet. 1: 19. 2.22. dDeut.21:3. 1 Sam. 6:7. 
 
 Lam. 1:14. Joint 10:17,18. Phil. 2:6-8. e 5:2. 15:36. Lev. 4:12,21. 13:45,46. 
 16:27. 24:14. Heb. 13:11— 13. f Lev. 4:6,17. 16:14,19. Heb. 9:13,14. 12:24. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The office of a minister is a good work, and an important 
 charge ; and to be employed and trusted in it, to be approved 
 faithful and made useful, is the greatest honour and favour 
 which God ever confers upon mortal man. But it is weighty 
 and perilous : “ the iniquity of the priesthood,” and “ of the 
 sanctuary,” forms the most aggravated guilt, and will sink the 
 mercenary, the careless, and the profligate minister into the 
 deepest condemnation ; besides occasioning wrath upon the 
 people, and dragging them' down with him into destruction. 
 Ail therefore, who are thus employed, should “ rejoice with 
 trembling and “ take heed to themselves, and to their doc- 
 tripe ;” not “ entangling themselves in the affairs of this life ,” 
 (Note, 2 Tim. 2:3 — 7.) but considering the Lord as their Por- 
 tion, tile interests of godliness as their interests, and the glory 
 of God in the salvation of souls, as their grand, their sole 
 object. They who desire this good work should look to it, 
 that their molives, dispositions, and qualifications are such, 
 as may give them a reasonable ground to hope, that they will 
 “ be approved of God, as workmen that need not be 
 ashamed and that the maintenance which they receive, may 
 be indeed “ for their service in the sanctuary.” — On the other 
 hand it is the Lord’s pleasure, “ that they who preach the 
 gospel should live of the gospel,” and he preserved from the 
 anxieties and temptations of pinching poverty ; that they may 
 have no occasion to engage in secular business, or inducement 
 to flatter the rich, or lo be silent out of pecuniary considera- 
 tions. Nay, it is his will, that they should not only have 
 enough to maintain their families, and punctually to discharge 
 their debts; but that they should have a surplus for pious and 
 charitable uses, and that they should thus employ it : not luxu- 
 riously spending, or covetously hoarding it, but living them- 
 selves, and leaving their families to live, in dependence on 
 Providence. It is therefore criminal not only to defraud, but 
 to be niggardly to, the ministers of God, and their maintenance 
 must not be considered as an alms or an imposition, but their 
 just due, as the Lord’s portion out of men’s estates, which 
 being withheld will pollute the enjoyment of all tho rest. — 
 Whatsoever is offered to the Lord must he of the best ; and 
 they who have him for their inheritance, will be well provided 
 for in this world and in the next, without tho embarrassments 
 and cares which perplex others. — Let us then endeavour to 
 know and do our own work diligently ; to he contented with 
 our daily bread, and thankful fur it; to seek our inheritance 
 and our treasure in heaven ; to “set our affections on things 
 above ;” to have our conversation heavenly ; to consider our- 
 selves as “strangers and pilgrims upon earth;” and to leave 
 the eager pursuit of earthly things to those who know no 
 better tree ires to be desired or enjoyed. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. 2. Intimations had before 
 been given, concerning the method of purification from cere- 
 monial defilement, which is prescribed in this chapter. (8:7.) — 
 The red colour of the heifer being expressly insisted on, must 
 be supposed to have' had some meaning. Atrocious guilt is 
 spoken of as crimson and scarlet ; blood is the atonement for 
 sin ; ard the vengeance executed by the Lord on his enemies, 
 b represented by his garments being red with their blood, (/s. 
 ( 23S ) 
 
 4 And Eleazar the priest shall take of her 
 blood with his finger, and 'sprinkle of her blood 
 directly before the tabernacle of the congregation 
 seven times. 
 
 5 And one shall burn the heifer in his sight ; 
 sher skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her 
 dung, shall he burn. 
 
 6 And the priest shall take ''cedar-wood, and 
 hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of 
 the burning of the heifer. 
 
 7 Then the priest shall 'wash- his clothes, and 
 he shall bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he 
 shall come into the camp, and the priest shall be 
 unclean until the even. 
 
 8 And he that burnetii her shall wash his clothes 
 in water, and bathe his flesh in water, and shall 
 be unclean until the even. 
 
 9 And a man that is lelean shall gather uj: the 
 ashes of the heifer, and k lay them up without the 
 camp in a clean place ; and it shall be kept lor the 
 congregation of the children of Israel, for 'a water 
 of separation ; it is a purification for sin. 
 
 10 And he that gathereth the ashes of the 
 heifer shall m wash his clothes, and be unclean 
 until the even : and “it shall be unto the children 
 of Israel, and unto the stranger that sojourneth 
 among them, for a statute for ever. 
 
 1 1 H He that “toucheth the dead body of any 
 'man shall be unclean seven days. 
 
 1 Pet. 1:2. g Ex. 29:14. Lev. 4:11,12,21. Pe. 22:14. Is. 53: 10. hl.ev. 14:4,6, 
 49. Ps. 51:7. Is. 1:18. Heb: 9:19— 23. i 8,19. Lev. 11 :25,40. 14:8,9.15:5.16:26 
 —28. 118. 9:13. 2 Cor. 5:21. Heb. 7:26. k 17. 1 13,20,21. 6-6,12. 31:23,24. 
 
 Lev. 15:20. Zech. 13:1. 2 Cor. 7:1. m See on 7,8,19. n 15:15,16. Ex. 12:49. 
 Rom. 3:29,30. Col. 3:11. o 16. 5:2. 9:5,10. 31:19. Lev. 11:31. 21:1,11. Hag. 2: 
 13. Rom. 5,12. 2 Cor. 6:17. Eph.2:l. Heb. 9:14. ' Heb. soul of man. 
 
 63:2.) Perhaps these things might be alluded to. — Christ 
 never bare the yoke of sin ; nor would he have been subject 
 to the yoke of the law, except for our sakes and as our 
 Surety. ( Note , Gal. 4:4 — 7.) 
 
 V. 3. The high-priest must not on any account know- 
 ingly contract defilement; and therefore the next priest to 
 him officiated in this ceremony, not only at this time, but 
 probably on all future occasions of the same kind. 
 
 V. 4. Before the tabernacle .] Either towards the taber- 
 nacle when without the oaVnp, as it is generally thought ; o. 
 in the court of the tabernacle, when the solemnity without the 
 camp was finished. 
 
 V. 5 — 10. This oblation differed from all other sacrifices, 
 in that the heifer was slain, not in the court of the tabernacle, 
 but without the camp ; the greater part of the blood, and ali 
 the fat were burned with the skin and carcass; and the same 
 things were cast into the burning, which had been appointed 
 in the case of a leper when cleansed. ( Note , Lev. 1 4:4 — 7.) 
 Yet it is evident, that it was for substance an atoning sacri- 
 fice ; and the typical purifying efficacy of the ashes was 
 derived from the typical expiation, made by the spotless 
 animal thus slaughtered. — Every circumstance was ordered, 
 so as to impress the mind with an idea that the heifer was 
 extremely polluted and polluting; and that by thus carrying 
 the pollution out of the camp, it made way for the purification 
 of the people. Even Eleazar, by superintending the transac- 
 tion and sprinkling the blood, was rendered unclean, as well 
 as he who burned the heifer : and when a clean person had 
 collected the ashes, he also in some decree partook of the 
 pollution ! — Thus Christ, our unblemished Sacrifice and 
 Sanctification, bearing our sins, suffered without Jerusalem 
 by the hands of the Romans, yet by the decree and under tho 
 inspection of the chief priests: and though his death was 
 u according to the determinate counsel and foreknowledge o! 
 God;” yet every one concerned in it contracted guilt and 
 pollution of the most aggravated kind. — The ashes of tho 
 heifer thus prepared, and carefully kept apart from those oS 
 the wood with which it was burned, were laid up in some 
 clean place without the camp, that the water of separation 
 (or the water for purifying those who were separated fot 
 ceremonial pollution) might be made, by putting a small 
 quantity of them into spring-water. This water must be 
 frequently wanted by the whole multitude of Israelites: yet, 
 as a little would suffice, the ashes of one heifer might last for 
 some considerable time ; and the nature of ashes, which do 
 not easily corrupt, might also typify tho abiding efficacy of 
 the atonement ofChrist. Hut that man must be endued with 
 an uncommon measure of credulity, who can believe the 
 assertions of tho Rabhies, that the ashes of this one heifer 
 lasted the whole nation, and the strangers sojourning among 
 them, till the days of Solomon! — It is reasonable to suppose, 
 that after the people were settled in Canaan, ashes for this 
 purpose were placed in every neighbourhood, for the con- 
 venience of all who needed them. 
 
 V. 11. It does not appear that the touch of an unclean 
 person, or of any other tiling, required nis hi rdensomo puri- 
 fication, except that of a dead human bcdy % or grant, flw — 
 
ft. C. 1490. 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 E. C. 1490 
 
 12 He shall '’purify himself with it on the third 
 day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean: 
 but if he purify not himself the ‘'third day, then 
 the seventh day he shall not be clean. 
 
 13 Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any 
 man that is dead, and r purifieth not himself, de- 
 fileth the tabernacle of the Lord; and that soul 
 shall be cut oil - from Israel : because ‘the water of 
 separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be 
 unclean ; ‘his uncleanness is yet upon him. 
 
 14 This is the law when a man dieth in a tent : 
 all that coine into the tent, and all that is in the 
 tent, shall be unclean seven days. 
 
 15 And "every open vessel which hath no cover- 
 ing bound upon it, is unclean. 
 
 16 And whosoever “toucheth one that is slain 
 with a sword in the open fields, or a dead body, 
 or ?a bone of a man, or ‘a grave, shall be unclean 
 6even days. 
 
 17 And for an unclean person they shall take of 
 the 'ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for 
 sin, and 'running water shall be put thereto in a 
 vessel : 
 
 18 And "a clean person shall take hyssop, and 
 dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, 
 and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons 
 that were there, and upon him that touched a 
 bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave : 
 
 19 And the clean person b shall sprinkle upon 
 the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh 
 day : and on 'the seventh day he shall purify 
 himself, and wash his clothes, and bathe himself 
 in water, and shall be clean at even. 
 
 20 But the man that shall be unclean, and ‘'shall 
 not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from 
 among the congregation, because he hath defiled 
 the sanctuary of the Lord : the water of separa- 
 tion hath not been sprinkled upon him ; he is 
 unclean. 
 
 1)17,18. Ps.51:7. Ez. 36:25. Acts 15:9. Re*. 7:14. q 31:19. Ex. 19:11,15. Lev. 
 7:17. Hos. 6:2. 1 Cor. 15:3,4. r 15:30. Lev. 5:3.6,17. 15:31. Heb. 2:2,3. 10: 
 29. Re*. 21:8. 22:11,15. s 18. 8:7. t Lev. 7:20. 22:3. Prov. 14:32. John 8:24. 
 u 31:20. Lev. 11:32. 14:36. x 11. 31:19. y Ez. 39:11—16. z Melt. 23:27. Luke 
 11:44. * Heb. dust. 9. t Heb. living waterb shall be given. Gen. *26;19. marg. 
 Cant. 4:15. John 4:10,11. 7:38. Rev. 7:17. a 9. Ps.51:7. Ez. 36:2-5-27. John 
 15:2,3. 17:17,19. 1 Cor. 1:30. Heb. 9:14. b Eph. 5:25— 27. Tit. 2:14. 3:3—5. 
 I John 1:7. 2:1,2. Jude23. Rev. 1:5,6. c 12. 31:19. Gen. 2:2. Lev. 14:9. d See 
 on 13. 15:30. Gen. 17:14. Mark 16:16. Acts 13:39—41. Rom. 2:4,5. 2 Pet. 3:14. 
 Rev. 22:11. e Lev. 1 1 ;25,4U. 16:26—28. Heb. 7:19. 9:10,13,14. 10:4. fLev.7: 
 
 It is worthy of notice, that no object is so offensive to our 
 senses as a human body in a state of putrefaction ; for death 
 in man alone is the wages of sin, the execution of the 
 sentence of God’s law upon a condemned criminal. The 
 hatefulness of sin is therefore strongly marked in the circum- 
 stances of this purification : but through Christ the very 
 nature of death is changed to the believer, and the defilement 
 of it is removed. 
 
 V. 12—20. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 21. The Jews say, that ‘ even Solomon could not 
 understand the mystery, how the same water should pollute 
 the clean person, and cleanse the polluted.’ But the defiling 
 nature of sin, and the insufficiency of the ceremonial observ- 
 ances, except m their reference to Christ, are denoted: and 
 .he mystery is revealed to him, who “beholds the Lamb of 
 God, that taketh away the sin of the world.” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 They who seem to lay an exclusive claim to reason, yet 
 allow the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, and will not 
 say that God commands any thing unreasonable , should 
 seriously consider what rational account can be given of these 
 appointments, or what use can be made of them, if we do not 
 refer them to those doctrines, which they object to, or per- 
 haps deride. But comparing them with the New Testament, 
 and with the undeniable character of human nature, the 
 propriety and instructi ve use of them become evident. Fallen 
 man is actually sunk in some respects below the beasts that 
 perish, and is in a most abject condition, an object of the 
 divine displeasure and abhorrence: yet, by an astonishing 
 •nfatuation, he admires and flatters himself, loses sight of his 
 (lliliiness, and accounts his very death as a matter of course, 
 instead of an ignominious execution upon the body, and an 
 introduction to a more dreadful condemnation of the immortal 
 sou!!— Now, his true condition was, in these institutions, 
 presented before his eyes, and the humiliating consideration 
 forced upon his attention. Here we learn the defiling nature 
 of sin, which contaminates whatever it touches ; and we are 
 warned to avoid “ evil communications, which corrupt good 
 manners;” and not to associate with sinners unless to benefit 
 them, and then with great fear and care, lest instead of 
 cleansing them we should be defiled by them. From the 
 pollution of sin we must be cleansed, or we never can enter 
 Beaven ; nor can it be removed, except in a method of the 
 
 21 And it shall be a perpetual statute unt6 
 them, that 'lie that sprinkleth the watfcr of sepa- 
 ration shall wash his clothes, and he that toucheth 
 the water of separation shall he unclean until 
 even. 
 
 22 And f whatsoever the unclean person touch- 
 eth shall be unclean : and g the soul that toucheth 
 it shall be unclean until even. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The people come to Zin , where Miriam dies , 1. They murmur for wat‘r, 
 2—6. Moses speaks to the people in anger and unadvisedly, and smites the 
 rock, instead of speaking to it, as ordered; water is given, but Moses and 
 Aaron are doomed to die in the wilderness, 7 — 13. Edom refuses Israel 
 a passage through their land, 14 — 21. At mount Hor, Aaron res gns hi* 
 priesthood to Eleazar , and dies ,22 — 29. 
 
 T HEN came the children of Israel, even the 
 whole congregation, “into the desert of Zin, 
 in the first month: and the people abode in b Kadesh; 
 and 'Miriam died there, and was buried there. 
 
 2 And there was d no water for the congrega 
 tion : and they 'gathered themselves together 
 against Moses and against Aaron. 
 
 3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, 
 saying, f Would God that we had died ®when our 
 brethren died before the Lord. 
 
 4 And h why have ye brought up the congrega- 
 tion of the Lord into this wilderness, ’that we and 
 our cattle should die there ? 
 
 5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up 
 out of Egypt, to bring us in unto 'this evil place ? it 
 is no place of seed, or of figs, or vines, or of pome- 
 granates ; neither is there any water to drink. 
 
 6 And Moses and Aaron went from the pre- 
 sence of the assembly, unto the door of the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, and k they fell upon their 
 faces ; and 'the glory of the Lord appeared unto 
 them. 
 
 7 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 8 Take ra the rod, and gather thou the assembly 
 together, thou and Aaron thy brother, and "speak 
 
 19. Hag. 2:13. g Lev. 15:5. Matt. 15:19,20. Mark 7.21— 23. a 13:21. 27:11 
 33:36. Dent. 32:51. h 16. Ps.29:8. c 12:1,111,15. 26:59. Ex. 2:4,7. 15:20. Mic 
 6.4. il Ex. 15:23,24. 17:1—4. e 11:1—6. 16:3,19,42.21:5. Ex. 16:2,7,12. 1 Cor. 
 10:10,11. f 14:1,2. Ex. 16:2,3. Job 3:10,1 1 . g 11:33,34. 14:36,37. 16:31 — 35, 
 49. Lam. 4:9. h 11:5. Ex. 5:21. 17:3. Ps. 106:21. Ads 7:35, 39,40. i 16:13, 
 14,41. Ex. 14:11 12. 16:3. ] 16:14. Petit. 8:15. Neh. 9:21. Jer. 2.2,6. Ez. 20:36. 
 k 14:5. 16:4,22,45. Ex. 17:4. Josh. 7:6. 1 Chr. 21 : 16. Ps. 109:3,4. Mall. 26:39. 
 112:5. 14:10. 16:19,42. Ex. 16:10. m21:15— 18. Ex. 4:2,17. 7:20. 14:16. 17: 
 5,9. n Gen. 18:14. Josh. 6:5,20. Ps. 33:9. Matt. 21:21. Mark 11:22—24. Luko 
 11:13. John 4:10— 14. 16:24. Acts 1:14. 2:1— 4. Rev. 22:1,17. 
 
 Lord’s own appointing. The atoning sacrifice of Christ is 
 the only purchase of our purification ; his Holy Spirit apply- 
 ing salvation to the soul is the only efficient cause; the living 
 water and the ashes of the sacrifice , the pardoning efficacy 
 and the sanctifying grace, are never separated. By faun, 
 (like this bunch of hyssop,) in the use of the instituted means, 
 we are both justified and sanctified. Thus the guilt and 
 dominion of sin are removed, and its pollution by repeated 
 applications gradually cleansed away, until at length its 
 existence is finally destroyed. No degree of guilt or pollution 
 can bar the salvation of that man who avails himself of this 
 provision : but the least sin will for ever ruin such as pre- 
 sumptuously despise and neglect it. Though we cannot 
 contrive, merit, or effect salvation for ourselves or others; 
 yet we may use, or we may neglect, the means of applica- 
 tion : and we may be instrumental either to tho salvation, or 
 to the destruction, of those connected with us. And ever, 
 they, who are most usefi.il to their fellow-sinners, should 
 recollect that they also need cleansing ; not only in their 
 other conduct, but even in respect to their most honest and 
 zealous endeavours to save the souls of their fellow-sinners. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1. For more than thirty- 
 seven years, Israel had now abode in the wilderness, con- 
 fined as in a prison by the power of God ; during all which 
 time, scarcely any thing is recorded about them, except that 
 the old generation had almost, all died off, and a new one was 
 risen up in their stead. But in the first month in the forlivt-s 
 year, the history is resumed, and we find them at Kadesh .n 
 the wilderness of Zin, on the confines of fanaan, not in that 
 of Sin, in the neighbourhood of the Ret. Sea. (Ex. 16:1.) 
 Here Miriam, who must have been at least one hundred and 
 thirty years of age, died and was buried. — This Kadesh is 
 supposed to have been a different place from Kadesh-barnea 
 before mentioned, and further from the south of Canaan ; so 
 that Israel could not in that route enter Canaan, without pass- 
 ing through a part of the land of Edom. 
 
 Y. 2 — 5. It is not recorded, how long the water from tho 
 rock in Horeb followed Israel, or whence they had been su]>- 
 plied. But being at this time in want of water, the new gene- 
 ration imitated the rebellion of their fathers, hy murmuring, 
 desponding, wishing they had been struck dead by the hand 
 of God as others of the nation liaa been, and quarrelling with 
 Moses and Aaron. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 ( 287 > 
 
E. C. 1490. 
 
 NUMBERS 
 
 B. C. 149C 
 
 ye unto the rock before their eyes, and it shall give 
 forth his water, and thou shalt “bring forth to them 
 water out of the rock : so thou shalt give the con- 
 gregation and their beasts drink. 
 
 9 And Moses took the rod from Pbefore the 
 Lord, as he commanded him. 
 
 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congre- 
 gation together before the rock, and he said unto 
 them, Hear now, ‘'ye rebels ; must r we fetch you 
 water out of this rock? 
 
 11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his 
 rod he “smote the rock twice : and 'the water came 
 out abundantly: and the congregation drank, and 
 their beasts also. 
 
 12 And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, 
 Because ye “believed me not, "to sanctify me in the 
 eyes of the children of Israel, therefore yye shall 
 not bring this congregation into the land which I 
 have given them. 
 
 13 This is Hhe water of 'Meribah ; because the 
 children of Israel strove with the Lord, and “he 
 
 Tiias sanctified in them. [Practical Observations."] 
 
 14 *il And b Moses sent messengers from Kadesh 
 unto the king of Edom, Thus saith c thy brother 
 'srael, Thou knowest all the travail that hath 
 f befallen us ; 
 
 15 How d our fathers went down into Egypt, 
 and we have “dwelt in Egypt a long time ; and 
 the Egyptians f vexed us and our fathers. 
 
 16 And when =we cried unto the Lord, he heard 
 our voice, and h sent an Angel, and hath brought 
 us forth out of Egypt ; and, behold, we are in 
 Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of thy border. 
 
 17 Let us pass, I pray thee, 'through thy coun- 
 try : we will not pass through the fields, or through 
 the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water 
 of the wells ; we will go by the king’s high-way, 
 we will not turn to the right hand. nor to the left, 
 •jntil we have passed thy borders. 
 
 0 Neh. 9:15. Ps. 78:15.16. 105:41. 114:8. 18.41:17,18.43:20.48:21. p 17:10. 
 q Deut. 9:24. Ps. 108:32,33. Malt. 5:22. Luke 9:54,55. Acts 23:3-5. Eph. 4: 
 20. Jain. 3:2. r 11:22,23. Gen. 40:8. 41:16. Dan. 2:28— 30. Acts 3:12-16. 
 14:9— 15. R-om. 15:17— 19. 1 Cor. 3:7. s 8. Lev. 10:1. 1 Sam. 15:13,14,19,24. 
 
 1 Kings 13:21—24. 1 Chr. 13:9,10. 15:2,13. Matt. 28:20. Jam. 1:20. I Ex. 17:6. 
 Dent. 8:15. 1 1 os . 13:5. 1 Cor. 10:4. n 11:21,22. 2 Chr. 20:20. Is. 7:9. Mall. 17: 
 17,20. Luke 1:20,45. Rom. 4:20. x 27:14. Lee. 10:3. Deut. 1:37. 32:51. Is. 8: 
 13. 1 Pet. 3:15. y 24. 11:15. Deut. 3:23—26 . 32:49,50 . 34:4. Josh. 1:2. John 1: 
 17. z Deut.33’8. Ps. 106:32. * That is, strife. Ex. 17:7. Deut. 32:51. Meribah - 
 Kadesh. a Is. 5:16. Ez. 20:41. 36:23. 38:16. b Judg. 11:16,17. cGen.32:3,4. 
 Deut. 23:7. Obad. 10—12. Mai. 1:2. f Heb./ctmd us. Ex. 18 8. d Gen 46:6. 
 
 V. 8. It has been shown, that the waters from the rock in 
 Horeb typified the sanctifying and comforting influences of 
 the Holy Spirit, communicated to us through the atonement 
 of Chrisr, when smitten for our sins. (Notes and P. O. Ex. 
 17:1 — 7.) The smiting of the rock needed not to be repeated : 
 for though it was not the same rock, it was the outward sign 
 of the same spiritual benefit. ( Note , 1 Cor. 10:1 — 5.) It 
 was, therefore, only requisite to speak to it. And thus, Christ 
 having been once smitten, “ and wounded for our transgres- 
 sions,” needs not to be smitten any more ; but only to be spoken 
 tp by the prayer of faith accompanying the preaching of the 
 gospel ; and the waters will flow forth. — The pretended sacri- 
 fice of the mass seems to be an imitation of Moses’s error, in 
 repeatedly smiting the rock, when he ought only to have spoken 
 to it. 
 
 V. 9. As Moses u took the rod from before the LORD” 
 many suppose t hat M the rod of Aaron which blossomed” was 
 meant : hut it is not improbable, that the rod, with which 
 Moses wrought so many miracles, was also generally laid up 
 in the sanctuary. Whatever rod was meant, it was only in- 
 tended to be a token of the divine power to he exerted, and 
 ought not to have been used in smiting the rock. 
 
 V. 10 — 13. Though the people were rebels , and .Moses 
 called them so at other times without offence, yet he evidently 
 upake at this time in an angry spirit. He also assumed 
 hor.cur to himself and to Aaron, instead of giving glory to 
 Gad, when he inquired, “Must we fetch you water out of 
 this rock?” He seems not firmly to have believed that the 
 water would be given, and he did not think it sufficient to 
 “speak to the rock,” and therefore he hastily smote it, and 
 repeated the stroke immediately; though the sign of speaking 
 was probably intended as a rebuke to the people, who were 
 hot, so obedient to the Lord’s command as the very rocks were. 
 In this view of his conduct we perceive that he was very cul- 
 pable ; the Lord considered it as exceedingly dishonourable 
 to his name; and he knew Aaron likewise to bo highly crimi- 
 nal : though the water therefore was not withheld, yet the relief 
 to Israel was followed by a severe rebuke to Moses and 
 Aaron, and a sentence of exclusion from Canaan. — They 
 were eminent characters: the eyes of all Israel were upon 
 them ; and their improper conduct, and want of confidence in 
 the power and faithfulness of God, rendered it expedient that 
 ( 238 ) 
 
 18 And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not 
 pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the 
 sword. 
 
 19 And the children of Israel said unto him, 
 k We will go by the high-way; and if I and my 
 cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it . 
 I will only, without doing any thing else, go through 
 on my feet. 
 
 20 And he said, 'Thou shalt not go through. 
 And Edom came out against him with much 
 people, and with a strong hand. 
 
 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage 
 through his border : m wherefore Israel turned 
 away from him. 
 
 22 II And the children of Israel, even the whole 
 congregation, journeyed from "Kadesh, and came 
 unto "mount Hor. 
 
 23 And the Lord spake unto Moses and 
 Aaron in mount Hor, by the coast of the land of 
 Edom, saying, 
 
 24 Aaron shall be Pgathered unto his people : 
 for he shall not enter into the land which I have 
 given unto the children of Israel, ^because ye re- 
 belled against my Lvord at the water of Meribah. 
 
 25 "Take Aaron and Eleazar his son, and bring 
 them up unto mount Hor; 
 
 26 And “strip Aaron of his garments, and put 
 them upon Eleazar his son : and Aaron shall be 
 gathered unto his people, and shall die there. 
 
 27 And Moses did as the Lord commanded; 
 and they went up into mount Hor in the sight of 
 all the congregation. 
 
 28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments, 
 and ‘put them upon Eleazar his son : and Aaron 
 “died there in the top of the mount : and Moses 
 and Eleazar came down from the mount. 
 
 29 And when all the congregation saw that 
 Aaron was dead, they "mourned for Aaron thirty 
 days, even all the house of Israel. 
 
 Acts 7:15. e Gen. 15:13. Ex. 12:40. fll:5. 16:13. Ex. 1 : 11— 11,16,22. 5:14. 
 Acts 7:19. g Ex. 2:23,24. 3:7—9. 6:5. 14:10. h Ex. 3:2— 6. 14:19. 23:20. 33; 
 2. 121:1,22— 24. Deut. 2:1—4,27,29. It Deut. 2:6,28. I 18 Gen. 27:41. 32:6 
 Judg. 11:17,20. Ps. 120:7. Ez. 35:5,11. Am. 1:11. m Deut. 2:4— 8. 23:7. Jmlg 
 11:18,24. ul,14,16. 13:26. 33:36,37. Ez. 47:19. 48:28. o21:4. 33:37,38. 34:7 
 
 p 27:13. 31:2. Gen. 15:15. 25:8,17 . 35:29. 49:29,33. Deut. 32:50. Judg. 2:10 
 2 Chr. 34:28. q See on 11,12. % Heb. vwuth. 4:27. mars, r 33:38,39. b Ei 
 29:29,30. Is. 22:21,22. Heb. 7: H, 23 ,24. t 27:16— 23. Deal. 31:7,8. 34:9. 1 Chr 
 22:11.12,17. 23:5—9. Acts 20:25-29 . 2 Pet. 1:15. u 33:38,39. Pent. 10:6. 32 : 4 ! 
 50. 34:5. Heb. 7:24,25. xGen. 50:10. Deut. 34:8. 2 Chr. 35:24,25. Acts 8:2. 
 
 he should be sanctified in their punishment. (Note, Ps. 105 
 32,33.) — The other place, where water had been brought ou’ 
 of the rock was called Meribah ; but it was called also Mas* 
 sah: this was Meribah- Kadesh, (Marg. Ref. z.) 
 
 V. 14 — 21. The descendants of Esau, now grown into 
 a flourishing kingdom, were not unacquainted with the rela- 
 tion in which the Israelites stood to them, nor with tljcir bond- 
 age in Egypt and deliverance from it, their continuance in 
 the wilderness, and their pretensions to Canaan. With them 
 Moses pleaded the brotherly relation, to move natural affec- 
 tion ; the past distresses of the people, to excite compassion 
 and the favour of the Lord to them, who by the Angel of Ilia 
 presence guided and protected them, to influence their hopes 
 and fears. He engaged also that the people should pass 
 through with all convenient speed, on the king's highway 
 doing no harm, and paying even for the water which they 
 drank: this being the direct road into the land promised to 
 their fathers. — But the Edomites suspected their intentions, 
 retained their old enmity, denied their request, and threatened 
 them with war. Yet the Israelites were not allowed to molest 
 them ; but were required do set an example of forbearance, 
 by taking a long circuit round their country. Hence it is evi- 
 dent, that so long as they were under the conduct of Moses 
 and Joshua, they did not wage war from resentment or rapa- 
 city, but according to the commandment of God ; and that he 
 pointed out to them the people on whom they were required 
 to execute his righteous vengeance, and whose countries they 
 should receive for an inheritance ; nor would they have been 
 successful, if they had assaulted any others. (Notes, 14:2 — 
 4,39 — 45. 21:21 — 25. 31:2.) — The Edomites seem to have 
 been governed by dukes or military lenders, when Israel 
 came out of Egypt; but now a king ruled over them. (Ex, 
 15:15. Notes, Gen. 36:31 — 43.) 
 
 V. 22 — 28. At the command of God, delivered by Moses, 
 Aaron seems to have put on the rich pontifical garments, and 
 in them to have ascended the mountain; where they were 
 taken off from him by Moses, and put on liis son Eleazar, 
 who was now invested with the high priesthood. This being 
 done, Aaron immediately expired : and though he leff the 
 world under a divine rebuke, yet ho died a a pardoned sin- 
 ner with the hope and earnest of glory, and probably without 
 terror or reluctance. Doubtless the command giv*>»» to 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 1*452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 gsrael is assaulted by a Canaanitish king, and utterly destroys him, his 
 people, arid his cities, 1 — 3. The pe >ple murmur, and are punished with 
 fiery serpents; but, confessing their s n, they are healed by means of a 
 brazen serpent, 4 — 9. Theu go forward several stages; and compose a 
 tong on finding water , 10 — $0. They conquer Sihon, and Og, kings of the 
 Amorites, 21 — 35. 
 
 A ND when "king Arad the Canaanite, which 
 dwelt in the south, heard tell that Israel came 
 by b the way of the spies ; c then he fought against 
 srael, and took some of them prisoners. 
 
 2 And Israel ' 1 vowed a vow unto the Lord, and 
 said, If thou wilt indeed deliver this people into 
 my hand, then e I will utterly destroy their cities. 
 
 3 And the Lord 'hearkened to the voice of 
 Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they 
 utterly destroyed them and their cities : and he 
 called sthe name of the place ‘Hormah. 
 
 4 It And they journeyed from h mount Hor, 'by 
 
 » 33:40. Jo«h. 12:14. Jiidg. 1:16. 0 13:21,22.14:43. cDeut.2:32. Jn>h.7:5. 
 
 11:19,20. Ps. 44:3,4. cIGeu. 28:20. Judj. 11:30. 1 Sam. 1:11. 2Sam.l5:7,8. 
 Pa. 56:12,13. 116:18. 132:2. c l.ev. 27:28,29. Dent. 13:15. Josh. 6:17,26. 1 Cor. 
 16:22. f. s. 10:17. 91:15. 102:17. g 14:45. Dent. 1:44. I Sam. 30:30. • Tlmt 
 Is. urler deaructiort. 1:20:22.23,27. 33:41. i 14:25. Dent. 1:40. k20:18— 21. 
 
 Deiu. 2:5—8. Jmlg. 11:18. 132:7,9. Ex. 6:9. Acts 14:22. 1 Tlies. 3:3,4. t Of, 
 grieve . Het>. shortened, m 11:1—6. 14:1—4. 16:13,14,41. 17:12. Ex. 14:11. 
 
 Moses, and the service assigned him must have awakened 
 in him many painful feelings, when he considered his own 
 perhaps deeper guilt. — Not enter , $*c. (24) 4 A manifest token 
 that the earthly Canaan was not the utmost felicity, at 
 which God’s promises aimed ; because the best men among 
 them were shut out of it. 5 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. Well might Moses say, “ All our days are 
 passed in thy wrath ; we spend our years as a tale that is 
 told when during so long a period he witnessed nothing 
 worth recording, but the death of many hundreds of thou- 
 sands of his brethren ! (Notes, Ps. 90: title. 7 — 10.) — Even 
 to this day man’s life passes away almost in the same man- 
 ner : for what is it but a tedious repetition of the same dull 
 occurrences, with evident proofs of our folly and guilt, and of 
 the Lord’s anger tempered with mercy, u till it be cut off, and 
 we fly away ?” Thus the longest life soon comes to a close ; 
 and the only advantage that the most eminent possess above 
 the more obscure is, that they do not die quite so unnoticed. 
 O Lord, 44 so teach us to number our days that we may apply 
 our hearts unto wisdom !” — The propensity to sin is evidently 
 not the fault of any one man or people, but of human na- 
 ture ; and therefore one generation after another manifests 
 the same disposition to unbelief, impatience, and rebellious 
 murmurs. — We can easily exclaim against the Israelites in 
 this respect, afler all which they had witnessed and expe- 
 rienced : but had we been in their place, cooped up in the 
 wilderness ; confined mainly to one kind of food ; at a dis- 
 tance from all the delicacies and varieties with which even 
 the poorest in a fertile land are comparatively feasted during 
 the revolutions of the seasons and their several productions ; 
 should not we too have been fretful and impatient ? Not that 
 we should have had either right or reason to complain ; but 
 because we are proud and sensual, and consequently hard to 
 please. — But why question whether we should have rebelled ? 
 when Moses and Aaron stand condemned with Israel, though 
 not of the same , yet of similar unbelief, rebellion, and anger. 
 Even Moses, the meekest man on earth “ spake unadvisedly 
 with his lips and we are constrained repeatedly to notice 
 the most eminent saints defective in their most distinguishing 
 excellencies. (Note, Gen. 12:11 — 1G.) — Under long conti- 
 nued trials, the best of men prove, that 44 sin dwelleth in 
 them nay, old age gives advantage to some evils, and to 
 none more than a peevish spirit. — But in proportion to the 
 eminence of a man’s character, and the notoriety of his 
 offence, it will dishonour and displease God : (Note, Ec. 
 10:1.) and by putting us to shame for our sins, he will ob- 
 tain that honour which we have neglected to render him. 
 Whilst impenitent sinners escape punishment in this world, 
 being w reserved unto the day of judgment the Lord marks 
 
 the offences of hte people with alarming severity, yet still in 
 mercy: and notwithstanding our unworthiness, he provides 
 for our wants, and answers our prayers, when we call upon 
 him for a supply of the wa f ers of life, which flow from the 
 Rock of salvation. 
 
 V. 14 — 29. Here again, let us learn to imitate the im- 
 partiality of the historian; the silent submission of him and 
 of Aaron ; and the example of Israel to insolent and inju- 
 rious Edom. Thus upright and inoffensive, candid in our 
 declarations, and open in our profession of religion ; — thus 
 fair in our proposals, slow to anger, and ready to forgive ; — 
 thus willing to give up our convenience, and even recede 
 from our right rather than contend about it, should we be : 
 and when we cannot 44 overcome evil with good,” we should 
 leave the Lord to plead our cause in his own time and man- 
 ner. — The word of God will surely, perhaps speedily, be ful- 
 filled in his providence. Shortly death will strip the richest, 
 wisest, and most honourable of all their distinctions, except 
 true grace have made them to differ ; but, in that case, when 
 they leave all the rest to others, this will be their own for 
 ever. Having served their generation, they need not wish to 
 Vol. I.— 37 
 
 the way of the Red Sea, to "compass the and o. 
 Edom : and ‘the soul of the people was much 
 'discouraged because of the way. 
 
 5 And the people m spake against God, and 
 against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up 
 out of Egypt to die in the wilderness ? for there 
 is no bread, neither is there any water ; "and our 
 soul loatheth this light bread. 
 
 [Practical Observations . ] 
 
 6 And the Lord sent "fiery serpents among tht 
 people, and they hit the people ; and much peo- 
 ple of Israel died. 
 
 7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and 
 said, rWe have sinned; for we have spoken 
 against the Lord, and against thee : “ipray unto 
 the Lord that he take away the serpents from 
 us. r And Moses prayed for the people. 
 
 15:24.16:2,3,7,8.17:2,3. Ps. 78:19. n 11:7— 9. Ex. 16:15,31. T«. 78:24,25. 
 
 Prov. 27:7. o Gen . 3: 14,15. Dent. 8: IS. Is. 14:29. 30:6. Jer.8:17. Am.9:3,4. 
 1 Cor. 10:9. pEx.9:27,28. 18am. 12:19. 15:24,30. Is. 78:34. Matt. 27:4. qEx. 
 8:8,28. 1 Kings 13:6. Jer. 37:3. Acts 8:24. r 112. 14:17—20. Gen. 20:7. Ex. 
 32:11,30. Deul. 9:20,26-29. 1 Sam. 12:20— 23. Jot> 42:10. Is. 106:23. Jer.l5:l: 
 Rom. 10:1. 
 
 survive their usefulness ; nur can that correction be reasona- 
 bly complained of, which hastens a man’s entrance into hea- 
 ven. — When eminently good men die, rivalship, envy, re- 
 sentment, and prejudice, which often render them uneasy 
 while they live, die also ; and survivors very commonly ho- 
 nour and mourn for those, whom when living they opposed 
 and reviled ! This respect for their memory is indeed a tri- 
 bute due to them ; but it is of little consequence what others 
 think and say of them, when dead, except they then receive 
 their testimony and follow their example. — Blessed be God, 
 our High-Priest at death relinquished not his priesthood to 
 another, but rose again to complete his design, and ever 
 liveth to make intercession for us. {Note, Heb. 7:23 — 25.) 
 Having the fulness of the Spirit, he raises up a succession of 
 ministers and Christians to preach and profess his truth 
 from age to age ; and he hath consigned the robe of his 
 righteousness to all his spiritual posterity, for their accepted 
 appearance before God. — If we be his indeed, though we be 
 separated from our dearest friends, and must shortly be ab- 
 sent from the body ; yet we shall never be separated from 
 him : “ for he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXI. V. 1 — 3. Before the people set 
 out to march round the country of Edom, the king of those 
 Canaanites who inhabited the southern part of the couutry, 
 knowing their intentions of invading the land, remembering 
 that they had formerly searched it, and now learning that 
 th#y approached his borders, attacked them in the wilder- 
 ness, and took some prisoners, which elated him and discou- 
 raged them. But this disadvantage induced the Israelites to 
 place their whole dependence on the Lord ; and to devote the 
 cities and property of the assailants to utter destruction, 
 if he should render them victorious ; their persons being 
 already thus devoted by God himself. In this confidence 
 they waged war with them, and pushed forward to their cities,, 
 which they took and utterly destroyed, and called the name 
 Hormah ; that is, utter destruction, (marg.) that none might 
 ever after build cities on the same ground. The clause ren- 
 dered “ king Arad the Canaanite,” may very properly he 
 translated, “ the Canaanite, the king of Arad and he is 
 elsewhere called “ the king of Arad.” (Josh. 12:14.) — Some 
 argue that the Israelites did not at this time destroy the 
 cities, but only devoted them ; and that Joshua afterwards 
 destroyed them : supposing that the cities of Arad lay be- 
 yond the country of Edom. But our knowledge of the 
 ancient geography of those parts is very imperfect ; and tlie 
 account of the transaction seems given by Moses, and not 
 inserted afterwards by another person. 
 
 V. 4, 5. The Israelites were not permitted to force their 
 way through the land of Edom, but were led back into the 
 wilderness, as if about to return to the Red Sea. The road 
 perhaps proved heavy or rough ; water was scarce ; and 
 they grew weary of living so long on manna, which probably 
 they fancied was not hearty enough to support them under 
 such fatigues. They had expected directly to enter Canaan, 
 and their retrograde journey wy.s a grievous disappointment. 
 Few of them had ever lived upon bread ; and even that cir- 
 cumstance might concur in enhancing to their imaginations 
 the satisfaction of having that kind of food. It seems also 
 that water failed them, and they endured' some hardship • 
 but their spirits were imbittered, as well as discouraged : and 
 they relapsed into their old sin of distrustful murmuring 
 against Moses and against God. (Marg. Ref. m. n.) 
 
 V. 6—9. Serpents of various kinds abounded in the wil- 
 derness: but they had been restrained from hurting the peo- 
 ple, till they provoked God to send them to assail the camps, 
 in which they soon did dreadful execution, and caused still 
 greater consternation. They were called fiery serpents, as 
 some think, from their colour, which resembled polished brass ; 
 others deduce the epithet from the inflammation, like the 
 burning of fire, which immediately followed their bite. The 
 people were at length, by this judgment, made sensible of 
 ( 2S9 ) 
 
B. C 1452. NUMBERS. B. C. 1452. 
 
 8 And 'the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee 
 a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole : and it 
 shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, 
 when he looketh upon it, shall live. 
 
 9 And Moses made ‘a serpent of brass, and put 
 it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a ser- 
 pent had bitten any man, “when he beheld the 
 
 Serpent of hrass, *he lived. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 10 H And the children of Israel ?set forward, 
 and pitched in Oboth. 
 
 1 1 And they journeyed from Oboth, and pitched 
 at 'Ije-abarim, in the wildefness which is before 
 Moab, toward the sunrising. 
 
 12 From thence they removed, and pitched in 
 •the valley of Zared. 
 
 13 From thence they removed, and pitched “on 
 the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness 
 that cometh out of the coasts of the Amorites : 
 for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab 
 and the Amorites. 
 
 14 Wherefore it is said b in the book of the wars 
 of the Lord, ’What he did in the Red Sea, and 
 in the brooks of Arnon ; 
 
 15 And at the stream of the brooks that goeth 
 
 • Ps. 106:43—45. 145:8. I 2 Kings 18:4. John 3:14,15. 12:32. Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor. 
 5 21. uls. 45:22. Zech. 12:10. John 1:29. Hob. 12:2. 1 John 3:8. * John 
 
 6:40. Rom. 1:17. 5:20,21. y 33:43 — 45. * 0 r, heaps of Abarim. 7. Dent. 2:13, 
 14. the brook Ze cd. a 14. 2*2:36. Deut. 2:24. Juda. 11:18. Is. 16:2. Jer. 48: 
 20. bJosh. .0:13. 2 Sam. 1:18. t Or, Vaheb in Suphah. c 28. Deut. 2:9, 
 18. Is. 15:1. jHeh . leaneth. djudg.9:21. e 2U.S. Ex. 17:6. Is. 12:3. 41:17, 
 
 their fault, and entreated Moses to pray for the removal of the 
 serpents, which he readily did. Yet they were not removed : 
 but Moses was commanded to form an image of a serpent of 
 brass exactly like them, to affix it to a long pole, or standard, 
 and to place it in a conspicuous part of the camp ; and to 
 this, they who had been bitten were directed to look. No- 
 thing could in itself be less suited to give relief than this ex- 
 pedient : but it was the Lord’s appointment : and by this 
 token the sufferers must express their eniire dependence on 
 him, and submissively expect a cure from him alone. Ac- 
 cordingly, whoever looked, however desperate his case, or 
 feeble his sight, or distant his situation, was infallibly and per- 
 fectly cured ; and manifested his recovery, by becoming ca- 
 pable of the services to which he was called, or marching in 
 his place when the camp was removed ; but if any one would 
 shut his eyes, or turn his back on the brazen serpent, and 
 depend for help on any thing else ; he must inevitably die. 
 This forms a very significant type of our salvation by Jesus 
 Christ. The Lord, provoked by man’s first apostacy, hath 
 permitted that old Serpent, the tempter, the devil, to commu- 
 nicate his baleful venom to the whole human race, which 
 operates to their destruction: and numbers in consequence 
 have perished, are perishing, and will perish. But “God so 
 loved the world, as to give his only-begotten Son, that who- 
 soever believeth in him should not perish , but have everlasting 
 life.” The Saviour was indeed perfectly free from sin, but 
 he assumed 44 the likeness of sinful flesh ( Note , Rom. 8:3,4.) 
 he was numbered with malefactors, and crucified with them ; 
 and it is observable that the supposed crime for which he suf- 
 fered, namely, u making himself equal with God,” was con- 
 sidered by his enemies as the essence of diabolical ambition, 
 usurpation, and blasphemy. Having thus been 44 made Sin 
 for us,” he is now held forth in the gospel to all nations ; 
 (Note, 2 Cor. 5:18 — 21.) and when any poor sinner is made 
 sensible of his guilt and danger, and humbly prays for mercy 
 and deliverance, he is commanded to look unto Jesus, as dying 
 upon the cross for the transgressions *of “the law given by 
 Moses and renouncing all other confidences, and looking in 
 faith, with a desire of salvation, and in obedience to God ; 
 and persevering from day to day in the use of the appointed 
 means ; he obtains effectual relief, and at length a perfect 
 deliverance, even though weak in faith, and though Satan’s 
 emptations as yet harass his soul. For faith in a crucified 
 Saviour is the appointment of God, and rendered effectual by 
 his grace : and though man’s reasoning pride considers it as 
 foolishness, all believers experience it to be “ the power of 
 God to salvation.” (Note, John 3:14,15.) — The command 
 .given to Moses, to make an image of a serpent, shows that 
 forming images is no violation of the moral law ; unless in- 
 tended as representations of God ; or worshipped when made, 
 as tee Israelites afterwards worshipped the brazen serpent. 
 (Notes, Ex. 20:4. 2 Kings 18:4.) — It is thought that the sight 
 of a serpent, or the image of one, tends to increase the ma- 
 lady of him who has been bitten : and some naturalists have 
 said the same of the sight of brass ; yet that of the brazen 
 serpent healed the people. 4 The sight of Christ crucified, 
 naturally filled his crucifiers only with anguish, when they 
 beheld him whom they had pierced, and were convinced he 
 was their Messiah ; but by the grace of God, became their 
 only salvation through faith in him.’ Bp. Patrick. — The 
 Jews in general allow, that there was some mystery in this 
 appointment; but they will not understand the mystery till 
 tticy become Christians. 
 
 ( 290 ) 
 
 down to the dwelling of e Ar, and *lieth upon the 
 border of Moab. 
 
 16 And from thence they went to ll Beer; that 
 is the well whereof the Lord spake unto Moses, 
 'Gather the people together, and I will give them 
 water. 
 
 17 Then < Israel sang this song, ^Spring up, C 
 well ; "sing ye unto it : 
 
 18 The sprinces digged the well, the nobles o< 
 the people digged it, by the direction q/' h the law- 
 giver, with their staves. 'And from the wilderness 
 they went to Mattanah : 
 
 19 And from Mattanah to Nahaliel: and from 
 Nahaliel to Bamoth : 
 
 20 And from Bamoth in the valley that is in the 
 ’’country of Moab, k to the top of "Pisgah,. which 
 looketh toward ’’Jeshimon. 
 
 21 11 And Israel 'sent messengers unto Sihon 
 king of the Amorites, saying, 
 
 22 Let me pass through thy land : we will not 
 turn into the fields, or into the vineyards ; we will 
 not drink of the waters of the well ; hut we will 
 go along by the king’s high- way, until we be past 
 thy borders. 
 
 18.43:20. 49:10. John. 4: 10,14. 1:37-39. He*. 21 :6. 22:1 ,17. f Ex. 15:1,3. 
 Ps. 105:2. 106:12. Is. 12:1,2,5. Jam. 5:13. § I leb. ascend. II Or, answer. 
 
 g 2 Clir. 17:7— 9. Neh. 3:1,5. 1 Tim. 16:17,18. I. Deut. 5:31. 33.4. Is. 33-22. 
 John 1:17. Jam. 4:12. i .<3:45-47. IT Heb. field. 22:1. 26:63. 33:49,50. Deni 
 1:5. k 23:14. Deut. 3:27. 4:49. 34:1. ** Or., the hill, ft Or, the wilderness. 23: 
 28. i 20:14— 19. Deut. 2:25,28. Judg. 11 : 19— 21 . 
 
 V. 10. “Oboth,” signifies bottles ; (Job 32:19. Heb.) and 
 probably the place was so called, from the people’s carrying 
 water thence in bottles for their use in the desert. 
 
 aw (plur. Jvaw or rvotf) generally signifies one who has a 
 familiar spirit, 4 because,’ says Buxlorf, 4 he brings forth ora- 
 cles out of a swelling belly, as out of a bottle.’ — See Leo. 
 19:31. 20:6. 1 Sam. 28:3, &c. Is. 8:19, et al . — The only 
 place in which this word signifies a bottle is Job 32:19, yet this 
 is probably the original meaning. 
 
 V. 11 — 15. After some more journeys, the Israelites en- 
 camped in the borders of Moab, to the east of Canaan : and 
 as the sacred historian was about to relate the conquest of 
 Sihon and Og, kings of the Amorites, and the devices of Ba- 
 lak king of Moab ; he briefly mentioned the boundaries which 
 separated their kingdoms. — Arnon (a small rivulet, arising in 
 the adjacent mountains, and falling into the Dead Sea,) ran 
 through the wilderness to which the Amorites had extended 
 their dominion, and thus formed one of these boundaries : and 
 as Israel had passed this brook without molesting the Moab- 
 ites, (though they seem to have gone through, or close by, 
 Some part of their country,) and were encamped in the land 
 of the Amorites; it appeared that they had given no provo- 
 cation to the. Moabites or Ammonites. On this ground Jcph- 
 thah long afterwards vindicated the right of his people to that 
 part of the country of Sihon and Og, which the Ammonites 
 claimed as their due ; and which had once belonged to them ; 
 but the Amorites had conquered it before the Israelites came 
 thither. (Notes, Judg. 1 1:12 — 27.) Instating this subject, 
 Moses referred to a book called 44 The wars of Jehovah,” 
 which some suppose to have been extant before this time, and 
 others to have been written on this occasion, perhaps by an 
 Israelite: for it can hardly be thought, that an Amorite, or 
 any idolater, would have used the name of Jehovah in 
 recording the successes of Sihon. If, however, this was an 
 ancient record, Moses quoted it (as Paul did the writings of 
 the heathen poets,) in order to determine the question by the 
 authority of their own writers. But if a pious Israelite wrote 
 a history of the transactions which he had witnessed, or of 
 which he had received an authentic account, he might natu- 
 rally call it 44 the wars of Jehovah and the previous con- 
 quest of this region by the Amorites might be considered by* 
 him as an interposition of Israel’s God for his people. — 
 (Notes, 26 — 30. Deut- 32:8.) And if the history were known 
 to be authentic, it would suit Moses’s purpose to refer the 
 reader to it, for fuller information on the subject which he had 
 briefly mentioned. — As, however, the point in question, though 
 of importance at that time, had no direct connexion with the 
 grand concerns of religion, this 44 book of the wars of the 
 Lord” has long since been lost. 
 
 fVhat he did in the Red Sea, &c. (14) It docs not appear 
 how the passage, as it stands in our translation, could suit the 
 purpose of the sacred historian. He himself fully recorded 
 the works of Jehovah, both at the Red Sea, and in giving 
 Israel the victory over Sihon and Og, at the brooks of Arnon. 
 But the words rendered 44 He did in the Red Sea,” are very 
 obscure. In the margin it stands Vaheb in Suphah, in f ho 
 Hebrew hbidS 2 m ns*. There is here no pronoun answering 
 to he, and 2m is preceded by 2 N. The clause seems there- 
 fore to mean, 4 What the Amorite, or Sihon, had done to 
 4 Vaheb , a prince, or place, in a region call: d Suphah .’ 
 (Note, Dent. 1:1.) 
 
 V. 16 — 18. Tne people wanting water, the 1 ord prevented 
 their murmurs by promising them a supply : ai d W his direc 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER A XI. 
 
 J3. C. 1452. 
 
 23 Ani m Sihon would not suffer Israel to pass 
 through his border; but Sihon gathered all his 
 people 'together, and went out acainst Israel into 
 the wilderness: and he came to n Jahaz, and lought 
 against Israel : 
 
 24 And “Israel smote him with the edge of 
 the sword, and possessed his land from I'Arnon 
 unto Jabok; even unto the children of Ammon : 
 for the border of the children of Ammon was 
 strong. 
 
 25 And Israel took all these cities : and Israel 
 id welt in all the cities of the Amorites, r in Hesh- 
 bon, and in all the "villages ‘thereof. 
 
 26 For Heshbon ivas the city of Sihon the king 
 of the Amorites, who had fought against the 
 former king of Moab, and taken all his land out of 
 his hand, even unto Arnon. 
 
 27 Wherelbre “they that speak in proverbs say, 
 Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built 
 and prepared ; 
 
 28 For there is * *a fire gone out of Heshbon, a 
 flame from the city of Sihon : it hath consumed 
 "Ar of Moab, and the lords of the high places of 
 Arnon. 
 
 m Dent. 2:30—32. 29:7,8. nJude.ll:20. In. 15:4. Jer. 48:34. o32:l— 4,33— 
 
 42 lleut. 2:31— 37. Josh. 9:10. 12:1— 3. 13:8— 10. 24:8. Judg. 11:21— 23. Neh. 
 9:22. Pa. 133:10— 12. 136:19. Amns2:9. p See on 13. Gen. 32:22. Pent. 3:16. 
 q 31. 32:33—42. Dent. 2 12. r Cent. 7:4. Is. 15:4. 16:8,9. Jer. 48:2,34,45. 
 
 • Heb. daughters. K*. 16:46.49,53. s 14. Is. 14:4. Hab.2:6. t Judg. 9:20. 
 13.10:16. Jer. 48:45,46. Am. 1 :4, 7, 10, 12, 14. 2:2,5. u See on 15. Deut. 2: 
 8,18. Is. 15:1. v Jude. 11:24. 1 Kings 11:7,33. 2 Kings 23:13. Jer. 48:7,13,46. 
 
 1 Cor. 8:4,5. x Ueu. 49:23. 2Sam. 11:24. Pe. 18:14. y 32:34. Josh. 13:17. Is. 
 
 tion given by Moses “ the lawgiver,” when the people had 
 been gathered together to witness the event, the princes, with 
 their staves only, opened the dry and sandy surface of the 
 earth, and the water flowed in such abundance, that the 
 place was called 11 Beer,” or the i veil ; and the people ex- 
 pressed their joyful admiration and gratitude in a song of 
 praise. 
 
 V. 21 — 25. The kingdoms, at this time governed by Sihon 
 and Og, and lying between the country of Moab on the south 
 or south-west, and that of Ammon on the north-east, and 
 bounded by the river Jordan on the west, were included in 
 the grant made to Abraham ; and so indeed was the whole 
 region as far as the Euphrates : yet the Israelites did not ex- 
 
 • pect at this time to possess it ; but to pass through, that they 
 
 might directly invade the country situated between Jordan 
 and the Mediterranean Sea. We find however, that the 
 Lord, while he forbade them to assault the Edomites, Moab- 
 ites, and Ammonites, assured them that he would give them 
 the country of Sihon and Og. {Deut. 2:24. 3:2.) And the 
 obedience of Israel, under the conduct of Moses, shows that 
 neither revenge, ambition, avarice, nor carnal policy, but the 
 command of God, directed them with whom to wage war. — 
 (Note, 20:14 — 21.) Nay, after this assurance the people, 
 no doubt by the direction of Moses, sent ambassadors to 
 Sihon, requesting a peaceable passage through his couhtry, 
 on the same friendly terms as had been proposed to the 
 Edomites. He however not only refused them, but went out 
 to attach them : they were therefore directed to meet him in 
 battle , and, hiding victorious, they slew him, and tooa posses- 
 sion of all his cities and all his dominions, as the first-fruits 
 of their conquests. (Notes, Deut. 2:24 — 37.) — The morites 
 were descended from Ham by Canaan; but the Moabites and 
 Ammonites were the posterity of Lot, Abraham’s nephew. 
 (Gen. 10:15 — 17. 19:37,38.) — The strength of the border 
 
 of Ammon was the reason why the Amorites had not seized 
 on tha' country also. 
 
 V. 2!) — 30. Here again Moses particularly takes notice, 
 that Heshhor, which had belonged to the Moabites, was at 
 this time the city of Sihon, who had vanquished the king of 
 Moab, and taken it from him, with the rest of the country 
 even to the river Arnon. And on this occasion he quotes 
 some poem, or song, composed on account of these victories, 
 in proverbs, or parables, (short, emphatical, figurative, sub- 
 lime, or elegant sentences,) which was sung among the Amor- 
 ites, though perhaps not committed to writing. In this poem 
 the Amorites invite one another, in exulting language, to 
 come and inhabit Heshbon, now become the city of Sihon ; 
 and, in a kind of insolent triumph, speak of the destruction of 
 &r and other titles of Moab, the slaughter of the princes, with 
 <he captivity and abject misery of the people. This seems 
 to have been merely a vain-glorious poetical boast : for though 
 the Amorites took from the Moabites Heshbon and the adja- 
 cent regiofl ; yet it does not appear that they made any fur- 
 <hcr conquests. — It is supposed that Sihon was the common 
 tame of tre kings of this district, as Pharaoh of the Egyptian 
 -uonarchs ; and that some preceding king obtained these vic- 
 tories, and took these countries from a former king of Moab. — 
 Chemosh was the principal idol of the Moabites. (Mars. 
 - *tef. v.) 
 
 V. 34. Og was a giant, and very formidable ; the people 
 therefore feared to attack him, till the Lord thus encouraged 
 them. (Marg. Ref d. h. Note, Deut. 3:11.) 
 
 29 Wo to thee, Moab! thou art undone, ’() 
 people of Chemosh : he hath given his sons that 
 escaped, and his daughters, into captivity unto 
 Sihon king of the Amorites. 
 
 30 We x have shot at them : Heshbon isperishet. 
 even unto v Dibon, and we have laid them wastt 
 even unto Nophah, which reacheth unto Medeba. 
 
 31 Thus Israel dwelt in the land of the Amor- 
 ites. 
 
 32 And Moses sent to spy out "Jaazer, and they 
 took the villages thereof, and drove out the Amor 
 ites that were there. 
 
 33 H And b they turned, and went up by the way 
 of c Bashan: and d Og the king of Bashan went 
 out against them, he and all his people, to the 
 battle at Edrei. 
 
 34 And the Lord said unto Moses, e Fear him 
 not: ffor I have delivered him into thy hand, and 
 all his people, and his land ; and thou shall do to 
 him 5as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, 
 which dwelt at Heshbon. 
 
 35 So they h smote him, and his sons, and all his 
 people, until there was none left him alive : and 
 they possessed his land. 
 
 15:2,9. Jer. 48:18,22. z 32:33— 42. Deut. 3:16,17. Josh. 12:1—6. 13:8—32. a 32: 
 1,35. Is. 16:8,9. Jer. 48:32. Jaze ,. b Deul. 3:1—6. 29:7. Josh. 13:12. cDent. 
 32:14. Ps. 22:12. 68:15. Is. 33:9. Ez.27:6. 35*18. Am. 4:1. d 32:33. Deut. 1 :4. 
 3:1. 4:47. 29:7. Josh. 9:10. 12:4. 13:30. e 14:9. Deut. 3:2,11 . 20:3. 31 :6. Josh. 
 10:8,25. Is. 41 13. f Deut. 3.3. 7:24. Josh. 8:7. Judg. 11:30. 1 Sam. 23:4. 
 2 Sam. 5:19. I Kings 20:13.28. 2 Kings 3:18. g24,25. h Deut. 3:3— 17. 29.8. 
 
 Josh. 12:4—6. Ps. 135:11,12. 136:17—21. Rom. 8:37. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 5. The enemies of God are always the enemies of 
 his people ; and they often at first prosper in their attempts 
 against them, but at last they will be utterly destroyed. For 
 losses sustained by true Christians, in their spiritual conflicts, 
 by taking them off from self-dependence, and exciting them 
 to call upon God for help, subserve their final victory: and 
 being enabled to say, “ When I am weak, then am I strong, 
 for the power of Christ rests upon me,” they become invincible. 
 — But alas ! how soon are the judgments and mercies of our God 
 forgotten by us ! and how prone are we to relapse into former 
 sins, though we have suffered for them, and even repented of 
 them! how apt to magnify every difficulty, to despise our 
 choicest mercies, to be impatient of delays, to distrust, to mur- 
 mur, and to rebel 1 Nay, where the dominion of sin is broken, 
 it dwells within, and often breaks out ; sometimes even openly 
 to the dishonour of God, and the grief of his faithful servants ; 
 and under sharp trials, even the true believer may be so dis- 
 couraged and tempted, and so yield to temptation, as to unde-- 
 value the “Bread of life,” and the benefit of divine ordinances 
 as if they were “ light food,” and almost to wish that he had 
 never set out in the ways of God 1 (Ps. 73:13,14.) But he 
 will soon be ashamed of these thoughts, if ever harboured in 
 his mind. We have need however to “ watch and pray, that 
 we enter not into temptation : ” and it is profitable for us to 
 be aware of the enemy within, as well as of the enemies 
 around us; especially in times of grievous disappointment 
 and tedious discouragement. — But “whom the Lord loveth 
 he chasteneth and thus, as well as by his judgmen's upon 
 hypocrites, he excites a salutary terror in their minds, and 
 brings them back to his ways with weeping and supplication : 
 and when they repent and acknowledge their offence, he 
 removes the dreaded destruction, though perhaps the smart 
 of the rod may continue for a time. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. The Lord knows how to over rule, not only the 
 bite of poisonous serpents, but the persecutions of wicked 
 men, and the temptations of the devil, for the good of thosa 
 whom he loves: and our prayers are often most desirably 
 answered, when the letter of the request is not granted. (Note, 
 2 Cor. 12:7 — 10.) — The Lord can relieve us from our dangers 
 and distresses, by the means which we should deem most 
 unpromising ; of which he hath given proof in redeeming so 
 many souls from hell, from Satan, and sin, and bringing them 
 to holiness and eternal life, by the manifestation of his Son in 
 the likeness of sinful flesh, by his agonizing and accursed 
 death upon the tree, and by the preaching of the despised 
 doctrine of a crucified Saviour. — Oh! that the venom of tho 
 old serpent inflaming men’s passions, and causing them to 
 commit those sins, which must otherwise terminate in their 
 eternal destruction, were but as sensibly felt, and the danger 
 as plainly apprehended, as the Israelites felt the pain, and 
 feared the death, which followed from the bite of the fiery 
 serpents ! Then none would turn away from Christ and his 
 gospel: then would a crucified SavittUr be so valued, that all 
 things else would “be accounted loss for hint:” then, without 
 delay, and with all earnestness and simplicity of dependence, 
 they would apply to him, crying “ Lord, save us, we perish : ’’ 
 then from day to day would they look to him for pardon and heal- 
 ing, and show their faith by their works : nor would any abuse 
 the freeness of his salvation to them, when they estimated 
 the price which it cost him : and their love to the Saviour 
 would increase their dread and abhorrence of sin, and watch- 
 
 (, 291 \ 
 
h . 1-5132. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 
 B. C 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 $rael encnmj s in the plc.i* *s of Moab, 1. lialak king of Moab sends for 
 Balaam to curse the peovle,2 — 7. He, forbidden by the Lord, refuses to 
 go, 8—14. On a second .nessage he extorts permission , and goes , 15—21. 
 An Angel npposes him, ind he is rebuked by his ass, whose mouth God 
 opens ; he beholds the Angel, and obtains leave to proceed , 22—35. lialak 
 meets him, and sacrifices, 36 — 41. 
 
 A ND “the children of Israel set forward, and 
 pitched in the plains of Moab, b on this side 
 Jordan by Jericho. 
 
 2 And c Balak the son of Zippor saw all that 
 Israel had done to the Amorites. 
 
 3 And d Moab was sore afraid of the people, 
 because they were many : and Moab was dis- 
 tressed because of the children of Israel. 
 
 4 And Moab said unto the 'elders of Midian, 
 
 1 Now shall this company lick up all that are round 
 about us, as the oje licketh up the grass of the 
 field. e And Balak the son of Zippor was king of 
 the Moabites at that time. 
 
 5 He h sent messengers therefore unto Balaam 
 the son of Beor, to 'Pethor, which is by the river 
 
 of the land of the children of his people, to call 
 him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out 
 from Egypt : behold, Hhey cover the ‘ factfe of the 
 earth, and they abide over against me. 
 
 6 Come now therefore, I pray thee, k curse me 
 this people, for they are too mighty for me : perad 
 venture I shall prevail, that we may smite them, 
 and that I may drive them out of the land: for 'I 
 wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he 
 whom thou cursest is cursed. 
 
 7 And the elders of Moab, and the elders of 
 Midian, departed with the ""rewards of divination 
 in their hand : and they came unto Balaam, and 
 spake unto him the words of Balak. 
 
 [Practical Observations."] 
 
 8 And he said unto them, Lodge here “this 
 night, and I will bring you word again, as the 
 Lord shall speak unto me. And the princes of 
 Moab abode with Balaam. 
 
 9 And °Gdd came unto Balaam, and said, 
 pWhat men are these with thee ? 
 
 a 21:20 . 33:48— 50. 36:13. Dent. 34:1,8. 1.32:19.34:15. Deut- 1:5. 3:8. Josh. 
 8:16. c 21:3,20— 35. <1 Ex. 15:15. L eat . 2:25. Josh. 2:10,11,24 . 9:24. Ps. 53:5. 
 Is. 23:5. e 7. 25.15— 18. 31:8. Josh. 13:21. f 24:17. Jer. 48:38. g 2. Judg.ll: 
 25. h Deut. 23:4. Josh. 13:22. 24:9. Neh. 13:2. Mic. 6:5. 2 Pet. 2:15,16. son of 
 Bosor. Jude 1 1 . i 23:7. Tent. 23:4. j Gen. 13:16. Ex. 1:7— 10. Ps. 105:24. 
 
 • Heb. eye. k 23:7,8. 24:9. Gen. 12:3. 27:29. Deut. 23:4. Josh. 24:9. ISam. 
 
 17:43. Neh. 13:2. Ps. 109:17.18. 1 1 Kings 22:6,8, 13. Ps. 109:28. Prov.26.2. Is. 
 47:12,13. Ez. 13:6. Acts 8 9,10. 16:16. m 1 Sam. 9:7,8. Is. 56:11 . Ez. 13:19. 
 Mic. 3:11. Rom. 16:18. 1 Tim. 6.9,10. Tit. 1:11 . 2 Pet. 2:15. Jurle 11 . n 19,20. 
 12:6.23:12. Jer. 12:2. Ez. 33:31. o Gen. 20:3. 31 :24. 41 :25. Dan. 2:45. 4:31 .32. 
 Matt. 7:22. 24.24. John 11:51. p Gen. 3:9—11. 4:9. 16:8. Ex. 4:2. 2 Kings, 2(1: 
 14,15. 
 
 fulness against temptation. — But alas! few feel their need of 
 Christ to preserve them from perishing; and though he still 
 proclaims, “ Look unto me, and be saved ;” most men die in 
 their sins, even where they have the Bible in their hands, and 
 Christ in the gospel “ evidently set forth as crucified among 
 them !” But how will they escape, who, through pride and 
 love of sin, reject this simple method of cure, or prefer their 
 own inventions to this suitable and divine salvation? or who, 
 perverting the doctrine, presume that their iniquities are par- 
 doned, while their covetousness, pride, anger, ambition, lust, 
 or evil tempers betray the venom of the old serpent to be in 
 r ull force within? 
 
 V. 10 — 35. Our God has engaged to provide for his peo- 
 ple in all emergencies, and wells of salvation are opened for 
 inem through their whole pilgrimage : so that they need only 
 use the appointed means with simplicity and diligence, and 
 he will send supplies of heavenly consolations, and they shall 
 rejoice in celebrating his praises. Nor ought they to be un- 
 thankful to the instruments of their mercies, temporal or 
 spiritual, whether they be princes, nobles, lawgivers, magis- 
 trates, ministers, or private persons. — Still, however, we 
 must prepare for fresh conflicts and enemies. With sin and 
 the powers of darkness we must make no peace nor truce ; 
 we must not even treat with them ; and it is vain to expect 
 any long cessation of hostilities. Even our neighbours, with 
 whom we would, if possible, live peaceably, will often make 
 themselves ready to battle. But, trusting in the Lord’s pro- 
 tection and obeying his commands, we shall be more than con- 
 querors over every assailant, and profit by all their attempts to 
 hurt. us. For our inheritance is sure ; and, in the Lord’s time 
 and manner, every thing will concur in putting us in posses- 
 sion of it. — But worldly inheritances are continually changing 
 their masters : ill-gotten gain never spends well ; idolatrous 
 dependences fail in the crisis of need ; and the destruction of 
 the wicked, being appointed of God, will be certainly and 
 speedily effected. 
 
 NOTES. — Chat. XXII. V. 1. At length the Israelites 
 terminated their wanderings, by encamping on the banks of 
 Jordan over against Jericho, where they abode, until they 
 passed over into Canaan. The plains, in which they en- 
 camped, had belonged to the Moabites, from whom they 
 derived their name ; but Sihon had taken them from the 
 Moabites, and Israel had now got possession of them. (2) 
 
 V. 4. The Moabites were descended from Lot; the Mi- 
 dianites from Abraham by Keturah. (Gen. 19:37. 25:2.) 
 They lived near together, and were united in interest ; as 
 were also the Ishmaelites, and Edomites, and Ammonites: 
 but they were all enemies to Israel, except that part of the 
 Miaianites, which was connected with Jethro, Moses’s father- 
 in-law. — The persons here called “elders,” seem to be else- 
 where called princes , and even kings , according to the lan- 
 guage of those times. (Marg. Ref. e.) The message to 
 them appears to have been sent with the concurrence of the 
 principal persons in Moab, and by tho general sense of the 
 nation ; as well as by Balak their king. — They all thought, 
 that nothing but united and vigorous resistance could preserve 
 them: for either they had not heard, that Jehovah had for- 
 bidden Israel to molest them ; or they disregarded any report 
 which they had heard to this effect. — The simile which they 
 employed is extremely expressive, as referring to the complete 
 instruction which Israel had made of Arad, Sihon, and Og, 
 with the nations over whom they reigned. 
 
 V. 5. It is the general opinion of expositors, that Balaam 
 was first a prophet, (and as some think a good man,) and 
 that afterwards he degenerated and became a soothsayer ; 
 yet this is exceedingly improbable, and unparalleled in Scrip- 
 ture. Had he been first a prophet, and then turned aside to 
 ( 292 > 
 
 use magical arts for the sake of gain, he would scarcely have 
 “ sought for enchantments,” when he went for the express 
 purpose of meeting the Lord, whatever he did at other times. 
 It is not intimated, that any prophecies were spoken by him, 
 except those contained in this history, which certainly are 
 sufficient to entitle him to the name of u Balaam the pro- 
 phet.” His boasting likewise concerning “ his eyes being 
 opened, and his seeing the visions of the Almighty,” seems 
 especially to relate to the events here recorded. It. appears 
 therefore more probable, that he was originally a diviner, or 
 magician of great renown : but having acquired some know 
 ledge of the true God, perhaps by hearing of the wonderful 
 works performed by Moses in his name, he endeavoured to 
 render this knowledge subservient to his interested and ambi- 
 tious purposes, by professing himself a prophet of Jehovah, 
 and uttering divinations as revelations from him. Thus the 
 exorcists, observing how efficacious the name of Jesus proved 
 in the mouth of the apostle, attempted to cast out devils, 
 “adjuring them by Jesus whom Paul preached:” ( Note 9 
 Acts 19:13 — 20.) and thus Simon Magus, finding the miracles 
 of Philip so much superior to the effects of his magic, 
 embraced Christianity ; and afterwards offered Peter money 
 to confer on him the same power which he exercised, doubt- 
 less intending to enrich or aggrandize himself by it. (Notes, 
 Acts 8:9 — 24.) On this supposition Balaam’s use of incanta- 
 tions, even in seeking Jehovah, was the natural effect of 
 the association of his old practices with his new pretensions. 
 It is not certain, whether the Lord had ever spoken to him or 
 by him before this event, though probably he had; but he 
 certainly did afterwards : yet there is abundant proof that he 
 lived and died a wicked man, and an enemy to God and his 
 people. (Notes, 31:8. Deut. 23:3 — 5. Mic. 6:3 — 5. 2 Pet. 2: 
 15,16. Jude 11 — 13. Rev. 2:14 — 16.) This, however, as is 
 evident from the Scriptures, has by no means been a singular 
 case. (Notes, Matt. 7:21 — 23. 1 Cor. 13:1 — 3.) — Balaam 
 dwelt in or near Mesopotamia, by the Euphrates, the 
 renowned river of the inhabitants of those countries. But 
 his reputation had reached so far, and he was so celebrated, 
 that he was sent for, as it appears, in consequence of the 
 counsel given to Moab by the elders of Midian; being the 
 only person who was able to contend with Moses, the prophet 
 of Israel. For we may suppose, that they ascribed to the 
 superior skill of Moses in some unknown arts, all that power 
 by which, notwithstanding Pharaoh’s determined opposition, 
 Israel had been brought out of Egypt, had subsisted for so 
 many years in the wilderness, and had obtained their late 
 victories over the Amorites. — Pethor.] Deut. 23:4. 
 
 V. 6. Balak had some general notion of the overruling influ- 
 ence of an invisible Power, and at the same time such an opinion 
 of Balaam’s interest with that invisible Power, that he sup- 
 posed he could do nothing so effectual to conciliate his favour, 
 as to pay court to his prophet : nay, he either actually thought, 
 or he was willing to compliment. Balaam, and to comfort 
 himself, with the supposition, that his blessings or curses 
 were infallibly ratified ! If he could therefore prevail with 
 Balaam solemnly to curse Israel and to bless Moab, hn 
 would then defy Israel and declare war against them, not 
 withstanding all the wonders of which he had heard ! — It has 
 been shown by learned men, that many of the heathen 
 nations thus solemnly cursed their enemies in the name of 
 their gods, and devoted them to destruction, before they 
 declared war against thorn. (1 Sam* 17:43.) Anil it is not 
 impossible, that the sentence denounced by the Lord against 
 the nations of Canaan, whom he devoted to destruction, and 
 employed Israel to extirpate, and Israel’s vow concerning the 
 cities of Arad, might suggest to tho Moabites and Midianites 
 the idea of engaging Balaans in a similar manner to devote trie 
 
B. C 452 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 10 And bn. vain said unto God, iBalak tlie 
 son of Zippor, king of Moab, hath sent unto me, 
 saying, 
 
 11 Behold, there is a people come out of Egypt, 
 which covereth the face of the earth: come now, 
 curse me them; peradventure I shall 'be able to 
 overcome them, and drive them out. 
 
 12 And God said unto Balaam, r Thou shaltnot 
 go with them : ‘thou shalt not curse the people : 
 •for they art blessed. 
 
 13 And Balaam rose up in the morning, and 
 said unto the princes of Balak, Get you into your 
 land : lor ll the Loro refuseth to give me leave to 
 go with you. 
 
 14 And the princes of Moab rose up, and they 
 went unto Balak, and said, '■Balaam refuseth to 
 come with us. 
 
 15 U And Balak sent yet again ^princes, more, 
 and more honourable than they.' 
 
 16 And they came to Balaam, and said to him, 
 Thus saith Balak, the son of Zippor, ’Let no- 
 thing, I pray thee, hinder thee from coming unto 
 me ; 
 
 17 For 'I will promote thee unto very great 
 honour, and I ■'will do whatsoever thou sayest 
 unto me : come therefore, I pray thee, curse me 
 this people. 
 
 18 And Balaam answered and said unto the 
 servants of Balak, b If Balak would give me his 
 house full of silver and gold, C I cannot go beyond 
 the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more. 
 
 q See on 4 — 6. * Heb. prevail in Jighling against him . r 20. Job 33.15 — 
 17. Matt. 27.19. e 19. 23:3.13—15,19,23. Mic.6:5. t 23:20. Gen. 12:2. 
 
 Dent. 23:5. 33:29. Ps. 144:15. 146:3 — 6. Roin. 4:6,7. 11 :29. E|»h.l:3. u 14. 
 Dent. 23:5. x 13,37. y 7,8. Acts 10:7,8. t Heb. be not thou letted from,&c. 
 l 24:11. Dent. 16:19. JEstli. 5:11. 7:9. Matt. 4:8,9. 16:26. a 23:2,3,29,30. Malt. 
 14:7. b 24:13. Tit. 1:16. c I Kings 22:14. 2Chr. 18:13. Dan. 5:17. Acts 8:20. 
 
 Israelites ; and that the customs of other nations in this re- 
 spect, were derived from the traditionary report of these events. 
 
 V. 8. Balaam seems to have been fully convinced, that 
 Jehovah was the true God, and the Protector of Israel: if 
 therefore “ his heart had not been exercised with covetous 
 practices,” and hankering after the “ rewards of divination,” 
 he would peremptorily have declared that he durst not, and 
 would not, undertake any thing against the people of God. 
 He could not but know, that it was vain to attempt any 
 opposition to Omnipotence : yet he had such unworthy notions 
 of God, as to think that, by one means or other, he would be 
 ■nduced to renounce the cause of Israel, and espouse that of 
 Moab 1 This appears to have been the project which he 
 formed, and which he prosecuted for a long time, till he was 
 still further given up to infatuation ! He therefore desired 
 a night’s time, in hopes to obtain the" Lord’s consent to his 
 journey; and he evidently expected some immediate reve- 
 lation. 
 
 V. 9 — 14. The Lord, for wise reasons, saw good to 
 answer the expectations of Balaam, and to make known his 
 will in a manner, which should at once have determined him 
 on no account to attempt any thing in the business. But 
 though he declined going at the present; he did not preclude 
 all further applications. He yielded obedience to the divine 
 injunction, but as it seems very reluctantly. He did not 
 “ bring the messengers word again as the Lord spake to 
 him:” for he mentioned merely the refusal, but neither the 
 peremptory manner, nor the reason of it, ‘ That the people 
 were blessed, and Balaam should not curse them.’ Had 
 he faithfully reported these, they would have conveyed an 
 important warning to Balak not to “meddle to his hurt:” but 
 he spake as one inclinable to the proposal, and not without 
 hope of obtaining leave ; and as his words appear to have 
 been reported in the same imperfect manner, Balak naturally 
 concluded that the prophet only wanted more respect and 
 larger promises. — The constant mention of the name of 
 Balak, shows that he was the principal person concerned ; 
 .hough tlie elders or princes had much authority and influ- 
 ence. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. As Balak concluded that Balaam might yet 
 oe induced to come, he sent a greater number of superior 
 persons, offering him any terms which he chose to demand : 
 and in return he expected an unreserved compliance ; so that 
 nothing, no not even his conscience, nor the command of 
 God, should prevent his coming and cursing Israel ! — His 
 riberality to this wicked man proved him sincere in his con- 
 fidence; as the penuriousness of some professed Christians, 
 in the cause of their religion, proves their hypocrisy. 
 
 V. 18. Balaam does not declare, that he is determined 
 not to come ; nor does he express any abhorrence of the 
 crime or the temptation; but he “cannot go” without the 
 Lord’s permission, and he seems to regret that he may not 
 avail himself of so liberal an offer. These touches must be 
 •arefully noted, if we would understand this instructive 
 History. — He speaks also of “ the Lord his God” with great 
 
 19 Now there litre, I pray you, ‘’tarry ye also 
 here litis night, '.hat I may know what the Lord 
 will say unto me more. 
 
 20 And ‘God came unto Balaam at night, and 
 said unto him, i'll the men come to call thee, rise 
 up, and go with them ; but eyet the word which 
 I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. 
 
 21 And Balaam ’‘rose up in the morning, and 
 saddled his ass, and went with the princes of 
 
 Moab. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 22 11 And ’God’s anger was kindled because he 
 went : and k the Angel of the Lord ’stood in the 
 way for an adversary against him. Now he was 
 riding upon his ass, and his two servants were 
 with him. 
 
 23 And m the ass saw the Angel of the Lord 
 standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his 
 hand : and "the ass turned aside out of the way, 
 and went into the field ; and Balaam smote the 
 ass, to turn her into the way. 
 
 24 But the Angel of the Lord stood in a path 
 of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a 
 wall on that side. 
 
 25 And when the ass saw the Angel of the 
 Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and "crush- 
 ed Balaam’s loot against the wall ; and he smote 
 her again. 
 
 26 And the Angel of the Lord went further, 
 and stood in a narrow place, '’where was no way 
 to turn, either to the right hand or to the left. 
 
 27 And when the ass saw the Angel of the Lord, 
 
 tl See on 7,8. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. 2 Pet. 2:3,15. Jiule 11. e .See tm 9. f 1 Snm. 8:3 
 —9. 12:12-. 9. Ps. 81:12. Hz. 14:2—5. 2 Tlies. 2:9— 12. g 35. 23:12,26. 24:13. 
 Ps. 33:10, 11. 78:30,31. Is. 37:29. Hos. 13:11. I: Prov. 1:15,16. i 2 Kings 10: 
 30. Hos. 1:4. k 35. See on Gen. 48: 15,16. Kx 3:2— 6. Hos. 12:4,5. 132. Ex 
 
 4:24. Lam. 2:4. in 2 Kings 6:17. I Clir. 21:16. Dim. 10:7. Acls22:9. I Cor. 1: 
 28,29. u Jer. 8.7. o Job 5:13— 15. Is. 47:12. pis. 26:11. Hos. 2:6 
 
 confidence; but this might be done merely to keep up his 
 high reputation: or he might deceive lnmself; for it is 
 probable, that he outwardly worshipped Jehovah. 
 
 V. 19 — 21. After the peremptory answer which God had 
 given Balaam, he should have spoken to this effect ; 1 Say 
 no more to me on this subject, but return home, and make 
 the best terms you can with Israel. They are the people of 
 the true God, whom he is determined to bless ; and you can 
 do nothing against them, by stratagem or by power, human 
 or divine : for my part I cannot, I dare not, and I would not 
 for the world, presume to oppose them ; so tempt me no 
 more.’ — ‘ The state of Balaam’s mind was this: He wanted 
 to do what he knew to be very wicked, and contrary to the 
 express command of God ; he had inward checks and 
 restraints which he could not entirely get over; he there- 
 fore cast about for ways to reconcile this wickedness to his 
 duty. How great a paradox soever this may appear, as it is 
 indeed a contradiction in terms, it is the very account which 
 the Scripture gives of him.’ Bp. Butler. — But he was the 
 slave of covetousness, and entertained dishonourable thoughts 
 of God, and supposed that he could be induced to change his 
 determination: therefore the Lord in anger gave him the 
 permission, which he so wickedly and eagerly desired. It 
 seems he was in such haste, that he did not wait the call of 
 Balak’s princes, but arose early and prepared for his journey. 
 The clause, “ yet the words which 1 shall say unto thee, 
 that thou shalt do,” may be understood either as an injunc- 
 tion, or as a prediction of the event, namely, that he should be 
 constrained to speak the words of God, and not be able to 
 express his own desires. 
 
 V. 22. The Lord permits almost an infinity 'of actions 
 which he does not approve : (Notes, 1 Kings 22:19 — 23. 
 
 Job 1:12.) and he is very angry with those, who avail them- 
 selves of his permission to gratify their lusts. “ They think 
 evil, but God means it unto good.” Nay, the motive even 
 of obedience may be so corrupt, that while the action is 
 approved, God may abhor the principle from which it spring. — 
 Balaam was instigated by covetousness and ambition: (Note, 
 2 Pet. 2:15,16.) and he wickedly, with perseverance, sought 
 to curse a people whom the Lord had blessed : yet he seems 
 to have had no attachment to Moab, or ill-will to Israel, 
 except for filthy lucre’s sake. The Lord therefore, with 
 evident disapprobation, gave him leave to go with the princes 
 of Moab; of which he eagerly availed himself; and both the 
 motive and conduct displeased the Lord, who therefore met 
 him “as an adversary” in the way. — His avarice was the 
 more inexcusable, as he could already afford to travel with two 
 attendants. Probably, the princes of Moab having been 
 informed of his determination, had gone before to prepare 
 matters for his reception. 
 
 V. 23 — 27. Balaam’s eyes being holden that he could not 
 see the angel, who was visible to the ass, was an emblem of 
 the blindness of his mind to that eminent and evident peril 
 into which he was rushing by this presumptuous undertaking. 
 Surely the singular circumstances of this occurrence should 
 
 ( 293 ) 
 
B C. 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 6<ie fell down, u^idi r Balaam; fland Balaam’s anger 
 was kindled, atd he smote the ass'with a stafU 
 
 28 And the Lord r opened the mouth of the ass, 
 and she said unto Balaam, ‘What have I done 
 unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three 
 times ? 
 
 29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because 
 thou hast mocked me : I would there were a 
 sword in mine hand, "for now would 1 kill thee. 
 
 30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Jim not I 
 thine ass, ’upon which thou hast ridden tever since 
 I was thine, unto this day ? was I ever wont to do 
 60 unto thee ? And he said, Nay. • 
 
 31 Then the Lord "opened the eyes of Balaam, 
 and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the 
 way, and his sword drawn in his hand : and he 
 'bowed down his head, and Tell flat on his face. 
 
 32 And the Angel of the Lord said unto him, 
 y Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three 
 times? behold, I went out to Withstand thee, 
 because Hhy way is perverse “before me. 
 
 33 And the ass saw me and turned from me 
 these three times : unless she had turned from me, 
 b surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her 
 alive. 
 
 34 And Balaam said unto the Angel of the 
 Lord, C I have sinned ; for I knew not that thou 
 
 9 Prov. 14:16. 27:3,4. r Ex. 4:11. Luke 1:37. 1 Cor. 1:19. 2Pet. 2:16. ■ Rom. 
 8:22. t I’rov. 12:10,16. Ec. 9:3. * Heb. who hast ridden upon me. t Or, ever 
 since thou wast, unto , &c. 1 Ccr. 1:27,28. u 24:4. marg. 16. Gen. 21:19. 2 Kings 
 6:17-20. 1 Chr.21:l6. Luke 24:16,31. Acts 26:18. x Ex. 34:8. Ps. 9:20. John 
 18:6. \ Or, bowed, himself. y 28. Deut.25:4. Ps.36:6. 147:9. Jon. 4:11. 
 
 Heb. be an adversary unto thee. 22. z Deut. 23:4. Prov.28:6. Mic. 6:5. Acts 
 3:10. 2Pet. 2:14,15. a See on 20,22,35. Ex. 3:2— 6 . b 14:37. 16:33—35. 
 I Kings 13:24—28. c Ex. 9:27. 10:16,17. 1 Sam. 15:24. 24:17. 26-j.:. Job 34:31; 
 
 have induced him to consider whether he were in the right 
 way or not — The Angel, &c.] Note, 32. 
 
 V < 28. The faculty of speech in man is the gift of God, 
 and we cannot comprehend how we ourselves articulate : we 
 need not therefore be surprised that the Lord made use of the 
 mouth of the “ ass to rebuke the madness of the prophet,” 
 and to shante him by the reproof and by the example of the 
 brute. Satan spake to Eve by a subtle serpent, but the Lord 
 chose to speak to Balaam by a dull ass : for he does not use 
 “ enticing words of man’s wisdom,” but works by instru- 
 ments and means which men despise. — Some expositors, 
 unable to conceive how an ass could speak, have thought, (in 
 direct opposition to the words of the sacred historian,) that 
 the whole was only a vision : but can they indeed conceive or 
 explain, how God represented these things to Balaam’s mind 
 in a vision '! If not, the difficulty remains, and Omnipotence 
 must be allowed to have done what man cannot comprehend. 
 
 V. 29, 30. The miracle of the ass speaking might asto- 
 nish Balaam, though that is not recorded ; or, having been a 
 magician, he had witnessed or heard of strange, portentous 
 events, and perhaps ascribed it to magic ; or the fury of his 
 passion resembled mgdness, and the prodigy served to 
 increase it. — Balaam was supposed capable of destroying 
 Israel, or at least making way for their destruction, by a 
 curse ; yet he could not kill his ass for want of a sword ! But 
 the Lord reasoned with him by the mouth of the ass ; and, 
 by reminding him of his property in the animal and his benefit 
 from her, and that she had not been accustomed so to behave, 
 he taught him that his conduct was very absurd, and prepared 
 the way for a more full discovery of his wickedness. — The 
 words used on this occasion, seem to imply that Balaam had 
 ridden on this ass from his youth : (marg.) and consequently 
 that she had been a valuable and faithful servant to him. — It 
 must have been peculiarly humiliating to this proud man, 
 who boasted “ of his eyes being open, and of seeing the 
 visions of the Almighty,” to be reproved and silenced from 
 the mouth of a brute. As the Lord both appeared to the ass 
 and spake by her, before Balaam was enabled to see the 
 vision, lie had little reason to boast when the Lord appeared 
 to him and spake by him. 
 
 V. 32. Thy way is perverse before me.} From this expres- 
 sion, and from the language of the thirty-fifth verse, “ The 
 word that 1 shall speak unto thee,” we may be satisfied that 
 this was the angel of the covenant, the second person of the 
 Trinity, visibly appearing on this occasion. 
 
 V. 33. Balaam was thus shown that he owed his life to 
 that supposed ungovernableness of the ass, which he so madly 
 resented. 
 
 V. 31, 35. Though Balaam acknowledged that ho had 
 sinned ; yet he excused himself as being ignorant that any 
 opposition was made to him. He does not appear to have 
 been convinced of the wickedness of his undertaking ; and it 
 was with hesitation that he proposed to return, only if he 
 might not proceed except at the hazard of his life. (Is. 57:17.) 
 So reluctant was he to give up “ the wages of unrighteous- 
 ness!” He was therefore again permitted to follow his own 
 fool'sh devices. 
 
 V. 36 — 3S. Balak, hearing that Balaam was at length 
 coming, to show his joy, and to honour him, went to the borders 
 
 V 294 ) 
 
 stoodest in the way against me : now therefore, d if 
 it "displease thee, I will get me back again. 
 
 35 And the Angel of the Lord said unto Ba- 
 laam, "Go with the men : but only the word that 
 fl shall speak unto thee, that thou shalt speak. So 
 Balaam went with the princes of Balak. 
 
 36 And when Balak heard that Balaam was 
 come, Tie went out to meet him unto a city of 
 Moab, which is in The border of Arnon, which is 
 in the utmost coast. 
 
 37 And Balak said unto Balaam, Did I not 
 earnestly send unto thee to call thee ? wherefore 
 earnest thou not unto me ? 'am I not able indeed 
 to promote thee to honour ? 
 
 38 And Balaam said unto Balak, Lo, I am come 
 unto thee : k have I now any power at all to say 
 any thing? 'the word that God putteth in my 
 mouth, that shall I speak. 
 
 39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they 
 came unto 1I Kirjath-huzoth. 
 
 40 And Balak ""offered oxen and sheep, and sent 
 to Balaam, and to the princes that were with 
 him. 
 
 41 And it came to pass on the morrow, that 
 Balak took Balaam, and brought him up into the 
 "high places of Baal, that thence he might see the 
 "utmost part of the people. 
 
 32. Ps. 78:34. Matt. 27:4,5. dSeeon\2. || Heb. be evil in thine eyes. 11:1. 
 1 Chr.2l:7. Prov. 24:18. margins, e See on 20. Ps. 81:12. Ts. 37:26— 29. 2 The*. 
 2:9—12. f See on 20,21. g Gen. 14: 17. 18:2. 46:29. Ex. 18:7. I Sam. 13:10. 
 Acts 28:15. h 21:13,14. Deut. 2:24. 3:8. Judg. 11:18. Is. 16:2. Jer. 48:20. i 16, 
 17. 24:11. Matt. 4:8,9. Luke 4:6. k 18. Ps. 33:10. 76:10. Prov. 19:21. Is. 44: 
 25. 46:10. 47:12. 123:16,26. 24:13. 1 Kings 22:14. 2 Chr. 18:13. fl Or, a city 
 of streets, m 23:2,14,30. Gen. 31:54. Prov. 1:16. u 25:2,3. Deut. 12:2. 2 Chr. 
 11:15. Jer. 48:35. o 23:13. 
 
 of his land to meet him. Yet he could not but express his 
 surprise, that he had not come at first when such a prospect 
 of honour and emolument opened before him : and Balaam’s 
 answer plainly indicated his readiness to concur in Balak’s 
 projects, and his strong desire of succeeding, though he 
 feared he should not be able. Nay, he seems to have 
 made a merit of coming through the midst of so much oppo- 
 sition. 
 
 V. 40, 41. These sacrifices seem to have been offered to 
 the gods of Moab, by whose aid Balak hoped to prevail over 
 Israel, through Balaam’s incantations; for he was not yet 
 aware of Balaam’s project of drawing over the God of Israel 
 to the side of Moab ; and he therefore propitiated his idols, 
 and invited Balaam, with the princes, to feast upon the sacri- 
 fice. After which, without loss of time, the idolatrous king 
 took his covetous prophet to the high places of Baal, that he 
 might both lake a view of the Israelites, and curse them by 
 his gods. — “ Baal” signifies lord or governor, and was a name 
 common to many idols. Probably this Baal was the same as 
 Chemosh, the god of Moab. (Jer. 48:13,46.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. Our life is a succession of wanderings which 
 will shortly close upon the brink of the grave: happy they 
 who have an inheritance in the Canaan beyond ! with com- 
 fort may they sit down on the banks of that Jordan which 
 rolls between, and with composure wait the Lord’s call to pass 
 over and possess the promised land. But the ungodly “ are 
 consumed with terrors though more generally “ afraid of 
 them who can only kill the body,” than of “ Him who is able 
 to destroy both body and soul in hell.” — The prosperity of 
 the church, instead of inducing sinners to seek a share in its 
 felicity, generally excites their envy, hatred, and terror, and 
 stirs up the spirit of persecution: but the crafty methods, 
 which ungodly politicians take to secure themselves, gene- 
 rally involve them in more speedy ruin. — That propensity to 
 religion, which results from reason and conscience, and the 
 corrupted remains of tradition, is, through the depravity of 
 our nature, generally productive of absurd superstitions and 
 abominable idolatries; by means of which Satan, that ambi- 
 tious spirit, is consulted and depended on for information and 
 assistance ; his ministers aro caressed and honoured ; and his 
 rites attended on with immense degradation, trouble, and 
 expense. (Notes, Is. 57:9,10. Mic. 0:6 — 8. Col. 2:20 — 23.) — 
 Great knowledge of doctrinal truth may fill the minds of very 
 wicked men; many convictions may disquiet their con- 
 sciences; and excellent words may proceed from their lips 
 but the smallest degree of sanctifying grace is infinitely pre- 
 ferable to the most shining talents, or the most splendid gifts 
 of knowledge, utterance, and eloquence ; yea, to those of pro- 
 phecy and miracles, by which hypocrites have sometimes 
 become more extensively mischievous, illustriously infamous, 
 heinously criminal, and exquisitely miserable.— Let us then 
 covet earnestly and diligently that licit gif! of divine love, 
 which springs from faith and hope, and never failoth,but shall 
 endure for ever. — If wo had learned to lay up our treasure in 
 heaven, and to seek that honour which cornel h from God only, 
 and to be content with food and rainiei'. ; and if covetousness, 
 ambition, and sensuality were greatly norti'icd witlr.n us, we 
 should have little !c hope or fear fron. mail and bo removed 
 
D C. 1-152. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Balak builds seven altars, and offers sacrifices on them, 1,8. Balaam goes to 
 meet the Lord, and returning blesses Israel : Balak remonstrates, ami Ba- 
 laam excuses it, 3 — 1*2. Balak sacrifices in another place, Balaam blesses 
 Israel still more ; Balak cannot hinder him, 13—26. Balak sacrifices on 
 the top of Peor, 27—30. 
 
 A ND Balaam said unto Balak, “Build me here 
 b seven altars, and prepare me here “seven 
 oxen and seven rams. 
 
 2 And Balak did as Balaam had spoken ; and 
 Balak and Balaam d offered on every altar a bul- 
 lock and a ram. 
 
 3 And Balaam said unto Balak, Stand by thy 
 •burnt-offering, and I will go ; f peradventure the 
 
 .29. Ex. 33:31. Jude 11. b Ex. 20:34 . 27:1, 4c. ISam. 15:22. 2 Kings 18:22. 
 P., 50:8,9. Prov. 15:8. Is. 1:11— 15. Matt. 23:14. c 29:32. 1 Chr. 15:26. 2 Chr. 
 29:21. Job 42:8. Ex. 45:23. d 14,30. e Gen. 8:20. 22:2,7,8,13. Ex. 18:12. Lex. 
 1: 115. 22:8.9,34—35. 24:1. • Or, went toiitary. g 16. 22:9,20. hSeeonl. 
 
 far out of the way of temptation: but, as there is so much of 
 these evils still remaining in the heart, we all have cause to 
 dread and shun those connexions, which almost every one 
 covets ; I mean connexions with ungodly men, who are able 
 to promote us to honour and affluence. These are especially 
 dangerous to such as are called to speak in the name of the 
 Lord: for by their influence, by fair promises exciting large 
 expectations, and by showing great kindness and flattering 
 respect, they prevail with many to sacrifice conscience, judg- 
 ment, character, and the fear of God, to the humour and 
 inclination of their patrons, and to flatter and countenance 
 their sinful practices. — The attraction is almost irresistible, 
 the heart is deceitful : and who, that values his soul and 
 knows himself, would venture into such a perilous situation ? — 
 Therefore “ avoid them, pass not near them, turn from them, 
 and pass away.” 
 
 V. 8 — 21. There have always been many “who loved the 
 wages of unrighteousness,” and paid their court to those who 
 could bid highest and reward best. Some of this character 
 act the hypocrite, and ostentatiously avow their knowledge of 
 God, and intimacy with him, to cloak their wicked intentions ; 
 nay, they in this manner deceive themselves, calling “ the 
 Lord their God,” while they neither keep his commandments 
 nor seek his salvation. — These men do not hate sin, and they 
 love its wages ; and thus they mistake gain for godliness, and 
 covetousness for wisdom. (Note, 1 Tim. 6:6 — 10.) Fear 
 restrains them for a time from those outward crimes, which 
 they are inwardly desirous of committing; and this restraint 
 they mistake for conscientiousness. Convictions struggle 
 against temptations, though overcome by them ; and this they 
 mistake for the conflict between flesh and spirit. (Note, Rom. 
 7:18 — 21. conclusion.) But they parley with the enemy, and 
 nibble at the bait; they seek excuses, and watch for opportu- 
 nities ; they wrest the Scriptures, explain away the prohibi- 
 tion or theatening, or seek diligently for some evasion ; and 
 even seem to crave leave to commit their darling sin. — Thus 
 they provoke God to “ give them up to their own hearts’ lusts ;” 
 Satan is permitted to increase the force of the temptation ; 
 providential dispensations are misinterpreted into a favourable 
 indication ; and, by the ingenuity of a wicked heart, aided and 
 prompted by the enemy, they at length find some method of 
 expecting impunity, in following their own wicked inclinations. 
 (Note, 2 Thes. 2:8 — 12.) — When persons are once judicially 
 “ given over to a strong delusion to believe a he,” all their 
 boasted knowledge and Wisdom fail them ; and they are left to 
 form such dishonourable notions of God, such erroneous 
 opinions in religion, and such absurd projects in practice, as 
 evidence their folly and ignorance, and expose their desperate 
 wickedness. Nor does this appear more surprising in any 
 thing, than in their strong confidence that the Lord favours 
 them, and their presumptuous hope that he will side with 
 them, notwithstanding the manifest iniquity of their conduct. 
 
 Y. 22 — 41. The Lord knows how to restrain the most 
 desperate rebels, and over rule their efforts against him and 
 his cause, to his own glory and the good of his church. By 
 the way, as well as at the end of their course, he will mani- 
 fest himself to be their adversary : and though they be not 
 convinced, but rush through every hinderance to the gratifi- 
 cation of their lusts, these obstructions will one day rise up 
 in judgment against them to their confusion ; and every check, 
 which stopped the sinner’s career for a time, but did not hin- 
 der his continuance in sin, will increase his final condemna- 
 tion. — Such is man’s folly and madness, that, with all his 
 boasted powers, he may be sent to school to the most stupid 
 of the animals : for though God hath “ formed us wiser than 
 the beasts of the field,” sin hath made us more foolish: (Job 
 35:11. Prov. 6:6. Is. 1:3.) and the conduct of the ox and the 
 ass towards their possessors, yea, their inhuman abusers, 
 "orms a continued, though silent reproach of our forgetful- 
 ixess of God, of our ingratitude and rebellion ; and may lead 
 • « to conceive in what language they might address us, and 
 how they might plead the cause of their Creator, and their 
 own cause, against us, to our shame and confusion, if the 
 Lord should open their mouths. How might they reproach 
 multitudes with their abuse of God’s gift, in the cruel tyranny 
 exercised upon them ! with their senseless anger vented in 
 oaths and cursings, revilings and unmerciful blows “uriously 
 bestowed upor a brute beast, ev m to their own loss . How 
 
 Lord will come to meet me : and whatsoever he 
 showeth me I will tell thee. And he 'went to an 
 high place. 
 
 4 And *God met Balaam : and he said unto him. 
 h I have prepared seven altars, and I have ofierea 
 upon every altar a bullock and a ram. 
 
 5 And the Lord 'put a word in Balaam’s mouth 
 and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou sha 
 speak. 
 
 6 And he returned unto him ; and, lo, )he stooa 
 by his burnt-sacrifice, he, and all the princes oi 
 Moab. 
 
 7 And he k took up his parable, and said, Balak 
 
 In. 58:3,4. Mau. 20:12. Luke 18:12. John 16:2. Rom. 3:27. E|)h.2:9. i 16. 
 
 35. Dent. 18:18. Prov. 16:1,9. Is. 51:16. 59:21. Jer. 1:9. Luke 12:12. John 11:51. 
 13. k 18. 21:3,15,23. Job 27:1. 29:1. P». 78:2. Ez. 17:2. 20:49. Mic.2:4. Hah. 
 2:6. Mau. 13:35. Mark 12:12. 
 
 might they expose man’s cruelty to his own species, yea, to 
 his own soul and body ; and his excessive animal indulgence ; 
 as if his understanding only served him to invent methods of 
 being more exquisitely a brute, by refining in sensual gratifi- 
 cation ! — -Little cause then have we to be proud of our reason, 
 which fails to preserve us from such absurd and destructive 
 excesses ; or of the faculty of speech which is so shamefully 
 abused: and it may serve to abate our self-admiration, to 
 reflect that, if God pleases, he can make a dull ass see fur- 
 ther, and speak better, than any of us. Let us then watch 
 and pray against corrupt and unreasonable passions; and 
 listen to the voice of God, as speaking to us by all the crea- 
 tures with which we are surrounded. — How little are the 
 people of God in general aware of the machinations, which 
 are forming against them ; whilst all the policy and power on 
 earth and in hell are combined for their destruction ! (Notes, 
 Job 1:9—12. P. O. 6—12. Note, Ps. 37:12—1.5.) Yet 
 they need not fear, with distressing anxiety ; for “ he that 
 keepeth Israel neither slumbereth nor sleepeth.” The Lord 
 sees through every plot, and “ no weapon formed against his 
 church shall prosper.” (Notes, Is. 54:15 — 17. Rom. 8:35 — 
 39.) He restrains, intimidates, and infatuates, as he pleases. 
 He hath blessed true believers, and of him alone it can be 
 said, “He whom thou blessest is ble'ssed, and he whom thou 
 cursest is cursed.” Let us therefore cast our lot among them, 
 and then we shall be safe and happy ; “ for if God be for us, 
 who can be agauist us ?” “ O Lord God of hosts, blessed is 
 the man who irusteth in thee!” Oh, give us true faith, and 
 increase it more and more ! 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXIII. V. I, 2. Balaam had heard, 
 that the Israelites had an altar, on which they offered bulls 
 and rams, and in doing this were accepted by Jehovah : 
 and he seems to have foolishly fancied, that by going beyond 
 them in the number of altars and sacrifices, the Moabites 
 might draw the Lord over to their side, and obtain leave to 
 curse and destroy Israel. It does not appear from the his- 
 tory, that he either dissuaded Balak from his purpose of war- 
 ring against Israel, or exhorted him and his people to repent- 
 ance : but in the ianguage of authority or consequence, he 
 directed Balak to build “seven altars, &c.” and Balak, with 
 great obsequiousness, complied with his expensive demands. 
 It is evident that Balaam intended these sacrifices to be 
 offered to the God of Israel ; and probably he influenced Balak 
 to join him in this respect likewise. (4) 
 
 V. 3. The Lord had before met Balaam in anger, and 
 greatly terrified him : but, having offered such costly sacri- 
 fices, he now hoped that he would countenance his design ; 
 yet conscious guilt induced him to add “peradventure.” — 
 Probably Balaam used incantations in his retirement, to 
 obtain a favourable meeting from the Lord, such as he had 
 formerly employed in his soothsayings. (23. Note, 24:1,2.) — 
 Formal converts very frequently intermingle their supersti- 
 tious, philosophical, or carnal notions, with the truths, ordi- 
 nances, and precepts of God ; and from this source, almost all 
 the corruptions of the Christian religion have been deduced. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. The Lord had important designs in meeting 
 and speaking to this wicked man, notwithstanding the unwar- 
 ranted method in which he sought him. He thus encouraged 
 and admonished Israel, and his church in all ages ; he warned 
 their enemies ; and he discovered the depths of wickedness 
 which are in man’s heart.— Balaam, instead of being ashamed 
 of his atrocious wickedness, seems to have boasted of his 
 service, in prevailing on Balak to offer so many and costly 
 sacrifices to Jehovah. But he was blind indeed, to suppose 
 that the God of Heaven would be pleased with sacrifices,, 
 offered in hypocrisy, without repentance, faith i Ve, and . be- 
 dience ; merely out of covetousness and malice, and with an 
 intention of cursing and destroying his people ! The Loro 
 however, gave him his message which he could not but de- 
 liver; (Note, 22:19 — 21.) and he soon returned to Balak and 
 his princes, who doubtless had joined with Balaam, in pray- 
 ing for leave to curse and destroy Israel. (Mark 5:7,12 ' 
 
 V. 7. 8. Balaam began his speech in the solemn style oi 
 prophecy, which approached that of poetry : and the Lord, 
 probably by filling him with the dread of his power and wrath, 
 constrained him reluctantly to pronounce blessings on his 
 people. He guided the mouth of this wicked man, to speak 
 words as contrary to the desires of his heart, as those of tha. 
 ( 295 ) 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1452 
 
 the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, 
 >ut of the mountains of the east, saying •, m Come, 
 curse me Jacob; and come, “defy Israel. 
 
 8 "How shall I curse, whom God hath not 
 cursed ? or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath 
 not defied ? 
 
 9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and 
 from the hills I behold him : lo, the people shall 
 Pd well alone, and tshall not be reckoned among 
 the nations. 
 
 10 Who 'can count the dust of Jacob, and the 
 number of "the fourth part of Israel ? Let 'me die 
 •the death of the righteous, and let my last end be 
 like his! 
 
 11 And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast 
 thou done unto me ? U I took thee to curse mine 
 enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them alto- 
 gether ! 
 
 12 And he answered and said, x Must I not 
 take heed to speak that which the Lord hath put 
 
 in my mouth ? [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 122:5. Gen. 10:22. 28:2,7. Dent. 23:4. m22:6, 11,17. n 1 Sam. 17:10,25,26,36, 
 45. 2 Sam. 21:21. 23:9. o20,23. la. 44:25. 47:12,13. p Ex. 19:5,6. 33:16. Lieut. 
 33:26. Esth.3:8. 2Cor. 6:17. Tit. 2:14. 1 Pet. 2:9. n Deut. 32:8. Ezra 9:2. 
 Jer. 46:28. Am. 9:9. Rom. 15:8— 10. Eph. 2:12— 14. r Gen. 13:16. 22:17. 28; 
 14. s 2:9,16,24,31. • Heli. my soul, or, my life, t Ps. 37:37. 116:15. la. 57:1, 
 2. Luke 2:29,30. 1 Cor. 3:21,22. 15:53—57. Phil. 1:21— 23. 2Tim. 4:6— 8. 2 Pet. 
 
 ass were superior to the powers of the brute : and if we duly 
 advert to the temper of the speaker, we shall perceive that 
 the Lord spake by Balaam as entirely as by the ass ; that 
 the divine power was as really and effectually put forth in 
 this case as in the other ; and that Balaam had no more to 
 glory in thifti the animal, but much indeed to be ashamed of. 
 ( Note, 22:28.) — Balaam was sent for from Aram, or Meso- 
 potamia, to curse Israel, and thus disdainfully to set them at 
 defiance : and he confessed that he came with that intent, in 
 order that Balak might war against them. But, as the Lord 
 nad not “ cursed and defied them," (that is, had not rejected 
 them, or determined to treat them as enemies,) he would not 
 allow Balaam to curse them ; though “ the curse causeless” 
 could have done them no hurt, and might have deceived and 
 hardened Balak. — Defy. (7) Notes , 1 Sam. 17:8 — 10,25,26, 
 42— 44. 
 
 V. 9. Beholding the regular encampment of the Israelites, 
 6pparatefrom other people, Balaam was led to speak language 
 suited, not only to that situation, but to the peculiar favour 
 shown them, and to their separation from other nations, by 
 laws, religion, and character, as a holy people ; in all which 
 they were a type of true Christians. — The words, however, 
 are a most extraordinary prophecy, whicn has now been 
 accomplishing for above three thousand years. The distinc- 
 tion between Israel and the Gentiles, may in some sense be 
 traced back to the calling of Abraham ; it was recognised and 
 established by the giving of the law and the Sinai-covenant; 
 and after the final captivity of the ten tribes, the Jews, (as 
 the nation was thenceforth generally called,) were kept a dis- 
 tinct people through the Babylonish captivity, and in subse- 
 quent ages, by their peculiar way of living, even when among 
 other nations, which was always noted, and made a reproach 
 to them, as the effect of bigotry. Since the destruction of 
 Jerusalem, they have been scattered as aliens through many 
 countries : yet they still “ dwell alone, and are not reckoned 
 among the nations for they have been preserved from being 
 confounded with their conquerors and oppressors in foreign 
 lands, in a manner absolutely unprecedented in the history of 
 the world. (Note, Jer. 30:10,11.) This prediction is the 
 more wonderful, as the Israelites had at this time no settle- 
 ment; and their peculiar laws and constitution could be very 
 little known to Balaam. How then, except by divine revela- 
 tion, could he possibly have foreseen this striking peculiarity 
 of that people? — The distinction itself between Jews and Gen- 
 tiles, which subsisted in every age, is a fulfilment of it. 
 
 V. 10. The multitudes of Israel were innumerable as the 
 particles of the dust, according to the promises made to their 
 fathers. (Marg. Ref. r.) Even “the fourth part” of them, 
 or one of their four grand encampments, could not be num- 
 bered. — As Balaam spoke the words of God, with some un- 
 derstanding of their meaning, and some conviction of their 
 truth, we may consider the concluding part of this verse, as 
 an important ancient testimony to the doctrines of the immor- 
 tality of the soul, and of a future state of retribution. He not 
 only bore testimony to the temporal felicity oflsrael, and to 
 their character as a righteous people ; but he also acknow- 
 ledged, that the righteous are happy in death, and beyond it. — 
 That calmness with which the true believer expects and sub- 
 mits to the stroke of death ; that hope full of immortality 
 which supports him at the solemn season ; and that prospect 
 of eternal felicity in another world, in which he rejoices, and 
 which he recommends to others ; render his latter end desira- 
 ble, even in the judgment of those wicked people, whose con- 
 victions respecting a future judgment check them in their sin- 
 ful pursuits with fears of eternal misery ; and who would be 
 glad of deliverance from the horror of dying in sin, and sinking 
 iuto hell, if it could be obtained without repentance and self- 
 
 ( 296 ) 
 
 13 IT And Balak said unto aim, Come, I pray 
 thee, with me Junto ancther place, from whence 
 thou mayest see them : thou shalt see but the 
 'utmost part of them, and shalt not see them all; 
 and “curse me them from thence. 
 
 14 And he brought him into the field of Zophim. 
 to the top of ’Pisgah, and b built seven altars, anti 
 offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. 
 
 15 And he said unto Balak, Stand here by thy 
 burnt-offering, “while I meet the LORD yon- 
 der. 
 
 16 And the Lord met Balaam, and d put a 
 word in his mouth, and said, Go again unto 
 Balak, and say thus. 
 
 17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood 
 by his burnt-offering, and the princes of Moab 
 with him. And Balak said unto him, “What hath 
 the Lord spoken ? 
 
 18 And he took up his parable, and said, fRise 
 up, Balak, and hear ; hearken unto me, thou son 
 of Zippor. 
 
 1:13—15. Rev. 14:13. u See on 7,8. 24:10. Ps. 109:17—20. x 20,26. 22:38. 
 24:13. Prov. 26:23. H'om. 16:18. Til. 1:16. y 1 Kings 20:23,28. Mic. 6:5. i22: 
 41. a Josh. 24 9. Ps. 109:17. Jam. 3:9,10. t Or, the hill. 21:20. Deut. 3:27. 
 marg 4:49. 34:1. marg. b 1,29. Is. 1:10,11. 46:6. Hos. 12:11. c See on 3. 
 22:8. d Set on 5. 22:35. 24:1. e 26. 1 Sam. 3:17. fJudg. 3:20. 
 
 denial. They wish, they hope, and in some sense they intend, 
 to “die the death of the righteous :” but the love of wealth, 
 honour or pleasure, in one form or other, keeps them from 
 living the life of the righteous. They therefore procrastinate, 
 and quiet their consciences with the hope of future amend- 
 ment ; or they rest in some false confidence, some superficial 
 reformation, or external change ; or they despise that only 
 salvation, by which a sinner can be righteous before God. 
 ( Note and P. O. Luke 13:22 — 30.) Thus many, who wish 
 to “die the death of the righteous,” live impenitent and perish 
 in sin, as Balaam did. — ‘ The object now before us is the 
 most astonishing in the world. A very wicked man, under 
 a deep sense of God and religion, persisting still in his wicked- 
 ness, and preferring the wages of unrighteousness, even when 
 he had before him a lively view of death, and that approach- 
 ing period of his days, which should deprive him of all the 
 advantages, for which he was prostituting himself; and like- 
 wise a prospect, whether certain or uncertain, of a future 
 state of retribution ! All this joined with an explicit wish, 
 that when he was to leave this world he might be in the con- 
 dition of a righteous man ! Good God, what inconsistency, 
 what perplexity is here ! With what different views of things*, 
 with what contradictory principles of action, must such a mind 
 be torn and distracted ! It was not an unthinking careless- 
 ness by which he ran headlong into vice and folly, without 
 making a stand to ask himself what he was doing: no, he 
 acted upon the cool motives of interest. ... Neither was he 
 totally callous to impressions of religion, what we call aban- 
 doned; for he absolutely denied to curse Israel. When rea- 
 son resumes her place, ... he owns and feels, and is actually 
 under the influence of the divine authority, whilst he is car- 
 rying on his views to the grave, the end of all temporal great- 
 ness ; under this sense of things, with the better character 
 and more desirable state present, . . . full before him, ... in his 
 thoughts, in his wishes, voluntarily to choose the worse! 
 What fatality is here ! Or, how otherwise can such a cha- 
 racter be explained? And yet, strange as it may appear, it 
 is not altogether an uncommon one. Nay, with some small 
 alterations and put a little lower, it is applicable to a consider- 
 able part of the world. . . For if the reasonable choice be seen 
 and acknowledged, and yet men make the unreasonable one ; 
 is not this the same inconsistency which appeared unaccounta- 
 ble? . . . Men’s strong attachments to this present world ; their 
 hopes, fears, and pursuits, are beyond all proportion to the 
 known value of the things they respect. . . . They try lo make 
 a composition with the A lmighty. . . . Those of his commands 
 they will obey ; but as to the others, they will make all atone- 
 ments in their power. ... Indulgences before, or atonements 
 afterwards, are all the same : and they add faint hopes and half- 
 resolves of making a change at one time or other.’ tip. Duller. 
 
 V. 12. Balaam attempted to make a merit of necessity ; 
 and when he was constrained to bless Israel, ho would be 
 thought very obedient to the Lord in so doing. Yet after he 
 had declared that God had not cursed them, and he could 
 not, ho persisted in his endeavour. Indeed, ho seems t« 
 have hoped, that he should at length obtain permission in 
 this respect ;*for he had been allowed to come at the second 
 time, though this had been refused him at the first. ( Notes, 
 22:9—14,19—21.) 
 
 V. 13. Balak seems to have thought that Balaam’s mind 
 was indisposed for cursing Israel, by seeing their numerous 
 and orderly encampments all at once ; he therefore hoped to 
 prevail, in cursing one division first, against which he proba- 
 bly intended to commence hostilities. Or he suporstltiouily 
 thought one place more suited to the purpose halt another, 
 (Note, 1 Kings, 20:23 — 25.) 
 
 V. 14— 18. Marg. Rtf. Notes, 1 -8. 
 
B. C * 452 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. B. C. 1432. 
 
 19 God ''is n> a man that lie should lie, neither 
 the son o!' man that he should repent: hath he 
 6aid, and shall lie not doit? or hath he spoken, 
 and shall he not make it good ? 
 
 20 Behold, 1 have received commandment to 
 bless; and h he hath blessed, and 'I cannot reverse it. 
 
 21 He Jhath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, 
 neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel : k the 
 Lord his God is with him, and ‘the shout of a 
 King is among them. 
 
 22 ‘"God brought them out of Egypt: he hath 
 as it were "the strength of an unicorn. 
 
 23 Surely there is °no enchantment "against 
 Jacob, neither is there any divination against 
 Israel : Paccording to this time it shall be said of 
 Jacob and of Israel, 'iWhat hath God wrought! 
 
 24 Behold, the people shall rise up r as a great 
 lion, and lift up himself as a young lion : s he shall 
 
 glSnm. 15:29. Ps. 89:35. Hub. 2:3. Mai. 3:6. Luke21:33. Rom. 11:29. Tit. 
 1:2. Hell. 6:13. Jam. 1:17. h 22:12. lien. 12:2. 22:17. i 22:18,38. John 10: 
 27—29. Rom. 6:3s, 39. 1 Pel. 1:5. jjer. 50:20. Hot. 14:2—1. Mic. 7:18—29. 
 Rom. 4:7,8. 9:14.8:1. 2t'or.5:19. k Kx. 13:21. 29:45,46. 33:14— 16. 34:9. 
 Judg. 6: 13. 2Chr. 13:12. Ps. 23:4. 46:7,11 . Is. 8:10. 12:6. 41:10. Ez. 48.35. 
 Man. 1:23. 2 Cor. 6:1$. I Ps. 47:5— 7. 89: IS. 97:1. Ia. 33:22. Luke 19:37,38. 
 2 Cor, 2:14. m'22:5. Ex. 9:16. 14:18. 20:2. Ps.68:35. n Job 39:10,11. Ps. 22: 
 21. o 22:6 . 24:1. Gen. 3:15. Mall. 16:18. Luke 10:18,19. Rom. 16:20. Rev. 
 
 V. 19, 20. Men are deceitful, changeable, easily induced 
 to revoke their engagements, or unable to fulfil them. On the 
 contrary, God is perfectly sincere, faithful, unchangeable, 
 almighty : and though, after the manner of man, he is said 
 to repent of the kindness that he has shown, when his crea- 
 tures by ingratitude provoke him to withdraw his bounty ; 
 and of his judgments denounced, when sinners repent, or 
 when, in answer to prayer, he delays the execution of them ; 
 (Notes, Gen. 6:fi,7. Jer. 18:7 — 10.) yet in the event it will 
 be found, that every promise and engagement made to be- 
 lievers was exactly accomplished, and all his threatenings 
 against unbelievers completely and finally executed. — This 
 declaration, by the mouth of Balaam, had a peculiar refer- 
 ence to the state of Israel : God had absolutely determined 
 to bless them ; he had plainly revealed this purpose, and 
 Balaam had reluctantly shown it to Balak. Yet they were 
 vainly attempting, by importunity, to induce the Lord to 
 alter his mind and revoke his word ! Balaam, however, was 
 constrained to own that “ he had received to bless (com- 
 mandment is not in the original ;) blessings on Israel were 
 put into his mou’h, and he could by no means reverse them. 
 
 V. 21. The national sins of Israel, in former years, had 
 been pardoned, and the people were not at that time gene- 
 rally guilty of idolatry or rebellion, but were in an obedient 
 disposition, had much true religion among them, and were 
 comparatively righteous, and favoured by the Lord. The 
 nation was also a type of believers, in whom God beholds 
 not iniquity or perverseness ; none allowed, none unrepented 
 or unsubdued, and none unpardoned. (Notes, Jer. 50:20. 
 Mic. 7:18 — 20.) While this was the case, God, as reigning 
 over them, protecting them, and leading them forth to vic- 
 tory, was among them ; of whose power they had so much 
 experience, that they were inspired with triumphant confi- 
 dence ; and at his word were ready to shout, or blow the 
 trumpet for the battle, and attack their enemies with assur- 
 ance of success. 
 
 V. 22. The word rendered unicorn, is variously inter- 
 preted ; but the rhinoceros is most generally supposed to be 
 meant. — Israel, strengthened by the Lord, who brought him 
 out of Egypt, was as invincible among the nations, as the 
 rhinoceros among quadrupeds, and was as terrible to them. 
 (Mary. Ref. 24:8.) 
 
 V. 23. It seenis here to be taken for granted, that Satan 
 exercised some power in answer to the expectations of those 
 who used enchantments. But Israel was so immediately 
 under the divine protection, that nothing of this kind could 
 injure him. — Some, however, render the words as meaning, 
 that no enchantment or divination was used in Israel; and 
 .-■onsequently the miracles of Moses were wrought by the 
 power of God. (Marg.) — The favour at that time shown to 
 Israel was a specimen of the protection always afforded the 
 people of God ; the remembrance of which would encourage 
 Hie faith, and inspire the praises, of future ages ; while with 
 idmiration they would consider what God had wrought. 
 (Marg. Ref. Nbte, 2 Thcs. 1:5 — 10, latter part.) 
 
 V. 24. At length Balaam not only blessed Israel, but 
 likewise denounced the doom of all their enemies ; which 
 might have been a warning to Balak, and to himself also, to 
 assist from the vain and perilous attempt. (Note, Gen.49;8,9.) 
 
 Drink the blood, &c.] The wild beasts gorge the blood, 
 as well as devour the flesh, of the slaughtered prey : and it is 
 indisputable, that many tribes of barbarians have actually, in 
 the triumph of insulting, revengeful victory, drunk the blood 
 of their enemies. But as far as Israel is concerned, it can 
 only signify the completeness of their victories. 
 
 V. 25. Balak seems still to have thought Balaam’s bless- 
 ings as efficacious as his curses, and therefore wished to 
 silence him ; for he yet hoped to prevail against Israel. 
 (Note, 22 : 6 .) 
 
 Vol. I.— 38 
 
 not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink 
 the blood of the slain. 
 
 25 And Balak said unto Balaam, ‘Neither curst 
 them at all, nor bless them at all. 
 
 26 But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, 
 Told not I thee, saying, “All that the Lord 
 speaketh, that I must do? 
 
 27 U And Balak said unto Balaam, “Come, I 
 pray thee, I will bring thee into another place; 
 yperadventure it will please God that thou mayest 
 curse me them from thence. 
 
 28 And Balak brought Balaam unto the top of 
 Peor, that looketh toward “Jeshimon. 
 
 29 And Balaam said unto Balak, “Build me 
 here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bul- 
 locks and seven rams. 
 
 30 And Balak did as Balaam had said, and 
 offered a bullock and a ram on every altar. 
 
 12:9. -Or, in. p Pb. 44:1— 3. 136:13— 20. Is. 63:9— 12. Dan. 9:15. Mic. 6:4,5. 
 7:15. qPs. 31:19 . 64:9. 126:2,3. Is. 41 :4. John 11:47. Acts 1:16. 5:12,14. 10:38. 
 15:12. Gal. 1:23,24. 1 Thes. 1:8,9. r24:B,9. Gen. 49:9. Detil. 33:20. Ps. 17:12. 
 Prov. 30.30. Is. 31:4. Amos 3:8. Rev. 5:5. s24:17.Gen. 49:27. Dan. 2:44. Mic. 
 5:8,9. Zech. 10:4,5. 12:6. Rev. 19:11—21. IPs. 2:1— 3. u 12. 22:18.38. 21:12, 
 13. 1 Kings22:14. 2Chr. 18:13. Acts4:19, 20 . 5:29. x 13. y See on 19,20. Job 
 23:13. Prov. 19:21. 21:30. Is. 14:27. 46:10,11. Mai. 3.6. Ron). 11:29. z21:20. 
 
 a See on 1 ,2. 
 
 V. 27. It will please God.] At length Balak spake as 
 one, who had entered into Balaam’s original plan ; and who 
 hoped, by change of place, (and perhaps times or days also,) 
 and by repeating his expensive sacrifices, to render God 
 propitious to him, and so to obtain leave to curse Israel ; 
 though Balaam himself seems almost to have despaired of 
 prevailing. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Proud and wicked men spare no pains, and 
 grudge no expense, when they imagine that they can pur- 
 chase the favour of God, or induce him lo connive at their 
 mischievous designs. And such is man’s ignorance of the 
 divine perfections and of true religion, that multitudes find 
 teachers to encourage them in these vain hopes ; while they, 
 neither mortify their lusts, nor humble themselves before 
 God : and these in return have their covetousness gratified, 
 by such pupils, and for such instructions ! — Mere Pharisees 
 have frequently exceeded the true people of God in the 
 measure of external services, and of partial mortification: 
 and not knowing of any thing more excellent, they are thus 
 confirmed in self-confidence and self-preference ; they “ trust 
 in themselves that they are righteous, and despise others:* 
 and even boast of their services, at the very time when their 
 hearts are full of malice and wickedness ! But the Lord 
 abhors pompous externals and superstitions, nay, even the 
 most zealous attendance on his own ordinances, while the 
 heart remains destitute of repentance, faith, and love to him 
 and to his servants ; and still more, when this devotion is the 
 cloak of hypocrisy, and covers injustice and oppression. — 
 (Notes, Prov. 15:8,9. Is. 1:10—15. Jer. 7:8—11. Am. 5:21 
 — 24.) — The spiritual worship of his people is of another 
 kind : a broken and contrite, a believing and thankful, a pure 
 and upright heart, are more suitable to his nature, and more 
 precious in his sight, than “ thousands of rams, and ten thou- 
 sands of rivers of oil.” — As true Christians are peculiarly 
 favoured, so are they peculiarly characterized : they “ dwell 
 alone they are despised by the surrounding multitudes, 
 whom they pity while separated from their company, and 
 with whom they desire no fellowship : their maxims, customs, 
 laws, and conduct, are dissimilar from those of all other men: 
 their inheritance, their home, their citizenship are in heaven: 
 their affections, conversation, pursuits, and pleasures, are 
 heavenly: and, while they are deemed “the filth of the world, 
 and the offscouring of all things,” and not fit to live ; the Lord 
 accounts them “the excellent of the earth,” “of whom the 
 world is not worthy.” (Note, Phil. 3:20,21. Col. 3:1 — 4. 
 Heb. 11:35 — 38.) Though few, hitherto in every place, when 
 compared with the ungodly, they are very numerous in all: 
 may the Lord multiply them a hundred fold, how many soever 
 they be ! Though despised by those who know them not, 
 they often attract the reverence even of such wicked men as 
 are acquainted with them: but it is frequently accompanied 
 with hatred and resentment. Yet many of the wicked, while 
 through domineering lusts and prevailing temptations, they 
 espouse an opposite interest, and lead a contrary life, secretly 
 account the righteous happy ; and wish to have their lot with 
 them at death, and in the eternal world: but in vain ; for can 
 they who, in defiance of conviction, choose to serve SaU » 
 and their sins in this world, reasonably expect to be ‘ nun., 
 bered with the saints in glory everlasting?’ There aro 
 indeed many whom the devil and his servants do not honoul 
 with their hatred ; but despise, and only despise, as suspect- 
 ing no harm to the cause from their example, influence, or 
 endeavours. But let not such mere professors of religion deem 
 themselves interested in those precious privileges which be- 
 long to the true Israel of God. 
 
 V. 13 — 30. Notwithstanding disappointments and ularms, 
 the lusts of wicked men revive and reign : for, while some are 
 pushed forward by implacable malice and envy, others are 
 ( 297 ) 
 
B. C. 1452. NUMBERS. B.C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Balaam iesiste from enchantments , and predicts the happiness of Israel 
 and the destruction of hie enemies , 1—9. lialak , being greatly enraged , dis- 
 misses Balaam, 10—13. Balaam prophesies of the Star of Jacob , the ruin 
 of several nations , and very remote events, 14 — 25. 
 
 A ND when Balaam “saw that it pleased the 
 Lord to “bless Israel, he went not, as b at 
 other times, 'to seek for enchantments, but he set 
 his face toward the wilderness. 
 
 2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw 
 Israel “abiding in Ids tents according to their 
 tribes ; and d the Spirit of God came upon him. 
 
 3 And “he took up his parable, and said, Balaam 
 the son of Beor hath said, and the man * 1 whose 
 eyes are open hath said ; 
 
 4 He hath said, which heard the words of God, 
 which 'saw the vision of the Almighty, e falling 
 into a trance, but having his eyes open : 
 
 5 How goodly are thy tents, 0 Jacob! and thy 
 tabernacles, O Israel ! 
 
 6 As the valleys are they spread forth, h as 
 gardens by the river’s side, 'as the trees of lign- 
 
 • 22:13. 23:20. SMC. I Sam. 24:20. 2S.2, 25. Rev. 2:14. b23:3,15. • Heb .to 
 the meeting of . 23:23. c 5. 2:2, &c. 23:9,10. Cant. 6:4,10. il 11:2S— 29. 1 Sam. 
 10:10. 19:20,23. 2 Chr. 15:1. Matt. 7:22. 10:4,8. Luke 10:20. John 11:49— 51. 
 e See on 23:7. t Heb. who had his eyes shut , but now opened. 4,16. 22:31. f See 
 an 12:6. Gen. 15:12. I s. 89:19. Dan. 8:26,27. Acts 10:10,19. 22:17. 2 Cor. 12:1 
 —4. g 22:31. Ez. 1:23. Dan. 8:17,18. 10:15,16. Rev. 1:10,17. h Gen. 2:8— 10. 
 13:10. Cant. 4:12—15. 6:11. Is. 58:11. Jer. 31:12. Joel 3:18. i Ps. 1:3. Jer. 17: 
 8. j Ps. 104:16. Is. 41:19. 61:3. k Ps. 92:12,13. Ez. 31:3,4. 47:12. 1 Ps. 68:26. 
 Prov. 5:16— 18. Is. 48:1. m Ps. 93:3,4. Jer. 51 :13. Rev. 17:1,15. u Ezra 4:20. 
 
 induced to concur in persecution by insatiable avarice and 
 restless ambition. But the Lord “ is of one mind, who can 
 turn him?”. He will infallibly perform his kindest, largest 
 promises to his people ; and execute his most terrible denun- 
 ciations on his enemies: and, while earth and hell combine 
 their power and policy to prevent it, the Lord “ sitteth in the 
 heavens,” “hath them in derision,” and will soon “speak to 
 them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.” 
 (Note, Ps. 2:4 — 6.) Let believers then rejoice in his un- 
 changeableness, his truth, and power ; but let the wicked 
 tremble at the alarming thought, and make haste to “ flee 
 from the wrath to come.” If the Lord sees that we trust in 
 his mercy, and accept of his salvation; that we do not indulge 
 in any secret sin, or continue in presumptuous rebellion, but 
 uprightly endeavour to serve and glorify him ; we may be 
 sure that our past offences are pardoned, and “buried in the 
 depths of the sea,” no more to hurt us, than if they had never 
 been committed. Then indeed the Lord hath blessed us, 
 and “given commandment to bless us,” and he will never 
 suffer it to be reversed; and if Satan cannot deceive or defile 
 us, he cannot hurt us by machinations or temptations, by 
 enchantments or divinations. The Lord, having all hearts 
 ami all tongues in his hand, can not only restrain the malice 
 of our enemies, but constrain them to speak well of us, and 
 do well to us ; to confess their impotency, to condemn them- 
 selves, and to foretell their own misery with their own mouth, 
 even while they madly persist in their destructive opposition ; 
 and to acknowledge, with reluctant admiration, the work of 
 God for us and in us. — Well then may the believer triumph 
 in his King, the Lord of Hosts, and re-echo with grateful 
 exultation, “ What hath God wrought !” Oh, the wonders of 
 nis providence and grace ! (Note, Ps. 12fi:l — 3.) The won- 
 de rs of his redeeming love, of his pardoning mercy, of his 
 new-creating Spirit ! What a change in our state, our cha- 
 racter, and our prospects ! Every former mercy now be- 
 comes an earnest of still further blessings; and from past 
 deliverances we infer the certainty of final victory and eternal 
 triumphs. Thus shall every true believer, thus ‘shall the 
 whole church of God, be u unto him for a name, and for a 
 praise ;” whilst wi'h their eyes they shall behold the destruc- 
 tion of the wicked. But is this the reader’s character and 
 felicity ? Let us seriously examine ourselves, and earnestly 
 entreat the Lord to decide this infinitely important question. 
 To this let us aspire ; this let us pursue with unremitting 
 diligence and undiverted attention: let us watch and pray 
 always, for our enemies are vigilant, indefatigable, and mali- 
 cious : and surely we ought to be as unwearied in glorifying 
 God, and doing good, as his enemies are in doing mischief. 
 Even Balaam’s retirement to meet the Lord, and Balak’s 
 assiduous attention to his burnt-sacrifices, and rising up to 
 hear the message from God, may furnish us with profitable 
 dints ; if we apply them to ourselves, in pursuing nobler 
 obiects, from higher motives, and for other purposes. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V. 1,2. It is evident that 
 Balaam had used enchantments, or incantations of some 
 kind, even when he went to meet the Lord ; but he had been 
 constrained to return with answers the very reverse of his 
 wishes and intentions ; and therefore he deemed it to no pur- 
 pose to repeat them. (Note, 23:3.) It is not agreed among 
 expositors, nor is it easy to decide, whether he desperately 
 determined to curse Israel without permission, and thus to 
 satisfy Balak and earn his reward, yet was constrained on 
 Jhe contrary i,.? p'-onounce further blessings; or whether, under 
 a pang of conviction, he desisted from his purpose for the 
 present, and freely yielded himself to the powerful impulse 
 ( 298 ) 
 
 aloes Jwhich the Lord hath plantetl, and k as cedar- 
 trees beside the waters. 
 
 7 He shall 'pour the water out of his buckets, 
 and his seed shall be in “many waters, and "his 
 king shall be higher than °Agag, and Phis kingdom 
 shall be exalted. 
 
 •8 sGod brought him forth out of Egypt, he hath 
 as it were the strength of an unicorn: he r shall eat 
 up the nations his enemies, and shall “break their 
 bones, and ‘pierce them through with his arrows. 
 
 9 He "couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a 
 great lion ; ’who shall stir him up ? *blessed is he 
 thatblesseth thee, and cursedishe thatcurseth thee. 
 
 10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against 
 Balaam, and he rsmote his hands together: and 
 Balak said unto Balaam, 2 I called thee to curse 
 mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether 
 blessed them these three times. 
 
 It Therefore now flee thou to thy place: “I 
 thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, 
 lo, b the Lord hath kept thee back from honour. 
 
 Pa. 2:6— 10. 18:43. John 1:49. Phil. 2:10,11. Rev. 19:16. o 1 Sam. 15:8,32,33. 
 p 2 Sam. 6:12. 1 King. 4:21. 1 Chr. 14:2. Is. 2:2. 9:7. Dan. 2.44. Rev. 11:15. 
 q 21 :5. See on 23:22. r 14:9. 23:24. Deut.7:l. a Ps.2:9. Is. 38:13. Jer. 50:12. 
 Dan. 6:24. t Dent. 32:23,42. Ps. 21 :12. u Gen. 49:9. Job 38:39,40. v See on 
 23:24. Job 41:10. Pa. 2:12. x Gen. 12:3. 27:29. Ps. 122:6. Mull. 25:40,45. Alii 
 9:5. y Job 27:23. Ez. 21:14,17. 22:13. >22:6,11,17. 23:11. 1 lent. 23:4,5. Joah. 
 24:9,10. Neh. 13:2. o22:17,37. b Matt. 19:28— 30. Ads 8:20. Pint. 3.8. Heb. 
 11:24—26. 1 Pel. 5:2,3. 2 John 8. 
 
 of the Spirit of God coming upon him, though he afterwards 
 returned to his wicked projects. 
 
 V. 3, 4. These verses may more literally be rendered, 
 “ He took up his parable and said, Balaam the son of Beor 
 hath said, and the man whose eye was shut hath said ; he 
 hath said who heard the words of God, who saw the vision 
 of the Almighty ; falling, and his eyes were opened.” The 
 word, rendered “ are open,” is generally agreed to signify 
 shut, (marg.) and the clause “into a trance” is not in the 
 original. Balaam is supposed to refer to the time when his 
 ass, seeing the Angel, (whom he himself could not see,) fell 
 down with him ; and then his eyes were opened, and he lay 
 prostrate on the earth. But perhaps he also meant that his 
 eyes had been shut, when he thought of cursing Israel, but 
 were now opened to perceive that the Israelites were blessed; 
 or that itis bodily eyes were shut in his visions, while those 
 of his understanding were opened. 
 
 V. 5, 6. As valleys verdant, fruitful, and widely extended ; 
 as luxuriant gardens on the banks of a fertilizing river; as 
 aromatic trees diffusing a fragrant smell, or as cedars most 
 stately to behold, planted as it were by God himself in a well- 
 watered, fertile soil, and wanting no human culture ; — such did 
 the ramps of Israel appear, and such Would be tile prosperity 
 of that favoured people ! 
 
 Lign-aloes. (6) Or, the wood of aloes ; ‘an aromatic 
 1 tree, . . . which widely diffuses a very agreeable smell.’ — 
 Robertson. The word is rendered aloes, Prov. 7:17. as (he 
 feminine plural is, Ps. 45:8. (Heb. 9.) Cant. 4:14. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Israel would be abundantly replenished with 
 heavenly blessings; and, ns seed sown in a well-watered 
 place, so his multitudes would increase still more mid more. 
 At length his king would be higher than Agag; which seems 
 to have been the name of the several kings of Amalek it. 
 succession : though some think that Agag, whom Skill con- 
 quered and Samuel slew, was foretold by name long before 
 his birth, as Josiah and Cyrus afterwards were. (Note, 
 
 1 Sam. 15:32,33.) The Amalekites were at this time very 
 powerful, and their king renowned and prosperous : hut it 
 was here predicted, that Israel should in due time be governed 
 by more prosperous princes, who would be far greater and 
 more celebrated than those of the Amalekites. Saul, the 
 first king of Israel, who seems to have been especially in- 
 tended, subjugated the Amalekites and their king : hut after- 
 wards the kings of Israel were far more highly cxaitcd. — 
 (Note, 20.) The kingdom of Christ, however, is generally 
 allowed to be predicted; as exalted far above t he highest 
 of all earthly kingdoms. — Perhaps Balaam hoped at last to 
 share the blessedness of Israel by thus blessing them; but 
 he did it reluctantly, and not from love, and therefore lie was 
 not included. He however predicted Israel'; successes under 
 their most prosperous kings, and the spiritual prosperity and 
 felicity of the church of Christ, and of all its cordial friends : 
 and warned all its enemies, from Balak to his latest succes- 
 sors, to desist from the ruinous contest, involving himself also 
 in the general sentence. (]\larg. Rif. Notes, 23:23,24. 
 Gen. 12:1—3. 49:8,9.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. Balak was at length enraged to the greatest 
 degree, and expressed his indignation in the most furious 
 manner: and, not without n mixture of scorn ami disdain oi 
 Balaam, for having missed so fair a prospect" of advancing 
 himself from regard to the God of Israel, lie sternly com- 
 manded him to depart immediately. 
 
 V. 12, 13. Balaam had repeatedly confessed Ids inability 
 to go beyond the word of t lie Lord: hut here lie appears 
 disposed, not only to vindicate his conduct to BcLU, hut also 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER A A i V . 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 12 And Balaam said unto Balak, 'Spake I not 
 also to thy messengers, which thou sentest unto 
 me, saying, 
 
 13 If Balak would give me his house full of 
 silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the command- 
 ment, of the Lord, to do either good or bad of 
 mine own mind ; but what the Lord saith, that 
 
 will I speak ? [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 14 And now, behold, I go unto my people : come, 
 therefore, and ’'I will advertise thee what this 
 people shall do to thy people in 'the latter days.. 
 
 15 H And f lie took up his parable, and said, 
 Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man 
 whose eyes are open hath said ; 
 
 16 He hath said, ?which heard the words of 
 God, and knew the knowledge of the Most High, 
 which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into 
 a trance, but having his eyes open; 
 
 1 7 'T shall see him, but not now ; I shall behold 
 him, but not ni h ; there shall come 'a Star out of 
 
 e See on 22: 19,38. <1 Ste on 17. 31:7— 18. Mic. 6:5, Rev. 2:10,14. eGen.49: 
 
 1. Ii. 24:22. Ji-r. 48:47. 49:39. Dun. 2:23. 10:14. Hos. 3.5. Acti 2:17. Q Tim. 3:1. 
 13,1.23.7.18. .loli 27:1. Molt. 13:35. g See on 1. 2 Sam. 23:1 ,2. 10or.8:l. 
 13:2. IiJ,, 19.25 — 27. Zech. 12:10. Jude 11, 14,15. Rev. 1:7. i Mall. 2:2— 9. 
 Lukel:7S. 2 Pol. 1:10. Rev. 22:16. It lien. 49:10. I'a. 45:6. 78:70— 72. 110:2. 
 Is. 9:7. Luke 1 32,33. Heb. 1:8. * Dr, smile through the princes of Moab. 
 1 Sam. 14:38. mnrg. Zech. 10.4. 12sam. 8:2. 2 Kings 3:5,26,27. 1 Chr. 18: 
 
 2. Jet. 43:4 5 . m « '.en. 4:25,26. 5:3— 29. Seth. Ps. 72:8— 11. Rev. 11:15. n Gen. 
 27:29,40. 2 Sum. 8:14. Ps. 60: title. 8—12. Ib. 34:5. 63:1. Amos 9:12. oGen. 
 
 Io intimate, that from the first he had only waited to know 
 the will of the Lord, that he might obey it. ( Marg . Ref. 
 Note, 22:18.) 
 
 V. 14. Balak, probably in a measure calmed by Balaam’s 
 expostulation, permitted him to proceed. — As the word 
 rendered advertise, generally signifies counsel, many think it 
 refers to the diabolical advice which Balaam gave Balak, 
 either at this time or afterwards: but this is not probable; 
 because what follows relates to those things which Israel 
 would do to Moab, not what Moab should do to Israel ; and 
 the expression “ the latter days” always denotes a very 
 distant period. [Marg. Ref. e.) 
 
 V. 16. (Note, 1, 2.) Balaam here spake with increasing 
 confidence of the revelations made to him ; and though similar 
 words were used by true prophets, yet from so wicked a man 
 they have an air of ostentation. He indeed seems to have 
 courted applause and admiration, when ready to despair of 
 accumulating riches. “ The secret of the Lord is with 
 them that fear him;” (Note, Ps. 25:14.) but Balaam had 
 little reason to boast of his knowledge of God and heavenly 
 things. 
 
 V. 17. Balaam’s introduction to the subsequent predic- 
 tion is very remarkable ; and implies that it related to events 
 which could only be' known by the Spirit of prophecy, 
 enabling him to penetrate into the remotest futurity. — Balaam 
 would see Him, the grand Object to be made known, but not 
 at present ; he would contemplate his glory, but at a great 
 distance. (Notes, Job 19:23—27.) Some think lhat he also 
 foreboded his own doom, as sentenced to “depart accursed,” 
 by the Judge at his second ciming. (iVbtes, Matt. 25:41 — 
 4li. Luke 16:22,23.) — The Star coming out of Jacob, and 
 the Sceptre, or regal authority, rising in Israel, may refer 
 in a subordinate sense to David, as reigning over Israel with 
 great reputation, and gaining considerable victories over the 
 Moabites and Olliers ; and to the kings of his race as ruling 
 over Judah, and still further subjugating the Moabites and 
 tile neighbouring nations. But the prophecy had its full 
 accomplishment in the exalted Kingdom and spiritual victo- 
 ries of Jesus Christ. (Note, Gen. 49:10.) — Some suppose, 
 that by Sheth, an ancestor or head of some Moabitish tribe 
 is meant ; but others think that Seth the son of Adam-and 
 '.he progenitor of the whole post-diluvian world, is intended; 
 ind this seems the best-grounded interpretation. — The word 
 rendered “destroy,” is only used in this place and one more 
 in Scripture; (Is. 22:5.) and some think it here means build 
 up, for it is derived from a word which signifies a wall: yet, 
 as it seems to be there properly rendered “ breaking down,” 
 its use in that passage does not favour this interpretation. — 
 Thel.XX have Ttpovopcvoci, will lead captive , or spoil. If then 
 it means destroy , or spoil , it may refer to Christ’s subverting 
 the strong foundations of the several great monarchies, which 
 have successively prevailed on eartlq with that of Satan, the 
 god and prince of this world; and subverting the corrupt state 
 of things among all the posterity of Adam, by setting up his 
 heavenly kingdom, and filling the earth with his glory. (Notes, 
 Dan. 2:44,4-5. Rev. 20:1 — 6.) The Jewish writers in general 
 interpret this prophecy principally of the Messiah. — Onkelos, 
 one of their most renowned paraphrasts, has these words: 
 * When a prince shall arise of the house of Jacob, and Christ 
 shall he anointed of the house of Israel ; he shall slay the 
 princes of Moab, and rule over all the sons of men.’ The 
 rest agree with him. — Had the house of David in general 
 been meant, a single star would hardly have been mentioned. 
 A Star was the known emblem of the Messiah ; and one of 
 the impostors, who pretended to be the Messiah in the primi- 
 tive times, called himself Barchochebas, or the son of a star. 
 
 Jacob, and k a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and 
 shall ’smite the corners of 'Moab, and destroy ■"all 
 the children of Sheth. 
 
 18 And "Edom shall be a possession : Seir also 
 shall be a possession lor his enemies ; . and Israel 
 shall do valiantly. 
 
 19 Out “of Jacob shall come he that shall have 
 dominion, and rshall destroy him that remaineth ol 
 the city. 
 
 20 And when he looked on Amalek, hetookuphis 
 parable, and said, Amalek u-as 1 the firsl oft he nations, 
 hut this latter end 4 shall be that he perish lor ever. 
 
 21 And he looked on r the Kenit.es ; and took up 
 his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwelling-place, 
 and thou puttest thy nest in a rock : 
 
 22 Nevertheless, Hhe Kenite shall be wasted, 
 "until 'Asshur shall carry thee away captive. 
 
 23 And he took up his parable, and said, Alas! 
 who shall live ‘when God doelh this? 
 
 24 And ships shall come from the coast of “Chi t- 
 
 49:10. Pb. 2:1-12. 72:10,11. Is. 11:10. Mic. 5:2,4. Malt. 28:18. 1 Cor. 15:35. 
 Enh. 1:20— 22. Phil. 2:10,11. Heb. 1:8. 1 Pel. 3:22. Rev. 19:16. p Ps. 21:7— 10. 
 Matt. 25:46. Luke 19:12,27. f Or, the first of the nations that warred against 
 Israel . Ex. 17:8. q Judg. 6:3. 1 Sam. 14:48. 15:3 — 8. 27:8,9. 30:1,17. 1 Chr. 
 4:43. K»th.3:l. 7:9,10. 9:14. } Or, shall be even to destruction, r Gen. 15; 
 19. § Heb. Kain. || Or, how long shall it be ere Asshur carry thee away 
 
 captive ? s Gen. 10:11. Ezra 4:2. Ps.83:8. Hos. 14:3. t 23:23 . 2 Kings 5:1. 
 u Geu. 10:4. Is. 23:1. Dan. 7:19,20. 8:5—8,21. 10:20. 11:30. 
 
 Our Lord calls himself, The bright and morning Star :* 
 (Note, Rev. 22:16,17.) and the Christian fathers were gene- 
 rally of opinion, that this prophecy being known in the East, 
 prepared the way for the wise men following the star which 
 appeared at the birth of Christ. (Note, Matt. 2:1,2.) In this 
 grand and spiritual sense of the prophecy, Israel represents 
 the true church of God, and Moab and Edom her enemies. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. The marginal references show the fulfilment 
 of this prophecy in the victories of David and Israel, under 
 him and his descendants, w hich were typical of the triumphs 
 of David’s Son, who shall destroy all u that will not have him 
 to reign over them,” however they may attempt to secure 
 themselves. David and Solomon had indeed extensive domi- 
 nions in those regions; yet not answerable to the words, 
 44 He that shall have dominion,” which emphatically describe 
 Christ, 44 the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” (Note y Rev 
 19:11—16.) 
 
 V. 20. The Amalekites constituted one of the mosi 
 ancient and prosperous of the nations, and they were the first 
 who attacked the Israelites; (marg.) but Balaam predicted 
 their final destruction ; and thus, without knowing it, confirmed 
 the sentence which the Lord by Moses had denounced against 
 them. (Notes, Ex. 17:14 — 16.) This prophecy was accom- 
 plished by Saul and David, after whose days but few vestiges 
 of that once flourishing people can be traced ; and no history 
 now remains of them. 
 
 V. 21, 22. Jethro, a Midianite, is called a Kenite , (Judg. 
 1:16.) and it is most probable the Midianitcs in general are 
 here meant; who, dwelling in a rocky country, deemed them- 
 selves safe from the assaults of their enemies. But, notwith- 
 standing this, they were wasted by the Israelites; till at 
 length they were carried captive by the Assyrians, as it is 
 supposed, about the time of the captivity of the ten tribes. 
 The Kenites indeed are mentioned among the nations whose 
 land the Lord engaged to give to the posterity of Abraham : 
 ( Gen. 15:19.) but they seem to have been extinct'before Israel 
 conquered Canaan, as they are not once mentioned in the 
 history ; and they could not be the people intended by Balaam? 
 w ho perhaps saw at a distance the rocks and fastnesses of 
 the Midianites. 
 
 V. 23, 24. Having paused awhile, Balaam seems to have 
 sighed, and made this exclamation ; either mealing that the 
 predicted desolations would be so dreadful, that it would be 
 miserable to live during such calamities; or that the time was 
 so distant, that all who then heard him would have been dead 
 a long time before it arrived. He might refer to the desola- 
 tions by the Assyrians which he had predicted ; or rather to 
 those by the Greeks and Romans, as the next clause may 
 properly be rendered 44 For ships shall come,” &c. — The 
 coasts or isles of Chittim always, in Scripture, mean the 
 regions of Europe, bordering on the Mediterranean; espe- 
 cially the Greeks or Romans. The passage is therefore an 
 evident prediction of the victories of the Greeks, or Mace- 
 donians, under Alexander and his successors ; and of those of 
 the Romans after them. The latter especialty, coming from 
 far in ships, overturned the several kingdoms in the western 
 part of Asia, and possessed them ; causing dreadful afflictions 
 lo the people, who inhabited the ancient Assyria ; but still 
 greater to the Hebrews, especially in the last destruction ol 
 Jerusalem. And they have ever since been tyrannizing, in 
 one form or other, over the world and the church ; but shall 
 at length be destroyed as entirely as the Amalekites were. 
 This part of the prediction is not yet fulfilled. (Notes, Rev. 
 18:) — It is well worthy our notice, that the final d truction of 
 Amalek and Rome is foretold ; but only the iffliciUTi of 
 ( 299 ) 
 
13. C UU. 
 
 NUMBERS 
 
 B. C. 1-152, 
 
 tim, and shall afflict Asshur, *anrl shall afflict Eber, 
 J'and he also shall perish for ever. 
 
 25 And Balaam rose up, and went 'and return- 
 ed to his place : and Balak also went his way. 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 The Israelites commit whoredom and idolatry , being templed by the women 
 of Moab an! Mi 'inn, 1 — 3. God commands the criminals to be slain, 4, 
 6 Phinehas kills Zinvi and t'osbi, and the plague which wasted Israelis 
 stay'd, 6—9. God app/oves his zeal, and gives him the covenant of a per- 
 petual priesthood ; an L commands Moses to make war against the Midian- 
 ites, 10-18. 
 
 A ND Israel abode in a Shittim, and b the people 
 began to commit whoredom with the daugh- 
 ters of Moab. 
 
 I Get.. 10:21—25. 14:13. Dan. 9:20,27. Mali. 24:15. Luke 20:24. 23:29— 31. John 
 11:48. y Dan. 2:35,45. 7:23—26. 11:45. Rev. 18:2— 24. ill. 31:8. Josh. 13:22. 
 a 33:49 <r Josh. 2.1. 3:1. Mic. 6:5. b 31:15,16. Ec.7:26. 1 Cor. 10:8. c Ex. 34: 
 15,16. 1 Kings 11:1-6. 1 Cor. 10:20,27,28. 2 Cor. 6:16,17. Rev. 2:14. d Ex. 20: 
 6. 23.24. Joeli. 23:7,16. 1 Kings 19:18. e 5. Deut. 4-3,4. Ps. 106:28,29. Hos. 9: 
 
 Asshur and Eber. The regions intended by Asshur remained 
 but a short time under the dominion of the Romans, and 
 were afterwards again governed by their own princes ; and 
 the Hebrews continue a distinct and numerous, though 
 oppressed and scattered people to this day, evidently in 
 order to the accomplishment of the prophecies respecting 
 their conversion to Christ, and their subsequent prosperity; 
 and this is one good proof that the Hebrews were meant, 
 and not any other obscure tribe, as some think. — What a 
 surprising series of prophecy have we here in few words, 
 which in former accomplishments hath already evidenced to 
 successive generations the divine authority of the Scriptures ; 
 and shall to future ages demonstrate the same truth with 
 undeniable evidence! 1 Thus,’ says Dr. Lightfoot, ‘Balaam, 
 instead of cursing the church, curseth Amalek the first, and 
 Rome the last, enemy of the church.’ — ‘ His bearing witness 
 to Moses and Israel, is somewhat like Judas’s attesting the 
 innocence of Christ.’ Bp. Newton . 
 
 V. 25. Though Balaam for the present desisted from his 
 purpose of cursing Israel; yet he was not rendered more 
 friendly to them, or cured of his avarice, which at length 
 suggested to him a still more diabolical plan. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. The enemies of the church may renew their 
 attacks, or vary them as they please ; yet they can gain no 
 real advantage : for it pleases the Lord to bless his people, 
 and he will make all their opposers see, and feel, and acknow- 
 ledge it; which will fill them with rage and desperation. 
 Nay, in some cases, they are constrained to allow the excel- 
 lence of the righteous, as well as to forebode their prosperity. 
 Under the protection of Judah’s Lion, believers securely rest ; 
 and whoever disturbs them , will stir him up as an enemy : for 
 he only suffers the malice of the wicked to proceed, till it hath 
 accomplished his purposes for the good of his people, and he 
 then at ises to execute vengeance on their oppressors. ( Notes, 
 Ps. 76:10. Is. 10:5—7,12 — 19.) But while he renders those, 
 who would curse or injure his servants, most miserable under 
 his awful displeasure, he abundantly blesses all who heartily 
 pray for them and seek their peace. — They, who are kept 
 from worldly honour and affluence by an upright heart and a 
 good conscience, will be great gainers: and the minister of 
 Christ especially, who faithful to his trust, with meekness 
 .and firmness, reproves the wickedness of those, who had 
 thought to promote him to honour, will have “ a hundredfold 
 more in this present time, and in the world to come everlast- 
 ing life.” But such persons as have light enough in their 
 minds, and restraint enough upon their consciences, to induce 
 their hesitation at going the whole length which a wicked 
 patron may require ; and thus lose his favour, and hinder their 
 t>wn preferment, continuing still the slaves of sin, and the 
 enemies of God ; are very miserable in this world, and likely 
 to be so in the world to come. Let us not then attempt to 
 serve God and Mammon, or halt between Jehovah and 
 Baal: but l«t. us follow the Lord fully, and he will make up 
 every loss to us; while the consent of wicked men in sin, 
 will at length issue in bitter hatred and severe recriminations. 
 
 V. 14 — 25. Many foreseethe miseries coming upon others, 
 who do not suspect far greater and nearer miseries which await 
 themselves. ( Note, 31:8. ) But what benefit would accrue to us, 
 what cause should we have to glory or rejoice, if we “ under- 
 stood all mysteries and all knowledge ;” if we could penetrate 
 the secrets of the most remote futurity, and develope ihe 
 book of the divine decrees ; “ if we saw the visions of the 
 Almighty, and knew the knowledge of the Most High,” and 
 had our eyes open to see things hidden from all others, “since 
 the foundation of the world ;” while distant nations and suc- 
 cessive ages were destined to celebrate our fame ; if at the 
 same time we remained the slaves of covetousness, ambition, 
 lust, or malice ; impenitent and unpardoned, under the wrath 
 of God, doomed “ lo the fire that never shall be quenched, 
 and the worm that never dieth ?” — All these endowments 
 would but aggravate our guilt, and enhance our condemnation. 
 Nor is there any indissoluble bond between extensive and 
 exact knowledge, even in theological subjects, and “ that holi- 
 ness without which no man shall see the Lord.” Let us then 
 “take, heed lest the light which is in us bo darkness ; for if it 
 hould prove so, alas ! how great will that darkness be !” 
 ( 300 ) 
 
 2 And c tliey called the people unto the sacrifices 
 of their gods : and the people did eat, and d bowed 
 down to their gods. 
 
 3 And Israel 'joined himself unto Baal-peor: 
 and ‘the anger ot the Lord was kindled against 
 Israel. 
 
 4 And the Lord said unto Moses, Take sail the 
 heads of the people, h and hang them up before 
 the Lord against the sun, ‘that the fierce anger ol 
 the Lord may be turned away from Israel. 
 
 5 And Moses said unto the k judges of Israel, 
 'Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto 
 
 Baal-peOr. [Practical Observations 
 
 10. f Josh. 22:17. judg. 2:14,20. Ps. 90:11. Jer. 17:4. e 14,1.5,18. Ex. 18: 
 25. Josh. 23:2. h Deul. 13:6-9,13,15. 21:23. 2Sam. 21:6,9 Esth. 7:9,10. ilL 
 Josh. 7:25,26. Ps. 85:3,4. Jon. 3.9. k Ex. 18:21,25,26. 1 Ex. 22:20. 32:27,28. 
 
 Deut. 17:3—5. 1 Kings 18:40. 
 
 (Note, Matt. 6:22,23.) Let us seriously examine whether, 
 or in what respects, our knowledge, attainments, experience, 
 or profession, excel those of Balaam. No fluency nor excel- 
 lency of speech, even in preaching or in prayer ; no gifts of 
 knowledge or prophecy; no “visions and revelations of the 
 Lord ;” are intrinsically and decidedly superior to the boasted 
 endowments of this wretched man, who “loved the wages of 
 unrighteousness,” and died the enemy of God and his people. 
 But a broken and contrite heart ; a simple dependence on 
 the Redeemer’s atoning blood and sanctifying grace; a cheer- 
 ful subjection to the divine command, and submission to his 
 will ; an habitual aim to glorify God and benefit his people ; 
 are less splendid, but far more excellent attainments, and 
 invariably “accompany salvation.” (Note, Heb. 6:9,10.) 
 No vainglorious hypocrite ever possessed these ; yet the 
 feeblest true believer is in some measure conscious of them, 
 and is daily longing and praying for more of them : while 
 perhaps, through an error in judgment, and through Satan’s 
 subtlety, he overlooks all these infallible evidences of saving 
 grace ; and indulges desponding fears, because he cannot 
 emulate some boasting Balaam’s gifts. — But let such persons 
 bless the Lord, and rejoice in what he hath done for them. 
 Here by faith they behold the Saviour nigh unto them ; shortly 
 shall they see him nigh, as come to complete their redemp- 
 tion, aqd consummate their felicity : whilst the wicked shall 
 be “ punished with an everlasting destruction from his pre- 
 sence.” — Yet the Lord will glorify himself and benefit his 
 church by the gifts, and in the doom, even of hypocrites ; and 
 in these prophecies we may discern both the misery of the 
 ungodly ; the vanity of all worldly dependences and pre-emi- 
 nence ; the approaching destruction of every enemy who 
 hath done evil in the sanctuary ; the consequent triumphs o. 
 the church ; and the universal spread of the gospel, notwith- 
 standing afflictions, persecutions, and damnable heresies ; 
 while they assure our faith in all the promises w hich respect 
 our own salvation. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap XXV. V. 1 — 3. It is expressly said, 
 in several places, that the temptation by which the Israelites 
 were seduced, was the effect of Balaam’s counsel to Balak; 
 (31:15,16. Rev. 2:14.) yet we read in the conclusion of the 
 preceding chapter, that “ BaJaam rose up, and w ent and 
 returned to his place.” He was, however, afterwards slain 
 among the princes of Midian : (Note, 31:8.) and it may 
 therefore be supposed that he directly went home in sullen 
 despondency, where after a time Satan suggested this infernal 
 counsel to him ; that he then returned to propose it to Balak ; 
 and that, waiting to observe its success and to enjoy his rew ard, 
 he was slain by the Israelites. Many commentators however 
 suppose, that he gave Balak this counsel before he went home ; 
 and consequently they must conclude, that he returned to claim 
 his recompense when his project had succeeded, or to give 
 further advice. (Marg. Ref .) — This wicked man could not 
 obtain leave to curse Israel : but he instructed Balak how to 
 seduce Israel to bring a curse upon themselves; or at least 
 to deprive themselves of the Lord’s immediate protection, and 
 to provoke such judgments as would diminish their numbers 
 and discourage their hearts. — ‘Not daring, as a prophet, to 
 assist the king of Moab, he considers whether some other 
 means might not be found. . . . One would not think it possible 
 that the weakness even of religious self-deceit, in its utmost 
 excess, could have so poor a distinction, so fond an eva- 
 sion, to serve itself of! But so it was; and he could think of 
 no other method, than to betray the children of Israel to pro- 
 voke his wrath, who was their only Defence. — He could not 
 forego the rewards of unrighteousness ; he therefore first 
 seeks for indulgences ; and when these could not be obtained, 
 ho sins against the whole meaning, end, and design of the 
 prohibition ! And surely the impious counsel he gavo to 
 Balak . . . was a greater piece of wickedness than if he had 
 cursed Israel in words! . . . He seeks indulgences for plain 
 wickedness ; which not being able to obtain, he glosses over 
 that same wickedness, dresses it up in a new form, in order 
 to make, it pass off more easily with himself! That is, ho 
 deliberately contrives to deceive and impose upon himself, 
 in a matter which he knew to be of the utmost import- 
 ance ! . . . This was the man who desired to “die the death 
 of the righteous, and that his last end might be bko his.” * Bp. 
 
CHAPTER XXV. B. C. 1459 
 
 6 H And, behold, one of the children of Israel 
 came, and brought unto his brethren m a Midian- 
 itish woman, "in the sight of Moses, and in the 
 sight of all the congregation of the children of 
 Israel, who were “weeping before the door of the 
 tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 7 And when iphinehas, the son of Eleazar, the 
 son of Aaron, the priest, saw it, he rose up from 
 among the congregation, and took ia javelin in 
 his hand ; 
 
 8 Anti he went after the man of Israel into the 
 tent, and "thrust both of them through, the man 
 of Israel, and the woman through her belly. 'So 
 the plague was stayed from the children oflsrael. 
 
 9 And those that died in the plague were ‘twenty 
 and four thousand. 
 
 10 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 11 Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of 
 Aaron the priest, hath “turned my wrath away 
 from the children of Israel, while he was zealous 
 'for my sake among them, x that I consumed not 
 the children of Israel in my jealousy. 
 
 m 14,15. 22:4. 31:2,9—16. n 15:30,31. Deut. 29:19— 2L. Jer. 3:3. 8:12^36:23. 
 42:15—13. 43:4 — 7. 44:16,11. 2 Pet. 2:13— 15. Jude 13. oJudg.2:4. Erra9:l— 
 4. 10:6 — 9. Is. 22:12. Ex. 9:4—6. Joel 2:17. p Ex. 6:25. Josh. 22:30,31. Judg. 
 20:28. q 1 Sam. 18:10,11. 19:9. r5,ll. Ps. 106:29— 31. s 16:46— 18. 2 Sam. 
 24:25. IChr. 21:22. 1 4,5.16:49,50. Deut. 4:3,4. I Cor. 10:8. u Josh. 7:25, 
 26. 2 Sam. 21:14. * Heb. with iny zeal. 2 Cor. 11:2. z Ex. 20:5. 84:14. Deut. 
 4:24. 29:20.32:16,21. Josh. 24:19. 1 Kings 14:22. Ps. 78:58. Ez. 16:38. Nah.l: 
 
 Butler. — Under the mask of friendship, an intercourse with 
 Israel was opened, and some of the women of Moab and 
 Midian, (who were, it seems, by no means backward to such 
 an infamous undertaking,) were employed to allure the people 
 to a criminal intercourse. This made way for an invitation to 
 those idolatrous feasts, where every species of licentiousness 
 was practised ; and this being readily complied with, the 
 Israelites flocked in great numbers, and greedily joined in this 
 abominable worship: (Note and P. O. 1 Kings 11:1 — 8.) 
 for ‘ the ordinary charms unto idolatry, were good victuals 
 and bad women.’ Bp. Patrick. — These Israelites had hitherto 
 been preserved from connexions with heathen women, amidst 
 all their rebellions ; and therefore it is said, “ the people 
 began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab.” — 
 The women of Moab perhaps were the first tempters ; but 
 those of Midian at length became more generally and deeply 
 criminal. ( Note, 17,18.) — “ Baal-peor,” or the lord of Peor, 
 might be the same as Chemosh, the god of Moab. (Note, 
 22:40,41.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Many principal persons, in the several tribes 
 and families, seem to have been ringleaders in this compli- 
 cated provocation; and it is probable, that the Lord had 
 already sent a plague which was making dreadful ravages. — 
 If, therefore, the people at large would not have this idolatry 
 interpreted into a national forfeiture of the covenant, and be 
 destroyed by the pestilence as one man, immediate ven- 
 geance must be executed on the chief transgressors, by putting 
 them to death, and hanging them up ignominiously, as a 
 sacrifice to the justice of God. (Note, Ex. 32:27 — 29.) 
 The words “ joined unto Baal-peor,” seem to imply an 
 exception for such as had sinned, but had speedily repented. 
 The notorious criminals of every rank were slain by the 
 magistrates directly ; but perhaps none except the more emi- 
 nent persons were ignominiously hung up for a warning to all 
 the survivors. From comparing the sum total of those who 
 died by the plague (9) with that mentioned by Paul, (1 Cor. 
 10:8.) it is thought that no less than one thousand persons 
 were thus executed in a summary manner. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. This action of Zimri and Cosbi was done in 
 direct defiance of God himself; as well as of Moses, and of 
 the congregation, who in great multitudes were penitently 
 confessing their sins, and deprecating the divine displeasure. 
 That a man should thus triumph in his wickedness, and dare 
 the sword of justice, while numbers were dying by the sword 
 of the magistrate, and much greater multitudes by the hand 
 of God, was the greatest insult and outrage imaginable upon 
 all authority, divine and human ; — upon all order, and even 
 upon common decency. Phinehas was the second priest, and 
 successor to the high-priesthood, and doubtless as high in 
 authority as in rank. As a magistrate, he was commissioned 
 by Moses and by God to slay “ those who were joined to 
 Baal-peor.” Zimri was notoriously and avowedly guilty ; but 
 while others trembled to come near him, Phinehas boldly 
 executed vengeance upon him and his infamous paramour at 
 once. No conduct could in every view be more unexcep- 
 tionable ; nor can it ever be drawn into a precedent to coun- 
 tenance acts of private revenge, of religious persecution, or 
 even of irregular public vengeance. The objections therefore 
 of some infidels, to this part of Holy Scripture, expose their 
 ignorance, or disingenuity, as much as their hatred of this 
 sacre’ book For there is not one of them, (religion out of 
 the question,/ but in such a crisis, when a daring rebel set 
 the regule - magistracy at defiance, and evidently meant to 
 instigate I he people to revolt, would have allowed, that the 
 welfare of the community was the chitf law, and that so extra- 
 
 12 Wherefore say, Behold, ?I give unto him 
 niy covenant of peace. 
 
 13 And he shall have it, and 'his seed after him, 
 even the covenant of “an everlasting priesthood ; 
 because he was "zealous lor his God, and made 
 an “atonement for the children of Israel. 
 
 14 Now the name of the Israelite that was 
 slain, even that was slain with the Midianitish 
 woman, was Zimri, the son of Salu, d a prince of 
 a tchief house among 'the Simeonites. 
 
 15 And the name of the Midianitish woman 
 .that was slain, was Cosbi, the daughter of >Zur ; 
 he was head over a people, and of a chief house 
 in Midian. 
 
 16 D And the Lord spake unto Moses, say- 
 ing) 
 
 17 Wex the Midianites, and smite them : 
 
 18 For they h vex you with their wiles, where- 
 with they have ‘beguiled you in the matter of 
 Peor ? and in the matter of Cosbi, the daughter of 
 a prince of Midian, their sister, which was slain 
 in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake. 
 
 2. Zeph. 1:18. 3:8. 1 Cor. 10:22. yNeh. 13:29. Mai. 2.4,5. z!Sam.2:30. 
 
 1 KingB 2:27. 1 Chr. 6:4— 15,50— 53. a Ex. 40:15. Is. 61:6. Jer. 33:17,22. Heb. 
 7:11,17,18. 1 Pel. 2:5,9. Rev. 1:6. bl Kings 19:10,14. Po. 106:31. 119:139. John 
 2:17. Acta 22:3 — 5. Rom. 10:2 — 4. c Ex. 32:30. Josh. 7:12. 2 Sam. 21:3. Heb. 
 2:17. 1 John 2:2. d 4,5. 2 Chr. 19:7. | Heb. house of a father, e 1:23. 26:14. 
 f 31:8. Josh. 13:21. g 31 :2. Rev. 18:6. h 31:15,16. Gen. 26:10. Ex. 32:21,35. 
 Rev. 2:11. i Gen. 3:13. 2 Cor. 11:3. 2 Pet. 2:14,15,18. 
 
 ordinary a case required an extraordinary remedy ; and 
 would have applauded a decisive measure, though irregu- 
 lar : yet, after all, this does not appear in the least to have 
 been so. 
 
 V. 11 — 13. The congregation had wept before the Lord, 
 and doubtless many had joined with Moses in prayer and 
 supplication : yet this act of Phinehas, by which, being zeal- 
 ous for the glory of God, he had inflicted condign punish- 
 ment on two arrogant offenders, and thus offered an atoning 
 sacrifice to the divine justice, is exclusively mentioned as 
 having “ turned away the wrath of God from Israel,” and 
 prevented their destruction. It was therefore “ imputed to 
 him for righteousness.” (Note, Ps. 106:28 — 31.) Let who 
 would censure it in succeeding ages, the heart-searching God 
 declared his approbation of it as a righteous action ; and he 
 rewarded it by giving to Phinehas “ his covenant of peace,” 
 ensuring to him personally, no doubt, all the blessings of his 
 favour and friendship, in this world and in the next ; but, in 
 particular, engaging that the high-priesthood, the office of a 
 typical mediator and peace-maker, should be continued in 
 his family by “ an everlasting,” or perpetual covenant. — 
 Phinehas was the eldest son of Eleazar, the eldest son of 
 Aaron : but there was no express law limiting the high- 
 priesthood to the eldest son ; he might die before his father ; 
 his children might die, or be incapacitated : so that there 
 was no certainty of his and of their succession till this promise 
 was made. — The high-priesthood continued in the family of 
 Phinehas till about the days of Eli, who was descended 
 from Ithamar ; and it is not known on what account that 
 branch was substituted. (Notes, 1 Sam. 2:30 — 35,36. I 
 Kings 2:26,27.) It soon, however, returned into that of 
 Phinehas, in which it is probably supposed to have con- 
 tinued till the time of Herod the great, if not till that dispen- 
 sation came to an end. 
 
 V. 14, 15. The names and rank of these offenders are 
 thus declared, in order to illustrate the heroical impartiality 
 of Phinehas. — Zur is numbered among the kings of Midian, 
 who were slain by Israel. (31:8.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Balaam’s counsel seems to have been first 
 given to Balak, king of Moab ; yet probably the Midianitish 
 women, especially of the higher ranks, as Cosbi was, were 
 the principal tempters; and the nation of Midian seems, 
 more generally and heartily, to have come into the execrable 
 measure than that of Moab : they were therefore first 
 selected to be made examples of, for a warning to the 
 Moabites, who were spared at this time. ( Notes, 31. Deut. 
 23:3—5. 2 Sam. 8:2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 5. The friendship of the wicked is more dangerous 
 than their enmity: for none can prevail against the servants 
 of God, except by tempting them to sin ; no enchantment can 
 injure them, except the fascination of worldly interests and 
 pleasures ; nor would the enemy of souls be so much gratified 
 by casting them into a fiery furnace, as by alluring them to 
 criminal indulgences. When once the fence of the divine 
 command is broken, the progress from one kind and degree 
 of sin to another is almost unavoidable ; and when the barrier 
 of female modesty is removed, the transition to the most im- 
 pudent licentiousness is frequently very sudden ; nor are any 
 persons more pestilential to the human species, than beautiful 
 abandoned women. Numbers in every age are brought to 
 an ignominious execution, and immensely greater multitudes 
 are hurried to the grave by dreadful diseases, in consequence 
 of listening to their allurements : in short, “ their feet lead 
 down to death, and their steps take hold of hell.” Yet mu! 
 
 ( 301 ) 
 
B. C. 1152. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 13. C. 1152 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 The people are numbered by divine command: the number of each tribe, 
 and the turn total, I — 51. The law for the division of the promised 
 loivl, 52 — 55. Tht Levi tea are numbered , 57 — 62. None left of those before 
 numbered, but Caleb and Joshua, 63 — 65. 
 
 A ND it came to pass “after the plague, that the 
 Lord spake unto Moses, and unto Elp-izar, 
 the son of Aaron, the priest, saying, 
 
 2 b Take the sum of all the congregation of the 
 children of Israel, from twenty years old and up- 
 ward, throughout their fathers’ house, all that are 
 able to go war in Israel. 
 
 3 And Moses andEleazar the priest spake witfy 
 them in 'the plains of Moab, by Jordan near 
 Jericho, saying, 
 
 4 Take the sum of the people , from twenty years 
 old and upward ; as the Lord d commanded Moses 
 and the children of Israel, which went forth out of 
 the land of Egypt. 
 
 5 It Reuben, 'the eldest son of Israel : fthe 
 children of Reuben; Hanoch, of whom cometh 
 the family of the Hanochites : of Pallu, the family 
 of the Palluites : 
 
 6 Of Hesron, the family of the Hesronites : of 
 Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 
 
 7 These are the families of the Reubenites: 
 and they that were nutpbered of them were eforty 
 and three thousand and seven hundred and thirty. 
 8 And the sons of Pallu ; Eliab. 
 
 9 And the sons of Eliab ; Nemuel, and Dathan, 
 and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram 
 which were h famous in the congregation, who 
 strove against Moses and against Aaron in the 
 company of Korah, when they strove against the 
 Lord : 
 
 10 And ‘the earth opened her mouth, and swal- 
 lowed them up, together with Korah, when that 
 company died, what time the fire devoured two 
 hundred and fifty men : and Jthey became a sign. 
 
 11 Notwithstanding, k the children of Korah 
 died not. 
 
 12 H The sons of Simeon, after their families: 
 of 'Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites ; of 
 Jamin, the family of the Jaminites : of m Jachin, 
 the family of the Jachinites : 
 
 13 Of “Zerah, the family of the Zarhites : of 
 Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 
 
 14 These are the families of the Simeonites, 
 “twenty and two thousand and two hundred. 
 
 o25:9. b See on 1:2,3. Ex. 30:12. 38:25,26. c63. 22:1. 31:12. 33:48. 35:1. 
 
 Deul. 4:46 — 49. 34:1,6,8. d 1:1. 1 Chr. 21:1. e Gen. 29:32. 49:2,3. lC'hr.5: 
 1. fGen. 46:9. Ex. 6.14. 1 Chr. 5 3. g Decreased 2770. 1:21. 2:11. Ii 16: 
 1,2. Ps. 10117 Jude 11. i 16:31— 35. 27:3. Ps. 106:17,18. 1 16:38. lSam.2: 
 
 54. Jrr. 29:22. Ei. 14:9. 1 Cor. 10:5. 2 Pel. 2:6. .lode 7. k Ex. 6:24. 1 Chr. 6. 
 22 — 28. Ps.42; 44: 45: &c. titles. 1 Gen. 46:10. Ex. 6:15. Lemuel, m 1 Chr. 
 4:24. Jarih. n Gen. 46:10. Zohar . o Decreased 37,100. 1:22,23. 2:12,13. 
 pGen. 46:16. Ziphion , Haggai , Shuni , Ezbon , Eri , Arodi, Areli. q decrcas - 
 
 titudes, increasing multi! tides, throng the fatal path, regard- 
 less of the law of God, in defiance of his vengeance, and in 
 neglect of the dictates of common sense, universal observa- 
 tion, ami their own painful experience of the fatal effects! 
 ( P . O. Prov. 2:10—22. Nate, 5:14. P. O. 1—14.) Butlet him 
 who would have health, credit, and comfort in this world, or 
 escape the wrath to come, “ flee youthful lusts,” and shun such 
 fascinating tempters, as he would persons infected with a 
 baleful pestilence. — In collective bodies there is generally a 
 diversity of characters : we should not therefore indiscrimi- 
 nately condemn all for the crimes of some, which perhaps the 
 others detest and lament ; and our gracious Lord always dis- 
 tinguishes between the penitent and the obstinate transgressor. 
 
 V. G — 18. The more highly advanced in rank or authority 
 offenders are, the deeper aggravation attends their crimes, 
 and the more extensive is the influence of their pernicious 
 example ; it is therefore of vast importance, that judgment 
 should be administered without respect of persons. Yet there 
 have always been those, who would attempt to elude, out- 
 brave, or bribe human justice. When this is the case, zeal 
 for the honour of God, and the welfare of society, should 
 excite all invested with authority , to disregard every personal 
 consideration, in stepping forward, and bringing an over- 
 grown offender to condign punishment. And they who, by 
 any warrantable means, boldly attempt to check the progress 
 of daring wickedness shall be honoured and recompensed by 
 God, though they be censured and hated by men for so 
 doing. None will be more surely and severely punished 
 titan they, who, after Satan’s example, as his agents, and 
 with his subtlety, tempt others to wickedness. — The Lord 
 will chastise his offending people ; hut their tempters he will 
 utterly destroy : and how dreadful the change to those, who 
 sink together from the indulgence of sinful pleasure into the 
 ( 302.) 
 
 15 IT The children of Gad, after their families 
 of pZephon, the family of the Zephonites ;• o 
 Haggi, the family of the Haggites: of Shuni, the 
 family of the Shunites. 
 
 16 Of Ozni, the family of the Oznites : of Eri, 
 the family of the Erites : 
 
 17 Of Arod, the family of the Arodites: of 
 Areli, the family of the Arelites. 
 
 18 These are the families of the children of 
 Gad, according to those that were numbered of 
 them, ‘'forty thousand and five hundred. 
 
 19 H The sons of Judah were r Er and Onan : 
 and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 
 
 20 And the sons of Judah, after their families, 
 were : of'Shelah the family of the Shelanites ; of 
 ‘Pharez, the family of the Pharezites ; “of Zerah, 
 the family of the Zarhites. 
 
 21 And the sons of Pharez were : of Hezron, 
 the family of the Hezronites : of Hamul, the 
 family of the Hamulites. 
 
 22 These are the families of Judah, according 
 to those that were numbered of them, “threescore 
 and»sixteen thousand and five hundred. 
 
 23 II Of rthe sons of Issachar, after their 
 families: of Tola^ the family of the Tolaites: of 
 Pua, the family of the Punites : 
 
 24 Of Jashub, the family of the Jashuhites; of 
 Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 
 
 25 These are the families of Issachar, according 
 to those that were numbered of them, “threescore 
 and four thousand and three hundred. 
 
 26 IT Of “the sons of Zebulun, after their 
 families : of Sered, the family of the Sardites : of 
 Elon, the family of the Elonites : of Jahleel, the 
 family of the Jahleelites. 
 
 27 These are the families of the Zebu 1 unites, 
 according to those that were numbered of them, 
 b threescore thousand and five hundred. 
 
 28 IT The 'sons of Joseph, after their families, 
 were Manasseh and Ephraim. 
 
 29 Of the sons of Manasseh : of d Machir, the 
 family of the Machirites : and Machir begat 
 Gilead ; of Gilead come the family of the Gileadites. 
 
 30 These are the sons of Gilead : of 'Jeezer, 
 the family of the Jeezerites : of Helek, the family 
 of the Helekites : 
 
 31 And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: 
 and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites : 
 
 ed 5150. 1:24,25 . 2:14,15. r Gen. 38:1— 10. 46:12. lrhr.2:3. s Gen. 38:5. 
 
 11,14,26. 1 Chr. 4:21. t Gen. 38:27-29. 46:12. Rmh4:18-22. 1 Chr. 2:3, hi. 
 Neh. 11:4,6. Perez. Mall. 1:3. Ruke 3:33. Phnres. u Gen. 38:30. 46:12. Za- 
 rad. 1 Chr. 2:4. Neh. 11:24. x Increased 1900. 1:26 27. 2:3,4. y l.en 46:13. 
 Tola. Phuvah. Job. 7. Increased 9900. 1:28,29. 2:5,6. a Gen. 46:14. b In* 
 creased 3100. 1:30,31.2:7,8. c Gen. 41 :51, 52. 46:20. 48:5,13-20. <132:39,40. 
 36:1. Deut. 3:15. Josh. 17:1. Judg.5:14. 1 Chr. 7:14— 19. * Called Abiezcr. 
 
 Josh. 17:2. Judg. 6:11,24,34. 8-2. 
 
 torments of hell-fire ! — How infatuated are men, who wan- 
 tonly provoke the vengeance of that God who can so easily 
 destroy them ! — But let us not close our reflections without 
 looking to Jesus, who, in zeal for the Lord of hosts, and love 
 to his people, made an atonement, not with the blood of 
 others, but with his own blood, that we might not be con- 
 sumed ; and who is in consequence established in an ever- 
 lasting priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, a High- 
 Priest upon the royal throne of universal and everlasting 
 dominion. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVI. V. 1,2. [Notes, 1:2:)— The 
 plague, above recorded, iiad swept away the last of that 
 devoted generation, which provoked the Lord to 11 swear in 
 his wrath that they should not enter” Canaan : and lie com- 
 manded that the people should again be numbered, (this 
 being the third time,) both to illustrate his faithfulness to his 
 promises, and to prepare for the division of the promised 
 land. Not only the tribes, but the families of Israel are here 
 registered ; that is, the names of those sons, or grandsons, of 
 the patriarchs, who were the progenitors of the grand sub- 
 divisions in the several tribes. 
 
 V. 10. Together with Korah.] This verse seems to de- 
 termine, that Korah was swallowed up with Dathan and 
 Abiram. (Note, 1 0:28 — 34.) 
 
 V. 11. The sons of Korah, not consenting to their father’s 
 crime, or speedily repenting, were preserved when he w as 
 cut off, and afterwards became eminent, in the service of the 
 sanctuary. (Marg. Ref. k.) 
 
 V. 14. The immense decrease of this tribe renders it 
 probable, that, influenced by the example of Zimri, the 
 Simeonites had been peculiarly criminal in the late w icked- 
 ness; and that multitudes of them had died hv the plague. 
 (Marg.) 
 
B.C. 452. CHAPTER XXYI. B. C. 1459. 
 
 32 And of Sheinida, the family of the Shemida- 
 ites: and of Hepher, the family of the Hepher- 
 ites. 
 
 33 And “Zclophehad the son of Hepher had no 
 sons, but daughters : and the names ot the daugh- 
 ters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noah, 
 Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 
 
 34 These are the families of Manasseh, and 
 those that were numbered of them, f fifty and two 
 thousand and seven hundred. 
 
 35 These are the sons of Ephraim, after their 
 families : of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthal- 
 hites : of t'Becher, the family of the Bachrites : of 
 Tahan, the family of the Tahianites. 
 
 36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah : of 
 Eran, the family of the Eranites. 
 
 37 These are the families of the sons of 
 Ephraim, according to those that were numbered 
 ot them, '’thirty and two thousand and five hun- 
 dred. These are the sons of Joseph after their 
 families. 
 
 38 IT The 'sons of Benjamin, after their families : 
 of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, 
 the family of the Ashbelites : of k Ahiram, the 
 family of the Ahiramites. 
 
 39 Of 'Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites : 
 of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 
 
 40 And the sons of Bela were ,n Ard and Naa- 
 man : of Jlrd, the family of the Ardites : and of 
 Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 
 
 41 These are the sons of Benjamin, after 
 their families: and they that were numbered of 
 them were “forty and five thousand and six hun- 
 dred. 
 
 42 IT These are the sons of Dan, after their 
 families : of °Shuham, the family of the Shuham- 
 ites. These are the families of Dan, after their 
 families. 
 
 43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according 
 to those that were numbered of them, were I'three- 
 6Core and four thousand and four hundred. 
 
 44 IT Of he children of Asher, after their 
 families : of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites : 
 of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites : of Beriah, 
 the family of the Beriites. 
 
 45 Of the sons of Beriah : of Heber, the family 
 of the Heberites : of Malchiel, the family of the 
 Malchielites. 
 
 46 And the name of the daughter of Asher wan 
 r Sarah. 
 
 47 These are the families of the sons of Asher, 
 according to those that were numbered of them, 
 who tuere s fifty and three thousand and four hun- 
 dred. 
 
 48 IT Of ’the sons of Naphtali, after their fami- 
 nes : of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites : of 
 Guni, the family of the Gunites : 
 
 e 27:1. 35:10-12. f Tnr eased 20,500. 1 :34, 35 . 2:20,21. g 1 Chr. 7:20,21. 
 Bared. Tahnth. Eladnh. Ttiknth. h Decreased. 8000. 1:32,33. 2:18,19. i 1 Chr. 
 7:6 — 12. k 1 Chr. 8:21. Ahetrak. 1 Gen. 46:21. Eki. Muppim and Hup vim. 
 m l Chr. 8:3. Addar. n Increased 10,200. 1:36,37. 2:22,23. o Gen. 46.23. 
 HusMm. p Increased 1700. 1:38,29. 2:25,26. qGen. 46:17. Jimnah. Ishuak. 
 Isui. 1 Chr. 7:80. Imnak. Isuah. Ishuai. r Gen. 46:17. Serah. s Increased 
 11,900. 1:40,41. 2:27,28. t Gen. 46:24. u 1 Chr. 7:13. Shallum. x Decreased 
 8000. 1:42,43. 2.29,30. y Sum total decreased 1820. 1:46. 2:32. -Job 12:20—23. 
 
 V. 51. The increase or decrease of each tribe, and of the 
 whole multitude, having been noticed in the margin, further 
 annotation is rendered needless. 
 
 V. 53 — 56. The division of Canaan was to be made 
 according to the register now formed ; and the quantity of 
 land was to be proportioned to the numbers of each tribe : but 
 the situation was to be determined by lot, both to the tribes 
 and to individuals. Thus the decreasing of any tribe in the 
 wilderness, proved the decrease of their future political import- 
 ance and affluence, in all succeeding ages. (Notes, Josh. 
 14:3—5.18:19:) 
 
 V. 57 — 61. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 6:14—20. Lev. 
 
 10 : 1 , 2 . 
 
 V. 62 — 65. As the Levites were not numbered from 
 twenty years of age, they were not here included. — Upon 
 exact inquiry, it was found that not one man remained of 
 those, concerning whom the Lord had “sworn in his wrath 
 that they should not enter into his rest.” Thus his word was 
 magnified, and an intimation was given that a speedy entrance 
 into Canaan might be expected. We may entertain a pleas- 
 ing hope, that the temporal punishment was sanctified to 
 multitudes, to bring them to repentance before they d ed ; 
 
 49 Of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites : of 
 “Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 
 
 50 These are the families of Naphtali, according 
 to their families : and they that were numbered of 
 them were ’‘forty and five thousand and four hun- 
 dred. 
 
 51 These were the numbered of the children of 
 Israel, ^six hundred thousand and a thousand 
 seven hundred and thirty. 
 
 52 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 53 Unto 'these the land shall be divided for an 
 inheritance, according to the number of names. 
 
 54 To “many thou shaft 'give the more inherit- 
 ance, andto few thou shalt tgive the less inherit- 
 ance : to every one shall his inheritance be given, 
 according to those that were numbered of him. 
 
 55 Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided 
 b by lot : according to the names of the tribes of 
 their fathers they shall inherit. 
 
 56 According to the lot shall the possession 
 thereof be divided between many and few. 
 
 57 IT And “these are they .that were numbered 
 of the Levites, after their families : ‘'of Gershon, 
 the family of the Gershonites : of Kohath, the 
 family of the Kohathites : of Merari, the family of 
 the Merarites. 
 
 58 These are the families of the Levites : the 
 family of the Libnitps, the family of the Hebron- 
 it s, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the 
 Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Ko- 
 hath begat Amram. 
 
 59 And the name of Amram’s wife vias e Joche- 
 bed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare 
 to Levi in Egypt : and she bare unto Amram, 
 Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their sister. 
 
 60 And f unto Aaron was bom Nadab and 
 Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 
 
 61 And eNadab and Abihu died, when they 
 offered strange fire before the Lord. 
 
 62 And Those that were numbered of them, 
 were twenty and three thousand, all males from a 
 month old and upward : for ‘they were not num- 
 bered among the children of Israel, k because 
 there was no inheritance given them among the 
 children of Israel. 
 
 63 These ' are they that were numbered by 
 Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the 
 children of Israel in the plains of Moab, by Jordan 
 near Jericho. 
 
 64 But among these, There was not a man of 
 them whom Moses and Aaron the priest number- 
 ed, when they numbered the children of Israel in 
 the wilderness of Sinai. 
 
 65 For the Lord had said of them, "They shall 
 surely die in the wilderness. And there^ was not 
 left a man of them, “save Caleb the son df Jephun 
 neh, and Joshua the son of Nun. 
 
 r. Josh. 11:23. 14:1. Ps. 105:44. a 33:54. * Heb. multiply his inheritance. 
 
 t Heb. diminish his inheritance. b 56. 33:54. 34:13. Josh. 14:2. 17:14. 18: 
 6,10,11. 19:1,10,17,24,32,40. Prov. 16:33. 18:18. Acts 1:26. c Gen. 46:11. Ex. 
 6:16—19. 1 Chr. 6:1, &c. rl See on 3:4. e Ex. 2:1.2. 6:20. f3:2. g3:4. Ler. 
 10:1,2. 1 Chr. 24:1,2. h Increased 1000. 3:39. 4:47,48. i See on 1:49. k 18: 
 20-24. 35:2—8. Dent. 10:9. 14:27— 29 . 18:1,2. Josh. 13:14,33. 14:3. 1 
 
 on 3. ml: 2: Deut. 2:14,15. n 14:28,29. Dent. 32:49,50. Ps. 90:3— 7. 1 Co-. 10c 
 5,6. Heb. 3:17,18. Jude 5. o See on 14:38. 
 
 and so became (he means of their eternal salvation, as a 
 blessed effect o{ the respite granted them. Of all this multi- 
 tude there was not one man aged sixty, except Moses, 
 Caleb, Joshua, and some of the Levites. — It is not expressly 
 said Whether the women were, or were not, involved in the 
 sentence. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Death is continually making awful havoc of the human 
 species, and causing surprising revolutions in families and 
 nations ; yet all is appointed in perfect wisdom, justice, and 
 truth. This should excite us to meditate upon the odious 
 nature and destructive tendency of sin, the deserving cause 
 of all these devastations; and to take occasion to renew 
 repentance, to seek forgiveness, to value the salvation of 
 Christ; to remember how frail we are, to prepare for the 
 approaching summons, and to fill up our remaining days in 
 “ serving our generation according to the will of God.” Then 
 death will be disarmed of his sting, become our friend, and 
 convey us to heaven, when our appointed period on earin is 
 finished. — But unrepent.ed sin arms death with unutterable 
 horrors : and lasting infamy perhaps in this world, and ever- 
 lasting shame, contempt, and misery in another, will be the 
 ( 303 ) 
 
U. C. 1 552. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 The dftiph'crs of Zelophehad ask Jor their fa: her' s inh «< itanc*, 1 — 5. The late 
 of inheritance, 6—11. Motes io warned of his a proaching dealt; 
 and, in answer to his prayer, Joshua is up/tomled to succeed him, 12 — 
 23. 
 
 T HEN came the daughters of “Zelophehad, the 
 son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of 
 Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of 
 Manasseh the son of Joseph : and these are the 
 names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and 
 Hogiali, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 
 
 2 And b they stood before Moses, and before 
 Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all 
 the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of 
 the congregation, saying, 
 
 3 Our lather 'died in the wilderness, and he was 
 not d in the company of them that gathered them- 
 selves together asamst the Lord in the company 
 of Korah ; but 'died in his own sin, and had no 
 sons. 
 
 4 Why f should the name of our father be 'done 
 away from among his family, because he hath no 
 son : “Give unto us therefore a possession among 
 the brethren of our father. 
 
 5 And h Moses brought their cause before the 
 Lord. 
 
 6 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 7 The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: 
 'thou shalt surely give them ^ possession of an in- 
 heritance among their father’s brethren : and thou 
 shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass 
 unto them. 
 
 8 And thou shalt speak unto the children of 
 Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then 
 ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his 
 daughter. 
 
 9 And if he have no daughter, then ye shall 
 give his inheritance unto his brethren. 
 
 • 26:33. 36:1— 12. Josh. 17:3 — 6. 1 Chr. 7:15. b 15:33,34. Ex. 1 8: 13,14,1 &— 26. 
 Dent. 17:8— 10. c 14:35. 26:64,65. d 16:1 — 3,19,32 — 35,49. 26:9,10. e Ex. 18: 
 4. Rom. 5:1*2,21. 6:23. f Ps. 109:13. Prov. 13:9. * Heb. diminished. gJosh. 
 17:4. h Ex. 18:15—19. 25:22. Lev. 24:12,13. Prov. 3:5,6. i 36:2. Us. 68:5. Jer. 
 49:11. Gal. 3:28. k Lev. 25:25,49. Ruth 4:3—6. Jer. 32:8. 1 35:29. 1 Sam. 30: 
 25. m 33:47,48. Deut. 3:27. 32:49. 31:1—4. n 31:2. See on Gen. 25:8,17. 
 o20:24— 28. 33:38. Deut. 10.6. 32:50. p 20:8— 13. Deut. 1 :37 . 32:51,52. Ps. 
 106:32,33. q 20:1,13,24. Ex. 17:7. r 16:22. Heb. 12:9. e Deut. 31:14. 1 Sam. 
 12:13. 1 Kings 5:5. Jer. 23:4,5. Ez. 34:11— 16,23. 37:24. Malt. 9:38. John 10:11. 
 
 doom of those who are “ driven away in their wickedness,” 
 however famous and renowned they were among their ill- 
 judging fellow-sinners. While the Lord punishes the iniquity 
 of the fathers upon their unbelieving posterity, he preserves 
 those, who do not imitate their parents in sin, from sharing 
 their punishment: and the infamy of the father only makes 
 the piety and usefulness of the son more noticed. (Notes, Ez. 
 18:2 — 20.) The word of God will be surely performed; and 
 the eye of the Lord can discern, and his arm can reach, every 
 sinner in the midst of surrounding multitudes: yet respites 
 give space and opportunity for repentance. The promises 
 likewise are irrevocable, and they who follow the Lord fully, 
 shall certainly at length have the comfort of it. In all our 
 different sijuations in life, let us submit to the sovereignty of 
 the Lord, admire his equity and wisdom, and be thankful for 
 his goodness ; and desire above all things an inheritance in 
 the heavenly Canaan. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXVII. V. 1 — 4. In the orders for the 
 division of the land just given, no provision had been made for 
 females in case of the failure of male issue. (26:52 — 56.) The 
 five daughters of Zelophehad, therefore, considered themselves 
 as left destitute, having neither father nor brother, and being 
 themselves entirely overlooked : and they agreed to refer the 
 case to Moses and the rulers, whether it were not equitable 
 that they should inherit their father’s portion, especially as he 
 had not incurred a forfeiture, any more than, (.lie other Israel- 
 ites, who were all involved in one common sentence. There 
 sras therefore no sufficient reason, that, his memory should be 
 disgraced, as if his line were extinct, when he had left so 
 many children. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 5 — 1 1 . As no law had been given concerning females 
 inheriting in defect of male issue, Moses consulted the Lord 
 about it : and he not only allowed the justice of the claim 
 made by the daughters of Zelophehad, but also gave “ a 
 statute of judgment,” by which the magistrates might deter- 
 mine such causes, both in the division of Canaan, and in after 
 ages. — It is generally supposed, that brothers and relations 
 in the line of the father are exclusively meant ; as one great 
 object was to preserve the genealogies distinct. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. Either this order was repeated, or the per- 
 formance of it was postponed till sometime after, as a variety 
 of events took place in the interval. (Notes, 20:10 — 13,22 — 
 28. Deut. 32:45—52.) 
 
 V. 15 — 17. We find from another place, that Moses, on 
 this occasion, earnestly requested to enter Canaan ; but this 
 prayer was not grained. (Note, Deut. 3:23 — 28.) His chief 
 ( 304 ) 
 
 10 And if he have no brethren, then ye shall 
 give his inheritance unto bis fathers brethren. 
 
 1 1 And if his father have no brethren, then ye 
 shall give his inheritance unto his '‘kinsman that is 
 next to him of his family, and he shall possess it : 
 and it shall be unto the children of Israel 'a statute 
 of judgment ; as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 12 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, Get thee 
 up into this “mount Abarim, and see the land 
 which I have given unto the children of Israel. 
 
 13 And when thou hast seen it, “thou also shalt 
 he gathered unto thy people, °as Aaron thy brother 
 was gathered. 
 
 14 For Pye rebelled against my commandment 
 in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congrega- 
 tion, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: 
 that is the water of iMeribah in Kadesh, in the 
 wilderness of Zin. 
 
 15 And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, 
 
 16 Let the Lord, r the God of the spirits ol all 
 flesh, “set a man over the congregation, 
 
 17 Which may ‘go out before them, and which 
 may go in before them, and which may lead them 
 out, and which may bring them in ; that the con- 
 gregation of the Lord be not “as sheep which 
 have no shepherd. 
 
 18 And the Lord .said unto Moses, x Take thee 
 Joshua the son of Nun, ?a man in whom is the 
 Spirit, and day thine hand upon him ; 
 
 19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and 
 before all the congregation : and “give him a 
 charge in their sight. 
 
 20 And thou shalt b put some of thine honour 
 upon him, that all the congregation of the children 
 of Israel c may be obedient. 
 
 21 And d he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, 
 who shall ask counsel for him, after the judgment 
 
 Acts 20:28. 1 Pet. 5:3 — 4. t Deut. 31:2. lSam.8:20. 18:13. 2 Sam. 5:2. 1 Kin?. 
 3:7. 2 Chr. 1:10. John 10:3,4. u 1 Kings 22: 17. 2 Chr. 18:16. Ez. 34:5. Zech. 
 10:2. 13:7. Matt. 9:36. 10:6. 15:24. M*rk 6:34. x See on 11:23. 13:8,16. Ex. 
 17:9. Dent. 3:28.31:7,8,23. 34:9. y 11:17. Gen. 41:38. Judg.3:10. 11:23. 1 Sam 
 16:13,14,18. John 3:34. Acts6:3. 1 Cor. 12:4— 11. z23. Deut. 34:9. Acts6:6, 
 
 8:15-19. 13:3. 19:6. 1 Tim. 4:14. 5:22. Heb.-6:2. a Deut. 31:7. L.uke 9:1 — 5. 
 10:2-11. Acts 20:28-31. Col. 4:17. 1 Tim. 5:21. 6:13-17. 2 Tim. 4:1—6. b 11: 
 17,29. 1 Sam. 10:6,9. 2 Kings 2:9,10.15. 1 Chr. 29:23,25. c Josh. 1:16— 13. 
 d Josh. 9:14. Judg. 1:1. 20:18,23,26— 28. 1 Sam. 23:9. 28:6. 30:7. 
 
 concern however was about the congregation, that they migh* 
 not be left without a magistrate to rule and judge them, or r 
 commander to lead them against their enemies, lest they 
 should be “ as sheep without a shepherd.” ( Marg. Ref. t 
 u. Note, Matt. 9:36 — 38.) And, as the Lord “ knew whaS 
 was in man,” (John 2:25) he alone could appoint them such 
 an able, faithful, and affectionate ruler. (Note, 16:22) 
 
 V. 18. Joshua had long attended on Moses ; and, being 
 endowed with the Spirit of wisdom and courage, was eminent 
 for faith and piety : but he had not hitherto been publicly 
 recognised as his successor. (Notes, 1 1:16. Ex. 17:8 — 13.24: 
 12 — 14. 32:17.) At this time, however, he was solemnly set 
 apart for that important and arduous station, by imposition 
 of Moses’s hands ; a ceremony frequently mentioned in 
 Scripture, in designating men to a peculiar office, or giving 
 authority to perform it. (Marg. Ref.) — It is very remarkabln, 
 that Moses never intimated a desire that one of his sons should 
 succeed him, as Eleazar had succeeded Aaron ; nor do we 
 find that they had this expectation: on the contrary, they 
 seem to have acquiesced in the Lord’s determination, and 
 without envy or murmuring, to have obeyed and honouroc 
 Joshua. (Note, 1 Chr. 23:14.) 
 
 V. 19. Give him a charge .] That is, 1 Seriously instruct 
 him in the important duties of his place, warn him to bo upon 
 his guard against its temptations, and, in the most earnest 
 manner, charge it upon his conscience to be diligent and 
 faithful in it.’ Such should episcopal charges be! (Marg. 
 Ref.) — This was done before the high-priest and all the 
 congregation. 
 
 V. 20. Joshua was admitted to a present share in the 
 authority, that the people might be accustomed to obey and 
 honour him. (Note, Josh. 1:16 — 18.) — Moses lived, and was 
 very busily employed, some time after this warning : and 
 Joshua would be very useful to him, in easing him of the 
 burden of the civil government, whilst he gave himself w holly 
 to attend on the interests of religion. 
 
 V. 21. Moses asked counsel of the Lord himself imme- 
 diately ; hut all the future rulers of Israel were directed to 
 consult the Lord by the high-priest. (Note, Ex. 28:30.) No 
 doubt Joshua obeyed this direction, though it is not particu- 
 larly recorded. One instance, however, in which he wns 
 negligent, is mentioned as an exception to his general conduct. 
 (Note, Josh. 9:14,15.) — As none of the subsequent rulers of 
 Israel descended from Moses, they had the less temptation 
 unduly to magnify him ; and their testimony concerning him 
 becomes, on that account, tho more unexceptionable. 
 
B. C. 14.V2. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 of *Urim before t!ie Lord : f at bis word shall they 
 go out, ami at his word they shall come in, both 
 be, and all the children of Israel with him, even 
 all the congregation. 
 
 22 And" Moses did as the Lord commanded 
 him : and he took Joshua, and set him before 
 Eleazar the priest, and before all the congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 23 And he laid his hands upon him, and egave 
 
 him a charge ; as the Lord commanded by the 
 hand of Moses. * 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Laws for the daily burnt offerings, and those of the sabbath, 1 — 10 : those of 
 the new moons, 11—15 : those of the Passover, and the feast of unleavened 
 bread, 16—25 : and those for the feast of Pentecost, 26—31. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Command the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, My offering, and *my bread for my 
 sacrifices made by fire, for a ‘sweet savour unto 
 me, shall ye observe to offer unto me c in their due 
 season. 
 
 3 And thou shalt say unto them, This is the 
 offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the 
 Lord: d two lambs of the first year without spot, 
 klay by day, for a continual burnt-offering. 
 
 4 The one lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, 
 •and the other lamb shalt thou offer ?at even. 
 
 5 And f a tenth part of an ephah.of flour for a 
 meat-offering, mingled with the fourth part of an 
 bin of beaten oil. 
 
 6 It is g a continual burnt-offering, which h was 
 ordained in mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a 
 sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 7 And the drink-offering thereof shall be the 
 fourth part of an hin for the one lamb: in the 
 
 e Ex. 28:30. Lev. 8:8. Dent. 33:8. lSera.28:6. Earn 2:63. Neh. 7:65. !See 
 on 17. 1 Sam. 22:10— 15. e See on 19. Dent. 3:28. 31 :7, 8. a Lev. 3:11. 81:6,8. 
 Mai. 1:7,12. b 15:3,7,24. Ex. 29:18. Lev. 1 :9, 13, 17. 2C'or.2:15. E|:h. 5:2. Phil. 
 4:18. * Heb. savour of my rest. Gen. 8:21. Ez. 16:19. 20:41. marg. c 9:2,3, 7, 
 13. Ex. 23:15. Ps. 81:3. d Ex. 29:38,39. Lev. 6:9. Ez. 46:13— 15. John 1:29. 
 1 Pet. 1:19,20. Rev. 13:8. t Heb. in a day. Dan. 8:13. 11:31. 12:11. e 1 Kings 
 18:29,36. Ezra 9:4,5. Ps. 141:2. Dan. 9:21. J Heb. between the two evenings. 
 9:3. Ex. 12.6. marg. f 15:4,5. Ex. 29:38— 42. Lev. 2:1. g Ex. 29:42. Lev. 6: 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The assured faith that the word of the Lord would be per- 
 formed in due season, and the desire of an interest in the 
 promised inheritance, which these young women manifested ; 
 together with the modest, open manner in which they pre- 
 ferred their petition, are well worthy of imitation. The 
 readiness also of Moses to attend to their application, and to 
 seok counsel from the Lord about it, should be copied by 
 magistrates, ministers, and all intrusted with authority. — The 
 earnestness likewise with which Moses, under the divine 
 rebuke and on the verge of death, pleaded for the congrega- 
 tion ; his anxiety for their welfare after his decease ; and his 
 disinterestedness, with the peaceful submission of his sons to 
 the undistinguished lot of ordinary Levites, are excellent 
 models for our spirit and conduct. — Even when we do not by 
 impenitent wickedness exclude ourselves from the inheritance 
 of heaven : all our sufferings in this world, and our final dis- 
 solution, must be considered as the efTect of our sins. (3) — 
 The word of God is the only standard of faith and practice ; 
 yet sobriety and impartiality are requisite, to enable us to 
 apply general rules to particular circumstances : but when 
 difficulties, relative to practice, are fairly proposed and solidly 
 resolved, they become adjudged cases, extensively and dura- 
 bly useful. Jesus alone ever liveth to rule and protect his 
 church ; and all others have their subordinate and temporary 
 services, which having finished, they must be “ gathered to 
 their fathers :” and though their dismission may be with a 
 rebuke for some miscarriages, the prospect of heaven, and 
 the grace of the Holy Spirit, will induce a peaceful and sub- 
 missive acquiescence. Progressive sanctification always 
 evidences itself by a proportionate regard to the interests of 
 true religion, which will be enhanced by the evident approach 
 of death ; and the more any one hath experienced the burden 
 of important stations, the more sensible will he be, that none 
 but the Lord can furnish a man for such services, or support 
 him in them. We should therefore with all earnestness apply 
 to him who hath the fulness of the Spirit, to set suitable per- 
 sons over his congregations : even such men, as by their 
 example and instructions, and by the proper exercise of 
 authority, may go before the people and take care of them, 
 that they be not “ as sheep which have no shepherd.” But 
 no one can be fully qualified for any service in the church, 
 who is destitute of the grace of the Holy Spirit, however 
 learned, eloquent, ingenious, or sagacious he may otherwise 
 be. (18)— They who are appointed to public stations, as 
 magistrates or ministers, should be solemnly charged to at- 
 end to their duties ; and the people should honour and obey 
 (hem, and pray for them : and, thus supported, they need not 
 fear the most difficult services ; for the grace of the Lord 
 shall be sufficient for them. — In Joshua’s succession we are 
 Vol. L — 39 
 
 holy place shalt thou cause the strong wine to bo 
 poured unto the Lord for a drink-offering. 
 
 8 And the other lamb shalt thou offer at even: 
 as the meat-offering of the morning, and as tlie 
 drink-offering thereof thou shalt offer it a sacri- 
 fice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 9 And on the k sabbath-day, two lambs of the 
 first year without spot, and two tenth-deals of flour 
 for a meat-offering, mingled with oil, and the 
 drink-offering thereof 
 
 10 This is ‘the burnt-offering of every sabbath, 
 beside "’the continual burnt-offering, and his drink- 
 offering. 
 
 11 IT And “in the beginnings of your months ye 
 shall offer a burnt-offering unto the Lord ; "two 
 young bullocks and one ram, seven lambs of the 
 first year without spot. 
 
 12 And Pthree tenth-deals of flour for a meat- 
 offering mingled with oil, for one bullock ; and two 
 tenth-deals of flour for a meat-offering mingled 
 with oil, for one ram ; 
 
 13 And a several tenth-deal of flour, mingled 
 with oil for a meat-offering, unto one lamb ; for a 
 burnt-offering of a sweet savour, a sacrifice made 
 by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 14 And their drink-offerings shall be half an bin 
 of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an 
 hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a 
 lamb : this is the burnt-offering of every month, 
 throughout the months of the year. 
 
 15 And "one kid of the goats for a sin-offering 
 unto the Lord shall be offered, "besides the con- 
 tinual burnt-offering, and his drink-offering. 
 
 9. 2 Chr. 2:4. 31:3. Ezra 3:4. P». 50:8. Ez. 46:14. Am. 5:25. h Ex. 24:18. 29: 
 36 — 42. 31:18. i 14,31. See on 15:5,7,10. Ex. 29:40. 30:9. Lev. 23:13. Is. 57:6. 
 Joel 1:9,13. 2:14. Phil. 2:17. Gr. k Ex. 20:8— 11. Ps. 12:1— 4. Is. 58:13. Ex. 
 20:12. Rev. 1:10. lEz.46:4,5. m 23 . 29:6,11,16,19,22,25,31,34,38,39 n 10:10. 
 
 1 Sam. 20:5. 2 Kings 4:23. 1 Chr. 23:31. 2 Chr. 2:4. Ezra 3:5. Neh. 1(J:33. 
 
 Ps. 40:6— S. 81:3. Is. 1:13,14. 66:23. Ez. 45:17,18. 46:1,6. Hos. 2:11. Amos 8. 
 6. Gal. 4:10. Col. 2:6,16. o 19. Heb. 10:10— 14. p 15:4— 12. 29:10. Ez. 46:5— 7. 
 q See on 2. r 22. 15:24. Lev. 4:23. 16:15. Rom. 8:3. 2 Cor. 5:21. s See on 3,10. 
 
 likewise reminded, “ that the law was given by Moses,” 
 which by reason of our transgression could not bring any ot 
 us to heaven : “ but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ,” 
 to accomplish the salvation of every believer. (Note, John 
 1:17.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVIII. V. 1, 2. The ceremonial 
 worship had been greatly interrupted, during the continuance 
 of the Israelites in the wilderness: and as a new generation 
 had arisen, who were children or minors when the law was 
 given ; and as they were about to enter on the wars of 
 Canaan, and to take possession of the promised land ; it was 
 proper to remind them not to neglect the ordinances of God, 
 either in the hurry and peril of the one, or in the satisfactions 
 of the other. Some things circumstantially new arc con- 
 tained in these chapters, intermingled with the repetition of 
 former appointments; and they are regularly arranged, as 
 they respected daily, weekly, monthly, and annual institu- 
 tions. My bread. (2) Marg. Ref. a. Note, Lev. 3:11. 
 
 V. 3 — 8. The daily sacrifices no doubt were constantly 
 offered in the wilderness in the same manner as they were 
 ordained or offered at mount Sinai : hut it was proper here 
 again to renew the appointment of them, with that of the 
 other sacrifices, which might have been in part intermitted. 
 (Note, Ex. 28:38 — 41.) The wine to be poured on the 
 sacrifice must be the best of the kind ; and wine is still the 
 memorial of the blood of Christ, shed for the ransom of many 
 for the remission of sins. — In the holy place. (7) .At the 
 altar, in the inner court of the tabernacle. 
 
 V. 9, 10. This was a new injunction, aptly significant ot 
 the extraordinary devotions which should distinguish the sab- 
 bath. Probably, two lambs were on that day offered in the 
 morning, and two in the evening. 
 
 V. 11 — 15. (Marg. Ref. n.) The Lord having “ap- 
 pointed the moon for certain seasons,” required his worship- 
 pers to observe (he new moons, by offering several burnt- 
 offerings, with the accustomed meat-offerings, and drink- 
 offerings, and a sin-offering, in addition to the daily sacrifice. 
 Thus they were taught to acknowledge the living and true 
 God, at a season when idolaters in general were worshipping 
 the moon itself, or some other abominable idol ; (Notes, Dent. 
 4:19. Job 31:24 — 28. Ps. 104:19. 148:3. ) and to renew their 
 dedication of themselves to his service, at the beginning of 
 each month. St. Paul mentions the new moons among those 
 institutions, that were a shadow of which Christ was the sub- 
 stance ; yet nothing typical appears in them, except the 
 numerous sacrifices then offered. (Note, Col. 2:10,17.) 
 
 V. 16—25. ( Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 12: Lev. 23:4—8.)— 
 The several offerings for the passover, and the feast of unlea- 
 vened bread, had not before been appointed ; among which 
 the “goat for sin-offering to make an atonemert for you,* 
 ( 305 ) 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 16 H And 11 ‘the fourteenth day of the first 
 month is the passover of the Lord. 
 
 17 And in "the fifteenth day of this month is 
 the feast : seven days shall unleavened bread be 
 eaten. 
 
 18 In Hhe first day shall be an holy convoca- 
 tion ; ye shall do no manner of servile work 
 therein. 
 
 19 But ye shall offer a sacrifice made by fire, 
 for a burnt-offering unto the Lord; Uwo young 
 bullocks, and one ram, and seven lambs of the 
 first year : 'they shall be unto you without ble- 
 mish. 
 
 20 And their meat-offering shall be of flour 
 mingled with oil : three tenth-deals shall he offer 
 for a bullock, and two tenth-deals for a ram ; 
 
 21 A several tenth-deal shalt thou offer for 
 every lamb, throughout the seven lambs : 
 
 22 And “one goat for a sin-oflering, to make an 
 atonement for you. 
 
 23 Ye shall offer these, b beside the burnt-offer- 
 ing in the morning, wljich is for a continual burnt- 
 offering. 
 
 24 After this manner ye shall offer daily, 
 throughout the seven da'ys, the meat of the sa- 
 crifice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the 
 Lord: it shall be offered beside the continual 
 burnt-offering, and his drink-offering. 
 
 25 And 'on the seventh day ye shall have an 
 holy convocation ; d ye shall do no servile work. 
 
 26 H Also e in the day of the first-fruits, when 
 ye bring a new meat-offering unto the Lord, after 
 your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convoca- 
 tion ; ye shall do no servile work. 
 
 27 But ye shall offer the burnt-offering for a 
 sweet savour unto the Lord ; f two young bullocks, 
 one ram, seven lambs of the first year; 
 
 28 And their meat-offering of flour mingled 
 with oil, three tenth-deals unto one bullock, two 
 tenth-deals unto one ram. 
 
 29 A several tenth-deal unto one lamb, through- 
 out the seven lambs ; 
 
 30 Jlnd eone kid of the goats, to make an atone- 
 ment for you. 
 
 31 Ye shall offer them, beside the continual 
 burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, (they shall be 
 unto you Hvithout blemish,) and their drink-offer- 
 ings. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 The sacrifices to be offered at the feast of trumpets, 1 — 6 : on the day of 
 atonement, 7 — 11 : at the feast of tabernacles , 12 — 40. 
 
 A ND in the “seventh month, on the first day of 
 the month, ye shall have an holy convocation ; 
 
 t 9:3—5. Ex. 12:2—11,43—49. Lev. 23:5— 8. Deut. 16:1—8. Ez. 45:21— 24. Matt. 
 25:2,17. Luke 22:7,8. Acts 12-3,4. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. u Ex. 12:15— 17. 13:6. Lev. 
 23:6. x Ex. 12:16. Lev. 23:7,8. y Ez. 45:21—25. z 29:8. Lev. 22 20. Deut. 15: 
 21. 1 Pet. 1:19. a Seeon 15. b See on 3,10. c Ex. 12:16. 13:6. Lev. 23:8. 
 d 18,26 . 29:1,12,35. Lev. 23:3,8,21,25,35,36. e Ex. 23:16. 34:22. Lev. 23:10,15 
 —21. De.it. 16:9—11. Acts 2:1, &c. 1 Cor. 15:20. Jam. 1:18. f 11,19. Lev. 23:18, 
 19. g 15,22. 15:24. 2 Cor. 5:21. Gal. 3.13. 1 Pet. 2:24. 3:18. h Mai. 1:13,14. 
 a Lev. 23:24,25. Ezra 3:6. Neh. 7:73. b 10:1—10. I Chr. 15:28. Ps. 81:3. 89: 
 15. Is. 27:13. Zech. 9:14. Mark 16:15,16. Rom. 10:14— 18. 15:16—19. c 8,36. 
 
 should not he overlooked. (22,30. 29:5,11,16,19,22,25,28,31, 
 34,38.) The daily burnt-offering must not be omitted, though 
 so many other sacrifices were required. (24,31.) 
 
 V. 26 — 31. Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 23:14 — 18. Lev. 
 23:15—21. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We are again reminded of the perpetual efficacy of the one 
 sacrifice of Christ, and of our continual need of it: and also 
 of the constancy with which the Christian should wait upon 
 God in his ordinances, both as means of deriving grace from 
 the fulness of Christ, and of rendering to the Lord the glory 
 due unto him, as our Creator, our providential Benefactor, 
 and the God of our salvation. These subjects indeed are not 
 new tous, yet they may stir up our minds by a salutary rcpc- 
 titior. — No hurrying employments, or perilous situations, or 
 prosperous circumstances, should induce slackness in reli- 
 gious exercises ; nay, they should excite greater diligence in 
 seeking help from the Lord, or in giving thanks to him. And 
 when young persons are about to settle in life, and remove to 
 habitations of their own, it is peculiarly the duty of ministers, 
 parents, and pious friends, to admonish them from the first to 
 establish the worship of God in their families ; which will pre- 
 vent much subsequent trouble, and bring a blessing on them, 
 and on all that they nprigiitly engage in. Every day should 
 at lea>t. begin and end with prayer and praise: sabbaths call 
 for a double measure of personal and family religion: and 
 seasons of peculiar humiliation for sin, of seeking any special 
 I 3UG \ 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 ye shall do no servile work . it is a day of 'blow- 
 ing the trumpets unto yon. 
 
 2 And ye shall offer a burnt-offering for a 
 sweet savour unto the Lord : c one young bullock, 
 one ram, and seven lambs of the first year with- 
 out blemish : 
 
 3 And their meat-offering shall be of flour 
 mingled with oil, three tenth-deals for a bullock, 
 and two tenth-deals for a ram, 
 
 4 And one tenth-deal for one lamb, tl roughou* 
 the seven lambs : 
 
 5 And d one kid of the goats for a sin-offering, 
 to make an atonement for you : ' 
 
 6 Beside 'the burnt-offering of the month, and 
 his meat-offering, and fthe daily burnt-offering, 
 and bis meat-offering, and their drink-offerings, 
 ^according unto their manner, tor a sweet savour, 
 a sacrifice made by fire unto the Lord. 
 
 7 H And ye shall have h on the tenth day of this 
 seventh month an holy convocation ; and ye shall 
 ’afflict your souls : ye shall not do any work 
 therein. 
 
 8 But ye shall offer a burnt-offering unto the 
 Lord for a sweet savour ; one young bullock, 
 one ram, and seven lambs of the first year; they 
 shall be unto you ^without blemish : 
 
 9 And their k meat-offering shall be of flour 
 mingled with oil, three tenth-deals to a bullock, 
 and uvo tenth-deals to one ram, 
 
 10 A several tenth-deal for one lamb, through- 
 out the seven lambs : 
 
 11 One kid of the goats for a sin-offering, 
 'beside the sin-offering of atonement, and m the 
 continual burnt-otfering, and the meat-offering of 
 it, and their drink-offerings. 
 
 12 H And on "the fifteenth day of the seventh 
 month ye shall have an holy convocation : .ye shall 
 do no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto 
 the Lord seven days. 
 
 13 And ye shall offer a bnrnt-offering, a sacri- 
 fice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the 
 Lord ; "thirteen young bullocks, two rams, and 
 fourteen lambs of the first year ; they shall be 
 without blemish : 
 
 14 And their meat-offering shall be of flour 
 mingled with oil, three tenth-deals unto every 
 bullock of the thirteen bullocks, two tenth-deals 
 to each ram of the two rams, 
 
 15 And a several tenth-deal to each lamb of 
 the fourteen lambs; 
 
 16 And Pone kid of the goats for a sin-offering, 
 beside the continual burnt-offering, his meat- 
 offering, and his drink-offering. 
 
 28:19,27. Heb. 10:10— 14. d See on 28:15.22,30. e Sfe on 28:11— 15. f See 
 on 28:3—8. Ex. 29:38— 42. I.ev. 6:9. g 18,21. 9:14. 15:24. Ii Lev. 15:29— 31. 
 23:27. i Lev. 16:29. Ezra 8:21. Fa. 35:13. 126:5,6. 1». 22:12. 58.3—5. Zech. 7: 
 3. 12:10. Matt. 5:4. Luke 13:3,5. Acta 27:9. Hum. 6:6. 1 Cor. 9:47. 3 Cor. 7:9 
 —II. Jam. 4:8— 10. 12,13.28:19. k See on 15:3-12. I Lev. 16:3,5,9. la. 53: 
 10. Don. 9:24— 26. Heh. 7:27. 9:25— 28. in See on 6. 28:3-8. n Ex. 23:16. 
 34:22. Lev. 23:34—43. Deut. 16.13,14. Neh . 8: 14 ,18. Hi. 45:25. Zech. 14:16— 
 19. John 1:14. Heb. 11:9— 13. o 2,8. 28:11,19,27. Ez.ra3:4. Heb. 10:12-14. 
 p See on 11. 
 
 blessing, of solemn self-examination previous to approaching 
 the Lord’s table, or of remembering signal mercies received, 
 require time still more entirely set apart for such purposes. 
 But we must take care that one duty does not preclude 
 another; and that all he accompanied with the exercise of 
 repentance, faith, and love to the Lord Jesus ; and with 
 righteousness and true holiness in our whole conduct ; other- 
 wise God will abhor our most solemn services and abundant 
 devotions. ( Note , 23:4 — 6.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIX. V. 1—0. There were rnoro 
 solemnities in the seventh month than in any of the other 
 months. It formed a kind of vacation between the harvest 
 and the ensuing seed-time ; and these solemnities during that 
 season might intimate, that the ordinances of God are the 
 rational refreshment from the fatigue of business; and that 
 religion docs not at all interfere with our true interest even 
 in this world. — They had all been before appointed, hut the 
 sacrifices to ho severally offered on them were at this timo 
 very particularly prescribed. (Notc^ Iav. 23:24,25.) 
 
 V. 7 — 11. ( Notes, Lev. 16: 23:26 — 32.) Even on the day 
 of atonement, “the kid of the goats, for” an additional “sin- 
 offering,” and the morning and evening burnt-offering, must 
 not he omitted. 
 
 V. 12—37. {Notes, Lev. 23:34— 36,39— 43.) The decrease 
 of the number of bullocks, which were sacrificed on the seve- 
 ral days of this feast, until on the Inst and great day only one 
 was offered, is the most observable circumstance in this law. 
 
n. c i io!». 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. B. C. 1452 
 
 17 V 1 1 1 on the second day ye shall offer* twelve 
 younj. bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the 
 first year without spot: 
 
 18 And their meat-offering, and their drink- 
 offerings, for the bullocks, for the rains, and for 
 the lambs, shall be according to their number, 
 'after the manner; 
 
 19 And one kid of the goats for’ a sin-offering, 
 beside the continual burnt-offering, and the meat- 
 offering thereof, and their drink-offerings. 
 
 20 And on the third day eleven bullocks, two 
 ranis, fourteen lambs of the first year without 
 blemish: 
 
 21 And their meat-offering, and their drink- 
 offerings, for the bullocks, lor the rams, and for 
 the lambs, shall be according to their number, after 
 the manner ; 
 
 22 And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the 
 continual burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, 
 and his 'drink-offering. 
 
 23 And on the fourth day ten bullocks, two 
 rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without 
 blemish : 
 
 24 Their meat-offering, and their drink-offer- 
 ings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for the 
 lambs, shall be according to their number, after 
 the manner ; 
 
 25 And one kid of the goats for a sin-offering, 
 beside the "continual burnt-offering, his meat- 
 offering, and his drink-offering. 
 
 26 And on the fifth day nine bullocks, two rams, 
 and fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: 
 
 27 And their meat-offering, and their drink- 
 offerings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for 
 the lambs, shall be according to their number, 
 after the manner ; 
 
 28 And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the 
 continual burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, 
 and his drink-offering. 
 
 29 And on the sixth day eight bullocks, two 
 rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without 
 blemish : 
 
 30 And their meat-offering, and their drink- 
 offerings, for the bullocks, for the rams, and for 
 the lambs, shall be according to their number, 
 after the manner : 
 
 31 And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the 
 
 q 13.20, Sc. Ps. 40:6 . 50:8,9. 51:16,17. 69:31. Is. 1:11. Jer. 7:22,23. Hos.6:6- 
 Horn. 12:1. Hell. 8: 13. 9:2-14. r 6. 15:4— 12. 28:7,H. . 11 ,22,25. Am. 8:14 
 
 IPs. 16:4. Joel 1:9,13. 2:14. II See on 11. John 8:31. Acts 13.43. Rom. 2-7. 
 Gal. 2:5. 6:9. 2 Tins. 3: 13. Heb. 3:14. 10:39. 13: 15. X Lev. 23:36. John 7:37 
 —39. Rev. 7:9-17. * Or, after. y Lev. 23:2. lChr.23:31. 2rhr.3t:3. Eira 
 3:5. Nell. 1":33. Is. 1:14. /.6:21.Lev 7:11, &c. 22:21-23. 23:38. Dent. 12:6. 
 1 Cor. 10:31. a Kx. 40:16. Dent. 4:5. Matt. 28:20. Acts 20:27. 1 Cor. 15:3. 
 
 And the reason of this regulation is not evident ; unless it be 
 intimated that the Mosaic institution would gradually wax old, 
 and at length vanish away, when the promised Messiah came. 
 ( Note , Heb. 8:7 — 13.) 
 
 V. 38. The sin-offering was offered along with fhe other 
 sacrifices, at all these solemn feasts ; ‘being a shadow of the 
 passion of ChrisJ, for whose sake all our sacrifices are accept- 
 able unto God the Father.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 39. The peace-offerings were always the voluntary 
 oblations of individuals ; and therefore none were required as 
 public sacrifices of the congregation, on any of the festivals ; 
 though pious princes and others frequently brought them. 
 (1 Kings 8:63—65. 2 Chr. 30:21—25. Ezra 3:5,6.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 If we would well understand the Scriptures, we must be- 
 stow pains in comparing one part with another ; for the Lord 
 seems to have arranged them purposely to exercise our dili- 
 gence, and to distinguish those who value the knowledge of 
 the truth from such as do not. (Prov. 2:1— 9.)— We are here 
 again reminded that the trumpet of the gospel, even the glad 
 tidings of salvation, calls us to -mourn for sin, and to receive 
 the atonement, before we can truly rejoice in the Lord; and 
 to be strangers and pilgrims upon earth, constantly bringing 
 our “spiritual sacrifices, which are through Christ Jesus to 
 the praise and glory of God.” The more consolation we 
 receive, the more abundant and unwearied should we be in 
 se-rving him ; and a spiritual mind will be refreshed and re- 
 created by the ordinances of God, after the fatigue of worldly 
 care and labour, more than any carnal person can be with 
 festivity and dissipation. The spiritually minded therefore will 
 value ieisure and opportunity of attending at the courts of 
 God as a privilege, while the worldly seek for excuses; they 
 will not suppose that public ordinances render secret devotion 
 unnecessary, or that the prayers of the ministers supersede 
 be ''ecessity of their own ; much less will they imagine that 
 
 continual burnt-offering, bis meat-offering, and 
 bis drink-offering. 
 
 32 And on the seventh day seven bullocks, two 
 rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without 
 blemish : 
 
 33 And their meat-offering, and their drink- 
 offerings, for the bullocks, lor the rams, and for 
 the lambs, shall be according to their number, 
 after the manner ; 
 
 34 And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the 
 continual burnt-offering, his meat-offering, and 
 his drink-offering. 
 
 35 On the "eighth day ye shall have a solemn 
 assembly, ye shall do no servile work therein. 
 
 36 But ye shall offer a burnt-offering, a SLcri- 
 fice made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the 
 Lord; one bullock, one ram, seven lambs of the 
 first year without blemish : 
 
 37 Their meat-offering, and their drink-offer- 
 ings, for the bullock, for the ram, and for the 
 lambs, shall be according to their number, aftei 
 the manner; 
 
 38 And one goat for a sin-offering, beside the 
 continual burnt-offering, and his meat-offering, 
 and his drink-offering. 
 
 39 TT These things ye shall ’do unto the Lord 
 in your >set feasts, 'besides your vows, and your 
 free-will-offerings, for your burnt-offerings, and 
 for your meat-offerings, and for your drink-offer 
 ings, and for your peace-offerings. 
 
 40 And "Moses told the children of Israel, ac- 
 cording to all that the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Votes not to be broken, 1, 2. Those of a minor daughter might be disallowed 
 by her father, 3 — 5. Those of a wife by her husband, 6—8. The vows of a 
 widow, and of a divorced woman, 9 — 16 
 
 A ND Moses spake unto "the heads of the 
 tribes, concerning the children of Israel, 
 saying, This is the thing which the Lord hath 
 commanded. 
 
 2 If a man b vow a vow unto the Lord, or 
 ‘swear an oath d to bind his soul with a bond ; 
 he shall not ‘break his word, 'he shall do accord- 
 ing to all that proceedeth out of his mouth. 
 
 3 11 If a woman also vow a vow unto the 
 Lord, and bind herself by a bond, being in hex 
 father’s house in her youth ; 
 
 Heb. 3:2,5. a 1:4— 16. 7:2. 34:17— 28. Ex. 18:25. Deut. 1 :13 — 17. b 21 2. 
 
 Gen. 28:20— 22. Lev. 27:2, &c. Deut. 23:21 ,22. Judp. 11:11,30,31,35,39. Ps. 
 56:12. 76:11. 119:106. Prov. 20:25. c Ex. 20:7. Lev. 5:4. Matt. 5:33,34. 14:7. 
 Acts 23:12. 2 Cor. 1:23. 11:9—11. d 3,4,10. Matt. 23:16,18. Gr. Acts 23:12,14, 
 21. * Heb. profane. Ps. 55:20. marg. e Job 22:27. Ps. 22:25. 50:14. 66:13,14. 
 116:14,18. Ec. 5:4,5. Nah. 1:15. 
 
 the merits of Christ, and his sacrifice for them, render their 
 personal obedience and good works unnecessary.— Every 
 thing reminds us of our sinfulness: our very repentance and 
 faith in Christ, being imperfect, need forgiveness through him ; 
 and whether we mourn for sin, or rejoice in the Lord and 
 praise him for his mercies, ■“ the life that we live in the flesh” 
 must be “by the faith of the Son of God,” and attended with 
 a constant reliance on his atoning sacrifice; until at the close 
 we go to be with him, behold his glory, and extol his mercy, 
 “xvho hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own 
 blood ;” “to whom be honour, and glory for ever. Amen.” 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXX. V. 1. Heads.] Marg. Ref. a. 
 The elders or magistrates were required to make these laws 
 known through their respective tribes. 
 
 V. 2. (Notes, Lev. 27:1 — 29.) If a man vow to do any 
 thing sinful in itself, he ought deeply to repent of the sin which 
 he has committed ; for no vow or oath can bind him to break 
 the command of God. (Notes, Judg. 11:30,31. Ec. 5:4 — 7. 
 Acts 23:12 — 22.) — Some vows relate to the performance of 
 what was previously our indispensable duty ; and such a vow 
 is implied in our attendance on the Lord’s table. But there 
 are things of a discretionary nature ; as Jacob’s vow concern- 
 ing the proportion of his substance which he would set apart 
 for religious purposes ; (Note, Gen. 28:20 — 22.) Paul’s so. emn 
 determination to take nothing of the Corinthians ; the Na- 
 zarites’ vow; the vows concerning undemanded sacrifices 
 anrl vows of abstinence in respect of things lawful, for a 
 limited season. Vow S in such things may on some occasions 
 be properly made ; but they are a kind of promissory oatns, 
 and should be formed with solemnity, and religiously observed ; 
 seeing the life or soul is bound as a surety for the performance 
 of them. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. An unmarried woman in her father’s house was 
 required to notify her vows to her father: anil if he did not 
 refuse his consent, she was bound by them ; but if lie did, 
 ( 307 ) 
 
B. C 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 4 And her father hear her vow, and her f bond 
 wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her 
 ather shall hold his peace at her; then all her 
 vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she 
 hath bound her soul shall stand. 
 
 5 But ifeher father disallow her in the day that 
 he heareth ; not any of her vows, or of her bonds, 
 wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand : 
 and the Lord shall forgive her, because her father 
 disallowed her. 
 
 6 And if she had at all an husband when 'she 
 vowed, or uttered aught out of her lips, where- 
 with she bound her soul ; 
 
 7 And her husband heard it, and held his peace 
 at her in the day that he heard it : then her vows 
 shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound 
 her soul shall stand. 
 
 8 But if h her husband disallowed her on the 
 day that he heard it ; then he shall make her vow 
 which she vowed, and that which she uttered 
 with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of 
 none effect: and the Lord shall forgive her. 
 
 9 U But every vow of ‘a widow, and of her 
 that is divorced, wherewith they have bound 
 their souls, shall stand against her. 
 
 10 And if she vowed in her husband’s house, or 
 bound her soul by a bond with an oath ; 
 
 11 And her husband heard it, and held his 
 peace at her, and disallowed her not : then all 
 her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith 
 she bound her soul shall stand. 
 
 12 But if her husband hath utterly made them 
 void on the day he heard them ; then whatsoever 
 proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or 
 concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand : 
 her husband hath made them void ; and the Lord 
 shall forgive her. 
 
 13 Every vow, land every binding oath k to 
 afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or 
 her husband may make it void. 
 
 14 But if her husband altogether hold his peace 
 at her from dav to day ; then he established all 
 her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her ; 
 he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at 
 her, in the day that he heard them. 
 
 15 But if he shall any ways make them void, 
 after that he hath heard them ; then ‘lie shall bear 
 her iniquity. 
 
 16 These m are the statutes which the Lord 
 commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, 
 between a father and his daughter, being yet in 
 her youth in her father’s house. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 The Israelites , by divine command , war against the Midiamt es, slay the m-n, 
 with their kings, and Balaam ; and take the women and children with much 
 spoil , 1 — 12. Moses is wroth with the officers for sparing the women ; and 
 orders them with the male children to be stain , 13 — 18. The warriors . 
 captives , and spoil are vurified, 19 — 24. The partition of the cattle ana 
 the captives, 25—47. The oblation of the officers and soldiers, 48—54. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 “Avenge the children of Israel of b the 
 Midianites; afterward shalt thou be “gathered 
 unto thy people. 
 
 3 And Moses spake unto the people, saying, 
 
 f Seeon2 . gHos.6:6. Matt. 15:4 — 6. Mark7:10 — 13. Epli .6:1. * Heb .her 
 vows were upon her. Ps. 56:12. h Gen. 3:16. 1 Cor. 7:4. Eph. 5:22 — 24. 
 i Luke 2:37. Rom. 7:2. J 1 Cor. 11:3,9. 1 Pet. 3:1— 6. k See on 29:7. Lev. 
 16:29. 23:27,32. Ezra 8:21. Ps. 35:13. Is. 58:5. 1 Cor. 7:5. 15,8,12. Lev. 5:1. 
 
 ra 5:29,30. Lev. 11:46,47. 13:59. 14:54—57. 15:32.33. a 3. 2-5:17.19. Dent. 32: 
 35. Jndg. 16:24,28—30. Ps. 94:1-3. Is. 1:24. Nah.l;2. Luke21:22. Rom. 12: 
 19. 13:4. IThes. 4:6. Heb. 10:30. Rev. 6:10. 18:20. 19:2. 1)25:6,14—18. Gen. 
 25:1—4. Ex. 2:16. c27:13. Gen. 15:15. 25:8,17. Judg. 2:10. > els 13:36. 
 
 they were disannulled, and the obligation ceased. If she had 
 vowed discreetly and properly, 44 she had done well that it 
 was in her heart,” and her willing mind would be accepted ; 
 if otherwise, her fault would be forgiven. — In many instances 
 such vows might not only be disagreeable to a parent, but 
 prejudicial to the whole family. — It is supposed by many 
 expositors, that ? by parity of reason, minor sons were under 
 the same restnetion in respec* of their vows : but if they 
 were intended also, it is extraordinary that daughters exclu- 
 sively should be mentioned. The males were certainly 
 allowed more liberty in various cases than the females: the 
 vows of the latter might be adjudged more prejudicial to 
 families ; or the sons, being more immediately under the 
 father’s tuition, might be thought less liable to be inveigled 
 into rash engagements of this kind. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. Married women were under the same law, as 
 unmarried young women, for reasons at least equally cogent. 
 
 V. 9 — 1(3. The vows made by a widow, or a divorced 
 woman, even if she had returned to live in her father’s house, 
 could not be disannulled by him. — The vows made by a mar- 
 ried woman were obligatory on her when she became a widow, 
 or was divorced, if her husband had allowed of them ; but not 
 if he had disannulled them. — The words to afflict her soul , 
 (Marg. Ref. k,) imply that such vows had often respect to 
 seasons of fasting and abstinence. — If a husband at first 
 seemed to allow his wife’s vow, and afterwards hindered her 
 from performing it, the guilt became his, and he might expect 
 to be punished for the violation of his wife’s vow. — With this 
 chapter before our eyes, we may form a judgment of the 
 impiety, injustice, and absurdity of the vows of celibacy and 
 chastity, which children, and even wives, are encouraged to 
 take, and required to observe, in the Romish church, without , 
 and even against , the consent of parents and husbands ! 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We cannot too strictly engage ourselves to be the Lord’s, 
 and in all things to live to his glory : but we may incon- 
 siderately vow things impracticable, inexpedient, not within 
 crur own choice, or not consistent with relative duties. — The 
 peace, comfort, and true interest of families, and the exercise 
 of the parental and conjugal authority, are of such conse- 
 quence to communities and to religion, that the Lord will 
 sooner disannul a solemn vow, than authorize any thing that 
 is inconsistent with them. What regard therefore should all 
 persons, especially those in inferior relations, pay to these 
 important obligations! and how willing should they be to give 
 tip every personal inclination in observing them ! Blind 
 guides indeed, in all ages, have attempted 14 to make the 
 Lommandments of God of none effect through their tridi- 
 Mons^hind, that they might finger the corban , (the money 
 },\vcn to God, and to them as his receivers,) have authorized 
 disobedience to parents, to husbands, and to magistrates. — 
 (Notes, Matt. 15:3 — 6. Mark 7:11,12.) But the whole Scrip- 
 ture teaches us, and divine grace induces every individual, 
 from the highest motives, and with the greatest encourage- 
 ments, to act properly m the several relations of life for the 
 Lord's sake. Wo should ihen attend carefully to those 
 
 duties, to which we are solemnly engaged by our very pro- 
 fession of Christianity: and from the performance of these 
 vows no authority of husbands, parents, or magistrates can 
 release any one; for “we must obey God rather than man.” 
 And in respect of the rest, we should be cautious and circum- 
 spect, and seek counsel ojf the Lord in prayer : 44 for it is better 
 not to vow, than to vow and not pay.” But if we have engaged 
 ourselves, let us never think of going back, because we have 
 altered our mind, or become averse from the thing engaged 
 in ; for our souls are bound for the performance, and the Lord 
 abhors our trifling in such holy and sacred concerns. (Notes, 
 Gen. 35:1. Ps. 56:12. 66:13,1 1.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXI. V. 2. Vengeance belongeih 
 only to God, and to those whom he deputes to be his minis- 
 ters of vengeance, as magistrates in ordinary cases ; and 
 they who, without commission from him, execute private 
 revenge , or out of ambition, avarice, or resentment, wage 
 war and desolate kingdoms, must one day answer for it. — 
 (Notes, Dent. 32:34,35. Rom. 12:17 — 21. 13:3 — 5.) If, 
 however, the Lord, instead of punishing sinners by earth- 
 quakes, pestilences, or famines, is pleased expressly to com- 
 mand any person or people to avenge his cause, (3) this 
 commission justifies , nay sanctifies , war, massacre, or devas- 
 tation. None can at present show such commission ; but the 
 Israelites could : for the public miracles wrought among them, 
 and for their benefit, were as the broad seal of heaven ratify- 
 ing this commission, and vindicating all which they did by 
 virtue of it. It is therefore absurd to censune Moses, Joshua, 
 and Israel, for the dreadful slaughter made by them. God 
 himself passed sentence of condemnation, and employed 
 them merely as executioners : and unless it could he proved 
 that the criminals did not deserve their doom, or that the l rd 
 had no right to punish his rebellious creatures, and dispose o 
 them and their property as he pleased ; such objectors only 
 show their enmity to God, by becoming the unsolicited advo- 
 cates of his enemies. The knowledge of the inexpressible 
 evil of sin, of which men make light, hut which God infi- 
 nitely abhors, produces proportionable acquiescence in all the 
 terrible judgments executed on the nations, which had filled 
 up the measure of their iniquities. — The conduct of the lead- 
 ers in these wars was regulated by the express command of 
 God ; and the executioners were more than once reproved for 
 being too lenient, hut never for being too severe: (Notes, 14 
 — 18. 1 Sam. 15:8 — 19,32,33.) and yet man’s natural com- 
 passion recoils from the consideration of the slaughter which 
 they made: as indeed the execution of justice is never 
 intended to gratify ’he finer feelings of benevolence, but to 
 excite dread and hori ->r. Hence we may dravV a very forci- 
 ble argument, that the consequence of 41 tin* day of wrath, 
 and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, will by no 
 means accord to those rules which men, ignorant of the evil 
 of sin and proud of their own benevolence, have devised for 
 him; and which they would wrest the Scriptures to counte- 
 nance, though evidently contrary to the constant tenor of 
 them. If they cannot reconcile with their own ideas of jus- 
 tice and goodness, the severi: les inlliot^ l upon the Midiu/i- 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 13. C. 1452. 
 
 Arm some of yourselves unto the war, and let 
 them go against the Midianites, and 'avenge the 
 Lord of Midian. 
 
 4 'Of every tribe fa thousand, throughout all 
 the t\ .bes of Israel, shall ye send to the war. 
 
 5 So there were delivered out of the thousands 
 of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thou- 
 sand armed for war. 
 
 6 And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand 
 of every tribe, them and ePhinehas the son of 
 Eleazar the priest, to the war, with h the holy in- 
 struments, and the trumpets 'to blow in his hand. 
 
 7 And they warred against the Midianites, as 
 the Lord commanded Moses; and they 'slew all 
 the males. 
 
 8 And they slew k the kings of Midian, beside 
 the rest of them that were slam ; namely, Evi, and 
 Rekem, and 'Zur, and Hur, and Reba, five kings 
 of Midian : "’Balaam also, the son of Beor, they 
 ■slew with the sword. 
 
 9 And the children of Israel took all " the women 
 of Midian captives, and their little ones, and took 
 the spoil of all their cattle, and all their nocks, and 
 all their goods. 
 
 10 And they “burnt all their cities wherein they 
 dwelt, and all their goodly castles, with fire. 
 
 1 1 And they ''took all the spoil, and all the prey, 
 both of men and of beasts. 
 
 ii Ex. 17:9— 13. e 25:11,13. Ex. 17:16. Lex. 26:95. Judg. 5:2,23. 2 Kings 9: 
 7. 10:30. Jer. 46:10. 50:28. * Heb. a thousand of ali ibe, a thousand of a 
 
 tribe. 1' I.ev. 26:8. Judg. 7:2. 1 Sam. 14:6. e 25:7— 13. h 14:44. 32:20— 22. 
 
 F.x. 21. 9. Josh. 6:4— 6,13— 15. 1 Sam. 4:4.5,17. 14:18. 23:9. 2 Sain. 11:11. 
 i 10:8,9. 2 f 'hr. 13:12— 15. j Deut. 20:13,14. Judg. 21:11. 1 Sam. 27:9. 
 
 1 Kings 11:15,16. k 22:4. Josh. 13:21 . 125:15,18. m 22:10. 24:25. Josh. 13: 
 
 22. Ps. 9:16. 10:2. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. 2 Pet. 2:15. Jude 11. Rev. 2.14. 19:20. n 15, 
 16. Deut. 20: 14. 2 Che. 28:5,8— 10. o Josh. 6:24. 1 Sam. 30:1. 1 Kings 9:16. Is. 
 
 ites, Canaanites, and Amalekites, by the express command 
 of a just and good God ; let them allow that they are incom- 
 petent to determine what conduct becomes the Judge of the 
 world ; and that it is more safe, wise, and humble, simply to 
 believe his testimony, and “ to flee from the wrath to come,” 
 leaving the government of the universe to him, than rashly to 
 dispute about things which are evidently out of their province, 
 and of which they know nothing further than the Lord is 
 pleased to inform them. (Note, Deut. 29:29.) Death in 
 every case is the wages of sin, and all diseases fulfil the 
 counsels of God : why then may he not employ the sword of 
 a warrior, as well as a fever, in depriving sinners of their for- 
 feited life '? Or why should it be unjust or cruel in Moses or 
 Joshua to obey the command of God in this respect, and yet 
 righteous and holy in an angel to obey a similar command ; 
 as when the angel slew 185,000 men of Sennacherib’s vast 
 ariny? (Note, 2 Kings 19:35.) Moses had beheld with 
 grief and indignation the temptation, the sin, and the punish- 
 ment of Israel : and in witnessing the success of this war, 
 just before his death, he saw a specimen of the Lord’s ven- 
 geance on the enemies of Israel, and of his kindness to his 
 people. — The Midianites had been most criminal, and there- 
 fore at the present the vengeance was restricted to them. — 
 ( Note, 25:17,18.) 
 
 V. 3. The Israelites were reminded by this language not 
 to indulge private resentment, but to be influenced by zeal for 
 the glory of God ; and to act as his servants in inflicting 
 punishment on his enemies. (Note, Judg. 16:28.) 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Twelve thousand was a small number, in pro- 
 portion either to all Israel, or to the forces with which they 
 were to encounter ; for the Lord would teach them not to 
 trust in an arm of flesh, but in his almighty power and faith- 
 ful promise. As they were under the conduct of the cap- 
 tains of thousands, and of hundreds, they probably had no 
 general, and therefore Joshua is not mentioned. Phinehas, 
 the zealous avenger of the insulted honour of God, (Notes, 
 25:6 — 13.) was ordered <o accompany them with “ the holy 
 instruments,” by which some understand the silver trumpets ; 
 but others suppose that the second priest, the high priest’s 
 deputy and successor, consulted the Lord on such occasions 
 with the breastplate of judgment ; or that the ark was carried 
 with them. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 7. They slew all ilie males .] The victorious Israelites 
 did not extirpate the nation of Midian, which subsisted and 
 was powerful long after: but they slew all the males, without 
 giving quarter, as far as they proceeded, which probably was 
 as far as those tribes reached from which the tempters chiefly 
 cam t. 
 
 1 8. ( j\targ. Ref. k, 1.) — Balaam, blinded by covetous- 
 ness, and “ hardened by the deceitfulness of sin,” perished 
 among the enemies of Israel ; which some think he foreboded, 
 when he wished “ to die the death of the righteous.” Thus 
 “ he went to his own place,” as Judas afterwards did; and 
 their characters have a great resemblance to each other. 
 (Notes, 22:5. 25:1 — 3. Acts 1:16 — 18,25.)— Whatever infor- 
 mation Moses might receive concerning Balaam and Balak, 
 no doubtless received it more exactly by inspiration from 
 
 12 And they hrouglit the captives, and the 
 prey, and the spoil, unto Moses and Eleazar the 
 priest, and nto the congregation of the children 
 of Israel, unto the camp at 91116 plains of Moab. 
 which are by Jordan, near Jericho. 
 
 [ Practical Observationt.'] 
 
 13 H And Moses, and Eleazar the priest, and 
 all the princes of the congregation, 'went forth to 
 meet them ‘without the camp. 
 
 14 And Moses was ‘wroth with the officers of 
 the host, with the captains over thousands, and 
 captains over hundreds, which came from the 
 'battle. 
 
 15 And Moses said unto them, "Have ye saved 
 all the women alive ? 
 
 16 Behold, "these caused the children of Israel, 
 through the counsel of Balaam, to commit tres- 
 pass against the Lord ?in the matter of Peor, ‘and 
 there was a plague among the congregation of the 
 Lord. 
 
 17 Now therefore, “kill every male among the 
 little ones, and kill every woman that hath known 
 man by lying with fifim. 
 
 18 But all the women-children that have not 
 known a man by lying with him, b keep alive lor 
 yourselves. 
 
 19 And do ye ‘abide without the camp seven 
 days : whosoever hath killed any person, and 
 
 1:7. Rev. 18:8. pJosh.8:2. q See on 22:1. r Gen. 14:17. 1 Sam. 15: 12. 30: 
 21. s 12,22 — 24 . 5:2. 19 11. 1 12 3. Ex. 32:19,22. Lev. 10:16. ISam. 15:13,14. 
 1 Kings 20:42. 2 Kines 13:19. Ej>h.4:26. t Heb. host of war. u Deut. 2:34. 
 20:16—18. Josh. 6:21. 8:25. 10:40. 11:14. 1 Sam. 15:3. Ps. 137:8,9. Ter. 48:10. 
 To.. 9:6. x 25:1 — 3. Prov. 23:27. Ec. 7:26. 2FeC.2:15. Rev. 2:14. y2S:I8. 
 
 Dent. 4:3. Josh. 22:17. z25:9. a Judg. 21 : 11 ,12. J Heb. a male, b Lev. 25; 
 44. Deut. 20:14. 21:10—14. 2Chr. 28:8— 10. la. 14:2. c 5:2. 19:11, &c. 1 Chr. 
 22 : 8 . 
 
 God : and it was very proper that it should be thus circum- 
 stantially recorded, for the information, encouragement, and 
 Caution of God’s people in all ages, concerning the secret 
 machinations of their enemies ; and for the warning of those 
 who unite in wicked counsels against them. 
 
 V. 10. The Israelites were not allowed at present to 
 inherit any part of that country ; and therefore they in this 
 manner disabled the Midianites from rallying their forces and 
 renewing the war, as well as executed the vengeance of the 
 Lord upon them. 
 
 V. 14 — 18. The sword of war should spare women and 
 children, as incapable of resisting; but the sword of justice 
 knows no distinction, except that of guilty or not guilty, and 
 more or less guilty. — This war was the execution of a righ- 
 teous sentence upon a guilty nation, in which the women 
 were the principal criminals ; and perhaps particular instruc- 
 tions had been given on this head: therefore Moses was 
 angry, when he found that the women had been spared. If 
 those concerned in the detestable project of Balaam, had 
 been preserved as captives, they would have been a constant 
 temptation to the people ; and they could not be known from 
 the rest except by miracle. Orders were therefore given to 
 put all the women to death, and the male children; and only 
 to spare the female children, who could not be supposed to 
 have been culpable ; and who, being brought up among the 
 Israelites, would not tempt them to idolatry. — It has been 
 groundlessly asserted that Moses authorized the Israelites to 
 make concubines of the whole number of female children, or 
 even promiscuously to debauch them ; and a formidable objec- 
 tion against his writings has been grounded on this strange 
 supposition. But the whole tenor of the law, and especially 
 a statute hereafter to be considered, proves the contrary. 
 (Note, Deut. 21:10 — 14.) They were merely permjtted to 
 possess them as female slaves ; while all the laws concerning 
 marriage and concubinage, and against fornication and whore- 
 dom, were in full force, in this as well as in other cases. — 
 But what shall we say of the execution of all the male infants, 
 who could not be personally guilty in this matter ? The 
 Lord commanded it, in this and many other instances : and 
 u shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” Had they 
 lived, they might have conspired to avenge the death of their 
 parents on Israel: and the example was thus rendered more 
 tremendous, warning parents not to imitate the guilt of the 
 Midianites, lest they should involve their beloved offspring in 
 destruction. (Notes, Ex. 20:5. 2 Kings 2:23,24.) The Scrip- 
 ture addresses men’s natural affection by promises and threat- 
 enings, in which their children also are included: and in a 
 future state the Lord may, for what we know, turn the tem- 
 poral sufferings of children into an infinite mercy to them. — 
 It should also be remembered that children are constantly 
 involved in the desolations occasioned by famines, pestilences, 
 and earthquakes. (Notes, 16:27 — 34. Jon. 4:9—11.) 
 
 V. 19 — 24. The Israelites had acted by the Lord’s com- 
 mission ; yet they had contracted pollution by touching the 
 dead : and the spoil, having been used by idolaters, must be 
 purified also in the prescribed manner; which would form « 
 pattern for succeeding wars. Thus the law was reduced ta 
 ( 309 ) 
 
B. C. 1452. NUMBERS. B. C. 1452. 
 
 whosoever hath touched any slain, purify both 
 yourselves and your captives on the third day, 
 and on the seventh day. 
 
 20 And purify all your d raiment, and all ‘that is 
 made of skins, and all work of goats’ hair, and all 
 things made of wood. 
 
 21 And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of 
 war which went to the battle, e This is the ordi- 
 nance of the law which the Lord commanded 
 Moses ; 
 
 22 Only the gold, and the silver, the brass, the 
 iron, the tin, and the lead, 
 
 23 Every thing that may f abide the fire, ye 
 shall make it go through the fire, and it shall be 
 clean ; nevertheless ejt shall be purified with the 
 water of separation : and all that abideth not the 
 fire h ye shall make go through the water. 
 
 24 And ‘ye shall wash your clothes on the se- 
 venth day, and ye shall be clean, and afterward ye 
 6hall come into the camp. 
 
 25 H And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 26 Take the sum of the prey 'that was taken, 
 both of man and of beast, thou, and Eleazar the 
 priest, and the chief fathers of the congrega- 
 tion: 
 
 27 And divide the prey into k two parts, be- 
 tween them that took the war upon them, who 
 went out to battle, and between all the congrega- 
 tion ; 
 
 28 And 'levy a tribute unto the Lord of the 
 men of war which went out to battle : m one soul 
 of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the 
 beeves, and of the asses, and of the sheep. 
 
 29 Take it of their half, and give it unto Ele- 
 azar the priest, for “an heave-offering of the 
 Lord. 
 
 30 And tha children of Israel’s half, thou shalt 
 take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the 
 beeves, ot the asses, and of the tflocks, of all 
 manner of beasts, °and give them unto the Levites, 
 which rkeep the charge of the tabernacle of the 
 Lord. 
 
 31 And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the 
 Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 32 And the booty, feeing the rest of the prey 
 which the men of war had caught, was six hun- 
 dred thousand and seventy thousand and five 
 thousand sheep, 
 
 33 And threescore and twelve thousand beeves, 
 
 34 And threescore and one thousand asses, 
 
 35 And thirty and two thousand persons in all, 
 of women that had not known man by lying with 
 him. 
 
 36 And the half, which was the portion of them 
 that went out to war, was in number three hundred 
 
 d 19:14 — 16/22. Gen. 35:2. Ex. 19:10. • Heb. instrument, or, vessel of 
 
 skins, e See on 30:16. f Is. 43:2. Zech. 13:9. Mai. 3:2,3. Matt. 3:11. 1 Cor. 
 3:13. 1 Pet. 1:7. 4:12. Rev. 3:18. g8:7. 19:9,17. h Lev. 11:32. 15:17. Eph. 5: 
 26. Tit. 3:5,6. 1 Pet. 3:21. i 19:19. Lev. 11:25. 14:9. 15:13. t Heb. of the 
 captivity, k Josh. 22:8. 1 Sam. 30:24,25. I s. 68:12. I Gen. 14:20. Josh. 6:19, 
 24. 2 Sam. 8:11,12. 1 Chr. 18:11. 26:26,27. Prov. 3:9,10. Is. 18:7. 23:18. 60:9. 
 Matt. 22:21. m 30,47. n 18:26. Ex. 29:27. Dent. 12:12,19. + Or, goats. o28. 
 18:24—28. p 3:7,8,25, &c. 18:1— 5,23. 1 Chr. 9:27-29. 23:32 . 26.20— 27. Acts 
 
 practice under the inspection of the lawgiver. ( Marg . Ref. 
 19:11 — 1 9. ) — All the metals known, till these modern times, 
 are here mentioned together. 
 
 V. 25 — 31. To prevent dispute, and for a rule to after 
 times, the Lord ordered the distribution of the cattle and the 
 female captives, between the soldiers and the congregation ; 
 and that a portion from each should be reserved for the priests 
 and Levites. The Levites received ten times as much as the 
 priests, being vastly more numerous ; and the twelve thou- 
 sand soldiers had more than all the rest of Israel. The 
 arrangement, seems to have given universal satisfaction. — No 
 horses or camels are mentioned. (JWarg. Ref.) 
 
 V 35. The number of the female children, when consi- 
 dered as bearing proportion to the men, women, and male 
 children who were slain, suggests an awful idea of the terri- 
 ble vengeance which God took upon the enemies of him, and 
 of his people ! Amalek, who first warred with Israel, was 
 long spared ; but Midian, who first tempted them to idolatry, 
 was speedily and most tremendously punished. 
 
 V. 47. It does not appear, that a single ox, or sheep, or 
 ass, was required by Moses, as his portion ; or given to him 
 by the people : yet he had a family, as well as others, for which 
 m provision had been made, above the common lot of Levites ! 
 
 ' iVb/es, 16:15.) 
 
 V. 4H — 54 The success of this detachment had been 
 ( 310 ) 
 
 thousand and seven and thirty thousand and five 
 hundred sheep : 
 
 37 And the Lord’s tribute of the sheep was six 
 hundred and threescore and fifteen. 
 
 38 And the beeves were thirty and six thousand, 
 of which the Lord’s tribute was threescore and 
 twelve. 
 
 39 And the asses were thirty thousand and five 
 hundred, of which the Lord’s tribute was three- 
 score and one. 
 
 40 And the persons were sixteen thousand, of 
 which the Lord’s tribute was thirty and two per- 
 sons. 
 
 41 And Moses gave the tribute which was the 
 Lord’s heave-offering unto ^Eleazar the priest ; 
 as the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 42 And of the children of Israel’s half, which 
 Moses divided from the men that warred, 
 
 43 (Now the half that pertained unto the con- 
 gregation, was three hundred thousand and thirty 
 thousand and seven - thousand and five hundred 
 sheep, 
 
 44 And thirty and six thousand beeves, 
 
 45 And thirty thousand asses and five hundred, 
 
 46 And sixteen thousand persons,') 
 
 47 Even of the children of Israel’s half, Moses 
 took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, 
 and gave them unto r the Levites which 'kept the 
 charge of the tabernacle of the Lord ; as the 
 Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 48 H And the officers which were over thousands 
 of the host, the captains of thousands, and cap- 
 tains of hundreds, came near unto Moses : 
 
 49 And they said unto Moses, Thy servants 
 have taken the sum of the men of war which are 
 under our Charge, and there ‘lacketh not one man 
 of us : 
 
 50 We have therefore brought “an oblation for 
 the Lord, what every man hath 'gotten, of jewels 
 of gold, chaihs, and bracelets, rings, earrings, 
 and tablets, to make “an atonement for our souls 
 befotc the Lord. 
 
 51 And ?Moses and Eleazar the priest took the 
 gold of them, even all wrought jewels. 
 
 52 And all the gold of the "offering that they 
 offered up to the Lord, of the captains of thou- 
 sands, and of the captains of hundreds, was six- 
 teen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels. 
 
 53 (For Hhe men of war had taken spoil, every 
 man for himself.) 
 
 54 And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the 
 gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, 
 and brought it into the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gation, for “a memorial for the children of Israel 
 before the Lord. 
 
 20:28. 1 Cor. 4:2. Col. 4:17. Hob. 13:17. q 29— 31. 18:8,19. Mull. 10:10. 1 Cor. 
 
 9:10—14. Gal. 6:6. 1 Tim. 5:17. Heb. 7: 1—6,9— 12. r 18:21—24. Pent. 12:17 
 
 19. Lake 10:1 — 8. I Thes. 5:12,13. s See on 30. F». 134:1 . Ii. 56:10, II. § Heb. 
 hand, t 1 Sam. 30:18,19. Pa. 72:14. John 18:9. n Ps. 107:15,21,2-1. 116:12,17. 
 II Heb. found, x Ex. 30,12,15,16. I.ev. 17:11. v 7:2 — 6. IT Heb. heave-offering. 
 zDeul. 20:14. a 16:40. Ex. 30; 16. Josh. 4:7 P». 18:49. 103:1,2. 115:1. 145 . 7 . 
 Zech. 6:14. Luke 22:19. Acts 10:4. 
 
 extraordinary ; so small a company overcoming and cutting 
 off such immense multitudes, and taking so large a spoil : hut 
 their preservation was still more remarkable ; not one indi- 
 vidual having been slain, or even wounded that we find ! In 
 acknowledgment of this, the officer^ presented the wrought 
 gold, (all of it probably,) which they had found among the 
 spoil, as an oblation to the Lord, “to make an atonement for 
 their souls;” or to be employed in that service of God by 
 which atonement was typically made. (Note, Ex. 30:1 1 — 16.) 
 Thus they confessed, that, instead of claiming a reward, they 
 needed forgiveness of what had been sinful ; and desired thus 
 to express their gratitude for the preservation of their lives, 
 which might justly have been taken away. — Some think the 
 private soldiers had taken a booty of this kind which they 
 reserved to themselves : and others, that the officers presented 
 the offering in the name of the soldiers aWo. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. “ The triumphing of the wicked is short.” Tho 
 pleasures and advantages of sin are bought at an enormous 
 price ; and the vengeance of the Lord is always sure, and 
 sometimes speedy and sudden. — “It is a fearful thing to fall 
 into the hands of the living God;” {Note, Heb. 10:28 — 31.) 
 and if his temporal judgments are so dreadful, what will bo 
 the caso of sinners “ when the Lord Je-.us shall he revealed 
 from heaven with (laming fire, taking vengeance on them that 
 
B. C. 1452. CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 1%s tribes of Reuben and Oad request an inheritance eastward of Jordan, 1 
 —5. Moses sharply remonstrates with them, 6 — 15. They explain ; Moses 
 is satisfied ; and a conditional grant is made to them and half the tribe of 
 Manasseh, 16 — 33. They rebuild the cities , tfc. 34 — 42. 
 
 N OW “tue children of Reuben and the children 
 of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle : 
 and when they saw the land of b Jazer, and the 
 land of Gilead, that, behold, 'the place was a place 
 for cattle ; 
 
 2 The children of Gad and the children! of 
 Reuben came and spake unto Moses, and to Elea- 
 zar the priest, and unto the princes of the congre- 
 gation, saying, 
 
 3 d Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and 'Nim- 
 rah, and f Heshbon, and Elealeh, and e Shebam, 
 and Nebo, and h Beon ; 
 
 4 Even 'the country which the Lord smote 
 before the congregation of Israel, is a land for 
 cattle, and thy servants have cattle. 
 
 5 Wherefore, said they, k if we have found grace 
 in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy ser- 
 vants for a possession, and ’bring us not over Jor- 
 dan. 
 
 6 And Moses said unto the children of Gad, 
 and to the children of Reuben, Shall your brethren 
 go to war, and m shall ye sit here ? 
 
 7 And "wherefore ‘discourage ye the heart of 
 the children of Israel, from going over into the 
 land which the Lord hath given them ? 
 
 8 Thus did your fathers, “when I sent them 
 from Kadesh-barnea to see the land. 
 
 9 For when they went up into Pthe valley of 
 Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the 
 heart of the children of Israel, that they should 
 
 ■ 210— 15. 26:5—7,15—18. Gen. 29:32. 30:10,11. b 3. 21:32. Jaazer. Josh. 13: 
 25. 2 Sum. 21:5. Is. 16:8,9. c 26. Gen. 13:10,11. Jer. 50:19. Mic.7:I4. 1 John 
 2:16. d 1.34— 38. Josh. 13:17. Is. 15:2— 4. Jer. 48:22,23. e 36 . Beth-nimrah. 
 Is. 15:6. Nimrim. 121:25,26,28. Judg. 11:26. Neh.9:22. Is. 15:4. 16:8,9. Jer. 
 48:2,34,45. g 38. S'Mmnli. Josh. 13:19. Is. 16:8. Jer.48:32. Sibmak. h 38. 
 Banf-meon. i Dent. 2:24 — 35. k Gen. 19:19. Ruth 2:10. 1 Sam. 20:3. 2 Sam. 
 14:22. Esth. 5:2. Jer. 31:2. lDeut.l:37. 3:25,26. Josh. 7:7- m2 Sam. 11:11. 
 
 1 Cor. 13:5. Phil. 2:4. n 9. 21 :4. Deut. 1 :28. * Heb. break. Acts 21:13. o See 
 on 13:2—20. 14:2. Deut. 1:22,23. Josh. 14:6,7. p 13:23—33. 14:1—10. Deut. 1: 
 
 know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ;” (Note, 2 Thes.US — 10.) Let us then take warning, 
 and “ flee from the wrath to come,” to that Saviour, who alone 
 is able to deliver us : and, depending on his assistance, let us 
 declare war against every corrupt passion, by which we have 
 been induced to dishonour God, and bring guilt and misery 
 upon ourselves. This is indeed a holy war, in which we must 
 utterly destroy every one of the enemies of our souls, or they 
 will certainly ruin us : to this the trumpet of the gospel calls 
 and encourages us ; and in it we may depend upon the Lord for 
 counsel and assistance. Here we ought to indulge the deepest 
 resentment ; and, without thinking of peace or truce, should 
 prosecute the quarrel to the utter extermination of our enemies, 
 root and branch, with unrelenting severity ; not sparing our 
 strongest, nor overlooking our feeblest lusts, which, if not cru- 
 cified, will soon become formidable and produce fatal effects. — 
 In all our undertakings, we must not only make the Lord our 
 confidence, but adhere to his orders and instructions ; and thus 
 we may expect all desirable success, notwithstanding inter- 
 posing difficulties. — While we forgive and pray for all our ene- 
 mies, we should entertain the deepest abhorrence of the 
 conduct, and most carefully shun the company, of those who 
 have once attempted to draw us into sin. Nor will any be 
 more severely punished by the Lord than tempters, especially 
 of his people ; except it be those who, against the convictions 
 of their own conscience, have counselled and encouraged them 
 so to do. 
 
 V. 13 — 54. There is no natural disposition of the heart 
 which doss not require to be moderated and regulated ; for 
 even our humanity and compassion, as well as our resent- 
 ment, must be subjected to the command of God ; or we shall 
 spare and encourage those whom the Lord would have 
 reproved, corrected, or treated with severity, and so bring 
 anger from him upon ourselves : and surely, it must be highly 
 criminal in the sight of God, for us to imagine ourselves more 
 merciful and compassionate than he is. This is especially the 
 case with magistrates, ministers, heads of families, and all in- 
 trusted with authority. They who have been faithful in inferior 
 stations may expect to be employed in more important ser- 
 vices : but even when we have attended to our bounden duty, 
 we need purifying in the blood of Christ, and by his grace, 
 from the guilt and pollution adhering to our best performances. 
 God so abhors murder, and would have us to abhor it, that he 
 hath represented even that bloodshed which he commanded, 
 as in seme degree contaminating those concerned in it. He 
 likewise approves and requires exact equity in all our trans- 
 actions ; nor should we dare to appropriate any gain, of which 
 we cannot conscientiously devote a portion to that God who 
 
 B. 0. 1452. 
 
 not go into the land which the Lord had given 
 them. 
 
 10 And ithe Lord’s anger was kindled the 
 same time, and he sware, saying, 
 
 11 Surely none of the men that came up out ot 
 Egypt, 'from twenty years old and upward, shall 
 see the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto 
 Isaac, and unto Jacob ; because they have not 
 ’wholly followed me ; 
 
 12 Save Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kene- 
 zite, and Joshua the son of Nun: “for they have 
 wholly followed the Lord. 
 
 13 And the Lord’s anger was kindled against 
 Israel, and he made them ‘wander in the wilder- 
 ness forty years, "until all the generation that 
 had done evil in the sight of the Lord was 
 consumed. 
 
 14 And, behold, ye are risen up in your fathers’ 
 stead, "an increase of sinful men, no augment yet 
 the fierce anger of the Lord toward Israel. 
 
 15 For 'if ye turn away from after him, “he 
 will yet again leave them in the wilderness, and 
 b ye shall destroy all this people. 
 
 16 H And they came near unto him, and said, 
 c We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle, and 
 cities for our little ones ; 
 
 17 But u we ourselves will go ready armed 
 before the children of Israel, until we have brought 
 them unto their place : and our little ones shall 
 dwell in the fenced cities, because of the inhabit- 
 ants of the land. 
 
 18 We “will not return unto our houses, until 
 the children of Israel have inherited every man 
 his inheritance. 
 
 19 For ‘we will not inherit with them on yonder 
 
 24—28. q 14:11,23. Deut. 1:34 — 40. Ps. 95:1 1. Ez. 20:15. Heb. 3:8— 19. r!4:29. 
 26:2,64,65. Deut. 2:14,15. t Heb. fulfilled, after me. s 14:24,30. 26:65. Deut. 
 1:36. Josh. 14:8,9. t 14:33— 35. Deut. 2:14. Ps. 78:33. u 26:64. Deul.2:lS 
 x Gen. 5:3. 8:21. Neh. 9:24— 26. Job 14:4. Is. 1:4. 57:4. Ez. 21:21 . Matt. 23:31 
 —33. Luke 11:48. jtets 7:51,52. y Deut. 1:34,35. Ezra 9:13,14. 10:10. z t.ev 
 26:14—18. Deut. 28:15, &c. 30:17—19. Josh. 22: 16— 1 8. 2 Chr. 7:19— 22. 15:2. 
 aNum. 14:30— 35. b Jer. 38:23. Matt. 18:7. Rom. 14:15,20,21. 1 Cor. 8:11,12. 
 e 34—42. Gen. 33:17. d 29—32. Deut. 3:18—20. Josh. 4:12.13. e Josh. 22:4,5. 
 fGen. 13:10— 12. 14:12. 2 Kings 10:32,33. 15:29. 1 Chr. 5:25,26. Prov. 20:21. 
 
 “ hates robbery for burnt-offering,” and for which we cannot 
 thank him as the Giver. — This rule, if well observed, would 
 render us incapable of fraud, extortion, oppression, or any kind 
 of iniquity or sinful compliances. But besides the exact rules 
 of honesty, we should liberally give to the Lord, and dispose 
 of in pious and charitable uses, a proportion of all our acqui- 
 sitions ; particularly when commemorating special deliver- 
 ances: and though the blood of Christ has made the effec- 
 tual atonement for our souls, such oblations arc proper evi- 
 dences of our faith, and of the sincerity of our love; they are 
 acknowledgments that we are unworthy of all our mercies ; 
 and expressions of our gratitude to God and zeal for his glory, 
 and of our love to our fellow-Christians. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXXII. V. 1—5. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 This proposal of the Reubenites and Gadites seemed to im- 
 ply a disregard to the land of Canaan, a distrust of the Lord’s 
 promise, and a reluctance to encounter the difficulties and 
 dangers of conquering and expelling the inhabitants. And 
 indeed when we compare their petition “ not to be brought 
 over Jordan,” with the earnestness with which Moses en- 
 treated to pass over; we cannot but conclude, that they did 
 not behold in the rest of Israel in Canaan, that type of heaven 
 which he and other believers doubtless did. ( Note, Deut. 
 3:23—28.) 
 
 V. 6 — 15. (Notes, 13: 14:) It was very natural for Moses 
 to suspect, that sloth and cowardice, the effects of unbelief 
 suggested the petition of the descendants of Gad and Reuben ; 
 and he therefore remonstrated with them very plainly on their 
 conduct. He feared that they “were risen up, an increase of 
 sinful men,” like those who provoked the Lord to “swear in 
 his wrath that they should not enter into his rest.” (Note, Ps. 
 95:9 — 11. Heb. 3:7 — 19. 4:1,2.) Indeed he was apprehensive 
 that their example would induce their brethren to renew the old 
 provocation, and so to destroy the whole nation. But, though 
 they were in some degree faulty, they were not so deeply 
 criminal as he supposed. — It is not known on what account 
 Caleb, or rather Jephunneh, is called the Kenezite : probably 
 from some ancestor of the family, of whom nothing remains 
 on record. (Josh. 14:14.) 
 
 V. 16 — 19. This proposal was very equitable, and it was 
 honestly made and faithfully executed. It. did not imply that 
 all the men capable of bearing arms should go, and so leav9 
 their families and possessions defenceless ; but a sufficient 
 detachment: accordingly forty thousand went out of about a 
 hundred thousand. (Notes, Josh. 1:12 — 15. 22:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 20. From the expression, “before the Lord,” it has 
 been concluded, that the Israelites carried the ark with them* 
 in all the wars of Canaan. — It was very encouraging to repra. 
 
 ( 311 ) 
 
B. C. 1452. NUMBERS. B. C. 1452. 
 
 side Jordan, or forward; decause our inheritance 
 is fallen to us ''on this side Jordan eastward. 
 
 20 And 'Moses said unto them, If ye will do 
 this thing, if ye will go armed before the Lord 
 to war, 
 
 21 And will go all of you armed over Jordan 
 before the Lord, until he hath driven out his 
 enemies from before him, 
 
 22 And the k land be subdued before the Lord; 
 then afterward ye shall return, and 'be guiltless 
 before the Lord, and before Israel; and “this 
 land shall be your possession before the Lord. 
 
 23 But "if ye will not do so, behold, ye have 
 sinned against the Lord ; and °be sure your sin 
 will find you out. 
 
 24 Build ye cities for your little ones, and folds 
 for your sheep ; and do that which hath proceeded 
 out of your mouth. 
 
 25 And the children of Gad and the children of 
 Reuben spake unto Mosee, saying, Thy servants 
 will do as my lord commapieth. 
 
 26 Our little ones, our w. /es, our flocks, and all 
 our cattle, shall be there in the cities of Gilead. 
 
 27 But thy servants will pass over, every man 
 Panned for war, before the Lord to battle, ias my 
 lord saith. 
 
 28 So concerning them Moses commanded 
 Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, 
 and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children 
 of Israel : 
 
 29 And Moses said unto them, r If the children 
 of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with 
 
 ou over Jordan, every man armed to battle 
 efore the Lord, and the land shall be subdued 
 before you ; then ye shall give them the land of 
 Gilead for a possession : 
 
 30 But if they will not pass over with you 
 
 g Josh. 12:1— 6. 13:8. li 32. 34:15. Josh. 1:14,15. i Deut. 3:18— 20. JmIi. 1:13. 
 —15. 4:12,13. 22:2—4. k Josh. 10:30,42. 11-23. 18:1. Ps.44:l— 4. 78:55. 1 Josh. 
 2:19. 2 Sam. 3:58. m Deut. 3:12— 17. Josh. 13:8,23—32. 22:9. n Lev. 26:14, 
 &c. Deut. 28:15, &c. o Gen. 4:7. 44:16. Ps. 14U:11. Prov. 13:21. Is. 3:11. 59:1, 
 2,12. Rom. 2:9. 1 Cor. 4:5. p 17. 2 Cor. 10:4,5. Kph. 6:10— 18. 2 Tim. 4:7,8. 
 qll:28. 12:11. 36:2. r See on 20— 23. s Josli. 22: 19. t See on 1. Deut. 3: 12— 
 17. 29:8. Josh. 12:6. 13:8, &c. 22:4. u 34:14. 1 Chr. 5:18. 12:31. 26:32. v2l: 
 
 sent the forces which they were about to attack, as the ene- 
 mies of God, and God himself as leading Israel on to victory. — 
 It does not appear, that the tabernacle and ark were perma- 
 nently stationary, till after the land had been subdued. (Note, 
 Josh. 18:1.) 
 
 V. 23. If the persons concerned prevaricated, and so im- 
 posed on men ; or, if they afterwards refused to fulfil their 
 engagement; God would most certainly detect and expose 
 their wickedness, and inflict condign punishment on them for 
 it. — Sin pursues the criminal, as the hound does the hunted 
 animal ; and will at length overtake him, seize on him, and 
 destroy him. (Note, Prov. 13:21.) 
 
 V. 29. It was proper that this country, (which seems 
 hitherto to have been possessed in common by the people,) 
 should be allotted to some of the tribes ; and Reuben and 
 Gad having, perhaps too hastily, petitioned for it, it was 
 granted them: but it was a situation very distant from the 
 sanctuary ; it greatly interrupted their intercourse with their 
 brethren ; it was very much exposed to their enemies, and 
 uneasy to themselves ; and they seem to have been dispos- 
 sessed sooner than the other Israelites. (Notes, 2 Kings 15: 
 29. 1 Chr. 5:25,26.) 
 
 V. 33. The country eastward of Jordan was, it seems, 
 too large for the two tribes of Reuben and Gad alone ; and 
 therefore in consequence of the conquest of Gilead by the de- 
 scendants of Machir, a division of the tribe of Manasseh like- 
 wise had their inheritance there, probably by their own con- 
 sent. (39 — 42 . — Notes, Josh. 13:7 — 33.) 
 
 V. 38. Their names being changed.] When tho people 
 rebuilt the cities for their own habitations, they changed the 
 names of such of them, as were called after the idols of the 
 former inhabitants. Yet several of them seem afterwards to 
 have recovered their old names, and indeed to have been seized 
 on by the Moabites and others. 
 
 V. 41. Jair was the descendant of Machir and Manas- 
 seh in the female line : but from Judah in the male line. ( Notes, 
 1 Chr. 2:21 — 23.) Yet joining himself to the Manassites on 
 this occasion, his posterity was ever after reckoned among 
 them. (Note, Dent. 3:14.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Covetousness, ambition, impatience, or other carnal in- 
 ducements, influence most men in choosing their worldly set- 
 tlements; whereas they ought to consider in the first place, 
 whether they are likely to be convenient for attending the 
 ordinances of God, and favourable to communion with his 
 people. If, however, Christians are betrayed into such an 
 improper conduct, their iniquity will correct them, and they 
 ( 312 ) 
 
 armed, ’they shall have possessions among you 
 in the land of Canaan. 
 
 31 And the children of Gad and the children 
 of Reuben answered, saying, As the Lord hath 
 said unto thy servants, so will we do. 
 
 32 We will pass over armed before the Lord 
 into the land of Canaan, that the possession of 
 our inheritance on this side Jordan may be ours. 
 
 33 And 'Moses gave unto them, even to the 
 children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, 
 and unto "half the tribe of Manasseh the son of 
 Joseph, v the kingdom of Sihon king of the Anion- 
 ites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the 
 land, with the cities thereof, in the coasts, even the 
 cities of the country round about 
 
 34 And the children of Gad built x Dibon, and 
 Ataroth, and rAroer, 
 
 35 And Atroth, Shophan, and 'Jaazer, and 
 Jogbehah, 
 
 36 And “Beth-nimrah, and Beth-aran, b fenced 
 cities ; and folds for sheep. 
 
 37 And the children of Reuben built "Heshhon, 
 and Elealeh, and Kirjathaim. 
 
 38 And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names 
 being changed,) and Shibmah : and ‘gave ‘'other 
 names to the cities which they builded. 
 
 39 And the children of “Machir the son of 
 Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dis- 
 possessed the Amorite which was in it. 
 
 40 And Moses f gave Gilead unto Machir the 
 son of Manasseh ; and he dwelt therein. 
 
 41 And eJair the son of Manasseli went and 
 took the small towns thereof, and called them 
 h Havoth-jair. 
 
 42 And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the 
 villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own 
 name. 
 
 23—35. Deut. 2:30—33 . 3:1—8. Ps. 135:10,11. 136:18—21. x Sec on 3. 21:30. 
 33:45,46. y Dent. 2:36. Is. 17:2. z 1,3. Jazer. a See on 3. Nvnrah. b 24. 
 c See on 3. 21:27. Is. 15:4. * Heb. they called by names the names of the cities* 
 cl Gen. 26:1«. Ex. 23:13. Josh. 23:7. Ps. 16:4. Is. 46:1. e 26:29. Gen. 50:28. 
 Josh. 17:1. f Deut. 3:13 — 15. Josh. 13:29-^-31. gl Chr. 2:21 — 23. h Judg. 10* 
 4. 1 Kings 4:13. 
 
 will surely suffer for their folly. (Notes and P. O. Gen 13: 
 14 :) But men in general, even when called Christians, have 
 not that faith which explores the unseen world, or that spi- 
 ritual mind which supremely values heavenly blessings. 
 Earthly things suit their carnal minds, and arc apprehended 
 by their senses; these they prefer as their portion: but it 
 proves unsatisfactory and vexatious, they arc speedily driven 
 out of it; and having no inheritance beyond the grave, they 
 will eternally bewail their wretched choice, while believers 
 eternally rejoice in theirs. — We are utterly inexcusable, if we 
 do not profit by the examples of those, whose sins and punish 
 ments are recorded for our warning. Yet so depraved is 
 human nature, that one generation rises up after another, M an 
 increase of sinful men” walking in the steps of those who 
 perished before them, and thus still more and more augment- 
 ing the fierce anger of the Lord. Nor does the wickedness 
 of men merely destroy their own souls; for it murders those 
 of others also, while their examples, influence, and persuasions, 
 encourage numbers in sin, or discourage them from "serving 
 the Lord; and while the crimes of professed Christians in- 
 crease the prejudices or harden the hearts of Jews, Moham- 
 medans, and Gentiles against the gospel. (Note, j Matt. 18:7 
 — 9.) They, however, who are deeply acquainted with tho 
 human heart, and have been long conversant with perverse 
 and rebellious people, are sometimes too suspicious. Bui 
 such suspicions frequently arise from zeal for the honour of 
 God, and love to the souls of men: (2 Cor. 11:2.) and it is 
 generally best to disclose them, and to remonstrate with the 
 suspected persons; for this may either withdraw them from 
 their purpose, or give them an opportunity of explaining them- 
 selves. And even when they are faulty in some degree, wo 
 should be ready to accept of reasonable excuses, and to ac- 
 cede to equitable proposals; yet with such express conditions 
 and lim:*Ttions as may supersede occasions of future conten- 
 tion. — All men ought to consider the interests of others as 
 well as their own; and the law of love requires (hem recipro- 
 cally to labour, venture, and suffer for each other, as occasion 
 requires. But especially it is becoming in tho people of God 
 to be disinterested and public-spirited: and they cannot con- 
 sistently account any thing too great to forego, to endure, or 
 to attempt, in opposing the common enemies of the cause, in 
 promoting the salvation of souls, and in securing the heavenly 
 inheritance. If God hath formed us to this dLposi ion, xve 
 hall avoid all appearance of evil, net with equity and love, 
 have a sanctified and comfortable use <.f our worldly posses- 
 sions, and so pass through things temporal as not finally to 
 lose the good things which are etema.. 
 
B 12 1452. CHAPTER XXXIII. B. C 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXin. 
 
 A re:ord of foity-two Journeys of Israel , 1 — 49. A charge to destroy the Ca- 
 naanitee and their idols , 50 — 66. 
 
 T HESE are the journeys of the children of 
 Israel, which went forth out of the land of 
 Egypt, “with their armies, b under the hand of 
 Moses and Aaron. 
 
 2 And Moses wrote their goings out according 
 to their “journeys, by Tie commandment of the 
 Lord: and these are thtir journeys according to 
 their goings out. 
 
 b. c.n 3 And They departed from Rameses 'in 
 I49l -> the first month, on the fifteenth day of the 
 first month : on the morrow after the passover, 
 the children of Israel went out f with an high 
 hand, in the sight of all the Egyptians. 
 
 4 For the Egyptians ^buried all their first-born, 
 which the Lord had smitten among them : h upon 
 their gods also the Lord executed judgments. 
 
 5 And the children of Israel ‘removed from 
 Rameses, and pitched in Succoth. 
 
 6 AndUhey departed from Succoth, and pitched 
 in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness. 
 
 7 And k t.hey removed from Etham, and turned 
 again into Pi-hahiroth, which is before Baal- 
 zephon ; and they pitched before Migdol. 
 
 8 And ‘they departed from before Pi-hahiroth, 
 and passed through the midst of the sea into the 
 wilderness, and went three days’ journey in the 
 wilderness of Etham, and pitched in Marah. 
 
 9 And ra they removed from Marah and came 
 unto Elim : and in Elim were twelve fountains of 
 water, and threescore and ten palm-trees : and 
 they pitched there. 
 
 10 And they removed from “Elim, and encamped 
 by the Red Sea. 
 
 11 And they removed from the Red Sea, and 
 encamped in the wilderness of Sin. 
 
 12 And they took their journey out of the wil- 
 derness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah. 
 
 13 And they departed from Dophkah, and 
 encamped in Alush. 
 
 14 And they removed from Alush, and encamped 
 at “Rephidim, where was no water for the people 
 to drink. 
 
 b. c. a 15 And rthey departed from Rephidim, 
 H9°. J anc j pitched in the wilderness of Sinai. 
 
 16 And ithey removed from the desert of Sinai, 
 and pitched at 'Kibroth-hattaavah. 
 
 17 And 'they departed from Kibroth-hattaavah, 
 and encamped at Hazeroth. « 
 
 18 And 'they departed from Hazeroth, and 
 pitched in Rithmah. 
 
 19 And they departed from Rithmah, and 
 pitched at Rimmon-parez. 
 
 20 And they departed from Rimmon-parez, and 
 pitched in Libnah. 
 
 a Ex. 12:37,51. 13:18. h Josh. 24:5. 1 Sam. 12:8. Ps. 77:20. Mic. 6:4. c9:17 
 —23. 10:6,13. Deul. 1:2. 10:11. d Gen. 47:11. Ex. 1:11. 12:37. e Ex. 12:2. 
 13:4. f Ex. 14:8. Ps. 105:38. I«. 52:12. Mic. 2:13. g Ex. 12:29,30. Ps. 105:36. 
 h Ex. 12:12. 18:11. Is. 19:1. Zeph. 2: 11. Rev. 12-7,8. i£x. 12:37. I Ex. 13: 
 20 . k8. Ex. 14:2,9. 1 Ex. 14:22, &c. 15:22-26. m Ex. 15:27. n Ex. 16:1. 
 17:1. oEx. 17:1— 8. pEx. 19:1,2. q 10:11— 13,33. Deut 1.6. • That is, the 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXIII. V. 1, 2. In this chapter 
 the sacred historian has brought into one view the journeys 
 and encampments of Israel, from Egypt to the banks of Jor- 
 dan. — The clause, “by the commandment of the Lord,” 
 may refer either to the journeys which were all taken at his 
 word, or to the register of them which was written by his ex- 
 press direction. The Jews in general explain it of the latter, 
 and suppose that it was intended to encourage them in their 
 present dispersions and wanderings ; which they persuade 
 themselves will likewise terminate in their settlement in Ca- 
 naan, under the rule of their expected Messiah : and this, 
 though not exactly as they suppose, will eventually be the 
 case. But one of their Rabbies has truly said, that ‘their 
 Redeemer was born before him who reduced them to this last 
 captivity an opinion which is well worthy of their serious 
 consideration I 
 
 V. 3—7. Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 12:29—42. 13:20. 14:2 
 -9. 
 
 Buried , &c. (4) This mournful employment took off the 
 ^noughts of the Egyptians, from the pursuit of Israel, for a 
 time. 
 
 V. 8. The wilderness of Etham seems to have extended 
 -onsiderably on each side of the Red Sea, and round the bay, 
 n which that sea terminates. (Note, Ex. 14:24,25.) 
 
 Vol. I. — 4 
 
 21 And they removed from ‘Libnah, and p tche<. 
 at Rissah. 
 
 22 And they journeyed from Rissah, and pitched 
 in Kehelathan. 
 
 23 And they went from Kehelathah, and pitched 
 in mount Shapher. 
 
 24 And they removed from mount Shapher, ana 
 encamped in Haradah. 
 
 25 And they removed from Haradah, and 
 pitched in Makheloth. 
 
 26 And they removed from Makheloth, and 
 encamped at Tahath. 
 
 27 And they departed from Tahath, and pitched 
 at Tarah. 
 
 28 And they removed from Tarah, and pitched 
 in Mithcah. 
 
 29 And they went from Mithcah, and pitched 
 in Hashmonah. 
 
 30 And they departed from Hashmonah, and 
 encamped at “Moseroth. 
 
 31 And they departed from Moseroth, and 
 pitched in ^Bene-jaakan. 
 
 32 And the* removed from Bene-jaakan, and 
 encamped at mor-hagidgad. 
 
 33 And they went from Hor-hagidgad, and 
 pitched in “Jotbathah. 
 
 34 And they removed from Jotbathah, and 
 encamped at Ebronah. 
 
 35 And they departed from Ebronah, and 
 encamped at ‘Ezion-gaber. 
 
 36 And they removed from Ezion-gaber, i-b. c. 
 and pitched in b the wilderness of Zin, which L 1153 
 is Kadesh. 
 
 37 And they removed from “Kadesh, and pitched 
 in mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom. 
 
 38 And d Aaron the priest went up into i-b.c. 
 mount Hor, at the commandment of the Lord, l‘ 45!? 
 and died there in the fortieth year after the chil- 
 dren of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, 
 in the first day of the fifth month. 
 
 39 And Aaron was an hundred and twenty and 
 three years old when he died in mount Hor. 
 
 40 And 'king Arad the Canaanite, which dwelt 
 in the south, in the land of Canaan, heard of the 
 coming of the children of Israel. 
 
 41 And f they departed from mount Hor, and 
 pitched in Zalmonah. 
 
 42 And they departed from Zalmonah, and 
 pitched in Punon. 
 
 43 And they departed from Punon, and ^pitched 
 in Oboth. 
 
 44 And they departed from Oboth, and pitched 
 in ‘Ije-abarim, in the border of Moab. 
 
 45 And they departed from Iim, and pitched in 
 Dibon-gad. 
 
 46 And they removed from b Dibon-gad, and 
 encamped in ‘Almon-diblathaim. 
 
 graves of lust. 11:4,34. r 11:35. s 12:16. t Deut. 1:1. Iyiban. u Deut. 10: 
 6. Mosera. xlChr.l:42. y Dent. 10:7: Gudgodah. i Dent. 10:7. Jo f bat A 
 a 14:25. Deut. 2:8. 1 Kings 9:26. 22:48. Ezion-geber. 2 Chr. 20:36. b 13:21 
 20:1.27:14. Deut. 32:51. c 20:22,23. 21 :4. (1 20:24—28. Deut. 10:6. 32:50. 
 
 e See on 21:1 — 3. f 21:4. *21:10. t Or, hears of Abarim. 21 :1 1. h 32:34. 
 Is. 15:2. Jer. 48:18. i Jer. 48:22. Beth-diblathaim. Ez.6:14. Diblath. 
 
 V. 9—14. (Notes, Ex. 15:22 — 24,27. 16:1. 17:1,2.) Doph- 
 kah and Alush arc not mentioned elsewhere ; probably no- 
 thing remarkable occurred at these places. 
 
 V. 15. (Note, Ex. 19:1,2.) The subsequent continuance 
 of Israel, in the wilderness ofSinai, comprises all the remain- 
 ing part of Exodus, all the Leviticus, and to the tenth chapter 
 of this book. (Note, 10:11 — 13.) 
 
 V. 16 — 18. (11:33 — 35. 12:16 .) — Rithmah seems to have 
 been in the wilderness of Paran, near Kadesh-barnea. 
 
 V. 19 — 29. We read nothing elsewhere of the encamp> 
 ments mentioned in these verses. 
 
 V. 30, 31. It is said elsewhere, (Note, Deut. 10.-C,".) 
 “ They took their journey from Beerolh of the children cf 
 Jaakan to Mosera:” yet here this seems reversed, “ they de- 
 parted from Moseroth, and pitched in Bene-jaakan,” or, the 
 sons of Jaakan . — Either different places are meant, or the 
 people journeyed back again nearly to the same place. Pro- 
 bably no mention is made of any but their principal stations. 
 
 V. 32—34. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 35, 36. Marg. Ref. Notes, 13:21,22. 20:1. 
 
 V. 37—39. 21:4. Ex. 7:7. Notes, 20:22—28. 
 
 V. 40. Note, 21:1—3. 
 
 V. 43, 44. Note, 21:10. 
 
 V. i5 — 49. (Marg. Ref.) The word “Abel,” sigmfi*- 
 ( 313 ) 
 
B. C 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS. 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 47 And they removed from Almon-diblathaim, 
 and pitched in k the mountains of Abarim before 
 Nebo. 
 
 48 And they departed from the mountains of 
 Abarim, and pitched 'in the plains of Moab, by 
 Jordan near Jericho. 
 
 49 And they pitched by Jordan, from m Beth- 
 iesimoth even unto 'Abel-shittim, in the plains yl' 
 Moab. 
 
 50 II And the Lord spake unto Moses "in the 
 plains of Moab, by Jordan near Jericho, say- 
 ing, 
 
 51 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, “When ye are passed over Jordan into 
 the land of Canaan ; 
 
 52 Then Pye shall drive out all the inhabitants 
 of the land from before you, and destroy all their 
 pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and 
 quite pluck down all their high places. 
 
 53 And ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the 
 land, and dwell therein : ifor I have given you 
 the land to possess it. 
 
 54 And r ye shall divide the land by lot for an 
 inheritance among your families, and to the more 
 ye shall Igive the more inheritance, and to the 
 fewer ye shall Igive the less inheritance: every 
 man’s inheritance shall be s in the place where his 
 lot falleth : according to the tribes of your fathers 
 ye shall inherit. 
 
 55 But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants 
 of the land from before you ; then it shall come to 
 pass, that those which ye let remain of them 
 shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your 
 
 b 21:20. Dent. 32:49. 34:1. 1 SceonYlA. m Josh. 13:20. Ez. 25:9. -Or, 
 
 the nlains of Shittim. 25:1 — 9. Ex. 25:5,10,23. Josh. 2:1. n 48,49. o Dent. 
 7:1. 9:1. Josh. 3:17. p Ex. 23:24,31— 33. 34:12— 17. Deut. 7:2— 5,25,26. 12: 
 2,3,30,31. 20:16—18. Josh. 1 1 :12. 23:7. Juclg. 2:2. q Deut. 32:8. Pa. 24: 
 1,2.115:16. Jer 27:5,6. Dan. 4:17,25,32. Matt. 20:15. r Sre on 26:53— 56. 
 t Heh. multiply his inheritance. 26:54. t Heb. diminish his inheritance. 
 b Josh. 15:1— 12. 16:1, &c. 17:1, &c. 18:11, &c. 19:1 — 48. t Deut. 7:4,16. Josh. 
 23:13. Judg. 1:21—33.2:3. Pa. 105:34—36. Ez. 28:24. u Lev. 18:28. 20:23. Deut. 
 
 also mourning; and perhaps it was added to the name Shittim y 
 where Israel grievously sinned and suffered in the matter of 
 Baal-peor, to express the lamentation made on that account. 
 — Probably the Israelites first gave names to many of the 
 places in the desert, by which they were afterwards known. 
 
 V. 51 — 53. (JMarg. Ref. p, q. Note , Ex. 34:11 — 17.) 
 This repeated command rendered it the indispensable duty cf 
 the Israelites to extirpate the Canaanites by every means in 
 their power, and as fast as they could subdue them ; neither 
 yielding to cowardice, sloth, or self-indulgence; nor settingup 
 the.ir own notions of clemency in opposition to the sentence of 
 the righteous Judge, which they were commissioned to exe- 
 cute. — But they must also destroy all monuments of their 
 abominable idolatries, however precious the materials, or 
 curious the workmanship. — Groves, altars, and images, on 
 hills and mountains, were called “high places.” 
 
 V. 55, 5G. The general duty of Israel became the par- 
 ticular duty of each tribe, after the division of the land, in 
 that portion allotted to them: and the subsequent history 
 proves that these denunciations were real prophecies , which 
 have been wonderfully accomplished even to this *day. — 
 During many ages, the remnant of the devoted nations were 
 exceedingly troublesome to the Israelites, even “as pricks 
 in the eyes and thorns in the side,” which would be a constant 
 and almost intolerable torture: (Marg. Ref. t. Note , Josh. 
 23-‘13.) and at length, as they persisted in imitating their 
 idolatries and atrocious crimes, they were punished as the 
 Lord proposed to punish the Canaanites ; being expelled from 
 their country with tremendous slaughter, first by the Assy- 
 rians and Chaldeans, and at length more completely by the 
 Romans. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is very useful to record the principal events of our own 
 lives, and of the Lord’s dealings with his church : and frequent 
 meditation on these subjects tends to awaken gratitude, to 
 excite repentance and humiliation, and to encourage our faith 
 and hope in God. — Few of the periods of our lives can be re- 
 flected on, without reminding us of the Lord’s goodness, ami 
 of our own ingratitude and disobedience : these, like a twofold 
 thread, run entwined together through the whole of our expe- 
 rience, and our unworthiness renders the kindness of God 
 more admirable, while his kindness shows our sins more 
 inexcusable. — VVe could not reasonably wish to pass over 
 again any stages of our pilgrimage, except we could hope, by 
 the grace of God, to shun the sins which wo committed, or to 
 embrace those opportunities of glorifying God which before, we 
 slipped. But if wc are upright in these desires, they s! .ill he 
 graciously accepted: and we may be thankful that we have 
 travelled thus far towards a better country; we may set. up 
 our Ebenezcr, and praise him who hath helped us hitherto; 
 and wc may trust in him to bring us safe to our journey’s end. 
 
 ( 314 ) 
 
 sides, and shall vex you in the find wherein ye 
 dwell. 
 
 56 Moreover, it shall come to pass , u that I shall 
 do unto you as I thought to do unto them. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 The boundaries of Canaan, 1 — 15. The names of the men who were chosen tv 
 divide the land, 16 — 29. 
 
 ND the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 2 Command the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them, When ye come into the land of 
 Canaan; (“this is the land that shall fall unto you 
 for b an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with 
 the coasts thereof :) 
 
 3 Then your “south quarter shall be from the 
 wilderness of Zin, along by the coast of Edom, 
 and your south border shall be the outmost coast 
 of the d salt sea eastward. 
 
 4 And your border shall turn from the south to 
 the ascent of “Akrabbim, and pass on to f Zin : and 
 the going forth thereof shall De from the south to 
 sKadesh-barnea, and shall go on to h Hazar-addar, 
 and pass on to Azmon. 
 
 5 And the border shall fetch a compass from 
 Azmon unto 'the river of Egypt, and the goings 
 out of it shall be at k the sea. 
 
 6 And as for the western border, ye shall even 
 have 'the great sea for a border : this shall be 
 your west border. 
 
 7 And this shall he your m north border: from 
 the great sea ye shall point out for you mount 
 Hor. 
 
 8 From mount Hor ye shall point out your 
 
 28:63.29:28. Josh. 23:15,16. 2 Chr. 36:17— 20. Ez. 33:24— 29. I.uke 21:23,21. 
 a 33:51,53. Gen. 12:6,7. 13:15—17.15:16—21.17:8. Deul. 1:7,8. Ps. 78:55. 
 105:11. Ez. 47:1'4. Acts 17:26. b Ps. 16:5,6. Jer. 3:19. Acts 26: IS. Euh.l:14, 
 18. 1 Pel. 1:3,4. c Ex. 23:31. Josh. 15:1-12. Ez. 47:19. rtCien. 14:3. Josh. 3: 
 16.15:2. Ez. 47:8,18. e Josh. 15:3. Judg. 1:36. f 3. 13:21 . 20:1. 33:36,37. 
 g 13:26. 32:8. h Josh. 15:3,4. i Gen. 15:18. Josh. 15:4,47. 1 Kings 8:65. Is. 
 27:12. k 6,7. 1 Josh. 1:4. 9:1. 15:12,47. 23:4. Ez. 47:10, 15, 20. m3, 6, 9, 10. 
 
 — But, whatever be our character and state, every day, week, 
 month, and year, whether prosperous or adverse, carries us 
 forward to our “long home,” and conveys the unbeliever 
 nearer to the gates of hell, the believer nearer to the joys ol 
 heaven ; and not only those days which are marked for somo 
 important transaction or event, but those which glide away 
 unnoticed and are speedily forgotten. — Soon will our wander- 
 ings end, and our eternal state be irrevocably fixed; how 
 important then is the present moment! — Happy are the}', 
 whom the Lord now “guides with his counsel, and will” at 
 length “ receive to his glory !” To this felicity the gospel 
 calls us: “Behold, now is the accepted time! behold, now is 
 the day of salvation !” — Let sinners seize the precious oppor- 
 tunity, and flee for refuge to the hope set before them. Let 
 us all behold with trembling, and keep at a distance from “the 
 graves of the lusters let us fear the doom of the unbelievers, 
 concerning whom the “Lord sware in his wrath that they 
 should not enter into his rest ;” let us shun the Mcribahs and 
 3Iassahsi at which so many have perished in their murmurings 
 and rebellions. Let us rather prefer the hitter waters of 
 Marah , sweetened with the consolations of the gospel. — Let 
 us not loiter in our journey, nor think of returning to Egypt, 
 nor fear interposing enemies, difficulties, or death itself. Let 
 us but redeem our time to glorify God, and serve our genera- 
 tion, and he will carry us safe through all to his eternal king- 
 dom. — But except we separate from sinners, avoid occasions 
 of evil, and crucify our lusts, we must perish : and if we show 
 any quarter to our sinful propensities, they will gather strength 
 by indulgence, mar the comfort of our lives, and perhaps “bo 
 pricks in our eyes and thorns in our sides” when we lie upon 
 a death-hod. 
 
 NOTES — Chap. XXXIV: V. 3 — 5. It was absolutely 
 necessary that the boundaries of the land, of which the 
 Israelites were commissioned to dispossess and extirpate the 
 inhabitants, should be exactly ascertained : because they were 
 not commissioned to push their conquests any further at t/uii 
 time y or at any time in the same manner; though it was tlio 
 divine purpose at length to put them in possession of miun 
 more extensive territories. ( Notes , Gen. 15:18 — 21. Ev. 
 23:31.) — The boundary of the land towards the south was hero 
 fixed, as beginning from the southern extremity of the Dead 
 Sea, extending to the west in a winding direction, past the 
 desert, of Zin and the borders of Idumea to Kadesh-barnea, 
 and thence to the place where the river of Egypt ran into the 
 Mediterranean sea. 
 
 V. 6. The Mediterranean sea was the western boundary. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Mount Hor, hero mentioned, was at the oppo- 
 site extremity of the land, from that mount Hor oil which 
 Aaron died. It seems to have been a ridge of mount ldhanus, 
 which was the northern boundary, extending from the M« di- 
 terranean sea, southward ofZidon to the springs 1 Jordan. 
 
B. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV, 
 
 B. C. 1452 
 
 border unto "the entrance of Hamath : and the 
 goings forth of the border shall be to Zedad. 
 
 9 And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and 
 the goings out of it shall be at Hazar-enan : this 
 sliall be your north border. 
 
 10 And ye shall point out your ea^t border from 
 “Hazar-enan to Shepham. 
 
 11 And the coast shall go down from Shepham 
 to pRiblah, on the east side of Ain : and the 
 border shall descend, and shall reach unto the 
 'side of < >the sea of Chinnereth eastward. 
 
 12 And the border shall go down to Jordan, 
 ard the goings out of it shall be at r the salt sea : 
 this shall be your land, with the coasts thereof 
 round about. 
 
 13 And Moses commanded the children of 
 Israel, saying, “This is the land which ye shall in- 
 herit Dy lot, which the Lord commanded to give 
 unto the nine tribes, and to the half tribe. 
 
 14 For ‘the tribe of the children of Reuben, 
 according to the house of their fathers, and the 
 tribe of the children of Gad, according to the 
 house of their fathers, have received their inherit- 
 ance, and half the tribe of Manasseh have re- 
 ceived their inheritance. 
 
 15 The two tribes and the half tribe have re- 
 ceived their inheritance u on this side Jordan near 
 Jericho, eastward, toward the sunrising. 
 
 16 U And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 17 These are the names of the men which shall 
 divide the land unto you : “Eleazar the priest, and 
 y Joshua the son of Nun. 
 
 18 And ye shall take one z prince of every tribe, 
 to divide the land by inheritance. 
 
 19 And the names of the men are these : Of 
 the tribe of Judah, “Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 
 
 20 And of the tribe of the children ot Simeon, 
 Shemuel the son of Ammihud. 
 
 21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of 
 Chislon. 
 
 22 And the prince of the tribe of the children 
 of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli. 
 
 n 13.21. Josh. 13'5,6. 2Sam.8:S. 2 Kings 14:25. Jer. 39:5. Ez. 47: IS— 20. oEz. 
 47:17. p2 Kings 23:33. 25:6. Jer. 39;5, 6. 52:10,26,27. * Heh. shoulder, q Dent. 
 3:17. Josh. 11:2. Chinnerot/i. 19:35. Luke 5:1. Gennesaret. John 6:1. Sea 
 Of Tiberias, r 3. Gen. 13:10. 14:3. 19:24—26. s Josh. 14:1,2. t 32:33. Dent. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Jordan was only a small stream, till it united 
 with other rivulets, and formed the sea, or lake, of Chinnereth, 
 or Gennesaret, or Tiberias; but afterwards, emerging on the 
 opposite end of the lake, it became a considerable river, then 
 more generally known by the name Jordan. It seems, how- 
 ever, in its whole course, including the sea of Chinnereth and 
 the Dead Sea, to have been the eastern boundary ofCanaan, 
 roperly so called, whicli formed a country not more than one 
 undred and sixty miles long, and about sixty broad. — Moses 
 was born in Egypt, and never had an opportunity of making 
 a survey of the countries beyond Jordan. (Deut. 3:25.) Yet 
 he has given an exact geographical description of them, which 
 accords with the whole subsequent history, and with ancient 
 history in general. Whatever opportunity he might have had, 
 in those early times, of gaining information, it cannot, reason- 
 ably be doubted, but that he was guided by the Holy Spirit, 
 in thus specifying the grant which God made to Israel. — The 
 Dead Sea, once a still more fertile country than Canaan, 
 might be a useful lesson to Israel, to shun those sins which 
 brought destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah ; and the 
 wilderness might call to remembrance their wanderings, re- 
 bellions, and mercies there ; and t. e border of Egypt might 
 remind them, “ that they had been bondmen, but that the 
 Lord their God had redeemed them.” 
 
 V. 13 — 15. The countries already conquered, and con- 
 ditionally assigned to the two tribes and a half, lay without 
 these boundaries : but the Israelites might make alliances with 
 other nations, not included in this grant ; and they were not 
 allowed to dispossess or extirpate them, as they did the 
 devoted Canaanites.— During the reigns of David and Solo- 
 mon they possessed a much larger country : yet, through 
 their own sloth and wickedness, they seldom actually enjoyed 
 the whole even of the land here granted to them. 
 
 V. 1G — 29. This appointment of the persons who should 
 divide the land, gave assurance of conquest to Israel; and to 
 the persons themselves of preservation from the sword, and 
 from natural death, during the wars with the Canaanites. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The people of God, though generally poor, are said “ to 
 mherit the earth ;” because “ a little that the righteous hath, 
 is better than the riches of many wicked.” — For the bounds 
 ot /heir habitation, and the measure of their provision, are 
 assigned them by the only wise God, their heavenly Father, 
 in subserviency to their salvation, and the increase of grace 
 
 23 The prince of the children of Joseph, lor 
 the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel 
 the son of Ephod. 
 
 24 And the prince of the tribe of the children 
 of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shijphtan. 
 
 25 And the prince of the tribe of the children 
 of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach. 
 
 26 And the prince of the tribe of the children 
 of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan. 
 
 27 And the prince of the tribe of the children 
 of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi. 
 
 28 And the prince of the tribe of the children 
 of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud. 
 
 29 b These are they whom the Lord commanded 
 to divide the inheritance unto the children of 
 Israel in the land of Canaan. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Forty-eight cities with their suburbs to be given to the Levites , 1 — 8. Six to 
 be cities of refuge , 9 — 15. Laws respecting murder and manslaughter , 
 16 — 34. 
 
 A ND the Lord spake unto Moses “in the plains 
 of Moab, by Jordan near Jericho, saying, 
 
 2 Command b the children of Israel, that they 
 give unto the Levites, of the inheritance of their 
 possession, cities to dwell in : and ye shall give 
 also unto the Levites suburbs for the cities round 
 about them. 
 
 3 And the cities shall they have to dwell in, c and 
 the suburbs of them shall be for their cattle, and 
 for their goods, and for all their beasts. 
 
 4 And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall 
 give unto the Levites, shall reach from the wall 
 of the city and outward, a thousand cubits round 
 about. 
 
 5 And ye shall measure from without the city 
 on the east side two thousand cubits, and on the 
 south side two thousand cubits, and on the west 
 side two thousand cubits, and on the north side 
 two thousand cubits, and the city shall be in the 
 midst: this shall be to them the suburbs of the 
 cities. 
 
 6 And among the cities which ye shall give unto 
 
 3:12— 17. Josh. 13:8— 12. 14:2,3. u 32:32. x Josh. 11:1. 19:51. y See on 13: 
 8,16. 1:M. a 13:30. 14:6,24,30,38 . 25:66. b Josh. 19:51. a 22: 
 
 1. 26:63. 31:12 . 33:50.36:13. Deut. 34:1,8. 1) Lev. 25:32,33. Josh. 14:3,4.21:2. 
 Ez. 45:1— 8. 48.8,22. 1 Cor. 9:10— 14. c Josh. 21:11. 2 Cl)r. 1 1:14. Ez.45:2. 
 
 and peace in their souls. Their numbers have likewise 
 hitherto been few: and they have commonly been despised 
 and neglected, by the multitude of the turbulent and wicked 
 of the world. But “ the eye of the Lord is upon them;” 
 “his Name is their strong Tower ;” he “ knoweth what things 
 they have need of,” and hath reserved for them a more endur- 
 ing inheritance in heaven ; and “ they are kept by his power 
 through faith unto salvation.” May we cast our lot among 
 them, and not covet riches, nor seek, in any improper way, 
 to increase our temporal provision ; may we be careful not to 
 live beneath our privileges, through sloth or indulgence ; may 
 we enjoy the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts, as an assur- 
 ance of victory and eternal life ; and when our warfare is 
 ended, may we be welcomed to the heavenly Canaan hy 
 Jesus, the Prince of all the tribes of the redeemed, to our 
 everlasting and complete satisfaction. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXV. V. 2 — 8. These cities, 
 
 reserved for the priests and Levites, were designed, not 
 only for their accommodation, but likewise that they might 
 reside as religious instructers in the several parls of the land, 
 and conveniently go to the adjacent towns and villages, or 
 receive those who thence resorted to them. They might also 
 dwell elsewhere on some occasions, and those of other tribes 
 might live in these cities as their tenants. — Though the typical 
 temple service was limited to one place ; yet reading, expound- 
 ing, and enforcing the law of God, with prayer and praise, 
 were not thus confined, but might be attended lo any where, 
 with reference to the appointed sacrifices and priesthood, 
 and to the ark of the covenant.- — Thus the curse pronounced 
 on Levi (Gen. 49:7.) was turned into a blessing, both to them, 
 and to Israel in general. — Many of the cities spoken of seem 
 to have been like our market-towns ; and they were very 
 numerous in that populous and fruitful country. The suburbs 
 of a thousand cubits nearest the city would serve for gardens 
 and out-houses ; and the larger suburb of another thousand, 
 at a greater distance, would yield pasture for the flocks. 
 The whole seems to have extended nearly three quarters of 
 a mile on every side of each city ; and, though forty-eight 
 such cities with the suburbs, in addition to the tithes and 
 other perquisites, would be a very plentiful provision for this 
 small tribe, it does not appear that the people complained of 
 it as exorbitant. 
 
 Cities for refuge. (G) Marg. Ref d. .Note, 11:15. 
 
 V. 11 — 15. In order to exprey the ireater abhorrence of 
 
 ( 315 ) 
 
B. 0 1452. 
 
 NUMBERS, 
 
 B. C 1452. 
 
 the Levites, there shall be d six cities for refuge, 
 which ye shall appoint for the manslayer, that he 
 may flee thither : and ‘to them ye shall add forty 
 ana two cities. 
 
 7 So all the cities which ye shall give to the 
 Levites shall be 'forty and eight cities : them shall 
 ye give with their suburbs. 
 
 8 And the cities which ye shall give shall be f of 
 the possession of the children of Israel : efrom 
 them that have many ye shall give many ; but 
 from them that have lew ye shall give few : every 
 one shall give of his cities unto the Levites accord- 
 ing to his inheritance which 'he inheriteth. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 9 II And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 
 
 10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say 
 unto them ; h When ye be come over Jordan into 
 the land ol Canaan, 
 
 11 Then 'ye shall appoint you cities to he cities 
 of refuge for you ; that the slayer may flee thither, 
 which killeth any person tat unawares. 
 
 12 And they shall be unto you cities for refuge 
 k from the avenger ; that the manslayer die not, 
 'until he stand before the congregation in judg- 
 ment. 
 
 13 And of these cities which ye shall give, six 
 cities shall ye have for refuge. 
 
 14 Ye shall give “"three, cities on this side Jor- 
 dan, and three cities shall ye give in the land of 
 Canaan, which shall be cities ol refuge. 
 
 15 These six cities shall be a refuge, " both for 
 the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and 
 for the sojourner among them ; that every one 
 that killeth any person unawares may flee thither. 
 
 16 And °if he smite him with an instrument of 
 iron, so that he die, he is a murderer : ''the mur- 
 derer shall surely be put to death. 
 
 17 And if he smite him swithHhrovving a stone, 
 wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a mur- 
 derer : the murderer shall surely be put to death. 
 
 18 Or if he smite him with an hand-weapon of 
 wood, wherewith he may die, and he die, he is a 
 murderer : the murderer shall surely be put to 
 death. 
 
 a 13,14. Deut. 4:41— 43. Josh. 20:2,7,8. 21 :3, 13,21 ,27,32,38. Ps. 9:9. 62:7,8. 142; 
 4,5. Is. 4:6. Matt. 11:28. Heb. 6:18. * Heb. above them ye shall give. 
 
 e Josh. 21:3 — 42. 1 Chr. 6:54 — 81. fGen.49:7. Ex. 32:28,29. D'eut. 33:8— 1 1. 
 Josh. 21:3. g 28:54. 33:54. Ex. 16:18. 2 Cor. 8:13,14. t Heb. they inherit. 
 h 34:2. Lev. 14:34. 25:2. Deut. 12:9. 19:1,2. i See on 6. Josh. 20:2. J Heb. by 
 error. 22,23. Ex. 21:13. Deut. 4:42. 19:4,5. k 19,25—27. Deut. 19:6. Josh. 20: 
 S— 6,9. 2 Sam. 14:7. 124. Deut. 19:11,12. Josh. 20:4— 6. m Deut. 4 :41— 43. 
 
 19:8—10. Josh. 20:7 — 9. n 15:16. Ex. 12:49. Rum. 3:29. Gal. 3:28. o 22— 24. 
 Deut. 19:11— 13. p 30— 33. Gen. 9:5,6. Ex. 21 : 152 — 14. Lev. 2-1:17. qEx.21: 
 
 18. § Heb. a stone of the hand. r 12,21,24,27. Deut. 19:6,12. Josh. 20:3,5. 
 
 murder, and to provide the more effectually for the punish- 
 ment of the murderer, the prosecution and execution, by 
 ancient custom, devolved upon the nearest relation, or next 
 heir, or “the redeemer;” (so the word rendered avenger 
 signifies ;) the very person to whom the right of redemption 
 belonged ; who in notorious cases might pursue the criminal 
 any whither, and execute vengeance without the formalities 
 of a trial. This custom, under certain restrictions, was sanc- 
 tioned by the divine law : for it must be supposed, that the 
 avenger was not authorized to put any one to death on mere 
 suspicion ; as the magistrates and congregation might not 
 inflict this punishment, except the fact was proved by the 
 testimony of two witnesses. (Note, 24—30.) But, even if 
 the person was certainly known, an equitable and merciful 
 provision was also made, for the security of those who had 
 unintentionally shed blood. Six cities were appointed in 
 different parts of the land, to which they might flee for refuge 
 and be safe, until they had a fair trial before the proper magis- 
 trates. One or other of these cities would lie within half a 
 day’s journey of every part of the land. It would rarely 
 occur that the avenger of blood would be on the spot, and 
 none else had a right to assault or detain the manslayer ; at 
 least if no malicious intention was manifest. These unhappy 
 men would therefore generally get the start of their adver- 
 saries, and very few of them be overtaken before they gained 
 the place of refuge. But then they must leave their families, 
 employments, and most important interests^ and dearest com- 
 forts : and they must neither loiter, nor yield to weariness, 
 nor regard difficulties, nor slacken their pace, till they had got 
 safe within the walls of the city ; which secured them, in virtue 
 of the divine institution, and not by its own natural strength. — 
 Tne Jewish writers inform us, that, to afford every facility 
 to those who thus fled for their life, the road to these cities 
 was always preserved in good repair; and way-posts, in- 
 scribed Refuge, were placed wherever needful, that they 
 nr rht not so much as hesitate for a moment. All strangers 
 frj a sojourners, whether proselytes or not, were allowed the 
 ( 316 ) 
 
 19 The 'revenger of blood himself shall s’ay 
 the murderer: when he meeteth liim he shall s'ay 
 him. 
 
 20 But 8 if he thrust him of hatred, or hun at 
 him l by laying of wait that he die ; 
 
 21 Or in enmity smite him with his hand, that 
 he die : he that sriiote him shall surely be put tc 
 death: for he is a murderer: the revenger o 
 blood shall slay the murderer when he meeteth 
 him. 
 
 22 But if he thrust him suddenly “without 
 enmity, or have cast upon him any thing without 
 laying of wait; 
 
 23 Or with any stone, wherewith a man may 
 die, seeing him not, and cast it upon him that he 
 die, and was not his enemy, neither sought his 
 harm : 
 
 24 Then 'the congregation shall judge between 
 the slayer and the revenger of blood, according to 
 these judgments ; 
 
 25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer 
 out of the hand of the revenger of blood, and the 
 congregation shall restore him to the city of his 
 refuge, whither he was fled : and he shall ?abide 
 in it unto the death of the high-priest, which was 
 'anointed with the holy oil. 
 
 26 But if the slayer shall at any time come 
 without the borders of the city of his refuge, 
 whither he was fled ; 
 
 27 And the revenger of blood find him with- 
 out the borders of the city of his refuge, and the 
 revenger of blood kill the slayer ; u he shall not be 
 guilty of blood : 
 
 28 Because a he should have remained in the 
 city of his refuge until the deal h of the high-priest : 
 but b after the death of the high-priest, the slayer 
 shall return into the land of his possession. 
 
 29 So these things shall be for c a statute of judg- 
 ment unto you, throughout your generations, in 
 all your dwellings. 
 
 30 Whoso killeth any person, the murderer 
 shall be put to death by d the mouth of witnesses: 
 but one witness shall not testify against any person 
 to cause him to die. 
 
 s Gen. 4:6,8. 2 Sam. 3:27. 13:22,28,29. 20:10. 1 Kings 2:5,6,32,33. Prov.26:2!. 
 28:17. Luke 4:29. l 1 Sam. 18:10,1 1 .25. 19:9—12. 20:1. 23:7—9. 24:11. l’e. 10: 
 7—11). 11:2. 35:7,8. 57:4—6. Frov. 1 : 18,19. Mark 6:19,24— 26. Acta 20:3. 23:21. 
 u 11. Ex. 21:13. Leut. 19:5. Josh. 20:3,5. x See on 12. y 28. Josh. 20:6. Rom. 
 3:24—26. Eph. 2: 16— 18. Heb. 4:14—16. 7:25—28. 9:12—15. 10:19—22. z Ex- 
 29:7. Lev. 8: 12. 21 : 10. || Heb. no blood ahull be to him. Ex. 22:2. Deut. 19:6, 
 
 10. n John 15:4—6. Acts 11:23. 27:31. Heb. 3:14. 6:4—8. 10:26—30,39. bHeb. 
 9:11,12,15—17. c See on 27:1. d Petit. 17:6,7. 19:15. Matt. 18:16. John 8:17, 
 18. 2 Cor. 13:1. 1 Tim. 5:19. Heb. 10:28. Rev. 11:3. 
 
 benefit of this provision: for the tradition of the Jews, that 
 none but proselytes were intended, most evidently contra- 
 dicts the text. The region eastward of Jordan was nearly 
 as long as that to the west of the river, and therefore three 
 cities were appointed in each division. 
 
 V. 16 — 23. The several instances here adduced on each 
 side, in order to illustrate the grand principle of the law, and 
 the difference between the unfortunate manslayer and the 
 murderer, are not intended to mark the distinction between 
 sudden anger and malice prepense ; (which latter is indeed an 
 aggravation, but not essential to murder :) hut between inten- 
 tionally striking a man with any weapon likely to cause death, 
 or in wrath from hatred, or with a design of doing him injury ; 
 and an unintentional blow, at unawares, and without seeking 
 his harm, which alone is here considered as manslaughter . — 
 (Note, Deut. 19:2 — 10.) 
 
 V. 24 — 30. After the manslayer had been received into 
 the city of refuge, the avenger of blood could only act as 
 prosecutor ; and the magistrates, in the presence of the 
 people, were appointed to decide the cause according to the 
 rules here laid down. Probably the accused person was 
 tried at cm* near the place, where the deceased had been slain, 
 and where evidence could most easily be brought : and in case 
 ho was acquitted by the decision of the judges, and with the 
 approbation of the people, ho was conveyed hark to the city 
 of refuge, where he was protected, as u kind of prisoner at 
 large, till the death of the high-priest ; when the public loss, 
 and the grief occasioned by it, might he supposed to swallow 
 up all personal regrets and resentments : and then he was 
 permitted to return to his house and estate. But if, in the 
 meanwhile, he ventured to leave the city, and the avenger 
 met him and slew him, he was supposed to merit his doom, 
 by thus neglecting the appointment of God for his preserva- 
 tion, and the avenger must not bo punished. This shows 
 that in other cases, if the avenger slew an innocent man, on 
 surmise, he was liable to the punishment i>f a murderer. — 
 But if, by the testimony of two crediblo witnesses, the man 
 
B. C. 1455, 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI 
 
 B. C. 1452. 
 
 31 Moreover, e > 0 shall take no satisfaction for 
 the life of a murderer, which is 'guilty of death : 
 but he shall be surely nut to death. 
 
 32 And ye shall take 'no satisfaction ior him 
 that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should 
 come again to dwell in the land, until the death of 
 the priest. 
 
 33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye 
 are; for blood, «it defileth the land : f the land can- 
 not be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, 
 but by the blood of him that shed it. 
 
 34 h Defile not therefore the land which ye shall 
 inhabit, wherein 'I dwell: for I the Lord ‘dwell 
 among the children of Israel. 
 
 a Gen 9:5,6. Ex. 21:14. Dent. 19:11— 13. 2Sam. 12:13. 1 Kings 2:28— 34. Ps. 
 61:14,16. • Hob. faulty to die. fAcl»4:12. Gal. 2:21 . 3:10— 13,22. Rex. 5: 
 
 9. gLev. 18:25. Dent. 21:1— 8,23. 2 Kings 23:26. 24:4. Ps. 106:38. Is. 26:21. 
 Et. 22:24—27. Hos. 4:2,3. Mic.4:ll. Mall. 23:35. Luke 11:50,51. t Heb. 
 there can be no expiation fur the land. h 5:3. Lev. 20:24 — -28. i Ps. 135:21. 
 
 who had tied to the city of refuge for any other person tried 
 for murder,) was adjudged guilty, lie must, without fail, be 
 put to death : yet if only one witness supported the charge, 
 though he appeared guilty, lie must not be thus punished. 
 
 V. 31 — 34. Incase murder was proved against a man, no 
 atonement or ransom might be accepted for his life ; but, how- 
 ever otherwise distinguished, he must be put to death : nay, 
 further, no atonement or compensation might purchase the 
 manslayer the liberty of leaving the city of refuge, before the 
 death of the high-priest 1 Because murder was to be consi- 
 dered, not so much as the private injury of an individual, as 
 the crime of the nation, which could only be expiated by the 
 death of the offender ; and as defiling the land, till thus 
 expiated. (Note, Deut. 21:1 — 9.) Does not this fully prove, 
 that the connivance of our government, in the burning of 
 widows and in human sacrifices, and in other species of murder 
 committed in our East Indian dominions, under the pretext of 
 an idolatrous religion, is wholly unjustifiable, and burthens 
 our land and all connected with those distant regions, with the 
 guilt of blood, not expiated by that of those who shed it ? — 
 The vengeance of God might be expected on the nation of 
 Israel, if the magistrates and people neglected their duty 
 in this respect ; and especially, as to the land in which 
 the Lord himself condescended to dwell by his temple and 
 ordinances. 
 
 This remarkable law, expressive of the deepest detesta- 
 tion of murder, yet providing most effectually against the 
 innocent being punished with the guilty, is likewise an instruc- 
 tive typical representation of the salvation of the gospel. 
 “ The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all 
 ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” “ It is appointed 
 unto men once to die, and after death is the judgment,” with 
 its eternal consequences. In the mean while, a Refuge is 
 provided and revealed in Christ Jesus. His ministers warn 
 sinners to “ flee from the wrath to come,” and instruct and 
 exhort them to “ flee for refuge, to lay hold on the hope set 
 before them.” All things are prepared for the reception of 
 those who obey this call. By faith they discern both their 
 danger and Refuge. Then fear urges and hope animates. 
 Should death, like the avenger of blood, find them without, 
 destruction is inevitable. All is at stake : this is their “ one 
 thing needful.” Now no longer will they be amused, or 
 bribed, or persuaded to loiter. Even their choicest earthly 
 comforts, and most important temporal interests, appear com- 
 paratively worthless. They “ count all but loss . . . that they 
 may win Christ, and be found in him.” They apply ear- 
 nestly to him, and follow his instructions. They are wel- 
 comed into the Refuge which he hath provided. “ There is 
 lio condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus but a 
 trial must take place before the assembled world, by which 
 those who have a right, as true believers, to this Refuge, will 
 be distinguished from all who have only a dead faith. At 
 present true believers abide in him, and cleave to him in the 
 obedience of faith and love ; and at length in virtue of the 
 death of their great and gracious High-Priest, they will be 
 restored to their forfeited inheritance. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. The provision which God hath appointed for his 
 ministers, was not intended to pamper them in pride, sloth, or 
 self-indulgence ; and thus to disqualify them for their work, 
 and teach them to dislike and despise it : but to free them 
 from distracting care, and to leave them at leisure wholly to 
 employ themselves in their important duties ; and to seize 
 every opportunity of conciliating the people, and gaining 
 attention to their instructions. So that the grant, and the 
 effect of it when properly used, were intended ultimately 
 and mainly for the advantage of those who gave, not of those 
 who received it. But the sinfulness of man’s heart perverts 
 the wisest constitutions, human and divine : and the abuse 
 made, alas 1 by too many affords others a plausible pretext 
 for neglecting their duty. Thus both are criminal, but they 
 who furnish the excuse have the deeper guilt. — It is very 
 profitable for the ministers of the gospel frequently to confer 
 together. This tends to increase mutual love, and gives 
 younger ministers especially the opportunity of profiting by 
 •he knowledge, experience, and observations of their seniors : 
 
 CHAPTER XXXYI. 
 
 A difficulty shown by the Manassites resjiecting daughters inheriting, — 5, 
 Such must marry in their own tribe , 6 — 9. Zclonhehad's daughters 
 are married to the sons of their father's brother , 10 — lo. 
 
 A ND the chief fathers of the families of the 
 children of “Gilead, the son of Machir,'the 
 son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of 
 Joseph, came near, and spake before Moses, and 
 before the princes, the chief fathers of the children 
 of Israel ; 
 
 2 And they said, b The Lord commanded my 
 lord to give the land for an inheritance by lot to 
 the children of Israel : and my lord was com- 
 manded by the Lord c to give the inheritance 
 of Zelophehad our brother unto his daughters, 
 
 Is. 57:15. Hos. 9:3. 2 Cor. 6:16,17. Rev. 21:3,27. k 5:3. Ex. 25:8. 29:45,46. 
 1 Kings 6:13. Ps. 132:14. Is. 8:18. a 26:29— 33. 27:1. Josh. 17:2,3. 1 Chr. 7: 
 14—16. b 26:55,56. 27:1— 7 . 33:54. Josh. 13:6. 14:1,2. c27:7. Josh. 17-.a-6. 
 Job 42: 15. 
 
 but above all they should pray much together, for each other 
 personally , for a blessing on each other’s labours, for a bless- 
 ing on the word, and for the success of the gpspel and the 
 enlargement of the church, in every place. And when, with 
 this advantage, access to a number of willing hearers can be 
 obtained, a minister of Christ has abundant reason for con- 
 tent and thankfulness. — In the maintenance of the ministry, 
 in the support of divine worship, in the provision for the 
 poor, or in any other good work, equality and proportion 
 should be considered, both by those who contribute, and 
 those who receive ; for that donation is liberality from the 
 poorer, which is shamefully scanty in those of superior 
 affluence. 
 
 V. 9 — 34. It is very important in the administration of 
 justice, that the guilty should not escape, and that the inno- 
 cent should not suffer : and though the prosecution and exe- 
 cution of criminals be a painful, and in many cases an odious 
 employment; yet it is necessary, and therefore it is a duty 
 which should be performed by those concerned, from regard 
 to public justice, and the welfare of society. This is espe- 
 cially the case with murder in all its forms, and under all dis- 
 guises, which so pollutes the land, that nothing but the blood 
 of the murderer, whatever be his rank or quality can cleanse 
 it. Alas ! that unscriptural and absurd distinctions, and con- 
 cessions to the maxims of proud ungodly men, should cause 
 so many atrocious murders to pass unpunished, the guilt of 
 which, with accumulating weight will, it is seriously to be 
 apprehended, help to sink this nation into destruction ! — this 
 nation which hath so long been favoured in a peculiar manner 
 in God’s providence, and where he hath so long dwelt by his 
 word and ordinances ; but which, infidelity, profaneness, and 
 licentiousness, threatening to deluge all before them, mark to 
 be ripening apace for ruin ; except, in answer to the prayers 
 of the remnant of his people, u the Spirit of the Lord lift up 
 a standard against them !” Let us all then with one consent 
 present our supplications in behalf of our beloved country, 
 that reformation and a general revival of pure religion may 
 avert the judgments of God. — The restrictions, dangers, and 
 inconveniences, which unintentional bloodshed occasioned, 
 should impress us with horror at the thought of even heed- 
 lessly occasioning death ; and should increase our caution 
 and circumspection, as well as watchfulness over our passions, 
 and also our earnestness in praying to be preserved from such 
 a calamity. — But, above all, let sinners take warning without 
 delay to flee for refuge to Jesus Christ, whatever they 
 renounce, venture, *and suffer : let them not stop short, turn 
 back, or loiter : let them not fear a repulse ; for the Refuge 
 is appointed for the purpose of receiving all such, as are sen- 
 sible of their danger, and flee to lay hold on the hope set 
 before them, how vile soever they have been. Let them 
 abide in Christ, and show their faith by a thankful obedience 
 to him, who died for sinners, and rose again : let them be 
 careful not to pervert this refuge by encouraging themselves 
 in unrepented sin : and let them wait the appointed time, and 
 they shall certainly at length be restored to liberty, and rein- 
 stated in their forfeited inheritance. The Lord grant that 
 neither the writer, nor any of the readers, may he 4i of those 
 who draw back unto perdition but that we all may be “ of 
 those who believe to the saving of the soul !” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXVI. V. 1—12. It does not 
 appear that Manasseh left any son but Machir, or Machir 
 any son but Gilead ; from whose posterity, in different families, 
 this whole numerous tribe had sprung. To one division of it 
 a portion had been assigned eastward of Jordan : but Zelo- 
 phehad was of that division, to which an inheritance was after- 
 wards allotted west of Jordan ; yet, expecting the promised 
 land, the elders of the Manassites proposed a difficulty, upon 
 the adjudged case of Zelophehad’s daughters. ( Notes , 27:1 — 
 11.) — If the females should inherit, in defect of male issue, 
 and should intermarry with other tribes, they would diminish 
 the interest and weaken the influence of their own tribes, and 
 give occasion to future confusion, and perhaps contention. 
 The Manassites therefore referred the case to Moses ; and 
 he, by the authority of God, annexed a clause, which would 
 effectually keep the tribes and inheritances distinct, as long 
 as it was observed. Heiresses were not allowed to marry 
 
 ( 317 i 
 
B. C. Uu2. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1452. 
 
 3 And if they be married to any of the sons of 
 the other tribes of the children of Israel ; then 
 shall their inheritance be taken from the inherit- 
 ance of our fathers, and shall be put to the in- 
 heritance of the tribe 'whereunto they are re- 
 ceived : so shall it be taken from the lot of our 
 inheritance. 
 
 4 And when d the jubilee of the children of 
 Israel shall be, then shall their inheritance be put 
 unto the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they 
 are received : so shall their inheritance be taken 
 away from the inheritance of the tribe of our 
 fathers. 
 
 5 And Moses commanded the children of 
 Israel, according to the word of the Lord, say- 
 ing. The tribe of the sons of Joseph 'hath said 
 well. 
 
 6 This is the thing which the Lord doth com- 
 mand concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, 
 saying, Let them hnarry to whom they think best : 
 f only to the family of the tribe of their father shall 
 they marry. 
 
 7 So shall not the inheritance of the children of 
 Israel remove from tribe to tribe ; for every one of 
 
 Heb. unto whom they shall be. cl Lev. 25:10 — 18,23. Is. 61:2. Luke 4 : 18,19. 
 e 27:7. Dent. 5:28. T Heh. be wives, f 12. Gen. 24:57,58. J Heb. cleare 
 to 9.1 Kings 21:3 g 1 Chr. 23.22. h Ex. 39:42,43. Lev . 24:23. 2 Chr. 30: 12. 
 
 out of their own tribe, .though within those bounds they might 
 consult their own inclinations. Probably there had been 
 some prospect of Zelophehad’s daughters marrying into 
 another tribe ; as both their character and expected inherit- 
 ance would induce overtures from different quarters : but 
 when the will of God was declared, all parties acquiesced, 
 and they were married to their own cousim ; not out of neces- 
 sity, for there were many thousands within the assigned limits ; 
 but by choice, and perhaps because these were the next heirs 
 of the family; and we may hence learn that there is nothing 
 improper insuen marriages, as it has often been groundlessly 
 supposed. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 No laws, however excellent, express, or multiplied, can 
 reach every particular case which may arise ; and still room 
 will be left for the exercise of sound judgment, and common 
 sense. But when these. are regulated according to the true 
 meaning of the word of God, and in dependence on divine 
 teaching, they will guide us through all perplexities, as far as 
 our immediate duty is concerned. Yet the Lord frequently 
 eaves us to feel our difficulties, that we may be habituated 
 
 the children of Israel shall tkeep himself to the 
 inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. 
 
 8 And eevery daughter, that poesesset.h an in- 
 heritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, 
 shall be wife unto one of the family of the tribe of 
 her father, that the children of Israel may enjoy 
 every man the inheritance of his fathers. 
 
 9 Neither shall the inheritance remove from one 
 tribe to another tribe ; but every one of the tribee 
 of the children of Israel shall keep himself to his 
 own inheritance. 
 
 10 H Even h as the Lord commanded Moses, so 
 did the daughters of Zelophehad : 
 
 11 For ‘Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and 
 Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, 
 were married unto their father’s brother’s sons. 
 
 12 And they were married *into the families of 
 the sons of Manasseh, the son of Joseph ; and 
 their inheritance remained in the tribe of the 
 family of their father. 
 
 13 These are k the commandments and the 
 judgments, which the Lord commanded by the 
 hand of Moses unto the children of Israel, ‘in the 
 plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho. 
 
 Mall. 28:20. 127:1. § Heb. to some that were of the families, k Lev. 7:37, 
 38. 11:46. 13:59. 14:54—57. 15:32.33. 27:34. 126:3. 33:50. 35:1. 
 
 to refleci, to search the Scriptures, and to trust him more 
 simply. — All our inclinations ought to be subjected to the will of 
 God: and in contracting marriage, future consequences to pos- 
 terity, as well as to ourselves and our connexions, should be 
 taken into consideration. — The Scriptures indeed suppose 
 that esteem, affection, and preference, are requisite in this 
 important relation; but they know nothing of that irrational, 
 ungovernable, and idolatrous passion, which regardless of ali 
 consequences, and in defiance of all authority, rushes head- 
 long upon gratification ; which is neither moderated by discre- 
 tion, nor subordinated to the will of God ; which is not rational 
 esteem, nor tender friendship, nor congenial affection, but 
 something vastly more rapturous, unintelligible, and undc- 
 finable ; and which, with all its refinements, is inconsistent 
 with common sense, the interests of society, the happiness 
 of domestic life, and the Christian religion. — Finally, though 
 it is prudent to foresee and prevent disputes about temporal 
 property, it would be better if we were equally quicksighted 
 and attentive in respect of our spiritual and eternal interests. 
 But “ the children of this world are wiser in their generation 
 than the children of light.” 
 
 THE FIFTH BOOK OF MOSES, 
 
 CALLED 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 This oook is named by the Jews, as in some former instances, from one of the first words (O'*0T.) Some however, call it , The 
 Book of Reprehensions , from the reproofs contained in it-, others style it Torah (mm,) or the Law ; and Misva (7WD, 17:18 
 Heb.) which is nearly the same as Deuteroncmy , the name taken from the Septuagint in our version ; which signifies a sccona 
 law , or a repetition of the law. Indeed several of the laws before given are repeated: sometimes with further explanations, 
 and enforced by the most animated and pathetic exhortations and expostulations; and therefore Moses generally speaks in tha 
 first person, and directly addresses the people. In the former books he spake as a lawgiver, merely declaring the statutes, which 
 God had delivered to him. But here ne is more generally a preacher, enforcing on a new generation, the laws before given 
 with illustrations, warnings, exhortations, and persuasions, frequently in the highest style of simple pathetic eloquence. The most 
 remarkable events of the preceding history are likewise recapitulated, and applied to practical purposes. These repetitions were 
 peculiarly proper, in his circumstances ; and the way in which Moses applied them, was exceedingly adapted to leave a deep 
 and durable impression on the hearts and consciences of the people. — But several new laws are likewise added, and various other 
 things not before mentioned. — The last two months of Moses’s life, which he knew to he his concluding scene, were employed 
 in delivering and committing to writing the several parts of this book ; so that it contains his dying exhortations to Israel : and 
 his active zeal for the glory of God, and fervent love to his people, with the various methods which ne employed for their benefit 
 in his concluding days, are very remarkable. — Having reminded them of the Lord’s dealings with their fathers and with them, 
 and of their past rebellions, he enforced obedience to all his commandments with unequalled pathos and energy, and almost from 
 every imaginable motive. He set before them, in prophetical blessings and curses, the consequences of their conduct ; and gave 
 directions for writing the law on pillars of stone, and ratifying its principal parts in a most extraordinary manner, from mount 
 EIkiI and mount Gerizim. (27:) — He then formed the substance of his instructions, exhortations, and Namings, into a prophetical 
 songi (31:32:) — and finally pronounced blessings, evidently prophetical, on their several tribes. (33:) — Thus far (lie hook was 
 no doubt written by him, and has every mark of being genuine ; hut at the close some other person informs us, that Moses having 
 ascended mount Nebo, viewed the promised land, and died, and was buried by the Lord himself, and lamented by Israel thirty 
 clays. (34:) — It is an honourable circumstance to this portion of Scripture, that our Lord took all tho texts from it, with which 
 ne baffled Satan’s temptations : and it is in both testaments quoted as the work of Moses, and the word of God. (1 Kings 2:3. 
 2 Chr. 23:4. Dan. 9:13. Matt. 4;4,7,10. John 1:45. diets 3:22. 7:37. Rom. 10;6,8. 1 Cor. 9:9 Gal. 3:10— 13.— The prophecies 
 also contained in it. are most explicit and numerous, and unanswerably demonstrate its divine original. They have been 
 evidently fulfilling during a course of above three thousand years; and yet some of them remain unaccomplished. Of this the 
 reader will judge for himself on carefully considering the Notes on the chapters here referred to. (4; 18: 29: 29: 31* 33:) 
 
 1 318 ) 
 
U. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER I, 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER 1. 
 
 Moses, toward the end of the fortieth year of Israel's continuance in the wil- 
 derness, addresses the people, 1 — 5. He relates how the Lord directed them 
 to leave Horeb, 6 — 8 ; and appointed him assistants in the government ,9 — 
 IS ; how they passed the desert to Kadesh-barnea, and sent spies to search 
 the land ; and through their report, brought on themselves the sentence of 
 exclusion from the promised land , by their unbelief , 19 — 46. 
 
 T HESE be the words which Moses spake unto 
 all Israel, "on this side Jordan, in the wilder- 
 ness, in the plain over against 'the Red sea, 
 between * l, Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and 
 "Hazeroth, and Dizahab. 
 
 2 ( There are eleven days ’journey from Horeb, 
 t*by the way of mount Seir, "unto Kadesh-barnea.) 
 
 3 And it came to pass ' in the fortieth year, in 
 the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, 
 that Moses spake unto the children of Israel, ac- 
 cording unto all that the Lord had given him in 
 commandment unto them ; 
 
 4 After she had s.ain Sihon the king*of the 
 Amorites, which dwelt in Heshbon, and Cte the 
 king of Bashan, which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrei : 
 
 5 On this side Jordan, in the land of Moab, 
 began Moses h to declare this law, saying, 
 b. c. i G The Lord our God spake unto us ’in 
 U90. J Horeb, saying, k Ye have dwelt long enough 
 in this mount : 
 
 7 Turn you, and take your journey, and go to 
 ‘the mount of the Amorites, and unto tall the 
 places ni»h thereunto, “in the plain, in the hills, 
 and in the vale, and in the south, and by the 
 sea-side, to the land of the Canaanites, and 
 unto Lebanon, unto "the great river, the river 
 Euphrates. 
 
 8 Behold, I have J set the land before you : go 
 in and possess the land "which the Lord sware 
 unto your fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to 
 give unto them, and to their seed after them. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 a Num.32:5, 19,32 . 34:15. £5:14. Josh. 9:1,10. 22:4,7. * Or, Zuph. b 33:2. Gen. 
 21:21. Num. 10:12. 12:16. 13:3,26. 1 Sam. 2-5:1. Hub. 3:3. c Num. 11:35. 33: 
 17,18. d 44. 2 4,8. Num. 20:17— 21. e 2: 14. 9:23. Num. 13:26. 32:8. Josh. 14: 
 6. fNum. 20:1. 33:38. g 2:26— 37. 3:1— 11 . Num. 21:21— 35. Josh. 12:2— 6. 
 13:10—12. Neh. 9:22. Ps. 135:11. 136:19,20. h 4:8. 17:18,19.31:9.32:46. 
 
 I 5:2. Ex. 3:1. 17:6. k Ex. 19:1.2. Num. 10:11— 13. 1 Gen . 15:16— 21 . Ex. 
 
 23:31. Num. 34:3 — 12. Josh. 24:15. Am. 2:9. t Heb . all his neighbours, mil: 
 11. Josh. 10:40. 11:16,17. nll:24. Josh. 1:4. 2Sam.8:3. 1 Chr. 5:9. 18:3. 
 
 IHeb. siven. o Gen. 12:7 13:14,15.15:16.17:7,8.26:3,4.28:13. p Ex. 18:18. 
 Num. 11:11—14,17. q 10:22. 28:62. Gen. 15:5. 22:17. 28:14. Ex. 12:37. 32:13. 
 Num: 1:46. 1 Chr. 27:23. Neh. 9:23. r2.Sam.24:3. lChr.21:3. Pa. 115:14. 
 
 • Gen. 49:25. Num. 6:27. 22:fc. t 9. Ex. 18:13—16. Num. 11:11—15. 1 Kings 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1. “ The words,” as here men- 
 tioned, seem to mean the subsequent exhortations which 
 Moses delivered to the principal persons in Israel, that they 
 might make them known in their several tribes and families. 
 Perhaps he spake Some of the principal passages many times 
 over to the people in general, assembled in large companies 
 for that purpose : but there is no ground to suppose that his 
 voice was miraculously rendered audible to the whole nation 
 at once, as some have asserted. — The names of places, here 
 mentioned, seem intended to mark out the spot, where Israel 
 was encamped, as contiguous to all of them : but it is not 
 easy to make this out. The marginal reading, Zuph, instead 
 of “ the Red Sea,” seems preferable, as there is nothing in 
 the original for sea. Probably- Zuph was a place in the 
 country of Moab. (Note, Num.‘i\:\\ — 15.) There might 
 also be other places called Paran and Hazeroth, besides those 
 before read of, which were remote from the present encamp- 
 ment of Israel. — The word rendered “ on this side,” may 
 mean at the passage of Jordan. No doubt the eastern side 
 was intended. 
 
 Red Sea.] f|'D. — nsiD3, Num. 21:14. — Zuph (marg.) 
 
 would more properly be Soph ; as it is spelt with Santech, 
 not Zain. Thisconfirtns the opinion above stated, that the 
 clause, rendered “ the Red Sea,” means the same place in 
 Moab which is mentioned in Num. 21:14. 
 
 V. 2. This seems to have been introduced to remind the 
 Israelites, that their own misconduct alone had occasioned 
 their tedious wanderings : otherwise they might long before 
 have been settled in peaceable possession of Canaan ; as in 
 eleven days they might have marched from Horeb to the 
 borders of the land. — It does not appear, that the march 
 of Israel from Horeb to Kadesh-barnea, at the first, took 
 up much time. (6 — 8,19,20. Num. 10:12,13. 13:3, 2G. 14:25. 
 32:8.) 
 
 V. 5. This law.] The word law is at some times used 
 with considerable latitude, and at others with more exact 
 precision, which is generally perceivable from the context. 
 This book does not contain another law, distinct from that of 
 the foregoing books • and it is evident it comprises much more 
 than a repetition of the law before given. “ This law ” must 
 therefore mean the commands of God, enforced by arguments 
 deduced from their reasonableness and authority, from the 
 
 9 IT And I spake unto you at that time, saying, 
 
 >’I am not able to bear you myself alone : 
 
 10 The Lord lyour God bath multiplied you, 
 and, behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven 
 for multitude. 
 
 11 (The Lord God of your fathers "make you 
 a thousand times so many more as ye are, “and 
 bless you, as he hath promised you !) 
 
 12 How can I myself alone ‘bear your cum- 
 brance, and your burden, and your strife ? 
 
 13 §Take ye “wise men, and understanding, and 
 known among your tribes, and I will make then 
 rulers over you. 
 
 14 And ye answered me, and said, The thing 
 which thou hast spoken is good for us to do. 
 
 15 So "I took the chief of your tribes, wise 
 men, and known, and "made them heads over 
 you, ^captains over thousands, and captains over 
 hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains 
 over tens, and officers among your tribes. 
 
 16 And I “charged your judges at that time, 
 saying, "Hear the causes between your brethren, 
 and judge righteously between every man and bis 
 brother, and b the stranger that is with him. 
 
 17 Ye "shall not "respect persons in judgment ; s 
 but d ye shall hear the small as well as the great; 
 "ye shall not be afraid of the face of man, for 
 fthe judgment is God’s: and ethe cause that is 
 too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will 
 hear it. 
 
 18 And I h commanded you at that time all the 
 things which ye should do. 
 
 19 IT And when we departed from Horeb, we 
 went 'through all that great and terrible wilder- 
 ness, which ye saw by the way of the mountain 
 of the Amorites, as the Lord our God com- 
 manded us : and k we came to Kadesh-barnea. 
 
 20 And ! said unto you, Ye are come unto 
 
 3:8,9. Ps. 89:19. 2 Cor.2:I6. 3:5. §Heb.fioe. n Ex. 18:21. Num. 11:16,13. 
 Acts 1:21—23. 6:2-6. x 16:18. Ex. 18:25,26. II Heb. gave. Eph. 4:11. iNiinu 
 31:14. 1 Sam. 8:12. 17:18. 22:7. 7.27:11. 31:14. Num. 27:19. I Thes.2:ll.'l Tim. 
 5:21.6:17. a 16:19. Ex. 23:2,3,7,8. Lev. 19:15. 2 Sam. 23:3. 2 Chr. 19:6—10. Pa. 
 58:1. John 7:24. b 10:18,19. 24:14. Ex. 22:21. 23:9. Lev. 24:22. c 10:17. 1 Sam. 
 16:7. 2 Sam. 14:14. Prov. 24:23. Luke 20:21. Acls 10:34,35. Rom. 2:11. Eph. 6: 
 
 9. Col. 3:25. Jam. 2:3,9. 1 1 el . 1:17. IT Heb. acknowledge faces, tl Ex. 23:3, 
 6,7. 1 Sam. 12:3,4. Job 22:6— 9. 29:11—17. 31:13—16. Ps. 82:3,4. I'rov. 22:22, 
 23. Jer. 5:28,29. Am. 5:11,12. Mic. 2:1— 3. 3:1—4. 7:3,4. Jam. 2:2— 4,6. 
 e 1 Kings 21:8—14. Job 31:34. Prov. 29:25. Matt. 22:16. Mark 12:14. 1 Thes. 2« 
 
 4. f2 Chr. 19:6. g 17:8— 10. Ex. 18:18,26. h 4:5,40. 12:28,32. Matt. 28:20. 
 Act6 20:20,27. i 8:15. 32:10. Num. 10:12. Jer. 2:6. k See on2. Num. 13.26. 
 
 consequences of obedience, and from the experience of former 
 years. 
 
 V. f — 8. Moses, being about to recapitulate some re- 
 markable particulars of the preceding narrative, as introduc- 
 tory to his exhortations, began with Israel’s departure from 
 Horeb. They had continued there almost a year : and as 
 the law had then been given, and the worship at the tabernacle 
 fully instituted ; they needed to stay there no longer, but go 
 directly, (as on a journey^ather than a warfare,) and possess 
 the promised land ; both Wat which was more properly called 
 Canaan, and also the other countries even to the Euphrates. 
 (Notes, Num. 10:11—13,34.) 
 
 V. 11. In rather more than two hundred years, the people 
 had multiplied to much more than ten thousand times the 
 number of which they had consisted 1 The promises of God 
 did not limit their future increase, nor did the faith and prayer 
 of Moses ; for a large definite is taken for an indefinite num- 
 ber. — Under Pharaoh the increase of Israel excited jealousy 
 and cruelty : (Note, Ex. 1:9,10.) hut Moses delighted in it, 
 and prayed that it might be still far greater. This was a 
 tacit reproof of their murmurings and wishes to return into 
 Egypt : and he evidently meant to remind them, that he 
 sought not his own grandeur or advantage, hut their good r 
 and that in the most laborious, patient, and disinterested 
 manner. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 12 — 18. The counsel, here referred to, seems to have 
 been suggested by Jethro before the giving of the law. (Notes, 
 Ex. 18:13 — 26.) Moses in consequence proposed it to the 
 Lord, who approved it ; and then, with the concurrence of 
 the people, it at length took place about the time when they 
 departed from Horeb, and at no great distance from that of 
 the appointment of the seventy elders. (Notes, Num. 11:16 
 — 30.) The captains, however, must have been distinct from 
 the elders, and much more numerous : being according to the 
 number of the thousands and hundreds, over whom they pro- 
 bably presided in a civil and military capacity, yet with 
 subordination ; and therefore the superiors of them might be 
 called judges. Or these judges might be the seventy elder* 
 appointed soon afterwards. 
 
 V. 22 — 28. (Notes, and P. O. Num. 13:14.) The peopl* 
 proposed this measure from unbelief; Moses mistaking their 
 intention, approved of it ; and the Lord, being justly displeased, 
 
 ( 319 ) 
 
3. C. 14 IS. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1452. 
 
 •the mountain of the Amontes, which the Lord 
 our God doth give unto us. 
 
 21 Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the 
 land before thee : go up and possess it, as the 
 Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee : 
 ra fear not, neither be discouraged. 
 
 22 And ye came near unto me every one of 
 you, and said, 11 We will send men before us, and 
 they shall search us out the land, and bring us 
 word again by what way we must go up, and into 
 what cities we shall come. 
 
 23 And the saying pleased me well : and I took 
 twelve men of you, one of a tribe. 
 
 24 And "they turned and went up into the 
 mountain, and came unto the valley of Eshcol, 
 and searched it out. 
 
 25 And they took of the fruit of the land in 
 their hands, and brought it down unto us, and 
 brought us word again, and said, It is a good land 
 which the Lord our God doth give us. 
 
 26 Notwithstanding Pye would not go up, but 
 rebelled against the commandment of the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 27 And ye murmured in your tents, and said, 
 Because “Hhe Lord hated us, he hath brought us 
 forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into 
 the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. 
 
 28 Whither shall we go up ? our brethren have 
 'discouraged our heart, saying, r The people is 
 greater and taller than we ; the cities are great 
 and walled up to heaven ; and, moreover, a we 
 have seen the sons of the Anakims there. 
 
 29 Then I said unto you, ‘Dread not, neither 
 be afraid of them. 
 
 30 The Lord your God which goeth before 
 ou, "he shall fight for you, ’according to all that 
 e did for you in Egypt before your eyes : 
 
 31 And yin the wilderness, where thou hast seen 
 how that the Lord thy God ‘bare thee as a man 
 doth bear his son, in all the way that ye went, 
 until ye came into this place. 
 
 32 Yet in this thing a ye did net believe the 
 Lord your God, 
 
 33 Who went b in the way before you, to search 
 you out a place to pitch your tents in, c in fire by 
 
 I See on 7,8. m20:l. Num. 13:30. 14:8,9. Josh. 1:9. Ps. 27:1— 3. 46:1,7,11. 
 Is. 41:10. 43:1,2. I.uke 12:32. Hell. 13:6. n See on Num. 13:1— 20. o See on 
 Num. 13:21— 37. Jo«h. 2:1,2. p Num. 14: 1—4. P». 106:24,25. Is. 63:10. Acts 
 7:51. q 9:28. Ex. 16:3,8. Num. 14:3. 21 :5. Matt. 25:24. Luke 19:21. • Heb. 
 
 melted. 20:8. marg. Ex. 15:15. Josh. 2:9,11,24. marg. 14:8. Is. 13:7. Ez. 21:7. 
 r 9:1. Nurn. 13:23—33. s 9:2. Josh. 11:22. 15:14. Judg. 1:10,20. 2 Sam. 21:16— 
 22. t See on 21. u 20:1— 4. Ex. 14:14,25. Josh. 10:42. 1 Sara. 17:45,46. 2 Chr. 
 14:11,12. 32:8. Neh.4:20. Ps. 46:11. Is. 8:9,10. Rom. 8:31. x Ex. 7:— 15: Pa. 
 78:11-13,43-51. 105:27—36. v Ex. 16: 17: Neh. 9:12— 23. Pe. 78: 14— 28. 105: 
 39—41. z 32:11,12. Ex. 19:4. Num. 11:11,12,14. la. 46:3,4. 63:9. Hos. 11:3,4. 
 Acts 13:18. marg. a 2 Chr. 20:20. Pa. 78:22. 106:24. Ia. 7:9. Heb. 3:12,18,19. 
 Jude 5. b Ex. 13:21. Num. 10:33. Pa. 77:20. Ez. 20:6. c Ex. 13:21 ,22. 14:19, 
 
 permitted them to follow their owmcounsel, which proved in- 
 jurious to them only through their sin and folly. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 29 — 31 . Moses, in bitterness of spirit, when greatly 
 tried, had hastily spoken, as if he had been required to bear 
 Israel as a man does his son; (Note, Num. 11:11 — 15.) but 
 he here tacitly retracted it, and allowed that the Lord himself 
 had thus borne or carried them. — The arguments, which he 
 at that time used with them, taken from their past experience 
 of God’s poVerful protection and tender care, are here ad- 
 duced, though not related in the account of these transactions. 
 
 V. 32 — 36. Moses here addressed another generation, and 
 not that which had been sentenced, for unbelief and disobe- 
 dience, to fall in the wilderness : but many of them might be 
 concerned, though not at that time of age ; the rest in general 
 showed a disposition to imitate the sin of their fathers ; and 
 they formed the same nation, the same body corporate, 
 though not the same individuals. (Notes, Ex. 13:21,22. 40:36 
 —38. Num. 14:22—24.) 
 
 V. 37. It was natural for Moses here to introduce this 
 subject, though the event took place many years after that, 
 of which he was discoursing : for it would occur to his mind 
 that he also was excluded, and thus involved in the general 
 sentence, in consequence of a temptation which the unbelief 
 of the people had laid in his way. This he mentioned, not to 
 excuse himself but to humble them ; and remind them, that 
 they heard the words of a dying man, and of one to whose 
 deatn they had been accessary. (Note, Num. 20:10 — 13.) 
 
 V. 39 — 44. (Note Num. 14:31 — 45.) Bees with their 
 fierce stings attack such as offend them, and are not easily 
 induced to desist; so that they assault, and have been known 
 to kill, both men and cattle that approached their hives. 
 
 V. 45. Note, Heb. 12:15—17. 
 
 V. 46. It is nowhere said how long Israel continued at 
 Kadesh-barnea : but they had encamped there during many 
 ( 320 ) 
 
 night, to show you by what way ye should go. 
 and in a cloud by day. 
 
 34 And the Lord beard the voice of your words 
 and was wroth, d and sware, saying, 
 
 35 Surely there shall not one of these men of 
 this evil generation see that good land, which I 
 sware to give unto vour fathers ; 
 
 36 Save "Caleb the son of Jephunneh, he shaF. 
 see it; and to him will I give the land that he hath 
 trodden upon, and to his children, because he hath 
 t wholly followed the Lord. 
 
 37 Also f the Lord was angry with me for your 
 sakes, saying, Thou also shalt not go in thither. 
 
 38 But eJoshua the son of Nun, h which stand- 
 eth before thee, he shall go in thither : ’encourage 
 him ; for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 
 
 39 Moreover, k your little ones, which ye said 
 should be a prey, and your children, 'which in that 
 day hftd no knowledge between good and evil, 
 they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give 
 it, and they shall possess it. 
 
 40 But as for you, m turn ye, and take your 
 journey into the wilderness, by the way ol the 
 Red Sea. 
 
 41 Then ye answered and said unto me, "We 
 have sinned against the Lord ; we will go up and 
 fight, according to all that the Lord our God 
 commanded us. And when ye had girded on 
 every man his weapons of war, ye were ready to 
 go up into the hill. 
 
 42 And the Lord said unto me, Say unto them, 
 "Go not up, neither fight : rfor I am not among 
 you ; lest ye be smitten before your enemies. 
 
 43 So I spake unto you, and ye would not bear, 
 <ibut rebelled against the commandment of the 
 Lord, and +went presumptuously up into the hill. 
 
 44 And the Amorites which dwelt in that 
 mountain, came out against you, and ‘chased you 
 as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even s unto 
 Hormah. 
 
 45 And ‘ye returned, and wept before the Lord : 
 but the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor 
 give ear unto you. 
 
 46 So ye abode "in Kadesh many days, accord- 
 
 ing unto the days that ye abode there. 
 
 . 
 
 20,24. 40:34—38. Num. 9:15 — 22. 10:11,12. 14:14. Neh. 9:12. Ps. 78:14. 105:39. 
 Is. 4:5,6. Zech.2:f. d2:M.15. Num. 14:22—30 . 32:8—13. Ps. 95:11. Ex. 20:1.5. 
 Heb. 3:8— 11. e Num. 13:6,30 . 26:65 . 32:12 . 34:19. Josh. 14:6—11. Jmlg. 1:12 
 —13. t Heb. fulfill'd, lo go after. Num. 14.24. f 3:26. 4:21. 34:4. Num. 20: 
 12. 27:14. Ps. 106:32,33. g Sre on Num. 13:8,16. 14:30,38. 26:65. h Ex. 17 9 
 -14. 24:13. 33:11. 1 Sam. 16:22. Prov. 22:29. i3:2S. 31:7,8,14,23. Num. 27: 
 
 18— 23. Josh. 1:1,6— 9. kNum. 14:3,31. 1 Is. 7:15,16. Jon. 4:11. Horn. 9:11 
 Eph.2:3. m See on Num. 14:25. n See «n Nura. 14:39.40. 2*2:34. Pi-ot. 19:3. 
 o Num. 14:41,42. p Lev. 26:17. Josh. 7:8— 13. 1 Sam. 4:2,10. Is. 30.17. 59:! ,2. 
 Hos. 9:12. q Ia. 63:10. Acts 7:51 . Rom. 8:7,8. } Heb. ye were presumptuous , 
 and went up. Num. 14:44. r 28:25. 32:30. P». 118:12. Is. 7:18. s Num. 14:15. 
 21:3. t Pa. 78:34. Heb. 12:17. uNura. 14:25,34 . 20:1,22. Judg. 11:16,17. 
 
 days, before they were sentenced to return by the way of the 
 Red Sea ; and they remained there many days afterwards. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. The faithful servants of the Lord, with advan- 
 cing years and experience, frequently acquire increasing repu- 
 tation for wisdom, integrity, and disinterested philanthropy, as 
 well a 9 pious zeal for the glory of God. This adds to their 
 influence, and gives weight to their instructions ; and when 
 favoured with health, they may, with vast advantage, re- 
 double their diligence in enforcing the truths, which they 
 before had taught, upon the consciences of the people, that 
 they may have them in remembrance after their decease. 
 (Note, 2 Pet. 1:12 — 15.) While they draw nearer to the 
 heavenly world, they often seem to breathe a purer air, and 
 all their words have a heavenly savour ; their motion accele- 
 rates, as they approach their rest ; their earnestness increases, 
 when they can he influenced by no earthly motive ; and their 
 confidence and comfort acquire strength, in defiance of the 
 approaching king of terrors. Under such circumstances their 
 instructions are doubly impressive, and frequently have a 
 durable effect upon the survivors. They should then seize 
 every occasion of reminding the people of the wisdom, power, 
 truth, and love of God, as manifested in his dealings with them : 
 and there are times when they may also, consistently with 
 deep humility, speak of their own conduct, their love to souls, 
 their faithful labours, their self-denial, and patient sufferings 
 in the arduous work about which they arc engaged ; in ordei 
 to obviate prejudice, and to obtain a more favourable attention 
 to further exhortations. But it is likewise necessary to show 
 the people their transgressions, that they may he duly hum- 
 bled ; to warn them against the fatal effects of unbelief and 
 sin ; to point out the advantages of confidence in God and 
 obedience to him; and to unite confessions of their own im- 
 perfection and sinfulness, (37) both to avoid giving needless 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Msses reminds the people of the command given them not to meddle t cith 
 Edom, Moab, or Ammon : he introduces some fragments of very ancient 
 history : and touches on the continuance of Israel during forty years in 
 the wilderness , till the rebellious generation tons dead, 1—23. The grant 
 and conquest of the kingdom of Sihon,2i — 37. 
 
 T HEN "we turned and took our journey into 
 the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea. 
 as the Lord spake unto me : and b we compassed 
 mount Seir many days. 
 
 2 And the Lord spake unto me, saying, 
 
 3 Ye have compassed this mountain 'long 
 enough: turn you northward. 
 
 4 And command thou the people, saying, d Ye 
 are to pass through the coast of your brethren 
 the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir, and 
 "they shall be afraid of you : f take ye good heed 
 unto yourselves therefore. 
 
 5 Meddle not with them ; for I will not give you 
 of their land, 'no not so much as a foot-breadth ; 
 ^because I have given mount Seir unto Esau/or a 
 possession. 
 
 6 Ye shall h buy meat of them for money, that 
 ye may eat ; and ye shall also buy water of them 
 for money, that ye may drink. 
 
 7 For the Lord thy Gtfd hath 'blessed thee in 
 all the works of thy hand; k he knoweth thy walk- 
 ing through this great wilderness : 'these forty 
 years the Lord thy God hath been with thee ; 
 thou hast lacked nothing. 
 
 S And '"when we passed by from our brethren 
 the children of Esau, which dweit in Seir, through 
 the way of the plain from n Elath, and from Ezion- 
 gaber, we turned, and passed by the way of the 
 wilderness of Moab. 
 
 0 And the Lord said unto me, tDistress not the 
 Moabites, neither contend with them in battle; 
 for I will not give thee of their land for a posses- 
 
 !n l: A°‘m“7!t 14 .i? 5 -,™ bl:2N “ ra ' 2 ' :4 ' Jud S- 11:18. c7,14. 1:6. d 23:7. Num. 
 ? U 7?.V=°P l°7, 3 r rl e ., E ?- Num. 22:3.4. 24:14— 18. f.Mntt. 5:16. 
 L'i><e 12. 15. Eph. 5:15. T h»l. 2:15. Col. 4:5. * Het). even to the trending of th 
 
 offence, to suggest encouragement, and to excite persona 
 humiliation. 
 
 V. 9—46. It is exceedingly profitable for us frequently 0 
 meditate on the history of our past lives, and to set apart tirm 
 for that purpose ; to divide our years into distinct periods ; ti 
 review them separately ; to give thanks for the mercies o 
 c-ach successive period ; and to confess and seek forgivenes: 
 of all our sins, as far as we remember them : and thus endea 
 vouring to revive suitable affections, with earnest prayers an< 
 simple dependence on the Lord, to renew our acceptance o 
 his salvation, and the surrender of ourselves to his service.— 
 Without repeating the observations before made on the his 
 tory here recapitulated, we may take notice in general tha 
 nothing but total unbelief, and the disobedience connectec 
 with it, can exclude any sinner from the promised rest; tha 
 unbelief, partially operating in disobedience, occasions mani' 
 fold abatements and delays in our comforts ; that our own expe- 
 dients seldom avail to much good purpose , that courage, in thi 
 an( l the path of duty, enables the possessot 
 to follow the Lord wholly,” to disregard all obstructions, tt 
 triumph over all opposition, and to seize the promised blessings 
 that all the mercies which we receive render our distrust mort 
 inexcusable; that the sins of some are the temptations o 
 others, and tend to involve them in guilt and punishment ; tha 
 worldly 'sorrow is seldom better than impatience and rebellior 
 and unbelief, and thus worketh death ; and that they who do no 
 exercise godly sorrow in due time, and obey the call of mercy 
 must weep with bitter unavailing sorrow, when the sentenct 
 of condemnation is irrevocably past. Finally, we may observe 
 that every' public and honourable trust implies a very heavy 
 and laborious duty, and that frequently the duty is particularly 
 described in Scripture .-Happy is it for themselves, and foi 
 those around them, when men diligently search out such pas- 
 sages as describe their duties, and show what manner o 
 persons they ought to be, in that station of life in which th, 
 providence of God has placed them: while they seriously 
 meditate on them, and pray over them ; and then in the feai 
 of Lod, as under his eye, and with reference to the day o 
 judgment, endeavour to regulate their public and private con- 
 duct according to them. v 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. II. V. 3. Here again an almost tota 
 silence is observed, concerning more than thirty-seven year 
 of the time which the Israelites passed in the wilderness' 
 ( Note, Num. 20:1 . ) W e may hoivever suppose, that Moses 
 Aaron, and the priests and Levites, yvere diligently employed 
 in instructing the people ; and that many even “ of them 
 Vol. I. — 41 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 sion, because I have given °Ar unto nthe children 
 of Lot for a possession. 
 
 10 The lEmims dwelt therein in times past, a 
 people great and many, and tall as the Anakims ; 
 
 11 Which also were accounted giants, r as the 
 Anakims ; but the Moabites call them Emims. 
 
 12 The "Horims also dwelt in Seir before-time : 
 but the children ot Esau ‘succeeded them, when 
 they had destroyed them from before them, anti 
 dwelt in their $stead, ‘as Israel did unto the land 
 ol his possession which the Lord gave unto them. 
 
 13 Now rise up, said I, and get you over the 
 "brook “Zered : and we went over the brook 
 Zered. 
 
 14 And the space in which we came from ■> 
 "Kadesh-barnea, until we were come over the 
 brook Zered, was thirty and eight years ; ?until 
 all the generation ol the men of war were yvasted 
 out from among the host, as the Lord sware unto 
 them. 
 
 15 For indeed z the hand of the Lord was 
 against them, to destroy them from among the 
 host, until they were consumed. 
 
 16 U So it came to pass when all the men of war 
 were consumed and dead from among the people, 
 
 17 That the Lord spake unto me, saying, 
 
 18 Thou art to "pass over through Ar, the coast 
 of Moab, this day. 
 
 19 And when thou contest nigh over against the 
 children of Ammon, distress them not, nor med- 
 dle with them : for I will not give thee of the land 
 of the children of Ammon any possession, because 
 I have given it unto the children of Lot for a 
 possession. 
 
 20 (That also was accounted a land of giants : 
 
 giants dwelt therein in old time, and the Ammon- 
 ites call them 'Zamzummims ; » 
 
 28. p 19. Gen. 19:36,37. Pe. 83:8. q 11. Gen. 14:5. r See on 1 :28. 9:2 Num 
 13:22 28 s 22. Gen. 14:6 . 36:20-30. 1 Cnr. 1 :3S-42. 1 Heh. -Merited them. 
 Gen. 35:31— 43. 1 Chr. 1:43— 54. |Heb .room. 1 32—37.3:1—11. Num. 21:21, &c. 
 II Ur, vnliry. Num. 13:23. mare, u Num. 21:12. Zn.red. x 1:2,19,46 Num 13- 
 26. y 1:34,35. Num. 14:28— 35.26:64,65.32:11. Ps. 78:33. 90:3,9. 106:26. Ez. 20: 
 15. 1 Cor. 10:5. Heb. 3:8 — 19. Jude 5. z Judg. 2:15. 1 Sam. 5:6,9.11. 7 13 Ps 
 
 Is. 15:1. b See on 5,9. Gen. 
 
 19.38. Jndg. 11:13 — 27. 2 Chr. 20:10. c Gen. 14:5. Zuzims. 
 
 whose carcasses fell in the wilderness,” were thus prepared 
 for heaven ; while the survivors yvere humbled and proved, 
 in order to their entrance into the promised land. In the 
 mean time the.Canaanites, elated with their first success, and 
 perceiving their dreaded invaders entangled in the wilderness, 
 greyv more insolent and daring in wickedness, and ripened 
 apace for destruction. 
 
 V. 4—7. On comparing this passage with the texts referred 
 to in the margin, it appears that the Edomites refused the 
 Israelites a passage into the heart of their country, but 
 allowed them to march through some parts of the confines ; 
 and that they generally sold them provisions, though perhaps 
 m some instances they refused to do it. (Note, Num. 20:14 
 
 21.) The manna was still continued; yet the people 
 would naturally desire change of diet when they came near 
 cultivated regions. This they might purchase of the Edom- 
 ites, but they yvere not permitted to plunder, because God 
 himself had given mount Seir to the descendants of Esau for 
 their inheritance. Nor had Israel any need to covet the pos- 
 sessions of Edom, seeing the Lord had noticed, guided, and 
 guarded them during all their yvanderings in the wilderness : 
 and for forty years had blessed them yvitli an abundant supply 
 of every needful good. — Moses called the Edomites brethren , 
 though they yvould not acknoyvledge or act according to that, 
 relation. Thus the Israelites yvere taught to forgive their ene- 
 mies, before they were employed to execute vengeance on 
 the enemies of the Lord ; and to obey his command in leaving 
 nations unmolested, before they fulfilled his word in dispos- 
 sessing and destroying the Amorites and Canaanites. (Note 
 Num. 21:21 25.) It is also observable that the opposition 
 
 of Edom is not here mentioned ; for the Spirit, which spake 
 by Moses, would not needlessly repeat grievances, but bury 
 them in oblivion. 
 
 V. 10, 11. All the nations here mentioned appear to have 
 been the posterity of Ham, who lay under the prophetical curse 
 of Noah, which yvas thus executed upon this part of them by 
 the Moabites and Edomites. 
 
 V. 12. Israel hid at the time when Moses spake this, 
 conquered Silion and Og, and taken possession of their 
 countries, as Edom had done to the Horims. 122 Note 
 Gen. 36:20.) V ' ’ 
 
 V. 15. Num. 16:45,49. 21:6. 25:9. 
 
 V. 20 — 23. These fragments of ancient history yvere intto 
 duced to encourage the Israelites. If the Lord destroyed 
 these gigantic people before the posterity of Lot, and of 
 Esau ; what cause had the posterity of Abraham, Isaac and 
 ( 321 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. 0. 1451 
 
 21 A people d great and many, and tall as the Ana- 
 nims ; 'but the Lord destroyed them before them, 
 and they succeeded them, and dwelt in their stead : 
 
 22 As he did to the children of f Esau which 
 dwelt in Seir, when he destroyed g the Horims 
 from before them; and they succeeded them, and 
 dwelt in their stead, even unto this day : 
 
 23 And h the Avims, which dwelt in Hazerim, 
 even unto 'Azzah, k the Caphtorims, which came 
 forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and dwelt 
 in their stead.) 
 
 24 U Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass 
 over 'the river Arnon : m behold, I have given into 
 thy hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, 
 and his land ; 'begin to possess it, and contend 
 with him in battle. 
 
 25 This day will I begin "to put the dread of 
 thee, and the fear of thee, upon the nations that 
 are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report 
 of thee, and shall tremble and be in anguish 
 because of thee. 
 
 26 And I sent messengers out of the wilderness 
 of "Kedemoth unto Sihon king of Heshbon, I'with 
 words of peace, saying, 
 
 27 Let 'ime pass through thy land : I will go 
 along by the highway, I will neither turn unto the 
 right hand nor to the left. 
 
 28 Thou shalt sell me meat for money, that I 
 may eat ; and give me water for money, that I 
 may drink : r only I will pass through on my feet, 
 
 29 (As Hhe children of Esau which dwelt in 
 Seir, and the Moabites which dwelt in Ar, did 
 
 on 10,11. 1:28.3:11. 6 22.1,1,15.11:54. Jer. 27:7,8. Hab. 1:10,11. fGen. 
 36:8- e 12. Geu. 14:6. 36:20 — 30. 1 Chr. 1:38, &c. It Josh. 13:3. Avites. i 1 Kings 
 ■4:24. Jer. 25:20. Zeph. 2:4. Zech. 9:5. Gaza. k Gen. 10:14. Jer. 47:4. Amos 9: 
 7. Acts 17:25. 136. Num. 21 :1£— 15. Judg. 11 : 18— 21 . m Josh. 6: 16. 2 Chr. 36: 
 23. Ezra 1:2. Jer. 27:5. Ez. 29:20. Dan. 2:38. 4:17. * Heb. begin, possess. 
 
 n 11:25. 2S: 10. Ex. 23:27. Josh. 2:9—12. 9:24. 2 Kings 7:6,7. PsA05:33. Jer. 
 S3: 9. Rev. 3:9. o Josh. 13:18. 21:37. p 20:10, 11. Esth. 9:30. Matt. 10:12— 15. 
 Luke 10:5.6,10— 12. q 6. Num. 21 :22,23. Judg. 11:19. r Num. 20:19. s 23.3,4. 
 Nuns. 20:18. Judg, 11:17,18. 1 4:1,21,40 . 5:16 . 9:6 . 25:15. Ex. 20:12. Josh. 1: 
 
 Jacob, his chosen servants and friends, to fear the Anakims, 
 or the Canaanites ? especially as Israel acted by commission 
 from God, and had his promise as their security of success, 
 and the pledge of it in his presence, and the wonders which 
 he had already wrought for them ; and as they were the only 
 nation of worshippers of the Loud, in the ordinances of his 
 institution, which could be found on earth. 4 This is so often 
 repeated to possess the minds of the Israelites with a sense 
 of God’s providence, which rules every where ; displacing 
 one people, and settling another in their stead ; and fixing 
 their bounds also, which they shall not pass without his leave.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 24, 25. The Israelites had hitherto possessed neither 
 lands nor cities, but had been supported by miracles as 
 wanderers in the waste desert; (Note, Num. 14:27 — 30.) 
 but now they were to begin to possess houses and estates, and 
 to subsist as other people did. — The dread of Israel, which 
 had been excited among the nations, when the Egyptians were 
 destroyed in the Red Sea, had subsided ; but now the Lord 
 would begin to impress it far more deeply and extensively, 
 and to render it effectually subservient to the success of his 
 people. ( Notes , Ex. 15:14 — 16. Josh. 2:8 — 11. 9:24.) 
 
 V. 26. The Lord’s secret purposes cannot possibly be 
 either the rule or motive of man’s conduct; and therefore 
 they can in no degree affect the innocence or criminality of 
 his actions. — Whatever the Lord’s intentions or intimations 
 to Israel were, Sihon, not knowing them, could not be induced 
 by them , but by arrogance and presumption, to refuse the pro- 
 posal of peace made to him. (Notes, Matt. 26:21 — 24. Acts 
 2:22 — 24.) Had he acceded to it, he would doubtless have 
 been spared: but the Lord, for wise and righteous reasons, 
 was pleased to leave him to himself, well knowing what the 
 consequence would be. Thus this message served to dis- 
 cover his wickedness, and to illustrate the justice of God in 
 his destruction. 
 
 V. 28, 29. It is probable that the Edomites and Moabites 
 sold provisions to the Israelites, though they would not grant 
 them a passage through their borders. (Note, 4 — 7.) 
 
 V. 30. Hardened.] Notes, Ex. 4:21. 7:13,22,23. 8:15. 
 9:12 — 16. 14:3 — 9. — God ‘gave him over to his own inflexible 
 
 humour, which was set upon violent courses ; from which 
 God did not divert him, because he intended to destroy him. 
 . . . As it is a sin , this cannot be ascribed unto God ; but as it 
 is a punishment, might justly be inflicted by him upon Sihon 
 for his former sins.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 31 — 37. Mar g. Ref . Notes, Num. 21:21 — 25.31:2. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The servants of God r while they despise worldly riches in 
 comparison of a treasure in heaven, and often live and die 
 poor, bequeath to their posterity the most durable possessions, 
 in the blessings which God had promised to bestow upon them, 
 5>r the sake of their parents. — 44 The earth is the Lord’s, and 
 
 ( 322 ) 
 
 unto me ;) until I shall pass over Jordan, ‘into th« 
 lanJ which the Lord our God giveth us. 
 
 30 But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us 
 pass by him : for “the Lord thy God hardened his 
 spirit, and made his heart ‘‘obstinate, that he might 
 deliver him into thy hand, as appearelli this day. 
 
 31 And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have 
 begun to rgive Sihon and his land before thee : 
 begin to possess, that thou mayest inherit his 
 land. 
 
 32 Then “Sihon came out against us, he and all 
 his people, to fight at Jahaz. 
 
 33 And “the Lord our God delivered him before 
 us, and b we smote him, and his sons, and all his 
 people. 
 
 34 And we took all his cities at that time, and 
 'utterly destroyed ‘the men, and the women, and 
 the little ones of every city ; we left none to re- 
 main : 
 
 35 Only d the cattle we took for a prey unto 
 ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we 
 took. 
 
 36 From 'Aroer, which is by the brink of the 
 river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the 
 river, even unto Gilead, there was f not one city 
 too strong for us; the Lord our God delivered 
 all unto us : 
 
 37 Only g unto the land of the children of Am- 
 mon thou earnest not, nor unto any place of the 
 river h Jabbok, nor unto the cities in the moun- 
 tains, nor unto whatsoever the Lord our God 
 forbad us. 
 
 11 — 15. u See on Ex. 4:21. Num. 21:23. Josh. 11 :19,20. Judg. 11:20. Rom. 9« 
 17—23. x Is. 48:4. y See on 24. 1:8. z Num. 21 :23— 30. Judg. 11 :20— 23. 
 Nell. 9:22. Ps. 12U:7. 135:11. 136:19. a 3:2,3. Geu. 14:20. Josh. 21:44. Judg. 1; 
 4. 7:2. b 29:7, S. Josh. 10:30—42. c 7:2.26. 20:16—18. Lev. 27:28,29. Num. 21: 
 2,3. Josh. 7:11 8:25,26. 9:24. 11:14. 1 Sam. 15:3,3.9. t Hel>. ever,, city of men, 
 and women, and little ones, d 20:14. Num. 31 :9 — 11. Josh. 8: ‘27. e 3:12. 4. 
 48. Josh. 13:9. Is. 17:2. Jer. 48:19. f Josh. 1:5. Ps. 44:3. 13.41:15,16. Rom. d: 
 31. g 5,9,19. 3-. 16. Judg. 11:15. h Gen. 32:22. Num. 21:24. Josh. 12:2. 
 
 the fulness thereof ;” and with perfect justice, absolute sove- 
 reignity, and irresistible power, he assigns to every people 
 the countries which they inhabit, and dispossesses them to 
 make way for others, as he sees good : (Note, 32:8.) but none 
 can plead his grant to excuse the violences which ambition, 
 rapacity, or revenge induce them to commit ; though unde- 
 signedly they fulfil his secret purposes. — When nations or 
 individuals are ripe for destruction, the Lord in awful judg- 
 ment gives them up to final and total obduracy; and their 
 deperate wickedness both occasions their ruin, and manifests 
 his righteousness. Then the wisest are infatuated, and the 
 boldest are intimidated ; they tremble, and are in anguish, 
 and perish, as instructive examples to the survivors. — But, 
 calling off our attention from the enemies of God, to reflect 
 upon his dealings with Israel, we are led to meditate upon 
 years spent in vanity through our transgressions and his indig- 
 nation. A succession of uninteresting events and changes, of 
 trifling employments and pursuits, of disappointed expecta- 
 tions and unsatisfying enjoyments, wear out the life of man, 
 and bring one generation after another to the grave. Indeed 
 ever since the sentence was passed upon offending man, 
 44 Diist thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return,” 44 the hand of 
 the Lord hath been against us to destroy us until we are con- 
 sumed:” nor can wisdom, learning, authority, wealth, courage, 
 vigour of constitution, or eminence of reputation, procure any 
 exemption or respite, in this universal execution : nay, even 
 faith and piety plead in vain for another passage to the hea- 
 venly felicity. (Note, 2 Cor. 5:1 — 4.) — What the mouth of the 
 Lord hath spoken, his hand is engaged to perform. W retched 
 then are they who abide, and die, under the incumbent weight 
 of that “wrath of God which is revealed from heaven against 
 all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” (Notes, Rom. 
 1:17 — 20.) But happy those whom “Jesus hath delivered 
 from the wrath to come,” and to whom he hath “given the 
 earnest of his Spirit in their hearts.” 44 All things are theirs 
 all the promises of God belong to them, and are ratified by 
 covenant and by oath. His arm is engaged on their behalf to 
 perform all his word : 44 He knows,” guides, guards, and ap- 
 proves their path, while 44 walking through this great wilder- 
 ness:” for the twenty, thirty, fifty, sixty, or even eighty years 
 of their past lives, they have lacjted nothing, hut have had all 
 with a peculiar blessing. (Notes, (Jen. 48:15,16. 49:18.) The 
 Lord is their Portion, nor need they envy the prosperity, or 
 covet the possession, of any worldling. Ho who hath pre- 
 pared for them an incorruptible inheritance, and taught them 
 in the first place to seek it, will provide for them all that in 
 needful and profitable by the way. They have only to sub- 
 mit to his disposal; to depend on him; to abstain from what 
 he forbids, and deny themselves when h i requires if, in his 
 providence or by his precept : to receive what he gives with 
 thankfulness, and to use it with mod. ration, and to glorify him 
 and adorn their profession, hy an \ prighi, generous, dismte**- 
 
B C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 45 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Israel's victory over 0*r king of Bashan, 1 — 11. Hi# kingdom and that of 
 Sihon are given to the two trines and a half , 12—17. 17u- command given to 
 
 them and Joshua, 13—22. Moset prays to enter the promised land , but is 
 refused ; yet is permitted to sec it, 23 — 29. 
 
 T HEN we turned, and went up the way to 
 Bashan ; and “0g the king of Bashan came 
 out against us, he and all his people, to battle at 
 Edrei. 
 
 2 And the Lord said unto me, b Fear him not: 
 for I will deliver him, and all his people, and his 
 land, into thy hand ; and thou shalt do unto him 
 c as thou didst unto Sihon king of the Amorites, 
 which dwelt at Heshbon. 
 
 3 So d the Loro our God delivered into our 
 hands Og also the king of Bashan, and all his 
 people : and we smote him until none was left to 
 nim remaining. 
 
 4 And we took e all his cities at that time ; there 
 was not a city which we took not from them, 
 threescore cities, 'all the region of Argob, the 
 kingdom of Og in Bashan. 
 
 5 All these cities were sfenced with high walls, 
 gates, and bars, besides unwalled towns a great 
 many. 
 
 6 And h we utterly destroyed them, 'as we did 
 unto Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying 
 the men, women, and children of every city. 
 
 7 But tall the cattle and the spoil of the cities, 
 we took for a prey to ourselves. 
 
 8 And we took at that time out of the hand of 
 the two kings of the Amorites, k the land that was 
 on this side Jordan, from the river of Arnon unto 
 mount Hermon ; 
 
 9 ( Which 'Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion, 
 and the Amorites call it m Shenir ;) 
 
 10 All "the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, 
 and all Bashan, unto Salchah and "Edrei, cities of 
 the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 
 
 11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of 
 the remnant of giants : behold, his bedstead ivas 
 a bedstead of iron ; is it not in pRabbath of the 
 children of Ammon ? inine cubits was the length 
 thereof, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the 
 cubit of a man. 
 
 12 11 And this land which we possessed at that 
 time, r from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, 
 and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, 
 gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites. 
 
 13 And s the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, 
 being the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half- 
 tribe of Manasseh : all the region of Argob, with 
 all Bashan, which was called the land of giants. 
 
 14 l Jair the son of Manasseh took all the 
 country of “Argob, unto the coasts of "Geshuri, 
 and Maachathi, and called them after his own 
 name, yBashan-havoth-jair, unto this day. 
 
 a 1:4. 4:47. 29:7. 31:4. Num. 21:33— 35. Josh. 9:10. 12:4. 13:30. 1 Kings 4:19. 
 Neh. 9:22. I s. 135:10.11. 136:20. h 11. 20:3. Num. 14:9. 2: hr. 20:17. Is. 41: 
 10. 43:5. Acts 18:9. 27:24. Rev. 2:10. c 2:24— 37. Num. 21 :23-25. d See on 
 2:33,34. Num. 21:35. Josh. 13:12.30. e Num. 32:33—42. Josh. 12:4. 13:30,31. 
 
 1 Kinas4:13. g 1:28. Num. 13:28. Huh. 11:30. h See on 2:34 . 20:16— 18. I.ev. 
 27:28,29. Num. 21:2. Josh. 11:14. i See on 2. 2:34. i 2:35. Josh. 8:27. 11:11— 
 14. k Num. 32:33— 42. Josh. 12:2-6. 13:9— 12. 14:43. I s. 29:6. 89:12. 133:3. 
 Cant .4:8. m 1 Chr. 5:23. Ez. 97:5. Senir. n4'49. o Num. 21:33. Josh. 12:4. 
 13:12,31. p 2 Sam. 12:26. Jer. 49:2. Ez. 21:20. Amos 1:14. Rabbah. q 1 Sam. 
 17:4. Am. 2:9. r 2:36. 4:48. Num. 32:33- 38. Josh. 12:2— 6. 13:9— 12,14— 28. 
 2 Kings 10:33. s Num. 32 39— 42. Josh. 13:29— 32. 1 Chr. 5:23-26. t 1 Chr. 
 2:21—23. u See in 4 x Josh. 13:13. 2 Sam. 3:3. 10:6. 13:37. v Num. 32:41. 
 t. Hen. 50:23. Num. 26:29. 32:40. Josh. 17:1,3. 22: 7. a Num. 32:33—38.2 Sain. 
 24:5. b 2:37. Gen. 32:22. Num. 21:24. Josh. 12:2. c See or. Num. 34:11 . Josh. 
 
 ested, forgiving, and blameless deportment, not injurious to 
 their enemies, nor needlessly burdensome to their friends ; 
 and “by doing to all men, as they would they should do unto 
 them.” In this case, the vanity of the world cannot prevent 
 their comfort, nor can its opposition interrupt the serenity of 
 •heir minds : their inheritance cannot be affected by the revo- 
 utions of kingdoms, or the mutability of earthly possessions ; 
 death cannot hurt and need not, alarm them ; all will combine 
 in preparing them for heaven, and giving them the anticipa- 
 tion, and introducing them to the enjoyment, of those plea- 
 -ures which never satiate and will never end. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. III. V. I— 10. Marg. Ref. Note, 
 Num. 21:34. 
 
 V. 11. It is probable that Og was descended from a 
 -ace of giants, of larger stature lhan even the Anakims. — If 
 his bedstead of iron was intended for use, and not for osten- 
 tation, his bulk must have been enormous : as it was at least 
 five yards long, and above two broad. Either the Ammon- 
 ites seized on it, or they bought it of the Israelites; and car- 
 rying it to Rabbath, it was tiiere preserved as a monument 
 
 15 And I gave Gilead unto ’Machir. 
 
 16 And unto "tne Reubenites, and unto the 
 Gadites, I gave from Gilead even unto the river 
 Arnon, halt the valley, find the border, even unto 
 the "river Jabbok, which is the border of the 
 children of Ammon ; 
 
 17 The plain also, and Jordan and the coast 
 thereof, from "Chinnereth even unto d the sea of 
 the plain even the salt sea, under ‘Ashdoth-pisgah 
 eastward. 
 
 18 And e I commanded you at that time, saying, 
 The Lord your God hath given you this land to 
 
 ossess it : ye shall pass over armed before yeur 
 rethren the children of Israel, all that are tmeet 
 for the war. 
 
 19 But your wives, and your little ones, and 
 your cattle, (for 1 know that ye have much cattle,) 
 shall abide in your cities which I have given 
 you : 
 
 20 Until the Lord have given rest unto your 
 brethren, as well as unto you, and until they also 
 possess the land which the Lord your God hath 
 given them beyond Jordan : and then shall ye 
 •return every man unto his possession which I 
 have given you. 
 
 21 And * * * * S I commanded Joshua at that time, 
 saying, Thine eyes have seen all that the Lord 
 your God hath done unto these two kings : h so 
 shall the Lord do unto all the kingdoms whither 
 thou passest. 
 
 22 Ye shall not (ear them ; 'for the Lord your 
 God he shall fisrht for you. 
 
 23 And k I besought the Lord at that time, 
 saying, 
 
 24 0 Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy 
 servant 'thy greatness, and thy mighty hand : for 
 m what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can 
 do according to thy works, and according to thy 
 might ? 
 
 ' 25 I pray thee let me go over and see "the good 
 land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain 
 and Lebanon. 
 
 26 But "the Lord was wroth with me for your 
 sakes, and would not hear me: and the Lord 
 said unto me, fLet it suffice thee ; speak no more 
 unto me of this matter. 
 
 27 Get thee iup into the top of 'Pisgah, and 
 “lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and 
 southward, and eastward, and behold it with 
 thine eyes : for thou shalt not go over this Jordan. 
 
 28 But 'charge Joshua, and encourage him, and 
 strengthen him ; ‘for he shall go over before this 
 people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land 
 which thou shalt see. 
 
 29 So we abode in the "valley over against 
 Beth-peor. 
 
 12:3. d 4:49. Gen. 13:10. 14:3. 19:28,29. Num. 34:12. Josh. 3:16. 12:3. 15:2,5. 
 
 18:19. * Or , the springs of Pisgah, or , the hill. Num. 23:14. eNum.32:2C 
 — 24. .Tosh. 1:12 — 15. 4:12,13. 22.1 — 9. t Heb. sons of power, f Josh. 22:4,8. 
 g Num, 27:18-23. h Josh. 10:25. 1 Sam. 17:36,37. Ps. 9:10. 2Cor. 1:10. 12:10 
 
 Eph. 3:20. 2 Tim. 4:17,18. i 1:30. 20:4. Ex. 14:14. Num. 21:34. Josh. 10:42. 
 2 • hr. 13:12 . 20:17,29. Ps. 44:3. k 2 Cor. 12:8. 1 11:2. Neh. 9:32. Ps. 106:2. 
 
 145:3,6. Jer. 32:18— 21. m Ex. 15:1 1 . 2 Sam. 7:22. Ps. 35:10. 7M 9 . 86:8 . 89- 
 6.8. Is.40:18,25. Jer. 10:6. Pan. 3:29. n 4:21,22. 11:11,12. Ex. 3:8. Num. 32: 
 
 5. E?.. 20:6. ol:37. 31:2 . 32:51,52. 34:4. Num. 20:7— 12. 27:12—14. Ps. 106: 
 32,33. Is. 53:5,6. Matt. 26:39. p 1 Chr. 17:4,12,13.22:7- 9.28:2—4. Matt. 20. 
 22. 2 Cor. 12:8,9. q 34:1-4. Num. 27:12. + Or, the hill. 17. r Gen. 13:14, 
 
 15. s 1-38 . 31:3,7,23. Num. 27:18—23. 1 Chr. 22:6,1 1 — 16 . 28:9,10,20. 1 Tim. 
 6:13,14. 2Tim.2:l— 3. 4:1— 6. t Josh. 1 :2. 3:7— 17. John 1:17. Acts. 7:45. 
 Heb. 4:8. Jesus, u 4:3,46. 34:6. Num. 25:3. 33:48,49. 
 
 of his stature, or of Israel’s victory : for neither his vast strength, 
 nor his numerous fortified cities, could secure him against God, 
 who fought for his people. — This race of giants was soon ex- 
 tinct ; hut others remained within the land ofCanaan, of whom 
 we read in the history of David. (Notes, 1 Sam. 17:4 — 7,45 — 
 49. 2 Sam. 21:15—22.) 
 
 V. 12 — 22. “Bashan-havoth-jair” (14) signifies Bashan 
 the villages of Jair. — The words, “unto this day,” were per- 
 haps added by Ezra, to show how long these places retained 
 their names. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Num. 32: Josh. 13:22:) 
 
 V. 23 — 28. This prayer of Moses arose from a high valua- 
 tion of the promised land, and an earnest desire of witnessing 
 the power and faithfulness of the Lord, in putting the Israelites 
 in possession of it, by destroying their enemies. He had pre- 
 vailed in. behalf of Israel more than once, in apparently simi- 
 lar circumstances : and his request did not displease the Lord 
 though for an example to Israel, he did not see good to grant 
 it. — Thus Moses prevailed for others, but for himself he coulo. 
 not prevail ; which made him the more exact type of Christ 
 who “ saved others, himself he could not save,” that is, eon- 
 t 323 ) 
 
B. C. 1 ill. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Earnest erhcrtations h . obedience, and dissuasivea jrom idolatry , 1— 24. 
 Prophetical warning* of the consequence* of disobedience, and promises 
 of mercy to the penitent, 25—31. The Lord's special care oj Israel , 
 and his wonderful works for them, 32 — 40. Three cities of refuge appointed 
 eastward of Jordan, 41—43. An introduction Co the following exhortations, 
 44—49. 
 
 N OW therefore hearken, 0 Israel, “unto the 
 statutes, and unto the judgments, which I 
 teach you, for to do them, b that ye may live, and 
 go in and possess the land which the Lord God 
 of your fathers givetli you. 
 
 2 Ye shall not c add unto the word which I 
 command you, neither shall ye diminish aught 
 from it, that ye may keep the commandments of 
 the Lord your God, which I command you. 
 
 3 Your eyes have seen d what the Lord did 
 because of Baal-peor : for all the men that followed 
 Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them 
 from among you. 
 
 4 But ye that did 'cleave unto the Lord your 
 God are alive every one of you this day. 
 
 5 Behold >'I have taught you statutes and judg- 
 ments, even as the Lord my God commanded 
 
 « 8,45. 5:1. 6:1.2 . 8 1. 11:1,32. Lev. 19:37 . 20:8. 22:31. Pa. 105:45. Ez. 11:20. 
 36:27. 37:21. Malt. 23:20. I, uke 1:6. John 15:14. b Le». 18:5. £>.20:11,21. 
 Rom. 10:5. e 12.32. Josh. 1:7. Prov. 30:6. Matt. 5:18.43. 15:2— 9. Mark 7:1 — 
 13. Gal. 3:15. Rev. 22: 18.19. d Num. 25:1—9. 31:16. Josh. 22:17. Ps. 106:28, 
 29. Hos. 9:10. e 10:20. 13:4. Josh. 22$. 23:8. Ruth 1:14—17. Ps. 63:S. 143:6 
 —11. Is. 26-20. Ez. 9:4. John 6:67—69. lets 11:23. Rom. 12:0. Rev. 14:4. 20: 
 4. f 1. Mall. 23:20. dels 20:27. 1 Cor. 11:23. 15:3. 1 Thes. 4:1,2. Heb. 3:5. 
 6 Job 28:28. Pa. 19:7. 111:10. 119:93-100. Prov. 1:7. 14:8. Jer.8:9. 2 Tim. 3:15. 
 
 sistently with the purpose of saving others. ( Mark 15:31. 
 Notes, Num. 20:10—13. 27:15—20.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Nothing more hastens the destruction of sinners than over- 
 looking the examples of divine justice set before them for 
 their warning, and rushing forward in the same steps, which 
 have brought others to a miserable end. — Ail those advan- 
 tages, with which men, are naturally pleased, eventually con- 
 duce to their more speedy ruin and deeper condemnation, 
 whenever they increase their pride, security, and boldness in 
 transgression : so far are riches, power, worldly wisdom, and 
 courage, from profiting their ungodly possessors !— No arm 
 can be strong when the contest is against the Almighty ; and 
 he that assaults the church wages war against God. In this 
 case especially “ the battle is not to the strong, nor the race 
 to the swift;” his most insolent and presumptuous enemies 
 will soon he down in despair ; and his feeblest and most timid 
 friends have no cause to fear. His promise secures success 
 in every undertaking, in which they are required to engage ; 
 and not only victory, but abundant advantage from every foe 
 that assaults them, “for the wealth of the sinner is laid up 
 for the just.” Every experience of the Lord’s faithfulness is 
 a sure pledge of further mercies, and ere long all his people 
 shall be made more than conquerors, and enter upon the full 
 possession of their everlasting rest. — “ This is the heritage of 
 the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, 
 saith the Lord.” (Notes. Is. 54:15 — 17. Rom. 8:35 — 39.) 
 Arc we then of that number ? Do we seek reconciliation 
 unto God through Jesus Christ, as “ the one thing needful ?” 
 Do we trust his grace, plead his promises, listen to his voice, 
 and keep his commandments? Then assuredly “all things 
 will work together for our good.” — But unbelief excludes men 
 from heaven: a dead inactive faith deceives and ruins thou- 
 sands: and even the sins of believers are chastened with 
 sharp trials, the withholding of wonted comforts, and the 
 refusal of their prayers for such mercies, as are not imme- 
 diately connected with salvation. If this should be the case 
 with us, let us kiss the rod, and seek to profit by our chasten- 
 ing. And if we have the earnests and prospects of heaven ; 
 let this suffice us, let us acquiesce in the Lord’s will, and 
 speak no more to him of those things which he sees good to 
 refuse us. — When we are about to leave the world, the same 
 principle which before induced us to contribute, as we w^re 
 able, to promote the cause of God and the good of his church, 
 will dispose us to rejoice in the prospect of the good work 
 being carried on by other, and more honoured instruments; 
 and will make us wish to close our eyes, encouraging our sur- 
 vivors to be valiant for the truth, assured that the Lord will 
 fight for them and make them successful. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IV. V. 1. The power of God and 
 his love to Israel, as delineated in the foregoing recapitula- 
 tion of their history, are in this chapter improved by a variety 
 of practical admonitions and exhortations. The abstract of 
 the argument may he thus stated: 4 As the Lord hath mani- 
 fested himself so able and willing to deliver, protect, and 
 bless you, take heed that you do not forfeit his favour by diso- 
 bedience ; but from gratitude for past mercies, and in order 
 to secure the continuance of his favour, mako it your constant 
 study to worship him alone, to depend on his promises, per- 
 fections, and providence, and to submit to his authority ; as a 
 nation governed by his judgments, and as individuals “ walk- 
 ing in all his ordinances and commandments.” This is your 
 true wisdom ; this will certainly advance you to greatness, 
 prosperity, and reputation, and secure your felicity : whereas 
 tho contrary conduct will surely involve you in misery and 
 ( 324 ) 
 
 me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye 
 go to possess it. 
 
 6 Keep therefore, and do them ; for «this ti 
 your wisdom and your understanding in the sight 
 of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, 
 and say, '’Surely this great nation is a wise and 
 understanding people. 
 
 7 For ‘what nation is there so great, Jwho hath 
 God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is 
 in all things that we call upon him for ? 
 
 8 And what nation is there so great, that hath 
 k statutes and judgments so righteous, as all this 
 law which I set before you this day? 
 
 9 Only take heed to thyself, and 'keep thy soul 
 diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine 
 eyes have seen, and m lest they depart from thy 
 heart all the days of thy life : but "teach them thy 
 sons, and thy sons’ sons ; 
 
 10 Specially “the day that thou stoodest before 
 the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said 
 unto me, Gather me the people together, and 1 
 will make them hear my words, that they may 
 
 Jam. 313. hIKing» 4:34 10:6—69. Dan. 1:20. 4:9. 5:11— 16. Zech. 8:20— 23 
 Mai. 3:12. i Nmn. 23:9,21. 2 Sam. 7.23. Is. 43:4. j 5:26. Ps. 46:1. 73:28. 145: 
 IS. 148:14. Is. 55:6. Euli. 2:12—22. Jam. 4:8. k 1(1 12,13. Ps. 19:7—11. 119:86, 
 96,127,128. 147:19,20. Rom. 7:12— 14. 2Tim. 3:16,17. 115,23. Prov. 3:1,3. 4 
 20—23. Luke 8:18. Heb. 2:3. Jam. 1:22. m Jmh. 1:18. I s. 119:11. Prov. 3:I~ 
 3,21. 4.4. 7:1. Heb. 2:1. Rev. 3:3. n 6:7. 11:19. 29:29. 31:19. Gen. 18:19. E>. 
 13:8,9,14—16. Josh, 4:6,7,21. Ps. 34:11— 16. 71:18.78:3—8. Prov. 1 :8. 4:1— 13 
 23:26. Is. 38:19. Eph. 6:4. o5:2. Ex. 19:9,16. 20:18. Heb. 12:18,25. 
 
 ruin.’ The subsequent practical instructions seem to be 
 thus inferred from the preceding history ; and they are cn«* 
 forced by every argument and every motive imaginable. — 
 The national covenant made with Israel is indeed con- 
 stantly referred to : yet the wholfc may be accommodated to the 
 case of true Christians ; whilst it more directly suits the case 
 of nations favoured with the light of revelation. — The Israel- 
 ites had witnessed many instances, in which disobedience 
 was punished with immediate death. Their fathers had been 
 doomed to die in the wilderness: nor could they expect to 
 possess Canaan if not obedient. Obedience cannot, merit 
 salvation: but it is the only evidence that we partake of “the 
 gift of God, which is eternal life through Jesus Christ :” and 
 disobedience both deserves eternal destruction, and when per- 
 sisted in, renders it inevitable. (Note, Ez. 18:30 — 32.) 
 
 V. 2. To add any thing to the commands of God, as 
 obligatory upon the conscience, or an essential part of reli- 
 gion, seems to charge him with an oversight; and is as 
 affronting to his wisdom, as to diminish any thing from it is to 
 his authority and goodness. And human traditions or appoint- 
 ments, when not explicitly distinguished from the law of God, 
 as comparatively of no authority, and kept entirely subordi- 
 nate have always been the competitors of the sacred word, 
 and tended to render it of none effect. ( Marg . Ref. Note , 
 Matt. 15:3 — 6.) — Some explain the word add to he merely a 
 caution against sins of commission ; and diminish , against 
 sins of omission : hut this comes far short of the Irue mean- 
 ing. — This prohibition is supposed to have been extremely 
 useful, in preserving entire the text of these ancient books ; 
 by deterring even those who most openly broke the law, or 
 explained away its meaning, or contended virulently with 
 each other about religious opinions and practices, from adding 
 to, or taking from, the words of the Scriptures themselves. 
 (12:32. Notes, Prov. 30:5,6. Rev. 22:18—21.) 
 
 V. 3,4. (Notes, Num. 25:) It appears from this appeal, 
 that the pestilence, as well as the sword of the magistrates, 
 singled out the guilty persons and spared the rest. (Ps. 91:6 
 — 8.) 4 The legislator, in order to deter the Jews from idola- 
 
 try, alludes to this fact, but he notices no circumstance but 
 one, which, though in the original narrative not stated, was 
 infinitely the most important to advert to on this occasion ; 
 but which no persons, hut spectators of the fact, and per- 
 fectly acquainted with every individual concerned in it, could 
 possibly feel the truth of.’ Graves on the Pentateuch , Vol. 1. 
 pp. 137, 138. 
 
 V. 5. The people had been often ready to conclude, that 
 Moses taught them by his own authority ; but at the close ot 
 his life ho solemnly assured them, that ho had instructed their* 
 exactly as the Lord had commanded him, neither more, nor 
 less, nor otherwise. — This is a most express declaration, 
 that he was divinely inspired; and utterly incompatible with 
 integrity of character, if he was not. 
 
 V. 6 8. — Israel was a 44 great nation,” highly honoured by 
 having the tabernacle, ark, and ordinances of God in the 
 midst of them, and by his powerful interposition in the.r 
 behalf, whenever they earnestly called upon him for help. 
 Even the surrounding nations could not help observing this, 
 while Israel adhered to the worship of God, which was their 
 true wisdom: and indeed, taking in tho whole time from 
 Moses to this day, what nation has been so greatly distin 
 guished as they have been ? — Their laws also, whether moral 
 or judicial, in proportion as they are examined, and com- 
 ired with the laws of other nations, will appear to ovor> 
 ipartial judge most equitable and excellent. 
 
 V. 9. Keep thy sou/—] Note , Proe. 4:23. 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. 145i 
 
 learn to tTcar me all the days that they shall live 
 upon the earth, and that they may teach their 
 children. 
 
 1 1 A nd ye came near, and '(stood under the 
 mountain, and the mountain burned with fire 
 unu the ‘midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, 
 and thick darkness. 
 
 12 And r the Lord spake unto you out of the 
 midst, of the fire : ye heard the voice of the words, 
 but saw ’no similitude : f only l ye heard a voice. 
 
 13 And "he declared unto you his covenant, 
 which he commanded you to perform, even ’ten 
 commandments ; and die wrote them upon two 
 tables of stone. 
 
 14 And the Lord commanded me ’at that time 
 to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye might 
 do them in the land whither ye go over to possess 
 it. 
 
 15 “Take ye therefore good heed unto your- 
 selves, (for ye saw no manner b of similitude on the 
 day that the Lord spake unto you in Horeb out 
 of the midst of the fire,) 
 
 16 Lest ye 'corrupt yourselves , and make you a 
 graven image, the similitude of any figure, d the 
 likeness of male or female ; 
 
 17 The likeness of any beast that is on the 
 earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that fiieth 
 in the air ; 
 
 IS The likeness of any thing that creepeth on 
 the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the 
 waters beneath the earth : 
 
 19 And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, 
 and 'when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and 
 the stars, even all r the host of heaven, shouldest 
 be driven to worship them, and serve them, ewhich 
 the Lord thy God hath ^divided unto all nations 
 under the whole heaven. 
 
 20 But the Lord hath taken you, and brought 
 you forth out of h the iron furnace, even out of 
 
 p 5:2.1. Ex. 20:20. 1 Sam. 12:24. Luke L50. Rev. 19:5. q5:23. Ex. 19:16— 18. 
 30:18,19. * Hub. heart, r 5:4.22. . 15. Num. 12:8. Is. 40:18. Col. 1:15. 1 Heb. 
 tare « noire. I 33.33. Ex. 211.22. 1 Kino 19:13.13. Is. 40:3,6. Malt. 3:3,17. 
 17:5. J.Jin 12.2S— 5.1. 2 Pet. 1:17. IS. u 5:1— 21. Ex. 19:5.24:17,18. Heb. 9:19, 
 
 20. x 10:4. Ex. 31:23. v 9:9—11. 10:1—5. Ex. 21:12. 31:18. 31:28. 2 Cor. 3:7. 
 Heb. 9:4, v. Ex. 21: 22: 23: Ps. 105:44,43. a See on 9,23. Josh. 23:11. 1 Chr. 
 28:9.10. f toy. 4.23.27. Jer. 17:21. Met. 2:15. b See on 12. 2 Cor. 1.4-6. Heb. 
 1:3. e 5:9. Ex. 21:1,5. Ps. 106:19.20. Rom. 1:22— 24. <1 23. Is. 40:18. John 1: 
 
 21. Acts 17:29. 1 Tim. 1:17. e 17:3. 2 Kings 23:4,5,1 1 . Job 31:26,27. Jer. 8:2. 
 Ex. 8:16. Am. 5:23.26. I Gen. 2:1. 2 Kings 17:16. 21:3. Jer. 19:13. Zeph. 1:5. 
 Acts 7:42. Rum. 1:25. e Gen. 1 1G — 18. Josh. 10: 12.13. Nell. 9:6. Ps. 71: 16, 17. 
 13*5:7 — 9. 148:3 — 5. Jer. 31 :35. 33:25. Matt. 5:45. t Or, imparled, hi Kings 
 8:51. Jr. 11.4. i 9:25,29. 32:9. Ex. 19:5,6. Ps. 2S:9. 33: 12. 135: 4. Is. 63:17,18. 
 Kph. 1:18. l it. 2:14. 1 • et. 2:9. k See on 1 :37 . 3.26 . 31 :2. Num. 20:12. Ps. 
 106:32,33. 11 Kings 13:21,22. Am. 3:2. Ifeh. 12:6— 10. 2 Pet. 1:13— 15. m See 
 on 9. 27:9. Josh. 23:11. Mail. 24:4. Luke 12:15. 21:8. Heb. 3:12. n 6:1*2. 29: 
 
 V. 11. The midst of heaven.] The fire and smoke filled 
 the atmosphere to a great height; as the fowls are, in the 
 original, said 44 to fly in the open firmament of heaven.” — 
 (17. Notes, Gen . f.b— 8. Ex. 19:16—20.) 
 
 V. 13. (Notes, Ex. 20:24.) The ten commandments were 
 the foundation of the national covenant made with Israel, as 
 well as of the covenant of works, though not exactly in the 
 same manner: and, when written in the heart, they form the 
 evidence, that the covenant of grace by faith in Jesus Christ 
 is ratified with us. (Notes, Jer. 31:33,34. Heb. 8:7 — 13.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. Let any one carefully examine the multiplied 
 and varied expressions of these verses ; and then let him 
 form his judgment, and bring in his verdict, respecting the 
 use of images, in religious worship, in the church of Rome, 
 and elsewhere. (Note, Ex. 20:4.) 
 
 V. 19. The propensity of mankind to idolatry, and the ar- 
 tifice of Satan, would concur to drive the people into this 
 species of it. It is indeed extremely irrational to rpake the 
 creatures of God his rivals ; and to allow the instruments of 
 his bounty to rob him of his glory : but the worship of the 
 splendid and useful luminaries of heaven is far more plausible 
 than ariy other idolatry, and therefore more carefully to be 
 guarded against. The declaration that the God of Israel 
 had formed the sun, moon, and stars, and given all nations the 
 benefit of them, was well suited to this purpose, and to mark 
 to every reader the infinite distance between the glorious 
 Creator and the noblest of his creatures. (Marg. Ref. g. 
 Note, Job 31:24—28.) 
 
 V. 20. The iron furnace.] This strong expression forcibly 
 •narks the misery which the Israelites endured, and the dan- 
 ger to which they were exposed, in the Egyptian bondage. — 
 Thence they were brought forth to be u unto the Lord a 
 nfcople of inheritance.” All the revenue of worship, obedience, 
 \nd praise, which the Lord receives from this lower world, 
 is paid him by his redeemed people, by whom alone he is 
 loved, in whom he delights, and for whose sake the frame of 
 nature is preserved. As the apostle says : 44 All things are 
 yours ; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, 
 
 Egypt, to be unto him ’a people of inheritance, an 
 ye are this clay. • r Prncficnl Observations . ] 
 
 21 H Furthermore, k the Lord was angry with 
 me for your sakes, and svvare that I should not 
 go over Jordan, and that I should not go in unto 
 that good land, which the Lord thy God giveth 
 thee for an inheritance. 
 
 22 But '1 must die in this land, I must not go 
 over Jordan ; but ye shall go over, and possess 
 that good land. 
 
 23 Take m heed unto yourselves, "lest ye forget 
 the covenant of the Lord your God, which he 
 made with you, and "make you a graven image, 
 or the likeness of any thing- which the Lord thy 
 God hath forbidden thee. 
 
 24 For the Lord thy rGod is a consuming fire, 
 even jealous God. 
 
 25 When thou shalt 'beget children, and chil- 
 dren’s children, and ye shall have remained long 
 in the land, and shall ’corrupt yourselves,, and make 
 a graven image, or the likeness of any thing, and 
 shall 'do evil in the sight of the Lord thy God, to 
 provoke him to anger ; 
 
 26 I “call heaven and earth to witness against 
 you this day, that x ye shall soon utterly perish 
 from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to 
 
 ossess it, ye shall not prolong your days upon it, 
 ut shall utterly be destroyed. 
 
 27 And the Lord shall •''scatter you among the 
 nations, and ye shall be left few in number among 
 the heathen, whither the Lord shall lead you. 
 
 28 And there z ye shall serve gods, the work of 
 men’s hands, wood and stone, which “neither see, 
 nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. 
 
 29 But b if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord 
 thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him 
 'with all thy heart, and with all thy soul. 
 
 30 When thou art in tribulation, and J all these 
 things § are come upon thee, even 'in the latter 
 
 25. 31:20. Josh. 23:16. I Chr. 16:15. Is.24:5. Jer. 31:32. Ex. 16:59. o Seeon 
 16. Ex. 20:4,5. p 9:3. 32:22. Ex. 24:17. Pe.21:9. Is. 30:33. 33:14. Jer.2l:12— 
 14. Nah. 1:6. Zeph. 1:18. Iltb. 12:29. q 6:11. 29:20 . 32:16,21. Ex. 20:5 . 34: 
 
 14. Ps. 78:58. Is. 42:8. Nah. 1:2. 1. or. 10:22. r31:16— 18. Juiig. 2:8— 15. 
 
 s See 16. 31:29. Ex. 32:7. Hos. 9:9. I 2 Kings 17:17—19.21:2.14—16. 2 Chr. 
 36.12—16. 1130:18,19. 31:28. 32:1. Is. 1:2. Jer. 2:12. 6:19. 22:29. Ex. 36:4. 
 Mic. 1:2. 6:2. x 29:28. Lev. 18:28. 26:31—3.5. Josh. 23:16. Is. 6:11. 24:1—3. 
 Jer. 44-22. Ex. 33:28. Luke21:24. y 28:62— 61. Neh.l:3. Ex. 12. 15. 32:26 
 
 x 28:36,64. I Sam. 26:19. Jer. 16:13. Ex. 20:32,39. Acls 7:12. a Ps. 115:4— 7. 
 135:1.5. Is. 44:9 . 45.20 . 46:7. Jer. 10:3,9. b 30-10. l.ev. 26:39—42. 2 Chr. 15:4, 
 
 15. Neh. 1.9. Is. 55:6,7. Jer. 29: 12— 14. c30:2. 1 Kings 8:47.48. 2 Kings 10:31. 
 
 23:3. 2 Chr. 15:12. 31:21. Ps. 119:2,10,58,145. Jer. 3:10. d 1 Kings 8146— 53 
 2 Chr. 6:36 — 39. Dan. 9:11— 19. § Heb. hare Jound thee. 31:17. Ex. 18:8. 
 
 marg. e 31:29. Gen. 49:1. Num. 24:20. Jer. 23:20. Dan. 10:14. Hos. 3:5. Heb. 
 1 : 2 . 
 
 or life, or death, or things present, or things to come : all are 
 yours ; and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” (Note, 1 
 Cor. 3:18—23.) 
 
 V. 21 — 24. Th<2 consideration, that Moses was excluded 
 from Canaan for one offence, was both suited to impress the 
 people with the sense of the Lord’s mercy in sparing them, 
 notwithstanding their many and heinous transgressions ; and 
 to warn them of the consequence of renewing their rebellions, 
 and of running into idolatry : for their merciful God was also 
 “ a jealous God, and a consuming fire.” — It seems that when 
 Moses pleaded earnestly for a reversal of the sentence, the 
 Lord, to silence him, confirmed it with an oath. (Note, 3: 
 23—28.) 
 
 V. 25 — 28. Many expressions in this prophecy evidently 
 refer to times much later, than even the Babylonish captivity. 
 The Jews could not then, with any propriety, be said to have 
 u utterly perished ” out of the promised lt,nd, as they returned 
 to it at the end of seventy years : but their present state, in 
 which they have been u scattered among the nations ” for 
 almost eighteen hundred years, without any access to their 
 own land ; and their condition, as dispersed individuals, not 
 as a nation under a regular government, answer the language* 
 of the prediction with great exactness. They do not indeed 
 at present worship images ; except as in popish countries they 
 sometimes conceal their religion, and conform to the idolatrous 
 worship there performed, in order to escape persecution ; but 
 they are grossly ignorant of the true God : 44 for he that 
 honoureth not the Son, honoureth not the Father that sent 
 him.” (Notes, John 5:20 — 23. 8:54 — 59.) Numbers of Is 
 raelites also have doubtless been incorporated with idolaters. 
 
 V. 29 — 31. 44 A jealous God” hath fulfilled the threatenings 
 before denounced on the rebellious Israelites : but he is also 
 a merciful God, and waits to receive them, either as a nation 
 or individually, whenever they repent, and turn to him with 
 all their hearts, in the obedience of faith. After all that hath 
 come on the nation, especially in their present long-continued 
 dispersion, they are still preserved a distint t people, by a 
 most astonishing interposition of Providence ; e ridently in 
 ( 32 5 ) 
 
c. <:. 14 .1 
 
 DEUTE 
 
 days, r if thou turn to the Lord thy God, and 
 halt he '-obedient unto his voice ; 
 
 31 (F(,ir h tlie Lord thy God is a merciful God;) 
 ne will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor 
 ‘forget the covenant of thy fathers, whicn he 
 swart' unto them. 
 
 32 IT For k ask now of the days that are past, 
 which were before thee, since the day that God 
 created man upon the earth, and ask ‘from the 
 one side of heaven unto the other, whether there 
 hath been any such thing- as this great tiling is, or 
 hath been heard like it ? 
 
 33 Did ever people m hear the voice of God 
 speaking out of tne midst of the fire, as thou hast 
 heard, and live ? 
 
 34 Or hath God assayed to go and “take him a 
 nation from the midst of another nation, by “temp- 
 tations, i'by signs, and by wonders, and by war, 
 and iby a mighty hand, and by a stretched-out 
 ann, r and by great terrors, according to all that 
 the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before 
 your eyes ? 
 
 35 Unto thee it was showed, that thou mightest 
 ‘know that the Lord he is God ; there Hs none 
 else beside him. 
 
 36 Out u of heaven he made thee to hear his 
 voice, that he might instruct thee ; and upon earth 
 lie showed thee his great fire, and thou heardest 
 his words out of the midst of the fire. 
 
 37 And “because he loved thy fathers, therefore 
 he chose their seed after them, and brought thee 
 out yin his sight ‘with his mighty power out of 
 Egypt; 
 
 38 ro a dnve out nations from before thee, 
 greater and mightier than thou art , to bring thee 
 in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, b as 
 it is this day. 
 
 39 Know therefore this day, ‘and consider it 
 in thine heart, that d the Lord he is God in heaven 
 
 f 30:10. Lam. 3:40. Hos. 14:2,3. Joel 2:12,13. Acts 3:19. 26:20. g Is. 1:19. 
 Jer. 7:23. Zech. 6:15. Heb. 5:9. h Ex. 34:6,7. Num. 14:18. 2 Chr. 30:9. 
 Neh. 1:5. 9:31. Ps. 86:5,15. 116:5. 145:8,9. Jon. 4:2. Mic.7:13. i Lev. 26:42, 
 45. Ps. 105:8. 111:5,9. Jer. 14:21. Luke 1:72. k Job 8:8. Pa. 44:1. Joel 1:2. 
 130:4. Matt. 24:31. Mark 13:27. m 5:24— 26. 9:10. Ex. 20:18,19. 24:11. 33:20. 
 Judg. 6:22. n Ex. 1:9. 3:10,17—20. o7:19. 29:3. Ex. 9:20,21. 10:7. p Ex. 7: 
 3. Ps. 78:12,48— 53. q 5:15. 6:21. 7:8,9. Ex. 6:6. 13:3. 1 Pel. 5:6. r26:8. 34: 
 12. Ex. 12:30—33. si Sam. 17:45—47. I Kings 18:36,37. 2 Kings 19:19. Ps. 58: 
 11. 83:18. t ?2.39. Ex 15:11. 1 Sam. 2 2. Is. 44:6,8 . 45:5,18/22. Mark 12:29, 
 32. 1 John 5:20,21. n 33. Ex. 19:9,19 . 20:18—22.24:16. Neh. 9:13. Heb. 12:18, 
 25. x 7:7—9. 9:5. 10:15. Ps. 105:6—10. Is. 41:8,9. Jer. 31:1. Mai. 1:2. Luke 1: 
 72, 73. Rom. 9:5. v 2 Chr. 16:9. Ps. 32:8. 34: 15. i See on 34. Ps. 114: 133:10 
 
 remembrance of the covenant confirmed with their fathers ; 
 and in order to the fulfilment, as prophecies, of these condi- 
 tional promises, when the u Spirit of grace and supplications” 
 shall be poured out on them, and they shall look in penitent 
 faith to .their crucified Messiah. (Notes, Lev. 26:40 — 42. 
 Num. 23:9. 1 Kings SAG — 53. Jer. 30:10,11. Hos. 3:4,5. 
 Zech. 12:9—14.) 
 
 V. 32, 33. During above two thousand five hundred years, 
 from the creation, no reccyd, nor even report, existed of such 
 events as the Israelites had witnessed, nor of any at all simi- 
 lar to them. 
 
 Fire. (33) Impostors have sometimes deceived men by 
 voices, supposed to be uttered by some deity, but never as 
 spoken out of the midst of a most tremendous fire, in the 
 sight and hearing of numbers, to whose senses the appeal 
 v as made. 
 
 V. 34. Temptations.] The commands, judgments, and 
 respites, by which Pharaoh was required to let Israel go, 
 made trial of his temper, and discovered his unwillingness to 
 obey, and his inability to resist. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 35 — 40. Nothing had occurred in the history of the 
 world at that time, and nothing has taken place during much 
 more than three thousand years since, that at all resembled 
 the interposition of God, to deliver one nation out of the midst 
 of another more powerful nation, which had long enslaved it, 
 by two unarmed men, entirely through miracles, and contrary 
 to all human probability ; or that was any thing like his deal- 
 ings with them at Sinai and in the wilderness. The very 
 singularity of the transactions, though attested beyond all 
 reasonable doubt, gives a plausible pretence for skepticism. 
 But miracles must be extraordinary events , or they would 
 cease to deserve the name ; and an adequate reason is 
 assigned for this extraordinary interposition of Jehovah, at 
 a time when all nations were ready to sink into idolatry : for 
 he intended thus effectually to show men in general, and his 
 chosen people in particular, that he alone was the true God 
 in heaven and earth ; and that all the deities of the nations 
 were mere names, or lying vanities, who could not at all 
 prelect or help their worshippers, or resist his power. (Marg. 
 Ref Note, Ex. 9:13 — 16.) 
 
 V 41 — 43. The first exhortation, or tn rmon, (so to speak) 
 
 < 32G ) 
 
 RONOMY. B. C. 14b, 
 
 above, ami upon the earth beneath ; there is non« 
 else. 
 
 40 Thou shalt 'keep therefore his statutes and 
 his commandments, which I command thee this 
 day, that ' it may go well with thee, and with thy 
 children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong 
 thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy 
 God giveth thee, for ever. 
 
 41 H Then Moses Severed three cities on this 
 side Jordan toward the sunrising ; 
 
 42 That '‘the slayer might flee thither, which 
 should kill his neighbour unawares, and hated him 
 not in times past ; and that, fleeing unto one cif 
 these cities, lie might live : 
 
 43 JYamely, ‘Bezer in the wilderness, in the 
 plain country of the Reubenites : and k Ramoth in 
 Gilead of the Gadites ; and 'Golan in Bashan of 
 the Manassites. 
 
 44 H And this m is the law which Moses set be- 
 fore the children of Israel: 
 
 45 These " are the testimonies, and “the statutes, 
 and the judgments, which Moses spake unto the 
 children of Israel, after they came forth out ol 
 Egypt ; 
 
 46 On Pthis side Jordan, in the valley <iover 
 against Beth-peor, in the land of Sihon king of 
 the Amorites, who dwelt at Heshbon, whom 
 r Moses and the children of Israel smote, after they 
 were come forth out of Egypt : 
 
 47 And they possessed his land, and ‘the land 
 of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, 
 which were on this side Jordan, toward the sun- 
 rising : 
 
 48 F rom 'Aroer, which is by the bank of the 
 river Arnon, even unto mount “Sion, which is 
 Hermon. 
 
 49 And all the plain on this side Jordan east- 
 ward, even unto tne sea of the plain, “under the 
 springs of Pisgah. 
 
 —15. Is. 51:9— 11. 63:11,12. « 7:1. 9:1—5. 11:23. Ex . 23:27,28. Josh. 3:10. 
 
 Pa. 44:2,3. 8 2:31—37.3:1—16.8:18. c 32:29. 1 Chr. 28:9. Is 1:3. 5:12. Hos. 
 7:2. d See on 35. Josh. 2:11. Uhr.29:ll. 2 Chr. 20:6. P,. 115:3. 135:6. ! mi. 
 4:35. e Sec on 1,6. 28:1-14. I.e*. 22:31 . 26: 1—13. Jer. 1 1 :4. John 14: 15,21 — 
 24. f5:16. 6:3,18. 12:25— 28. 22:7. E|ih. 6:3. ITim. 4:8. e Num. 35:14,13 
 
 Josh. 20:2— 9. h 19:1— 10. Num. 35:6,11,12,13— 28. I!eli.6:18. i Josh. 20:8. 
 k Josh. 21:38. 1 4: 13. 22:3,4. 1 Chr. 6:80. 1 Josh. 21:27. 1 Chr. 6:71. 
 
 m 1:5. 17:18,19. 27 3,8,26. 33:4. Lev. 27:34. Num. 33:13. Mai. 4:4. John 1:17. 
 n 6:17,20. 1 Kings 2:3. Ps. 119:2, 14.22, 2i, 111. o See n n I. p 47. Seeonl:5 
 Num. 32:19. q 3:29. r 1 :4 . 2:30— 36. 3:8 Num. 21:21— 32. s See on 3:1— 14 
 29:7,8. Num. 21:33-35. I 2:36. 3:12. Josh. 13:24, &c. u 3:9. Ps. 133:3. j 3- 
 17. 34.1. Josh. 13:20. 
 
 of this book ends with the preceding verse: and the appoint- 
 ment of the cities of refuge has no visible connexion with 
 what goes before, or with what follows : but probably Moses 
 performed that service, before he delivered his next discourse, 
 that he might show how this important concern was to be regu- 
 lated. (Note, Josh. 20:7 — 9.) Thus he lost no part of his 
 short remaining time, but filled up the whofe with speaking or 
 acting for the good of the people. 
 
 V. 44. (Note, 1:5.) This is evidently an introduction 
 to the discourse of the subsequent chapters. Moses having 
 practically improved some particulars in the history of Israel, 
 proceeded to repeat and enforce the laws which he had 
 before delivered, with additions and explanations, beginning 
 with the ten commandments. 
 
 V. 46. Beth-peor.] Or, u The house of Poor.” Proba- 
 bly a temple of Baal-peor was full in the view of the people, 
 while Moses was pressing upon them the worship of Jeho- 
 vah alone; and perhaps that very temple, where so many 
 had sinned to their own destruction. 
 
 V. 48. Mount Sion, &c.] (Marg. Ref.) Not mount 
 Zion, but Sion, which was on the east of Jordan, and north- 
 wards towards Lebanon. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATION’S. 
 
 V. 1 — 20. Every instance of the Lord’s kindness to us is 
 a conclusive argument to enforce our obedience to his com- 
 mandments ; and will either influence us to obey him, or 
 testify against us, and enhance our condemnation. Indeed, 
 all his commandments are so reasonable, equitable, and 
 salutary, that if we were not blinded and infatuated by Satan, 
 a wise regard to our own interest would induce us to observe 
 them: for they are only righteous and kind rules, which the 
 all-wise Creator has affectionately prescribed to his rational 
 creatures ; by attending to which they may secure their own 
 felicity, and conduce to that of each other, while they render 
 him the glory duo unto his name. None of them can ho broken 
 without injuring ourselves and others, as well as dishonouring 
 God: and a peaceful conscience, well-regulated passions ana 
 appetites, a sweet sense of his favour, an unspeakable pleasure 
 in his ways, and complete harmony and love with each other, 
 together with henith of body and vigour of mind, must be the 
 consequences of perfect obedience to them. Even now, in 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 B. C. 1-tf. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Motit shows that God mode a covenant with Israel at Horeb, 1 — 5. He sets 
 
 the ten commanilments before them, 6 — 21. He relates hoio, at the people's 
 
 request, he had received the law from God for them , 31 He exhorts 
 
 them to obedience , 32, 3S. 
 
 \ ND Moses called “all Israel, and said unto 
 J\. them, b Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judg- 
 ments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye 
 may learn them, and 'keep, and do them, 
 re. c. 2 The Lord c our God made a covenant 
 L >«i. with us in Horeb. 
 
 3 The Lord ‘'made not this covenant with our 
 fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us 
 here alive this day. 
 
 4 The “Lord talked with you face to face in the 
 mount, out of the midst of the fire, 
 
 5 (I fstood between the Lord and you at that 
 time, to show you the word of the Lord : for ye 
 were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up 
 into the mount,) saying, 
 
 6 «I am the Lord thy God, which '‘brought 
 thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of 
 'bondage. 
 
 a 1:1 . 29:2.10. h See on 4:1. * Heb. keep to do them. Matt. 23:3. e 4:23. Ex. 
 19:5,6. 24:8. Heb. 8:6—13. 9:19—23. d 29:10—15. Gen. 17:7,21. l*s. 105:8—10. 
 Jer. 3*2:38 — 40. Gal. 3:17— 21. Heb. 8:8. e 24— 26. 4:33,36.34:10. Ex. 19:9,19. 
 20:22. 33:11. Ntim. 12:9. f 27. Gen. 18:22. Ex. 19:16. 20:18—21. Num. 16:48. 
 Ps. 106:23. Jer. 30:21. Zech. 3:1—5. Gal. 3:19. Heb. 9:24. 12:18—24. g6:4. 
 
 See on Ex. 20:2. Lev. 26:1,2. ti Ps. 81:5— 10. f Heb. servants, i See on Ex. 
 
 proportion as wo are enabled to obey them, these blessed 
 effects follow : and the case is the same with nations as with 
 individuals. They therefore will one day appear to be the 
 only “ wise and understanding people,” (however now 
 derided as fools,) who make the law of God the rule of their 
 whole conduct, without “ adding to it or diminishing from it 
 and that very light which discovers their wisdom, will detect 
 the folly and madness of those pretenders to superior under- 
 standing, who reject the divine testimony, and disregard the 
 divine authority : so that at length it will be undeniably 
 evident, that true religion is but another name for wisdom, 
 honour, and felicity. Even in this world experience decides, 
 that they who forsake the Lord plunge themselves into many 
 miseries, and often into sudden destruction : and, notwith- 
 standing self-denial and persecutions, the temporal advan- 
 tages of piety are vastly more satisfactory, than the most 
 splendid acquisitions of prosperous wickedness ; even apart 
 from the comforts of the Holy Spirit and the hope of glory on 
 the one hand, or the remorse and terrors, which are more 
 sensibly felt than honestly acknowledged, on the other : for 
 “ godliness hath both the promise of this life and of that 
 which is to come.” (Notes, 1 Tim. 4:G — 10. 6:G — 10.) — But 
 it we would secure these advantages, with hearts like ours, 
 in such a world as this, in the midst of temptations and 
 enemies, we must apply our minds seriously both “ to know 
 and to consider” the works and the word of God : we must 
 “ take great heed unto ourselves, and keep our souls dili- 
 gently,” lest the good impressions which are excited depart 
 out of our hearts, without producing any abiding effects : for 
 while our duty and happiness, as well as God himself and his 
 service, are always the same; our sense of them is alas! 
 exceedingly variable, and even apt to wear out of our minds. 
 (Note, Hth. 2:1 — 4.) We should therefore “watch and pray 
 always,” that we may not be entangled by those snares which 
 are laid in every ace : we should keep a strict and constant 
 guard upon our imaginations, affections, senses, and appe- 
 tites: our minds must be armed with every imaginable motive 
 which can encourage hope, excite fear, and influence our love 
 or hatred; that in patience, courage, and self-denial, we 
 may be prepared for labour, trials, and for the cross, in what- 
 ever form it is laid in our way. All this, and much more 
 must be attended to, if we would walk safely and comfortably 
 with God, through this world to glory. — But trusting in Christ 
 by faith in his blood ; and drawing from his fulness wisdom, 
 strength, and grace, it will become practicable and pleasant. — 
 Nothing is more essential in this important concern, than 
 just apprehensions of the perfections of God ; since universal 
 history reminds us of man’s astonishing propensity to idolatry. 
 We must not therefore trust to our vain reasonings, or indulge 
 our gross imaginations ; but, by faith, derive our knowledge of 
 God from revelation alone ; particularly attending to the 
 displays which he hath made of his power, justice, goodness, 
 mercy, and truth, in the various dispensations there recorded. 
 
 V. 21 — 49. We ought carefully to study our obligations to 
 God, am, nis character, with the relations in which we stand 
 to him ; his law and worship ; our own situation as sinners 
 under a dispensation of mercy; and the nature of that 
 gracious covenant to which we are invited to accede : since 
 far more interesting discoveries are made to us, than ever 
 Israel saw from mount Sinai ; and far greater mercies are 
 conferred on us, than they experienced in Egypt, in the 
 wilderness, or in Canaan. One speaks to us of infinitely 
 superior dignity to Moses, who, on our account, was not, 
 like him, -'eprived nerely of a greatly desired and much 
 regretted temporal s tisfaction, but who even bare upon the 
 Cross the wrath and curse of Bod for our sins, and Git the 
 
 7 Thou 'shalt have none other gods befoiv 
 me. 
 
 8 Thou shalt not make thee any 'graven image 
 or any likeness of any thing that is in heavei 
 above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that w 
 in the waters beneath the earth. 
 
 9 Thou k shalt not bow down thyself unto them, 
 nor serve them : for I the Lord thy God am 'a 
 jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers 
 upon the children unto the third and fourth gene 
 ration of them that hate me, 
 
 10 And ‘"showing mercy unto thousands ot 
 them that “love me, and keep my commandments 
 
 11 Thou “shalt not take the name of the Lord 
 thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold him 
 guiltless that taketh his name in vain. 
 
 12 pKeep the sabbath-day to sanctify it, as the 
 Lord thy God hath commanded thee. 
 
 13 sSix days thou shalt labour, and do all thy 
 work : 
 
 14 But the seventh day is r the sabbath of the 
 Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do any work, 
 
 20:3. Matt. 4:10. John 5:23. 1 John 5:21. iSeeon4:16. k See on Ex. 20:4— 
 6. ] See on Ex. 34.7,14. m Is. 1 : 16 — 19. Jer. 32: 18. Dan. 9:4. Matt. 7:21— 27. 
 Gal. 5:6. 1 John 1:7. n 6:5,6. 10:12,13. John 14:15,21— 23. 15:14. Rom. 8:23. 
 Jam. 1:25. 1 John 5:2,3. o6:13. See on Ex. 20:7. Lev. 19:12. Jer. 4:2. Matt. 
 5:33,34. Jam. 5:12. |j See on Ex. 20:8— 11 . Is. 56:6 . 58:13. q Ex. 23:12. 35: 
 2,3. Ex. 20:12. Luke 13:14 — 16. 23:56. rGen.2:2. Ex. 16:29,30. Heb.4:4. 
 
 unspeakable agony in all its bitterness. And now, instead ot 
 the language and displays of fiery indignation, he pleads with 
 us by his dying love, and in mild accents of mere}’, not to 
 neglect so great salvation. — Nay, our God, while awfully 
 jealous for the glory of his name, and “ a consuming Fire” to 
 all impenitent sinners, is yet most merciful, ready to forgive, 
 and willing to be gracious to all who turn to him in true repent- 
 ance. If then, after all our rebellions, we at last seek him 
 with all our heart and with all our soul, and become obedient 
 to his voice, (fleeing for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set 
 before us,) he will yet pardon us, and ratify to us all the 
 blessings of the everlasting covenant.- -But apostles, prophets, 
 and ministers, yea, heaven and earth also, will testily against 
 us, if we 44 refuse him that speaketh.” (Note, Heb. 12:22 — 
 25.) Even our natural affection to our children may suggest 
 additional motives to obedience ; for when the Lord loves the 
 parents, he often chooses and blesses the children after them, 
 especially when they diligently instruct them in the same 
 good way. (Note, Gen. 18:18,19.) Thus may we seek an 
 entail of heavenly blessings upon our latest posterity : and 
 both parents and ministers may learn profitably from Moses, 
 to instruct their children and people, with fervour and faith- 
 fulness, even to the close of their lives, in all that the Lord 
 had taught them, with a mixture of firmness, affection, and 
 gravity, suited to such important occasions. (Notes, 2 Tim. 
 4:1 — 5. 2 Pet. 1:12 — 15.) — Finally, as the present dispersion 
 of the Jews shows this chapter to have been a prophecy, as 
 well as a sermon ; let us not forget to pray for them, that in 
 their tribulation, even now in these latter days, they may seek 
 the Lord, and be reinstated in the privileges of the covenant 
 made with their fathers. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 3. The Sinai covenant was 
 different from that made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; 
 for that was personal, and related mainly to spiritual bless- 
 ings ; this was national, and especially stated the terms, on 
 which the possession of the promised land, and other privi- 
 leges, would be continued to Israel. (Notes, Gen. 17:1 — 8. 
 Ex. 19:5. Gal. 3:15 — 18.) But this language may also mean, 
 that the covenant made at Horeb, was as obligatory on the 
 generation whom Moses then addressed, as on those who 
 were immediately present, when the law was delivered, and 
 the covenant ratified. For they were a collective body, 
 incorporated by charter, the obligations and advantages of 
 which descended to the successors of those to whom it was 
 first conceded. Some indeed whom Moses addressed had 
 been present at the giving of the law, though under age ; but 
 most of them were then unborn, or children : yet the covenant 
 made with their fathers included them likewise. — Thus all, 
 favoured with revelation, are bound to submit to it, equally 
 with those to whom it was first given ; though they do no* 
 behold the miracles bv which it was authenticated: for there 
 are other evidences of its divine authority, which gather force 
 by revolving ages*, and they who submit to it have equal 
 benefits, with those to whom it was first communicated. 
 
 V. 4—11. Marg. Ref. Notes, 28,29. Ex. 19:16—20 
 20:1—7,18—25. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. (Notes, Ex. 20:8 — 11.) — The words u As the 
 Lord thy God hath commanded,” here introduced in record- 
 ing the giving of the law from mount Sinai, seem to imply an 
 appointment of the sabbath, previous to that transaction.— 
 The original reason for hallowing the sabbath, taken from the 
 creation, is not here mentioned. This indeed must eve 
 remain valid, and it was well known to the people. But they 
 were also required to remember their oppressed state in 
 Egypt, and their wonderful deliverance : and while they wor- 
 shipped and gave thanks to their great and gracious Deliverer 
 
 ( 327 t 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 145 
 
 thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man- 
 servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thine ox, nor 
 thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor "thy stranger 
 that is within thy gates : that ‘thy man-servant 
 and thy maid-servant may rest as well as thou. 
 
 15 And "remember that thou wast a servant in 
 •ne land of Egypt, and that v the Lord thy God 
 brought thee out thence, “through a mighty hand, 
 and by a stretched-out arm: therefore the Lord 
 thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath- 
 day. 
 
 16 •''Honour thy father and thy mother, as the 
 Lord thy God hath commanded thee : that *thy 
 days may be prolonged, and that it may go well 
 with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God 
 giveth thee. 
 
 17 Thou “shalt not kill. 
 
 16 Neither b shalt thou commit adultery. 
 
 19 Neither “shalt thou steal. 
 
 20 Neither d shalt thou bear false witness against 
 thy neighbour. 
 
 21 Neither “shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s 
 
 wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s 
 
 house, his field, or his man-servant, or his maid- 
 servant, or his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is 
 thy neighbour’s. 
 
 22 H These ‘words the Lord spake unto all 
 your assembly, in the mount out of the midst of 
 the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, 
 with a great voice; and he added no more : and 
 she wrote them in two tables of stone, and de- 
 livered them unto me. 
 
 23 And it came to pass, h when ye heard the 
 voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the 
 mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near 
 unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and 
 your elders ; 
 
 24 And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath 
 showed us his glory, and his greatness, and Kve 
 
 ■ Neh. 13:15—' 21. t Lev. 25:44— 40. Xeh. 5:5. u 15:15. 16: 12. 21:19—22. Is. 
 51:1,2. Eph. 2:11, 12. v See on 6. Ps. 116:16. Is. 63:9. Luke 1:74,75. Tit. 2: 
 li i See an 4:34— 37. y See an Ex. 20: 12. Lev. 19:3. Matt. 15:4— 6. ( o] . 3: 
 2t z 4:40. 27:16. Eph. 6:2,3. a See on Ex. 20:13. Malt. 5:21,22. b Set an 
 Ex. 20:14. Luke 18:20. Jam. 2:10,11. e See on Ex. 20:15. Rom, 13.9. Eph. 4: 
 28. (119:16—21. Seem Ex. 20: 16. 23: 1 . 1 Kings 21: 13. Prov. 6: 19. 19:5,9. 
 e See on Ex. 20:17. 1 Kings 21:1— 1. Mic. 2:2. Hah. 2:9. I.nke 12:15. Rom. 7: 
 7.8. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. Heb. 13:5. tSeeoni. 4:12—15,36. Ex. 19:18,19. g Se-on 
 4:13. Ex. 24:12. 31:18. li Ex. 20:18,19. Heb. 12:18— 21. i See on 4,5. )4: 
 
 33. lien. 32:30. Ex. 33:20. Jnilg. 13:22. k 18:16. 33:2. 2Cor. 3:7—9. Gal. 3:10, 
 21,22. Heb. 12:29. * Heb .add. to hear. 1 See on 4:33. m Gen. 6:12. Is. 40:6. 
 
 humanely to allow respite from labour to their servants, and 
 even heathen slaves, and piously to afford the man opportunity 
 of becoming acquainted with Jehovah, and worshipping him ; 
 from which advantages, they themselves had been cruelly and 
 impiously restricted by their Egyptian oppressors. Thus, 
 while the judicial law supposed the existence of slavery 
 among the Jews; this, and similar regulations, when duly 
 complied with, were calculated to convert the slavery of the 
 heathen in Israel into a blessing to their souls, by bringing 
 them under the means of gr.ace, and putting them in the way 
 of obtaining the privileges of God’s peculiar people. (Note, 
 Ex. 21:2.) And amidst the enormities of modern slavery, 
 if it could truly be said, that all the slaves rested from all 
 labour on the Lord’s day, being allowed and required to keep 
 it holy ; and were so instructed on it in the nature of genuine 
 Christianity , as to afford them an adequate opportunity of 
 being made partakers of its blessings; it would plead more 
 powerfully for its being suffered to exist, than all other rea- 
 sons which have been urged in its favour. 
 
 V. 16 — 21. There are several unimportant variations from 
 the law as delivered from Sinai ; but the substance is entirely 
 the same. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Ex. 20:12 — 17.) 
 
 V. 22 — 27. Several particulars are here added which were 
 not mentioned in the narrative ; and all well calculated to 
 illustrate the greatness of the consternation excited among 
 the people, by the giving of the law from mount Sinai. — (Marg 
 Ref. Note, Ex. 20:18 — 20.) 
 
 V. 28, 29. When the people were impressed with the 
 terror of immediate destruction from (he voice of God speak- 
 ing from mount Sinai, and were conscious that they could not 
 thus approach him, hut desired a mediator by whom he might 
 speak to them ; and when they promised to hear and obey that 
 mediator; they spake well: and had they properly under- 
 stood their own request, and been permanently disposed 
 according to it, all would have proceeded and terminated 
 happily. But the Lord, in very affecting and emphatical lan- 
 guage, suggests that, it was not so: for he saw that, though 
 they were alarmed, they were neither duly humbled, nor pre- 
 pared to receive in faith the promised mediator whom Moses 
 typified, nor disposed to walk in the ways of holy obedience. 
 This language shows us what. God approves, delights in, and 
 a :cept*, as honourable to his name, right in itself, and profit- 
 ( 32S ) 
 
 have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire . 
 we have seen this day that God doth talk with 
 man, and )he liveth. 
 
 25 Now therefore why shou d we die ? for k this 
 great fire will consume us. If we ‘hear the 
 voice of the Lord our God any more, then we 
 shall die. 
 
 26 For 'who is there of m a!l flesh, that hath 
 heard the voice of the "living God speaking out 
 of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived ? 
 
 27 Go thou near, and “hear all that the Lord 
 our God shall say ; and speak thou unto us all 
 that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee, and 
 we will hear it and do it. 
 
 28 And the Lord heard tne voice of your 
 words, when ye spake unto me, and the Lord 
 said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words 
 of this people, which they have spoken unto 
 thee : '■they have well said all that they have 
 spoken. 
 
 29 "iOh, that there were such an heart in them, 
 that they would fear me, and r keep all my com- 
 mandments always, "that it might be well with 
 them, and with their children for ever ! 
 
 30 Go say to them, Get you into your tent3 
 again. 
 
 31 But as for thee, stand thou here by me, and 
 'I will speak unto thee all the commandments, and 
 the statutes, and the judgments, which thou shalt 
 teach them, that they may do them in the land 
 which I give them to possess it. 
 
 32 Ye shall "observe to do therefore as the 
 Lord your God hath commanded you : x ye shall 
 not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 
 
 33 Ye shall nvalk in all the ways which the 
 Lord your God hath commanded you : that ye 
 may live, and that it may be "well with you, and 
 that ye may prolong your days in the land which 
 ye shall possess. 
 
 Rom. 3 20. n Josh. 3:10. Ps. 42:2. 84:2. Jer. 10:10. Dan. 6:26. Mall. 26:63. 
 Acts 14:15. 2 Cor. 6:16. lThea. 1:9. o on Ex. 20:19. Heb. 12:19. p 18:17. 
 Num. 27:7. 36:5. q 32:29,30. Ps. 81 : 13— 15. Is. 48: 18. Jer. 44:4. Man. 23:37. 
 Luke 19:42. 2 Cor. 5:20. 6:1. llel.. 12:25. r 11:1. Ps. 106-3. 119:1—5. Luke 11: 
 28. John 15:14. Rev. 22:14. s 16 . 4:4(1. 6:3,18. 12:25.28. 19:13. 22:7. Rutli 3: 
 1. Ps. 19:11. Is. 3:10. Jer. 22:14,15. Eph. 6:3. Jam. 1:25. t See on 1. 4:1,5.45s 
 6:1. 11:1.12:1. Ez. 20:11. Mai. 4:4. Gal. 3:19. n 6:3.23. 8:1. 11:32. 44:8. 
 2 Kings 21:8. K:. 87:24. x 4:1,2. 12:32 . 28:14. Josh. 1:7 23:6. Ps. 125:5. Prov. 
 '4:27. 2 Pet. 2:21. y Ps. 119:6. Jer. 7:23. Luke 1:6. Rom. *2.7. iSeeon^B. 
 1 Tim. 4:8. 
 
 able to his rational creatures : and is highly encouraging to 
 those who are humbly desirous of salvation, and consciously 
 willing to obey the commands of God ; and who earnestly 
 pray for grace to enable them so to do. For it evinces the 
 Lord’s readiness to assist and accept them; and shows that 
 he does not delight in punishment for its own sake, but only 
 when the righteous purposes of his government render it 
 necessary ; as the merciful prince does not delight in, yea, 
 indeed, weeps over, the death-warrant, which a variety of 
 important considerations render it indispensably necessary 
 he should sign. But we should not attempt to infer any thing 
 from such passages, respecting the conduct of God towards 
 impenitent sinners, or the method of his dispensing his unme- 
 rited favours ; for it is the evident intention of them to give us a 
 practical, useful view of the subject, unencumbered with the 
 niceties of speculation ; and we should he very careful to ad- 
 mit nothing which tends to counteract that important design. 
 (Notes, 32:29. Ps. 81:13—15. Is. 48:17—19. Ez. 18:23. 
 Luke 19:41 — 14.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The word of God is spoken to us, that we may learn, 
 retain, and practise it; for in this all religion is ultimately 
 centred, and without it the whole is hut a dead carcass, not 
 only worthless but abominable. Of this practice the divine 
 law is the universal, immutable, and everlasting rule : but we 
 transgressors have no disposition, ability, or encouragement, 
 to obey that law, but what is derived from the new covenant 
 of mercy and grace, made with us through the mediation of 
 Christ. He continually stands between the holy God and 
 the sinner who comes by faith in his name, both to ensure his 
 acceptance, and assist his obedience. The words he once 
 spake on earth are written in the Scriptures; and from age 
 to age sinners are invited to accede to his covenant, and 
 share the promised blessings: which invitation cannot bo 
 finally refused, without ensuring eternal destruction ; and 
 nothing except such refusal can ruin ns. But wo must 
 remember that good words may be spoken, good resolutions 
 formed, and transient convictions experienced, nay excellent 
 words used in prayer, even by those who persist in unbelief 
 through prevailing pride and love of sin. ( f such wf* nay 
 say, 4 * On, that there were such a heart in them.” But we 
 should also add a prayer for ours*) ;es, and for each other ; 
 
B. C 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. B.C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Barnett exhoi rations to obedience, united with various instructions and 
 cautions , l — 19. In what manner the children were to be instructed , 2U 
 —25. 
 
 N OW tliese are “the commandments, the sta- 
 tutes, and the judgments, which the Lord 
 your God commanded to teach you, that ye might 
 do them in the land whither ye 'go to possess it : 
 
 2 That thou mightest b fear the Lord thy God, 
 to keep all his statutes, and his commandments, 
 which I command thee; thousand thy son, and 
 thy son’s son, all the days of thy life, and that 
 d thy days may be prolonged. 
 
 3 Hear, therefore, 0 Israel, e and observe to do 
 it ; that it may be well with thee, and f that ye 
 may incremse mightily, as the Lord God of thy 
 fathers hath promised thee, g in the land that fluw- 
 eth with milk and honey. 
 
 4 Hear, 0 Israel ; h The Lord our God is one 
 Lord. * 
 
 5 And ’thou shalt love the Lord thy God k with 
 
 a See on 4:1,5.14,45. 5:31. 12:1. Lev. 27:34. Mum. 36:13. ■ Heb. pass ovp . 
 
 b See on 4:10. 10:12,20. 131. Gen. 22: 12. Ex. 20-20. Job 23:28. . s. 111:10. 
 123:1. Prov. 16:6. Ec. 12:13. Luke 12:5. 1 Pet. 1:17. c 7. Gen. 18:19. P*.78:4 
 —8. <14:4'. 5:16,33. 22:7. Prov. 3:1,2,16. 1 Pet. 3:10,11. e See on 4:6. 5:32. 
 f Gen. 12:2. 13:16. 15:5. 22:17. 26:4. 23:14 Ex. 1:7. Acts 7:17. g Ex. 3:8. 
 h 4:35,36. 5:6. 1 Kings IS 21. 1 Chr. 29 10. Is. 42:8. 44:6,8. 45:5,6. Jer. 1U: 10, 
 11. Mark 12:29.32. John 17 3. 1 Cor. 8:4— 6. 1 Tim. 2:5. i 10:12. 11:13. 30.6. 
 Matt. 22:37. Murk 12:30.33. Luke 10.27. 1 John 5:3. k 4.29. 2 Kings 23:25. 
 Matt. 10.37. John 14:20.21. 2 t or. 5:14,15. 1 11:18. 32:46. Ps. 37:31. 40:8. 119: 
 
 and beg of the Lord that he would give us such a heart 
 “ that we may fear him, and keep all his commandments, 
 always:” and we may present such a petition in faith, for the 
 Lord delights in bestowing his blessings on those who have 
 been taught to value them, and to seek them in the name of 
 Jesus Christ. — Let sinners then tremble at this fiery law, and 
 flee for refuge to the Saviour ; let professed Christians exa- 
 mine carefully, whether their faith be accompanied wi.h a 
 desire of having that law written in their hearts, and reduced 
 to practice in their whole conduct : and let. believers make it 
 more and more their study and delight, that they may do as 
 the Lord God hath commanded them, without u turning aside 
 to the right, hand or to the left.” Thus, by universal godli- 
 ness, righteousness, temperance, patience, purity, and love, 
 and an exact regard to every relative duty, they will best 
 evince their faith, adorn the gospel, glorify the Lord, he use- 
 ful to their fellow-creatures, entail a blessing on their children, 
 and ripen fur glory. In attending to these important con- 
 cerns, we need repeated instructions and admonitions: let us 
 then not deem it tedious frequently to hear, read, and medi- 
 tate on the same truths and precepts. Let us learn to hal- 
 low the Lord’s sabbaths, and set an example of attending on 
 his ordinances : and, remembering that our servants are of 
 the same nature with ourselves, and equally in need and 
 capable of the same inestimable salvation, Jet us allow them 
 also suitable relaxation from labour, and opportunity for hal- 
 lowing the sabbath, and learning the way of peace afid holiness. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1. Here and in similar pas- 
 sages, u the commandments” seem to denote the moral law ; 
 “the statutes,” the ceremonial law; and “the judgments,” 
 the judicial law. 
 
 V. 4. Th • threefold mention of the divine names, and the 
 plural number of the original word translated God, are sup- 
 posed by many commentators, ancient and modern, to be a 
 plain intimation of a Trinity of Persons, even in this express 
 declaration of the unity of the Godhead, to the exclusion of 
 the many lords and gods of the heathens, and in opposition 
 to them. (Note, Gen. 1:1.) ‘Some of the Jews themselves 
 have thought there was something extraordinary in it, that 
 the name of God should be thrice mentioned : . . . which signi- 
 fies three Midoth , or properties, they confess, which they 
 sometimes call three Faces , or Emanations , or Sanctifications , 
 or Numerations; though they will not call them three Per- 
 sons.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 5. The foregoing verse contains the first article of our 
 creed ; and this is “the fir t and great commandment,” which 
 briefly comprehends the whole of the first table of the law. — 
 The love of God perfectly consists with the fear of him 
 before-mentioned : (2) yea, the more we love him, the more 
 wo shall regard his authority, reverence his majesty, fear to 
 offend or dishonour him, and be careful to render unto him 
 •hat worship which he requires. — Human laws can only take 
 cognizance of the outward conduct: but the law of the heart- 
 searching God requires Love, the seat of which is in the 
 mmost soul. That love comprises a supreme valuation of 
 nis infinite excellence and amiableness ; an entire desire of 
 She knowledge and enjoyment of him as our felicity ; cordial 
 telight in contemplating his manifested glories, and in wor- 
 \hipping and obeying him ; lively gratitude for all his innu- 
 merable and invaluable mercies ; zeal for his glory ; and an 
 ardent desire that all our fellow-creatures, in conjunction 
 with us, may thus know, love, worship, obey, and serve him. 
 These dispositions and affections are required to be as large 
 as the powers of the soul itself, and to engross and fill the 
 whole, to the entire e 'elusion of all iontrary affections, and 
 Vo L. I. 42 
 
 all thine heart, and with all thy sou and with all 
 thy might. 1 
 
 6 And these words, which I command thee this 
 day, 'shall be in thine heart. 
 
 7 And thou m shalt 'teach them diligently unto 
 thy children, and "shalt talk of them when thou 
 sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by 
 the way, and when thou best down, and when 
 thou risest up. 
 
 8 And °thou shalt bind them for a sign upon 
 thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between 
 thine eyes. 
 
 9 And thou shalt Pwrite them upon the posts ot 
 thy house, and on thy gates. 
 
 10 And it shall be, when the Lord thy God 
 shall have brought thee into 'the land which he 
 sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and 
 to Jacob, to give thee r great and goodly cities 
 which thou buildest not, 
 
 11 And houses full of all good things which 
 thou filledst not, and wells digged which thou 
 
 11,98. Prov. 2: 10. 3:1—3. 7:3. Is 51:7. Jer. 31.3? Luke2:51. ?. o.2Cor.3:3. 
 Col. 3:16. 2 John 2. m2 See or 79.10. 11:19. Gen. 18:19. Ex. 12:26,27. 13: 
 14,15. Ps. 78:4 — 6. E|ih.6:4. t Heb. whet, or sharpen, n Ruth g:4, 12. 4:11. 
 Ps. 37;3U. 40:9,10. 119:46. 129:8. Prov. 6:22. 10:21. 15:2.7. Mai. 3:16. Matt. 
 12:35. Luke 6:45. Kph.4:29. Col. 4:6. 1 Pet. 3:15. o 11:18. Ex. 13:9,16. Num. 
 15:38,39. Prov. 6:21. 7:3. Matt. 23.5. Hel).2:l. p 1 1 :2l). Ex. 12:7. Job 19:23— 
 25. Is. 30:8. 57*8. Hah. 2:2. qGen. 13:15—17. 15:18. 26:3. 28:13. r Josh. 24. 
 13. Nell. 9.25. Ps. 78:55. 105:44. 
 
 the regulation and moderation of all other affections, in entire 
 subordination and subserviency to this governing principle : 
 so that nothing should, in any sen^e, or in any degree, be 
 loved by us, hut for the Lord’s sake, and according to his 
 commandment. Thus are we reasonalily required to “love 
 the Lord our God,” both for what he is in himself, what he 
 hath done for us, and what he is and will be to us ; and that 
 uniformly, constantly, perfectly, and progressively. — What- 
 ever our natural capacities may he, or to whatever improve- 
 ments we may, in this or in a future world, attain, the Lord 
 commands us to give him the whole: and were our love thus 
 perfect, our worship, obedience, and submission also would 
 he perfect ; nor could it ever possibly vary, or fall short of our 
 whole strength and power, without a variation or diminution 
 of this inward principle. Yet even this would admit o. 
 degrees and increase, from the first dawning of reason in the 
 infant, (such as was the holy child Jesus,) in progressive 
 enlargement to the highest possible exaltation of the angelic 
 nature. For no creature, to all eternity, can ever love God 
 in measure equal to his excellence, which is infinite as his 
 incomprehensible being ; but each might and ought to love 
 the Lord, to the utmost extent of all the powers which the 
 Creator has bestowed on him. This would at once secure to 
 God the glory due to his name; and to his creatures, that 
 felicity of which he hath formed them capable. Thus it is 
 with angels in heaven ; thus it was with man before his apos- 
 tacy. But alas! the “carnal mind” of fallen man, “is 
 enmity against God and as we all are by nature destitute of 
 this love of God ; we all love ourselves, the world, and our 
 favourite sinful indulgences and pursuits, with all our heart , 
 our mind , our soul, and strength , and therefore sacrifice every 
 thing »o these idols. But in regeneration an internal revolu- 
 tion takes place; the usurpers are dethroned, the Lord him- 
 self takes possession of the heart, and becomes the supreme 
 object of our love : yet so long as sin dwelleth in us, we never 
 love God according to the full perfection of ibis precept; but 
 our love in all the exercises and effects of it, is often inter- 
 rupted, and at best comparatively languid. All, however, 
 that comes short of this perfect love, is sin, and needs for- 
 giveness ; and therefore our best obedience can do nothing 
 towards our justification. Yet this law is our standard : by 
 progressive sanctification we are renewed in conformity to it; 
 and “ the spirits of just men made perfect” are, in this 
 respect, already made equal to the angels in heaven. (Notes, 
 Ex. 20:3. Matt. 22:37. Mark 12:28—34.) 
 
 V. 6. In thine heart.] That is, ‘ Let these words be 
 treasured up in thy memory, rooted in thy judgment, and 
 reigning in thy affections; that they may become habitually 
 the subjects of converse and meditation, to the exclusion of 
 all such as are of a contrary or inferior nature.’ 
 
 V. 7 — 9. The Israelites were commanded to take every 
 method of making the knowledge of the divine law familiar 
 to them and to their families ; that every object which they 
 beheld might serve as a memorial of it. Some ihink, that the 
 subsequent directions should be considered only as figurative 
 language, strongly enforcing the grand principle: but several 
 of them at least seem to have been intended literally , accord- 
 ing to the circumstances of those times; though the Jews in 
 latter ages have run into a most frivolous superstition, by 
 resting in the outward observance. Such external methods, 
 however, may be less necessary at present, where copies of 
 the Bible are cheap and numerous: but the duty of diligently 
 teaching children from the word of God, and frequently and 
 openly conversing together concerning it, remains the same. 
 {1H8 — 21. Note , Matt. 23:5—7.) 
 
 ( 329 ) 
 
b L. 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 di-'gedst not, vineyards and olive-trees which thou 
 lantedst not; ‘when thou shalt have eaten and 
 e full ; 
 
 12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord 
 which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, 
 frorr the house of 'bondage. 
 
 13 Thou shalt ‘fear the Lord thy God, and 
 serve him, and u shalt swear by his name. 
 
 14 Ye shall x not go after other gods, ?of the 
 gods of the people which are round about you ; 
 
 15 (For the Lord thy God Hs a jealous God 
 among you;) a lest the anger of the Lord thy God 
 be kindled against thee, and b destroy thee from otf 
 the face of the earth. 
 
 16 Ye shall not ‘tempt the Lord your God, as 
 ye ‘'tempted him in Massah. 
 
 17 Ye shall ‘diligently keep the commandments 
 of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and 
 his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. 
 
 18 And thou f shalt do that which is right and 
 good in the sight of the Lord ; *that it may be 
 well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and 
 possess the good land which the Lord sware unto 
 thy dithers ; 
 
 19 To 'cast out all thine enemies from before 
 
 thee, as the Lord hath spoken. f 
 
 20 IT Jbid 'when thy son asketh thee hn time to 
 come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and 
 the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord 
 our God hath commanded you ? 
 
 s 7:1-2 — 18. 32:15. Jmlg. 3:7. Pro*. 30:8,9. Jer. 2:31,32. Ez. 16:10 — 20. Malt. 
 19:23.24 * Heb. bondmen , nr servants, t Sec on 2. 5:29. 10:12,20. 13:4. 
 
 Malt. 4:10. Luke 4:3. u Lev. 19:12. Josh. 2:12. Ps. 15:4. Is. 45:23. 65:16. Jer. 
 4:2.5:7.12:16. x 8:19. 11:28. Ex. 34:14— 16. Jer. 25:6. 1 John 5:21 . y 13. 
 7. z See on 4:24. Ex. 20:5. I Cor. 10:22. a 7:4. 11:17. Nutn. 32: 10— 15. Ps. 90: 
 7,11. b Gen. 7: 1. Ex. 32: 12. 1 Kings 13:34. Am. 9:8. c Matt. 4:7. Luke 4:12. 
 d Ex. 17:2.7. Num. 20:3,4,13.21:4,5. Ps. 95:8,9. 1 Cor. 10.9. Heb. 3:8,9. 
 e 1,2. 11:13,22. Ex. 15:26. Ps. 119:1. 1 Cor. 15:58. Til. 3 8. Heb. 6:11. 2 Pel. 
 1:5—10.3:14. f 8:11. 12:25,28. 13:18. Pa. 19:11. Is. 3:10. Ez. 18:7, 19, 21, 27. 
 33:11,16,19. Hos. 14:9. John 8:29. Rom. 12:2. g SeeoniAO. 5:29.33. h Ex. 
 23:28— 30. Num. 33:52,53. Judg. 2:1-3. 3:1—4. i See on 7. Ex. 12:26. 13:14. 
 
 V. 12. Then beware , &e.] Notes , Ps. 62:8- — 10. Prov. 
 30:7—9. Jer. 9:23,24. Dan. 4:28—33. Matt. 19:23— 2fi. 1 
 
 Tim. 6:17 — 19. Jam 1:9 — 11. ‘In all time of our 
 
 wealth ; . . . Good Lord deliver us.’ Litany. 
 
 V. 13. As an act of religious worship, on important occa- 
 sions, the Israelites were commanded to appeal to Jehovah 
 by a solemn oath; and not to any of the imaginary deities of 
 the nations around them. This command fully proves the 
 lawfulness of oaths: for the unchangeable God could not 
 expresssly enjoin any thing, in itself contrary to his own moral 
 law. (Note, Matt. 5:33 — 37.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. Marg. R'f. Notes , Ex. 20:4,5. 34:11 — 17. 
 
 V. 16 — 19. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 17:1 — 7. 
 
 V. 20 — 24. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 13:8 — 10. Josh. 4:20 — 
 24. Ps. 78:3—8. 
 
 V. 25. If the Israelites attended on the typical ceremo- 
 nies and sacrifices in a penitent and believing manner, and 
 showed that they were “ without guile” in this respect, by a 
 conscientious regard to all the other parts of the divine law ; 
 they would he accepted through the promised Redeemer, as 
 if their obedience had been complete, though in itself it would 
 he imperfect. On the other hand, by habitually neglecting 
 any part of the law, their obedience in other respects would 
 be rendered useless, and their partiality would evince their 
 hypocrisy. (Notes, Malt. 7:21 — 27.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The knowledge of the spirituality and excellence of the 
 holy law is suited to show sinful man his need of a Saviour, 
 and to prepare his heart to welcome a gratuitous salvation : 
 and the gospel is calculated to magnify and honour the law, 
 not only in the perfect obedience of the Son of God to its 
 holy precept, and in his willing subjection to its awful curse ; 
 but in bringing back apostate rebels and enemies, by repent- 
 ance, faith, forgiveness, and renewing grace, to love God 
 supremely in tins world, and pcrfectlxj, even as angels love 
 him, in the world above. In proportion as we possess that 
 “faith which thus worketh by love." (Note, Gal. 5:1 — 6.) 
 we shal 1 delight in his commandments, ordinances, and 
 people' , we shall savour heavenly converse and heavenly 
 cxer uses ; and “ our meditation of him will be sweet.” — But 
 alas '. that very conduct, which this chapter prescribes to 
 Israel, could scarcely be reduced to practice among men 
 called Christians, without exciting almost universal contempt 
 and disgust ! To be continually speaking of the truths and 
 commands of God, upon our journeys, in our families, and in 
 company ; to make religion our first subject in the morning, 
 and our last at night ; and to quote Scripture on every suit- 
 able occasion, without reserve or apology, as those who glory 
 and delight in it, would certainly bring upon us the charge of 
 affectation, of enthusiasm, or of hypocrisy. This lamentably 
 discovers to how low an ebb religion has fallen among pro- 
 fessed Christians ! but unless the truths and preempts of the 
 
 ( 330 ) 
 
 21 Then thou sha.t say unto thy son, k We 
 were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt, and the Lord 
 brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 
 
 22 And the Lord ‘showed signs and wonders 
 great and *sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and 
 upon all his household, ^before our eyes ; 
 
 23 And he brought us out from thence, that he 
 might bring us in, “to give us the land which he 
 sware unto our fathers. 
 
 24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these 
 statutes, to fear the Lord our God, °lor our good 
 always, that Phe might preserve us alive, as it is 
 at this day. 
 
 25 And 4it shall be our righteousness, if we 
 observe to do all these commandments before the 
 Lord our God, as he hath commanded us. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The nations of Canaan must be utterly destroyed, and no leagues or marriages 
 made with t’^em ; in order to avoid idolatry , and because Israel teas the 
 chosenpeovle of God , I — 8. Obedience enforced by the Lord's justice and 
 mercy, ana by promises of victory and prosperity, 9 — 24. Images to be 
 entirely destroyed, 25, 26. 
 
 W HEN “the Lord thy God shall bring thee 
 into the land whither thou goest to possess 
 it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, Hite 
 Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, 
 and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the 
 Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations ‘greater 
 and mightier than thou; 
 
 2 And when the Lord thy God shall d deliver 
 them before thee, thou shalt smite them, and 
 
 Josh. 4:6,7,21 — 24. Prov. *22:6. t Heb. to-morroic. k 5:6,15. 15:15. 26:5 — 9. 
 See on Ex. 20:2.— Neh. 9:9,10. Ps. 136:10—12. Is. 51:1. Jer. 32:20,21. Rorru 
 6:17.18. Eph. 2:11,12. I See on 4:34. Ex. 7: 8 : 9: 10: 11: 12: 14: Ps. 135:9. 
 x Heb. evil, m 1:30. 3:21. 4:3. 7:19. Ps. 58:10,11. 91:8. n 10,18. 1:8, 35. See 
 on Ex. 13:5. o 10:13. Job 35:7,8. Prov. 9:12. Is. 3:10. Jer. 32:39. Matt. 6:33. 
 Rom. 6:21,22. p 4:1,4. 8:3. Ts. 41:2. 66:9. Rom. 10:5. q 24:1 Lev. 18:5. 
 Ps. 106:30,31. 119:6. Prov. 12:28. Ex. 20:11. Luke 10:28,29. Rom. 10:3, 5, 61 - 
 Gal. 3:12. Jam. 2:10. a See on 4:28. 6:1,10,19,23. 9:4. H:29. 31:20. Ex. 6:8 
 15:17. Num. 14:31. Ps. 44:2,3. 78:55. b Gen. 15: 18— 21 . Ex. 23:23,28 33:2. 
 c See on 4:38. 4:1— 3. 20:1. d 23,24 . 3:3. 23:14. Gen. 14:20. Josh. 10:24,25, 
 30,32,42. 21:44. Judg. 1:4. 
 
 sacred volume are indeed written in our hearts, and practised 
 in our lives, all our profession or conversation will be but 
 lip-labour , and justty condemned as hypocritical. — Though 
 every condition in life exposes us to peculiar snares ; yet none 
 is so dangerous, and so commonly ruinous, as prosperity and 
 alHuence ; for pride, love of the world, forgetfulness of God, 
 and disregard to eternal things, like poisonous weeds, natu- 
 rally grow from our wicked hearts, when fattened (so to 
 speak) with the manure of wealth. So that the greater favours 
 we receive from a bountiful Providence, the more ungrate- 
 fully we generally behave ! Let none of us then be desiious 
 or in haste to be. rich. (Note, 1 Tim. (5 :(> — 10.) — Let those 
 who are rich, or growing rich, tremble, u and beware lest 
 they forget the Lord.” Their danger is great, but “with God 
 all things are possible let them seek to him for grace suffi- 
 cient. If poor, let us learn to be content, and thankful for 
 our safer lot : and instead of being anxious to get wealth for 
 our children, (which is like building a wall to keep them out 
 of heaven,) let us be careful to explain the scriptural truths, 
 precepts, ordinances, and history to them, and to all com- 
 mitted to our care; to make edifying observations to them on 
 the occurrences of Providence ; and to encourage their inqui- 
 ries, by giving them plain, familiar, and full answers ; endea- 
 vouring by every means to show them the nature, reasona- 
 bleness, and advantage of true religion ; confirming the whole 
 with the example of serious godliness, in every part and in 
 every occurrence of life ; united with an affectionate exercise 
 of our authority, and fervent prayers for and with them. 
 Thus will it be well with us and them ; and we may hope for 
 an incorruptible inheritance for them, and for ourselves, when 
 all the wealth of this world shall be n«> more. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. I — 4. The number and names 
 of these nations, here vary from those which had been before 
 mentioned. (Note, Gen. 15:18 — 21.) In a long course of 
 years many revolutions would take place ; some tribes would 
 be extinct, or incorporated with others, and some would have 
 changed their names. But they were the posterity of the 
 same people, inhabiting the same land ; and they hao no\V 
 filled up the measure of their iniquities. Israel wf.s there- 
 fore commissioned to execute divine vengeance : and they 
 were not only junified in all they did ; hut they actually 
 offended, and were themselves punished for not more entirely 
 extirpating them. Yet they would by no means have been 
 justified, if they had, from love of conquest and thirst ol 
 dominion, carried on such bloody wars against any nation 
 not expressly included in their commission : their conduct 
 therefore can form no precedent to others, nor in the least 
 excuse the murder and rapine, which mad ambition has in ah 
 ages been committing. (Notes, Num. 21:21 — 25. 31:2.) — 
 The Lord was pleased in this solemn transaction, not only ft 
 show his abhorrence of sin ; but, by thus executing vengeance 
 upon guilty nations, to teach all, who regard the Scripture!* 
 
13. C. 1452. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 13. C. 1452, 
 
 •utterly desl roy them : thou shalt f make no cove- 
 nar t with tl em. nor show mercy unto them : 
 
 3 Neither shall thou «make marriages with 
 them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his 
 son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy 
 son. 
 
 4 For they will turn away thy son from follow- 
 ing me, that they may serve other gods : h so will 
 the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, 
 and destroy thee suddenly. 
 
 5 But thus shall ye deal with them: ye shall 
 •destroy their altars, and break down their 'images, 
 k and cut down their groves, and ‘burn their graven 
 images with fire. 
 
 6 For thou art m an holy people unto the Lord 
 thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee 
 “to be a special people unto himself, above all 
 people that are upon the face of the earth. 
 
 7 The LoRD°did not sethis love upon you, nor 
 choose you, because ye were more in number 
 than any people ; (for i’ye were the fewest of all 
 people ;) 
 
 8 But ■ibecause the Lord loved you, and be- 
 cause he would keep r the oath which he had 
 sworn unto your fathers, hath “the Lord brought 
 you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you 
 out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of 
 Pharaoh king of Egypt. 
 
 9 Know, therefore, that the Lord thy God he is 
 God, the 'faithful God, “which keepeth covenant 
 and mercy with them that love him and keep his 
 commandments, to “a thousand generations ; 
 
 10 And ^repayeth them that hate him to their 
 face, to destroy them : he will not be “slack to him 
 that "hateth him, he will repay him to his face. 
 
 11 Thou shalt therefore b keep the command- 
 ments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which 
 
 1 command thee this day to do them. 
 
 12 Wherefore it shall come to pass, -if c ye 
 hearken to these judgments, and keep and do them, 
 that d the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee Jhe 
 covenant and the mercy which he sware unto thy 
 fathers. 
 
 13 And “lie will love thee, and bless thee, and 
 multiply thee : f he will also bless the fruit of thy 
 womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy 
 
 c 20:16.17. Lev. 27:28,29. Num. 33:52. Josh. 6:17— 25. 8:24. 9:24. 16:28.40. 
 11:11,12. f 211:10,11. Ex. 23:32,33. 34:12— 16. Josh. 2:14. 9:18— 21. Judg. 
 1:21. 2:2. 2 Sam. 21:2. g Sen. 6:2.3. Ex. 34:15,16. Josh. 23:12,13. Jiidg. 3:6, 
 7. 1 Kings 11:2. Ezra 9:1,2. Neh. 13:23—27. 2 Cor. 6:14-17. h 6:15. 32.16,17. 
 Ex. 26:5. Jmlg. 2:1 1, 20. 3:7,8. 10:6,7. i 12:2,3. Ex. 23:24 . 34:13. 2 Kings 23: 
 6—14. • lieb. Statues, or pillars. 16:22. Lev. 26:1. It Judg. 6:25,26. 145.9: 
 
 21. Ex. 32:20. m26:19. 28:9. Ex. 19:5.6. P». 50:5. Jer. 2:3. Am. 3:2. 1 Cor. 
 6:19,20. Tit. 2:14. I Pet. 2:5,9. n Mai. 3:17. mam. Tit. 2:14. o I s. 11.5:1. 
 Roin. 9:11— 15,18,21. 11:6. 1 John 3: 1 . 4:10. p 10:22. Is. 51:2. Mall. 7:14. 
 Lake 12:32. Rom. 9:27—29. n 4:37. 9:4,5. 10:15. 1 Sam. 12:22. 2 Sam. 22:20. 
 Ps. 44:3. Is. 43:4. Jer. 31:3. 7,eph. 3:17. Malt. 11:26. Bah. 2:4,5. 2Thes.2: 
 13.14. Til. 3:3— 7. 1 John 4:19. r Gen. 22: 16— IS. Ex. 32:13. Ps. 105:8— 10,42. 
 L ike 1:55,72,73. Heb.6:13— 18. s See on 4:20,34 Ex. 13.3,14. t Ex. 34:6,7.. Ps. 
 119:75. 146:6. Is. 49:7. Lam. 3:23. 1 Cor. 1:9. 10:13. 2Cor.l:18. lTheo.5:24. 
 
 2 Thes. 3:3. 2 Tim. 2:13. Tit. 1:2. Heb. 6:18. 10:23. 11:11. 1 John 1:9. u5:10. 
 Gen. 17:7. Ex. 20:6. Neh. 1:5. Dan. 9:4. Rom. 3:28. I Cor. 8:3. Jam. 1:12. 
 x l hr. 16:15. y 5:9. 32:41. Ps. 21:8,9. Prov. 11.31. Is. 59:18. Nah.l:2. Rom. 
 1*2:19. z 2 Pet. 3:9,10. a Ex. 20:5. John 15:23,24. b 5 m on 4:1. 5:32. John 
 14:1-5. t Heb. because. c28:l. Lev. 26:3. djSeeon9. Ps. 105:8 — 10. Mic.7: 
 
 the real cause of the heavy calamities with which, in the 
 ordinary course of his providence, he punishes one kingdom 
 after another. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. (Notes, 2£r.l 9:5,6.) The Lord chose Israel in the 
 single person of Abraham : from him they were multiplied to 
 seventy persons, when they went down into Egypt ; and 
 though they were very numerous in proportion when he 
 brought them from thence, yet they were far less so than 
 many other ancient nations ; and probably than either the 
 Egyptians from whom they were delivered, or the Canaaiiites 
 whose land they inherited. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 9—14. Marg. Ref. Notes , 28:1—14. Ex. 34:5—7. 
 Ijev. 26:3 — 12. — A thousand generations. (9) 1 Chr. 16:15. 
 Note , Ex. 20:6. 
 
 V. 15. The Israelites, if obedient, would have been sub- 
 ject to no maladies but those common to fallen men, and 
 generally very healthy and long-liv«d ; being graciously ex- 
 empted from pestilential diseases, which often most tremen- 
 dously scourge guilty nations; and from such maladies in 
 particular as they had witnessed in Egypt, by which God 
 afflicted their cruel oppressors, but of which we know nothing 
 with certainty. (Ex. 15:26.) This must be referred to the 
 national covenant . for though godliness commonly secures the 
 most solid temporal advantages ; yet temporal blessings were 
 net even among them, uniformly dispensed to individuals 
 according to their obedience: but they were to the nation, with 
 an exactness, which is not observed towards any other oeople. 
 LN*te, Lev. 26:3,4.) 
 
 wine, and thine oil, the increase of thy kine, and 
 the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which he sware 
 unto thv fathers to give thee. 
 
 14 Thou shalt be ^blessed above all people 
 there shall not be h inale or female barren among 
 you, or among your cattle. 
 
 15 And the Lord will take away from tiiee all 
 sickness, and 'will put none of the evil diseases o( 
 Egypt, which thou knovvest, upon thee : but wiV 
 lay them upon all them that hate thee. 
 
 16 And thou shalt k consume all the people whim 
 the Lord thy God shall deliver thee : ‘thine eyes 
 shall have no pity upon them ; neither shalt thou 
 serve their gods ; m lor that will he a snare unto 
 thee. 
 
 17 If “thou shalt say in thine heart, “Thest 
 nations are more than I, how can 1 dispossess 
 them r 
 
 18 Thou Pshalt not be afraid of them; but shall 
 well ^remember what the Lord thy God did unto 
 Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt ; 
 
 19 The “great temptations which thine eyes 
 saw, and the signs and the wonders, and the 
 mighty hand, and the stretched-out arm, whereby 
 the Lord thy God brought thee out ; so shall the 
 Lord thy God do unto all the people of whom 
 thou art afraid. 
 
 20 Moreover, the Loro thy God will send the 
 •hornet among them, until they that are left, and 
 hide themselves from thee, he destroyed. 
 
 21 Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for 
 'the Lord thy God is among you, “a mighty God 
 and terrible. 
 
 22 And the Lord thy God will iput out those 
 nations before thee by little and little : “thou 
 mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts 
 of the field increase upon thee. 
 
 23 But Hlie Lord thy God shall deliver them 
 5 unto thee, and “shall destroy them with a mighty 
 destruction, until they be destroyed. 
 
 24 And "he shall deliver their kings into thine 
 hand, and thou shalt destroy b their name from 
 under heaven ; “there shall no man he able to 
 stand before thee, until thou have destroyed 
 them. 
 
 25 The d graven images of their gods shall ye 
 
 2D. I.uke 1:72,73. e See on 7. 28:4. Ex. 23:25. Ps.l:3. 11:7. 144:12—15. John 
 14:21. 15:19. 16:27. 628:3—5,11,15—18. Job 42:12. Prov. 1U:22. Mai. 3,10,11, 
 Malt. 6:33. g 33:29. Ps. 115:15. 147:19,20. h 28:4,11. Lev. 26:9. Ps. 127:3. 
 i 28:27,60. Ex. 9:14. 15:26. Ps. 105:36,37. k Set on 2. I 13:8. 19:13.21. 25:12. 
 Jer. 21:7. m 12:30,31. Ex. 23:33. 34:12-16. Num. 33:55. Josh. 23:13— 16. 
 Ju.lg. 2:3,12. 3:6. 8:27. Pi. 106:36. 1 Cor. 15:33. n 8:17. 15:9. 18:21. Is. 14: 
 13. 47:8. 49:21. Jer. 13:22. Luke 9:47. o Nnm. 13:32. Josh. 17:16—18. p See 
 on 1:29. 3:0. 31:6. Ps. 27:1,2 . 46:1,2. Is. 41:10— 14. q Ex. 7:— 14: Judg. 6:13. 
 Ps. 77:11. 78:11,42—51. 105:5,26—36. 135:6—10. 136:10—15. Is. 51:9,10. 63:11 
 — 15. r See on 4:34. 11:2— 4. Neh. 9:10,11. Jer. 32:20,21. Ez. 20:6— 9. s Ex. 
 23:28-30. Josh 24:12. tNum. 11:20. 14.9.14,42. 16:3. 23:21. Josh 3:10. 2t'hr. 
 32:8. Ps. 46:5,7,11. Is.S;9,l0. Zech. 2: 10.11 . 1 Cor. 14:25. u 10:17. 26:8. 
 1 Sam. 4:8. Neh. 1:5. 4:14. -9:32. Zech. 12:2 — 5. J Heb .pluck off. xEx.23: 
 29,30. Josh. 15:63. y See on 2. § Heb. before thy face. 9:3. z 2:15. 8:20. Is. 
 13:6. Jer. 17:18. Joel 1:15. 2 Thes 1:9. r Josh. 10:24,25:42. 12:1, &c. b 9:14. 
 25:19. 29:20. Ex. 17:14. Ps. 9:5. Prov. 10:7. Jer. 10:1 1 . Zeph. 1:4. cll:25. 
 Josh. 1:5. 10:8. 23:9. Rom. 8:37. 1 Cor. 15:57. d See 07 j 5. 12:3. £x. 32:20. 
 1 Chr. 14:12. Is. 30:22. 
 
 V. 16— 2L Marg. Ref. Hornet. (20) Notes , Ex. 8:24. 
 23:28. 
 
 Y. 22. (Note, Ex. 23:29,30.) The Israelites had been 
 repeatedly commanded to attempt the immediate and entire 
 extirpation of the devoted nations: as far as sloth, cowardice, 
 or unbelief induced them to spare them, they sinned ; and to 
 punish this and their other sins, as well as to prove them, the 
 Lord was pleased to permit a considerable remnant of these 
 nations to remain among them. (Notes, Judg. 2:1 — 5. 3:1 — 
 4.) His conduct was the result of a settled plan ; but this 
 plan, being secret from them, was neither their rule, nor duty, 
 nor motive. — Thus he commands the entire mortification of 
 every sin, which is our rule of duty ; and yet many intimations 
 aje given in Scripture, that sin is never totally destroyed in 
 this world, even in the best of saints: but it actually prevails 
 much more, perhaps in all Christians, than it would, if they 
 were more watchful and diligent. 
 
 V. 24. Their kings , &c.] Notes , Josh. 8:29. 10:24,28. 
 12:7—24. 
 
 V. 25, 26. In detestation of idolatry, as utterly polluting the 
 most precious things which had been abused in it, and in 
 order to stop its hateful progress, the Lord gave his worship- 
 pers this self-denying command, totally to destroy even tho 
 valuable metals of the graven images, and all the rich orna*- 
 rnents devoted to them ; yea, to detest and abhor them, on 
 penalty of being themselves abhorred and accursed by the 
 Lord. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Josh. 6:17 — 19. 7:1,10 — 26. P 
 ^0. 10—26.) 
 
 ( 331 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 burn with fire: ‘thou shalt not desire the silver or 
 gold that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest 
 thou be f snared therein; for it is «an abomination 
 to the Lord thy God. 
 
 26 Neither h shalt thou Lr^ig an abomination 
 into thy house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it : 
 but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt 
 utterly abhor it ; for it is a cursed thing. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Exhortations and cautions , enforced by arguments drawn from the Lord's 
 former dealings with Israel , and the good land intended fur them ; from 
 the dangers to which they would be exposed ; and from the effects of diso- 
 bedience , I — 20. 
 
 ALL the commandments which I command 
 thee this day shall a ye observe to do, that ye 
 may live, and multiply, and go in, and possess 
 the land which the LoRDSware unto your fathers. 
 2 And thou shalt b remember all the way 
 
 e Josh. 7:1,21. f Judg. 8:24— 27. Zeph. 1:3. 1 Tim. «:9,10. g 17:1. 23:18. 
 
 Rev. 17:5. h 13:17. Lev. 27:28.29 Josh. 6:17— 24. 7: 1 tc. 11—26. Hab. 2: 
 ft— 11. Zech. 5:4. i Is. 2:20. 30:22. Ez. 11:18. Hos. 14:8. Rom. 2:22. a See 
 on 4:1. 5:32,33. 6:1— 3. Ps. 119:4— 6 1 The*. 4:1,2. b See on 1:\8. Ps. 77: 
 11. 106:7. Eph. 2:11,12. 2 Pet. 1: 12,-3, 3:1,2. c 1 :33. 2:7. 29:5. Ps. 136:16. 
 Amos 2:10. d 2 Chr. 32:25,25. 33:12,19,23. Job 42:5,6. Is. 2:17. Luke 18:14. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 All the commandments of God are equally the result of 
 infinite wisdom, justice, and goodness ; but not all alike level 
 to our comprehension, and suited to our ideas. Assured, 
 therefore, that the righteous Lord will not do unrighteously , 
 but exercise his sovereignty with perfect equity, whether we 
 can perceive it or not; when he commands, it is our duty 
 unreservedly to obey : and this is the never-failing effect of 
 true and strong faith. ( Notes and P. O. Gen. 22:) — As the 
 rebellion, ingratitude, and wickedness of man arc so atrocious ; 
 it. is more admirable that so many are spared, than that others 
 are punished : and a proper understanding of the evil of sin, 
 and of the mystery of a crucified Saviour, will enable us to per- 
 ceive, in some measure, the justice of God in all the punish- 
 ments, temporal and eternal, which he inflicts. We should, 
 however, be thankful to be employed, not as executioners of 
 his vengeance, but as the messengers of his love and compas- 
 sion. We are called to exercise our severity against our own 
 lusts; and with these enemies we must wage unremitting war, 
 and give them no quarter. Indeed this chapter strongly incul- 
 cates two most important lessons : namely, that being obedient 
 we have no occasion to fear any enemies or events whatever; 
 for our Redeemer from the dominion of sin and Satan will, “ as 
 a mighty and terrible One,” fight for us till all our foes be de- 
 stroyed, and our victory and felicity be completed : but, on 
 the other hand, we are most emphatically warned of the dan- 
 ger resulting from disobedience. This we must ever keep in 
 mind amidst our greatest success, and even progress in grace ; 
 for we still continue frail and depraved, and liable to be baf- 
 fled by temptation, and have therefore always need for vigil- 
 ance and circumspection. Indeed, we shall not be able, after 
 all, to extirpate our sins, except by little and little ; nor must 
 we expect that the conflict will cease, till we drop our bodies 
 in the grave. But the more we live by faith, and watch and 
 pray diligently, the less will they prevail and interrupt, our 
 enjoyments. — Not our merit or loveliness, but the Lord’s free 
 Love , (of which he has assigned no reason, but because he 
 would love us and choose us for Christ’s sake,) forms the 
 source of our salvation, and of all our consequent blessings; 
 and therefore u he will never leave us, nor forsake us.” 
 (Notes, Rom. 5:6 — 10. 8:28—31. Eph. 2:4—10. Tit. 3:5—7. 
 1 John 4:9 — 12.) But if we belong to this chosen remnant, 
 (which hitherto hath been “the fewest of all people,”) we 
 shall by this very consideration be induced to render him the 
 more unreserved, disinterested, and self-denying obedience, 
 to the contempt of gold^ and every earthly good, when they 
 come in competition with his precept, or his glory. And 
 should we ever he tempted, through covetousness, (that com- 
 mon idolatry which God abhors,) to do otherwise, we shall 
 find that we have “ brought an accursed thing anti an abomi- 
 nation into our house,” which must he cas' out with detesta- 
 tion, if we would not be an accursed thing like unto it. ( Note , 
 Zech. 5:1 — 4.) For we are continually reminded that the 
 Lord is no more “slack in repaying them that hate him,” than 
 willing to “show mercy to those who love him*and keep his 
 commandments:” nor will he be more severe with* any, than 
 with avaricious, fraudulent, hypocritical professors of our holy 
 faith. — We cannot be too compassionate to sinners, but we 
 may easily he too complaisant to them : nor can we stand too 
 much aloof from intimacies, alliances, or intermarriages with 
 them ; for that lias ever been, and ever must be, a snare to 
 the people of God. ( Notes , 2 Rings 8:2fi. 1 1:1,2. 2 Chr. 18:1 . 
 19:2.) Indeed all occasions of sin must be shunned; for our 
 hearts are so inflammable, that, we should fear every spark 
 which may light upon them : nor can we be losers by renoun- 
 cing such sources of gain, as expose us to those temptations, 
 which experience shows to be too strong for us. For we shall 
 enjoy the present felicity of the Lord’s holy people, above all 
 other people of the earth, in proportion to the number and 
 raJue of those things, wfiich we renounce for his sake; as 
 Christ has oromised his suffering disciples “a hundredfold 
 ( 332 1 
 
 which the Lord thy God c led thee these forty 
 years in the wilderness, d to humble thee, and 
 to 'prove thee, f to know what was in thine heart, 
 whether' thou wouldest keep his commandments, 
 or no. 
 
 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to 
 hunger, and efed thee with manna, which thou 
 knevvest not, neither did thy fathers know, that 
 he might make thee know, that man h doth not 
 live by bread only, but by every werd that pro- 
 ceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man' 
 live. 
 
 4 Thy 'raiment waxed not old upon thee, 
 neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 
 
 5 Thou shalt also Iconsider in thine heart, that 
 k as a man chasteneth his son, so the Lord thy 
 God chasteneth thee. 
 
 6 Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments 
 
 Jam. 4:6,10. 1 Pel. 5:5,6. e 16. 13:3. Gen. 22:1. Ex. 15:25. 16:4. 2 Chr. 32:31. 
 Ps. 81 :7. Prov. 17:3. Mai. 3:2,3. Jam. 1:3. 1 Pel. 1:7. fjer. 17 9.10. John 2< 
 25. Rev. 2:23. g Ex. 16:2,3,12—35. Ps. 73:23—25. 105:40. 1 Coi . 10:3. h P«. 
 37:3. 1114:23. Mail. 4:4. I. uke 4:4. 12:29,30. Ileb. 13:5.6. i 29:5. Nell. 9:21. 
 Malt. 6:25-30. j See on 4:9,23. Is. 1:3. Ez. 12:3. 18:28. k 2 Sam. 7:14. Job 5l 
 17,18. Ps. 89:32 . 94:12. Prov. 3:12. 1 Cor. 11:32. Heb. 12:5— 11. Rev. 3:19. 
 
 more in this present world, and in the world to come everlast 
 ing life.” (Note, Matt. 19:29,30.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 1. All the commandments.] 
 Note, Matt. 19:10—22. 
 
 V * 2 . The Israelites were afflicted and proved , in order 
 that they might be humbled. They were not previouslj' aware 
 of the wickedness of their own hearts, and never suspected 
 that they were capable of such crimes as they actually com- 
 mitted: but the Lord well knew all their latent evil propensi- 
 ty : and for their good, and that of multitudes in every age to 
 the end of the world, he was pleased to put them to the proof; 
 that upon full and fair trial their real character might be 
 ascertained. (Notes, Prov. 17:3. Jer. 17:9,10.) They were 
 therefore led through a variety of difficult circumstances ; and 
 were favoured by manifold miraculous evidences of the 
 Lord’s special presence with them, and regard to them. They 
 were sometimes thwarted, at other times indulged : they were 
 brought into dangers and straits, and miraculously delivered : 
 they were disappointed in many expectations, and favoured 
 in many things beyond expectation : they were sometimes 
 severely punished for their sins, that they might take warning; 
 and at other times mercifully pardoned, that they might 
 fake courage. But the result of the trial undeniably was, 
 that they were always prone to distrust, to murmur, and to 
 he ungrateful: they were invariably disposed to depreciate 
 their mercies, and to magnify their trials and difficulties as 
 intolerable and insuperable ; to limit the power and suspect 
 the loving-kindness of the Lord, after all their experience of 
 both ; to lust, envy, and rebel ; to mutiny, apostatize, and fail 
 into idolatry. In short, it appeared that they were so stilf- 
 necked and hard-hearted, that no patience, but the infinite 
 patience of God, could have borne with them : nor could they 
 be restrained from the most desperate rebellions, but by the 
 terrible examples of thousands struck dead by the avenging 
 hand of divine justice. All this had a direct tendency, when 
 reflected on, to convert their self-admiration into self-abhor- 
 rence ; to render them sensible of their guilt, folly, and weak- 
 ness ; and to bring them to a suitable conviction of their entire 
 dependence upon the mercy of God for every thing, and their 
 manifold obligations to him for his goodness to them in times 
 past ; and finally to produce and preserve that poverty of spirit, 
 which is radically necessary to the life of faith ami the walk 
 with God. ( Note, Matt. 5:3. ) — They should likewise be consi- 
 dered as a fair specimen of human nature: any other people, 
 any individual proved as they were, would appear as rehellio 3 
 as they do, were the result as impartially recorded. And every 
 one’s own experience will have the same effect upon him, 
 except he view himself through a false medium, or he lulled 
 asleep by carelessness, or intoxicated by pride: for none o» 
 us live one week, without renewed evidences of our own 
 weakness, folly, and depravity. 
 
 V. 3. When all ordinary means of sustenance failed, and 
 the people must have perished with hunger; at the word 
 of the Lord the manna descended, and afforded them a suit- 
 able, sufficient, and constant supply. Their frequent mur- 
 murs and ingratitude, and their inability to help themselves, 
 were calculated to humble them ; and the unexpected nicthoa 
 in which they were provided for, served to teach them, that 
 tlu* Lord was not confined to ordinary means, and that they 
 needed not to use sinful methods of obtaining the necessaries 
 of life : for when he speaks the word, a supply "’ill he sent in 
 one way or another; and that word alone can entirely he 
 depended on. (Note, Matt. 4:3,4.) 
 
 V. 4. The Israelites, doubtless, brought out. of Egypt 
 more raiment than what they had upon them ; they might 
 manufacture the fleeces of their flocks in the wilderness ; 
 and they might he favoured in Providence with other sup- 
 plies: yet when wo consider their immense numbers, their 
 situation, and long continuance in the wilderness, and the 
 strong expressions hero made use of ; there sterns no cascn 
 to question the constant and most extraordinary nuraujlou* 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 of the Lord thy God, to 'walk in his ways, and to 
 fear him. 
 
 7 For the Lord thy God bringeth thee into a 
 good land ; m a land of brooks ot water, of foun- 
 tains, and depths, that spring out of valleys and 
 hills ; 
 
 8 A land of "wheat, and "barley, and Pvines, 
 and fig-trees, and pomegranates ; a land of 'oil- 
 alive and honey ; 
 
 9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without 
 scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it ; a 
 land i whose stones are iron, and out of whose 
 hills thou mnyest dig brass. 
 
 10 When 'thou hast eaten and art full, then 
 thou shalt bless the Lord thy God, tor the good 
 land which he hath given thee. 
 
 11 "Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy 
 God, in not keeping his commandments, and his 
 judgments, and his statutes, which I command 
 thee this day : 
 
 12 Lest, Hchen thou hast eaten and art full, “and 
 nast built goodly houses and dwelt therein ; 
 
 13 And when Hhy herds and thy flocks multi- 
 ply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and 
 all that thou hast is multiplied ; 
 
 14 Then Hhine heart be lifted up, "and thou 
 forget the Lord thy God, which brought thee 
 forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of 
 bondage ; 
 
 15 Who “led thee through that great and terrible 
 
 15:33. Ex. 18:20. 2Chr. 6:31. Ps. 128:1. Luke 1:6. m 6:10,11. 11:10-12. Ex. 
 3:8. Neb. 9:24,25. Ps. 65:9— 13. Ex. 20:6. n 32:14. 2 Sam. 4:6. I Kings 5:11. 
 Pa. 81:16. 147:14. Ex. 27:17. o 2 Chr. 2: 10-15. John 6:9,13. u Is. 7:23. Jer. 
 5:17. Hos. 2:8,22. Mic.4:4. Hab.3:17. * Heb. olive-tree of oil. q 33:25. Josh. 
 22:9. 1 Chr. 22:14. Job 28:2. r6:U,12. Ps. Iu3:2. Malt. 14:19. John 5:23. Rom. 
 14:6. 1 Thes. 5:18. 1 Tim. 4:4,5. sPs. 108:21. Pro v. 1:32. 30:9. Ez. 16:10— 15. 
 Hos. 2:3.9. 1 28:47. 31:20. 3*2:15. Hos. 13:5,6. u Ec. 2:1. Jer. 2214,15. E*. 11: 
 3. Am. 5:11. Hag. 1:4. Luke 17:28. x Gen. 13:1— 5. Job 1:3. Ps. 39:6. Luke 
 12:13—21. y 17:20. 2 Chr. 26:16. 32:25. Jer. 2:31. 1 Cor. 4:7,8. z See on 11. 
 
 interposition of God in this respect, as well as in others. — 
 We may, however, safely reject the Jewish tradition, that the 
 garments grew along with the bodies of the young people ; 
 not because it is too difficult to be credited, but because it 
 wants the warrant of scriptural testimony, and does not 
 appear to have been in the least necessary : for the grown 
 persons might wear the clothes of those who died, and the 
 young might take theirs. 
 
 V. 5. The punishments inflicted upon the Israelites, 
 though destructive to individuals, were national blessings, 
 salutary to the survivors, and suited to warn them, and con- 
 ducive to their preservation and prosperity : even as a father 
 chastises his son, not for his hurt, but that he may escape 
 ruin, and be wise and happy. (Note, Ps. 94:12 — 14. Prov. 
 3:11,12. Heb. 13:4—13.) 
 
 V. G — 20. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 16: 17: Num. 21:6 
 — 9. — Stones, &c. (9) There were no mines in Egypt: 
 
 this would therefore be a new thing to the Israelites. ( Job 
 28:2.) — Beware, &e. (11) Note, G:12. — My power, Stc. 
 
 (17) Notes, 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19. Don. 4:28—33. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Our obedience cannot he sincere, unless we “observe to do 
 all the commandments of the Lord so that whilst any one 
 is broken, with allowance and habitually, that is a conclusive 
 proof of hypocrisy. — In order to sinful man’s rendering to 
 God acceptable obedience, he must be humbled, and proved, 
 and made sensible of his weakness, sinfulness, and misery. 
 And when the severest chastenings and the most painful 
 experiences, effect this conviction, they are evidences of the 
 Lord’s special love, and of his merciful intention “ of doing 
 us good at the latter end,” which should make us thankful for 
 them. Indeed, it is impossible that we can be truly penitent, 
 or believe in Christ and love him, or become meek, patient, 
 and forgiving, or attain to any part of the Christian temper 
 and character, without humiliation. Nothing indeed can 
 render even the most suitable outward dispensations, and 
 inward conflicts, effectual for these ends, without the sancti- 
 fying influences of the Spirit of God : but it is our duty to be 
 often employed in “ remembering all the way in which the 
 Lort hath led us in recollecting the many evidences we 
 have . .ven of our own ingratitude and perverseness, and of 
 the deceitfulness and wickedness of our hearts ; and in con- 
 sidering the proofs which we have had of (iis power and love, 
 in supplying our wants, extricating us out of difficulties, pre- 
 venting the bad effects of our misconduct, and overruling for 
 our good, events which appeared fraught with ruin and 
 destruction. Hence we may learn to cease from self-confi- 
 dence, and to trust in the Lord for every thing ; hence we 
 may draw arguments against sin, and motives to obedience ; 
 and learn to watch against pride, unbelief, and forgetfulness 
 of God. — The food out of the earth, the water from the 
 clouds, and the raiment new from year to year, which our 
 God provides, calls fox no less gratitude from us, than the 
 miraculous provision did from Israel: md perhaps he does 
 
 wilderness, wherein were b fieiy serpents and 
 scorpions, and drought, where there was no 
 water ; c who brought thee forth water out ol‘ the 
 rock of flint. 
 
 16 Who l, fed thee in the wilderness with 
 manna, which thy fathers knew not, that e he might 
 humble thee, and that he might prove thee, Ho do 
 thee good at thy latter end ; 
 
 17 And Hhou say in thine heart, h My power, 
 and the might of mine hand, hath gotten me this 
 wealth. 
 
 18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy 
 God : for it is ‘he that givetli thee power to get 
 wealth, k that he may establish his covenant, whick. 
 he svvare unto thy fathers, as it is this day. 
 
 19 And it shall he, if thou do at all forget the 
 Lord thy God, and walk after other gods, and 
 serve them, and worship them, 'I testify against 
 you this day, that ye shall surely perish. 
 
 20 As the nations which the Lord destroyeth 
 before your face, so shall ye perish ; because ye 
 would not be obedient unto the voice of the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Israel assured of victory , not for their righteousness , but through the wicked- 
 ness of their enemies , 1 — 6 : reminded of their rebellions, and of the Lord's 
 mercies, 7 — 29. 
 
 H EAR, O Israel : Thou art to a pass over 
 Jordan this day, to go in to possess b nations 
 greater and mightier than thyself, C cities great, 
 and fenced up to heaven, 
 
 a See ora 1:19. Ps. 136:16. Is. 63:13. Jer. 2:6. b Num. 21:6. Hos. 13:5. c Ex 
 17:6. Num. 20:11. Ps. 78:15. 105:41. 114:8. Is. 35:7. 1 Cor. 10:4. d See on 3 
 Ex. 16:15. e See on 2. f Jer. 24:5,6. Rom. 8:28. 2 Cor. 4:17. Heb. 12:10,11- 
 Jam. 1:12. 1 let. 1:7. eSeeonlM. h 9:4. Is. 10:8— 14. Dan. 4:30. Hos. 12- 
 8. Hab. 1:16. 2 Cor. 4:7. i Ps. 127:1,2. 1441. Prov. 10:22. Hos. 2:8. k 7:8,12 
 1 4:26 . 28:50—68. 29:25—28. 30:1S.19. Josh. 23: 13. 1 Sam. 12:25. I an. 9:2. Am. 
 3:2. Zeph. 1:18. 3:6. Luke 12:47,48. 13:3,5. n 3:18. 11 31. 27 2. Josh. 1:11. 3. 
 6,14,16.4:5,19. b See on 4:38 . 7:1. 11.23. c 1:28. Num. 16:22,28,32,33. 
 
 not suffer us previously to hunger, nor confine us to the same 
 provision; but indulges us in a vast variety, which he was 
 pleased to deny them. — The word of the Lord first gave to 
 the earth its fertility, and still continues it; his blessing ren- 
 ders our food nutrimental : and did he command the air to 
 sustain us, it would be equally obedient. He appoints the 
 measure of our support, however sent ; and his promise, that 
 they who “fear him shall not want ony good,” is our only 
 security for a future sufficient supply, till we arrive at our 
 journey’s end. — But in this respect, the believing poor have 
 the advantage : as they more easily perceive their provision 
 coming from the Lord, in answer to prayer, and find less di£» 
 ficulty in simply trusting him for daily bread : so that they 
 taste a sweetness in it, generally unknown to the affluent, 
 while they are exempt from many of their temptations. For 
 when men possess large estates, or are engaged in extensive 
 and productive commerce; when their herds and Hocks, and 
 gold and silver, are multiplied ; they find it very difficult to 
 expect and receive their daily bread in simple dependence, 
 prayer, and thankfulness ; and to remember that the “ Lord 
 alone gives them the power to get wealth,” so as to give him 
 all the praise, and to use it all to his glory. When “ they 
 have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses, and 
 dwelt therein,” they find the temptation to pride, to forgetful- 
 ness of God, and to love of the world, very strong : they 
 are apt to fail in reducing to practice the humbling lessons 
 which they had before learned ; and are prone to grow care- 
 less, to spend their riches on themselves, and to neglect the 
 one thing needful. (Notes* Jer. 2:31,32. Hos. 13:5 — 8.) — 
 This is a “ slippery place,” whence many are “ cast down 
 into destruction :” (Ps. 73:18.) let those who are placed on 
 it “ rejoice with trembling;” and let them “watch and pray 
 always,” that they may escape the fate of those multitudes, 
 who have “ utterly perished through their prosperity.” Let 
 us all be sober and vigilant, and persevere in prayer; for we 
 tread a dangerous path: let us beg of God that we may 
 rather be chastened with his children, than be left to grow 
 secure in sin with his enemies : and may we be taught to 
 hunger after, and feast upon the hidden Manna, and drink of 
 the waters of life from the wells of salvation ; encouraged to 
 active, self-denying obedience by the prospect of “an inherit- 
 ance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadelh not away, 
 reserved in heaven for” all, “ who are kept by the power 
 of God, through faith, unto salvation.” (Note. 1 Pet. 1: 
 3-5.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1. It is generally supposed 
 that Moses here began a new discourse ; which he intro- 
 duced, as he had done the first, with referring to some parts ot 
 the history of Israel : and afterwards, in the following chap- 
 ters, he practically applied it to their consciences. But in 
 the former discourse he mainly expatiated on the wonderfu. 
 works of God ; in this he dwells chiefly upon the wicked 
 works of Israel. — By this day is meant, that the long-expected 
 time was just at hand. 
 
 ( 333 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451. 
 
 2 A people ‘'great and tan, the children of the 
 Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou 
 host heard say, “Who can stand before the children 
 of Anak : 
 
 3 f Understand therefore this day, that the Lord 
 thy God is he which egoeth over before thee ; as 
 h a consuming fire, 'he. shall destroy them, and he 
 shall bring them down before thy face : so shalt 
 thou drive them out, and destroy them quickly, as 
 the Lord hath said unto thee. 
 
 4 ‘■Speak not thou in thine heart, after that the 
 Lord thy God hath cast them out from before 
 thee, saying, For my righteousness the Lord hath 
 brought me in to possess this land; but 'for the 
 wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive 
 them out from before thee. 
 
 5 Not for thy righteousness, or for the upright- 
 ness of thine heart dost thou go to possess their 
 land ; but for the wickedness of these nations the 
 Lord thy God doth drive them out from before 
 thee, and m that he may perform the word which 
 the Lord sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, 
 and Jacob. 
 
 6 “Understand therefore, that the Lord thy 
 God giveth thee not this good land to possess it, 
 for thy righteousness ; for thou art °a stitf-necked 
 people. 
 
 7 “il pRemember, and forget not, how thou pro- 
 vokedst the Lord thy God to wrath in the wilder- 
 ness: ifrom the day that thou didst depart out of 
 the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, 
 ye have been rebellious against the Lord. 
 
 8 Also . r in Horeb ye provoked the Lord to 
 wrath, so that the Lord was angry with you to 
 have destroyed you. 
 
 b.c.] 9 When 'I was gone up into the mount, to 
 
 1491 -J receive the tables of stone, even ‘the tables of. 
 the covenant which the Lord made with you, 
 “then l abode in the mount forty days and forty 
 nights; *1 neither did eat bread nor drink wa- 
 ter : 
 
 10 And the Lord delivered unto me two tables 
 of stone, ^written with the finger of God; and on 
 them was written according to 'all the words 
 which the Lord spake with you in the mount, 
 out of the midst of the fire, in the day of the 
 assembly. 
 
 1 1 And it came to pass at the end of forty days 
 and forty nights, that the Lord gave me the two 
 tables of stone, even a the tables of the covenant. 
 
 12 And the Lord said unto me, b Arise, get thee 
 down quickly from hence; for thy people which 
 thou hast brought forth out of Egypt have 
 “corrupted themselves: they d are quickly turned 
 aside out of the way which I commanded them ; 
 they have made them a molten image. 
 
 13 Furthermore, the Lord spake unto me, 
 
 d Ste on2:ll,12,21. e 7:34. Kx. 9:11. Johll:I0. Pan. 8:4. 11:16. Nah. 1 :6. 
 f 6. Matt. 15:10. Mark 7:14. Rpli. 5:17. 2130. 20:4. 31:3. Josh. 3:14. Mic. 
 2:13. Rev. 10:11—16. h 4:24. Is. 27:4 . 30:27,30,33. 33:14. Nah. 1:5,6. 9Thw. 
 1:8. Heh. 12:29. i 7:1.2,16,23,24 Ex. 23:29— 31. 1 b. 41 :10 — 16. I!nm.8:31. 
 k 5. 7:7, S. 8:17. Ex. 36:2-2,32. Rom. 11:3,90. 1 Cor. 4:7. Bph. 2:4,5. 9 Tim. 1 :9. 
 Tit. 3:3-5. 112:31.18:12. Gen. 15:16. I .<•». 18:21,25. miien.!2:7. 13:15. 
 
 15 7. 17:8. 98:4. 28:13. Ex. 32:13. Ex. 20:14. Mic. 6:20. Luke 1:54,55. Acts 3: 
 25. 13:32,33. Horn. 11:28. 15:8. n See on 3,4. Ex. 20:44. o 13. 111:16. 31:27. 
 Ex. 32:9 . 33:3 . 34:9. 2 Chr. 30:8. 35:13. i s. 78:8. Is. 48:3,4. Ex. 2:4. Zech 7: 
 11,12. Acts 7:51. Horn. 5:20.21. p8:2. Ex. 16:61— 63. 20:43. 36:31.32. 1 Cor. 
 15:9. Eph. 2:1! . 1 Tim. 1:13— 15. n 32:5,6. Ex. 14:11. 16:2. 17:2. Num. 11:4. 
 
 14 1, Ac. 16:1, Ac. 20:2—5. 21:5. 25 2. Neh. 9:16—18. Ps. 78 8, Ac. 95:8—11. 
 r Ex. 32:1— 6. Pa. 106:19— 22. ■ Ex. 94:19,18. 115. Ex. 31:18. 31:28. Jer. 31: 
 31,32. Gal. 4:21. u Ex. 24:18 . 34:28. I Kings 19:8. Mutt. 4:2. x 18. 1 Kings 
 13:8,9. 9 King* 6.22. v 10:4. Mall. 19:28. Luke 11:90. 2 Cor. 3:3. licit. 8:10. 
 
 X 4:10 — 15. .5:6—21. 18:16. Ex. 19:18. 20:1—18. n x’es on l 9.— Num. 10:33. 
 Heb 9:4. b See on EX. 32:7,8. c 4:16 . 31:29. 32.5. Gen. 6:11, 12. Jude 10. 
 
 V. 2. Anakims.] 2:28. Notes, Num. 13:33. Josh. 11:21 — 
 23. 15:14. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Marg. Ref. For thy righteousness. (G) ‘He 
 repeats it a third lime, that if it were possible, he might root 
 out of the Israelites the opinion of their own deserls^bcfore 
 he’ (God,) ‘ rooted out the Canaanites out of their country.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7—17. Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 32: 
 
 V. 18. The transgressions of the people rendered this 
 second fbrtjp days’ fasting necessary to Moses. Their pardon 
 was indeed in some sense obtained, before he ascended the 
 mount; yet probably much of the time which he spent there 
 was employed in supplication : and when he descended the 
 second time with the tallies of the law in his hands, the 
 pnrdon was, as it. were, ratified and sealed. (Marg. Ref. 
 Notes , Ex. 34:1—10,27—35.) 
 
 ( 334 ) 
 
 saying, e I have seen this people, and, behold, it is 
 a r st.ifi- necked people. 
 
 14 sLet me alone, that I may destroy them, and 
 h blot out their name from under heaven: ‘and I 
 will make of thee a nation mightier and greater 
 than they. 
 
 15 So k I turned and came down from the 
 mount, and 'the mount burned with fire : and the 
 two tables of the covenant were in my two hands. 
 
 16 And m I looked, and, behold, ye had sinned 
 against the Lord your God, and had made you a 
 molten calf: ye had turned aside quickly out of the 
 way which the Lord had commanded you. 
 
 17 And I took the two tables, and c ist them out 
 of my two hands, and brake them Before your 
 eves. 
 
 18 And "I fell down before the Lord, as at the 
 first, forty days and forty nights : I did neither eat 
 bread nor drink water, because of all your sins 
 which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of 
 the Lord, to provoke- him to anger. 
 
 19 For °I was afraid of the anger and hot 
 displeasure wherewith the Lord was wroth 
 against you to destroy you. rBut the Lord 
 hearkened unto me at that time also. 
 
 20 And the Lord was Very angry with Aaron 
 to have destroyed him : and I prayed for Aaron 
 also the same time. 
 
 21 And r I took your sin, the calf which ye had 
 made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and 
 ground it very small, even until it was as small as 
 dust : and I cast the dust thereof into the brook 
 that descended out of the mount. 
 
 22 And at ‘Taberah, and at 'Massah, and at 
 “Kibroth-hattaavah, ye provoked the Lord to 
 wrath . 
 
 23 Likewise, “when the Lord sent you from 
 Kadesh-barnea, saying, Go up and possess the 
 land which I have given you ; then Jye rebelled 
 against the commandment of the Lord your God, 
 and ’ye believed him not, nor hearkened to his 
 voice. 
 
 24 Ye have been “rebellious against the Lord 
 from the day that I knew you. 
 
 25 Thus b I fell down before the Lord forty 
 days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first: 
 because the Lord had said he would destroy you. 
 
 26 I “prayed therefore unto the Lord, and said, 
 O Lord God, destroy not thy people, and thine 
 inheritance, ‘'which thou hast redeemed through 
 thy greatness, “which thou hast brought forth out 
 of Egypt with a mighty hand. 
 
 27 'Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, 
 and Jacob: elook not unto the stubbornness of this 
 people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin ; 
 
 28 Lest the land whence thou broughtest us out 
 say, h Because the Lord was not able to bring 
 
 d 16. Jndg. 2:17. Gal. 1:6. e Gen. 11:5. 18:21. Ex. 32:9. Pa. 50:7. Jer. 711 
 13:27. Hns. 6:10. Mnl. 3:5. (SeconS. 2 Hines. 17: 14 . g Ex. 32: 10— 13. Is. 62- 
 6,7. Jer. 14:11. 15:1. Lnke 11:7— 10. 18:1 — 8. h 29:20. Ex. 32:32,33. P».9:5. 
 109:13. Prov. 10:7. Rev. 3:5. i Num. 14: 1 1 ,12. k Ex. 82:14,15. 1 4:11. 5:23. 
 Ex. 9:33. 19:18. Ileb. 12:18. in Ex. 32,19. Acls 7:40,41 . n See un 9. Fx. 
 34:28 . 2 Sam, 12:16. o 8. Ex. 32: 10,11. Null. 1 :2— 7. p 10:10. Ex. 32: 14 . 33: 
 17. P*.99:6. 106:23. Am. 7:2, 3, 5, 6. Jem. 5:16,17. q Ex. 32:2-5,21,35. Ileb. 7: 
 26—28. r Sec on Ex. 32:20. [s. 2:18— 21. 30:2-2. 31:7. Hoe. 8:11. s Num. 11: 
 1—5. t Ex. 17—7. n Num. 11:4,34. x 1 : 19, Ac. Num. 13: 1— 3. y See on 
 Num. 14:1—4,10—41. Is. 63:10. 7.1:32,33. Ps. 78:22. 106:24,25. Heb. 3:18.19. 
 4:2. a 6,7. 3127. Arts 7:51. b See, on 16. c Ex . 32: 11— 13 . 34:9. Num. 14 : 13 
 —19. Ps. 99:6. 106:23. Jer. 14:21. <129. 32:9. Ps. 74:1,2. Is. 63:19. r 7:8. 13: 
 
 5. 15:15. 21:8. 26:7,8. Ex. 16.13. 2S«m. 7:23. Nell. 1:10. Ps. 77 15. 107:2. Is. 
 44:23. Mic. 6:4. Tit. 2:14. IRu. 9:12. Rex. 5:9. f Ex. 3:6,16. 6:3— 8. 13.5. 39: 
 13. Jer. 14:21. g Kx. 39:31,32. 1 Sum. 95.95. Is. 43:94, 25. Jer. 50:90. Mic. 7: 
 19. 1:32:26,27. Ex . 32: 1'2. Num. 14:15,16. Jueh. 7:7-9. Ps. 115:1,2. U. 43:25. 
 48:9— 11. Jer. 14:7— 9. Ex. 20:8,9,14. Dan. 9:18,19 
 
 V. 19. Marg. Ref. p. 
 
 V. 20. Marg. Ref.—e\. Notes, Ex. 32:2—6,35,30 
 
 V. 21. Mara. Ref. Note, Ex. 32:20. 
 
 V. 22,23. Notes, Ex. 17:7. Num. 1 1:1 — 3,33,34. j3: 14: 
 
 V. 24. 31:27. Note, Num. 20:10—13. 
 
 Y. 25. Some conclude that Moses fasted three times, forty 
 days each ; but there is no sufficient grounds in the narration 
 to think that ho did. This verso is evidently a resumption 
 of tho subject after a digression ; such ns are commonly found, 
 whero the heart is much engaged, and the speaker is more 
 solieilotis to impress lire hearers for their good, than to gain 
 their applause. St. Paul’s epistles abound in such digre isions, 
 which somelimes obscure the senso oven to the at entive 
 rentier. 
 
 V. 26—29. Notes, and P O. Ex. 24: 32- 33: 34 : Num. 
 11: 13: 14: 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 B. C. 145 
 
 them into the land which he promised them, and 
 because he hated them, he hath brought them out 
 to slay them in the wilderness. 
 
 29 Yet ‘they are thy people, and thine inherit- 
 ance, k which thou broughtest out by thy mighty 
 power, and by thy stretched-out arm. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Motet relates the mercy of (Jod, in again giving the tables of the law , conti- 
 nuing the priesthood,' separating Levi, ana hearing hit prayer for the people , 
 
 1 — 1 1 . Hence he exhorts them to obedience , 12—22. 
 
 A T that time the Lord said unto me, “Hew 
 thee two tables of stone like unto the first, 
 and come up unto me into the mount, and b make 
 thee an ark of wood. 
 
 2 And I will write on the tables the words that 
 were in the first tables, which thou brakest, and 
 Hhou sbalt put them in the ark. 
 
 3 And d i made an ark of shittim-wood, and 
 “hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and 
 went up into the mount, having the two tables in 
 mine hand. 
 
 4 And f he wrote on the tables, according to the 
 first writing : ?t.he ten 'commandments, h which 
 the Lord spake unto you in the mount, 'out of the 
 midst of the fire fin the day of the assembly : and 
 the Lord gave them unto me. 
 
 5 And k I turned myself and came down from 
 the mount, and ‘put the tables in the ark which I 
 had made, and '“there they be, as the Lord com- 
 manded me. 
 
 6 H And the children of Israel “took their jour- 
 ney from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to 
 “Mosera: rthere Aaron died, and there he was 
 buried : and Elea/.ar his son ministered in the 
 priest’s office in his stead. 
 
 126 . 4:20. 1 Kings 8:51. Nell. 1:10. Ps. 93:7. 1U0:3. Is. 63:19. k See on 26. 4:34. 
 a 4. Ex. 34:1, 2, 4. bo. Ex. 23:10— 15. c 5. Ex. 25:16— 22. 40:20. 1 Kings 8:9. 
 Heb. 9:4. d Ex. 37:1—9. el. Ex. 34:4. f See on 9:10. Ex. 34 :28. gl:13. 
 
 • Heb. words, h 5:4— 21 . Ex. 20: 1—17. i 4:11— 15. 5:22— 26. Ex . 19:18. Ileb. 
 12:18,19. j 9:10. 18:16. Ex. 19:17. k9:15. Ex. 32:15. 1 See on 2. Ex. 25:16. 
 
 40:20. m Josb. 4:9. 1 Kings 8:8,9. n Num. 10:6,12,13. 33:1,2. oNmn. 33:30 
 — 33. Moseroth. llor-ha-gidzad. Jo that hah. p Num. 20:23— 28 . 33:38. q Ex. 
 29:1, &c. Lev. 8.9. Num' 1 47— 53. 3: 4: 8: 16:9,10. 18: John 15:16. Acts 13:2. 
 Horn. 1:1. 2 Cor. 6:17. Cal. 1.15. r Num. 3:31. 4:15. 1 Kings 8:3,4, 6. 1 Chr. 15: 
 12—15,26 . 23:26 . 2 Chr. 5:4,5. s 18.5. 2 Chr. 29:11. Ps. 134:2. 135:2. Jer. 15: 
 19 . Ez. 44:11,16. t 21:5. Num. 6:23-26 . 2 Chr. 30:27. u 18:1,2. Num. 18:20 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 They who enlist under the Lord’s standard, must neither 
 despise their enemies, nor tremble at them. In themselves 
 indeed they are formidable ; but not to be dreaded by those 
 who have an almighty arm on their side. Yet we should 
 count our cost, and consider what our vocation will certainly 
 expose us to, lest we should turn back in the day of battle. 
 (Notes, Luke 11:25 — 33.) For unless we so value salvation 
 as to be willing to venture, suffer, and sacrifice every thing 
 for it, our profession will begin with hypocrisy, and probably 
 end in apostacy. Such soldiers “ the Captain of our salva- 
 tion” wants not, and he therefore plainly tells us what we are 
 to expect, even in as strong language as we can use in our 
 most desponding moments. (1,2.1:27,28.) But he engages 
 to go before us as “ a consuming Fire :” and in that case, 
 hard things will become easy, and we may rejoice and 
 triumph in our sharpest conflicts and severest trials. — So 
 strong is our propensity to pride, that it will intrude under one 
 pretence or another : and if it be evident that the might of our 
 arm has not gotten us our wealth, we shall bo ready to con- 
 ceive that our righteousness has merited and procured for us 
 the special favour of the Lord ; though in reality our wicked- 
 ness be more evident than our weakness. To remove that 
 ignorance or forgetfulness, which occasions the increase of 
 this absurd self-adulation, ministers must labour and be will- 
 ing to give offence, by declaring to the people their trans- 
 gressions ; and must not only lay the facts before their eyes, 
 but argue from them, and apply the subject to their con- 
 sciences for conviction. — When the secret history of each 
 individual shall be produced at the day of judgment, “ every 
 mouth will be stopped, and all the world will be proved guilty 
 before God.” As we are spared in infinite mercy, we should 
 anticipate that solemn season, and be glad of every assistance 
 in reviewing our past conduct ; that judging and condemning 
 ourselves in this world, we may not be then judged and con- 
 demned of the Lord. For now One intercedeth for us before 
 the mercy-seat, who not only fasted forty days, but died upon 
 the cross, for our sins ; through whom we may approach and 
 supplicate for unmerited mercy, and eternal life as the gift of 
 God in him. “ For his sake,” not “for our righteousness,” 
 but for “ the praise of his glory,” and according to the tenor 
 of the covenant of grace, the Lord bestows these blessings 
 upon us : and though we have the verdict of our own con- 
 sciences as well as the testimony of God, against us, “ that 
 we have been rebellious” from the beginning of our lives, yea, 
 stub >orn and stiff-necked ; yet when we humbly call on him, 
 he w 11 save us, write his law in our hearts, and not suffer our 
 •nemies to triumoh in our destruction. — Alas ' that even 
 
 7 From thence they journeyed unto Gudg'odah: 
 and from Gtidgodah to Jotbath, a land of rivers 
 of waters. 
 
 8 11 At that time ithe Lord separated the tribe 
 of Levi, to r bear the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord “to stand before the Lord to minister unto 
 him, and ‘to bless in his name, unto this day. 
 
 9 Wherefore “Levi hath no part nor inheritance 
 with his brethren ; the Lord is his inheritance, 
 according as the Lord thy God promised him. 
 
 10 11 And “I stayed in the mount according to 
 the 'first time, forty days and forty nights : and 
 nhe Lord hearkened unto me at that time also, 
 and the Lord would not destroy thee. 
 
 11 And the Lord said unto me, “Arise, Jtake 
 thy journey before the people, that they may go 
 in and possess the land which I svvare unto their 
 fathers to give unto them. 
 
 12 H And now, Israel, “what doth the Lord 
 thy God require of thee, but b to fear the Lord 
 thy God, "to walk in all his ways, and d to love 
 him, and to serve the Lord thy God “with all thy 
 heart and with all thy soul. 
 
 13 To keep the commandments of the Lord 
 and his statutes, which I command thee this day 
 f for thy good ? 
 
 14 Behold, ®the heaven, and the heaven of 
 heavens, is the Lord’s thy God, h the earth also 
 with all that therein is., 
 
 15 Only the Lord ‘had a delight in -thy fathers 
 to love them, and he chose their seed after them, 
 even you above all people, as it is this day. 
 
 16 k Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your 
 heart, and be no more 'stiff-necked. 
 
 —24 . 26:62. Josh. 14:3. Ex. 44:28. x 9:18,25. Ex. 24:18 . 34:28. t Or, former 
 dan. y 3:23— 27 . 9:19. Matt. 27:42. z Ex. 32:34 . 33:1. } Heb. so i„ journey. 
 a Jer. 7:22,23. Mic. 6:8. Mau. 11:29,30. 1 John 5:3. b 6:13. Ps. 128:1. Jer. 32: 
 39,40. Acts 9:31. 1 Pet. 1:17. c See on 5:33. Josh. 22:5. Ps. 81:13. Ez. 11:20. 
 Tit. 2:11,12. 1 Pet. 1:15,16. d Ste m 6:5. 11:13. Mail. 22:37. Mark 12:29— 33. 
 Luke 10:27. 11:42. Rom. 8:28. 1 John 2:15. 4:19,20. 5:2,3. e See on 4:2J. f6: 
 24. Prov. 9:12. Jer. 32:39. Jam. 1:25. gl Kings 8.27. 2 Chr. 6:18. Neh. 9:6. 
 Ps. 115:16. 148:4. Is. 66:1. h Gen. 14:19. Ex. 9:29. Ps. 24:1. Jer. 27:5,6. 1 Cor. 
 10:26,28. i See on 4:37. 7:7,8. Nnm. 14:8. Rom. 9:13—23. k 30:6. Lev. 26:41. 
 Jer. 4:4,14. Rom. 2:28,29. Col. 2:11. 1 See on 9:6,13. 31:27. Jam. 4:6,7. 
 
 believers should have so many Massahs , and Taberahs, and 
 Kibroth-hattaavahs, to remember: yet. we should by no means 
 forget them : but thence draw arguments for deeper humility 
 more lively gratitude, more simple dependence, and more 
 earnest prayers for the grace of God to hold up our goings in 
 his ways ; and for a more watchful walk, and a life more 
 devoted to his service. This consideration should endear to 
 us the compassionate Intercessor for sinners, and induce us 
 to desire and value a place in the prayers of God’s people: 
 and we should also learn to compassionate and pray for our 
 fellow-Christians, and for all men; and “in meekness to 
 restore such as have been overtaken in a fault,” and to 
 encourage them, when they show any hopeful tokens of 
 repentance. (Note, Gal. b: 1 — 5.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. X. V. 1—5. It is evident that the 
 ark of the covenant, and not a temporary ark, was here 
 intended ; for the two tables of the law continued in it, at 
 the time when Moses delivered this discourse. — Probably, 
 before he ascended the mount the second time, he gave ex- 
 press orders to Bezaleel to get the ark ready against he came 
 down ; and, having directed and ordered the making of it, he 
 speaks as if he had made it : thus Solomon is said to have 
 builded the temple, which he caused to be builded by the 
 hands of others. Some however think, that Moses prepared 
 the ark himself as made of shittim-wood, and carried it up with 
 the tables into the mount : and that Bezaleel afterwards cover- 
 ed it with gold. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , Ex. 25:10 — 21. 34:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 6. 7. These verses so break in upon the connexion of 
 Moses’s discourse, and give such an account of the names 
 of places, that they perplex commentators. But several of 
 the places mentioned, seem to have had more names than 
 one : (marg. Note, Num. 33:30 — 39.) and some particulars, 
 which for want of further information we cannot reconcile 
 with other accounts, might he perfectly intelligible to the 
 Israelites. It is evident, that Moses did not much regard 
 exactness of method in this discourse : yet, perhaps by some 
 means a transposition has taken place ; for these verses 
 would come in more regularly afier the eleventh verse. 
 
 V. 8, 9. At that time.] Not after Aaron’s death, but 
 soon after the breach was made up, which the golden call 
 had occasioned. (Notes, Num. 3:5 — 10. 18:20,21.) 
 
 V. 10. Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 34:8—10,28. 
 
 Y. 11. Notes , Ex. 32:34,35. 33:1- -3,12— 16. 
 
 V. 12—15. Marg. Ref. Notes , 6:4,5. 7:6—8. Is. 41:8,9. 
 Rom. 9:4,5. 11:25—32. 
 
 V. 16. Moses here cautioned the people not to rest 
 in the outward seal of circumcision, by which they went 
 distinguished as the professed worshippers of Jehoyab 
 ( 335 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 17 For the Lord your God is m God of gods, 
 and “Lord of lords, “a great God, a mighty, and 
 a terrible, which Pregardeth not persons, nor 
 taketh reward. 
 
 18 He idoth execute the judgment of the fa- 
 therless and widow, and “loveth the stranger, in 
 giving him food and raiment. 
 
 19 “Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were 
 strangers in the land of Egypt. 
 
 20 Thou shalt ‘fear the Lord thy God, him 
 shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou “cleave, 
 and "swear by his name. 
 
 21 He is Uhy praise, and he is thy God, 'that 
 hath done for thee these great and terrible things 
 which thine eyes have seen. 
 
 22 Thy fathers went down into Egypt “with 
 threescore and ten persons ; and now the Lord 
 thy God hath made thee b as the stars of heaven 
 for multitude. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Love and obedience to God enforced from his past kindnesses, and the good 
 lajid prepared for the people , l — 12. Conditional promises, warnings, and 
 exhortations, 13 — 25. A blessing and a curse set before the people, with 
 orders to j/ublish them from mount Gerizim and mount Ebal, 26 — 32. 
 
 T HEREFORE a thou shalt love the Lord thy 
 God, and b keep his charge, and c his statutes, 
 and his judgments, and his commandments alway. 
 
 m Josh. 22:22. I Clir. 16:25,26. Ps. 136:2. Dan. 2:47. 11:33. n Ps. 136:3. Rev. 
 17:14.19:16. o7:2l. Nell. 1 :5. 4: 14. 9:32. Job 37:22,23. Ps. 99:3. Jer. 20:11. 
 p 2 Chr. 19:7. Job 34:19. Mark 12:14. Act^l0:34. Rom. 2:11. Gal. 2:6. Eph.6: 
 0. CqI. 3:2.5. T Pet. 1:17. q Ps. 68:5. M3:6. 146.9. Is. 1:17. Jer. 49.11. Hos. 14:3. 
 r Pa. 145:9. Matt. 5:45. Acts 14:17 s Ex. 22:21. Lev. 19:33,34. LukeG:35. 10: 
 £8—37. 17 :I8. Gal. 6:10. Jam. 2:15,16. 1 John 3: 17,18. t6:13. 1 :4. Matt. 4:10. 
 Luke 4:8. o4:4. 11:22. 13:4. Josh. 23:8. Acts 11:23. Rom. 12:9. x3Vfon6: 
 13. Ps. 63:11. v Ex. 15:2. Ps. 22:3. Is. 12:2— 6. 60: 19. Jer. 17: 14. Luke 2:32. 
 Rev. 21:23. z4:32— 35. 1 gam. 12:24. 2Sam.7:23. Ps. 106:22. Is. 64:3. Jer. 32: 
 20,21. aGen. 46:27. Ex. 1:5. Acts 7:14. b 1:10.28:62 Gen. 15:5. Nuni. 26:51 , 
 
 but to seek earnestly that inward renewal to the divine 
 image, and mortification of all depraved affections, of which 
 circumcision was the outward sign, and which distinguishes 
 the spiritual worshipper. ( Notes , Rom. 2:25 — 29. Phil. 3:1 — 
 7. 5:3.) The figurative language here used denotes the 
 removal of that blindness from the understanding, that obsti- 
 nacy and perverseness from the will, and that insensibility, 
 carnal self-love, and idolatrous love of worldly things, which 
 render us morally incapable of loving God according to his 
 commandments, or profiting either by his mercies or his 
 iudgments. (Note, Gen. 17:9 — 12.) This change is there- 
 fore the subject both of promises and of precepts. As we 
 .Right to love God with our whole heart, it must be our duty 
 to remove whatever prevents our thus loving him ; and we 
 are accordingly commanded to do so. (Ezek. 18:30 — 32. 
 Acts 3:19 — 21.) But we are, as fallen sinners, of a contrary 
 disposition : and this contrariety to God and his law is ori- 
 ginal sin, the source of all our actual transgressions, and the 
 very essence of guilt and misery ; u because the carnal mind 
 is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, 
 neither indeed can be : so then they that are in the flesh 
 cannot please God.” (Note, Rom. 8:5 — 9.) In this condi- 
 tion the gospel addresses us, with invitations, promises, and 
 precepts : and when we are convinced of the reasonableness 
 and necessity of the required change, and perceive our utter 
 inability to effect it, we have recourse to the promises ; and 
 pleading them in prayer, as well as using all other means of 
 grace, we wait on the Lord to work it in us ; nor do we ever 
 wait and trust in vain. (Notes, Ps. 51:10. Jer. 4:3,4. 17:14. 
 31:18-20. Ez. 11:17—20.) 
 
 V. 17. As the Lord did not 41 regard persons,” the Israel- 
 ites must expect, in case they imitated the crimes of the 
 nations, on whom they were commissioned to execute the 
 judgments of God, that he would find instruments at length to 
 inflict similar vengeance on them ; notwithstanding those out- 
 ward distinctions which they disgraced, and religious advan- 
 tages on which they presumed. (Notes, Acts 10:34,35. 
 Rom. 2:1 — 11.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. The universal care and kindness of God, in his 
 providence, to persons of all nations and characters, are ex- 
 pressed by this language. He is represented as the universal 
 Patron of all those who are peculiarly exposed to oppression or 
 ill-treatment ; as strangers are in a foreign country, of which 
 the Israelites had had painful experience in Egypt. They 
 were therefore required to imitate the example of the Lord 
 who had been so kind fo them, not that of the Egyptians, 
 who had been so cruel to them. (Marg. Ref.) — It is evi- 
 dent, that unproselyted Gentiles are meant ; who were no 
 more of the religion of Israel, than the Israelites were of the 
 religion professed by the Egyptians. Notwithstanding these 
 plain precepts, the Jews in after ages were remarkable for 
 their contempt, hatred, and ill-treatment of other nations: 
 and they deemed themselves justifiable in this conduct ; 
 which tended very much to their own ruin after the coming 
 of Christ, as it haidencd them against the gospel when 
 preached to the Gentiles also. 
 
 V 20 — 22. Marg. Rqf. 
 
 2 IT And d know you tins day : for I speak not 
 with your children which have not known, and 
 which have not seen “the chastisement of the Lord 
 your God, f his greatness, ehis mighty hand, and 
 his stretched-out arm, 
 
 3 And h his miracles, and his acts, which he did 
 in the midst of Egypt, unto Pharaoh the king of 
 Egypt, and unto all his land ; 
 
 4 And what he did unto the army of Egypt, 
 unto their horses, and to their chariots, 'how he 
 made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them 
 as they pursued after you, and how the Lord hath 
 destroyed them unto this day ; 
 
 5 And Hvhat he did unto you in the wilderness, 
 until ye came into this place ; 
 
 6 And what k he did unto Dathan and Abiram, 
 the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben ; how the 
 earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, 
 and their households, and their tents, and all the 
 ‘substance that ivas hn their possession, in the 
 midst of all Israel. 
 
 7 But •your eyes have seen all the great, acts of 
 the Lord, which he did. 
 
 8 '"Therefore shall ye keep all the command- 
 ments which I command you this day, “that ye 
 may be strong, and go in and possess the land, 
 whither ye go to possess it : 
 
 62. Neh. 9:23. Heb. 11:12. a See on 6:5. 10:12. 30:16—20. I s. 116:1. b Lev. 8: 
 35. Zech.3:7. c.See on 4:1,5,40. 6:1. Ps. 105:45. Luke 1:74,75. <18:19. 29s 
 10. Prov. 22:19. Acts 26:22. e<Sfgo-i8:2 — 5. f See on 5:24. 9:26. g See on 7: 
 19. h See on 4:34. 7:19. Ps. 78:12,13. 105:27, &c. 135:9. Jer. 32:20,2 1 . i Ex. 
 14:27,28. 15:4,9,10,19. i's. 106:11. Heb. 11:29. j s. 77:20. 78:14, &c. 105:39— 
 41. 106:12, &c. k Num. 16:1,31—33. 26:9,10. 27:3. I s. 106.17. * Or, living 
 
 substance uhich followed them, t Heb ..nt their feet. 15.3. 7:19. I s. 1CG:2. 
 145:4—6,12. 150:2. m5e« on 8:10,11. 10: 12— 1 5. 26: 16— 19. 28:47. Pb. 116:12 
 —16* n 31:23. Josh. 1:6,7. Ps. 138:3. Is. 40:31. Dan. 10:19. 2 Lor. 12:9, lU. 
 Eph. 3:16. 6:10. Phil. 4:13. Col. 1:11. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The gospel of Christ, when truly believed, prepares the 
 heart to receive, love, and obey the holj r . law of God ; in 
 imitation of him, who said, 44 1 delight to do thy will, yea, thy 
 law is within my heart :” (Notes, Ps. 40:fi — 8. John 4:31 — 34. 
 Ro?n. 7:22 — 25.) and this forms the conclusive proof that our 
 sins are pardoned, and that God is reconciled to us. And 
 44 what doth the Lord require of us,” even by the strictest 
 precept of the law, as given to his redeemed people through 
 the hands cf the Mediator, which should hinder us from de- 
 lighting in his service ? Having received so many mercies 
 and favours, and having such gracious promises of assistance 
 and acceptance, we cannot say that we want either motive, 
 ability, or encouragement for obedience. His majesty and 
 purity, and his excellent loving-kindness and mercy, render 
 it equitable and reasonable, that we should fear and love him 
 with all our soul ; and from the united influence of fear and 
 love, that we should obey his commandments, worship him in 
 his ordinances, and walk in all his ways. His command- 
 ments are also for our good, and restrain us from nothing, but 
 what is destructive of our own happiness, and that of others ; 
 and require nothing, but what conduces to inward tranquillity 
 and present comfort. — In proportion as we obey his precepts, 
 we bear his image, and reflect. 44 the beauty of the Lord our 
 God,” the beauty of his holiness, of his equity, truth, and 
 love ; of his compassion and condescension (though he is so 
 highly exalted,) to the mean, to the vile, to the oppressed 
 and wretched. And what pleasure so divine, what honour 
 so exalted, what privilege so desirable, what ornament, praise, 
 or distinction so great, as to have 44 the God of gods, and 
 Lord of lords” for our Father and our Friend, to walk with 
 him, and be like him ? 44 This honour have all his saints !” 
 
 To this they are chosen: this is the fruit of his special 
 love, the eflcct of his converting grace, and the earnest of 
 eternal glory. Having had a delight in our believing ances- 
 tors, he has favoured us with his gospel above many of the 
 nations of the earth ; and he has continued the ministry of 
 his word, and has had a remnant of believers, among us 
 hitherto, which may he increase to an innumerable multitude ! 
 But let us fear coming short of his great salvation ; for the 
 Lord is terrible as well as merciful ; and, 44 without respect of 
 persons, he judgeth according to every man’s work.” (Note, 
 l Pet. 1:17 — 21.) Let us use the means of grace, and pray 
 earnestly that he may circumcise our hearts, and wash them 
 from every wickedness: let us, without delay or reserve, 
 come to him and cleave to him as our reconciled God in Jesus 
 Christ, that we may love, serve, and obey him acceptably ; 
 and be daily 44 changed into his imago from glory to glory 
 by the Spirit of the Lord.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1. This verse is the practical 
 improvement of the conclusion of the foregoing chapter; 
 while the next verse begins another view of the subject. 
 
 V. 2 — 9. Moses seems here to have addressed himsoi. 
 particularly to the ciders , who lmd in I heir youth w itnessed 
 the wonderful works which the Lord had wrought both for 
 them and among them ; and who were hound to remember 
 them for their own warning, and likewise that they migh 
 
 ( 336 ) 
 
B. ('. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 B. C. 145. 
 
 9 Aiul that ye may “prolong your days in the 
 land which the Lord Psware unto your fathers to 
 •five unto them, « *id to their seed, sa land that 
 floweth with milk and honey. 
 
 10 For the land, whither thou goest in to pos- 
 sess it, is not as the land of Egypt, from whence 
 ye came out, where thou sowedst thy seed, and 
 “wateredst it with thy foot, as a garden of herbs : 
 
 11 But ‘the land whither ye go to possess it, is 
 a land of hills and valleys, and drinketh water of 
 the rain of heaven ; 
 
 12 A land which the Lord thy God "careth for : 
 ‘the eyes of the Lord thy God are always upon it, 
 from the beginning of the year even unto the end 
 of the year. 
 
 13 H And it shall come to pass, if ye shall 
 hearken “diligently unto my commandments which 
 I command you this day, *to love the Lord your 
 God, and to serve him with all your heart, and 
 with all your soul, 
 
 14 That rl will give you the rain of your land 
 in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, 
 that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, 
 and thine oil. 
 
 15 And “I will ‘send grass in thy fields for thy 
 cattle, that thou mayest s eat and be full. 
 
 16 “Take heed to yourselves, that “your heart 
 be not deceived, and ye turn aside, and serve 
 other gods, and worship them ; 
 
 17 And then d the Lord’s wrath be kindled 
 against you, and he “shut up the heaven that there 
 be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit, 
 and lest fye perish quickly from off the good land 
 which the Lord giveth you. 
 
 18 H Therefore shall sye layup these my words 
 in your heart, and in your soul, and bind them for 
 h a sign upon your hand, that they may be as 
 frontlets between your eyes. 
 
 19 And ’ye shall $each them your children, 
 speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, 
 and when thou walkest by the way, when thou 
 best down, and when thou risest up. 
 
 20 And thou shalt write them upon the door- 
 posts of thine house, and upon thy gates; 
 
 t>4:40. 5:16. 6:2. Ps. 34:12, &c. Prov. 3:2,16. 9:11. 10:27. p See on 6:18. 9:5. 
 q See on Ex. 3:8. £%. 20:6. rZech. 14:18. s See on 8:7 — 9. Gen. 27:28. Ps. 
 65:12,13. 104:10—13. Is. 23:1. Jer. 2:7. Heb.6:7. * Het). seekclh. tl Kings 
 
 9:3. Ezra 5:5. Ps. 33:18. 34:15. Jer.24:6. u 8,22. See on 6:17. Ps. 119:4. 
 x See on 4.29. 6:5,6. 10 12. y 28:12. Lev. 26:4. Job 5:10,11. 37:11— 13. Ps.65: 
 9—13. Jer. 14:22. Ez. 34:26. Joel 2:22,23. Jam. 5:7. z 1 Kings 18:5. Ps. 104:14. 
 Jer. 14:5. Joel 1:18. 2:22. f Heb. give, a 6:11. 8:10. Joel 2:19. Hag. 1.6. Mai. 
 3:10.11. b See on 4:9,23. Luke 21:8,34,36. Heb. 2:1. 3:12. 4:1. 12:15. c 13:3. 
 29: IS. Job 31:27. Is. 44.20. Jam. 1:26. I John 5:21. Rev. 12:9. 13:14.20:4. 
 d See on 6:15. 30:17,13. e 28:23,24. 1 Kings 8:35. 17:1. 2Cbr.6:26. 7:13. Jer. 
 14:1—6. Am. 4:7. Hag. 1:9— 11. f4:26. 8:19,20. Josh. 23: 13-16. g See on 6: 
 6—9.32:46. Ex. 13:9,16. Ps. 119:11. Prov. 3:1 . 6:20— 23. 7:2,3. Col. 3:16. 'Heb. 
 2:1. 2 Pel. 1:12. 3:1,2. h Mult. 23:5. i 4:9,10. Ps. 34:11. 78:5,6. Prov. 2:1. 
 
 testify them to the rising generation who had not been 
 eye-witnesses of them. (Notes, Ex. 14:26 — 30. 15:17. Num. 
 16.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. Rain seldom falls in Egypt, ( Zech . 14:18,19.) 
 and the land is chiefly watered by the inundations of the river 
 Nile ; which generally cause great fertility, but also occasion 
 the people much labour in digging trenches, and forming con- 
 veyances for the water into the different parts of the country, 
 as if they were watering a garden. And especially the me- 
 thods taken to prevent a famine, in case the Nile should not 
 swell to its usual height, were indeed immensely laborious and 
 expensive ; but at the same time so successful, that entire 
 famines have been seldom known • since they have been 
 used. In digging the canals and trenches, and in the various 
 engines for raising the water, and pouring it out on the land, 
 the foot as well as the hand must be frequently employed. 
 But the Israelites in Canaan, “ a land of hills and valleys, that 
 drinketh water of the rain of heaven,” would be entirely ex- 
 empted from these labours. — Moses employs all kind of argu- 
 ments to engage the people to obedience. 
 
 V. 12. These expressions imply that the fruitfulness of 
 that favoured land arose from a special interposition of Pro- 
 viderfce for it, as the intended residence of his people. (Note, 
 32:8.) At this day the same country is remarkably barren, 
 that special favour being withdrawn. 
 
 V. 13 — 17. The Israelites were here reminded, that the 
 fertility of the promised land depended entirely on God ; and 
 that they would have no ground to expect this favour, unless 
 they cleaved to him in love and obedience. But in this case 
 he would certainly send rain in due season and proportion ; 
 especially the former rain to prepare the ground for the seed, 
 and the latter rain to bring forward the harvest: but if they 
 ran into idolatry, they must expect to be punished by famine 
 and desolating judgments. (Notes, 28:1 — 14,24. Lev. 26:3,4, 
 
 19-) 
 
 Vol. I.— 43 
 
 21 That k your days may lie multiplied, and the 
 days of your children, in the land which the Lord 
 sware unto your fathers to give them, ‘as the days 
 of heaven upon the earth. 
 
 22 For m if ye shall diligently keep all these 
 commandments which I command you to do them, 
 "to love the Lord your God, to walk in all his 
 ways, and “to cleave unto him ; 
 
 23 Then will the Lord rdrive out all these 
 nations from before you, and ye shall possess 
 greater nations, and mightier than yourselves. 
 
 24 "lEvery place whereon the soles of your leei 
 shall tread shall be yours : from the wilderness, 
 and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, 
 even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast 
 be. 
 
 25 There shall r no man be able to stand before 
 you : for the Lord your God shall lay the fear of 
 you and the dread of you upon all the land that 
 ye shall tread upon, “as he hath said unto you. 
 
 26 H Behold, l I set before you this day a bless- 
 ing and a curse ; 
 
 27 “A blessing, if ye obey the commandments 
 of the Lord your God, which I command you 
 this day ; 
 
 28 And x a curse, if ye will not obey the com- 
 mandments of the Lord your God ; but turn aside 
 out of the way which I command you this day, 
 to go after other gods which ye have not known. 
 
 29 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord 
 thy God hath brought thee in unto the land 
 whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt 
 y put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the 
 curse upon mount Ebal. 
 
 30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by 
 the way where the sun goeth down in the land, of 
 the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign 
 over against “Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh ? 
 
 31 For “ye shall pass over Jordan to go in to 
 possess the land which the Lord your God 
 giveth you, and ye shall possess it, and dwell 
 therein. 
 
 32 And b ye shall observe to do all the statutes 
 and judgments which I set before you this day. 
 
 4:1, Stc. !>. 38:19. k Xee on 4:40. 5:16. 6:2. Prov. 3:2,16. 4:10. 9:11. I Ps.72: 
 5. 89:28,29. Is. 65:20. Rev. 20:6. m See on 13. 6:17. n See on 13. Malt. 22: 
 37. 2 Tim. 4:8. 1 John 5:2,3. o See on 10:20. 30:20. Gen. 2:24. Acts 11:23. 
 2 Cor. 11:2,3. p 4:38. 7:1.2,22,23. 9:5. Ex. 23:27— 3U. 34:11. u Gen. 15.18-21. 
 Ex. 23:31. Josh. 1:3,4. 14:9. 1 Kings 4:21,24. 2Chr.9:2S. r on 2:25. 7:24. 
 Josh. 1:5. 2:9. 5:1. a Ex. 23:27. 1 30:1.5— 0. Gal. 3:10,13,14. u 28:1— U. 
 
 I.ev. 26-3—13. Ps. 19:11. Is. 1:19. 3:10. Mali. 5:3—12. 25:31, &c. Luke tl:2S. 
 John 13:17. 14:21— 23. Rom. 2:7. Jam. 1:25. Rev. 22:14. x 28:15, Ac. 29:19 
 —28. Lev. 26:14, Sc. Is. 1:20. 3:11. Mall. 25:41. Rom. 2:8,9. Gal. 3:10. 
 v27;12— 26. Josh. 6:30— 35. r. Josh. 5:9. Juilg. 7:1 . a9:l. Josh. 1:11. 3-.13— 
 
 17. bSee on 5:32,33. 12:32. Ps. 119:6. Mall. 7:21— 27. 28:20. Ltikol:6. John 
 15:14. 1 Tiles. 4:1,2. 
 
 V. 18 — 21. (Notes, 6:6 — 9.) — The expression, “as the 
 days of heaven upon the earth," denotes exceedingly long and 
 prosperous lives to individuals, and the continuance of the 
 nation in Canaan to the end of the world ; which, doubtless, 
 would have been the consequence of hearty, unreserved obe- 
 dience. (Mar g. Ref. Note, Is. 65:21 — 23.) 
 
 V. 22—25. Mars. Ref. Notes, Gen. 15:18—21. Ex. 23: 
 31. Num. 34:1—12. 
 
 V. 26 — 30. This significant ceremony is afterwards more 
 explicitly commanded, and the blessing and curse enlarged 
 on; and likewise the observance of it recorded. (Notes, 2T. 
 12 — 27. Josh. 8:30 — 35.) Gilgal was on the west side of Jor- 
 dan, not far from the place where Israel passed that river; 
 and the Canaanites dwelt over against Gilgal, near the plain 
 of Moreh: (Gen. 12:6.) so that the blessing and the curse 
 were to be pronounced nigh to the place, where Abraham the 
 blessed had formerly resided. This appointment of it at this 
 time was a pledge of Israel’s passing over Jordan. — In this 
 world we believe, and in part experience, that the righteous 
 are blessed and the wicked are accursed: but beyond the 
 grave the reality and extent of the blessing, and of the curse, 
 will be more perfectly apprehended. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 There are certain grand principles in religion, which must 
 be introduced upon every subject; and repetitions in respect 
 of them are so necessary and becoming, that no learned inge- 
 nuity or eloquence can compensate for the omission. Such 
 are repentance of sin; faith in Jesus Christ; whatever re- 
 lates to his person, love, atonement, and grace ; regenera 
 tion ; love to God and man, and the future state of righteous 
 and eternal retributions. The more full the heart of the 
 speaker or writer is of “ the good treasure,” the more will he 
 enlarge on these subjects ; to the disgust of such as, under 
 the influence of pride and worldly affections, savour not hea- 
 venly things. In one way or another they will be continually 
 ( 337 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 145! 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Monuments of idolatry must be destroyed , 1—4. A place must be appointed 
 fur sacrifices , oblations, and the holy things ; allowing the people however 
 to eat flesh in other places, yet without the blood ; and reserving, to the 
 priests and Leviles their portion, 5 — 28. The idolatries of the Cunaaniles 
 must not be inquired after , 29 — 32. 
 
 T HESE are “the statutes and judgments which 
 ye shall observe to do in the land which the 
 Lord God of thy fathers giveth thee to possess 
 it, b all the days that ye live upon the earth. 
 
 2 Ye shall “utterly destroy all the places wherein 
 the nations which ye shall 'possess served their 
 gods, d upon the high mountains, and upon the 
 hills, and under every green tree. 
 
 3 And ye shall f overthrow their altars, and 
 break their pillars, e and burn their groves with 
 fire ; and ye shall hew down the graven images of 
 their gods, fand destroy the names of them out of 
 that place. 
 
 4 Ye eshall not do so unto the Lord your 
 God. 
 
 5 But ll unto the place which the Lord your 
 God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put his 
 name there, even unto his 'habitation shall ye seek, 
 and thither thou shalt come-: 
 
 6 And thither ye shall bring k your burnt-offer- 
 ings, and your sacrifices, and your 'tithes, and 
 heave-offerings of your hand, and your vows, and 
 your free-will-offerings, and the firstlings of your 
 herds, and of your flocks. 
 
 a See on 4:1,2,5,45. 6:1,2. b 19. 4:10. 1 Kings 8:40. Job. 7:1. P». 104.33. 146: 
 2. c See oo.7:=.25.2S. Ex. 23:21. 34:12-17. Num. 33:51— 52. Judg. 2:2. -Or, 
 inherit, d Num. 22:41. 2 Kings 16:4. 17:10,11.23:13. Jer. 3:6. Ez. 20:28.29. 
 Hos, 4:13. t Heb. break down. e2 Kings 18:4 . 23:14. 2 Chr. 14:3. 1 <:3. 3J:3. 
 Jer. 17:2. Mic. 5: 14. f Ex. 23:13. Ps. 16:4. Hos. 2:17. Zech. 13:2. Rev. 13: 1 . 
 g 30,31. 16:21,22.20:18. Lev. 20:23. h 11. 16:2. Josh. 9:27. 18:1. 1 Kings 8:16, 
 20. 14:21. 1 Chr. 22:1. 2 Chr. 7: 12. Ps. 78:68 . 87:2,3. John 4:20— 22. Heb. 12 22. 
 Rev. 14:1. i Ex. 15.2. 25:22. Num. 7:89. 1 Kings 8 27. Ps. 132:13,14. Is. 65:1, 
 2. Acts 7:48— 50. Eph. 2:20-82. Col. 2:9. k Lev. 17:3—9. Ez. 20:40. 1 17. 14: 
 22,23. 15:19,20. 26:2. Lev. 27:32,33. Num. 18:15— 17. Mai. 3:8,10. Luke 11:42. 
 18:12. m 18. 14:23. 15:20. Is. 23:18. n 12,18. 16:11 — 15. 26:11. 27:7. Lev. 23: 
 
 resumed, in connexion with every doctrine and precept ; and 
 as the practical improvement of every mercy or judgment, or 
 every threatening, example, warning, or exhortation. Indeed 
 they must he used as the bread and salt are to our meals, 
 and they who are duly aware of their vast importance, will 
 watch for opportunities of introducing them, being unwilling 
 to relinquish the hope of gaining attention to them, as to mat- 
 ters of indispensable necessity. — All the Lord’s kindness to 
 us, all his wonderful works, his awful judgments, and his 
 precious promises, are intended to induce our love and obe- 
 dience to him ; without which our faith is dead, our knowledge 
 vain, our hope delusion and presumption, and we must be 
 miserable for ever. — Upon condition of perfect love and obe- 
 dience , the law of God sets before us a blessing; denouncing 
 also a curse upon the disobedient : but we have broken the 
 law, and are under its curse, without remedy from ourselves. 
 (Notes, Gal. 3:6 — 14.) In infinite mercy, however, the gos- 
 pel again sets before us 44 a blessing and a curse: a blessing 
 if we obey ” the call to repentance, faith, and newness of life ; 
 but an awful curse, if we neglect so great salvation. (Note, 
 Heb. 2:1 — 4. 12:22 — 25.) Let us then thankfully welcome 
 these glad tidings of great joy; and “give the more earnest 
 heed to the things that we have heard, lest at any time we 
 should let them slip :” let us not harden our hearts, but hear 
 this voice of God while it is called to-day, and while he so 
 kindly invites us to come to him upon a mercy-seat. Urged 
 on by fear of coming short, animated by hope of obtaining 
 the prize, and drawn by love, let us “give diligence to make 
 our calling and election sure.” (Notes, 2 Pet. 1:5 — 11.) And 
 recollecting all that we have heard, learned, and experienced 
 of the Lord’s power, faithfulness, righteousness, and mercy, 
 from our very youth, let us bear testimony of them to the 
 rising generation. Indeed we should make these the subjects 
 of our daily converse, and endeavour to bequeath them as a 
 legacy to our children: that they, as well as we, may be 
 “strong in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,” encouraged in 
 fighting “ the good fight of faith,” made conquerors over every 
 enemy, and obtain an inheritance in that better land, which the 
 eyes of the Lord watch over, and the glory of the Lord shineth 
 upon and blesseth, to all eternity. — We should not however 
 forget, that we have no reason to expect even temporal com- 
 forts, personal, domestic, or public; or the continuance of 
 our exiernal religious advantages, by which the Lord hath 
 hitherto shown his constant care of this land; except as we 
 • cleave to him in fear, and love, and holy obedience: for in all 
 1 things sin and misery are most closely connected. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XII. V. 2—1. (Note, 7:25,26.) 
 Among these monuments of idolatry no mention is made of 
 temples: and it is probable that the tabernacle in the wilder- 
 ness was the first, building ever formed, as a habitation for 
 the Deity ; and that a misunderstanding of its meaning and 
 intention gave rise to the custom of building temples in after 
 ages. (Note, Ex. 25:8.) Before this, num seem to have 
 Worshipped in high or in shady places, as favourable to con- 
 ( 338 ) 
 
 7 And there m ye slm” eat before the Lord your 
 God ; and "ye shall. rejoice in all that ye put your 
 hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the 
 Lord thy God hath blessed thee. 
 
 8 Ye shall not do after all the things that we do 
 here this day, “every man whatsoever is right in 
 his own eyes. 
 
 9 For ye are not as yet come to the Prest and 
 to the inheritance, which the Lord your God 
 giveth you. 
 
 10 But when lye go over Jordan, and dwell in 
 the land which the Lord your God giveth yon 
 to inherit, and when he giveth you rest from all 
 your enemies round about, so that 'ye dwell in 
 safety : 
 
 11 Then there shall be "a place which the Lord 
 your God shall choose, to cause his name to dwell 
 there, thither shall ye bring all that I command 
 you ; your burnt-offerings, and your sacrifices, 
 your tithes, and the heave-offering of your hand, 
 and all tyour choice vows which ye vow unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 12 And l ye shall rejoice before the Lord your 
 God, ye, and your sons, and your daughters, and 
 your men-servants, and your maid-servants, and 
 “the Levite that is within your gates ; "forasmuch 
 as he hath no part nor inheritance with you. 
 
 13 rTake heed to thyself, that thou offer not 
 thy burnt-offerings in every place that thou seest: 
 
 40. Ps. 128:1,2. Mai. 2:13. Acts 2:46. Phil. 4:4. oNum. 15:39. Judg. 17:6. 21: 
 25. Prov. 21:2. Am. 5:25. Acts 7:42. p 25:19. 1 Kings 8:56. 1 Chr. 23:25. Mic. 
 2:10. Hub. 4:8,9. I Pet. 1:3,4. q 3:27. 4:22. 9:1. 11:31. Josh. 3:17. 4:1,12. 
 r 33:12.28. f.cv. 25:18,19. 1 Sam. 7:12. 1 Kii:gs4:25. Ps.4:8. Prov. 1.33. Jer. 
 23:6. 32:37. 33:11. Kz. 28:26 . 34:25,28 . 38:8. s See on 5. 14:23. 15:20. 16 2, 
 Sic. 17:8. 18.6 . 23:16 . 26:2. 31:11. Josh. 18:1. 1 Kings 8: 13:29. Jer. 7:12. Jolm 
 4:20 — 23. + Heb the choice of your rows, t See on 7. 14:26,27. 1 Kings 8:66. 
 2 Chr. 29:36 . 30:21—26. Neh. 8:10-12. ft. 100:1,2. 147:1. 1 John 1:3,4. u 19 
 14:27. 16:1], !4. 18:6. 26:12. x 10:9. 18:1,2. See on Num. 18:20.23,24.26 
 Josh. 13:14,33. 14:4. y 6. Lev. 17:3,4. 1 Kings 12:28—32. 15:34. 2 Chr. 15:17. 
 
 templation, or as supposed to be peculiarly sacred to rhe 
 Deity, which custom was in many countries retained long 
 afterwards. But the Israelites were strictly enjoined to de- 
 stroy every thing which could keep up the memory, that such 
 and such places had been sacred to any particular idol ; and 
 even, as far as possible, to erase from the memory of man 
 the very names of their false gods: that the idolatry itself 
 might sink into oblivion, through all the land of their inherit- 
 ance. (Note, Ex. 23:13.) And especially, they must by no 
 means imitate the Canaanites, by offering sacrifices in such 
 places as they chose for themselves, however suitable they 
 might think them for that purpose. 
 
 V. 5 — 7. The people had before been directed to bring 
 all their sacrifices to the door of the tabernacle. (Notes, 
 Ijev. 17:3 — l J.) But at this time the general command was 
 particularly explained, with reference to the promised land ; 
 and was expatiated on in a manner which evinced that it was 
 of great importance. Idolatry and superstition, would be 
 prevented, and the true Object and prescribed method 01 
 worship adhered to, when all the sacrifices were offered al 
 the same place, by the priests appointed for that purpose. 
 Brotherly love and harmony in religion would be promoted, 
 by the people thus constantly meeting together from every 
 part of the land, and joining in sacred ordinances. And the 
 temple, sacrifices, priests, and especially the ark of the cove- 
 nant, were typical of Christ, through whom alone God can 
 be acceptably worshipped by sinners. Where the ark, in the 
 most holy place of the sanctuary, was stationed by divine 
 appointment; there the Lord 44 put his name” as the one 
 living and true God, the God of Israel, “a just God and a 
 Saviour.” (Ex. 20:24. Notes, Ex. 34:5 — 7. Is. 45:20 — 22.) 
 There he made known his glorious perfections ; and there 
 only in ordinary cases, would he accept the sacrifices of his 
 people; that they might feast before him with holy joy, as 
 peculiarly in all things favoured and blessed by him. Yet 
 prayer and praise might he offered any where, with reference 
 to the sacrifices at the altar, and the sprinkling of the hid'd 
 before the ark. — The place was not at this time appointed: 
 for that was to be done after the people had got possession of 
 the land. Accordingly, Shiloh was long the appointed place 
 and after some changes, Jerusalem was chosen for the pur- 
 pose, and continued to enjoy that distinction till the cruci- 
 fixion of Christ. (Notes, Josh. 18:1. 1 Sam. 4:3 — 11,19 — 22. 
 Ps. 78:61—69. 132:7 — 9,13,14. Jer. 7:12—15.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. The ceremonial observances were greatly inter- 
 rupted in the wilderness, by the want of many things requisite 
 to the due performance of them, when the people had no corn- 
 fields, vineyards, or olive-yards; or bv their constant re- 
 movals: and many things were connived at, which were not 
 according to the strictness of the law. It is plain, that in the 
 best of times hitherto, many things have been neglected or 
 defective in the church of God : and the typical meaning ol 
 these institutions was tho main thing contained in them: fot 
 they were scarcely ever exactly observed in any age. 
 
B C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 14 But ‘in the place which the Lord shall 
 choose in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt. offer 
 thy burnt-offerings, and there thou shalt do all that 
 
 1 command thee. 
 
 15 Notwithstanding, ‘'thou mayest kill and eat 
 flesh in all thy gates, whatsoever thy soul lusteth 
 after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy 
 God, which lie hath given thee : b the unclean and 
 the clean may eat thereof, as of the roe-buck, and 
 
 of the hart. 
 
 16 Only “ye shall not eat the blood; ye shall 
 pour it upon the earth as water. 
 
 17 H Thou mayest not eat within thy gates 
 d the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, 
 or the firstlings of thy herds, or of thy flock, nor 
 anv of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy free- 
 will offerings, or heave-offering of thine hand ; 
 
 18 But 'thou must eat them before the Lord 
 thy God in the place which the Lord thy God 
 shall choose, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, 
 and thy man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and 
 the Levite that is within thy gates : and thou shalt 
 'rejoice before the Lord thy God in all that thou 
 puttest thine hands unto. 
 
 19 sTake heed to thyself that thou forsake not 
 the Levite 'as long as thou livest upon the earth. 
 
 20 H When the Lord thy God shall enlarge thy 
 border, h as he hath promised thee, and thou shalt 
 say, 'I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to 
 eat flesh ; thou mayest eat flesh, whatsoever thy 
 soul lusteth after. 
 
 21 If the place which the Lord thy God hath 
 chosen Ho put his name there, be too far from 
 thee ; then thou shalt kill of thy herd and of thy 
 flock, which the Lord hath given thee, as I have 
 commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thy gates 
 whatsoever thy soul lusteth after. 
 
 22 Even k as the roe-buck and the hart is eaten, 
 so thou shalt eat them ; the unclean and the clean 
 shall eat of them alike. 
 
 E See on 5:l\. Ps.5:7. 9:11. 2 Cor. 5:19. Heb. 10:19 — 22. 13:15. n 21:22. Lev. 
 17:3—5. b 14:5. 15:22,23. c Gen. 9:4. See on Lev. 7:26,27. 17:10-13. Act. 
 15:29. 1 Tim. 4:4. dSeeon6,ll. 14:22—20.25:12,14. Lev. 27:30— 32. Nura. 
 18:21, &c. e See nn 12,19. 15:20. f See on 7. Ps. 32:11. 68:3. I rov. 3:17. Is. 
 12:3. 1 els 2. 45. 16:34. Gal. 5:22. Phil. 3:1 — 3. g 14:27—29. 2 C'hr. 11 : 13,14. 
 31:4—21. \'eb 10:31— 39. 1 Cor. 9:10— 14. • Heb. all Hu, days. See on 1. h See 
 on 11:24. 19:3. Gen. 15:18—21. 28:14. Ex. 23:31 34:24. i See on 15. Gen. 31: 
 30. Num. 11:4.20,34. 2 Sam. 13:39. 23:15. Ps. 63:1. 84:2. 107:9. 119:20,40,174. 
 
 2 C'er. 9:14. Phil. 1 :8. 2:26. j See on 5,1! . 14:23.24. 16:8,11. 26:2. Ex. 20:24. 
 1 Kings 11:21. ‘2 Chr. 12:13. Ezra 6:12. k See on 15. t Heb. strong. 1 Gen. 
 9:4. Lev. 3:16,17. 17:11,14. Matt. 20:28. Rev. 5:9. m 16.15:23. n 28. See on 
 
 V. 10—14. Marg. Ref . Notes , 5—7. 16:3—6. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Marg. Ref. Note , 22. 
 
 V. 17, 18. Tithes. (17) This means the second tithe; 
 (Notes, 14:22 — 29. 26:12 — 15.) for the Levites received the 
 whole of the other. (Notes, Num. 18:20 — 32.) In like 
 manner every male firstling was the portion of the priests 
 alone ; (Num. 18:17,18.) so that either the female firstling, or 
 some other of their young cattle, being presented as peace- 
 offerings, were thus to be feasted on before the Lord. 
 
 V. 22. All animals slain for food in the wilderness, were 
 ordered to be brought as peace-offerings to the door of the 
 tabernacle ; so that the unclean were in fact at that time for- 
 bidden to eat any flesh at all: (Notes, Lev. 17:10 — 16.) but 
 this restriction was taken off when they entered on the pro- 
 mised land. — The clean, &c.l Notes, 15:19 — 23. 
 
 V. 29—31. Notes , Lev. 18:21,24—30. Ps. 106:35—38. 
 
 Jer. 10:2. 
 
 V. 32. Note, 4:2. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We cannot serve God and Mammon, nor worship the true 
 God and idols, nor depend upon Christ Jesus and superstitious 
 or self-righteous confidences. No coalition ought so much 
 as to be attempted in these cases. — True religion springs 
 from the subversion of every false dependence, and the 
 dethroning of every idol, and tends to the extirpation of every 
 nval and opponent, that the Lord may be our only Portion 
 and Salvation, and receive all our worship and obedience. 
 Nor can we ever approach him with acceptance, but in the 
 way which he has revealed, and in the ordinances which he 
 has appointed ; for neither our wisdom nor our imagination, 
 is in this case at all to be trusted. (Note, Ex. 25:40.) In 
 Christ Jesus, as in the true Temple, u all the fulness of the 
 Godhead dwells bodily;” to him we come by humble faith, 
 and receive the pardon, the reconciliation, and the grace 
 which he bestows from his mercy-seat : thus we learn to love 
 him, to obey his commandments, and to present our spiritual 
 sacrifices of prayer and praise, and every work of compassion 
 and kindness performed for his sake. There we find accept- 
 ance of our imperfect services, and learn to delight in obe- 
 dience ; for the ways of our reconciled Father are u ways of 
 pleasantness and all his paths are peace: 1 and the repeated 
 
 23 Only be tsure that tnou eat not the blood: 
 for 'the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat 
 the life with the flesh. 
 
 24 Thou shalt not eat it; m thou shalt pour it 
 upon the earth as water. 
 
 25 Thou shalt not eat it ; "that it may go well 
 with thee, and with thy children after thee, “when 
 thou shalt do that which is right in the sight 
 the Lord. 
 
 26 H Only thy Pholy things which thou hast 
 and ffhy vows, thou shalfflake, and go unto the 
 place which the Lord shall choose. 
 
 27 And thou shalt oiler r thy burnt-offerings, the 
 flesh and the blood, upon the altar of the Lord 
 thy God: 'and the blood of thy sacrifices shall be 
 poured out upon the altar of the Lord thy God, 
 and thou shalt eat the flesh. 
 
 28 ‘Observe and hear all these words which I 
 command thee, “that it may go well with thee, 
 and with thy children after thee for ever, when 
 thou doest that which is good and right in the 
 sight of the Lord thy God. 
 
 29 H When the Lord thy God shall 'cut off the 
 nations from before thee, whither thou goest to 
 possess them, and thou Isucceedest them, and 
 dwellest in their land; 
 
 30 Take heed to thyself w that thou he not 
 snared §by following them, after that they be 
 destroyed from before thee : and that thou in- 
 quire not after their gods, saying, “How did these 
 nations serve their gods : even so will I do like- 
 wise. 
 
 31 Thou -'shalt not do so unto the Lord thy 
 God: for every abomination Ho the Lord which 
 he hateth ; have they done unto their gods : for 
 'even their sons and their daughters they have 
 burnt in the fire to their gods. 
 
 32 What thing soever I command you observe 
 to do it : “thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish 
 from it. 
 
 4:40. 5:16. P., 112:2. Is. 3:10. 48:18,19. Ez. 33:25. o See on 6:18. 13:18. Ex. 
 15:26. 1 Kings 11:38. p 6:11,18. Num. 5:9,10. 18:19. q See on Gen. 28.20 
 Lev. 22:18. 18am. 1:21 — 21. Ps. 66:13 — 15. r See on Lev. 1:5,9,13. sLev.4. 
 30. 17:11. t 24:8. See on Ex. 34:11. Lev. 19:37. 2 Chr. 7:17. Nell. 1:5. Ps. 105- 
 45. Ez. 37:24. John 15:3,10,14. u Sie on 25. v 9:3. 19:1. Ex. '23:23. Josh. 23 
 4. Ps. 78:55. J Heb. inheritesl, or , posseseest them, w 7:!6. Ex. 23:31 — 33* 
 Lev. 18:3. Num. 33:52. Jinl*. 2 2,3. Ps. 106:34—38. Ez. 20:28. § Heb. after 
 
 them, x Jer. 10:2. Ez. 20:32. Rom. 12:2. Eph.4:17. 1 Pet. 4:3,4. y 18:9. Lev. 
 18:3,25—30. 2 Kings 17:15—17. 21 :2. 2 Chr. 33:2. 36:14. II Heb. of the. z Lev. 
 18:21. 20:2. Jer. 7:31. 32:35. Ez. 20:31. 23:37. Mic.6:7. a 4:2. 13:18. Josh. 1: 
 7. Prov. 30:6. Matt. 28:20. Rev. 22:18,19. 
 
 calls to “ rejoice before the Lord,” here, as well as in the 
 New Testament, should be peculiarly noticed. (Notes, 
 Phil. 4:4. 1 Pet. 1:8,9.) This holy joy will be excited in our 
 hearts, and generally preserved and increased, in proportion 
 as we abound in love and good works. But we must not be 
 satisfied even with that measure of diligence, which passes 
 current in the visible church; where too often many allow 
 themselves, and are connived at by others, in u doing what- 
 soever is right in their own eyes.” We must consider what 
 the word of God requires : we must remember those primitive 
 times, when u great grace was upon all” the company of 
 Christians, and reflect how they lived ; and we must by faith 
 contemplate those who have arrived at their rest and inherit- 
 ance, and endeavour to conceive how they love the Lord and 
 rejoice in serving him, and be ourselves pressing forwarc 
 after that perfection. — If we would have a comfortable use of 
 our possessions, and be happy in domestic life, we should 
 honour God with our substance, worship him in our familes, 
 and train up our children and servants to attend on all his 
 ordinances. Nay, “whether we eat, or drink, or whatever 
 we do, we should do all to the glory of God :” but this cannot 
 be done, without observing the rules of strict temperance, 
 and submission to Providence, in our use of his good creatures, 
 and having all u sanctified by the word of God and prayer 
 or without separating a portion for the poor, and for the pro- 
 vision of such as labour in the word and doctrine, and seek 
 not an inheritance of temporal things among their brethren, 
 and must therefore not be forgotten by them. We must 
 likewise u do all in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thank3 
 to the Father through him :” and exercise in every thing that 
 dominion over our appetites which becomes his disciples, and 
 those who savour heavenly things. And it behooves us to 
 watch against being ensnared by the examples, maxims, 
 fashions, and persuasions of the world ; for if wc yield at ali 
 to them, even in the desires of our hearts, they will draw us 
 irUo further abominations. But “ whatsoever the Lord com- 
 mands, that must we observe and do, without adding to it, or 
 diminishing from it,” that “it may be well with us, and witli 
 our children after us for ever.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 1 — 5. It is here supposed, 
 that professed prophets would arise and “ give signs ana 
 
 ( 339 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 145* 
 
 HAPTER XIII. 
 
 E*ticer$ to idolatry mast be put to death , 1 — 5. Even the nearest relations 
 must a: cute them, and lead the way m stoning them, 6 — 11. Idolatrous cities 
 must be utterly destroyed, 12 — 18. 
 
 I F there arise among you “a prophet ; or b a 
 dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a 
 wonder; 
 
 2 And 'the sign or the wonder come to pass 
 whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go 
 after other gods, which thou hast not known, and 
 let us serve them : 
 
 3 Thou shalt d not hearken unto the words of 
 that prophet or that dreamer of dreams : for the 
 Lord your God 'proveth you, to know whether 
 fye love the Lord your God with all your heart 
 and with all your soul. 
 
 4 Ye shall ?walk after the Lord your God, and 
 fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey 
 his voice, and ye shall serve him h and cleave unto 
 him. 
 
 5 And that 'prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, 
 shall he put to death ; because he hath spoken 'to 
 Hum you away from the Lord your God, which 
 brought you out of the land of Egypt, and 
 redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to 
 thrust thee out of the way which the Lord thy 
 God commanded thee to walk in: so shalt thou 
 k put the evil away from the midst of thee. 
 
 a 1 King. 13:18. I«. 9:15. Jer.6:I3. 23:11. Ez. 13:2,3,23. Zee. 13:4. Mall. 7:15. 
 24:11. Luke 6:26. 2 Pel. 2:1. 1 John 4:1. h Jer. 23:25— 28. 27:9. 29:8,24. marg. 
 Zech. 10:2. c 18:22. Ex. 7:22. 1 Kings 13.3. Man. 7:22,23 . 24:24 . 2 Cor. 11: 
 13 — 15. 2 Thes. 2:9—11. Rev. 13:13,14. ,1 Is. 8:20. Acts 17:11. Eph. 4:14. I John 
 4:1. e See on 8:2. Ps. 66: 10. 81:7. 1 Cor. 11:19. lJohn2:I9. 4:4. f See on 
 6:5. 2 Cor. 8:8. gSeeon6:\3. 2 Kings 23:3. 2 Chr. 34:31 . Mic. 6:8. Luke 1:6. 
 Col. 1:10. 1 Thes. 4:1,2. h See on 10:20. 30:20. Rom. 6:13. 1 Cor. 6:17. i 18:20. 
 
 1 Kings 18:40. Is. 9:14,15. 28:17,18. Jer. 14:15. 28.15—17. 29:21,22. Zech. 13:3. 
 Rev. 19:20. * Heb. revolt against, j 10. 7:4. Jer. 50:6. Ac's 13:8. 2 Tim. 4:4, 
 
 wonders,” (that is, predict remarkable events which would 
 come to pass accordingly, or work apparent miracles,) and 
 then endeavour to seduce the people into idolatry. Thus a 
 divine interposition would be pleaded in support of a practice 
 directly contrary to the first principles of true religion, as 
 stated in the sacred Scriptures. But those first principles 
 having been sufficiently demonstrated, and it being impossible 
 that God should contradict himself ; the Israelites were com- 
 manded to treat the prophet as a deceiver, and his apparent 
 miracles and prophecies as impostures ; and to consider that 
 the Lord permitted such things, in order to prove whether 
 they were cordially devoted in love to his worship, or were 
 glad of a pretence for turning aside to idolatry. (Note, 8:2.) 
 Nay, they must put the deceiver to death without mercy. — 
 The existence and perfections of the one living and true 
 God are fully proved by the works of creation and providence ; 
 file revelation made to Israel by Moses had been authen- 
 ticated by the most public and stupendous miracles ; and the 
 worship of Jehovah alone was the fundamental principle of 
 that revelation. No miracles therefore could be admitted as 
 a proof that the people might violate the first and great com- 
 mandment of the law, just before given from mount Sinai: 
 for it was impossible such miracles could be wrought by 
 Jehovah, and if wrought by another, he must be the rival 
 and enemy of Jehovah. — T hose things indeed in the law 
 given by Moses, which related to the external forms of 
 worship , being changeable in their nature, might be super- 
 seded by a future revelation ; and here the evidence of 
 miracles, if public and incontestable, was admissible. Yet it 
 is observable, that our Lord and his apostles did not rest the 
 Christian revelation on miracles only, but they constantly 
 appealed to the Old Testament ; the prophecies and promises 
 of which, when fairly interpreted, were suited to raise an 
 expectation of exactly such a change in externals as they 
 effected, and'which at the same time fully established all the 
 grand principles and requirements of preceding revelations. 
 In all cases where the evident testimony of the sacred oracles 
 is not evaded or contradicted, miracles may be considered as 
 the seal of God, to the doctrine taught by those who work 
 them : but when the grand principles of Scripture are 
 
 opposed, they must be allowed insufficient to counterbalance 
 the immense weight of evidence by which that has been 
 authenticated. — We are too much in the dark to determine 
 exactly what created power can effect, and what are its 
 imits : and it seems undeniable that Satan, if permitted, 
 could produce changes in nature which would to us appear 
 miraculous : or give intimations of events speedily to take 
 /dace, which would seem prophetical : though neither of them 
 would be at all worthy to be compared with the stupendous 
 miracles recorded in Scripture, or the system of prophecy 
 herein contained. But as we may be sure this enemy will 
 never interpose to confirm the holy truths of Christianity. 
 (Note, Matt. 12:25,26.) so we may rest satisfied, that Cxod 
 will not permit him to deceive his upright servants; though 
 he may allow him to prove them, and to show the difference 
 between them and plausible hypocrites. (Notes, Matt. 24: 
 23— 25 Rev. 13:8 — 10.) — As the revelation of the truth and , 
 ( 340 ) 
 
 6 If 'thy brother, the son of thy mother, or th® 
 son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or 
 thy friend, m which is as thine own soul, "entice 
 thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other 
 gods, "which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy 
 fathers ; 
 
 7 Namely, of the gods of the people which are 
 round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from 
 thee, from the one end of the earth, even unto the 
 other end of the earth ; 
 
 8 Thou shalt not Pconsent unto him, nor 
 hearken unto him ; neither ‘'shall thine eye pity 
 him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou 
 conceal him ; 
 
 9 But "thou shalt surely kill him: ’thine hand 
 shall be first upon him to put him to death, and 
 afterwards the hand of all the people. 
 
 10 And thou shalt ‘stone him with stones, that 
 he die: because he hath sought to thrust thee 
 away from the Lord thy God, "which brought 
 thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of 
 ‘bondage. 
 
 1 1 And y all Israel shall hear and fear, and shall do 
 no more any such wickedness as this is among 
 you. 
 
 12 H If thou x shalt hear say in one of thy cities 
 which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell 
 there, saying, 
 
 5. k 17:7. 19:19. 22:21,24.21:7. 1 Cm . 5:13. Heb. 12:14,15. 117:2,3. 28:54. 
 
 Prov. 18:24. Mic. 7:5— 7. Matt. 12:48— 50 . 2Cor.5:16. m 1 Sam. 18:1,3 
 
 20:17. 2 Sam. 1:26. n Job31:27. Gal. 2:4. Eph. 4:14. Col. 2:4. 2 Pet. 2:1. 
 1 John2:26,27. Rev. 12:9. 13:14. 20:3. o 32:16— 18. Juilg. 2:13. 5:8. 10:6. 
 1 Kings 11:5— 7. 2 Kings 17:30,31. p Ex. 20:3. Prov. 1:10. Gal. 1:8,9. 1 John 5: 
 21. qSeeon 7:16. 19:13. Ez.5:ll. 9:5,6. r 17:2— 7. Mall. 10:37. Luke 14:26. 
 s 17:7. John 8:7. Acts 7:68. I 21:21 . Lev. 20:2,27. 24: 14— 16,23. Nun. 15:35, 
 36. Josh. 7:25. 2 Chr. 24:21. o See on Ex. 20:2. t Heb. bondmm. v 17:13 
 I9;20. Prov. 19:25. 21:11. 1 Tim. 5:20. x Josh. 22:11, &c. Judg.20:l, &c. 
 
 will of God is now completed, we have no reason to expect 
 miracles ; though it is nowhere expressly declared, that nc 
 more true miracles shall ever be performed ; and perhaps 
 such may be wrought on some future very extraordinary 
 occasions, as the fall of Antichrist, the conversion of the Jews, 
 or the calling of the Gentiles. But all the pretended miracles 
 of the church of Rome, being performed in favour of idolatry, 
 superstition, and antiscriptural principles, claims, and prac- 
 tices, are so many proofs that she is the principal Antichrist 
 foretold in the New Testament. (Notes, 2 Thes. 2:8 — 12. 
 1 Tim. 4:1 — 5. Rev. 13:13 — 17.) — All impressions, visions, 
 and revelations, or pretences to miraculous or prophetical 
 powers, adduced in support of unscriptural tenets, are 
 evidently diabolical delusions or human impostures: and it 
 brought in favour of scriptural principles, they weaken the 
 evidence of them, and disgrace the cause of truth. So far 
 ought we to be, therefore, from listening to the vain reason- 
 ings of infidels or heretics, against the authenticated doctrines 
 and precepts of Scripture, that we should consider even 
 apparent miracles wrought in such a cause, as only permitted 
 in order to prove and try us. We are taught in the Scripture 
 to expect that both profane scoffers, and pretenders to mira- 
 cles, will thus assault us ; and if we properly consider this, 
 the fact itself will “ turn to us for a testimony.” “ Thus it 
 is written, and thus it must be.” 
 
 V. 6 — 11. By this law, every Israelite was bound in con- 
 science to inform against, to prosecute, and to assist at the 
 execution of any one, even the nearest relalion or friend, who 
 attempted to persuade him to idolatry. (Notes, 33:9. Ex. 
 32:27 — 29. Matt. 10:37 — 39.) Yet it is observable that parents 
 and husbands are not expressly mentioned, in the list of those 
 who were to be thus accused ; perhaps out of deference to 
 the divine appointment of authority and subordination in 
 families. — This singular institution would’ powerfully operate 
 to produce an abhorrence of idolatry, and to render every one 
 afraid of harbouring a thought in his heart, which he could not 
 disclose to his nearest relations without risking his life. — Israel 
 was under a peculiar covenant, of which idolatry was the 
 grand forfeiture ; and this could not he prevented from be- 
 coming a national sin, unless individuals, and even cities, that 
 were guilty of it, were punished by public authority. They 
 were in a special manner under the government of God as a 
 nation, and this crime was, as it were, high treason. They 
 were also a single nation surrounded by idolaters, and prone 
 to idolatry themselves in a surprising degree. — These reasons 
 for punishing this crime by death do not now exist,: and there 
 is no command or precedent in the New Testament, com- 
 manding or authorizing magistrates to use the sword of pub- 
 lic justice, in punishing their subjects for matters merely of 
 conscience towards God ; nor does it seem at all to accord 
 with the spirit of Christianity: much loss can this law autho- 
 rize persecution in general. Even the Israelites were not 
 commanded nor allowed to punish idolaters as such ; bu* 
 merely apostates from the worship of the true God to idolatry 
 within the limits of their own nation: nor were they required 
 or allowed thus to propagate the worship of Jehovah. 
 
 V. 12 — 18. “ The children of Belial,” are reU»‘« \vh b cast 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 13 Certain men, "the ^children of Belial, 'are 
 gone out from among you, and have withdrawn 
 the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go 
 and serve other gods, which ye have not known ; 
 
 14 Then shalt thou "inquire, and make search, 
 and ask diligently : and behold, if it be truth, and 
 the thing certain, that such abomination is 
 wrought among you ; 
 
 15 Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of 
 that city with the edge of the sword, b destroying 
 it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle 
 thereof with the edge of the sword. 
 
 16 And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into 
 the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn 
 with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every 
 whit, for the Lord thy God ; and it shall be "an 
 neap for ever, it shall not be built again. 
 
 17 And there shall d cleave nought of the tcursed 
 thing to thine hand: that 'the Lord may turn 
 from the fierceness of his anger, and show thee 
 mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and 
 multiply thee, fas he hath sworn unto thy fa- 
 thers ; 
 
 18 When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the 
 Lord thy God, sto keep all his commandments, 
 which I command thee this day, to do that which 
 is right in the eyes of the Lord thy God. 
 
 • Hr. ,«.{>• men. y Ju.lg. 19:22. 20:13. 1 Sam. 2:12. 10:27. 25:17,25. 
 2 am. 10:7 . 20:1. 23:6. 1 Kings 21:10,13. 2 Chr. 13:7. John 8:44. 2Cor.6:I5. 
 
 I III, 1,3:111. ■/. 1,19. 2 Kings 17:21. I John 2:19. Jude 19. a 17:4. 19:1 8. Num. 
 35 30. Is. 11 3,4. John 7:24. 1 Tim. 5:19. b2:34. 7:2,16. Ex. 23:24. I.ev.27: 
 
 2-1. 1 ,s i. : 1 7 — 21.24. Jniig. 20:48. Re*. 17:16. 18:18—24. 19:2,3. c Num. 21: 
 2.8. Jnsli. 6:26. 8:28. Is. 17:1. 25:2. Jer. 49.2. Mie. 1:6. d See on 7:26. Josh. 
 6:13. f Or, denote I . See on Lev. 27:28,29. 1 Cor. 16:22. e Josh. 7:26 . 22:20. 
 r lieu. 22 16. 17. 23:4,24 . 28:14. g See on 12:25,28,32. Malt. 6:33. 7:21,24. 
 
 oT the yoke of the divine law; for this is only another 
 name for the children of the devil. (Marg. Ref. y.) — In case 
 a report prevailed, that a whole city in Israel had renounced 
 the worship of God and established idolatry, the rulers and 
 magistrates were required first fairly to investigate the case ; 
 and if the fact were fully proved, they were commanded to 
 s’ay all the inhabitants, and burn the city with all the spoil of 
 it w as an accursed thing,” devoted to destruction, a sacrifice 
 to the offended justice of God. Thus the same dreadful 
 punishment was appointed for idolatrous Israelites, as they 
 had been employed to inflict on the devoted Canaanites : 
 and the city itself, like Jericho and the cities of Arad, 
 must be so entirely destroyed, as never more to be rebuilt, 
 except by an act of direct rebellion against God. (Notes, 
 Nu?n.2\:[ — 3. Josh. 6:17 — 21.) — Many distinctions have been 
 made, both by Jewish and Christian expositors, to abate the 
 severity of this law ; but the text gives no countenance to any 
 of them. It should not indeed be supposed that the crime 
 was charged on the city, unless a majority of the inhabitants 
 concurred in it ; or that any individuals who had entirely 
 escaped the general contagion, might not separate from their 
 guilty neighbours ; and perhaps space might on some occa- 
 sions be allowed for repentance. The destruction of the spoil 
 would evince, that the prosecution and execution were not the 
 effect of avarice, but of zeal for the honour of God and reli- 
 gion ; and nothing can be conceived more suited to restrain 
 the people from idolatry than this statute. (Note, 7:25,26.) 
 But we never read that it was carried into execution ; (Note, 
 Josh. 22:12 — 16.) and have reason to think that this neglect 
 was a national sin, which hastened the Babylonish captivity. 
 Had some mortified limbs been cut off, the life of the state 
 might have been prolonged. (Mic. 1:13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is of the greatest importance to be well acquainted with 
 the truths and precepts of revelation, and well established in 
 them: for we may expect to be proved, not only with that 
 trial of our faith which requires us to suffer, or to renounce 
 our worldly interests, for conscience’ sake ; but by such plau- 
 sible temptations as “Satan transformed into an angel of 
 light,” can set before us, to impose upon us with evil in the 
 guise of good, and with error in the appearance of truth : nor 
 can any thing be effectually opposed to such temptations, but 
 a plain, express testimony of Scripture. In order to render 
 these temptations more dangerous, our cafty foe often sends 
 them by persons, whom we have been accustomed to look up 
 to as superiors, teachers, and men of God ; or by those, for 
 whom we entertain the most tender affection: the former we 
 can scarcely think capable of deceiving, or of being deceived ; 
 to the latter, we can hardly find in our hearts to refuse any 
 request. But we must remember, that in all this “ the Lord 
 our God doth prove us ;” he is our Master, and we must call 
 no man master upon earth : if therefore the servant contradicts 
 the Lord, we must believe the latter and not the former. — 
 The love and duty which we owe to God are so immensely 
 superior to all other obligations, that we must act even to- 
 wards our dearest friends, as though we hated them, when 
 his command or his glory requires it. (Note, Luke 14:25 — 
 il ) And if the offending relative must not be spared or 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Israel rjxust be distinguished from, other nations in their mourning , 1,2; and 
 in their diet , 3 — 21 . A tithe of their increase to be eaten before the I/irtL ; 
 or the price of it to be spent at the appointed place in religious feasting , 
 22 — 27: but every third year to be given in works of charity and piety 
 28, 29. 
 
 Y E are "the children of the Lord your God 
 b ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make any 
 baldness between your eyes, for the deaa : 
 
 2 For "thou art an holy people unto the Lord 
 thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a 
 peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations 
 that are upon the earth. 
 
 3 Thou shalt not d eat any abominable thing-. 
 
 4 These are "the beasts which ye shall eat : the 
 ox, the sheep, and the goat, 
 
 5 The hart, and the roe-buck, and the fallow- 
 deer, and the wild goat, and the 'pygarg, and the 
 wild ox, and the chamois : 
 
 6 And every beast that < parteth the hoof, and 
 cleaveth the cleft into two claws, and cheweth the 
 cud, among the beasts ; that ye shall eat. 
 
 7 Nevertheless, these eye shall not eat, of them 
 that chew the cud, or of them that divide the 
 cloven hoof; as the camel, and the hare, and the 
 coney: for they chew the cud, but divide not the 
 hoof; therefore they are unclean unto you. 
 
 8 And h the swine, because it divideth the hoof, 
 
 a Gen. 6:2,4. Ex. 4:22,23. Ps. 82:6,7. Jer.3:!9. Hoa. 1:10. John 1:12. 11:52. 
 Rom. 8:16. 9:8,26. 2 Cor. 6: 18. Gal. 3:26. Hob. 2:10. 1 John 3:1,2,10. 5:2. b I.ev. 
 19:27,28. 21:5. Jer. 16:6. 41:5.47:5. 1 Tires. 4:13. c 21. See on 7.6. 26:18,19.28: 
 9. Ex. 19:5,6. Lev. 11:45. 19:2.20:26.18.6:13.62:12. Ez. 21:2. Dan. 8:24. 12:7. 
 Tit. 2:14. 1 Pet. 2:9. d Lev. 11:43. 20:25. Is. 65:4. Ex. 4:14. Arts 10:13,14 
 Rom. 14:14. Tit. 1:15. e See on Lev. 11:2 — 8. * Or, bison. Heb . dishnn. f Ps. 
 1:1,2. Prov. 18:1. 2Cor.6:17. g Matt. 7:22,23,26 . 2Tim.3:5. Tit. 1:16. 2Pel. 
 2:18—22. h Is. 65:4. 66:3,17. Luke 15:15,16. 2 Pet. 2.22. 
 
 pitied, but be put to death, according to the law of God ; 
 surely we are called upon, not only to refuse compliance with 
 those temptations which are enforced by our relations, but 
 plainly to protest against the dangerous tempters, sharply to 
 reprove them, and if we cannot reclaim them, to renounce 
 their friendship. — Nor must. we more regard the examples of 
 multitudes, who establish fashions of ungodliness, and put 
 piety out of countenance, as singularity, preciseness, or un- 
 necessary scrupulosity. Still we must “cleave to the Lord, 
 and Ibve him, and walk after him,” and not after the world : 
 keeping his commandments, and attending on his worship, 
 however others revile or ridicule us for our adherence to them. 
 — The fear and service of God form the true interest of com- 
 munities as well as of individuals ; and the progress of ungod- 
 liness precedes the approach of public calamities, both in the 
 nature of things, and in the just judgment of God. The 
 magistrate, therefore, in good policy as well as in duty, is 
 bound to employ his authority to repress wickedness and pro- 
 mote religion ; which may be done by various means, without 
 wielding the persecutor’s sword, or violating the rights of pri- 
 vate judgment and liberty of conscience ; especially by coun- 
 tenancing and encouraging the faithful preaching of God’s 
 word. But the end of all human punishments, yea, of all the 
 threatenings and judgments of God, is this; “ that men should 
 hear and fear,” and repent, and forsake their sins, “ that the 
 fierce wrath of God” may be averted from individuals, and 
 from nations. — However enormous any crime may be, and 
 however necessary the punishment of it, none must be pro- 
 ceeded against without diligent investigation and full proof: 
 and every one concerned in the prosecution of criminals, 
 should be careful to make it evident, that he is influenced, 
 not by selfish motives, but by a regard to public justice. Yet 
 they who connive at and conceal those enormous crimes, 
 which ought to be punished by the magistrate, become par- 
 takers of the guilt, and the obstinate in wickedness are near 
 destruction: we must therefore separate from them if we 
 would escape their doom. — But we should carefully observe, 
 that we have even greater cause to fear the wrath of our 
 holy Lord God, under the Christian dispensation, than the 
 Israelites had ; because those spiritual judgments, now in- 
 flicted, are infinitely more terrible than the most solemn exe- 
 cution of criminals by the sword of justice ; and the more 
 entirely the wicked escape punishment in this world, the 
 greater will be their misery in the world to come. — Let us 
 then fear the spiritual idolatry of covetousness, and the love 
 of worldly pleasure; and be careful not to countenance them 
 in our families, by our example, or by the education of our 
 children : and may we also “ abstain from all appearance o. 
 evil,” and in every thing “do that which is right in the eyes 
 of the Lord our God.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1, 2. Marg. Ref. Notes, 
 Ex. 19:5,6. Lev. 19:27—29. 
 
 V. 3 — 20. (Notes, Lev. 11 :) The word rendered “the 
 pygarg” (5) marks out a kind of deer, the hinder parts of 
 which are white : “ the wild ox” is generally cailed the buf- 
 falo : “ the chamois” is supposed to be a kind of goat, remark- 
 able for jumping as it walks or runs ; called also the camelo 
 pardalis. 
 
 > 341 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 yet chew'Ah not t’ne cud, it is unclean unto you : 
 ye shall i )t eat of their flesh, nor ‘touch their dead 
 carcass. 
 
 9 These lye shall eat of all that are in the 
 waters: all that have fins and scales shall ye eat. 
 
 10 And whatsoever hath not fins and scales ye 
 may not eat ; it is unclean unto you. 
 
 11 Of all clean birds ye shall eat. 
 
 12 But k these are they of which ye shall not 
 eat : the eagle, and the ossifrage, and the ospray, 
 
 13 And the glede, and the kite, and the vulture 
 after his kind, 
 
 14 And every raven after this kind, 
 
 15 And the owl, and the night-hawk, and the 
 cuckoo, and the hawk after his kind, 
 
 16 The little owl, and the great owl, and the 
 swan, 
 
 17 And the pelican, and the gier-eagle, and the 
 comorant, 
 
 18 And the stork, and the heron after her kind, 
 and the lapwing, and the bat. 
 
 19 And ‘every creeping thing that flieth is un- 
 clean unto you : they shall not be eaten. 
 
 20 But of all clean fowls ye may eat. 
 
 21 Ye shall not eat of m any thing that dieth of 
 itself : thou shalt give it unto "the stranger that is 
 in thy gates, that he may eat it ; or thou mayest 
 sell it unto an alien : for thou art °an holy people 
 unto the Lord thy God. PThou shalt not seethe 
 a kid in his mother’s milk. 
 
 22 K Thou shalt utruly tithe all the increase of 
 thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year. 
 
 23 And thou shalt r eat before the Lord thy 
 God, in the place which he shall choose to place 
 his name there, the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, 
 and of thine oil, and the firstlings of thy herds, 
 and of thy flocks; that thou mayest learn to fear 
 the Lord thy God always. 
 
 24 And if the way be too long for thee, so that 
 thou art not able to carry it; or “if the place be 
 
 i Lev. 11:26,27. j See on Lev. 11:9— 12. k See on Lev. 1 1 .13 — 19. 1 Lev. 11: 
 20— 23. Phil. 3:19. m Lev. 17:15. 22:8. Kz.4:14. Acts 15:20. n Ex. 12:43— 
 45. Lev. 19:33.31. o See on 2. Dan. 8:24. 12:7. 1 Per. 1.16. p Ex. 23:19. 
 31-26. Rom. 12:2. q26:12— 15. Lev. 27:30— 33. Num. 18:21. Neh. 10:37. 
 r 12.5— 7.17.18. 15:19,20. s 1 1 ;21. 12:21. Ex. 23:31 . t See on 12:5. u Ezra 7: 
 15-17,22. Malt. 21:12. Mark 11:15. Jolm2:l4— 16. v 12: 15.20,21 . Ps. 106: 
 11. 1 Cor. 6:12,13. 10:6. ■ Heb. asketh of thee, x 12:7,12,18. 26:11. v 29. 
 12:12,19. Gal. 6:6. 1 Tim. 5:17. z 29. 18:1,2. Num. 18:20. a See on 22'. 26 : 
 
 V. 21 . The allowance to give the flesh of any animal, that 
 died of itself, to a poor sojourner ; or to sell it to an alien, 
 either journeying through the country, or living on the bor- 
 ders of it ; proves beyond controversy, that the law restrict- 
 ing diet was entirely ceremonial , though it conveyed moral 
 instruction, and answered at that time valuable religious pur- 
 poses: for, had the obligation to abstain from certain meats 
 been of a moral nature, disregard to it would have been sin- 
 ful in heathens as well as in Israelites ; and these must no 
 more be accessary to the commission of sin by others, than 
 commit it themselves. It should also be observed, that as 
 the blood was not separated from these animals, so this allow- 
 ance likewise proves, that the restriction from eating blood is 
 not of moral obligation. ( Note , Lev. 17:10 — 16.) 
 
 V. 22 — 29. (Notes, 12:17,18. 26:12 — 15.) These verses 
 require a second tithe from the produce of the land, which, 
 with that appropriated for the maintenance of the Le- 
 vites, amounted to a fifth part. Two years together the 
 people were commanded to bring this second tithe to Jeru- 
 salem, either in kind or in money ; and to feast upon it reli- 
 giously before the Lord, that they might be drawn to spend 
 the more time at the temple, in the society of the priests, at 
 the ordinances of God, and among their brethren. But the 
 third year they were required to 'spend it in hospitably enter- 
 taining and relieving the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, 
 and ths widow ; that is, in every kind of hospitality and 
 chancy. This appointment was evidently intended to coun- 
 teract the covetousness, distrust, and selfishness of the human 
 heart ; to promote friendliness, liberality, and cheerfulness ; 
 to raise a perpetual fund for the use of the poor ; and to 
 teach the people that they would never so comfortably enjoy 
 their worldly portion, as when they shared it with their neces- 
 sitous brethren. They were taught to convert the common 
 blessings of Providence into a sacred ordinance, by accom- 
 p inying their most free use of them with the exercises of 
 religion : and this was the way to learn to fear God always, 
 and to obtain his blessing upon all the works of their hands. — 
 Some vindicate feasting from these laws: and certainly such 
 temperate, religious, and charitable feasting, is allowable and 
 beneficial. (Note, Luke 14:12 — 14.) But what has this in 
 common with sensual, luxurious, and ungodly banquets ? 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Those whom CVjd hith chosen to be his children, he will 
 
 ( 342 ) 
 
 too far from thee, ‘which the Lord thy God shall 
 choose to set his name there, when the Lord thy 
 God hath blessed thee : 
 
 25 Then shalt thou turn it into money, and 
 bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go 
 unto the place which the Lord thy God shall 
 choose. 
 
 26 And thou shalt “bestow that money foi 
 whatsoever v thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, 01 
 for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for 
 whatsoever thy soul ‘desireth : and “thou shalt 
 eat there before the Lord thy God, and thou shalt 
 rejoice, thou and thine household ; 
 
 27 And ?the Levite that is within thy gates, 
 thou shalt not forsake him : for die hath no part 
 nor inheritance with thee. 
 
 28 At a the end of three years thou shalt bring 
 forth all the tithe of thine increase the same year, 
 and shalt lay it up within thy gates. 
 
 29 And the Levite, (because he hath no part 
 nor inheritance with thee,) and b the stranger, and 
 the fatherless, and the widow, which are within, 
 thy gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satis- 
 fied; “that the Lord thy God may bless thee in 
 all the work of thine hand which thou doest. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 On the seventh year the debts of the poor must be remitted ; nevertheless 1 M 
 people must give and lend liberally , 1 — 1 1 . Hebreio servants must be released 
 in the seventh year , unless unwilling to depart , 12 — 18. The male firstlings 
 of catl^e are devoted to God, 19 — 23. 
 
 A T the end of every “seven years thou shalt 
 make a release. 
 
 2 And this is the manner of the release : Every 
 'creditor that lendeth aught unto his neighbour 
 shall release it; he shall not b exactr< of his neigh 
 hour, or of his brother ; because it is called the 
 Lord’s release. 
 
 3 Of c a foreigner thou mayest exact it again : 
 but that which is thine with thy brother, thine 
 hand shall release ; 
 
 12— 15. Am. 4:4. b 16:1 1 ,14. 24:19— 21. 26: 12,13. Ex. 22:22. Lev. 19:34. Job 
 31:16—21. Luke 14:12-14. Heb. 13:2. Juin. 1:27. c 15:10. Ps . -4 1 I . Pi-ov. 3:9, 
 10. 11:24. 19:17. Is. 58:7— 12. Mai. 3:10,11. Lube 6:35. 11:41. 2 Cor. 9:6— 1 1. 
 X 31:10. Ex. 21:2. 23:10,11. Lev. 25:2— 4. Is. 61:1— 3. Jer. 34 :S— IS. Luke 4: 
 IS, 19. * Heb. master of the lending of his hand, b Neh. 5:7— 11. 19.58:3 
 
 Am. 8:4— 6. Matt . 6: 12,14,15. 18:2.5-35. Luke 6:34—88. 7:42. Jam. 2:13. c 23: 
 20. Ez. 46:16,17. Matt. 17:25,26. John8:35. lCor.6:6,7. Gal. 6:10. 
 
 form to be a holy people, of a peculiar and heavenly disposi- 
 tion, and u zealous of good works.” As they are so highly 
 distinguished from other people, they must be careful to set 
 an' example of holy moderation in all their affections, and to 
 avoid every thing which may disgrace their profession. — 
 Having a Father in heaven, who ever liveth to supply all 
 their wants and to make up every loss, they need not mourn 
 for earthly friends disconsolately, as others do. — The Lord 
 prohibits us nothing but in a wise and kind regard to our wel- 
 fare. The language of his prohibitions, rightly interpreted, 
 is, 1 u Do thyself no harm do not wound thyself ; do not 
 ruin thy health, thy reputation, thy domestic comfort, thy 
 peace of mind ; especially do not murder thy soul ; be not 
 the vile slave of thy appetites and passions; do not render all 
 around thee miserable, and thyself the most wretched of all : 
 hut aspire at that which is noble, excellent, permanent, and 
 useful. 5 Considering these prohibitions, in connexion with the 
 manifold indulgences which he allows us, we must acknow- 
 ledge that we should all he happy, if we consulted our own 
 and each other’s welfare, as much as the law of God does.— 
 Making that our rule of enjoyment, we should use providen- 
 tial blessings in subserviency to religious edification, to out 
 own inward peace and satisfaction, to the promotion of bro- 
 therly love, and to our mutual usefulness. That “Wisdom’s 
 ways are ways of pleasantness,” is a truth, of which every 
 man will have experimental proof in proportion to his devoted- 
 ness to God. May we then choose and pursue this happi- 
 ness, and compassionate and pray for those deluded millions 
 who seek for pleasure in sin, which is the only cause of all 
 the misery in the universe : and let us learn to value every 
 earthly advantage, as enabling us to glorify God, by dissemi- 
 nating the knowledge of his truth, and by communicating to 
 the relief of our distressed brethren and fellow-creatures. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XV. V. 2. Exact.] The debtoi 
 no doubt was hound in conscience to pay his debt, if able, at 
 that or any future time ; but the creditor was not allowed to 
 sue for it, nor the magistrate to enforce the payment of it : at 
 least, if it appeared that the debtor could not without inconve- 
 nience part with the money. The word exact seems to imply 
 such a limitation ; and tlio law was evidently intended for 
 the relief of the indigent, not for the Security of the fraudu 
 lent. (Notes, Neh. 5:1—13. Is. 58:3—7. Malt. 6:12.) 
 
 V. 3. The Israelites wore not allowed to oppress foreign- 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 4 ‘Save when there shall be no poor among 
 you; for the Lord shall d greatly bless thee in the 
 land which the Lord thy God givetli thee for an 
 inheritance to possess it : 
 
 5 e Only if thou carefully hearken unto the voice 
 of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all these 
 commandments which I command thee this day. 
 
 6 For the Lord thy God blesseth thee, as he 
 promised thee ; and ' thou shalt lend unto many 
 nations, but thou shalt not borrow ; and e thou 
 shalt reign over many nations, but they shall not 
 reign over thee. 
 
 7 If there be among you a poor man of one of 
 
 thy brethren within any of thy gates, in thy land 
 which the Lord thy God giveth thee, h thou shalt 
 not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from 
 thy poor brother ; ] 
 
 8 But 'thou shalt open thine hand wide unto 
 lam, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his 
 need, in that which he wanteth. 
 
 9 Beware Jthat there be not a thought in thy 
 wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year 
 of release, is at hand ; and k thine eye be evil 
 against thy poor brother, and thou givest him 
 nought, and ‘he cry unto the Lord against thee, 
 and it be m sin unto thee. 
 
 10 Thou shalt surely give him, and "thine heart 
 shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him : 
 “because that for this thing the Lord thy God 
 shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that 
 thou puttest thine hand unto. 
 
 11 For Pthe poor shall never cease out of the 
 land : therefore I command thee, saying, sThou 
 shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to 
 thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land. 
 
 12 H Jind r if thy brother, an Hebrew man, or 
 an Hebrew woman, be sold unto thee, and serve 
 thee six years ; then in the seventh year thou shalt 
 let him go free from thee. 
 
 • Or, to the end that there be. d See on 14:29. 28:8,11. Prov. 11:24,25. 44:21 . 23: 
 27. Is. 53:10,11. e See on 4:9. 11-18—15. 28:1—15. Lev. 26:8— 14. Josh. 1:7. Ps. 
 19:11. Is. 1:19,20. Phil. 1:27. f 23:12,44. Ps. 37:21,26. 112:5. Prov. 22:7. Luke 
 6:35. c 28:18. 1 Kings 4:21,24. 2 L’hr. 9:26. Ezra 4:20. Neh. 9:27. h 9. Prov. 21: 
 13. Matt. 18:30. Jam. 2:15,16. 1 John 3:16, 17. iPs. 37:21. 112:5—9. 145:16. 
 Prov. 11:24.25. 19:17 . 22:9 . 28:8,27. Ec. 11:1,2,6. Malt. 5:42. Luke 6:34— 36. 
 2 Cor. 8:7— 9. 9:5—13. j Prov. 4:23. Jer. 17:10. Matt. 15:19. Mark 7:21,22. 
 Rom. 7:8,9. Jam. 4:5. t Heb. word with thine heart of Belial, k 28:54—56. 
 Prov. 23:6 . 24 9 . 28:22. Malt. 20:15. Jam. 5:9. 1 Pet. 4:9. 124:15. Ex. 3:7. 
 
 22:23. Job 34:28. Ps.9:12. Prov. 21:13. Jam. 5:4. m Matt. 25:41 ,42. Jam. 4:17. 
 1 John 3:15 — 17. n Matt. 25:40. Acts20:35. Rom. 12:8. 2 Cor. 9:7. 1 Tim. 6:18, 
 19. I Pel. 4:11. o5eeo«4. 14:29. Pb. 41:1. Prov. 11:24,25. Is. 32:8. 58:10. 
 
 ers, or to do injustice to them ; yet a difference was here 
 made between strangers and their brethren. We ought to do 
 exact justice to all ; but in showing kindness, we must espe- 
 cially regard “the household of faith.” 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Had the Israelites fulfilled the terms of the 
 national covenant, their great prosperity would have entirely 
 banished poverty from among them. Yet the Lord foresaw 
 that they would not be thus obedient, and foretold, that “ the 
 poor should never cease from among them,” (11) but always 
 remain as a trial of their disposition to do good for his sake. 
 But the words, “ Save when there shall be no poor among 
 you,” may imply that they ought so liberally to relieve every 
 poor brother, that, all being comfortably provided for, no 
 poverty might be visible among them : according to the 
 margin, “ To the end that there may be no poor among you.” 
 (Notes, 28:1—14. Lev. 26:3—12.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. The righteous and merciful demands of the 
 divine law excite the dormant enmity of man’s wicked heart, 
 and prove an occasion of increasing his guilt. (Notes, Rom. 
 7:7 — 14.) for the same law condemns every rising thought of 
 sin. The Israelites were therefore exhorted to beware lest 
 fills equitable statute should awaken their covetousness ; and 
 lest they should evade it by refusing to lend the poor in their 
 distress, or by only lending them in a niggardly and grudging 
 manner. The caution may be considered as, in this respect, 
 a divinely inspired comment on the law of “ loving our neigh- 
 bour as ourselves.” (Marg.Ref. Notes, Ex. 23:10,11. Leo. 
 25:1—7. Matt. 7:12.) 
 
 V. 11. Marg. Ref. p. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. This addition to the law before commented 
 on, (Notes, Ex. 21:2 — 11.) is likewise a divine interpretation 
 of the law of love, which was enforced upon the Israelites by 
 the consideration of their redemption from the Egyptian bon- 
 dage, the manner in which the Egyptians were constrained 
 'o pay them their wages, and the prosperity to which the 
 Lord had advanced them. — The proportion, which was to be 
 bestowed on servants when liberated, was not fixed ; but it 
 was left to every one’s conscience in the sight of God, when 
 all circumstances had been well considered. Kindness and 
 charity to poor servants and labourers, and other mean per- 
 sons, scarcely forms a part of heathen ethics, or is so much 
 •& hinted at by their moralists. 
 
 13 And when thou sendest him out free fion 
 thee, ‘thou shalt not let him go away empty : 
 
 14 Thou shalt furnish him liberally out of tli?* 
 flock, and out of thy floor, and out of thy wine 
 press : (f that wherewith ‘the Lord thy God hath 
 blessed thee, thou shalt give unto him. 
 
 15 And “thou shalt remember that thou wast a 
 bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord thy 
 God redeemed thee : therefore I command thee 
 this thing to-day. 
 
 16 And it shall be, *if he say unto thee, I will 
 not go away from thee ; (because he loveth 
 thee and thine house, because he is well with 
 thee ;) 
 
 17 Then thou shalt take an awl, and thrust it 
 through his ear unto the door, and he shall be thy 
 servant yfor ever : and also unto thy maid-servant 
 thou shalt do likewise. 
 
 18 It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou 
 sendest him away free from thee ; for he hath 
 been worth 'a double hired servant to thee, in 
 serving thee six years : and the Lord thy God 
 shall bless thee in all that thou doest. 
 
 19 If All “the firstling males that come of thy 
 herd, and of thy flock, thou shalt sanctify unto 
 the Lord thy God : b thou shalt do no work with 
 the firstling of thy bullock, nor shear the firstling 
 of thy sheep : 
 
 20 Thou “shalt eat it before the Lord thy God, 
 year by year, in the place which the Lord shall 
 choose, thou and thy household. 
 
 21 And d if there be any blemish therein, as if 
 it be lame, or blind, or have any ill blemish, thou 
 shalt not sacrifice it unto the Lord thy God: 
 
 22 Thou shalt eat it within thy gates : “the un- 
 clean and the clean person shall eat it alike, as the 
 roe-buck, and as the hart. 
 
 23 Only ' thou shalt not eat the blood thereof : 
 thou shalt pour it upon the ground as water. 
 
 2 Cor. 9:8 — 11. Phil . 4: 18,19. Heb. 13:16. pProv.22:2. Matt. 26:11. Mark 14; 
 
 7. John 12:8. q See on 8. Matt. 5:42. Luke 12:33. Acts 2:45. 4:32— 3i. 11:28— 
 30. 2 Cor. 8:2 — 9. 1 John 3: 16— 18. r See on l. Ex. 21:2-6. Lev. 25:39— 41. 
 Jer. 34:14. John 8:35,36. a Gen. 31:42. Ex. 3:21. Lev. 25:42— 44. Prov. 3:27, 
 28. Jer. 22: 13. Mai. 3:5. Col. 4:1. t Neh. 8: 10. Prov. 10:22. 1 Cor. 16:2. u 5t 
 14,15.16:12. Ex. 20:2. Matt. 6:14,15. 18:32,33. Eph. 1:7. 2:12. 4:32. 5:1,2. 
 Tit. 2:14. 1 John 3:16. 4:9— 11. x See on Ex. 21:5,6. Ps.40:6— 8. v Lev. 25- 
 39—42. 1 Sam. 1:22. z Is. 16:14. 21:16. Luke 17:7,8. a Ex. 13:2,12. 34:19. 
 Lev. 27:26. Num.3:13. Rom. 8:29. Heb. 12:23. b 12:5-7,17. 14:23. 16:11,14. 
 Num. 18:15. c See on 12:5 — 7. (117:1. Lev. 22:20— 24. el2:21,22. f See on 
 12:16. Lev. 7:26. 1 Sam. 14:32. Ez. 33:25. 
 
 Y. 17. Hence it appears that female servants were some- 
 times purchased for labour, without any purpose of espousing 
 them ; and that they were under the same law as the men- 
 servants. (Note, Ex. 21:3 — 6.) 
 
 V. 18. It seems that it was not customary for hired ser- 
 vants to serve longer than three years at one time; lest their 
 condition should too much resemble that of those who sold 
 themselves through poverty, or were sold for their debts or 
 crimes. 
 
 V. 19 — 23. The firstling, being a male, was sacrificed, 
 and those parts which were not burnt upon the altar, were 
 eaten by the priests. • But if it were a female, it was offered 
 as a peace-offering, and feasted upon by the offerer and his 
 friends ; except it were blemished : and then, whether male 
 or female, it was slain when young, and eaten as ordinary 
 food, but without the blood. (Note, 12:22.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is profitable for us often to recollect that we are debtors 
 to divine justice, have nothing to pay, ( Note, Luke 7:40 — 43 .) 
 and are liable to be sent to the prison of hell on that account ; 
 and that we are slaves, and poor, and perishing : but the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, by becoming poor, and shedding his 
 blood, hath made an infinite provision for the payment of our 
 debts, the ransom of our souls, and the full and everlasting 
 supply of all our wants. This provision is revealed and pro- 
 posed to us, and we are invited to partake of it “ freely, 
 without money and without price.” When therefore the gos- 
 pel is clearly preached, “ the acceptable year of the Lord,” 
 the year of release is proclaimed ; and all who truly believe 
 become partakers of Christ, of his freedom, and of all his 
 unsearchable riches. (Notes, Is. 61:1 — 3 . Luke 4 : 16 — 19 .) 
 These favoured persons especially he requires, with the mild 
 accents of love, to perform the same duties which the law 
 demanded under awful penalties. Thus professed Christians 
 are called upon to prove that their faith is living and works 
 by love ; and to show the sincerity of their love to Christ, 
 by acts of liberal kindness to their brethren for his sake. 
 To favour this trial, among other reasons, the poor always 
 continue among us, and are appointed as the representatives 
 and receivers of our gracious Lord ; that by remitting their 
 debts, relieving their distresses, and communicating to their 
 comfort, we may express our gratitude to our divine Bcne- 
 < 343 ' 
 
B G 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The laws concerning the three great annual feasts recapitulated, with an 
 in'unrt-on that every one should then offer according to his ability , I — 17. 
 The appointment and duties of magistrates, 18—20. Groves and images 
 prohioi led, 21, 22. 
 
 O BSERVE “the month of Abib, and keep the 
 passover unto the Lord thy God : b for in the 
 month of Abib the Lord thy God brought thee 
 forth out of Egypt by night. 
 
 2 Thou shalt therefore ‘sacrifice the passover 
 unto the Lord thy God, of the flock and the 
 herd, d in the place which the Lord shall choose 
 to place his name there. 
 
 3 Thou shalt eat 'no leavened bread with it : 
 seven days shalt thou eat unleavened bread there- 
 with, even the bread of affliction ; (for sthou 
 earnest forth out of the land of Egypt in haste ;) 
 that thou h mayest remember the day when thou 
 earnest forth out of the land of Egypt, all the days 
 of thy life. 
 
 4 And ‘there shall be no leavened bread seen 
 with thee in all thy coasts seven days ; 'neither 
 shall there any thing- of the flesh, which thou 
 sacrificedst the first day at even, remain all night 
 until the morning. 
 
 5 Thou mayest not 'sacrifice the passover 
 within any of thy gates, which the Lord thy God 
 giveth thee: 
 
 6 But at the place which the Lord thy God shall 
 choose to place his name in, there thou shalt sacri- 
 fice the passover k at even, at the going down of 
 the sun, at the season that thou earnest forth out 
 of Egypt. 
 
 7 And thou shalt 'roast and eat it m in the place 
 which the Lord thy God shall choose : and thou 
 shalt turn in the morning, and go unto thy tents. 
 
 8 “Six days thou shaft eat unleavened bread, 
 and on the seventh day shall be a 'solemn assembly 
 to the Lord thy God ; thou shalt do no work 
 therein. 
 
 9 U "Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee : 
 begin to number the seven weeks from such time 
 as thou beginnest to put the sickle to the corn. 
 
 10 And thou shalt keep the feast of weeks unto 
 the Lord thy God Pwith fa tribute of a free-will- 
 offering of thine hand, which thou shalt give untfy 
 the LORD thy God, ‘'according as the Lord thy 
 God hath blessed thee: 
 
 11 And r thou shalt rejoice before the Lord thy 
 God, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy 
 man-servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite 
 that is within thy gates, and the stranger, and the 
 fatherless, and the widow, that are among you, in 
 the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen 1o 
 place his name there. 
 
 12 And ’thou shalt remember that thou wast a 
 bondman in Egypt: and thou shalt observe and 
 do these statutes. 
 
 13 If Thou shalt observe ‘the feast of taber- 
 nacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered 
 in thy §corn and thy wine. 
 
 14 And “thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, 
 and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy man- 
 servant, and thy maid-servant, and the Levite, 
 the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, 
 that are within thy gates. 
 
 15 “Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast 
 unto the Lord thy God, in the place which the 
 Lord shall choose ; ^because the Lord thy God 
 shall bless thee in all thy increase, and in all the 
 works of thine hands ; therefore thou shalt surely 
 rejoice. 
 
 16 “Three times in a year shall all thy males 
 appear before the Lord thy God, rn the place 
 which he shall choose ; in the feast of unleavened 
 bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast 
 of tahernacles : and "they shall not appear before 
 the Lord empty. 
 
 17 Every man shall give "as he b is able, accord- 
 
 a Ex. 12.2, &c. Lev. 23:5. Num. 9:0—5. 23:16. b Ex. 12:29— 42. 13:4 . 23:15. 
 34:18. c Ex. 12:5—7, Num. 28:19. 2Chr.35:7. Malt. 26:2,17. Mark 14:12. 
 Luke '22:8.15. 1 Cor. 5:7. d See on 12:5,11,14,18. e Ex. 12:15,19,20,39. 13:3 
 —7. 34:18. Lev. 23:6. Nma. 9:11. 28:17. I Cor. 5:8. f 1 Rings 22:27. I s. 
 102:9. 127:2. Zeeh. 12:11). 2 Cor. 7: 10,11 . IThes. 1:6. g Ex . 12:32,33,39. 
 h Ex. 12:11,26,27. 13:7 — 9. Ps. 11 1:4. Luke22:19. 1 Cor. 11:24-26. i Ex. 
 12:15. 13:7. 34:25. 1 See on Ex. 12:10. -Or, kill. See on 2. 12:5,6. 
 
 k Ex. 12:6. Num. 9:3,11. Malt. 26:20. Ileb. 1:2,3. 9:26. 1 Pet. 1:19,20. 
 
 I Ex. 12:8,9. 2 Chr. 35:13. Ps. 22:14,15. m2, 6. 2Kings23:23. John 2:13. 11: 
 55. n Ex. 12:13,16. 13:7,8. Lev. 23:6— 8. Num. 28:17— 19. t Heb. rest/ aint. 
 Lev. 23:36. 2 Chr. 7:9. Neh.8:18. Joel 1:14. margins. o 10,16. Ex. 23:16. 
 34:22. Lev. 23:15,16. Num. 28:26— 30. 2Chr.8:13. Acts 2:1. 1 Cor. 16:8. 
 
 p Num. 31:28,37. Prov. 3:9,10. | Or, sufficiency. 16. Lev. 5:7. 12:8. 25:26. 
 
 margins, q 17. Prov. 10:22. Joel 2:14. Hag. 2:15— 19. Mai. 3:10,11. 1 Cor. 16t 
 2. 2 Cor. 8:10,12. 9:5—11. r 14. See on 12:7,12,18. Is. 64:5. 66:10— 14. Hnb. 
 3:18. Rom. 5:11. 2 Cor. 1:24. Phil. 4:4. s See on 5:15. 15:15. Rom. 6:17.18. 
 Eph. 2:1—3,11. t 31:10. Ex. 23:16. 34:2*2. Lev. 23:34— 36. Num. 29: 12, Ac. 
 2 Chr. 5:3. 7:8—10. 8:13. Ezra 3:4. Neh. 8:14— 18. Zech. 14:16— 18. John 7:2. 
 § Heb .floor and thy winepress, u Sec on 12:12. 26:1 1 . Neh. 8:9—12. Ec. 9:7. 
 is. 12:1—6 . 25:6—8 . 30:29. 35:10. 1 Thes. 5:16. x Lev. 23:36—42. Num. 29: 
 12—38. y See on 10. 7:13.28:8—12. 30:16. r Ex. 23:14— 17 . 34:22,23. 1 Kings 
 9:25. a Ex. 23. 15. 34:20. 1 Chr. 29:3— 9,14— 17. Ps. 96:8. Prov. 3:9,10. Is. 23: 
 18. 60:6 — 9. Hag. 1:9. Matt. 2:11. Mark 12:3. || Heb. according o the gift of 
 his hand, b See on 10. Lev. 27:8. Ezra 2:63. Mark 12:41— 44. 2 Cor. 8: 12. 9:6,7. 
 
 factor, and honour and adorn his holy religion. (Notes, 
 Matt. 12:46 — 50. 25:31 — 46.) In proportion as faith and love 
 prevail they will triumph over the selfishness of the heart, and 
 over the ingratitude of the world ; exclude those numerous ex- 
 cuses which result from unbelief, distrust, and covetousness ; 
 and lead us to abound in this grace also. — The aim of every 
 Christian should be daily u to do good to all men, especially to 
 them that are of the household of faith:” and to open his hand 
 liberally^ in giving or in lending, according to his ability and 
 according to the necessity of his brethren, that distressing po- 
 verty may have no place among the followers of Christ ; especi- 
 ally searching out such as are most modest, humble, and back- 
 ward to complain, or to obtrude upon the notice of others. — 
 Though this is no more than a small acknowledgment of ines- 
 timable favours already received ; yet it shall be considered 
 as u lending to the Lord,” and be abundantly recompensed. 
 Let all then watch and pray against an envious, grudging, 
 selfish heart. We need never fear being losers, when the 
 Lord stands security for the debt ; nor carrying matters to 
 excess whilst we fall so far short of his measure of love to us : 
 and that which the world often calls prudence, will be found 
 the greatest folly. In the exercise of this loving-kindness, 
 those ought especially to he provided for, who have been 
 useful to us, and spent their strength in our service : and, 
 instead of “ it seeming hard to us,” when we thus communi- 
 cate to their comfort ; we should be ambitious of rendering 
 all who live in our families or are connected with us, so well 
 satisfied, that they may love us and our houses, and count it 
 their privilege to abide in their situation. Such a Master is 
 ou‘r God : all who make trial of his service will account it 
 perfect freedom, and consider it their happiness to join them- 
 selves to him, to serve him with all they nave and are, and to 
 dwell in his house as hia willing servants for ever and ever. — 
 But let us not leave this subject without noticing the benevo- 
 lent spirit which pervades the sacred Scriptures. For where, 
 in all the admired writings of the Greeks and Romans and 
 other pagans, shall we find so much benevolence and kind- 
 ness to debtors, slaves, and indigent persons inculcated, as 
 in this single chapter ? 
 
 NOTES— Chat. XVI. V. 1. By night.) The Israel- 
 ites did not actually sjt off on their journey till the approach 
 
 ( 344 ) 
 
 of morning: hut, while eating the passover, and holding them- 
 selves in readiness during the nighty the first-born of Egypt 
 were destroyed, which made way for their release ; and after- 
 wards by night they passed the Red Sea, when their deliver- 
 ance was completed. — Moses repeated these laws, as with 
 his dying lips, to this new generation, just before their 
 entrance into Canaan, to leave the deeper impression upon 
 their minds. (Notes, Ex. \2:2\ — 37. 14:19 — 31.) 
 
 V. 2. The word passover is here used for the various 
 sacrifices offered at that festival, whether of the flock, (as 
 the paschal lamb,) or of the herd. ( Note , John 18:28 — 32, 
 beginning.) — In the place , &c.] Note, 12:5 — 7. 
 
 V. 3 — 6. The use of unleavened bread was required to 
 be general through the land, by which they, who were con- 
 fined at home, testified their concurrence with those who ate 
 the passover at the tabernacle: but that was appointed to be 
 slain and eaten, only in the place where the tabernacle was 
 situated. Thither the males were required to come, both at 
 the passover and the two other great feasts, unless unavoida- 
 bly prevented : and the women, though not commanded, fre- 
 quently attended them. — The people when about to leave 
 Egypt ate the paschal lamb in the posture of travellers; and 
 therefore their departure seems to be dated from the time of 
 eating it. ( Notes, Ex. 12:3—20. 13:3—7. Lev. 23:5—8. 
 Num. 9:1—14. 28:16—25.) 
 
 V. 7. In the morning .] Incase of urgent necessity, the 
 Israelites might return home the next morning after eating 
 the passover. Some, however, think this means the morning 
 after the conclusion of the feasts ; and the celebration of 
 them employed the day on which the passover was eaten, six 
 intervening days, and the last concluding day of a solemn 
 assembly; being eight in the whole, from the fourteenth to 
 the twenty-first day of the month inclusive. 
 
 V. 9. To put the sickle.] That is, to reap the sheaf of 
 first-fruits, which was presented on the first day of unlea- 
 vened dread. (Mar g. Rtf . Notes. Ex. 23:14- 13. Lev. 23: 
 15—21.) 
 
 V. 11. Shall rejoice* &c.l Note, 12:5 — 7. V O. 
 
 V. 13— 17. Marg. Ref. Notes, 31:10— 13 Lsv 23:34— 
 43. Num. 29:12 — 38. I Kings 8:63 — 05. .%<•*., IcM — 18. 
 
 Zcch 14:16—19. John 7:37— 39. 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CI-IAPTI 
 
 mg to the blessing of the Lord thy God which lie 
 hath given thee. 
 
 18 tI ‘Judges and officers slialt thou make thee 
 in all thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth 
 thee throughout thy tribes : and they shall judge 
 the people with just judgment. 
 
 19 Thou shalt not d wrest judgment 5 thou shalt 
 not 'respect persons, neither take a gilt; for a gift 
 doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the 
 ’words of the righteous. 
 
 20 I That which is ^altogether just shalt thou 
 follow, that thou mayest K live, and inherit the land 
 which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 
 
 21 H Thou shalt not h plant thee a grove of any 
 trees near unto the altar of the Lord thy God, 
 which thou shalt make thee. 
 
 22 Neither shalt thou set thee 'up any Jimage, 
 ‘which the Lord thy God hateth. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 The sacri fices are required to be unblemished. 1. Idolaters to be punished 
 with death, 2—7. Difficult cases must be referred to the priests and judges 
 at the sanctuary , and' s /ch as refused to submit to their decision put to 
 death, 8—13. Instructions concerning the appointment and duly of a king, 
 
 14—20. 
 
 T HOU “shalt not sacrifice unto the Lord thy 
 God any bullock or 'sheep wherein is blemish, 
 or b any evil-liivouredness ; ‘for that is an abomi- 
 nation unto the Lord thy God. 
 
 2 IT If there be found among you, within any of 
 thy gates which the Lord thy God giveth thee, 
 d man or woman that hath wrought wickedness in 
 
 c 1:16. 17:9,12. 19:17,18.21:2. Ex. 18:25,26. 21:6. 1 Chr. 23:4. 26:29. 2 Chr. 
 19:5-7. Ps. 82:2,3. Kom. 13:1— 6. d 24:17. 27:19. Ex. 23:2,6—8. Lev. 19: 
 15. 1 Nua. 8:3. 12:3. Job 31:21,22. Prov. 17:23. Ec.7:7. Is. 1:17,23. 33:15. 
 Jer. 5:28. Ex. 22:12. Mic.7:3. Hub. 1:4. Zeph. 3:3—5. Acts 16:37. 23:3. e See 
 on 1:16,17. 10:17. Ex. 23:7,9. Prov. 24:28. Acts 10:34. * Or, matters, t Heb*. 
 Justice, justice, f 25:13— 16. Mic. 6:8. Phil. 4.8. g See on 4:1. Ez. 18:5,9. 
 Tom. 10:5. h Ex. 34:13. Judg. 3:7. 1 Kings 14:15. 16:33. 2 King* 17:16. 21:3. 
 2 Chr. 33:3. i Ex. 20:4. Lev. 26:1. f Or, statue, or pillar, k 12:31. Jer. 44: 
 4: Zech. 8:17. Hev. 2:6,15. a 15:21 . See on Ex. 12:5. Lev. 22:20— 25. Mal.l: 
 8,13,14. Heb. 9:14. 1 Pet. 1:19. * Or, goat, b Gen. 41:3,4,19. c 23:18. 31:4. 
 
 V. 18, 19. Besides the judges of the principal court held 
 near the tabernacle, to which in difficult and important cases 
 appeals might be made ; inferior magistrates must be ap- 
 pointed in every part of the land, who should execute their 
 office in the gates, or most public places, in every city or con- 
 siderable town, to administer justice in the simplest and 
 cheapest manner. But the same integrity, impartiality, and 
 disinterestedness, were required in them, as in the superior 
 magistrates. (Notes, Ex. 18:17— 23. 23:1—3,6—9. 2 Chr. 
 
 19:5—11.) 
 
 V. 21. Groves having been generally adopted in the wor- 
 ship of idols, and made the scenes of the vilest abominations, 
 were expressly and repeaiedly prohibited in the worship of 
 God. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The frequent repetition of the same laws, forms a humili- 
 ating reproach of man’s unteachableness in spiritual things ; 
 for God does nothing in vain. — From the example of Moses, 
 ministers and parents may learn to renew their instructions 
 and admonitions with their latest breath, that the survivors 
 may have them associated with every remembrance of them. 
 
 ' Note, 2 Pel. 1:12 — 15.) — A believer should not forget, for one 
 day, his original state of guilt and misery, his gracious de- 
 liverance, and the price which it cost the Redeemer ; that 
 gratitude and joy in the Lord may, during the residue of his 
 .ife, be mingled with godly sorrow, mortification of sin, and 
 humble patience under the tribulations which lie in the way to 
 the kingdom of heaven. — Every one of our services must be 
 performed in communion with the church of Christ, and in 
 dependence on him, our Temple, Altar, Sacrifice, and Pass- 
 over ; “being accompanied with the unleavened bread of 
 sincerity and truth.” We should indeed be thankful that our 
 attendance on God’s ordinances does not require such long 
 and expensive journeys, as that of Israel did : but if our hearts 
 be right with God, we shall so delight in his service, that the 
 labour required in it will be our pleasure, or we shall be 
 ashamed that it is not. The expense incurred in making the 
 heart of the poor and destitute rejoice, according to the Lord’s 
 blessing upon us, will be our own heartfelt satisfaction : and 
 we shall not so much as wish to “ appear before the Lord 
 empty but shall desire to be “ rich in good works, ready to 
 listribute, and willing to communicate,” in whatever can glo- 
 rify God or do good to mankind. (Note, Heb. 13:15,16.) For 
 vhile the Lord so graciously even commands us to rejoice 
 before him, we should desire to help the joy of all our bre- 
 thren. — Let us likewise note that magistracy is theexpres 3 ap- 
 pointment of God : as such we are bound to submit to it, with 
 thankfulness for its advantages, patience under the incon- 
 vsniences attending its undue administration, and prayers for 
 Mose placed over us. (Notes, Rom. 13:1 — 8.) But magis- 
 trates likewise should consider their accountableness to God 
 for the use of their authority ; and study to know and do their 
 Vol. I.— 44 
 
 R XVII. B C. 1451. 
 
 the sight of the Lord thy God, e in transgressing 
 his covenant ; 
 
 3 And hath gone and served other gods, and 
 worshipped them, either fthe sun, or moon, or any of 
 the host of heaven, evvhich I have not commanded ; 
 
 4 And it be told thee, and thou hast heard of it, 
 and ''inquired diligently, and, behojd, it be true, 
 and the thing certain, that such abomination is 
 wrought in Israel : 
 
 5 Then shalt thou bring forth that man, or that 
 woman, which have committed that wicked thing, 
 unto thy gates, even that man or that woman, and 
 shalt 'stone them with stones till they die. 
 
 6 At k the mouth of two witnesses, or three wit- 
 nesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to 
 death ; but at the mouth of one witness he shall 
 not be put to death. 
 
 7 The 'hands of the witnesses shall be first 
 upon him to put him to death, and afterward the 
 hands of all the people ; m so thou shalt put the 
 evil away from among you. 
 
 8 H If there “arise a matter too hard for thee 
 in judgment, “between blood and blood, between 
 plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, 
 being matters of controversy, within thy gates ; 
 then shalt thou arise, and Pget thee up into the 
 place which the Lord thy God shall choose : 
 
 9 And thou shalt come unto sthe priests the 
 Levites, and unto the judge that shall he in those 
 days, and inquire ; and “they shall show thee the 
 sentence of judgment. 
 
 25:16. Prov. 6:16. 11:1.15:8.20:10. (1 5.13:6.29:18. e 4:23. 29:25. 31:20. 
 
 Lev. 26. 15,25. Josli. 7:11,15. 23: 16. Judg.2:20. 2Kin e slS:12. Jtr.31:32. Ex. 
 16:38. Hos.6:7. 8:1. Heb. 8:9,10 fSeeo«4:19. 2Kin B s21:3. Job 31:26,27. 
 
 Jer. 8:2. Ex. 8:16. g Jer. 7.22,23,31 . 19.5. 32:35. h 13:12-14. 19:18. Prov. 
 25:2. John 7:51. i 13:10,11. 21:21. 22:21,24. Lev. 24:14,16. Josh. 7:25. k 19: 
 15. Num. 35:30. Malt. 18:16. John 8:17,18. 2 Cor. 13:1 . 1 Tirn . 5:19. Heb. 10: 
 28. 1 13:9. Acts 7:58. in 12. 13:5. 19:19. 24:7. Jude. 20:13. 1 ( or. 5:13. n 1: 
 
 17. Ex. 18.26. 1 Kings 3:16 — 28. 2 Chr. 19:8—10. o 19.4,10,11. Ex. 21 :13,14,20, 
 22.22:2. Num. 35:11, &c. p See on 12:5. Ps. 122:5. q Jer. 18:18. Hag. 2:11. 
 Mai. 2:7. r 19:17— 21 . Ex. 44:24. 
 
 duty in uprightness, disinterestedness, and impartiality ; that 
 they may both be public blessings, and heirs of everlasting 
 life, as the true disciples of him who u loveth righteousness, 
 and hateth iniquity.” And none of us should fear any thing 
 so much, as doing that “which the Lord our God hateth.” 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVII. V. 1. Marg. Ref. Notes Lev . 
 22:18—25. 
 
 V. 2 — 7. The expression 11 within any of thy gates,” de- 
 noted all residing in the cities, and all who went in and came 
 out at the gates of them: so that it included the inhabitants 
 of the whole land. — This law enjoined that those who com- 
 mitted idolatry should be stoned, as well as those who seduced 
 others to commit it: for that crime especially “transgressed 
 the covenant,” and would become a national forfeiture, if not 
 thus punished. — Had men been commanded to worship crea- 
 tures, however exalted, it might have been complained of as 
 a degradation ; much more if they had been required to wor- 
 ship beasts, inanimate figures, and stocks or stones. But God 
 “had not commanded” such practices, nay, he had expressly 
 forbidden them ; and they were entirely man’s own foolish 
 inventions, and Satan’s abominable suggestions. — This law 
 was the magistrate’s rule in administering justice to indivi- 
 duals ; as that before considered regulated informations of idol- 
 atry, and the punishment of cities, which were guilty of that 
 crime. ( Notes, 13:) In both cases the witnesses were re- 
 quired to take the lead in the execution of the criminal, that 
 they might be rendered more cautious in their testimony: for 
 though the false witness was the actual murderer of the per- 
 son put to death unjustly, yet perhaps he would not be so 
 shocked by it, when another wfes the executioner of the sen- 
 tence, as when he himself was required to perform that pain- 
 ful office. 
 
 Two witnesses , &c. (6) (Notes, 19:15 — 21. Num. 35:24 — 30. 
 Matt. 18:15 — 17. 1 Tim. 5:19,20.) Great weight is laid on 
 this, throughout the Scripture ; and is matter of serious in- 
 quiry, whether in any ordinary case, the testimony of on© 
 unsupported witness, even of fair character, should be de- 
 pended on, especially when the life, of man is at stake. 
 
 V. 8 — 13. This law is addressed to the magistrates before 
 mentioned in the different parts of the land. (Note, 16:18, 
 19.) — In many cases of life and death, or of property, or con- 
 cerning the law of retaliation, they might find perplexing diffi- 
 culties. (Marg. Ref. o.) Such causes were therefore to 
 be referred to the decision of the superior tribunals, which 
 would be held at the place where the tabernacle would be 
 fixed. (Ex. 18:22.) — The priests and Levites, having the 
 most leisure, and being especially appointed to the study of 
 the law, which was not only the rule of conscience, but like- 
 wise the law of the land, by their learning would be best quali- 
 fied to act as judges ; and probably the sanhedrim and other 
 superior courts of justice were chiefly composed of them, 
 though not without some persons of the other tribes. u Th# 
 
 ( 345 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 10 And ’thou shalt do according to the sen- 
 tence, which they of that place winch the Lord 
 shall choose shall show thee: and thou shalt 
 observe to do according to all that they inform 
 thee : 
 
 1 1 According to ‘the sentence of the law which 
 they shall teach thee, and according to the judg- 
 ment which they shall tell thee, thou shalt do: 
 thou shalt not decline from the sentence which 
 they shall show thee, u to the right hand nor to the 
 left. 
 
 12 And the man that ’will do presumptuously, 
 'and will not hearken unto "the priest that stand- 
 eth to minister there before the Lord thy God, 
 or unto the judge, even that man shall die ; and 
 rthou shalt put away the evil from Israel. 
 
 13 And all the people ‘shall hear, and fear, and 
 do no more “presumptuously. 
 
 14 H When b thou art come unto the land which 
 the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shalt possess 
 it, and shalt dwell therein, and shall say, “I will set 
 a king over me, like as all the nations that are 
 about me : 
 
 15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over 
 thee d whom the Lord thy God shall choose ; one 
 
 ■ Matt. 23:2,3. t Josh. 1:7. Mai. 2:8,9. Rom. 13:1— 6. Tit. 3:1. 1 Pet. 2:13— 15. 
 S Pet. 2:10. Jude 8. u 20. 5:32. 28:14. Josh. 1 :7. 23:6. 2. Sam. 14:19. Prov. 4: 
 27. v 13:5,11. Num. 15:30. Ezra 10:8. Ps. 19:13. Hos. 4:4. Matt. 10:14. Heb. 
 10:26 — 29. ’ Heb. not to hearken, x 10:8. 19:5,7. Luke 10:16. John 12:48.20: 
 23. 1 Thee. 4:2,8. ySeeonl. 13:5. Prov. 21:11. 1 Tim. 5:20. z See on 13:1 1 . 
 a See on Num. 15:30,31 . h 7:1. 12 9,10. 18:9.26:1,9. Lev. 14:34. Josh. 1:13. 
 e 1 Sam. 8:5—7 19,20. 12:19. cl 1 Sam. 9:15,16. 10:24. 16:12,13. 2 Sam. 5:2. 
 
 1 Chr. 12:23. 22:10 . 28:5. Ps. 2:2.6. e Jer. 30:21 . Matt. 22: 17. fl Sam. 8:11. 
 
 2 Sam. 8:4. 1 Kings 1:5. 4:26. 10:26—28. 2Chr.9:25. Ps.20:7. Is. 36:8,9. g Is. 
 31:1—3. Jer. 42:14. Ez. 17:15. h 28:68. Ex. 13:7. 14:13. Num. 14.3,4. Jer. 42: 
 
 judge” here mentioned (9) may mean either the high-priest, 
 or such other supreme magistrate, as God from time to time 
 should raise up among them. To these the appeal must be 
 made : and, with all their advantages, it was not likely they 
 would give a false sentence, while they continued free from 
 gross apostacy in religion, and corruption in morals. As, how- 
 ever, the law related, not to matters of faith and conscience , 
 but merely to the administration of justice in the land ; it would 
 be better that an individual should sometimes be aggrieved, 
 than that the advantages of magistracy should be abridged : 
 therefore he who presumptuously refused to submit, whether 
 magistrate or private person, was ordered to be put to death. 
 (Mar^. Ref. v — z.) — In every state there must be some final 
 award, from which there lies no appeal ; and that must be 
 submitted to, even though in some cases it should be unjust: 
 but this gives no countenance to the monstrous claim, which 
 some have made, of being absolute interpreters of doctrines 
 and precepts , in matters of conscience , to which all ought to 
 submit, however evidently their decisions contradict the word 
 of God. In this case it suffices to say, u we must obey” and 
 believe “God rather than man as Peter replied to the suc- 
 cessors of those very persons, to whom this authority was 
 originally given, and on whom it had at that time devolved. 
 (Notes, Acts 4:13— 22. 5:29 — 31.) 
 
 The priests the JLevites. (9) The priests, who were also 
 Levites, seem especially intended. Yet the ordinary Levites 
 acted as magistrates in the days of David, (Notes, 1 Chr. 
 23:2 — 6. 26:29.) but probably in inferior situations. 
 
 V. 1 4. The appointment of a king is not here commanded, 
 nor so much as counselled; nay, it is implied, that such a 
 change in their government would originate from a desire of 
 being “like the nations,” to whom God would have his peo- 
 ple unlike: and it is certain that they sinned when they asked 
 a king. (Notes, 1 Sam. 8:1 — 9. 12:16 — 19.) Yet the Lord 
 foresaw that this would tal*e place, and he previously gave 
 rules respecting it. — They therefore argue very inconclusively, 
 who infer the lawfulness of slavery, polygamy, or divorces, 
 from those laws which suppose their existence, and establish 
 regulations concerning them : for all such questions must be 
 determined by the plain precepts or general tenor of Scrip- 
 ture, and not by these judicial regulations. (Note, Ex. 
 21:2.) 
 
 V. 15. Though the people sinned in the days of Samuel, 
 by desiring a king ; yet they obeyed this law in referring the 
 choice of one to God. (Notes, 1 Sam. 8:19 — 22. 10:17 — 22. 
 11:12 — 15. 2 Sam. 5:1,2.) He first chose Saul: but rejecting 
 him, he chose David, and then Solomon, whose posterity 
 reigned till the Babylonish captivity. The Israelites were 
 forbidden to set a stranger over them ; not so much lest he 
 should oppress them, as lest he should lead them into idolatry. 
 This referred to a King whom they should appoint for them- 
 selves; not to a ruler which in providence might be placed 
 over them, without their own concurrence, or, as a punish- 
 ment of their sins: (Jer. 27:12,14,17. Note, Jer. 29:4 — 7.) 
 but the interpreters of the law, in the days of Christ, deduced 
 from this clause the unlawfulness of submitting to a foreign 
 yoke, and incited the people to continual rebellions, which 
 at length terminated in their ruin. (Note, Matt. 22:15 — 22.) 
 
 V 16. Multiplying horses for chariots of war and cavalry, 
 
 ( 34G ) 
 
 “from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over 
 thee : thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, 
 which is not thy brother. 
 
 16 But he shall not f multiply horses to himself, 
 nor Bcause the people to return to Egypt, to the 
 end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as 
 the Lord hath said unto you, h Ye shall henceforth 
 return no more that way. 
 
 17 Neither 'shall he multiply wives to himself, 
 that his heart turn not away; k neither shall he 
 greatly multiply to himself silver and gold. 
 
 18 And it shall be when he sitteth upon the 
 throne of his kingdom, 'that he shall write him a 
 copy of this law in a hook, “out of that which is 
 before the priests the Levites : 
 
 19 And “it shall be with him, and he shall read 
 therein all the days of his life ; that he may learn 
 to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words ot 
 this law, and these statutes, to do them : 
 
 20 That “his heart be not lifted up above his 
 brethren, and that i'he turn not aside from the 
 commandment, to ‘‘the right hand or to the left; to 
 the end that he may prolong his days in his 
 kingdom, he and his children, in the midst "of 
 Israel. 
 
 15,16. Hos. 11:5. iGen. 2:24. 2 Sam. 3:2— 5. 1 Kinca 11:1— 4. Neh. 13:26. Mai. 
 2:15. Man. 19:5. k 1 Kinss 10:21. Ps. 62:10. Prov. 30:8,9. Matt. 6:19,20. 13- 
 22. 19:23,24. I.uke 12:15. 1 Tim. 6:9,17. 1 2 Kings 11 :12. m 31:9,25,26. 2 King! 
 22:8. 2 Chr. 34:15. n 6:6—9. 11:18. Josh. 1:8. I s. 1:2. 119:97—100. John 5.39 
 2 Tim. 3:15—17. o8:2,13,14. 2 Kings 14:10. 2 hr. 25:19. 26:16 . 32:25,26 . 33: 
 12,19,23. 34:27. Pa. 131:1,2. Is. 2:12. Dan. 5:20— 23. Hab.2:4. 2 Cor. 12:7. 
 1 Pel. 5:5. p See nn 4:2. 5:32. 12:25,28,32. I Kings 15:5. q See on 11. 1 Sam. 
 13:13.14. 15:23. 1 Kings 11:12,13,34,36 . 2 Kings 10:30. Ps. 19:11. 132:12. Prov. 
 27:24. Ec. 8:13. 
 
 or for luxury, would increase the splendour of the monarch, 
 and form a ground of confidence distinct from a proper confi- 
 dence in God, and inconsistent with it, and with considering 
 him as the glory of Israel. Egypt abounded in horses; and 
 the desire of multiplying these would induce the prince to 
 encourage a trade with that kingdom ; and this might make 
 way for the Israelites'being again subjugated by the Egyptians, 
 or at least corrupted by their idolatries and vices. Whereas, 
 it was the command of God that they should no more return 
 thither, but be totally detached from them. — According^ we 
 find, that till the days of Solomon, horses were little used by 
 the Israelites, and they had not much intercourse with Egypt : 
 but afterward th*e horses of that kingdom proved a continua 1 
 source of temptation and sin to them. (Notes, 1 Kings 10 
 24—29. Ps. 20:6—8. Is. 30:15—17. 31:1—3.) 
 
 V. 17. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2 Sam. 5:13 — 16. 1 Kings 
 11 : 1 — 8 . 
 
 V. 18 — 20. Some interpret this command, of the book o* 
 Deuteronomy alone: but it is most probable, that the whole 
 law was intended : and if Moses, with his immense engage- 
 ments, found time for compiling and writing the whole, it 
 could not be an intolerable task imposed upon any future 
 prince to transcribe it. This would have a very great effect 
 in rendering him well acquainted with the law in every par* , 
 for writing not only assists the memory, hut causes us to 
 notice every single word of what wc transcribe. It is probable, 
 however, that this law was very seldom observed bv the kingf 
 of Judah, and never by those of Israel. (Marg. Rtf.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We are continually called on to remember the pure and 
 spotless sacrifice of Christ, and reminded to serve God with 
 the best of our abilities, time, and possessions : otherwise our 
 professed obedience will be an abomination. To him all wor- 
 ship and love belong: and idolatry and irreligion of every kind 
 will assuredly be punished, in this world or in the next, with 
 at least as great severity as those crimes which disturb the 
 peace of society. — We are also repeatedly cautioned against 
 rashness in bearing testimony, or in punishing accused per- 
 sons ; that the innocent may not ho involved in the same doom 
 with the guilty. — Ministers and .magistrates should, in their 
 several places, give diligence to obtain exact and extensive 
 knowledge, as well as to act with integrity and impartiality, 
 that they may not mislead or injure those, who place confi- 
 dence in their decisions. In both cases, however, there lies 
 an appeal to tho infallible Teacher and Judge of the world, 
 who will set all right, and effectually redress all those that 
 trust in him. — The presumptuous offender, who refused to 
 submit to the award of human justice, with all its imperfections, 
 was condemned to die : of what puni hment then will the obsti- 
 nate rebel against the righteous Governor of tho universe be 
 adjudged worthy ? and with what vengeance will he be recom- 
 pensed, who despises or abuses the grace of the gospel? 
 (Note, Heb, 10:28 — 31.) — Tho Lord sees 1 1 1 « * hearts of his 
 own people too much disposed to he like the world around 
 them; and for their chastisement he frequently permits them 
 to obtain the objects of their foolish desires; still regulating 
 the whole ultimately for their good. — The higher any person 
 is exalted, the more strongly must he be tempted to pride, 
 covetousness, luxury, and lust, those fatal enemies to true 
 
B.C. 145). 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 13. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 portion of the priests arul Levites, 1—8. Idolatry and witchcraft prohi- 
 bited, 9 — 14. A prophet litre unto Moses promised , 15 — 19. False prophets 
 must be put to death , 20. How they were to be known, 21, 22. 
 
 T HE priests the Levites, and all the tribe of 
 Levi, “shall have no part nor inheritance with 
 Israel : b they shall eat the offerings of the Lord 
 made by fire, and his inheritance. 
 
 2 Therefore shall they have no inheritance 
 .nong their brethren ; “the Lord is their inherit- 
 ance, as he hath said unto them. 
 
 3 And this shall be the priest’s due from the 
 people, from them chat ‘'offer a sacrifice, whether it 
 be ox or sheep : and they shall give unto the priest 
 ihe shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw. 
 
 4 The “first-fruit also of thy corn, of thy wine, 
 and of thine oil, and the first of fthe fleece of thy 
 sheep, shalt thou give him. 
 
 5 For the Lord thy God hath ^chosen him out 
 of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name 
 of the Lord, him and his sons for ever. 
 
 6 And if a Levite h come from any of thy gates 
 out of all Israel, where he sojourned, and 'come 
 with all the desire of his mind 'unto the place 
 which the Lord shall choose ; 
 
 7 Then he shall minister in the name of the 
 Lord his God, 'as all his brethren the Levites do, 
 which stand there before the Lord. 
 
 8 They shall have 'like portions to eat, beside 
 ’that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony. 
 
 a 10:9. 12:19. Num. 18:20. 26:62. Josh. 13:33. 18:7. 1 Pet. 5:2—1. b Num. 18: 
 8,9. Josh. 13:14. 1 Cor. 9:13. cGen. 15:1. I s. 16:5. 73:24—26. 84:11. 119:57. 
 Is. 61:6 Lain, 3:24. 1 Pet. 2:5,9. Rev. 1-5,6. il 12,27. Lev. 7:30-34. e26:9, 
 
 10. Ex. 22:29. 23:19. Lev. 23:10,17. Num. 18:12—24. 2 Chr. 31:4—10. Neh. 12: 
 44—17. f Job 21:20, g 10:8. Ex. 28:1 , &c. Num. 3:10. 16:5,9,10. 17:5— 9. 25: 
 13. h See on Num. 35:2,3. i Ps. 26 8. 27:4. 63:1,2. 84:10. 1 Till). 3:1. I Pet. 
 5:2. j See on 12:5. 16:2. k 2 Chr. 31:2-4. ll.ev. 7:8.9,14. Nch, 12:44,47. 
 Luke 10:7. I Cor. 9:7 — 14. 1 Tim 5:17,18. * Heb. hie sale by the fathers, m See 
 on 12.29,30. Lev. 18:26,27,30. n 12:31. Lev. 18:21. 2U:2— 5. 2 Kings 16:3. 17: 
 
 godliness. Against those evils, princes especially need to 
 watch, and ought to be cautioned by those who have access 
 to them ; lest the extensive influence of their example and 
 authority should become ruinous to millions, who look up to 
 them for protection and prosperity. But alas ! who hath bold- 
 ness, disinterestedness, and zeal, sufficient to venture the loss 
 of their favour, and the consequences of their displeasure, by 
 * eminding them of such salutary but offensive truths ? ( Notes, 
 
 1 Kings 22:8,13,14,26,27.) Almost all men rather choose to 
 occupy the more pleasing and profitable place of flatterers ; 
 and the remaining few either observe a timid silence, or soon 
 are driven from the verge of courts. ( Note , Amos 7:12,13.) 
 Kings themselves have therefore the more need to be employed 
 in the daily study of the Scriptures, and of whatever can en- 
 able them to understand the Scripture ; that they may become 
 well acquainted with the truth and will of God ; and learn that 
 true wisdom, which begins in the fear of him, and in habitual 
 regard to his authority, and to that great day of account, in 
 which there will be no respect of persons. But alas 1 how 
 much of God’s word is overlooked by his professed people ! 
 One is almost induced to think that this chapter was omitted 
 in Solomon’s copy of the law, and in those of the other Kings of 
 Israel and Judah. And might not an impartial and well-in- 
 formed person suppose the same respecting some of our Bibles, 
 with reference to those chapters which immediately instruct 
 men in the duties of their several stations, and improvement 
 of their talents, especially the highest and most important, 
 stations, in the community, and in the church of God '! We 
 all however ought more carefully and exactly to study the 
 Scriptures, to examine ourselves, to watch our hearts, to 
 avoid temptations, and to pray for faith and grace, by which 
 we may be enabled to observe all the commandments of God; 
 for “ in keeping of them there is great reward.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVIII. V. 1, 2. Mar g. Ref 
 V. 3. The two cheeks, (probably the whole head with the 
 tonguo,) and the maw, are supposed to have been at this time 
 first glinted out of the peace-offerings, in addition to what 
 had before been allotted the priests and Levites : for they 
 are not mentioned in the preceding laws. ( Note , Lev. 7:29 
 — 34.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. The proportion of each particular to be offered 
 as first-fruits is nowhere fixed ; and it seems to have been 
 ^eff to every man’s own conscience, according to his circum- 
 stances, and as a test of his zeal and liberality. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. It seems that the Levites officiated by courses, 
 or according to some rule, from their first establishment in 
 Canaan : but if any one, out of his course, from cordial love 
 of the ordinances and courts of the Lord, preferred officiating 
 as a servant to the priests at the sanctuary, to living at his 
 own city, he was to be encouraged by some addition to his 
 maintenance. The words rendered u the sale of his patrimony” 
 are variously interpreted, and are obscure to us ; but probably 
 *hey mean, that the Levite must not be deprived of any part 
 jf what would otherwise accrue to him, whether from the sale 
 
 9 H When thou art come into the iand w hici* 
 the Lord thy God giveth thee, m thou shalt not 
 learn to do after the abominations of those na 
 tions. 
 
 10 There shall not be found among you any 
 one that "maketli his son or Ins daughter to pass 
 through the fire, or “that useth divination, or an 
 observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 
 
 11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar 
 spirits, or a wizard, For a necromancer. 
 
 12 For all that do these things are an abomina- 
 tion unto the Lord: and because lof these abo- 
 minations the Lord thy God doth drive them out 
 from before thee. 
 
 13 Thou “shalt be 'perfect with the Lord thy 
 God. 
 
 14 For these nations, which thou shalt 'possess, 
 hearkened unto observers of times, and unto 
 diviners: but as lor thee, the Lord thy God “hath 
 not suffered thee so to do. 
 
 15 The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee 
 l a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, 
 “like unto me ; “unto him ye shall hearken : 
 
 16 According to all that thou desiredst of the 
 Lord thy God in Horeb, ?in the day of the 
 assembly, saying, “Let me not hear again the 
 voice of the Lord my God : neither let me see this 
 great fire any more, that I die not. 
 
 17 And the Lord said unto me, “They have 
 well spoken that which they have spoken. 
 
 17. 21:6. 2 Chr. 28:3. Pa. 106:37,38. Jer. 19:4—6. 32:35. o Ex. 22:18. I.ev. 19: 
 26,31. 20:26,27. 1 Sam. 28:3,7,9. 1 Chr. 10:13. 2 Chr. 33:6. Is. 8:19,20. 47:13. 
 Acts 19:19. Gal. 5:20. p 1 Sam. 28:11— 14. qSe« r.n 9:4. Lev. 18:24,27. 
 
 r Gen. 6:9. 17:1. Job 1 :1 ,8. Ps. 37:37. Mall. 5:48. Phil. 3: 12,15. Rev. 3:2. t Or, 
 upright, or, sincere. 1 Or , inherit. s 5-e on 10. Ps. 147: 19,20. Acts 14:16. 
 118,19. John 1:45. Acts 3:22,23. 7:37. u 5:5. 34:10 Luke 24:19. 1 Tim. 2:5. 
 Heb. 3:2— 6. x Matt. 17:5. Luke 9:35. 10: 16. John 6:29. Heb. 1:2. 2:1— 3. 
 
 1 John 3:23. y9:10. z 5:24— 28. Ex. 20:19. Heb. 12:19. a See on5:28. 
 
 of his portion of the tithes, or the rent of houses in the cities 
 allotted to that tribe, or any private property which he had 
 acquired. — Some indeed suppose, that the priests exclusively 
 are meant; because the expression, u minister in the name 
 of the Lord” properly belongs to them ; and because the 
 Levites had no portions out of the sacrifices. But in perform- 
 ing their services at the tabernacle they ministered to the 
 Lord, though as servants to the priests. (I Sam. 2:18. 3:1.) 
 And as the people were repeatedly enjoiipd to be liberal to 
 them, they would doubtless, at the sanctuary, frequently 
 share the peace-offerings, and all other oblations ; except the 
 holy things, of which none but the priests and their families 
 might eat. (12:12,18,19. 14:29. 16:11.) Both priests and 
 ordinary Levites indeed seem to be intended. 
 
 V. 9 — 12. The several terms here employed, must include 
 every species of that superstition or idolatry, which consists 
 in seeking such information or help from invisible beings, real 
 or supposed, as cannot be obtained from God ; or in establish- 
 ing other rules of conduct than his precepts, explained by the 
 sober use of our rational faculties. And we can expect no 
 instruction or help from him except in the use of such means 
 as are naturally efficacious, or in attending on his instituted 
 ordinances. The translation itself, without criticising the 
 original terms, indisputably proves that the venerable trans - 
 lators supposed all calculations of lucky or unlucky days for 
 undertaking any enterprise, all attempts to charm away dis- 
 eases by unmeaning observations, all amulets or spells by way 
 of preservative, as well as every kind of fortune-telling, to be 
 prohibited. — Not only would such practices be abominable in 
 the Israelites; but they were so offensive, even in the Ca- 
 naanites, as to form a chief cause of their dreadful extirpation : 
 being all of them either human imposture, or diabolical delu- 
 sion ; and either way conducive to the gratification of that 
 ambitious spirit, who aspires, in every form, to be the god and 
 prince of this world. (Marg. Ref Notes , Ex. 22:18. Lav. 
 18:21,24—30. 19:26. 20:2—5.) x 
 
 Y. 13. Be perfect .] That is, Be singly dependent on the 
 Lord , and devoted to him. (Notes, Job 1:1. Matt. 5:43 — 48.) 
 
 V. 15 — 19. In order to counteract the temptation, to 
 which the Israelites would he exposed, to imitate the Gen- 
 tiles in the various arts of divination : the Lord gave them 
 inthnations, that he intended to afford them supernatural 
 information, as far as profitable for them. — Many expositors, 
 both Jewish and Christian, suppose that a succession of pro- 
 phets, till the times of the Messiah, is intended in the pro- 
 mise. But if this be well grounded, (as the context may 
 seem to give some countenance to it,) they must be consi- 
 dered as speaking by the Spirit of Christ, and as preparing 
 the way for his coming ; without which all the rest would by 
 no means have been an adequate completion of it. This 
 however is certain, that it is a prediction which has had ils 
 main accomplishment in our blessed Saviour. As the great 
 Antitype, he resembled Moses more than any other prophet 
 ever did ; and with much greater exactness, than he did any ol 
 
 ( 347 ) 
 
D. C. > 451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 18 1 will b raise them up a Prophet from among 
 thnr brethren, "like unto thee, and d wili put my 
 words in his mouth ; and e he shall speak unto them 
 all that I shall command him. 
 
 19 And it shall come to pass, that fwhosoever 
 will not hearken unto my words, which he shall 
 speak in my name, I will require it of him. 
 
 20 But ethe prophet which shall presume to 
 speak a word in my name which I have not com- 
 manded him to speak, or that shall speak fc in the 
 name of other gods, even that prophet shall die. 
 
 21 And if thou say in thine heart, 'How shall 
 we know the word which the Lord hath not 
 spoken ? 
 
 b See on 15. c 5:5. 3S:5. Ex. 40:26— 29. Nam. 12:6— 8, S3. Ps. 2-6. 110:4. Is. 
 9.6.7. Ztrch. 6:13. Luke 24: 19. Gal. 3:19,20. 1 Tim. 2:5. Heb. 3:5,6. 7:2*. 12: 
 24,25. d Is. 50:4. 51:16. John 17:8. e John 4:25. 8:28. 12:49,50. 15:15. f Mark 
 16:16. Acts 3:23. Heb. 3:7. 10:26. 12:25,26. g 13:5. Jer. 14:14,15.23:13—15,31. 
 
 the prophets or typical persons mentioned in the Old Testa- 
 ment. — Bom in the reign of a persecuting tyrant, his life 
 was sought in his infancy, and wonderfully preserved whilst 
 many other infants were destroyed. (Notes, Ex. 2: Matt. 2:) 
 At the entrance of his work, he rejected the proposal of 
 “ the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them as 
 Moses did the prospect of honour and affluence in Egypt ; 
 and preferred a suffering, poor, and despised life. (Notes, 
 Matt. 4:8 — 11. Heb. 11:24 — 26.) He was opposed by those 
 very persons, for whose sake he had thus voluntarily impo- 
 verished himself ; yet, in the appointed time and manner, he 
 accomplished the redemption of his people. (Note, Acts 
 7:30 — 36.) His meekness and patience far exceeded those by 
 which Moses was distinguished. He united in one person 
 the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King. His transfiguration 
 reminds us of Moses’s face shining when he came down from 
 the mount. He feeds his people with the true manna, and 
 gives them living water to drink. Many of his miracles 
 resembled those of Moses ; but especially his commanding 
 the winds and waves, and walking upon the sea, remind us 
 of the Red Sea divided at the word of Moses, that Israel 
 might pass through. He was opposed by his brethren as well 
 as by the people ; and was especially objected to for espous- 
 ing the Gentiles as his church. All the prophets and apostles 
 spake as his delegates ; even as all the former enforced the 
 law of Moses : the whole Scripture is his word, and all mi- 
 nisters obtain their authority and receive their instructions 
 from him. His knowledge of the Father, and his intimate 
 fellowship with him, are unexampled and appropriate. His 
 life was spent, and laid down, for the benefit of his people, 
 and for their sins; and his resurrection precluded the exact 
 knowledge of his ^pulchre, and should have prevented the 
 superstitious veneration for it. When he left his disciples he 
 promised them another Teacher and Comforter, as Moses, 
 before he left Israel, promised them a Prophet like unto him- 
 self. And it will most awfully be required of those who 
 reject his salvation, who will not hearken to his instructions, 
 or who refuse to have him to reign over them. (Notes, Acts 
 2:22,23. 7:37 — 43.) But the grand point in which this resem- 
 blance calls for our attention, is that marked out to us in the 
 sixteenth Verse. Moses acted as mediator between God and 
 Israel, when the people, appalled at the terrors of mount 
 Sinai, said, u Let us not hear again the voice of the Lord 
 our God, neither let us see this great fire any more, that we 
 die not.;” and when the Lord said, M They have well spoken 
 that which they have spoken.” (Notes, 5:22 — 29. Ex. 20:18 
 '—20.) Thenceforth the Lord put his words into the mouth 
 of Moses, through whose intervention they were instructed, 
 in a manner more suited to their character and circumstan- 
 ces; and through whose intercession they were specially 
 favoured as the people of God. But Christ is the “One 
 Mediator between God and man.” He was “raised up from 
 the midst of his brethren yea, he assumed our nature for 
 that very purpose. “No man knoweth the Father but 
 the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” (Note, 
 Matt. 11:27.) To these “ it is given to know the mysteries 
 of the kingdom of heaven ;” but to such as as refuse to hear 
 him, “all things are spoken in parables.” “ No man comcth 
 to the Father but by him:” for “he is able to save to the 
 uttermost all that come to God by him; seeing he ever liveth 
 to make intercession for them.” No one of Adam’s fallen 
 race can know God, or learn his truth and will, or approach 
 him with comfort and acceptance, except through Christ; 
 any more than Israel could have endured the revelation of 
 God, and his words from Sinai’s fiery top, without the typical 
 mediation of Moses. This is unspeakably the most impor- 
 tant resemblance, and so decided and unambiguous a divine 
 declaration on this infinitely important subject, in this ancient 
 book, is peculiarly worthy of observation. — In other things a 
 lively fancy might trace some specious similitude between 
 several prophets and Moses; but in this, none except Jesus 
 "Jhrist ever bore the most remote resemblance to him. At 
 he same time ibis prediction was a plain intimation, that the 
 dispensation of Moses, and the law which he gave, (except 
 as coincident with ‘he preceptive part of all divine revelation,) 
 were to endure only for a time : for not only would prophets 
 true to enforce his law ; but another Prophet also like to 
 
 ( 348 ) 
 
 22 When a prophet, k speaketh in the name of 
 the Lord, 'if the thing: follow not, nor come to 
 pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not 
 spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it "’presump- 
 tuously ; thou shalt not be afraid of him. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 The law concerning the cities of refuge enforced and explained , 1 — 13. Land? 
 marks must not be removed , 14. Ttoo witnesses required in a criminal cause, 
 15. How the false witness must be jjunished , 16 — 21. 
 
 W HEN the Lord thy God "hath cut off the 
 nations, whose land the Lord thy God 
 giveth thee, and thou 'succeedest them, and 
 dwellest in their cities, and in their houses ; 
 
 27:15. Ei. 13:6. Malt. 7:15. 2Fel.2:l,2. h 13:1,2. 1 King. 18:19,27,40. Jer. 2: 
 8. Zech. 13:3. Rev. 19:20. 1 1 Thes. 5:24. 1 John 4:1—3. Rev. 2:2. k Jer. 28: 
 1—14. 1 13:2. 2 Kings 20:1. Jon. 3:4. 4:2. Zech. 1:5,6. roSO. Jer. 28: 15— 11. 
 
 a 6:10. 7:1,2. 12:1. 17:14. * Heb. inheritest, or posstssest. 12:29. marg. 
 
 him, who, as a Lawgiver and Mediator, would introduce a 
 new and more spiritual and permanent dispensation. (Notes, 
 Heb. 7:1 1 — 17. 8:7—13.) 
 
 V. 20 — 22. These verses contain a clear prediction, that 
 there should “ also arise false prophets among the people,” 
 and at length deceivers pretending to be the promised Mes- 
 siah ; and they constitute a direct command to the rulers to 
 punish them with death, as presumptuous transgressors of 
 the divine law. If such impostors spake in the name of any 
 other God than Jehovah, the case was clear, and no fur- 
 ther proof of guilt was needful ; and accordingly Elijah ordered 
 the immediate execution of all Baal’s prophets. (Note, 
 
 1 Kings 18:40.) If the pretended message from God was 
 evidently contrary to the grand principles of the law, the 
 case coincided with that before stated. (Note, 13:1 — 5.) If 
 a man only exhorted the people to obey the commands of 
 God, he certainly needed no other credentials : but if his 
 message was doubtful in this respect ; and being required to 
 give some proof of his divine mission, he should declare that 
 such or such an event would take place at a certain time, (as 
 Moses had done repeatedly to .Pharaoh,) and the event did 
 not take place; the people might be sure he was a deceiver, 
 and need not fear his denunciations. — When a prophet threat- 
 ened judgments on the people for their sins, there was always 
 an implied hope of mercy in case they repented : and in some 
 instances, general promises of prosperity might be connected 
 with the supposition of continued good behaviour. (Note, 
 Jer. 18:7 — 10.) But when made absolute, and when the time 
 was fixed, (as in Hananiah’s prediction, Jer. 28:) the failure 
 was full proof of imposture. The Jews, in demanding of our 
 Lord a sign from heaven, after all the undeniable and benefi- 
 cent miracles which he bad performed, seem to have had this 
 law in mind. But his doctrine perfectly accorded to the pre- 
 ceding Scriptures rightly understood; he appealed to the tes- 
 timony of Moses and the prophets, as well as that of John 
 the Baptist, in connexion with his own miracles ; every thing 
 in the preceding dispensations was suited to lead the impar- 
 tial and pious mind to expect such a Messiah as he was, and 
 such a change as he showed an intention to Hfect ; and 
 finally, it was foretold, that he should he put to death by the 
 teacliers and rulers of Israel : he would therefore give tin m 
 no other sign than that of Jonah, which being answered in 
 his death and resurrection on the third day, was in all respects 
 perfectly satisfactory. (Notes, Matt. 12:38 — 12.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The ministers of the gospel should, by a decent provision, 
 be preserved from pressing temptations to entangle themselves 
 with the affairs of this life, that they may he a! leisure fur 
 their proper employment ; and they are absolutely inexcusa- 
 ble, if covetousness, and other carnal principles, engage 
 them in contentions, lawsuits, or selfish projects. (Note, 
 
 2 Tim. 2:3 — 7.) — We do nothing to good purpose, that «<■ 
 do not engage in “ with all the desire of our mind.” 1 1 is v. ell 
 when this influences us “ to leave all for the sake of Christ, 
 and the gospel.” Hs will not suffer such disciples to “ lo«c 
 their reward ;” and it is his appointment, that those ministers, 
 who “labour most in the word and doctrine” should be best 
 provided for. Yea, they who will do no more in God's ser- 
 vice than man will pay them for, are not worthy of being 
 called the ministers of Christ at all. (Note, Mai. 1:9 — 11. ) — 
 Christians are required simply to trust the Lord, and submit to 
 him; and cannot want any information, security, or assist- 
 ance, which he will not afford them: and the Lord their God 
 not only doth not suffer them to do such things as he abhorred 
 in the Canaanites, and will much more ahhor in them ; hut 
 he calls upon them to bear testimony against every evil work. 
 We have a Prophet like unto Moses, but infinitely superior 
 to show us the truth nnd will of God, the way of acceptance 
 and of holiness ; nay, to “show us the Father ;” for “ he that 
 hath seen him hath seen tho Father:” “he dwelleth in the 
 Father, and the Father in him.” (Note, John 14:7 — 14.) 
 Yet is he raised up from among his brethren, nnd dwell* 
 likewise in human nature. That view ofGod which he gives, 
 will not terrify or overwhelm, hut encourage ns: he speaks 
 with fraternal affection and divine authority conjoined. Wo 
 then be to those who refuso to hearken to his v >iee, to 
 accept of his salvation, or yield obedience to his sway Bu* 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B C. 1451. 
 
 2 Thou shalt b separate three cities for thee in 
 the midst of thy land, which the Lord thy God 
 giveth thee to possess it. 
 
 3 Thou shalt 'prepare thee a way, and divide 
 the coasts of thy land, which the Lord thy God 
 giveth thee to inherit, into three parts, that every 
 slayer may flee thither. 
 
 4 And this is the case of d the slayer which shall 
 flee thither, that he may live : whoso killethhis neigh- 
 jour ignorantly, whom he hated not ‘in time past ; 
 
 5 As when a man goeth into the wood with his 
 neighbour to hew wood, and his hand fetcheth a 
 stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the 
 'head slippeth from the (helve, and ^lighteth upon 
 his neighbour, that he die ; 'he shall flee unto one 
 of those cities and live : 
 
 6 Lest f the avenger of the blood pursue £he 
 slayer, while his heart is hot, and overtake him, 
 because the way is long, and "slay him ; whereas 
 he was snot worthy of death, inasmuch as he 
 nated him not ’’in time past. 
 
 7 Wherefore I command thee, saying, Thou 
 shalt separate three cities for thee. 
 
 8 And if the Lord thy God h enlarge thy coast, 
 as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, and give thee all 
 the land which he promised to give unto thy 
 fathers ; 
 
 9 ('If thou shalt keep all these commandments 
 to do them, which I command thee this day, 
 to love the Lord thy God, and to walk ever in 
 his ways :) then shalt thou add three cities more 
 for thee, beside these three : 
 
 10 That ’innocent blood be not shed in thy 
 land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an 
 inheritance, and so blood be upon thee. 
 
 11 But k if any man hate his neighbour, and lie 
 in wait for him, and rise up against him, and smite 
 him "mortally that he die, and fleeth into one of 
 these cities ; 
 
 12 Then the elders of his city shall send and 
 fetch him thence, and deliver him into the hand 
 of the avenger of blood, that he may die. 
 
 b 4:11 — 43. Ex. 21:13. Num. 33:10— 15. Josh. 2U:2— 7. Heb. 6:18. c Is. 35:8. 57: 
 14. 62:10. Heb. 12:13. d 4:42. Num. 35:15 — 24. * Heb. from yesterday the 
 
 thirdday. 6. Gen. 31:2. Josh. 3:4 . I Chr. 11:2. Is. 30:33. margins. t Heb. 
 iron. 2Kings6:5 — 7. 1 Heb. wood. § Heb .findeth. eNiim.35:z5. Prov. 27:12. 
 Is. 32:2. f Num. 35:12. Josh. 20:5. 2Sam. 14:7. || Heb. smile him in life. g21: 
 22. Jer. 26: 15.16. II Heb. from yesterday the third day. 4. h 11:24,25. 12:20. 
 Gen. 15:18-21. 28:14. Ex. 23:31. 1 Kings 4:21. Ezra 4:20. i See on 11 :22— 25. 
 41:32. j 13. 21:8. 1 Ki»°s2:31. 2 Kings 21:16. 24:4. Ps. 94:21. Prov. 6:17. Is. 
 69:7. Jer. 7:6,7. Joel3:19. Jon. 1:14/ Matt. 27:4,5. k27:24. Ex. 21:12— 14. 
 
 Num. 35. 16 — 21. Prov. 28:17. "Heb .inlife. 1 1 Kings 2:5,6,28— 34. m7.16. 
 13:8. 25:12. Ez. 16:5. n21:9. Gen. 9:6. Lev. 24:17,21. Num. 35-33,34 . 2 Sam. 
 
 '•appy they who trust and obey him ! He will lead them into 
 the paths of safety and of peace ; he will teach them to dis- 
 tinguish his ministers from those of Satan, however disguised ; 
 and he will preserve them from every delusion, until he bring 
 them to the land of perfect light, purity, and felicity. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XIX. V. 2—10. (Notes and P. O. 
 Num. 35:9 — 34. Josh. 20:) Three cities of refuge had already 
 been allotted on the east of Jordan; (4:41 — 43.) and the 
 other three were ordered to he set apart, as soon as the 
 people were settled in the country west of Jordan : and in 
 case their boundaries should in after ages be enlarged, three 
 more were to he added. In selecting these cities they were 
 commanded to be careful to proportion the distances, “ that 
 the way might not be too long” to some one of them, from 
 any part of the land : and the way was also to be prepared ; 
 “ that innocent blood should not be shed in their land,” by the 
 avenger of blood overtaking the unfortunate manslayer, 
 before he arrived at a place of refuge. — The promise of still 
 further enlarging the possessions of Israel, was conditional; 
 and by their disobedience they so far forfeited it, that these 
 additional cities of refuge seem never to have been appointed. 
 The Jews flatter themselves with the expectation of a future 
 accomplishment of these promises, when this addition will be 
 made. 
 
 V. 11.— 13. Notes, Ex. 21:12 — 14. Num. 35:16— 23. 
 
 V. 14. As landmarks constituted the customary method 
 of distinguishing landed property in those days ; removing 
 them would be a crime among the Israelites, similar to 
 forging, altering, destroying, or concealing the title-deeds of 
 estates at this day ; and it would occasion atrocious injustice, 
 and make way for dispute and lawsuits. (Mar. Ref.) 
 
 V. 15 — 21. One witness was insufficient to prove a crime 
 against any person ; (Notes, 17:2 — 7. 1 Tim. 5:19,20.) and 
 
 if his evidence was suspected to be false, he would himself 
 be liable to a prosecution. But as it might be difficult to 
 decide such a cause, it must be referred to the supreme 
 court : and if on strict inquiry he was found guilty, the law of 
 retaliation must be adopted and strictly executed, as the 
 
 13 m Thine eye shall not pity him ; hut “thou 
 shalt put away the guilt of innocent blood from 
 Israel, that it may go well with thee. 
 
 14 H Thou “shalt not remove thy neighbour’s 
 land-mark, which they of old time have set in 
 thine inheritance, which thou shalt inherit in the 
 land that the Lord thy God giveth thee u* 
 possess it. 
 
 15 H One witness shall not rise up against a 
 man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin 
 that he sinneth : rat the mouth of two witnesses, 
 or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter 
 be established. 
 
 16 If 9a false witness rise up against any man, 
 to testify against him tt that which is wrong ; 
 
 17 Then both the men, between whom the 
 controversy is, shall stand before the Lord, “before 
 the priests and the judges which shall be in those 
 days. 
 
 18 And the judges shall make ’diligent inquisi- 
 tion : and, behold, if the witness he a false 
 witness, and hath testified falsely against his 
 brother ; 
 
 19 Then ‘shall ye do unto him, as he had 
 thought to have done unto his brother : "so shah 
 thou put away the evil from among you. 
 
 20 And those which remain shall x hear, and 
 fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any 
 such evil among you. 
 
 21 And y thine eye shall not pity; 6/if “life sh< rh 
 go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for 
 hand, foot for foot. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 The priest required to exhort the soldiers before they engage tn battle , 1 — 4. 
 What persons the officers must permit to retire , 5 — 9. How the cities, which 
 acceptor refuse peace, must be treated, 10 — 15. The devoted nations to be 
 extirpated, 16 — 18. Fruit-trees must be spared in a siege . 19, 20. 
 
 W HEN thou “goest out to battle against 
 thine enemies, and seest b horses and chari- 
 ots, and a people more than thou, be not afraid of 
 them : for “the Lord thy God is with thee, which 
 brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 
 
 2 And it shall be, when ye are come nigh unto 
 
 21:1,14. o 27:17. Job 24:2. Prov. 22:28. 23:10. Hos.5:10. j) 17:6. Num. 35:30. 
 1 Kilies 21:10,13. Mall. 18:16. 26:60,61. John 8:17. 2 Cor. 13.1. 1 Tun. 5: IS 
 Heh. 10:28. Kev. 11:3— 7. q Ex. 23:1— 7. 1 King. 21: 10— 13. P». 27:12. 35:11 , 
 Mark 14:55— 59. Acts6;13. tt Or, falling aicagB r 17:9.21:5. Mai. 2:7. Matt. 
 23:2,3. s See on 13:14. 17:4. 2 Chr. 19:6,7. Job 29:16. t Prov. 19:5,9. Jer. 14: 
 15. Man. 6:24. u 13:5. 17:7. 19:20.21:20,21. 22:21,24. 24:7. x 13:11. 17:7,13. 
 Prov. 21:11. Rom. 13:3,4. 1 Tim. 5:20. y Sec on 13. z Ex. 21:23— 25. Lev. 
 24:17—21. Matt. 5:38,39. a 3:21,22. 7:1. b Josh. 10:5— 8. 11:4—6,9. Jurig. 
 4 3—9. 2 Chr. 14:11. 20:12. Ps. 20:7. 33.16.17. Is. 31:1. 37:24,25. c See o i 
 2:7. Gen. 26:3. Josh. 1:5.9. Judg. 6:12. 2 Chr. 32:7,8. Ps. 46:7,11. 118:6. Is 
 7:14. 8:9,10. 43:2. Horn. 8:31. 
 
 impartial rule of the magistrates in punishing him, without 
 yielding to pity ; that the fatal effects of false and malicious 
 testimony might be prevented. (Murg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In conveying instruction, familiar examples and illustrations, 
 though taken from the most ordinary occupations or scenes 
 of life, are of very great use, to give determinate ideas of the 
 thing to be inculcated : and in laws especially, precision 
 should be studied, that the distinction between the innocent 
 and the guilty, and between a man’s crime and his calamity, 
 may be as plainly specified as it is possible. For whether 
 the criminal escape unpunished, or the innocent suffer, injus- 
 tice is committed ; and in case of bloodshed, guilt is brought 
 upon the land where it takes place. On such occasions 
 compassion for the offender may become cruelty to numbers : 
 it must therefore be moderated ; or counteracted by the fear 
 of God, the love of justice, and general benevolence. Bui 
 to avoid the horrid crime of murder, we must watch and pray 
 against the first emotions of hatred and anger : and to be , 
 preserved from injustice, we must beware of covetousness, 
 which is wonderfully ingenious in devising such methods ot 
 defrauding as may escape detection, censure, or human 
 punishment. (Notes, Ex. 26:1 3,15,1 7. ) — Alas! what a re- 
 proach is it to the whole human species, that God himself 
 forbids the testimony of any one man to be taken in things ot 
 consequence ! Verily he judges all men to be liars, and none 
 absolutely and in all cases to be trusted ; which is not only a 
 caution to judges and juries, but a reason for watchfulness 
 and humiliation to us all. — Few crimes are more atrocious 
 in their nature, pernicious in their effects, or affronting to 
 God, than bearing false witness in matters of great import- 
 ance ; and with us especially, since it is always connected 
 with perjury. It is greatly to be wished- that it was more 
 commonly and severely punished by man, according to this 
 most excellent and equitable law: but it will assuredly meet 
 with its due punishment from a righteous God ! Let all 
 Christians however be cautious not only in bearing publit 
 testimony, but also not to propagate private slatiders ; and ie‘ 
 
 ( 349 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 (lie battle, that d the priest shall approach, and 
 speak unto the people, 
 
 3 And shall say unto them, Hear, 0 Israel; Ye 
 approach -this day untc battle against your ene- 
 mies; 'let not your hearts "faint; fear not, and do 
 not 'tremble, neither ( be ye terrified becauseof them: 
 
 4 For the Lord your God is he that goeth with 
 you, sto fight lor you against your enemies, to 
 save you 
 
 5 And the h officers shall speak unto the people, 
 saying, What man is there that hath built a new 
 house, and hath not ‘dedicated it? let him go and 
 return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and 
 another man dedicate it. 
 
 6 And what man is he that hath planted a vine- 
 yard, and hath not yet Jeaten of it? let him also 
 go and return unto his house, k lest he die in the 
 cattle, and another man eat ofit. 
 
 7 And what man is there that hath 'betrothed a 
 wife, and hath not taken her? let him go and 
 return unto his house, “lest he die in battle, and 
 another man take her. 
 
 8 And the officers shall speak further unto the 
 people, and they shall say, What man is there 
 that is “fearful and faint-hearted ? let him go and 
 return unto his house, “lest his brethren’s heart 
 Sfaint as well as his heart. 
 
 9 And it shall be, when the officers have made 
 an end of speaking unto the people, that they 
 6hall make captains of the armies uto lead the 
 people. 
 
 10 H When thou comest nigh unto a city to 
 fight against it, Pthen proclaim peace unto it. 
 
 11 And it shall be, if it make thee answer of 
 peace, and open unto thee, then it shall be, that 
 all the people that is found therein shall be ^tribu- 
 taries unto thee, and they shall serve thee. 
 
 i] Num. 10:8,9. 31:6. Judg. 20:27,23. 1 Sam. 14:18. 30:7,8. 2 Chr. 13:12. e Ps. 
 27:1—3. Is. 35:3,4. 41:10—11. Matt. 10:16,23,31 . Eph. 6-11—18. lTlies.5:14. 
 Heb. 12" 12,13. Rev. 2:10. * Heb. be tender, t Heb. make haste. Is. 28:16. f Ps. 
 3:6 Is. 8:12,13. Matt. 8:26. Mark 16:6— 18. Acts 18:9,10. 27:24. 1 Tim. 6:12. 
 Heb. 13:6. g 1:30 . 3:22. 11:25. 32:30. Ex. 14:14. Josh. 10:42. 23:10. Ps. 144:1, 
 2. Rom. 8.37. h 1:15. 16:18. Num. 31:14,43. 1 Sam. 17:18. i Neh. 12:27. Ps. 
 30. Title. X Keb. made it common. Lev. 19:23 — 25. Jer. 31:5. k Is. 65:22. 
 Zeph. 1:13. 1 2*2:23— 25. 24:5. Matt. 1 : 18. m 23:30. Luke 14:18— 20. 2 Tim. 
 2,4. n 1:28 . 23:9. Judg. 7:3. Luke 9:62. Acts 15:37,38. Rev. 3:16. 21:8. o Num. 
 13:31—33. 14:1—3. 32:9. I Cor. 15:33. § Heb. melt. See on 1:28. marg. Ex. 
 
 15:f5. || Heb. to be in the head of the people, p 2 Sam. 20:13 — 20. Is. 57:19, 
 Zech. 9:10. Luke 10:5,6. Acts 10:33. 2 for. 5:18— 21 . 6:1. Eph. 2:17. q Lev. 
 
 those whose consciences accuse them of these or other 
 crimes, without delay flee for refuge to the hope set before 
 us in Jesus Christ. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1 — 4. In all the wars which 
 Israel waged according to the will of God, they might 
 assuredly expect his special assistance. This should have 
 been their oifly confidence; of this his former wonderful 
 works were their assurance; and of these the priests were 
 required to remind them for their encouragement. It is gene- 
 rally thought, that one of the most considerable of the priests 
 always accompanied their armies, to perform the service 
 there stated. 
 
 V. 5 — 9. The Israelites were accustomed to enter on 
 their houses when finished, by making a cheerful feast for 
 their friends ; accompanied, as it seems reasonable to con- 
 clude, with a solemn act of devotion, by which their habita- 
 tions were put under the immediate protection of God, and 
 the blessings of his grace and peace were supplicated, that 
 they might prove houses of harmony and piety. ( Note , Ps. 30: 
 title.) — It is probable that these regulations were not intended 
 to take place in the first wars of Canaan, in which all who 
 were able were required to enlist; but in those in which the 
 nation might afterwards engage. They however contain a 
 remarkable illustration of the Lord’s condescension to all the 
 allowable affections of human nature, and were calculated to 
 compose armies constituted of persons whose minds were 
 free from discomposure and dismay. Some suppose that the 
 fearful were such as were intimidated by a guilty conscience ; 
 and thence infer that atrocious sinners are an encumbrance 
 and a curse to armies, as well as churches. (23:9. JVt/tes, 
 Josh. 7:10 — 12. P. O. 10 — 15. Judg. 7:2,3.) This is indeed 
 very different from the principles of modern tactics, and the 
 practice of modern statesmen and commanders. — However, 
 until the cowards were dismissed, the subordinate officers 
 must not. be appointed. 
 
 V. 10 — 18. We must suppose, in the cases here intended, 
 .hat the Israelites had some warrantable cause of levying 
 var ; which covet ou*;n *.ss, ambition, and the thirst of dominion 
 iould not he. When, therefore, they had been injured or 
 assaulted by any foreign na i >n, they were required to pro- 
 ceed in i he manner here prescribed: for the Lord purposed 
 by these means to enlarge their dominions, whilst they con- 
 tinued obedient There were doubtless wise reasons why 
 ( 350 ) 
 
 12 And if it will make no peace with thee, 
 but will make war against thee, then thou shall 
 besiege it. 
 
 13 And when the Lord thy God hath delivered 
 it into thine hands, r thou shalt smite every male 
 thereof with the edge of the sword. 
 
 14 But ’the women and the little ones, and the 
 cattle, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil 
 thereof shalt thou "take unto thyself; and thou 
 shalt eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the 
 Lord thy God hath given thee. 
 
 15 Thus shalt thou do unto all the cities which 
 are very far off from thee, which are not of tl e 
 cities of these nations. 
 
 16 But ‘of the cities of these people, which the 
 Lord thy God doth give thee for an inheritance, 
 thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth : 
 
 17 But “thou shalt utterly destroy them, namely, 
 x the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites, 
 and the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, 
 as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee:. 
 
 18 That they rteach you not to do after all 
 their abominations, which they have done unto 
 their gods; so should ye sin against the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 19 H When thou shalt besiege a city a long 
 time, in making war against it to take it, thou 
 shalt not destroy the trees thereof by forcing an 
 axe against them : for thou mayest eat of them, 
 and Hhou shalt not cut them down ("for the “tree 
 of the field is man’s life) T, to employ them in the 
 siege. 
 
 20 Only the trees, which thou knowest that 
 they he not trees for meat, thou shalt destroy, and 
 cut them down ; b and thou shalt build bulwarks 
 against the city that maketh war with thee, until 
 it Ttbe subdued. 
 
 25:42—44. Josh. 9:22,23,27. 11:19,20. 16:10. Judg. 1:28,30— 35. 1 Kings 9:21 ,22 
 Ps. 120:7. Luke 19:14. r See on Num. 31 :7, 17, IS. 1 Kings 1 1 : 15,16. Ps. 2:6— 
 12. 21:8,9. 110:1. Luke 19:27. 2Thes. 1:7—9. s Num. 3L9, 12. 18,35, Sic. Josh 
 8:2. 11:14. 2Chr. 11:13— 15. 2U:25. Ps. 68:12. Rom. 8:37. H IJeh. spoil. 1 7: 
 2,3,16. Num. 21:2. Josh. 6: 17,21. 9:24,27. 10:28,40. 11:11,12.14. u Is. 34:5,6. 
 Jer. 48:10. 50:35—40. Ez. 38:21— 23. Rev. 19:18. x See on 7:1. v 7-4,5. 12 j 
 30,31. Ex. 23:33. Josh. 23:13. Judg. 2:3. Ps. 106:34—40. 1 Cor. 15:31. 2 Cor 
 6:17. Eph. 5:11. 2Thes. 3:14. 1 Tim. 6:5. 2 Tim. 2: 17,18. Rev. 18:3— 5 
 
 7. Matt 3:10. 7:15—20. 21:19. Luke 13:7— 9. John 15:2— 8. •* Or, for,0 . an 
 the tree of the held is to be employed in the siege, a 24:6. tt Heb. to go from 
 before thee, b 1 .28. 2 Chr. 26:15. Ec. 9:14. Is. 37:33. Jer. 6:6. 33:1. £*.17:17. 
 
 Heb. come'dovm. 
 
 they were not only allowed, but, as it seems, commanded , to put 
 to death all the males who were capable of resistance. The 
 lives and property of all men are the Lord’s, forfeited to his jus- 
 tice to be disposed of at his pleasure and for his glory. These 
 regulations, however, are not the rule of our conduct, which 
 must be directed by the general law of love ; and that prohibits 
 unnecessary bloodshed and plunder, in war as well as in peace. 
 — One reason of this serverity might be, to shadow forth the 
 fatal consequences of persisting in rebellion, and enmity against 
 God, and in contempt of the proposal of peace and reconcilia- 
 tion set before men in the gospel. — Some are of opinion that 
 no terms of peace might, in any case whatever, be offered or 
 allowed to the devoted inhabitants of Canaan; because then 
 measure of wickedness was filled up, and they would be a 
 constant temptation to the Israelites: but. wc shall meet with 
 events in the course of this history, which will not easily com- 
 port with the absolute interpretation. (Notes, Josh. 2:8— 1<L f>: 
 22,23. 9: 11:19,20.) Others, therefore, suppose the meaning to 
 be, that in case the Canaanites rejected peace and servitude, 
 this entire extirpation was to take place: whereas only the 
 grown males were to be put. to death, in other cities, in similar 
 circumstances; and the rest of the inhabitants reduced to 
 subjection, as tributaries under the rulers of Israel, but not 
 to personal slavery. — The Jewish writers assert that they 
 might not be spared unless they renounced idolatry : but this 
 would introduce a law enacting persecution, which is no- 
 where to be found in Scripture, nor any thing like one. The 
 Canaanites, as condemned criminals, were ordered for execu- 
 tion ; and it is doubtful, whether peace were to be offered them 
 on any terms ; and idolatrous Israelites were to be capit illy 
 punished : but the nation had no commission to use the sword 
 in propagating religion; though some Christian writers ex- 
 press themselves as if they had. 
 
 V. 19,20. The original words rendered “for the tree ol 
 the field is man’s life,” are variously interpreted ; (marg.) bu* 
 our translation probably gives the true meaning. Tho in- 
 struction evidently is, that tho Israelites should not make un- 
 necessary waste of filings useful to man’s life, as fruit-trees 
 were; and therefore in sieges they should form their ma 
 chines of timber-trees only. 
 
 PR ACTICA L OBSF.RV ATIONS. 
 
 War is an express appeal to tho righteous Governor r.i the 
 world, and should be undertaken and conducted upon such 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. B. C. 145 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Expiation to be made for the land from murder, when the murderer was con- 
 cealed, 1 — 9. How the marriage of an Israelite with a captive maid must be 
 regulated , 10 — 14. The first-born not to be disinherited to please the belovctl 
 wife , 15—17. The rebellious son to be stoned, 18—21. Malefactors not to 
 remain all night on a tree, 22, 23. 
 
 I F one be “found slain in the land which the 
 Lord thy God ^ivetli thee to possess it, lying 
 in the field, and it be not known who hath slain 
 him ; 
 
 2 Then b thy elders and thy judges shall come 
 forth, and they shall measure unto the cities which 
 are round about him that is slain. 
 
 3 And it shall be, that the city which is next 
 unto the slain man, even the elders of that city 
 shall take c an heifer which hath not been wrought 
 with, and which hath not drawn in the yoke. 
 
 4 And the elders of that city shall bring down 
 the heifer unto a rough valley which is neither 
 eared nor sown, and d shall strike off the heifer’s 
 neck there in the valley: 
 
 5 And the priests the sons of Levi shall come 
 near: e for them the Lord thy God hath chosen^ 
 to minister unto him, and to bless in the name of 
 the Lord, and 'by their 'word shall every contro- 
 versy and every stroice be tried ; 
 
 6 And all the elders of that city, that are next 
 unto the slain man shall Hvash their hands over 
 the heifer that is beheaded in the valley. 
 
 7 And they shall answer and say, h Our hands 
 have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes 
 seen it. 
 
 8 Be merciful, 0 Lord, unto thy people Israel, 
 whom thou hast redeemed, and ‘lay not innocent 
 
 a Pg. 5:6. 9:12. Pi-ov. 28:17. Is. 26 21 . Acts 23-4. I) See on 16 : 18,19. Roin. 13: 
 3,4. eNum. 19:2. Jer. 31:13. Matt. 11:23— 33. Phil. 2:8. d 1 l et. 2:21— 24. 3: 
 IS. e See ott 10:8. 18:5. N..m, 6:22— 27. 1 Chr. 23:13. f See on 17:8— 12. Mai. 
 2:7. * Heh. mouth, * Job 6:30. Pi. 19:12. 26:6. 51:2,7,14. 73:13. Jer. 2:22. 
 Matt. 27:24.25. Heb. 9:10. h Num. 5:19— 28. 2Sttm. 10:8. Job 21:21— 23,37— 
 40. Ps. 7:3,4. : Num. 35:33 2 Sam. 3:28. 2 Kinns 24:4. Jer. 26:15. Et. 22:3,24, 
 £5. Jou. 1:14. Matt. 23:35. 1 Thes. 2:15,16. t Heb. in the midst, k See on 19: 
 
 principles, and such only, as he approves. When the cause 
 warrants this awful appeal, our confidence should be placed, 
 not. in chariots and horses, not in fleets and armies, not in ex- 
 erienced commanders and brave soldiers, but in the Lord of 
 osts himself. — Though the faithful ministers of religion are 
 generally slighted by those who “jeopardy their lives in the 
 high places of the field :” yet in reality none so much want their 
 instructions, counsels, and prayers, both individually , and 
 with respect to the common cause. Nor is any valour rational, 
 but that which springs from faith, a good conscience, a sense 
 of duty, reliance on God, and a hope of heaven : for he who 
 neither 44 fears those who kill the body, nor him who is able 
 to destroy both body and soul in hell,” is not valiant, but ab- 
 solutely mad. — In war itself, justice and the love of peace 
 should dictate every measure ; the voice of humanity should 
 be heard distinctly, even in the noise of battle ; and wanton 
 cruelty or waste should never sully the soldier’s reputation. — 
 Yet in all cases and with every possible mitigation, the hor- 
 rors of war must, when reflected upon, give pain to the feel- 
 ing heart: and can only he considered as evidences of the de- 
 pravity of man, and the power and malice of Satan ; and of 
 the just vengeance of God, who thus scourges a guilty world. 
 May he hasten the time when “swords shall be beaten into 
 ploughshares, and men shall learn war no more !” — But how 
 dreadful is the case of those, who are engaged in unequal con- 
 test with their Maker, who refuse his proposals of peace, and 
 who will not submit to be his servants and render him the easy 
 tribute of worship and praise, and subjection to his easy yoke, 
 and kind commandments ! Inevitable ruin awaits them. May 
 we follow peace with God and man ; and wage war against our 
 lusts and the powers of darkness, with undaunted courage 
 and unrelenting severity. In this contest, neither the num- 
 ber nor power of our enemies should dismay us; nay, our 
 own weakness should not. cause us to tremble or faint : for 
 the Lord himself will fight for us, and save us; and all his 
 wonders wrought for his church ensure our victory. But none 
 can fight this good fight, whose hearts are inordinately at- 
 tached to worldly objects, or who are afraid of the cross, or 
 the conflict ; for they will themselves desert, and discourage 
 others. Above all, ministers should be valiant in the cause, 
 and by their example, as well as exhortations, animate the 
 people for the contest. Finally, whilst we show no mercy 
 to any sin, and will have no friendship with any tempter; let 
 us show a spirit of peace, forgiveness, and benevolence to- 
 wards all mankind. 
 
 VOTES. Chap. XXI. V . 1 — 9. This law was enacted 
 to increase the horror of murder, and to promote the detection 
 of the criminal, by a public and solemn transaction, under 
 the management of the magistrates of the nearest city, asso- 
 ciated with the priests ; by putting numbers upon inquiry ; by 
 calling upon every one to clear himself; and by warning all 
 men not to conceal the criminal.— The “ heifer which had not 
 
 blood 'unto thy people of Israel’s charge. And 
 the blood shall be forgiven them. 
 
 9 So k shalt thou put away the guilt of innocent 
 blood from among you, 'when thou shalt do that 
 which is right in th^ sight of the Lord. 
 
 10 H When m thou goest forth to war against 
 thine enemies, and the Lord thy God hath 
 delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast 
 taken them captive, 
 
 11 And seest among the captives a beautiful 
 woman, and hast "a desire unto her, “that thou 
 vvouldest have her to thy wife ; 
 
 12 Then thou shalt bring her home to thine 
 house, and Pshe shall shave her head and jpare 
 her nails ; 
 
 13 And she shall put the raiment of her cap- 
 tivity from off' her, and shall remain in thine 
 house, and ^bewail her father and her mother a 
 full month : and after that thou shalt go in unto 
 her, and be her husband^ and she shall be thy wife. 
 
 14 And it shall be, if thou have no delight in 
 her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will, 
 but r thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou 
 shalt not make merchandise of her, 'because thou 
 hast humbled her. 
 
 15 If a man have 'two wives, one beloved, 
 and another hated, and they have borne him chil- 
 dren, both the beloved and the hated : and if the 
 first-born son be hers that was hated ; 
 
 16 Then it shall be, "when he maketh his sons 
 to inherit that which he hath, that he may not 
 make the son of the beloved first-born, before the 
 son of the hated, which is indeed the first-born : 
 
 12,13. 113:18. 2 Kincs 10:30.31. m-See on 20:10— 16. nGen.6:2. 12:14,15. 
 
 29:18—20. 34:3,8. Judg. 14:2,3. prov. 6:25. 31,: 10,30. o Nuin. 31:18. p 1 Cor. 
 11:6. Eph, 4:22. } Or , suffer to grow. Heb. make, or, dress, q Ps. 45:10,1 1. 
 Luke 14:26,27. r Ex. 21:7— 11. s 22:19,24,29. Gen. 34:2. Judg. 19:24. iGen. 
 29:30,31,33. 1 Stun. 1:4,5. u 1 Chr. 26:10. 2 Chr. 11 :19-22. 21 :3. Rom. 8:29. 
 Phil. 4:8. Heb. 12:16,17. 
 
 drawn in the yoke,” represented the murderer, the son of Be- 
 lial, who refused to bear the yoke of God’s law : and the 
 “rough valley” might denote the worthlessness of the crimi- 
 nal’s character, or the disagreeableness of the transaction. 
 “Striking oft' the neck of the heifer,” not by the priests but by 
 the elders, expressed the desert of the criminal, and their 
 readiness thus to punish him if they could detect him. 44 W ash- 
 ing their hands,” was an external sign of the protestation of 
 innocence and ignorance concerning the murder, which they 
 were required to make: (Note, Matt. 27:24,25.) the prayer, 
 
 which the priests are supposed to have added, strongly de- 
 clared that murder contaminates, and leaves guilt upon every 
 land and every person, that dpes not endeavour by all proper 
 means to bring the criminal to condign punishment: (Note, 
 
 Num. 35:31 — 34.) and the whole shadowed forth the atone- 
 ment and intercession of Christ, through which iniquity is 
 pardoned by a merciful God to his redeemed people. 
 
 V. 10 — 14. The case here regulated would inevitably 
 take place on some occasions : and this statute implies no 
 approbation of an Israelite’s marrying a heathen captive, 
 induced merely by her beauty ; especially as it does not 
 exclude the case of those who were previously married. If, 
 however, a man became enamoured of his captive, he was 
 not allowed to use force or authority to gratify his inclination, 
 or to proceed with precipitation ; but to take time for reflec- 
 tion. (Note, Num. 31:14 — 18.) By taking the captive into 
 the house, and there keeping her retired, her disposition 
 would be discovered more easily, and if that proved disa- 
 greeable, the passion might abate. The becoming attire and 
 ornaments, in which she might be taken captive, being 
 changed for the mean habit of a mourner, might tend to 
 diminish her attractions. “Shaving her head” would certainly 
 have this effect ; and the words rendered paring her nails , 
 seem rather to mean, letting them grow. Some, however, 
 think she was in this interim to be instructed in the law ; and 
 that these were external tokens of her renouncing idolatry 
 and embracing the religion of Israel. Her gri # ef also for the 
 death of her parents if slain, or for her separation from them 
 would subside, and her mind be more reconciled to her con- 
 dition ; and if at last the Israelite continued in the same 
 mind, he might marry her. — But in case he humbled her, and 
 afterwards did not choose to continue her as his wife, he 
 must not keep her as a slave, or sell her, but must give her 
 her liberty, and act towards her according to the regula- 
 tions made concerning women when divorced by their hus- 
 bands. (Notes, 24:1 — 4.) All these circumstances would help 
 to increase the caution of the Israelites, and tend to prevent 
 them from rashly entering into these improper connexions. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. This law does not apnear exclusively to apply 
 to the case of polygamy, but to him also who had two wives 
 in succession. In either case, the double portion, which 
 according to custom was allotted to the heir, must be given 
 ( 351 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451. 
 
 17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the 
 hated for the first-born, x by giving him a double 
 portion of all "that he hath : tor he is Uhe begin- 
 ningof his strength; the right of the first-born is bis. 
 
 18 IT If a man have 'a stubborn and rebellious 
 son, which will not “obey the voice of his father, or 
 the voice of his mother, and that , b when they 
 have chastened him. c will not hearken unto them ; 
 
 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay 
 hold on him, ‘'and bring him out unto the elders of 
 his city, and unto the gate of his place : 
 
 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his 
 city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he 
 will not obey our voice; e he is a glutton and a 
 drunkard. 
 
 21 And kill the men of his city shall stone him 
 with stones that he die : ®so shalt thou put evil 
 away from among you ; and all Israel shall hear, 
 and fear. 
 
 22 IT And if a man have committed h a sin 
 
 x Gen. 25:5,6,32,34. 1 Chr. 5:1,2. f Heb. that is found with him. y Gen. 49:3. 
 Ps. 105:36. z Prov. 28:24. 30:11,17. Is. 1:2. a 27:16. Ex. 20:12. 21:15,17. 
 Lev. 19:3. 21:9. Prov. 15:5.20:20. Ez. 22:7. b8:5. 2 Sam. 7:14. Prov. 13:24. 
 19:18. 22:15. 23:13,14. 29:17. Heb. 12:9 — 11. c Is. 1:5. Jer. 5:3. 31:18. Kz.24: 
 13. Amos. 4:11,12. d 2. 16:18. 25:7. Zech. 13:3. e Prov. 19:26 . 20:1.23:20,21, 
 29—35. f 13:10,11. 17:5. Lev. 24:16. Num. 15:35. g 13:5. 19:19,20. 22:21,24. 
 
 to the eldest son, though not the son of the best beloved 
 wife ; which would counteract the effect of unjust and unrea- 
 sonable partialities, and be a sort of compensation to her who 
 had the misfortune to be comparatively slighted and hated. 
 (Notes, Gen. 29:30—35. 49:3,4. I Chr. 5:1,2.) 
 
 V. 18 — 21. This law has great wisdom and mercy couched 
 under its apparent severity ; and it could not fail of produ- 
 cing most salutary effects, as far as any regard was paid to 
 it. The parents were the only prosecutors ; both must concur 
 in the prosecution , and the elders of the city must decide the 
 cause. The prosecution could not be admitted, but for stub- 
 bornness and rebellion, connected with gluttony and drunken- 
 ness, and persisted in after rebukes and corrections : and 
 these vices tended directly to ruin families and communities. 
 The offender must be convicted, and proved incorrigible, by 
 evidence sufficient to induce the judges to denounce sen- 
 tence, and the men of the city to execute it. Natural affec- 
 tion would seldom be so overcome, even by the basest crimes , 
 as to admit both parents thus to join in prosecuting a son, 
 much less to do so without sufficient cause : and in the very 
 few instances, in which hasty rage, or implacable resentment 
 might induce parents to attempt such a horrid, unnatural 
 murder, as a needless prosecution must imply ; the most 
 effectual precautions were taken to prevent the consequences. 
 The execution of the law must of course very seldom take 
 place; and if ever it did, it could not fail to excite general 
 attention and alarm, and prove a salutary warning to tens of 
 thousands. — Its very existence, as far as known, would 
 exceedingly strengthen the authority of parents ; give weight 
 to their commands, reproofs, and corrections ; and create an 
 additional fear of provoking*their deep resentment. It would 
 fortify young men against the enticements of bad companions, 
 and the force of strong temptations, and thus check the pro- 
 gress of wickedness. Moreover, it would be a constant 
 admonition to parents to watch over their children, and not 
 improperly to indulge them, or withhold correction ; but to 
 establish their authority over them while young, to pray for 
 them, to check the first buddings of vice, and to set them a 
 good example. This statute therefore, so harmless and bene- 
 ficial in its operation, yet so contrary to human policy, rather 
 proves than invalidates the divine authority of the book in 
 which it stands recorded. — No impostor would ever have 
 thought of enacting such a law. 
 
 V. 22, 23. The Israelites did not execute criminals by 
 strangulation , as among us, or by crucifixion ; yet after they 
 were dead, in detestation to their crimes, their bodies were 
 sometimes ignominiously suspended, or gibbeted, on a tree, 
 or piece of wood. But in honour of human nature, (at first 
 formed after the image of God, afterwards made the Temple 
 in which “all the fulness of the Godhead dwells,” and. here- 
 after in innumerable instances to partake of a glorious resur- 
 rection;) the body of an Israelite might not hang all night in 
 this situation, whatever his crimes had been ; as that would 
 even defile the land. (Notes, Josh. 8:29. 2 Sam. 21:9 — 14. 
 John 19:31 — 37.) In the current opinion, they who were 
 
 thus suspended, were deemed accursed of God , and devoted 
 to uttep destruction : but the Holy Spirit doubtless dictated 
 this expression with reference to him who w was made a curse 
 for us.” (Note, Gal. 3:10 — 14.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Those laws are framed most wisely, which have the most 
 effectual tendency to prevent crimes and punishments ; and 
 by this rule let the reader judge of the laws before us, com- 
 pared with the municipal laws of other countries. For what- 
 ever can increase our horror of enormous wickedness, or 
 cause the conscience to recoil at the thought of it, must 
 counteract the violence of the passions and the force of 
 temptations, and excite watchfulness against the occasions 
 ( 332 ) 
 
 worthy of death, and he be to be put. to death, 
 and 'thou hang him on a tree ; 
 
 23 His body shall not remain all night upon the 
 tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that 
 day ; (for k he that is hanged is 'accursed ot 
 God ;) that 'thy land be not defiled, which the 
 Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Strayed catjle and lost property to be restored , and another's ass or ot, xf 
 fallen, to be lifted up, 1 — 4. The sexes to be distinguished by apparel , 5. 
 The dam not to be taken with, her young. 6, 7. Battlement .•> to be made on 
 every house, 8. Improper mixtures to be avoided, 9 — 11. Fringes to be 
 worn on garments, i2. The case of a woman accused of unchastity before 
 marriage, 13 — 21. Adultery to be punished with death, the betrothed virgin 
 being adjudged a wife, 22 — 24. Rapes to be punished with death , 25—27, 
 Of fornication, 28, 29. Incest forbidden, 30. 
 
 T HOU “shalt not see thy brother’s ox or his 
 sheep go astray, and b hide thyself from them; 
 thou shalt in any case bring them again unto thy 
 brother. 
 
 2 A*id if thy brother be not mgh unto thee, or 
 if thou know him not, then thou shalt bring it 
 unto thine own house, and it shall be with tnee 
 
 h 19:6 . 22:26. 1 Sim. 26:16. Mali. 26:66. Act, 23:29. 25:11,25. 26:31. i Jo,h. 8: 
 29. 10:26,27. 2 Sam. 4:12. 21:6,9. Luke 23:33. John 19:31— 38. k 2 Cor 
 5:21. Gal. 3:13. • Heb. the curse of God. 7:26. Num. 25:4. Josh. 7:12. 
 
 Rom. 9:3. 1 Cor. 16:22. 1 I.er. 18:25. Num. 35:34. a Ex. 23:4. Ez. 34: 
 
 4,16. Malt. 10:6. 15:24. 18:12,13. Luke 15:4— 6. Jam. 15:19,20. lPel.2: 
 25. b 3,4. Lev. 20:4. Prov. 24:11. 28:27. Is. 8:17. 58:7. Luke 10:31,32. 
 
 and inlets to disobedience. The dread of murder should espe- 
 cially be deeply impressed on every heart : and in detecting 
 and punishing all who in any form are guilty of it, magis- 
 trates, ministers, old and young, ought to concur ; and that 
 man should be adjudged a public enemy, not only who is 
 accessory to the commission of this crime, but who assists 
 the criminal in eluding or escaping justice, by which the guilt 
 of innocent blood rests upon the land. — But alas ! all that 
 most of us can do, in preventing the increase of this national 
 guilt , is by our earnest prayers. — Reason and religion, with 
 combined force forbid us to lay the reins upon the neck of our 
 headstrong lusts, and command us to teach our strongest 
 inclinations to brook denial or delay, and to view the objects 
 of our inordinate affections, as stript of all their adventitious 
 charms, and with all their defects and deformities, in order to 
 abate the vehemence of passion. Considering things thus 
 coolly, we may, perhaps before it be too late, have our admi- 
 ration change into disgust, and many fatal consequences 
 may be prevented. But inhumanity, treachery, and injustice, 
 can in no case be palliated or excused, though called by soft 
 names, and varnished over with plausible pretences. — Irre- 
 gular indulgences frequently end in dislike and ill-treatment 
 of the very object that was inordinately loved ! thus, instead 
 of compensation for an injury, (for which indeed no adequate 
 compensation can be rendered,) more injuries are committed. 
 — The Lord will plead the cause of the oppressed, and will not 
 allow that injustice should be done to any one, either from 
 partiality or covetousness. And let it not be passed over 
 slightly, that great iniquity is frequently committed by men, 
 in disposing of their substance by will ; and sometimes this 
 forms the last action of their lives. — Disobedience to parental 
 authority must he extremely criminal, when so severe a 
 punishment of it was denounced by God himself ; nor is it 
 less provoking to him now, though it generally escapes 
 punishment in this world. — But when young people early be- 
 come slaves to their appetites, the heart soon grows hard, 
 and the conscience callous, and we can expect no otlie.* than 
 obstinate rebellion and utter destruction. They who woulc 
 escape ruin, must flee youthful lusts, listen to the instructions 
 of their parents, and submit to reproof and ^correction ; and 
 if parents would not have their children their greatest sorrow, 
 they should “ train them up in the nurture and admonition of 
 the Lord.” — What then do we deserve for our rebellion 
 against “ the Father of our spirits ?’* We were indeed under 
 an awful curse ; but Christ hath purchased redemption by 
 becoming a curse for us : yet, whilst we continue in sin, no 
 benefit will thence accrue to us ; but rather our condemna- 
 tion will thus be aggravated. Let us then fear adding obsti- 
 nacy to rebellion : and let us remember, that though the 
 human body after death ought not to bo treated with degrada- 
 tion by man ; yet God will doom both the bodies and souls 
 of the wicked, “to depart accursed into everlasting fire, pre- 
 pared for the devil and his angels ;” while “ the righteous 
 shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.* 
 NOTES —Ciiap. XXII. V. 1—4. (Note, Ex. 23:4, 
 5.) The nature of the case here leads us to understand by 
 brother , any human being ; as our Lord explains the word 
 neighbour. When the owner of lost goods is not known, the 
 finder at least knows that they are not his ; nor can be, unless 
 after diligent search and waiting no owner can bo found. 
 
 V. 5. The prohibition no doubt was intended to exclude 
 the customs of the heathen worshippers, who shamefully 
 violated it for the worst of purposes : yet it is of mortal ten - 
 dency, and of general obligation; as it is added, “for all that 
 do so are an abomination unto the Lord,” which is never 
 annexed to a merely ceremonial institution. The practice 
 prohibited is not only indecent and of bad appearance, but 
 has in **11 ages been made subservient to lewdnoss, and to 
 
13. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 jntil thy brother seek after it, and 'thou shalt 
 restore it to him again. 
 
 3 In like manner shalt thou do with his ass, and 
 so shalt thou do with liis raiment ; and with all 
 .ost things of thy brother’s, which he hath lost, 
 and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise: thou 
 mayest not hide thyself. 
 
 4 Thou shalt not see thy brother’s ass or his 
 
 ox fall down by the way, and hide thyself from 
 them ; d thou shalt surely help him to lift them up 
 again. * 
 
 5 The 'woman shall not wear that which 
 pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on 
 a woman’s garment : for all that do so are 'abomi- 
 -nation unto the Lord thy God. 
 
 6 If a bird’s nest chance to be before thee in 
 the way, in any tree, or on the ground, whether 
 they he young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting 
 upon the young, or upon the eggs, sthou shalt not 
 take the dam with the young : 
 
 7 But thou shalt, in any wise, let the dam go, 
 and take the young to thee : h that it may be well 
 with thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy 
 days. 
 
 8 When thou buildest a new house, ’then thou 
 shalt make a battlement for Jthy roof, that k thou 
 bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall 
 from thence. 
 
 9 Thou 'shalt not sow thy vineyard with diverse 
 seeds; lest the ‘fruit of thy seed which thou hast 
 sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled. 
 
 10 Thou shalt not plough with an ox and an ass 
 
 together. ^ 
 
 11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of diverse 
 sorts, as of woollen and linen together. 
 
 12 Thou shalt make thee m fringes upon the 
 four 'quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou 
 coverest thyself. 
 
 13 U If any man take a wife, and n go in unto 
 her, and hate her, 
 
 14 And give “occasions of speech against her, 
 and bring up an evil name upon her, and say, I 
 took this woman, and when I came to her, I found 
 her not a maid : 
 
 15 Then shall the father of the damsel and her 
 mother take and bring forth the tokens of the 
 damsel’s virginity, unto the elders of the city in 
 the gate : 
 
 16 And the damsel’s father shall say unto the 
 elders, I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, 
 and he hateth her ; 
 
 17 And lo, he hath given occasions of speech 
 
 c Malt. 7:12. I Thes. 4:6. d Ex. 23:5. Malt. 5:44. Luke 10:29—37. Rom. 15: 
 1. 2 Cor. 12:15. Gal. 6:1.2. lThes.5:ll. Heb. 12.12,13. e 1 Cor. 11:4— 15. 
 f See on 18:12. eGen.8:17. 32:11. Lev. 22:28. Prov. 12:10. Hos. 10:14. h See 
 on 4:40. i Ex. 21:28 — 36. 22:6. Rom. 14:13. 1 Cor. 10:32. Phil. 1:10. 1 Thes. 
 5:22. i 2 Sam. 11:2. Is. 22:1. Jer. 19:13. Matt. 10:27. Mark 2:4. Acts 10:9. 
 k Ez. 3:18,20. 33:2—9. Matt. 18:6,7. Acts 20:26,27. ILev. 19:19. Matt. 6:24. 
 9:16. Rom. 11:6. 2Cor.l:12. 6:14—16. 11:3. Jam. 1:6— 8. 3:10. * Heb./ut- 
 
 ness, m Nu m. 15:38,39. Matt. 23:5. t Heb. wings, n Geo. 29:23,31. Judg. 
 
 obtain opportunities of perpetrating the grossest crimes ; to 
 prevent which it is of great importance, that the distinction of 
 the sexes should be visibly marked in their garments, without 
 variation. — Let stage-players and others of similar occupa- 
 tions well consider, (among many other and great evils con- 
 nected with their line of life,) how they will answer to God, 
 for their continual violation of this express commandment. 
 And they who encourage and reward them for this disobe- 
 dience, should ask themselves how far they are accessaries 
 to their guilt: and let young people remember that this change 
 of apparel is not to be considered as a frolic, but as an act of 
 rebellion against God. — The spirit of the commandment also 
 requ res the distinction of the appearance, deportment, and 
 occupations of the sexes. A man appearing effeminate, and 
 affecting the appropriate employments of women ; and a 
 woman of a masculine appearance and behaviour, who en- 
 gages in the exercises of men ; are unnatural and offensive 
 characters. (Note 1 Cor. 11:2 — 16.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. The design of this law might be to enjoin the 
 exercise of tenderness and compassion, and to prevent the 
 destruction of any species of animals. But perhaps some of 
 these requirements were intended for tests, by which it would 
 be proved, whether the people would prefer the will of God to 
 their own inclination, when the reason of the command was 
 not obvious. (Note, Gen. 2:16,17.) 
 
 V. 8. The roofs of the houses in those countries were 
 generally flat, and used for various purposes, as may be seen 
 by consulting the marginal references. If therefore no battle- 
 ment were made, the builder would fail of taking proper pre- 
 
 Vol. I. — 45 
 
 against her, saying, I found not thy daughter 
 a maid ; and yet these are the tokens of my 
 daughter’s virginity : and they shall spread the 
 cloth before the elders of the city. 
 
 18 And the elders of that city shall take that 
 man, and chastise him; 
 
 19 And they shall amerce him in an hundred 
 shekels of silver, and give them unto the father ol 
 the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil 
 name upon a virgin of Israel, and she shall be his 
 wife: rhe may not put her away all his days. 
 
 20 But if this thing be true, and the tokens of 
 virginity be not. found for the damsel ; 
 
 21 Then they shall bring out the damsel to the 
 door of her father’s house, and the men of her city 
 shall “istone her- with stones that she die ; because 
 'she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the 
 whore in her father’s house : 'so shalt thou put 
 evil away from among you. 
 
 22 If If 'a man be found lying with a woman 
 married to an husband, then they shall both of 
 them die, both the man that lay with the woman, 
 and the woman. So shalt thou put away evil 
 from Israel. 
 
 23 If a damsel that is a virgin be “betrothed 
 unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, 
 and lie with her: 
 
 24 Then ye shall bring them both out unto the 
 gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with 
 stones that they die; the damsel, because she 
 cried not, being in the city ; and the man, because 
 he hath humbled his neighbour’s "wife : ?so thou 
 shalt put away evil from among you. 
 
 25 But if a man find a betrothed damsel in 
 the field, and the man l force her, and lie with 
 her; then the man only that lay with her shall die: 
 
 26 But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing ; 
 there is in the damsel 'no sin worthy of death : for 
 as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and 
 slayeth him, even so is this matter : 
 
 27 For he found her in the field", and the 
 betrothed damsel “cried, and there was none to 
 save her. 
 
 28 If a man find b a damsel that is a virgin, 
 which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and 
 lie with her, and they be found ; 
 
 29 Then the man that lay with her, shall give 
 unto the damsel’s father fifty shekels of silver, and 
 she shall be his wife ; 'because he hath humbled 
 her, he may not put her away all hi.s days. 
 
 30 A d man shall not take his father’s wife, nor 
 'discover his father’s skirt. 
 
 15:1,2. Eph. 5:28,29. o 19. Ex. 20:16 . 23:1. Prov. 18:8,21 . p29. 24:1— 4. 
 Matt. 19:8,9. q22,24. 13:10. 17:5. 21:21. Lev. 24:16,23. Num. 15:35,36. rGen. 
 34:7. Lev. 21:9. 2 Sara. 13:13. a 13:5. 17:7. 19:19. t Lev. 20:10. Num. 5:22— 
 27. Ez.23:45— 47. John8:4,5. Heb. 13:4. u Seeon 20:7. Matt. 1:18,19. x Gen. 
 29:21. Matt. 1:20,24. y 21,24. 13:5. 1 Cor. 5:2,13. J Or , take strong hold ot 
 her. 2 Snm. 13:14. z See on 21:22. alCor.l3:7. b See on Ex. 22:16,17. 
 0 19,24.21:14. d27:20. Lev. 18:8. 20:11. 1 Cor. 5:1. e Ruth 3:9. Ez. 16:8. 
 
 cautions, and might occasion the death of some person who 
 chanced to fall from it ; and this would in a measure render 
 him guilty, and his house defiled. (Notes, Ex. 21:28 — 3,6.) 
 
 Y. 9 — 12. Marg. Ref. Notes, Lev. 19:19. Num. 1 5:38—40. ) 
 
 Y. 13 — 21. This law, like many others, was intended to 
 prevent wickedness, by the fear of detection and punishment. 
 The dread of a future discovery, productive of such tremen- 
 dous consequences, could not fail to increase the natural bar- 
 riers of chastity, and counteract the effects of sinful passions 
 and strong temptations, among the young women of Israel. 
 And it would also prevent a hard-hearted husband from roll- 
 bing his injured wife of her reputation, when his affections 
 were transferred to another object. The imposition practised 
 by a woman upon the man she married, was considered in this 
 case as equivalent to infidelity to his bed after marriage. 
 
 V. 23 — 27. In these laws, the betrothed damsel was con- 
 sidered as the wife of the man to whom she was engaged, 
 though they had not come together; and therefore the criirte 
 was adjudged adultery. (Notes, Matt. 1:18 — 21.) But a 
 charitable supposition is admitted in the damsel’s favour, in 
 case she was found in a solitary place. (24. Marg. Ref!) 
 
 V. 28, 29. Note, Ex. 22:16,17. 
 
 V. 30. Marg. Ref. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 If we duly regarded the golden rule of “ doing to others a* 
 we would they should do unto us,” many particular precoy n 
 of God’s word might be omitted. Equity and benevolence 
 would teach us, not to regard trouble and expense in doing a 
 kind action to our neighbour ; and would remind us, that we 
 ( 353 ) 
 
3. C. 145; 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 What Israelites must not enter into the congregation , 1,2. An Ammonite , or 
 Moabite, is excluded to the tenth genera, ion, an Edomite or Egyptian to the 
 third, 3—8. The camps of Israel to be kept pure from moral, ceremonial, 
 and natural pollution, 9—14. Fugitive slaves to be protected, 15, 16. 
 Whoredom, sodomy, and usury, to be strictly guardecPagainst , 17 — 20. Vows 
 must be performed, 21 — 23. How to act in a neighbour's vineyard and com- 
 field, 24, 25. 
 
 H E that is a wounded in the stones, or hath his 
 privy member cut off, b shall not enter into 
 the congregation of the Lord. 
 
 2 A "bastard shall not enter inlo the congrega- 
 tion of the Lord ; even to his tenth generation 
 shall he not enter into the congregation of the 
 Lord. 
 
 3 An ''Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into 
 the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth 
 generation shall they not enter into the congrega- 
 tion of the Lord for ever : 
 
 L Lev. 21:17—21. 22:22-21. Gal. 3:29. b 2,3,8. Nell. 13:1—3. Is. 56-3,4. Lam. 
 1:10. c Is. 57:3. Zecli. 9:6 John 8:4 1 . Heb. 12:8. d Rulh 4:6,13— 22. Nell. 4: 
 3,7.13:1,23. e 2:28,29. Gen. 11:17,18. 1 Sam. 25:11. I Kings 18:4. Is. 63:9. 
 Zech. 2:8. Matt. 25.45. Acts 9.4. f See on Num. 22:5 7,lj7. Neh. 13:2. e Num. 
 22:35. 23:5— 12,16— 26. 24:9. Mic. 6:5. Rom. 8 31. 2 Cor. 4:17. h 7:7,8. 33:3. 
 
 can have no property in any thing that is found, so long as 
 there is a probability of discovering the owner. If a merciful 
 man would assist another’s beast that was fallen down, much 
 more should we should we hasten to the relief of a brother, 
 who is fallen into distress or poverty : and above all we should 
 be ready to restore in the spirit of meekness, him who has 
 been overcome by temptation, and has fallen into sin; con- 
 scious that we may soon want the same gentleness and as- 
 sistance. — If we would approve ourselves to be the peculiar 
 people of God, we must have respect to his will and glory, 
 and not to the vain fashions of the world. Even in putting on 
 our garments, as well as in eating and drinking, all must be 
 done with a serious regard to the preservation of our own and 
 others’ purity in heart and action ; that our garb may testify 
 whose servants we are, and remind us what our conduct ought 
 to be. {Notes, Rom. 12:1,2. 1 Cor. 10:29 — 33. Col. 3:16,17. 
 I Tim. 2:8 — 10.) Our obedience should also be universal, 
 and not only to the weightier, but even to the minuter mat- 
 ters of the law, that it may be well with us. Yea, our eye 
 should be single, our heart simple, and our behaviour in all 
 things consistent. — The violation of chastity, being so great a 
 wickedness, and in females especiall}' of such fatal conse- 
 quences ; how cautious should they be what company they 
 keep, what places they frequent, to what language they listen, 
 what books they read, and into what situations they venture ! 
 Indeed both men and women should seriously and daily 
 meditate on God’s abhorrence of unchastity ; on the certain 
 detection and punishment of the wicked in a future state, and 
 the fatal effects which will probably follow in this world: that 
 their minds may be fortified against temptation, by a dread of 
 sin and of its consequences. How carefully should parents 
 keep out of the sight and way of their children, whatever can 
 pollute their imaginations or inflame their passions ! and how 
 should all join in execrating those wretches, who wantonly 
 bring ruin upon their fellow-creatures for the sake of gratify- 
 ing a mean sensual inclination! Nor is the cruelty of those 
 much less to be abhorred, who rob the innocent of their repu- 
 tation by infamous slanders, from malice or any other base 
 passion. — We should never forget the peculiar atrociousness 
 of adultery in every form, and the punishment which awaits 
 those who are guilty of it. We may also recollect, that all 
 deception in contracting marriage is both very wicked, and a 
 source of future misery ; that the nearer we stand related to 
 God, the more inexcusable are our crimes, 44 folly in Israel” 
 being worse than elsewhere ; and that the most favourable 
 construction should be put on doubtful actions, and a discrimi- 
 nation made between different, degrees of criminality. Finally, 
 our purity should be dearer to us than our life ; and our cry to 
 God for help in temptation should be no less earnest, than the 
 cry of a person in danger of being murdered. When we thus 
 call upon him, he is ever near and ready to assist us, and his 
 .grace will be always sufficient for us. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIII. V. 1. It is evident that this 
 law was not meant to exclude mutilated Israelites, either from 
 the common benefits of civil society, or any essential religious 
 advantages; but merely to lay them under a disgraceful dis- 
 tinction. This would tend to discourage parents from thus 
 mutilating their children ; a practice which was exceedingly 
 common in those ages and countries. To this they might often 
 be induced by the custom which prevailed, of employing 
 eunuchs in the houses of the great and the courts of princes : 
 so that they often rose to the highest posts of honour and 
 authority. {Notes, 2 Kings 20:17,18. Dan. 1:3 — 7.) Some 
 expositors therefore consider the phrase, 44 shall not enter into 
 the congregation of the Lord,” as meaning, that they should 
 be incapable of hearing any office in that government, which 
 was placed over the people of God, who must thus enter a 
 protest against this custom, and deliver selfish parents from 
 this temptation. But others think that the persons intended 
 might not enter the inner court of the sanctuary, or join in 
 celebrating the sacred feasts, as in full communion with the 
 congregation of the Lord ; hut must be contented to worship 
 
 ( 354 ) 
 
 4 ‘Because they met you not with bread and 
 with water in the way, when ye came forth out cl 
 Egypt; and f because they hired against thee 
 Balaam the son of Beor, of Pethor of Mesopota- 
 mia, to curse thee. 
 
 5 Nevertheless g the Lord thy God would not 
 hearken unto Balaam; but the Lord thy God 
 turned the curse into a blessing unto thee, ‘‘because 
 the Lord thy God loved thee. 
 
 6 Thou shalt 'not seek their peace nor their 
 ’prosperity all thy days for ever. 
 
 7 Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite ; for Jhe u 
 thy brother: thou shalt not abhor an Egyptian ; 
 k because thou wast a stranger in his land. 
 
 8 The children that are begotten of them shall* 
 ‘enter into the congregation of the Lord, in their 
 "Third generation. 
 
 Ps. 73:1 . Jer. 31:3. Ez. 16:8. Mai. 1:2. Rom. 9:13. 11:28. Eph. 2:4.5. i 2 Sam. 
 8.2. 12:31. Ezra 9:12. Neh. 13:23— 25. • Heb .good, j Gen. 25:24— 26,30. Num. 
 20:14. Ob.lU— 12. Mai. 1:2. k 10:19. Gen. 45:17,18. 46:7. 47:6,12,27. Ex.22i 
 21. 23:9. Lev. 19:34. Ps. 105:23. Acta 7:10— 18. 1 Seeon 1. Rom. 3:29,30. Eph 
 2:12,13. m 2,3. Ex. 20:5,6. 
 
 without, as uncircumcised Gentiles were allowed to do. In 
 deed it is probable that the exclusion related to both these 
 particulars: for, as the blemished priests might not officiate at 
 the altar, it is reasonable to conclude, that the blemished 
 Israelite mu«t neither enter the inner court of the sanctuary, 
 nor fill up an> public office in the congregation ; in order that 
 the people and c'dinances of God might be preserved in purity 
 and honour. 
 
 V. 2. The word “bastard” must be understood according 
 to the judicial law , which does not regard the children of a 
 concubine, when owned by the father as spurious; but only 
 those which sprang from such connexions as were expressly 
 prohibited wkh an annexed penally, and who would therefor© 
 be often disowned and always disgraceful; or the offspring of 
 harlots, whose fathers were not known. The exclusion of 
 such persons, and their posterity, from the court of the sanc- 
 tuary, and from public offices, would not be a hardship on 
 them, worthy to be put in competition with the advantage 
 arising from the tendency of this law, to restrain men from 
 such practices as would disgrace their offspring from age to 
 age. — Some expositors, especially the Jewish, suppose that by 
 “not entering into the congregation of the Lord” we should 
 understand, not marrying an Israclitish woman ; but, as the 
 bastards, being Israelites, were forbidden to intermarry with 
 the Geptiles, this interpretation would leave them scarcely any 
 opportunity of marrying : which the mention of their posterity 
 supposes them to do. For the allowance to marry Hebrew 
 slaves, or proselyted Gentile slaves, seems only made to avoid 
 the difficulty; and the distinction has no foundation in Scrip- 
 ture: for Hebrew slaves, and gentiles when fully proselyted, 
 were a part of the congregation of the Lord, and admissible 
 to all sacred ordinances ; with only the exception made in tlte 
 next verses. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. It is supposed that the Ammonites were the more 
 criminal, in refusing to assist the Israelites ; though nothing 
 is recorded concerning it : as the Moabites were in hiring 
 Balaam to curse them. They were both descended from an 
 incestuous connexion : {Note, Gen. 19:31 — 38.) yet that is not 
 here mentioned, but merely their enmity to Israel. It was 
 therefore settled by a perpetual ordinance 44 for ever,” that the 
 descendants of an Ammonite or Moabite, who had been 
 proselyted, should not enler into the congregation to the tenth 
 generation: and some interpret this to mean, that his posterity 
 must never be admitted. {Note, Neh. 1 3:1 — *-3. ) — As Ruth 
 the Moabitess was married to Boaz, and from her David and 
 the kings of his race descended ; it has been thought that the 
 law only related to males, and not to females: of this however 
 no sufficient proof seems to be given. It does not appear that 
 intermarriages were particularly intended ; and the conduct of 
 Boaz, being required by another law, was not faulty: {Note, 
 Ruth 4;1 — 8.) perhaps the excellent character of Ruth might 
 be supposed to except her and her posterity from the genera! 
 rule; and in respect to David and the kings of his line, they 
 were not chosen by Israel, but appointed by God himself. 
 Had the law been intended to prohibit intermarriages with the 
 several persons mentioned, no doubt that would have been 
 expressly stated ; as it is, when intermarriages with the Ca- 
 naanites and other idolaters are forbidden. 
 
 V. 6. This did not prohibit the Israelites from showi 
 kindness to individuals among the Moabites and Ammonites, 
 especially when proselyted ; much less did it allow them to 
 make war on them without reason, or to refuse them terms 
 of peace : but it merely forbade them to enter into any strict 
 alliance with the nations so long as they existed, or intimate 
 connexions with individuals while they continued idolaters. 
 This was* the more requisite, as that part of Israel, which 
 dwelt east of Jordan, bordered upon the Ammonites and 
 Moabites, and they were continually liable to be seduced <r 
 injured by them. 
 
 V. 7, 8. The Edomites wore more nearly related to Israel, 
 than the Moabites and Ammonites were ; and, therefor®, 
 though they had in some degree veen unfriendly, they mutt 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 9 11 When the host goeth forth against thine 
 enemies, then "keep thee from every wicked tiling. 
 
 10 If there be among you any man "that is not 
 clean, by reason of uncleanness that chanceth him 
 by night, then shall be go abroad out of the camp, 
 he shall not come within the camp : 
 
 11 But it shall be, ‘‘when evening "cometh on, 
 he shall iwash himself with water : and, when the 
 sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. 
 
 12 Thou shalt have a place also without the 
 camp, whither thou shalt go forth abroad. 
 
 13 And thou shalt have a paddle upon thy 
 weapon : and it shall be when thou 1 wilt ease 
 thyself abroad, thou shalt dig therewith, and shalt 
 turn back, and r cover that which cometh from 
 thee : 
 
 14 For the Lord thy God ‘walkethin the midst 
 of thy camp, to deliver thee, and to give up thine 
 enemies before thee : therefore shall thy camp be 
 holy, that he see no hmclean thing in thee, and 
 turn away from thee. 
 
 15 S Thou ‘shalt not deliver unto his master the 
 servant which is escaped from his master unto 
 thee : 
 
 16 He "shall dwell with thee, even among you, 
 in that place which he shall choose, in one of thy 
 gates where it ^liketli him best : T thou shalt not 
 oppress b : rn. 
 
 17 11 There "shall be no "whore of the daugh- 
 ters of Israel, nor a “sodomite of the sons of Israel. 
 
 n Josh. 7:11— 13. Jutlg. 20:26. 2 Chr. 19:4.20:3— 13. 31:20,21. 32:1—22. Luke 3: 
 14. Rev. 19:11— 14. o Lev 15:16. Num. 5:2,3. 1 Cor. 5:11— 13. p Lev. 11:25. 
 1117—23. ■ Heb . tumelh toward, q Lev. 14:9. 15:5,11,13. 22:6. Ps. 51:2,7. 
 
 FX. 36:25. Malt. 3:11. Luke 11:38,39. Kph. 5:26,27. Heb. 9:9,10. 10:22. 1 Pel. 
 3:21. Rev. 1:5. t Heb. shlestdown. r Kt. 24:6-8. • Gen. 17:1. I, ev. 26:12. 
 2 Cor. 6:16. J Heb. nakedness of any thins, t 1 Sam. 30:15. Ob. 14. Philem. 
 10—19. m Is. 16:3,4. Luke 15:15-24. Tit. 3:2,3. § Heb. is good for him. 
 v Ex. 22:21. 23:9. Jer. 7:6. Zech. 7:10. Mai. 3:5. Jam. 2:6. w 22:21,29. Lev. 
 19:29. || <V, sodumitess. Rom. 1:26. x Gen. 19:5. Judg. (9:22. 1 Kings 14: 
 
 24. 15:12 . 22:46.- 2 Kings 23.7. Horn. 1:27. 1 Cor. 6:9. 1 Tim. 1:10. y Ez. 16: 
 
 be regarded more favourably, and not shunned and excluded 
 from them, as the nations before mentioned. And as the Is- 
 raelites had, at first in their extreme distress, been hospitably 
 entertained in Egypt ; they were required to forgive the sub- 
 sequent oppression which they had suffered, and to requite the 
 precedmg kindness : so that the descendants of a proselyte, 
 either of Edom or Egypt, in the third generation must be 
 allowed to become entitled to all the privileges of a native 
 Israelite. 
 
 V. 9 — 14. These precepts not only related to the camp of 
 Israel, previously to their conquest of the promised land, and 
 settlement in it; hut at all times when they went forth to fight 
 their enemies. They were first reminded to use vigorous 
 measures for reformation, and to pay a strict attention to their 
 ceremonial purifications; ( Notes , Lev. 15 :) and then not to 
 forget a due regard to natural cleanliness, not only from de- 
 cency and for health’s sake, but from respect to that God of 
 purity, who, as it were, headed their armies and encamped 
 among them ; and also as an emblem of their inward purity. * 
 
 V. 15, 16. We cannot suppose, that this law required the 
 Israelites to entertain slaves, who had robbed their masters, 
 or left their service without cause; but such only as were 
 cruelly treated, and fled to them for protection, especially from 
 .the neighbouring nations. (Marg. Ref.) To such they were 
 commanded to afford shelter and show great kindness ; both 
 in order to recommend their religion, and to give them an op- 
 portunity of learning it. 
 
 V. 17, 18. The magistrate was commanded not to connive 
 at, (much less to license,) houses of prostitution and unclean- 
 ness ; and not to allow any person openly to carry on the in- 
 famous trade of a prostitute or sodomite, but to expel and 
 extirpate such nuisances to the uttermost. — The words used 
 denote persons dedicated , or consecrated , that is, to the basest 
 kinds of lewdness ; according to the infamous licentiousness 
 and unnatural vices of en openly perpetrated at the temples 
 of idolaters, from which much of the gains of the priests and 
 priestesses arose. For neither in this, nor any other place, 
 where the word sodomite is used in our translation, is there, in 
 the original, any allusion to Sodom, or its inhabitants. (Marg. 
 Ref. x. Heb.)— The priests must not receive any oblations or 
 sacrifices brought by persons of such vile characters': for God 
 would not accept them ; though they should attempt to cloak 
 heir wickedness, or compensate for it, by making and per- 
 forming religious vows. [Prov. 7:14.) If the price of a dog 
 be understood literally, not only the meanness of the animals, 
 but their greediness, and resemblance of shamelessly lewd 
 persons, must be considered as the reason of the restriction, 
 and the extraordinary association. ( Marg . Ref.) Many, 
 however, understand it of the hire of unnatural crimes: yet 
 figurative language seems hardly admissible in statutes. 
 
 V. 19,20. Note, Ex. 22:25—27. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 28:20 — 22. Num. 
 
 30:2. Ec. 5:4- 7 
 
 18 Thou shalt not bring the ?hire of a whore 
 or the price “of a dog, into the house of the Lord 
 thy God "for any vow: for even both these are. 
 abomination unto the Lord thy God. 
 
 19 II Thou shalt not b lend upon usury to thy 
 brother : usury of money, usury ,of victuals, 
 usury of any thing that is lent upon usury. 
 
 20 Unto c a stranger thou mayest lend upon 
 usury, but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend 
 upon usury : d that the Lord thy God may bless 
 thee in all that thou settest thine hand to, in the 
 land whither thou goest to possess it. 
 
 21 "When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord 
 thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it : for the 
 Lor'd thy God will surely require it of thee ; and 
 it would be sin in thee. 
 
 22 But if thou shalt forbear to vow, it shall be 
 no sin in thee. 
 
 23 ‘ That which is gone out of thy lips thou 
 shalt keep and perform ; even a free-will-offering, 
 according as thou shast vowed unto the Lord thy 
 God, which thou hast promised with thy mouth. 
 
 24 H When thou comest into thy neighbour’s 
 vineyard, then h thou mayest eat grapes thy fill, at 
 thine own pleasure ; but thou shalt not put any in 
 thy vessel. 
 
 25 When thou comest into the standing corn of 
 thy neighbour, ‘then thou mayest pluck the ears 
 with thine hand : but thou shalt not move a sickle 
 unto thy neighbour’s standing corn. 
 
 33. zPs. 22:16. Prov. 26:11. Is. 56:10,11. Mott. 7:6. Phil. 3:2. 2Pet.2-22. 
 liev. 22:15. » See.'* 21. 12-6. Lev. 7:16. Ps. 5:4— 6. Is. 61:8. Hah. 1:13. Mai. 
 1:14. b Ex. 22:25. Lev. 25:35— 37. Neh. 5: 1— 7. Ps. 15:5. Ex. 18:7, S, 13, 16— 18. 
 22:12. Luke 6:34,35. c 14:21. 15:3. Lev. 19:33,34. d See on 15:10. Prov. 19: 
 17. Is. 1:19. Luke 14:14. 1 Cor. 15:58. e 18. Gen. 28:20. 35:1— 3. Lev. 27:2, 
 «tc. Num. 30:2, Sic. Ps. 56:12. 66:13,14. 76:11. 116:18. Jon. 1:16. 2:9. Nah. 1: 
 15. f Judg. 11:30,31,35. 1 Sam. 1 :11. Prov. 20:25. Ec. 5:4,5. g 1 Sam. 14:24. 
 Jer. 44:25-27. Mark 6:22,23. Acts 23:12,21. h Rom. 12:13. 1 Cor. 10:26. Heb. 
 13:5. i Mate 12:1,2. Mark 2:23. Luke 6:1,2. 
 
 V. 24, 25. This law was a valuable kindness to the 
 labourer, the poor, the widow, and the traveller ; it was a 
 pledge to the Israelites of the fruitfulness of the land, whilst 
 they continued obedient; it inculcated liberality, and at the 
 same time instructed them not to encroach upon each other. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We ought to value the privileges of the Lord’s people, both 
 for ourselves and for our children, above all other advantages ; 
 and should carefully avoid whatever may throw a hinderance 
 in the way of their possessing them. No personal blemishes, 
 no crimes of progenitors, no difference of nations, can exclude 
 us from these blessings: but an unsound heart will deprive us 
 of them; and a bad example, an improper education, and 
 even unsuitable marriages, may occasion the loss of them to 
 our children. — The conduct of God, as the righteous Gover- 
 nor of the universe, is not recorded for the imitation of private 
 persons ; hut all men ought to follow the example of his pa- 
 tience, lenity, readiness to forgive, and kindness to his ene- 
 mies. Nor should we ever forget how he turns the curses of 
 opposers into blessings, in behalf of those whom he loves, 
 and teaches to love him. — The more imminent and evident 
 the danger we are exposed to, the greater should be our watch- 
 fulness, diligence, in self-examination, and earnestness in 
 prayer for forgiveness, peace with God, and protection from 
 him: and the scourge of war should remind the governors of 
 kingdoms, and the commanders of armies, to exert themselves 
 for reformation, and an attendance upon the ordinances of 
 God. Nor can the help of the Lord be warrantably depended 
 on by societies, or by individuals, while iniquity is indulged 
 and connived at. — No natural filthiness is so loathsome to 
 our senses, as the uncleanness of the heart is offensive to a 
 holy God : in vain therefore do men, by pompous forms of 
 godliness, costly oblations, or multiplied acts of showy benefi- 
 cence, strive to compensate for their iniquity, while they in- 
 dulge unlawful inclinations. Such services are an attempt 
 to bribe the Judge of the earth to “acquit the wicked hut 
 he abhors the blasphemous endeavour. It is the bounden 
 duty of legislators and magistrates, to do all in their power, 
 to prevent, to repress, and extirpate, the recesses of licentious- 
 ness here forbidden; and surely immensely more might be 
 done, than is so much as attempted in Christian countries, or 
 in this land, and its great cities: but whether they can or 
 cannot banish such pernicious criminals, God will exclude for 
 ever from the holy city, and shut up for ever in the lake of 
 fire, all who persist in or encourage them. — The people of 
 God must also keep at a distance from cruelty and oppres- 
 sion: and ever be ready to patronise the cause of the op- 
 pressed. Fidelity to their engagements, and liberality without 
 grudging to all around them, should mark their characters; 
 for God is able to make all sufficiency to abound towards 
 them : and at the same time they should be the last persons 
 encroach upon others. In fine, temperai?.*. chastity, purity, 
 equity, mercy, and truth, are the m i - '’•Jits of 
 
 ( 355 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 145 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 The law of divorcee, I — 4. Newly married men exempted fjr one year from 
 war ana public services, 5. Laws for the punishment of men-stealers ; con- 
 cerning pledges, and the separation of lepers, 6 — 13. The hire of servants 
 not to be detained, 14, 15. Parents and children not punishable for each 
 other's crimes, 16. Justice must be done to the friendless, 17, 18. Liberal 
 glear.ings to be left for the poor, 19—22. 
 
 W HEN a man “hath taken a wife, and married 
 her, and it come to pass that she find no 
 favour in his eyes, because he hath found some 
 ■uncleanness in her; then b let him write her a bill 
 of 'divorcement, and give it in her hand, c and 
 send her out of his house. 
 
 2 And when she is departed out of his house, 
 d s'ne may go and be another man’s wife. 
 
 3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write 
 her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her 
 hand, and sendeth her out of his house ; or if the 
 latter husband die, which took her to be his wife : 
 4 "Her former husband, which sent her away, 
 may not take her again to be his wife, after that 
 she is defiled ; for that is abomination before the 
 Lord : and f thou shalt not cause the land to sin 
 which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an in- 
 heritance. 
 
 5 H When man hath taken a new wife, he 
 shall not go out to war, ^neither shall he be 
 charged with any business, but he shall be free at 
 home one year, and shall h cheer up his wife which 
 he hath taken. 
 
 6 IT No man 'shall take the nether or the upper 
 millstone to pledge : for he taketh a vian's k life to 
 pledge. 
 
 7 If a man be 'found stealing any of his bre- 
 
 a 21:15. 22:13. Ex. 21:10. * * Heb. matter of nakedness, b 3. Jer. 3:8. Matt. 
 5:31. 19:7—9. Mark 10:4—12. t Heb. cutting off. Is. 50:1. r. 22:19,29. Mai. 2:16. 
 Matt. 1:19. Luke 16:18. 1 Cor. 7:1 1,12. d Lev. 21 :7, 14. 22:13. Num. 30:9. Ez.44: 
 22. Matt. 5:32. Mark 10: 11. 1 Cor. 7: 15. e Jer. 3:1. f Lev. 18:24— 28. Josh. 22: 
 17,18. g See on 20:7. Gen. 2:24. Matt'. 19:4—6. Mark 10:6—9. 1 Cor. 7:10—15. 
 Eph. 5:28,29. Tit. 2:4,5. J Heb. not am / thing shall pass upon him. h Prov. 
 5:18. Ec. 9:9. 1 Cor. 7:29. i Ex. 22:26,27. Rev. 18:22. k20:19. Gen. 44:30. 
 
 Luke 12:15. 1 Ex . 21 .16. Ez. 27: 13. 1 Tim. 1 : 10. Rev. 18:13. m See on Ex. 
 21:16.22:1—4. n See on 19:19. o Lev. 13: 14: Matt. 8:4. Markl:44. Luke 
 
 that Spirit, which dwells in all the true disciples of Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 NOTES. — Ciiap. XXIV. V. 1 — 4. Divorces were 
 always a deviation from the original institution of marriage, 
 consequent upon man’s depravity as a fallen creature, arising 
 from the inconstancy of his mind and the impetuosity of his 
 passions. This customary deviation God did not please, in 
 the judicial law, the magistrate’s rule, totally to prohibit; lest 
 it should occasion the cruel treatment, or even the murder, of 
 those women, who were become disagreeable to their husbands. 
 
 • The uncleanness, on account of which the Israelites were w suf- 
 fered, for the hardness of their hearts, to put away their wives,” 
 was not adultery, or any suspicion of it ; for both these cases 
 were otherwise provided against: (22:22. Lev. 20:10. Notes, 
 Num. 5:12 — 31 . ) but some ceremonial uncleanness, or diseaes, 
 or some natural or moral objection which formed a real griev- 
 ance — In the days of Christ,- the Jewish teachers, having con- 
 strued the permission into a commandment, extended it to the 
 most frivolous matters ; so that a licentious mind could not de- 
 sire more allowance. Hence divorces prevailed to the disuse of 
 polygamy, and to the still greater hardship of the women, who 
 were sent away, one after another, under colour of this law, on 
 various pretexts, to make way for a new object of the roving 
 affections. This accounts for the discourses of Christ being 
 more explicitly against divorces ; though the reason of them 
 equally determines against polygamy ; u for from the beginning 
 it was not so.” • Notes , Matt. 5:31,32. 19:3 — 9. Mark 10:2 — 12.) 
 — But whilst divorces were allowed, they were also regulated. 
 A man could not in a fit of anger send away his wife, hut must 
 have time for reflection, while the legal instrument was pre- 
 paring. For he must give her a bill of divorce properly au- 
 thenticated, and properly specifying the reason ; and we may 
 suppose some provision was also made her out of her hus- 
 band’s substance. And it was no part of God’s law to pro- 
 hibit either party from marrying again ; which restraint, when 
 imposed by an absurd policy, is often no better than authoriz- 
 ing fornication. The woman might marry again and again, 
 if set at liberty ; but she must never more return to her for- 
 mer husband. This restriction, while it would operate as a 
 check to inconstancy and rashness in the husband, would pre- 
 vent the shameful practice of exchanging and lending wives, 
 which prevailed in many nations. Israel would be preserved 
 from that national guilt which such crimes enhance; and, as 
 far as these regulations were adhered to, some of the worst 
 effects of divorces would in good measure he prevented. 
 
 V. 5. This most condescending exemption would operate 
 in fixing the affections of married persons, and in preventing 
 
 ♦ divorces; for early or long separations tend to alienate the 
 affections, and form temptations to inconstancy. 
 
 V. 6. Hand-mills were then generally used, in every 
 family for Ending their corn ; and men would be deprived of 
 ( 356 ) 
 
 thren of the children of Israel, and maketh mer 
 chandise of him, or selleth him ; m then that thicl 
 shall die, "and thou shalt put evil away from anions, 
 you. 
 
 8 H Take heed in "the plague of leprosy, that 
 thou observe diligently and do according to all 
 that the priests the Levites shall teach you : as I 
 commanded them, so ye shall observe to do. 
 
 9 '-Remember what the Lord thy God did unto 
 iMiriam by the way, after that ye were come forth 
 out of Egypt. 
 
 10 ^1 When thou dost §lend thy brother any 
 thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch his 
 pledge. 
 
 11 Thou shalt stand abroad; and the man, 
 to whom thou dost lend, shall bring out the pledge 
 abroad unto thee. 
 
 12 And "if the man be poor, thou shalt not sleep 
 with his pledge. 
 
 13 In any case thou shalt 'deliver him the 
 pledge again when "the sun goe:h down, that he 
 may sleep in his own rairrtent, and bless thee ; and 
 it "shall be righteousness unto thee beiore the 
 Lord thy God. 
 
 14 Thou shalt not ^oppress a hired servant 
 that is poor and needy, whether he be of thy 
 brethren, or of thy strangers that are in thy land 
 within thy gates : 
 
 15 At 'his day thou shalt give him his hire, 
 
 neither shall the sun go down upon it; for he is 
 poor, and "setteth his heart upon it; “lest he cry 
 against thee unto the Lord, and it be sin unto 
 thee. • 
 
 5; 14. 17:14. pLuke 17:32. 1 Cor. 10:6,11. qNum.5:Q. 12:10— IS. 2 Kings 7: 
 3. 2 Chr. 26:20,21 . r See on 15:8. § Heb. lend the loan of any thing to thy 
 
 brother, s 17. Job 22:6 . 24:3,9. t Ex. 22:26. Job 24:7,8. 29:11—13. 31:16—20. 
 E?.. 18:7,12,16. 83:15. Amos 2:8. 2 I im. 1 16— 1-3. u 15. Eph. 4:26. x6:95. 
 
 15:9,10. Pb. 106:31. 112:9. 13.58:8, Dan. 4:27. Jam. 1:27. 2:13-17. yI.ev.2T* 
 40—43. Job 24:10, LI. 31:13-15. Prov. 14:31. 22:16. Ez. 22:7. Amos 2:7. 4:1. 
 8:4. Mai. 3:5. Luke 10:7. z Lev. 19:13. Prov. 3:27,28. Jer. 22:13. Mutt. 20:8. 
 Mark 10:19. || Heb. liftethhis soul unto it. Ps. 24:4. 25: 1 . 86:4. a 15:9. Ex. 
 22:23,24. Job 31:38. 34:28. 35:9. Prov. 22:22,23. 23:10,11. Is. 5:7. Jam. 5:4. 
 
 the means of preparing their necessary food, if their millstones 
 were taken from them. The same reason holds good against 
 receiving in pledge, or distraining for debt, any of those instru- 
 ments of labour, by which men are accustomed to earn their 
 livelihood. ( Marg . Ref. Note, Ex. 22:25 — 27.) 
 
 V. 7. Christianity has annihilated that distinction of na- 
 tions, which for typical and political reasons, was during a time 
 established ; and in this respect every man is now our brother, 
 whatever be his nation, complexion, or creed. How then 
 can the merchandise of men and women be carried on. with- 
 out transgressing this commandment, or abetting those who 
 do? An inhabitant of England, if lie stay at home, and steal 
 a horse, or a sheep, is condemned to death : but if he take a 
 voyage to Africa, he may steal, or purchase of those who do 
 steal, hundreds of men and women, and not only escape with 
 ’impunity, but grow great like a prince. According to the 
 law of God, whoever stole cattle restored four or five fold, 
 whoever stole one human being, though an infant or an idiot, 
 must die. May we not call upon British legislators to rectify 
 this flagrant abuse? — Since this was written, the author, with 
 tens of thousands more, has to bless God, that this expecta- 
 tion has been answered, in the abolition of the slave-trade, by 
 an act of the legislature ; but further powerfully coercive 
 measures are still needful, fully to accomplish the benevolent 
 design. (Notes Ex. 21:15 — 17. Rev. 18:11 — 19.) 
 
 V. 9. The leprosy of Miriam was inflicted by the Lord, 
 and she humbled herself under the rebuke, notwithstanding 
 her rank and character: yet she was excluded from the camp 
 during seven days ; but was restored upon her submission at 
 the request of Moses. Hence the people might learn how 
 to submit themselves in similar circumstances. (Notes and 
 P. O. Lev. 13: 14: Num. 12:) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. Though the Israelites might not take increase 
 of their brethren, they might take a pledge ; provided it were 
 something which the borrower could conveniently part with, 
 and which he willingly proposed. But if, in his necessity, 
 he brought what he could not well spare, they were com- 
 manded from conscience towards God, to restore it by sun- 
 set : and this, when done from a right motive, would bo 
 accepted as an act of righteousness by a merciful God, and 
 rewarded accordingly ; and he would also punish the noglec* 
 of it. (Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 22:25 — 27. Ez. 18:5 — 9.) 
 
 Not go into his house, &c. (10) 4 As if the legislator sairi, 
 
 Intrude not into his abode, if he is not willing to expose to 
 the stranger’s eye the humiliating circumstances of want and 
 nakedness, which attend his destitute state : or perhaps there 
 is some little monument of his better days, which he reserves 
 to console his misery, which he would not wish the person o. 
 whom he implores aid, to see, lest he should demand that in 
 pledge, and either, if denied, refuse reliof, or by tearing 
 away this almost sacred relic, to which lis I Kart clings, to 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 16 The Mathers shall not be put to death for 
 the children, neither shall the children be put to 
 death for the fathers : every man shall be put to 
 death for his own sin. 
 
 17 Thou shalt not 'pervert the judgment of the 
 stranger, nor of the fatherless, d nor take a widow’s 
 raiment to pledge : 
 
 18 But 'thou shalt remember that diou wast 
 a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord* thy God 
 redeemed thee thence : therefore I command thee 
 to do this thing. 
 
 19 When ftnou cuttest down thine harvest in 
 thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, 
 thou shalt not go again to fetch it : Mt shall be for 
 the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow ; 
 that the Lord thy God h may bless thee in all the 
 works of tliinc hands. 
 
 20 When thou beatest thine olive-tree, thou 
 shalt not "go over the boughs again : it shall be for 
 the Stranger ; for the fatherless, and for the widow. 
 
 21 When thou 'gatherest the grapes of thy 
 vineyard, thou shalt not glean it 'afterward : it 
 shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and 
 for the widow. 
 
 22 And k thou shalt remember that thou wast 
 a bondman in the land of Egypt: therefore I 
 command thee to do this thills'. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Hot more than forty stripes must be inflicted on malefactors , 1 — 3. Oxen 
 treading out the corn not to be muzzled, 4. The widow of him who died 
 childless to be mairied by his brother , who, if he refused to take her , must be 
 disgraced, 5—10. The punishment of an immodest woman, 11, 12. Just 
 weights and measures io be used, 13—16. The memory of Amalek to be 
 blotted out, 17 — 19. 
 
 I F there be a 'controversy between men, and 
 they come unto judgment that the judges may 
 
 b 2 Kings 14:5,6. 2 Cbr. 25:4. Jer. 31:29,30. Ez. 18:20. c 16:19. 27:19. Ex. 22: 
 21,22. 23:2,6,9. 1 Sam. 12:3,4. Job 22:8,9. 29:11-17. Ps.82:l— 5. 94:3—6,20,21. 
 Pror. 22:22. 31:5. Ec. 5:8. Is. 1:23. 3:15. 33:15. Jer. 5:28 . 22:3. Es. 22:7,29. 
 Amos 5:7— 12. Mic. 2:1,2. 7:3. Zech.7:l0. Mai. 3:5. Luke 3:14. Jam. 2:6. 
 d See on Ex. 22:26. eSeeon22. 5:15. 15:15. 16:12. f Lev. 19:9,10. 23:22. 
 Ruth 2:16. g 20.21. See on 14:29. 26:13. h 15:10. Job3I:16— 22. 42:12. Ps. 
 41:1—3. 112:9. Prov. 11 .24,25. 14:21. 19:17. Is. 32:8. 58:7—11. Luke 6:35,38. 
 14:13,14. 2 Cor. 9:6-8. 1 John 3:17—19. • Heb. boufh il after thee, i See on 
 19. Lev. 19:9,10. f Heb. after thee, k 18. See on 5:14,15. 7:8. Is. 51:1 . 2 Cor. 
 8-8,9. Eph. 5:1,2. 1 John 5:10,11. a 16:18 — 20. 17:8,9. 19:17— 19. Ex. 23:6,7. 
 
 imbitter his distress. No, says the law, the hovel of the 
 poor must be sacred as a holy asylum : the eye of scorn 
 and the foot of pride must not dare to intrude : even the agent 
 of mercy must not enter abruptly and unbid, without consult- 
 ing the feelings of its wretched inhabitant.’ — Graves on tha 
 Pentateuch , Vol. ii. p. 27. — It need scarcely be said, how 
 worthy these well-grounded remarks on the humane require>- 
 ments of the divine law are of the serious consideration of an 
 concerned in granting or refusing relief to paupers in this 
 Christian land ; and in respect of the conditions , on which 
 relief is generally granted or withheld. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Marg. Ref. Note , Lev. 19:13. 
 
 V. 16. God himself, who can bring good to individuals out 
 df public calamities, might justly involve the children in the’ 
 parent’s punishment ; but he would not allow the magistrate 
 to do it, especially in matters of life and death. ( Notes , Ex. 
 20:5. 2 Kings 14:5,6.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Marg. Ref. Notes , 5:12—15. 15:13—15. 
 
 V. 19—21. Marg. Ref. Note , Lev. 19:9,10. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The impetuous lusts and selfish hardness of men’s hearts, 
 if not restrained by a constant miracle, or subdued by divine 
 grace, will inevitably occasion manifold abuses in every 
 society, contrary to the moral law of God ; nor can the best 
 human laws, or their most impartial and steady administra- 
 tion, wholly prevent them. But these abuses proportionably 
 mar all our comforts, and neither conscience nor prudence 
 will permit a true Christian to join in them. — Even where 
 Providence, or indiscreet choice in marriage, hath allotted a 
 Christian a trial, instead of a useful and pleasant companion ; 
 he will from his heart prefer this affliction, to such relief as 
 tends ultimately to licentiousness, confusion, and misery: and 
 divine grace will sanctify it, support him under it, and teach 
 him so to behave as will gradually render it more tolerable. 
 But every method should be .used to cement the affections of 
 married persons, and to exclude temptations to inconstancy. 
 While we leave those to the tribunal of God, who prosper by 
 the most horrible oppression, or most infamous traffic ; it suf- 
 fices here to observe, that there are readers who would be 
 disgusted, were we to follow the inspired writer, in his re- 
 lated exhortations to humiliation before God, to purity, 
 r ; ety, justice, mercy, kindness, impartiality, and beneficent 
 consideration of the poor and destitute, the fatherless, the 
 widow, and the stranger, and to enlarged liberality in every 
 thing. — It is not hard to prove that these things are calculated 
 to ensure from our merciful and gracious God, in answer to 
 the prayers of those who partake of our kindness, a blessing 
 upon every work of our hands, instead of the curse which is 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 judge them, then they shall justify the righteous 
 and condemn the wicked. 
 
 2 And it shall be if the wicked man be '’worth • 
 to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lit 
 down, and to be beaten before his face, according 
 to his fault by a certain number. 
 
 3 Forty stripes he may give him, and 'not 
 exceed: lest, if he should exceed, and beat him 
 above these with many stripes, then thy brother 
 should seem d vile unto thee. 
 
 4 Thou shalt not 'muzzle the ox when he 
 ‘treadeth out the corn. 
 
 5 H If brethren dwell together, and one of them 
 die and have no child, the wife of the dead shall 
 not marry without unto a stranger : her 'husband’s 
 brother shall go in unto her, and take her to him 
 to wife, and perform the duty of an husband’s 
 brother unto her. 
 
 6 And it shall be, that nhe first-born which she 
 beareth, shall succeed in the name of his brother, 
 which is dead, h that his name be not put out of 
 Israel. 
 
 7 And if the man like not to take his 'brother’s 
 wife, then let his brother’s wife ‘go up to the gate 
 unto the elders, and say, My husband’s brother 
 refuseth to raise up unto his brother a name in 
 Israel, he will not perform the duty of my hus- 
 band’s brother. 
 
 8 Then the elders of the city shall call him, and 
 speak unto him : and if he stand to it, and say, I 
 like not to take her : 
 
 9 Then shall his brother’s wife come unto him 
 in the presence of the elders, and Moose his shoe 
 from off' his foot, and 'spit in his face, and shall 
 
 2 Sam. 23:3. 2 Chr. 19:6— 10. Job29:7— 17. Ps. 58:1,2. 82:2 — 4. Prov. 17:15. 
 31:8,9. Is. 1:17,23 . 5:23. 11:4 . 32:1,2. Jer. 21:12. Kz. 44:24. Mic. 3:1,2. Hab. 
 1:4,13. Mai. 3:18. Mall. 3:10. b Mall. 10: 17. 27:26. Luke 12:47. Acls 5:40. 
 16:22—24. I Pei. 2:20,21. c 2 Cor. 1 1 :24,25. d Job 18:3. Luke 15:30. 18:9—12. 
 Jam. 2:2,3. e Prov. 12:10. I Cor. 9:9,10. 1 Tim. 5:17,18. • Heb. thrasheth. Is. 
 28:27. Hos. 10:11. f Malt. 22:24. Mark 12:19. Luke 20:28. t Or, next kins- 
 man. lien. 38:8 Ruth 1:12,13. 3:9. 4:5. g Gen. 38:9,10. h 9:14. 29:20. Ruth 
 4:10. Ps. 9:5. 109:13. J Or, next kinsman's wife, i 21:19. Ruth 4:1 — 7. 
 k Ruth 4:7,8. Is. 20:2. Mark. 1:7. John 1:27. 1 Nurn. 12:14. Job 30:10. Is. 
 
 50:6. Matt. 26:67. 27:30. Mark 10:34. 
 
 brought down by the cry of the oppressed ; the only difficulty 
 is, to bring our minds habitually and steadily to attend to 
 them in our daily walk and conversation. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXV. V. 1. Marg. Ref. a. Notes , 
 Job 29:7—17. Ps. 82:2—4. Prov. 31:8,9. Is. 1:16—20. 
 
 ^ V. 2, 3. Many crimes had been mentioned, for which no 
 punishment was specified. In ali these cases it is supposed 
 that scourging was used at the discretion of the magistrates, 
 and according to the degree and aggravations of the crime. 
 This punishment was inflicted in open court, under the 
 inspection of the judge, and without respect to the rank of 
 the criminal. [Marg. Ref.) But lest the malefactor should 
 seem vile, as a slave or a beast, the number of forty stripes 
 must not be exceeded ; and lest they should miscount, the 
 Jewish magistrates always confined themselves to thirty-nine, 
 which St. Paul repeatedly endured. (2 Cor. 11:24.) — If 
 petty offences were more generally thus chastised, and capi- 
 tal punishments were less frequent among us, it might be 
 immensely more advantageous to the community. But the 
 excessive severity of inflicting several hundred lashes for one 
 crime, tends, among other thing’s, to prejudice the minds of 
 Englishmen against this punishment ; though it is peculiarly 
 salutary, when prudently and moderately inflicted on young 
 offenders especially. 
 
 V. 4. The Israelites and most of the ancients, were accus- 
 tomed to beat out their grain with the feet of oxen or with 
 instruments drawn by them. (Notes, Hos . 10:9 — 11. 1 Cor. 
 9:7—12. 1 Tim. 5:17,18.) 
 
 V. 5 — 10. The custom here regulated had long prevailed ; 
 (Notes, Gen. 38:8,14 — 16.) and was probably introduced to 
 preserve some remembrance of those who died childless. It 
 seems to have been adopted in the Mosaic law, mainly to 
 keep the inheritances separate, as allotted to each family, 
 and to preserve the genealogies distinct until the coming of 
 Christ ; as well as to provide for the destitute widow, when 
 the estate devolved on the next heir. If a married man died 
 without issue, his brother or near kinsman was required to 
 marry the widow ; and the eldest son of this marriage inhe- 
 rited the estate of the deceased, and thus preserved his name 
 in the genealogies. — If any one refused to comply with this 
 custom, being averse from the person or character of tho 
 widow, he must be publicly disgraced. By pulling off the 
 shoe he was rendered like the slaves, who generally went 
 barefoot ; and the widow even spit in, or before, his face, in 
 contempt of the man who had thus disgraced her, and shown 
 such disrespect to the memory of the deceased. — It is not 
 agreed among commentators, whether married men were coiw 
 cerned in this law or not ; and it is not material to , a? 4 
 
 ( **57 ) 
 
B. L, 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 13. C. 1451. 
 
 answer anil say "Go shall it be done unto that 
 man that wiH no build up his brother’s house. 
 
 10 And his na ne shall be called in Israel, The 
 house of him that hath his shoe loosed. 
 
 11 H Whei. men strive together, one with 
 another, and the wife of the one draweth near for 
 “to deliver her husband out of the hand of him 
 that smiteth him, and putteth forth her hand, and 
 taketh him by the secrets ; 
 
 12 Then thou shalt cut off her hand, °thine eye 
 shall not pity her. 
 
 13 H Thou shalt not- have Pin thy bag 'diverse 
 weights, a great and a small. 
 
 14 Thou shalt not have in thine house ’diverse 
 
 measures, a great and a small. 
 
 15 But thou shalt have a perfect and' just 
 weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou 
 have ; 'Uhat thy days may be lengthened in the 
 land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 
 
 16 For all that do such things, and r all that do 
 unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord 
 thy God. 
 
 17 H Remember “what Amalek did unto thee 
 by the way, when ye were come forth out of 
 Egypt ; 
 
 18 How he met thee by the way, and smote the 
 hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind 
 thee, when thou wast faint and weary: and l he 
 feared not God. 
 
 19 Therefore it shall be, "when the Lord thy 
 God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies 
 round about, in the land which the Lord thy God 
 giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that 
 
 *thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek 
 from under heaven ; thou shalt not forget it. 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 The thankful aclcnowledgments tobemade at presenting the first-fruits , 1 — 1L. 
 A profession and prnyer for every third year respecting the second lithe 
 12 — 15. A summary of the covenant between God and Israel, 16 — 19. 
 
 A ND it shall be “when thou art come in untc 
 the la^id which the Lord thy God giveth thee 
 for an inheritance, and possessest it, and dwellest 
 therein ; 
 
 2 That b thou shalt take of the first of all the 
 fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy 
 land that the Lord thy God giveth thee, and shall 
 put it in a basket, and shalt c go unto the place 
 which the Lord thy God shall choose to place his 
 name there. 
 
 3 And thou shalt go unto d the priest that shall 
 be in those days, and say unto him, I profess this 
 day unto the Lord thy God, that lam come unto 
 the country 'which the Lord sware unto our 
 fathers for to give us. 
 
 4 And the priest shall take the basket out of 
 thine hand, and set it down < before the altar of the 
 Lord thy God. 
 
 5 And thou shalt speak and say before the 
 Lord thy God, eA Syrian h ready to perish was my 
 father, and ’he wem down into Egypt, and 
 sojourned there with k a few, and ‘became there a 
 nation, great, mighty, and populous : 
 
 6 And m the Egyptians evil entreated us, and 
 afflicted us, and laid upon us hard bondage : 
 
 7 And when n we cried unto the Lord God ol 
 our fathers, the Lord heard our voice, and “looked 
 
 m Gen. 38:8— 10. Ruth 4:10, 11. 1 Sam. 2:30. nRom.3:8. 1 Tim. 2:9. o See 
 
 on 19:13,21. p I.ev. 19:35,36. Prov. 16: 1 1 . 20: 10. Ez. 15:10,11. Am. 8:5 Mic. 
 11,12. * Heb. astone and a stone. t Heb. an ephah and an ephah. q 4:40. 
 5:16,33. 6:18. 11:9. 17:20. Ex. 20:12. Ps. 34:12. Eph. 6:3. I Pet. 3:10. r 18:12. 
 22:5. Prov. 11:1. 20:23. Am. 8:5— 7. 1 Cor. 6:9— 1 1 . lThes.4:6. Rev. 21:27. 
 t Ex. 17:8. Num. 24:20. 25:17,18. t Neb. 5:9,15. Ps. 36:1. Prov. 16:6. Rom. 
 3:18. u Josh. 23-1. x 9:14. Ex. 17:14,16. Judg. 6:3. 7:12,22— 25. 1 Sam. 14: 
 48. 15: 27:8. 30:1—17. 1 Chr. 4:13. Esth. 3:1. 7:10. 9:7—10. Ps. 83:7—17. 
 t 5:31. 6:1,10. 7:1. 12:1,9. 17:14. 18:9. Num. 15:2,18. b 16:10. 18:4. Ex. 23: 
 16,19. 34:26. Lev. 2:12,14. Num. 18:12,13. 2 Kings 4:42. 2 Chr. 31:5. Nell. 10: 
 
 3>-37. 12:44. 13:31. Prov. 3:9,10. Jer. 2:3. Ez. 20:40. 44:30. 48:14. Rom. 8: 
 23. 11:16. 16:5. 1 Cor. 15 20,23. 16:2. Jam. 1:18. Rev. 14:4. c See on 12:5,6. 
 Josh. 18:1. 2 Chr. 6:6. (119:17. Heb. 7:26. 10:21. 13:15. 1 Pet. 2:5. e Gen. 17k 
 8.26:3. Pa. 105:9,10. Luke 1:72,73. Heb. 6:16— 18. f Matt. 5:23.24. 23:19. 
 Heb. 13:10—12. g Gen. 24:4 . 25:20. 28:5 . 31:20,24. Hos. 12.12. h Gen. 27:41. 
 31:40.43:1,2. 45:7,11. Is. 51:1,2. i Gen. 46:1— 7. Ps. 105:23,24. Acts 7:15. 
 k Gen. 46:27. Ex. 1:5. 1 See on 10:22. Gen 47:27. Ex. 1:7,12. m 4;20. Ex.I: 
 11,14,16,22. 5.9,19,23. n Ex. 2:23— 25. 3:9. 6:5. Ps. 50:15. 103:1.2. 116:1-4. 
 Jer. 33:3. Eph. 3:20,21. o Ex. 4:31. 1 Sam. 9:16. 2 Sam. 16:12. Ps. 102:19,20, 
 119:132. 
 
 had reference to a particular case which no longer exists, and 
 our duty is not in the least affected by the determination. — 
 l Notes , Ruth 4:1—10. Matt. 22:23—33.) 
 
 V. 13 — 16. The Israelites were not only fordidden to use 
 diverse weights and measures, a large one to buy with, and a 
 small one to sell with : but they were not allowed to keep 
 such in their houses. It is observable that these too common 
 practices are branded as u an abomination to the Lord” 
 equally with idolatry, adultery, and other most scandalous 
 crimes. (Marg. Ref. p, r.) 
 
 V. 17 — 19. ( Notes , Ex. 17:8 — 16.) The Lord commanded 
 Moses to write the sentence against Amalek, M as a memo- 
 rial” in a book : and accordingly he here again repeats it 
 almost at the close of the whole law, that it might not be for- 
 gotten by posterity. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In administering justice, impartiality in distinguishing be- 
 tween the innocent and the guilty, and proportioning punish- 
 ments to crimes, is peculiarly requisite ; but it is generally 
 advisable to incline towards the side of lenity rather than 
 that of severity, aiming at the reformation, and not the de- 
 struction of the criminal, as far as public security will admit. 
 Every punishment should be inflicted with solemnity, and in 
 most cases publicly, that all the spectators may be impressed 
 with dread, and be warned not to offend in like manner. — 
 And though criminals must be put to shame, as well as to 
 pain, for their warning and humiliation ; yet care should be 
 taken, if possible, that they do not appear totally vile : lest 
 having no further reputation to lose they should become des- 
 perate. — Kindness is due not only to men, but even to the 
 beasts ; and every living creature which contributes to our 
 ease, pleasure, or advantage, should receive from us such 
 reciprocal satisfactions as it is capable of, in proportion to 
 the benefits conferred : much more then should servants and 
 labourers be suitably recompensed ; and, by parity of reason, 
 ministers, who are instrumental to men’s salvation, should be 
 maintained comfortably at their expense. — In all our actions 
 we ought to aim at the good of those around us, especially 
 of the Lord’s people ; and to promote the continuance of true 
 religion in the next generation, and its diffusion into those 
 places which are at present destitute of it : and in contract- 
 ing marriage particularly we should u seek a godly seed,” 
 who may preserve the name of deceased believers, and fill up 
 their places in the church ; in every way showing respect to 
 dead, and kindness to living relatives : for whatever disgrace 
 we, without cause, put upon others, will in the event rebound 
 upon ourselves. — A solemn and testified ratification ought to 
 distinguish the honourable relation of marriage from all illicit 
 connexions ; and married persons should be known as such, 
 to preserve them and others from temptation : and though 
 ( 358 ) 
 
 affections cannot be forced, yet they should be subordinated 
 to reason and religion. — The customs and manners of different 
 ages may render that consistent with female delicacy at one 
 time, which would not be deemed so at another : but there 
 are certain outrages to modesty, which no age can tolerate, 
 no provocation or extremity palliate ; but \vhich must ever be 
 branded with infamy, and should be punished with unpitying 
 severity. — Every kind and degree of fraud is abhorred by the 
 ■ighteous God, and should be dreaded by us ; for dishonest 
 gain always brings a curse upon men’s property, families, and 
 souls : and the day of judgment will bring strange things to 
 light in this respect. Happy they who now judge themselves , 
 and thus repent, and forsake their sins, that they may not be 
 condemned at that awful season. — Let every persecutor and 
 injurer of the Lord’s people hear, and take warning from the 
 example of the Amalekites : however they now cast off' the 
 fear of God, and behave with cruelty and despite to the 
 meek and poor ; he will one day plead the cause of his ser- 
 vants, avenge all the injustice done them, and “blot out the 
 name of every enemy from under heaven and the longer 
 judgment tarries, the more dreadful will be its execution 
 
 ‘^NOTES— Chap. XXVI. V. 1—4. All the people, 
 when settled in Canaan, were required to present annually 
 some part of its several kinds of fruits, and the first ripe of 
 each ; of which the priests had the use, after it had been 
 solemnly offered to God with a thankful acknowledgment of 
 his faithfulness, and after it had been placed before the altar. 
 The quantity was not prescribed ; (Note, 15:13 — 15.) for it 
 was a free-will-offering, to the denial of their own appetite, 
 which would especially crave the first ripe fruit. (Mic. 7:1.) 
 Every production would not be ripe at the same time, and 
 some could not be preserved till the rest were ready. It 
 is, therefore, generally thought that these first-fruits wero 
 presented at the feast of Pentecost, by those who went up 
 together to worship : but we must suppose, that the best and 
 choicest, and such as could be preserved were thus presented, 
 and the rest, as occasion required, were offered to the priests 
 in their several cities ; or, as others think, carried to the 
 sanctuary at some other time. (Note, Jer. 24:1.) 
 
 V. 5 — 11. Jacob is called u a Syrian,” because he lived 
 many years in Padan-aram, or Mesopotamia, which was one 
 division of Syria. His mother also was a Syrian by birth. 
 (Marg. Ref. g.) — He was greatly distressed when he went 
 to Laban ; and when ho returned, his life was endangered, 
 both from him, and from his brother Esau. (Notes, Grn. 
 28: — 32:) He was afterwards ready to perish oy famine in 
 Canaan, which occasioned his removal info Egypt, where hi* 
 posterity were miserably enslaved: (Notes, Gen. 46: Ex 
 1:2.) yet, notwithstanding all these straits and dangers, the 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 on our affliction, and our labour, and our oppres- 
 sion : 
 
 8 And i’the Lord brought us forth outofEgypt 
 with a *nighty hand, and with an out-stretched 
 arm, ana with great terriblencss, and with signs 
 and with wonders. 
 
 9 And '‘he hath brought us into this place, and 
 hath give.i us this land, even r a land that floweth 
 with milk and honey. 
 
 10 And now, behold, "I have brought the first- 
 fruits of the land which thou. 0 Lord, hast given 
 me. ‘And thou shalt set it before the Lord thy 
 God, "anil worship before the Lord thy God. 
 
 11 And thou shalt ’■rejoice in every good thing 
 which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, 
 and unto thine house, thou, and the Levite, and 
 the stranger that is among you. 
 
 12 11 When thou hast made an end of' tithing 
 all the tithes cf thine increase, y the third year, 
 which is the year of tithing, and “hast given it 
 unto the Levite, the stranger, the fatherless, and 
 tbe .widow, that they may eat within thy gates, 
 and be filled ; 
 
 13 Then thou shalt say before the Lord thy 
 God, I have brought away the hallowed things out 
 of mine house, and also have given them unto the 
 “Levite, and unto the stranger, to the fatherless, 
 and to the widow, according to all thy command- 
 ments, which thou hast commanded me ; b I have 
 not transgressed thy commandments, neither have 
 I ‘forgotten them ; 
 
 14 I have not ‘'eaten thereof in my mourning, 
 neither have I taken away aught thereof for any 
 unclean use, nor given aught thereof for ‘the 
 dead ; but I have hearkened to the voice of the 
 Lord my" God, and have done according to all 
 that thou hast commanded me. 
 
 p See on 4:34. 5:15. Ex. 12:37,41 ,51 . 13:3. 14:16, &c. Ps. 78:12,13. 105:27 
 —38.106:7—10. Is. 63:12. q Josh. 23:14. 1 Sam. 7:12. Ps. 105:44. 107:7,8. 
 Acts 26:22. r Ex. 3:8. Ez. 20:6,15. s See on 2. 16:17. 1 Chr. 29:14. Rom. 
 12:1. 1 Pel. 4:10,11. 14.18:4. Kx. 22:29. Nnm. 18:11— 13. u 6:10— 13. Ps. 
 22:27,29.85:9. 95:6. Is. 66:23. Rex. 22:9. x See on 12:7,12,18. 16:11. 28.47. 
 Ps. 63:3 — 5. 100:1.2. Is. 65:14. Zech.9:17. Acls 2:46,47. Phil. 4:4. lTim.6:17, 
 18. y See on 14:22— 28. z 12:17— 19. 16:14. Prov. 14:21. Phil. 4:18,19. a 12. 
 14:29. 24:19— 21. Job 31:16— 20. b Ps. 18:21— 24. 26:1—3. Acls24:16. 2Cor. 
 1:12. 11:31. 1 Tiles. 2:10. 1 John 3:17-22. c Ps. 119:93,139,141,153,176. Prov. 
 3:1. d 16:11. I.ev. 7:20. 21 : 1 ,1 1 . Ilos. 9:4 . Mai. 2:13. c Ps. 106:28. Ez. 24: 
 17. f See on 7. 1 Kings 8:27.43. Ps. 102:19,20. Is. 57:15. 63:15. 66:1,2. Zech. 
 
 Lord’s promises to him had been punctually performed. 
 These mercies the Israelites were directed to acknowledge 
 Annually, in this public and solemn manner, in order to 
 humble them ; to remind them of their obligations to love and 
 serve God, and to offer him their tribute of praise and 
 gratitude ; and thus to render them more cheerful and libe- 
 ral in the enjoyment of his bounty. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. This related to the second tithe before consi- 
 dered. (Note, 1 4:22 —29. ) — * Two years together they paid 
 the Levites’ tithe, and the festival tithe : but in the third year, 
 they paid the Levites’ tithe, and the poor man’s tithe : that is, 
 what was wont in other years to be spent in feasting, was 
 wholly spent every third year upon the poor.’ Merle , quoted by 
 Bp. Patrick. — Once in three years this solemn protestation 
 was required from every proprietor of land in Canaan, proba- 
 bly in the presence of the priests at the tabernacle. They all 
 declared, that the whole of this second tithe had been em- 
 ployed to those purposes for which it was appropriated : and 
 that no part had been used by them in mourning, or at fune- 
 rals, which rendered them unclean ; or in any superstitious 
 CCTemony, in imitation of the idolaters around them. As the 
 matter lay very much between God and their conscience, this 
 protestation was the more suitable, and would tend both to 
 remind them of their duty and render them afraid of neglect- 
 ing it. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 12:5 — 7. 18:6 — 8.) 
 
 V. 17 — 19. By thus personally acceding to the national 
 covenant, every Israelite openly professed himself the servant 
 and worshipper of Jehovah, and engaged to walk obediently 
 in his commandments : and by admitting each into it indivi- 
 dually, as well as the nation as an incorporated society, the 
 Lord avouched himself to be their God, their Protector, and 
 Portion ; and engaged that while they were obedient he would 
 prosper them, and advance them to honour and distinction 
 above all other nations, as well as continue to them the 
 religious advantages by which they were distinguished from 
 all others. This was a figure of that covenant-relation which 
 subsists between a reconciled God and every true believer ; 
 and of the privileges and duties belonging to it and resulting 
 from it. 
 
 Peculiar people. (18) nSlD D)t. Note, Ex. 19:5. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Whatever God at any time has promised, will assuredly in 
 due season be fulfilled, notwithstanding obstacles, improbabili- 
 . ties, and delays : and in all our comforts we should observe 
 
 15 'Look down from thy holy habitation, fron 
 heaven, and «bless thy people Israel, and the lane 
 which thou hast given us, as thou swarest, untf 
 our fathers, a land that floweth with milk and 
 honey. 
 
 16 1 i '‘This day the Lord thy God hath com- 
 manded thee to do these statutes and judgments : 
 thou shalt therefore ‘keep and do them with all 
 thine heart, and with all thy soul. 
 
 17 Thou hast '‘avouched the Lord this day ti 
 be thy God, 'and to walk in his ways, and to keep 
 his statutes, and his commandments, and his judg 
 ments, and to m hearken unto his voice : 
 
 18 And "the Lord hath avouched thee this day 
 to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised 
 thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his com- 
 mandments; 
 
 19 And to make thee “high above all nations 
 which he hath made, in praise, and in name, and 
 in honour ; and that thou mayest be an holy people 
 unto the Lord thy God, as he hath spoken. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 A command, to write the law on plastered stones, set up on mount Ebal ; 
 where an altar of whole stones must be built, and sacrifices offered, 1 — 10. 
 Six tribes are directe I to stand to bless on mount Gerizim ; and six to curse, 
 on mount Ebal, 11 — 13. Curses to be pronounced by the Levites, and con- 
 firmed by the people, 14 — 26. 
 
 A ND Moses, with the elders ef Israel, com 
 manded the people, saying, “Keep all the 
 commandments v/hich I command you this day. 
 
 2 And it shall be, b on the day when ye shall 
 pass over Jordan, ‘unto the land which the Lord 
 thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up 
 d great stones, and plaster them with plaster : 
 
 3 And “thou shalt write upon them all the 
 words of this law, when thou art passed over, that 
 thou mayest go in unto the land which the Lord 
 
 2:13. Matt. 6:9. Acts 7:49. g Ps. 27:9. 51:18 . 90:17. 115:12—15. 137:5,6. Jer. 
 31:23. h See on 4:1 — 6. 6:1. 11:1. 12:1,32. Malt. 28:20. i 6x5,17. 8:2. 13:3,4. 
 John 14:15,21—24. 1 John 5:2,3. k 5:2,3. Ex. 15:2. 24:7. Is.a2:2. 44:5. Zech. 
 13:9. Acts 27:23. Rom. 6:13. 1 Cor. 6:19,20. 1 See on 10:12,13. 13:4,5. 30:16. 
 
 Josh. 22:5. 1 Kings 2:3,4. m Nee on 13:18. 15:5. n See on 7:6. 14:2.28:9. Ex. 
 19:5,6. Jer. 31:32—34. Ez.36:23— 27. Tit. 2:14. o 4:7,8. 28:1. Ps. 148:14. Is. 
 62:12. 66:20,21. Jer. 13:11. 33:9. Ez. 16:12— 14. Zenh.3:19. 1 l et. 2:5. Rex. 
 1:5,6. a Seeon4:l— 3. 11:32. 26:16. Luke 11:28. John 15:14. 1 Thes. 4:1,2 
 Jam. 2:10. b 6:1. 9:1. 11:31. Josh. 1:11. 4:1,5. o 3. See on 26: 1 . d Ez. 11 
 19. 36:26. e Josh. 8:32. Jer. 31:31— 33. 2 Cor. 3:2,3. Heb.8:6— 10. 10:16. 
 
 his faithfulness as well as his goodness. — It is advantageous to 
 meditate frequently on the Lord’s dealings with us, and to con- 
 sider from how low an estate, and through what impediments, 
 he hath brought us to our present comforts and prospects : and it 
 is so edifying to others, on proper occasions, to speak on these 
 humiliating and enlivening subjects, that whatever leads us to 
 them is well worthy of regard. — It is surely most reasonable, 
 both by word and deed, to ascribe unto God the glory due 
 unto his name. We should honour him with our first and 
 best in every thing, to the denial of our own appetites and pas- 
 sions. On some occasions it is honourable to God, and edifying 
 to the church, when it is done publicly : it is always a source 
 of rejoicing to ourselves when it is done properly. — At the 
 day of judgment we must render an account of every thing 
 committed to our stewardship ; it is therefore our wisdom to 
 be frequently calling ourselves to a previous account, how we 
 employ our time, possessions, or endowments. — We must be 
 watchful, not only to avoid dishonesty ; but that “our con- 
 versation may be without covetousness,” that pious and 
 charitable uses have their portion, and that temperance and 
 beneficence be duly regarded by us, in obedience to the com- 
 mandments of our God. Thus shall we evince that, according 
 to the covenant of grace in Jesus Christ, the Lord is our God, 
 and we are his people ; and that we are waiting, in his ap- 
 pointed way, for the performance of his gracious and glorious 
 promises. — It may at some times consist wi(Ji humility, and 
 tend to edification, openly to protest our integrity; and the 
 consciousness of it is always matter of rejoicing, and of confi- 
 dence at the throne of grace: and in all our applications we 
 should remember to plead for peculiar blessings on our fellow- 
 Christians, and for the extending of those blessings to our fel- 
 low-sinners even to the ends of the earth. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVII. V. I. In the foregoing chap- 
 ter, Moses closed his repetition and explanation of the law,, 
 with such additions as were requisite ; and here, in conjunction 
 with the seventy elders, he proceeded to enjoin two solemn 
 observances to be attended to, after the entrance of Israel 
 into Canaan: the former was done to assist their memories,, 
 the latter to affect their hearts. 
 
 V. 2. This command was given by Moses, in his lifetime 
 but it must be obeyed, when, after his death, Israc-1 had en- 
 tered Canaan. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. Some expositors think, that the whole book o 
 Deuteronomy was written on these plastered stones ; asn. 
 (. 359 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451 
 
 thy God giveth thee, f a land that floweth with milk 
 and honey, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath 
 promised thee. 
 
 4 Therefore it shall be, when ye be gone over 
 Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I 
 command you this day, ein mount Ebal, and thou 
 shalt plaster them with plaster. 
 
 5 And ''there shalt thou build an altar unto the 
 Lord thy God, an altar of stones: ‘thou shalt not 
 lift up any iron tool upon them. 
 
 6 Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy 
 God of whole stones ; and thou shalt offer ‘‘burnt- 
 offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God. 
 
 7 And thou shalt offer ‘peace-offerings, and 
 shalt eat there, and m rejoice before the Lord thy 
 God. 
 
 8 And "thou shalt write upon the stones all the 
 words of this law °very plainly. 
 
 9 And Moses, and the priests the Levites, spake 
 unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O 
 Israel ; rthis day thou art become the people of the 
 Lord thy God. 
 
 10 Thou ‘ishalt therefore obey the voice of the 
 Lord thy God, and do his commandments and his 
 statutes, which I command thee this day. 
 
 1 1 It And Moses charged the people the same 
 day, saying, 
 
 12 These shall stand upon "mount Gerizim to 
 bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan ; 
 ‘Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and 
 Joseph, and Benjamin. 
 
 13 And these shall stand upon ‘mount Ebal 'to 
 curse ; "Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, 
 Dan, and Naphtali. 
 
 f See on 6:3. 23:9. Lev. 20:24. Num. 13:27. 14:8. Josh. 5:6. Jer. 11:5. 32:22. 
 g 11:29,30. h Ex. 24:4. Josh. 8:30,31. 1 Kings 18:31.32. i Ex. 20:25. y See 
 on Lev. 1: Eph. 5:2. I See on Lev. 3: 7:11 — 17. Acts 10:36. Rom. 5:1 ,10. Eph. 
 2:16,17. Col. 1:20. Heb. 13:20,21. m Sge on 12:7,12. 16:11,14. 28:11. 2 Clir. 
 30:23—27. Neh.8:l0. Ps. 100:1,2. Is. 12:3. 61:3,10. Hab. 3:18. Phil. 3:3. 4:4. 
 r.Seeon3. o Hab. 2:2. John 16:25. 2 Cor. 3:12. p See on 26:16,17. Pom. 6:17, 
 18,22. 1 Cor. 6:9— II. Eph. 5:8,9. 1 Pet. 2:10,11 . q ‘See on 10: 12,13. 11:1,7, 
 8. Lev. 19:2. Mic. 4:5. 6:8. Matt. 5:48. Eph. 4:17 — 24. 1 Pet. 1:14— 16. 4: 
 1—3. r 11:26—29. Josh. 8:33,34. Judg. 9:7. s Gen. 29:33—35. 30:18,21. 35: 
 18. t See on 4. * Heb. for a cursing, ii Gen. 29:32. 30:6 — 13,20 . 49:3,4. 
 x 33:9,10. Josh. 8:33. Neh.' 8:7,8. Mai. 2:7—9. y 28:16—19. Gen. 9:25. 1 Sam. 
 26:19. Jer. 11:3. z See on 4:15-23. 5:8. Ex. 20:4,23. 32:1— 4. 34:17. Lev. 19: 
 4.26:1. Is. 44:9,10,17. a 29:17. 1 Kings 11 :5— 7. 2 Kings 23:13. 2 Chr. 33:2. Is. 
 
 that they were twelve in number, according to the tribes of 
 Israel. Others restrict the writing to the preceptive part of 
 it; others to the ten commandments only ; while many are of 
 opinion that the latter part of this chapter alone was meant. 
 Indeed, as the stones were placed upon mount Ebal, whence 
 the curses were denounced, it is probable that these were 
 added : but we may conclude, that at least the ten command- 
 ments, and the great outlines of the whole law, were likewise 
 inscribed in the most legible manner. (8) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. In ordinary cases no altar might be used, except 
 the brazen one at the door of the tabernacle: but on this oc- 
 casion, the Lord directed an altar of rough stones to be formed, 
 in order to a renewed confirmation of the covenant, similar to 
 that used when it was first ratified at mount Sinai. (Notes, 
 Ex. 20:21 — 25. 24:3 — 8.) This altar built upon mount Ebal, 
 and the sacrifices of burnt-offerings on this occasion offered, 
 aptly taught the people that the curse of the law could he re- 
 moved by him alone, who gave himself an atoning sacrifice for 
 sinners: and the peace-offerings with the sacred feast implied, 
 that joyful communion with a reconciled God may be main- 
 tained through Jesus Christ, notwithstanding the most tre- 
 mendous curses of the law. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Mar g. Ref. Notes, Matt. 28:19,20. 1 Thess. 
 4:1—5. 
 
 V. 12, 13. Mount Gerizim and mount Ebal lay near to- 
 gether with a valley between ; and what was spoken in a loud 
 voice on the one might be heard on the other. (Note, Judg. 
 9:7.) No doubt the blessings, as well as the curses, were 
 audibly pronounced and ratified in a general manner, by the 
 tribes appointed for that purpose : so that by this solemnity all 
 Israel deliberately consented to the national covenant; de- 
 clared that they expected the blessings stipulated to them, 
 only in a way of obedience ; and confessed that, individually 
 and nationally, they should merit, and might expect, to be 
 accursed of God, if they were disobedient to his command- 
 ments. But some priests and Levites were chosen to pro- 
 nounce from mount Ebal the subsequent particular curses ; 
 (14) though the tribe of Levi stood on mount Gerizim. No 
 mention is made of any special acts of obedience, on account 
 of which blessings were pronounced; as the blessings do not 
 belong to those who obey some and neglect others of God’s 
 commandments; u for he that keeneth the whole law, and 
 offendeth in one point, is guilty of all.” (Notes, Matt. 19:16 
 *22. Jam. 2:8 — 13.) No man therefore can claim the re- 
 #r*npense of his obedience as a debt; but all must receive it 
 
 an unmerited favour : and the silence of the Scriptures is 
 
 ( 360 I 
 
 14 And '‘the Levites shall speak, and say unto 
 all the men of Israel with a loud voice, 
 
 15 ^Cursed 6c the man that'maketh any graven 
 or molten image, “an abomination unto the Lord, 
 the work of the hands of the craftsman, b and 
 putteth it in a secret place: "and all the people 
 shall answer, and say, Amen. 
 
 16 Cursed be J he that setteth light by his father 
 or his mother : and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 17 Cursed e 6c he that removeth his neighbour’s 
 landmark : and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 18 Cursed 6e fhe that maketh the blind to 
 wander out of the way: and all the people shall 
 say, Amen. 
 
 19 Cursed be he that eperverteth the judgment 
 of the stranger, fatherless, and widow : and all the 
 people shall say, Amen. 
 
 20 Cursed be h he that lieth with his father’s 
 wife; because he uncovereth his father’s skirt: 
 and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 21 Cursed be 'he that lieth with any manner of 
 beast ; and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 22 Cursed be k he that lieth with his sister^ the 
 daughter of his father, or the daughter of his 
 mother : and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 23 Cursed 6e.‘he that lieth with his mother-in- 
 law: and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 24 Cursed m be he that smiteth his neighbour 
 secretly : and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 25 Cursed be he that "taketh reward to slay an 
 innocent person: and all the people shall say, Amen. 
 
 26 “Cursed be he that rconnrmeth not all the 
 words of this law to do them : and all the people 
 shall say, Amen. 
 
 44:19. £t. 7:30. Du. 1131. Matt. 34:1$. Rev. 17:4,5. b Geu. 31:19,34. P». 
 44:20 21. Ez. 8:7 — 12. 14:4. e See on Num. 5:22. Jer. 11 :5. 28:6. Mall. 6:13. 
 1 1 'nr. 14:16. d 21 :18 — 21 . Ex. 20:12. 21:17. Le*. 19:3. Prox. 30:11— 17. Ex. 
 22:7. Malt. 15:4-6. e 19:14. Prov. 22:28 . 23:10,11. f See on Lev. 19:14. Job 
 29:15. Prov. 28:10. In. 56:10. Matt. 15:14. Rev. 2:14. gSeeon 10:18. 24:17. 
 Ex. 22:21— 24. 23:2,8,9. Ps. 82:2-4. Prov. 17:23. 31:5. Mic. 3:9. Mai. 3:5. 
 h 22:30. Gen. 35:22. 49:4. Lev. 18:8. 20:11. 2 Sam. 16:22. 1 Cltr. 5:1. Ex. 22:10. 
 Am. 2:7. 1 Cor. 5:1. i Ex. 22:19. Lev. 18:23. 20:15. It Lev. 18:9.20:17. 3 Sam. 
 13:1,8—14. Ex. 22: 11. 1 Lev. 18:17. 20:14. in 19:11. Ex. 20:13. 21:12,14. Lev. 
 24:17. Num. 35:31. 2 Sam. 3:27. 11:15—17. 12:9—12. 13:28 . 20:9,10. n 10:17. 
 16:19. Ex. 23:7,8. Ps. 15:5. Ex. 22:12,13. Mic. 3:10,11. 7.2,3. Mali . 26: 15. 27: 
 3,4. Acts 1:18. o See on v. 15. Ps. 119:21. Matt. 25:41. 1 Cor. 16:22. n Jer. 
 11:3. Ex. 18:24. Rom. 3:19,20. Gal. 3:10. 
 
 to be considered in such cases, as conveying important in- 
 struction. — It is observable, that all the tribes appointed to 
 bless were descended from Leah and Rachel the freo- 
 women ; and Reuben who had been disgraced for his miscon- 
 duct, with Zebulun the youngest of Leah’s sons, were addeef 
 to the four tribes descended from the bond-women, to com- 
 plete the number of tribes, which stood on mount Ebal to 
 ratify the curses. (Note, Josh. 8:30 — 35.) 
 
 V. 15. The curses here denounced were specially intended 
 in every case, as a restraint from secret wickedness. Several 
 of the crimes specified, if proved against any one, exposed him 
 to capital punishment ; as idolatry, incest, murder, and others. 
 But in many cases the criminal might elude detection, and 
 punishment by the magistrate : yet let him not hope to escape 
 with impunity ; for the dreadful curse of God would rest upon 
 him; and at length vengeance would certainly overtake him, if 
 he continued impenitent. (24) — The word Amen , which the 
 people were required to add, after each of these curses, implied 
 their express assent to it, or confirmation of it : not as desiring 
 that they or their brethren should be accursed ; but as declar- 
 ing their conviction that the guilty would be accursed ; that 
 they deserved to be so; and that they expected to bo them- 
 selves accursed, if they committed the crimes thus op<mly 
 protested against. (Marg. Ref. Note, Num. 5:22. 1 Kings 
 1:36,37. Jer. 28:6,7.) — The objection often made to the so- 
 lemnity prescribed by the church of England on Ash- Wednes- 
 day, that people go to church to curse their neighbours , is very 
 frivolous: for the Amen, now spoken by Christians, means 
 neither more nor less, than that which God commanded the 
 Israelites to annex to the same curses ; and under every dis- 
 pensation, they who live in the practice of gross wickedness 
 are accursed, and should be reminded of it. 
 
 V. 16. Marg. Ref. Note , Ex. 21:15 — 17. 
 
 V. 17. Marg. Ref. Note, 19:14. 
 
 V. 18. Maketh the blind to wander.] By parity of reason, 
 it is at least equally criminal wittingly to give pernicious coun- 
 sel to the ignorant, or to injure those jvho cannot take care of 
 themselves. (Marg. Ref. Note, Eev. 1 9;1 4. ) 
 
 V. 19 — 25. Marg Ref. 
 
 V. 26. This is rendered by St. Paul u Cursed is evory 
 one that, continucth not in all things which are written in the 
 book of the law, to do them,” nearly according to th« Septua- 
 gint : and so as evidently to include Lto whole law. Tho 
 wore! all is hero in Italics; and probably deferents to St. 
 Paul’s quotation of the verse, Gal, 3:10, *jiduce 1 the ' ciiernblo 
 translators to insert it; yet it would have bt^n, u east in* 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 B. C. 145H 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Bleedings promised to Israel, while obedient , 1 — 14 : and awful curses, of 
 every kind imaginable, denounced if they were disobedient , 16 — 68. 
 
 A ND it shall come to pass, a il’ thou slialt 
 hearken diligently unto the voice of the Loan 
 thy God, to observe and b to do all his command- 
 ments which 1 command thee this day, that the 
 Lord thy God 'will set thee on high above all 
 nations of the earth : 
 
 2 And all these blessings shall ''come on thee 
 and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the 
 voice of the Loud thy God. 
 
 3 Blessed ‘shalt thou be in the city, and blessed 
 shah thou be ( in the field. 
 
 4 Blessed shall be the efruit of thy body, and 
 the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, 
 the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy 
 sheep. 
 
 5 Blessed shall be h thy basket and thy "store. 
 
 6 Blessed shalt thou 'be when thou comest in, 
 and blessed shah thou be when thou goest out. 
 
 7 The Lord Jshall cause thine enemies, that 
 rise up against thee, to be smitten before thy 
 face : they shall come out against thee one way, 
 and "flee before thee seven ways. 
 
 8 The Lord shall 'command the blessing upon 
 thee, m in thy 'store-houses, and in all that thou 
 "settest thine hand unto; and he shalt bless thee 
 in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 
 
 9 The Lord shall “establish thee an holy people 
 unto himself, fas he hath sworn unto thee, if thou 
 
 shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy 
 God, and walk in his ways. 
 
 10 And all people of the earth shall see, that 
 thou art ‘'called by the name of the Lord ; r and 
 they shall be afraid of thee. 
 
 11 And the Lord shall make thee "plenteous 
 fin goods, in the fruit of thy § body, and in the 
 fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy ground, 
 in the land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers 
 to give thee. 
 
 12 The Lord shall 'open unto thee ms good 
 treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy 
 land in his season, and “to bless all the work of 
 thine hand : and thou shalt fiend unto many 
 nations, and thou shalt not borrow. 
 
 13 And the Lord shall make thee ''the head, 
 and not the tail : and thou shalt be above only, 
 and thou shalt not be beneath ; fif that thou 
 hearken unto the commandments of the Lord thy 
 God, which I command thee this day to observe 
 and to do them : 
 
 14 And 'thou shalt not go aside from any of 
 the words which I command thee this day, to 
 the right hand or to the left, to go after other 
 gods to serve them. 
 
 15 H But it shall come to pass, fif.thou wilt not 
 hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God to 
 observe to do all his commandments and his 
 statutes which I command thee this day; that b all 
 these curses shall come upon thee, and overtake 
 thee. 
 
 i See on 11:13. 13:5. 27:1. Rx. 15:26. Lev. 26:3. I s. 106:3. 111:10. Is. 1:19. 3: 
 10. 55:2,3. Jer. 11:4. 12:16. 17:21. Luke 11:28. b Ps. 119:6,128. Luke 1:6. John 
 15:11. Gal. 3:10. Jam. 2:10,11. c &e cm 26: 19. I s. 91 : 14. 148:14. Luke 9:48. 
 Rom. 2:7. d 15.45. Zecli. 1:6. 1 Tim. 4:8. e Ps. 107:36,37. 128:1— 5. 141:12 
 -15. Is. 65:21— 23. Zeeh. 8:3—5. f Gen. 26:12. 39:5. Am. 9:13,14. Hag. 2:19. 
 M:il. 3.10,11. git. 7:13. lien. 22:17. 49:25. Lev. 26:9. Ps. 107:38. 127:3. 128: 
 3. Prov. 10:22. 13:22.20:7. li 26:2. Ex. 23:25. * Or, doush, or kneading 
 
 troughs, i 31 :2. Num. 27:17. 2 Sam. 3:25. 2 Ohr. 1:10. Ps. 121:8.. j 25. 32:30. 
 Lev. 26:7,8. 2 Sam. 22:38—41. Ps. 89:23. k Jo$li. 8:22. 10:10,11,42. 1 Sam. 
 7:3,4,10,11. 2 Clir. 11:2 — 6,9 — 15. 19:4 . 20:22—25.31:20,21.32:21,22. 1 Lev. 
 25:21. Ps. 42:8. 44:4. 133:3. m Lev. 26:4,5,10. Ps. 144:13. Prov. 3:9,10. 
 ring. 2: 19. Mai. 3:10,11. t Or, barns. 2 Kings 6:27. Malt. 6:26. 13:30. Luke 
 
 my view, better to render the verse literally, if it had been 
 merely to prevent cavils and objections ; such as modern 
 Jews make against both them and the apostle. (See Answer 
 to Rabbi Crooll , by the Author , pp. 227,228.) The cavil in- 
 deed is ignorant ; for the word all was inserted by the Greek 
 translators, called the LXX, long before even St. Paul’s 
 days; who took it for substance as he found ii. The mean- 
 ing is exactly the same with it or without it. (28:1.) Hence 
 we learn, that continual obedience is the confirmation here 
 spoken of; and are likewise taught, that these curses were 
 intended not only to deter the Israelites from sin, but to show 
 them their need of mercy, and to establish the distinction be- 
 tween “ the righteousness of faith,” and “the righteousness of 
 works.” This especially must be the meaning of the last 
 verse, by which all the Israelites were evidently called on to 
 condemn themselves, as deserving of the curse denounced : 
 and this truth, properly perceived, forms the grand prepara- 
 tion of heart for understanding and valuing the salvation 
 of the gospel. — All these curses were denounced against trans- 
 gressors, not of the ritual law, but the nyral ; each of the 
 special instances being referrible to one or other of the ten 
 commandments. ( Notes , Gal. 3:6 — 14.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As our fallen nature is entirely indisposed to retain suitable 
 impressions of heavenly things; we ought to use every pro- 
 per means of assisting our memories, awakening our con- 
 sciences, and affecting our hearts with them. But, blessed be 
 God, the numerous copies of the Scriptures among us, if pro- 
 perly studied, and thus familiarized to our minds, may super- 
 sede the necessity of such methods as were prescribed to 
 Israel : and the end of the gospel ministry is, and the aim of 
 all preachers ought to be, to make the word of God as plain 
 as possible to the meanest capacities. Yet, unless the Holy 
 Spirit efficaciously prosper their labours, men will not, even 
 by these means, be “ made wise unto salvation we should 
 therefore continually and earnestly beseech the Lord to be- 
 stow this blessing upon us. But without, the interposition of 
 the atoning blood of Christ, we sinners can neither have com- 
 munion with a holy God, nor perform any acceptable obe- 
 dience to him: for his righteous law peremptorily requires an 
 uninterrupted, spiritual, and persevering obedience to every 
 irecept ; and condemns all without exception, who at any 
 time, or in any instance, transgress it. Under its awful curse 
 we transgressors remain, till the redemption of Christ be ap- 
 plied to our hearts: and under that curse every unbeliever 
 will perish for ever, and be constrained to acknowledge the 
 \istice of his condemnation. Happy they, who now “ sub- 
 mit to the righteousness of God,” and, being self-condemned, 
 beek salvation from his mercy through Jesus Christ, acccord- 
 mg to that new covenant, of which he is Surety : for them 
 * there is no condemnation,” their ** salvation is for ever, and 
 Vol. Ii — 46 
 
 12:18,24,25. n See on 15:10. o See on 7:6. 26:18,19. 29:13. Gen. 17:7. 
 Ex. 19:5,6. Is. 1:26 . 62:12. Tit. 2:14. 1 Pet. 2:9— 11. p See on 7:8. 13:17. 
 29:12. Jer. 11:5. Heb. 6:13 — 18. q Num. 6:27. 2 Chr. 7:14. Is. 63:19. DaD. 9: 
 
 18,19. r Sec on 4:6—8. 11:25. Ex. 12:33. 14:25. Josh. 5:1. 1 Sam. 18:12— 15, 
 
 28,29. Jer. 33:9. Rev. 3:9. s See on 4. 30:9. Lev. 31:9. 1 Or, for good. 
 
 § Heb. belly. Job 19:17. Ps. 132:11, margins. 1 11:14. Lev. 26:4. Job 38:22. 
 
 Ps. 65:9— 13. 135:7. Joel 2:23,24. u See on 14:29. 15:10. v 44. 15:6. Prov. 22: 
 7. x Num. 24:18,19. Is. 9:14,15. y See on 1. 4:6— 9. Phil. 1:27. z See on 5* 
 32. 11:26—23. Josh. 23:6. 2 Kings22:2. Prov. 4:26,27. a Lev. 26:14. Lam. 2: 
 17. Dan. 9:11—13. Mai. 2:2. Rom. 2:8,9. b See on 2. 27:15-26 . 29:20. Js. 3: 
 11. Gal. 3:10. 
 
 their righteousness shall not be abolished ;” and every blessing 
 is ensured to them by promise, by covenant, and by oath. But 
 none, who live in the habitual practice of known sin, are par- 
 takers of these privileges ; and, however they may conceal 
 their wickedness from the cognizance of the magistrates, or 
 the censures of ministers and the church, the curse of God 
 will fall upon them, with weight proportioned to their abused 
 privileges and hypocritical profession. — Wherever “the grace 
 of God bringeth salvation,” it teaches the believer to “deny 
 ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, 
 and godly in this present world ;” confirming all the v^ords oi 
 the divine law, and delighting in them, after the inward man, 
 though he cannot render it a perfect and unfailing obedience. 
 In this evangelical dependence and conscientious walk, true 
 peace and solid joy are to be found. Thus God may be glori- 
 fied and man benefited; and magistrates, ministers, and per- 
 sons of every rank, should unitedly employ all their authority, 
 influence, and example, to promote this our holy religion. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXVIII. V. 1, 2. This chaptei 
 greatly resembles the twenty-sixth chapter of Leviticus, 
 which was addressed, almost forty years before, to the fore- 
 fathers of this generation of Israel at mount Sinai. It con- 
 tains a very copious and affecting exposition of the blesifing 
 and the curse mentioned in the foregoing chapter, with many 
 things evidently prophetical of the events, which have befallen 
 the nation to this very day. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 3 — 14. (Notes, Lev. 26:3 — 12.) In a variety of expras- 
 sions, every kind of prosperity, personal, relative, and public; 
 in their property and enjoyments : in their temporal advance- 
 ment and spiritual privileges ; are engaged to the Israelites, 
 while they continued obedient : and their succeeding history 
 furnishes full demonstration, that, as long as they adhered to 
 the worship and service of God, it was uniformly thus with 
 them as a nation . and in some degree individually. Their 
 remarkable prosperity in every thing, while obedient, con- 
 vinced the surrounding nations, that they were immediately 
 protected and assisted by the Lord, whose name they wor- 
 shipped, and whose people they professed to be ; insomuch, 
 that they were often afraid to assault them. Consulting the 
 marginal references will lead to the best exposition of the 
 terms employed, and frequently point out the fulfilment of the 
 promises and threatenings. 
 
 The head , &c. (13) That is, they should be more ho- 
 nourable than other nations, and have dominion over them 
 as in the days of David and Solomon. ^ (Notes, 13,44 I* 
 9:13—17.) 
 
 V. 15. All the terrible curses which were denounce# 
 against the Israelites when disobedient, have indeed uni 
 formly “ overtaken them,” in every situation, and in ever# 
 country, from that day to this ; as it must be evident to «i 
 those who are in the least acquainted with their history 
 ( 361 ) 
 
l>. C 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451. 
 
 16 Cursed shalt thou be c in the city, ancl cursed 
 shalt 'lion be ‘'in the field. 
 
 17 Cursed shall be ‘thy basket and thy store. 
 
 18 Cursed shall be ' the fruit of thy body, and 
 f the fruit of thy land, the increase of thy kine and 
 the flocks of thy sheep. 
 
 19 Cursed shalt thou be h when thou comest in, 
 and cursed shalt thou be when thou goest out. 
 
 20 The Lord shall ‘send upon thee cursing, 
 'vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine 
 hand unto "lor to do, 'until thou be destroyed, 
 and until thou perish quickly ; because of the 
 wickedness of thy doings whereoy thou hast for- 
 saken me. 
 
 21 The Lord shall make m the pestilence cleave 
 nnto thee, until he have consumed thee from off 
 the land whither thou goest to possess it. 
 
 22 The Lord shall smite thee with n a consump- 
 tion, and with a fever, and with an inflammation, 
 and with an extreme burning, and with the 'sword, 
 and with “blasting, and with mildew : and they 
 shall pursue thee until thou perish. 
 
 23 And Pthy heaven that is over thy head shall 
 be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be 
 iron. 
 
 24 The Lord shall ‘imake the rain of thy land 
 powder and dust : from heaven shall it come 
 down upon thee, until thou be destroyed. 
 
 25 The Lord shall ‘cause thee to be smitten 
 before thine enemies : thou shalt go out one way 
 against them, and flee seven ways before them ; 
 and “shalt be 'removed into all the kingdoms of 
 the earth. 
 
 26 And * l * * thy carcass shall be meat unto all fowls 
 
 c See on 3. Prov. 3:33. Is. 24:6 — 12. 43:28. Jer. 9:11. 26:6. 44:22. Lam. 
 .1:1. 2:11 — 22. 4:1 — 13. Mai. 4:6. d 55. Gen. 3:17,18. 4:11,12. 5:29. 8:21, 
 22. 1 Kings 17:1,5,12. Jer. 11:2-5,18. Lam. 5:10. Joel 1:4,8-18. 2:3. Am. 
 4:&— 9. Hag. 1.9— 11. 2:16,17. Mai. 3:9—12. e See on 5. Ps. 69:22. Prov. 1:32. 
 Hog. 1:6. Zech. 5:3,4. Mai. 2:2. Luke 16:25. (Seeoni. 5:9. Job 18:16— 19. 
 Ps. 109:9— 15. Lam. 2:11,12,20. Hos. 9:11— 14. Mai. 2:3. Luke 23.29,30. g See 
 on 16. Lev. 26: 19,20,25. Hab.3:17. h See on 6. Judg. 5:6,7. 2 Chr. 15:5. i I s. 
 7:11. Mai. 2:2. k Ps. 80:4— 16. Ia. 30:17. 51:20. 66 15. Zech. 14:12,13. John 3: 
 36. IThes. 2:16. * Heb . which thou icnuldest do. I See on 4:26. Lev. 26:31 — 
 33,38. Josh. 23: 16. m Ex. 5:3. Lev. 26.25. Num. 14:12. 16:46—49. 25:9. 2 Sam. 
 24:15. Jer. 15:2. 16:4.21:6,7. 24:10. Am. 4:10. Matt. 24:7. n See on Lev. 26: 
 16. 2Chr. 6:23. Jer. 14:12. tOr.d/ow-Ac o 1 Kings S:37. Am. 4:9. Hag. 2:17. 
 p Lev. 26:19. I Kings 17 1. 18:2. Jer. 14:1— 6. Am. 4:7. q 12. Gen. 19:24. Job 
 18:15. Is. 5:21. Am. 4:11. r See on 7. 32:30. Lev. 26: 17,36,37. Is. 3U: 17. s Jer. 
 15:2—9. 24:9. 29:18. 34:17. Ez. 23:46. Luke 21:24. J Heb. for a removing. 
 
 V. 16' — 22. Marg. Ref p 
 
 V. 23. The language is remarkable : 44 Thy heaven 
 that part of the heaven, which was over the country of 
 Israel, should have no more moisture in it than brass has : 
 and consequently their land would become hard w as iron,” 
 for want of rain ; while the clouds might give showers in 
 abundance, and the earth be moist and fruitful in other 
 regions. 
 
 V. 24. Instead of the rain in its appointed seasons, the 
 Lord declared that he would visit the people with such ex- 
 treme drought, as should render their land dry dust and barren 
 sand ; which, rising in the air in vast quantities, would thence 
 descend in hot showers, destroying the remnant of vegetation, 
 and almost suffocating all living creatures. A drought of this 
 kind occurred in the time of Ahab. Jeremiah also laments 
 one that was very terrible: (Notes, Jer. 14:) and it is 
 
 remarkable that this formerly fertile land is at present noted 
 for its sterility ; and is so thinly inhabited, as scarcely to 
 contain a hundredth part of its ancient inhabitants, even 
 according to the largest computation! 
 
 V. 25. This prediction was in some degree verified, when 
 the Assyrians carried away the ten tribes ; and by the Baby- 
 lonish captivity, and its consequences: but it has been re- 
 ceiving a more singular accomplishment for almost eighteen 
 hundred years, in the dispersion of the Jews all over the 
 earth, subsequent to the destruction of Jerusalem by the 
 Romans. 
 
 V. 26. To be deprived of burial was in general accounted 
 by the Israelites a dire addition to other calamities. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note, 2 Sam.2\:d — 14.) 
 
 V. 27. Marg. Rtf. 
 
 V. 28. In the siege of Jerusalem by the Chaldeans this 
 was the case, as it appears from the history : but in that by 
 Titus and the Romans, and in the subsequent conduct of the 
 miserable relics of the Jews, their infatuation was so evident, 
 that every one who reads of their conduct must he convinced, 
 they were given up to judicial blindness and madness, or they 
 never could have been so bent, upon their own destruction. 
 While, by their obstinate resistance to the Roman power, 
 without the least prospect of escaping, they ensured their 
 own miseries ; by their intestine rage they became the exe- 
 cutioners of the wrath of God upon themselves, almost saved 
 their enemies the trouble of destroying them, and absolutely 
 put it out of their power to preserve them. (34) 
 
 V. 21). (Marg. Ref.) Only oppressed, kc.] The unjust 
 
 ( 362 ) 
 
 of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and 
 no man shall fray them away. 
 
 27 The Lord shall smite thee x with the botch 
 of Egypt, and with the remerods, and with Hho 
 scab, and with the itch, whereof thou canst not 
 be healed. 
 
 28 The Lord shall smite thee “with madneso 
 and blindness, and astonishment of heart. 
 
 29 And thou shalt b grope at noonday, as the 
 blind gropeth in darkness, and thou shalt not 
 prosper in thy ways ; and “thou shalt be only 
 oppressed and spoiled evermore: and nr mai' 
 shall save thee. 
 
 30 d Thou shalt betroth a wife, and another 
 man shall lie with her : thou “shalt build an house 
 and thou shalt not dwell therein : thou sha.. 
 plant a vineyard, and shalt not ^gather the grapes 
 thereof. 
 
 31 Thine fox shall be slain before thine eyes, 
 and thou shalt not eat thereof : thine ass shall be 
 violently taken away from before thy face, and 
 shall not "be restored to thee : thy sheep shall be 
 given unto thine enemies, and thou ahalt have 
 none to rescue them. 
 
 32 Thy ssons and thy daughters shall be given 
 unto another people ; and thine eyes shall look an’a 
 h fail with longing lor them all the day long : and 
 there shall be no might in thine hand. 
 
 33 The ‘fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, 
 shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up ; and 
 'thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway ; 
 
 34 So that thou shalt be k mad for the sight o' 
 thine eyes which thou shalt see. 
 
 35 The Lord shall smite thee in the knees, anu 
 
 t 1 Sam. 17:44 — 46. Ps. 79:1—3. Is. 34:3. Jer. 7:33 . 8:1. 16:4. 19:7 . 34:20. Ez. 
 39:17—20. x 35. Ex. 9:9. 15:26. y 1 Sam. 5:6,9,12. Ps. 78:65. t Lex. 13:2— 
 8. 21:20. Is. 3:17. a 1 Sam. 16:14. Ps. 60:3. Is. 6:9,10. 19:11— 17. 42:19. Jer. 
 4:9. Ez. 4: 17. Luke 21 -.23,26. Acts 13:41. 2 Tlies. 2:9— 11. I) Job 5:14. 12:25. 
 Ps. 69:23,24. I-s. 59:10. Lam. 5:17. Zeph. 1:17. Horn. 11:7—10,25. 2 Cor. 4:3,4. 
 c Judg. 3:14. 4:2,3. 6:1—6. 10:8.13:1. 1 Sam. 13:5 — 7,19 — 22. Nell. 9:26— 28,37. 
 Ps. 106:40—42. Lam. 5:8. Luke 21:24. .4 20:6,7, Job 31:10. Jer.8.10. Ho.. 4:2. 
 e Job 31:8. Is. 5:9,10. 65:21,22. Jer. 12:13. I.nm.'5:2. Am. 5:11. Mic.6:15. 
 Zeph. 1:13. § Heb. profane . or, use it as common meal. 20:6. mart;, f Jude. 
 6:4. Job 1:14,15. || Heb. return, g 18,41. Num. 21 :29. 2 Chr. 29:9'. Neh.5:8 
 —5. Jer. 15:7— 9. 16:2—4. Ez. 24:25. Joel 3:6. Am. 5:27. Mic.4:10. h 65. Job 
 11:20. 17:5. Pa. 69:3. 119:82,123. Is. 38:14. Lam. 2:11. 4:17. 5:17. i See on 
 30. Is. 1:7. Jer. 5:17. 8:16. ) See on 29. Jer.4:17. k See on 23. Is. 33:14. Jer. 
 25:15,16. Rev. 16:10,11. 
 
 and cruel exactions and oppressions, accompanied by every 
 token of contempt and abhorrence, with which the Jews havo 
 been treated, in almost every nation, and during every age, 
 since the times of Christ, can scarcely he conceived, except 
 by those who are conversant in their history : but it is impos- 
 sible, within the limits of this exposition, fully to elucidate so 
 compendious a prophecy ; and it must suffice to say, that 
 no people on earth have been so long and so generally 
 insulted, oppressed, and crushed, as they have been, accord- 
 ing to the testimony both of their own writers and of others. 
 
 V. 30, 31. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 32. No might.] Neither power to resist the violence 
 done them, nor money to redeem their enslaved offspring. — 
 
 1 In several countries, in Spain and Portugal particularly, 
 their children’ [those of the Jews] 4 have been taken from 
 them, by order of the government, to he educated in the 
 popish religion. .. .The fourth council of Toledo ordered, that 
 all their children should be taken from them for fear they 
 should partake of their errors, and that they should be shut 
 up in monasteries, to be instructed in the Christian truths. . . . 
 And when they were banished from Porlugal, 4 the king,’ says 
 Mariana, 4 ordered all their children under fourteen years of 
 age, to be taken from them, and baptized : a practice not at 
 all justifiable,’ adds (he historian — 4 because none ought to be 
 forced to become Christians, nor chilurcn to be taken from 
 their parents.’ Bp. Newton. 
 
 V. 34. (Marg Ref. Note , 28.) 4 After the destruction 
 of Jerusalem by Titus, some of the worst of the Jews took 
 refuge in the Castle of Masada ; where, being closely be- 
 sieged by the Romans, they, at the persuasion of Eleazar, 
 their leader, first murdered their wives and children ; then ten 
 men were chosen by lot to slay the rest ; this being done, one 
 of the ten was chosen in like manner to kill the other nine ; 
 which having executed, he set fire to the place, and then 
 stabbed himself. There were nine hundred and sixty who 
 perished in this miserable manner : and only two women and 
 five boys escaped, by hiding themselves in (lie aqueducts 
 under ground.’ Bp. Newton. 
 
 V. 35. Marg. Ref. (Notes, Job 2:7.8.) • 
 
 V. 36. (Marg. Ref.) The former clause of this verso 
 was especially accomplished, when Zedekiah and his people 
 were carried captives to Babylon. Without doubt the Israel- 
 ites in general, who wero carried captives by the Assyrians, 
 and many of the Jews in Chaldea, wore finally incorporated 
 with the nations among whom they lived, and were given up 
 
13. C. 1 441 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII, 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 m the legs with 'a so e hotu that cannot be 
 healed, fmm the sole of ay loot unto the top of 
 thy head. 
 
 36 The Lord shall "“bring thee, and thy king 
 which thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation 
 which neither thou nor thy fathers have known : 
 and “there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and 
 stone. 
 
 37 And thou shalt “become an astonishment, a 
 proverb, and a by-word, among all nations whither 
 the Lord shall lead thee. 
 
 38 Thou I’shalt carry much seed out into the 
 field, and shalt gather but little in : Tor the locust 
 shall consume it. 
 
 39 Thou shalt plant vineyards and dress them; 
 but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the 
 grapes : Tor the worms shall eat them. 
 
 40 Thou shalt have olive-trees throughout all 
 thy coasts, but thou shalt not “anoint thyself with 
 the oil : for thine olive shall cast his fruit. 
 
 41 Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but 
 ‘thou shalt not enjoy them : ‘for they shall go into 
 captivity. 
 
 42 Ail "thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the 
 locust “consume. 
 
 43 The stranger that is within thee ““shall get 
 up above thee very high : and thou shalt come 
 down very low. 
 
 44 He shall flend to thee, and thou shalt not 
 lend to him : he shall be the head, and thou shalt 
 be the tail. 
 
 45 Moreover “all these curses shall come upon 
 thee, and shall pursue thee, and overtake thee, 
 till thou be destroyed ; "because thou hearkenedst 
 not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep 
 his commandments and his statutes which he 
 commanded thee. 
 
 46 And they shall be upon thee for b a sign and 
 for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever. 
 
 47 Because thou “servedst not the Lord thy 
 God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, 
 for the abundance of all things ; 
 
 48 Therefore shalt thou “’serve thine enemies, 
 which the Lord shall send against thee, "in hun- 
 ger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want 
 of all things : and he shall put f a yoke of iron 
 upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. 
 
 49 If The Lord shall bring nation against 
 
 \Seeonil. Job2:6,7. Is. 06. 3:17, 24. m 2 Kintts 17:4— 6. 24:12—15. 25:6,7. 
 2t'hr. 33:11. 36:6.20. Is. 39:7. Jer. 22:11 .12,24— 27. 24:8— 10. 39:5—7. 52:8—11. 
 
 I, am. 4.20. Ez. 12:12,13. n64. See<m4:2S. Jer. 16:13. Ez. 20:32,33,39. o Sec 
 on 23. 29:22-28. 1 Kings 9:7,8. 2Chr.7:20. Is. 44:13,14. Jer. 24:9. 25.9. Joel 
 2:17. niarg. Zech.8:13. pis. 5:10. Mic. 6:15. Hag. 1:6. q Ex . 10:14,15. Joel 
 2:3,25. Am. 4:9. 7:1,2. r Joel 1 :4— 7. 2:2— 4. Jon. 4 7. s Ps. 23:5. 104:15. 
 Mic. 6:15. * Heb. they shall not be thine, t See on 32. Lam. 1:5. u See on 
 38,39. Am. 7:1,2. 10r,po8*ei*. x Judg. 2:3,14,15. 4:2,3. 10:7—10. 14:4. 15: 
 
 II, 12. 1 Sam. 13:3 — 7,19— 23. 2 Kings 17:20,23. 24:14-16. John 18:31. 19 15. 
 y See on 12,13. T.um. 1 :5. z See on 5. 29:20,21. Lev. 26:28. Prov. 13:21. Is. 
 1:20. 65:14 15. Jer.24:9, 10. Lam. 2:15 — 17. Ez. 7:15. 14:21 . a See on 11:27, 
 23. Ps. 119:21. Jer. 7:22— 25. b 37.59. 29:20,28. Is. 8:18. Jer. 19:8. 25:18. Ez. 
 14:8.23:32,33.36:20. c See on 12:7— 12. 16:11. 32:13— 15. Neh. 9:35. 1 Tim. 
 6:17—19. d2Chr. 12:8. Neh. 9:35— 37. Jer. 5:19. 17:4. e Jer. 44:17,18,22,27. 
 Lam. 5:2— 6. Ez. 4:16,17. f Is. 47:6. Jer. 27:12,13. 28:13,14. Matt. 11:29. 
 
 to their idolatry. But some think, that the violence frequently 
 done the Jews in popish countries, through which they are 
 compelled by severe persecutions to conceal their religion, 
 and to worship the images of saints and angels, was also pre- 
 dicted. (Note, 63.) , 
 
 V. 37. The name of Jew has long been a proverbial mark 
 of detestation and contempt, among all the nations whither 
 they hive been driven ; and is so to this day: so that Chris- 
 tians, Mohammedans, and Pagans join in it. ‘You use me 
 like a Jew. . . . None but a Jew would have done this. .1 
 would not have done so to a Jew. 5 Bp. Patrick . — This is 
 fact ; but doubtless it is wicked, thus to reproach those who 
 are under the divine rebuke, and who are living , though 
 reluctant , witnesses of the truth of our holy religion, and of 
 the Lord’s indignation against those who reject or oppose it; 
 and they, who thus reproach them, are generally too closely 
 copying this part of their example. (Marg. Ref , o. Note , 
 Is. 65:13— 15.) 
 
 V. 38—41. Marg. Ref. Notes, Is. 5:8—10. Hag. 1:5— 
 11. 2:15—19. Mai. 3:7—12. 
 
 V. 43, 44. These verses had an early accomplishment in 
 the time of the Judges, as well as in later ages. (Note, 13.) 
 The remains of the conquered nations were permitted to rise 
 up against the Israelites, to gain the ascendency over them, 
 and cruelly to oppress them, jvhenever their sins had pro- 
 voked the Lord. 
 
 V. 45. Marg. Ref. Note, 15. 
 
 V. 46. The miseries and persecutions, which the Jews 
 
 thee from far, from the end of the earth, as swift 
 h as the eagle flieth; ‘a nation whose tongue thou 
 shalt not J understand ; . * 
 
 50 A nation §of Jfierce countenance, which 
 k shall not regard - the person of the old, nor show 
 favour to the young : 
 
 51 And he shall eat 'the fruit of thy cattle, and 
 the fruit of thy land, until thou he destroyed : 
 “"which also shall not leave thee either corn, wine, 
 or oil, or the increase of thy kine or flocks of thy 
 sheep, until he have destroyed thee 
 
 52 And he shall "besiege thee in all thy gates, 
 until thy high and fenced walls come down, 
 wherein thou trustedst, throughout all thy land : 
 and he shall besiege thee in all thy gates, through- 
 out all thy land which the Lord thy God hath 
 given thee. 
 
 53 And thou shalt eat “the fruit of thine own 
 "body, the flesh of thy sons and of thy daughters, 
 vvhich the Lord thy God hath given thee, in t; <f 
 siege, and in the straitness wherewith thine env 
 mies shall distress thee : 
 
 54 So that the man that is tender among you, 
 and very delicate, i’his eye shall be evil toward his 
 brother, and toward “Uhe wife of his bosom, and 
 towards the remnant of r his children which he 
 shall leave : 
 
 55 So that he will not give to any of them the 
 flesh of his children, whom he shall eat; because 
 he hath nothing left him in the “siege and in the 
 straitness, wherewith thine enemies shall distress 
 thee in all thy gates- 
 
 56 The tender and ‘delicate woman among you, 
 which would not adventure to set the sole of her 
 foot upon the ground, for delicateness and tender- 
 ness, “her eye shall he evil towards the husband 
 of her bosom, and towards her son, and towards 
 her daughter. 
 
 57 And towards her "young one that ““cometh 
 out from between her feet, and towards her chil- 
 dren which she shall bear : for she shall eat them 
 for want of all things, secretly, in the siege and 
 straitness, wherewith thine enemy shall distress 
 thee in thy gates. 
 
 58 Tf thou wilt not observe to do all the words 
 of this law that are written in i his book, that thou 
 mayest Tear this srlorious and fearful name, THE 
 
 LORD THY GOD ; 
 
 eNum. 24:24. Is. 5:26— 30. Jer. 5:15— 17. Dan. 9:26. Hah. 1:6,7. Luke 19:43, 
 44. 1, Jer. 4:13. 48:40. 49:22. Lam. 4:19. Ez. 17:3,12. Ho3.8:l. Matt. 24:28. 
 i Jer. 5:15. Ez. 3:6. 1 Cor. 14:21. 1 Heb. /tear. § Heb. strong of face. Prov. 
 7:13. He. 8:1. margins. ) Dan. 7:7. 8.23. k 2 Chr. 36: 17: Is. 47:6. Has. 13: 
 16. Luke 19:44. 21:23,24. 1 See on 33. Is. 1:7. 12:8. m I. ev. 26:26. Jer. 15:13. 
 17:3. Ez. 12:19. Hub. 3:16,17. n Lev. 26:25. 2 Kings 17:5.6. 18.13. 24:10.11. 
 £5: 1 — 4. .Ter. 21:4— 7. 37:8. 39:1—3. 52:4—7. Ex. 4:1— 8. Dan. 9:26. Zed,. 12: 
 a. 14:2. Mull. 22:7. 24:15,16. Luke 19 43,44. 21:20—24. o 18,55,57. Lev. 26: 
 29. 2 Kings 6:28,29. Jer. 19:9. Lam. 2:20. 4:10. Ex. 5:10. Malt. 24:19. || Ileb. 
 belly. pSeeonl5:9. Prov. 23:6. 28:22. Matt. 20:15. q 13:6. 28am. 12:3. 
 Mic. 7:5, rl’s. 103:13. Is, 49:15. Malt. 7:9— 11. Luke 11:1 1 — 13. s Jer.5:!0. 
 34:2. 52:6. t Is. 3:16. Lam. 4:3 — 6. u See on 51. 11 Heb. after-birth, x Gen. 
 49:10. y See on 15. Lev. 26:14,15. Jer. 7.9 10,26— 28. * 6:13. Ex. 3:14,15. 6:3. 
 34:5—7. Ps. 83:18. Is. 42:8. Jer. 5:12. Matt. 10:28. Heb. 10:30,31 . 12:28,29. 
 
 have endured, and which in some measure they still endure, 
 without apparent prospect of redress, are unparalleled in the 
 history of mankind, both for their weigh!, their number, and 
 their duration : yet after all their oppressions and massacres 
 with which they have been wasted, and the long-continued 
 dispersion by which they have been scattered, they still remain 
 a distinct and very numerous people !• (Notes, Nvm. 23:9. 
 Jer. 30:10,11.) These evcnls, compared with the favour of 
 God in ancient times manifested towards them, and with the 
 predictions concerning them, should not only excite c*ir asto- 
 nishment, but turn unto us for a testimony; and should serve, 
 instead of successive miracles, to assure us of the truth of the 
 Scriptures. And when the predictions likewise, concerning 
 their conversion to Christ, shall be accomplished, the whole 
 taken together will indeed be a sign and a wonder to all the 
 nations of the earth, and become the forerunner of a general 
 success of true Christianitv. (Note, Rom. 11:11 — 15.) 
 
 V. 47, 48. Marg. Ref. Notes, Jer. 27:2,3. 28:13,14. 
 
 V. 49 — 57. Though the Chaldeans are often described 
 tinder the similitude of an eagle, yet it is generally agreed, 
 that these verses especially predict the desolations brought 
 on the Jews by the Romans, the last and most terrible ene- 
 mies of that nation ; who came from a country far more dis- 
 tant than Chaldea ; whose standard was an eagle; who spake 
 a language to which the Jew's w'ere then entire strangers, 
 being wholly unlike the Hebrew, of which the Chaldee was 
 merely a dialect ; whose victories were rapid ; whose appear- 
 ance was terrible ;■ whose yoke was an iron yoke, and the 
 ( 363 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451 
 
 59 Then the Lord will make “thy plagues 
 wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great 
 plagues and of long continuance, and sore sick- 
 nesses, and of long continuance. 
 
 60 Moreover, he will bring upon thee b all the 
 diseases of Egypt, which thou wast afraid of, and 
 they shall cleave unto thee : 
 
 61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which 
 is not written in the book °f this law, them will 
 the Lord ‘bring upon thee, until thou be de- 
 stroyed. 
 
 62 And ye shall be left c few in number, whereas 
 e were d as the stars of heaven for multitude: 
 ecause thou wouldest not obey the voice of the 
 
 Lord thy God. 
 
 63 And it shall come to pass, that as the Lord 
 “rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply 
 you; so the Lord will frejoice over you to destroy 
 you, and to bring you to nought : and ye shall be 
 
 a 46. 29:20 — 28 . 31:17,18. 33:22,86. 1 Kings 9:7— 9. 16:3,4. Lam. 1:9,12. 4:12. 
 Dan. 9:12. Hos. 3:1. Mark 13:19. b Set; on 7:15. Ex. 15:26. * Heb. cause to 
 
 ascend, c 4:27. Lev. 26:22. 2 Kings 13:7. 24:14. Neb. 7:4. Is. 1:9. 24:6. Jer. 
 42:2. 52:28—30. Mark 13:20. Rom. 9:27—29. d See on 10:22. Neh. 9:23. Rom. 
 9:27. e 30:9. Is. 62:5. Jer. 32:41. Mic.7:18. Zeph. 3:17. Luke 15:6— 10,23,24, 
 32. f Prov. 1:26. Is. 1:24. Ea. 5:13. 33:11. g 7:22. marg. Jer. 12:14,15. 18:7. 
 
 havoc which they made of the nation was most tremendous. 
 By their armies Jerusalem was at length besieged, sacked, 
 and utterly desolated : and during this siege, the famine was 
 so extreme, that even rich and delicate persons, both men 
 and women, ate their own children, and concealed the horrible 
 repast lest others should tear it from them. ‘ Women snatched 
 the food out of the very mouths of their husbands, and sons of 
 their fathers, and (what is most miserable) mothers of their 
 infants.’ Josephus. IVars of the Jews. Book v. Ch. x. Sect. 
 3. — ‘ In every house, if there appeared any semblance of food, 
 a battle ensued, and the dearest friends and relations fought 
 with one another; snatching away the miserable provisions 
 of life.’ Book vi. Ch. m. Sect. 3. — ‘A woman distinguished 
 by birth and wealth, after she had been plundered by the 
 tyrants,’ (or soldiers,) ‘of all her other possessions, . . . boiling 
 her own sucking child, ate half of him, and concealing the 
 other half, reserved it for another time.’ Book vi. Ch. iii. 
 Sect . 4. — Perhaps the histories of all other nations on earth 
 together, do not contain so many well-authenticated instances 
 of this most horrid effect of desperate hunger, as are found in 
 that of the Jews, according to this most extraordinary ancient 
 prediction of their celebrated lawgiver. (Marg. Ref. on 53 — 
 57. Notes , I^ev. 26:29. 2 Kings 6:28,29. Ijam. 4:10.) — After 
 Jerusalem had beer: utterly desolated by the Romans, they 
 were continually so provoked bv the insurrections and daring 
 crimes of the Jews, that they persecuted them even almost 
 to extirpation: so that when the numbers destroyed in the 
 siege, (not less than 1,100,000,) and the tens of thousands 
 which were afterwards slaughtered year after year in every 
 country, are considered, it appears wonderful that there were 
 any remains of them left. 
 
 Young one. (57) Marg. 
 
 V. 58. (Marg. Ref.) — Written.'] Moses here as a 
 preacher, appeals to the law, as at this time written in a book. 
 
 V. 59. The plagues of the Jews have been indeed made 
 wonderful : and the Babylonish captivity, the punishment of 
 their complicated idolatries, was so inconsiderable, either for 
 the misery or continuance of it, compared with their sufferings 
 since they rejected and crucified their Messiah ; that the su- 
 perior malignity of that crime, above all which went before it, 
 is legibly written in the punishment. (Marg. Ref. Note> 
 Gen. 49:10.) 
 
 V. 61. After this tremendous catalogue of curses, lest 
 there should be any possible temporal misery, which had not 
 seen mentioned, the whole is comprised in one general denun- 
 •ation ; that every species and every degree of misery should 
 ?ome upon them, if they still continued disobedient. 
 
 V. 63. The miseries of his creatures are not in themselves 
 loasing to the Lord : but he is pleased with that display of 
 is justice, truth, wisdom, and power, which become him as 
 the Judge of all the earth. (Note, Jer. 32:39 — 41.) — ‘Adrian, 
 .. . after a strange desolation before mentioned, prohibited by 
 a public decree, ratified with the Senate’s consent, any Jew 
 to come within sight of Judea.’ Bp. Patrick. Thus the 
 T ews were totally expelled from the land of promise and 
 very attempt to settle them again in it has hitherto been in- 
 effectual : so that to this day fewer of them are found in that 
 country, than almost in any other. 
 
 V. 64. A Jewish writer, quoted by Bp. Patrick, has these 
 words: ‘In the Roman captivity, the Jews were dispersed 
 end dissipated through all the regions of the east and of the 
 west. For every nation of which the Roman army consisted, 
 when they returned to their own countries, carried some of 
 them along with them, into Greece, Germany, Italy, Spain, 
 France, and all other countries, which either Christians or 
 Mohammedans now possess.’ Indeed it is certain they have 
 been ever since scattered abroad throughout the earth: so 
 that, as to their national existence , the judgments of God have 
 pursued them even to their destruction.— ‘It s too common 
 ; 364 ; 
 
 ^plucked from off the land whilher thou goest to 
 possess it. 
 
 64 And the Lord shall h scatter thee among all 
 people, from the one end of the earth even unto the 
 other; and ‘there thou shalt serve other gods, 
 which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, 
 even wood and stone. 
 
 65 And among these nations Jshalt thou find no 
 ease, neither shall the sole of thy foot have rest; 
 but k the Lord shall give thee there a trembling 
 heart, and 'failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind. 
 
 66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee : 
 ra and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt. have 
 none assurance of thy life. 
 
 67 In “the morning thou shalt say, Would God 
 it were even ! and at even thou shalt say, Would 
 God it were morning ! for the fear of thine heart 
 wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of 
 thine eyes which thou shalt see. 
 
 24:6. 31:29,40. 42:10. Dan. 7:8. h See on 4:27,28. Lev. 26:33. Nil:. 1:8. Jer. 
 16:13. Luke 21:24. i See on 36. Jer. 16:13. ) Gen. 8:9. Is. 57:21. 412.5:12—17. 
 20:32—35. Arnos 9:4,9,10. kLev. 26:38. Is. 51:17. £2.12:18,19. lies. 11: 10,11. 
 Hab. 3:16. Luke 21:26. 1 Lev. 26:16. Is. 65:14. Lam. 3:65. Mall. 24:8. Ro.n. 
 
 11:10. m 67. Lam. 1:13. Heb. 10:27. Rev. 6:15— 17. n See on 34. Job 7:3,4. 
 Rev. 9:6. 
 
 for % the Jews, in popish countries to comply with the idolatrous 
 worship, . . . and to bow down to stocks and stones, rather 
 than their effects should be confiscated.’ Bp. Newton. — ‘The 
 Spanish and Portugal inquisitions reduce them to the dilemma 
 of being either hypocrites, or burnt. — The number of these 
 dissemblers is very considerable. . . . They are so much the 
 more dangerous, for not only being very numerous, but con- 
 founded with the ecclesiastics, and entering into all the eccle- 
 siastical dignities. . . . The most surprising thing is, that this 
 religion spreads from generation to generation, and still sub- 
 sists in the persons of dissemblers in a remote posterity. In 
 vain the great lords of Spain make alliances, change their 
 names, and take ancient scutcheons ; they are still known to 
 be of Jewish race, and Jews themselves. The convents of 
 monks and nuns are full of them. .. . Orobio, who relates tho 
 fact, knew these dissemblers: he was one of them, and bent 
 the knee before the sacrament. — Moreover he brings proofs 
 of his assertion, in maintaining, that there are in the syna- 
 gogue of Amsterdam, brothers and sisters, and near relations, 
 to good families in Spain and Portugal ; and even Franciscan 
 monks, and Dominicans, and Jesuits who come to do penance, 
 and make amends for the crime they have committed in dis- 
 sembling.’ Basnage's History of the Jews. — As the latter 
 part of this prophecy evidently relates to the present state of 
 the Jews ; (and this even their own writers allow ;) the predic- 
 tion, that in their dispersed state “ they should serve other 
 gods, which neither they nor their fathers had known, even 
 wood and stone,” seems so evidently to mark out this hypo- 
 critical compliance with the new idolatry of the antichristians, 
 in the worship of the images of saints and angels, as even 
 to add to the credibility of the extraordinary facts here stated 
 by their historian. 
 
 V. 65 — 67. The dispersed Jews would find no alleviation 
 or respite from misery. Accordingly they have hitherto found 
 no country, in which they are treated as denizens ; all sus- 
 pect them as enemies, and behave to them as aliens ; if they 
 do not harass, oppress, and persecute them. It may he use- 
 ful to state a fact or two, out of very many, in illustration of 
 these verses. — A dreadful massacre was made of the Jews at 
 Lisbon, in the year 1506, for three days together; ‘where 
 men were not suffered to die of their deadly wounds, hut were 
 dragged by their mangled limbs into the market-place, where 
 the bodies of the living and the slain, with others half alive and 
 half dead, were burnt together in heaps. The spectacle was 
 so horrible, that it quite astonished the rest of tins wretched 
 people, two thousand of which perished in this barbarous 
 manner. Parents durst not mourn for their children, nor 
 children sigh for their parents; ... so that their hearts nc 
 doubt were ready to break with grief.’ ... ‘A decree was 
 made,’ ... (in Spain 1493,) ‘ that all the Jews should either 
 change their religion, or quit the country in three months. . .. 
 Three hundred thousand, old and young, men and women, 
 went away on foot in one day, not knowing whither to go. 
 Some went into Portugal, others into Navarre, where they 
 conflicted with many calamities : for some became a prey, or 
 perished by famine and pestilence. And therefore others 
 committed themselves to the sea: . . . hut there they met with 
 new disasters: for many were sold for slaves when they came 
 on any coast, many were drowned, many burnt in the ships 
 that were set on fire. — After this a plague . . . swept away the 
 rest of the miserable wretches, who were hated by all man- 
 kind: so that all that vast number perished, . . . except a very 
 few.’ Bp. Patrick. — Nothing seems more suited to confirm a 
 sensible but hesitating inquirer concerning the truth of reve- 
 lation, than a careful comparison of this chapter, and of t ho 
 prophecies of the New Testament respecting the Jews, with 
 their actual history to the present day : this appears to he 
 capable of effecting every thing, which any external evidence 
 imaginable can effect; and tho demonstration *h/nce iodueod 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 68 And the Lord shall “bring thee into Egypt 
 again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto 
 thee. Thou shalt see it no more again ; and p there 
 ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen 
 and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you. 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Motes reminds Israel of the Lord's wonderful works, in order to their again 
 ratifying the covenant, 1 — 9. He addresses all who were required to do this, 
 10—17. He tremendously denounces the doom of presumptuous trans- 
 gressors, 18 — 28. He distinguishes between things secret , and things 
 resealed , 29. 
 
 T HESE are a the words of the covenant, which 
 the Lord commanded Moses to make with 
 
 • 17:16. Jer. 43:7. 41:12. Hos.8:l3. 9:3. p Ex. 20:2. Neh.5:8. Esth. 7:4. 
 Joel 3:3—7. Luke 21:24. n 12:21,25. Lev. 26:44, 45. 2 Kings 23:3. Jer. 11:2,6. 
 34:18. Acts 3:25. b 4 10— 13,23. 5:2,3. Ex. 19:3— 5. 24:2—8. Jer. 31:32. Heb. 
 8:9. c See on Ex. 19:4. Josh. 24:5,6. Ps. 78:43— 51. 105:27—36. d See on 4: 
 
 and which may be continually re-examined at leisure, and 
 with deliberation, seems more convincing than miracles: for 
 these are transient acts, and can only be reviewed in the testi- 
 mony with which they are authenticated. ‘What stronger 
 proofs can we desire of the divine legation of Moses ? — How 
 these instances may affeet others I know not, but for myself 
 I must acknowledge, they not only convince, but amaze and 
 astonish me beyond expression.’ Bp. Newton. 
 
 V. 68. Many of the Jews rebelliously went into Egypt 
 after the Babylonish captivity, and there miserably perished. 
 (Notes, Jer. 41: — 44:) Multitudes went thither, and settled 
 under the successors of Alexander. But this verse seems 
 especially to point out an event, which took place subsequent 
 to the destruction of Jerusalem by Titus, and the desolation 
 made by Adrian. Numbers of the captives were sent by sea 
 into Egypt, (as well as into other countries,) and sold for 
 slaves at a vile price, and for the meanest offices ; and many 
 thousands were left to perish from want : for the multitude was 
 so great, that purchasers could not be found for them all at any 
 price. God had brought the nation out of Egypt triumphantly, 
 and had forbidden them to return; and had not their sin in- 
 curred the severest vengeance, he would never have permitted 
 them to he forced thither : but, by their iniquities, they pro- 
 voked him to reduce them to as abject a condition, as that 
 from which he had redeemed them ; nay, more abject and 
 wretched. — Mr. Henry closes his comment upon this most 
 awful chapter, with mentioning a wicked man, who was so 
 enraged at the threatenings contained in it. that he tore the 
 leaf out of his Bible. * But,’ says this pious author, ‘to what 
 purpose is it to deface a copy, whilst the original stands 
 upon record, in the divine counsels, by which it is unalterably 
 determined, that “ the wages of sin is death,” whether men 
 will hear, or whether they will forbear ?’ 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In vain doth human language exhaust its powers, in at- 
 tempting to express the whole meaning of these important 
 erms, the blessing, and tiie curse of Almighty 
 3od. All events are absolutely at his disposal, all crea- 
 tures are his servants, and he can make us as happy, or as 
 miserable as he pleases. If he determine to bless us, he can 
 command a confluence of health, riches, and reputation; and 
 will give fruitful fields, flourishing families, and peaceful 
 habitations, in case these be good for us. He can advance 
 men above their neighbours, and cause them to triumph over 
 their enemies : he can communicate every temporal good, 
 along with the ordinances of his courts, and the graces of his 
 Spirit. He can even connect great honour with deep humility ; 
 and give success in every undertaking, comfort in every con- 
 nexion, and amindance of all things, with a thankful, liberal, 
 and spiritual mind : yet all this is very little compared with 
 that future, everlasting, and complete felicity, in the contem- 
 plation of which our thoughts and our language are absolutely 
 swallowed up. — On the other hand, if the Lord purpose t* in- 
 flict vengeance, what miseries can his curse inflict even in 
 this present world 1 An assemblage of direful diseases, rack- 
 ing pains, pinching poverty, and dreary famine, with armies 
 of victorious enemies, exercising every cruelty enhanced by 
 galling insult, are ready to obey his mandate. At his word 
 too, remorse seizes the conscience, and anguish and despair 
 possess the heart ; yea, maddening rage, envy, and impotent 
 revenge, join with disappointed ambition, avarice, and lust, to 
 render the whole soul one wild tumult of conflicting passions, 
 to obliterate every tender feeling, and to infatuate the devoted 
 wretch, by depriving him of all power to extricate himself, and 
 plunging him still deeper into utter ruin. His own wretchedness 
 will be also aggravated by witnessing the distress of friends, 
 relatives, and children, rendered miserable through his crimes : 
 and ail this, and far more than words can describe, may with 
 accumulating weight press upon him, for wearisome weeks, 
 and months, and years, without prospect of relief but from 
 death, the thought of which appals the soul with still deeper 
 horrors. But this is only “ the beginning of sorrows” to those, 
 who are under the curse of God : what will then be their un- 
 abating and everlasting misery in that world, where “ their 
 worm never dieth, and the fire is not quenched ?” Yet to such 
 wretchedness is every one exposed, who lives in disobedience 
 to God’s commandments ; and his wrath is revealed from hea- 
 ven expressly for our warning, “ that we may fear this glorious 
 and fearful name, the Lord our God.” None will suffer 
 
 the children of Israel in the land of Moab, b heside 
 the covenant which he made with them in Hoieb 
 
 2 And Moses called unto all Israel, and saio 
 unto them, c Ye have seen all that the Lord did 
 before your eyes in the land of Egypt, unto Pha- 
 raoh, and unto all his servants, and unto all his 
 land: 
 
 3 The great d temptations which thine eyes 
 have seen, the signs, and those great miracles : 
 
 4 Yet the Lord hath not “given you an hear, 
 to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, 
 unto this day. 
 
 32—35. 7:13,19. Neh. 9:9— It. e See on 2:30. Prov. 20:12. Is. 6:9,10. 63:11. 
 Ez. 36:26. Mall. 13:11— 15. John 8:43. 12:38— 40. Acls 25:26,27. Rom. 11:1-. 
 10. 2 Cor. 3:15. Eph. 4:18. 2 ’Hies. 2:10— 12. 2 Tim. 2:25. Jam. 1:13—17. 
 
 any misery above his deserts : but indeed we are all exposed 
 to this awful curse for breaking the law of God. Yet, blessed 
 be his name, we are under so gracidus a dispensation, that 
 nothing but obstinate impenitence can expose us to the more 
 tremendous part of it. u Christ hath redeemed us from the 
 curse of the law, being made a curse for us, v and having 
 borne, in his own person, the substance of all that agony and 
 anguish, which our sins had merited, and which we must other- 
 wise have endured for ever. To those who believe in him, 
 “ there is no condemnation:” all temporal calamities are Con* 
 verted into salutary chastisements ; whatever be their propor- 
 tion of temporal blessings, every thing is given or withheld, as 
 most conduces to their final and eternal felicity; and even in 
 this present world, their comfort and happiness is far superior 
 to that of the most prosperous sinner. To this Refuge and 
 Salvation let sinners flee ; in these privileges let believers re- 
 joice, and serve their reconciled God with gladness of heart, 
 for the “ abundance” of all spiritual blessings with which he 
 has blessed them; while gratitude to the Saviour, meditation 
 on his sufferings, and a consciousness of their own deserts, re- 
 concile them to every cross and self-denial. But let none call 
 these blessings their own, who do not endeavour* to observe 
 and do all the commandments of God, with uprightness of 
 heart : for even the believer can enjoy the present comfort of 
 them, no further than he “exercises himself to have a con- 
 science void of offence towards God and man.” — As u all 
 things work together for good to them who love God so all 
 things concur in ruining his enemies, and in enslaving to the 
 vilest of masters those that refuse to obey him, whose ‘ser- 
 vice is perfect freedom.’ Even prosperity increases their 
 pride and insolence, their table becomes a snare, the curse of 
 God imbitters their blessings ; and it will pursue them, until 
 it overtake and sink them into final destruction. — As these 
 predictions concerning the Israelites, compared with their 
 accomplishment, demonstrate the divine inspiration of the 
 Scriptures ; how should the example of that people warn all 
 who see and hear these things, not to provoke the Lord to 
 anger by disobeying his commands, and despising his gospel ! 
 — But let all who love the truth and word of God, remember 
 to pity and pray for the conversion of the benighted Jews : 
 and likewise to beseech the Lord in behalf of our much favour- 
 ed, but much offending land ; that reformation, and the revival 
 of true religion, may preserve us from being bereaved of our 
 distinguished mercies, and feeling those miseries, from which 
 we have hitherto been graciously exempted. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIX. V. 1. The covenant ratified 
 with this new generation, (like the law given them,) was 
 substantially the same, as that before ratified with their 
 fathers at mount Sinai. — In this chapter the covenant is pro- 
 posed, and the consequences of violating it are declared: but 
 a more explicit ratification of it was afterwards made, from 
 mount Gerizim and mount Ebal. (Notes, 27: Josh. 8:30 — 35.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. Numbers of the persons addressed had, in their 
 youth been eye-witnesses of the miracles referred to, and 
 could attest the reality of them to their children and juniors. 
 ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 4. Fallen man never makes a proper use of his senses 
 and faculties, and of religious instruction and outward advan- 
 tages, without the special preventing grace of God. An 
 entire indisposedness to that which is spiritually good, and a 
 strong propensity to evil, the effects of our fall in Adam, are 
 the sources of all actual wickedness, and render us the objects 
 of the Lord’s holy abhorrence, and righteous displeasure. No 
 doubt Omnipotence could overcome these hinderances in every 
 man : but the exercise of the power of God is directed by 
 infinite wisdom, and regulated as most conductive to his glory. 
 No sinner can deserve so valuable a benefit from his offended 
 Creator ; but every man might righteously have been left to 
 the effects of his corrupt propensities, which are never in the 
 holy Scriptures admitted as an excuse for sinful actions. In- 
 deed men in general perceive no occasion for renewing grace : 
 they have no desire after it, and will use no means to obtain it. 
 But on the contrary, by their voluntary wickedness, they do 
 violence to natural conscience and the common sense of man- 
 kind, and thus c rt en provoke God judicially to leave them to 
 themselves. (Note, 2 Thes. 2:8 — 12.) He has, however, 
 appointed certain methods to be employed, to convince 
 sinners that the change is absolutely necessary : and they 
 are commanded and encouraged to seek it. Thus the path of 
 ( 365 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451, 
 
 5 And I have ted you forty years in the wilder- 
 ness : fyour clothes are not waxen old upon you, 
 
 , sand thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy loot. 
 
 6 Ye have not '‘eaten bread, ‘neither have ye 
 drunk wine or strong drink; that ye might know 
 that I ain the Lord your God. 
 
 7 And when ye came unto this place, )Sihon 
 the king of Heshhon, and Og the king of Bashan, 
 came out against us unto battle, and we smote them. 
 
 8 And we took their land, and gave it for an 
 inheritance unto the Ileubenites, and to the 
 Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh. 
 
 9 k Keep therefore the words of this covenant, 
 and do them, that ye may prosper in all that ye do. 
 
 10 *51 Ye 'stand this day all of you before the' 
 Lord your God; your captains of your tribes, 
 your elders, and your officers, with all the men of 
 Israel. 
 
 11 Your little ones, your wives, and thy 
 m stranger that is in thy camp, from “the hewer 
 of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water : 
 
 12 That °thou shouldest "enter into covenant 
 with the Lord thy God, and Pinto his oath, which 
 the Lord thy God maketh with thee this day : 
 
 f See on 8:4. Neh. 9:21. Matt. 6:31,32. g Josh. 9:5,13. Matt. 10 — 10. h See 
 on 8:3. Ex. 16:12,35. Neh. 9:15. Ps. 78:24,25. i Num. 16:14. 20:8. 1 Cor. 10:4. 
 Eph. 5:18. 12:24—37 . 3:1—17. Num. 21:21— 35. 32:33-42. Ps. 135:10— 12. 
 136:17—22. k Sec on 1 . 4 ;6. Josh. 1 :7. 1 Kings 2:3. Ps. 26:10. 103:17,18. Is. 
 56:1,2,4—7. Jer. 50:5. Luke 11:23. Heb. 13:20,21. 14:10.31:12,13. 2 Chr. 
 
 23:16.34:29—32. Neh. 8:2. 9:1,2,38. 10:28. Joel 2:16,17. Rev. 6:15. 20:12. 
 m 5:14. Ex. 12:38,48,49. Num. 11:4. n Josh. 9:21— 27. Gal. 3:28. Col. 3: 11 . 
 
 13 That he may ^establish thee to-day for a 
 people unto himself, and that r he may he unto 
 thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he 
 hath sworn unto thy lathers, to Abraham, to 
 Isaac, and to Jacob. 
 
 14 Neither with you only “do I make this 
 covenant and this oath : 
 
 15 But with him that standeth here with us 
 this day before the Lord our God, and 'also with 
 him that is not here with us this day ; 
 
 16 (For ye know how we have dwelt in the 
 land of Egypt, and how we came “through the 
 nations which ye passed by ; 
 
 17 And ye have seen their abominations, and 
 their tidols, wood and stone, silver and gold, 
 which were among them :) 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 18 Lest there “should be among you man, or 
 woman, or family, or tribe, whose heart tu^neth 
 away this day from the Lord our God, to go and 
 serve the gods of these nations, ?lest there should 
 be among you a root that beareth tgall and 
 wormwood : 
 
 19 And it come to pass, when he heareth the 
 
 o 5:2,3. Ex. 19:5,6. Josh. 24:25. 2Kings 11:17. 2 Chr. 15:12— 15. -Heb .pan. 
 p 14. 2 Chr. 15:12— 15. Neh. 10:28,29. q See on 7:6. 26:18,19. 28:9. r See on 
 Gen. 17:7. Ex. 6:7. Jer. 31:36. 32:38. Heb. 11:16. s Jer. 31:31— 34. Heb. 8: 
 7—12. I See on 5:3. Jer. 32:39. 50:5. Acts 2:39. 1 Cor. 7.14. n 2:4,9,19,24. 
 3:1,2. t Heb. dungy gods, x 11:16,17. 13:1— 15. 17:2 — 7. Heb.3:12. y Jer. 
 9.15. Hos. 10:4. Amos6:12. Acts8:23. Heb. 12:15. J Or, a poisonful herb. 
 Heb. rosh. 
 
 duty and safety is made plain ; and they who attend to these 
 instructions, 44 receive the blessing from the God of salvation,” 
 the Giver of 44 every good and perfect gift;” (Notes, Jam. 
 1:13 — 18.) who at last will convince all his enemies that they 
 alone were to blame for their sins. — The faithful minister will 
 be thankful when any receive 44 hearts to perceive and eyes 
 to see:” (Note, Matt. 13:16,17.) but while so many remain 
 blinded to their own character, interest, and duty, he must 
 wait, with earnest expectation and prayer, for a more exten- 
 sive blessing, and will seem to think nothing done, as long as 
 so much remains undone. This appears to have been 
 precisely the feeling of Moses at this time. There were 
 doubtless many exceptions ; yet the bulk of the people still 
 remained insensible to the real design and tendency of all that 
 the Lord had spoken and done among them ; and multitudes 
 had provoked him to give them up to their own hearts’ lusts. 
 This grieved the pious and affectionate spirit of Moses, who 
 used this language, not only to reprove their hardness of heart, 
 but also to warn, instruct, and excite them : for if 44 God had 
 not given them a heart to perceive, and eyes to see,” it was 
 undeniable that they had wilfully hardened their hearts, and 
 stupified their consciences against every thing which they had 
 seen and heard. — 4 Maimonides rightly and judiciously ex- 
 plains these words, when he saith, 44 They had not disposed 
 themselves to receive this grade from God.”’ Bp. Patrick. 
 It may, however, be worth the reader’s while to compare this 
 statement with the words of the apostle: “Work out your 
 own salvation with fear and trembling ; for it is God that 
 workeih in you both to will and to do, of his good pleasure.” 
 And also with the language of our Liturgy, and Articles ; 
 4 Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep 
 this law.’ — 4 ^e have no power to do good works, pleasant 
 and acceptable to God, without the grace of God by Christ 
 preventing us that we may have a good will, and working in 
 us when we have that good will.’ Article x. 
 
 V. 5, 6. (Notes, 8:2,3.) By the special blessing of God on 
 the manna, which the people despised as light bread, that 
 immense multitude had been preserved as healthy and fit for 
 their various exercises, as any other people on the productions 
 of the corn-field and vineyard. — Moses here reports the very 
 words of God, as if he had himself'addressed the people. 
 
 Clothes, &c. (5) Note, 8:4. — As by far the greatest part of 
 the clothing of all ranks and ages in Israel, were made of 
 linen, for which they had no resources in their own posses- 
 sions, and exceedingly little opportunity of obtaining supplies 
 from others; the reality and greatness of the miraculous 
 interposition in this behalf, were the more extraordinary. 
 
 V. 7—9. 2:32—37. 3:1—11. Notes, Num. 21:21—34. 32: 
 
 V. 10 — 12. The national covenant, made with Israel, was 
 in some tilings a shadow of the covenant of grace ; as it also 
 represented the outward dispensation of the gospel. (Note, 
 Ex. 19:5.) This covenant is confirmed with true believers 
 “for the good of them and of their children after them:” and 
 in their families, the profession of Christianity is principally 
 continued. (Notes, Jer. 32:39 — \\. Acts 2:21 — 40. Rom. 11: 
 16 — 21.) Thus they enjoy permanent religious advantages, 
 which are seldom withdrawn, unless they renounce the reli- 
 gion of their forefathers, or evince a total disregard of it. As 
 Others likewise embrace the gospel, their families also become 
 a part o’* the visible church, which thus spreads from nation 
 to nation, and descends from one generation to another. The 
 infant-offspring, therefore, of such persons as are favoured 
 with the gospel, aro greatly interested in the conduct of their 
 ( 366 ) 
 
 parents : and they who value the blessings of the new cove- 
 nant as their own portion, and desire them as the portion of 
 their beloved children, and intend to bring them up accord- 
 ingly, seem equally authorized and required to bring them 
 under the external obligations, and to seek for them -the 
 external pledges of it, as these Israelitish parents were. — This 
 transaction might, in many ways, at the time and afterwards, 
 benefit both the parents and their offspring; as it had a direct 
 tendency to stir up the parents to pray for their children, and 
 to instruct them as they grew up : and if when they came to 
 years of understanding, they were reminded how solemnly 
 they, as well as their parents, had entered into covenant with 
 God, it would tend to restrain their passions, awaken their 
 consciences, and excite them personally to seek the covenant 
 blessings, which could only be forfeited by their own wilful 
 sins. (Note, Mark 10:13 — 16.) It therefore pleased God to 
 order the covenant to be ratified, not only by the principal 
 persons in Israel, or by the adults ; but by the women and 
 children, nay, by the strangers and meanest slaves , that is, 
 by the whole company. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. The oath, which the Lord sware unto Abra- 
 ham, Isaac, and Jacob, is here adduced as confirming the 
 covenant made with the nation of Israel; yet St. Paul refers 
 to it as the security of all who “have fled for refuge to lay 
 hold upon the hope set before them” in the gospel : for by it 
 temporal blessings, and the means of grace, were ensured to 
 the posterity of the patriarchs according to the flesh ; and 
 likewise the special blessings, which Abraham was personally 
 interested in by the righteousness of faith, to all his spiritual 
 seed of believers; who are sealed with the true circumcision 
 of the heart. (Notes, Gen. 17:1—12. Rom. 4:9 — 12. Gal. 
 3:6 — 22. Heb. 6:13 — 20.) — Even such as were absent, and the 
 unborn children of the whole company, to the latest posterity, 
 were included in the covenant : since .nothing but apostacy, 
 idolatry, or rejection of the promised Saviour, could cut off the 
 entail of the national advantages ; and nothing but personal 
 unbelief and disobedience could prevent individuals from 
 sharing in the spiritual blessings. 
 
 V. 16,17. (Marg.Rcf.) 4 They had opportunity in Egypt 
 of seeing too much of their vile idolatries. And so thej r had 
 as they passed by the country of Moab and Midian, when 
 some had been seduced to the worship of Baal-peor.’ Bp, 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 18. This, and the following verses referred to the 
 curses of the preceding chapters, and taught the people to 
 dread the infliction of them upon individuals, and families, as 
 well as on the nation at large, if they violated the covenant 
 now proposed to them, especially by idolatry, however secret. 
 This crime, in an Israelite, must be preceded by wilful apos- 
 tacy from God, and contemptuous defiance of him : it was an 
 explicit renunciation of the covenant, and an act of direct 
 rebellion. — There is something similar in the case of those 
 who have been baptized, and brought up under the dispensation 
 of the gospel, if they become infidels or live wicked lives: 
 they more implicitly renounce God and refuse the blessings 
 of his covenant, than any other persons can do. — The word 
 translated gall , may mean hemlock, or some other poisonous 
 plant. The enmity of man’s heart against God is a root 
 which bears the poisonous and bitter fruits of idolatry, impiety, 
 hypocrisy and every kind of wickedness. (Note, Acts 8:18 
 — 24.) A person of corrupt principles and bad character, is 
 likewise a root which produces an increase >f these pesti- 
 ferous plants, by his persuasions, influence ind example • 
 
B. 0.1451. CHAPTER XXIX. B. C 1451. 
 
 words of -this curse, "that he bless himself in his 
 heart, saying, I shall have peace, ‘’though I walk 
 m the 'imagination of mine heart c to add hlrunken- 
 ness to thirst. 
 
 20 The Lord ‘hvill not spare him, but then the 
 anger of the Lord and “his jealousy shall ‘smoke 
 against that man, and g all the curses that are 
 written in this hook shall lie upon him, and the 
 Lord shall h blot out his name from under heaven. 
 
 21 And the Lord shall ‘separate him unto evil 
 out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the 
 curses of the covenant that '<are written in this 
 book of the law : 
 
 22 So that I he generation to come of your 
 children, that shall rise up after you, and the 
 stranger that shall come from a far land, shall say, 
 when they see the plagues of that land, and the 
 sicknesses hvhich the Lord hath laid upon it; 
 
 23 And. that the whole land thereof is ‘‘brim- 
 stone, an; I ‘salt, and burning, that it is not. sown, 
 nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, "’like 
 the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah 
 
 i See on 12. Gen. 2:17. n 17:2. Nnm. 15:30. Ps. 10:4— 6,11. 49:18. 94:0,7. Prov. 
 29:1. Jem 5:12,13. 7:3 — II. 23:15 — 17. 44:10.17,27. Ez.. 13:10,22. Eph. 5:6. 
 bNum. 15:30. Ec. 11:9. Rom. 1:21. 2(.’or. 10:5. Eph. 4:17. * Or, stublxji'nness. 
 Jer. 3:17. 7:24. margins, c Job 15:10. 34:7. Is. 3U: 1 . 56:12. Eph. 4:19. 1 Heb. 
 the dninken t> the thirsty. (IPs. 78:50. Prov. 6:34. Is. 27:11. Jer. 13:14. Ez. 5: 
 II. 7:4,9. 8:18. 9:10. *24:14. Rom. 8:32. 11:21. 2 Pet. 2:4,5. e Ex. 20:5. 34; 14. 
 Ps. 78:58. 79:5. Cant. 8:5. Ez. 8 3,5. 23:25. 36:5. Nah. 1:2. Zeph. 1:18. 1 Cor. 
 10:22. f Ps. 18:8. 74:1. Heb. 12:29. g 27:15— 25 . 28:15— 68. h See on 9:14. 
 £5:19. Ex. 32:32,33. Ps. 69:23. Rev. 3:5. i Josh. 7: Ez. 13:9. Mai. 3:18. Matt. 
 24:51. 25:32,41,45. } Heb. is written. % Heb. wherewith he LORD hath mnxle 
 itsic/c. k Job 18:15. Is. 34:9. Luke 17:29. Rev. 19:20. 1 Judg. 9:45. I s. 107: 
 34. Jer. 17:6. Ez. 47:11. Zeph. 2:9. Luke 14:34,35. m Gen. 14:2. 19:24,25. 
 
 and the attempts of idolatrous Israelites to entice others to 
 the same practices, till they became general, seems to have 
 been especially meant. ( Notes , 2 Tim. 2:11 — 18. 5:17,18. 
 Heb. 12:15—17.) 
 
 V. 19, 20. Unbelief and false principles cherish presump- 
 tuous hopes of impunity ; and in this way men embolden 
 themselves and one another in wickedness, and expect to be 
 happy, notwithstanding the awful threatenings of the sacred 
 Scriptures. (Note, Ec. 6:11 — 13.) Thus “ they walk in the 
 imagination of their heart to add drunkenness to thirst.” This 
 seems to be a metaphorical expression, denoting the eager 
 gratification of depraved inclinations ; while men greedily 
 drink down iniquity, as the drunkard does his liquor, without 
 regard to consequences. (Note, Job 15:14—16.) The ar- 
 rangement of the words in the original has led some to render 
 them, “ to add thirst to drunkenness ;” and then they imply 
 tlie insatiableness of men’s sinful passions, which hanker for 
 more and more indulgence after the greatest excesses. But 
 some think that the expression relates to the zeal, with which 
 sinners try to corrupt others ; as if the land which was over- 
 flowed, should pour out its waters to deluge that which still 
 continued capable of cultivation. Perhaps it may also refer 
 to the sensual excesses, which were employed as incentives 
 to the worship of idols, and which tended greatly to promote 
 idolatry. — More terrible words can scarcely be conceived than 
 those which follow : and as they respected the people of 
 Israel, their accomplishment has been equally remarkable. 
 ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 21 — 25. The tremendous destruction of individual 
 transgressors b here considered, as connected with the ruin 
 of the nation, through the fatal effects of corrupt influence 
 and bad examples. The warning then becomes prophetical, 
 and coincides with the predictions already considered. ( Notes, 
 4:25 — 28. 28:15 — 67.) The entire desolations during the 
 Babylonish captivity, and the waste and sterile condition of 
 that once fruitful land, from the taking of Jerusalem by the 
 Romans to this day, are foretold in emphatical language. But 
 the most striking circumstance is this; the Jews themselves 
 (along with strangers and enemies) are introduced, ascribing 
 all these calamities to the wrath of God against them for 
 their sins, especially their idolatry. (Marg. Ref. n — p. 
 Note, Jer. 40:2,3.) In numberless instances this has been 
 verified in the judgment formed of them by others : and the 
 Jews in general at present concur in the decision. — The 
 barrenness of the land of Canaan at present, contrasted with 
 the description of its fertility contained in the Scriptures, has 
 ied infidels to bring forward many specious arguments, or sub- 
 tle insinuations, against the divine authority, and indeed the 
 veracity of the sacred writers : for present appearances lepd 
 them to conclude that it never could have been so fruitful as 
 it is -epresented in Scripture. But they seem not at all aware, 
 that in the pains which they take to show the present steri- 
 lity of those regions, they authenticate the very Book which 
 they intend to oppose : and illustrate the fulfilment of the pro- 
 phecies delivered by Moses, whose credit as an historian, and 
 as an inspired writer, they aim to undermine. For who can 
 deny, that these ancient records predict the singular barren- 
 ness of the promised land in subsequent ages, as the just 
 punishment of Israel’s apostacy and wickedness ; as well as 
 describe its extraordinary fruitfulness, when God put Israel 
 in possession of it ? \Vho can say, even on rational grounds, 
 
 and Zeboim, which the Lord overthrew in his 
 anger, and in his wrath : 
 
 24 Even all nations shall say, "Wherefore hath 
 the Lord done thus unto this land ? what meaneth 
 the heat of this great anger? 
 
 25 Then men shall say, “Because I’they have 
 forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their 
 fathers, which he made with them when he 
 brought them forth out of the land of Egypt. 
 
 26 For ‘‘they went and served other gods and 
 worshipped them, r gods whom they knew not, and 
 11 whom he had not ‘‘given unto them : 
 
 27 And the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 against this land, to brk>g upon it "all the curses 
 that are written in this book : 
 
 28 And the Lord ‘rooted them out of their land 
 in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, 
 and cast them into another land, “as it is this day. 
 
 29 The ‘secret things belong unto the Lord 
 our God ; but those things which are ^revealed 
 belong unto us, z and to our children for ever, that 
 we may do all the words of this law. 
 
 Jer. 20:16. Hos. 11:8,9. Am. 4:11. n 1 Kings 9:8,9. 2 Ohr. 7:21,22. Jer. 22:& 
 Lam. 2:15 — 17. 4:12. Ez. 14:23. Rom. 2:5. o Is. 47:6. Jer. 40:2,3. 50:7 
 plKings 19:10-14. Is. 24. 1—6. Jer. 22:9. 31:32. Heb. 8:9. q Judg. 0:12,13. 5 
 8. 2 Kings 17:7— 18. 2 Chr. 36:12— 17. Jer. 19:3— 13. 44:2-6. r28:64. J Or, 
 who had not given to them any portion. H Heb. divided, s 20,21. 27: 15, & c . 
 28:15, &c. Lev. 26:14, &c. Pan. 9:11—14. 128:25,36,64. 1 Kings 14:15. 2 Kings 
 17:18,23. 2 Chr. 7:20. Fs. 52:5. I Vov. 2:22. Jer. 42:10. Luke 21 :23, 24. u 6:24. 
 8:18. Ezra 9:7. Dan. 9:7. x Job 11:6,7 . 28:28. Ps. 25:14. Prov. 3:32. Jer. 23. 18. 
 Dan. 2:18,19,27— 30. 4:9. Am. 3:7. Matt. 13:35. John 15:15. 21 :22. Attsl:7. 
 Rom. 11:33,3*1. 16:25,26. I Cor. 2:16. y Ps. 78:2— 7. Is. 8:20. Matt. 11:27—30. 
 13:11. John 20:31. Rom. 16:26. 2 Tim. 1:5. z See on 6:7. 30:2. 
 
 that the Almighty God cannot effect such a change ? or object 
 to the declaration, “A fruitful land makelh he barren, for the 
 wickedness of them who dwell therein?” (Ps. 107:34.) And, 
 whatever second causes have concurred, undoubtedly “ thus 
 it was written,” and thus it is ; “and this God hath wrought, 
 and it is marvellous in our eyes.” (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 26. The Lord not only did not command the idolatry 
 of Israel, but he did every thing which was proper to keep them 
 from so degrading an abomination. — The clause .rendered, 
 “ which he had not given them,” may however mean, that 
 the false gods never conferred any benefits on them. (Marg.) 
 
 V. 28. As it is this day .] Probably the clause was added 
 by Ezra, or by some scrib«, who had witnessed the desolations 
 jif the Babylonish captivity. But the emphasis of it, as 
 acknowledging the accomplishment of this ancient prophecy, 
 supposing the words, “ as it is this day,” to be spoken by a 
 modern Jew, after the long-continued dispersion of th^nation, 
 is inconceivably enhanced. 
 
 V. 29. It is here intimated, that many things, in the divine 
 councils and conduct, might appear very dark to the Israeli: es. 
 They would be ready to propose questions about those future 
 events, which were foretold in general terms ; and to raise 
 objections against the Lord’s dealings with them. The awful 
 curses might appear needlessly severe, and they would inquire 
 into the reasons of them, with irreverent curiosity, and a 
 disposition to justify themselves and the nation. Of this 
 disposition Satan might avail himself, and tempt them to 
 unbelief; to entertain hard thoughts of God, and his law and 
 service ; to excuse their disobedience ; or to indulge vain 
 speculations instead of attending to their duty. They were 
 therefore cautioned against these delusions, by an important 
 distinction of easy and universal application. Man ought 
 not to intrude into those things, which it has pleased God to 
 conceal from him : for who can penetrate into the secrets of 
 his wisdom ; or discover his decrees and counsels, the reasons 
 of his conduct, and the mysteries of his nature, further than 
 he reveals them ? (Notes, Is. 40:12 — 17. 45:9,10. Rom. 
 11:33 — 36.) “Secret things belong to the Lord;” and all 
 inquiries into them are arrogant and presumptuous. But ho 
 has revealed every-. thing that can be really beneficial; and 
 our attention in this respect should -reach to the whole of these 
 discoveries, and terminate with them. “Those things which 
 are revealed belong to us ;” not to increase our stock of barren 
 notions, but to encourage and regulate our obedience, “ ti at 
 we may do all the words of this law.” They belong also to 
 our children, and to them we should communicate the instrttc 
 tion which God has afforded us.— Almost all the heresies and 
 controversies which have corrupted the purity or disturbed 
 the peace of the church in every age, have originated from 
 disregard to this distinction ; from vain attempts, by human 
 reasonings and authority, to fill up supposed chasms in reve- 
 lation, and to make it more apparently consistent and systema- 
 tical, than it has pleased God to make it ; from deducing 
 disputable consequences from revelation ; or from tracing 
 back its sacred mysteries to some unrevealed antecedent 
 causes. But the silence is as instructive as the language of 
 Scripture : its truths must be apprehended by humbte faith , 
 and they disdain to be comprehended or modelled by our 
 proud reason. They are intended to subserve practice : not 
 to gratify curiosity, or foment angry controversies Yet there 
 is danger on the other side; and a dispositi/ir o speak of 
 ( 367 ) 
 
B C. 1451. 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Prophecies and promisee of mercy to Israel in after ages, 1—10. The nearness 
 and plainness of the things enjoined , 11 — 14. Life and death solemnly set 
 before the people , 15—20. 
 
 A ND “it shall come to pass when all these 
 things are come upon thee, b the blessing and 
 the curse which I have set before thee, and “thou 
 shalt call them to mind among all the nations 
 d whither the Lord thy God hath driven thee : 
 
 2 And shalt “return unto the Lord thy God, 
 and shalt obey his voice, according to all that I 
 
 a See on 4:30. Lev. 53:40—46. b 15,19. 11:26—58. 21. 28: 29:18—23. Lev. 26: 
 z 1 Kings 8:41,48. Is. 46:8. Ez. 18:28. Luke 15:11. d Gen. 4:14. Jer. 8:3. e 4: 
 28—31. Neh. 1:9. Is. 55:6,1. Lam. 3:32,40. Hos. 3:5. 6: 1 .2. 14:1— 3. Joel 2: 
 12,13. Zech. 12:10. 2Cor.3:16. 16:5. 13:3. 1 Chr. 29:9,11. Fa. 41:12. 119:80. 
 
 many things, concerning which a great deal is revealed in 
 Scripture, as immaterial , or not to be understood ; and to 
 sink, (so to speak) as far as men are able, a large portion of 
 the “ whole counsel of God ;” as if it had better never have 
 been written; not only tends to obscure divine truth, but to 
 countenance the too prevailing opinion that the language of 
 the sacred oracles is obscure, and conveys no clear and dis- 
 tinct or even safe meaning, w’ithout some note, or comment, 
 or safeguard. — Such writers, if God had consulted them, 
 would have advised the omission of many parts of revealed 
 truth, especially in the epistles of St. Paul. — But all the 
 revealed things belong to us. To know the perfections of 
 God, and our obligations to love and serve him; our relations 
 to him and to the eternal world; our state and character 
 as sinners, and our duty as under a dispensation of mercy ; 
 to know the way of acceptance, and the source of grace 
 and comfort in Jesus Christ : to understand our duty as 
 redeemed sinners, with respect to our several stations and 
 relations in life; our talents and the way of improving them, 
 with the motives and assistances and encouragements which 
 revelation proposes ; and to be aware of the enemies and 
 dangers to which we are exposed, and the means of escape, 
 and the consequences of our conduct : — this is the substance 
 of useful knowledge, and, when reduced to practice, consti- 
 tutes heavenly wisdom. This the Scriptures plainly reveal: 
 by this light we may live and die comfortably, and be happy 
 eternally ; after having on earth glorified God, served our 
 generation, and led our dying exhortations and blessings as a 
 bequest to posterity. But all which man attempts to add to 
 revealed truth, or substitute in its place, is merely an ignis 
 fatuus , which bewilders the benighted traveller ; and, while 
 it amuses him with its glimmering^misleads him into the pit 
 of destruction, and leaves him to sink in it. (Notes, Is. 8:29. 
 Matt. 6:22,23.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. They who have consented to the new covenant 
 of mercy and -grace in Jesus Christ, and have given up 
 themselves to be his people, should embrace every opportu- 
 nity of renewing the open profession of their hopes, obliga- 
 tions, and grateful love ; and of avowing, to the world and to 
 the church, that they desire to “ walk worthy of God, who 
 has called them to his kingdom and glory.” It is delight- 
 ful to behold numbers of the rising generation come forward 
 to consent to the same covenant, and acknowledge their obli- 
 gations and purposes, by divine grace, “ of walking by the 
 same rule, and minding the same things.” In order to this, 
 the nature and blessings of the covenant ought to be proposed 
 to men in general, who should be exhorted and invited with 
 all earnestness to lay hold on it : the encouragements of the 
 gospel should be stated, and the awful consequences of ne- 
 glecting so great salvation declared with the greatest solem- 
 nity, the most urgent expostulations, and the most affection- 
 ate warnings. In these things all are alike concerned ; kings 
 and princes, captains and senators, rich and poor, bond and 
 free: and blessed be God, the strangers of the Gentiles, nay, 
 the most abandoned sinners, are invited, and should be even 
 “compelled to come in,” and to participate the gracious feast, 
 as far as energetic arguments and earnest persuasions can 
 prevail. Even infants, though yet unconscious of i heir wants, 
 duties, and privileges, are concerned; and they should be de- 
 voted to God, and brought up for him, as the children of the 
 covenant and the seed of the church. — But though means 
 should be used by every man with his neighbour; (Notes, 
 Is. 2:2 — 5. Mic. 4:1 — 4. Zech. 3:9,10.) yet God alone can 
 give men “ a heart to perceive, eyes to see, and ears to hear,” 
 for good and saving purposes. We must, therefore, seek the 
 blessing from him ; and give him the praise when it is vouch- 
 safed. — While the true Christian, or the zealous minister, 
 moun s that so few believe and obey the gospel, in compa- 
 rison of the multitudes who are “ blinded by the god of this 
 world ; the consideration should add fervency to his prayers 
 for others, and to his grateful praises on his own account. — 
 Every mere.v, which we enjoy, should bind us more strictly 
 to cheerful obedience ; and every divine truth, if properly 
 •eceived, will have a practical and holy effect upon us : nor 
 can we expect to prosper in the best sense, “ unless we keep 
 and do the words of his covenant.” 
 
 V. 18 — 29. That covenant which is ratified by tho pro- 
 mise and oath of God, to all who believe in the name of the 
 divine Mediator, is established on bettor promises than the 
 covenant made with the nation of Israel ; and socui es to them 
 
 ( 368 ) 
 
 command thee this day, thou and thy children, 
 'with all thine heart, and with all thy soul; 
 
 3 That sthen the Lord thy God will turn 
 thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, 
 and will return and h gather thee from all the 
 nations whither the Lord thy God hath scattered 
 thee. 
 
 4 If any of thine he driven out 'unto the utmost 
 parts of heaven, from thence will the Lord thy 
 God gather thee, and from thence will he fetch 
 thee : 
 
 Jer. 3:10. 4:14. 29:13. Eph.6.24. g Pa. 106:45—41. 126- 1—3. la. 56:8. Jer. 3l< 
 10. Lam. 3:22. Rom. 11:23,26,31. h Ezra 1:1— 4. Ps. 141:2. Jer. 32:31. Kz.34l 
 12,13. 36:24. Zech. 8:1,8. i 28:64. Is. 11:11—16. Ez. 39:25—29. Zeph. 3:19,20. 
 
 all things pertaining to eternal salvation. (Notes, 2 Sam . 
 23:5. Is. 55:1 — 3. Heb. 8:3 — 6.) Yet, alas ! many, who only 
 deceive themselves, suppose that they are interested in these 
 blessings, and thence take encouragement to continue in sin. 
 The lusts of their heart were never mortified by converting 
 grace ; and therefore when occasion offers, they spring up 
 into practices as poisonous and as bitter as hemlock and 
 wormwood. Thus many are defiled, or hardened in preju- 
 dice, unbelief, and ungodliness ; or buoyed up in vain confi- 
 dence : and the dire evil eats as a canker, pervades great 
 multitudes, and corrupts whole churches ; while the tempters 
 themselves “ draw back unto perdition,” or perhaps propa- 
 gate pestilential heresies.— But, however the curses de- 
 nounced in Scripture may be disbelieved and despised, their 
 tremendous effects will assuredly convince the most daring 
 sinners, without distinction of rank or sex, and without regard 
 to multitudes, “that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands 
 of the living God.” And though the heart of man now rages 
 in enmity against them ; the period is approaching, when not 
 only spectators, but the criminals themselves, whilst enduring 
 their direful accomplishment, will be constrained to admit the 
 justice of their own condemnation. — But it is the grand design 
 of Satan to embolden men in sin by the hopes of impunity , 
 and as they are prone to flatter themselves, they love to bo 
 flattered by others ; and find many ready to assure them, that 
 “they shall have peace, though they walk afier the imagina- 
 tion of their hearts,” and gratify their favourite passions. — 
 They persuade themselves, and find others concur with them, 
 that they need not be so strict, and that God will not be so 
 severe, as vulgar readers of the Bible imagine : and so, by 
 some ingenious interpretation, they evaporate the force of 
 these awful declarations, till they fall fast asleep in the jaws 
 of destruction ! And should some faithful minister, out of 
 love to their souls, address them in scriptural language, con- 
 cerning “ the curse of God” and “ the wrath to come ;” he would 
 be liberally repaid with reproaches, and branded as a bigot, 
 an uncharitable wretch, a man of a vulgar and narrow mind, 
 an enthusiast, or a madman. But the Lord will not spare 
 such presumptuous transgressors, who treat his truth as a lie, 
 blaspheme his justice as cruelty, and set his vengeance at 
 defiance : against such persons “ his anger and jealousy will 
 smoke, and all the curses that are written in this book will rest 
 upon them ;” “ their names shall he blotted out from under 
 heaven,” and they shall be “ separated unto evil” afar off 
 from the company of the redeemed ; where full conviction 
 shall be attended with “ weeping, wailing,- and gnashing of 
 teeth,” in anguish .and despair. — But these things are not 
 written, nor are these observations made, God is witness, in 
 order that this misery should be endured by those who are 
 thus addressed : but that all that hear and read, may take 
 “ warning and flee from the wrath to come ;” that they may 
 profit by the divine judgments upon others ; that they may 
 flee for refuge to the hope of the gospel ; that they may fear 
 coming short of the grace of God ; that they may deny their 
 sinful inclinations every indulgence, and watch against the 
 beginnings of evil and the inroads of negligence ; and, above 
 all, that they may shudder at the thought of venturing upon 
 sin, by abusing the grace of the gospel. — Many, who them- 
 selves are ungodly, can readily enough perceive tho steps by 
 which others descend to destruction, and acknowledge the 
 justice of their punishment ; though they are blind to tile 
 sentence of condemnation which hangs over them also. Bui 
 let evory one of us look to his own caso : let us avoid sloth 
 and dissipation, and deeply reflect on thoso infinitely impor- 
 tant subjects ; let us be careful not to repress our convictions, 
 nor indulge in empty speculations, hold conjectures, and 
 impious objections to the truths and ways of God ; and let us 
 not curiously pry into unrovealed things. On tho contrary, 
 may we use revelation “as tho lantern of our paths,” by 
 which to see tho safe and happy road through this dark and 
 dangerous world, that we may walk in it ourselves, and point 
 it out to our children also. — In that world above, whither this 
 light will guide the humble and obedient believer, even things 
 which are now secret will be discovered ; all darkness and 
 difficulties will vanish ; perfect light will sliino upon all tho 
 counsels and judgments of God; and the whole will terminate 
 in universal and everlasting approbation, admiration, grati- 
 tude, praise, and felicity. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXX. V. 1—10. This passago evi- 
 dently refers to tho prophetical denunciations of the two pre- 
 ceding chapters, which, as it has been shown, had their main 
 
0. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 5 And the Lord thy God will bring thee into 
 the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou 
 shalt possess it ; and he will do thee good, and 
 multiply thee above thy fathers. 
 
 6 And the Lord thy God Hvill circumcise thine 
 heart, and the heart of thy seed, k to love the 
 Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all 
 thy soul, that thou mayest live. 
 
 7 And the Lord thy God will 'put all these 
 curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate 
 thee, which persecuted thee. 
 
 8 And ra thou shalt return and obey the voice of 
 the Lord, and do all his commandments, which I 
 command thee this day. 
 
 9 And the Lord thy God will "make thee 
 plenteous in every work of thine hand, in the fruit 
 of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in 
 the fruit of thy land, for good : for the Lord will 
 again “rejoice over thee for good, as he rejoiced 
 over thy fathers : 
 
 10 If thou shalt rhearken unto the voice of the 
 Lord thy God, to keep his commandments and 
 his statutes which are written in this book of the 
 law, and if thou ‘'turn unto the Lord thy God 
 with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. 
 
 It H For this commandment which I command 
 thee this day, r it is not hidden from thee, neither 
 is it far oft': 
 
 12 It is mot in heaven, that thou shouldest say, 
 Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it 
 unto us, that we may hear it, and do it ? 
 
 I 10:16. Jet-. 4:4. 9:25. 32:33. Ez. 11:19,20. 36:26,27. John 3:3 — 7. Rom. 2:28, 
 29. 11:26. 2 Cor. 5:17. Col. 2:11. k 6:5. Ex. 29:6. Malt. 22:37. Rom. 8:28. 
 1 Cor. 8.3. Jam. 1:12. 2:5. 1 John 1:7,16— 19. 5:3,4. I Nnm. 24:14 Pa. 137:7 — 
 9. Is. 10:12. 14:1,2. Jer. 25:12 — 16,29. 50:33,34 . 51:24—26,34—37* Lam. 3:64 
 —66. 4:21,22. Ez.25:3, 6,8, 12.15. Am. 1:3,6,9,11,13. Zech. 12:3. m See m2. 
 Prov. 16:1. Is. 1:25,26. Jer. 31:33. 32:39,40. Ez. 11:19,20 . 36.27 . 37:24. Rom. 
 11:25,27. E[ih.2:16. Phil. 2:13. n See on 23:4,11—14. l.ev. 26.4— 6,9,10. o28; 
 63. Is. 62:5. 65:19. Jer. 32:41. 33:9. Zepll. 3:17. Luke 15:6— 10,32. John 15:11. 
 p See o/i 2,8. q Nch. 1.9. Ez. 18:21. 3311,14,19 Acts 3:19. 26:20. rPs.147: 
 19,20. Is. 45:19. Rom. 15:25,25. Col. 1:25,27. s Prov. 30:4. John 3:13. Rom. 10: 
 6.7. I Acts 10:22,33. 16:9. Rom. 10:14,15. n Prov. 2:1— 5. 3:13—18. 8:11.16: 
 16. Malt. 12:42. John 6:27. Acts 8:27, Sic. x Ez. 2:5. 33:33. Luke 10:11,12. John 
 
 accomplishment in the destruction of Jerusalem by the Ro- 
 mans, and in the subsequent dispersion of the Jews to the 
 present day : little doubt therefore can remain that these pro- 
 phetical promises are yet unnaccomplished ; and that the 
 relics of the nation shall, in some future and not very distant 
 period, be converted to Christ , and probably be gathered 
 together and reinstated in Canaan. (Notes, 4:29 — 31. Lev. 
 26:40 — 45. 1 Kings 8:46 — 53.) The language here used is 
 
 in a great measure absolute ; not containing merely a condi- 
 tional encouragement, but predicting an event which would 
 assuredly take place : for the Lord himself engaged to “ cir- 
 cumcise the hearts” of the people ; and when this has taken 
 place ; and divine love has supplanted the love of sin, they 
 certainly will consider and repent, and return to God and 
 obey him. ( Notes, 10:16. Gen. 17:9 — 12. Rom. 2:25 — 29.)And 
 then he will rejoice over them to do them good, and prosper 
 hem in all things ; and at the same time he will terribly pnn- 
 -sh their enemies, who have cruelly insulted and oppressed 
 them. (Notes, 28:37. Jer. 31:31— 40. 32:39— 41 . Ez. 36:25 
 —38. 37:20—28. 38: 39:23—29. Zech. 12:9—14. Rom. 
 11:16—32.) 
 
 V. 11 — 14. What Moses hn spake of the commandment, 
 St. Paul applied to the metho ' ,f a sinner's justification, by 
 faith in Jesus Christ. (Not Rom. 10:5 — 11.) For the 
 covenant, proposed to Israel in e form of commandments, 
 did not consist of the moral lau done, obedience to which 
 especially constitutes “ the righteousness of works but of 
 the ceremonial law also, in which Christ was typified, “ as 
 the end of the law for righteousness to every one that be- 
 lieveth and though a large proportion of the Israelites 
 mistook the nature of these instructions, (as multitudes of 
 professed Christians utterly misunderstand the sacraments of 
 the New Testament,) yet in the legal ordinances, their dis- 
 pensation of the gospel was principally contained. There 
 never was, since the fall of man, more than one way to heaven ; 
 which is marked out in both Testaments, though not with 
 equal clearness and precision. Moses therefore assuredly 
 meant to include that way of acceptance, which the apostle 
 more explicitly described ; and St. Pauls words implied the 
 same conscientious obedience, of which Moses more fully 
 treated. — Under both Testaments, the word of God brings the 
 good and right way near to us: so that we need not travel 
 for instruction, as ancient philosophers did ; nor seek infor- 
 mation from men, at immense labour and expense ; nor need 
 we anxiously or curiously desire to be wise above what is 
 written. For the sacred Scriptures will suffice for every useful 
 urpose, if we make ourselves acquainted with them ; if we 
 elieve and love them, and treasure them up in our hearts in 
 order to reduce them to practice. (Notes, Col. 2:8 — 10. 2 
 Tim. 3:14 — 17.) The expression “ in thy mouth and in thy 
 Vol. I.— 47 
 
 13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou 
 shouldest say, ‘Who shall “go over the sea lor us. 
 and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it 
 
 14 But the word is “very nigh unto thee, Un thy 
 mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. 
 
 15 H See, 'I have set before thee this day life 
 and good, and death and evil ; 
 
 1G In that I command thee this day “to love the 
 Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep 
 his commandments, and his statutes, and his judg- 
 ments, that thou mayest live and multiply ; and 
 the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land 
 whither thou goest to possess it. 
 
 17 But b if thine “heart turn away, so that thou 
 wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away and wor- 
 ship other gods, and serve them ; 
 
 18 I d denounce unto you this day, that ye shall 
 surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your 
 days upon the land whither thou passest over Jor- 
 dan, to go to possess it. 
 
 1 9 e I call heaven and earth to record this day 
 against you, f that I have set before you life and 
 death, blessing and cursing : therefore ^choose 
 life, h that both thou and thy seed may live ; 
 
 20 That thou mayest 'love the Lord thy God, 
 and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that 
 thou mayest k cleave unto him ; (for he is 'thy Life, 
 and the Lenoth of thy days :) that ™thou mayes 
 dwell in the land which the Lord sware unto thy 
 fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to 
 give them. 
 
 5:46. Acts 13:26,38—41. 28:23—28. Heb. 2:1-3. y Jer. 12:2. Ez. 33:31. Matt. 
 7:21. Rom. 10:8— 10. z 1,19. 11:26. 28:1,4c. 32.47. Mark 16:16. John 3:16. 
 Gal. 3:13,14. 5:6. 1 John 3:23. 5:11,12. aSttoti S. 1 Cor. 7:19. I John 5:2,3 
 b See on 29:18—23. 1 Sam. 12:25. John 3:19— 21. c 17:17. lKingsll:2. Pro* 
 1:32. 14:14. 2 Tim. 4:4. Heb. 3:12. 12:25. d 8:19,20. 31:29. Josh . 23:15,16. 
 Is. 63:17.18. e See on 4:26. 31 ;28 . 32: 1 . Is. 1:2. Jer. 22:29,30. 1 Tim. 5:21. 
 f See on 15. 11:26. g Josh. 24:1.5— 22. Ps. 1 19:30,11 1 ,173. Prov. 1:29. 8:36. 
 Is. 56:4. Luke 10:42. h Jer. 32:39. Acts2:39. i See on 6jl6. 10:12. 11:2*4. 
 k See on 4:4. 10:20. Josh. 23:8. Acts 11:23. Rom. 12:9. IPs. 27:1. 36:9. 66:9. 
 John 11:25,26. 14:6. 17:3. Acts 17:25. Gal. 2:20. Col. 3:3,4. Rev. 21 .6. 22:1,17. 
 m See on 4:40. 5:16. 11:9. 12:10. 
 
 heart,” seems to refer to the time, when “ the Lord shall 
 circumcise the hearts” of the Jews. (6) 
 
 V. 15— 20. Marg. Ref. Notes, 11:29,30. 27:28:) The 
 exhortations of these verses, as addressed to the nation of 
 Israel, are indeed enforced chiefly by temporal sanctions : 
 but the use which the apostle makes of the preceding verses, 
 fully warrants our application of them to the hearts and con- 
 sciences of individuals, by the more powerful motives of 
 eternal recompense. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 “ The holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto 
 salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ;” and “ thoroughly to furnish 
 us for every good work.” And the instruction which they 
 convey, forces itself upon our attention, judgments, con- 
 sciences, and affections, by every argument, warning, and 
 encouragement, which can render it impressive and efliclcious. 
 But in vain does a kind Providence bring these advantages 
 near ; in vain do ministers endeavour to convey divine truths 
 to the conscience, in the most convincing manner ; if men 
 will thrust them away in unbelief and love of sin : nor will 
 hearing, understanding, or disputing about them, avail us, i 
 they do not sink into our hearts and influence our conduct. 
 When eternal salvation is thus proposed unto us, and the 
 acceptance or refusal of it fairly referred to our choice ; 
 nothing can prevent our felicity, but our own folly and wicked- 
 ness : and they who refuse the offered grace, eventually 
 choose and love death and perdition, and are cruel to their 
 own souls. The ministers of Christ ought therefore plainly 
 to declare, that except sinners repent, they will surely perish , 
 as well as to set before them in the most solemn and affecting 
 manner, “ life and death, blessing and cursing that if they 
 cannot prevent their destruction, they may deliver their own 
 souls. And in this case, not only will they at last become 
 witnesses against them : but heaven and earth will bear 
 record, that they deserve their doom, and have none to blame 
 but themselves. — But are we sensible of the reality and 
 importance of the eternal state ? Do we “choose that good 
 part which shall never be taken from us ?” Let us beg of God 
 1o “ circumcise our hearts,” to subdue our lusts, and to 
 implant his love : then shall we be prepared for serious 
 reflection, for godly sorrow, and true, repentance : then shall 
 we value his salvation, and hope in his mercy: then shall we 
 return to him as our Rest and Portion, worship and obey him as 
 the Lord our God, and cleave unto him as our Father and our 
 Friend. Then will every ordinance, and every act of obedience, 
 be pleasant ; love and gratitude will enlarge our hearts ; anrt 
 justice, temperance, truth, and kindness will mark our paths. 
 Eve'ry good gift will be communicated from a reconciled God : 
 every enemy will by degrees be subdued, and at length destroy- 
 ed ; and a blessing will be reserved for our posterity, when we 
 ( 369 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 I kies trcourages the people and Joshua, 1 — 8. He delivers the law to die 
 p.ytsls, and orders it to be publicly read every seventh year , 9 — 13. The 
 i\'o* m ns Moses and Joshua of the futui e aposlacy and calami' ies of 
 Israel and orders a song to be made to testify against them, 14 — 22. 
 Most • rives Joshua a charge, finishes the booh of the law , directs the Leviles 
 concerning it, and convenes the elders to hear the song, 23 — 3(J. 
 
 A ND Moses went and spake these words unto 
 all Israel. 
 
 2 And he said unto them, "I am an hundred and 
 twenty years old this dav; b I can no more go out 
 and come in: also the Lord hath said unto me, 
 e Thou shalt not go over this Jordan. 
 
 3 The Lord ‘'thy God, he will go over before 
 thee, and he will destroy these nations from before 
 thee, and thou shalt possess them : ' and Joshua, 
 he shall go over before thee, as the Lord hath 
 said. 
 
 4 And f the Lord shall do unto them as he did 
 to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites, and 
 unto the land of them whom he destroyed. 
 
 5 And the Lord shall give them up before your 
 face, that ye may do unto them ^according unto all 
 the commandments which I have commanded you. 
 
 6 ''Be strong, and of a good courage, 'fear not, 
 nor be afraid of them ; for the Lord thy God, he 
 it is that doth go with thee ; k he will not fail thee, 
 nor forsake thee. 
 
 7 And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto 
 him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong, and of a 
 good courage : m for thou must go with this people 
 unto the land which the Lord hath sworn unto 
 
 a 34:7. Ex. 7:7. Josh. 14 ; 10,11 . Ps. 90:10. Acts 7:23. b See on 34:7. Nnm. 27: 
 17. 2 Sam. 21:17 I Kings 3:7. c 3:26,27. 4:21 ,22. 32:48— 52. Nnm. 20:12. 27: 
 13,14. Acts 20:25 . 2 I et. 1:13,14. d Sec on 9:3. Gen. 48:21. Ps. 146:3—6. e 7, 
 8,14,23. 3:28.34:9. Num. 27:21. Josh. 1:2. 3:7. 4:14. Acts 7:45. Heb. 4:8. 
 Jesus, f 2 : 33. 3 3—11,21. 7:2,16. Ex. 23:28— 31 . See on Nnm. 21 :24— 35. 
 g 7:23-25. 20:16,17. Ex. 23:32,33. 34. 12- 16. Num. 33:52-56. h 7,23. Josh. 
 1:6.7, 9. 10:25. 1 Chr. 22:13. 28:10,20 . 2 Chr. 32:7. Ps. 27:14. Hag. 2:4. Zech. 
 8:13. 1 Cor. 18:13. Eph. 6:10. 2Tim. 2:1. i 20:1,3. Num. 14,9. Ps.27:l. Is. 
 41:10. 51:12. Luke 12:32. Rev. 21:8. k 4:31. Josh. 1:5. 1 Chr. 28:20. Is. 41:13 
 — 17. Heb. 13:5. I See on 6. Dan. 10:19. m See on e 3. 1:38. 3:28. John 1: 
 
 are gone to glory. And should the only wise God see good 
 to withhold temporal benefits, and command afflictions as our 
 lot, he will support and comfort us, and all will have a salutary 
 and a happy event. In the mean time, tender compassion 
 and expanded benevolence will dictate fervent prayers for our 
 fellow-sinners, near and far off, and excite assiduous en- 
 deavours to communicate the same blessings to them : and 
 the twofold hope of the triumphs of true religion upon earth 
 over all opposition, and of the complete and speedy deliverance 
 of our own souls from sin and all its consequences, will gild 
 our most gloomy prospects, and cheer our darkest hours. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXXI. V. 2. Moses had not expe- 
 rienced any decay of nature : (Note, 34:7.) but his time of 
 life, as well as the express declaration of the Lord, made it 
 evident, that he could no longer perform the duties of his 
 important situation. Yet, after the copious warnings and 
 exhortations of the preceding chapters, he had still other 
 methods to use, in order to impress the minds of the people 
 more forcibly and durably. 
 
 V. 3 — 8. (Marg. Ref.) — He will not fail, &c. (fi) 1 This 
 promise, which here is general, in the next verse but one is 
 particularly made to Joshua. . . . And it is applied by the apos- 
 tle to all faithful Christians, to encourage their hope of being 
 conducted through all difficulties and dangers, unto their hea- 
 venly inheritance.’ Bp. Patrick. (Josh. 1:5. Note, Heb. 13:5, 6.) 
 
 V. 9. Some understand this of the book of Deuteronomy 
 alone: but it is far more reasonable to conclude, that the 
 whole law was delivered to the priests and elders, a copy 
 perhaps to the principal person in each tribe ; besides one to 
 be deposited by the side of the ark. It may be supposed, that 
 afterwards many more copies would be taken ; though they 
 would not he greatly multiplied in that infancy, as it were, of 
 writing. The ordinary Leviles of the family of Kohath gene- 
 rally carried the ark, when the priests had covered it ; but on 
 great occasions, the priests, who were of the family of Kohath, 
 performed this service. (Marg. Ref. s.) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. The people had before been commanded, by 
 every means in their power, to become acquainted themselves, 
 and to make their children acquainted, with the truths and 
 precepts delivered to them: (Notes, 0-7 — 9. 11:18 — 21.) but in 
 these verses, a method is enjoined, of rendering them known 
 to the nation in general, which the rulers must superintend 
 and carry into effect. — Every seventh year, the law was to 
 be publicly read, and the people must be summoned to assem- 
 ble that they might hear it. Doubtless this was not merely 
 confined to one person or place ; but numbers were engaged 
 in different situations, so that, every one might have an oppor- 
 tunity of hearing : and the Jews have a tradition that the 
 king, judge, or high-priest, was the chief reader, in the court 
 of the tabernacle or temple; and they add several particulars 
 concerning the manner in which the service was performed, 
 which only contained their opinion how it ought to have been 
 ( 370 ) 
 
 their fathers to^give them ; and thou shall cause 
 them to inherit it. 
 
 8 And the Lord, n he it is that doth go before 
 thee: “he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, 
 neither forsake thee : fear not, neither be dis- 
 mayed. 
 
 9 H And pMoses wrote this law, and ^delivered 
 it unto r the priests the sons of Levi, 'which bare 
 the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and unto all 
 the elders of Israel. 
 
 10 And Moses commanded them, saying, 'At 
 the end of every seven years, in the solemnity o 
 the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles, 
 
 11 When all Israel is come "to appear before 
 the Lord thy God, ’in the place which he shal 
 choose, ’thou shalt read this law before all Israel 
 in their hearing. 
 
 12 >Gather the people together, 'men, and 
 women, and children, and thy stranger that is 
 within thy gates, “that they may hear, and that 
 they may learn, and fear the Lord your God, and 
 observe to do all the words of this law ; 
 
 13 And that b their children, which have not 
 known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the 
 Lord your God, as long as ye live in the land 
 whither ye go over Jordan to possess it. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 14 11 And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, 
 thy days approach “that thou must die : call 
 Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle 
 of the congregation, that ‘'I may give him a 
 
 17. n 9:3. Ex. 13:21 ,22. 33: 14. oSeeortG. Josh. 1:5,9. Is. 8:9,10. 43:1,2. 
 Rom. 8:31. p22— 24. Num. 33:2. Don. 9:13. Mai. 4:4. Mark 10:4,5. 12:19. 
 Luke 20:28. John 1:17,45. 5:46. q 24— 26. 17:18. rHos.4:6. Mai. 2:7. iNum. 
 4:15. Josh. 3:14 — 17. 6:12. 1 Kings 8:3. I Chr. 15:2,12— 15. t 15:1,2. See on 
 Lev. 23:34— 13. u 16:16,17. Ex. 23:16,17 . 34:24. Ps. 84-7. v See on 12:5. 
 x Josh. 8:34,35 . 2 Kings23:2. Neh. 8:1— 8,13,18. 9:3. I.uke 4:16,17. Acts 13l 
 15.15:21. y See on 4: 10. x 6:6,7. Exra 10:1 . Ps. 19:7— 11. John 5:39. 2 Tim. 
 3:15—17. r 29:29. Ps. 34:11— 14. b See on 6:7. 11:2. Ps. 78:6,7. Prov. 22:6. 
 Eph. 6:4. c See on 2. 34:5. Num. 27:13. Josh. 23:14. 2 Kings 1:4. Ee.9:5. U. 
 38:1. (123. See on Num. 27:19,20. Ads 20:23— 31 . 2 Tim. 4:1— 4. 
 
 done. — The sabbatical year, and the feast of tabernacles, 
 were selected for this ordinance ; (Notes, Lev. 23:34 — 30,39 — 
 43. 25:1 — 7.) when the people, being more exempt than usual 
 from employment and care, might be supposed to assemble 
 at the sanctuary in greater numbers than at other times.: and 
 though the men alone were obliged to attend at the festivals, 
 it might be supposed that many of the women, children, and 
 servants, would come on this occasion. — A few instances of 
 the observation of this command are recorded; (Notes, 2 
 Kings 23:2. Neh. 8:1 — 9,14 — 18. 9:3 13:1 — 3.) but the neglect 
 of it seems to have been one main cause why the nation was 
 so soon carried away into idolatry and iniquity. “The peo- 
 ple perished for lack of knowledge,” through the ignorance or 
 remissness of the rulers and priests. — The plenty and cheap- 
 ness of Bibles, indeed, place the inhabitants of ibis favoured 
 land in a very different situation from that of the Israelites ; 
 so that we can hardly form a due conception of their disad- 
 vantages in this respect. Indeed the case was the same to a 
 considerable degree, not only till the coming of Christ, but 
 even till the art of printing was invented : for copies of the 
 Scriptures never became so plentiful and cheap, as to enable 
 poor people in general to procure llu m, till this invaluable, 
 though much perverted discovery was made: and yet exact 
 investigation, excited by means of the excellent British and 
 Foreign Bible Society, indisputably proves, that hitherto an 
 immense number of families among nominal Christians, have 
 been destitute of the Sacred Scriptures. But a hope is, by 
 the same measures, excited, that ere long no family will re- 
 main unsupplied with the sacred volume ; no individual left 
 incapable of reading it. — And whoever has read, in the history 
 of the reformation in England, the pains and devices which 
 numbers employed, to get even scraps of the English transla- 
 tion of the sacred books, when wdiole copies could neither be 
 procured, nor safely possessed; and with what avidity they 
 flocked to read the Scriptures, and hear them read, when 
 placed in the parish churches; and the extensive usefulness 
 of these means, which many now think of little importance; 
 will be the better able to realize the state of the Israelites, 
 and to judge of the wisdom and goodness of this divine ap- 
 pointment, for the instruction of the people at large, in the 
 knowledge and fear of God. — In aft er ages, the law and pro- 
 phets were read every sabbath-day, at least , in the syna- 
 gogues all over the land ; which had a vast effect in prevent- 
 ing idolatry after the Babylonish captivity. — The public read- 
 ing of the Scriptures is indeed an honour, which should in all 
 places be shown them; it is likewise equivalent to the minis- 
 ter’s producing his commission and instructions, the touch- 
 stone and warrant of his doctrine; and an important means 
 of bringing men in general acquainted with other parts of 
 them, besides those short texts, which it is become customary 
 to select as the subject of our sermons: and there is every 
 reason to believe, that the reading >f the Scriptures in all tho 
 
D. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 charge. Anil Moses and Joshua went, and •pre- 
 sented themselves in the tabernacle of the congre- 
 gation. 
 
 15 And the Lord fappeared in the tabernacle 
 in the pillar of a cloud: and the pillar of the cloud 
 stood over the door of the tabernacle. 
 
 16 And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, 
 *thou shalt 'sleep with thy fathers ;_and this people 
 will rise up, h and go a whoring after the gods of 
 the strangers of the land whither they go to be 
 among them, and will 'forsake me, and ‘‘break my 
 covenant which I have made with them. 
 
 17 Then ‘my anger shall he kindled against 
 them in that day, and m I will forsake them, and I 
 will "hide my face from them, and they shall he 
 devoured, and many evils and troubles shall tbefall 
 them ; so that they will say in that day, "Are not 
 these evils come upon us, because our God is not 
 among us? 
 
 18 And pI will surely hide my face in that day, 
 for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in 
 that they are turned unto other gods. 
 
 10 Now therefore write ye "this son°r for you, 
 •and teach it the children of Israel : ‘put it in their 
 mouths, that this song may be "a witness for me 
 against the children of Israel. 
 
 20 For "when I shall have brought them into 
 the land which I sware unto their fathers, nhat 
 floweth with milk aftd honey ; and they shall 'have 
 eaten.and filled themselves, and "waxen fat ; "then 
 will they turn unto other gods, and serve them, 
 and provoke me, and break my covenant. 
 
 21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils 
 and troubles are befallen them, that "this song 
 shall testify tagainst them as a witness ; for it 
 shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their 
 
 e Ex. 34:‘2. Josh. 24:1. 1 Sam. 10:19. Job 1:6 2:1. Rom. 12:1. Jude 24. f See 
 on Ex. 33:9,10. 40:38. Ps. 99:7. g Gen. 25:8 2 Sam. 7:12. Is. 57:2. Acts 13:36. 
 • Heb. lied<wn. Job 20:11. h Ex. 32:6. 34: J5. Lev. 20:3— 6. Judg. 2:17. Ps. 
 73:27. 106:39. Is. 57.3— 8. Jer. 3:1— 3. Ez. 16.25—36. 23:5— 8, &c. Hob. 2:2— 5. 
 Rev. 17:2— 5. 19:2. i 32:15. Judg. 2:12. 10:6,13. Jer. 2:11— 13. k Lev. 26:15. 
 Judg. 2.20. Jer. 31:32. I See on 29:20 . 32:21,22. Judg. 2:14,15. Ps.2:12. 
 90.11. m l Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 15:2. Jer. 23:33,39. Hos.9:12. n 32:20. Job 
 13:24. Ps. 27:9. 30:7. 89:46. 104:29. Is. 8:17. 64:7. Ez. 39:29. t Heb. find. 
 Neb. 9:32. mar*. Job 34111. o See on 29:24— 27. Num. 14:42. Judg. 6:13. Is. 
 6317. p See on 16,17. r 22,30 . 32: 1 ,&c 44,45. s. See on 4.9,10. 6:7. 11:19. 
 t 4:15. 2Sam. 14:3. Is. 51:16. 59:21. Jer. 1:9. u 21:26. Ez.2.5. Mall. 10:18. 
 John 12:48. x See on 6:10— 12. 7:1. 8:7. v See on Ex. 3:8,17. z 8:10— 14. 
 Neb. 9:25,23. a 32:15. Neh. 9:25,35. Ps. 17: 10. 73:7. 119:70. Jer. 5:28. 50:1 1. 
 
 parish churches in this kingdom, proves the means of salva- 
 tion to many souls, who are in great measure left destitute of 
 other means of instruction. It were however to be wished, 
 that the several clergymen, employed in this service, were 
 mindful to read the appointed portions audibly, distinctly, and 
 deliberately ; as this would give probable ground to expect far 
 more extensively beneficial effects, to result from so laudable 
 an institution. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Joshua, not being a priest, never went within 
 the tabernacle: and the context leads us to conclude, that 
 Moses and he stood before the door of it at this time. — “The 
 pillar of the cloud” generally rested on the top of the taber- 
 nacle ; but, on particular occasions, it removed to the entrance, 
 and the glory of the Lord appeared in it. ( Note , 23.) 
 
 V. If), 17. Marg. Ref. Note , Judg. 6:13. 
 
 V. 18. When God withholds his gracious influences, 
 man’s evil inclinations invariably lead him into sin ; and when 
 he withdraws his protection and blessing, (which is implied 
 by the figurative expression of “hiding his face,”) man neces- 
 sarily sinks into misery. Our dependence on God is in every 
 respect absolute : and it is proper we should know it ; that we 
 may fear to provoke him, and seek to please him: that we 
 may wholly trust him, and give him all the praise of our 
 knowledge, holiness, and felicity ; but that we may abhor the 
 blasphemy of charging our sin or folly to his account, from 
 whose unchangeable perfection good and only good can flow. 
 ( Notes , 29:4. Jam. 1:13 — 18.) 
 
 V. 19. Poetry, when well composed, and upon an inte- 
 resting subject, is exceedingly attractive, as well as easily 
 lived and retained in the memory: and in almost every na- 
 tion in the earlier stages of civilization and literature, men 
 delight in poetical compositions, which are learned, recited, or 
 sung with a sort of enthusiastic eagerness. (Note, Ex. 15:1.) 
 To this propensity of the human mind the Lord was pleased 
 
 adapt his instructions. A sacred song, containing the sub- 
 vance of the preceding addresses, was appointed to be com- 
 posed by Moses, doubtless under divine inspiration: with 
 whom Joshua, as his coadjutor and successor, was joined : 
 and on him it would devolve, to see that the subsequent com- 
 mand was obeyed. For the people were required to learn it, 
 \nd to teach it to their children, from generation to generation. 
 Thus they would have it frequently in their memories and 
 fnouths when the other parts of the law were generally neg- 
 lected: and indeed God himself engaged that it should not be 
 
 seed : for d I know their imagination which they 
 %o about even now, before I have brought them 
 into the land which I sware. 
 
 22 Moses 'therefore wrote this song the same 
 day, and taught it the children of Israel. 
 
 23 And ‘he gave Joshua the son of Nun a 
 charge, and said, Be strong, and of a good courage: 
 for sthou shalt bring the children of Israel into the 
 land which I sware unto them ; and 1 will be with 
 thee. 
 
 24 V And it came to pass, when Moses had 
 made an end of h writing the words of this law ir 
 a book, until they were finished, 
 
 25 That Moses commanded the Levites, which 
 'bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying, 
 
 26 Take this book of the law, and put it k in the 
 side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your 
 God, that it may be there for 'a witness against 
 thee. 
 
 27 For m I know thy rebellion, and thy "stiff- 
 neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this 
 day, °ye have been rebellious against the Lord ; 
 and how much more after my death ? 
 
 28 ^Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, 
 and your officers, that I may speak these words in 
 their ears, and scall heaven and earth to record 
 against them. 
 
 29 For I know that after my death ye will 
 utterly "corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from 
 the way which I have commanded you : "and evil 
 will befall you in 'the latter days, because ye will 
 do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to 
 anger through the work of your hands. 
 
 30 And Moses "spake in the ears of all the 
 congregation of Israel the words of this song, until 
 they were ended. 
 
 Ei. 34:16,20 Hos. 13:6. b See on 16,17. c See on 19. } Heb .before, d Gen. 
 6:5. 8:21. Ps. 139:2. Is. 46:10. Ez. 38:10,11. Hos. 5:3. John 2:24 ,25. Acls 2: 
 23.4:28. § Heb. do. e See on 9,19. f See on 7,8,14. Josh. 1 :5 — 9. g See on 
 3. 3:28. Acts 7:45. h Sec on 9. 17:18. i See on 9. kl Kings 8:9. 2 Kings 22:3 
 —II. 2 Chr. 34:14,15. 1 See on 19. 2 Kings 22:13— 19. Rom. 3:19,20. Gal. 2:19. 
 m 32:20. n See on 9:6. Ex. 32:9. 2 Chr. 30:8. Ps. 78:8. Is. 48:4. Acts 7:51. 
 o See on 9:24. p See on 12. 29:10. Ex. 18:25. Num. 11:16,17. q 4:26. ^ee on 
 30:19. 32:1. Is. 1:2. Luke 19:40. r 32:5. Judg. 2:19. Is. 1:4. Hos. 9:9. Acts 20: 
 30. 2 Tim. 3:1—6. 2 Pet. 1:14,15. 2:1,2. s 28:15,&c. 29:18—28. Lev. 26:14, &c. 
 Luke 19:42— 44. 21:24. t 4:30. Gen. 49:1. Job 19:25. Ez. 38:8. 1 Tim. 4:1. 
 2 Tim. 3:1. Heb. 1:2. 2 Pet. 3:3. uSeeon4:5. John 12:49. Acts 20:27. Heb. 
 3:2,5. 
 
 forgotten. (21) — This song, (which was also a prophecy,) 
 in after ages, wnen the predictions contained in it had received 
 their accomplishment, would vouch the divine inspiration of 
 Moses ; show the cause of the people’s miseries ; bear witness 
 to the justice of God against their wickedness ; and form a 
 powerful call to them to repent and return to him as the only 
 method in which they could obtain deliverance. (Notes, 32.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. Marg. Ref. Notes , 32:15. Prov. 30:7—9.— 
 I know , &c. £21) The Lord knows what is in man, and 
 whither his inclinations will lead him if left to himself ; and 
 nothing can be more undeniable , or more - incomprehensible , 
 than his foresight of the innumerable volitions of rational 
 agents, to the remotest futurity, and his method of overruling 
 them all to accomplish his wise and righteous purposes, with- 
 out in the least interfering with their free agency. Thus 
 neither his forekowledge, nor his deep decrees, cause or ex- 
 cuse man’s wickedness, or diminish the punishment which 
 sinners will justly suffer. (Note, Ez. 38:10. ) 
 
 V. 23. (Note, Num. 27:19. ) ‘The Lord, who had hitherto 
 spoken by Moses, now spake to Joshua himself, and gave 
 him this charge.’ Bp. Patrick. The language must imply 
 this; or else Moses repeated to him the very words of God, 
 and in his name. (14. Notes, Josh. 1:1 — 8.) 
 
 V. 26. In the side of the ark.] In a coffer, or box, 
 without the aTk. (Marg. Ref. k.) — This appears to have 
 been a correct b.nd authentic copy of the five books of 
 Moses, probably written w ith his own hand ; which would be 
 reserved, that, in case of errors or disputes, or defect of 
 other copies, it might be referred to, and would be a witness 
 against the sins of Israel, whenever it was examined. — This 
 is an express declaration, that Moses himself was the writer 
 of the whole law, in that very form in which it was kept by 
 the priests in tfye sanctuary. (Note, 2 Kings 22:8 — 14.) 
 
 V. 29. These repeated declarations were in fact prophe- 
 cies, which have been accomplishing ever since. (Marg. 
 
 Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. It is very profitable for us to consider how life 
 passes ; and how much of our day is spent, in proportion to 
 the progress made in the work allotted us ; that we may be the 
 more earnest in preparing for our final account, and in ten- 
 dering our remaining services to the church and to tne world 
 — Even when old age is healthy and vigorous, sve should re- 
 member that the limits of human life are fixed, by him who 
 
 ( 371 ) 
 
B. C. 1 u l 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C • 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 The song of Mi tea, contrasting the perfections of God , an I his special good- 
 ness to Israel , with. Israel's ingratitude and aposlacy, 1 — 18 : and pedicling 
 terrible judgeients on them for their sins, which would yet end in mercy , 19 
 — 43. Moses exhorts the people to set their hearts on the words which he 
 had spoken, 44 — 47. The Lord orders him to go up to mount Nebo , to view 
 thepromised land , and die, 48 — 52. 
 
 G IVE a ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; 
 and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. 
 
 i 4:23. 30:19. 31:28. Ps. 49:1,2. 50:4. Is. 1:2. Jer.2:12 . 6:19 . 22:29. b 2 Sam. 
 23:4. Jub 29:22/23. Ps. 72:6. Is. 55:10,11. IIos. 6:4. 14:5. 1 Cor. 3:6— 8. Heb. 
 6:7. cEz. 34:26. Mic. 5:7. Zech. 10:1. d Ex. 3: i3— 16. 6:3. 20:24. 34:5— 7. 
 P*. 29:1.2. 89:16— 18. 105:1— 5. 145:1—10. Jer. 10:6,7. 23:6. Matt. 1:23. 6:3. 
 John 17:6,26. e5:24. 1 Clir. 17:19,21. 29:11. Ps. 145:3. 150:2. Jer. 10:6. Eph. 
 
 hath denounced the sentence of death against us. Nor need 
 we, if believers, desire to live in this world : for we must 
 feel pain, experience conflict and temptation, and witness 
 iniquity, while we continue here : and when our journey is 
 ended, and our victory completed, God will raise up other 
 instruments by which to carry on his great designs : and be 
 himself the ever-living Guardian of those, about whom we 
 are most aff^tionately anxious. We have only to do our 
 work, and if able, to be doubly active when the shadows of 
 the evening approach ; and, with all our influence and zeal, 
 endeavour to impress divine truths upon our survivors, con- 
 firming our living profession with our dying testimony. — Satan 
 constantly aims to embolden men in sin, and intimidate them 
 from duiy: we should therefore animate ourselves and each 
 other to obedience, and awe our minds from sin, by meditating 
 on the promises and denunciations of God’s word. — But the 
 human heart is so insensible, that every method should be 
 tried, to keep up a due attention to the truths, precepts, and 
 worship of God among men: and all opportunities should be 
 embraced, and every avenue to the heart seized to excite 
 some useful conviction, and to stir up the remembrance of 
 some forgotten doctrine or neglected duty. (Note, 2 Pet. 
 1:12—15.) 
 
 V. 14 — 29. Not only the bulk of mankind, but even the 
 best of men, need repeated encouragements and charges, to 
 engage them steadily in the work of God, especially in 
 arduous and perilous services in this evil world. — But the 
 Lord will never fail nor forsake such as trust in him : they 
 may therefore be strong and of a good courage, however nu- 
 merous, malicious, or powerful their enemies are ; for in 
 such a cause, and with such a Helper, they shall certainly 
 triumph over all opposition, till every promise in the book of 
 God has been accomplished. Every former mercy to the 
 church or to themselves, warrants the assurance of future suc- 
 cesses, and they are “ encompassed with a cloud of wit- 
 nesses” who un'tedly testify the achievements of faith. — To 
 the priests, the l ord’s ministers, is the written word of God 
 especially committed, to be by them preserved and delivered 
 uncorrupted unto the people; and men, women, children, and 
 strangers should be diligently instructed from it, that they 
 may learn to fear and serve God in the obedience of faith. 
 Every ordinance, every copy of the Scriptures, every faith- 
 ful sermon, every pious book, every psalm, or hymn, which is 
 printed, read, or sung, nay, the very words of men’s own 
 mouths, will rise up in judgment and bear yvilness for God, 
 against those, who, notwithstanding all, forsake him, and 
 commit iniquity. And to his holy abhorrence of sin we must 
 ascribe all the miseries which are endured on earth, as well 
 as the torments which are reserved for the wicked in hell. — 
 Alas ! that the liberality of the Lord should oqpasion increas- 
 ing ungodliness ; and that, prosperity should generate ingrati- 
 tude ! Hence it becomes necessary for the Lord to correct 
 those most, whom he loves best ; and hence we have all 
 need to fear prosperity more than the severest affliction, and 
 to be doubly watchful and instant in prayer under *the smiles 
 of Providence. (P. O. b: latter part. P. O. 8: ibid.) — The 
 more accurately wise and holy men have studied, and the 
 longer they have observed human nature, comparing it with 
 the word of God, the more they have perceived and lamented 
 its proneness to rebellion : and * when the most powerful 
 restraints fail to deter men from sin, with what impetuosity 
 will they rush into it when left, to follow their own inclinations! 
 But if we grieve to see the present prevalence of wickedness, 
 and entertain gloomy apprehensions of yet increasing un- 
 godliness ; let us remember that thus it was with Moses, 
 with the apostles, and with most of those who have served 
 God, and their generation: and having used our influence, 
 and poured out our prayers, to prevent it as much as vvo can ; 
 let us leave the matter with him who will maintain his own 
 cause, and v/ho is w able to keep us from falling, and to pre- 
 sent us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceed- 
 ing joy.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXII. V. 1. This hob! and po- 
 etical invocation of the heavens and the earth, or the whole 
 creation, to attend to what was about to be spoken, and to 
 judge between the Lord and his worshippers, was adapted, 
 and intended, to convey a strong idea of the vast importance 
 of the subject, and to awaken the seriousness and attention 
 of all who should hear or read it. (Marg. Ref .) 
 
 V. 2. As the rain and dew, gently distilling, soften the 
 earth and produce a beautiful verdure and fertility ; so this 
 song tended, and the inspired writer aimed, to soften the 
 Israe »tes into repentance, and gently to insinuate into their 
 minds those good instructions, which, by the divine blessing, 
 
 ( 372 ) 
 
 2 My doctrine shall b drop as the rain, my 
 speech shall distil as the dew ; as the small rain 
 upon the tender herb, and c as the showers upon 
 the grass : 
 
 3 JBecause l1 I will publish the name of the Lord : 
 e ascribe ye greatness unto our God. 
 
 4 He is *the Rock, «his work is perfect ; for h all 
 
 1:19. f 18,30,31. 1 Sam. 2:2. 2 Sam. 22:2,3,32,47. 23:3. Ps. 18:2. 61:2—4. 92: 
 15. Is. 26:4. marg. 28:16 . 32:2. Matt. 16:16— 18. 1 Cor. 10:4. 1 Pet. 2:6, 
 g Gen. 1:31. Pe. 18:30. 19:7. 138:8. Matt. 5:48. Jam. 1.17. h 10:18. Gen. 13. 
 25. 1 Snv.. 2 2. Job 8:3. 35:14. Ps. 9:16. 97:2. 99:4. 10L1. 103:6. Is. 30:18. 
 Je: . 9:24. Dan. 4:37. John 5:22,23. Rom. 1:32. 2:2,5. Jam. 4:12. Rev. 15:3,4. 
 
 might ro.oder them fruitful in good works, and prosperous in 
 the Lord’s favour: and such would be the effect as to many. 
 (Marg. Ref.) — Some interpret the former clause of xhejudg- 
 meats of God, which like torrents of impetuous rain sweep 
 down all before them ; and observe that the effect of this song 
 was to hasten and aggravate the miseries of obstinate sin- 
 ners, by rendering their conduct more inexcusable. 
 
 V. 3. To “publish the name of the Lord,” is to delineate 
 the glorious perfections and character of Jehovah, even of 
 that God whom the Israelites forsook for their worthless 
 idols. (Notes, Ex. 34:5 — 7. Matt. 11:25 — 27. 28:19,20. 
 
 John 1:18. 17:25,26.) — To u ascribe greatness unto our God,” 
 is to acknowledge his self-existence, eternity, omnipresence, 
 omniscience, almighty power, and universal absolute authority 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Chr. 29:10— 19. Dan. 4:1— 3,34— 37. 
 Matt. 6:13. Rom. 11:33—36.) 
 
 V. 4. M He is the Rock.” This is the first time God is 
 called a rock in Scripture : and the expression seems to de- 
 note that his unchangeable power, faithfulness, and love, as 
 revealed in the promised Saviour, form an immoveable foun- 
 dation, on which we may build our hopes of felicity ; and that 
 under his protection we may find refuge from all our enemies, 
 and in all our troubles : as the rocks in those countries fre- 
 quently sheltered the inhabitants from the heat of the sun, 
 from impetuous tempests, and from hostile invasions. (Notes, 
 30:31. 1 Sam. 2:1,2. 2 Sam. 22:2, 3. Ps. 61:1,2. Is. 32:1,2. 
 Matt. 16:18.) — “His work is perfect.” Absolute perfection 
 is in God alone : relative perfection is all that belongs to crea- 
 tures ; and it belongs to them all, as he at first made them; to 
 a worm as much as to an archangel. Every work of God is 
 the result of perfect goodness, the contrivance of perfect wis- 
 dom, and the effect of perfect power ; and is complete in its 
 kind and for its use, and to fill its appointed station in the 
 grand scale of existence. Every providential dispensation is 
 perfectly expressive of his divine justice, truth, goodness, and 
 wisdom. His law is perfectly holy, just, and good ; and is 
 exactly suited to answer the ends which he proposed in giving 
 it* his gospel is perfect also, and suited to answer still nobler 
 and more important ends. The Mosaic dispensation was 
 perfectly adapted to its purpose for the appointed period. 
 The New Testament dispensation has a higher and more 
 enlarged kind of perfection. Every part of the universal plan 
 is perfectly fitted to the station which it occupies, and the 
 whole is a perfect plan, and will at length be perfectly exe- 
 cuted ; as will every work which God has begun : nor could 
 any alteration be made in any of his works, without propor- 
 tionably deducting from their excellency. All real defect 
 arises from another quarter, from apostacy and rebellion, and 
 their consequences. Much imagined defect is real excellence ; 
 and the objections made to it are the offspring of pride and 
 ignorance. If that which suits its place, and answers the 
 intention of its Maker, were advanced to a higher rank ol 
 beauty and dignity, its relative excellence would be destroyed. 
 So long as the distinction between the infinite and absolute 
 perfection of the Creator, and the finite capacities of the 
 creature, remains, there can be no end of such vain attempts 
 of increasing created perfection by advancing it to superior 
 dignity : and the idea leads to the supposition of a perfect 
 kingdom, where all are rulers and none subjects. These 
 things should not be overlooked by those on the one 
 hand, who are continually discovering supposed defects in 
 the works of God, without knowing the intention of the great 
 Contriver ; nor on the other hand by those who speak of 
 reason and of the law of God, when distinguishing them 
 from revelation and from the gospel, in such degrading lan- 
 guage, as seems to imply, either that God is not the Giver 
 of them, or that things opposite to each other may proceed 
 from the same immutable Fountain of light, truth, and holi- 
 ness. These were intended, and are calculated, for distinct 
 purposes ; and man’s perversion of them is alone to be found 
 fault with. — “ All his ways are judgment.” All the dealings 
 of God with his rational creatures are regulated by infallible 
 wisdom and perfect justice. “ Ho is a God of truth,” of entire 
 veracity, sincerity, and fidelity : — “ and without iniquity 
 never using his power or authority to oppress or injure any , 
 never requiring more than his duo ; never punishing any 
 of his innumerable subjects who have not deserved it, or 
 above their deserts. And “just a§d right is ho none 
 therefore can havo any cause to revolt against him. as the 
 world in general, and as Israel in particular, had done. 
 
 (Marg, Ref. Notes , Ps, 25:8)9. is, 45:20 — 25. Mic* 
 
 7: IS— 20.) 
 
 V. 5. “The work of God is perfect so that sin and its 
 effects cannot originate from him. The rebellious Israelites 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 his ways are ) ulgment : 'a God of truth, and 
 •without iniquity, just and right is he. 
 
 5 'They ha\e 'corrupted themselves; t their 
 spot is not the spot of his children: they are m a 
 perverse and crooked generation. 
 
 6 Do ye thus “requite the Lord, °0 foolish 
 people and unwise? is not he t'thy Father that 
 sham bought thee? hath he not 'made thee, and 
 established thee? 
 
 7 ’Remember the days of *old, consider the 
 years of ’many generations : ‘ask thy father, and 
 lie will show thee ; thy elders, and they will tell 
 
 thee. 
 
 8 When the “Most High "divided to the nations 
 their inheritance, when he separated the sons of 
 Adam, die set the bounds of the people according 
 to the number of the children of Israel. 
 
 9 For "the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob 
 is the dot of his inheritance. 
 
 I Ps. 31.5. 610. 83:10. S3. 3. 100:5. 146:S. Is. 25:1. Jer. 10:10. John 
 
 1:14,17. 11:6. kJol>34:10 — 12. Ps. 9*2:15. Hab. 1:13. Rom. 3:5. * Heb. He 
 
 hath corrupted to himself . 1 See on 4:16. 31:29. Gen. 6:12. Ex. 32:7. Judg. 
 2:19. Is. 1:4. IIos. 9:9. ' Zeph. 3:7. 2 Cor. 11:3. 1 Or, that they are not his 
 
 children, that is their blot. John 8:41,44. 1 John 3:8 — 10. m 9:24. Ps.78:8. 
 125:5. Prov. 2:15. Is. 1:4. Mutt. 3:7. 16:4. 17:17. Luke 4:41. Acts 7:51. Phil. 
 2:15. n IS. Pfe. 116:12,13. Ia. L;2. 2 Cor. 5:14,15. Tit. 2:11— 14. o Ps. 74:18. 
 Jer. 4:22. 5:21. Gal. 3:1—3. n Ex. 4:22,23. Is. 63:16. Mai. 1:6. Luke 15:18— 
 20. John 8:41. Rmn. 8:14,15. Gal. 3:26. 4:6. 1 John 3:1. q Ex. 15:16. Ps.74:2. 
 Is. 43:3,4. Arts 20:28. 1 t or. 6:20 . 7:23. 2 Pet. 2:1. r 15. Job 10:8,9. Ps. 95:6. 
 100:3. 149:2. Is. 27:11. 43:7. 44:2. s Job 20:4. Ps. 44:1. 77:5. 119:52. Is. 63:11. 
 Lam. 5:21. } Heb. generation and generation. Ps. 10:6. 77:8. marg. t 4:32. 
 Ex. 13:14. Judg. 6:13. Job 8:3— 10. Ps. 44:1. 77:5,6,11,12. 78:3,4. Is. 46:9. 
 
 therefore u corrupted themselves,” and must bear the blame 
 of their perverse ingratitude. (Notes, Jam. 1:13 — 18.) The 
 worshippers of God are in general called his children. But 
 the wickedness of Israel, notwithstanding the many judg- 
 ments and mercies, and the warnings and encouragements 
 which concurred to deter them from sin and bring them to 
 repentance, frequently manifested that, they were indeed the 
 children of another father, whose hateful image they bore. — 
 The marginal reading implies, that it was their blot , or dis- 
 grace, that they were not the children of God ; these indeed 
 have their spots and blemishes, but habitual unrepented sin is 
 not one of them. The words of John the Baptist, of Christ, 
 and of his apostles, to the Jews who rejected the gospel, form 
 an instructive comment, on this verse. [Marg. Ref. Notes , 
 Matt. 3:7—10. 23:13—33. John 8:37—47. Acts 7:51—53. 
 13:38—41.) 
 
 V. 6. God had acted as a Father to Israel, though they 
 had renounced the relationship of children to him by their 
 apostacy and idolatry, and were u not worthy to be called 
 his sons.” (Notes, Is. 63:7 — 10,15 — 19. 64:6 — 8.) He had 
 created them men ; he had ransomed them from Egypt by 
 desolating that country ; and he had formed them into a 
 church and nation incorporated with special privileges: so 
 that the folly of their rebellions was equal to the ingratitude 
 of them ; for they could not injure the Lord, but would inevi- 
 tably ruin themselves. 
 
 V. 7. This song would be in the mouth of great numbers 
 who were unacquainted with the books of Moses, or had not 
 access to them : they were therefore called upon in it to 
 inquire of their fathers and elders, concerning their original 
 many ages before ; who would inform them of the distinguish- 
 ing kindness which God had shown to their prdgenitors, and 
 to the children for their sakes. This might both stir them up 
 to the study of ihe Scriptures, as far as they had opportunity : 
 and discover to them, in general, their obligations, both of 
 gratitude and interest, to adhere to the worship and service of 
 Jehovah. (Note, 31:19.) 
 
 V. 8. When, according to the purpose of “ the Most 
 High,” the earth was divided in the days of Peleg among the 
 descendants of Adam and Noah; (Note, Gen, 11:1,2.) — 
 Jehovah so overruled it, according to his secret designs of 
 love to Israel, that the posterity of accursed Canaan should 
 have that land, which he had selected as the suitable and 
 Bi^hcient portion of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and 
 Jacob ; foreseeing that, by the time th£se would multiply into 
 a. nation, the Canaanites would fill up the measure of their 
 iniquities, and merit, utter Extirpation. Thus Israel received 
 their portion in a high state of cultivation, and replenished 
 with cities, towns, and villages, prepared for their reception. 
 
 V. 9. That part of the human race which the Lord pecu- 
 liarly values and cultivates, as a man does his own estate, and 
 from which he receives his whole revenue of spiritual worship 
 and willing obedience, was typified by Israel, and was under 
 that dispensation chiefly found among that people. — (Marg. 
 Ref. Jer. 10:16. 1 Pet. 2:9,10.) 
 
 V. 10. Israel was first formed into a nation, in a desolate 
 wilderness, where nothing was heard before but the howling 
 if the beasts of prey. Here the Lord chose that people, 
 covenanted with them, and became their King ; and under 
 his government, guidance, and protection, they were pre- 
 served and provided for : and though he led them about in 
 die desert during forty years, the time was not lost; for 
 there he instructed and trained them for the conquest and 
 possession of the promised land. And when the Amalekites, 
 
 10 He "found him in a desert land, and in the 
 waste howling wilderness: he “led him about, b he 
 instructed him, "he kept him as the apple of his eye. 
 
 1 1 As d an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth 
 over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, 
 taketh them, beareth them on her wings ; 
 
 12 So "the Lord alone did lead him, and there 
 was f no strange god with him. 
 
 13 He made him Grille on the high places of the 
 earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields, 
 and he made him to suck ''honey out of the rock, 
 and oil out of the flinty rock; 
 
 14 ‘Butter of kine, and milk of sheep, with fat 
 of lambs, and rams ol' the breed k of Bashan, and 
 goats, with 'the fat of kidneys of wheat; and thou 
 didst drink the pure m blood of the grape. 
 
 L Practical Observations.’] 
 
 15 U But "Jeshurun waxed fat, and °kicked : 
 thou art Pwaxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou 
 
 u Num. 24:16. Ps. 7:17. 50:14. 82:6. 91:1,9 . 92:8. Is. 14:14. ban. 4:17,24,25. 
 5:18. Acts 7:48. x Gen. 10:25,32. 11:9. Ps. 115:16. Acts 17:26. y Gen. 10: 15 — 
 19. 15:18—21. z 26:18,19. Ex. 15:16. 19:5,6. 1 Sam. 10:1. Ps. 135:4. Is. 43:21. 
 Jer. 10:16. 51:19. Eph. 1:18. 1 Pet. 2:9,10. § Heb. cord Mic. 2:5. a8:15,16. 
 Neh. 9:19 — 21. Ps. 107:4,5. Cant. 8:5. Jer. 2:6. Hos. 13:5. || Or, compassed 
 
 him about, b 4:36. Neh. 9.20. Ps. 32:7— 10. 147:19,20. Rom. 2:18. 3:2. c Ps. 
 17:8. 1 ruv. 7:2. Zech. 2:8. d Ex. 19:4. Is. 31:5. 40:31. Rev. 12:14. e 1:31. 
 Neh. 9:12. Ps. 27:11. 78:14,52,53. 80:1. 136:16. Is. ?6:4. 63:9- 13. f Is. 43: 
 11,12.44:7,8. g 33:26,29. Is. 58:14. Ez. 36:2. h Ex. 3:8. Job 29:6. Ps. 81:16. 
 Is. 48:21. Ez. 27:17. i Gen. 16:8. Judg. 5:25. 2 Sam. 17:29. Job 20:17. Is. 7:15, 
 22. k Ps. 2*2:12. Ez. 39:18. Am. 4:1. Mic. 7:14. 1 Ps. 147:14. m Gen. 49:11, 
 12. Matt. 26:28,29. John 6:55,56. n 33:5,26. Is. 44:2. o 1 Sam. 2:29. p St* 
 on 31:20. Job 13.27. Ps. 17:10. 73:7. 119:70. Is. 6.10. Acts28:27. Rom.2:4,5. 
 
 Arad, Balak, and others, attempted to injure them, his power 
 enclosed them about and kept them safe ; even as the apple , 
 or pupil, of the eye is preserved, both by the wise contrivance 
 of the Creator, and by the jealous care of the possessor, 
 from external violence. (Marg. Ref.) It is remarkable 
 that in the original of this sublime specimen of ancient po- 
 etry, the future and past tenses are so interchanged, that the 
 reader is sometimes led back to the times of the patriarchs, 
 and views the deliverance of Israel and the transactions that 
 followed as future : — “He shall find, &c.” At others, he is 
 suddenly carried forward to distant ages, and witnesses the 
 predictions as already accomplished. Thus he is made as 
 it were a spectator of all the events which are spoken of, and 
 a witness of the divine glory, and of Israel’s perverseness, in 
 every part of them. 
 
 V. 11, 12. The eagle is remarkable for her tender care 
 of her young, and for the pains that she uses, and the methods 
 which she employs, in teaching them to fly ; stirring them up 
 eut of the nest, fluttering in the air over them to show them 
 how to use their wings, and even carrying them upon her own 
 wings : so that in order to destroy the young eagles, the body 
 of the old one must on some occasions first be pierced. Thus 
 the Lord, by the message of Moses and Aaron, excited and 
 encouraged the enslaved Israelites to leave Egypt, and effec- 
 tually assisted and protected them in so doing. And by the 
 gospel, and the influence of the Holy Spirit, he excites sin- 
 ners to leave Satan’s bondage, and instructs, defends, and 
 effectually assists them. The last circumstance of the eagle’s 
 tender care of # her young is beautifully emblematical of His 
 love, who interposed between divine justice and our guilty 
 souls, and “bare our sins in his own body on the tree.” In 
 both Testaments, young birds, taken care of by the old one, 
 are emblems of the church’s safety under the Redeemer’s 
 protection: but in the Old Testament the eagle is selected 
 as descriptive of his power: in the New, the hen is sub- 
 stituted, as most expressive of his condescension and 
 grace. ( Notes, Ex. 19:4. Matt. 23:37 — 39.) None of the 
 gods of the nations had the least share in those wonderful 
 works of love, which Jehovah wrought for Israel : how absurd 
 and base then was it to join them with him, or prefer them 
 to him, as the objects of their worship ! 
 
 V. 13. The Lord caused Israel, as a triumphant con 
 queror riding in grand procession, to possess the fortified 
 cities and inaccessible mountains, which the Canaanites 
 thought secure from their assaults. In this fertile land, the 
 rocky parts, which were the least valued, and which in other 
 countries are generally unproductive, by the peculiar blessing 
 of God afforded them great quantities of the finest honey and 
 oil. (Marg. Rtf.) The preceding verses referred to previ- 
 ous events: but here prediction evidently begins; being writ- 
 ten in the past tense by way of anticipation, but expressly for 
 the use of future ages. 
 
 V. 14. The language of this song, according to the genius 
 of poetry, especially the Eastern poetry, abounds with bold 
 metaphors which sometimes obscure the meaning: but this 
 verse may serve as a specimen, according to which others 
 less perspicuous must be interpreted. A grain of wheat, be- 
 ing shaped somewhat like the kidney, which is surrounded in 
 cattle with the choicest fat, and the wheat of Canaan being 
 remarkably fine, the sacred writer calls it “ the fat of kidneys 
 of wheat:” and the production of the red or purple grape, re- 
 sembling the colour of blood, is called “ the pure blood of the 
 grape.” 
 
 Butter, &c.| 4 The use of butter was very ancient among 
 
 ( 373 ) 
 
B a. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451. 
 
 art covered with fatness : ''then he forsook God 
 which made him, and lightly esteemed r the Rock 
 of his salvation. 
 
 16 They ’provoked him to jealousy with strange 
 gods, with ‘abominations provoked they him to 
 anger. 
 
 17 They “sacrificed unto devils, 'not to God ; 
 to T gods whom they knew not, x to new gods 
 that came newly up, whom your fathers feared 
 not. 
 
 18 Of rthe Rock that begat thee thou art un- 
 mindful, and hast ’forgotten God that formed 
 thee. 
 
 19 And “when the Lord saw it, he ^abhorred 
 them, because of the provoking b of his sons and of 
 his daughters. 
 
 20 And he said, C I will hide my face from them, 
 I will see what their end shall be : for they are ll a 
 
 q 6:10— 12. 8:10—11. 31:20. Neh. 9:25,26. Is. 1:4. Jer. 2:7. 5:7,28,29. Hos. 13: 
 6. r See oni. Ps. 18:46. 89:26. 95:1. s 5:9. 1 Kings 14 22. Nah. 1:1,2. 1 Cor. 
 10:22. t Seeon 7:25. l.ev. 18:27. 2 Kings23:13. u Lev. 17:7. Ps. 106:37,38. 
 1. Cor. 10:20. 1 Tim. 4:1. Rev. 9:20. * Or, which were not God. 21. Jer. 10: 
 
 15. 1 Cor. 8:4. 10:19. v 28:64. Is. 44:8. xJudg. 5:8. y See on 4,15. z 6:12. 
 8:11,14,19. Ps. 9:17. 44:20—22. 106:21. Is. 22:10,11. Jer. 2:3-2. 3:21. Hos. 8:14. 
 a Lev. 26: 11,30. Judg. 2:14. Ps. 5:4,5. 10:3. 78.59. 106:40. Am. 3:2,3. Zech. 11: 
 8. Rev. 3:16, T Or, despised. Lam. 2:6. b Ps. 82:6,7. Is. 1:2. Jer. 11:15. c See 
 on 31:17,18. Job 13:24. $4.29. Ps. 104:29. Is. 64:7. Jer. 18:17. Hos. 9:12. d See 
 on 5. Is. 65:2— 5. Matt. 11:16,17. Luke 7:31,32. e 2Chr.20:20. Is. 7:9. 30:9. 
 Matt. 17:17. Mark 9:19. Luke 18:8. 2Thes. 3:2. Heb. 11:6. f S>e on 16. Ps. 
 78:58. g 1 Sam. 12:21. 1 Kings 16:13,26. Ps.31:6. Jer. 8:19. 10:8. 14:22. Jon. 
 
 the Hebrews; though but lately known to the Greeks . 5 Bp. 
 Patrick. (Marg. Ref. i.) 
 
 V. 15. The word u Jeshurun” seems to mean, The upright 
 one; and Israel was such by profession, and comparatively so 
 in reality, for some time: but when greatly prospered, the 
 people degenerated, and grew untractable and rebellious ; like 
 the cattle that kick against the goad, instead of being excited 
 by it to labour. (Note, 1 Sam. 2:29.) They used their abun- 
 dance intemperately, and grew proud and luxurious. This 
 rendered them forgetful of God and ungrateful to him, and 
 indisposed them for his spiritual worship and holy service : 
 (Note, Is. 6:9,10.) in proportion, they became attached to 
 the sensual worship of filthy idols, to which they apostatized, 
 forsaking and lightly esteeming their great and gracious Bene- 
 factor : and when they were reproved by the prophets, or 
 corrected by the Lord, they were fired with indignation, and 
 revolted more and more. (Note, Is. 1:5,6.) 
 
 V. 17. The word, rendered devils, means destroyers: and 
 such the false gods proved to their worshippers, instead of 
 benefactors. Thus Satan is called by the apostle Abaddon 
 and Apollyon, the one of which in Hebrew, and the other in 
 Greek, signifies a destroyer : (Note, Rev. 9:11.) and our Lord 
 says 44 he was a murderer from the beginning. (John 8:14.) 
 Apostate spirits therefore are evidently meant: and indeed 
 the whole system of idolatry, and of every species of false 
 religion, ultimately centres in the worship and service of Sa- 
 tan ; who, as the proud rival of God, ambitiously aspires to be 
 the god and king of this world. Not only were the evil genii 
 of the heathens in reality devils ; but their good genii also, 
 and all their demons or gods, as far as they had any distinct 
 existence. Whether a mere phantom, or some peculiar de- 
 mon under the name of Baal or Jupiter, or some deceased 
 hero, or the virtues and vices, were worshipped under these 
 images ; the things which were sacrificed unto them 44 were 
 sacrificed unto devils : 55 and it is reasonable to suppose, that 
 the same word should in an idolater’s vocabulary be used in a 
 good sense, as signifying a deity, which in the word of God, 
 a id in the language of his worshippers, signifies a demon, or 
 d j vil. (Marg. Ref . Note A Cor. 10c 18 — 22.) In this sys- 
 tem of Satan, old gods, or 44 new gods that newly came up,” 
 ( vhat a monstrous absurdity!) the deification of living as 
 well as of deceased men, the change from one idolatry to ano- 
 ther in ceaseless variety, equally suited his purpose. This 
 explains the secret of that intercommunity of gods and reli- 
 gions, which the liberal and candid Heathens (as many now 
 affect to call them,) universally allowed of, but which the 
 bigoted Jews would not conform to; who were therefore hated 
 and despised for their uncharitable singularity, by which they 
 condemned all their neighbours. The Jews were indeed faulty 
 in despising and hating the Gentiles, and were really charge- 
 able with bigotry in some respects: yet the worshippers of 
 Jehovah could not possibly have any intercommunity with 
 the worshippers of the devil ; Satan. himself would have aim- 
 ed at no more, and the whole law of God forbade it. For the 
 same reason, different modes of irreligion, or false religion, 
 miy admit ot this candid intercommunity ; but true Christian- 
 ity cannot thus be warped : and therefore many, who pride 
 themselves upon their candour and liberality of sentiment, can 
 scarcely find words sufficiently to express their contempt of 
 those bigots, who explicitly declare that there is but one way 
 of a sinncr\s acceptance and sanctification ; and that no man, 
 who is not interested in the merits and atoning sacrifice of the 
 divine Saviour, and a partaker of his regenerating Spirit, can 
 ossibly obtain heaven, or escape condemnation, whatever be 
 is moral character among men. Yet all Christians should 
 maintain this scriptural ground : and then by showing others 
 ( 374 ) 
 
 very froward generation, 'children in whom is no 
 faith. 
 
 21 They have f moved me to jealousy with that 
 which is not God ; they have provoked me to 
 anger ewith their vanities : and h l will move them 
 to jealousy with those which are not a people, I 
 will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. 
 
 22 For ‘a fire is kindled in mine anger, and 
 ishall burn unto Hhe lowest hell, and k shall §con- 
 sume the earth with her increase, and set on fire 
 'the foundations of the mountains. 
 
 23 I will ro heap mischiefs upon them ; I wil 
 "spend mine arrows upon them. 
 
 24 They shall be “burnt with hunger, and de 
 voured with “burning heat, and with bitter destruc- 
 tion : I will also send p the teeth of beasts upon 
 them, with the poison of ^serpents of the dust. 
 
 25 The "sword without, and terror "within, 
 
 2:8. Acts 14:15. h Hos. 1:10. Rom. 9:25. 10:19. 11:11—14. 1 1 et. 2:9,10. i 29: 
 20. Norn. 16:35. Fa. 21:9. 83:14. 97:3. Is. 66:15,16. Jer. 4:4. 15:11. 17:4. Lam. 
 2:3.4:11. Ez. 36:5. Nah. 1:6. Mai. 4:1,2. Mark 9:43— 13. 2Tlirs. 1:9. Heh. 
 12:29. Jude 7. J Or , hath burned, j Ps. 86:13. Is. 30:33. Zeph.3:8. Matt. 10- 
 28.18:9 . 23:33. § Or, hath consumed, k 29:23. Is. £1:6,19,20. 1 Job 9:5,6. 
 
 Ps. 46:2. 144:5. Is. 54:10. Mic. 1:4. Nah. 1:5. Hah. 3:10. m 23:15, &c. Lev. 
 26:18,24,28. I«. 24:17,18. Jer. 15:2,3. Ez. 14:21. Matt. 24:7,8. n Ps, 7:12,13. 
 Lam. 3:13. Ez. 5:16. o 28:53— 57. Jer. 14:18. Lam. 4:4— 9. 5:10. l| Heb. 
 burning coals. Ps. 18,12 — 14. 120:4. Hab. 3:5. p Lev. 26:22. Jer. 15:3. 16:4. 
 Ez. 5:17. 14:15,21. q Gen. 3:14. 49:17. Is. 65:25. Am. 9:3. r Lev. 26:36,37. 
 Is. 30:16,17. Jer. 9:21. Lam. 1:20. Ez.7:15. 2 Cor. 7:5. IT Heb .from ths cham- 
 bers. 
 
 all civil respect and tender kindness ; by manifesting continu- 
 ally a disposition to sympathize with them, and a readiness 
 to relieve them, with modesty and courteousness ; they should 
 endeavour to convince them that, not proud bigotry and uncha- 
 ritable severity, but regard to the truth of God’s word, and a 
 reluctance to do any thing to buoy up the groundless hopes 
 of those who neglect the great salvation of the gospel, influ- 
 ence them in making this profession. (Notes, 2 Cor. 6:14 — 18. 
 2 John 7 — 11.) 
 
 V. 18. ‘God, the author of thy being; who “formed thee** 
 into a kingdom of priests . 5 Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 4,30,31.) 
 
 V. 19, 20. The Israelites are called 44 the sons and 
 daughters” of Jehovah’ in respect to privilege ; while, be- 
 cause of their character, that relation is disowned. (5) — Having 
 received their natural and national existence, and all their 
 peculiar advantages, from the Lord, they so provoked him by 
 multiplied idolatries, that he abhorred, or disdained them, and 
 as it were turned them out of his house ; and declared that 
 he would withdraw his protection and withhold his wonted 
 interposition in their favour: and even afterwards, whilst they 
 groaned under their miseries, that he would look on as an 
 unconcerned spectator, until they were brought to the utmosl 
 extremities ; because they were a froward and perverse 
 generation, destitute alike of faith and faithfulness. (Marg 
 Ref. Notes, Lev. 26:30. Is. 63:10. Zech. 11:7 — 9.) 
 
 V. 21. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 20:5. 34:11 — 17.) Many 
 of the judgments inflicted on the offending Israelites, by the 
 Canaanites, Philistines, Midianites, Chaldeans, and others, 
 might form a partial accomplishment of this prediction: blit 
 the apostle applies it, no doubt most justly, to the calling of 
 the Gentiles into the church. (Rom. 10:19.) — The Jews, 
 proud of their abused privileges, had not only treated the 
 heathen as foolish and vile, which, as given up to base 
 idolatries, they doubtless were ; but. even as dogs compared 
 with themselves, to whom as children they supposed that 
 all spiritual blessings exclusively and unalterably belonged ; 
 (Note, Matt. 15:25 — 28.) and it therefore provoked the jealousy 
 of the Jews to a degree of indignant rage, to see them enter 
 into the church, and admitted to equal privileges with them- 
 selves. This eventually tended to their own entire exclusion ; 
 and has even to this very day exceedingly exasperated them 
 against Christianity. (Note, 1 IVics. 2:13 — 16.) 
 
 V. 22. The tremendous effects of the wrath of God are 
 here represented under the metaphor of a fire, which, kindled 
 upon the surface of the earth, should burn even to its centre ; 
 and, according to a very general notion of the ancients, quite 
 through to the place of miserable departed spirits. The word 
 here used, (S'lNtr, $<$> 7 ?, Sept.) signifying 4 the. unseen state,* 
 seems to intimate that the wrath of God would pursue its 
 objects, after death, to that place “where their worm never 
 dieth, and the fire is not quenched.” (Note, Ps. 16:8 — 11.) 
 
 Eowest hell.] Note, Ps. 86:12,13. 
 
 V. 24. Serpents of the dust.] Or, 4 serpents which crawl 
 upon and lick the dust. 5 — (The word (o^nr,) rendered 44 ser- 
 pents,” is used by Micah in a similar sense. Alic. 7:17. Heb.) 
 — The marginal references best explain the highly poetical 
 language of those prophetical denunciations. 
 
 V. 25. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 26, 27. The idolatry and rebellions of Israel deserved, 
 and the justice of God seemed to demand, that they should 
 be banished to the remotest corners of the earth, where they 
 might never more be heard of, or even that they should be 
 entirely extirpated: but ho knew that his enemies would mis- 
 understand this event, and would in conscqucnco ho elated 
 with insufferable insolence, and emboldened !< utter blas- 
 phomies, and to deny all that was rocoru jd of I is wondorful 
 
c. 1451 . • CHAPTER XXXII. B. C. 1451 
 
 shall ‘destroy both ‘the young man and the virgin, 
 ihe suckling also, with the man of gray hairs. 
 
 26 I said, l I would scatter them into corners, I 
 would make the remembrance of them to cease 
 from a mong men ; 
 
 27 Were it not that I feared the wrath of the 
 enemy, “lest their adversaries should behave them- 
 selves strangely, and lest v they should say, 'Our 
 baud is high, and the Lord hath not done all 
 this. 
 
 28 For they are w a nation void of counsel, 
 neither is there any understanding in them. 
 
 29 Oh, 'that they were wise, that they under- 
 stood this, that Hhey would consider their latter 
 
 end! 
 
 30 How should ‘one chase a thousand, and two 
 put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had 
 •sold them, and the Lord had b shut them up ? 
 
 31 For “their rock is not as our Rock, even our 
 enemies themselves being judges. . 
 
 32 For their vine is } of the vine of Sodom, and 
 of the fields of Gomorrah: d their grapes are 
 grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter : 
 
 • Heb. bereave. s Lara. 2:19— W. 4:4. t 28:25,36,37,64. Ler. 26:33,38. Luke 
 21:24. u 1 Sam. 12:22. Is. 37:28,29,35. 47:7. Lam. 1:9. Ei. 20:13,14,20— 22. 
 Zech. 1:14,15. v Ex. 32:12. Num. 14:15,16. Josh. 7:9. Ps. 115:1,2. Is. 10: 
 8—15. 37:10,12—23. Dan. 4:30—37. t Or, nurhigh hand and not the LORD 
 hath done all this. w6. Job 28:28. Ps. 81:12. Prov. 1:7. Is. 27:11. 29:14. Jer. 
 4:22. 8:9. Hos.4:6. Mutt. 13:14,15. Rom. 11:25. 1 Cor. 8:19. x 5:29. Ps. 81: 
 13. 107:15,43. Is. 48:18,19. Hos. 14:9. Luke 19:41,42. y Is. 10:3. 47:7. Jer. 5: 
 91. 17:11. Lam. 1:9. L ike 12:20. 16:19 — 25. z Lev. 26:8. Josh. 23:10. Judg. 
 7:22,23. 1 Sam. 14:15—17. 2Chr. 24.24. Is. 30:17. a Judg.2:14. 3:8. Ps. 44:12. 
 I*. 50:1. 52:3. Mutt 18:25. b Job 11:10. 16:11. Ps.31:8. c Ex. 14:25. Num. 
 23 3,23. 1 Sam. 2:2. 4:S. Ezra 1:3. 6:9—12. 7:20,21. Jer. 40:3. Dan. 2:47. 3:29. 
 4:26,27. % O r » worse than the vine of Sodom. Is. 1:10. Lam. 4:6. Ez. 16:45— 
 
 works in Egypt and at the Red Sea. ( Notes , Ex. 32:11 — 14. 
 Num. 14:13 — 19. Eh. 20:7 — 9.) He therefore determined to 
 spare the nation: and he still, for similar purposes, continues 
 the Jews as living witnesses of the truth of the Scriptures. 
 For no doubt, the triumphs of modern infidels would have 
 been more insolent, and their blasphemies more abundant, had 
 there been no tracer of such a people as Israel any where 
 discoverable upon earth. — By a bold figure, the sacred poet 
 ascribes to the Almighty, language taken from the conduct of 
 men, who are deterred from such things, as they have a strong 
 inclination to, through fear of disagreeable consequences. As 
 God abhorred idolatry, pride, and blasphemy, and was deter- 
 mined not to give this occasion for them, he is said “ to fear 
 the wrath of the enemy;” because he acted as men do when 
 thus afraid. (Notes, Gen. 6:6,7. 2 Kings 18:28 — 35.) 
 
 V. 29. The Israelites, had they been wise, would have 
 attended to these warnings and instructions, and reflected on 
 the consequences of their conduct ; and so avoided all such 
 things as led to personal or national ruin, and observed all 
 such as conducted to prosperity and felicity : thus they would 
 have “ considered their latter end.” — For, notwithstanding all 
 the predictions which had been delivered, they would certainly 
 have prospered had they been obedient: and notwithstanding 
 the divine decrees, it is equally certain that none will come 
 short of eternal life, but the impenitent and unbelieving. — It 
 is so agreeable to the divine holiness and love that his rational 
 crealures should be obedient and happy, and that sinners 
 should repent, believe, and b» saved, that he is represented 
 as desiring and even wishing for it. This must be understood 
 in the same manner as his “ fearing the wrath of the enemy 
 . with reference to the conduct which he approves in us, and not 
 with respect to his own government of the world, which is in 
 all respects perfectly wise, righteous, faithful, and good, though 
 often too deep for our investigation. (Notes, 5:28,29. Ps. 81:13. 
 Ez. 33:11. Matt. 23:37—39. Luke 19:42 — 44.) 
 
 V. 30, 31. Unless the Israelites had provoked God by 
 their crimes to sell them as slaves, and to deliver them, as 
 malefactors shut up in prison, into the hands of their enemies, 
 no power could possibly have prevailed against them. For he 
 would have continued to be their omnipotent Protector and 
 Helper ; and, in that case, they would have been uniformly 
 victorious over all assailants, according to the examples 
 recorded in Scripture. (Marg.Ref. z, a, b.) How amazingly 
 different from this has their condition been during above 
 1700 years '.—The idols of the Gentiles, on which they professed 
 to depend, had never equalled the wondrous works of Jeho- 
 vah, even by their own confession ; and therefore they could 
 never have prevailed against Israel, had not their Rock and 
 Defender been turned from them, yea, turned against them. 
 (Marg. Ref. c.) 
 
 V. 32, 33. The nation of Israel, though planted a generous 
 vine, of an excellent stock, in a rich soil, and with every 
 advantage of culture, did not bring forth the good fruits of 
 righteousness : (Notes, Is. 5:2 — 7. Jer. 2:20,21.) nay, it even 
 rivalled Sodom and Gomorrah in wickedness: and as this 
 conduct in them was more dishonourable to God, and more 
 poisonous to the minds of others, by prejudicing them against 
 God and religion, it would therefore be eventually more bitter 
 to themselves. — Thus Josephus describes the Jews before 
 their ruin by the Romans : — * They were a more atheistical 
 
 33 Their wine is e the poison of dragons, and 
 the cruel venom of asps. 
 
 34 Is not this f laid up in store with me, and 
 sealed up among my treasures ? 
 
 35 sTo me oelongeth vengeance and rccom 
 pense : h their foot shall slide in due time : for the 
 day of their calamity is at hand, and ‘the things 
 that shall come upon them make haste. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 36 For k the Lord shall judge his people, and 
 'repent himself for his servants : when he seeth 
 that tlieir §power is gone, and there is m none shut 
 up, or left. 
 
 37 And he shall say, “Where are their gods, 
 their rock in whom they trusted ; 
 
 38 Which did “eat the fat of their sacrifices, 
 and drank the wine of their drink-offerings? let 
 them rise up and help you, and be "your pro- 
 tection. 
 
 39 See now that H, even I, am he, and there is 
 no god with me:* “d kill, and I make alive; I 
 wound, and I heal : “neither is there any that can 
 deliver out of my hand. 
 
 51. Matt. 11:24. d29:18. I«. 5:4. Heb. 12:15; e Job 20:14— 16. P». 58:4. 140. 
 3. Jer. 8:14. marg. Rom. J:13. f Job 14:17. Jer. 2:22. Hoa. 13:12. Rom.2:5. 
 
 1 Cor. 4:5. Rev. 20:12,13. g 43. Ps. 94:1. Nall. 1:2,6. Rom. 12:19. 13:4. Heb. 10: 
 30. h Ps. 73:17— 19. Prov. 4:19. Is. 8:15. Jer. 6:21. 13:16. 1 Pel. 2:8. ill. 5:19. 
 30:12,13. 60:22. Hab. 2:3. Luke 18:7,8. 2 Pet. 2:3. 3:8— 10. k Ps. 7:8. 50:4. 
 96:13. 135:14. IJurlg.2:18. Ps. 90:13. 106:45. Jer. 31:20. Joel2:14. Amos 1:8, 
 6. §Heb.taR. m 1 Kings 14:10. 21:21. 2 Kings 9:8. 14:26. nJudg. 10:14. 
 
 2 King* 3:13. Jer. 2:28. oLev. 21:21. Ps. 50:13. Ez. 16:18,19. Hos. 2:8. Zeph. 
 2:11. || Heb. an hiding for you. p Is. 41:4. 45:5,22. 46:4. 48:12. Heb. 1:12. 
 Rev. 1:1L 2:8. q 1 Sam. 2:6. 2 Kings 5:7. Job 5:18. Ps. 68:20. Is. 43:13. Ho*. 
 6:1. John 8:24. Rev. 1:18. r Job 10:7. Ps. 50:22. Is. 43:13. Mic. 5:8. 
 
 generation than the inhabitants of Sodom.’ — ‘There was no 
 act of wickedness that was not committed; nor can one 
 imagine any thing so bad that they did not do ; endeavouring, 
 publicly as well as privately, to excel one another, both in 
 impiety towards God and injustice to their neighbours.’ — 
 ‘Had not the Romans destroyed them, the earth would have 
 opened and swallowed them, or fire from Jieaven would have 
 consumed them.’ (Marg Ref. Note, Ez. 16:48 — 51.) 
 
 V. 34, 35. All the wickedness of Israel was noticed and 
 registered, as in a book, by the Lord, until the appointed 
 time of vengeance: and it would then appear that it had been 
 reserved in store, to be produced against them, to manifest 
 his justice in tlieir punishment; even as a man seals up his 
 treasures, and deposits them in a secure place till he wants to 
 use them. — For it belongeth to God, the Judge of all, to 
 execute vengeance on the wicked ; it is his peculiar office 
 and prerogative ; so that none are authorized to take ven- 
 geance, except as commissioned by him. (Note, Num. 31:2.) 
 But in perfect wisdom he waits the most proper season ; and 
 though his judgments seem to linger, they in reality make 
 haste and are at hand. For when sinners deem themselves 
 most secure, and suppose that their foot stands firm, he causes 
 it to slide in due time, and they suddenly fall into destruction. 
 (Marg. Ref. Note, Heb. 10:28—31.) 
 
 V. 36. The Lord pleaded the cause of the pious remnant 
 of Israel in every age ; he rescued the Jews from the Baby 
 lonish captivity ; the Messiah appeared in the appointed 
 season ; and the nation has from time to time received many 
 gracious deliverances : but as this sacred poem relates to the 
 same events which have already been considered in the pre- 
 ceding chapters ; this part also certainly refers to mercies 
 ( still reserved for them, even their future conversion and 
 restoration. — When the appointed period shall arrive, the 
 Lord will plead their cause, and avenge them on all their 
 oppressors ; he will change his conduct towards them, as a 
 man does when he repents ; but not till he has brought them 
 into utter distress, so that none shall be any where shut up, 
 and exempted from hostile depredations ; or left, who shall 
 not be carried captive, and at the mercy of their conquerors : 
 and he will continue their punishment, till they are brought 
 to renounce all dependence on human help. (Notes, Is. 63: 
 15—19.64: Ez. 36:25—32. Hos. 2:14— 17. 3:4,5. 14:1—8. 
 Zech. 12:9 — 14. Rom. 11:25 — 32.) — This evidently predicts 
 the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, the consequent 
 desolations of their land, and the long-continued dispersion 
 which has ensued. 
 
 V. 37 — 39. It is most obvious to understand this, not is a 
 reproach cast on the Jews by their enemies, but as the 
 rebuke of God in his providence ; exposing Israel’s folly in 
 sacrificing to worthless idols, and as it were feasting them on 
 their abundance. Let the idolaters, in their distress, apply 
 for help to the objects of their abominable worship, and not 
 expect it from Jehovah whom they had so basely forsaken. 
 (Notes, Judg. 10:13,14. Hos. 2:8,9.) But the rejection and 
 crucifixion of the Messiah may be considered as a continu- 
 ation of these idolatries, and the completion of their national 
 guilt: and of all this complicated wickedness he will make 
 the Jews deeply sensible, before he appears to deliver them 
 from their present miseries. Then they will learn that there 
 is no God but Jehovah ; that he alone is able to save and 
 ( 375 ) 
 
h C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 .10 For S 1 lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I 
 live I or eve i. 
 
 <” If I ‘ivhet my glittering sword, and mine 
 hand take hold on judgment : U I will render ven- 
 geance to mine enemies, and will reward v them 
 that hate me. 
 
 42 I will x make mine arrows drunk with blood, 
 and my sword shall devour flesh; and that with 
 the blood of the slain, and of the captives, from 
 the beginning of revenges upon the enemy. 
 
 43 'Rejoice, *0 ye nations, with his people ; for 
 he will z avenge the blood of his servants, and will 
 render vengeance to his adversaries, and a wiM be 
 merciful unto his land, and to his people. 
 
 44 11 And Moses came and '’spake all the words 
 of this song in the ears of the people, he, and 
 'Hoshea the son of Nun. 
 
 45 And Moses made an end of speaking all 
 these words to all Israel. 
 
 46 And he said unto them, c Set your hearts 
 unto all the words which I testify among you this 
 day ; which ye shall command your children to 
 observe, to do all the words of this law. 
 
 eGen.14-22. Ex. 6:8. Num. 14:28^-30. Jer 4:2. Heb. 6:17,18. Rev. 10:5,6. t Ps. 
 7:12. Is. 27:1. 34:5,6. 66:16. Ei. 21:9,10,14,30. Zeph.2:12. u Sec on 35. Is. 1: 
 24. 59:1b. 66:6. v 5:9. See on Ex. 20:5. Rom. 1:30. 8:7. 2 Tim. 3:4. x See on 
 23. Ps. 63:23. Is. 34:6—8. Jer. 46:10. Ez. 35:6— 3. 38:21, 22. * Or, praise /iis 
 
 people, ve nations ; or , sing ye. y Gen. 12:3. 1 Kings 8:43. Ps. 22:27. Is. 11: 
 10. 19.2$, 25. Luke 2: 10,11,32. Acts 13.47,48. Rom. 15:9— 13. Rev. 5:9,10. z See 
 on 35. Job 13:24. Jer. 13:14. Lam. 2:5. Luke 19:27,13,44. 21:2*2-24. Rom. 12: 
 19. Rev. 6:10. 15.2,4. 18:2,20. 19:2. a Ps. 85:1. b See on 31:22,30. t Or, Joshua. 
 
 to destroy, to afflict and prosper, and that none cantleliver 
 men out of his hand. (Marg. Ref. Note-, 1 Sam. 2:4 — 8.) 
 
 V. 40 — 42. 44 Lifling up the hand” was at that time customary 
 in taking solemn oaths : (Marg. Ref. s.) and when Jehovah 
 sware by his own self-existence and eternity, the sentence, 
 whether of mercy or of judgment, became irrevokable and ir- 
 reversible. And therefore, if the Lord prepared for vengeance, 
 as a man for battle, and put his hand to the dreadful work of 
 executing judgment on the wicked, he would do it effectually ; 
 nor should any of those, who had provoked his indignation, 
 he able either to resist or escape. Especially he will revenge 
 himself upon all those, who at any time have injured his people, 
 (Notes, Is. 34: 63:1 — 6. Rev. 19:11 — 21.) — The words ren- 
 dered 44 from the beginning of revenges on the enemy are 
 obscure, and may mean, 4 from the highest to the lowest of 
 .he enemy.’ — This conclusion seems to relate to the final 
 deliverance of Israel, and the destruction of all who op- 
 >ose that deliverance, and of every enemy of God and his 
 people : and future events may hereafter illustrate this part 
 of the prophecy, as history has explained the foregoing parts 
 of it. 
 
 V. 43. When the Gentiles were called into the church, 
 and the Jews who opposed it were severely punished, this 
 prophecy began to he accomplished : but when upon their 
 future conversion, the fulness of the Gentiles shall be brought 
 in, and all opposers be destroyed, it will be completely fulfil- 
 led. The restoration of the Jews to their own land, and its 
 subsequent fertility, seem also predicted. (Notes, Rom. 11:11 
 —15. 15:8—13.) 
 
 V. 45 — 52. Moses, having delivered the preceding pro- 
 phetical song to Israel, with earnest attestations and exhorta- 
 »ions, continuing the 44 labour of love” to his latest breath, 
 .received the summons from God to take a view* of the promised 
 land, and then close his eyes in death. (iVofes, 3:23 — 28. 
 34:1—6. Num. 20:10—13,22—28. 27:15— 17.)— The expres- 
 sion, 44 gathered unto thy people,” must here relate to the 
 soul, not to the body ; for none of Moses’s people were buried 
 on mount Abarim: yet the words are not used exclusively of 
 the righteous. (Note, Gen. 25:7, S.) — 4 The Israelites should 
 have learnt, that as Moses left them short of the promised 
 land, and could not bring them into possession of it, so his 
 law did not contain a perfect revelation of God’s will, but 
 they were to expect something beyond it.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. Divine truths, if proposed with solemnity and 
 affection, and accompanied by fervent prayers, resemble the 
 gentle dews and rains which refresh and fructify the earth: 
 and while numbers, alas ! turn away from instruction with 
 meglect an „ dislike, many in every age welcome the blessing, 
 and show the beneficial tendency of it in their holy and useful 
 lives. (Note, Ps. 72:4 — 7.) — When the glorious perfections 
 ©f God, and his dealings with mankind in general, and with 
 every individual, and their real character and conduct towards 
 him, shall he completely made known to the whole world, 
 either his mercy in their salvation, or his justice in their con- 
 demnation, will he universally acknowledged by all. In every 
 controversy between the great Creator, and his rational crea- 
 tures, the heavens and the earth, and every part of the 
 the world, will be witnesses for him 44 to declare his righ- 
 eousness,” and to convict and silcnco all who have rebelled 
 against him: for the benefits which he has already conferred, 
 .ay them under so strong obligat ions entirely to love and serve 
 %dm. that their ingratitude and disobedience admit of no ex- 
 I 376 ) 
 
 47 For it is d not a vain thing for you, because 
 it is your life : and through this thing ye shall 
 prolong your days in the land whither ye go 
 over Jordan to possess it. 
 
 48 And “the Lord spake unto Moses that self- 
 same day, saying, 
 
 49 Get thee up into this 'mountain Abarim, 
 unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, 
 that is over against Jericho ; sand behold the land 
 of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel 
 lor a possession ; 
 
 50 And die in the mount whither thou goest 
 up, and h be gathered unto thy people ; ‘as Aaron 
 thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered 
 unto his people : 
 
 51 Because k ye trespassed against me among 
 the children of Israel, at the waters of tMeribah- 
 kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin ; 'because ye 
 sanctified me not in the midst of the children of 
 Israel. 
 
 52 Yet m thou shalt see the land before thee, 
 but thou shalt not go thither, unto the land which 
 I give the children of Israel. 
 
 See on Num. 13:8,16. c See on 6:6.7. 11:18. IChr. 22:19. Ez.40:4. Luk» 
 9:44. Heb. 2:1. d 80:19. Lev. 18:5. Prov. 3:1,2,18,22. 4:22. Is. 45: 19. Mall. 6- 
 33. Horn. 10 5,6. 1 Tim. 4 8. 6:6—8. 1 Pet. 3:10— 12. 2Pet. 1.3,16. Rev. 22:14. 
 e Num. 27:12,13. f 34:1. See on Num.'33:47, 48. s34:2— 5. Is. 33:17. 2Cor. 
 5:1. h Geu. 15:15. See on 25:8,17. 49:33. Dan. 12.13. i Num. 20:25,28. 33: 
 38. k 3:23— 27. Num. 20:11.12,24 . 27:14. J (li , strife at K.dtsh. Num. 20: 
 13,14. 1 See on Lev. 10:3. 1 Kings 13:21— 26. 1 Pel. 4:17. m 49. 34: 1—3. Num. 
 27:12. Heb. 11:13,39. 
 
 case. (Note, Rom. 1:18 — 20.) Yea, every advantage, by 
 which any of them are distinguished from others, increases 
 their obligation and aggravates the guilt of transgression. — In 
 our own case we should recollect that our favoured land, not 
 less desirable in many respects than Canaan itself; the place 
 of our abode, if peculiarly pleasant or suitable ; our temporal 
 provision, and the abundance which many possess, with a 
 variety of other advantages national and personal ; are as 
 much the special gift and appointment of God to us, as the 
 land of promise was to Israel, and as really demand our 
 gratitude and cheerful obedience. — We too, as well as they 
 are singularly favoured with the light of revelation and the 
 ordinances of true religion, and are professedly the Lord’s 
 people. We hear continually of a redemption far more 
 precious than that of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, and 
 are invited to partake its inestimable blessings : but unless 
 we are 44 redeemed from all iniquity, and purified to the Re- 
 deemer as a peculiar people, zealous of good works,” all our 
 privileges will only increase our condemnation. — And alas ! the 
 dark and deep stains of every atrocious wickedness, which 
 mark our national character, are not 44 the spots of God’s 
 children,” but demonstrate that in general we afe Christians 
 only in name : and comparing our mercies with our conduct, 
 it may well be said to us, 44 Do ye thus requite the Lord, O 
 foolish people and unwise ? Is not he thy Father that hath 
 bought thee ? hath he not made thee, and established thee ?* 
 — Indeed he found us all dead in sin, and slaves to Satan, 
 and basely in love with our chains : and even when 44 warned 
 to flee from the wrath to come,” and invited to liberty and 
 felicity, we were disposed to cleave to the world and shrink 
 from the difficulties and perils of a godly life. But his Spirit 
 quickened our souls, stirred us up from the dust, sweetly and 
 powerfully showed us our danger and our refuge, gave us 
 effectual assistance, and led us in paths which we had not 
 before known. Thus we. became the redeemed servants of 
 God, 44 his portion and the lot of his inheritance,” yea, his 
 beloved children and heirs of eternal glory ; and were favoured 
 with hojy consolations and earnests of heavenly felicity. Yet, 
 alas ! how often have we all merited the reproach of ingrati- 
 tude and folly! How frequently have we 44 grieved his Holy 
 Spirit,” even if we have been kept from dishonouring his 
 name! How often have wc moved him to jealousy by our 
 inordinate attachment to earthly objects ! How many times 
 have we provoked him to hide his face from us, and to chas- 
 ten us for our sins, 44 that we might not he condemned with 
 the world!” In short how much reason do we find on the 
 retrospect, to humble ourselves before God, and to plead with 
 him for his mercy’s sake, to pardon our sins, to renew oat 
 souls, and 44 to establish our goings in his ways, that our fool* 
 steps slip not !” 
 
 V. 15 — 35. It is a striking proof of human depravity, that 
 prosperity almost always increases pride and ungodliness, as 
 well as luxury and sensuality. Our national riches and suc- 
 cesses have manifestly produced this hateful effect: like 
 44 Jeshurun, we have grown fat and kicked:” and the most 
 daring infidelity, impiety, and profligacy, which abound on 
 every side, prove that we have forsaken God, and provoked 
 him to jealousy, even as the Israelites did by their multiplied 
 idolatries and enormous crimes. Indeed it is an observation, 
 which every reflecting man has had occasion to make, that 
 many who in adversity or low circumstances behaved well, 
 and seemed favourable Jo religion, when her >mo prosperous 
 and wealthy grow insolent, and profane, and snem to -xiy ui to 
 
B. C. 14j1 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Notts records the displays of the Lord's majesty , and hit love to Israel, 1 — 5. 
 He pronounces a prophetical blissing on each of the tribes , 6 — Uo : and 
 shows in general their felicity at the people'of God, 26—29. 
 
 A ND this is “the blessing 1 , wherewith Moses 
 b the man of God blessed the children of Israel 
 belore his death. 
 
 2 And he said, The Lord C came from Sinai, 
 and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth 
 
 a Gen. 27:4.27—29. 49:1; 23. Luke 24:50,51. John 14:27. 16:33. 17; b Josh. 14; 
 6. Judg. 13:6. 1 Sam. 2:27. 9:6,7. livings 13:1,6. Ps. BO: title. 1 Tim. 6:11. 
 2 Tim. 3:17. 2 Pet. 1:21. c Ex. 19:18-20. Judg. 5:4.5. Hab. 3:3. dPs. 68:7,8, 
 17. Dan. 7:9,10. Acts 7:53. Gal. 3:19. 2 Thes. 1:7. Heb.2:2. J« tie 14. Rev. 5:11. 
 • Heb.ajSreo/Zaw. 5:22. 2 Cor. 3:7,9. Ga!. 3:10. Heb. 12:20. e 7:7,8. Ex. 
 
 God, u We are lords: we will come no more unto thee.” Of 
 this class of apostates, most faithful ministers in large cities 
 have to lament over many affecting instances ; nay, of those 
 who still wish to be thought Christians, and so deem them- 
 selves branches of the true Vine, what numbers are there of 
 whom it must be said, M Their vine is of the vine of Sodom, 
 and their wine the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of 
 asps.” — Thus men “ treasure up wrath against the day of 
 wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who 
 will render to everyone according to his deeds.” u For a fire 
 is kindled in his anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell ;” as 
 well as 41 consume the earth with its increase.” It is awful 
 to think of the unnumbered multitudes, who thus live and die, 
 and perish in their sins: while at the same time they add 
 continually to the load of our national guilt, which more and 
 more loudly calls for divine vengeance on the land, and to 
 which we should ascribe all our calamities and pressures. In- 
 deed, sooner or later iniquity must be our ruin, unless pre- 
 vented by a general revival and enlarged success of pure 
 Christianity among ns : and not only our commerce and other 
 temporal advantages will be given to others, but even our re- 
 ligious privileges will be transferred to some of those nations, 
 whom we now despise as rude and ignorant savages. For, 
 as we have provoked the Lord to jealousy by our crimes and 
 lying vanities, he may probably provoke us to jealousy and 
 indignation by the very people whom we most disdain. And 
 should he no more regard us than we have done him, it may 
 easily be seen what our end must be. To him 44 belongeth 
 vengeance and recompense, and the feet of his enemies will 
 slide in clue time ; for the day of their calamity is at hand.” 
 But 44 to the Lord our God” likewise “belong mercies and 
 forgivenesses ;” he is slow to anger and ready to forgive ; he 
 44 works for his own name’s sake, that it should not be polluted 
 among the heathen ;” he spares us when we deserve wrath ; 
 and he bears long with his professed worshippers, lest he 
 should embolden the blasphemies of his open enemies ; he 
 14 waits to be gracious,” and u in wrath remembers mercy.” 
 Hence it is, that our guilty land has hitherto been preserved 
 from desolating judgments and dire extremities. Hence it is 
 that individually we are spared, and are not now in the depths 
 of hell. 44 Oh, that men were wise, that they understood this, 
 that they would consider their latter end.” — But alas! viewed 
 in this light, after all our improvements in science and politi- 
 cal sagacity, it may not only be said of us, 44 They are children 
 in whom is no faiih ,” but even, “ They are a nation void of 
 counsel, neither is there understanding in them.” For if the 
 Lord indeed favoured us, nay, if he were not provoked to sell 
 us and shut us up in the hand of our enemies, we should have 
 nothing to fear from them. Yet how few think of using any 
 proper means of ensuring his protection ! what eagerness is 
 shown in engaging the assistance of an arm of flesh ! In 
 men’s private conduct too, how little earnestness is manifested 
 in the infinitely important concerns of eternity, compared with 
 .their activity about the perishing trifles of this dying world ! 
 'But surely man’s wisdom consists not in sagacity about things 
 of momentary duration, but in 44 considering his latter end,” 
 and in preparing for his final account ; in seeking deliverance 
 from eternal punishment, and a title to eternal felicity. Nay, 
 even in this present world, the hope of heaven, and the joys 
 which God communicates to his faithful servants, unspeakably 
 exceed all the pleasures which the possession of the whole 
 earth could confer : and neither the sensual, the ambitious, nor 
 the covetous ; nor yet the devotees of superstition, nor the 
 worshippers of saints and angels ; can so much as imagine 
 tliat 44 their rock is as our rock,” or their portion comparable 
 to the Christian’s eternal inheritance. — Oh, that men would 
 then be persuaded to build their hopes on Christ the sure 
 Foundation, and to seek the waters of life which he gives to 
 all who thirst for them ! — For so merciful is our God, and so 
 well are all things ordered in the new Covenant, that none are 
 excluded from these blessings, except such as 44 lightly esteem 
 die Rock of salvation because they cleave to other confl- 
 lences, or prefer the service of sin and Satan. 
 
 V. 36 — 52. Not only are all the blessings of a kind Provi- 
 dence abused in the service of sin by ungodly men, but even 
 the means of grace, and the doctrines of Christianity, are per- 
 verted to the basest purposes, through the pride and lusts of 
 the human heart. 44 The salvation of the righteous is” there- 
 ore entirely 44 from the Lord and his special grace renders 
 he invitations of his word effectual to their conversion. And 
 whether nations, or churches, or individuals depart from him, 
 Jieir recovery must originate from the same source. But 
 Vol. I.— 48 
 
 from mount Panin, and he came with d ten 
 thousands of saints: from his right hand wait 'a 
 fiery law for them. 
 
 3 Yea, e he loved the people: fall his saints arc 
 in thy hand: and sthey sat down at thy feet; 
 every h one shall receive of thy words. 
 
 4 'Moses commanded us a law, even k the in 
 heritance of the congregation of Jacob. 
 
 5 And he was ‘king’ in "'Jeshurun, when the 
 
 19 .3, e. Ps. 47:1. 147:la, 20. Jet. 31:3. Has. 11:1. Mai. 1:2. Rom. 9:11— 13 
 Eph. 2:4.5. f 7:6. 1 Sam. 2:9. Ps. 50:5. Jer. 32:10. John 10:28,29. Rom. 8:35- 
 39. Col. 3:3,4. 1 Pet. 1:5. g Luko2:46. 8.35. 10 39. .Icls22:3. h Fro*. 2:1 
 1 Thes. 1:6. 4:1. i John 1 : 17. 7: 19. k 9:26— 29. Ps. 1 19:72,1 1 1 . G«n. 36:31 
 Ex. 18.19. Num. 16:13— 15. Judg.8:22, 23. 9:2. 17:6. m See on 32:15. 
 
 when the Lord has purposes of mercy, he frequently leaves 
 transgressors to endure very grievous sufferings, in conse- 
 quence of their crimes ; and follows them with one stroke aflei 
 another, each more heavy than the preceding : and at the same 
 time he lets them feel that they can procure deliverance from 
 no other hand than his, and that it is vain to seek it from their 
 sins and worldly idols, for which they have forsaken him, and 
 to which they have devoted their time and talents. Thus he 
 seems to say to them, 44 See now, that I, even T, dm He ; and 
 there is no god with me. I kill and I make alive ; I wound 
 and I heal, neither is there any that can deliver out of mj 
 hand.” ( Notes , Hos. 5:15. 6:1 — 3.) Then, “coming to them- 
 selves,” and dreading lest he should irrevocably swear in his 
 wrath that they shall have their portion with his enemies, 
 they are led to cry for mercy, and to humble themselves be- 
 fore him, conscious that their power is gone, their danger 
 urgent, and their crimes inexcusable. And when this takes 
 place, he will judge them as his people, 44 and repent concern 
 ing his servants ;” he will deliver them from their enemies, and 
 terminate their miseries ; he 44 will rejoice over them to do 
 them good,” and all his friends and servants will rejoice, yea 
 the broken hearts of the penitents likewise shall be filled with 
 joy and consolation. Thus he made the nations to rejoice 
 with his people in the primitive times ; and many of us sinners 
 of the Gentiles share the same joy : and thus he will at length 
 restore the Jews to their long-forfeited privileges ; and while 
 he avenges them of their enemies, he will be merciful to his 
 people and to his land. — Indeed there has been a long conflict 
 on earth between the cause of truth and holiness, and that of 
 error and ungodliness ; but this likewise shall terminate in the 
 final and universal triumph of true religion, and in the ruin of 
 all its opponents ; which will be the prelude to the eternal 
 separation between the friends and enemies of God in the 
 unseen world. — Ere long this change will take place with each 
 of us ; and we shall soon he required to 44 put off this our 
 tabernacle.” Happy they, who are called to meet death from 
 being faithfully employed in the work of the Lord ! and who 
 die with the promised inheritance full in view, and with a clear 
 assurance of eternal life. — Yet let the redeemed of the Lord 
 walk circumspectly, lest some false step which they have 
 taken should be remembered against them upon a death-bed, 
 and render that closing scene less comfortable. Let us all be 
 contented in obscurity and poverty, if allotted to us, as most 
 favourable to godliness: let the rich and prosperous rejoice 
 with trembling, lest they should have their portion in this 
 world: and let them watch and pray, lest t hey should be lifted 
 up to their hurt. Let us all recommend religion to our children, 
 and to those around us, as 44 no vain thing,” but our eternal 
 life : and let us entreat the Lord without ceasing, that the bless- 
 ings of it may be extended to the remotest nations of the earth. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIII. V. I. To all the preceding 
 precepts, exhortations, warnings, and prophecies, in prose 
 and in poetry, Moses added, before his final parting, a solemn 
 benediction. This may be considered, as the expression oi 
 his cordial good-will to the people, and his fervent prayers for 
 them, notwithstanding the severe rebukes and awful curses 
 which he had uttered ; or rather as a prophecy which related 
 to the situation and circumstances of the several tribes. It 
 exceedingly resembled the blessings which Jacob pronounced 
 upon his sons ; and intimated that, notwithstanding the rebel- 
 lions of Israel, and the foregoing alarming predictions, the 
 Lord had blessings in reserve for them. (Notes, Gen. 49:1, 
 2,28.) — It is probable, that the heads of the several tribes 
 gathered around Moses, after he had received the summons 
 recorded in the close of the former chapter, and just before 
 he ascended the mount where he ended his life : and that he 
 delivered to them, both by word of mouth, and in writing, 
 these his last dying words. Doubtless this parting interview 
 was very pathetic ; and as the people could no longer question 
 his disinterested faithful affection to them, it was likely to 
 make a deep and durable impression. — The whole transaction 
 reminds us of the 44 Prophet like unto Moses,” who discoursed 
 with his disciples the night before his crucifixion for their con- 
 solation, concluding with a most affectionate prayer for them; 
 (John 14: — 17-‘) and blessed them just when he. parted from 
 them to ascend into heaven. (Note, Luke 24:50 — 53.)- —The 
 phrase, “the man of God,” here first used, implies a man that 
 is wholly devoted to God; and it is generally spoken of pro- 
 phets, or extraordinary teachers of his truth. ( Marg . Ref. b. 
 
 V. 2. The benedictions pronounced on this occasion, were 
 introduced with a brief retrospect on former mercies ; tne lan- 
 guage of which is very poetical : and it likewise refers to 
 ( 377 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451. 
 
 heads of the peo; le and the tribes of Israel were 
 gathered toge ■ he*. 
 
 6 II Let “Reuben live, and not die ; and let not 
 his men be few. 
 
 7 H And this is the blessing of Judah: and he 
 said, Hear, Loro, the voice of Judah, “and bring 
 him unto his people : Piet his hands be sufficient 
 
 n Gen. 49:3,4. Num. 32:31,32. Josh. 22: 1—9. o Gen. 49:8— 12. Judg. 1:1, te. Ps. 
 78 68 70 Mir.. 5:2,3. Mai. 3:1. Hah. 7:14. p 2 Kam. 3:1. 5:1 ,19,24. 1 Chr. 12:22. 
 2Chr. 17:12— 13. Is. 9:7. Rev. 19:13-16. q 2 Sam. 7:9— 11,12. Ps. 2: 20:2. 21 : 
 1 8. 110:1,2. Lukr 19.27. 1 Cor. 15:25. Rev. 20:10— 15. r E*. 28:30,36. Lev. 
 
 scenes, which would be much better conceived by the Israel- 
 ites than they can be by us. When Jehovah came down, 
 to manifest his glory, and promulgate his law, from mount 
 Sinai, either the splendour of his majesty illuminated the dis- 
 tant mountains of Seir and Paran ; or his approach was pre- 
 ceded by some glorious appearances from those mountains, 
 as the rising sun is ushered in by the light of the dawning day : 
 or, as some think, the words relate to the continued and glo- 
 rious presence of God with Israel, while they were in the 
 desert, near to those mountains. ( Notes , Ps. 68:7,8. Hah. 
 3:3 — 5.) — At mount Sinai, however, he was attended by u ten 
 thousands of saints,” or holy ones, or holy angels : who minis- 
 tered to him in that grand display of his divine majesty. 
 (Notes, Ex. 19:16—20. Ps. 68:17. Gal. 3:19—22. Heb. 2:1 — 
 4. Jude 14 — 16.) Thence he gave the law, not only speaking 
 it with a loud voice from the midst of the fire, but writing it 
 upon tables of stone, which he delivered to Israel as a sacred 
 deposit ; and he enforced obedience to it with his whole power 
 and authority ; for it “went from his right hand for them.” It 
 is called a fiery law , not only as delivered from the midst of 
 fire, but because of th e fiery indignation to which all trans- 
 gressors are doomed, except as they find mercy through the 
 gospel. Its sanctifying effects also, when written in the hearts 
 of believers by the finger of the Spirit, where, as fire, it con- 
 sumes the lusts, purifies the affections, and assimilates *the 
 soul to its own holy nature, may perhaps be intimated. 
 
 V. 3. Even the promulgation of this fiery law was the 
 effect of the Lord’s special love to Israel ; and in connexion 
 with the gospel, as delivered to them under the legal ceremo- 
 nies, (the shadows of good things to come,) it was the grand 
 means of rendering them holy, and consequently safe and 
 happy. (Notes, Ex. 20:1. John • 1:17.) — As externally a 
 Holy people, they were taken under his immediate protection, 
 while they “ sat at his feet” and received his instructions ; 
 even as all his true saints are “kept by the power of God, 
 through faith unto salvation.” ( Marg . Ref. Note , 1 Pet. 
 1:3—5.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. The law was given from God, and by Moses; 
 who was also the mediator of that covenant, by which the 
 congregation of Jacob’s posterity was incorporated, and 
 which secured to them their temporal inheritance, while they 
 retained their national fidelity. Yet the law itself, as com- 
 prising the whole revelation made to them, was their most 
 valuable inheritance ; as it showed them the way of peace 
 and life eternal, and ensured these blessings ttf all who truly 
 attended to it. — In giving the law, Moses acted as a prophet : 
 but. he was also in reality “a king;” for he possessed all the 
 authority, and performed all the functions of a king ; though 
 he neither took upon him the name or the state of royalty, 
 nor received any tribute from Israel ; and though he joined 
 with him the heads of the people, and of the tribes, both as 
 nis council, and as subordinate magistrates. (Note, 18: 
 15 — 19.) — Some suppose, that Jehovah himself is here 
 meant ; and doubtless he was King over Israel in all ages, 
 and in an especial manner, whoever were his deputies: for 
 ii. this sense, the judges were kings, as really as David and 
 Solomon, though not so called. 
 
 V. 6. The order in which the tribes are here blessed, is 
 different from all those elsewhere observed. — Reuben the 
 first-born, though degraded by Jacob, and superseded by 
 Judah as to the precedency in the encampments, is here 
 first mentioned. (Note, Gen. 49:3,4.) Notwithstanding 
 these disgraces, and the rebellion in the wilderness, under 
 Dathan, Abirain, and On, in which many of this tribe perished, 
 Moses predicted that it should not be destroyed, hut should 
 be multiplied to a great, number; by which he also expressed 
 his cordial good-will to them, notwithstanding their personal 
 misconduct towards him. As the Reubenites, having received 
 their inheritance east of Jordan, were preparing to pass over 
 Jordan, and fight for their brethren, we may also suppose that 
 some reference is had to this circumstance, and that the 
 b.essing implies a prayer for their protection. — The Septua- 
 gint join Simeon with Reuben in this benediction : but it is 
 probable, that they did so merely because Simeon is not 
 mentioned in the chapter. (Note, 8.) 
 
 V. 7. (Note, Gen. 49:8 — 12.) Judah was the governing 
 and conquering tribe ; and Moses prayed that he might be 
 r otected and rendered 'victorious, when he went forth to 
 attle, and be brought back triumphant to his people ; and 
 that the tribe might have sufficient forces from among them- 
 4 selves, and from the other tribes ; and especially the help of 
 the Lord of Hosts himself. This was evidently a prophecy 
 ♦ which was fulfilled to Judah till the days of Christ, and in 
 nira shall be accomplished to the end. — Some commentators 
 
 ( 378 ) 
 
 for him; land be thou an help to him from his 
 
 enemies. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 8 IT *And of Levi he said, r Let thy Thummim 
 and thy Urim be “with thy holy one, whom thou 
 didst l prove at Massah, and with whom thou 
 didst strive at the waters of Meribah; 
 
 9 Who u said unto his father and to his mother, 
 
 8-8. Num. 27:21. 1 Sam. 28:6. Ezra 2:63. Neh. 7:65. b Lev. 21:7. Num. 16:5. 
 2 Chr. 23:6. Ezra 8.28. Ps. 16:10. 106:16. Heb. 7:29. Rev. 3:7. (8:2.3.16. Ex. 
 17:7. Num. 20:13. Pa. 81:7. u Ex. 32:26— 29. Lev. 10.6.21:11. Mai. 2:5. MaU. 
 10:37. 12:48.22:16. Luke 14:26. 2 Cor. 5:16. Gal. 1: 10. 1 Tiles. 2:4. 1 Tim. 6:21. 
 
 interp/et the clause, “ bring him to his people,” as predicting 
 the coming of the Messiah. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 8. (Note, Gen. 49:5 — 7.) — Levi arid Simeon had been 
 left under a severe rebuke by Jacob : and the tribe of Simeon 
 had in nowise distinguished itself; on the contrary, it had 
 been notoriously guilty in the transgression of Baal-peor, and 
 was greatly reduced in the wilderness. (Notes, Num. 25:6 
 — 8. 26:14.) A portion therefore was assigned it within the 
 lot of Judah, with which it was in great measure incorporated: 
 and perhaps for that reason, it was not separately mentioned 
 in this prophecy. (Note, Josh. 19:1 — 9.) — But tho curse of 
 Levi had been turned into a blessing, on account of the 
 transactions here referred to. Levi was the dying prophet’s 
 own tribe ; but he only mentioned it as the tribe which the 
 Lord had chosen for himself: and, as the welfare of Israel was 
 so immediately connected with the Levitical priesthood, ho 
 expatiated the more in his benediction and prophecy concern- 
 ing it. The Urim and Thummim, or illuminations and perfeo* 
 tiuns, (Note, Ex. 28:30.) by which the high-priest inquired of 
 the Lord, formed one distinguishing token of his favour to this 
 tribe : and Moses prophetically prayed for the continuance of 
 these to the succeeding high-priests, during man}' generations ; 
 which jmplied also the continuance of all needful gifts and 
 graces to every order of that tribe, that they might fill up 
 their several places, to the glory of God, and the maintenance 
 of true religion in Israel. — It is however confessed by the 
 Jews, that the “Urim and Thummim” were lost in tho 
 Babylonish captivity, and that nothing was substituted in 
 their room: hut in our “ Holy One,” our great High-Priest, 
 whom Aaron and his sons feebly shadowed forth, the things 
 signified remain, and from him are communicated to all his 
 true ministers and people, according to their measure. (Notes, 
 Eph. 4:7 — 13.) — There were two Miribahs, one of which Is 
 also called Massah, where probably Aaron and the Levites 
 remarkably distinguished themselves, in opposing the mur- 
 murs of the people. (Marg. Ref. t.) At the other Meribah 
 Aaron was found faulty: (Note. Num. 20:10 — 13.) yet there 
 is a tradition that the tribe of Levi approved themselves 
 faithful. The prophet, however, in this passage, seems to 
 have referred to some remarkable instances not elsewhere 
 recorded, in which the Levites were tried, and honourably 
 distinguished themselves in the cause of God. 
 
 V. 9. In the provocation of the golden calf, the Levites, 
 at God’s command, inflicted punishment on the ringleaders, 
 without respect to rank or relation, and in a very zealous and 
 impartial manner. (Note, Ex. 32:27 — 29.) Perhaps somo 
 of their own tribe and near relations were deeply involved in 
 that guilt, whom they no more spared than other criminals: 
 and though men might censure this severity, yet God highly 
 approved of it, and honoured those who so honoured him. 
 ( Notes, Num. 25:6—13. Luke 14:25—27. 2 Cor. 5:16.) 
 
 V. 10. Besides olfering sacrifices, officiating at the 
 sanctuary, and acting as magistrates, the priests and Levites 
 w ere the authorized puolic teachers, through the cities and 
 villages in the several tribes of Israel. Too many of them, 
 however, in after ages, were more attentive to their perquisites 
 than to their duty; (as it is generally the case in similar 
 collective bodies;) and the ignorance and wickedness of the 
 people were frequently chargeable upon their negligence and 
 scandalous lives ; so that the prophets were extraordinary 
 messengers sent from God, especially to reprove the priests 
 and Levites, and stir them up to their duty. — Some learned 
 men indeed think, that the prophets were the only teachers of 
 Israel ; and that publicly instructing the people was no regular 
 part of the office assigned to the priests or Levites, except as 
 some of them acted as magistrates. But tin? preceding 
 statement accords far better with the language of Scripture, 
 here and elsewhere. (Marg. reading and Marg. Ref. on it. 
 Note , 2 Chr. 17:7—9. 30:21,22. Ezra 7:6—10. Neh. 8:5—7. 
 Mai. 2:4—9.) 
 
 V. 11. The Levites had no landed inheritance, but wero 
 maintained out of the portion which God had reserved for 
 himself ; by which their interests were connected with tho 
 support of his worship. On this provision Moses predicted 
 a special blessing from God. Some indeed interpret this 
 clause, of their abilities for their sacred ministry , that the Lord 
 would both enable them for their work, and prosper them in 
 it. — The faithful discharge of. their office might give offence, 
 and so raise up enemies against them ; while avarice would 
 prompt numbers to defraud them, or even to seek the abolition 
 of the whole order, as useless, that they might seize upon 
 the revenues: but vengeance was prophetically denounced 
 against all who should hate them, or rise up against them, 
 on any account whatever; as enemies to God and religion, 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 I have not seen him ; neither did he acknowledge 
 his brethren nor knew his own children : for they 
 have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant. 
 
 10 'They shall teach Jacob thy judgments, and 
 Israel thy law; ’they shall put incense ^before 
 thee, and “whole burnt-sacrifice upon thine altar. 
 
 11 Bless, Loan, Tiis substance, and 'accept 
 tiro work of his hands : ‘smite through the loins 
 of them that rise against him, and of them that 
 hate him, that they rise not again. 
 
 12 11 And of Benjamin he said, b The beloved of 
 the Lop.n shall dwell in safety by him; and the 
 LORD shall ‘cover him all the day long, and he 
 shall dwell between his shoulders. 
 
 13 H And of d Joseph he said, Blessed of the 
 Lord be his land, for the precious things of 
 heaven, for ‘the dew, and for the deep that 
 coucheth beneath, 
 
 14 And for 'the precious fruits brought forth 
 by the sun, and for the precious things § put forth 
 by the "moon, 
 
 15 And sfbr the chief things of the ancient 
 mountains, and for the precious things of the last- 
 ing hills, 
 
 16 And for the precious things of Hhe earth 
 and fulness thereof; and for ‘the good-will of him 
 that dwelt in the bush ; let the blessing come 
 
 • Or, let them teach. 17:9—11. 21:8. Lev. 10:11. 2 Chr. 17:8—10 . 30:22. Nell. 
 8:1 — 9,13 — 15,18. Kz. 44:23,24. Hos. 4:6. Mai. 2:6— 8. Mate. 23:2,3. John 
 21:15,16. tOr , /el them put. Ex. 30:7,8. Num. 16:40,46. 1 Sam. 2:28. 2 < hr. 
 26:18. Luke 1:9,10. Heb. 7:25. 9:*24 . Rev. 8:3 — 5. 1 Heb. at thy nose, x Lev. 
 1:9,13,17. 9:12,13. Ps. 51:19. Ez. 43:27. y 18:1— 5. Num. 18:8— 20. 35:2-8. 
 l 2 Sam. 24:23. Ps. 20:3. Ez. 20:40,41. 43:27. Mnl. 1:8—10. a Is. 29:21. Jer. 
 15:10. Am. 5:10. Matt. 10:14,15. Luke 10:10— 12,16. I Thes. 4:8. b -See on 27 
 —29. Josh. 18:11— 28. Judg. 1:21. 1 Kings 12.21. 2 Chr. 11:1. 15:2. 17:17—19. 
 Ps. 132:14. Is. 37:22,35. cPs.91:4. Is. 51:16. Matt. 23:37. d See on Gen. 48: 
 5,9,15 — 20 . 49.22 — 26. e 32:2. Gen. 27-28,29. Job 29: 19. Ps. 110:3. Prov. 3:20. 
 19:12. Is. 13:4. Hos. 14:5. Mic. 5:7. Zech.S:12. f28:8. Lev. 26:4. 2 Sam. 23: 
 4. Ps. 65:9— 13. 74:16. 84:11. Mai. 4:2. Matt. 5:45. Acts 14:17. 1 Tint. 6:17. 
 § Heb. thrust forth. || Heb. moons. Ps. 8:3. 104:19. Rev. 22:2. g Gen. 49:26. 
 
 and even to ihe true interests of the nation. (Note, Mai. 
 
 3:7—12.) 
 
 V. 12. (Note, Gen. 49:27.) The tribe of Benjamin had 
 their inheritance adjoining to mount Zion : and part of Jeru- 
 salem, and as some suppose, the temple itself, was situated 
 within it. This was a distinguishing token of the Lord’s 
 love to them: the sanctuary was their security while they 
 adhered to it ; for they were covered by the protection of the 
 Lord continually, and had his power engaged in their behalf. — 
 This tribe adhered to the family of David and the worship 
 of God, when the ten tribes revolted and apostatized ; and 
 thus it became inseparably united and incorporated with that 
 of Judah ; and was preserved in consequence, when the ten 
 tribes were scattered among the nations. (Marg. Ref. b.) 
 
 V. 13 — IB. It is here predicted, that the inheritance of 
 the tribes descended from Joseph, should, through the blessing 
 of God, he peculiarly fertile. By the seasonable rains and 
 refreshing dews, — those precious things which come down 
 from above and make the earth fruitful, — and by the springs 
 which issue from beneath, and the benign influences of the 
 sun, all kinds of valuable productions, peculiar to each 
 revolving moon in succession, would be abundantly afforded. 
 The mountains and hills of Joseph would grow vines, and 
 olives, and timber-trees ; and from beneath would be dug 
 metals and minerals, and stone for building. In short, their 
 land should abound with every precious production, that the 
 earth and its fulness can afford; all which, with a variety of 
 spiritual privileges, would descend upon these tribes of 
 Ephraim and Manasseh, from the good-will and peculiar 
 kindness of Jehovah. — The first appearance of the Lord 
 in the burning bush, seems to have been recollected with 
 grateful pleasure by the dying prophet; and he characterized 
 Him, who would thus bless the sons of Joseph, from this 
 circumstance, that he condescended, as “the God of Abra- 
 ham” and of his seed, to dwell in a mean hush ; and had now 
 taken up his more abiding residence in the midst of Israel, 
 who was equally unworthy of such an honour ; but would in 
 like. manner he preserved by his gracious presence. (Notes, 
 Ex. 3:2 — G.) — Joseph had been especially beloved by Jacob ; 
 he was renowned for piety, wisdom, and usefulness ; his 
 memory was dear to Israel and to Moses. On these accounts 
 Moses enlarged in blessing his posterity, which evidently 
 refers to the prophetical blessing Jacob had pronounced on 
 him, under the same title of “ him that was separated from 
 ais brethren.” (Note, Gen. 49:22 — 2G.) 
 
 V. 17. Joseph, as if he had been the first-born, had the 
 birthright and the double portion, instead of Reuben; and 
 Joshua, under whom Canaan was conquered, was of the tribe 
 of Ephraim. Many proofs were given by these tribes of their 
 courage, and they were signalized with much success, being 
 powerful among their brethren and victorious over their ene- 
 mies. This is .figuratively noted by Joseph’s being as “the 
 firstling of his bullock, and his horns being as the horns of 
 unicorns, with which he should push the people together to 
 the ends of the earth,” or to the extremities of the land. The 
 
 upon the head of Joseph, k and upon the top of the 
 head of him that was separated from his brethren. 
 
 17 His glory is like the firstling of his bullock, 
 and 'his horns are like the horns of ’’unicorns : 
 with them m he shall push the people together tc 
 the ends of the earth ; and they are "the ten thou 
 sands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands ol 
 
 Manasseh. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 18 H And of Zebulun he said, ‘Rejoice, Zebu- 
 lun, in thy going out ; and Issachar, in thy tents. 
 
 19 They shall Pcall the people unto the moun- 
 tain ; there 'They shall otter sacrifices of righteous- 
 ness : for they shall ‘suck of the abundance of the 
 seas, and of treasures hid in the sand. 
 
 20 H And of Gad he said, ‘•Blessed be he that 
 enlargeth Gad : ‘he dwelleth as a lion, and “tear- 
 eth the arm with the crown of the head. 
 
 21 And he provided 'the first part for himselfj 
 because there, in “a portion of the lawgiver, was 
 he "seated ; and Tie came with the heads of the 
 people, he executed the justice of the Lord, and 
 his judgments with Israel. 
 
 22 ITAnd of Dan he said, ‘Dan is a lion’s 
 whelp; he shall leap from Bashan. 
 
 23 if And of Naphtali he said, “O Naphtali,, 
 satisfied with favour, and full with the blessing of 
 the Lord ; b possess thou the west and the south. 
 
 Ilal). 3:6. Jam. 5:7. hPs.24:l. 50:12. 89:11. Jer. 8:16. marg. 1 Cor. 10:26,28. 
 
 i Ex. 3:2-4. Mark 12:26. Luke 2:14. Acts 7:30— 33. 2 Cor. 12:7— 10. k Gen. 
 37:28,36. 39:2,3. 43:32. 45:9—11. See on 49:26. Heb. 7:26. INum. 23:22. 24:8 
 Job 39:9,10. Ps. 22:21 . 29:6. 92:10. Is. 34:7. IT Heb. a unicorn, m 1 King* 
 22:11. 2 Chr. 18:10. Ps. 44:5. n Gen. 48:19. Nnm. 26:34,37. Hos. 5:3. 6:4. 7:1. 
 o Gen. 49:13— 15. Josh. 19:11. Judg. 5:14. pis. 2:3. Jer. 50:4,5. Mic. 4:2. 
 q Ps. 4:5. 50:13— 15. 51:16,17. 107.22. Heb. 13:15,16. lPet.2:5. 1-32:13.1. 
 
 60:5,16. 66:11,12. s Gen. 9:26,27. Josh. 13:8,24—28. 1 Chr. 4:10. 12:37,38. Ps. 
 18:19,36. t 1 Chr. 5:18— 21. 12:8— 14. u Mic. 5:8. v Num. 32:1— 6. x Nnm. 
 32:33. Josh. 1:14. 22:4. •• Heb. cielei. y Nnm. 32:16,21 . Josh. 4:12,13. Jude. 
 5:2,11. z Gen. 49:16,17. Josh. 19:47. Judg. 13:2,24,25. 14:6,19. 15:8,15. 16:30. 
 18:27. I Chr. 12:35. a Gen. 49:21. Is. 9:1,2. Matt.4:13,16. 11:23. b Josh. 19i 
 32—39. 
 
 descendants of Joseph were also remarkable for their num- 
 bers ; but in both respects Ephraim exceeded Manasseh, as 
 Jacob had foretold, and Moses here attested ; though Ephraim 
 was much decreased in the wilderness, and was then less 
 numerous than Manasseh. ( Marg . Ref. on Num. 26:34,37, 
 Notes , Gen. 48:15—22.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. Zebulun and Issachar, sons of Leah, were 
 united in this blessing, and their inheritances in Canaan, as 
 appointed by lot, lay together. (Notes, Josh. 19:10 — 23.) It 
 was predicted that Zebulun would prosper, and consequently 
 w rejoice in his going out that is, say some, as a merchant ; 
 “for he was a haven of ships.” (Notes, Gen. 49:13 — 15.) 
 Thus “he sucked the abundance of the seas and of the trea- 
 sures hid in the sand:” that is, he reaped, as it were, the har- 
 vest of the sea, or worked its mines. In this case, we may 
 understand his “calilng the people to the mountain,” of the 
 endeavours which those of this tribe would use, in bringing the 
 strangers, with whom they traded, acquainted with true reli- 
 gion. — But, as the Zebulunites were situated at a distance 
 from the Mediterranean sea, and upon the sea of Tiberias; 
 perhaps their fishery was intended, and not their foreign trade : 
 and in this way, the sea yields a revenue more valuable than 
 the productions of mines of gold, and almost equal to the har- 
 vest of the plain. — Of Issachar it is foretold, that he should 
 prosper, and “ rejoice in his tents,” as a shepherd tending his 
 flock. And both Zebulun and Issachar would be zealous for 
 the ordinances of God, and in “offering the sacrifices of 
 righteousness ” out of their just gains; and would use their 
 influence in persuading others to accompany them to the 
 mountain at Jerusalem, on which Moses foresaw that the 
 temple would be built, but which lay very distant from the 
 lot of these tribes, which was in Galilee. 
 
 V. 20, 21. (Note, Gen. 49:19.) The increase of Gad is 
 here predicted, as the immediate work of the Lord, and to be 
 acknowledged with adoring gratitude. When this tribe, in 
 conjunction with Reuben, obtained his petition for a posses- 
 sion east of Jordan, of the first-fruits of Israel’s conquest s, “ he 
 provided the first part for himself, and was seated in a por- 
 tion of the lawgiver;” that is, in the portion which Moses the 
 lawgiver had allotted him: (Notes, Num. 32:29—41.) for 
 
 most of the tribes had their inheritance assigned them by 
 Joshua and Eleazar : in this he dwelt as a lion ; and when 
 any of the surrounding nations att acked him, he not only tare 
 their arm, enfeebling their power, but their head too in bringing 
 them under subjection. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Chr. 5:18 — 
 22. 12:15.) — After the Gadites were establisned in their own 
 settlements, they, and the tribe of Reuben and the half tribe 
 of Manasseh, marched boldly across Jordan along with the rest 
 of Israel, to assist in executing the righteous judgments of God 
 on the Canaanites. (Notes, Josh. 1:12 — 15. 22:1—4.) 
 
 V. 22. (Note, Gen. 49:16,17.) Jacob had compared Dan 
 to a serpent, but Moses likened him to a young lion, when 
 leaping from Bashan he irresistibly seized his prey In Sam- 
 son, who was of this tribe, both these emblems were realized; 
 and when the Danites suddenly seized the country at the 
 ( 379 ) 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 DEUTERONOMY. B. C. 1451. 
 
 24 II And of Asher lie said, Let c Asher be blessed 
 with children ; d let him be acceptable to his bre- 
 thren, and ‘let him dip his foot in oil. 
 
 25 ‘Thy shoes shall be iron and brass; fand as 
 thy days, so shall thy strength be. 
 
 26 II There is «none like unto the God of h Jesh- 
 urun, who 'rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and 
 in his excellency on the sky. 
 
 27 The k eternal God is thy 'Refuge, and "’un- 
 derneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall 
 
 cGen.49:‘J0. Ps 115:15. 128:3,6. d Prov. 3:3,4. Ec. 12:10. Acts 7:10. Rom. 
 14:18. 15:31. e Job 29:6. ' Or, under thy shoes shall be iron. 8:9. Luke 15: 
 
 22. Eph. 6:15. f 2 Chr. 15:9. Ps. 138:3. Is. 40:29. 41:10. lCor.lO:13. 2Cor. 
 12:9,10. Eph.f:10. Phil. 4:13. Col. 1:11. g Ex. 15:11. Ps. 86:8. Is. 40:18,25. 
 43:1!— 13. Je . 10:6. h See on 32: 15. i Ps. 18:10 . 68:4,33.34. 104:3. Is. 19:1. 
 Hab. 3:8. k 1 Sam. 15:29. Ps. 90:2. 102:24. Is. 9:6. 57:15. Jer. 10:10. Mic.5:2. 
 1 Tim. 1:17. Heb. 9:14. I Ps. 18 2. 27:5. 36:7. 46:1,7,11. 48:3.91:1,2,9,15. 
 Prov. 18:10. Is. 32:2. Luke 13:34. Phil. 3:9. m Gen. 49:24. Prov. 10:25. Cant. 
 
 northern extremity of Canaan, they were like the young lion 
 leaping on the defenceless cattle. ( Judg . 15: 16: 18:) 
 
 V. 23. ( Note , Gen. 49:21.) Great peace and prosperity, 
 from the special favour of the Lord, were predicted to Naph- 
 tali : ana it is a tradition of the Jewish writers, that though 
 the lot of this tribe lay in the northern part of the land, yet it 
 was so remarkably fruitful, that they generally brought the 
 first-fruits before the other tribes. — The lot of Naphtali lay to 
 the south of that country on which Dan seized; and near to 
 the setz of Tiberias: (“possess thou the sea and the south:” 
 Deb.) for the situation of this tribe in relation to the Danites 
 seems intended. 
 
 V. 24, 25. ( Note , Gen. 49:20.) Asher signifies blessed: 
 
 and to this tribe Moses predicted a numerous increase, with 
 much love and friendship from their brethren ; and likewise 
 most excellent olive-oil in vast abundance. — Some suppose 
 that the promise, 11 Thy shoes shall be iron and brass,” referred 
 to the productive mines of iron and brass, which abounded in 
 Asher’s lot, and were thus continually under his feet; but it 
 has long been interpreted as a proverbial expression ; which 
 indeed is the most natural and obvious meaning of the words. 
 If a man were about to travel in rough roads, or to climb 
 craggy precipices, or to be stationed upon a slippery eminence, 
 it would be useful for him to have plates or spikes, of iron or 
 brass fixed to his shoes : and, in like manner, the Lord would 
 prepare Asher for every difficulty which he would have to 
 encounter. According to this interpretation, the words, “ And 
 as thy days, thy strength,” are explanatory of the preceding 
 clause, and signify, that as the day of trial required, strength 
 should be communicated ; or, as some expound the passage, 
 ‘As thy wants, so shall be thy sufficiency. 5 (Note, Epk. 
 6:14—17.) 
 
 V. 26. Moses added to this prophetical blessing on each 
 tribe in particular, a declaration of the glory of God and the hap- 
 piness of Israel in general, and these were his last words which 
 are recorded. — The “God of Jeshurun” (Note, 32:15.) “rides 
 upon the heavens ;” that is, he comes in glorious majesty, and 
 with irresistible force, to defend his people, and destroy their 
 enemies; and in so doing displays all his excellencies, his 
 wisdom, justice, truth, and love, in the most conspicuous man- 
 ner. (Notes, Ps. 104:3. Is. 19:1.) 
 
 V. 27, 28. The eternity, immutability, and almighty 
 power of God, form the secure Refuge and the firm support* 
 of his people, in all dangers, pressures, and difficulties: for 
 his arms of everlasting and unfailing power are put under 
 them to sustain them. (Note, 32:4.) The word rendered 
 “ Refuge,” literally signifies Dwelling-place, for God is their 
 Home, Rest, and Felicity. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ps. 90:1,2. 
 John 6:52 — 58.) This would secure to Israel the conquest of 
 Canaan, and enable them to execute the divine command in 
 the destruction of its inhabitants : and it would likewise ensure 
 their peaceable andproperous possession, so long as they were 
 obedient, and did not forfeit thcii national covenant. — Alone: 
 (28) Note, Num. 23:9. 
 
 V. 29. Israel, being thus saved by the Lord, and rendered 
 victorious by his power, as their Shield and Sword, would 
 become terrible to their enemies; who would be constrained 
 to dissemble their enmity, and yield a feigned or reluctant 
 submission, as the Gibeonites did to Joshua. Thus Israel 
 would be a most happy nation, and have most extraordinary 
 privileges. — But the true “Israel of God” possess all these 
 blessings in the noblest sense, and have them secured to them 
 by still more precious promises, and an incomparably better 
 covenant. (Notes, Ps. 84:11,12. Rom. 8:28 — 39. Heb. 11: 
 13—16.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. The faithful servants of God dare not. flatter men 
 in their sins, or shun to declare his whole counsel as far as 
 they are able, even when that renders it necessary to denounce 
 the most tremendous curses against all impenitent sinners: 
 but at the same time, their hearts arc full of the most com- 
 passionate and tender love ; and could those whom their faith- 
 fulness exasperates, witness their affectionate desires and 
 fervent prayers in secret for them, it must in some degree 
 abate their resentment. (Note, Jer. 13:15 — 17.) Nay, even 
 the awful warnings, which are most, convincing and alarming to 
 flic conscience, spring from tender concern for the eternal wel- 
 fare of sinners ; and they who are hated for giving them, corn? 
 
 ( 380 ) 
 
 "thrust out the enemy from before thee, and shall 
 say, Destroy them. 
 
 28 •“Israel then shall dwell in safety alone : i’the 
 fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and 
 wine; also shis heaven shall drop down dew. 
 
 29 “Happy art thou, O Israel : who is like unto 
 thee, O people, ’saved by the Lord, Mhe Shield cf 
 thy help, and who is “the Sword of thy excellency! 
 and thine enemies shall be f found liars unto thee, 
 and "thou shalt tread upon their high places. 
 
 2:6. Is. 26:4. 1 Pel. 1:5. Jude 24. nS« o«9:3. John 10:28,29. Rom. 8.2. 16: 
 20. Rev. 20:2,3,10. o Ex. 33:16. Num. 23:9. Jer. 23:6. 33:16. Ex. 34:25. Rev. 
 21:27.22:14,15. p 8:7,8. Ps. 68:26. Prov. 5: 15— 18. Is. 48: 1 . q See on 13. 11: 
 II. 32:2. Gen. 27:28. r 4:7,8. Num. 23:20— 24 . 24:5. 2 Nam. 7:23. Ps. 33:12. 
 144:15.146:5. s Is. 12:2. 45: 17. 1 Tim. 4:10. t Gen. 15:1. I s. 84:11. 115:9— 
 11. u Judg. 7:20. Ps.7:12. 45 3. Is. 27:1. 34:5,6. Jer. 12:12. 47 6. Rev. 1:16, 
 19:21. t Or, subdued. Ps. 18:44. 66:3. 81:15. margins, x 32:13. Josh. 10:24, 
 25. Hab. 3:19. 
 
 monly live and die praying earnestly, that all the blessings of the 
 new covenant may be communicated to their enraged persecu- 
 tors. (Acts 7:51 — 60.) — Though the divine law is “ holy, just, 
 and good yet when fully explained and enforced, and when 
 applied by the Holy Spirit, it is still “a fiery law ;” and some- 
 times occasions terrors, as great, and at last as well grounded, 
 as those which appalled Israel, when they heard it from the 
 midst of the fire upon mount Sinai. (Note, Heb. 12:18 — 21.) 
 How intolerable then is the thought of being compelled to meet 
 the Judge, at the consummation of all things, to receiv.e the 
 eternal sentence according to it! — Yet this “fiery law” is 
 most useful to show us our need of a Saviour, and the nature, 
 glory, and preciousness of his salvation : and when delivered 
 to us by Jesus Christ, and written in our hearts by his Spirit, 
 it peculiarly evidences the Lord’s love to us, and directs us how 
 to express our love to him. They, who have thus received 
 the law from the hands of the Saviour, are “his saints,” who, 
 “being justified by faith, have peace with God through him , 
 and, secure under his protection, they sit down at. his feet 
 daily to derive further instruction from his words, acknowledg- 
 ing him as their King, and yielding him prompt and willing obe- 
 dience. — The blessings with which the Lord blesses this 
 “ church of the first born,” are suited to each person’s case, 
 and are sufficient for them in every situation : and whilst every 
 one properly fills his appointed place, all become blessings to 
 others and receive benefit from them; whether appointed to 
 the magistracy or ministry, or in a more private situation ; 
 and whether intrusted with wealth, or called upon to labour 
 for bread, or even when, incapable of labour, to subsist upon 
 charity. 
 
 V. 8 — 17. They who are employed in the sacred minis- 
 try, should be tried persons, approved of God, possessed o 
 enlightened understandings, sound judgments, and upright 
 hearts ; that, being filled with zeal for the glory of God, and 
 love to souls, they may not respect the persons of men, nor fear 
 their frowns. They should be entirely superior to the allure- 
 ments of covetousness and ambition, and even to an undue bias 
 of natural affection ; not desiring the advancement or afflu- 
 ence of their brethren or children. For their most important 
 employment consists in teaching men the truths, precepts, 
 and ordinances of God, with all faithfulness and diligence, 
 i hat they may observe his word and keep his covenant. 
 They should therefore give themselves wholly to the study 
 of the Scriptures ; and pour out their fervent prayers to the 
 IiOrd, to increase their ability, and to prosper the work of 
 their hands ; and leave it to him to provide for them and for 
 their families after them, as well as to defend them and plead 
 their cause against all who rise up against them. It is also 
 the duty of all to pray for the ministers of the Lord ; that he 
 would both give his abundant blessing on those who are 
 faithful and able, and communicate wisdom and grace to all 
 who bear the sacred office, that they may be rendered bless- 
 ings to the people ; and also perpetuat e a succession of such 
 ministers to future generations, and send forth skilful, faith- 
 ful, and successful labourers into every part of the earth. — 
 To be situated near the lively ordinances is a precious gift 
 from the Lord to his beloved ; and they, who value and im- 
 prove this privilege, will find 1 their situation so secure and 
 comfortable, that they will not he induced to change it for 
 any temporal convenience, emolument, or indulgence. — We 
 should thankfully receive from the blessing of the Lord, those 
 valuable productions, which the fruitful earth yields through 
 the successive seasons of the year, by the genial influences ol 
 the heavens above. But tho<e good gifts which come down 
 from “ the Father of lights,” through the “ rising of the Sun 
 of righteousness,” and the pouring out of his Spirit, are infi- 
 nitely more precious : and these belong to all who are sepa- 
 rated from others by faith and holiness. For he, who once 
 deigned to dwell in the bush, still dwells in all Ins people, to 
 sanctify and preserve them: and thus “ the righteous shall be 
 had in everlasting remembrance.” 
 
 V. 18 — 29. Happy are they who, through the Messing o. # 
 God on any honest occupation, arc enabled to maintain their 
 families, and have a heart to consecrate their gain unto the 
 Lord ; who shrink not from labour, and freely incur expenso, 
 in offering “ spiritual sacrifices of righteousness, acceptable 
 to God through Jesus Christ and who zealously improve 
 every opportunity and advantage to bring others to j >in with 
 
B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Moses ascends m>unt Nebo, and vi«ios the promised land, 1 — 4. His death, 
 bunal , anti age, and Is ad's mourning for him , 5 — 8. Joshua succeeds 
 him. 9. No prophet arose like to him , il)-^-i2. 
 
 A ND Moses went up from the plains of Moab 
 unto a the mountain of Nebo, to the top of 
 ‘Pisgah, that is over against Jericho: and the Lord 
 b showed him all the land of Gildead 'unto Dan, 
 
 2 And all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim, 
 and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, d unto 
 the utmost sea, 
 
 3 And the south, and the plain of the valley of 
 Jericho, 'the city of palm-trees, unto 'Zoar. 
 
 4 And the Lord said unto him, sThis is the 
 .and which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, 
 and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy 
 seed: h I have caused thee to see it with thine 
 eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither. 
 
 ■ See on 32:49. Num. 27:12. 33:47. • Or, the hill. See on Num. 21:20. marg. 
 b-i. 3:27. Num. 32:33 — ill. Ex. 40:2. Rev. 21:10. c Gen. 14:14. Josh. 19:47. 
 Jude. 18:29. d 11:24. Ex. 23:31. Num. 34:6. Josh. 15:12. e Judg. 1:16. 3:13. 
 2Chr. 28:15. f Gen. 14:2,8. 19:22. Num. 34:3. e Gen. 12:7. 13:15. 15:18—21. 
 26:3. 2S:13. t's. 105:9—11. h 3:27. 3-2:52. Num. 20:12. John 1:17. i Josh. 1:1. 
 Mai. 4:4. John 8:35,36. 2 Tim. 2:24. Heb. 3:3—6. 21'et. 1:1. Rev. 15:3. k 31: 
 
 them in so reasonable a service. Having chosen and secured, 
 through the grace of God, “ the first part for themselves,” 
 even “ that good part which shall never be taken from them.” 
 (Note, Luke 10:38 — 41.) what can they do so becoming and 
 profitable, as to assist their neighbours in seeking the same 
 inheritance ? — But in thus decidedly joining with the Lord 
 against his enemies, they must expect opposition, and they 
 will need to unite the boldness of the lion, the wisdom of the 
 serpent, and the harmlessness of the dove in their character 
 and conduct. Being “satisfied, however, with the favour of 
 the Lord, and filled with his blessing,” and “being accepta- 
 ble to their brethren,” and useful to their fellow-sinners, they 
 may well bear this trial. For all difficulties are rendered 
 advantageous to true believers : and if their way be rough, 
 their “feet shall be shod with the preparation of the gospel 
 of peace,” and their strength in every case proportioned to 
 the emergency. (Note, 2 Cur. 12:7 — 10.) — No words can 
 express the giorious excellencies of “ the God of Jeshurun,” 
 or the privileges and felicity of his believing people. The 
 righteousness in which they are justified is everlasting, and 
 their salvation is secure. Being one with Christ by his life- 
 giving Spirit, they are already “ saved in the Lord “ the 
 eternal God is their” present “ Refuge his everlasting arms 
 form their unfailing support ; all his perfections are engaged 
 in their behalf; he will hasten to their assistance with invin- 
 cible force whenever their enemies assault them ; and silence 
 all the accusations of their malicious slanderers : (Note, Is. 
 54:15 — 17.) he will guard their peace and character, as well 
 as the life of their souls ; he “will choose their inheritance” 
 for them, and put them in possession of it; and there shall 
 they dwell alone, (28) when their 4 inward foes shall all be 
 slain,’ antUhe devil and his angels driven away into everlast- 
 ing punishment. There shall they be filled with the love of 
 their God and Saviour, and be perfected in love to him and 
 to each other, and all their employment shall be praise and 
 grateful adoration. There will the felicity of every happy 
 inhabitant reciprocally enhance that of all the rest ; nor shall 
 any emulation remain, but which shall most love and glorify 
 the supreme Object of their united affections and adoration, 
 and the Source of all their joys, — God help us to seek, and 
 set our affections on those things which are above, and to 
 detach our souls from earthly, polluted, perishing objects ; 
 that we may not have our lot in the regions of darkness and 
 despair, but with “ the Israel of God” in the realms of love 
 and bliss ineffable. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIV. V. 1—4. The last chapter 
 closed the words and writings of Moses, and this chapter 
 must have been added by another hand: but it is uncertain 
 whether by Joshua, or by Samuel, or by some other prophet. 
 Some indeed maintain, that Moses himself wrote it, by the 
 Spirit of prophecy. This however is not at all probable : but 
 by whomsoever it was written, the information must have been 
 originally communicated by immediate revelation. Perhaps 
 the three last verses were added as late as the days of Ezra: 
 but all the subsequent books of Scripture assume as undoubt- 
 ed facts the things recorded in it. — Moses appeared reluctant 
 to leave his work ; but that being finished, he manifested no 
 unwillingness to die. He now acquiesced in the will of God 
 who refused him an entrance into Canaan : (Note, 3:23 — 
 28.) he was animated with the immediate prospect of glory, 
 which loosened all earthly attachments, and supplied him 
 with strength and spirits to ascend the mountain, where he 
 was to put off the tabernacle of his body ; and it seems pro- 
 vable that he went alone, and died without a witness, or a 
 companion to close his eyes. — Abarim is supposed to be a 
 ridge of mountains, Nebo the highest mountain in that ridge, 
 and Pisgah the summit of that mountain. — The vision of 
 Moses was miraculously assisted, in taking a distinct and de- 
 liberate survey of the promised land, as it was afterwards 
 d : vided among the tribes of Israel. (Marg. Ref.) This 
 would gratify his endeared affection for the peoople : and it 
 
 5 'So Moses, the servant of the Lord, k died 
 there in the land of Moab, according to the word 
 of the Lord. 
 
 6 And 'he buried him in a valley, in the lane 
 of Moab, over against Beth-peor : but no man 
 knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. 
 
 7 And Moses ivas m an hundred and twenty 
 years old when he died: "his eye was not dim, 
 nor his 'natural force abated. 
 
 8 And the children of Israel °wept for Moses 
 in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days ol 
 weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. 
 
 9 II And Joshua the son of Nun was 'Tull of the 
 Spirit of wisdom ; for sMoses had laid his hands 
 upon him : and r the children of Israel hearkened 
 unto him, and did as the Lord commanded 
 Moses. 
 
 14 . 32:50. Josh. 1:1,2. 1 Jude 9. r 31:2. Acts 7:23.30,36. n Gen. 27:1. 48:10. 
 Josh. 14:10,11. f Heb. moisture fied. o Gen. 50:3,10. Num. 20:29. 1 Sam. 25: 
 1. Is. 57:1. Acts 8:2. p Ex. 31:3. Num. 11:17. 1 Kings 3:9,12. 2 Kings 2:9,15. 
 Is. 11:2. Dan. 6:3. John 3:34. Col. 2:3. q Num. 27:18—23. Acts 6:6. 8:17—19. 
 1 Tim. 4:14. 5:22. r Josh. 1:16—18. 
 
 was also a type of those prospects of the heavenly rest, which 
 reconcile the believer to dissolution. 
 
 V. 5. “ Moses, the servant of the Lord,” was obedient 
 
 unto death, and as willingly obeyed this as he had any fore- 
 going command, though it seemed much harder. — In this he 
 resembled Jesus Christ : but Moses died in honour, in peace, 
 and in the most easy manner ; our Saviour expired on the 
 ignominious and torturing cross ! 
 
 V. 6. The bones of Joseph were carried into Canaan 
 to be interred : but the Lord himself, (the immediate ante- 
 cedent to the pronoun he,) buried the body of Moses, and so 
 concealed it, that when this account was written no man 
 knew of his sepulchre ; and we have reason to conclude it 
 was never afterwards found. The ministration of angels was 
 probably employed, but no human assistance ; and we may 
 be sure nothing was placed that could lead to a discovery. 
 (Note, Jude 9,10.) No doubt this precaution was used to 
 prevent superstition and idolatry ; as many ages afterwards 
 the Israelites burnt incense to the brazen serpent which Moses 
 made. (Note, 2 Kings 18:4.) But not being allowed to ve- 
 nerate the relics of their lawgiver, they seem never to have 
 been guilty of that species of superstition which has so long 
 disgraced the Christian church. — When Moses died, the 
 Lord buried him ; but when Christ died, he was raised from 
 the dead : for the Mosaic dispensation was superseded by 
 the Christian, but Christianity shall endure to the end 
 of time. — Nothing can be conceived more directly oppo- 
 site to Scripture, than the tradition, sanctioned by several 
 ancient Christian writers, and apparently favoured by some 
 moderns, tnat Moses did not die, but went to heaven alive, as 
 Enoch and Elijah did. We should be very careful not to 
 give any countenance to this method of opposing tradition, 
 or vain reasonings, to the divine testimony ; for it opens the 
 door to every kind of skepticism. 
 
 V. 7. The life of MosCs was remarkably divided into 
 three periods, each consisting of forty years: during the first 
 he sustained the rank of a courtier ; during the second he 
 was a shepherd in the wilderness ; and during the third, he 
 filled the important station of a lawgiver and “king in Jesh- 
 urun.” (Ex. 7:7. Num. 33:39. Acts 7:23,30.) — Though he 
 lived so much longer than the most of his contemporaries, 
 (Ps.JK):10.) he had experienced no failure in his faculties, but 
 died, not by the course of nature, but according to the will 
 of God, when his work was finished. Thus also Christ died 
 in the vigour of life. — |Some suppose that the shining of 
 Moses’s face continued to his death. 
 
 V. 8. The Israelites not only paid Moses the customary 
 honour at his death, but seem to have been deeply sensible 
 of their loss. And perhaps even those who formerly wer^ 
 refractory and rebellious, when he had opposed their sins, 
 at this time sincerely lamented the loss of so faithful a friend. 
 
 V. 9. Notes , Num. 27:18 — 21. Josh. 1:1 — 9. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Whether Joshua, or Samuel, or some later 
 writer, inserted these words, they contain an acknowledg- 
 ment, that the promise made to Moses had not at that time 
 been accomplished. (Note, 18:15 — 19.) No prophet had 
 arisen in all respects qualified and honoured of God as Moses 
 had been, nor did any one arise until the coming of Christ: 
 but he exceeded Moses as the Son does the servant ; (Note, 
 Heb. 3:1 — 6.) and not only was known of the Father face to 
 face, but came forth from the bosom of the Father to reveal 
 him, and his truth and salvation, to sinful men. Several even 
 of the Jewish writers are sensible that this passage refers to 
 the Messiah ; for one of them writes thus : — 1 It cannot be 
 but that a prophet shall at last arise like to Moses, or greater 
 than he : for the King Messiah shall be as great or greater. 
 Therefore these words are not to be expounded, as if there 
 should never be such a prophet : but that in all the time of the 
 following prophets, till the cessation of prophecy, none should 
 arise like to Moses. But after that there shall be one like 
 him. or rather greater than he.’ Doubtless this author write* 
 
 ( 381 1 
 
B. C. 1451. JOSHUA. B. C. 1451 . 
 
 10 II And there “arose not a prophet since in 
 Israel like unto Moses, whom ‘the Lord knew 
 face to face ; 
 
 1 1 In all "the signs and the wonders, which the 
 Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to 
 
 h 18:15 — 18. Acts 3:24,23. 7:37. t 5:4,5. Ex. 33:11. Num. 12:6— 8. 
 
 absurdly enough, in supposing the cessation of prophecy to 
 take place before the corning of the principal Prophet. Yet 
 his testimony serves to show that the ancient Scriptures 
 naturally induced an expectation of a subsequent and more 
 illustrious revelation, and a far more honourable person than 
 any who had then appeared. — Another Jewish writer says, 
 •on the words of Isaiah, “ He shall be exalted, and extolled, 
 and be very high (Is. 52:13.) that ‘ the King Messiah shall 
 be exalted above Abraham, extolled above Moses, and be 
 very high above the angels of the ministry.’ Upon which Con- 
 radus Pellicanus thus glosses, and concludes his commentary, 
 as I shall do mine, ‘ What it is to be above the angels let the 
 Jews explain ; we can understand nothing by it, but the very 
 44 Word of God, which was in the beginning with God, and 
 was God, by whom all things were made, and without him 
 nothing was made that was made viz. the Lord God of Hosts, 
 to whom in perfect Unity, God the Father, Son, and Holy 
 Spirit, be all honour and glory forever, Amen.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As we must ere long be called into the eternal world, our 
 wisdom and happiness consist in habitual readiness for that 
 solemn event : and if we have experienced the salvation of 
 God, we are prepared, and should be willing to depart when- 
 ever it pleases him. — To u stand with our loins girded,” dili- 
 gently doing our proper work, and waiting the summons of 
 the Lord, will best ensure those views of heavenly rest, and 
 those foretastes of joy, which gild the prospect, and cheer 
 the heart of believers in passing that last gloomy vale. We 
 need not be anxious about the presence of beloved relatives, 
 
 Pharaoh, and to all his servants, and to all hu 
 land ; 
 
 12 And in all that mighty hand, and in all the 
 great terror, which Moses showed in the sight of 
 all Israel. 
 
 u 4:34.7.19. Ps. 78:43— 53. 105:28—38. 
 
 or the solace of the Lord’s people or ministers in our dying 
 moments : for should our departure be sudden, alone, or even 
 among strangers, the love and presence of our God and 
 Saviour will abundantly suffice. Still less should we be con- 
 cerned where our bones are laid; as the burial of Christ has 
 consecrated every spot where a believer is interred, and his 
 omnipotent voice will at length raise us incorruptible. But 
 we should fear leaving any occasion of sin to survivors: for 
 the enmity and envy which follow the Lord’s servants while 
 they live, are frequently changed into superstitious regard for 
 them after their decease ; so that sometimes even their mis- 
 takes will then be espoused, and their failings imitated : and 
 many eminent saints, now in glory, could they again revisit 
 this lower world, would embrace that opportunity of burying, 
 or burning, or expunging some passages out of writings that 
 they have left behind, perhaps without intention of being 
 made public ; and which Satan has afterwards made use of 
 as a handle against divine truth, far beside the intention of 
 the writer, yet under the venerable sanction of his established 
 reputation. — While respect is paid to the memory of the 
 deceased, the living servants of God ought not to be under- 
 valued : for, though in some respects inferior to their prede- 
 cessors, God will qualify them for their work. His authority 
 should therefore be honoured in them ; and the measure of 
 wisdom and holiness, which he has given them, esteemed and 
 regarded. And as Jesus ever liveth to take care of his own 
 cause, we need not mourn for the most eminent men, “ as 
 those who have no hope” that the loss will be made up to 
 the church of God. * 
 
 THE 
 
 BOOK OF JOSHUA. 
 
 Wb now enter on that portion of the Old Testament, which is commonly distinguished as historical. For though the books of Moses 
 contain a large proportion of history, and are the only authentic records existing of those primeval ages ; and though several of 
 the prophetical books are in part historical; yet these having been denominated “ the /ato and the prophets,” from the grand 
 peculiarities of each, the books before us may properly be called historical, by way of distinction. — From the death of Moses to 
 that of Nehemiah, at least 1050 years intervened ; indeed some genealogies in Nehemiah extend beyond that period : and of this 
 succession of ages these books contain a connected and regular narrative, which is extremely interesting to tne sober student, as 
 well as edifying to every pious reader. — If we except some Phenician fragments, filled with inconsistencies, and of doubtful 
 authority ; and a few traditions concerning the Egyptians and Assyrians, distorted by the most extravagant relations, and evidently 
 replete with fables : there is scarcely any thing extant, which gives us the least information of what was transacted in any of the 
 nations of the work!, during by far the greater part of this period. For it does not yet appear, that any dependence can be placed 
 on those narratives from the eastern world, which have lately been brought into Europe, and have excited considerable attention ; 
 and which some have so highly extolled, as to insinuate, not only that they render questionable other ancient histories hitherto of 
 approved authority, but that their testimony ought to have some weight even in opposition to the records of the Scripture. Yet it is 
 notorious, that they are so disfigured by fable or allegory, as to be .scarcely intelligible; and that they relate events of the most 
 extravagant and incredible antiquity. Leaving these, however, till fuller investigation has shown what credit they deserve ; it 
 is obvious to remark, that Herodotus, who used to be called the father of history , is supposed to have been contemporary with 
 Ezra and Nehemiah, the latest writers of these scriptural records : and all that he collected, concerning times long preceding his 
 own, is generally allowed to be of doubtful authority, and blended with much that is altogether fabulous. Yet the history on which 
 we are entering, though modern , compared with that contained in the books of Moses, commences at least 1000 years before the 
 days of this father of history ! And (except as skeptics choose to confound well-attested public miracles, wrought by the 
 almighty God, for the most important of all purposes, with the absurd and pernicious fables of pagan writers,) the whole narrative 
 is exceedingly probable and rational, and accords with the known character and general conduct of mankind, in the various 
 circumstances in which they are placed. It also agrees with the most sober traditions and detached fragments of antiquity ; and 
 serves to elucidate many obscure parts of profane history, and to decide many questions in respect of ancient chronology. It also 
 coincides with the manners and customs of those eastern regious, in the remotest ages, as far as any accounts of them have cume 
 down to us. 
 
 Many learned men have endeavoured to elucidate Scripture by passages from pagan writers ; and their labours have not been useless : 
 yet, almost uniformly, one hesitation occurs to the reflecting reader on every case ; namely, a doubt whether the pagan customs 
 were as ancient as the scriptural narration, which they were adduced to illustrate ; or whether the scriptural history and institutions 
 were not the real source, from which the pagan notions and customs were derived. It would be a very interesting employment, to 
 inquire how far, on the other hand, ancient history, chronology, and even geography, and various things connected with these 
 branches of learning, are indebted to the sacred volume. For though the records here transmitted to us, principally refer to a people 
 in many respects far from considerable, and also unjustly despised in the world ; yet they continually call the reader’s attention 
 to the most ancient transactions of all the surrounding nations : so that more satisfactory information is derived from the Scriptures 
 concerning the Egyptians, the Phenicians or Tyrians, the Syrians, the Assyrians, the Chaldeans, and even the Medes and Persians, 
 than from the writings of those persons who profess to give us the histories of those nations. 
 
 These considerations are suited to impress the mind of the reflecting reader with a high veneration for this part of the sacred 
 Scripture, which beyond comparison is in all respects the most wonderful book in the world ; but the nature and tendency of the 
 history here given us should still more endear it to every real Christian. Not to anticipate the instructions which will be deduced 
 from every chapter, it may in general be observed, that the whole is suited to make known to us the perfections and providence of 
 God, in the most interesting and affecting manner '; to show what is the real character of man ; and to evince both the immense 
 importance and excellency, and the genuine nature, of true religion. — Even amidst the events of history, types and prophecies are 
 interspersed, especially of the Redeemer, who is never wholly kept out of sight in any part of the sacrea oracles. Public miracles, 
 of the most extraordinary nature, challenging the investigation of the most virulent enemies, and wrought on purpose to confirm 
 those messages from God, which were most offensive, either to idolatrous rulers, or a rebellious nation, are likewise here recorded. 
 
 We are not expressly informed who was the writer of each book in this collection ; hut we have several intimations, that the 
 vrophets , or seers , of whom continual mention is made, were employed in this service. (1 Chr. 29:29. 2 Chr. 12:16. 20:31. 26:22 ) 
 It is indeed not mprobible, that the contemporary prophets wrote the principal transactions of their own times, under the 
 superintendence * f the Holy Spirit, by whom they were preserved from error ami partiality, guided in selecting such facts as wen 
 most proper to be recorded, and instructed immediately w here ordinary sources of information failed ; and that subsequent prophet* 
 
 ( 382 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 under the 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 nderthe same superintendence, 2 rive the hiptnry its present form. Perhaps some parts of it were compiled from ancient recordn, 
 u a late as the times of Ezra, who was himself an inspired writer ; and the rest revised by him and his assistants, with some short 
 notes, elucidating the several parts of the narrative : and this may account lor a few expressions, which seem to belong to later 
 limes than those of the events related, as well as for the references to some books then known, but not now extant. — Very little 
 history, subsequent to the days of Ezra, is transmitted to us in Scripture, previous to that. contained in the New Testament ; and 
 a few incidents or genealogies, which seem to pertain to a rather later period, might be added by the prophet Malachi. But the 
 canon of the Old Testament, for substance the same as we now have it, was evidently settled in the time of Ezra, and has never 
 since received anv material alteration. . , , 
 
 These books, however, were undoubtedly a part of the sacred Scriptures, to which our Lord and his apostles continually appealed, 
 and which the Jews in general received as the oracles of God, and as given by inspiration from him. — And it is exceedingly worthy 
 of notice, that the several parts of the Bible thus reciprocally attest each other, and presuppose the undoubted truth of the history 
 which they record, and the divine authority of the doctrines and commandments delivered in them • so that, like the stones m a 
 well-constructed arch, each supports and is supported by all the rest. In particular, the Psalms, the prophetical books, and eve /7 
 part of ihe Ne.v Testament, assume as acknowledged truth, that these historical records contain undoubted facts; and these 
 several divisions of the sacred Vohime often constitute an important comment on each other. 
 
 The hooks, on which we now enter, do not contain a complete political history of Israel, hut merely a connected account of the 
 most material events, or of such as were most suited to convey important instruction: and because transactions, which in ihe 
 general estimate of mankind are considered as comparatively little, frequently inculcate the most salutary lessons of heavenly 
 wisdom ; these are often very fully recorded, while the more splendid concerns of courts and camps are passed over in silence, or 
 but cursorily noticed. . , . _ , , , . . 
 
 The authority and value of this division of the sacred Scriptures being thus ascertained, a few additional remarks on the book 01 
 Joshua, with which it opens, may suffice. — In all the versions, as well as in the original, it is named from Joshua, either as the 
 author, or as the principal subject : and it is probable he wrote the substance of it. (24:26.) The writer speaks of himself as a 
 person concerned in the transactions which he relates : (5:1 ) and the mention of Rahab, as still living in Israel, implies that he 
 was a contemporary. (6:25.) But some passages doubtless were added afterwards, perhaps by Phinehas, or rather by a subsequent 
 prophet: (19:47. 24:29—33.) yet several things adduced as proofs that the book was written at a later period, by no means 
 establish that conclusion. — Among the various passages in which the history contained in this book is attested by other sacred 
 writers, the following may be selected : 1 Kings 16:34. 1 Chr. 2:7. Ps. 114:3 — 5. Jlcts 7:15. 13:19. Heb. 4:8. 11:30, 31. •13:5. Jam. 
 2:25. and at the same time it may be observed, that this book appeals to the books of Moses, as then extant ; and marks repeatedly 
 the fulfilment of the promises and predictions contained in them, or confirms them as undoubtedly to be accomplished. (1 :S. 8:30 
 —35. 11:15,20,23. 14:2—9. 20:2. 21:43—45. 22:1—9. 23:6—16. 24:2—10,19,20.) 
 
 The Pagan writers were in some measure acquainted with this history ; and several of their fables are supposed to have been derived 
 from it : especially the story of Phaeton driving the chariot of the sun for the space of one day, seems to have originated from the 
 sun’s staying his course for one clay, at the word of Joshua ; and it clearly shows, that a tradition prevailed of one day, in ancient 
 times, having been wholly unlike all others, either before or after it. — It is probable that the Carthaginians were originally 
 Phenicians, or Canaanites, who fled from the victorious sword of Joshua, first to Tyre, whence they colonized to Africa. 
 
 This book does not contain any explicit prophecies : except as the warnings given ro the people, to expect the completion of those 
 delivered hv Moses, may be considered as prophetical ; or as the curse denounced on him that should rebuild Jericho was of that 
 nature. (6:26.) But Joshua himself, his wars and victories, and the inheritance which he was appointed to assign to Israel, were 
 typical pre-intimations of Christ and his conflicts and triumphs, and the rest reserved for all his true people. — This will be shown 
 m»re fully as we proceed; and the wars which Joshua waged, and the devastations which lie made, fully vindicated from the 
 objections that have been made against them. 
 
 Expositors have generally computed, that about seventeen years passed between the death of Moses and that of Joshua ; seven 
 of which were spent in the conquest of Canaan, and ten in the peaceable possession of the land: but some learned men think that 
 Joshua survived his victories twenty years, or nearly. — Every pan of tfce hook conveys useful instruction ; but the exhortations, 
 with which Joshua er>ok his leave of the people just before his death, are peculiarly interesting and affecting. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Lord confirms Joshua as the successor of Moses , 1,2. He shows the 
 extent of the promised land, and instructs and encourages Joshua, 3 — 9 ; who 
 gives orders about passing over Jordan, 10, 11 ; and reminds the two tribes 
 and a half of their engagement , 12—15. The people promise obedience, 
 
 16—18. 
 
 N OW after “the death of Moses, the servant of 
 the Lord, it came to pass, that the Lord 
 spake unto b Joshua the son of Nun, “Moses’s mi- 
 nister, saying. 
 
 2 d Moses my servant is dead ; now therefore 
 'arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this 
 people, unto the land which I do give to them, 
 even to the children of Israel. 
 
 3 Every place, that 'the sole of your foot shall 
 tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said 
 unto Moses. 
 
 4 From Hhe wilderness and this Lebanon even 
 unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the 
 
 a 12r3. See on Deut. 33:1 . 34:5. Acts 13:36,37. Rom. 1:1. Tit. 1:1. Jam. 1:1. 
 Rev. 1:18. b Ex. 17:9— 13. See on Nilm. 13:8,16. Deut. 1:38. 31:3,113.34:9. 
 Acts7:45. Jesus, c Ex. 24:13. Num. 11:28. 1 Kings 19:16. 2 Kings 3:11. 4:27 
 -29. 5:25—27. Matt. 20:26,27. Luke 16:10. dSef ona. 1. Is. 42:1. Heb. 3:5, 
 6 . 7:23,24. e Num. 27: 16-21 . Deut. 3:28. 31:7. f 14:9. Deut. 11:24. Tit. 1:2. 
 e Gen. 15:18— 21. Ex. 23:31. Num. 34:12— 18. Deut. 1:7. 3:25. 11:24. 1 Chr. 
 5:9. 18:3. h Deut. 7:24. 20:4 . Ps. 46:11. Rom. 8:31,37. i 9,17. 3:7. 6:27. Ex. 
 6:12. Deut. 31:23. Matt. 28:20. Acts 18:9,10. 2Tira.4:17. j See on Deut. 31 :6 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1,2. The beginning of this book 
 ts connected with the conclusion of Deuteronomy, as the 
 continuation of the preceding history ; and in the title given 
 to “ Moses, the servant of the Lord,” reference is made to it. 
 (Deut. 34:5.) We are not informed, whether God imme- 
 diately revealed himself to Joshua on this occasion, or whether 
 he inquired the divine will by the high-priest. (Num. 27:21.) 
 The ,Uath of Moses made it necessary for Joshua to enter 
 fully, on his office. (Notes, Num 27:18 — 20.) — It cannot be 
 supposed that Israel passed over Jordan before the thirty days 
 of mourning for Moses were expired; yet perhaps this 
 renewal of Joshua’s commission, and even the sending out of 
 the spies, might take place in the mean while. (2:1.) — The 
 Mosaic dispensation was introductory to that of the gospel, 
 and the formel- must expire before the latter could appear in 
 its glory. The moral law is exceedingly useful to the church 
 of God, and to every believer : but the gospel alone can con- 
 duct us to the heavenly inheritance; (Note, John 1:17.) and 
 being “dead to the law" as the ground of our confidence, is 
 necessary to our salvation by Jesus Christ. (Note, Gal. 
 
 B C. 1451. 
 
 land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea 
 towards the going down of the sun, shall be your 
 coast. 
 
 5 There h shall not any man he able to stand 
 before thee all the days of thy life : 'as I was 
 with Moses, so I will be with thee : J will not fail 
 thee, nor forsake thee. 
 
 6 “Be strong and of a good courage; for "unto 
 this people shalt thou ‘divide for an inheritance 
 the land “which I sware unto their fathe.s to give 
 them. 
 
 7 Only be thou stronu, and very c, urageous. 
 that thou mayest observe to do according to all 
 the law "which Moses my servant commanded 
 thee : °turn not from it to the right hand or to the 
 left, Pthat thou mayest 'prosper whithersoever thou 
 goest. 
 
 8 This ibook of the law shall not depart out of 
 
 —8. Is. 41 :10 — 16. 43-2 — 5. Heb. 13:5. k 7,9. 1 Sam. 4:9. 1 Kings 2:2. 1 Chr. 
 2-2:13. 28:10. 2 Chr. 32:7,8. Ps. 27:14. Is. 35:3.4. Dan. 10:19. Mag. 2:4. Zecli. 
 8:9. 1 Cor. 16:13. Eph. 6: 10. 2 Tim. 2: 1 . * Or , thou shalt cause this people to 
 inherit. 1 Num. 34:17— 29. m Gen. 26:3. n See on 1. 11:15. Num. 27:23. 
 Deut. 31:7. o Pent. 5:32. 12:32.28:14. Prov. 4.27. 8:20. p Deut. 29:9. 1 Kings 
 2:3. 1 Chr. 2-2:13. t Or, do wisely. 8. marg. q Deut. 6:6— 9. 11:18,19.17:18,18. 
 30:14. 31:11. Ps. 37:3d,31 . 40:10. 119:42,43. Is. 59:21. Matt. 12:35. Eph. 4:29. 
 
 2:17 — 21.) These things were typically taught by the death 
 of Moses, and the succession of Joshua. 
 
 Y. 3, 4. Lebanon seems to have been the termination of 
 an extensive prospect, which lay open to Joshua at this time. — 
 In the days of David and Solomon the whole country con- 
 tained in this grant, was possessed by Israel, or tributary to 
 their kings : but in general, through sin, they came short of 
 that prosperity which they might otherwise have enjoyed. 
 (Notes, Ex. 23:31. 2 Sam. 8:3. 1 Kings 4:21.) 
 
 V. 5. Marg. Ref. Notes, Deut. 31:3 — 8. Heb. 13:5,6. 
 
 V. 7. The successor of Moses, that eminent servant of 
 God, the ruler over so numerous and untractable a people as 
 Israel, and that people the worshippers of the true and living 
 God ; and the commander in so perilous an undertaking as 
 the conquest of Canaan, would need great strength of grace 
 and courage of faith : especially that he might persevere in the 
 path of duty, unmoved by terrors, difficulties, or persuasions, 
 and neither “.turn to the right hand nor to the left;” not only 
 observing the commandments of God himself, but impartially 
 exerting his authority in enforcing them on all the p»opl(-, 
 
 ( 383 ) 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 thy mouth ; but r thou shalt meditate therein day 
 and night, that thou mayest “observe to do accord- 
 ing to all that is written therein: for then thou 
 shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou 
 shalt ‘have good success. 
 
 9 ‘Have not I commanded thee ? Be strong and 
 of a good courage ; “be not afraid, neither be thou 
 dismayed : for the Lord thy God is with thee 
 whithersoever thou goest. 
 
 10 H Then Joshua commanded the officers of 
 the people, saying, 
 
 11 Pass through the host, and command the 
 people, saying, Prepare you victuals ; for within 
 “three days v ye shall pass over this Jordan, to go 
 in to possess the land which the Lord your God 
 giveth you to possess it. 
 
 12 And to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, 
 and to half the tribe of Manasseh, spake Joshua, 
 saying, 
 
 13 Remember “the word which Moses the 
 servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, 
 The Lord your God hath given you rest, and 
 hath given you this land. 
 
 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle, 
 shall remain in the land which Moses gave you 
 on this side Jordan ; but ye shall pass before your 
 brethren farmed, all "the mighty men of valour, 
 and help them ; 
 
 15 Until b the Lors have given your brethren 
 rest, as he hath given you, and they also have 
 
 rPs. !:2,3. 19:11. 119:11,15,97,99. Prov. 2:1— 5. 3:1. Col. 3:16. 1 Tim. 4:14—16. 
 • .See on Dm. 5:99,39,39. 0:1—3. Mall. 7:21,24. 28:20. l.nke 11:28. John 13:17. 
 14:21. Jam. 1:22 — 2-3. Rev. 22:14. ' Or, do wisely, t Judg. 6 14. 2.8am. 13: 
 28. Acts 4: 19. u See on Deut. 20: 1 . Ps. 27: 1 .2. Jer. 1:7,8. X 3:2. Kx. 19: 1 1. 
 2Kings2U:5. Hos. 6:2. y See on Deut. 9:1. 11:31. z 22:2— 4. Num. 32:20— 28. 
 Dent. 3:18. f Ileb. marshalled b v flee. Kx. 13:13. a Deut. 20:8. Rev. 17:14. 
 b Nam. 32:11 — 22. Gal. 5:13. 6:2. ’Phil. 1:21— 26. 2:4. c22:4,ttc. 1 Cor. 12:26. 
 13:5. d .Mum. 32:25. Rom. 13:1— 5. Tit. 3:1. 1 Pet. 2: 13— 15. e See on 5. 
 
 which alone would be true wisdom, and ensure good success 
 in his arduous undertakings. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Kings 
 3:5—14. 1 Chr. 22:11—13. 28:20,21.) 
 
 V. 8 . It. is undeniable from the language here used, that 
 Joshua possessed a written copy of the law : for if Moses had 
 not himself written the books containing it, what meaning 
 would there have been in this exhortation? — By constant 
 meditation the good treasure of divine truth must be deposit- 
 ed in Joshua’s heart } that from that abundance his mouth 
 might speak as occasion required, for the conviction, direc- 
 tion, or encouragement of the people ; and likewise that he 
 might know the duties of his important station. (Notes, 
 Deut. 6:6—9. 17:18. Ps. 1:1— 3. 119:97—100.) 
 
 V. 11. The manna had not yet ceased to fall; (Note, 
 5:11,12.) but probably the Israelites used more of other pro- 
 visions, after they had taken possession of the kingdoms 
 of Sihon and Og: and in the hurry of passing over Jordan and 
 entering an enemy’s country, there would not be leisure to 
 gather manna enough for the people. In general they were 
 thus directed to prepare all things necessary for the expedition. 
 This command seems to have been given after the return 
 of the spies, as recorded in the subsequent chapter ; for they 
 were absent more than three days. ( 2 : 22 .) 
 
 V. 12 — 15. The gentleness with which Joshua, the divinely 
 constituted successor to Moses, entered on the exercise of his 
 authority, may be contrasted with the conduct of Rehoboam 
 when he succeeded Solomon. (Notes, 1 Kings 12:1 — 15.) 
 All the men in the two tribes and a half able to bear arms, 
 had engaged to go over Jordan with their brethren : but it was 
 doubtless understood, that some would be permitted to stay 
 at home to guard their families and flocks ; and the selection 
 was left to Joshua. (Notes, Num. 32:16 — 19.) 
 
 V. 16 — IS. This seems to have been the answer, not only 
 of the two tribes and a half, but of the elders or rulers, of 
 the people in general, as concurring with them. They ac- 
 knowledged Joshua as their governor, expressly engaged to 
 be obedient, and determined that they WI 19 rebelled against 
 his authority should be put to death. The words, “only the 
 Lord thy God be with thee,” may be understood as a desire 
 or prayer that this might be the case ; or as an intimation, that 
 it was in confidence of this being the case, that they engaged 
 to be obedient. In this sense they implied a caution to 
 Joshua, to shun every thing which might tend to disappoint 
 this expectation. (Note, 1 Kings 1:36,37.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The removal of those, who have been faithful and useful, 
 should quicken their survivors to redoubled earnestness and 
 activity ; both to make up, as much as they are able, the 
 public loss, and to prepare for their own dissolution. (Note, 
 Ec. 9:10.)— Every one of the Lord’s servants, having per- 
 formed the work assigned him, retires to rest, and others are 
 raised up to succeed until their services also are finished; 
 (Acts 13:36.) and generally they, vyho in the close of life arc 
 most honoured, have been previously submissive and diligent 
 tzi more obscure situations. — No consciousness of inferiority, 
 
 ( 384 ) 
 
 possessed the land which the Lord your God 
 giveth them; “then ye shall return unto the land 
 of your possession, and enjoy it, which Moses the 
 Lord’s servant gave you on this side Jordan, 
 toward the sunrising. 
 
 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, d All 
 that thou commandest us we will do, and whither- 
 soever thou sendest us w r e will go : 
 
 17 According as we hearkened unto Moses in 
 all things, so will we hearken unto thee : “only the 
 Lord thy God be with thee, as he was with 
 Moses. 
 
 18 Whosoever he be f that doth rebel against thy 
 commandment, and will not hearken unto thy 
 words in all that thou commandest him, he shall 
 be put to death : sonly he strong, and of a good 
 courage. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Two spies , sent by Joshua, enter Jericho , and are concealed by Rahab , 1— *. 
 She informs them of the terror which had seized the Canaanites, 8—11 ; ard 
 covenants with them , 12 — 21. They return and make their report , 22 — 24 
 
 A ND Joshua the son of Nun 'sent out of “Shit- 
 tim two men, b to spy secretly, saying, Go 
 view the land, “even Jericho. And they went, 
 and came into an d harlot’s house named Rahab, 
 and dodged there. 
 
 2 And it was “told the king of Jericho, saying, 
 Behold, there came men in hither to-night of the 
 children of Israel, to search out the country. 
 
 3 And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, 
 saying, f Bring forth the men that are come to 
 
 l Sam. 29:13. 1 Kings 1:37. 1 Chr. 28:20,21 . Ps. 20:1— 4,9. 118:25,26. Mutt. 21: 
 
 9. 1 Tim. 2:1,2. f Dent. 17:12. 1 Sam. 11:12. Ps. 2:1-6. Luke 19:27. Ileb. 10: 
 28,29. 12:25. g See on 6. Ezra 10:4. Eph.6:10. * Or, had sent, n Num. 25 
 1.33:49. b Num. 13:17-21. Judg. 18.2,14,17. Matt. 10:16. Eph. 5:15. c 5: 
 
 10. 6:1—24. d 6:17,25. Matt. 1:5. Rachab. 20: 16. 21 :31 . Heb. 11:31. Jam. 2:25. 
 t He)., lay. e Ps. 127:1. Prov. 21:30. Is. 43:13. Du. 4:35. f 10:23. Gen. 38:24. 
 Lev. 24:14. Job 21:30. John 19:4. Actsl2:4,6. w 
 
 insufficiency, or even unworthiness, should induce us to 
 decline the services allotted to us: for the same fulness, 
 whence prophets and apostles received all their sufficiency, 
 is open for us also; (Note, John 1:16.) and in our more 
 limited spheres, and for the duties incumbent on us, we have 
 a warrant to expect that “the Lord will be with us,” even as 
 he was with Moses or Paul ; though he will not “ speak to us 
 face to face,” or give us a vision of the third heaven, and of 
 the unutterable things there displayed. (Note, 2 Cor. 12:1 — 
 6.) — That man needs strong faith and great fortitude, who 
 in this evil world would order his whole conduct according lo 
 the rule of the holy Scriptures; and “not turn aside to the 
 right hand or to the left,” on account of any temptation, or 
 through fear of consequences: but as God himself commands 
 us to “ be strong and courageous,” we should consider this 
 precept as an exhortation to cry earnestly to him, that he may 
 give us strength and courage ; and in this dependence we may 
 go forth, assured that nothing can stand before us or impede 
 our course ; for “ He will not fail us, nor forsake us.” — But 
 let it be especially noted, that well-grounded confidence is 
 always connected with proportionable humility and conscien- 
 tiousness : and genuine courage chiefly appears in daring to do 
 our duty, though censured by misjudging friends, or slandered 
 and threatened by malicious enemies. That we may be 
 secured from deception, and be assured that we are reproach- 
 ed or persecuted, not for following our own fancies, but for 
 the sake of truth and righteousness; we should endeavour by 
 daily meditation and prayer, to obtain an intimate acquaint- 
 ance with the precepts as well as the promises of Scripture; 
 for thus the path of duty will be evident to our own minds 
 and we shall be able to explain our reasons and motive* 
 satisfactorily to the candid and pious, when occasion requires ; 
 as well as to use our influence in bringing others to obey our 
 God. — If we proceed according to his instructions, he will 
 afford us all needful assistance, and perhaps “make our very 
 enemies to be at peace wilh us!” And when persons of dif- 
 ferent ranks, in due subordinal ion, harmoniously concur in 
 promoting the welfare of the church, and seeking the presence 
 and blessing of the Lord, the prospect of success is very 
 pleasing ; and they who oppose such efforts merit the severest 
 punishment. — May we then learn to trust in the Lord; to 
 submit to those whom he hath placed over us ; and to assist 
 them with our prayers, and in every way that we are able* 
 and may we endeavour to aid one another in the most disin- 
 terested manner, and with the most exact punctuality to 
 every engagement. Especially may we be enabled to 
 submit to the authority, and enlist under the banner, of the 
 Captain of our salvation ; to ho obedient to his commands, 
 and to fight the good fight of faith, in concurrence with all 
 who love his name, and in opposition to all, within and with- 
 out, that opposes his authority: for whoever refuses to obey 
 him must inevitably perish. 
 
 NOTES. — Ciiap. II. V. 1. The beginning of this verse 
 maybe read, “ Now Joshua had sent;” ( marg .) that is, be- 
 fore the orders recorded in the preceding chapter. (Not*, 
 
B. C ,451. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 thee, which are entered into thine house : for they 
 be come Ho search out all the country. 
 
 4 And the woman ''took the two men, and hid 
 them, and said thus, There came men unto me, but 
 
 1 wist not whence they were. 
 
 5 And it came to pass about the time 'of shut- 
 ting of the gate, when it was dark, that k the men 
 went out ; whither the men went I wot not. : pur- 
 sue after them quickly; for ye shall overtake them. 
 
 6 But she had brought them up 'to the roof of 
 tire house, and '"hid them with the stalks of flax 
 which she had laid in order upon the roof. 
 
 7 And the men pursued after them the way to 
 Jordan, unto "the fords : and as soon as they 
 which pursued after them were gone out, “they 
 shut the gate. 
 
 8 U And before thqy were laid down, she came 
 up unto them upon the roof; 
 
 9 And she said unto the men, rl know ‘•that the 
 Lord hath given you the land, and that r your ter- 
 ror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants 
 of the land "faint because of you. 
 
 10 For s we haye heard how the Lord dried up 
 the water of the Red Sea for you, when ye came 
 out of Egypt : and 'what ye did unto the two 
 
 <r Gen. 42:9 — 12.31. 2.8am. 10:3. 1 Chr. 19:3. h Ex. 1:19. 2 Sara. 16:18,19. 17: 
 20. 2 Kings 6:19. i 7. Neh. 13:19. Is. $0.11. Ez. 46:1,2,12. Rev. 21:25. k Jer. 
 50:20. Rom. 3:7.3. 18. l)eut.22:S. 2^n:n.ll:2. Matt. 24:17. m Ex. 2:2. 
 
 2 Sam. 17:19. 1 Kings 18:4,13. *2 Kings 11:2. Jer. 36:25. Col. 3:3. Heb. 11:23. 
 
 n Judv. 3:28. 12:5. o5. Acts 5:23. p Ex. 18:11. 2 Kings 5:15. Job 19:25. Ec. 
 812. Heb. 11:1,2. q Gen. 13:14— 17. 15:18—21. Ex. 3:6— 3. Dent. 32:8. Ps. 
 115:16. Jer. 27:5. Matt. 20:15. r Ex. 23:27. Deut. 2:25. 11:25. 28:1#. Jutl*. 7: 
 14. 1 Sam. 14:15. 2 Kings 7:G. * Heb. melt. 11. 1 Sam. 14:16. 2tam. 17:10. 
 
 Ps. 112:10. Is. 19:1. Nall. 2:10. s4:24. Ex. 14:21— 31. 15:14— 16. tNum.21: 
 
 1:11.) — Itmight.be very useful to him to learn many things 
 respecting the avenues of Canaan, the situation of Jericho, 
 which was first to be assaulted, and the disposition of its in- 
 habitants: and these might be known by ordinary means 
 as well as by immediate revelation. Two persons, probably 
 not of eminent rank, but of approved prudence, intrepidity, 
 and faith, were therefore selected, and sent by Joshua to 
 search out, not the land at large, but Jericho and its confines, 
 to bring their report to him, and not to the congregation : for 
 the word “ secretly” seems to refer to his sending them ; not 
 to their concealing themselves from the Canaanites: — “He 
 secretly sent two men, &c.” Most likely, this measure was 
 adopted according to some intimation of the will of God ; 
 for the spies were evidently guided and protected in a pecu- 
 liar manner, and many important good consequences result- 
 ed from their enterprise. (Notes, Num. 13:) They un- 
 dertook this perilous service with boldness and promptitude ; 
 and passed Jordan, doubtless at the fords, the river not having 
 yet overflowed its banks as it did soon after. Being arrived 
 a Jericho, “ they came into a harlot’s house, . . . and lodged 
 there.” Perhaps Rahab kept some kind of a house of en- 
 tertainment for travellers ; especially as she stated that “ two 
 men had come to her” of whom she knew nothing : yet from 
 the testimony of two apostles, (Marg. Ref. d.) there can be 
 no reasonable doubt but she had been a harlot , ‘ though now, 
 it is probable, she was converted by the faith which was 
 wrought in her ; which was so eminent, that she was not 
 only admitted into the society of God’s people, but married 
 into a noble family of the tribe of Judah from whom Christ 
 sprang.’ Bp. Patrick. It may be supposed from these cir- 
 cumstances, that she was not far advanced in life at this 
 time. — It is however evident from the whole narrative, that the 
 spies were led thither by a special providence; and that 
 Rahab entertained them out of regard to Israel and Israel’s 
 God, and neither for lucre, nor for any evil purpose. 
 
 V. 2, 3. The twelve spies, sent by Moses, seemed to 
 have passed unsuspected through the whole land : yet these 
 two ep no sooner entered Jericho than the king heard of it, 
 and sent to apprehend them ; while at the same time he, and 
 the other kings of the country, seem entirely to have neg- 
 lected to guard the passes of Jordan, the natural barrier of 
 the land! (Note, 3:2.) The spies were known or supposed 
 to be Israelites, cither by their apparel or appearance ; and 
 their business in that case could not be doubted. 
 
 V. 4 — ti. The words translated “ The woman took the 
 two men, and hid them,” might be rendered, “she had taken, 
 . . . and hidden them.” — It is evident that Rahab was 
 acquainted with the business of the spies, before she received 
 the message from the king : and being sensible of the danger 
 to which they would be exposed, when every one was upon 
 the watch as aware of the situation and purposes of Israel, 
 and perhaps hearing the rumours about them, she had previ- 
 ously concealed them under some stalks of flax which were 
 laid on the flat roof of her house : and by her answers to the 
 messengers, she not only led them to suppose that the men 
 were gone, but also that she was very desirous that they 
 should be apprehended, which exceedingly tended to prevent 
 suspicion.— Various opinions have been formed concerning 
 Rahab’s conduct on this trying occasion. Some object, thal 
 her treachery to her king and country cannot be vindicated : 
 Vol. I. — 49 
 
 kings of the Amorites that were od the othei 
 side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly ue* 
 
 Stl’OyCcl. {Practical Obatrvuiioi*.] 
 
 1 1 And as soon as we had heard these thing*. 
 "our hearts did melt, neither 'did there remain any 
 more courage in any man, because of you : x fbr 
 the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, 
 and in earth beneath. 
 
 12 Now therefore I pray you, rswear unto me 
 by the Lord, since I have showed you kindness, 
 “that ye will also show kindness unto “my father’s 
 house : and b give me a true token : 
 
 13 And that ye will save alive my father, and 
 my mother, and my brethren, and my sisters, and 
 all that they have, and deliver our lives from 
 death. 
 
 14 And the men answered her, Our life Tor 
 yours, if ye utter not this our business. And it 
 shall be, “when the Lord hath given us the land, 
 that we will deal kindly and truly with thee. 
 
 15 Then d she let them down by a cord through 
 the window: e for her house was upon the town- 
 wall, and she dwelt upon the wall. 
 
 16 And she said unto them, fGet ye to the 
 mountain, lest the pursuers meet you ; and hide 
 
 24—35. Deut. 2:30— 37. 3:1—8. u See on 5:1. 7:5. 14:8. Deut. 1:28 . 20:8. Is. 
 13:7. Nah.2:10. t Heb. rose up. Rev. 6:16. x Deut. 4:39. 1 Kings 8:60. Ps. 
 83:18. 102:15. Jer. 16:19—21. Dan. 4:34,35. 6:25—27. Zech. 8:20— 23. y 9:15. 
 l8— 20. 1 Sam. 30:15. 2 Chr. 36:13. Jer. 12:16. z 1 Sam. 20:14—17. 24:21,22. 
 Eslh. 8:6. 2 Tim. 1:16— 18. Jam. 2:13. a 13. Rom. 1:31. 1 Tim. 5:8. b 18. 
 Ex. 12:13. Mark 14:44. j Heb . instead of you to die. lKinga2U:39. c6:17, 
 25. Num. 10:29 — 32. Judg. 1 :24,25. 2 Sam. 9:1 . Prov. 18:24. Matt. 5:7. d l*Sam. 
 19:12— 17. Ac s 9:25. 2 Cor. 11:33. e 6:20. f 22. 1 Sara. 23:14,29. Ps. 11:1. 
 
 but it may be answered, that as she firmly believed the God 
 of heaven had devoted the Canaanites to be utterly destroyed 
 by the Israelites, (9 — 11.) she must either side with Israel 
 and Israel’s God against her country, or perish with it in a 
 hopeless ‘contest against the Almighty: so that, in her cir- 
 cumstances, she could not have acted otherwise, if influenced 
 by a true and living faith. ( Note , James 2:25,26.) In fact 
 every true convert equally renounces the alliance of the 
 Lord’s enemies, however nearly connected, and refuses to 
 join with them in rebellion and persecution of his servants. 
 (Notes, Luke 14:25 — 27. 2 Cor. 5:16.) But as no people 
 can possibly produce such an authenticated commission from 
 God to destroy another nation, as Israel had to destroy the 
 Canaanites, Rahab’s conduct, in uniting interests with the 
 enemies and invaders of her country, though her absolute 
 duty, cannot now be drawn into precedent. — In respect to the 
 falsehoods that she uttered, were not a general question of 
 some importance and of great difficulty involved, it would be 
 most obvious to resolve it into her ignorance of the divine 
 law ; and to say, that the principle and substance of her 
 conduct being good were accepted, and that the sin which 
 incidentally mixed with it was pardoned. But indeed, if it 
 were her indispensabhe duty if possible to protect the spies, 
 and there were no other conceivable way of doing this, it 
 seems not necessary to condemn her conduct altogether. — 
 Stratagems of war, and similar impositions upon determined 
 enemies and persecutors, are not absolutely condemned in 
 Scripture, though inconsistent with exact veracity : (Marg. 
 Ref. h ;) and if deception could in any case be justifiable, we 
 can scarcely imagine one in which it would be more so. It 
 is however certain, that in no case, except one equally extra- 
 ordinary, ought the example to be imitated. (Notes, Ex. 1* 
 19. 1 Sam. 19:12—17. 21:1,2. 27:8—12.) 
 
 V. 7. w The fords,” or passages, were no doubt parts of 
 the river, where it might be passed without danger, either by 
 walking or swimming across. Here, probably, the messen- 
 gers waited a considerable time to intercept the spies ; and 
 lest they should have stayed in the city, the gates were 
 immediately shut to prevent the possibility of their escape. — 
 But they found a way of getting out of the citj’, and in due 
 time of crossing Jordan at the fords. (15,23.) 
 
 V. 8 — 11 . Wc have here an account of Rahab’s faith and 
 its fruits, which are spoken of with decided approbation by 
 the apostles Paul and James. (Notes, Heb. 11:31. Jam. 
 2:25,26.) She had heard of the miracles which God had 
 wrought for Israel, and the promises that he had made to 
 them: and whilst the same report exasperated or intimidated 
 the other inhabitants of the land, she firmly believed Jeho- 
 vah to be the only true God in heaven and earth, and the 
 Israelites his only accepted worshippers ; that his promises 
 would certainly be fulfilled and his threatenings take effect ; 
 and that there was no way of escaping his vengeance, but 
 by uniting interests with his people. Indeed Balaam him- 
 self seems to have been convinced in his judgment of these 
 grand truths, as well as to have professed them with his lips , 
 but then his ambitious and covetous heart abhorred them, and 
 he persisted in enmity to God and Israel: while the conduct, 
 of Rahab proved, that she had the genuine nrincirle of diviiV" 
 faith, which induced her to renounce all her interests among- 
 the devoted Canaanites; and to venture l.er life, and exporfb 
 ( 385 ) 
 
B. C 1451. JOSHUA. B. C. 1451 
 
 /ourselves the, e three days, until the pursurers 
 r>e returned : and afterward may ye go your wav. 
 
 17 And the men said unto her, *We will be 
 blameless of this thine oath which thou hast made 
 us swear. 
 
 18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou 
 shalt bind this line of h scarlet thread in the win- 
 dow which thou didst let us down by ; and thou 
 shalt 'bring 'thy father, and thy mother, and thy 
 brethren, and all thy father’s household, home 
 unto thee. 
 
 1 9 And it shall be, that k whosoever shall go out 
 of the doors of thy house into the street, ‘his 
 blood shall be upon his head, and we will be guilt- 
 less : and whosoever shall be with thee in the 
 house, m his blood shall be on our head, if any hand 
 be upon him. 
 
 20 And if thou utter this our business, then “we 
 
 g 20. Gen. 24:3-8. Ex. 20:7. Num. 30:2. 2 Sara. 21:1,2,7. h 21. Lev. 14:1. 
 Num. 4:8. 19:6. Heb.9:19. * Heb .gather, i 13. 6:23. Gen. 7:1. 12:2.19:12 — 
 17. Ealh. 8:6. Luke 19:9. Acts 10:27,33. 11:14. 2 Tim. 1:16. k Ex. 12:13,23. 
 Num. 35:25—28. I Kings 2:36— 42. Malt. 24:17. Acts 27:31. Phil. 3:9. Heb. 10: 
 29. 1 John 2:27,28. 1 Lev. 20:9,11. 2Sam. 1:16 . 3:28,29. Ez. 33:4,5. Matt. 27: 
 
 herself to the imminent danger of the most cruel tortures, in 
 expressing her love for the people of God. ( Notes , Heb. 
 
 11:1,2,5,6.) 
 
 V. 12 — 16. Rahab asked no other recompense for her peril- 
 ous service, than preservation for herself and her near rela- 
 tions, when the promises of God to Israel had been fulfilled. 
 Even the regard manifested to her relatives, who were not 
 sensible of their own danger, was a genuine effect of true 
 grace. Rahab likewise gave the spies all the information in 
 her power, and all which they wanted ; and she deemed the 
 solemn oath of Jehovah a sufficient security for the per- 
 formance of their engagements ! When, with great attention, 
 caution, and trouble, she had dismissed them, and given them 
 proper counsel, she performed her promise of secrecy ; and 
 at the appointed time collected her relatives into her house, 
 as it had been agreed : and thus without reserve joined inter- 
 ests with the people of God. (Note, 6:22,23.) Her whole 
 conduct manifested a reverential fear of the Lord, an entire 
 belief of his word, a desire and hope of his favour, an affection 
 for his people, and a disposition to forsake, venture, and suf- 
 fer any thing in his cause. Multitudes, who had seen all the 
 miracles wrought in Egypt and in the wilderness, and who 
 had every advantage of instruction in the camp of Israel, 
 continued unbelievers ; very few indeed manifested such 
 strong faith, such holy fear, such confidence in God, and such 
 a disposition to labour and suffer for his sake, as this stigma- 
 tized inhabitant of accursed Jericho, who had only heard a ge- 
 neral and indistinct report of his wonderful works for Israel ! 
 It cannot therefore be reasonably doubted, that her faith had, 
 before this, been accompanied with deep repentance of those 
 sinful practices, from which she derived the name of u the 
 harlot;” which however is given her where her faith and 
 works are most celebrated, as illustrating the great evangeli- 
 cal truth, that “ where sin hath abounded, grace much more 
 aboundeth.” The same principles' would also prepare her 
 mind to receive further instruction concerning the promised 
 Messiah, and the true meaning of those sacrifices which 
 typified his atonement, when that further advantage was 
 afforded her. (Notes, Acts 10:1,2. latter half . 3 — 8,27 — 33.) 
 
 V. 17 — 20. These spies, not doubting that Joshua and 
 Israel would confirm the transaction, most solemnly assured 
 Rahab of security if she disclosed not the business ; intima- 
 ting, that they should expect death by some judgment of God 
 if they deceived her ; yet as men who reverenced an oath, 
 and dreaded the guilt of perjury, they desired to have the 
 terms of the agreement precisely stated and exactly explain- 
 ed before they parted ; and they selected that house which 
 had protected them, to be the refuge of those who were found 
 in it, when others were utterly destroyed. — Though the Israel- 
 ites were forbidden to form any alliance with the nations 
 of Canaan, yet it is evident that individuals, who came cor- 
 dially into their interests, might be spared. (Notes, 9:19,20. 
 11:19,20.) — This passage may remind us of the door sprinkled 
 with the blood of the paschal lamb, that was the security 
 of Israel, when the destroying angel was slaying the first-born 
 of Egypt ; which typified the sinner’s security under the pro- 
 tection of the atoning blood, who has fled to it for refuge from 
 the wrath and curse of an offended God. (Note, Ex. 
 12:11—14.) 
 
 V. 21. It is probable, that Rahab immediately bound the 
 scarlet line, or cord, in her window ; that no suspicion might 
 be excited by doing it when Israel approached the city. 
 
 V. 23, 24. Having been thus wonderfully protected and 
 restored in safety, the spies seem to have spoken little on the 
 strict watch kept by the inhabitants of Jericho, or on their 
 own narrow escape. But they reported the dismay of their 
 enemies, not only as an encouraging circumstance, but as a 
 token that the Lord had delivered them into their hands, hav- 
 ing thus begun to perform his promises in their behalf. They 
 seem, however, to have made their report privately to Joshua, 
 and not to the people or elders. (Notes, Num. 13:26 — 33. 
 
 -20.) 
 
 will be quit of thine oath which thou hast made 
 us to swear. 
 
 21 And she said, According unto your words, 
 so be it. And she sent them away, and they de- 
 parted : °and she bound the scarlet line in the 
 window. 
 
 22 And they went, and came unto the moun- 
 tain, and abode there three days, until the pur- 
 suers were returned. And the pursuers sought 
 them throughout all the way, but rfound them not 
 
 23 So the two men returned, and descended 
 from the mountain, and passed over, and came to 
 Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all things 
 that befell them. 
 
 24 And they said unto Joshua, iTruly the Lord 
 hath delivered into our hands all the land : for 
 even r all the inhabitants of the country do haint 
 because of us. 
 
 24,25. lets 18:6 . 20:26. ra 14. 2 Sam. 4:11. I Kings2:32. Matt. 27:25. n Sn 
 on 17. o See on 18. Matt. 7:24. John 2:5. pi Sam. 19:10 — 12. 2 Sam. 17:20. 
 Ps. 32:6,7. q 1:8. 21:44,45. Num. 13:32,33. Prov. 25:13. r See on 9— 11. P» 
 48:5,6. Rev. 6:16,17. t Heb. melt. 11. 5:1. Ex. 15:15. 
 
 V 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. As the greatest, wisest, and best of men must 
 on many occasions use, as it were, the eyes and ears of others ; 
 it is of prime importance, that persons should be select- 
 ed, on w hose veracity and fidelity firm dependence may be 
 placed. — The Lord has u a remnant according to the elec- 
 tion of grace,” in many unlikely situations, and even of such 
 as have previously borne very bad characters ; for he will glo- 
 rify his mercy and grace-in saving some of every kind. — That 
 reproach of former sins, which rests upon the reputation 
 of atrocious offenders after they are pardoned, ought to be pa- 
 tiently endured : and they should thence take occasion to 
 renew their repentance ; and to pour out their earnest prayers, 
 that their future conduct may both demonstrate the reality, 
 and illustrate the nature, of that grace which they have re- 
 ceived ; that those may be ashamed, who persist in reviling 
 them ; and that many may glorify God on their account, be 
 edified by their example, and encouraged by witnessing their 
 good conversation in Christ. — The feeblest means, when 
 accompanied by the divine blessing, produces most glorious 
 effects : while the carnal heart, if left to itself, grows hardened 
 in infidelity under the most conclusive evidence, and the most 
 convincing ministry of the world! (Notes, Mutt. 11:20 — 24. 
 12:41,42.) — When the worst of sinners truly believe the w ord 
 of God, a blessed change infallibly takes place : for the divine 
 Spirit, through the exercise of faith, excites in them fear ol 
 wrath, hatred of sin, hope of mercy, reverence of the name 
 and authority of the Lord, and love to him and his people; 
 which are manifested by such actions, as they have opportu- 
 nity and ability to perform.- Thus they are led to repent, 
 and to do works meet for repentance; to renounce worldly 
 objects and connexions, as far as evident duty requires them ; 
 and to unite interests with the people of God: and they are 
 prepared for self-denial, and to venture persecution and even 
 death itself, rather than give up their hope and pursuit of sal- 
 vation. They may at first have very little explicit knowledge 
 of divine truth ; and much infirmity, and many mistakes may 
 mix with their endeavours to obey God, and t« do good to his 
 people : but their conduct will be conscientious, and their dis- 
 position teachable, and their light will increase continually. 
 (Notes, Ps. 25:8,9. Prov. 4:18,19. Hos. t .l— And no 
 faith, which is not manifested by these good fruits, w ill justify 
 the sinner before God, or even his profession before his fellow- 
 creatures. 
 
 V. 12 — 24. When we really discover the danger to which 
 our souls are exposed, from the wrath of an offended God, and 
 are earnestly seeking salvation, we shall begin to feel for those 
 who are not sensible of their own lost condition. This will 
 induce us to attempt doing what we can to forward the salva- 
 tion of our beloved friends and relations : and thus they who 
 have been the grief and disgrace of their families, may, by the 
 mercy of God, become their protection as well as ornament. 
 — If we lost sinners have a prospect of escaping destruction, 
 we should not seek great things for ourselves, either in the 
 world or in the church : yet such distinctions arc often confer* 
 red on those who least aspire to them. — While we are serv- 
 ing God, and employed for the good of his people, we may 
 securely confide in his protection, and need not fear what man 
 can do unto us ; as the dangers, to which we may be exposed, 
 will eventually excite the greater admiration of the truth, 
 love, and power of God in our preservation : yet we should use 
 every prudent and lawful means of safety ; and be thankful 
 to the instruments of it, and endeavour to recompense them. 
 But even in exercising gratitude, we must not oblige our bene- 
 factors in any thing contrary to the will of God, or to the inter- 
 ests of his people; nor flatter them with the hope of deliver- 
 ance from future punishment, except in the method of the 
 gospel : and if any of our engagements are ratified with an 
 oath, the utmost reverence and caution should be used in 
 taking, and the greatest exactness in fulfilling, that solemn 
 obligation.— While the accomplishment of some of God’s 
 promises, is a plodge for the perft \nanco of the whole to the 
 
 ( 386 > 
 
B. C. 1 151. 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Urael arrives at J or inn , 1 . The officers give orders concerning the passage : 
 and Joshua also directs both priests and pox le, 2—6. The J.ord encourages 
 and instructs Joshua, 7—9 : and again, Joshua the people ; assuring them 
 that (‘he waters would he divided before the ark, 10 — 13. The waters are di- 
 vided, and Israel passes the river , while the priests bearing the ark, stand in 
 the midst of it, 14 —17. t e 
 
 A ND Joshua a rose early in the morning; and 
 they removed from ‘’Shittim, and came to 
 Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and 
 lodged there before they passed over. 
 
 2 And it came to pass after c three days, that 
 the officers went through the host ; 
 
 3 And they commanded the people, saying, 
 d When ye see the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord your God, and e the priests the Levites 
 bearing it, then fye shall remove from your place, 
 and go after it. 
 
 4 Yet there shall be ea space between you and 
 it, about two thousand cubits by measure ; come 
 not near unto it, that ye may know the way by 
 which ye must go ; for ye have not passed this 
 way 'heretofore. 
 
 5 And Joshua said unto the people, h Sanctify 
 yourselves : for to-morrow 'the Lord will do won- 
 ders among you. 
 
 6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, 
 k Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over 
 before the people. And they took up the ark of 
 the covenant, and went before the people. 
 
 7 IT And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day 
 will I begin to 'magnify thee in the sight of all 
 Israel, that they may know m that as I was with 
 Moses, so I will be with thee. 
 
 8 And thou shalt "command the priests that 
 bear the ark of the covenant, saying, When ye 
 are come to the brink of the water of Jordan, °ye 
 shall stand still in Jordan. 
 
 a Gen M'3 . s. 119:60. Jer. 7:13. 25:3. 26:5. Mark 1:35. b 2: 1 . Num. 25:1. Mic. 
 6-5 c See on 1 10,11 . cl 11. See on Nnra. 10:33. e 6,8,14-17. 4:10.6:6. Num. 4: 
 15. Dent. 31:9,25. 2 Sam. 6:3,13. 1 Chr. 15:11,12. f Ex. 13:21,22. Malt. 8:19. 16: 
 21. Rev. 14:4. g Ex. 3:5. 19:12. Ps. 89 7. Heb. 12:28,29. * Heb. since yesterday 
 and the third lay. Gen. 31:2. Ex. 4:10. 1 Chr. 11:2. Is. 30:33. margins, h 7: 
 13 Ex. 19:10— 15. Lev. 10:3. 20:7. Num. 11:18. 1 Sum. 16:5. Job 1:5. Joel 2: 
 16. i 13,15. Ps. 114:1—7. k See on 3. Num. 4:15. 10:33. Mic. 2:13. John 14:2, 
 3. Heb. 6:20. 14:14. 1 Chr. 29:25. 2 Chr. 1:1 . Job 7:17. John 17:1. Phil. 1:20. 
 2:9—11. m See on 1:5,17. n 1 Chr. 15:11,12. 2Chr. 17:8,9. 29:4—11,15,27,30. 
 SO: 12. 31:9,10. 35:2—6. Neh. 12:24—28. 13:22,28. o 17. Ex. 14:13. Lam. 3:26. 
 p See on Deut. 4:1. 12:8. q Num. 16:28—30. 1 Kings 18.36,37. 22:28. Ps. 9: 
 
 true believer; those terrors of conscience, and that sense of 
 divine wrath, which dismay the ungodly, but do not bring 
 them to repentance, are fearful presages of approaching de- 
 struclion. (Notes, Prov. 10:24. 11:23.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. III. V. 1. Early in the morning, 
 Joshua took measures for the removal of the whole congrega- 
 tion and all their baggage and possessions, from Shittim to 
 the banks of Jordan, which is supposed to have been about, 
 seven miles distant. There they arrived in the course of the 
 day; and lodged that night, that they might be ready to pass 
 o\ or the next morning. 
 
 Y. 2. Three days from the orders before mentioned had 
 now passed, (1:11.) and perhaps from the return of the spies, 
 during which time the people had made all requisite prepara- 
 tions. It does not appear whether they expected a miraculous 
 interposition to facilitate their passage, or whether they had 
 thoughts of crossing the river in some other way : but they 
 were very obedient and tractable, and seem to have harboured 
 no distrust, about the event. — At any time, the passage of such 
 a multitude of men, women, children, flocks and herds, with 
 all their substance, by fords or other ordinary means, must 
 have been attended with much difficulty and delay, and with 
 great danger if the enemies had opposed them; but when Jor- 
 dan overflowed all its banks, it would probably have been 
 impracticable: (15) for whatever appearance this river may 
 make to modern travellers, the whole history represents it, as 
 \aving been at that time a considerable and rapid stream. — 
 The miraculous passage of Jordan was peculiarly suited to 
 attend the other wonders which the Lord had wrought for 
 israel. Thus their entrance into Canaan corresponded with 
 (heir departure out of Egypt; (Notes, Ex. 14: 15:) and the 
 lismay of the Canaanites would be increased, the faith of 
 Israel strengthened, their expectations raised, and their con- 
 quests facilitated. — It can only be attributed to a supernatural 
 power, intimidating or infatuating the minds of the Canaanites, 
 that they never attempted to defend this barrier of their coun- 
 try, or to obstruct the passage of Israel. 
 
 V. 3, 4. The Levites, of the family of Kohath, carried the 
 ark, in ordinary circumstances: but on this signal occasion, 
 as well as some others, the priests, (who were of that family,) 
 performed this service. (Num. 4:15. 10:21. Notes, 6:3 — 5. 
 1 Kings 8:3.) They were commanded to march about three 
 quarters of a mile before the people, till they arrived at their 
 destined station ; by which it appeared that the ark, as a pledge 
 nf Jehovah’s protection while they were obedient, secured 
 the people, not they it. A noble defiance of the enemies of 
 
 9 And Joshua said unto (he children of Israel, 
 Come hither, and iffiear the words of the Lord 
 your God. 
 
 10 And Joshua said, ^Hereby ye shall know that 
 the diving God is 'among you, and that he wil 
 without fail 'drive out from Defore you the Canaan • 
 ites, and the Hittites, and the Hivites, and th 
 Perizzites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites 
 and the Jebusites. 
 
 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of "the 
 Lord of all the earth T p asset h over before you into 
 Jordan. 
 
 12 Now therefore "take ye twelve men out of 
 the tribes of Israel, out of every tribes a man. 
 
 *13 And it shall come to pass as soon as ?the 
 soles of the feet of the priests that hear the ark of 
 the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, shall rest in 
 the waters of Jordan, that the waters of Jordan 
 shall be cut off from the waters that come down 
 from above ; and they shall 'stand upon an 
 heap. 
 
 14 IT And it came to pass, when the people 
 removed from their tents to pass over Jordan, 
 and the priests "bearing the ark of the covenant 
 before the people ; 
 
 15 And as they that bare the ark were come 
 unto Jordan, and b the feet of the priests that bare 
 the ark were dipped in the brim of the water ; (for 
 "Jordan overfloweth all ids banks d all the time of 
 harvest ;) 
 
 16 That the waters which came down from 
 above stood, and 'rose up upon an heap, very far 
 from the city Adam, that is Deside f Zaretan; and 
 those that came down toward the sea of the plain, 
 even sthe salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and 
 the people passed over right against Jericho. 
 
 16. Is. 7:14. 2 Cor. 13:2,3. r Deut. 5:26. 1 Sam. 17:26. 2 Kings 19:4. Jer. 10: 
 
 10. Hos. 1:10. Matt. 16:16. John 6:69. 1 Thes. 1:9. Heb. 10:31. s 22:31. Ex. 
 17:7. Deut. 31:17. Judg. 6:12,13. t See on Gen. 15.15— 18. Ex. 3:8. 23:27— 30. 
 33:2. Deut. 7:1. Ps. 44:2,3. uPs.24:l. Is. 54:5. Jer. 10:7. Mic. 4:13. Zeph. 2i 
 
 11. Zech. 4:14. 6:5. 14:9. v See on 3— 6. Is. 3:12. x 4:9. y 15,16. Ex. 14:19 
 
 —22. 7 . 16 . Ex. 15:8. Ps. 33:7. 78:13. 114:3 — 5. Hab.3:15. a See on 3,6. 6:3. 
 Acts 7:44,45. 1 Cor. 1:24,25. b 13. Is. 26:6. c4:18. 1 Chr. 12:15. Jer. 12:5. 
 
 49:19. d 5:10— 12. Lev. 23: 10-16. Deut. 16:1— 9. e See on 13. Is. 29:10. 
 
 77:19. Mall. 8:26,27. 14:24 — 33. fl Kings 4:12. Zartanah. 7:46. Zarlhan. 
 
 g 15:2. Gen. 14:3. Num. 34:3. Deut. 3:17. 
 
 Israel was thus given ; who were challenged to attack the un 
 armed priests, or to seize the unattended ark. The faith and 
 courage of the priests were also tried, and displayed for an 
 example to the people; and reverence for this symbol of Je- 
 hovah’s presence was expressed in a manner suited to the 
 nature of that dispensation. The whole congregation would 
 also have a fairer opportunity of viewing the ark, the dividing 
 of the waters, and “ the way by which they were to go,” than 
 if it had been nearer; and as they witnessed tho obedience of 
 the inanimate creation to their, covenant God, they would thus 
 be instructed to obey likewise. 
 
 V. 5. Sanctify yourselves.] Note , Ex. 19:10 — 15. — Be- 
 sides the legal purifications, one cannot but think that he in- 
 tended they should dispose their minds, by holy meditations 
 and prayer to God to receive his benefits, and to be more sen- 
 sible of them when they were bestowed on them. Bp. Patrick . 
 (Notes, 2 Chr. 29:5. Joel 2:15—17.) 
 
 V. 7. The people desired to see that God was with Joshua, 
 as he had been with Moses; (1:17.) and the Lord promised 
 him, (probably by immediate revelation,) that by dividing the 
 waters of Jordan, he would put honour on him, as he had 
 honoured Moses at the Red Sea. In this manner the Lord 
 was pleased to mark out the persons, whom he appointed to 
 govern Israel, till in the days of Samuel they desired to have 
 a king: and then he selected Saul, and afterwards David and 
 his posterity, to that office. — At the river Jordan, and proba- 
 bly at Bethabara, or the house of passage, even at the very 
 same place where Israel passed over that river, the Lord Je- 
 sus began to be magnified by the descent of the Holy Spin 4 
 and by a voice from heaven. ( John 1:28. Notes, Matt. 3:13 
 -17.) 
 
 V. 8. At the brink of the water the priests were commanded 
 to stop, until the channel of Jordan had become drjr ; and then 
 to take their station in the midst of it, till all the people were 
 passed over. (17) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. Joshua in calling Jehovah w the living God,” 
 and “ the Lord,” or Proprietor and Governor, u of all the 
 earth,” as well as u the God of Israel,” seems especially to 
 have aimed to render the stupendous miracle about to be 
 wrought, (and which he foretold, that it might be the more 
 impressive,) a convincing proof in the minds of the people, 
 that all the gods of the nations were idols destitute of life and 
 power: and that idolatry (to which they were excessively 
 prone,) was as senseless, as it was impious and abominable. 
 (Notes, Deut. 4:35—40. 2 Kings 19:14—19. Is. 54:4,5.) 
 
 V. 15. Jordan overfloweth , &c.] This annual inundatio» 
 ( 387 ) 
 
ft. V. 1451. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1451 
 
 17 And h the priests that bare ‘he arn of the 
 covenant of the Loro ’.stood firm on dry ground 
 in the midst of Jordan, and k all the Israelites pass- 
 ed over on dry ground, until all the people were 
 passed clean over Jordan. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Twelve men are appointed to take twelve clones out of Jordan for a memo- 
 rial; ami twelve stones me set up in the midst of Jordan , 1 — 9. The peo- 
 ple pose over; God magnifies Joshua; >tnd the pnests are ordered to 
 bring the ark out of Jordan, which then overflows as before , 10 — 18. The 
 date of this event, 19. The twelve stones are set up in Gilgal, where Israel 
 encamped, 20—24. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when all the people 
 a were clean passed over Jordan, that the 
 Lord spake unto Joshua, saying, 
 
 2 Take you b twelve men out of the people, out 
 of every tribe a man ; 
 
 3 And command you them, saying, Take you 
 
 hence out of the midst of Jordan, out of the place 
 where 'the priests’ feet stood firm, d twelve stones ; 
 and ye shall carry them over with you, and 'leave 
 them in the lodging-place where ye shall lodge 
 this night. 
 
 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he 
 had ‘prepared of the children of Israel, out of 
 every tribe a man; 
 
 5 And Joshua said unto them. Pass over before 
 the ark of the Lord your God into the midst ol 
 Jordan, and take ye up every man of you a stone 
 upon his shoulder, according unto the number of 
 the tribes of the children of Israel; 
 
 6 That this may be sa sign among you, that 
 h when your children ask their fathers 'in time to 
 come, saying, What mean ye by these stones ? 
 
 h 3,6. i 4:3. 2Ki»gs2:8. kEx. 14 22,29. Ps.66:6. la. 25:8. Heb. 11:29. 
 a 3:17. Deut. 27:2. b 3:12. Nura. 1:4—15. 13:2. 34:18. Deut. 1:23. 1 Kings 18: 
 SI. Matt. 10:1— 5. c See on 3:13. d 24:27. Gen. 28:22. 1 Sam. 7:12. Pa. 103: 
 2. 111:4. Luke 19:40. e 8,19,20. (Seeoni. Mark3:14— 19. r22:27. Ex. 
 
 12:14. 13:9. 31:13. Num. 16:38. Is. 55:13. El. 20:12,20. h Ex. 12:26,27. 13:14. 
 Deut. 6:20,21. 11:19. Ps.44:l. 71:18. 78:3—6. Is. 38:19. Acts2:39. • Heb. (a- 
 
 morrow. 
 
 arose from the melting of the snows upon mount Lebanon. 
 The barley-harvest was at hand, or already begun ; and the 
 overflowing of the river seems to nave taken place, just before 
 [srael was commanded to pass over it, which served to 
 ender the miracle more incontestable and stupendous. (2: 
 7,23.) 
 
 V. 16, 17. The waters below the place where Israel then 
 was, ran off towards the dead or salt sea, which was once the 
 nlain of Sodom, and lefr the channel dry for the space of seve- 
 ral miles ; vvlulst those above accumulated, and stood like 
 mountains very far back towards the sea of Tiberias, without 
 inundating the adjacent country. (J\Iarg. Ref. f, g.) As an 
 illustrious example of faith and obedience, the priests, who 
 bare the ark, marched into the midst, of the dry channel, and 
 there took their stand, with the waters piled up far higher than 
 their heads, and nothing to prevent their being overwhelmed 
 by them, but the invisible power of God. Here they abode 
 all day, till the people, encouraged by their example, had in 
 succession marched over the river, with all that appertained 
 to them, and were safely landed on the further shore ! ( Notes , 
 4:3 — 10.) — The passage through the Red Sea took place in 
 the night, when the Israelites were fleeing from the Egyptians 
 with great trepidation : but they passed Jordan in the day- 
 time, with previous warning, leisurely, directly opposite to 
 Jericho, and with a triumphant defiance of the Canaanites. — 
 This passage of Israel over Jordan into the promised land, 
 af:er their weary wanderings in the wilderness, evidently 
 typified the believer’s passage through death to heaven, when 
 he has finished his course in this sinful world. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 They who are attentive to the duties of their station, and 
 enemies to sloth and self-indulgence, are likely to be eminent 
 and useful; and they alone. — We ought to proceed in our 
 appointed course, notwithstanding remote difficulties, which 
 may appear to us insurmountable ; and to rely on the Lord 
 to remove them when the critical moment arrives: for his 
 interpositions are intended to excite, not to supersede, our 
 activity. But we should look well to the path of our feet, 
 especially when u we have not passed that way heretofore.” 
 (Notes, Prov. 4:26,27. ) — The precepts of the word of God, 
 his providential dispensations, and the counsel and example of 
 his ministers and people, when properly attended to ; together 
 with the inward teaching of this Holy Spirit, humbly sought 
 by earnest prayer ; will make our way plain to us, though 
 perplexed in itself: (Note, Prov. 3:5,6. P. O. Is. 30:18 — 33.) 
 and we cannot in general go wrong in keeping close to the 
 ordinances of God, and thus, as it were, following the ark in 
 all its removals. In so doing, we need nor fear rivers of 
 trouble, mountains of difficulty, or hosts of opposing foes ; 
 but confiding in the faithful promise, the almighty power, and 
 covenant love of our God, u the living God, the Lord of the 
 whole earth,” we may proceed with boldness and alacrity. — 
 Whether we be called to endure poverty, pain, reproach, 
 persecution, or death, we are following ‘‘the Author and 
 Finisher of our faith :” nor can we set our foot in any peril- 
 ous or arduous spot, through the whole journey, but faith 
 will there descry the print of the Redeemer’s foot, who trod 
 that very path to glory above, and who calls us to “ follow 
 him, that where he is, there we may be also.” — His ministers 
 especially, are required to set. the people an example of 
 obedience, patience, and unshaken confidence in him ; by 
 abiding in those perilous or difficult stations which he has 
 assigned them, when others fear to pass that way ; and in so 
 doing they may expect peculiar support and protection: 
 (Note, Acts 8:1^.) but if they hesitate to take the lead in 
 facing danger and enduring hardship ; and show an undue 
 attention to their own ease, security, and indulgence, their 
 exhortations will be very lightly regarded. — The more ad- 
 venturous we are in the path of duty, the greater evidence we 
 shall have of the Lord’s love and care of us ; for he will not 
 disappoint the expectation of faith, hut in due season exceed 
 our most enlarged hopes. But would we experience the 
 more signal effects of his love and power, we must study to 
 put away from us the pollutions of sin, and be peculiarly care- 
 fill not “to grieve the Holy Spirit we must diligently follow 
 ( 388 1 
 
 his directions, and give him all the glory. — Thus the Chris* 
 tian’s course originates from “ the working of the mighty 
 power of God,” in his deliverance from the yoke of sin 
 and Satan ; and that same power daily carries on the work 
 of “ renewing him in the spirit of his mind,” amidst innu- 
 merable snares, temptations, and counteracting obstacles: 
 hut in the last conflict especially, he will find that the Lord 
 “ is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that he asks 
 or thinks, according to that power which now worketh in 
 him;” (Note, Eph. 3:20,21.) so that even the feeble Chris- 
 tian shall conquer in this conflict, and pass safely through 
 this path beset with terrors. This shall continue invariably 
 to be the case, till all the company of the redeemed “ are 
 clean passed over,” and landed safe on Canaan’s shore. — 
 for though none of them have passed this way heretofore ; 
 yet Jesus their Brother and Friend, the true “ Ark of the 
 covenant,” has gone before, and crossed the river, when its 
 floods were swelled to a tremendous height : and thus he has 
 divided the floods before them. He safely’ reached tho 
 heavenly shore, when he rose from the dead as the first- 
 fruits of his people, and ascended into heaven as their Fore- 
 runner : and he began to be magnified in the sight of all Israel, 
 when, thus risen and ascended, he sent down his Holy Spirit, 
 to give assistance to his apostles, and success to his holy 
 gospel. To those who neglect his great salvation, death may 
 well be “ the king of terrors :” for its consequences will be to 
 them tremendous beyond expression. But to believers even 
 this “king of terrors” is become a friend. “ To them to live 
 is Christ, and to die is gain.” (Notes, Phil. 1:19 — 26.) 
 This world is a dreary wilderness, and they are often weary 
 of their toilsome pilgrimage, though fed with the Bread of 
 heaven, and drinking the Waters of life from the Rock of 
 Salvation: and though guided and guarded by their gracious 
 Redeemer through all the dangers of the way ; in their de- 
 liberate judgment, they count it “ far better to depart hence 
 to be with Christ :” and they may meet death in the most 
 horrid form (like Jordan overflowing all his hanks,) without 
 terror, if they are but able to keep the eye of faith fixed upon 
 the Saviour, and on the inheritance provided for them >n 
 heaven. — Let us then treasure up our experiences of his 
 faithful and tender care during the whole. course of our lives, 
 that they may come in aid to our faith and hope in this last 
 conflict : let us carefully consider the examples of others, 
 whose happy death we witness, or of which we read and 
 hear, to allay our fears and encourage our hearM : let us 
 prepare daily for this important, season, by faith and repent- 
 ance : and a conscientious attention to the duties of our station ; 
 and let us watch and pray against anxious or distressing fears. 
 The Lord will provide for our passage over this Jordan, when 
 the time comes: yea, he will come and meet us, and by his 
 animating presence invigorate our faith and hope; till we join 
 the innumerable multitude, that in the Canaan above are 
 singing the praises of their greater Deliverer, who hath both 
 redeemed them from far worse than Egyptian bondage, and 
 brought them safe to the promised land, through his precious 
 blood, and by his all-conquering arm. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IV. V. 2. These twelve men had 
 before been selected, to hold themselves in readiness. (3:12.) 
 One was chosen out of every tribe: (4) for though some had 
 received their inheritance on the other side o^ Jordan, they 
 were all brethren, united in interest and religion ; and it was 
 proper they should all join in perpetuating the memory of this 
 signal miracle. 
 
 V. 3 — 9. After all the people had passed over Jordan, 
 and before they marched to the place of encampment, or had 
 any opportunity of refreshing themselves and taking care of 
 their families ; they were required to use proper measures 
 for transmitting to posterity a memorial that Jordan had been 
 divided “ before the ark of the Lord;” and so give parents 
 an opportunity of instructing their children concerning the 
 wonderful works of God for Israel. (Note, 20 — 24.) — Tho 
 priests patiently and courageously kept their station, not only 
 till tho whole multitude was passed over, bu* also till these 
 twelve men had returned into the midst ol tho rirer, and 
 taking each a largo stone, probably as great as no cou tl carry 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. 1451. 
 
 7 Then ye shall answer them, That 'the waters 
 of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the 
 covenant of the Lord ; when it passed over 
 Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and 
 these stones shall be for a 'memorial unto the 
 children of Israel for ever. 
 
 8 And the children of Israel k did so as Joshua 
 commanded, and took up twelve stones out of 
 the midst of Jordan, as the Lord spake unto 
 Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of 
 the children of Israel, and carried them over with 
 them unto the place where they lodged, and laid 
 them down there. 
 
 9 And Joshua 'set up twelve stones in the 
 midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of 
 the priests which bare the ark of the covenant 
 stood : and "'they are there unto this day. 
 
 10 For the priests which bare the ark "stood 
 in the midst of Jordan, until every thing was 
 finished, that the Lord commanded Joshua to 
 speak unto the people, according to all that °Moses 
 commanded Joshua: and the people fhasted and 
 •passed over. 
 
 11 And it came to pass, when all the people 
 were clean passed over, sthat the ark of the Lord 
 passed over, and the priests, in the presence of 
 the people. 
 
 12 And the children of Reuben, and the chil- 
 dren of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, 
 passed over armed before the children of Israel, 
 as Moses spake unto them. 
 
 13 About forty thousand, "prepared for war, 
 passed over before the Lord unto battle, ”to the 
 plains of Jericho. 
 
 14 11 On that day the Lord ‘magnified Joshua 
 
 3:13— 16. j See on 6. Ex. 12:11. 23:12. 30:16. Num. 16:10. Is. 66:3 marg. 
 
 1 Cor. 11 on. k -2 — 5. 1:16 — 18. IPs. 111:2— 4. m Gen. 26:33. Dent. 34:6. 
 Judg. 1:26. 1 Sam. '30:25. 2 Sam. 4:3. 2 Chr. 5:9. Mali. 27:8. 28:15. n See 
 on 3:16,17. ls.23:16. o Num. 27:21— 23. Deul. 31:9. p Ex. 12:39. Ps. 119:60. 
 Pro*. 27:1. Ec. 9:10. 2 Cor. 6:2. Heb. 3:7,8. q 18. 3:8,17. r 1:14. Num. 32:20 
 —32. * Or , ready armed. Eph.6:ll. s5:10. 2Kings25:5. Jer. 39:5. 52:8. 
 t l 16—18. See on 3:7. 1 Cor. 10:2 u Ex. 14:31. 1 6am. 12:18. 1 Kings 3:28. 
 
 2 Chr. 30:12. Prov. 24:21. Rom. 13:4. v See on 3:3— 6. Ex. 25:16— 22. Rev. 
 11:19. x Gen. 8:16— 18. Dan. 3:26. Acts 16:23,35— 39. y See on 3:13,15. 
 
 had returned with them to the shore ; and until twelve stones 
 had been set up in the midst of the river. The twelves stones 
 were taken from the very spot where the priests had kept 
 their station ; and the twelve other stones were set up in the 
 same place. As the water would there be always of consi- 
 derable depth, it may be supposed that these stones were 
 formed into a kind of pillar, or monument, generally visible 
 from the banks of the river. — The concluding words might 
 be written by Joshua at the close of his life, or perhaps 
 added by some later prophet. (Marg. Ref. m.) 
 
 V. 10. Moses commanded.] We do not read, that Moses 
 gave any instructions about the passage of Israel over Jordan : 
 but he charged Joshua to obey the Lord, and the people to 
 be observant of Joshua ; to which they peculiarly attended 
 on this occasion. — It is said, w the people hasted,” as none of 
 them wasted any time : perhaps some were timorous through 
 unbelief; but there was no undue haste or confusion. (Note, 
 Is. 28:16, conclusion.) 
 
 V. 11. The people ‘beheld the water standing still on a 
 heap while the ark was in the river ; but come tumbling 
 lown when it was gone : which demonstrated that it was 
 God’s presence with them, to which alone they owed this 
 miraculous mercy.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12, 13. This armed body of men, unencumbered with 
 families or flocks, and prepared to repel the enemy, if they 
 should attack them, would leave the other tribes more at 
 liberty to attend upon their personal and domestic concerns. 
 (Note, 1:12 — 15.) — Probably the inhabitants of Jericho wit- 
 nessed from the walls of the city this astonishing scene ; and 
 saw their invaders encamp in those very plains, where it 
 might have been expected the inhabitants of the land would 
 have mustered their forces to oppose them. (Note, 3:2.) 
 
 V. 14. In consequence of the honour which God put on 
 Joshua on this occasion, the Israelites stood in awe of him, 
 and submitted to his authority ever after, as the divinely 
 appointed successor to Moses ; perceiving that the Lord was 
 with him, as. he had been with Moses. (Note, 1:16 — 18.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. The priests did not quit their station, till 
 Joshua, who had commanded them thither, ordered them 
 thence ; nor did he thus order them till the Lord commanded 
 liim : so obedient were all parties to the word of God, and so 
 sntirely confident of his protection ! As soon as the priests 
 nad reached the shore, and the ark, the symbol of the Lord’s 
 presence, had left the river, the waters reverted to their natural 
 course, and flowed over all the banks as before ; showing that 
 the power of him, who enacted the laws of nature, had on this 
 occasion suspended them, for the display of his glory in per- 
 forming his promises to the people- (Notes, 11. Dan. 3:26,27.) 
 
 in the sight of all Israel ; and “they feared him, as 
 they feared Moses, all the days of his life. 
 
 15 And the Lord spake unlo Joshua, saying, 
 
 16 Command v the priests that bear the ark 
 of the testimony, that they come up out of Jor- 
 dan. 
 
 17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, 
 saying. ‘Come ye up out of Jordan. 
 
 18 And it came to pass, when the priests that 
 bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, were 
 come up out of the midst of Jordan, and rthe soles 
 of the priests’ feet were 'lifted up unto the dry 
 land, ‘that the waters of Jordan returned unto 
 their place, “and 'flowed over all his banks, as 
 they did before. 
 
 19 And the people came up out of Jordan on 
 the tenth day of the b first month, and encamped 
 in “Gilgal, in the east border of Jericho. 
 
 20 And d those twelve stones, which they took 
 out of Jordan, did Joshua pitch in Gilgal. 
 
 21 And. he spake unto the children of Israel, 
 saying, 'When your children shall ask their 
 fathers hn time to come, saying, What mean 
 these stones ? 
 
 22 Then ye shall let your children know, 
 "saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry 
 land. 
 
 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters 
 of Jordan from before you, until ye were passed 
 over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, 
 “which he dried up from before us, until we were 
 gone over : 
 
 24 That h all the people of the earth might 
 know the hand of the Lord, ‘that it is mighty; 
 that k ye might fear the Lord your God "for ever. 
 
 t Heb. phicked up. z Ex. 14:26 — 28. a 3:15. 1 Chr. 12:15. J Heb. tcent. Is. 8: 
 8. bEx. 12:2,3. c 5:9. 10:6,43. 15:7. 1 Sam. 11: 14,15. 15:33. Am. 4:4. 5:5. 
 Mic. 6:5. d See on 3,8. e See on 6. Ps. 105:2—5. 145:4 — 7. § Heb. to-morroic. 
 {See on 3:17. Ex. 14:29. 15:19. Ps. 66:5,6. 18.11:15,16. 44:27.51:10. Rev. 16: 
 12. g Neh. 9:11. Ps. 77:16— 19. 78:13. Is. 43:16. 63:12— 14. h Ex. 9:16. Deut. 
 23:10. 1 Sam. 17:46. 1 Kings 8:43. 2 Kings 5:15. 19:19. Ps. 106:8. Dan. 3:26— 
 29. 6:26,27. i Ex. 15:16. 1 Chr. 29:12. Ps. 89:13. k Ex. 14:31. 20:20. Dent. 
 6:2. Pa. 76:6—8. 89:7. Jer. 10:6,7. 32:40. || Heb. all days. 
 
 V. 19. The Israelites passed over Jordan, exactly five days 
 short of forty years after they left Egypt, and just in time to 
 prepare for the celebration of the passover, upon their entrance 
 into Canaan, as they had celebrated it just before their 
 departure out of Egypt. (Note, Ex. 12:3 — 10.) 
 
 Y. 20 — 24. It is most natural to conclude, that these stones 
 were placed separately on some eminence, where they would 
 be conspicuous : and being exactly twelve, according to the 
 number of the tribes in Israel, and probably no other stones 
 near, at all like them in size and kind ; they would naturally 
 excite inquiries, how they came there, and what was meant 
 by them. Thus the miraculous division of Jordan, (as com- 
 pleting that kindness to Israel, which was begun at the division 
 of the Red Sea,) would frequently become the subject of 
 conversation, both among the Israelites, and those who came 
 thither from distant nations ; the tradition of this event would 
 be perpetuated and circulated very widely ; and even the 
 Gentiles might be induced to examine the sacred oracles, and 
 to inquire further concerning the glorious perfections and 
 wonderful works of Israel’s God. — In these respects this 
 memorial would tend to promote true religion ; “ that all the 
 people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it 
 is mighty.” But it would especially give parents an oppor- 
 tunity of diverting the inquisitiveness of their children into a 
 profitable channel, by encouraging them to ask questions on 
 the subject ; and by giving them such answers, as would tend 
 to bring them acquainted with the works of God, and to 
 impress them with the fear of his name ; that so one genera- 
 tion after another might be confirmed in worshipping him 
 alone, and be restrained from idolatry. — These stones are 
 supposed to have remained till the days of Christ, or even 
 longer. (Notes, Ex. 12:11 — 14. 13:8 — 10. Ps. 78:3 — 8.111:4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The works of the Lord are so worthy of remembrance^ and 
 the heart of man is so prone to forget them, that various 
 methods must be adopted to keep them in remembrance. — 
 Our own ease should be disregarded, and our ordinary employ- 
 ments or refreshments postponed, that we may lose no time 
 in rendering to the Lord the tribute of praise for mercies 
 received, while the sense of gratitude glows in the heart, and 
 before the lively impression has time to wear off. — There is a 
 peculiar style in the works and in the word of God : majestic 
 in simplicity, expressive and emphatic ; but with genuine 
 dignity, disdaining the encumbrance of useless ornament and 
 affected splendour. Never did triumphal columa or arch, 
 with all the magnificence of architecturr , form ?o proper a 
 monument of some celebrated victory, as did tl e twelve ride 
 stones from Jordan’s channel of the mu cult Is passage of 
 ( 389 4 
 
. c. 1451. JOSHUA. B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 TK» Canaanilcs nre affrighted, 1. Joshua, at God's command, circumcises 
 Israel : the need there was of this, 2—8. The place is called Gilgal, 9. The 
 passover is kept at Gilgal, 10, 11. The manna ceases , 12. One appears to 
 Joshua, calling himself “ The Captain of the Lord's host," 13 — 15. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when “all the kings of 
 the Amorites, which were on the side of 
 Jordan westward, and all the kings of the 
 'Canaanites, d which were by the sea, c heard that 
 the Lord had dried up the waters of Jordan from 
 before the children of Israel, until we were passed 
 over, that their heart melted; fneither was there 
 spirit in them any more because of the children of 
 Israel. 
 
 2 H At that time the Lord said unto Joshua, 
 Make thee 'sharp knives, and ^circumcise again 
 the children of Israel the second time. 
 
 3 And Joshua h made him sharp knives, and 
 circumcised the children of Israel at Uhe hill of 
 the foreskins. 
 
 4 And this is the cause why Joshua did cir- 
 cumcise : 'All the people that came out of Egypt 
 that were males, even all the men of War, died in 
 the wilderness by the way after they came out of 
 Egypt. 
 
 5 Now all the people that came out were cir- 
 cumcised; but all the people that were born in 
 the wilderness by the way, as they came forth out 
 of Egypt, them Hhey had not circumcised. 
 
 a 12:9—24 . 24:15. Gen. 10:15—19. 15:18—21. 48:22. Judg. 11:23. 2 Sam. 21:2. 
 Ez. 16:3. Am. 2:9. c 17.12,18. Gen. 12:6. Ex. 23:28. Jude. 1:1. 4:2. Ezra 9:1. 
 Ps. 135:11. d Num. 13:29. Judg. 3:3. Zeph. 2:4— 6. e Seenn2:9— 11. Ex. 15: 
 14,15. Pa. 48:4— 6. Rev. 18:10. f 1 Sam. 25:37. I Kings 10:5. Is. 13:6— 8. Ez. 
 21:7. Dan. 5:6. • Or , knives of flint. Ex. 4:25. g Gen. 17:10— 14. Deut. 10:16. 
 30:6. Rom. 2:29. 4:11. Col. 2:11. I: Gen. 17:23-27. Matt. 16:24. ! Or, 
 
 Gibeah haaraloth. i Num. 14:29. 26:64,65. Deut. 2:16. 1 Cor. 10:5. Heb.3:17 
 
 6 For the children of Israel ‘walked forty years 
 in the wilderness, till all the people that were men 
 of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, 
 because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord * 
 unto whom the Lord 'sware, that he would not 
 show them the land, which the Lord sware unto 
 their fathers that he would give us, m a land tha 
 floweth with milk and honey. 
 
 7 And “their children whom he raised up ii 
 their stead, them Joshua circumcised : for the) 
 were uncircumcised, because they had not circum- 
 cised them by the way. 
 
 8‘ And it came to pass *when they had done 
 circumcising all the people, that they abode in 
 their places in the camp “till they were whole. 
 
 9 And the Lord said unto Joshua, This day 
 have I ^rolled away the reproach of Egypt from 
 off' you : wherefore the name of the place is called 
 ^Gilgal unto this day. 
 
 10 And the children of Israel encamped in 
 Gilgal, and ^kept the passover on the fourteenth 
 day of the month at even, in the plains of Jeri- 
 cho. 
 
 11 And they did eat of the old corn of the land 
 on the morrow after the passover, “unleavened 
 cakes, and parched corn in the sell-same day. 
 
 12 And 'the manna ceased on the morrow after 
 they had eaten of the old corn of the land ; neither 
 
 —19. i Deut. 12:8,9. Hos. 6:6,7. Matt. 12:7. Rom. 2:26. 1 Cor. 7:19. Gal. 5:6. 
 6:15. k Num. 14:32— 34. Deut. 1:3. 2:7,14. Ps. 95:10.11. Jer. 2:2. I Num. 14i 
 23. Heb.S-.ll. m See on Ex. 3:8,17. Ez.20:6,15. Joel 3:18. n Num. 14:31. 
 Deut. 1:39. + Heb. when the people had made an end to be circumcised. 
 
 o (Jen. 34:25. p Gen. 34:14. 1 Sam. 17:26,36. Ps. 119:39. Jer. 9:25. Ez. 20:7. 
 23:3,8. Eph. 2:11,12. § That is, rolling. 4:19. q Ex. 12:3, &c. Num. 9:1— 5. 
 rEx. 12:18—20. 13:6,7. Lev. 23:6, 14. s Ex. 16:35. Neh. 9:20,21. Rev. 7:16,17. 
 
 Israel into Canaan, under the conduct of the ark of the Lord. 
 Such is the instituted memorial of the Redeemer’s dying love; 
 simple, impressive, and entirely calculated to show forth his 
 death and passion in the most atfecting manner ; to be a 
 suitable profession of our repentance, faith, and grateful love ; 
 and to express our devoteuness to him, our fellowship with 
 him and his people, and our expectation of future harmonious 
 felicity in the realms above. Yet all this is veiled under so 
 plain an exterior, that the carnal eye can see no comeliness 
 or excellency in it, any more than in him whose love is com- 
 memorated: and to make it suit the grovelling minds of the 
 worldly, and the selfish purposes of the ambitious, it has been 
 dressed up with pomp and parade of meaning and of ceremony ; 
 which have so disguised and perplexed the divine appointment, 
 that many of the true disciples of Christ have been strangely 
 frighted from it, as if some formidable mischief lay concealed 
 within ; to the dishonour of the Lord, and the detriment of 
 their own souls. But we should take every proper occasion 
 of attending on that sacred ordinance, learning from the word 
 of God its simple meaning and intention ; and should gladly 
 speak of them, when opportunity is afforded, to our children, 
 our neighbours, and to every inquirer. In this, and in every 
 thing else, the curiosity of children should be improved as an 
 opening to their instruction : and they who take pleasure in 
 searching out the works of the Lord, and in diffusing their 
 knowledge among strangers, or perpetuating it to posterity, 
 shall more and more understand his loving-kindness and 
 mercy. (Ps. 107:43.) — Gladly should we all render every 
 service we can to the church of God, and consider ourselves 
 as having one common interest with all the families of the 
 redeemed, however separated by rivers, seas, or mountains, 
 or by the more unnatural partition-walls of sects and parties : 
 and in so doing, we may safely commit our families and inter- 
 ests to the protection of Israel’s God. — When, with careful 
 attention to the commands and providence of God, we have 
 taken the place, and engaged in the service, assigned us ; we 
 ought patiently to abide in it, and not to attempt to remove, till 
 ne evidently commands us thence. Nothing can hurt us in 
 doing this, and nothing should intimidate us from it. In like 
 manner also, we ought patiently to wait our dismission from 
 this sinful world, ready to depart, but willing to bear the cross 
 and maintain the conflict, till the Lord’s purposes for his own 
 glory be accomplished in us. — But the removal of the righteous 
 is frequently like the opening of the flood-gates of divine judg- 
 ments upon guilty nations, which have been restrained by 
 their presence, example, and prayers ; and much more when 
 the ministers atid ordinances of God are removed, may 
 national calamities be expected. But let us bless God that 
 this is not the case with our favoured land : let us unite in 
 prayer that it may not be: and let us also remember, that we 
 may derive benefit from all the mercies shown to his church 
 in all ages and nations, and should bless God for them ; and 
 every recent favour should excite us to repeat his praises for 
 former blessings. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1. Great, terror had before 
 pervaded the minds of the inhabitants of Canaan, in every 
 part of the country: yet the kings seem to have kept, up their 
 courage, till they heard that the barrier of the land had been 
 ( 390 ) 
 
 broken through, by a miracle similar to the dividing of the 
 Red Sea; and that the whole multitude of Israel was actually 
 encamped in their country, with the express purpose of pos- 
 sessing it, and extirpating the former inhabitants. On hearing 
 this, their hearts melted with terror, as wax before the fire ; 
 and this both anticipated, and facilitated their destruction. 
 ( Marg . Ref .) — The words “ IV e were passed over,” inti- 
 mates that the writer was one of the company. 
 
 Y. 2 — 8. It is probable, that there had been a general 
 circumcision, a short time before the departure of Israel from 
 Egypt, of all those who were then found uncircumcised : and 
 with reference to it, this circumcision, w hich took place imme- 
 diately on their entering the promised land, was called “ the 
 second time.” It is evident that the Israelites, who had been 
 born in the wilderness, were left uncircumcised : but it is not 
 so manifest whether this omission arose from negligence ; or 
 whether the Lord dispensed with it during their wanderings, 
 when every removal would have rendered it dangerous to 
 many infants ; or whether the nation was laid under a kind ol 
 interdict, when the rebellious generation w as doomed to die in 
 the wilderness. It is generally agreed, that the passover was 
 celebrated only once, during Israel’s continuance in the 
 desert ; and the people there did not want any mark of dis- 
 tinction from other nations : so that circumcision, in respect 
 of its principal objects, was not so requisite in that situation, 
 as after they were settled in Canaan ; where every instituted 
 ordinance, and every method of distinction and separation, 
 must be used. The command, however, given to Joshua, and 
 by him to the people, to perform this painful operation on so 
 great a multitude, immediately upon entering the enemy’s 
 country, when it was well known that they would by it be for 
 some time utterly disabled, formed a very great trial of their 
 faith t [Note, Gen. 34:25 — 28.) and their prompt and univer- 
 sal obedience, in such critical circumstances, manifested a 
 confidence in the Lord’s protection, and a submission to his 
 will, which confirm the sentiment, that this w as the best of 
 all the generations of Israel. — As circumcision might bo 
 performed by any one ; though the number to be circumcised 
 was great, the whole would soon be completed, probably on 
 the first day after their passage over Jordan. 
 
 V. 9. When the Israelites were brought into the promised 
 land, and (he covenant of the Lord was thus solemnly ratified 
 with them, as the seed of Abraham, by the appointed seal ; 
 the reproach of their Egyptian bondage, and idolatrous cus- 
 toms, was rolled away ; and it was plain, that the Loro had 
 not brought them forth into the wilderness to destroy them. 
 (Notes, Gen. 17:7 — 12,23 — 27. R.r. 4:24— 2fi. 1 Sam. 17: 
 
 25,26.) — The word “ Gilgal” signifies rolling. The same 
 place was also called “ the hill of the foreskins because 
 of the great numbers whose foreskins were left buried 
 there. (3) 
 
 V. 10. The general circumcision of the people was pre- 
 paratory to the solemn observance of the passover in its 
 season ; for no uncircumcised person might cat of it. (Notes % 
 Ex. 12:43— 45,48,49.) This was a proper entrance upon the 
 promised land, as a holy land. The celebration of the pass- 
 over immediately preceded Israel’s departure c itt of Egypt ; 
 and formed nearly theii first employment on entering Canaan • 
 
B. C. 1451. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 1450. 
 
 had the children of Israel manna any more ; 'but 
 they did ea* ff the fruit of the land of Canaan 
 that year. 
 
 13 IT And it came to pass, when Joshua was by 
 Jericho, that "lie lifted up his eyes ?nd looked, and 
 behold, there stood *a Man over against him, with 
 rhis sword drawn in his hand : and Joshua went 
 unto him, and said unto him, ’■Art thou for us, or 
 for our adversaries ? 
 
 14 And he said, Nay; "but as ‘Captain of the 
 host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua 
 fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and 
 said unto him, "What saith d my lord unto his 
 servant ? 
 
 15 And the Captain of the Lord’s host said 
 unto Joshua, "Loose thy shoe from off thy foot ; 
 for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And 
 Joshua did so. 
 
 t Deot. 6:10,11. Prov. 13:22. Is. 65:13,14. John 4:38. u Gen. 33:1,5. Dun. 8:3. 
 10:5. x 6:2. Gen. 18:2. 32:24—30. Jmlg. 13:8,9,11,22. Dan. 10:5. Hos. 12:3-5. 
 Zech. 1:8. Rev. 1:13. yN»m. 22:23. 1 Chr. 21:16, 17. 7. 1 Chr. 12:17,18. a Ex. 
 23:20—22. Is. 55:4. Dan. 10:13,21. 12:1. Heb. 2.10. Rev. 12:7. 19:11,14. * Or, 
 Prince, b Gen. 17:3,17. Lev. 9:24. Num. 16:22,45. Matt. 8:2. Luke 5:12. 
 Acts 10:25,26. Rev. 19:10. 22:8,9. c 1 Sam. 3:9,10. Is. 6:8. Acts 9:6. d Ex. 4: 
 
 for they were both brought out of Egypt, and into the land of 
 their inheritance, “ that they might keep the Lord’s statutes, 
 and observe his laws.” (Note, Pa. 105:43 — 45.) Having 
 been circumcised on the eleventh day of the month, they 
 would be enabled to eat the passover on the evening of the 
 fourteenth ; while those who had before been circumcised 
 might prepare for their brethren : and by the time that the 
 days of unleavened bread were ended, they would be per- 
 fectly healed and fit for action. In the mean time the 
 Canaanites were intimidated, and restrained from assaulting 
 them. Nay, their very confidence in thus setting their ene- 
 mies at defiance, while they attended to the ordinances of 
 their religion, and engaged Jehovah to fight their battles, if 
 it were known among the inhabitants of the land, would tend 
 to increase their consternation. (Note, Ex. 34:24.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. The people would find abundance of old corn 
 in the deserted granaries of the affrighted inhabitants ; and 
 the barley harvest being ripe, after offering the sheaf of first- 
 fruits, they ate also new parched corn: and thus the manna, 
 being no longer necessary, ceased, after having been sent 
 them regularly for almost forty years '. (Ex. 16:35.) 
 
 V. 13 — 15. Joshua was either taking a view of Jericho, in 
 order to attack it, or employed in serious meditation and 
 prayer, or both alternately ; when he was surprised with the 
 appearance of one, in form as “ a Man, . . . with his sword 
 drawn in his hand.” Joshua, not at all intimidated, accosted 
 him, and demanded of him whether he was an ally or an 
 enemy ; and he received for answer, that he was come not 
 only as an Ally, but as Commander-in-chief over the Lord’s 
 host, and over Joshua himself: upon which Joshua recog- 
 nised and worshipped him as his Lord ; and reverently pros- 
 trating himself upon the earth, waited and asked to know his 
 will. Not only was this worship received, but he was further 
 commanded to show the same token of respect to the hea- 
 venly vision, which had been required when the Lord 
 appeared to Moses in the bush: (Notes, Ex. 3:2 — 6.) and 
 this being done, he received from him the orders contained in 
 the ensuing chapter, which is a continuation of the subject, 
 and is very improperly separated from the close of this. — All 
 these circumstances prove beyond a doubt, that this armed. 
 Man was no other than the Son of God, Jehovah, the 
 second Person in the sacred Trinity, the Captain of our sal- 
 vation, anticipating his incarnation, and assuring Joshua of 
 success in this war. (Notes, Gen. 32:30. Hos. 12:3 — 6. 
 Phil. 2:5 — 8.) ‘ Jesus, our Lord, the Prince of his Father’s 
 
 host, appearing to him who was a type of him, at Jericho, 
 with a drawn sword, promised to be the Defender of his 
 people.’ Arclibp. Usher. ‘ The Angel, who suffered himself 
 to be worshipped, and by whose presence the place where he 
 appeared was sanctified, so that Joshua was commanded to 
 put off his shoes, no doubt was he whom all the angels in 
 heaven worshipped.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 How dreadful is the case of those, who are irreversibly de- 
 voted to destruction, for whom no mercy is reserved, and who 
 see tne deserved vengeance of God advancing towards them 
 with steady pace, without any possibility of averting or escap- 
 ing it ! Such will be the horrible situation of the wicked, 
 when summoned to appear before the tribunal of an offended 
 God. Nor can words express the anguish of their feelings, 
 or the greatness of their terror, when they shall call in vain 
 “ upon the rocks and mountains to fall upon them,” and hide 
 them from the intolerable frown of their angry Judge, and 
 from the dire sentence which he is prepared to execute upon 
 them. As “ men’s hearts cannot endure, or their hands be 
 strong,” in such circumstances ; oh, that they would now take 
 -varning, even before it be too late, that they would flee for 
 refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them in the salvation 
 of the gospel !— The maxims and conduct of the church of 
 God are widely different from those of the world. What 
 •ther general ever opened a campaign in an enemy’s country, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Jericho ie shut up : and the Lord instructs Joshua how to conduct the sieg*, 
 
 1 — 5. Joshua directs the priests to carry the ark round the city, precede* 
 by other priests, sounding with trumpets, and attended by the people, 6, 7. 
 They thus march round the city daily for six days, and seven times on tht 
 seventh day , 8 — 16. The city and all in it, (except Rahab and those with her,) 
 are devoted to destruction, 17 — 19. The people shout, the walls fall down, 
 and the city is taken and destroyed; but Rahab is preserved. 20 — 25. A 
 curse is denounced on him who should rebuild Jericho, 26. Joshua becomes 
 renowned , 27. 
 
 N OW Jericho ‘was straitly shut up, "becaus * 1 2 ; 
 
 of the children of Israel : none went out, and 
 none came in. 
 
 2 And b the Lord said unto Joshua, "See, I have 
 given into thine hand Jericho, and the king»there- 
 of, and the mighty men of valour. 
 
 3 And d ye shall compass the city, all ye men of 
 war, and go round about the city once. Thu3 
 shaft thou do six days. 
 
 4 And seven priests shall bear before the ark 
 seven "trumpets of rams’ horns : and the seventh 
 
 10,13. Ps. 110:1. Matt. 22:44. Luke 1:43 . 20:42. John 20:28. Phil. 3:8. e Ex. 
 3:5. Acts 7:32,33. 2 Pel. 1:18. * Heb. did shut up, and was shut up. 2:1. *2 King* 
 17:4. a2:9 — 14. Ps. 127:1. b£g«07i5:13 — 15. c 9:24. 8:1. 11:6— 8. Judg. 11: 
 21. 2 Sam. 5:19. Neh. 9:24. Dan. 2:21,44. 4:17,35. 5:18. d7,14. Num. 14:9. 
 
 1 Cor. 1:21— 25. 2Cor.4:7. e Lev. 25:9. Num. 10:1— 10. Judg. 7:7,8,15— 22. 
 
 2 Chr. 13:12. 20:17,19,21. Is. 27:13. Zech. 4:6. 
 
 in the manner that Joshua did ? On such occasions, all 
 attention paid to the exercises of religion is too generally 
 considered as a needless waste of time. Yet, if the help of 
 God be indeed the best security for success, and if his anger 
 is more to be feared than the sword of any enemy, it will be 
 found true policy to begin every expedition with repentance 
 of sin, and attendance on the solemn worship of the Lord, 
 and with using every method of securing his protection ; though 
 to a carnal eye that method may appear unfavourable to suc- 
 cess. (Note, Matt. 6:33,34.) — But especially the Christian 
 soldier must thus begin his spiritual warfare : nor can he face 
 any of his enemies without u the circumcision of the heart,” 
 as the internal M seal of the righteousness of faith,” and 
 the ratification of the new covenant between a reconciled 
 God and his soul. (Notes, Rom. 2:25 — 29. 4:9 — 12.) Then 
 feeding on Christ, the Paschal Lamb who was sacrificed for 
 sinners, and keeping the 41 feast with the unleavened bread of 
 sincerity and truth,” he will be prepared for the conflict. 
 (Note, 1 Cor. 5:6 — 8.) Yet he will not prosper so long as he 
 neglects any of the ordinances or commandments of God ; or 
 lies under the reproach of living in conformity to the world, or of 
 acting in any respect inconsistently with his holy profession. 
 But duly attending to the worship of God and the means of 
 grace, and daily girding on his divine armour, he may boldly 
 defy all his enemies, and rest assured of the presence and 
 protection of the great 44 Captain of salvation whose Person 
 he will reverently worship, whose orders he will diligently 
 observe, on whose assistance he will entirely depend, and by 
 whom he will at length be made more than conqueror. — Many 
 things are amiss in the best state of the church on earth 
 but when young persons have not so much as the appearance 
 of religion, it will redound to the reproach of their parents, 
 being generally the consequence of their misconduct. When 
 the upright believer is convinced of his neglect or sin, he will 
 readily set about amendment, and when he is in a proper 
 frame of mind, he will account the most self-denying com- 
 mands, or mysterious dispensations of the Lord, reasonable, 
 wise, and kind. Finally, what the Lord requires of his people, 
 he will supply them with the means of performing: when one 
 source of provision fails, he will open another : nor shall the 
 manna for their souls ever fail, till they arrive at the Canaan 
 above, and feast on its rich and inexhaustible provisions. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. YI. V. 1. The king and people of 
 Jericho did not possess courage enough to attack the in 
 vaders ; but they shut themselves up in the city, where doubt- 
 less they expected to defend themselves under the protection 
 of the walls, till succours should arrive from other quarters. 
 It does not appear that they made any advances toward an 
 accommodation. 
 
 V. 2. (Note, 5:13 — 15.) It is indisputable that.the very 
 person, who in the preceding chapter called himself 44 the 
 Captain of the host of the Lord,” is here called Jehovah, 
 
 4 which shows he was not a created angel, but God himself,, 
 who alone could promise and perform what follows.’ Bp, 
 Patrick. By commission from him, and according to his in- 
 structions, Joshua was directed to conduct his hostilities 
 against the Canaanites: and this authority sanctioned, and 
 even sanctified all the terrible executions with which it was 
 attended ; the sword in his hand being the sword of justice 
 drawn against condemned criminals. (Notes, Num. 31: 
 2,14 — 18.) 
 
 V. 3 — 5. By prescribing this extraordinary method of be- 
 sieging Jericho, the Lord was pleased to put honour upon the 
 ark as the symbol of his presence, and to manifest that all the 
 victories of Israel were from him : for this was a specimen ol 
 them. The faith and patience of the people were thus proved 
 and increased. Their regard to the priesthood likewise 
 would be augmented and they would be induced the more 
 readily to give the priests their dues, when the Lord had thus 
 employed them in the conquest of the land. The preaching, 
 of the gospel also, and its effects were typified. — The words 
 ( 391 ) 
 
B. C. 1461. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1450. 
 
 day ye shall compass the city f seven times, and 
 the priests shall blow with the trumpets. 
 
 d And it shall come to pass, that when they 
 *make a long blast with the ranvs horn, and when 
 ye hear the sound of the trumpet, all h the people 
 shall shout with a great shout : and ‘the wall of 
 the city shall fall down 'flat, and the people shall 
 ascend up every man straight before him. 
 
 6 IT And Joshua the son of Nun called the 
 priests, and said unto them, k Take up the ark of 
 the covenant, and let seven priests Pear seven 
 trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the 
 Lord. 
 
 7 And he said unto the people, Pass on, and 
 compass the city, and let him ‘that is armed pass 
 on before the ark of the Lord. 
 
 8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken 
 unto the people, that the seven priests bearing the 
 seven trumpets of rams’ horns passed on ra before 
 the Lord, and blew with the trumpets : and the 
 ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. 
 
 9 And the armed men went before the priests 
 that blew with the trumpets, "and the +rearward 
 came after the ark, the priests going on, and blow- 
 ing with the trumpets. 
 
 10 And Joshua had commanded the people, 
 saying, Ye shall not shout, nor make 3 any noise 
 with your voice, neither shall any word proceed 
 out of your mouth "until the day I bid you shout ; 
 then shall ye shout. 
 
 11 So the ark of the Lord compassed the city, 
 going about it once : and they came into the 
 camp, and lodged in the camp. 
 
 12 And pJoshua rose early in the morning, and 
 sthe priests took up the ark of the Lord. 
 
 13 And seven priests, bearing seven trumpets 
 of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord, "went 
 
 f Gen. 2:3. 7:2,3. Lev. 4:6. 14:16. 25:8. Num.23:l. 1 Kings 18:43. 2 Kings 
 5:10. Job 42:8. Zerh.4:2. Rev. 1:4,211. 5:1,6. 8:2,6. 10:3. 15:1,7. 16:1. g 16, 
 20. Ex. 16:19. h Jmlg. 7:20— 22. I' Sam. 4:6. 17:20,52. 2Chr. 13:15. Jer. 
 50:15. i Is. 25:12. 30:25 . 2 Cor. 10:4,5. Heb. 11:30. • Heb. under it. k8,13. 
 
 Sec on 3:3. Ex. 25:11. Dent. 20:2—4. Acts 9:1. 1 3. 1:14. 4:13. m See on 3,4. 
 Hum. 32:20. n 13. Num. 10:25. Is. 52:12. 58:8. t Heb. ga’hering host. I Heb 
 your voice to be heard. Is. 42:2. Mutt. 12:19. o 2 Sam. 5:23,24. Is. 28:16. 
 t*'ike 24:49. Acts 1:7. p See onZ\\. Gen. 22:3. q <Seeon6 — 8. John 2:5 — 8. 
 6:1(1,11. 9:6,7. Heb. 11:7,8. r 1 Chr. 15:26. Matt. 24:13. Gal. 6:9. s 3,11,15. 
 t r- s . 119:147. Matt. 28:1. 2 Pet. 1:19. n See on 4. v See on 5. Judg. 7:20— 22. 
 2 Chr. 13:15. 20:22,23. § Or, devoted. 7:1. Lev. 27:28,29. Num. 21:2,3. 1 Chr. 
 
 (o'73Y'n rvns'W,) translated “rams’ horns,” may be rendered 
 trumpets of the jubilees, that is, such as were to be blown in 
 the year of jubilee: for the entrance of Israel into the pro- 
 mised land was indeed a jubilee to them. .( Notes , Lev. 25:8 
 — 22.) Instead of the dreadful trumpet of war, they were 
 ordered to sound the trumpet of joy, as already conquerors, 
 in the anticipation of assured faith. The word signifying 
 horn , occurs indeed in the fifth verse; but, even if interpreted 
 literally, it only proves that horns were used, without restrict- 
 ing the meaning to rams' horns : and perhaps horn may be 
 understood figuratively for trumpet. (1 Chr. 25:5.) No 
 scriptural instance, on any other subject, is adduced, in which 
 signifies a ram ; that it has this meaning, is principally in- 
 ferred from the Chaldee paraphrase. Probably the trumpets 
 oefore made, and others of the same kind, were used on this 
 occasion ; for, as the number of the priests increased, more 
 trumpets were doubtless formed, either of silver, or of some 
 other materials. ( Note , Num. 10:2 — 10.) — The repeated 
 prescription of the number seven must not pass unnoticed: 
 “Seven priests,” “seven trumpets,” “seven days,” and “ se- 
 ven times on the seventh day.” ( Marg . Ref. e, f.) This at- 
 tention to the number seven , in Scripture, probably had refer- 
 ence to the creation of the world in six days, and the Lord’s 
 resting on the seventh, which completed the first week: this 
 was the first reason assigned for the sanctification of the sab- 
 bath, and occasioned the measuring of time by the periodical 
 return of the seventh day, in most ages and nations ever since. 
 (Notes, Gen. 2:2,3.) One of these seven days must have 
 been a sabbath-day; the Jews ^iy, that it was the last, on 
 which the city was taken: and as they were doing the work 
 of God, for his glory, no objection arises against it from the 
 fourth commandment ; any more than againsi the man’s car- 
 rying his bed on the sabbath-day, in honour of Christ who had 
 healed him. (Notes, John 5:10 — 18.) 
 
 V. 7. It may be supposed, that the procession was made 
 at such a distance, as to be out of the reach of arrows or mis- 
 sile weapons from the walls. It would be needful for the 
 army to go before in order to level the fences and remove all 
 obstructions in passing round the city. So unprecedented a 
 procession would doubtless at first create much surprise, and 
 some consternation, among the inhabitants ; but when one 
 day passed after another, and no effect* followed, they would 
 probably become secure, and treat the wnole with derision as 
 a senseless parade. 
 
 on continually, and blew with the trumpets : and 
 the armed men went before them ; but the rear 
 ward came after the ark of the Lord, the priests 
 going on and blowing with the trumpets. 
 
 14 And ‘the second day they compassed the 
 city once, and returned into the camp : so they 
 
 did SIX days. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, 
 that they rose early, ‘about the dawning of the 
 day, and compassed the city after the same man- 
 ner seven times : “only on that day they compassed 
 the city seven times. 
 
 16 And it came to pass at the seventh time, 
 when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua 
 said unto the people, v Shout, for the Lord hath 
 given you the city. 
 
 17 And the city shall be ^accursed, even it, and 
 all that are therein, to the Lord : “only Rahab the 
 harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in 
 the house, ^because she hid the messengers that 
 we sent. 
 
 18 And ye, ‘in any wise keep yourselves from 
 the accursed thing, "lest ye make yourselves ac- 
 cursed when ye take of the accursed thing, and 
 b make the camp of Israel a curse, "and trouble 
 it. 
 
 19 But d all the silver, and gold, and vessels of 
 brass and iron, are "consecrated unto the Lord : 
 they shall come into "the treasury of the Lord. 
 
 20 So the people shouted when the priests blew 
 with the trumpets : and it came to pass, when the 
 people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the 
 people shouted with a great shout, that f the wall 
 fell down “flat, so that the people went up into the 
 city, every man straight before him, and they took 
 the city. 
 
 21 And they ^utterly destroyed all that was in 
 
 2:7. Ezra 10:8. marg. Is. 34:6. Jer 46:10. Ez. 39:17. Mic. 4:13. 1 Cor. 16:22. 
 Gal. 3:10,13. x See on '2:1. y 22,23. 2:4— 6,22. Gen. 12:3. lSam,15:6. Mall. 
 10:41,42. 25:40. Heb. 6:10. 11:31. Jam. 2:25. z Rom. 12:9. 2 Cor. 6:17. Eph. 
 5:11. Jam. 1:27. 1 John 5:21. a 7:1 ,11 ,12,15. Deut. 7:26. 13:17. 1.7:11,12. 22: 
 18— 20. 1 Sam. 14:28— 42. Ec.9:18. Jon. 1:12. c 7:25. 2 Sam. 21 :1. 1 King. 
 18:17.18. d 2 Sam. 8:11. 1 Chr. 18:11. 26:20,26,28 . 28:12 . 2 Chr. 15:18. 31:12. 
 Is. 23:17,18. Mic. 4:13. || Heh. holiness. I.e». 19:24. mare. Zech. 14:20,21. 
 e 1 Kings 7:51. 14:26. 2 Kings 24:13. 1 Chr. 26:20. Neh. 7:70,71. 10:38. Jer. 38i 
 11. Man. 27:6. Mark 12:41. f See on 5. 2 . 'or. 10:4,5. Heb. 11:30. 3 Heb. 
 
 under it. g 9:24,25. 10:28.39. 11:14. Dent. 2:34. 7:2,3,16. 20:16,17. 1 Sam. 13c 
 3,8,18,19. 1 Kings 20:42. Jer. 48:18. Rev. 18.21. 
 
 V. 9. The armed men preceded the priests who blew the . 
 trumpets, and those who carried the ark : but after them the 
 people in general seem to have followed, with some persons - 
 appointed to close the rear, and to prevent any from strag- 
 gling from the main body. 
 
 V. 10. This implies, that a profound silence must be ol • 
 served, and that no conversation was allowed. 
 
 V. lrt. Given you the city. ] It is not before said, that 
 
 Joshua had given the people this assurance : and some think 
 that he was directed to conceal from them the event of the 
 procession, in order to make the fuller proof of their faith and 
 obedience. (Notes, 3:2 — 4.) —He could not give this notice 
 to the whole oody, except by messengers, sent to make pro- 
 clamation in different places: and these might sufficiently no- 
 tify what follows also, though not before explicitly mentioned. 
 
 V. 17 — 19. (Note, Lev. 27:28,29.) This city was, as it 
 were, the first-fruits of Canaan, and as such wholly devoted 
 to the Lord. The only advantages which the people derived 
 from this miraculous victory, were the destruction of their 
 enemies, the dominion of the land, and the enriching of the 
 sanctuary. For every living creature must be slain, except 
 Rahab, and those who had taken refuge in her house: what- 
 ever part of the spoil was not consumed with fire, was ordered 
 to be brought into the treasury of the Lord : and if any Is- 
 raelite dared to appropriate the smallest part to himself, the 
 curse of Jericho would rest upon him, and upon the camp of 
 Israel, until he also and all that appertained to him were ut- 
 terly destroyed. (Notes, 7: Deut. 7:25,26. 1 Sam. 15:1 — 3, 
 
 8,9,22,23. 1 Kings 20:41,42.) The whole was to be made a 
 solemn and awful sacrifice to the justice of God upon a pev> 
 pie which had filled up the measure of their iniquities. 
 
 V. 21. The Canaanites were ripe for destruction ; and the 
 Lord was pleased, instead of destroying them by a pestilence 
 a famine, an earthquake, a deluge, or fire from heaven, to cm 
 ploy t he Israelites as the executioners of his vengeance, both 
 for their warning and instruction, and for that of all who road 
 these records. Had an angel been commissioned to slay them, 
 (as one did Sennacherib’s army,) who would have charged 
 him with iniquity or cruelty ? (Note, 2 Kings 19:35.) — In all 
 public calamities infants arc involved ; and tens of thousands 
 of infants die in great agony every year. Now, either God 
 is not the Agent in these calamities, (which opinion, though 
 often implied in men’s reasonings on those subjects, is not far 
 from atheism;) or they mu t consist with the moct perfect jus 
 
 I 392 ) 
 
B. C. 1450. CHAPTER VI. B. C. J450. 
 
 the city, both man and woman, young and old, 
 and ox, and sheep, and ass, with the edge of the 
 sword. 
 
 22 But ''Joshua had said unto the two men that 
 had spied out the country, Go into the harlot’s 
 house, and bring out thence the woman, and all that 
 she hath, 'as ye sware unto her. 
 
 23 And the young men that were spies went in, 
 and brought lout Rahab, and her father, and her 
 mother, and her brethren, and all that she had ; 
 and they brought out all her ‘kindred, and k left 
 them without the camp of Israel. 
 
 24 And they ‘burnt the city with fire, and all 
 that was therein : '"only the silver, and the gold, 
 
 h 17. 2:1, &c. i 2:12 — 14,17 — 20 . 9:15,18—20 . 2 Sam. 21:2,7. Pa. 15:4. Ez. 17: 
 13,16,18,19. 1 2: IS. Gen. 12:2. 18:24. 19:29. A«s27:24. Heli. 11:7. ■ Heb. 
 
 families, k Num. 5:2,3. 31:19. Acts 1U:28. 1 Cor. 5:12. Eph. 2:12. 1 8:28. 
 
 Dtiut. 13:16. 2 Kings 25:9. Rev. 17:16.18:8. m See on 19. n 11:19,20. Judg. 
 
 tice and goodness. What injustice then could there be, in 
 his ordering the destruction of a guilty race by the sword of 
 his people? Or what injustice can be charged on them, while 
 executing his express commission, as ratified by undeniable 
 miracles ? If the history be authentic, this was the case : 
 and that must be judged of by other rules. — It is evident 
 that the band of God would be far more noticed in these un- 
 common events, than if he had destroyed his enemies by the 
 ordinary course of second causes ; as the very objections and 
 clamours of infidels demonstrate: and the malignity of sin, 
 with the indignation of God against sinners, and his power 
 and determination to inflict condign punishment on them, 
 would be far more conspicuous and impressive. Thus, in all 
 governments, solemn public executions, in which the punish- 
 ment of the criminal is avowedly inflicted for a specified of- 
 fence, have always been deemed far more suited to produce 
 salutary effects on the minds of all concerned; than secretly 
 and without notice putting criminals to death in a dungeon, or 
 elsewhere. In short, every man, who by reading the account 
 of these awful judgments, in any age or place, has been led to 
 a deeper sense of the evil of sin, and warned to repent and 
 seek mercy from the Lord, will to eternal ages glorify the di- 
 vine wisdom and goodness, in the very dispensations, which 
 embolden the blasphemies of the impenitent and unbelieving. 
 (Notes, 2. Num. 31:2.) 
 
 V. 22, 23. As Rahab’s house stood upon the wall of the 
 city, the preservation of it must have been the effect of the 
 Lord’s special care: for had he so pleased, she might have 
 perished when the wall fell down, without any violation of the 
 engagement into which the spies had entered in behalf of 
 Israel. (Notes, 2:12 — 20.) — But her faith saved her: this 
 temporal deliverance was the pledge of eternal felicity : she 
 was first honoured as the means of preservation to her rela- 
 tions ; and then she became a wife and mother in Israel, and 
 an ancestor of David and of Christ ! — She and all her relations 
 were, however, excluded from the camp of Israel, till they 
 had been purified, according to the law. 
 
 V. 25. She hid , &c.] 4 Which proceeded not merely 
 
 from her humanity, but was a noble act of courageous faith.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 26. Jericho, as devoted to utter destruction , was to be 
 left a perpetual desolation, and if any man ventured to rebuild 
 it, he would do it at his peril. {Note, 1 Kings 16:34.) Pro- 
 bably Joshua bound the nation, by means of their princes and 
 elders, by an oath, as connected with this curse, that they 
 would leave it in ruins. 
 
 V. 27. No wonder that the fame of that commander was 
 celebrated, even by enemies, before whom the river was di- 
 vided, and the strong walls of the city fell down, without any 
 visible cause. — Joshua might very well write this of himself, 
 as the whole honour was referred to the Loud God of Israel. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. When sinners are repeatedly warned to flee 
 from the wrath to come, and alarmed and disquieted in their 
 consciences with apprehensions of impending vengeance, and 
 yet harden their hearts in impenitence, and disdain to sue for 
 peace or ask forgiveness from God ; they may be considered as 
 u devoted to utter destruction •” nor can any counsel, courage, 
 strength, or numbers, afford them the least security, iri their 
 infatuated contest with the Almighty. — When the Lord effects 
 his purposes by such means and instruments as we deem ade- 
 quate ; our views are apt to terminate upon them, and to over- 
 look Him “ who worketh all things according to the counsel 
 of his own will.” To obviate this propensity, our God some- 
 times deviates from the common track, and works by methods 
 or instruments, which in themselves appear not at all suited 
 to produce the intended effect ; nay, indeed have no direct 
 connexion with it. {Notes, Num. 21:6 — 9. Ez. 37:1 — 10. 
 John 9:4 — 7.) But it is our duty to use only those means 
 which the Lord appoints, or allows ; to submit to his will and 
 depend upon his blessing ; and with patient waiting and self- 
 denying diligence to expect the event ; and we shall thus suc- 
 ceed as far as is conducive to our real good. — He takes peculiar 
 pleasure in leading men’s attention to his own truths and ordi- 
 nances ; in exercising their faith and patience ; in inuring them 
 to submit their understandings implicitly to his teaching, and 
 their will to his authority ; and in securing to himself their 
 Vol. I 50 
 
 and the vessels of brass, and of iron, they put into 
 the treasury of the house of the Lord. 
 
 25 And Joshua "saved Rahab the harlot alive, 
 and her father’s household, and all that she had ; 
 and °she dwelleth in Israel even funto this day : 
 because she hid the messengers which Joshua 
 sent to spy out Jericho. 
 
 26 It And Joshua ^adjured them at that time, 
 saying, r Cursed be the man before the Lord, that 
 riseth up ami buildeth this city Jericho : he shall 
 lay the foundation thereof in his first-born, and in 
 his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. 
 
 27 So "the Lord was with Joshua ; and ‘his 
 fame was noised throughout all the country. 
 
 1:24,25. Acts 2:21 . o Matt. 1:5. pSecon4:9. q N.im. 5:19— 21 . 1 Sam. 14: 
 24, &c. 1 Kings 22: 16. Matt. 26:63. Acisl9:13. r 1 Kings 16:34. Mai. 1:4. 
 s 1:5,9. Gen. 39:2,3,21. ])eut. 31:6. Matt. 18:20. 28:2U. Acts 18:9,10. 2 Cor. 
 13:14. 2 Tim. 4:17,22. t 9:9. 1 Sam. 2:30. 2 Sam. 7:9. Matt. 4:24. 14:1. 
 
 praises and thankful acknowledgments. In promoting true 
 religion especially, he works by means and instruments, which 
 the proud, the learned, the wise, and the wealthy, of this 
 world generally despise. The doctrine of a crucified Saviour, 
 God manifested in the flesh, as the only foundation of 
 a sinner’s hope of acceptance, and the only source of sanctify- 
 ing grace ; preached by ministers, frequently of obscure birth 
 and moderate abilities, and destitute of the advantages of 
 eminent learning or eloquence ; sometimes even homely in 
 their appearance and address ; and who are themselves con- 
 scious of much unworthiness, and insufficiency for so arduous 
 and important an employ : — this, I say, from generation to* 
 generation, in every country of the world, has been the Lord’s 
 ordinary method of accomplishing those purposes, which ph>» 
 losophers, moralists, and lawgivers, have attempted in vain ; 
 namely, of teaching numbers 44 to do good who have been ac- 
 customed to do evil.” The disregarded Trumpet blown by 
 the despised minister, — 44 the preaching of the cross, which is 
 foolishness to them that perish,” — is only the token: the ope- 
 ration is from God. (Notes, Rom. 1:13 — 16. 1 Cor. 1:20 — 31. 
 2:3 — 5. 2 Cor. 4:7. 10:1 — 6.) When that signal is given in 
 simple dependence upon 44 the exceeding greatness of his 
 mighty power,” it becomes indeed mighty through him and Sal- 
 tan’s strong holds fall before it. Thus, at different periods, have 
 heathen idolatry and Popish superstition sunk before this trum- 
 pet’s feeble blast, attended with the shout, the fervent united 
 prayers of the true Israel. — At some future period, (perhaps 
 commencing early in the seventh thousand years,) this gospel 
 shall be preached far more earnestly, more generally, and 
 more successfully than ever; all Satan’s remaining bulwarks 
 shall fall down to the ground ; 44 and the kingdoms of the earth 
 shall become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ.* 
 (Notes, Is. 30:23 — 25. Rev. 11:15 — J8.) — In the mean time 
 the gospel is never preached in vain, in any nation, city, or 
 village, by ministers of any name who simply seek the glory 
 of God and the salvation of souls. Let experience decide, 
 whether in our age and nation this same 44 foolishness of 
 preaching” has not done more towards checking the enormous 
 progress of profligacy and open ungodliness, and producing a 
 regard to the ordinances and commandments of God in every 
 part of the land, than all other means combined: and whether 
 a greater number of undeniable instances of atrocious sinners 
 being transformed into new creatures, leading new lives, and 
 becoming excellent relations and members of society cannot 
 be produced, among those who profess and preach 44 Christ 
 Jesus and him crucified,” than among those who patronise a 
 system, deemed more rational, wise, and liberal. — The latter 
 is man’s contrivance, and is left to its own efficacy ; the former 
 is the ordinance of God, and like the trumpets sounding round 
 the walls of Jericho, is rendered effectual by his almighty 
 power. 
 
 V. 15 — 27. Would we witness the blessed effects of the 
 gospel, the ministers of Christ must strictly adhere to the di- 
 rections of their Lord, and simply expect, pray, and wait for 
 his blessing ; not yielding to weariness, though they long seem 
 to labour in vain. They must be 44 instant in season, and out 
 of season;” embracing every opportunity of preaching the 
 word to few or to many, every day, but abounding on the 
 Lord’s day ; and they must disregard the causeless reproaches, 
 scoffs, and slanders of opposers : but be careful that they give 
 no occasion to those, who seek occasion of speaking reproach* 
 fully. The people also, who know the joyful sound, should 
 show their concurrence by a diligent attendance upon tho 
 word preached : they should endeavour to strengthen the hands 
 and encourage the hearts of the ministers, by their holy exam- 
 ples and concurring endeavours, in their families and among 
 their connexions; and unite in earnest and constant prayers 
 for the blessing of God upon their labours. — But it should be 
 peculiarly noticed, that the same gospel, which proclaims 
 salvation to the chief of sinners who believe, becomes the 
 occasion of increasing and accelerating condemnation to the 
 obstinate and impenitent ; who are never more in danger of 
 immediate destruction, than when most careless and secure. 
 (1 Thes. 5:3.) — Where the Lord hath given faith he will in 
 due time complete salvation: and when his grace is be towed 
 upon one in a family, that one is often made the honoured in- 
 strument of bringing others to share the same blessings. — Th« 
 ( 393 ) 
 
B. C- 1450. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Achan lakes of the accursed thing ; and Israel is defeated before Ai,\ — 5. 
 Joshua, with the elders, humbles himself, and complains before God, 6 — 
 9 ; who shows the cause , and directs him how to proceed , 10 — 15. Achan, 
 taken by lot confesses his crime, 16 — 23. lie and all belonging to himare 
 stoned, burned , and destroyed, 24 — 26. 
 
 B UT the children of Israel “committed a tres- 
 pass in the accursed thing: b for “Achan, the 
 son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, 
 of the tribe of Judah, ‘'took of the accursed thing : 
 and “the anger of the Lord was kindled against 
 the children of Israel. 
 
 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to f Ai, 
 which is beside Hleth-aven, on the east side of 
 Beth-el, and spake unto them, saying, h Go up 
 and view the country. And the men went up 
 and viewed Ai. 
 
 3 And they returned to Joshua, and said unto 
 him, Let not all the people go up : but let ‘about 
 two or three thousand men go up and smite Ai, 
 ani make not all the people to 'labour thither: for 
 they are but few. 
 
 4 So there went up thither of the people about 
 
 a 22:16. 2 Chr. 24:18. Ezra 9:6. Dan. 9:7. b 22:20. c 1 Chr. 2:6,7. Achcir. 
 Zimri. A Ste on 6:17,18. e 22:18. 2 Sam. 24:1. 1 Chr. 21:7. Ec. 9:18. Jon. 1: 
 7, lCor.5:l — 6. Heb. 12:15,16. fl2:9. Gen. 12:8. Hat. Neh. 11:31. Aija. 
 
 g 18:12. Gen. 28:19. Hos.4:l5. h 2: 1 . Prov. 2U:18. 24:6. Matt. 10:16. Eph. 5: 
 15. * Heb. about 2000 men, or about 3000 men. i Prov. 13:4. 21:25. Luke 13: 
 24. Hcb. 4:11. 6:11,12. 2 Pet. 1:5,10. k Lev. 26:17. Deut. 28:25. 32:30. Is. 30: 
 17.59:2. t Or, Morad. I See on 2:9,11. 5:1. Lev. 26:36. Pa. 22: 14. Is. 13:7. 
 m Gen. 37:29,34. Num. 14:6. 2 Sam. 13:31. Ezra 9:3—5. Eath. 4:1. Job 1:20. 
 
 severest judgments of God, however they are at present ob- 
 jected to, will, at the day when the secrets of all hearts shall 
 be disclosed, appear most perfectly righteous. — Whoever is 
 honoured as an instrument in the Lord’s work, should count 
 the glory of God his first object, and patiently wait his time 
 and manner of being graciously recompensed ; for a covetous, 
 selfish professor, or minister of religion, who is more attentive 
 to his own gain than to the glory of God, is not only accursed 
 himself, but a curse to the society or congregation to which he 
 belongs. — That, can never be lost which is devoted to God, 
 nor wasted which is spent in his service ; and not the least 
 kindness shown to any of his people for his sake will go unre- 
 warded. — But how deep are the counsels of God ! Grace 
 abounds to some of the chief of sinners, while vengeance is 
 poured out upon others ! His salvation and his curse are both 
 for ever : and wo be to that man who attempts to obliterate 
 the memorials, or disannul the attestations, which the Lord 
 has made, of his abhorrence of sin, and his vengeance against 
 impenitent sinners! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1. The most promising ap- 
 pearances had been often blasted by the sins of the people; 
 but here wrath came upon the whole congregation, through 
 the sin of one man ! (Note, 22:20.) — Contrary to the express 
 command of God, and in contempt of his awful curse, (Note, 
 6:17 — 19.) Achan had ventured to appropriate part of the 
 spoil of Jericho. The temptation was strong: and there is 
 more cause to wonder that none else were guilty, than that 
 one was ; especially as the Israelites were comparatively 
 poor, and such treasures as Jericho contained were alluring 
 objects. At the opening of the worship at the tabernacle, we 
 meet with one striking instance of the severity of divine jus- 
 tice. (Notes, Lev. 10:1 — 3.) Here, upon the commencement 
 of the wars of Canaan, we read of another: and the infancy 
 of the Christian church presents a similar example. (Note, 
 Acts 5:1 — 11.) All these were doubtless intended to increase 
 reverence and godly fear, and to promote circumspection ; as 
 well as to prevent wickedness in general, and hypocrisy in 
 particular, from disgracing the camp of Israel, or the church 
 of God. — That the example of Achan might excite the more 
 general vigilance in Joshua, in the elders, and in every Israel- 
 ite, they were given to understand, that the guilt of an indivi- 
 dual, in these atrocious crimes, would be accounted a national 
 sin, until detected and punished : for they were all one body ; 
 nor could any part be infected with so dire a disease, without 
 the detriment and danger of the whole. 
 
 V. 2. (Notes, Gen. 12:8. 28:19.) Beth-el, which signifies 
 the house of God , seems to have been afterwards called Beth- 
 aven, or the house of vanity, when the golden calf was placed 
 there to be worshipped: yet it is probable the name Beth-aven 
 was far more ancient than that event; and that either some 
 town, or some tract of land, in that neighbourhood, was so 
 called in the days of Joshua. (18:12.) — It is taken for grant- 
 ed oy some learned men, that terms of pqace were oftcrcd to 
 each of these cities, before it was assaulted, according to the 
 law given by Moses. (Note, Deut. 20:10 — 18.) But several 
 things in that law could be applicable only to cities belonging 
 to other nations, and not to the devoted Canaanites ; no men- 
 tion is made of t his in the history: and some things seem irre- 
 concilable with the supposition, that peace was offered to 
 these cities. 4 The Israelites were to offer peace to the 
 Canaanites, and spare their lives, on condition of their emi- 
 grating forever from their country ; or renouncing ido'atrv, 
 adopting the principles of the patriarchal religion contained in 
 the precepts of Noah, resigning their territory, dissolving their 
 ( 394 ) 
 
 B. C. 1450. 
 
 three thousand men ; and k the/ fled before the 
 men of Ai. 
 
 5 And the men of Ai smote of them about 
 thirty and six men : for they chased them from 
 before the gate, even unto Shebarim, and smote 
 them in t the going down: 'wherefore the hearts 
 of the people melted, and became as water. 
 
 6 And Joshua m rent his clothes, and “fell to 
 the earth upon his face before the ark of the 
 Lord “until the even-tide, he and the elders of 
 Israel, and P put dust upon their heads. 
 
 7 And Joshua said, Alas ! O Lord God, ^where- 
 fore hast thou at all brought this people over 
 Jordan, r to deliver us into the hand of the Amor- 
 ites, to destroy us? “Would to God we had 
 been content, ‘and dwelt on the other side Jordan ! 
 
 8 O Lord, “what shall I say, when Israel turncth 
 their tbacks before their enemies' 
 
 9 For the Canaanites, and all the inhabitants of 
 the land ’shall hear of it, and shall "environ us 
 round, and cut off' our name from the earth : and 
 “what wilt thou do unto thy great name ? 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 Acts 14:14. n Num. 16:22,45. 2 Sam. 12:16. o Jurtg. 20:23,26 . 21:2. 2 Sam. 
 1:12. p 1 Sam. 4:12. 2 Sam. 13:19. Neh. 9:1. Esth. 4:1. Job 2:12. Ez. 27-30. 
 Jon. 3:6. Mic. 1:10. q Ex. 5:22,23. Num. 14:3. 2 Kings 3:10. Ps. 116:11. Jer 
 12:1,2. Heb. 12:5. r Ex. 14:11,12. 17:3. Num. 20:4,5. Matt. 17:17,20. Mark 
 8:17,18. s Ex. 16:3. t See on 1:2 — 4. u Ezra 9:10. Hab.2:l. Horn. 3.5,6. 
 % Heb. necks, r Ex. 32:12. Num. 14:13. w Ps. 83:4. 124:2,3. x Deut. 32:27. 
 Ps. 106:6— 8. Ez. 20:9. /oe!2:17. John 12:28. 
 
 national union, and submitting to become slaves. For it 
 is evident, that they could not tolerate idolatry, nor enter 
 into any equal leagues, which the idols who were worship- 
 ped as the guardian gods of the adverse party, must be 
 supposed to witness and sanction ; nor leave in possession 
 of their cities and lands, those nations, whose country the 
 great Jehovah had assigned to them as their peculiar 
 inheritance.’ ... * But if the nations of Canaan had renounced 
 idolatry, and submitted to slavery or emigration, they might 
 have been preserved from extermination, is strongly confirmed, 
 by that passage of the sacred history, which adds this remark- 
 able observation: 44 Joshua made war a long time with all 
 these kings. — There was not a city that made peace with the 
 children of Israel, save the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon : 
 all others they took in battle ; for it was of the Lord to harden 
 their hearts, that they might come against Israel in battle, that 
 he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no 
 favour, but that he might destroy fhem, as the Lord command- 
 ed Moses.” ’ Graves on the Pentateuch, Vol. ii. note, pp. 38— 
 45. (Note, 11:19,20.) — It appears evident, that had the Ca- 
 naanites, or any part of them, of their own accord , sued for 
 jeace, or rather for the sparing of their lives, on the terms 
 lere mentioned; they might have been spared. For the Is- 
 raelites had no commission to pursue into other lands those 
 who, fleeing from the sword of Joshua, emigrated ; nm did any 
 of the rulers or kings of Israel afterwards attempt to destroy 
 the subjected remnant of the ancient inhabitants. (Note, 1 
 Kings 9:20 — 22.) — But the supposition that these terms were 
 to be previously proposed to them, has no scriptural founda- 
 tion. (Notes, 9:3 — 5,14,15.) 
 
 V. 3 — 5. The easy conquest of Jericho had not oily en- 
 couraged the people to hope for great success, through tlio 
 power of the Lord fighting for them ; hut had also excited a 
 contempt of the enemy, and a disposition to spare themselves, 
 and to expect the Lord to do all for them, without using the 
 proper means. Even Joshua seems to have formed his 
 measures on this occasion, without asking counsel of the 
 Lord; (Notes, 9:14,15. Num. 27:21.) who left all parties to 
 follow their own devices, in order to bring to light and punish 
 A chan’s sin. Yet, as they must have been unsuccessful, now 
 that the Lord had left them, his providence should he observed 
 in this circumstance ; for the discomfiture of the whole army 
 would have been far more discouraging, than that of a small 
 company. — Being, however, left to themselves, their courage 
 wholly forsook them, and they fled with precipitation: and 
 though the loss sustained was comparatively small, they were 
 excessively dismayed on account of it. — Whether those who 
 fell were secretly guilty of any atrocious crimes oi not, the 
 Lord was no doubt righteous in this dispensation. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. Joshua, and the elders of Israel, very justly 
 considered this ill success as a divine rebuke, and properly 
 expressed their sorrow and humiliation before the ark of the 
 Lord, in the most self-abasing posture, and with tl e custom- 
 ary tokens of deep distress. ( Marg . Ref. m, n.) Joshuas 
 pleas in prayer also were excellent ; and his concern for the 
 honour of God, far more than even for the fate of Israel, if 
 their enemies should prevail and destroy them, was the ge- 
 nuine language of 44 the spirit of adoption.” (Notes, Ex. 32: 
 
 11 — 14. Num. 14:13 — 19.) Yet this was evidently mixed 
 with much infirmity. To consider this trivial check as tho 
 forerunner of total ruin; to inquire* wherefore the Lord had 
 brought them over Jordan ; ana to admit tin* thought, that it 
 was in order to deliver them into the hands of the Amorites, 
 were proofs of unboliof, which may bo accounted fot, but 
 
B. C. 1450 
 
 CHAPTER VII. B. C. 1450. 
 
 10 Aiul the Lord said uo’ > Joshua, Get thee 
 up; ^wherefore 'liest thou this upon thy face? 
 
 11 ‘Israel hath sinned, and they have also 
 •transgressed my covenant which I commanded 
 them ; for they have even taken of b the accursed 
 thing, and have also 'stolen, and d dissembled also, 
 and they have put it even “among their own stuff. 
 
 12 Therefore f the children of Israel could not 
 sland before their enemies, but turned their backs 
 belore their enemies, because they were accursed : 
 ‘neither will I be with you any more, except ye 
 destroy the accursed from among you. 
 
 13 Up, h sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify 
 yourselves against to-morrow; for thus saith the 
 Lord God of Israel, There is ‘an accursed thing 
 in the midst of thee, 0 Israel : thou canst not 
 stand before thine enemies, until ye Hake away 
 the accursed thing from among you. 
 
 14 In the morning therefore ye shall be brought 
 according to your tribes : and it shall be, that ‘the 
 tribe which the Lord taketh shall come according 
 to the families thereof ; and the family which the 
 Lord shall take shall come by households ; and 
 file household which the Lord shall take shall 
 come man by man. 
 
 15 And it shall be, that m he that is taken with 
 the accursed thing shall be burnt with fire, he and 
 all that he hath; because n he hath transgressed’ 
 the covenant of the Lord, and because he hath 
 “wrought ‘folly in Israel. 
 
 16 So Joshua Prose up early in the morning, 
 
 ▼ Ex. 14.15. 1 Sam. 15:22. 16:1. 1 Chr. 22:16. * Heb .fullest. 6. z See on 
 
 1,20.21. a 23:16. Deut. 17:2. Jud?. 2:20. 2 Kings 18:12. Is. 24:5. 50:1,2. Jer. 
 31:32. Hos. 6:7. b See on 6:18,19. c Mai. 3:8,9. Matt. 22:21. d 2 Kings 5:25, 
 26. John 12:5,6. Acts 5:1,2, 9. Heb. 4:13. e Lev. 5:15. Hub. 2:6. Zech. 5:4. 
 f 22:18— 20. Num. 14:45. Ps. 5:4,5. Prov. 28:1. Is. 59:2. Hah. 1:13. g 6:18. 
 De«u. 7:26. h Jer. 6:8. 23:33. Hos. 9:12. h 3:5. Ex. 19:10— 15. Lam. 3:40, 
 41. Joel 2:16,17. Zeph. 2:1,2. i See on 11. 2 Chr. 28:10. Mall. 7:5. k 1 Cor. 
 5:1—6.11—13. 1 17,18. 1 Sam. 10:19—21. 14:41,42. Prov. 16:33. Jon. 1:7. Acts 
 1:24—25. m 25,26. Deut. 13:15,16. 1 Sam. 14:38,39. n See on 11. o Gen. 34: 
 7. Judg.20:6. 2 Sam. 13:13. t Or. wickedness, p See on 3.1. Gen. 22:3. Ps. 
 119:60. Ec. 9:10. q See on 14. r See on Gen. 38:30. Zarnh. Num. 26:20. 1 Chr. 
 2:4—7. s Num. 32:23. 1 Sam. 14:42. Prov. 13:21 . Jer. 2:26. Acts 5:1—10. 1 2 Tim. 
 
 were wholly inexcusable, especially after the express promises 
 and miraculous successes which he had just before received. 
 — To attempt, by a qualifying interpretation, fully to vindi- 
 cate so high a character as Joshua, would form a perfect 
 contrast to the impartiality of the sacred historian. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. At the very time, then the Lord showed his 
 gracious acceptance of Joshua’s humiliation and prayers, he 
 gently rebuked his despondency and unbelief. He had al- 
 ready spent a full proportion of time in this manner : and, as 
 chief magistrate he had other work to do ; which when he 
 had duly performed, he might expect better success. ( Notes , 
 Ezra 10:2—5.) — The Lord had not failed of his promises, 
 nor was he unable to help his people : but they had sinned ; 
 and by appropriating a part of the devoted spoils of Jericho, 
 they had exposed themselves to the wrath of God, as well as 
 deprived themselves of his protection ; and the crime was so 
 great, that unless the offender were made a public example, 
 It would be interpreted as a breach of covenant, and the 
 Lord would not any more be with the people. — (Notes, 1. 
 6:17—19.) 
 
 V. 13 — 18. The Lord did not point out the criminal im- 
 mediately ; but he left the matter in ambiguity for some time, 
 and at last brought it to light gradually : that both magistrates 
 and people might learn to do their duty, and to keep a vigil- 
 ant eye over one another ; and that the delay and the process 
 might make the transaction more solemn, and excite the more 
 careful self-examination, and sanctification of themselves, by 
 every method appointed in the law. (Note, 3:5. ) After this, 
 the decision Seems to have been made by lot, as an appeal 
 to the heart-searching God. (Note, Prov. 1,6:33.)— The feel- 
 ings of Achan must have been very poignant, when he was 
 thus, by one lot following another, singled out as the accursed 
 wrson, for whose sake wrath was come upon Israel. (Notes, 
 - Sam. 14:36 — 44. Jon. 1:7 — 10.) — It may be inquired why 
 Achan, being conscious of guilt, did not abscond : but it may 
 be answered that his flight would have been a confession of 
 the crime, which perhaps he still hoped to conceal; he could 
 only have retired among the devoted Canaanites ; and he 
 would have been in great danger of being intercepted, had he 
 attempted it. Indeed it is not probable, that Joshua and the 
 elders publicly disclosed the business, till the morning of the 
 decision. — Some think that Achan, being deeply penitent, 
 waited his doom in submission to the divine justice : yet in 
 that case it is most probable that he would have made an 
 immediate confession. — The tribe, family, and parentage of 
 the offender are specified with great exactness, that the 
 infamy might not rest on the reputation of any other of the 
 same name. (Marg. Ref. r.) 
 
 V. 19. Without the least reproach, and with great 
 meekness, Joshua gave Achan the best counsel of which his 
 
 'land brought Israe. by their tribes ; and the tribe 
 of Judah was taken : 
 
 17 And lie brought the “family of Judah: and li<. 
 took the family of the Zarhites: and he brought 
 the family of the Zarhites man by man ; and Zabdi 
 was taken : 
 
 18 And he brought his household man by man ; 
 and Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zahdi, 
 the son Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, “was taken. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 19 11 And Joshua said unto Achan, ‘My son, 
 “give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of 
 Israel, anu 'make confession unto him, and “tell me 
 now what thou hast done; hide it not from me. 
 
 20 And Achan answered Joshua, and said, 
 ^Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of 
 Israel, and thus and thus have I done. 
 
 21 When Z I saw among the spoils a goodly 
 “Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels 
 of silver, and a Hvedge of gold of fifty shekels 
 weight, then b I coveted them, and 'took them ; 
 and, behold, d they are hid in the earth in the 
 midst of my tent, and the silver under it. 
 
 22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran 
 unto the tent : and, behold, it was hid in his tent, 
 and the silver under it. 
 
 23 And they took them out. of the midst of the 
 tent, and brought them unto Joshua, and unto all 
 the children of Israel, and *laid them out before 
 the Lord. 
 
 24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, 'took 
 
 2:25. Tit. 2:2. Jam. 1:20. 1 Pet. 3:8,9. ulSam. 6:5. Is. 4212. Jer. 13:16. 
 Luke 17:18. John 9:24. Rev. 16:9. v Xum. 5:6.7. 2 Chr. 30:22. 33:12. Ps. 32; 
 5.51:3. Prov. 28:13. Jer. 3:12,13. Dan. 9:4. 1 John 1:8— 10. xl Sam. 14:43. 
 Jon. 1:8— 10. y Gen. 42:21. Ex. 10:16. Xum. 22:34. I Sam. 15:24,30. Job 7: 
 20.33.27. Ps. 38:18. Matt. 27:4. z Gen. 3:6. 6:2. 2 Sam. 11:2. Job31:l. Ps. 
 119:37. Prov. 23:31. 28:22. Matt. 5:28,29. 1 John 2: 15.16. a Gen. 10:10. mars. 
 | Heb. tongue, b Ex. 20:17. Deut. 7:25. 1 Kings 21:1,2. 2 Kings 5:20 — 27. Hab. 
 2:9. Luke 12:15. Rom. 7:7,8. Eph. 5:3. Col. 3:5. 1 Tim. 6:9, 10. Heb. 13:5. 
 2 Pet. 2:15. c Prov. 4:23. Mic. 2:1 ,2. Jam. 1:15. d 2 Sam. 11 :6-17. 2 Kings 
 5:24,25. Is. 28:15. 29:15. Luke 12:2. $ Heb. poured, e See on 1. Job 20:15. 
 Prov. 15:27. Ec.5:13. Ez. 22:13,14. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. 
 
 circumstances could possibly admit. He addressed him even 
 with the tender appellation of “ My son,” and exhorted him “to 
 give glory unto God by confessing his sin.” This would imply 
 an acknowledgment, that the commandment was reasonable, 
 and the penalty equitable ; that he himself was indeed the 
 transgressor, and merited the punishment. It would give 
 the Lord the glory of his omniscience, justice, holiness, 
 authority, and truth, and indeed of all his perfections ; and by 
 taking shame to himself, and accepting the punishment of his 
 sin in this world, Achan might best seek for mercy to his 
 soul in the world to come. (Note, Ps. 51: title. ) — Joshua’s 
 conduct in this difficult service is worthy of the imitation of 
 all Christian magistrates, when under the painful necessity 
 of pronouncing the sentence of death upon criminals. 
 
 V. 20. Had not Achan’s confession been extorted by the 
 preceding process, and delayed till lie could no longer conceal 
 his guilt, he might justly have been deemed a true penitent. 
 Though late, however, it was frank and ingenuous : he not 
 only allowed the fact, and the offence against Israel, but 
 acknowledged “ that he had sinned against the Lord God 
 of Israel he descended to particulars, attempted no excuse 
 or extenuation, complained not of the severity of the sentence, 
 and made no attempts to prevent or delay its execution. 
 (Notes, Job 33:27 — 30. Jon. 1:8 — 16. Luke 23:39 — 43.) 
 
 V. 21. The temptation entered by the eye, and excited 
 the concupiscence of the carnal heart : thus “ lust was con 
 ceived and sin brought forth.” (Notes, Gen. 3:6. Lx. 20:17 
 Jam. 1:13 — 15.) The goodly Babylonish garment, (some 
 magnificent robe brought from Shinar, or Babylon, doubtless at 
 a great price,) was rescued from the flames ; and gold and silver, 
 to the amount of a hundred pounds sterling, or rather more, 
 were sacrilegiously kept back from the treasury of the Lord. 
 For such a goodly price did Achan render himself accursed , 
 forfeit the fair prospect of a rich inheritance in Canaan, be- 
 •come “the troubler of Israel,” and ruin his whole family, 
 besides the imminent danger to which he exposed his immortal 
 soul ! No sooner had he got possession of his plunder than it 
 became his burden: had he not been miraculously detected, 
 he would have been consumed with terrors, and not have dared 
 to use his ill-gotten treasure: and when the other Israelites 
 had been enriched, and enjoyed their abundance with credit 
 and a blessing, he would have lost all the comfort of his por- 
 tion ! So differently do the objects of temptation appear at 
 a distance, from whaA they do when apprehended, and when 
 the infatuation ceases! (Notes, 2 Kings 5:20 — 27. Matt. 27 
 3—5.) 
 
 V. 22. The silver, and probably the gold also, lay under 
 4 the garment of Shinar,’ as it is called in the original. 
 
 V. 23. The accursed thing being thus separated from 
 Israel’* substance, and “laid before the Lord,” both evi- 
 ( 395 ) 
 
B. C. 1450. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1450. 
 
 Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the 
 garment, and the wedge of gold, and fhis sons, 
 and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, 
 and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he 
 had ; and they brought them unto ®the valley of 
 Achor. 
 
 25 And Joshua said, h Why hast thou troubled 
 us ? the Lord shall trouble thee this day. And 
 
 { 6:18,21. Gen. 18:25. Ex.2U:5. Num. 16:27— 31. Job 20:23—28. gl5.7. Is. 65: 
 10. llos. 2:15. b 11 — 13. 6:13. Gen. 31:30. 1 Kings 18:17,18. 1 Clir. 2:7. Hub. 
 2:6—0. Gal. 5:12. 2Thes.l:6. i Lev. 20:2. 21:14. Devil. 13:10. 17:5. 21:21. 
 
 denced Achan’s guilt, and the innocence of others ; that the 
 wrath of the Lord might rest on Aim, and he turned away from 
 them. 
 
 V. 24. His sons, &c.] No intimation is given that Achan’s 
 sons, or any of his family, were accessary to his crime : 
 nothing but their punishment can excite a suspicion of it. 
 Magistrates indeed were forbidden to put the children to 
 death for the parents’ crimes, unless expressly authorized to 
 do so by God himself : but all lives are the Lord’s, and for- 
 feited by sin ; the ungodly deserve worse punishment than 
 temporal death, and the righteous are the sooner taken to 
 heaven. Some have thought thal Achan’s children were only 
 spectators of his awful doom ; but the narrative implies that 
 they were involved in it. (25) — This circumstance would be 
 a vehement expression of the exceeding enormity of the 
 offence, and would render the example more affecting and 
 alarming. {Note, Ex. 20:5.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. It seems that Achan and his family were first 
 stoned, and then burned ; which might denote the anger of 
 God, that beyond death will pursue and punish the impeni- 
 tent. — The heap of stones would perpetuate the memory of 
 his sin and punishment, for the instruction of future genera- 
 tions: as would also the name given to the place, which sig- 
 nifies Trouble. {Note, Hos. 2:14 — 17.) Indeed Achan is 
 himself called Achar, or Trouble, in the subsequent history. 
 (Note, 1 Chr. 2:7.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. When by their heinous sins men provoke the Lord 
 to anger, he commonly leaves them to mistaken counsels, and 
 thus they are corrected by their own iniquity. — The people 
 of God can never expect to prosper in any undertaking, con- 
 cerning which they have not inquired of him, to know his will 
 and implore his assistance; {Note, Prov. 3:5,6.) or in which 
 they have indulge/1 sloth and vain confidence, or tempted God 
 by the neglect of proper means. But human nature is prone 
 to extremes: like children, we are easily elated by a little 
 success, and presume that we shall carry all before us : and 
 when, in order to humble us and check our self-confidence, 
 the Lord is pleased to throw some discouragement in our way ; 
 we are easily cast down into despondency, and induced to 
 forebode the most falal consequences ! — Every failure in such 
 undertakings, as evidently accord to the will of God, and the 
 duty of our place and station, should#cause us to humble our- 
 selves before him, to flee to 'his mercy-seat, to pour out our 
 hearts in prayer, and inquire “wherefore he contendeth with 
 us and to plead his promises and the glory of his great 
 name, as engaged to support that cause which we are en- 
 deavouring to promote, whatever becomes of us and our worth- 
 less names. — Yet in the very prayers ofthe best of men there 
 is often much evil, which the Lords might justly condemn, and 
 for which he frequently rebukes and chastens them ; espe- 
 cially when they appear ungrateful for former mercies, and 
 murmur or despond on account of present trials, distrust his 
 faithfulness, or suspect his future intentions, as declared by 
 his express promises. 
 
 V. 10 — 18. “ What shall we say when Israel turneth their 
 backs before their enemies?” It is not enough that the forces 
 be recruited, the passes strengthened, the cowards punished, 
 the valiant rewarded, the soldiers animated by word and deed, 
 and the ensuing assault conducted with more skill and circum- 
 spection. The matter is not thus : “ Israel hath sinned,” and 
 God is provoked ; and nothing can ensure success, till his 
 indignation is turned away, and the accursed thing is removed 
 out of the camp. Times of public danger and calamity, there- 
 fore, with nations professing Christianity, peculiarly require 
 zeal for reformation: notorious criminals ought then to be 
 searched out, and brought to condign punishment ; especially 
 such as have enriched themselves by sacrilege, perjurj r , mur- 
 der, oppression, and iniquitous traffic. While such criminals* 
 are suffered to escape with impunity ; nay, till something 
 effectual has been done towards expiating national, guilt, by 
 the execution of public justice, on those whoso daring crimes 
 have brought the wrath of God on a guilty land ; there is little 
 cause to wonder, if th(\inhabilants turn their backs upon their 
 enemies, and little hope that God will be with them any more, 
 notwithstanding their fastings and prayers. Since these things 
 have been so much disregarded in protestant countries, they 
 have been left, to quarrel with one another ; and to become 
 the instruments of each other’s correction, instead of being 
 united and prospered, in repelling the assaults of their com- 
 mon enemies. — And may it, not also be seriously questioned, 
 whether the case be not the same, with respect to the success 
 of the gospel, and the state of religion among us ? It is to be 
 feared that there has often been more zeal shown, in support- 
 ing the interests of one party against another, than for the 
 ( 396 ) 
 
 'all Israel stoned him with stones, and '‘burned 
 them with fire, after they had stoned them with 
 stones. 
 
 26 And they 'raised over him a great heap of 
 stones unto this day. ra So the Lord turned from 
 the fierceness of his anger : wherefore the name 
 of that place was called The valley of 'Achor unto 
 this day. 
 
 22:21—21. k IS. Gen. 38:21. Lev. 20:11. 21:9. 18:29. 10:27. 2Sam.l8:17. 
 
 Lain. 3:53. m Oeul. 13:17. 2Sam. 21:14. Is. 40:2. Joel 2:13,18. Jon. 3:9,10. 
 Zech. 6:8. * That is, trouble. See on 25. 
 
 interests of vital godliness against the cause of infidelity, pro- 
 fligacy, and formal profession: and that in this competition, 
 men, in other respects conscientious, not only accept the 
 proffered support of some one not unlike covetous and sacri- 
 legious Achan, but assiduously seek after it. It is still more 
 evident, that there has not been due care taken to censure or 
 exclude such persons, as are evidently the slaves of avarice, 
 worldly lusts, and the pride of life; and to direct the search- 
 ing word of God to their consciences, in such a manner as 
 effectually to make them understand, that their profession of 
 the doctrines of the gospel, their attendance on the ordinances, 
 and their support of the ministers of Christ, will never save 
 their souls, unless their idols be dethroned, and their hearts 
 and lives renewed by converting grace. There is reason to 
 fear that there are Achans in many of our congregations, 
 whose lives prejudice men against the truth, and bring a 
 secret blight on our ministry : nor “ will the Lord be with us 
 any more,” unless we use our best endeavours, without any 
 partial or personal regards, to separate them from among us 
 And it is proposed as a matter of serious inquiry, whether 
 the present lamentable divisions among the professors of evan- 
 gelical iruth ; the confessedly small success of the gospel, com- 
 pared with that of former times; and the most alarming pro- 
 gress of open infidelity ; be not in great measure owing to the 
 same cause as Israel’s defeat before Ai. — But first of all we 
 should look into our own hearts, and make diligent search, 
 whether there be not some accursed things there which God 
 sees and abhors ; some unmodified lust, some iniquitous gain 
 “put among our own stuff ;” some withholding from God and 
 the poor their dues, in order to gratify avarice, or support 
 luxury and the pride of life. If this is the case, no wonder 
 we do not prosper in our souls, or in our ministry ; no wonder 
 if we get little benefit from our attendance on ordinances, or 
 see no considerable effects from our unremitted and most 
 earnest preaching from year to year. Nor can we expect to 
 prosper any better, until the accursed thing be destroyed out 
 of our hearts, removed out of our houses, and forsaken in our 
 lives. Let us, however, not only be careful, that we ourselves 
 do not dissemble any secret inquity ; but remember that w© 
 are accountable for our families also, if we do not use all our 
 circumspection, and exert our utmost authority, to preserve 
 them free from every accursed thing. In this way will Israel 
 prosper, our souls be “like a watered garden,” and “the word 
 of God have free course and be glorified.” He will be with 
 us and fight for us, and Israel shall no more turn their backs 
 upon their enerpies. 
 
 V. 19 — 26. Would we avoid the commission of gross ini- 
 quity, we must “ make a covenant with our eyes ” and all our 
 senses ; we must learn to behold every object by faith through 
 the medium of God’s word, not by sense through the medium 
 of a worldly judgment and a carnal mind ; we must, repress 
 the first movings of concupiscence, and pray earnestly not to 
 he led into temptation; we must habituate ourselves to medi- 
 tate on the future consequences of sinful gratifications to our 
 characters, families, connexions, and temporal interests, — to 
 our conscience, peace, and eternal concerns, — to the church 
 of God, and the world around us ; and to place ourselves, by 
 an effort of the imagination, in those very circumstances in 
 which we should he, were the sin committed, and the infatua- 
 tion vanished ; and to consider w hat our judgment and feelings 
 in that case would be. We should also treat ail expectations 
 of secrecy and impunity as the delusions of Satan. From 
 our Judge we can conceal nothing; and secreting our offences 
 from our fellow-criminals w ill avail us very lit tie, since we may 
 be sure our iniquity will at length find us out. ( Note, Num. 
 32:23.) We should also accustom ourselves to self-din ial and 
 patient waiting; for the blessings that God reserves for his 
 people are like fruit, which will be w holesome when it has had 
 time to ripen, hut. will certainly be noxious if greedily and pre- 
 maturely gathered. — When we are conscious that we have 
 sinned, we should ingenuously confess our guilt ; and if the 
 matter requires it, we should glorify God and take shame to 
 ourselves, by an open acknowledgment of our crimes, and 
 justify him in all the punishments which we now endure: for, 
 blessed be his name, through him who was made a curse for 
 us, all manner of sins and blasphemies shall he forgiven to 
 the true penitent. But even when final condemnation is 
 escaped, what terrible effects does sin produce ! What fatal 
 consequences often ensue in this world, to the sinner himself, 
 and to all connected with him ! How “one sinner destroyeth 
 muen good!” What will then be the wrath to come! Lei 
 us take warning, and without delay flee from it to Jesus, tho 
 sinner’s Friend. — Finally, though atrocious criminals should 
 be punished with unrelenting firmness, and all should unite in 
 protesting against their crimes ; yet their misery ^noukl not W 
 
B. C. 1450. 
 
 B. C. 1450 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 foshua encouraged and instructed by God to form an ambushmcnt against 
 Ai, 1—8. The city is taken and destroyed with the inhabitants , its king 
 hanged up, and its spoil divided, 8 — 29. .-In altar is built on Ebal, sacrifices 
 are offered, the law is written on stones, and the blessings and curses pro- 
 noun c eel , as Muses had commanded , 30—35. 
 
 A ND the Lord said unto Joshua; “Fear not, 
 neither be thou dismayed ; take all the people 
 of war with thee, and arise, go up to Ai : “see, I 
 have given into thy hand the king of Ai, and his 
 people, and his city, and his land. 
 
 2 And thou shalt c do to Ai and her king, as 
 thou didst unto Jericho and her king : d only the 
 spoil thereof, and the cattle thereof, shall ye take 
 for a prey unto yourselves. “Lay thee an ambush 
 for the city behind it. 
 
 3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of vvar, 
 to go up against Ai : and Joshua chose out thirty 
 thousand mighty men of valour, and sent them 
 away fljy night. 
 
 4 And he commanded them, saying, Behold, ye 
 shall g lie in wait against the city, even behind 
 the city; h go not very far from the city, but be ye 
 all ready : 
 
 5 And I, and all the people that are with me, 
 will approach unto the city : and it shall come to 
 pass, when they come out against us, as at the 
 first, 'that we ■null flee before them, 
 
 6 -(For they will come out after us,) till we 
 have 'drawn them from the city ; for they will 
 say, iThey flee before us, as at the first : therefore 
 we will flee before them. 
 
 7 Then ye shall rise up from the ambush, and 
 seize upon the city : k for the Lord your God will 
 deliver it into your hand. 
 
 8 And it shall be, when ye have taken the city, 
 that ye shall 'set the city on fire : according to the 
 commandment of the Lord shall ye do. m See, I 
 have commanded you. 
 
 ^ 9 IT Joshua therefore sent them forth ; and they 
 
 went to lie in ambush, and abode “between 
 Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but 
 Joshua “lodged that night among the people. 
 
 10 And Joshua Prose up early in the morning, 
 and numbered the people, and went up, he and 
 the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. 
 
 11 And oall the people, even the people of war 
 that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and 
 came before the city, and pitched on the north 
 side of Ai : now there was a valley between them 
 and Ai. 
 
 aSeean 7:6.7, 9. Dent. 1:21. 7:18. 31:8. Ps.27:l. 46:11. Is. 12:2. 41:10—16. 
 43:2. Jer. 46:27. Matt.8:26. b See on 6:2. Ps.44:3. Dan. 2:21,31,38. 4:25,35. 
 c 24,28,29. See on 6:21. 10:1,28. Deni. 3:2. d 27. Deul. 20:14. .!oh27:16,17. 
 Ps. 39:6. Prov. 13:22. 2S:20. Jer. 17:11. L.'ke 12:20,21. e 7,9,12,14.19. Judj. 
 20 29— 33. 2 Clir. 13:13. 20:22. Jer. 51:12. f Mall. 24:39,50. 25:6. !Thes.5:2. 
 2 Pet. 3:10. g 16. Jml». 9:25. 20:29,33,36. 1 Sam. 15:2,5. Acts 23:21. I: Ec. 7: 
 19.9:16. i Judg. 20:31,33. Matt. 10:16. * Heb. pulled. 16. j Ex. 14:3. 15:9. 
 J.idg. 20:32. Ec. 8:11. 9:12. kSeeonb. 1. 2Kings5:l. Prov. 21:30,31. 1 28. 
 
 6:24. m 1:9,16. Judg. 4:6. 2 Sam. 13:28. n 12. 7:2. Get:. 12:8. Hat. E7.ra2: 
 
 insulted, nor their immortal souls forgotten : but calm expos- 
 tulations, serious instructions, and compassionate exhorta- 
 tions, should be used to bring them to repentance, that they 
 may obtain mercy from God, in a future world ; and every 
 method should be adopted, which can render the example of 
 public justice productive of as deep and durable an impression 
 as possible, upon' the minds of the survivors. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VIII. V. 1, 2. Jericho had been taken 
 by miracle, without danger or fatigue ; in order to teach the 
 people to depend on God, and to give him the glory of all their 
 success. But they seem to have inferred that they might de- 
 spise their enemies and indulge themselves. (Note, 7:3 — 5.) 
 They were therefore in the next instance instructed, that dili- 
 gence, self-denial, and the exertion of all their powers, both 
 of body and mind were required, in order to secure success: 
 and the whole force of Israel was commanded to march 
 against this small city. Some think, however, that this was 
 ordered, that all might equally share the spoil. — An ambush 
 was also to be formed, hy the command of God himself; for 
 it was as lawful to outwit their enemies, as to overpower 
 them. No treaties were violated, no oaths broken, no false- 
 hoods uttered; and it cannot be requisite to inform our ene- 
 mies of our intentions and purposes, however they may be 
 deceived by appearances. But perjuries, lies, and infractions 
 of treaties, cannot, in any war or in any case, be allowable 
 or excusable. (Notes, 2:4 — 6. 9:19,20. 2 Sam. 21:1 — 3 
 
 Ez. 17:15—21. 21:25—27.) 
 
 V. 9 — 12. There is some difficulty in determining, whether 
 the thirty thousand men, first mentioned, (3,4.) at length as- 
 saulted the city openly, whilst only the five thousand lay in 
 
 12 And he took about “five thousand men, and 
 set them to lie in ambush between Bcth-el and Ai, 
 on the west side fof the city. 
 
 13 And when they had set the people, eve'K 
 all the host that was on the nortli of the city, 
 and their fliers in wait "on the west of the city ; 
 Joshua went that night into the midst of trie 
 valley. 
 
 14 And it came to pass, when the king of ‘Ai 
 saw it, that they hasted and rose up early, and the 
 men of the city went out against Israel to battle, 
 he and all his people, at a time appointed, before 
 the plain ; but “he wist not that there were liers 
 in ambush against him behind the city. 
 
 15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they 
 were beaten before them, and fled "by the way ot 
 the wilderness. 
 
 16 And all the people that were in Ai were 
 ^called together to pursue after them : and they 
 pursued after Joshua, and were ’drawn away 
 from the city. 
 
 17 And there was not “a man left in Ai or 
 Beth-el, that went not out after Israel : and they 
 left the city open, and pursued after Israel. 
 
 18 And the Lord said unto Joshua, “Stretch 
 out the spear that is in thy hand toward Ai ; for I 
 will give it into thine hand. And Joshua stretched 
 out the spear that he had in his hand toward the 
 city. 
 
 19 And “the ambush arose quickly out of their 
 place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched 
 out his hand: and they entered into the city, and 
 took it, and hasted, and set the city on fire. 
 
 20 And when the men of Ai looked behind 
 them, they saw, and behold, d the smoke of the 
 city ascended up to heaven; “and they had no 
 s power to flee this way or that way : and the 
 people that fled to the wilderness turned back 
 upon the pursuers. 
 
 21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that 
 the ambush had taken the city, and that the 
 smoke of the city ascended, then they turned 
 again, and slew the men of Ai. 
 
 22 And the other issued out of the cjty against 
 
 them ; so they were in the midst of Israel, some 
 on this side, and some on that side : and they 
 smote them, so that they <1et none of them remain 
 or escape. [Practical Oisenxilions.; 
 
 23 And «the king of Ai they took alive, and 
 brought, him to Joshua. 
 
 23. Neh.7:32. o Gen. 32:21. p See on 3:1. 6:12. 7:16. Ps. 119:60. q See on 
 1 — 5. r See on 2,3. t Or, of Ai. t Heb. lying in wait . s 8,12. t 5,16. u Judg. 
 20:34. Ec. 9:12. Dan. 4:31. Matt. 21:39,50. IThes. 5:1-3. 2 Pet. 2:3. x 18:12. 
 y Jude. 20:36— 39. 7.5,6. Judg. 20:31. Ps.9:16. Ez. 38:1 1 — 522. Rev. 16:14. 19: 
 19—21. a 3,24,25. 11:20. Deut.2:30. Job5:13. Is. 19:11— 13. b 7,28. Ex. 8: 
 5. 17:11. Job 15:25. c 6— 8. d Gen. 19:28. Id. 34- 1 0. Rev. 18:9. 19:3. e Job 
 11:20. Ps. 48:5,6. 76:5. Am. 2:14— 16. Rev. 6:15— 17. § Heb. hand, f 6:21 
 10:28. 11:11,12. Deutr7:2. Job20:5. Luke 17:26— 30. 1 Thes. 5:3. g29. 10:17. 
 1 Sam. 15:8. Rev. 19:20. 
 
 ambush ; or whether the whole force of Israel appeared in 
 arms against Ai, and the thirty thousand formed one ambush- 
 ment, and the five thousand formed a second in another place. 
 But the latter opinion agrees best with the narrative. 
 
 V. 13, 14. After the first parly was sent to lie in ambush, 
 a whole day seems to have been spent in making prepara- 
 tions : and every thing being ready, Joshua during the next 
 night drew up his army in the valley, and so was seen in the 
 morning by the king of Ai. 
 
 V. 17. Greater infatuation cannot be imagined, than upon 
 so trifling an advantage as the former, (7:4,5.) and so slight 
 an appearance of further success as the present, to leave the 
 cities defenceless that they might pursue a numerous army ! 
 But the Canaanites were left to be blinded by pride, obstina- 
 cy, and rage against Israel, in order to their more speedy de- 
 struction. (Notes, 3:2. 9:1,2. 11:19,20.) — The king and peo- 
 ple of Beth-el appear to have been confederate with those of 
 Ai, and to have been subdued and destroyed at the same time. 
 
 V. 18. Joshua stretched forth his hand with the spear, per- 
 haps with some flag upon it, at the time when God commanded 
 him : probably it was a preconcerted signal to those who were 
 in ambush, expected by some appointed to watch for it : and 
 it was an especial token of the divine assistance. He seems 
 to have remained upon some eminence, in the sight of the Is- 
 raelites, during the battle ; and to have persevered in holding 
 up his spear, till all the enemies were, destroyed ; as Moses 
 had done with his rod, during Joshua’s conflict with the Ama- 
 lekites. (26 .Note, Ex. 17:8 — 13.) — Thus Joshua conquered 
 by seeming to yield: and this has been accommodated to 
 Christ, when “ by death he overcame him who had the.power 
 ( 397 ) 
 
B. ( . 1450. JOSHUA. B. C. 1450. 
 
 24 And it came to pass, when Israel had made 
 an end of slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the 
 field, in the wilderness wherein they chased them, 
 and when they were all fallen on the edge of the 
 sword until they were consumed, that all the 
 Israelites ''returned unto Ai, and smote it with the 
 edge of the sword. 
 
 25 And so it was that all that fell that day, 
 both of men and women, were twelve thousand, 
 even all the men of Ai. 
 
 26 For Joshua 'drew not his hand back, where- 
 with he stretched out the spear until he had 
 utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 
 
 27 Only “the cattle and the spoil of that city, 
 Israel took for a prey unto themselves, according 
 unto the word of the Lord, which he commanded 
 Joshua. 
 
 28 And Joshua burnt Ai, and made it 'an heap 
 for ever, even a desolation '"unto this day. 
 
 29 And "the king of Ai he hanged on a tree 
 until even-tide : and “as soon as the sun was 
 down, Joshua commanded that they should take 
 his carcass down from the tree, and cast it at the 
 entering of the grate of the city, and raise thereon 
 D a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this 
 day. 
 
 30 H Then Joshua obuilt an altar unto the 
 Lord God of Israel, r in mount Ebal ; 
 
 31 As Moses the servant of the Lord com- 
 manded the children of Israel, “as it is written in 
 the book of the law of Moses, an ‘altar of whole 
 stones, over which no man hath lifted up any iron : 
 
 h 10:30— 41 . 11:10—14. Num. 21:24. i 18. Ex. 17:11,12. k 2. 11:14. Num. 
 31:22,26. Ps. 50:10. Mall. 20:15. I Dent. 13:16. 2 Kings 19:25. Is. 17:1. 25: 
 2. Jer. 9:11. 49:2. 50:26. Mic. 3:12. m See on 4:9. n 10:26,28,30,33. Dent. 
 21:23. Eslh. 7:10. Ps. 107:40. 110:5. Acta 12:23. Rev. 19:17,13, 0 10:27. p 7: 
 26. 2 Sara. 18.17. q Gen. 8.20. 12:7,8. r 33. Dent. 1 1 :29. 27:4— 6,13. s 34,35. 
 1:8. 2 Kings 14:6. 22:8. 2 Clir. 25:4 . 35:12. Kira 6:18. Neh.l3:l. Mark 12:26. 
 t Ex. 20:21,25. Dent. 27:5. 1 Kings 18:31,32. u Ex. 18:12. 24:5. Deut. 27:6,7. 
 x Deut. 27:2,3,8. y 23:2. 24:1. ljeul. 27:12, 13. 29:10,11. i 3:3,6,14. 4:10,18. 
 
 of death,” deprived the king of terrors of power to hurt his 
 people, and prepared the way for the utter destruction of this 
 last enemy. 
 
 V. 25. The men of Beth-cl, who aided those of Ai, seem 
 not to be included in this number. 
 
 V. 27. Thus the people began to receive a gracious recom 
 pense for their self-denial, in refraining from the devoted spoil 
 of Jericho; Achan having already received the just punish- 
 ment of his sacrilege. 
 
 V. 28. When a few houses had been set on fire, the flame 
 and smoke would suffice to convince the men of Ai of their 
 desperate situation. But after the Israelites had plundered 
 the city, the whole was burnt down, and left to be a perpetual 
 desolation: and the ruins continued as a proof of the trans- 
 action, till the close of Joshua’s life, and probably long after, 
 though we read of a city of nearly the same name in Nehe- 
 miah. ( Neh . 11/31. Aij a, or Aiya.) 
 
 V. 29. The kings of Canaan lay under the same curse as 
 their subjects, and probably were more deeply criminal. The 
 reserving of the king of Ai for a solemn "execution, would 
 tend to strike terror into the other kings, contribute to the 
 success of Israel, and give their proceedings the stamp of a 
 judicial process, and of executing the vengeance of God upon 
 his enemies. (Notes, 10:24. 1 Sam. 15:32,33. Is. 24:21,22.) 
 
 V. 30—35. (Notes, Deut. 11:29,30. 27:) As soon as 
 Joshua found access to the mountains, Gerizim and Ebal, 
 which the Lord had appointed ; he without delay, and not- 
 withstanding the unsettled state of Israel, and the machina- 
 tions of their enemies, proceeded to renew the ratification of 
 the covenant between the Lord and his people, as it had been 
 commanded by Moses. Accordingly he built the occasional 
 altar, (Mar g. Ref . I.) and offered the instituted sacrifices; 
 writing the law, or the prescribed abstracts from it, on the 
 plastered stones; proclaiming the blessings and curses from 
 the two mountains, according to the appointed form; and 
 reading over the whole taw to all the people. — It is evident, 
 that the books of Moses, as written by him, are here repeat- 
 edly spoken of as extant at the time of this transaction. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 22. When sin is repented of, and put away as “ an 
 accursed thing,” we may expect encouragement, and a bless- 
 ing from our reconciled God and Father: and the more we 
 fear him with filial reverence, and dread to offend him, the 
 ess need have we to “ fear what man can do unto us.” — 
 When m e truly believo, and rightly understand, that “ with- 
 out the 1 ord we can do nothing,” that our sufficiency and 
 success i lust come from him, and that all the glory must be 
 rendered to him ; we «liall be far from lying down in supine- 
 ness and self-indulgent sloth : on the contrary, we shall bo 
 excited to use, with all diligence and persoverance, every 
 commanded and allowable means ; and to seek the help and 
 bussing of God to render them effectual. Indeed inactivity, 
 
 ( 398 ) 
 
 "and they offered thereon burnt-offerings unto the 
 Lord, and sacrificed peace-offerings. 
 
 32 And he “wrote there upon the stones a copy 
 of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the pre- 
 sence of the children of Israel. 
 
 33 And fall Israel, and their elders, and officers, 
 and their judges, stood on this side the ark, and 
 on that side, before “the priests the Levites, which 
 bare the ark of the covenant of the Lord, as well 
 a the stranger as he that was born among them : 
 half of them over against mount Gerizim, and 
 half of them over against mount Ebal, b as Moses 
 the servant of the Lord had commanded before, 
 that they, should bless the people of Israel. 
 
 34 And afterward c he read all the words of the 
 law, d the blessings and cursings, according to all 
 that is written in the book of the law. 
 
 35 There e was not a word of all that Moses 
 commanded, which Joshua read not before all the 
 congregation of Israel, f with the women, and the 
 little ones, and the strangers that "were conversant 
 among them. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The kings of Canaan confederate against Israel , 1,2. The Gibeonites by 
 fraud obtain a covenant of peace , 15. The fraud is detected : yet their 
 
 lives are snared on the account of the oath sworn to than, 16—21. They are 
 made lona-servanls, and willingly submit, 22 — 27. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when “all the kings which 
 were b on this side Jordan, in the hills and in 
 the valleys, and in all the coasts c of the great sea 
 over against d Lebanon, e the Hittite, and the Amor- 
 ite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and 
 the Jebusite, heard thereof, 
 
 6:6. Deut. 31:9,25. 1 Chr. 15:11—13. « Ex. 12:49. Lev. 24:22. Num. 15:16,29. 
 b See on 311 — 32. c Deut. 31:10— 12. Nell. 8:2.3. 9:3.13:1. d Lev. 26: Deut 
 27:14—26. 28 : 23:20.21. 30:19. e Deut. 4:2. Jer. 26:2. Acts 20:27. fDeul.29: 
 11. Ezra 10:1. Neh. 8:2. Joel 2:16. Mark 10:14. Acts 21 :5 * Heb. wal/ctd, 
 
 a 10:2—5,23,28—39. 11:1 — 5,10,11. 12:7—24. b 1:15. 3:17. 5:1. 22:4,7. Deni. 
 4:49. c 1:4. 15:12. 23:4. Num. 34:6. d 11:17. 12:7. 13:5. Deut. 3:25. e24:ll. 
 Gen. 15:18—21. Ex. 3:17. 23:23,31. 34:li. DeUt. 7:1. 
 
 because we can do nothing of ourselves, when the Lord has 
 promised effectual help to those who call upon him, must he 
 the effect of man’s perverseness and Satan’s suggestions, thus 
 wresting the Scriptures from their most obvious meaning: 
 for in all other important concerns, common sense teaches us, 
 that the less we can do of ourselves, the more need we have 
 to seek the help, and to observe the directions of those who 
 are able and disposed to assist us. And thus to he diligent 
 and earnest with all our heart and soul in seeking salvation, 
 resisting temptation and striving against sin, is true Christian 
 wisdom, and the due medium between the extremes to which 
 human nature is propense : for in such an arduous conflict., 
 we need both exertion and much assistance , and they who 
 speak as if a little exertion and a little help might suffice, 
 know nothing experimentally of the warfare. — In every un- 
 dertaking, prudent counsel is as conducive to success, as vi- 
 gorous exertion ; and on some occasions well-timed yielding 
 secures the advantage better than pertinacious opposition. — 
 They, who u honour the Lord with their substance,” and are 
 not in haste to be rich, will eventually be no losers ; yet 
 Christians must wait till they arrive at the heavenly Canaan 
 to receive their full reward: and there they will enjoy their 
 everlasting portion, when that of worldlings will he spent, 
 and their souls fixed in utter misery. Indeed 44 the prospe- 
 rity of fools destroys them,” and their short-lived presumptu- 
 ous rejoicing will speedily end in lamentations, and mourning, 
 and wo. — As the Lord gives wisdom to those whom he loves, 
 and means to prosner ; so he infatuates those who have filled 
 up the measure ol their iniquity. 
 
 V. 23 — 35. It is our duty to reverence the aged, to honour 
 those who are placed in authority over us, and to compassion- 
 ate the weak and helpless, the feebler sex and tender age : 
 but the Judge of all the earth will involve all the impenitent 
 in one common condemnation, without any other distinction, 
 than that of their different degrees of guilt ; so that they who 
 have abused the greatest abilities, riches, or authority, will 
 be distinguished by the largest measure of divine vengeance. — 
 However busy, unsettled, or exposed we are, the eonccrns 
 of religion must have our first attention ; and if wo 44 seek first 
 the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all things else shall 
 be added unto us.” In doing this wo must rest our hope on 
 the atonement of the great Redeemer ; and keep the holy law 
 of God continually before us, as the rule of our grateful obe- 
 dience. We must remember the awful curses of the old co- 
 venant, to quicken our pace in fleeing to the refuge which is 
 appointed us, to keep alive the salutary fears of coming 
 short, and to restrain us from sin in an hour of temptation. 
 But we must embrace and plead the precious promises of the 
 new covenant, for our encouragement, in denying ourselves 
 and bearing the cross. We ought also to instruct our fami- 
 lies, and train up our children in the knowledge of these 
 most important subjects; and speak of them freely eve# to 
 
B. C. 1450 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 1450. 
 
 2 That they ' gathered themselves together to 
 fight with Joshua, and with Israel, with one 
 ‘accord. 
 
 3 And when the inhabitants of sGibeon heard 
 what Joshua had done unto '■ Jericho and to 
 Ai, 
 
 4 The) did 'work wilily, and went, and made 
 as if they had been ambassadors ; and took old 
 sacks upon their asses, and k wine bottles, old, and 
 rent, and bound up ; 
 
 5 And 'old shoes and clouted upon their feet, 
 and old garments upon them ; and all the bread, of 
 their provision was dry and mouldy. 
 
 6 And they went to Joshua unto m the camp at 
 Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, 
 "We be come from a far country ; now therefore 
 make ye a league with us. 
 
 7 And the men of Israel said unto °the Hivites, 
 Feradventure ye dwell among us: and >’hovv shall 
 we make a league with you ? 
 
 8 And they said unto Joshua, iWe are thy ser- 
 vants. And Joshua said unto them, Who are ye ? 
 and from whence come ye ? 
 
 f 3 Chr. 20:1. Fs. 2:1,2. 83:2— 8. Prov. 11:21. In. 8:9,10,12. Joel3:9— 13. AcU 
 4:26 — 28. Rev. 16:14. 20:8.9. • Heb. mouth. ;17. 10:2. 2 Sam. 21:1,2. h 6: 
 8: iGen. 31:18. 1 Kings 20:31-33. Mull. 10:16. Luke 16:8. kPs. 119:83. 
 Matt. 9:17. Mark 2:22. l.uke 5:37,38. I 13. Dent. 29:5. 33:25. Luke 15:22. 
 m5:10. 10:43. n 9. ] eut. 20:11—1 5. 1 Kings 8:41. 2Kings20:14. o II :19. 
 Gen. 10:17. 31 2. Ex. 3:8. p Ex. 23:31— 33. 34:12. Num. 33:52. Dent. 7:8,3. 
 20:16. Judg. 2:2. q 11.23,25,27. Gen. 9:25,25. Dent. 20:11. I Kings 9:20,21. 
 
 strangers, who are conversant among us. Happy are they, who 
 begin early in life to attend to them : for in their declining age 
 they may iook back with comfort to their early engagements, 
 and the unnumbered benefits which they have derived from 
 them. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IX. V. 1, 2. The inhabitants of 
 Canaan in general must have heard, that the Israelites had 
 passed over Jordan, and commenced hostilities : and in parti- 
 cular, that they had destroyed Jericho and Ai; and solemnly 
 covenanted with Jehovah, as if already in possession of the 
 country. Had they not been intimidated or infatuated, they 
 would with combined force have opposed the passage of 
 Israel over Jordan ; but after all the miracles which had been 
 wrought, an accommodation, if possible, was the only thing 
 which they could .reasonably attempt. (Notes, 3 — 5. 5:1.) 
 From this, however, they were withheld by a desperate 
 obstinacy and rage ; and being ripe for vengeance, they were 
 left to be hardened, and blindly to rush upon destruction of 
 their own accord. — They confederated together at this time ; 
 but subsequent events seem lo have deranged their first plans, 
 and delayed their proceedings. The varied expressions here 
 used, include the inhabitants of the land to the utmost western 
 and northern borders. As the Girgashites are not mentioned 
 in the history of the subsequent wars, (3:10.24:11.) it has 
 been concluded that they generally emigrated after the fall of 
 Jericho. — This might indeed be the case : but the tradition of 
 one of their Rabbies, quoted by Selden, that three letters were 
 written by Joshua, before the invasion of the land by Israel, 
 purporting, 1 Let those who choose to flee, flee ; let those 
 that choose peace, enter into treaty ; let those that choose 
 war, take up arms :’ that in consequence of this, the Girgash- 
 ites, believing the power of God, fled away retreating into 
 Africa: — this, I say, has no foundation in Scripture, and is 
 by no means consistent with the narrative there given. See 
 Graves on the Pentateuch, Vol. II. pp. 43, 44. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. The Gibeonites had heard of the late destruction 
 of Jericho and Ai, with the slaughter of all the inhabitants, 
 as well as of the former miracles wrought in Egypt ; and also 
 of the destruction of Og and Sihon, with their subjects. 
 (9,10.) They had also learned, that the Israelites were com- 
 manded to destroy all the inhabitants of the land, without 
 entering into any league with them, or giving quarter ; and 
 that the Lord had expressly promised to give them the victory 
 oyer them all. (24) The other inhabitants of the land like- 
 wise had heard the same, and were thus rendered the more 
 determined in their opposition : but the Gibeonites, or at least 
 some of their principal men, (for it does not appear that they 
 had a king,) were induced to believe that the word of the 
 Lord would certainly be accomplished, and that all opposition 
 would be unavailing ; and they concluded, that the only pros- 
 pect of safety lay in an accommodation, upon any terms. 
 Had they cast themselves, without reserve, upon the mercy 
 of Israel, and of Israel’s God, there is no doubt that they 
 would have been spared, as Rahab and her relations had 
 been : for though the Lord would not allow his people to make 
 exceptions to his general rule of destroying the Oanaanites, 
 for their own ease and emolument, by forming alliances with 
 them while they continued idolaters ; yet in this and all other 
 cases, he was ready to favour those who trusted in his mercy. 
 The Gibeonites, however, not being acquainted with this limi- 
 tation, and interpreting the general command in its utmost 
 rigour, despaired of being preserved, if they were detected ; 
 but they supposed, that if they could bring the rulers of Israel 
 under the bond of an oath, even by means of deception, that 
 
 9 And they said unto him, From a very far 
 country thy servants are come, r because of the 
 name of the Lord thy God: for "we have heard 
 the fame of him, and all that lie did in Egypt, 
 
 10 And all that he did to the 'two kings of the 
 Amorites that were beyond Jordan, to Sihon king 
 of Heshbon, and to Og king of Bashun, which 
 was at “Ashtaroth. 
 
 11 Wherefore our elders, and all the inhabit- 
 ants of our country, spake to us, saying, x Take 
 victuals hvith you lor the journey, and go to meet 
 them, and say unto them, 'We are your servants; 
 therefore now make ye a league with us. 
 
 12 This "our bread we took hot for our provi- 
 sion out of our houses on the day we came forth to 
 go unto you ; but now, behold, it is dry, and it is 
 mouldy : 
 
 13 And these bottles of wine, which we filled, 
 were new, and behold they be rent; and these 
 our garments and our shoes are become old, by 
 reason of the very long journey. 
 
 14 And Jthe men took of their victuals, and 
 "asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord. 
 
 2 Kings 10:5. r 1 Kings 8:41 . 2 Chr. 6:32,33. Nell. 9:5. Ps. 72:19. 83.18. 148. 
 13: Is. 55:5. » 24. 2:9,10. Ex. 9:16. 15:14. Num. 14:15. Is. 66:19. (Num. 21: 
 24— 35. Deul. 2:30— 37. 3:1— 7. u 12:4. Deul. 1 :4. 1 Chr. 6:71. X 1:11. Mini. 
 1U:9,10. Lnke9:3. i Heb. in your hand. Gen. 43: 12. y SeeonS. Esth.8:l7. 
 z See on -1,5. } Or, they received the men by reason of their victuals, a Ex. 
 
 28 : 3U . Num. 27:21. Judg. 1:1. 20:18,28. I Sam. 14:18,19 . 22:10 . 23:9—12. 30: 
 7.8. 2 Sam. 2:1. 5:19. 1 Chr. 10:14. Ezra 8:21. Prov. 3:5,6. Is. 30:2. Jam. 1:5 
 
 oath would secure them from death. Accordingly they formed 
 a stratagem, which cannot be vindicated ; though it may 
 admit of some excuse, from their imminent danger, and from 
 their ignorance of the divine law : and they succeeded accord- 
 ing to their expectation. — The supposition of some exposi- 
 tors, that these Gibeonites had before this refused terms of 
 peace when offered them, is not only unsupported by facts 
 but it is contrary to the general tenor of the narration. — The 
 ambassadors, probably, were the chief persons among them, 
 but they pretended to be sent by some foreign princes ; and, 
 according to the customs of those days, when inns at regular 
 stages were not known, and consequently men took with them 
 provisions for their journey, as is now done for q. voyage ; 
 they fitted themselves out in such a manner, that they appear- 
 ed to have come from a very distant country, to show that 
 their provisions were either exhausted or spoiled by the length 
 of their journey, and even their clothes and vessels worn out. 
 No doubt the several circumstances were artfully devised, 
 and appeared very plausible to Joshua and Israel ; though 
 we cannot so well judge of them by modern manners and 
 customs. 
 
 V. 7. God had forbidden Israel to enter into a league with 
 any of the devoted nations. ( Marg . Ref. p.) An equal 
 league , say many learned men : but the Scripture makes no 
 such distinction. Indeed an agreement to spare the lives of 
 such persons or tribes, as chose either to leave the country : 
 or, renouncing idolatry, resigning all their possessions, and 
 submitting to be slaves, to continue among the Israelites ; is 
 the only league, which it is supposed might be made with 
 them. But even this does not appear to have been proposed 
 to them beforehand. — Hivites.] Marg. Ref. o. 
 
 V. 8 — 11. The ambassadors probably meant to insinuate, 
 that the Israelites had never heard the name of their country, 
 because of its great distance ; though their countrymen had 
 so far off heard the report of the works which God had 
 wrought for his people, in desolating Egypt and rescuing 
 them, and in destroying before them the kings of the Amorites 
 And they stated, that these reports had so impressed their 
 minds, as to render them greatly desirous of their friendship; 
 that for this purpose they had undertaken a very fatiguing 
 journey ; and that the nation was willing to become the tributa- 
 ries of Israel, if they might in return have security that they 
 should not be destroyed at any future period, by their increas- 
 ing power and spreading dominion. — At the same time, they 
 artfully avoided mentioning the passage of Israel over Jordan, 
 and the destruction of Jericho and Ai ; as willing it should 
 be understood, that they had not yet heard of these more 
 recent miracles and successes. — The address was well 
 calculated to insinuate itself into the minds of the Israelites, 
 who would doubtless be gratified with the thought of being 
 so renowned, that their power was dreaded, and their friend- 
 ship courted, by distp^t nations : while the favour of Joshua, 
 and of the more pious among them, would be conciliated by 
 the respectful mention which they made of the name and 
 works of Jehovah ; especially as it had been foretold that 
 these miracles should produce this effect. (Notes, 2 Sam. 
 14:13—20.15:7—9. Prov. 29:5.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. Joshua and the chief persons in Israel, having 
 examined the provisions of the pretended ambassadors, hasthv 
 concluded, that the state of them corroborated the account 
 which they had given ; and without further hesitation entered 
 into league with them, and by oath engaged that, instead of 
 destroying, they would protect the people whom they repre- 
 sented. This precipitate treaty, entered into with strangers 
 ( 399 > 
 
B. C. 1450. JOSHUA. B. C. 1456 
 
 15 And Joshua b made peace with them, and 
 made a league with them to let them live : and 
 the princes oi the congregation sware unto them. 
 
 [Practical Observations.] 
 
 16 If And it came to pass at the end of three 
 days, after they had made a league with them, 
 "that they heard that they were their neighbours, 
 and that they dwelt among them. 
 
 17 And the children of Israel journeyed, and 
 came unto their cities on the third day. Now 
 their cities were d Gibeon, and Chephirah, and 
 Beeroth, "and Kiriath-jearim. 
 
 18 And the children of Israel smote them not, 
 because the princes of the congregation f had 
 sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel. 
 And all the congregation murmured against the 
 princes. 
 
 19 But all the princes said unto all the congre- 
 gation, eWe have sworn unto them by the Lord 
 God of Israel : now therefore, we may not touch 
 them. 
 
 20 This we will do to them ; we will even let 
 them live, h lest wrath be upon us, because of the 
 oath which we sware unto them. 
 
 21 And the princes said unto them, Let them 
 live ; but 'let them be hewers of wood and drawers 
 
 b2:12— 19. 6:22-25. 11:19. Dent. 20:10,11. 2 Sam. 21:2. Jer. 18:7,8. c Prov. 
 12:19. d 10:2. 18:25—28. I Chr. 21:29. 2Chr. 1:3. Ezra 2:25. Neh. 7:29. e 15: 
 9,60. 18:14. 1 Sam. 7:1. 1 Chr. 13:5,6. 2 Chr. 1:4. f2 Sam. 21:7. Ps. 15:4. Ec. 
 9:2. g 20. Ec. 8:2. 9:2. Jer. 4:2. h 2 Sam. 21 : 1— 6. 2 Chr. 36:13. Prov. 20:25. 
 Ez. 17:13—16.18,19. Zech. 5:3,4. Mai. 3:5. Rom. 1:31. 1 Tim. 1:10. i23.27. 
 
 Deut. 29:11. 2 Chr. 2:18. k See on 15. 1 Gen. 3:13,14. 27:35,36,41—45.29:25. 
 
 to which they had little inducement except flattering words 
 and fair speeches, showed great credulity and impolicy : but 
 the chief fault of Joshua and the princes was, that they did 
 not ask counsel of the Lord, in a matter of such importance, 
 when the means of doing so were always present with them. 
 (Note, Num. 27:21) — It does not however appear, that it 
 would have been wrong, if they had received the submissions 
 of any of the Canaanites who voluntarily craved mercy, 
 professed repentance, and renounced idolatry : and therefore 
 the league with Gibeon was valid, though fraudulently sought 
 for, and impoliticly entered into. 
 
 V. 17, 13, The people seem to have murmured, because 
 they were restrained from immediately seizing these cities, 
 and plundering them : yet they at length possessed them, for 
 we find them mentioned in the division of the land. ( Marg . 
 Ref. d, e.) 
 
 V. 19, 20. Had the oath engaged the princes to an action 
 tn itself unlawful, it would not have been binding : for such 
 an oath binds him who has taken it to nothing but deep 
 repentance of his rashness and profaneness. (Notes, Matt. 
 '.4:8 — 11. Acts 23:12 — 22.) But it was not in itself unlawful 
 to spare the lives even of Canaanites, in such circumstances. 
 The princes had indeed been imposed upon by a false pretext, 
 but they had solemnly engaged by oath to the deputies of 
 Gibeon, that they would let their people live ; and they must 
 not violate the oath, though it was to their own hurt. (Ps. 
 15:4.) It is evident that God approved of their conduct in 
 this respect, and was displeased with Saul, when he long 
 afterwards injured the Gibeonites. (Note, 2 Sam. 21:1 — 3.) 
 So that even in the war, which by special commission Israel 
 waged against the accursed Canaanites, the infraction of 
 solemn treaties, and the violation of solemn oaths, were by 
 no means tolerated. — This deserves the serious consideration 
 of those who are concerned in the government of states and 
 kingdoms, where politicians are seldom found so scrupulous 
 as these princes of Israel, when interest, and popular preju- 
 dice or clamour, unite to tempt them to break through their 
 obligations. And, if there were any heretics, more certainly 
 devoted to destruction than the accursed Canaanites ; none 
 but Antichrist would conclude, that no faith was to be ob- 
 served with them, or that the most solemn oaths sworn to 
 them might be dispensed with. 
 
 y. 21 — 23. The original curse pronounced upon the 
 descendants of Canaan was, that they should be “ the ser- 
 vants of servants.” (Note, Gen. 9:24,25.) If the Gibeonites, 
 therefore, would have their lives spared, in regard to the oath 
 of God, (which was all that was expressly engaged for,) they 
 must consent to become, not only tributaries, but slaves to 
 Israel : especially as they had acted deceitfully, and could 
 not expect to have a treaty, thus obtained, interpreted in any 
 other than the least favourable sense. If then they would 
 consent to Income “hewers of wood and drawers of water 
 to the congregation,” and especially to the priests and Levites 
 at 't he house of God, their lives should be spared. 
 
 V. 24. Whatever the sentiments of the Canaanites were 
 concerning Jehovah and his people, they considered Israel 
 as acting according to the command of their God, and not 
 merely of their own mind, in making war against them and 
 seeking to exterminate them. Others by this conviction were 
 Hardened in desperate resistance, but the Gibeonites were 
 induced to form a project for escaping. This by no means 
 ( 400 ) 
 
 of water unto all the congregation ; k as the princes 
 had promised them. 
 
 22 And Joshua called for them, and he spake 
 unto them, saying, 'Wherefore have ye beguiled us, 
 saying, “We are very far from you ; when ye 
 dwell among us ? 
 
 23 Now therefore ye are "cursed ; and there 
 shall 'none of you be freed from being bondmen 
 and "hewers of wood and drawers of water for 
 the house of my God. 
 
 24 And they answered Joshua, and said. 
 Because it was certainly told thy servants, hovv 
 that fthe Lord thy God commanded his servant 
 Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all 
 the inhabitants of the land from before you, there- 
 fore %e were sore afraid of our lives because of 
 you, and have done this thing. 
 
 25 And now, behold, r we are in thine hand : S as it 
 seemeth good and right unto thee to do unto us, do. 
 
 26 And go did he unto them, and delivered 
 them out of the hand of the children of Israel, 
 that they slew them not. 
 
 27 And Joshua 'made them that day hewers of 
 wood and drawers of water for the congregation 
 and for the altar of the Lord, even unto this day, 
 "in the place which he should chopse. 
 
 2 Cor. 11:3. m6,9,10. n Sec on Gen. 9:25,26. Lee. 27:28,29. -Heb.nolie 
 cut off" from you. o21,27. p Ex. 23:31— S3 Num. 33:51,52,55,56. Deut. 7:1,2. 
 23,24 . 20:15—17. q Job 2:4. Matt. 10:2? r Oen. 16:6. Jude. 3:15. 2 Sam. 24: 
 14. Is. 47:6. Jer. 26:14. 38:5. sJudg,10:15 1 Sam. 3:18. Malt. 11:26. t21, 
 
 23. 1 Chr. 9:2. Ezra 2:43. 8:20. Neh. 7:60. II -3. Nefkinim. u 18:1. Deut. 12« 
 5. 16:2,6,16. 2 Chr. 6:6. Ps. 78:68. 132:13,14. Iy. 14:32. 
 
 consists with the supposition, that peace had before been 
 offered to the Canaanites, and that the Gibeonites having 
 once refused to accede to it, were afterwards driven to adopt 
 the measure here recorded. (Note, 1,2.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. The terms proposed must have appeared 
 exceedingly humiliating and rigorous, when we consider that 
 u Gibeon was as one of the royal cities, and all the men 
 thereof were mighty,” (10:2.) and that not even the chief 
 persons were excepted : and this forms a considerable proof, 
 that the principal men, at least, were actuated by faith and the 
 fear of God. It seems there was considerable difficulty at 
 first, in protecting the Gibeonites from the violence of the 
 people, who were greatly dissatisfied with the conduct of the 
 princes ; but the firmness and harmony of the latter, and the 
 manner in which they concluded the transaction, at length 
 satisfied all concerned. 
 
 V. 27. The cities and lands of the Gibeonites were ceded 
 to Israel : and the people were made the servants of the 
 priests and Levites, to do the meanest and hardest work 
 belonging -to the sanctuary ; and probably were afterwards 
 distinguished by the name of Nethinim , or dedicated persons* 
 (Note, 1 Chr. 9:2.) Thus the matter was settled to the satis- 
 faction of all parties : and the people were gratified with 
 having the estates of the Gibeonites, and the benefit of their 
 services in the sanctuary, and, while they continued together 
 for themselves also. The priests and Levites had a valuable 
 acquisition, and would not only be exempted from much hard 
 labour, but set at liberty to attend more devotedly to their 
 proper work. The Gibeonites preserved their lives : and 
 though laid under a present rebuke for their prevarication ; the 
 appointment was overruled for their great advantage, by 
 their being brought into the courts of the Lord, and employed 
 so favourably for the good of their souls : and instead of being 
 destroyed, as accursed from God , they were admitted into 
 his service as wholly devoted to him . — The transaction had 
 also a very favourable aspect upon the Gentile nations, and 
 pre-intimated their admission into the church. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. While the people of God are most zealously 
 engaged in devotion, their enemies are peculiarly instigated 
 by Satan to confederate against them : but they who asso- 
 ciate against such as are earnest in serving the Lord, will 
 only the more speedily be broken in pieces. (Note, Is. 8: 
 9,10.) The conduct of the enemies of true religion is indeed 
 both hateful and infatuated: yet. their unanimity might often 
 suggest a profitable hint to Christians; to shame them out of 
 their intestine contentions, and instruct them to unite in 
 opposing the incursions of the common enemy. — Flattering 
 words, and plausible pretences to piety, often induce even 
 wise and good men too easily to lay aside suspicion, and 
 oven to give countenance to impostures: nor do any act pru- 
 dently, who are so hasty in their measures, as not to take time 
 for consulting the Lord. — It is an unspeakable blessing to be 
 under the government of those who fear God, and are anxious 
 to avert his impending wrath from a guilty land, and to adopt 
 decisive measures for that purpose j since these will gene- 
 rally escape, when others are hurried on /into destruction 
 by hardened, obstinate, and atheistical rulers. For the 
 same warnings and promises of God’s word, and the same 
 reports of his mercy to his people and judgments upon 
 his enemies, which move some to 14 flee from the wrath to 
 
B. c. 1450. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Five kings war against Gibeon, 1 — 5. Ai the request of the Gibeonites Joshua 
 goes to assist them; and, being encouraged bu God, he routes the enemy 
 with great slaughter; while still greater numbers are destroyed by hail- 
 stones, 6—11. At Joshua's word the sun and moon stand still, 1‘2— 15. Ike 
 hot kings are discovered in a care, and shut up there , till at length they are 
 ignominious ly put to death, 16 — 27. Makkedah, Libnah, Lachish, hglon, 
 Hebron, and Debir, a> e taken and destroyed , with the king of Gcxer,and 
 many others, ‘28 — 42. The army returns to Gilgal, 43. 
 
 N OW it came to pass, when n Adoni-zedek king 
 of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had 
 taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it : ( b as he 
 had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done 
 to Ai and her king; and c how the inhabitants of 
 Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were 
 among them ; 
 
 2 That d they feared greatly, because Gibeon 
 was a great city, as one of “the 'royal cities, and 
 because it teas greater than Ai, and all the men 
 thereof were mighty. 
 
 3 Wherefore Adoni-zedek f king of Jerusalem, 
 sent unto Hoham king of sHebron, and unto 
 Piram king of Jarmuth, and unto Japhia king of 
 h Lachish, and unto Debir king of Eglon, saying, 
 
 4 Come up unto me, 'and help me, that k we may 
 smite Gibeon : for it hath made peace with Joshua, 
 and with the children of Israel. 
 
 a Gen. 14:18. Heb. 7:1,2. b 6:21.3:2,22— 29. c 9:15— 27. 11:19,20. 0 2:9 — 13, 
 J4. Ex. 15:14—16. Dent. 11:25. 28:10. Ps.48:4— 6. Prov. 1:26,27. 10:24. Heb. 
 10:27,31. Rev. 6:15 — 17. el Sam. 27:5. 2 Sam. 12:26. * Heb. cities of the 
 
 kingdom, fl, 5. 12:10-13. 15:35,39,54,63.18:28. g 14:15. Gen. 23:2. 37: 14. 
 Num. 13:22. 2 Sam. 2:11. h2 Kings 18:14,17. 2 Chr. 11:9. Mic. 1:13. i Is. 8: 
 9,10. 41:5—7. Acts 19:24—27. 21:28. Rev. 16:14. 20:8—10 k 9:15. Matt. 16: 
 24. John 15:19. 16:2,3. Acts 9:23. 2 Tim. 3:12. Jam. 4:4. 1 Pet. 4:4. 1 6. See 
 
 come,” and to seek shelter from the threatening storm, only 
 increase the enmity and desperation of others. — When the 
 consciences of sinners are first alarmed with the dread of 
 wrath, and filled with the anguish of remorse, they are 
 generally actuated by a “ spirit of bondage ( Note, Rom. 
 8:14 — 17.) and being greatly ignorant of God, of his law, 
 and his gospel of rich grace abounding even to the chief 
 of sinners, they frequently seek relief by such methods as 
 only serve to increase their guilt ; and their carnal contri- 
 vances, and false dependences, are seldom free from assumed 
 appearances and hypocritical pretences, by which they 
 attempt to impose upon others, and do actually impose upon 
 themselves. Yet when there is an evident earnestness to 
 escape the wrath of God, we may confidently expect a happy 
 event ; that which began with a large mixture of evil, may 
 yet end well ; and sinners, who were under an awful curse, 
 may.become blessed and a blessing. 
 
 V. 16 — 27. Tile Lord Jesus (the true Joshua) sees 
 through every disguise ami abhors all iniquity ; yet he will 
 not reject sinners, either on account of former crimes, or of 
 the manifest evil which pollutes their endeavours for salva- 
 tion. But he will reprove them, and convince them of their 
 guilt ; he will bring them to repentance, and shame them out 
 of their secret hypocrisy ; he will teach them to trust in his 
 mercy alone ; he will save their souls and make them his 
 servants : and though he correct them for their sins, or allot 
 them a low station and hard service in his church ; yet he will 
 teach them to acquiesce, and be thankful, and readily to say, 
 “ Behold, we are in thy hand : as it seemeth good and right 
 unto thee to do unto us, do.” And indeed, to exchange the 
 highest station in the world, for the meanest place among the 
 servants and in the courts of the Lord, though it appears a 
 degradation, apd is a trial, will in due time be found to be 
 very great preferment. (Note, Ps. 84:10.) But he overrules 
 many things for his own glory, and the advantage of his 
 church, which are not done according to his commandments, 
 and consequently are not examples for us to imitate. — 
 Though we have been imposed upon, we must not think our- 
 selves at liberty to retaliate : solemn engagements made, even 
 to our hurt, must be conscientiously adhered to : and much 
 allowance should be made for those whose minds are dis- 
 quieted with the fear of impending ruin, and who have not 
 enjoyed the advantage of good instruction. — But if men, in 
 order to save their lives, are considered as acting reasonably, 
 when they renounce all their interests, stoop to any conces- 
 sions, accept of any terms, and become willing to endure 
 any hardships: how reasonable is it, that we should be influ- 
 enced by the fear of eternal punishment, and the hope of 
 everlasting life, to renounce the world, mortify our lusts, deny 
 ourselves, and submit to the cross ; to humble and abase our- 
 selves in the very dust before God ; and to “ count all but 
 dung, that we may win Christ and be found in him 1” (Note, 
 Phil. 3:8 — 11.) that we should be in haste to have the cove- 
 nant of peace ratified to our souls ; to cut off the offending 
 limb, and to pluck out the offending eye ; and in short, to 
 yield up ourselves to the Lord without reserve, craving only 
 that our souls may be saved, and that he would make us his 
 servants, though in the lowest place, and amidst the greatest 
 hardships ! In coming thus to the Saviour, we do not pro- 
 ceed upon a peradventure : we are invited to draw nigh, and 
 are assured that “ whosoever cometh unto him, he will in no- 
 wise oast out.” But let us take heed, that we come and 
 Voi. I. — 51 
 
 B. C. 1450 
 
 5 Therefore the five 'kings of the Amorites, 
 the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the 
 king of Jarmuth, the kins; of Lachish, the king of 
 Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went 
 up, they and all their hosts, and encamped before 
 Gibeon, and made war against it. 
 
 6 And the men of Gibeon sent unto Joshua m to 
 the camp to Gilgal, saying, "Slack not thy hand 
 “from thy servants; come up to us quickly, and 
 save us, and help us : for all the kings of the 
 Amorites that dwell in the Pmountaiiis are gathered 
 together against us. 
 
 7 So iJoshua ascended from Gilgal, he, and all 
 the people of war with him, and all the mighty 
 men of valour. 
 
 8 And the Lord said unto Joshua, "fear them 
 not; for I have delivered them into thine hand : 
 there shall not a man of them stand before thee. 
 
 9 Joshua therefore came unto them suddenly, 
 and went up from Gilgal "all night. 
 
 10 And ‘the Lord discomfited theih before 
 Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter “at 
 Gibeon, and chased them along the way that 
 goeth up to x Beth-horon, and smote them to v Aze- 
 kah, and unto z Makkedah. 
 
 on 9:1,2. Gen. 15:16. m5:10. 9:6. n 2 Kings 4:24 . o9:15.24,25. Is. 33:22. 
 
 n 21:11. Dent. 1:15. Ps. 125:2. Luke 1:39. q Is. 8:12,14. r 1:5— 9. 8:1. 11:6. 
 Dent. 3:2. 20:1—1. Jurig. 4:14. Ps. 27:1,2. Is. 41:10— 15. Rom. 8:31. s 1 Sam. 
 11:9— 11. Prov. 22:29. 24:11— 12. Ec. 9:10. 2 Tim. 2:3. 4:2. I 11:8. Judg. 4l 
 15. 1 Sam. 7:10—12. 2 Chr. 14:12. Ps. 18:14. 44:3. 78:55. u 0.28:21. X 16:3, 
 5. 21:22. 1 Sam. 13:18. y 11. 15:35. Jer. 34:7. z 28. 12:16. 15:41. 
 
 cleave to the Lord with an upright heart. We hope indeed 
 that many of the Gibeonites were true believers, though not 
 native Israelites : but we are sure that many who preach, and 
 write, and labour very diligently, and even usefully to others, 
 are only “hewers of wood and drawers of water to the con- 
 gregation of the Lord,” and have no inheritance in Israel, 
 but are theifiselves castaways. 
 
 NOTES. — Ciiap. X. V. 1 — 5. Adoni-zedek signifies 
 the lord of righteousness, and this king was probably a 
 descendant, as well as successor of Melchizedek, “ the king ol 
 righteousness ;” though he retained nothing of his progenitor’s 
 piety, but the mere name which his conduct belied. It cannot 
 reasonably be doubted, that Jerusalem was the same place as 
 Salem : (Notes, Gen. 14:18 — 20. Ps. 76:2.) and some think 
 it obtained the name Jerusalem, about the time when Israel 
 invaded Canaan.— The kings, whose dominions lay further 
 north, as well as those in the south, had confederated against 
 Israel, and probably were collecting their forces for a general 
 assault: (Note, 9:1,2.) but the report of Gibeon’s alliance 
 with Joshua, induced these five kings, whose territories lay in 
 the south, and near to the encampment of Israel, dreading 
 the consequences of such an example, and desirous of re- 
 venge, to attack the Gibeonites, separately and in haste, 
 that they might crush them, and intimidate others from imi- 
 tating them ; and that so they might be afterwards the more at 
 liberty to attack the Israelites : but they only accelerated and 
 facilitated their own destruction. — Jericho and Ai seem to 
 have been the key of the land; but Gibeon was a larger city, 
 and its inhabitants far more numerous and powerful. — The 
 Gibeonites were among the Israelites, as allied to them 
 and under their protection ; but not as living in their camp or 
 quarters. 
 
 V. 6. The Gibeonites confided in Joshua and Israel, that 
 they would come to the defence of those, whom they had admit- 
 ted to be their servants; for subjection entitles to protection: 
 and they so confided in the God of Israel, that they did not doubt 
 of their success in the expedition. But they informed Joshua 
 that no time was to be lost. — The Amorites were the most 
 powerful of the distinct tribes inhabiting Canaan ; and there- 
 fore all the inhabitants are sometimes called by that, general 
 name. For Hebron was occupied by Hittites, and Jerusalem 
 byjebusites ; and even the people of Gibeon, who are gene- 
 rally called Hivites, are also said to be “ of the remnant of 
 the Amorites.” (2 Sam. 21:2.) 
 
 V. 7. The headquarters of Israel were still at Gilgal. 
 
 43. Note, 5:10.) There Joshua left the unarmed multitude,. 
 
 oubtless with a sufficient guard ; and marched, with the men 
 of the most approved valour, to defend the Gibeonites against 
 the kings of Canaan. 
 
 V. 8. The enemies hitherto encountered were of small 
 force, compared with the troops of these combined kings ; 
 and therefore the Lord encouraged Joshua by the assurance 
 of a complete victory. 
 
 V. 9, 10. Joshua was an able commander ; his army con- 
 sisted of “ mighty men of valour ;” his measures were con- 
 certed with prudence, and executed with vigour and despatch ; 
 he marched all night, attacked the enemy at unawares, and 
 doubtless his troops behaved well: yet the whole victory is 
 ascribed to the Lord. (Notes, Ps. 44:1 — 3. 144:1,10.) — 
 Their prudence, courage, and strength were his gift; he inti- 
 midated and confounded their enemies, and he rendered their 
 measures successful 
 
 ( 401 ) 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
B. C. 1450. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 145 a 
 
 U And it came to pass as they fled from before 
 Israel, and were in the going down to Beth-horon, 
 that "the Lord cast down great stones from 
 heaven upon them unto Azekah, and they died : 
 they were more which died with hailstones, than 
 they whom the children of Israel slew with the 
 sword. 
 
 12 Then spake Joshua to the Lord, in the day 
 when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before 
 the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of 
 Israel, b Sun, "stand thou still upon Gibeon ; and 
 thou Moon, in the valley of c Ajalon. 
 
 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon 
 stayed, d until the people had avenged themselves 
 upon their enemies. Is not this written in the 
 book of Masher? So e the sun stood still in the 
 midst of heaven, and hasted not to go down about 
 a whole day. 
 
 14 And f there was no day like that, before it or 
 after it, that ethe Lord hearkened unto the voice 
 of a man : h for the Lord fought for Israel. 
 
 15 And 'Joshua returned, and all Israel with 
 
 him, UntO the Camp tO Gilgal. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 16 if But these five kings fled, k and hid them- 
 selves ‘in a cave at Makkedah. 
 
 17 And it was told Joshua, saying, The five 
 kings are found hid in a cave at Makkedah. 
 
 18 And Joshua said, '"Roll great stones upon 
 the mouth of the cave, and set men by it for to 
 keep them ; 
 
 19 And "stay ye not, hut pursue after your 
 enemies, and tsmi'te the hindmost of them; "suffer 
 them not to enter into theii*- cities : for the Lord 
 your God hath delivered them into your hand. 
 
 a Gen. 19:24. Judg. 5:20. Ps. 11:6. 18:12,13. 77:17.18. Is. 28:2 . 3(1:30. En. 13: 
 11. Rev. 11:19. 16:21. b See on 13. Dent. 4:19. 1 7.3. Job 9:7. *1 26,27. Ps. 19; 
 4. 74:16. 148:3. Is. 28:21. 38:8. 60:20. Ain.8:9. Hab.3:ll. • Heb. be silent. 
 Hab. 2:20. marg. Zech.2:13. c 19:42. Judg- 12:12. Aijalon. d Niim.31:2. 
 Judg. 5:2. 16:28. F,sth.8:13. Luke 18:7. Rev. 6:10. 1 Or, the w eight . Num. 
 
 21:14. 2 Sam. 1:18. ell, 14. Ps.I9:4. 74:16,17. 136:7—9. 148:3. Is. 24:23. Joel 
 2:10,31. 3:15. Matt. 5:45. 24:29. Acts 2:20. Rev. 6:12. 8:12. 16:8.9. 21:23. 
 f 2 Kings 20:10,11. Is. 38:8. g Zech. 4:6,7. Matt. 21:21,22. Mark 1 1 :22— 24. 
 Luke 17:6. b 42. 23:3. Deut. 1:30. i 6,43. k Ps. 48:4— 6. 139:7—10. Is. 2:10 
 —12. Am. 9:2,3. Rev. 6:15-17. lJudg.6:2. 1 Sam. 13:6. Is. 2:19-22. 24:21, 
 
 V. II. Hailstones of an enormous size were showered 
 down from above, and directed in so extraordinary a manner 
 by the Lord himself, that they smote and slew the fugitive Ca- 
 naanites in great multitudes, but did not fall upon any of their 
 pursuers! (Marg. Ref . Notes, Ex. 9:33. Rev. 16:17 — 21.) 
 
 V. 12 — 14. Joshua doubtless ac^ed, on this occasion, by 
 an immediate impulse upon his mind from the Spirit of God. 
 He first 41 spake to the Lord” in earnest prayer ; and then to 
 the sun and moon, as by authority from him, commanding 
 those luminaries to stay their course. This he did publicly 
 before all Israel, that they might hear the charge which he 
 gave, and observe the obedience of these heavenly bodies. It 
 would have been improper either that he should speak, or that 
 the miracle should be recorded, according to the terms of 
 modern astronomy. The sun appeared to the Israelites over 
 Gibeon, and the moon over the valley of Ajalon, which is sup- 
 posed to have been situated in a different direction : and there 
 they appeared to be stayed in their course for 44 a whole day 
 either for the space of about twelve or fourteen hours, or for 
 the time of one diurnal revolution. — Many inquiries have been 
 made concerning the way in which this miracle was wrought, 
 and many difficulties and objections have been urged against 
 understanding it literally. But the fact, as far as we are concern- 
 ed about it, is authenticated by the divine testimony; and the 
 manner in which it was accomplished, lies entirely out of our 
 province, because beyond our discovery and comprehension. 
 44 Is any thing too hard for the Lord ?” This question forms 
 a sufficient answer to ten thousand difficulties, which puny 
 objectors, under the assumed title of philosophers, have in 
 every age been starting against the truth of God in his writ- 
 ten word. (Note, Gen. 7:10 — 12.) — As there are no records 
 of profane history so ancient as this event, it cannot be any 
 cause for wonder, that. Pagan authors have not mentioned it. 
 Yet some intimation of it seems given in the fable of Phaeton 
 driving the chariot of the Sun, and throwing all things into 
 disorder, so that there was one day wholly unlike all before 
 or after it. — This extraordinary miracle not only gave Israel 
 an opportunity of completing their victory, but rendered Joshua 
 honourable in the eyes of all the people ; and both him and 
 them terrible to the surrounding nations. It was also a pub- 
 lic attestation, that the God of Israel was the Lord of the 
 whole earth, and of the heavens: and a protest against idola- 
 try ; whilst the sun and moon, the worship of which formed 
 the most ancient and plausible kind of idolatry, were obedient 
 to the commands of the servants of Jehovah, the God of 
 Israel. (Note, Deut. 4:19.) — The book of Jasher seems to 
 have been a collection of records or poems, concerning the 
 chic/ events of the wars of Israel. In this collection, it is 
 
 ( 402 ) 
 
 20 And it came to pass, when Joshua, and the 
 children of Israel rhad made an end of slaying' 
 them with a very great slaughter, till they were 
 consumed, that the rest which remained of them 
 entered into fenced cities. 
 
 21 And all the people returned ito the camp to 
 Joshua at Makkedah in peace ; "none moved his 
 tongue against any of the children of Israel. 
 
 22 Then said .Joshua, "Open the mouth of the 
 cave, and bring out those five kings unto me out 
 of the cave. 
 
 23 And they did so, and brought forth those 
 five kings unto him out of the cave, 'the king of 
 Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jar- 
 muth, the king of Laehish, and the king of Eglon. 
 
 24 And it came to pass, when they brought out 
 those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all 
 the men of Israel, and said unto the captains ot 
 the men of war which went with him, Come near, 
 "put your feet upon the necks of these kings. 
 And they came near, and put their feet upon the 
 necks of them. 
 
 25 And Joshua said unto them, "Fear not, nor 
 be dismayed, be strong and of good courage : for 
 nhus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against 
 whom ye fight. 
 
 26 And afterward 'Joshua smote them, and 
 slew them, and "hanged them on five trees: and 
 they were hanged upon the trees until the even- 
 ing. 
 
 27 And it came to pass, at the time of the 
 going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, 
 and b they took them down oft’ the trees, and cast 
 them into the cave wherein they had been hid, 
 
 22. Mic. 7:17. m 22. Judg. 9:46-49. Job 21:30. Am. 5:19. 9:1. Mall. 27:66. 
 n Ps. 18:37 — 41. Jet". 48:10. J Heb. cut off the tail. Is. 9:14,15. o 20. 2Snm. 
 17:13. 20:6. Jer. 8:14. p 10. 8:24. 2 Chr. 13:17. q 15— 17. r Ex. 11:7. Ii. 
 54.7.57:4. s See on 16— 18. t See on 1,3,5. u Deut. 33:29. Judg. 8:20. Ps. 
 2:8—12.91:13. 107:40.110:1,5.149:8,9. Is. 26:5,6 . 60:11,12. Mai. 4:3. Ron*. 
 16:20. Rev. 2:26,27. x See on 1:9. Deut. 31 :6— 8. 1 Sam. 17:37. Ps. 63:9. 77; 
 11. 2 Cor. 1:10. 2 Tim. 4:17,18. y See on Dent. 3:21 ,22. 7:19. z J»dg.8:2l. 
 1 Sam. 15:33. a 8:29. Num. 25:4. Deut. 21 :2"2,23. 2 Sam. 21:6,9. Esth. 2:23. 
 7:9,10. Matt. 27:5. Gal. 3:13. b2Sam. 18:17. 
 
 probable, there were further particulars concerning this mira- 
 cle : or a poem on the occasion, well known among the Israel- 
 ites. (Notes, Num. 21:11 — 15. 2 Sam. 1:18.) 
 
 V. 15. It cannot be supposed that Joshua would march 
 his army twenty or thirty miles in the midst of victory, just 
 after the above-mentioned miracle had been wrought, to give 
 them time to complete the destruction of their enemies. (19) 
 This verse therefore forms an evident interruption of the nar- 
 rative ; it is not found in some versions ; it is verbatim the 
 same as the last verse of the chapter; and probably was in- 
 serted here by the error of some ancient transcribers. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. The kings escaped the hailstones and the 
 sword, only to be reserved to a more ignominious death. For 
 the cave, in which they took shelter, became first their prison, 
 and then their grave. (27. Notes, 8:29. 2 Kings 19:36,37.) 
 
 V. 20. A few stragglers escaped the general carnage, and 
 got refuge in the fenced cities, but were soon followed thither 
 and destroyed. Some, however, might flee to fenced cities 
 farther to the north of the land, and at length to Tyre or Zi- 
 don; and so finally escape the slaughter. It is probable that 
 numbers, in the more northern regions, thus fled from the 
 sword of Israel ; and produced a superabundance of inhabit- 
 ants in those ancient cities, which made way for the colonies 
 being sent into Africa, which ancient history records ; and 
 from which Carthage especially arose, the powerful but un- 
 successful rival of Rome. (Note, Gen. 9:24,25.) 
 
 V. 21. Probably, a camp was prepared at Makkedah, for 
 the reception and accommodation of the army after the vic- 
 tory, in consequence of the kings being imprisoned in the cave 
 near to it. — No mention is made of any Israelite having been 
 killed, missing, or wounded ; though we are particularly in- 
 formed of the thirty-six men who were slain before Ai: but 
 all are said to have returned in peace to the camp. (Notes, 
 7:3 — 5. Num. 31:48 — 54.) It. may therefore be concluded, 
 that every one was preserved : and the victory was so com- 
 plete, that there was none who dared so much as to speak a 
 word in contempt or reproach of the Israelites. (Note, Ex. 
 11:7.) 
 
 V. 24, 25. This action of the captains was not intended 
 as a personal insult to the kings; but they subscribed, as it 
 were, their condemnation as the haidenea enemies of God, 
 and doomed by him to ignominy and destruction : as rejoicing 
 in his victory and triumph over them, and as taking encourage- 
 ment respecting the remaining kings of Canaan. (Marg, 
 Ref. u, x.) — The transaction was evidently typical of the 
 conquests of the Redeemer, as rejoiced in by his peoplo ; who, 
 in overcoming their spiritual enemies by his help, anticipate 
 that glorious season, when all his and theii bos sha' 1 bo put 
 
B. C. 1450. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 B. C. 1450. 
 
 and laid great stones in the cave’s mouth, which 
 remain 'until this very day, 
 
 28 ^1 And that day Joshua took Makkedah, and 
 smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king 
 thereof he utterly destroyed, d them, and all the 
 souls that were therein ; he let none remain : 'and 
 he did to the king of Makkedah as he did unto the 
 .ring of Jericho. 
 
 29 Then Joshua passed from Makkedah, and 
 all Israel with him, unto (Libnah, and fought 
 against Libnah : 
 
 30 And the Lord delivered it also, and the 
 king thereof, into the hand of Israel ; and he smote 
 it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls 
 tha) xeere therein: he let none remain in it; but 
 did unto the king thereof =as he did unto the king 
 of Jericho. 
 
 31 And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all 
 Israel with him, unto h Lachish, and encamped 
 against it, and fought against it : 
 
 32 And the Lord delivered Lachish into the 
 hand of Israel, which took it on the second day, 
 and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all 
 the souls that were therein, according to all that 
 he had done to Libnah. 
 
 33 Then Horam king of 'Gezer came up to 
 help Lachish: and Joshua smote him and his 
 people, until he had left him none remaining. 
 
 34 And from Lachish Joshua passed unto 
 k Eglon, and all Israel with him, and they encamped 
 against it, and fought against it: 
 
 35 And they took it 'on that day, and smote it 
 with the edge of the sword ; and all the souls that 
 
 ;Secon4-9. 7:23. d 32,3.3.37,39. 6:21. Dent. 7:2,16. 20:16,17. Ps. 21:8,9. 110: 
 1. Luke 19:27. 1 Tor. 15:25. e 30. 8:2. f 12:15. 15:42. 21:13. 2Kings8:22: 
 19:8. Jer.521. g 28. 6:21. 8:2,29. 1:3,5. 12:11.15:39. 2 Kings 19:8. 2 Chr. 
 11:9. Mic. 1:13. i 12.12. 16:3,10. 21:21. Jmlg. 1:29. 1 Kings9:16,17. lChr.6: 
 67.20:1. k 3. 12:12. 15:39. 1 32. m 37. Lev. 26:44. Job 19:10. n 3,5. 14:13, 
 14. 15:54. 21:13. Gen. 13:18. Num. 13:22. Judg. 1:10. 2 Rnm. 5:1— 5. 15:9,10. 
 
 1 Chr. 12:23. o 12.13. 15:15,49.21:15. Judg. 1:11— 15. p 33,37,40. 11:8. Dent. 
 
 under his feet. (Notes, Gen. 3:14,15. Ps. 110:5,6. Rom. 16: 
 17—20.) 
 
 V. 26, 27. Marg. Ref. Note , 8:29. 
 
 V. 28. MaUkedah seems to have been taken by a sudden 
 onset, the very day on which the other victory was obtained, 
 and which had been lengthened out by the sun standing still ; 
 and while the five kings were ignominiously suspended before 
 the city. — Some learned men however think, that nothing 
 more is meant by the words that day, than that Makkedah was 
 taken on the same day on which it was assaulted. — We are 
 not expressly told, how the king of Jericho was slain : but 
 probably he was hanged up, as the king of Ai was, and as 
 these five kings were. (Note, 8:29.) 
 
 V. 31 — 3 ; . The king of Lachish had been before put to 
 death. (23,26.) — Probably a detachment vanquished the king 
 of Gezer, and destroyed his people, while Joshua and the 
 main body took Lachish. 
 
 V. 36, 37. The king of Hebron was one of the five before 
 hanged: (23,26.) but, as some time had now elapsed, proba- 
 bly his successor had been appointed. This might be deemed 
 the more necessary, as it was a considerable place, having 
 olher cities dependent upon it. — It is not agre'ed, whether 
 Caleb at this time conquered the Anakims, or whether some 
 of them now escaped to Gaza; (Note, 11:21 — 23.) and after- 
 wards returning got possession ofHcbron, and were destroyed 
 by Caleb when the land had been divided. The latter opinion 
 seems v more consonant with the history. (Notes, 14:6 — 15. 
 15:13,14. Judg. 1:10—15.) 
 
 V. 40 — 43. When the Israelites had first passed Jordan, 
 they made but slow progress. Jericho was taken by miracle ; 
 but the city was desolated, and all the spoil was destroyed, 
 or dedicated to sacred uses. (Notes, 6:17—19,26.) They 
 shared the^spoil of Ai, but the city was burnt and made a 
 heap. ( Note, 8:28.) Gibeon surrendered and was spared. 
 (Notes, 9:) But when their faith, patience, and obedience 
 had been properly proved, their success was more rapid ; and 
 they were enriched by the spoil of all these cities, and by tbe 
 houses both of the cities and villages, which were preserved 
 'or their use ; and by the acquisition of all the adjacent coun- 
 try : and its flocks, and herds, and crops, and stores; while 
 the inhabitants were either destroyed or driven away. Thus 
 God gave them “ great and goodly cities, which they built not ; 
 houses full of good things, which they filled not ; and wells 
 digged, which they digged not.” (.Deuf. 6:10, 11.) — The Israel- 
 is, however, still continued in a body at Gilgal, and did not 
 as yet inhabit their cities.— They had now conquered almost 
 all the southern part of the land. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. When sinners renounce the service of Satan 
 and the friendship of the world, that they may make peace 
 
 '*h God and join interests with Israel ; they must not “ mar- 
 vel if the world hate ’hem,” if their former friends become 
 
 were therein he m utterly destroyed that day, 
 according to all that he had done to Lachish. 
 
 36 And Joshua went up from Eglon, and all 
 Israel with him, unto “Hebron, and they fought 
 against it: 
 
 37 And they took it, and smote it with the edge 
 of the sword, and the king thereof, and all th. 
 cities thereof, and all the souls that were therein . 
 he left none remaining, (according to all that ht 
 had done to Eglon,) but destroyed it utterly, and 
 all the souls that were therein. 
 
 38 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with 
 him, to °Debir : and fought against it : 
 
 39 And he took it, and the king thereof, and ah 
 the cities thereof, and they smote them with the 
 edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the 
 souls that were therein ; Phe left none remaining: 
 as he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir, 
 and to the king thereof; as he had done also to 
 Libnah, and to her king. 
 
 40 So Joshua smote ?all the country of the hills, 
 and of the south, and of the vale, and of the 
 springs, and all their kings : he left none remain- 
 ing, but 'utterly destroyed all that breathed, ‘as 
 the Lord God of Israel commanded. 
 
 41 And Joshua smote them from ‘Kadesh- 
 barnea even unto “Gaza, and I all the country of 
 Goshen even unto Gibeon. 
 
 42 And all these kings, and their land, did 
 Joshua take at one time; ^because the Lord God 
 of Israel fought for Israel. 
 
 43 And Joshua returned, and all Israel with 
 him, Hinto the camp to Gilgal. 
 
 3:3. 2 Kings 10:11. Ob. 18. q 15:21—63.18:21—28.19:1—8,40—48. r 35,37. 
 1 Kings 15:29. Ps. 9:17. 2Thes. 1:7:9. s 6:17. 8:2,27. 9:24. Ex. 23:31— 33. 34: 
 12. Dent. 7:2,16. 20:16,17. t 14:6,7. Nnm. 13:26. 32:8. 34:4. Deul. 9.23. 
 u Gen. 10:19. Jutig. 16:1,21. 1 Sam. 6:17. Zech. 9:5. Acts 8:26. xll:16. 15: 
 51. y 14. Ex. 14:14,25. Deut.20:4. Ps. 44:3-8 . 46:1,7,11. 80:3. 118:6. Is. 
 8:9,10. 43:4. Rom. 8:31-37. z 15. 4:19. 1 Sam. 11:14. 
 
 their most rancorous foes, and if they meet with unexpected 
 opposition and temptations. For thus Satan the God of this 
 world discourages many who are convinced of their danger, 
 and almost persuaded to be Christians; but are so afraid of 
 the cross, that they dare not venture to act according to the 
 dictates of their consciences. Yet indeed these trials should 
 excite new converts to greater diligence, in seeking the com- 
 fortable assurance that the covenant of peace is ratified with 
 them by a merciful God; in surrendering themselves the more 
 unreservedly to his service ; and in applying to him for pro- 
 tection and deliverance. For the meanest and most feeble ol 
 those who have just begun to serve the Lord, notwithstanding 
 former crimes and present infirmities, are equally entitled to 
 his defence, with those who have long and faithfully been his 
 servants. — -They, who are enemies to the Lord’s people 
 because they belong to him, are adjudged his enemies : nor do 
 any sinners more hasten and augment their own condemna- 
 tion, than such as combine to impede the progress of true 
 religion, by persecuting and intimidating those who seem dis- 
 posed to serve God. — No difficulties or dangers need dismay 
 the believer, when in the path of duty and confiding in the 
 Lord: and it is peculiarly incumbent upon us to defend and 
 rescue the oppressed and afflicted, who have exposed them- 
 selves to trouble for our sake or the gospel’s, and who look to 
 us for help. In such a cause we ought not to be backward to 
 endure hardship and fatigue, and expose ourselves to loss or 
 inconvenience, rather than grieve, by needless delays, those 
 who depend on our aid. — The assurance of divine assist- 
 ance should animate us to action, and to devise and execute 
 every proper plan to ensure success: and when we trust in 
 the Lord, and give him the praise, we shall experience assist- 
 ance in some measure proportioned to our boldness and dili- 
 gence.— The sun, moon, and stars in their courses, (Note, 
 Judg. 5:20.) yea, the whole creation, will fight for the Lord’s 
 people against, his enemies, though not so miraculously, yet as 
 effectually, as in the days of Joshua; for all things combine to 
 promote the salvation of the righteous, and the destruction o. 
 the wicked. How infatuated then are they who harden thei. 
 hearts against that God, whose mandate can arm all the uni- 
 verse to execute vengeance on his enemies! 
 
 V. 16 — 43. “ Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall 
 not be unpunished :” their wisest counsels prove a snare to 
 entangle them ; their most valiant and vigorous exertions ex- 
 pose their weakness, and end in disgrace and dismay ; their 
 choicest blessings are changed into a curse ; and their secure 
 retreats become their prisons, or their graves ! — Kings and 
 mighty captains, who are disobedient to God, will it last be 
 treated as arch-rebels, to be distinguished only by the deepest 
 infamy and the heaviest vengeance: and all the Israel of God 
 will join the triumph of the Captain of their salvation, in tram- 
 pling upon the necks of their proudest opposers, and exc^m- 
 ing, “ So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord ” • */</_, Pi. 
 
 ( 493 ) 
 
B. C 1448. JOSHUA. B. C. 1448 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 The remaining Icings ♦*/ Cana/in confederate against Israel , 1 — 5. God 
 encourages Joshua , who attacks and conquers them , 6— 9. He burns Hazor , 
 and takes the cities of the other kings , and destroys the inhabitants in obe- 
 dience to the Lord, 10 —15. A general account of his conquests, 16 — 18. 
 The hearts of the Cunaanites hardened, 19,20. The Anakims destroyed , 
 21, 22. The land rests from roar, 23. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when *Jabin king of 
 Hazor had heard those things , that b he sent 
 to Jobab king of c Madon, and to frhe king of 
 Shimron, and to the kin^ of Achshaph. 
 
 2 And to the kings that were ‘'on the north of 
 the mountains, and of the plains south of e Chin- 
 neroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of 
 ‘Dor on the west ; 
 
 3 And to the Canaanite on the east and on the 
 west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and 
 the Perizzite, and sthe Jebusite in the mountains, 
 and to h the Hivite under 'Hermon, in k the land of 
 Mizpeh. , 
 
 4 And they went out, they and all their hosts 
 with them, much people, even 'as the sand that is 
 upon the sea-shore in multitude, with horses and 
 chariots very many. 
 
 5 And when m all these kings were ‘met together, 
 they came and pitched together at the waters of 
 Merom, to fight against Israel. 
 
 6 And the Lord said unto Joshua, °Be not 
 afraid because of them; for p to-morrow about this 
 time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel : 
 
 a 10. 12:19. 19:36. .Judg. 4.2.17. b 10:3,4. Ps. 2:1— 4. 83:1—3. Is. 26:11. 43:2, 
 5—7. 0 12:19,20.19:45,25. <121. 10:6.40. I.nke 1 39. e 12:3. S«o»Niim. 
 S4:ll. Chinnerelh. Luke 5:1. Gennesaret. f 12:23. 17:11. JuHg. 1:27. 1 Kings 
 4:11. g 15:63. Num. 13:29. 2 Sarr.. 24:16. h Judg. 3:3. i 13:11. Dent. 4:49. 
 Ps. 89-12. 133:3. Cant. 4:8. k 18:25. Judg. 20:1. 21:5,8. 1 Sam. 7:5 — 7. 10:17. 
 1 Kings 15:22. Jer. 40:6,10. 41:3,14. 1 Gen. 22:17. 32:12. Judg. 7:12. 1 Sam. 
 13:5. 2Sam. 17:11. 1 Kings 4:20. m Ps. 3:1. 1 18:10— 12. Is. 8:9. Rev. 16:14. 
 
 149:6 — 9.) This will be the final event of all the conflicts 
 between the church of God and its persecutors : but at present 
 we are called, not to avenge ourselves, but to forgive, love, 
 and pray for our enemies ; and endeavour to conquer their 
 hearts with persevering patience and kindness. The Chris- 
 tian’s warfare is of another nature: our most dangerous ene- 
 mies are our own lusts, as in a league with the powers of 
 darkness ; and our sharpest conflicts and most glorious victo- 
 ries consist in resisting the devil, subduing the flesh, and 
 striving against sin. In this war we must form no alliance, 
 and give no quarter: and our once domineering sin, whether 
 covetousness, pride, sensuality, or malice, must be marked 
 as the object of our peculiar enmity and opposition ; this, this 
 especially, must be crucified. (P. O. 1 Sam. 15:22 — 35, 
 conclusion. Notes , 2 Sam. 22:21 — 28. Heb. 12:1.) The ac- 
 tivity, vigilance, courage, and wisdom, which this warfare 
 requires, must be sought in earnest prayer ; and thus we must 
 “ put on the whole armour of God:” yet in trusting him, we 
 must by no means abate our diligence and self-denial. Nor 
 must we be satisfied with obtaining some important victory, 
 but push our advantages, and pursue our scattered enemies, 
 searching out the remains of sin ; and thus aspire at further 
 conquests, till we have set. our feet upon the neck of every 
 lust, and completed its entire destruction. In so doing we 
 may confidently expect the Lord’s assistance ; he will slay our 
 indwelling sin, and yet spare us, though the union seem in- 
 separable : he will afford us light during our whole conflict, 
 until the warfare be accomplished ; he will make one victory 
 the forerunner and earnest of another ; he will encourage us, 
 and.lead us on from strength to strength, until he has made us 
 more than conquer ors. “ The Lord God of Israel fighteth 
 for Israel and when he has exercised our faith, patience, 
 and submission, he will bring us to the mansions above, en- 
 riched with the spoils of our conquered enemies, to join in 
 songs of everlasting triumph and joyful praise. — But let every 
 Israelite remember, that he is a soldier belonging to a great 
 army, whom he is to assist with all his power. Beside those 
 particular advantages which he obtains for his own soul, the 
 whole company are trying to gain advantages against the 
 common enemy, by daily increasing the numbers of true be- 
 lievers. The endeavours indeed of an individual must appear 
 inconsiderable ; but the combined efforts of the whole multi- 
 tude may produce vast effects. And oh ! that God would 
 incline the hearts of all who love Jesus Christ, and his cause 
 of truth and righteousness, to lay aside their petty disputes 
 and self-seeking, with their zeal for the interests of a party, 
 that they might all concur in this glorious warfare ; w endea- 
 vouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace 
 boldly professing their attachment to the crucified Saviour; 
 and striving to “let. their light shine before men, that they 
 may see their good works, and glorify their Father which is 
 in heaven. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XL V. 1 — 3. All the kings between 
 Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea, from north to south, had 
 confederated against Israel; (Notes, 9:1,2. 10:1 — 5.) but it 
 seems, that the events recorded in the two preceding chapters 
 bad disconcerted their measures: so that for a time the kings, 
 ( 404 ) 
 
 thou shalt though their r horses, and burn their 
 chariots with fire. 
 
 7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war 
 with him, against them by the waters of Merom 
 •suddenly, and they fell upon them. 
 
 8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand 
 of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto 
 tgreat Zidon, and unto tMisrephotb-maim, and 
 unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward : and they 
 smote them, until they left them none remaining. 
 
 9 And Joshua did unto them as the Lord bade 
 him : ‘he houghed their horses, and burnt their 
 chariots with (ire. 
 
 10 And Joshua at that time turned bark and 
 took "Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the 
 sword : for Hazor before-time was the head of all 
 those kingdoms. 
 
 11 And they smote all the souls that were 
 therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroy- 
 ing them : there was not §any left to breathe ; and 
 he burnt Hazor with fire. 
 
 12 Ami x all the cities of those kings, and all the 
 kings of them, did Joshua take and smote them 
 with the edge of the sword, and he utterly de- 
 stroyed them, 7as Moses the servant of the Lord 
 commanded. 
 
 13 But as for the cities that stood still "in their 
 strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor 
 only ; that did Joshua burn. 
 
 * Heb. assembled by appointment, o See on 10:8. Ps. 27:1,2. 46:11. p 3:5. 
 Judg. 20:28. 1 Sam. 11:9. 2 Chr. 20:16. q 9. 2 Sam. 8:4. rDent. 17:16. Ps. 
 20:7,8.46:9.147:10,11. Is. 30:16. 31 : 1 . s 10:9. 1 Thes. 5:2,3. t Or, Zidon- 
 rabbah. 19:28. Gen. 10:15. 49:13. Zech. 9:2. J Or, salt-pits. Heb. burning 6 
 of waters. 13:6. t 6. Ez. 39:9. u See on 1. Judg. 4:2. § Heb. any breath. 10: 
 10. x 10:28,30,32,35,37,39,40. y 15. 8:8,31. 9:24. 10:40. Nura. 33:52,53. Deut. 
 7:2. 20:16,17. II Heb. on th-.ir heap. Jer. 30:18. 
 
 who possessed the northern parts of the land, remained inac- 
 tive ; and as Joshua did not attack them, they might have con- 
 cluded that Israel, satisfied with their present acquisitions, 
 would push their conquests no further, if not molested. But 
 their enmity, resentment, and apprehensions would not permit 
 them to be quiet ; and when their courage revived, they re- 
 newed their confederacy. (Notes, Ex. 14:1 — 9.) Thus it was 
 doubtless ordered by a divine interposition, that, except in 
 Israel’s crossing over Jordan into Canaan, and in the destruc- 
 tion of Jericho and Ai, the Canaanites rushed forward upon 
 their own ruin. ( Note , 19,20.) — The regions here mentioned 
 seem to include the whole country, from Jerusalem on the 
 south, to the utmost borders of the land on the north. The 
 different tribes, descended from Canaan, appear to have been 
 settled in every part of it. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 4. Josephus states this army at three hundred thou- 
 sand foot, with cavalry and chariots in proportion. We may 
 with certainty infer the populousness and fertility of the pro- 
 mised land, from the text itself; and also perceive the occa- 
 sion which Joshua had of encouragement : for he had neither 
 chariots nor horsemen in his army. (6) — It is generally 
 thought, that the horses, both for the cavalry and thechariot*, 
 were brought out of Egypt, and not bred in Canaan. (iVble* , 
 Deut, 17:16. 1 Kings 1 0:28,29.) 
 
 V. 6. By cutting some sinews of the legs, the horses were 
 rendered incapable of service, except perhaps in agriculture, 
 and other common employments. — Joshua, and the princes of 
 Israel, might have thought this a good*opportunity of furnish- 
 ing themselves with cavalry for future use ; but they were not 
 permitted to trust in chariots and horses, and were therefore 
 commanded to disable or destroy the whole. This com- 
 mand formed a proper trial of their faith and obedience*; and 
 their prompt compliance implied a confidence in God, and a 
 contempt and defiance of the most formidable enemies and 
 preparations of war, which was becoming their character, and 
 honourable to his name. (9. Notes , 17:16. •7'i/c/gr. 1:19. 4:14,15. 
 5:15,16.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. Though the armament of theso kings was so 
 exceedingly formidable, Joshua, relying on the Lord, marched 
 directly to attack them ; and his success was so complete, 
 that the whole company was entirely extirpated or dispersed, 
 and driven out of the land. Probably, a considerable number 
 of fugitives escaped to Zidon and Tyre. (Note, 10:20.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. Joshua had now carried the war to the north- 
 ern extremities of the land, even to the great and ancient city 
 of Zidon : ho then turned back to destroy Hazor, and its king 
 who had taken shelter in his capital, and \n!io was at the 
 head of the confederacy ; (Note, 1 — 3.) and as that was not 
 intended to be the chief city of the Israelites, it was ournt to 
 the ground. The Canaanites, however, afierwards rebuilt 
 it; and it became the capital of another Jabin in the time of 
 the Judges. (Note, Judg. 4:2,3.) 
 
 V. 13. All the cities which were taken by assault, or sur 
 rendered before their fortifications were destroyed, were left 
 for the use of Israel, except Hazor only. 
 
 V. 15. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 3j:43. Deut. 7:3,4. 1 Sam 
 15:8,9,13—15,22. 
 
B. C. 1450. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. B. C l 450. 
 
 14 And all ‘the spoil of these cities, and the 
 cattle, the children of Israel took for a prey unto 
 themselves : but every man they smote with the 
 edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, 
 •neither left they any to breathe. 
 
 15 As b the Lord commanded Moses his servant, 
 •so did Moses command Joshua, d and so did 
 Joshua : “he "left nothing undone of all that the 
 Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 16 II So Joshua took f all that land, the shills, 
 and all the south country, and all h the land of 
 Goshen, and the valley, and the plain, and the 
 mountain of Israel, and the valley of the same ; 
 
 17 Even from 'the mount Halak, k that goeth up 
 to 'Seir, even unto Baal-gad, in the valley of Le- 
 banon, under mount Hermon : and “all their kings 
 ke took, and smote them, and slew them. 
 
 18 Joshua made war "a long time with all those 
 kings. 
 
 19 There was not a city that made peace with 
 the children of Israel, save °the Hivites, the in- 
 
 »8:27. Num. 31:9. Dent. 6:10,11. 20:14. nil. 10:40. b See on 'v. 12. F.x.34: 
 11—13. c Dent. 7:2. 31:7. <11:7. Ex. 39:42,43. Dent. 4:5. 2 Chr. 30:12. Deut. 
 4:2.12:32. 1 Sara. 15:1— 8,8,9,11,19— 22. Matt. 23:23. Duke 11:42. Acts 20:20, 
 27. *Heb. removed nothing, f Gen. 15:18—21. Nuin. 34:2 — 13. Dent. 34:2,3. g 9: 
 1. 12:8. h 10:41. i 21 . Ez. 17:23. 36:1 — 3,8. t Or , the smooth mountain. 
 k Gen. 32:3. Deut. 2:1. 33:2. 13.1:4.12:7.13:5. m 12:7— 24. Deut. 7:24. 
 
 o 23. 14:7 — 10. o See on 9:3— 27. p See on Ex. 4:21 . 9:16. Deut. 2:30. Judg. 
 
 V. 16. The land of Goshen.] (10:41.) This district of 
 Canaan seems to have derived its name from the land of 
 Goshen in Egypt ; (Gen. 47:6.) perhaps from some similarity 
 to that region, which was observed in it, in appearance or 
 fertility. — Some think that “ the mountain of Israel” means 
 Beth-el ; and others that it was some place where Jacob 
 resided, which was called Israel from him. 
 
 V. 17. The length of the land from the borders of Seir, 
 or Edom, to mount Lebanon, is here described. 
 
 V. 18. Caleb was forty years of age when he went from 
 Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and he was eighty-five 
 when these conquests were completed. (14:7 — 10.) Almost 
 thirty-nine years of this time were spent before Israel passed 
 over Jordan ; so that this calculation leaves between six and 
 seven years for the term of Joshua’s wars. — The whole coun- 
 try from north to south was then subjected, and all the 
 inhabitants, with whom the Israelites had met, were destroy- 
 ed. The subsequent history shows that the nations were not 
 exterminated, but that numbers concealed themselves till they 
 were again able to make head against Israel ; and many, it is 
 supposed, fled to Zidon and Tyre, and thence migrated into 
 distant countries and settled colonies in them. (Notes, 7,8. 
 10:20. Gen. 9:24,25.) 
 
 V. 19, 20. The Lord had forbidden Israel to make any 
 league with the idolatrous inhabitants of the land; but the 
 examples of Rahab and of the Gibeonites show, that indivi- 
 duals or cities, who would renounce idolatry, and heartily 
 come into the interests of Israel, might be spared. The 
 Canaanites in general, however, were not in the least dis- 
 posed to do this : and they never so much as proposed any terms 
 of accommodation. “ For it was of the Lord to harden 
 their hearts :” they had filled up the measure of their iniquity ; 
 and were judicially left to blindness, pride, and obstinate 
 enmity, and to the power of Satan : and the dispensations of 
 Providence were appointed in that manner, which most tend- 
 ed to render them pertinacious in resisting, and to drive them 
 to desperation ; in order that they might bring upon them- 
 selves that vengeance which they had justly merited, and 
 of which the Lord had constituted the Israelites his execu- 
 tioners, by the comman (merit given to Moses. ( Marg . 
 Ref. Notes, Ex. 4:21. 9:12— 16. 14:3,4. Deut. 2:30.) This 
 last reason is added, and repeatedly mentioned, (15) to show 
 that Joshua and Israel did not act out of cruelty, revenge, or 
 avarice ; but simply in obedience to God, which alone could 
 induce pious men to make such undistinguishing slaughter of 
 their fellow-creatures : and doubtless, many of them did very 
 great violence to their own feelings and inclinations, while 
 engaged in that service. (Notes, Num. 20:14—21. 21:21—25. 
 31:14—18.) 
 
 V . 21 — 23. The Anakims, whose name had formerly so ter- 
 rified the unbelieving Israelites, no ways distinguished them- 
 selves in this war, but were subdued and destroyed with the 
 other inhabitants. (Marg. Ref. r.) — -It seems evident, that Jo- 
 shua conquered the Anakims, and desolated their cities before 
 the division of the land : yet several of the principal persons 
 escaped into the country of the Philistines, and settled there ; 
 from whom Goliath, and the other giants afterwards mention- 
 ed, descended. But after a time some of them returned, with 
 followers, and rebuilt the cities: and Caleb and Othniel, to 
 whom that part of the country was assigned, vanquished and 
 destroyed them after the division of the land, perhaps after 
 he death of Joshua. (Notes, 10:36,37. 14:6 — 15. 15:13 — 17 
 Tudg. 1:10 — 15.) The conquered cities had doubtless before 
 tiis been garrisoned, and some of the people dispersed 
 hrough the country to cultivate the lands ; and preparation 
 was now making for the regular partition of it among their 
 
 habitants of Gibeon ; all other they took in bat- 
 tle. 
 
 20 For fit was of the Loud to harden their 
 hearts, that they should come against Israel in 
 battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and 
 that they might have no favour, but that he migh 
 destroy them ; <ias the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 21 And at that time came Joshua, and cut ofi 
 r the Anakims from the mountains; from Hebron, 
 from Debir, from Anab, and from all the moun- 
 tains of Judah, and from all the mountains ol 
 Israel ; "Joshua destroyed them utterly with their 
 cities. 
 
 22 There was none of the Anakims left in the 
 land of the children of Israel ; 'only in Gaza, in 
 Gath, and in Ashdod, there remained. 
 
 23 So Joshua took the whole land, “according to 
 all that the Lord said’unto Moses, and Joshua 
 gave it for an inheritance unto Israel, "according to 
 their divisions by their tribes. ?And the land 
 rested from war. 
 
 14:4. 1 Sim. 7:25. 1 Kings 12:15. 22:20—23. 2 Chr. 25:16. Is. 6:9,10. Rom. 9 
 18,22,23. qSee on 12:15. r 14:12— 14. 15:13.14. Num. 13:22,33. Deut. 1:23 
 2:21. Judg. 1:10,11,20. Jer. 3:23. 9:23. Am. 2:9. s 10:42. 24:11,12. Ps. 110:5,6 
 149:6—9. Rev. 6:2. 19:11— 21. I Judg. 3:3. 1 Sam. 17.4. 2 Sam. 21 : 16— 22. 
 
 1 Chr. 20:4 — 8. u Ex. 23:27— 31. 34:11. Num. 34:2— 13. Deut. 11:23— 25. 
 x 14:— 16: 18: 19: 'Num. 26:53,54. y 14:15. 21:44 . 22:4 . 23:1. Pa. 46:9 
 
 2 Tim. 4:7,8. Heb. 4:8,9. 
 
 tribes and families. New occupations, with which the nation 
 had hitherto been entirely unacquainted, now called for their 
 attention : but the Lord, who gave them the land, was able to 
 teach them to cultivate it ; and they would soon make pro- 
 ficiency under such an Instructer. (Note, Is. 28:23 — 29.) — 
 Great numbers of the ancient inhabitants still continued in the 
 land, or waited in the adjacent countries for an opportunity 
 of regaining their possessions : but, for the present, they lay 
 concealed, or remained quiet ; so that the Israelites were not 
 molested by their assaults or incursions. • 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The believer must never put off his armour, or expect dura- 
 ble peace, till he closes his eyes in death ; nay, as his strength, 
 consolations, and usefulness are increased, he may expect 
 more heavy trials and severe conflicts : but while he continues 
 watching and praying, he may confidently trust that none of 
 his enemies shall be permitted to assail him, till he is pre- 
 pared for the battle. — The strongest faith would naturally grow 
 weak, if we were left to ourselves ; and whenever we view 
 difficulties or dangers with an eye of sense, our hearts are 
 overwhelmed with discouragement. But Jesus ever liveth to 
 intercede for his people, and their faith shall not fail, however 
 Satan may assault them. (Note, Luke 22:31 — 34.) By 
 waiting upon the Lord they renew their strength ; and their 
 hopes revive, and their hearts rejoice, even in the midst of 
 tribulation. Perplexing trials render their dependence on 
 God more simple, their prayers more fervent, and in the event 
 their gratitude more lively: and without exception, every 
 cross and temptation, which the believer is enabled properly 
 to endure, enriches his soul with increasing holiness, and will 
 enlarge his everlasting inheritance. — The possession of those 
 things on which the carnal heart is prone to depend, is unfa- 
 vourable to the life of faith and the walk with God ; and it is 
 immensely better to be without secular advantages, than to 
 have our everlasting interests endangered. — They who pros- 
 per in the ways of the Lord, attend to the precepts and 
 directions of his word as well as to the promises ; while sim- 
 plicity of faith is shown by unreserved obedience. ( Notes % 
 Heb. 11:8 — 10,13 — 10.) — The servants of God have different 
 employments allotted them : but every service requires self- 
 denial, in respect of some or other of our natural inclinations ; 
 and therefore, without, the habit of submitting our will to his 
 command, we cannot implicitly follow him. Nay frequently 
 in pleasing God, we must expose ourselves to the censure and 
 reproach of our fellow-creatures; and our best actions may 
 by ill judging men be supposed to result from the worst of 
 principles : but the testimony of our conscience, and the 
 approbation of our Judge, will compensate all consequences.— 
 Would we approve ourselves upright, w'e must “leave no- 
 thing undone which the Lord has commanded for though* 
 omissions are not so scandalous, either in the world or in the 
 church, as commissions, they are as certainly acts of disobe- 
 dience, and effects of a will unsubjected to the divine autho- 
 rity. — However tedious, sharp, and difficult the believer’s war- 
 fare is, his patience in tribulation may be encouraged by the 
 joyfulness of hope ; for he will, ere long, rest fronr sin and 
 sorrow in the Canaan above. — But how dreadful is the case 
 of the obstinate unbeliever, who is not moved, either by 
 promises, warnings, judgments, or mercies, to seek reconcili- 
 ation to his offended God ! — When transgressors have pro- 
 voked Him to leave them to themselves, they soon, by in- 
 creasing presumption and hardness of heart, make way for 
 the execution of this purposed vengeance, and for the display 
 of his righteousness in their eternal destruction : (Note, Rom. 
 2:4 — G.) nor will numbers, strength, or q jirnal confidences 
 avail, when God shall arise to e>? ut judgment on hid 
 l 405 ) 
 
B. (J. H52. JOSHUA. B. C. 1451. 
 
 CFAPTER XII. 
 
 A lift of the kings subdued by Moses, eastward of Jordan , 1—6 : and of the 
 one and thirty kirr's conquered by Joshua , westward of that river , 7 — 24. 
 
 N OW these are the kings of the land which 
 the children of Israel smote and possessed 
 their land “on the other side Jordan, towards the 
 rising of the sun ; b from the river Arnon c unto 
 mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east ; 
 
 2 d Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelt in 
 Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is upon the 
 bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of 
 the river, and from halt Gilead, even unto the 
 river 'Jabbok, which is the border of the children 
 of Ammon : 
 
 3 And from the plain to the f sea of Chinneroth 
 on the east, and unto ethe sea of the plain ; even 
 the salt sea on the east, the way to h Beth-jeshi- 
 moth : and from "the south under f Ashdoth-pis- 
 gah. 
 
 4 And 'the coast of Og king of Bashan, which 
 was of 'the remnant of the giants, that k dwelt at 
 Ashtaroth and at Edrei, 
 
 5 And reigned in 'mount Hermon, and in ra Sal- 
 cah, and in all Bashan, "unto the border of the 
 Geshurites, and the Maachathites, and half Gilead, 
 the border of Sihon king of Heshbon ; 
 
 6 Them "did Moses the servant of the Lord, 
 and the children of Israel, smite : and Moses the 
 servant of the Lord pgave it for a possession unto 
 the Reubenites, and Gadites, and the half-tribe of 
 Manasseh. 
 
 7 H And these are the kings of the country, 
 which Joshua and the children of Israel smote son 
 this side Jordan on the west, r from Baal-gad in 
 the valley of Lebanon, even unto the mount 
 Halak, that goeth up to s Seir; which 'Joshua 
 gave unto the tribes of Israel for a possession, 
 according to their divisions : 
 
 8 In "the mountains, and in the valleys, and in 
 the plains, and in the springs, and in the wilder- 
 ness, and in the south country ; "the Hittites, the 
 n.c.i Amorites, and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, 
 U5U.J t | ie Hivites, and the Jebusites. 
 
 a 1:15. 12*2:4. b Num. 21:13,21. Dem. 2:24. Judj. U:1S. Is. 16:2. c 11:3,17-. 
 De, u. 3:8,3. 4:48. I s. 133:3. d Num. 2t:23— 30. Deul. 2:24— 37. 3:6— 16. Neh. 
 9:22. Ps. 135:11. 136.19,20. e Gen. 32:22. Judg. 11:13,22. f Seron 11:2. John 
 6:1. Settof Tiberias. g3:16. 15:2,5. (Jen. 14:3. 19:25. Deni. 3:17. h 13:20. 
 •Or, Ternan. \ Or , the springs of Pisgah, or, the hill. Num. 21 ‘.20. Dent. 
 3:17. marg. 4:49. i See on Num. 21:33— 35. Dent. 3:1 — 7. ) 13:12. Deul. 3: 
 11. k See on Dent. 1 :4. \ See onl. 11:3. Deul. 3:8,9. 4:47,48. m 13:11. 
 
 IJeut. 3:10. nDeut.3:14. 1 Sam. 27:8. 2 Sam. 3:3. 13:37. 15:8. 23:34. 2 Kings 
 25:23. o Num. 21:24— 35. p 13:8— 32. Num. 32:29— 42. Deul. 3:12— 17. q 1. 
 3:17.9:1. r See on 11:17. 13:5. s (Jen. 45:6 . 32:3 36:8,20,30. Dent. 2:1,4. 
 t 1:3,4. 11:23. 13:— 19: Deut. 1 1 :23.24. k 10:40. 11:16. x Gen. 15: 18— 21. Ex. 
 3:8. 23:23,23 — 31. Deut. 7:1. 9:1. y 6:2— 21. 7.8:1, &c. a See on 10:23. 
 
 enemies. — Those trials and perils, the prospect of which 
 deter many from a life of godliness, and often excite the 
 apprehensions of the true believer, are frequently in experi- 
 ence too inconsiderable for notice, and only excite shame and 
 surprise, upon the recollection of the alarms which they 
 occasioned. Let sinners then take warning not to harden 
 their own hearts, lest God should give them up to judicial 
 hardness: let them lay down their arms of rebellion, and 
 humbly sue for u peace, and they shall make peace the 
 effect of which shall be 14 quietness and assurance for ever.” 
 And let none of us dread any thing in comparison of the 
 wrath of God, which is more tremendous than we can possi- 
 bly conceive. ( Note , Ps. 90:11.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1 — G. This chapter connects 
 tho history of the conquest of Canaan with the subsequent 
 account of its division to the tribes of Israel. The passages 
 referred to in the margin, seem to give all the useful informa- 
 tion that can be collected concerning the narrative. ( Notes , 
 Num. 21:21— 34. 32:29—41. Deut. 2:24—37. 3:1—11.) 
 
 V. 7. 44 Halak” signifies either division, or smooth. Per- 
 
 haps this mountain divided the land of Judah from Idumea. 
 ( 1 1:17. marg.) 
 
 V. 14. The Israelites utterly destroyed king Arad and 
 his cities, in the lifetime of Moses, and called the name of 
 them Hormah. (Note, Num. 21:1 — 3.) Probably 44 the king 
 of Arad,” here mentioned is the same person. As his king- 
 dom was on the southern border of Canaan, and not east of 
 Jordan, it came into the possession of Israel under Joshua ; 
 ana therefore he is numbered in that division of kings. Yet 
 Hormah is here mentioned as a distinct kingdom from that of 
 Arad: and perhaps there was another place of that name. 
 (Num. 14:45.) 
 
 V. 24. Every considerable town or city was under the govern- 
 ment of a king, who possessed the adjacent fields and villages, 
 and ruled, as it is generally supposed, with despotic sway : 
 and though the Canaanites doubtless waged frequent wars, 
 ( 406 ) 
 
 9 The king of r Jericho, one ; the king of *Ai, 
 which is beside Beth-el, one ; 
 
 10 The king of “Jerusalem, one ; the king of 
 b Hebron, one ; 
 
 11 The king of "Jarmuth, one ; the king of 
 d Lachish, one ; 
 
 12 The king of e Eglon, one ; the king oi < Gezer 
 one ; 
 
 13 The king of sDebir, one; the king of h Geder 
 one ; 
 
 14 The king of 'Hormah, one ; the king ol 
 k Arad, one ; 
 
 15 The king of 'Libnah, one ; the king of m Adub 
 lam, one ; 
 
 16 The king of “Makkedah, one ; the king of 
 0 Beth-el, one ; 
 
 17 The king of rTappuah, one; the king of 
 iHepher, one ; 
 
 18 The king of r Aphek, one : the king of ILash- 
 aron, one ; 
 
 19 The king of "Madon, one ; the king of 
 'Hazor, one ; 
 
 20 The king of "Shimron-meron, one ; the king 
 of x Achshaph, one ; 
 
 21 The king of ^Taanach, one; the king ot 
 'Megiddo, one ; 
 
 22 The king of “Kedesh, one ; the king of 
 b Jokneam of "Carmel, one; 
 
 23 The king of d Dor, in the coast of Dor, one; 
 the king of 'the nations of f Gilgal, one ; 
 
 24 The king of sTirzah, one : all the kings 
 thirty and one. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 What parts of the land were still unsubdued , 1 — 6. Joshua is directed to di- 
 vide the whole by lot. 7. The inheritance of the two tribes and a hal f, 8 — 13. 
 
 The borders of Reuben, 15 — 23; of Gad, 24 — 28; of the half tribe of Mar 
 
 nasseh , 29 — 32. No inheritance assigned to Levi, 14, 33. 
 
 N OW Joshua a was old and stricken in years; 
 
 and the Lord said unto him, Thou art old 
 and stricken in years, and there remaineth yet 
 very much land *to he possessed. 
 
 2 This is b the land that yet remaineth: all c the 
 borders of the Philistines, and all d Geshuri, 
 
 3 From e Sihor, which is before Egypt, even 
 
 h See on 10:3,23,36,37. c 10:3,23. d 10:3,23,31,32. e 10:3,23. 15:39. f 10:33. 
 g 10:3,38. 1.15:36. i Num. 14:45. 21:3. k Num. 21:1. 1 10:29,30. m 1 Sam. 
 2*2:1. 11 10:23. o8:l7. Gen. 12:8. 28:19. Judg. 1:22. p 15:34. q 19:13. 1 King! 
 4:10. r 19:30. 1 Sam. 4:1. 1 Or, Sharon. 33:9. s 11:1. 111:1,10,11. Jude. 
 
 4:2. u 11:1. 19:15. x 11:1. 19:25. y 17:11. Judg. 5:19. z 1 Kings 4:12 
 2 Kings 23:29,30. a 15:23. 19:37. 21:32. b 19:11. c 15:55. 1 Sam. 25.2. Is. 
 35:2. d 11£. 17:11. e Gen. 14:1,2. Is. 9:1. (See on 4:19. 5:9,10. g 1 KiDga 
 16:23. 2 Kings 15:14. a 14:10. 23:1,2. 24:29. Gen. 18:11. 1 Kings 1:1. Luke 1: 
 7. * Heb. to possess it. Deut. 31:3. b Ex. 23:29 — 31. Deut. 11 23, 24. Judg. 
 3:1. c Gen. 10:14. 26:1. Joel 3:4. d 11,13. 12:5. 1 Sam. 27:8. 2 Sam. 3:3. 13: 
 37,38.15:8. eJer.2:18. 
 
 and gained advantages over each other ; yet no one had ac- 
 quired the sovereignty of the whole. — When Julius Ccesar 
 ‘landed in Britain, he found four kings in the single county 
 of Kent: how many then must there have been in the whole 
 Island! — A single view of a good map of ancient Canaan 
 will show the reader all that learned men have conjectured 
 or determined concerning the relative situation of the seve- 
 ral places, which are mentioned in this and the followingchap- 
 ters. And indeed that is the only method of obtaining a clecu 
 idea of the subject. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The enjoyment of present blessings should revive the grate- 
 ful remembrance of former mercies: and the benefit derived 
 from the labours of the living servants of the Lord should re- 
 mind us to respect the memories of those who have hereto- 
 fore served Him and their generation. The national cove- 
 nant, mediated by Moses, engaged many temporal advan- 
 tages to Israel ; but Jesus alone brings the whole multitude of 
 believers to the promised rest and inheritance : and though 
 his true people enjoy many blessings from him in this world: 
 yet they do not enter upon the possession of their completo 
 felicity, till they pass over the Jordan of death to the man- 
 sions above. — The vengeance of a righteous God, inflicted 
 upon all these kings and their numerous subjects for their 
 wickedness, should impress our minds with reverential awe of 
 his majesty and nurity, and with dread and hatred of sin: 
 while tne fruitful land, which he bestowed upon bis chosen 
 people, and thus prepared for thoir reception, should inspire 
 our hearts with humble gratitude, and with hope and confi- 
 dence in his mercy. In both instances the final event of all 
 things is represented ; when the wicked 44 shall go away into 
 everlasting punishment, and tho righteous into life eternal." 
 Let us then 44 flee from tho wrath to come,” and seek and 
 pray to be numbered witli tho saints h*jre, that we may bo 
 numbered with them in glory everlasting 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIII. V. 1—5. Joshua i* supposed 
 
B. C. 1445. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 B. C. 144c 
 
 unto the borders of Ekron northward, f which is 
 counted to the Canaanite : sfive lords of the Phi- 
 listines ; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the 
 Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites ; also 
 the h Avites : 
 
 4 From the south, all 'the land of the Canaan- 
 ites, and 'Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, 
 unto k Aphek, to the borders of 'the Amorites : 
 
 5 And the land of the m Giblites, and all “Leba- 
 non toward the sunrising', from “Baal-gad runder 
 mount Hermoii, lunto the entering into Hamath. 
 
 6 All the inhabitants of the hill-country, 
 from Lebanon unto r Misrephoth-maim, and all the 
 Sidonians ; ‘them will I drive out from before the 
 children of Israel: ‘only divide thou it by lot unto 
 the Israelites for an inheritance, as I have com- 
 manded thee. 
 
 7 Now therefore divide “this land for an in- 
 heritance unto the nine tribes, and the half-tribe 
 of Manasseh, 
 
 8 With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites 
 have received their inheritance, which “Moses 
 gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, even as 
 Moses the servant of the Lord gave them: 
 
 9 From f Aroer, that is upon the hank of the 
 river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of 
 the river, and ‘all the plain Medeba unto Dibon ; 
 
 10 And “all the cities of Sihon king of the 
 Amorites, which reigned in Heshbon, unto the 
 border of the children of Ammon; 
 
 11 And b Gilead, and the border of the Ge- 
 shurites and Maachathites, and all mount Hermon, 
 and all Bashan unto Salcah: 
 
 12 All the kingdom of c Og in Bashan, which 
 reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained 
 of tlie remnant of the giants : for d these did Moses 
 smite, and cast them out. 
 
 13 Nevertheless, the children of Israel “expelled 
 not the Geshurites, nor the Maachathites : but 
 the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among 
 the Israelites until this day. 
 
 14 Only f unto the tribe of Levi he gave none 
 inheritance ; the sacrifices of the Lord God of 
 Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as he said 
 unto them. 
 
 15 11 And Moses gave unto the tribe of the 
 children of Reuben inheritance according to their 
 families : 
 
 Gen. 10:15— 19. Num.34:'2— 14. gjuil s .3:3. 1 Sam. 6:4,16,11. Zeph. 2:5, 
 nDeut.2:23. Avims. i 10:40. 11:3. 12:7,8. * Or, the cave, k 19:30. 1 Judg. 
 1:34,35, m 1 Kings 5:18. mars. Ps. 83:7. Ez.27:9. n Deut. 1:7. 3:25. o 12: 
 7. p 11:17. qNum. 34:8. 19.40:9. Amos 6:2. r 11:8. s 23:13. Gen. 15: 
 18—21. Ex. 23:30,31. Judg. 2:21 — 23. t Seeon 14:1,2. u Num. 26:53— 56 . 33: 
 54. 34:2-14. Ez. 47:13— 23. 48:23-29. x 4:12. 22:4. Num. 32:33— 42. Deut. 
 3:12—17. y 16. 12:2. Deut. 3:12.16. z Num. 21:30. Is. 15:2. Jer. 48:18,22. 
 a See on Num. 21:24 — 26. b 12:2— 5. Deut. 4:47,48. 1 Chr. 2:23. c 12.4. 
 Deut. 3:10,11. d 14:3,4. Num. 21:23—35. e 1 . 23:13. Num. 33:55. Judg-. 2:3. 
 2 Sam. 3:3. 13:37,38. f 33. 14:3,4. Num. 18:20- 24. Deut. 10:9. 12:12,19. 18:2. 
 g 12:2. Num. 21:28—30 . 32:35-38. Deut. 3:12. Is. 15:1,2,4. 16:7—9. Jer. 48: 
 
 to have been about one hundred years of age at this time ; 
 though not. being informed how old he was when Israel left 
 Egypt, we can only conjecture what time passed between 
 that event and his death, at the age of one hundred and ten 
 years. (24:29.) It is probable, however, that he found 
 himself less capable of military services, than he had for- 
 merly been. (14:10,11.) A large proportion of the land yet 
 remained in the possession of the ancient inhabitants ; and 
 perhaps he supposed that the division was not to take place 
 till the whole was actually subdued. But the Lord was 
 pleased graciously to remove his anxiety, and to direct his 
 conduct, by commanding him, whilst he was able, and without 
 further delay, to make preparation for dividing the land 
 among those tribes which had not received their inheritance. 
 The whole country, not excepting the parts possessed by the 
 ancient inhabitants, was ordered to be thus allotted to Israel ; 
 which tended to remind them of the extent and certainty of 
 the divine promises, and to encourage them to seek the more 
 comp.ete performance of them. It was also a caution, not to 
 enter into any alliance with the remains of the devoted na- 
 tions : and the leaders of each tribe were thus excited to 
 .evy war against those Canaanites, who kept them out of 
 their inheritance. — Sihor was “ the river of Egypt,” and 
 some think a branch of the Nile ; but this is not likely : it was 
 rather some small rivulet just at the entrance of Egypt. — 
 The Philistines were not descended from Canaan, but from 
 Mizraim the son of Ham : ( Gen. 10:6,13 — 20.) yet they were 
 numbered with the Canaanites in this distribution. ( Marg . 
 Ref. d, g, m— q.) 
 
 V. 6. The Israelites had acquired the land by conquest ; 
 but they were neither allowed to seize upon what they could, i 
 
 16 And their coast was »from Aroer, that is op 
 the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is 
 in the midst of the river, and all the plain by 
 Medeba : 
 
 17 Heshbon, and all her cities that are in the 
 plain ; Dibon, and tBamoth-baal, and Beth-baa. 
 meon, 
 
 18 And h Jahaza, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath 
 
 19 And Kirjathaim, and Sibmah, and Zareb't 
 shahar in the mount of the valley, 
 
 20 And 'Beth-peor, and *Ashdoth-pisgah, ano 
 k Beth-jeshimoth, 
 
 21 And 'all the cities of the pisin, and all the 
 kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, which 
 reigned in Heshbon, “whom Moses smote “with 
 the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, 
 and Hur, and Reba, which were dukes of Sihon 
 dwelling in the country. 
 
 22 “Balaam also the son of Beor, the $sooth- 
 sayer, did the children of Israel slay with the 
 sword, among them that were slain by them. 
 
 23 And the border of the children of Reuben 
 was Jordan, and the border thereof. This was 
 the inheritance of the children of Reuben after 
 their families, the cities and the villages thereof. 
 
 24 U And Moses gave inheritance Punto the 
 tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad, 
 according to their families : 
 
 25 And their coast was Jazer, and all the cities 
 of Gilead, and ‘‘half the land of the children ot 
 Ammon, unto Aroer, that is before pRabbah : 
 
 26 And from Heshbon unto "Ramath-mizpeh, 
 and Betonim; and from ‘Mahanaim unto the 
 border of “Debir ; 
 
 27 And in the valley, Beth-aram, and “Beth- 
 nimrah, and rSuccoth, and Zaphon, the rest of 
 the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, Jordan 
 and his border, even unto the edge of the sea of 
 “Chinnereth, on the other side Jordan, eastward. 
 
 28 This is the inheritance of the children of 
 Gad, after their families, the cities, and their 
 villages. 
 
 29 If And Moses gave inheritance unto the 
 half-tribe of Manasseh : and this was the pos- 
 session of the half-tribe of the children of Ma- 
 nasseh by their families. 
 
 30 And “their coast was from Mahanaim, all 
 Bashan, all the kingdom of Og, king of Bashan, 
 
 21 — 24. f Or, the high places of Baal , and the house of Baal-meon. Num. 21 : 
 19 . 22:41. 32:38. h 21:36,37. Num. 21:23. Jahaz. 1 Chr. 6:78,79. Jahznh. 
 iNum.25:3. J Or, springs of Pisgah, or , the hill '. kEz.25:9. I Deul.3.10. 
 m Num. 21:24 — 35. Deut. 2:30 — 36. n Num. 31:8. o Num. 22:5— 7. 24:1. 31:8. 
 2Pet.2:15. Jude 11. Rev. 2:14. 19:20. § Or, diviner, p Num. 32:34 — 36. 
 
 o Num. 21:26— 30. Deut. 2:19. Judg. 11:13— 27. r Deut. 3:11. 2 Sam. 11:1. 12; 
 26. Ez. 21:20. Am. 1:14. a 20:8. Gen. 31:49. Judg. 10:17. 11:11,29. lKings22: 
 3. t 21:38. Gen. 32:1,2. 2Sam. 2:8. 17:27. u2Sam.9:5. 17:27,30. Lodebar, 
 x Num. 32:3,36. yGen. 33:17. Judg. 8:5,6,14— 16. lKings7:46. z 11:2. 123. 
 Chinneroth. Num. 34:11. Deut. 3:17. Luke 5:1. Gennesaret. a 26. Num. 32: 
 39— 41. Deut. 3:13 — 15. 1 Chr. 2:21— 23. 
 
 nor to have it all in common, nor to share it out by consent 
 or arbitration; but, with a solemn appeal to God himself, to 
 divide it by casting lots : for Canaan was his land, and Israel 
 was his people. This was likewise the readiest way of satis- 
 fying all parties, and preventing discontent and discord ; and 
 it most aptly typified the Lord’s choosing, in his infinite wis- 
 dom and love, the temporal provision and eternal inheritance 
 of his true people. — As every tribe had its inheritance deter- 
 mined by lot ; so it is probable, that afterwards the subdivi- 
 sions to every family and each individual were regulated in 
 the same manner : and thus their estates would descend to 
 posterity, not so much as the inheritance of their fathers, as 
 t(iat which the Lord had immediately assigned them. (Note,, 
 Prov. 16:33.) 
 
 V. 7— 13. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Num. 32:29— 42.)— With 
 whom. (8) That is, with the other half-tribe of Manasseh. 
 
 V. 14. “The sacrifices made by fire” included all the 
 oblations, of which any portion was burnt on the altar. (33.) 
 
 V. 15 — 20. (Marg. Ref.) — Dibon. (17) Dibon seems 
 to have been situated in the confines of Reuben and Gad, 
 and inhabited by some of each tribe. (Num. 32:34.) The 
 same may perhaps be said of Heshbon. (26. 21:36 — 39. 1 
 Chr. 6:80,81.) 
 
 V. 21, 22. Dukes of Sihon.] (Num. 31:8. Note, Num. 
 22:4.) These princes of Midian are here called Dukes of 
 Sihon, probably because they had been his tributaries. 
 (Deut. 2:30 — 37.) — These authenticated records concerning 
 the boundaries of the inheritances belonging to each tribe, 
 were intended to prevent litigations, or decide differences a 
 future ages. — Balaam. (22) Notes, Num. 22:5. 31 'B 
 
 V. 24—28. Marg. Ref. 
 
 I 407 ) 
 
B. C. 1445. JOSHUA. B. C. 1445. 
 
 and aYl the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan 
 threescore cities; 
 
 3; And half Gilead, and b Ashtaroth, and Edrei, 
 cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were per- 
 taining unto the children of Machir the son of 
 Manasseh, even to the one half of the children 
 jf Machir by their families. 
 
 32 These are the countries which Moses did 
 listribute for inheritance in the plains of Moab, 
 jn the other side Jordan by Jericho eastward. 
 
 33 Bnt unto 'the tribe of Levi Moses gave not 
 any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their 
 inheritance, as he said unto them. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The country west of Jordan to be divided by lot , to the nine tribes and a half , 
 l — 5. Caleb demands Hebron and obtains it, 6 — 15. 
 
 A ND these are the countries which the children 
 of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, 
 ‘which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of 
 Nun, and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of 
 the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance 
 to them. 
 
 2 By b lot was their inheritance, as the Lord 
 commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine 
 tribes, and for the half-tribe. 
 
 3 For Moses “had given the inheritance of two 
 tribes and an half-tribe on the other side Jordan: 
 '’but unto the Levites he gave none inheritance 
 among them. 
 
 4 For 'the children of Joseph were two tribes, 
 Manasseh and Ephraim: therefore they gave no 
 part unto the Levites in the land, 'save cities to 
 dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle, and 
 for their substance. 
 
 5 As the Lord commanded Moses, so the chil- 
 dren of Israel did, and they divided the land. 
 
 6 H Then the children of Judah came unto 
 Joshua, in g Gil£ral ; and '‘Caleb, the son of Je- 
 phunneh ‘the Kenezite, said unto him, k Thou 
 knowest the thing that the Lord said unto Moses 
 
 hSeeoul2:4. c 14. 18:7. Num. 18:20. Deut. 10:9. 18:1,2. a See on Num. 
 81:17— 29. b Nam. 26:85, 5S. 33:54. 34:13. Ps. 16:5,6. Prov. 16:33. 18:18. 
 Malt. 25:34. cl3:8. Nam. 32:29— 42. Dent. 312— 17. <1 Set on 13:14,33. 
 
 e Gen. 48:5. 1 Chr. 5:1,2. f 21:2— 42. Mum . 35:2— 8. 1 Cbr. 6:54—81. el: 
 19.10:43. h Num. 13:6. 14:6. i 14. 15:17. Num. 32:12. k Num. 14:24,30. 
 Deut. 1:36—38. I Num. 12:7,8. Deut. 33:1. 34 5,10. Jurlg. 13:6—8. 1 Kinks 13: 
 1,14. 2 Kings 4:9,16,42. 8:7,11. Ps.90: title. 1 Tim. 6:11. 2Tim. 3:17. m Num. 
 
 V. 29—32. Num. 32:39—42. Deut. 3:13—17. 
 
 V. 33. As Moses was himself of the tribe of Levi, he 
 gave a special proof that he acted by divine authority, in 
 thus overlooking his own family and his own tribe : for though 
 .he Levites were well provided for, yet the security of that 
 provision was so interwoven with Israel’s adherence to the 
 worship of God, that, had they universally apostatized, the 
 Levites would have been left destitute, whilst all the other 
 tribes would have had possession of their estates ; that is, 
 without some immediate divine interposition. — Had Moses 
 acted according to the natural bias of the human mind, he 
 would probably have first provided for his own tribe ; but on 
 the contrary, he expressly appointed that they should have 
 no inheritance in Israel. And his sons appear to have entered 
 fully into the disinterested and unambitious spirit of their 
 father ; though in no respect distinguished from the rest of 
 the Levites. ( Mar g. Ref . Notes , Gen. 48:5. Num. 3:1 — 
 3. 18:20.) The way in which this subject is uniformly men- 
 tioned, implies that the Levites had as good a title to their 
 tithes and perquisites, as their brethren had to their estates. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Old age, gradually and almost insensibly, creeps upon man- 
 kind : and though their infirmities might, one would think, 
 suffice to remind aged persons of their time of life ; yet, they 
 generally need to be put in remembrance of it, and excited 
 to prepare for approaching dissolution. — 44 Whatever our hand 
 fmdeth to do,” respecting the glory of God, the salvation of 
 our souls, or the good of our fellow-creatures, we should 44 do 
 it with our might and the expectation of death, as well as 
 the calamities of life should warn us to redeem our time, and 
 seize upon present opportunities of usefulness. ( Note , Ec. 
 9:10.) Our season of labour and of service will soon expire, 
 and we shall shortly be at rest : we ought not therefore now 
 to indulge sloth, or shrink from hardship; yet if it he the 
 Lord’s will to lay us aside, we should be willing to leave our 
 designs unfinished, or to be completed hv other hands. He 
 knoweth all our infirmities, and will not forsake his servants, 
 when old and incapable of work: when however the heart is 
 zealous, they who cannot perform one service, will devise to 
 he useful in some other way, though not equally splendid and 
 honourable. — But one succession after another of godly per- 
 sons and able ministers flies, and leaves an immense propor- 
 tion of *he earth in the possession of the great enemy of God 
 and man ; though the promise assures us that it will all in due 
 ( 403 ) 
 
 'the man of God, concerning me and thee in 
 m Kadesh-barnea. 
 
 7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant 
 of the Lord “sent me from Kadesli-barnea to espy 
 out the land ; and °I brought him word again, as 1 1 
 was in mine heart. 
 
 8 Nevertheless, my brethren that went tip wifn 
 me, made the heart of the people melt: but I 
 Pwholly followed the Lord my God. 
 
 9 And Moses sware on that day, saying, sSu ely 
 the land whereon thy feet have trodden shall be 
 thine inheritance, and thy children’s for ever; 
 because thou hast wholly followed the Lord my 
 God. 
 
 10 And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me 
 alive, as he said, these r forty and five years, even 
 since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, 
 while the children of Israel ‘wandered in the 
 wilderness ; and now, lo, I am this day fourscore 
 and five years old. 
 
 11 As “yet I am as strong this day, as I was in 
 the day that Moses sent me : as my strength was 
 then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to 
 go out and to come in. 
 
 12 Now therefore give me this mountain, 
 whereof the Lord spake in that day ; (for thou 
 heardest in that day now ‘the Anakims were there, 
 and that the cities were great and fenced :) u if so 
 be the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able 
 to drive them out, as the Lord said. 
 
 13 And Joshua “blessed him, and ygave unto 
 Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, Hebron for an in- 
 heritance. 
 
 14 Hebron therefore became the inheritance of 
 Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, the Kenezite, unto 
 this day ; “because that he wholly followed the 
 Lord God of Israel. 
 
 15 And “the name of Hebron before was Kir- 
 jath-arba, which Jlrba was a great man among 
 the Anakims. b And the land had rest from war. 
 
 13.26. n Num. 13:16— 20. o Num. 13:26— 33. 14 :6— 10. p 14. Num. 14:24. 
 Deut. 1:36. Rev. 14:4. q 1:3. Num. 11:22—21. r 1 1 : 18. Num. 14 33,34. • Heb. 
 walked, s Deut. 31 :2. 34:7. Pa. 90; 10. 111:21,22. Num. 13:28,33. u Nura. 
 11:8,9.21:31. I Sam. 11:6. 2 Cbr. 14:11. Ps. 1S:32— 34. 27:1— 3. 44:3. 60:12. 
 118:10—12. Rom. 8:31. Phil. 4:13. x‘22 6. Gen. 47:7,10. 1 Sam. 1:17. Cant. 6: 
 9. y 10:36,37. 15:13. 21:11,12. Jutlg. 1-20. 1 Chr. 6:55,56. i 8,9. 1 Cor. 15: 
 58. a 15:13. Gen. 23:2. b 11:23. Judg. 3:11,30. 5:31. 8:28. 
 
 time be wrenched out of his hands, and become entirely the 
 kingdom of the Lord Jesus. Indeed none of us in this world 
 live up to our privileges and spiritual blessings, as delineated in 
 tjie word of promise ; being kept out of possession by our foes, 
 and especially by 44 sin that dwelleth in us but this consi- 
 deration should animate us to be active and courageous, 
 and to expect and seek for still greater and richer acquisitions 
 of knowledge, holiness, and heavenly consolations. — In the 
 present state of human nature, it is the Lord’s will that there 
 should be distinctions of property, that every one may know 
 and be contented with his own. — Wherever our habitation is 
 placed, and in whatever honest way our portion is assigned 
 us, we should consider them as allotted us by God, and 
 acquiesce and be thankful : and every prudent method should 
 be devised to prevent litigations about property. — The mer- 
 cies of the Lord to his people, and his judgments upon his 
 enemies, especially those who have tempted others to wick- 
 edness, ought never to be forgotten, and should frequently 
 be mentioned ; because they are honourable to him, and pro- 
 fitable subjects for our meditation. — The ministers of the 
 Lord should study to show that they are peculiarly indifferent 
 about worldly interests: and the people should take care that 
 they want nothing suitable to their station ; that they may 
 neither he discouraged, nor taken o(T from serving at the 
 altar. But happy are they, who have the Lord God of Israel 
 for their inheritance, how little soever of this world falls to 
 their share : his providence will supply their temporal neces- 
 sities; and his ordinances and spiritual consolations will feast 
 their souls, until they arrive at that 44 fulness of joy, and those 
 pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 3—5. (Notes, 13:14—33. 21 
 Num. 35:2 — 8.) As the descendants of Joseph formed two 
 tribes, the nation consisted of twelve tribes, according to the 
 number of Jacob’s sons, without reckoning the tribe of* Levi 
 and as Joseph was allowed a double portion, Levi was other- 
 wise provided for. 
 
 V. 6 — 15. Before the persons, appointed for that service, 
 (Note, Num. 34:10 — 29.) had begun to divide the land by lot, 
 Caleb came to Joshua at Gilgal, (where probably the taber- 
 nacle and ark of the Lord still remained,) to require that He- 
 bron and the lands adjacent might Vo assigned to him ; and 
 his brethren of the tribe of Judah *ttcnde I him, iw mipport- 
 ing his claim. It is probable, that when the oth'ir spies torn 
 fied the people about the Anaknn* Amo Hv*' t in Honron, Ca 
 
D. C. 1445. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. B. C. 1445. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 fbt boundaries of the lot of Judah , 1 — 12. Caleb takes Hebron , 13, 14. 
 Othnisl having taken Debir , receives ('aleb’s < laughter in marriage ; who 
 obtains a blessing from her father, 15—19. The cities in the lot of Judah , 
 20—62. The Jebusites retain Jerusalem, 63. 
 
 Hf 1 HIS then was "the lot of the tribe of the chil- 
 ■* dren of Judah by their families: b cven to the 
 border of Edom ; the wilderness of Zin south- 
 ward was the uttermost part of the south coast,. 
 
 2 And their south border was front the shore 
 of the "salt sea, from the ‘bay that looketh south- 
 ward. 
 
 3 And it went out to the south side to 'Maaleh- 
 acrabbim, and passed alon" to d Zin, and ascended 
 up on the south side unto Kadesh-barnea, and 
 passed alon? to Hezron, and went up to Adar, 
 and fetched a compass to Karkaa : 
 
 4 From thence it passed towards “Azmon, and 
 went out unto i the river of Egypt; and the goings 
 out of that coast were at the sea. This shall be 
 your south coast. 
 
 5 And rthe east border was the salt sea, even 
 unto the end of Jordan : and their border in the 
 north quarter was from the bay of the sea, at the 
 uttermost part of Jbrdan. 
 
 6 And the border went up to ’’Bethhogla, and 
 passed along by the north of Beth-arabah ; and 
 
 » 14:2. Num. 26:55,56. 1> Num. 33:37. 34:3— 5. Ei. 47:19. c3:16. Gen. 14:3. 
 Num. 34:3. Ez. 47:8,18. * Heb. tongue. Is. 11:15. t Or, the going up to 
 
 Acrabbim. Num. 34:4. Judg. 1:36. d Gen. 14:7. Num. 20:1. 32:8. e Num. 
 34:5. f 13:3. Ex. 23:31. g Num. 34:12. h 1819,20. i 18:17. k 15. 10:38,39. 
 17:26. Is. 65:10. Hos. 2:15. m 4:19. 5:10. 10:43. nSSam. 17:17. 1 Kings 1:9. 
 
 leb proposed to take that place for his inheritance, and to wait 
 for it till the Anakims were dispossessed: and that by divine 
 direction Moses had engaged by oath that it should be so, at 
 the time when the Lord declared that Joshua and Caleb alone 
 should live to enter the promised land. (Notes, Num. 14:24, 
 27 — 30.) Caleb therefore solicited the performance of this 
 engagement, and spake of it as well known to Joshua and all 
 concerned. He likewise took occasion to rejoice in the tes- 
 timony of the Lord, that he had “ followed hint wholly and 
 in that of his conscience, that he had given “ his report, as it 
 was in his heart and having intimated how the other spies 
 discouraged the people to their own destruction, he thankfully 
 mentioned the goodness of God, in keeping him alive for for- 
 ty-five years, whilst all that generation were wasted in the 
 wilderness, and amidst all the perils of the wars in Canaan ; 
 and that he, at eighty-five years of age, was as strong, and as 
 capable of war, as he had been at forty. All this became 
 one, who was so eminent a character and venerable for age : 
 being more than twenty years older than any man in Israel, 
 except Joshua and some of the Levites. It seems from the 
 narration, that the Anakims had again possessed themselves 
 of Hebron, after it was taken by Joshua, and that Caleb un- 
 dertook to drive them out (Note, 11:21 — 23.) This he was 
 ready to attempt, confiding, not in his own strength or valour, 
 or in the assistance of his brethren, but in the Almighty God : 
 and, in order to mark this more strongly, though it does not 
 appear that he doubted the event he thus expressed his con- 
 fidence : “ If the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able 
 to drive them out.” — Joshua and the princes, without hesita- 
 tion, consented to his proposal : and “ Joshua blessed him 
 he prayed that he might have success in his intended expedi- 
 tion, and comfort in his inheritance. — In the next chapter we 
 read of his driving out the Anakims: (Notes, 15:13 — 19.) and 
 when the lots were cast, Hebron fell within the portion of Ju- 
 dah, so that he was not separated from his brethren. (15:54.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 They who desire to prosper and be comfortable in their un- 
 dertakings and possessions, must “acknowledge the Lord in 
 all their ways,” refer every matter to his decision, and regu- 
 late their whole conduct by his commaniS. — The continuance 
 of our lives, notwithstanding internal decays and diseases, 
 and external perils and injuries, and while numbers are dying 
 around us, ought thankfully to be acknowledged as the Lord’s 
 doing : and if health and vigour are enjoyed, at that time of 
 life which to others is labour and sorrow, this demands peculiar 
 gratitude. But old age, even when exempt from infirmity and 
 pain, is neither honourable nor comfortable, except it be found 
 in the way of righteousness ; for a long life, spent in increas- 
 ing guilt, diffusing wretchedness and wickedness, and “trea- 
 suring up wrath against the day of wrath,” will prove the oc- 
 casion of proportionahly deeper condemnation. But they 
 who seek the Lord early and “ follow him wholly,” and stand 
 immoveably firm in times of general apostacy and prevailing 
 ungodliness, or in seasons of sharp temptation and imminent 
 danger ; if afterwards favoured with long life, and enabled to 
 spend it in glorifying God and doing good, are the most distin- 
 guished and honourable of the human species. They may 
 V>ok back upon their lives past, spent, by the grace of God, 
 'n some measure usefully ; and they may look forward to dis- 
 •olution as speedily approaching, with holy consolation — 
 \ NoUs , 2 Tim. 4:6 — 8. 2 Pet, 1:12—15.) They have a tes- 
 Vol. I.— 52 
 
 the border went tip to 'the stone of Bohan, the son 
 of Reuben. 
 
 7 And the border went up toward b Debir from 
 'the valley of Aclior, and so northward, looking 
 toward m Gilgal, that is before the going up t« 
 Adumniim, which is on the south side of the river 
 and the border passed toward the waters of En- 
 shemesh, and the goings out thereof were at 
 "En-rogel. 
 
 8 And the border went up by the “valley of the 
 son of Hinnom, unto the south side of Hhe Jebu- 
 site, the same is Jerusalem : and the border went 
 up to the top of the mountain that lieth before the 
 valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end 
 of <11116 valley of the giants northward. 
 
 9 And the border was drawn from the top of 
 the hill unto the fountain of the water of 'Neph- 
 toah, and went out to the cities of mount Ephron ; 
 afld the border was drawn- to ’Baalah, which is 
 ‘Kirjath-jearim. 
 
 10 And the border compassed from Baalah 
 westward unto mount Seir, and passed along unto 
 the side of mount Jearim, (which is Chesalon,) on 
 the north side, and went down to “Beth-shemesh, 
 and passed on to x Timnah : 
 
 1 1 And the border went out unto the side ol 
 ^Ekron northward : and the border was drawn to 
 
 o 18:16. 2 Kings 23:10. 2Chr.28:3. Jer. 7:31,32. 19:2,6,14. p63. 18:28. Judg. 
 1:8,21. 19:10. q 18: 16. 2 Sam. 5:18,22. Is. 17:5. the valley of Rephaim. r lo: 
 15. s2Sam. 6:2. 1 Chr. 13:6. t 9:17. Judg. 18: 12. « 1 Sam. 6:12— 21. x 57. 
 Gen. 38:13. Judg. 14:1,5. y 45. 19:43. 1 Sam. 5:10. 
 
 timony to their characters in the hearts of others, and may re- 
 joice in the testimony of their own consciences. They have 
 much to be thankful for: and it will become them, and they 
 will know how with modesty and humility, to speak of all that 
 God has done for them and by them ; which will encourage 
 others, and redound in many thanksgivings to his name. 
 Though “ the outward man decay,” they will feel themselves 
 as strong for their spiritual warfare as ever; and not fear by 
 the help of God to drive out every enemy, which prevents 
 their possession of the promised inheritance. Such eminent 
 believers sometimes survive envy, calumny, and prejudice ; 
 their sun, which has long been obscured by intervening clouds 
 of slanderous reports, groundless jealousies, and rancorous 
 enmity, breaks through and shines with bright serenity before 
 it sets. God himself blesses them: all around perceive it 
 and call them blessed, and concur in showing them distin- 
 guishing respect: and great usefulness awaits their latter 
 days, their closing scene, and dying testimony ; while they 
 declare to all around them, that the Lord, in performing his 
 promises, has exceeded their largest expectations. — Let then 
 young persons be persuaded to seek the Lord early : let tried 
 and tempted Christians be encouraged to endure and wait pa- 
 tiently; and let those, who meet with opposition, calumny, 
 neglect, or ill success in their well-meant endeavours to do 
 good, stand their ground steadfastly. — Let us all trust in the 
 faithful and merciful promises of God without w avering ; and 
 aim so to walk with him, that if we are taken aw ay more early 
 in life, we may be found ready ; and if spared till old age, 
 may close it honourably, usefully, and comfortably. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XV. V. 1—12. (Num. 34:3—6.) 
 After some general survey of the land, Joshua proceeded to 
 allot to Judah, Ephraim, and the half of Manesseh, their situa- 
 tions and inheritances, before they left Gilgal : and afterwards 
 removing to Shiloh, a more extensive and accurate survey 
 seem3 to have been made, and the other tribes had their por- 
 tions assigned them by lot also. (Notes, 18:1 — 10.) — The 
 inheritance, which Judah actually possessed, was large; for 
 it was intended that this tribe should have the precedency, 
 and it was the most numerous of all the tribes. But that 
 which was at first allotted to them, contained half the southern 
 part of Canaan, and was found too extensive : so that some 
 deductions were afterwards made. (Note, 19:1 — 9.) — The 
 relative Situation of the tribes seems to have been decided by 
 lot; but the proportion of land for each, to have been deter- 
 mined, in some measure, by the discretion of the persons ap- 
 pointed for that service. — “Bohan the son of Reuben,” (6) 
 was either one of Reuben’s sons, who died before Jacob left 
 Canaan, and had been buried in the place here mentioned; 
 or some eminent person that had lately died there. — Several 
 of the places spoken of must have been different from those 
 called elsewhere by the same names. (Marg. Ref.) The 
 portion, here marked out, was bounded, on the south, by the 
 wilderness of Zin, and the southern coast of the salt sea; on 
 the east by that sea, reaching to the place, at which it receives 
 the waters of Jordan; on the north, by a line drawn nearly 
 parallel to Jerusalem, across from the northern extremity of 
 the salt sea, to the south boundary of the Philistines and to 
 the Mediterranean Sea ; which sea was its boundary, as far 
 the river of Egypt. 
 
 V. 13. Gave.] Or, had given. (Note, 14:6- -15.) — Hebron .] 
 Note, Num. 13:21,22. 
 
 ( 409 ) 
 
B C. 1445. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1445 
 
 Snicron, and passed along to z mount Baalah, and 
 went out unto Jabneel: and the goings out of the 
 border were at the sea. 
 
 12 And the west border was to a the great sea, 
 and the coast thereof. This is the coast of the 
 children of Judah round about according to their 
 families. 
 
 13 H And unto b Caleb, the son of Jephunneh, 
 he gave a part among the children of Judah, 
 according to the commandment of the Lord to 
 Joshua, even 'the city of Arba, the father of Anak, 
 which city is Hebron. 
 
 14 And Caleb drove thence c the three sons of 
 Anak, Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the 
 children of Anak. 
 
 15 And he went H up thence to the inhabitants 
 of Debir: and the name of Debir before was 
 Kirjath-sepher. 
 
 16 And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjath- 
 sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah 
 my daughter to wife. 
 
 17 And 'Othniel the son of'Kenaz, the brother 
 of Caleb, took it : and he gave him sAchsah his 
 daughter to wife. 
 
 18 And it came to pass, as she came unto him, 
 that she moved him to ask of her father a field : 
 and ''she lighted off her ass ; and Caleb said unto 
 her, What wouldest thou ? 
 
 19 Who answered, 'Give me a '‘blessing; for 
 thou hast given me a south land, give me also 
 springs of water. And he gave her the upper 
 springs, and the nether springs. 
 
 20 This is 'the inheritance of the tribe of the 
 children of Judah, according to their families. 
 
 21 H And the uttermost cities of the tribe of 
 the children of Judah, toward the coast of Edom 
 southward, were "'Kabzeel, and "Eder, and Jagur, 
 
 22 And Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah, 
 
 23 And “Kedesh. and Hazor, and Ithnan, 
 
 24 I'Ziph, and iTelem. and Bealoth, 
 
 25 And Hazor, Hndattah, and Kerioth, and 
 Hezron, which is Hazor, 
 
 26 Aman. and Shema, and r Moladah, 
 
 27 And Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and 
 •Beth-palet, 
 
 28 And Hazar-shual, and "Beer-sheba, and 
 Bizjothjah, 
 
 I 19:44. a 47. Num. 34:6,7. Deul. 11.24. Ki. 47:20. b 14:6-15. Num. 13:30. 
 14:23,24. Peat. 1:34 —36. • Or. Kirjnth-tirha. 14:15. c 10:36,37. 11:21. Num. 
 13.22,33. Judg. 1:10.20. d 10:38. Jude. 1 :11— 13. c Judg. 3:9— 11. f 14:6. 
 Num. 32:12. g lClir. 2:49. h Gen. 24:64. 1 Sam. 23:23. i Judg. 1:14.15. 
 k Gen. 3311. lSam. 25:27. 2 Cor. 9:5. marg. 1 Gen. 49:8— 12. Deut. 33:7. 
 m Neli. 1125. n Gen. 35:21. o 12:22. Num. 33:37. Ileut. 1:19. p 1 Sam. 23: 
 14,19,24. Ps. 54. title, q 1 Sam. 154. rlChr.4:23. sNeh. 11:26. t 19:3. 
 1 Chr. 4:28. u 19:2. Gen. 21:14,31— 33. 26:33. x 10,1 1 . 19: 3. yIChr.4:29. 
 
 7. 19.4. Num. 14:45. Deut. 1:44. Judg. 1:17. a 19:5. 1 Sam. 27:6. 30:1. 1 Clir. 
 12:1. b Num. 34:11. e Neb. 11:29. d 19:41. Judg. 13:25. 16:31. e 12:17. 
 110:3,23. 12:11. Neh. 11:29. g 12:15. 1 Sam. 22:1. Mic. 1:15. h 10:10.1 Sam. 
 
 V. 14. Caleb, “the Lord being with him,” drove out the 
 Anakims. It is not said that he slew them; hut probably they 
 retired again to the Philistines to the west of Hebron. (Note, 
 11:21—23.) 
 
 V. 15 Debit — Ktrjath-sepher.] These names, the former 
 signifying a word, or oracle , the latter, the city of a book, have 
 induced the opinion that this city was a sort of academy, or 
 a depository of the records of the ancient inhabitants. It is 
 not indeed probable that writing and boohs, in our sense of 
 the words, were very common among the Canaanites: but 
 some method of recording remarkable events or federal trans- 
 actions, and a sort of learning, was doubtless cultivated in 
 those regions. (Ads. 7:22.) 
 
 V. lfi, 17. This transaction seems here introduced by 
 anticipation, and it is recorded elsewhere. (Note, Judg. 1: 
 10—15.) — Caleb was doubtless desirous to excite the Israel- 
 ites to obtain possession of their inheritance : but this pro- 
 posal was also well calculated to secure the marriage of his 
 daughter with a worthy man, who perhaps might have pre- 
 viously entertainod an affection for her, and knew the value 
 of an alliance with a person so eminent for faith and piety, as 
 Caleb was. Probably, Debir was also promised as her dower. 
 — Fathers, among the Israelites, (and indeed among all the 
 ancients,) seem to have exercised a more absolute authority, 
 in disposing of their daughters in marriage, than is customary 
 among us ; and these generally acquiesced in the choice made 
 for them. The case is the same in many countries at pre- 
 sent. It seems the Canaanites had recovered the possession 
 of Debir, after Joshua had taken it ; but it was in this manner 
 again taken out of their hands. 
 
 Kemaz. (17) Probably the term “ the Kcnczite,” used of 
 Caleb, or of his father Jephunneh, was taken from Kcnnz. 
 (JNote, Num. 32:G — 15, v. 12.) 
 
 ( 410 ) 
 
 29 x Baalah, and Iim, and y Azem, 
 
 30 And Eltolad, and Chesil, and z Horniah, 
 
 31 And “Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansan 
 nah, 
 
 32 And Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and b Ain, an. 
 c Rimmon ; all the cities are twenty and nine, with 
 their villages. 
 
 33 And in the valley, d Eshlaol, and Zoreah, and 
 Ashnah, 
 
 34 And Zanoah, and En-gannim, e Tappuah, 
 and Enam, 
 
 35 f Jarmuth, and eAdullam, Socoh, and h Aze 
 kah, 
 
 36 And 'Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, 
 hind Gederothaim ; fourteen cities with their vil 
 lages. 
 
 37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdalgad, 
 
 38 And Dilean, and k Mizpeh, and 'Joktheel, 
 
 39 m Lachish. and "Bozkath, and “Eglon, 
 
 40 And Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Kithlish, 
 
 41 And Gederoth, Beth-dagon, and Naamah, 
 and t’Makkedah ; sixteen cities with their villages : 
 
 42 iLibnah, and r Ether, and Ashan, 
 
 43 And Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib, 
 
 44 And s Keilah, and 'Achzib, and “Mareshah, 
 nine cities with their villages : 
 
 45 x Ekron, with her towns and her villages : 
 
 46 From Ekron even unto the sea, all that lay 
 } near y Ashdod, with their villages : 
 
 47 Ashdod with her towns and her villages, 
 z Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto “the 
 river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border 
 thereof: 
 
 48 And in the mountains, Shamir, and b Jattir, 
 and Socoh, 
 
 49 And Dannah, and c Kirjath-sannah, which is 
 Debir, 
 
 50 And Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim, 
 
 51 And J GosHen, and Holon, and e Giloh ; eleven 
 cities with their villages : 
 
 52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean, 
 
 53 And §Janum, and Beth-tappuah, and Aphe- 
 kah, 
 
 54 And Humtah, and f Kirjath-arba, (which is 
 HebronA and Zior ; nine cities with their villages : 
 
 55 sMaon, Carmel, and h Ziph, and Juttah, 
 
 56 And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah, 
 
 17:1 ilSam. 17:52. t Or, or. k Judg. 20:1. 21:9. 1 Sam. 7:5,6,16. 10:17. 
 12 Kings 14:7. m 10:3,31,32. 12:11. 2 Kings 18:14,17. 19:8. n 2 King, 22:1. 
 o 10:3. 12:12. p 1(1:21 ,28 . 12: 16. q 10:29. 12:15. 2 Kings 8:22. r 19:7. » 1 .Sam. 
 23:1, Sc. t Gen. 38:5. Mic. 1:14 u Mic. 1 : 15. x 13:3. 1 Sam. 5:10. 6:17. 
 Ain. 1:8. Zeph. 2-4. Zech. 9:5— 7. \ Heb. by the place of. yl Sam. 5:1,6. 
 2 Chr. 26:6. Neh. 13:23,24. 13.20:1. Am. 1:8. ?. Judg. 16:1— 21. Jer. 47:1,5. 
 
 Am. 1:6,7. Zeph. 2:4. Acts 8:26. a4. 13:3. Ex. 23:31. Num. 34:5. b ‘21 : 14. 
 c 15. Judg. 1:11. d 10:41. 11:16. e 2 Sam. 15:12. § Or, Janus, f 13. 14:15. 
 Gen. 23:2. g 1 Sam. 23:25. 25:2,7 . 2 Chr. 26:10. Is. 35:2. h 24. 1 Sam. 23:14, 
 15. 25:1,2. 
 
 V. 18, 19. Caleb had his inheritance assigned him, in a 
 different way from the other Israelites ; and his case being 
 thus singular, his daughter, when married to a near relation, 
 was allowed to inherit, though he had sons. (Notes, Ninn, 
 27:1 — 11.) — As Caleb had given her a portion of land much 
 exposed to the sun, and not well supplied with water; having 
 obtained the approbation of Othniel, she petitioned her father 
 to give her another field, in which were springs of water. 
 This she called a blessing, both as a token of his pate mal 
 affection, and as conducing to the comfort of her situa/ion. 
 Accordingly Caleb “gave her the upper springs and the 
 nether springs ;” both higher and lower ground well watered. 
 
 V. 33. Twenty and wine.] Thirty-eight cities are numer- 
 ated, but nine of them were afterwards allotted to Simeon. 
 (Note, 19:1— 9.) 
 
 V. 36. Fourteen.] Fifteen names are mentioned, but 
 probably the last two names belonged to the same place, or 
 the latter was a kind of suburb to the former. (Marg.) Thus 
 Ramah is also called Ramathaim. (1 Sa7n. 1:1, 19. j — The 
 chief use of these catalogues to us, consists in helping us to 
 understand some passages in the subsequent history. Several 
 cities of the same name are here enumerated, and different 
 names are given in some instances to the same place, this 
 occasions difficulty to us, hut it would he plain enough to the 
 Israelites; and something of the same kind takes place in the 
 history and geography of other countries. — The lot of Judah 
 contained one hundred and fourteen cities besides country 
 villages, without including those which were afterwards given 
 to the Simeonites. The land must have been immensely 
 populous, even though the most of theso cities were no larger 
 than our small towns. 
 
 V. 63. Joshua had taken the king of Jerusalem, hut not the 
 city. (10:22,23.) Part of Jorusalom was in the lot of x uduh# 
 
B. C 1445 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. B. e. 1444 
 
 57 Cain, Gibeah, and ‘Timnah; ten cities with 
 their villages : 
 
 58 Halnul, Beth-zur, and k Gedor, 
 
 59 And Maarah, and Beth-anoth, and Eltekon; 
 six cities with their villages : 
 
 60 'Kirjath-haal, (which is Kirjath-jearim,) and 
 Rabbah ; two cities with their villages : 
 
 61 In the wilderness, m Beth-arabah, Middin, 
 and Secacah, 
 
 62 And Nibshan, and the city of salt, and "En- 
 gedi ; six cities with their villages. 
 
 63 As for °the Jebusites the inhabitants of 
 Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive 
 them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the chil- 
 dren of Judah at Jerusalem unto this day. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The borders of Joseph's posterity , west of Jordan , 1 — 4. The lot of Ephraim , , 
 5—9 who does not drive out the Canaanites from Gezer , JO. 
 
 A ND the lot of the children of Joseph "fell 
 from Jordan by Jericho, unto “the water of 
 Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goeth 
 up from Jericho throughout mount Beth-el, 
 
 2 And goeth out from b Beth-el to Luz, and 
 passeth along unto the borders of “Archi to Ata- 
 roth. 
 
 3 And goeth down westward to the coast of 
 Japhleti, unto the coast of ll Beth-horon the nether, 
 
 110. Gen. 38:12. Judg. 14:1. kl Chr. 4:39. 1 18:14. 1 Sam. 7:1,2. m 6. 13:18. 
 n 1 Sam. 23:29. 24:1. 2 Chr. 20:2. o Jude. 1:8,21 . 2 Sam. 5:6— 9. 1 Chr. 11:4—8. 
 • Heb. went forth, a 8:15. 15:61. 18:12. 2 Kines 2:19—21. b 18:13. Gen. 2S: 
 19. Judg. 1:22-26. c2Sam. 16:16. 1 Chr. 27:33. d 18:13. 1 Kings 9:16,17. 
 
 and part in that of Benjamin ; (18:28. Note, Deut. 33:12.) 
 but the Jebusites possessed a part of it, till conquered by 
 David. (Notes, Judg. 1:8,21. 2 Sam. 5:G — 8.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 God delights to honour and bless those who honour and 
 obey him, and to answer the expectations of such as confide 
 in him: and wise and good parents will humbly endeavour to 
 copy his example, in their conduct towards dutiful and obe- 
 dient children. — It is a very valuable privilege to be closely 
 united with families distinguished for faith and piety; and to 
 contract marriage with those who have been “ trained up in 
 the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” — When the charac- 
 ter of parents, the education of their children, and the chil- 
 dren's consequent prudent and pious conduct combine ; there is 
 the fairest prospect that they will be settled in life, to the 
 mutual comfort and advantage of all the parties concerned. — 
 Nature teaches us to desire temporal benefits for our children: 
 but grace will teach us to be far more desirous and earnest, 
 in using means that they may be partakers of spiritual bless- 
 ings. — When persons in the married state consult each other’s 
 comfort and advantage, and study to order all their concerns 
 with mutual confidence and agreement, domestic felicity will 
 be their recompense. — But, if affection to a creature animates 
 men to such strenuous efforts and perilous adventures, what 
 will the love of God our Saviour do, if it bear rule in our 
 hearts? (Note, 2 Cor. 5:13 — 15.) The desire of enjoying 
 his favour, of expressing our gratitude to him, and of pro- 
 moting.his glory, will prove a principle of self-denying obe- 
 dience and patient suffering for his sake, even “stronger than 
 death” itself. (Cant. 8:6,7. Phil. 1:19 — 26.) And if earthly 
 parents, “ being evil, know how to give good gifts to their 
 children ; how much more will our heavenly Father give good 
 things to those who ask him 1” — Husbands and wives commonly 
 concur in seeking accessions to their temporal riches, and 
 under certain limitations it may be allowable: but it is much 
 better when they concur heartily in seeking “ those things 
 which are above,” and praying fir these spiritual blessings, 
 in behalf of each other, of their children, and all arotind them. 
 Indeed, all the blessings of both “ the upper and the nether 
 springs,” belong to the children of God ; and, as related to 
 Christ, they have the first or the largest portion for his sake, 
 freely given them by the F ather, as the lot of their inheritance. 
 But they must exert themselves vigorously to subdue those 
 enemies within and without, which keep them out of posses- 
 sion of the promised blessings : and he is ever ready to assist 
 all who call upon him to succour them in this warfare. May 
 the Lord then excite our diligence and increase our faith, that 
 we may “be strong in him and in the power of his might;” 
 and then, instead of saying, “We cannot drive them out,” we 
 shall exclaim, “I can do all things, through Christ who 
 
 trengtheneth me.” (Note, Phil. 4,10 — 13.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVI. V. 1—8. ( Marg . Ref.) The 
 inheritance of Ephraim, and the half tribe ofManasseh, ex- 
 tended from Jordan to the Mediterranean Sea, across the 
 country. It lay north of the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, Si- 
 meon, and Dan, and south of the other tribes. The southern 
 part of this general allotment was assigned to Ephraim, and 
 the northern to Manasseh. 
 
 V. 9. Separate cities .] Some cities, which fell within 
 the lot of Manasseh, seem to have been afterwards as- 
 signed to the Eph-aimites who more wanted them: the 
 
 and to Gezer : and the goings out thereof are at 
 “the sea. 
 
 4 So r the children of Joseph, Manasseh and 
 Ephraim, took their inheritance. 
 
 5 H And the border of the children of Ephraim, 
 according to their families, was thus ; even the 
 border of their inheritance on the east side was 
 sAtaroth-addar, unto Bcth-horon the upper. 
 
 6 And the border went out toward the sea, to 
 h Michmethah on the north side, and the border 
 went about eastward unto 'Taanath-shiloh, and 
 passed by it on the east to Janohah : 
 
 7 And it went down from Janohah to k Ataroth, 
 and to Naarath, and came to 'Jericho, and went 
 out at Jordan. 
 
 8 The border went out from "'Tappuah west- 
 ward unto the "river Kanah ; and the goings out 
 thereof were at “the sea. This is the inheritance 
 of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their 
 families. 
 
 9 And Pthe separate cities for the children of 
 Ephraim were among the inheritance of the chil- 
 dren of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. 
 
 10 And ithey drave not out the Canaanites 
 that dwelt in Gezer : but "the Canaanites dwell 
 among the Ephraimites unto this day, and serve 
 under tribute. 
 
 IChr. 7:24.28 . 2 Chr. 8:5. eNum.34:6. 117:14. g*. 18:13. h 17:7. 118:1. 
 k I Chr. 7:28. 1 3:16. 6:1,26. Num. 33:48. m 12: 17. 17:8. n 17:9. 19:28. oS, 
 6. Num. 31:6. p 17:9. q 15:63. Judg. 1:29. 1 Kings 9:16. r Num. 33:52-55. 
 Deut. 7:1,2. 
 
 same probably was done in the case of some other tribes. 
 (17:9,11.) 
 
 V. 10. As there is no intimation that these Canaanites 
 renounced idolatry, and came heartily into the interests o{ 
 Israel ; and as the Ephraimites were strong enough to sub- 
 ject them and compel them to pay tribute ; no excuse can be 
 made for their conduct, in sparing those whom God command • 
 ed them to destroy, and in making a league with them. 
 (Notes, 17:11 — 18.) But they consulted their present ease 
 more than either their duty, the common good of Israel, or 
 their own true and durable interest. (Note, Judg. 1:28.) — 
 Gezer seems to have remained in the hands of the Canaanites 
 till the days of Solomon. (Note, 1 ICivgs 9:16.) ‘The thirst 
 of plunder, and the indulgence of licentious desires, were 
 completely checked and defeated in the Jewish soldiery, bv 
 the very conditions on which alone they were enabled to sub- 
 due the condemned nations: and ... the feelings of national 
 hostility ...were controlled and mitigated, by solemnly en- 
 joining the exercise of as great severity in punishing idolatry 
 among ... themselves, as they were compelled to exercise 
 against the condemned nations of Canaan : and it is eviden 
 from the event, that it was with reluctance, and only by com 
 pulsion, they exercised these severities, because, as soon as 
 the impulse was withdrawn, they ceased to exercise any such 
 severity, and on the contrary treated with culpable lenity, 
 and regarded with a dangerous complacency, the remnants of 
 those impious nations, whose total extermination, they had 
 been warned was necessary to guard against ihe contagion 
 of >!ieir vices and idolatries.’ Graves on the Pentateuch, Vol. 
 ii. pp. 101, 102. — ‘Contenting themselves with the tributes 
 which were paid to them, they grew effeminate ; . . . but ap- 
 plied themselves to the cultivation of their lands, which pro- 
 ducing them great plenty and riohes, they neglected the regu- 
 lar disposition of their settlement, and indulged themselves in 
 luxuries and pleasures.’ Josephus, quoted hy Graves, Vol. ii. 
 p. 132. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Our situation and provision in ihis present life, as well as 
 our future inheritance, are appointed by the only wise and 
 righteous God : and we should learn to acknowledge his good- 
 ness with thankfulness, and be contented with our portion, 
 whether more or less abundant; because he knows what is 
 best for us, and we have far more than we deserve.- — The dis- 
 tinctions of property accord to the appointment of God, and 
 must therefore be conscientiously maintained: nay, so far 
 from fraudulently or violently attempting to entrench on them, 
 we must not covet any thing that is another’s, nor envy his 
 prosperity, but rejoice in it. Yet brotherly love is not tena- 
 cious, but freely imparts what is superfluous, for the good of 
 those in want, saying, “ What is that between me and thee ?” 
 We should indeed in all things be more happy, did we more 
 diligently obey our God. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V- I Though Manasseh was 
 the first-born of Joseph, yet Ephraim inherited before him. 
 (16: Note, Gen. 48:17—20.) — Machir is supposed to have 
 been the only son of Manasseh, at least who lived to have 
 children; (Note, 1 Chr. 7:14,15.) and in some instances, an 
 only son is called the first-born. (Note, Matt. 1:24,25.) He 
 was a man of war ; probably he had distinguished himseli 
 whilst in Egypt, in the asault which the Philistines made upon 
 the Ephraimites, and had defended his brethren. (Note, . 
 
 ( 411 ) 
 
B. C. 14-14 
 
 JOSHUA, 
 
 B. C. 1444. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 lot of the hal f tribe of Manasseh , 1, 2. The cose of Zelophehnd' e daugh- 
 ters^ — 6. The borders of Manasseh, 7 — 11. The Canaanites remain, hut 
 under tribute , 12, 15. The sons oj Jouejitt petition Jor another tot , which 
 Joshua refuses them , 14 — 18. « 
 
 T HERE was also a lot for the tribe of Manas- 
 seh, tor he was “the first-born of Joseph; to 
 y tit, for ''Machir, the first-born of Manasseh, the 
 father of Gilead : because he was a man of war, 
 therefore he had “Gilead and Bashan. 
 
 2 There was also a lot for d the rest of the chil- 
 dren of Manasseh by their families: I’or 'the 
 children of ' Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, 
 and for the children of Asriel, and for the chil- 
 dren ofShechem, and for the children of Hepher, 
 and for the children of Shemida : these were the 
 male children of Manasseh, the son of Joseph, by 
 their families. 
 
 3 H But fZelophehad, the son of Hepher, the 
 son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Ma- 
 nasseh, had no sons, but daughters ; and these 
 are the names of his daughters, Mahlah, and Noah, 
 Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 
 
 4 And they came near before eEleazar the 
 'est, and before Joshua the son of Nun, and 
 efore the princes, saying, u The Lord com- 
 manded Moses to give us an inheritance among 
 our brethren. Therefore according to the com- 
 mandment of the Loan, he gave them an 
 inheritance among the brethren of their father. 
 
 5 And there fell 'ten portions to Manasseh, 
 k beside the land of Gilead and Bashan, which 
 were on the other side Jordan; 
 
 6 Because the daughters of Manasseh had an 
 inheritance among his sons : and the rest of Ma- 
 nasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead. 
 
 7 If And the coast of Manasseh was from Asher 
 to 'Michmethah, that lieth before “Shechem* and 
 the border went along on the right hand, unto the 
 inhabitants of En-tappuah. 
 
 8 JYoie Manasseh had the land of "Tappuah : 
 but Tappuah, on the border of Manasseh, belonged 
 to the children of Ephraim: 
 
 9 And the coast descended unto the t river 
 Kanah, southward of the river : “these cities of 
 Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh ; the 
 
 aGen. 41:51. 4<5 : -2U. 4^:18. Dent. 2107, b Gen. 50:23. Num.2G:29. 27:1.32: 
 39,40. Juclg. 5:14. IChr. 2:23. 7:14, 15. cNum.26:29. 32.33,40. Pent. S:13— 
 15. d Num. 25:23—32. e Jude. 6:11. 8:2. 1 Chr. 7:18. • Nam. 26:30. Jeezer. 
 ( Nam. 26:33. 27:1. 36:2-11. g 14:1. Num. 34:17— 29. h Num. 27:6,7. Gal. 
 3:23. i 2,3,14. k 13:29— 31. Num. 32:33— 42. 1 16:6. m 20:7. 21:21. 24:1,32. 
 Gen. 31:2. 37.12,14. Judg. 9:1. 1 Kings 12:1,25. I Chr. 6:67. n 12:17. 15:34,53. 
 16:8. t Or, brook of rreds. 16 8. o 16:9. p 16:3,8. 19:29. n 16:9. I Chr. 7: 
 29. r 1 Sam. 31:10,12. Beih-shan. 1 Kings4:12. 6 2 Kings 9:27. 1 Chr. 6:70. 
 Bileam. t 12:23. Judg. 1:27. 1 Kings 4:1 1. u 1 Sam. 23i7. Ps. 83:10. x 12: 
 21. Judg. 5:19. y Judg. 1:27. 5:19. 1 Kings 4:12. 9:15. 2 Kings 9:27. 23:29,30. 
 
 Chr. 7:21,22.) And as his posterity were supposed to inherit 
 his valour, some of them had their inheritance east of Jordan, 
 upon the frontiers, that they might defend them. ( Marg . 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 2. Num. 2G:29— 32. 1 Chr. 7:14— 19. 
 
 V. 3 — 6. Five portions wore allotted to the half tribe of 
 Manasseh, west of Jordan: and that of Hepher, who seems 
 to have had no son but Zelophehad, was divided among his 
 five daughters. So there were ten portions, though of dif- 
 ferent magnitude. ( Notes, Num. 27:1 — 11. 36:) 
 
 V. 7 — 10. (Marg. Ref.) The lot of Manasseh had that 
 of Ephraim on the south, and the Mediterranean Sea on the 
 west : but on the north-west it bordered on Asher ; and 
 towards the north-east, on Issachar. (Notes, 16:1 — 9. 19: 
 17—31.) 
 
 V. 11 — 13. The inhabitants of some of these cities were 
 subject to Manasseh : at first they could not drive them out, 
 for want, of faith and courage ; and when they had prevailed 
 against them, they let them remain as tributaries^contrary to 
 the express command of God. (Note, 16:10.) — Three coun- 
 tries. (11) Or, districts. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Joshua was of the tribe of Ephraim, and his 
 brethren might expect some special favour on that account. 
 Their inheritance perhaps was less valuable than that of 
 Judah; and as they thought, only sufficient for one tribe, and 
 they were two: a considerable part of their land was held 
 by the ancient inhabitants ; and they supposed that if the 
 Lord blessed and increased them in future, as he had 
 in times, past, they should be much straitened for room. 
 These formed the grounds and encouragements of their peti- 
 ion. But they evidently undervalued the portion which the 
 Lord had assigned them by lot; and they coveted what be- 
 longed to others, while they neglected to get possession of 
 their own land. As a great people they were better able to 
 labour and to fight, to clear and cultivate the unimproved 
 ( 412 ) 
 
 coast of Manasseh also was on the nortli side ol 
 the river, and rthe outgoings of it were at thz 
 sea. 
 
 10 Southward it was Ephraim’s, ana north- 
 ward it was Manasseh’s, ana the sea is his border, 
 and they met together in Asher on the north, ana 
 in Issachar on the east. 
 
 11 And ^Manasseh had in Issachar, and in 
 Asher, r Beth-shean and her towns, and "Ibleara 
 and her towns, and the inhabitants of ‘Dor and 
 her towns, and the inhabitants of "En-dor and her 
 towns, and the inhabitants of 'Taanach and her 
 towns, and the inhabitants of ^Megiddo and her 
 towns, even three countries. 
 
 12 Yet the children of Manasseh 'could not 
 drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the 
 Canaanites would dwell in that land. 
 
 13 Yet it came to pass when the children of 
 Israel were “waxen strong, that they b put the 
 Canaanites to tribute; but did not utterly drive 
 them out. 
 
 14 H And the children of Joseph spake unto 
 Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but “one 
 lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am d a great 
 people, forasmuch as the Lord hath blessed me 
 hitherto ? 
 
 15 And Joshua answered them, e If thou be a 
 great people, then get thee up to the wood- 
 country, and cut down for thyself there, in the 
 land of 'the Perizzites, and of the igiants, if mount 
 Ephraim be too narrow for thee. 
 
 16 And the children of Joseph said, The hill is 
 not enough for us : and all the Canaanites that 
 dwell in the land of the valley’ have echariots of 
 iron, both they who are of h Beth-shean and her 
 towns, and they who are of the valley of ‘Jezrcel. 
 
 17 And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, 
 even to Ephraim, and to Manasseh, saying, k Thou 
 art a great people, and hast great power ; thou 
 shalt not have one lot only : 
 
 18 But 'the mountain shall be thine; for it is a 
 wood, and thou shalt cut it down : and the out- 
 goings of it shall be thine ; “for thou shalt drive 
 out the Canaanites, though they have iron chariots, 
 and though they be strong. 
 
 2 Chr. 35:22. Zech. 12:11. Megiddon. z 15:63. 16:10. Ex. 23:29— 33. Num. 
 33:52—56. Judg. 1:27,28. Rom. 6:12— 14. ajudg. 1:23. 2 Sam. 3:1. Epli.6:10. 
 Phil. 4:13. 2 Pet. 3.18. b 16:10. Deut. 20:1 1—18. Judg. 1:30,33,35. 2 Chr. 8:7, 
 8. c Gen. 48:22. Num. 26:34— 37. Dent. 33:17. d Gen. 48. 19. e Luke 12:»8. 
 f Gen. 13:7. Ex. 33:2. Ezra9:l. J Or, Reiihnims. Gen. 14:5. 15:20. 2 Sam. 5: 
 18:22. glS. 1:19. 4:3. hSeeonll. i 19:18. Judg. 6-33. 1 Kings 4:12. 18:46 
 21:1,23. 2 Kina 9: 10, 37. Hos. 1:4,5. kSeeonH. 115.15:9.211:7. mll-4— 
 6. 13:6. Num. 14:6— 9. Deul. 20: 1-4. P«. 27:1,2. I». 41:10— 16. 51:12,13. Rom. 
 8:31,37. Hclt. 13:6. 
 
 woodlands, and to dispossess the Canaanites. And as the 
 Lord had blessed them hitherto, they had the more encou- 
 ragement to confide in his assistance: nor would Joshua show 
 partiality to his kindred, any more than Moses had done. 
 
 V. 16. Chariots of iron.] It is supposed, that these 
 chariots were armed with sharp scythes from the axles, on 
 each side, underneath, and in different directions. They 
 were drawn by swiff and strong horses, and driven by expert 
 charioteers, who were generally accompanied by warriors 
 that fought from the chariots. They made dreadful havoc 
 among undisciplined troops, or such as were not accustomed 
 to them ; and were exceedingly formidable in the first onset. 
 But able commanders, by a skilful disposition of their forces ; 
 and well-disciplined troops, by regular and expeditious move- 
 ments, rendered their force and fury vain : and sometimes by 
 wounding and affrighting the horses, they were driven back 
 upon their own army with terrible confusion and destruction. 
 Wherever, therefore, war became a science , they fell into 
 disuse as unwieldy and dangerous. — The objection niado 
 u hy the children of Joseph,” to Joshua’s exhortation, was 
 evidently the result of unbelief. What wero chariots of 
 iron to the Almighty power of Israel’s God? (Notes, 11:4,5. 
 Num. 13:30,31. Judg. 4:10,14.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Joshua gently reproved the claimants for calling 
 their portion “one lot,” and pointed out the improvement of 
 which it was capable ; and the extensive tracts of land, which 
 might bo cleared, and rescued from the Canaanites : and ho 
 assured them, that if they exerted their valour, power, and 
 industry in dependence on the Lord ; the iron chariots, and 
 the strength of the Canaanites, would prove no lur to their 
 success and prosperity. — The mountain, or wood, Iwrc spoken 
 of, had perhaps not beforo been expressly nllotteJ to these 
 tribes; yet it lay within or near, the assigned limits. 
 
 PRACTICAL 013SERVATIOVS. 
 
 Prudent foresight, and believing dependence t)i. the Lord 
 
B. C. 444. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 1444 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Ths tabsmacls is tel up at Shiloh, l. Joshua causes the remainder of the 
 land to be described in seven ]>arts,% — 9. He divides it by lot, 10. The 
 lot and borders of Benjamin , 1 1 — 20. Their cities , 21 — 28. 
 
 A ND the whole congregation of the children 
 of Israel assembled together at "Shiloh, and 
 •"set up the tabernacle of the congregation there : 
 and the land was subdued before them. 
 
 2 H And there remained among the children of 
 arael seven tribes, which had not yet received 
 heir inheritance. 
 
 3 And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, 
 "How long are ye slack to go to possess the 
 land, which the Lord God of your fathers hath 
 given you ? 
 
 4 Give out from among you ‘'three men for each 
 tribe; and I will send them, and they shall rise 
 and go through the land, and "describe it accord- 
 ing to the inheritance of them : and they shall 
 come again to me. 
 
 5 And they shall divide it into seven parts: 
 fJudah shall abide in their coast on the south, and 
 »the house of Joseph shall abide in their coasts on 
 the north. 
 
 6 Ye shall therefore describe the land into 
 
 a 19-51. 21:2. 22:9. h Judg. 18:31. 1 Sam. 1:3,24. 4:3.4. 1 Kinga 2:27. 14:2,4. 
 Ps.7S.60. . ter. 7:12— 14. 26:6. c Judg. 18:9. Pror. 2 2— 6. 10:4. 13:4.15:19. 
 Ec.9:I0. Zrph. 3:16. Matt. 20:6. John 6:27. Phil. 3:13,14. 2 Pet. 1:10,11. d 3: 
 12. 4:2. Num. 1:4. 13:2. e 6.9. f 15:1, (4c. 19:1— 9. « IS: 17: h 8.10. 14:2. 
 Num. 26:54,55. 33:54 . 34:13. Ps. 105:11. Prov. 16:33. 18:18. Acts 13:19. i 13: 
 
 for the performance of his promises, inducing cheerful obe- 
 dience to his commands, will ensure to us an inheritance 
 among his people in the heavenly Canaan, and every thing 
 truly good for us in this world. — But, alas ! even professed 
 Christians are often more disposed to murmur, envy, and 
 covet, than to be content, thankful, and ready to distribute. 
 Indeed we are all more prone to grasp at what belongs to 
 others, than to manage our own to the best advantage, and 
 many complain of poverty, and encroach upon the bei^volence 
 of others, because they rebel against the sentence of divine 
 justice," Thou shalt eat thy bread in the sweat of thy brow.” 
 Men excuse themselves from labour on any pretence : and 
 nothing serves the purpose better, than having rich and 
 powerful relations ; though by providing for them these are 
 often most criminally partial and unfaithful in disposing of 1 
 those funds, with which they were intrusted for the public 
 benefit. But there is more real kindness in pointing out to 
 men the advantages within their reach, that they may be 
 excited to improve them, than in gratifying their indolence 
 and profusion. True religion gives no sanction to these evils : 
 “We commanded,” says the apostle, “that if any man 
 would not work, neither should he eat and many of our 
 cannots are only the language of sloth, which magnifies every 
 difficulty into an impossibility, and represents every danger 
 as inevitable destruction. — This is especially the case in our 
 spiritual work and warfare: but even our professed relation 
 to the Captain of the Lord’s host will not avail us, if we be 
 indolent and self-indulgent. Our very complaints, that com- 
 forts are withheld, frequently result from negligence and fear 
 of the cross : and when convinced that we can do nothing, we 
 are apt to sit still and attempt nothing. But “ as many as 
 the Lord loves, he rebukes and chastens and if we belong 
 to him, he will stir us up to be diligent, bold, and persevering 
 in well-doing ; to break our league with every sin, and re- 
 nounce our worldly pleasures and sinful interests ; to rise 
 superior to our fears, and to exert our best endeavours. Then 
 our complaints will be silenced, or rather turned into joyful 
 thanksgivings: and, if “ the Lord hath blessed us hitherto,” 
 this should suffice to shame us out of our distrust and re- 
 pinings. — May he teach us here to believe and obey, and give 
 us an inheritance among his saints in glory everlasting! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap-. XVIII. V. 1. The tribes of Judah, 
 Ephraim, and Manasseh, were settled in their possessions ; 
 and perhaps many others were dispersed in some parts of the 
 land to cultivate it, where they could do it safely: it was 
 therefore proper, that the tabernacle should be removed to a 
 more central situation than Gilgal, where it had hitherto 
 remained ; and Shiloh was selected for that purpose, doubt- 
 less by direction from the Lord, who might be consulted on 
 the occasion by Urim and Thummim. {Notes, Ex. 29:30. 
 Num. 27:21.) This city was in the centre of Canaan, and as 
 convenient as possible for all the tribes : and it was proper 
 that the ark and tabernacle, the visible symbols of Jehovah’s 
 presence, and the glory of the land, which stamped a relative 
 holiness upon it, should be in the midst of it. Shiloh was in 
 the lot of Ephraim, the tribe to which Joshua belonged *. and 
 it was expedient, that the sanctuary should be near the resi- 
 dence of the chief governor. — The name of this city is the 
 same, as that by which Jacob predicted the Messiah; {Note, 
 Gen. 49:10.) and some expositors suppose, that it was called 
 Shiloh on this occasion, when selected for the resting-pia.ee 
 of the ark, and the observance of those institutions which 
 typyfied our great Peace-maker, and our access to God 
 through his atonement and intercession.— That part of the 
 
 seven parts, and bring the description hither to 
 me, h that I may cast lots lor you here helore the 
 Lord our God. 
 
 7 But 'the Levites have no part among you ; for 
 the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance: k and 
 Gael, and Reuben, and half the tribe of Manasseh, 
 have received their inheritance beyond Jordan 
 on the east, which Moses the servant of the Lord 
 gave them. 
 
 8 And the men arose, and went away: and 
 Joshua charged them that went to describe the 
 land, saying, Go, and walk through the land, ana 
 describe it, and come again to me, 'that I may hert 
 cast lots for you before the Lord in Shiloh. 
 
 9 And the men went, and passed through the 
 land, and described it by cities into seven parts, in 
 a book, and came again to Joshua, to the host at 
 Shiloh. 
 
 10 And Joshua m cast lots for them in Shiloh 
 "before the Lord : and there Joshua divided the 
 land unto the children of Israel, according to their 
 divisions. 
 
 11 H And the lot of the tribe of the children of 
 Benjamin came up according to their families ; 
 
 14,33. Num. 18:20,23. Deut. 10:9. 18:1,2. k 13:8—31. Num. 32:29— 41. Deul. 
 3:12—47.4:47,48. 1 See on 6:10. 7,16— 18. 13:7. 11:1,2.15:1. 1 Sam. 14:41. 
 Acts 1:24— 26. Rom. 14:19. mSteon6,8. Prov. 18:13. Ez. 47.22. 48:29. Man. 
 27:35. Acts 13:19. n Ps. 16:5,6. 47:4. 61:5. John 17:2. Acts26:18. Col. 1:12. 
 
 country being subdued, the Israelites could assemble without 
 interruption : and all personal cares and employments seem 
 to have been laid aside, while, with one consent, they attended 
 to this solemn and joyful religious duty. No doubt those, 
 who still continued encamped, removed and pitched around 
 the tabernacle as they had before done, both in the wilderness 
 and in Canaan. — In this place the sanctuary of God remained, 
 till the ark was taken by the Philistines in the time of Eli ; 
 (1 Sam. 4:) but soon after it seems *o have been removed to 
 Nob; though the ark was placed at Kirjath-jearim, probably 
 till David removed it to mount Zion. (Notes, l Sam. 7:1,2. 
 21:1,2. 2 Sam. 6:2.) So that the tabernacle was stationed at 
 Shiloh between three and four hundred years. ( Afar g. Ref.) 
 
 V. 2. The dissatisfaction, which Ephraim and Manasseh 
 had expressed respecting the inheritance allotted them, seems 
 to have induced Joshua to staylhe proceedings of the persons 
 employed in dividing the land, till the camp had been remo- 
 ved to Shiloh, and another survey had been made. ( Notes . 
 17:14—18.) 
 
 V. 3 — 10. The people, enriched with plunder, and living 
 in plenty, were more intent on present ease and indulgence, 
 than on obtaining possession of their permanent inheritances ; 
 which could not be done without new dangers and fatigues. 
 (Note, 16:10.) In the mean time the Canaanites were 
 recovering strength and courage, a great part of the land 
 remained uncultivated, and the Israelites were impoverishing 
 themselves, and contracting bad habits.— After a year or 
 more had been spent in this manner, whilst they were but 
 little acquainted with that part of the land which was not yet 
 divided, Joshua reproved their slackness, and directed them 
 how to proceed. Some general survey indeed must have 
 been made, previous to the allotment of portions to the afore- 
 mentioned tribes ; but it had not been sufficiently exact and 
 complete. Three persons, therefore, were chosen out of 
 every tribe concerned, that an impartial and amicable settle- 
 ment might be made ; and perhaps they went in three 
 companies for expedition. These surveyors, according to the 
 instructions given by Joshua, made as exact a measurement 
 and discretion of the country as they could, both as to its 
 extent and fertility ; and divided the remains of the land into 
 seven parts, that the seven remaining tribes might have their 
 inheritances assigned them by lot ; the situation being thus 
 determined, and the quantity proportioned to their numbers. 
 While employed in this perilous work, they were, doubtless, 
 peculiarly emboldened and protected by the Lord ; and the 
 Canaanites were intimidated and restrained from assaulting 
 them.: so that they all returned in safety to Shiloh; and 
 Joshua with religious solemnity cast lots for them before the 
 Lord. — On this survey it appeared, that. Judah’s portion had 
 been made disproportionately large : and therefore Simeon 
 had his taken out from it ; and Dan also, at least in part. 
 [Notes, 19:1-9,40-48.) 
 
 In a book. (9) The surveyors seem to have formed some 
 kind of map of the country, as well as a description of it in 
 writing. The Egyptians, from the situation of their fields, 
 as annually overflowed by the Nile, acquired great skill in 
 surveying and measuring land : and some of the Israelites 
 had, no doubt, learned this from them : and further immediate 
 teaching from God might be vouchsafed on this occasion. 
 {Notes, Ex. 31:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 11 — 20. ( Marg . Ref.) In the prophetical blessing of 
 Moses, Benjamin is placed between Judah and Joseph ; (for 
 Levi had no inheritance assigned him:) and at length, by la!. 
 the portion of Benjamin fell between them. ( Notes, Deut 
 
 ( 413 ) 
 
B. C. 1444. JOSHUA. B. C. 1444. 
 
 and the coast of their lot came forth “between 
 the children of Judah and the children of Joseph. 
 
 12 And their border on the north side was 
 from Jordan : and the border went up to the side 
 of pJericho on the north side, and went up through 
 the mountains westward ; and the goings out 
 thereof were at 'dhe wilderness of Beth-aven. 
 
 13 And the border went over from thence 
 toward Luz, to the side of r Luz, which is Beth-el, 
 southward, and the border descended to Ataroth- 
 addar near the hill that lieth on the south side of 
 the nether s Beth-horon. 
 
 14 And the border was drawn thence, and com- 
 passed the corner of the sea southward, from the 
 hill that lieth before Beth-horon southward ; and 
 the goings out thereof were at ‘Kirjath-baal, 
 which is Kirjath-jearim, a city of the children of 
 Judah. This ivas the west quarter. 
 
 15 And the south quarter was from the end of 
 Kirjath-jearim, and the border went out on the 
 west, and went out to the well of waters of 
 “Nephtoah ; 
 
 16 And the border came down to the end of 
 the mountain that lieth before x the valley of the 
 son of Hinnom, and which is in nhe valley of the 
 giants on the north, and descended to the valley 
 of Hinnom, to the side of ‘Jebusi on the south, 
 and descended to “En-rogel, 
 
 17 And was drawn from the north, and went 
 forth to En-shemesh, and went forth toward 
 Geliloth, which is over against the going up of 
 Adummim, and descended to b the stone of Bohan 
 the son of Reuben, 
 
 18 And passed along toward the side over 
 against 'Arabah northward, and went down unto 
 Arabah ; 
 
 19 And the border passed along to the side of 
 Beth-hoglah, northward; and the outgoings of 
 the border were at the north 'bay of the “salt sea, 
 at the south end of Jordan. This was the south 
 coast. 
 
 20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east 
 side. d This was the inheritance of the children of 
 
 0 15:1— 8. 16:1— 10. Dent. 10: 13 12. p 2:1 . 3:16. 6:1. 16:1. q 7:2. Hot. 4:15. 
 
 5:8.10:5. r 16:2. Gen. 28:10. J uilg. 1 .22— 26. >10:11.16:3.91:22. l 15:9, 
 60. 1 Sam. 7:1,2. 2 Sam. 6:2. 1 Chr. 13:6. u 15:9. X 15:8. 3 Kings 23: 10. 
 2 Chr 23:3. 33:6. Is. 30:33: Jer.7:31,32. 19:2,6,11. 32:35. » See on 15:8. IS: 
 
 16. 1 Chr. 14:9. 7, 29. 15:63. Judg. 1:0.21 19:10. a 15:7. 2 Sam. 17:17. 
 
 1 Kings 1:9. b 15:6. * Or, tho plain. 15:6,61. f Heb. tongue. 15:2. marg. Is. 11: 
 
 15. c 3:15. 12:3. Gen. 14:3. 19:25. Num. 34:3. Ieut.3:l7. dll. e 12. 2:1. 6:1. 
 Luke 10:30. 19:1 f 19. 15:6. g IS. 15:6. h Gen. 10:18. 2 Chr. 13:4. i 1 Kings 
 12:29.32. k 1 Sam. 13:17. 121:17. Ezra 2:26. Neh. 7:30. m 9:17. 10:2. 
 
 33:7,17.) The borders of this tribe on the north were the 
 same as those of Ephraim on the south: and his southern 
 boundaries the same as the northern borders of Judah ; but 
 drawn from west to east, instead of from east to west. (15:1 
 — 12. 16:) — As the inheritance of Benjamin did not reach to 
 the Mediterranean Sea, and no other sea or lake is supposed 
 to have been in those parts ; perhaps the expresssion, “ com- 
 passed the corner of the sea southward,” (14) might be 
 rendered, “made a circuit on the side next the sea towards 
 the south for this clause seems to connect the account of 
 the northern border, which is contained in the preceding verses, 
 with that of the southern which follows. 
 
 V. 21 — 28. Marg. Ref . I Vhich is Jerusalem. (28) Note, 
 15:63. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The ordinances of religion form our most important busi- 
 ness, and must be atlended to in the first place, even in 
 preference to our worldly affairs, if we would be happy in 
 our own souls, and prosper in our undertakings: (Note, Matt. 
 6:33,34.) and when properly administered and attended on, by 
 all ranks and orders of men, they form the glory and bulwark 
 of any nation : for “ them that honour God he will honour, 
 and they who despise him shall be lightly esteemed.” We 
 indeed have the true Tabernacle, the true Ark of the covenant, 
 and the mercy-seat, not only in the midst of us, hut every 
 where present : and when we meet in the courts of the Lord, 
 he is as really though not sensibly present, as he was between 
 the cherubim in the tabernacle of Israel. (Notes, Matt. 18: 
 19,20.28:19,20.) But what return do we render for such 
 benefits? What improvement do wc make of them? Alas! 
 the ordinances of God are generally neglected ; his sabbaths 
 are violated ; his truths are opposed, despised, or abused ; and 
 his' commandments and authority are trampled upon ! Few 
 in comparison seem to value the salvation proposed to sinners 
 in the gospel : and even they who profess to accept of it, 
 are often, through indolence, self-indulgence, and fear of 
 difficulties, rendered very irresolute and slack in “ possessing 
 the inheritance which the •Lord God hath given them.” 
 Indeed many of them do not understand tho extent of their 
 t 4’4 ) 
 
 Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, 
 according to their families. 
 
 21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children 
 of Benjamin, according to their families, were 
 ‘Jericho, and f Beth-hoglah, and the valley of 
 Keziz, 
 
 22 And eBeth-arabah, and “Zemaraim, and 
 'Beth-el, 
 
 23 And Avim, and Parah, and k Ophrah, 
 
 24 And Chephar-haammonai, and Ophni, and 
 ‘Gaba ; twelve cities with their villages: 
 
 25 ""Gibeon, and “Ramah, and Beeroth, 
 
 26 And Mizpeh, and “Chephirah, and Mozah, 
 
 27 And Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah, 
 
 28 And rZelah, Eleph, and sJebusi, (which is 
 Jerusalem,) “Gibeath, and Kirjath: fourteen cities 
 with their villages. This is the inheritance of 
 the children of Benjamin ‘according to their 
 families. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 The lot of Simeon , 1 — 9 : of Zebulun, 10 — 16 : of Iesachar , 1? — 23 : of Asher 
 24 — 31 : of Naphtali , 32 — 39 : of Dan, 40 — 48. The irdieriiance assigned te 
 Joshua , 49 — 51. 
 
 A ND the “second lot came forth to Simeon, 
 even for the tribe of the children of Simeon, 
 according to their families: and their inheritance 
 was “within the inheritance of the children of 
 Judah. 
 
 2 And they had in their inheritance, “Beer- 
 sheba, and Sheba, and Moladah, 
 
 3 And d Hazar-shual, and Balah, and Azem, 
 
 4 And ‘Eltolad, and Bethul, and fHormah, 
 
 5 And sZiklag, and Beth-marcaboth, and 
 “Hazar-susah, 
 
 6 And 'Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen 
 cities and their villages : 
 
 7 l^n, k Remmon, and 'Ether, and Ashan ; four 
 cities and their villages : 
 
 8 And all the villages that were round about 
 these cities, to m Baalath-beer, "Rarnath of the 
 south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the 
 children of Simeon, according to their families. 
 
 9 Out of the portion of the children of Judah 
 was the inheritance of the children of Simeon : 
 
 1 Kings 3:4,5. 9:2. Is. 28:21. n 1 Sam. 1:1. Ramathaim-zophim. 717. 15:34. 
 Jer. 31:15. Matt. 27:57. Arimathea. o9:17. Ezra 2:26. p 2 Sam. 21:14. q 16. 
 15:8,63. 2 Sam. 5:8. r Judg. 19:12— 15. 20:4,5. 1 Sam. 10:26. 13:15,16. Is. 10: 
 29. Hos. 10:9. Gibeah. a Num. 26:54 . 33:54. a 18:6—11. b 9. Gen. 49:5—7. 
 c 15:28. Gen. 21:31. 1 Chr. 4:28 — 30. Bxlhah. Ezem. Tolad. Bethuel. Neh. 
 11:26—30. dl5:28,29. e 15:30. f Judg. 117. g 15:31. 1 Sam. 27:6. 30:1. 
 h 1 Chr. 4:31. Hazar-susim. i 15:32. j 1 Chr. 4:32. Rittimon. k Num. 33: 
 19,20. 1 15:42. m 1 Chr. 4:33. n 1 Sam. 30:27. Hamoih. 
 
 privileges, because they have not carefully surveyed them : 
 and when preserved from terrors and distress of conscience, 
 and able to keep up some tolerable hope of salvation, with a 
 little comfort from time to time in sacred ordinances ; they 
 seem to think that they possess all that can be expected in 
 this world, and consider heaven as an estate in reversion, 
 when they shall be ejected from their present too well beloved 
 tenure of worldly possessions ! Nor are they aware, that 
 a close walk with God, increasing conformity to him, love of 
 him and of one another, and a will in all things subjected to 
 his will, form the very substance of heavenly felicity ; and 
 that much more of these blessed privileges may be enjoyed 
 on earth, than any of us have hitherto experienced. But the 
 Captain of our salvation will rebuke this slackness : and he 
 commands his ministers to declare to his people, the truths 
 which respect their present sanctification and progress in 
 divine life, as well as their future inheritance, that they may 
 be excited to press onward to the enjoyment of them. At his 
 command we may boldly undertake any service, and need 
 fear no enemies. He assigns to each of us our present and 
 our future portion : yet in this appointment he takes into the 
 account that diligence, vigilance, and faithfulness, which 
 through his grace we are enabled to exercise : and as the 
 industrious husbandman and intrepid warrior are generally , 
 so the diligent, watchful, and courageous Christian is always , 
 the most prosperous. “Having therefore food and raiment, 
 let us be therewith content and may our wealth he laid up 
 in the land of promise above, whither all the tribes of the 
 redeemed will in succession shortly arrive, and receive their 
 incorruptible inheritance. (Notes, Matt. 6:19 — 21. Col. 
 3:1—4.) 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XIX. V. 1—9. (Marg. Ref.) The 
 inheritance of the tribe of Judah was found to he more than 
 was necessary, or than properly camo to their share ; a po» 
 tion was therefore allotted to the tribe of Simeon, takf-n from 
 the south-west part of it : and it seems that, without mur- 
 muring, Judah renounced his claim, at the instance of Joshua 
 and of those who had been nominated to the office of dividing 
 tho land. (Notes, 15:32. Gen. 49:5 — 7. Num, 26:14.)— Sheba 
 
B. C. 1444. 
 
 B. C. 1444. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 for the part of the children of Judah was “too 
 much for them ; therefore the children of Simeon 
 had their inheritance within the inheritance of 
 them. 
 
 10 H Ann the Pthird lot came up for the chil- 
 dren of ‘iZebulun, according to their families : and 
 the border of their inheritance was unto Sarid. 
 
 11 Anil their border went up toward the sea, 
 and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and 
 reached to the river that is before r Jokneam ; 
 
 12 And turned from Sarid eastward toward the 
 sunrising unto the border of 'Chisloth-tabor, and 
 then goeth out to 'Daberath, and goeth up to 
 Japhia. 
 
 13 And from thence passeth on along on the 
 east to "Gittah-hepher to Ittah-kazin, and goeth 
 out to Remmon-'methoar to Neah ; 
 
 14 And the border compasseth it on the north 
 side to Hannathon : and the outgoings thereof are 
 in the valley of Jiphthah-el ; 
 
 15 And ^Kattath, and Nahallal, and ^Shimron, 
 and Idalah, and Beth-lehem : twelve cities with 
 their villages. 
 
 16 This is the inheritance of the children of 
 Zebulun, according to their families, these cities 
 with their villages. 
 
 17 If Jlnd the fourth lot came out to Issachar, 
 for the children of Issachar, according to their 
 families. 
 
 18 And their border was toward 'Jezreel, and 
 Chesulloth, and "Shunem, • 
 
 19 And Hapharaim, and Shihon, and Anaha- 
 rath. 
 
 20 And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez, 
 
 21 And Remeth, and b En-gannim, and En-had- 
 dah, and Beth-pazzez ; 
 
 22 And the coast reacheth to c Tabor, and Sha- 
 nazimah, and d Beth-shemesh, and the outgoings 
 of their border were at Jordan: sixteen cities 
 with their villages. 
 
 23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the 
 children of Issachar, according to their families, 
 the cities and their villages. 
 
 24 IT And the fifth lot came out for the tribe of 
 the children of Asher, according to their families. 
 
 25 And their border was 'Helkath, and Hali, 
 and Beten, and fAchshaph, 
 
 26 And Alammelech, and Amad, and sMisheal; 
 and reacheth to ''Carmel westward, and to Shihor- 
 libnath, 
 
 t>Ei. 16:18. 2Cor. 8:14,15. 7 . 18:6,11. q (ten. 49:13. Deul. 33:18,19. r 12: 
 22. 1 Kings 4 : 12. 1 Chr. 6 : 68 . Johnenm. s 22. Jndg. 4:6,12. Ps. 89:12. t 21: 
 28. Dabareh. 1 Chr. 6:7*2. u 2 Kings 14:25. Gath-hepher. * Or, which 
 is drawn. Ex. 21:34,35. Jude. 1:30. Nnhalol. y 11:1. 12:20. zl Kings 21: 
 1,15,16. 2 Kings 8:29. 9:15,30.“ Hos. 1:4,5. a 1 Sam. 28:4. 1 Kings 1 :3. 2:17, 
 21. 2 Kings 4:8,12. b 21:29. c 12. Jndg. 4:6. lChr.6:77. Jer. 46:18. d 38. 
 21:16. 1 Kings 4:9. 2 Kings 14:11— 13. e2Sam.2:16. f 11:1. 12:20. g 21:30. 
 
 1 Chr. 6:74. Mashnl. h 1 Kings 18:20. Cant. 7:5. Is. 33.9 . 35:2. Jer. 46:18. 
 i 14. kl Kings 9:13. 1 See on 30. m John 2:1,11. 4:46. Cana, n 11:8. Judg. 
 1:31. Is. 23£3,4,12. \ Heb. Tzor. 2 Sam. 5:11. Ts. 23: Ez. 26: 27: 28: oGen. 
 
 was the same place as Beer-sheba, or a suburb of that city : 
 otherwise there would have been fourteen cities. 
 
 V. 10 — 16. (Murg. Ref.) Zebulun was younger than Is- 
 sachar : yet he was placed next before him, both in the pro- 
 phecy of Jacob, and in that of Moses: (Gen. 30:18 — 20. 49: 
 13 — 15. Dent. 33:18,19.) and his inheritance was allotted to 
 him before Issachar had his. It lay to the north of Issachar, 
 near to the lake of Gennesaret, in the region of Galilee. — 
 There were twelve principal cities in the lot of this tribe : but 
 they are not here particularly enumerated ; for many of the 
 places mentioned were merely the boundaries of the lot as- 
 signed to Zebulun. The Beth-lehem, here mentioned, lay 
 ?.t a great distance from Beth-lehem- Judah, (Note, Mic. 5:2.) 
 
 V. 17 — 23. The inheritance of Issachar lay to the south of 
 Zebulun, the south-west of Naphtali, the south-east of Asher, 
 and the north of Manasseh ; and reached almost from Jordan to 
 the Mediterranean : yet the lots of Manasseh and Asher are 
 supposed to have met on the sea-shore. (Murg. Ref.) — The 
 nature of the case is sufficient to satisfy any person, upon re- 
 flection, that these accounts must to us be obscure, and parti- 
 cular explanations of them in great measure uncertain. 
 
 V. 24 — 31. ( Mar g. Ref .) The inheritance of Asher lay 
 n the most northern part of the land ; having Issachar on the 
 south-east, the extremity of Manasseth on the south, and 
 Zebulun and Naphtali on the east.— It seems to have formed 
 an angle almost as far as Zidon ; though Tyre, which is more 
 to the south, was without its boundaries. — ‘ Tyre, though not 
 so old as Stdon, yet was of very high antiquity. It was a 
 strong city in the time of Joshua ; it is called ns nxDo my “ the 
 
 27 And turneth toward tbe sunnsing to Beth- 
 dagon, and reacheth to Zebulun, and to the^ 'valley 
 of Jiphthah-el toward the north side of Beth- 
 emek, and Neiel, and goeth out to k Cabul on the 
 left hand ; 
 
 28 And Hebron, and 'Rehob, and Hammon, 
 and m Kanah, even unto "great Zidon ; 
 
 29 And then the coast turneth to Ramah, and to 
 the strong city 'Tyre, and the coast turneth to 
 Hosah ; and the outgoings thereof are at the sea, 
 from the coast to "Achzib : 
 
 30 Ummah ‘also, and •’Aphek, and iRehob: 
 twenty and two cities with their villages. 
 
 31 This is r the inheritance of the tribe of the 
 children of Asher, according to their families, 
 these cities with their villages. 
 
 32 "IT The sixth lot came out m the children of 
 Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali accord- 
 ing to their families. 
 
 33 And their coast was from Heleph, from Allon 
 to "Zaanannim, and Adami, Nekeb, and Jabneel, 
 unto Lakum ; and the outgoings thereof were at 
 Jordan : 
 
 34 And then the coast 'turneth westward to 
 "Asnoth-tabor, and goeth out from thence to Huk- 
 kok, and reacheth to Zebulun on the south side, 
 and reacheth to Asher on the west side, and to 
 Judah upon Jordan toward the sunrising. 
 
 35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer, and 
 "Hammath, Rakkath, and rChinnereth, 
 
 36 And Adamah, and Ramah, and z Hazor, 
 
 37 And “Kedesh, and Edrei, and En-hazor, 
 
 38 And Iron, and Migdal-el, Horem, and Beth- 
 anath, and b Beth-shemesh ; nineteen cities with 
 their villages. 
 
 39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the 
 children of Naphtali, according to their families, 
 the cities and their villages. 
 
 40 IT And the seventh lot came out for the tribe 
 of the children of Dan according to their families. 
 
 41 And the coast of their inheritance was 
 c Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Ir-shemesh, 
 
 42 And d Shaalabbin, and e Ajalon, and Jethlah, 
 
 43 And Elon, and fThimnathah, and eEkron, 
 
 44 And Eltekeh, and h Gibbethon, and 'Baalath, 
 
 45 And Jehud, and Bene-berak, and 'Gath-rim- 
 mon, 
 
 46 And Me-jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border 
 Tbefore Uapho. 
 
 47 And k the coast of the children of Dan went 
 
 38:5. Judg. 1:31. Mic. 1:14. p 12:18. 13:4. 1 Sam. 4:1. 1 Kings 20:30. q 28. 
 21:31. Num. 13:21. r Gen. 49:20. Deut. 33:24,25. s Judg. 4: II . Zaanaim. 
 t Dent. 33:23. u 12,22. x Gen. 10:18. Num. 13:21. 34:8. 1 Kings 8:65. Hamath. 
 vll:2. Chinneroth. 13:27. Mark 6:53. Gennesaret. z 11:1,10. 12:19. a 12: 
 22 . 20:7. b 22. c 15:33. Zorlah. Jude. 13:2,25. 16:31. 18:2. 1 Chr. 2:53. 2 Chr. 
 11:10. d Judg. 1:35. Shaalbim. e 10:12. 21 :24. 1 Sam. 14:31. f Gen. 38:12. 
 Judg. 14:1,2. Timna.th. g 1-5:45. 1 Sam. 5:10. h 21:23. 1 Kings 15:27. 16:15. 
 ilKings9:18. 121:24. X Or, over against. § Or. Joppa. Jon. 1 :3. Acts 9: 
 36,43. 10:8. k Judg. 1:34,35. 18:1—29. 
 
 city of the fortress of Sor.” Josh. 19:29. Interpreters raise 
 difficulties in regard to this passage, and will not allow it to 
 have been so ancient : with what good reason I do not see, 
 for it is called by the same name, “the fortress of Sor,” in 
 the history of David: (2 Sam.2ifl .) and the circumstances 
 of the history determine the place to be the very same. 1 
 Bp. Lowth on Is. 23:7. — Perhaps the Canaanites, aided by 
 the Zidonians, fortified Tyre, when first expelled by Joshua. 
 (Antes, 10:20. 11:18. Is. 23:4,6,7. Ez. 26:3 — 6.) — Cabul seems 
 to have been a city, and therefore distinct from the country 
 thus called by Hiram Kina of Tyre: but it was in the same 
 neighbourhood, and probably had its name for a similar reason. 
 (1 Kings 9:13. Marg.) — There is a doubt, whether the Ka- 
 nah, here mentioned, be the same place where Christ wrought 
 his first miracle, or another city of the same name more to 
 the north. 
 
 V. 32 — 39. (Murg. Ref.) The inheritance of Naphtali 
 lay east of Asher: but it did not extend quite so far to the 
 north. It bordered on Zebulun on the south and south-west, 
 and reached to the lake of Gennesaret, or the sea of Tiberias 
 — It is not easy to determine what is meant by the clause “ to 
 Judah upon Jordan towards the sunrising;” (34) for the lot 
 of Naphtali was far distant from Judah. But some suppose, 
 that it communicated and traded with Judah by Jordan, the 
 eastern border of the land. 
 
 V. 40 — 48. The inheritance of Dan lay on the north and 
 north-west of Judah, as it is generally supposed ; being taken, 
 in part at least, from the country at first allotted to that tribe : 
 
 1 for several of the cities here mentioned were numbered anoonf 
 ( 415 ) 
 
B. C. 1441. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1444 
 
 ¥ 
 
 out too little for them ; therefore the children of 
 Dan went up to fhjht against Leshem, and took 
 it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and 
 possessed it, and dwelt therein, and called ‘Le- 
 shem, Dan, after the name of Dan their father. 
 
 48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the 
 children of Dan according to their families, these 
 cities with their villages. 
 
 49 K When they had made an end of dividing 
 the land for inheritance by their coasts, the chil- 
 dren of Israel m gave an inheritance to Joshua the 
 son of Nun among them : 
 
 50 According to the word of the Lord, they 
 gave him the citv which he asked, even "Timnath- 
 serah in mount Ephraim : and he built the city, 
 and dwelt therein. 
 
 51 “These are the inheritances which Eleazar 
 the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the 
 heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children 
 of Israel, divided for an inheritance by lot, Pin 
 Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation. So they made an end 
 of dividing the country. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 God commands Joshua to appoint the cities of refuge, 1—6. Their names and 
 situation, 7 — 9. 
 
 T HE Lord also a spake unto Joshua, saying, 
 
 2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying. 
 Appoint out for you cities of refuge, whereof I 
 spake unto you by the hand of Moses : 
 
 3 That the slayer that killeth any person 
 unawares and unwittingly may flee thither : and 
 
 they shall be e your refuge from the avenger ol 
 blood. 
 
 4 And when he that doth flee unto one of those 
 cities, shall stand d at the entering of the gate of 
 the city, and shall declare his cause in the ears of 
 the elders of that city ; they shall “take him into 
 tlie city unto them, and give him a place, that he 
 may dwell among them. 
 
 5 And if the avenger of blood pursue after him, 
 then they shall not deliver the slayer up into his 
 hand; because he smote his neighbour unwit 
 tingly, and hated him not beforetime. 
 
 6 And he shall dwell in that city, f until he stana 
 before the congregation for judgment, and until 
 the death of the high-priest that shall be in those 
 days : then shall the slayer .return, and come unto 
 his own city, and unto his own house, unto the 
 city from whence he fled. 
 
 7 H And they 'appointed g Kedesh in Galilee in 
 mount Naphtali, and h Shechem in mount Ephraim, 
 and ‘Kirjath-arba, (which is Hebron,) in the 
 k mountain of Judah. 
 
 8 And on the other side Jordan, by Jericho 
 eastward, they assigned ‘Bezer in the wilderness 
 upon the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and 
 m Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and 
 "Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. 
 
 9 These were “the cities appointed for all the 
 children of Israel, and for the stranger that so- 
 journeth among them, that whosoever killeth any 
 person at unawares might flee thither, and not die 
 by the hand of the avenger of blood, Puntil he 
 stood before the congregation. 
 
 Judg. 18-7,27,29. Laieh. m Ez. 45:7,8. n 24:30. Judg. 2:9. Timnalh-herei. 
 I Chr. 7:24. ol4:l. Norn. 34:17— 29. Ps. 47:3,4. Mall. 20:23. 2.3:34. John 14: 
 2.3. 17:2. Heb. 4:8,9. p 18: 1 . n 5:14. 6:2. 7:10. 13:1— 7. b Ex. 21:13,14. 
 Num. 33:6,11— 14. Deul. 4:41— 43. 19:2— 13. Rom. 8:1,33,34. Ueb. 6:18,19. 
 c Num. 35:15— 24. dRulh4:l. Job 5:4. 29:7. Jer.38:7. ei..26:9. (Num. 
 
 those of Judah. (Marg. Ref.) — It also bordered on Benja- 
 min to the north-east, on Ephraim to the north, and on Simeon 
 to the south. The country possessed by the Philistines, 
 seems in part to have belonged to the inheritance of Dan : 
 and the clause rendered, 41 the coast of Dan went out too 
 little for them,” may mean,' that the Danites were deprived 
 of their country by the ancient inhabitants, and therefore had 
 not a sufficient portion ; and the following brief account of a 
 transaction afterwards more fully recorded, was added to 
 complete the description of the inheritance at length possessed 
 by this tribe. Probably this occurred soon after the death of 
 Joshua ; and the addition to the narrative might be made by 
 Phinehas. (Judg. 20:28. Notes , Judg. 18:) 
 
 V. 49, 50. Joshua waited till all the tribes were settled, 
 before he required any provision for himself. It is probable, 
 that the Lord had commanded the Israelites to give him an 
 inheritance, at the time when he gave orders about Caleb : 
 accordingly he desired to have Timnath-serah, which was 
 not a city of great note, nor situated in the best of the land : 
 but it lay in the lot of his own tribe, and not far from Shiloh, 
 where the ark of God was placed. Thus he closed all his 
 great and memorable services, by an example of moderation, 
 equity, piety, and industry in rebuilding the city assigned 
 him, which does great honour to his character. — It does not 
 appear that Joshua left any posterity. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 If the true believer have entered into engagements which 
 are likely to prove injurious to him, he will not retract, nor 
 disappoint those who confide in him : but if he have obtained 
 an undue advantage in any contract, he will recede from it 
 without murmuring, in compliance with the requisitions of 
 equity and kindness. For 44 love seeketh not her own,” and 
 u doth not behave unseemly.” ( Note , 1 Cor. 13:4 — 7.) — 
 They are most favoured in Providence, who are placed near- 
 est to the sanctuary, and have most advantages, and the 
 fewest hinderances, to the salvation of their souls ; though they 
 do not possess worldly influence or distinctions : and as far 
 as we have the choice referred to us, we should always decide 
 by this rule. But a Sovereign God dispenses his favours as 
 he pleases ; and one man has his habitation assigned him in 
 “ the valley of vision,” and another his “ in the very region of 
 the shadow of death “ according to the good pleasure of 
 his will.” — Disinterestedness and an unassuming deportment 
 shed a peculiar lustre upon eminent characters : and they who 
 labour most to do good to others, will be indifferent about 
 their own worldly interests, and willing to forego all things, 
 rather than preclude themselves from the sweet pleasure of 
 communicating felicity. An inheritance in the Canaan above 
 they must and do covet ; but it will be soon enough to enter 
 upon that, when they have dono all the sorvice to their bre- 
 thren, of which they are capable : nor can any thing more 
 effectually assure them of their title to it than laying them- 
 selves out properly to bring others to desire, to seek, and to 
 ( 416 
 
 35:12,24,25. H«b. 9:26. ■ Hcb. sanctified, g 21-32. 1 Chr. 6:76. 1:21:21 
 
 Gen. 33:18,19. 2Chr. 10:1. 114:15.21:11,13. k Luke 1:39. 131:39. Deut. 4: 
 43. 1 chr. 6:78. m 31:38. 1 Kings 22:3. 1 Chr. 6:80. n 21:37. oNum. 35:15. 
 p See on 4,6. 
 
 obtain possession of it. (Note, Phil. 1:21 — 26.)— But Jesus 
 has far outdone all others, in this and in every other respect. 
 “ Though he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that 
 we through his poverty might be rich.” He would not enter 
 upon his inheritance, till by his obedience unto death, he had 
 secured the eternal inheritance for all his people 1 nor will he 
 account his own glory completed, until every ransomed sinner 
 is put in possession of his heavenly rest. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. Y. 1— 6. As soon as the tribes 
 of Israel had received their promised inheritance, they 
 were reminded to separate the cities of refuge ; the use and 
 typical meaning of which have already been explained. 
 (Notes, Ex. 21:12 — 14. Num. 35:11 — 34. Dcut. 19:2 — 10.) 
 When the manslayer arrived at the city of refuge, he passed 
 a kind of trial before he was laken under l he protection of the 
 elders : who, it seems, were allowed to exclude or apprehend 
 him, if he were adjudged a wilful murderer. And afterwards 
 he must stand in judgment before tho congregation, or the 
 magistrates ; and if then condemned, he was to be delivered 
 to the avenger of blood. (9) This would prevent those 
 abuses, which were generally made of sanctuarios among 
 other nations, in which the most atrocious criminals found 
 protection. — Few or none of those actions which hufti&n laws 
 punish capitally, can be done entirely without intention, ex- 
 cept depriving a man of his life, which may bo purely acciden- 
 tal, and not in the least criminal ; and the avenger had no 
 power, except against the manslayer: so that the cities of 
 refuge were appointed in this case alone. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. All these cities were afterwards assigned to tho 
 priests and Levitcs ; (21:11,13,21,27,32,36,38) and they were 
 most conveniently situated on each side of Jordan, and in all 
 the different parts of the land. — As this institution was an 
 evident type of the sinner’s refuge from the deserved wrath o! 
 God, the signification of the names of these cities has been 
 noticed by some expositors with reference to the person, cha- 
 racter, offices, and love of Christ. “ Kedesh” signifies holy , 
 and Jesus, the Holy One of God, is “made sanctification to 
 us :” “ Shechem,” a shoulder; “and tho government is upon 
 his shoulder “ Hebron,” fellowship ; and through him sin- 
 ners have fellowship with God: “ Bezer,” n strong-hold ; and 
 “ he is a strong-hold to those who trust ttt him :” “ Ramoth,” 
 exaltations ; and “ he is exalted to be a Prince and Saviour :” 
 and “ Golan,” exultation, or joy ; and in him all believers aro 
 justified and glory, or rejoice. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Wo have causo to be thankful that wo have been preserved 
 from the murderer’s sword ; and if we ourselves havo not 
 committed murder: for the violent passions of tho human 
 heart, instigated by Satan’s temptations, naturally terminate 
 in that horrid crime, if God withdraw his restraining hand. 
 Nay, we owe it to His goodness, that we have not been de- 
 prived of life by another, even contrary to bis intention ; and 
 if wo have been preserved from tho great calamity, of being 
 
B. C. 1414. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 1444. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Tlkt Levites require their cities, 1, 2. Forty-eight from the otner tribes are 
 riven them, 3—8. The cities of the priests, 9—19 : of the other Kohathitcs, 
 5o— 26 : of the G'ershonites, 27 -33 : of the Merarites. 31—42. Anacfmow- 
 Udgmeut, that the promise of God to Israel was fulfilled. 
 
 T HEN came near 'the heads of the fathers of 
 the Lcvites unto b Eleazar the priest, and unto 
 Joshua the son of Nun, and unto the heads of the 
 fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel ; 
 
 2 And they spake (into them at 'Shiloh in the 
 land of Canaan, saying, rt The Lord commanded 
 by the hand of Moses, to ^ive us cities to dwell in, 
 with the suburbs thereof for our cattle. 
 
 3 And the children of Israel gave e unto the 
 Levites out of their inheritance, at the command- 
 ment of the Lord, these cities and their suburbs. 
 
 4 And the lot came out for the families of the 
 Kohathites : and 'the children of Aaron the priest, 
 which were of the Levites, had by lot. out of the 
 tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of Simeon, 
 and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities. 
 
 5 And sthe rest of the children of Kohath had 
 by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, 
 and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half- 
 tribe of Manasseh, ten cities. 
 
 6 And the children of h Gershon had by lot out 
 of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of 
 the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naph- 
 tali, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, in 
 Bashan, thirteen cities. 
 
 7 The children of 'Merari, by their families, 
 had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the 
 tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, 
 twelve cities. 
 
 8 And the children of Israel gave ; by lot unto 
 the Levites these cities with their suburbs, k as the 
 Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. 
 
 9 IT And they gave out of the tribe of the chil- 
 dren of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children 
 of Simeon, 'these cities which are here 'mentioned 
 by name ; 
 
 10 Which m the children of Aaron, being of the 
 families of the Kohathites, who were of the children 
 of Levi, had : for theirs was the first lot. 
 
 a 19:51. Ex. 6:14,25. b 14:1. 17:4. Num. 34:17— 29. cSeeonl8:l. tlNum. 
 35:2— 8. Ez.4S:9— 18. Malt. 10:10. Gal. 6:6. 1 Tim. 5: 17,18. e Gen. 49:7. 
 Deut. 33:8— 10. 1 Chi-. 6:54-81. f S — 19. 1 ( hr. 6:54— 60. g 20— 26. Gen. 46:11. 
 Ex. 6:16 — 25. N n m. 3:27. 1 Chr. 6:18,19,61,66 — 70. h 27— 33. Ex. 6:16,17. Num. 
 3:21,22. 1 Chr. 6:62,71— 76. i 34:40. Ex. 6:19. Num. 3:20. 1 Chr. 6:63,77— 81 . 
 ) 18:6. Nnm. 33:54. 35:3. Prov. 16:33. 18:18. kNum.35:2. 113—18. 1 Chr. 
 
 6:65. • Heb. called, m See on 4. Ex. 6:18,20— 26. Num. 3:2 — 4,19,27. 4:2. 
 1 Or, Kirjath-arba. 15:13,14,54. Gen. 23:2 . 35:27. Judg. 1.10. n 2 Sam. 2:1— 
 
 the unwilling cause of death, even to our beloved friends and 
 relations. The subject before us also warns us to pray, that 
 we may be kept from sins and calamities of this distressing 
 nature ; and be made ready, if without warning we should be 
 called into eternity. — No sanctuary should protect the wilful 
 murderer, and no favour should on any account be shown 
 him ; and no protection, assistance, or kindness can be too 
 great, to be extended to the unfortunate manslayer. — But let 
 us again take occasion to bless our God for that Refuge, 
 which he has prepared in his Son, for our guilty, perishing 
 souls. They who flee to him by true and living faith, will be 
 secured from all condemnation ; yea, though they have com- 
 mitted the most atrocious crimes, not even excepting the 
 worst of murders: (Notes, Acts 26:9 — 11. 1 Tim. 1:12 — 1G.) 
 nor will any protection, instruction, sanctification, fellowship 
 with God, or joy in him, be withheld from them. His power 
 and presence will be their strong tower against all their ene- 
 mies : nor will the exalted Saviour fail, in consequence of 
 his own death, to restore all of them to their forfeited inhe- 
 ritance ; nay, to exalt them to share his glory, in the presence 
 of “ his Father and their Father, of his God and their God.” 
 To him let sinners flee before the sword of vengeance over- 
 take them ; for he is ever near, and he hath said, “ Him that 
 cometh unto me, I will in nowise cast out.” In him let be- 
 lievers abide, hope, and rejoice ; and may we all love, obey, 
 and imitate him, more and more. (Note, Heh. 6:16 — 20.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXI. V. 1, 2. The Levites had 
 waited till all the other tribes were provided for and were 
 about to separate, before they preferred their claim. They 
 had received no inheritance of land among- their brethren; 
 and they were therefore as justly entitled to the tithes, first- 
 fruits, and holy things, and to forty-eight cities with their 
 suburbs for their habitation, as the other Israelites were to 
 their lands. (Note, Num. 35:2 — 8.) The cities, however, 
 were made conducive to the common benefit of the nation ; 
 as the Levites were thus dispersed in every part, to instruct 
 and edify the people by their doctrine and example ; and also 
 as watchmen, to restrain idolatry, and to provide for the 
 punishment of those who were notoriously guilty of it: and 
 Vol. I. — 53 
 
 1 1 And they gave them Uhe citv of Arba, the 
 father of Anak, (which city "is Hebron,) in the 
 \h\\-country of Judah, with the suburbs thereof 
 round about it. 
 
 12 But "the fields of the city, and the villages 
 thereof, gave they to Caleb the son of Jephunneh, 
 for his possession. 
 
 13 Thus they gave to the children of Aaron the 
 priest, Hebron with her suburbs, to be p a city of 
 refuge for the slayer, and ‘'Lionah with her 
 suburbs, 
 
 14 And r Jattir with her suburbs, and 6 Eshte- 
 moa with her suburbs, 
 
 15 And l Holon with her suburbs, and "Debit 
 with her suburbs, 
 
 16 And x Ain with her suburbs, and yJuttah 
 with her suburbs, and 2 Beth-shemesh with her 
 suburbs : nine cities out of those two tribes. 
 
 17 And out of the tribe of Benjamin, “Gibeon 
 with her suburbs, b Geba with her suburbs, 
 
 18 "Anathoth with her suburbs, and d Almon 
 with her suburbs, four cities. 
 
 19 All the cities of the children of Aaron, the 
 priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs. 
 
 20 II And "the families of the children of 
 Kohath, the Levites which remained of the chil- 
 dren of Kohath, even they had the cities of their 
 lot out of the tribe of Ephraim. 
 
 21 For they gave them fShechem with her 
 suburbs in mount Ephraim, to be a city of refuge 
 for the slayer ; and sGezer with her suburbs. 
 
 22 And Kibzaim with her suburbs, and h Beth- 
 horon with her suburbs: four cities. 
 
 23 And out of the tribe of Dan, ’Eltekeh with 
 her suburbs, Gibbethon with her suburbs, 
 
 24 k Aijalon with her suburbs, Gath-rimmon 
 with her suburbs : four cities. 
 
 25 And out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, 
 'Taanach with her suburbs, and Gath-rimmon 
 with her suburbs : two cities. 
 
 26 All the cities were ten, with their suburbs 
 for the families of the children of Kohath tha 
 remained. 
 
 3. 5:4— 5. 15:7. Luke 1:39. o 14:13-15. 1 Chr. 6:55— 57. p 20:7. Num. 35:6. 
 q 10:29. 15:42. 1 Chr. 6:57. Is. 37:8. r 15:48. 1 Sam. 30:27,28. s 15:50. Esti- 
 lemorh. 1 13:51. 1 Chr. 6:58 . Hilen. u 12:13. 15:49. x 15:42. 1 Chr. 6:59. 
 Ashan. y 15:55. z 15:10. 1 Sam. 6:9,12. 1 Chr. 6:59. a 9:3. 18:25. 1 Chr. 6: 
 60. b 18:24. Geba. c 1 Kings 2:26. Is. 10:30. Jer. 1:1. d 1 Chr. 6:60. Alemeth. 
 e 5. 1 Chr. 6:66. f 20:7. Gen. 33: 19. Judg. 9:1. 1 Kings 12:1. g 16:10. 1 Kings 9: 
 15—17. 1 Chr. 6:67. h 16:3,5. 18:13,14. 1 Chr. 6:68. i 19:44,45. k 10:12. 19:42. 
 Ajalon. 1 Chr. 6:69. 1 17:11. Judg. 5:19. 
 
 as it was their interest, as well as duty, to retain the peo~ 
 pie in the worship of Jehovah alone, this was a very suita- 
 ble expedient. It is probable, from the Subsequent history, that 
 others lived in these cities besides the Levites, as their tenants, 
 for the advantage of their instructions, or to carry on trades 
 Thus the Levites were plentifully provided for, as long as the 
 people adhered to the worship of God, and respected his com- 
 mandments ; but liable to be deprived of their provision, if the 
 people apostatized. (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17.) 
 
 V. 3 — 5. When the proper number of cities had been 
 given by the several tribes, the families of the Levites cast 
 lots for them : and the first lot fell to that of Aaron, not in the 
 neighbourhood of Shiloh, where the ark was then placed, but 
 in that of Jerusalem, where the temple was built above four 
 hundred years afterwards. (Note, 1 Kings 6:1.) — The rest 
 of the Kohathites also had their cities not far from their 
 brethren. (9 — 26.) The family of Aaron could not at this 
 time be very numerous, though it had greatly increased since 
 his appointment to the priesthood ; yet thirteen cities were 
 allotted to it as a patrimony, in the divine foreknowledge of 
 its future enlargement : for we have reason to think, that no 
 other family increased so much in proportion, after Israel’s 
 departure from Egypt, as that of Aaron. 
 
 V. 6 — 8. 3Iarg. Ref. 
 
 Y. 11, 12. Either the city was riot included with the territory 
 of Hebron, in the grant made to Caleb; or, as it is more pro- 
 bable, he willingly gave it to the priests, that he nnght set an 
 example to his brethren of cheerfully contributing to the main- 
 tenance of religion. (Note, 14:6 — 15.) 
 
 V. 13—24. Murg. Ref. 
 
 V. 25. A.ner andBileam are mentioned in the Chronicles, 
 instead of Taanach and Gath-rimmon. (1 Chr. 6:70.) — Either 
 the cities had at this time different names, or afterwards their 
 names were changed; or the Levites, being by some means 
 dispossessed of the cities first assigned them, received others 
 from their brethren. — A careful examination of the marginal 
 references will discover several other variations of this kind, 
 which may be accounted for in the same manner. (1 Chr. 6. 
 54—81.) 
 
 ( 417 ) 
 
B. C. 1444. 
 
 JOSHUA, 
 
 B. C. 1444 
 
 1.7 IT And unto the children of Gershon, of the 
 families of the Levites, out of the other half-tribe 
 of Manasseh, they gave m Golan in Bashan with 
 her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; 
 and Beeshterah with her suburbs : two cities. 
 
 28 And out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishon 
 with her suburbs, “Dabayeh with her suburbs, 
 
 29 "Jarmuth with her suburbs, En-gannim 
 with her suburbs : four cities. 
 
 30 And out of the tribe of Asher, PMishal with 
 her suburbs, Abdon with her suburbs, 
 
 31 Helkath with her suburbs, and Rehob with 
 her suburbs: four cities. 
 
 32 And out of the tribe of Naphtali, ‘iKedesh in 
 Galilee with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge 
 for the slayer ; and r Hammoth-dor with her 
 suburbs, and Kartan with her suburbs: three 
 cities. 
 
 33 All the cities of the Gershonites, according 
 to their families, were thirteen cities with their 
 suburbs. 
 
 34 And unto the families of the children of 
 Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of 
 Zebulun, s Jokneam with her suburbs, and Kartah 
 with her suburbs, 
 
 35 Dirnnah with her suburbs, Nahalal with her 
 suburbs: four cities. 
 
 36 And out of the tribe of Reuben, ‘Bezer with 
 her suburbs, and “Jahazah with her suburbs. 
 
 37 Kedemoth with her suburbs, and Mephaath 
 with her suburbs: four cities. 
 
 38 And out of the tribe of Gad, *Ramoth in 
 Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge lor 
 the slayer ; and y Mahanaim with her suburbs, 
 
 39 'Heshbon with her suburbs, "Jazer with her 
 suburbs: four cities in all. 
 
 40 So all the cities for the children of Merari, 
 
 m 20:8. Deul. 1:4. 4:43. 1 Chr. 6:71. n 19:12. 1 Clir. 6:72,73. o 10:3,23. 12: 
 11. p 19:25— 28. Miekeal. 1 Chr. 6:74,75. Maskal. q 19:37 . 20:7. 1 Chr. 
 6:76. r 19:35. Unmmnrh. s 12:22. 19:11,15. t20:8. Dent. 4:43. 1 Chr. 
 
 6:78,79. Jnhzrth. u 13.18. N.im. 21:23. x 20:8. 1 Kings 22:3. 1 Chr. 6:80. 
 r Gen. 32:2. 2 Sara. 17:24. 19:32. 7. 13:17,21. Num. 21 :26— 30. 32:37. 1 Chr. 6:81. 
 a Num. 32:1,3,35. Jaazer. Is. 16:8,9. Jer. 48:32. b Gen. 49:7. Num. 35:1—8. 
 
 V. 27—33. Mars. Ref. 
 
 V. 34, 35. Only two are mentioned in Chronicles, and 
 they have different names. (1 Chr. 6:77.) Probably the Le- 
 vites had been deprived of those allotted to them at first, and 
 had afterwards two others given them in their stead. 
 
 V. 36—40. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 41, 42. ‘So God ordered by Moses, Num. 35:7. And 
 it is a demonstration, that Moses was divinely inspired, to 
 make such an appointment; before they knew whether, with- 
 out straitening the other tribes, they could afford so many 
 cities to the Levites.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 43 — 45. This acknowledgment of the faithfulness of 
 God to his promises, was a very becoming conclusion to the 
 history of the conquest and division of the land. For wise 
 and gracious reasons, some of the Canaanites were permitted 
 to continue among the Israelites ; but at this time they gave 
 them no molestation : nor would they have ever made head 
 against them, but on the contrary they would soon have been 
 exterminated, had not the people provoked the Lord to em- 
 ploy them for chastisement, as we shall read in the subsequent 
 history. When, however, the several tribes and families had 
 settled in their estates, and cultivated them without, disturb- 
 ance ; every particular of the Lord’s promises, on that head , 
 had been punctually fulfilled. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The maintenance of the ministers of religion should be 
 considered, as required by the command of God, and not as 
 a matter of mere choice or discretion. They “who labour 
 in the word and doctrine,” have as good a title to a comforta- 
 ble support, as other men have to their estates ; and, on some 
 occasions must be allowed, without censure, to assert their 
 claim against such as would defraud them : but this should 
 always be done with evident reluctance as a matter of necessity; 
 and with a willingness to refer themselvos to the arbitration of 
 impartial persons. And, in ordinary cases, it more accords 
 to the examples of the New Testament, when they choose to 
 “suffer all things,” rather than to take any steps which may 
 impede the success of their labours. Yet this excellent spirit 
 in faithful ministers, is so far from excusing those who de- 
 fraud them, that it greatly aggravates their sin. — It is very 
 desirable that all the temporal concerns, relating to this sa- 
 cred function, should he amicably settled, and arranged in 
 such a manner, as to subserve its grand object; to occasion 
 to the clergy as few avocations, temptations, or discourage- 
 ments as may be ; and to afford them every advantage of ac- 
 cess to the people ; that they may exhort, instruct, and reprove 
 them without falling under their contempt, or droadirtg their 
 displeasure. As on this extraordinary occasion, the cities of 
 ( 1 IS ) 
 
 by their families, which were remaining of the 
 families of the Levites, were by their lot, twelve 
 cities. 
 
 41 All the cities of the Levites, b within the 
 possession of the children of Israel, were forty and 
 eight cities with their suburbs. 
 
 42 These cities were every one with their 
 suburbs round about them; thus were all these 
 cities. 
 
 43 H And the Lord 'gave unto Israel all the 
 land which he sware to give unto their fathers: 
 and they possessed it, and dwelt therein. 
 
 44 And ''the Lord gave them rest round about, 
 according to all that he sware unto their fathers : 
 and there stood not a man of all their enemies 
 before them ; the Lord delivered all their enemies 
 into their hand. 
 
 45 There 'failed not aught of any good thing 
 which the Lord had spoken unto the house of 
 Israel ; all came to pass. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Joshua dismisses Reuben , Gad , and Manasseh, with his commendation, court- 
 eel, and blessing; and with a large booty, 1 — 9. They build an altar oj 
 testimony near Jordan ; at which the other tribes are offended, prepare for 
 war, and send to expostulate with them, 10 — 20. They explain and vindicate 
 their conduct to the satisfaction of their brethren, 21 — 33. The name of the 
 altar, or the inscription on it, 34. 
 
 T HEN “Joshua called the Reubenites, and the 
 Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh. 
 
 2 And said unto them, b Ye have kept all that 
 Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, 
 and have “obeyed my voice in all that I com- 
 manded you : 
 
 3 Ye d have not led, your brethren these many 
 days unto this day, but have kept the charge of 
 the commandment of the Lord your God. 
 
 4 And now the Lord your God hath 'given 
 rest unto your brethren, as he promised them : 
 
 Deul. 33:10. c Gen. 12:7. 13:15. 15:18-21. 26:3,4 . 28.4.13,14. Ex. 3:8. 23:27 
 —31. Fa. 44:3. 106:42—45. d 1:15. 11:23. 22:4,9. Deul . 7:22,23. 31:3—5. lleb. 
 4:9. e 23:14,15. Num. 23:19. 1 Kings 8:56. 1 Cor. 1:9. 1 Thes. 5 24. Til. 1:2, 
 Heh.6:l8. a See on Num. 32:18 — 33. Deul. 29:7,8. b Num. 32:20 — 29. Deul. 
 3:18—20. c 1:1*2— 18. <1 Phil. 1:23— 27. e See on 21:43,44. Deul. 12:9. 
 
 the priests and Levites were assigned them immediately 
 by God himself, through the casting of lots ; so, in ordinary 
 cases, every one should consider his station as determined by 
 divine Providence, and should cheerfully continue to perform 
 the duties of it, though he seem to have more discourage- 
 ments and inconveniences than the rest of his brethren ; and 
 not. venture to remove, till satisfied, after serious considera- 
 tion, prayer, and consultation of his pious friends and seniors, 
 that the Lord calls him to another place. — Happy is the land 
 where faithful ministers of Christ are to he met with in every 
 district ! The people will not be impoverished by maintaining 
 them : nor will they in general much complain in this respect ; 
 so long as ministers diligently apply themselves to dispel ig- 
 norance and error, and to diffuse the light of divine truth ; to 
 stop the progress of immorality, and promote the practice of 
 universal holiness ; and, by their doctrine, influence, example, 
 and prayers, to render all within their sphere more wise, holy, 
 and happy. — Persons of eminence should take the lead in every 
 good work, that their examples may excite others ; always re- 
 membering, that pre-eminence in real usefulness is the most 
 valuable distinction. — In due season, all the promises of God 
 will be accomplished to his true people: and their believing 
 hope, and patient waiting, and self-denying obedience, will 
 terminate in joyful songs of triumph, and thankful celebra- 
 tions of his faithfulness, love, and power. Then will it be 
 universally acknowledged that “there hath not failed aught of 
 any good thing, which the Lord hath spoken ;” nay, that he 
 has exceeded their largest expectations, and made them more 
 than conquerors, and brought them to their delightful rest and 
 inheritance. May none of us at that season he found among 
 his enemies, “who shall be destroyed for ever!” — Let no true 
 believer despond, because of delays, tribulations, and tempta- 
 tions ; for God has confirmed his promise and covenant 
 “ with an oath, that we might have a strong consolation, 
 who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before 
 us.” Let us then beg of him to enable us to confide in him 
 entirely, to obey him unreservedly, and to wait for him pa- 
 tiently ; for we have need of patience, that “after we have 
 done the will of God, we might receive the promise.” (Note, 
 
 Heb. 6 : 11 — 20 . P. (). 13 — 20 . Jam. 5 : 7 , 8 .) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXTT. V. 1—4. The detachment of 
 the two tribes and a half had been absent from home seven 
 year# at least ; except ns anj' of them had visited their fami- 
 lies, or been exchanged for others of their brethren. During 
 this long war they had been very obedient to Joshua: and 
 they did not attempt to return, till it was ended, the land 
 divided, and their brethren settled ;and then Joshiui honourahlr 
 dismissed them. (Notes, 1:12 — lft. 4:12,13.) 
 
B. C. 1 437. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 142/ 
 
 therefore now return ye, and 'get you unto your 
 tents, and unto the land of your possession, which 
 Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the 
 other side Jordan, 
 
 5 But stake diligent heed to do the command- 
 ment and the law, which Moses the servant of 
 the Lord charged you, h to love the Lord your 
 God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his 
 commandments, and to 'cleave unto him, and to 
 k serve him with all your heart, and with all your 
 soul. 
 
 6 So Joshua 'blessed them, and sent them 
 away : and they went unto their tents. 
 
 7 Now ra to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh 
 Moses had given possession in Bashan ; but unto 
 the other half thereof gave Joshua among their 
 brethren on this side Jordan westward. And 
 when Joshua sent them away also unto their 
 tents, then he blessed them : 
 
 8 And he spake unto them, saying, ^Return 
 with much riches unto your tents, and with very 
 much cattle, with silver, and with gold, and with 
 brass, and with iron, and with very much raiment : 
 "divide the spoil of your enemies with your 
 brethren. 
 
 9 And the children of Reuben, and the children 
 of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, returned, 
 and departed from the children of Israel out of 
 Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go unto 
 •dhe country of Gilead, to the land of their pos- 
 session, whereof they were possessed, according 
 to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. 
 
 [ Practical Observations."] 
 
 10 If And when they came unto the borders of 
 Jordan, that are in the land of Canaan, the chil- 
 dren of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the 
 
 half-tribe of Manasseh, sbuilt there an altar by 
 Jordan, a great altar to see to. 
 
 U And the children of Israel "heard say 
 Behold, the children of Reuben, and the children 
 of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, have built 
 an altar over against the land of Canaan, in the 
 borders of Jordan, s at the passage of the children 
 of Israel. 
 
 12 And when the children of Israel heard of 
 it, ‘the whole congregation of the children ol 
 Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to 
 go up to war against them. 
 
 13 And the children of Israel "sent unto the 
 children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, 
 and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land 
 of Gilead, ’'Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest ; 
 
 14 And with him ten princes, of each 'chief 
 house a prince, throughout all the tribes of Israel, 
 and each one was *an head of the house of their 
 fathers among the thousands of Israel. 
 
 15 And they came unto the children of Reuben, 
 and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of 
 Manasseh, unto the land of Gilead, and they spake 
 with them, saying, 
 
 16 Thus saith >'the whole congregation of the 
 Lord, What ‘trespass is this that ye have com- 
 mitted against the God of Israel, "to turn away 
 this day from following the Lord, in that ye have 
 builded you an altar, that ye might b rebpl this day 
 against the Lord ? 
 
 17 °Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, 
 ‘'from which we are not cleansed until this day, 
 althoua’h there was a plague in the congregation 
 of the Lord, 
 
 18 But that ye must turn away this day from 
 "following the Lord ? And it will be, seeing ye 
 
 f 13:8,15—33. 11:1—5. Num. 32:33— 42. Dent. 3:1— 17. 29:8. » See on Pent. 4: 
 1,2, 6, 9. 6:6—9,17. 11:22. Ex. 15:23. 1 Chi-. 28:7,8. Ps. 106:3. 119:4—6. Prov. 4: 
 23. Is. 55:2. Jer. 12:16. Heb. 6:11 ,12. 12:15. 2 Pet. 1:5— 10. h Ex. 20:6. Dent. 
 6:5. 10:12.13. II 1.13. Matt. 22:37. Jolin 1415,21— 23. 21:15— 17. Rom. 8:28. 
 Jain. 1:12. 2:5. 1 John 5:2,3. i 23:8. Deul.4:4. 10:20. 13:4. Acte 11:23. Rom 
 12:9. k 21:14,15. 1 Sam. 7:3. 12:20. Matt. 4:10. 6:24. Luke 1:74. John 12:26. 
 Acts 27:23. Rom. 1:9. 17,8. 14:13. Gen. 14:19. 47:7,10. Ex. 39:43. 1 Sam. 2:20. 
 2Sam. 6:18.20. 2 Chr. 30: 18. Luke 24-50. Heb. 7:6,7. m 13:29— 31 . 17:1— 12. 
 u Deut. S 9-.13.C7.18. 2 Chr. 17:5 . 32:27. Prov. 3:16. 1 Cor. 15:58. Heb. 11:26 
 o Num. 31:27. I Sam. 30:24. Ps. 68:12. p 13:11,25,31. Num. 32:29.39,40. Deut. 
 3:15,16. Ps. 60:7. q 25-23. 4:5— 9. 24:26,27. Gen. 28:18. 31:46— 52. r Lev. 17: 
 
 V. 5. The sacred writer does not record any instructions, 
 given by Joshua to this company, concerning civil govern- 
 ment, or military discipline, or the cultivation of their lands r 
 for nothing was deemed worthy of insertion in the sacred 
 volume, but what had some relation to religion. Perfect obe- 
 dience to the divine law was no more practicable in the days 
 of Joshua, than at present: yet his exhortation takes no no- 
 tice of this ; for the standard of obedience cannot be too per- 
 fect, (Note, Matt. 5:43 — 48.) and our aim cannot be too high; 
 since we are sure 'to fall very short of what we propose to 
 ourselves. (Notes, Rom. 7:13 — 25. Phil. 3:12 — 14.) But the 
 consciousness of our imperfections subserves the purposes of 
 humiliation ; and the feeling of our insufficiency dictates fer- 
 vent prayers for forgiveness and assistance. 
 
 V. 6, 7. Joshua blessed his brethren, when he parted with 
 inem: that, is, he expressed his affectionate good-will to them 
 by earnes* prayers, and by pronouncing a blessing on them ; 
 which was done by princes and others, on some occasions, 
 and not by the priests alone, though by them most solemnly. 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes , Gen. 14:18—20. 47:7. Num. 6:23—26. 
 2 Chr. 30:26,27.) — The separate mention made of the Ma- 
 nassites, (descended from Joseph, the progenitor of Joshua,) 
 who were now leaving their brethren, induces some exposi- 
 tors to conclude that he blessed them apart, and gave them 
 presents, as a token of affection and remembrance. 
 
 V. 8, 9. Notes. 13:7—33. Num. 32:16—42. Deut. 3:12— 
 22. — Divide, &c. (8) Note, 1 Sam. 30:22—25. 
 
 V. 10. This altar must have been situated to the east of 
 Jordan, in the inheritance of the two tribes and a half: as it 
 could not otherwise have answered the end for which it was 
 erected ; ( Note, 21 — 29.) or indeed have excited the suspicion 
 of their brethren, that they meant to establish a schismatical 
 worship in their own country, instead of attending at the ta- 
 bernacle with the other tribes. Yet the verse, as we read it, 
 conveys the idea, that it was erected to the west of Jordan 
 but the clause rendered “in the land of Canaan,” may be 
 translated, “by the land of Canaan:” and the words “o . 
 against tbe land of Canaan in the next verse, show this to 
 be the proper rendering. On returning home, these victorious 
 soldiers, and faithful assistants of their brethren, did not at- 
 tempt to erect any trophy, on which to record their own ex- 
 ploits; but they desired to form a monument, that should 
 ]>rove to future ages their relation to the other tribes, their in- 
 terest in the sacrifices and worship of Cod at his sanctuary, 
 and their right, with that of their posterity, to join ifi all the 
 ordinances there administered For these purposes they 
 
 8,9. Dent. 12:5—7. 13:12—14. s 2:7. 3:14—16. Judg. 12:5. John 1:28. t Dent. 
 13:15. Jud?. 20:1—11. Acts 11:2,3. Rom. 10:2. Gal. 4:17,18. u Deut. 13:14. 
 Judg. 20:12: Prov. 20:18. Matt. 18:15. v Ex. 6:25. Num. 25:7,11. Judg. 20,28. 
 Ps. 106:30,31. Prov. 25:9 — 13. * Heb. house of the father, x Ex. 18:25. Num. 
 1:4. y 12. Matt. 18:17. 1 Cor. 1:10. 5:4. Gal. 1:1,2. z Lev. 5:19. 26:40. Num. 
 5:6. 1 Chr. 21:3. 2 Chr. 26:18. 28:13. Ezra 9:2,15. Matt. 6:14,15. a 18. Ex. 32. 
 8. Num. 14:43. 32:15. Deut. 7:4. 30:17. 2 Chr. 10:19. 25:27. Heb. 12:25. 
 
 b Lev. 17:8,9. Deut. 12:4—6,13,14. 1 Sam. 15:23. Ps. 78:8. Is. 63:10. c Num. 
 25:3,4. Deut. 4:3,4. Ps. 106:28,29. d Ezra 9:13,14. 1 Cor. 10:8,1 1 . e See on 
 16. Deut. 7:4. 1 Sam. 12:14,20. 1 Kings 9:6. 2 Kings 17:21. 2 Chr. 25:27. 34:33. 
 
 built a very large altar, which might be seen at a great dis- 
 tance, exactly in the shape of the altar of Shiloh. — They 
 would have acted more prudently, if they had previously con- 
 sulted the Lord, or explained their intention to Joshua, Elea- 
 zar, and the elders : but, as they approved themselves upright, 
 we do not find their indiscretion censured. (Notes, 21 — 34.) 
 
 V. 12 — 16. The command of God was express that no 
 sacrifices should be offered except at the door of the taber- 
 nacle ; and building another altar seemed to imply an intention 
 of offering sacrifices, which might prove a step to apostacy 
 and idolatry, crimes to be punished by death, without respect 
 to affinity or to numbers. (Notes, Deut. 13:) — Though the 
 supposed criminals were brethren, and had been very faithful 
 and serviceable to the other tribes ; yet zeal for the honour of 
 God and religion swallowed up all inferior regards, and they 
 prepared to unite their arms against the offenders. But they 
 were too precipitate ; and they seem to have convened at 
 Shiloh rather in an angry spirit, as if eager to be engaged in 
 so horrid a warfare. Even if sacrifices had been offered, it 
 would have been too rigorous, to punish the action as idola- 
 try : and in this extreme case , they were commanded t.j 
 make diligent search, and to proceed on nothing short of 
 absolute certainty. (Dent. 13:14.) — When however the 
 elders were assembled at Shiloh, the wisdom and authority of 
 Joshua, Eleazar, and others, seem to have tempered their 
 zeal ; and they resolved previously to attempt the recovery 
 of the offenders by more lenient measures. They therefore 
 determined to send an embassy ; Phinehas, whose zeal had 
 before been so signalized, being placed at the head of it : and 
 having obtained an audience, he and his associates delivered 
 their embassy in very plain terms, which indeed appear 
 rather severe ; but on that very account they the more aptly 
 denote, how much the people were engaged in the cause ol 
 God and religion; and how fully satisfied, that the law 
 of Moses was indeed enacted by the express authority oi 
 God. 
 
 V. 17, 18. The disgrace of the crime committed by the 
 Israelites with the Midianitish women, and in worshipping 
 Baal-peor, still lay upon them: and the tokens of divine 
 displeasure were yet felt among them, notwithstanding the 
 plague which destroyed many thousands : or rather the words 
 may imply, that there were many individuals who had never 
 truly repented of that wickedness, but yet lay under the guilt 
 of it, and were disposed to renew their provocalion. (Notes, 
 Num. 25:) In short the fire had been smothered up, but 
 was not totally extinguished ; and it was therefore very 
 ( 419 ) 
 
B. C. 14-14. 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1444. 
 
 rebel vda> , r gaini,l £ -e Lord, that to-morrow 
 fhe will, be wroth with trie whole congregation of 
 Israel. 
 
 19 ft'otwithstanding, if the land of your pos- 
 session be ^unclean, then pass ye over unto the 
 land of the possession of the Lord, h wherein the 
 Lord’s Tabernacle dwelleth, and take possession 
 among us: but rebel not against the Lord, nor 
 rebel against us, in building you an altar besides 
 the altar of the Lord our God. 
 
 20 Did not 'Achan the son of Zerah commit a 
 trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on 
 the congregation of Israel ? and that man perished 
 not alone in his iniquity. 
 
 21 H Then the children of Reuben, and the 
 children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh 
 'answered, and said unto the k heads of the thou- 
 sands of Israel, 
 
 22 The 'Lord God of gods, the Lord God of 
 gods, m he knoweth, and "Israel he shall know ; 
 °if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against 
 the Lord, (save us not this day,) 
 
 23 That we have built us an altar to turn from 
 following the Lord, or if to offer thereon burnt- 
 offering, or meat-offering, or if to offer peace- 
 offerings thereon, det the Lord himself require it : 
 
 24 And if we have not rather done it sfor fear 
 of this thing; saying, 'In time to come ^our chil- 
 dren might speak unto our children, saying, What 
 have ye to do with the Lord God of Israel? 
 
 25 For the Lord hath made Jordan a border 
 between us and you, ye children of Reuben and 
 children of Gad ; ‘ye have no part in the Lord: 
 so shall your children “make our children cease 
 from fearing the Lord. 
 
 26 Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to 
 build us an altar, not for burnt-offering, nor for 
 sacrifice : 
 
 27 But that it may be 'a witness between us 
 and you, and our generations, after us, “that we 
 
 c 20. 7:1.11,12. Num. 16:22. 2Sam.24:l. 1 Chr. 21:1,14. g Ex. 15:17. Lex. 
 10:25 -28. Ames 7:17. Acta 10:14,15. 11:8,9. It 18:1 . Lev. 17:8,9. Deut. 12: 
 6,6. 2Chr. 11:13,16,17. i 18.7:1,5,18,24. 1 Cor. 10:6. 2Pet.2:S. J.ide 5,6. 
 i Prov. 15:1. 16:1. 18:13. 24-26. Acts 11:4. Jam. 1:19. 1 Pet. 3:15. k Ex. 18: 
 21—25. Mic. 5:2. 1 Ex. 18:11. Deut. 10.17. P«. 82:1. 95:3. 97:7,136:2. Dan. 2: 
 47. 11:36. 1 Tim. 6:16. Rev. 19.16. m lKin C s8:39. Job 1U:7. 23:10. Pa. 7:3, 
 44:21. 139:1—4. Jer. 12:3. 1710. John 2:25. 21:17. Acta 1:24. 2 Cor. 11 :1 1 .31 . 
 Heb. 4:13. Rev. 2:23. n Pa. 37:6. Mic. 7:9. Mai. 3: 18. Acts 11 :2— 18. 2 Cor. 
 5:11. o Job 31:5 — 8,33 — 40. Ps. 7:3 — 5. Acts 25:11. p Gen. 9:5. Deut. 18:19. 
 I Sam. 20:16. 2 Chr. 2-1:22. Ps. 10:13,14. Ez.3:18. 33:6,8. q Gen. 18:19. 
 
 * Heb. To-morrow. 4:6, Gen . 30:33. Ex. 13:14. Deut. 6:20. margins, r 27. 
 
 dangerous to admit of any thing, which might give it an 
 occasion of breaking forth again, Test still wider devastation 
 should ensue. — Baal-peor lay near the lot of these tribes. 
 
 And it will be , &c. (18) ‘Their pious fear, lest God 
 should be offended, made them immediately fall into this 
 vehement expostulation.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 19. This proposal displayed, in a very affecting man- 
 ner, the piety and disinterestedness of Israel. They had 
 reproved their brethren sharply, and were prepared to wage 
 war against them with their whole force if the glory of God 
 and religion required it ; yet they loved them with so generous 
 an affection, that they would rather divide their estates with 
 them, than be under this painful necessity ! If then Reuben, 
 Gad, and Manasseh deemed their inheritance polluted, be- 
 cause they had in it no altar on which to offer expiatory 
 sacrifices, before which other sacred ordinances might be 
 administered, as the appointed means of rendering their 
 possessions and employments pure and holy ; and on that 
 consideration had been induced to transgress the command- 
 ment of God ; the otlier tribes would cheerfully relinquish a 
 proportion of their inheritances in Canaan, to make room for 
 them, rather than leave them to persist in this ruinous 
 expedient. (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17.) 
 
 V. 20. The thirty-six men who were slain before Ai, and 
 all the family of Achan, had perished with him in his iniquity: 
 and wrath would have come upon the whole congregation, had 
 he not been punished. If then one man’s sin wrought so 
 much indignation, what would be the consequences of the 
 apostacy of two tribes and a half! ( Notes, 7:) 
 
 V.21 — 29. This answer of the Reubenites, and the other 
 tribes concerned, is well worthy of admiration. They took 
 in good part the suspicions, reproofs, and even harshness 
 of their brethren ; and did not object to the authority of the 
 elders at Shiloh, or even to the terms in which the ambas- 
 sadors had delivered their message : but, with the utmost 
 solemnity and meekness, they explained their intention, and 
 gave all the satisfaction in their power. They appealed to 
 the Lord, against whom they were supposed to have rebelled, 
 with great propriety and reverence. The titles, by which 
 hey addressed him, “ The Lord God of gods, the Lord 
 « oJ of gods,” formed a very proper confession of their faith ; 
 
 ( 420 ) 
 
 might do the service of the Lord before him with 
 our burnt-offerings, and with our sacrifices, and 
 with our peace-offerings; that your children may 
 not say to our children in lime to come, Ye have 
 no part in the Lord. 
 
 28 Therefore said we, that it shall be, when 
 they should so say to us, or to our generations in 
 time to come, that we may say again, x Behold 
 the pattern of the altar of the Lord, which our 
 fathers made, not for burnt-offerings, nor for 
 sacrifices, but it is a witness between us and 
 you. 
 
 29 y God forbid that we should rebel against the 
 Lord, and turn this day from following the Lord, 
 Ho build an altar lor burnt-offerings, for meat- 
 offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the 
 Lord our God that is before his tabernacle. 
 
 30 H And when Phinehas the priest, and the 
 princes of the congregation, and heads of the 
 thousands of Israel, which ivere with him, heard 
 the words that the children of Reuben, and the 
 children of Gad, and the children of Manasseh 
 spake, a it 'pleased them. 
 
 31 And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the 
 priest, said unto the children of Reuben, and to 
 the children of Gad, and to the children of Ma- 
 nasseh, This day we perceive that b the Lord is 
 among us, because ye have not committed this 
 trespass against the Lord : mow ye have deli- 
 vered the children of Israel out of the hand of the 
 Lord. 
 
 32 And Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the priest, 
 and the princes, returned from the children of 
 Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of 
 the land of Gilead, unto the land of Canaan, tc 
 the children of Israel, c and brought them word 
 again. 
 
 33 And d the thing pleased the children of Israel ; 
 and the children of Israel “blessed God, and did 
 not intend to go up against them in battle, to 
 
 2Kam.20:l. 1 Kings 12:16. Ezra4:2, 3. Neh. 2:20. Acts 8:21. B 1 Snm. 26:19. 
 
 1 Kings 12:27— 30. 14:16. 15:30. t 10,34.21:27. Gen. 31 :48,52. 1 Sum. 7:12. 
 
 u Deut. 12:5,6,11,17,18,26,27. x Ex. 25:40 . 2 Kings 16:10. Ez. 43:10. I lob. 8:5. 
 y 24:16. Gen. 44:7,17. 1 Sam. 12:23. Horn. 3:6. 6:2. 9:14. 7,23,26. Dent. 12: 
 
 13,14. 2 Kings 18:22. 2 Chr. 32:12. n 33. Judg. 3:3. 1 Snm. 2.5:32,33. FW. 15: 
 1. Acts 11:18. t Heb. was good in their eyes. Gen. 28:8. 1 Sam. 29:6. 2 Chr. 
 30:4. Esth. 1:21. margins, b See on 3:10. l ev. 26:11,12. Num. 14:41— 43. 
 
 2 Chr. 15:2. Ps. 68:17. Is. 12:6. Zech. 8:23. Matt. 1:23. J Heb. then, c 14— 
 14. Prov. 25:13. d See on 30. Acts 15:12,31 . 2 Cor. 7:7. lThes.3:6— 8. 
 e l Sam. 25:32,33. 1 Chr. 29:20. Neh. 8:5,6. L an.2:19. Luke 2:28. 
 
 as well as an act of worship to him, the eternal, almighty 
 God, who was exalted far above all creatures, however great, 
 and even those which other nations worshipped as their gods, 
 being sole “Lord of all.” This glorious God knew, and. 
 Israel would know by their subsequent conduct, that they 
 were not guilty of the things with which they were charged: 
 and indeed if they could be proved guilty, they acknowledged 
 that they did not deserve, and therefore did not ask, to be 
 spared. (Note, Ps. 7:3 — 5.) They further declared, that 
 their motives, in erecting this altar, were directly contrary to 
 those which had been imputed to them. For they were 
 anxiously afraid, lest in process of time, the oilier tribes should 
 not own them as brethren, or admit them to the ordinances 
 of the Lord, and to his sanctuary : and lest their posterity, 
 by reason of the distance, or their slackness in attending the 
 solemn feasts, should at length he excluded as Gentiles, and 
 thus be tempted and gradually decline to idolatry. (Note, 1 
 Sam. 26:17 — 19.) And they solemnly protested that, no other 
 motive had induced them to build this altar, affer the fashion 
 of that at Shiloh ; but that it might remain to succeeding gene- 
 rations a memorial that they were Israelites, that they were 
 interested in all the sacrifices offered upon the altar of Jeho- 
 vah, and had aright to join with Israel in all their public reli- 
 gious solemnities. — The words rendered “the Lord God of 
 gods,” may indeed be read as three names of God: El, 
 Elohim, Jehovah: and some expositors, both Jewish and 
 Christian, have thought that they refer to a distinction of 
 persons in the divine Unity. 
 
 V. 30, 31. This answer entirely removed the suspicions 
 from the minds of the ambassadors ; and they were highly 
 pleased that their brethren were not guilty, and that they were 
 so piously disposed. — Had they been guilty, or had they, by 
 a disdainful answer, provoked the other tribes to war against 
 them, they would havo occasioned sin and punishment to the 
 congregation : hut their pious, frank, meek, ami wise reply, 
 led to an amicable conclusion, and prevented the fatal conse 
 quences. ( Notes, Judg. 20:8 — 14. 21:2,3.) 
 
 V. 33. While the Israelites desisted from their purpose of 
 waging war against their brethren, they not only rejoiced, but 
 united in praises and thanksgivings to God, for not rendering 
 so painful an employment their bounden duty. 
 
B. C. 1427. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 destroy the land wherein the children of Reuben 
 and Gad dwelt. 
 
 34 And the children of Reuben and the children 
 of Gad called the altar 'Ed: for it shall be a 
 witness between us that the Lord is God. 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 'oshua^ now groicn old, convenes the elders of Israel ; and exhorts them by the 
 mercies of God, and the prospects of future blessings , to be steadfast in his 
 service, l — 10. He warns them against connexions with idolaters ; and 
 v rotests, that the threatenings of God, in case of their disobedience, would 
 as certainly be fulfilled, as his promises had been, 11 — 16. 
 
 A nd it came to pass, a long time after that 
 •the Lord had given rest unto Israel from all 
 their enemies round about, that Joshua ^waxed 
 old and 'stricken in age. 
 
 2 And Joshua called for b all Israel, and for 
 their elders, and for their heads, and for their 
 
 • Thai is, A witness. See on 27. 24:27. 1 Kings 18:39. Is. 43:10. Malt. 4:10. 
 a 1» :23. 21 :44. 22:4. Ps. 46: b 13: 1 . Gen. 25:8. Deut. 31:2. * Heh. come into 
 days. b24:l. Deut. 31:28. 1 Chr. 28:1. Acts 20:17 — 35. c Deut. 4:9. Ps.44:l, 
 
 V. 34. The word Ed , or a witness , in the first clause, is 
 not in the original ; and the meaning seems to be, that the 
 persons concerned inscribed these words on the altar, 44 It is 
 a witness between us, that the Lord is God.” By this in- 
 scription they took effectual care, that their altar might neither 
 occasion superstition, nor . be a stumbling-block to their 
 brethren. — Thus was this affair happily terminated: and 
 though human infirmity is discoverable on both sides, yet the 
 reader will thence collect the most pleasing ideas of the gene- 
 ral and zealous regard, which was then paid to the worship 
 and ordinances of God ; and be confirmed in the sentiment, 
 that this was indeed the very best of all the generations of 
 Israel. No doubt seems to have existed in the minds of any 
 of the parties concerned, respecting the reality of those mira- 
 cles, by which the giving of the law was said to have been 
 attended ; or, of the special power and justice of God, by which 
 the transgressors of that law would certainly be punished. 
 But had not the preceding history, which has been considered, 
 been known as indisputably true by this generation ; such a 
 full conviction of these grand principles could never have pre- 
 vailed ; and if this generation knew these things to be true ; 
 it would be too late afterwards for any to deny or question 
 the truth of them ; when the whole of their civil polity as well 
 as religious observances was grounded upon them. — It is re- 
 markable that Joshua is not once named in this transaction : 
 but this only shows, that he did not in his old age assume any 
 regal authority ; but left the elders and magistrates to conduct 
 the general business, only acting himself when great occasions 
 made it necessary. Yet we cannot doubt, that his wisdom 
 and piety influenced the counsels of the elders and people at 
 this time. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The work of God and the welfare of his people 
 should be preferred to our most important personal interests, 
 our sweetest domestic comforts, and our most endeared affec- 
 tions : and all our engagements ought to be discharged with 
 strict punctuality, without the least appearance of evasion, 
 and, if possible, to the complete satisfaction of all parties. 
 Nay, the believer should be so pleased with serving the cause 
 of Christ on earth, as to be willing to continue yet longer, in 
 this world of warfare, labour, and trouble, and to wait patiently 
 till the Lord Jesus honourably dismisses him. (Notes, Phil. 
 1:19 — 26.) But if we are numbered among his soldiers, we 
 must cheerfully and punctually obey his orders, that we may 
 at last receive his commendation. Of this honour we ought 
 to be ambitious, and of this alone. — He will bless those whom 
 he approves ; and recompense them in proportion to the self- 
 denial, hardship, and affliction, which they have endured for 
 his sake : nay, the power, number, and malice of our enemies, 
 and the long continuance of our warfare, will eventually in- 
 crease the riches of our gracious reward; which all our 
 brethren will share with us, by rejoicing in our fulness of joy, 
 as we shall also rejoice in theirs. — Due commendation ought 
 not to be withheld from those who behave properly ; and grati- 
 tude to the instruments, very well consists with superior gra- 
 titude to the Author of all our mercies. ( Notes , Ezra 7:24 
 —28. Phil. 4:14 — 20.) Our best counsels and fervent prayers 
 are a debt, which we owe especially to those who have been 
 useful to us ; and the comfort of others should be regarded 
 equally with our own.-— The true interests of individuals and 
 of nations does not consist in wealth or greatness, but in loving 
 the Lord their God, cleaving to him, and obeying his com- 
 mandments : and we should aim very high in this, or our at- 
 tainments will be very low.— When urgent affairs have called 
 or detained men from their families for a season, they should 
 return home as soon as they are able, that they may instruct 
 and rule over them in the fear of God ; and all their acquisi- 
 tions should be shared with them, and not spent in personal 
 Indulgence or exeess. 
 
 V. 1 0 — 34. W e should highly value the ordinances of God, 
 € nd desire to perpetuate them to our posterity, that they may 
 inherit ‘the communion of saints,’ and be preserved from 
 ^mptations to ungodliness or false religion : and when our 
 fc.tuation in life, or the choice which we have inadvertently 
 made for ourseives, or for their., exposes them to peculiar dan- 
 
 B. C. 1427. 
 
 judges, and for their officers, and said unto them, 
 I am old and stricken in age : 
 
 3 And c ye have seen all that the Lord your 
 God hath done unto all these nations because of 
 you ; for d the Lord your God is he that hath 
 fought for you. 
 
 4 Behold, e I have divided unto you by lot these 
 nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your 
 tribes, from Jordan, with all the nations that I have 
 cut off, even unto the great sea ^westward. 
 
 5 And the Lord your God, f he shall expel 
 them from before you, and drive them from out of 
 your sight ; and ye shall possess their land, &as the 
 Lord your God hath promised unto you. 
 
 6 Be ye therefore h very courageous to keep 
 and to do all that is written in the hook of the law 
 
 2. Mai. 1:5. d 10:14,42. Ex. 14: 14. Deut. 20:4. e 13:6. 18:10. f Heb. at the 
 sunset, f 12,13. 13:6. Ex. 23:30,31. 33:2. 34:11. Deut. 11:23. g Num. 33:52, 
 53. h 1:7-9. Jer. 9:3. 1 Cor. 16:13. Eph.6:10— 19. Heb. 12:4. Rev. 21:8 
 
 ger, we should devise every prudent means of preventing the 
 fatal effects. — We ought indeed carefully to 44 take heed that 
 our good be not evil spoken of:” yet they, who are truly zeal- 
 ous for the honour of God, and active in promoting true god- 
 liness, must not think it strange, if their honest and proper 
 measures be suspected or censured, even by such of their 
 brethren as are no less zealous than they; but who, from con- 
 curring circumstances, are led to express their zeal in another 
 way. — It is incumbent on us constantly to watch against a 
 disposition to rash judgment, uncandid surmises, and harsh 
 reproofs; and to cultivate and pray for the contrary spirit* 
 but if it be our trial to be rebuked with severity, and loaded 
 with calumny; we should be thankful for the testimony of our 
 consciences, and for confidence in appealing to our heart- 
 searching Judge, that we are misrepresented or misunder- 
 stood. And if the Lord knows our innocence, “Israel shaii 
 know” it in due time; for when our consciences are clear, he 
 will at length clear our character, which we may therefore 
 safely commit to his keeping. While exposed to this trial, 
 we ought cautiously to avoid all recriminations, to speak 
 with mildness and .seriousness, and be ready to offer such 
 explanations, as may obviate misconstructions, and satisfy 
 the minds of our pious and candid brethren : {Notes, Acts 
 11:1 — 17.) and whatever has been wrong or suspicious, 
 we should be willing to alter. — But “charity hopeth all 
 things, and rejoiceth not in iniquity;” and they, who “abound 
 in this grace also,” will be glad to find themselves mistaken, 
 in that unfavourable opinion of their brethren, which they had 
 reluctantly entertained : and will bless God for evidences of 
 their faith and piety. — When boldness in opposing sin, and 
 sharpness in reproving or punishing it, are the effects of 
 genuine zeal and love, they will be attended with a disposi- 
 tion to renounce our own interests, that God may be glorified, 
 and that temptations may be removed out of the way of our 
 brethren : and we have learned a most important lesson, when 
 we are brought to dread sin more than poverty or suffering. 
 — In appeals to the Lord, we ought to have our minds pos- 
 sessed with a solemn, reverential awe of his majesty, authori- 
 ty, heart-searching knowledge, and perfections ; and never to 
 call him to witness about any thing trivial or doubtful, or in 
 a light and rash manner. (Note, Ex. 20:7.) — Happy will it 
 be when all professed Christians shall learn, in their differ- 
 ences, to copy the example of Israel recorded in this chapter ; 
 and to unite zeal and steady adherence to the cause of truth, 
 with candour, meekness, a readiness to understand each 
 other, to explain, and to be satisfied with the sufficient expla- 
 nations and concessions of their brethren. Oh ! how long shall 
 acrimony, misrepresentation, ridicule, opprobrious epithets, 
 and an obstinate pertinacity in defending every tittle, and car- 
 rying every sentiment to the utmost extreme ; — how long, 1 
 say, shall these things disgrace the very name of religious 
 controversy, and confirm the prejudices of thousands against 
 those precious truths, which have often been, and still are, 
 contended for in so odious a manner? When will Christians 
 remember, that “ by this all men shall know the disciples of 
 Christ, when they have love one for another ?” and when will 
 they recollect that “ if they bite and devour one another,” 
 they are likely to be “consumed one of another?” For the 
 world, and 44 the god of this world,” have no higher gratifica- 
 tion than to see the different denominations of professing 
 Christians exposing, reviling, and ridiculing each other. May 
 the Lord increase the number of those, who 44 endeavour to 
 keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace:” and may 
 increasing grace and consolation “ be with all who love the 
 Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity,” by whatever name they are 
 distinguished ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIII. V. 1. Different opinions pre- 
 vail as to the time that elapsed between the settlement of 
 Israel and the death of Joshua ; but perhaps it was not less 
 than sixteen or seventeen years. (Note, 13:1 — b.) The 
 transaefton recorded in this chapter, seems to have occurred 
 in his last year. 
 
 V. 2. For all Israel , and for , &c.] Or, " For ah fsrael t 
 even for their elders, &c.” — When Joshua had giver, the fol- 
 lowing charge to the elders and judges, and to the .uler* if 
 
 ( 421 ) 
 
B. C 1 12 
 
 JOSHUA. 
 
 B. C. 1427 
 
 of M>y:s, ’ll a.\ Y r turn not aside therefrom to the 
 ngrit hand or to tne left: 
 
 7 That k ye come not among these natioas, 
 these that remain among you, 'neither make 
 mention of the name of their gods, nor cause m to 
 swear by them , neither serve them, nor bow your- 
 selves unto them. 
 
 8 'But "cleave unto the Lord your God, as ye 
 have done unto this day. 
 
 9 ’For the Lord hath driven out from before you 
 great nations and strong : but as for you, °no man 
 hath been able to stand before you unto this day. 
 
 10 rOne man of you shall chase a thousand : 
 for the <iLord your God, he it is that fighteth for 
 you, as he hath promised you. 
 
 11 IF "Take good heed therefore unto tyour- 
 selves, that ye s love the Lord your God. 
 
 12 Else if ye do in any wise 'go hack, and 
 “cleave unto the remnant of these nations, even 
 these that remain among you, and ’shall make 
 marriages with them, and go in unto them, and 
 they to you : 
 
 13 Know for a certainty that the Lord your 
 God "will no more drive out any of these nations 
 
 i Dent. 5:3'2. 12:32. 17:20. 28:14. Prnv. 4:26,27. k 12. Ex. 23:33. Deut. 7:2,3. 
 prov. 4:14. 1 Cor. 15:33. 2 Cor. 6:14 — 17. Eph.5:ll. 1 Ex. 23:13. Num. 32: 
 38. Ps. 16:4. Hos.2:17. m Jer. 5:7. Zeph. 1:5. * Or, For if ye will cleave, 
 
 ic. n 22:5. Deut. 4:4. 10:20. 11:22. 13:4. Acts 11:33. f Or , Then the Lord 
 willdrive. 5. 21:43,44. Deat. 11:23. o 1:5, 8, 9. 15:14. p Lev. 26:8. Deut. 32: 
 30. Judg. 3:31. 15:15. 1 Sam. 14:6,12 — 16. 2Sarn.23:8. q 10:42. Ex. 14:14. 
 •23:27. Deut. 3:22. 20:4. Ps. 35:1. 44:4,5. 46:7. Rorn. 8:31. r 22:5. Deut. 4:9. 
 6:5 — 12. Prov. 4:23. Luke 21:34. Eph.5:I5. Heb. 12:15. J Heb. your souls. 
 s Ex. 20:6. Rom. 8:28. 1 Cor.8:3. 16:22. Jude 20,21. tPs.36:3. 125:5. Ez. 18: 
 24. Zeph. 1:6. Matt. 12:45. John6:66. Heb. 10:38,39 . 2 Pet. 2:18— 22. 1 John 
 
 thousands and of hundreds ; they would be enabled to com- 
 municate the substance of it in their several districts, that all 
 Israel might hear. Probably this was done at Shiloh, on one 
 of the solemn feasts. 
 
 V. 6. (Note, 1:7.) While the Israelites adhered strictly 
 to the law of Moses, they would be kept entirely distinct from 
 the Canaanites and the surrounding nations, and would in 
 consequence be exposed to their hatred and opposition. They 
 were likewise required to carry on unceasing war against the 
 inhabitants of the land, avowedly aiming at their entire extir- 
 pation ; which as far as steadily adhered to, would expose 
 them to their unabating and most rancorous enmity. Great 
 courage would therefore be required, in order to a determinate 
 obedience in such circumstances ; and probably Joshua had 
 observed, that the people were become more intent upon 
 quietly enjoying their present possessions, than on boldly im- 
 proving their advantages, as the Lord by Moses had com- 
 manded them. (Notes, 16:10. 17:11 — 13.) — It is evident that 
 the people at this time possessed and might read the books of 
 Moses ; otherwise there could havd been no ground for an 
 exhortation in the words here used. 
 
 V. 7. The habitual mention of the names of idols, had it 
 been allowed, would gradually have introduced the custom 
 of swearing by them in common discourse ; and this would 
 have abated the abhorrence of idolatry, and have prepared 
 the way for other more express acts of idolatry. It is also 
 generally supposed, that Israel must not put an idolater to 
 his oath, so as to cause him to swear by his idol ; or form 
 any agreement in which such oaths were used. This would 
 tend exceedingly to prevent all compacts with idolaters. — The 
 paintings, statues, and poems, exquisitely finished by human 
 ingenuity, but replete with references to the detestable heathen 
 mythology, which abound in Christian countries, tend exceed- 
 ingly to habituate the mind, to reflect upon the Roman and 
 Grecian idolatry without horror, nay, with a kind of pleasure ; 
 to banish the language of piety from men’s lips ; and thus to 
 subserve in no small degree, the cause of skepticism, infidelity, 
 and ungodliness. (Note, Ex. 23:13.) 
 
 V. 10. After the people were dispersed in their posses- 
 sions, they might not be able to bring such large armies into 
 the field, as when encamped in one body ; but that ought not 
 to discourage them ; for one Israelite should chase a thousand 
 Canaanites, so long as they cleaved unto the Lord, seeing he 
 himself “would fight for them.” (Mnrg. Ref. Note, Deut. 
 32:30 31 .) 
 
 V. 11 — 13. Marg. Ref. — Snares and traps , &c. (13) 
 The remnant of these nations would first be “ snares and 
 traps” to the people, and then “scourges in their sides, and 
 thorns in their eyes.” If they entered into any amicable cor- 
 respondence with them, the women would allure them to form 
 connexions arid marriages with them ; and by their blandish- 
 ments entice them to idolatry. (Notes, Ex. 23:32,33. 34:11 — 
 17. Num. 25:1 — 5. 31:14 — 18. Deut. 7:1 — 4.) Thus they 
 would be taken in Satan’s snares and traps : for Canaanites 
 must always be enemies to Israelites under every mask; 
 and they would watch every opportunity of avenging them- 
 selves. So that, when Israel had provoked the Lord to with- 
 draw his protection, these nations would be ready instruments 
 of their chastisement ; but if that did not bring them to re- 
 3entance, their cruelties would torment them as a thorn in 
 ( 422 1 
 
 from before you ; but they shall be ^snares and 
 traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and 
 thorns in your eyes, Hintil ye perish from off this 
 good land which the Lord your God hath given 
 you. 
 
 14 And behold this day a I am going the way of 
 all the earth : and ye know in all your hearts, and 
 in all your souls, that b not one thing hath failed of 
 all the good things which the Lord your God 
 spake concerning you ; all are come to pass unto 
 you, and not one thing hath failed thereof. 
 
 15 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all 
 good thfngs are come upon you, which the Lord 
 your God promised you ; c so shall the Lord bring 
 upon you all evil things, until he have destroyed 
 you from off this good land, which the Lord 
 your God hath given you. 
 
 16 When ye have transgressed the covenant of 
 the Lord your God, which he commanded you, 
 and have gone and served other gods, and bowed 
 yourselves to them; then shall the anger of the 
 Lord be kindled against you. and d ye shall perish 
 quickly from off the good land which he hath 
 given unto you. 
 
 2:19. u Gen. 2:24. 34:3. I Sam. 18:1— 3. 1 Kings 11:2. Rom. 12:9. vEx.34: 
 
 12—16. Deut. 7:3. 1 Kings 11:4. Ezra 9: 1,2, 11, 12. Neh. 13.23 — 26. 2 Cor. 6:14 — 
 17. x Ex. 23:33. Num. 33-55. Deut. 7:16. Judg.2:2,3. Ps. 106:35—39. y Deut. 
 7:16. Judg. 2:3. Ps. 69:22. 2 Tim. 2:26. z Lev. 26:31— 35. Deut. 4:26. 28:63— 
 68. 29:28. 30:18. 2 Kings 17:23. 25:21,26. Lukc21:24. a 1 Kings 2:2. Job 30: 
 23. Ec: 9:10. 12:5. Heb. 9:27. b 21:43—45. Ex. 3:8 . 23:27- 30. Lev. 26-3— 13. 
 Num. 23:19. Deut. 28:1— 14. 1 Sam. 3:19. 1 Kings 8:56. Luke 21 :33. c Lev. 26. 
 14, &c. Deut. 28:15—68. Judg. 3:8,12. 4:1,2. 6:1. 10:6,7. 13:1. 2 Chr. 36:16,17 
 Luke 21:22—24. 1 Thes. 2:16. d 13. 
 
 the eye would do, and at length even drive them out of the 
 promised land. — The subsequent history abundantly illus- 
 trates these emphatical expressions. (Marg. Ref. x. y.) 
 
 V. 14 — 16. The Israelites were deeply affected with the 
 wonderful performance of the promises, which God had made 
 to their fathers; and Joshua, almost with his last breath, (as 
 he supposed,) most solemnly assured them, that the ihreaten- 
 ings would be accomplished with equal certainty and exact- 
 ness, whenever they transgressed their covenant by apostacy 
 and idolatry. (Notes, Lev. 26:14 — 29. Deut. 4:25 — 28. 28: 
 15—68. 29:18—28. 32:19—36. Dan. 9:12—14.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Through the deceitfulness of the human heart, we areriever 
 more in danger of forgetting the Lord, than when most favoured 
 with temporal prosperity. — They who possess influence, from 
 age, authority, reputation for wisdom and piety, or eminent 
 services, should employ it all, with unwearied perseverance, 
 to their latest breath, in promoting the practice of true godli- 
 ness. — Gratitude, duty, and regard to our own best happiness, 
 with united energy, require us to adhere to our profession of 
 the gospel and to walk consistently with it ; yet we all need 
 to be frequently reminded, exhorted, and warned concerning 
 these things. (Note, Acts 11:23,24.) — As long as men cleave 
 to the Lord, though they have abated somewhat of their fer- 
 vour and diligence, there is good ground of hope that admoni- 
 tions will have a proper effect: but the diseases of the soul, 
 like those of the bod}', should be resisted before they have 
 gathered strength. — We cannot too often be called upon, to 
 meditate on the past and present kindness of God to us ; and 
 to reflect upon his gracious promises, and awful threatenings: 
 and we should treasure up our experience of the exact per- 
 formance of his word, to strengthen our expectation of its 
 entire accomplishment in due season ; for hope and fear, and 
 every passion, ought to be engaged to restrain men from sin, 
 and to keep them close to their duty. — It is true wisdom to 
 discern and shun the temptations and inlets to sin, of which 
 none are more dangerousjthan ungodly companions. Acquaint- 
 ance, friendship, and marriage, with persons of no religion, or 
 false religion, have generally been progressive steps towards 
 the mere professor’s apostacy, and the believer’s loss of all his 
 earnestness, comfort, and usefulness. (Note, Gen. 6:1,2.) 
 They, who at first are tempters, will eventually prove the 
 scourges of those who have listened to their seductions: and 
 either bitter distress in this world, or utter destruction in the 
 world to come, are the unavoidable effects of yielding to temp- 
 tation. This all ought “to know for a certainty,” that they 
 “may take good heed unto themselves,” and not allow the 
 love of any creature to seduce them from the love of God, and 
 obedience to his laws. — Our minds should be filled with an 
 abhorrence of every kind of ungodliness, equal to that which 
 the most conscientious persons feel of murder or adultery ; for, 
 whatever fallen man may think to the contrary, the guilt of 
 neglecting and despising the glorious God our Creator is far 
 greater, than that of injuring our fellow-creatures. ( Note, 
 Ps. 51:4.) — Our inward foes are the most dangerous; and 
 they will cause us much misery, unless we oppose and mor- 
 tify them with unrelenting severity; so that this warfare will 
 require great courage and resolution. And if wo resolutely 
 adhere to the word of God as our rule, turning aside neither 
 to the right hand nor to the left ; we shall certainly be hated, 
 
B.C. 1426. CHAPTER XXI Y. B. C. ;42C 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Joshua convenes Israel, an I lays before them a brief history of the Lord's 
 irinlness to their ancestors from the days of Terah, 1—13. He engages them 
 to choose the service of God, and renews the covenant, 14 — 25. He sets up 
 a stone as a memorial , 26—28. His death, age, and burial, 29, 30. Israel 
 serves the Lord till some lime after Joshua’s death, 31. Joseph's bones art 
 buried, and Lleazar dies , 32, 33. 
 
 A ND Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to 
 “Shechem, and b called for the elders of Israel, 
 and for their heads, and for their judges, and for 
 their officers ; and they 'presented themselves 
 before God. 
 
 2 And Joshua said unto all the people, Thus 
 saith the Lord God of Israel, d Your fathers dwelt 
 on the other side of the Hood in old times, even 
 Terah, the father of Abraham, and the father of 
 Nachor: and 'they served other gods. 
 
 3 And fl took your father Abraham from the 
 other side of the flood, and led him throughout all 
 the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and 
 *gave him Isaac. 
 
 4 And h I gave unto Isaac Jacob and Esau : 
 and 'I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it; 
 but k Jacob and his children went down into 
 Egypt. 
 
 5 I 'sent Moses also and Aaron, and m I plagued 
 Egypt, according to that which I did among them; 
 and afterward I brought you out. 
 
 6 And "I brought your fathers out of Egypt : 
 and ye came unto the sea ; and “the Egyptians 
 pursued after your fathers with chariots and horse- 
 men unto the Red Sea. 
 
 7 And when they cried unto the Lord, he put 
 darkness between you and the Egyptians, and 
 brought the sea upon them, and covered them ; 
 and Pyour eyes have seen what 1 have done in 
 Egypt : and iye dwelt in the wilderness a long 
 season. 
 
 8 And r I brought you into the land of the 
 Amorites, which dwelt on the other side Jordan ; 
 and they fought with you : and I gave them into 
 
 i Qtn. 12:6. 33:18,19. 35:4. Judg. 9:1— 3. I Kings 12:1. b23:2. Ex. 18:25,26. 
 c 1 Sam. 10:19. Acts 10:33. <1 Gen. 11:26,31. 12:1. 31:53. Deut. 26:5. Is. 51:2. 
 Ez. 16:3. e 15. 'ien. 31:19,30,32. 35:4. f Gen. 12:1— 4. Neh. 9:7,8. Acls 7:2, 
 3. g Gen. 21:3, 3. Ps. 127:3. Ii Gen. 25:24— 26. i Gen. 32:3. 36:8. Deut. 2:5. 
 k Gen. 45:1 — 6. Ps. 105:23. Ads 7:15. 1 Ex. 3:10. 4:12,13. Ps. 105:26. uEi. 
 7: 8: 9 : 10: 11: 12: Ps. 78:43— 51. 105:27— 36. 135:8,9. 136:10. n Ex. 12:37,51 . 
 Mic. 6:4. oEx. 14: 15: Neh. 9:11. Ps. 77:15— 20 . 78:13. 136:13—15. Is. 63:12, 
 13. Ads 7:36. Heb. 11:29. pEx. 14:31. Deut. 29:2. q 5:6. Num. 14:33,34. 
 Neh. 9:12 — 21. I's. 95:9,10. Acts 13:17,18. Heb. 3:17. r 13:10. Num. 21:21— 
 35. Dent. 2:31 — 37. 3:1—7. Neh. 9:22. Ps. 135:10,1 1 . 136:17—22. s Num. 22: 
 5,6. Deut. 23:4,5. Judg. 11:25. Mic. 6:5. t Num. 22:11,12,18— 20,35. 23:3—12, 
 
 despised, and reproached, by them whose pride is affronted, 
 or whose consciences are made uneasy, through our holy 
 singularity and faithful reproof. We need not however fear 
 them ; “for the Lord our God will fight for us, as he hath 
 promised,” and nothing shall by any means hurt us : and 
 though useful instruments and valued friends may be removed, 
 yet the Lord ever liveth to protect, uphold, guide, comfort, and 
 bless us. But sinners have cause to tremble at his indigna- 
 tion: for he will as surely execute his most tremendous threat- 
 enings, as perform his largest promises : and hypocrites or 
 apostates will be as severely dealt with as open infidels and 
 profligates. Let us then “ watch and pray that we enter not 
 into temp ation;” let us trust in the faithfulness, love, and 
 power of God ; let us plead his promises and cleave to his 
 commandments ; and then we shall be happy in life, in death, 
 and for ever! 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXIV. V. 1. To Shechem.] She- 
 chem was nearer than Shiloh to Timnath-serah, Joshua's resi- 
 dence ; (Note, 19:49,50.) and he being old and infirm, con- 
 vened the tribes and elders of Israel to that place. Some think, 
 that he caused the ark and the tabernacle to be conveyed 
 thither on this occasion, to give the greater solemnity to his 
 last meeting with his people ; for it is said, “ They presented 
 themselves before God.” — Finding his life prolonged, perhaps 
 beyond expectation, he was desirous of once more enforcing 
 upon them the great things of religion, in the most solemn and 
 affecting manner possible. (Notes, 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19,26 — 28.) 
 
 V. 2. Of the flood..] That is, of the river Euphrates . — 
 It is said, that “ they served other gods:” hence it is evident 
 that Abraham, as well as Terah and Nahor,) had been guilty 
 of idolatry ; and this was probably the case till he was called 
 to the knowledge of God, when above seventy years of age. 
 (Note, Gen. 11:28—32.) 
 
 V. 3 — 8. Marg. Ref .— Your eyes lmoe seen. (7) Many 
 of those who, being under twenty years of age, had witnessed 
 these miracles, were doubtless still living ; and several of the 
 elders, judges, and officers whom Joshua addressed, might be 
 of this number. 
 
 V. 9,10. Balak intended war against Israel, and pre- 
 viously called Balaam to curse them, which he would gladly 
 have done : but, as the Lord refused to grant his desires or 
 
 our hand, that ye might possess their land; ane 
 
 destroyed them from before you. 
 
 9 Then “Balak the son of Zippor, king o. 
 Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent 
 and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you : 
 
 10 But l I would not hearken unto Balaam; 
 therefore he blessed you still : so I delivered you 
 out of his hand. 
 
 11 And u ye went over Jordan, and came unto 
 Jericho : and x the men of Jericho fought against 
 you, the Amorites, and the Perizzites ; and the 
 Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Girgashites, 
 the Hivites, and the Jebusites ; and I delivered 
 them into your hand. 
 
 12 And H sent the hornet before you, which 
 drave them out from before you, even the twe 
 kings of the Amorites ; but “not with thy sword, 
 nor with thy how. 
 
 13 And I have given you a land for which ye 
 did not labour, and “cities which ye built not, and 
 ye dwell in them : of the vineyards and olive-yards 
 which ye planted not do ye eat. [Practical ouervat tom.] 
 
 14 H Now therefore Tear the Lord, and “serve 
 him in sincerity and in truth ; and d put away the 
 gods which your fathers served on the other side 
 of the flood, and “in Egypt ; and serve ye the 
 Lord. 
 
 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the 
 Lord, 1 choose you this day whom ye will serve ; 
 whether the gods which your fathers served that 
 were on the other side of the flood, or ethe gods 
 of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell : but 
 h as for me and my house, we will serve the 
 Lord. 
 
 16 And the people answered and said, 'God 
 forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve 
 other gods ; 
 
 17 Eor the Lord our God, k he it is that brought 
 us up, and our fathers, out of the land of Egypt, 
 from the house of bondage, and which did those 
 
 15—26 . 24:5—10. Is. 54:17. n 3:14—17. 4:10—12,23. I’s. 114:3,5. x6: 10: 11: 
 
 Neh. 9:24,25. Ps. 78:54,55. 105:44. Acts 7:45. 13:19. y Ex. 23:28. Deut. 7:20. 
 t Ps. 44:3 — 6. a 11:13. Deut. 6:10,11. 8:7. Pruv. 13:22. b Deut. 10:12. 1 Sara. 
 12:24. Job 1:1. 28:28. Ps. 111:10. 130:4. Hns. 3:5. Acts 9.31. c 23. Gen. 17:1. 
 20:5,6. Deut. 18:13. 2 Kings 20:3. Ps. 119:80. Luke 8:15. John 4:23. 2 Cor. 1:12. 
 Eph. 6:2-1. Phil. 1:10. d2,23. Gen. 35:2. Ex. 20:3.4. I,e». 17:7. Ezra 9:11. Et. 
 20:18. Am. 5:25,26. e Ez. 20:7,8. 23:3. f Ruth 1:15. 1 Kings 18:21. Ez. 20:39. 
 Jolm 6:6. g Ex. 23:24,32,33. 34:15. Deut. 13:7. 29:18. Judg. 6:10. h Gen. 18: 
 19. IV 119:106,111,112. John 6:68. Acts 11:23. i 1 Sam. 12:23. Rom. 3:6. 6:2. 
 Heb. 10:38,39. k 5— 14. Ex. 19:4. Deut 32: 11 ,12. Is. 46:4. 63:7,14. Am. 2:9, 
 10 . 
 
 prayers, Balak being discouraged, desisted from his purpose. 
 {Marg. Ref. Notes, Num. 22: — 25:) 
 
 V.ll. Notes, 3: — 11: 
 
 V. 12. The hornet.] Probably these insects so infested 
 the armies of Sihon and Og, and afterwards of the Cunaanites, 
 when preparing for the battle, as to throw them into confusion, 
 and give the Israelites an easy victory ; which demanded 
 the greater gratitude from them, not having been obtained by 
 their sword or bow. (Notes, Ex. 23:28. Ps. 41:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 14. It seems that the Israelites still retained some 
 relics of the idolatry of their progenitors, which from time to 
 time some of them secretly worshipped. In this very place 
 Jacob had 44 put away the strange Gods” which were in his 
 family, and buried them under an oak. (Notes, Gen. 35: 
 2,4.) But his descendants had formed other images of the 
 same supposed deities, as well as of the idols of Egypt ; and 
 had not, during all the days of Moses, been induced to destroy 
 them all, as Joshua well knew : he therefore insisted upon it 
 that they should put them all away together, if they meant to 
 be sincere and entire in the service of Jehovah. 
 
 V. 15. The Lord has an unalienable right to the service 
 of all his rational creatures, which cannot be withheld, without 
 contracting the deepest guilt, and incurring the severest 
 vengeance. But it is essential to this service, that it be 
 performed with a willing mind : for Love is the very sub- 
 stance of it, and its only genuine principle : (Notes, Ex. 20: 
 2. Deut. 6:5.) 44 The Father seeketh such to worship him, 
 as worship him in Spirit and truth.” But 44 the carnal mind 
 is enmity against God,” and therefore incapable of this 
 spiritual worship : and hence the necessity of being born, 
 again. (Notes, John 3:3 — 8. 4:21 — 24.) When, however 
 we discover this necessity, and the nature of the gracious 
 change intended by that emphatical expression, we are in- 
 duced to seek it in the use of appointed means ; and thus at 
 length we became consciously and experimentally partakers Ot 
 it, and are numbered among those who worship God m truth 
 and love. But, in the visible church, numbers have always 
 rested in the mere form, as an unpleasant task to whicn they 
 submit, to avoid as they hope worse consequences : and a 
 great part of the usefulness of preaching consists in discover- 
 ing the difference between the form and the power of godliness , 
 
 ( 423 ) 
 
B. C. 1426. JOSHUA. B. C. 1426. 
 
 great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all 
 the way wherein we went, and among all the peo- 
 ple through whom we passed : 
 
 18 And the Lord drave out I’rom before us all 
 the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the 
 land : therefore 'will we also serve the Lord ; for 
 he is our God. 
 
 19 And Joshua said unto the people, m Ye can- 
 not serve the Lord : for he is an "holy God ; he 
 is °a jealous God ; >’he will not forgive your trans- 
 gressions, nor your sins. 
 
 20 If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange 
 gods, then she will turn and do you hurt, and 
 consume you, after that he hath done you good. 
 
 21 And the people said unto Joshua, r Nay, but 
 we will serve the Lord. 
 
 22 And Joshua said unto the people, s Ye are 
 witnesses against yourselves that 'ye have chosen 
 you the Lord, to serve him. And Ihey said, We 
 are witnesses. 
 
 23 Now therefore "put away ( said he) the 
 strange gods which are among vou, and incline 
 your heart unto the Lord God of Israel. 
 
 24 And the people said unto Joshua, The 
 Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will 
 we obey. 
 
 25 So Joshua "made a covenant with the peo- 
 
 J Ex. 10:3. 13:2. Ps. 116:16. Mic. 4:2. Zech. 8:23. Luke 1:73,74. m 23. 
 Ruth 1:15. Mutt. 6:24. Luke 14:25—33. n Lev. 10:3. 19:2. 1 Sent. 6:20. Ps. 99: 
 5,9. Is. 5:16. 6:3-5. 30:11,15. Hah. 1:13. o Ex. 20:5. 31:14. 1 Cor. 10:2(4-22. 
 p Ex. 23:21. ISam. 3:14. 2Chr.36:16. Is. 27. 11. q23:12— 15. 1 Chr. 28:9. 
 
 3 Chr. 15:2. Ezra 8:22. Is. 1:28. 63:10. 65:11,12. Jer. 17:13. Ez. 18:24. Acts 7: 
 42. Heb. 10:26, 27, 3S. r Ex. 19:8. 20:19. 24:3,7. Dent. 5:27,28. 26:17. Is. 44:5. 
 • Job 15:6. Luke 19:22. t Ps. 119:111,173. Luke 10:42. u 14. Gen. 35:2— 4. 
 Ex. 20:23. Judg. 10:16. 1 Sam. 7:3,4. Hos. 14:2,3,8. 1 Cor. 10:19—21. 2 Cor. 
 6:16—18. x Ex. 15:25 . 24:3,7,8. Dent. 5:2,3. 29:1,10—15. 2 Chr. 15:12,15.23: 
 
 and in stirring up the minds of men, from resting in the 
 former to seek after the latter. The method, which Joshua 
 adopted in treating with the Israelites, was admirably calcu- 
 lated, and evidently intended, to produce this effect. Many 
 of them were already spiritual worshippers : a much greater 
 number might be favourably disposed towards the worship 
 and service of God, but, through procrastination and worldly 
 avocations, not yet fully engaged m it: and doubtless many 
 had a secret dislike to religion, who would have been ashamed 
 to confess if, and who would be shocked at the proposal of 
 renouncing the worship of God, and openly professing them- 
 selves idolaters. Of this state of mind this aged believer 
 aimed to take the advantage, and to lead them by his proposal 
 to reflect upon their own inconsistency, formality, or pro- 
 crastination ; and to engage deliberately, seriously, and 
 u with full purpose of heart,” in the Lord’s service. Thus 
 he intimated, that apostacy from God to the worship of 
 idols would not be more destructive to them, than hypocrisy 
 or a lifeless form ; that, if the service of God were worth 
 any thing, it was worth every thing ; that for his part, he 
 had made up his mind, and had deliberately and decidedly 
 chosen to serve the Lord fully and heartily; that he was 
 determined to use all his authority and influence with his 
 family, to prevail with them to follow his example ; and that 
 he greatly desired to persuade all his beloved countrymen to 
 make the same choice, and to act in the same manner. 
 (Marg. Ref. f. h. Notes , Gen. 18:18,19. Ruth 1:11 — 17. 
 1 ./Hns** 18:21.) 
 
 V. 19. Joshua by no means intended to deter the people 
 from the service of the Lord ; but to put them upon their 
 guard against the objections commonly made to a life of strict 
 godliness, as if intolerably difficult, or even impracticable ; 
 and to lead them to count their cost, and to consider before- 
 hand what they engaged to do. (Notes, Luke 14:25 — 35.) 
 With great address, arising from deep knowledge of the 
 human heart, he seized the advantage of their present 
 impressions, to render them abiding, to increase the earnest- 
 ness of the people, and to lead them solemnly to enter into a 
 willing engagement to serve God alone. — When a certain 
 degree of inclination towards any object has once possessed 
 the heart, it is always increased by the prospect of difficulties ; 
 provided they appear surmountable by contrivance, exertion, 
 and perseverance. This management of Joshua, therefore, 
 directly tended to lead the Israelites to reflect upon the per- 
 fections of Jehovah, and upon the nature of his service; 
 lo advert to their own unholiness and insufficiency; and to 
 that encouragement and hope of assistance which were given 
 them in the books of Moses ; to induce them to esteem 
 acceptably serving God, as a prize worthy of their utmost 
 tibour and earnestness ; to render them diligent, watchful, 
 mmble, and dependent in their endeavours ; and to prevent 
 Jie effect ot subsequent, difficulties and temptations, by ex- 
 iting the expectation of them. Such was the tendency of 
 .his address, and such, by the blessing of God, appears to 
 nave been its effect upon many of them. — The original words, 
 .ranslated u He is an holy God,” are literally, He is holy 
 Gods, the adjective being plural, as well as the noun ; and 
 l 424 ) 
 
 pie that day, and set them a statute and an ordi 
 nance in Shechem. 
 
 26 And Joshua . 7 wrote these words in the book 
 of the law of God, and Hook a great stone, and 
 “set it up there b under an oak, that was by the 
 sanctuary of the Lord. 
 
 27 And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, 
 c this stone shall he a witness unto us ^ for d it hath 
 heard all the words of the Lord which he spake 
 unto us : it shall be therefore a witness unto you, 
 lest ye 'deny your God. 
 
 28 So f Joshua let the people depart, every man 
 to his inheritance. 
 
 29 11 And it came to pass Rafter these things, 
 that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the 
 Lord, died, being b an hundred and ten years 
 old. 
 
 30 And they buried him in the border of his 
 inheritance in 'Timnath-serah, which is in mount 
 Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of k Gaash. 
 
 31 And Israel 'served the Lord all the days of 
 Joshua, and all the days of the elders that "over- 
 lived Joshua ; and m which had known all the 
 works of the Lord, that he had done for Israel. 
 
 32 And “the bones of Joseph, which the chil- 
 dren of Israel brought up out of Egypt, "buried 
 they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which 
 
 16. 29:10. 34:29—32. Neh. 9:38. 10:28,29. v Ex. 24:4. Deut. 31:24—26. z Judg. 
 9:6. a 4:3— 9,20— 24. Gen. 28:18—22. b Gen. 35:4,8. c 22:27,28,31. Gen. 31: 
 44—52. Dent. 4:26. 30:19. 31:19,21,26. 1 Sana. 7:12.'d Deut. 32:1 . Is. 1:2. Hab. 
 2:11. Luke 19:40. e Job 31:23. Pi ov.30:9. Matt. 10:33. 2 Tim. 2:12,13. Tit. 1: 
 16. Rev. 3:8. fjudg.2:6. g Deut. 34:5. Judg. 2:8. Ps. 115:17. 2Tim. 4:7,8. 
 Rev. 14:13. h Gen. 50:22,26. i 19:50. Judg. 2:9. k2Sam. 23:30. lDeut.31: 
 29. Judg. 2:7. 2 Chr. 24:2,17,18. Acts 20:29. Phil. 2:12. • Heb. prolonged Iheir 
 daysafter. in Deut. 11:2. 31:13. a Geo. 50:25. Ex. 13:19. Acts 7:16. oGexv. 
 33:19. 48:22. 
 
 the expression has frequently been cited in proof of the doc- 
 trine of the Trinity. — As be has no equal, he will endure no 
 rival. — The. word rendered forgive may mean tolerate. (Notes, 
 Ex. 20:5. 34:5—7,11—17.) 
 
 V. 20. The longer and the more open profession the people 
 should make of worshipping Jehovah, the deeper would be 
 their guilt and condemnation, if they should at last apostatize 
 to idolatry. Of this Joshua refninded them ; that they might 
 duly consider the solemn engagement about to be made, and 
 be upon their guard against subsequent temptations. 
 
 V. 21, 22. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 24:3,4,6—8. Deut. 
 5:28,29. 26:17—19. 
 
 V. 23. Incline your heart.] This expression shows how 
 earnest this venerable servant of God was, to lead the people 
 into the inward exercises of true piety, and to excite them to 
 be spiritual and hearty, as well as entire, in their religion. 
 (Notes, Deut. G: 5. 1 Kings 8:58. 1 Chr. 28:9. 29:10—19. 
 Prov. 23:26.) 
 
 V. 25. Thus Joshua led his auditory solemnly to renew 
 their covenant to be the Lord’s people ; and to adhere to his 
 worship, and that in the most intelligent and deliberate man- 
 ner: and he formed the whole into a statute and ordinance, 
 which was promulgated for all Israel to receive and obey. 
 (Notes, Deut. .29:10— 15. 2 Kings 11:17—20. Neh. 9:38. 10:1.) 
 
 V. 26. This ratification of the covenant seems to have 
 been inscribed in that copy of the law, which was laid up by 
 the sides of the ark, as a perpetual memorial of the transac- 
 tion : (Note, Deut. 31:26.) and probably it was also inserted 
 in all tne other copies of the law which were then extant. 
 
 V. 27. This great stone would testily, to succeeding gene- 
 rations, that event which it was set up to commemorate ; 
 and it would be a witness against the people, if they after- 
 wards revolted to idolatry. (Notes, 22:34. Gen. 31:45,46. 
 Deut. 31:19.) — This idea contains a forcible charge of insen- 
 sibility against mankind, as if they were more regardless 
 of their Maker, than the inanimate creatures, which by 
 answering the end of their creation, seem to exclaim against 
 the ingratitude and rebellion of the human species. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note, Luke 19:40.) — In this affecting manner Joshua 
 took his leave of Israel, went home from this last and perhaps 
 best service to God and them, and was speedily (alien to his 
 rest in heaven. (29,30. Notes, Deut. 34:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 29 — 32. It is remarkable that Joshua lived just as many 
 years as his renowned ancestor Joseph had done : yet ho was 
 not buried in the same place with him, but in his own inhe- 
 ritance, which seems to have been the general practice. 
 (30,32. Note, Gen. 50:22.) The Israelites had carried the 
 bones of Joseph with them in all their wanderings, and r ever 
 attempted to bury them, till they were peaceably sotth d in 
 the land. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 50:24 — 26. Ex. 13:19. 
 Heb. 11:22.) 
 
 V. 33. As the cities assigned to the priests lay in the lots 
 of Judah, Benjamin, and Simeon; it is probable that tho 
 people voluntarily gave to the high-priest a place <f residence 
 near Shiloh, while the tabernacle continued there ; and Ji&t 
 this was called “the hill of Phinehas Hu»e he uvelt 
 longer there than Eleazar had done. 
 
B. C. 1426. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIY. 
 
 B. C 1426 
 
 Jacob bought of the sons Hamor, the father of 
 Shcchem, for an hundred 'pieces of silver : and 
 it became the inheritance of the children of 
 
 Joseph. 
 
 •Or, Iambi, r 14:1. Ex. 6:83,25. Num. 3:32. ia-.'X— 23. q Job 30:23. Pi. 48:' 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS 
 
 V. 1 — 13. It is beautiful and honourable, when zeal for 
 the glory of God, and love to the souls of men, gather 
 strength, at a time when the body is reVly to drop into the 
 gravo : and while life is spared, and any measure of health 
 afforded, if our hearts glow with love and zeal, we shall 
 devise some method to serve the cause of godliness, and to 
 fix salutary impressions upon the minds of those around us ; 
 nay, sometimes when the body is least capable of executing 
 proper methods of doing good, the soul possesses most vigour 
 for devising them. (Note, 2 Pet . 1:12 — 15.) — In repeating 
 our exhortations, heavenly wisdom will teach us to vary the 
 manner of reaching the conscience, and engaging the affec- 
 tions ; but we can never with propriety omit the commemora- 
 tion of the Lord’s mercies : by frequent meditation on that 
 subject, we shall recollect more and more instances of his 
 goodness ; and whatever ii^ our experience demands our 
 gratitude tq God, will also furnish us with cause of humilia- 
 tion, and of encouragement. — The largeness and freeness of 
 the divine mercy are illustrated in so distinct a manner, even 
 in the salvation of the most eminent saints mentioned in 
 Scripture, that “the chief of sinners” may thence take 
 encouragement in returning to the Lord, f Notes , 1 Tim. 
 
 1:12—16. P. O. 12—20.) 
 
 V. 14 — 33. The practical conclusion to be drawn from 
 every delineation of the character of God, and from the 
 memorial of his wondrous works and abundant mercies, is 
 this: “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in 
 sincerity and in truth.” But without sincerity and truth , all 
 rofessions of repentance, faith, fear, or love, are mere 
 ypocrisy, and will avail us nothing. — The service of God 
 must be our voluntary choice : if we were disposed to use 
 our reason aright, we could not but choose it: after all our 
 sins, we are invited to do so; and blessed be his name, he 
 hath promised not to reject us, if we seek him in the appoint- 
 ed way, and are decided in preferring his favour to the 
 leasures of sin and the vanities of the world. We must, 
 owever, diligently study the nature of true religiofi, and 
 what it will cost us ; to what it may expose us, and in what 
 it will employ us ; that we may be prepared for temptations, 
 tribulations, conflicts, and self-denials ; be aware of our in- 
 sufficiency ; and seek help and comfort from on high. The 
 Lord our God is jealous, just, and holy : he will not be 
 trifled with, he cannot be imposed upon, he abhors a double 
 mind, and will not accept a divided heart ; he hates luke- 
 warmness, (Note, Rev. 3d 4 — 16.) and will as certainly punish 
 the apostate, as forgive the humble believer. Yet our only 
 danger lies in forsaking him ; for if we adhere to his service 
 with an upright and willing mind, none of our mistakes, 
 imperfections, or enemies can fatally injure us. But we can- 
 lot serve the Lord without renouncing other masters, and 
 “inclining our hearts unto him;” nor can we incline our 
 
 33 And pEleazar the son of Aaron 'idied, and 
 they buried him in a hill that pertained to 
 r Phinehas his son, which was given him in mount 
 Ephraim. 
 
 10.18.57:1/2. Zech. 1:5. Act* 13:36. Heb. 7:*24. 9:26,27. rJudg. 20:28. 
 
 hearts without his grace, which he readily bestows on al 
 who pray for the promised gift of his Holy Spirit. Depend- 
 ing upon his assistance and merciful acceptance, notwith- 
 standing all our difficulties and impotency, we may with 
 confidence say, “God forbid that we should forsake the 
 Lord ;” and to every objection we may answer, “Nay, but 
 we will serve the Lord ;” and close all by positively aver- 
 ring, “ The Lord our God will we serve, and his voice will 
 we obey:” nor need we scruple the most open and solemn 
 ratification of his covenant, by which we avouch him to be 
 our God and ourselves to be his people. For though the 
 house of God, the Lord’s table, and even the very walls and 
 trees, before which we have uttered our solemn purposes Oi 
 serving him, would obtest against us if we denied him ; and 
 all the good, which he had done us, would become an occasion 
 of evil to us ; yet we may trust his grace to enable us to fulfil 
 our engagements, and be confident that he will “ put his fear 
 into our hearts, that we shall not depart from him.” (Note, 
 Jer. 32,38 — 41.) — They who in the plainest terms have shown 
 the necessity and difficulty of serving God, and *the danger 
 of forsaking him ; and who have pressed others most strongly 
 to count their cost and to prepare for temptation ; should be 
 the most forward to avow their own purpose of choosing 
 and cleaving to his service, and of using their most earnest 
 endeavours, and exercising all their influence and authority, 
 along with their fervent prayers, that the blessings of true 
 religion may be the inheritance of their- children and of all 
 connected with them. Thus, in our several stations, we 
 should all deliberately determine, by the grace of God, tc 
 serve him ourselves, and to do the utmost in our power, that 
 our households may serve him likewise. And though God 
 alone can give grace, yet he greatly approves and blesses 
 such zealous attempts to engage and confirm men in his 
 service ; and in some instances the pious labours of one 
 single day may produce the most important and beneficial 
 effects for years, or even for generations to come. — After 
 a life thus spent and thus concluded, how comfortably may 
 the believer meet the stroke of death, and retire to his rest 
 in the realms of bliss ! Thus the most useful men, having 
 served their generation, according to the will of God, one after 
 another fall asleep, and see corruption: but Jesus, having 
 spent and ended his life on earth, far more assiduously and 
 effectually than either Joshua or Joseph, arose from the 
 dead, and saw no corruption. He not only brings his ran- 
 somed tribes to their rest, but lives with them, and reigns 
 over them, to consummate and perpetuate their felicity to all 
 eternity: and wherever their bodies are interred, he will 
 shortly raise them incorruptible, and transform them into the 
 likeness of “ his own glorious body, according to the mighty 
 working, whereby he is able to subdue all things unto him- 
 self.” (Note, Phil. 3:20,21.) 
 
 THE 
 
 BOOK OF JUDGES. 
 
 The title of this book is taken from the original Hebrew ; and shows the principal subject of it, as containing the history of those 
 Judges, whom God raised up among his people, before he placed any king over them. These were not a regular succession of 
 governors, but occasional deliverers, of different tribes and families, who were employed to rescue the nation from oppressors, to 
 reform religion, or to administer justice. They do not seem to have assumed any degree of regal magnificence, or to have exercised 
 any expensive or burdensome authority : yet they were for the time the immediate vicegerents of Jehovah, the King of Israel. It 
 is probable, that when there was no Judge, the Levites, elders, and ordinary magistrates, together with the high-priest and the other 
 priests, conducted the affairs of the several tribes, and administered justice, as circumstances would admit, according to the law of 
 Moses ; and that when there was a Judge, he presided over them.— It is generally supposed that the prophet Samuef, the last of the 
 Judges, wrote this book ; and indeed, it seems to have been written during the reign of Saul. For the words repeatedly used, “ In 
 those days there was no king in Israel,” (17:6. 19:1. 21:25.) imply that there was a king when the history was published : yet, it 
 appears also, that the Jebusites still kept possession of Jerusalem, from which David at length expelled them. (1:21. 2 Sam. 
 5:6_ " 9 -)— L consists of two parts : in the first sixteen chapters, a compendious narrative is given of the affairs of Israel, from the 
 death of Joshua to that of Samson, during the term of about three hundred years ; though the chronology is peculiarly intricate : 
 and the remaining five chapters record some detached events, which took place in the earlier part of that period, but which would 
 have too much interrupted the narrative, had they been inserted according to the order of lime. Thus the history is brought down 
 to the years, during which Eli judsed Israel, and nearly to the birth of Samuel. — There are several references to facts recorded in 
 this book, both in the Old and New Testaments ; (1 Sam. 12:10,11. 2 Sam. 11:21. Neh. 9:2S. Ps. 68:9— 11. Is. 9:4. 10:26. Act* 1 
 13:20. Heb. 1 1:32.) and it is certain that it formed a part of that sacred volume, to which Christ and his apostles constantly appealed 
 as to the Oracles of God : but I do not recollect any express prophecies contained in it. 
 
 The condition ol Israel does not appear so prosperous, nor the national character so religious, in this history, as from the foregoing 
 records it might have been hoped : but it is probable, that the worship at the sanctuary was regularly maintained and attended on, 
 and that there was a pious remnant in the land amidst the repeated apostacies and multiplied idolatries of the nation in eeneraL 
 t ?/i a , 3U P er " c ' a * reader of the sacred history, the whole period under the Judges may be easily mistaken for an uninterrupted series 
 of idolatries and crimes ; from his not observing, that the lapses which incurred punishment, and the divine deliverances which 
 attended repentance, are related so fully and distinctly, as to occupy almost the whole narrative ; while long periods, when under 
 the government of the J udges, the people followed God, and the land enjoyed peace, are passed over in a single verse, as prod no 
 live of no event which required a particular detail.’ Graves , Vol. ii. pp. 146, 147. — The whole account however illustrates the 
 character given of human nature in the Scriptures ; and shows in a most affecting manner, the consequences of attending on tha 
 worship and service of God, or of neglecting them, in respect of national prosperity or adversity. 
 
 Vol. I — 54 ( 425 ) 
 
B C. 1425. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B C. 1425. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 tu&ih and Simeon war against the ( 'anaanites, defeat Adoni-bezek and retali- 
 Ale on him hie cruelty to cwptive kings, 1 — 7. Jerusalem is taken , 8, 9. The 
 sons of Anak slain, 10. Othniel takes Debir , and marries Caleb' s (laughter , 
 11 — 15. The Kcnites dwell with Judah, 16. H irmah, Gaza, Aekelon, and 
 Ekron, are taken by Judah aiul Simon ; and Hebron is given to Caleb, 17 
 —20. Benjamin is unable to drive the Jebusiles from Jerusalem , 21. 
 Ephraim and Manasseh take Bethel, 22 — 25. A Canaanite builds a city 
 called Luz,26. The Catiaamles are not wholly expelled by Manasseh, 27, 
 28 by Ephraim, 29 : by Zebulun, 30 ; by Asher, 31, 32 ; by Naphtali, 33. 
 The Amor it es force Dan into the mountain, 34 — 36. 
 
 N OW “after the death of Joshua it came to 
 I ass, that the children of Israel b asked the 
 Lord, saying 1 , Who shall go up for us against 
 the Canaanites first, to fight against them? 
 
 2 And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up ; 
 behold, I have delivered the land into his hand. 
 
 3 And Judah said unto d Simeon his brother, 
 Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight 
 against the Canaanites, and “I likewise will go 
 with thee into thy lot. So Simeon went with 
 him. 
 
 4 And Judah went up, and the ‘Lord delivered 
 tire Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand : 
 and they slew of them in eBezek ten thousand 
 men. 
 
 5 And they found Adoni-bezek in Bezek ; and 
 they fought against him, and they slew the 
 Canaanites and the Perizzites. 
 
 6 But Adoni-bezek tied ; and they pursued after 
 t-'m, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and 
 -s great toes. 
 
 7 And Adoni-bezek said, Threescore and ten 
 kings, having 'their thumbs and their great toes 
 cut off, 'gathered their meat under my table : h as 
 I have done, 'so God hath requited me. And 
 they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he 
 died. 
 
 8 (Now k the children of Judah had fought 
 against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten 
 it with the edge of the sword, and set the city 
 on fire.) 
 
 9 And 'afterwards the children of Judah went 
 
 a Joah. 24:29,30. I> 20:18,28. Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21. 1 Sam. 22:9,10. 23:9,10. 
 cGen. 49:8-10. Nuln. 2:3. 7:12. Ps. 73:08— 70. Hcb. 7:14. Rev. 5:5. 19:11— 16. 
 d Gen. 29:33— 35. Josh. 19:1. e 17. 2 Sam. 10:11. f Bx 23:29,29. Deut. 7.2. 
 9:3. Josh. 10:8-10. 11:6— 8.1 Sam. 1 1:6,10. 17:46,47. 1 Kings 22:6,15. g 1 Sam. 
 11:8. * Heb. the thumbs of their hands and of their feet, t Or, gleaned. 
 
 h Ex. 21:23-25. Lev. 24:19— 21 . 1 Sam. 15:33. Is. 33:1. Matt. 7:2. Luke 6:37, 
 38. Jam. 2:13. Rev. 13:10. 16:6. iRoin.2:l5. k 21. Josh. 15:63. 1 Josh. 10: 
 
 36. 11:21. 15:13 — 20. t Or, low country. mJosh. 14:15. n *20. Num. 13:2*2, 
 33. Josh 15.13,14. Ps. 33:16,17. Ec. 9:11. Jer.9:23. o Josh. 10:38,39. 15:15. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1. Joshua left no successor, 
 as Moses had done ; and therefore some time after his death, 
 (it is not known how long,) the people, being convinced that 
 the war against the Canaanites should be continued, were in 
 doubt how it was to be conducted, and which tribe should 
 take the lead in 'nis service ; and in these respects some of 
 the principal persons inquired of the Lord, probably by 
 Urim and Thummim. (Notes, Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) 
 It would have been well if they had always continued in the 
 same mind : but sloth, cowardice, and unbelief, and perhaps 
 a misjudged lenity, prevailed with them, to leave their work 
 unfinished ; which created them almost an infinity of trou- 
 ble and misery afterwards. (Notes, Josh. 16:10. 17:11 — 13. 
 
 23:13.) 
 
 V. 2. (Notes, Gen. 49:8 — 10.) The numerous and va- 
 liant tribe of Judah, whence the Messiah was to descend, 
 and which was in all things to have the precedency, was di- 
 rected to renew the war : and by their example to embolden 
 their brethren, and to mark out to them the path to victory 
 and prosperity. For it is evident that this first expedition was 
 intended to make way for others, being undertaken by com- 
 mon consent for the public benefit ; and the Lord, in promis- 
 ing to put Judah in possession of his inheritance, intimated 
 his purpose of rendering that event subservient to the more 
 complete conquest of the whole country. — Probably the Israel- 
 ites had rapidly increased since the division ; and now, want- 
 ing room, they were excited to greater activity against their 
 enemies. 
 
 V. 3. As the lot of Simeon lay within that of Judah, it 
 was very proper for them to assist each other against the 
 common enemy. (Note, Josh. 19:1 — 9.) — It is probable that 
 Caleb commanded in this war. (9 — 15.) 
 
 V. 4. And the LORD delivered.] 4 Wo meet with no 
 inch religious expression, which occurs often here in these 
 holy books, in any heathen writer.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. 
 Rtf. f.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. Adoni-hczek signifies the lord of Bezek. This 
 prince had, it seems, been a great warrior, and a severe 
 tyra&t over his vanquished enemies ; for he had seventy of the 
 petty princes of those times, one after another, his prisoners: 
 and having disabled them, with great disgrace and pain, by 
 cutting off their thumbs and great toes, he f>rced them to 
 ( 426 ) 
 
 down to fight against the Canaanites that dwelt 
 in the mountain, and in the south, and in the 
 tvalley. 
 
 10 And Judah went against the Canaanites 
 that dwelt in Hebron, (now the name of Hebroi. 
 before was ra Kirjath-arDa,) and they slew °She- 
 shai, and Ahiman, and Talmai. 
 
 11 And from thence he went against the inha- 
 bitants of Debir : (and the name of °Debir before 
 was Kirjath-sepher :) 
 
 12 And rCaleb said, He that smitteth Kirjath 
 sepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah 
 my daughter to wife. 
 
 13 And ^Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s 
 younger brother, took it: and he gave him 
 Achsah his daughter to wife. 
 
 14 And it came to pass, when she came to him, 
 that she moved him to ask of her father a field : 
 and she lighted from off her ass ; and Caleb said 
 unto her, What wilt thou ? 
 
 15 And she said unto him, Give me r a blessing: 
 for thou hast given me a south land, give me also 
 springs of water. And Caleb gave her the uppe* 
 springs and the nether springs. 
 
 16 It And the children of “the Kenite, ‘Moses’s 
 father-in-law, went up out of the “city of palm- 
 trees with the children of Judah into the wilder- 
 ness of Judah, *which lieth in the south of Arad : 
 and rthey went and dwelt amon» the people. 
 
 17 *11 And ‘Judah went with Simeon his brother, 
 and they slew the Canaanites that inhabited 
 “Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the 
 name of the city was called b Hormah. 
 
 18 Also Judah took “Gaza with the coast 
 thereof, and Askelon with the coast thereof, and 
 Ekron with the coast thereof. 
 
 19 And u the Lord was with Judah, and ffie 
 drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but 
 “could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, 
 because they had ‘chariots of iron. 
 
 p Josh. 15: 16,17. 1 Sam. 17:25. 18:23. q 3:9. r Gen. 33:11. 1 Sam. 25:18,23 
 2 Cor. 9:5. marg. Heh. 6:7. s 4:11,17. Num. 10:29— 32. 24:21,22. 1 Sam. 15:6. 
 1’Chr. 2:55. tEx.3:l. 4:18. 18:1,7,12,14—17,27. Num. 10:29. u3:13. Ilcuu 
 
 34:3. 2 Chr. 28:16. x Num. 21:1. Josh. 12:14. v Num. 10:32. X See on 3, 
 a ‘2 Chr. 14:10. Zephathah. b Num. 14:45. 20:3. Josh. 19:4. c 3.3. 16:1,2,21. 
 Ex. 23.31. See on Josh. 13:3. 15:45—47. 1 Sam. 6:17. d 2. 6:12,13. Gen. 39* 
 2,21. Josh. 1:5,9. 11:12. 2Sam. 5:10. Pe. 46:7,11. Is. 7:14. 8:10. 41:10.14,15. 
 Matt. 1:23. Rom. 8:31. § Or , he possessed the mountain, e 27 — 32. Josh. 7i 
 12 Matt. 14:30,31. 17:19,20. Phil. 4:13. f Josh. 11:1-9. 17:16—18. 
 
 gather their food as dogs under his table. The Israelites 
 hearing of this, probably by divine direction, retaliated upon 
 him ; and his own conscience extorted from him a confession 
 of the justice of God in this punishment! (Marg. Ref. h.) 
 Some have thought that he was a true penitent, and that on 
 this account his life was spared. 
 
 V. 8. The tribe of Judah had, perhaps some time before, 
 seized on the city of Jerusalem : though part of it lay within 
 the lot of Benjamin, which seems to have been yielded to 
 them. But the Jebusites still held the hill of Zion. (Notes, 
 21. Josh. 15:63. 2 Sam. 5:6 — 8.) 
 
 V. 10 — 15. (Notes, Josh. 15:13 — 19.) The words ren- 
 dered, 44 they slew Sheshai, & c.” may be rendered, “they 
 smote Sheshai J’ In the passage referred to it is said, “Caleb 
 drove thence the three sons of Anak:’ 1 but it is not clear that 
 he slew them. (20) — The same expedition is evidently 
 meant, which probably took place at this time ; but the account 
 of it was inserted in the book of Joshua, to complete the 
 history concerning Caleb. Having been employed in the 
 public affairs of Israel, he seems not till this time to have 
 obtained full possession of the inheritance granted him. 
 
 V. 16. (Note, Num. 10:31,32.) The descendants of Ho- 
 bab, the son of Jethro, (who it seems acceded to the invita- 
 tion given him by Moses,) at their first entrance into Canaan, 
 pitched their tents near Jericho, called also “ The city of 
 palm-trees,” (Marg. Ref. u.) which lay in the lot of Benja- 
 min : but afterwards they joined themselves to Judah, and 
 settled in the borders of the wilderness, where they seem to 
 have lived a quiet life, little interfering in public affai'i. 
 (Notes, 4:11. 1 Chr. 2:55. Jer. 35:1—7.) 
 
 V. 17. Marg. Ref. Note , Josh. 12:14. 
 
 Y. 18. The Philistines having been spared, contrary to 
 the divine command, when the ir cities were taken, in a short 
 time recovered possession of them, and were indeed “pricks 
 in the eyes and thorns in the sides” of Israel, during many 
 ages. (Note, Josh. 23:13.) 
 
 V. 19. The men of Judah were unable to drive out the 
 inhabitants of the valley; not that the Lord refused to help 
 them, but because their courage and faith failed them at the 
 sight of the iron chariots, which were of no use in the moun- 
 tain. (Note, Josh. 17:16.) They forgot how Joshua had 
 attacked and de.'troyed tho Canaanites, who had this form*- 
 
B. C. 1425* 
 
 CHAPTER I. B. C. 1425 
 
 20 And ‘they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as 
 Moses said : and he expelled thence h the three 
 sons of Anak. 
 
 21 And the children of 'Benjamin did not drive 
 out the Jebusites that inhabited Jerusalem ; but 
 the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin 
 in Jerusalem unto this day. 
 
 22 H And k the house ol Joseph, they also went 
 up against Bcth-el : and 'the Lord was with them. 
 
 23 And the house of Joseph "teent to descry 
 Beth-el. (Now the name of the city before was 
 “Luz.) 
 
 24 And the spies saw a man come forth out of 
 the city, and they said unto him, Show us, we 
 pray thee, the entrance into the city, and “we will 
 show thee mercy. 
 
 25 And when he showed them the entrance 
 into the city, p they smote the city with the edge 
 of the sword : but they let go the man and all his 
 family. 
 
 26 And the man went into •'the land of the 
 Hittites, and built a city, and called the name 
 thereof Luz : which is the name thereof unto this 
 day. 
 
 27 H Neither did T Manasseh drive out the in- 
 habitants of s Beth-shean and her towns, nor 
 •Taanach and her towns, nor the inhabitants of 
 Dor and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam 
 and her towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo 
 and her towns : but the Canaanites would dwell 
 in that land. 
 
 28 And it came to pass, “when Israel was 
 
 t Num. 14:24. Dcut. 1:36. Josh. 11:9— 14. 15:13,14. 21:11,12. h See on 10. 
 Kiim. 13:22. i 19:10— 12. Josh. 15:63. 18:11— 28. 2 Sum. 5.6— 9. k Nam. 1: 
 10:32. Josh. 14:4. 16:1—4. 1 Chr. 7:29. Rev. 7:8. 1 See on 19. 2 Kings 18.7. 
 m 18:2. Josh. 2:1. 7:2. n Gen. 28:19. 33.6 . 48:3. o Josh. 2:12— 14. 1 Sam. 
 30:13. p Josh. 6:22 — 25. q 2 Kings 7:6. 2 Chr. 1:17. r Josh. 17:11— 13. s Nee 
 on Josh. 17:11 — 13. 1 5: 19. Josh. 21:25. u Ex. 23:32. Deut. 7:2. 1 Sam. 15:9. 
 
 dable advantage: and when they lost their confidence in God, 
 they could do nothing. (Notes, Josh. 11:4 — G. Matt. 14:28 — 32.) 
 
 V. 21. When this history was written, probably by Sa- 
 muel, the Jebusites kept possession of mount Zion, which lay 
 in the lot of Judah ; and they seem also to have lived under 
 tribute with the ‘Benjamites in that part of the city which 
 belonged to them. (Note, 8.) 
 
 V. 22 — 26. (Marg. Ref.) The assailants of Bethel, 
 having seized a man of the race of the Canaanites, found out, 
 by his means, some unguarded place or private entrance, 
 by which they took the city. He seems to have acted, not 
 from faith in God or love to Israel, but out of fear, and to save 
 his life: and therefore, when set at liberty, he did not unite 
 interests with the worshippers of Jehovah, as Rahab had 
 done ; (Notes, Josh. 2:4 — 11.) but retiring to his countrymen, 
 who had sought shelter in some adjacent regions, he built a 
 city, which he called after his own city: yet not Bethel, or 
 the house of God ; but according to its old name, Luz. (Note, 
 Gen. 28:19.) 
 
 Land of the Hittites. (26) The Scripture does not any 
 where show, where this land of the Hittites was situated: but 
 it was without the boundaries of the promised land. (Note, 
 2 Kings 6:7.) This confirms the opinion, that the Israelites 
 might spare the lives of such Canaanites, as either submitted 
 to become slaves, and renounced idolatry, or emigrated into 
 other regions. (Notes, Josh. 6:2. 9:3 — 5. 11:19,20.) 
 
 V. 28. The people neglected their opportunity through 
 self-indulgence, when they had their enemies in their power; 
 probably letting the idolaters live among them as tenants, even 
 in the villages : and afterwards they were unable to drive them 
 out. Thus their sin prepared its own punishment, and the 
 love of present ease became the cause of their perpetual dis- 
 quiet. (Notes, 1,18. Josh. 17:11 — 15.23:13.) t 
 
 V. 34, 35. In the distress of the Danites, the descendants 
 of Joseph seem to have come to their assistance ; and thus 
 they checked the progress of the Amorites, confined them 
 within narrow limits, and compelled them to pay tribute to the 
 Danites. None of these tribes, mentioned in the latter part 
 of the chapter, properly improved their advantages, satisfy- 
 ing themselves with rendering those tributaries, whom the 
 Lord had commanded them utterly to destroy, or at least to 
 expel from the country, unless they renounced idolatry, and 
 submitted to be bond slaves. The power of the Amorites 
 and Philistines soon compelled the Danites to seek possessions 
 in a distant part of the land. (Notes, 18: Josh. 19:40 — 48.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 No detached efforts, however judicious and spirited, with- 
 out steady and constant perseverance, can effect important 
 changes, rectify abuses in church or state, or give permanent 
 and enlarged success to true religion. For all such attempts 
 may be compared to raising a large weight to a great height, in 
 which the whole labour is lost, if the exertion ceases before the 
 object be %lly accomplished. — They who have the precedency 
 in rank emulation, should go before others in every good 
 
 strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, 
 and tfiti not utterly drive them out. 
 
 29 Neither did ““Ephraim drive out the Ca- 
 naanites that dwelt in Gezer : but the Canaanites 
 dwelt in Gezer among' them. 
 
 30 Neither did Zebulun drive out the inha- 
 bitants of Kitron,nor the inhabitants ofyNahalol : 
 but the Canaanites dwelt among them, and became 
 tributaries. 
 
 31 Neither did “Asher drive out the inhabitants 
 of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor oi 
 Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, 
 nor of Rehob : 
 
 32 But the Asherites dwelt among the Ca 
 naanites, the inhabitants of the land; lor they did 
 not drive them out. 
 
 33 Neither did “Naphtali drive out the inha- 
 bitants of Beth-shemesh, nor the inhabitants of 
 Beth-anath ; but b he dwelt among the Canaanites, 
 the inhabitants of the land : nevertheless the 
 inhabitants of Beth-shemesh and of Beth-anath 
 “became tributaries unto them. 
 
 34 And d the Amorites forced the children ol 
 Dan into the mountain; for they would not suffer 
 them to come down to the valley : 
 
 35 But the Amorites would dwell in mount 
 Heres in “Aijalon, and in 'Shaalbim : yet the hand 
 of the house of Joseph 'prevailed, so that they 
 became tributaries. 
 
 36 And the coast of the Amorites was sfrom 
 'the going up to Akrabbim, from the rock, and 
 upward. 
 
 Ps. 106:34,35. Jer.48:10. x See on Josh. 16:10. 1 Kings 9:16. yjosli.19: 
 15. Nahallal. z See on Josh. 19:24 — 30. a See on Josh. 19:32 — 38. b 32. 
 c 30,35. d 18:1. Josh. 19:47. e 12:12. Josh. 10— 12. Ajalon. f Josh. 19:42. 
 Shaalabbin. 1 Kings 4:9. * Heb .toas heavy. gNum.34:4. Josh. 15:2,3. t Or, 
 Maaleh-akrabbim. 
 
 work, undismayed by dangers and difficulties, that they may 
 animate them by their example : the strongest ought not to 
 despise, but to value the assistance of the weakest ; and it 
 becomes the people of God to unite together and help each 
 other against their common enemies ; and especially to assist 
 the whole “church militant here on earth,” with their constant 
 and fervent prayers. — We are sure to have all profitable suc- 
 cess, when we engage in any enterprise according to the 
 Lord’s direction, and in dependence on his help : and whatever 
 labour, conduct, or courage we display, or whatever human 
 aid we employ, to him the whole glory belongs. — What a slip- 
 pery place is worldly prosperity ! especially when it increases 
 pride, insolence, or cruelty ; for “ a haughty spirit goes before 
 a fall.” Men often read their crimes in their punishment : and 
 at. la^t every mouth shall be stopped, and all sinners be con- 
 strained to admit the justice of God in their extremest mise- 
 ries. Happy they, who justify^ him in their temporal afflic- 
 tions, plead guilty before his mercy-seat, and by repentance 
 and faith seek deliverance from the wrath to come. (Note % 
 Rom. 3:19,20.) — Great things might be achieved by the pro- 
 fessors of the gospel, if they unitedly endeavoured to promote 
 the common cause of truth and righteousness: for then the 
 “Lord would be with them,” and every mountain would sink 
 into a plain. But when outward difficulties are viewed by 
 the eye of sense, and the Almighty power of God is forgot- 
 ten, our hearts grow discouraged, our expectations feeble, and 
 our attempts timid and wavering: and then no wonder that 
 we do not prosper; for according to our faith will be our 
 vigour, zeal, and success. Love of ease, indulgence, and 
 worldly advantages, both spring from, and foster unbelief. 
 Thus many an awakened sinner, who seemed to have escaped 
 Satan’s bondage, “ is entangled again, and overcome, and his 
 last state is worse than the first.” Thus even many a be- 
 liever, who begins well, is hindered: he grows negligent and 
 unwatchful, and afraid of the cross; his graces languish, his 
 evil propensities revive, Satan perceives his advantage, and 
 plies him with suitable temptations ; the world recovers its 
 hold ; he loses his peace, brings guilt into his conscience, an- 
 guish into his heart, discredit upon his character, and reproach' 
 upon the gospel ; his hands are tied, his mouth is closed, and 
 his usefulness ruined. And though, through sharp rebukes 
 and salutary chastisements, he be so recovered, that ho do 
 not finally perish ; yet he may lament through his remaining 
 days, and groan upon his dying bed, to reflect what opportu- 
 nities of glorifying God and serving his church he has irre- 
 coverably lost : nay, perhaps in that solemn hour, he will be 
 distressed wirh perplexing’doubts about the state of his own 
 soul! (P. O. Heb. 4:1 — 11.) Even the very best of Chris- 
 tians in this way suffer some loss, and do not live up to the 
 extent of their privileges and usefulness. Let us then “ watch 
 and be sober,” and pursue our victory against every inbred 
 foe; not content with supposed delivery from the dominion 
 of sin, but aiming continually to weaken and “crucify the 
 flesh with its affections and lusts,” even unto entire extir* 
 ( 427 ) 
 
B. C. 1410 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1410 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 An angel rebukes the -people for disobedience : and the place is called Bochim, 
 from their weeping, 1 — 5. They serve the Lord till Joshua and the elders 
 die ; but in the next generation run into shameful idolatries , 6 — 13. (Jod is 
 angry with them , yet pities their distresses, and raises up judges to deliver 
 them, 14 — 18. Their ingratitude provokes him to permit the Caruumiles to 
 remain in order to prove Israel , 19—23. 
 
 A ND “an 'Angel of the Lord came up from 
 Gilgal to b Bochim, and said, C I made you to 
 go up out of Egypt and d have brought you unto 
 the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I 
 said, e I will never break my covenant with you. 
 
 2 And f ye shall make no league with the inha- 
 bitants of this land ; ye shall throw down their 
 altars : shut ye have not obeyed my voice : h why 
 have ye done this ? 
 
 3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them 
 out from before you ; but they shall be as thorns 
 in your sides, and ftheir gods shall be a snare unto 
 you. 
 
 4 And it came to pass, when the Angel of the 
 Lord spake these words unto all the children of 
 Israel, that k the people lifted up their voice, and 
 wept. 
 
 5 And they called the name of that place 
 ‘Bochim : and 'they sacrificed there unto the 
 Lord. 
 
 b. c.-i 6 ^ And when m Joshua had let the people 
 h«. J g- 0; the children of Israel went every man 
 unto his inheritance to possess the land. 
 
 7 And "the people served the Lord all the days 
 of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that 
 ^outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great 
 works of the Lord that he did for Israel. 
 b. c.-j 8 And “Joshua, the son of Nun, the 
 H 26 . J servant of the Lord, died, being an hun- 
 dred and ten years old. 
 
 9 And they buried him in the border of his 
 inheritance in pTimnath-heres, in the mount of 
 Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. 
 
 10 And also all that generation were ‘■gathered 
 unto their fathers: and there arose another 
 
 a 6:12. 13:3. Gen. 16:7— 10,13. 22:11,12. 43:16. Ex. 3:2— 6. 14:19. 23 20.33: 
 14. Josh. 5:13,14. Is. 63:9. Hos. 12:3— 5. Zech. 3:1,2. Mai. 3:1. Acts 7:30— 33. 
 • Or, messenger, b 5. c Ex. 3:7,8. 14:14. 20:2. Deut. 4:34. Ps. 78.51— 53. 
 105:36—38. d Gen . 12:7 . 22:16,17. -26:3,4. Josh. 3:10. Ps. 105:44.45. e See on 
 Gen. 17:7,8. Lev. 26:42. Num. 14:34. Ps. 89:34. Jer. 14:21. 33:20,21. Zech. II: 
 10. f Ex. 23:32,33. 34:12— 16. Num. 33:52,53. Dent. 7:2— 4, 16,25, 2G. 12:2.3. 
 20:16—18. 2 Cor. 6:14— 17. p Ezra 9:1 — 3,10 — 13. Ps. 7S:55— 59. 106:34—40. 
 Jer. 7:23-23. 2Thes. 1:8. 1 Pet. 4:17. h Gen. 3:11,12. 4:10. Ex. 32:21. Jer. 
 2:5,18,31—33,36. i 21. Num. 33.55. Josh. 23: 13. j Ex. 23:33. 34:12. Deut. 7: 
 16. 1 Kinps 11:1—7. Ps. 106:36. k lNam. 7:6. Ezra 10:1. Prov. 17-10. Jer. 31: 
 9. Zech. 12:10. Luke6:21. 7:38. 2Cor.7:10. Jam. 4:9. t That is, weepers. 
 Gen. 35 8. Josh. 7:26. I 6:24 . 1319. 1 Sam. 7:9. m Josh. 22:6. 24:28. n Josh. 
 24.31. 2 Kings 12:2. 2 Chr. 24:2,14— 22. Phil. 2:12. JHcb . prolong'd days 
 after Joshua, o Josh. 24:29,30. p Josh. 19:50. 24:30. Timnath'-serah. q Gen. 
 15:15. 25:8,17. 49:33. Nuhi. 27:13. Deut. 31:16. 2 Sam. 7. 12. Acts 13:36. r Ex. 
 5:2. 1 Sam. 2:12. 1 Chr. 28:9. Job 21:14. Ps. 92:5,6. Is. 5:12. Jer. 9:3. 22:16. 
 31:34. Gal. 4:8,9. 2 Thes 1 :8. Tit. 1:16. s 4:1. 6:1. 13:1. Gen. 13:13. 38:7. 
 
 pation. For we can have no fellowship with the enemies 
 of God within us or around us, but to our hurt ; and 
 therefore our only wisdom and interest is, to declare and 
 maintain unceasing war against them, even unto the end of 
 our days. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IT. V. 1 — 5. The language of the 
 reproof here given, demonstrates who this angel was. (Notes, 
 Gen. 16:10,11. 22:11,12,16—18. 48:16. Ex. 3:2.) ‘These 
 words evidently show, that it was not a created angel, hut an 
 uncreated, even that very person who appeared to Joshua 
 hard by Jericho, (Josh. 5:13,14.) which I have shown there 
 was God himself. For who but God could speak in this 
 style, “ I made you to go out of Egypt?” No prophet, nor 
 any created angel, would have been so bold ; but would have 
 prefaced to this speech, in some such words as these, “ Thus 
 saith the Lord, I have made you to go, &c.” Supposing 
 then this angel to be the same with him that appeared, it was 
 fit for him now to appear as coming from Gilgal, to put (hem 
 in mind of that illustrious appearance of God near that place, 
 and the assurance that he gave them of his presence with 
 «hem in the conquest of Ihe land, and the solemn covenant 
 •hey made with him, by the renewing of circumcision in that 
 place ; which upbraided them with their base ingratitude to 
 God, and their sloth in not endeavouring to expel the Canaan- 
 ites.” Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Josh. 5:2 — 10,13—15. 6:3 — 5.) — 
 It was then the great Angel of the covenant, the Word and 
 Son of God, who spake as Jf.hovah, as HE who brought 
 Israel out of Egypt, put them in possession of Canaan, 
 entered into covenant with them, gave them commandments, 
 and now called them to account for their disobedience ; show- 
 ing that they, not he, had violated the national covenant. 
 (Marg. Ref. f— j. Notes, 23. Ex. 23:20—23. 34:1 1—17. Josh. 
 23:13.) He first appeared at Gilgal, and afterwards was seen 
 coming to Shiloh, where the people were assembled at one of 
 he: r solemn feasts : for it is probable, from the sacrifico which 
 thay offered, that they were at Shiloh. — The spot where he 
 ( 428 \ 
 
 f eneration after them, which r knew not the 
 iord, nor yet the works which he had done for 
 
 Israel. L Practical Observations .] 
 
 11 And the children of Israel ‘did evil in the 
 sight of the Lord, ‘and served Baalim. 
 
 12 And they “forsook the Lord God of their 
 fathers, which brought them out of the land of 
 Egypt, and followed 'other gods, of the gods of 
 the people that were round about them, and “bowed 
 themselves unto them, and provoked the Lord to 
 anger. 
 
 13 And they forsook the Lord, and ^served 
 Baal and Ashtaroth. 
 
 14 And 'the an^er of the Lord was hot against 
 Israel, and “lie delivered them into the hands Qf 
 spoilers that spoiled them, and he b sold them into 
 the hands of their enemies round about, so that 
 they “could not any longer stand before their 
 enemies. 
 
 15 Whithersoever they went out, the hand ol 
 the Lord was d against them for evil, “as the Lord 
 had said, and as the Lord had ‘sworn unto them: 
 and they were ^greatly distressed. 
 
 16 Nevertheless, h the Lord raised up judges, 
 which ^delivered them out of the hand of those 
 that spoiled them. 
 
 17 And yet 'tney would not hearken unto their 
 judges, but they w T ent a k whoring after other gods, 
 and bowed themselves unto them : they turned 
 'quickly out of the way m which their fathers 
 walked in, obeying the commandments of the 
 Lord; but they did not so. 
 
 18 And when the Lord raised them up judges, 
 then "the Lord was with the judge, and deli- 
 vered them out of the hand of their enemies all 
 the days of the judge: for it “repented the Lord 
 because of ‘their groanings, by reason of them 
 that oppressed them and vexed them. 
 
 19 And it came to pass, iwhen the judge was 
 dead, that they returned, and “corrupted them- 
 
 2 Chr. 33:2.6. Ez.8:12. l 3:7. 10:6,10. 1 Sam. 7:4. 1 Kings 18:18. 2 Chr. 28:3. 
 33:3. Jer. 2:23. 9:11. Hos. 2:13— 17. u See on Deut. 13:5. 29:18.25. 31:16,17. 
 32:15. 33.17. v 5:8. Deut. 6:14,15. x See on Ex. 20.5. v 11. I .Sam. 31 : 10, 
 1 Kings 11:5,33. 2Ki»gs23:I3. 1 Cor. 8:5. 10:20—22. 7.10:7. Lev. 26:28 
 
 Num. 32:14. Deut. 28:20,58. 29:19,20. 31:17,18. 2Chr. 36:16. Ps. 106:40 — 42. 
 a 2 Kings 17:20. 2 Chr. 15:5. b 3;S. 4:2. Ps. 44:12. Is. 50:1. c 1:19,34. Lev. 
 26:37. Deut. 32:30. Josh. 7.12,13. Ps. 44 9,10. Jer. 37: 10. d Jer. 18 8. 21:10. 
 44:11,27. Mic. 2:3. e Lev. 26:15, kc. Deut. 4:25— 28. 28:15, &c. Josh. 23:15. 
 16. f Deut. 32:40,41. g 10:9. 1 Sam. 13:6. 14:24. 30:6 . 2 f or. 4:8. h 3:9,10, 
 15. 4:5. 6:14. 1 Sam. 12:11. Acts 13:20. § Heb. sawed. Neb. 9:27. i 1 Sam. 
 
 8:5-8. 12:12,17,19. 2 Chr. 36:15,16. Ps. i06:43. k Ex. 34:15,16. Lev. 17:7. 
 Ps. 73:27. lt)6:39. Hos. 2:2. Rev. 17:1—5. 1 Ex. 32:8. Deut. 9:12,16. Gal. 1:6. 
 m 7. Josh. 24:24,31. n Ex. 3:12. Josh. 1:5. Acts 18:9,10. o 10:16. Gen. 6:6. 
 Deut. 32 36. Ps. 90:13. 106:44,45. Jer. 18:7— 10. Jon. 3:10. p Ex. 2:24. 2 Kings 
 13:4,22,23. Us. 12:5. q See on 7. 3:11,12. 4:1. 8:33. Josh. 24:31. 2 Chr. 24:17, 
 18. H Or, were corrupt. 
 
 Appeared was called Bochim , or The weepers , because of 
 their weeping. But though they showed signs of deep 
 humiliation, and many of them might he truly penitent ; yet 
 the subsequent history evinces that no general or permanent 
 reformation took place. 
 
 V. 6 — 10. (Josh. 24:29 — 31.) This part of the history 
 seems here repeated, to show the reason given for the severe 
 reproof just before mentioned. While Joshua lived the people 
 had served the Lord with considerable diligence : hut after 
 his>lealh, and that of the elders, who by their authority and 
 admonitions had kept them to the worship of God, they 
 relapsed into idolatry. As the elders, who survived Joshua, 
 might, some of them at least, live several years afler his 
 decease: this term should he deducted from the general 
 account of Israel’s idolatries, recorded in this hook. (See 
 Preface.) — The place where Joshua was buried, is here 
 called Timnath-Zieres, instead of Timnath-sera/i : the word 
 heres signifies the sun ; and it has been thought, that it was 
 so called, because of some memorial there erected, of the 
 Lord’s miraculously retarding the course of the sun at Joshua’s 
 word. (Notcy Josh. 10:12 — 14.) 
 
 V. 11 — 13. Baalim and Ashtaroth are both plural, the 
 one masculine, and the other feminine ; and they seem to be 
 used generally for all the gods and goddesses, which were 
 worshipped by the neighbouring nations. ( Note , 10:fi — 9.) 
 
 V. 14. He sold them.] As the judge was used to sell the 
 criminal, or the creditor the debtor, for a slave, that the 
 injured party might be reimbursed by their price ; so the 
 Lord recovered, as it were, that glory by punishing Israel, of 
 which they had robbed him by their sins; and he made tl»e 
 Canaanites the instruments of his righteous indignation. 
 (Marg. Ref. JVotes , Deut. 32:30,31. Is. 50:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 15 — 22. (Marg. Rtf.) These verses contain a general 
 account of the state of Israel, after their relapse into idolatry, 
 (10,11.) during the days J the judges; which is more parti- 
 cularly illustrated in the subset jiiei 1 chapters. 
 
B. C. 1102. 
 
 CHAPTER III, 
 
 B. C. 1403. 
 
 selves r more than their fathers, in following other 
 gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them : 
 they "ceased not from their own doings, nor from 
 their 'stubborn way. 
 
 20 And ‘the anger of the Lord was hot against 
 Israel ; and he said, Because that this people hath 
 “transgressed my covenant which I commanded 
 their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my 
 voice ; 
 
 21 I also “will not henceforth drive out any 
 from before them, of the nations which Joshua 
 .eft when he died ; 
 
 22 That ^through them I may ‘prove Israel, 
 whether they will Tkeep> the way of the Lord, to 
 walk therein, as their fathers did keep- it, or not. 
 
 23 Therefore the Lord heft those nations, 
 without driving them out hastily ; neither deli- 
 vered he them into the hand of Joshua. 
 
 r Jer. 16:12. Matt. 23:3"2. * Heb. let nothing fall of their, s 1 Sam. 15:23. Ps. 
 78:8. Jer. 3:17. 23:17. t 14. 3:8. 10:7. Ex. 32:10,11. Deut. 32:22. uEx.24: 
 3—8. Deut. 20:10—13. Josh. 23:16 . 24:21—25. Jer. 31:32. Ez. 20:37. x 3. 3:3. 
 Josh. 23:13. Ez. 20:24 — 26. ySeeon3:l — 4. zGeii.22:l. Deut. 8:2,16. 18:3. 
 BChr. 32:31. Job 23:10. Ps.66:10. Prov. 17:3. Mai. 3:2,3. t Or, suffered. 
 a 2:21,22. Deut. 7:22. b Deut. 8:2,16. 2 Chr. 32:31. Job 23:10. Prov. 17:3. Jer. 
 
 Repented. (18) Note, Gen. G:G,7. Deut. 32:36. — ‘He altered 
 the course of his providence.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 When the judge was dead, Sac. (19) While the several 
 judges lived, religion was generally upheld. 
 
 V. 23. The Lord foresaw the future conduct of Israel, and 
 therefore so ordered it in his Providence, that a remnant of 
 the Canaanites should be spared : that by them the proneness 
 of his people to idolatry might both be manifested and chas- 
 tised. (Notes, 1 — 4. 3:1,2. Josh. 23:13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The goodness of God to mankind, his faithful 
 engagements to those who trust him, and the beneficial 
 tendency of all his precepts, combine to enhance the evil of 
 every transgression : yet men will often gratify their impor- 
 tunate lusts, though their own reason and conscience testify, 
 that they are acting a foolish and ungrateful part ! for, as no 
 good reason can be given for disobedience, it is much more 
 easy to convince the judgment, than to dispose the heart to 
 renounce sinful pursuits. But if transgressors cannot endure 
 the rebukes of God’s word, and the convictions of their own 
 conscience : how will they be able to stand before the tribunal 
 of the holy, heart-searching Judge, who now in the endeared 
 character of a Saviour, and in the mild accents of love, warns 
 and persuades them, to “ repent and turn to God, and do 
 works meet for repentance ?” — “ As many as he loves, he 
 rebukes and chastens indeed all temporal afflictions are in 
 their tendency custigatory, and warn men to forsake sin, and 
 seek forgiveness, ere it be too late : but the eternal punish- 
 ment of the world to come will be entirely penal, the final 
 vengeance ofGod upon his incorrigible enemies. — It is pleasing 
 to see men weep for their sins : but though such relentings 
 attend that “ godly sorrow, which worketh repentance unto 
 salvation, not to be repented of;” yet they frequently wear 
 oft': nay, even faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ may be 
 professed, and the memorial of his dying love attended on, 
 with great apparent affection, yet without renovation of heart 
 and newness of life. We have to mourn over many, whom 
 on such grounds we supposed to be converts, and to regret 
 “ that their goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early 
 dew it goeth away.” ( Hos . 6:4.) — The worship of God is in 
 its own nature joy, praise, and thanksgiving, and our crimes 
 alone render weeping needful : yet considering what we are, 
 und what we have done, it is much to be wished, that our 
 religious assemblies were more frequently called “ Bochim,” 
 “the place of the weepers.” “ Blessed are they that mourn, 
 for they shall be comforted.” — Were we duly attentive to the 
 word of God, we might foresee many of those events which 
 take place in his Providence. We might especially foretell 
 severe afflictions to those godly persons, who associate and 
 connect themselves with the openly profane ; or who relax 
 their diligence in mortifying and striving against sin, and in 
 watching against temptation. — Alas ! that prevalence of 
 religion, which appears in times of general reformation, often 
 arises from temporary affections and personal regards : so 
 that when the influence and example of some respected or 
 beloved person cease ; when there is no longer any fear of 
 grieving him, or being rebuked by him ; and when the emotion 
 of the passions subsides ; men’s unmortified lusts again 
 recover the ascendency, and many fair appearances die away. 
 We have need therefore to examine how matters stand with 
 ourselves, and to pray without ceasing, “ that we may be 
 rooted and grounded in love,” and “ that Christ may indeed 
 dwell in our hearts by faith.” And pious parents should be 
 very diligent in instructing their children, and very earnest in 
 praying that they may inherit their faith and grace : for the 
 speedy decline of religion, after it has been very flourishing, 
 must generally be ascribed in great measure to their negli- 
 gence in this respect ; so that very often the ignorance and 
 ungodliness of children are a disgrace to the memory of their 
 parents. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The nations left to prove Israel , 1 — 4. 'The people are seducel by them into 
 idolatry , 5—7 ; sold into the hand of Chushan-nnhalhaim king of Mesopota- 
 mia, but delivered by Othniel, 8 — 11 : and into that of Eglon Icing of Moab , 
 but delivered by Ehud, 12—30. Shamgar slays six liwvlrci Philistines with 
 an ox-goad , 31. 
 
 N OW these are “the nations which the Lord 
 left, to b prove Israel by them ; ( even as many 
 of Israel c as had not known all the wars of Ca- 
 naan ; 
 
 2 Only that the generations of the children of 
 Israel d might know to teach them war, at the least 
 such as before knew nothing thereof; 
 
 3 Namely, “five lords of the Philistines, and all 
 the f Canaanites, and the eSidonians, and the 
 Hivites that dwelt b in mount Lebanon, from mounl 
 Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath. 
 
 4 And they were ‘to prove Israel by them, to 
 know whether they would hearken unto the com- 
 
 6-27. 17:9,10. Zech. 13:9. John 2:24. 1 Pel. 1:7. 4:12. Rex. 2:23. c2:10. dGen. 
 2:17. 3:5,7. 2 Chr. 12:8. Malt. 10:34—39. John 16:33. 1 Cor. 9.26,27. Epli. 6: 
 11— 18. ITthi. 6:12. 2 Tim. 2:3. 4:7. e 10:7. 14:4. Josh. 13:3. 1 Sam. 4:1,2. 
 6:18. 13:5,19--23. 29:2. 14:2,23,24. Gen. 10:15— 19. Num. 13:29. g 10:12. 
 18:7. Gen. 49:13. Josh. 11:8-13. 19:28. h Num. 31:8. Deut. 1:7. 8:9. Josh. 
 11:3.13:5. i See on 1. Ex. 15:25. Deut. 33:8. 1 Cor. 11:19. 2 Thes. 2:9— 12. 
 
 V.ll — 23. The carnal mind of man is enmity against 
 God : the tendency of our fallen nature is to apostacy ; and 
 the vilest lust, or the meanest worldly object, will be preferred 
 to his favour and the pleasure of his service, even by those 
 who have the benefit of his written word and the preaching 
 of the gospel ; unless his almighty power be continually exerted, 
 his grace communicated to them, and his image renewed 
 upon their hearts. This is the cause of all human misery, in 
 time and to eternity ; for if men rob God of his glory, he 
 will sell them for their sins into the hands of their enemies, 
 and satisfy his justice in their punishment : and how wretched 
 must they be, against whom are the oath and the hand of the 
 immutable and almighty God ! Their heaviest distresses on 
 earth, unless timely repentance intervene, are the forerunners 
 of eternal misery. — The vilest of the profane are more 
 likely to prosper for a time, than apostate professors : nay, 
 backsliding and inconsistent believers are more sure to expe- 
 rience affliction in this world, than any other persons. Yet 
 the Lord has long patience, and manifests great compassion 
 to his people ; he is ready to forgive and to relieve ; he 
 raises up instruments to effect their deliverance, and overrules 
 their chastisements for good : and in all nis dealings with 
 them, it will at length be manifest, that they are saved not 
 for the sake of their own righteousness, but for the sake of 
 his great name ; that “ it is of his mercies, that they are not 
 consumed and that he saves them from, and notwithstanding 
 their manifold transgressions.— The more the human heart is 
 proved, the worse it is manifested to be ; and so long as “ we 
 cease not from our own doing9,” we can only be stubborn and 
 rebellious (19.) — For his own glory the Lord tries men, as 
 silver is tried : and while he distinguishes between those who 
 choose his ways, and those who forsake them ; he will secure 
 to himself the whole praise of all that is good in his people. 
 — Too late his enemies will curse their folly, in neglecting 
 those things which were commanded them ; and the reflection 
 that their opportunity is lost for ever will complete their misery. 
 Let us then without delay obey the call of the gospel, declare 
 war against every sin, and follow after holiness, unto the end 
 of our days ; that we may have “ an entrance ministered unto 
 us abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1,2. Israel was surrounded 
 by warlike nations, and it was also a type of ‘ the church 
 militant here on earth it was not therefore proper that the 
 people should be enervated by sloth and luxury, but rather 
 inured to hardship and conflict. This the Lord was pleased 
 to effect by the remains of the devoted nations, who were 
 spared when they ought to have been destroyed ; and the 
 Israelites were in consequetice engaged in continual contests 
 with them. They had moreover tasted the sweets of victory 
 without feeling the evils of war, in their first conquest of the 
 land: but they proved ungrateful for the mercy, and left their 
 work unfinished ; and were therefore made to feel the evils of 
 war without the advantages of victory, in their future con- 
 flicts. (Notes, 2:1—5,23.) 
 
 V. 3. The Canaanites, here mentioned, seem to have 
 been a tribe inhabiting the northern part of the land. (Marg. 
 Ref. h. Note, 4:2,3.) — Zidon or Sidon seems to have been 
 included in the grant made to Israel. (Josh. 13:6. 19:28.) 
 
 V. 4. The remnant of the devoted nations continually 
 made trial of the Israelites, by their example, allurements, 
 and influence. When the people, amidst these snares, firmly 
 adhered to the Lord and bis worship, the event was honour- 
 able : but in general the trial detected the hypocrisy of their 
 hearts, and their proneness to idolatry; and then their 
 tempters became their scourges. (Notes, Gen. 22:1. Deut. 
 8:2. Josh. 23:13.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. Instead of attempting to extirpate the inhabitants 
 of the land, the Israelites endeavoured to live amicably with 
 them ; and this induced them to intermarry with them, and then 
 ( 429 ) 
 
B. C. 1 S94. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1394, 
 
 mandments of the Lord, which he commanded 
 their fathers by the hand of Moses. 
 
 5 K And the children of IsraeUdwelt among the 
 k Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Periz- 
 zites, and Hivites and Jebusites: 
 
 6 And 'they took their daughters to be their 
 wives, and gave their daughters to their so/is, and 
 served their gods. 
 
 7 And the children of Israel m did evil in the 
 sight (jf the Lord, and forgat the Lord their God, 
 and served Baalim arid “the groves. 
 
 8 Therefore the anger of the Lord “was hot 
 against Israel, and rhe sold them into the hand of 
 <iChushan-rishathaim king of 'Mesopotamia : and 
 the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim 
 eight years. 
 
 9 And when the children of Israel “cried unto 
 the Lord, the Lord “raised up a T deliverer to the 
 children of Israel, who delivered them, even l Oth- 
 niel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 
 
 10 And “the Spirit of the Lord tcame upon 
 him, and he judged Israel, and went out to war : 
 and the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim king 
 of ^Mesopotamia into his hand ; and his hand pre- 
 vailed against Chushan-rishathaim. 
 
 1 1 And *the land had rest forty years : and 
 ^Othniel the son of Kenaz died. 
 
 [Practical Obsei'vations.'] 
 
 b.c.-| 12 H And the children of Israel “did evil 
 
 1354. J a g a in in the sight of the Lord : and “the 
 Lord strengthened Ttlglon b the king of Moab 
 against Israel, because they had done evil in the 
 sight of the Lord. 
 
 13 And he gathered unto him the children of 
 
 j 1:29— 3-2. Ps. 106:34— 38. k Gen. 10:15— 18. 15:19 — 21. Ex. 3:8,17. Deul.7: 
 V. Josh. 9:1. Neh. 9:8. I Kx. 34-16. Deut. 7.3,4. 1 Kings 11:1— 5. Ezra 9:11, 
 12. Neh. 13:23— 27. Ez. 16:3. m 12.13. See on2.ll— 13'. n6;25. Ex. 34:13. 
 
 Deut. 16:21. I Kings 16:33. 18:19. 2 Kings 23:6,14. 2 Chr. 15:16. 24:18 . 33:3, 
 19.34:3.7. o 2.14,20. Ex. 22 24. Pent. 29:20. Ps. 6:1. 85:3. 2:14. 4.9. 
 
 Deut 32:30. I Sam. 12:9. Is. 50:1. Rom. 7:14. q Hab. 3:7. * Heb. Aram- 
 
 naharaim. Ps.60: title, r 15. 4:3. 6 7. 10:10. 1 Sam. 12:10.* Neh. 9:27. Ps. 
 22:5. 78:34. 106:41 — 14. 107:13,19. siVon 2:16. + Heb. saviour, t See nn 
 1:13. u 6:34. 11:29. 13:25. 14*6.19. Num. 11:17. 27:18. 1 Sam. 10:6. 11:6. 
 16:13. 2Chr. 15:1. 20:14. Ps. 51:11. 1 Tor. 12:4— 11. Heb. 6:4. J Heb. 7cas. 
 §Heb. Aram. x 30. 5:31. 8:28. Josh. 11:23. Esth. 9:22. y 9. Josh. 15:17. 
 
 to conform to their idolatrous worship, until numbers had 
 utterly apostatized from God, in that very land, where by his 
 tabernacle he dwelt in the midst of them. ( Marg . Ref. 
 Notes, Josh. 16:10. Ps. 106:35 — 38.) — “ The groves” may de- 
 note those idols, which were worshipped under the shade of 
 thick trees, especially Ashtaroth, or goddesses, as distin- 
 guished from Baalim. {Note, 2:11 — 13.) 
 
 V. 8. King of Mesopotamia.] As this prince reigned 
 beyond the Euphrates, his oppressing the Israelites, who 
 lived at so great a distance from him, appeared the more 
 evidently to be the effect of God’s displeasure. {Note 2:14.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. The people in their prosperity had forgot the 
 Lord ; but in their distress they found that their idols and 
 idolatrous allies could not help them. Then they remem- 
 bered the wonderful works of Jehovah, and began to pray 
 unto him; though it seems not very earnestly, till they had 
 endured correction for the space of eight years : and he, being 
 rich in mercy, was pleased to hear their prayer notwithstand- 
 ing their heinous provocations, and stirred up Othniel to effect 
 their deliverance. Probably, there was a considerable refor- 
 mation for some time afterwards. Doubtless Othniel had 
 .amented the degeneracy and misery of his brethren ; but he 
 attempted nothing until “ the Spirit of the Lord came upon 
 him.” Then he began 11 with judging Israel ;” that is, with 
 attempting to reform their manners, to repress idolatry, ad- 
 minister justice, and revive religion: and afterwards he went 
 forth to war, and prevailed over their foreion enemies; “for 
 the Lord delivered them into his hands.” (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Caleb's younger brother. (9) ‘ Caleb is constantly called the 
 son of Jephunneh, and Othniel, the son of Kenaz. Therefore 
 they had not the same father, but were very near of kin.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. Perhaps Kenaz was the grandfather of both Caleb 
 and Othniel; but Othniel might descend from the younger 
 branch. 
 
 V. 11. Some expositors compute these forty years from the 
 death of Joshua ; and consequently suppose, that many of 
 them had passed before Chushan’s oppression began: but 
 others reckon them from Othnicl’s being raised up to judge 
 Israel, which is the more natural interpretation, and probably 
 the true one. — The chronology of this book is, however, so 
 very intricate, that the most learned men differ exceedingly 
 concerning it. In general, we are informed that Solomon, in 
 the fourth year of his reign, laid the foundation of the temple, 
 four hundred and eighty years after Israel came out of Egypt. 
 (1 Kings 6:1.) This was forty-four years after David’s 
 accession to the throne, which it will appear could not take 
 place till about sixty years after the death of Eli. ( Notes, 
 1 Sam. 7:1,2. Acts 13:21.) From the Exodus to the death of 
 ( 430 ) 
 
 “Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, 
 and possessed d the city of palm-trees. 
 
 14 So the children of Israel 'served Eglon the 
 king of Moab eighteen years. 
 
 15 But when the children of Israel f cried tb.c. 
 unto the Lord, the Lord raised them up a L* 33 ®- 
 deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, "a Benjamite, a 
 man ’’left-handed : and by him the children of 
 Israel *sent a present unto Eglon the king oi 
 Moab. 
 
 16 But Ehud made him a dagger which had 
 h two edges, of a cubit length ; and he did gird it 
 under his raiment ’upon his right thigh. 
 
 17 And he brought the present unto Eglon king 
 of Moab : and Eglon was la very fat man. 
 
 18 And when lie had made an end to offer the 
 present, he sent away the people that bare the pre- 
 sent. 
 
 19 But he himself turned again from the "quar- 
 ries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have k a secret 
 errand unto thee, O king ; who said, Keep silence. 
 'And all that stood by him went out from him. 
 
 20 And Ehud came unto him ; and he was sit- 
 ting in (t a summer-parlour, which he had for him- 
 self alone ; and Ehud said, m I have a message 
 from God unto thee. And “he arose out of his 
 seat. 
 
 21 And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took 
 the dagger from his right thigh, and “thrust it into 
 his belly. 
 
 22 And the haft also went in after the blade ; 
 and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could 
 not draw the dagger out of his belly : and } < T the 
 dirt came out. 
 
 1 Chr. 4:13. 7.2:19. Hus. 6:4. « Ex. 9:16. 2 Kings 5:1 . Is. 10:15. 37:26. 45:1— 
 
 4. Ez. 38:16. I an. 4:22. 5:18. John 19:11. b 1 Sam. 12:9. c 5:14. f>s. 83:6—8. 
 d 1:16. Dent. 34:3. Ps. 83:7. c l.ev. 26:23r-25. I'ful. 28:47,48. f See on 9. 
 Ps. 50:15. 90.15. Jer. 29:12,13. 33:3. II Or, the son r,f Jemini. 6 Heb. shut of 
 his right hand. 20:16. 1 Chr. 12:2. g 1 Sam. 10:27. Prov. 18:16. 19:6. 21:14. 
 Is. 36:16. hPs. 149 6. Heb. 4:12. Rev. 1:16. 2:12. *21. Pa. 45:3. Cant. 3:8. 
 
 j 29. marg. 1 Sam. 2:29. Job 15 27. Ps. 73:7. Jer. 5:28. 50:1 1 . Kx. 34:20. ** Or, 
 graven images. Josh. 4:20. k 20. 2 Kings 9:5,6. Acts 23: 18,19. I Gen. 45:1. 
 it Heb. a parlour of cooling. Am. 3:15. m 19. 2 Sam. 12:1, &c. 24:12. Mic. 6: 
 9. n Ps. 29:1. Jer. 10:7. o -Num. 25:7,8. ISam. 15:33. Job 20:25. Zech. 13:3. 
 
 2 Cor. 5: 16. X J Or, it came out at the fundament. 
 
 Joshua, might he sixty-six years ; (though some reckon it only 
 fifty-seven;) and this leaves about three hundred and ten 
 years from the death of Joshua to 1 hat of Eli. — Many schemes 
 have been formed for allotting these years, (which some make 
 rather more and others less,) to the time of the several judges : 
 but none of them give entire satisfaction. It is however pro- 
 bable, that the years of oppression generally form a part of 
 the time given to each judge ; and that in several instances 
 there were more judges than one, employed in different parts 
 of the land. In this case the years assigned to each were 
 coincident : and a few hints, of the opinions formed by learned 
 men on the subject, will be given as we proceed. 
 
 V. 12. Strengthened.] The Lord had formed Eglon of 
 a stout and valiant spirit, and had raised him to power and 
 prosperity as a prince ; and he gave him courage and suc- 
 cess in his enterprise against Israel. {Notes, Ex. 9:13 — 16. 
 2 Kings 5:1. Is. 45:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 13. The city of palm-trees.] It is probable that the 
 Moabites and their allies erected fortifications in the place 
 where Jericho had stood; (Note, 1:16.) and there stationed 
 a garrison to curb and annoy the Israelites on each side of 
 Jordan. Here Eglon resided. 
 
 V. 14. The guilt of the people was more aggravated than 
 before, and their spirits were more stubborn; and therefore 
 they suffered longer, before they began to cry unto the Lord. 
 It was also his pleasure, that, their chastisement should he 
 more severe and of longer continuance. (Note, 9,10.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. Some suppose that Ehud could use both hands 
 alike well: but if he were unable to use his right hand, as the 
 original words evidently imply, Eglon would he the less apt 
 to suspect him. The Israelites sent their tribute by Ehud 
 under the name of a present, or some oblation was added, 
 above what was exacted, in order to obtain favour; and the 
 Lord doubtless directed Ehud to take this opportunity of exe- 
 cuting his vengeance on the tyrant. The king of Israel raised 
 up a deliverer or saviour who acted by commission from him; 
 and Eglon had usurped his throne and was condemned by 
 him to be thus put to death. But Ehud’s conduct cannot pos- 
 sibly he drawn into precedent, or authorize the assassination 
 of kings, however tyrannical or persecuting; unless any man 
 were called to act by the same evident commission from the 
 God of heaven. — The law of being subject to principalities 
 and powers in all things lawful, is the rule of our conduct. 
 
 V. 19. The quarries.] Or graven images ,* (marg.) pro 
 bably the idols of Moab, which were set up in contempt of 
 the God of Israel. — Ehud had, by the present, ingratiated him- 
 self with Eglon, who had no suspicion of one whom bv sup- 
 posed unarmed and disabled: (15) and it is likely that ne 
 
D. C. 1336. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 B. C. 1314. 
 
 23 Then Elnnl went forth through the porch, 
 and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and 
 .ocked them. 
 
 24 When he was gone out his servants came ; 
 and when they saw that behold the doors of the 
 parlour were locked, they said, Surely he ‘covereth 
 his feet in his summer-chamber. 
 
 25 And they tarried till they were ashamed ; 
 and behold he opened not the doors of the parlour: 
 therefore they took a key and opened them ; and 
 behold; their lord was fallen down dead on the 
 earth. 
 
 26 And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and 
 passed beyond >’the quarries, and escaped unto 
 Seirath. 
 
 27 And it came to pass when he was come, 
 that she blew a trumpet in the r mountain of 
 Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down 
 with him from the mount, and he before them. 
 
 28 And he said unto them, “Follow after me ; 
 for ‘the Lord hath delivered your enemies the 
 Moabites into your hand. And they went down 
 after him, and took “the fords of Jordan towards 
 Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. 
 
 • Or, doelh.his easement. 1 Sum. 24:3. jj 19. q 6:34. 1 Sam. 13.3. 2 Sam. 20:22. 
 
 2 Kin’s. 9:13. r 7.24. 17:1. 19:1. )<wh. 17.15,18. » 4: 10. 7:17. I 7:9,15. 1 Sam. 
 17:47. u 12:5. Jos!i.2:7. * Hell. to. See on 17. Dent. 32:15. Job 15:27. Vs. 
 17:10. i 11. 5:31. y 5 6, 8. z 1 Sam. 13: 19— 22. 17:47,50. 1 Cor. 1 :27. a2.16. 
 .2:11,19,20. 3:7,12. 6:1. 10:6. Lev. -6:23— 25. Neh. 9:23— 30. Ps. 106:43—45. 
 
 expected some information concerning state affairs, or the 
 secret combination of his countrymen : yet ho was strangely 
 infatuated to trust hmself alone with an Israelite. 
 
 V. 20. From God.] The word here used is common to 
 the true God, and the supposed deities of the Gentiles. 
 Eglon, expecting some oracle from God, rose up in reverence, 
 and afforded Ehud the opportunity of effecting his purpose. 
 Ehud indeed had a secret errand, a message from God, unto 
 him ; but it was of a far different nature than Eglon expected. 
 
 V. 21 — 25. (Marg. Ref.) This powerful oppressor 
 
 would thus be found weltering, after the most disgraceful 
 manner, in that very place where he had often indulged his 
 pride, sloth, and luxury 1 As he fell without noise, and died 
 without being able to cry for help, Ehud had a full opportu- 
 nity of escaping: and he departed with that circumspection 
 and deliberat ion, which sprang from confidence in God, and a 
 consciousness of having done his duty. 
 
 V. 27, 28. Marg. Ref. Notes, 7:23—25. 12:1—7. 
 
 V. 29. Ten thousand.] So small an army of valiant 
 soldiers, served to curb the whole kingdom of Israel, when 
 once it was subjected : but they might have been easily re- 
 inforced from beyond Jordan. Ehud had therefore taken 
 possession of the fords, not only that none might escape, but 
 that no more might come to the assistance of the Moabites : 
 and when their prince was dead, they were too much intimi- 
 dated to make any effectual resistance. (Note, 1 Sam. 17: 
 50—53.) 
 
 V. 30. The land had rest until eighty years from the close 
 of the aforementioned forty years were expired. This is the 
 more genefal interpretation. — Yet some think, that the op- 
 oression of Jabin in the northern part of the land, coincided 
 with some of the years of rest in the southern part, here 
 mentioned. (4:2,3.) 
 
 Y. 31. Shamgar, being employed in agriculture when the 
 Philistines invaded the land, was supernaturally animated to 
 attack them, and miraculously assisted in making this slaughter 
 among them, with no other weapon that an ox-goad. This 
 broke their force and spirits for a considerable time. (Note, 
 15:14 — 17.) Shamgar succeeded Ehud ; but it is not said 
 how long he acted as judge, or whether he did so at all, 
 except in this one action. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. Temptations and trials detect the wickedness 
 of the hearts of sinners: they discover where sin, and where 
 grace, has dorhinion : they tend to undeceive the self-deluded : 
 and they manifest, exercise, and strengthen the graces of 
 believers ; who being called to be soldiers, must learn and 
 practise war all their days ; and in their conflict with Satan, 
 sin, and this evil world, must be inured to hardships, watch- 
 fulness, and self-denial, for their future and eternal good. 
 (Notes, Eph. 6:10— 20. 1 Tim. 6:11,12. 2 Tim. 2:3 — 7. 4: 
 6 — 8.) They are constrained to live in the world, but they 
 are not of the world, and are forbidden to conform to it: for 
 the friendship of the world is more fatal than its enmity ; as 
 the latter can only kill the body, but the former murders many 
 an immortal soul. — When the heart is not established by 
 grace, the descent from the most plausible profession of piety 
 is natural, and almost imperceptible. Polite attentions and 
 civilities to ungodly people, (in which it is thought there can 
 surely be no hum,) by an easy step introduces men to more 
 intimate connexions ; then concessions must be made, and 
 they must be a little conformable to such kind friends or 
 relatives. And as it is not easy to draw the line, one cotnpli- 
 Mice prepares for another, till frequently a specious profession 
 
 29 And they slew of Moab at that time about 
 ten thousand men, all dusty, and all men of valour ; 
 and there escaped not a man. 
 
 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the 
 hand of Israel. And x the land had rest fourscore 
 years. 
 
 31 ?1 And after him was yShamgar the son of 
 Anath, which slew of the Philistines six hundred 
 men with z an ox-goad : and “he also delivered 
 Israel. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Israel , again revolting, it oppressed by Jabin and Sisera , 1 — 3. Deborah stirs 
 up Barak for their deliverance, 4 — 9. Barak destroys the army o f Jabin, 
 10 — 16. Bisera is stain by Jael the Kenite , 17 — 22. Jabin subdued and dtp 
 stroyed, 23,24. 
 
 A ND the children of Israel a^ain a did evil in the 
 sight of the Lord when Ehud was dead. 
 
 2 And the Lord b sold them into the hand of 
 Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in c Hazor ; the 
 captain of whose host was d Sisera, which dwelt ir 
 e Harosheth of the Gentiles. 
 
 3 And the children of Israel f cried unto the 
 Lord : for he. had nine hundred ^chariots of iron; 
 and twenty years he h mightily oppressed the chil- 
 dren of Israel. 
 
 Jer. 5:3. b See on 2:14,15. 10:7. Is. 50:1. Matt. 18.25. c Josh. 11:1.10,11. 19: 
 36. d 1 Sam. 12:9. Ps. 83:9. e 13,16. f 3:9,15. 10:10,16. 1 Sam. 7:8. Ps. 50; 
 15. 78:34. Jer. 2:27,28. g 1:19. Josh. 17:16. h 5:8. Deut. 28.29,33,47,48. P*. 
 106:42. 
 
 ends in apostacy. But if true believers thus backslide from God, 
 they shall surely and speedily be corrected ; and know by 
 experience that the friendship of the wicked, and the gain of 
 transgression, will not profit them in the day of trouble : most 
 certainly therefore they can never profit the sinner “in the 
 day of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of 
 God.” — Those afflictions, however severe and tedious, which 
 bring the Lord to remembrance, and excite men to self-exa- 
 mination and repentance, faith, and humble, earnest prayer, 
 are invaluable blessings. A nd as “ he is ready to forgive, and 
 plenteous in mercy to all them that call upon him he will 
 not upbraid the penitent, nor fail to appear for his relief: how 
 wonderful then is it, that men, groaning under sufferings and 
 terrors, are so long ere they cry unto him for help ! ( Note , 
 
 Ps. 32:3 — 5.) — If we would get out of trouble effectually, we 
 must begin with repentance, and seeking forgiveness ; and 
 then, in due time, deliverance, rest, and inward peace and 
 comfort will ensue. 
 
 V. 12 — 31. Alas! how inveterate is man’s propensity to 
 ingratitude towards God ! and how readily do we relapse into 
 our former offences ! The secret history of every one of us, 
 even if kept from open scandals, or visible declensions, greatly 
 resembles the history of Israel : “ O foolish people, and 
 unwise; do we thus requite the Lord, . . . that bought us!” 
 This renders repeated chastisements absolutely necessary ; 
 for so perverse are we, that the more indulgently we are 
 treated by our heavenly Father, the more disobedient we 
 generally prove ! Yet, after our most aggravated provocations, 
 and in our deepest distresses, if we again cry unto him, he 
 will deliver us ; and the meanest instrument, and the most 
 unlikely method, shall be effectual, if he appoints and blesses 
 them.-r-Luxury, sloth, and pride, fatten men for destruction : 
 the Lord delights to abase those who exalt themselves against 
 him, and oppress his people ; and to render infamous, as well 
 as to cast into the abyss of misery, those who have been the 
 haughty and the terrible of the earth. — What message from 
 God, but a message of vengeance, can a proud rebel expect? 
 Such a message is evidently contained in the word of God: 
 and though we are not commissioned, or even allowed, to be 
 the executioners of it, yet his ministers must boldly declare it, 
 without fearing the frown or respecting the persons of sinners. 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 21:17 — 22. 22:8,1 3,1 4,1 L — 28.) But blessed 
 be God, they have another message to deliver, a message of 
 mercy and free salvation ; and that of vengeance only ap- 
 plies to those who neglect and refuse the gracious proposal. — 
 With reverent attention let us hear this message: in humble 
 faith let us seek and accept of ibis great salvation: let us beg 
 of God to enable us “to bring forth fruits meet for repentance 
 and let us enlist under the Redeemer’s banner, put on his 
 armour, and declare determined war against his enemies. 
 He has begun our triumphs, by his victory over the powers 
 of darkness upon the cross, and over the king of terrors by 
 his resurrection : the trumpet of his gospel calls us to follow 
 after him ; and, obeying that summons, the day will be ours, 
 and we shall conquer, triumph, and reign with him in glory 
 for evermore. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 2, 3. Jabin king of Hazor had 
 formerly confederated against Israel, with other kings in the 
 northern part of the country, and Joshua had slain him, and 
 burned his city. (Notes, Josh. 11:1 — 3,10,11.) But in pro- 
 cess of time the Canaanites had rebuilt it, and another Jabin, 
 probably descended from him, reigned there with great power. 
 Hazor lay in the northern part of the land, and doubtless 
 Harosheth in that neighbourhood. Th^remains of the nations 
 
 ( 431 l 
 
B. C. 1294 JUDGES. B. C. 1M8. 
 
 4 And 'Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of 
 Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. 
 
 5 And she dwelt under k the palm-tree of De- 
 borah, 'between Ramah and Beth-el in mount 
 Ephraim; and the children of Israel m came up to 
 her for judgment. 
 
 6 And she sent and called "Barak the son of 
 Abinoam out of "Kedesh-naphtali, and said unto 
 him, rHath not the .< Lord God of Israel com- 
 manded, saying. Go, and draw toward mount 
 ^Tabor, and take with thee r ten thousand men of 
 the children of Naphtali, and of the children of 
 Zebulun ? 
 
 7 And S I will draw unto thee, to the river 
 ‘Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jahin’s army, with 
 his chariots and his multitude ; and "I will deliver 
 him into thine hand. 
 
 8 And Barak said unto her, ’If thou wilt go 
 with me, then I will go : but if thou wilt not go 
 with me, then I will not go. 
 
 9 And she said, I will surely go with thee : 
 Miotwithstanding the journey that thou takest shall 
 not he for thine honour; for the Lord shall ysell 
 Sisera “into the hand of a woman. And Deborah 
 arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh. 
 
 10 And Barak called “Zebulun and Naphtali to 
 Kedesh : and he went up with ten thousand 
 
 Ex. 15:20. 2 Kings 22:14. Neh.6:14. Joel 2:28,29. Mic. 6:4. Luke 2:36. 
 Acts 21:9. 1 Cor. 11:5. Gal. 3:28. k Gen. 35:8. I Josh. 16:2. 18:22,25. 1 Sam. 
 1:1,19.7:16,17.25:1. Jer. 31:15. m Ex. 18:13,16,19,26. Deut. 17:8— 12. 
 2 Sam. 15:2 — 6. n 5:1. Heb. 11:32. o Josh. 19:32,37. 21:32. p Josh. 1:9. 
 Pb. 7 : 6 . Is. 13:2— 5. Acts 13:47. q8:18. 1 Sam. 10:3. Ps. 89:12. Jer. 46:18. 
 Hos. 5:1. rI0.5:14—18. s Ex. 14:4. Josh. 11:20. Ez. 38:10— 16. Joel3:ll 
 —14. t 5:21 . 1 Kings 18:40. Ps. 83:9,10. uJ4. Ex. 21 : 13. Josh. 8:7. 10:8.11: 
 6. 1 Sam. 24:10,18. v Ex. 4:10— 14. Matt. 14:30,31. x 1 Sam. 2:30. 2 Chr. 26: 
 18. y See on 2:14. z 17— 22. 5:24—27.9:54. 2 Sam. 20:21,22. a 6. 5:18. 
 
 of Canaan having in great numbers resorted thither to assist 
 Sisera, the commander of Jabin’s army, in whom he placed 
 great confidence ; and to obtain his protection ; it was called 
 44 Harosheth of the Gentiles,” or nations. — The Israelites, 
 having relapsed into idolatry, were grievously oppressed by 
 these enemies for twenty years, before they heartily set 
 about reformation, or united in earnest prayers for deliver- 
 ance. (Notes, 3:9,10,14.) 
 
 V. 4. Deborah, notwithstanding her extraordinary call to 
 judge Israel, could not personally undertake those military 
 expeditions, which generally distinguished its deliverers ; but 
 she used her authority to repress iniquity, to reform religion, 
 and to execute impartial justice to the people. — She is called 
 44 the wife of Lapidoth but the termination of the word is 
 the feminine of the plural, and seldom used for the names of 
 men. Some have therefore supposed it to be the name of 
 the town in which she dwelt, and render the clause, the 
 woman of Lapidoth : others refer it, according to the signifi- 
 cation of the original word, either to her occupation, as making 
 lamps ; or to the inspiration of the Almighty ; translating it 
 44 a woman of illuminations and others understand it as 
 meaning, that she was an illustrious woman, and a light in 
 Israel. Yet our rendering is most natural. (Note, 2 Kings 
 22:14.) 
 
 V. 5. Under the palm-tree ] That is, in some lowly 
 habitation, shaded by a large palm-tree, more suited to the 
 sanctity of a prophetess than the dignity of a judge. Her 
 character of a prophetess being established, the people readily 
 referred their differences to her decision ; the ordinary courts 
 probably being shut up, and the magistrates deprived of 
 authority of Jabin’s oppression: but perhaps he feared no 
 danger from a womam acting in this capacity. It has been 
 thought by several learned men, that after it pleased God to 
 raise up, from time to time, extraordinary rulers nnd deli- 
 verers, under the title of judges ; the different, tribes and 
 cities of Israel grew more and more remiss in the appointment 
 of u judges and officers in all their gates.” (Note, Deut. Ifi: 
 18,19.) This might perhaps, at first arise from the prevailing 
 power of their oppressors ; as well as the extraordinary 
 authority of their judges. It seems, however, to have become 
 very generally the case. Yet Deborah, and the other judges, 
 might only receive appeals from inferior magistrates, in more 
 difficult cases. (Notes, 5:9. Ex. 18:17 — 23. Deut. 17:8-— 13.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. It is not certain, whether Barak had previously 
 been employed by Deborah or not ; for he dwelt at a distance 
 from her. But, by direction from God, he was at this time 
 singled out, ar»J commanded whither to go and what troops to 
 raise ; and assured both of opportunity to attack, and assist- 
 ance to subdue, the enemies of Israel. These orders were 
 gent to him as the commandment of 44 the Lord God of Is- 
 rael but under the tyranny of a powerful and jealous oppres- 
 sor, he could draw together an army only by persuasions and 
 exhortations, and thus induce a number of men to assemble 
 ar. Kadesh-naphtali, and thence to follow him to Tabor; 
 ( Marg . Ref.) whither the Lord engaged to draw Sisora, or 
 influence his mind to meet him. (Notes, Hos. 11:3,4. John 
 6:4 1 --4 6. ) 
 
 V. 8, 9. The danger of this enterprise was great and mani- 
 
 ( 43‘2 ) 
 
 men b at his feet : and Deborah went up with 
 him. 
 
 11 H Now c Heber the Kenite, which was of 
 the children of d Hobab the father-in-law of Moses, 
 had severed himself from the Kenites, and pitched 
 his tent unto the plain of “Zaanaim, whicn is by 
 Kedesh. 
 
 ] 2 And they showed Sisera, that Barak the son 
 of Abinoam was gone up to emount Tabor. 
 
 13 And Sisera ’gathered together all his 
 chariots, even ''nine hundred chariots of iron, and 
 all the people that were with him, from Harosheth 
 of the Gentiles unto the river of Kishon. 
 
 14 And Deborah said unto Barak, ‘Up ; for 
 this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered 
 Sisera into thine hand : fis not the Lord gone out 
 before thee ? So Barak went down from mount 
 Tabor, and ten thousand men after him. 
 
 15 And k the Lord discomfited Sisera, and all 
 his chariots, and all his host with the edge of the 
 sword, before Barak: so that Sisera lighted down 
 off his chariot, and fled away on his feet. 
 
 16 But Barak 'pursued after the chariots, and 
 after the host, unto Harosheth of the Gentiles : 
 and all the hosts of Sisera fell upon the edge of 
 the sword ; and there was not 'a man left. 
 
 17 If Howbeit Sisera ra fled away on his feet to 
 
 b 5:15. 1 Sam. 25:27. marg. c 1:16. Num. 10:29. 24:21. d Ex. 2:18. 3:1. 18:1. 
 eJosli. 19:33 . Zaanannim. f 6. Josh. 19: 37. g6. Josh. 19:12,34. Ps. 89:12. 
 
 Jer. 46:18. * Heb. gathered by cru, or, proclamation, h See on 2,3,7. i 19' 
 28. Gen. 19:14. 44:4. Josh. 7:13. 1 Sam. 9:26. j Dent. 9:3. 2 Sam. 5:24. Us. 
 68:7. Is. 52:12. Mic.2:13. k 5:21,21. Josh. 10:10. 2 Kings 7:6. 2 Chr. 13.15— 
 17. Ps. 83:9,10. • 1 Lev. 26:7,8. Josh. 10:19,20. 11:8. Ps. 104 :35. Horn. 2:12. 
 Jam. 2:13. t Heb. unto one. m Job 12:19— 21. 18:7— 12. 40: 11,12. Ps. 37:35, 
 36. 107:40. Prov. 29:23. Am. 5:19,20. 
 
 fest : and though Barak had faith, yet it was not so strong as 
 to exclude misgivings, and to overcome all reluctance to the 
 service. It does not appear, that he doubted whether Debo- 
 rah spake by authority from God or not ; but he hesitated 
 concerning success unless she went with him. He would, no 
 doubt, desire her presence, counsel, and prayers, as a pro- 
 phetess, and the judge of Israel: but he was culpably afraid; 
 and, not honouring God as he ought to have done, he was de- 
 prived in part of the honour, which he would otherwise have 
 obtained. Perhaps Deborah in her answer intended, that the 
 credit of the victory would be given to her and not to Barak : 
 but the Spirit of God foretold the death of Sisera by Jael. 
 (21) — Barak seems to have come to Deborah, and she ac- 
 companied him back to Kedesh-naphtali. — The high-priest 
 with Urim and Thummim, the other priests with the trum- 
 pets, and the Levites, are not at all mentioned in these transac- 
 tions. (Notes, 20:18—28. Ex. 28:30. Num. 10:1—10. 27:21. 
 Josh. 9:14,15.) 
 
 V. 10. Barak resided in the lot of Naphtali, on which 
 Zebulon bordered : he therefore made known his purpose in 
 that neighbourhood, and collected ten thousand foot-soldiers 
 chiefly from these two tribes, though some others at length 
 assisted them. (Notes, 5:14 — 18.) At the head of this small 
 army, (as it appears when compared with that, of Sisera, 
 which was very great,) he marched on foot to meet the enemy, 
 without either cavalry or war chariots ! and Deborah attended 
 him, to encourage his faith and confidence in God. ( Note s, 
 1:19. Deut. 20:1 — 4. Josh. 16:10. 17:16—18. Ps. 20:6— 8.) 
 
 V. 11. The other Kenites dwelt upon the borders of the 
 wilderness of Judah; (Note, 1:16.) but Heber had removed 
 with his family to the northern part of the land, where he 
 dwelt in tents, and found convenient pasturage for his flocks. 
 — This is inserted to explain what follows concerning Jael. 
 
 V. 14. Barak secured his small army by the advantage of 
 the ground, until a favourable opportunity presented itself of 
 attacking the enemy : but Deborah assured him, that the very 
 day was come ; and that “the Lord was gone forth before 
 him, and had delivered Sisera into his hand.” Thus encou- 
 raged, he boldly marched down into the plain, where the iron 
 chariots had their utmost advantage ; and so the victory be- 
 came the more illustrious. (Note, Josh. 17:16.) 
 
 V. 15. Doubtless Barak and his army displayed both con- 
 duct and bravery in this battle : yet the victory is wholly as- 
 scribed to the Lord, who both gave them skill and courngo, 
 and rendered these effectual by terrifying their enemies, 
 or throwing them into confusion. (Note, Josh. 10:9,10.) 
 It is to be lamented that this pious and rational language of 
 the Scriptures should, among Christians, be so frequently 
 changed for a phraseology which borders upon heathenism, 
 or even atheism ; by ascribing all events to fortune, luck, 
 second causes, or human courage and policy ; and excluding 
 the mention of tho first great Cause of all things. (Note, 
 2 Kings 5:1.) 
 
 V. 16. Not a man left.] Note, 2 Chr. 20:22- -25. 
 
 V. 17. Sisera had quit od his chariot, probably to escape 
 notice, and ho fled away on foot like a common soldier. Kor 
 the same reason he hastened to the tents of Heber, with whom 
 Jabin had made some league or alliance ; or whom Jabin hod 
 
B. C. 1296. 
 
 CHAPTER A 
 
 B. C. 1296. 
 
 the tent of "Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite : 
 for there was °neace between Jabin the king of 
 Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 
 
 18 And Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said 
 unto him, T urn in, my lord, turn in to me ; fear not : 
 and when he had turned in unto her into the tent, 
 she covered him with a 'mantle. 
 
 19 And he said unto her, pGive me, I pray thee, 
 a little water to drink : for I am thirsty: and she 
 opened a bottle of milk, and gave him drink, and 
 covered him. 
 
 20 Again he said unto her, Stand in the door of 
 the tent; and it shall be, when any man doth 
 come and inquire of thee, and say, ils there any 
 man here ; that thou shalt say, No. 
 
 21 Then Jael, Heber’s wile, r took a nail of the 
 tent, and Hook an hammer in her hand, and went 
 softly unto him, and smote the nail into his tem- 
 ples, and fastened it into the ground : (for he was 
 fast asleep, and weary :) so die died. 
 
 22 And behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael 
 came out to meet him, and said unto him, Come, 
 ‘and I will show thee the man whom thou seekest. 
 And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera 
 lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. 
 
 n 5:6,24. o Ps. 69:22. Is. 57:21. * Or, rug, or, blanket, p 5:25. Gen. 24: 
 
 43. 1 Kings 17:10. Is. 41.17. John 4:7. q Josh. 2:3— 5. 2 Sum. 17:20. r 3: 
 21,31. 5:26. 15:15,16. 1 Sam. 17:43,49.50. 1 Cor. 1:9,27. t Heh. pvt. s 5:27. 
 t 2 Sam. 17:3,10—15. u 1 Chr. 22.18. Neh. 9:24. Ps. 18:39,47. 47:3. 81:14. *Cor. 
 15:28. Heb. 11:33. 1 Heb. going, went and teas hard against. 1 Sam. 3:12. 
 
 a Ex. 15:1,21. Num. 21:17. 1 Sam. 2:1. 2 Chr. 20:21,27. Job 38:7. Ps. 18: title. 
 
 suffered, as inoffensive persons, not of the race of Israel, to 
 live peaceably by him.— It is probable that Jacl’s tent was 
 distinct from that of Heber; (Gen. 24:67. 31:33.) and perhaps 
 Sisera sought refuge in it on that account, as less likely to be 
 searched, 
 
 V. 18, 19. Probably, Jael really intended kindness to Si- 
 sera, when she invited him into the tent, and showed him all 
 the hospitality which it afforded ; but, by a divine impulse, she 
 was afterwards led to consider him as the determined enemy 
 of the Lord and his people, and to avail herself of that oppor- 
 tunity to destroy him. (Notes, 21. 5:24.) 
 
 V. 20. Jael is not said to have promised Sisera, that she 
 would deny his being there: she would give him shelter and 
 refreshment, but not utter a falsehood to oblige him. — A very 
 criminal deviation from “ simplicity and godly sincerity,” is 
 become customary among professed Christians ; I mean the 
 instructing and requiring servants to prevaricate, (to word it 
 no more harshly,) in order that their masters may be preserved 
 from the inconvenience of unwelcome visitants. Surely, some 
 more manly, candid, and Christian method might be substi- 
 tuted, of giving an impertinent intruder to understand that he 
 was not welcome ; and to intimate to friends, that their com- 
 pany would be more seasonable at another time 1 And it 
 should be considered, whether they who require their servants 
 to disregard the truth for their pleasure, will not teach them 
 an evil lesson, and habituate them to use falsehood for their 
 awn pleasure also. (Note, Eph. 4:25.) 
 
 V. 21. When Jael saw Sisera fast asleep, and was made 
 sensible, by some intimation from God, that she ought to 
 destroy him, her faith overcame all reluctance, and every femi- 
 nine fear : and with the hammer and a nail of the tent, which 
 she was accustomed to handle, she speedily and effectually 
 accomplished her purpose. — The divine mandate superseded 
 all other obligations ; but her conduct is not recorded for our 
 imitation in ordinary circumstances. (Notes, 3:15 — 25. Josh. 
 2:4—6,8—11.) 
 
 V. 24. In this instance the Israelites observed the com- 
 mand of God to extirpate the Canaanites, and not to make 
 any league with them, or put them under tribute. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The most promising reformations are often speedily obstruct- 
 ed and counteracted, when the reformer is removed. — Not- 
 withstanding the painful effects of sin which men repeatedly 
 experience, they readily venture again upon it ; thus provoking 
 God to punish them with increasing severity : and tempters 
 commonly prove instruments of correction, or of vengeance. 
 But the Lord’s thoughts and jzays are not as ours : when they, 
 -vho have most frequently and grievously rebelled, begin to 
 bray unto him, he is read) to hear and help them ; (Notes, 
 Is. 55:6—9.) nay, he often regards the mere cry of distress, 
 and relieves men from temporal misery, saying, “ Sin no 
 more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.” He selects his 
 instruments in that manner, which most tends to mortify the 
 -ride, and expose the weakness, of his haughty opposers. Yet 
 unbelief weakens men’s hands : and, being dishonourable to 
 God, it eventually discredits those who give way to it. — The 
 counsel and prayers of persons eminent for faith and piety 
 are highly to be valued ; but our confidence must be placed, 
 not in them, but in the presence and protection of the Al- 
 mighty. Whether it please him “ to save by many or by few,” 
 he has all hearts in his hands, and can soon procure willing 
 and suitable persons for his work; and a variety of incidents, 
 Vol. I. — 55 
 
 23 So “God subdued on that day Jabin the king 
 of Canaan before the children of Israel. 
 
 24 And the hand of the children of Israel pros- 
 pered, and prevailed against Jabin the king of 
 Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin king of 
 Canaan. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The tone of Deborah and Barak introduced. 1. A call to kings and people to 
 consider this and other works of God for Israel , 2 — 5. The sin and misery 
 of Israel shown, 6 — 8 . Praises rendered to God: commendations bestowed 
 on some Israelites , and censures on others, 9 — 23. The conduct of Jael cele- 
 brated, 24 — 27 : the disappointment of Sisera’ s mother represented , — 30 : 
 and a prayer added for victory to the people of God , and ruin to their 
 enemies , 31. 
 
 T HEN “sang’ Deborah and Barak the son of 
 Abinoam, on that day, saying, 
 
 2 Praise ye the Lord b for the avenging of 
 Israel, ‘when the people willingly offered them- 
 selves. 
 
 3 Hear, d O ye kings ; give ear, 0 ye princes ; 
 e I, even I will sing unto the Lord ; I will sing 
 praise to the Lord God of Israel. 
 
 4 Lord, f\vhen thou wentest out of Seir, when 
 thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, ethe* 
 earth trembled, and the heavens ‘’dropped, the 
 clouds also dropped water. 
 
 Is. 12:1— 6 . 25:1. 26:1. Luke 1 :46, 67, 68. Rev. 15:3,4. 19:1—3. b2Sam. 22:47, 
 48. Ps. 48:11. 94:1. 97:8. 136:15,19,20. 149:6—9. Rev. 16:5,6. 18:20. 19:2. c 9. 
 
 2 Chr. 17:16. Nth. 11:2. Ps. 110:3. lCor.9:17. 2 Cor. 8:12. 9:7. Phil. 2:13. 
 Phiiem. 14. d Deut. 32:1,3. Ps. 2:10— 12. 49:1,2. 119:46. 138:4.5. e 7. Geo. 
 6:17. 9:9. Ex. 31:6. Lev. 26:28. 1 Kings 18:22. 19:10,14. Ezra 7:21. fDeut. 
 33:2. Ps. 68:7,8. Hob. 3:3-6. g 2 Sam. 22:8. Job 9:6. Ps. 18:7— 15. li Ps. 77:17. 
 
 which originate from the voluntary conduct of men actuated 
 by secular motives appear by the event to form a part of his 
 secret counsel. (Notes, 7:4 — 15. 1 Sam. 14:6 — 10.) A3 
 courage and faith are his gifts, he so dispenses them, as most 
 conduces to his own glory ; and shows the strongest that they 
 need to be encouraged, and that on some occasions they are 
 surpassed, by their weaker brethren. — How wretched are they 
 who have the Lord for their enemy ! since, whatever be their 
 number or power, they can make no resistance, and will in 
 vain attempt to flee away and escape. Soon will they be 
 ashamed of their present confidence and glorying. They may 
 indeed court the friendship of the Lord’s despised people, or 
 seek refuge in obscurity : but sooner or later they must all 
 perish, perhaps suddenly ; and be hurried from the commis- 
 sion of daring crimes into the presence of their angry Judge ! — 
 Every natural inclination must be subordinated to the will of 
 God, and all our connexions with his enemies must be broken 
 off, if we would enjoy his favour, and be numbered among his 
 people. We should indeed love, pray for, and be kind to our 
 greatest enemies : yet there are some of his foes, to whom we 
 must not bid God speed, nor entertain them m our houses. 
 (Note, 2 John 7 — 11.) We should, however, persevere to 
 the uttermost in our endeavours to reclaim them ; and direct 
 our most implacable resentment against our own evil pro- 
 pensities and habits, aiming at nothing less than their entire 
 destruction. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. V. V. 1. (Notes, E^. 15:1. Deut. 
 31:19.) By means of this song of praise, the affections of 
 love and gratitude to God would be more powerfully excited, 
 and more deeply fixed in the hearts of believers in Israel ; 
 the events commemorated would attract more general notice, 
 become more exactly known, and be much longer remem- 
 bered, than by any prose narration ; and multitudes would 
 become acquainted with them, who had not the opportunity 
 of reading the records of them. — Probably, this sacred poem 
 was composed by Deborah, and sung by her and Barak, and 
 the whole army, and multitudes of the Israelites, soon after 
 the victory was completed. (Notes, Ex. 15:20,21. 2 Chr. 
 
 20:18—21,26—28.) 
 
 V. 2.' Whatever had been done by Deborah, or Barak, 
 or the army, the Lord must have all the praise of this vic- 
 tory : the will, the power, and the success were all derived 
 from him ; yet it was proper that the people who had willingly 
 followed Barak, when invested with no regular authority, 
 should be mentioned with commendation. — Israel was the 
 more bound to praise the Lord for avenging them upon their 
 oppressors, as they had brought their miseries upon them- 
 selves by their own crimes. (Notes, Num. 31:2. Rev. 18:20.) 
 
 Y. 3. The kings and princes of the surrounding nations 
 were contriving the ruin of Israel: the kings of the earth 
 have too generally been seeking their own glory, or calling 
 upon the people to worship idols ; and this song was likely to 
 be heard or read by many of them through successive gene- 
 rations. The prophetess therefore calls on them to hear 
 what God had wrought for Israel, and against their enemies, 
 and to take warning not to copy the example of Jabin and 
 Sisera. She reminds them that praise and glory belong to 
 Jehovah, and not to them or their idols ; that it would be 
 dangerous for them to rival him who poureth contempt upon 
 ambitious princes, or to oppress his people ; and that it was 
 their true wisdom, honour, and interest to seek his favour, 
 to become his servants, and to use their authority in p omoting 
 ( 433 ) 
 
B. C. 1296. 
 
 JUDGES 
 
 B. C. 1296. 
 
 5 The ‘mountain "melted from before the 
 Lord, even ‘that Sin;* from before the Lord God 
 of Israel. 
 
 6 In the days of “Shamgar the son of Anath, in 
 the days«f ‘Jael, m the highways were unoccu- 
 pied, and the ‘travellers walked through ‘by-ways. 
 
 7 The inhabitants of "the villages ceased, they 
 ceased in Israel, until that I Deborah arose, that 
 I arose °a mother in Israel. 
 
 8 They chose Pnew gods; then was war in the 
 gates: nwas there a shield or spear seen among 
 forty thousand in Israel ? 
 
 9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel, 
 that r offered themselves willingly among the 
 people. Bless ye the Lord. 
 
 10 §Speak, ye that s ride on white asses, l ye that 
 sit in judgment, and walk by the way. 
 
 11 They that are delivered from “thq noise of 
 archers x in the places of drawing water ; there 
 shall they rehearse the "righteous acts of the Lord, 
 even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of 
 his ^villages in Israel : then shall the people of the 
 
 ' Lord z g o down to the gates. [Practical observation*.'] 
 
 1 Deut. 4:11. Ps. 97:5. 114:4. Is. 64:1 — 3. Nah. 1:5,6. Hab.3:10. ♦ Heb. 
 
 flowed, i Ex. 19:18. 20.18. Deul. 4:11, 12. 5:22— 25. Heb. 12:18. 1(3:31. 14: 
 17,18. m Lev. ‘26:22. 2 Chr. 15:5. Lam. 1:4. 4:18. Mic.3:12. t Heb. walkers 
 of paths, t Heb. crooked teai/s. Ps. 125:5. nEsth.9:19. o4:4 — 6. 2. Sam. 20: 
 19. Is. 49:23. Rom. 16:13. p 2:12,17. Dent. 32:16,17. q 1:3. 1 Sam. 13: 19— 22. 
 rSeeon2. 1 Chr. 29:9. 2 Cor. 8:3,4,12,17. 9:6. $ Or, meditate. Ps. 105:2. 145: 
 5,11. 810:4.12:14. t Ps. 107:32. Is. 28:6. Joel 3:12. uLam.5:4,9. x Gen. 
 26:20— 22. Ex. 2:17— 19. Is. 12:3. |j Heb. righteousnesses. I Sam. 12:7. Ps. 
 145:7. Mic. 6.5. y See on 7. z Deut 22:24. Job 29:7. Is. 23:6. Jer. 7.2. a Ps. 
 
 his glory, as she avowed that she did, and would do. (Notes, 
 Ps. 2:7 — 12. Dan. 4:1—3.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref.) The extraordinary displays of 
 the divine Majesty, which the Israelites had witnessed at 
 mount Sinai, arc here described in very poetical language, 
 and compared with the present interposition of the Lord for 
 Israel. The presence of God had, as it were, thrown all 
 nature into convulsions: the thunderings and lightnings were 
 attended by impetuous showers of rain ; and mount Sinai 
 was in such agitation, that it seemed lobe melted from before 
 the Lord. (Notes, Deut. 33:2. 2 Sam. 22:7—16. Ps. 68: 
 7—10. 77:16—20. Hah. 3:3—10.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. Shamgar seems to have lived towards the close 
 of the eighty years’ rest before mentioned, and he helped to 
 lengthen that tranquillity. (Notes, 3:30,31.) But Israel 
 growing more wicked, the difficulties and sufferings of the 
 nation increased, and nothing was done effectually for their 
 relief, till Jael completed Barak’s victory by the slaughter of 
 Sisera. This seems to be the meaning of the passage, which 
 might perhaps be rendered, “ from the days of Shamgar to 
 the days of jael.” — During this time the land was so infested 
 by invaders, and harassed by oppression, that none could 
 travel in safety on the highways, but men went in by-paths 
 or crooked ways : the villages also were deserted, and the 
 fields left uncultivated ; whilst the inhabitants sought re- 
 fuge in the fenced cities, where they were in danger of perish- 
 ing by famine. (Notes, 2 Chr. 15:1 — 7. Is. 33:7 — 9.) 
 
 A mother in Israel. (7) Deborah employed her authority 
 for the real good of the people, with that disinterested assi- 
 duity which a mother shows to her beloved children. Kings 
 should be fathers of their people, using their authority as may 
 most conduce to render them happy : and Deborah was 
 indeed “a mother to Israel;” especially in supporting true 
 religion, with which both their temporal prosperity and eter- 
 nal salvation were inseparably connected. (Note, Is. 49: 
 22,23.) 
 
 V. 8. Joshua had engaged the people solemnly to “ choose 
 the Lord for their God,” and to serve him only : ( Notes, 
 Josh. 24:14 — 27.) but they grew weary of his holy service, and 
 “ chose new gods,” with new names, and “ newly come up 
 (Deut. 32:17.) and probably after the death of Ehud, they 
 had run into some new kinds of idolatry. But under all these 
 idols Satan was virtually worshipped, who permitted his de- 
 luded votaries to indulge their sensual lusts, in order to allure 
 them to his service. They soon however paid dear for their 
 gratifications, when their cities were seized on, and they 
 were subdued, disarmed, and oppressed, by those enemies, 
 over whom they had formerly triumphed, and whom they 
 ought to have extirpated! — It is probable that many of Ba- 
 rak’s soldiers were armed, not with shields and spears, but 
 with bows, slings, ox-goads, and other instruments of hus- 
 bandry : but some had swords, and others might seize on the 
 arms of the enemy when the battle had begun. (Notes, 1 
 Sam. 13:19—22.) 
 
 V. 9. Some of the governors or principal persons, espe- 
 cially in Naphtali and Zebulun, willingly offered their .assist- 
 ance, and ventured their lives in attacking the Canaanitcs : 
 of these the prophetess spake with peculiar affection and 
 respect, and gratefully blessed the Lord for them. (Notes, 1 
 Chr. 12:16—18. 2 Chr. 17:13—19.) 
 
 V. 10. It seems that riding upon white asses was a dis- 
 tinction appropriated to magistrates, and principal persons in 
 . I 434 ) 
 
 12 H Awake, "awake, Deborah ; awake, awake, 
 utter a song : arise, Barak, and Mead thy captivity 
 captive, thou son of Abinoam. 
 
 13 Then c he made him that remaineth have 
 dominion over the nobles among the people : 
 the Lord made me have dominion over the 
 mighty. 
 
 14 Out “of Ephraim was there a root of their, 
 against 'Amalek ; ‘after thee, Benjamin, among 
 thy people ; out of MMachir came down governors, 
 and out of Zebulun they that “handle the pen of 
 the writer. 
 
 15 And h the princes of Issachar were with 
 Deborah ; even Issachar, and also 'Barak : he was 
 sent on "foot into the valley. “For the divisions of 
 Reuben there were great “thoughts of heart. 
 
 16 Why abodest thou among the “sheepfolds, 
 to hear the bleatings of the flocks? §$For the 
 divisions of Reuben there*were great searchings 
 of heart. 
 
 17 ‘Gilead abode beyond Jordan: and why did 
 Dan remain in ships ? m Asher continued on the 
 !lll sea-shore, and abode in his ““breaches. 
 
 57:8. 103:1,2. 108:2. Is. 51:9,17. 52:1,2. 60:1. Jer. 31:26. 1 Cor. 15:34. Enh. 5r 
 14. bPs. 68:18. Is. 14:2 . 33:1. 49:24 —26. E[ih.4.8. 2Tim.2:26. marg. c Ps. 
 49:14. I>. 41:15,16. Ez. 17:24. Dan. 7:18— 27. Horn. 8:37. Rex. 2:26,27. 3:9. 
 (13:27.4:5,6. e See on 3:13. Ex. 17:8-16. 14:10,14. g See on Num. 32.39, 
 40. IT Heb. draw with the pen, Ac. h See on 1 Chr. 12:32. i See on 4:6,14. 
 ** Heb. hisfeet. Acts. 20:13. If Or, in the, &c. Acts 15:39. Heb. impres- 
 sions. Prov. 22:13. 2 Cor. 11:2. k Num. 32: 1—5,24. Phil. 2:21. 3:19. §§ Or, in. 
 15 marg. 1 See on Josh. 13:25,31. m Josh. 19:4— 31. till Or, sea-port. IHIOr 
 creeks. 
 
 Israel ; which was a proof, not so much of their poverty, as 
 of their simplicity, in that they had not yet learned to mul- 
 tiply horses and chariots, in conformity to their heathen 
 neighbours. (10:4. 12:14. Note , Deut. 17:16.) They who 
 had this distinction were called upon, in their several districts, 
 and while in safety and credit they travelled about, to ad- 
 minister justice, or upon their own concern^, to teach the 
 people, by their example, to celebrate the praises of the 
 Lord. 
 
 V. 11. The people could not go out of the gates of the 
 cities to draw water, without being exposed to the arrows of 
 the oppressors, who watched that opportunity to murder 
 them ; so that in some cases they must either perish by tlfirst, 
 or seek to quench it at the peril of their lives. With the 
 rulers, magistrates, and travellers, the common people also 
 were exhorted to praise the Lord, every time they drew 
 water in safety, and to “rehearse his righteous acts:” (or 
 righteousnesses , marg.) his justice in the destruction of their 
 enemies, nay, in the miseries which they had endured for their 
 sins ; and his faithfulness in delivering them, and enabling 
 them to return to their habitations and employments in peace 
 and security. 
 
 V. 12. The governors and people having been excited to 
 praise the Lord, Deborah here called upon her own soul, or, 
 by way of response instructed the people to call upon her, to 
 shake off drowsiness, and be in earnest in this most reasona- 
 ble and delightful employment ; for 4 he that will set the hearts 
 of other men on tire with the love of Christ, must himself 
 burn with love.’ Hooker. (Notes, 1 Chr. 29:10— 20.) — Barak 
 also was excited to prosecute his victory : he had destroyed 
 the whole army of Sisera in the field of battle ; let him also 
 gather the unarmed multitude as his captives, and complete 
 the destruction of the oppressors. 
 
 V. 13. Multitudes of the Israelites had been slain, or 
 driven intoother countries by oppression : yet the Lord had 
 made the remnant of them, even under the conduct of a wo- 
 man, to have dominion over their powerful and renowned 
 enemies. 
 
 V. 14. Deborah next proceeds to enumerate those who 
 assisted on this occasion, beginning with Ephraim. It is 
 probable, that the Amalekites were coming to the assistance 
 of Jabin ; and that a body of men of the tribe of Ephraim, 
 (sprung from Ephraim as their root,) opposed and prevailed 
 against them: yet Benjamin moved first, and the Epnraimites 
 assisted him. — The governors of Machir, or Manasseh, came 
 to the assistance of Barak, and formed useful commanders 
 and the Zebulunites were so jnuch in earnest, that even 
 their students, or artists, came to join the army, and to serve 
 the common cause. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. Both the princes anil people of Issachar cam©, 
 of their own accord, to attend on Deborah, and to accompany 
 Barak, when he was sent down into the valley, with his 
 small number of foot-soldiers poorly armed, to meet the army 
 and war-chariots of Sisera. (8. Note, 4:14.) — Yet Reubou 
 kept at a distance, as disaffected to the common cause, or 
 unconcerned about it; which excited much uneasiness and 
 resentment, and occasioned many thoughts in the minds of 
 his brethren. But he made the care of his Hocks the pro* 
 tenee for remaining at home on this conjuncture. 
 
 V. 17. The tribe of Gild and the half tribe of Manasseh, 
 inhabited mount Gilead : and Machir before mentioned seemar 
 to have been that half of Manasseh which dwelt we9t of 
 
B. C. 1296. 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 B. C. 1296 
 
 18 "Zebulun ami Naphtali were a people that 
 'jeoparded “their lives unto the death p in the high 
 places of the field. 
 
 19 The ’kings came and fought; then fought 
 the kings of Canaan in r Taanach by the waters 
 of Megiddo : “they took no gain of money. 
 
 20 They ‘fought from heaven, “the stars in 
 their 'courses fought against Sisera. 
 
 21 The river of x Kishon swept them away, 
 that ancient river, the river Kishon. ?0 my soul, 
 thou hast trodden down strength. 
 
 22 Then were the ‘horse-hoofs broken by the 
 means of the iprancings, the prancings of their 
 mighty ones. 
 
 23 “Curse ye Meroz, said b the Angel of the 
 
 Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants there- 
 of; because “they came not to the help of the 
 Lord, d to the help of the Lord against the 
 mighty. " 
 
 24 “Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of 
 Heber the Kenite be ; blessed shall she be above 
 women in the tent. 
 
 25 He ‘asked water, and she gave him milk : 
 she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. 
 
 n See on 4:10. * Heb. exposed to reproach, o Esih. 4:16. Acts 20:24. 
 
 1 John. 3:16. Rev. 12:11. p 4:6,10,14. q Josh. 10:22— 27. 11:1, &c. Ps. 48: 
 4—6. 68:12-11. 118:8-12. Rev. 17:12—14. 19:19. r See on 1:27. 1 Kings 4:12. 
 s 30. 4:16. t Josh. 10:11. 1 Sam. 7.10. Ps. 77:17,18. u4:15. t Heb. paths, 
 
 x 4:7,13. I Kings 18:40. Ps. 83:9,10. y Gen. 49:18. Is. 25:10. Mic. 7:10. zPs. 
 20:7.33:17.147:10,11. Is. 5:28. Jer. 47:3. Mic. 4:13. + Or ■, trarnplings, or, 
 plungings. a 1 Satn. 26:19. Jer. 48:10. 1 Cor. 16:22. b See on 2:1. 4:6. 6:11. 
 13:3. Matt. 25:41. c 21:9,10. Neh. 3:5. d 1 Sam. 17:47. 18: 17. 25:28. Rom. 
 15:18. L Cor. 3:9. 2 Cor. 6:1. e4:17. Gen. 14:19. Prov. 31:31. Luke 1:42. 
 
 Jordan. (14.) It is probable, that all the Israelites, who 
 dwelt east of Jordan, abode at home and refused their con- 
 currence. The tribes of Dan and Asher did the same ; the 
 one being occupied in merchandise, or fishery ; and the other, 
 as some think, in repairing the breaches, or stopping the incur- 
 sions, which the sea had made upon their inheritance. (Marg. 
 
 Wd . ' 
 
 V. 18. From these two tribes Barak had raised his army ; 
 and they had boldly ventured and even despised their lives, 
 in meeting the enemy, with their iron chariots, in the open 
 field of battle. (Notes, 4:6,7,14.) But some of the others 
 were ready to follow the blow, though not present in the first 
 engagement. — It is remarkable that Judah and Simeon are 
 not mentioned in this poem, either as deserving censure or 
 commendation : and this cannot well be accounted for ; unless 
 the inhabitants of the southern part of the land were at that 
 time so circumstanced, that it could not be expected they 
 should help their brethren of the north. (Note, 3:30.) 
 
 V. 19. Some other kings of Canaan had confederated with 
 Jabin, entirely out of hatred against Israel, without receiving 
 any recompense for their assistance. 
 
 V. 20. The angels are called “ morning stars,” (Job 38: 
 7.) and their assistance may be here meant: or in poetical 
 language, a violent tempest, raised at that time, which greatly 
 facilitated the destruction of the Canaanites, might be ascribed 
 to the influences of the stars in their courses ; which thus, 
 without any such miraculous alteration in the heavens, as took 
 place in the days of Joshua, fought effectually against Sisera 
 and his army. (Note, Josh. 10:12 — 14.) — Some think the 
 Dattle continued during part of the night ; and that the bright 
 shining of the stars enabled Israel more successfully to pur- 
 sue and more effectually to destroy their enemies. 
 
 V. 21. The river of Kishon.} Marg. Ref. — The stream 
 of this rivulet seems to have been so swelled by the rains 
 which had fallen, that numbers of the Canaanites, attempting 
 to cross it, were swept away by it. — Deborah, by exciting 
 Barak and the Israelites against their powerful enemies, and 
 ny their strong faith and fervent prayers, had trodden down 
 their strength in the very dust. (Note, Mic. 7:8 — 10.) 
 
 V. 22. Marg. Ref. Note, Is. 5:26 — 30. 
 
 V. 23. It is probable that Meroz was some town or city 
 near to the field of battle, and that the inhabitants were more 
 inexcusable in not affording their assistance, than those who 
 lived at a distance : and perhaps their refusal arose from a 
 secret favour borne to the Canaanites. The Lord did not 
 want their help against the mightiest of his enemies ; but 
 their conduct proved their unbelief and degeneracy. — Debo- 
 rah did not curse them out of personal resentment, but “ the 
 Angel of the Lord’ commanded her to pronounce a curse 
 upon them ; that Angel of the Lord, who was the “Cap- 
 tain of the Lord’s host.” (Note, Josh. 5:13 — 15.) — Perhaps 
 Meroz had before been a flourishing city ; but in consequence 
 of this curse, it became so obscure that its situation is at 
 present unknown. (Note, Josh. G:2G.) 
 
 V. 24. The inhabitants of Meroz, though Israelites, feared 
 he power or valued the friendship of the Canaanites, more 
 than they dreaded the power and desired the favour of God ; 
 and they were therefore joined with the accursed Canaanites! 
 Jael, though not a na'lve Israelite, from faith and love to the 
 cs.use of God, preferred ,ne friendship of his oppressed peo- 
 *1« to that of heir enemies; a" 1 she was joined with them 
 
 26 She put her hand to the nail, and her rigdil 
 hand to the workman’s hammer: and Hvith the 
 hammer she smote Sisera ; e she smote off his head 
 when she nad pierced and stricken through hid 
 temples. 
 
 27 "At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down , 
 at her feet he bowed, he fell: b wheie he bowed, 
 there he fell down "dead. 
 
 28 The mother of Sisera looked out at a win- 
 dow, anil cried 'through the lattice, k Why is his 
 chariot so long in coming? why tarry the wheels 
 of his chariots ? 
 
 29 Her wise ladies answered her, yea, she 
 returned "answer to herself, 
 
 30 'Have they not sped ? have they not divided 
 the prey ; to ''every man a damsel or two ? to 
 Sisera a prey m of divers colours, a prey of divers 
 colours of needlework, of divers colours of needle- 
 work on both sides, meet for the necks of them 
 that take the spoil ? 
 
 31 “Soletall thine enemies perish, O Lord: but 
 let “them that love him be as fthe sun when he 
 goeth forth in his might. ’And the land had rest 
 forty years. 
 
 f See on 4:19— 21. § Heh. she hammered. g I Sam. 17:19— 51. 2 Sim. 20.22. 
 || Heb. between. hPs.52:7. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. IT Heh. destroyed. i 2 Kings 
 1:2. Cant. 2:9. k 4:15. Cant. 8:14. Jam. 5:7. ** Heb. her words. 1 Ex 15:9. 
 Job 20:5. ft Heb. the head of a man. m Gen. 37:3. 2 Sam. 13:18. Ps. 45:14. 
 n Ps. 48:4,5. 58:10,11. 68:1—3. 83.9—18. 97:8. Rev. 6:10. 18:20. 19:2.3. o Ex. 
 20:6. JTent. 6:5. Ps. 91:14. 97:10. Rom. 8:28. 1 Cor. 8:3. Eph . 6:24. .lam. 1:12. 
 2:5. 1 Pet. 1:8. 1 John 4:19— 21. 5:2,3. p2Sam.23:4. Pa. 19:4,5. 37:6. Prov. 
 4:18. Dan. 12:3. Hoa. 6:3. Mott. 13:43. q 3:11,30. 
 
 in the blessing, yea, had a special and superior blessing. 
 (Notes, Malt. 25:31 — 4G. Gal. 3:6 — 14.) And indeed, “in the 
 tent,” she jeoparded her life as much as the soldiers did “in 
 the high places of the field.” ( Notes, 4:2 1 . Josh. 2:8 — 16.) 
 
 V. 26, 27. When Jael had driven the nail through the 
 head of Sisera, she perhaps cut it off with his own sword : 
 though indeed no intimation is given of it in the history ; and 
 the words may merely be a poetical repetition of the same 
 idea by a variety of terms. (Note, 1 Sam. 17:50 — 53.) — 
 When he felt the anguish of the nail penetrating his head, 
 perhaps he struggled to arise, but fell down again, and bowed, 
 and died at her feet ; finding death where he had sought life, 
 and a terrible enemy where he expected a kind friend. 
 
 V. 28. The mother of Sisera, with impatient expectation, 
 looked for his return, and wondered what so long delayed him ; 
 not in the least fearing his success in a contest with so unequal 
 an enemy as Barak and his forces appeared to her. In an 
 ordinary poem we should say, this was finely imagined : but 
 we may here conclude it was actually the case. 
 
 V. 29. Wise.] This seems to be spoken ironically. He. 
 ladies, in their great wisdom, suggested that Sisera only 
 waited to divide the immense spoil which had been taken; 
 and she os wisely pleased her vain mind with the soothing 
 imagination ! 
 
 V. 30. bMarg.Ref.) — A damsel or two .] What a pic- 
 ture does this give of an ungodly and sensual heart ! How 
 shameful are these wishes of an aged mother for a beloved 
 son, and his officers and soldiers : that a woman of honour 
 and virtue, as we say, could delight her fancy, with conceiving 
 the Israelitish virgins divided among the conquerors, as their 
 property, to be exposed to their unbridled, domineering lust ! 
 And that nothing more excellent could be conceived by her 
 trifling mind, than to see her son, and his attendants and 
 concubines, arrayed in fine garments, wrought by the singular 
 skill and industry of their vanquished enemies ! 
 
 V. 31. The mother of Sisera is left to enjoy her imaginary 
 triumph, and meet her bitter disappointmenl ; while the hymn 
 of praise concludes with praying for similar destruction to a!P 
 the enemies of the Lord, and prosperity to those who love 
 him ; that their characters may be honourable, their endeavours 
 successful, their course increasingly useful, and their path 
 shining more and more ; till they resemble the noonday, when 
 the sun by his full strength has dispelled the mists and clouds 
 which his rising draws lip, and which at first obscure bis way, 
 but afterwards increase bis splendour. (Notes, Ps. 68:1 — 3. 
 Rev. 19:1—6.) 
 
 Had rest forty years.] It is not agreed whether these years 
 are to be computed from the time that Deborah was raiseo 
 up to be judge ; or from the beginning of the oppression by 
 Jabin. The former i#the more obvious interpretation. (Notes, 
 3:11,30.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. No delay should be made in returning thanks 
 to God for his mercies : for our praises are most acceptable, 
 pleasant, and profitable, when they flow from a full heart, 
 nor should we be backward to celebrate his praises, and 
 declare our obligations to him, before his most determined 
 enemies, or in the presence of the mightiest arid haughtiest 
 of the princes of the earth. Let them be reminded, that the 
 Lord is above them ; and against them, so long as they seek 
 their own glory and oppose his cause: let them be warned 
 ( 435 ) 
 
8 C. 1W6. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Israel, relapsing into sin, is oppressed by Midian , and rejjroved byaprophet, 
 
 I — 10 . The Angel of the Lord appoints Gideon to deliver them, ami confirms 
 his commission by consuming his oblation with fire, 11 — 21. Gideon knows 
 who the angel is, and is alarmed ; but rohen encouraged , he builds an altar, 
 ami calls it JEHOVAH SHALOM , 22 — 24. By divine command, he destroys 
 Baal's altar and grove, and offers a sacrifice to JEHOVAH, 25 — 27. His 
 citizens purpose to put him to death ; but his father defends him, and calls 
 him Jerubbaal, 28 — 32. He raises an army, and is encouraged by a twofold 
 sign, 33 — 40. # .... 
 
 A ND the children of Israel “did evil in the sight 
 of the Lord ; and the Lord delivered them 
 into the hand of b Midian seven years. 
 
 2 And "the hand of Midian 'prevailed against 
 Israel : and because of the Midianites the children 
 of Israel made them the Mens which are in the 
 mountains, and Caves, and strong-holds. 
 
 3 And so it was, e when Israel had sown, that 
 the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, 
 and f the children of the east, even they came up 
 against them ; 
 
 4 And they encamped against them, and de- 
 stroyed the increase of the earth, still thou come 
 
 ft 2:13,14,19,20. Lev. 26:14, &c. Dem. 28.15, &o. Neh. 9:26— 29. Ps. 106.31 — 12. 
 I) Gen. 25:2. Num. 25:17,18. Hal). 3:7. c Lev. 26:17. Deut. 28:47,48. • Heb. 
 
 was strong, d 1 Sam. 13:6. 14:11. Heb. 11:38. Rev. 6:15. e Lev. 26:16. Deut. 
 28:30—33,51. Job 31:8. Is. 65:21 ,22. Mic. 6:15. f 33. 7:12. 8:10. 1 Kings 4:30. 
 Job 1:3. g Gen. 10:19. 13:10. h Prov. 28:3. Jer. 49:9,10. Ob. 5. t Or, goat. 
 
 44 rejoice with trembling” in their dangerous pre-eminence : 
 let them lower their diadems to the crown of 44 the King of 
 kings ;” and learn to embrace his salvation, and become his 
 servants, or they will ere long perish like Jabin and Sisera. 
 (Ps. 83:9,10. Note , Ps. 2:10 — 12*7) — Those princes who 
 desire to serve God, must trust in him, and not in chariots 
 and horses, fleets, or armies; they must use their authority 
 in advancing truth and righteousness, and account his worship 
 to be their most honourable and delightful privilege and em- 
 ployment. — Every recent mercy calls upon us to renew our 
 gratitude for former benefits : the works of the Most High 
 can consistently be compared only with each other ; and all 
 combine in proclaiming, that nothing i*>too hard for his power, 
 or too large for his love. Our praises in prosperity will be 
 heightened and purified by the remembrance of preceding 
 troubles, and by humiliation for those sins which occasioned 
 them: for nothing but sin gives birth to misery, whether 
 personal or public, temporal or eternal. — When men rebel 
 against God, he withdraws his protection, and sets his face 
 against them : then their weakest foes prevail, and his curse 
 infuses bitterness into all their comforts; nor can any thing 
 but repentance stop the speedy progress of advancing judg- 
 ments. But if faithful and zealous persons are raised up, as 
 magistrates or ministers, to attempt reformation ; if others 
 willingly offer themselves to concur in their pious designs ; 
 and if the people are suitably influenced by these endeavours ; 
 the affairs of nations and churches then begin to wear a more 
 favourable aspect. And when in our personal afflictions we 
 are brought to humble ourselves before God, to repent, to 
 pray and seek forgiveness, deliverance and comfort are not 
 far off. Happy are they who are thus “chastened of the 
 Lord, that they should not be condemned with the world 
 for the prosperity of the wicked increases pride, insolence, 
 presumption, and sensuality, till they 41 suddenly perish, and 
 that without remedy.” — While we can go abroad, or rest at 
 home, in security ; while we can follow our employments, and 
 attend on the ordinances of God, without any to make us 
 afraid ; let us join, to our thanksgivings for such distinguishing 
 mercies, our sympathizing prayers for those who are groaning 
 under the calamities of war, oppression, or persecution. — But, 
 as a craving appetite will urge men to venture even their 
 lives for its gratification ; did we thirst aright for the blessings 
 of salvation, neither the persecutor’s rage, nor the tempter’s 
 assaults, could keep us from the house of God, or the throne 
 of grace. 
 
 • V. 12 — 31. When we rehearse the righteous, faithful, and 
 merciful acts of the Lord ; we should also bear true respect 
 and affection, and give due commendation, to those who have 
 been his willing messengers of kindness to us, and should at 
 least recompense them with our fervent prayers for his 
 blessing on them : and while he needs no human help, he is 
 pleased to employ and accept the services of those, who in 
 their several stations improve their talents to advance his 
 cause : nay, he requires every man to do this, and will call 
 those to a severe account who neglect or evade his service. — 
 The higher any man is advanced in Providence, the more 
 forward ought ho to be in promoting the public good, and in 
 stirring up others, by his example, influence, and authority to 
 do the same ; not deeming the high praises of God unbecom- 
 ing the bench, the senate, or the throne, or unseasonable in 
 the most ordinary conversation with strangers, and even with 
 the nobles of the earth. — They who would do good, must 
 shake off sloth, renounce indulgence, and learn to he active 
 and endure hardship. On some occasions they may bo called 
 to “jeopardy their lives in the high places of the field;” at 
 all times, to sacrifice many personal interests for the public 
 good ; and by so doing, to incur the reproach and censure of 
 a misjudging world. Most men will therefore excuse thern- 
 welves : and while they are averse to the cross, and disatfect- 
 ( 436 ) 
 
 B. C. 1250 
 
 unto Gaza; and h left no sustenance for Israel, 
 neither 'sheep, nor ox, nor ass. 
 
 5 For they came up with their cattle, and theit 
 'tents, and they came Ms grasshoppers for multi- 
 tude ; for both they and 'their camels were with- 
 out number : and they entered into the land m to 
 destroy it. 
 
 6 And Israel was greatly "impoverished because 
 of the Midianites ; and the children of Israe> 
 “cried unto the Lord. 
 
 7 And it came to pass, when the children jt 
 Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midian- 
 ites, 
 
 8 That the Lord sent ta prophet unto the chil- 
 dren of Israel, which said unto them, rTiius saitli 
 the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from 
 Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of 
 bondage : 
 
 9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the 
 Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppress 
 
 i Cant. 1:5. Is. 13:20. k 7:12. 8:10. Jer. 46:23. 1 8:21. 1 Sam. 30:17. Is. 60:6. 
 Jer. 49:29,32. m Ps. 83:4 — 12. n Ps. 106:43. mars. Jer. 5:17. Mai. 1:4. o See 
 on 3:9,15. Ps. 50:15. 78:34. 106:44. Is. 26:16. Hos.5:15. $ Heb .a man, a pro- 
 phet. p See on 2:1 — 3. Neh. 9.9 — 12. Ps. 136:10 — 16. Is. 63:9 — 14. £z. 20:5, 
 &c. 
 
 ed to the cause of God, they will find apologies for their 
 conduct, from the variety of their secular engagements and 
 avocations. But they who temporize in a matter which 
 admits not of neutrality, are numbered among his enemies ; 
 and whilst they grieve and discourage the hearts of others, 
 bring heavy wrath upon themselves. Indeed power and 
 pre-eminence at present seem to be on their side, and the 
 servants of God are poor, despised, and afflicted : but the 
 tables will soon be turned ; and the feeblest believer shall 
 “ tread down strength,” and exercise dominion over the 
 mightiest of the wicked. — When the Almighty “ arises to 
 judgment, to help all the meek upon earth,” and to avenge 
 the cause of his people, the whole creation wages war against 
 his enemies; “the stars in their courses,” the elements meit- 
 ing with fervent heat, and all the angels in heaven shall con- 
 cur in their destruction : while the hosts of God shall sing with 
 triumphant acclamations, “So let all thine enemies perish, 
 O Lord ;”*“and they who love the Lord,” shall “shine as 
 the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” What will then 
 become of the hopes of the sensual, the vain, the covetous, 
 and the ambitious ? The objects of their noblest wishes 
 were degrading, and many of their desires base and brutish : 
 yet even these wishes and desires will not be gratified, and 
 eternal disappointment and black despair will complete their 
 final misery. Where will then he their boasted wisdom? 
 where their high-sounding titles and glittering distinctions ? 
 All, ail are vanished, and gone for ever ! But the righteous 
 may look forward to that solemn scene with joyful expec- 
 tation ; may consider death and judgment as the coming of 
 their Beloved to complete their felicity: and, though willing 
 to wait his time, yet longing to behold his face, they may well 
 say, “ Why is his chariot so long in coming ? why tarry the 
 wheels of his chariots ?” Though they meet delays, they 
 shall not suffer disappointment ; for yet a little space, and ho 
 will come and receive them to his glorious and eternal rest. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. I. The Israelites had exe- 
 cuted vengeance on the Midianites, just before the death of 
 Moses, and had almost extirpated them : (Notes, Num. 31:1 — 
 18.) but thej-emnant had increased and acquired power; and, 
 probably instigated by resentment, they joined themselves to 
 the Amalekites, the devoted enemies of Israel, in order to 
 retaliate. (3) As the tyranny of these enemies, though 
 exceedingly grievous, was much shorter than that of their 
 former oppressors ; it is probable, that the guilt of Israel had 
 not been so atrocious. 
 
 V. 2, 3. These caverns were well known to the Israel- 
 ites, when this history was written : hut it was proper that 
 the original intent and use of them should be remembered, 
 both to humble them, and to excite their gratitude. — Tho 
 Midianites and their allies seem to have come rather as free- 
 booters, than as a disciplined army of troops under experi- 
 enced commanders: yet the courage of the Israelites was so 
 sunk, that, instead of manfully resisting them, they dastardly 
 concealed themselves under ground from their ravages. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 4. Gu 2 a.] The country of Midian lay beyond the 
 most eastern borders of tho land, and Gaza was near the 
 Mediterranean Sea on the west. So that the invaders went 
 across the country, and occupied and desolated the whole of 
 it, leaving “no sustenance.” (Note, Jer. 49:9 — 11.) 
 
 V. 5. Mflrg. R,f. 
 
 V. fi — 10. (Notes, 3:9,10,14.) Tho people having long 
 suffered under their ntiliction, at length cried unto the Lord 
 to deliver them from it; but it does not appear that they 
 were deeply humbled for their sins. (Notes, Is. 1:111 — 20.) 
 He therefore sent a prophet to call them to i epentattee, before 
 he raised up a judge to deliver them from their enemies. 
 The inossage itself was very plain and convincing, and pro- 
 bably was delivered from city to city throughout tin and. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
B. C. 1450. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 1450 
 
 ed you, and ‘idrave them out from before you, and 
 gave you their land : 
 
 10 And I said unto you, r I am the Lord your 
 God ; 'fear not the gods of the Amorites in whose 
 land ye dwell : but l ye have not obeyed my voice. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'} 
 
 11 IT And there came “an Angel of the Lord, 
 and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that 
 pertained unto Joash the v Abi-ezrite: and his son 
 "Gideon thrashed wheat by the winepress, to 'hide 
 it from the Midianites. 
 
 12 And the Angel of the Lord appeared unto 
 him, and said unto him, x The Lord is with thee, 
 thou mighty man of valour. 
 
 13 And Gideon said unto him, O my Lord, ?if 
 the Lord be with us, nvhy then is all this befallen 
 us ? and where be all his miracles which “our fa- 
 thers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us 
 up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath b forsaken 
 us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midian- 
 ites. 
 
 14 And 'the Lord looked upon him, and said, 
 •’Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel 
 from the hand of the Midianites : have not I sent 
 thee ? 
 
 15 And he said unto him, 0 my Lord, 'where- 
 with shall I save Israel ? behold, f my tfamily is poor 
 in Manasseh, and I am s the least in my father’s 
 house. 
 
 16 And the Lord said unto him, h Surely I will 
 be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites 
 as one man. 
 
 q See on Ps. 44:2,3. r See on Ex. 20:2,3. s 2 Kings 17:33,35,38. Jer. 10:2. 
 t 2:2. Prov. 5:13. Jer. 3:13,25. 9:13. 42:21. 43:4,7. Zeph. 3:2. Rom. 10:16. 
 Heb. 5:9. u 14— 16. 2:1— 5. 5:23. 13:3,18-20. Gen. 4816. Is. 63:9. v 8:2. 
 Josh. 17:2. \v Heb. 11:32. Gedeon. * Heb. cause it to flee. x2:18. Ex. 3:12. 
 Josh. 1:5,9. Ruth 2:4. Matt. 1:23. 28:20. Luke 1:28. Acts 18:9,10. v Gen. 25: 
 22. Ex. 33:14— 16. Num. 14:14,15. Rom. 8:31. z Deut. 29:24. 30:17,18. Ps. 89: 
 49. Is. 59:1,2. 63:15. a Ps. 44:1. 78:3,4. b Deut. 31:17. 2 Chr. 15:2. Ps.27:9. 
 Is. 41:17. Jer. 23:33. c See on 11. d 4:6. Josh. 1 :5— 9. 1 Sam. 12:11. 1 Chr. 
 14:9,10. e Ex. 3:11. 4:10. Jer. 1:6. Lt*e 1:34. f 1 Sam. 9:21. 18:23. t Heb. 
 thousand is the meanest. Ex. 18:21 — 25. Mic. 5:2. g Gen. 32:10. Jer. 50:45. 
 
 and it seems to have had considerable effect, as it prepared 
 the way for their deliverance. — It may be useful here to 
 compare the language of this prophet. “ Thus saith the 
 Lord, &c.” with that of the Angel before mentioned, ( Note , 
 2:1 — 5.) and with the subsequent part of this chapter. (11 
 —24.) 
 
 V. 11. (Marg. Ref.) The people contrived by various 
 means to conceal a scanty portion of their harvest, just 
 sufficient to keep them from starving. In the ^winepress 
 Gideon beat out the wheat with a staff (Heb.) unsuspected: 
 for either the vintage was not ripe, or the people could make 
 no use of their winepresses. 
 
 V.12. (Marg. Ref . s.) Perhaps Gideon, while at his work, 
 was meditating on the miserable state of Israel, and conceiv- 
 ing bold designs against their invaders, which however he 
 saw no possibility of accomplishing ; to which thoughts these 
 words of the Angel might refer. 
 
 V. 13. The angel had said, “ The Lord is with thee 
 but Gideon’s mind was occupied about his people, and he 
 therefore answered, “If the Lord be with us;” not con- 
 ceiving that the Lord could be with him , when there was 
 no evidence of his special presence with Israel. He judged 
 right, when he concluded that they could not have been so 
 distressed, if the almighty God, who had brought them out 
 of Egypt, had not for the time forsaken them : but he did not 
 suitably advert to those crimes which had provoked him to 
 anger. (Notes, Deut. 32:26 — 31.) 
 
 Our fathers told us of, &c.] Language of this kind, fre- 
 quently occurring in the subsequent historical books, shows 
 how fully the conviction prevailed in the minds of the people, 
 that all the wonderful works for Israel recorded in the books 
 of Moses had assuredly taken place. And this conviction 
 could never 'have been produced and perpetuated, from the 
 days of Moses to all succeeding generations, had it not been 
 certainly known by Moses’s contemporaries, that this was 
 indeed the case. 
 
 V. 14. We here learn who this Angel was ; eventheLoRD 
 Jehovah, the only begotten Son of God, who has in all ages 
 declared the Father to mankind.— These repeated evidences 
 continually remind the attentive reader, that the Scriptures 
 are calculated to lead us to conceive of the one living and 
 true God, as subsisting in distinct persons. — The Lord looked 
 upon Gideon, with some peculiar expression of majesty or of 
 favour, giving energy to his words, while he said, “ Go in this 
 thy might, and thou shalt save Israel.” (Marg. Ref. on 11 
 p. Notes, Ex. 3:12. 4:1 — 12. Duke 21:14.) — Thus he was 
 commissioned to execute the bold designs which he was 
 rovolving in his mind, or to attempt the deliverance of his 
 people, in that strength of faith which he even then possessed. 
 — If he believed that nothing was wanting to deliver them 
 from the Midianites, but the presence of God who adeemed 
 
 17 And he said unto him, ’If now I have fount, 
 grace in thy sight, then ‘‘show me a sign that thou 
 talkest with me. 
 
 18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come 
 unto thee, and ’bring forth my ^present, and set it 
 before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou 
 come again. 
 
 19 And Gideon went in, and m made ready $a kid, 
 "and unleavened cakes of an ephah of Hour : the 
 flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a 
 pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, 
 and presented it. 
 
 20 And the Angel of God said unto him, Take 
 the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and “lay them 
 upon this rock, and Ppour out the broth. And he 
 did so. 
 
 21 Then the angel of the Lord put forth the 
 end of the staff that teas in his hand, and touched 
 the flesh, and the unleavened cakes ; and there 
 irose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the 
 flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the Artgel 
 of the Lord departed out of his sight. 
 
 22 And when Gideon 'perceived that he was an 
 Angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord 
 God ! for "because I have seen an Angel of the 
 Lord face to face. 
 
 23 And the Lord said unto him, ‘Peace be 
 unto thee ; fear not : thou shalt not die. 
 
 24 Then Gideon “built an altar there unto the 
 Lord, and called it ''JEHOVAH-shalom : unto this 
 day it is yet in v Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.} 
 
 1 Cor. 15:9. Eph. 3:8. h See on 12. Ex. 3:12. Josh. 1:5. Is. 41:10,14—16. Matt. 
 28:20. Mark 16:20. Acts 11:21. i See on Ex. 33:13,16. k 36—40. Gen. 15:8— 
 17. Ex. 4:1— 9. 2 Kine:s 2):8— 11. Ps. 88:17. Is. 7:11. lGen. 18:5. 19:3. } Or, 
 meat-offering, m 13:15 — 19. Gen. 18:6 — 8. § Heb. a kid of the goats, n Lev. 
 2:4. o 13:19. p 1 Kings 18:33,34. q 13:20. Lev. 9:24. 1 Kings 18:38. 1 Chr. 
 21:26. 2 Chr. 7:1. r 13:21. s 13:22. Gen. 16:13. 32:30. Ex. 33:20. Deut. 5:5, 
 24,26. Is. 6:5. John 1:18. 12:41. t Gen. 43:23. Ps. 85:8. John 14:27. 20:19,26. 
 Rom. 1:7. u 21 .4. Gen. 33:20. Josh. 22: 10,26— 28. || That is, The LOUD send 
 peace. Gen. 22:14. Ex. 17:15. Jer. 23:6. 33:16. Ez. 48:35. v 8:32. 
 
 Israel from Egypt, let him go in this confidence, and he shalt 
 find that same power exerted to render him successful. 
 “Have not I sent thee ?” saith the divine Speaker. 
 
 V. 15. Manasseh was not one of the leading tribes in 
 Israel; the thousand (marg.) to which Gideon belonged, was 
 poor in that tribe ; and he was (as he humbly thought) the 
 meanest person in the family, and utterly unfit to undertake 
 such a service. (Notes, Ex. 4:13,14. Is. 6:5 — 8. Jer. 1:6 — 8.) 
 
 V. 16. As one man.) With great facility, and to their 
 entire destruction. (Num. 14:15. Note, 7:16 — 22.) 
 
 V. 17. That thou talkest, &c.) Gideon seems to have 
 desired some assurance, that the Person, now speaking with 
 him, was He, who at the bush commissioned Moses to deliver 
 Israel out of Egypt, and who had given him sensible token* 
 of his divine power and authority. (Notes, ’Ex. 3:2 — 12. 4:1 
 —9. 33:17—19.) 
 
 V. 18. My present.) “Meat-offering.” (Marg.) As a kit 
 was part of the meat-offering, (19) the word cannot always 
 be used exclusively for oblations of flour, &c. as some have 
 thought. 
 
 V. 19. This peparation would serve, either for a hospitable 
 meal, or for a sacred oblation. The quantity was far more 
 than was necessary for one person at one time : and it shows 
 that, even in his poverty, Gideon was ready to “ use hospi- 
 tality without grudging,” according to the custom of those 
 times. (Gen. 18:3 — 8.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. This command seems to have been intended* 
 as a trial of Gideon’s faith and obedience, by which the Lord 
 gave him the sign which he required. (17) With the staff in 
 his hand, he “ touched the flesh, and the unleavened cakes 
 and by fire, miraculously kindled, the whole was consumed as 
 a sacrifice, and not as a hospitable meal ; for he was God, 
 and not man. (Notes, 1 Kings 18:33 — 39. 2 Chr. 7:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 22. The sight of a created angel, though it might have 
 surprised Gideon, would not have thus terrified him : but it 
 was a current opinion, that the vision of the divine glory was 
 fatal ; and, except as seen in Jesus Christ, no doubt it would 
 be so. (Marg. Ref. p.) ‘From such places as this the 
 ancient Christians rightly gathered, that the Son of God 
 appeared, upon some great occasions, in old time: which is 
 not incredible, but a matter of easy belief ; if we be persuaded, 
 that he did really appear in our flesh, which he took of the 
 virgin Mary, and dwelt among us a long lime, and then 
 ascended in it to heaven, where he lives for ever. For \* hy 
 should we think it strange, if for a short time he appeal d 
 sometimes in human shape, as a prelude to what he intended 
 in the fulness of time ? ... It was indeed a greater thing 
 which he did for us at last : but he that did the greater, may 
 well be granted to have done the less, and there is no reason 
 to doubt it.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 23. The LORD said.) Either at a second appear- 
 
 ( 437 ) 
 
B. C 1249. 
 
 JUDGES 
 
 B. C. 1249. 
 
 25 IT Avl eame to pass, the same nidit, that 
 the Lord said unto him, 'Take thy fathers young 
 bullock, "even the second bullock of seven years 
 old, and "throw down the altar of Baal that *thy 
 lather hath, and ?cut down the Errove that is by it: 
 
 26 And *build an altar unto the Lord thy God 
 upon the*top of this frock, in Hhe ordered place, 
 and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt- 
 sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou 
 shalt cut down. 
 
 27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, 
 ‘and did as the Lord had said unto him : and so 
 it was, because he feared his father’s household, 
 and the men of the city, that he could not do it 
 by day, that b he did it by night. • 
 
 28 And when the men of the city arose early 
 in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast 
 down, and the grove was cut down that was by 
 it, and the second bullock was offered upon the 
 altar that was built. 
 
 29 And they said one to anotner, Who hath 
 done this thing? And when they inquired and 
 asked, they said, Gideon ,the son of Joash hath 
 done this thing. 
 
 30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, 
 'Bring out thy son, that he may die : because he 
 hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he 
 hath cut down the grove that was by it. 
 
 31 And Joash said unto all that stood against 
 him, d Wi!l ye plead for Baal ? will ye save him ? 
 he that will plead for him, “let him be put to death 
 whilst it is yet morning : f if he be a god, let him 
 plead for himself, because one hath cast down his 
 altar. 
 
 * Gen. 35:2. Job 22:23. Ps. 101:2. • Or , and. w 1 King. 18:21. Matt. 6:24. 
 2 Cor.6:15— 17. x Mall. 10:37. Acts 4:19. 5:29. y 3:3. Ex. 34:13. pcut. 7:5. 
 t 2 Sam. 24:18. t Heb. strong place. | Or, an orderly manner. 1 Cor. 14:33,40. 
 a Dent. 4:1,2. Matt. 16:24. John 2:5. 15:14. Gal. 1:16. 1 Thus. 2:4. b Ps. 112: 
 5. John 3:2. c Jer. 26:11. 50:38. John 16:2. Acts 26:9. Phil. 3:6. d Ex. 23:2. 
 Num. 14:6. Eph.5:ll. e Petit. 13:5, &c. 17:2—7. 1 Kings 18.40. fl Kings 18: 
 27,29. Ps. 115 4 — 7. Is. 41:23. 46:1,7. Jer. 10:5,11. 1 Cor. 8:4. § That is, Let 
 
 Baal plead. 1 Sam. 12:11. 2 Sam. 11:21. Jerubbesheth : that is, l.et the 
 
 shameful thing plead. Jer. 11:13. Hos. 9:10. gPs.3:l. 27:2,3. 118:10 — 12. Is. 
 
 ance, or by an audible voice, or in a vision as afterwards. 
 (25) 
 
 V. 24. Gideon does not seem to have intended this altar 
 for sacrifices ; but for a memorial of the Lord’s appearance, 
 and gracious words to him. ( Marg . Ref. r, and on marg. 
 reading.) It remained at the time when this history was 
 written. * 
 
 V. 25,20. Our translation supposes, that only one bullock 
 was sacrificed : yet the term, u the second bullock,” may 
 imply, that two were appointed. It does not however appear, 
 when or how the first bullock, if two were meant, was offered. 
 This “ second bullock of seven years old,” (the same number 
 as the years of Israel’s oppression.) seems to have been 
 fattened on purpose for a public sacrifice to Baal. — Before he 
 offered the sacrifice, Gideon was directed to u throw down 
 the altar which his father had” for the worship of Baal; and 
 u to cut down the grove and thus to declare open war 
 against idolatry, before he attacked the enemies of his people: 
 regarding the honour and command of God, more than the 
 authority or credit of his father ; which probably had hitherto 
 made him satisfy himself with silent disapprobation. — Some 
 think that the word rendered grove , means an image of Ash- 
 taroth, which was cut in pieces ; and burnt as fuel in consuming 
 the sacrifice offered to Jehovah. (Note, 2:11 — 13.) — Gideon 
 was not a priest, or even a Levite ; but he acted by extraor- 
 dinary commission, as a prophet. — Sacrificing also was 
 generally restricted to the altar at Shiloh : yet on this occa- 
 sion the Lord was pleased to dispense with the ritual 
 appointment ; and even to command and accept a sacrifice 
 offered with those things which had been employed in idolatry : 
 for it was of great importance, that a protest against the 
 worship of Baal, and an avowal of Jehovah, as the only 
 true God, should introduce Israel’s deliverance. (Notea, Lev. 
 1:5—9. 17:3 — 7. Deui. 12:2 — 9. 1 Sam. 7:9. 1 Kings 18:38,39. 
 2 Kings 3:20.) 
 
 V. 27. The large family of Gideon’s father was grievously 
 infected with this idolatry ; which the more magnifies the 
 mercy of God in preserving him, and in selecting him to be 
 Israel’s deliverer. Some, however, even of his servants, were 
 ready and willing to help in this perilous attempt. 
 
 V. 28 — 30. When the citizens arose betimes, (perhaps to 
 pay their moi*ning devotions to Baal) and saw what had taken 
 place,, they were speedily informed that Gideon had done it ; 
 and nothing but his blood could satisfy the persecuting rage 
 of these infatuated idolaters ! (Note, 1 Kings 19:2.) 
 
 V. 31, 32. Joash, though himself guilty of idolatry, was 
 unwilling to have his son punished : and probably, by what 
 had been done, lie was convinced of the sin and folly of wor- 
 shipping an idol which could not defend itself; and whi'h 
 ( 438 ) 
 
 32 Therefore on that day he cal'.ed him iJerub 
 baal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because 
 he hath thrown down his altar. 
 
 33 H Then sail the Midianites, and the Amalek- 
 
 ites, and the h children of the east, were gathered 
 together, and ‘went over and pitched in k the valley 
 of Jezreel. . 
 
 34 But ‘the Spirit of the Lord “came upon 
 Gideon, and he "'blew a trumpet; and “Abi-ezer 
 l was gathered after him. 
 
 35 And he sent “messengers throughout ail 
 Manasseh ; who also was gathered after' him : 
 and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto 
 Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up 
 to meet them. 
 
 36 H And Gideon said unto God, rlf thou wilt 
 save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, 
 
 37 ^Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the 
 floor ; and if the dew be on the fleece 'only, and 
 it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I 
 know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as 
 thou hast said. 
 
 38 And it was so: for he rose up early on 
 the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and 
 wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl-full of 
 water. 
 
 39 And Gideon said unto God, 'Let not thine 
 anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this 
 once : Let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with 
 the fleece ; let it now be ‘dry only upon the fleece, 
 and upon all the ground let there be dew. 
 
 40 And God did so that night: for it was dry 
 upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the 
 ground. 
 
 8:9,10. Rom. 8:35— 39. li 3. 8:10,11. 1 Chr. 5:19,20. Job 1:3. I 7:24. Josh. 3: 
 16,17. k Josh. 17:16. 19:18. 1 Kinds 18:45. 21:1. 1 3:10.13:25.14:19.15:14. 
 
 I Sam. 10:6. It:6. 16:14. 1 Chr. 12:18. 2 Chr. 24:20. Ps. 51:11. 1 Cor. 12:8—11. 
 
 II Heb. clollted. Rom. 13:14. Gal. 3:27. m 3:27. Num. 10:3. nil. 8:2. Josh. 
 17:2. 9 Heh.was called after him. o hr. 30:6— 12. p 14,17-20. Ex . 4: 1— 
 9. 2 Kings 20:8. Ps. 103:13,14. Malt. 16:1. q Pent. 32:2. Ps. 72:6. lies. 6:3,4. 
 14:5. r Ps. 147:19,20. Matt. 10:5,6. 15:24. • Gen. 18:32. t Pa. 107 33— 35. la. 
 35:6,7. 43:19,20. Matt. 8:12. 21:43. Acu 13:46. 22:21. 28:28. Rom. 11:12-22. 
 
 needed to be saved by its devotees, instead of being able to 
 save them. If Baal were indeed a god, let him plead his 
 own cause against Gideon : and if he were not a god, they who 
 pleaded for him deserved immediate death. (Notes, 1 Sam. 
 5 6: Is. 46:1,2.) — Probably Joash now recollected the law 
 against idolaters. (Note, Dent. 13:1 — 5.) Some however 
 think, that he spake merely as a magistrate, against any who 
 should excite a tumult on account of these transactions. — 
 On this occasion he gave his son a new name, and railed him 
 Jerubbaal ; as if he had said, Let Baal plead against him if 
 he be able. He was also called Jerubbesheth, which signifies, 
 let shame plead; (2 Sam. 11:21.) for what the people called 
 Baal, or lord , was indeed their shame. (Notes, Jer. 11:13. 
 Hos. 9:9,10.) — Some fragments of Phenician history evidently 
 mention Gideon under the title of Jerombalus, and call him the 
 priest of Jcvo ; doubtless from this sacrifice offered by him 
 to Jehovah. The writer says he received some commenta- 
 ries from him, which probably mean the books of Moses, the 
 law of Jehovah. 
 
 V. 33, 34. It seems that a very great and surprising refor- 
 mation took place on this occasion in Ophrah of the Abi- 
 ezrites; for that city furnished Gideon with his first troops, 
 when he prepared to attack ‘the Midianites after they had 
 crossed Jordan on their annual plundering invasion. (Note, 
 2,3.) 
 
 V. 36 — 40. The view of the very great multitudes of the 
 enemy perhaps rather discouraged Gideon ; who, for the con- 
 firmation of his own faith, and that of his troops, desired this 
 miraculous sign of the Lord’s presence as the seal of his com- 
 mission. But, as it is the nature of wool to suck in the mois- 
 ture, when there is any in the air, so the first token did 
 not quite satisfy him : and, though conscious of his unbelief, 
 he asked the reversal of the sign, joining with his petition an 
 humble deprecation of the Lord’s displeasure ; and he obtained 
 his request. (Note, 7:13 — 15. Ex. 4:1 — 7. Luke 1:18 — 20.) 
 — According to this miracle, the nation of Israel was mois- 
 tened by the dew of heavenly blessings, when the whole earth 
 besides remained dry: and now that the nations of the earth 
 enjoy the blessings of redemption, the Jews remain like the 
 dry fleece. 
 
 practical observations. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The tendency of our fallen nature to npostacy 
 from God is so strong, that no means ran of themselves pre- 
 vent its effect ; and in all cases when divine grace is withheld, 
 man as naturally does evil as the stone falls to the ground. 
 The Scriptures every where teach us this humiliating truth: 
 and in proportion as wo effectually learn i ., we shall in all 
 things depend on the special assistance and jlessing of God. 
 with constant, earnest prayer ; and unreserve* Jy give him all 
 
B. C. 1249, 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 B. C. 1249 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Gideon's army it tried by divine directions, and reduced to three hundred men, 
 
 1 — 8. He it tent into the enemy's camp by night , and encouraged by hearing 
 a dream interpreted, 9 — 15. He divides his army into three companies, 
 riving each twin a trumpet, and a lamp in a pitcher, 16 — 18. The Midian- 
 ites are thrown into confusion and put to Jlight, 19 — 22. The Israelites 
 intercept their flight, and take their princes Orcb and Zeeb, whom they put to 
 death. 23 — 23. 
 
 T HEN “Jerubbaal (who is Gideon,) and all 
 the people that were with him, b rose up early, 
 and pitched beside the well of Harod ; so that 
 the host of the Midianites were on the north side 
 of them, by the hill of c Moreh, in the valley. 
 
 2 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people 
 that are with thee, are d too many for me to give 
 the Midianites into their hands, lest 'Israel vaunt 
 themselves against me, saying, < Mine own hand 
 hath saved me. 
 
 3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of 
 the people, saying, eWbosoever is fearful and 
 afra.d, let him return, and depart early from 
 mount Gilead : and there returned of the people 
 •■twenty and two thousand, and there remained 
 ten thousand. 
 
 4 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people 
 
 r 6:32. b Gen. 22:3. Josh. 3:1. 6:12. Ec.9:10. cGen.l2:6. dlSam.l4:6. 
 SChr. 14:11. Zecll. 4:6. 12:7. 1 Cor. 1 :27— 29. 2:4,5. 2 Cor. 4:7. 10:4,5. 
 
 • Deul. 32:27. Is. 2:11,17. Jer. 9:23. Rom. 3:27. Eph. 2:9. Jam. 4:6. fDeot. 
 8:17. Is. 10:13. Ez.*28:2,17. Dan.4:30. Hab. 1:16. g Deut.20:8. Matt. 13:21. 
 
 the glory, whatever good be wrought in us, or done by us. — 
 He has so constituted the world, that fear, shame, and misery, 
 arc the natural effects of sin, and will inevitably follow the 
 commission of it ; however impenitent sinners may endeavour 
 to evade them, and/or a time, succeed.— Conscious guilt appals 
 the heart, and reduces men to the most degrading expedients 
 for self-preservation : and plenty abused in excess must ex- 
 pose them, at least, to the merciful chastisement of pinching 
 want. Heavy afflictions often extort from sinners cries of 
 distress and prayers for relief: but if the Lord regard these 
 cries and prayers, he will convince the sufferers of their guilt, 
 and lead them to repentance ; for without this no deliverance 
 will eventually prove a blessing. — The ministers of God must 
 declare to sinners his perfections and authority: the relations 
 in which they stand to him, and their obligations to obedience ; 
 the reasonableness of his precepts, the advantages of his ser- 
 vice, the evil of sin, and the number and heinousness of their 
 transgressions. Hence it will appear, that they greatly need 
 repentance and forgiveness ; and that the message of the gos- 
 el is indeed worthy of their most cordial acceptation. And, 
 aving brought these things home to their consciences, they 
 must leave the rest with God, earnestly praying to him to 
 render his word successful. Yet, alas 1 numbers hear the 
 word of God, and are convinced that their conduct is inex- 
 cusable, who notwithstanding proceed in their sinful courses, 
 even while groaning under the painful effects of them ! 
 
 V. 11 — 24. The Lord reserves to himself a remnant in 
 the worst of times, to whom he manifests his gracious pre- 
 sence ; and they are never more likely to be thus favoured, 
 than when struggling with outward difficulties, employed in 
 honest labour, and meditating upon heavenly things. — Talents, 
 suited for peculiar services, may for a time be buried in ob- 
 scurity ; but in due season the Lord will take the candle from 
 “under the bushel,” and place it “ on a candlestick” to give 
 light to all around : and that time must be waited for by those 
 who feel their hearts glow with desires of usefulness, which 
 at present they have no opportunity of executing. — We are 
 more disposed to muse on our troubles, than on our trans- 
 gressions : and when we do not directly experience the same 
 deliverances as have been afforded to others, we are apt to 
 think that the Lord’s “ hand is shortened,” or that “ he hath 
 forgotten to be gracious not considering that he worketh 
 every thing in its appointed season, according to the deter- 
 minations of his unfathomable wisdom, and as best answers the 
 purposes of his own glory. — But “ before honour is humility ;” 
 and the delays and disappointments, by which he humbles 
 those whom he delighteth to honour, often discourage their 
 hearts, and induce distrust and reluctance to duty : so imper- 
 fect and so defiled with sin are our best graces ! Yet he gene- 
 rally employ s those who are most sensible of their own unwor- 
 thiness and insufficiency: at the same time teaching them to 
 exercise the courage of faith, and to grow strong by simply 
 expecting help from Him; and graciously assuring them of 
 his direction and support. — When the Lord favours his ser- 
 vants with glimpses of his glory, and tastes of his love, they 
 ion g for ther continuance of his gracious presence* and when 
 the sense of his pardoning love has banished the fear of wrath, 
 they rise superior to discouragements, praise him for his 
 mercies, and are ready to say, “ Here am I, send me 
 though the service be dangerous and difficult, and require 
 much selMenial. (Notes, Is. 6:6 — 8.) 
 
 V. 25 — 40. In attempting reformation, (which is the first step 
 towards recovering prosperity, )no man must be known accord- 
 Vtg to the flesh : nay, when the commands of God are con- 
 cerned, even parental authority loses its obligation ; and though 
 the method of procedure should be regulated by wisdom, yet 
 
 are yet too many; bring them down unto th* 
 water, and ‘I will try them for thee there ; and h 
 shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall 
 go with thee, the same shall go with thee ; and ol 
 whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go 
 with thee, the same shall not go. 
 
 5 So he brought down the people unto the 
 water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every 
 one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as 
 a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; 
 likewise every one that boweth down upon his 
 knees to drink. 
 
 6 And the number of them that lapped, putting 
 their hand to their mouth, were three hundred 
 men : hut all the rest of the people bowed down 
 upon their knees to drink water. 
 
 7 And the Lord said unto Gideon, k By the 
 three hundred men that lapped will I save you, 
 and deliver the Midianites into thine hand : and 
 let all the other people go every man unto his 
 place. 
 
 8 So the people took victuals, in their hand, 
 and their 'trumpets : and he sent all the rest of 
 
 Luke 14:25— 33. Rev. 17:14. 21:8. h Mill. 20:16. i Gen. 22:1. lSam,16:7. 
 Job 23:10. Ps. 7:9. 66:10. Jer.6:27— 30. Mai. 3:2,3. k 18— 22. 1 Sam. 14 6. Is. 
 41:14—16. 13:27. Lev. 23:24 . 25:9. Num. 10:9. Josh. 6:4,20. Is. 27:13. 1 Cor. 
 15:52. 
 
 we must not be counselled by natural affection or the fear of 
 man. (Notes, Mutt. 10:37 — 39. P. O. 34—42. Luke 14:25 — 
 27. 2 Cor. 5:16. ( — If we do any thing effectual against the 
 cause of Satan, his servants will certainly be enraged, espe- 
 cially those who are zealous for any kind of false religion. 
 But the Lord has all hearts in his hands, and can easily inti- 
 midate the enemies of his people, or convert them into friends 
 and helpers ; and persecution must always appear unreason- 
 able and odious to a reflecting mind. Jehovah doesnotallow 
 his servants to use carnal weapons: and his friends should leave 
 them exclusively to idolaters, antichristians, and ungodly men. 
 — Wicked men are frequently most furious, when destruction is 
 just at hand : for “ when the enemy comes in like a flood, the 
 Spirit of the Lord lifteth up a standard against him.” Yet 
 even they who have the Spirit of God, and by the trumpet ot 
 the gospel call others to the conflict, cannot always keep out 
 disquieting fears, in circumstances of peculiar danger and 
 difficulty. In this struggle against involuntary unbelief, the 
 Lord himself, the Author and Finisher of his people’s faith, is 
 their refuge : to him they make application, and he will help 
 them ; and when they are encouraged, they will be enabled to 
 strengthen their brethren. Yet the same inward enemy will 
 repeatedly assail them : and conscious that their fears dis- 
 honour the power and faithfulness and love of God, they will 
 deprecate his displeasure, and beseech him to strengthen their 
 faith ; and he will both pardon them, and condescend to their 
 desires, while they endeavour to trust in him, but “cannot 
 do the thing that they would.” — What cause have we sinners 
 of the Gentiles to thank the Lord, that the dew of heavenly 
 blessings, once confined to Israel, now descends upon the 
 inhabitants of the earth, without that limitation ! Yet still 
 the means of grace are dispensed in different measures accord- 
 ing to the purposes of God ; and even in the same congrega- 
 tions, one man’s soul is like Gideon’s moistened fleece, 
 another’s like the dry ground. Let us then continually pray 
 for the divine blessing on the ordinances of God to ourselves 
 and others : not at any time forgetting the nation of Israel, to 
 which all other nations are so deeply indebted, and which has 
 been so long a dry fleece, whilst the earth around has enjoy- 
 ed the blessing. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. VII. V. 2, 3. Gideon either forgot 
 the law, which ordained proclamation to be made before the 
 battle, that the fearful with some others might return home ; 
 or he thought it might be dispensed with on so urgent an 
 occasion. (Note, Deut. 20:5—9.) But the Lord knew, that 
 pride and unbelief prevailed in the army. The people had 
 readily enlisted at first; but when they saw the multitudes 
 of the Midianites, their courage sunk : yet, had they prevailed, 
 they would have vaunted, and ascribed the victory to their 
 own valour, and not to the special help of God ! Most of 
 them were destitute of true faith, and many doubtless disheart- 
 ened with a guilty conscience. They thought that instead 
 of being too many, they were too few ; and the greatest part 
 of them availed themselves of the proclamation, and went 
 home. — Mount Gilead, here mentioned, must have been soma 
 mountain of that name west of Jordan, of less note than 
 mount Gilead which lay east of that river : for Gideon’s army 
 never crossed Jordan till after the victory. (8:4.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. Some of the soldiers that still remained, were 
 not so courageous as they would be thought : but Gideon had 
 done his part in that respect ; and it pleased the Lord himself 
 to prove and purify the company by an extraordinary expe- 
 dient. Perhaps they were led to the water after the fatigue 
 of a long march, under the idea that they were going directly 
 to attack the enemy. It seems to have been customary for 
 them to drink as the cattle do, by putting their mouths down 
 ( 439 ) 
 
A C. 1249 JUDGES. B. C. 1249. 
 
 Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those 
 three hundred men. And the host of Midian was 
 U/neath him m in the valley. 
 
 9 IT And it came to pass n the same night, that 
 the Lord said unto him, °Arise, get thee down 
 unto the host; for rl have delivered it into thine 
 hand. 
 
 10 But oiT thou fear to go down, go thou with 
 Phurah thy servant down to the host. 
 
 11 And thou shalt hear what they say, and 
 afterward shall Hhme hands be strengthened to 
 go down unto the host. Then went he down, 
 with Phurah his servant, unto the outside of the 
 ‘armed men that were in the host. 
 
 12 And the Midianites and the Amalekites, 
 and all the children of the east, lay along in the 
 valley like “grasshoppers for multitude ; and their 
 camels were without number, as the sand of the 
 sea-side for multitude. 
 
 13 And when Gideon was come, behold, there 
 was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and 
 said, Behold, I dreamed a dream ; and to, a cake 
 of barley-bread tumbled into the host of Midian, 
 and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, 
 and overturned it, that the tent lay along. 
 
 14 And yhis fellow answered and said, This is 
 nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of 
 Joash, a man of Israel : for “into his hand hath 
 God delivered Midian and all the host. 
 
 15 And it was so, when Gideon heard the 
 telling of the dream, and the 'interpretation 
 thereof, that he “worshipped, and returned into 
 the host of Israel, and said, b Arise, for the Lord 
 hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] • 
 
 16 IT And he divided the three hundred men 
 into three companies, and he put la trumpet in 
 every man’s hand, with “empty pitchers, and 
 §lamps within the pitchers. 
 
 17 And he said unto them, d Look on me, and 
 do likewise : and, behold, when I come to the out- 
 
 m 6:'23. n Gen. 46:2,3. Job 4:13. 33:15,16. Matt. 1:20. 2:13. Acts 18:9,10. 
 27:23. o Josh. 1:5-9. Is. 41:10—16. 431, 2. p 3:10,28. 4:14,15. 2Chr. 
 16:8,9.20:17. q 4:8,9. Ex. 4: 10— 14. r 13,14. Gen. 24:14. 1 Sam. 14:8— 12. 
 
 . 1 Sam. 23:16. Ezra 6:22. Neh.6;9. Is. 35:3,4. 2 Cor. 12:9.10. Eph.3:16. 6:10. 
 Phil - 4:13. * Or , ranks by Jive. Ex. 13:18. marg. t 6:3,5,33. 1 Kings 4:30. 
 
 >i 8:10. 2 Chr. 14:9—1*2. Ps. 3:1 . 33:16. 118:10— 12. Is. 8:9,10. x 3:15,31. 4: 
 9,21. 6:15. Is. 41:14,15. 1 Cor. 1:27. y Num. 22:38 . 23:5,20 . 24:10—13. Job 1: 
 10. z Ex. 15:14,15. Josh. 2:9. 24. 5:1. 2 Kings 7:6,7. 1 Heb. breaking thereof. 
 Gen. 40:8. 41:11. a Gen. 24:26,27,48. Ex. 4:30,31. 2 Chr. 20: 18,19. b 4:14. 
 2 Cor. 10:4—6. J Heb. trumpets in the hand of all of them, c 2 Cor. 4:7. § Or, 
 
 to the water, and drawing it in : but they who only took a 
 little into their hands, and sucked it up, (as dogs are remarked 
 to lap a little water hastily,) might be supposed to be less en- 
 slaved to their appetite, more able to endure hardship, and 
 more eager to engage. — It may be presumed that most of this 
 very small company, by whom God was pleased to save Israel, 
 were men of genuine faith and piety, as well as of steady 
 courage. 
 
 V. 8. This small company seems to have retained no- 
 thing but present necessary provisions, and perhaps all the 
 trumpets which belonged to the whole army, without any 
 other arms 1 This was no doubt done by immediate direction 
 from God. ( Notes, 1 Sam. 14:6 — 15. 1 Cor. 2:3 — 5.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. Marg. Ref. Note , 6:36 — 40. 
 
 V. 12. Marg. Ref. Notes , 1 Kings 20:27. 2 Chr. 14:9 
 — 15. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. This dream might appear to have little cohe- 
 rency in it : but the event evidently proved that it was from 
 the Lord, who directed the soldier to an exact interpretation ; 
 and at the same time discovered that the name of Gideon had 
 filled the hearts of the Midianites with terror. The very 
 small unarmed company which Gideon headed, had the Mi- 
 dianites known about them, would have appeared as con- 
 temptible as the barley-cake, and no more likely to destroy 
 their army than that to overturn a tent. — Gideon therefore took 
 this as a sure pledge of success ; and without delay worship- 
 ped God, and returned with confidence to his three hundred 
 men, who were “the host of Israel,” by whom the Lord 
 intended to deliver his people. ( Note , 2 Coi. 10:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 16 — 22. This small number of men, thus divided, would 
 be able to encompass the whole camp of the Midianites. 
 Concealing the lamps in the pitchers, they would pass unob- 
 serve to their appointed stations : then in the dead of the night, 
 when most of the enemy were fast asleep, all at once break- 
 ing their pitchers one against another, with as much noise as 
 they could : and blowing the trumpets, and shouting, 44 The 
 6*vord of the Lord, and of Gideon they would occasion an 
 exceedingly great alarm. And their enemies, thus awakened 
 and affrighted, hearing the continued sound of so many trum- 
 pets, ana seeing the camp surrounded with lights, would in 
 ( 440 ) 
 
 side of the camp, it shall lie that as I do, so shall 
 ye do. 
 
 18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that 
 are with me, then “blow ye the trumpets also on 
 every side of all the camp, and say, 1 The sword of 
 the Lord, and of Gideon. 
 
 19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were 
 with him, came unto the outside of the camp ein 
 the beginning of the middle watch ; and they had 
 but newly set the watch : and they blew the trum- 
 pets, and h brake the pitchers that were in their 
 hands. 
 
 20 And the three companies ‘blew the trumpets, 
 and k brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in 
 their left hands, and the trumpets in their right 
 hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword 
 of the Lord, and of Gideon. 
 
 21 And they ‘stood every man in his place 
 round about the camp : and m all the host ran, and 
 cried, and fled. 
 
 22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, 
 and “the Lord set every man’s sword against his 
 fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host 
 fled to Beth-shittah “in Zererath, and to the 
 ’’border of “Ahel-meholah unto Tabbath. 
 
 23 And Plhe men of Israel gathered themselves 
 together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and 
 out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midi- 
 anites. 
 
 24 And Gideon isent messengers throughout 
 all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against 
 the Midianites, and “take before them the waters 
 unto s Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men 
 of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and 
 took the waters unto Beth-harah and Jordan. 
 
 25 And they took 'two princes of the Midi- 
 anites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon 
 the “rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the wine- 
 press of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought 
 the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon "on the 
 other side Jordan. 
 
 firebrands, or, torches, d 9:48. Matt. 16:24. 1 Cor. 11:1. Heb. 13:7. 1 Pet. 5; 
 S. e 20. fl Sam. 17:47. 2 Chr. 20:15— 17. g Ex. 14:24. Matt. 25:6: 1 Thes. 
 5:3. Rev. 16:15. h Ps. 2:9. Jer. 13:13,14. 19:1—11. i Num. 10:1— 10. Josh. 
 6:4,16,20. Is. 27:13. 1 Cor 15:52. 1 Thes. 1:16. k 2 Cor. 4:7. Heb. 11:4. 2 Pet. 
 1:15. 1 Ex. 14:13,14. 2Chr.20:17. Is. 30:7,15. m Ex. 14:25. 2 Kings 7:6,7. 
 Job 15:21,22. Prov. 28:1. n 1 Sam. 14: 16— 20. 2 Chr. 20:23. Ps. 83:9. Is. 9:4. 
 19:2. || Or, toward. !T Heb. lip. o 1 Kings 4:12. 19:16. p 6 : 35. 1 Sum. 14:21, 
 22. q 3:27. R.»m. 15:30. Phil. 1:27. r 3:28. 12:5. s John 1:28. t 8:3. Ps. 83: 
 11. u Josh. 7:26. Is. 10:26. x 8:4. 
 
 their confusion naturally conclude themselves surprised by a 
 large army: so that, perceiving the lamps and trumpets still 
 keeping their stations, they would be led to suspect that the 
 enemy was even now in the camp. And in the dark they 
 would become jealous of one another: so that, when some 
 had by mistake been slain by their comrades, the distraction, 
 terror, and suspicion would become general ; until every one 
 was engaged in battle with his fellow-soldier. Thus we may 
 easily conceive the success of this stratagem : but the power 
 of God had previously prepared the dismayed hearts of the 
 Midianites to receive such an impression, and he set every 
 man’s sword against his fellow; (Note, 2 Chr. 20:22 — 25.) 
 and the obedience of faith alone could have induced so de- 
 fenceless a company to venture on such an expedient, which 
 no doubt God directed Gideon to employ. (Notes, Josh. 6:3 
 —5,7. 2 Cor. 4:7. P. O. 7—12.) 
 
 V. 23 — 25. As soon as the stratagem began to take effect, 
 many of those who had been dismissed contrary to their 
 inclinations, would return: (Note, 1 Sam. 14:16 — 23.) Gideon 
 also speedily sent messengers to the Ephraimites. So that 
 numbers were soon collected ; anti, while some occupied the 
 fords of Jordan to prevent the escape of any Midianites, 
 others pursued and slew the fugitives: (Note, 3:29.) espe- 
 cially the Ephraimites intercepted and slew two princes oi 
 Midian, and brought their heads to Gideon at the passage qf 
 Jordan (j"n'*7 layo). — (Marg. Ref. Note, 8:3,4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. Activity and prudence very properly accom- 
 pany dependence upon God for success in our lawful under* 
 takings: but 44 the Lord seeth not as man seeth and know- 
 ing the secrets of every heart, he varies his conduct, with a 
 wise regard to innumerable circumstances which arc imper- 
 ceptible by all others. When he secs men inclined to over- 
 look him, and through unbelief to shrink from perilous services, 
 or through pride 44 to vaunt themselves against him,” he lays 
 them aside, and does his work by other instruments. Indeed 
 very many profess themselves followers of Christ, helpers to 
 his servants, and prepared to fight under Ins banner, while 
 persecution and tribulation are at a distance : In t without true 
 faith and a good conscience, the heart will fail n the iu>«**- 
 
B. C. 1249. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 B. C. 1249. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TSk Ephraimiles take offence, but are pacified by Gideon , 1 — 3 . He pursues 
 the Midianites : the men of Succoth and Penuel insolently refuse relief to 
 his company : he threatens to chastise them; which he does, after he has 
 taken Zebah and Zalmunna, 4—17. 1/e puts Zebah and Zalrnunna to death, 
 because they had slain his brethren, IS — 21 . He refuses the government 
 offered him : but asks the earrings out of the spoil, and of these he makes 
 an ephod, which proves an occasion of idolatry, 22 — 27 . AJidian it subdued , 
 28 . Gideon's family and death; and Israel's idolatry and ingratitude , 
 29 — 35 . ... 
 
 AND “the men of Ephraim said unto him, 
 ’Why hast thou served us thus, that thou 
 calledst us not when thou wentest to fight with 
 the Midianites? And they did chide with him 
 'sharply. 
 
 2 And he said unto them, b What have I done 
 now in comparison of you ? is not the gleaning of 
 the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of 
 ‘Abi-ezer ? 
 
 3 d God hath delivered into your hands the 
 princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb : and what 
 was I able to do in comparison of you? 'Then 
 their 'anger was abated toward him when he had 
 6aid that. 
 
 a 12:1 — 6. 2 Sam. 19:41. Job 5:2. Ec. 4:4. Jam. 4:5.6. • Heb. what thing is 
 
 this thou hast do e unto us? t Heb. strongly, b 1 Coi*. 13:4 — 7. Gal. 5:14,15. 
 Phil. 2:2,3. Jam. 1:19,20. 3:13—18. c 6:11 ,34. d 7:24,25. Pa. 44:3. 115:1. 118: 
 14—16. John 4:37. Korn. 12:3,6. 15:18,19. eProv.l5:l. 16:32. 25:11,15. 
 
 diate prospect of danger ; and some pretence will be found 
 for deserting the cause, and escaping the cross. But though 
 a religious society may thus be greatly diminished in num- 
 bers, and in external prosperity ; yet it will be improved in 
 purity, and may consequently expect an increasing'blessing. 
 — Many who have real faith and grace are unfit for special 
 services, and unable to bear peculiar trials, from which 
 therefore the Lord will exempt them ; and to which he will 
 appoint those to whom he has given superior hardiness, bold- 
 ness, and firmness of spirit : and very trivial incidents will 
 sometimes make a discovery of men’s capacities and disposi- 
 tions, and show who are and who are not to be dependefl 
 on in arduous undertakings. — But, while the Lord pursues 
 his purposes of displaying his own glory, he will try to the 
 uttermost the faith and courage of the strongest believers : 
 and even when they are acting by his orders, and have the 
 security of his promise for their support, appearances may 
 be so very much against them, that they cannot keep out the 
 misgivings and struggles of unbelief. This he perceives ; 
 and in the most seasonable hour, by some “ token for good,” 
 he will make their faith victorious, and establish their hearts 
 in confidence. (Notes, Acts 1 8:9 — 11. 23:11.27:20 — 26.28:15.) 
 — Dreams generally savour of our waking thoughts or dispo- 
 sitions, and frequently discover the sin that dwells in us: we 
 have therefore ofien cause to be humbled on recollecting our 
 sleeping imaginations, or to feel thankful that they were not 
 realities ; and we should be reminded to pray against terrify- 
 ing or polluting dreams. Sometimes, however, they may 
 afford us a salutary hint; which, agreeing with the truth and 
 precepts of God’s word, may be made useful, without exactly 
 ascertaining how it was brought into our mind : and if we can 
 get any benefit from the dreams of others, we should readily 
 and thankfully embrace it. — In discovering the disposition of 
 those with whom we are concerned, faith may frequently dis- 
 cern the secret operation of God, and both take encourage- 
 ment from it and point it out to others. 
 
 V. 16 — 25. The feeblest and most improbable methods, 
 when divinely appointed and used in faith, produce the most 
 decisive consequences. — The ministers of Christ are frail, 
 sinful men, and seldom adorned with the embellishments of 
 worldly wisdom, large capacities, or great eloquence ; hut are 
 rather comparable to mean earthen pitchers: yet the light of 
 divine truth and grace which resides in them, accompanied by 
 the trumpet of the gospel preached by them in their several 
 •tations, is the power of God to the salvation of his people, 
 and to the subversion of the kingdom of sin and Satan. Nor 
 •hould they shrink from danger, or fear death: the earthen 
 pitcher must be broken : and frequently the light of their tes- 
 timony, set olf by the recollection of their example, shines 
 brightest after their decease ; especially when they have been 
 honoured, by being called to lay down their lives in so good a 
 cause. — The same light and sound of heavenly truth, which 
 save the Israel of God, confound and dismay his enemies: 
 and if threatened vengeance so appals the sinner’s alarmed 
 conscience in this world ; what will be the effect of the arch- 
 angel’s trumpet, the voice of the Judge, and the shout of the 
 redeemed, at the great day of account ! and of that full blaze 
 of light, which will manifest all hearts, display every charac- 
 ter, and show every impenitent sinner his deserved and in- 
 evitable doom ! — In this world the wicked are often left, under 
 the power of their own delusions and the fury of their mad 
 passions, to avenge the cause of God upon each other: a pe- 
 -iod is approaching when we may expect that the persecuting 
 ces of Christianity will destroy one another; whilst the host 
 if Israel shall look on, and have nothing to do but to blow the 
 trumpet of the gospel, and read the meaning of such singular 
 events in the light of prophecy : and in the world to come, the 
 vicked by mutual enmity, upbraidings, and contempt, will in- 
 Vol. I.— 56 
 
 4 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed oven 
 he and the three hundred men that were with 
 him, 'faint, yet pursuing them. 
 
 5 And he said unto the men of ^Succoth 
 Give, I pray you, Hoaves of bread unto the people 
 that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pur- 
 suing after Zebah and Ztflmunna, kings of Mi- 
 dian. 
 
 6 And the princes of Succoth said, 'Are the 
 hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine 
 hand, that vve should' give bread unto thine 
 army ? 
 
 7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the Lord 
 hath delivered Zebali and Zalmunna into mine 
 hand, then I will Hear your flesh with the thorns 
 of the wilderness, and with briers. 
 
 8 And he went up thence to k Penuel, and spake 
 unto them likewise ; and the men of Penuel an- 
 swered him as the men of Succoth had answered 
 him. 
 
 9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, 
 
 J Heb. spirit, fl Sam. 14:23,29,31,32 . 30:10. 2 Cor. 4:8,9,16. Gal. 6:9. Heb. 
 12:1—4. a Gen. 33:17. Ps. 60:6. h Gen. 14:18. Deul.23:4. 1 Sam. 25:18. 2 Sam. 
 12:28,29. 3 John 6— 8 . i5:23. 1 Sam. 25:10,11. 1 Kings 20:11. 2Kingsl4:9. 
 
 Prov. 18:23. Phil. 2:21. § Heb. thrash. 16. k Gen. 32:30,31. 1 Kings 12:25. 
 
 crease their own and each other’s misery. What then have the 
 people of God to fear, except unbelief and sin ? what have they 
 to do, but to believe his word, to trust his power and promise, 
 to obey his orders, to wait his time, and to help one another, 
 as occasions are afforded and circumstances require? For 
 they, who are incapable of one service, may be useful in an- 
 other. Their victory is sure, and will soon be complete over 
 their most numerous and powerful opponents. 
 
 NOTES. — Ciiap. VIII. V. 1 — 3. Gideon was of the 
 tribe of Manasseh, and the Ephraimites were perhaps jealous 
 of him, as having the chief command in this war. It is proba- 
 ble that they were averse to take any part in the perilous and 
 arduous attempt of delivering Israel: yet it served as a pre- 
 tence for their anger, that they had not been called upon to 
 assist, though Gideon acted expressly by divine command! 
 But he modestly threw a veil over his own achievements, and 
 spoke highly of theirs, and thus prevented the fatal effects of 
 their resentment. He represented his own victory, by the 
 three hundred men, who were chiefly of Abi-ezer, as little in 
 comparison of their taking the princes of Midian ; though the 
 former might be called the vintage, and the other the gleaning: 
 and he intimated that the whole glory belonged neither to them 
 nor him, but to the Lord. ‘ This is an argument of the sin- 
 gular modesty and prudence of Gideon, and no less conspi- 
 cuous in him than his courage; which is a mixture that rarely 
 meets together, but is absolutely necessary to make a truly 
 great man ; who never appears so great, as when he treats 
 insolent men with humility, and angry men with meekness. 
 Bp- Patrick. (Notes, 12:1 — 7. Prov. 15:1. 16:32.) 
 
 V. 4. None, except Gideon and his three hundred chosen 
 men, seem to have passed over Jordan in pursuit of the two 
 kings ofMidian, who with fifteen thousand men had got over 
 before the fords were taken. (10) This small company, 
 though descried by some, and chidden and abused by others 
 of Israel, and though the remaining Midianites so far exceed- 
 ed them in number; j'et, in the courage, self-denial, and pa- 
 tience of faith, pursued thefn, faint arid hungry as they were, 
 with long watching, fasting, and fatigue. — We do not find, 
 that any one of them was either slain or missing. (Note, 
 Num. 31:48—54.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. The services of Gideon and his men were very 
 great, their necessity urgent, and their request moderate : the 
 behaviour therefore of the men of Succoth and Penuel vut 
 extremely insolent and base, and proved them disaffected Ir 
 Israel and the God of Israel. (Note, Prov. 18:23.) They 
 despised Gideon’s feeble army, depreciated his former suc- 
 cess, attempted to weaken his confidence of completing their 
 delivery, and would not afford him the least assistance in his 
 patriotic and pious undertaking! (Note, 1 Sam. 25:10,11.) 
 — Succoth.] Note, Gen. 33:17. 
 
 V. 7. Gideon “deferred his indignation ;” and intimated to 
 the princes or rulers of Succoth, that if I he kings of Midian 
 escaped him, they also might ; but if the Lord enabled him to 
 destroy the kings, as he was confident he would, this would 
 make it plain, that he was appointed judge of Israel, and in 
 that character he would punish their ill behaviour, and teach 
 them to behave in future more consistently with the character 
 of Israelites. — It is not agreed, in what manner he used these 
 briers and thorns, in tearing the flesh of the men of Succoth ; 
 but though he doubtless put them to great pain, it is not at all 
 probable that he slew them. (Note, 14 — 16.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. (Gen. 32:30,31.) The inhabitants of Penuel pro- 
 bably boasted of their tower, and confided in it, to secure them 
 both from the Midianites, and from Gideon: he therefore de- 
 stroyed it; and, as some at least of the men of Penuel wero 
 still more culpable than those of Succoth, he put them to 
 death. (17. Notes, 5:23. Matt. 12:29,30.) 
 
 V. 10—12. Marg. Ref. Notes, 4—6. 
 
 ( 441 ) 
 
B. C. 1349 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1249 
 
 saying, When 'I come again in peace, m I will 
 break do wn this tower. 
 
 10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, 
 and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand 
 men , all that were left of all th< L osts of “the chil- 
 dren of the east : for there “fell in hundred and 
 twenty thousand men that drew sword. 
 
 11 And Gideon went up by the way of them 
 
 that dwelt in tents, on the east of riVobah and 
 Jogbehah, and smote the host : for the host was 
 ^secure. ’ 
 
 12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he 
 pursued after them, and “took the two kings of 
 Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and 'discomfited 
 all the host. 
 
 13 And Gideon the son of Joash returned from 
 battle before the sun was up, 
 
 14 And “caught a young man of the men of 
 Succoth, and inquired of him : and he 'described 
 unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders 
 thereof, even threescore and seventeen men. 
 
 15 And he came unto the men of Succoth, and 
 said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom 
 ye did ‘upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of 
 Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that 
 we should give bread unto thy men that are 
 weary ? 
 
 16 And he took “the elders of the city, and 
 “thorns of the wilderness, and briers, and with 
 them he ^taught the men of Succoth. 
 
 17 And riie beat down the tower of Penuel, 
 and slew the men of the city. [ Practical oheenatio™.] 
 
 18 ®iT Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, 
 What manner of men were they whom ye slew at 
 ‘Tabor ? And they answered, “As thou art , so 
 were they : each one resembled the children of a 
 king. 
 
 19 And he said, They were my brethren, even 
 the sons of my mother : as the Lord liveth, if ye 
 had saved them alive, I would not slay you. 
 
 20 And he said unto Jether his first-born, b Up, 
 and slay them : but the youth drew not his sword ; 
 for he feared, because he was yet a youth. 
 
 1 1 Kings «:M,38. ra 17. n 7:18. o 1:11. 2 Chr. 13U7. 28:6,8. Is. 37:36. • Or, 
 
 an hundred and twen'i / thousand , every one drawing a sword. 20:2,15,17,25,35, 
 46. 2 Kings 3:26. p Num. 32:85,42. q 18:27. 1 Sam. 15:32. 30:16. 1 Thee. 5:3. 
 r Josh. 10:16— 18,22— 25. Job 12:16— 21. 34:19. Ps. 33:11. Amos 2:14. Rev. 6: 
 15,16. 19:19—21. + Heb. terrified, s 1:24,25. 1 Sam. 30:11 — 15. I Heb. writ. 
 t6,7. n 7. Prov. 10:13. 19:29. Ez. 2:6. x Mic. 7:4. § Heb. made to know. 
 
 y9. I Kings 12:25. z4:6. Ps. 89:12. a Ps. 12:2. Jude 16. II Heb. according 
 to the form of , &c . b Josh. 10:24. 1 Sam. 15:33. Ps. 149:9. c 9:54. 1 Sam. 31: 
 8.5. Rev. 9:6. dPs. 83:1. II Or, ornaments like the moon. Is. 3:18. e 9:8 — 
 15. 1 Sara. 8:5. 12:12. John. 6:15. f2:18. 10:18. 11:9 — 11. Luke 22:24— 27. 
 
 2 Cor. 1:24. 1 Pet. 5:3. g 1 Sam. 8:6,7. 10:19. 12:12. h Gen. 24:22,53. Ex. 12; 
 
 V. 14 — 16. This young man seems to have written down 
 ( marg .) the names of the principal persons in Succoth, or of 
 those chiefly concerned. By this information, Gideon was 
 enabled to distinguish between the guilty and the innocent, 
 and so to intlict punishment upon the offenders only. 
 
 V. 13, 19. In the troubles of Israel, these kings of Midian 
 had slain the brethren of Gideon by the mother’s side ; and 
 therefore he determined on this occasion to act as u the 
 avenger of blood.” They were not of the devoted nations of 
 Canaan, so that he might otherwise have spared them, and 
 he declared that he would. — It seems that Gideon, though 
 little in his own eyes, was a man of a very majestic appear- 
 ance ; and that his brethren greatly resembled him. (Note, 
 6:15.) Perhaps this excited the jealousy of these kings against 
 them, who slew them for their own security, though it even- 
 tually proved their ruin. 
 
 V. 20, 21. Gideon desired to inure his son to execute 
 vengeance on the enemies of God and Israel: (Note, Josh. 
 
 10:24.) but the youth was timorous and declined the service ; 
 and the kings themselves entreated, that they might be slain, 
 Ilf they must die,) by the hand of Gideon; who was in his 
 lull strength, and of great reputation: for their death would 
 be ignominious and lingering, if a feeble, timid youth were 
 their executioner. — The ornaments from the camels’ necks, 
 being in the shape of the moon, had probably been used for 
 dolatrous purposes. (Marg. 7:12.) 
 
 V. 22, 23. Gideon was willing to fight for his people, to 
 administer justice, and reform religion, as the Lord’s deputy, 
 and so long as he pleased : but he would not accept of the 
 perpetual government, or the hereditary succession to his chil- 
 dren to which God had not called him. Let Jehovah the King 
 of Israel appoint whom he pleased, cither during his life or 
 after his decease. This shows, how deeply the more reflecting 
 persons in Israel were convinced, that the constitutions of the 
 law of Moses were of divine authority, and ought implicitly 
 to be compiled with. (Notes, 9:1 — 6. Deut. 17:14,15. 1 Sam. 
 8:6 — 9,19 — 22.) In this respect Gideon imitated also the 
 
 ( 442 ) 
 
 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise thou, 
 and fall upon us : for as the man is, so is his 
 strength. And Gideon arose, and d slew Zebah 
 and Zalmunna, and took away the "ornaments 
 that were on their camels’ necks. 
 
 22 Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, 
 Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and 
 thy son’s son also : for thou hast delivered us from 
 the hand of Midian. 
 
 23 And Gideon said unto them, f I will not rule 
 over vou, neither shall my son rule over you ; 
 sthe Lord shall rule over you. 
 
 24 And Gideon said unto them, I would desire 
 a request of you, that ye would h give me every 
 man the earrings of his prey. (For they had 
 golden earrings, ‘because they were Ishrnaelites.) 
 
 25 And they answered, We will willingly give 
 them. And they spread a garment, and did cast 
 therein every man the earrings of his prey. 
 
 26 And the weight of the golden earrings, that 
 he requested, was a thousand and seven hundred 
 shekels of gold, beside ornaments, and "collars, 
 and k purple raiment that was on the kings of 
 Midian, and beside the ‘chains that were about 
 their camels’ necks. 
 
 27 And Gideon made m an ephod thereof and 
 put it in his city, even in “Ophrah : and all Israel 
 went thither “a whoring after it : which thing be 
 came ra snare unto Gideon, and to his house. 
 
 28 Thus ‘iwas Midian subdued before the chil- 
 dren of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no 
 more : and the country was in quietness ‘forty 
 years in the days of Gideon. 
 
 29 And “Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and 
 dwelt ‘in his own house. 
 
 30 And Gideon had “threescore and ten sons 
 "of his body begotten : for he had “many wives. 
 
 31 And his ^concubine that ivas in Shechem, 
 she also bare him a son, whose name he "called 
 ‘Abimelech. 
 
 32 If And Gideon the son of Joash “died in a 
 good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of 
 Joash his father, in b Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. 
 
 35. 3*7:3. 1 Pet 3:3— 5. i Gen. 16:10,11. 25:13. 37:25,28. •• Or, sweet Jewel.. 
 k Esth. 8:15. Jer. 10:9. Ez. 27:7. Luke 10:19. John 19:2,5. Rev. 17:4. 18:12,16. 
 121. m 17:5. 18:14,17. Ex. 28:6—12. 1 Sim. 23.9.10. Is. 8:20. n32. 6:11,24. 
 
 Dent. 12:5. o Ex. 23:33. Ps. 73:27. 106:19. lies. 2:2. 4:12—14. p S3. Deut. 
 7:16. q Ps. 83:9— 12. Is. 9:4. 10:26. r3:ll,30. 5:31. s 6:32. 1 Sam. 12:1£. 
 
 t Nell. 5:14,15. u 9:2,5. 10:4. 12:9,14. Gen. 46:26. Ex. 1:5. 2 Kings 10:1. ft Heb. 
 going out of his thigh, x Gen. 2:24. 7:7. Deut. 17: 17. 2 &am. 3:2 — 5. 5:13 — 16, 
 1 Kings 11:9. Mai. 2:15. Matt. 19:5—8. Eph. 5:31—33. y9:l— 5. Gen. 16:15. 
 22:24. Heb. set. z Geu. 20:2. a Gen. 15:15. 25:8. j6sh. 24:29,30. Job 5:26. 
 42:17. b 27. 6:24. 
 
 disinterested conduct of Moses, whose sons were left among 
 the ordinary Levites. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. Marg. Ref. — Ishrnaelites. (24) Notes , Gen. 
 25:1—4. 37:25. 
 
 V. 27. It is highly probable that Gideon requested the 
 golden earrings, with a view to make some religious use of 
 them, after the example of the officers in the time of Moses*, 
 as his small army seems to have been preserved in the same 
 manner: (Note, Num. 31:48 — 54.) and that the want of 
 accurate knowledge of the divine law led him thus to misapply 
 them. The “ephod” seems to have been a very rich gar- 
 ment, like that worn by the high-priest: and some think, that 
 Gideon also made “a breastplate of judgment,” in order to 
 inquire of God by it; ( Notes, Ex. 28:6 — 30.) and even that 
 other things requisite were added, and sacrifices offered at 
 Ophrah. Indeed otherwise it is difficult to discover how so 
 much treasure could have been expended. (Notes, 17:2 — 5.) 
 Gideon had been commanded, in an extraordinary manner, 
 to offer a sacrifice in the place where the Lord appeared to 
 him: (Note, 6:25,26.) and it is not improbable he might be 
 led to conclude, that this authorized him to officiate as a priest 
 occasionally at his own house, without going to the taberna- 
 cle: and perhaps the people’s humour and love of ease were 
 by this means gratified. (Notes, 18:30,31. 1 Kings 12:26 — 
 
 31.) But whether this was the case, or whether lie merely 
 intended to form a memorial of his victory ; his conduct was 
 evidently improper, and proved a snare to him, the cause of 
 his family’s ruin, and an occasion of idolatry to Israel after 
 his death. (Notes, 33. 9:1 — 20.) 
 
 V. 28. Forty years.] Probably from the time when he 
 was constituted judge of Israel; (Note* 5:31 ) except as 
 interrupted by Abimeleclvs usurpation. (Notes, 9.) 
 
 V. 39. Many wives.] Marg. Ref. Notes. Gen. 2:24. 
 Deut. 17:17. 2 Sam. 5:13 — 16. 1 Kings 11:1 — 8. 
 
 V. 31. Notes , 11:1,2. Gen. 25:5,6. 
 
 V. 33. After the death of Gideon, the people p» Decoded, 
 from an irregular worship, to renounce Jehovah entirely, 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 1209. 
 
 B. C. 1209. 
 
 33 And it rame to pass, 'as soon as Gideon was 
 dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and 
 ‘'went a whoring after Baalim, and made e Baal- 
 berith their god. 
 
 34 And the children of Israel 'remembered not 
 the Lord their God, who had delivered them out 
 of the hands of all their enemies on every side : 
 
 35 Neither ^showed they kindness to the house 
 of Jerubhaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the 
 goodness which he had showed unto Israel. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Abimelech, son of Gideon hy a concubine , conspires with the Skechemites, 
 murders his brethren , and is made king, 1 — 6. Jotham , by a parable, exposes 
 their ingratitude , and foretells their ruin, 7 — 21. The Shecnemites conspire 
 with Gaal against Abimelech ; Zchul sends him word ; he overcomes them, 
 and sows their city with salt, 22 — 45. They retire to the temple of Baal- 
 berith, and are burnt in it, 46 — 49. Abimelech is slain at Thebes, by a 
 woman, with the piece of a millstone, and Jotham' s curse is fulfilled, 
 60—57. 
 
 A ND “Abimelech, the son of Jerubhaal, went 
 to b Shechem unto his mother’s brethren, and 
 •communed with them, and with all the family of 
 the house of his mother’s father, saying, 
 
 2 Speak, I pray you, in the ears of all the 
 men of Shechem, ’Whether is better for you, 
 
 c 2:7—10,19. Jusli. 2131. 2 Kings 12:2. 2 Clir. 24:17,18. d27. 2:17. Ex. 34:15,16. 
 Jer 3:9. e 9:4. fPs.7S:Il. 106:13,21. Ec. 13:1. Jer. 2:32. g9:5,16. Ec. 9:14, IS. 
 . 8:31. b Gen. 33:18. 34:2. 1 Kings 12:1. c2Sam. 15:6. 1 Kings 12:3,20. Ps. 
 83:2 — 1. Jer. 18:18. • Heb. what is good ? whether, &c. d 8:30. e Geu. 29:14. 
 
 and to worship Baal as their God, under the name of “ Baal- 
 berith,” or the lord of the covenant ; having, as it seems, gene- 
 rally covenanted to be his people. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , 9: 
 4 — 6,46 — 49.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. It is one vanity incident to human affairs, that 
 a for every right work a man is envied by his neighbour.” — 
 They who will not attempt or venture any thing in the cause 
 of God, are commonly the most ready to censure such as are 
 of a more zealous and enterprising spirit : and the charge of 
 pride and ambition will be brought against the most unexcep- 
 tionable undertakings. ( Notes , 1 Sam. 17:28,29.) When 
 calumny is silenced in one respect by the event, it will assume 
 another form : and they who were most reluctant to the peril 
 and hardship of difficult services, will be the most exaspe- 
 rated if excluded from the credit of them. But, “ only by 
 pride cometh contention it is the wisdom of Christians to 
 turn away wrath by a soft answer ; and their most noble 
 victory is the conquest of their dwn spirits. In those things 
 which pertain to the truth, authority, and glory of God, they 
 should be unmoved as the sturdy oak ; but in the little concerns 
 of their own interest or reputation, they should resemble the 
 pliant willow that yields to every gust. If by throwing a 
 shade over what the Lord has done by them, and making 
 honourable mention of what he has clone by others, — if by 
 giving obliging language in return for rough words, and com- 
 mendations in lieu of hitter chidings, — envy may be avoided, 
 anger abated, and contention prevented ; the common cause 
 will be more advantaged, than by the most successful contro- 
 versy, which always takes Christians off from their spiritual 
 warfare. — The active servants of God frequently meet with 
 more dangerous opposition from degenerate professors of 
 the gospel than from open enemies : but they must not regard 
 the unreasonable behaviour of those, who are Israelites in 
 name, but Midianites in heart, or who vainly wish to observe 
 a neutrality. Notwithstanding manifold tribulations, they 
 must carry on their warfare, though ready to faint through 
 inward conflicts and outward hardships. And they shall be 
 enabled thus to persevere : for the less men help them, and 
 the more they attempt to hinder them, the more effectually 
 will they be helped and prospered by God himself. It behooves 
 magistrates to distinguish between the guilty and the innocent, 
 and to punish those who injure their brethren ; yet this should 
 be done with temper, and in order to teach them to behave 
 better in future.— Ministers also must warn and severely 
 rebuke such as discourage the hearts of their fellow-servants ; 
 and the Lord himself will execute vengeance upon all who 
 oppose his people in obeying his commands. In the mean 
 time we must “defer our anger,” and go on with our work, 
 tot attempting to avenge ourselves. (Notes. Prov. 19:11. 
 Rom. 12:17—21.) 
 
 V. 18—35. Whatever earthly object men glory in, it will 
 t»e torn from them : and sinners are never so exposed to 
 danger as when they deem themselves most secure. Sins 
 £>ng forgotten must be accounted for to God ; and sinful 
 methods of self-preservation only hasten and aggravate the 
 transgressor’s destruction, especially when innocent blood has 
 been shed. The execution of atrocious criminals is, in some 
 circumstances, an honourable service , yet we may well be 
 thankful if employed in saving men’s lives rather than in de- 
 stroying them. What a miserable consolation in death is 
 derived from the hope of suffering less pain, and dying with 
 less dtsgyace than some others! yet many are more anxious 
 on these accounts, than concerning the future judgment and 
 : ts eternal consequences! — No honour should be sought, or so 
 wuch as accepted, but that which comes from God, and 
 
 either that all the sons of Jerubhaal ( which are 
 d threescore and ten persons,) reign over yon, ot 
 that one reign over you ? remember also that I am 
 “your bone and your flesh. 
 
 3 And his mother’s brethren 'spake of him iL 
 the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: 
 and their hearts inclined 'to follow Abimelech ; for 
 they said, He is eour brother : 
 
 4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces 
 of silver out of ''the house of Baal-berith ; where- 
 with Abimelech hired 'vain and light persons, 
 which followed him. 
 
 5 And he went unto his father’s house k at 
 Ophrah, and ‘slew his brethren, the sons of Je- 
 ruDbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon 
 one stone: notwithstanding yet Joiham the 
 youngest son of Jerubhaal was left ; for he hid 
 himself. 
 
 6 And all the men of Shechem gathered to- 
 gether, and all the “house of Millo, and went and 
 made Abimelech king by the tplain of the pillar 
 that was in Shechem. 
 
 7 And when they told it to Jotham, he went 
 
 2Sara. 19:13. 1 Chr. 11:1. Eph. 5:30. Heb. 2:14. f Ps. 10:3. Prov. 1:11— 14. 
 t Heb. after, g Gen. 29:15. Ii 46— 49 . 8:33. i 11:3. lSam.22:2. Job 30:8. 
 Prov. 12:11. Acts 17:5. It 6:24. 12 Kings 10:17. 11:1,2. 2 Chr. 21:4. Mail. 2.- 
 16,20. m2 Sam. 5:9. 2 Kings 12:20. ; Or, oak. Josh. 24:26. 1 Kings 12:1, 20,2!. 
 
 consists with his sole authority and glory : nor is it allowable 
 to seek for our children those things, which we may not 
 desire for ourselves. — Whatever deputies are employed and 
 whoever has the external precedency in the church, God is 
 the only real Judge, Defender, and Ruler of his people. — How 
 soon will those ornaments, which feed the lust of the eye and 
 form the pride of life, as well as the indulgences of the flesh, 
 become the shame of those who loved them ! — The characters 
 of mere men have generally a grievous and wonderful mixture ; 
 nor may we follow any of them farther than they follow 
 Christ. Things sanctioned by venerable names, and clothed 
 with fair pretexts, are often found, by the light of God’s word, 
 to be vile abominations ; and are proved by experience to he 
 dangerous and fatal snares, to those especially who pay too 
 much veneration to their fellow-creatures. Small deviations 
 from our rule afford a dangerous precedent, and open the way 
 for more flagrant enormities : and even in marriage, when 
 once the original institution is disregarded, the sensual heart 
 of man, like a humoured child, will bear no contradiction, 
 and be confined by no limitations. But, as we all need so 
 much mercy from our God, we should learn the more patiently 
 to bear the ingratitude of our fellow-sinners, and the unsuita- 
 ble returns we meet with for our poor services ; and to resol /e, 
 after the divine example, “ not to he overcome of evil, but to 
 overcome evil with good.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1 — 3. Gideon and his family 
 had misled the people, through the ephod at Ophrah ; and the 
 people grievously offended in joining themselves to Baal- 
 berilh. ( Notes , 8:27,33.) And the Lord manifested his dis- 
 pleasure, not by delivering them into the hand of foreign 
 invaders, but by giving them up to their own base passions. — 
 Gideon had very properly and disinterestedly, refused the 
 proffered kingdom for himself and his sons : and it does not 
 appear that his other sons aimed at dominion either before or 
 after his death. (Note, 8:22,23.) Abimelech’s name, (which 
 signifies my father the king , ) may however be supposed to have 
 been given him by his mother from ambitious rnQtives. The 
 concubines, whose children did not inherit, would naturally 
 set up an interest opposite to the rest of the family ; and as 
 Abimelech’s mother was a native of Shechem, a principal 
 city of Ephraim, he conceived the idea of obtaining the king- 
 dom by her means. In order to succeed in this project, he 
 accused his brethren of intending to seize upon the govern- 
 ment, and possess it with^oint authority : and, assuming this 
 as an undoubted fact, he pleaded that it would be better to be 
 governed by one prince, than hy so many petty tyrants ; and 
 that if they, who were so nearly related to him, would raise 
 him to the throne, he would he peculiarly attentive to their 
 interests. In this manner, by the help of his mother’s rela- 
 tions, he acquired the government, without either merit or 
 capacity for such an important situation ; in a total disregard 
 to the divine law; (Notes, Pent. 17:14,15.) and in direct 
 opposition to the method which God the King of Israel had 
 hitherto employed, of raising up rulers of his people, from 
 time to time, as he saw good. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. The Israelites seem to have presented this 
 
 money as an oblation to their new god; (Note, 8:33.) and 
 the men of Shechem borrowed it of him to supply their 
 upstart king 1 . It does not appear of what value these pieces 
 of silver were; but probably of more value than shekels: 
 and they sufficed for Abimelech’s present purpose. Thus 
 he became a pensioner of Baal, and seemed engaged to 
 employ his authority to promote his worship ; as if deter- 
 mined to show himself as unlike as possible to his father, who 
 had destroyed the altar and worship of Baal. (Notes, 6:25— 
 32.) — With this supply he hired a set of unprincipled men St 
 ( 443 ) 
 
B. C. 1209. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1209. 
 
 and stood in tl c ‘op of "mount Gerizim, and lifted 
 up his voice, .1 id cried, and said unto them, 
 •Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God 
 may hearken unto you. 
 
 8 pTlie trees went forth on a time to anoint a 
 king over them ; and they said unto the olive-tree, 
 ’Reign thou over us. 
 
 9 But the olive-tree said unto them, Should I 
 eave my fatness, wherewith by me they honour God 
 and man, and go 'to be promoted over the trees? 
 
 10 And the trees said to the fig-tree, Come thou, 
 and reign over us. 
 
 11 But the fig-tree said unto them, ‘Should I 
 forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go 
 to be promoted over the trees ? 
 
 12 Then said the trees unto the vine, Come 
 thou, and reign over us. 
 
 13 And the vine said unto them, Should I leave 
 my wine, which ‘cheereth God and man, and go 
 to be promoted over the trees ? 
 
 14 Then said all the trees unto the 'bramble, 
 Come thou, and reign over us. 
 
 15 And the bramble said unto the trees, If in 
 truth ye anoint me king over you, then come and 
 put your trust in my "shadow ; and if not, “let fire 
 come out of the bramble, and devour Uhe cedars 
 of Lebanon. . 
 
 16 Now therefore if ye have done truly and 
 sincerely, in that ye have made Abimelech king ; 
 and if ye have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his 
 house, and have done unto him According to the 
 deserving of his hands: 
 
 17 (For my father a fbught for you, and tad ven- 
 tured his life far, and delivered you out of the hand 
 of Midian ; 
 
 18 And ye b are risen up against my father’s 
 
 n Deut. 11:29. 27:12. Josh. 8:33. John 4:20. o Ps. 18:40,41. 50:15-21. 
 Prov. 1:28,29. 21:13. 28:9. Is. 1:15. 58:6 — 10. Malt. 18:26— 34. Jam. 2:13. 
 p2King« 14:9. Ez. 17:3, &c. Dan. 4:10, &c. q 8:22,23. r Ex. 29:2,7. 35: 14. 
 Lev. 2:1. 1 Kings 19:15,16. Ps. 89:20. 104:15. Acts 4:27. 10:38. Uohn2:20. 
 
 • Heb. up and d iron for other trees. Job 1:7. 2-2. s Luke 13:6,7. t Num. 15: 
 5,7,10. Ps. 10-1:15. Prov. 31:6. t Or, thistle. 2 Kines 14:9. u Is. 30:2. Dan. 
 4:12. Hus. 14:7. Matt. 13:3*2. x 20,49. Num. 21:28. Is. 1:31. Ez. 19:14. 
 y 2 Kings 14:9. Ps. 104:16. Is. 2:13. 37:24. Ez. 31:3. z 8:35. a 7:20. 8:4—10. 
 
 J Heb. cast. Esth.4:16. Rom. 5:8. 16:4. Rev. 12:11. b 5,6. Ps. 109:4. c6,14. 
 
 for any villany ; and with their assistance barbarously mur- 
 dered all the numerous family of Gideon, except one son who 
 escaped him ! By such infamous measures and persons was 
 this base born, but baser spirited man made king in Israel ! be- 
 ing the first who expressly bore that title among the descend- 
 ants of Jacob. (Notes, 2 Sam. 15:1 — 11. 1 6:20 — 23. 2 Chr. 
 21:4,12 — 19 .) — House of Millo. (6) Notes, 16— 20. 2 Sam. 
 5:9. 2 Kings 12:20,21. 
 
 V. 7. Mount Gerizim lay near to Shechem : and from it 
 Jotham spake to the Shechemites, (who are supposed to 
 have been assembled on some public occasion,) so that at 
 least many of them would hear him, and report what he said 
 to the rest. (Notes, Deut. 27:12,13.) He solemnly called 
 on them u to hearken to him, that God might hearken unto 
 them:” for if they did not, repent of their ungrateful treatment 
 of his father’s family, and desist from their malicious inten- 
 tions against him, they could not expect that God would 
 hear their cry, when anguish and distress came upon them. 
 (Notes. Prov. 1:24—31. 21:13. Is. 1:10—15. 58:8— 12. Mic. 
 3:i — 4.) 
 
 V. 8 — 15. A parable, or fable, is a descriptive picture, 
 which shows the similitude of an event, or action in lively 
 colours ; and conveys to the mind the perception of some 
 important truth to which it was previously inattentive, or 
 against which it was prejudiced. By this management those 
 things are placed in a proper light, which before were mis- 
 apprehended, and those made evident which before seemed 
 doubtful ; the subject is stripped of such circumstances as do 
 not properly belong to it ; the trouble of a long chain of 
 arguments being spared, the cause is brought to a compendi- 
 ous decision ; reason and conscience are induced to pass 
 sentence, before self-love is consulted ; and a man is for a 
 moment, as it were, imposed on, in order to his being profita- 
 bly vfhdeceived ; he is made judge in his own cause before he 
 is aware, and decides against himself without ever intending 
 it. (Note, 2 Sam. 12:1 — 0.) The truth of a parable lies in 
 the instruction contained in it: and the feigned circumstances, 
 being known to be such are no ways inconsistent with vera- 
 city, hut greatly subserve the cause of truth ; conveying it in 
 an unsuspected and agreeable manner to the mind. Para- 
 Dlcs or fables have therefore been much used by wise men in 
 all ages, as the most advantngeous method of teaching man- 
 kind the salutary lessons of justice and prudence ; and they ; 
 were abundantly sanctioned by our Lord’s own example. — In 
 this parable* of Jotham, the disinterested and unambitious 
 conduct of Gideon and his other sons ; the folly and ingrati- 
 tudo of the Shechemites, in making the basest of Gideon’s 
 
 ( 444 ) 
 
 house this day, and have slain his sons, threescore 
 and ten persons, upon one stone, and have mad** 
 “Abimelech the son of his maid-servant king over 
 the men of Shechem, because he is your brother :) 
 
 19 If ye then have dealt truly and sincerely 
 with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then 
 d rejoice ye in Abimelech, and let him also rejoice 
 in you : 
 
 20 But if not, c let fire come out from Abimelech, 
 and devour the men of Shechem, and the house of 
 Millo ; and let fire come out from the men ol 
 Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour 
 Abimelech. 
 
 21 And Jotham ran away, and fled, and went 
 to f Beer, and dwelt there, for fear of Abimelech 
 
 his brother. [ Practical Observation..] 
 
 22 ^1 When Abimelech had reigned three years 
 over Israel, 
 
 23 Then ^God sent an evil spirit between Abi- 
 melech and the men of Shechem; and the men of 
 Shechem '“dealt treacherously with Abimelech : 
 
 24 ‘That the cruelty done to the threescore and 
 ten sons of Jerubbaal might come, and their blood 
 be laid upon Abimelech their brother, which slew 
 them; and upon the men of Shechem, which 
 Raided him in the killing of his brethren. 
 
 25 And the men of Shechem set k liers in wait 
 for him in the top of the mountains, and they rob- 
 bed all that came along that way by them: and it 
 was told Abimelech. 
 
 26 And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his 
 'brethren, and went over to Shechem; and the 
 men of Shechem put their confidence in him. 
 
 27 And they went out into the fields, and 
 gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, 
 and made "merry, and went into ‘"the house of 
 
 8:31. d Is. 8:6. Phil. 3:3. Jam. 4:16. e 15,23,56.57 . 7:22. 2Chr. 20:22.23. Ps. 
 21:9,10.28:4.52:1—5.120:3,4. 140:10. f Num. 21:16. Josh. 19:8. 2Sam.20: 
 14. g 15,20. 1 Sam. 16:14—16. 18:9,10. 1 Kings 12: 15. 22:22. 2 Chr. 10:15. 18:19 
 —22.18.19:2,14. 2 Thes. 2:11,12. h 16. Is. 33:1. Malt. 7:2. i 1 Sam. 15:33. 
 1 Kings 2:32. Esth. 9:2-5. Ps. 7:16. Matt. 23:34 — 36. § Heb. strengthened his 
 hands to kill, k Josh. 8.4.12,13. Prov. 1 : 1 1 ,12. 1 Gen. 13:8, 19:7. || Or, songs. 
 Is. 16:9,10. 24.7—9. Jer. 25:30. Am. 6:3—6. m 4. 16:23. Ex. 32:6,19. Dan. Si 
 1—4,23. 
 
 sons their king, and in murdering the rest ; the presumption 
 and arrogance of Abimelech in aspiring to such an honour ; 
 and the consequences of so unreasonable a procedure ; are 
 represented with great ingenuity and simplicity. The olive- 
 tree, the fig-tree, and the vine, had excellency and usefulness, 
 if the trees had indeed wanted a king : thus Gideon and his 
 other sons were worthy of Israel’s suffrage, if there had been 
 any occasion to set a king over them ; yet they had humbly 
 and wisely declined the offer. But Abimelech, the son of a 
 slave and a concubine, (18) a mean and worthless person, 
 useless and troublesome as a bramble, had by insinuation 
 induced them to offer him the kingdom, and had without 
 hesitation accepted it. He had also foolislily promised them 
 vast advantages from his protection, and terrible conse- 
 quences from offending him: though indeed he was fit for 
 nothing but to be a firebrand, to set them all at variance to 
 their common destruction ; as the bramble, being set on fire, 
 may communicate the flame to the loftiest cedars, and con- 
 sume them along with itself in one common conflagration. — 
 The oil, from the olive-tree, was the chief ingredient in the 
 ointment, with which the priests were annointed: it was used 
 for the lamps in the sanctuary ; and it formed a part of tho 
 meat-offering by which God was honoured. (Marg. Ref. r.) 
 The wine was used in drink-offerings, which were acceptable 
 to God, when properly presented. These trees better repre- 
 sented what a king ought to be, than the stately cedars; for 
 piety to God and usefulness to man, are more essential to tho 
 character of a good prince, than external pomp and majesty. 
 — It is observable that long before Israel had a king by the 
 appointment of God, anointing is spoken of as a customary 
 ceremony of inauguration. — This is the most ancient fable 
 or parable extant ; and it is very apposite and beautiful. 
 
 V. 16 — 20. (Notes, 1 — 6. 7: 8:) — Millo, (that \s, fulness,) 
 seems to have been the name of the senate-house, or town- 
 hall : and by the house of Millo are meant all tho chief per- 
 sons of Shechem, who had combined to make Abimelech 
 king; (6) and they were also intended by the cedars which 
 the fire from the bramble would devour. (15) (Note, 50 — 57.) 
 
 V. 22 — 24. Abimelech was first mado king over the men 
 of Shechem ; but ho seems to have been tamely submitted to 
 by the Israelites in general : at least they allowed him to retain 
 that title, till Ft, pleased God to permit an evil spirit to sow 
 contention between him and the Shechemites, by stirring up 
 the malignant passions of their 1 carts, that they might execute 
 his vengeance on each other* f Notes. 1 Sam. x&li 18:10,11. 
 
 1 Kings 22:19—23. 2 Thes. 2:8 -12.) 
 
 V. 25. The Shochemitesi - eing .nraged agunst Abim^ 
 
B. C. 1206. 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 B. C. 120& 
 
 their god, and "did cat and drink, and “cursed 
 Abimelech. 
 
 28 And Gaal the son of Ebcd said, rWho *' s 
 Abimelech, and who is Shechein tliat we should 
 serve him 5 Is not he. the son of Jerubhaal ? and 
 Zebul his officer? Serve the men of ‘'Hamor the 
 father of Shechem : for why should we serve him ? 
 
 29 And r would to God this people were under 
 my hand ! then would I remove Abimelech. And 
 he said to Abimelech, 'Increase thine army, and 
 come out. 
 
 30 H And when Zebul, the ruler of the pity, 
 heard the words of Gaal the son of Ebed, his 
 anger was ‘kindled. 
 
 31 And he sent messengers unto Abimelech 
 t privily, saying, Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed, 
 and his brethren, be come to Shechem; and, be- 
 hold, they fortify the city arainst thee. 
 
 32 Now therefore tip ‘by night, thou and the 
 people that is with thee, and lie in wait in the 
 field : 
 
 33 And it shall be, that in the morning, as 
 soon as the sun is up, thou shalt rise early, and 
 set upon the city ; and, behold, ivhen he and the 
 people that is with him come out against thee, 
 then mayest thou do to them tas thou shalt find 
 occasion. 
 
 34 And Abimelech rose up, and all the people 
 that were with him, by night, and they laid wait 
 against Shechem in four companies. 
 
 35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out, and 
 stood in the entering of the gate of the city : and 
 Abimelech rose up, and u the people that were with 
 him, from lying in wait. 
 
 36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said 
 to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from 
 the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto 
 him, Thou *seest the shadow of the mountains as 
 if they were men. 
 
 37 And Gaal spake again, and said, See, there 
 come people down by the ^middle of the land, and 
 another company come along by the plain of 
 •Meonenim. 
 
 38 Then said Zebul unto him, AVhere is now 
 thv mouth, Wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abi- 
 melech, that we should serve him ? Is not this the 
 people that thou hast despised ? go out, I pray 
 now, and fight with them. 
 
 39 And Gaal went out before the men of She- 
 chem, and fought with Abimelech. 
 
 n Is. 2-2:12 — 14. Luke 12:19,20. 17:26— 29. o Lev. 24:11. 1 Sam. 17:43. Ps. 
 109:17. p 1 Sam. 25:10. 2 Sam. 20:1. 1 Kings 12:16. q Gen. 34:2,6. r2Sam. 
 15:4. 1 Kings 20:11. Ps. 10:3. Rom. 1:30,31. s 2 Sam. 2: 14— 17. 2 Kings 
 14:8.18:23. Is. 36:8,9. • Or, hut. t Heb. craftily, or, to Tormah. t Job 
 
 44:14 — 17. Ps. 36:4. Prov. 1:11 — 16. 4:16. Rom. 3:15. * Heb. as thine hand, 
 
 •hall find. Lev. 25 :2S. marg. 1 Sam. 10-7.25:8. Ec.9:10. u 44. x Ez. 
 
 lech, who was absent from the city and expected back again, 
 employed assassins to meet and kill him; and they, while 
 waiting for him, robbed the travellers, and thus helped to 
 increase the misery of the people. (Note, 5:6,7.) « 
 
 V. 26 — 29. “ Ebed” signifies a slave. Gaal’s father seems 
 to have been a slave sprung from th^race of the Canaanites ; 
 who falsely boasted his descent from Hamor, the father of 
 Shechem, after whom the city was called : ( Gen. 34:2,4,8, 
 26.) yet the inhabitants basely made Gaal the head of their 
 conspiracy against Abimelech ! Under this self-confident pro- 
 tector, they ventured out into the field to gather in their har- 
 vest and vintage ; and then kept a feast to the honour of 
 Baal-berith, and in their revellings cursed Abimelech in his 
 name; (Notes, Ex. 32:1. Hos. 2:8,9.) thus cleaving to 
 the idol, while they rejected the usurper ! — On this occasion 
 Gaal, heated perhaps with wine, strongly expressed his dis- 
 dain that Abimelech should reign over him, or the ancient 
 city of Shechem. He reviled him as the son of Jerubbaal, 
 who had destroyed the worship of Baal ; and so it could not 
 be right that Baal’s worshippers should submit to him. 
 
 ( Notes, 6:25—32. Num. 22:6. 1 Sam. 17:42—44.) He also 
 spoke contemptuously of Zebul, who had been left governor 
 of the city. He invited them to restore the authority, in his 
 person, to the descendants of Hamor ; promised what great 
 things he would do against Abimelech ; and challenged him, 
 as if present, to decide the contest by a battle. — (Marg. 
 Ref. r, s.) The expression translated would to God, is only 
 an earnest wish that it might be so. 
 
 V. 30—33. It is probable that Zebul was not present, 
 when Gaal del.vered his vain-glorious speech : but he heard 
 ol it ; and being exasperated by his insulting language, he 
 sent to inform Abimelech of his danger, and counselled him 
 to come without delay and surprise his enemies. 
 
 40 And Abimelech chased him, and 'he fled 
 before him ; and many were overthrown and 
 wounded, even unto the entering of the gate. 
 
 41 And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah: and 
 "Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that the* 
 should not dwell in Shechem. 
 
 42 And it came to pass on the morrow, tha 
 the people went out into the field ; and they told 
 Abimelech. 
 
 43 And he took the people, and divided them 
 into three companies, and laid wait in the field, 
 and looked, and behold, the people were come 
 forth out of the city ; and he rose up against 
 them, and smote them. 
 
 44 And Abimelech, and the company that was 
 with him, b rushed forward, and stood in the en- 
 tering of the gate of the city ; and the two other 
 companies ran upon all the people that were in the 
 fields, and slew them. 
 
 45 And Abimelech fought against the city all 
 that day : and he took the city, and slew the peo- 
 ple that was therein, and 'beat down the city, and 
 sowed it with salt. 
 
 46 U And when all the men of the tower ol 
 Shechem heard that, they entered into d an hold ol 
 the house of the god Berith. 
 
 47 And it was told Abimelech, that all the 
 men of the tower of Shechem were gathered to- 
 gether. 
 
 48 And Abimelech gat him up to mount e Zal- 
 mon, he and all tile people that were with him ; 
 and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut 
 down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid 
 it on his shoulder, and said unto the people that 
 were with him, f What ye have seen "me do, make 
 haste, and do as I have done. 
 
 49 And all the people likewise cut down every 
 man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and eput 
 them to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them: 
 so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died 
 also, about a thousand men and women. 
 
 50 1! Then went Abimelech to Thebez. and 
 encamped against Thebez, and took it. 
 
 51 But there was a strong tower within the 
 city, and thither fled all the men and women, and 
 all they of the city, and shut it to them, and gat 
 them up to the top of the tower. 
 
 52 And h Abimelech came unto the tower, and 
 fought against it, and went hard unto the door of 
 the tower to burn it with fire. 
 
 7:7. Mark 8:24. § Heb. navel. II Or, the regarders of the times. Deut. 18:14. 
 y 28,29. 2 Sim. 2:26,27. 2 Kings 14:8— 14. Jer. 2:23. 7 1 Kings 20:18— 21,30. 
 
 a 28,30. b 15,20. Gal. 5:15. c Deut. 29:23. 1 Kings 12:25. Ps. 107:34. marg. 
 Ez. 47:11. Zeph. 2:9. Jam. 2:13. d4, 27. 8:33. 1 Kings 18:26. 2Kingsl:2— 4 
 Ps. 115:8. Is.28:15—18. 37:38. ePs. 68:14. 17:17,18. Prov. 1:11,12. IT Heb. 
 Ihavedone. g 15,20. Gnl.5:l5. Jam. 3:16. h 48,49. 2 Kings 14:10. 15:16. 
 
 V. 36. Thou seest, &c.] Zebul, who had not yet declared 
 against Gaal, spake this either in derision, or to carry on the 
 deception till Abimelech should surprise his party unawares. 
 
 V. 38 — 45. (Notes, 2 Kings 14:8 — 14.) As Gaal’s con- 
 duct and success had not answered the people’s expectations, 
 they seem to have been willing to be rid of him and his com- 
 pany ; and on the morrow they went forth, either to fight 
 with Abimelech, or (supposing him to have retired,) about 
 their business in the fields : but he, being instigated by 
 revenge, by means of ambushments smote them, seized the 
 city, and slew the inhabitants ; and having reduced the place 
 to ruins, he sowed it with salt, as expressing his hope that the 
 desolations would be perpetual. (Marg. Ref. c.) — We are 
 not informed what became of Zebul. 
 
 V. 46 — 49. The inhabitants of a place not connected with 
 the city, called the tower of Shechem, took refuge in the 
 temple of Baal-berith, hoping that Abimelech would respect 
 the sacredness of the place : but, in deep revenge, he con- 
 trived to burn the temple and the whole company of them 
 together. {Notes, 2 Kings 19:36,37. Gal. 5:13 — 15.) 
 
 V. 50 — 57. Thebez is supposed to have been a city, which 
 confederated against Abimelech, and to which perhaps some 
 Shechemites had fled : but this bloodthirsty tyrant, having 
 taken the city, purposed to burn the inhabitants with the 
 tower, as he had done at Shechem ! Thus he exactly 
 answered the character of the bramble, which may set fire to 
 that which is nobler and better than itself. (Note, 8 — 15.) 
 But his measure of iniquity was accomplished : he had been 
 the executioner of the divine vengeance upon others, and he 
 must now himself endure it. (Is. 10:12. Note, Jer. 25:12.) In 
 his rage therefore coming too near the tower, he was mor- 
 tally wounded by a piece of a millstone from the hand of a 
 woman: and understanding this circumstance, in a vain 
 ( 445 ) 
 
B. C. 1206. 
 
 JUDGES, 
 
 B. C. 1161 
 
 63 And a certain 'woman cast a piece of a 
 millstone upon Abimelech’s head, and all to break 
 his skull. 
 
 54 Then he called hastily unto the young man 
 his armour-bearer, and said unto him, k Draw thy 
 sword, and slay me, that men say not of me, A 
 woman slew him. And his young man thrust him 
 through, and he died. 
 
 55 And 'when the men of Israel saw that Abi- 
 melech was dead, they departed every man unto 
 his place. 
 
 56 H Thus m God rendered the wickedness of 
 Abimelech which he did unto his father, in slaying 
 his seventy brethren : 
 
 57 And all the evil of the men of Shechem did 
 God render upon their heads: and "upon them 
 came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. 
 
 I 15,20. 2 Sam. 20:21? Job 31:3. Jer. 49:20. 50.45. k 1 Sam. 31:4,5. 1 2 Sam. 
 
 18:16 . 20:21,22. 1 Kmgs22:35,36. Prov. 22:10. m24. Ps.9:12. 11:6. 58:10,11. 
 94:23. Prov. 5:22. Acts 28:4. Hey. 19:20,21. n 20. Josh. 6:26. 1 King* 16:34. 
 
 attempt to avoid the disgrace of such a death, he ordered 
 his armour-bearer to slay him ; who obeyed his command. 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 31:3 — 6. 2 Sam. 11:21.) Thus the world 
 and Israel were rid of a vile murderer, usurper, and tyrant, 
 who came in with subtlety, ruled in cruelty, and died in 
 infamy. In the midst of these bloody transactions, the justice 
 of God, in punishing both Abimelech and the Shechemites, is 
 noticed by the sacred writer; in which the application made 
 by Jotham of his parable, was most wonderfully verified. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. If parents could foresee their children’s suffer- 
 ings, their joy in them would be often turned into lamentations : 
 we may therefore be thankful that we cannot penetrate futu- 
 rity ; and are reminded to commit those whom we most love 
 into the hands of the Lord, and to attend to our present duty, 
 casting our care upon him respecting ourselves and them. 
 We should also be willing to leave this world when he pleases ; 
 for if we should live, we may behold such afflictions as would 
 greatly distress our hearts. Above all, we ought to fear sin, 
 and watch against it ; for our misconduct may very probably 
 produce the most fatal effects on our families and on society, 
 even after we are laid in the grave. — No divine judgment is 
 more terrible to individuals, than being given up to their own 
 lusts; (Note, Rom. 1:24 — 27.) and none more dreadful to 
 communities, than to be governed by wicked princes. — Able, 
 upright men, who know the duties and difficulties of exalted 
 stations, are diffident of themselves, and reluctant to quit the 
 security, sweetness, and usefulness of private life, for the toils 
 and dangers of pre-eminence. But men of sordid and selfish 
 minds, destitute of the fear of God and benevolence to man, 
 are often capable of an aspiring and daring ambition, and can 
 form crafty projects to accomplish their designs. By insinua- 
 tion they draw over such persons to their interests, as are of 
 their own temper and character ; and as they do not hesitate 
 at the commission of the most horrid crimes, they will often 
 for a season seem to prosper in their wickedness. Slanders, 
 flatteries, bribery, perjuries, and even murders of the most 
 atrocious kind, are the weapons which they use, as occasion 
 requires, and as ambition or suspicion suggests. Their 
 nearest relatives are not safe, if they stand in their way; the 
 foundations of all government, civil and ecclesiastical, must be 
 subverted for them, and distractions and public troubles are 
 the element in which they delight. Such Abimelechs every 
 age produces ; and it is surprising how they impose upon 
 thousands to concur in their base designs. (Notes, and P. 
 O. 2 Sam. 15:1—12. Notes, 16:20—23. 17:1— 14.)— But, 
 when men are avowed infidels, profligates, and debauchees, 
 what can be expected from them, if unrestrained by human 
 laws ? Indeed their wickedness is equalled by the folly of 
 those who trust power into their hands. Yet, by such scourges 
 of the human race, and such infatuated counsels, the righteous 
 God chastises his offending people, and executes vengeance 
 on his enemies : and he will preserve, in the most imminent 
 dangers, those whom he intends to employ for the good of others. 
 He seldom proceeds to extremities against wicked men, with- 
 out giving them warning: and those who will not hearken to 
 his call to repent, to the voice of the oppressed who demand 
 justice, or to that of the afflicted who implore relief, will one 
 day cry unto the Lord in extreme anguish, and he will not 
 regard them. — AH the works of the creation, in their several 
 ways, honour their Creator, and subserve the comfort and 
 benefit of man, who is the more inexcusable in neglecting and 
 rebelling against his bounteous Benefactor. — In departing 
 from God, men are necessitated to trust in creatures, which 
 can only disappoint and ruin them : and one man of moderate 
 talents may soon do more mischief, than many very wise and 
 excellent persons can do good, bv the most persevering exer- 
 tions. (Notes, I Kings 12:4—15. Ec. 2:18—23. 9:13—18.) 
 
 V. 22 — 57. The wicked may flourish for a time, but they 
 shall be rooted out at the last: in answer to the cries of the 
 oppressed, God will give them up to their own mad passions ; 
 •hen suspicion, envy, and revenge will be kindled in them 
 against each other; and the weapons with which they de- 
 stroyed those who obstructed their iniquitous designs, will at 
 
 ( 446 4 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Tola judges Israel, 1,2; and Jair , whose thirty tons had Ihir’y cities, 3— A. 
 The lraelites, relapsing into idolatry , are oppressed by the Philistines and 
 Ammonites, 6 — 9. They cry to God, who sends them for help to their idols, 
 10 — 14. They deeply repent, and he pities therm, 15, 16. They consult about 
 choosing a leader, 17, IS. 
 
 A ND after Abimelech, there “arose to 'defend 
 Israel, Tola, the son of Puah, the son of 
 Dodo, a man of Issachar; and he dwelt in 
 b Shamir in mount Ephraim. 
 
 2 And he judged Israel twenty and three years, 
 and died, and was buried in Shamir. 
 
 3 11 And after him arose Jair, c a Gileadite, and 
 judged Israel twenty and two years. 
 
 4 And he had thirty sons that d rode on thirty 
 ass-colts, and they had thirty cities, which are 
 ‘called ‘Havoth-jair unto this day, which are in 
 the land of Gilead. 
 
 a 2:16. 3:9. * Or, deliver. Heb. save, b Josh. 15:48. c Gen. 31:48. Num. 
 32:29, d5:10. 12:14. e Num. 32:41. Deut. 3:14. f Or, the villages of Jair. 
 
 length destroy themselves. — The history of mankind, if strip- 
 ped of the false colourings with which historians, orators, and 
 poets, have often exhibited the most detestable actions, and 
 if impartially given by a pious writer, would appear very like 
 this chapter. Here, as in a glass, we may see what man 
 is, when left to himself and instigated by Satan; and what 
 we should have been, had that been our case. Hence we may 
 learn thankfulness for b^ing preserved from such enormities ; 
 for an obscure situation, by which we are less exposed to 
 the danger of falling victims to the ambition and jealousy 
 of others ; and for the gospel of Jesus Christ, whose u kingdom 
 is in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” — 
 But it is most lamentable, when such outrages are com- 
 mitted by professed Christians, and disgrace the religion of 
 Jesus in the eyes of multitudes, who cannot, or will not, dis- 
 tinguish between Christianity, and those who have no more 
 than the name of it. “Wo be to the world because of 
 offences ! and wo be to those, by whom such offences come !” 
 (Note, Matt. 18*7 — 9.) — We may further note, that boasting 
 generally terminates in disgrace ; that dangers despised at a 
 distance, terrify the more when they approach ; that the 
 courage which wine inspires is of short continuance ; that a 
 mean spirit and a proud heart harbour the most implacable re- 
 venge, whilst the truly generous and humble are slow to anger 
 and ready to forgive ; that every sinful refuge accelerates or 
 ensures destruction ; that more ingenuity and diligence have 
 hitherto been employed in destroying than in saving men’s lives 
 that daring crimes are often punished in kind, and the cruelty 
 of murderers is retorted upon themselves by the meanest 
 and least dreaded instruments; and that the most successful 
 wickedness speedily ends in lasting misery and infamy. — Vain 
 and foolish is the concern, and worthless are the expedients, 
 of dying sinners to preserve their reputation, when everl^t- 
 ing contempt is inevitably reserved for them in a future state* 
 God will likewise record their crimes and punishments m 
 this world, notwithstanding all their endeavours to the con- 
 trary ; as far as it is necessary for the instruction of others, 
 and for his own glory : and how can those expect fidelity or 
 mercy from men, who have been traitors to God, and cruel 
 deceivers of their brethren 1 — But, how strong must be man’s 
 propensity to wickedness, when such general and horrible idol- 
 atry and unrighteousness prevailed even in Israel, after all 
 the Lord had done for them, and notwithstanding all the ad- 
 vantages which they enjoyed! Lord, thou hast given us 
 thy word of truth and righteousness: oh, pour out upon us 
 thy Spirit of purity, peace, and love, and write thy holy law 
 in our hearts, we beseech thee ! else all our outward mercies 
 will but enhance our guilt and increase our condemnation. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. X. V. 1, 2. After the death of the 
 usurper, the Lord raised up Tola to judge Israel. We do 
 not find that he waged any war ; but he restored peace and 
 the regular administration of justice, after the late distractions, 
 and he reformed the state of religion: and thus he was as 
 great a blessing, as those judges who performed more memo-* 
 rable exploits. His name signifies a worm ; and he was no 
 worse fitted for being the Lord’s instrument of good to .ua 
 people, if his opinion of himself accorded to so hum xe a name. 
 Though of the tribe of Issachar, he came to live in mount 
 Ephraim, probably that he might be in the centre of Israel, 
 and near the tabernacle. (Notes, Josh. 18:1. 19:49,50.) 
 
 V. 3 — 5. Jair.] The next judge, Jair, probably was a de- 
 scendant of Jair, the great-grandson of Machir the son of Ma- 
 nasseh. (Notes, Num. 32:41. 1 Chr. 2:22.) His numerous sons 
 inherited some of the cities, which had fallen to the lot of their 
 ancestors, and assisted their father as magistrates, riding from 
 place to place to administer justice. — Some of these years, 
 of which scarcely any thing is recorded, may he considered 
 as the best times of Israel under the judges. We must, how- 
 ever, take some of the eighteen years of Isreal’s aposto.cy from 
 the latter part of Jair’s government, (8) during which he peo- 
 ple seem gradually to have corrupted themselves, and fallen 
 under oppression; and when Jair could no longer icstrain 
 them from idolatry, ho was not able to defend them 0 m their 
 enemies. 
 
B. C. 1143. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 B. C. 1143. 
 
 6 And Jair died, and was buried in Camon. 
 
 6 11 And the children of Israel f did evil again in 
 the sight of the Lord, and served sBaalim and 
 Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and h the gods 
 of Zidon, ami the gods of Moab, and the gods of 
 the children of Ammon, and ‘the gods of the Philis- 
 tines, and forsook the Lord, and served not him. 
 
 7 And the anger of the Lord k vvas hot against 
 Israel, and ‘he sold them into the hands of the 
 Philistines, and into the hands of the children of 
 Ammon. 
 
 8 And m that year they vexed and 'oppressed 
 the children of Israel eighteen years, all the chil- 
 dren of Israel that were on the other side Jordan, 
 in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. 
 
 9 Moreover, the children of Ammon ‘’passed 
 over Jordan to fight also against Judah, and 
 against Benjamin, and against the house of 
 Ephraim ; so that Israel was sore “distressed. 
 
 10 If And the children of Israel Pcried unto the 
 Lord, saying, We have sinned against thee, 
 both because we have forsaken our God, and also 
 served Baalim. 
 
 11 And the Lord said unto the children of 
 Israel, iDid not I deliver you from r the Egyptians, 
 and from ’the Amorites, from ‘the children of 
 Ammon, and from “the Philistines? 
 
 12 “The Zidonians also, and ’the Amalekites, 
 and ‘the Maonites, did oppress you ; and ye 
 cried to me, and I delivered you out of their 
 hand. 
 
 r 4:1. 6:1. 13:1. g 2: 1 1— 1.1. 3:7. 2 Chr. 28 23. Ps. 106:36. h l Kings 1 1 .5,7, 
 83. 16:31. 2 Kings 17:16,29 — 31. 23:13. i 16:23. 1 Sam. 5:2. 2 Kings 1:2,3. Jer. 
 2:13. Ez. 16:25,26. k2:ll. Dent. 29:20-23. 31:16—18 . 32:16—22. Josh. 23:15, 
 16. Ps. 74 : l. Nnh. 1:2,6. 1 4 2. 1 8am. 12:9. Ps. 44:12. Is. 50:1. m 5. Is. 30: 
 13. 1 Thes. 5:3. * Heb. crushed. n 3:12.13. 6:3— 5. 2 Chr. 14:9. 20:1,2. 
 
 o Dent. 23:65. 2 Chr. 15:5. p 3:9. I Sam. 12:10. Ps. 106:43.44. 107: 13.19,23. 
 q 2:1—3. r Ex. 14:30. ISam.!2:8. Nell. 9:9— 11. Ps. 78:51— 53. 106:8—11. 
 Heb. 11:29. s Num. 21:21— 25,35. Ps. 135:10,11. t 3:11 — 15. u3:3I. x5:19, 
 4c. y 6:3. z 2 Chr. 26:6,7. a 2:12. Dent. 32:15. 1 Chr. 28:9. Jer.2:13. Jon. 
 2:8. b Deut. 32:26 — 28. 1 Kings 18:27,23. 2 Kings 3:13. Prov.l;25 — 27. Is. 10: 
 
 Ass-colts. (1) Note , 5:10 — Horses are not once mentioned 
 in this part of llie history. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. [Notes, 2:11 — 14.) The Israelites, having cast 
 off the worship of Jehovah, and multiplied their idols beyond 
 the example of their ancestors, were delivered into the hands 
 of the Philistines on the west, and of the Ammonites on the 
 east ; who between them crushed the people for a long time, 
 but most terribly towards the close of eighteen years ; for 
 then the Ammonites invaded the country west of Jordan, 
 end greatly distressed the inhabitants. 
 
 TTiat year. (8) ‘ The Ammonites vexed them in the east, 
 
 ....while the Philistines vexed them in the west. ... Their 
 invasion began in the same year, but did not end at the same 
 time : for the Ammonites domineered over them only eighteen 
 years ; but the Philistines forty.’ Bp. Patrick. [Notes, 
 13:1.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. Probably the Zidonians aided Jabin, king of 
 Canaan. [Notes, 4:) — The Maonites might be a tribe of 
 Arabians, which assisted Moab. (Marg.Ref.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. This is spoken after the manner of men; and 
 shows most emphatically the deserving of Israel, the demands 
 of divine justice, and the dreadful consequences of impeni- 
 tence: but threatenings always imply a reserve of mercy for 
 the penitent. [Notes, Jer. 2:26 — 30. 18:7 — 10.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. The foregoing message was sent by a prophet, 
 or was delivered by the high-priest, when the congregation 
 were, assembled befor^the Lord : but the people with one con- 
 sent submitted themselves to the justice of God ; (Note, Rom. 
 10:1—4.) yet hoping in his mercy, they left themselves in his 
 hands, craved deliverance from their enemies, and were ear- 
 nest. and decided in reformation. This return to the worship 
 of God seems to have been permanent : for we do not find that 
 the people relapsed into idolatry under the subsequent judges. 
 And compassion as effectually moved the Lord to relieve them, 
 as a man is urged to assist a wretched fellow-creature, when 
 he cannot otherwise help sharing his distress ; or as a father 
 is disposed to assist his suffering child. (Marg. Ref. g. 
 Note, Jer. 31:18 — 20.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Some think, that the penitent Israelites re- 
 covering their courage, the Ammonites had retired beyond 
 Iordan to Gilead : but it is more probable that they were col- 
 ceted in this place, in order to a new invasion of the country 
 vest of Jordan. The inhabitants, however, of the country 
 east of Jordan copvened at Mizpeh, with a determination to 
 oppose them.— God did not, as usual, expressly appoint them 
 n deliverer : but he secretly directed, and openly confirmed, 
 tueir choice of one for themselves.— Some indeed think that 
 they consulted the Lord, and that he pointed out Jephthah 
 (1 Sam. 12:11. Notes, 11:1—11.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The removal of hardened sinners, by a righteous God, often 
 
 akes way for reformation and public tranquillity, and prrves 
 
 / 
 
 13 “Yet ye have forsaken me, and served 
 other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no 
 more. 
 
 14 Go and b cry unto the gods which ye have, 
 chosen ; let them deliver you in the time of your 
 tribulation. 
 
 15 And the children of Israel said unto the 
 Lord, “We have sinned : d do thou unto us what 
 soever ‘seemeth good unto thee; “deliver us only, 
 we pray thee, this day. 
 
 16 And They put away the ^strange gods from 
 among them, and served the Lord : and shis soul 
 was ^grieved for the misery of Israel. 
 
 17 Then the children of Ammon were “gathered 
 together, and encamped in Gilead : and the chil- 
 dren of Israel assembled themselves together, and 
 encamped in ‘‘Mizpeh. 
 
 18 And the people and princes of Gilead said 
 one to another, ‘What man is he that will begin 
 to fight against the children of Ammon ? k he shall 
 be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Jephthah, the base bom son of Gilead , thrust out by his brethren , is chosen 
 commander against the Ammonites , 1 — 11. He sends an embassy to their 
 king, but in vain, 12 — 28. His rash vow, 29 — 31. He conquers the Ammon- 
 ites, 32, 33. He is met by his only daughter, and is deeply distressed ; she 
 jiiously submits, and he performs his vow , 34—40. 
 
 N OW “Jephthah the Gileadite was b a mighty 
 man of valour, and he was the son of 'a 
 harlot : and Gilead begat Jephthah. 
 
 2 And Gilead’s wife bare him sons : and his 
 
 3. Jer. 2-28. c2Sam. 12:13. 21:10. Job 33:27. Prov. 28:13. 1 John 1:8— 10. 
 d Josh. 9:25. 1 Sam. 3:13. 2Sam. 10:12. 15:26. Jon. 2:4. 3:9. ' Heb. it food 
 
 intkmeeyes. e 2 Sam . 24: 14. Job 34:31 ,32. f 2 Chr. 7:14. 15:8. 33:15. Jer. 
 18:7,8. Ez. 18:30 — 32. Hos. 14:1 — 3,8. } Heb. gods of strangers, e Gen. 6:6. 
 Ps. 106:44,45. Is. 63-9. Jer. 31:20. Hos. 11:8. Lukel5:20. 19:41. John 11:34. 
 Eph. 4:32. Heb. 3:10. .4:15. § Heb. shortened. II Heb . cried together, h 11: 
 11,29. Gen. 31:49. i 1:1. 11:5— 8. Is. 3:1— 8. 34:12. k 11:11. 12:7. 1 Sara. 
 17:25. a Heb. 11:32. Jephlhae. b 6:12. 2 Kings 5:1, • Heb. a woman, a 
 
 harlot. 
 
 a great mercy to those who survive. — Man’s carnal heart is 
 prone to prefer the bondage of sin and Satan to the service 
 of God : but present indulgence will certainly produce future 
 misery ; for every expectation and advantage from sin, the 
 world, and the friendship of wicked men, must ensure a dis- 
 tressing disappointment. God is able to multiply men’s punish- 
 ments, according to the number of their iniquities and idols* 
 ( Note , Lev. 2(5:24.) but there is hope, when, under temporal 
 afflictions, sinners cry unto the Lord for help, and lament 
 t heir ungodliness, as well as more scandalous transgressions. 
 Yet the Lord might justly leave those who have forsaken him 
 to their wretched choice ; he might upbraid them with former 
 mercies and their base returns ; he might send them to their 
 beloved idols and lusts ; he might mock at their calamity, and 
 absolutely refuse to help them. (Notes, 2 Kings 3:13,14. Prov. 
 1:24 — 31 .) This will he the dreadful condition of the wicked in 
 another world ; but here mercy can never be sought in vain : 
 yet, for the deeper humiliation of those who are but superfi- 
 cially convinced, and to quicken those who are not duly in 
 earnest; the Lord often seems to M shut up his loving-kindness 
 in his displeasure,” he upbraids them with their sins, pursues 
 them with his awful threatenings, and almost brings them to 
 conclude that their case is hopeless. He will, however, keep 
 them from desperation : and when their prayers are rendered 
 more fervent, their confessions more ingenuous and humilia- 
 ting, their self-examination more diligent, their submission to 
 his justice and dependence on his mercy more entire, and their 
 forsaking of sin more unreserved; it may be certainly con- 
 cluded, that comfort and deliverance are at hand. Let then 
 the trembling sinner, and the almost despairing backslider, 
 cease from inquiring about God’s secret purposes, or thinking 
 to extract hope from former experiences : let them not sink 
 into despondency, or yield to heartless indolence: let them 
 cast themselves upon tne mercy of God our Saviour ; patiently 
 submit to his severest chastisement ; humble themselves 
 more and more under his hand ; seek deliverance on any 
 terms from the dominion of sin, and from the powers of dark- 
 ness; separate themselves as much as possible from all :cca- 
 sions of transgression ; use all the means of grace diligently, 
 and wait the Lord’s time; and they shall certainly at length 
 rejoice in his mercy. Finally, let all those “ who think they 
 stand, take heed lest they fall;” and may the Lord help us to 
 “cleave to him with purpose of heart.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XL V. 1,2. Jephthah seems evidently 
 to have been the son of “ a harlot not of a concubine , or of a 
 secondary wife ; of “ a strange woman,” either of an alien of 
 bad character, or an Israelitess whose infamous conduct pro- 
 cured her that title. (Note, Prov. 2:16.) So that his birth 
 seemed, according to the law, to exclude him “from the con- 
 gregation of the Lord.” (Note, l)eut. 23:2.) — Gilead, the 
 father of Jephtnah, was probably a descendant of Gilead, the 
 grandson o^Manasseh. — Jephthah had no right to share with 
 ( 447 ) 
 
B. C 1143. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1143. 
 
 wife’s sons grew up, and they ‘thrust out Jeph- 
 thah, and said unto him, Thou shalt not inherit 
 in our father’s house; for thou art the son of d a 
 strange woman. 
 
 3 Then Jephthah fled from *his brethren, and 
 dwelt in the land of “Tob: and there were 
 gathered f vain men to Jephthah, and went out 
 with him. 
 
 4 And it came to pass fin process of time, that 
 the children of Ammon made war against Israel. 
 
 5 And it was so, that when the children of 
 Ammon emade war against Israel, the elders of 
 Gilead went h to fetch Jephthah out of the land of 
 Tob: 
 
 6 And they said unto, Jephthah, Come, and be 
 our captain, that we may fight with the children 
 of Ammon : 
 
 7 And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, 
 'Did not ye hate me, and expel me out: of my 
 father’s house ? and why are ye come unto me 
 now when ye are in distress? 
 
 8 And k the elders of Gilead said unto Jephthah, 
 Therefore 'we turn again to thee now, that thou 
 mayest go with us, and fight against the children 
 of Ammon, and be our head over all the in- 
 habitants of Gilead. 
 
 9 And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, 
 m If ye bring me home again to fight against the 
 children of Ammon, and the Lord deliver them 
 before me, shall I be your head ? 
 
 10 And the elders of Gilead said unto Jeph- 
 thah, “The Lord be ^witness between us, °if we 
 do not so according to thy words. 
 
 11 Then Jephthah went -with the elders of 
 Gilead, and the people made him I’head and cap- 
 rain over them: and Jephthah ^uttered all his 
 words r before the Lord in Mizpeh. 
 
 12 IT And Jephthah “sent messengers unto the 
 king of the children of Ammon, saying, ‘What 
 hast thou to do with me, that thou art come 
 against me to fight in my land ? 
 
 13 And the king of the children of Ammon 
 answered unto the messengers of Jephthah, u Be- 
 
 c Gen. 21:10. Deut. 23:2. dProv.2:16. 5:3,20. 6:24 — 26. * Heb. the face of 
 
 his brethren. e2Sam.l0:6. f 9:4. 1 Sam. 22:2. 27:2. 30:22— 24. Job 30: 1— 
 10. Acts 17:5. t Heb. after days. 10:8. g 10:9,17,18. h 1 Sam. 10:27. 11:6,7, 
 12. Ps. 118:22,23. Acts 7:35— 39. 1 Cor. 1:27—29. i Gen. 26:27. 37:27. 45:4,5. 
 Prov. 17:17. Is. 60:14. Acts 7:9— 14. Rev. 3:9. k Ex. 8:8,28. 9:28. 10:17. 
 1 Kings 13:6. Luke 17:3,4. 1 10:18. m Num. 32:20—29. n Gen. 21:23. 31:50. 
 
 I Sam. 12:5. Jer. 29:23. 42:5. Rom. 1:9. 2 Cor. 11:31. } Heb. the hearer. Gen. 
 16:5. 31:53. Deut. 1:16. 1 Sam. 24:12. o Ex. 20:7. Zech. 5:4. Mai. 3:5. p 8. 
 q 1 Sam. 23:9 — 12. 1 Kings 3:7 — 9. 2 Cor. 3:5. Jam. 1:5,17. r 10:17. 20:1. 
 ISam. 10:17. 11:15. s Num. 20:14. 21 :21 . Deut. 2:26 . 20: 10,11. Prov. 25:8,9. 
 
 his brethren in the inheritance ; but he had not deserved to 
 be turned out destitute, as if he had been a vagabond or a 
 malefactor. 
 
 V. 3. A number of men of broken fortunes and unsettled 
 dispositions joined themselves to Jephthah. It does not ap- 
 pear, however, that they attempted any depredations, or vio- 
 lence against their own countrymen, but rather that they made 
 reprisals on those nations which oppressed them. In this 
 course of life they learned hardiness, boldness, and military 
 skill : and thus Jephthah acquired that reputation which made 
 way for his advancement, as commander in the war against 
 Ammon. — It is not improbable, that he also reformed his fol- 
 lowers, and gave them some instructions in religion, as David, 
 in similar circumstances, evidently did in respect of his ad- 
 herents. (Notes, 1 Sam. 22:1,2. 24:4—7. 25:7,8. 30:22—25.) 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Jephthah, at the head of his company, had pro- 
 oably before this begun to fight against the Ammonites, by 
 incursions and reprisals : and the elders of Gilead knowing him 
 to be a man of approved courage and conduct, sent to offer 
 him the chief command of their army. Perhaps they forgot 
 the law before mentioned ; or they supposed that in this emer- 
 gency it might be dispensed with. Some indeed think, that 
 they were directed by a divine admonition to send for him : at 
 least the Lord confirmed their choice ; perhaps in order that 
 those who had rendered themselves vile by sin, might be 
 rescued from their enemies by one who lay under a disgrace- 
 ful stigma ; and that he might bo humbled by recollecting, that 
 he was marked in the divine law with the same brand as the 
 Ammonites whom he conquered. (Notes, Deut. 23:2 — 5.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. Either these elders of Gilead were Jephthah’s 
 brethren : cr they had concurred with them in driving him 
 away, instead of defending him from their injustice : for he 
 ascribed the ill-usage which he had met with to their hatred ; 
 and they did not deny the charge, though urged as a reason 
 why they ought not to apply to him in their distress. As he 
 was of an enterprising spirit, they had perhaps suspected him 
 of ambitious designs, like those of Abimelech. (9:) They 
 now, however, felt their need of his talents; and pleaded that 
 
 ( 448 ) 
 
 cause Israel took away my land when they came 
 up out of Egypt, from Arnon even unto “Jabbok, 
 and unto Jordan : now therefore restore thos^ 
 lands again peaceably. 
 
 14 H And Jephthah sent messengers ^again unto 
 the king of the children of Ammon, 
 
 15 And said unto him, Thus saith Jephthah, 
 ‘Israel took not away the land of Moab, nor tlve 
 land of the children of Ammon : 
 
 16 But when Israel came up from Egypt, and 
 “walked through the wilderness unto the Red Sea, 
 and b came to Kadesh ; 
 
 17 Then Israel “sent messengers unto the king 
 of Edom, saying, Let me, I pray thee, pass 
 through thy land : but the kin^ of Edom would 
 not hearken thereto. And in like manner they 
 sent unto d the king of Moab ; but he would not 
 consent : and Israel “abode in Kadesh. 
 
 18 Then they fwent along through the wilder- 
 ness, and ^compassed the land of Edom, and the 
 land of Moab, and came by the east side of the 
 land of Moab, and h pitched on the other side of 
 Arnon, but came not within the border of Moab : 
 for Arnon was the border of Moab. 
 
 19 And ‘Israel sent messengers unto Sihon king 
 of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon ; and Is- 
 rael said unto him, Let us pass, we pray thee, 
 through thy land unto my place. 
 
 20 But Sihon trusted not Israel to pass through 
 his coast : but Sihon gathered all his people 
 together, and pitched in Jahaz, and fought against 
 Israel. 
 
 21 And the k LoRD God of Israel delivered 
 Sihon, and all his people, into the hand of Israel, and 
 they smote them: 'so Israel possessed all the land 
 of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country. 
 
 22 And they possessed all the coasts of the 
 Amorites, from Arnon even unto Jabbok, and from 
 the wilderness even unto Jordan. 
 
 23 So now the Lord God of Israel hath dis- 
 possessed the Amorites from before his people 
 Israel, and shouldest thou possess it? 
 
 24 Wilt not thou possess that which m Chemosh 
 
 Matt. 18:15,16. t2Kingal4:8 — 12. uNtim. 21:24 — 96. Prov. 19:5,9 x Gen 
 32:22. Deut. 2:37. 3:16. y Ps. 120:7. Rom.l2:18. Hell. 12:14. lPct.S:ll 
 i Num. 21:13— 15,27— 30. Deut. 2:9,19 2Chr. 211:10. Acts 21:12,13. a Num. 
 14:25. Deut. 1:40. Josh. 5:6. b Gen. 14:7. Num. 13:26 . 20:1. Deut. 1:46. 
 cNum. 20:14— 21. Deut. 2:4—8,29. dDeut.2:9. e Num. 20:1,16. fNum.20t 
 22. 21:11) — 13. 33:37— 44. Deut. 2:1-6. * Num. 21:4. h Num. 21:13 . 22:36. 
 
 i Num. 21:21— 35. Deut. 2:27— 34 . 3:1—17. Josh'. 13:8-12. k Neh. 9 22. P«. 
 135:10—12.136:17—21. 1 Josh. 13:15-32. m Num. 21 29. 1 Kings 11:7. Jer. 
 48:7,46. 
 
 they desired to appoint him their captain, that they might 
 make him amends for their former injustice. (Note, 10:17,18.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. Jephthah had no great reason to confide in the 
 elders of Gilead : and, as he supposed that if the Lord gave 
 him the victory over Ammon, this would entitle him to the 
 authority of judge over the tribes east of Jordan; he required 
 the elders to engage by a solemn oath, that they would sub- 
 mit to him, before he would accompany them to Mizpeh. 
 And when he came thither, being about to enter on Ibis im- 
 portant service, he “uttered all his words,” or laid all his 
 transactions, “ before the Lord seeking his direction, as- 
 sistance, and blessing very particularly in fervent prayer, as 
 one who would go forth in faith, and expected all his success 
 from God. (Note, Heb. 11:32 — 34.) — Some think, that the 
 high-priest, with the sacred breastplate uas come on this 
 occasion to Mizpeh ; and that Jephthah inquired of him.— 
 Mizpeh here mentioned was east of Jordan, and was called 
 Mizpeh of Gilead, (29) in contradistinction from another 
 place of the same name, which lay west, of Jordan. (Josh. 
 15:38.) There was also another city, if not two, called Miz- 
 peh, which were of less note. 
 
 Y. 12 — 23. Jephthah, now constituted ruler in Israel, sent 
 to treat of peace with the Ammonites before he declared war 
 against them. This accorded to the law of Mosos, and was 
 done perhaps by divine direction. (Notes, Deut. 20:10 — 18.) 
 The whole of these messages show that Jephthah had well 
 studied the historical part of the books of Moses. His argu- 
 ments likewise were very clear, and his demands reasonable ; 
 for he only required, that the Ammonites should cease to 
 harass a people, who neither had injured them, nor intended 
 to do so. (Notes, Num. 20:14 — 21. 21:21 — 35. Deut. 2: 3:1 — 
 11.) — It is also evident that the books of Numbers and 
 Deuteronomy were then extant in their present form.— Som# 
 of the country, at that time possessed by Israel, had onco 
 belonged to Ammon : but tho Amorites had taken it from 
 them ; aflorwards tho Israelites had wrested it from tlx 
 Amorites ; and God, who gave the victory, expressly assigned 
 to them tho country of tho vanquished for their inheritance. 
 
B. C. 1 1 43. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. B. C. 1143. 
 
 thy ffod give I h thee to possess ? So "whomsoever 
 the Loud our God shall drive out from before us, 
 them will we possess. 
 
 25 And now, art thou any thing better than 
 •Balak, the son of Zippor. king of Moab ? did he 
 ever strive against Israel, or did he 'ever fight 
 against them, 
 
 26 While Israel dwelt in pHeshbon and her 
 towns, and in 'lAroer and her towns, and in all 
 the cities that be along by the coasts of Arnon, 
 'three hundred years ? why therefore did ye not 
 recover them within that time ? 
 
 27 Wherefore I have not sinned against thee, 
 but thou doest me wrong to war against me : the 
 Lord ’the Judge ‘be Judge this day between the 
 children of Israel and the children of Ammon. 
 
 28 Howbeit "the king of the children of Ammon 
 hearkened not unto the words of Jephthah which 
 
 he sent him. [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 29 H Then “the Spirit of the Lord came upon 
 Jephthah ; and he passed over Gilead and Ma- 
 nasseh, and passed over rMizpeh of Gilead, and 
 from Mizpeh of Gilead he passed over unto the 
 children of Ammon. 
 
 30 And Jephthah ’vowed a vow unto the Lord, 
 and said, If thou shalt without fail deliver the 
 children of Ammon into my hands, 
 
 31 Then it shall be, that 'whatsoever cometh 
 forth of the doors of my house to meet me, when 
 I return in peace from the children of Ammon, 
 
 n Deut. 9:4,5. 18:12. Josh. 3:10. Fs. 44:2. 78:55. o Nam. 22:2. Deut. 23: 
 8,4. Josh. 24:9,10. Mic. 6:5. p Num. 21:25— 30. Deut. 2:24. 3:2,6. Josh. 12: 
 2,5.13:10. q Deut. 2:36. r 3:11,30. 5:31. 8:28. 9:22. 10:2,3,3. Josh. 11:18. 
 23:1. s Gen. 18 25. 1 Sara. 2: 10. Job 9:15. 23:7. Ps. 7:11. 50:6 . 82:8. 94:2. 98: 
 9. Ec. 11.9. 12:14. John 5:22,23. Rom. 14:10— 12. 2Cor.5:10. 2Tim.4:8. 
 Heb. 12:21. t Gen. 15:5. 31:53. 1 Sara. 24:12,15. Ps. 7:8,9. 2Cor. 11:11. 
 u 2 Kings 14:11. Proa. 16:18. x 3:10.6:34.13:25. Num. 11:25 1 Sam. 10:10. 16:13 
 — 15. 1 Chr. 12:18. y 10: J 7. z Gen. 28:20. Num. 30:2, &c. 1 Sam. 1:11. Ec. 5:1,2. 
 
 • Heb. that which cometh forth , which shall come forth, a Lev. 27:2,3,28,29. 
 
 V. 24. This did not imply, either that Chemosh was in 
 reality a God, or that victory always gives a right to the pos- 
 sessions of the vanquished : but Jephthah argued with the 
 king of Ammon on his own principles, the better to expose 
 the injustice and unreasonableness of his conduct. 
 
 V. 25, 26. Balak feared Israel and plotted their destruction ; 
 but he had never proceeded to assault them, nor did they 
 ever give him any reason. (Notes, Num. 22: — 25:) — Jephthah 
 here argues that it was absurd, at the end of three hundred 
 years, to revive a claim, which had been so long suffered to 
 lie dormant! — Solomon began to build the temple four hundred 
 and eighty years after Israel left Egypt: (1 Kings 6:1.) forty 
 years were spent in the wilderness before the conquest of 
 Sihon and Og : and Jephthah here speaks of three hundred 
 years having elapsed to that time. So that (if he spake with 
 exactue* and not of a round number) these events happened 
 one hundred and forty years before the building of Solomon’s 
 temple. Several computations have been made of the years 
 under Joshua, the different Judges, and king Saul, to accord 
 with this general intimation : but none are very satisfactory. 
 Obscurity rests on this part of sacred chronology, and pro- 
 bably will continue to do so. ( Note, 3:11.) 
 
 V. 27. In case the king of Ammon would not desist from 
 his demand, the war would become just and necessary : and 
 therefore Jephthah solemnly appealed to Jehovah, “ the 
 Judge,” to judge between Israel and the Ammonites, and to 
 decide in favour of those who had the more righteous cause. 
 Every declaration of war implies such ah appeal ; but it is 
 seldom made upon such good grounds, and in the same spirit 
 of humble faith. (Notes, 2 Sam. 10:8 — 14. 2 Chr. 13:4—22.) 
 
 V. 29. The Lord, by the communication of his Spirit, 
 both confirmed the people’s choice of Jephthah, and fitted 
 him for the service to which he was called. (Note, 9 — 11.) — 
 Being thus stirred up, he went through the adjacent countries 
 to levy soldiers, and then marched boldly to attack the 
 enemy. 
 
 V. 30, 31. Perhaps Jephthah’s army was small, and his or 
 their courage ready to fail in the prospect of imminent danger ; 
 and therefore he joined a solemn vow to his earnest prayers : 
 but the vow itself was evidently rash and improper. (Marg. 
 Ref. z. Notes , Gen. 28:20 — 22. Num. 30:2.) God himself 
 had prescribed the animals which were to be offered in the 
 different kinds of sacrifices: and there were likewise different 
 kinds of vows, and particular regulations of them. ( Notes, 
 Lev. 1:1,2. 27:) It was therefore exceedingly absurd to vow, 
 that whatsoever “ came forth of the doors of his house, 
 should be the Lord’s, and be offered for a burnt-offering,’’ 
 The marginal reading, “ or I will offer it,” &c. on which much 
 stress has been laid by several expositors, is by no means a 
 natural construction. A dog or some other unclean animal, 
 might first have met him ; and in what sense could it have 
 oeen the Lord’s ? but it was most probable that one of his 
 family would, which indeed he seems to have expected. Not 
 being so well acquainted with the preceptive part of the books 
 Voi. I. — 57 
 
 ‘shall surely be the Lord’s, kind I will offer it up 
 for a burnt-offering. 
 
 32 H So Jephthah passed over unto the childre 
 of Ammon to fight against them ; and b the Lori. 
 delivered them into his hands. 
 
 33 And he smote them from c Aroer, even tilt 
 thou come to d Minnith, even twenty cities, and 
 unto Uhe plain of the vineyards, with a very 
 great slaughter. Thus the children of Ammoi 
 were subdued before the children of Israel. 
 
 34 H And Jephthah came to ‘Mizpeh unto his 
 house, and, behold, f his daughter came out to 
 meet him with timbrels and with dances: and 
 she was his only child ; ^besides her he had ^neither 
 son nor daughter. 
 
 35 And it came to pass when he saw her, that 
 he h rent his clothes, and said, Alas, my daughter ! 
 thou hast brought me very low, and thou art one 
 of them that trouble me : for 'I have opened my 
 mouth unto the Lord, and k I cannot go back. . 
 
 36 And she said unto him, My father, if thou 
 hast opened thy mouth unto the Lord, do to me 
 according to that which hath proceeded out ot 
 thy mouth ; 'forasmuch as the Lord hath taken 
 vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the 
 children of Ammon. 
 
 37 And she said unto her father, Let this thing 
 be done for me ; let me alone two months, that I 
 may "go up and down upon the mountains, and 
 ""bewail my virginity, I and my fellows. 
 
 1 Sam. 1:11,28. 14:2-1,44. t Or, or Twill, &c. Lev. 27:11,12. Deut. 23:18. Is. 
 66:3. b 1:4. 2:18. 3:10. c Deut. 2:36. cl Ez. 27:17. } Or, Abel. ell. 10:17. 
 f 5:l,&c. Ex. 15:20. ISam. 18:6,7. Ps. 6S:25. 148:11 ,12. Jer. 31 :4,13. § Or, 
 had not of his own either . Heb. of himself, g Zecb. 12:10. Luke 7:12. 8:42.9: 
 38. h Gen. 37:29,30,34,35. 42:36—38. 2 Sam. 13:30,31. 18:33. Job 1:20. i Lev. 
 27:28,29. Num. 30:2 — 5. Ps. 15:4. Ec. 5 2— 6. k 21:1 — 7. 1 Sam. 14:44,45. 
 Mat-. 14:7— 9. Acts 23:14. 1 16:28—30. 2 Sam. 18:19,31. 19:30. Acts 20:24. 21 : 
 13. Rom. 16:4. Phil. 2:30. || Heb. go and go down, m 1 Sum. 1:6. Luke 1:25. 
 
 of Moses, as with the historical , he confounded the several 
 laws concerning sacrifices and vows ; and especially, he 
 seems to have had some confused idea of the law and custom 
 of devoting persons or things to utter destruction. ( Note , 
 Leo. 27:28,29.) This being especially intended of the enemies 
 of God, and things abused to idolatry, he erroneously applied 
 to innocent persons and Israelites, over whose lives he could 
 have no power, either in his public. or private character ; and 
 he supposed that the execution of this vow required, that the 
 person devoted should be offered for a burnt-offering. His 
 judgment was not only erroneous through ignorance of the 
 divine law, but it was also perverted by a too great familiarity 
 with the customs of the surrounding idolaters ; who on such 
 emergencies frequently vowed and offered human sacrifices, 
 supposing them acceptable to the Deity, in proportion to the 
 pain which they occasioned to the offerers. ( Notes, 2 Kings 
 3:27. Mic. 6:6—8.) 
 
 V. 34 — 40. The whole conduct of Jephthah’s daughter 
 shows, that she was an amiable, dutiful, and pious young 
 woman, according to the instructions afforded her : and tho 
 tokens of extreme distress, which Jephthah showed, confirm 
 the interpretation before intimated. (Note, 30,31.) If ho 
 had understood the divine, law, he would have known that his 
 rash vow bound him to nothing hut deep repentance ; unless 
 he had accompanied thank-offerings at Shiloh, with a sin- 
 offering on this account. — But he deemed himself irrevocably 
 engaged ; (Notes, Lev. 27:28,29. Num. 30:2.) and after two 
 months, u he did with her according to his vow that is, as 
 it appears evident to me, he offered her for a burnt-offering ; 
 perhaps induced by a misinterpretation of the command 
 given to Abraham concerning his son Isaac. (Notes, Gen. 
 22:2 — 10.) In this he acted conscientiously : but his conscience 
 was erroneous : and his error arose from ignorance of the 
 divine law, and too much acquaintance with heathen customs. 
 Otherwise he would not have placed his amiable daughter, 
 who came to congratulate his victory, with joyful songs of 
 praise, among the devoted enemies of God ; much less would 
 he have offered so detestable a sacrifice, which was most 
 expressly forbidden, as 44 an abomination to the Lord which 
 he hated.” (Deut. 12:31. Note, Lev. 20:2 — 5.) — When Saul 
 rashly brought his excellent son Jonathan under the curse of 
 utter destruction, the people very properly rescued him ; for 
 the crime was Saul’s, not Jonathan’s. (Notes, 1 Sam. 14:24 
 — 46.)' — Many learned men indeed have endeavoured to show 
 that Jephthah did not sacrifice his daughter, but that he shut 
 her up in perpetual solitude and virginity ; and they urge io 
 favour of that opinion, that 44 she bewailed her virginity noi 
 her death ; and that 44 she knew no man and they suppose 
 that the daughters of Israel went to condole with her four 
 times in the year, and not to lament her death. But it is not 
 at all likely that it should become a custom, not only for her 
 acquaintance, or the daughters of Gilead, but for those of all 
 Israel, thus to flock to her four days in the year on such an 
 account : and we never read of law or custom, either in tho 
 
 ( 449 ) 
 
B. C. 1143. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1143. 
 
 38 And he said, Go. And he sent her away 
 for two months : and she went with her com- 
 panions, and bewailed her virginity upon the 
 mountains. 
 
 39 And it came to pass, at the end of two 
 months, that she returned unto her father, who 
 "did with her according °to his vow which he had 
 vowed : and she knew no man. And it was a 
 "custom in Israel, 
 
 40 That the daughters of Israel went tyearly 
 to ilament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite 
 rfour days in a year. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Ephraimites quarrel with Jephthah, are smitten by the Gileadites , and 
 slain in very great numbers at the passage of Jordan , 1 — 6. Jephthah dies , 
 7. Ibzan,who had thirty sons and thirty daughters, judges Israel, 8 — 10: 
 and after him- Elon, 11, 12: and then Abdon , who had forty sons and thirty 
 grandsons, 13 — 15. 
 
 A ND the men of Ephraim "gathered themselves 
 together, and went northward, and said unto 
 
 n 31. Lev. 27:28,29. Deut. 12:31. Is. 66:3. o 1 Sam. 1:11,28, 2:18. • Or, ordi- 
 nance. t Heb. from year to year. } Or, to talk with, p 1 Kings 9:25. 
 * Heb. were catted, . 8:1. 23am. 19:41— 43. Ps. 109:4. Ec. 4:4. John 10:32. 
 b 14:15. 15:6. Prov. 27:3,4. Jam. 3:16. 4:1,2. c 11:12, ic. d9:17. 1 Sam. 19: 
 
 Old Testament or the New, for any person to be thus 
 devoted to the Lord by perpetual celibacy, or the least hint 
 of the kind. On the contrary, marriage and having children 
 were so honourable in all, that to die unmarried or childless 
 was deemed disgraceful, as well as a misfortune ; which seems 
 to have occasioned the expressions above mentioned. (Luke 
 1:25.) So pious a person, supposing her death to be for the 
 glory of God, and the benefit of Israel, would not bewail on 
 that account : but, according to the sentiment of all Israel- 
 itish women, she must naturally lament that she died unmar- 
 ried and childless, especially as her father had no other child, 
 nor any prospect of posterity. Whereas, had she been shut 
 up in perpetual solitude, as a single example of that kind in 
 the whole Scripture, and contrary to the whole tenor of it, 
 Bhe w.ould not have needed to request two months to bewail 
 her virginity, for she would have had all her romaining life to 
 do it in. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 28. As the sins of parents so often occasion dis- 
 grace and hardship to their children, this should unite with 
 higher motives to induce men to govern their passions accord- 
 ing to the law of God. — Activity, capacity, prudence, and 
 piety, will often render a man superior to the disadvantages 
 of his birth; and the hardships of his youth prepare him for 
 the services of future life. — W e should not despise the mean- 
 est person ; for we know not how soon we may have reason 
 lo supplicate his assistance. It is especially dangerous to 
 injure the servants of God; and many who do so in prospe- 
 rity, are glad to seek the benefit of their protection, counsel, 
 and prayers, in seasons of terror and distress : ( Notes , Is. 
 ■60:10 — 14. Rev. 3:8,9.) and in all ages they, whom God has 
 most honoured and employed, have previously been treated 
 with contempt and injustice, even by those to whom they 
 afterwards were most useful. None ought therefore to be 
 discouraged or surprised by it ; as they are only dealt with 
 in the same manner as Joseph, Moses, Jephthah, and David ; 
 nay, in this especially, are made like to the Son of God, 
 44 who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself,” 
 before he was 44 exalted to be a Prince and Saviour.” Indeed, 
 the Lord is continually thus treated : men neglect his service, 
 despise his authority, and rob him of his glory ; and yet in 
 their distress they apply unto him for deliverance. But, as 
 he forgives the penitent sinner without upbraiding him, so 
 ought his people to behave to their enemies. It should be 
 noted, however, that the Saviour himself will save none who 
 do not consent that he should 44 reign over them :” and his 
 disciples, after his example, should seek to reform them, 
 whose temporal distresses they relieve. — Those undertakings 
 are likely to prosper, and those public situations to be well 
 filled, respecting which the Lord is consulted and trusted in 
 simple faith, prayer, and conscientious obedience. — They, 
 who possess the greatest genuine courage, will be the most 
 disposed for peace, and to concede and yield the most for the 
 sake of it; and when rapacity and ambition, concealed under 
 the mask of equity, (for though few men love justice, most 
 would be thought to do so,) render such endeavours unavail- 
 ing; having shown that we would, 44 if possible, live peace- 
 ably with all men,” we may safely leave the matter with 
 the Lord ; who, as Judge of alfthe earth, will award to those 
 that delight in contention, public or private, a recompense 
 meet for their turbulent dispositions and evil deeds. 
 
 V. 29 — 40. As far as we are acquainted with the word of 
 God, we shall find a clear light shine upon our paths, disco- 
 vering to us the safe and happy way: but, even when we act, 
 uprightly, if ignorant of the Scriptures, we shall fall into 
 lamentable mistakes, to the dishonour of God, and the great 
 discomfort of our souls. This should excite us to a dili- 
 gent study of the whole word of God, that, we may be 44 com- 
 pleted in the knowledge of his will :” and it should remind 
 ministers to be exact, copious, and frequent, in discus'iing 
 
 ( 450 ) 
 
 Jephthah, ^Wherefore passednt thou over to fight 
 against the children of Ammon, and didst not call 
 us to go with thee ? b we will burn thy house 
 upon thee with fire. 
 
 2 And Jephthah said unto them, C I and my 
 people were at great strife with the children of 
 Ammon ; and when I called you, ye delivered me 
 not out of their hands. 
 
 3 And when I saw that ye delivered me not, 1 
 d put my life in my hands, and passed over against 
 the children of Ammon, and the Lord delivered 
 them into my hand: e wherefore then are ye come 
 up unto me this day to fight against me? 
 
 4 Then Jephthah gathered together all the 
 men of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim : and 
 the f men of Gilead smote Ephraim, because they 
 said, Ye Gileadites are ^fugitives of Ephraim, 
 among the Ephraimites, and among the Ma- 
 nassites. 
 
 5. 28:21. Job 13:14. Ps. 119:109. Rom. 16:4. Rev. 12:11. e 11:27. 2Chr.l3:l». 
 f 11:10. Num. 32:39,40. Deut. 3:12— 17. £ 1 Sam. 25:10. Neh. 4:4. Ps. 78:9. 
 Prov. 12:13. 15:1. 
 
 practical subjects; that those who are disposed to perform 
 their duty, may not be left to sin through ignorance or mis- 
 take, as very many professors of evangelical truth continu- 
 ally do. — How checkered are the scenes of this mortal life! 
 Sorrow treads upon the heels of mirth ; and our choicest 
 comforts, often through our own unwatchfulness, become the 
 occasions of our severest trials: but we need the less wonder 
 at this, when we observe how defective the best characters 
 are, and how the best actions are often connected with such 
 as are utterly unwarrantable. — A cheerful mind, disposed to 
 be grateful to God, and to endure any thing for his honour and 
 out of love to his people, with a ready submission to parental 
 authority, are such beautiful blossoms in young persons, and 
 promise such fruit in riper years, that we must regret to see 
 them blasted by premature death ; and lament that those, 
 who have so well performed the inferior duties, are not spared 
 to be useful in the more important relations of the married 
 state. But, though their death is a loss to society, they are 
 themselves no losers : for the preparation for a useful life will 
 render death also comfortable, in whatever way they may be 
 called hence. — In lawful vows, when we have 44 opened our 
 mouth unto the Lord, we may not go back ;” and on that 
 account we should be very considerate in making vows, that 
 we may not involve ourselves or others in distress, perplexity, 
 or temptation : tut nothing can oblige us to that which is in 
 itself unlawful. With this single exception, we Cfinnot do too 
 much to express our gratitude for mercies received, or part 
 with too much for the glory of God. Though we cannot 
 approve of the conduct of Jephthah, we may well admire and 
 imitate his resolution and self-denial, and still more those of 
 his daughter. — Let us not then forget the love of the Father 
 in giving his Son, or of the Son in giving himself, a, real and 
 acceptable sacrifice for the sins of rebellious man. Bought 
 with such a price, let us present our bodies and souls as a 
 living sacrifice unto God ; and look forward with heartfelt 
 satisfaction to that country, where ignorance, error, sin, and 
 sorrow shall be known no more ; where the believer’s victory 
 will be complete, his triumphs unalloyed and unsullied, and 
 his hallelujahs uninterrupted and eternal. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1 — 7. Jephthah was a Ma- 
 nasite, and the Ephraimites had the same pretence of quar- 
 relling with him, as their ancestors had for chiding with 
 Gideon: (Note, 11:1,2.) but. their resentment vrnted itself in 
 a more outrageous and abusive manner. We find nothing to 
 blame in Jephthah ’s answer; but it was not so conciliating ns 
 that of Gideon had been, (yiarg. Ref. Note , 8:1 — 3.) 
 The Ephraimites had, it. seems, been sent, to, and would not 
 come to help their brethren, and their anger was therefore 
 extremely unreasonable : but instead of being satisfied with 
 Jephthah ’s arguments, they proceeded to assault him: and 
 they likewise irritated the Gileadites by abusive language ; as 
 if they had been the refuse of the descendants of Joseph, 
 who had fled from justice, and settled beyond Jordan ! 
 (Note, Josh. 22:21 — 29.) — The Gileadites, however, took a 
 most severe revenge on them: for getting possession of the 
 fords of Jordan, they slew great numbers of them ; having 
 artfully devised to distinguish thorn by their provincial pro- 
 nunciation of the Hebrew word Shibboleth, which generally 
 signifies a river , or stream of viators : (6 vrnrg. readmg and 
 ref. on it :) though sometimes also used for an ear of com. 
 ( Job 24:24.) How far Jephthah concurred in this cruel re- 
 venge cannot be determined ; but it was entirely unjustifiable, 
 and exceedingly weakened the common cause of Israel. 
 (Notes, 2 Chr. 13:4—22. Prov. 17:14. Matt. 12:25,26.) 
 Indeed it is wonderful that the political importance of Eph- 
 raim was not ruined by this massacre. (Notes, Gen. 49:22 
 — 26. Deut.. 33:17.) After this transaction. Israel quietly 
 submitted t<> Jephthah as their judge* but he lived only a 
 short time, and probably had little oo»Anrt in l '« advance 
 I ment. 
 
B. C. 1 1 2f. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 b. c. n& 
 
 5 And the G eadites took h the passages of 
 Jordan before toe Ephraimites : and it was so, 
 that when tliiv.e Ephraimites which were escaped 
 said, Let me go over ; that the men of Gilead 
 said unto Lm, Art thou an Ephraimite? If he 
 said Nay ; 
 
 0 Then said they unto him, 'Say now 'Shib- 
 boleth ; and he said, Sibboleth: lor he could not 
 frame to pronounce it right. Then they took 
 him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan : and 
 •there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and 
 two thousand. 
 
 b. c.j 7 And Jephthah judged Israel six, years: 
 U37. J tj, en ( ]j ec | Jephthah the Gileadite, and was 
 buried in one of the cities of Gilead. 
 
 8 U And after him Ibzan of ‘Beth-lehem judged 
 Israel. 
 
 9 And he had "thirty sons and thirty daughters, 
 whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters 
 from abroad for his sons: and he judged Israel 
 seven years. 
 
 b. c.j 10 Then died Ibzan, and was buried at 
 n3 °- -I Beth-lehem. 
 
 11 H And after him Elon, a Zebulonite, judged 
 Israel : and he judged Israel ten years. 
 
 12 And Elon the Zebulonite died, and was 
 ouried in "Aijalon, in the country of Zebulun. 
 
 13 If And after him, Abdon the son of Hillel, a 
 Pirathonite, judged Israel. 
 
 14 And he had forty sons, and thirty tnephews, 
 b. c.i that “rode on threescore and ten ass-colts : 
 I112 - ' and he judged Israel eisrht years. 
 
 15 And Abdon the son of Hillel the PPirathonite. 
 
 h 3:23. 7:24. Josh. 2:7. 22:11. i Mall. 26:73. Mark 14:70. • That is. a 
 
 Biream, or, Jlood. Ps. 69-2,15. Is. 27:12. Heb. k Prov. 17:14. 18:19. Ec. 
 10:12. Mult. 12:25. Gal. 5:15. 1 Gen. 35:19. 1 Sam. 16:1. Mic. 5:2. Matt. 
 
 2:1. m 14. 10:4. n Josh. 19:42. 1 Chr. 6:69. 8:13. t Heb. sons' sons, o 5: 
 10.10:4. p2Sam. 23:30. q 3:13,27. 5:14. Gen. 14:7. Ex. 17:8. 1 Sam. 15:7. 
 Heb. added to commit, &c. 2:11. 3:7. 4:1. 6:1. 10:6. a 1 Sum. 12:9. b Josh. 
 5:33.19.41. c Gen. 16:1. 25:21. 1 Sam. 1:2— 6. Luke 1:7. d 2:1. 6:11,12. 
 
 V. 9 — 15. “The mount of the Amalekites,” (15) seems 
 to have derived its name from some victory, gained over 
 Amalek in that place by the Ephraimites. (Marg. Ref.) — 
 Many learned men suppose, that these last four judges ruled 
 over the eastern and northern parts of the country ; and that 
 Samson and Eli were contemporary with them, judging the 
 southern and western parts. 
 
 , PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 While pride prevails, there must be discord and contention : 
 (Note, Prov. 13:10.) and when insolence escapes chastise- 
 ment, it often grows more abusive. But the haughty and 
 quarrelsome will at length meet with those, who are as ready 
 to revenge their affronts, as others have been to endure them. 
 — Nothing is more foolish than scurrility : without any advan- 
 tage it rouses the most implacable resentment, and prepares 
 the way for bloodshed. Thus “ the tongue, that unruly evil, 
 sets on tire the whole course of nature, and is set on fire of" 
 hell.” (Note, Jam. 3:3 — G.) But they, who are most ready 
 to boast, menace, and revile, generally prove cowardly in 
 real danger : and might have their own reproaches retorted 
 upon them, but that Christians must not “ render railing for 
 railing.” — In the origin or the event of dissension, all parties 
 are commonly to blame ; even good men cannot always bear 
 with proper calmness the ingratitude and ill-treatment of 
 those whom they have served ; nor have all equally the 
 talent of turning away wrath by a soft answer : and in a just 
 cause we are apt to be hurried on by our passions to unwar- 
 rantable lengths ; for “ the beginning of strife is like the 
 letting forth of water, therefore” let us “ leave off contention 
 before it be meddled with.”— The splendourof men’s exploits, 
 and the excellence of their characters, often increase the 
 number and rage of their enemies : nor need any man be 
 surprised, if those who ought to thank, commend, anJ re- 
 ward him, and to congratulate him on his succpss in dan- 
 gerous attempts to promote the public welfare, should abu:;e 
 and hate him, and threaten his destruction. No one is pre- 
 pared to do good in such a world as this, who has not learned 
 to expect and accept evil, as his recompense from man : and 
 to persevere in hope of a better recompense from a gracious 
 God. But no contentions are so bitter, as those which arise 
 between brethren, or between rivals for honour and prece- 
 dency. What need have we then to watch and pray against 
 envy, pride, ambition, and those evil tempers, which set the 
 world as it were in flames from age to age ; and which by 
 oorrid carnage gratify that first great murderer, the devil!— 
 \las ! that so many Shibboleths should be invented to divide the 
 ehurch also ; to be the watchwords of angry disputants, and 
 (lie pretext for professed disciples of Christ abusing and per- 
 secuting each other ! May the Lord incline all his people 
 ’ to follow after the things which make for peace, and things 
 whereby one may edify another.”— Many renowned and 
 envied persons die of broken hearts, on account of personal 
 
 died, and was buiied in Pirathon, in the land Oi 
 Ephraim, iin the mount of the Amalekites. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Israel offends God , arul is reduced to serve the Ptiilistinee forty years , 1 . .I* 
 Angel appears to Manoah' 8 wife, and promises her a son , who should be a 
 perpetual Nazarite, 2 — 5. She informs her husband ; who prays that the 
 Angel may again appear to instruct them, 6 — 8. The Angel appears, and by 
 his conduct, especially by ascending in the flame of Manoah' s sacrifice , dis- 
 covers who he is, 9 — 2(J. Manoah is greatly alarmed, as having seen God j 
 but is encouraged by his wife, 21— 2j. Samson is born, and is moved by the 
 Spirit of God, 24, 25. 
 
 A ND the children of Israel ‘did evil again in 
 the sight of the Lord; and the Lord de- 
 livered them “into the hand of the Philistines forty 
 years. 
 
 2 And there was a certain man of b Zorah, of 
 the family of the Danites, whose name was Ma- 
 noah : and his wife was “barren, and bare not. 
 
 3 And d the Angel of the Lord appeared unto 
 the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou 
 art barren, and bearest not ; “but thou shalt con- 
 ceive, and bear a son. 
 
 4 Now therefore beware, I pray thee, and 
 f drink not wine nor strong drink, and seat not any 
 unclean thing : 
 
 5 For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son ; 
 and h no razor shall come on his head : for the 
 child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb : 
 and he shall 'begin to deliver Israel out of the hand 
 of the Philistines. 
 
 6 H Then the woman came, and told her husband, 
 saying, k A man of God came unto me, and his 
 ‘countenance was like the countenance of an angel 
 of God, very "terrible : but I asked him not 
 whence he was, Neither told he me n his name. 
 
 Gen. 16:7— 13. Luke 1:11,28. e Gen. 17:16. 18.10. 1 Sam. 1:20. 2Kings4:16. 
 Luke 1:13,31. f 14. Num.6:3. Luke 1:13. g Lev. 11:27,47. Actsl0:14. 
 h Num. 6:5. 1 Sam. 1:11. i 1 Sum. 7:13. 2 Sum. 8:1 . 1 Chr. 18:1. k Deul. 33: 
 1. Josh. 14:6. 1 Sam. 2:27. 9:6. 1 Kings 17:18,24. 2 Kings 4:9,16. lTim.6:ll. 
 1 Malt. 28:3. Lnkc 9:29. Acts 6:15. in 22. Gen. 28:16,17. Ex. 3:2— 6. Dan.S: 
 17. 10:5—11. Malt. 28:4. Rev. 1:17. nl8.Gen 32:29. Luke 1:19. 
 
 and domestic afflictions : so that their inward anguish might 
 soften their bitterest enemies into compassion, if they knew 
 the whole. — The Lord is to be acknowledged in giving all our 
 comforts, as well as submitted to when he withholds or with- 
 draws them : but increasing families bring increasing cares 
 and duties, which cannot be neglected without guilt and pain- 
 ful consequences. — In fine, the happiest life of individuals, 
 and the happiest state of society, is that which affords the 
 fewest remarkable events. To live in credit and quiet, to be 
 peacefully useful in our circle, to possess a clear conscience, 
 to enjoy communion with God our Saviour while we live, and 
 to die at peace with God and man, form the substance of art 
 that a wise man can desire as to this world. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 1. These forty years are 
 supposed to have begun when Jair judged Israel ; about the 
 same time as the oppression of Gilead by the Ammonites. 
 ( Note , 10:3 — 5.) These had been subdued, but the Philis- 
 tines still harassed the Israelites, till Samson was arrived 
 at maturity and began their deliverance. ( Note , 10:6 — 9.) 
 
 V. 2 — 5. (Marg. Ref.) The Nazarite’s vow was volun- 
 tary, and fora limited time ; and by the touch of a dead body 
 it was broken, and the specified time must be begun over 
 again. (Notes, Num. 6:2 — 21.) But Samson was devoted 
 by the Lord’s express appointment, to be a Nazarite all the 
 days of his life ; and it seems probable that this kind of sepa- 
 ration was not so strict, as the voluntary vow. (Notes, 1 
 Sam. 1:9 — 11. Luke 1:11 — 17.) — The infant in the womb, and 
 at the breast, subsists on the same nourishment with the 
 mother ; and therefore the mother of Samson was required 
 to observe the same rules as the Nazarite during that period. 
 She would be led to expect something extraordinary, from a 
 child whose birth was attended by such observances : but it 
 was a great trial to the faith and patience of all concerned to 
 he informed, that even the beginning of a deliverance from 
 their oppressors must be so long waited for. — It is probable, 
 that Samson was born about the time when the Philistines 
 began to afflict Israel, as he did not live to complete their 
 deliverance. (Note, 1.) — It seems, that the law concerning 
 distinction of meats was not strictly observed at this time, or 
 Manoah’s wife would not have needed a caution to eat no 
 unclean thing. (4,7,14.) 
 
 V. 6. A man of God.] Marg. Ref. — This supposed 
 “ man of God,” or holy prophet, is said to have been like an 
 angel ; by which it is evident that angels, as they actually 
 appeared to the people of God, were not distinguishable in 
 general from prophets, except by a more venerable or majes- 
 tic appearance: (Note, Acts 6:15.) though in the emblematic 
 description of them, in some parts of Scripture, they are re- 
 presented with wings. 
 
 Y. 8. Manoah did not doubt the performance of the pro- 
 mise, which had been made to his wife in his absence ; hut 
 only prayed that the same supposed prophet might be sent t* 
 
 ( 451 > 
 
B C. J160. 
 
 JUDGES 
 
 B. C. 1146. 
 
 7 Bui he sa;d unto me, Behold, thou shalt con- 
 ceive, and bear a son ; and now drink no wine 
 nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing : 
 for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the 
 womb to the day of his death. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 8 Then Manoah entreated the Lord, and said, 
 O my Lord, let the man of God which thou didst 
 send, come again unto us, and “teach us what we 
 shall do unto the child that shall be born. 
 
 9 And God Phearkened to the voice of Manoah ; 
 and the Angel of God came again unto the woman 
 as she sat in the field ; but Manoah her husband 
 was not with her. 
 
 10 And the woman made haste, and ran, and 
 showed her husband, and said unto him, ^Behold, 
 the man hath appeared unto me, that came unto 
 me the other day. 
 
 11 And Manoah arose, and went after his wife, 
 and came to the man, and said unto him, Art thou 
 the man that spakest unto the woman ? And he 
 said, I am. 
 
 12 And Mano.ah said, Now let thy words come 
 to pass : ‘how shall we order the child ? and t how 
 shall we do unto him? 
 
 13 And the Angel of the Lord said unto Ma- 
 noah, Of all that I said unto the woman, let her 
 beware. 
 
 14 She may not eat of any thing that cometh 
 of the vine, neither let her .drink wine or strong 
 drink, nor eat any unclean thing : r all that I com- 
 manded her let her observe. 
 
 15 And Manoah said unto the angel of the 
 Lord, I pray thee, 'let us detain thee until we 
 shall have made ready a kid Tor thee. 
 
 16 And the Angel of the Lord said unto Ma- 
 
 o Job 34:32. Prov. 3:5,6. Acts 9:6. p Ps. 65:2. Matt. 7:7 — 11. q John 1 :41,42. 
 4:28,29. * Heb. what shall be the manner of the child 7 Gen. 18:19. Prov. 4:4. 22: 
 6. Eph. 6:4. t Or, what shall he do 1 Heb. what shall be his work 7 r Deut. 12: 
 32. Matt. 28.20. John 2:5. 15:14. 2 Thes. 3:4. s 6:18,19. Gen. 18:3—5. J Heb. 
 before thee, t 23. 6:26. u 6. Gen. 32:29. § Or, wonderful. Is. 9:6. x 6:19, 
 20. 1 Kings 18:30— 38. y 6:21. 1 Kings 18:38. z 2 Kings 2:11. Ps. 47:5. Heb. 
 
 instruct them in their duty relative to it. This was a genuine 
 exercise of faith. (Note, Luke 1:34 — 38.) 
 
 V. 10. As the word other is not in the original, some think 
 that the Angel appeared in the morning and evening of the 
 same day. 
 
 V. 11— 14. Marg.Ref. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Manoah, not knowing who this messenger of 
 God was, seems to have doubted whether he should prepare 
 him a banquet, or a sacrifice. “ For Manoah knew not that 
 he was an Angel of the Lord/’ This implied, that had he 
 known who it was, the thought of offering a burnt-offering, 
 though irregular, would not have been in all respects im- 
 proper: but as he took him only for a man, it was very 
 wrong. The same would have been equally the case had he 
 been the greatest created angel. (Note, Lx. 20:3.) 
 
 V. 18 — 22. The word ('nSs), rendered secret , signifies 
 Wonderful ; and is the same name as is given to the Messiah 
 by the prophet. (Is. 9:6.) — In consequence of this intimation 
 Manoah, though no priest, offered a burnt-offering upon a 
 rock, where perhaps some rude altar was hastily prepared ; 
 and he was accepted in so doing. Probably fire from the 
 rock consumed the sacrifice. — He “offered it to Jehovah, 
 and he did wondrously ,” (there is no word for the Angel in 
 the original of v. 19,) according to the meaning of his name 
 Wonderful ; for in the presence of Manoah and his wife, he 
 ascended towards heaven with the flame of fire from off the 
 altar, and by that Manoah knew him to be the Angel Jeho- 
 vah, and he was afraid, lest death should be the conse- 
 quence of having “seen God.” — From these circumstances 
 the reader will easily collect, whom Manoah supposed the 
 Angel to have been. (Notes, Gen. 16:10,11,13,14. 32:30. 
 48:16. Ex. 3:2. 33:20—23. Josh. 5:13— 15. Hos. 12:3 — 6. John 
 1:18.) 
 
 V. 23. Manoah’s wife being, at that time, the stronger in 
 faith, encouraged her husband, by the consideration, that the 
 acceptance of their sacrifice, united with the promise of a son 
 who should “ begin to deliver Israel,” assured them of the 
 Lord’s favour. Had he intended to slay them, he would 
 neither, at such a time, have done those wondrous works, 
 nor given them a promise which must in that case fail of 
 being accomplished. 
 
 V. 25. In the camp of Dan.] The tribe of Dan lay next 
 to the Jan 1 of the Philistines; (Note, Josh. 19:40 — 48.) but it 
 is uncertain, whether at that time any army of Danites were 
 encamped to preserve the country from depredation, or whe- 
 ther the words should be read Mahanehdan, as in the margin; 
 being the namo of a place afterwards mentioned, but which 
 was so called from events prior to the days of Samson. 
 
 I Notes, 17:1. 1 8: 1 r I 1,12.) Here, however, he discovered at 
 
 ( 452 ) 
 
 noah, Though thou detain me, 1 will not eat of 
 thy bread ; and if thou wilt offer a burnt-offering, 
 thou must offer it ‘unto the Lord : for Manoah 
 knew not that he was an Angel of the Lord. 
 
 17 And Manoah said unto the Angel of the 
 Lord, What is thy name, that, when thy sayings 
 come to pass, we may do thee honour ? 
 
 18 And the Angel of the Lord said unto him, 
 "Why askest thou thus after my name, seeing it 
 is Secret ? 
 
 19 So Manoah Hook a kid with a meat-offering, 
 and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord : and 
 the Angel y did wondrously ; and Manoah and his 
 wife looked on. 
 
 20 For it came to pass, ‘when the flame went 
 up toward heaven from off the altar, that the Angel 
 of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar: 
 and Manoah and his wife looked on it, and “fell 
 on their faces to the ground. 
 
 21 (But the Angel of the Lord did no more ap- 
 pear to Manoah and to his wife.) Then Manoah 
 b knew that he was an Angel of the Lord. 
 
 22 And Manoah said unto his wife, c We shall 
 surely die, because d we have seen God. 
 
 23 But e his wife said unto him, If the Lord 
 were pleased to kill us, f he would not have 
 received a burnt-offering and a meat-offering at 
 our hands ; neither would she have showed us all 
 these things ; nor would, as at this time, have 
 told us such things as these. 
 
 24 11 And the woman bare a son, and called his 
 name h Samson: and ‘the child grew, and the Lord 
 blessed him. 
 
 25 And k the Spirit of the Lord began to move 
 him at times in "the camp of Dan, 'between Zorah 
 and Eshtaol. 
 
 1:3. »Geil. 17:3. Lev. 9:24. 1 Chr. 21:16. Ez.l:28. Dan. 10:9. Matt. 17:6. 
 b 6:22. Hos. 12:4,5. c Gen. 32:30. Ex. 33:20. Deut. 4:33. 5:26. Is. 6:5. cl John 
 1:18.5:37. e Ec. 4:9,10. I Cor. 12:21 . fGen. 4:4,5. Ps. 86:17. g Ps. 25:14. 
 Prov. 3:32. John 14:20— 23. h Heb. 11:32. 11 Sam. 3:19. Luke 1:80 . 2:52. 
 
 k 3:10. 6:34. 11:29. 1 Sam. 11:6. Matt. 4:1. John 3:34. II Heb. Mahanehdan 
 18:12. I 1S;11. Josh. 15:33. 
 
 times such extraordinary courage, strength, and activity, as 
 evidently proceeded from the Spirit of the Lord. 
 
 practical observations. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. We ought to make haste to keep God’s command- 
 ments, but to wait patiently for the performance of his pro- 
 mises: and we should be thankful that he has a re'mnant of 
 servants in all ages. These indeed often have trials, which 
 are unknown to their fellow-creatures, unpitied by them, or 
 incapable of relief from them ; but they have no sorrows 
 which the Lord does not pity, and none which he will not 
 remove in the best time and manner: and he has various 
 methods of showing them the kind notice wlych he takes of 
 them, till he sees good to relieve them. — Retirement is always 
 friendly to communion with God, and his people are never 
 less alone, than when alone as far as men are concerned. — 
 Every promise implies a correspondent duty; in expecting 
 the performance of the one, we must not neglect the other ; 
 and those who are peculiarly honoured of God, must be pro- 
 portionally ready to deny themselves for his sake. — If parents 
 desire that their children should be mortified to fleshly lusts, 
 and devoted to God, they should be careful to be so them- 
 selves. — The parental duty commences even from the child’s 
 conception, and every thing should be attended to, which may 
 conduce to its welfare of body and soul : especially prayer 
 should be offered in its behalf. For an immortal creature is 
 brought into existence, which will be happy or miserable for 
 ever; and being conceived in sin, it cannot be holy or happy, 
 without the regenerating grace of God, and an interest in the 
 great Redeemer. — Wc need also divine direction in respect of 
 the education of our children, lest any of the rules of Scrip- 
 ture should be forgotten, mistaken, or neglected; that, being 
 trained up “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,” there 
 may be a well-grounded hope of their becoming useful to the 
 church and to the world. — Happy is it, when married persons 
 possess unreserved confidence in each other, and can con- 
 verse freely together concerning their spiritual experiences and 
 duties, that they may have the benefit of each other’s counsel 
 and prayers. The one may suggest hints and encourage- 
 ments, which did not occur to the other ; and those, who at 
 some times, or in some .respects, are the weakest, may at 
 others prove the strongest and the wisest. — When wc desiro 
 to know the will of God that wo may do it, we should pray 
 for instruction with the most unshaken assurance or its being 
 granted: (Note, Jam. 1:5 — #.) but perhaps he may sec good 
 to teach us by means of our inferiors. 
 
 V. 8 — 25. True spiritual knowlodge, grace, and consola- 
 tion always excite desires, and dictate prayers, for further 
 communications and displays of God’s golry to our souls. 
 Those, whom ho honours rr instruments of good to us, wo 
 
B. C. 1 41 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. B. C. 11 41. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Samson desi i tt a woman of the Philistines to wife, 1—4. Going to see her he 
 slays a lion : and afterwards finds honey in its carcass, 5—9. At his mar- 
 riage-feast be nrovoses a riddle , which the guests explain by means of his 
 wife, 10 — 18. He hills thirty Philistines, gives their spoil to those who ex- 
 plained the riddle, and departs in anger , 19. His wife is given to his com- 
 panion, 20. 
 
 A ND Samson went down to ‘Timnath, aryl 
 b saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters 
 of the Philistines. 
 
 2 And he came up and told his father and 
 his mother, and said, I have seen a woman in 
 Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines; now 
 therefore 'get her for me to wife. 
 
 3 Then his father and his mother said unto 
 him. Is there never a woman among the daughters 
 of d thy brethren, or among all my people, that 
 thou goest to take a wife of the 'uncircumcised 
 Philistines ? And Samson said unto his father, Get 
 her for me ; for 'she pleaseth me well. 
 
 4 But his father and his mother knew not that 
 fit was of the Lord, that he sought an occasion 
 against the Philistines : for at that time the Philis- 
 tines s had dominion over Israel. 
 
 5 IT Then went Samson down, andhis father and 
 his mother, to Timnath, and came to the vine- 
 yards of Timnath ; and behold a young lion roared 
 ’against him. 
 
 6 And h the Spirit of the Lord came mightily 
 upon him, and ‘he rent him as he would have 
 rent a kid, and he had nothing in his hand : 
 
 « Gen. 38:18,13. Jnsh. 15:10. 19:43. b Gen.' 6:2. 34:2. 2Sam. 11:2. Job3l:l. 
 Pa. 119:37. 1 John 2:16. c Gen. 21:21. 21:2,3 . 34:4 . 38:6 . 2 Kings 14:9. d Gen. 
 13:8.24:27. e 15:18. Gen. 31:14. Ei. 34:12— 16. Deut. 7:2,3. 1 Sam. 14:6. 17: 
 26,36. 31:4. 2Snm.l:20. * Heb. she ia right in mine eyes. fJosh. 11:20. 
 
 1 Kings 12:15. 2 Kings 6:33. 2 Chr. 10:15. 22:7. 25:20. Ps. 115:3. g 13:1. 15:11. 
 Deut. 28:43. t Heb. in meeting him. h 3:10. 11:29. 13:25. 1 Sam. 11:6. i 15: 
 8,15. 16:30. 1 Sam. 17:34—37,46. Zecli. 4:6. 1 John 3:8. k Is. 42:2. Matt. 11: 
 
 should honour likewise ; yet not in any way derogatory to the 
 glory of the Lord himself. — “Hospitality without grudging” 
 to those who love his name, and a readiness to devote our 
 substance to his glory, are always ornamental to the profes- 
 sion of godliness. — In our best meant actions we are prone to 
 forget or to mistake the truths and precepts of the sacred Ora- 
 cles, and need reminding of them. — A vain curiosity often 
 supplants our proper attention to practical subjects, espe- 
 cially those which relate to our present duty ; but we should 
 be as willing to be igrtorant of what the Lord is pleased to 
 conceal, as to receive whatever he is pleased to teach us. 
 (Note, Deut. 29:29.) — The name of our Lord is Wonderful 
 and Secret, because it is incomprehensible ; (Notes, Matt. 11: 
 25 — 27.) but by his wonderful works he makes himself known, 
 as far as our instruction and encouragement require it, and 
 further knowledge would only fill us with self-conceit. (Note, 
 I Cor. 8:1 — 3.) His chief display of himself is in the person of 
 Jesus Christ, his coequal Son ; who, having offered on earth 
 one sacrifice for our sins, and being risen from the dead, and 
 ascended into heaven, presents with acceptance our spiritual 
 sacrifices, when offered through faith in his name. Happy 
 are we, when our hearts and affections ascend after the 
 Saviour: we may then, with pleasure and admiration, con- 
 template the wonders of redeeming love; and every discovery 
 of his glory will awe our souls into deeper reverence and 
 humiliation. This, however, Satan will sometimes attempt, 
 to convert into terror and discouragement, while we compare 
 the holiness and majesty of our God with our meanness and 
 pollution. (Notes, Is. 6:5. 57:15,16.) But he will not cast 
 off those who are humbly determined, if they must perish, to 
 perish supplicating his mercy: having spared them when ene- 
 mies, and taught them to value his salvation, he will answer 
 their prayers, dispel their fears, and fulfil his largest promises. 
 The gospel itself and the means of grace afforded us, are 
 hopeful tokens that the Lord favours us : but if we have been 
 taught to love the gospel, and to fear nothing so much as 
 coming short of the salvation of Christ; if we have learned to 
 delight in his ordinances and commandments, and have re- 
 ceived evident answers to our prayers ; we may be sure that 
 “ the Lord has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain sal- 
 vation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”— When children possess 
 health with the use of their limbs, senses, and understandings, 
 parents have abundant cause for gratitude ; but most of all, 
 when they give early indications, that the Holy Spirit is 
 working upon their tender minds, and preparing them for the 
 service of God. This let us in the first place desire, seek, 
 and pray for ; and may this blessing be widely bestowed upon 
 the rising generation. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1 — 4. Many think, that 
 Samson was induced to contract this marriage by special 
 direction from the Lord: such marriages not being immoral 
 jn themselves, but forbidden to the Israelites, to keep them 
 separate from idolaters. (Note, Hos. 1:2,3.) In this man- 
 ner he was directed to seek occasion against the Philistines: 
 yet he sho wed his respect to his parents, by seeking their con- 
 currence ; who opposed his marriage as long as “ they knew 
 
 but k he told not his father or his mother wnat he 
 had done. 
 
 7 And he went down and talked with the 
 woman ; and she pleased Samson well. 
 
 8 And after a time he returned 'to take her, 
 and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion ; 
 and behold there was a swarm of bees and honey 
 in the carcass of the lion. 
 
 9 And he took thereof in his hands, and went 
 on eating, and came to his father And mother, 
 and he gave them, and they did eat: but he tolu 
 not them, that he had taken the honey out of the 
 carcass of the lion. 
 
 10 IT So his father went down unto the woman : 
 and Samson ""made there a feast ; for so used 
 the young men to do. 
 
 1 1 And it came to pass, when they "saw him, 
 that they brought "thirty companions to be with 
 him. 
 
 12 And Samson said unto them, I will now put 
 forth Pa riddle unto you : if ye can certainly de- 
 clare it me within ^the seven days of the feast, and 
 find it out, then I will give you thirty 'sheets and 
 thirty "change of garments : 
 
 13 But if ye cannot declare it me, then shall ye 
 give me thirty sheets and thirty change of gar- 
 ments. And they said unto him, Put forth thy 
 riddle, that we may hear it. 
 
 14 And he said unto them, 'Out of the eater 
 
 29. 1 Gen. 29:21. Matt. 1:20. m Gen. 29:22. Matt. 22:2— 4. John 2:9. Rev. 
 19:9. n 1 Sam. 10:23. 16:6. o Mau. 9: 15. John 3:29. p 1 Kings 10: 1 . Ps. 
 49:4. Prov. 1:6. El. 17:2. 20:49. Mail. 13:13,34. Luke 14:7. John 16:29. 1 Cor. 
 13:12. marg. q Gen. 29:27,28. JOr, shins. Mall. 27:28. Mark 14:51,52. 
 r Gen. 45:22. 2 Kings 5:5,22. Matt. 6:19. Jam. 5:2. a Gen. 3:15. Deut. 8:15,16. 
 1 Kinga 17:6. 2 Chr. 20:2,25. Ia. 53:10— 12. Rom. 5:3— 5. 8:37. 2 Cor. 4:17. 12: 
 9,10. Phil. 1:12-20. Heb. 2:14,16. 12:10,11. Jam. 1:2-4. 1 Pet. 2:24. 
 
 not that it was of the Lord.” For the words translated 
 “ she pleaseth me well,” may be rendered “ it is right,” and 
 considered as an intimation that it was from God ; upon 
 which his parents consented and went with him. — But per- 
 haps it is only meant, that it pleased God to leave Samson 
 to follow his own inclinations, intending in his infinite wisdom 
 to overrule his misconduct for good to Israel ; and that his 
 parents consented Because he was fully bent upon it. (Marg. 
 Ref. f.) — Uncircumcised, &c. (3) Marg. Ref. e. 
 
 V. 5, 6. Samson, when at a distance from his parents, 
 was assaulted by a young lion, which was come to its full 
 strength and fierceness: yet, though unarmed, he rent it as a 
 kid; because “the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon 
 him.” But he did not mention the extraordinary exploit to 
 his parents, either restrained by modesty, or being afraid of 
 exciting the jealousy of the Philistines. This was an earnest 
 of his subsequent victories, not by human might or power, 
 but by the Spirit of the Lord. (Note, Zech. 4:4 — 7.) — Thus 
 David slew a lion and a bear, before he killed Goliath and 
 subdued the enemies of Israel: (Note, 1 Sam. 17:34 — 37.) 
 and Jesus Christ, ere he entered upon his public ministry, 
 and on the cross before his ascension, overcame “the devil, 
 that roaring lion, which walketh about seeking whom he may 
 devour.” 
 
 V. 8, 9. A swarm of bees had settled in the carcass of 
 the lion, and collected honey there, which was a most unlikely 
 place for that purpose; being, as might have been supposed, 
 both inconvenient, and offensive to that delicate insect, which 
 draws honey from the most odoriferous flowers and plants. 
 This Samson found, when he turned aside to see the carcass, 
 and perhaps again to thank God for his deliverance. — As 
 every remains of a dead carcass of an unclean animal was 
 polluting, it has been thought that Samson did rot tell his 
 parents where he found the honey, lest they shotdJ scruple to 
 eat it; (Note, Lev. 11:31.) though the extraordinary circum- 
 stances of the transaction satisfied him, that it might properly 
 be done. 
 
 V. 10 — 14. When Samson, in conformity to custom, cele- 
 brated his marriage-feast, the Philistines brought him thirty 
 companions ; professing respect, but probably placing them 
 as a watch upon him, being in some degree aware of h:s 
 great strength. To prevent perhaps a worse use of time, 
 Samson proposed a riddle as a trial of ingenuity ; and a 
 wager with each of them, of a sheet, shirt, or other linen 
 garment, and a change of raiment of all sorts, that they could 
 not resolve it. The riddle, in its literal purport, meant no 
 more, than that he had got honey, for food and pleasure, from 
 the Hon, which in its strength and fury, was prepared to 
 devour him. Yet this explanation of the riddle may be inter- 
 preted, as containing an emblem of more importance, and 
 more hard to be understood, except by the teaching of God. 
 — The victory, which Christ obtained over Satan, by means 
 of his agonies and death, and his subsequent exaltation ; the 
 glory that redounded to the Father; and the spiritual advan- 
 tages thence accruing to his people, may be shadowed forth 
 in it. — The entrance of sin, the fall <( man, and the rum ol 
 
 < 45 7 > 
 
B 7 1141. JUDGES. B. C. 1140. 
 
 came forth n*eat, and out of the strong came 
 forth sweetness. And ‘they could not in three 
 days expound the riddle. 
 
 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day, 
 that they said unto Samson’s wife, "Entice thy 
 husband, that he may declare unto us the riddle, 
 *lest we burn thee and thy father’s house with fire : 
 have ye called us to 'take that we have ? is it not 
 so ? 
 
 16 And Samson’s wife wept before him, and 
 said, rThou dost but hate me, and Invest me not : 
 thou hast put forth a riddle unto the children of 
 my people, and hast not told it me. And he said 
 unto her, Behold, ‘I have not told it my father nor 
 my mother, and shall I tell it thee ? 
 
 17 And she wept before him 'the seven days, 
 while their feast lasted ; and it came to pass on 
 the seventh day, that he told her, because a she lay 
 sore upon him ; b and she told the riddle to the 
 children of her people. 
 
 18 And the men of the city said unto him, on 
 the seventh day before the sun went down, What 
 is sweeter than honey, and what is stronger than 
 a lion ? And he said unto them, If ye had not 
 
 t Prov. 24:7. Matt. 13:11. Acts 8:31. u 16:5. Gen. 3:1— 6. Pros. 5:3. 6:26. 
 Mic. 7:5 ; xI2:l. 15:6. * Heb. possess us, or, impoverish us. y 16:15. z Gen. 
 2:24. f'Or, the rest of the seven days, a 16:6,13,16. Gen. 36. Job2:9. Pror. 
 7:21. Luke 18:5. b Prov. 2:16,17. c 6. 3:10. 15:14. 1 Sam. 11:6. J Or, 
 
 the human race through the malice of Satan, will issue in his 
 deeper misery, in the greater glory of God, and in the increas- 
 ed felicity of the redeemed, and of all holy creatures to all 
 eternity. — The persecutions of the church have promoted its 
 purity and prosperity. The trials, conflicts, and temptations 
 of the Lord’s people are productive of holiness and comfort 
 to their souls in this world, and work for them an exceeding 
 weight of glory in the next. The remains of in-dwelling sin, 
 and even the falls of real believers, become occasions to them 
 of deeper humility, more simple dependence on the Saviour, 
 more ardent love and admiring gratitude, more compassion 
 for their fellow-sinners, more fitness for many kinds of service 
 on earth, and greater meetness for the worship and occupa- 
 tions of the redeemed in glory. And if any abuse this truth, 
 let them know, that they are not concerned in it ; for upright 
 souls are always rendered more watchfu^ humble, diligent, 
 simple, compassionate, and fervent in prayer, by every false 
 step which they make : at least no others give evidence that 
 they are believers. — Even death, that devouring monster, that 
 king of terrors, being robbed of his sting and stripped of his 
 horror, transmits the believer’s soul to the realms of bliss, and 
 makes way for the body itself being restored incorruptible, 
 immortal, and glorious, to partake of endless felicity. In these 
 and many other senses, M Out of the eater comes forth meat, 
 and out of the strong, sweetness.” ( Notes, Rom. 5:3 — 5. 
 8:35—39. 2 Cor. 4:13—18. Phil. 1:12—18. Jam. 1:2—4.) 
 
 V. 15 — 17. The barbarity, insolence, and selfishness of the 
 conduct of these Philistines, illustrate the misery of Israel’s 
 bondage under such tyrants. — Mr. Henry notes, that 1 they 
 ought not to lay wagers, who cannot bear to lose with 
 better temper;’ and we may add, that such violent passions 
 and implacable resentments are the common effects of affront- 
 ed pride and disappointed covetousness, in every kind and 
 degree of gaming : and that it should be entirely avoided. — 
 The seventh day , first mentioned, (15) seems to have been 
 the seventh day of the week, and the fourth of the feast ; 
 the remaining part of which Samson’s wife, actuated by fear 
 or attachment to her countrymen, spent in entreating him 
 with tears to tell the riddle to her : and she at length prevailed. 
 (Notes, 15:6. 16:6—21.) 
 
 V. 18. Ploughed, &c.) This is a proverbial expression. 
 The Philistines could not have discovered the riddle of them- 
 selves, if they had not drawn it from Samson by tampering 
 with his wife. 
 
 V. 19, 20. Samson found himself, by an immediate impulse 
 of the Spirit of God, directed, emboldened, and assisted in 
 this attack upon the enemies of Israel ; which was fully jus- 
 tified by their public oppressions, without adverting to their 
 treachery to him. (Notes, 15:1 — 5.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In contracting marriage, the senses are dangerous coun- 
 sellors : beauty and wit are very doubtful recommendations ; 
 and wisdom, piety, and holiness ought principally to be 
 regarded. — Next to the word of God, the concurrence of 
 parents is generally requisite to render that relation honourable 
 and comfortable. — But they ought to act with consideration 
 md kindness; and if constrained to refuse their concurrence, 
 they should give such convincing and important reasons, as 
 may prove that their refusal springs from wisdom and affec- 
 tion, not from caprice and severity ; from an unwillingness 
 that their children should make an imprudent choice, not from 
 any disposition to bind them against their will to a single life. 
 — In no ordinary circumstances can there be any necessity 
 for a person that professes godliness, to marry one who is 
 manifestly irreligious : but the Lord can overrule for the best 
 
 ( 454 ) 
 
 ploughed with my heifer, ye had not found out my 
 riddle. 
 
 19 And "the Spirit of the Lord came upon him, 
 and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty 
 men of them, and took their tspoil, and gave 
 change of garments unto them which expounded 
 the riddle : and his anger was kindled, and he 
 went up to hig father’s house. 
 
 20 But Samson’s wife d was given to his com- 
 panion, whom he had used as 'his friend. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Samson , returning to visit his wife, finds her given to another, 1, 2. He sets 
 fire, with fores and firebrands, to the corn of the Philistines ; who bum hie 
 wife and her father, 3 — 6. Samson smites them, and retiree to the rock 
 Elam, 7,8. The men of Judah, by his consent, deliver him bound t€ the 
 Philistines ; and he kills a thousand of them with the jaw-bone of on ass, 
 9-17. Being ready to perish by thirst , he cries to the Lord , who opens for 
 him a fountain in Lehi, 18, 19. He judges Israel, 20. 
 
 B UT it came to pass within a while after, in the 
 time of wheat-harvest, that Samson visited 
 his wife with a a kid ; and he said, b I will go in to 
 my wife into the chamber. But her father would 
 not suffer him to go in. 
 
 2 And her father said, C I verily thought that 
 thou hadst utterly hated her ; therefore d I gave 
 
 apparel, d 15:2. e Ps. 55:12,13. Jer. 9:5. Matt. 26:49,50. John 3-29. 13:18. 
 a Gen. 38:17. Luke 15:29. b Gen. 6:4. 29:21. c 14:19, 20. Acta 26:9. d 14:20. 
 Gen. 38:14. 
 
 of purposes those actions, which we must by no means imitate; 
 his designs do not influence our conduct, unless he inform us 
 of them ; and his written word is our constant rule. — We are 
 always exposed to danger pf body and soul, both when alone 
 and when in company ; but nothing can hurt us except we 
 wander from the path of duty. Even Satan, 44 that roaring 
 lion,” may be effectually resisted, and completely overcome, 
 if ? in answer to the prayer of faith, the Spirit of God commu- 
 nicates his strength to our souls. By no other means can we 
 subdue this enemy ; and thus all his temptations shall even 
 tually conduce to our benefit. — We often lose the comfort and 
 the real credit of our best disputed conflicts with our spiritual 
 enemies, in consequence of ostentation : and the special 
 favours, which God bestows upon us, can be mentioned only 
 on some occasions, to particular persons, and in great modesty, 
 without savouring of vainglory : and we obtain many secret 
 victories over temptation, for which we need repeatedly to 
 bless God, but of which we cannot speak particularly to our 
 nearest earthly friend. — We should be always ready to 
 increase the comforts of others, by imparting to them our 
 temporal good things ; especially to parents and benefactors. 
 — We e«joy the most sweetness from God’s goodness to us, 
 when we most frequently turn aside to meditate, and to bless 
 him on that account : and as one successful conflict prepares 
 for another, so one season of peculiar mercy is an earnest of 
 another. — It is almost impossible to associate with worldly 
 people, without conforming to their vain customs: at best, 
 even when evident evil is avoided in such company, we spend 
 our time to no purpose ; and are we not called to 41 redeem 
 our time,” and to do all to the glory of God ? — We ought 
 constantly to watch and pray against pride, anger, and covet- 
 ousness, and to avoid every thing that gives force to these 
 passions ; for their effects are inconceivably dreadful when 
 they acquire the ascendency. — It is dangerous to be connected 
 with those, who will not be satisfied with any measure of 
 love or respect, except we will offend God or injure ourselves 
 to oblige them. A worldly wife, or a worldly friend, is to 
 a godly man as an enemy in the camp, who will w-atch 
 every opportunity to betray him ; and, by assiduity and per- 
 severance, will more or less overcome his resolutions, and 
 prevail with him to make such compliances, as will groatly 
 injure his credit and comfort. (Notes, 16:6 — 21.) Nor can 
 those connexions be comfortable or durable, where important 
 secrets cannot be trusted without the danger of being divulged. 
 Indeed Satan’s chief advantage against us arises from his 
 correspondence with our deceitful hearts and inbred lusts. — 
 But the wisest counsels of wicked men are very foolishness, 
 and eventually all their.gain is loss: they secure some worldly 
 interest, and for it lose their lives or their souls ! — We aro 
 naturally far more prone to be angry with those who have 
 injured us, than to repent of our sins against God. — Impru- 
 dent connexions commonly terminate in speedy separations ; 
 nor are any more likely to asperse a man’s character cheat 
 him of his property, or defile his bed, than ungodly men who 
 have been admitted to unmerited confidence. But happy aro 
 they who feast upon the fruits of Christ’s conflicts and vic- 
 tories ! all things shall work together for their good ; and their 
 sharpest trials on earth, yea, the severest agonies of death, 
 shall prove the occasion of their loudest songs of triumphant 
 joy and praise in heaven. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XV. V. 1, 2. (Notes, 19:3,4. Esth. 
 2:1.) The anger of Samson, afier a time, subsiding, and his 
 affection reviving; he wont to see his wife, taking with him a 
 kid, on which to feast with her and her friends, nnd not know- 
 ing that she had been given to another. (14:20.) — The Jewish 
 
B. C. 1140. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 B. C. 1140. 
 
 her to thy companion : is not her younger sister 
 fairer than she r ‘take her, I pray thee, instead of 
 
 her. 
 
 3 H And Samson said concerning them. ’Now 
 shall I be more blameless than the Philistines, 
 though I do them a displeasure. 
 
 4 And Samson went and caught 'three hundred 
 foxes, and took ’firebrands, and turned tail to tail, 
 and put a firebrand in the midst between two 
 tails. 
 
 5 And when he had set the brands on fire, f he 
 let them go into the standing corn of the Philis- 
 tines, and burnt up both the shocks, and also the 
 standing corn, with the vineyards and olives. 
 
 6 Then the Philistines said, Who hath done 
 this ? and they answered, Samson, the son-in-law 
 of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife, 
 and given her to his companion. And the Philis- 
 tines came up, sand burnt her and her father with 
 fire. 
 
 7 And Samson said unto them, h Though ye 
 have done this, yet I will be avenged of you, and 
 after that I will cease. 
 
 8 And he ‘smote them hip and thigh with a 
 great slaughter : and he went down and dwelt in 
 the top of the rock Etam. 
 
 9 H Then the Philistines went up, and pitched 
 .n Judah, and spread themselves in ’Lehi. 
 
 10 And the men of Judah said, Why are ye 
 come up against us ? and they answered, To bind 
 Samson are we come up, to do to trim as he hath 
 done to us. 
 
 11 Then three thousand men of Judah §went 
 to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, 
 Knowest thou not that the k Philistines are rulers 
 
 • Heb. Itl her be ihine. t Or, now shall I be blameless from the Philis- 
 tines, though. 14:45. e Ps. 63:10. Cant. 2:15. Lam. 5:18. J Or, torches. 
 f Ex. 22:6. 2 Sam. 14:30. g 12:1. 14:15. Prov. 22:8. lThes.4:6. h 14:4,19. 
 Rom. 12:19. i Is. 25:10. 63:3,6. j 17. § Heb. went down, k 13:1. 14:4. Pent. 
 28:13,47,48. 1 Matt. 27:2. Acts 7:25. m 8:21. 1 Kiugs 2:25,34. n 5:30. 16:24. 
 Ex. 14:3,5. 1 Sam. 4:5. Job 20:5. Mic. 7:8. o 3:10. 14:6,19. Zech.4:6. pl6: 
 9,12. I Sam. 17:35. Pa. 118:11. Phil. 4:13. || Heb. were melted. 41 Heb. moist. 
 
 writers relate, that she had become a proselyte before Sam- 
 son married her ; but the whole narrative militates against 
 that opinion, especially the father’s answer on this occasion. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. Samson, being conscious that he was to be, in 
 part, the deliverer of Israel from the Philistines, only waited 
 for a fair occasion to declare against them. This was afforded 
 him by the injurious treatment which he had received, and 
 that was also a specimen of their conduct towards the Israel- 
 ites when most submissive. — In the means which he employed, 
 we must advert to the power of God, both in supplying them, 
 and making them successful ; which he did to mortify the 
 pride, and punish the wickedness of the Philistines. Foxes 
 were doubtless very numerous in those parts, and the people 
 very expert in taking them ; and probably Samson engaged 
 assistants in procuring and preparing them. Being thus let 
 go, they would hinder each other from gaining their holes in 
 the woods, and would take shelter in the neighbouring corn- 
 fields and vineyards ; and the weather being dry, the corn ripe, 
 and the fire kindled in many places at once, we may easily 
 conceive that great destruction would very speedily be effected 
 by this uncommon contrivance. (Note, 7:16 — 22.) 
 
 V. 6. Samson’s wife betrayed him for fear of being burnt 
 with fire ; and thus brought that very death upon herself, for 
 having by her treachery provoked Samson to this measure. 
 (Note, 14:15 — 17.) In like manner the Jews crucified Christ, 
 lest his claim to be their King should bring the Romans upon 
 them ; and by this conduct they brought that very calamity 
 upon themselves. (Note, John 11:47,48.) 
 
 V. 7. The Philistines had indeed avenged Samson on 
 those who had injured him ; but they were instigated by 
 hatred and dread of him, and not by any desire of doin® jus- 
 tice ; he therefore purposed effectually to avenge himself and 
 his people upon them; and then, unless excited by further 
 injuries, he would desist from attacking them. 
 
 V . 8. The phrase, rendered “ hip and thigh,” has greatly 
 perplexed critical expositors : but probably it means, that 
 Samson, without any arms, attacked a great multitude of 
 Philistines ; and with his hips, or legs, and thighs, he threw 
 them down, and then trode them to death. This he seems 
 to have done on a mountain ; and descending from it, he 
 went and dwelt alone ( on the top of a rock: perhaps for retire- 
 ment, that he might not be surprised by the Philistines, and 
 because he did not choose to trust the Israelites. 
 
 V. 10, 11. The men of Judah had probably paid their 
 stipulated tribute, and had given no cause of offence to their 
 oppressors ; and they wondered on what ground they came 
 against them. They were sunk into an abject frame of 
 spirit, and quietly endured to be in bondage to the Philis- 
 tines ; despairing of deliverance, or basely fearing the trouble 
 and peril of attempting it : otherwise they would not have 
 
 over us ? what is this that thou hast done unto 
 us ? and he said unto them, As they did unto me, 
 so have I done unto them. 
 
 12 And they said unto him, We are come 
 down 'to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into 
 the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said 
 unto them, Swear unto me that ye will not m fa i 
 ’upon me yourselves. 
 
 13 And they spake unto him, saying, No ; but 
 we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their 
 hand : but surely we will not kill thee. And the> 
 bound him with two new cords, and brought hinr 
 up from the rock. 
 
 14 And when he came unto Lehi, “the Philis- 
 tines shouted against him : and “the Spirit, of 
 the Lord came mightily upon him ; and Pthe 
 cords that were upon his arms became as flax 
 that was burnt with fire, and his bands "loosed 
 from off his hands. 
 
 15 And he found a ’’new jaw-bone of an ass, 
 and put forth his hand and took it, and 4slew 9 
 thousand men therewith. 
 
 16 And Samson said, With the jaw-bone of an 
 ass, "heaps upon heaps, with the jaw of an ass 
 have I slain a thousand men. 
 
 17 And it came to pass when he had made an 
 end of speaking, that he cast away the jaw-bone 
 out of his hand, and called that place 1 ’Ramath-lehi. 
 
 18 And r he was sore athirst, and called on the 
 Lord, and said, “Thou hast given this great de- 
 liverance into the hand of thy servant : and now 
 “shall I die for thirst, “and fall into the hand of 
 “the uncircumcised? 
 
 19 But God clave a hollow place that was in 
 ttthe jaw, and there came water thereout : and 
 
 q 3:31 . 4:21. 7:16. Lev. 26:8. Josh. 23:10. 1 Sam. 14:6,14. 17:49,50. 1 Cor. 1: 
 27,28. ’* Heb. an heap, two heaps, ft That is, the lifting up of the jaw-bone , 
 or, the casting awax / of the jaw-bone, r 8:4. Pa. 22:14,15. John 19:28. 2 Cor. 
 4:8,9. s Ps. 3:7,8. 18:31—40. t Gen. 32:31. 2 Cor. 12:7,8. u Gen. 12:12,13. 
 20:11. 1 Sam. 27:1. 2 Cor. 1:8,9. Heb. 11:32. x 1 Sam. 17:26,36. 2 Sam. 1:20. 
 XX Or, Lehi. 
 
 thus yielded up their champion. [Notes. Ex. 2:13 — 15.1 Sam. 
 13:3,4.) 
 
 Y. 12, 13. Samson quietly submitted to be bound by the 
 men of Judah, (who were intentionally his murderers,) and 
 to be delivered up to the Philistines : but he made an agree- 
 ment with his countrymen, that they would not themselves 
 fall upon him, lest he should be constrained to destroy them 
 instead of their enemies *, which he was unwilling to do, though 
 so shamefully treated by them. — In all this he was a type of 
 Christ, who in his retirement was rudely assaulted by the 
 Jews, whom he could easily have destroyed, but would not: 
 into their hands he surrendered himself, and they bound him, 
 and delivered him up to the Romans to be crucified ; though 
 the bonds even of death could not hold him, or prevent his 
 victories and triumphs. (Notes, John 18:1—9. Acts 2:22 — 24.) 
 
 V. 14 — 17. When “ the Spirit of the Lord came mightily 
 upon Samson,” his bonds were soon broken: and then the 
 jaw-bone of the contemptible ass (the only weapon which 
 came in his way) became more formidable than sword or 
 spear, and a thousand men fell before him, being alike unable 
 to resist or to escape! (Note, 8.) Elated with this sur- 
 prising victory, he seems to have celebrated his own praise, 
 instead of giving glory to God. — The original word for an ass , 
 signifies also aheap : and this circumstance gives a propriety 
 and animation to the passage, which cannot be preserved in a 
 translation. “ Ramath-lehi” signifies the lifting up of the jaw- 
 bone. The name Lehi, before used, referred to this event by 
 an anticipation of the historian. (9,14.) 
 
 Y. 18, 19. Samson at this moment felt his weakness in 
 himself, as before he had shown his strength when assisted 
 by the Lord. But his urgent distress reminded him of his 
 danger ; and led him to thank God for his deliverance, and to 
 praj r unto him for present relief : and then in the place where 
 the jaw lay, or in Lehi, ( marg .) a spring was supernaturally 
 opened, by which he was relieved and preserved: so that he 
 called the place u En-hakkore,” or the well of him that cried. 
 (Marginal reading , and Marg. Ref.) — Christ too in his grand 
 conflict with our enemies, thirsted, but had no well opened 
 for his relief: for he not only u trode the winepress alone," 
 as Samson did on this occasion ; but he also drank the cup 
 of the wrath of God for us, which Samson could not have 
 done. (Notes, Ps. 69:21. John 19:28 — 30.) 
 
 V. 20. After this event Samson was submitted to as judge 
 by the people. — From this we may suppose that he acted as 
 a magistrate in civil concerns, and not merely as Israel’s 
 defender against the Philistines. (Preface to Judges.) If 
 Samson was not born before the forty years of oppression 
 by the Philistines began, his death must have occurred much 
 nearer to the end of them, than some learned men suppose. 
 Yet the twenty years during whi»A he judged Israel, are said 
 l 455 ) 
 
B. C. 1120. 
 
 JUDGES 
 
 B. C. 1120. 
 
 when he had drunk, "his spirit came again, and he 
 revived. Wherefore he called the name thereof 
 *En-hakkore, which is in Lehi unto this day. 
 
 20 And he fudged Israel in the days of the 
 Philistines twenty years. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Samson, ensnared by a harlot at Gaza , is in imminent danger, but escapee by 
 carrying off the gatee of the city, 1 — 3. He loves Delilah ; who bribed by the 
 Philistines, repeatedly, but in vain, tries to discover in what his strength 
 lay, 4—15. Overcome by her importunity he discloses the secret ; and the 
 Philistines, shaving his head while asleep, bind and imprison him, having 
 put out his eyes, 16 — 21. His hair grows again, anti his strength returns, 
 22. The Philistines, at the feast of D agon, make sport of him : he pulls 
 down the house, and dies with great multitudes of his enemies , 23 — 30. He 
 is buried by his friends , 31. 
 
 bx.tT'HEN went Samson to “Gaza, and saw 
 u 2 o J JL there ’an harlot, b and went in unto her. 
 
 2 And it was told the Gazites, saying, Samson 
 is come hither. And they ‘compassed him in, and 
 laid wait for him all night in the gale of the city, 
 and were T quiet all the night, saying, In the morn- 
 ing when it is day we shall ''kill him. 
 
 y Gen. 45:27. 1 Sam. 30:12. Is. 40:29. * That is, the well of him that called, or, 
 cried. Gen. 16:13.2-2:14. 28:19. 32:30. Ex. 17:15. Pa. 34:6. 120:1. z 13:1,6. 16:31. 
 a Gen. 10:19. Josh. 15:47. * Heb. awoman an harlot, b Gen. 38:16 — 18. Ezra 
 9:1,2. cl Sam. 19:11. 23:26. Ps. 1 18:10— 12. Acts 9:2-1. 2 Cur. 11:32,33. t Heb. 
 silent, d 15:18. Matt. 21:38. 27:1. Acts 23:15. e Ps. 107:16. Is. 63:1 — 5. Mic. 
 2tl3. Acts 2:24. J Heb. with the bar. f 1 Kings 11:1. Neh. 13:26. Prov. 22:14. 
 
 to have been “ in the days of the Philistines,” which inti- 
 mated that Israel’s deliverance was incomplete, and their 
 enemies very formidable ; no doubt because they had not 
 duly repented, and returned to the Lord. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In every contest he who first proposes reconciliation gains 
 the noblest victory ; especially when this is done by the 
 offended party and the superior relation : nay, such conces- 
 sions adorn the characters even of those who are most re- 
 nowned for courage. (Note, 8:1 — 3.) — Where the know- 
 ledge of God anil of his law are wanting, the most ordinary 
 transactions of life will be conducted on such principles as 
 tend to confusion and licentiousness. — Wicked men, conscious 
 of their own base intentions, suspect the worst concerning 
 others, or pretend to do so to cover their own injustice: and 
 their proposals, made under the guise of peace, are no less 
 to be dreaded than their open enmity. It is therefore best 
 to avoid all fellowship with them. (Notes, 2 Cor. 6:14 — 
 18. Eph. 5:8 — 14.) — We should endeavour to live at peace 
 with all men ; and in case that be impracticable, to avoid 
 every thing which may render us justly chargeable with the 
 consequences of contention: and before the Lord proceeds 
 to execute vengeance, he often manifests the inexcusable 
 wickedness of his enemies. — When plenty is acquired by 
 rapine, and abused by the possessors in sensual indulgence, 
 they may reasonably expect to have it taken from them: nor 
 does it require much ability to be an incendiary, and to kindle 
 the fire of discord in families, churches, and nations. Indeed, 
 such scourges are generally instigated by one more subtle 
 and malicious than themselves ; and they may expect to be 
 consumed in the fires which they kindle. But in the hands 
 of those whom God employs, the most contemptible instru- 
 ments are rendered successful. They who sin to avoid suf- 
 fering will bring troubles upon themselves, against which 
 they can have no protector. — Heartless professors of religion, 
 who value the friendship and fear the frown of the world, and 
 who are the slaves of sin and Satan, censure, hate, and 
 betray those, who call them to liberty in the service of God: 
 to save themselves in times of persecution, they often apos- 
 tatize and turn betrayers and accusers of their brethren ; 
 (Matt. 24:9,10.) and in their opinion, the best services, and 
 most hazardous endeavours to do good, deserve reproach, con- 
 demnation, and punishment. But we shall not be discou- 
 raged by these things, when we consider how the Saviour was 
 treated ; we shall see how we ought to act, when we observe 
 his meekness, patience, and dying prayers for his crucifiers ; 
 and we shall discard our fears, when we consider his triumphs, 
 his ascension, his glory, and his promise that they who 
 “suffer with him shall also be glorified together.” — Whenever 
 we are peculiarly favoured of God, pride will lead us to rob 
 him of his glory, unless we be very watchful : hence every 
 comfort must be counterbalanced with a cross ; and the more 
 any man is made useful to others, the more he generally 
 needs mortifying experiences of his own weakness, folly, and 
 unwor.hiness. (Notes, 2 Kings 20:12 — 19. 2 Chr. 32:24 — 
 26. 2 Cor. 12:7 — 10.) By such painful discipline we are 
 taught to know our own place, and to feel our entire depend- 
 ence on the Lord, and our continual obligations to him. 
 When, however, our trials have produced the proper effect, 
 they shall be removed, and become sourcos of gratitude and 
 comfort, and excite us to raise fresh monuments of the good- 
 ness of God. — But in this world our enemies will continue 
 powerful, and our victories incomplete: ere long we shall be 
 made more than conquerors, and render perfect and eternal 
 hallelujahs. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVI. V. 1—3. Hitherto Samson’s 
 character, though uncommon, has appeared illustrious: and 
 considering him as raised up to delivor Israel, and instructed 
 
 ( 456 ) 
 
 3 And Samson lay till midnight, and arose at 
 midnight and “took the doors of the gate of the 
 city, and the two posts, and went away with then., 
 tbar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, and 
 carried them up to the top of an hill that is before 
 Hebron. 
 
 4 H And it came to pass afterward, that f he 
 loved a woman 5 in the valley of Sorek, whose 
 name was Delilah. 
 
 5 And ^ the lords of the Philistines came upunti 
 her, and said unto her, h Entice him, and see 
 wherein his great strength lieth, and by what 
 means we may prevail against him, that we may 
 bind him to "afflict him : and 'we will give thee 
 every one of us eleven hundred pieces of silver. 
 
 6 And Delilah said to Samson, k Tell me, I pray 
 thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and where 
 with thou mightest be bound to afflict thee. 
 
 7 And Samson said unto her, 'If they hino 
 me with seven "green withs that were never 
 
 23:27. 26:11. 27:22. 1 Cor. 10:6. § Or, by the brook, g 3:3. Jo9h.l3:3. 1 Sam. 
 29:6. h 14:15. Prov. 2:16— 19. 5:3—11,20. 6:24—26. 7:21—23. || Or, humble. 
 
 i 17:2. Gen. 38:16. Num. 22:17,18. Mic. 7:3. Matt. 26:15. 1 Tim. 6:9, 10. k Ps. 
 12:2. Prov. 6:26. 7:21. 22:14. 26:28. Jer. 9:2—5. Mic. 7:2,5. 1 10. 1 Sam. 19:17: 
 21:2,3. 27:10. Prov. 12:19. 17:7. Rom. 3:8. Gal. 6:7. Col. 3:9. H Or, new cords. 
 Heb. moist. 
 
 as well as assisted, to do it in that unprecedented manner, 
 which best tended to mortify the Philistines, and to manifest 
 the mighty power of God ; we may fairly vindicate most of 
 his past conduct, and safely imitate much of it: and notwith- 
 standing many infirmities, we have hitherto met with nothing 
 inconsistent with his character as a perpetual Nazarite. 
 (Note, 13:4,5.) But in this chapter we find him behaving in 
 so wicked and infatuated a manner, that many have been led 
 to question whether he were indeed a really pious man. The 
 apostle however numbers him among those, “ who obtained 
 a good report through faith (Heb. 11:32,33,39.) and by duly 
 considering the doctrines and examples of Scripture, the de- 
 ceitfulness of the human heart, the artifices of Satan, and 
 the methods in which the Lord frequently deals with his 
 people ; we may interpret this 4 riddle of a man,’ as some 
 have called him, and may learn useful lessons from his his- 
 tory, which perplexes some, and imboldens many to cavil 
 and object. — Confiding in his great strength and the dread of 
 him with which the Philistines had been seized, he boldly 
 entered Gaza, one of their chief cities, (on what account 
 we know not,) and there he went in unto a harlot. This 
 disgraceful circumstance was soonmade known to the inhabit- 
 ants ; who fearful of attacking' him, laid wait for him all 
 night and were probably forming some stratagem, or sending 
 for some reinforcements, that in the morning they might as- 
 sault and kill him. But at midnight (perhaps awakened by 
 remorse of conscience,) he arose ; and the Lord, though 
 greatlv offended, was pleased “ to work for his own name’s 
 sake , and by his assistance, in contempt of the guards, he 
 seized on the gate, with the posts, which he violently drag- 
 ged out of the ground, and the bar also, and carried them 
 several miles to the top of a hill, no one venturing to inter 
 rupt or seize him. — Thus our Lord, when in the likeness 
 of sinful flesh, after his crucifixion between two thieves, arose 
 as a conqueror over death and every foe ; and, as it were, 
 broke open and carried away with him the very gates of the 
 grave, while he ascended into heaven as the first fruits o* 
 the resurrection. 
 
 V. 4. It is not certain whether Delilah was a Philistine, 
 or a licentious Israelite ; but Samson indulged a base affec- 
 tion for her, and most shamefully wasted his time in her com- 
 pany, perhaps imboldened by his impunity in the foregoing 
 instance. — Some think he had married her ; but this is not 
 intimated, nor is it probable., Her name implies a consumer , 
 or viasting , which is very apposite. 
 
 V. 5. The princes of the five chief cities in Philistia soon 
 heard of Samson’s conduct, and formed a plan for his ruin. 
 By promising Delilah about six hundred pounds sterling, to 
 be made up by equal sums from each of them, they induced 
 her to employ all her insinuation to find out the cause of his 
 supernatural strength : which they supposed to depend on 
 some observance, that he might be induced to neglect: and 
 when in consequence his strength should fail him, they pur* 
 posed to avenge themselves on him. They seem to havo 
 intimated to Delilah, that they only meant to qfflict him, that 
 he might not continue formidable; but not to kill him. Yet 
 their dread of him was so great, that they durst not, on any 
 advantage, attempt to seize him, till satisfied that his great 
 strength was departed ! 
 
 V. 6 — 8. This artful woman would no doubt propose the 
 question, as a matter of mere curiosity ; and would couch it 
 in such terms, accompany it with such blandishments, and 
 urge it at such times, as wore most likely to prevail. (14:16, 
 17.) Samson however seems to havo had some suspicion, 
 that she desired to pry into this important socrot with no good 
 design ; yet instead of leaving her, or giving her a direct 
 refusal, he endeavoured to amuse her by aM evasive answer, 
 or rather by a direct falsehood ! ) le no v hat Ljr strei gtb 
 
B. C. 1120. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 B. C. 1120. 
 
 dii d, then shall I be \yeak, and be as 'another 
 
 nan. 
 
 9 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up 
 to h sr seven green withs which had not been dried, 
 tnd she "‘hound him with them. 
 
 9 Now there were men lying in wait, abiding 
 with her in the chamber. And she said unto him, 
 the Philistines be upon thee, Samson. And he 
 brake the withs, as a thread of tow is broken when 
 it Houcheth the fire. So his strength was not 
 known. 
 
 10 And Delilah said unto Samson, behold thou 
 hast mocked me, and told me lies : "now tell me, 
 I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound. 
 
 11 And lie said unto her, “If they bind me fast 
 with new ropes tthat never were occupied, then 
 shall I be weak, and be as another man. 
 
 12 Delilah therefore took new ropes, and bound 
 him therewith, and said unto him, the Philistines 
 be upon thee, Samson. And there were liers-in- 
 wait abiding in the chamber. And he brake them 
 from off his arms like a thread. 
 
 13 And Delilah said unto Samson, Hitherto 
 thou hast mocked me, and told me lies : tell me 
 wherewith thou mightest be bound. And he said 
 unto her, If thou weavest the seven locks of my 
 head with the web. 
 
 14 And she fastened it with the pin, and said 
 unto nim, The Philistines be upon thee, Samson. 
 And he awaked out of his sleep, and Pwent away 
 with the pin of the beam and with the web. 
 
 15 And she said unto him, ‘‘How const thou say, 
 I love thee, "when thine heart is not with me ? thou 
 
 • Heb. one. mEc.7:26. f Heb. smellelh. Ps. 58:9. n 7,13,15 — 17. Prnv. 
 23:7,8. 24:28. Ez. 33:31. Luke 22:48. o Prov. 13 3, 5 . 29:25. Eph. 4:25, 
 } Heb. wherewith work hath not been done, p Ezra 9:13,14. I s. 106:43. q 14: 
 
 16. Prov. 2:16. 5:3— 14. rGen. 29:20. Dent. 6:5. 1 .Sam. 15:13,14 . 2 Sam. 16: 
 
 17. Prov. 23:26. Cant. 8:6,7. John 14:15,21— 24. 15:10. 2 Cor. 5:14, 15. 1 John 
 2:15,16.5:3. 3 Prov. 7:21— 23,26,27. Luke 11:8. 18:5. § Heb. shortened. Job 
 21:4. marg. Jon. 4:9. Mark 14:34. t Prov. 29:11. Mic. 7:5. u 13:5. Num. 6: 
 
 was immediately from God, who had constitued him a per- 
 petual Nazarite, of which his hair was the token : but if he 
 renounced his Nazarite’s character by shaving his head, the 
 Lord would depart from him, and he would become as other 
 men. He was not at first so infatuated, as to disclose the 
 secret: but he was taken in Satan’s net, and was sure to be 
 every moment more and more entangled. (Notes. Prov. 
 *19. 5:4—9. 7:26. P. O. Prov. 2:10—22. 5:1—14.) 
 
 V. 9. Samson's infatuation was very great : but it cannot 
 be conceived, that he would afterwards have fallen asleep in 
 Delilah’s lap, if he had at this time seen the Philistines in the 
 chamber prepared to seize him. We may suppose therefore 
 that they waited every time in some adjacent room, or closet, 
 to see whether he was able to break his bonds : and when 
 they found his strength was not departed, they kept close ; 
 while Delilah artfully turned the matter off as a jest, which 
 she put on him to discover whether he had told her the truth 
 or not. 
 
 V. 10—14. These repeated attempts of Delilah must 
 have satisfied Samson that she intended his ruin, had not 
 “whoredom taken away his heart,” and made him senseless 
 and brutish. — It is probable, that some time intervened be- 
 tween each attempt ; and that she took the most favourable 
 opportunities for making them : but those who say, she made 
 him drink wine, that he might be heavy with sleep, forget that 
 this would have forfeited the privilege of his being a perpetual 
 Nazarite, as really as shaving his head did. (Notes, 13:4,5. 
 Num. 6:3 — 5.) Doubtless he supposed himself entirely alone 
 with her ; and each attempt seems to have been made when 
 he was asleep. (Notes, 2 Sam. 11.1—5. Matt. 26:40,41.) — 
 It is not certain how his hair was fastened in the web; but 
 this evasion came nearer the discovery of the important 
 secret, than any of the others. 
 
 V. 15. Delilah pretended to discredit all Samson’s pro- 
 fessions of love for her, so long as he refused to give her this 
 peculiar proof of it. He had sacrificed his honour, con- 
 science, interest, and every other valuable object to his pas- 
 sion for her : but while he had one reserve, she would not be 
 satisfied. Such absolute affection cannot be placed on any 
 -eature without idolatry ; but it is that very love, which the 
 f_iOrd justly requires of us, when he commands us to give 
 him our heart: (Notes, Ex. 20:3. Prov. 23:26.) nor will he 
 accept of us while there is one reserve, and while we delibe- 
 rately refuse to part with any worldly object for his sake, or 
 to yield him any service to which he calls us. Had Abraham 
 peremptorily refused to sacrifice his beloved Isaac, the Lord 
 might have said, “ How canst thou say, I love thee, when 
 thy heart is not with me ?” For the true love of the infinitely 
 glorious God subdues, regulates, or subordinates every other 
 affection; and is alone absolute and unreserved . (Notes. 
 **eut. 6:5. Matt. 10:37— 39.) 
 
 V. 16. Vexed unto death.\ 4 He was weary of life, . . . and 
 
 Vol. I.— 58 
 
 hsist mocked me these three times, and hast not 
 told me wherein thy great strength lieth. 
 
 [ Practical Observations . ] 
 
 16 And it came to pass, when ’she pressed him 
 daily with her words, and urged him so that his 
 soul was $vexed unto death ; 
 
 17 That he told her ‘all his heart, and said unto 
 her, “There hath not come a razor upon mine 
 head ; for I have been a Nazarite unto God from 
 my mother’s womb : if I be shaven, then my 
 strength will go from me, and I shall become weak, 
 and be like any other man. 
 
 18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her 
 all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of 
 the Philistines, saying, “Come up this once ; for 
 he hath showed me all his heart. Then the lords 
 of the Philistines came up unto her, and ^brought 
 money in their hand. 
 
 19 And ’she made him sleep upon her knees: 
 and she called for a man, and she caused him to 
 shave off the seven locks of his head ; and she be- 
 gan to afflict him, and his strength went from him. 
 
 20 And she said, The Philistines be upon thee 
 Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said, 
 a I will go out as at other times before, and shake 
 myself. And he wist not that b the Lord was 
 departed from him. 
 
 21 But the Philistines took him, c and »put out 
 his eyes, and brought him down to Gaza, and 
 ‘'bound him with fetters of brass ; and he did e grind 
 in the prison-house. 
 
 22 II Howbeit, f the hair of his head began to 
 grow again, ’'after he was shaven. 
 
 5. Acts 18:18. x Ps. 62:9. Piov. 18:8. Jer. 9:4 — 6. y 5. Num. 22:7. 1 Kings 
 21:20. Matt. 26:15. Eph. 5:5. 1 Tim. 6:10. z Prov. 7:*2l— 23. 23:33.34. Ec. 7: 
 26. a 3,9,14. Deut. 32.30. Is. 42:25. Hob. 7:9. b Num. 14:9,42,43. Josh. 7:12. 
 1 Sam. 16:14. 18:12. 28:14—16. 2 Chr. 15:2, Is. 59:1,2. Jer. 9:23,24. Matt. 17: 
 16,20. 2 Cor. 3:5. c Prov. 5:22. 14:14. Jer. 2: 19. || Heb .bored, d 2 Kings 25: 
 7. 2 Chr. 33:11. Ps. 107:10—12. 149:8. e Ex. 11:5. Is. 47:2. Matt. 24:41. fLev. 
 26:44. Deut. 32:36. Ps. 106:44,45. 107:13,14. H Or, as when he was shaven. 
 
 unconcerned what became of him.’ Bp. Patrick. What an. 
 infatuation was this, that when Samson was incessantly and 
 intolerably teased to do what he knew to be not only wicked, 
 but foolish in the extreme, he had not resolution to depart from 
 his seducer! (Notes, Gen. 39:8 — 10. 1 Kings 11:1 — 8. Prov. 
 7:6—23. P. O.) 
 
 V. 17 — 21. To rebuke and severely correct Samson foi 
 his heinous offences, the Lord was pleased to leave him to 
 be infatuated almost beyond conception ; and thus he was 
 prevailed upon to disclose the secret to his infamous paramour. 
 Probably his manner of speaking, as well as the plain and 
 satisfactory account which he gave of his supernatural 
 strength, convinced Delilah, that he had now told the whole 
 truth ; and she sent an earnest message to the lords of the 
 Philistines, as one that feared lest, after the previous disap- 
 pointments, they should not credit her, and she should lose 
 the stipulated reward. (5. Notes , Matt. 26:14 — 16. 1 Tim. 
 6:6 — 10.) — It seems, that after Samson had been shaven, she 
 made trial of his strength by putting him to pain ; as it is said 
 that 44 she began to afflict him.” For the Philistines, till satisfied 
 that his strength was actually departed, dared no more ap- 
 proach him even when asleep, than they would have approach- 
 ed a sleeping lion. But it is wonderful, that the mafi who 
 shaved him was restrained from attempting his life ; and his 
 preservation can be ascribed to nothing but the immediate 
 power of God. — At length, however, his enemies ventured 
 from their concealment, seized on their prey, and having put 
 out his eyes, and bound him in strong fetters, preserved him 
 as a monument of their victory, and made him drudge in hard 
 labour. (Marg. Ref. d, e. Note, 2 Kings 25:6,7 .) To all 
 this he could make no effectual resistance, for he found that 
 44 the Lord was departed from him.” — What a change was 
 this! To what a wretched and disgraceful situation had sin 
 reduced this mighty judge of Israel, who before was himself 
 as an army ! Had his head been shaven without his fault, 
 the case would have been different : but his whole conduct 
 had been as great a contempt of the favour, glory, and 
 authority of God, as if he had in disdain cut off his Nazarite’s 
 hair with his own hands : and therefore he was constrained 
 to endure the dreadful effects of his folly. (Note, Prov. 23 - 
 27,28.) 
 
 V. 22. Samson’s afflictions seem to have been the means 
 of bringing him to deep repentance: (Notes, 2 Chr. 33:11 — 
 13.) so that, through the loss of his bodily sight, the eyes of 
 his understanding were opened to perceive his own madness 
 and wickedness ; and, by depriving him of his bodily strength, 
 the Lord was pleased to renew his spiritual strength. Then, 
 it must be supposed, he would humble himself before God, 
 and seek his merciful forgiveness, and not seek in vain. In 
 the mean while his hair grew, perhaps faster than usual ; as 
 an indication that the Spirit of the Lord was returning to 
 him, and that he would soon recover his extraordinary 
 ( 457 ) 
 
B. C. 1120 JUDGES. B. C. 1120 
 
 23 Then tU- lords a '.he Philistines gathered 
 them together, for to offer a great sacrifice unto 
 *Dagon their god, and to rejoice : for they said, 
 our god hath delivered Samson our enemy into 
 our hand. 
 
 24 And when the people saw him, they h praised 
 their god : for they said, Our god hath delivered 
 into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer of 
 our country, 'which slew many of us. 
 
 25 And it came to pass, when ‘their hearts 
 were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, 
 that he may make us sport. And they called 
 for Samson out of the prison-house; and he 
 made 'them k sport. And they set him between 
 the pillars. 
 
 26 And Samson said unto the lad that held him 
 by the hand, Suffer me that I may feel the pillars 
 whereupon the house standeth, that 1 may lean 
 upon them. 
 
 27 Now the house was full of men and women : 
 and all the lords of the Philistines were there; ana 
 there were upon 'the roof about three thousand 
 
 g l Sara. 5:2 — 5. Jer.2:ll. Mic.4:5. Rom. 1 23 — 25. 1 Cor. 8:4,5. 10:20. 
 
 h Peut. 32:27. Is. 37:20. Ez.20:14. Dan. 5:4,23. Hah. 1:16. Rev. 11:10. * Heb. 
 and who multiplied, our slain. 15:8,16. i 9:27. 18:20. 19.6,9. 2 Sam. 13:28. 
 1 Kings 20:12. Esth.3:15. Is. 22:13. Dan. 5:2,3. Malt. 14:6,7. t Heb. before 
 them, k Job 30:9<10. Ps. 35:15,16 . 69:12,26. Pro v. 24: 17,18. Mic.7:8— 10. 
 Malt. 26:G7,68. 27:29,39—44. Heb. 11:36. 19:51. Deut.22:8. Josh. 2:8. 2 Sam. 
 
 strength. But the Philistines, having blinded, fettered, and 
 imprisoned him, were under no further apprehensions on that 
 account. 
 
 V. 23, 24. This was either some occasional festival, ap- 
 pointed by the lords of the Philistines in order to celebrate 
 their victory over Samson, or an annual festival in honour of 
 Dagon, observed on that account with the greater solemnity: 
 and when they had offered the sacrifice, they met together to 
 feast and to divert themselves, either in the temple of Dagon, 
 or as some think in a theatre erected for such uses. On this 
 occasion the Philistines renewed their triumph over Samson, 
 who probably had been preserved for that purpose, and was 
 exposed to public view : and they also presumed to celebrate 
 the triumph of Dagon their god, over Jehovah the God of 
 Israel ; as if by the help of their idol they had prevailed 
 against the judge of Israel, who formerly by the help of 
 Jehovah ha 1 been victorious over them. But the very lan- 
 guage of their joy shows how very much they had dreaded him. 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 5: Dan. 5:1 — 9,18 — 28.) 
 
 V. 25. Samson had been shown to the people before : (24) 
 but now he was brought before the rulers of the nation, who 
 diverted themselves amidst their feasting, by mocking his 
 abject misery, and cruelly endeavouring to render him con- 
 temptible. — Thus Christ, being apprehended and bound by 
 his enemies, was insulted by the council and rulers, as well 
 as by the servants and people and soldiers. (Notes, Ps. 69: 
 10—12. Matt. 26:63—68. 27:39—44.) 
 
 V. 26. The main weight of this building rested upon two 
 pillars in the centre, very near together, according to the me- 
 thod of building in some parts of the world ; and against these 
 Samson, as if wearied, desired leave to lean and rest himself. 
 
 V. 27. All the principal persons of the nation were assem- 
 bled within this building, whether temple or theatre ; while 
 about three thousand others were mounted upon the flat roof, 
 looking through apertures perhaps made for that purpose, to 
 enjoy the cruel pleasure of insulting over their fallen enemy! 
 (Note, Prov. 17:5.) 
 
 V. 28, 29. The triumph of the Philistines was that of Da- 
 gon ; but the cause of Samson was that of Israel and of Je- 
 hovah. (Notes, 1 Kings 18:18 — 20,36 — 39.) As the judge 
 of Israel, he was divinely appointed to be an avenger of their 
 enemies : but for his transgression he had been justly deliver- 
 ed into their hands ; and they had not only cruelly treated him, 
 but impiously blasphemed the Lord himself. In ordinary 
 cases we may hope for the conversion and salvation of our 
 fellow-sinners ; and therefore we are commanded to forgive 
 them, and do good to and pray for every one of them. But 
 for the same reason that Satan and his angels, being the in- 
 curable enemies of God, are the objects of our allowed abhor- 
 rence; we should be required to detest any individual on 
 earth, whom we certainly knew to be the object of God’s final 
 hatred : and in a future state, when sinners will no longer be 
 under a dispensation of mercy, we shall rejoice in the destruc- 
 tion of all his enemies. (Notes, 2 Tim. 4:14,15. Rev. 6:9 — 
 11. 19:1 — 6.) Samson’s prayer was both dictated and an- 
 swered by God himself ; nor does it appear that it could have 
 been known, except by immediate revelation. He knew that, 
 m this extraordinary case, it was right he should avenge the 
 cause of God and of Israel; and also that he should desire to 
 execute the vengeance of God upon them for their despiteful 
 cruelty to him. — 4 If this had proceeded from a spirit of per- 
 sonal revenge, God would not have heard it; (for he doth not 
 Jove to gratify men’s passions :) but that is a proof, that this 
 desire proceeded from God, (as St. Austin understands it,) 
 who intended to punish the Philistines for oppressing Israel, 
 ( 458 ) 
 
 men and women, that beheld while Samson made 
 sport. 
 
 28 And Samson m called unto the Lord and said. 
 0 Lord God ! “remember me, I pray thee, and 
 strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, 
 “that! may be at once avenged of the Philistines 
 for my two eyes. 
 
 29 And Samson took hold of the two middle 
 pillars upon which the house stood, and ton which 
 it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, 
 and of the other with his left. 
 
 30 And Samson said, Let §me ''die with the 
 Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his 
 might; land the house fell upon the lords, and 
 upon all the people that were therein. r So the 
 dead which he slew at his death, were more than 
 they which he slew in his life. 
 
 31 Then 'his brethren, and all the house of his 
 father, came down and took him, and brought him 
 up, and buried him ‘between Zorah and Eshtaol, 
 in the burying-place of Manoah his father. “And 
 he judged Israel twenty years. 
 
 11:2. m2Chr. 20:12. Ps. 50:15. 91:15. 116:4. Heb. 11:32. n Ps. 14:18,22. 
 Jer. 15:15. o5:31. Ps. 58:10,11. 143:12. 2Tim.4:14. »ev.6:10. J Or, he leaned 
 on them. § Heb. my soul, p Matt. 16:25. Acts20:24 . 21:13. Phil. 2:17,30. 
 Heb. 12:1—4. q Job 31:3. Ec. 9:12. Matt. 24:38,39. 1 Thes. 5:2. r 14:19. 15: 
 8,15. Gen. 3:15. Phil. 2:8. Col. 2:15. Heb. 2:14,15. s John 19:39— 42. 1 13:2, 
 25. Josh. 19:41. u 15:20. 
 
 as well as abusing Samson, and depriving him of his eyes. 
 Bp. Patrick. — Nor is Samson to be accused of self-murder , 
 with which some have charged him ; for he did not seek his 
 own death, but Israel’s deliverance, and the destruction of 
 their enemies: and there is not the least intimation, that he 
 was impatient under his sufferings ; though in accomplishing 
 his purpose, he was willing to lay down his life with the Phi- 
 listines. There is a very great difference between rushing 
 uncalled into the presence of God, out of proud impatience, 
 rebellion, and contempt of life, when it is made miserable by 
 a person’s own misconduct, and infidel disregard of future and 
 eternal consequences ; and being willing to lay down life for 
 the honour of God, and the welfare of his people: though the 
 circumstances, into which one adventures, be as certainly 
 fatal, as the means by which another murders himself. For 
 a man is no more deemed a self-murderer, who sacrifices his 
 life for the good of his country in the field of battle, than ne 
 is deemed a murderer of others, who in a just war slays the 
 enemies of his country. 
 
 V. 30, 31. The numbers, who were within and upon the 
 house when it fell, of course would occasion great slaughter? 
 but we must ascribe to the same power, as enabled Samson 
 to throw down the building, the decisive destruction which it 
 caused. — Thus Samson died in bonds and among the Philis- 
 tines, as an awful rebuke for his sins : but no doubt he died 
 penitent, and had not his future portion with them ; and the 
 effects of his death typified those of the death of Christ, who, 
 by voluntarily laying down his life among transgressors, sub- 
 verted the foundations of Satan’s kingdom, and provided for 
 the deliverance of his people. — By this blow the princes of 
 the Philistines were destroyed, their government was unhinged 
 their power crushed, and their courage daunted; so that 
 they made no opposition to Samson’s relations, when they 
 went to fetch his body to be buried among his people. — Thus 
 the body of Christ also was, without opposition, given to his 
 friends, that it might be honourably interred. (Note, Matt, 
 27:57 — 61.) — The name Samson seems to signify a little sun : 
 and according to this allusion, he arose upon Israel after a 
 suitable pre-intimation to his parents. During the morning 
 of his life he shone very bright ; but towards the evening ho 
 was greatly obscured by clouds: yet when setting, he burst 
 through the gloom, and shone with more splendour than ever. 
 So Jesus, our long expected 44 Sun of righteousness,” arose 
 upon Israel and upon the earth: after shining with glorious 
 and benign lustre during his life, he was obscured by the 
 thickest clouds just before his setting : but when he cried out 
 “ It is finished, . . . and gave up the ghost,” he shone forth with 
 mild, but most glorious splendour, and died a triumphant con- 
 queror. In very many respects, however, he differed from 
 Samson ; especially, as he died praying for his murderers, and 
 arose again to complete the redemption of his people. — Sam- 
 son seems to have died young, not much above forty years o( 
 age, and to have left no family. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. Nothing, but evident duty should prevail with 
 us to venture into those places, where bad examples and 
 licentious characters abound. And even then, we should go 
 with fear and trembling ; earnestly beseeching God to 44 turn 
 away our eyes from beholding vanity,” to preserve our hearts 
 from every sinful desire, and to strengthen us to resist every 
 temptation. — Whenever we become unwatchful and self-c'M* 
 fident, we are near some humiliating fall : the roving eye readily 
 admits the licentious desire into the heedless heart ; and 14 lust 
 being conceived, sin is brought forth,” and misery ensues.— 
 The blandishments of boautiful women have olten proved 
 
B. C. 1406 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. B. C. 1406. 
 
 Cl/APTER XVII. 
 
 •ft cah an Ephraimite steals money from his mother, which hs restorss ; and 
 she makes images of it, 1—4. Micah's idolatry , 5, 6 . He hires a Levite to 
 be his priest, 7 — 13. 
 
 NO there was a man of “mount Ephraim, 
 whose name was Micah. 
 
 2 And lie said unto his mother, The eleven 
 hundred shekels of silver, that were taken from 
 thee, about which thou b cursedst, and spakest of 
 also in mine ears ; behold, the silver is with me ; 
 
 * 10:1. Josh . 15:9. 17:15,18. b 5:23. Ilcut. 27:16. I Sum. 14:24,28. 26:19. Nch. 
 13:25 Jer.4S:IO. Matt. 26:74. Rom. 9:3. 1 Cor. 16:22. c Prov. 28:24. dGen. 
 14:19.24:30,31. Ex. 20:7. Rulh3:10. 1 Sam. 23:21. Ps. 10:3. c 13. 18:5. Is. 
 
 most dangerous temptations, even to pious men : ( Notes, Neh. 
 13:23 — 30. Prov. 7:26.) and Satan would rather see the ac- 
 tive and useful servant of God yielding to the enticements of 
 a harlot, and sleeping in Delilah’s lap, than boldly venturing 
 the tyrant’s rage, and enduring the fiery furnace. Those, who 
 are captivated in this manner, must speedily be exposed to 
 the deepest shame and the most imminent danger. Their re- 
 putation, strength, and usefulness will be torn from them ; 
 they will betray the cause which they should have served ; 
 and their enemies will insult and triumph, and be hardened in 
 prejudices and revilings against religion. The outward peril, 
 which attends such forbidden intercourse, is generally so great, 
 that nothing but blind infatuation can induce men to venture 
 upon it: but who can tell the machinations of the powers of 
 darkness against those, who are stupidly indulging their lusts, 
 and sleeping in the very jaws of destruction ? — How lamenta- 
 ble is it to consider, that the goodness of God which preserves 
 men from the immediate effects of their folly, is generally 
 abused into an encouragement to future crimes! for every sin- 
 ful propensity is strengthened by indulgence. So that even 
 believers are seldom duly humbled for their sins, till they 
 taste the bitter effects of them ; and therefore it is eventually 
 better to be chastened with sharpness when they first offend, 
 than to escape with impunity. — Those who have not resolu- 
 tion to give a decided and explicit denial to improper requests, 
 or to flee from their tempters, will soon be induced to equivo- 
 ^cate and even to speak direct lies, with which they will after- 
 wards be reproached : and if it be so very difficult, in some 
 instances, to deny others, who have frequent access to us, 
 and great influence over us, what must self-denial in many 
 cases be? ( Notes , Matt. 16:24 — 28. Tit. 2:11,12.) — Com- 
 panions in iniquity can have no good reasons for trusting one 
 another ; and they who betray the cause of God, have no 
 ground to expect any thing else, than to be betrayed by their 
 fellow-creatures : for such as are enslaved to one lust, must 
 not wonder to find their companions under the dominion of 
 another. — Unworthy of a man, and still more of a believer, 
 is that love, which is placed on a worthless object on account 
 of external embellishments, and for the sake of animal gratifi- 
 cation ; while conscience, honour, and every noble purpose 
 of the soul, are sacrificed to it. When a man is thus u bound 
 in the chain of his own sins,” he seems to lose even common 
 sense ; and no wickedness in the object of his idolatrous affec- 
 tions can make him sensible of his folly and danger, or willing 
 to renounce the base attachment. This is indeed a w deep 
 ditch,” into which many great men, and even some good men, 
 have fallen, but from which few have escaped ; and those by a 
 miracle ofmerev, and with the loss of almost every thing, except 
 their souls. Whatever a man has already sacrificed to such 
 a criminal passion, still more will be required ; no denial will 
 be taken, no bounds assigned to artful and interested impor- 
 tunity, until he has ruined himself and all those who are or 
 ought to be dear to him : for assiduity, dissimulation, and in- 
 cessant blandishment will overcome the strongest resolutions, 
 and induce compliance with the most unreasonable and ruin- 
 ous demands ; and all counsels, warnings, and past experiences 
 are in this case ineffectual. On this Delilah’s lap thousands 
 are lulled into so sound a sleep, that nothing but the flames of 
 hell can awake them ! 
 
 V. 16 — 31. Repeated deliverances, if men are not by 
 them made sensible of their folly, and brought to repentance, 
 only increase guilt and make way for more aggravated mi- 
 sery : and if the Lord be provoked to leave sinners to them- 
 selves, and to give them up to the lusts of their own hearts ; 
 Satan will soon blind and enslave them, and employ them in 
 his basest drudgery. — Every expectation of deliverance or 
 assistance from God, while men are committing known sins, 
 must be vain and presumptuous. They may think to “go 
 forth as at other times :” but they will find their locks shorn, 
 and their strength lost, because “ the Lord is departed from 
 them.” Nay, if ministers, with the guilt of unrepented sin 
 upon their consciences, continue to preach and administer 
 ordinances with the greatest regularity, their exertions will 
 generally fail of the wonted efficacy, and Satan will disregard 
 their feeble efforts. But it is most lamentable, when this is 
 observable to others, while they themselves seem not at all 
 sensible of the awful change. What in that case can be 
 expected, but that the enemy should blind and enslave them 
 more and more ?— Indeed, though the Lord again and again 
 deliver his offending people, in the most extreme danger, yet 
 if they presume upon his goodness, he will severely punish 
 them, and even make them the contempt and reproach of the 
 
 C I took it. And his mother said, '’Blessed he thou 
 of the Lord, my son. 
 
 3 And when he had restored the eleven hu" 
 dred shekels of silver to his mother, his niotlie. 
 said, 'I had wholly dedicated the silver unto the 
 Lord from my hand lor my son, to make a 
 graven image ? and a molten image ; now therefore 
 I will restore it unto thee. 
 
 4 Yet he restored the money unto his mother; 
 and his mother took stwo hundred shekels of 
 
 66:3. f Ex. 20:4,23. Lev. 19:4. Deut. 12:3. Ps. 115:4—8. ib. 40:18— 25. 44:9— 
 20. Jer. 10.3 — 5,8. tJab.2:18,19. John 16:2. g Is. 46:6, 7» Jer. 10:9,10. 
 
 foolish : he will tear from them all their earthly comforts, and 
 fill their souls with the most exquisite anguish ; and, without 
 sending them to hell, he can make their sufferings ten thou- 
 sand times greater than all the pleasures of sin. Nay, he can 
 cloud their characters with so dark a veil, that his people shal 
 be ready to consider them as hypocrites and apostates. ( Note , 
 1 Kings 11:42,43. P. O. Heb. 4:1 — 11.) Thus lie will set 
 them up as beacons, to warn others of the rocks on which 
 they split. And though many, by their falls and. miseries, 
 will be taught to watch and pray against temptation ; yet 
 they will be oppressed by the painful reflection, that multi- 
 tudes by their crimes will be prejudiced, and hardened in 
 infidelity and ungodliness, to their everlasting destruction. 
 Out of this horrible pit none can escape, but by deep humili- 
 ation, earnest cries for mercy, patient submission to correc- 
 tion, and renewed conversion unto God through Jesus Christ. 
 (Notes, Ps. 51:) The heaviest sorrows, when they have 
 these effects, will prove most precious favours : the comfort 
 and strength of such humble penitents shall in due time bo 
 renewed, and their cruel enemies finallj' disappointed. Yet 
 even in this case the chastening rod may pursue them to the 
 grave. But having obtained pardon, and the hope of dying 
 in peace and going to glory, they can desire to live for no 
 other purpose, than to wipe off, if possible, the blot which 
 they have cast upon the gospel, and to fake vengeance, so to 
 speak, upon Satan and his cause, fur the injury which they 
 have sustained ; and with their dying lips, or in i heir dying 
 moments, to render some service to the church of God. And 
 indeed, some who have disgraced the gospel, and rejoiced the 
 hearts of his enemies, have afterwards been so deeply hum- 
 bled, and have closed their lives in such a manner, as hath 
 more than counterbalanced all, and turned the triumphings of 
 wicked men into confusion. {Notes, and P. O. 1 Chr. 29:)— 
 Successful villany will soon be punished : and not only the 
 prayers of the church, but the intercession of Christ himself, 
 will eventually ensure the destruction of those, who treache- 
 rously, cruelly, and impenitenlly hate and persecute his ser- 
 vants. How then can they escape destruction? May God 
 help us to walk humbly and watchfully ; to abstain from 
 fleshly lusts, and avoid the beginnings of evil ; and to beware 
 of the subtlety of Satan and bis agents, and the deceitful- 
 ness of our own hearts : and may our unreserved love and 
 entire dependence be placed on the divine Saviour. He con- 
 quered by dying, and rose to triumph : and by his power all 
 his true people shall conquer and triumph also. Here they 
 must live mingled with the wicked, and die outwardly in the 
 same manner: but they have a Friend to receive their 
 departing souls, and a place in heaven prepared for them. 
 (Note, John 14:2,3. P. O. 1 — 6.) Their bodies may or may 
 not be buried together with those of the wicked; but they 
 shall certainly be separated at the resurrection of the dead : 
 the one “shall go away into everlasting punishment,” the 
 other “into life eternal.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVJI. V. 1. The sacred historian 
 had, in the preceding chapters, brought down the narrative 
 to the times of Eli, who is thought to have been contempo- 
 rary with Samson: but inlhe subsequent chapters he records 
 some transactions, which seem to have taken place not many 
 years after the death of Joshua. It is thought by many, that 
 they occurred before Othniel was raised up to judge Israel ; 
 (Note, 3:9,10.) and Phinehas is mentioned, as still living, 
 towards the close of them. (20:28.) “Israel served tho 
 Lord ... all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua:” 
 (2:7. Josh. 24:31.) but it does not appear how many years 
 were intended in this general statement. Joshua died B. C. 
 1426, or 1427. Eleazar seems to have survived him. (Josh, 
 24:33.) Phinehas is supposed by some to have continued high- 
 priest twenty-five years. The defection after the death of the 
 elders, who survived Joshua, may be supposed to have been 
 gradual : yet the following chapters give the reader an ideaol 
 a very general and deep contamination. # Perhaps twenty or 
 twenty-two years had elapsed before the beginning of them. 
 Othniel is supposed to have been raised up to be judge soma 
 years after this term. The dates affixed at the head of these 
 chapters will be regulated according to these remarks : 
 though this will place them somewhat later than many learn- 
 ed men do. — The annotations on the three last chapters 
 imply, that the author assumes it as clear, that the everit3 
 recorded were subsequent to those related in this and the 
 following chapter ; as the Jews do, or some of them at least. 
 (Note, 20:20 — 25.) Yet many date them at an earlier period, 
 probably because Phinehas is mentioned. The dates wu 
 ( 459 ) 
 
B. C. 1402. JUDGES. B. C. 1400. 
 
 silver, and gave them to the founder, who made 
 thereof a graven image, and a molten image : and 
 they were in the house of Micah. 
 
 5 And the man Micah had h an house of gods, 
 and made an ‘ephod, and k teraphim,' and 'con- 
 secrated one ot 'his sons, who became his 
 priest. 
 
 6 In those days there was m no king in Israel, 
 but every man did that to hie h was "right in his 
 own eyes. 
 
 7 It And there was a young man out of “Beth- 
 lehem-judah, of the family of Judah, who was a 
 Levite, and he sojourned there. 
 
 8 And the man ^departed out of the city from 
 Beth-lehem-judah, to sojourn where he could find 
 a place: and he came to mount Ephraim, to the 
 house of Micah, 'as he journeyed. 
 
 9 And Micah said unto him. Whence comest 
 thou? And he said unto him, I am a Levite of 
 Beth-lehem-judah, and I go to sojourn where I 
 may find a place. 
 
 10 And Micah said unto him, Dwell with me, 
 and be unto me oa father and a priest, and r I will 
 give thee ten shekels of silver by the year, and *a 
 suit of apparel, and thy victuals. So the Levite 
 went in. 
 
 11 And the Levite was content to dwell with 
 the man ; and the young man was unto him as 
 one of his sons. 
 
 12 And Micah “consecrated the Levite; and 
 
 n 18:24. Gen. 31:30. Ezra 1:7. Hos.8:14. 18:37. 18:14. Ex. 28:4,15. 1 Sam. S3: 
 6. k Gen. 31:19. marg. Hos. 3:4. * Heb. fill, dlhehurul. Ex. 29:9. 1 Kings 12:31. 
 13:33,34. Heb. 5:1. 1 Ex. 81:3. n: 18:1. 19:1. 21:25. Gen. 36:31. Dent. 33:5. 
 n Dent. 12:8. Ps. 12 4. Prov. 12:15. 14:12. 16:2. Ec. 11:9. Jer. 44:16,17. o 19: 
 1,2. Gen. 35:19. Huth 1:1,2. Mic.5:2. Matt. 2:1, 5.6. p 11. Nell. 13:10,11. 
 t Heb. in making his way. q 11. 18:19. Gen. 45:8. 2 Kings 6:21 . 8:8,9. 13:14. 
 Job 29:16. Is. 22:21. r 18:20. 1 Sam. 2:36. Ez. 13:19. Mult. 26:15. John 12:6. 
 
 here, however, be placed according to the former supposi- 
 tion. — But the chronology of this book is peculiarly difficult 
 and uncertain. 
 
 V. 2 — 4. Micah’s mother, enraged by the loss of her 
 money, openly imprecated the divine vengeance upon the 
 thief, if he did not restore it, declaring that it was devoted to 
 God by a solemn vow for the benefit of her son: (Marg. 
 Ref. b, e, f.) and he, having stolen it, was affrighted by this 
 curse, disclosed the theft, and restored the money. (Note, 
 Prov. 28:24.) Thus he obtained her blessing, such as it was. 
 In consequence two hundred shekels were expended in making 
 two images ; and perhaps the remaining nine hundred shekels, 
 in preparation for the idolatrous worship. 
 
 V. 5. An house of gods.'] Or, of God. It is probable, 
 that Micah purposed to worship the God of Israel ; but he 
 ignorantly imagined, that, having appointed his son to be a 
 priest, he might in this manner serve God as acceptably , as 
 by going up to the tabernacle, and more conveniently. (Note, 
 8:27.) Thus idolatry seems to have been first openly set up 
 in Israel, by Micah and his mother. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 
 Ex. 20:4,5. 32:2 — 6. 1 Kings 12:26—33. Hos. 8:14.) 
 
 V. 6. Either there was no judge at that time, or he did 
 not possess sufficient authority to repress idolatry, as a king 
 might have done. (Note, 1.) This seems to intimate, that 
 there were kings when the history was written ; and implies, 
 that nothing can be more pernicious to a people, than to be 
 left without coercive authority. (Notes, 18:7 — 10. 19:1. Rom. 
 13:1 — 5.) — It is probable also, that the law for appointing 
 judges in every city was not duly attended to. (Notes, 2:1 
 —5. Dcut. 16:18,19. 17:8—13.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. This man’s father was a Levite, but by mar- 
 riage he was allied to the tribe of Judah, and so had been a 
 sojourner at Bethlehem. But he left that place to seek some 
 other situation. Perhaps, in those unquiet times, the tithes 
 were not paid very regularly : yet it can hardly be supposed 
 that a Levite of good character was constrained from mere 
 want, to ramble like a vagabond. He seems to have been a 
 man of an unsettled disposition, who did not choose to be 
 under the control of the priests. 
 
 V. 10 — 13. The terms proposed by Micah do not seem 
 to have been very advantageous : but the Levite thought the 
 situation honourable, and a kind of preferment ; especially 
 as Micah spake of his being a father and a priest. Thus he 
 was induced to intrude into the sacerdotal office ; and Micah 
 presumed to consecrate him. (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17.) 
 And so satisfied was Micah with what he had done, that, he 
 deemed himself sure of the Lord’s blessing on that account; 
 for it seems he deemed the priesthood of his son informal. 
 (5) But instead of having now done better, he had added to 
 all his other crimes, that of tempting a Levite to act as a 
 priest, and to commit idolatry. (Notes, John 16:1 — 3. Acts 
 26:9—11.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Old ago will not wean the heart from lovo to worldly objects ; 
 azri when men have lost their relish for other sinful indul- 
 ( 460 > 
 
 the young man became l his priest, and was in the 
 house of Micah. 
 
 13 Then said Micah, “Now know I that the 
 Lord will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to 
 my priest. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 The Danites send five men to seek an inheritance for them, 1, 2. Meeting with 
 Micah' s J.evite , they consult him , and are encouraged to proceed '.’3—6. 
 They search Laish , and bring back an encouraging report, 7—10. Six hw+ 
 drea men are sent to surprise the place , 11, 12. They rob Micah of his idols, 
 and entice away his priest, 13 — 21. Micah pursues them, but is frightened 
 back by threats, 22—26. They take Laish, and call it Dan, 27—29. They 
 set up idolatry ; and Micah' s Levite, who was called Jonathan , and his son* 
 after him, become the priests, 30, 31. 
 
 I N those days there was “no king in Israel : and 
 in those days b the tribe of the Danites sought 
 them an inheritance to dwell in ; “for unto that 
 day all their inheritance had not fallen unto them 
 among the tribes of Israel. 
 
 2 And the children of Dan sent of their family 
 five men from their coasts, 'men of valour, from 
 d Zorah, and from Eshtaol, “to spy out the land, 
 and to search it ; and they said unto them, Go, 
 search the land : who, when they came to 'mount 
 Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they lodged 
 •there. 
 
 3 When they were by the house of Micah, 
 e they knew the voice of the young man the 
 Levite; and they turned in thither, and said unto 
 him, Who brought thee hither? and whatmakest 
 thou in this place? h and what hast thou here ? 
 
 4 And he said unto them, Thus and thus 
 
 1 Tim. 6:10. 1 Pet. 5:2. } Or, a double suit, &c. Heb. an order of garm.nl.. 
 b 5. I 18:30. Num. 16:5,8—10. I Kings 12:31. 13:33,34. u Pros. 14:12. Is. 44: 
 20. 66:3,4. Matt. 15:9,13. John 16:2. Acts 26:9. Rom. 10:2,3. a 17:6. 19:1. 21: 
 25. b Josh. 19:40— 48. cl:34. • Heb. sons, ti 8, 1 1 . 13:2,25. 16:31 . Josh. 19: 
 41. e Num. 13:17. Josh. 2:1. Prov. 20:18. Luke 14:31. f 17:1. 19:1,18. Josh. 
 17:15—18. g 12:6. Gen. 27— 22. Malt. 26:73. his. 22:16. 
 
 gences, avarice frequently acquires double force: but every 
 idol is liable to be torn from them, and their inordinate love 
 increases their grief and resentment for the loss of it. — The 
 curse causeless hurts only the person who vents it; yet when 
 children rob their parents, they may expect from them a 
 curse- instead of a blessing, and in consequence the displea- 
 sure of God. — Confession and restitution, though attendants 
 on true repentance, do not always imply it. (Note, MatL 
 27:3 — 5.) — Those parents who have not by their instructions 
 or examples, taught their children their duty to God, but 
 have been their tempters to ungodliness, cannot reasonably 
 expect that they should perform their duty to them. — Riches 
 are seldom made a good use of: indeed they are commonly 
 idolized, either in themselves, or in those things which the 
 proud and sensual purchase with them. — Men naturally lovo 
 their own inventions in religion, being more flattering to pride, 
 and more indulgent to their sloth and lusts, than the appoint- 
 ments of God are ; and the liberality of superstitious people 
 often shames the niggardliness of the professors of true reli- 
 gion. — They who once deviate from the rule of the sacred 
 Scriptures, will in general wander more and more widely, and 
 bewilder themselves more entirely ; and will presumptuously 
 expect a reward for the very practices which God abhors ! 
 — When pride, an unsettled temper, ignorance, and sloth, in 
 those appointed to the ministry, meet with poverty or extra- 
 vagance ; by the prospect of secular advantage they may be 
 induced to patronise crimes, and become ringleaders in trans- 
 gression; while their example and concurrence serve to quiet 
 every remaining scruple in the consciences of others. — Many 
 wealthy people love to have such 14 Levites for their priests,’ 1 
 because instead of reproving their sins, they imbolden them 
 in the commission of them ; and induce them to conclude, 
 that there is no reality in religion, as its ministers are so mer- 
 cenary and ungodly. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XVTII. V. 1. (Note, 17:6.) Tho 
 tribe of Dan had its lot within that at first assigned to Judah, 
 and near to the Philistines : so that, through their own no 
 gleet or cowardice, and concurrent causes, they had boen in 
 part kept out of possession of it, and wore therefore greatly 
 straitened at this time. (Notes, 1:34,36. Josh. 19:40 — 48.) 
 
 V. 2 — 4. Hath hired me. (4) Marg. Ref Note , 17» 
 10—13. 
 
 V. 5, 6. It does not appear that the Danites had con- 
 sulted the Lord by his high-priest, about their intended enter- 
 prise : but when the spies met with this Levite, whom they 
 had known in his former rambles, and were informed by him 
 that he was become a priest, they bethought themselves of 
 inquiring by him ; in which their ignorance and inattention 
 were lamentably exposed. — The Levite, it is probable, having 
 gone through his form, answered them according to their 
 inclinations, in the language of piety : ( Notes, 1 Kings 
 6,13,14.) and his words being verified by the event, raised 
 the reputation of the oracle, and sanctioned the idolatry.— 
 Thus all the mistakes and lies of fortune-tellers monthly pro- 
 gnosticators, and other uretended prophtU? .if vVerloeked oi 
 
B. C. 1400 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 140C. 
 
 dealeth Micah with me, and hath 'hired me, and 
 
 1 am his priest. 
 
 5 And they said unto him, k Ask counsel, we 
 pray thee, 'of God, that we may know whether 
 our way which we go shall be prosperous. 
 
 6 And the priest said unto them, ro Go in peace : 
 •before the Lord is your way wherein ye go. 
 
 7 Then the five men departed, and came to 
 'Laish, and saw the people that were therein, 
 •how they dwelt careless, alter the manner of the 
 Zidonians, quiet and secure ; and there was no 
 Magistrate in the land, that might put them to 
 shame in any thing: and they were far from the 
 Zidonians, and had no business with any man. 
 
 8 And they came unto their brethren to pZorah 
 and Eshtaol : and their brethren said unto them, 
 What say ye? 
 
 9 And they said, lArise, that we may go up 
 against them: for we have seen the land, and, 
 behold, it is very good : and T are ye still ? ’be 
 not slothful to go, and to enter to possess the 
 
 •and. 
 
 10 When ye go, ye shall come unto a people 
 secure, and to a large land : for ‘God hath given it 
 into your hands; a place “where there is no want 
 of any thing that is in the earth. [ Practical observations .] 
 
 11 If And there went from thence of the family 
 of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, 
 six hundred men lappointed with weapons of 
 war. 
 
 12 And they went up, and pitched in v Kirjath- 
 jearim in Judah: wherefore they called that place 
 •Mahaneh-dan unto this day; behold, it is behind 
 Kirjath-jearim. 
 
 13 And they passed thence unto Amount 
 Ephraim, and came unto the house of Micah. 
 
 14 Then answered the five men that went to 
 spy out the country of Laish, and said unto their 
 brethren, Do ye know that there is ‘in these 
 houses an ephod, and teraphim, and a graven 
 image, and a molten image? “now therefore con- 
 sider what ye have to do. 
 
 15 And they turned thitherward, and came to 
 the house of the young man the Levite, even unto 
 the house of Micah, and ^saluted him. 
 
 16 And the b six hundred men appointed with 
 their weapons of war, which were of the children 
 of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate. 
 
 117:10. Prof. 28:21. Is. 56:11. 57.13:19. Hos. 4-8,9. Mol. 1:10. John 10:12,13. 
 Acts4:l3 — 21. 20:33. 1 Tim. 3:3. Tit. 1:11. 2 Pet. 2:3,14,15. It 1 Kinjs 22:5. 
 
 2 Kii.es 16:15. Is. 30:1. Ei. 21:21. Hns.4:12. Acts 8:10. I 14. 17:5,13. m I Kings 
 22 6,12,15. Jer. '23.21, 22.32. n Dent. 11:12. Ps. 33: 13. 1 Thes. 3:11 . - Josh. 
 19 47. Leshevi. o 27,28. Rev. 18:7. t Heb. possessor, or, heir, of restraint. 
 I S.i m. 3:13. 1 Kings 1:6. Rom. 13:3. 1 Pel. 2:14. p 2,11. 13:2. 16:31. oNum. 
 .3:30. 14:7 — 9. Josh. 2:24. rlKi»gs22:3. s Josh. 18:3. 1 Sam. 4:9. 2 Sam. 
 M:12. John 6:27. Heb. 6:11,12. 2 Pet. 1:10,1 1 . t Deut. 2:29. 4:1 . Josh. 6:16. 
 u Ex. 3:9. Deut. 8:7 — 9. 11:11,12. Ez. 20:6. 1 Tim. 6:17. J Heb. girded, 
 v Josh. 13:60. 1 Sam. 7:1. x 13:25. murf. y 2,3. 17:1. 19:1. Josh. 24:30,33. 
 *. 3,4. 17:5. a Prov. 19:27. Ia. 8:19.20. § Heb. asked him of “peace. Gen. 37: 
 
 soon forgotten, because they sometimes happen to conjecture 
 right ; and these random guesses, when they prove to be right, 
 raise their credit with the ignorant and credulous. 
 
 V. 7 — 10. Laish, or Leshem, lay in the northern extre- 
 mity of Canaan, but within the boundaries of the promised 
 land ; and perhaps it had been originally allotted to the 
 Danites, in addition to their too contracted inheritance. 
 But the Israelites so neglected to prosecute their victories, 
 that the Canaanites despised them : and this people, abiding 
 unmolested in a very plentiful country, had no magistrates, 
 and were not secured by walls, troops, or alliances ; but every 
 one lived according to his own inclination, without either fear or 
 shame! — It seems indeed to have been considered as a part 
 of the territory of the Zidonians ; but it lay at a considerable 
 distance eastward of Zidon, and had no direct dependence 
 on that city, or protection from it, or intercourse with it. (28) 
 ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. So small a company as six hundred men out 
 of this large tribe, (j Num. 26:42,43.) unassisted by their 
 brethren, marching on this enterprise, manifested how regard- 
 less the Israelites were of the public cause, and how intent 
 upon personal indulgence. Yetthis small troop, in confidence 
 of success, took their families with them. (21) “ Mahaneh- 
 dan” signifies the camp of Dan. (Note, 13:25.) 
 
 V. 13—26. (Marg. Ref.) The Levite’s answer to the 
 spies having been apparently verified by the event, they seem 
 to have concluded that he would be a valuable acquisilion, if 
 they could induce him to accompany them ; especially if they 
 could also take Micah’s images, ephod, and teraphim with 
 them : and at their instance, the Danites were led to form a 
 plan for that purpose. They were going to seek a settlement 
 
 17 And the 'five men that went to spy out the 
 land went up, and came in thither, and took d the 
 graven image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, 
 and the molten image : and the priest stood in 
 the entering of the gate with the six hundred 
 men that were appointed with weapons of war. 
 
 18 And these went into Micalrs house, and 
 fetched the carved image, the ephod, and the 
 teraphim, and the molten image. Then said the 
 priest unto them, What do ye ? 
 
 19 And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, 
 'lay Ihine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, 
 and be to us ‘a father and a priest : is it better for 
 thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or 
 that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in 
 Israel ? 
 
 20 And the priest’s eheart was glad, and he 
 took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven 
 image, and went in the midst of the people. 
 
 21 So they turned and departed, and put the 
 little ones, and the cattle, and the carriage, before 
 them. 
 
 22 And when they were a good way from the 
 house of Micah, the men that were in the houses 
 near to Micah’s house were gathered together, 
 and overtook the children of Dan. 
 
 23 And they cried unto the children of Dan : 
 and they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, 
 h What aileth thee, that thou "comest with such a 
 company ? 
 
 24 And he said, Ye have taken away my gods 
 which I made, and the priest, and ye are gone 
 away ; and “what have I more ? and what is this 
 that ye say unto me, What aileth thee ? 
 
 25 And the children of Dan said unto him, Let 
 not thy voice be heard among us, lest ’’angry fel- 
 lows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life, with 
 the lives of thy household. 
 
 26 And the children of Dan went their way : 
 and when Micah saw that they were too strong 
 for him, he turned and went back unto his 
 house. 
 
 27 IT And they took the things which Micah 
 had made, and the priest which he had, and came 
 unto iLaish, unto a people that were at quiet and 
 secure : and k they smote them with the edge of 
 the sword, and ’burnt the city with fire. 
 
 28 And m there was no deliverer, because it teas 
 
 14. 43:27. 1 Sam. 17:22. marg. 2 Kings 4:26. Matt. 10:12,13.*LuJre 10:4 — 6. joHd 
 14:27. b 11. c 2,14. d 6:31 . 17:4,5. Ex. 32:20. 1 Sam. 4:1 1. 6:2— 9. 2 Kings 
 19:18,19. Is. 46:1,2,7. e Job 21:5. 29:9. 40:4,5. Prov. 30:32. Mic. 7:16. f '7: 
 10. 2 Kings 6:21. 8:8,9. 13:14. Matt. 23:9. g 17:10. Prov. 30:15. Is.55il 
 Ez. 13:19. Hos. 4:8. Acts 20:33. Phil. 3:19. 2 Pet. 2:3,15,16. hGen.21- 
 1 Sam. 11:5. 2 Sam. 14:5. 2 Kings 6:28. Ps. 114 :5. Is. 22:1 . II Heb. art gathe ed 
 together. i 17:13. Ps. 115:8. Is. 44:18— 20. Jer. 50:38. 51:17. Ez.23;5. Hnh 2: 
 18,19. Acts 19:26. Rev. 17:2. IT Heb. bitter of soul. 1 Sam. 30:6. 2 Sam. 17-9 
 Job. 3:5. 27:2. marg. j 7,10. k Deut. 33:22. Josh. 19:47. 1 Josh. 11:11 
 
 m 2 Sam. 14:6. marg. Ps.7:2. 50:22. Dan. 3:15—17. 
 
 at a great distance from Shiloh; and, it may well be thought, 
 were desirous of excusing themselves fir jrn the long journeys, 
 which attending on the worship at the sanctuary would 
 require: and here was a priest, and an oracle, and all which 
 they deemed requisite for their religious observances, ready 
 prepared for their purpose. They were evidently very igno- 
 rant ; and they absurdly concluded, that they should, by 
 taking these, secure the presence and favour of the God of 
 Israel, in their expedition and settlement. (Note, 17:10 — 13.) 
 They coveted Micah’s house of gods, and supposing that he 
 could not be induced by fair means to part with them, they 
 determined to plunder his temple ; and afier they ha4 effected 
 this, they found no difficulty in engaging his priest to accom- 
 pany them, by a prospect of far better preferment than he 
 then possessed. They perhaps supposed the piety of their 
 motives, and the goodness of their end, would justify the 
 means. But it was a base robbery of Micah, aggravated by 
 the Levite’s ingratitude, and by their violence and menaces, 
 it was, however, a very suitable introduction to their subse- 
 quent idolatry and aposlacy. — Micah, though ignorant and 
 immoral, yet deemed his religion his chief treasure ; and when 
 the Danites had taken from him that in which he had gloried, 
 and on account of which he was confident “ the Lord would 
 do him good,” he counted himself to have lost his all, and 
 intimated that they might as well have taken all the rest of 
 his substance! Yet his zeal for his images did not induce 
 him to venture his life in attempting to recover them. 
 
 V. 27—29. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 30, 31. Jonathan was the name of this Levite, but it is 
 not known of what family he was ; for Gershom and Manas 
 seh were names common in Israel. The tradition of the 
 ( 461 ) 
 
B. 0. 1393. 
 
 JUDGES. 
 
 B. C. 1398 
 
 “far from Zidon, and they had no business with 
 any man ; and it was in the valley that lieth by 
 •Beth-rehob : and they built a city, and dwelt 
 therein. 
 
 29 And they called the name of the city rDan, 
 after the name of Dan th^ir lather, 'Hvho was 
 born unto Israel : howbeit the name of the city 
 was Laish at the first. 
 
 30 And the children of Dan r set up the graven 
 image : and Jonathan, the son of Gershom, the 
 son of Manasseh, he and his sons were priests to 
 the tribe of Dan, "until the day of the captivity 
 of the land. 
 
 31 And they sat them up Micah’s graven image, 
 which he made, ‘all the time that the house of God 
 was in Shiloh. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 A Levite' s concubine commits adultery , and returns to her father , 1, 2. The 
 Levite goes to take her back , and is kindly entertained , 3 — 9. They depart , 
 a ’ a late hour , and lodge at Gibeah, being entertained by an old man of 
 Ephraim , ir ho sojourned there , 1U — 21. The men of the city beset the house , 
 with a vile intent ; the Levite yields up his concubine, who is abused till she 
 dies , 22—28. He divides her body into twelve parts, and sends one to each 
 tribe, 29, 30. 
 
 A ND it came to pass in those days, “when 
 there was no king in Israel, that there was a 
 certain Levite sojourning on the side of b mount 
 Ephraim, who took to him 'a concubine out of 
 e Beth-lehem-judah. 
 
 2 And his concubine ‘'played the whore against 
 him, and went away from him unto her father’s 
 house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there 'four 
 whole months. 
 
 nl. Josh. 11:8. Is. 23:4,12. o Kura. 13:21. Rehob. 2snra. 10:6. p20:l. 
 Gen. 11:14. Josh. 19:17. 2 Sam. 1 7: 1 1 . 1 Kings 12:29,30. 15:20. q Gen. 30:6. 
 32:28. r Ex. 20:1. Lev. 25:1. Deut. 17:2 — 7.27:15.31:16,29. s 13:1. I Sam. 
 4:2,3,10.11. I s. 78:60— 62. t 19:18. 21 : 12. Josh. 18: 1. 1 Sam. 1:3. 4:4. Jer.7;12. 
 a 17:6. 18:1.21:25. b 17:1,8. Josh. 21:30, 33. * lleb. a woman, a concubine, or 
 a wife, a concubine. Gen. 22:24 . 25:6 . 2 Sam. 3:7. 5:13. 16:22. 19:5.20:3. 
 1 Kings 11:3. 2Chr. 11:21. Esth.2.14. Cant. 6:8,9. Dan. 5:3. Mai. 2:15. c 17: 
 
 Jews, that he was the grandson of Moses, is in all respects 
 nighly improbable. — As Dan lay on the northern extremity of 
 the land, none of the judges were able to destroy this idolatry, 
 which continued 4i all the time that the house of God was in 
 Shiloh.” This proves that the captivity here mentioned was 
 that of the ark, by the Philistines, in the time of Eli. (Notes, 
 1 Sam. 4: 5:) It may be supposed that Samuel or David 
 put an end to it. — Jeroboam set up the worship of one of the 
 golden calves in this very city. (1 Kings , 12:28 — 30.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. If men were as sensibly affected with the wants 
 of the soul as with those of the body, the inheritance of the 
 kingdom of heaven, though distant, and future, would not be 
 neglected ; and the labour, danger, and self-denial, which lie 
 in the way, would no longer affright or deter them from seeking 
 it. — Whatever valour, wisdom, or diligence we employ in 
 any undertaking, we shall not be suscessful in a comfortable 
 and profitable way, if we neglect to consult the Lord, and to 
 seek his assistance and blessing.— 1 Ungodly men generally 
 find out those of their own character in every place. And 
 they, who along with a worldly heart, and much ignorance or 
 error, have yet convictions of conscience, that they ought to 
 worship and serve some superior power, often meet with a 
 superstition, or false religion, apparently deviled and framed 
 on purpose for them: as indeed it is; for Satan, who works 
 in the children of disobedience, and prompts the devisers of 
 every species of delusion, knows well what will suit the taste, 
 and state of heart, and convenience, of those whom he aims 
 to delude ; and he forms his plans accordingly. — Success does 
 not prove our undertakings pleasing to God, any more than a 
 fortunate conjecture proves a man a prophet : for the former 
 is sometimes sent as a curse; and the latter is permitted, in 
 order to punish those who despise and hate the truth. (Notes, 
 Deut. 13:1 — 5. 2 Thes. 2:8 — 12.)— We ought to be very 
 thankfi4 for good government, and for magistrates who put 
 men to shame for their crimes ; without which they can scarcely 
 be prevented from destroying each other. The blessings also 
 of liberty and prosperity call for gratitude: yet when they 
 produce sloth, self-indulgence, and carnal security, they 
 indicate approaching destruction. — Worldly men, finding “no 
 want of any thing that is in the earth,” do not consider the 
 disadvantages which they lie under with respect to their souls : 
 for if their situations or occupations are not consistent with 
 true religion, they can either do without any religion, or adopt 
 one more suited to their convenience. 
 
 V. 11 — 31. Those who are destitute of the fear of God, 
 wili seize on whatever they covet, when they possess power, 
 and can do it with impunity: for justice, gratitude, and the 
 rights of hospitality form hut feeble barriers in their way. 
 Indeed, injustice and idolatry consist well with each other ; 
 for Satan loves 44 robbery for burnt-offering,” though God 
 44 abhors it.” — They who do wrong are commonly much 
 offended, if the injured party dares to complain or remonstrate; 
 nnd thus theft is frequently an introduction to murder, through 
 ( 462 ) 
 
 3 And her husband arose, and 'went after her 
 to f speak 1 friendly unto her, and to bring he. 
 again, having ehis servant with him, and a couple 
 of asses ; and she brought him into her father’s 
 house ; and when the father of the damsel saw 
 him, he rejoiced to meet him. 
 
 4 And his father-in-law, the damsel’s father, 
 retained him ; and he abode with him three days: 
 so they did eat and drink, and lodged there. 
 
 5 And it came to pass on the fourth day, when 
 they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to 
 depart: and the damsel’s father said unto his son- 
 in-law, ^Comfort thine heart with a morsel jf 
 bread, and afterward go your way. 
 
 6 And they sat down, and did eat and drink 
 both of them together : for the damsel’s father 
 had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee 
 and tarry all night, and 'let thine heart be merry 
 
 7 And when the man rose up to depart, his 
 father-in-law urged him ; therefore he lodged there 
 again. 
 
 8 And he rose early in the morning on the 
 fifth day to depart: and the damsel’s father said. 
 Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tar- 
 ried "until afternoon, and they did eat both of 
 them. 
 
 9 And when the man rose up to depart, he, 
 and his concubine, and his servant; his father-in- 
 law, the damsel’s father, said unto him, Behold 
 now, the day "draweth towards evening, I pray 
 you tarry all night: behold, the "day groweth to 
 
 8. Oen. 35:19. Mait. 2:6. d Lev. 21:9. Deut. 22:21. Ez. 16:28. t Or, a year 
 and foui months. Heb. days, four months, e 15:1. f Gen. 50:21. Lev. 19:17. 
 20:10. Hos. 2:14. Malt. 1:19. John 8:4,5,11. Gal. 6:1. } Heb. to her heart. 
 
 Gen. 34:3. gNum. 22:22. § Heh. strengthen. Gen. 18:5. 1 Sam. 14:27 — 29. 
 
 30:12. 1 Kings 13.7. Us. 104:15. John 4:34. Acts 9:19. i 9,21. 9:27. 16:25. Ruth 
 3:7. 1 Sam. 25:36. Esth. 1:10. Luke 12:19. 1 Thes. 5:3. Rev. 11: JO, 13. II Heb. 
 till the day declined. U Heb. is weak.** Heb. it is the pitching time of the day. 
 
 the combined influence of avarice, pride, and malignity. But 
 those who rob God of his glory, and tempt others to iniquity, 
 deserve to be plundered by their fellow-creatures ; and they 
 who trust in unprincipled persons, need not wonder if they 
 are deceived. — Mercenary priests in every age are ready to 
 go the most disgraceful lengths to obtain preferment, and even 
 to put up their services for sale to the highest bidder : while 
 however they eagerly seize upon the proposed advantage, let 
 them remember that they are increasing guilt, shame, mischief, 
 and condemnation. — When the removal of idols weans the 
 heart from idolatry, the anguish of parting will be made up 
 by the consequent advantage : but wretched are they, who are 
 deprived of their idols, and left under the power of the idolatrous 
 affection! Thus death will rend men from all those worldly 
 objects, on which they have placed their hearts : their gods 
 will be for ever gone, and “what will they have more?” But 
 the case of self-confident hypocrites, when disappointed of 
 all their towering hopes, will be peculiarly dreadful. — Happy 
 they, who renounce all for Christ, and in him have the Lord 
 for their God! no enemies or changes can take away their 
 portion, or their comfort. But if we would have this felicity, 
 we must carefully attend to the word and ordinances of God 
 and be afraid of every deviation from our perfect rule: “for 
 behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth!” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. 1. The events recorded in 
 this and the following chapters, occurred while Phinchas the 
 son of Eleazar was high-priest, and therefore could not take 
 place very long after the death of Joshua. (20,28.) Eleazar 
 seems to have survived Joshua. (Josh. 24:33.) Phinehas 
 might continue high-priest for twenty-five or thirty years. I 
 suppose the events of these chapters subsequent to those in 
 the preceding. — There was then no king in Israel, nor any 
 judge who exercised authority over the people in general : 
 and the want of a regular civil government produced many 
 fatal effects, notwithstanding the advantages enjoyed by the 
 Israelites in all other things. (Note, 17:6.) 
 
 V. 2. This woman seems to have been the Levite’s only 
 wife; who was called his concubine , because not admitted 
 to all the privileges of the conjugal relation: (Note, Gen. 
 25:5,6.) but her father is called his father-in-law, and he is 
 called her husband. (3,4.) — Having been guilty of adultery, 
 she fled from him to escape punishment, or from dread of his 
 resentment. — It is remarkable, that no mention is made of 
 any other Levites in this whole book, except of him who 
 established idolatry at Dan ; and of this man, whose concu- 
 bine proved the occasion almost, of extirpation to the tribe of 
 Benjamin, and of great slaughter in the other tribes ! Phinehas, 
 the high-priest, is also named. — This both implies a censure 
 on the regular ministers of religion ; and confirms the opinion 
 that the regular appointment of judges was neglected, as .he 
 Levites were chiefly called to that office. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Perhaps the Levite heard, that his wi 1 *, repented, 
 and was dejected under conscious guilt, and alarmed lest she 
 should be marie a public example. lie thcrefo»« vve V ana 
 
B C. 1S9S. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. B. C. .398. 
 
 an lodge here, that thine heart may be merry : 
 and "to-morrow get you early on your way, that 
 thou mayest go ‘home. 
 
 10 But the man would not tarry that night, 
 but he rose up and departed, and came 'over 
 against 'Jebus, (which is Jerusalem ;) and there 
 were with him two asses saddled ; his concubine 
 
 also was with him. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 11 And, when they were by Jebus, the day 
 was far spent; and the servant said unto his 
 master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in 
 unto this city of “the Jebusites, and lodge in it. 
 
 12 And his master said unto him, We will not 
 turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that 
 is not of the children of Israel ; we will pass over 
 to Gibeah. 
 
 13 And he said unto his servant, Come, and let 
 us draw near to one of these places to lodge all 
 night, in "Gibeah, or in Ramah. 
 
 14 And they passed on, and went their way, 
 and the sun went down upon them when they were 
 by Gibeah which helongeth to Benjamin. 
 
 15 And they turned aside thither to go in, and 
 to lodge in Gibeah : and, when he went in, he 
 sat him down in a street of the city ; for there 
 was “no man that took them into his house to 
 lodging. 
 
 16 11 And, behold, there came an old man from 
 rhis work out of the field at even, which ivas also 
 of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah, 
 but the men of the place were Benjamites. 
 
 17 And when he had lifted up his eyes, he 
 saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: 
 and the old man said, aWhither goest thou 5 and 
 whence comest thou ? 
 
 18 And he said unto him, We are passing from 
 Beth-lehem-judah toward the side of mount 
 Ephraim; irom thence am I: and I went to 
 Beth-lehem-judah, but I am now going to r the 
 house of the Lord: and there is no man that 
 r receiveth me to house. 
 
 19 Yet there is both straw and provender for 
 our asses ; and there is bread and wine also for 
 me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man 
 which is with thy servants : there is no want of 
 any thing. 
 
 20 And the old man said, “Peace he with thee: 
 
 b Prov. 27:1. ‘Jam. 4:13,14. * Heb. to iky tent. | Heb. to over against. 11:8. 
 Josh. 18:28. 2 Sam. 5:6. m 10. 1:21. Gen. 10:16. Josh. 15:63. n Josh. 18:25, 
 IS. I Sam. 10:26. Is. 10:29. ling. 5:8. o 18. Gen. 18:2—8. 19:2,3. Matt. 25:35, 
 43. Heb. 13:2. p Gen. 3:19. Ps. 104:23. 128:2. Prov 13:11. 14.23. 24:27. Ec. 
 1:13. 5:12. Eph. 4:28. 1 Thes. 4:11,12. 2 Thes. 3:10. q Gen. 16:8. 32:17. r 18: 
 81.20:18. Josh. 13:1. I Sam. 1:3 7. J Heb . (rather eth. 15. Ps.26:9. s 6:23. 
 G«n. 43:23. 1 Sam. 25:6. 1 Chr. 12:18. I.nke 10:5,6. John 14:27. 1 Cor. 1:3. 
 t Rom. 12:13. Gal. 6:6. Heb. 13:2. Jam. 2:15,16. 1 Pet 4:9. 1 John 3:18. u Gen. 
 
 spoke friendly and affectionately to her, and a reconciliation 
 was speedily effected, at which his father-in-law rejoiced. — 
 The Levite’s choice seems to have been imprudent, and his 
 affection inordinate ; but in other respects his character 
 appears consistent with his profession. (Note, 15:1,2.) 
 
 V. 12. This conduct of the Levite, in refusing to seek a 
 lodging among idolaters, shows that he was very unlike the 
 Levite of whom we read in the foregoing chapters ; and it 
 was proper that he should by his example protest against the 
 disobedience of his people, in associating with the idolaters, 
 and even contracting marriages with them. — Jerusalem ap- 
 pears to have bedn at this time almost wholly occupied by the 
 Jebusites ; and if any of Judah or Benjamin dwelt there, their 
 number and influence must have been inconsiderable. 
 
 V. 13—17. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 18. Shiloh lay near to the Levite’s habitation in mount 
 Ephraim. Either his employment required his attendance 
 at the sanctuary ; or he purposed to offer sacrifices, suited to 
 the circumstances of his family, before he returned home. 
 
 V. 19 — 21. Marg. Ref. Job 31:32. Notes , Gen. 18:3 — 
 g 19*1 3 
 
 V. 22 — 25. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 19:4 — 9.) It seems 
 the men finally refused the Ephraimite’s daughter ; but at 
 length, attracted by the beauty of the Levite’s concubine, they 
 went off with her. They thought also of murdering the 
 Levite ; perhaps because he would not at first give up his 
 concubine, and because he resisted their brutal violence. 
 (20:5.) i 
 
 V. 2G — 30. The justice of God was displayed even by the 
 enormous wickedness of these men. — Adultery was punish- 
 able by death ; this woman having committed adultery was 
 lbout to escape ; but in this dreadful manner her iniquity 
 fc \nd her out, and she was punished in kind : (Lev. 20:10. 
 No‘es, Nu n. 3?:23.) yet this by no means implies, that she 
 did not rep nt and find mercy. (2 Sani. 18:5.) — It had an 
 
 howsoever, l let all thy wants lie upon me ; only 
 “lodge not in the street. 
 
 21 So he brought him into his house, and gave 
 provender unto the asses : and “they washed their 
 feet, and did eat and drink. 
 
 22 Now as they were making their hearts 
 merry, behold, rthe men of the city, certain “sons 
 of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat 
 at the door, and spake to the master of the house, 
 the old man, saying, "Bring forth the man that 
 came into thine house, that we may know him. 
 
 23 And b the man, the master of the house, 
 went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, 
 my brethren, nay, I pray you, do not so wickedly; 
 seeing that this man is come into mine house, c do 
 not this folly. 
 
 24 Behold, here is my daughter, a maiden, and 
 his concubine, d them I will bring out now, and 
 “humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth 
 good unto you : but unto this man do not §so vile 
 a thing. 
 
 25 But the men would not hearken to him : so 
 the man took his concubine, and brought her 
 forth unto them ; and they f knew her, sand abused 
 her all the night until the morning : and when the 
 day began to spring they let her go. 
 
 26 Then came the wdman in the dawning of the 
 day, and fell down at the door of the man’s house 
 where h her lord was, till it was light. 
 
 27 And her lord rose up in the morning, and 
 opened the doors of the house, and went out to go 
 his way : and, behold, the woman his concubine 
 was fallen down at the door of the house, and her 
 hands were upon the threshold. 
 
 28 And he said unto her, Up, and let us he 
 going : 'but none answered. Then the man took 
 her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat 
 him unto his place. 
 
 29 And when he was come into his house, he 
 took a knife, and laid hold on his concubine, and 
 "divided her, together 'with her bones, into twelve 
 pieces, and sent her into all the coasts of Israel. 
 
 30 And it was so, that all that saw it said, 
 There was no such deed done nor seen, from the 
 day that the children of Israel came up out of the 
 land of Egypt unto this day : “"consider of it, take 
 advice, and speak your minds. 
 
 19:2,3.24:31—33. x Gen. 18:4. 1 Sam. 25:41. 2 Sum. '.1:8. Luke 7:44. John 
 13:4,5,14,15. 1 Tim. 5:10. y 20:5. Gen. 19:4. Hos. 9:9. 10:9. z Pent. 13:13. 
 1 Sam. 1: IS. 2:12. 10:27. 25:25. 2 Cor. 6:15. a Gen. 19:5. Rom. 1:26,27. 1 < or. 
 6:9. Jude 7. b Gen. 19:6,7. c 20i6. Gen. 34:7. Josh. 7:15. 2Sam. 13:12. 
 d Gen. 19:8. Rom. 3:8. e Gen. 34.2. marg’. Deut. 21:14. § Heb. the matter of 
 this folly, f Gen. 4:1. g Jer. 5:7,8. Hos. 7:4 — 7. 9:9. 10:9. Eph. 4:19. h 3, 
 27. Gen.J8:12. 1 Pet. 3:6. i 90:5. 1 Kings 18:29. k ‘20:6. 1 Sam. 11:7. Rom. 
 10:2. 1 Deut. 21:22,23. m 20:7. 1'rov. 11:14. 13:10. 15:22. 20:18. 24:6. 
 
 inhuman appearance, thus to mangle tl\e dead corpse of this 
 unhappy woman : but it was intended t6 excite a more gene- 
 ral attention, and a keener resentment against so horrible a 
 crime, which called for a punishment proportionably severe. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. Men are seldom fully aware of the consequences 
 of yielding to temptation : and few sins are followed with such 
 fatal and durable effects as adultery. But it becomes minis- 
 ters, and indeed all Christians, to show a readiness to forgive 
 and be reconciled, without upbraiding those who have most 
 inexcusably injured them ; and to speak comfortably to the 
 penitent, especially when in danger of “being swallowed up 
 of over much sorrow.” (Note, 2 Cor. 2:5 — 11.) — External 
 attractions are very deceitful, and often prove an occasion to 
 the possessors, as well as to others, of much sin and misery, 
 nay of final destruction : those therefore who are thus distin- 
 guished, instead of being vain, have peculiar cause to tremble ; 
 and should be doubly watchful against temptation, and instant 
 in prayer for the preserving grace of God. (Notes, Gen. 39: 
 7 — 10-) — So much depends on the character and behaviour of 
 the ministers of religion, that if they marry with improper 
 persons from corrupt motives, they will be sure to find either 
 a snare or an affliction. — Kindness is due to those who behave 
 with affection in the several relations of life ; but every man 
 has his proper place and duty which require his attendance : 
 pressing importunities may therefore be carried too far : and 
 they very frequently are, and induce imprudent and -prejudi- 
 cial concessions. For it is always advisable to set about our 
 work early ; and what we call time enough , generally pioves 
 too litle. 
 
 V. 11 — 30. How changeable are human affairs ! Our 
 brightest prospects are often unexpectedly clouded, and th« 
 deepest calamities suddenly overtake us. We should there- 
 fore learn to moderate our affections, to lower our hopes as to 
 
 ( 463 ) 
 
B. C. 1398. JUDGES. B. C. 1398 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Hrasl attemblee at Mizpeh , and the L evile states his wrong , 1 — 7. The assem- 
 bly resolve to punish the mm of Gibeah, 8 — 11. Tne Benjainites , when 
 required , refuse to deliver them up, and prepare for war , 12—17. Burlit ine 
 direction Judah goes first to Ji;hl with them ; yet the Israelites are defeat'd 
 twice with “ real loss, 18—25. They humble themselves before God, with 
 fasting and. sacrifices, arul are promised success, 26 — 28. They employ a 
 stratagem, and destroy all the tribe of Benjamin, except six hundred men, 
 who flee to the rock Rimmon t 2 & — 48. 
 
 T HEN “all the children of Israel went out, and 
 the congregation was gathered together b as 
 one man, c froni Dan even to Beer-sheba, d with the 
 land of Gilead, 'unto the Lord f in Mizpeh. ^ 
 
 2 And the chief of all the people, even of all the 
 tribes of Israel presented themselves in the assem- 
 bly of the people of God, four hundred thousand 
 footmen that edrew sword. 
 
 3 (Now h the children of Benjamin heard that 
 the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpeh.) 
 Then said the children of Israel, Tell ns, how was 
 this wickedness ? 
 
 4 And 'the Levite, the husband of the woman 
 that was slain, answered and said, 'I came unto 
 Gibeah that belongeth to Benjamin, I and my 
 concubine, to lodge : 
 
 5 And the men of Gibeah rose against me, and 
 k beset the house round about upon me by night, 
 
 a 2,8,11. 21:5. Deal. 13:12, &c. Josh. 22J2. bl Sam. 11.7,8.2 Sam. 19:14. Ezra 
 3:1. Nell. 8:1. cl8:29. 1 Sara. 3:20. 28am. 3:10. 21:2. 1 Chr. 21 :2. 2Chr. 30:5. 
 d Num. 32:1,40. Josh. 17: 1 . 2 Sam. 2:9. e 13,26. 11 . 1 1 . f Josh . 15:38. 18:26. 1 Sam. 
 7:5.6. 10:17. 2 Kings 25:23. g 15,17. 8:10. 2 Sam. 24:9. 2 Kings 3 26. h Pros. 22: 
 3. Matt. 5:25. Luke 12:58,59. 14:31,32. * Heb. the man the Levite. i 19:15 — 28. 
 k Gen. 19:4— 8. 1 Heb. humbled. Deut. 522:24. Ez. 22:10,11. 1 19:29. m 10. 19:23. 
 
 this world, and to stand prepared for the worst. — They who 
 teach others, should put themselves to any inconvenience to 
 enforce their precepts by their own example. — More inhu- 
 manity and villany may be found among degenerate profes- 
 sors of Christianity, than among infidels : and in general, 
 where we expect the most kindness, we meet with the greatest 
 injuries, that we may learn to “cease from man.” — An un- 
 feeling disregard to the wants of others generally accompanies 
 sensuality and ungoverned lusts: and there are numbers who 
 imitate the example of those, whose shameful crimes have 
 been recorded in their punishment ; to one who copies the 
 examples of hospitality, integrity, and piety, mentioned with 
 commendation in the Scriptures. (P. O. Gen. 19:1 — 14.)— 
 When men have cast otf the fear of God, they are frequently 
 given up to their own vile lusts, even to disgrace human nature, 
 and to exceed the very beasts in brutishness: (Note, Rom. 
 
 1:24—27.) and Israelites especially, who rebel against the 
 light, and grow hardened under the means of grace, will be- 
 come as abandoned as the inhabitants of Sodom, and far more 
 inexcusable. — When iniquity becomes generally triumphant, 
 few will dare to protest against it ; and it is safer to venture 
 into a den of lions than into such recesses of iniquity. Y et in 
 the worst of times, there are some who venture scorn and re- 
 proach, in being kind to the servants of God for his sake ; 
 and who do not grudge the expense of hospitality: for while 
 idleness and sensual lusts waste a man’s substance, honest 
 labour and frugality afford the means of being liberal. But 
 such persons live as strangers in this world, and must expect 
 to be ahused by their wicked neighbours, except when an 
 equitable government affords them benign protection. — In 
 imitating the good actions of God’s people, men are very liable 
 to be betrayed into their faults, against which they need bo 
 doubly circumspect: and an unbelieving policy often induces 
 them to make unwarrantable concessions ; but committing 
 sin to avoid danger will generally involve them in still greater 
 difficulties.— The righteous Lord permits transgressors to 
 execute his just vengeance on one another: and if the scene 
 described in this chapter appears exceedingly horrible, what 
 will be the discoveries of the day of judgment ! Yet such is 
 numan nature ! And though few believe the humbling truth, 
 the seeds of all this wickedness are in every human heart 1 
 and if we have not committed such abominations in our lives, 
 we owe the more gratitude to the Lord, for the restraints of 
 his providence, or the influences of his grace. While there- 
 fore it behooves those in authority to “consider, take advice, 
 mid speak their minds,” by what means crimes may best be 
 prevented, or so punished that others may “hear, and fear, 
 and do no more such wickedness;” we may each of us con- 
 sider how to escape from the wrath to come, to mortify the 
 sins of our own hearts, to resist Satan’s temptations, and to 
 avoid the pollutions that are in the world ; and how we may 
 best be prepared for meeting temporal calamities, and enabled 
 to extract benefit from them. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1, 2. No mention is here 
 made of any judge, or great council of the nation; though it 
 is genorally thought that the council of seventy elders sub- 
 sisted at this time. Each tribe also appears to have had 
 some kind of internal government, to which the Levite sent 
 his message; (19:29.) yet independent of tho supreme court, 
 which was or ought to have been held statedly at the place of 
 the sanctuary: (Notes, Deut. 16:18,19. 17:8 — 13.) and by 
 their united determination, the principal persons and the 
 
 ( 464 ) 
 
 and thought to nave slain me ; and my concubine 
 have they 'forced, that she is dead. 
 
 6 And I took my concubine, and 'cut her in 
 pieces, and sent her throughout all the country ot 
 the inheritance ol' Israel : (or they have committed 
 lewdness and “folly in Israel. 
 
 7 Behold n ye are all children of Israel ; "give 
 here your advice and counsel. 
 
 8 And all the people arose ras one man, saying. 
 ’We will not any of us go to his tent, neither will 
 we any of us turn into his house. 
 
 9 But now this shall be the thing which we will 
 do to Gibeah, we will go up r by lot against it : 
 
 10 And we will take ten men of an hundred 
 throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred 
 of a thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, 
 to fetch victual for the people, that they may do, 
 when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according 
 to all the folly that they have wrought in Israel. 
 
 11 So all the men of Israel were gathered 
 against the city, 'knit together as one man. 
 
 12 And the tribes of Israel ‘sent men through 
 all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedne^fc 
 is this that is done among you ? 
 
 13 Now therefore ‘deliver us the men, "the chil 
 
 Gen. 34:7. Josh. 7:15. 2Sam. 13:12,13. n Ex. 19:5,6. Deut. 4:6. 14:1,2. 1 Cor. 5: 
 1,6,10—12. o 19:30. Josh. 9:14. Prov. 20:18. 24:6. Jam. 1:5. p See or, 1. b. U. 
 □ 21:1,5. Prov. 21:3. Ec. 9:10. r Josh. 14:2. 1 Sam. 14:41,42. 1 Chr. 24:5. NeB. 
 11:1. Prov. 16:33. Ton. 1:7. Acts 1:26. } Heb. fellows, s Deut. 13:14. 20:10. 
 Josh. 22:13—16. Matt. 18:15— 18. Rom. 12:18. t 2 Sam. 20:21,22. u 19:22. 
 Deut. 13:13. 1 Sam. 30:22. 2 Sam. 20:1. 23:6. 1 Kings 21:13. 2 Chr. 13:7. 
 
 people were gathered together in arms, to the amount of 
 400,000 men. It must be supposed, that the Benjamites 
 were summoned also, but they would not come ; and no 
 doubt they were offended at the interposition of the other 
 tribes. Mizpeh here mentioned (for there were several 
 places of that name,) was very near Shiloh ; and perhaps 
 the encampment of so great a multitude might be more con- 
 veniently formed there than at Shiloh ; but they “ were 
 gathered together before the Lord at Mizpeh,” and not far 
 from the tabernacle ; yet it seems that Phinchas, the high- 
 priest, was applied to, not as a ruler or counsellor, but merely 
 in his official capacity, to consult the Lord by Urim and 
 Thummiin about such questions as they proposed to him : 
 (Notes, Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) and indeed, considering 
 his wisdom, zeal, and experience, he appears to have been 
 greatly neglected by this new generation of Israel. (28. 
 Notes, Num. 25:6 — 13. Josh. 22:12 — 33.) 
 
 V. 3 — 7. Mnrg. Ref. Notes, 19:23 — 30. 
 
 V. 8 — 11. (Marg. Ref.) The abhorrence of the crime 
 here expressed, and the determination of the Israelites to 
 punish the criminals, were very proper ; but they seem to 
 have acted with too much precipitation and resentment. 
 There were “with them also sins against the Lord:” the 
 abomination of Gibeah was both an evidence and effect of 
 national degeneracy; and it called for deep humiliation and 
 lamentation, that such wickedness had been wrought in Israel, 
 as well as for indignation against the criminals. They ought, 
 therefore, to have begun with repentance and reformation: 
 with solemn sacrifices, and earnest supplications. (Note, 26 
 — 28.) This was required in other wars, and much more in 
 such a war as this. (Note, Deut. 23:9—14.) No absolute 
 resolution should have been made, till these things had been 
 thoroughly attended to ; or till inquiry had been made of the 
 Lord, what he would have them to do on so melancholy an 
 occasion. (Note, 18.) They were not commanded to levy 
 war against any tribe or city in Israel, except for idolatry : 
 (Notes, Deut. 13:12 — 18. Josh. 22:12 — 16.) and they hat 
 attempted nothing against the idolatrous Danites; whose con- 
 duct, though less destructive to tho peace of society, more 
 immediately struck at the honour of God and the interests of 
 religion ; and more directly belonged to tho injunction given 
 by Moses. (Note, 18:30,31.) Not attending to these previous 
 duties and considerations, hut going forth to battle under tho 
 guilt of their own unrepented sins ; confiding in their superior 
 numbers, and the goodness of their cause ; and elated wi*A 
 self-preference, on account of their exemption from this crime, 
 and their zeal to punish it ; they met at first with severe re- 
 bukes : and the Benjamites were employed to chastise them, 
 before they executed tho vengeance of God upon the Bcnja 
 mites, for their far moro atrocious wickedness. These obsei- 
 vations may help to explain the difficulty, which strikes tho 
 reader at the first perusal of this chapter; how it was that 
 with so good a cause, and such ardent zeal, they should bo 
 for a time unsuccessful, and suffer such heavy losses. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. The conduct of the Israelites was very equi- 
 table in this demand : but perhaps the rulers or elders of 
 Gibeah ought previously to have boon applied to, to deliver 
 up all the criminals to justice. However, tho refusal of the 
 Benjamites, and their protection of those who had committed 
 this horrible wickedness, bocause they were of their own 
 tribe, prove them to have been deeply corrupted and (all 
 their advantages considered,) as ripe for divtno vengeanoa. 
 
C.«(J. 129S. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 JB. C. 139? 
 
 dren of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may 
 put them to death, and “put away evil from Israel. 
 But the children of Benjamin nvould not hearken 
 to the voice of their bret hren the children of Israel. 
 
 14 But the children of Benjamin gathered them- 
 selves together out of the cities unto Gibeah, Ho go 
 out to battle against the children of Israel. 
 
 15 And the children of Benjamin were numbered 
 at that time out of the cities, “twenty and six 
 thousand men that drew sword, beside the inhabit- 
 ants of Gibeah, which were numbered seven 
 hundred chosen men. 
 
 16 Among all this people there were seven 
 hundred chosen men h lett-handed : every one 
 could c sling stones at an hair breadth, and not miss. 
 
 17 And the men of Israel, beside Benjamin, 
 were numbered d four hundred thousand men that 
 drew sword ; all these were men of war. 
 
 18 H And the children of Israel arose, and went 
 up to the 'house of God, and 'asked counsel of 
 God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the 
 battle against the children of Benjamin? And the 
 Lord said sJudah shall go up first. 
 
 19 And the children of Israel h rose up in the 
 morning, and encamped against Gibeah. 
 
 20 And the men of Israel went out to battle 
 against Benjamin, and the men of Israel put them- 
 selves in array to fight against them at Gibeah. 
 
 21 And 'the children of Benjamin came forth 
 out of Gibeah, and k destroyed down to the ground 
 of the Israelites that day twenty and two thou- 
 sand men. 
 
 22 And the people the men of Israel 'encouraged 
 themselves, and set their battle again in array, 
 in the place where they put themselves in array 
 the first day. 
 
 23 (And the children of Israel went up, and 
 m wept before the Lord until even, and asked 
 counsel of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up 
 again to battle against the children of Benjamin 
 my brother ? And the Lord said, Go up against 
 him.) 
 
 24 And the children of Israel came near against 
 the children of Benjamin the second day. 
 
 25 And Benjamin went forth against them out 
 of Gibeah the second day, and "destroyed down 
 to the ground of the children of Israel again, 
 eighteen thousand men ; all these drew the sword. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 x Dem. 17:7,12. 19:19.21:21.22:21,24.24:7. Ec. 11:10. v 1 Sam. 2:25. 2 Chr. 
 25:16,20. Prov. 29:1. Hos.9:4. 10:9. Horn. 1:32. Rev. 18:4.5. iNum. 20:20. 
 21:23 2 ^hr. 1313. Job 15:25.26. a 25,35,46,47. Num. 26:41 . b3:15. 1 Chr. 
 12:2. el Sam. 17.40.49,50 . 25:29. 2 Chr. 26:14. (12. Num. 1:46.28.51. 1 Sam. 
 11:8. 15:4. 1 Chr. 21:5. 2 Chr. 17:14— 18. e 18:31. 19:18. Josh. 13:1. f7,23, 
 
 2S.27. Num. 27:5.21. Josh. 9:14. g 1:1,2. Gen. 49:8— 10. h Josh. 3:1. 6:12. 
 
 7:16. 1 Gen. 49:27. kDeut.23:9. 2Chr.28:!0. Ps. 33:16. 73:18,19. 77:19. 
 
 Ec.9;l— 3. Jer. 12:1. 1 15,17. 1 Sam. 30:6. 2 Sam. 11:25. Ps.64:5. m23,27. 
 
 Pa. 78:34 — 36. Hos.5:15. u 21. Gen. 18:25. Job 9:12,13. Ps.97:2. Rom. 2:5. 
 
 as the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah had been. 
 (Notes, Hos. 9:9,10. 10:9 — 11.) — Confiding in their own valour 
 and military skill, they seem to have first prepared for battle, 
 in this unequal contest with such superior numbers. (15,17.) 
 
 V. 16. Left-handed .] Whether these men could use 
 
 either hand, as some learned men suppose the original term 
 to mean ; (see Robertson on it3N;) or only the left hand, as 
 appears to be the more obvious construction, (Notes, 3:15 — 
 19.) they would discharge the s:ones in a direction, against 
 which their opponents were not upon their guard, and thus 
 do the greater execution. 
 
 V. 18. This is the only transaction in this whole book, in 
 which express mention is made of the tabernacle, ark, priests, 
 and sacrifices ; though they had been instituted in so solemn, 
 authoritative, and particular a manner!— "The Israelites, 
 however, did not on this occasion inquire of the Lord, whe- 
 ther they should war against the Benjamites or not; or what 
 reformation, humiliation, or sacrifices, should precede the 
 lamentable service ; but they took it for granted that they 
 ought to go up, and that they were worthy to be employed 
 and sufficient to succeed ; and so they merely inquired which 
 tribe should have the precedency. Accordingly they received 
 an answer to this question, which neither authorized their 
 undertaking, nor promised success in it. — In every instance 
 of this kind, me pre-eminence was uniformly given to Judah ; 
 with reference no doubt to the Messiah, who descended from 
 this tribe. (Notes, 1:1. Gen. 49:8 — 10.) 
 
 V. 20 — 25. The people were much afflicted at the severe 
 rebuke which they met with on this occasion, and affected 
 with a sense of their sin, as having brought it upon them: 
 »na they accordingly made their inquiry more particular than 
 Vol. I.— 59 
 
 26 If Then nil the children of Israel and all the 
 people went up, and came unto the house of God. 
 and “wept, and sat there before the Lord, and 
 fasted that day until even, and offered burnt- 
 offerings and peace-offerings before the Lord. 
 
 27 And the children of Israel ^inquired of the 
 Lord, (for the lark of the covenant of God was 
 there in those days ; 
 
 28 And r Pliinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son 
 of Aaron, “stood before it in those days,) saying, 
 ‘Shall I yet again pn oul battle against the 
 children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I 
 cease ? And the Lord said, “Go up ; for to-mor- 
 row I will deliver them into thine hand. 
 
 29 And Israel set *liers-in-wait round about 
 Gibeah. 
 
 30 And the children of Israel went up against 
 the children of Benjamin on the third day, and 
 put themselves in array against Gibeah, as at 
 other times. 
 
 31 And the children of Benjamin went out 
 against the people, and were rdrawn away from 
 the city : and they began to 'smite of the people, 
 and kill, as at other times, in the high-ways, of 
 which one goeth up to 'the house of God, and the 
 other to “Gibeah in the field, about “thirty men of 
 Israel. 
 
 32 And the children of Benjamin said, They 
 are smitten down before us as at the first. But 
 the children of Israel said, b Let us flee, and draw 
 them from the city unto the high-ways. 
 
 33 And all the men of Israel “rose up out of 
 their place, and put themselves in array at Baal- 
 tamar- and the liers-in-wait of Israel came forth 
 out of their places, even out of the meadows of 
 Gibeah. 
 
 34 And there came against Gibeah d ten rhou- 
 sand chosen men out of all Israel, and the battle 
 was sore : but they “knew not that evil was near 
 them. 
 
 35 And the Lord smote Benjamin before Is- 
 rael; and the children of Israel destroyed of the 
 Benjamites that day f twenty and five thousand 
 and an hundred men : all these drew the sword. 
 
 36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they 
 were smitten : sfor the men of Israel gave place 
 to the Benjamites, because they trusted unto the 
 liers-in-wait which they had set beside Gibeah. 
 
 37 And h the liers-in-wait hasted, and rushed 
 
 3:5.11:33. o 1 Ram. 7:6. 2 Chr. 20:3. Ezra 8.21. 9:4,5. Joel 1 : W. 2:12 — 17. 
 Jon. 3:5— 10. p 18,23. Num. 27:21. q Josh. 18:1. lSum. 4:3.4. Ps. 78:60,61. 
 Jer. 7:12. r Num. 25:7— 13. Josh. 22:13,30— 32 . 24 :33. s Deut. 10:8. 18:5 
 t Josh. 7:7. 1 Sam. 14:37. 23:4—12. 30:8 . 2. Sam. 5:19—24. 6:3,7—12. Piov. 3: 
 5.6. Jer. 10:23. u 1 :2. 7:9. 2 Chr. 20:17. x 34. Josh. 8:4. 2Sam. 5:23. yjosh. 
 8; 14 — 16. ' Heb. smite of the people wounded as at, &c. t Or, Beth-el. zl9: 
 13,14.18.10:29. a Josh. 7:5. b Josh. 8:15,16. c Josh. 8:18-22. d 29. e Josh. 
 8:14. Job 21:13. Lvov. 4:19. 29:6. Ec. 8:11,12. Is. 3:10,11 . 47:11. Matt. 24:44. 
 Luke 21:34. 1 Thes. 5:3. f 15,44 — 46. Job 20:5. gJosh.8.15. hJosh.8:19. 
 
 before. But they were not duly humbled : and therefore,, 
 though the Lord commanded them to go up to battle, they 
 were again put to the worst, and lost so many men, that the 
 whole number slain in the two encounters amounted to many 
 more than all the fighting men of the tribe of Benjamin ! 
 This was a public rebuke for national crimes, and showed, 
 that though it was their duty to punish the offenders, they had 
 not gone about it in the proper manner, and in a proper de- 
 pendence on the Lord. — Their neglect of punishing idolatry 
 in the Danites, while they were so zealous to punish the 
 lewdness of the Benjamites, is mentioned by some Jewish 
 writers as the cause of these disasters, and with great justice. 
 (Notes, 8—11. Josh. 7:1—12. 1 Sam. 15:15.) 
 
 V. 26 — 28. At length the people were convinced of their 
 error ; and instead of murmuring, or questioning the divine 
 authority of the answers which they had received, as unhum- 
 bled hearts would have been prone to do, they blamed them- 
 selves alone: and by weeping, praying, fasting, sacrifices, and 
 particular inquiries of the Lord, conducted the solemn busi- 
 ness, as it should originally have been undei taken. (Notes 
 8 — 11.2 Snm.bS — 13. 1 Chr. 15:12 — 14.) All the company 
 seems at this time to have met at Shiloh, and to have kept a 
 day of fasting and prayer, with great, earnestness and 
 nity. Thus their losses proved eventually blessings, by sun- 
 serving the cause of true religion. Accordingly they received 
 from the Lord a more particular answer, and a promise • *f 
 success. In the mean time the victories of the Benjamites 
 increased their insolence, and hardened them to their destruc- 
 tion. 
 
 Phinehas. (28) Notes , 1,2. 17:1. 
 
 V. 29 — 42. JMarg. Ref. Notes, Josh. 8:7 — 28 ."—The LOJLD 
 
 ( 465 ) 
 
B. C 1398. 
 
 JUDGES 
 
 B. C. 1397. 
 
 upon GibeaO ; and the liers-in-wait 'drew them- 
 selves along, and smote all the city with the edge 
 of the sword. 
 
 38 Now there was an appointed 'sign between 
 the men of Israel *and the liers-in-wait, that they 
 should make a great Aflame with smoke to rise up 
 out of the city. 
 
 39 And ‘when the men of Israel retired in the 
 battle, Benjamin began to "smite and kill of the 
 men of Israel about thirty persons ; for they said, 
 Surely they are smitten down before us, as in the 
 first battle. 
 
 40 But when the flame began to arise up out 
 of the city with k a pillar of smoke, the Benja- 
 mites ‘looked behind them, and behold, the "flame 
 of the city ascended up to heaven. 
 
 41 And when the men of Israel turned again, 
 the men of Benjamin m were amazed : for they 
 saw that evil "was come upon them. 
 
 42 Therefore they turned their barks before the 
 men of Israel unto the way of the wilderness; but 
 “the battle overtook them : and them which came 
 out of the cities they destroyed in the midst of 
 them. 
 
 43 Thus they “enclosed the Benjamites round 
 about, and chased them, and trode them down 
 "'with ease, Hover against Giheah toward the sun- 
 rising. 
 
 •Or, made a long sound with the trumpets. Ex. 19; 13. Josh. 6:5. t Or, time. 
 Heb .with.. % Heb. e/vation. i 31 . || Heh. smite the wounded. 32. k Gen. 
 
 9:28. Cant. 3:6. Joel 2.30. Rev. 19:3. f Josh. 8:20. T1 Heb. whole consumption. 
 15:9,10. Is. 13.8,9. 33:14. t.uke 17-27,28 . 21:26. 1 Thes. 5: ». 2 Pet. 2.12. Rev. 
 6:15—17. 18:8 — 10. ** lleb. touched them. nHos.9:9. 10:9. oJosh.8:20 — 
 22. ft Or, from Menuchah . Heb. unto over against, p Josh. 15:32. q 15, 
 
 emote Benjamin. (35) Though the numbers of the Israelites 
 were immensely superior to those of Benjamin ; though their 
 stratagem was well laid and executed, and the battle bravely 
 fought ; yet the inspired historian ascribes the victory to the 
 Lord as entirely as if he had smitten the Benjamites by mira- 
 cle. (Notes, 4:15. Josh. 10:9,10.) 
 
 V. 43 — 48. It is stated before that the armed men of 
 Benjamin were 26,700: (15) only 25,100 on any computation 
 are mentioned as slain in this battle: (35,44,45.) yet no more 
 than 600 survived. (47) The rest, amounting to 1000 men, 
 must therefore have been slain in th (i former engagements, or 
 m the destruction of their cities : for it does not appear that 
 any escaped except the 600 men. After this the Israelites 
 proceeded to dcstroj' the unarmed Benjamites, with all their 
 women and children, and cattle, and houses, and cities. This 
 indiscriminate slaughter and devastation cannot be vindi- 
 cated ; for none but Canaanites, and idolatrous cities in Israel, 
 were to be thus punished. But the people being actuated 
 by vehement indignation, had hastily devoted the whole tribe, 
 3y a solemn curse, to utter destruction : and the Lord was 
 pleased to permit these dire transactions, as an awful exam- 
 ple to future ages of his vengeance against those who commit 
 such abominations, and those who countenance and protect 
 others in them. — But yet it did not prevent the growth of 
 ungodliness in Israel ; so that M the battle in Gibeah against 
 the workers of iniquity did not overtake them.” (Note, Hos. 
 10:9 — 11.) — It does not, however, appear that the Israelites 
 attempted to appropriate any of the spoil : so that they were 
 not actuated by mercenary motives. (Note, 21:16 — 18.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 25. We are again called to contemplate the fatal 
 effects of indulged lusts, and taught to mortify every sinful 
 inclination. — Indignation against sin, zeal, promptitude, self- 
 denial, unanimity, and resolution in bringing criminals to jus- 
 tice, are very commendable, when united with a careful inves- 
 tigation of facts and circumstances, that the innocent may not 
 be involved with the guilty: yet repentance of sins, personal 
 and national, with fruits meet for repentance, a dependence on 
 the mercy of God in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and grace, and 
 an application to him for direction and success, are indispen- 
 sably necessary to ensure his acceptance and assistance. — 
 Nature can abhor the crimes of others, some of them at least ; 
 but grace teaches us to loathe our own. Nature prompts to 
 punish others with severity; grace inclines us to exercise 
 severity against our own sinful propensities, and tenderness 
 toward the persons of others. — If we attempt, however, to 
 execute wrath upon offenders, or even to reprove and reform 
 them, while we are under the guilt of unrepented and allowed 
 sin in our hearts and lives ; it is merciful in God to rebuke us 
 sharply for our hypocrisy, and not leave us to be hardened 
 through impunity: nor can we reasonably hope 1o be useful 
 to others unless our own sins are pardoned. (Notes, Matt. 
 7:1 — 5. Rom. 2:1 — 3,17 — 24.) — We should not judge of the 
 final event of things, unless we can determine it by the divine 
 law. And if we are baffled in our endeavours, though honestly 
 meant and zealously pe rsisted in, to serve the cause of God ; 
 we ought not to infer that we should desist, or content, our- 
 selves in our ill success : but we arc reminded to inquire, 
 whether wc have begun our work in the proper manner and 
 
 ( 466 ) 
 
 44 And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thou- 
 sand men : all these were men of valour. 
 
 45 And they turned, and fled toward the wil- 
 derness unto the rock of pRimmon : and they 
 gleaned of them in the high-ways five thousand 
 men ; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, 
 and slew two thousand men of them. 
 
 46 So that all which fell that day of Btnjamin 
 were ^twenty and five thousand men that drew 
 the sword : all these were men of valour. 
 
 47 But r six hundred men turned, and fled to 
 the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode 
 in the rock Rimmon four months. 
 
 48 And the men of Israel turned again upon 
 the children of Benjamin, and “smote them with 
 the edge of the sword, as well the men of every 
 city, as the beast, and all that Scame to hand: 
 also they set on fire all the cities that ""they came to. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 The people lament over Benjamin ; are in difficulty , having sworn not to giv4 
 a wife to any of that tribe ; and inquire after such as had not joined them, 
 having sworn also to put them to death, 1 — 7. On that account they destroy 
 the inhabitants of Jabesh-Gilead, except four hundred virgins, whom they 
 give to that number of the remaining Benjamites , 8 — 15. The elders consult , 
 how to find wives for the rest consistently with their oath ; and by their advice 
 they carry off the virgins who danced at Shiloh, 16 — 23. The people sepiy 
 rate and return home, 24, 25. 
 
 N OW the men of Israel “had sworn in Mizpeh, 
 saying, ‘‘There shall not any of us give “his 
 daughter unto Benjamin to wife. 
 
 2 And the people came to “’the house of God, 
 
 33. r 21:13. Ps. 103:9,10. la. 1:9. Jer. 14:7. Lam. 3:37. Hab. 3:2. s Deut. 13: 
 15-17. 2Chr. 25:13. 28:6—9. Piov. 1819. §§Hel>.« cas found. |ll| Heb. 
 
 were found, a 20:8. Jer. 4:2. b 5. 11:30,31. 1 Sam. 14:24. F,c.5:2. Mark 6: 
 23. Acts 23:12. Rom. 10:2. c Ex. 34: 12— 16. Deut. 7:2,3. (1 12 . 20:18,23,26. 
 Josh. 18:1. 
 
 spirit; whether our private conduct do not blight our public 
 endeavours : whether we have not been precipitate, in our 
 measures; whether we have duty adverted to our own cha- 
 racter as sinners, and are habitually exercising u repentance 
 towards God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ ;” whether 
 we have not failed of humility and tenderness towards others; 
 and, by self-preference and self-confidence, provoked the 
 Lord to leave us experimentally to learn what we are in our 
 selves, and what we can do without him. Many an honest 
 and zealous endeavour, in a good cause, has attained but 
 little success, for such reasons as these. We should there- 
 fore strictly examine ourselves, and be deeply humbled for 
 our sins; praying earnestly, that God “would not condemn 
 us, but. show us wherefore he contendeth with us.” 
 
 V. 26 — 48. Solemn times set apart for fasting and prayer 
 are never more seasonable, than when we are constrained to 
 lament the ill success, which has attended our labours to 
 glorify God and promote his cause, whether as ministers or 
 private Christians. When our failures have this effect, they 
 will promote our success ; our very mistakes will be over- 
 ruled to teach us wisdom, and our weakness will prove an 
 occasion of increasing our spiritual strength : Satan, and his 
 most formidable agents, will in due time be constrained to 
 give ground ; and whatsoever we attempt shall prosper. In 
 the mean time we should thankfully accept of chastisement, 
 and not despair of that success which we at first prematurely 
 expected. — But it is very difficult to temper zeal with tender- 
 ness, and boldness with meekness and wisdom : impetuosity 
 hurries us into unwarrantable excesses, or timidity stops 
 short of proper decision. We ought therefore to watch 
 carefully over our own spirits, and to pray continually to bo 
 preserved from this u strange fire” in the work of God: and 
 the same considerations should induce us to make candid 
 allowances for those, who are betrayed into similar or con- 
 trary mistakes. — But u evil pursueth sinners ;” their triumph- 
 ing is short, and increases their hardness and presumption . 
 and how dreadful will he their case, when they shall see de- 
 struction coming upon them, without any possibility of escape . 
 Hitherto there is space given for repentance, a refuge pro- 
 vided, mercy proclaimed, and a throne of grace erected : 
 thither let sinners come, and plead the Saviour’s name, and 
 they shall yet he safe and happy. But “how will they 
 escape, who neglect so great salvation ?” All things will 
 combine to hasten and enhance their condemnation ; especi- 
 ally that of men who live under the light of the gospel. And 
 all, who patronise and delight in the workers of iniquity, will 
 as aecomplices share their awful doom. (Note, Rom. 1:32.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXL V. 1. The vehement indig- 
 nation excited by the brutal conduct of the men of Giheah, 
 and the support given them by the tribe of Benjamin, indu- 
 ced the Israelites, without duo consideration, to hind them- 
 selves by a solemn oath and awful curse, that none of them 
 would give his daughter to wife to any Beniamite. (Notes, 
 19—21. 11:30,31. 1 Sam. 14:24— 46. 25:21,22,39—42. Matt . 
 14:8 — 11.) They deemed those, who were capable of such 
 atrocious conduct towards the wife of another man, or of 
 vindicating it in others, unworthy to ho married to any of 
 the daughters of Israel ; and thus they ranked them with 
 the Canaanites, and oilier idolaters! Had this oath been 
 
B. C 1397. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 1396. 
 
 and abode there till even before God, and 'lifted 
 up their voices, and wept sore ; 
 
 3 And said, O Lord God of Israel, f why is this 
 come to pass in Israel, that there should be to-day 
 one tribe lacking 1 in Israel ? 
 
 4 Ar.l it came to pass on the morrow, that the 
 people -rose early, and h built there an altar, and 
 offered burnt-offerings and peace-offerings. 
 
 5 And the children of Israel said, Who is there 
 among all the tribes of Israel, that came not up 
 with the congregation unto the Lord ? for they 
 had made 'a great oath concerning him that came 
 not up to the Lord to Mizpeh, saying, He shall 
 surely be put to death. 
 
 6 And the children of Israel k repented them for 
 Benjamin their brother, and said, There is one 
 tribe cut off from Israel this day : 
 
 7 How shall we do for wives for them that 
 remain, seeing we have 'sworn by the Lord, that 
 we will not give them of our daughters to wives ? 
 
 8 And they said, What one is there of the 
 tribes of Israel that came not up to Mizpeh to the 
 Lord ? And, behold, there came none to the camp 
 from m Jabesh-giiead to the assembly. 
 
 9 For the people were numbered, and, behold, 
 there irere none of the inhabitants of Jabesh- 
 gilead there. 
 
 10 And the congregation sent thither twelve 
 thousand men of the valiantest, and commanded 
 them, saying, "Go and smite the inhabitants of 
 Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with 
 the women and the children. 
 
 11 And this is the thing that ye shall do, 
 Ye shall utterly destroy 'every male, and every 
 woman that 'hath lain by man. 
 
 12 And they found among the inhabitants of 
 Jabesh-gilead four hundred young 'virgins, that 
 
 2:4. Oen. 27:33. 1 Sam. 30:4. f Deut. 29:24. Josh. 7:7—9. Ps. 74:1. 80: 12. Prov. 
 19:3. Is. 63:17. Jer. 12:1. g Ps. 78:34,35. Hoi. 5:15. h 6:26. Ex. 20:24,25. 
 2 Sam. 24:18,25. 1 Kings 8:64. Heb. 13:10. i 1,18. 5:23. Lev. 27:28,29. ISam. 
 11:7. Jor. 48:10. k 15. 20:23. 2 Sam. 2.26. Hos. 1 1 :8. Luke 19:41,42. 11,18. 
 
 1 Sam. 14:28,29,45. m 1 Sam. 11:1,3. 31:11—13. 2Srim.2;5,6. n 5. Deul. 13: 
 15. Josh. 7:24. 1 Sam. 15:3. o Num. 31 : 17,18. Dent. 2:34. * Heb . knoweth the 
 lying with man. t Heb. women, virgins. p 20:18,23. Josh. 18:1. Ps. 78:60. 
 
 rigidly adhered to, either the whole tribe must have been 
 'extirpated, or the survivors must have violated the law by 
 marrying heathen wives. (Note, Acts 23:12 — 22.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. When the anger and resentment of the people 
 began to subside, and they had time fir cool reflection, they 
 bewailed the consequences of their victory, with every ex- 
 pression of vehement sorrow ; and they seemed even to have 
 kept a day of fasting and prayer : yet it is evident that they 
 did not properly repent of their own misconduct, or they 
 would not have acted, as they afterwards did, to the inhabi- 
 tants of Jabesh-gilead. {Note, 9 — 12.) If it was likely, 
 that “ a tribe should be lacking in Israel,” it might be justly 
 imputed to their un-commanded and most unreasonable and 
 cruel slaughter of the women, who could not be supposed to 
 approve the conduct of the men of Gibeah, or refuse to give 
 them up to be punished ; and of the children who had com- 
 mitted no fault, and ought not to have been put to death for 
 the crimes of their parents. (Notes, 20:43 — 48. Num. 31:14 
 — 18. Deut. 24:16.) In respect to the devoted Canaanites, 
 and cities in Israel wholly given up to idolatry, the Lord him- 
 self had commanded the women, (who were as prone to idol- 
 atry as the men,) and the children also, to be slain : but the 
 q^se of Ber.jamin was of a very different nature. 
 
 V. 4. As so great a multitude was assembled, and there 
 were so many occasions for burnt-offerings, thank-offer- 
 ings, and vows ; it is probable that the brazen altar was found 
 insufficient, and that this was erected at Shiloh as a tempo- 
 rary addition to it for the present occasion. (Note, 1 Kings 
 8:63—65.) 
 
 V. 5. They who, when summoned, refused to join on this 
 occasion, were doubtless blame-worthy, and deserved punish- 
 ment: but this did not warrant their brethren to devote them 
 to destruction by “a great oath.” (Note, Lev. 27:28,29.) 
 They were tar too backward in attempting to extirpate the 
 Canaanites, the devoted enemies of God ; and they neglected 
 .o punish the idolatrous Danites: yet without hesitation they 
 consigned to utter destruction, as accursed of God, all such 
 of their brethren as should slight their authority 1 JMarg. 
 Ref. Note, 1 Sam. 14:24—34.) 
 
 V. 9—12. Jabesh-gilead lay at a distance, beyond Jordan, 
 on the borders of Ammon, and perhaps the inhabitants had 
 not heard of the vow which Israel had made. (Note, 1 Sam . 
 11:1 — 3.) But if they had been guilty of neglect or disaffec- 
 tion to the common cause, they had not assisted the Benja- 
 .mtes : and yet when the people were lamenting the desola- 
 tions of that tribe, they proceeded to treat those, who were 
 t '*ymparably less criminal, with equal rigour ! They seem, 
 
 had known no man by lying with any male : and 
 they brought them unto the camp to ■’Shiloh, 
 which is in the land of Canaan. 
 
 13 And the whole congregation sent some ffo 
 speak to the children of Benjamin that were in 
 tthe rock Rimmon, and to Scall peaceably unto 
 them. 
 
 14 And Benjamin came again at that time; 
 and they gave them wives, which they had saved 
 alive of the women of Jabesh-gilead : and yet so 
 r they sufficed them not. 
 
 15 And the people “repented them for Ben- 
 jamin, because that the Lord had made a breach 
 in the tribes of Israel. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 16 *11 Then the elders of the congregaiion said, 
 How shall we do for wives for them that remain, 
 seeing the women are destroyed out of Benjamin r 
 
 17 And they said, There must be ‘an inherit- 
 ance for them that be escaped of Benjamin, that 
 a tribe be not destroyed out of Israel. 
 
 18 Howbeit, we may not give them wives of 
 our daughters: for the children of Israel have 
 "sworn, saying, Cursed be he that giveth a wife 
 to Benjamin. 
 
 19 Then they said, Behold, there is “a feast of 
 the Lord in Shiloh "yearly, in a place which is on 
 the north side of Beth-el, "on the east side "of the 
 highway that goeth up from Beth-el to Shechem, 
 and on the south ofLebonah. 
 
 20 Therefore they commanded the children of 
 Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vine- 
 yards ; 
 
 21 And see. and, behold, if the daughters of 
 Shiloh come out to >'dance in dances, then come 
 ye out of the vineyards, and catch ye every man 
 his wife of the daughters of Shiloh, and go to the 
 land of Benjamin. 
 
 Jer. 7:12. } Heb. ami spake and called, q 20:47. Josh. 15:32. § Or, proclaim 
 pence. Deut. 20:10. Is. 57:19. Luke 10:5. Eph.2:17. r 12. 20:47. 1 for. 7:2. 
 s See on 6,17. tNum. 26:55. 36:7. u See on 1 . 1 1 :35. x Ex. 23:14- 16. Lev. 
 23:2,4.6,10.34. Num. 10:10 . 28:16,26 . 29:12. Deut. 16:1,10,13. Ps. 81:3. John 
 5:1. 7:2. I| Heh .from year to year. IT Or, toward, tke sun-rising. ** Or, on, 
 v 11:34. Ex. 15:20. 1 Sam. 18:6. 2 Sam. 6:14,21. Ps. 149:3. 150:4. Ec.3:4. Jer. 
 31:13. Matt. 10:17. Luke 15.25. 
 
 however, to have considered themselves as engaged by their 
 oath to destroy them utterly : yet they directed the detach- 
 ment sent on this service, to spare the virgins, or unmarried 
 women, of good character; probably with reference to the 
 orders given concerning the Midianitish women. (Note, 
 Num. 31:14 — 18.) But if the vow would admit of this limit- 
 ation, why could they not spare the other women and chil- 
 dren, and innocent persons, and only punish the criminals? 
 The women and children were not required to join the army, 
 and were in no degree accessary to the crime of the men. 
 It does not appear that they asked counsel of the Lord before 
 they proceeded to action : and the habit of military exe- 
 cutions, contracted in the wars of Canaan, in obeying the 
 express command of God, had no douht too great influence on 
 them in this transaction, which was entirely of a different 
 nature. Indeed convenience, rather than justice or piety, 
 seems to have induced them to spare the virgins, that they 
 might extricate themselves from the difficulties in which their 
 other rash oath had involved them ; hoping, perhaps, that a 
 sufficient number would be found. — The four hundred, here 
 mentioned, seem to have been marriageable : and it is not cer- 
 tain, whether the female children were spared or not. — u The 
 land ofCanaan” (12) here denotes the country west of Jordan. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. The whole inheritance allotted to the tribe 
 belonged to the survivors, and therefore wives must be pro- 
 cured them, that they might be replenished to occupy it. 
 Thus the remnant of the Benjamites were unexpectedly 
 advanced to great affluence, hy the miserable destruction o 
 their relations ; and had it not been for the oath, many in the 
 other’ tribes would no doubt have readily contracted affinity 
 with them. Hence it appears that the people acted consci- 
 entiously, as reverencing an oath, though they erred in judg- 
 ment concerning it ; bein£ only bound to repent of having 
 rashly entered into such a perplexing and unwarrantable 
 engagement. (Marg. Ref. Note , 1.) 
 
 V. 19 — 21. (Marg. Ref.) Sacred dances formed a part 
 of the religious solemnities under the Mosaic dispensation : 
 and as this feast was observed at Shiloh, it may be supposed 
 that it was a religious festival, perhaps the feast of taberna- 
 cles. These dances, however, were of young women alone, 
 without either men or married women. — The counsel and im- 
 plied permission given to the Benjamites, were a mere eva- 
 sion of the vow; and also gave a direct license to fraud, vio- 
 lence, and the marriage of children without the consent of 
 their parents : and if that might have been dispensed with, the 
 Benjamites could have found themseWes wive* without the 
 | others giving them their daughters 
 ( 467 ) 
 
B. C. 97. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 B. C. 1397 
 
 22 And ’t s’.ia!! be, when their fathers or their 
 brethren come unto us to complain, that we will 
 sav unto them, 'Be favourable unto them for our 
 sakes; because we reserved not to “each man his 
 wife in the war : for ye did not “give unto them at 
 tiiis time, that ye should be sruilty. 
 
 23 And the children of Benjamin did so, and 
 took them wives according to their number, of 
 them that danced, whom they caught : and they 
 
 • Or, Qratify us in them. Philem. 9 — 12. z 14. Gen. 1:27. 7:13. M^rk 10:6 — 
 8.1 Cor. 7:2. a 1,7,18. Prov. 20:25. b 20:48. c 17:6. 18:1. 19:1. d 18:7. 
 
 V. 22. To each man his wife.] In this diminished state 
 *f the tribe, when every Benjamite could have maintained 
 several wives, and when the restoration of it seemed to re- 
 quire this measure, the elders only devised how to procure 
 one for each man ; whence it appears, that polygamy, though 
 connived at, was not generally practised or countenanced. 
 (Note, Gen. 7:7.) Neither did any one propose sending them 
 to the neighbouring nations to procure wives ; by which it is 
 probable, that marriages with them were seldom contracted 
 at that time. 
 
 V. 23. Thus the remains of the tribe began to increase ; 
 and it is thought by many, that Ehud was raised up from 
 this tribe to be the judge of Israel, after it had been thus 
 diminished. 
 
 V. 25. Notes , 17:6. 18:7—10. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. When the passions are vehemently excited, 
 those measures appear needful, which are afterwards per- 
 ceived to be unreasonable and unlawful ; and therefore, when 
 we at all suspect this to be our case, we should be sure to 
 proceed with great caution and deliberation, if we would not 
 make work for bitter repentance. This danger attends all 
 contests, public and private ; and a good cause often becomes 
 the occasion of great crimes, as the excess of zeal carries men 
 beyond all the bounds of equity and humanity. — Well might 
 the politic Romans refuse a triumph to the commander who 
 conquered in civil war ; in which the common interest is 
 weakened, and the common enemies exult, whatever party 
 acquires the ascendency. Such unnatural contentions are 
 generally conducted with the most pertinacious fury, and en- 
 venomed resentment, through the depravity of the human 
 heart and the subtlety of Satan. (Note, Prov. 18:19.) — But 
 this enemy is most of all gratified, when he can excite divi- 
 sions and contentions in the church, by which the truth is dis- 
 graced, the weak and prejudiced are stumbled, and the ene- 
 mies of religion alone rejoiced. Yet many persons of appa- 
 rent godliness use greater asperity against their brethren, who 
 are not exactly of their mind, than against the avowed opposers 
 of all religion ! But. contests thus managed end in bitterness ; 
 and the combatants will ere long weep over the effects of 
 their own success. — Nothing can be more absurd, than so- 
 lemn oaths and vows made in the heat of passion: many have 
 by them entangled themselves in inextricable perplexity ; and 
 been thus induced to add one crime to another, or to use the 
 most disingenuous evasions and equivocations. Of all things, 
 
 went and returned unto their inheritance, and 
 ^repaired the cities, and dwelt in them. 
 
 24 And the children of Israel departed thence 
 at that time, every man to his tribe and to his 
 family, and they went out from thence every man 
 to his inheritance. 
 
 25 In those days there was “no king- in Israel , 
 every man did that which was d right in his owi 
 eyes. 
 
 Deut. 12:8. Pa. 12:4. Prov. 3:5. 14:12. Ec. 11:9. Mic. 2:1,2. 
 
 such solemn and important engagements require the mos 
 cautious reflection on future probable consequences. — Out 
 penitent confessions, and devotional exercises, are too often 
 succeeded by relapses into sin, for want of simply seeking di* 
 rection from God, and depending on him to uphold us. — Ever 
 necessary justice should be executed with deep concern 
 and men would not be forward in inflicting vengeance on the 
 less guilty, while more atrocioqs criminals were spared, 
 were they not more ambitious of dominion for themselves 
 than zealous for the glory of God. — Even lawful employ- 
 ments may induce habits, which will be apt to influence 
 the conduct in concerns of another nature, and with very bad 
 effect: we should therefore .seek for self-knowledge, keep a 
 strict watch over our hearts, and daily consult the word o 
 God as the rule of our duty. 
 
 V. 16 — 25. When even great offenders are exceedingly 
 cast down, they should be treated with gentleness, and pre- 
 served, if possible, from temptations to despair and total 
 apostacy: (Note, 2 Cor. 2:5 — 11.) and every act of apparent 
 severity should be connected with evident disinterestedness. 
 — Too often the very ordinances of God degenerate into a 
 mere form, and carnal mirth supplants holy rejoicing ; but 
 those scenes, which the dissipated and sensual most, delight in, 
 expose them to unthought-of consequences, and give Satan and 
 designing men their utmost advantage against them : all our 
 cheerfulness should therefore be tempered with reflection and 
 watchfulness. — Children, who marry without the consent of 
 their .parents, are in general very culpable ; and those are 
 still more deeply criminal who entice them to do so: yet when 
 the matter cannot be remedied, it is commonly the parent’s 
 duty and wisdom to be favourable, and to make the best of 
 it. — That men can be so absurd, as to counsel others to acts 
 of treachery or violence, and to countenance them in such 
 evils, from a sense of duty, forms a striking proof of the blind- 
 ness of the human mind when left to itself, and of the fatal 
 effects of an ignorant or erroneous conscience. — Our troubles 
 in this world may be succeeded by seasons of comfort, and 
 end in our advantage; but they who are cut off in their sins, 
 sink into evil, only evil, and that for ever. — Finally, we should 
 be thankful for good magistrates, to restrain the violence of 
 wicked men: but the fear and love of God, if we are Chus- 
 tians, will deter us from “ doing what is right in our own eyes,” 
 except as they are opened to behold the excellency of his 
 most holy law, and as our hearts are so renewed as to delight 
 in obeying it. 
 
 THE 
 
 BOOK OF RUTH. 
 
 This book is a kind of appendix to that of Judges, and an introduction to the subsequent history : and it is most probable, that t( 
 was written by Samuel, after he had anointed David to be king. — Ruth, a Moabitess, having been married to the Son of Eli- 
 melech, of the tribe of Judah; after the death of her husband and father-in-law, accompanied Naomi, her mother-in-law, 
 into the land of Israel, from love to her, and to true religion : there she was married to Boaz, a near kinsman x nnd thus broqght 
 into the line of David, and consequently of Christ the Son of David. The chief events occurred at Beth-lehem, the city of David ; 
 whose genealogy from Pharez, the son of Judah, concludes the book, and is attested by the Evangelists Matthew and Luke. — 
 It is not easy to fix the Chronology of these events : they occurred in the days when the judges ruled ; but there is no evidence to 
 Uttermine exactly under which of them. — The narrative itself is very interesting and instructive. It shows the condescending pro. 
 vidential care of God to the minutest concerns of his people : and the circumstance of a Moabitess becoming an ancestor of Christ, 
 seems to have been a pre-intimation of the calling of the Gentiles into his church. 
 
 B. C. 1322. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Bttmelech induced by famine to sojourn in Moab dies there, 1 — 3. His two 
 sons, hatting married women of Moab, die without children; and Naomi, 
 Elimelech' s widow, prepares to return to Israel, 4 — 6. Orpah and Ruth, 
 her daughters-in-law, propose to accompany her ; she dissuades them, and 
 Orpah returns hack, 7 — 14. Ruth determines to go with her, 15 — 18. They 
 arrive at Beth-lehem, anl Naomi answers the inquiries of her neighbours, 
 19-22. 
 
 N OW it came to pass, in the days when “the 
 judges ‘ruled, that there was b a famine in the 
 
 a Judg. 2:16. • Heb. fudmd. b Gen. 12 : 10 . 26:1. 48:1. I.ev. 26:19. Deut. 28: 
 23,24,38 . 2 Sam. 21:1. 1 Kings 17:1— 12. 18:2. 2King«8:l,2. P«. 105:16. 107: 
 
 B. C. 1322. 
 
 land : and a certain man of c Beth-lehem-judah 
 went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and 
 his wife, and his two sons. 
 
 2 And the name of Ihe man was Elimelech, and 
 the n#me of his wife d Naomi, and the name of his 
 two sons Mahlon and Chilion, “Ephrathites of 
 Beth-lehcm-judah: and they came into the country 
 of Moab, and 'continued there. 
 
 34. Jer. 14:1. E*. 14:13,21. Joel 1:10.11,16—20. Am. 4:6. c Jndg. 17:8. 19:1,2. 
 <120. o Gen. 35: 1 9. 1 Sam 1:1. 17:12. Mic. 6:2. | Heb. were. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1, 2. Elimelech seems (o have 
 been hlameablo, in removing from the ordinances and people 
 
 < 468 ) 
 
 of God. The famino was not so extreme but that othoii 
 could endure it ; and he ovidom v svas a person of proporty 
 
B. C. 1312. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 B. C. 1312- 
 
 3 And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died ; f and 
 she was left, and her two sons. 
 
 4 And they took them «wivcs of the women of 
 Moab ; the name of the one was Orpah, and the 
 name of the other h Ruth: and they dwelled there 
 about ten years. 
 
 b. c.-i 5 And 'Mahlon and Chiliondied also both 
 i3i2. J 0 f them ; k and the woman was left of her two 
 sons and her husband. 
 
 6 Then she arose with her daughters-in-law, 
 that she might return from the country of Moab : 
 for she had heard in the country of Moab, how 
 that the Lord had 'visited his people ‘"in giving 
 them bread. 
 
 7 Wherefore “she went forth out of the place 
 where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with 
 her : and °they went on the way to return unto the 
 land of Judah. 
 
 8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters-in- 
 law, pGo, return each to her mother’s house : ithe 
 Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with 
 r the dead, and with me. 
 
 9 The Lord grant you that ye may find 'rest, 
 each of you in the house of her husband. Then 
 ‘she kissed them : and they lifted up their voice, 
 and wept. 
 
 10 And they said unto her, “Surely we will 
 return with thee unto thy people. 
 
 11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters; 
 why will ye go with me ? are there yet any more sons 
 in my womb, x that they may be your husbands ? 
 
 12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for 
 I am rtoo old to have an husband. If I should say, 
 I have hope, if ’I should have an husband also to- 
 night, and should also bear sons ; 
 
 13 Would ye 'tarry for them till they were 
 
 f 2Kings4:l. Ps. 34:19. Heb. 12:6,10,11. gDeiit.7:3. 23:3. 1 Kings 11:1,2. 
 h Man. 1:5. i Dent. 32.39. Ps. 89:30—32. Jer.2:19. k Is. 49:21. Matt. 22.25— 
 27. Luke 7:12. 1 Gen. 21:1. Ex. 3:16. 4:31. lSam.2:21. Lukel:68. 19:44. 
 1 Pet. 2: 12. m Gen. 28:20. 48:15. F.x. 16.4—6. Ps. 104:14,15. 111:5. 132:15. 145: 
 15.146:7. Prov. 30:8. Is. 55:10. Malt. 6:11. 1 Tim. 6:8. n2Kiugs8:3. ol0,14. 
 Ex. 18:27. p Josh. 24:15, See. Luke 14:25, &c. q Phil. 1:18,19. STim. 1:17,18. 
 r 5. 2:20. Eph. 5:22. 6:2,3. Col. 3:18,24. s3:l. t den. 27:27. 29:11 . 45:15. 
 Acte 20:37. u Ps. 16:3. 1 19:63. Zech. 8:23. x Gen. 38:11. Deut. 25:5. y Gen. 
 17:17. 1 Tim. 5:9. * Or, / were with an husband, t Heb. hope. } Heb. I have 
 much bitterness. 7. Deut. 2: 15. Judg. 2: 15. 1 Sam. 5:11. Job 19:21 . Ps. 32:4. 
 38:2. 39:9.10. a Gen. 31:28,55. 1 Kings 19:20. Matt. 10:37. 19:22. 2 Tim. 4:10. 
 bDeut. 4:4. 10:20. Prov. 17:17. 18:24. Is. 14:1. Zech. 8:23. Matt. 16:24. John 
 
 and not likely to want the necessaries of life, though Jewish 
 traditions of his rank and dignity are entitled to little credit. 
 (Note, 19 — 21.) Probably, he thought that he could live 
 better and at less expense in the land of Moab, than in 
 Canaan ; but it terminated in the empoverishing and wasting 
 of his family. — “ Elimelech signifies my God a king, and 
 “Mahlon” and “Chilion” seem to dencle sickness and ■ con- 
 sumption ; they having perhaps been children of a weakly 
 constitution. 
 
 V. 4, 5. There is no reason to think, that either Orpah 
 or Ruth was proselyted to the religion of Israel before mar- 
 riage ; and consequently Mahlon and Chilion directly violated 
 the divine law ; for which some think their premature death 
 without children was a punishment. (Lev. 20:20,21.) But 
 their marriage with Moabitish women was the natural effect 
 of Elimeleeh’s conduct, in bringing them acquainted with the 
 women of Moab, and removing them to a distance from the 
 worshippers of God. Thus they settled among idolaters ; 
 and had they left children, there would have been great dan- 
 ger of their being incorporated among them. (Notes, Gen. 
 3:10—12. 14:12. 19:1,14,26,31—38.) Probably Elimelech 
 died soon after he came into the land of Moab, and his two 
 sons followed him before ten years were expired ; but it 
 does not appear, how long after their marriage this took place. 
 
 V. 6 — 10. Perhaps Naomi had staid in Moab contrary 
 to her inclination, from regard to her husband while he lived, 
 and afterwards to her sons : and she was now encouraged to 
 return into Canaan, by hearing that the Lord had visited the 
 land with plenty; for it would have been very discouraging 
 for a destitute widow to return home in a time of great scar- 
 city. (Note, 19 — 21.) She seems to have been a person of 
 eminent faith and piety; and to have diligently instructed her 
 daughters-in-law in true religion, which she recommended by 
 her example. They both had a great affection for her, and at 
 first purposed to go withher, notwithstanding her afflicted con- 
 dition ; though Orpah’s resolution failed upon the trial. Their 
 good behaviour to their husbands, and to Naomi, likewise 
 endeared them to her, and excited her affectionate wishes 
 and fervent prayers for them ; and they were all greatly dis- 
 tressed at the thoughts of parting. 
 
 V. 11 — 14. The custom of the surviving brother marrying 
 the widow of the deceased, who had left no children, seems 
 to have prevailed in other countries besides Israel ; but no 
 yospect of a settlement according to it, could possibly be 
 held out by Naomi to her daughters-in-law. She therefore 
 
 grown ? would ye stay for them from having hus- 
 bands ? nay, my daughters : ior fit grieveth me 
 much for your sakes, that 'the hand of the Lord 
 is gone out against me. 
 
 14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept 
 
 again : and “Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but 
 b Ruth clave unto her. [ practical 
 
 15 And she said, Behold, thy sister-in-law c is 
 gone back unto her people, and unto ''her gods: 
 return thou after thy sister-m-law. 
 
 16 And Ruth said, ^Entreat me not fto leave 
 thee, or to return from following after thee : for 
 swhither thou goest, I will go ; and where thou 
 lodges!, I will lodge : b thy people shall be my peo- 
 ple, and 'thy God my God. 
 
 17 Where thou diest will I die, and there will 1 
 be buried : k the Lord do so to me, and more also, 
 if aught 'but death part thee and me. 
 
 18 When she saw that she "was steadfastly 
 minded to go with her, then she left speaking 
 unto her. 
 
 19 So they two went until they came to Beth- 
 lehem. And it came to pass, when they were 
 come to Beth-lehem, that “all the city was moved 
 about them ; and they said, p Is this Naomi? 
 
 20 And she said unto them, Call me not "Naomi, 
 call me "Mara : for ithe Almighty hath ‘dealt very 
 bitterly with me. 
 
 21 I went out full, 'and the Lord hath brought 
 me home again empty : why then call ye me 
 Naomi, seeing ‘the Lord hath testified against 
 me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me ? 
 
 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, 
 her daughter-in-law, with her, which returned 
 out of the country of Moab : and they came to 
 Beth-lehem in "the beginning of barley-havest. 
 
 6:66-69. Ac.» 17:34. Heb. 10:39. cPs. 36:3. 125:5. Zeph.l:6. Malt. 13:20,21. 
 Heb. 10:38. 1 John 2:19. djudg. 14:24. c Josh. 21:15. 2Sam. 15:19,20. Luk« 
 14:26 — 33. § Or, be not agains' me. f 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6. Acts 21:13. g 2 Sam. 
 15:21. Matt. 8:19. John 13:37. Rev. 14:4. h 2:11,12. Ps. 45:10. Is. 14:1. i Josh. 
 24:18. Dan. 2:47. 3:29. 4:37. Hob. 13:4. 2 Cor. 6:16— 18. 1 Thes.l:9. klSam. 
 3:17.25:22. 2Sam. 3:9.35. 19:13. 1 Kings 2:23. 19:2. 20:10. 2 Kings 6.31. 
 1 Acts 11:23. 2'):24. II Heb. strengthened herself . Acls2:42. Eph. 6:10. o Matt. 
 21:10. p Is. 23:7. Lam. 2:15. IT That is, Pleasant. ** That is. Bitter, q Gen. 
 17:1. 43:14. Job 5:17. 11:7. Rev. 1:8. 21:2-2. r Job 6:4. 19:6. Ps. 73.14. 88:15. 
 Ts. 38.13. Lam. 3:1—20. Heb. 12:11. s 1 Sam. 2:7,8. Job 1:21. t Job 10:17. 
 13:26. 16:8. Mai. 3:5. u 2:23. Ex. 9:31 ,32. 2 Sam. 21:9. 
 
 expressed great concern at the afflictions with which God had 
 visited her, because she was deprived of all power to help 
 them : and she intimated that if they were not disposed to 
 accompany her out of disinterested love to God, and to the 
 people of Israel, she could hold out no other inducement. 
 Upon this Orpah, not being prepared to venture all conse- 
 quences, and renounce all her worldly prospects for the sake 
 of religion, returned back to her country, her relations, and 
 her gods, though with reluctance and tokens of affection for 
 Naorni. (Marg. Ref. a — c.) 
 
 V. 15. Naomi was doubtless very far from desiring that 
 Ruth should return: but she intended to make trial of her 
 sincerity, and to lead her to consider how she could bear 
 poverty and hardship, for the sake of the God of Israel ; that 
 if she were not in earnest, and only induced by affection for 
 her, and some general convictions, it might now be discovered , 
 or that she m\ght set out with stead}' determination of mind, 
 and entire dependence on the grace of God. (18. Notes, 
 Josh. 24:15—19. Luke 14:25—33.) 
 
 V. 16, 17. The example and instructions of Naomi seem 
 to have given Ruth the most favourable opinion of the cha- 
 racter and religion of the Israelites, so that she desired to 
 have her lot with them at any rate : and for the sake of this 
 she was willing to renounce all her connexions and prospects 
 in the land of Moab, and to embrace hardship and penury 
 in a strange country. (JVotes, Josh. 2:4 — 6,8 — 11.) She was, 
 also determined to cleave to Naomi, however destitute and 
 afflicted, until death separated them. For her sincerity in 
 this profession she called the Lord to witness, and to mul- 
 tiply her troubles if she did not fulfil this solemn engagement. 
 Thus she renounced idolatry, and became a worshipper and 
 servant of the living God, and 44 counted all but loss” for the 
 sake of his favour and salvation ; and her subsequent conduct 
 proved that her faith was genuine and her profession sincere. 
 (Notes, 2 Sam. 15:18—22. 1 Chr. 12:16— 18. John 6:66—' 71.) 
 
 V. 19 — 21. Naomi had probably lived in affluence, and 
 been much respected : her neighbours were therefore greatly 
 surprised to see her return home, so iltercd. in her circum- 
 stances and appearance ; for she and Ruth seemed to have 
 travelled on foot, without any attendants, all the property 
 which Elimelech had taken with him having been spent. — 
 u Naomi” signifies ■pleasant, and 14 Mora,” litter. She humbly 
 considered her afflictions as coming from the Lord’s hand 
 upon her and her family, for sin. Fo/ thu^ “the Lord tea* 
 tified against her, and the Almighty afflictei her.” Perhapf 
 ( 469 ) 
 
B. G 1312 
 
 RUTH 
 
 B. C. 1312, 
 
 UHAPTER II. 
 
 Ruth is *d, witntut design, to glean in the field of Boaz, 1 — 3. He comes to 
 ste his reapers nml piously salutes them, and is saluted by them, 4. He 
 thaws kindness to ttuth ; who behaves vesper fully towards him, 5 — 10. He 
 states what he had heard of her , prays for her, an l shows her further kind- 
 ness , 11—17. She returns to Naomi, and informs her of what had passed, 
 18—23. 
 
 A ND Naomi had a “kinsman of her husband’s, 
 b a mighty man of wealth, of the family of 
 Elimelech ; and his name was c Boaz. 
 
 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, 
 
 a 3.2,12. b Dent. 8:17,18. Job 1:3. 31:25. c l Chr. 2:10— 12. Malt. 1:5. Luke 
 3:32. Booz. d Lev. 19:9,10. 23:22. Deut. 24:19— 21. e 1 Thee. 4:11, 12. 2Thes. 
 
 she considered herself as guilty, in not having left Moab 
 immediately on the death of her husband. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. No judgment can be formed from mere out- 
 ward circumstances, whether we have, or have not, u found 
 favour with God ;” for whom he loves he often chastens for 
 their profit, and leaves his enemies to be hardened in pros- 
 perity. — Afflictions should be submitted to as the Lord’s 
 rebuke, and they call on us as by the voice of the Lord, to 
 exercise repentance, and seek forgiveness: (Notes, Jim. 4:6 
 — 13. Mic. 6:9.) for every endeavour, by carnal policy, to 
 evade correction, will eventually entangle us in greater diffi- 
 culties. — Those who, by inconveniences or hardships, are 
 easily induced to change their situations, seldom prosper in 
 this world ; and prove that they do not understand the real 
 causes of their uneasiness. For the displeasure of God, and 
 the pride and impatience of our hearts, cannot be avoided by 
 change of place or situation ; and while these remain, they 
 will produce misery whithersoever we remove. But when we 
 are tempted to quit the ordinances of God, and the commu- 
 nion of his people, out of secular motives, we should remem- 
 ber Lot and Sodom. In such measures our children and 
 families are deeply concerned ; for if they are estranged from 
 the servants and house of God, and brought acquainted with 
 persons of no religion, or of a false religion, it cannot be ex- 
 pected, but that they will conform to their ways, and have 
 their portion with them living and dying. Better would it be 
 to be pinched with poverty, and worn down with labour in the 
 Lord’s land, than to live in luxury and ease bv hazarding such 
 consequences. (Notes, Ps. 37:3,16,17.) For our earthly 
 trials or enjoyments are of short continuance ; death is con- 
 tinually removing those of every age and situation, suddenly 
 breaking in upon the most endeared unions, and marring all 
 our outward comforts : we cannot therefore too decidedly 
 prefer those advantages which shall endure for ever, that we 
 may be ready for every separating stroke. If, however, we 
 be constrained to dwell for a season in places of temptation, 
 we should retire when the necessity ceases ; and consider 
 every rebuke in Providence, as a call to us, to “ come out 
 and be separate” from the workers of iniquity. — When “the 
 Lord visits his people in giving them bread,” they ought to be 
 content and thankful, though they have not abundance of 
 silver and gold : and the assurance that he will supply the 
 real necessities of his true servants, should encourage us 
 cheerfully to cast our lot among them. In every situation 
 and relation in life, especially among such as are strangers 
 to the truths of the gospel, believers should aim to u adorn 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.” (Note, Tit. 
 2:9,10.) And when they behave with prudence, integrity, 
 meekness, and kindness ; when they well perform the duties 
 of relative life, and show attention to the temporal comfort, 
 and compassion for the sufferings of those around them : and 
 when they commend what is right in the moral and relative 
 conduct of those who are not acquainted with spiritual things ; 
 they win much upon them, and render them more disposed to 
 take in good part any endeavours made to do good to their 
 souls. And thus (beside the comfort of domestic harmony, 
 which cannot easily be valued too highly,) the Lord often 
 blesses such conduct as the means of bringing those who were 
 ignorant, careless, or prejudiced, to inquire after his truth 
 and salvation ; while the contrary behaviour of too many 
 professors of the gospel, forms a grand objection against it in 
 the minds of thousands and tens of thousands. — Many feel 
 an affection for such believers as have been kind to them, 
 and entertain favourable sentiments of religion, who are not 
 decided in renouncing all their worldly pleasures, connexions, 
 and prospects, and joining themselves to the poor and des- 
 pised people of God, for the sake of Christ and his salva- 
 tion. They more desire u rest in the house of a husband,” 
 or in some worldly settlement or satisfaction, than that rest to 
 which Jesus invites our souls ; and therefore when fully tried, 
 they depart from him, though sorrowful and reluctant. (Note, 
 Matt. 11:28—30. 19:16—22.) 
 
 V. 15 — 22. Nothing but a deep sense of the importance 
 of eternal things, and a conviction of our guilt, and need of a 
 Saviour ; nothing but that faith, which is inseparably con- 
 nected with true repentance and hatred of sin, and which 
 works by love of Christ and his people, his truth, ordinances, 
 and precepts, will, in such a world as this, carry a man 
 through all possible temptations. And therefore the Lord 
 proves those who profess themselves his disciples, by setting 
 the consequences before them in his word, and by some 
 experience of them in his providence ; by which they, who 
 ' avo not faith, are discouraged, and go back to their own 
 ( 470 ) 
 
 Let me now go to the field, and %lean ears of 
 corn after him, in whose sight I shall find grace, 
 And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. 
 
 3 And she went, and came, and 'gleaned in the 
 field after Ihe reapers: and her 'hap was to light 
 on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, wh.t 
 was of the kindred of Elimelech. 
 
 4 And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, 
 and said unto the reapers, f The Lord be with 
 
 3:12. * Heb. hap, haprpened. 2 Kings 8:5. Esth. 6:1,2. Matt. 10:29. Luke 10: 
 
 31. fPs. 118:26. 129:8. Luke 1:28. 2Thes.3:16. 2Tim.4:22. 2 John 10,11. 
 
 people and idols : and this, though lamentable, is principally 
 their own loss. We ought indeed greatly to desire the 
 increase of true Christians ; yet we should be cautious in 
 our endeavours to multiply professors, lest we engage those 
 who will betray the cause which they are expected to defend. 
 (Notes, Deut. 20:5 — 9. Judg. 7:2 — 7.) Especially we ought 
 to examine, whether we ourselves are thus steadfastly minded, 
 and determined to cast in our lot with the people of God, how- 
 ever poor, despised, or persecuted; and that living and dying, 
 and for ever. We should inquire, whether this be our aim 
 and prayer ; whether the prospect of secular advantage have 
 not some influence upon our minds ; and whether, if that 
 were withdrawn, or changed for the prospect of poverty and 
 suffering, we should not be tempted to draw back. But if we 
 are thus decided in our judgment for the Lord and his service 
 and salvation, he will assuredly accept and provide for us ; he 
 will make up all our losses, support us under all our trials, 
 and communicate unspeakable consolations ; and while many 
 u draw back unto perdition, we shall believe unto the saving 
 of our souls :” nay, we shall even grow more determined by 
 their apostacy, and by our own difficulties and temptations. 
 If reduced in our circumstances, we shall often be more 
 grieved for the sake of others, than for ourselves ; the con- 
 sciousness of our sins will teach us to submit to our trials 
 without murmuring ; and our mourning will be mingled vvith 
 heavenly sweetness. — While we remark, with compassion, 
 the sad changes which numbers suffer, we should be remind- 
 ed to prepare for changes ourselves, especially for our last 
 great change ; when the true believer will certainly find that 
 all things have worked together for his everlasting good. 
 (Note, Rom. 8:28—31.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. II. V. 1. Mar g. Ref. Job. 1:2,3. 
 
 V. 2. When Naomi and Ruth were settled in some 
 homely lodging at Beth-lehem; the latter expecting nothing 
 in Canaan but a life of hard labour and mean fare, proposed 
 to go and glean in some field, where she might obtain permis 
 sion, for her own subsistence, and t^hat of her mother-in-law, 
 who probably was unable to endure the fatigue and heat of 
 such an employment. The Lord indeed intended other things 
 for Ruth: but he was pleased thus to prove her sincerity, 
 humility, industry, and patience ; and her dutiful affection to 
 Naomi for his sake. Orpah could not have stood this trial 
 but had she been assured of a settlement in Israel, as desira- 
 ble as that which Ruth at length obtained, she would have 
 come also, and have made a hypocritical profession of religion 
 for the sake of secular advantage. (Note, Matt. 8:18 — 20.) 
 
 V. 3. Her hap.] This circumstance was with Ruth merely 
 accidental, and not the result of choice or contrivance ; but 
 it was the effect of the Lord’s secret direction, in whose 
 providence great events depend upon apparently trivial inci- 
 dents. (Marg. Ref. Notes , He. 9:11,12. Luke 10:30 — 37, 
 onclusion.) 
 
 V. 4. The LORD be with you.] Note , Ps. 129:6 — 8.— 
 This emphatical expression occurs here for the first time in 
 Scripture. — (Marg. Ref. f.) The name of Boaz signifies, 
 Strength is in him, (Note, 1 Kings 7:15 — 22.) and he was 
 a “ mighty man of wealth yet he personally superintended 
 his own reapers. — The pious and affectionate language inter- 
 changed between him and his reapers, and which appears 
 to have been familiar to them, shows that, there were many 
 godly persons in Israel, notwithstanding national defections : 
 and it. beautifully illustrates tl\e genuine effect of true religion, 
 in producing affability in superiors, and respect and affection 
 in inferiors, and mutual unaffected good will in all. — It is 
 lamentably true, that such language as this is seldom heard 
 in our fields, while the bounty of Providence is gathering in: 
 but frequently the reverse'; yea, whatever can inflame the 
 passions, and corrupt the morals. So that a stranger, who 
 should be occasionally present, would be apt to form a very 
 different opinion respecting the religion of England, than 
 Ruth did concerning that of Israel, from the conversation 
 anil conduct of Boaz and his reapers. 
 
 V. 5 — 10. There is a beautiful simplicity in this narrative. 
 The servant’s account of Ruth was suited to give Boaz a 
 high opinion of her modesty, humility, and industry : and the 
 discourse of Boaz with Ruth exhibits genuine humanity, 
 kindness, and consideration for the stranger and destitute.— 
 It seems evident, that the same language was understood by 
 all parties, whether Moab, as descended from Lot and Heber, 
 retained the language of their ancestors, or a dialect of it , 
 or whether Ruth had learned the language of Israel, in Elime- 
 loch’s family. (Notes, Gen. 11:6 — 9. Nch. 13:23 — 30.) — 
 
 “ Seeing I am a stranger.” ‘I ora not of Israel, but a hea- 
 then, born and brought up ; a Moai less, unworthy thn -»>gard 
 
B. C 1312. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 you. *And they answered him, The Lcrd Hess 
 thee. 
 
 5 Then said h Boaz unto his servant that was 
 set over the i*eapers, Whose damsel is this? 
 
 6 And ‘the servant that was set over the reapers 
 answered and said, k It is the Moabitish damsel 
 .hat came back with Naomi out of the country of 
 Moab ; 
 
 7 And she said, 'I pray you, let me glean and 
 gather after the reapers among the sheaves : so 
 she came, and hath m continued even from the 
 morning until now, that she tarried a little in the 
 
 house. 
 
 8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou 
 not, "my daughter? Go not to glean in another 
 field, neither go from hence, bui °abide here fast 
 by my maidens. 
 
 9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do 
 reap, and go thou after them : have I not charged 
 the young men that they shall not Ptouch thee ? 
 and when thou art athirst, <igo unto the vessels, 
 and drink of that which the young men have 
 drawn. 
 
 10 Then she r fell on her face, and bowed 
 herself to the ground, and said unto him, "Why 
 have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou 
 shouldest take knowledge of me, 'seeing I am a 
 
 Stranger ? [ Practical Observations 
 
 11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It 
 hath fully been showed me, "all that thou hast 
 done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of 
 thine husband ; and how x thou hast left thy father 
 and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and 
 art come unto a people which thou knewest not 
 heretofore. 
 
 12 The Lord ^recompense thy work, and a 
 full reward be given thee of the Lord God of 
 Israel, under whose “wings thou art come to 
 
 trust. 
 
 13 Then she said, 'Let me find favour in thy 
 sight, my lord ; for that thou hast comforted me, 
 and for that thou hast spoken Triendly unto thine 
 
 g 4:11. Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. Ps. 133:1— 3. lTim.6:2. h4:21. lChr.2:ll, 
 
 12. i Gen. 15:2. 21:2. 39:4. Matt. 20:8. 24:45. k 1:16,19,22. 1 Prov. 15:33. 
 18:23. Matt. 5:3. Eph.5:21. 1 Pet. 5:5,6. m Prov. 13:4. 22:29. Ec. 9:10. Rom. 
 12:11. Gal. 6:9. n 1 Sam. 3:6,16. 2 Kings 5:13. Matt. 9:2,22. o Matt. 10:7— 
 11. Phil. 4.8. p Gen. 20:6. Job 19:21. Ps. 105:15. Prov. 6:29. 1 Cor. 7:1 . 1 John 
 5:18. q Gen. 24:18—20. Matt. 10:42. John 4:7— 11. r Gen. 18:2. 1 Sam. 25: 
 23. s 2,13. 2 Sam. 9:8. 19:28. Luke 1:43,48. Rom. 12:10. t Is. 56:3— 8. Matt. 
 15:22 — 28 . 25:35. Luke7:6,7. 17:16—18. u 1:11,16,17. Ps. 37:5,6. x Ps. 45:10. 
 I.uke 5:11,28. 14:33. 18:29,30. Heb. 11:8,9,24— 26. y l Sam. 24:19. Ps. 19:11. 
 58:11. Prov. 11:18. 23:18. marg. Matt. 5:12. 6:1. 10:41,42. Luke 6:35. 14:12 
 —14. Col. 2:18. 2 Tim. 1:18. 4:8. Heb. 6:10. 11:6,26. z 1:16. Ps. 17:8. 36:7. 
 57:1. 61:4. 63:7. 91:4. Matt. 23:37. * Or, I find favour. Gen. 33:8,10,15. 43: 
 
 and unmeet for the society of the people of God, even for that 
 of the handmaidens, (13) the poorest of them ; much less of 
 the attention of one so eminent in Israel as thou art.’ (Note, 
 Matt. 8:8,9.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. Ruth had renounced the idols of Moab, and 
 become the worshipper and servant of the God of Israel. In 
 proof. of her sincerity, she had left “ the land of her nativity,” 
 where she might have expected a comfortable settlement ; and 
 her parents, (who it seems were still living,) as well as her 
 other relations and friends, to come to a people, with whom she 
 had had no previous acquaintance, but against whom she had 
 been educated in prejudice and enmity ; and to attach herself 
 to a poor widow, whom by her industry she must help to 
 maintain. This she had done, becauqp she believed that 
 Jehovah was the only true God, and Israel his people : and 
 therefore she desired to be associated with them, and to have 
 the benefit, of the ordinances and instructions with which they 
 were favoured. (Note, Josh. 2:8 — 11. P. O. Zech. 8:16 — 23.) 
 Thus she came “ to trust under the wings of the Lord God 
 of Israel depending on his power, care, and love, both for 
 the blessings of salvation, and for the things which were need- 
 ful for the body ; and seeking protection in every danger and 
 alarm, as the chickens shelter themselves under the wings of 
 the hen from, whatever incommodes or affrights them. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note, Matt. 23:37 — 39.) This conduct of a Moabitess 
 had been greatly noticed ; and Boaz had thence formed a very 
 favourable opinion of her faith and piety. He therefore showed 
 her much kindness, encouraging her industry and affording her 
 protection ; and praying for her, “that the Lord would recom- 
 pense her work, and give her a full reward.” — In all ages ant. 
 nations, conversion is substantially the same : irreligion or 
 false religion is exchanged for the spiritual worship of the true 
 God, through the appointed Mediator, and in his instituted 
 ordinances ; the practice of sin, for the pursuit of true holiness ; 
 self-dependence, for reliance in every thing on the mercy, 
 grace, and providence of God ; the expectation of felicity from 
 the world, for his favour as our portion; and the company of 
 the workers of iniquity, for the society of those who love and 
 
 B. C. 1314 
 
 handmaid, though I be “not like unto one of thint 
 handmaidens. 
 
 14 And Boaz said unto her, b At mealtime come 
 thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thv 
 morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the 
 reapers : and he reached her “parched corn, and 
 d she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. 
 
 15 And when she was risen up to glean, 
 Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let 
 her glean even among the sheaves, and treproach 
 her not: 
 
 16 And “let fall also some of the handfuls oi 
 purpose for her, and leave them, that she may 
 glean them, and rebuke her not. 
 
 17 So f she gleaned in the field until even, and 
 beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about 
 an eephah of barley. 
 
 18 And she took it up, and went into the city ; 
 and her mother-in-law saw what she had gleaned : 
 and she brought forth, and gave to her that b she 
 had reserved, after she was sufficed. 
 
 19 And her mother-in-law said unto her, Where 
 hast thou gleaned to-day? and where wroughtest 
 thou? ‘blessed be he that did take knowledge of 
 thee. And she showed her mother-in-law with 
 whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s 
 name with whom I wrought to-day is k Boaz. 
 
 20 And Naomi said unto her daughter-in-law, 
 ‘Blessed be he of the Lord, who "’hath not left 
 off his kindness to the living and to the dead. 
 And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin 
 unto us, §one of our next kinsmen. 
 
 21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto 
 me also, "Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, 
 until they have ended all my harvest. 
 
 22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter-in 
 law, °It is good, my daughter, that thou go out 
 with his maidens, that ihey “meet thee not in any 
 other field. 
 
 23 So she rkept fast by the maidens of Boaz 
 to glean unto the end of barley-harvest and of 
 wheat-harvest ; and dwelt with her mother-in-law. 
 
 14. 1 Sam. 1:18. 2 Sam. 16:4. t Heb. to the heart. Gen. 34:3. Judg. 19:3. 
 marg. a 1 Sam. 25:41. Prov. 15:33. Phil. 2:3. b Job 31: 16 — 22. Prov. 11:24, 
 25. Is. 32:8. 58:7,10,11. Luke 14:12—14. c 1 Sam. 17:17. 25:18. 2Sam. 17:28L 
 dDeut.8:10. 11:15. 2 Kings 4 :43, 44. Matt. 14:20. J Heb. shame her not. 
 e Dent. 24:19— 21. Ps. 112:9. Prov. 19:17. Matt. 25:40. Rom. 12:13. 2 Cor. 8: 
 5—11. Philem. 7. Heb. 6:10. 1 John 3:17,18. f Prov. 31:27. 2Thes.3:10. 
 g Ex. 16:36. Ez. 45:11,12. h 14. John 6:12,13. 1 Tim. 5:4. i 10. Ps. 41:1. 
 2 Cor. 9:13— 15. kl Kings 7:21. 1 3:10. 2 Sam. 2:5. Job 29:12,13. 2 Tim. 1:16 
 — 18. m2 Sam. 9:1. Prov. 17:17. Phil. 4:10. § Or, one that hath^right to 
 
 redeem. 3:9. 4:6. Lev. 25:25. Peut. 25:5— 7. Job 19:25. n 7,8,22. o Prov. 27: 
 10. Cant. 1:8. || Or, fall not upon thee, p Prov. 6:6 — 8. 13:1. Eph.6:l — 3. 
 
 serve him. But many circumstances depend upon men’s out. 
 ward situation. Such as have godly parents and relations, 
 are engaged in lawful and useful employments, and live in 
 peaceable times, will not be immediately required to make the 
 same sacrifices, as those who are called out of the families of 
 imbittered opposers, from occupations inconsistent with the 
 precepts of Scripture, or in times of furious persecution. The 
 more, however, men venture, renounce, or suffer for the Lord’s 
 sake, the clearer evidence they have, that their faith is 
 genuine, and that they shall “receive a full reward.” The 
 principle and the precept are in all cases alike ; but the appli- 
 cation varies, according as different trials are allotted in the 
 providence of God. (Notes, Heb. 11:8 — 10:24 — 26.) 
 
 V. 14. (Marg. Ref.) ‘ Th e Midrasch,' (an ancient Jewish 
 book,) ‘makes these words, “Come thou hither,” to signify 
 as much as Come to thy kingdom ; and the morsel dipt in vine- 
 gar, to denote the reproaches and torments of the Messiah. 
 Which is an argument, that they expected such a King as 
 should be exposed to such sufferings, as our blessed Saviour 
 endured ; who saith in the Psalmist, “ They gave me vine- 
 gar to drink.” ’ Bp. Patrick. The interpretation is indeed 
 most absurd ; yet it is remarkable as tending to prove that 
 point. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. Marg. Ref. Note, Lev. 19:9,10. 
 
 V. 18, 19. (Marg. Ref.) The quantity of harley which 
 Ruth had gleaned, and the residue of her plentiful meal, which 
 she brought to Naomi, showed that she had met with uncom- 
 monly kind usage. 
 
 V. 20. Boaz had been kind to Elimelech’s family, before 
 his removal to the land of Moab: and Naomi rejoiced that 
 his care of her had revived after the death of her husband, 
 when she so much needed his assistance ; and she besought 
 the Lord to repay him with his blessing. (Notes, 2 Sam. 9‘ 
 1—3. Phil. 4:10—13.) 
 
 V. 22. If Ruth had gone into any other field to glean, it. 
 would have seemed a si ght put upon the kindness shown her 
 as well as an evidence of an inconstant temper of mind, which 
 might have given Boaz and his family an unfavourable opinio* 
 ( 471 ) , 
 
B. C. 1312. 
 
 RUTH. 
 
 B. C. 15:2. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Naomi's instruction Ruth lies down in the night at the feet of J3oaz, 1 — 7. 
 He acknowledges that he owes ihe duty of a Icinsnum, but shows that ano her 
 has a •prior claim, 8 — 13. He sends her away in the morning with six mea- 
 sures of barley, and she confers with Naomi, 14 — 18. 
 
 T HEN Naomi her mother-in-law said unto her, 
 My daughter, “shall I not seek rest for thee, 
 that it b may be well with thee ? 
 
 2 And now “is not Boaz of our kindred, with 
 whose maidens thou wast? behold, he winnoweth 
 barley to-night in the threshing-floor. 
 
 3 Wash thyself therefore, and d anoint thee, 
 and “put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee 
 down to the floor : but make not thyself known 
 unto the man, until he shall have done eating and 
 drinking. 
 
 4 And it shall be, when he lieth down, that 
 thou shalt mark the place where he shall lie, and 
 thou shalt go in, and 'uncover his feet, and lay 
 thee down ; and he will tell thee what thou shalt 
 do. 
 
 5 And she said unto her, All that thou sayest 
 unto me I will do. 
 
 b 1:9. 1 Cur. 7:36. 1 Tim. 5:8,14. b Gen. 40-14. Deut. 4:40. Ps. 128:2. Jer.22: 
 15,16. c 2:20 — 23. Deut. 25:5,6. lleb. 2:11 — 14. d 2Sam. 14:2. Ps. 104:15. 
 Matt. 6:17. e Esth. 5:1. 1 Tim. 2:9,10. * Or, lift up the clothes that are on 
 
 hu fee . 1 Thes. 5:22. f Ex. 20:12. Prov. 1:8. John 2:5. 15:14. g Gen. 43:34. 
 
 of her. (Note, Matt. 10:11 — 15.) Ruth persevered in her 
 labour, and endeavoured to maintain herself and Naomi, by 
 her industry for a considerable time ; and was evidently pre- 
 pared to do it permanently ; before a favourable turn, as to her 
 wholly unexpected, was given to her affairs. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The distinctions which we are apt to form con- 
 cerning the persons and affairs of men, do not comport with 
 the judgment of the Lord: and the gleaning of a poor Moabi- 
 tess, who trusted in him, was deemed more worthy of his 
 condescending notice, than the transactions of the greatest 
 princes then living, which are now almost entirely consigned 
 to oblivion! We ought not therefore to “mind high things, 
 but to condescend to men of low estate.” — Honest industry, 
 humble patience in poverty and hardship, and a willingness 
 to labour for aged parents, relations, or benefactors, who are 
 unable to provide for themselves, if these spring from faith, 
 are both honourable and acceptable to God. — True religion 
 will teach men to behave with propriety in every circumstance 
 and relation of life : it will form kind masters, faithful servants, 
 and harmonious families : it will produce mutual love among 
 persons of different ranks ; and while it engages the rich to 
 condescension, it will teach the poor to be humble and respect- 
 ful in their behaviour to their superiors and benefactors : 
 above all it will naturally express itself in prayer and praise. 
 This return the poorest may render for favours bestowed ; 
 and for the neglect of it, no Iibe-rality can excuse the affluent. 
 — The good examples of those placed in eminent stations, and 
 who employ many in their service, are most extensively 
 Deneficial. — With what gratitude to God and liberality to the 
 poor, should the bounty of a kind Providence be received by 
 us unworthy sinners ! and ho\^ inexcusable are those who 
 abuse plenty in intemperance, or covetously neglect the indi- 
 gent, or allow themselves in wickedness, when they are thus 
 experiencing the goodness of the Lord ! — In showing kindness 
 to the destitute, we ought ourselves to avoid, and try to pre- 
 vent in others, every thing that may appear like reproaching 
 them : for a generous mind in distress has very exquisite sen- 
 sibilities. 
 
 V. 1 1 — 23. All persons should be careful what connexions 
 they form, and what places they frequent ; but especially 
 young women, both for conscience and credit’s sake : and 
 parents, and other superior relations should have a watchful 
 eye over them, and require an account, where, and with 
 whom, they have spent their time. — In the path of duty is 
 safety ; and we should keep close to those employments and 
 situations, in which the Lord has blessed us, without being 
 desirous of change. He will not suffer those who trust in 
 him to want the necessaries of life, and will often far exceed 
 heir expectations; and an abundant recompense for every 
 .oss, and of every really good work, yea a full hut gracious 
 icward shall surely be given to all those, “ who come to trust 
 under the wings of the Lord our God.” — A tender concern 
 for each other’s welfare, affectionate and edifying conversa- 
 tion, with true piety and contentment, will render the lowest 
 circumstances and the meanest fare comfortable. — The Lord 
 will prove those, who enter upon a religious profession, 
 whether they are sound hearted, and willing to stoop and 
 suffer for his sake ; and then he will stir up the minds of his 
 ■more experienced servants to speak comfortably to them, and 
 ».’eal kindly with them. This is a good work, which all 
 Christians should embrace every opportunity of performing ; 
 especially to those who are cheerfully industrious, and willing 
 to endure hardship for conscience’ sake. — But to accommo- 
 date this subject, ought not parents to ask their children what 
 they have glennci from the sermons which they have heard, 
 
 ( 472 ) 
 
 6 And she went down unto the floor, f and 
 did according to all that her mother-in-law bade 
 her. 
 
 7 And when Boaz had eaten and drunk, and 
 ehis heart was merry, he went to lie down at the 
 end of the heap of corn : and she came softly, 
 and uncovered his feet, and laid her down. 
 
 8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the 
 man was afraid, and Uurned himself; and, behold, 
 a woman lay at his feet. 
 
 9 And he said. Who art thou ? and she an- 
 swered, I am h Kuth thine handmaid : ‘spread 
 therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid ; lor thou 
 art near kinsman. 
 
 10 And he said, k Blessed be thou of the Lord, 
 my daughter ; for thou hast showed more kind 
 ness in the latter end than ’at the beginning, inas- 
 much as thou followedst not young men, whether 
 poor or rich. 
 
 1 1 And now, my daughter, fear not ; I will do 
 to thee all that thou requirest : for m all the Scity 
 of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous 
 woman. 
 
 Judg. 16:25. 19:6,6,22 . 2 Sam. 13:28. Esth. 1:10. Ps. 104-15. Ec. 2:24. 3:12,13. 
 1 Cor, 10:31. Eph. 5: 18,19. t Or, took hold on. h 2:10— 13. 1 Sam. 25:41. 
 Luke 14:11. i Ez. 16:8. } Or, one that has right to redeem. 12. 2:20. k 2-* 
 
 4,20. 1 Cor. 13:4,5. 11:8. m Prov. 12:4. 31 : 10,23-31. § Hel). gate. 
 
 the books which they have read, and the conversation that 
 they have joined in ? May we not also ask ourselves the 
 same question? He that would increase in wisdom must 
 be always thus gleaning , and call himself frequently to 
 account respecting it ; determining if possible, to get some 
 profitable hint from every person and occurrence. And 
 those, who thus daily collect knowledge from others, and 
 keep close to the word and ordinances of God, will become 
 u thoroughly furnished for every good work.” — Finally let us, 
 in the kindness of Boaz to Ruth, contemplate the kindness of 
 Jesus to poor sinners ; to whose meanness he most freely 
 condescends ; on whom, though most unworthy, he libe- 
 rally confers his benefits ; and whom he neither upbraids 
 himself, nor suffers others to upbraid, with their former trans- 
 gressions. • 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1 — 6. If the measure, here 
 proposed by Naomi, had been of as ill appearance in those 
 days, as it would be at present, it can hardly be supposed 
 that she would have advised it, or that Ruth would have 
 complied with it. — The law, concerning a man’s marrying his 
 brother’s wklow when he died childless, was by custom 
 extended, as it seems, to the other near relations, when there 
 were no brethren : and it required the woman to do several 
 things, widely different from modern usages. (Note, Dcxtt. 
 25:5 — 10.) This law gave Ruth, now proselyted to the truo 
 religion, a legal claim upon Boaz, as Naomi supposed ; who 
 either did not know of another nearer kinsman, or was aware 
 that it would be in vain to apply to him. (Note, 4:1 — 8.) It 
 was customary for widows to assert this claim ; and, consider- 
 ing Boaz’s character and superiority of station, she supposed 
 that this was best done in a private manner. She deemed 
 herself bound to promote this desirable settlement for Ruth, 
 and had an entire confidence both in her and Boaz ; whose 
 character in all respects appears to have been very excellent, 
 and who seems to have been advanced in life. And as Ruth 
 supposed Naomi to be well acquainted with the laws and 
 customs of Israel, she implicitly followed her counsel. Yet, 
 when all allowances are made, perhaps neither party can be 
 entirely exculpated. At least, though their plan was gra- 
 ciously rendered successful, it was not recorded for imitation 
 in the present state of society ; nor must it be judged of by 
 modern customs and maxims. (Marg. Ref 
 
 V. 7. When the \vork of the day was finished, it seems 
 that Boaz feasted with his labourers ; and according to the 
 simplicity and hardiness of the times, afterwards lay down to 
 sleep on some couch prepared for him in the barn, or in an 
 adjoining tent. It is said “his heart was merry ,” but it may 
 be translated, ‘his heart was good;’ and may be used to 
 mark his cheerfulness, and thankfulness for the plenty which 
 the Lord had sent after the famine; and his subsequent con- 
 duct shows that his feast was consistent with temperance and 
 piety. In the mean time Ruth concealed herself, till lie was 
 left alone ; and then laydown at his feet, waiting her opportu- 
 nity of speaking to him ; and by that very action she impli- 
 citly preferred a claim to bo received by him into the nuir. 
 riage relation. 
 
 V. 9. Spread... thy skirt.] This is supposed to have 
 been a customary ceremony in contracting marriage, and 
 implied the woman’s being taken under the protection of her 
 husband, and admitted to share all his comforts. (Note, Ez. 
 16:6 — 8.) It was therefore a direct claim upon Boaz to marry 
 her ; which she grounded on the law of God, and on his being 
 the nearest relation of her deceased husband 
 
 V. 10 — 13. The conduct of Boaz in this transaction is 
 worthy of the highest encomiums. He reithor attempted to 
 take advantage of Ruth’s exposed situation, nor reyroachwi 
 
B. C. 1312. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. 1312. 
 
 12 And now it. is true that 1 am thy near 
 'rnsman ; howbeit, "there is a kinsman nearer 
 
 than I. 
 
 13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the 
 morning, that °it’ he will perform unto thee the 
 part of a kinsman, well ; let him do the kinsman’s 
 part : but if he will not do the part of a kinsman 
 to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to 
 thee, as i’the Lord liveth : lie down until the 
 morning. 
 
 14 And she lay at his feet until the morning . 
 and she rose up before one could know another. 
 And he said, ‘’Let it not be known that a woman 
 came into the floor. 
 
 15 Also he said, bring the 'veil that thou hast 
 upon thee, and hold it. And when she held it, 
 r he measured six measures of barley, and laid it 
 on her : and she went into the city. 
 
 16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, 
 she said, Who art thou, my daughter? And she 
 told her all that the man had done to her. 
 
 17 And she said, These six measures of barley 
 gave he me ; for he said to me, Go not empty 
 unto thy mother-in-law. 
 
 18 Then said she, s Sit still, my daughter, until 
 thou know how the matter will fall : for the man 
 will not be in rest, until he have finished the thing 
 this day. 
 
 n 4:1. Mate 7:1*. I Thes. 4:6. o2:20. 4:5. Deut. 25:5— 9. Mall. 22:24 
 
 —27. p Judg. S: 19. Jer. 4:2. 2Cor. 1:23. Heb.6:16. qKc.7:I. Horn. 12:17. 
 14:16. 1 Cor. 10:32. 2 Cor. 8:21. 1 Tlies. 5:22. lPel.2:12. • Or, sheet, or, 
 
 apron. r Is. 32:8. Gal. 6:10. s Ps. 37:3 — 5. Is. 28:16! 30:7. a Deut. 16:18. 
 17:5. 21:9. 2o 7. Job 29:7. 31:21. Am. 5:10—12,15. b3:12. c Is. 55:1. Zech. 
 
 her with improprieiy of conduct, nor disdained her as a poor 
 destitute stranger, nor suggested that she was swayed by 
 interested motives in preferring her claim. On the (ymtrary, 
 instead of suspecting her of any ill intentions, he imputed her 
 whole conduct to her affection to the family of Elim-elech, and 
 to Naomi ; as if she had thus shown her greater kindness, 
 than in coming with her into the land of Israel ; and he com- 
 mended her, fop giving him, an elder man, the preference to 
 younger persons, whether rich or poor, Moabites or Israel- 
 ites ; and for her regard to the law of God. Perceiving her 
 confused, as it is probable, upon the recollection of her situa- 
 tion, he also obviated her fears, applauded her as a woman of 
 known and approver! virtue, and made her a promise of mar- 
 riage, in case a still nearer kinsman who had a prior claim, 
 would wave it, as it might be supposed he would. This he 
 confirmed, for her fuller satisfaction, with a solemn oath ; and 
 in the morning he sent her away with a present to her mother- 
 in-law (15.) 
 
 V. 14. Let. it not be known , &c.] We may consider these 
 words as containing his reasons for dismissing her so early ; 
 for he said within himself, u Let it not be known, that a 
 woman came into the floor:” or as his caution to Ruth not to 
 speak of it to any one. For it does not appear that there was 
 any servant privy to the interview. 
 
 V. 15. This present was a token of the favourable con- 
 struction which Boaz put upon the transaction, and of his 
 affectionate regard for Ruth and Naomi. — It is not known of 
 what quantity these measures consisted. 
 
 V. 16. JVho art thou?] Or, “What hast thou done?” 
 What has passed ? For so the words may be interpreted. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It behooves aged persons to recollect their younger days, 
 and not to exclude young persons from those lawful satisfac- 
 tions, of which themselves have given up all thoughts. (1:12.) 
 Indeed we ought not to make our own conduct a standard for 
 that of others, in any matter which the law of God leaves 
 to our choice ; but should, without censure allow them in 
 many things which we deem inexpedient for ourselves. — The 
 word of God has pronounced 14 marriage honourable in all 
 and therefore those who from inclination, prudential regard 
 to the interests of their families, a pious desire of being more 
 at leisure, and having more in their power for the service of 
 God, and preparation for the eternal world, choose to abide 
 in a single state, should not condemn those, who may have 
 as good reasons for preferring a married life. If they are 
 imprudent, they 44 will have trouble in the flesh : but their 
 brethren should spare them,” and not censure what the divine 
 law does not condemn. (NoteSy 1 Cor. 7:25 — 28. 1 Tim. 5:13 
 — 15.) — The married state, when properly entered into, is 
 a resty as much as any thing on earth can be so ealled ; seeing 
 it ought to fix the affections, and form a connexion for life : 
 it therefore should be engaged in with great seriousness, and 
 with earnest prayers for the direction and blessing of God 
 upon it, and with an eye to his precept and providence : and 
 •»arents should carefully advise their children in this import- 
 ant concern, 44 that it may be well with them,” especially as to 
 the interests of their souls. — The more willing any one is, for 
 mnscience’ sake, to renounce worldly interests, the greater 
 •are should others employ in promoting his advantage. — But 
 gbod Intentions will not justify improper means , and it is well 
 
 VOL. I.— 60 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Boaz proposts lo the kinsman of vhom he had spoken to 1 cdrcm Ellmslech's 
 land , and to marry Ruth ; ichich lv declines to do, 1 — 8. Boaz buys the in- 
 heritance nrul. monies Ruth, 9 — 12. She bears Obed the grand/athc of 
 David, 13 — 17. The genealogy from Pharez to David, 18 — 22. 
 
 T HEN went Boaz up "to the gate, and sat him 
 down there: and, behold, b the kinsman of 
 whom Boaz spake came by ; unto whom he said. 
 c Ho, such a one, turn aside, sit down here. And 
 he turned aside, and sat down. 
 
 2 And he took ten men of J the elders of the 
 city, and said, Sit ye down here. And they sat 
 down. 
 
 3 And e he said unto the kinsman, Naomi that 
 is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth 
 a parcel of land which was our brother Elime- 
 lech’s : 
 
 4 And 'I thought to advertise thee, saying, 
 f Buy it sbefore the inhabitants, and before the 
 elders of my people. If thou wilt redeem it, 
 redeem it ; but if thou wilt not redeem it, then 
 tell me, that I may know : h for there is none to 
 redeem it beside thee ; and I am after thee. And 
 he said, I wi'l redeem it. 
 
 5 Then said Boaz, What day thou buyest the 
 field of the hand of Naomi, thou must buyR also 
 of Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, 'to 
 raise up the name of the dead upon his inheri- 
 tance. 
 
 2:6. d Ex. 18:21,22. Deni. 23.10. 31:28. 1 Kings2I:8. Prov. 31:23. Lara. 5:14. 
 Acts 6:12. els. 112:5. Prov. 13:10. * Heb. I said I will revtal in thine ear. 
 f Jer. 32:7— 9. Rom. 12:17. 2Cor.8!21. Pl.il. 4:8. gGeu. 23:18. Jer. 32:10— 12. 
 h Lev. 25:25—29. i 3:13. Gen. 38:8. Deut. 25:5,6. Matt. 22: 24. Luke 2d:28. 
 
 for us, that we have to do with a God of mercy, who takes 
 better care of our interest, purity, credit, and peace, than we 
 often do of our own and of each other’s. — Parents should be 
 very cautious what injunctions they lay upon their children ; 
 lest filial affection and deference should ensnare their con- 
 sciences,, and lead them into temptation : for the authority 
 even of a parent will not justify a sinful action. — Few men 
 have such command of their passions, and candour of mind, 
 as to injure neither the virtue nor the reputation of females, 
 who indiscreetly put themselves in iheir way : and yet to take 
 advantage of a woman’s affection and confidence, for her 
 irreparable detriment, is much baser than d< frauding those 
 who implicitly trust in us. They, however, who value either 
 their chastity or their character, should flee from such situa- 
 tions ; in which they can only be preserved by the same 
 power, that preserved the young men in the fiery furnace. — 
 All our plenty should be shared with the poor and industri- 
 ous : and all our feasting should be so moderated, that it may 
 neither unfit us for our ordinary employments, nor for the 
 exercises of devotion. When in such circumstances, men 
 can retain the dominion over their passions, and conduct 
 themselves with tenderness, prudence, piety, justice, and 
 regard to the law of God, their wealth may he pronounced 
 blessed, and their use of it honourable. — We must not, how- 
 ever, rest satisfied even with a clear conscience in the sight 
 of God ; but should endeavour to preserve a clear character, 
 and to avoid whatever may occasion slander or excite suspi- 
 cion: (2 Cor. 8:20,21. 1 Thes. 5:22.) and we ought to be as 
 tender of the reputation of others as of our own. — In every 
 undertaking we should be diligent in using proper means, and 
 then calmly leave the whole to the Lord’s decision. — But 
 without any impropriety, we poor polluted sinners may apply 
 to Jesus Christ, our nearest Kinsman and Brother, as dwell- 
 ing in human nature, to spread his skirt over us, and to 
 espouse our souls to himself : to take us under his almighty 
 care, and to admit us to share in all his unsearchable riches. 
 If we truly desire to be his, though many defects and mis- 
 takes attend our application to him, he will not reject us ; we 
 cannot do it unseasonably ; he will condescend to encourage 
 and assist us ;.and graciously accept all our endeavours to 
 serve him ; and most kindly notice our love to him, and our 
 desire of his salvation. When we have applied to him, he 
 will not rest till he has accomplished our desires ; and in the 
 mean time he will communicate blessings to us and ours, in 
 answer to our prayers : nor can we too earnestly desire and 
 seek this same rest for our children and friends, that it may 
 be well with them also. (Notey Matt. 11:28 — 30.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1 — 8. Considerable diffi- 
 culties arise, in explaining this transaction consistently with 
 the laws before given ; and indeed it does not appear in whose 
 possession the estate of Elimelech was at this time. It is 
 however probable, that, it had been sold till the year of Jubilee . 
 ( NoteSy Lev. 25:14 — 17,25 — 28.) and as Elimelech had no 
 male issue surviving, and it could not be alienated from his 
 family, the nearest relation would have a right to redeem it, 
 by repaying the proportion of the purchase-money ; except as 
 Ruth, E limelech’s daughter-in-law, was entitled to his inhe- 
 ritance, according to the law given in the case of those who 
 left daughters only. (NoteSy Num. 27:1 — 11.) — To obvieto 
 therefore all doubt and difficulty in this matter, Boaz, pro- 
 ( 473 ) 
 
RUTH. 
 
 B. C. 1311. 
 
 B. L. lSi 2. 
 
 6 And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem it for 
 myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem 
 thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem 
 
 it. 
 
 7 Now this was the manner in former time in 
 Israel, concerning redeeming, and concerning 
 changing for to confirm all things ; k a man plucked 
 off his shoe, and gave it to his neighbour : and this 
 was a testimony in Israel. 
 
 8 Therefore the kinsman said unto Boaz, Buy 
 it for thee : so he drew off his shoe. 
 
 9 And Boaz said unto the elders, and unto all 
 the people, ‘Ye are witnesses this day, that I have 
 bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was 
 Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, of the hand of Naomi. 
 
 10 Moreover lluth the Moabitess, the wife of 
 Mahlon, m have I purchased to be my wife, to 
 raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, 
 that "the name of the dead be -not cut off from 
 among his brethren, and from the gate of his 
 place : °ye are witnesses this day. 
 
 11 And all the people that were in the gate, 
 and the elders, said, We are witnesses. rThe 
 Lord make the woman that is come into thine 
 house like 'iRachel and like Leah, which two did 
 
 k Dent. 25:7— 10. 1 Gen. 23:16— 18. Jer. 32:10— 12. m Gen. 29:18,19,27. Prov. 
 18:22. 19:14. 31:10,11. llos.3:2. 12:12. Eph. 5:25. n Josh. 7:9. Ps. 54:16. 109: 
 15. Is. 4.3: 19. Zeeh. 13:2. o Is. 8:2,3. Mai. 2:14. Heh. 13:4. p Gen. 24:60. Ps. 
 127:3—5. 128.3—6. q Gen. 29:32—35. 30:1—24 . 35:16—20. 46:8—27. Nun. 
 25: r Deut. *25:9. Prov. 14:1. * Or, get thee riches, or, power, s 1:2. Gen. 
 
 35:19. Ps. 132.6. Mic. 5:2. Matt. 2:6. \ Heh. proclaim thy name, t Gen. 
 
 46:12. Nura. 26:20— 22. u Gen. 38:29. 1 Chr. 2:4. Matt. 1:3. x 1 Sam. 2:20. 
 
 posed to this kinsman of Elimelech, that he should both re- 
 deem the estate and marry Ruth; in which case the estate 
 would certainly belong to his eldest son by her: but if he 
 was unwilling to do it, he desired him to renounce his claim, 
 and he would marry her, and redeem the land for himself. 
 The kinsman however was not willing to marry the poor 
 widow, lest he should injure his circumstances, or create 
 himself disturbance ; for perhaps he had at this time a wife 
 and family : he therefore resigned all claim to the estate also. 
 This transaction respects all the several laws above referred 
 to ; and doubtless the whole was settled in the most regular, 
 legal, and customary manner: and as the pulling off the shoe 
 was not done by Ruth with the prescribed ceremonies, but, as it 
 appears, by the kinsman himself : it seems not to refer merely to 
 the law about refusing to marry a brother’s widow, but to have 
 been the custom in transferring inheritances. (Note, Dent. 
 25:5 — 10.) — The manner in which Boaz brought forward this 
 business, evinced a strict regard to openness, fairness, and 
 equity ; and also an affection for Ruth, whom it is evident he 
 was desirous of marrying, provided the kinsman was willing 
 to relinquish his prior claim. 
 
 V. 9, 10. As Orpah had preferred her connexions in 
 Moab to her prospects in Israel, she was not considered in 
 this transaction ; and Naomi transferred all her claim to 
 Ruth. Consequently, when the nearest kinsman, before the 
 ciders of his city, by legal process, gave up his claim ; Boaz, 
 ny marrying Ruth, possessed the whole right of Elimelech. 
 Yet according to the law of God, and the custom in Israel, the 
 eldest son of this marriage must be- considered as the heir of 
 Elimelech, and of Mahlon ‘the former husband of Ruth; so 
 that the land would be called by the name of one of them, 
 and not by that of Boaz, that the family might not be con- 
 sidered as extinct. 
 
 V. 1 1 , 12. Gate.] ( Marg. Ref. on v. 1 , a. — Note, Job 29:7 — 
 11.) The public recognition of Boaz’s taking Ruth to wife, by 
 the elders of his city, accompanied by benedictions and prayers, 
 may be considered as the customary method of distinguishing 
 honourable marriage from illicit connexions. — It is observable, 
 that only Rachel and Leah are mentioned, as having 44 built 
 tiie house of Israel ;” and that Bilhah and Zilpah^ Jacob’s con- 
 cubines, are not named. — The law, forbidding the admission 
 of Moabites into the congregation of Israel, seems not to have 
 related to marriages with such as embraced the true religion ; 
 especially in such peculiar circumstances : for there is no 
 intimation in Scripture that Boaz acted improperly on this 
 occasion. (Note, Deut. 23:3 — 5.) 
 
 V 13 — 15. Naomi was congratulated on this occasion, 
 
 more than either Boaz or Ruth; as she had the ruins of her 
 family thus providentially repaired, and her old age solaced 
 after the death of her husband and sons, through her daughter- 
 in-law, who had loved her, and been a greater blessing to 
 her than seven sons. The piety of the language, and the 
 conduct of all parties on this occasion, should not pass un- 
 noticed. — The term kinsman or redeemer , seems here applied 
 to Naomi’s grandson, as inheriting the rights of the whole 
 family. (14,15.) 
 
 V. 17. The women named the child, doubtless by the 
 approbation of all parties. u Obed” signifies a servant, or ser- 
 tnceable ; probably intimating a confidence that Obod would 
 be very useful to his family and people. From him Christ, 
 descended * and thus peculiar blessings and honour redounded 
 ( 474 ) 
 
 r build the house of Israel : and "do thou worthily 
 in “Ephratah, and Tie famous in Betli-lehem : 
 
 12 And let thy house be like l the house o’ 
 Pharez. ("whom Tamar bare unto Judah,) of Mht 
 seed which the Lord shall give thee of this young 
 woman. 
 
 13 H So Boaz nook Ruth, and she was his 
 wife : and when he went in unto her ‘the Lord 
 gave her conception, and she bare a son. 
 
 14 And “the women said unto Naomi, b Blessed 
 be the Lord ; "which hath not deft thee this day 
 without a ^kinsman, d that his name may be famous 
 in Israel. 
 
 15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy 
 life, and “a nourisher of thine old age: "for thy 
 daughter-in-law, which loveth thee, which is 
 f belter to thee than seven sons, hath home him. 
 
 16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her 
 bosom, and became nurse unto it. 
 
 17 And sthe women her neighbours gave it a 
 name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi ; and 
 they called his name Obed: he is the father ot 
 Jesse, the father of David. 
 
 18 U Now these are the generations of Pharez : 
 h Pharez begat Hezron, 
 
 y 3:11. z 12. Gen. 21:1— 3. 25:21. 29:31.30:2,22.23. 33:5. 1 Sam. 1:27. 2:5. 
 Ps. 113:9. 127:3. a Luke 1:58. Rom. 12:15. 1 Cor. 12:26. b Gen. 29:35. 
 Ps. 34:1 — 3. 103:1,2. 1 Thes.5:18. 2 Thes. 1 3. cGcn. 24:27. IHeb. caused 
 to cease unto thee. § Or, redeemer. d21,22. Gen. 12:2. Is. 11:1 — 4. Matt. 1* 
 5 — 10. || Heh. to nourish thy gray hairs. Gen. 45:11. 47:12. Ps. 55:22. Is. 46:4. 
 e 1:16 — 18. f 1 .Sam. 1:8. Prov. 18:24. g Luke 1:58— 63. h 1 Chr. 4:1. MatU 
 1:3. Luke 3:33. Phares. Esrom. 
 
 to Boaz, who had not disdained the low estate of Ruth, but 
 had paid due honour to his deceased relations, and their 
 decayed family ; while the kinsman, who refused so to do, 
 is not allowed a name in the book of God, but is disgrace- 
 fully consigned to oblivion. 
 
 V. 18 — 22. Pharez was born about 1714 years before 
 Christ, and David vvas'born about 630 years after, and ten 
 generations seem too few for such a length of time. But the 
 difficulty is very greatly increased, when it is recollected, 
 that Salmon married Rachab, (doubtless the same as Rahab, 
 Matt. 1:5.) about 1450 B.C. leaving 365 years or more, to 
 only four generations ! Some learned men have attempted 
 to show, that possibly Salmon, Boaz, Obed, and Jesse, were 
 remarkably long-lived; and that Boaz, Obed, Jesse, and 
 David were born in the extreme old age of their respective 
 fathers : but this at least is not probable, and it is certain that 
 Jesse lived till David arrived at full manhood. (Notes, 1 Sam. 
 17:12,13. 22:3,4.) It is therefore much more natural to sup- 
 pose, that some names are omitted in the genealogy ; as we 
 know the case to have been in the genealogies given by the 
 evangelists. (Note, Matt. 1:2 — 17.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Diligence in business, punctuality to engagements, integrity, 
 and fair dealing in the affairs of common life, not only adorn a 
 profession of godliness, but t^nd to prosperity in the ordinary 
 course of Providence. — Men are generally ready to embrace 
 opportunities of increasing their estates, but few know the 
 value of godliness: nor can it be expected, that those, who 
 supremely value carnal things, will make a due estimate of 
 spiritual excellency in the character of others. Such are 
 frequently the wise men of this world ; they do not attend to 
 the concerns of their souls, and they reject the salvation ol 
 Christ, for fear of “marring their inheritance!” Indeed, 
 selfishness not only obliterates all charity and justice, hut 
 extinguishes natural affection; and causes men to treat with 
 disdain their nearest relatives, however excellent, if poor and 
 in need of their assistance. But the loss, in the final event 
 of things, will be entirely their own ; as the Lord will raise 
 up other friends for such as love and trust in him, and espe- 
 cially for those who have shown themselves willing to bear 
 hardship for his sake. Nay, such persons, however poor, are 
 a blessing to all connected with them. Especially they are tc 
 be valued in the marriage relation : “A prudent wife is from 
 the Lord,” and 44 the price of a virtuous woman is above 
 rubies.” (Notes, Prov, 19:14. 31:10.) — As marriage ^honour- 
 able in the sight of God, it ought to bo publicly contractca 
 and recognized, that it may be distinguished from those deeds 
 of darkness which require concealment : and it is likely to be 
 comfortable when the law of God is regarded, and his blessing 
 supplicated. In this important concern, (as in all others,, 
 pious people should pray for each other, that the parties may 
 live together in peace, ho good examples, do worthily in the 
 church and in the world, and train up families for future 
 usefulness, when they have served their generation, and are 
 fallen asleep. — The birth of children also calls for united 
 prayers, that they may be indeed a comfort to their patents, 
 blessings to society, and blessed themselves: for without the 
 blessing of God, nono of these things can bo expected ; and 
 the general disuse of this pious language and behaviour, by 
 professing Christians, too plainly evinces that true religion is 
 at a low ebb among us. — We should never promise ourselvoe 
 
B. C. 1311 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. lSu 
 
 19 And Hr /iron begat 'Ram, and Ram begat 
 Amminadab, 
 
 20 And Amminadab begat k Nahshon, and 
 Nahshon begat 'Salmon, 
 
 J 1 Chr 2:9,10. Mutt. 1:4. Luke3:33. Aram. Amina'lab. kNum.l:7. Matt. 
 1:4. Luke 3:32. Nansson. * Or, Salinah. 11 Chr. 2:11. Salma. Matt. 
 
 much comfort from any earthly object ; for our heaviest 
 trials often arise from those quarters whence we expected 
 most satisfaction, and our greatest solace from those whence 
 we expected none: indeed one truly Christian friend may be 
 better to us, than all our children and relations. — But if these 
 streams are so refreshing, what may we not expect from the 
 Fountain? Let us then look to Jesus, our Redeemer, who 
 “though he was rich, for our sakes became poor,” and at 
 the price of his sufferings, both ransomed our inheritance, 
 and purchased us to be espoused unto him in truth and righ- 
 
 21 And 'Salmon begat Boaz, “and Boaz bega: 
 Obed, 
 
 22 And Obed begat "Jesse, and Jesse bega. 
 “David. 
 
 1:5. Luke 3:32. m 1 Chr, 2:12. MaU. 1:5. Luke 3:32. Buoz. n 1 Sam. 16: 
 1. Is. 11:1. o I Chr. 2:15. Mall. 1:6. Luke 3:31. 
 
 teousness ; not induced by our worthiness or excellence, but 
 by his own unfathomable love to our polluted souls. To this 
 union he invites the perishing sinner : this relation to the poor 
 despised believer, he avows and glories in. May we there* 
 fore joyfully accept of his salvation, expect all our felicity 
 from him, and devote ourselves to his service ; and, being 
 “bought with a price, let us glorify him with our bodies and 
 spirits, which are his obeying his commandments, imitating 
 his example, and recommending him and his salvation by word 
 and deed to all around us ! 
 
 THE 
 
 FIRST BOOK OF SAMUEL, 
 
 OTHERWISE CALLED 
 
 THE FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS. 
 
 This book and the following form but one in the Hebrew canon, and derive their name from Samuel ; though he could not write 
 more than the former part (perhaps twenty-four chapters) of the first book. — The remainder of them is, with ureat probability, 
 ascribed to the prophets Nathan and Gad : for we read in Chronicles, “ Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold they 
 are written in the book of Samuel the seer, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the seer.” (1 Chr. 29:29.) 
 It is therefore very reasonable to conclude, that Samuel wrote the first acts of David ; and Nathan and Gad, continuing the history 
 after Samuel’s death, wrote his last acts, or the records of his reign tillnear his death ; and that the whole was formed into one book 
 which was ascribed to Samuel, as the more eminent person, and as the latter part formed a sort of appendix to the history which he 
 had begun. — It may also be observed, that in the lime of Samuel a new epoch commenced : the government by judges was changed 
 for that of kings: and Samuel anointed both those kings whose history is here given, and was himself a principal person in all 
 these transactions. — From the Vulgate Latin translation, these books are also called “ The first and the second books of Kings ; 
 and consequently the two following are “ The third and fourth books of Kings.” — When Eli was judge and high-priest of Israel, 
 Samuel was born : and while Eli’s indulged sons were bringing destruction on themselves and their family, and almost on the nation, 
 Samuel was growing up in wisdom and piety, to be an illustrious prophet, and the reformer, deliverer, and judge of Israel. Yet the 
 people, at length ungratefully weary of his mild government, desired a king : and Saul having been placed over them, his family 
 was soon set aside for his disobedience to God ; and David was anointed a-s his successor. The rest of the book is taken up 
 with an account of David’s illustrious actions, and the harassing persecutions which he endured, till the death of Saul opened his 
 wav to mount the throne. It is not agreed how many years elapsed during these events ; some confining them within eighty years, 
 and others extending them to a hundred and fifteen. — It is evident that this book was extant, when the first book of Kings was 
 written. (Compare 2:35,36. with 1 Kings 2:27.) Almost every subseqent part of Scripture refers, to the events recorded in it, as 
 of undoubted certainty : especially very many of the Psalms are poems made on occasion of one or other of them. — Our Lord and 
 his apostles quote it as a part of the sacred Oracles. (MaM. 12:3,4. Acts 7:45,46. 13:21,22.) — The history of David, the son of Jesse, 
 form's a sort of introduction to all the prophecies concerning his family ; and especially concerning Christ, who sprang from the 
 root of Jesse, was distiguished as the Son of David, and inherited the throne of David.' (Ps. 2: 72: 89:19 — 37. Is. 9:6,7. 11:1 — 10. 
 Acts 2:25 — 31.) The narrative itself may in somesense be considered as prophetical , recording many typical events, which had 
 their accomplishment in Christ. The book likewise contains several direct prophecies concerning the families of Eli and Saul, 
 which were speedily fulfilled : and the song of Hannah concludes with a prophecy of our Lord, in which he is, for the first time, 
 predicted expressly as the Messiah, the anointed of God. (2:10.) 
 
 B. C. 1140. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Elkanah a Levitt has two wives , l, 2. He goes yearly to worship at Shiloh , 3. 
 He favour s and comforts Hannah, when insulted, by Peninnah on account 
 of her barrenness , 4—8. Hannah in grief prays for a son, and vows to de- 
 vote him to God as a perpetual Nazarile, 9 — 11. Eli through mistake at first 
 rebukes , but afterwards blesses her, 12 — 18. She bears Samuel, stays 
 till he is weaned, and then presents him to God, according to their vow , 
 19 — 28. 
 
 N OW there was a certain man of “Ramathaim- 
 zophim, of "mount Ephraim, and his name 
 t vas “Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of 
 
 . 19. Mall. 27:57. Arimathea. b Judg. 17:1. 19:1 . c 1 Chr. 6:25— 27,34. d 17: 
 12. Rulh 1 :2. 1 Kings 11:26. c Gen. 4:19 . 29:23—29. Jurfg. 8:30. Mall. 
 
 19:8. fGen. 16:1,2. 25:21. 29:31. Judg. 13:2. Luke 1:7. * Heb. from year to 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. 1. V. 1. Elkanah appears to have 
 been a Levite of the family of Kohath. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 
 1 Chr. 6:16 — 38.) — Ramathaim-zophim was the place which is 
 afterwards called Ramah; (19) and from the dual number 
 here used, it is supposed to have been divided into two parts, 
 upon distinct hills. The word “ Zophim” signifies watchmen, 
 perhaps because some watch-towers and watchmen were 
 stationed there; for “ Ramah” signifies exaltation: or it might 
 be so called from Zuph, Elkanah’s ancestor. — Ephrath is the 
 same as Beth-lehem; and probably Elkanah, or his ancestor 
 Zuph, was called an Ephrathite, from being allied in the 
 female line to a family of the tribe of Judah, whose inheritance 
 lay there ; or because he was born at Ephrath. ( Gen. 48-7.) 
 
 V. 2. Hannah seems to have been the first wife of Elka- 
 nah: but as she was barren, he probably took Peninnah, (as 
 Abraham took Hagar,) from an impatient desire ol children: 
 (Note, Gen. 16:1 — 3.) but the event showed, that in deviat- 
 ing from the original law of marriage, though in a manner 
 
 B. C. 1140. 
 
 Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an 
 d Eprathite : 
 
 2 And he had “two wives ; the name of the one 
 was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah : 
 and Peninnah had children, f but Hannah had no 
 children. 
 
 3 And this man went up out of his city 'yearly 
 eto worship, and to sacrifice unto the Lord of 
 hosts in "Shiloh: and the ‘two sons of Eli, Hophni 
 
 year. Ex. 23:14,17. 34:23. Deut. 16:16. Luke 2:41. e Deill. 12:5— 7,11— 14. 
 h Josh. 18:1. Judg. 18:31. Ps. 78:60. Jer.7:12— 14. i 9. 2.12-17,34. 3:13. 4.4, 
 11,17,18. 
 
 then tolerated, he little consulted his own peace and com- 
 fort. 
 
 V. 3. The stated worship at Shiloh was observed, but 
 probably in an irregular manner; otherwise Elkanah, a Le- 
 vite, would have had employment at the sanctuary. In 
 those times of apostacy and idolatry, when “men abhorred 
 the offering of the Lord,” through the wicke (ness of Eli’s 
 sons, (2:17.) it was commendable in Elkanah to go up, 
 though but once a year, perhaps at the Passover, to worship 
 the Lord ; the original words, however, may-mean, that he 
 went up at stated times, probably at the three great feasts. 
 The Israelites were confined to one place, one altar, anc 
 one priesthood ; and therefore Elkanah could not go else- 
 where. But, though the wickedness of ministers does not 
 deprive the pious Christian of the blessing, nor furnish a 
 sufficient excuse for neglecting the ordinances of God ; yet 
 we, not being under a similar limitation, should certainly 
 prefer attending on the ministry of those, who appear at least 
 C 475 ) 
 
B. C. 1140. 
 
 I. SAMUEL 
 
 &. C. 1140. 
 
 and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were 
 ihere. 
 
 4 And when the time was that Elkanah 
 ‘offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to ali 
 her sons and her daughters, portions. 
 
 5 But unto Hannah, he gave, a 'worthy 
 portion: for ‘he loved Hannah: but the Lord 
 had m shut up her womb. 
 
 6 And her "adversary also 'provoked her sore, 
 for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut 
 up her womb. 
 
 7 And as he did so “year by year, ?when she 
 went up to the bouse of the Lord, so she pro- 
 voked her : therefore she wept, and did not eat. 
 
 8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, 
 Hannah, (’why weepest thou? and why eatest 
 thou not ? and why is thy heart grieved ? iarn not 
 I better to thee than ten sons ? [ Practical observations.] 
 
 9 II So Hannah rose up after they had eaten 
 in Shiloh, and after they had drunk : (now Eli 
 the priest sat upon a seat by a post of r the temple 
 of the Lord :) 
 
 10 And she was $in bitterness of soul, and 
 •prayed unto the Lord, ‘and wept sore. 
 
 11 And she "vowed a vow, and said, O Lord 
 of hosts, if thou wilt indeed “look on the affliction 
 of thine handmaid, and ^remember me, and not 
 forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine 
 handmaid ''a man-child, then I will give him unto 
 the Lord all the days of his life, and ‘there shall 
 no razor come upon his head. 
 
 12 And it came to pass, as she "continued 
 praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her 
 mouth. 
 
 13 Now Hannah, she “spake in her heart ; only 
 her lips moved, but her voice was not heard : 
 therefore Eli thought b she had been drunken. 
 
 k Lev. 3.4,5. 7.15. Dent. 12: 17,18. 16:11 . • Or, double. Gen. 43:34. 45:22. 
 
 lGen. 29:30, 31. Dent. 21 : 15. in Gen. 20:18 . 30:2. n Lev. 18:18. Jobfi:14. 
 
 1 Heb. angered her. o 2:19. } Or, from, the time that she, &c. Heb. from her 
 
 goingup. p 2 Sam. 12:16,17. 2 Kings 8:12. Joh6:14. John 20:13,15. 1 Thes. 
 5:14. q Ruth 4:15. Ps. 43:4. Is. 54:5,6. r 3:3,15. 2 Ram. 7:2, 4 Heb. bitter 
 
 of soul. Ruth 1:20. 2 Sam. 17:8. Job 7:11. 9:18. 10:1. Is. 38:15. 54:6. Lam. 
 3:15. s Ps. 5(T:15. 91:15. Luke 22:44. Heb. 5:7. t Gen. 50:10. Judg. 21:2. 
 
 2 Sam. 13:36. 2 Kings 20:3. Jer. 13:17. 22:10. u Gen. 28:20. Num.21;2. 30: 
 3— 8. Judg. 11:30. Be. 5:4. x Gen. 29:32. Ex. 4:31. 2 Sam. 16:12. Ps. 25:18. 
 y 19. Gen. 8:1. 30:22. Ps. 132: L ,2. || Heb. seed of men. z Mum. 6:5. Judg. 
 13:5. Heb. multiplied to pray. Luke 11:8 — 10.18:1. Eph. 6:18. Col. 4:2. 
 1 Thes. 5:17. Jam. 5:16. a Gen. 24:42— 45. Nell. 2.4. Ps.25:l. Rom. 8:26. 
 b Zech. 9:15. Acts2:13. 1 Cor. 13:7. c Josh. 22:12-20. Job 8:2. I s. 62:3. Prov. 
 
 to be walking heaven-ward themselves, as well as teaching 
 others the true way thither ■, and not countenance either here- 
 tical teachers, or ungodly men. (Notes, Prov. 19:27. 1 John 
 4:1—3. 2 John 7—11.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. After the other appointed sacrifices had been 
 brought, the peace-otferings were presented, on part of which 
 the offerer feasted with his family, having given to each a 
 portion. On these occasions Elkanah showed his peculiar 
 attention to Hannah, by the customary indications ; which 
 probably excited the envy and jealousy of Peninnah, as well 
 as her proud contempt of Hannah’s barrenness ; and thus 
 great uneasiness was occasioned. (Notes, Gen. 1 6:4 — 6. 37: 
 3.) For Hannah laid it far more to heart than she ought ; 
 and her perpetual sorrow distressed Elkanah, and greatly 
 interrupted the comfort and benefit of their religious ordi- 
 nances ; and this might be one reason why Hannah refused 
 to partake of the sacrifices, lest the Lord should be dis- 
 pleased with her for eating them mourning. (Deut. 26:14. 
 Hos. 9:4. Mol. 2:13. Notes, Neh. 8:9— 12.) 
 
 V. 8. Elkanah seems to have endured Peninnah’s angry 
 and malevolent tempers and conduct with great patience : 
 and he most tenderly remonstrated with Hannah concerning 
 her immoderate grief ; and reminded her, that, though she 
 had no children, she possessed his affection, which would 
 conduce more to her real comfort than ten sons would without 
 it: and that therefore her situation was more desirable than 
 that of Peninnah. — This gentle rebuke prevailed with her to 
 repress her grief, and perhaps to partake of the sacrifice : 
 but that did not comfort her heart till she had poured it out in 
 prayer. (18. Note, 9 — 11.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. The tabernacle, now become stationary, was 
 sometimes called “the temple.” (3:3. Ps. 27:4. 29:9.) — 
 Hannah, with great earnestness and importunity, entreated 
 the Lord to grant her a son, and vowed that, he should be a 
 erpetua! Nazarite: devoted to the service of God alone, all 
 is days. (Notes, Judg. 13:4,5. 16:17 — 21.) Some learned 
 men compute that Samuel was born before Samson, whom God 
 thus separated to himself, and for a special purpose, before 
 his birth t but others think he was born about the same time, 
 or a few years after him. The chronology of this part of the 
 bistory, however, is extremely obscure, and the attempts of 
 earned me.n to elucidate it are peculiarly unsatisfactory, and 
 eften widely discordant from each other. 
 
 C 476 1 
 
 14 And Eli said unto her, c How long wilt thou 
 be drunken? ‘‘put away thy wine from thee. 
 
 15 And Hannah answered and said, e No, my 
 lord ; I am a woman "of a sorrowful spirit : I have 
 drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have 
 f poured out my soul before the Lord. 
 
 16 Count not thine handmaid for ea daughter 
 of Belial ; for h out of the abundanee of my "com- 
 plaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 
 
 17 Then Eli answered and said, 'Go in peace: 
 and k the God of Israel grant thee thy petition fhat 
 thou hast asked of him. 
 
 18 And she said, ‘Let thine handmaid find 
 grace in thy sight. So the woman m went her 
 way, and did eat, and her countenance was no 
 
 more sad. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 19 H And "they rose up in the morning early, 
 and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, 
 and came to their house to Ramah : and Elkanah 
 knew Hannah his wife ; "and the Lord remem- 
 bered her. 
 
 20 Wherefore it came to pass, "when the time 
 was come about alter Hannah had conceived, 
 that she bare a son, and called his name ^Samuel, 
 saying, rBecause I have asked him of the Lord. 
 
 21 And sthe man Elkanah, and all his house, 
 went up to olfer unto the Lord the yearly sacri- 
 fice, and his vow. 
 
 22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto 
 her husband, I will not go up until the child be 
 weaned, r and then I will bring him, that he may 
 appear before the Lord, “and there abide 'for ever. 
 
 23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, 
 "Do what seemeth thee good : tarry until thou 
 have weaned him ; only “the Lord establish his 
 word. So the woman abode, and gave her *son 
 suck until she weaned him. 
 
 6:9. Malt. 7:1— 3. djob 11:14. 22:23. Prov.4:24. Eph. 4:25,31. cProv.l5:l. 
 25:15. •• Heb. bard, of spirit, f Ps. 42:4. 62:8. 142:2,3. 143:6. Lam.2:19. 
 g 2:12. 10:27. 25:25. Deut. 13:13. I, Job 6:2,8. 10:1,2. Malt. 12:34,35. ft Or, 
 meditation, i 25:35. 29:7. Judg. 18:6. 2 Kings 5:19. Mark 5:34. <Luke 7:50. 8: 
 48. k IChr. 4:10. Ps. 20:4,5. I Gen. 32:5. §3:8,15. Rulh.2:l3.*f m Ec. 9:7. 
 John 16:24. Rom. 15:13. Phil. 4:6,7. n 9:26. Ps. 5:3. 55:17. 119:147. Mark lc 
 &5. oil. Gen. 8:1. 21:1. Ps.25:7. 136:23. Luke 23:42. jj Heb. in revolution 
 of days. $§ Thai is .askrdofGod. p Gen. 4:25 . 5:29. 16: 1 1 . 29:32— 35. 30:8 
 —21. 41:51,52. Ex. 2:10,22. Matt. 1:21. q 3. Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. Ps. 10L* 
 2. r Deut. 16:16. Luke 2:22.41*42. s 11,28. 2:11,18, 3: 1 . Pa. 23:6. 27:4. t Ex. 
 21:6. Lev. 25:23. Josh. 4:7. Ps. 110:4. Is. 9:7. u Num. 30:7— 11. x 2 Sam. 7: 
 25. Is. 44:26. y Gen. 21:7,8. Ps. 22:9. Matt. 24:19. Luke 11:27. 
 
 V. 12—16. Probably Eli had many times seen instances 
 of such intemperance as he here charged upon Hannah ; and 
 perhaps he sat near the tabernacle to repress these enormi- 
 ties, though he did not adopt the only effectual method. 
 (Note, 2:23 — 25.) Perceiving her great discomposure, and 
 observing that her lips moved, he too hastily attributed it to 
 drunkenness. But Hannah had now obtained such inward 
 consolation, that this severe reflection neither distressed her, 
 nor excited her anger : so that she intimated her abhorrence 
 of the crime with which she had been charged, and calmly and 
 respectfully explained to him the real cause of her agitation. 
 In doing this, she emphatically described the nature of fervent 
 prayer: “I have poured oiit my soul before the Lord.” ( Marg . 
 Ref. f. ) For prayer does not consist merely in using good words, 
 but in opening before the Lord the inmost soul, and in un- 
 reserved confidence, pouring out before him all our fears, 
 sorrows, desires, and purposes ; as a child would before a 
 loving father, from whom alone he had expectations of re- 
 lief, and who, he was satisfied, was able and disposed to help 
 him. 
 
 V. 17, 18. The character of Eli was very defective; yet 
 there are several traces in it of true piety, and this answer 
 is one. He was open to conviction, and willing to acknow- 
 ledge himself mistaken, and by his commendation, blessing, 
 and prayers, to make Hannah amends for the injury which 
 he had done her. (]\Iarg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 19 — 22. It is probable that Elkanah established Han- 
 nah’s vow, in a solemn act of worship, before he left Shiloh. 
 (Note, Num. 30:3 — 8.) Samuel’s name would remind his 
 mother, every time it was mentioned, of the Lord’s Kindness 
 in remembering her affliction, and in answering her prayer. 
 — The women were not commanded to go up to the sanc- 
 tuary ; and Hannah, after Samuel’s birth, had a sufficient 
 engagement at homo. 
 
 V. 23. Establish his word.] As no promise of God re- 
 specting Samuel is recorded, it is thought that the clause 
 may be rendered. “Only the Lord complete his work;* 
 namely, in accepting of the child given in answer to prayer, 
 as his devoted servant all his days. (Note, 9 — 11.) 
 
 V. 24, 25. One of these bullocks might be intended for a 
 burnt-offering ; and the other two for thank-oflonngs or peace- 
 offerings, on part of which) and of the flour vnd wine, Flka- 
 nah with his fumily and friends, and with the Ltvi es, might 
 
B. C. 1137. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 B. C. 1137 
 
 24 A nr 1 w.ien arv» had weaned him, "she took 
 him up with her, t/ith three bullocks, and one 
 ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought 
 him unto the “house of the Lord in Shiloh : and 
 She child was young. 
 
 25 And they slew a bullock, and b brought the 
 child to Eli. 
 
 26 And she said, 0 my lord ! c as thy soul 
 liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by 
 thee here, praying unto the Lord. 
 
 27 d For this child I prayed, and “the Lord hath 
 given me my petition which I asked of him : 
 
 iNom. ,5:9, 10. tieul. 12:5,6,11. 16:16. a4.3,4. Josh. 18:1. bLuke2:22. 18: 
 15,16. c 17:53. 20:3. den. 42:15. 2 Sam. 11:11. 14:19. 2 Kings. 2:2, 4, 6. 4:30. 
 dll-13. Matt. 7:7. e Pa. 66: 19. 1 16: 1—5. 118:5. 1 John 5:15. • Or, re- 
 
 turned A im , whom I have obtained by petition, to the LORD, t Or, he whom 
 I have obtained by petition shall be returned, f (Jen. 24:26,48. 2 Tim. 3:15. 
 
 feast before the Lord. (Notes, Leu. 3: 7:12 — 18. Pent. 12: 
 5 — 7.) After the burnt-offering had been sacrificed, they 
 seem to have presented Samuel to Eli, before the other offer- 
 ings were slain. — The original words rendered, “ The child 
 was young,” seem to imply that he was exceedingly dear to 
 his parents ; who exercised great self-denial, in leaving him 
 at the sanctuary at so early an age. (Note, 2:18,19.) — Some 
 think he was about three years old ; others that he was seven. 
 {Note, Gen. 21:8—12.) 
 
 V. 26, 27. Hannah’s heart was too full of joy and grati- 
 tude upon this occasion, to notice the injurious reflection Eli 
 had cast upon her: but she well remembered her prayer and 
 vow, and the Lord’s gracious answer. — The words rendered, 
 “ as thy soul liveth,” are supposed by some to have been in- 
 tended merely as an expression of good will ; May thy soul 
 live. (Marg. Ref. c.) 
 
 V. 28. The word rendered “ lent,” is nearly similar to 
 that translated asked: and refers to the name of Samuel. — 
 Hannah had asked him of God, and now she returned him to 
 him. (Marg. Notes, Ex. 3:21, 22. 11:2,3. 12:35,36.) It was 
 her intention, that, as a Levite and a Nazarite, he should 
 spend all his life in the immediate service of the sanctuary ; 
 but the Lord was pleased afterwards to employ him as a 
 prophet, and a judge in the public affairs of Israel. — Some 
 think that Elkanah is meant, when it is said, “ He worshipped 
 the Lord :” but others understand it of Samuel, who thus 
 gave some early indications of piety. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. Experience universally evinces the kindness, as 
 well as equity, of the original institution of marriage, and the 
 divine law concerning it: for every deviation makes way for 
 domestic contention, envy, malice, impatience, and every evil 
 work, to the interruption of the worship of God, and the ruin 
 of family religion. — None of our troubles, however, should be 
 allowed to interfere with our attendance on the ordinances of 
 God: for if Satan can induce us to yield to discouragement 
 in one respect, he will attempt it in another, and never cease 
 to harass us, when engaged in the duties of religion, till he 
 has driven us from every means of grace, and solemn act ofholy 
 worship : so that resolute resistance and perseverance with 
 earnest cries to the Lord for his assistance, are our only suc- 
 cessful weapons : and we should notin the least degree “give 
 place to the devil.” — The human heart can neither bear pros- 
 perity without insolence, nor adversity without impatience. 
 Instead of being contented and thankful in our appointed situ- 
 ation, and rejoicing in the happiness of others, we are prone 
 to murmur and to vex ourselves, because others are more 
 favoured or prospered, than we suppose ourselves to be : yet 
 could we change conditions in every respect with them, 
 we should generally increase our uneasiness ; whereas im- 
 partial reflection upon our own situation in life, compared with 
 our unworthiness, and with the condition 'of others, would 
 silence our complaints, or convert them into thankful praises. — 
 All inordinate passions are irrational, as well as inimical to 
 our comfort; and even pious Christians, who are shocked at 
 the thought of yielding to other temptations often rebelliously 
 and ungratefully indulge excessive grief, against which they 
 ought especially to watch and pray. But if our earthly com- 
 forts, when duly estimated, being greater than our sorrows, 
 should console us under our trials; surely the favour of God 
 is better. to his people, than all beloved relations or outward 
 satisfactions, and sufficient to compensate for the loss or the 
 want of them all.— Every one should comfort those who are 
 in bitterness of soul : yet a mild and tender rebuke is fre- 
 quently the greatest kindness, when we see our friends for- 
 getting their mercies, or their duty. 
 
 V. 9—18. Nothing can give solid comfort to those who 
 are in anguish of spirit, but the assurance and experience of 
 the love of God in their hearts ;.nor will that cordial in gene- 
 ral be communicated,' till they have “ poured out their souls ” 
 repeatedly in earnest secret prayer. This must bring down 
 the blessings, which flow from the atoning blood of Christ, and 
 are vouchsafed through his intercession ; and it is necessary 
 to render public ordinances profitable and joyful : nor can a 
 concurrence of all possible distresses and temptations render 
 that man miserable, or long uncomfortable, who rightly im- 
 proves the precious privilege of access to the mercy-seat of 
 a reconciled God in Christ Jesus. Yet, through Satan’s 
 
 28 Therefore also I have "lent him to the Lorp ' 
 as long as he liveth 'he shall be lent to the Lord 
 And f he worshipped the Lord there. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Hannah's thankful song of praise, 1—10. The sin of Eli's sons, 11 — 17 
 Samuel ministers before God, 18, 19. Eli blesses Elkanah; and Hannah^ 
 who bears more children, 20, 21. Eli reproves his sons, but far too gently , 
 22 — 26. A prophet for el els the ruin of Eli's house, 27—36. 
 
 A ND Hannah “prayed, and said, b My heart 
 rejoiceth in the Lord; “mine horn is exalted 
 in the Lord : d my mouth is enlarged over mine 
 enemies : because “I rejoice in thy salvation. 
 
 a Neh. 11:17. Hub. 3:1. Phil. 4:6. b Luke 1:46,47. Rom. 5:11. Phil. 3:3. 4:4. 
 1 Pet. 1 :8. c Ps. 18:2. 89:17 . 92:10. 112.9. Luke 1:69. cl Ex. 15:1,21. Jude. 
 5:1,2. Ps. 51:15. 71:3. Rev. 18:20. e Pa. 9:14. 13:5. 20:5. 35:9. 118:14. Is. 12 
 2,3. Hab. 3:18. 
 
 temptations, and the evil of our hearts, we are often reluc- 
 tant to begin, slight in presenting, and hasly in concluding our 
 petitions ! Hence it is that we go mourning all the day long, 
 instead of “ casting our burden upon the Lord :” and our 
 miseries will increase upon us, till we take this course 
 (Notes, Phil. 4:5 — 7. 1 Pet. 5:5 — 7.) — The more we expe 
 rience the sweet consolations which are communicated while 
 the soul is poured out before the Lord, the more we shall 
 determine “to call upon him as long as we live.” (Note, 
 Ps. 116:2.) 
 
 We ought to be very cautious how we condemn those, who 
 are uncommonly earnest in religion, as if guilty of hypocrisy, 
 enthusiasm, or some other iniquity ; and ministers especially, 
 in their zeal against sin, ought to be careful, that they do not 
 grieve such as are “in bitternesss of spirit:” but if we have 
 rashly censured those who are not faulty, we should be ready 
 to hear their plea, to retract our decision, to give them en- 
 couragement, and to assist them with our prayers. — Among 
 the various trials, to which we are exposed, none is in general 
 more bitter, than the suspicions and censures of those whom 
 we love and esteem. But while “the God of all grace” 
 hears our prayers, we may bear even this with patience, and 
 answer it with meekness : for though it is painful to be counted 
 “children of Belial” by our brethren; yet if our loving Father 
 sees that correction needful, and favours us with the as: ur- 
 rance of his acceptance and the light of his countenance, v e 
 may thankfully submit to his will. — Even before those b!esrin;/3 
 which we have asked in prayer are vouchsafed, or ex- 
 pected with certainty, he sometimes communicates such sup- 
 ports to the soul, as exceed every temporal advantage, can be 
 destroyed by no outward trouble, and give a relish for those 
 mercies which before we undervalued or overlooked. — We 
 are also most likely to obtain all our warranted desires, when 
 we are rendered most willing to submit them to the will of God. 
 
 Y. 19 — 28. No temporal satisfaction can be durably com- 
 fortable, which we cannot name, “Asked of the Lord ;” and 
 which we do not receive from him with gratitude as an answer 
 to our prayers, and uprightly desire to use to his glory and in 
 his service. If he give us children, we shall have the most 
 comfort in them, when they are most entirely his : and there- 
 fore we should devote them to him from the first; bring them 
 up for him , and pray continually that we may see early 
 proofs of his having received them into his family, and made 
 them his to serve him all their days. — The vows that we 
 have mingled with the prayers made in our distress, must 
 be performed with gratitude, when our desires have been 
 granted ; that others may praise our God along with us, 
 and be encouraged to trust and call upon him. — It does 
 not become the worshippers of God to be soon weary of 
 his ordinances ; but to leave them reluctantly, when called to 
 attend on other duties: and when men are in such haste to 
 set out on journeys, or to engage in business, that they have 
 not time to worship God, they are likely to proceed without 
 his presence and blessing. — There are times, when domestic 
 employments may render it a duty, to be occasionally absent 
 from public ordinances: but those seasons should abound the 
 more in the exercises of secret devotion ; and when special 
 blessings have been conferred, and restraints are removed, 
 the true believer will go with more longing desires to the 
 courts of the Lord, to pay his vows, and render his grateful 
 praises. With what transport then will he at last leave this 
 distant land below, to ascend to the courts above, to receive 
 the full answer of all his prayers, and to offer everlasting 
 praises, with an uninterrupted flow of holy affections and in- 
 effable delight! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. I. The word prayer is some- 
 times used for any act of devotion, whether it he confined to 
 petition, or include thanksgiving and praise, or chiefly con- 
 sist of the latter. (Marg. Ref. a.) — When Hannah requested 
 a son, she spake in her heart, and “ her voice was not heard 
 but when, according to her vow, she presented Samuel to 
 God, his glory and the edification of his people required, a 
 public acknowledgment. Whilst her heart was enlarged 
 with love and gratitude, she was led on, by the Holy Spirit, 
 to speak with great enlargement and fervency, and with clear 
 discernment of divine things, on the gracious dealings of God 
 towards Israel, and of his dispensations towards men in gene- 
 ral in every age. — “ Her heart rejoiced,” not in Samuel, but 
 ( 477 ) 
 
B. C. 1137. 
 
 I. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1137, 
 
 2 There is ' none holy as the Lord ; for there is 
 •none beside thee ; neither is there any '’rock like 
 our God. 
 
 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly ; 'let not 
 "arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord 
 is '‘a God of knowledge, and 'by him actions are 
 weighed; 
 
 4 The m bows of the mighty men are broken, 
 and they that "stumbled are girded with strength. 
 
 5 They that were "full, have hired out them- 
 selves for bread ; and they that were hungry 
 ceased : so that '’the barren hath born seven ; 
 and she that hath many children is swaxed feeble. 
 
 6 The Lord "killeth, and maketh alive: ’he 
 bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 
 
 7 The Lord ‘maketh poor, and maketh rich : 
 he u brin|-eth low, and liftelh up. 
 
 8 He raiseth up “the poor out of the dust, and 
 
 f Ex. 15:11. Peut. 3*2:4. Pa. 99:5.9. 111:9. Is. 6:3. 57:15. 1 Pet. 1:16. Rev. 4:8. 
 15:4. g Dent. 4:35. 2 Sam. 22:32. Ps. 73.25. Is. 43:10,11. 44:6,8. hDeut.3:24. 
 82:30,31,39. Ps. 18:2. 71:3.19. 86:8. 89:6. Is. 40:18. Jer. 10:6. i Ps. 94:4. Prov. 
 8:13. [9.37:23. Dan. 4:30.31.37. Mai. 3:13. Jude 15,16. * Heb. hard, k 1 Kings 
 8:39. Ps. 44:21. 94:7— 10. 147:5. Jer. 17:10. Heb. 4:12,13. Rev. 2:23. 1 Job 31:6. 
 Is. 26:7. Dan. 5:27. m Ps. 37:15,17. 46:9. 76:3. n Is. 10:4. Jer. 37:10. 2 Cor. 4:9, 
 10. 12:9,10. Eph. 6:14. Puil. 4:13. Heb. 11:34. o Ps. 34:10. Luke 1:53. 16:25. pi: 
 20. Ps. 113:9. ql:G. Is. 54:1. Jer. 15:9. Gal. 4:27. r Deut. 32:39. 2 Kings 5:7. 
 Job 5:18. Ps. 68:20. Hos. 6: 1,2. John 5:25— 29. 11:25. Rev. 1:18. s 20:3. Ps. 116: 
 9. Is.26:19. Jon. 2:2— 6. Matt. 12:40. 2 Cor. 1:9,10. t Deut. 8:17,18. Job. 1:21. 
 5:11. Ps. 102:10. u Ps. 75:7. Is. 2:12. Jam. 1:9,10. 4:10. x Job. 2:8. 42:10-12. 
 Ps. 113:7,8. Dan. 4:17. Luke 1:51,52. y 15:17. Gen. 41 :14, 40. 2 Sam. 7:8. Job 36: 
 6,7. Ec. 414. Dan. 2:48. 6:3. Jam. 2:5. Rev. 1:6. 3:21. 5:10. 22:5. zJob38: 
 
 44 in the Lord ;” in his power, faithfulness, and love. — 44 Her 
 horn” (the weapon for defence and annoyance in some ani- 
 mals,) “was exalted in the Lord, and her mouth was en- 
 larged over her enemies:” being delivered from the taunts 
 and reproaches of her rival, she took that as an earnest of more 
 important victories, and rejoiced in the hope of triumphing 
 over the adversaries of her soul; for she “rejoiced in the 
 salvation of the Lord,” and in looking for the coming of Him, 
 who is the Salvation of his people. (Notes, Hob. 3:17 — 19. 
 Luke 1:46 — 55. Phil. 4:4.) 
 
 V. 2. From personal mercies, Hannah proceeded to con- 
 template the perfections of God. Holiness , which comprises 
 perfect wisdom, purity, justice, truth, goodness, and mercj r , 
 is in him alone underived, immutable, and complete. “ There 
 is none holy as the Lord :” all created holiness is derived, 
 dependent, mutable, and scanty ; all human holiness mixed 
 with impurity; and all the idols of the nations are abominable 
 demons. Nay, saj r s she, “there is none beside thee,” no 
 other God; and all creatures are “less than nothing, and 
 vanity ” in the comparison with him : 44 neither is there any 
 rock, like our God he is our only Protector, Refuge, and 
 Support ; and they only are safe and strong, who trust en- 
 tirely in him. (Notes, Ex. 15:11. Deut. 32:4. Is. 43:8 — 13. 
 44:6—8. 45:1—7.) 
 
 V. 3. With allusion to Peninnah’s misconduct, Hannah 
 seems here to address the enemies of true religion ; who, 
 confiding in numbers, courage, or ability, glory in themselves 
 and insultingly despise believers. But let them cease from 
 such proud boastings, arrogance, and reproaches ; remem- 
 bering that “ the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him 
 actions are weighed.” (Note, Is. 30:18,19.) He distinguishes 
 men’s characters, and weighs their actions in the balance, 
 and knows when to interpose in behalf of his people: he also 
 knows those, who despise and hate him, and will in due time 
 effectually punish them, though for a season they may seem 
 to prosper. — The last clause may be rendered, 44 By him 
 works are regulated :” he orders every thing in perfect wis- 
 dom and power, and none can defeat his purposes. Or, still 
 more exactly according to the text, Are not works by him 
 •* emulated ? ( Marg. Ref. ) 
 
 V. 4 — 8. The events which these verses speak of, are 
 often called the caprices of blind fortune : but they in fact 
 are the settled purposes of God, thus manifesting his own 
 perfections by saving those who trust in him ; and pouring 
 contempt upon all the distinctions, in which ungodly men con- 
 fide and glory. Are they proud of valour, military skill, or 
 strength ? their bows shall be broken, and themselves crushed 
 by an inferior and despised company. Do they glory in riches, 
 and riot in ease and luxury, while they despise and oppress 
 the poor? they arc often impoverished, and reduced to the 
 necessity of hiring themselves out for bread, whilst the poor 
 and hungry are surprisingly advanced to affluence. Do any 
 glory, as Peninnah did, in the increase of their families, and 
 despise the childless? Providence may soon by unexpected 
 death reduce their numbers ; whilst the desolate are as won- 
 derfully increased. The Lord gives life, and takes it away: 
 the most vigorous are by the stroke of his hand brought down 
 to*lhe gates of the grave ; and the feeble are unexpectedly 
 restored to health and strength. Such vicissitudes may like- 
 wise be often observed in men’s circumstances and families ; 
 in which capacity ami industry prove utterly unavailing to 
 prevent the adversity of some ; while others are wonderfully 
 prospered, and rise even from the lowest and most abject 
 •'ondition to the throne of glory. (Notes, Ps. 107:33 — 43. 113: 
 
 -9. Ec. 9:11,12.) Events of this kind occasion surprise, 
 < 478 v 
 
 lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to Jset 
 them among princes, and to make them inherit 
 the throne of glory : for ’the pillars of the earth 
 are the Lord’s, and he hath se die world upon 
 them. 
 
 9 He “will keep the feet of b ‘ is saints, and the 
 wicked shall c be silent in darkness; for d by strength 
 shall no man prevail. 
 
 10 The ’adversaries of the Lord shall he broken 
 to pieces ; out of heaven shall f he thunder upon 
 them : the Lord shall ejudge the ends of the earth ; 
 and h he shall give strength unto his King, and 
 'exalt the horn of his “Anointed. [.Practical observation..] 
 
 11 H And Elkanah went to Ramah to his 
 house ; and the child did 'minister unto the Lord 
 before Eli the priest. 
 
 12 Now m the sons of Eli were "sons of Belial ; 
 they "knew not the Lord. 
 
 4—6. Ps. 24:2. 102:25. 104:5. Heb. 1:3. a Job 5:24. Ps. 37:23,24 . 91:11,12. 94: 
 18. 121:3,5,8. Pro*. 16:9. 1 Pet. 1:5. b Deut. 33:3. Ps. 37:28. 97:10. Pro*. 2: 
 8. Jude 1,3. c Job 5:16. Ec.5:17. Jer. 8:14. Zeph.l:l'5. Matt. 8:12. 22:12,13. 
 Rom. 3:19. 2 Pel. 2:17. Jude 13. d 17:49,50. Ps. 33:16,17. Ec.9:ll. Jer. 9:23. 
 Zech. 4:6. e Ei. 15:6. Judg. 5:31. Ps. 2:9 . 21:8,9. 68:1,2. 92:9. I.uke 19:27. 
 f 7:10. 12:18. Job 40:9. Ps. 18:13,14. g Ps.50:I— 6. 96:13. 98:9. Ec. 11:9. 12: 
 14. Matt. 25:31,32. John 5:21,22. Rom. 14:10—12. 2 Cor. 5:10. Rev. 20:11— 15. 
 h 12:13. 15:28. 16:1. 2 Sam. 7:8,13. Ps. 2:6. 21: 1 ,7. Is. 32: 1. 45:24. Matt. 25: 
 34 . 28:18. IPs. 89:17,24. 92:10. 148:14. Luke 1:69. k 12:3. Ps.2:2. 20:6 . 28: 
 8.45:7. Acts 4:27. 10:38. 1 18. 1:24. 3:1,15. mHos.4:6— 9. Mai. 2:1— 9. 
 
 n 10:27. 25:17. Deut. 13:13. Judg. 19.22. 1 Kings 21:10,13. 2 Cor. 6:15. o3:7. 
 Judg. 2:10. Jer. 2:8. 22:16. John 8:55. 16:3. 17:3. Rom. 1:28—30. 
 
 and many attempt to account for them : but “ the pillars of 
 the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon 
 them:” and the same power, which first created and esta- 
 blished the earth in its settled course, without human help, 
 and in such a manner as no human power can change ; by 
 his secret overruling providence does everything, and should 
 be acknowledged in every thing. (Notes, Job. 34:20 — 30. 
 Dan. 4:34 — 37. Rom. 11:33 — 3G.) — These things are equally 
 applicable to the dispensations of his kingdom of grace ; in 
 which he respects, not men’s wisdom, learning, greatness, or 
 imagined excellency, but selects the base, the poor, the foolish 
 of the world, having taught them to feel their guilt and misery, 
 and to value his free and precious salvation. Thus he “ taketh 
 the poor out of the dust, and the beggar from the dunghill, to 
 set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne 
 of glory and all this “ according to the eternal purpose, 
 which he hath purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” ( Notes, 
 Matt. 13:29,30. 1 Cor. 1:26—31. Eph. 1:3—12.) 
 
 V. 9. The saints are those, whom the grace of God has 
 separated from a sinful world, and sanctified unto himself: 
 and “ he will keep their feet,” so that they shall be directed 
 and upheld in his ways ; they shall not so stumble as utterly 
 to be cast down, nor be so snared as finally to be taken cap- 
 tive by their enemies. (Note s, Ps. 37:23,24. 1 Pet. 2:2 — 5.) 
 But, however sinners may now boast, and fill the world with 
 disturbance and confusion, they will ere long be put to silence, 
 and sink speechless, under the divine sentence of condemna- 
 tion, into everlasting darkness and despair. (Notes, Matt. 
 22:11 — 14. Rom. 3:19,20.) “For by strength shall no man 
 prevail,” either to injure and overturn the interest of true 
 religion, or to secure themselves from merited destruction. 
 (Marg. Ref.) . 
 
 V. 10. While the adversaries of God shall be destroyed 
 for ever, his church shall prosper, not only as it did under the 
 government of David, his king, whom Samuel by his com- 
 mand anointed ; but under the government of his Son, the 
 Messiah, who hath “ all power given him in heaven and earth,” 
 who shall go on conquering, till all the ends of the earth 
 submit to his mediatorial sway, and till he come“tojudgo 
 the quick and dead at his appearing.” Then shall all enemies 
 finally be put under his feet, and his glory be displayed in 
 their destruction, and in (he complete salvation of his people. 
 (Marg. Ref . Notes, 1 Cor. 15:20 — 28. Ret). 6:1,2. 11:15 — 18. 
 19:11 — 21. 20:11 — 15.) — When Hannah spake this song, there 
 was no king over Israel, so that her words here must be pro- 
 phetical, both of David the type, and Christ the Anti-type. — 
 
 ‘ Who doth not see that the spirit of this woman (whose 
 name was Anna, which signifies grace,) prophesied of the 
 Christian religion, the city of God, whose King and Founder 
 is Christ ; and of the grace of God, from which the proud 
 are estranged, that they may fall; hut the humble are filled 
 with it that they may rise ?” Augustine.—' Indeed ibis is the 
 first time that tho name of Messiah, or Anointed, is found in 
 Scripture. With this song, that of the blessed Virgin hath 
 such a perfect resemblance, that one cannot but think Han- 
 nah had a respect to something higher than tho quarrel 
 between her and Peninnah, &c.’ R/>. Patrick. — This indeed 
 is expressly saying very little : but it shows what the mind of 
 the writer had in contemplation. — As to Peninnc.il, on any 
 interpretation, she can bo considered no further, than merely 
 as having given an occasion for this most sublime and sacred 
 song, which may bear a comparison, or even competition, 
 with Iho most beautiful and magnificent productions of any 
 other inspired writer. 
 
 V. 11. The Levites were not called to any tlnir pccit* 
 
B. C. 1130. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 B. C. 1128. 
 
 13 And the priests’ custom with the people 
 teas, that when any man offered sacrifice, the 
 priest’s servantcame, while the flesh was in seedl- 
 ing, with a flesh-hook of three teeth in his hand ; 
 
 14 And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or 
 caldron, or pot: ‘’all that the flesh-hook brought 
 up the priest took for himself. So they did in 
 Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither. 
 
 15 Also ^before they burnt the fat, the priest’s 
 servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, 
 Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not 
 have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. 
 
 16 And if any man said unto him, Let them 
 not fail to burn *\e fat 'presently, and then take 
 as much as tn> soul desireth; then he would 
 answer him, Nay ; but thou shalt give it me now : 
 and if not, r I will take it by force. 
 
 17 Wherefore the sin of the young men was 
 very great ’before the Lord; for men 'abhorred 
 the offering of the Lord. 
 
 18 If But Samuel "ministered before the Lord, 
 being a child, girded with x a linen ephod. 
 
 p 29. Ex. 29:27, *29 Lev. 1:34. !e. 560 1. Mai. 1:10. 2 Pet. 2:13— 15. q Lev.3:3 
 —5,16. Rom. 16:1b. Phil. 3:19. Jude 12. • Heb . as on tic tlm/. Lex. 3:16.7:23— 
 25. r Juds. 18-23. Neh. 5:15. Mic. 2:1,2. 3:5. I Pel. 5:2,3. s Gen. 6:11. 10:9. 
 13:13. 2 Kins* 21:6. 1’s. 51:1. Is. 3:8. t Mai. 2:8, 13. Mall. 18:7. u 11. 3.1. x 22: 
 18. Ex. 28 4 Lex. 8:7. 2 'am. 6:14. y 1:3,21. Ex. 23:14. •/. Gen. 14: 19. 27:27 
 — 29. Num. 6:23— 27. Ruth 2:12. 4:17. t Or, partition which she asked, Sic. 
 
 liar service?, until they were twenty-five years of age ; but 
 Samuel, being devoted to God in an especial manner, was 
 from a child, employed about the sanctuary in those things of 
 which he was capable, and thus “ did minister unto the 
 Lord.” ( Notes, Num. 8:24 — 2b.) 
 
 Y. 12. The soils of Eli had been brought up in the courts 
 of God, and instructed out of the law, and probably had some 
 general speculative knowledge of God and divine things : yet 
 being sons of Behai, men of a rebellious and disobedient 
 spirit, (JMnrg. Ref. n. Note Dent. 13:13 — 18.) it is said, that 
 ''they knew not the Lord.” They had neither that acquain- 
 tance with the divine perfection?, nor that disposition of 
 heart to love them, which are essenlial to true religion ; nor 
 that experience of the faithfulness and loving-kindness of God, 
 to which those attain, who trust him and call on him, and have 
 real communion with him. {Notes, 1 Chr. 28:9. John 17:1 — 3.) 
 — Eli appears to have been a godly man, and probably set his 
 sons a good example in private life, ami gave them good ad- 
 vice and insl ruction : but he yielded to a natural timidity 
 snd feebleness of mind, and shunned trouble and exertion. 
 Thus he w as induced to indulge his children, instead of 
 exercising his parental authority to restrain and correct them 
 when young: and he connived at many abuses in the service 
 of the sanctuary, till they became customs, and made way 
 for greater abominations ; and even then he did not exert 
 himself, as it became the high-priest and judge of Israel, to 
 punish and repress them. [Notes, 23 — 29. 3:13.) 
 
 V. 13 — 16. The priests had the whole breast, the right 
 shoulder, the cheeks, and the maw, allotted to them by the 
 law, out of every peace offering. (Notes, Lev. 7:29 — 34. Deut. 
 18:3.) But in addition to this, it had become customary for 
 the servants of the priest to come, while the flesh was boil- 
 ing, for the use of the offerer and his friends, in vessels of 
 various sizes, according to the nature of the oblation, placed 
 ,n the court of the tabernacle ; and to carry away whatever 
 the flesh-hook, or three-pronged fork, brought up : and the 
 people in veneration for the priesthood quietly submitted to 
 It ; by which the appetites of the priests were gratified with 
 greater variety, and their avarice with an additional perquisite. 
 The sons of Eli, however, were not satisfied with this inno- 
 vation, which did not always secure the choicest parts : but, 
 while they neglected or postponed “burning the fat,” (which, 
 typifying the sacrifice of Christ, and being the appointed ex- 
 pression of the offerer’s repentance and faith, was essential 
 to the acceptance of ihe sacrifice ;) they insisted upon having 
 such portions of the flesh as they chose, for roasting ; and 
 when any one, however conscientiously and mildly, remon- 
 strated against this abuse in a sacred ordinance, though 
 willing to yield every other point, the very servants were so 
 insolent, as to threaten to take it by force ! Thus these priests 
 “ lorded it over God’s heritage,” and “ kicked at his sacrifice 
 which he had commanded 1” (Notes, Is. 56:9 — 12. Hos. 4:6 — 
 11. Mai. 1:12—14. 1 Pet. 5:1—4.) 
 
 V. 17. The contempt of God and his ordinances, shown 
 by the sons of Eli, was in all respects very great ; and the sin 
 was aggravated by their public character and eminent station. 
 But it is especially noted, that through them “ men abhorred 
 the offering of the Lord.” Many were so prejudiced by 
 their scandalous behaviour, as entirely to neglect religion : 
 others would deem it unnecessary to put themselves to the 
 trouble and expense of going up to Shiloh with their sacri- 
 fices, there to witness such enormities ; which would prove a 
 temptation to sacrificing in other places, contrary to the law : 
 and even those who persevered in attending, were so grieved, 
 that they hated to go, and had no comfort in the ordinances. 
 So that the stated worship of God was likely to be quite 
 
 19 Moreover his mother made him a little 
 
 coat, and brought it to him ffrom year to year, 
 
 when she came up with her husband to offer the 
 
 yearly sacrifice. 
 
 20 And Eli ’blessed Elkanah and his wife, and 
 said, the Lord give thee seed of this woman, for 
 the *loan which is lent to the Lord. And they 
 went unto their own home. 
 
 21 And the Lord “visited Hannah, so that 
 she conceived and bare three sons and two 
 daughters. And the child Samuel b grew before 
 tire Lord. 
 
 22 *11 Now Eli "was very old, and heard all 
 
 that his sons d did unto all Israel ; and how they 
 
 lay with the women that ^assembled at the door 
 of the tabernacle of the congregation. 
 
 23 And he said unto them, “Why do ye such 
 things ? for hear of your evil dealings < by all 
 this people. 
 
 24 Nay, my sons; for it is "no good report 
 that I hear : h ye make the Lord’s people to "trans- 
 gress. 
 
 1:27,28. a 1:19,20. Gen. 21:1. Luke 1:68. b26. 3:19. Judg. 13:24. Luke 1:80. 
 2:40,52. c 8:1. d 13- 17. Jer. 7.9,10. Ez. 22:26. Hos. 1 :9— 11. Jtleh.Msem- 
 hied by troops. Ex. 38:8. el Kings 1:6. /'ct$9:4. 14:15. § Or, I hear evil 
 
 rcords of you. f Is. 3.9. Jer. 3:3. 8:12. Phih 3:19. g Acts 6:3. 2 Cor. 6:8. 
 1 Tim. 3:7. 3 John 12. h 17,22. Ex. 32:21. 1 Kings 13:18-21. 15:30. 2 Kings 
 10:31. Mai. 2:8. Matt. 18:6. 2 PeU2:18. Rev. 2:20. || Or, cry out. 
 
 forsaken, and general ignorance, ungodliness, profligacy, or 
 idolatry to ensue. It does not appear that Eli reproved hia 
 sons for these things, or refused feasting with them on those 
 portions which they sacrilegiously obtained. (Notes, 29. Mai. 
 2:4—9.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. The contrast between the child Samuel and 
 the wicked sons of Eli, between his docility and early piety 
 and their daring impiety, seems intentionally marked by the 
 accounts of them being thus interwoven. — It was a trial o. 
 the faith of Elkanah and Hannah, to leave their son with 
 such abandoned priests : but they were performing a vow, 
 and the Lord, with whom they trusted him, preserved him 
 from the contagion. Eli likewise was peculiarly pleased with 
 him, and clothed him when employed at the sanctuary in a 
 linen ephod, such as the ordinary priests wore, and others 
 occasionally in the service of God; (Notts, 22:18. Ex. 28: 
 40,41. 2 Sam. 6:14,15.) thus denoting the great expectations 
 that he had from him. His parents also, who persevered in 
 coming to the courts of the Lord notwithstanding the miscon- 
 duqt of the priests supplied him with every thing further that 
 he wanted. 
 
 V. 20, 21. It seems that Elkanah and Hannah, having so 
 hopeful a son, (whom however they seldom saw,) were 
 satisfied, though for several years, they had no more children. 
 It appears also that Eli, notwithstanding his misconduct in 
 respect of his sons, really loved those who loved the Lord ; 
 and was so pleased with the conduct of Samuel, and with 
 the piety of his parents, that his heart was enlarged in bless- 
 ing them, and in praying that they might be recompensed, for 
 devoting their only son to the service of God’s sanctuary, by 
 the comfort of more children : and his prayer in this respect 
 was abundantly answered. 
 
 V. 22. (Note, Ex. 38:8.) These “women that assem- 
 bled at the door of the tabernacle,” are said by some writers to 
 have dedicated themselves, by courses, to the service of the 
 sanctuary, doing any work pertaining to it, which belonged to 
 their sex ; such as spinning, weaving curtains, washing the 
 garments, and various services of a similar nature : and by 
 their attendance for these purposes, the priests at the sanc- 
 tuary had an opportunity of forming an acquaintance with 
 them. Their business, however, was doubtless professedly 
 of a religious nature : but when those, who ought to have 
 been their instructers in piety, used their influence to solicit 
 them to wickedness, the most shameful consequences follow- 
 ed.— A more horrible abomination can scarcely be conceived : 
 and it could hardly have been deemed credible, did not every 
 age produce examples in some respects similar and not less 
 atrocious, to the great dishonour of the gospel, and to the 
 hardening and rejoicing of the hearts of infidels and profli- 
 gates. (Notes, Jer. 23:13 — 15. Hos. 6:8 — 10. Matt. 18:7 — 9. 
 2 Pel. 2:12—14.) 
 
 V.23 — 25. This last enormity induced Eli to reprove his 
 sons ; which he did in language very reasonable, and suited 
 to the case of those who, though faulty, possess a tender 
 conscience ; but far too mild for such atrocious offenders. 
 Indeed no words ought in this case to havo sufficed : the exe- 
 cution of condign punishment upon them was absolutely due 
 to the insulted honour of God, and needful to counteract, by 
 a salutary example, the fatal effects of their crimes upon the 
 minds of the people. To have finally excluded them from the 
 execution of every priestly office, was the least that Eli, as 
 the high-priest and the judge of Israel, ought to have done: 
 and if he had imitated the zeal of his tribe, “wdio said to his 
 father and mother, I have not seen him, neither did he 
 acknowledge his brethren, nor know his own children :” 
 (Notes, Ex. 32:27 — 29. Deut. 33:9.) and if he had honoured 
 . 479 ) 
 
B. C. 1128. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1128. 
 
 25 If one man 'sin against another, the judge 
 shall judge him : but k if a man sin against the 
 Lord, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstand- 
 ing they 'hearkened not unto the voice of their 
 father, because the Lord would slay them. 
 
 26 And the child Samuel m grew on, and "was 
 in favour both with the Lord, and also with 
 
 men. f Practical Observations. J ^ 
 
 27 It And there came °a man of God unto Eli 
 and said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, rDid I 
 plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when 
 they were in Egypt, in Pharaoh’s house ? 
 
 28 And adid I choose him out of all the tribes of 
 Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to 
 burn incense, to wear an ephod before me ? and 
 r did I give unto the house of thy father all the 
 offerings made by fire of the children of Israel ? 
 
 29 Wherefore s kick ye at my sacrifice, and at 
 mine offering, which I have commanded in my 
 ‘habitation ; and "lionourest thy sons above me, to 
 “make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the 
 offering's of Israel my people ? 
 
 30 Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, 
 y I said indeed that thy house, and the house of 
 thy father, should walk before me for ever : but 
 now the Lord saith, z Be it far from me, for 
 
 i Deal. 17:8-12. 25 l— 3. k 3:14. Nam. 15.30. Ps. 51:4,16. Hel>. 10:26. 1 Deut. 
 2:30. Josh. 11:20. 2 Chr. 25.16. Prov. 15:10. John 12:39,40. m 21. n Prov. 3:4. 
 Luke 1:80. 2:40.52. Acls 2:47. Rom. 14:18. o 9:6. Deut. 83:1 . Judg. 6:8. 13:6. 
 
 1 Kings 13:1. 1 Tim. 6: 1 1. 2 Pet. 1 :21. p Kx. 4:14,27. q Kx. 28:1,4, 6— 30 . 29: 
 1, &c. 39:1, Sic. Lev. 8:7,9. Num. 16:5. 17:5-8. 18:1—7. 2 Sam. 12:7. r Lev. 
 2:3,10. 6:16. 7:7.8,32,35. 10:14,15. Num. 5:9,10. 18:8-19. Deut. 18:1—8. s 13 
 -17. Dent. 32:15. Mai. 1:12,13. t Deni. 12:5,6. Josh. 18:1. u Lev. 19:15. 
 Deut. 33 9. Mitt. 10:37. 22:16. Luke 14.25. 2 Cor. 5:16. Jam. 3:17. x 13—16. 
 (s. 5S:11, 12. Ez. 13:19. 34:2. Hns. 4:8. Mic. 3:5. Rom. 16:18. y Ex. 28:43. 
 29:9. Num. 25:11— 13. 7. Num. 45:34. marg. 2 Chr. 15:2. Jer. 18:9,10. a Juilg. 
 9:9. Ps. 50:23. Prov. 3:9. Is. 29:13. Dan. 4:34. Mai. 1:6. John 5:23. 8:49.13: 
 
 God more than his ungodly sons, he would have done it (29j. 
 There were priests enough without employing such monsters 
 of iniquity : and his neglect was chastised in the most terri* 
 ble manner, in their destruction, with the slaughter of thirty 
 thousand Israelites, in the captivity of the ark, in his own vio- 
 'ent death, and in the ruin of his family. ( Notes , 4:) His 
 words, however, are worthy of consideration : he endeav- 
 oured to convince his sons, that their conduct was notoriously 
 evil ; that their characters were publicly infamous ; that reli- 
 gion was scandalized ; and that the Lord’s people were in 
 various ways made to transgress. If their crimes had only 
 injured their fellow creatures, the judge might have appointed 
 a penalty, which being paid or submitted to, the guilt might 
 have been taken away : or if their sin had been of an ordi- 
 nary kind, the priest, who was judge in such cases, having 
 offered their sin-offering and entreated the Lord for them, 
 they might have been forgiven. But their offence was so 
 directly against the Lord, and so interwoven with their minis- 
 trations as priests, in offering the sacrifices for sin, that no 
 expiation could be accepted for the presumptuous crime ; no 
 entreaty nor intercession could be made for them ; and none 
 could dare to stand between them and the wrath of God to 
 which they were exposed. For the intercession for sinners 
 with a holy God, was grounded upon the atonement of the 
 promised Saviour, which was typified by the sacrifices that 
 they had so horribly polluted. (Notes, Heb. 10:26 — 31.) 
 This seems to be the meaning couched under Eli’s words, 
 though through his timidity, and perhaps indistinct views of 
 the subject, not very clearly expressed. — The case of these 
 wicked men was indeed bad, when their own father could not 
 entreat the Lord for them, though he had not resolution to 
 restrain and punish them ! — It seems that they utterly disre- 
 garded his reproof ; for the Lord was determined to restore 
 the honour of his own ordinances by executing signal ven- 
 geance upon them, and therefore he left them to total obdu- 
 racy. (Notes, Deut. 2:30. Josh. 11:19,20. 2 Sam. 17:7 — 14. 
 
 2 Chr. 25:14 — 16.) — The original signifies, that it was pleas- 
 ing to the Lord to slay them. 
 
 , V. 27, 28. This prophet was sent, as an extraordinary 
 messenger fVom God, to reprove the neglect and wickedness 
 of his ordinary ministers the priests ; and even of the high- 
 priest, the divinely constituted head of the church and ruler 
 of the nation of Israel ; and indeed, in some or all of these 
 respects, the subsequent prophets were the same. This 
 humiliating circumstance was in itself a token of the Lord’s 
 displeasure, and a preparation for Eli’s being further warned 
 by the mouth even of the child Samuel. (Notes, 3:8 — 14.) 
 The signal favours, which the Lord had conferred on the 
 house of Aaron, and the family of Eli, were mentioned as an 
 ^gravation of his sin, which was thus marked with black 
 ingratitude. — u Wearing an ephod,” hero refers to the sacred 
 ephod with the breast-plate of judgment, with which the high- 
 priest consulted the Lord. (Note, Ex. 28:30.) 
 
 V. 29. Eli, as high-priest and judge, was bound to repress 
 wickedness without partiality, and to maintain the worship of 
 God in purity ; so that he was deemed an accomplice in the 
 crimes of his sons, because he connived at them. He there- 
 
 ( 480 ) 
 
 •them that honour me, b I will honour, and they 
 •that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. 
 
 31 Behold, the days come that ‘‘I will cut off 
 thine arm, and the arm of thy fathers house, that 
 there shall no-t be an old man in thine house. 
 
 32 And thou shalt see ’an enemy in my habita 
 tion, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel : 
 and there shall not be e an old man in thine house 
 for ever. 
 
 33 And the man of thine whom I shall not cut 
 ofl from mine altar, shall be f to consume thine 
 eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase 
 of thine house shall die 'in the flower of their age 
 
 34 And this shall be sa sign unto thee, that sha 
 come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Pliine 
 has ; h in one day they shall die both of them. 
 
 35 And ‘I will raise me up a faithful priest, that 
 shall do according to that which is in mine heart, 
 and in my mind : and k I will build him a sure house ; 
 and he shall walk before 'mine anointed for ever. 
 
 36 And it shall come to pass, that every one 
 that ra is left in thine house shall come and crouch 
 to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, 
 and shall say, Tut me, I^pray thee, into §one of 
 the priests’ offices, that I may “eat a piece of 
 bread. 
 
 31,32.17:4,5. b Ps. 91:14. John 5:44. 12:26. 1 Cor. 4:5. 1 Pet. 1:7. c Num. 
 11:20. 2 Sam. 12:9,10. Mai. 2:9. d 4:2,1 1,17— 20. 14:3. 22:17—20. 1 King. 9c 
 26,27. Job 22:9. Ps. 37:17. Ez. 30:21 — 24. * Or, the affiiclionof the tabernacle^ 
 for all the wealth which God. would have given Israel. 4:4,11,22. Ps. 78:59 — 64. 
 e Zech. 8:4. f 22:21— 23. I Kings 1:7.19. 2:26,27. Matt. 2: 16— 18. t Heb. men 
 g 3: 12. 1 Kings 13.3. 14.12. h 4:11,17 i 1 Kings 1 :8,45. 2:35. 1 Chr. 29:22, 
 Ez. 34:23. 44:15. Heb. 2:17. 7:26—28. k 25:28. Kx. 1:21. Nuin. 25:13. 2 Sam. 
 7:11,27. 1 Kings 11:38. 1 Chr. 6:8— 15. Neh. 12:J0J 1. IPs. 2:2. 18:50. 
 
 mlKings2:27. Ez. 44:10 — 12. + Heb. join. Heb. somewhat about the priest- 
 hood. n29,3U.'Mal. 1:13. 
 
 fore, as well as they, was charged with 44 kicking at” and des- 
 pising the sacrifices ; only regarding them as the means of 
 their gratification. (Note, 13 — 16.) This arose especially 
 from undue regard to his sons, whom he honoured more than 
 God himself; by preferring their safety, interest, authority, 
 and indulgence, to his glory : whereas he ought not to have 
 41 known his own children,” but to have disregarded even 
 their lives • suppressing paternal tenderness, in his zeal for 
 God and his ordinances. (Marg. Ref. 2 Cor. 5:16. 1 Tim* 
 5:20—22. Jam. 3:17,18.) 
 
 V. 30. The promise of a perpetual priesthood, given first 
 to Aaron, was afterwards made to Phinehas, the son of Elo- 
 azar, Aaron’s eldest son : (Notes, Num. 25:11 — 13. 1 Chr. 
 6:4 — 15.) but Eli was of the line of Ithamar; and it is not 
 known on what account, and at what time, the high-priest- 
 hood was transferred from Eleazar’s family to that of Itha- 
 mar. In both instances a tacit condition must have been 
 implied ; namely, while 44 they walked before God,” in faith 
 and piety. (Note, Num. 1 4:34. ) — The reason however, 
 assigned for setting aside Eli’s family, is of universal appli- 
 cation : 44 Them that honour me I will honour, and they that 
 despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” Those who choose 
 God for their Portion, who trust him for salvation, love him 
 above all created objects, renounce worldly interests and con- 
 nexions for his glory, and count nothing too valuable to part 
 with, too hard to do, or too sharp to suffer, for his sake, and 
 to promote his cause ; shall be honoured by him, perhaps in 
 this world, certainly in the world to come : but those, who 
 despise his authority, his salvation, caus6, or glory, in com- 
 parison of the interests, ease, credit, or pleasure of them- 
 selves or families ; shall sink into contempt in this world, or 
 in the world to come, or in both. (Marg. Ref.- b, c. Notes, 
 2 Chr. 24:15,16. 31:20,21. Mai. 2:1— 9.)— For ever.] Note , 
 Gen. 17:7,8. 
 
 V. 31 — 34. This prediction began to be fulfilled, when the 
 Philistines vanquished the Israelites with great slaughter, 
 and killed Eli’s two sons in one day ; and afterwards in the 
 massacre of his descendants by Saul, and in the deposition 
 of Abiathar for treason by Solomon, with the subsequent 
 degradation of his family. (Notes, 4:10 — 18. 22:17 — 19. I 
 Kings 2:26,27.) As Eli had so greatly offended in old age, it 
 was also foretold, that his descendants, even in future ages, 
 should die in the prime of life ; which no doubt was exactly 
 fulfilled, though little dcpcndance can he placed on the instan- 
 ces mentioned by the Jewish writers as examples of it. — 
 When Eli witnessed the removal of the ark from Shiloh, he 
 might be said, according to the marginal reading, to 44 see the 
 affliction of tho tabernacle, for,” or instead of, 44 all the wealtl 
 which God wouid have given Israel :” for thus the tabernacle 
 was spoiled of its chief glory; and when the ark was taken 
 by the Philistines, Israel was deprived of their richest 
 treasure. — The tidings of thoso events hastened tho death of 
 Eli : and had he lived to see the subsequent calamities of his 
 family, the sight would have been most painful to his eyes, 
 and grieving to his heart. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 35, 36. Zadok, of the lino of Eienzar, was made high- 
 priest by Solomon, whoso posterity continued in that office 
 
B. C. 1128 . 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 T^e Lord reveals himself to the child Samuel , and in forms him of his purpo- 
 ses attains! the house of Eli, 1 — 14. Samuel , adjured by Eli , tells him the 
 vision ; and Eli answers submissively, 13 — 18. Samuel is established to be 
 a prophet of the Lord. 19 — 21 . 
 
 A ND "the child Samuel ministered unto the 
 Loro before Eli. And b the word of the 
 
 * 15 . 5 : 11 , 18 . b 51. Ps.74:9. Ia. 13:15. Am. 8:11,15. c 2:22. 4:15. Gen. 27:1. 
 
 till the captivity; (Notes, 1 Chr. 6:4 — 15. 24:1 — 4,6. ) and 
 concurred with the pious princes in promoting true religion: 
 while the descendants of Eli, being excluded from thje more 
 honourable and lucrative parts of their office, would abjectly 
 petition the priests for the lowest services, in order to obtain 
 the meanest maintainance. — The concurrence of the priests 
 of Aaron’s line with the kings of David’s family, while they 
 thus walked before the anointed of the Lord, typified the 
 union of the kingly and priestly offices in Jesus Christ: which 
 seems also to have been predicted. No mention had been 
 made of anointing a king over Israel, when this prophecy 
 was delivered. (Notes, 10. Deut. 17:14,15.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Y. 1 — 10. The mercies which we receive in answer to our 
 prayers, should not only be acknowledged with thankful praise, 
 but should lead us to rejoice in the Lord as the Fountain of 
 felicity and the God of Salvation; and to anticipate with 
 cheerful hope our complete deliverance, and victory over all 
 the enemies of our souls. From what the Lord has done for 
 its, we should be led to meditate upon his glorious perfections, 
 as displayed in all his works, but especially in his dealings 
 with sinners who hope in his mercy. — An established judgment, 
 concerning his perfect wisdom, power, love, and faithfulness, 
 as exercised with sovereign authority, in the whole adminis- 
 tration of his kingdom of providence and grace ; and an 
 habitual regard to his operations in all those events, which take 
 place through the instrumentality of second causes, or rational 
 agents, of whatever kind or character ; will confirm our belief, 
 that they, and they only, are safe and happy, who trust in 
 him and enjoy his favour; and that the present success, 
 boastings, and confidence of the wicked, will shortly terminate 
 in disappointment, misery, and despair; and the troubles of 
 every humble believer, in triumph and exultation. — Vain and 
 transitory are all distinctions, except that between the godly 
 and the ungodly, which will swallow up the rest, and endure 
 to all eternity. — “ The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by 
 him actions are weighed.” He knows and approves his people, 
 and he marks with abhorrence the presumptuous offender: 
 with uncontrollable authority he dispenses to every man, as 
 he pleases ; and in his own most wise and gracious time and 
 manner he will terminate the afflictions ofhis people, advance 
 their comforts, and overrule every event for their good. Let 
 us then wait his •time, and submissively trust him; and we 
 shall acknowledge at last that “ he hath done all things well.” 
 Every circumstance of our life and death is already appointed 
 in the secret purpose of our God : we shall live, however 
 exposed, till he pleases to take away our breath ; and then we 
 must die, whatever efforts be made to prolong our lives. As 
 this period, unknown to us. cannot be far distant, it is our 
 wisdom and duty to prepare for it : making it our one great 
 business to obtain the favour of God and do his will ; in assu- 
 red hope that, however abject our condition in this world, we 
 shall at. length “inherit the throne of glory.” — Though our 
 path be dark and slippery, and beset with snares and enemies, 
 the Lord will keep our feet, and uphold our goings, by the 
 same power which established the earth ; nor can any power 
 prevail against his saints, or prevent the destruction of his 
 enemies. May the Lord hasten that day, when his anointed 
 Priest and King shall establish his authority throughout the 
 earth, upon the ruins of all opposition ! 
 
 V. 11 — 26. Our gracious God accepts thanks for mercies 
 received, as prayers for further benefits ; and when we offer 
 him his own, he considers the service as a loan, and as such 
 will recompense it. (Note, Prov. 19:17.) Out of the mouth 
 of babes he can perfect his praise, and by their example 
 expose the shame of those sons of Belial who, with every 
 advantage, know him not and rebel against him. (Notes, 
 Matt. 11:25,26. 21:14 — 16.) — We have great encouragement 
 to devote our children to the Lord in prayer from their birth, 
 yea from their conception, to bring them early to his courts, 
 and to train them up in his ways ; for in this manner he gen- 
 erally takes them into his service, and gives them that spiritual 
 and experimental knowledge of himself, which fortifies the 
 heart against temptation, and is the source of all godliness. 
 (Note, 1 Chr. 28:9. )• — The feeble attempts of children to serve 
 God are noticed with condescending regard, as peculiarly 
 pleasing to him; for in all cases “where there is a willing 
 mind, it is accepted according to what a man hath, and not 
 according to what he hath not:” and the grace of God is 
 sufficient for his feeblest servants, when in their proper place, 
 though in the midst of the worst examples, and struggling 
 with the most powerful temptations. (Notes, Gejj. 39:) — 
 The neglect of properly educating children, and the indul- 
 gence of their wayward inclinations, is a sin which God 
 severely chastises in his own people : because it seems to 
 imply a contempt of his authority and special favour, and a 
 disregard to his glory, as well as to their immortal souls ; and 
 because »fc tends to the most fatal crimes and apostacies, and 
 Vol. I. — G1 
 
 B. C. 1123 
 
 Lord was precious in those clays ; there was no 
 open vision. 
 
 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli 
 was laid down in his place, and'his eyes began to 
 wax dim, that he could not see : 
 
 3 And ere d the lamp of God went, out in 
 
 48:10. Ps. 90:10. Ec. 12:3. d Ex. 27:20,21. 30:7,8. Lev. 24:2— 4. 2 Chr. 13:11. 
 
 to the utter decay of true religion. None are generally more 
 abandoned than the degenerate offspring of pious persons, 
 when they have broken through all the restraints of shame, 
 conscience, and regard to character: and thus the cause of 
 religion suffers, both in loosing those families which were its 
 support, and in the prejudice which their base conduct excites 
 in the minds of beholders. And when such children of Belial 
 have been admitted into the sacred ministry, and are allowed 
 to go on with the forms of godliness, for the sake of emolu- 
 ment or authority; they prove the. most fatal enemies to the 
 cause of God, and the most destructive murderers of the 
 souls of men. Many they mislead, but more they set against 
 all religion ; they furnish infidels and scoffers with their most 
 formidable weapons ; they supply excuses lothe careless and 
 slothful; they discourage the hearts, and damp the zeal, o. 
 those who are seriously disposed, and “ cause even the Lord’s 
 people to transgress ;” they buoy up the confidence of hypo- 
 crites, and by their enticements and examples tempt many 
 to those sins, which they would otherwise have trembled to 
 think of. — We' ought not, however, on account of such men, 
 to neglect the ordinances, truths, or precepts of God’s word 
 but by persevering in a contrary conduct, we should enter 
 our protest against them, and evince the difference between 
 the name and the reality of religion. — Abuses, when once 
 introduced, are soon sanctioned by custom, and conformed to 
 without hesitation. Thus customs and precedents acquire 
 authority in the church, which it is deemed by a great ma- 
 jority very sinful to dissent from or object to, even in the most 
 peaceful manner. — Yet when wicked men have thus gained 
 one point for their own lucre or ambition, they will attempt 
 ajiother, and not shrink from the basest crimes to serve their 
 selfish purposes. And is it not evident, that the whole ss'stem 
 of papal' anti-christianity grew up in this manner, to its full 
 stature of spiritual domination and iniquity ? — The beginnings 
 should therefore be steadily resisted ; and in such a case mild 
 arguments and gentle rebukes are feeble weapons ; the ciW-cive 
 arm of authority should impartially and decisively interpose : 
 for, though the magistrate must not use his sword in matters 
 simply of conscience towards God ; yet he ought to use it in 
 punishing atrocious immorality in persons of every description : 
 and the rulers of the church are bound, by the strongest 
 responsibility, to exercise their spiritual authority, in excluding 
 them from the sacred office. If, however, they escape with 
 impunity, through the false tenderness or parlial negligence 
 of those who ought to execute condign punishment upon them , 
 they will not escape the vengeance of God: and wretched 
 indeed is the case of those, who, by their contempt of the 
 sacrifice of Christ, are excluded from the benefit ofhis inter- 
 cession ; and who have so long hardened themselves, as to be 
 left to judicial hardness, in the righteous judgment of God, 
 because he has determined to destroy them ! (Note, 2 Thes. 
 2:8—12.) 
 
 V. 27 — 36. If the servants of God yield to temptation, and 
 repeatedly commit iniquity ; he will persevere in his rebukes 
 and chastenings, till he has brought them to repentance: and 
 in this process the offenders will suffer unspeakable anguish. 
 The dishonour which they have occasioned to the name o. 
 the Lord, shall redound in disgrace upon themselves and their 
 families; the crimes which they have connived at in others, 
 through self-indulgence or partial affection, will be corrected 
 in themselves ; their expectations will be blasted, their dis- 
 tinctions withered, their usefulness precluded, and their honour 
 laid in the dust, or rather transferred to those who honour 
 God: and perhaps the repeated and severest strokes of the 
 Lord’s chastising rod, shall pursue them down to the grave.— 
 That improper regard to the interests of his family, which 
 induces a man to offend God, often proves the immediate 
 cause of its ruin ; whilst a disregard shown by any one, to all 
 personal or relative interests, when the glory of God is con- 
 cerned, forms the best method of promoting the welfare of 
 his posterity. — Many of the Lord’s offending people live to 
 witness terrible effects of their misconduct ; but how would it 
 grieve their hearts, if they could foresee all the future conse- 
 quences of every kind, to their families, and to the church, and 
 in hardening sinners to their destruction ! Let us endeavour 
 to conceive of them, that we may be led to greater abhorrence 
 and dread of sin, and to more constant watchfulness and 
 prayer : for these things were written for our warning, that 
 we might the more earnestly resist temptation, and strive 
 against the beginnings of iniquity, and train up our families 
 “ in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” — But whosoever 
 misbehaves, or is degraded, the work of the Lord shall not 
 be stayed for want of instruments : and though others have 
 been and are useful and faithful as servants, in their several 
 generations; yet the Son of God is the- faithful and merciful 
 High Priest, who doeth according to all that is in the heart o. 
 his heavenly Father, and whose priesthood shall be unchange- 
 able and eternal. The meanest office under him is great 
 ( 481 ) 
 
B. C. 1128. 
 
 I. SAMUEL 
 
 B. C. 1 1 2S. 
 
 •the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God 
 was , and Samuel was laid down to sleep ; 
 
 4 That the Lord ‘ called Samuel: and he an- 
 swered, Here am I. 
 
 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; 
 for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not ; 
 lie down again. And he went and lay down. 
 
 6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And 
 Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am 
 I ; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I 
 called not, g my son ; lie down again. 
 
 7 'Now Samuel h did not yet know the Lord, 
 neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed 
 unto him. 
 
 8 And the Lord called Samuel again ‘the third 
 time. And he arose, and went to Eli, and said. 
 Here am I ; for thou didst call me. And Eli 
 perceived that the Lord had called the child. 
 
 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down ; 
 and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shaltsay, 
 k Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. So 
 Samuel went, and lay down in his place. 
 
 10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called 
 as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel 
 answered, Speak, for thy servant heareth. 
 
 11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, ‘I 
 
 c 1:9. Ps. 5:7. 27 4. 29:9. f Gen. 22:1. Ex. 3:4. Pa. 99:6. Acta 9:4. 1 Cor. 12: 
 6-11,23. Gal. 1:15,16. g 4:1S. Gen. 43:29. 2 Sam. 18:22. Matt. 9:2. 'Or. 
 thus did Samuel before he knew the LORI), and before lh> word of the LORD 
 tons ree.ea.led unto him. h Jer. 9:24. Acts 19:2. i Job 33: 1 4,15. k Ex. 20:19. 
 F*. 85:8. Is. 6:8. Dan. 10:19. Acts S:6. 1 Is. 29:14. Am 3:6,7. Hah. 1:5. Acts 
 13:41. m 2 Kin«e 21:12. Ta. 28:19. Jer. 19:3. Luke2I:26. n 2:27— 36. Niim. 
 83:19. Josh. 23:15. Zech. 1:6. Luke 21:33. t Heb. beginning and ending. 
 I Or, and r will tell, &c. 2:27, &c. o2Chr.20:12. Ez. 7:3. 18:30. Joel 3:12. 
 p 1 Kings 2:44. Ec. 7:22. 1 John 3:20. q2:12— 17,22. § Or, accursed. || Heb. 
 
 preferment ; his pleasant service is perfect freedom : he will 
 here feed, and hereafter glorify, all who disinterestedly serve 
 him; but the hirelings he will utterly exclude. — May he 
 furnish and send forth many faithful ministers, who may seek 
 his glory, and follow his example ; and never henceforth suffer 
 any^kvho resemble Hophni and Phinehas, to prostitute the 
 sacrea ministry to their avarice and ambition, or to disgrace 
 it by their crimes ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. ITT. V. 1. Samuel, under the direc- 
 tion of Eli, diligently performed such services at the taber- 
 nacle as he was capable of. (Notes, 2:11,18,19.) He is 
 supposed at this time to have been about twelve years of age ; 
 and he was early prepared to enter on the prophetical office, 
 for which the Lord intended him. (Note, Jer. 1:5.) — From 
 the death of Moses, no more than two prophets have been 
 mentioned; (except Deborah, who is called a prophetess:) 
 and these only delivered an occasional message, and then 
 retired ; so that their names are not recorded. (2:27. Judg. 
 6:8 — 10.) Samuel was therefore the first eminent prophet 
 after Moses, and with him prophecy was openly established : 
 so that for several ages prophets were raised up in Israel by 
 a regular succession. But before this time there had been 
 “no open vision:” whatever revelation might be made to 
 individuals, or occasional messages publicly delivered, there 
 was no acknowledged prophet, to whom the people might 
 resort, to know the mind and will of God : and therefore such 
 intimations, as were then given, were more highly valued, 
 than when the gift of prophecy became more common. ( Note, 
 Am. 8:11—14.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. The lamp in the sanctuary, ought to have been 
 constantly kept burning. ( Marg. Ref '. Notes, Ex. 27:20,21. 
 30:7,8.) — Eli being old and infirm had lain down long before ; 
 but Samuel was just retired to rest, in some room adjoining 
 that of Eli, and near to the sanctuary. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Thd^Lord called Samuel by name., in an audible 
 voice: ( Marg . Ref. f :) which he mistook for the call of Eli, 
 who probably often disturbed him in the night through the 
 infirmities of old age. But when Eli assured him, that he 
 did not call him, he went again to his bed, and concluded that 
 he had been mistaken. — His respectful and affectionate assi- 
 duity, in waiting on the aged high-priest, is well worthy of 
 our notice. For he came and even ran, at the first call, and 
 that repeatedly : and Eli’s language to him is expressive of 
 affection. 
 
 V. 7. Samuel was not destitute of the knowledge of God, 
 in that sense which implies the total absence of true piety, as 
 Eli’s sons were : (Note, 2:12.) but he did not know his man- 
 ner of making his will known to the prophets, and therefore 
 was not sensible that, this was the voice of God. (Marg.) 
 The Lord, however, overruled his mistake, to make Eli 
 acquainted with his purpose of revealing himself to Samuel, 
 and to excite his enquiry about it. 
 
 V. 8, 9. Eli could not but. consider the preference, which 
 the Lord thus showed to a child, before himself and amily, 
 as a severe and humiliating rebuke : especially as he had 
 eason to forbode that the message which he was about to 
 eceive, would be a denunciation of judgments on him and 
 nis family : yet, without envy, resentment, or impatience, he 
 gave Samuel proper directions how to behave on the occasion. 
 ( 4S2 ) 
 
 will do a thin" in Israel, at which “both the ears 
 of every one that heareth it shall tingie. 
 
 12 In that day “I will perform against Eli all 
 thing's which I have spoken concerning his house : 
 ‘when I begin, I will also make an end. 
 
 13*Forl have told him, that °I will judge his 
 house for ever, for t^ie iniquity Pwhich he knoweth: 
 because fois sons made themselves §vile, and he 
 "restrained them not. 
 
 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house 
 of Eli, that r the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not 
 be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. 
 
 15 11 And Samuel lay until the morning, and 
 'opened the doors of the house of the Lord : and 
 Samuel ‘feared to show Eli the vision. 
 
 16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, 
 my son. And he answered. Here am I. 
 
 17 And he said, What is the thing that the 
 LORD hath said unto thee? “I pray thee hide it 
 not from me : “God do so to thee, and “more also, 
 if thou hide any "thing from me of all the things 
 that he said unto thee. 
 
 18 And Samuel told him ^every whit, and hid 
 nothing from him. And he said, Ht is the Lord: 
 let him do what seemeth him,good. 
 
 19 And Samuel z grew, and “the Lord was with 
 
 frowned not upon them. 2:23 — 25. 1 Kings 1:6. Prov. 19:18. 23:13,14 . 29:15. 
 Malt. 10:37. r 2:25. Num. 15:30,31 . Ie. 22: 14. Jer. 7: 16. 151. Ez. 24:13. Heb. 
 10:26—31. $1:9. Mai. 1:10. t Jer. 1:6— 8. 1 Cor. 16:10,11. uPs. 141:5. 
 
 Dan. 4:19. Mic. 2:7. x 20:13. Ruth 1:17. 2 .Sam. 3:35. 19:13. lKing«22:16. 
 Matt. 26:63. T\ i\eb. so add. •• Or, word, tt Heb. all the things, or, words. 
 y Gen. 18:25. Judg. 10:15. 2 Sam. 16:10— 12. Job 1:21. 2:10. Ps. 39 9. I». 39:8. 
 Lam. 3:39. 1 Pel. 5:6. z2:21. Judg. 13.24. Luke 1:80. 2:40,52. a 18:14. Gen. 
 39:2,21—23. Is. 43:2. Matt. 1:23. Luke 1:28. 2 Cor. 13:11 14. 2Tim.4:22. 
 
 Speak, Lord. (9) Or, w Speak, O Jehovah.” 
 
 V. 10. And stood, &c.] This seems lo imply a visible 
 appearance, as well as an audible voice. — It is also mentioned 
 that the name Samuel was twice repeated ; and we may 
 observe that Samuel omitted the word Lord, or Jehovah, 
 in answering as Eli had instructed him, probably, through 
 uncertainty, timidity, or profound awe and reverence. 
 
 V. 11. Shall tingle.] The very report would exceedingly 
 affect the hearer, and would seem to thrill in his ears long 
 after ; as very loud and stupendous noises are used to do. 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, 4:13—22. Is. 28:17—19.) 
 
 V. 12. (Notes, 2:27 — 36.) It is probable, that this mes- 
 sage was sent to Eli some years before his death ; and this 
 forbearance of God tended to harden the hefirts of Eli’s sons, 
 in presumptuous expectations of impunity : but when he had 
 once begun to execute the threatened vengeance, he repeated 
 his strokes till the whole had been accomplished. 
 
 V. 13. Eli did not use coercive measures to restrain his 
 sons, as he ought to have done: and by this omission he 
 brought ruin on his family. (See marg. readings. Notes , 
 2:12,22—25,29,30.) 
 
 V. 14. Thesinsof pious individuals among Eli’s posterity 
 would be pardoned, through the Sacrifice of Christ, for their 
 eternal salvation : but the Lord had irrevocably determined, 
 that no number of sin-offerings or oblations should prevail 
 with him, to continue that family in the high priesthood, or to 
 deliver them from the awful temporal judgments which had 
 been denounced ; as perhaps both Eli and his sons hoped 
 would be the case. (Notes, Nvm. 15:30,31. Is. 22:8 — 14.) 
 
 V. 15. In the morning, Samuel opened the gates of the 
 court of the tabernacle, into which the people came to wor- 
 ship, as if nothing had occurred ; neither elated with the 
 distinction, nor neglecting his business, nor mentioning the 
 matter, nor showing the least disrespect to Eli ; but rather 
 through his great deference and affection for him, being re- 
 luctant to inform him of the distressing message. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. Eli was solicitous to know ihc revelation 
 which God had made to Samuel, and afraid that he would 
 not fully inform him of it : but lie must no doubt have been 
 greatly alarmed and distressed, when he heard the awful 
 message, from the mouth of a child, who was so respectfully 
 affectionate to him, and dependent on him ; and whom he 
 could not possibly suspect of artifice, or corrupt motives, or 
 harshness of language. Yet his answer is very remarkable. 
 He reflected on the wisdom, justice, truth, and goodness of 
 God, as well as on his sovereignty. Ho acknowledged that 
 he had a right to do as he saw good, and was assured that 
 he would do nothing wrong. He was conscious that he de 
 served the terrible sentence, and acquiesced in the will ot 
 God, casting himself entirely oil his mercy. — The meekness 
 patience, and humility of these words are very admirable, 
 and prove that Eli was truly penitent and pious: (Marg. 
 Ref. y. Notes, Ijcv. 10:3. Job. 1:20,22. Ps. 39:9,10.) though 
 in his old and infirm age, he had not sufficient courage, vigou% 
 or even authoriiy, to execute punishment, upon his sons. 
 would now set him at defiance. (Notes, 2 iSawi. 3:3tf,39. 2 
 Chr. 33:15—17.) 
 
 V. 19 — 21. Samuel, it seems, was after this frequently 
 favoured with revelations Irom God, which he dolivorcd t« 
 
U. U. 1120. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. 1120 
 
 him, and did Met none of his words fall to the 
 ground. 
 
 20 And all Israel, from 'Dan even to Beer- 
 sheba, knew that Samuel was ‘established to be a 
 prophet of the Loud. 
 
 21 And the Lou n ‘'appeared a^ain in Shiloh: 
 for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh, 
 by* the word of the Lord. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Israelites, smitten by the Philistines, send for he ark , 1 — 4. The Philis- 
 tines are affrighted on account of it ; but encourage one another, 5 — 9. 
 Israel is again smitten, with great slaughter, the ark is taken , and Eli's 
 two sons are slain, ll), 11. On hearing these tidings Eli falls and breaks his 
 neck , 12 — IS. The wife of P.inehas travails, names the child I-chabod, and 
 dies, 19-82. 
 
 A ND the word of Samuel ‘came to all Israel. 
 
 Now Israel went out against the Philistines 
 to battle, and pitched beside “Eben-ezer: and 
 the Philistines pitched in b Aphek. 
 
 2 And the Philistines 'put themselves in array 
 
 h»:6. 1 Kiries 8:56. Is. 44:26. cju<lg.20:l. 2Stim.3:10. 17:11. * Or, faith- 
 
 ful. 1 Tim. i:!'2. (1 Gen. 12:7. 1-3:1. Num. 12:6. Am. 3:7. Heb. 1:1. e 1,4. 
 
 • Or, came to puss. Heb. was. 3. il. n 5: 1.7:12. l> 29:1 . Josh. 19:30. 1 Kings 
 K):30. c 17:8,21. t I 'cb. the battle was s t read, d Josh. 7:5 — 8,12. Ps. 44:9, 
 10. e Ps. 79:7,8. 10C: 10,41. Lam. 3:40. J Heb. the aiTay. fDeui. 29:24. Ps. 
 74:1,11. U. 50:1,2. 58:3. g 14.1b. Num. 31.6. Josh. 6:4,5. 2Sam. 15:25. Is. 1: 
 
 the people : and as these were punctually accomplished, his 
 appointment to he “ a prophet of the Lord” was known and 
 acknowledged, throughout the land. ( Marg . Ref.) “ The 
 word of the Lord,” may either mean an audible voice from 
 God : or the appearance of him, “ whose name is called the 
 Word of God.” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Men are seldom duly sensible of the value of their mercies, 
 till they are deprived of them : and this perversity operates 
 even in matters pertaining to religion. We who are favoured 
 with the written word, and the public preaching of the gospel 
 by ministers of varied talents and endowments, can scarcely 
 conceive how greatly our forefathers, in days of ignorance 
 and persecution, valued a Bible, or the opportunity of hear- 
 ing a faithful sermon ; and how much numbers still value 
 them in different parts of ihe world. (Note, Deut. 31:10 — 13.) 
 This should teach us to be thankful, and to improve our privi- 
 leges, lest the Lord should show us their preciousness by the 
 loss of them. — He disposes of his special favours in wise and 
 holy sovereignty, without confining himself to age, station, 
 or office in his church ; but he orders every thing so as to 
 correct or punish such as offend him, and to M honour those 
 who honour him.” — Docility, diligence, and a humble self- 
 denying disposition in youth, are happy indications of an 
 honourable and useful life. — They, who reduce to practice 
 what they have been already taught, shall b^ favoured with 
 further discoveries concerning the truth and will of God : and 
 where the heart is upright mistakes and infirmities will be 
 pardoned, rectified, and over ruled for good. — Young persons 
 ought to behave with assiduous and attentive kindness to the 
 aged; and to show a submissive respect to their superiors, 
 even when fauliy and under divine rebukes. But no defe- 
 rence to men, because every way superior to themselves, 
 must influence those, whom the Lord employs as his messen- 
 gers, to conceal or mutilate their message : and they are most 
 unwise in their spiritual concerns, who wish to be flattered ; 
 nay, who do not desire above all things to know the whole of 
 /the revealed will of God, and the worst of their own state 
 and case. For though temporal punishment may be unalter- 
 ably determined ; yet, blessed be God, the blood of Jesus 
 cleanses the penitent believer from all sin, and assuredly 
 delivers him from eternal misery ; and this most gracious 
 Saviour casts out none that come to him however guilty, 
 vile, or accursed they have made themselves. — Presumptuous 
 hopes of impunity, because the Lord is long-suffering, ruin 
 multitudes who postpone repentance till God hath u sworn in 
 his wrath that they shall not enter into his rest and when 
 he begins to take vengeance, he will also fully execute his 
 most tremendous threatenings. — If temporal sufferings may 
 be so terrible, as to “cause the ears of all who hear them to 
 tingle,” what will be the everlasting punishment of the wick- 
 ed ! Let us then humble ourselves before God, ere the door 
 of mercy be for ever shut : let us accept of his chastisement, 
 nowever sharp : let us submit to him, because he is a mighty 
 Sovereign, and because he is perfectly wise, righteous, and 
 merciful : let us cast ourselves upon his mercy and seek his 
 salvation ; and study to show our repentance, not only by 
 good words, but by good works ; by restraining others from 
 sin and frowning upon them, however otherwise near and 
 dear to us, as well as by avoiding it ourselves, and by faith- 
 fully improving every talent committed to us. Then, though 
 the infirmities of age disable us for usefulness, and we meet 
 with many humiliating dispensations, we may rejoice to see 
 others likely to be useful when we are gone ; and should 
 willingly impart to them the best counsel we can, though 
 their rising reputation be attended with our dishonour. In 
 ffiis case, should the prospect for our families, our country, or 
 the church of God, be gloomy ; we may encourage ourselves 
 <ti the. hope of that state, where “ the wicked cease from 
 troubling, and where the weary are at rest.” (Note, 2 Sam. 
 
 against Israel : and when Uhey joined battle. 
 d lsrael was smitten before the Philistines; e ana 
 they slew of Uhe army in the field about four 
 thousand men. 
 
 3 And when the people were come into the 
 camp, the elders of Israel said , 1 Wherefore hath 
 the Lord smitten us to-day before the Philistines? 
 eLet us §fetch h the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord out of Shiloh unto us, that when it cometh 
 among us, ‘it may save us out of the hand of our 
 enemies. 
 
 4 So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might 
 bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord of hosts, Hvhich dwelleth between ‘the 
 cherubims : and the two sons of Eli, "'Hophni and 
 Phinehas, were there "with the ark of the covenant 
 of God. 
 
 5 And when the ark of the covenant of the 
 
 11 — 15. Jer. 7.4,8 — 15. Matt. 3:9,10. § Heb. take unto us. h Num. 10:33 
 
 Deut. 31:26. Josh. 4:7. lChr.l7:l. Jer. 3:16. Heb. 9:4. I Jer. 7:8— 11. Am. 
 5:21,22. Matt. 23:25—28. Rom. 2.28,29. 1 Cor. 10:1—5. 2 Tim. 3:5. 1 Pet. 3:21 
 Jude 5. k2som. 6:2. 2 Kings 19:15. Ps. 80:1. 99:1. 1 Ex. 25:18- 22. Num. 7' 
 89. m 2:12—17,22. Ps. 50:16,17. Jlal. 1:9. Acts 19:15,16. n Num. 4:5,15 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1. The word, which the 
 Lord had spoken to Samuel, concerning Eli’s family; or the 
 word which from time to time the Lord sent by him to the 
 people, declaring his will and calling them to repentance ; 
 was heard throughout the land, and excited great attention. * 
 (Note, 3:19 — 21.) — Some learned men suppose, that the 
 events recorded in this chapter occurred immediately after 
 the death of Samson ; and that the slaughter at that time 
 made of the Philistines encouraged the Israelites to attack 
 them. If so, Eli judged Israel during the whole life of Sam- 
 son, who lived about forty years ; as he too judged Israel 
 twenty years. (18. Notes, Judg. 15:20. 16:30,31.) Again, 
 some are of opinion, that these events happened about the 
 middle of the forty years, during which the Philistines op- 
 pressed Israel : but on that supposition, Samson must have 
 been born at least twenty years before that oppression began, 
 which does not accord with the narrative: (Notes, Judg. 
 13:1,4,5.) and if his exploits only made way for the defeats 
 recorded in this chapter ; how could it be said that he began 
 to deliver Israel? — Others, however, think that the forty 
 years, during which the Philistines oppressed Israel, ended 
 about seven months after Eli’s death, when the ark of God 
 was restored : and in that case the subsequent oppression by 
 the Philistines must be considered, as distinct from that men- 
 tioned in the book of Judges. The chronology of these times 
 is, in fact, to us abstruse and uncertain. (Notes, Judg. 3:11. 
 
 1 1:26.) — Perhaps Samuel was at this time about twenty years 
 of age ; but it does not appear that he was consulted on this 
 occasion. — Eben~ezer. ] (Note, 7:12.) 
 
 V. 3. These elders seem to have been miserably sunk in 
 ignorance and formality, which was the genuine consequence 
 of the impiety of the priests. Though the nation was ripe 
 for dreadful judgments, they had no idea that the defeat 
 which they had received was intended as a warning to 
 repent ; and they proposed a very ignorant and presumptu- 
 ous expedient to secure the assistance of Jehovah. They 
 had heard what wonders had formerly been wrought for 
 Israel, when the ark, the symbol of the Lord’s presence, wa3 
 by his command carried before the people under the care < i 
 holy men, who trusted and glorified him ; and when Israel 
 was comparatively an obedient people, fighting under his 
 banner: and they did not make the obvious distinction, be 
 tween the outward sign or token, and the invisible presenev 
 of the Almighty, as assisting his servants: a distinction little 
 noticed, by formalists, either in ancient or modern times , 
 hut of the highest importance in all respects, and under every 
 dispensation. In fact they made an idol of the ark, as num 
 bers have done, and do, in respect of the New Testament 
 sacraments ; and not only papists, by worshipping the bread, 
 but protes+ants, by trusting in the outward and visible sign, 
 to the neglect of the inward and spiritual grace : and they 
 imagined that, (without humiliation before God or repent- 
 ance of their sins,) by fetching the ark into the army, 
 carried by two sons of Belial, who were doomed to destruc- 
 tion, and whose presence brought a curse into the camp, 
 they could induce God to fight for them, though he was evi- 
 dently contending against them ! (Notes, 2:12,31 — 34. Josh 
 7:10—12. 22:20 . P. O. Josh. 7:10— 15.) Nay, they spake, 
 as if the ark itself could deliver them ! (Marg. Ref. i.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. It is probable, that Hophni and Phinehas did not 
 so much as ask the consent of their aged father on this occa- 
 sion. Being hardened to their destruction, they were left to 
 venture presumptuously into the holy of holies, and to carry 
 the ark into the army; and thus, without any proper call, 
 they were found within the reach of the sword of the Philis- 
 tines, by which they were destined to be slain. (2:25. Notes, 
 2:31 — 34. Leu. 16:2. Num. 4:5. 31:8.) Doubtless they were 
 much pleased with the service, and proud of coming as the 
 supposed deliverers of Israel, bearing the ark of the covenant. 
 (Notes, Lev. 10:1 — 3.) And when they entered the camp, 
 the whole army was infatuated with the same groundles* 
 
 ( 483 ) 
 
n. c. 1120. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. B. C. 1120. 
 
 Loan cime into the camp, “all Israel shouted with 
 a threat shout, si that the earth rang again. 
 
 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of 
 the shout, they said, kWhat meanetli the noise 
 of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews ? 
 And they understood that the ark of the Lord 
 was come into the camp. 
 
 7 And the Philistines iwere afraid ; for they 
 said, God is come into the camp. And they said, 
 Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a 
 thing 'heretofore. 
 
 8 Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of 
 the hand of these mighty Gods ? these are the 
 Gods that r smote the Egyptians with all the 
 plagues in the wilderness. 
 
 9 “Be strong, and quit yourselves like men, O 
 ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the 
 Hebrews, "as they have been to you : "quit your- 
 selves like men, and fight. 
 
 10 And the Philistines fought, and “Israel was 
 smitten, and they fled “every man into his tent ; 
 and there was y a very great slaughter : for there 
 fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. 
 
 11 And “the ark of God was taken, and “the 
 two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, Jwere 
 slain. 
 
 12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the 
 army, and came to Shiloh the same day, b with 
 his clothes rent, and “with earth upon his head. 
 
 13 And when he came, lo, Eli d sat upon a seat 
 by the way-side, watching : for “his heart trembled 
 for the ark of God. And when the man came 
 into the city and told it, all the city cried out. 
 
 14 And when Eli heard the noise of the cry- 
 ing, he said, ' What meanetli the noise of this 
 
 ejudg. 15:14. Job 20:5. Jer. 7:4. Am. 6:3. Mic. 2:11. p Ex. 32:17,18. q Ex. 
 11:25. 15.14 — 16. Deut. 32:30. * Heb. yesterday, or the third day. r Ex. 7:5. 
 9:14. Pa. 73:43—51. s 2 Sain. 10: 12. 1 Cor. 16: 13. Eph. 6:10,11. t Dent. 28: 
 47,43. Jutlg. 10:7. 13:1. Is. 14:2. 33:1. t Heb .be men. u 2. Lev. 26: 17. Deut. 
 23:25. Ps. 78:9,62. x 2 Sam. 20:1. 1 Kings 12. 16. 22:36. 2 Kings 14:12. v2Sam. 
 18:7. 2 Chr. 13:17. 28:5,6. Is. 10:3—6. z2:32. Ps. 73:61. a 2:34. Ps. 78:64. 
 Is. 3:11. % Heb. died, b 2 Sam. 1:2. c Josh. 7:6. 2 Sam. 13: 19. 15:32. Neh. 
 9:1. Job2:12. <1 1:9. e Josh. 7:9. Neh. 1:3,4. Ps. 79:1— 8. 137:4-6. f6. g 3: 
 
 presumption, and shouted for joy as if already triumphant ! — 
 It is very doubtful, whether it was ever lawful to carry the 
 ark into the army, without the express command of God. 
 (Notes, 14:16—23. 2 Sam. 11:10,11.) 
 
 V. 7 — 9. It is no wonder that the Philistines made no dis- 
 tinction between the ark, and that invisible God, whose pre- 
 sence with his believing people this symbol denoted, when the 
 Israelites themselves entirely overlooked it. (Notes, 3 — 5.) 
 The Philistines probably thought, that Jehovah was indeed 
 a God, the God of Israel ; but then so was Dagon a god, 
 the god of Philistia. (Notes, 5:1,2. Judg. 16:23,24.) This 
 therefore did not destroy their hope of gaining the mastery 
 by the help of their god ; and it tended on this occasion to 
 increase their intrepidity and resolution. — They spake of the 
 works of Jehovah in Egypt and in the wilderness, in lan- 
 guage very expressive of their partial information, and con- 
 fused apprehensions concerning them. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. On the former defeat the Israelites returned to 
 the camp; (3) but this was so entire, that the survivors were 
 totally dispersed. Probably Hophni and Phinehas fell fight- 
 ing in defence of the ark. (Note, 4, 5.) 
 
 V. 13 — 18. Though Eli had been most criminally indul- 
 gent to his sons, and had abundant reason to expect to hear 
 of their death, as( well as of the defeat of Israel, yet his 
 chief anxiety appears to have been about the ark of God. 
 Accordingly he bore the tidings of Israel’s calamity, and of 
 the death of his sons, in the midst of their unrepented crimes, 
 with fortitude and resignation. (Notes, 3:16 — 18. 2 Sam. 
 18:28 — 33.) But when he heard that “ the ark of God was 
 taken;” his reflections on the dishonour to God and to reli- 
 gion, and the dreadful loss to his people, which his sins and 
 negligence had occasioned, were more than he pould support; 
 and falling down in a swoon, his neck brake and he died. 
 Thus his death, under a divine rebuke for his sins, has been 
 a salutary warning to others, even to this present day : yet, 
 in the circumstances of it he testified his supreme regard to 
 the honour of God, and the interests of religion, above all 
 
 f iersonal and relative considerations ; and notwithstanding all 
 ns faults, he died in a lively exercise of love to God and his 
 ordinances, and even by occasion of it. 
 
 V. 19 — 22. (Notes, Gen. 35:17,18.) The wife of Phine- 
 has, (though married to so wicked a priest,) appears to have 
 been a person of eminent piety. The death of her father- 
 in-law and of her husband contributed to hasten her death: 
 but her dying regret was for the captivity of the ark, and 
 the departure of the glory from Israel; for with her parting 
 breath she named her son I-chabod, or inglorious. In this 
 her judgment was right: the presence and ordinances of God 
 were the'* 1 * * f glory of Israel; and the loss of them was the 
 { 484 ) 
 
 tumult? and the man came in hastily, and told 
 Eli. 
 
 15 Now Eli was ^ninety and eight years old ; 
 h and his eyes $were dim, that he could not see. 
 
 16 And the man said unto Eli, I am he that 
 came out of the army, and I fled to-day out of 
 the army. And he said, 'What "is there done, 
 k my son ? 
 
 17 And the messenger answered and said, 
 'Israel is fled before the Philistines : and there 
 hath been also a great slaughter among the 
 people; and thy two sons also, Hophni and 
 Phinehas, are dead ; and the ark of God is taken. 
 
 18 And it came to pass, ro when he made 
 mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off 
 the seat backward, by the side of the gate, and 
 "his neck brake, and he died ; for he was an old 
 man, and heavy : and he had judged Israel forty 
 years. 
 
 19 H And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’s wife, 
 was with child, near to ’’be delivered : and when 
 she heard the tidings that the ark of God was 
 taken, and that her father-in-law and her husband 
 were dead, she bowed herself and travailed ; for 
 her pains "came upon her. 
 
 20 And about the time of her death, the women 
 that stood by her, said unto her, “Fear not, foi 
 thou hast born a son. But she answered not, 
 '"neither did she regard it. 
 
 21 And she named the child t:i-chabod, say 
 ing, pThe glory is departed from Israel : (because 
 the ark of God was taken, and because of her 
 father-in-law, and her husband :) 
 
 22 And she said, iThe glory is departed from 
 Israel ; for the ark of God is taken. 
 
 2. Pa. 90:10. h See on Gen. 27:1. § Heb. stood, i 2 Sam. 1:4. li Hel . t* ihs 
 thing 7 k See on 3:6. Josh: 7:19. 110,11.3:11. m21,22. Ps. 26:8. 42:3,10 
 
 69:p. Lam. 2:15-19. n 2:31,32. 3:12,13. Lev. 10:3. 1 Cor. 1 1 :30— 32. 1 Pet. 4: 
 17,18. H Or, cry out. ** Heb. were turned. o Gen. 35:17,18. John 16:21. 
 tt Heb. and set not her heart. Ps. 77:2. That is, wtiere is th< glory? Or, 
 There is no glory. 14:3. p Ps. 26:8 . 78:64. 106:20. Jer. 2:11. IIos. 9:12. qlV 
 137:5,6. John 2: 17. 
 
 departure of that glory. 4 This chiefly lay at her heart, as 
 the concerns of religion do on all pious spirits.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 But if she supposed that the Lord had finally departed from 
 Israel, she was under a great mistake. From Shiloh indeed 
 the ark, the glory of Israel, was finally removed ; for pro- 
 bably the inhabitants of that city had too much resembled 
 the abandoned priests ; as is generally the case, when such 
 examples of sacerdotal impiety and profligacy are exhibited: 
 but it was restored to Israel, and established in another 
 place. (Notes, Ps. 78:61 — 64,67 — 69. Jer. 7:12—15.) 
 
 Neither was the ruin of Eli’s family the destruction of the 
 Aaronio priesthood. (Note, 2:35,36.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When the judgments denounced in the word of God do 
 not bring sinners to repentance, the speedy execution of 
 them may be expected. The nearer any persons are to the 
 Lord in profession, and the greater privileges they are fa- 
 voured with, the more certain and dreadful will be their 
 punishment, if they thence take encouragement to commit 
 iniquity. — Unhumbled professors of true religion, especially 
 if observant of forms , whether of divine appointment or 
 human invention, are apt to think, that they are entitled to help 
 from God, because they are called by his name, though 
 they disgrace it with their crimes ; and to murmur at those 
 rebukes, by which they are warned to repent and to amend 
 their lives. As their dependence is placed upon external 
 signs and symbols, the increase of their hypocrisies buoys 
 up their presumptuous hopes: and they often take the name 
 of the Lord in vain, and dishonour him more in attending on 
 his ordinances, than they could do by neglecting them; so 
 that he abhors those services, for which they expect his 
 favour and think themselves entitled to it, or even deserving 
 of it (Notes, Ps. 50:16—21 . Is. 1:10—20. 48:1,2. 58:1 — 
 
 4. Jer. 7:5—7,21—23. Ez. 20:39. Am. 5:21—24. Matt . 
 23:14.) But he will rather let his avowed enemies triumph 
 for a season, than encourage hypocrites, whose crimes still 
 more dishonour his holy name. — The most avowed infidels 
 and Atheists, and the most atrocious and desperate offenders, 
 have their pangs of conviction and disquietude of mind: with 
 all their efforts, they cannot utterly exclude forebodings of 
 fatal effects from their rebellion against the God of heaven; 
 and though they conceal and quiet this apprehension fur a 
 time, and even prosper in their ungodliness ; yet their fear 
 will come upon them, and even far worse than they ever 
 foreboded. (Note, Prow 10 . 24 .) — Whilst the impenitent are 
 consigned to final ruin, the offending servants of God, who 
 tremble at his judgments, and for the dishonour which they 
 have occasioned to his name, may die in an awful manner, 
 for a warning to those who are left behind. (Notes, J 
 
D. C. 1120. 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 JL C. 1120. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Philistines place the ark in the temple of Dagon at Ashdod. 1,2. Dagon 
 falls down before it, and is broken in pieces, 3 — 5. The Philistines arc 
 smitten with emerods at Ashdod, Gath , and Ekron, when the ark is brought 
 to those cities, 6 — 12. 
 
 A ND the Philistines “took the ark of God, and 
 brought it from b Ebenezer unto 'Ashdod. 
 
 2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, 
 they brought it into the house of d Dagon, and 
 set it by Dagon. 
 
 3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the 
 morrow, behold, 'Dagon was fallen upon his faoe 
 to the earth, before the ark of the Lord. And 
 they took Dagon, and fset him in his place 
 again. 
 
 4 And when they arose early on the morrow- 
 morning, behold Dagon was fallen upon his face 
 to the ground before the ark of the Lord ; and 
 ethe head of Dagon, and both the palms of his 
 hands, were cut off upon the threshold only 'the 
 stump of Dagon was left to him. 
 
 5 Therefore h neither the priests of Dagon, nor 
 any that come into Dagon’s house, ‘tread on the 
 threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. 
 
 6 It But k the hand of the Lord was heavy upon 
 them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and 
 smote them with 'emerods, even Ashdod, and the 
 coasts thereof. 
 
 7 And when the men of Ashdod m saw that it 
 
 a 4:11,17,18.22. Ps. 78:61. b 4:1. 7:12. c Josh. 11:22. Acts 8:40. Azolus. 
 A Jmlg. 16:23. 1 Clir. 10:10. Dan. 5:2,23. Hab. 1:11,16. e Ex. 12:12. Ps. 97:7. 
 Is. 19:1. 46:1,2. Zeph. 2:11. Mark 3:11. Luke 10:18-20. 2 Cor. 6:14— 16. fls. 
 40:20.41:7.44:17—20.46:7. Jer. 10:8. g Is. 2:18,19. 27:9. Jer. 10: 11. 50:2. 
 Ez. 6:4 — 6. Dan. 11:8. Mic. 1:7. * Or, the fUhy part, q Ps. 115:4 — 7. 135:15 — 
 18. i Josh. 5:15. Zech. 1:9. k Ex. 9:3. Ps. 32*4. Acts 13:11. 19,11.6:5. 
 
 Kings 13:20 — 32.) Yet, when death in its most formidable 
 shape finds men humbled for their sins, crying for mercy, 
 and more anxious for the cause of God and truth, than for 
 the most valued earthly comforts, it will eventually prove a 
 blessing ; yea, every dispensation is mercy, which rescues 
 the immortal soul from hell. (P. O. Dan. 4:28 — 37.) — What 
 miseries do some ungodly men entail upon all connected with 
 them 1 And what an awful lesson is here for parents, who 
 are tempted to connive at the first appearances of vice in 
 ,their children 1 Let them reflect on Eli’s death, on the far 
 more dreadful condition of his sons, on the dying agonies and 
 sorrows of Phinehas’s wife, on the slaughter of Israel, the 
 ark taken captive, “the glory departed,” and Shiloh for- 
 saken : and let them tremble to think “ how great a matter a 
 little fire kindleth.” (Notes, 2 Kings 11:1,2. 2 Chr. 18:1. 
 19:2. 21:3,4.) — ‘ In the midst of life we are in death :’ some 
 situations however peculiarly remind those placed in them 
 to be ready for a sudden call ; and few more than pregnancy. 
 — But those who belong to the Lord, need not desire to sur- 
 vive, when the ordinances of God are withdrawn, and his 
 cause is run down: little comfort can they take in their child- 
 ren, or in life itself, under such circumstances. Yet even 
 these trials will prove blessings, where the ark and cause of 
 God are thus dear to the heart. — 'Though the glory may suc- 
 cessively be withdrawn from sinful nations, cities, or villages ; 
 yet it shall never depart from Israel, but shall shine forth in 
 one place, when it has been eclipsed in another: for Jesus, 
 our High Priest, ever liveth to maintain his own cause, and 
 the gates of hell shall never prevail against his church ; 
 whatever may be the triumphing boasts of his enemies, or 
 the desponding fears of his people. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1, 2. Besides the other wick- 
 edness of Israel, the idolatry of the Danites yet remained 
 unpunished and unrepressed: and this might be one reason 
 why the Lord was pleased to deliver his ark into the hand 
 of these idolaters. (Notes, Judg. 18:30,31. 20:8 — 11,20 — 25.) 
 The Philistines concluded that they had overcome 'the God 
 of Israel, by the help of Dagon, and placed the ark in his 
 temple, as a trophy of their victory. (Note, Judg. 16:23,24.) 
 But they did not attempt to destroy it, as Israel destroyed 
 the images of the Canaanites. (Note, 2 Sam. 5:21.) It has 
 indeed been conjectured, that they intended to worship it, in 
 conjunction with their former idol, though in subordination to 
 him. 
 
 V. 3—5. The image of Dagon is supposed to have been 
 framed in the upper part like a man, and below like a fish : 
 when therefore the head and hands were broken off, a de- 
 f ormed trunk alone remained. Thus the helplessness and in- 
 b msibility of the dumb idol were made apparent : yet the Philis- 
 tines, in this respect as senseless as their idol, instead of des- 
 pising so contemptible a stock, revered as sacred the Very 
 threshold on which theidolhad been disgraced and broken ; and 
 thus perpetuated the memory of Jehovah’s triumph, by their 
 own foolish superstition! They likewise either continued to 
 worship the stump of Dagon ; or got a new image of him 
 formed as soon as possible. (Notes, Ps. 115:3 — 8. Is. 4P5 
 -7. 44:12—20.) 
 
 V. 6 — 12. As the Philistines were not convinced by this 
 defeat of Dagon, that their attempt to keep the ark in cap- 
 
 was so, they said, "The ark of the God of Israe. 
 shall not abide with us : for his hand is sore upon 
 us, and “upon Dagon our god. 
 
 8 They sent therelore and gathered all the 
 lords of the Philistines unto them, and saiff 
 rWhat shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? 
 And they answered, Let the ark of the God of 
 Israel be carried about unto ^Gath. And they 
 carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. 
 
 9 And it was so, that after they had carried it 
 about, r the hand of the Lord was against the city 
 with a very great destruction : and he smote the 
 men of the city, both small and great, “and they 
 had emerods in their secret parts. 
 
 10 Therefore they sent the ark of God to 
 'Ekron. And it came to pass as the ark of God 
 came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out say- 
 ing, They have brought about the ark of the God 
 of Israel to f us, to slay us and our people. 
 
 11 So they sent and gathered together all the 
 lords of the Philistines, and said, Send away the 
 ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to his 
 own place, that it slay +us not, and our people : 
 for there was u a deadly destruction throughout all 
 the city ; the hand of God was very heavy there. 
 
 12 And the men that x died not were smitten 
 with the emerods ; and rthe cry of the city went 
 up to heaven. 
 
 Deut. 28:27. Job 31:3. Ps. 78:66. m 4:8. Ex. 8:8,28. 9:28. 10:7.12:33. n 6:20. 
 
 2 Sam. 6:9. 1 Chr. 13:11 — 13. 15:13 o See on 3,4. Jer. 46:25. 48:7. p Zech. 
 12:3. q 17:4. Amos 6:2. r 6. 7:13. 12:15. Deut. 2:15. Am. 5:19. 9:1—4. s 6. 6:4,5, 
 11. Pb. 78:66. l Josh. 15:45. Judge. 1:18. 2 Kings 1:2. Am. 1:8. t Heb. me y to 
 slay me and my people. J Heb. me not, and my people u Is. 13:7 — 9. Jer. 48 42 
 -44. x 1 Kings 19:17. Am. 5:19. v Ex. 12:30. Is. 15:3—5. Jer. 25:3-1. 48:3. 
 
 tivity was foolish and ruinous ; they were visited with some 
 fatal judgment, probably a pestilence, which swept away 
 multitudes: while the rest were afflicted very generally with 
 emerods, which put them to excruciating pain, and extorted 
 the most doleful lamentations. The emerods are supposed 
 to have been the worst sort of the disease now called the piles. 
 — Under this terrible visitation, they sent the ark of God from 
 city to city, probably in hopes of thus obtaining deliverance : 
 but the same calamities attended the inhabitants wherever 
 they carried it. (Notes, Ps. 78:65,6(5. Zech. 12:2 — 5.) — Thus, 
 while the Israelites were so degenerate, as to make no attempt 
 for the recovery of this sacred symbol of Jehovah’s gracious 
 presence, and indeed were utterly unworthy of being honoured 
 in such a service ; he himself rendered the Philistines willing 
 to send hack the ark ; and so overruled these events, as to 
 expose idolatry to the deepest contempt, and to convince the 
 obstinate idolaters, that they could not profane his sacred 
 institutions with impunity. (Notes, Josh. 7:6 — 9. Ps. 115: 
 1 , 2 .) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord may for a season permit his cause to be run 
 down, in order to expose the hypocrisy, to undermine the vain 
 confidence, or to chastise the wickedness, of his professed 
 people: for he knows how, without any human help, and in 
 defiance of all enemies, to recover it from the ruins, and to 
 establish it in greater splendour ; and this may account for the 
 successes of Infidels and Atheists, through so many countries, 
 which have long professed Christianity, hut have corrupted 
 and disgraced it. But the short-lived triumphings of the 
 wicked, on such occasions, will terminate in their deeper 
 disgrace and more dreadful punishment. — Men may be con- 
 vinced by the judgments of God, that he is a terrible enemy, 
 and that it is in vain to contend with him: and they may be 
 constrained to render him a feigned submission : (Notes, Ps. 
 66:1 — 3. 81:14,15.) hut nothing except his renewing grace, 
 will produce genuine repentance, faith, and love, and conver- 
 sion from every idol to his worship and service. Yet those 
 confessions which are extorted by torment or terror, ( Mark 
 5:7.) are honourable to God, though useless to the impenitent; 
 and he will glorify his name in the punishment of his enemies, 
 as well as in the salvation of his people. When he contends 
 he will overcome ; and all endeavours to evade or escape his 
 wrath, will only increase the sinner’s misery, till he is either* 
 brought to true repentance, or sinks under final condemnation. 
 — When the Lord’s appointed time shall arrive, all attempts 
 to uphold the falling kingdom of idolatry, superstition, infidel- 
 ity, or profaneness, will be utterly unavailing ; and destruction 
 will overtake all those, who are not led to repentance. It is 
 equally dangerous to oppose those partial revivals of true 
 religion, which take place from age to age : for the ark of God 
 will cause every Dagon to fall down before it, till all of them 
 be broken in pieces. — The zeal and pertinacity, with which 
 the grossest idolatries and most stupid superstitions have been 
 supported against the cause of God and truth, display the 
 blindness of fallen man’s understanding, as much as the de- 
 pravity of his affections. — Thus, convinced sinners also, with 
 perverse assiduity, set up again those false confidences and 
 worldly idols, which seemed to be thrown down under the 
 preaching of the gospel : or when the oW delusion will ne 
 
 ( 485 \ 
 
a. c. iH9, 
 
 I. SAMUEL, 
 
 E. C. 1119 
 
 CHAPTER VL 
 
 At the erut of Btvan months the Philistine* consult about sending back the ark, 
 l — 9. They iring i, on a new cart, with oblations, to Beth-shemesh , 10 — 18. 
 The Be’hsnsmites a> e smitten for looking into it, 19, 20. They send to the 
 men of fCirfoth-jearim to fetch it, 21. 
 
 A ND “the ark of the Lord was in the country 
 of the Philistines seven months. 
 
 2 And the Philistines b called for the priests and 
 the diviners, saying, What shall we do to the ark 
 of the Lord ? tell us wherewith we shall send it 
 to his place. 
 
 3 And they said, If ye send away the ark of 
 the God of Israel, send it not “empty ; but in any 
 wise return him d a trespass-offering ; then ye 
 shall De healed, and it shall be 'known to you, why 
 his hand is not removed from you. 
 
 4 Then said they, What shall be the trespass- 
 offering which we shall return to him ? They 
 answered, < Five golden emerods, and five golden 
 mice, according to the number of the lords of the 
 Philistines : for one plague was on "you all, and on 
 your lords. 
 
 5 Wherefore, ye shall make images of your 
 emerods, and images of your smice that mar the 
 land : and ye shall h give glory unto the God of 
 Israel : peradventure he will 'lighten his hand from 
 off you, and from k off your gods, and from off your 
 /and. ' 
 
 6 Wherefore then do ye 'harden your hearts, 
 as m the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their 
 hearts? When he had wrought twonderfully 
 among them, "did they not let ffhe people go, and 
 they departed ? 
 
 7 Now therefore make a "new cart, and take 
 two milch-kine, i’on which there hath come no 
 yoke, and tie the kine to the cart, and bring their 
 calves home from them : 
 
 8 And take the ark of the Lord, and lay it 
 upon the cart ; and put the jewels of gold, which 
 ye return him for a trespass-offering, in a coffer 
 by the side thereof ; and send it away, that it 
 may go. 
 
 9 And see, if it goeth up by the way of his 
 
 own coast to r Beth-shemesh, then §he hath done 
 us this great evil : but if not, then we shall know 
 that it is “not his hand that smote us ; it was ‘a 
 chance that happened to us. 
 
 10 H And the men did so ; and took two milch- 
 kine, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their 
 calves at home : 
 
 11 And “they laid the ark of the Lord upon 
 the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold ana 
 the images of their emerods. 
 
 12 And the kine took the straight way to the 
 way of Beth-shemesh, and went along the high- 
 way, lowing as they went, and turned not aside 
 to the right hand or to the left; and the lords of 
 the Philistines went after them unto the border of 
 Beth-shemesh. 
 
 13 And they of Beth-shemesh were reaping 
 their wheat-harvest in the valley : and they lifted 
 up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to 
 see it. 
 
 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua 
 a Beth-shemite, and stood there, where there was 
 a great stone : and they clave the wood of the 
 cart, and 'offered the kine a burnt-offering unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the 
 Lord, and the coffer that was with it, wherein 
 the jewels of gold were, and put them on the 
 great stone : and the men of Beth-shemesh offered 
 burnt-offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same 
 day unto the Lord. 
 
 16 And when "the five lords of the Philistines 
 had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same 
 day. 
 
 17 And these are the golden emerods, which 
 the Philistines returned for a trespass-offering 
 unto the Lord ; ’for Ashdod one, “for Gaza one, 
 “for Askelon one, b for Gath one, “for Ekron one. 
 
 18 And the golden mice, according to the 
 number of all the cities of the Philistines belong 
 ing to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of 
 country-villages, even unto the "great stone of 
 
 a 5: 1,3, 10,11. I’s. 78:61. b Gen. 41:8. Ex. 7:11. Is. 47:12. Dan. 2:2. 6:7. Matt. 
 2:4. c Ex. 23:15. 34:20. Deut. 16:16. d I.ev. 5:6,15— 19. 6:6. 7:1— 7. e 9. 5: 
 7,9,11. f 5, 17, IS. 5:6,9. Ex. 12:35. Josh. 13:3. Jude. 3:3. • Heb. them, f Ex. 
 8:5,17,24. 10:14,15. Joel 1:4—7. 2:25. h Josh. 7:19. Ps. 18:44. 66:3. mart:. Is. 
 42:12. Jer. 3:13. 13:16. Mai. 2:2. John 9:24. Rev. 11:13. 16:9. i 5:6,11. Ps. 32: 
 4.39:10. 1:5:3, 4, 7. Ex. 12:12. Num. 33:4. Is. 19:1. 1 Job. 9:4. . s. 95.8. Rom. 
 2:5. Heb. 3:13. m Ex. 7:13. 8:15. 9:16,17,34,35. 10:3. 14:17. 15:14—16. t Or, 
 
 reproachfully, n Ex. 12:31 — 33. } Heh. them. o 2 Sam. 6:3. 1 Chr. 13:7. 
 
 p Num. 19:2. q 4,5. r Josh. 15:10. 21 .16. § Or, if. s la. 26:11. t2Sam. 1: 
 6. Ec. 9:11. Luke 10:31. u 2 Snm. 6:3. 1 Chr. 13:7. 15:13— 15. v 7:9,17. II: 
 15. 20:29. Ex. 20:24. Judg. 6:26. 21:4. 2 Snm. 24: 18,25. 1 Kings 18:30— 38. 
 x 4,12. Judg. 3:3. 16:5,23— 30. y 5:1. 2Chr.26:6. Jer. 25:20. Zecli. 9:6. 
 z Judg. 16:1,21. a Judg. 1:18. Zech. 9:5. b 5:8. 2 Sam. 1:20. 21:22. Am. 6:2. 
 c 5:10. 2 Kings 1:2. Am. 1:8. II Or, great stone. 
 
 longer sooth their consciences, they exchange it for another 
 equally absurd, as long as they continue to love sin, and to 
 hate the spiritual service and humbling truth of God. But 
 when Christ, the true Ark of the covenant, really enters the 
 heart of fallen man, (which is indeed Satan’s temple,) all 
 idols will fall before his presence and power ; every endea- 
 vour to set them up again will be in vain ; all iniquity will be 
 forsaken ; all unrighteous gain restored ; and the Lord will 
 claim and possess the throne. Yet pride, self-love, and 
 worldly lusts, though dethroned and crucified, still remain 
 within us. Let us then watch and pray against their preva- 
 lency ; let us seek to have them more entirely destroyed ; and 
 let us consider death, through the mercy of God, and the 
 grace of the gospel, as attended by the final destruction of our 
 worst enemy 44 the sin that dwelleth in us.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1. Seven months.] During 
 so long a time the Philistines endured the judgments of God, 
 before they so far yielded as to restore the ark ; and the 
 Israelites neglected all endeavours to recover it ! But it was 
 far more honourable to the Lord, to constrain the Philistines 
 to send it back of their own accord, than that war should 
 wrest it, or that money should ransom it, out of their hands. 
 ( Note , 5:0 — 12.) 
 
 V. 2 — 9. It has been conjectured, that when the emerods 
 and pestilence exceedingly afflicted the inhabitants of each 
 city, to which the ark was carried, the Philistines placed it in 
 the open field : and that then great numbers of mice began to 
 destroy their crops and spoil the land. It is evident that there 
 was a plague of destroying mice sent among them: ( Note, 
 Ex. 8:15 — 17.) but it is not said that the ark was placed in 
 the fields of any city. At length, however, being no longer 
 able to endure their complicated distresses, they determined 
 to send back the ark, and consulted their priests and diviners 
 about it ; whoso answer contains such an assemblage of 
 inconsistencies, as clearly developes the workings of the hu- 
 man heart in difficult circumstances. From the tradition of 
 Pharaoh's rebellion, and the destruction of him and his subjects, 
 they seriously exhorted the people not to harden their hearts, 
 but to let the ark go (6): but they did not advise them to 
 repent, to renounce idolatry, or to worship Jehovah. Nay, 
 they were reluctant to conclude that their afflictions were 
 ( 486 ) 
 
 from him, and framed an artful device for putting it to the trial : 
 and, if not convinced by another complicated miracle, they 
 seemed determined to keep the ark, and ascribe their suffer- 
 ings to chance. (Notes, /s.26:10,ll. Matt. 16:1 — 1.) Some 
 trespass-offerings they supposed to be necessary, if the ark 
 must be restored, in order that 44 the Lord might lighten hia 
 hand from off them,” or that they 44 might know therefore he 
 did not.” This opinion, that trespass-offerings must be sent 
 with the ark, was probably derived from some slight acquain- 
 tance with the ritual law of Moses ; or from usages among 
 themselves, originally derived from it. The oblations, however, 
 were altogether different from those which God required 
 from his worshippers : (Notes, Lev. 5: 6:J — 7/) but well suited 
 to be monuments of their shame, and of the Lord’s triumph 
 over them. In short, they evinced how unwilling they were to 
 yield, and how unable to resist. — As the Egyptians hired 
 Israel with jewels of gold to depart from them, yet were un- 
 willing to let them go quite away ; (Note, Ex. 12:35,36.) so 
 did the Philistines respecting the ark, in taking which they 
 had so greatly triumphed. 
 
 V. 10 — 16. That two kine, which had never before been 
 yoked and whose calves were left at home, should draw 
 quietly, and keep the road without a driver, for several miles, 
 neither stopping, nor turning aside, nor attempting to return ; 
 and that, while they showed the force of instinct in lowing 
 for their calves, they should be urged forward with a stronger 
 impulse to the very place, which the Philistines had men- 
 tioned (9), and stop thcro ; — these circumstances constitu- 
 ted in all respects a most astonishing miracle, or rather com- 
 plication of miracles : and the obedience of the animals, in 
 carrying back the ark, reproached the negligence of Israel. — 
 The presumption of the Philistines, in requiring this addi- 
 tional proof of Jehovah’s power, was very great ; but it 
 was overruled for the manifestation of his glory, and to their 
 deeper condemnation in still cleaving to idolatry. The tri- 
 umph of the ark was completed, when it was thus miracu- 
 lously restored, with oblations, and the distant attendance of 
 the lords of the Philistines. — -Beth-shemesh was a city of the 
 priests out of the lot of Judah, in the border of the I ind 
 nearest the country of the Philistines; (Josh. 21:16.) and no 
 doubt sonic of that order, very properly, offered the kine in 
 
B. C. 1119. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 B. C. 1099 
 
 Abel, whereon they sat down the ark of the 
 Lord; which stone remaimtli unto this day in the 
 field of Joshua the Belh-shernite. 
 
 19 And ll he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, 
 because they had looked into the ark of the Lord, 
 even he smote of the people fifty thousand and 
 threescore and ten men. And the people lamented, 
 bt. :ause the Lord had smitten many of the people 
 with a great slaughter. 
 
 20 And the men of Beth-shemesh said, c Who 
 is able to stand before this holy Lord God ? and 
 f to whom shall he go lip from us ? 
 
 21 And they sent messengers to . the inhabitants 
 of sKirjath-jearim, saying, The Philistines have 
 brought again the ark of the Lord; come ye 
 down, and fetch it up to you. 
 
 d Ex. 19:21. I.ev. 10:1—3. Num. 4:1,5,15,20. Dent. 29:29. 2 Sam. 6:7. Col. 2: 
 18. 1 Pel. 4:17. e Num. 17:12,13. 2Sum.6:9. 1 Chr. 13:11— 13. Mai. 3:2. 
 Luke5:8.8 37. f5:8-12. gjoeli. 18:14. Jmlg. 18:12. 1 Chr. 13:5,6. Ps. 78:60. 
 J«r. 7:12-14. a 6:21. Josh. 18:14. 2 Sam. 6:2. 1 Chr. 13:5,6. Ps. 132:6. 
 
 sacrifice before the ark, though kine in ordinary circum- 
 stances were not appointed for burnt-offerings : (Notes, Lev. 
 1:1—4. 3:1.) but nothing, which had been used in this sacred 
 service, could lawfully be employed for any common use. 
 Their other sacrifices also were suitable expressions of ioy 
 and gratitude : but placing the ark upon a great stone, rather 
 than taking it into their houses, or preparing a tent for it, 
 seems to have been improper. The inhabitants of Kirjath- 
 jearim gave it a different reception, and were accepted in so 
 doing. (7:1,2.) 
 
 V. 18. It seems evident that no more than five golden 
 mice were sent (4); but the inhabitants of the villages, as 
 well as of the cities, contributed to the expense. — The great 
 stone of Abel, or weeping, being so called probably on account 
 of the mourning of the people over those who were smitten 
 (19), seems to have been the boundary, at that time, between 
 the land of the Philistines and that of Israel. 
 
 V. 19—21. The Beth-shemites availed themselves of the 
 opportunity thus given them, to gratify their curiosity, by 
 presumptuously looking into the ark ; even the outside of 
 which was not to be seen uncovered by the Levites who 
 were appointed to carry it.' (Num. 4:5,6,15.) Perhaps they 
 professed a purpose of examining whether the Philistines had 
 taken away the tables of the law; but it does not appear, 
 that any of the Philistines had so much as looked into it. 
 Some of them might encourage themselves in this presump- 
 tuous conduct, by reason of their office as priests, which in 
 fact aggravated their offence : and others, on the circum- 
 stance, that the ark had been brought back to them in the 
 first instance, and on their having welcomed it, and offered 
 sacrifices before it. But the Lord was provoked by their 
 irreverent intrusion, to punish many of them with sudden 
 death. (Notes, Lev. 10:1—3. 2 Sam. 6:6,7.) — The number, 
 as it stands in our version, is so very large to be found in one 
 small city, and the expression in the original is so uncommon, 
 that it is generally allowed some mistake is made : Josephus 
 mentions only seventy. The passage may be rendered, 
 “ He smote . , . seventy men, even fifty out of a thousand 
 men;” which supposes that about 1400 persons were pre- 
 sent, and that a twentieth part was slain : and this appears 
 o be the genuine meaning of the passage. The Beth-shem- 
 ■Jes were not duly humbled for their offence ; but they were 
 so terrified, that, like the Philistines, they wanted to have 
 the ark removed from them, and solicited the men of Kirjath- 
 joarim to fetch it; though that was not a city of the priests, 
 (Marg. Ref. e. Notes, Num. 17:12,13. 2 Sam. 6:8—11.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When transgressors, under divine rebukes, harden them- 
 selves in sin, they are sure to prolong and multiply their own 
 miseries; and it is So much more pleasant to learn wisdom 
 by the experience of others, than by our own, that it would 
 be deemed madness to do otherwise, were it not so general. — 
 Those convictions, which spring from terror without humilia- 
 tion, never produce more than a reluctant, and submissive 
 obedience : and the indignant hearts of proud rebels avail 
 themselves of every pretence to ascribe afflictions to chance, 
 rather than to the hand of God, and to infer that it is not 
 absolutely necessary to part with every sin— If correction 
 be withdrawn, while the heart is thus disposed, the respite 
 P(j?. ve ? an encouragement to proceed in transgression : if the 
 affliction be continued after a partial amendment, this is 
 deemed an argument that repentance and reformation are 
 useless. Thus every dispensation of Providence eventually 
 occasions increasing guilt and condemnation— Natural rea- 
 son and conscience, with the fragments of traditional revela- 
 tion, may convince men that some method should be used to 
 appease the anger of God, and may enable them, as priests 
 or diviners, to give plausible advice on the subject : and when 
 sinners are suffering under afflictions, and the terrors of an 
 awakened conscience, they are ready to put themselves to 
 much expense and self-denial, in order to purchase peace 
 with God. But faith alone, appropriating the information of 
 the sacred Scriptures, can discover what oblation he will 
 accept, or in what wav he will be approached by his sinful 
 creatures. (Note, Mic. 6:6— 8.)— The inconsistencies and 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The arJc Is removed to Kirjath-jearim, and remains there a long time, 1,2. At 
 Samuel's exhortation the Israelites repent , and humble thcj/iselves befoi 
 God at Mizpeh, 3 — G. The Philistines prepare to assault them: but, while 
 Samuel prai/s and sacrifices , the L»rd discomfits them wi:h thunder before 
 Israel ,7 — 1(. Samuel calls the place Eben-ezer,and sets up a stone for ^ 
 memorial, 12. The Philistines are subdued and Samuel judges Israel, 1 3- — 17 . 
 
 A ND the men of “Kirjath-jearim came, and 
 fetched up the ark of the Lord, and brought 
 it into the house of b Abinadab in the hill, and 
 sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the 
 Lord. 
 
 2 And it came to pass while the ark abode in 
 Kirjath-jearim, that the time was long ; for it was 
 twenty years: and all the house of Israel ‘lamented 
 after the Lord. 
 
 3 And Samuel spake unto all the house ol 
 Israel, saying, If ye do d return unto the Lord 
 
 b 2 Sam. 6:3,4. 1 Chr. 13:7. cjudg.2:4. Jer. 3:13,22— 25. 31:9. Zcch. 12:10, 
 11. Matt. 5:4. 2 Cor. 7:10,11. d Deut. 30:2— 10. lKings8:48. la. 55:7. Hoi. 
 6:1,2. 14:1. Joel 2:13. 
 
 superstitions of idolaters, and the lukewarmness of his pro- 
 fessing people, will in due season combine to display his glory 
 to greater advantage. The very brute creation, when he 
 pleases, shall shame man’s ingratitude and disobedience; his 
 enemies shall furnish memorials of their own disgrace, and 
 all shall be constrained to say, “ This hath God wrought !’’— 
 Many appear joyful at the revival of religion, and favourable 
 to its truths and ordinances, who are too busy about the world 
 to he at much trouble or expense about them : and numbers 
 unite in external observances, who have no inward reverence 
 for the divine majesty. — The true glory of religion consists 
 in its spiritual excellency : and that simplicity, which the 
 carnal mind despises, forms its highest ornament. But pre- 
 sumptuous intrusion into “the secret things, which belong to 
 God,” forms a heinous provocation, and springs from a care- 
 less and impenitent heart; and the nearer to the Lord such 
 an intruder is in profession and in office, the greater is his 
 guilt, and the more terrible will be his punishment : for though 
 we are not under the same dispensation as Israel was ; yet 
 “ our God is still a consuming fire,” and must be “ worship- 
 ped with reverence and godly fear.” (Note, Heb. 12:26 — 29.) 
 Instead of this reverence, the carnal heart substitutes a slav- 
 ish fear ; and when rebuked for presumption and contempt, 
 or alarmed with discoveries of the justice and holiness ot 
 God, it will, with the Gadarenes or these Beth-shemites, 
 request the Saviour to depart, and vainly seek to escape the 
 Lord’s displeasure by an entire forgetfulness of him. (Note, 
 Matt. 8:33,34 . ) In like manner, numbers, alarmed by the 
 danger of “ eating and drinking unworthily” in the Lord’s 
 supper, vainly expect security, by habitual and wilful disobe- 
 dience to the dying command of him, whom they still con- 
 tinue to call their Lord and their Saviour. (Notes, 1 Cor. 
 11:23 — 34.) In these ways, many smother up and silence 
 their convictions, and put away salvation from them ; and by 
 running into one extreme or another, the very truths and 
 ordinances of God, which are the means of life and salvation 
 to some, become the occasion of deeper condemnation to 
 others. Let us always consider what a holy Lord God he 
 is, with whom we have to do ; and may he give us a spirit of 
 humble fear, filial love, and heavenly hope, that we may be 
 preserved from fatal mistakes, and profit by the salvation of 
 the gospel, and the sacred ordinances with which we are 
 favoured in his providence ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1, 2. Kirjath-jearim lay in 
 the road between Beth-shemesh and Shiloh. (Marg. Ref. 
 a.) The inhabitants, being convinced that the ark was 
 indeed the pledge of Israel’s prosperity, and only dangerous 
 when treated with irreverence, were ready to entertain it. 
 It does not appear that Abinadab, and Eleazar his son, were 
 either priests or Levites ; though some expositors lake it for 
 granted that they were. But it may be questioned, whether 
 an intended neglect of that tribe, for their ungodliness and 
 wickedness, was not shown on this occasion ; so that no notice 
 was taken of them in a matter which otherwise peculiarly and 
 entirely belonged to them. It is not so much as said, whether 
 any of them were employed to fetch the ark to Kirjath- 
 jearim, or whether the Lord dispensed with the irregularity 
 of the inhabitants of that city, in carrying it themselves. — 
 Here, however, the ark remained, till David removed it in the 
 beginning of his reign over all Israel : (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:2,3.) 
 but it is not agreed how many years intervened, certainly 
 many more than twenty ; so that the expression twenty years „ 
 clearly refers to the time that passed previously to the events, 
 recorded in the rest of this chapter. — The Israelites con- 
 tinued in subjection to the Philistines ; and generally in the- 
 beginning of these twenty years, they remained ignorant and 
 inattentive to religion, and careless about the ark or the wor- 
 ship of the Lord : but we may suppose that Samuel was 
 labouring, incessantly and successfully, from town to town,, 
 and from village to village, throughout the whole land, to 
 bring them to repentance, and to revive true religion among 
 them ; and at length his success was so great that “ all the 
 house of Israel lamented after the Lord.” — Some learned 
 men think that the tabernacle had before this been removed 
 from Shilo v , perhaps to Nob. (21:1.) 
 
 ( 487 ) 
 
B. C. 1099. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1092. 
 
 with all your hearts, then e put away the strange 
 gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and f prepare 
 your hearts unto the Lord, and Userve him only; 
 and he will deliver you out of the hand of the 
 Philistines. 
 
 4 Then the children of Israel did put away 
 ‘‘Baalim and Ashtaroth and served the Lord 
 only. 
 
 5 And Samuel said, ‘Gather all Israel to 
 Mizpeh, and k I will pray for you unto the Lord. 
 
 6 And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and 
 •drew water, and poured it out before the Lord, 
 and "hasted on that day, and said there, "We 
 have sinned against the Lord. And Samuel 
 “judged the children of Israel in Mizpeh. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 7 And when the Philistines heard that the chil- 
 dren of Israel were gathered together to Mizpeh, 
 the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. 
 And when the children of Israel heard it, they 
 were Pafraid of the Philistines. • 
 
 8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, 
 'Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God for us, 
 that he will save us out of the hand of the 
 Philistines. 
 
 9 And Samuel took ^a sucking lamb, and offered 
 it for a burnt-offering wholly unto the Lord : 
 and Samuel "cried unto the Lord for Israel ; and 
 the Lord ‘heard him. 
 
 10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt- 
 
 e (Jen. 35:2. Josh. 24 1 1 ,23. Judg. 2:13. 10:6. fDeui. 30:6. 1 Chr. 22:19. 
 23:9. 2Chr. 30:19. Prov. 16:1. Jer. 4:3,4. Ez. 18:31. Mutt. 15:8. g lleut. 
 6:13. 10:20. 13:4. Mutt. 4:10. 6:24. Luke 4:8. h 3. Judg. 2:11, 13. 10:15,16. 
 1 Kings 11:33. Uos. 14.3,8. i Neh. 9:1. Joel2:16. j 12,16. 10:17. Josh. 15:38. 
 Judg. 20:1. 2 Kings 25 23. k 12:23. 1 1:15. Job 16:20. Ps. 6:6. 42 3. 1 19:136. 
 Jer. 9:1. Lara. 2:11,18. 3:49. m2Chr.20:3. Ezra 8:21— 23. Neh. 9:1— 3. Dan. 
 9:3. Joel 2:12. Jon. 3: n Ler. 26:40. Judg. 10:10. 1 Kings 8:47. Ezra 9:5— 10. 
 Job 33:27. 40:4. 42:6. Ps. 38:3-8. 106:6. Jer. 31:19. I.uke 15:13. o Judg. 3:10. 
 Neh. 9:27. Ez.20.4. p 13 6. 17:11. Ex. 14:10. 2 Chr. 20:3. * Heb.6e urn silent 
 from us from crying. 12:19 — 24. la. 37:4. 62:1,6,7. Jam. 5:16. q 17. 6:14,15. 
 
 V. 3,4. When Samuel, by the divine blessing, had brought 
 large numbers of the people to a sense of their sin and of 
 their duty, he urged the heads of their several tribes to con- 
 cur in a public and avowed reformation, and re-establishment 
 of the worship of Jehovah, attended by putting away and 
 destroying all their idols and images, of whatever kind : and 
 to this proposal they readily and practically consented. (Note, 
 Judg. 2:11 — 13.) Few words are indeed used; but they are 
 so expressive, that we cannot hesitate in pronouncing this to 
 have been one of the most general and effectual revivals of 
 religion, which ever took place in the church of Israel. 
 
 v . 3, G. (Note, Judg. 20:1,2.) The ceremony of “draw- 
 ing water, and pouring it out before the Lord,” might he an 
 emblem of the effects of divine grace upon the heart ; which 
 disposes it to pour forth itself as water before the Lord, in 
 penitential confessions, with tears of godly sorrow, and in 
 fervent prayers and thanksgivings. (Marg. Ref. 1.) — Some 
 indeed think, that the water was used in a kind of baptismal 
 ablution or purification ; others, that, it was an expression of 
 their holy joy in God ; and others, that it was intended to 
 purify the ground on which the altar was built. — On this 
 occasion Samuel began publicly to act as judge, or chief 
 magistrate, m settling differences ; and perhaps in punishing 
 criminals and obstinate idolaters : though he seems to have 
 previously exercised authority in a more private manner. — 
 Panted. (6) Notes, Judg. 20:26—28. 2 Chr. 20:3,4. 
 
 V. 7. The Philistines considered this general convention 
 of Israel, as the signal of war ; and therefore determined 
 immediately to attack them, before they were prepared for 
 resistance; in consequence of which the Israelites were at 
 first alarmed : but deep repentance of sin, attended by fruits 
 meet for repentance, and earnestness in serving the Lord, 
 formed their best preparation; and the event showed their 
 enemies the difference, between attacking them while thus 
 employed, and when impenitent and buoyed up with pre- 
 sumption : (Notes, 4: 2 Chr. 19:2—11. 20:1 — 25.) 
 
 V. 9. Samuel was not a priest; but he acted by an extra- 
 ordinary authority in this and in many other instances, as a 
 prophet of the Lord, and under his immediate direction. 
 (Marg. Ref. q. Notes, 17. 10:8. Judg. 6:25, 2fi.) This single 
 lamb, offered in humble faith, was immensely more accepta- 
 ble, than the most costly sacrifices offered in pride and 
 hypocrisy. 
 
 V. 10, 11. It does not appear, that the people came armed 
 to Mizpeh : and it is probable, that they smnto the Philistines 
 with the swords of those, who had been killed by the light- 
 ning. (Notes, 2:10. Ex. 14:26—30. Josh. 10:11. 2 Sam. 22:7 
 —16. Rev. 16:17—21.) 
 
 V. 12. The transgressions and chastisements of Israel 
 had been many ; they had repeatedly humbled themselves 
 before God and obtained deliverance ; and they had again 
 relapsed into sin, and fallen into distress ; but they had not 
 “•ecu given up to total apostacy , or to utter ruin ; and they had 
 
 / 483 > 
 
 offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against 
 Israel : but the Lord “thundered with a great 
 thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and 
 ‘discomfited them; and they were smitten before 
 Israel. 
 
 1 1 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpeh, 
 and pursued the Philistines, and smote them, until 
 they came under Beth-car. 
 
 12 Then Samuel "took a stone, and set it 
 between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name 
 of it JEben-ezer, saying, “Hitherto liath the Lord 
 helped us. 
 
 13 If So the Philistines were ^subdued, and they 
 “came no more into the coast of Israel : and the 
 hand of the Lord was “against the Philistines all 
 the days of Samuel. 
 
 14 And the cities which the Philistines had 
 taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from 
 Ekron even unto Gath j and the coasts thereof 
 did Israel deliver out ot the hands of the Philis- 
 tines : and there was b peace between Israel and 
 the Amorites. 
 
 15 IT And Samuel “judged Israel all the days 
 of his life. 
 
 16 And he went from year to year $in circuit 
 to Beth-el, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged 
 Israel in all those places. 
 
 17 And d his return was to Ramah; for there 
 was his house ; and there he judged Israel ; and 
 there “he built an altar unto the Lord. 
 
 9:12. 10:8. 16:2. Judg. 6:26,28. 1 Kings 18:30— 38. r P». 50:15. 99:6. Jer. 15:1. 
 I Or, ansirered. s2:I0. 12:17. Ex. 9:23 — 25. Judg. 5:8,20. Ps. 18:11 — 14. 77: 
 16—18. 97:3,4. Rev. 16:18—21. t Deut. 20:3,4. Josh. 10:10. Judg. 4:15. 5:20. 
 Zech. 4:6. u Gen. 28:18. 31:45—52. 35:14. Josh. 4:9,20— 24 . 24:26,27. Is. 19: 
 19,20. X That is, the stone of help. 4:1. 5:1. Gen. 22:14. Ex. 17:15. xP». 
 71:6,17. Is. 46:3,4. Acts 26:22. 2 Cor. 1:10. y Judg. 13:1. z 13:1— 5. a 14:6 
 —16,20—23. 17:49—53.28:3—5.31:1—7. b Deut. 7:2,16. Judg. 4:17. Ps. 106: 
 34. c 6. 12:1. 25:1 . Judg. 2:16. 3:10,1 1 . Acts 13:20,21 . § Heb. and he circuited* 
 Judg. 5:10. 10:4. 12:14. Ps. 75:2. 82:3,4. d 1:1,19. 8:4. 19:18—23. e 11:15. Geo. 
 L2:7,8 . 33:20 . 35:7. Judg. 21:4. 1 Kings 18:30—36. 
 
 now once more been brought to repentance, and made parta- 
 kers of a singular deliverance, by ihe immediate interposition 
 •of the Almighty. This Samuel and the people acknowledged 
 with gratitude ; and set up this stone to be a monument of 
 the Lord’s goodness, for his glory, and the encouragement of 
 their descendants, to future ages. ( Notes, Josh. 4:3 — 9,20 — 
 24. P. O.) The word Eben-czer , signifies the stone of help. 
 — The same place was before-mentioned by anticipation, 
 with reference to the name given it on this occasion. (4.1, 5:1.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. After this success, the Philistines were con- 
 strained to restore such cities of Israel as they had seized, 
 even those which were situated in the neighbourhood of 
 Ekron and Gath. — It is not probable that the Israelites en- 
 tered into treaty with the Amorites who dwelt among them ; 
 but they also were so kept under as to create them no dis- 
 turbance. This peaceful state, within the land , was preserved 
 till the people rejected Samuel, and Saul was made king ; 
 and the Philistines were constantly defeated by Israel, till 
 after the death of Samuel. {Marg. Ref. A Totes, 13: 14:28:3. 3L:) 
 
 V. 15. Probably Samuel retained considerable influence 
 as a magistrate, as well as a prophet, during the reign of 
 Saul, especially in the neighbourhood of Ramah Some* 
 however, understand the passage as meaning, that Samuel 
 was so diligent in the discharge of his office, that he sat to 
 judge causes every day. (lfi. Notes , 12:23. Ex, 18:13 — 23.) 
 
 V. 17. It is very remarkable, that in this great revival o. 
 religion, the ark was neither removed to Shiloh, nor placed 
 with the tabernacle in any other situation. — It is uncertain 
 whether or not the sanctuary-service was carried on at Shiloh, 
 or Nob, or elsewhere, during all this period : blit probably it 
 was either neglected, or very improperly conducted. As the 
 ark, the glory even of the tabernacle, was departed, the more 
 pious Israelites seem to have disregarded it ; and to have 
 preferred joining with Samuel in the sacrifices and worship, 
 which, doubtless by divine direction, he performed near his 
 own house. This disregard to the Levitical institutions 
 clearly intimated, that the typical meaning formed their ehioi 
 use ; and, when this was overlooked, they became a lifeless 
 carcass, by no means to be compared with repentance, faith, 
 and love to God and man. (Notes > 9:12 — 14. 2 Kings 3:20 
 Ps. 50:7—15.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. I — 6. When the stated ministers of God’s word neglect 
 their duty and disgrace their profession, he will render them 
 contemptible in the eyes of the people. (Mai. 2:8,9.) and 
 employ others to reform religion, and uphold his worship: for 
 it is better that external institutions should he dispensed *vith. 
 than that irreligion should bo permitted to diffuse its h' Jieful 
 influence. — The truths and ordinances of God are dangerous 
 to those alone, who despise and abuse them, and are always 
 profitable to the humble believer : the threotenings therefore 
 of his word, and the judgments, which he has executed on 
 such as profaned his sacred institutions, shruld not indice us 
 
B. C. 1080 . 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. B. C. 1080 . 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 ucl, tc hen old , makes his sons fudges ; t oho behave ill , and give the people 
 an occasion of desiring a kin ■ , 1 — 5. Samuel is displeased, and prays con- 
 tenting it ; but the Lord requires him to comply, and to show thorn the man- 
 ner of a kins, 6—18. They jier^isl in their request ; and Samuel by divine 
 direction yields to them, 19 — 22. 
 
 A nd it came to pass, when Samuel was old, 
 that he “made his b sons judges over Israel. 
 
 2 Now the name of his first-born was c Joel, 
 and the name of his second Abiah : they were 
 judges in Beer-sheba. 
 
 3 And u his sons walked not in his ways, 'but 
 
 a Dent. 16:18,19. Jade- 8:22.23. 2 Chr. 19:5,6. Neh.7:2. 1 Tim. 5:21. b Judg. 
 5:10. 10:4. 12:14. t 1 Chr. 6:28,33. IWtm. d 2 Snm. 15:1. 1 Kings 12:6— 11. 
 2 Kings 21:1 — 3. Ec.2:19. Jer. 22.15— 17. e Ex. 18:21. Dent. 16.19. Ps. 15:5. 
 26:10. Is. 33:15. 1 Tim. 3:3. 6:11). f Ex. 3:16. 21:1. 2Snm.5:3. g 6— 8. 12: 
 
 to neglect them ; but make us more circumspect and jealous 
 of ourselves in attending on them. (P. O. 1 'Cor. 11:23 — 34.) 
 
 -When the cause of God is deserted in one place, it will be 
 supported in another : and, though the public and regular 
 administration of divine ordinances is highly desirable ; yet 
 the same blessing may redound to individuals, when they are 
 unavoidably driven into corners, and confined to private 
 houses. — The word of God may be faithfully preached, and 
 other proper means used, for a long time, without producing 
 visible or extensive* effects : but those who are employed in 
 this important service, should sow the seed in faith and hope, 
 and water it with prayers and tears: they should be “instant 
 in season and out of season persevere without weariness 
 or yielding to despondency, and wait the Lord’s time ; and 
 their labour will not be in vain. ( Note , 1 Tim. 4:11 — 16.) 
 Nay, perhaps the seed, which has been long sown and con- 
 sidered as lost, will at length spring up, with so large an 
 increase, as to exceed their own most sanguine expectations. 
 —It is a pleasing prospect to the faithful labourer, when he 
 perceives men deeply convinced of their sins, and mourning 
 under the tokens of the Lord’s displeasure : and this will 
 also afford him the long desired opportunity, of still more 
 closely and particularly addressing their consciences ; that 
 such good impressions may not wear off through procrastina- 
 tion, or produce only a partial or external reformation ; but 
 that the people may be prevailed upon, to u return to the Lord 
 with all their hearts, and to serve him only expecting all 
 their salvation and comfort from him* and renouncing every 
 false dependence and worldly idol. This blessed frame of 
 mind is the effect of divine grace, but it is our duty ; and in 
 the use of means, we are enquired to prepare our hearts, and 
 arm our souls with a stedfast determination thus to trust 
 and serve the Lord. (Notes, Acts, 11:23,24. 1 Pet. 4:1,2.) 
 — When in the first place every one has “ taken heed unto 
 himself,” he ought next to employ his best endeavours to 
 engage his family, and his neighbours also, in the service of 
 God : and when those in high stations and public employ- 
 ments unite in using their influence and authority, in a mild, 
 intelligent, ana scriptural manner, for these purposes, the 
 most extensive blessings may be expected. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 3D: 12.) 
 
 V. 7 — 17 “ The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man 
 availeth much and the more men know of God and of them- 
 selves, the more earnestly will they desire and value the prayers 
 of every Christian, especially of those who are most eminent 
 for faith and holiness, and particularly in seasons of temporal 
 or spiritual distress. — Blessed be God, that Jesus ever lives 
 to intercede for us, and pleads his own atoning blood in behalf 
 of" all who come to God by him:” and through his sacrifice 
 and mediation all our prayers, for ourselves and others, are 
 accepted by the Father. But neither his merits, nor the 
 intercessions of his servants, supersede the necessity of our 
 personal repentance, confessions of sin, cries for mercy, and 
 holy obedience : and seasons of deep humiliation, and prayer 
 for special blessings, are very properly attended with fasting, 
 and other indications of self-displacency, and disregard to 
 animal indulgence; that we may “pour out our souls before 
 the Lord,” without having our attention distracted by any 
 outward concern. When we are thus employed in earnest 
 devotion, Satan and his agents may be especially excited to 
 assault us, as both hating our holy engagements, and envying 
 our felicity ; but they can do us no harm, unless they can affright 
 us from our duty. Nor can any hostile preparations prevail 
 against that nation, which in a spirit of true repentance and 
 reformation, and the fervent prayer of faith, has intrusted 
 itself to the Lord’s protection. — Through successive genera- 
 tions the church of God has had occasion to set up Eeen- 
 ezers for renewed deliverances: for neither outward per- 
 secutions, nor internal corruptions have yet prevailed against 
 her ; because “ hitherto the Lord hath helped her :” and he 
 will help her even unto the end of the world. — Every believer 
 should review the records of this preservation, and these 
 deliverances, with admiring gratitude and joyful love; and 
 then looking back on his own experience, lie will find an 
 abridgment of the same history. Notwithstanding temptation 
 and outward opposition ; notwithstanding the deceitfulness of 
 riis own heart, and the power of his inbred lusts; through 
 many transgressions, corrections, deliverances, and relapses ; 
 ihrough many fears, conflicts, and difficulties, he has still been 
 preserved from apostacy, and perhaps from disgracing his 
 profession; for “ hitherto hath the Lord helped him.” ( Note, 
 
 Vol. I.— 62 
 
 turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and 
 perverted judgment. 
 
 4 Then all 'the elders of Israel gathered them- 
 selves together, and came to Samuel un o Ramah, 
 
 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, 
 and they sons walk not in thy ways ; now gmake 
 us a king to judge us like all the nations. 
 
 6 But the thing *displeased Samuel, when they 
 said, Give us a king to judge us. And Samuel 
 Sprayed unto the Lord. 
 
 7 And the Lord said unto Samuel, 'Hearken 
 
 17. Num.23:0. Deut. 17:14,15. Hoa.13O0.il. Acta 13:21. * Heb. was evil in 
 
 the eyes of. 12 17 h 15:11. Ex. 32:31,32. Nun. 16:15,22,46. Ezra 9:3 — 5. Pa. 
 109:4. I.uke 6:11,12. Phil. 4:6. Jam. 1:5. |Nnm 22:20. Ps. 81:11,12. 1$. 66:4. 
 Hoa. 13:11. 
 
 2 Cor. 1:8 — 11.) If this be our happy case, let us raise up 
 our Eben-ezers in rendering him our unreserved praise; let 
 us renew our application to God our Saviour for increasing 
 strength in our soul, and power against our enemies: let us 
 speak to the encouragement of others concerning his love and 
 truth, that they maybe animated to trust und s rejoice in him : 
 let us push still farther every advantage against our enemies, 
 aspiring after entire liberty and complete deliverance: let ns 
 submit to those, who have approved themselves faithful, and 
 have been made useful to us, in watching tor our souls; let us 
 keep close to the means of grace, and the worship of God, 
 diligently improve our talents and lay ourselves out for the 
 good of all around us. — At stated seasons, as at the conclusion 
 of the year, when about to approach the Lord’s tables or 
 when we have received some remarkable mercy, we shall find 
 it peculiarly useful thus to review our ways, and to wait upon 
 the Lord to renew our strength : and in so doing we may hope 
 ere long to set up our last Eben-ezer in the realms above, .and 
 to begin our eternal songs of joyful praise to him, who hath 
 helped us quite through and made us more than conquerors. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap VIII. V. 1 — 5. It is not known how 
 old Samuel was at this time : but it is probable, that he felt 
 himself incapable of making the accustomed circuits through 
 the whole land : (7:16.) and therefore, residing at Ramah, he 
 superintended the northern division of it, while his sons, being 
 stationed at Beer-sheba, had the charge of the southern. — 
 As we do not find that either God or the people censured him, 
 for “ making his sons judges in Israel we may infer, that he 
 had properly educated them, and that they appeared well quali- 
 fied for the office, and were appointed to it for the good and 
 by the approbation of the people ; though they deceived these 
 expectations, and through love of money became unjust judges. 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 23:6—9. Prov. 17:8,23. Am 5:10 — 
 1 3. Mic. 3:8 — 12. 7:1 — 4.) This was Samuel’s affliction, 
 even more than Israel’s grievance: and had the elders con- 
 ferred with him, he would doubtless have agreed to deprive 
 and censure his sons, and to appoint more upright judges. 
 (Notes, 2:23 — 25,29.) But the people appear to have been 
 more displeased at this small injury to their temporal interests, 
 than they had been by all the dishonour done to God by the 
 impiety and licentiousness of Eli’s sons. — It is probable, that 
 the people in general, and especially the superior persons, 
 wrre grown weary of being ruled by pious judges and prophets, 
 raised up by God to reform religion ; and that they wanted to 
 appear great and powerful in the eyes of the surrounding 
 nations ; as they vainly supposed they should do, when go- 
 verned by a king, attended with the grandeur of a court, and 
 commanding their armies. (Note, 13:22.) So that the mis- 
 conduct of Samuel’s sons merely served them for an occasion 
 of proposing this measure to Samuel. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. Israel never had so much reason to be satisfied 
 with the government of judges, as under Samuel, who had 
 been the instrument of exceedingly great advantages to them 
 in aU respects: and he was therefore much grieved and dis- 
 pleased to see them actuated by an u >patient, discontented 
 spirit. M It was evil in his eyes:" (ma*i'.) he greatly disap* 
 proved o f the proposal ; and probably fe.t with great sensi- 
 bility, their ingratitude to himself. Hn did not, however, 
 express his displeasure by reproaches, hi t in prayer : not 
 knowing wh&t answer to return to their aenand, till he was 
 instructed by the Lord : for if he had endeavoured to dissuade 
 them from their purpose they might have ascribed it to ambi- 
 tion. Accordingly the Lord reminded him, that in rejecting 
 the judge, who had been raised up to rule ove them, they 
 actually rejected his divine authority, who as King appointed 
 their judges: that this was no more than a continuation of all 
 their former rebellions and apostacies : and as they had eveir 
 been prone to forsake God to worship the idols of the Gen- 
 tiles ; it could not reasonably be wondered at, that they pre- 
 ferred the government of kings, like the surrounding nations, 
 to that of the Lord, by judges. It w as therefore proper that 
 they should have their choice, that they might be correi ted for 
 their perverseness. (Note, Hos. 13:10,11.) Yet Samuel 
 must first solemnly protest against the measure, as resulting 
 from ingratitude and rebellion against God ; and also show 
 them the manner, in which kings in general exercised their 
 authority. (Note, Deut. 17:14.) 
 
 V. 10 — 18. Under the government of Moses, Joshua, and 
 the judges, the people had been exempt from oppression, nay. 
 as far as can be learned by the history, even from taxes of all 
 kinds: (Notes, 12:2 — 7. Num. 10:15. 31:47.) but k'Pgly gc>- 
 ( 489 ) 
 
B. C. 1 fr75, 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B C. 107a. 
 
 untx) the voice of the people in all thal they say 
 unto thee: for k they have not rejected thee, but 
 they have rejected me, that I should not reign 
 over them. 
 
 8 According 'to all the works which they have 
 done, since the day that I brought them up out 
 of Egypt even unto this day, wherewith they 
 have forsaken me, and served other gods ; so do 
 they also unto thee. 
 
 9 Now therefore, 'hearken unto their voice: 
 thowbeit, yet protest solemnly unto them, and 
 show them m the manner of the king that shall 
 reign aver them. 
 
 10-H And Samuel told all the words of the 
 Lord unto the people, that asked of him a king. 
 
 11 And he said, "This will be the manner of 
 the king that shall reign over you : "He will take 
 your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his 
 chariots, and to be bis horsemen ; and some Pshall 
 run before his chariots. 
 
 12 And he will ‘'appoint him captains over 
 thousands, and captains over fifties, r and will set 
 them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, 
 and to make his instruments of war, and instru- 
 ments of his chariots. 
 
 13 And he will take your daughters to be con- 
 fectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers. 
 
 k 10:19. 12:17—19. Ex. 16:8. Matt. 10:24,25. Luke 10:16. 19:14,27. John 
 13:16. 15:20,21. 1 Ex. 14:11,12. 16:3. 17:2. 32:1. Num. 14:2—4. 16:2,3,41. 
 
 I.'eut. 9:24. Judg. 2:2,3,20. 4:1. 6:1. 13:1. Ps. 78:58— 59. 106:14 — 21,34 — 40. 
 Acts 7:51 — 53. * * Or, obey, t Or, notwithstanding when thou has ' solemnity 
 
 protested , against them , then thou shall shoio, &c. Ez. 3:18. m 11 — 18. 2:13. 
 Ez. 45:7,8. 46:18. n Pent. 17:14—20. o 14:52. 1 Kings 9:22,23. 10:26. 12:4,10. 
 2 Chr. 26:10—15. p 2 Sam. 15: 1 . 1 Kings 1:5. 18.46. q 1 Chr. 27:1— 22. 
 
 vernment like that of the nations, could not possibly be thus sup- 
 ported. u The manner of the king ” does not, however, mean, 
 
 * the way in which kings ought to rule but ‘ the way in which 
 the monarchs of the ea.st actually governed.’ ( Note , Deut. 17: 
 16.) In general, they supported their luxury and magnifi- 
 cence, and performed their ostentatious works, and keDt up 
 their military force, by burdensome exactions and cruel op- 
 pressions ; perverting authority into tyranny, and changing 
 subjection into slavery. {Marg. Ref.) And as these are 
 the natural effects of absolute authority intrQsted with a fallen 
 creature prone to selfishness and folly ; we ought consequently 
 to prefer those limitations and restrictions, which are equally 
 beneficial to the governors and the governed. — Run before his 
 chariots. (11) Notes , 2 Sam. 15:1 — 6. 1 Kings 1:5,6. 
 
 Tenth. (15,17.) A second, or rather third, tithe out of 
 the clear produce of their lands. ( Notes , Gen. 47:23 — 26. 
 Num. 18:21. Deut. 14:22—29.) 
 
 V. 19 — 22. The elders of Israel were so resolutely bent 
 on their own measures, that even this solemn protestation 
 from their aged prophet, by the command of God himself, 
 produced no effect ! Not perceiving that it was their pecu- 
 liar privilege to be unlike other nations, especially in this 
 respect ; they were bent on having a king, in order to become 
 like them. (Note, Num. 23:9. Rom. 12:2.) — Amidst the 
 sin and folly of this conduct, it should however be noted to 
 their commendation, that they showed great respect to 
 Samuel. They did not attempt to set up a king of their 
 own choosing, but sought his counsel and concurrence : and 
 on an intimation from him, that their request would be grant- 
 ed, they put such entire confidence in him, that they departed 
 quietly to their own houses. The history of the world can- 
 not produce another instance, in which a public determina- 
 tion was formed to appoint a king; and yet no one proposed 
 either himself or any other person to be king, but referred 
 the determination entirely to God. ( Note , Deut. 17:15.) 
 Ambition of royal authority certainly was not the motive, in 
 the leading men who supported this measure. The whole 
 of their proceedings, even in this highly improper determina- 
 tion, showed, how fully they were convinced, that the law 
 of Moses was from God ; and that, even in appointing a 
 king, his directions must be observed, or rather that the deci- 
 sion must be referred implicitly to God himself. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Our lives are so short, and our faculties so soon impaired, 
 that we ought to be active in the service of God, while we 
 possess health of body and vigour of mind : and then, under 
 disqualifying infirmities, it will be our comfort to reflect, that 
 our youth and strength were spent to some useful purpose. — 
 No instructions or examples can overcome the bias of our 
 fallen nature to evil ; and the Lord communicates his sanc- 
 tifying grace by wise and righteous rules, of which he does 
 not deign ,o inform us: duty is our part, and consequences 
 must be left with him. — External restraints may produce ap- 
 pearances which impose on the most discerning ; yet when 
 they are withdrawn, and temptations occur, the evil heart 
 will discover itself ; and prosperity has a natural tendency to 
 increase bad propensities. Parents should therefore prepare 
 to bear with resignation disappointments in their children; 
 and not be anxious to prefer or enrich them, lest they should 
 
 ( 490 ) 
 
 14 And he will “take your fields, and your 
 vineyards, and your olive-yards, even the best of 
 them , and ‘give them to his servants. 
 
 15 And^he will take the t%nth of your seed, and 
 of your vineyards, and give to his ^officers, and to 
 his servants. 
 
 16 And he will take your men-servants, and 
 your maid-servants, and your goodliest young 
 men, and your asses, and put them to his work. 
 
 17 He will take the tenth of your sheep : and 
 ye shall be his servants. 
 
 18 And ye shall u cry out in that day, because 
 of your king which ye shall have chosen you ; 
 and the Lord x will not hear you in that day. 
 
 19 Nevertheless, the people ^refused to obey 
 the voice of Samuel: and they said, Nay, but we 
 will have a king over us ; 
 
 20 That z we also may be like all the nations, 
 and that our king may judge us, and go out before 
 us, and fight our battles. 
 
 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the 
 people, and a he rehearsed them in the ears of the 
 Lord. 
 
 22 And the Lord said to Samuel, b Hearken 
 unto their voice, and make them a king. And 
 Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every 
 man unto his city. 
 
 r 1 Kings. 4:7,22,23,27.28. 2 Chr. 32:28,29. s 1 Kings 21 :7, 19. Ez. 46:18. t 22. 
 7. } Heb. eunuchs. Cften. 37:36. Is. 39:7. Dan. 1:3,7—10,18. u Is. 8:21. x Job 
 
 27:9. Ps. 18:41. Prov. 1 :27,28. 21 :13. Is. 1:15. Mic. 3:4. Luke 13.25. y Ps. 81: 
 11. Jer. 7:13. 44:16. Ez. 33:31. z 5. Ex. 33:16. Lev. 20:24— 26. Num. 23:9. 
 Deut. 7:6. Ps. 106:35. John 15:19. Ruin. 12:2. 2 Cor. 6:17. Phil. 3:20. 1 Pet. 2: 
 9. aJudg. 11:11. b 7. Hos. 13:11. 
 
 assist in inflaming theT? passions. — “The love of money is 
 the root of all evil,” and peculiarly odious and mischievous 
 in magistrates and ministers. (Note, 1 Tim. 6:6 — 10. P. 
 O. 6 — 12.) — Those who have been most active, disinterested, 
 and useful, must expect to meet with ingratitude and neglect, 
 as their recompense from man for their services ; hut every 
 loss and injury will prove a real gain to those, who expect 
 their gracious recompense from God alone. And surely we 
 may cheerfully submit to be rejected, despised, and hated by 
 those who reject, despise, and hate the Lord : naj', we should 
 consider it as an honourable testimony, that we are acknow- 
 ledged to stand on his part. (Note, 1 Pet. 4:12 — 16.) — Grace 
 subdues and mortifies, and convictions restrain, human de- 
 pravity ; but in itself it is the same from generation to genera- 
 tion. Discontent, fondness of change, a desire of conformity 
 to the world and of outward splendour, are natural to man, 
 and follow him from the cradle to the grave, unless regenerat- 
 ed and new created by the Holy Spirit. No change of cir- 
 cumstances can cure these diseases ; the dissatisfaction of 
 the present situation is impatiently felt, the comfort of some 
 other is eagerly and ignorantly conceived; and neither the 
 counsels of wise men, nor the testimony of God, will sup- 
 press these inordinate desires. When the mind is thus dis- 
 posed, the slightest circumstance serves as a pretext fo* 
 rushing upon gratification; yet a pious man would grieve to 
 give others by his conduct even an occasion of sin. — The 
 Lord requires his servants rather to yield to the unjust and 
 unreasonable desires of men, than to seem attached to 
 earthly objects. And he frequently gives men their wishes 
 in anger, to chastise their iniquity, and convince them of 
 their folly. — When our grief or displeasure leads us to more 
 fervent prayer and intercession in behalf of those w ho grieve 
 us, nothing can injure or even long distress us ; for the con- 
 solation of God will richly repay ihe injuries of men. — Under 
 the troubles which Providence has allotted us, wo may 
 expect the supports of grace: but if we resolutely persist 
 in choosing for ourselves ; when we have exchanged slight 
 inconveniences for real grievances, we shall have the aggra- 
 vation of an accusing conscience and the divine rebuke. And 
 this will oflen be the case; for those things which at a dis- 
 tance look pleasant, are generally most bitter when in ac- 
 tual possession. — The law of God, and the manner of men , 
 are widely different ; the former should he the mle of our 
 conduct in the several relations of life ; the latter the men - 
 sure of our expectations from others. — As magistracy is the 
 appointment, of God and a great blessing, and as every form 
 is liable to abuses; it is our wisdom to be thankful forth#* 
 advantages, and patient under the inconveniences, of thal 
 government under which we live : anil it is our duly to pray 
 continually for our rulers, that they may govern us in the 
 fear of God, and that we may live in all godliness and 
 honesty ; thus u honouring God and (lie Icing, and not meddling 
 with them that are given to change,” or disposed, upon every 
 imaginary grievance, or indeed on any account, to speak e\i! 
 of the ruler of the people. ( Notes, Rom. 13:1 6. Tit. 3:1,2. 
 
 1 Pet. 2:13 — 17. 2 Pet. 2:10,11.) — But the Lord’s servants 
 should behave so unexeeptionably, that even those who injure 
 them may not be able to impeach their integrity, or to withhold 
 from them respect and confidence. And it is a hopeful 
 
B. C 1075. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B C. 1075. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The ancestry and pers mal qualifications of Saul, 1 , 2. He is sent tp seek his 
 father's asses ; but not finding t'um , ho, by the pounsel of his servant , pur- 
 poses going to Samuel, 3—10. He is directed by young maidens where to 
 find hirn, 11 — 14. Samuel , prepared by a revelation from God, expects him, 
 and entertains him with event respect, 15 — 24. On the morrow he privately 
 discourses with him, and brings him on his wav, 25—27. 
 
 N OW there was a man of Benjamin, whose 
 name was "Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of 
 Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, 
 'a Benjamite, a mighty man of ’power. 
 
 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a 
 •’choice young man, and a goodly: and there teas 
 not among the children of Israel a goodlier person 
 than he : "from his shoulders and upward he was 
 higher than any of the people. 
 
 3 And d the asses of Kisn. Saul’s father, were 
 .’ost; and Kish said to Saul his son, Take now 
 one of the servants with thee, and arise, go seek 
 the asses. 
 
 4 And he passed through e mount Ephraim, 
 and passed through the land of f Shalisha, but they 
 found them not: then they passed through the 
 land of sShalim, and there they ivere not 5 and he 
 passed through the land of the Benjamites, but 
 they found them not. 
 
 5 And when they were come to the land of 
 h Zuph, Saul said to his servant that was with 
 him, Come, and let us return; lest my father 
 eave caring for the asses, and ’take thought 
 for us. 
 
 6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there 
 is in this k eity a man of God, and he is ’an 
 honourable man; ra all that he saith, cometh surely 
 to pass : now, let us go thither; peradventure he 
 can show us our way that we should go. 
 
 7 Then said Saul to his servant, But, behold, 
 if we go, "what shall we bring the man? for the 
 bread is *spent in our vessels, and there is not 
 a present to bring to the man of God : what 
 *have we ? 
 
 8 And the servant answered Saul again, and 
 said, Behold, "I have here at hand the fourth part 
 of a shekel of silver ; that will I give to the man 
 of God, to tell us our way. 
 
 9 (Before-time in Israel, when a man went to 
 
 a 14:51. 1 Chr. 8:30 — 33. 9:33 — 39. Acts 13:21. Cis. ’ Or, the son of amanof 
 remini . t Or, substance. 25:2. 2 Sam. 19:32. Job 1:3. h 16:7. Gen . 6:2. 2 Sam. 
 <4:25,26. Jer. 9:23. c 10:23. 17:4. Nnm. 13:33. d 10:2. Judg. 5-10. 10:4. 
 Judg. 17:1. 19:1. f 2 Kings 4:42. g Gen. 33:18. John 3:23. Salim. h 1:1. 
 10:2. Malt. 6:25,28,34. Luke 12:11,22. k 2:27. Dent. 33:1. 1 Kings 13:1. 
 2 Kings 6:6. 1 Tim. 6:11. I 1 Thes.2:l0. 5:13. m 3:19,20. Is. 44:26. Zech. 1: 
 5,5. Matt. 24:35. n Judg. 6:18. 13:15,16. 1 Kings 14:3. 2Kings4:42. 5:5. 8:8 
 I Heb. gone out of. § Heb is with us. || Heb. there is found in my hand. 
 o Gen. 25:22. Judg. 1:1. p 2 Sam. 24:11. 2 Kings 17:13. 1 Chr. 26:28. 29:29. 
 
 symptom even in the evidently distempered state of indivi- 
 duals or collective bodies, when their desires of worldly ob- 
 jects can brook delay ; and they can refer the time and 
 manner of their being granted to the determination of Provi- 
 dence. 
 
 NOTES. -Chap. IX. V. 1, 2. ( Marg . Ref. a.) It 
 is wonderful, that some chief of the tribe of Judah did not 
 now advance a claim to the kingdom, in virtue of Jacob’s 
 blessing : ( Notes, Gen. 49:8 — 10.) but “ it was of the Lord,” 
 that he might first give the Israelites such a king as they had 
 get their hearts on, before he raised up for them a king after 
 his own heart. (13:14. Note, 8:19 — 22.) The tribe of 
 Benjamin, by the fatal catastrophe of Gibeah’s wickedness, 
 was reduced to be the least in Israel; but the individuals 
 were enriched in proportion. (Judg. 20: 21 : Note, 21:16 — 
 18.) Even, if Kish was of an inferior family in this tribe 
 (21), he might he very wealthy ; and his son was possessed 
 of all external accomplishments, suited to that carnal princi- 
 ple which had dictated Israel’s request. — The words trans- 
 lated “ a choice young man, and a goodly,” may literally be 
 rendered, a chosen and goodly person, there being nothing 
 in the original for young : and Saul had sons grown up to 
 man’s estate at this time. (13:1,2.) 
 
 V. 3—5. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 6 — 10. The servant of Saul seems to have known 
 more of Samuel than Saul himself did ; and he spoke very 
 respectfully of him: yet both Saul and he looked on him 
 rather as a diviner, or fortune-teller, than as a prophet, 
 whose office it was to instruct them in the truth and will of 
 God. It was no doubt customary in those days, to show 
 respect to prophets, and even to princes, by a present ; but 
 when they concluded, that Samuel would not be approached 
 without some gift, they appeared to have judged of him by 
 the mercenary diviners or magicians. (Num. 22:7.) — The 
 ninth verse was evidently inserted, as a comment, in after 
 Bges, perhaps by Ezra, who is supposed to have set forth a 
 correct edition of the Scriptures then extant, under the 
 ■upvrintendence of the Spirit of prophecy. In the days of 
 
 "inquire of God, thus lie spake, Come, and let us 
 go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet, 
 was before-time called p a Seer.) 
 
 10 Then said Saul to his servant, ’’Well said , 
 come let us go : so they went unto the city where 
 the man of God was. 
 
 11 H And as they went up “the hill to the city 
 they '•found young maidens going out to draw 
 water, and said unto them, Is the seer here ? 
 
 12 And they answered them, and said, He is; 
 behold he is before you : make haste now, for he 
 came to-day to the city ; for there is a ’’sacrifice of 
 the people to-day in ’ the high place, 
 
 13 As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall 
 straightway find him, before he go up to the high 
 place to eat : for the people will not eat until he 
 come, because "he doth bless the sacrifice ; and 
 afterwards they eat that be bidden. Now there- 
 fore get you up ; for about Uthis time ye shall find 
 him. 
 
 14 And they went up into the city : and when 
 they were come into the city, behold, Samuel 
 came out against them, for to go up to the high 
 place. 
 
 15 Now ‘the Lord had §§told Samuel in his ear 
 a day before Saul came, saying, 
 
 16 To-morrow about this time I will send thee 
 a man out of the land of Benjamin, and “thou 
 shalt anoint him to he captain over my people 
 Israel, that he may save my people out of the 
 hand of the Philistines : for I have "looked upon 
 my people, because their cry is come unto me. 
 
 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord 
 said unto him, ^Behold the man whom I spake 
 to thee of: this same shall ’’"reign over my people. 
 
 18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel in the gate, 
 and said, Tell me, I pray thee, where the seer’s 
 house is. 
 
 19 And Samuel answered Saul, and said, I am 
 the seer ; go up before me unto the high place ; 
 for ye shall eat with me to-day, and to-morrow I 
 will let thee go, "and will tell thee all that is in 
 thine heart. 
 
 20 And as for thine asses that were lost ’’’’three 
 
 2 Chr. 16:7,10. 13.29:10.30:10. Am. 7:12. IT Heb. thy word i n good. 2 Kings 
 5:13,14. * Heb. >n the ascent of thecity. q Gen. 24:11,18 — 20. Ex. 2:16. Judg. 
 5:11. fOr , feast. 16:2. Gen. 31:54. Dent. 12:6,7. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. r 1 Kings 3; 
 2—4. 1 Chr. 16:39. s Matt. 26:26. Mark 6:41 . I.nke 24:30. John 6: 1 1 ,23. 1 Cor. 
 10:30. 1 Tim. 4:4. } Heb. to-day. t 17. Ps. 25:14. Am. 3:7. Mark 11:2 — 4. 
 14:13 — 16. § Heb. revealed the car of Samuel. 20:2. 2 Sam. 7;27. Job 33:16. 
 Marg. u 10:2. 15:1. 16:3. 1 Kings 19:15,16. 2 Kings 9:3 — 6. x Ex. 2:25. 3:7 
 —9. Ps. 25:18. y 16:6—12. || Heb. restrain in. 3:13. 2 Sam. 23:5,7. Neh. 13- 
 19,25. Rom. 13:3,4. z John 4:29. 1 Cor. 14:25. IT Heb. to-day three days. 3. 
 
 Samuel, prophets were emphatically .styled Seers , or men 
 who are enabled to see divine things, that they may show 
 them to others. The word prophet had been used of Abra- 
 ham: (Gen. 20:7.) but in the time of Samuel, in common 
 conversation, the word Seer was more used : for the men of 
 God were also called prophets. (3:20.) And at length, the 
 name Seer sunk into disuse. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. (Note, 7-’17.) Shiloh, the place which God 
 first chose to place his name there, had forfeited that distinc- 
 tion : no other place was appointed : the tabernacle, wherever 
 it was at this time situated, did not contain the ark ; and there 
 was no tabernacle or altar at Kirjath-jearim, where the ark 
 remained. (Note 7:1,2.) These circumstances occasioned 
 a kind of temporary suspension of the law against sacrificing 
 in any other place, than that which the Lord had chosen : 
 (Notes, Lev. 17:3 — 7. Deut. 12:5 — 7.) and the cities of the 
 priests and Levites, where the people resorted for instruction, 
 seemed the most proper for that purpose. The highest parts 
 of these cities were generally selected : and from this cir- 
 cumstance, the subsequent pertinacious attachment of the 
 Israelites to the “high places”. seems to have been derived. — 
 Samuel, having burned upon the altar the appointed portion 
 of the peace-offerings, previously to the sacred feast upon 
 the remainder, poured out fervent prayers to the Lord for 
 acceptance, and for his blessing on the service, as a religious 
 ordinance to the good of the souls, as well as on the food for 
 the refreshment of the bodies of those present. The simple 
 manner, in which these circumstances are stated to strangers 
 by the young maidens, implies that this was Samuel’s constant 
 practice on these occasions, and doubtless it was the general 
 observance, in all the sacrifices at the tabernacle and temple, 
 when true religion flourished ; though at other times it would 
 degenerate into a mere ceremony. 
 
 V. 16. (Marg. Ref.) — Save, &c.] When Israel grew 
 slack in serving God, the Philistines recovered their authority: 
 and though Saul did not reform the religion of Israel, yet in 
 many instances he successfully fought their battles. (14: 17:) 
 
 V. 17 — 24. (Marg. Ref.) Samuel, as superintending the 
 ( 491 ) 
 
B. C. 1075. 
 
 I SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1075 
 
 days ago, “set not thy mind on them, for they are 
 found. And b on whom is all the desire of Israel? 
 is it not on thee, and on all thy father’s house. 
 
 21 And Saul answered and said, Jim not I c a 
 Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel ? 
 and d my family the least of all the families of the 
 tribe of Benjamin? wherefore then speakest thou 
 'so to me ? 
 
 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and 
 brought them into the parlour, and made them sit 
 'in the chiefest place among them that were 
 bidden, which were about thirty persons. 
 
 23 And Samuel said unto the cook, 1 Bring the 
 portion which I gave thee, of which I said unto 
 thee, Set it by thee. 
 
 24 And the cook took up *the shoulder, and 
 that which was upon it, and set it before Saul. 
 And Samuel said, Behold that which is deft, set 
 it before thee, and eat ; for unto this time hath it 
 been kept for thee, since I said, I have invited 
 the people. So Saul did eat with Samuel that 
 day. 
 
 25 And when they were come down from the 
 high place into the city, Samuel communed with 
 Saul upon ’'the top of the house. 
 
 26 And they arose early : and it came to pass 
 about the spring of the day, that Samuel called 
 Saul to the top of the house, saying, ‘Up, that 1 
 may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they 
 went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. 
 
 27 Jlnd as they were going down to the end of 
 the city, Samuel said to Saul, k Bid the servant 
 pass on before us, (and he passed on,) but stand 
 thou still *a while, ‘that I may show thee the 
 word of God. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Samuel anoints Saul , and dismisses him with directions, and with tokens 
 which came to pass accordingly , 1 — 13. Saul answers the inquiries of his 
 uncle, but conceals the matter of the kingdom, 14 — 16. Samuel convenes ihs 
 people at Mizpeh, where Saul is chosen king by lot, 17 — 25. A few honourar 
 bly attend him, but others despise him , 26, 27. 
 
 T HEN Samuel took “a vial of oil, and poured 
 it upon his head, and b kissed him, and said, 
 Is it not because the Lord hath anointed thee to 
 be “captain over d his inheritance ? 
 
 2 When thou art departed from me to-day, 
 then thou shalt find two men by 1 Rachel’s sepul- 
 chre, in the border of Benjamin, at eZelzah ; and 
 they will say unto thee, h The asses which thou 
 wentest to seek are found : and, lo, thy father hath 
 left the ’care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, 
 saying, What shall I do for my son ? 
 
 a 4:20. mars. 1 Chr. 29:3: Ps. 62:10. Col. 3:2. b 8:5,19. 12*15. c Judg. 20-46. 
 —48. Ps. 63:27. d 10:27. 15:17. 18:18,23. Judg. 6:14,15. Hos. 13:1. Luke 14: 
 11. Ejjh. 3:8. * Heb. according lo this word. e Gen. 43:32. Luke 14:10. 
 
 f 1:5. Gen. 43:34. g Lev. 7:32,33. Ez.24:4. f Or, reserved. hDeut.22:8. 
 2 Sam. 11:2. Neh.8:16. Jer. 19:13. Matt. 10:27. Acts 10:9. i Gen. 19: 14. 44:4. 
 Josh. 7:13. Judg. 19:28. k 20:38,39. John 15: 14,15. J Heb. to-day. 115:16. 
 
 2 Kings 9:5,6. a 2:10. 9:16. 16:13. 24:6. 26:11. 2 Kings 9:3— 6. Acts 13:21. Ret 
 5:8. bl Kings 19:18. Ps.5.12. Hos. 13:2. c 8:9,19. 13:14. Josh. 5: 14,15. 2 Sam. 
 5:2. 2 Kings 20:5. Heb. 2.10. d Ex. 19:5,6. Deut. 32:9. Ps. 78:71. 135:4. Jer. 
 10:16. f Gen. 35: 19,20. Jer. 31:15. g Josh. 18:28. h 16. 9:3-5. * Heb. busi- 
 ness. 
 
 sacred feast, seems to have allotted to each guest his portion; 
 but he expected, according to the divine monition, other guests 
 besides those who had been previously invited. He had 
 therefore given orders that the left shoulder as the prime 
 portion, (for the right belonged to the priest,) should be re- 
 served, in case these guests should not come in time. 
 
 V. 25 — 27. Samuel conferred with Saul, and showed him 
 the intentions of God concerning him, privately , on the top of 
 the house, ( Marg . Ref. h,) to prepare him for the time, when 
 he would be publicly , by lot, appointed to the kingdom. ( Note , 
 10:17 — 22.) — All the circumstances of these transactions were 
 calculated to prepare Saul’s mind for what followed, and to 
 show him the interposition of God in ii. (Notes, 2 Kings 
 9:1—13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We are never more likely to be unhappy, than when we 
 have our outward portion or connexions, according to the 
 choice of our own hearts : we ought therefore to beg of God 
 in every thing to choose for us, and to teach us to acquiesce 
 in his appointment. — True excellence of character does not 
 result from external accomplishments ; nor true felicity, from 
 prosperous circumstances and outward splendour : and inat- 
 tention to these obvious truths occasions the most fatal 
 mistakes. — Diligence in business, and good behaviour in rela- 
 tive life, are commendable, but no sure tokens of genuine 
 piety, or acceptance with God. — We sensibly feel our tern- 
 oral losses, and bestow much pains to retrieve them: but 
 ow little do we attempt the salvation of our souls, and how 
 speedily are we weary in seeking it ! Nay, if ministers could 
 inform men how to secure their property, or recover it when 
 lost, or to acquire wealth, they would be much more respected 
 and consulted than they now are, when employed in teaching 
 them how to escape eternal misery and to obtain eternal life ! 
 Indeed we all are naturally far more desirous to learn our for- 
 tune, than our duty : so that curiosity and worldly motives are 
 frequently the first means of bringing men acquainted with 
 the ministers and the word of God. And poor servants and 
 mechanics are often better acquainted, than the rich and great 
 are, with Seers , the holy men of God, who teach the way of 
 eternal salvation : nay, in general, they have more respect 
 for them as they have not so many things to occupy their 
 thoughts, or prejudice their hearts against the truth. But 
 many will speak of ministers as men of God, and honourable 
 men whose words will certainly come to pass, who neither 
 comply with their exhortations, nor imitate their examples: 
 and being conscious that they do not choose to be at any 
 expense in religion, they suspect that the servants of God 
 teach for hire, and will do nothing without pay. Indeed there 
 have always been so great a majority of this character, that 
 inattentive observers cannot readily understand the difference 
 between mercenary diviners , and those who “seek not theirs 
 but them;” or between blind watchmen and guides, and those 
 who are Seers indeed. But the seeing eye and the hearing 
 ear are, in this sense also, from the Lord ; and to those that 
 wait on him ho will communicate the truths, which he would 
 have them communicate to the people. But how shall those 
 who are blind themselves, be seers for other men ; or point out 
 to them that Saviour, of whom they have no knowledge? 
 (Notes, Is. 56:9 — 12. Matt. 15:12 — 14.) — True grace teaches 
 us to honour those whom God lias honoured, though their 
 advancement be attended by our degradation ; but that re- 
 spect should be shown in such a way, as may best tend to 
 ( 492 t 
 
 bring them acquainted with the truths and worship of God. — 
 Without fervent prayer and praise, springing from a penitent 
 believing heart, a solemn sacrifice would have degenerated 
 into a profane meal ; and with them an ordinary meal becomes 
 a spiritual sacrifice : but those who eat their food without 
 thanking the Lord for it, or seeking his blessing on it, are 
 scarcely distinguishable from brutes, or from Atheists ; and 
 the examples of eminent persons, in such matters as these, 
 may have a salutary effect on those around them. — “ Before 
 honour is humility,” and they who have well learned to obey, 
 are most likely to be advanced to command, and to rule pro 
 perly. — But how different are the Lord’s purposes concerning 
 us, from our intentions for ourselves ! Perhaps Saul was the 
 only man of the whole human race, who set out to seek asses, 
 and literally found a kingdom: but many have taken long 
 vo}'ages and journeys, or moved their habitations, to seek 
 riches and pleasures, who have been guided to places, where 
 they have found the salvation of their souls ; having met with 
 those who addressed them, as if informed of the secrets of their 
 lives and hearts ; and having been thus led seriously to regard 
 the message of the Lord delivered by them. If this has been 
 our case, though our worldly projects have all been frustrated, 
 let us cease caring about it; for the Lord has given us that 
 which is infinitely better. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1. In the conversation of the 
 preceding evening and of that morning, Samuel had doubtless 
 given Saul all needful information, preparatory to this signifi- 
 cant ceremony; and he probably joined with it exhortations, 
 counsels, and prayers. (Marg. Ref. a. Notes, 2:35,36. 16:13.) 
 — The priests were anointed to their office as types of Christ, 
 and as implying their need of the communication of the Holy 
 Spirit, to furnish them for their sacred work ; and for the 
 same reason the kings also were anointed. (Note, Ex. 29:1 
 — 7.) In performing this sacred rite, Samuel assured Saul 
 of the Lord’s choice of him to be king of Israel, and of his 
 own hearty concurrence : and the hiss denoted affection and 
 subjection, and loyalty to him, as the Lord’s anointed. 
 (Notes, Ps. 2:10 — 12.) — The law of Moses is silent as to the 
 anointing of kings: but it seems to have been an ancient 
 custom: (Judg. 9:8.) and when prophets conformed to it by 
 divine command, it obtained the force of a law. — It does not 
 appear, that Samuel used the holy oil of the sanctuary on this 
 occasion, or even when he anointed David, hut rather com- 
 mon olive-oil: for he was at a distance from the tabernacle. 
 (16:1,13.) 
 
 V. 2. Wc may suppose, that Saul was exceedingly sur- 
 prised, and scarcely able to believe what Samuel had said U) 
 him : to convince him therefore that the matter was from the 
 Lord, Samuel prophetically, and very particularly, informed 
 him of some incidents which he would meet with in his 
 return. (Notes, Mark 11:1 — 11. 14:12 — 16.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. (Note, 9:12— 14.) There seems to have been a 
 high place at Beth-el, where priests attended to receive obla- 
 tions, and to minister in their office : and these three men 
 were going thither, in order to present peace-offerings ; but, 
 meeting Saul, they were secretly disposed by the Lord, to 
 give him two loaves of bread, as a present, or tribute paid 
 him after he ban been anointed king. 
 
 Plain of Tabor. (3) Tabor, in the lot of Zebulun, or 
 Issachar, (Marg. Ref. i,) in the northern part of the land, 
 lay so remote from Saul’s journey from Ramah to Gibeah, 
 (26. 1:1. 9:5.) that it is most likely some pla< A in the neigh 
 
B. C. 1075. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 B. C. 1075. 
 
 3 Then shalt Ihou go on forward from thence, 
 and thou shalt come to the plain of 'Tabor, and 
 there shall meet thee three men going up to God 
 to k Beth-el, one carrying 'three kids, and another 
 carrying three loaves of bread, and another car- 
 rying a bottle o' wine. 
 
 4 And they will ‘salute thee, and give thee two 
 loaves of bread, which thou shalt receive of their 
 
 hajids. 
 
 5 After that, thou shalt come to the m hill of 
 God, where is the garrison of the Philistines : and 
 it shall come to pass, when thou art come thi^er 
 to the city, that thou shalt meet "a company of 
 prophets coming down from the high place, with 
 “a psaltery, and a tabret, and a pipe, and a harp, 
 betore them ; and they shall prophesy : 
 
 6 And the rSpirit of the Lord will come upon 
 thee, and thou shalt prophesy with them, and 
 shalt be turned into ^another man. 
 
 7 And tlet it be, when these r signs are come 
 nnto thee, Hhat thou do as occasion shall serve 
 thee ; for s God is with thee. 
 
 8 And thou shalt go down before me ‘to Gilgal; 
 and behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer 
 burnt-offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace- 
 offerings : "seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come 
 to thee, and show thee what thou shalt do. 
 
 9 IT And it was so, that when he had turned 
 his §back to go from Samuel, God "gave him 
 “another heart : and >'all those signs came to pass 
 that day. 
 
 10 And when ‘they came thither to the hill, 
 behold, a company of prophets met him ; and the 
 Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied 
 among them. 
 
 11 And it came to pass, “when all that knew 
 him before-time saw that, behold, he prophesied 
 among the prophets, then the people said "one to 
 another, b What is this that is come unto the son 
 of Kish ? c Is Saul also among the prophets ? 
 
 Uoih. 19: 12,22. Judg. 4:6,12. 8:18. Ps. 89:12. k Gen. 28:19,22 . 35:6,1. 1 Ler. 
 1:10. 3:6, 1*2. 7:13. 23:13. Num. 15:5 — 12. * Heb. ask ihee of peace. Judg. 18: 
 15. mar*, m M. 13:3. n 19:20. 2 Kings 2:3,5,15. 4:38. 6:1. c Ex. 15:20,21. 
 2 Kings 3.15. 1 Chr. 13:8. 15:15—21,27,28. 16:5,42.25:1—6. 2 Chr. 29:25-27. 
 Ps. 49:4. 150:3—6. p 16:13. 19:23. Num. 11:25. ,ludg.3:10. Matt. 7:22. q9 
 — 12. t Heb. it shall come to pass, that when, r Ex. 4:8. Luke 2: 12. John 16: 
 4. JHeh.do for thee as thine hand shall find. Judg 9:33. s Gen. 21 :20. Deut. 
 20:1. Judg. 6:12. Is. 7:14. 45:1,2. Matt. 1:23. 28:20. t 11:14,15. 13:4. 15:33. 
 
 bourhood of these cities was called “ the plain of Tabor,” 
 from its resemblance to the vicinity of mount Tabor. 
 
 V. 5, fi. The hill of God, which was kept by a garrison of 
 the Philistines, seems to have been at or nearGibeah, where 
 Saul lived ; and a high place for the worship of God was 
 situated there (13.) — From the time of Samuel, there appear 
 to have been seminaries, where pious young men were edu- 
 cated, under the tuition of some approved prophets, in the 
 knowledge of divine things ; upon whom God was frequently 
 pleased to bestow the Spirit of prophecy : and they were 
 very useful in preserving some sense of true religion in the 
 land, when the priests and Levites neglected their duty ; as 
 it must be concluded that they generally did at this time. 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 19:20,21. 2 Kings 2:1,2. 4:1.) The garri- 
 son of the Philistines did not, it seems, disturb them in their 
 devout studies and exercises. — The prophets frequently used 
 solemn music, to compose their minds for the illapses of the 
 Spirit of God ; and many think, that they were immediately 
 inspired to praise God in suitable hymns accompanying the 
 music. (Notes, 2 Kings 3:15. 1 Cor. 14:26 — 33.) In these 
 Saul was supeanaturally enabled to join ; as well as endued 
 with extraordinary prudence and courage, qualifying him to 
 govern the people of God. (Note, 1 Kings 3:5 — 14.) 
 
 V. 7. When Saul had by these signs been assured of his 
 appointment to the kingdom, and especially when the Spirit 
 of God had powerfully come upon him, and he was “ turned 
 into another man;” (Note, 9.) he must be left, without 
 further particular directions, to act in general as circum- 
 stances required ; depending on God for wisdom, assistance, 
 and success. ( Mar g. Ref.) 
 
 V. 8. The deliverance of Israel from the Philistines, 
 though one great end of Saul’s appointment to the kingdom, 
 was not attempted till the second year of his reign. And at 
 that time, Saul at Gilgal neglected to wait for Samuel, 
 according to directions given him, which in some respects 
 correspond with these. (Notes, 13:8 — 15.) — Saul was con- 
 firmed in the kingdom at Gilgal, when Samuel was present: 
 (11:14,15.) and it is probable, that Samuel purposed to seek 
 direction, and a blessing from God, by solemn sacrifices, 
 before Saul made war upon the Philistines ; but he was pre- 
 vented by Saul’s precipitancy. — Perhaps the instruction was 
 intended as a general rule, on every great emergency. (Note, 
 15:1—3.) 
 
 12 And one "of the same place answered *nd 
 said, But d who is their Father ? Therefore i 
 became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prP 
 phetsr 
 
 13 And when he had made an end of prophe 
 sying, he came to the high place. 
 
 14 And Saul’s uncle said unto him and to his 
 servant, Whither went ye? “And he said, To 
 seek the asses : and when we saw that they were 
 f no where, we came to Samuel. 
 
 15 And Saul’s uncle said, Tell me, I pray thee, 
 what Samuel said unto you ? 
 
 16 And Saul said unto his uncle, He told us 
 plainly that the asses were found. But "of the 
 matter of the kingdom, whereof Samuel spake, 
 
 he told him not. 1 Practical Observations.] 
 
 17 11 And Samuel called the people together 
 h unto the Lord to Mizpeh : 
 
 18 And said unto the children of Israel, ‘Thus 
 saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought up Israd 
 out of Egypt, and delivered you out of the hanu 
 of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all king- 
 doms, and of them that oppressed you. 
 
 19 And k ye have this day rejected your God, 
 who himself saved you out of all your adversities 
 and your tribulations : and ye have said unto him, 
 JYay but set a king over us. Now therefore 
 present yourselves before the Lord 'by your tribes, 
 and by your thousands. 
 
 20 And when Samuel had m caused all the 
 tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benja- 
 min was taken. 
 
 21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin 
 to come near by their families, the family of Matri 
 was taken, and Saul the son of Kish was taken, and 
 when they sought him he could not be found. 
 
 22 Therefore they "inquired of the Lori 
 further, if the man should yet come thither. And 
 the Lord answered, Behold, he hath "hid himself 
 among the stuff. 
 
 u 13:8 — 15. § Heb. shoulder. || Ileb. turned, x 6. y 2— 5. Judg. 6:21 ,36 — 40. 
 7:11. Is. 38:7,8. Mark 14:16. z5:19,20— 24. a John 9:8,9. Acts 3: 10. IT Heb. 
 a man to his neighbour . b Matt. 13:55. John 7:15. Acts 2:7,8. 4:13. 9:21. c 19: 
 24. ** Heb. from thence, d Is. 54:13. John 6:45. 7:16. Jam. 1 : 17. e 9:3 — 13, 
 f 2 Kings 5:25. g 9:27. Ex. 4:18. Judg. 14:6. Prov. 29:11. h 7:5,6. Judg. & 
 
 1. i Judg. 2:1. 6.8,9. Neh. 9:9— 12,27,28. k 8:7— 9,19. 12:17— 19. I Num. 11 
 
 2. Josh. 7:14. Mic. 5:2. m 14:41 ,42. Josh. 7; 16— 18. Acts 1 :24— 26. n 23:2— 
 4,11,12. Num. 27:21. Judg. 1:1. 20:18,23,28. o9:21. 15:17. Luke 14:11. 
 
 V. 9. Another heart .] Saul was inspired with fortitude 
 and resolution; and his mind was enlarged to great designs 
 of governing and delivering Israel, and subduing their ene- 
 mies, and thus promoting the welfare of his people : he was 
 also brought under religious impressions ; and indeed his con- 
 duct, for a season, appeared very promising, though he after- 
 wardsbecame atrociously wicked. (Notes, Matt. 12:43 — 45. 
 2 Pet. 2:20 — 22.) He was “ turned into another man:” but 
 it is not said, that he was made “ partaker of a new heart, 
 and a right spirit.” The effects and nature of the change 
 which took place in Saul at this time, will be viewed by 
 readers in general according to their different sentiments on 
 some points of doubtful disputation; which after all can never 
 be decided by this, or any other example; but from a com- 
 prehensive knowledge of the sacred oracles, and the nature 
 and securities of God’s everlasting covenant. (Notes, 2 
 Sam. 23:5. Is. 55:4,5. Jer. 32:38 — 41.) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. When Saul came among the prophets, the 
 Spirit of the Lord came upon him, and he spake so perti- 
 nently and fluently in divine things, or so earnestly joined in 
 their adorations and hymns of sacred praise, that those who 
 before had known him were astonished to hear him : and one 
 said, “ But who is their Father ?” ‘ Is not God the Father 
 of prophets? Why need you then be surprised to see Saul, 
 though before an unlikely person, become one of them?’ Or, 
 ‘ Is not Samuel the father or institutor of this seminary ? and 
 Saul has been all night with him, and is thus become one ol 
 them.’ (Note, 19:19 — 24.) — It caused far greater astonish- 
 ment many ages afterwards to see another Saul among the 
 apostles of Jesus. (Note, Acts 9:17 — 22.) — When Saul had 
 prophesied for a time, he seems to have gone to the high place, 
 to perform his devotions before he returned home. 
 
 V. 1 6. This may be ascribed to a commendable modesty and 
 prudence, by which Saul would avoid ostentation, shun envy, 
 and patiently wait the event. (Note, Judg. 14:5,6.) 
 
 V. 17— 22. (Marg.Ref. Notes, 8:1— 9.)—' This deter- 
 mination seems to have been made by casting lots. The 
 appointment of a king was thus referred to God, by the inter- 
 position of his prophet, and not to a popular election. (Notes, 
 8:19,22. Deut. 17:14,15.) Yet the narrative implies, that the 
 elders inquired of the Lord, either by the high-priest or by 
 Samuel; and that they received an express answer (22.) — 
 Saul hid himself, probably from criminal diffidence and dis- 
 C 493 ) 
 
B. C. 1075. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1075. 
 
 23 And they ran and fetched him thence : and 
 when he stood among the people, rhe was higher 
 than any of the people, from his shoulders and 
 upward. 
 
 24 And Samuel said to all the people, ^See ye 
 him whom the Loan hath chosen, that there is 
 none like him among all the people ? And all the 
 people shouted, and said, 'God save the king. 
 
 25 Then Samuel told the people r the manner of 
 the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it 
 up before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the 
 people away, every man to his house. 
 
 26 And Saul also went home to 'Gibeah ; and 
 there went with him a band of men, ‘whose hearts 
 God had touched. 
 
 27 But the "children of Belial said, How shall 
 this man save us? and they despised him, and 
 'brought him no presents : but f he held his 
 peace. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Kahash, the Ammonite, encamps against Jabesh-gilead, and offers the inhabi- 
 tants most cruel and disgraceful terms ; who obtain seven days' respite , 1 — 
 
 3. They send messengers to Gibeah , and Saul delivers them, and smites the 
 
 Ammonites, 4 — II. Saul will not allow his despiscrs to be punished, 12 13. 
 
 He is made king in Gilgal, 14, 15. 
 
 T HEN “Nahash the Ammonite came up and 
 encamped against b Jabesh-gilead : and all the 
 
 p 9:2. 16:7. 17:4. q Dent. 17:15. 2 Sam. 21:6. * Heb. let the king live. 1 Kings 
 1:25,31. 2 Kings 11:12. Matt. 21:9. r 8: 11— 18. Deut. 17:14— 20. Ez. 45:9,10. 
 46:16—18. Rom. 131— 7. 1 Tim. 2:2. Tit. 3:1. 1 Pet. 2:13,14. s 11:4. 15:34. 
 Josh. 18:28. Judg. 19:12— 16. 20: 2Sam.21:6. t Ezra 1:5. Ps. 110:3. Acts 7: 
 •0. 13:48. u 2:12. 11:12. Deut. 13:13. 2 Sam. 20.1. Acta 7:35,51,52. x 2 Sam. 
 8:2. 1 Kings 4:21. 10:25. 2 Chr. 17:5 Ps. 72:10. Malt. 2:11. | Or, he was 
 ns though he had been deaf. Ps. 39:13. Is. 36:21. Matt. 27:12 — 14. a 12:12. 
 Judg. 10:7. 11,8, &c. b 31:11 — 13. Judg. 21:8,10. c Gen. 26:28. Ex. 23:32. 
 
 trust of God ; j'et some suppose, he was alarmed by hearing, 
 that the Lord was displeased with the people for asking a king. 
 
 V. 25. The manner of the kingdom.] Probably this writing 
 contained the rules of the government; or, in modern lan- 
 guage, the prerogatives of the prince, and the privileges of 
 the people. u The manner of the kingdom” would differ con- 
 siderably from M the manner of the king,” before mentioned : 
 the one being the appointment of God, and the other the effect 
 of human depravity, when intrusted with absolute authority. 
 (Notes, 8:10—18. Deut. 17:14—18.) 
 
 V. 26, 27. The people in general seem to have treated the 
 matter with great indifference, notwithstanding the earnest- 
 ness with which they had demanded a king. And Saul mo- 
 destly went home to his own house, leaving for the present 
 Samuel to manage public affairs, as he had before done. Yet 
 he was attended by a band of men whose hearts God disposed 
 to support his authority ; while others contemptuously rejected 
 him, and would not acknowledge him as king. But he pru- 
 dently held his peace, and did not resent their affronts ; and 
 thus civil discords and unpopular measures were prevented. 
 (Notes, Judg. 8:1— 3. 12:1—7.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 16. Many are employed in outward services to the 
 Lord’s people, who have not the unction of his sanctifying 
 grace: yet the most eminent Christians and ministers must 
 honour and obey God’s authority in them. — The attentive be- 
 liever, comparing the dispensations of Providence with the 
 word of God, will perceive his hand in the most ordinary con- 
 cerns of life, as fulfilments of the Scripture, answers of prayer, 
 and evidences of the Lord’s peculiar kindness. — A superior 
 care, in common life, swallows up an inferior one: and the 
 tender parent ceases from anxiety about his property, when 
 solicitous for the welfare of his son. Children therefore should 
 take heed not to distress such kind friends: but we are espe- 
 cially reminded, that a due concern about eternal things would 
 moderate our care about the interests of this life. — Many 
 changes may take place in the language, conduct, and dispo- 
 sition of him, who is not born of God: another man he may 
 become, and yet not a new creature ; another heart he may 
 have, but not a holy heart : he may be qualified for ruling or 
 preaching, and yet not be u made meet for the inheritance of 
 the saints in light nay, he may prophesy and work miracles, 
 and yet be a child of the devil. — Sudden changes are generally 
 to be suspected : but when we consider who makes the Chris- 
 tian and the prophet, we need not bo offended, should we 
 number among professors and even preachers of the gospel, 
 some Saul who was one of our former ungodly acquaintance : 
 for true conversion makes so great a change in a man’s cha- 
 racter, that former friends can scarcely believe him to be the 
 same ; whether they admire and love, or despise and hate it. 
 — When we depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we 
 may regulate our general conduct as circumstances require, 
 and act with humble confidence in perplexing situations, being 
 assured that M God is with us hut we should enter on every 
 enterprise, with reference to his authority and worship, and 
 carefully observe hisMirections, and wait his time. — We may 
 freely speak of those tilings which arc honourable to others; 
 but in general it is best to bo silent, as to those transactions 
 which lend to our own reputation. 
 
 ( 494 ) 
 
 men of Jabesh said unto Naliash, 'Make a cov- 
 enant with us, and we will serve thee. 
 
 2 And Nahash, the Ammonite answered them, 
 d On this condition will I make a covenant with 
 you, that e I may thrust out all your right eyes, 
 and lay it for f a reproach upon all Israel. 
 
 3 And the elders of Jabesh said unto him, 
 'Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send 
 messengers unto all the coasts of Israel : and 
 then, if there be no man to save us, we will come 
 out to thee. 
 
 ■*4 Then came the messengers to ^Gibeah of 
 Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the peo- 
 ple : and all the people '’lifted up their voices and 
 wept. 
 
 5 And, behold, Saul came 'after the herd out of 
 the field ; and Saul said, JWhat aileth the people 
 that they weep ? And they told him the tidings 
 of the men of Jabesh. 
 
 6 And the k Spirit of God came upon Saul 
 when he heard those tidings, and ‘his anger was 
 kindled greatly. 
 
 7 And he took a yoke of oxen, and ’"hewed 
 them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the 
 coasts of Israel by the hands of messengers, say- 
 ing, "Whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and 
 
 Deut. 23:3. 1 Kins. 20:34. JoMl:4. Ez.l7:13. d 2 Kinjs 18:31. e Judg. 
 16:21. Esth. 3:6. Prov. 12:10. Jer. 39:7. f 17:26. Gen. 34:14. * Heb. forbear 
 us. g 10:26. 14:2. 15:34 . 2 Sam. 21-6. h 30:4. Judg. 2:4. 21 :2. Rom. 12:15. 
 1 Cor. 12:26. Gal. 6:2. Heb. 13:3. i 9:1. 1 Kings 19:19. Ps. 78:71. J Gen. 21: 
 17. Judg. 18:23. Is. 22:1. k 10:10. 16:13. Judg. 3:10. 6:34. 11:29. 13:25. 14:6. 
 1 Ex. 32:19. Nura. 12:3. Mark 3:5. Eph. 4:26. m Judg. 19:29. n Judg. 21: 
 5,8—11, 
 
 V. 17 — 27. The Lord will bring to a seasonable determi- 
 nation those affairs, which are referred to him : but the grati- 
 fication of inordinate desires is short-lived and expired in dis- 
 appointment and vexation. It is good to be conscious of our 
 unworthinets and insufficiency for the services to which we 
 are called ; and to avoid ostentation, and whatever may excite 
 envy and opposition : hut we should be careful not to run into 
 the opposite extreme, by refusing the employments to which 
 the Lord calls us, through meanness of spirit and unbelief. 
 Indeed, high stations are heavy burdens, when the duties of 
 them are conscientiously attended on: and the comfort of 
 them is but small ; for the heart of man is prone to envy all 
 who are preferred. (Notes, 18:6 — 9. Ec. 4:4 — 6.) Our natural 
 enmity to God disposes us to despise and oppose the instru- 
 ments which he selects for the government of states, and for 
 promoting his cause : and if some approve, honour, and help 
 them, they will be reviled and contemned by others. But we 
 should wait his will with patience, and without discourage- 
 ment ; bear scorn and malice in silent meekness ; and attend 
 to the duties of our station, according to the manner of it: 
 thus the fatal effects of discord will be prevented, and in 
 due season the Lord will plead our cause, and all opposition 
 will fall before us. — Men seldom receive that with thankful- 
 ness, which they sought with too great eagerness : for their 
 expectations are not exactly answered, and this occasions 
 dissatisfaction and sullen discontent. And when any welcome 
 with gratitude the appointments of God, and set themselves 
 cordially to promote his cause ; (even the cause of Christ our 
 anointed King, whom so many “ children of Belial” despiso ; ) 
 they are those alone, whose hearts he has touched by his 
 grace ; and to him all the praise belongs. (Notes, Ezra 1:1 — 
 4. John 6:41 — 46.) 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XL V. 1—3. Jabesh-gilead had been 
 desolated by the Israelites some time before: (Note, Judg. 
 21:9 — 12 ) but being now replenished, it was assaulted by the 
 Ammonites on whose borders it was situated ; who, it is pro- 
 bable, renewed the claims which had been made in the days 
 ofJephthah. (Notes, Judg. 11:12 — 23.) And the inhabitants, 
 when they offered to capitulate, could obtain no better terms, 
 than for every man to have his right eye put out. — It is pro- 
 bable, that their enemies would not have consented to the 
 respite even of a few days, but in confidence that they would 
 not be helped, and that in consequence the nation of Israel 
 would be the more deeply disgraced. (Notes, 2 Sam. 10:2 — 
 4.) Some apprehension of this war had induced the Israelites 
 to desire a king: (Note, 12:11 — 13.) but tho unsettled staui 
 of affairs both encouraged the Ammonites, and disheartened 
 the. men of Jabesh-gilead. 
 
 V. 4, 5. Saul finding himself despised bv some of tho 
 Israelites, and neglected by others, returned quietly to his 
 former occupations, and left tho matter entirely to Providence. 
 (Note, 10:26,27.) — In this chapter he looks as great ns the 
 much celebrated Homan dictator from the plough, mid indeed 
 greater. For Saul followed his herds, after ho was appointed 
 to the kingdom by God himself; yet when railed forth to action, 
 hts vigour and success were not at all inferior to those of tho 
 renowned Roman. 
 
 V. 6 — 11. Saul excited by the Spirit of God, and fired 
 with a generous indignation at the indignity offered 'o Is'a-1. 
 
B. C. 107b. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 B. C. 1075. 
 
 after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen. 
 And “the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and 
 they came out 'with one consent. 
 
 8 And when he numbered them in pBezek, 
 sthe children of Israel were three hundred thou- 
 sand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 
 
 9 And they said unto the messengers that came, 
 Tims shall ye say unto the men of Jabesh-gilead, 
 To-morrow, by that time the sun be hot, ye shall 
 have f help. And the messengers came and 
 showed it to the men of Jabesh ; and they were 
 glad. 
 
 10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, ■'To- 
 morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall 
 do with us all that seemeth good unto you. 
 
 11 And it was so 5 on the morrow, that Saul put 
 the people ‘in three companies, and they came 
 into the midst of the host in the "morning-watch, 
 and x slew the Ammonites until the heat of the 
 day : and it came to pass, that they which re- 
 mained were scattered, rso that two of them were 
 not left together. 
 
 12 H And the people said unto Samuel, z Who 
 is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us r bring 
 the men, that we may put them to death. 
 
 13 And Saul said, "There shall not a man be 
 put to death this day : for to-day b the Lord hath 
 wrought salvation in Israel. 
 
 14 Then said Samuel to the people, Come, and 
 "let us go to Gilgal, and ‘'renew the kingdom 
 there. 
 
 15 And all the people went to Gilgal ; and there 
 they made Saul king “before the Lord in Gilgal; 
 and 1 there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace-offer- 
 ings before the Lord ; and there Saul and all the 
 men of Israel ^rejoiced greatly. 
 
 oGen.35:5. 2 Chr. 14:14. 17:10. * Heb. as one man. Judg. 20:1. p Judg. 
 
 1:4,5. q 13:15. 15:4. 2 Sam. 24:9. 2 Chr. 17: 12— 19. t Or, deliverance. Ps. 
 18:17. r 2. s Gen. 22:14. Ps.46:l. t Judg. 7:18. 9:43. u Ex. 14:24. x 2. 
 Judg. 1:7. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. y 30: 17,18. Judg. 4: 16. z 10:27. Ps.2l:8. 
 Luke 19:27. a 2 Sam. 19:22. b 19:5. Ex. 14:13,30. Ps. 44:4— 8. 1 Cor. 15:10. 
 c 7: 16. 10:8. d 10:24. 2 Sam. 5:3. 1 Chr. 12:38,39. e 10:17. f Ex. 24:5. 1 Chr. 
 29:21 — 24. g 8:19. 12:13— 15,17. Hos. 13:10,11 . Jam. 4:16. a 8:5— 8,19 — 22. 
 b 10:1,24. 11:14,15. c 8:20. Num. 27:17. d 8:1 ,5. Ps. 71:18. Is. 46:3,4. 2Tim. 
 4:6. 2 Pet. 114. e 2:22,29. 3:13. 8:3. f3:19,20. g 5. 10:1. 24:6. 2 Sam. 1:14 
 
 in a very spirited, yet modest and clement manner, summoned 
 the attendance of the people ; assuming regal authority, yet 
 adding the name of Samuel, doubtless to avoid needless 
 offence: and, through the immediate influence of God upon 
 their hearts, a very great multitude assembled with surprising 
 celerity. Upon this they undertook and performed a march, 
 perhaps of forty or fifty miles, within the space of about 
 twenty-four hours ; anti by this despatch arrived in time to 
 rescue their trembling brethren at Jabesh, and unexpectedly 
 to destroy or totally scatter their insulting enemies. In this 
 public service, it is said, that “ the Spirit of God came upon 
 Saul,” and in this alone. (Notes, 10:5 — 7. 16:13,14.) 
 
 V. 12 — 15. Saul’s extraordinary success went further with 
 the people, than either the Lord’s appointment or Samuel’s 
 anointing of him, or his personal accomplishments ; so that 
 they received him as their king, with sacrifices and great joy. 
 And now “ the sons of Belial” were saved from death, as well 
 as Israel from the Ammonites, by him whom they despised 
 as unable to save them. (Note, 10:26,27.) Saul’s answer 
 likewise gave the glory of the victory to^God, who alone had 
 saved his people. In all this, his conduct was unexceptionable ; 
 and the whole concludes with such humanity and apparent 
 piety, as promised far better effects than those which followed. 
 ( Marg . Ref. Note, Ps. 36:3,4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Has'y settlements among bad neighbours often produce 
 multiplied calamities : (Note, Num. 32:29.) and when profes- 
 sed Christians act inconsistently with the covenant of God, 
 they will probably be forced to the basest subjection to man ; 
 for God will disgrace those who dishonour him, and make them 
 a reproach to their enemies.— To save their lives men often 
 part with their liberty, and will gven consent to lose their 
 eyes : how much more then is it our wisdom, to part with our 
 right eye, rather than to be. cast into hell-fire ! (Notes, Mutt. 
 5:29,30. Mark. 9:43 — 50. P. 0.30 — 50.) Indulgences or in- 
 terests most dear to our carnal hearts, must be crucified, if 
 we would covenant with God for the life of our souls ; and, 
 whatever respite he may give, none can save us out of his 
 hand : we must consent to his proposals or perish for ever. 
 But tender mercy is couched under this apparently severe 
 requisition : the dreaded operati n will not be-so painful as 
 men suppose, the advantages are immense, and the service 
 of God is perfect freedom.— The Lord, in providence, will 
 make way for those, whom he has designed and prepared for 
 usefulness : nor shall any repent of humbly waiting in obscu- 
 rity and honest industry, till he is pleased to call them forth ; 
 for pride and impatience alone can conclude, that the only 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Samuel, before Israel, avows his integrity, and the people fully justify him , I 
 — 6. He expostulates with them, for their ingratitude, in rejecting the gov- 
 ernment of God , and warns them against disobedience, 6 — 15. To show their 
 guilt in asking a king, he calls for thunder and rain in time of harvest, which 
 greatly dismays them, 16—19. He promises to instruct and pray for them t 
 and encourages them to cleave to the service of Ciod, and to trust in hie mer- 
 cy, 20—25. 
 
 A ND Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, a I 
 have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye 
 said unto me, and b have made a king over you. 
 
 2 And now, behold, the king “walketh before 
 you: and d I am old and grey-headed; and, be- 
 hold, e my sons are with you : and f I have walked 
 before you from my childhood unto this day. 
 
 3 Behold, here I am : witness against me 
 before the Lord, and before shis anointed : b whose 
 ox have I taken ? or whose ass have I taken ? or 
 whom have I defrauded ? whom have I oppressed ? 
 or of whose hand have I received any 'bribe to 
 tblind mine eyes therewith ? and 'I will restore it 
 you. 
 
 4 And they said, k Thou hast not defrauded us, 
 nor oppressed us, neither hast thou taken aught 
 of any man’s hand. 
 
 5 And he said unto them, 'The Lord is witness 
 against you, and m his anointed is witness this day, 
 that "ye have not found aught "in my hand. And 
 they answered, He is witness. 
 
 6 And Samuel said unto the people, p It is the 
 Lord that ^advanced Moses and Aaron, and 
 that brought your fathers up out of the land of 
 Egypt. 
 
 7 Now therefore stand still, that I may ^reason 
 with you before the Lord, of all the ^righteous 
 acts of the Lord, which he did "to you and to 
 your fathers. 
 
 8 When "Jacob was come into Egypt, and 
 
 —16. Matt. 22:21. Rom. 13:1 — 7. h Num. 16:15. Acts 20:33. 1 Thes. 2:5,10. 
 1 Pet. 5:2. ’ Heb. ransom, t Or, that I should hide mine ryes at him. Ex. 
 
 23:8. Deut. 16:19. PLev. 6:4. Luke 19:8. k Ps. 37 5,6. Dan. 6:4. 3 John 12. 
 1 Job 31:35—40. 42:7. m26:9. n John 18:38. Acls23;9. 1 Cor. 4.4. 2 Cor. 1: 
 12. o Ex. 22:4. Ps. 17:3. p Ex. 6:26. Neh. 9:9— 14. Pa. 77: 19,20 . 78:12, &c. 
 99:6.105:26,41. Is. 63:7— 14. Hos. 12:13. } Or, made, q Is. 1 : 18. 5:3,4. Ez, 
 18:25 — 30. Mic. 6:2 — 4. Acta 17:3. § Heb. righteousnesses, or, benefits. Judg 
 
 5:Ii. !l Heb. with. r Gen. 46:5— 7. Num. 20:15. Acta 7:15. 
 
 wise God has lighted a candle to leave it under a bushel. — 
 The reproach of the gospel, the distresses of the Lord’s peo- 
 ple, and the insulting triumphs of their enemies, should not 
 only excite our sympathizing sorrows, but our most decisive 
 exertions in our several stations, yea, our warm and generous 
 indignation. But magistrates in all cases should he sparing 
 of the lives of their subjects, and only punish them in their 
 property, where that can be made effectual. — When zeal for 
 the glory of God, and love for their brethren, prompt men to 
 earnest and vigourous efforts, and when he is pleased to 
 concur, great effects are speedily produced ; but in critical 
 junctures ordinary measures of despatch are insufficient. — 
 Deliverance in extreme distress is doubly welcome, and it is 
 often vouchsafed to the true Christian : but the destruction, 
 which commonly overtakes the wicked in the height of their 
 triumphs and security, is inexpressibly dreadful. — Humility 
 and clemency add superior lustre to the most splendid actions ; 
 he who forgives his enemies, when he has them in his power, 
 obtains the noblest victory : (Note, Prov. 16:32.) and by 
 giving the praise of illustrious exploits to God, a man acquires 
 the most solid honour. — The Lord delights to plead the cause 
 of those, who are dumb under injuries, and who do not plead 
 for themselves ; to put to silence those who contend with his 
 servants ; and to work by instruments which man contemns. 
 — Thus the despised Saviour will at length be universally 
 acknowledged as the Lord’s anointed King, with songs of 
 triumph and praise : at present, before the mercy-seat, he 
 receives the submissions and pleads the cause of rebels, who 
 are willing that he should reign over and save them ; but 
 shortly from his righteous tribunal he will condemn to ever- 
 lasting ruin all those, who persist in contempt of him and 
 opposition to him. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1. The elders of Israel, being 
 convened at Gilgal, where they had celebrated the late victory 
 with sacrifices, and confirmed the kingdom to Saul; (Note, 
 11:12 — 15.) Samuel embraced the opportunity of appeu.ing t» 
 the people, and to their king, concerning his integrity and 
 disinterested conduct, as their judge, when about to divest 
 himself of his authority. By this he doubtless means not 
 only to clear his own character, but likewise to set before 
 Saul an instructive example ; and especially to convince the 
 people of their ingratitude to God, as well as to him. (Notes, 
 Acts 20:18 — 35.) 
 
 V. 2 — 7. Samuel might be about eighteen years of age 
 when Eli was slain, and thirty-eight when he assembled the 
 people at Mizpeh, (Notes, 7:1 — 12.) and perhaps sixty at this 
 time. — F rom a child he had been labouring assiduously for 
 
 ( 495 ) 
 
B. e 1074. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1074, 
 
 your fathers 'cried unto the Lord, then the Lord 
 ‘ sent Moses and Aaron, which “brought forth 
 vour fathers out of Egypt and 'made them dwell 
 n this place. 
 
 9 And when they rforgat the Lord their God, 
 'he sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of 
 the host of Hazor, and into the hand "of the 
 Philistines, and b into the hand of the king of 
 Moab, and they fought against them. 
 
 10 And 'they cried unto the Lord, and said, 
 We have sinned, because we have forsaken the 
 Lord, and have served ‘'Baalim and Ashtaroth : 
 but now 'deliver us out of the hand of our 
 enemies, and we will serve thee. 
 
 11 And the Lord sent fJerubbaal, andsBedan, 
 and h Jephthah, and 'Samuel, and delivered you 
 out of the hand of your enemies on every side, 
 and ye dwelled safe. 
 
 12 And when ye saw that k Nahash, the king of 
 the children of Ammon, came against you, ye 
 said unto me, ‘Nay, but a king shall reign over 
 us ; m when the Lord your God was your King. 
 
 13 Now therefore "behold the king “whom ye 
 have have chosen, and whom ye rhave desired ! 
 and, behold, the Lord hath set a king over 
 you. 
 
 14 If “lye will fear the Lord, and serve him, 
 and obey his voice, and not rebel against the 
 ‘commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye, 
 and also the king that reigneth over you, ‘continue 
 following the Lord your God. 
 
 15 But if r ye will not obey the voice of the 
 
 s Ex. 2:23,24 . 3:9. t See on 6. Ex. 3:10. 4:14-16,27-31. 6:26. u Ex. 12:51. 
 14:30,31. x Josh. 1:2— 4.6. 3:10— 13. Ps. 44:1— 3. 78:54,53. 105:44. yDeut. 
 32:18. Jodg. 3:7. Ps. 106:21. Jer. 2:32. zDeut. 32:30. Judg. 2:14. 3:8. 4: 
 2. Is. 50:1,2. a Judg. 10:7. 13:1. b Judg. 3: 12. Is. 63: 10. c7:2. Judg. 3:9,15. 
 4:3. 6:7. 10:10,15. Ps. 78:34,35. 106:44. Is. 26: 16. d Judg. 2:13. 3:7. e Judg. 
 I0:15,16.ls.33:22. Luke 1.74,75. 2Cor. 5:14,15. f Judg. 6:14,32. 8:29,35. 
 g Judg. 13:— 16: h Judg. 11:1, 4c. I 7:13. k 11:1. 1 8:5,6,19,20. Judg. 9: 18, 
 56,57. m 8:7. 10:19. Gen. 17:7. Ex. 19:5,6. Num. 23:21. Ps. 74:12. Is. 33:22. 
 Hos. 13:10. n 10:24. 11:15. o 8:5. 9:20. p Ps. 78:29— 31. Hos. 13:11 . Acts 13: 
 21. q Lev. 26:1— 13. Deul. 28:1— 14. Josh. 24:14. Ps. 81:13,14. Is. 3:10. Rom. 
 2:7. * Heb. mouth, t Heb. be after, r Lev. 26:14 — 39. Peut. 28: 15 — 68. Josh. 
 24:20. Is. l£0.3:tl. Rom. 2:8,9. 6 See or. 9. t 7. 15: 16. Ex. 14:13,31 . u Prov. 
 26:1. x 7:9,10. Josh. 10:12. Ps. 99:6. Je* 15:1. Jam. 5:16—18. ySeeonSt. 
 
 the good of his people, and was grow>n grey in their service ; 
 yet they had at last rejected him ! His sons had indeed mis- 
 behaved ; and, having been reduced to a private station, they 
 were there present, if (he people chose to call them to an 
 account : but for himself he could appeal to the Lord, and to 
 their consciences, and was even willing that their anointed 
 king should decide, whether he had not acted with entire 
 equity, impartiality, and disinterestedness, during his whole 
 administration. (Notes, Num. 16:15. 2 Cor. 1:12 — 14. 12:14 
 — 21. 1 Thes. 2:1 — 8.) When they had in consequence fully 
 attested his integrity, he expostulated no further with them 
 concerning their conduct towards him ; but endeavoured to 
 convince them of their wickedness in the sight of God ; who 
 had brought their fathers out of Egypt by a prophet and a 
 priest, and not by a king like those of the surrounding nations. 
 (Notes, 8:1— 5. Deut. 17:14. Hos. 12:12— 14. 13:10,11. Acts 
 7:30—36.) 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Jacob, by going down into Egypt, made way 
 for that oppression, which caused his posterity to cry unlo 
 the Lord : and the deliverance from Egypt by Moses and 
 Aaron, made way for the settlement of Israel in Canaan : 
 and their subsequent rebellions, and chastisements prepared 
 the way for renewed deliverances, not by kings, but by judges, 
 raised up by the Lord for that gracious purpose, as Samuel 
 himself had been. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Ex. 3:7. 4:5: Judg. 
 2:11—14. 3:12—30. 4: 5:) 
 
 V. 11-7-13. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Judg. 6: — 11:) Redan 
 may be considered as a contraction of Ben-dan , or the son of 
 Dan ; and it. is probable that Samson is intended. ( Notes, 
 Judg. 13: — 16:) The Septuagint has Barak. — Samuel joins 
 himself to the number of those, by whom the Lord had de- 
 livered the people ; lo, impress more deeply on their minds 
 the conviction, that in rejecting him, they had refused to con- 
 tinue any longer under the immediate government of God, 
 by judges of his appointment, which had been their honour 
 and happiness. — When Nahash prepared to war against 
 them, it seems Samuel gave them some intimations that God 
 would raise them up a deliverer, or he offered lo lead them to 
 battle; but they refused his proposals, saying, “Nay, but a king 
 shall reign over us :” and accordingly God had appointed a 
 king over them. (Notes, 8: 16:17 — 27.11:) 
 
 V. 11, 15. The Israelites might perhaps suppose, that 
 under a king, who would always bo at hand to succour them, 
 and fight against their enemies, their affairs would not be ex- 
 posed to such vicissitudes as before. But Samuel assured 
 them, that there would be no difference in that respect : for 
 their privileges as the Lord’s peculiar people would still he 
 continued lo them, while they adhered to his service, and with- 
 drawn, if they forsook it, even as in timos past. (Marg. Rtf.) 
 
 ( 496 ) 
 
 Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the 
 Lord; then shall the hand of the Lord be 
 against you, as it was 'against your fathers. 
 
 16 Now therefore ‘stand and see this great 
 thing, which the Lord will do before your eyes. 
 
 17 Is it “not wheat-harvest to-day ? X I will call 
 unto the Lord, and he shall send thunder and 
 rain; that ye may perceive and see that tyou. 
 wickedness is great, which ye have done in the 
 sight of the Lord, in asking you a king. 
 
 18 So Samuel called unto the Lord ; and the 
 Lord 'sent thunder and rain that day and all the 
 people greatly “feared the Lord and Samuel. 
 
 19 And all the people said unto Samuel, b Pray 
 for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we 
 die not : for we have added unto all our sins this 
 evil, to ask us a king. 
 
 20 And Samuel said unto the people, “Fear 4 
 not : (ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn 
 not aside from following the Lord, but serve the 
 Lord with all your heart ; 
 
 21 And d turn ye not aside : for then should ye 
 go after “vain things, which f cannot profit nor 
 deliver ; for they are vain :) 
 
 22 For sthe Lord will not forsake his people 
 b for his great name’s sake ; because ’it hath 
 pleased the Lord to make you his people. 
 
 23 Moreover, as for me, k God forbid that I 
 should sin against the Lord fin ceasing to pray 
 for you : but ‘I will teach you “the good and tire 
 right way. 
 
 24 Only “fear the Lord, and serve him “in trufh 
 
 z Ex. 9:23— 25. Rev. 11:5,6. a Ex. 14:31. Ezra 10:9. Ps. 106:12,13. b 7:5,8 
 Gen. 20:7. Ex. 9:28. 10:17. Job 42:8. Ps. 78:34,35. Mai. 1:9. Acts 8:24. 1 John 
 5:16. c Ex. 20:19,20. 1 Pet. 3:6. d Deut. 11:16. 31:29. Josh. 23:6. Pi.40:4. 
 101:3. 125:5. e Deut. 32:21. Jer. 2:5,13. 10:8,13. 14:22. 16:19. Jon. 2:8. Hab. 
 2:18. 1 Cor. 8:4. fPs. 115:4— 8. Is. 41 :28, 24. 44:9,10. 45:20. 46:7. Jer. 10:5. 
 g Deul. 31 -.17. 2 Kings 21:14. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2Chr. 15.2. Ps. 94 :11. Is. 41:17. 4% 
 
 16. Jer. 33:24-526. Lam. 5:20. Heb. 13:5. h Ex. 32:12. Num. 14:13— 19. Deu». 
 32:26,27. Josh. 7:9. Is. 37:35. 43:25. 48:11. Jer. 14:7,21. Ex. 20:9,14. Eph. 1: 
 6,12. i Ex. 19:5,6. Deut. 7:7, 3. 9:5. 14:2. Mai. 1:2. Matt. 11:26. John 15:16. 
 Rom. 9:13—18. 11:29. 1 Cor. 4:7. Phil. 1:6, k Acts 12:5. Rom. 1:9. Col. 1:9. 
 
 1 Thes. 3:10. 2 Tim. 1:3. 1 Heb. from ceasing. IPs. 34:11. Prov. 4:11. Ec. 
 12:10. Acts 20:20. Col. 1:28. m 1 Kings 8:36. ' 2 Chr. 6:27. Jer. 6:16. n Job 
 28:23. Ps. 111:10. Prov. 1:7. Ec. 12:13. Heb. 12:29. o Ps. 119:80. John 1.47. 
 
 Following, &c. (14) Depending on God, adhering to 
 
 his worship and service, and protected bv him : and so, a 
 holy and happy people. (Notes, 15:11. Num. 14:24. Hos. 
 6:1—3.) 
 
 V. 16 — 19. Even rain was uncommon during the wheal- 
 harvest, and doubtless this thunder-storm was very violent. 
 Having likewise been predicted and called for, it formed a 
 useful attestation of Samuel’s word, and was entirely suited 
 to produce conviction and alarm in (he consciences of the 
 people. — Being, therefore, terrified with the displays of the 
 divine power, which were made in answer to Samuel’s prayer, 
 and perceiving how much he was honoured by God, they 
 were afraid of some immediate judgments, such as were in- 
 flicted on their forefathers for rebelling against Moses and 
 Aaron; and they earnestly begged of him to pray for them. 
 (Notes, Num. 11:1—3. 16:28—35,41—50. 21:4—9.) They 
 likewise acknowledged that, in addition to all their other 
 rebellions, they had heinously sinned in desiring a king. — It 
 should here be observed, 1 hat their guilt did not consist in 
 preferring the authority of kings to any other kind of govern- 
 ment : but in rebelliously and ungratefully determining to be 
 governed in a different manner, from that which God him- 
 self had chosen for them. And if afterwards, when Gcd 
 had expressly appointed David to rule over them, the people 
 had required a change of government, and wanted again to 
 be ruled by judges as their fathers had been, they would 
 have been guilty of a similar rebellion. (Note, 1 Kings 
 12:16.) 
 
 V. 20. Fear not, &c.l Samuel repeatedly exhorted the 
 people to “fear the Lord;” (14,24.) yet here he oxhorted 
 them not to fear; that is, not to be dismayed hv (he dread of 
 immediate destruction. (Note, Ex. 20:18 — 20.) — Reverence 
 of the majesty and authority of God, and fear of his dis- 
 pleasure, when counterpoised by the hopo of his favour, 
 quicken men in seeking and serving him : but such a fear of 
 wrath, as occasions despondency and hard thoughts of him, 
 drives men from their duty, and exposes them to manifold 
 temptations. (Notes, Gen. 45:5. Ps. 130:3,4. 2 Tim. 1:6 
 — 8. 1 John 4:18.) 
 
 V. 22. In preferring the seed of Jacob to other families, 
 to be his people, the Lord acted as a Sovereign, who is not 
 hound, and does not deign, to assign his reasons : but having 
 made them his people, the honour of his perfections required, 
 that he should not entirely forsuke them till iho promised 
 Seed arose, however severely he corrected them ; nor even 
 then, finally nnd absolutely: and this consideration was 
 suited lo excito and encourage their obedience. (Marg. Rtf 
 —Notes, Ps. 94:12—14. Is. 41:8,9. Jer. 33:23-26. Rom. 
 11:1—10,25—32. 
 
B. C. 1073. 
 
 CHAPT 
 
 with all your heart: for ^consider ‘how great 
 things he hath done for you. 
 
 25 But “fif ye shall still do wickedly, ye shall be 
 consumed, both r ye and your king. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Saul chooses a select band, and dismisses the people , 1 , 2. Jonathan, his son, 
 smites a gairison of the Philistines , and Saul summons the people to Gilgal , 
 
 3, 4. The Philistines gather a great army ; and Israel is distressed and 
 scattered , 5—7. Saul, weary of waiting for Samuel, sacrifices , 8, 9. Sam- 
 uel comes and reproves him, and. shores that God has rejected him ; while 
 Saul in vain excuses himself, 10—14. A small company attend Saul ; and 
 three bands of Philistines waste the land, 15—18. The policy of the Philis- 
 tines, who suffer no smith in Israel, 19 — 23. 
 
 i 
 
 S AUL ‘reigned one year : and when he had 
 reigned two years over Israel, 
 
 2 Saul “chose him three thousand men of Israel, 
 whereof two thousand were with Saul in b Mich- 
 mash, and in mount Beth-el, and a thousand 
 were with Jonathan c in Gibeah of Benjamin : 
 
 p Ezra 9:13 14. 13.5:12. Rom. 12:1. * Or, tchnt a great thing, &c. Deut. 10:21. 
 Ps. 126:2,3. QDeut. 32:15, &c. Josh. 24:20. Is. 3:11. r 31:1— 5. Deul. 28:36. 
 Hoff. 10:3. ' Heb. the son of one year in his reigning. Ex. 12:5. Mic.6:6. mars. 
 a 8:11. 14:52. b5,23. 14:5,31. Is. 10:26. c 111:25. 15:34. Josh. 18:28. Judg. 19: 
 IS. 2 Sam. 21:6. Is. 10:29. d 10:5. 14:1—6. 2 Sam. 23:14. tOr, the hill. Josh. 
 
 V. 23. The people had no occasion to fear Samuel’s re- 
 sentment: for he deemed himself bound in duty to persevere 
 in praying for them, notwithstanding the affront which they 
 had put upon him. And though he was no longer their 
 chief magistrate ; yet he promised still to devote the remnant 
 of his life to their service^ as their instructor in religion, and 
 in promoting their peace and happiness. In these respects 
 he judged them all the days of his life. {Note, 7:15. ) — 
 Nothing can be well imagined, more expressive of genuine 
 excellency of character, and a right state of heart, than this 
 simple but solemn declaration. Though ungratefully reject- 
 ed by Israel, and degraded from his high station ; he would 
 yet think, himself most criminal before God, should be de- 
 cline any service, which he was in his inferior station capable 
 of rendering them. This entirely coincides with St. Paul’s 
 avowal to the Corinthians. (Note, 2 Cor. 12:11,15.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The favoured few, who have walked before God from 
 childhood to old age, while they look back on their past lives 
 with gratitude, as the sure evidence of acceptance, and as 
 confirming their expectation of eternal glory ; may receive 
 this satisfaction, and the “rejoicing in the testimony of their 
 consciences,” as a gracious recompense from the Lord ; 
 and may speak of them, in order to induce young persons to 
 seek and serve him without delay. — There are seasons, 
 when we are called on to vindicate our own characters and 
 conduct before men, and to show them how conscientiously 
 we have acted towards them : but it should be always done 
 in subserviency to their conviction and edification. We may 
 very properly touch on this subject, when we can thus con- 
 vey useful instructions to our juniors or successors: and men 
 may recede from public stations with comfort, when they can 
 extort even from their opposers and despisers a testimony to 
 their integrity. — The honour, rendered to those who are 
 concluding their course, differs widely from the applause and 
 congratulation which many receive, when they first step forth 
 before the public eye. This indeed often terminates in dis- 
 grace and contempt : it is therefore unworthy of our wishes, 
 and ought surely never to move a wise man’s envy or dis- 
 content, though rendered to others at his expense. (Notes, 
 2 Sam. 15. 1—6. 18:9—18. 1 Chr. 29:20,26— 28.)— Pros- 
 perity in sin is no proof of impunity ; and sinners never 
 more need to be warned, than when successful in their 
 undertakings. — But the servants of God, though ill treated, 
 should be careful not to expostulate too much with those by 
 whom they have been injured ; but to “ reason with them of 
 the righteous acts of the Lord,” of his truth and mercy, 
 and of their conduct towards him, for their humiliation. — 
 Our safe and happy state consists in a willing dependence on 
 God, and subjection to him : but we are apt to affect inde- 
 pendence, and to refuse obedience, by which we exchange 
 substantial good for an empty shadow : for the greatest out- 
 ward prosperity contributes nothing to our felicity, except 
 when it induces us to fear and serve God, and to obey his 
 voice ;*and is improved as a talent in doing good to men. — 
 Disobedience ensures misery from generation to generation, 
 whatever be our station or circumstances in life : and to 
 continue “ following the Lord,” as his accepted servants, is 
 the highest privilege we can enjoy. — The most useful bene- 
 factors of mankind, who have spent their lives, and worn 
 out their constitutions, in unceasing labours for the good of 
 others, must not be surprised, if they are at length cast off 
 with neglect and ingratitude : but when the perverseness of 
 dteir brethren prevents them from doing all that good which 
 they desired to do, they should still do all the good they can. 
 This is a general rule for all : those \yho cannot rule may 
 teach, and those who cannot teach may pray, and set an 
 edifying example ; and no provocations should tempt us to 
 sin against God in ceasing to pray for our children, rela- 
 tions, friends, people, fellow-sinners, or even our inveterate 
 enemies. Yet the prayers of the church, and the intercession 
 of Christ, will in the event appear to have been united 
 Vol. I.— 63 
 
 Eil XIII. B. C. 1073. 
 
 and the rest of the people he sent every man to h .# 
 tent. 
 
 3 And Jonathan smote d the garrison of the 
 Philistines that was in f Geba: and the Philistines 
 heard of it : and Saul “blew the trumpet through- 
 out all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear. 
 
 4 And all Israel heard say that Saul had smitten 
 a garrison of the Philistines, and that Israel also 
 Hvas had in abomination with the Philistines. 
 And the people were called together after Saul < to 
 Gilgal. 
 
 5 And the Philistines gathered themselves 
 together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand 
 chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people 
 *as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multi- 
 tude : and they came up, and pitched in Mich- 
 mash, eastward from h Beth-aven. 
 
 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were ‘in 
 
 18:24. Gaba. 21:17. Is. 10:29. Zech. 14:10. e Judg. 3:27. 6:34. 2Sam.2:28. 
 20:1. r Heb. did etink. Gen. 34:30 . 46:34. Ex. 5:21. Zech. 11:8. fl0:8. 11:14, 
 15. Josh. 5:9. gOen. 22:11. Josh. 11:4. Jude. 7:12. 2Chr.,l:9. Is. 48:19. Jer 
 15:8. Rom. 9:27. h 14:23. Josh. 7:2. 18:12. Hos. 4:15. 5:8. 10:5. i Ex. 14:10— 
 12. Josh. 8:20. Judg. 10:9. 20:41. 2 Sam. 24:14. Phil. 1:23. 
 
 against impenitent sinners ; yea, the elements and the whole 
 creation will shortly be armed against them to their destruc- 
 tion. The belief of this alarming truth should “ warn them 
 to flee from the wrath to come,” to confess their sins, to obey 
 the gospel, and to desire the prayers and counsels of its 
 ministers. But when sinners are deeply convinced of their 
 guilt and danger, they need encouragement, lest their fear 
 should lead to despondency. (Note, 2 Cor. 2:5 — ' 1 . ) — In 
 the day of judgment all those things which men have inor- 
 dinately loved, and for which they have forsaken God, will 
 be found “ vain , and such as cannot profit or deliver,” even 
 though they were u the kingdoms of the world and the glory 
 of them.” Happy then are they, whom the Lord has pleased 
 to make his people ! 44 he will never leave nor forsake them, 11 
 but will glorify his great name in their eternal salvation. 
 None, however, can know assuredly, that these blessings 
 belong to them, except they attend to 44 the good and the 
 right way, and fear the Lord, and serve him with all their 
 heart:” (Notes, Jer. 32:38 — 41. John 10:26 — 31. 1 Pet. 
 1:3 — 5.) and if “we consider what great things he hath done 
 for us,” especially in the work of our redemption and re- 
 generation, we cannot want motive, or encourSgement, or 
 assistance for so doing. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 1,2. The language in the 
 original, “ Saul was the son of one year in his reigning; and 
 when he had reigned two years over Israel,” ( marg .) is dif- 
 ferently interpreted: but probably it only means, according 
 to the Hebrew idiom, that during the first year nothing re- 
 markable occurred ; but after two years, (or in the second 
 year of his reign,) the subsequent events took place. The 
 passage seems to refer to the transactions at Gilgal recorded 
 in the former chapters. Perhaps those events did not take 
 place, till the second year after he had been first appointed 
 by the Lord to be king over Israel. (Notes, 10:1,17 — 27. 
 11:6 — 15. 12:1.) When he dismissed the rest of the multi- 
 tude, he retained three thousand chosen men, for his own 
 defence and that of his country ; which he divided between 
 himself and his son Jonathan. 
 
 V. 3, 4. After Saul had defeated Nahash, and had been 
 confirmed in the kingdom ; and after he had joined with 
 Samuel in offering sacrifices, and had obtained the benefit of 
 his prayers ; it must be concluded that he ought to have 
 marched directly with his victorious army against the Philis- 
 tines, who possessed strong-holds in the land, and had become 
 very formidable ; and that true policy required this of him. 
 (Notes, 9:16. 11:12 — 15.) But it is probable, that he was 
 elated with success, pleased with the show of royalty, and 
 disposed to ease and indulgence. Thus the favourable 
 opportunity was lost, the ardour of his followers was suffer- 
 ed to abate, and perhaps some of them were disgusted : and 
 the Philistines, doubtless learning that a king had been 
 chosen, with a view to deliver Israel from their power 
 assiduously employed the time given them, in preparing for 
 war, and in weakening and disarming the Israelites. In the 
 mean while Jonathan, probably by Saul’s command, smote a 
 garrison of the Philistines ; so that “Israel was had in abomi- 
 nation by the Philistines,” who resented it as an indignity, 
 and probably regarded it as an act of rebellion against their 
 authority : thus they were exceedingly exasperated ; and 
 when Saul at length sounded the alarm, the people either 
 did not come to him, or they speedily deserted him. — In all 
 these measures Saul seems to have been very impolitic: 
 (Note, 11:12 — 15.) but the Lord intended to chastise the 
 people for their sins, to expose their folly in expecting that a. 
 king could save them, and to prepare the way for a glorious 
 deliverance which he intended to effect for them. (Notes, 
 12:14,15. 14:11—23.) 
 
 V. 5. Thirty thousand c/iartlte.] The Philistines had 
 doubtless collected troops on this emergency from all the 
 surrounding nations ; but the number of chariots of war here 
 stated is immensely large beyond all example, (Ex. 14:7. 
 Judg. 4:3. 2 Sam. 10:18. 1 Kings 10:26. Ps. 68:17.) and 
 ( 497 ) 
 
B. C. 1073. 
 
 I. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1075. 
 
 a str lit, (for the people were distressed,) then 
 the people did hide themselves k in caves, and 
 in thickets, and in rocks, and in high places, and 
 in pits. 
 
 7 And some of 'the Hebrews went over Jordan 
 to the land of '"Gad and Gilead : as for Saul, he 
 was yet in Qilgal, and all the people "followed 
 him trembling. 
 
 8 And he "tarried seven days according to the 
 set time that Samuel had appointed : but Samuel 
 came not to Gilgal, and the people were scattered 
 from him. 
 
 9 And Saul said, Bring hither a burnt-offering 
 to me, and peace-offerings. And °he offered the 
 burnt-offering. 
 
 10 And it came to pass, that as soon as he had 
 made an end of offering the burnt-offering, behold, 
 Samuel came; and rSaul went out to meet him, 
 that he might f salute him. 
 
 1 1 And Samuel said, aWhat hast thou done ? 
 And Saul said, Because I saw that the people 
 were scattered from me, and that thou earnest 
 not within the days appointed, and that the 
 Philistines gathered themselves together at r Mich- 
 mash ; 
 
 12 Therefore "said I, The Philistines will come 
 down now upon me to Gilgal, and I have not 
 imade supplication unto the Lord : 'I forced 
 myself therefore, and offered a burnt-offering. 
 
 13 And Samuel said to Saul, "Thou hast done 
 foolishly: *thou hast not kept the commandment 
 
 t 14:11. 23:19. 24:3. Judg. 6:2. Is. 42:22. Heb. 11:33. 1 fcev. 26:17,36,37. 
 
 Deut. 23:23. m Num. 32:1— 5,33— 12. Deut. 3:12. Josh. 13:24— 31. • Heh. 
 
 trembled after him. Dent. 20:8. Judg. 7:3. Hos. 11 10,11. n 10:8. o 12,13. 
 14:18. 15:21,22. Deut. 12:6. 1 KinsT3 3:4. Ps. 37 ’ Prov. 15:8. 20:22. 21:3,27. 
 Is.65.3. p 15: 13. t Web. bless him. 15:13. Ruth 2:4. Ps. 129:8. qUen.3:13. 
 4:10. Josh. 7:19. 2Sam.3:24. 2 Kin?s 5:25. r 2,5,16,23. 14 5. Is. 10:28. 
 8 1 Kings 12:26,27. J Heb. intreated the face of, &c, t 21:7. Ps. 66:3. Am. 8: 
 
 wholly disproportioned to the number of their horsemen. 
 Commentators therefore conjecture, that their carriages for 
 oaggage and all other uses are included. 
 
 V. 6, 7. The numerous and well appointed army of the 
 Philistines fo terrified the people, that most of them deserted, 
 and either hid themselves, or passed over Jordan, to be out 
 of the reach of the enemy ; while the few who remained 
 with Saul, trembled as they follosved him. ( Notes , Deut. 
 20:5—9. Judg. 6:2,3. 7:2,3. Is. 42:22—25.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. (Note, 10:8.) According to the direction before 
 given, and perhaps since repeated, Saul waited for Samuel 
 till the close of the seventh day: but, being impatient of his 
 situation ; displeased perhaps with Samuel for not coming 
 sooner, and attributing the people’s terror and desertion to 
 his absence, and the want of some token of the Lord’s pre- 
 sence ; and fearing lest the others also should leave him ; he 
 proceeded to offer sacrifices. This was contrary to the 
 express injunctions, which had been laid upon him to wait, for 
 Samuel; who, having presented burnt-offerings and peace- 
 offerings, with solemn prayers and supplications, would have 
 shown him how he ought to proceed, in the present difficult 
 emergency, that he might ensure success. — As no priest is 
 mentioned, it has been thought that Saul, presuming on his 
 kingly authority, usurped the priesthood also : but this is 
 doubtful. It is certain, however, that he took too much upon 
 him, ‘ and thought it was fit the prophet should wait for the 
 king, rather than the king for the prophet. — He entrenched 
 upon the priest’s office, or upon the prophet’s, or upon both.’ 
 ■Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Whengamuel came, Saul went out to “salute” 
 or Mess him, as one well satisfied with what he had done. 
 (Notes, 15:13,11. Ps. 36:2.) But when he perceived by 
 Samuei’s pointed question, that he disapproved of his con- 
 duct, (]\larg. Ref. q. Notes, Gen. 3:9 — 13. 4:10—12.) he 
 attempted to excuse himself by the plea of necessity; and 
 stated that being in such circumstances of extreme peril and 
 distress, he had, with much reluctance proceeded to offer 
 sacrifice, lest the Philistines should attack him before he had 
 performed his devotions. — He might, however, without blame 
 and with great propriety, have poured out his prayers to God, 
 and thus have waited for Samuel. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. This commandment of the Lord by Samuel, 
 was probably intended as a test of Saul’s disposition : and 
 his transgression proved, that he did not regard the word of 
 God, when it greatly interfered with his own inclinations or 
 sentiments ; by which i‘ appeared that he was unfit to rule as 
 the vicegerent of the Lot j over his people. He was “ weigh- 
 ed in this balance, and found wanting.” Had ho behaved 
 properly, the kingdom Wsuld have been permanently con- 
 firmed in his family ; and it is probable that Samuel came to 
 Gilgal, expecting to make ‘tlis settlement of the kingdom by 
 divine authority : but now S till was sentenced to be removed, 
 to make way for one of a more obedient disposition. This 
 fhe omniscient God foresaw ; but his secret purpose was not 
 
 ( 493 ) 
 
 of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee: 
 for now would the Lord have established thy 
 kingdom upon Israel for ever. 
 
 14 But Htovv thy kingdom shall not continue; 
 'the Lord hath sought him a man after his own 
 heart, and the Lord hath commanded him to be 
 “captain over his people, because thou hast not 
 kept that which the Lord commanded thee. 
 
 15 And Samuel arose, and gat him up from 
 
 Gilgal unto Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul num- 
 bered the people that were ^present with him, 
 b aboutsix hundred men. > 
 
 16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the 
 people that were present with them, abode in 
 “Gibeah of Benjamin : but the Philistines encamped 
 in Michmash. 
 
 17 *H And the spoilers came out of the camp of 
 the Philistines, “in three companies : one company 
 turned unto the way that leadeth to ''Ophrah, 
 unto the land of e Shual : 
 
 18 And another company turned the way to 
 f Beth-horon : and another company turned to the 
 way of the border, that looketh to the valley of 
 eZeboim, toward the wilderness. 
 
 19 Now h there was no smith found through 
 out all the land of Israel : for the Philistines 
 said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or 
 spears : 
 
 20 But all the Israelites went down to the 
 Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and 
 his coulter, and his axe, and his mattock. 
 
 5. 2 Cor. 9:7. u 2 Sam. 12:7— 9. 1 Kings 18:18. 21:20. 2 Chr. 16:9. 19:2.25:15, 
 16. Job 34:18. Poor. 19:3. Matt. 14:3,4; x 15:11,22. Ps.50:K-15. y 2.3U. 13: 
 28. 7. 161,12. 2 Sam. 7:15,16. Ps. 78:70 . 89:19,20, &c. Acts 13:22. k 9: 16. 
 2 Sam. 5:2. 2 Kings 20:5. Heb. 2: 10. §Heb./buie/. b 2.6,7. 14:2. II Hrh. 
 Geba.Srenn 3. c 11:11. d Josh. 18:23. eJosh,19:3. f Josh. 10:11. 16:3,5. 
 18:13. 1 Chr. 6:68. 2 ( hr. 8:5. gGen. 14:2. Nell. 11:34. Hos. 11:8. hjude.5: 
 8. 2 Kings 24:14. Jer. 24:1. 
 
 the motive of Saul’s conduct ; which to the Searcher of 
 hearts doubtless appeared much more aggravated than it 
 does to us. (Notes, Gen. 266,17. 3:6.) — Samuel on this 
 occasion departed from Saul ; yel, as he went to Gibeah of 
 Saul and not to Ramah, and as he came to him afterwards, 
 (15:1,13,34,35.) it is conjectured that the sentence w as not 
 irreversible ; but that, if Saul had repented of this sin, and 
 been more obedient in future, he might notwithstanding have 
 been continued in the kingdom. — When no more than six 
 hundred men remained with Saul, and even these “ followed 
 him trembling,” he must have been greatly affected w ith the 
 alteration which had taken place, since he was followed by 
 three hundred thousand men of Israel, and thirty ihousand 
 of Judah, in warring against Nahash. (Note, 11:6 — 11.) — 
 A man after his own heart. (14 ) Mar". Ref. z. 
 
 V. 17, 18. (Marg. Ref.) These invaders .and plunder- 
 ers, going in three different directions, wouid exceedingly 
 harass and distress all the towns and villages of Israel, now 
 left open to their incursions, without the least defence ; so 
 that the miseries, which ihe people endured, must have been 
 much greater than at first glance it may appear. 
 
 V. 19 — 21. During all the forty years’ oppression by the 
 Philistines, they seem to have used the policy of forbidding 
 the Israelites to practise tile trade of smiths; ( Note, Jmlg. 
 5:8.) as the Chaldeans afterwards carried the smiths captive 
 out of the land. (2 Kings 24:14. Jer. 24:1.) And after the 
 termination of that entire slavery, the Israelites did not 
 readily re-assnme the trade ; but, as Ihe Philistines had gar- 
 risons in many parts of the land, they were accustomed to go 
 to the smiths resident in them, for such work as needed to be 
 done : and these would doubtless exact an exorbitant price 
 for their labour, and also exert themselves in preventing the 
 Israelites, from learning or practising their trade. Thus the 
 Philistines had artfully obtained a most important advantage: 
 and, it is probable, they had been more assiduous than com- 
 mon, while they expected that Saul would make war on (hem; 
 so that at Ihe important crisis, ihe Israelites wore almost 
 destitute of armour. — The impolicy of Saul, and tho abject 
 spirit of the people, were thus manifested : but the Lord over- 
 ruled it, lo show the greatness of his power in the deliver- 
 ance and victory of his people, when thus circumstanced. — 
 Many parts of the land were too distant from Phiiistia 
 for the Israelites to go thither on every occasion, and Ihe 
 Philistines had garrisons ill the land : so that tho inter- 
 pretation above given is most natural, as well as generally 
 adopted. 
 
 V. 22. The Israelites used bows, slings, and javelins in 
 war, and with these it is probable (be people wore armed. 
 Perhaps the Philistines bad seized the armour whi h they had 
 used against Nahash, after they were dispersed: (Notes. 
 
 1 1:6 — II.) and it is probable, that many who had armour ban 
 deserted. However, it was so ordered in providence, that 
 none in the remaining little company, except Saul and tona- 
 llian had either sword or spear. — Thus the Israelite*’ who 
 
B. C. 1073. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 B. C. 1073. 
 
 21 Yet they had ‘a file for the mattocks, and 
 r or the coulters, and for the forks, and lor the 
 axes, and tv. ‘sharpen the goads. 
 
 22 So it came to pass in the day. of battle, that 
 'there was neither sword nof spear found in the 
 hand of any of the people that were with Saul 
 and Jonathan : but with Saul and with Jonathan 
 his son was there found. 
 
 23 And the tgarrison o| the Philistines went 
 out to the k passage of Michmash. 
 
 CHAPTER XtV. 
 
 Jonathan, attended only hy his armour -hearer, smites the garrison of the Phi- 
 listines, 1 — 11 ; who are seized with terror, and destroy one another, 15, 
 16. Saul, seeing the tumult, inquires of God : hut without waiting for an 
 answer, he assaults the Ph listings f being joined hy the Hebrews who had de- 
 serted or hid themselves, 17 — 23. Hie rash curse, against such as ate that 
 day, hmders the completion of the victory ; and Jonathan , not knowing what 
 had passed, violates it, 24—30. The people fly upon the spoil, and are 
 hardly restrained from eating with the blood, 31 — 34. Saul builds an altar; 
 and asks counsel of God, but is not nnsioered, 35—37. Jonathan , 'aken by 
 lot and sentenced to die, is rescued by the people, 38 — 46. Saul's victories 
 and family, 47 — 52. 
 
 1YT£)W 'it came to pass upon a day, that a Jona- 
 IX than the son of Saul said unto the young 
 man that bare his armour, Come, and let us go 
 over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the 
 other side : but b he told not his father. 
 
 2 And Saul tarried c in the uttermost part of 
 Gibeah, under a pomegranate-tree, which is in 
 Migron : and the people that were with him were 
 about six hundred men ; 
 
 • Ueb. a fde with mouths, f Heb. set. i 17:47,50. Juclir. 5:8. Zech. 4:6. 
 
 1 Cor. 1:27— 29. 2Cor.4:7. J Or, standing camp. 3. 14:4. k 2,5. 14:1,4,5. 
 
 • Or, there was adwy. a 39—45. 13:2,22. 18:1—4. 2 Sam. 1:4,5,25,26. b 25:19. 
 Judg. 6:27. 14:5. Mic.7:5. c 13:15.16. Is. 10:28,29. <1 22:9— 12,2u. Ahimelech. 
 e 4:21. f 2:28. Ex. 28:26—32. g 13:23. t Heb. tooth, li 17:26,36. Gen. 17:7 
 
 expected to look formidable under kingly government, were 
 made to appear very contemptible: (Notes, 8:1 — 5.) not that 
 /he Lord had forsaken his people ; but because he would 
 htimble them, and show them, that the victory did not depend 
 upon swords and spears, but upon the favour and assistance 
 of the Almighty. (Notes, 14:1 — 15. Judg. 7:2 — 22.) 
 
 V. 23. It is supposed, that between Michmash and Gibeah, 
 each situated on a hill, there was a valley, called “ the pas- 
 sage of Michmash ;” into which the garrison of the Philistines 
 “ went out,” either to challenge the Israelites to battle, or in 
 order to make an assault upon Gibeah. (15,16. 14:4,5.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Our sanguine expectations from creatures are sure to end in 
 disappointment ; and when we resolve to choose for ourselves, 
 we shall certainly have cause to repent of our choice : indeed, 
 when men are lifted up in self-sufficiency, they are often left to 
 the most unaccountable infatuation. — The chief advantages of 
 the enemies of ihe church are derived from the misconduct of 
 its professed friends: for when these act inconsistently with 
 justice and fidelity, religious people, without discrimination, 
 are looked upon with abhorrence and contempt. Yet, while 
 sinners are meditating revenge, the Lord often restrains their 
 malice by invisible hindrances, and uses their machinations 
 for the chastisement of his people. — Deep resentment and 
 great power united, occasion much consternation ; and men 
 thus terrified, Hee or hide themselves from their fellow crea- 
 tures, and for a time, and on some occasions, with success. 
 How then will the terror of the Almighty appal the wicked, 
 in the approaching day of.his inevitable and intolerable wrath, 
 when no way of concealment or escape will remain for them ! 
 (Notes, Rev. 6:15 — 17.) — Those who in trouble are actuated 
 Dy pride and impatience, involve themselves in still deeper guilt 
 and misery, by their foolish expedients to extricate themselves. 
 — Our observance of the Lord’s directions, will always be 
 proportioned to our simplicity of dependence on his promises, 
 and submission to his will: and those who are most dilatory 
 in doing their duty, are commonly the most impatient of delay 
 in waiting his time of deliverance. — Our disposition to obey 
 or disobey will often be decisively proved by our behaviour in 
 apparently small things : (Note, Gen. 3:0.) and such as most 
 neglect the duties of their own station, arc most forward to 
 censure the supposed negligence of others. Men destitute of 
 inward piety, are frequently most scrupulously attached to the 
 forms of godliness : nay, they fancy that the Lord will accept 
 them, because they, force themselves to act contrary to their 
 own inclinations, or even to the dictates of their natural con- 
 science! — We are commanded not to “speak evil of rulers;” 
 yet those who are called to address them in the name of God, 
 rflhst point out very plainly the folly and evil of their conduct, 
 and remind them of his anger against the workers of iniquity, 
 without respect of persons : for though a prince may not in 
 this life forfeit his throne or his dignity, by his offences against 
 God ; yet if he die impenitent, he will certainly lose his soul 
 n the world to come. How empty then ace those distinctions, 
 from which so many are hurried into everlasting misery ! — 
 We have, by sin, forfeited felicity; but unbelief and impeni- 
 jcnce ratify that forfeiture : and those who have undeniably 
 b. oker. the commandments of God, and yet persist in excusing 
 and justifying themselves are evidently both imppnitent and 
 
 3 And d Ahiah, the son of Aliitub, T-chabod’s 
 brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the 
 Lord’s priest in Shiloh, f wearing an ephod. And 
 the people knew not that Jonathan was gone. 
 
 4 And between etlie passages by which Jona- 
 than sought to go over to the Philistines’ garrison, 
 there was a sharp rock on the one side, and a 
 sharp rock on the other side : and the name of 
 the one was Bozez, and the name of the other 
 Seneh. 
 
 5 The tfore-front of the one was situate north- 
 ward over against Michmash, and the other south- 
 ward over against Gibeah. 
 
 6 And Jonathan said to the young man that 
 bare his armour, Come, and let us go over unto 
 the garrison of these h uncircumcised : ‘it may be 
 that the Lord will work for us; ifor there is no 
 restraint to the Lord, to save by many or hy 
 few. 
 
 7 And his armour-bearer said unto him, KDoall 
 that is in thine heart: turn thee; behold, I am 
 with thee according to thy heart. 
 
 8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, hve will pass 
 over unto these men, and we will discover our- 
 selves unto them. 
 
 9 If They say thus unto us, iTarry until we 
 come to you ; then we will stand still in our place, 
 and will not go up unto them. 
 
 —11. Jude. 15:18. 2 8am. 1:20. Jer. 9:23—26. Eph. 2:11,12. Phil. 3:3. 12 Sam. 
 16:12. 2 Kines 19:4. Am. 5:15. Zeph.2:3. j Deut. 32:30. Judg. 1:4— 7. 2 Chr. 
 14:11. Ps. 115:1— 3. Zech. 4:6. Mall. 19:26. Rom. 8:31 . k 1U:7. 2Sam.7:3. 
 Ps. 46:7. Zech. 8:23. 1 Judg. 7:9 — 14. m Gen. 24:13,14. Judg. 6:36— 40. 
 
 X Heb. be still. 
 
 unbelieving. The trouble of all such as continue in this spirit, 
 must certainly increase ; and as they refuse to submit to God, 
 they must be reduced to the most abject misery in the slavery 
 of sin. But, while the Lord “pours contempt upon princes, 
 and brings to nought all the honourable of the earth,” he will 
 deliver his people by his own power : and while he shames 
 such as trust in man, and aspir a to greatness and pre-eminence 
 in outward things ; he will honour those who humbly and in 
 faith expect help from him alone. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIV. V. 1. No doubt, Jonathan in 
 this critical state of affairs in Israel was excited, by an im- 
 mediate divine impulse, to assault the formidable oppressors 
 of his people : and by the same admonition he was kept from 
 informing the soldiers ; and even from consulting his father, 
 who might have opposed his design. Indeed Saul’s transgres- 
 sion excluded him from sharing the honour of that deliverance, 
 which God intended to vouchsafe to his afflicted people. 
 ( Notes, 13:13—15,22.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. (13:15,16. Note, 22.) After Samuel had left 
 Saul, it seems that the latter sent for Ahiah, or Ahimolech, 
 the great grandson of Eli, the Lord’s pr : est at Shiloh. Ahituh 
 was the elder brother of Ichabod ; (Note, 4:19 — 22.) and his 
 son was at this time high-priest, and so wore the ephod, and 
 the breast-plate of judgment with Urim and Thummim. 
 ( Mar g. Ref. Notes, Ex. 28:30. Nuyt. 27:21.) Saul therefore 
 having him in the camp, with his priestly garments; and as it 
 is probable, having fetched the ark thither also ; ( 18) appeared 
 to himself and to the people, to have abundant tokens of God’s 
 presence with him : and he could now inquire of the Lord, 
 without being liable to Samuel’s sharp reproofs ; hoping per- 
 haps, that Ahiah would be more compliant to his inclinations. 
 (Notes, 22:13 — 16.) — The fate of Eli’s sons, and the total 
 defeat of Israel, when presumptuous measures of the same 
 kind were resorted to, should have convinced him that this 
 confidence of the favour of God was foolish and delusory. 
 (Notes, 4:3 — It.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref.) The hand’of God was very visible, 
 in restraining the very numerous army of the Philistines from 
 assaulting the small company of the Israelites; (13:5.) so that 
 they generally kept themselves entrenched in a fortified camp, 
 in an almost inaccessible situation, as still fearing their enfee- 
 bled enemies. 
 
 V. 6 — 10. The faith of Jonathan was doubtless in general 
 very strong, and his armour-bearer was a man of the same 
 spirit, as himself: but the thought of thus attacking this im- 
 mense army was doubtless suggested to Jonathan’s Blind 
 immediately from God, and his faith and expectation increased 
 in proportion. He was enabled, with reference to his own 
 conduct, to view the almighty power of God, as sufficient for 
 his safeguard in the midst of the Philistines ; and also to save 
 Israel by him and his armour-bearer, as well as by the most 
 numerous and powerful army. (Deut. 32:30,31 . Notes, Judg. 
 3:31. 15:14 — 17. Is. 30:15 — 17.) — Considering the Israelites 
 as the covenant people of God, who were oppressed by the 
 uncircumcised Philistines ; he expected that the Lord would 
 appear for them in the same wonderful manner, as he had 
 done for their fathers in former times. (Note, 17:2. r 26.) But, 
 for fuller satisfaction in this matter, he and his armour-bearer 
 agreed upon a token, according to which their proceeding! 
 
 ( 499 ) 
 
B. C. 1073 
 
 I. SAMUEL. B. C. 1073 
 
 10 But if they say thus, Come up unto us ; 
 then we will go up: for the Lord hath delivered 
 them into our hand : and "this shall be a sign unto 
 us. 
 
 11 And both of them discovered themselves 
 unto the garrison of the Philistines: and the 
 Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth 
 “out of the holes, Avhere they had hid them- 
 selves 
 
 12 And the men of the garrison answered 
 Jonathan and his armour-bearer, and said, rCome 
 up to us, and we will show you a thing. And 
 Jonathan said unto his armour-bearer, iCome up 
 after me, for the Lord hath delivered them into 
 the hand of Israel. 
 
 13 And Jonathan r climhed up upon his hands 
 and upon his feet, and his armour-bearer after 
 him : and they “fell oefore Jonathan ; and his 
 armour-bearer slew after him. 
 
 14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan 
 and his armour-bearer made, was about twenty 
 men, within as it were 'an half acre of land, 
 which a yoke of oxen might plough. 
 
 15 And ‘there was trembling in the host, in the 
 field, and among all the people ; the garrison, and 
 “the spoilers, they also trembled ; and *the earth 
 quaked : so it was a Very great trembling. 
 
 16 H And the watchmen of .Saul in Gibea-h of 
 Benjamin looked : and behold the multitude 
 rmelted away, and they went on 'beating down 
 one another. 
 
 17 Then said Saul unlo the people that were 
 with him, Number now, and see who is gone from 
 us. Anil when they had numbered, behold Jona- 
 than and his armour-bearer were not there. 
 
 18 And Saul said unto Ahiah, "Bring hither the 
 ark of God. For b the ark of God was at that 
 time with the children of Israel. 
 
 19 And it came to pass, while Saul talked unto 
 the priest, that the 'noise that was in the host of 
 the Philistines went on and increased ; and Saul 
 said unto the priest,, “Withdraw thine hand. 
 
 20 And Saul and all the people that were Avith 
 him ^assembled themselves, and they came to the 
 battle : and behold d every man’s sword was 
 
 n 10:7. Is, 7:11— 14. o22. 13:6. Judsr. 6:2. p 10. 17: 13,44. 2S»m. 2.14— 
 17. 2 Kines 14:8. q Gen. 24:26,27,42,48 Jmle. 4:14. 7:15. 2Sam. 5:24. rPs. 
 18 29. Heh. 11:34. s I, ev. 26:7,8. Dent. 23:7 . 32:30. Josh. 23:10. Rom. 
 8*31. * Or. half a furrow of an acre, t Josh. 2:9. Judg. 7 21. 2 Kings 
 
 7:6,7. Job 18:11. Ps. 14:5. u 13:17,23, x Ex. 19:18. Matt.24:7. 27:50,51. 
 r Heb. fremblhi* nf God. Gen. 35:5. Lev. 26:36,37. 2Sntn.5:24. Pan. 5:6. 
 T Ps. 58:7. 68:2. z 20. Judg. 7:22. 2 Chr. 20:22— 25. Ts. 19:2. a 4 3— 5. 30:8. 
 Num, 27 21. Judg. 20:18,23,27,28. 2Sam. 11:11. 15:24—26. b 5:2. 7:1. JOr, 
 
 were to be determined : if warned by the Philistines to wait 
 till they were attacked, they would consider it as a divine 
 monition, to act only upon the defensive ; but if they called to 
 them to come up, they would take it as a signal to climb the 
 steep rock and attack them. (Notes, Gen. 24: 1 1 — 14. Judg. 
 7:13 — 15.) — Such extraordinary attempts and triumphs qf 
 faith, directed by immediate divine monition, are recorded 
 for our admiration, and our encouragement in more ordinary 
 services ; and not for our imitation. 
 
 V. 11 — 15. It is probable, that Jonathan and his armour- 
 bearer left the camp of Saul, unobserved, during the night; 
 (3) and that early in the morning, they placed themselves in 
 the view of the Philistines, who in contempt challenged them 
 to “come up, and they would show them a thing,” meaning 
 that they would cause them to repent of their audacity. This 
 being the expected token from God, Jonathan assured his 
 armour-bearer, that the Lord would deliver the Philistines by 
 their means into the hands of Israel. Thus they both, with- 
 out hesitation, climbed up the rock into the enemy’s camp, 
 apparently rushing into the jaws of destruction. 4 Not in the 
 view of the Philistines, but by some difficult way, which none 
 was ever known to go. And so perhaps they came behind 
 them and surprised them.’ Bp. Patrick. This might be the 
 case; but the sacred historian docs not mention it. However, 
 by the immediate interposition of Go 1, the Philistines were so 
 confounded at the daring assault, that they fell down before 
 Jonathan, and were killed by his armour-bearer; till twenty 
 were slain in a small space, as it seems, without attempting 
 either to fight or to flee. Upon which the whole army was 
 seized with trembling and consternation; and an earthquake 
 which took placo at the same moment, increased their terror: 
 bo that it was 44 a trembling of God,” (marg.) the whole being, 
 not only very great, but altogether miraculous. Tn consequence 
 of this terror, they supposed the Israelites to be in the midst 
 of the camp, and began to kill one another in every part of it. 
 The army being constituted, as it is supposed, of different 
 "«itions ; (20. Note , 13:5.) tho confusion might excite mutual 
 C 500 ' 
 
 against his fellow, and there -was a very grea 
 discomfiture. 
 
 21 Moreover, e the Hebrews that were with the 
 Philistines before that time, which went up will, 
 them into the cam from the country round about* 
 even they also turned to be with the Israelites that 
 were with Saul and Jonathan. 
 
 22 Likewise all the men of Israel which had 
 f hid themselves in mount Ephraim, when they 
 heard that the Philistines fled, even they also 
 followed hard after them in the battle. 
 
 23 So sthe Lord saved Israel that day : and 
 the battle passed over unto h Beth-even. 
 
 [ Practical Oh$ creations."] 
 
 24 If And the men oflsrael Avere distressed that 
 day : for Saul had adjured the people, saying, 
 ‘Cursed be the man that eateth any food until 
 evening, that k I may be avenged on mine ene- 
 mies. So none of the people tasted any food. 
 
 25 And 'all they of the land came to a AAjood ; 
 and there Avas '"honey upon the ground. 
 
 26 And Avhen the people Avere come into the 
 AA'oodj behold the honey dropped : but no man 
 put his hand to his mouth ; for "the people leared 
 the oath. 
 
 27 But Jonathan heard not Avhen his father 
 charged the people Avith the oath : Avherefore he 
 put forth the end of the rod that was in his hand, 
 and dipped it in an honey-comb, and put his 
 hand to his mouth ; and “his eyes Avere enlightened. 
 
 28 Then ansAvered one of the people, and said, 
 Thy father straitly charged the people Avith an 
 oath, 'saying,, ^Cursed be the man that eateth any 
 food this day. And the people were "faint. 
 
 29 Then said Jonathan, '"My father hath 
 troubled the land : see, I pray you, Iioav mine 
 eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a 
 little of this honey. 
 
 30 Hoav much more, if haply the people had 
 eaten freely to-day of the spoil of their enemies 
 Avhich they found ? for “had there not been now 
 a much greater slaughter among the Philistines? 
 
 31 And they smote the Philistines that day from 
 Michmash to “Aijalon : and the people Avere very 
 faint. 
 
 tumult. c24. 13:11. Josh. 9:14. Ps. 106:13. Is. 128:16. 6 Heb. » eere cried 
 
 together, d 16. Jud E . 7:22. Is. 9:19-21. e29:4. Jud". 7:23. f 13:6. 31:7. 
 g Ex. 14:30. Judg.2:18. 2 Kirprs 14:27. P«. 44:6— S. Tins. 1 7. h 13:5. 127—30. 
 l.ev. 27:29. N'nm. 21:2. Deal. 27:15— 26. Josh. 6:17-19.26. Judg. 11:30,31. 21: 
 1—5. Pi-ox. 11:9. Rom. 10:2. I Cor. 16:22. kjndg. 5:2. 16:2s. Ps. 18:47. 
 1 Drill. 9:28. Man. 3:5. m Ex. 3:8. Num. 13:27. Malt. 3:4. nEc.9,-2. o 2S. 
 30:12. n See on 24,43. II Or, weary, q 1 Kings 18:18. rEc.9:18. sJosh.lOi 
 12. 19:42. 
 
 jealousies and suspicions, which proved the occasion of their 
 common destruction. (Notes, Judg. 7:16 — 22. 1 Kings 20:14 
 — 21. 2 Chr. 14:9—15. 20:20—25.) 
 
 V. 16 — 22. This confusion in the camp o the Philistines 
 being observed by the sentinels of Saul’s army ; and it being 
 found on inquiry that, none were absent from the camp of 
 Israel, but Jonathan and his armour-bearer; the people were 
 no doubt greatly astonished : and Saul prepared to consult the 
 Lord, whether he ought to attack the Philistines or no. His 
 impatient spirit, however, could no more wait, for Ahiah’s 
 answer, than for Samuel’s arrival: (Note, 13:8,9. ) and per- 
 ceiving the commotion still increasing, he hastily determined 
 to march against the enemy ; though he mifeht justly have 
 questioned whether the Lord, who had begun tho work with- 
 out him, woidd accept of his assistance. At least there could 
 be no need of such haste. (Note, 30:7 — 10.) It pleased the 
 Lord indeed to employ Saul's army, as well as the deserters 
 and fugitives, who joined in crushing the Philistines ; (Note, 
 Judg. 7:23 — 25.) yet Saul himself met with a very humiliating 
 proof, that the divine interposition was not vouchsafed on his 
 account. (Notes, 36 — 16.) — Probably the ark of the covenant 
 was brought into the field on this occasion. Yet some think, 
 that the coffer, or chest, in which the ephod and breast-plate 
 were kept, is meant. (Notes, 4:4,5. 2 Sam. 11:10,11.) 
 
 V. 23. The battle passed, &c.] 4 The fight continued till 
 
 they came to this place, which lav westward from Michmash ;’ 
 (and nearer to Philistia:) 4 ami there the Philistines threw 
 down their arms, and fled as fast as they could towards their 
 own country.’ Bp. Patrick. — Thus the Israelites would at 
 once be supplied with arms in abundance. (Note, 13:22.) 
 
 V. 24 — 34. 44 Tin* people were distressed,” wlnn they 
 should have been full of joy and triumph. The absolute pro- 
 hibition of all food to tho soldiers, for the whole day, was very 
 impolitic; though Saul might properly have cautioned them 
 not to vvasto their time about food, iyi penalty of his displea- 
 sure. But to accompany this prohibition with that awful 
 curse, by which tho enemies of God were dove ed ;o uttef 
 
B. C. 1073. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 B. C. 1073. 
 
 32 And the people 'flew upon the spoil, and 
 took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and slew them 
 on the ground : and the people “did eat them with 
 the blood. 
 
 33 Then they told Saul, saying, Behold, the 
 people sin against the Lord, in that they eat with 
 the blood. And he said, Ye have ‘transgressed : 
 roll a great stone unto me this day. 
 
 34 And Saul said, Disperse yourselves among 
 the people, and say unto them, Bring me hither 
 every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and 
 slay them here, and eat ; and sin not against the 
 Lord in eating with the blood. And all the peo- 
 ple brought every man his ox 'with him that 
 night, and slew them there. 
 
 35 And Saul v built an altar unto the Lord : *the 
 same was the first altar that he built unto the Lord. 
 
 36 H And Saul said, “Let us go down after the 
 Philistines by night, and spoil .them until the morn- 
 ing-light, and det us not leave a man of them. 
 And they said, Do whatsoever seemeth good unto 
 thee. Then “said the priest. Let us draw near 
 hither unto God. 
 
 37 And Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go 
 down after the Philistines ? wilt thou deliver them 
 into the hand of Israel? But Hie answered him 
 not that day. 
 
 38 And Saul said, “Draw ye near hither all the 
 $chief of the people ; and know and see wherein 
 this sin hath been this day 
 
 39 For as d the Lord liveth, which saveth Is- 
 
 t 15:19. u Gen. 9:4. Lev. 3J7. 7:26,27. 17:10— 14. 19:26. Deut. 12:16,23,24. 
 Acts 15:20,29. * Or, dealt treacherously . Matt. 7:5. Rom. 2:1. f Heb, 
 
 inhishand. v7:9,17. Judg.21:4. Hos.8:14. 2Tim.3:5. | Heb. that altar 
 
 he began to build. x Josh. 10:9 — 14,19. Jer. 6:5. y 11:11. Josh. 11:14. 
 t Num. 27:21. Ps. 73:28. Is. 48:1,2. 58:2. Mai. 2:7. Jam. 4:8. a 23.4,9— 12. 
 30:7, S'. Judg. 1:1. 20:18,28 . 2 Sam. 5:19,23. 1 Kings 22:5,6,15. b28:6. Ez. 14: 
 
 3—5.20.3. c 10:19,20. Josh. 7:14. § Heb. comers. Num. 24:17. Judg.20:2. 
 2 Sara. 18:3. Ps. 47 9. Zech. 10:4. Matt. 21:42. Eph. 2:20. d 24,44. 19:6. 20: 
 
 destruction, was profane and rash in the extreme, (Marg. 
 Ref. i. Note, Lev. 27:28,29.) and it was the more inexcusable, 
 in that he did not say, ‘ that the Lord may avenge Israel on 
 his enemies,’ but “ that I may be avenged on mine enemies.” 
 — The people, fearing the curse, abstained, not only from the 
 spoil of the Philistines, but likewise from the honey which was 
 abundantly laid in their way, and with which they might have 
 refreshed themselves without loss of time, and thus have been 
 enabled to make a much greater slaughter of the Philistines : 
 and in the evening, being almost fainting with labour and 
 hunger, some were induced hastily to kill the cattle which 
 they had taken, and to eat the flesh with the blood, directly 
 contrary to the law ; until they were restrained by Saul’s 
 authority. As Saul’s precaution could do nothing to prevent 
 the people eating the flesh raw, or only half roasted, as some 
 explain it; “ eating with the blood,” must refer to the manner 
 of slaughtering the cattle, without properly separating the 
 blood. (Marg. Ref. u.) In the mean while, Jonathan, 
 being ignorant of the curse, and almost ready to faint with 
 fatigue, had eaten a little honey, by which he was sensibly 
 and visibly revived; so that his eyes, which had been dim and 
 languishing, were enlightened and looked lively. He, however, 
 thus found himself caught in a snare, and exposed to the most 
 imminent danger of being put to death. He had therefore rea- 
 son to complain, that his “father had troubled the land,” 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 18:17 — 20.) as his conduct in every way ob- 
 structed the complete success of Israel. 
 
 V. 35. It is probable that Saul converted the great stone, 
 on which the cattle had been slaughtered, into an altar on 
 which sacrifices were offered, before the people attempted to 
 proceed any further. — He built this his first altar, when 
 disregarding Samuel, he had began to apostatize from God 1 
 (Notes, Num. 23:1,2. 2 Kings 18:22. Hos. 8:13,14.) 
 
 V. 36 — 44. When the people had refreshed themselves, 
 Saul proposed to them to pursue the army of the Philistines, 
 in order to destroy it entirely ; to which they readily con- 
 sented. But Ahiah, having been before interrupted by Saul’s 
 impatience, very properly counselled them to inquire of the 
 Lord ; and when no answer was returned, Saul justly con- 
 cluded that the Lord was offended, and desired to discover 
 the cause. (Marg. Ref. x-v-b.) But ifhe had been humbly 
 sensible of the evil of his own past conduct, he would have 
 included himself to be the culprit. (Notes, 28:6. Ez. 14:1 — 
 .. 20:1—3.) The Lord, however, was pleased, that the con- 
 duct of Jonathan, who had unwarily exposed himself to the 
 curse denounced by his father, should be discovered, as the 
 cause why he did not answer the high-priest’s inquiries : that 
 the people might understand how much they were interested 
 in the conduct of their king ; and be convinced of their folly 
 tl rejecting the government of a pious prophet whose prayers 
 brought down blessings, for that of a king whose curses brought 
 town wrath upon them. (Notes 7:8:) In the same rash and 
 irofane spirit as in the former instance, Saul, before the lots 
 were cast, sware by the Lord, that even if Jonathan were the 
 
 rael, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall 
 surely die. But there was not a man among all 
 the people that answered him. 
 
 40 Then said he unto all Israel, Be ye on on< 
 side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the 
 other side. And the people said unto Saul, “Do 
 what seemeth good unto thee. 
 
 41 Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of 
 Israel, "Give a perfect lot. 'And Saul and Jona- 
 than were taken : but the people "escaped. 
 
 42 And Saul said, Cast lots between me and 
 Jonathan my son. And Jonathan was taken. 
 
 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, sTell me what 
 thou hast done. And Jonathan told him, and 
 said, h I did but taste a little honey with the end of 
 the rod that was in mine hand, and, lo, I must 
 die. 
 
 44 And Saul answered, ‘God do so, and more 
 also : for k thou shalt surely die, Jonathan. 
 
 45 And the people said unto Saul, Shall Jona- 
 than die, 'who hath wrought this great salvation 
 in Israel ? God forbid : as the Lord liveth, There 
 shall notone hair of his head fall to the ground ; 
 for "he hath wrought with God this day. So the 
 people rescued Jonathan, that he died not. 
 
 46 Then Saul went up from following the 
 Philistines : and the Philistines went to their own 
 place. 
 
 47 H So Saul “took the kingdom over Israel, 
 and pfought against all his enemies on every side, 
 against IVIoab, and against the children of ‘'Ammon, 
 
 31. 22:16. 33:10. 2Sam. 12:5. Ec. 9:2. e 7,36. 2 Sam. 15:15. II Or, shoe, the 
 innocent. Prov. 16:33. Acts 1:24. f 1(1:20,21. Josh. 7:16,18. Jon. 1:7 IT Heb. 
 went forth. g Josh. 7: 19. Jon. 1 :8— 10. h 27. i 25:22. Ruth l : 17. 2 Sam. 3:9. 
 19:13. k See on 39. Gen. 38:21. 2 Sam. 12:5,31 . 123. 19:5. Neh. 9:27. 
 
 m2Sam. 14:11. 1 Kings 1:52. Malt. 10:30. Luke 21:18. Acts 27:34. n Is. 13:3. 
 Acts 14:27. 15:12. 21:19. Rom. 15:18. 1 Cor. 3:9. 2Cor. 6:1. Rev. 17:14. 19- 
 14. o 13:1. p 2 Kings 14:27. q 11:11. 12:2. 
 
 offender, he should surely die ; without knowing whether the 
 crime committed deserved death, or whether it might not be 
 expiated by a sin-offering. And after the lots had been cast, 
 (with prayer, as probably was the constant practice,) and 
 Jonathan was taken; Saul with affected sternness, without 
 any humiliation for his own sin in thus rashly troubling Israel ; 
 as one who appeared zealous for the glory of God, and the 
 obligation of an oath, while in reality tenacious of his own will 
 and authority ; and with execrations on himself, proceeded 
 to denounce the sentence of death upon his own pious son! 
 (Note 15:15. Gen. 38:24—26. 2 Sam. 12:26—31.) 
 
 Give aperfcct lot. (41) “ Show the innocent.” (Marg.) 
 
 V. 45, 46. The people judged rightly, that the guilt was 
 contracted by Saul, and that the rebuke was intended for him, 
 and not for Jonathan ; and therefore they rescued him, by 
 whom God had given them this extraordinary deliverance, 
 from the hands of his severe father. Saul could not but 
 desire the life of his son : yet considering him as decidedly 
 preferred before himself, both by the Lord and by Israel ; 
 knowing that Jonathan’s deliverance was a severe reproof of 
 his rashness ; and perhaps apprehending as he had abundant 
 cause to do, that his repeated curses would light on I 4 ? own 
 head ; he returned home apparently dissatisfied and displeased. 
 (Notes, l Kings 20:38 — 43.) Thus the opportunity of com- 
 pleting the destruction of the Philistines was lost; nor could 
 it be expected, that an expedition, which was begun and con- 
 ducted so very ill, should terminate without some evident 
 tokens of the divine displeasure against Saul ; though the Lord’s 
 love to Israel was displayed in an unparalleled manner, by 
 means of the faith and courage of his pious son Jonathaij.-r- 
 Through Saul’s misconduct, and as if in answer to his impre- 
 cations, Jonathan was excluded from the kingdom, and slain 
 with him by the Philistines, when “the Lord did unto him,” 
 as he intended to do to his son, “and more also;” having 
 indeed devoted him to utter destruction. (44. Notes, 31:2 — 6.) 
 
 V. 47 — 52. After the decided victory gained over tho 
 Philistines, Saul’s authority as king of Israel was re-estab- 
 lished : and though the Lord was displeased with him, and 
 purposed to set aside his family ; yet he prospered him in the 
 wars which he carried on against the several nations which 
 oppressed Israel. — It is evident that many important transac- 
 tions of his reign are passed over in silence ; and that in gene- 
 ral it was more active and successful, (in the former part of it 
 especially,) than it appears at first sight to have been. But, 
 to the end of his life, Saul was unable to prevail against the 
 Philistines, having missed the opportunity whic! ‘uod had 
 afforded him ; so that, after having had sore war with him all 
 his days, the three sons here mentioned fell at last by their 
 hands, and he was driven to murder himself. (Marg. I\ef.) 
 Saul seems to have had only one wife, and Rizpah hif con 
 cubine. (2 Sam. 21:8 — 10.) 
 
 Thesonsof Saul. (49) Jonathan, Ishui, (called Abinadah % 
 31:2.) and Melchi-shua, the sons of Saul, ‘were... fit to 
 accompany him in his wars, and upr*i tha 'account are only 
 
 ( 501 ) 
 
B. C. 1070. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. B. C. 1070- 
 
 and against Edorc and against the kings of “Zobah, 
 and against the Philistines, and whithersoever he 
 turi ed himself he vexed them. . 
 
 411 And he ’gathered an host, and ’smote the 
 Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands 
 of them ♦hat spoiled them. 
 
 49 Now the sons of Saul were ‘Jonathan, and 
 Ishui, and Melchi-shua : and the names of his two 
 daughter?- were these ; the “name of the first-born 
 Merab, and the name of the younger Michal : 
 
 50 And the name of Saul’s wife ivas Ahinoam, 
 the daughter df Ahimaaz ; and x the name of the 
 captain of his host was + Abner the son of Ner, 
 Saul’s uncle. 
 
 51 And ^Kish was the father of Saul ; and Ner 
 the father of Abner was the son of Abiel. 
 
 52 And there was sore war against the Philis- 
 tines all the days of Saul : and ’when Saul saw 
 any strong man, or any valiant man, he took him 
 unto him. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Saul is sent to destroy Amalek, 1—3. He gathers a large army, favours the 
 Kenites , and smites the Amalekites, 4—7. He spares A$ag and the best of 
 the spoil, 8, 9. Samuel is sent to declare unto him, that God has rejected 
 him for his disobedience; and Saul invain attempts to excuse himself, 10 — 21 . 
 He is convicted of rebellion, and partially humbles himsilf, but cannot get 
 the sentence reversed , 22 — 31. Samuel kills Agag, and finally leaves Saul, 
 32-35. 
 
 S AMUEL also said unto Saul, “The Lord sent 
 me to anoint thee to be king over his people, 
 
 r 2 Sam. 10:6. 1 Kings 11:23. * Or, wrought mightily, s 15:3— 7. Ex. 17: 
 14. Detit. 25:10. t 31:2. 1 Chr. 8:33. 9:39. -i 18:17 — 21. 25:44 . 2 Sam. 3:13 
 —16 . 6:20—23. x 17:55. 2 Sam. 2:8. 3:27. t Heb. Abintr. v9:l. z 8:1. 
 a 17:18. 9:16. 10:1. h 16. 12:14. 13:13. 2 Sam. 23:2,3. 1 Chr. 22:12,13. Ps.2: 
 10,11. cJer. 31:34. Hos. 7:2. Am. 8:7. d Ex. 17:3— IS. N’um. 24:20. Dent. 23: 
 17.10. e I.ev. 27:28,29. Deut. 13 15, 16. 20:16—18. Josh. 6:17— 21. fEx.2l>:5. 
 Num. 31:17. Is. 14:21,22. g Gen. 3:17,18. Rom. 8:20— 22. h Josh. 15:24. 
 
 mentioned here ; . . . though he had another son (Ish-bosheth) 
 who is mentioned 1 Chr. 8:33, under the name of Eth-baal.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. ( Marg . Ref) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 23. The same principle, as induces men to seek 
 relief from the accusations of conscience, by abounding in the 
 externals of religion, will lead them to seek refuge from the 
 warnings and reproofs of faithful ministers, by paying court 
 to others, who, either out of mistake, timidity, or unfaithful- 
 ness, give them less disturbance in sin : but God will show a 
 marked disapprobation of such attendance on his own ordi- 
 nances, or profession of his truths, as is intended to quiet the 
 conscience, or support the credit of sinners, who persist in 
 disobeying the plain precepts of his holy word. — Hypocrites 
 often detect their indifference, even about the religion which 
 they professedly choose ; for as it has no practical energy 
 upon them, a small matter induces them to dispense with the 
 useless form. — No warnings nor examples are sufficient to con- 
 vince men of the folly and danger of trusting in the forms of 
 godliness, while they neglect the power of it ; but from age to 
 age multitudes proceed in the same destructive path. (Note, 
 2 Tim. 3:1 — 5.) Yet, blessed be God, every age also produces 
 illustrious instances of those, who being strong in faith give 
 glory to God ; and its triumphs are proportioned to its 
 strength. — While we are obeying the commands of God, 
 trusting his protection, and seeking his glory, neither the sense 
 of our own weakness, nor the power of our enemies should 
 dismay us: “for there is no restraint to the Lord to save by 
 many or by few.” We are not indeed warranted at present 
 to expect miraculous interpositions : yet the feeblest instru- 
 ment, who sincerely and in faith uses the appointed means, 
 in order to subvert Satan’s kingdom of ignorance, error, and 
 wickedness, is authorised to expect considerable success ; for 
 “it may be that the Lord will work with him:” and then 
 the weapons of his warfare will prove mighty, and no force of 
 the enemies of our God and his Christ can stand before him. 
 (Notes, 1 Cor. 1:20 — 25. 2 Cor. 4:7. 10:1 — 0.) At his frown 
 the mightiest armies melt away, or prove instruments of each 
 other’s destruction: what then will be the consternation and 
 horror, when the whole world shall he assembled before his 
 tribunal, and, “ the wicked shall be cast into hell, and all the 
 nations that forgot God !” 
 
 V. 24 — 52. In the midst of the most glorious success, 
 M one sinner” often “ destroy eth much good :” and rash zeal is 
 as hurtful as timid inaction. It indeed becomes an Israelite 
 to be superior to the cravings of his appetites: but there is 
 neither prudence nor piety in restraining men from partaking 
 of the bounty of Providence, when placed honestly within 
 their reach ; and when it is so used as to prepare them for 
 his service, and encourage rather than hinder them in it. 
 They are indeed “ troublers of Israel,” who prohibit such use 
 of those good things which “God giveth us richly to enjoy :” the 
 curses, with which they sanction their antichristian mandates, 
 will fall on their own heads; and they will bo answerable for 
 all the consequences : for restraints from things lawful gene- 
 rally prove tempfations to forbidden indulgences, and a super- 
 stitious zeal about evtf»rnals has often hindered men from 
 ( 502 ) 
 
 over Israel: now therefore b hearken thou unto 
 the voice of the words of the Lord. 
 
 2 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, C I remember 
 that which d Amalek did to Israel, how he laid 
 wait for him in the way when he came up from 
 Egypt. 
 
 3 Now go, and smite Amalek, and “utterly 
 destroy all that they have, and spare them not ; 
 but fslay both man and woman, infant and suck- 
 ling, sox and sheep, camel and ass. 
 
 4 And Saul gathered the people together, and 
 numbered them in ‘‘Telaim, 'two hundred thou- 
 sand footmen, and ten thousand men of Judah. 
 
 5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek, and 'laid 
 wait in the valley. 
 
 6 And Saul said unto k the Kenites, 'Go, depart, 
 get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I 
 destroy you with them : for m ye showed kindness 
 to all the children of Israel when they came up out 
 of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among 
 the Amalekites. 
 
 7 And Saul "smote the Amalekites from °Ha- 
 vilah until thou comest to rShur, that is over 
 against Egypt. 
 
 8 And he took ^Agag the king of the Amalek- 
 ites alive, and “utterly destroyed all the people 
 with the edge of the sword. 
 
 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag, and 
 “the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of 
 
 Tclem. 1 11:8. 13:15. • Or, fought, k 27:10. Num 21:21,22. Jmlg. 1:16. 4:11. 
 5:21. 1 Chr. 2:55. I Gen. 18:23. 19:12— 16. Num. 16:26,27,34. Pro*. 9:6. Act. 
 2:40. 2 Cor. 6:17. Re*. 18:4. m Ex. 18:9,10,19. Num. 10:29—32. n 14:48. Job 
 21:30. Ec. 8:13. oCen.2:ll. 25:18. p 27:8. Gen. 16:7. q 3. Num. 24:7. 
 1 Kinn 20:34— 42. Esth.SU. r 27:8. 30:1. Josh. 10:39. 11:12. a 3,15 19. Josh. 
 7:21. 
 
 performing essential services to the church. (Note, 1 Tim. 
 4:1 — 5.) — When rulers, by authority, would withhold men 
 from transgression, while they set them an example of disobe- 
 dience to God, they cannot reasonably expect success. — We 
 are too much in haste in our most important employments, 
 if we do not allow ourselves time to consult the Lord and 
 seek his blessing ; and ministers should plainly remind those, 
 who are running into this common mistake. — When our prayers 
 are not answered, we may safely conclude that iniquity with- 
 holds good from us, and we should make diligent search for 
 it: but we should always first suspect and examine ourselves; 
 whereas an unhumbled heart suspects every other person, 
 and looks every where but to himself, for the sinful cause of 
 calamity! — Those who are indulgent to their own sins, aro 
 generally severe in animadverting on the faults of others: and 
 such as most disregard God’s authority, are most impatient 
 when their own commands appear to be slighted, or their 
 reputation eclipsed ; and by severity against minute devia- 
 tions, real or supposed, they frequently endeavour to varnish 
 over their own enormous transgressions.-— Those who delight 
 in cursing, are in extreme danger of falling under the awful 
 curse of God: (Note, Ps. 109:G— 20.) and the habit of swear- 
 ing will certainly involve a man in the guilt of perjury, as well 
 as of profanene.ss ; for though now concealed, his iniquity will 
 be “sure to find him out.” — No oath can bind us to commit 
 injustice: but the rash swearer should repent of his iniquity, 
 and not add one crime to another ; and all men should join to 
 rescue the innocent from punishment. — In this world, if they 
 who have “ wrought with God,” and have been remarkably 
 useful to his people, escape persecution and death as their 
 recompense ; they are more favoured than those who have 
 gone before them ; and need not expect much advantangc to 
 themselves from their usefulness, till they get to heaven. — 
 In the midst of mercy the Lord will rebuke his people for 
 their sins: and by mismanagement men lose the comfort of 
 their successes, and are discontented, and filled with vexation, 
 in the midst of blessings. — But the Lord employs even wicked 
 men as instruments of providential good to his people : in 
 temporal prosperity they forget their sins and the threatened 
 wrath of God : and thus they blaze for a moment like \ 
 meteor, and then are put out in utter darkness. O Lord, let 
 us rather be chasthened here than thus prosper and be con- 
 demned with the world! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XV. V. 1—3. It. is probable, that for 
 some years Saul scarcely took any notice of Samuel, in his 
 wars and successes ; perhaps resenting the sharp rebuke 
 which he had before given him : and Samuel did not intrude 
 himself. But now, he was sent to Saul with an express com- 
 mand, to go and utterly destroy the Amalekites. (14:48.) In 
 delivering his message the prophet reminded him, that he had 
 been commissioned by the Lord to anoint him king, and that 
 now he spake by the same authority: he seemed also to inti- 
 mate, that unless Saul “hearkened to the voice of the words 
 of the Lord,” ho should he authorized to denounce the sen- 
 tence of rejection against him; and ho gave him bis ins (mo- 
 tions in the most explicit and particular manner. The Ama 
 lokites had long beforo been condemned ; (Notes, 1 7 8— 
 
B. C. 1070. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 B. C. 1070 
 
 ‘the fadings, and the lambs, and all that was good, 
 and would not utterly destroy them : but every 
 thing that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed 
 utterly. 
 
 10 H Then came the word of the Lord unto 
 Samuel, saying, 
 
 11 It^repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be 
 king : for he is “turned back from following me, 
 and x hath not performed my commandments. And 
 'it grieved Samuel ; and 'lie cried unto the Lord 
 all night. 
 
 12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in 
 the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul 
 came to "Carmel, and, behold, b he set him up a 
 place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone 
 down to Gilgal. 
 
 13 And Samuel came to Saul; and Saul said 
 unto him, 'Blessed be thou of the Lord : d I have 
 performed the commandment of the Lord. 
 
 14 And Samuel said, "What meaneth then this 
 bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing 
 of the oxen which I hear ? 
 
 15 And Saul said, They have brought them 
 from the Amalekites : ffor the people spared the 
 best of the sheep and of the oxen, eto sacrifice 
 unto the Lord thy God ; and the rest we have 
 utterly destroyed. 
 
 16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, h Stay, and I 
 
 * Or, the second sort. 2 Sam. 6:13. t 35. Gen. 6:6. 2 Sam. 24:16. Ps. 
 110:4. Jer. 18:7— 10. Am. 7:3. Jon. 3:10. 4:2. u Josh. 22:16. 1 Kings 9:6. Ps. 
 36:3. 78:41,57. 125:5. Zeph. 1:6. Matt. 94:13. Heb. 10:38. x 3,9. 13:13. y 35. 
 16:1. Ps. 119:136. Jer. 9:1,18. 13: 17. Luke 19:41— 44. Rom. 9:1— 3. x 12:23. 
 
 Ps. 109:4. Matt. 5:44. Luke 6:12. a 25:2. Josh. 15:55. b7:12. Josh. 4:8,9. 
 
 2Snm. 18:18. c i3: 10. Gen. 14:19. Judg. 17:2. Ruth. 3:10. d 9.11 . Prov. 27:2. 
 31:31. Luke 17:10. 18:11. e Ps. 36:2. 50:16— 21. Jer. 2:18,19,22,23,34— 37. Mai. 
 3:13—15. Luke 19:22. Rom. 3:19. 1 Cor. 4:5. f 9,21. Gen. 3:12.13. Ex. 32:22, 
 23. Job 31:33. Prov. 23:13. g Matt. 2:8. Luke 10:29. h 9:27. 12:7. 1 Kings 22: 
 16. i 9:21. 10:22. Judg. 6:15. Hos. 13:1. Matt. 18:4. J 1—3. 10:1. kGen.13: 
 
 16. Deut. 25:17 — 19.) but the nation had boen spared, till it had 
 filled up the measure of its iniquities. — The righteous Lord 
 certainly did no injustice to individuals ; and the example was 
 of a salutary tendency, to deter others in future ages from 
 “ meddling to their hurt” with the servants of the living God. 
 
 ( Marg . Ref. Notes, Num. 31:2. Josh. 6:21.) 
 
 V. 4. The. large army, which was collected when Samuel 
 directed the enterprise, shows that the people had much more 
 confidence in their rejected prophet, than in the king whom 
 they had so inordinately desired. (13:5 — 15.) The dispropor- 
 tionate number of Judah, might perhaps be the effect of their 
 dissatisfaction with a king of another tribe. — The armies of 
 Israel at that time had no cavalry. 
 
 V. 6. Marg. Ref. Notes, Num. 10:29 — 32. Judg. 1:16. 
 4:11. 
 
 V. 7. The region occupied by the Amalekites, lay between 
 Havilah on the north-east, and Shur on the south-west: and 
 Saul carried his victorious arms through the whole extent of 
 this district. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. The Lord had devoted all the Amalekites, to- 
 gether with their substance, to utter destruction, as a solemn 
 sacrifice to his justice : and the commandment given to Saul, 
 concerning the execution of this sentence, was express and 
 particular ; (3) and probably intended as a test of his disposi- 
 tion to obey or disobey God. (Notes, 13:13 — 15. Deut. 7:25, 
 26. Josh. 6:17 — 19. 7:1,10 — 26.) — But, while neither he nor 
 his soldiers were induced to mitigate the severity of the in- 
 junction, by sparing any of the women or children ; he, per- 
 haps in comnlaisance to royalty, or to grace his victory, spared 
 the king of Amalek; (Notes, 1 Kings 20:28 — 43.) and the 
 people, doubtless by his concurrence, covetously reserved the 
 best of the cattle and substance, destroying only the refuse 
 which was of little value. Saul’s conduct was evidently the 
 effect of a proud rebellious spirit. — Many Amalekites escaped 
 at this time, probably without his fault ; and we read of them 
 afterwards as a numerous people. (Notes, 27:8 — 12. 30:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 11. (Note, Gen. 6:6,7.) The Lord’s change of conduct 
 towards Saul was similar to that change in our conduct, which 
 springs from repentance ; though by means of all he accom- 
 plished his own wise and righteous purposes. — Samuel had 
 been soon reconciled to the people’s rejection of him and his 
 family, and had cheerfully anointed Saul: (Notes, 8: — 10:) 
 and from his first actions he had framed a favourable opinion 
 of him. When he therefore was rejected, Samuel was ex- 
 ceedingly grieved ; and he interceded all night for the reversal 
 of the sentence. (Notes, Jer. 13:15—17. 18:19,20. Luke 19: 
 41—44. Rom. 9:1—3.) 
 
 V. 12. Set him up a place.] Probably ;his was a trophy, 
 or monument of the victory. The whole implies, that Saul 
 took great state upon himself, and was not a little elated with 
 his success. (Note, 2 Sam. 18:17,18.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. Perhaps Saul was in some degree conscious of 
 having done wrong ; and he therefore addressed Samuel in 
 this respectful language, in order to conciliate his good will, 
 a>td to ward off the rebuke which he feared. Some however 
 ■huik be was so insensible of having committed any fault, that 
 
 will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this 
 night. And he said unto him, Say on. 
 
 17 And Samuel said, ‘When thou wast little in 
 thine own sight, wast thou not made the head of 
 the tribes of Israel, and Hhe Lord anointed thee 
 king over Israel? 
 
 18 And the Lord sent thee on a journey, and 
 said, Go, and utterly destroy k the sinners the 
 Amalekites, and fight against them until ‘they be 
 consumed. 
 
 19 Wherefore then didst thou not obey the 
 voice of the Lord, but didst ‘fly upon the spoil, 
 and “’didst evil in tne sight of the Lord ? 
 
 20 And Saul said unto Samuel, "Yea, I have 
 obeyed the voice of the Lord, and have gone the 
 way which the Lord sent me, and "have brought 
 Agag the king of Amalek, and have utterly de- 
 stroyed the Amalekites. 
 
 21 But rthe people took of the spoil, sheep and 
 oxen, the chief of the things which should have 
 been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice unto the Lord 
 
 thy God in Gilgal. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 22 And Samuel said, iHath the Lord as great 
 delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in 
 obeying the voice of the Lord ? Behold, to ’obey 
 is better than sacrifice ; and to hearken, than the 
 fat of rams. 
 
 23 For ’rebellion is as the sin of ^witchcraft. 
 
 13. 15:16. Num. 16:38. Job31:3. Prov. 10:29. 13:21. t Heb. they consume 
 them. 1 Prov. 15:27. Jer. 7:11. Hot. 2:9-12. 2 Tim. 4:10. m 2 Chr. 33:2,6. 
 36:12. n 13. Job 33:9 . 34:5. 35:2. 40:8. Matt. 19:20. Luke 10:29. 18:11. Rom. 
 10:3. o 3,8. p See on 15. Gen. 3:13. Ex. 32:22,23. qPs.50:8,9. Prov 21:3. 
 
 Is. 1:1 1 — 17. Jer. 7:22,23. Hos. 6:6. Am. 5:21—24. Mic. 6:6—8. Matt. 9:13. 12: 
 7. 23:23. Heb. 10:6-9. r Ex. 19:5. Jer. 7:23. 11:4,7, 26:13. s 12:14,15. Num 
 14:9. Deut. 9:7,24. Josh. 22:16—19. Job 34:37. Ps. 107:11. Jer. 29:16. 29:32. Ex. 
 2:5—8. I Heb. divination. Ex. 22:18. Lev. 20:6,27. Deut. 18:10,11. Ib.8.19. 
 19:3. 
 
 he was disposed to boast of his obedience, and expected to be 
 congratulated and commended by the prophet. But Samuel’s 
 answer showed him at once that the very herds and flocks, 
 which were driven along with him, fully convicted him of in- 
 excusable disobedience. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 15. It is not probable, that either Saul or the people 
 had fully purposed to sacrifice all the cattle which they had 
 reserved : but even in that case, they opposed their own will 
 and wisdom to the express command of God ; and no doubt 
 they intended to save their own cattle by means of them. — 
 Saul took the merit of his obedience to himself; but he threw 
 the blame of the disobedience on the people. Yet had he ex- 
 erted his authority, with as much decision, in support of God’s 
 command, as he had done before in enforcing his own prohi- 
 bition ; and had he been as determined in the execution of 
 Agag, as he was disposed to be in putting his son to death ; it 
 is not likely that any opposition would have been made to his 
 orders. (Note, 14:36 — 44.) 
 
 V. 16 — 18. Marg. Ref. A journey. (18) The expedition 
 had been so prosperous, that it was more like a safe and easy 
 journey, than a laborious and perilous warfare. 
 
 V. 19. Fly, &c.] ‘With great greediness, as a hungry bird 
 or beast upon his prey.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 20, 21. Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 3:12,13. Ex. 32:21 
 —24. Luke 10:25—29. 
 
 Y. 22. Submission to the authority of God, must be essen- 
 tial to true religion under every dispensation : but there is a 
 great difference between the submission of a holy, and that ol 
 a sinj'ul creature. External obedience, even to moral pre- 
 cepts, is good in the sight of God, only when it springs from a 
 willing submission of the soul to the divine authority. To pro- 
 fess a belief of the gospel is good, only when it arises from sub- 
 mission to the divine teaching, to the justice of the condem- 
 nation under which sinners are concluded, and to the wisdom, 
 suitableness, and grace of the method of salvation there re- 
 vealed. All instituted worship derives its obligation from the 
 express appointment of God, from the honour which it renders 
 to his name, from the disposition of the worshipper, and from 
 the grace and spiritual blessings which are communicated by 
 it. Sacrifices especially declared the desert of the offender, 
 and typified the sufferings of the Saviour ; their value resulted 
 entirely from the appointment of God ; and they were not ac- 
 ceptable, except offered in obedience to him, and with a peni- 
 tent, believing, and pious mind. (Note, Jer. 7:21 — 23.) When 
 therefore they were substituted in the place of true piety, or 
 trusted in as meritorious ; when the means were used to com- 
 pensate for the neglect of the end, and the sign was exalted 
 into the place of the thing signified ; they became an abomi- 
 nation, however costly and numerous they \tere. — Had Saul 
 offered thousands of bullocks and rams, not of the spoils of 
 Amalek, but from his own herds and flocks, exactly according 
 to the divine ritual, in an impenitent and self-confident dispo- 
 sition, God would have abhorred them : how much more then, 
 when the animals to be sacrificed were spared, in direct disc* 
 bedience to his express command ! — Samuel did not therefore 
 mean to exalt one part of external religion by depreciating an- 
 ( 503 ) 
 
B. C. 1070. I. SAMUEL. B. C. 1070. 
 
 and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry: 
 because 'thou hast rejected the word of the 
 Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king. 
 
 24 And Saul said unto Samuel, U I have sinned : 
 for I have transgressed the commandment of the 
 Lord., and 'hy words ; because X I feared the 
 people, and -'obeyed their voice. 
 
 25 Now therefore, I pray thee, 'pardon my 
 sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship 
 the Lord. 
 
 26 And Samuel said unto Saul, “I will not 
 return with thee : for^thou hast rejected the word 
 of the Lord, and the Lord hath rejected thee 
 from being king over Israel. 
 
 27 And as Samuel turned about to go away, 
 he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it 
 rent. 
 
 28 And Samuel said unto him, c The Lord hath 
 rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and 
 'hath given it to e a neighbour of thine, that is 
 better than thou- 
 
 29 And also' the ‘Strength of Israel swill not 
 
 t 2:30. 13:14. 16:1. 2 Kinss 17:15-20. lChr.28:9. u 30. Ex. 9:27. 10:16. 
 Num. 22:34. 2 Sam. 12:13. Matt. 27:4. x 9,15. Ex. 23:2. Job 31 :94. Prov.29: 
 25. le.51:12,13. Luke 23:20— 25. Rev. 21:8. y 2:29. Gen. 3:12,17. Jer.3S:5. 
 l Ex. 10:17. a 31. Gen. 42:38 . 43:11—14. Luke 24:28,29. hSe-on23. 13:14. 
 16:1. Jer. 6:19. Hoe. 4:6. c 28:17,18. 1 Kings 11:30,31. (12:7,8. Jer. 27:5,6. 
 
 Dan. 4:17,32. Joint 19:11. Rom. 13:1. e 13:14. 16:12. Acts 13:22. IPs. 29:11. 
 68:35. Is. 45:24. Joel 3; 16. 2 Cor. 12:9,10. Phil. 4:13. *Or, eternity, or, victory. 
 
 other, as many seem to suppose ; but to show that a right 
 sta^e of the heart is essential to the acceptable performance 
 of every service. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , Ps. 50:7 — 15. Prov. 
 15:S,9. Is. 1:10 — 15. Am. 5:21—24.) 
 
 V. 23. The heinousness of any sin is not to be judged of, 
 by the magnitude of the object about which it is committed, 
 or the grossness of the outward action : but from the delibe- 
 rate and determined disobedience of the will, whence it arises. 
 (Note, Gen. 3:*?.) When the Lord expressly says, 4 Thou 
 shalt ;’ and his rational creature dares to persist in saying, 
 
 4 1 will not ;’ whether the contest be about an apple or a king- 
 dom, it is stubbornness and rebellion , a contempt of the com- 
 mandment of God, and a daring insult to his majesty and 
 authority ; and has in it all the essential malignity, which con- 
 stitutes idolatry or witchcraft, or crimes punishable by death 
 according to the divine law. Therefore Saul for this rebel- 
 lion was condemned to lose his kingdom. (Note, 13:13 — 15.) 
 
 Witchcraft .] Probably Saul had before this shown much 
 eeal against those who practised witchcraft; (Note, 28:3.) 
 and this circumstance would add poignancy to Samuel’s 
 reproof. 
 
 V. 24, 25. Saul could no longer deny his offence, or 
 entirely excuse it ; and therefore he confessed it, yet in such 
 a manner as detected an unhumbled heart. He persisted in 
 transferring the blame to the people,- 44 for he feared them, 
 and obeyed their voice yet he was not so timid, or obedient 
 to them, when his own interest or authority were concerned. 
 (Notes, Ex. 32:21 — 24. Matt. 14:8 — 11.) He seems to have 
 been more disquieted because Samuel was offended, than 
 because the Lord was angry with him : and he entreated 
 Samuel to pardon his sin, as if he had possessed authority to 
 feverse the sentence which God had denounced. (23. Note, 
 Ex. 10:16,17.) 
 
 V. 26 — 28. (Marg. Ref. Note, 28:12 — 19.) It does not 
 appear that Saul had any real attachmentto Samuel ; but he 
 doubtless respected his character: and, aware of his influ- 
 , ence with the people, he perhaps feared, lest departing in 
 displeasure, and anointing another king, he should stir up the 
 people to revolt, and thus immediately execute the sentence 
 against him. He therefore earnestly opposed his departure; 
 and, hy rending Samuel’s mantle, afforded a significant token 
 of the kingdom being rent from him, and given to a more 
 worthy person. (Notes, 1 Kings 11:9 — 13,29 — 31.) 
 
 V. 29. The Strength of Israel .] Or, 44 The victory of 
 Israel f (Marg.) Saul took the honour of the victory and 
 •of Israel’s protection to himself, and raised a trophy of it 
 {12) : but Samuel seems to have indirectly rebuked his 
 vanity, and reminded him that the eternal God, was -indeed 
 44 Israel’s Strength and Victory.” — 44 The Lord repented of 
 naving set up Saul to be king;” ( Note, 11.) for not having 
 confirmed his promise of the kingdom to him by an oath, an 
 opening was left for the change of measures intended by this 
 expression. Rut Saul had now provoked him to pass sen- 
 tence against him, and as with a solemn oath to declare that 
 it was irreversible. In that case God is never said to repent ; 
 nay, it is spoken of as an impossibility that he should. ( Notes, 
 Num. 14:27 — 30. Ps. 95:9— 11. 110:4. Hcb. 3:14— 19. 6:13—20. 
 7:20—22.) 
 
 V. 30, 31. When Saul ought to have publicly confessed 
 bis sin, and taken shame to himself ; he was very solicitous, 
 that Samuel should honour him before the elders and people, 
 probably for fear of an insurrection. (Note, Ps. 51: title.) 
 Perhaps he also thought that God would accept his worship, 
 if Samuel was present, but not otherwise. — Samuel however, 
 oerhaps by divine direction, changed his mind and delayed 
 ( 504 ) 
 
 lie, nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should 
 repent. 
 
 30 Then he said, I have sinned ; yet h honour 
 me now, I pray thee, before the elders of my 
 people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, 
 'that I may worship the Lord thy God. 
 
 31 So Samuel turned again after Saul, and Saul 
 worshipped the Lord. 
 
 32 H Then said Samuel, Bring ye hither to me 
 Agag, the king of the Amalekites: and Agag 
 came unto him delicately. And k Agag said, Surely 
 the bitterness of death is past. 
 
 33 And Samuel said, ‘As thy sword hath made 
 women childless, so shall thy mother be childless 
 among women. And Samuel m hewed Agag in 
 pieces before the Lord in Gilgal. 
 
 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah ; and Sau 
 went up to his house to "Gibeah of Saul. 
 
 35 And “Samuel came no more to see Saul 
 until the day of his death ; nevertheless, rSamue.. 
 mourned for Saul : and the Lord ^repented that 
 he had made Saul king over Israel. 
 
 Dent. 33:27. g Num. 14:28,29. 23:19. Ps. 95:11. Ex.24:14. 2Tim.2:13. Tit 
 1:2. Heb. 6:18. h Hab.2:4. John 5:44. 12 43. i la. 29:13. Luke 18:9— 14. 
 2 Tim. 3:5. kJer. 48:44. 1 Thes. 5:3. Rev. 187. IGen.9:6. Judg. 1:7. Mutt. 
 7:2. Jam. 2:13. Rev. 16:6. 18:6. m Num. 25:7,8. 1 Kings 18:49. Is. 34:6. Jer. 
 48:10. n 11:4. o 19:24. p 11. 16:1. Ps. 119:136,158. Jer. 9:1,2. Rom. 9:2,3 
 Phil. 3:18. q See on 11. Gen. 6:6. 
 
 his departure ; that he might not occasion any disturbance 
 among the people, and that he might execute the justice of 
 God upon Agag. Thus he was present at Saul’s worship, 
 but it does not appear that he took any part in it. 
 
 V. 32, 33. Agag affected the stateliness and dignity of a 
 monarch even in his degraded and perilous circumstances, as 
 if he would over-awe the aged prophet : and he spake, either 
 as one who deemed himself in no danger of death, seeing he 
 had escaped the sword of a conquering king, and could have 
 nothing to fear from Samuel ; or, as having got over the fear 
 of death, and as determined to meet it with intrepidity. He 
 was indeed the chief person who ought to have been slain, 
 both as the head of the devoted nation, and for his own 
 cruelties ; and therefore 44 Samuel hewed him to pieces before 
 the Lord,” as a sacrifice to his justice. (Notes, Josh. 8:29. 
 Judg. 8:18 — 21.) Thus the prophet, who was of a lenient 
 spirit, and prayed all night for Saul, did not hesitate to exe- 
 cute that sentence of God upon this condemned criminal, 
 which Saul, who afterwards proved himself exceedingly 
 cruel, had not done. 
 
 V. 34, 35. From this time, Samuel withdrew entirely 
 from Saul, as one rejected by God ; and though Saul once 
 came to him, (19:23,24.) he never went to Saul any moro. 
 yet he continued to mourn over him. (iVbfrs, 11. 16:1,2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. Those who have not learned to obey God, are 
 not well qualified to rule over others, especially over the 
 Lord’s people. — The righteous vengeance of God may be 
 long delayed ; but it will certainly be executed, according to 
 his most, tremendous threatenings, upon all impenitent sin- 
 ners; yet with the most marked severity upon the ringleaders 
 in persecution, and on such as endeavour to hinder those who 
 are setting out in the ways of piety.— When he calls us to 
 our work, and his time is come, he will provide us helpers 
 and give us success; but he will at the same time make trial 
 of our spirits. We must not avenge ourselves without ex- 
 press command; but we may at any Umc requite the kindness 
 of our benefactors: and those who do good to the worship- 
 pers and servants of God for his sake, treasure up blessings 
 for their posterity. — It is dangerous to live among wicked 
 people ; and if wc would not perish with them, we must keep 
 separate from them, as far as consists with our various 
 duties. — The pride of man’s heart can admit the blasphemous 
 idea of being more merciful than God, and of censuring the 
 threatened punishment of sinners as too severe ! while covet- 
 ousness deems the 44 vile and refuse” good enough to be spent 
 wholly in religion ; (Note, Mai. 1:12 — 14.) and hypocrisy is 
 detected by partiality in obedience, and paying more honour 
 to wicked great men, than to the command of God. — Many 
 go far in the external appearance of religion, who turn back 
 from following the Lord, and are given up to he hardened, 
 and to perish. Over such persons faithful ministers arc often 
 constrained to grieve. They must and will, however, deliver 
 the message of God to them, though their hearts be pained 
 by so doing: and if sinners knew their secret sorrow, and 
 fervent and multiplied prayers for them, and considered that 
 they speak no mgfl-e than God has required them to say, they 
 could hardly so much resent their most faithful reproofs. — 
 When men are solicitous to publish ami perpetuate the mem- 
 ory of their religious services, they show that they only sought 
 human applause; and 44 verily they have their reward :” 
 (Notes, Matt. 6:1 — 4. 23:5 — 7.) and when they boast of their 
 obedience, and by fair speeches would extort commenda- 
 tion from the servants of God, we may be sure their ovnduct 
 will not endure a strict scrutiny. — Many observable Cl r cum* 
 
0 C. 1 0(j7- 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. B. C. 1067. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Ood tends Samuel to B$th-le'em, to anoint a king out of Jesse'* t‘<ns, and di • 
 reels him to conceal his butin ss by a sacrifice, 1 — 5. Seven of Jesse's sons 
 pass by, and ore not approved , 6 — 10. David is called from the flock, and 
 anointed, 11 — 13. .-In evil spirit troubles Saul ; who, counselled by his ser- 
 vants, sends for David, 'anti is relieved by his music, 14 — 23. 
 
 A ND the Lord said tmto Samuel, “How long 
 wilt thou mourn for Saul, b seeing I have 
 rejected him from reigning over Israel ? Fill thine 
 'horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to d Jesse 
 the Beth-lehemite: tor I have provided me a king 
 among his sons. 
 
 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go ? if Saul 
 hear it, he will kill me. And the Lord said, Take 
 an heifer "with thee, and say, fl am come to 
 sacrifice to the Lord; 
 
 3 And rcall Jesse to the sacrifice, h and I will 
 show thee what thou shalt do: and thou shalt 
 ‘anoint unto me him whom I name unto thee. 
 
 4 And Samuel did that which the Lord spake, 
 and came to Beth-lehem: and the elders of the 
 town ‘trembled at his ‘coming, and said, ‘‘Comest 
 thou peaceably? 
 
 5 And he said, Peaceably : I am come to 
 sacrifice unto the Lord; 'sanctify yourselves, and 
 come with me to the sacrifice. And he’sancti- 
 
 *15:11, 35. b 13:13,H. 15:23,26. Jer.6:30. 11:11,12. 15:1. 1 John 5:16. c9:16. 
 10:1. 2 Kings 9 1.3.6. d 13:11. Gen. 49:8— 10. Rulh. 4:18— 22. 1 Chr. 2:10— 15. 
 P». 78:68— 71. 89:19,20. Is. 11:1,10. 1 cts 13:21 ,22. Rom. 15:12. e Ex. 3:11. 
 1 Kings 18:9 — 11. Mott. 10:16. Lukel:31. * Heb. in thine hand. 9:12. fjer. 
 38:26,27. *9:13,13. 2S*ra, 15:11. Malt. 82:1-4. I: Ex, 4: J5. Acts 9:6. i 12, 
 13.9:16. J 21:1. 2 Sam. 6:9. 1 Kings 17:18. Hos. 6:5. 11:10. Lnke 5:8. 8:37. 
 t Heb. mcelim. k 1 Kings 2:13. 2 Kings 9:22. 1 Chr. 12:17,18. I Ex. 19:10,14, 
 15. Lev. 20:7,8. Num. 11:18. Josh. 3:5. 7:13. 2 Chr. 30:17—20. Job. 1:5. Ps.26: 
 
 stances betray the hypocrisy of some confident professors of 
 godliness. If indeed you are true disciples of Christ; what 
 mean these evil tempers, this covetousness, this luxury and 
 pride of life, this conformity to the world, this contempt and 
 neglect of the poor ? Was this the mind and life of Christ ? 
 Is this the scriptural character of a Christian ? “ The bleat- 
 ing of the sheep, and the lowing of the oxen,” did not more 
 fully detect Saul’s disobedience, than things of this kind do 
 the hypocrisy of numbers, who seem to be religious. But, 
 by self-examination and circumspection, men should render 
 it unnecessary for ministers to press home upon their con- 
 sciences such convincing questions. The unhumbled heart, 
 however, will never be at a loss to excuse or palliate the most 
 evident criminality ; and it will always be necessary for 
 preachers to drive sinners from their subterfuges, to show 
 them the malignity and aggravation of their offences, to 
 silence their objections and excuses, and to urge conviction 
 upon their hearts : though the convincing Spirit of God alone 
 can render the means effectual. (Note, John 16:8 — 11.) 
 
 V. 22 — 35. In exercising the sacred ministry, nothing is 
 of more importance, than an accurate knowledge of the rela- 
 tive and comparative value of the truths, precepts and ordi- 
 nances of religion ; about which hypocrites greatly mistake, 
 and thu^ impose upon themselves. An obedient heart is 
 essentia] to all religion : and, in a sinner, implies a ready obe- 
 dience to the command given to all men to repent, an obedient 
 reliance on the Saviour’s merits; an obedient attendance on 
 all instituted ordinances as means of grace ; and a cheerful 
 obedience to the commands of Christ, from love to his name, 
 and a desire to adorn his gospel. The expression of this 
 temper even in the most minute concerns, and with much 
 infirmity and many mistakes, is accepted by a merciful God : 
 but a proud, stubborn, rebellious yvill renders the most splen- 
 did services, and the most specious profession, abominable in 
 his sight, and ranks them with the most atrocious crimes. — 
 The impenitent sinner may be detected even in his confes- 
 sions and the behaviour which accompanies them. He has 
 always some reserve ; he throws the blame off from himself ; 
 ne shows an anxiety about the esteem of man, and a fear of 
 temporal loss, shame, and suffering, more than of the future 
 wrath of an offended God ; and he attempts to quiet his con- 
 science with external forms and a partial reformation. In 
 vain do such men endeavour to prevail with the faithful mi- 
 nisters of Christ to countenance thorn. The more they 
 attempt it, the more awful warnings will they receive of 
 approaching ruin : and when the servants of God despair of 
 doing them good, they will withdraw, and leave them to 
 themselves, whatever be their rank in life, that they may in- 
 terpret their silence and absence into a constant reproof. — 
 The fear of men is no excuse for disobeying God ; and more- 
 over it is often a mere pretence; for many will plead it for 
 neglecting self-denying duties, who dread no man’s displea- 
 sure in gratifying their own passions !— When the sentence 
 of final rejection is irreversibly denounced, repentance will 
 be unavailing: and though our God is now ready to forgive, 
 he will neither repent nor change his purposes of vengeance 
 hereafter; for the “Strength of Israel” will be eternally en- 
 gaged '.o punish his stoutest and proudest foes. — If those who 
 were regarded when little in their own eyes, are elated by 
 prosperity and forget the Lord, he will contemn them: and 
 when one instrument is rejected, another more suitable shall 
 
 Vol. I.— 64 
 
 fied Jesse and his sons and called them to the 
 sacrifice. 
 
 6 And it came to pass when they were come, 
 that he looked on m Eliab, and said, "Surely the 
 Lord’s anointed is before him. 
 
 7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, "Look not 
 on his countenance, or on the height of his 
 stature; because I have refused him: for the 
 LORD vseeth not as man seeth ; for man tlooketh 
 on the toutward appearance, but the Lord 
 looketh r on the heart. 
 
 8 Then Jesse called ‘AbinadaR, and made him 
 pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath 
 the Lord chosen this. 
 
 9 Then Jesse made ‘Shammah to pass by: 
 and he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this. 
 
 10 Again, Jesse made “seven of his sons to pass 
 “before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, 
 The Lord hath not chosen these. 
 
 11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all 
 thy children ? And he said, x There remaineth 
 yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the 
 sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and 
 fetch him : for we will not sit §down till he come 
 hither. 
 
 2-6. Jo*12:16. 1 Cor. 11:28. m 17:13,28. 1 Chr. 2:13. 27:18. Elihu. n Jude. 
 8:18. o 9:2. 10:23,24. 2S*m. 14:25. Ps. 147:10,11. Prov. 31:30. pjob,10:4. 
 
 Is. 55:8. Luke 16:15. 1 Pet. 2:4. 3:4. q John 7:24. 2 Cor. 10:7,10. + Heb. eyes. 
 r 1 Kings 8:39. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 16:9. Ps. 7:9. 139:2. Prov. 15:11. 16:2. Jer. 
 11:20. 17:10. 20:12. Acts 1:24. Heb. 4:13. Rev. 2:23. s 17:13. 1 Chr.2:13. 
 t 17:13. 2 Sam. 13:3. Shimea. 1 Chr. 2:13. Snimma. u 1 Chr. 2:13—15. x 17: 
 12-15,28. 2 Sam. 7:8. 1 Chr. 17:7. Ps. 78:70,71. § Heb. round. 
 
 be sought out. — The mighty of the earth are so accustomed 
 to flattery and distinction, that they can scarcely suppose 
 any will dare to withhold it from them: but “with God there 
 is no respect of persons ;” and, while he requires his servants 
 to honour those who are in authority, he teaches them to be 
 of his judgment concerning comparative excellency. Neither 
 dignity nor delicacy, nor vain confidence, gives sinners any 
 security : “ the bitterness of death” may meet them when ana 
 where they least expect it ; but the bitterness of future misery 
 is the most to be feared. — Our warfare indeed is of a different 
 nature from Saul’s: but if we spare one domineering lust, or 
 profitable iniquity, we shall forfeit the promised kingdom with 
 deep disgrace ; as our sincerity must be approved by devoting 
 every sin to utter destruction, by the power of God’s grace, 
 and for the glory of his name. For this, in all ages and na- 
 tions, is the line of distinction between Samuel and Saul, 
 between the Christian and the hypocrite ; that th® one levels 
 his whole force against Agag, against that sinful propensity, 
 which, by constitution and custom, has the greatest ascen- 
 dency, that he may hew it in pieces before the Lord ; while 
 the other is anxious to preserve his master-sin, however will- 
 ing he may appear to mortify or refrain from those sins, to 
 which he has been less addicted, and to which he feels less 
 temptation. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVI. V. 1 — 3. It is probable, that 
 the events recorded in this chapter happened some time after 
 those before related ; yet Samuel still continued to mourn for 
 Saul : but at length God expostulated with him, and ordered 
 hirp to go and anoint one to succeed Saul. — It may be sup- 
 posed, that in the mean while Saul had become very suspi- 
 cious and tyrannical, and enraged against Samuel. The 
 question, therefore, which he proposed, might not result from 
 unbelief, but from a desire of instruction, for the prudent 
 management of the affair. (Notes, Judg. 13:8. Luke 1:34 — 
 38.) Accordingly, he was directed to go to Beth-lehem to 
 sacrifice, as he probably did from time to time in many dif- 
 ferent places: (Notes, 7:9, 17. 9:12 — 14.) and the answer, 
 which he was instructed to return, was the truth; nor was 
 he bound to divulge all his intentions. (Note, Jer. 38:24 
 —28.) 
 
 V. 4. It is probable, that these elders were conscious of 
 iniquity committed among them, and feared lest Samuel was 
 sent to denounce the wrath of God upon them. (Marg. Ref. 
 j. Note, Matt. 8:33,34.) Some however think that they 
 feared the anger of Saul, in case they entertained Samuel. 
 (Notes, 21:1,2. 22:13—19.) 
 
 V. 5. He sanctified, &c.] Samuel instructed Jesse and 
 his sons in the nature of the sacred ordinance, and, by his 
 counsels and prayers, assisted them in preparing to attend 
 on it acceptably anil profitably. (Notes, Ex. 19:10 — 15. 
 Josh. 3:5. Job 1:5.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. Samuel had, it is probable, informed none except 
 Jesse of his principal object to coming to Beth-lehem ; atid he 
 and Jesse alone were presen., while the sons of Jesse, one 
 after another, passed before them. — It is evident, that the 
 Lord revealed himself to Samuel, on this and other occa- 
 sions, by direct and immediate suggestion. — Samuel did not 
 yet fully understand, that the Lord in anger gave Israel their 
 ‘first king, after ‘ their own heart ;’ but that he now intended 
 in mercy to give them ore after “ his own heart,” being 
 chiefly remarkable for his strong faith and fervent piety. I 
 ( 505 ) 
 
B. G. 1 ) 67. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1067 
 
 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he 
 was rruddy, and withal 'of' a beautiful counten- 
 ance, ind goodly to look to. And the Lord said, 
 Arise, 'anoint him : for this is he. 
 
 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and 
 •anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and 
 b the Spirit of the Lord came upon David’ from 
 that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went 
 to Ramah. 
 
 14 f But c the Spirit of the Lord departed 
 from Saul, and d an evil spirit from the Lord 
 ' troubled him. 
 
 15 And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold 
 now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. 
 
 16 Let our lord now command thy servants, 
 which are e before thee, to seek out a man who is 
 a cunning player on an harp : and it shall come 
 to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upofi 
 thee, that he shall f play with his hand, and thou 
 shalt be well. 
 
 17 And Saul said unto his servants, Provide 
 me now a man that can play well, and bring him 
 to me. 
 
 y 17.4'2. Cant. 5:10. [.am. 4:7. Acts7:20. Heb. 11:23. * Heb . fair of eyes. 7. 
 
 z Ps. 2:2,6. 89:19,20. Acts 4:27. a 10:1. 2 Kings 9:6. b 18. 10:6,10. Num. 11: 
 17.27:18. Jude. 3:10. 11:29. 13:25. 14:6. Is. 11:1-3. John 3:34. Heb. 1:9. 
 c 18:12. 28:15. Judg. 16:29. Ps. 51:11. Hos. 9:12. d 18:10. 19:9,10. Judg. 9:23. 
 I Kings 22:22. Acts 19:15,16. f Or , terrified. e21,22. Gen. 41:46. 1 Kings 10: 
 8 f 23. 10:5. 2 Kings 3:15. g 17:32—36. 2 Sam. 17:8. } Or, speech, h 3:19. 
 
 is however wonderful, that the aged prophet should regard 
 the height of Eliab’s stature : when Saul who was “ taller 
 than all the people from his shoulders and upwards,” had 
 proved so worthless a king! (Notes, 9:1,2. 17:28.) The 
 Lord, seeth not, &c. (7) JHnrg. Ref. o, p, q. 
 
 V. 10, 11. Jesse’s sons were seven in all. (Note, 1 Chr. 
 2:15.) — David being young, (not more than eighteen or 
 twenty years of age,) and being of a contemplative disposi- 
 tion, was perhaps thought by Jesse to be less capable of pub- 
 lic business than his other sons, and so was not kept at home 
 on this occasion. (Marg. Ref.) — His name signifies Be- 
 loved, and die was an eminent type of the beloved Son of 
 God. (Notes, Jer. 30:5—9. Ez. 34:23—31. 37:25. Hos. 3:4, 
 5.) — These transactions seem to have occurred, between the 
 offering of the sacrifice, and the feast on it which followed. 
 
 V. 12. JHarg. Ref. 
 
 V. 13. The original words seem to denote, that David 
 was anointed in the presence of his brethren, though the 
 transaction was kept secret from others. If this were the 
 case, it is worthy of notice, that none of them rivalled or op- 
 posed him* though it appears that they were not free from 
 envy and prejudice. — Some expositors however think the 
 words only imply, that David was selected from among his 
 brethren; but that he was anointed privately. — This anoint- 
 ing did not invest him with kingly authority, but merely 
 marked him out as Saul’s successor : and thus David himself 
 understood it. — From this time he was evidently endowed 
 with the Spirit of the Lord, qualifying him for great things, 
 and inspiring him with noble purposes : yet he was satisfied 
 in his humble and laborious occupation, waiting the Lord’s 
 time for being called to action. (Notes, 10:10 — 16. 11:6 — 15.) 
 
 V . 14. When the Spirit of God came on David, it became 
 evident that he had departed from Saul, and that he was de- 
 prived of his capacity for public business, and performed 
 nothing prudently or successfully: nay, that an evil spirit 
 was judicially permitted to impel him to the most furious 
 sallies of rage or jealousy ; to oppress his spirits with a deep 
 melancholy ; to excite distressing terrors, alarms and suspi- 
 cions ; and to render him at times distracted. (Marg. Ref. d.) 
 
 V. 15 — 23. Saul’s courtiers evidently perceived the change 
 which had taken place, and ascribed it to the right cause: 
 though their language seems less accurate than that of the 
 historian ; the original words being, “ an evil spirit of God,” 
 meaning one whom God permitted to trouble Saul. — The 
 device proposed by them might be very proper for soothing 
 the melancholy of Saul, and calming his passions : (Note, 2 
 Kings 3:15.) but the cause of his malady lay much deeper; 
 and it would have been better counsel, if they had persuaded 
 him to send for Samuel to converse with him and pray for 
 him. — However, the hand of the Lord was manifest in thus 
 bringing David to court. After his anointing he had in a 
 little time by various ways signalized himself, so that he was 
 much noticed; (Note, 17:34 — 37.) and especially his peculiar 
 skill in playing on the harp, was remarked by some person 
 who attended on Saul. Thus he was introduced to him, and 
 his solemn sacred music was far more suitable to the case, 
 than more amusing strains would havo been. He came to 
 Saul with a very high character, which he did not disgrace; 
 he was useful to him, and for a time beloved by him: and 
 et, when Saul no longer wanted him, ho returned back to 
 is flocks as contented as ever, and was soon forgotten at 
 court. ( Notes 17:15,55 — 58.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Gur most reasonable and disinterested sorrow may bo so 
 excessive, as to imply rebellion against the righteous will of 
 ( 506 ) 
 
 18 Then answered one of the servants, ana 
 
 said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Beth 
 lehemite, that is cunning- in playing, and sa mighty 
 valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent m 
 'matters, and a comely person, and h the JjORD is 
 with him. * 
 
 19 Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, 
 and said, Send me David thy son, which is ‘with 
 the sheep. 
 
 20 And Jesse took k an ass laden with bread, 
 and a bottle of wine^ and a kid, and sent them by 
 David his son unto Saul. 
 
 21 And David came to Saul, and 'stood before 
 him : and he m loved him greatly ; and he became 
 his armour-bearer. 
 
 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David. 
 I pray thee, stand before me: for he hath found 
 favour in my sight. 
 
 23 And it came to pass, when "the evil spirit 
 from God was upon Saul, that David took an 
 harp, and played with his hand : so ,°Saul was 
 refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit de- 
 parted from him. 
 
 10:7. 18:1%— 14. Gen. 39:2,23. Matt. 1:23. 28:20. 111. 17:15,33,31. Ex. 3:1- 
 10. 1 Kings 19:19. Ps. 78:70— 72. 113:8. Am. 1:1. 7:14,15. Matt. 4:18— 22. k 10. 
 27. 17:18. 25:18. Gen. 43:11. 2 Sam. 16:1,2. Prov. 18:16. 1 Gen. 41:46. Bern 
 1:38. 10:8. Prov. 22:29. m Ps. 62:9. 118:9. 146:3. n See on 14,16. o 18:10,11. 
 Matt. 12:43-45. Luke 11:24—26. 
 
 God ; and he will then rebuke us, as well as encourage us 
 under our distresses. — We ought not inconsolably to mourn 
 for such as the Lord has rejected ; but should rather rejoice 
 in those whom he is calling forth to usefulness : and no par- 
 tial affection should interfere with present duty. — The most 
 eminent believers are not entirely superior to the fear at 
 man, when dangerous services are assigned them. But th<j 
 Lord will inwardly strengthen and outwardly protect them; 
 and without immediate revelation, he can, by his word and 
 Spirit, show them step by step what they ought to do. — 
 The guilty conscience trembles at a message from heaven: 
 yet the ministers of Christ come peaceably, proposing salva- 
 tion through the sacrifice of a Redeemer, and speaking terror 
 to none, except to those who neglect so great salvation. 
 (Note, Matt. 10:11—15. P. O. 7— 15.)— There is a pre- 
 paration of heart required for receiving this atonement and 
 reconciliation, as well as for attending on divine ordinances; 
 the instruction, converse, and prayers of faithful ministers 
 are very useful in both cases, to those who desire to profit 
 by them ; and parents ought not needlessly to permit their 
 children to bo absent on such favourable opportunities. — It is 
 difficult wholly to divest ourselves of partiality for those, who 
 are recommended by external accomplishments ; and we 
 often frame an erroneous judgment of characters : but the 
 Lord values nothing, in*comparison with that holy faith, fear, 
 and love, which are implanted in the heart beyond the reach 
 of human penetration. Nor does he favour our children 
 according to our fond partialities ; but often most honours 
 and blesses those who have been the least regarded. — His 
 method of educating men for important stations of usefulness, 
 differs much from those which human wisdom has devised. 
 For humble industry and obedient attention to obscure duties, 
 contemplation, retired devotion, and a patient self-denying 
 assiduity, constitute the best preparation for serving the 
 cause of God and his church. — When sinners, by resisting 
 the Holy Spirit, have provoked him finally to depart, they 
 are exposed to every incursion of Satan, and are likely to 
 become tormentors of themselves and of others ; nay, their 
 friends may perceive, that they are given up by God in Ilia 
 righteous displeasure, without taking warning by their awful 
 case. Indeed we none of us have the least security, cither 
 for our bodies or souls, against the malignity of evil spirits, 
 except in the protection of that God, whom, alas! we aro 
 continually provoking. (P. O. Job 1:6 — 12.) — When con*' 
 scious guilt, and fears of divine vengeance, disorder the 
 minds of men, those who perceive their distress, but under- 
 stand neither the cause nor the cure, arc apt to propose very 
 fatal methods of reliqf: and music, diversion, company, or 
 business, have for a season been frequently employed, as a 
 successful quietus for a wounded conscience. Yet nothing 
 can effect a real cure, except the blood of Christ applied in 
 faith, and the sanctifying Spirit sealing the pardon by his 
 holy comforts: all other expedients to dispel religious melan 
 choly, are sure methods of increasing distress, either in this 
 world or in the next, and perhaps in both. — Every endow 
 ment, which may be usefully exercised in subserviency to 
 godliness, is to ho ascribed to the energy of the divine Spirit: 
 opportunities will be afforded for its being displayed ; and if 
 the Lord be graciously with us, they will he suitably improv- 
 ed : while good behaviour in inferior stations is the best 
 introduction to higher advancement. — Thus Jesus was obe- 
 dient unto death, before ho was exalted to his glorious throne: 
 and thus ho trains up his people, by obedience, in th? midst 
 of temptation and trouble, for their future inheritance in the 
 regions of purity and felicity. 
 
B C. 1063. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 1063. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 T'he armies of hracl and, of the Philistines arc drawn out to battle, 1 — 3. 
 Goliath challenges , defies, and dismays the Israelites, 4 — 11. David is sent 
 to the army to visit his brethren , 12 — 19. He hears the challenge of Goliath 
 and a presses indignation at it, 20 — 27. Eliab rebukes him, and he answers 
 mildly , 28 — 30. He is brought before Saul, accepts the challenge , and states 
 the grounds of his confidence, 31 — 37. He refuses Saul's armour; and 
 takes only his staff, a sling, an l stones, 38— 10. Goliath disdains and Clo ses 
 him, 41 — 14. David answers, expressing his assured confidence in God, 
 45 — 17. He kill 8 Goliath and cuts off his head, 48 — 51. The Philistines 
 arc routed, 52,53. David returns with Goliath's head iu his hand; and 
 answers Saul's inquiries concerning him, 54 — 58. 
 
 N OW the Philistines “gathered together their 
 armies to battle, and were gathered together 
 at b Shochoh, which belongetli to Judahj and 
 pitched between Shochohand “Azekah, in ‘Ephes- 
 dammim. 
 
 2 And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered 
 together, and pitched by d the valley of Elah, 
 and 'set the battle in array against the Philistines. 
 
 3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on 
 the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain 
 on the other side : and there was a valley between 
 them. 
 
 4 And there went out a champion out of the 
 camp of the Philistines, named 'Goliath fofGath, 
 g whose height was six cubits and a span. 
 
 5 And he had an helmet of brass upon his 
 head, and he was farmed with a coat of mail: and 
 the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels 
 of brass! 
 
 6 And he had greaves of brass upon his legs, 
 and a Harget of brass between his shoulders. 
 
 7 And '“the staff of his spear ivas like a weaver’s 
 beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred 
 shekels of iron : and one bearing a shield went 
 before him. 
 
 8 And he stood and cried unto the armies of 
 Israel, and said unto them, Why are ye come out 
 to set your battle in array ? am not I a Philistine, 
 and ye ‘servants to Saul? choose you a man for 
 you, and let him come down to me. 
 
 9 If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, 
 then will we be your servants : but if I prevail 
 against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our 
 servants, and k serve us. 
 
 ul 7:7. 13:5. 14:46,52. Jude. 3:3. b .Tosh. 15:35. Socoft. 2Chr. 11:7. Shoco. 28: 
 18. Schocoh. c Josh. 10:11. Jer. 34:7. * Or, the coast of Dammim. 1 Chr. 
 
 11:13. Pr& dammim. <119.21:9. f Heb. ranged the battle. e 23. 21:9,10. 
 2 Sam. 21:19. 1 Chr. 20:5. f27:4. Josh. 11:22. 2 Sam. 21: 16— 22. 1 Chr. 20:4— 
 8. g Deut. 3:11. 1 Chr. 11:23. Am. 2:9. J Heb. clothed. $ Or, gorget. \ Kings 
 10:16. 2 Chr. 9:15. h2 Sam. 21:19. 1 Chr. 1 1 :23 . 20 :5. i 26. 8:17. 2 Sam. 11: 
 11. 1 Chr. 21:3. kill. 1 25,26,36,45. Num. 23:7,8. 2 Sam. 21:21. 23:9. Neh. 
 2:19. m Job 40:9 — 12. Ps. 9:4,5. Prov. 16:18. Jer. 9:23. Dan. 4:37. n Deut. 
 81:8. Josh. 1:9. Ps. 27:1. Prov. 28:1. Is. 51:12,13. 57:11. o 58. 16:1,18. Rulh 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 1. (Marg. Ref.) Saul 
 had repeatedly allowed the Philistines time to recover 
 strength and courage ; and probably the report of the dis- 
 ordered state of his mind emboldened them to this invasion : 
 yet the Lord so ordered it, that he was in some measure 
 recovered before the war began. It is uncertain how long 
 this was after the transactions before recorded ; but probably 
 three or four years had elapsed.- — To suppose, as many 
 have done, that this invasion preceded David’s first appear- 
 ance at court, gives a needless and inadmissable disturbance 
 to the narrative. (Notes, 15,55 — 58.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. (Marg. Ref.) A champion. (4) Or, a dueller; 
 one who came between the two armies, as wishing to distin- 
 guish himself in single combat. (Note, Ps. 9: title.) — Goliath 
 was of the race of Anak. (Notes, Josh. 11:21 — 23. 15:14. 
 Judg. 1:10 — 15. 2 Sam. 21:15 — 22.) On the most moderate 
 computation he was above ,en feet high : and the weight of 
 his armour shows that his bulk and strength were proportion- 
 able. For his coat of mail weighed above 200 pounds troy 
 weight, and his spear’s head in proportion. (Tables ) — Some 
 indeed suppose, that the price or value was meant : but the 
 value of any thing is generally, if not always, computed by 
 skekels of silver or gold, not of brass. Probably, men in 
 general were about the same size as at present; for such 
 
 f iants then caused as much surprise as they would now. 
 Note, Num. 13:33.) 
 
 V. 8 -10. This challenge of Goliath greatly increased 
 the consternation of the Israelites ; as if they must needs 
 become slaves to the Philistines, unless some one of them 
 could overcome the champion : but no nation ever did, or 
 ever will, suffer its liberties and interests to be disposed of 
 m such a manner.— It is probable that Goliath was one of 
 the lords of the Philistines ; and'that he deemed it a kind of 
 condescension in him, to fight with one of Saul’s servants. 
 
 V. 11. When the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, 
 he lost much of his former courage ; otherwise, depending 
 on the God of Israel, he might have assaulted the army of 
 the Philistines, and at once have silenced the proud boast- 
 ings of Goliath. (Notes, 11:6 — 15. 16:14.) His timidity 
 disheartened the army likewise • for faith and piety were 
 
 10 And the Philistine said, 'I defy the armies 
 of Israel this day ; “give me a man that we may 
 fight together. 
 
 11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words 
 of the Philistine they were "dismayed, and greatly 
 afraid. 
 
 12 H Now “David was the son of that pEphra- 
 thite of Beth-lehem-judah, whose name was 
 Jesse; and he had height sons: and the man 
 went among men for an old man in the days of 
 Saul. 
 
 13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and 
 followed Saul to the battle: and r the names of his 
 three sons that went to the battle were Eliab the 
 first born, and next unto him Abinadab, and the 
 third s Shammah. 
 
 14 And David was ‘the youngest: and the 
 three eldest followed Saul. 
 
 15 But David went, and "returned from Saul, 
 to feed his father’s sheep at Beth-lehem. 
 
 16 And the Philistine drew near morning and 
 evening, and presented himself ’forty days. 
 
 17 And Jesse said unto David his son, “Take 
 now for thy brethren an ephah of this ^parched 
 corn, and these ten loaves, and run to the camp to 
 thy brethren : 
 
 18 And ‘carry these ten “cheeses unto the 
 captain of Hheir thousand, and “look how thy 
 brethren fare, and take their pledge. 
 
 19 Now Saul, and they, and all the men of 
 Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with 
 the Philistines. 
 
 20 And David rose up early in the morning, 
 and b left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and 
 went, as Jesse had commanded him : and he came 
 to the “trench as the host was going forth to the 
 “'fight, and shouted for the battle. 
 
 21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the 
 battle in array, army against army. 
 
 22 And David left l} his carriage in the hand of 
 the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, 
 and came and ^saluted his brethren. 
 
 4:22. Matt. 1:6. I.ulte 3:31 ,32. pGen. 35:19. Ps, 132:6. Mic. 5:2. Moll. 2:1.6. 
 q 16:10,11. 1 Chr. 2:13-16. r28.16:6— 9. s 2 Sam. 13:3,32. 21 :21 . Shimeah. 
 t 16:11,12. Gen. 25:23. u 16:19— 23. vMnlt.4:2. Luke4:2. xMatt.7:ll. 
 Luke 11:13. y 25:18. Rulh 2:14. 2 Sam. 17:28. i. 16:211. I] Heb . cheeses of 
 milk. 2 Sam. 17:29. Jbb 10:10. IT Heb. a thousand. a Gen. 37:14. Acts 15:36. 
 1 Thes. 3:5,6. b28. Eph. 6:1,2. •• Or, place of the carriage. 26:5. Luke 
 
 19:43. ft Or, battle-array, or, place of fight. Heb. the vessels from 
 uponhim. §§ Heb. askedhis bre hrenof peace. Gen! 37:14. Judg. IS: 15. Matt. 
 10:12,13. Luke 10:5,6. 
 
 evidently at a low ebb among them. Nor had Jonathan the 
 same inward intimation to engage in this service, as he 
 formerly had to undertake one at least equally perilous ; (ho 
 Lord having reserved it for David. (Notes, 14:1 — 15.) 
 
 V. 12, 13. Jesse, being far advanced in years, was him- 
 self exempted from war; but he sent three of his sons with 
 Saul. — Eight sons. ( 12) 16; 10. Note, 1 Chr. 2:15. 
 
 V. 15. Saul’s disorder having been relieved, and his mind 
 engaged in public business, David’s music was not wanted ; 
 and he “ returned from Saul” to his former laborious and 
 obscure occupalion. Probably he had been appointed Saul’s 
 armour-bearer, merely as an honorary distinction, and had 
 never been employed in actual service. (Note, 16:15 — 23.) 
 — Josephus says, that Saul sent David home in the beginning 
 of this war, being contented with the three sons of Jesse who 
 followed him ; but it seems more probable, that he had return- 
 ed home sometime before the war began: and Josephus had 
 no other authentic information, as to the history of Israel, 
 than we at present possess ; so that neither his opinions, nor 
 the traditions which he had received from those who lived 
 before him, are of any authority, except when they accord 
 with the sacred Scriptures. 
 
 V. 16. Had the Philistines thought themselves able to 
 force the camp of Israel, they would not have spent so much 
 time in this manner. — Forty days.] Note, Matt. 4:1,2. 
 
 V. 17. As Jesse had several other sons, it must be ascri- 
 bed to a special interposition of Providence, that David was 
 sent on this occasion. (Note, 16:10,11.) 
 
 V. 18. Pledge .] This, it is probable, was some concerted 
 token of welfare, according to the custom of those limes, 
 while epistolary correspondence was infrequent. 
 
 V. 19. Fighting.] There might be frequent skirmishes 
 between the two armies, though they did not come to a gene- 
 ral engagement. 
 
 V. 22. His carriage.] Or, the provisions which he carried, 
 or had brought, for his brethren and their captain. (Marg 
 — Acts 21:15. The keeper of the carriage” seems tomean 
 the person, who was appointed over those, who guarded tho 
 baggage : and who would take the charge of what David had 
 brough , till he returned. — ‘ With his servant.’ Up. Patrick, 
 ( 507 ' 
 
B. C 1063. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1063. 
 
 23 A.nd as he talked with them, behold there 
 came up the champion, (the Philistine of Gath, 
 Goliath by name,) out of the armies of the Philis- 
 tines, and snake 'according to the same words : 
 and David heard them. 
 
 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw 
 the man, fled from ‘him, and were d sore afraid. 
 
 25 And the men of Israel said, Have ye seen 
 this man that is come up? surely to defy Israel is 
 he come up: and it shall be, that the man who 
 killeth him, “the king will enrich him with great 
 riches, and will give him his daughter, and make 
 his father’s house Tree in Israel. 
 
 26 And David spake to the men that stood by 
 him, saying, What shall be done to the man 
 that killeth this Philistine, and taketh away the 
 ^reproach from Israel? for who is this h uncircum- 
 cised Philistine, that he should ‘defy the armies of 
 the living God? 
 
 27 And the people answered him after this 
 manner, saying, k So shall it be done to the man 
 that killeth him. 
 
 28 And Eliah his eldest brother heard when he 
 spake unto the men ; and ‘Eliab’s anger was 
 kindled against David, and he said, Why earnest 
 thou down hither? and m with whom hast thou 
 left those few sheep in the wilderness? n I know 
 thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; 
 for thou art come down, that thou mightest see 
 the battle. 
 
 29 And David said, “What have I now done ? 
 Is there not a cause ? 
 
 30 And he turned from him towards another, 
 and spake after the same 'manner : and the 
 people answered him again after the lbrmer 
 
 manner. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 31 And when the words were heard which 
 David spake, they rehearsed them before Saul; 
 and he tsent, for him. 
 
 32 And David said to Saul, "Let no man’s 
 heart fail because of him: sthy servant will go, 
 and fight with this Philistine. 
 
 t 4 — 10. • Heb. his face. 13:6,7. d See on 11. Lev. 26:36. Nom. 13:33. 
 Dent. 32:30. Is. 7:2. 30:17. e 18:17— 27. Josh. 15:16. Rev. 2:7,17. 3:5,12, 
 21. f Ezra 7:24. Matt. 17,26. gll:2. Josh. 7:8,9. 2 Kings 19:4. Neh. 5:9. 
 Ps. 44:13. 74:18. 79:12. Dan. 9:16. Joel 2:19. h 36. 14:6. i 10. Deut. 5:26. 
 Jer. 10:10. IThes. 1:9. 1 John 5:20. k 25. 116:13. Gen. 37:4,8.1 1. Prov. 18:19. 
 27:4. Kc. 4:4. Matt. 10:36. 27:18. Mark 3:21. m 20. n 16:7. Ps. 35:11. Jude 
 10. o 17,32. i'rov. 15:1. Acts 11:2 — 4. 1 Cor. 2:15. lPet.3:9. t Heb. word. 
 26,27. t Heb. In • khme. Prov. 22:29. p Num. 13:30. 14:9. Deut. 20:1— 3. Is. 
 35:3. deb. 12:12. q 14:6. 16:13. Josh. 14:12. Ps. 3:6. 27:1—3. r Num. 13:31. 
 Deut. 9:2. Ps. 11:1. Rev. 13:4. b42,56. %Or, kid. t Judg. 14:5,6. 2>nm. 23: 
 
 It does not however appear, that David was attended by a 
 servant. 
 
 V. 23, 24. (Note, 4 — 7.) When the two armies were on 
 the point of engaging, Goliath’s renewed challenge strangely 
 disconcerted the Israelites. They could face the whole army 
 of the Philistines, though they knew Goliath was among 
 them ; and yet were dismayed by the sight of him alone ! 
 (Notes, Num. 13:30,31. 14:2—9.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. It does not appear, that Saul consulted the 
 Lord, or offered sacrifice, or even made supplications, on this 
 occasion : but he offered great rewards to him, who should 
 kill Goliath. [Notes, Josh. 15:16,17. 1 Chr. 11:4— 8.)— To 
 this conduct, David's speech, glowing with confidence in God, 
 zeal for his glory, and indignant resentment of Israel’s dis- 
 grace, formed a noble contrast. However terrible the gigantic 
 Goliath might appear, he was w an uncircumcised Philistine ;” 
 and those whom he defied were not merely 44 servants to 
 Saul,” (8) but “the armies of the living God.” (Note, Num. 
 23:7,8.) And in this view, who was Goliath, that any Israelite 
 should fear him ? The very inquiry implied the most pointed 
 reproof of the unbelief and cowardice of Saul, and indeed of 
 the whole army. — Free in Israel. (25) Note , Ezra 7:24 — 26. 
 
 V. 28. It can hardly be supposed, that Eliab was entirely 
 ignorant of David’s having been anointed by Samuel ; and he 
 must have understood this transaction, as at least an indica- 
 tion of his future superiority. (Note, 16:13.) No doubt, 
 therefore, ho was in part excited by envy on this occasion : 
 but he might also consider the spirit of his younger and 
 neglected brother, as a tacit reproach of his own timidity. 
 He therefore rashly and falsely accused him of leaving his 
 flock without a keeper, and of coming without being sent, out 
 of curiosity or ambition : (17 — 20) and intimated that he was 
 notoriously of a proud, aspiring, and even wicked disposition. 
 These insinuations tended both to discourage David, and to 
 prejudice those who heard them against him, in order that he 
 might be disregarded. (Notes, Gen. 37:2 — 10^ John 7:3 — 10.) 
 
 V. 29. This answer was as admirable for the 44 meekness 
 of wisdom,” as the former question was for the 4 courage of 
 faith.’ David took no notice of the rcr roach cast on his 
 ( 508 ) 
 
 33 And Saul said to David, r Thou art not able 
 to go against this Philistine to fight with him : ‘for 
 thou ait but a youth, and he a man of war from 
 his youth. 
 
 34 And David said unto Saul, Thy servant 
 kept his father’s sheep, and there came a lion 
 and a bear, and took a siamb out of the flock; 
 
 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, 
 and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he 
 arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and 
 ‘smote him, and slew him. 
 
 36 Thy servant slew both the lion, and the 
 bear : and “this uncircumcised Philistine shall be 
 as one of them, seeing “he hath defied the armies 
 of the living God. 
 
 37 David said moreover, ?The Lord that 
 delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out 
 of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of 
 the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto 
 David, “Go, and the Lord be with thee. 
 
 38 H And Saul “armed David with his armour, 
 and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; 
 also he armed him with a coat of mail. 
 
 39 And David girded his sword upon his 
 armour, and he assayed to go ; for he had not 
 proved it. And David said unto Saul, 1 cannot 
 go with these ; for I have not proved them. And 
 David “put them off him. 
 
 40 And he took his b staffin his hand, and chose 
 him five smooth stones out of the "brook, and put 
 them in a shepherd’s “bag which he had, even in 
 a scrip, and his sling was in his hand ; and he 
 drew near to the Philistine. 
 
 41 And the Philistine came on, and drew near 
 unto David ; and the man that bare the shield 
 went before him. 
 
 42 And when the Philistine looked about and 
 saw David, c he disdained him ; for lie was but d a 
 youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 
 
 43 And the Philistine said unto David, e Am I a 
 dog, that thou comest to me with staves ? And 
 the Philistine f cursed David by his gods. 
 
 20. Ps. 91:13. Dan. 6:22. Am. 3:12. Acts98:4— 6. 2 Tim. 1:17,18. n26. E*. 32: 
 19,27—32. Rom. 2:28,29. x See <m 10. Is. 10:15. 36:8—10,15,18. »:22,23,28, 
 29. Zech. 2:8. 12:3. Acls 5:38,39. 9:4,5. 12:1,2,22,23. y7:12. IV 63:7. 138:3, 
 7,8. 2 Cor. 1:9,10. 2 Tim. 4:17,18. z 20:13. 24:19. 26:25. 2 Sam. 10:12. II Heb. 
 clothed David icith his clothes 5. n Hos. 1:7. Zech. 4:6. 2 Cor. 10:4,5. b Jude* 
 3:31. 7:16—20. 15:15,16. 20:16. 1 Cor. 1:27—29. IT Or, valley. •• Heb. vessel. 
 Matt. 10:10. c 1 Kings 20:18. 2 Kings 18:23,24. Neb. 4:2— 4. d 33. 16:12. 
 e 24:14. 2 Sam. 3:8. 9:8. 16:9. 2 Kings 8: 13. fGen. 27:29. Num. 22:6, 11, 12. 
 Judg. 9:27. Prov. 26:2. 
 
 character ; nor of the false accusation laid against him ; nor 
 of the selfish motives, to which his coming to the army was 
 ascribed. But he merely replied, by asking, 44 What have I 
 now done ? Is there not a cause ? ’ Ought not every Israelite 
 to feel a holy indignation, when he hears an uncircumcised 
 Philistine defy the armies of the living God ? And ought not 
 some Israelite to step forward and venture his life, to tase 
 away this reproach ? Yet no Israelite had hitherto appeared 
 who would attempt it. (Notes, Judg. 8,1 — 3. Prov. 15:1.) 
 
 V. 31, 32. Marg. Ref. p. q. 
 
 V. 34 — 37. In defence of his flock, David had bfeen ena- 
 bled, at different times, to slay a lion and a bear : and he 
 looked upon this as an earnest of victory over the 44 uncir- 
 cumcised Philistine,” whom he meant to attack out of zeai 
 for the glory of God, and the interests of Israel. Goliath 
 could not be more terrible to any Israelitish soldier, than a 
 lion or a bear, bereaved of its prey, would be to an unarmed 
 shepherd ; and David’s deliverance from these savage beasts 
 was the effect of the Lord’s special favour, who would also 
 deliver him from the Philistine. (Note, 2 Cor. 1:8 — 11.) — 
 Thus, when the Spirit of the Lord was upon Samson, he rent 
 the lion before he destroyed the Philistines. (Note, Judg . 
 14:5,6.) — Several extraordinary actions of this kind, no doubt* 
 obtained David that great character, with which ho had 
 first been introduced to Saul. (16:18.) — Go, &c. (37) Notes, 
 24:16—22. 26:21—25. 
 
 V. 38 — 40. David had not been accustomed to such 
 armour as Saul put upon him, and ho was not satisfied to go 
 forth in that manner. — This was likewise from the Lord, who 
 would have it made manifest that his servant fought and con- 
 quered by faith, and that the victory was from him, who works 
 by the most despised means and instruments. (Notes, Josh. 
 6:3—5. Judg. 3:31. 7:16—22. 15:14—17. Zech. 4:4—' 7. 1 Cor. 
 1:20—31. 2 Cor. 4:7.) 
 
 V. 42 — 44. Perhaps David might at this time he twenty- 
 two or twenty-three years of age ; (33. Note, 16:10,1 1 ) and 
 his unwarlike appearance in all respects excited contempt and 
 disdain in Goliath’s breast; nay, he was greallv afniOed to 
 be opposed by a stripling, accoutred in so unwarlike a manner 
 
B. C. 1063. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. (,. 1068, 
 
 44 Ami the Philistine said to David, eCome to 
 me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the 
 air, and to the "beasts of the field. 
 
 45 Then said David to the Philistine, h Thou 
 comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and 
 with a shield ; but I come to thee 'in the name of 
 the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, 
 whom thou hast k defied. 
 
 46 This day 'will the Lord ’deliver thee # into 
 mine hand, and I will smite thee, and take ’thine 
 head from thee : and I will give the m carcasses 
 of the host of the Philistines this day unto the 
 fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the 
 earth; that "all the earth may know that there is 
 a God in Israel. 
 
 47 And all this assembly shall know that the 
 Lord "saveth not with the sword and spear : for 
 Pthe battle is the Lord’s and he will give you into 
 our hands. 
 
 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine 
 arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, 
 that sDavid hasted and ran toward the army to 
 meet the Philistine. 
 
 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and 
 took thence a stone, and slang it, and "smote the 
 Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk 
 into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to 
 the earth. 
 
 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with 
 a sliiw and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, 
 and slew him ; s but there was no sword in the 
 hand of David. 
 
 g 1 Kings 20:10,11. Plot. 18:12. Ec. 9:11.12. Jer. 9:23. Ez. 23:2,9,10. 39:17—20. 
 h Ps. 41:6. i2 Sam. 22:33 — 35. 2Chr. 32:8. Ps. 3:8. 18:2. 20:5— 7. 118:10,11. 
 .21:8. Prov. 18:10. Pl.il. 4:13. Hcb. 11:33,31. k 10,26,36. Is. 37:23,28. 1 Deut. 
 7:2.23. 9:2,3. Josb. 10:8. * Heb. shut thee up. Ps. 31:8. m 41. Deni. 28:26. Is. 
 56:9. Rev. 19:17,18. n Ex. 9:16. 15:14,15. Josh. 4:24. 1 Kings8:43. 18:36,37. 
 2 Kings 19:19. Is. 52:10. Dan. 2:47. 3:29. 6:26,27. o Ps. 33:16,17. 44:6,7. Prov. 
 
 But though he cursed David by his gods, he evidently trusted 
 not in them but in ihe might of his own arm. The Romans 
 used thus to curse their enemies : ‘All the gods and goddesses 
 destroy thee 1’ (Note, Num. 22:6.) 
 
 V. 45 — 47. Nothing can exceed the modesty, the faith, 
 the piety, and the zeal for the glory of God, and the cause of 
 Israel and of true religion, which glow in this most beautiful 
 speech. David expressed, with peculiar animation, his assured 
 expectation of success, of which doubtless some immediate 
 intima'ions had been communicated to him ; satisfying him, that 
 the zeal of the Lord for his own glory would engage him in 
 the cause ; he even gloried in his own contemptible appearance 
 and armour, that the victory might the more unquestionably 
 be ascribed to Jehovah ; and he anticipated ihe effects of 
 this transaction. He even conceived a hope of its producing 
 a salutary conviction in the minds of the Philistines, that the 
 God of Israel was, the only true God ; and he predicted that 
 his power and glory would by means of it be made known to 
 all the earth. (Notes, 1 Kings 18:36,37. 2 Kings 19:14 — 19.) 
 
 V. 48, 49. The courage of David appears illustrious in 
 the whole narrative. Goliath understood that his challenge 
 was accepted, by David’s boldly marching out to meet him ; 
 and at this crisis, David with great activity at once struck 
 the fatal blow.. Either Goliath, in fearless presumption and 
 contempt of his opponent, had neglected to fasten on his 
 helmet ; or the stone, directed and impelled by the power of 
 the Almighty, penetrated both the helmet and his skull, and 
 sunk into his forehead, as a stone sinks into the water. (Note, 
 
 I Kings 22:32—35.) 
 
 V. 50 — 53. Perhaps the sword of Goliath was not so large 
 and unwieldy in proportion, as the other parts of his armour; 
 for we find that David afterwards used it, as well as on this 
 occasion. (Note, 21:8,9.) — When the Philistines saw that 
 their champion or mighty man, was dead ; they were so con- 
 vinced of the power and presence of the God of Israel, that 
 they had no courage to fight, but yielded Israel a complete 
 victory ; and the Israelites pursued them even to their own 
 cities, and plundered their camp. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Champion. (51) The original word is not the same here 
 as in the fourth verse. 
 
 V. 54. Either David, after a time, carried the head of 
 Goliath to Jerusalem, as a terror to the Jebusites ; and put 
 his armour in his own tent, until it was removed to the taber- 
 nacle of God : (21:8,9.) or this is spoken by anticipation ; and 
 means, that afterwards Goliath’s skull and armour were 
 preserved at Jerusalem, as a monument of the victory, and 
 to the glory of God, in the tent which David there formed for 
 the ark. (Note, 2 Sam. 6J7.) 
 
 V. 55—58. It has been argued, from the circumstance of 
 Saul’s not recollecting David, that the history is inconsistent : 
 and to answer this objection many learned men, by a very 
 unnatural transposition, place this chapter, in order of time, 
 before the preceding. But it should be considered that David 
 was young when he went to the court of Saul: and a few 
 
 51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the 
 Philistine, and took ‘his sword, and drew it out'of 
 the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his 
 head therewith. And when the Philistines saw 
 their champion was dead, they "fled. 
 
 52 And x the men of Israel and of Judah arose, 
 and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until 
 thou come to the ^valley, and to the gates ot 
 Ekron : and the wounded of the Philistines fell 
 down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, 
 and unto Ekron. 
 
 53 And the children of Israel returned from 
 chasing after the Philistines, and "they spoiled 
 their tents. 
 
 54 11 And David "took the head of the Philis- 
 tine, and brought it to Jerusalem : but he put his 
 armour in his tent. 
 
 55 And when Saul saw David go forth against 
 the Philistine, he said unto Abner, the captain of 
 the host, Abner, b Whose son is this youth ? And 
 Abner said, As thy soul liveth, O king, I cannot 
 tell. 
 
 56 And the king said, Inquire thou whose son 
 the stripling is. 
 
 57 And as David returned from the slaughter 
 of the Philistine, Abner took him, and brought 
 him before Saul, "with the head of the Philistine 
 in his hand. 
 
 58 And Saul said to him, Whose son art 
 thou, thou young man ? And David answered, 
 d J am the son of thy servant Jesse, the Beth- 
 lehemite. 
 
 21:30.31. Hos. 1:7. p 14:6. 2Chr. 20:15— 17. Ps. 46:11. Is. 9:7. Zesh.4:6. 
 Rom. 8:31,37. q Ps. 27:1. Prov. 28:1. r 1 Kinn 22:34. 2 Kino 9:21, 1 Cor. 
 1:27,28. s 39. 13:22. 121:9. 2Sam.23:21. EttV 7:10. Ps. 7:15,16. Heb. 2:14. 
 u Hetj. 11:34. x 14:21,22. Judg. 7:23. 2Sam. 23:10. y Josli. 15:33— 36,45,46. 
 z 2 Kings 7:7 — 16. Jer. 4:20. a.21:9. Ex. 16:33. Josh. 4:7,8. 1: 58.16:21,22. 
 
 c 54, d 12. 16:18,19. 
 
 years, with change of dress, (from that of a courtier, to that 
 of a shepherd,) make a very great alteration in the appearance 
 of young persons. Abner had no acquaintance with David, 
 that we know of. Saul’s mind was disordered, and his affairs in 
 perplexity. Kings, especially such kings as Saul, are served 
 by so many fresh faces, that they often literally forget their 
 old acquaintance. Yet it is evident, that Saul had some 
 confused and imperfect recollection of David ; though he 
 could not certainly remember whose son he was. (Notes, 
 1,15.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 30. When those, to whom it officially belongs to 
 defend the cause of God and his church, are destitute of his 
 Spirit, and given up to ambition, covetousness, envy, malice, 
 or lust ; no wonder if open enemies are encouraged, and 
 friends dispirited: and as the fear of God declines, the fear ot 
 man, in one form or other, will gather strength. But when 
 one instrument is thrown aside, another is prepared, and pro- 
 duced for the work of the Lord: and though Israel be cast 
 down, and his enemies for a season triumph ; yet shall he be 
 raised up again, and their success terminate in deeper disgrace 
 and ruin. — Every gift of God to fallen man, instead of inspiring 
 gratitude, naturally increases proud self-admiraiion and con- 
 fidence, and a disposition to despise and insult over others. 
 But what are human wisdom, .strength and courage, unless 
 preserved and prospered by him who gave them ? When 
 confidence in these endowments withdraws men from their 
 dependence on God, and when they are employed in rebellion 
 against him ; the haughty possessor becomes more expressly 
 the enemy and rival of the Almighty, and is prepared to 
 be a more distinguished monument of his righteous vengeance. 
 ( Notes, Job 40:9 — 1 4. Jer. 9:23,24. Dan. 4:34— 37. 5:18— 
 24.) — Degenerate professors of religion often receive just 
 rebukes from most decided enemies : and indeed no persecutor 
 or heresiarch needs fear defying the disciples of man, any 
 more than Goliath feared defying “ the servants of Saul," 
 were they only such, as the names which they assume, as 
 well as their conduct on some occasions, seem to imply. For 
 in human accomplishments the opposers of the truth of God 
 have frequently possessed an undisputed superiority : (Note, 
 Ez. 15:6 — 8. P. O.) confiding in this, they have defied, and 
 still do defy, the advocates of spiritual truth to engage with 
 them ; and they dream of a total and decided victory. But 
 they have “the armies of the living God,” and their invincible 
 Captain himself, to contend with ; and “ who are these uncir- 
 cumcised Philistines,” that a true Israelite should fear them ? 
 Any believer in the divine Saviour may predict that their 
 triumphing will be short: and if fairly called to it, we need not 
 fear to go forth with the despised sling and stone, with plain 
 testimonies of holy Scripture, unadorned by eloquence, and 
 unsupported by human learning, against the most formidable 
 of them ; trusting in him who has all power in heaven and 
 earth. — Those who would serve God must be endued with 
 patience, meekness, and self-denial; and they must learn >o 
 ( 509 ) 
 
B. C. 1063, 
 
 I SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1063. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Jonathan loven David, and covenants with him, 1 — 4. David gains favour with 
 the people and the servants of Haul, 5. The praises bestowed on David ex- 
 cite Saul's envy , 6 — 9. Saul attempts to kill aim, 10, 11. David' s prudence 
 and success maki Saul afrai l of him , 12 — 16. He offers to give him his elder 
 daughter, hopin' it ensnare him; hut gives h.<r to another, 17— 19. He 
 promise : h ra Michal, his ounger daughter, finding that she loved him ; and 
 David brings two hundred, foreskins of the Philistines, being double the 
 stipulated dowry, and marries her, 20 — 27. Saul's hatred and David's re- 
 putation increase , 28 — 30. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when he had made an 
 end of speaking unto Saul, that “the soul of 
 Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and 
 Jonathan b loved him as his own soul. 
 
 2 And Saul “took him that day, and would let 
 him set no more home to his fathers house. 
 
 3 Then Jonathan and David d made a covenant, 
 because he loved him as his own soul. 
 
 4 And Jonathan “stripped himself of the robe 
 that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his 
 garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and 
 to his girdle. 
 
 5 And David went out whithersoever Saul sent 
 him, aiul "behaved himself f wisely : and Saul set 
 him over sthe men of war ; and he was accepted 
 in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight 
 of Saul’s servants. 
 
 l 14:1— 14,45. Gen. 44:30. Jude. 80:11. 1 rhr. 12:17. Ps. 86:11 . Col. 2:2. b 19: 
 *. 20:17. Dent. 13:6. 2 Sara. 1:26. Prov. 18:21. c 16:21—23. 17:15. d 80:8- 
 17,42. 23:18. 2 Sam. 9:1—3. 21:7. eGen. 41:42. Eslh. 6:8,9. Is. 61:10. l.uke 15: 
 22. 2 Cor. 5:21 Phil. 2:7,8. • Or, prospered. 14,15.30. Gen. 39:2.3,23. Ps.l: 
 3. Acts 7:10. r Malt. 10:16. Eph. 5:17. Col. 4,5 g 13:2. 14:52. t Or, Philts- 
 tines, h Ex. 15:20. Judg. 11:34. Ps. 68:25. Jer. 31.11 — 13. j Heb. three- 
 stringed instruments, i Ex. 15:21 . Ps. 24:7 — 10. k 21 : 1 1. 29:5. lEsth.3:5. 
 
 bear neglect, contempt and ingratitude ; to be laborious, 
 faithful, and obedient ; to shun observation and ostentation ; to 
 walk by faith, and to wait the Lord’s time for every promised 
 or expected mercy ; not putting themselves forward, till it be 
 undeniably evident that there is a cause. — In times of general 
 formality and lukewarmness, every degree of zeal, which 
 implies a readiness to go further, or venture more in the cause 
 of God, than others do, will be censured as pride and ambi- 
 tion ; and by none more than near relations and negligent 
 superiors : and such censures will seldom be unmingled with 
 unjust insinuations, slanders, and attempts to blacken a man’s 
 character. But conscious integrity, and confidence in God, 
 united with meekness, wisdom and perseverance, will carry 
 the believer through such discouraging opposition, and raise 
 him above them : and those who would do good, should not 
 multiply words in defence of their own characters ; but avoid 
 whatever may needlessly exasperate, prolong contention, or 
 foment envy; and be satisfied with appealing k> the con- 
 sciences and common sense of impartial persons, that time and 
 circumstances require their exertions. The hope of being an 
 instrument of good, and of being accepted by the Lord, will 
 animate the faithful servant of God in every undertaking: and 
 the expectation of a reward from man, or the fear of human 
 censure, will be with him a very inferior consideration. 
 
 V. 31 — 53. If we improve our experience of the Lord’s 
 faithfulness, love, and power, in former seasons of danger 
 and difficulty, it will inspire confidence in the prospect of 
 future conflicts ; and on some occasions it may be referred to 
 for the satisfaction of others: and to be engaged against the 
 avowed and haughty enemies of God and his church, is in all 
 cases a proper ground of encouragement. — In the service of 
 our common Lord we are not all qualified to handle the same 
 weapons, or to fill up the same stations: none should there- 
 fore be set up in all things as models, nor ought any of us 
 indiscriminately to imitate the most approved characters. 
 Rules and- methods, which are useful and natural to ono man, 
 may prove encumbrances to another: and we do best, when 
 we cultivate our own peculiar talent, taking hints from every 
 body, and not attempting exact conformity to any. But faith, 
 and prayer, and truth, and righteousness, “the whole armour 
 of God,” and u the mind which was in Christ,” are equally 
 needful for all his servants. — The curses of wicked men are 
 no more to be feared, than their power or menaces ; as they 
 will at length rebound upon themselves, and their proud self- 
 confidence will surely be confounded. But those who trust 
 in the Lord and simply seek his glory, shall never he ashamed : 
 n their hands the feeblest, means shall be successful, and 
 before them the most formidable opposition shall come to 
 nothing. The event of every conflict of the church of God 
 against her enemies, will undeniably evince, 44 that the Lord 
 saveth not with sword and spear ; for the battle is the Lord’s, 
 and he will give it into our hands :” and this shall tend to 
 make known his glory throughout the earth. — Human favour 
 is of small value, for men soon forget, those who have been 
 most useful to them ; ajid they alone arc happy, who enjoy 
 the favour of him, who never forgets or forsakes the meanest 
 of his true people. — Finally, in David’s victory over the 
 champion of the Philistines, we may see a faint shadow of 
 the Redeemer’s victory over Satan, who for ages had defied 
 ihe armies of the living God, and, from the fall of Adam to 
 the coming of Christ, found no one able in his own strength 
 to stand against, him: hut Jesus orercame him on his own 
 ground and foiled him with his owi weapons, and still goes 
 ( 510 ) 
 
 6 H And it came to pass, as they came, when 
 David was returned from the slaughter of the 
 'Philistine, that ''the women came out of all cities 
 of Israel, singing; and dancing, to meet king Saul, 
 with tabrets, with joy, and with instruments of 
 music. 
 
 7 And the women 'answered one another as 
 they played, and said, k Saul hath slain his thou- 
 sands, and David his ten thousands. 
 
 8 And Saul was very wroth, and 'the saying 
 ^displeased him ; and he said, They have ascribed 
 unto David ten thousands, and to me they have 
 ascribed but thousands : “and what can he have 
 more but the kingdom ? 
 
 9 And Saul "eyed David from that day and 
 forward. 
 
 10 And it came to pass on the morrow, that 
 °the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he 
 fprophesied in the midst of the house ; and David 
 “ipiayed with his hand, as at other times : and 
 there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. 
 
 11 And Saul “cast the javelin ; for he said, I 
 will smite David even to the wall with it. “And 
 David avoided out of his presence twice. 
 
 Prov. 13:10. 27:4. Ec. 4:4. Jam. 4:5. SHeb.w/rs evil in his eyes. Num. 11:1. 
 22:34. margins, m 13:14. 15:28. 16:13. 20:31. 1 Kiugs 2:22. n Gen. 4:5,6. 31: 
 2. Matt. 20:15. Mark 7:22. Eph. 4:27. Jam. 5:9. o 16:14,15. 19:9. 26:19. 
 n 19:24. 1 Kings 18:29. 22:12,20—23. Jer. 28:2-4 .11 . Zech 13:2—5. ^cta 16: 
 16. 2 Thes. 2:11. q 16:16,23. r 19:9,10 . 20:33. Prov. 27:4. Is. 54:17. 8 Luke 
 
 4:30. John 8:59. 10:39. 
 
 on by his despised gospel to pursue the victory ; while all the 
 hosts of the true Israel join in his conquests, and share the 
 benefits ; and they shall ere long meet in heaven to celebrate 
 his triumphs with everlasting songs of praise. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XVIII. V. 1. The modesty, piety, 
 and oourageous faith of David were so congenial to the cha- 
 racter of Jonathan, that they attracted his most cordial esteem 
 and affection, (Notes, 14:6 — 15.) so that the most endeared 
 friendship subsisted between them, from that time, without 
 the least interruption, notwithstanding Saul’s envy and malice; 
 and though Jonathan knew that David was annointed to be 
 king, and that he himself was excluded! (Notes, 19:1 — 7. 
 20:1 4 — 1 7,32 — 42 . 23:17,18. 2 Sam. 1:19—27.) This disin- 
 terested friendship was the effect of that grace of God, which 
 produces in all true believers “one heart and soul,” and 
 causes them to delight in each other’s converse and comfort: 
 (Notes, 1 Pet. 1:22 — 25. 1 John 3:13 — 15.) yet similarity of 
 disposition, and the coincidence of the extraordinary sendees 
 which in the courage of faith they had performed, served to 
 render their reciprocal affection peculiarly fervent and inti- 
 mate. (JVfarg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 2. Saul did not at first know David, but he soon re- 
 collected him. It is manifest from this, that he had before 
 returned from Saul to his pastoral employments, hut from this 
 time he went back no more to them. (Note, 17:55 — 58.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. Jonathan, by stripping off his own clothes and 
 armour, and giving them to David, intended avowedly to 
 ratify the covenant between them, as well as to testify his 
 affection, and equip him according to his character and sta- 
 tion. So that David then put off the shepherd, and put on the 
 courtier and soldier. 
 
 V. 5. Abner continued commander in chief; hut David 
 had some high military station, and perhaps- he was made 
 captain of Saul’s guards. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. After the death of Goliath, and the consequent 
 victory over the Philistines ; Saul, and David with him, went 
 to several of the cities of Israel. 1 1 suppose, Saul and the 
 whole court thought fit to honour David, by accompanying 
 him to Jerusalem when he carried Goliath’s head thitner. ’ 
 Patrick. However this might ho, in all places to which they 
 came, the women, according to the custom of the times, went 
 forth to meet them with instruments of music, and singing an 
 ode composed on the occasion. (Judg. 11:34. Notes, Ex. 
 15:1,20,21. Judg. 5:1. Ps. 68:24,25.) In this ode, composed 
 in poetical language, no injustice was done to Saul, nor any 
 affront intended him: yet the language employed might have 
 given umbrage to a mind less propense to envy and suspicion, 
 than that of Saul. Accordingly, he was greatly displeased ; 
 and, perceiving how David increased in popularity, ho con- 
 cluded that God w-as about “to rend the kingdom from him, 
 and to give it to a neighbour of his, who was better than he.” 
 (15:28.) Probably he had been also informed, that Samuel 
 anointed David, and favoured his interest ; so that ho began 
 to look upon him with a jealous and malignant eye. 
 
 V. 10, 11. When Saul indulged malevolence, he 4 * gave 
 place to the devil,” and nrovoked God to permit tin- evil spirit 
 again to trouble him. (Note, 16:14. Ps. 51:11.) Being thus 
 under a supernatural though malignant influence, he behaved 
 in some respects as the prophets did, when the Spr it of in- 
 spiration came upon them ; yet from a contrary cauro. It is 
 not indeed certain whether he assumed this aupca»ance to 
 cloak his attempting to murder David, or whether Satan 
 really wrought upon him till ho seemed to prophesy. He /as. 
 
B. C. 1063. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 1062 . 
 
 12 And Saul was ‘afraid of David, because 
 •the Lord was with him, and was T departed from 
 
 Saul. 
 
 13 Therefore Saul ’removed him from him. and 
 made him his captain over a thousand ; and ?he 
 went out and came in before the people. 
 
 14 And David ‘behaved himself wisely in all 
 his ways ; ami ’the Lord was with him. 
 
 15 Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved 
 himself very "wisely, he was afraid of him. 
 
 16 But b all Israel and Judah loved David, be- 
 cause he went out and came in before them. 
 
 17 IT And Saul said to David, Behold, my elder 
 daughter Merab, c her will I give thee to wife ; 
 only be thou 1 valiant for me, and fight d the Lord’s 
 battles : for Saul said, e Let not mine hand be upon 
 him, but let the hand of the Philistines be upon 
 him. 
 
 18 And David said unto Saul, f Who am I? 
 and what is my life, or my father’s family in Is- 
 rael, that I should he son-in-law to the king? 
 
 19 But it came to pass, at the time when 
 Merab, Saul’s daughter, should have been given 
 to David, that she was given unto sAdriel the 
 h Meholathite to wife. 
 
 20 And Miehal, Saul’s daushter, 'loved David: 
 
 and they told Saul, and the thing tpleased 
 him. • 
 
 21 And Saul said, I will give him her, that she 
 may be k a snare to him, and that 'the hand of the 
 Philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul 
 6aid to David, Thou shalt m this day be my son-in- 
 law in the one of the twain. 
 
 22 And Saul "commanded his “servants, saying , 
 Commune with David secretly, and say, Behold 
 
 1 15,20. 16:4. Ps. 48:3-6.53:5. Marl: 6:20. Luke8:37. Acts24:25. u 16:13,18. 
 22:13. Acts 7 9. v 16:14. 28: 15. Ps. 51:1 1. Hos. 9:12. Matt.25:41. xl7,25.8: 
 12. 22:7. y 16. Num. ‘27:15,17. 2 Sam, 5:2. Ps. 121 :8. * Or, prospered. See on 5. 
 r. 10:7. 16:13. Gen. 39:2,3.23. Josh. 6:27. Matt. 1:23. 28:20. Acts 18:10. a Ps. 
 112:5. Dan. 6:4,5. Col. 4:5. Jam. 1:5. 3:17. b =5. Luke 19:48. 20:19. c 17:25. 
 Pb. 12:2. 55:21. f Heb . a son of valour, d 17:47. 25:28. Num. 32:20.27,29. 
 e 21,25. Dent. 17:7. 2 Sam. 11:15. 12:9. f 23. 9:21 . Ex. 3:11. Ruth 2:10. 2 Sam. 
 7:18. Prov. 15:33. 18:12. Jer. 1:6. e Jud?. 14:20. 2 Sam, 21:8. h Jud^. 7:22. 
 123. Gen. 29:18,20. 34 .3. Jutlg. 16:4,15. 2 Sam. 13:1. 1 Kings 11:1,2. Hos. 3:1. 
 
 the king hath delight in thee, and all his servants 
 love thee: now therefore be the king’s son-in- 
 law. 
 
 23 And Saul’s servants spake those words in 
 the ears of David. And David said, Seemeth it 
 to you a light thing to be a king’s son-in-law, 
 seeing that I am poor man, and lightly 
 esteemed ? 
 
 24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, 
 H)n this manner spake David. 
 
 25 And Saul said, Thus ’shall ye say to David, 
 The king desireth not any idowry, but a hundred 
 ’foreskins of the Philistines, "to be avenged of the 
 king’s enemies. But Saul ‘thought to make David 
 fall by the hand of the Philistines. 
 
 26 And when bis servants told David these 
 words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son- 
 in-law: and "the days were not "expired. 
 
 27 Wherefore David arose, and went, he and 
 ’his men, and ’slew of the Philistines two hundred 
 men; and David brought their foreskins, and they 
 
 ave them in full tale to the king, that he might 
 e the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him 
 Miehal his daughter to wife. 
 
 28 And Saul ?saw and knew that the Lord was 
 with David, and that Miehal, Saul’s daughter, 
 loved him. 
 
 29 And Saul was ‘yet the more afraid ol 
 David ; and “Saul became David’s enemy con- 
 tinually. 
 
 30 Then the princes of the Philistines b went 
 forth: and it came to pass, after they went forth, 
 that David “behaved himself more wisely than all 
 the servants of Saul ; so that his name was much 
 "set by. 
 
 Heb . was right in his eyes . k Ex. 10:7. Pi. 7:14— 16. 38:12. Prov. 26:24— 25. 
 er. 5:26.9:8. 117.19:11,12. m 25. u Ps. 36:1— 3.5.5:21. o 2 Sara. 13 28,29. 
 Prov. 29:12. p 9:21. Prov. 14:20. 19:6.7. Ec. 9:15.16. § Heb. According to theta 
 words, q Gen. 29:18. 34:12. Ex. 22:16,17. r 17.26,36. Gen. 17: 1 1—14. Job. 
 5:3. b 14:24. t 17. 2 Ram. 17:8-11. u21. || Heb. fulfilled, v 13. x Judg. 
 14:19. 2 Sam. 3:14. y 24:20. 26:25. Gen. 30:27. 37:8— II . 39:3. Rev. 3:9. i 12, 
 15. Ps. 37:12,13. Ec. 4:4. Jam. 2:19. a Gen. 4:4— S. John 11:53. 1 Tohu3: 
 12—15. b2Sam. 11:1. c5. Dan. 1:20. Luke 21:15. Eph. 5:15. H Heb. vrs- 
 cious. 2:30. 26:21. 2 Kings 1:13. Ps. 116:15. I Pel. 2:4,7. 
 
 however, influenced by deliberate malice when he threw the 
 javelin at David. Though David, conscious of his innocence, 
 end satisfied lhat he was doing his duty under God’s protec- 
 tion, would not leave his place, yet he evidently suspected 
 some mischief from the javelin in Saul’s hand ; and was en- 
 abled to avoid the blow, both at this time and on another 
 occasion. (Note, 19:8—10.) 
 
 V. 12 — 16. Saul was sensible that the Lord was departed 
 from him, and that his former capacity for public business was 
 diminished : at the same time he perceived, that the Lord had 
 given David peculiar wisdom, and was with him to prosper 
 all his undertakings ; and this increased the disquietude of his 
 malevolent mind, and his dread of David as a prevailing rival. 
 He therefore removed him from his presence, changing the 
 command which he had before given him, for that of a thou- 
 sand men, who made war at a distance. (Note, 5.) But this 
 served the more to ingratiate him with the people, by afford- 
 ing him the opportunity of leading them forth to victory over 
 their enemies. 
 
 V. 17—19. Saul appears to have been influenced, in his 
 purpose, by fear of exciting a revolt among the people, rather 
 than by the fear of God, or reluctance to commit murder 
 with his own hand. (Note, 2 Sam. 11:14 — 17.) He was 
 engaged by promise to give his daughter to David : (17:25.) 
 but he had delayed the performance, and David was willing 
 to dispense with it. Malice, however, at length prompted 
 him to propose it, that he might excite David to venture his 
 life more freely, in order to be counted worthy of such an 
 honour ; and that he might t-hus be cut off, without Saul’s 
 direct interposition. And though David humbly owned him- 
 self unworthy of such an alliance, and his services of such a 
 reward, 1m did not decline the stipulated conditions. But 
 when Saul’s design proved abortive, he affronted him in the 
 grossest manner, by giving his daughter to another man. 
 
 V. 23 — 27. David would doubtless suspect some invidious 
 design in this proposal also: but he cautiously avoided men- 
 tioning the slight which had been put upon him; and waved 
 the matter upon the ground of his own poverty and inferiority ; 
 though his original was not much if at all inferior to that "of 
 Saul. But when, instead of dowry according to the custom 
 of those times, (Marg. Ref. q,) a hundred foreskins of the 
 t-hilistines were required, he would not seem backward to any 
 perilous service ; and therefore he promptly went forth, and 
 returned with twice as many as had been prescribed. 
 
 V. 28 — 30. Michal’s affection for David, his prudent con- 
 duct in another incursion of the Philistines, and his increasing 
 reputation, appeared to Saul’s distempered mind to forebode 
 David’s advancement to the kingdom by dethroning him ; nay, 
 
 the full conviction that God favoured David, rendered Saul, 
 not only more afraid of him, but also more malignant against 
 him! (Notes, Gen. 4:3 — 8. Matt. 2:3— 18. John 15:22—25. 
 1 John 3:11—15.) 
 
 • PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 True religion teaches us to love real excellency ; to rejoice 
 in ;t, though it eclipse our own reputation: and to delight in 
 the society of those whom the Lord loves and honours, who 
 bear his image and are zealous for his glory, regardless of in- 
 feriority of station or selfish considerations. This union of 
 souls, resulting from participation of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 
 prepares men for filling up their several stations in the church 
 of God, in harmony, sympathy, and love, as the several mem- 
 bers do in the natural body ; and which, being perfected in 
 heaven, will for ever exclude envy and discontent, and render 
 the felicity of each favoured inhabitant an accession to (lie joy 
 of all the rest. (Notes, l Cor. 12:12 — 31.) But how different 
 is the nature of fallen man ! When the Lord is provoked to 
 leave us, and Satan is permitted to excite our evil propensi- 
 ties, we become capable of envying and hating those espe- 
 cially who are most amiable, and who have done the most to 
 serve us, with malignity proportioned to their meekness and 
 wisdom; the commendations bestowed upon them are consi- 
 dered as an injury and reproach to us; and even the peculiar 
 favour of God for them will greatly aggravate malice and envy, 
 and incite to revenge. Thus men imitate and gratify Satan’s 
 malevolence ; while they themselves are tortured with conti- 
 nued terrors and suspicions, and urged by temptations to every 
 horrid crime, by which they bring upon themselves swift de- 
 struction. If we would not be given up to such dreadful ex- 
 cesses, let us watch and pray against the first risings of theso 
 dire passions: and we should also be prepared for the effects 
 of them, as they prevail in the minds of others. — For every 
 great and good work a man must expect to he envied by his 
 neighbour : no distinction or pre-eminence can be so une.xcep- 
 tionably obtained, but it will expose the possessor to slander 
 and malice, and perhaps to the most fatal consequences. But 
 such trials are very useful to those wjio love God : they serve 
 as a counterpoise to the honour put upon them, and check the 
 growth of pride and attachment to the world; they exercise 
 them to faith, patience, meekness, and communion with God; 
 they give them a fair opportunity of exemplifying the amiable 
 nature and tendency of true godliness, by acting with wisdom 
 and propriety in the most difficult circumstances ; they make 
 way for increasing experience of the Lord’s faithfulness, in re- 
 straining their enemies, raising them up friends, and affording 
 them his gracious protection : and they both prepare them for 
 those stations in which they are to be employed, aijd open 
 ( 511 1 
 
n c. loci 
 
 I. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1061 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Saul orders Dadd to be slain. Jonathan informs David ; and, plea/ling for 
 hvn with Saul, effects a reconciliation , 1 — 7. David's success in war 
 renders Saul again jealous ; he seeks to kill David , who escapes by flight , 
 8 — 1U. Haul sends to kill him in his house ; but Michal favours his escape , 
 and dec civ tv Saul by an image in the bed, 11 — 17. David goes In Samuel , 
 
 1 8. Saul sends messengers after him to Naioth ; and. then goes himself ; but 
 first his messengers are seized by the Spirit of projihecy , and afterwards he 
 * also , 19 — 24. 
 
 A ND "Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to 
 all his servants, that they should kill David. 
 2 But Jonathan, Saul’s son, b delighted much in 
 David : and "Jonathan told David, saying, Saul 
 my father seeketh to kill thee : now therefore, I 
 pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, 
 and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself : 
 
 3 And I will go out and stand beside my father 
 in tile field where thou art, and I will commune 
 with my father of thee ; and d what I see, that I 
 will tell thee. 
 
 4 And Jonathan "spake good of David unto 
 Saul his father, and said unto him, Let .not the 
 king f sin against his servant, against David ; 
 because he hath not sinned against thee, and 
 ^because his works have been to thee-ward very 
 good. 
 
 5 For lie did h put his life in his hand, and ‘slew 
 the Philistine, and the Lord Lvrought a great 
 salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst 
 rejoice ; wherefore then wilt thou ‘sin against 
 innocent blood, to slay David “without a cause ? 
 
 6 And Saul hearkened unto the voice of 
 Jonathan : and Saul “sware, Jls the Lord liveth, 
 “he .shall not be slain. 
 
 7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan 
 showed him ail those things: and Jonathan 
 brought David to Saul, and lie was in his presence 
 fas ‘in times past. 
 
 8 *5T And there was war again : and iDavid 
 went out, and fought with the Philistines, and 
 s^ew them with a great slaughter ; and they fled 
 from thim. 
 
 a 18:5.9. Prov. 27:4. Ec. 9:3. Jer. 9:3. 2Tim.3:l3. b 18:1— 3. Ps. 16:3. 
 Jehu 15:17—19. 1 John 3: 12— 14. c 20:2. Prov. 17: 17. Acts 9:24. 23: 16. cl 20: 
 9.13. e 20:32.22:14. Fn;v. 24: 11, 12. 31:8,9. Jer. 18:20. f 2:25. Gen. 9:6. 42: 
 22. 2 Chr. 6:22. 1 Cor. 8:12. 1 John 3:15. g Ps. 35:12. 109:4,5. Prov. 17:13. 
 Jer. 18:20. h 28:21 . Jndg. 9: 17. 12:3. Ps. 1 19: 109. Acts 20:24. Phil. 2:30. i 17: 
 49—51. k 11:13. 14:45. 17:52,53. Ex. 14:13. 1 Chr. 11:14. Heb. 2:3. 1 20:32. 
 Jer. 25:15. Matt. 27:4,24. in Ps. 25:3. 69.4. John 15:25. n 14:39.23:10. Ps. 
 15:4. Jer. 5:2. o 10,11. j> 16:21. 13:2 10,13. * Heb. yesterday , third dm/. 
 
 Gen. 31:2. Ex. 4:10. 1 Chr. 11:2. Is. 30:33. margins. q Ps. 18:32, &f. 27:3. 
 
 their way to them: for in due time modest meiit will shine 
 forth with double lustre. But humility, industry, faithfulness, 
 silence under injuries, and a backwardness to seek groat things 
 for ourselves, are requisite to safety and comfort in the public 
 scenes of life ; and retired stations are far more favourable to 
 our own inward peace. .Lavish commendations of those whom 
 we love and admire, in such a world as this, often prove a real 
 injury, and in all cases every thing should be avoided, which 
 can excite envy or opposition : except the performance of our 
 duty to God and man. But if u the Lord be with us,” and 
 we have the consolations of his Spirit, we shall be happy in 
 any situation : committing our souls and bodies, our charac- 
 ters and interests, our families and connexions, our way and 
 our work, into his almighty hands : he will bring all that to 
 pass which is good for us, and carry us safely through to that 
 blessed world, where treachery, envy, and malice find no ad- 
 mission. hut perfect love will prevail for evermore. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIX. V. 1—3. (Notts, 18:1,3,4,28— 
 30.) At length Saul’s envy and enmity burst forth in the 
 avowed purpose of putting David to death, and he required all 
 his servants, and even Jonathan his son, to join with him in this 
 design. Yet, as he doubtless knew, that “Jonathan delighted 
 much in David,” it must be ascribed to a peculiar interposi- 
 tion of Providence, that he did not attempt to conceal it from 
 him. (Note, 20:3.) — Some field, where Saul commonly walk- 
 ed, was pitched upon by Jonathan for this conference ; that 
 David being there concealed, might have the fullest evidence 
 of Jonathan’s fidelity and affection, and all the information 
 which he could procure him. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 4— 7. (Marg.. Ref.)— Notes, 17:42—53. Ps. 25:2,3. 
 John 15:22 — 25.) Probably, Saul was for the present im- 
 pressed by Jonathan’s calm and forcible arguments, and was 
 sincere when he sware that David should not he slain: but. 
 when his convictions wore off, his tnalico revived, and he was 
 too much accustomed to swear, duly to reverence an oath. 
 (14:24,39,44.) David could not indeed greatly confide in Saul’s 
 assurances ; but he was willing to keep in the way of his duty, 
 and to put liis trust in God. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Though David’s valour and success were the 
 known causes of Saul’s enmity ; yet ho was willing again to 
 fight, against the Philistines, and to expose himself to their 
 swords, and to Saul’s increased envy on that account ; nor 
 
 ( 512 ) 
 
 9 And r the evil spirit from the Lord was upon 
 Saul, as he sat in ins house with his javelin in his 
 hand: and David played with his hand. 
 
 10 And Saul ‘sought to smite David even to 
 the wall with the javelin ; but ‘he slipped away 
 out of Saul’s presence, and lie smote the javelin 
 into the wall : and David fled, and escaped that 
 night. 
 
 11 Saul also “sent messengers unto David’s 
 house v to watcli him, and to slay him in the 
 morning : and Michal, David’s wife, told him, 
 saying, If thou save not thy life to-night, to- 
 morrow thou shalt be slam. 
 
 12 So Michal “let David down through a 
 window: and he went, and fled, and escaped. 
 
 13 And Michal took ?an image, and laid it in 
 the bed, and put a pillow of goats’ hair lor his 
 bolster, and covered it witli a cloth. 
 
 14 And when Saul sent messengers to take 
 David, Jshe said, He is sick. 
 
 15 And Saul sent the messengers again to see 
 
 David, saying, “Bring him up to me in the bed, 
 that I may slay him. . 
 
 16 And when the messengers were come in, 
 behold, there was an image in the bed, with a 
 pillow of goats’ hair for his bolster. 
 
 17 And Saul said unto Michal, “Why hast thou 
 deceived me so, and sent away b mine enemy, 
 that he is escaped? And Michal answered Sau., 
 c He said unto me, Let me go; rt why should I kill 
 thee ? 
 
 18 IT So David fled, and escaped, and came 'to 
 Samuel to Ramah, and told him fill that Saul had 
 done to him : and he and Samuel went and dwelt 
 in Naioth. 
 
 19 And f it was told Saul, saying, Behold, David 
 is at Naioth in Ramah. 
 
 20 And Saul ^sent messengers to take David : 
 and ‘‘when they saw the company of the prophets 
 prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed 
 
 t Heb. hie face, r 16:14. 18:10,11. s 6. Hos. 6:4. Matt. 12.43—45. Luke 11. 
 24—26 . 2 Pet. 2:20 — 22. t 20:33. Job 5:14,15. Ps. 18:17.31:19. Pros. 21:30. Is. 
 54:17. Luke 4:30. John 10:3!). u Ps. 59: title. 3,4,6,15,16. v Jutlg. 16:2. 
 x Josh. 2:15. Acts 9:24,25. 2 Cor. 11:32,33. 1 Heb. tiraphim. Gen. 31:19. 
 
 marg. Jutlg. 17:5. 18:11,17. Hos. 3:4. y Josh. 2:5. 2 Sam. 16:17— 19. 17:20. 
 7. 6. Job 31:31. Ps.37:12. Prov, 27:3,4. Rom.3:13. a 22:17. 28:12. Matt.2i 
 16. b 1 Kines21:20. Gal. 4:16. c 14. Ex. 1:17— 19. d2Sam.2:22. e7:17. 
 
 15:34. 28:3: Ps. 116:11. Jam. 5:16. f 82:9,10. 23:19. 28:1. Prov. 29:12. g 11, 
 14. h 10:5,6,10. Num. 11:25,26. John 7:45,46. 
 
 did he ever decline playing upon the harp before Saul when 
 required, though he saw the javelin in his hand, and had be- 
 fore so narrowly escaped ! (Notes, 18:10,11,23 — 27.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. Lest David should elude the messengers if 
 they entered the house in the night, they were ordered to 
 watch till the morning that he might not go out ; and then to 
 apprehend him that Saul might slay him. Thus an opportu- 
 nity was afforded David of escaping. (Marg. Ref. Note, 
 Judg. 16:1 — 3.) Michal had either received some informa- 
 tion concerning Saul’s intentions, or made some observations 
 which served to convince her of them. (Notes, Ps. 59: title. 
 3,4,6—15.) 
 
 V. 13 — 17. Michal’s fidelity to her husband was com- 
 mendable : nay, if the cause had been more doubtful, it 
 would have been her duty to unite with him, while no harm 
 was intended to Saul, and David merely aimed to preserve 
 his lifcfc, (Note, Gen. 31:15,16.) Her stratagem also to gain 
 time, was allowable: but her direct falsehood in vindicating 
 her conduct to Saul, had not even the excuse of necessity ; 
 (Note, Ex. 1:19.) and it was highly injurious to David’s 
 reputation. The whole account illustrates the savage cruelty 
 of Saul, who, it seems, could not be satisfied with the death 
 of his faithful servant, unless he had the satisfaction of slay- 
 ing him with his own hands: and it shows likewise the 
 extreme danger to which David’s life was exposed. — Mine 
 enemy. (17) 18:29.24:19. Note, 1 Kings 21:20. 
 
 An image.] Temp him. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) — It 
 can hardly be thought that teraphim, for idolatrous purposes, 
 were permitted in David’s family : and it is therefore sup- 
 posed, that this image was merely a statue for ornament. 
 
 V. 18. As the aged prophet had anointed David to bo 
 king, he fled to him on this emergency, rather than to his 
 father’s house : that he might have the solace of his counsel, 
 instructions, and prayers. — Naioth is supposed to have been 
 the place of a seminary of prophets, near Ramah. (19,22. 
 Note, 10:5,6.) 
 
 V. 19—24. (Notes, 2 Kings 1:9—14. John 7:31 — 36,40- 
 53.) — Saul being seized by the prophetic Spirit before he 
 came to Naioth, stripped off his armour, and royal robes, ot 
 upper garments ; as it is probable the other prophets laid 
 aside their upper garments, and Saul’s messengers along with 
 them: (Marg. Rif.) and in an ocstucy, during the whole 
 
B. C. 1061. 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 B. C. 106 
 
 over them, the Spirit of God was upon the mes- 
 sengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 
 
 21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other 
 messengers, and they prophesied likewise : and 
 Saul 'sent messengers again the third time, and 
 they k prophesied also. 
 
 22 Then went he also to Ramah, and came to 
 a great well that is in Sechu : and he asked and 
 said, Where are Samuel and David ? and one 
 said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah. 
 
 23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: 
 and 'the Spirit of God was upon Irim also, and he 
 went on and prophesied, '"until he came to Naioth 
 in Ramah. 
 
 24 And he "stripped off his clothes also, and 
 prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and 
 T lay down naked all that day and all that night. 
 Wherefore they say, °Is Saul also among the 
 prophets ? 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 David consults with Jonathan how to provide for his safely, 1 — 10. They re- 
 new the covenant of friendship, ana confirm it by oath, 11 — 17. They agree 
 on a token, 18 — 23. David absents himself from the king's table, and is ex- 
 cused bi/ Jonathan, whom Saul abuses and attempts to kill , 24 — 34. Jonathan 
 shows David hie danger , and most affectionately takes leave of him, 36 — 42. 
 
 A ND David ‘fled from Naioth in Ramah, and 
 came and said before Jonathan, b What have 
 I done ? what is mine iniquity ? and what is my 
 sin before thy father, that he seeketli my life? 
 
 2 And he said unto him, c God forbid; thou 
 shalt not die: behold my father will do nothing, 
 either great or small, but that he will 'show it me : 
 
 I 2 Kincs 1:9 — 13. Prov. 27:22. Jer. 13:®. fcJoel2:2«. 1 20. 10:10. Num. 23: 
 
 5. 24:2. Matt. 7:22. John 11:51. 1 Cor. 13:2. m Prov. 16:9. 21:1. n2Sam. 
 6:14,20. Is. 20:2. Mic. 1:8. * Heb .fell. Num.24:4. o 10:11,12. Acts9:21. 
 
 a 19:19 — 24. 23.26 — 28. Ps. 124:6 — 8. 2Pet.2:0. b 12:3. 24:11,17. Ps.7:3— 5. 
 13:20-24 . 2 Cor. 1:12. 1 John 3:21. c 14:45. See on Gen. 44 7. Jnah. 22:29. 
 24:16. Luke 20:16. * Heb. uncover mine ear. 12. 9:15. marg. Ps. 40:6. Is. 50: 
 
 5. John 15:15. 17:8. d Pent . 6:13. Jer. 4:2. Heb. 6:16. e 25:26 . 2 Sam. 15 21 . 
 
 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6. f 1:26. 17:55. Jer.33:16. g 27:1. Deut. 28:66. Ps. 116:3. 
 
 day and night, he involuntarily joined in speaking of divine 
 things, or in singing hymns of praise, without any power of 
 executing the base purpose of his journey. After which, 
 finding himself baffled, he probably returned home extremely 
 chagrined, without taking any notice of Samuel. — This second 
 timo of Saul being among the prophets was noted, as being 
 indeed more wonderful than the former. ( Note , 10:10 — 13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The most vehement anger, when excited by real or suppos- 
 ed injuries, may be pacified by concessions, kindness, and 
 continued good behaviour : but envious rage is exasperated 
 by excellency of character and conduct, and generally is 
 implacable. — When rooted malice possesses the heart, mur- 
 der is speedily conceived : and the prospect of impunity, 
 especially when men are armed with power and authority, 
 emboldens them to avow the most shameful purposes. — 
 Absolute princes are so seldom opposed in their designs, and 
 so few venture to plead in behalf of those whom they envy 
 and hate, that they often conclude all men to be alike selfish, 
 and ready to execute any lucrative schemes of villany. But 
 that friendship, which is cemented by mutual faith and piety, 
 will influence those, who feel its sacred energy, to renounce 
 their highest temporal interests, and venture the displeasure 
 of their superiors, in pleading the cause of injured worth. — 
 The evil of causeless malice, of ingratitude, and of perse- 
 cuting those, whose conduct has been irreproachable, and 
 whose services have been eminently useful, is so manifest, 
 that a plain statement of truth and fact, with meek and seri- 
 ous expostulations, will often for the time impress the minds 
 of such as are most deeply guilty. But resolutions, made in 
 consequence of hasty convictions, and without any inward 
 change of disposition, or dependence on the grace of God, 
 seldom produce any durable good effect : and ungovernable 
 passions easily break through the most solemn oaths, when 
 the fear of God does not possess the heart. A fresh temp- 
 tation soon rouses the dormant corruption : and, by indulging 
 malignant passions, men give Satan his full advantage, and 
 may be answerable for multiplied murders, without actually 
 perpetrating any. — The servants of God however should 
 keep to their place and duty, though hated for so doing ; give 
 honour to their earthly superiors, however they behave ; and 
 persevere in their endeavours to “ overcome evil with good.” 
 The Almighty has innumerable methods of protecting them 
 in the most imminent dangers : he can preserve them by the 
 kindness even of those persons, whose conduct deserves 
 marked disapprobation ; he can change the hearts, or bind 
 4he hands of their enemies, or shame them for a season out of 
 their malicious purposes. — In some instances, a persecutor, 
 by coming among the people of God, has been apprehended, 
 as it were, by converting grace ; and, like Saul of Tarsus, 
 has professed and “ preached the faith, that once he sought 
 o destroy:” (Notes, Gal. 1:15 — 24. Phil. 3:12 — 14. 1 Tim. 
 /;12 — 16.) but far more, like king Saul, have for a time been 
 apparently changed, have exercised spiritual gifts, and been 
 Vol. I. — 65 
 
 and why should my father hide this thing from 
 me ? It is not so. 
 
 3 And David d sware moreover and said ; Thy 
 father certainly knoweth that I have found grace 
 in thine eyes ; and he saith, Let not Jonathai 
 know this, lest he be grieved : but truly, e as thi 
 Lord liveth and 1 as thy soul liveth, there, is shut 
 a step between me and death. 
 
 4 Then said Jonathan unto DaVid, 'What- 
 soever thy soul tdesireth, I will even do it for thee. 
 
 5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to- 
 morrow is the h new moon, and I should not fail 
 to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, 'that 
 I may hide myself in the field unto the third day 
 at ever.. 
 
 6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David 
 earnestly asked leave of me, that he might run 
 to k Beth-lehem his city; for there es a yearly 
 ^sacrifice there for all the family. 
 
 7 If he say thus, ' It is well ; thy servant shall 
 have peace: but if he be very wroth, then he sure 
 that m evil is determined by him. 
 
 8 Therefore thou shalt "deal kindly with thy 
 servant ; for p thou hast brought thy servant into 
 a covenant of the Lord with thee: notwithstand- 
 ing, iff there be in me iniquity, slay me thyself; 
 for r why shouldest thou bring me 1o thy father ? 
 
 9 And Jonathan said, Far be it from thee : for 
 
 if I knew certainly that evil were determined by 
 my father to come upon thee, 'then would I not 
 tell it thee ? , 
 
 1 Cor. 15:30,31 . 2 Cor. 1:9. f Or, Say what is thy mind, and IwillSfc. 
 J Heb. speaketh, or, thinketh. h Num. 10:10. 28: 1 1 2 Kings 4:23. Ps. 81:3. 
 
 Col. 2:16. i 19. 19:2. Ps. 55:12. Prov. 22:3. John 8:59. Acts. 17:14. k 17:58. 
 John 7:42. § Or, feast. 9:12. 16:2— 5. 1 Deut. 1 :23. 2 Sam. 17:4. m 9. 25:17. 
 Eslh. 7:7. o Gen. 24:49. 47:29. Josh. 2:14. Ruth 1:8. Prov. 3:3. p 16. 18:3. 
 23:18. q Josh. 22:22. 2 Sam. 14:32. Ps. 7:4,5. Acts 25:11. r 1 Chr. 12:17. P«. 
 116:11. s 38,42. 19:2. 
 
 numbered among the prophets, whose malice has remained 
 unsubdued, and whose “last slate has been worse than the 
 first.” Let us then daily seek for renewing grace, which shall 
 be “ in us a well of water springing up into everlasting life 
 let us cleave to truth and holiness with purpose of heart ; and 
 in every danger and trouble seek protection, comfort, and 
 direction, in the ordinances of God, and in the society of his 
 ministers and people. For these things will do far more 
 towards making us happy, than all the splendour and luxury 
 of a court, or the most absolute and extensive dominion, and 
 royal or imperial dignity. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1, 2. David, having been ini 
 so great danger at Naioth, and wonderfully rescued, fled from 
 thence, and hastily repaired to Jonathan, to confer with him 
 on the state of his affairs : but Jonathan was disposed to 
 attribute his father’s attempts against David to distemper, or 
 to sudden sallies of passion, rather than to a fixed purpose of 
 murdering him. After Saul had sworn not to slay David, 
 (Note, 19:4 — 7.) it may be supposed he had said no more to 
 Jonathan on that subject, though he confided all his other 
 affairs to him ; and therefore Jonathan could scarcely believe 
 that he harboured such base designs : and perhaps, he had 
 not heard of Saul’s late violent attempts against David 
 ( Notes, 19:11—24.) 
 
 Y. 3. David solemnly called God to witness, that in crimi- 
 nating Saul he did not go upon doubtful surmises ; and that 
 it was as certain in itself as that the Lord lived,” and that 
 he was as sure as Jonathan could be of his own existence, 
 that a design was formed against his life ; which constrained 
 him to renounce the service of Saul, and consult his own 
 safety. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. David suggested this expedient, to convince Jon- 
 athan of Saul’s intentions, and to show that he was forced 
 into the measures which he afterwards adopted. — Saul still 
 observed the externals of religion : and at the new moons 
 entertained his family and chief officers, at a feast upon a 
 sacrifice. Hitherto David had filled his place there ; hut on 
 this occasion he purposed to be absent, to make trial of Saul: 
 for, as he was evidently destitute of affection for him, if he 
 were very angry, it must arise from his being deprived of an 
 opportunity to do him mischief. It may be supposed, that 
 David was invited to an annual family-sacrifice at Bethle- 
 hem: (iVotes, 9:12 — 14. 16:1 — 5.) the excuse was sufficient ; 
 
 Jonathan was competent to grant David permission to be 
 absent ; and he engaged to return on the third day before 
 even, to learn the result. In the meanwhile he purposed to 
 conceal him in the fields about Gibcah. (Notes, 19,25. 19:19 
 —24.) 
 
 V. 8. At Jonathan’s instance, he and David had entered 
 into a covenant in the name of Jehovah, being ratified by a 
 solemn appeal to him, for their mutual encouragement in 
 worshipping him and promoting his glory. (Note, 18:3,4.)- • 
 Yet David seems to have had some jealousy, lest Jonathan 
 should warp from his constancy ; especially lest the er fenoro* 
 ( 513 ) 
 
B. C. 1061. 
 
 J. SAMUEL 
 
 B. C. 1061 
 
 10 Then said David to Jonathan, Who shall 
 tell me? or what if thy father 'answer thee 
 roughly ? 
 
 11 And Jonathan siid unto David, Come, and 
 let us go out into the field. And they went out 
 both of them into the field. 
 
 12 And Jonathan said unto David, u O Lord 
 God of Israel, when I have ‘sounded my father 
 about to-morrow an) time, or the third day, and, 
 behold, if there be good toward David, and I 
 then send not unto thee, and 'show it thee ; 
 
 13 v The Lord do so and much more to 
 Jonathan : but if it please my father to do thee 
 evil, then I will show it thee, and send thee away, 
 that thou mayest go in peace; and "the Lord be 
 with thee, as ffie hath been with my father. 
 
 14 And thou shalt not only, while yet I live, 
 show me 'the kindness of the Lord, that I die 
 not ; 
 
 15 But also "thou shalt not cut off thy kind- 
 ness from tny house for ever : no, not when the 
 Lord hath cut off the enemies of David, every 
 one from the face of the earth. 
 
 16 So Jonathan Imade a covenant with the 
 house of David, saying, h Let the Lord even 
 require it at the hand of David’s enemies. 
 
 17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again, 
 ^because he loved him : c for he loved him as he 
 loved his own soul. 
 
 18 Then Jonathan said to David, To-morrow 
 is the d new moon ; and thou shalt be missed, 
 because thy sear, will be "empty. 
 
 19 And when thou hast stayed three days, then 
 thou shalt go down "quickly, and come to the 
 
 lace where thou didst c hide thyself “when the 
 usiness was in hand, and shalt remain by the 
 stone ft Ezel. 
 
 20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side 
 thereof, as though I shot, at a mark. 
 
 21 And, behold, I will send a lad, saying, Go, 
 find out the arrows. If I expressly say unto the 
 (ad, Behold, the arrows are on this side of thee, 
 
 t 30— 34 . 25: 10,14,17. Gen. 42;7,30. 1 Kings 12:13. Prnv. 18:23. u Josh. 22: 
 S2. Job 31:4. Ps. 17:3. 139:1 — 4. * Heb. searched. Prov. 20:5. 25:2,3. 
 
 t Heb. uncover thine ear. 2. v 3.17. 25:22. Ruth. 1:17. 2 Sam. 3:35. 19:13. 
 
 1 Kings 19:2. 20:10. x 17:37. Josh. 1:5. 1 Chr. 22:11,16. Maft. 28:20. Phil. 4: 
 9. y 10:7. 11:6— 13. 14:47. 2 Sam. 7:15. z2Sam.9:3. Eph. 5:1,2. a 24:21. 
 
 2 Sam. 9:1— 7. 21:7. J Heb. cut. 18:3. Gen. 15:!8. b25:22 31:2. 2 Sam. 4:7, 
 
 8.21:8. § Or, by his love toward him. c 18:1,3. Peut. 13:6. 2Sam.l:26. 
 
 Prov. 18:24. d See on 5. || Heb. missed. IT Or, diligently. Heb. greatly, e 5. 
 19:2. ** Heb. in the day of the business, tt Or, that showelh the way. Heb. 
 
 ed tongue of slander should injure him in his friend’s esteem. 
 ‘ If,’ says he, 1 1 am guilty of any great offence which violates 
 our covenant, such as treason against Saul ; slay me thyscif, 
 but betray me not to thy father.’ This was finely conceived 
 to touch the tenderest feelings of Jonathan’s hea>rt. 
 
 V. 12, 13. In order to satisfy David, Jonathan appealed 
 to God for his sincerity, and called on him to avenge his per- 
 fidy, if he betrayed his friend. Jonathan knew that Samuel 
 had anointed David, and believed that he would certainly he 
 king : and he had no thoughts of opposing the purpose of God, 
 hut rejoiced that so pious and able a person was chosen to 
 reign over Israel ; and prayed that the Lord might be with 
 him, as he had been with Saul. For, as it became a dutiful 
 son, he drew a veil over his father’s misconduct, and only ad- 
 verted to his former good management and success. (Notes, 
 11:1 — 15.) — The whole is emphatically the language of strong 
 affection and emotion; and this appears in the broken and 
 interrupted language employed. 
 
 V. 14 — 17. It has been very common in disputed succes- 
 sions, for the reigning prince to clear the title of his own 
 family, by cutting off all competitors : Jonathan therefore 
 prudently proposed to extend the personal covenant, before 
 made with David, to their posterity also. He readily re- 
 nounced all pretensions to the kingdom for himself and his 
 children; and only desired, that he and they might be num- 
 bere 1 among the friends of David and his family, when all his 
 enemies had been destroyed. — When we consider David’s j 
 distress, Saul’s enmity, and Jonathan’s prospects, we can 
 never sufficiently admire the strength of his faith, and the 
 force of his disinterested love. (Notes, 18:1. John 15:12 — 16.) 
 It is observable that Jonathan did not desire, that the Lord 
 should require it of David or his posterity, if any failure took 
 place, but “at the hand of David’s enemies.” 
 
 V. 19. It must be supposed, that David went to Bethle- 
 hem : but the original words seein to intimate, that he should 
 come three days successively, from the place of his retire- 
 ment to the spot where he and Jonathan had discoursed on 
 the business, in order to learn whether any thing had been 
 discovered. Perhaps he stayed but one day at Bethlehem. 
 
 V. 20 — 22 In case Jonathan could not speak with David, 
 
 ( 514 ) 
 
 take them ; then come thou : lor there is peace to 
 thee, and “no hurt, as f the Lord liveth. 
 
 22 But if I say thus unto the young 1 man, 
 Behold, the arrows are beyond thee ; go thy way’ 
 for the Lord hath sent thee away. 
 
 23 And as touching ethe matter which thou ano 
 I have spoken of, behold Vhe Lord be between 
 thee and ine for ever. t Practical okurr.aiion.,-] 
 
 24 U So David hid himself in the field: and 
 when the new moon was come, the ‘king sat him 
 down to eat meat. 
 
 25 And the king sat upon his seat, )as at 
 other times, even upon a seat by the wall : and 
 Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, 
 and David’s place was empty. 
 
 26 Nevertheless Saul spake not any thing that 
 day : for he thought, Something hath befallen him, 
 k he is not clean ; surely he is not clean. 
 
 27 And it came to pass on the morrow, which 
 was the second day of the month, that David’s 
 place was empty; and Saul said unto Jonathan 
 his son, ‘Wherefore cometh not '"the son of Jesse 
 to meat, neither yesterday nor to-day ? 
 
 28 And Jonathan "answered Saul, David 
 earnestly asked leave of me to go to Beth-lehem : 
 
 29 And he said, Let me go, I pray thee ; for 
 our family hath a sacrifice in the city ; and °my 
 brother, he hath commanded me to be there : and 
 now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me 
 get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren : 
 therefore he cometh not unto the king’s table. 
 
 30 Then fSaul’s anger was kindled against 
 Jonathan, and be said unto him, ^Thou son of 
 the perverse rebellious woman, do not I know that 
 thou hast chosen the son of Jesse to thine own 
 confusion, and unto the confusion of thy mother’s 
 nakedness ? 
 
 31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon 
 the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy 
 kingdom : wherefore now isend arR l fetch him 
 unto me, for he ""shall surely die. 
 
 32 And Jonathan answered Saul his father, 
 
 not anv thing, f Jer. 4:2. 5:2. 12: 16. Am. 8:14. e 14,15. li 42. Gen. 16:5. 31: 
 50. iPs. 50:16—21. Prov. 4:17. 15:17. 17:1. 21:3,27. Is. 1:11-15. 7ecJi.7:6. 
 John 18:28. j Judg. 16:20. k Lev. 7:21. 11:24,27,31,40. 15:5,16,17,19—21. 
 
 Num. 19:16. 118:11.19:9,10,15. m 22:7— 9,13,14. 25:10. Is. 11 .1 ,2. Matt. 
 13:55. 1 Pet. 2:4. n 8. o 17:28. p Job 5:2. Prov. 14:29. 19:19 . 21:24 . 25:28. 
 27:3. Jam. 1:19,20. §§ Or, thou perverse rebel. Heb. son of perverse rebellion. 
 Prov. 15:2. 21.24. Malt. 5:22. Eph. 4:31. 6:4. q 8. 19:6,12— 15. |||| Heb. is the 
 son of death. 26:16. 2 Sam. 19:28. Ps. 79:11. l narg. 
 
 because he was watched, or because of persons passing by ’ 
 these signals were agreed on: and in case the last should be 
 made, David must conclude, that his death was determihed ; 
 and that the Lord required him to provide for his safety by 
 concealing himself. 
 
 V. 25. When Saul entered the room, Jonathan arope, and 
 took his seat next to him ; and Abner probably, as a near re- 
 lation of Saul and commander of his forces, sat next to Jona- 
 than. — It must be supposed, that Saul had before this re- 
 turned to Gibeah, and that the incidents here recorded took 
 place there. 
 
 V. 26. Saul did not ascribe David’s absence to a criminal 
 cause : but he might have suspected that fear of his murder- 
 ous r&ge, rather than any ceremonial uncleanness inadvert- 
 ently contracted, had induced him to absent himself. (J\Iurg. 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 27. As the exact time when the new moon happoneu 
 was uncertain, it seems to have been customary to observe 
 two days as festivals ; so that those, who were unclean on the 
 first day, might observe the second. (Note, Num. 28:1 1 — 15.) 
 For many of these ceremonial uncleannesses lasted only till 
 the evening. (Marg. Ref. I^ev. 15:) — Saul, in calling Da- 
 vid “the son of Jesse,” when he was his own son-in-law, ex- 
 pressed the contemptuous enmity of his heart. (Notes, 22:9, 
 10. 25:10,11.) 
 
 V. 30. The terms used by Saul seem to contain tho most 
 scurrilous abuse, which the language afforded : especially 
 implying, that Jonathan proved himself not to bo his son, 
 and that he disgraced his mother by taking Dav ill’s part 
 against him. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. )— Considering Saul’s 
 rank, and Jonathan’s relation to him, his eminent services 
 and excellent character, and the public and sacred occasion 
 at which it occurred, this speech may give some idea of 
 the furious passions which Saul indulged. (Notes, 27. 16:14. 
 Jam. 3:3 — 6.) 
 
 V. 31. For as long, &c.] Saul doubtless know that, Da- 
 vid had been anointed to he king, by the same authority as 
 he himself had been yet lm opposed him with all his might, 
 and vainly hoped to prevent the purpose of God by putting 
 him to death ! (Nt * , M* W. 2:7 — 18.) 
 
B. C. 1061 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 10G\ 
 
 aad said unto him, r Wherefore shall he be slain? 
 •what hath he done? 
 
 33 And Saul ‘cast a javelin at him to smite 
 him : “whereby Jonathan knew that it was deter- 
 mined of his father to slay David. 
 
 34 So Jonathan arose from the table ’in fierce 
 anger, and did eat no meat the second day of the 
 month : lor "he was grieved for David, because his 
 father had done him shame. 
 
 35 H And it came to pass in the morning, that 
 Jonathan went out into the field - v at the time 
 appointed with David, and a little lad with him. 
 
 36 And he said unto his lad, 'Run, find out now 
 the arrows which I shoot. And as the lad ran, 
 he shot an arrow ‘beyond him. 
 
 37 And when the lad was come to the place of 
 the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan 
 cried after the lad, and said. Is not the arrow 
 beyond thee ? 
 
 38 And Jonathan cried after the lad, "Make 
 speed, haste, stay not. And Jonathan’s lad 
 gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. 
 
 r 19:5. Prov. 24:11,12. 31:8,9. John 7:51. s Malt. 21:23. Luke 23:22. 1 18:11. 
 19:10,11. Prov. 22:24. Ec. 9:3. Jcr. 17:3. u 7. Ec. 7:9. v Ec. 7:20. Eph.4:26. 
 x Mark 3:5. y 19. 2Sam.20:5. z20,21. * Heb . lo pass over him. a Ps. 
 
 55:6—9. Prov. S:4 ,5. Matt. 24:16— 18. Mark 13:14— 16. Luke 17:31,32. t Heb. 
 instruments, j Heb. the lad that was his. b 25:23. Gen. 43:28. 2 Sam. 9:6. 
 
 V. 32 — 34. ( Marg . Ref.) When Jonathan had before 
 
 reasoned with Saul, he was reduced to a better temper ; but 
 now he would not hearken to a word : and though, in order to 
 induce Jonathan’s concurrence in killing David, he professed 
 a great zeal for his establishment in the kingdom ; yet when 
 his purposes were opposed, he madly attempted to kill Jona- 
 than also ! — He seems to have used a javelin instead of a 
 sceptre ; for he had it always ready at hand. 
 
 It has been suggested, that the words of these verses do 
 not mean, that Saul cast a javelin at Jonathan ; but only 
 that “he had cast a javelin” at David, which Jonathan at 
 this crisis recollected. It must, however, be admitted, that 
 this is by no means an obvious construction of the original. 
 Nor can it be readily thought, that merely a recollection of a 
 fact which formerly had taken place, could induce Jonathan 
 to leave his place “in fierce anger;” when he had, at this 
 time, borne the most provoking language of his father, with- 
 out expressing any indignant perturbation ; and had also, 
 subsequent to some of Saul’s attempts on David’s life, calmly 
 expostulated with Saul, and induced him to engage, by a 
 solemn oath, that he would not slay David. (Note, 19:4 — 
 7.) — But the atrocity of such an attempt on the life of his 
 own son, seems to some persons totally incredible. Yet 
 Saul’s stern and rigorous conduct, respecting Jonathan, after 
 he had miraculously prevailed to rescue him and Israel from 
 the greatest straits and disgrace, shows that the self-will and 
 severity of his mind, had overcome, even at that favourable 
 crisis, his natural affection. (Note, 14:36 — 44.) And the 
 transient attempt of his furious rage, in attempting to murder 
 his son, on the occasion recorded in these verses, hears no 
 proportion to his subsequent deliberate, impious, and most 
 barbarous murder of the priests, and their wives, and chil- 
 dren ; because they were supposed to favour David. (Notes, 
 22:11 — 19.) Nor can any thing be deemed too atrocious for 
 a man to commit, whom God had given up, and left, in a 
 kind of desperate madness, under the power of Satan, and of 
 his own passions, till he plunged himself into destruction with 
 his own hands. (Notes, 28:6 — 25. 31:3 — 6.) 
 
 V. 35—40. Marg. Ref. 
 
 ,V. 41, 42. Finding no one near, Jonathan seized the op- 
 portunity of one more interview with his beloved friend ; who, 
 in his conduct on this occasion, united all the respect and 
 honour due to Jonathan’s rank, with the most endeared affec- 
 tion and glowing gratitude : so that his sorrow even exceeded 
 that of Jonathan’s ; as considering himself exiled from his 
 country, separated from his wife and his friend, and excluded 
 from the ordinances of God, and the society of his people. 
 Nothing can be conceived more pathetic than this parting ; 
 and we do not find, that they met more than once afterwards 
 in this world. (Notes, 23:16 — 18.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 23. Next to the consolations of true religion, nothing 
 <5 more supporting to an afflicted mind than the converse of 
 a pious friend : and it is highly desirable to avoid misconstruc- 
 tions of our conduct, by those whom we love and esteem ; 
 ’est we should lose the comfort of their friendship, and throw 
 temptations in their way.— Though it is painful to suffer for 
 well doing, yet it is far better than to suffer for evil doing : 
 for a clear conscience, an unblemished reputation, and the 
 favour of God, are unspeakable advantages in trying circum- 
 stances. (Notes, 1 Pet. 3:13 — 18. 4:12 — 16.) — Friendly and 
 pious persons are always backward to suspect others of deep 
 malignity, but wish to impute their misconduct, where unde- 
 niable, to other causes : and pious children will veil the faults 
 of their parents as far as consists with other duties, and speak 
 \s favourably of them truth permits. But it is shameful 
 when parents deliberately devise wickedness, which they 
 
 39 But the itul knew not any tiling: only 
 Jonathan anti David knew the matter. 
 
 40 And Jonathan gave his ^artillery unto ‘hi* 
 lad, and said unto him, Go, carry them to the 
 city. 
 
 41 And as soon as the lad was gone, Davi. 
 arose out of a place toward the south, h and fef. 
 on his face to the ground, and bowed himself three 
 times : "and they kissed one another and wept one 
 with another, until ‘David exceeded. 
 
 42 And Jonathan said to David, e Go in peace, 
 
 ^forasmuch as we have sworn both of us in the 
 name of the Lord, saying, The Lord be between 
 me and thee, and between my seed and thy seed 
 for ever. fAnd he arose and departed: and 
 
 Jonathan went into the city. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 David comes t6 Nob , and obtains from Ahimelech hallowed bread, 1—6. 
 
 Does , an Edomite, is present, 7. David lakes also Goliath's sword , 8, 9. 
 
 He flees to Gath, and feigns himself mad, and is- sent away , 10 — 15. 
 
 T HEN came David to "Nob, to b Ahimelech the 
 priest: and Ahimelech was 'afraid at the 
 
 c 10:1 . Gen. 29:11,13. 45:15. 2 Sam. 19:39. Acts 20:37. d 13:3. 2 Sam. 1 :2S. 
 e22. 1:17. Num.6:26. Luke 7:50. Acts 16:36. § Or, the LORI > he witness 
 of that which, &c. 23. f 23:18. a 22:19. Neh. 11:32. Is. 10:32. b 14:3. Ahiah. 
 22:9—19. Mark 2:26. c 16:4. 
 
 must studiously conceal from their children, lest they should 
 in them meet with obstacles to their criminal designs. — Evi- 
 dent danger, from the malice of men, renders it allowable for 
 us to quit those places where we were employed, and to take 
 proper measures for self-preservation : yet this ought, if 
 possible, to be so conducted, that all impartial persons may 
 perceive the necessity, and that u the Lord hath sent us 
 away.” — At some times it appears to us, that “ there is but a 
 step between us and death at all times we are sensible that 
 it may be so, and should be expecting and preparing for that 
 event ; 44 for, as sure as the Lord liveth, and as our souls now 
 live” in the body, we shall ere long remove into the eternal 
 world. — But let dangers appear ever so imminent, we canno; 
 die, till the purpose of God concerning us be accomplished . 
 and, if we are believers, till 44 we have served our generation 
 according to his will.” Note , Acts 13:24 — 37, conclusion.) — 
 Every expedient should be tried to prevent open quarrels, 
 and every appearance of evil guarded against : and by little 
 things a certain judgment may often be formed of men’s dis- 
 positions and intentions. — True friendship, grounded on the 
 covenant of the Lord, will require nothing unreasonable, 
 and refuse nothing equitable: yet it is apt to be jealous, when 
 fidelity is put to severe trials, and there is danger lest slander 
 and prejudice should interrupt its course. But, in reality, 
 it rests on an immoveable basis, and possesses inconceivable 
 force: it. is stronger than death, and able to silence the 
 voice of emulation, ambition, self-love, and even relative 
 affection. Who then can comprehend the love of Jesus, who 
 gave himself a sacrifice unto God for us rebellious and pollut- 
 ed sinners ! And what ought to be the force and effects of 
 our love to him ! — The believer, being acquainted with the 
 purpose of the Father respecting him, willingly submit.^ to 
 his authority, and rejoices in the prospect of his glory. Loving 
 him as his own soul, he asks and receives repeated confirma- 
 tions of his covenant of peace; readily performs whatever 
 Jesus his Friend commands ; and for his sake feels and 
 expresses a cordial love for those who seek his glory and bear 
 his image. Assured that all his enemies will perish, he 
 desires the blessing of his love and his covenant of peace 
 and friendship for his posterity and his relations : but while 
 he prays for and weeps over such of them, as “reject the 
 counsel of God against themselves he must separate from 
 them, and join interests with those whom they despise and 
 hate. 
 
 V. 24 — 42. The formal professor is sometimes more con- 
 stant at divine ordinances, than even the zealous believer , 
 for discomposure of mind will occasionally prevent the atten- 
 dance of a believer ; while the purpose or the practice of 
 the vilest crimes does not interrupt those, who trust in the 
 mere external observance. When envious and angry passions 
 are indulged, men are pushed on by Satan into the most in- 
 decent excesses, without respect even to character, or the 
 most sacred obligations : nor are they, at one moment, aware 
 of the outrages, which they shall commit the next. Let us 
 then fear giving place to the devil in the smallest degree. — 
 Under great provocations the meekest cannot always refrain 
 from anger ; but when its emotions are felt, it is our wisdom 
 to withdraw in silence : and it is generous to be more grieved 
 for our insulted friends than for ourselves. — Every comfort 
 on earth is counterpoised with some sorrow ; and the dearest 
 friends must experience the most painful separations. But 
 Christians need not, and should not, “sorrow as men without 
 hope :” ior, being one with Christ, they are one with each 
 other ; and will soon meet in his presence to part no more, 
 where all tears shall be wiped from their eyes. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXI. V. 1,2. Some think Ahimelec!. 
 is only another name for Ahiah ; (14:3.) others, that Ahiah 
 ( 515 > 
 
B. C. 1061 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1061 
 
 meeting of D; i\d ind said unto him, Why art 
 thou alone, and no man with thee? 
 
 2 And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, 
 d The king hath commanded me a business, and 
 hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of 
 the business whereabout I send thee, and what I 
 have commanded thee : and I have appointed my 
 servants to such and such a place. 
 
 3 Now therefore what is 'under thine hand ? 
 give me live loaves of bread in mine hand, or 
 what there is 'present. 
 
 4 And the priest answered David, 3nd said, 
 There is no common bread under mine hand, 
 but there is f hallowed bread ; eif the young men 
 have kept themselves at least from women. 
 
 5 And David answered the priest, and said 
 unto him. Of a truth women leave been kept 
 from us about these three days, since I came out, 
 and h the vessels of the young men are holy, and 
 the bread is 'in a manner common, + yea, though it 
 wece sanctified this day in the vessel. 
 
 6 So the priest k gave him hallowed bread : for 
 there was no bread there but the shew-bread, that 
 was taken from before the Lord, to put 'hot 
 bread in the day when it was taken away. 
 
 7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul 
 was there that day, ra detained before the Lord ; 
 and his name was "Doeg, an Edomite, the chiefest 
 of “the herdmen that belonged to Saul. 
 
 8 And David said unto Ahimelech, And is 
 
 A 19:17. 22:22. Gen. 27:20,24. 1 Kings 13:18. P». 119:29. Gal. 2:12.13. Col. 3:9. 
 c 4. Judg. 9:29. Is. 3:6. * Heb. found, f 6. Ex. 25:30. Lev. 24:5 — 9. Matt. 
 
 12:3,4 . g Ex. 19:15. Zech. 7:3. \ Cor. 7:5. h Acts 9:15. 1 Thes. 4:3,4. 2 Tim. 
 2:20,21. 1 Pet. 3:7. i Lev. 24:9. 4 Or, especially when this day there is other 
 
 eancti fed in the vessel . k Matt. 12:3,4. Mark 2:25 — 27. Luke 6:3,4. 1 Lev. 
 
 24:5-9. mJer. 7:9-11. Ez. 33:31. Am. 8:5. Matt. 15:8. Acts 21 -.26,27. n22: 
 
 was dead, and that Ahimelech was his younger brother and 
 successor in the priesthood. ( Note , 14:2,3.) — The tabernacle, 
 on some account, had been removed from Shiloh to Nob, a 
 city of Benjamin, which was not originally allotted to the 
 priests, but, as it seems, had afterwards been given to them. 
 ( Itfarg . Ref.) The ark, however, still remained at Kirjath- 
 iearim. ( Note , 7:1,2.) — David went to Nob to inquire of the 
 Lord by the high-priest, as he had before been accustomed to 
 do ; and to take farewell of him and of the sanctuary, as he 
 had of Samuel and of Jonathan. But as he went without his 
 accustomed retinue, and in apparent distress, Ahimelech pro- 
 bably suspected a breach between him and Saul, and was 
 afraid to entertain him. This proved a sn^-e to David; and 
 lest he should be betrayed to Saul, or sent away destitute, he 
 immediately framed a gross falsehood, which can by no means 
 be excused, and which had most fatal consequences. (Notes, 
 22:9-19.) 
 
 V. 3 — 6. It seems wonderful, that David should not be 
 able to procure bread for himself and his few attendants : but 
 when Saul’s rooted malice was made known, every one would 
 be afraid or unwilling to entertain him. The necessity, how- 
 ever, was real and urgent ; and Ahimelech supposed that in 
 such a case they might eat the show-bread, provided they 
 were prepared in the same manner as the Israelites had been, 
 for receiving the law from mount Sinai. (Ex. 19:15.) David 
 having therefore satisfied him in this respect, and assured him 
 that the young men were ceremonially clean, as well as holy 
 m their general character, (as the words seem to imply ;) and 
 Having pleaded, that the bread was now in a manner common, 
 as other loaves had been placed upon the table in their stead ; 
 ne gave them some of it, and they did eat. (Marg. Note , 
 Lev. 24:5 — 9.) — Jesus Christ in vindicating his disciples from 
 the charge of breaking the sabbath, has also vindicated David 
 in this matter ; which proves that the positive institutions of 
 religion may be dispensed with, when the preservation of life, 
 or any other urgent necessity requires it. (Notes, Hos. 6:6. 
 Matt. 12:3,4.) 
 
 V. 7. Doeg had become a proselyte to the religion of Israel, 
 perhaps to obtain preferment from Saul: (Notes, Ps. 52: title. 
 2 — 4.) and he was at this time performing some vow, which 
 constrained his attendance at the sanctuary ; but the word 
 detained seems to imply, that he submitted to it as a painful 
 restraint. (Note, Am. 8:4 — 10.) Thus, however, he was 
 acquainted with what passed between David and Ahimelech. 
 t Notes, 22:9,10,22.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. Either David fled with such precipitation that he 
 fiad not time to take his armour; or he left it, in order the 
 better to conceal himself. — It seems that Goliath’s sword was 
 not so large, but that David could readily use it ; and every 
 time he drew it, it would remind him to bless God for his 
 victory over the Philistines, and to trust in him to turn the 
 arms of all his enemies against themselves. (Note, 17: 
 60—53.) 
 
 V. 10 — 15. Dnvin expected that Saul would pursue him 
 into every part of the land of Israel, and he was not disposed 
 to fc/rm a party against him. Perhaps Achish deemed it po- 
 
 { 516 v 
 
 there not here under thine hand spear or sword? 
 for I have neither brought my sword nor my 
 weapons with me, because the king’s business 
 required haste. 
 
 9 And the priest said, rThe sword of Goliath 
 the Philistine, whom thou slewest in ithe valley of 
 Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth "behind 
 the ephod : if thou wilt take that, take it : for 
 there is no other save that here. And David 
 said, There is none like that; give it me. 
 
 10 H And David arose, and "fled that day for 
 fear of Saul, and went Ho * Achish the king of Gat h. 
 
 11 And “the servants of Achish said unto him, 
 Is not this David, T the king of the land ? did they 
 not sing one to another of him in dances, saying, 
 Saul hath slain his thousands, and David his ten 
 thousands ? 
 
 12 And David ‘laid up these words in his 
 heart, and was rsore afraid of Achish the king of 
 Gath. 
 
 13 And he ‘changed his behaviour before them, 
 and feigned himself mad in their hands, ana 
 ^scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let his 
 spittle fall down upon his beard. 
 
 14 Then said Achish unto his servants, Lo, ye 
 see the man "is mad: wherefore then have ye 
 brought him to me ? 
 
 15 Have I need of madmen, that ye have 
 brought this fellow to play the madman in my 
 presence ? shall this fellow come into my house ? 
 
 9. Pa. 52: title, o 11:5. Gen. 13:7,8. 26:20. 1 Chr. 27:39. 2 Chr. 26:10. nil 
 51— SI. q 17:2,50. r Ex. 23:6, Jlc . .27:1. 1 Kings 19:3. Jer. 26:21. 127:2 
 
 J Or, Ahimelech. Ps. 34: title. u Ps. 56: title. r 16:1. 18:7,8. 29:5. x Ps. 
 119:11. Luke 219, 51. y 10. Gen. 12:11—13. 26:7. Ps. 34:4. 56:3. r P*. 34: 
 title. Prov. 29:25. § Or. made marks. II Or, playelh the madman. 
 
 Ec. 7:7. 
 
 litic to draw off so able a commander from the service of Saul, 
 and had given him some intimations that he would protect 
 him. But his officers judged otherwise: and, remembering 
 his victory over Goliath, and the lavish commendations be- 
 stowed on him; (Note, 18:6 — 9.) and having heard, that he 
 had been appointed to be M the king of the land ;” they judged 
 it impossible to fix him in their interest, and perhaps intimated 
 that he should be put to death. (Note, 29:4—6.) This so 
 alarmed David, that he feigned himself mad, and mimicked 
 the actions of lunatics ; which gave Achish the opportunity of 
 sending him away, without either employing or hurting him: 
 but it is not certain, whether he realty thought him mad, or 
 was willing to avail himself of appearances, to get out of the 
 difficulty. — David’s conduct was, in some respects, degrading 
 to his character, and discovered a wavering in his faith and 
 courage. He soon, however, recovered his confidence and 
 composure ; for on this occasion he composed the thirty-fourth 
 and fifty-sixth Psalms, which are remarkable for strength 
 of faith and fervour of piety. (Notes, Ps. 34: title. 4 — 6. 56: 
 title. 1—4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When in the courts of kings a favourite falls, in general it 
 is very rapidly : for out of fickleness, envy, malice, ambition, 
 or fear, almost every one deserts or opposes him ; disregard- 
 ing the most unsullied reputation, eminent services, or per- 
 sonal obligations. It is therefore “better to trust in the 
 Lord, than to put any confidence in princes.” (Note, Ps. 
 118:8,9.) “Oppression maketh even a wise man mad;” 
 (Note, Ec. 7:7.) and few conduct themselves in extreme diffi- 
 culties, without taking some manifestly false step: we should 
 therefore “ watch and pray, that we may not enter into t dic- 
 tation ;” and especially seek that strength of faith in God, 
 which may overcome the fear of man. — Ingenious falsehoods 
 often promise present security ; but they ensure future dis- 
 grace and disquietude: and no impositions are more foolish 
 and prejudicial, than those, which some men practice, in seek- 
 ing counsel and comfort from the ministers of Christ. — Urgent 
 necessity will justify us in neglecting, in particular instances, 
 the rituals of religion ; but we ought always to attend on holy 
 things, in holiness of body and soul, and with a mind as ab- 
 stracted from all earthly objects as possible. — The true be- 
 liever is glad to go to the courts of the Lord, is reluctant to 
 quit them, and mourns when confined from them : but the time- 
 serving hypocrite is dragged to them, and detained in God’s 
 service from secular motives, and is often forming schemes of 
 wickedness when he seems to be worshipping. What wonder 
 then, that “his sacrifice is an abomination to the Lord?” 
 (Notes, Ps. 26:6—8. 27:1—6. 42:1—3. 63:1— 4. 81:1- I, m. 
 Prov. 15:8,9.) — The remembrance of former mercies not only 
 revives gratitude, but inspires confidence and courage: and 
 the word of God is that “sword of the Spirit,” concerning 
 which, in all temptations and conflicts, we may well say, 
 “There is none like it.”— In this world we must pass from 
 one danger to another, and often meet with terror where wo 
 seek security ; and those very hoi our«,of which men are am- 
 bitious, and which are most gratih’ ..g at th*> t tine, expose them 
 
I i. C. 1061 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 106 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 David escapes to Abtllam , whither hie kindred, and others retort to him , l, 2. 
 At Mizpeh he commends his parents to the protection of the king of Monk, 
 8, 4. Admonished by the prophet Gad, he returns to the land of Judah , 5. 
 Soul complains that his servants are un faithful , 6 — 8. Doeg accuses Ahirn- 
 elech ; who is sent for with the priests, and answers the charge, 9 — 16. Saul's 
 soldiers refusing to slay the priests at his command, Doeg executes it ; ami 
 destroys their city with their wives and children, 17 — 19. Abiather escapes 
 to David, who blames himself, and assures him of protection, 20 — 23. 
 
 D AVID “therefore departed thence, and escaped 
 •to b the cave Adullam : and when his brethren 
 and all his father’s house heard it, they went 
 down thither to him. 
 
 2 And every one that was “in distress, and 
 every one that was 'in debt, and every one that 
 was 'discontented, gathered themselves unto him; 
 and he became d a captain over them : and there 
 were with him about four hundred men. 
 
 3 And David went thence to “Mizpeh of Moab : 
 and lie said unto f the king of Moab, «Let my 
 father and my mother, I pray thee, come forth, 
 and be with you, hill 1 know what God will do 
 for me, 
 
 4 And he brought them before the king of 
 Moab : and they dwelt with him all the Avhile that 
 David was ‘in the hold. 
 
 5 And the prophet iGad said unto David, 
 Abide not in the hold • 1 ‘depart, and get thee into 
 the land of Judah. Then David departed, and 
 came into the forest ofHareth. 
 
 6 IT When. Saul heard that David was dis- 
 covered, and the men that were with him, (now 
 Saul abode in Gibeah under a Rree in Ramah, 
 having his 'spear in his hand, and all his servants 
 were standing about him ;) 
 
 7 Then Saul said unto his servants that stood 
 about him, Hear now, ye Benjamites; Will m the 
 son of Jesse "give every one of you fields and 
 vineyards, and make you all “captains of thou- 
 sands, and captains of hundreds; 
 
 a 21:10—15. Ps. 34: title, b Josh. 12:15. 15:35. 2 Sam. 23:13,14. 1 Chr. 11:15. 
 Pa. 142: title. Mic. 115. Heb. 11:38. c Judg. 11:3. Matt. 11 :12,28. • Heb. 
 
 had a creditor. Matt. 18:25 — 34. f Heb. bitter of soul. 1:10. 30:6. Judg. 18:25. 
 2 Sam. 17:8. Prov.3l:6. margins. d 9:16. 25:15,16. 30:22—24. 2 Sain. 5:2. 
 2 Kings 20:5. I Chr. 11:15— 19. Ps. 72:12. Heb. 2:10. e Judg. 11:29. f 14:47. 
 Ruth 1:1 — 4. 4:10,17. g Gen. 47:11. Ex. 20:12. Matt. 15:4— 6. lTim.5:4. 
 h 3:18. 2 Sam. 15 25,26. Phil . 2.23,24. i 2 Sam. 23:13,14. 1 Chr. 12:16. 
 
 12 Sam. 24:11. 1 Chr. 21:9. 29:29. 2 Chr. 29:25. k 23:1— 5. Neh.6:1l. Ps. 11: 
 1 . Is. 8:12 — 14. 1 Or, prove in a high place. 1 18:10. 19:9. 20:33. m 9,13. 
 20:27, 30 . 25:10. 2 Sam. 20:1. 1 Kings' 12: 16. Is. 11:1,10. n8:14,15. o8:ll,12. 
 
 to manifold disadvantages and perils: nor can we expect our 
 situation to be better, while the best of characters are so in- 
 consistent and defective. But we may “ trust the Lord at 
 ali times he will supply our wants, and never forsake us 
 notwithstanding our lamented infirmities’ he will not leave the 
 lives of his people in the hands of their enemies, nor their 
 souls in disconsolation : and the more simply we depend on 
 him and obey him, the more comfortably and surely we- shall 
 walk through this troublesome world, to that “ rest which is 
 reserved for the people of God.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXII. V. 1, 2. David, being unable 
 to secure himself by flight, and finding that none would venture 
 to harbour him, hid himselfin a cave. (Note, Ps. 142: title.) 
 Thither his relations resorted to him for protection from the 
 rage of Saul, and to afford him assistance : along with them 
 also came a number of persons of broken fortunes and unset- 
 tled minds, of whom he fotmed a small army. But they acted 
 entirely upon the defensive, and indeed became protectors of 
 th^ country: and probably David’s instructions, devotions, and 
 example, produced a great change in the temper and behaviour 
 of the larger part of them. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 25:7,8,14 — 
 17. 30:22 — 25. Judg. 11:3.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. The king of Moab, being at variance with Saul, 
 was favourable to David ; perhaps the more so, as David was 
 descended from a Moabitess. ( Ruth 4:13 — 17.) With him, 
 however, he procured a retreat for his aged parents. (Note, 
 2 Sam. 8:2.) 
 
 V. 5. It is probable that Gad had been educated in the 
 schools of the prophets under Samuel’s tuition ; (Marg. Ref. 
 j. Note , 10:5,6.) and knowing that David was anointed to be 
 kif g, he seems to have attended him in his distresses. By 
 him the Lord commanded David not to abide at Mizpeh, 
 which bordered on Moab ; (Note, Judg. 11:9—11.) or in any 
 distant fortified place: but to return into the land of Judah, 
 that he might not be alienated from his brethren, or his men 
 enticed to idolatry ; that his faith might be exercised and in- 
 creased ; and that he still might perform some service to his 
 country. (Note, 23:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 6. Saul had pitched his tent, or set up his standard, 
 near Gibeah, upon some eminence ; (tor so the word Ramah 
 signifies ;) and with a spear in his hand he seemed to menace 
 vengeance against all who did not join him in persecuting 
 David. (Note, 20:32,33.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. This language of Saul is very expressive of rage 
 and jealousy. He took it for granted that David had con- 
 
 8 That all of you have conspired against me 
 and there is none that §showeth me p that my sor 
 hath made a league with the son of Jesse, and 
 there is none of you that is sorry for me, or 
 showeth unto me that my son hath stirred up my 
 servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this 
 day ? 
 
 9 Then answered ^Doeg the Edomite, (which 
 was set over the servants of Saul,) and said, 1 
 saw the son of Jesse coming to Nod, to Ahime- 
 lech the son of Ahitub. 
 
 10 And r he inquired of the Lord for him, and 
 
 ave him victuals, and gave him the sword of 
 
 oliath the Philistine. 
 
 11 Then the king 'sent to call Ahimelech the 
 priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s 
 house, the priests that were in Nob : and they 
 came all of them to the king. 
 
 12 And Saul said, Hear now, "thou son ot 
 Ahitub. And he answered, ’'Here I am, my lord. 
 
 13 And Saul said unto him, "Why have ye 
 conspired against me, thou and the son of Jesse, 
 in that thou hast given him bread, and a sword, 
 and hast inquired of God for him, that he should 
 rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day ? 
 
 14 Then Ahimelech answered the king, and 
 said, And “who is so faithful amon^ all thy 
 servants as David, which is Jthe king’s son-in- 
 law, and “goeth at thy bidding, and is honourable 
 in thine house ? 
 
 15 Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? 
 be it far from me : let not the king impute any 
 thing unto his servant, nor to all the house of my 
 father : “for thy servant knew nothing of all this, 
 “less or more. 
 
 16 And the king said, b Thou shalt surely die, 
 Ahimelech, “thou and all thy father’s house. 
 
 $ Heb. uncovereth mine ear. 20:2. Job 33:16. marg. p 18:3. 20.8,13 — 17,30— 
 34,42. 23:16—18. q 21:7. Ps. 53: title. 1—5. Prov. 19:5.29:12. Ez. 22:9. Matt. 
 26:59—61. r 13,15. 23:2,4,12. 30:8. Num. 27:21. s21:6— 9 *. Rom. 3:15. 
 
 u 7,13. IT Heb. behold me. 2 Sam. 9:6. Is. 65:1. v 8. Ps. 119:69. Am. 7:10. 
 Luke 23:2 — 5. x 19.4,5. 20:32. 24:11 . 26:23. 2Sam. 22:23— 25. Prov. 24:11, 
 12.21:8,9. y 13. 17:25. 18:27. zl8:13. 21:2. a Gen. 20:5,6. 2Sam. 15:11. 
 
 2 Cor. 1:12. 1 Pet. 3:16,17. ** Heb. little or great. 25:36. b 14:44. 20:31. 
 1 Kings 18:4. 19:2. Prov. 28:15. Dan. 2:5,12. 3:19,20. AcU 12:19. c Deut. 24: 
 16. Esth. 3:6. Matt. 2:16. 
 
 spired against him. His pious, amiable, and dutiful son also 
 was accused of being the ringleader in the conspiracy ; be- 
 cause he would not assist in the murder of an excellent man, 
 whom he greatly loved ! Nay, the people in general, and his 
 own tribe in particular, had conspired against him, and had no 
 compassion on him, and were blind to their own interests ; 
 merely because they were not so furious against David as he 
 was ! (Notes, 16:14. 20:30 — 33.) — It is probable that Saul had 
 heard that Jonathan had made a covenant with David ; and, 
 not being able to learn the particulars, he suspected that trea- 
 son was implied in it. Perhaps Jonathan kept at a greater 
 distance, and was more reserved than before. 
 
 V. 9, 10. There was no good reason why Doeg should at 
 all mention Ahimelech’s conduct, which he knew did not pro- 
 ceed from malice : but if he must report it, he should have 
 declared, how Ahimelech was imposed upon by David, and 
 that he intended to show respect to Saul in that very action. 
 (Notes, 21:1 — 9.) But on the contrary, he spoke as if David 
 came to take Ahimelech’s advice about his subsequent pro- 
 ceedings, and as if Ahimelech was joined in a conspiracy 
 with David against Saul ; though nothing could be more con- 
 trary to the truth than this insinuation! Doeg therefore 
 slandered Ahimelech, and bare false witness against him, 
 though the general charges adduced accorded with facts. 
 (Notes, Ex. 20:16. Matt. 26:57 — 62.) — It is observable, that 
 Doeg, after Saul’s example, did not deign to call David by 
 his name, but contemptuously spoke of him, as 44 the son of 
 Jesse.” (8,13. 20:27,30,31.) 
 
 V. 13. Inquired of God, &c.] Saul, by this language, 
 almost in direct terms, charged God himself with counselling 
 a traitor by his high-priest, how to prevail against his sove- 
 reign ! (Notes, Ec. 9:1 — 3. John 12:9 — 11.) — As Ahimelech 
 did not deny this part of the charge, it may be concluded to 
 be true, though not mentioned in the narrative. 
 
 V. 14 — 16. In Ahimelech’s ready attendance, with alibis 
 brethren, and in his answer to Saul, we have the conduct and 
 language of conscious innocence. David’s reputation for 
 fidelity and capacity was established: his near relation to 
 Saul, as having married his daughter, his prompt obedience 
 to him, and his honourable services to Israel, were well 
 known : Ahimelech had been used to inquire of the Lord for 
 him, as a public character: he meant no harm, knew nothing 
 of what had passed, and abhorred the thought of conspiring 
 against his prince : and therefore trusted he should be honour- 
 ably acquitted. — It is observable that he generously roncealwd 
 
 ( -17 ) 
 
If G 1061 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 E. C. 10C0. 
 
 IT And the kin" said unto the Ifootmen that 
 stood about him, Turn and d slay the priests of the 
 Lord ; because their hand also is with David, 
 and because they knew when he fled, and did not 
 show it to me. But the servants of the king 
 'would not put forth their hand to fall upon the 
 priests of the Lord. 
 
 18 And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and 
 fall upon the priests. And < Doeg the Edomite 
 turned and she fell upon the priests, and slew on 
 that day '‘fourscore and five persons that did wear 
 'a linen ephod. 
 
 19 And )Nob, the city of the priests, smote 
 he with the edge of the sword ; both k men 
 and women, children and sucklings, and oxen, 
 and asses, and sheep, with the edge of the 
 sword. 
 
 20 H And 'one of the sons of Ahimelech, the 
 son of Ahitub. named Abiathar, "escaped, and 
 fled after David. 
 
 21 And Abiathar showed David, that Saul had 
 slain the Lord’s priests. 
 
 t Or, guard. Heb. runners. 8:11. 2 Sam. 15:1. 1 Kings 1:5. (113. 20:33. 25:17. 
 1 Kings 18.4. e 14:45. Ex. 1:17. 2 Kings 1:13,14. Acts4:19. f See on 9. 
 g2Chr. 24:21. Hos.5:ll. 7:3. Mic. 6:16. Zeph. 3:3. Acts 26:10,11 . h 2:30— 
 33,36 . 3:12—14. i 2:28. Ex. 28:40. j 9. 21.1. Neh. 11:32. Is. 10:32. k 15:3,9. 
 Josh. 6:17,21. Hos. 10:14. Jam. 2:13. 1 23:6. 30:7. 2 Sam. 20:25. 1 Kings 2:26, 
 
 David’s imposition, though the mention of it would have greatly 
 tended to exculpate himself. — But Saul was forsaken by God, 
 and given up to Satan and his own malignant passions, and 
 would hearken to nothing but the suggestions of revenge and 
 jealousy. 
 
 V. 17. Saul madly and impiously resolved to slay all the 
 priests of the line of Eli; because he supposed, contrary to 
 proof, that one had been guilty ; and he seems to have sent 
 for the whole company, with this malignant intention; (11) 
 He scorned to lay hands on an individual; ( Note , Esth. 3:6. ) 
 and he apparently exulted in revenging himself on 44 the 
 priests of the Lord.” Yet his guards, or running footmen , 
 (Marg. Ref.) so revered the sacerdotal character, and were 
 bo convinced that the priests were innocent, that, though they 
 might themselves expect to feel the weight of their enraged 
 prince's furious resentment, they expressly refused to execute 
 his cruel command. A singular instance of obedience to God, 
 rather than to man ! ( Note , Acts 4:13 — 22.) 
 
 V. 18. The priests did not generally wear the linen ephod, 
 except when actually officiating: but perhaps the whole com- 
 pany was arrayed in sacerdotal garments, as appearing before 
 the king, and as intending thus to show their respect to him. — 
 Thus an Edomite, of base character in other respects, with- 
 out provocation or opposition, with his own hands, slew eighty- 
 five priests of the Lord at one time: and both he and Saul 
 gloried in the bloody execution ! — This horrid massacre, how- 
 ever, accomplished the sentence denounced against the house 
 of Eli. ( Notes, 2: 31—36. 3:12—14.) 
 
 V. 19. Doeg, doubtless by Saul’s authority, not satisfied 
 with the blood of the priests, treated the inhabitants of Nob 
 as the devoted enemies of God, and with more severity than 
 Saul had exercised towards the Amalekites ; nay, to the full 
 import of the command which he had received in that respect ! 
 (Notes, 15:1 — 3,8,9.) No douht they meant to intimidate 
 all the Israelites from showing the least favour to David. 
 (Notes, Ps. 52: title. 1 — 4.) ‘It was excellently said by 
 Justin Martyr, Let us pray that kings and rulers, together 
 with the royal power, may be found having a sober mind.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 22. Upon recollection David had feared these conse- 
 quences from Doeg’s known character. (Notes, 21:1 — 9.) 
 His feelings must have been exceedingly painful, when he 
 considered the lie which he had told, as one occasion of this 
 fatal catastrophe. — By this event, however, so terrible to the 
 priests, and so lamentable to Israel, David obtained the pre- 
 sence of the high priest, which afterwards proved a great com- 
 fort and benefit to him. (Notes, 23:1 — 6,9 — 13. 28:6. 30: 
 7—10.) 
 
 , PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Oppression often forces men into measures, to which they 
 were entirely averse, and deprives the community of the ser- 
 vices of its most useful members : yet the Lord amidst all 
 daggers preserves his people for their appointed services. 
 He can promote their good by the most contemptible and the 
 meanest instruments ; and the son of David receives all who 
 come to him, however sinful and miserable : he changes them 
 a l\ into a holy people, and employs them in his service; 
 (Note, Is. 11:6 — 9.) and those who would reign with him, 
 must be contented first to suffer with him. — True piety in- 
 creases and purifies natural affection ; and teaches men, 
 however occupied or distressed, to be tender of their aged 
 parents; and to be more ready to meet hardship or danger 
 rhemselves, than to expose them to it. — In all our difficulties 
 we should wait, till wc know what “ God will do for us ;” seeing 
 none of our enemies can go further than he is pleased to per- 
 mit them : we should therefore guard against excessive fear, 
 venture readily into any place whither duty calls us, and, with- 
 ( 518 ) 
 
 22 And David said unto Abiathar, I knew n 
 that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, 
 that he would surely tell Saul : "I have occa- 
 sioned the death of all the persons of thy father’s 
 house. 
 
 23 Abide thou with me, fear not : for °he that 
 seeketh my life seeketh thy life: chut with me thoi 
 shalt be in safeguard. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 David , inquiring of God by Abiathar , defends Keilah arvl smites the Philis • 
 tines, 1—6. Saul purposes to besiege him in Keilah; but the Lord showing 
 David the treachery of the men of Keilah, he fees to Ziph, where Jonathan 
 meets and comforts him. 7 — 18. The Ziphites in form Saul concerning him t 
 who closely pursues him to Mar>n ; but is called off by an invasion of the 
 Philistines, 19—28. David dwells at En-gedi, 29. 
 
 T HEN they told David, saying, Behold, the 
 Philistines fight against “Keilah, and they 
 b rob the threshing-floors. 
 
 2 Therefore David “inquired of the Lord, say- 
 ing, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And 
 the Lord said unto David, Go and smite the 
 Philistines, and save Keilah. 
 
 27. m 2:33. 4:12. Job 1:15 — 17, 19. n-21:l— 9. Ps. 44:22. o 1 Kings 2:26. Matt. 
 24:9. John 15:20,21. 16:2,3. Heb. 12:1—3. p John 10:28-30, 17:12. 18:9. n Joih. 
 15:44. Neh. 3:17,18. b Lev. 26:16. Dent. 28:33,51 . Jodg. 6:4,11. Mic. 6 : 15 . 
 c 4,6,9— 12. 30:8. Num. 27:21. Josh. 9:14. Judg. 1:1. 2 Sam. 5:19,23. 1 CKr. 
 14:10. Ps. 32:8. Prov. 3:5,6. Jer. 10:23. 
 
 out yielding to resentment or despondency, persevere in look- 
 ing out for opportunities of usefulness. — The progress of 
 human nature, instigated by Satan’s temptations, is from bad 
 to worse with increasing rapidity. Conscience, fear, and 
 shame give less and less resistance, and every passion grows 
 more and more exorbitant. Envy, malice, and jealousy tor- 
 ment the soul with real miseries, though arising from unreal 
 causes, or groundless apprehensions : the wretch who is under 
 the dominion of these diabolical passions, .suspects every one 
 of enmity and treachery, breaks through all the bonds of 
 honour and conscience, and is hurried on to the most furious 
 and bloody revenge. Unhappy is it for mankind when such 
 persons possess absolute authority ; as the most sacred cha- 
 racter, unshaken fidelity, conscious innocency, convincing 
 arguments, and respectful assurances, form no security to any 
 one, who is become obnoxious to them ! The most harmless 
 and friendly actions become constructive treason, and 44 Thou 
 shalt surely die,” silences every plea. Nay, the death of 
 one, or of a few, seems a paltry revenge to a proud tyrant! 
 Sacrifices large as his rage and power may be expected, for 
 nothing else can appease his fury. And if some be found 
 willing to venture his indignation, rather than abet his cruelty 
 and impiety ; others will be glad to purchase preferment at 
 any price. — Let us then bless God for a mild, equitable, and 
 limited government, and study to fill up our places in society 
 consistently with our peculiar advantages: and may the Lord 
 continue them to our remotest posterity, and extend the same 
 to all the nations of the earth ! — He often employs companions 
 in distress, to comfort and protect each other ; and, being 
 exposed to the same dangers and enemies, they should com- 
 bine for their mutual defence. Thus believers, being hated 
 for Christ’s sake, find safety under his protection ; and ought 
 to lay aside all personal animosities and useless controversies, 
 to unite against their common enemies. — We may also learn 
 from this narrat ion, that needlessly to report the truth to the dis- 
 advantage of others, often springs from malice, and produces 
 mischief ; that a partial statement of facts is effectually bearing 
 false witness ; and that a generous mind is unwilling to re- 
 peat the faults of others; even for Ifis own vindication. We 
 should likewise consider, that it is very painful to a feeling 
 heart to occasion evil to others, especially by misconduct : 
 and as unexpected bad consequences may arise from our 
 actions, we should learn to walk the more circumspectly ; 
 and always to be ready for that stroke, which hurries men into 
 eternity before they are aware. For 44 the wicked is driven 
 away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his 
 death.” 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXIII. V. 1— G. David was at this 
 time an inspired writer of the Holy Scriptures ; yet the Lord 
 spoke to him by his prophet, and then by the high-priest, for 
 the honour of bis own institutions. David, having been 
 anointed to be king, considered himself as the protector of 
 Israel, and was ready to employ his men in any service, to 
 which the Lord should please to appoint him : and Saul, 
 occupied almost exclusively in persecuting David, so neg- 
 lected the protection of Israel, that the depredations of the 
 Philistines were exceedingly distressing, and met with no 
 effectual resistance. ( Marg. Rtf. b.) — It is doubtful, whether 
 David, at this time inquired of God by the prophet Gad, or 
 by Abiathar. It seems from the text, that Abiathar did not 
 come to him, till he came to Keilah; yet perhaps this only 
 means the neighbourhood of that city. No doubt, Abiathar 
 brought the high-priest’s sacred ephod with Urim and Thura- 
 mim along with him. (22:20 — 23. Notes, Ex. 28:15 — 30.)— 
 It seems that David and his men having vanquish*.* th© 
 Philistines, pursued them into their own country, an* thepo© 
 brought away the cattle. 
 
B. C. 1060. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 B. C. 1060 
 
 3 And David’s men said unto him, ■’Behold, we 
 be afraid here in Judah: how much more then if 
 we come to Keilah, against the armies of the 
 Philistines ? 
 
 4 Then David inquired of the Lord 'yet 
 again. And the Lord answered him and said, 
 Arise, go down to Keilah ; r for I will deliver the 
 Philistines into thine hand. 
 
 5 So David and his men went to Keilah, and 
 fought with the Philistines, and brought away 
 their cattle, and smote them with a great slaugh- 
 ter. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 
 
 6 And it came to pass, swhen Abiathar the son 
 >f Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he 
 came down with h an ephod in his hand. 
 
 7 If And it was told Saul that David was come 
 to Keilah. And Saul said, 'God hath delivered 
 him into mine hand: for the is shut in, by enter- 
 ing into a town that hath gates and bars. 
 
 8 And Saul called all the people together to 
 war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege David and 
 his men. 
 
 9 And David '‘knew that Saul secretlv practised 
 mischief against him ; and he said to Abiathar the 
 priest, 'Bring hither the ephod. 
 
 10 Then said David, O Lord God of Israel, 
 thy servant hath certainly heard that Saul seeketh 
 to come to Keilah, to ""destroy the city for my sake. 
 
 11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me up into 
 his hand? will Saul come down, as thy servant 
 hath heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech 
 thee, tell thy servant. "And the Lord said, He 
 will come down. 
 
 12 Then said David, Will the men of Keilah 
 'deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul ? 
 and the Lord said, "They will deliver thee up. 
 
 13 Then David and his men, which were about 
 rsix hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, 
 and went whithersoever they could go. And it 
 was told Saul that David was escaped from 
 Keilah ; and he forbare to go forth. 
 
 14 And David abode in the wilderness in strong 
 holds, and remained in mountain in the "wilder- 
 ness of Ziph : and "Saul sought him every day ; 
 ‘but God delivered him not into his hand. 
 
 15 And David saw that Saul was come out to 
 seek his life : and David was in the wilderness of 
 Ziph in a wood. 
 
 d 15,23,26. Fs. 11:1. Jer. 12:5. t 28:6. Jud2.6;39. f Josh. 8:7. Jud?. 7:7. 
 2Sam.5:19. 2Kin?s3:18. | 22:20. h 14:3,18,36,37. Ex. 28:30,31. i 14.24: 
 4— 6.26:8,9. Ps. 71:10,11. j Ex. 14:3. 15:9. Judg. 16:2,3. Job 20:5. Luke 19: 
 43,44. k Jer. 11:18,19. Acts 9.24. 14:6. 23:16— 18. 1 6.14:18.30:7. Num.27: 
 
 81. m 22:19. Hen. 18:24. Esth.3:6. Pros. 28:15. n Ps. 50:15. Jer. 33:3. Matt. 
 7:7,8. ' Heb. shut up. Ps.31:S. o 7. Ps. 62' I. 118:8. Ec. 9:14,15. Is. 29 15. Heb. 
 4:13. p 22:2.25:13.30:9,10. q Ps. 11:1-3. r Josh. 15:55. s 27:1. Ps. 54:3, 
 4, Prov. 1:16. 4:16. t 7. Ps. 32:7. Frov. 21:30. Jer. 36:26. Rom. 8:31. 2Tim. 
 8:11.4:17,18. n Dent. 3:23. Neh. 2:18. Job 4:3,4. 16:5. Prov. 27:9. Ec. 4 9- 
 12. Is. 35:3. Et. 13:22. Luke 22:32.43. Eph.6:lu. 2 Tim. 2:1. Heb. 12:12,13. 
 X Is. 41:10,14. Heb. 13:6. j Ps. 27:1— 3. 45:1,2. 91 :1, 2. Pro*. 14:26. Is. 54:17. 
 
 V. 7, 8. Saul, forgetting all the multiplied proofs which 
 had been given, that the Lord was with David, considered the 
 slight circumstance of his entering into a fenced city, as an 
 evidence that “God had delivered him into his hand!” 
 {Notes, 14. 21:8 — 15.) The generous patriotism of David, 
 in defending his country, while persecuted by his prince and 
 many of the people as an outlaw, had no effect on the ranco- 
 rous heart of Saul. 
 
 V. 9 — 13. David perhaps thought, that he could defend 
 this fenced city against Saul, if the inhabitants would be firm 
 in his interests. But, as the cruel massacre of the inhabit- 
 ants of Nob must have alarmed them with the dread of simi- 
 lar treatment, he could not confide in their assurances; and, 
 inquiring of God, he was informed that they would purchase 
 p;ace by delivering him up, though perhaps they were not 
 then meditating such ingratitude and treachery. He there- 
 fore left the city to secure himself from danger, and them 
 from temptation and sin.— The express and repeated answers 
 given to the inquiries, which David made by the high-priest, 
 were in fact a divine attestation, that he was appointed to the 
 kingdom. {Notes, 1— fi. Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) Proba- 
 bly these were given in an audible voice from some tent, 
 where the ephod was generally placed, and before which the 
 inquiry was made. The prayer which David used, perhaps 
 by the mouth of Abiathar, in inquiring of God, may be con- 
 sidered as an example of the manner in which pious princes 
 conducted that solemn and important conceal. 
 
 Six hundred. (13) David’s company had increased, per- 
 haps in consequence of his success in his patri tic expedition 
 v 22:2.) 
 
 V. 14. TVe disappointmi x of Saul’s pret .Siptuous con- 
 
 16 And Jonathan Saul’s son arose, and went to 
 David into the wood, and “strengthened his hand 
 in God. 
 
 17 And he said unto him, x Fear not; for the 
 hand of Saul my father >shall not find thee : and 
 ‘thou shalt be king over Israel, and “I shall be 
 next unto thee : and b that also Saul my lather 
 knoweth. 
 
 18 And ‘they two made a covenant before the 
 Lord. And David abode in the wood, and Jona 
 
 than Went tO hiS hOUSe. [Practical Observations.-] 
 
 19 11 Then came up d the Ziphites to Saul to 
 Gibeahr, saying, Doth not David hide himself with 
 us in strong holds in the wood, in the hill ol 
 'Hachilah, which is ’on the south of IJeshimon ? 
 
 20 Now therefore, O king, come down, accord- 
 ing to f all the desire of thy soul to come down ; 
 and sour part shall be to deliver him into the king’s 
 hand. 
 
 21 And Saul said, h Blessed be ye of the Lord ; 
 for ye have compassion on me. 
 
 22 Go, I pray you, prepare yet, and know and 
 see his place where his §haunt is, and who hath 
 seen him there : for it is told me that he dealeth 
 very subtlely. 
 
 23 See therefore, and ’take knowledge of all 
 the lurking places where he hideth himself, and 
 come ye again to me with the certainty, and I 
 will go with you : and it shall come to pass, if he 
 be in the land, that k I will search him out through- 
 out all 'the thousands of Judah. 
 
 24 And they arose, and went to Ziph before 
 Saul : but David and his men were in the wilder- 
 ness of m Maon, in the plain on "the south ot 
 Jeshimon. 
 
 25 Saul also and his men went to seek him; 
 and they told David : wherefore he came down 
 "into a rock, and abode in the xvilderness of Maon. 
 And when Saul heard that, he pursued after 
 David in the wilderness of Maon. 
 
 26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, 
 and David and his men on that side of the moun- 
 tain: and "David made haste to get raway for 
 fear of Saul ; for Saul and his men compassed 
 David and his men round about to take them. 
 
 27 But "there came a messenger unto Saul, say- 
 ing, Haste thee, and come ; for 'the Philistines 
 have ’’invaded the land. 
 
 z Luke 12:32. n Prcrv. 19:21. Acts28:16. Rom. 15:24. b 20:31.24:20. Acta 
 5:39. c 18:3.20:12-17,42. 2 Sam. 9:1.21:7. d 22:7,8.25:1. Ps. 54: title. 3,4. 
 Prov. 29:12. e 25:1,3. f Heb. on the right hand. * Or, the wilderness. 
 f Deut. 18:6. 2 Sam. 3:21. Ps. 112:10. Prov. 11:23. g 1 Kings 21:11 — 14. 
 2 Kings 10:5 — 7. Ps. 54:3. Prov. 29:26. h 22:8. Ps. 10:3. Is. 66:5. Mie. 3:11. 
 $ Web. foot shall be. Job 5:13. i Mark 14:1 ,10,11 . Jolm 18:2,3. k 2Sam. 17; 
 11— 13. 'Prov. 1:16. Rom. 3:15,16. 1 Num. 10:36. Mic. 5:2. m 25:2. Josh. 15:55. 
 n 19. II Or, from the rock. 28. Judg. 15:8. o 19:12. 20:38. 2 Sam. 15: 14. 17:21 ,22. 
 Ps. 31:22. p 2 Chr. 20:12. Ps. 17:9. 22:12,16. 118:11 — 13. 2 Cor. 1:8. Rev. 20: 
 9. r Gen. 22:14. Deut. 32:36. Pa. 116:3. s 2 Kings 19:9. Rev. 12:16. IT Heb. 
 spread themselves upon. 1 Chr. 14:13. 
 
 fidence, that “ God had delivered David into his hand,” is 
 here emphatically noted. ( Note , 7,8.) 
 
 V. 16. Jonathan would doubtless converse with David, 
 concerning the promises, power, faithfulness, and love of 
 God, and what he had learned, believed, and experienced of 
 them ; which Tended to strengthen his faith, to encourage his 
 hope, and to invigorate his confidence in God, and to induce 
 calm submission to his will. (Notes, Is. 35:3,4. Luke 22:39 
 —46. 5:43. Col. 1:9—14.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. ( Marg . Ref .) — I shall be next unto thee. (17)i 
 
 This was Jonathan’s conjecture, grounded on David’s friend- 
 ship, but not on the word of God, who had appointed things 
 otherwise. Jonathan’s cheerful acquiescence would be a 
 great satisfaction to David’s mind. — Thus these endeared 
 friends finally parted, as to this world. ( Note , 20:41,42.) 
 
 V. 19 — 21. (Marg. Ref.) The Israelites in general were,, 
 it seems, averse to Saul’s persecution of David, and back- 
 ward to give him intelligence or assistance : he therefore 
 deemed himself an injured, and unfortunate man, whom none 
 of them pitied ; and these treacherous Ziphites were consid- 
 ered as his only friends! — (Notes, 7,8. 22:7,8.) — Saul stUl 
 retained the language of piety while perpetrating the most 
 atrocious crimes. (Notes, Ps. 36:1 — 4.) 
 
 V. 22 — 25. Had Saul marched directly along with the 
 Ziphites, he probably would have come on David before he 
 was aware : but Saul’s delay, while he sought to make the 
 more sure of him, gave David an opportunity of retreating.— 
 Thousands of Judah. (23) Marg. Ref. Notes % Ex. 18:24 
 — 26. Judg. 6:15. Mic. 5:2. 
 
 V. 26 — 28. When Saul’s army had nearly sun uunded 
 David’s little company, tidings were brought that the Philip- 
 ( 519 ) 
 
B. C. 1060. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1060 
 
 28 Wherefore Saul returned from pursuing 
 after David, and went against the Philistines : 
 therefore they called that place 'Sela-hammahle- 
 koth. 
 
 29 And David went up from thence, and dwelt 
 : n strong holds at *En-gedi. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 David, in a cave, having Saul entirely in his power , cuts off his skirt , but 
 spares his life. 1 — 7. He proves his innocency to Saul. 8 — 15. Saul owns his 
 fault , requires an oath of David , aruldeparls , 16 — 22. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, “when Saul was returned 
 from ‘following the Philistines, that b it was 
 told him, saying, Behold, David is in c the wilder- 
 ness of Engedi. 
 
 2 Then Saul took d three thousand chosen men 
 out of all Israel, and 'went to seek David and his 
 men upon f the rocks of the wild goats. 
 
 3 And he came to the sheep-cotes by the way, 
 where was a cave ; and Saul went in eto cover 
 his feet : and ’’David and his men remained in the 
 sides of the cave. 
 
 4 And 'the men of David said unto him, Be- 
 hold the day of which the Lord said unto thee, 
 Behold, d will deliver thine enemy into thine 
 hand, that thou mayest do to him as it shall seem 
 good unto thee. Then David arose, and cut off 
 the skirt of 'Saul’s robe privily. 
 
 • That is, The rock of divisions, t 24:1. Josh. 15:62. 2 Chr. 20:2. Cant. 1:14. 
 Ez. 47:10. a 23:28. * Heb. after, b 23:19. Prov. 25:5. 29:12. Ez. 22.9. Hos. 
 7:3. c 23:20. <113:2. e Ps. 37:32. 38:12. f Ps. 104:18. g Judg; 3:24. h Ps. 
 6 title. 142: title, i 26:8. 2 Sam. 4:8. Job 31 :31 . j 10,18. 23:7. 26:23. t Heb. 
 the robe which was Saul's. k 2 Sam. 12:9.24:10. 2 Kings 22:19. 1 26:9 — 
 
 tines had invaded the land: ( marg . ) and either their inva- 
 sion was very formidable, and the case extremely urgent ; or 
 Saul feared the people’s resentment, if the Philistines rav- 
 aged the country, while he was destroying its defender. He 
 therefore retired, doubtless full of rage and vexation, and 
 David “ escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowler 
 the Philistines being the instruments of God in his preserva- 
 tion. — He was also preserved from the painful necessity of 
 fighting in his own defence, against his persecutors. (Notes, 
 26:1,2. Ps. 54: title. 1 — 3.) The place was called the rock of 
 divisions, as separating between David and Saul, on this 
 emergency. (Marg.) 
 
 V. 29. Marg. Ref. t. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. I — 18. The prayers of true believers are a barrier 
 against hostile invasions ; but persecution brings down the 
 judgments of God upon guilty nations. No ill usage, how- 
 ever, should prompt us to revenge ourselves, or prevent us 
 from doing good as we have an opportunity and ability ; even 
 when we are sure to meet with ingratitude, and to be exposed 
 to further trouble, by so doing. Thus Jesus lived and died, 
 “ and left us an example that we should follow his steps.” — 
 The more particularly we seek direction from God in fervent 
 prayer, and the more carefully we consult the sacred Scrip- 
 tures, the safer will be our path. — In difficult circumstances 
 we shall often find the unbelief of our professed helpers a 
 very discouraging hindrance ; but the most effectual way of 
 answering their objections, and securing their assistance, is to 
 refer them to the precepts and promises of God. — No, ties of 
 honour, gratitude, or affection, can secure the heart, under 
 powerful temptations : nay, we none of us know how we 
 should act, if assailed by the terrors of impending death, and 
 left without the immediate supports of divine grace. He, 
 who made the human heart, can alone estimate its deceitful- 
 ness : we ought not therefore to confide in our own resolu- 
 tions, or in the assurances of others ; but depend on the Lord 
 to guide and keep us: and if we meet with evil treatment, we 
 need not wonder, and ought not to revile or murmur. — The 
 kindness of those friends, whom he raises up where we could 
 least expect them, may well countervail the malice of our 
 enemies, and the ingratitude and fickleness of those whom 
 we have served. And if the converse of one friend can,' at 
 one interview, give so much comfort and strength to our 
 hearts; (Note, 2 Cor. 7:5 — 7.) what may not be expected 
 from the continual supports, and daily visits, and powerful 
 love, of the sinner’s Saviour, the believer’s covenanted 
 Friend? And what will heaven be, where perfect and uni- 
 versal friendship reigns, without interruption, separation or 
 alloy? Lotus then continually seek the renewed ratification 
 of the covenant of grace, and cultivate the friendship of the 
 Lord and of his people. Our most rational and pleasing 
 expectations of another kind may be frustrated ; all other 
 •unions must be dissolved ; but here disappointment and dis- 
 union can have no place for ever. 
 
 V. 19 — 29. The influenco of wickedness, in those who 
 fill exalted stations, widely and fatally diffuses itself among 
 their inferiors, even throughout whole nations many will 
 nay court to them, by aiding their sinful purposes ; nay, 
 some will pride themselves in resembling them in their vices 1 
 and those only will be treated as friends, who in fact arc their 
 most destructive enemies. Those therefore who are distin- 
 guished by this dangorous pro-cmincnce, have additional 
 ( 520 ) 
 
 5 And it came to pass afterward, that, l David’s 
 heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s 
 skirt. 
 
 6 And he said unto his men, 'The Lord forbid 
 that I should do this thing unto my master, the 
 Lord’s anointed, to stretch forth mine hand 
 against him, seeing he is the anointed of the 
 Lord. 
 
 7 So David ^stayed his servants with these 
 words, and "suffered them not to rise against 
 Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave, and 
 
 Went 011 his way. [Practical Obtcnnlion . .] 
 
 8 IT David also arose afterward, and went out 
 of the cave, and. cried after Saul, saying, “My 
 lord the king. "And when Saul looked behind 
 him, “David stooped with his face to the earth, 
 and bowed himself 
 
 9 And David said to Saul, rWherefbre hearest 
 thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh 
 thy hurt ? 
 
 10 Behold, this day thine eyes have seen, how 
 that the Lord had delivered thee to-day into mine 
 hand in the cave : and some ‘tbade me kill thee : 
 but mine eye spared thee ; and I said, I will not 
 put forth mine hand against my lord ; for he is 
 r the Lord’s anointed. 
 
 II. 2 Sam. 1:14. 1 Kings 21:3. Job 31:29,30. Malt. 5:44. Rom. 12:14—21. 13:1, 
 2. I The*. 5:15. } Heb. cut of. Ps. 7 4. m 25:33. n 26:17. o 20:41 . 25:23,24. 
 Gen. 17:3. Ex. 20:12. Rom. 13:7 1 Pet. 2:17. p 26:19. Ps. 101:5. Pro*. 16: 
 28. 17:4. 18:8.25:23. 26:28. Ec. 7:21,22. Jam. 3:6. q 4. 26:8. r 26:9. Ps. lOj- 
 15. 
 
 reasons for bridling their passions, and exercising themselves 
 unto godliness ; lest they should by their crimes occasion the 
 ruin of multitudes, and thus aggravate their own condemna- 
 tion. — The language of piety, separate from its substantial 
 effects, can only amuse and deceive those who hear, and those 
 who use it. — Malice is ever restless and tormenting; and 
 though disappointed, it still hopes for success: but numbers, 
 power, rage, and subtlet}', can never destroy those whom God 
 protects. His methods of preserving his people are unnum- 
 bered. (Note, Acts 9:3 — 6.; He sometimes leads them into 
 the most imminent danger, to endear their deliverance, and 
 to increase the torment of their persecuting foes. And he 
 can employ one enemy, contrary to his intention, to deliver 
 us from another still more formidable : or he can fill the hands 
 of persecutors with other work, so that they are constrained 
 -to postpone their malicious purposes. But we must not 
 expect much comfort in this evil world, which uses the best 
 of men in so base a manner, and which once “crucified the 
 Lord of glory.” We should therefore study to pass through 
 it as pilgrims; and to leave it, as those who are departing to 
 a better country, that is, a heavenly. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V. 1—3. When Saul had 
 repelled the invasion of the Philistines, he selected throe 
 thousand of his troops, and resumed his pursuit of David, who 
 had taken refuge among some uncultivated rocks, inhabited 
 only by wild goats: and Saul, supposing him at a distance, 
 retired into a cave, while his men were absent. But in this 
 very cave, David and his company lay concealed. Thus God 
 delivered Saul into David’s hand: (Note, 23:7,8.) he wai 
 absolutely in his power, and could have made no resistance; 
 nay, the manner of his death might have been concealed, till 
 David had taken proper measures to secure himself and to 
 seize the throne. (Notes, Ps. 57: 142: titles.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. David’s men urged ver y plausibly, that God had 
 brought his enemy into his power, in order to fulfil his pro- 
 mises to him: yet they were greatly mistaken ; as in reality 
 the Lord intended to give David an opportunity of exercising 
 faith, patience, arid generous kindness ; of showing the ten- 
 dency and efficacy of his religious principles, the tenderness 
 of his conscience, and the steadfastness of his loyalty : for 
 the confutation of his accusers, a rebuke to Saul, ana an 
 example to all who read it. — David had a promise of the 
 kingdom , but no command to slay the reigning king, or pro* 
 mise that God would deliver Saul into his hand. (2(?:10. Notes , 1 
 Kings 1 1:37,40.) — Saul had been anointed by God’s command, 
 as well as made king over Israel in his providence : bo had 
 indeed been rejected; and David had been greatly injured, 
 but he was not his own avenger. David’s peculiar circum- 
 stances constrained him to defend himself, but not to slay 
 Saul ; whom he looked upon as his sovereign, and the Lord’s 
 anointed , and not as his rival and persecutor. (Note, 26:8 — 
 12.) He was satisfied with performing his present duty ; he 
 left his protection and future advancement to God; and he 
 deemed it an atrocious offence to “stretch forth his hand.’’ to 
 hurt even so wicked a prince as Saul, and in defence of his 
 own life. Nay, when ho had privily cut olf the skirt o( 
 Saul’s robe, as a demonstration of what he could lmvo done, 
 his heart smote him, lost in this actior. he lmd failed of duo 
 respect to the Lord’s anointed! (Note, 2 Sam. 24:10.) 
 Neither would he allow his men to injure him ^ thou n :hey 
 seem to have been so impatient for security f.nd preferment, 
 that ho had much difficult v in restrain/' gand appeasing them. 
 
B. C. 1060 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 B. C 1060. 
 
 11 Moreover, ‘my father, see, yea, see the skirt 
 of thy robe in my hand : for in that I cut oft' the 
 skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou 
 and see, that there is ‘neither evil nor transgres- 
 sion in mine hand, and I have not sinned against 
 thee : yet “thou huntest my soul to take it. 
 
 12 The ‘Lord judge between me and thee, and 
 the Lord avenge me, of thee; but rmine hand 
 shall not be upon thee. 
 
 13 As saith the proverb of the ancients, ‘Wick- 
 edness proceedeth from the wicked, but mine 
 hand shall not be upon thee. 
 
 14 After whom is “the king of Israel come out? 
 after whom dost thou- pursue ? b after a dead dog, 
 ‘after a flea ? 
 
 15 The Lord therefore d be Judge, and judge 
 between me and thee, and see, and plead my 
 cause, and ‘deliver me out of thine hand. 
 
 16 And it came to pass, when David had made 
 an end of speaking these words unto Saul, that 
 Saul said, “Is this thy voice, my son David ? and 
 f Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 
 
 ■ 18:27. 2 Kings 5.13. Prof. 15:1. t 28:18. Pa. 7:3,4. 85:7. John 15:25. u 23: 
 14,23.26:20. Job 10:16. Pa. 140:11. Cam. 4:18. Ez. 13:18. Mic. 7:2. x 26: 
 23. Gen. 16:5. Judg. 11:27. Ps. 7:8,9. 35:1 . 43:1. 94:1. Rom. 12:19. IPet.2:23. 
 Ree. 6:10. v 26:11. z Mull. 7; 16— 18. 12:33,34. 15:1 9. a2Sam.6:20. 
 
 1 Kings. 21:7. ’ h 17:43. 2Sam. 3:8. 9.8. 16:9. c 26:20. Jndg.8:l— 3. d See 
 on 12. 2 Chr. 24:22. Mic. 1:2. • Heb .judge e 26:17. Job 6:25. Prov.l5;l. 
 
 V. 8 — 15. It may be supposed, that David remained at so 
 great a distance from Saul and his army, that he was in no 
 danger of being immediately seized on by them ; though Saul 
 could both hear and see him. Yet, if Saul’s heart should not 
 be affected by his address, he would be more likely to crush 
 him than before. But this, and all consequences, David trusted 
 with God. — Nothing can be imagined more respectful, pathetic, 
 and forcible, than his conduct and address on this occasion. 
 He showed all reverence to Saul as his prince, bowing himself 
 before him to the earth: he called him respectfully, “ My 
 lord the king,” and in token of affection, “My father,” being 
 his son-in-law : he avoided all reproaches, and sharp expos- 
 tulations : he intimated that Saul’s prejudice against him 
 arose from slanderous reports ; and reminded him, that he 
 himself had been counselled to take away Saul’s life, but 
 would not do it. He adduced ihe most decisive evidence that 
 he did not mean to injure him ; while he repeatedly assured 
 him that his hand should never be upon him. He mildly 
 expostulated with him, on the injustice and unreasonableness 
 of his conduct ; and humbly represented himself as beneath 
 the notice of so great a prince, who degraded himself in coming 
 out “ after a dead dog, a single Jlea an imagined enemy 
 equally insignificant. In illustration of his own conduct he 
 quoted “ the proverb of the ancients,” that “ wickedness pro- 
 ceedeth from the wicked,” that men’s actions manifest their 
 dispositions ; and if he had been a wicked person, his actions 
 that day would have shown it. At the same time he plainly 
 and repeatedly warned Saul, that the Lord would judge be- 
 tween them, and both deliver him out of his hand, and avenge 
 his cause upon him. (Notes, 2G:13 — 20.) 
 
 The imperative or optative mood, employed in these verses, 
 might perhaps, with more strict conformity to the Hebrew, be 
 changed for the future tense indicative: — “The Lord will 
 judge . . . will avenge, . . . will be Judge,” &c. 
 
 V. 1G — 22. These forcible words, and this generous be- 
 haviour, produced a temporary conviction in Saul’s mind, of 
 David’s excellency, the righteousness of his cause, and the 
 certainty of his advancement ; and consequently, that him- 
 self was deeply criminal, and in a ruinous path. Probably, 
 he was in some measure convinced of these things at other 
 times, but they now more deeply affected him ; nor could he 
 suppress his emotion, or refuse to acknowledge his convictions. 
 Instead therefore of attempting to destroy David as he in- 
 tended, his malice was arrested, and he both spoke well of 
 him, foretold his establishment on the throne, and begged of 
 the Lord to reward him for sparing his life ; and he owned that 
 be should not have behaved thus, if David had been in his 
 power. Under this conviction Saul desired of David the se- 
 curity of an oath, that he would not, when king, extirpate his 
 posterity : and David was willing thus to bind himself to his 
 futy. (Note, 2 Sam. 21:4 — 7.) But he did not ask Saul to 
 swear to him, that he would no more seek his life ; probably 
 knowing that he did not duly regard the obligation of an o”h : 
 nor would he-trust himself with him, being aware how „de 
 uch transient appearances could be depended on— Saul’s 
 tonduct 'in persecuting David, even when convinced of his 
 excellency, and that he would be advanced to the throne, 
 illustrates the behaviour of the scribes and priests in their 
 determined enmity to Christ, notwithstanding they could not 
 resist the wisdom of his words, deny the reality of his mira- 
 cles, or at all impeach his character. (Notes, Matt 2-3 — G 
 T ohn 11:47,48. 12:9—11. uicls 5:33— 39.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. Wicked men are often interrupted in their evil 
 courses ; yet they return to them when the restraint is remo- 
 ld, as if delivered from trouble that they might commit more 
 
 Vol. 1.— 66 
 
 17 And lie said to David, «Thou art more 
 righteous than I : for h thou hast rewarded me 
 good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil. 
 
 18 And thou hast showed this day how that- 
 thou hast dealt well with me : forasmuch as when 
 'the Lord had delivered me into thine hand, thou 
 killedst me not. 
 
 19 For if a man find his enemy, will he let 
 him go well away ? wherefore, Hhe Lord reward 
 thee good for that thou hast done unto me this 
 day. 
 
 20 And now, behold, k I know well that 
 thou shaft surely be king, and that the king- 
 dom of Israel shall be established in thine 
 hand. 
 
 21 ‘Swear now therefore unto me by the Lord, 
 that m thou wilt not cut off my seed after me, and 
 that thou wilt not destroy my name out of my 
 father’s house. 
 
 22 And David sware unto Saul, and Saul went 
 home ; but "David and his men gat them up unto 
 “the hold. 
 
 25:11. Luke 21:15. Acls6:10. f Gen. 33:4. g 26:21. Gen. 38:26. Ex. 9:27- 
 Ps. 37:6. Mult. 27:4. h Matt. 5:44. Rom. 12:2U,21 . i 10.23:7. 26:23. f Heb. 
 shut me up. 23:12. 26:8. margins. Ps. 31:8. j 23:21. 26:25. Judg. 17:2. k 2lfc 
 30,31. 23:17. 2Sam. 3.17,18. Job 15:25. Matt. 2:3—6,13,16. 1 20:14—17. G*n. 
 21:23. 31:48,53. Heb. 6:16. m 2 Sam. 21:6— 8. n Prov. 26:24,25. Matt. 10 : 
 16,17. John 2:24. o 23:29. 
 
 sins. (Note. Jer. 7:8 — 11.) But the Lord disappoints their 
 malice ; and by bringing them into danger, gives them mani- 
 fest proof of their folly and wickedness. W e should be very 
 careful what interpretation we put upon events in Providence, 
 and what conclusions we deduce from them ; lest we mistake 
 the opportunity of following our own inclinations, for an 
 approbation of our conduct in so doing; and in doubtful cases 
 we must neither judge by appearance, nor be determined by 
 plausible arguments. — An accurate knowledge of the divine 
 law, an established judgment, and a holy state of heart, are 
 requisite to mark out the path of duty, in many important 
 cases. But it is always safe to deny the suggestions of re- 
 venge, covetousness, ambition, impatience, or other selfish 
 principles : it savours more of piety to interpret a providen- 
 tial dispensation as a trial of faith and patience, and an 
 exercise of self-denial, than to consider it as a license for 
 self-indulgence; and a tender conscience will be peculiarly 
 afraid of specious temptations, and induce a man to “ abstain 
 from all appearance of evil:” — We should perform all our 
 relative duties from regard to the authority of God ; when 
 others violate his law in their conduct towards us, we must 
 not do the same towards them ; and in waiting for the per- 
 formance of his promises we must use lawful means alone. 
 Under the deepest injuries we are not allowed, and ought not 
 to be inclined, to avenge ourselves ; but after the example of 
 David, and of David’s Lord, we should “ commit our cause 
 to him that judgeth righteously.” (Note, I Pet. 2:18 — 25.) — 
 Magistracy is the ordinance of God, and confers dignity on 
 those advanced to it, who, in all ordinary cases and lawful 
 things, should be honoured and obeyed : and if they abuse 
 their trust, the Lord will execute vengeance upon them : and 
 provided we have the opportunity, we should, alon| with the 
 most loyal and unreserved submission in all things lawful, 
 plainly warn them of their danger in this respect. If perse- 
 cuted in one city we may flee to another, and use necessary 
 means of self-preservation ; but we must not lift up our hands, 
 or adopt offensive measures, against those whom God has 
 placed over us, though like even Saul or Nero. (Notes, 
 Rom. 13:1 — 7.) 
 
 Y. 8 — 22. It is not enough that we avoid evil ourselves : 
 we should use our influence to restrain others also, or we shall 
 be chargeable before God for it. — Mild language and respect- 
 ful behaviour, even to wicked and injurious superiors, are 
 ornamental to piety. We must hot indeed flatter any one 
 with the hope of impunity in sin ; yet we may put the most 
 candid construction on men’s actions, and satisfy ourselves 
 with manifesting our own innocence, modestly complaining of 
 hard usage, and employing forcible arguments and pathetic 
 expostulations. It is also more prudent to abate envy by 
 seeking to appear inconsiderable, than to excite it by boasting 
 of dignity, or excellence, or of our past services. — While we 
 are thankful for having been hitherto preserved from open 
 crimes, we cannot bind ourselves too strongly, in dependence 
 on the grace of God, to avoid them for the time to come: for 
 our conduct as Christians should form a contrast to that of 
 the enemies of true religion ; in order to convjnce all men on 
 what principles we act, and that our cause is worthy of God, 
 The noblest of all victories consists in “ overcoming evil with 
 good.” — If men in eminent stations had a proper sense of the 
 Importance attached to their characters and conduct, it would 
 keep them from debasing themselves by such mean pursuits, 
 as they are often engaged in : and a due reflection on our 
 rational powers, and the unspeakable value of our immortd 
 souls, would have a similar effect upon us all. — Those who 
 act conscientiously will find opportunities of confuting their 
 revilers, and of being manifested in the consciences of their 
 ( 521 ) 
 
3. L 1059. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1059. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Samuel dies, and is lamented and buried by all Israel; and David goes to 
 Paran,l. The character of Nabal, and of his wife Abigail, 2, 3. David 
 sends to Nabal most respectfully requesting some provisions ; but provoked 
 by his answer, sets out to destroy him, 4 — 13. A servant warns Abigail , 
 14 — 17. She meets David with a present , arid wisely pacifies him, 18 — 31. 
 David blesses God for her interj/osili m, and courteously dismisses her, 
 32 — 35. Nabal , hearing of the danger to which he had been exposed, is terri- 
 fied , and dies, 36 — 38. David marries Abigail and also Ahinoam,-39 — 43. 
 Michal is given to Phalli, 44. 
 
 A ND Samuel died; and all the Israelites were 
 gathered together, and lamented him, and 
 1 uried him c in his house at Ramah. And David 
 arose, and went down to d the wilderness of 
 Paran. 
 
 2 H And there was a man in e Maon, whose 
 'possessions were in Carmel; and the fman was 
 very great, and he had ethree thousand sheep, 
 and a thousand goats: and he was Shearing liis 
 Bheep in 'Carmel. 
 
 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and 
 the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a 
 woman oPgood understanding, and of a beautiful 
 countenance : but the man k was churlish and evil 
 in his doings : and he was of the house of Caleb. 
 
 4 And David heard in the wilderness that 
 Nabal did shear his sheep. 
 
 5 And David sent out ten young men, and 
 David said unto the young men, Get ye up to 
 Carmel, and go to Nabal, and tgreet him in my 
 name : 
 
 6 And thus shall ye say to him that ‘liveth in 
 prosperity , m Peace be both to thee, and peace 
 be to thine house, and peaoe be unto all that thou 
 hast. 
 
 7 And now I have heard that thou hast 
 
 a 23:3. b Gen. 50:11. N.im. 20.29. Deut. 34:8. Acts 8:2. c 7.17. IKings2: 
 34. 2 Chr. 33:2 i. Is. 14:18. d Gen. 14:6. 21:21. Nura. 12:16. Ps. 120:5. e 23: 
 24. • Or, business was. f Gen. 26:13. 2Som. 19:32. Fs. 17:14. 73:3— 7. 
 
 Luke 16:19—25. % Gen. 13:2. Job 1:3. 42:12. h Gen. 38:13. 2 Sam. 13:23,21. 
 130:5. Josh. 15:55. ) Prov. 14:1. 31:26,30,31. k 10,11,17. Ps. 10:3. Is. 32:5— 
 7. f Heb. ask him in mu name of peace. 17:22. Gen. 43:23. I 1 Thes. 3:8. 
 1 Tim. 5:6. m 2 Sam. 18:28. marg. I Chr. 12:18. Matt. 1U: 12,13. Luke 10:5. 
 John 14:27. 2 Thes. 3:16. n 15,16,21.22:2. Is. 11:6— 9. Luke3:14. Phil. 2:15. 
 
 most determined enemies : and at length the Lord will plead 
 and avenge their cause. (Notes, Ps. 37:5 — 8. Is. 54:15 — 17. 
 Mic. 7:8 — 10.) — Flattering and slanderous favourites are the 
 bane of princes : by hearing their words, they advance their 
 enemies, and persecute their friends ; because the clamour of 
 their passions silences the whisper of their consciences. — But 
 the most atrocious sinners have seasons of remorse, when 
 they perceive and are affected with their situation : they are 
 almost persuaded to renounce their sins ; they are convinced 
 of the excellency of true Christians, as acting from principles 
 superior, and even contrary, to those which influence their 
 own conduct : they cannot withhold from them a good word, 
 and wish or prayer ; and at once forbode their felicity, and 
 their own misery. Yet, as they are not truly humbled or 
 changed, sin and the world reign in their hearts : they acknow- 
 ledge that they are not so good as some men, but will not 
 confess hew very criminal they are ; they are more careful 
 about their credit and interests in the world, than the forgive- 
 ness of their sins ; and while they confess their own injustice, 
 and their obligations lo others, they leave it to the Lord !o 
 repay them. — Those who are experimentally acquainted with 
 the grace of God, will place little dependence on these 
 appearances, especially in those, who have long sinned against 
 the light of their own consciences : for there is great reason 
 to fear that these transient affections also will subside, and 
 leave the heart still harder lhan before. — The grace of God 
 will teach us to forgive and be kind to our enemies, but not 
 to trust those who have repeatedly deceived us : for malice 
 often seems dead, when it is only dormant, and will ere long 
 revive with double force. Yet, whether the Lord employ men, 
 bind their hands, or awe and affect their hearts, so that they 
 lose for a season their inclination to hurt us ; the deliverance 
 b from him, an evidence of his love, and an earnest of our 
 final salvation. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXV. V. 1. If Samuel waseighlcen 
 years of age at the death of Eli, he must have been at least 
 thirty-eight, when he vanquished the Philistines at F.benezer. 
 (Notes, 7:1,2.) But how many years elapsed, from that 
 time, to his anointing Saul ; how long he lived afler Saul was 
 made king ; how long Saul survived him ; or how long Saul 
 reigned in all, are rnalters of conjecture or calculation, with- 
 out any certain" /into to proceed upon. (Note, Acts 1 3:2 1 . ) 
 Perhaps Saul survived Samuel three or four years. — Doubt- 
 less Samuel, to the end of hjs days, presided over the 
 seminary of prophets, and, by his prayers, instructions, and 
 example, was very useful in private ; though he did not much 
 intermeddle in public business. When he died, the people in 
 general were deeply sensible of their loss, and of their sin 
 and folly in rejecting him ; which conviction tho disastrous 
 events of Saul’s reign, and his capricious and tyrannical 
 conduct, would enhance : so that collecting themselves to- 
 ( 522 ) 
 
 shearers : now thy shepherds which were with 
 us, n we ‘hurt them not, neither was there ought 
 missing unto them, all the while they were iL 
 Carmel. 
 
 8 Ask thy young men, and they will show thee. 
 Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine 
 eyes : (for we come in °a good day :) give, I pray 
 thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy 
 servants, and to r*tiiy son David. 
 
 9 And when David’s young men came, they 
 spake to Nabal according to all those words in the 
 name of David, and ^ceased. 
 
 10 And Nabal answered David’s servants, and 
 said, ‘•Who is David? and who is the son ol 
 Jesse ? r There be many servants now a days that 
 break away every man from his master. 
 
 11 "Shall I then take my bread, and my water, 
 and my "flesh that I have killed for my shearers, 
 and ‘give if unto men “whom I know not whence 
 they be ? 
 
 12 So David’s young men turned their way, 
 and went again, and ‘came and told him all those 
 sayings. 
 
 13 And David said unto his men, ?Gird ye on 
 every man his sword. And they girded on every 
 man his sword, and ‘David also girded on his 
 sword, and there went up after David about four 
 hundred men; “and two hundred abode by the 
 stuff. 
 
 14 H But one of the young men told Abigail, 
 Nabal’s wife, saying, Behold, David sent messen- 
 gers out of the wilderness to salute our master; 
 and he ’’railed on them. 
 
 4:8. J Heb. shamed, o Neh. 8:10. Kslh. 9: IB. Luke 11 :41 . 14 : 12— 14. p Set 
 on 3:6. 24: 11. § Heb. rested, q 20:30. 22:7,8. Ex. 5:2. Judg. 9:28. 2 Sam. 
 20:1. 1 Kings 12:16. Ps. 123:3,4. r 22:2. Ec.7:lU. e 3.24:13. Deut.8:l7. 
 Judg. 8:6. Job 31: 17. Pa. 73:7,8. 1 Pet. 4:9. || Heb. slaughter. t Ec. 11:1,2. 
 Gal. 6:10. u 14,15. John 9:29,30. 2 Cor. 6:9. x 2 Sum. 24:13. Is. 36:21,22. 
 Heb. 13:17. y Josh. 9:14. Prov. 14:29. 16:32. 19:2,11 . 25:8. Jam. 1:19,20. 
 z 24:5,6. Rom. 12:19 — 21. a 30:9,10,21 — 24. U Heb .few upon them. Mark 
 15:29. 
 
 gether,they made general lamentations for him and honourably 
 buried him. — Upon this event David removed into the wilder- 
 dess of Paran, in part of which Israel wandered before they 
 entered Canaan; (Marg. Ref. d ;) perhaps concluding that 
 Saul’s malice would be now more unrestrained than ever. 
 
 V. 2. {Note, Job 1:3.) — Carmel. ] Not mount Carmel in 
 thenorihof Canaan in the lot of Asher, (Josh. 19:26. 1 Kings 
 18:19,42.) but another place of the same name belonging to 
 Judah. (Josh. 15:55.) 
 
 V. 3 — 6. (Marg. Ref.) Of the house of Caleb . (3) 
 •oSn (lege 'ZiSs.) The LXX render it av$po)iro$ kvvikos , A 
 man like a dog ; as if derived from a dog. — That liveth , 
 
 &c. (6) The words, in prosperity, are not in the original. — 
 In this friendly, and respectful, and highly benevolent saluta- 
 tion, David seems to have spoken unadvisedly, in calling a 
 sottish and luxurious wicked man, u him that liveth as if his 
 own indigence scarcely deserved the name of life. (Note, 
 1 Thes. 3:6—10, v. 8.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. David had not only restrained his rn^n from mo- 
 lesting Nabal’s flocks, but had protected them against the depre- 
 dations of their invaders. (Notes, 14 — 17. 22:1,2.) He might, 
 therefore justly have demanded a reward for his services: 
 buthe was rather desirous of becoming Nabal’s supplicant, 
 for whatever came to hand in a season of festivity ; as he was 
 in great distress, and unwilling to subsist by plunder. (Note, 
 Philem. 8 — 11.) Nothing could be more modest, respectful, 
 and friendly, than this message was. 
 
 V. 10, 11. Nabal doubtless knew that David had slain 
 Goliath, and often smitten the Philistines ; and that ho was a 
 man of eminent valour and capacity, and of unblemished 
 reputation ; that he was the son-in-law of Saul, and unjustly 
 persecuted ; and that in his present necessity lie behaved in 
 an unexceptionable manner. But to vindicate’ his sclflsh 
 refusal, he abused him and his men as runaway slaves ; and 
 thus he foolishly rendered his answer as exasperating as he 
 could ! (Judg. 12:4.) — It is observable^ that Nabal copied 
 Saul’s contemptuous way of calling David the son of Jesse, 
 though he pretended ho knew not whence ho was! (Noter, 
 20:30. 22:9,10.) 
 
 V. 13. (Note, Judg. 12:1 — 7.) David had been upon 
 his guard against anger and revenge, when most basely used 
 by Saul; (Notes, 24:1 — 15.) but he did not expect such re- 
 proachful language and insolent treatment from Nabal: ho 
 was therefore wholly put off his guard ; and in great indigna- 
 tion he determined to avenge himself. It was also far more 
 humiliating to bo insulted by such a man as Nabal, than to 
 bo persecuted by the king. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 14 — 17. This servant not only confirmed what Da- 
 vid had said, concerning his conduct and that of his met. 
 but stated that they had been very useful to them. (Note*. 
 7,8. 22:1,2.) It docs not appear, whether !*•? had eceb rJ 
 
B. C. 1059. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 B C. 1059. 
 
 15 But the men were b very good unto us, and 
 we were not "hurt, neither missed we any thing, 
 as long as we were conversant with them, when 
 we were in the fields : 
 
 16 They were c a wall unto us both by night 
 and day, all the while we were with them keeping 
 the sheep. 
 
 17 Now therefore know and consider what 
 thou wilt do; for d evil is determined against our 
 master, and against all his household : for he is 
 such e a son of Belial, f that a mail cannot speak to 
 
 him. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 18 Then Abigail emade haste, and Took two 
 hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five 
 6heep ready dressed, and five measures of parched 
 com, and an hundred t clusters of raisins, and 
 two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on 
 asses. 
 
 19 And she said unto her servants. Go on 
 before me; behold, I come after you. 'But she 
 told not her husband Nabal : 
 
 20 And it was so, as she k rode on the ass, that 
 she came down by the covert of the hill, and, 
 behold, David and his men came down against 
 her : and she met them. 
 
 21 Now David had said, 'Surely in vain have I 
 kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness, 
 so that nothing was missed of all that pertained 
 unto him: and m he hath requited me evil for 
 good. 
 
 22 "So and more also do God unto the enemies 
 of David, °if I leave of all that pertain to him, 
 by the morning-light, Pany that pisseth against 
 the wall. 
 
 23 And when Abigail saw David, she hasted, 
 and slighted off the ass, and r fell before David on 
 her face, and bowed herself to' the ground, 
 
 24 And "fell at his feet, and said, ‘Upon me, my 
 
 b 7,21. Phil. 2:15. • Heb. shamed, c Ex. 14:22. Job 1:10. Zech.2;5. d 20: 
 7,9,33. 2 Chr. 25.16. E«lh.7:7. e23.2:12. Teut. 13:13. Judg. 19:22. 1 King. 
 21:10,13. 2 Chr. 13:7. 120:32,33. 2 Ki.igi 5:13,14. g 34. Num. 16:16— 48. 
 
 Pro* 6:4,5. Matt. 5:25. h Gen. 32:13-20. 43:1 1—14 . 2 Sam. 17:28,29. Prov. 
 18:16.21:14. t Heb. lumps. 2Sam. 16:1. i Pro*. 31:11.12,27. k2Kings 
 4:24. 1 See on 13. Job 30:8. Ps. 37:8. Eph. 4:26, '27,31 . 1 Thes.5;15. 1 Pet. 2; 
 21—23.3:9. m Gen. 44:4. Ps. 35:12. 38:20. 109:3— 5. Pro*. 17:13. Jer. 18:20. 
 Rom. 12:21. 1 Pel. 2:20. 3:17. n 3: 17. 14:44. 20:13,16. Ruthl:17. o 34. 
 
 p 1 Kings 14:10. 16:11.21:21. 2 Kings 9:8. ,| Josh. 15:18. Judg. 1 14. r 20:41. 
 24:8. s 2 Kings 4:37. Esth.S:3. Matt. 18:29. t 28. Gen. 44:33,34 . 2 Sam. 
 14:9. Philem. 18,19. u Gen. 44:18. 2 Sum. 14:12. } Heb. ears. §Heb./ayit 
 to his heart. 2 Sam. 13: 33. Is. 42:25. Mai. 2:2. x See on 17,26. 11 That is, 
 
 any intelligence of David’s determination, or had only formed 
 a shrewd conjecture from circumstances. But, anxious for 
 his own safety, as well as for that of the family, and not daring 
 to mention his apprehensions to Nabal, who would probably 
 have grossly abused him for his impertinence ; he applied to 
 Abigail, complaining of his master, as “ such a son of Belial, 
 that a man could not speak unto him words not proper to 
 be used by a servant concerning his master, if the urgency 
 of the case had not required them. ( Notes , Eph. 6:5 — 9. 
 1 Tim. 6:1—5. Tit. 2:9,10. 1 Pet. 2:18—25.) 
 
 Y. 18, 19. Abigail was about to dispose largely of Nabal’s 
 property without his consent; but this was necessary for the 
 preservation of him and his family. She was fully satisfied 
 that his obstinacy would ruin them all, if he were made 
 acquainted with her design: the peculiarity of her situation 
 therefore fully justified her conduct. ( Notes , Prov. 31:10 — 12.) 
 
 V. 21, 22. David, in his sober judgment, knew better 
 than to repent of his good deeds ; or to think them done in 
 vain, because requited with ingratitude : his determination to 
 destroy or carry off every male at least of Nabal’s family, for 
 his fault, was unjust and crt>el in the extreme : and his con- 
 firming this with a kind of oath, (though he turned off the im- 
 precation from himself unto his enemies,) was rash, and 
 savoured of profaneness. — If he had been permitted to exe- 
 cute his purpose of revenge, it would have occasioned him 
 much bitter reflection, greatly tarnished his character, and 
 given his enemies an immense advantage against him. ( Note , 
 32,33.) — It is probable, that his officers and men generally 
 approved of his designs against Nabal, as expressive of a 
 proper spirit on the occasion, and necessary to deter others 
 from insulting them. 
 
 Any that pisseth , &c. (22) This seems to have been a 
 proverbial expression in common use among the Israelites ; 
 and it may, with the utmost propriety, be read, “ every 
 male.” ( Marg . Ref. p.) 
 
 V. 23 — 31. The conduct and address of Abigail, on this 
 emergency, are worthy of high admiration. Nabal had 
 insulted David as a runaway slave : (Note, 10,11.) but in 
 order to pacify him, Abigail showed him the reverence due 
 to a superior, and to her sovereign in the purpose of God. 
 Though he was evidently in a very angry spirit, wholly unbe- 
 coming hi* character, she took no notice of it ; but only en- 
 
 lord, upon me let this iniquity be : and “let thine 
 handmaid, I pray thee, speak in thine "audience, 
 and hear the words of thine handmaid. 
 
 25 Let not my lord, I pray thee, ^regard this 
 "man of Belial, even Nabal : for as his name is, si 
 is he; "Nabal is his name, and folly is with him- 
 but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of 
 my lord, whom thou didst send. 
 
 26 Now therefore, my lord, ras the Lord liveth, 
 ‘and as thy soul liveth, seeing “the Lord hath 
 withholden thee from coming to shed blood, and 
 b from "avenging thyself with thine own hand, now 
 ‘let thine enemies, and they that seek evil to my 
 lord, be as Nabal. 
 
 27 And now this "blessing which thine hand- 
 maid hath brought unto my lord, let it even 
 be given unto the young men that ♦‘follow my 
 lord. 
 
 28 I pray thee d forgive the trespass of thine 
 handmaid: for “the Lord will certainly make my 
 lord a sure house; because my lord ffighteth the 
 battles of the Lord, and ®evil hath not been found 
 in thee all thy days. 
 
 29 Yet a man is risen to pursue thee, and to 
 seek thy soul : but the soul of my lord shall be 
 h bound in the bundle of life ‘with the Lord thy 
 God, and the souls of thine enemies, them shall 
 he Jsling out, Has out of the middle of a sling. 
 
 30 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord 
 shall have done to my lord '‘according to all the 
 good that he hath spoken concerning thee, and 
 shall have appointed thee ruler over Israel ; 
 
 31 That this shall be no %-rief unto thee, nor 
 offence of heart unto my lord, either that thou 
 hast shed blood causeless, or that my lord hath 
 'avenged- himself : but when the Lord shall have 
 dealt well with my lord, then m rernernber thine 
 handmaid. 
 
 fool, y 34. 20:3. 2 Kings 2:2, 4, 6. zSeeonl:26. a 33. Gen. 20:6. b Rom. 
 12:19,20. U Heb. saving thyself. Ps. 13.47,48. 44 3. c 2 Sam. 18:32. Jer. 29: 
 22. Dan. 4:19. •• Or , present. 30:26. Gen. 33:11. 2 Kings 5:15. 2 Cor. 9:5. 
 
 ft Heb. walk at the feet of. 42. marg. Judg. 4:10. 2 Sam. 16:2. d 24. e 15: 
 28. 2 Sam. 7:11,16,27. 1 Kings 9:5. 1 Chr. 17:10.25. 1' 17:47. 18:17. 2 Sam. 5: 
 2. 2 Chr. 20:15. Eph.6:lu;il. g 24:6,7,11,17. Matt. 5:16. Luke 23:41 .47. 
 
 h 2:9. Gen. 15:1. Deut. 33:29 Ps. 66:9. 1 16:15. Mali. 10:29,30. i John 10:27— 
 30. 14:19. 17:21,23. Col. 3:3,4. 1 Pet. 1:5. j Jer. 10:18: +♦ Heb. in the midst 
 
 of the bow of a sling, k 13:14. 15:28. 23:17. Ps. 89:20, &c. §§ Heb.rfaegor- 
 
 ingy or, stumbling. Prov. 5:12,13. Rom. 14:21. 2Cor. 1:12. 133.24:15.26:23. 
 
 2Sam. 22:48. Ps. 94:1. Rom. 12:19. m 40. Gen. 40:14. Luke 23:42. 
 
 treated him to allow her, as if she had been the criminal, to 
 plead her cause, and that he would give her a candid hearing. 
 She could not excuse her husband’s conduct, and the case did 
 not allow her to veil his infirmities : hut she attempted to 
 turn his well known character for rashness and insolence 
 into an argument with David, why he should lay aside his 
 resentment. She intimated that Nabal, (whose very name 
 signified folly,) intended no peculiar affront to him ; but only 
 spoke according to his usual way of treating those who applied 
 to him: and it was beneath a person of David’s reputation 
 and eminence, to notice the rudeness of such a man : but had 
 she been present, the young men would have met with better 
 treatment. With consummate address, she expressed a full 
 confidence, that the Lord had sent her to keep his servant 
 David “ from avenging himself with his own hand and she 
 solemnly desired, that “ as sure as the Lord lived, and as 
 David’s soul lived,” (iVofe, 20:3.) all that sought evil to him 
 might be as weak and infatuated in their counsels as Nabal : 
 and then he would have nothing to fear from them, for they 
 would effectually ruin themselves. The liberal present, 
 which she called a blessing, being an expression of her gooJ 
 will, (Marg. Ref. on marg. reading,) she represented as un. 
 worthy of his notice, but beggpd that it might be given'to his 
 followers. She professed her firm belief that he and his 
 family would he established in the kingdom : she made ho- 
 nourable mention of his great services to Israel, and of his 
 unblameable conduct ; and adverted to the injustice of Saul’s 
 persecution, whom in honour of his authority she did not 
 mention by name. She declared her assurance of David’s 
 preservation by a remarkable expression, “ that his soul would 
 be bound up in the bundle of life with the Lord his God,” as 
 men bind up those things which they are afraid of losing. 
 (Notes, Acts 23:11. 27:20—26.) He was irreversibly appointed 
 to the kingdom, and in consequence was numbered with 
 those who are upheld in life and protected against all possible 
 dangers, by the almighty power of the everlasting God : while 
 his enemies would be driven into destruction, as a stone is 
 violently thrown from a sling. In pleading for ft rgiveness, 
 she intimated that it would be far more honourable to his 
 character, and comfortable to his mind, when the promise* 
 of God should be performed, to reflect that he nad conquered 
 his anger, than that he had avenged himself ana shed blood 
 ( 523 ) 
 
B. C. 1 )59. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1059. 
 
 32 And David said to Abigail, "Blessed be the 
 Lord God of Israel, which sent thee this day to 
 meet me : 
 
 33 And "blessed be thy advice, and blessed be 
 thou, Pwhich hast kept me this day from coming 
 to shed blood, and from ‘'avenging myself with 
 mine own hand. 
 
 34 For in very deed, as the Lord God of Israel 
 liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting 
 thee, except thou hadst "hasted and come to meet 
 me, surely s there had not been left unto Nabal, 
 by the morning light, any that pisseth against the 
 wall. 
 
 35 So David received of her hand chat which 
 she had brought him, and said unto her, l Go up 
 in peace to thine house ; see, I have hearkened to 
 thy voice, and have "accepted thy person. 
 
 36 H And Abigail came to Nabal; and, behold, 
 he held *a (east in his house like the feast of a 
 king; and Nabal’s heart was rmerry within him, 
 for he was very drunken : wherefore 7 she told him 
 nothing, less or more, until the morning-light. 
 
 37 But it came to pass in the morning, when 
 the wine was gone out of Nabal, and his wife “had 
 told him these things, that b his heart died within 
 him, and he became as a stone. 
 
 nGen. 24:27. Ex. 18:10. Ezra 7:27. Ps. 41:12,13. Lukcl:68. 2Cor.8:16. 
 c Pa. 141:5. Prov. 9:9. 17:10 . 25:12. 27:21. 28:23. p 26. q See on 26,31. 24: 
 13.26:9,10. r 18. 11:11. .loan. 10:6,9. s See on p. 22. 1 20:42 . 2 Sam. 15:9. 
 
 2 Kinqs 5:19. Luke 7:50. 8:48. u Gen. 19:21. Job 34:19. i2Sam, 13:23. Esth. 
 1:3-7. Luke 14:12. y2S»m. 13:28. I Kin»s 20: 16. Prov. 20:1 . 23:29— 35. Be. 
 2:2,3. Is. 28:3,7,8. Jer. 51:57. linn. 5:1— 5. Nah.lUO. Hab. 2:15,16. Luke 21: 
 SI. Rom. 13:13. Eph. 5:18. 1 Tlies. 5:7,8. 7.19. Pa. 112:5. Mali. 10:16. Eph. 
 5:15. a 22,34. b l eut. 28:28. Job 15:21,22. c 33, 6:9. Ex. 12:29. 2 King. 19: 
 
 without cause : ( Note , Prov. 16:32.) and she concluded with 
 begging of him to think of her, and what she had said, when 
 these things were come to pass. (Notes, Luke 23:39 — 43.) — 
 Nothing seems to have been omitted in this address which 
 suited the occasion ; nothing unsuitable added ; all was ex- 
 pressed in the most persuasive manner ; and the whole mani- 
 fests Abigail to have been a woman of strong faith and great 
 piety, as well as of singular prudence and ingenuity. 
 
 V. 32, 33. Abigail’s speech brought David to view the 
 whole transaction, and his own spirit and purposes in the true 
 light; and to bless God for sending her, to pray for her and 
 to thank her for coming so speedily with advice so seasonable 
 and suitable, by which very much mischief and guilt had been 
 prevented. (Note, Prov. 25:11,12.) David repented of his 
 rash oath, and did not think himself bound by it to destroy 
 Nabal and his family. (Notes, 21,22. Matt. 14:8 — 11.) 
 
 V. 34. Though David only intended the death of the men: 
 yet if Abigail and the other women had escaped the massacre, 
 they must have been most deeply injured ; therefore “the 
 Lord had kept him back from hurting her,” as well as Nabal 
 and his men servants, or other assistants. 
 
 V. 35. Marg. Ref. Note, Gen. 33:10. 
 
 V. 36 — 38. (Marg. Ref. y.) When Nabal heard of the 
 imminent danger, to which his own folly had exposed him, at 
 the very time when he was stupified with drunkenness and 
 Burrounded with those whom he had tempted to the same 
 excess, his terror and vexation were so great that they sunk 
 his spirits; and in ten days, by the just judgment of God, he 
 ended his life either by the effect of his intoxication and sub- 
 sequent horror and anguish of mind, or by some more imme- 
 diate stroke of the power and indignation of God ; and he left 
 his wealth to others. (Notes, 2 Sam. 13:22 — 29. Dan. 5:5 — 
 9. Luke 12:15 — 21. 21:34 — 36.) — It seems his provisions were 
 bo large, his attendants so numerous, and his mind so dissi- 
 pated or swallowed up in sensual gratification, that he did not 
 miss either Abigail, or her liberal present to David, or the 
 servants who went with her. 
 
 V. 39 — 42. David blessed God that he had been kept from 
 avenging himself : and he considered the death of Naha), as a 
 uroof of the Lord’s special regard to him, in pleading his cause 
 against his enemies ; as an earnest of further favours ; and as 
 far more suited to awe others from injuring him than any ven- 
 geance which he could himself have inflicted. (Notes, 26:8 — 
 12. Rom. 12:17 — 21.) — The prudence, ingenuity, and piety of 
 Abigail, as well as her beauty, made a deep impression on 
 David; and therefore, according to the custom of those times, 
 he sent messengers with proposals of marriage to her. On the 
 other hand, Abigail firmly believed that David would be king 
 o/er Israel, and highly esteemed his pious and excellent cha- 
 racter: she therefore deemed his proposals very honourable 
 and advantageous, notwithstanding his present, difficulties ; 
 and with great humility acceded to them ; being willing to 
 share his trials, and to submit to any services lor his sake. 
 (Note, Gen. 24:58.) 
 
 V. 43, 44. It is probable that David had married Ahinoam, 
 as soon as Michal was married to Phalti, and that he after- 
 wards married Abigail also. (Note, 2 Sam. 3:13 — 16.) In 
 this he was carried away with the custom of the times, and 
 was connived at in having more than one wife*. 
 
 ( 524 ) 
 
 38 And it came to pass about te^ days after. 
 that "the Lord smote Nabal, that ho am a. 
 
 39 And when David heard that Nabal was 
 dead, he said, u Blessed be the Lord, that hath 
 'pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand 
 of Nabal, and hath 'kept his servant from evil : 
 for the Lord ehath returned the wickedness ol 
 Nabal upon his own head. And David sent and 
 communed with Abigail, h to take her to him to wife. 
 
 40 And when the servants of David were come 
 to Abigail, to Carmel, they spake unto her, saying, 
 ‘David sent us unto thee, to take thee to him to 
 wife. 
 
 41 And she arose, and bowed herself on her 
 face to the earth, and said, Behold, let k thine 
 handmaid be a servant 'to wash the feet of the 
 servants of my lord. 
 
 42 And ""Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode 
 upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went 
 ‘after her ; and she went after the messengers of 
 David, and became his wife. 
 
 43 David also took Ahinoam of "Jezreel; and 
 they- were also "both of them phis wives. 
 
 44 But Saul had given sMichal his daughter, 
 David’s wife, to "Phalti the son of Laish, which 
 was of 'Gallim. 
 
 35. 2 Chr. 10:15. Acts 12:23. d 32. Judg. 5:2. 2 Sam. 22:47— 49. Ps. 58:10, 1L 
 Rev. 19:1— 4. e Prov. 22:23. Lam. 3 58— 60. Mic.7:9. 126,34. Hos. 2:6,7 
 
 2 Cor. 13:7, 1 Tlies. 5:23. 2 Tim. 4:18. g 2Sam. 3:28,29. 1 Kintrs 2:44. Esth. 
 7:10. Ps. 716. Ii Prov. 18:22. 19:14 . 31:10,30. i Gen. 24:37,38,51. k Ruth 2.' 
 10,13. Prov. 15:33. 18:12. 1 Gen. 18:4. John 13:3— 5. lTim.5:10. m Gen. 24. 
 61 — 67. Ps. 45:10,11. * Heb .at her feet, n Josh. 15:56. 2 Sam. 3:2. o Gen. 
 2:24. Matt. 19:5,8. p 27:3. 30:5. 2 Sam.5:13— 16. q 18:20,27. r2Sam.3:14, 
 15. Phaltiel. e Is. 10.30. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. The most honoured servants of God have the 
 measure and period of their usefulness appointed them : but 
 those who persevere unto the end, walking with God, and 
 living consistently with their profession, are happy, though 
 rejected by men, and driven into retired and obscure situations. 
 Their unblemished characters, their good examples, and their 
 testimony to the truth, will produce salutary effects; and their 
 unceasing prayers will be answered in behalf of numbers 
 after they are removed by death. Indeed whole nations have 
 cause to lament, when faithful instructors, holy men of God, 
 and public intercessors, are taken away. But Jesus, our Pro- 
 phet, Priest, Intercessor, and Judge, ever lives to take care of 
 those who trust in him. — Riches make men look great in their 
 own eyes, and in the eyes of other worldly people : but they are 
 often lavished on those, who have neither wisdom nor grace ; 
 and who so pervert them, as to ruin themselves, and to render 
 very many wicked or wretched. To be descended from honour- 
 able ancestors forms another branch of man’s foolish vanity (3;) 
 yet it frequently is a most severe reproach to the character 
 and conduct of those who value themselves upon it. — Women 
 of virtue, good sense, and amiable qualifications, are often 
 married, for the sake of wealth, to persons so entirely unsuit- 
 able for them, that it renders their whole lives wretched and 
 exposed to manifold temptations. It is therefore incumbent 
 on parents, in respect of their children, and on young persons 
 in their own case, to resist all temptations to a conduct, which 
 is likely to be so fatal in its consequences. But prudent and 
 pious relations are an invaluable treasure, and often retard 
 the ruin of those, who have not sense to know their worth: — 
 and especially, u a prudent wife is from the Lord.” (Note, 
 Prov. 19:14.) Those, whom the Lord most honours, are 
 frequently very destitute for a season ; and, as they will not 
 hove recourse to fraud or violence, like others in similar cir- 
 cumstances, they are sometimes constrained to become sup- 
 plicants to ungodly persons. On such occasions it is proper 
 to speak with modesty of themselves, and with decent respect 
 and hearty good will to those whose assistance they request, 
 wishing them the continuance, increase, or accession of every 
 blessing: hut they should be careful, lest they verge towards 
 flattery, and pass such compliments as do not consist with 
 truth, and as tend to confirm sinners in a favourable opinion 
 of themselves. — Worldly men deem riches their own ; hut God 
 declares they are another's, and that, they must shortly give an 
 account of their stewardship. (lAike 16:12.) When they are 
 determined not to relieve the necessitous, they often excuse 
 themselves by railing ; by charging the vices of some poor 
 persons upon all ; and by representing alms-giving as an en- 
 couragement to idleness, impertinence, and extravagance : nor 
 are the most excellent characters any defence against such 
 undistinguishing invectives, which betray the pride, ignorance, 
 malice, and avarice of the heart, from which they proceed. 
 — In imitation of the Lord’s example, we are commanded to 
 do good to the evil and ungrateful; and wretched should w« 
 all be, if he dealt with us by those rules, which we are often 
 disposed to adopt in our behaviour to our poor brethren. — 
 While we enjoy abundance, we should be liberal to tilt indi- 
 gent : but many will lavish ns much upon one utmrressary, 
 proud , and luxurious feast, or upon the excessive indulgette 
 
B. C. 1059. CHAPTER XXVI. B. C. 1059 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Saul, informed by the Ziphites, pursues David to Hachilah, 1 — 1. David by 
 night comes to Saul's tent, toith Ah i that , whom he hinders from slaying Saul; 
 but he lakes away his spear and cruse , 5 — 12. David at a distance reproves 
 Abner's negligence, protests his own innnctmcy, and expoetulatcswith Saul, 
 13 — 20. Saul owns his sin, and returns home, ‘21 — 25. 
 
 A ND the "Ziphites came unto Saul to Gibeah, 
 saying, ’’Doth not David hide himself in the 
 hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon ? 
 
 2 Then 'Saul arose, and went down to the 
 wilderness of Zipli, having d three thousand chosen 
 men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wil- 
 derness of Ziph. 
 
 3 And Saul pitched in the hill of 'Hachilah, 
 which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But 
 David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that 
 Saul came after him into the wilderness. 
 
 4 David therefore f sent out spies, and under- 
 stood that Saul was come in very deed. 
 
 5 And David arose, and came to the place 
 where Saul had pitched: and David beheld the 
 place where Saul lay, and sAbner the Son of Ner, 
 the captain of his host: and Saul lay in the 
 ’trench, and the people pitched round about him. 
 
 6 Then answered David and said to Ahimelech 
 the h Hittite, and to 'Abishai the son of k Zeruiah, 
 brother to Joab, saying, ’Who will go down with 
 
 a Josh. 15:21,55. b 3. 23:19. Ps. 51: title. C2333-25. 24:17. Pa. 38:12. 140: 
 4—9. d 24:2. el. 23:19. fJoah.S:!. Malt. 10:16. s 8:1. 14:30,51. 17:55. 
 2 Sam. 2:8, &c. 3:7,8,27,33—38. 1 Chr. 9:39. * Or, midst of his carriages. 
 
 h Gen. 10 15. 15:20. 2 Sam. 11:6,21,24. 12:9. 23:39. i2Sam.2:18. 16:9,10. 
 
 18:5. 23:18. 1 Chr. 2:16. k 1 Chr. 2:15, 16. 1 14:6,7. Judg. 7:10,11. m 1 Thes. 
 
 of their own appe'iles or vanity, as would be deemed an ex- 
 orbitant sum to expend in acts of charity. (Note, Luke 14: 
 12 — 14.) — Silence is generally our wisdom, when assaulted 
 by provoking language ; otherwise we shall be betrayed into 
 folly and sin: and when the messengers of the Son of David 
 meet with abuse and railing for his sake, they must hold their 
 peace, and report it to their Lord, who will surely and justly 
 resent it. — How changeable are the best of men ! how contrary 
 their conduct in one instance, to what might have been ex- 
 pected from another! A small temptation frequently p-evails 
 over them, after a greater has been resisted : for, when off 
 their guard, they are driven away “as a rolling thing before 
 the whirlwind !” — Passionate resolutions, formed without time 
 for reflection or praver, are the result of Satan’s counsel ; and 
 under this influence we are capable of imitating the worst 
 actions of the worst of men, and of di regarding all conse- 
 quences to our own character and peace, to the church of 
 God, or to those who, rejoice in being thus emboldened in im- 
 piety ! — Many servants have more wisdom and grace than 
 their masters, and could suggest to them useful hints : but 
 those who are such sons of Belial, that a man cannot speak to 
 them, will lose this advantag“, and will not permit any one to 
 extricate them from the dangers, to which they are exposed 
 by their own imprudence. (Note, 2 Kings 5:13,14.) — General 
 rules of submission to superior relations must be interpreted 
 according to circumstances. In great emergencies the form 
 may be dispensed with ; and the preservation of a man’s life 
 or fortune will justify a failure in exterior indications of respect. 
 — It is honourable when others commend us for those services, 
 of which we say nothing: and when it appears, that we had a 
 right to demand more than we ’petitioned for. 
 
 V. 18 — 44. In urgent cases, despatch is as requisite as 
 prudence: inferior interests should always be sacrificed to 
 preserve the greater; our property to preserve our lives; 
 our very lives for the salvation of our souls. — Respect and 
 liberal kindness are proper means of averting wrath : hut, with 
 wise and godly men, right words are most forcible. When, in 
 mild language, matters are fairly stated, and proper topics 
 adduced, their judgments, affections, and consciences are ap- 
 pealed to ; and they cannot but be overcome, if they can be 
 prevailed upon to listen. — It is beneath a wise man to resent 
 the affronts of those, who are notoriously foolish and abusive. 
 — Every servant ofGod should duly estimate his own situation; 
 what his obligations, professions, and prospects are : what his 
 station in the church: what his former conduct and present 
 character ; that he may with great circumspection avoid every 
 inconsistent word and action ; for according to these things, 
 wi7. be men’s expectations from him and censures of him. 
 ( Ne tea, Ec. 10:1 . Matt. 5:14 — — 1 (>. ) — Patience and forgiveness 
 of injuries will never occasion uneasy reflections ; but revenge 
 must in every case be recollected with grief of heart : and if 
 ve could but listen to our prudent and faithful counsellors at 
 present, with the same candour that we shall reflect upon 
 their advice in future, we might avoid much sorrow and many 
 offences: we should indeed always earnestly endeavour to 
 realize, under temptation, all the consequences of compliance, 
 as they will afterwards appear to us. — Happy is the true be- 
 liever! “ his soul is bound up in the bundle of life with the 
 Lord his God.” In the midst of dangers and enemies, his 
 natural life is perfectly safe till the appointed hour: the life of 
 his soul “ is hid with Christ in God ;” ( Note, Col. 3:1 — 4.) and 
 because the Saviour liveth, he shall live also : whilst all his 
 <oes shall be driven to destruction. — Our gratitude to God 
 
 me to Saul to the camp? And Abishai said, I will 
 go down with thee. 
 
 7 So David and Abishai came to the people 
 by night: and, behold, Saul lay m sleeping within 
 the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at 
 his holster: but Abner and the people lay round 
 about him. 
 
 8 Then said Abishai to David, "God hath 
 ♦delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day : 
 now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with 
 the spear, even to the earth at once, and I will 
 not smite him °the second time. 
 
 9 And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not : 
 for i’who can stretch forth his hand against the 
 Lord’s anointed, and be guiltless ? 
 
 10 David said furthermore, As ithe Lord liveth, 
 the Lord shall smite him ; or r lns day shall come 
 to die ; or s he shall descend into battle, and perish. 
 
 11 The Lord forbid ‘that I should stretch forth 
 mine hand against the Lord’s anojnted : hut, I 
 
 ray thee, take thou now the spear that is at his 
 olster, and the cruse of water, and let us go. 
 
 12 So David took "the spear and the cruse of 
 water from Saul’s holster; and they gat them 
 away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither 
 
 5:2,3. n 23 23:14. 24:4,18,19. Josh. 21:44. Judg. 1:4. t Hell, shot vp. 24:18. 
 Dent. 32:30. Ps. 31:8. Rom. 11:32. marg. Gal. 3:22,23. Gr. o Nab. 1:9. p 24t 
 6,7. -2 Sam. 1:14,16. Ps. 105:15. q 24:15. 25:26,38. I s. 94:1,2,23. Luke 18:7. 
 Rom. 12:19. Rev. 18:8. r Gen. 47:29. Deut. 31:14. Job 7:1. 14:5,14. Ps. 37:10, 
 13. s 31:6. Dcut. 32:35. t 24:6,12. 2 Sam. 1:14,16. u 7. 24:4. 
 
 should precede, but not exclude, our gratitude to the instru 
 ments of his goodness. We have peculiar cause to be thank- 
 ful, when we have been restrained from ihose sins which we 
 were ready to commit : and real penitents will not be back- 
 ward to take shame to themselves, and to retract their rash 
 expressions; for they will tremble to reflect, what the conse- 
 quences would have been, had they been left to themselves. 
 — The people of God need not avenge their own cause, for 
 he will surely do it for them; and sometimes more awfully 
 than they could have desired : yet wl\en his purpose is known, 
 they will adore his justice, and bless him for his kindness to 
 them. — Whilst divine vengeance hovers over the head of 
 sinners, they are often given up to foolish mirth and mad in- 
 toxication. — If the danger of a violent death be so terrifying 
 as to overwhelm the spirits in dismay and anguish, how should 
 sinners tremble at the thoughts of eternal damnation, and flee 
 without, delay from the wrath to come! — Worldly sorrow, 
 mortified pride, and an affrighted conscience, sometimes suffice 
 to end the sensualist’s joys, and separate the covetous man 
 from all his wealth : but whatever be the weapon, the Lord 
 smites men with death whenever it pleases him. — Modesty, 
 prudence, and humility, are preparations to advancement : and 
 a wise man will always know the value of a pious and virtuous 
 wife.' (Notes, Pmv. 18:22. 19:14.) But some deviations 
 from the divine law, and some alloy to our comforts, must 
 be expected in every character, and every situation, on this 
 side of heaven. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXVI. V. 1, 2. It is probable, that 
 Saul had desisted from the pursuit of David, till excited again 
 by the officious information of the Ziphites, who perhaps 
 despaired of David’s pardon for their former malice and per- 
 fidy. (Notes, 23:19 — 28.) Upon this, Saul’s envy and 
 malice revived; like Pharaoh, he again, hardened his heart • 
 and he determined to make another effort to destroy his rival. 
 (Note, Ex. 14:5 — 9.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. David neither fled, nor went out to meet Saul, 
 when he was fully certified that he was actually come forth to 
 destroy him! Had a much greater army of uncircumcised 
 Philistines marched against him, he would doubtless have 
 faced them with his small company, and trusted in God for the 
 event : but he would not fight against the “Lord’s anointed.” 
 ( Notes, 24:8 — 15. 28:1,2.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. It is probable, that David was directed to this 
 measure by the prophetical Spirit, in order that all Israel 
 might be convinced how injuriously he was slandered by his 
 enemies. Having, therefore, in the day-time made every 
 requisite observation, he proposed the matter to two of his 
 attendants : but Ahimelech, who was a proselyted Hittite. 
 seems not to have had that strength of faith in the God of 
 Israel, which so bold an adventure required ; and Abishai, the 
 son of David’s sister, alone accompanied David. (Marg. Ref. 
 i. Note, 14:6 — 10.) 
 
 V. 8 — 12. Perhaps Abishai thought, that David, though 
 he scrupled to kill Saul with his own hands, w’ould allow one 
 of his officers to terminate the dangers and difficulties of him 
 and his adherents, by cutting off at one blow their inveterate 
 persecutor, whom Providence had now put in tb )ir pov er, 
 apparently for this very purpose : but D^vid v/ould by no 
 means admit of this evasive distinction. — It has been suggest- 
 ed, that David spared Saul, the Lord’s anointed, out of policy, 
 that he might not teach the people 'a bad lesson against himself ; 
 but it is evident, that he acted from higher motives. The Lord 
 forbade him to do it ; (Note, 1 Kings 21:3.) and “ no man could 
 ( 525 ) 
 
B. C. 1 159. 
 
 I. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1059 
 
 aw’ked : for they were all asleep ; because T a deep 
 sleep from the Lord was fallen upon them. 
 
 13 H Then David went over to the other side, 
 and stood on *the top of an hill afar off; a great 
 space being between them : 
 
 14 And David cried to the people, and to 
 Abner the son of Ner. saying, Ansr/erest thou 
 not, Abner? Then Abner answered and said, 
 Who art thou that criest to the king? 
 
 15 And David said to Abner, Art not thou a 
 valiant man ? and who is like to thee in Israel ? 
 wherefore then hast thou not kept thy lord the 
 king? for -There came one of the people in to des- 
 troy the king thy lord. 
 
 16 This thing is not good that thou hast done. 
 As the Lord liveth ye are 'worthy to die, because 
 ye have not kept your master, the 'Lord’s anointed. 
 And now see where the king’s spear is, and the 
 cruse of water that was at his bolster. 
 
 17 And Saul knew David’s voice, and said, 
 a /s this thy voice, my son David ? And David 
 said, It is my voice, my lord, O king. 
 
 18 And he said, b Wherefore doth my lord thus 
 pursue after his servant? for c what have I done? 
 or what evil is in mine hand ? 
 
 19 Now therefore, I pray thee, d let my lord the 
 king hear the words of his servant: If the Lord 
 have 'stirred thee up against me, let him 'accept 
 an offering : but if they be the children of men, 
 
 t Gen. 2:21 . 15:12. E»lh. 6:1. Is. 2D 10. x21:S. .Imlg. 9:7. y 8. • Heb. the eons 
 of death.HS 31. 2 Sam. 12:3. 19:28. Ps. 79:11. 102:21). margins. Eph.2:3. 7 9,11. 
 24:6. a 24.8.16. 1:24:9. 1L— 14. Ps. 7:3— 5. 35:7. 69:4. c 17:29. John 8:46. 10:32. 
 18:23. d 25:24. Gen. -11 13. c 13:14—23. 13.10. 2 Sam. 16:11. 24:1. I Kings 22: 
 22. 1 Chr. 21:1. t Heb. smell. Gen. 8:21 . Lev. 25:31. fProv. 6:16— 19. 30:10. 
 Gal. 1:8,9. 5:12. 2Tiin.4;I4. g lleut. 4:23. Josh. 22:25— 27. l's. 42:1,2. 120:5. 
 
 stretch forth his hand against the Lord’s anointed, and be 
 guiltless.” (Note, 24:4 — 7.) Satisfied that God would avenge 
 his cause and fulfil his promises, in his own time and manner ; 
 and recolleciing how h3 had just before smitten Nabal; 
 (Notes, 25:35—42.) he would do nothing against his prince: 
 hut he took an effectual way of convincing him, that he could 
 have slain him. — A deep sleep. (12) (Marg. Ref . v. Notes, 
 Ps. 76:5,6. Acts 12:5—11.) 
 
 V. 13 — 16. David, by retiring to a place of safety before 
 he called to Abner, seems to have manifested more entire 
 distrust of Saul, than he had done on a former occasion. 
 (Note, 24:8 — 15.) Yet he desired that Saul and all Israel 
 should be informed of his conduct at this time. — Abner and 
 his soldiers, by neglecting to guard Saul when he slept, had 
 exposed his life, and merited to be treated as his enemies, 
 though he confided in them as friends : for though their sound 
 sleep was supernatural ; (12) yet there might be a neglect of 
 placing sentinels, arising from contempt of David’s small 
 company. — Saul also deemed David his enemy; and yet 
 David had spared and protected his life in the most friendly 
 manner ! 
 
 V. 17 — 19. (Marg. Ref.) David had not offended Saul; 
 yet he acknowledged that he was a sinner against the Lord : 
 and if convinced that his sufferings were a divine rebuke for 
 any particular offence, he would offer a sacrifice, that his sin 
 being pardoned, his trials might cease : or, if Saul was insti- 
 gated to this persecution by the evil spirit, whom God judicially 
 permitted to trouble him, he intimated to him that he ought 
 to c eek forgiveness and deliverance in the appointed way. 
 (Notes, 16:14 — 23.) But if wicked men instigated him to it, 
 they might, expect severe vengeance, for thus banishing David 
 from the worship of Jehovah, and tempting him to turn 
 idolater. The clause might he rendered, u they are accursed.” 
 —David carefully avoided mentioning Saul’s envy and malice, 
 \>hich were the real causes of his conduct: for he did not 
 mean to irritate, but to mollify him. 
 
 V. 20. Though David was so very inconsiderable a person, 
 according to his modest representation of himself; (Notes, 
 18:23 — 27. 24:8 — 15.) yet he intimated that, if his blood were 
 shed, the Lord would certainly require it. (Note, Jer. 26: 
 12 — 15.) The word (N^p) rendered a partridge, is supposed 
 to mean a kind of bird which was very difficult to be caught, 
 and of very little value. It is used only in this place, and 
 once by Jeremiah. (Note, Jer. 17:11.) 
 
 V. 21 — 25. This second instance of David’s fidelity seems 
 to have affected Saul more than the former. He confessed 
 his guilt and folly in much stronger terms, and even invited 
 David to return to court, and promised that he would not 
 hurt him. he repeated his good words and wishes, and his 
 persuasion that he would prevail and he very eminent. (Note, 
 24:16 — 22.) But no evidences appeared of true repentance 
 towards God: and David plainly intirrated that, he could not 
 trust his promises, and that he expected no recompense from 
 him ; but he referred his cause to the Lord, who would protect 
 ami deliver him, and do him justice. (Notes, Ps. 7:3 — 7. 
 17:1—3. 141:6,7. 2 Thes. 1:5—10.) Thus Saul and David 
 parted to meet no more in this life. 
 
 ( 526 ) 
 
 'cursed be they before the Lore ; for *they liavt 
 driver, me out this day from ^abiding in h the 
 inheritance of the Lord, saying, Go, serve other 
 
 gods. 
 
 20 Now therefore, 'let not my blood fall to the 
 earth before the face of the Lord : for k the king 
 of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one 
 doth hunt a partridge in the mountains. 
 
 21 Then said Saul, 'I have sinned : return, my 
 son David : for m I will no more do thee harm, 
 because "my soul was precious in thine eyes this 
 day : behold, I have played the fool, and have 
 erred exceedingly. 
 
 22 And David answered and said, Behold the 
 king’s spear ; and let one of the young men come 
 over and fetch it. 
 
 23 The Lord "render to every man his right- 
 eousness and his faithfulness: for the Lord de- 
 livered thee into my hand to-day, but U would 
 not stretch forth mine hand against the Lord’s 
 anointed. 
 
 24 And, behold, ias thy life was much set by 
 this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set 
 by in the eyes of the Lord, and- "let him deliver 
 me out of all tribulation. 
 
 25 Then Saul said to David, ‘Blessed be thou, 
 my son David : thou shalt both do great things, 
 and also shalt still ‘prevail. "So David went on 
 his way, and Saul returned to his place. 
 
 Rom. 14:15. 1 Heb. cleaving, h 2 Sam. 14:16. 20:19. i 2:9 . 25:29. k24:14. 
 Matt. 26:47,55. 1 15:24,30. 24:17. Ex. 9:27. Num. 22:34. Matt. 27:4. m27:4. 
 n 24. Ps. 49:8. 116:15. o 1 King. 8:32. Nell. 13:14. Ps. 7:8,9. 18:20— 26. p 9, 
 11. 24:6.7. q Ps. 18:23. Matt. 5:7. 7:2. r Gen. 48:16. Ps. 18: title. 48. 34:17, 
 18. 144:2. Act. 14:22. Rev. 7:14. s 24:19. Num. 24:9,10. l Gen. 32:28. Hoe. 
 12:4. u 24:22. Pros. 26:25. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 One crime generally proves an inducement to another, and 
 seems to render it necessary for self-preservation : and this 
 again makes way for further, and still more atrocious vices. — 
 If sin be not dethroned and mortified, it will surely recover 
 its strength when a suitable temptation is presented; and 
 Satan and his agents will suggest such thoughts, as tend to 
 re-kindle the smothered flame : thus, after deep convictions 
 and temporary reformations, men return to their sins, and 
 become worse than ever. The servants of God ought to 
 persevere in a blameless conduct, however injured. Thus it 
 will appear that they act from a settled purpose of doing good 
 for the Lord’s sake: and in some cases, they will need the 
 boldness of a lion, as well as the wisdom of the serpent, and 
 the harmlessness of the dove, that they may avoid evil and 
 the appearance of evil, and yet use proper means of escaping 
 the malice of their enemies. — Confidence in God fortifies the 
 soul against temptations to seek relief by sin : and it often 
 requires as much resolution to restrain the excesses of mis - 
 judging zealous friends, as to stand firm against the rage of 
 incensed enemies. — If we would have outward blessings with 
 comfort and reputation, we must patiently and quietly wait 
 for them in the path of duty : and when wicked men obstruct 
 the purposes of God and the performance of his promises, 
 he can easily remove them without our help. W e are expo- 
 sed to so many dangers, whenever we close our eyes, that wo 
 should previously examine our state, whether we he ready foi 
 death ; and then commit ourselves to the keeping of that 
 almighty Protector, who 44 neither slumbereth nor sleepeth ;** 
 otherwise our necessary repose may confine us, as in a prison, 
 till some awful calamity comes upon us with unexpected des- 
 truction. (Note, 1 Thes. 5:1 — 3.) The supposed friends of 
 ungodly men are either incapable of serving them, or they 
 treacherously neglect and expose them: and the pious people, 
 whom they hate and revile, are their most valuable friends, as 
 they persevere in prayers for them and kindness to them. 
 Good works give energy to persuasive words •' and whether 
 we plead our own cause, or the cause of God, evident integrity 
 and consistency of conduct go further in producing conviction, 
 than all the powers of eloquence without them : and for want 
 of this confirmation, much sound reasoning and pathetic ex* 
 hortation pass for unmeaning declamation. Men’s transgres- 
 sions against God are the cause of their enmities against 
 each other; and no reconciliation has an immoveable basis, 
 which is not founded on peace with God through Jesus Christ. — 
 Those who drive us from our duty', or tempt us to sin, are our 
 worst enemies : and persecutors, besides murdering men's 
 bodies, must give a dreadful account, as chargeable with 
 murdering the souls of all whom they have driven to npostacy, 
 or to do violence to their own consciences, by the terrors of 
 exile, imprisonment or death. In sinning against. God, men 
 41 play the fool exceedingly:” this the believer perceives , he 
 therefore repents, receives a pardon, and acts more wisely 
 for the time locome : hut many others obtain u transient view 
 of the mortifying truth, and close their eyes against it. ( Note, 
 Jam. 1:22 — 25.) Yet eternity will fully discover their ex 
 ceeding foolishness, and they will never cease to rvffoct upon 
 
B. C. 1058. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. B. C. 1056. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Oavid escapes to Ga h, and is received by Achish, 1 — 3. Saul seeks him no 
 m<re, . lie asks Z iking -/ Achish, 5—' 7. He invades the al jacent coun- 
 tries ; an/l disingenuously lead* Achish to suppose that he warred against 
 Judah, 8-12. 
 
 ND David “said in his heart, I shall now 
 ‘perish one day by the hand of Saul : b there 
 is nothing better for me, than that I should spee- 
 dily escape 'into the land of the Philistines; and 
 Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in 
 any coast of Israel: so shall I escape out of his 
 hand. 
 
 2 And David arose, and he passed over, with 
 d the six hundred men that were with him, unto 
 •Achish, the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 
 
 3 And David dwelt with Achish at Gath, he and 
 his men, every man with his household, even Da- 
 vid f with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, 
 and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s wife. 
 
 4 And it was told Saul that David was fled to 
 Gath: and §he sought no more again for him. 
 
 5 And David said unto Achish, If I have now 
 found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a 
 place in h some town in the country, that I may 
 dwell there : for why should thy servant dwell in 
 the royal city with thee ? 
 
 6 Then Achish gave him 'Ziklag 1 that day: 
 wherefore Ziklag pertaineth unto the kings of 
 Judah unto this day. 
 
 7 And 'the time that David dwelt in the 
 
 country of the Philistines was full year and 
 
 four months. 
 
 8 IT And David and his men went up and in- 
 vaded Hhe Geshurites, and 'the sGezrites, and m the 
 Amalekites : for those nations were of old th"e 
 
 a 16:1,13 . 23:17 23:30. Ps. 116:11. Pro*. 13:12. Matt. 14:31. Mark 4:40. 2 Cor. 
 7:5. * Htd i. be consumed. 1)22:5. Kx. 14:12. Nurn. 14:3. Prov. 3.5,6. Is. 3U: 
 15,16. Lam. 3:25,27. c 10,11. 21.10—15. 28:1,2. 29:2—11, 30:1—3. (1 25:13. 
 
 30:8. e 21:10. 1 Kiiup 2:40. f 25.3, 13 -35,42.43. 30:5. g 26:21. h Gen. 46:34. 
 2 Cor. 6:17. i 30:1,14. Josh. 15:31. 19:5. 2 Sam. 1:1. I Chr. 4:30. 12:1,20. Neh. 
 11:28. t Heh. the number o f days. * He'o. a year of days. 29:3. k Josh. 13:2, 
 13. 2 Scun. 13:37,38. 14:23,32. 15:8. 1 Chr. 2:23. 1 Josh. 16:10. Judg. 1:29. 
 
 their own madness, in silencing their convictions as much as 
 possible, and in every way they could devise, and by holding 
 fast their iniquities. — No good words or fair professions, en- 
 title those to our confidence, who have long sinned against the 
 light yet the confessions of obstinate sinners may be useful, 
 in satisfying us that we are in the right way, and shall pre- 
 vail; and in encouraging us to persevere, expecting our re- 
 compense from God alone. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXVII. V. 1,2. David, while 
 reflecting on the inveterate malice of Saul, and the neglect, 
 cowardice, and treachery of his countrymen, lost sight of his 
 having been anointed to be king of Israel, with the annexed 
 promises of God, and the manifold deliverances which he had 
 experienced : so that, being weak in faith, he despaired of 
 safety in the land of Judah ; and he went to Gath, perhaps 
 invited by Achish, but evidently without inquiring of the Lord. 
 (Note, 21:10 — 15.) This measure was calculated to alienate 
 the affections of the Israelites, and to give credit to the slan- 
 ders of his accusers; he thus ran himself and his men into 
 temptations to idolatry; and he laid himself under obligations 
 to those whom he could never favour, without betraying the 
 cause of God. (26:19. Note s, 28:1 ,2. 29:2,8 — II. Ps. 
 
 141:1—5.) 
 
 V. 3. (Note. 25:43,44.) Achish probably hoped that he 
 should be able to fix David in his interests, and employ him 
 against the Israelites ; or, that he should thus secure an 
 advantageous alliance with him, if ever he came to be king of 
 Israel. 
 
 V.. 4. It does not appear that Saul’s malice was perma- 
 nently abated ; but the object of it was out of his reach. 
 (Note, 26:21—25.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. It may be supposed that David desired to avoid 
 ostentation, and to escape the effects of envy; and perhaps 
 to be out of the way of temptation, more at leisure for the 
 exercises of religion, and more unembarassed in his whole 
 conduct, than he could be near the court and among the nobles 
 of Achish. ( Note, Gen. 46:32 — 34.) Ziklag was first allotted 
 to Judah. Josh. 15:31.) Afterwards it,was gi"en to Simeon : 
 (Josh. 19:5.) but the Philistines had got possession of it ; and 
 it was regarded as one of their cities, till on this occasion it 
 came again into the possession of Judah. (Marg. Ref 1 i.) 
 
 Y. 8 — 12. Probably the Geshurites and Gezrites were 
 
 tribes of the Amalekites, or of Canaanites who were in alli- 
 ance with them. (Marg. Ref. k, 1.) We may therefore 
 commend David for attempting to complete the work which 
 Saul had begun, and should not censure the severity with 
 which he conducted the war. (Notes, 15:1 — 9.) These na- 
 tions lived to the south of Judah : and David used such 
 equivocal terms in speaking to Achish, as induced him to 
 conclude, that, he had been fighting against his own country- 
 men. Intelligence was not then readily conveyed, and no 
 
 inhabitants of the land, "as thou goes! to Shut, 
 even unto the land of Egypt. 
 
 9 And David smote the land, and “left neither 
 man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep, 
 and the oxen, and the asses, and the camels, and 
 the apparel, and returned and came to Achish. 
 
 10 And Achish said "Whither have ye made a 
 road to-day? PAnd David said, Against the south 
 of Judah, and against the south of 4the Jerah- 
 meelites, and against the south of the r Kenites. 
 
 1 1 And David saved neither man nor woman 
 alive, to bring tidings to Gath, saying, s Lest they 
 should tell on us, saying, So did David, and so 
 will be his manner, all the while he dwelleth in the 
 country of the Philistines. 
 
 12 And Achish believed David, saying, He hath 
 made his people Israel ’'utterly to abhor him; 
 therefore he shall be my servant for ever. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Achish, preparing war against Israel, places confidence in David, 1,2. Saul , 
 after having destroyed those who had familiar spirits; at length, fearing llse 
 Philistines and being forsaken by God, go's to the witch of En-dor and en- 
 gages to indemnify her, 3 — 10. She, by his desire, calls up Samuel, who 
 predicts his ruin, 11 — 19. Saul falls down in despair ; but, being prevailed 
 on to take food, he returns to his army , 20 — 25. 
 
 is. c.-j A ND it came to pass in those days, “that 
 iu56. the b Philistines gathered their armies 
 together for warfare, to fight with Israel. And 
 Achish said unto David, Know thou assuredly, 
 that c thou shalt go out with me to battle, thou and 
 thy men. 
 
 2 And David said to Achish, d Surely thou shalt 
 know what thy servant can do. And Achish said 
 to David, Therefore will I make thee keeper of 
 mine head for ever. 
 
 I Kings 9:15 — 17. § Or, Gerzites. m 15:7,8. 30:1. Ex. 17:14 — 16. n 15:7. 
 Gen. 16:7. 25:18. Ex. 15:22. ol5:3. Deut. 25:17— 19. Josh. 6:21. || Or, did 
 
 ye not make a road, &c. p21:2. Gen. 27:19,20,24. Josh. 2:4 — 6. 2 Sam. 17:20. 
 Ps. 119:29,163. Prov. 29:25. Gal. 2: 11— 13. J-iph. 4:25. q 1 Chr. 2:9,25. r 15: 
 6. Num. 24:21. Judg. 1:16. 4:11. 5:24. s 22:22. Prov. 12:19. 29:25. IT Heb. to 
 stink. 13:4. Gen. 34:30. a 7:7. 13:5. 17:1. 29:1. b Judg. 3:1— 1. c 27:12. 29: 
 2,3. d 27:10. 2 Sam. 16:16— 19. Rom. 12:9. 
 
 one undeceived Achish : he therefore concluded, that David 
 had so widened the breach between himself and his people, 
 that it could not be healed. (Note, 2 Sam. 16:20 — 23.) 
 Had he, however, known the truth of the case, he would 
 have been convinced that David could not be detached from 
 Israel, or united to their enemies. David’s situation power- 
 fully tempted him to this deceit ; but it can by no means be 
 justified, or even excused. (Note, 19:12 — 17.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The strongest believers cannot wholly exclude the incur- 
 sions of unbelief, during tedious trials, and when sense and 
 reason bring in no report of deliverance. Many, under sharp 
 temptations, have overlooked former mercies and experiences ; 
 have forgotten the power and promise of the Lord ; and have 
 feared that sin and Satan would finally prevail against them. 
 When faith thus staggers, obedience wavers, and sinful expe- 
 dients frequently are employed ; which involve men more and 
 more in difficulties and temptations. — If at any lime we u lean 
 to our own understanding,” and do not ask counsel of God, 
 we are sure to do wrong. (Note, Prov. 3:5,6.) — We ought 
 not to quit the path of duty, or to join interests with the ene- 
 mies of religion, even for self-preservation, or out of care for 
 our families : nor should we willingly contract obligations, 
 where we cannot consistently make requitals of kindness. — 
 It is our wisdom to shun notoriety, and to shelter ourselves 
 from envy ; for obscurity is commonly more safe and comfor- 
 table, and no less advantageous. Yet we must in no situa 
 tion be wholly inactive, but attempt something in the cause 
 of God and his people, even though ungratefully requited by 
 those whom we would serve. — The fear of man is so ensnar- 
 ing, that we should, if possible, keep out of those places 
 where doing our duty will expose us to danger or reproach. — 
 An equivocation, which serves the purpose of a lie, bears the 
 same relation to it, as a hypocrite does to a profane person: 
 it is only apparently better, and therefore a more dangerous 
 cheat. But though believers often betray their imperfections, 
 they can never he prevailed upon deliberately to retv unce the 
 service of God, and to unite interests with his enemies, or to 
 become the servants of sin and Satan. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVIII. V. 1, 2. Achish, when 
 determined to make war against Israel, required David’s 
 assistance : and David could not have refused it without the 
 greatest danger. Yet if he had directly promised it, and had 
 then either stood neuter, or gone over to the Israelites, ho 
 must have behaved with great ingratitude and treachery ; and 
 if he had fought against Israel, he would have been guilty of 
 a very great sin, he would have alienated the affections of 
 his people, and perhaps have exposed himself to the reproach 
 of having murdered Saul. It seemed therefore impossible 
 that he should extricate himself with a good conscience and a 
 clear reputation. He, however, returned an insincere and 
 ( 527 ) 
 
B. a. 1056. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 13. C. 1056. 
 
 3 IT Now 'Samuel was dead, and all Israel 
 had lamented him, and buried iiim in llamah, 
 even in his own city. And Saul had f put away 
 those that had familiar spirits, and the. wizards, 
 out of the land. 
 
 4 And the Philistines gathered themselves 
 together, and came and pitched in *Shunem: 
 and Saul gathered all Israel together, and they 
 pitched in ‘'Gilboa. 
 
 5 And when Saul saw the host of the Phi- 
 listines, 'he was afraid, and his heart greatly 
 trembled. 
 
 6 And when Saul k inquired of the Lord, the 
 Lord answered him not, neither ‘by dreams, nor 
 m by Urim, nor "by prophets. 
 
 7 Then said Saul unto his servants, "Seek 
 me a woman that hath i'a familiar spirit, that I 
 may go to her, and inquire of her. And his 
 servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman 
 that hath a familiar spirit at sEn-dor. 
 
 8 And Saul 'disguised himself, and put on 
 other raiment, and he went, and two men with 
 him, and they came to the woman by night : 
 and he said, E I pray thee, divine unto me by the 
 familiar spirit, and ‘bring me him up whom I shall 
 name unto thee. 
 
 9 And the woman said unto him, Behold, thou 
 knowest what Said hath done, “how he hath cut 
 off those that have familiar spirits, and the wizards, 
 out of the land: 'wherefore then layest thou a 
 snare for my life, to cause me to die ? 
 
 10 And Saul x sware to her by the Lord, say- 
 ing, As the Lord liveth, there shall no punish- 
 ment happen to thee for this thing. 
 
 [ Practical Observations. ] 
 
 11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring 
 up unto thee? and he said, Bring me up Samuel. 
 
 e 25:1. Is. 57:1,2. f 9. Ex. 22:18. Lev. 19:31. 20:6,27. Dent. 18:10,11. Acts 
 16:16—19. gJosh. 19:18. 2Kings4:8. h 31:1. 2 Sam. 1:6,21 . 21 :12. i Job 
 15:21.18:11. Ps. 48:5,6. 73:19. Prov. 10:24. 19.7:2 . 21:3,4 . 57:20,21. Dan. 
 5:6. k 14:37. 1 Chr. 10:14. Prov. 1:27,28. f>..20:l— 3. John 9:31 . Jam. 4: 
 S. 1 Gin. 28: 12-15. 46:2— 4. Num. 12:6. Job 33:14— 16. Jer. 23:28. Matt. 
 1.20. m Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21. Deut. 33:8. nPs.74:9. I. am. 2:9. Ez. 20: 
 3. o 2 Kines 1:2,3. 6:33. Is. 8. 19,20. Lam. 3:25,26. Hab. 2:3. p 3. De.it. 
 18:11. Is. 19:3. Acts 16:16. q Josh. 17:11. Ps. 83:10. r 1 Kings 14:2,3. 22:30, 
 31. Job 24:13-15. Jer. 23:24. John 3:19,20. s 1 Chr. 10:13. t 15. u See on 
 3. v 2 Sam. 1*13. 2 Kings 5:7. x 14:39. 19:6. Gen. 3:5. Ex. 20:7. Deut. 18: 
 
 evasive answer, which was intended to gain time, but which 
 Achish understood as a promise of effectual assistance ; 
 (Notes, 27:8 — 12. 29:8 — 11.) and on that account promised to 
 make him captain of his guard, or some great officer about 
 his person. 
 
 V. 3. (Note, 25:1.) Perhaps the death of Samuel, and 
 David’s apparent desertion of his people, concurred with 
 Saul’s disordered state of mind, to encourage the Philistines 
 to this war. — Saul had filled up his measure of iniquity, and 
 u the day was come when he should descend into battle and 
 perish.” (26:10.) — He “had put away those that had familiar 
 spirits, and the wizards, out of the land probably before 
 “ the Spirit of the Lord departed from him.” (Note, 16:14.) 
 Or perhaps, when troubled with an evil spirit, he charged 
 some of them as the cause of it : or by his zeal in this respect 
 he aimed to atone for his other sins, that the kingdom might 
 not be taken from him ; and to show the people that he had 
 a regard to religion. Whatever was his motive, the measure 
 ‘tself was right. ( Marg . Ref. e, f.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. As Snunem lay far north in the land, in the lot 
 of Issachar, (Josh. 19:18.) either this invasion was very for- 
 midable, or Saul had been very negligent : otherwise the 
 enemy could not have marched thither without being opposed. 
 — Saul’s excessive terror arose chiefly from a guilty con- 
 science. It is probable, that his contempt of Samuel, his 
 murder of the priests, and his malicious persecution of David, 
 dismayed his heart upon every recollection ; and that he 
 foreboded his own approaching doom. (Note, 24:16 — 22.) 
 
 V. 6. “ Saul inquired of the Lord,” under urgent terror, 
 but without humiliation for sin, or purposes of repentance; 
 and therefore God would not vouchsafe him any answer. 
 He did not inquire till his doom was sealed ; and then only 
 in a hypocritical manner: therefore it was nearly the same 
 as “not inquiring.” (Note, 1 Chr. 10:13,14.) After Ahiathar 
 had fled to David, probably Saul appointed another high 
 priest : yet neither by him, nor by any prophet, nor in any 
 way, could he obtain an answer. (15. 14:37.) This showed, 
 that. God was greatly displeased with him, and warned him to 
 repent, and to cry for mercy with humble faith and perse- 
 verance. (Note, Judg. 10:13 — 16.) It also proved, that God 
 no longer regarded him as chief-magistrate in Israel. (Notes, 
 23:9—13. Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. Saul was aware that some persons still secretly 
 practised these diabolical arts : hut nothing could exceed the 
 presumption of consulting those whom he had, according to 
 i 52S ) 
 
 12 And when the woman saw Saniuel, sh.3 
 cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake 
 to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me ? 
 for rthou art Saul. 
 
 13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: 
 for what sawest thou ? And the woman said unto 
 Saul, I saw 'gods ascending out of the earth. 
 
 14 And he said unto iier, 'What form is he 
 of 3 And she said, An old man cometh up: and 
 he is covered with a a mantle. And Saul per- 
 ceived that it was Samuel, and he stobped with 
 his face to the ground, and bowed himself. 
 
 15 And Samuel said to Saul, b Wh\ hast thou dis- 
 uieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, 
 
 am sore distressed: for d thb Philistines make 
 war against me, and e God is departed from me, 
 and f answereth me no more, neither by prophets, 
 nor by dreams: ^therefore I have called thee, that 
 thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do. 
 
 16 Then said Samuel, h Wherefore then dost 
 thou ask of me, seeing the Lord is departed 
 from thee, and is become thine enemy ? 
 
 17 And the Lord hath done ho him ‘as he 
 spake by s me : for the Lord hath rent the king- 
 dom out of thine hand, and given it to k thy neigh- 
 bour, even to David : 
 
 18 Because thou ‘obeyedst not the voice of the 
 Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon 
 Amalek, therefore hath the Lord done this thing 
 unto thee this day. 
 
 19 Moreover, m the Lord will also deliver 
 Israel with thee into the hand of the Philistines ; 
 and "to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be with 
 me : the Lord also shall deliver the host of Israel 
 into the hand of the Philistines. 
 
 20 Then Saul “fell straightway all along on the 
 earth, and was "sore afraid, because of the words 
 
 10—12. 2 Sam. 14:11. M»u. 26:72. Mark 6:23. y 3. 1 Kit, as 14:5. z Fix. 4:16. 
 22:28. Ps. 82:6. John 10:34,35. * Hel). vital is his frti-m ? n 15:27. 2 Kings 2: 
 8,13.14. b 8,11. c Prov. 5:11— 13. 14:14. d 4. *'16:13.14. 18:12. Judg 16: 
 20. Ps. 51:11. Hos. 9:12. Matt. 25:41. 16.23:2,4,9,10. t Heb. the htrnl oj 
 
 prophets, g Luke 16:23 — 26. h Judg. 5:31. 2 Kings 6:27'. Ps.68:l — 3. Ke*. 
 18:20,24. 19:1—6. J Or, for himself . Prov. 16:4. i 13:13,14. 15:27—29. §Heb. 
 mine hand k 15:28. 16:i3. 24:20. 1 15:9,23—26. 1 Kings 20:42. Jer. 48:10. 
 
 m 12:25. 1 Kings 22:20,28. n Ex. 9:18. Jer. ‘28: 16,17. 1 an. 5:25— 28. Malt. 26: 
 24. Acts 5-5,9,10. || Heb. made haste and fell icith the fulness of his statute. 
 o 5. 25:37. Job 15:20—24.26:2. Ps. 50:21 ,22. 
 
 the law of God endeavoured to extirpate. (Note, 3.) -He 
 disguised himself, not only lest the woman should fear to use 
 her incarnations if she knew him ; hut perhaps likewise lest 
 the people should be exasperated against him, if acquainted 
 with his infatuated conduct. 
 
 V 9, 10. Instead of being cut to the heart by the woman’s 
 suspicions, which implied the most severe reproof ; Saul most 
 profanely sware by the Lord, that the woman should not he 
 punished for violating the divine law ! She would understand 
 this merely as an engagement not to inform against her: hut 
 Saul expressly sware, that he would not perform his duty. 
 Indeed both parties acted almost athcisticaliy ; when one 
 engaged, and the other was satisfied with the engagement, 
 that no punishment should happen to her ! 
 
 V. 11. Samuel had anointed Saul, and often counselled 
 him for his good : and though Saul had neglected him during 
 the latter part of his life, yet he now was convinced, that it 
 was better with him when he regarded his advice. Nothing 
 therefore could now satisfy him, hut a conference with the 
 departed prophet: and he being forsaken of God was so infa- 
 tuated, as to suppose, that the woman, by means of her 
 familiar spirit, could bring Samuel up for that purpose, even 
 without the Lord’s permission ! — If is probable that she 
 expected to impose on Saul by some Satunical apparition. 
 
 V. 12 — 19. Ifr is much disputed, who it was that appeared 
 on this occasion j for the whole narrative manifests that it 
 was no human imposture. Many expositors, ancient and 
 modern, have maintained, that it was Satan personating 
 Samuel ; though the text does not give the least intimation of 
 it. It is however, by no means advisable, to give those men 
 any countenance, who, to support a favourite system, put a 
 forced construction upon the words of holy writ, very differ- 
 ent. fiom their obvidlis meaning: and scarcely any of their 
 interpretations can sound harsher, than the insertion in every 
 place ? where Samuel is mentioned, 4 that it was Satan per- 
 sonating Samuel.’ — It is indeed argued, tnnt the woman’s 
 incantations could have 4 no power over a glorified saint hut 
 to this it may fairly be answered, that neither could an evil 
 spirit appear at her call, without the* Lord’s permission. 
 Though the woman was not the cause of Samuel’s being sent, 
 Saul’s inquiry might he the occasion of it . The word dis- 
 quieted, seems to bo used merely in accommodation to tho 
 general notions of mankind on that subject ; and tho woman’s 
 surprise and terror proved, that it was an unusual and unex- 
 pected appearance, and not the ordinary effect of her art. — 
 
B. C. 1056. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 B. C. 1056. 
 
 of Samuel : and there was no strength in him ; for 
 he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the 
 night. 
 
 21 And the woman came unto Saul, and saw 
 that he was sore troubled, and said unto him, 
 Behold, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, 
 and i’I have put my life in my hand, and have 
 hearkened unto thy words which thou spakest 
 unto me. 
 
 22 Now therefore, I pray thee, hearken thou 
 also unto the voice of thine handmaid, and let me 
 set a morsel ol» bread before thee ; and eat, that 
 
 f 19:5. Judg.l2:3. Jobl3.1l. q 1 Kings21:4. Prov. 25:20. r2Kin g s4: 
 
 It is, however, further urged, that the apparition’s discourse 
 tended to drive Saul to despair, which is one of Satan’s 
 temptations ; and that it contained no exhortations to repent- 
 ance, which were usual with the prophets. But to this it 
 may be replied, that Elijah’s message to Ahaziah, Daniel’s 
 address to Belshazzar, and even Christ’s discourse in the 
 presence of Judas, were equally calculated to drive each of 
 them to despair ; and equally void of exhortations to* repent, 
 and proposals of mercy. (Notes, 2 Kings 1:15,16. Dan. 
 5:18 — 28. Matt. 26:21 — 24.) — Saul had despised Samuel’s 
 solemn warnings in his life-time ; yet now he hoped, as it 
 were, in defiance of God, to obtain some counsel and encour- 
 agement from him : and why might not God permit the soul 
 of his departed prophet to appear and confirm his former sen- 
 tence, and denounce Saul’s irrevocable doom ? It was not 
 beyond the power of God, nor, that I can see, at all unwor- 
 thy of him; but rather a declaration of his immutable and 
 irreversible truth and justice. — Satan could not have pre- 
 dicted the several events, which came to pass accordingly, 
 as far as we know, (Note, 30:1 — 3.) without being inspired 
 by God to do so: and it would give far more countenance to 
 consulting witches, to suppose that he inspired Satan to pro- 
 phecy by them, than to conclude that Samuel was sent with 
 this tremendous message from God, when Saul consulted one 
 of them. Indeed this would most powerfully discourage such 
 attempts ; as the request of the rich man in hell to Abraham, 
 being entirely vain, is calculated to discourage praying to de- 
 parted saints. (Note, Luke 16:24 — 26.) The local situation 
 of departed spirits is so concealed from us, that the circum- 
 stance of the spirit apparently “ arising out of the earth,” 
 forms no real objection against its being the soul of Samuel : 
 and the expression, “ shalt thou and thy sons be with me,” 
 means no more, than that they should be in the eternal world. 
 The transaction was suited to impress the idea of a future 
 state on the mind of all who should ever hear or read of it ; and 
 it determined nothing about the different conditions of the 
 righteous and the wicked. — Upon the whole, there appears 
 much solemnity in God’s for once permitting the soul of a de- 
 parted prophet to make his appearance, as a witness from 
 heaven, and in sending him to confirm the word which he 
 spoke on earth, (evincing that the words of the prophets 
 would surely take effect;) and to sit in judgment upon a 
 roud enemy of God, who foolishly sought encouragement in 
 is impenitency, by the most atrocious crimes. — This inter- 
 pretation is certainly obvious, and suited to the apprehensions 
 of the unlearned reader, and according to the general sim- 
 plicity of the Scripiures: and nothing short of unanswerable 
 arguments and objections, should constrain us to suppose, 
 that when the Holy Spirit said Samuel, he meant Satan, not 
 speaking by Samuel, as he did by the serpent and by the 
 demoniacs; but actually counterfeiting his shape, and speak- 
 ing with his voice, though Samuel himself was in every sense 
 absent from the place. — The venerable appearance of 
 Samuel, or something which he spoke, convinced the woman, 
 that it was Saul who consulted her (12). — 1 She perceived, 
 by the reverence the spectre paid him, who he was: for so 
 Abarbinel interprets it, he bowed with his face to the ground, 
 in honour of Saul, whereby the woman concluded that it was 
 the king.’ Bp. Patrick. Thus then if the devil personated 
 Samuel, he worshipped Saul, not Saul him 1 A likely thing, 
 truly, that either Samuel, or Satan personating him, should 
 thus reverence Saul 1 It shows to what difficulties the sup- 
 porters of the latter opinion are reduced. Saul’s bowing 
 down before Samuel, was not indeed an act of religious wor- 
 ship, any more than Abigail’s bowing down before David. 
 The answer of Samuel was in every respect suitable to his 
 character, and to the occasion. It was entirely in vain for 
 Saul to consult the servant, when the Lord was become his 
 enemy: the Lord was only doing to him, or for himself, 117. 
 marg.) as he declared he would : and as Samuel knew him 
 to be finally given up, he neither gave him counsel nor com- 
 fort. (Notes, 2 Tim. 4:14,15. Heh.GA — 6. 1 John 5:16 — 18.) 
 — The woman first saw the appearance ; but afterwards Saul 
 seems to have seen it, as well as to have heard the words 
 spoken. — Some think, that neither Saul’s servants, nor the 
 woman, heard what passed. — God’s. (13) Elohim. (Marg. 
 fief, z.) 
 
 V. 20 — 25. Saul, though terrified even to desperation, was 
 not humbled. A miserable state he was indeed reduced to, 
 when the witch was his only comforter ! But he did not con- 
 fess his sins : and, as far as we can learn, he offered no sa- 
 
 Vol. I.— 67 
 
 thou mayest have strength, when thou goest o 
 thy way. 
 
 23 But he refused, and said, il will not eat : bu 
 his servants, together with the woman, r compellea 
 him ; and he hearkened unto their voice, bo he 
 arose from the earth, and sat upon the bed. 
 
 24 And the woman had s a fat calf in the hoitse ; 
 and she hasted, and killed it, and took flour, and 
 kneaded if, and did bake unleavened bread thereof: 
 
 25 And she brought it before Saul, and before 
 his servants ; and they did eat. Then they rose 
 up, and went away that night. 
 
 8. Luke 14:23. 24:29. Acts 16:15. 2 Cor. 5:14. s Gen. 18:7,8. T."ke 15:23. 
 
 crifices, aud presented no supplications: nor does he seem to 
 have expressed any concern about his sons, or his people, or 
 to have attempted any escape ; but in sullen despair to have 
 rushed upon his doom. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. When we in the least deviate from the plain 
 path of duty, every circumstance tends to draw us further 
 aside, and to increase our perplexity and temptation. — Need- 
 less intimacies with the avowed enemies of true religion, or 
 obligations to them, will reduce us, ere we are aware, to the 
 necessity of being unfaithful to God, or treacherous and un- 
 grateful to our benefactors : and we shall scarcely ever be 
 able to speak with that candour and simplicity which become 
 Christians. (Note, 1 Kings 22:4.) — When death has remo- 
 ved the ministers and servants of God, or persecution has 
 banished them, a land is deprived of its best defence, and its 
 enemies have their best opportunity of preparing war against 
 it. — Hypocrites are frequently very zealous against those 
 crimes, to which they are not tempted at the time, or froip 
 which they may suffer detriment ; and apostates frequently 
 commit those sins, which they once were most earnest in 
 opposing. — Ungodly persons fear the reproach of man, or the 
 punishments denounced by human laws, more than the wrath 
 of God : they do not therefore forsake their sins, but dissem- 
 ble their real characters, and conceal their conduct ; and deem 
 all well if they can escape detection: but frequently they are 
 employed to rebuke or correct each other, either for their 
 present conviction, or their future deeper condemnation. — 
 When habits of perjury, or profane swearing, have been 
 contracted, the sacred name of God, and the most solemn 
 oaths, are often introduced in the midst of the most horrible 
 wickedness, and made the obligations and encouragements to 
 the most enormous crimes ! But the atrocious guilt of such 
 impiety cannot be expressed. — Consulting witches, or divi- 
 ners of any kind, real or pretended, is a malignant or ignorant 
 attempt to gain intelligence or assistance from some creature, 
 when it cannot be had, or is not sought, from the Lord in the 
 path of duty ; and is therefore essentially idolatry, and virtu- 
 ally the worship of the devil. (Notes, Ex. 22:18. 1 Clir. 10 
 13,14.) _ : 
 
 V. 11 — 25. Many, who despise the servants ofGod while 
 they live, are so far convinced of their wisdom and fidelity, 
 that they vainly wish for their counsel and instruction, in dis- 
 tressing circumstances, after their death. But in that blessed 
 world, to which they are removed, they have done with fear, 
 favour, and affection, and are become far more determined 
 than ever in the service and cause of God: and were they to 
 appear, they would denounce the doom of impenitent sinners, 
 with more awful decision than before. — Wretched indeed are 
 they, from whom God is for ever departed 1 What can they 
 expect either from good or evil men, from holy or unholy 
 spirits ? Neither the servants nor the enemies of the Lord 
 can do them any service, and every thing combines to drive 
 them to desperation. This Satan labours to effect, and he is 
 sometimes permitted to succeed : nay, the very testimony ol 
 God’s word and ministers concurs in convincing the unhappy 
 wretches “that there remains nothing, but a certain fearful 
 looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation!” (Note, Heb. 
 10:26,27.) while the remembrance of former crimes, convic- 
 tions, warnings, nd relapses into sin, combine to assure them 
 of the certainty and justice of their doom. Yet all these 
 things do not humble or soften them ; for it is “ impossible to 
 renew them to repentance :” and not having “ believed Moses 
 and the prophets, neither will they he persuaded though one 
 rose from the dead;” (Note, Luke 16:27 — 31.) but either in 
 sullen or in furious depair they await and meet their doom ! — 
 In every age God sets up a few such beacons for a tremendous 
 warning to their fellow-sinners, not to listen to temptations, 
 to sin against conviction, or despise the word of God ; and to 
 beware of hypocrisy, apostacy, procrastination, and other 
 great wickedness : for none are thus given up of God, who 
 have not provoked him to it by their previous crimes. (Note, 
 2 Thes. 2:8 — 12.) But while one relenting thought remains 
 let no sinner ever suppose himself in this awful case. God 
 will not indeed hear the prayer of the unhumbled and impen- 
 itent ; and many inquire of him in vain, because they are not 
 decidedly in earnest: when therefore they do not meet wih 
 encouragement, they detect their own hypocrisy, by giving 
 up their religions duties, plunging again into sin, and seeking 
 help from the world, and “ the God of this world.” Let the 
 discouraged, but sincere and earnest inquirer persevere in 
 
 ( 589 ) 
 
B. C. 1056. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1056. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 David attends Achish, which offends the lords of the Philistines , 1 — 5. Achish 
 dismisses him with commendations, 6 — II. 
 
 N OW “the Philistines gathered together all 
 their armies to b Aphek: and the Israelites 
 pitched by a fountain which is in ‘Jezreel. 
 
 I And d the lords of the Pliilistines passed on 
 by hundreds, and by thousands : but “David and 
 his men passed on in the rear-ward with Achish. 
 
 3 Then said the princes of the Philistines, 
 What do these Hebrews here ? And Achish 
 said unto the princes of the Philistines, Is not this 
 David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, 
 which hath been with me 1 these days, or these 
 years, and I have efbund no fault in him since he 
 fell unto me unto this day ? 
 
 4 And the princes of the Philistines were wroth 
 with him ; and the princes of the Philistines said 
 unto him, h Make this fellow return, that he may 
 go again to his place which thou hast appointed 
 him, and let him not go down with us to battle, 
 lest in the battle he be an adversary to us : for 
 wherewith should he reconcile himself unto his 
 master? should it not be with the heads of these 
 men ? 
 
 5 Is 'not this David, of whom they sang one to 
 another in dances, saying, Saul slew his thou- 
 sands, and David his ten thousands? 
 
 6 Then Achish called David, and said unto 
 him, Surely, as b the Lord livetli, ‘thou hast been 
 upright, and m thy going out and thy coming in 
 with me in the host, is good in my sight ; for I 
 have not found evil in thee, since the day of thy 
 cornin'*- unto me unto this day : nevertheless 'the 
 lords favour thee not. 
 
 7 Wherefore now return, and go in peace, 
 that thou 'displease not the lords of the Phil- 
 istines. 
 
 8 And David said unto Achish, "But what 
 have I done ? and what hast thou found in thy 
 servant, so long as I have been twith thee unto 
 this day, “that I may not go to fight against the 
 enemies of my lord the king ? 
 
 9 And Achish answered and said to David, 1 
 know that thou art good in my sight, Pas an angel 
 of God : notwithstanding, the princes of the Phil- 
 istines have said, He shall not go up with us to the 
 battle. 
 
 10 Wherefore inow rise up early in the morn- 
 ing, with thy master’s servants t^at are come 
 with thee : and as soon as ye be up early in the 
 morning, and have light, depart. 
 
 11 So David and his men rose up early to 
 depart in the morning, to return into the land of 
 the Philistines. r And the Philistines went up Jo 
 JezreeL 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 David on his return finds that the Amalekites had burnt Ziklag, and carried 
 captive the women and children. I — 3. David and his men are greatly dir- 
 tressed, 4,5; but inquiring of God, he is encouraged to pursue them, 6 — 10. 
 He obtains intelligence of them from an Egyptian slave, 11 — 15. He smites 
 them , recovers all, and lakes much spoil, 16 — 20. His law for dividing it, 
 21 — 25. He sends presents to his friends, 26 — 31. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when David and his men 
 “were come to Ziklag on the third day, that 
 b the Amalekites had iSvaded the south and 
 Ziklag, and smitten Ziklag, and burned it with 
 fire ; 
 
 2 And had taken the woman captives, that 
 were therein: they "slew not any, either great or 
 small, but carried them away, and went on their 
 way. 1 
 
 3 So David and his men came to the city, 
 and, behold, it was ‘‘burned with fire; and theii 
 wives, and their sons, and their daughters, were 
 taken captives. 
 
 ev 28' 1 . b 4:1. Josh. 19:30. 1 Kings 20:30. c 2S:4. Josh. 19:18. Jude. 6:33. 
 I King* 18:45,46. 21:1,23. 2 Kings 9:36. Hot. 1:4—11. d 6.7, 5:8— 11 . 6:4. 
 
 Josh. 13:3. Jndg. 16:5,30. e 28:2. f27:7. g nan. 6:5. John 19:6. Rom. 12: 
 17. 1 Pet. 3:16. h 14:21. I Chr. 12: 1-9. Luke 16:8. i 18:6,7. 21 :1 1 . Pros . 27: 
 14. k 20:3.28:10. Deut. 10:20. Ts. 65:16. Jer. 12:16. I Matt. 5:16. 1 Pet. 2: 
 12.3:16. ro Num. 27:17. 2 Sam. 3:25v Ps. 121:8. * Jleb. thou art no t good in 
 
 knocking at mercy’s gate, until it be opened : let him humble 
 himself more and more before God, and determine to live and 
 die supplicating his favour ; and he will be sure at length to 
 succeed. Let us all learn u to seek the Lord while he may 
 be found, and to call upon him while he is near.” (Note, Is. 
 55:6,7.) and without reserve to obey his voice and do his 
 will. — Finally, though subjects suffer with their wicked gov- 
 ernors, and children with their parents; either it is for their 
 own sins, or else their sufferings u will work for them a far 
 more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIX. V. 1, 2. (Marg.Ref.) It 
 may he reasonably supposed, that David was undetermined 
 how to act on this occasion, and waited with a secret hope 
 that the Lord would help him out of this very great difficulty ; 
 as indeed he did in a wonderful manner. (Note, 28:1,2.) He 
 was far too much influenced by fear of man, in so readily con- 
 senting to attend Achish, when he might have framed very 
 plausible excuses for declining that service. (Note, Prov. 
 29:25,26.) 
 
 V. 4 — 6. These lords, or princes, possessed so much 
 authority in their own cities, and in the camp at the head of 
 their troops, and were so decided against employing David, 
 that Achish would not venture their displeasure in retaining 
 him. The high opinion which he had of David, the confidence 
 which he reposed in him, and his commendations of him both 
 before his face, (9) and to the lords, would have been very 
 honorable to David, if they had not been in -part the effect 
 of deception. (Note, 27:8 — 12.) When Achish sware by 
 Jehovah, (6) that he did not send David away for any sus- 
 picion which he entertained of him, he showed that he had 
 collected some notions at least concerning the true God and 
 his worship. (9) 
 
 Saul slew, &c. (5) Note, 18:6—9. They ‘reasoned 
 
 wisely, according to the common practice of mankind ; and 
 it was well for David, that they were such politicians: for 
 hereby God delivered him out of a very great strait, either 
 of being an enemy to his country, or false to his friends, and 
 to his trust. And by the same good Providence he was sent 
 back to rescue his wives, and the wives and children of his 
 men, who were taken captive.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 30:1 
 -19.) 
 
 V. 8— 11. (Marg.Ref.) David could not but inwardly 
 tejoice at this occurrence: yet lie was unwilling that Achish 
 should think he did ; and therefore he professed a desire “ to 
 fight with the enemies of his lord the king.” ( Note, 2 Sam. 
 16:15 — 19.) Achish would understand these words to mean 
 the Israelites; but they were ambiguous, as several of his 
 §>peeohos were on this occasion: so hard is it in suchcircum- 
 * 530 ) 
 
 the eyes of the lords, t Heb. do not evil in the eyes of, Sfc. n 12:3. 17:29. 20: 
 8.26.18. | Heb. before, o 28:2. 2 Sam. 16: 18,19. P<s. 34:13,14. Matt. 6:13. 
 p 2 Sam. 14:17,20. 19:27. Gal. 4:14. q 30:1,2. Gen. 22:14. Ps. 37:23,24. 1 Cor. 
 10:13. 2 Pet. 2:9. r See on 1. Josh. 19:18. 2 Sam. 4:4. a 29:11. 2 Sam. 1:2. 
 b 1 5'7. 27:8 — 10. Gen. 24:62. Josh. 11:16. c 19.27:11. Job 38:11. Ps. 76:10. 
 Is.27:8,9. d Ps. 34:19. Heb. 12:6. 1 Pet. 1:6,7. Rev. 3:9. 
 
 stances to avoid all insincerity and disingenuity, either from 
 fear or courtesy ! 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 While presumptuous sinners are given up to the effects 
 of their own counsels, and driven headlong to destruction, the 
 sins of the upright are repented of and pardoned ; and the 
 Lord takes care both of their peace and reputation. He has 
 various methods of extricating us out of difficulties, when we 
 can perceive no way of escaping: and while ungodly men 
 pursue their own purposes, and follow their own judgments, 
 he secretly influences them to such determinations, as sub- 
 serve the good of his people. — Reputation, esteem, and 
 affection, frequently become snares to us ; whilst reproaches, 
 contempt, and injurious suspicions prove beneficial: and the 
 ill usage of the wicked, by which we are driven from them, 
 is much better for us, than that friendship which draws us 
 among them. — When worldly people have no evil thing to 
 say of us, but will bear testimony to our uprightness, we need 
 desire no more from them : and this we should aim to acquire 
 by prudence, meekness, and a blameless life. But their 
 flattering commendations are almost always purchased by 
 improper compliances, or some measure of deception, and 
 commonly may cover us with confusion. — It is seldom prudent 
 to place great confidence in one who has changed sides ; 
 except as the fear of God influences a true convert to con- 
 scientious fidelity. — Obscurity, or the company of those who 
 are of one heart with us, is generally more safe, comfortable, 
 and honourable, than high stations in the palaces of the 
 ungodly. Thus David in the cave was far more worthy of 
 our admiration and imitation, than when a favourite in the 
 camp of king Achish : and he never had a greater deliverance, 
 than when he was dismissed from that ensnaring service. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXX. V. 1— 3. Ziklag was distant 
 from the camp of the Philistines, about three days’ march , 
 and David did not receive an authentic account of the battle 
 at Gilboa, till two days after his return thither. (2 Sam. 
 1:1.) But it does not thence follow, that the battle was not 
 fought on the morrow after Saul consulted the witch of Endor, 
 assume have thought; (28:19.) for the narrative of Saul’s 
 conduct is perfectly distinct, from that which relates to David 
 and to the Philistines: and it is not said, at what time Saul 
 went to Endor. — The Lord had extricated David reputably 
 from his ensnaring connexion with Achish ; hut he severely 
 rebuked him for his misconduct, by the calamity that came 
 upon Ziklag in his absence. (Notes, 2 Chr. 18:30 — 34. 
 19:1,2.) — He might reasonably have expected that thr 
 Amalekites would watch their opportunity of retaliating; and 
 his fear of offending Achish made him very imnrovidcnt, i* 
 
B. C. 1036. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 B. C 105b. 
 
 4 Then David and the people that were with 
 him, “lifted up their voice and wept, until they had 
 no more power to weep. 
 
 5 And David’s < two wives were taken cap- 
 tives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, the 
 wife of Nabal the Carmelite. 
 
 6 And David swas greatly distressed ; for h the 
 people spake of stoning him, because the soul of 
 all the people was 'grieved, every man for his 
 sons ana for his daughters: but 'David encouraged 
 himself in the Lord his God. 
 
 7 And David said to k Abiathar the priest, 
 Ahimelech’s son, I pray thee bring me hither the 
 ephod. And Abiathar brought thither the ephod 
 to David. 
 
 8 And David 'inquired at the Lord, saying, 
 Shall I pursue after this troop? shall 1 overtake 
 them ? And '"lie answered him, Pursue ; for thou 
 shall surely overtake them, and without fail 
 recover all. 
 
 9 So David went, he and the six hundred men 
 that were with him, and came to the brook Besor, 
 where those that were left behind stayed. 
 
 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred 
 men : for two hundred abode behind, which were 
 "so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor. 
 
 11 And they found an Egyptian in the field, 
 and brought him to David, and “gave him bread 
 and he did eat ; and they made him drink water; 
 
 12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, 
 and two clusters of raisins: and when he had 
 eaten, Phis spirit came again to him : for he had 
 eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, sthree days 
 and three nights. 
 
 13 And David said unto him, To whom be- 
 fongest thou ? and whence art thou ? and he said, 
 t am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Ama- 
 tekite ; and r my master left me, because three days 
 agone I fell sick. 
 
 4:13.11:4. Gen. 37:33— 35. Num. 14:1,39. Judg. 2:4. 21:2. Ezra 10:1. 
 1:2. 25:42,43. 27:3. 2 Sara. 2:2. 3:2,3. g Gen. 32:7. Ps. 25:17. 42:7. 116:3,4, 
 |0. 2 Cor. 1:8,9. 4:8. 7:5. h Ex . 17:4. Nora. 14:10. Ps. 62:9. Matt. 21:9. 27: 
 12. * Heb. bitter. 1:10. Judg. 18:25. 2Sam. 17:8. 2Kings4:27. margins. 
 
 .Job 13:15. Ps.27:l— 3. 42:5,11. 56:3,4,11.62:1,5,8. 118:8— 13. Prov. 18:10. Is. 
 7:14 — 20. Hab. 3:17,18. Rom. 4:18. 8:31. 2Cor.l.9,10. Heb. 13:6. k 22:20, 
 1 . 23:6,9. 1 Kings 2:26. Mark 2:26. 123:2,4,10-12. Judg. 20:18,23,28. 2 Sam. 
 5:19,23. Prov. 3:5,6. m 14:37.28:6,15,16. Num. 27:21. Ps 50: 15. 91 : 15. n 14: 
 90,31. Judg. 8:4,5. o Dent. 15:7—11.23:7. Prov. 25:21. Matt. 25.35. Luke 10: 
 36,37. Rom. 12:20,21. p 14:27. Judg. 15:19. Is. 40:29— 31. q 13. Esth.4:16. 
 
 leaving the city and the women and children in it, without 
 any proper guard. — But the Amalekites were wonderfully 
 and mercifully restrained from slaying any of them, after the 
 example which David had set them; (Note, 27:8 — 12.) pre- 
 ferring the profit of enslaving them, to the pleasure of revenge : 
 for God intended to rebuke his servant, hut not to permit his 
 family and friends to be destroyed. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. G. The loss of his wives, the desolations of the city, 
 and the bitterness of his followers, (marg.) who, not entirely 
 without reason, were enraged against him for thus exposing 
 their families, all combined to enhance David’s distress: at 
 the same time he could not but consider his calamities as 
 resulting from unbelief, in leaving the land of Judah, in being 
 so much afraid of Achish, and in neglecting to consult the 
 Lord. Yet in the midst of all these complicated troubles, his 
 spirit was soon calmed and encouraged : he neither murmured 
 against God, nor resented the rage of his soldiers, nor de- 
 spaired of redress, nor confided in his own valour or conduct ; 
 “but he encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (Notes, 
 Gen. 32:6—12.) He meditated upon his perfections, upon 
 his promises in general to believers, and the particular pro- 
 mises made to him ; on his own experience of the faithfulness 
 of God, as well as his wonderful works of old in behalf of his 
 worshippers; and on the relations in which the Lord stood to 
 those, who had been enabled to choose him as their Salvation 
 and Portion. Thus he was encouraged to expect forgiveness, 
 protection, help, and a favourable event, notwithstanding 
 external appearances. (Note, 17:34 — 37.) 
 
 V . 7 — 10. Circumstanced as David was, no time was to be 
 )ost ; and as his troubles originated from neglecting to inquire 
 of the Lord, he immediately consulted him by the high priest. 
 (Notes, 14:16—23. 23:9 — 13.) The answer vouchsafed him 
 quieted the minds of his followers ; so that after their long 
 march they were willing to go .in pursuit of the ravagers, 
 without taking rest, or regular refreshment. But the fatigue 
 of the former march, increased by this new expedition, toge- 
 ther with the anguish of their spirits, rendered a part of the 
 company so faint, that they could proceed no further. David 
 however, though his small troop was thus reduced, and he 
 might fear that the others would be unable to proceed, still 
 “ encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” (Note, Judg 
 •A4.) 
 
 ( 531 ) 
 
 14 We made an invasion upon the sot tli of 'the 
 Cherethites, and upon the coast which belongeth 
 to Judalnand upon the south of 'Caleb; and “we 
 burned Ziklag with fire. 
 
 15 And David said to him, Canst thou bring n*> 
 down to this company? And he said, “Swear unto 
 me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, 7nor 
 deliver me into the hands of my master, and I 
 will bring thee down to this company. 
 
 [Practical Observations.] 
 
 16 And ‘when he had brought him aown, 
 behold, they were spread abroad upon all the 
 earth, "eating and drinking, and dancing, b because 
 of all the great spoil that they had taken out of 
 the land ol the Philistines, and out of the land of 
 Judah. 
 
 17 And David smote them from the twilight 
 even unto the evening of Uhe next day : ‘and 
 there escaped not a man of them, save four hun- 
 dred young men which rode upon camels, and 
 fled. 
 
 18 And David recovered all that the Amalek- 
 ites had carried away : and David rescued his 
 two wives. 
 
 19 And d there was nothing lacking to them, 
 neither small nor great, neither sons nor daugh- 
 ters, neither spoil, nor any thing that they had 
 taken to them : David recovered all. 
 
 20 And David took all the flocks and the herds, 
 which they drave before those other cattle, and 
 said, “This is David’s spoil. 
 
 21 And David came to the ftwo hundred men, 
 which were so faint that they could not follow 
 David, whom they had made also to abide at the 
 brook Besor : and they went forth to meet David, 
 and to meet the people that were with him : and 
 when David h came near to the people, he ^saluted 
 them. 
 
 22 Then answered all the ‘wicked men and 
 
 Jon. 1:17. Matt. 27:63. r Job 31 -.13—15. Prov.I2:lO. Jam. 2:13 s 16. 2Sara. 
 8:13. 1 Kings 1:38,44. IChr. 18:17. Ez. 25:16. Zeph.2:5. t Josh. 14:13. 15c 
 13. ol- 3. x 29:6. Josh. 2:12. 9:15,19,20. Ez. 17:13,16,19 y Deut. 23: 15,16. 
 z Jndg. 1:24,25. a 25:36—38. Ex. 32:6,17— 19,27,28. Judg. 16:23—30. 2 Sam. 
 13:28. Is. 22:13. Pan. 5:1— 4,30. Luke 12:19, 20. 47:27—29. 21 :34, 35. 1 Thea. 
 5:3. Rev. 11:10 — 13. h Job 20:5. t Heb. their morrow, c 11:11. Judg. 4:15. 
 1 Kings 20:29,30. Ps. 18:42. d 8. Gen. 14:14— 16. Num. 31:49. Job 1:10. Ps. 
 34:9,10.91:9,10. Matt. 6:33. e 26. Num. 31:9— 12. 2Chr. 20:25. Is. 53:12. 
 Rom. 8 37. f 10. h Heb. 13:1. 1 Pet. 3:8. J Web. asked them how they did. 
 Judg. 18:15. i 22:2. 25:17,25. Deut. 13:13. Judg. 19:22. 1 Kings 21:10,13. 
 
 V. 11 — 15. This sick slave was considered as of small 
 value to his master, and was likely to be an encumbrance ; 
 the life of a fellow creature was rated at nothing ; and so he 
 was inhumanly left to perish, though he might have been car- 
 ried on one of the camels : but in the righteous providence of 
 God this cruelty of his master occasioned the destruction of 
 the invading army ; whilst David’s kindness to a perishing 
 stranger and slave was the means of his signal success, and 
 proved true policy ! (Marg. Ref.) This slave “ fell sick on 
 the third day ’’before; (13. Heb.) yet it is said that he had 
 been without meat and drink, three days and three nights. ( 12. 
 Note, Matt. 12:38—40.) 
 
 V. 16 — 19. (Marg. Ref.) The Amalekites probably 
 knew, that the Israelites and the Philistines were engaged in 
 war at a great distance, and that David and his men were in 
 the army of the Philistines, and therefore, deeming themselves 
 secure, they very imprudently began to riot on the abundance 
 which they had taken, without even placing guards to give 
 notice of an enemy’s approach. So that David and his little 
 troop came on them unawares, and made a dreadful and long 
 continued slaughter of them, and recovered all their spoil. (8) 
 Perhaps, coming near to the Amalekites in the evening, and 
 witnessing their riotous conduct, they took some refreshment 
 and rest, till the morning; ami then at the twilight assaulted 
 the Amalekites, when oppressed with drunkenness and sleep: 
 or else David’s company was supernaturally strengthened for 
 these great exertions after all their preceding fatigue. 
 
 V. 20. Besides the cattle, which had been taken from the 
 several countries which the Amalekites had ravaged, it is pro- 
 bable that David entered their lands, and fetched away some 
 of their cattle also. 
 
 V. 22 — 25. (Marg. Ref.) No doubt many of David’s men 
 had profited by his example and instructions: yet there were 
 also wicked men, even “men of Belial,” among them; who 
 proposed not only to take all the other spoil, and share it 
 among those who aided in destroying the Amalekites ; but 
 likewise to seize the property of their fellow-soldiers, because 
 they had not been able to go with them. David’s answer 
 however was full of piety, equity, and meekness, and well 
 worthy of careful notice; and it prevailed against their un- 
 just demands. Had he hearkened to these “men of Belial," 
 the others would have gone away disgusted, and the conse- 
 quences might have been permanently evil : but by thus mildly 
 
B. C. 1056. 
 
 I. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1056 
 
 men of Belial, of 'those that went with David, 
 and said k Because they went not with us, we will 
 not give f' em aught of the spoil that we have 
 recovered, save to every man his wife and his 
 children, that they may lead them away, and 
 depart. 
 
 23 Then said David, Ye shall not do so, 'my 
 brethren, with that "“which the Lord hath given 
 us, "who hath preserved us, and delivered the 
 company that came against us into our hand. 
 
 24 For who will hearken unto you in this mat- 
 ter ? °but as his part is that goeth down to the 
 battle, so shall his part be that Ptarrieth by the 
 stuff’: they shall part alike. 
 
 25 And it was so from that day ’forward, that 
 he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel 
 unto this day. 
 
 26 U And when David came to Ziklag, he sent 
 nf the spoil unto the elders of Judah, even “To his 
 friends, saying, Behold a {present for you of the 
 spoil of the enemies of the Lord ; 
 
 27 To them which were in r Beth-el, and to them 
 which were in “south Ramoth, and to them which 
 were in 'Jattir, 
 
 * Heb. the men. k Matt. 7:12. 1 Gen. 19:7. Judg. 19:23. Acts 7:2. 22-1. 
 
 m 8.2:7. Num. 31 :49 — 54. Dent. 8:10,18. 1 Chr. 29:12— 14. Hab. 1:16. n Ps. 
 44:2-7.121:7,8. o Num. 31:27. Josh. 22:8. Ps. 68:12. p 25:13. t Heb. and 
 forward, q 1 Chr. 12:1, &c. Ps. 35:27. 68:18. Prov. 18: 16,24. Is. 32:8. 4 Heb. 
 blessing. 25:27. Gen. 33:11. 2 Kings 5:15. 2Cor.9:5. r Gen. 28:19. Josh. 16: 
 2. Judg. 1:22,23. 1 Kings 12:29. s Josh. 19:8. Ramath. t Josh. 15:48. u Josh. 
 
 taking up the affair, he conciliated the minds of the well-dis- 
 posed, and silenced the injurious party. — This edict was differ- 
 ent from that, by which the spoil of the Midianites had been 
 divided: (Notes, Num. 31:25 — 47.) but that related to the 
 whole people; this only to the soldiers, some of whom went 
 to battle, and others guarded the baggage ; and in this pecu- 
 liar case it became a permanent law in Israel. 
 
 V. 26 — 31. It is evident from this that some law or custom 
 was established, which, in dividing the spoil, allotted a certain 
 portion of it to the commander in the war, and that David 
 sent these presents out of his own share of the booty. (20) 
 No doubt he considered those who secretly favoured and 
 assisted him during Saul’s persecutions, as his steady friends : 
 but, sending a blessing to them at this crisis, from the spoil of 
 the enemies of God and his people, was the result of genuine 
 policy, and served to remove obstructions to his advancement 
 to the throne. (Notes, 1 Chr. 12:1 — 8.) Hesent no presents 
 to the Ziphites, or to the men of Keilah : (Notes, 23:1 — 13, 
 19 — 25. 26:1,2.) for, though enemies should be helped, when 
 in distress; friends alone are entitled to our confidence, grati- 
 tude, and liberality. — It is evident, that some of the places, 
 here mentioned, were not situated in the lot of Judah : and 
 David had passed over Jordan, to place his parents under the 
 protection of the king of Moab, whose kingdom was near to 
 Aroer. (Marg. Ref. 28.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. When we leave our families, we cannot foresee 
 what may befall them, or ourselves, ere we return : we ought 
 therefore to commit each other to the protection of God ; and 
 to render him unfeigned thanks when we meet, from time to 
 time, in peace and safety. — It is wisdom on all occasions to 
 moderate our expectation of earthly comfort ; lest we should, 
 by being too sanguine, meet with the more distressing disap- 
 pointments. — Many of our troubles may be traced back to our 
 imprudence ; all of them in one way or other originate from 
 our sins. — Inordinate passions blind men’s minds: excessive 
 fear of one danger often causes them to overlook those which 
 are still more formidable : and they who give offence to 
 others, may expect to be used by them in like manner. But 
 the Lord restrains the rage of the most barbarous and revenge- 
 ful ; while one selfish principle counteracts another, wicked 
 men proceed as far as his purposes require, and no further ; 
 and by various instruments he rebukes and chastens his 
 offending people, but restrains even the most successful from 
 'oing them essential detriment. (Note, Ps. 76:10.) — Gene- 
 rous minds are most susceptible of rational affections; and 
 fhe bravest are not disgraced by mourning the loss or the suf- 
 ferings of beloved relations: but all our passions are prone to 
 excess; and unless the fear of God possess the heart, men 
 fret against him under afflictions, and vent their impatience 
 against the guilty or innocent occasions of them : and thus our 
 helpers may become our terror, or our destroyers. — Conscious 
 guilt, and a sense of the divine displeasure, form the keenest 
 aggravations of a believer’s distress: yet the very reflection 
 which pains and humbles his heart, silences the tempest of 
 his passions, and induces hope in God, who chastens that he 
 may not condemn. — “The Lord is rich in mercy, and ready 
 to forgive ;” so that the greatest sinner, when first he ap- 
 proaches the mercy-seat in the Redeemer’s name, with peni- 
 tent confessions and fervent prayers, may be encouraged to 
 expect salvation for his soul, and assistance in all his troubles. 
 R'it the believer, who has long trusted in his mercy, chosen 
 bun for his Portion, walked with him in his ordinances, sought 
 < 532 ) 
 
 28 And to them which were in "Aroer. and te 
 them which were in Siphmoth, and to them which 
 were in ’Eshtemoa, 
 
 29 And to them which were in Rachal, and to 
 them which were in the cities of the w Jerahmeel- 
 ites, and to them which were in the cities of the 
 x Kenites, 
 
 30 And to them which were in rHormah, and 
 to them which were in Chorashan, and to them 
 which were in Athach, 
 
 31 And to them which were in 'Hebron, and to 
 all the places where David himself and his men 
 were wont to haunt. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 1 Saul's army being defeated, and his sons slain, he and his armour-bearer kill 
 themselves, 1 — 6. The Philistines seize the towns which the Israelites for- 
 sake ; and insult over the deaa bodies of Saul and his sons, 7—10. Tht 
 men of Jabesh-gilead rescue and bum them, and bury the bones, 11—13. 
 
 N OW "the Philistines fought against Israel ; and 
 the men of Israel fled from before the Philis- 
 tines, and b fell down 'slain in mount “Gilboa. 
 
 2 And the Philistines ““followed hard upon Saul, 
 and upon his sons ; and the Philistines slew “Jo- 
 nathan, and Abinadab, and Malchi-shua, f Saul’s 
 sons. 
 
 13:16. v Josh. 15:50. Eslhtemoh. w 27:10. x Judg. 1:16. v Josh. 19:4. 
 Judg. 1:17. z Josh. 14:13,14. 2 Sam. 4:1. 15:10. a 28:1,15. 29:1. b 12:2-5. 
 1 Chr. 10:1— 3. * Heb. wounded. c 28:4. 2Sam. 1:21. d 14:22. 2Sam. 1: 
 
 6. e 13:2,16. 14:1 — 14,49. 18:1 — 4.23:17. 1 Chr. 8:33. 9:39. f Ex. 20:5. 2 Kins* 
 25:7. 
 
 his glory, and experienced his faithfulness, power, and love ; 
 notwithstanding failures and conscious unworthiness, may with 
 confidence “encourage himself in the Lord his God,” amidst 
 the most extreme danger and distress.— Bitter complaints and 
 mutual recriminations are of no use in the hour of trouble : 
 we are then called to perform the present duty ; and to 
 inquire the will of God by searching the Scriptures, and 
 prayer. When our sins are forgiven, and we act by the 
 Lord’s direction, we shall soon recover all, and be enriched 
 by our very losses and trials : and even if our companions 
 cannot or will not help us, “the Lord of hosts will be for us, 
 the God of Jacob will be our Refuge.” — Some of those, who 
 are cordially attached to the cause of God, are less capable of 
 hard services than others : but he mercifully accepts them, 
 and so should their brethren. — It is good policy, as well as 
 charity, to relieve the meanest in their distresses ; for in some 
 great emergency God may enable them to render us the most 
 important services : but he will certainly punish inhumanity 
 to the poor and the sick ; especially that of masters to their 
 sick and afflicted servants, and oppressed slaves. (Jam. 
 2:13.) 
 
 Y. 16 — 31. The success and abundance of ungodly men, 
 increasing their presumption, and being spent on their lusts, 
 frequently accelerate their destruction : and sensual indul- 
 gence is a common introduction to “ weeping, wailing, and 
 gnashing of teeth.” (P. O. 2 Sam. 13:15 — 39. Notes, Luke 
 16:19 — 23.) — In the most favoured companies selfish men will 
 be found, who, being ungrateful to God for his kindness, will 
 enrich or pamper themselves, while they leave their more 
 deserving, though less prosperous brethren to starve. But 
 those who consider the Lord as the Giver of their abundance, 
 will dispose of it with equity and in liberality : they will em- 
 ploy their influence to restrain the injustice of others ; and 
 take occasions from evil suggestions to establish useful prece- 
 dents: and instead of spending their wealth on their lusts, 
 will share it with their friends, and with the poor; thus sub- 
 serving their most important fut.ure interests, with the very 
 “ mammon of unrighteousness!” (Note, Luke 16:9 — 13.) — 
 Yet how far do they all come short of the Saviour, who 
 divides the spoil of his victories with the meanest of his fol- 
 lowers! (Notes, Ps. 68:18. Eph. 4:11 — 13.) But, though the 
 rebellious are now invited to accept of mercy and participate 
 his favour ; if they will not have him to reign over them, they 
 shall receive no benefit from his redemption, the blessings o! 
 which will he confined to his friends w ho trust and love him, 
 and keep his commandments. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXXI. V. 2. Probal.ly Saul never 
 informed his sons, of what he had been told concerning his 
 own and their approaching death : (28:19.) so that they were 
 in the army, and slain before his eyes. Thus David’s way 
 to the throne was cleared : for if a large proportion of Israel 
 stood up for tho rights of Ish-bosheth, who was a very insig- 
 nificant person; (2 Sam. 2: — 4:) doubtless far more would 
 have been strenuous for Jonathan: And, though he would 
 readily have given place ; yet his brethren and the people in 
 general would no doubt have made much opposition to David's 
 succession to the kingdom. (Note, 23:17,18.) 
 
 V. 3 — C. Saul, when grievously wounded, and unahlo to 
 resist or to Hoc, expressed no concern about his immortal 
 soul ; hut only desired to he speedily despatched, that tho 
 Philistines might not insult aver him, and put lum to pain! 
 (Note, Judg. 9:50 — 57.) His armunr-bearnr seems noithor 
 to have feared death, nor the gui.. of muratr, no tho wrath 
 
8 . C. 1056. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI 
 
 B. C. 1056. 
 
 3 And the battle ewent sore against Saul, and 
 the 'archers hit him ; and he was sore wounded 
 of the archers. 
 
 4 Then said Saul unto his armour-bearer, 
 ■Draw thy sword, and thrust me through there- 
 with, lest these ‘uncircumcised come and thrust 
 me through, and T abuse me. But his armour- 
 bearer would not; for die was sore afraid: there- 
 fore k Saul took a sword, and fell upon it. 
 
 5 And when 'his armour-bearer saw that Saul 
 was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, and 
 died with him. 
 
 6 So “Saul died, and his three sons, and his 
 armour-bearer, and all his men, that same day 
 together. 
 
 7 H Ahd when the men of Israel that were on 
 the other side of the valley, and they that were on 
 the other side Jordan, saw that the men of Israel 
 fled, and that Saul and his sons were dead, "they 
 forsook the cities and fled ; and the Philistines 
 came and dwelt in them. 
 
 g2Sam. 1:1 — 10. Am. 2:14. * Heb. shooters, men with. bows , found him. 
 
 Gen. 49:23. 1 isings 22:34. h.Judg. 9:54. 1 Chr. 10:4. i 14:6.17:26,36. 2 Sam. 
 1:20. Jer. 9. ‘25, 23. Rz. 44:7 — 9. t "r, mock. j2Sam. 1:14. k2Sam. 1:9, 
 10. 17:23. 1 Kings 16:13. I Chr. 10: 13,14. Mutt. 27:4,5. Acts 1:18. 16:27. 1 1 Chr. 
 10:5. m 4:10,11. 11:15. 12:17,25. 1 Chr. 10:6. Ec. 9:1,2. Hos. 13:10,11. n 13: 
 
 of God : but he had such reverence for the person of his 
 rince, that he was incapable of lifting up his hand against 
 im. Thus Saul became his own murderer ; and his armour- 
 bearer, in a mad expression of respect, imitated his example. 
 Ahithophel and Judas the traitor likewise murdered them- 
 selves. (Notes, 2 Sam. 17:23. Matt. 27:3 — 5.) and I do not 
 recollect any other instances in Scripture of this practice ; 
 unless Abimelech be added, who, when mortally wounded, 
 ordered his armour-bearer to despatch him ; and Zimri, who 
 burnt his palace and himself in it. (Marg. Ref.) For suicide, 
 whether from real or supposed insanity, or otherwise, seems 
 to have very rarely occurred in Israel ; while suicide among 
 the Greeks and Romans, and other Gentiles, was considered 
 as virtue , and never ascribed to insanity. So that the very 
 numerous instances of self-murder, in this and other Christian 
 countries, and generally considered as lunacy, have, in fact, 
 no parallel , either in Israel, or among idolaters ; and seem to 
 be occasioned in this peculiar form, by an association of the 
 Christian sentiment, that suicide is crime and murder, with a 
 vain attempt in all parties to extenuate it, by ascribing it to 
 madness. But when the character of the suicides mentioned 
 in Scripture is considered, it confirms the opinion, which has 
 been advanced, of the enormous guilt and direful consequences 
 of this crime. (Note, Ex. 20:13.) Men, either madly presum- 
 ing on the mercy of God, or despairing of it, in order to escape 
 temporal sufferings or disgrace, despise his gift of life, and 
 ehus rush uncalled unto his tribunal, by an act of direct rebellion 
 against his authority, and in proud defiance of his justice, 
 with the guilt of all their unrepented crimes upon their heads! 
 Yet so exceedingly has Sa’an blinded men’s minds, that this 
 worst of murders has been held honourable in very many 
 ages, places, and situations, and has often been committed 
 out of vainglory, in imitation of, or from affection to, those 
 who have obtained renown among their fellow-sinners. — The 
 Jews say, that Doeg was Saul's armour-bearer, having been 
 preferred for slaying the priests of the Lord: and if so, his 
 death was worthy of his life. (Notes, 22:9 — 19.) — Saul’s sons 
 and servants died in the performance of their duty to him and 
 to their country ; but he and his armour-bearer died in direct 
 violation of God’s commandment. 
 
 V. 7. The inhabitants of the cities, near the valley of 
 Jezreel, and of the cities near “ the passage of Jordan,” or 
 the place where men passed over that river, (nvn -oys) were 
 so afrighted at these events, that they fled, and left their habita- 
 tions to the conquerors. — These were the effects of rejecting 
 the Lord and his prophet, and demanding a king! (Notes, 
 8:1—9. 12:16—19. Hos. 13:10,11.) 
 
 V. 8—10. The Philistines sent the head of Saul to be 
 placed in the temple of Dagon, and his armour in that of 
 Ashtaroth, as memorials of their victory, and in honour of 
 their idols. (Notes, 5:1—5. Judg. 16:23,21 Dan. 5:1—9.) 
 But his body, and the bodies of his sons, they fastened to the 
 waL of Beth-shan a city near to the field of battle. Thus Saul 
 
 8 And it came to pass on the morrow, when 
 the Philistines came °to strip the slain, that they 
 found Saul and his three sons fallen in mount 
 Gilboa. 
 
 9 And they rcut off his head, and stripped off 
 his armour, and sent into the land of the Philis- 1 
 tines round about, nto publish it in the house of 
 their idols, and among- the people. 
 
 10 And r they put his armour in the house of 
 "Ashtaroth ; and they fastened his body to the wall 
 of ‘Beth-shan. 
 
 11 And when the inhabitants of “Jabesh-gilead 
 heard ?of that which the Philistines had done to 
 Saul, 
 
 12 All the valiant men arose, and went all 
 night, and took the body of Saul, and the bodies 
 of his sons, from the wall of Beth-shan, and came 
 to Jabesh, and “burnt them there. 
 
 13 And they took nheir bones, and buried 
 them under a tree at Jabesh, and “fasted seven 
 days. 
 
 6. Lev. 25:32,36. Deut. 28:33. Judg. 6:2. o 1 Chr. 10:8. 2 Chr. 20:25. p 4. 
 17:51,54. 1 Chr. 10:9,10. q Judg. 16:23,24. r21:9. ajudg.2:13. l Judg. 
 
 1:27. 2 Sam. 21: 12 — 14. u 11:1 — 11. 2 Sam. 2:4— 7. } Or, concerning 
 
 him , that which , fyc. x 2 Chr. 16:14. Jer. 34:^ 4m. 6:10. y Gen. 35:8. 
 
 2 Sam. 2:4,5. 21:12-14. z Gen. 50:10. 
 
 indeed escaped being tortured by them, but no dead body 
 could be more inhumanly abused. — As the death of Saul 
 made way for David to ascend the throne, the Philistines had 
 no great cause to triumph on that account. (Notes, 2 Sam. 
 5:17 -25. 21:15—22. Is. 14:28— 32.) 
 
 V. 11 — 13. This conduct of the men of Jabesh-gilead was 
 a becoming, expression of gratitude to Saul, as their deliverer 
 in the beginning of his reign, and a proper rebuke to the 
 barbarity of the Philistines. (Notes, 11: 2 Sam. 2:5 — 7. 21: 
 9 — 14.) It is probable that they burned the bodies, lest the 
 Philistines should recover and further abuse them : for though 
 burning the dead was not customary in Israel, it was not pro- 
 hibited. They fasted seven days, each day until the evening, 
 as a token of their sorrow and humiliation under the divine 
 rebuke. But there was no general lamentation in Israel made 
 for Saul, as there had been for the prophet Samuel. ( Notes , 
 25:1. 2 Chr. 21:18—20. Ec. 6:3—5. 8:9—10.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The objects of the divine displeasure are not only wretched 
 themselves, but likewise the cause of calamities to all around 
 them : yet, while the righteous are often involved with them 
 in temporal troubles and death ; they will be separated in the 
 other world, and possess eternal happiness, when the wicked 
 sink into everlasting misery : and frequently men’s behaviour, 
 in the closing scene of life, strongly indicates their state be- 
 yond the grave. — How should we watch and pray, that we 
 may not be given up to presumption or despair; but enabled 
 patiently to bear the evils of life, and quietly to hope for the 
 salvation of the Lord, that Satan may not tempt us to the 
 horrible sin of self-murder ! — It is comparatively of little conse- 
 quence in what manner, or with what circumstances, we die, 
 or what is done with our dead bodies : if our souls be but 
 saved, our bodies likewise will be raised at last, incorruptible 
 and glorious. But to be anxious to avoid pain or disgrace 
 from men, and not to “ fear him who is able to destroy both 
 body and soul in hell,” is the extreme of infatuation and im- 
 piety : yet even here also, ungodly men are often disappointed. 
 Indeed, every worldly object which is inordinately craved, 
 will become our trouble ; and the desire, the possession, and 
 the loss of it will all be sources of uneasiness to us. — When 
 inhumanity and impiety attend prosperity, it will be transient: 
 and’the successes of ungodly men are commonly introduction* 
 to their misfortunes. — It behooves us to show gratitude to our 
 benefactors, even though they be wicked men; and to venture 
 danger and trouble in doing so; yet how ineffectual is the 
 kindness and respect of fellow-creatures to those who are 
 enduring the wrath of God ! — While pompous funerals, mag- 
 nificent monuments, and flattering encomiums, combine to 
 honour the memory of some illustrious deceased impenitent 
 sinner, his poor soul is suffering the extremest misery and 
 disgrace, in the regions of darkness and despair ! “ This also 
 is a sore vanity.” (Note, Luke 16:22,23.) May we seek and 
 find that honour which cometh from God only. 
 
 I 533 ) 
 
THE 
 
 SECOND BOOK OF SAMUEL, 
 
 OTHERWISE CALLED 
 
 THE SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS. 
 
 This book derives the name by which it is generally called, from the prophet Samuel, though he had been dead some time when 
 the history contained in it commences. Perhaps it was so named, because he anointed that king whose actions it records ; or 
 because the prophets by whom it was written were raised up in those seminaries which he instituted. The names , however, of 
 the books, are no part of divine revelation ; and its authority, as a part of the sacred oracles, is not at all lessened by conceding, that 
 the title given it in the Septuagint, and the Vulgate, namely, ‘ The Second Book of the Kings,’ is more appropriate.— The book 
 itself most evidently continues the preceding narrative, and introduces that which follows: and its authenticity is considered aa 
 undoubted in every subsequent part of Scripture. The Psalms abound with references to the events recorded in it. (Ps. 3: title. 
 72 78:70. 72:89-19.-36. 132:) The narrative of David’s fall in the matter of Uriah, related only in this book, is mentioned 
 
 in other parts of Scripture. (1 Kings 15:5. Ps. 51: title. Matt. 1:6.) In short, wherever the covenant made with David, con- 
 cerning the regal authority, as perpetuated in his family, and at length inherited by the Messiah to descend from him ; or the 
 promises made respecting Solomon, the especial type of Christ; or the Lord’s choice of Jerusalem, and ol mount Zion, as the 
 place of his sanctuary, to which the Israelites should resort ; or the building and continuance of the temple there, are mentioned; 
 the events recorded in this book are divinely attested.- As containing the history of almost the whole of David’s reign, and exclu • 
 sively that of many important transactions, during this interesting period, there are perhaps more references directly or indirectly 
 made to it in other parts of the Scripture, than to any other portion of the sacred narrative. The promises made to David were, 
 both in the literal and typical sense of them, evident prophesies, the fulfilment of which, as recorded in the subsequent books of 
 Scripture, and in the history of the church and kingdom of Christ even to this day, are a divine attestation, that it was written by 
 inspiration of that God, “to whom were known all his works from the beginning of the world.’’ (Notes, 1: 22: 23:1 — 7.)— It 
 opens with David’s accession to the throne, his gradual prevalence against the house of Saul, and his establishment in the king- 
 dom ; it proceeds to relate his victories over his enemies, together with his zealous endeavours to reform the state of religion among 
 his people, as well as to enlarge their territory and advance their prosperity. But with these more pleasing events, are recorded the 
 grievous sins which he committed, and the many domestic and public calamities with which he was cha.-tised. These, as a dark 
 cloud, cover the latter part of the history of this book; (which brings us almost to the close of his reign of forty years;) yet, 
 through all, 'his character shines very bright in many instances, and we learn from another place, that he closed his life in a most 
 honourable manner. (Notes, 1 Chr. 28: 29:) * 
 
 R. C. 1056. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 An Amalekite brings Saul's crown and bracelet to David , informs him r>f the 
 event of the battle, and asserts that fie slew Saul, 1 — 10. David rends his 
 :lothea, u-eeps, and orders the messenger to be put to death as a murderer , 
 II — 16. His poetical lamentation for Saul and Jonathan , 17 — 27. 
 
 N OW it came to pass, after the death of Saul, 
 a when David was returned from the slaughter 
 of the Amalekites, and David had abode two 
 days in b Ziklag * 
 
 2 It came even to pass on 'the third day, that, 
 behold, d a man came out of the camp from Saul, 
 with .'his clothes rent, and f earth upon his head : 
 and so it was, when he came to David, that she 
 fell to the earth, and did obeisance. 
 
 3 And David said unto him, h From whence 
 comest. thou ? And he said unto hirn, Out of the 
 camp of Israel 'am I escaped. 
 
 4 And David said unto him, "How went the 
 matter ? I pray thee, tell me. And he answered, 
 That k the people are fled from the battle, and 
 many of the people also are fallen and dead ; and 
 Saul and Jonathan his son are dead also. 
 
 5 And David said unto the young man that 
 told him, ‘How knowest thou that Said and 
 Jonathan his son be dead ? 
 
 6 And the young man that told him said, As m I 
 
 a 1 Sam. 30:17—28. b 1 Sara. 27:6. c Gen. 22:4. Eslh. 4: 18. 5: 1 . Ho,. 6.2. 
 Mall 12:40.16:21. d 4:10. e Gen. 37:29,34 . Josh. 7:6. 1 Sam. 4 : 12. Joel 2:13. 
 f 13:32. Sec on 1 Sam. 4:12. g 14:4. Gen. 37:7—10. 43:28. 1 Sam. 20:41. 25:23. 
 Ps. 66:3. Rev. 3:9. h 2 Kings 5:25. i Job 1:1 5 — 19. • Heb. whalwa., &c. 
 1 Sam. 4:16. nmrg. k 1 Sam. 31:1— 6. 1 Chr. 10:1—6. I Prov. 14:15. m 1 Snm. 
 6:9. Luke 10:31. n 21. 1 Sam. 28:4. 31:1. o 1 Sam. 31:2— 7. fHeb. behold 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1. David and his men had re- 
 turned to Ziklag, and probably were employed in repairing 
 its desolations, when tidings were brought him of the death 
 of Saul. It does not appear that he made much inquiry 
 concerning the event of the war, though he had every reason 
 to be anxious about it. The decisive blow must have been 
 given about the time when lie was so exceedingly distressed. 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 30:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 3 — 10. As it is expressly said, that the armour-bearer 
 saw that Saul was dead, before he slew himself, (1 Sam. 
 31:5.) we must conclude (hat this man feigned many circum- 
 stances of his story. But happening to pass by the field of 
 battle, and finding Saul’s dead body, with the insignia of 
 royalty on it, or near to il, he knew who it was; and by 
 bringing these away he sufficiently proved Saul’s death. He 
 therefore framed his story, and ordered his behaviour, in that 
 manner which he supposed would most ingratiate him with 
 David. Il is remarkable, that an Amalckile should boast of 
 having slain Saul, who had been rejected for not punctually 
 ( 534 ) 
 
 B. C. 1056. 
 
 happened by chance upon "mount Gilboa, behold, 
 “Saul leaned upon his spear ; and, lo, the chariots 
 and horsemen followed bard after him. 
 
 7 And when he looked behind him, he saw 
 me, and called unto me ; and I answered, ^ere 
 am I. 
 
 8 And he said unto me, Who art thou? And I 
 answered him, I am ran Amalekite. 
 
 9 He said unto me again, Stand, I pray thee, 
 upon me, and slay me ; for languish is come upon 
 me, because my life is yet whole in me. 
 
 10 So I stood upon him, and sslew him, because 
 I was sure that he could not live after that he was 
 fallen : and I took r the crown that was upon his 
 head, and the bracelet that was on his arm, and 
 have brought them hither unto my lord. 
 
 11 Then David took hold on his clothes, and 
 ■rent them ; and ‘likewise all the men that were 
 with him. 
 
 12 And they "mourned and wept, and fasted 
 until even for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, 
 and for the people of the Lord, and for the 
 house of Israel ; because they were fallen by the 
 sword. 
 
 13 H And David said unto the young man that 
 
 me. 9:6. ISam. 22:12. Is. 6:8. marg. 65:1. p Gen. 14:7. Ex. 17:8-— 16. Num. 
 21:20. Deut. 25:17—19. 1 Sam. 15:3. 27:8.30:1,13. 1 Or, my coat of mail, or, 
 my embroidered coat hindereth me, that, my, be. q Jiidg. 9:54. 1 Sam . 31 :4,5, 
 r 12:30. I, am. 5:16. s 3:81. 13:31 . Gen. 37:29,34. Acts 14:14. t Rom. 12:15. 
 u Ps. 35:13,14. Prov. 24:17,18. Jer.9:l. Amos 6:6. Matt. 5:44. 2 Cor 11:29, 
 1 Pet. 3:8. 
 
 executing the command of God, concerning that nation. 
 (1 Sam. 15:18 — 23. 28:18.) But this rendered the story 
 the more improbable; for il might well be supposed, that Saul 
 would be as unwilling to he slain by an Amalekite, as by a 
 Philistine. Anguish. (9) Tile marginal reading seems the 
 true meaning of the original. 
 
 V. 11, 12. Daviil mourned for Jonathan, ns having lost a 
 most excellent and beloved friend ; for Saul, as having good 
 will and compassion for him without resentment, and because 
 every circumstance preceding and attending his death, was 
 peculiarly melancholy and affecting ; and for Israel, as having 
 iost a multitude of valiant men, as disgracefully triumphed 
 over by the Philistines, and as exposed to further injuries and 
 oppressions. ( Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 13 — 1G. This man was an Amalekite, and so devoted 
 by God himself to destruction; and David, as the king ol 
 Israel after Saul’s. death, was appointed to put this sentence 
 in execution. He had boasted of hiving killer 4 the king of 
 Israel; David could not disprove his . estnnony . rn< having 
 
B. L. 1056. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 B. C. 1056. 
 
 told him, ’‘Whence me thou ? And he answered, 
 I am the son of a stranger, an Amalekite. 
 
 14 And David said unto him, 'How, wast thou 
 not afraid Ho stretch forth thine hand to destroy 
 the Lord’s anointed ? 
 
 15 And David called one of the young men, 
 and said, “Go near, and fall upon him. And he 
 smote him that he died. 
 
 16 And David said unto him, b Thy blood be 
 opon thy head : for c thy mouth hath testified 
 against thee, saying, I have slain the Lord’s 
 
 anointed. [Practical Observation #.] 
 
 17 11 And David d lamented with this lamenta- 
 tion over Saul, and over Jonathan his son : 
 
 18 (Also he bade them “teach the children of 
 Judah the use of the bow; behold, it is written 
 in i the book of ' Jasher.) 
 
 19 The sbeauty of Israel is slain upon thy high 
 places : h how are the mighty fallen ! 
 
 20 ‘Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the 
 streets of Askelon; k lest the daughters of the Phi- 
 listines rejoice, lest the 'daughters of the uncircum- 
 cised triumph. 
 
 21 Ye "'mountains of Gilboa, "let there be no 
 dew, neither let there be rain upon you, nor fields 
 ’of offerings : for there the shield of the mighty is 
 vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he 
 had not been Panointed with oil. 
 
 22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of 
 the might}’, Hhe how of Jonathan turned not 
 back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty. 
 
 IS. y Nura. 12:8. lSara.31:4. 2Pet.2:I0. , 1 Sam. 24:6. 26:9. Ps. 105: 
 
 15. a 4:10 — 12. Jutlg. 8:20. 1 Sam. 22:17,18. 1 Kings ‘2:25,34,46. bGen. 9:5, 
 
 6. I,e». 20:9,1 1—13,16,27. Deul. 19:10. Josh. 2:19. 1 Kings 2:32. Ea. 18:13. 
 33:5. Matt. 27:25. Acts20.26. cJob,15:6. Prov. 6:2. LukeJ9:22. Rom. 3:19. 
 d Gen. 50:11. 2 Chr. 35:25. Jer. 9:17 — 21 . el Sam. 31:3. f Josh. 10: 13. * Or, 
 theupright. g 23. Deut. 4 :7,8. 1 Sam. 31 .3. Is. 4:2. 53:2. Lam. 2:1. Zech. 11: 
 7,10. h 25,27. Lam. 5:16. i Deut. 3*2:26,27. Judg. 16:23,24. Mic. 1:10. k Ex. 
 15:20,21 Jutlg. 11:34. 1 Sam. 18:6. Ez. 16:27,57. 1 1 Sam. 17:26,36. 31:4. 
 
 m 1 Sam. 31:1. 1 Chr. 10:1 — 8. n Judg. 5:23. Job 3:3 — 8. Is. 5:6. Jer. 20:14. 
 
 received no other intelligence, probably he believed it. By 
 his own confession he deservec^death ; (for a man’s desire to 
 die cannot authorize another to kill him;)‘and by his punish- 
 ment, David solemnly protested that he had no hand in the 
 death of Saul ; he warned all others not to expect favour from 
 him, by doing violence to any of Saul’s family ; and he aimed 
 to conciliate their good will, and that of Israel in general. 
 (Notes, 4:8—12.) 
 
 V. 18. Perhaps the bow had fallen into disuse among the 
 Israelites, and this had given the Philistines an advantage : at 
 the time therefore that this poem was inserted in the book of 
 Jasher, (Note, Josh. 10:12 — 14.) it was also recorded, that 
 David had given orders to the people to habituate themselves 
 to the expert use of the bow. Some, however, understand 
 this expression of a tune, or musical instrument, to which 
 this poem was adapted. 
 
 V. 19 — 27. This elegy contains little directly relating to 
 religion ; but it is highly poetical. It was intended as a 
 tribute of respect to the memory of Saul, and of affection to 
 that of Jonathan ; who perhaps was principally meant by 
 “The beauty of Israel,” being in every respect an ornament 
 to his religion and people. Saul’s valour and military renown 
 are celebrated, and his faults are veiled ; but nothing is 
 spoken of his piety or justice. The charge given to every 
 one, not to mention the catastrophe in the cities of the 
 Philistines, lest the enemies of God should rejoice, is very 
 beautiful. The wish that neither rain nor dew might fructify 
 the fields, on which the fatal battle was fought; and that 
 no sacrifices might thence be brought to the altar of God, 
 because there the anointed of the Lord had cast away his 
 shield, as if he had been a common soldier, is a strong 
 expression of regret for such an event. The harmony 
 which generally subsisted between Saul and Jonathan, in 
 warring against the enemies of Israel ; the impetuosity and 
 fury with which they had together charged and pursued 
 them : and their falling in the same battle, are touched upon 
 in a very poetical manner. It is probable that Saul had 
 encouraged the manufactures of Israel, and perhaps had 
 increased their wealth : the daughters of Israel therefore, as 
 most delighted with external embellishment, are called upon 
 to lament over their prince. Every thing is mentioned in 
 his commendation, which truth permitted: but Jonathan is 
 named with most passionate affection ; as having fallen 
 upon the high places, where he had often successfully dis- 
 played his valour ; and as having shown a strong and faithful 
 affection, in such trying circumstances, and in so disinterest- 
 ed a manner, as could not be equalled by any instances of 
 conjugal fidelity, or the most constant love which had ever 
 subsisted between the sexes. Considering therefore how 
 ulcasant his friendship had been to David, he could not but 
 be greatly distressed at his premature death. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V y — lfi. The deepest distress sometimes immediately 
 
 23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and ’pleasant 
 in their lives, and in their death “they were not 
 divided : they were “swifter than eagles, they ‘werr 
 stronger that lions. 
 
 24 Ye “daughters of Israel, weep over Sau., 
 who clothed you in scarlet with other delights, 
 who put on ornaments of gold upon your apparel. 
 
 25 w How are the mighty fallen in the midst of 
 the battle ! O Jonathan, Hhou wast slain in thine 
 high places. 
 
 26 I am distressed for thee, my brother Jona- 
 than; very pleasant hast thou been unto me : Hh> 
 love to me was wonderful, passing the love of 
 women. 
 
 27 How are the mighty fallen, and the ‘weapons 
 of war perished ! 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 David , by divine direction, goes -with his company to Hebron, and is anointed 
 king over Judah, 1 — 4. He commends the men of Jabesh-gilead for thsir 
 kindness to Saul, 5—7. Abner sets up Ish-bosheth as king over Israel, 8— 
 11. Twelve of Abner's men, and twelve of Joab's, engage in a fatal contest, 
 which brings on a battle, in which Israel is vanquished, 12 — 17. Asahel, 
 JoaJb's brother, is slain by Abner, 18—24. At Abner's desire Joab sounds a 
 retreat, 25— 29. The number of the slain , 30, 31. Asahel' s burial, 32. 
 
 A ND it came to pass after this, that David 
 “inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up 
 into any of the cities of Judah? And the Lord 
 said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whithei 
 shall I go up ? And he said, Unto b Hebron. 
 
 2 So David went up thither, and c his two 
 wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail, 
 Nabal’s wife the Carmelite. 
 
 0 Joel 1:9. 2:14. p 1 Sam. 10:1. Is. 21:5. q 1 Sam. 14:7 — 14. 18:4. Is. 34:6,7 
 f Or, sweet. 1 Sam. 18:1. 20:2. r 1 Sam. 31:2—5. s 2:18. Deut. 28:49. 1 Chr, 
 12:8. Job 9:26. Jer. 4:13. Lam. 4:19. t 23:20. Judg. 14:18. Prov. 30:30. 
 u Judg. 5:30. Ps. 68:12. Prov. 31:21. Is. 3:16— 26. Jer. 2:32. 1 Tim. 2:9,10. 
 
 1 Pet. 3:3— 5. w 19,27. Lam. 5:16. x Judg. 5:18. 1 Sam. 14:13—15. y 1 Sanu 
 18:1 — 4. 20:17,41. 23:16. z 2 Kings 2:12. 13:14. Ps. 46:9. 76:6. Ez. 39:9,10. 
 a 5; 19,23. Num. 27:21. Judg. 1:1. 1 Sam. 23:2,4,9— 12. 30:7,8. Ps. 25:4,5. 27:4. 
 143:8. Prov. 3:5,6. Ez. 36:37. b 5:1— 3. 15:7. Gen. 23:2. Num. 13:22. Josh. 
 14:14,15. I Kings 2:11. 1 Chr. 29:27. c 1 Sam. 25:42,43. 30:5. Luke 22:28,29. 
 
 precedes ttie dawning of deliverance : but those who havo 
 committed their concerns to the Lord, should quietly abide 
 his will ; and repress that eagerness and anxiety, with which 
 others disquiet themselves, when they expect important 
 changes. — Many secretly wish for the death of those who 
 keep them from honours or estates, without excepting even 
 their nearest relations ; and inwardly rejoice at those events 
 for which they decently appear to mourn. This is well 
 known to mercenary men, who form their plans accordingly ; 
 and are apt to conclude that all are actuated by the same 
 selfish principles. But the grace of God subdues this base 
 disposition, and forms the mind to a more liberal temper : 
 the true believer does not allow himself to desire, or to 
 rejoice in, the calamity or death of a rival or an enemy , 
 (Note, Prov. 24:17,18.) much less for that of a kind and 
 superior relation, to whom gratitude and honour are justly 
 due : and his mourning will on such occasions be unfeigned, 
 though moderated by submission to the will of God. He 
 cannot exult in the prospect of worldly advancement: for he 
 considers himself as by it intrusted with more talents, sur- 
 rounded by greater temptations, and called to increasing 
 cares, duties, and burdens. Those therefore will be de- 
 ceived, who court his favour, as sycophants do that of ungodly 
 superiors : they will meet with a frown, a rebuke, and perhaps 
 punishment, where they expected a large reward : and this 
 treatment of such mercenary men promises a useful and 
 honourable possession of worldly pre-eminence. 
 
 V. 17 — 27. The faults even of owr enemies should not 
 be needlessly exposed, and all remembrance of injuries should 
 be buried with the deceased, except the glory of God and 
 the benefit of men require the contrary ; and the offices and 
 rank of distinguished persons are entitled to respect, though 
 their characters do not deserve our esteem. — Useful endow- 
 ments are conferred on numbers who are destitute of true 
 piety ; and it is in some cases allowable and decent to give 
 them due commendation : yet we must on no account praise 
 them for virtues which they do not possess. But holiness 
 demands our peculiar love, and renders the society of those 
 who possess it very pleasant to the true believer. Next to 
 the love which subsists between the Lord and his people, 
 that endeared affection which springs from it. produces the 
 most vigorous, durable, faithful, and disinterested friendship : 
 (Notes, 1 Pet. 1:22 — 25.) yet even this heavenly love occa- 
 sions deep distress in this world, in which it is an exotic ; but 
 in its own climate above, it will flourish into unalloyed and 
 eternal pleasure. — The calamities of the Lord’s people, and 
 the triumphs of his enemies, always grieve the hearts of true 
 believers, whatever advantages they may incidentally derive 
 from them ; and it would be well, if many things which con- 
 tinually occur among professed Christians could be concealed 
 from infidels and profligates, who are exceedingly hardened 
 and emboldened by them. But it is not enough to conceal 
 offences. Indeed the wish to do it is vain, and the tiling 
 ( 535 ) 
 
B. L. 1054 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1054 
 
 3 And d his men that were with him did David 
 bring up, every man with his household : and 
 they dwelt in 'the cities of Hebron. 
 
 4 And * 1 * * the men of Judah came, and there 
 they ^anointed David king over the house of 
 Judah. And they told David, saying, That h the 
 men of Jabesh-gilead were they that buried 
 Saul. 
 
 5 And David sent messengers unto the men 
 of Jabesh-gilead, and said unto them, 'Blessed be 
 ye of the Lord, that ye have showed this kind- 
 ness unto your lord, even unto Saul, and have 
 buried him. 
 
 6 And now k the Lord show kindness and truth 
 unto you : and 'I also will requite you this kind- 
 ness, because ye have done this thing. 
 
 7 Therefore now "let your hands be strength- 
 ened, and be ye "valiant: for your master Saul 
 is dead, and also the house of Judah have 
 anointed me king over them. 
 
 8 H But “Abner the son of Ner, captain of 
 'Saul’s host, took “Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, 
 and brought him over to rMahanaim; 
 
 9 And made him king over s Gilead, and over 
 the “Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Eph- 
 raim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel. 
 
 10 Ish-bosheth Saul’s son ivas forty years old 
 when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned 
 t:vo years: but the house of Judah followed 
 David. 
 
 11 And "the Jtime that David was king in 
 
 d 1 Sam. 22:2 . 27:2,3. 30:9,10. 1 C'hr. 12:1. &c. e Josh. 21 : 11 ,12. 119:11,12. 
 
 Gen. 49:8-10. g 7. 5:3,17. 1 Sam. 16:13. I Chr. 11:3. h 1 Sam. 31 : 1 1— 13. 
 iRuth 1:8. 2:20. 3:10. 1 Sam. 23:21. 24:19. 23:32,33. Pa. 115:15. k 15:20. Ps. 
 57:3. Prov. 11:22. Matt. 5:7. 2 Tim. 1:16— 18. 19:3,7. 10:2. Malt. 5 44. 10:16. 
 Pliilem. 18,19. m 10:12. Gen. 15:1. 1 Sam. 4:9. 31:7,12. 1 Cor. 16:13. Eph.6: 
 10. * Heb. the sons of valour, n 1 Sam. 14:30. 17:55. 26:14. fHeb.MeAosf 
 to iich was Saul's, o 3:7,8. 4:5.6. 1 Chr. 8:33. 9:39. Esk-baal. p 17:26,27. Gen. 
 32:2. q Num.32:l, &c. Josh. 13:8 — 11. Ps. 108:8. rGen. 30:13. Num. 1:40. s 5: 
 
 itself generally impracticable : and the very endeavour often 
 increases the mischief ; being considered as an effort to con- 
 nive at or palliate evil conduct, in those of our own creed or 
 party. And at the same time the hope of escaping disgrace 
 decreases resistance in the hour of temptation ; and so 
 multiplies the scandals themselves. We must therefore 
 watch and pray against them, and use all our influence to 
 prevent them. Let us then learn to repress ambition, resent- 
 ment, and self-love; and to exercise patience, meekness, 
 gratitude to our benefactors, love to our country, and good 
 will to men ; with zeal for the glory of God, and the interests 
 of true religion. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 1 — 3. After the death of Saul 
 many of the Israelites resorted to David at Ziklag, till his 
 forces became very considerable: [Notes, 1 Chr. 12:1 — 22.) 
 yet he took no step to obtain possession of the vacant throne, 
 without consulting the Lora as in former instances by 
 Abiathar the priest. (Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 28:30. 
 Num. 27:21.) He trusted in him who had promised him the 
 kingdom, to give it him in his own time and manner ; that 
 he might possess it with a clear conscience, and avoid all 
 appearance of those evils with which he knew Saul’s adhe- 
 rents would be ready to charge him. (Note, 1 Kings 1 1:37.) 
 Judah was his own tribe, and he was decided in his opinion, 
 that he must first go up to some city of that tribe. Accord- 
 ingly he was directed to go up to Hebron, a chief city of 
 Judah : and his men with their families were placed in the 
 adjacent towns, dependent on Hebron. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 4. David had been privately anointed by Samuel, as 
 Saul’s successor; (1 Sam. 16:12,13.) and now the principal 
 persons in the tribe of Judah publicly anointed him to be 
 their king ; but they did not attempt to place him over the 
 other tribes. (Note, 5:3.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. David took every opportunity of expressing the 
 ■tame regard to Saul, as he had done in his lifetime. — But 
 he and three of his sons were now dead; and all Israel knew 
 that Saul’s family had been rejected by the Lord, who had 
 appointed David his successor. The tribe of Judah had 
 recognized his title : it was proper that he should act as king: 
 and he could not begin his reign by a more conciliating mea- 
 sure, than by sending a deputation to thank those who had 
 rescued the bodies of Saul and his sons, and performed the 
 funeral ceremonies over them. (Note, 1 Sam. 31:11 — 13.) 
 He not only besought the Lord to reward the men of Jabesh, 
 but promised that he also would requite them ; being deter- 
 mined to show aM kindness to the friends of his predecessor: 
 and he also encouraged them to expect ‘his firm support 
 against the Philistines and other enemies. 
 
 V. 8. Abner was a near relation of Saul, and commander 
 of his armies ; and Ish-bosheth was an insignificant person : 
 Abner therefore doubtless intended to give him inly the titlo 
 .of king, and to possess the authority himself. (Marg. Ref. 
 
 Notes 3:6 — 12,17 — 21. 1 SVrm. 14:47 — 52.) Eithor Abner 
 
 ( 536 ) 
 
 Hebron over the house of Judah, was seven 
 
 years and six months. [ Practical Observation b.] 
 
 12 IT And Abner the son of Ner, and the 
 servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out 
 from Mahanaim to 'Gibeon. 
 
 13 And “Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the ser- 
 vants of David, went out, and met ^together by- 
 the *pool of Gibeon : and they sat down, the one 
 on the one side of the pool, and the other on the 
 other side of the pool. 
 
 14 And Abner said to Joab, Let the young 
 men now arise, and ?play before us. And Joab 
 said, Let them arise. 
 
 15 Then there arose and went over by number 
 twelve of Benjamin, which pertained to Ish- 
 bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the ser- 
 vants of David. 
 
 16 And they caught every one his fellow by 
 the head, and thrust his sword in his fellow’s 
 side ; so they fell down together : wherefore that 
 place was called "Helkath-hazzurim, which is in 
 Gibeon. 
 
 17 And there was a very sore battle that day: 
 and Abner was beaten, and the men of Israel, be- 
 fore the servants of David. 
 
 18 And there were z three sons of Zeruiah 
 there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel : and Asahel 
 “was as light of "foot as a “wild roe. 
 
 19 And Asahel pursued after Abner; and in 
 going he b turned not to the right hand nor to the 
 left, from "following Abner. 
 
 5. 1 Kings 2:11. 1 Chr. 3:4.29:27. J Heb. member ofdays. t Josh. 9:3. 10:12 
 18:25. u 18. 8:16.20:23. 1 Kines 1:7. 2:28— 35. 6 Heb. them together, x Jer. 
 41:12. y 26. Prov. 10:23. 17:14. 20:18. 25:8. 26:18,19. II That is, The fold 
 of strongmen, z 1 Chr. 2:15,16. n 1:23. 1 Chr. 12:8. Pa. 147:10,11. Kc. 9:11. 
 11 Heb. his feet. *' Heb. one of the roes that is in the field. Ps. 18:33. Caul. 
 2:17.8:14. Hab.3:19. b 21. Josh. 1:7. 23:6. 2 Kings 22:2. Prov. 4:27. Heb. 
 after Abner. 
 
 had not been present at the battle in Gilboa, or he had 
 escaped by flight. 
 
 V. 9. Abner deemed it prudent to fix Ish-bosheth’s resi- 
 dence at Mahanaim, east of Jordan, (Note, Gen. 32:1,2.) as 
 most secure both from David and the Philistines ; yet all the 
 tribes west of Jordan adhered to him, except the tribe of Ju- 
 dah. — The Ashurites were the tribe of Asher. — The nation 
 in general had rejected the judges whom God had raised up for 
 them, and had demanded a king - , and, in the same rebellious 
 spirit they refused the prince whom the Lord had selected for 
 them, who was a man of approved abilities and character ; 
 and preferred the surviving son of their rejected king, though 
 in every respect an improper person. In this, David was a 
 type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though 
 anointed by the Father to be their Prince and Saviour. 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 8:1— 9. Ps. 2: Luke 19:11—27. Acts 7:51 
 —53.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. For two years Ish-bosheth reigned in peace, 
 and David made no attempts against him: but for tne re- 
 mainder of the seven years and six months, there was war. 
 Abner possessed the authority, and Ish-bosheth was only a 
 nominal king. Ish-bosheth signifies a man of shame. He is also 
 called Esh-haal. (1 Chr. 8:33. Note, Judg. 6:31,32.) Ho 
 was evidently a very inconsiderable and despised person. 
 
 V. 12, 13. David was made king by God himself, and had 
 never been subject to Ish-bosheth : yet he did not begin hos- 
 tilities, but waited to see how God would order things in his 
 favour. When however Abner made war on him, he was not 
 bound to the same measures of mere self-defence, as when 
 persecuted by the Lord’s anointed. — Abner marched his 
 army over Jordan, unto Gibeon of Benjamin, doubtless ex- 
 pecting to be effectually supported in subjecting the tribe of 
 Judah to Ish-bosheth: but David opposed an army to him 
 under the command of Joab, his sister’s son ; and to the in- 
 structions given him we may ascribe the moderation with 
 which he conducted the war. 4 For he had sworn to Saul, 
 that he would not cut off his seed, and therefore would not 
 willingly engage against Ish-bosheth.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, 
 
 1 Sam. 24:16—22. ) 
 
 V. 14 — 16. Tf is probable that Joab kept upon the defer* 
 sive, and gave Abner no opportunity of attacking him ; and 
 that Abner’s impatience to engage induced him to give this 
 rash challenge. He expressed himself as if he only intended 
 to make diversion for the two armies, according to the horrible 
 custom of gladiators in after ages, who gratified the diabolical 
 spectators by murdering each other. Joab, though backward 
 
 to engage, had not resolution to refuse the challenge. Some 
 think that only the twclVo Benjamites were slain: but the 
 words more obviously mean, that all the company wero 
 butchered. 
 
 V. 18 — 23. The circumstances stated in these verses, 
 show that Abner was not at all to blame in the dcatl ©I Asa- 
 hcl : for he was constrained to slay him in his own i 
 
D. C. 1053. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 1050 
 
 20 Then Abner looked behind him, and said, 
 Art thou Asahel? And he answered, I am. 
 
 21 And Abner said to him, Turn thee aside to 
 thy right hand or to thy left, and lay thee hold on 
 one ol the young men, and take thee his 'armour. 
 But Asahel would not turn aside from following of 
 him. 
 
 22 And Abner said again to Asahel, Turn thee 
 aside from following me : 'wherefore should I 
 smite thee to the ground? d how then should I 
 hold up my face to Joab thy brother ? 
 
 23 Howbeit, he refused to turn aside: where- 
 fore Abner, with the hinder end of the spear smote 
 him under e the fifth rib, that the spear came out 
 behind him ; and he fell down there, and died in 
 the same place : and it came to pass, that as 
 many as came to the place where Asahel fell down 
 and died, f stood still. 
 
 24 Joab also and Abishai pursued after Abner : 
 and the sun went down when they were come to 
 the hill of Ammah, that lieth before Giah, by the 
 way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 
 
 25 And the children of Benjamin gathered 
 themselves together after Abner, and became one 
 troop, and stood on the top of an hill. 
 
 26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, eShall 
 the h sword devour for ever ? knowest thou not 
 that it will be bitterness in the latter end? 'how 
 ■ong shall it be then, ere thou bid the people return 
 from following their brethren ? 
 
 * Or, spoil. Judg. 14:19. c 2 Kings 14:10 — 12. Prov. 29:1. Ec. 6:10. 
 d 3:27. e 4:6. 20:10. f 20:12.13. g 14. Acts 7:26. Ii 11:25. Is. 1:20. Jer. 
 2:30. 12:12. 46:10,14. Hos. 11:6. i Job 18:2. 19:2. Ps. 4:2. Jet. 4:21. 
 K l Sam. 25:26. Job 27:2. 1 Prov. 15: 1 . 17: 14. 20:18. 25:8. Luke 14:31,32. 
 
 T Heb./ro77i the morning. J Or, gone away, m Cant. 2:17. B ether, n 3:1. 
 
 as nothing could satisfy Asahel, but either killing or taking 
 captive the commander of Ish-bosheth’s army, for which he 
 was wholly incompetent. (Notes, 3:26,27,31.) 
 
 Sons of Zeruiqh. (18) Zeruiah was David’s sister: (1 
 Chr. 2:16.) and Joab, Abishai, and Asahel, were his nephews. 
 (Notes, 23:18—24. 1 Chr. 11:6.) 
 
 V. 26 — 29. Abner used very different language when van- 
 quished, than when eager to engage. (Note, 14 — 16.) Now 
 he spoke “ of the sword devouring for ever,” and of the bitter- 
 ness which* the slaughter would occasion in the event ; and 
 recollected that the combatants were brethren. He forgot 
 himself, however, when he threw the blame upon Joab ; and 
 he would not have made so moderate a use of victory had he 
 obtained it. Though Joab was deeply exasperated by the 
 death of his brother ; yet, in regard to David’s inclinations and 
 Israel's advantage, he stopped the pursuit, and gave Abner 
 and his troops an opportunity of retiring to a place of safety. 
 
 V. 30 — 32. (Marg. Ref.) The slain of Israel, though 
 much exceeding that of David’s men, were not numerous. 
 This might be owing to the directions given by David, to be. 
 as lenient as possible : bnt the death of Asahel seems to have 
 stopped the pursuers, and greatly to have favoured the escape 
 of the vanquished. (23. Note, 26 — 29.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. If we would possess temporal things with a 
 blessing, we must not eagerly seize upon them, nor be deter- 
 mined by favourable events or carnal counsellors: but we 
 must observe the rules of God’s word, and pray for his direc- 
 tion ; using those means, and those only, which he has ap- 
 pointed or allowed, and avoiding all evil and “appearance of 
 evil,” in our pursuit of them: and then whatever else we fail 
 in we shall certainly be directed in the way to the kingdom of 
 heaven. — Those who have shared our afflictions should be 
 associated in our prosperity; as they, “who suffer with 
 Christ, shall also reign with him.” — When we are influenced 
 by faith, and the fear and love of God, and act with integrity, 
 kindness, forgiveness, and a desire of peace, we conduct our 
 affairs with the best wisdom. — We are bound to pray for and 
 do good to those who have acted properly, even to our ene- 
 mies ; and to use conciliatory measures towards all men, but 
 especially those who have behaved with gratitude and fidelity, 
 in, dangerous circumstances and without prospect of advan- 
 tage : for such friends are worthy of attention ; and they, who 
 have been grateful to one benefactor, will find another to pro- 
 tect. them when he is removed. But the believer’s progress 
 must be gradual : his faith and graces must be exercised and 
 proved, and his pride subdued, before he can properly endure 
 .my kind of prosperity: and for these purposes, the Lord often 
 employs the perverseness of his brethren, without their know- 
 ledge or contrary to their intention. — In the professing church 
 few honour those whom the Lord will honour: before Jesus 
 came, and in every succeeding generation, the very builders 
 have rejected such as He intended for eminent situations ; and 
 his servants must be conformed to him. — Ambition, jealousy, 
 envy, and other evil passions, cause men to rebel against the 
 word of God: but they generally attempt to conceal their real 
 motives under plausible pretences. The believer’s wisdom, 
 
 Vol. I 68 
 
 27 And Joab said, As k God liveth, 'unless thoti 
 hadst spoken, surely then fin the morning' the peo- 
 ple had Igone up every one from following his 
 brother. 
 
 28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people 
 stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, 
 neither fought they any more. 
 
 29 And Abner and his men walked all that 
 night through the plain, and passed over Jordan, 
 and went through all m Bithron, and they came to 
 Mahanaim. 
 
 30 And Joab returned from following Abner : 
 and when he had gathered all the people together 
 there lacked of David’s servants nineteen met. 
 and Asahel. 
 
 31 But the servants of David had smitten of 
 Benjamin, and of Abner’s men, so that “three 
 hundred and threescore men died. 
 
 32 And they took up Asahel, and “buried him 
 in the sepulchre of his father which was in Beth- 
 lehem. And Joab and his men Pwent all night, 
 and they came to Hebron at break of day. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 David grows stronger, and Ish-bosheth weaker, during the war, 1 . Six sons 
 are born to David in Hebron, 2 — 5. Abner quarrels with Ish-bosheth, and, 
 offers his services to David, 6 — 12. David demands and receives back Mi - 
 chal, 13 — 16. Abner communes with the Israelites, goes to David, and is 
 feasted by him, and sent away in peace, 17 — 21. Joab is angry with David, 
 and murders Abner, 22 — 27. David protests against his wickedness, and 
 denounces a curse upon him, 28 — 30. David mourns for Abner, 31 — 39. 
 
 N OW^ there was a long* war b be tween the house 
 of Saul and the house of David : but c David 
 
 1 Kings 20:11. o 1 Sam. 17:58. 1 Chr. 2:13— 16. 2Chr. 16:14. 21:1. p Prov. 
 22:29. a 1 Kings 14:3. 15:16,32. bGen.3:15. Ps. 45:3-5. Matt. 10:35,36. 
 
 Gal. 5:17. Eph. 6:12. cEsth.6:13. Job 8 7. 17:9. Pb. 84:7. Prov. 4:18,19. 
 Dan. 2:34,35,44,45. Rev. 6:2. 
 
 however, consists in waiting quietly and silently under inju- 
 ries, and in leaving God to plead his cause, except it is evi- 
 dently his duty to be active. But there is a respect due to 
 superior relations, to which equals or inferiors, in similar cir- 
 cumstances, are not entitled. 
 
 V. 12 — 32. Ambitious and bloody men often consider the 
 dire trade of war, and the slaughter of their fellow-creatures, 
 as a mere diversion ; and the lives of millions have been trifled 
 away, out of an irrational point of honour, to the great grati- 
 fication of Satan, that first great murderer of the bodies and 
 souls of men. From age to age numbers are ambitious of 
 venturing their lives and souls, for the empty hope of being 
 celebrated as valiant men, after they are dead ! and from the 
 same motive they mingle the blood of their brethren w ith their 
 own ; though they bear them no resentment, and have received 
 no provocation from them ! But what can be more senseless and 
 infatuated than such a conduct? — The sword of civil war, 
 when once unsheathed, is not easily returned into the scab- 
 bard ; and those who, in their eagerness to engage, make light 
 of such unnatural contests, will perceive in the event that they 
 are bitterness to all concerned. — Men are exceedingly disposed 
 to throw the blame of manifest evil upon others, that they 
 may exculpate themselves : and those arguments which were 
 disregarded as futile when employed against them, will often 
 be deemed very conclusive when urged on their own behalf. 
 — Success, as well as self-love, has a great effect in deter- 
 mining men’s judgments: of the evil of prosperous attempts 
 they cannot be convinced ; yet they can easily perceive those 
 measures to be wrong, which occasion loss or peril to them- 
 selves 1 Such partial decisions should be exposed and re- 
 buked : yet it is always right to exercise clemency to the van- 
 quished, and generosity to the wretched ; to spare the shedding 
 of human blood ; to alleviate, in every way we possibly can, 
 the sum of human misery ; and to strive for peace, especially 
 in the intestine contentions of nations or churches, w here the 
 common cause must suffer, which party soever may acquire 
 the ascendency. — Different endowments qualify us for varied 
 kinds of service, and should be improved for that purpose. 
 But when talents are overrated, and when men confide and 
 glory in them, they will go beyond the dictates of prudence, as 
 well as out of the line of duty, in order to distinguish them- 
 selves ; they will despise warning and counsel, as the effect 
 of envy and cowardice; and they will always be shamed, and 
 frequently ruined, by those qualifications in which they prided 
 themselves. Often do men fancy themselves about to seize 
 upon happiness, when death stops their career, and lays them 
 in the dust : and if they will rush forwards in the road to de- 
 struction though plainly warned of their danger, they can 
 blame none but themselves. — Finally, there are many distinc- 
 tions among us, both during life, and in the disposal of our 
 bodies after death ; but in the eternal world no distinction sub- 
 sists, except between those “who have served the Lord, and 
 those who have not served him.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1. The civil war, between 
 David and Ish-bosheth, continued about five years and a half: 
 but it seems to have been conducted with great moderation on 
 the part of David. He, however, gained continually upon the 
 
 C 537 ) 
 
B. 7 1050. II. SAMUEL. B. C. 1048 
 
 waxed a ronger and stronger, and the house of 
 Saul waxed weaker and weaker. 
 
 2 And unto David were d sons born in Hebron : 
 and his first born was e Amnon, of f Ahinoam the 
 Jezreelitess ; 
 
 3 And his second, eChileab, h of Abigail the wife 
 of Nabal the Carmelite ; and the third, 'Absalom 
 the son of Maacah, the daughter of iTalmai king 
 of k Geshur ; 
 
 4 And the fourth 'Adonijah the son of Haggith ; 
 and the fifth, Shephatiali the son of Abital ; 
 
 5 And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David’s 
 wife. These were born to David in Hebron. 
 
 6 H And it came to pass, while there was war 
 between the house of Saul and the house of 
 David, that m Abner made himself strong for the 
 house of Saul. 
 
 7 And Saul had a concubine, whose name was 
 “Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah: and Ish-bosheth 
 said to Abner, Wherefore hast thou “gone in unto 
 my father’s concubine? 
 
 8 Then was Abner Pvery wroth for the words 
 of Ish-bosheth, and said, Am <d a dog’s head, 
 which against Judah r do show kindness this day 
 unto the house of Saul thy father, to his brethren, 
 and to his friends, and have not delivered thee 
 into the hand of David, that thou chargest me 
 to-day with a fault concerning this woman ? 
 
 9 “So do God to Abner, and more also, except 
 ‘as the Lord hath sworn to David, even so I do 
 to him ; 
 
 10 To translate the kingdom from the house of 
 Saul, and to set up the throne of David over 
 Israel, and over Judah, "from Dan even to Beer- 
 sheba. 
 
 11 And he could not answer Abner a word 
 again, ^because he feared him. 
 
 12 ’ll And Abner sent messengers to David on 
 his behalf, saying, ?Whose is the land ? saying 
 also, “Make thy league with me, and behold, a my 
 
 d 1 Chr. 3:1 — 1. e 13.1 — 29. Gen. 49.3,4. f 1 Sam. 25:43. n 1 Chr. 3:1. 
 Daniel, h 1 Sam. 25:3,42. 1 13:20—28. 14:24-33. 15:1 — 14. 17:1—14. 18:9 
 
 —18,33. j 13:37,38. k Dent. 3.14. Josh. 13:13. lSam.27:8. I 1 Kings 1: 
 5, 4ic. 2:13-25. m 2:8,9. 2 Kings 10:2,3. 2 Chr. 25:8. Pros. 21:30. la. 8:9, 
 10. Joel3:9— 13. Malt. 12 30. 1,21:8—10. 0 12:8.16:21,22. I Kings 2:17, 
 
 21,22. p Ps. 76:10. Mark 6: 18,19. q 9:8. 16:9. Dent. 23:18. 1 Sam. 24:14. 
 2 Kings 8:13. r 9,18. 5:2. 1 Sam. 15:28. Ps.2:l— 4. Is. 37:23. dels 9:4,5. 
 • 35. 19:13. Roth 1:17. 1 Sam. 3. 17. 14:44. 25:22. 1 Kings 19:2. t 1 Sam. 15: 
 28. 16:1,12,13.28:17. I Chr. 12:23. Ps. 89:3,4,19,20. u 17:11.24:2. Judg.20:l. 
 
 esteem and affections of the people, and in the extent of his 
 dominions and the number of his subjects ; while Ish-bosheth 
 gradually sunk into insignificance and contempt. ( Notes, 2:10, 
 11. Prov. 4:18,19.) 
 
 V. 2 — 5. ( Mnrg . Ref.) David’s motives for multiplying 
 
 wives must have been carnal , in one way or other; and his 
 conduct in this respect proved the occasion of much sin and 
 trouble in the subsequent part of his life. He had by all his 
 wives no mere than six sons, during the seven years that he 
 reigned at Hebron ; though probably he had some daughters, 
 who are not mentioned.— Perhaps Maacah, the daughter of 
 Talmai, had been taken prisoner, and proselyted before 
 David married her : though some think David had contracted 
 affinity with the king of Geshur, to strengthen himself against 
 Ish-bosheth. — It is not known, why Eglah only is called 
 “ David’s wife.” 
 
 V. 6 — 10. (Marg. Ref.) Perhaps Abner was" weary of 
 Ish-bosheth’s unsuccessful cause, and was glad of an occasion 
 of seeking preferment in David’s service. No doubt he was 
 guilty of the crime charged upon him, which was considered 
 as a claim to the kingdom of a deceased prince. ( Notes , 1 
 Kings 2:15 — 25.) Ish-bosheth however was very imprudent 
 to mention it, a4 he was entirely dependent upon Abner. He 
 proudly disdained to be called to an account by Ish-bosheth, 
 after all his boasted services to the house of Saul ; which 
 he had supported, not only against the house of Judah, but 
 against the known appointment of God, confirmed by an oath, 
 (.7,18.) and against the convictions of his own conscience. 
 Ambition, and not regard to Tsh-bosheth, had hitherto induced 
 him to support his interest: and rovengo and policy, not re- 
 gard to the will of God, at length prevailed with him at this 
 time to join David’s party. * Such is the genius of many great 
 courtiers, who are irritated on slight occasions ; and rather 
 rule over kings, than are ruled by them.’ Pcllicanus. 
 
 Dog s head. (18) (Marg. Ref.) A proverbial expression 
 for what was deemed worthless and contemptible. — Some ex- 
 plain it to mean, ‘As if I were only fit to be set over a com- 
 pany of dogs.’ 
 
 V. 12. Whose is the land?] Abner by this expression 
 seems to have insinuated, that he, not Ish-bosheth, retained 
 the authority : if therefore David would grant him advan- 
 tageous terms, he would put him in possession of tho whole 
 ( 538 ) 
 
 hand shall be with thee, to bring about all Israel 
 unto thee. 
 
 13 And he said, Well ; I will make a league 
 with thee : but one thing I require of thee, "that 
 is, b Thou shalt not see my lace, except thou first 
 bring “Michal Saul’s daughter, when thouacomest 
 to see my face. 
 
 14 And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth 
 Saul’s son, saying, Deliver me my wife Michal, 
 which I espoused to me for a hundred foreskins 
 of the Philistines. 
 
 15 And Ish-bosheth sent, and took her from 
 her husband, even from d Phaltiel the son ol 
 Laish. 
 
 16 And her husband went with her ^long 
 weeping behind her to e Bahuri;n. Then said 
 Abner unto him, Go, return. And he returned. 
 
 [Practical Observations,'] 
 
 17 And Abner had communication with the 
 elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David fin 
 times past to be king over you : 
 
 18 Now then do it : (for the Lord hath spoken 
 of David, saying, &By the hand of my servant 
 David I will save my people Israel out of the hand 
 of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their 
 enemies. 
 
 19 And Abner also spake in the ears of h Benja- 
 min: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of 
 David in Hebron, all that seemed good to Israel, 
 and that seemed good to the whole nouse of Ben- 
 jamin. 
 
 20 So Abner came to David to Hebron, and 
 twenty men with him. And ‘David made Abner, 
 and the men that were with him, a feast. 
 
 21 And Abner said unto David, I will arise and 
 go, and twill gather all Israel unto my lord the 
 king, that they make a league with thee, and that 
 thou mayest k reign over all that thine heart 
 desireth. And David sent Abner away ; and he 
 went in peace. 
 
 I Kings 4:25. x 39. y 19:6,7. 20:1- 13. 7. Ps. 62:9. l.uke 16:5 — 8. n2I,27. 
 
 5:1—3. 19,14,41—43.20:1,2. 1 Chr. 11:1— 3. 12:38—11). Mult. 21gl— 10. • Heb. 
 toying, h Gen. 43:3 44:23,26. e 20—23. 1 Sam. 18:20-28. 19:1 1—17. 1 Chr. 
 15:29. d 1 Sum. 25:44. Phalli. t Heb . going and u eepins . Prov. 9:17,18. 
 e 16:5.17:18.19:16. lKings2:8. } Heb. both yesterday and the third, day, 
 f 9. 1 Sam. 13:14. 15:28. 16:1,12,13. John 12:42,43. g Ps. 89:3,4,19— 23. 13k 
 17,19. h 1 Sam. 10:20,21. 1 Chr. 12:29. Ps. 68:27. i Gen. 26:30 . 31 :54. Eslh. 
 1:3. J 10,12.2:9. Phil. 2:21. k 1 Kings 11:37. Ps. 20:4. 
 
 land. — Some however interpret the words, as an acknowledg- 
 ment of David’s title by the appointment of God to the king- 
 dom over all Israel. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. David knew that the kingdom was his, in the 
 purpose of God ; it was desirable to sheath the sword of civil 
 war, and to unite all Israel voluntarily under one king ; he 
 was not accountable for Abner’s secret motives ; and doubtless 
 he meant to grant Ish-bosheth very favourable terms, had not 
 his purposes been prevented. — If David had divorced Michal, 
 and she had in consequence been married to another, he must 
 not have received her again: but the separation was violent 
 on both sides. ( Notts , 1 Sam. 18:23 — 27. 25:43,44.) It is 
 probable that her marriage to Phaltiel was a force upon her 
 inclinations: and Phaltiel was very criminal in taking an- 
 other man’s wife, whatever affection he had for her. — David 
 required Michal to be restored, perhaps out of affection for 
 her;*or to strengthen his interest by asserting his affinity with 
 the house of Saul, and showing the value ho put upon it ; or 
 to show his regard for the law of God, and to rebuke a man 
 who openly violated it. — As Abner did not deem it politic, at 
 that juncture, directly to take Michal from Phaltiel, David 
 addressed himself to Ish-bosheth, whose sister she was, who 
 complied with his demand ; perhaps being willing to be upon 
 amicable terms with him, as he could not overcome him by 
 arms. 
 
 V. 17 — 21. Abner, being satisfied that David would recom- 
 pense his services, was very active in bringing the elders of 
 the other tribes, and of Benjamin in particular, to receive 
 David as their king. — It seems that the people in general had 
 desired this, especially when Saul and his sons were slain; 
 hut that Abners great authority had induced them to set up 
 Ish-bosheth: so that now, when Abner entered into the in- 
 terests of David, he had little difficulty* in bringing them over 
 to him. Tho words which Abner mentions, as spoken by tho 
 Lord concerning David, are not found in tho preceding his- 
 tory ; but the meaning of them is implied in the promises given 
 him. (Marg. Ref. f, g.) — Hiving made all requisite prepara- 
 tions, Abner wont to David, and being cordially entertained, 
 and peaceably dismissed, ho expected, no doubt, to obtain 
 high preferment under him. 
 
 V. 22. A trnnp.] Probably, this was a trooj if PI distinct 
 or other enemies, not of Ish-bosheth’s forces. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C 1048 
 
 3.C. U4S. 
 
 22 IT Ana, 1 < hold, the servants of David and 
 Joab came fr >m pursuing a troop, and brought 
 in a $ reat spoil with them : but Abner was not 
 vvth David in Hebron; for he had sent him 
 away, and he was gone in peace. 
 
 23 When Joab and all the host that was with 
 him were come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the 
 son of Ner came to the king, and he hath sent 
 him away, and he is gone in peace. 
 
 24 Then Joab came to the king, and said, 
 ■What hast thou done? behold, Abner came unto 
 thee : why is it that thou hast sent him away, and 
 he is quite gone ? 
 
 25 Thou knowest Abner the son of Ner, m that 
 he came to deceive thee, “and to know thy going 
 out, and thy coming in, and to know all that thou 
 doest. 
 
 26 And when Joab was come out from David, 
 ®he sent messengers after Abner, which brought 
 him again from the well of Sirah: but David 
 knew it not. 
 
 27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, 
 Joab Ptook him aside in the gate to speak with 
 him 'quietly, and smote him there '■under the fifth 
 rib, that he died, r for the blood of Asahel his 
 brother. 
 
 28 IT And afterward when David heard it, he 
 said, I and my kingdom are 'guiltless before the 
 Lord for ever, from the 'blood of Abner the son 
 of Ner. 
 
 29 Let it 'rest on the head of Joab, and on all 
 his father’s house: and “let there not Tail from 
 the house of Joab one that hath 'an issue, or that 
 is a x leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth 
 on the sword, or that lacketh bread. 
 
 18,39. 19:5— 7. Num. 23:11. John 18:35. m 27. 2 Kings 18:32. marg. John 7:12, 
 47. Rom. 2:1. n 10:3. Gen. 42:9,12,16. Num. 27:17. Deut. 28:6. 1 Sam. 29:4— 
 6. Pb. 121.8. Is. 37:28. o Prov. 26:23— 26. 27:4,6. p 20:9,10. Deut. 27:24. 
 1 Kings 2:5,32. * Or , peaceably. Jer. 41:2,6,7. q 4:6. r2:19 — 23. s Gen. 9: 
 6. Ex. 21:12. Num. 35:33. Deut. 21:1 — 9. Matt. 27:24. t Heb. bloods. Gen. 
 4:10. marg. t 1:16. Judg. 9:24,56,57. 1 Kings 2:31 — 34. Acts28:4. u ISam. 
 2:32—36 . 2 Kings 5:27. Pb. 109:8—19. J Heb. be cut off. v Lev. 15:2. xLev. 
 13:44 — 4S. 2 Kings 5:1. V Prov. 28:17. Acts 28:4. z 2:19—23. a 1:2,11. Gen. 
 37:29,31. Josh. 7:6. Judg. 11:35 2 Kings 19:1. § Heb. bed. Luke 7:14. b l: 
 
 V. 24, 25. Joab, and his brother Abishai, David’s nephews, 
 had been very faithful and useful to him in his afflictions ; and 
 from gratitude and natural affliction, he had inadvertently 
 given them almost as great an ascendency over him, as Abner 
 had over Ish-bosheth : so that he had trusted and feared them 
 too much, and allowed them all the importance which they 
 claimed ; and that had emboldened them, especially Joab, to 
 a high degree of presumption. Indeed nothing could well be 
 more affronting than this address of Joab to his prince, whom 
 he grossly charged with the most egregious folly, and then 
 left his presence without waiting for an answer! (Marg. 
 Ref.) But it was the language of envy and ambition, as well 
 as of resentment: he supposed that he had missed an oppor- 
 tunity of avenging the death of Asahel, and he feared a for- 
 midable rival, if Abner made a league with David ; for it is 
 evident he only pretended to doubt his sincerity. 
 
 V. 26,27. Joab seems to have recalled Abner, in David’s 
 name, without his knowledge ; which was very base treatment 
 of him, as if he meant to bring him under suspicion of con- 
 niving at the murder: and when Abner, imprudently indeed, 
 but in confidence, stepped aside to confer with him as the offi- 
 cer of David, he treacherously assassinated him, in violation 
 of every law of hospitality and public faith. Abishai also was 
 privy to, or concerned in, the base transaction. (30) But, 
 while Joab’s conduct cannot be too severely reprobated, the 
 wisdom and justice of God are manifest in Abner’s punish- 
 ment. From ambition he had pertinaciously, against his con- 
 science, opposed the declared and known will of God ; and 
 was induced by base resentment to desert Ish-bosheth, and 
 offer his services to David. (iYo/e, 6— 10.) He was there- 
 fore thrown* aside, as unworthy to raise David to the throne, 
 cr to give peace to Israel. Indeed it is probable, that if he 
 nad lived, his ambition, talents, influence, and ungodliness, 
 would have occasioned further mischief to all parties. 
 
 V. 28, 29. (Marg. Ref.) David no doubt intended by 
 these protestations, and imprecations upon Joab and his family, 
 to wipe off all suspicion of his own guilt, and to remove it 
 from the land ; being perhaps afraid of a revolt of the soldiers, 
 if he proceeded to execute vengeance on the murderer. But 
 he should have remembered, that he, “ whostilleth the raging 
 of the sea,” is able also “to still the madness of the people.” 
 In so just a cause he ought to have risked all consequences. 
 He was anointed king to administer justice without respect of 
 persons ; and he might have been assured of the Lord^ sup- 
 
 ort in doing sc important a duty : the example would have 
 
 een very salutary ; all impartial persons would have ap- 
 plauded his firmness ; perhaps Ish-bosheth’s murder would 
 have been prevented, as well as many other crimes and cala- 
 
 30 So Joab and Abisl ai his brother 'slew 
 Abner, 'because he had slain their brother Asahe. 
 at Gibeon in the battle. 
 
 31 And David said to Joab, and to all the 
 people that were with him, “Rend your clothes, 
 and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn befor> 
 Abner. And king David himself followed the 
 §bier. 
 
 32 And they buried Abner in Hebron : and the 
 king Wifted up his voice, and wept at the grave of 
 Abner ; and all the people wept. 
 
 33 And the king lamented over Abner, and said, 
 Died Abner “as a fool dieth ? 
 
 34 Thy d hands were not bound, nor thy feet put 
 into fetters: as a man falleth before "wicked men, 
 so ibllest thou. And all the people “wept again 
 over him. 
 
 35 And when all the people came to 'cause 
 David to eat meat while it was yet day, David 
 sware, saying, eSo do God to me and more also, 
 if I taste bread, or aught else, h till the sun be 
 down. 
 
 36 And all the people took notice of it, and it 
 ’’pleased them : 'as whatsoever the king did pleased 
 all the people. 
 
 37 For all the people, and all Israel, understood 
 that day, that it was not of the king to slay Abner 
 the son of Ner. 
 
 38 And the king said unto his servants, Know 
 ye not that there is k a prince and a great man 
 fallen this day in Israel? 
 
 39 And ’I am this day "’weak though anointed 
 king, and these men, m the sons of Zeruiah, be “too 
 hard for me: “the Lord shall reward the doer of 
 evil according to his wickedness. 
 
 12.18:33. 1 Sam. 30:4. Job 31:29. Prov. 24:17. Luke 19:41 ,42. c 13:28,29. Ec. 
 2:15,16. Luke 12:19,20. d Judg. 16:21. Pa. 107:40,11. || Heb. children of ini- 
 quity. Job 24:14. Ho«. 6:9 e 1:12. f 12:17. Jer. 16:7. Ez. 24:17,22. g See 
 on 9. h Judg. 20:26. Heb. was stood in their eyes. i 15:6,13. Ps. 62:9. 
 Mark 7:37. 15:11— 13. k 12. 2:8. 1 Sam. 14:50,51 . Job 32:9. 1 Ex. 21:12. 
 
 2Chr. 19:6,7. Ps. 75:10. 101 :8. Prov. 20:8. 25:5. ** Heb. lender. 1 Chr. 22:5. 
 Is. 7:4. marg. Rom. 13:4. m 1 Chr. 2:15,16. n 19:7. o l Kings 2:5,6,33,^. 
 Ps. 28:4. 62:12. 2 Tim. 4:14. 
 
 mities, in the latter part of his reign. But his fear of man in 
 this instance overcame his faith in God, and Joab continued 
 and increased in authority, and in crimes, to the end of 
 David’s life : he was at length, however, called to account 
 for them all. (Notes, 38,39. 4:20:8—10. Num. 35:31—34. 
 1 Kings 2:5,6,28—34. 
 
 V. 30. Marg . Ref. Note 2:18 — 23. 
 
 V. 31. Joab was constrained to do penance, so to speak, 
 by appearing as a mourner for Abner: but, as his revenge 
 was gratified, his rival removed, and no heavier punishment 
 inflicted, it is likely he would have but little objection to such 
 a ceremonial. David, however, no doubt intended to lessen 
 Joab’s authority with the people, by requiring his attendance: 
 but his military rank and achievements counteracted and ren- 
 dered ineffectual this design ; as might have been foreseen. 
 
 V. 33, 34. Abner did not die as criminals do, who are 
 bound, fettered, put to shame, and executed for their offences ; 
 nor as a coward fleeing from enemies, or taken prisoner by 
 them ; nor as a rash man, who had needlessly run himself 
 into danger: but as an honest man, who is unexpectedly set 
 upon by ruffians, and murdered. — It must have been very 
 mortifying to Joab, to be thus publicly reproached as an as- 
 sassin. 
 
 V. 35. The Israelites had a custom of inviting , and press- 
 ing , the friends of the dead to take food, after the funeral was 
 over ; it being supposed that their sorrow would indispose 
 them to it. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Y. 38, 39. David, in thus addressing his officers, seems 
 first to have given a reason, why he made such lamentation 
 over Abner ; and then to have excused himself for not pun- 
 ishing Joab and Abishai. The near relation, in which Joab 
 and Abishai stood to David; (Note, 2:18.) their steady ad- 
 herence to him, during Saul’s persecutions ; the important 
 services which they had rendered him ; and the influence 
 which they had thus acquired among his soldiers and friends, 
 and even with him ; combined to render it extremely difficult, 
 and even perilous to oppose and punish them. But the satis- 
 faction, which the people expressed in the former part of his 
 conduct, showed, that he might notwithstanding very safely 
 have proceeded to execute the divine law on the offenders, ir 
 its utmost strictness. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 16. The power and policy of Satan, and of w?cked 
 men, may struggle against the purposes of God, and the cause 
 of his anointed King, and occasion apparent delays : but his 
 interest is gaining ground, though by unnoticed degrees, and 
 his glory wifi ere long be displayed throughout the earth.— 
 When he sets up his kingdom in any heart, inbred lusts and 
 ( 539 ) 
 
B C. 1048. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1048. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Uh~boohoth and Israel are troubled at Abner's death, I. After Saul's death, 
 
 changes took place, and Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, teas lamed, 2 — 4. 
 
 Rechab and Baanah slay Ish-bosheth, and bring his head to David, 5 — 8. 
 
 David cauuoe them, to be put to death , and Ish-boehelh'e head to be buried. 
 
 9 — 12. 
 
 ND when Saul’s sen heard that Abner was 
 dead in Hebron, “his hands were feeble, b and 
 all the Israelites were troubled. 
 
 2 And Saul's son had two men that were “cap- 
 tains of bands ; the name of the one was Baanah, 
 and the name of the "other Rechab, the sons of 
 Rimmona Beerothite,of the children of Benjamin: 
 (for d Beeroth also was reckoned to Benjamin: 
 
 3 And the Beerothites “fled to Gittaim, and were 
 sojourners there until this day.) 
 
 4 And 'Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son that 
 was lame of his feet. He was five years old 
 when sthe tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out 
 of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: 
 and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, 
 that he fell, and became lame. And his name was 
 h Mephibosheth. 
 
 a 17:2. Etra 4:4. Neh. 6:9. Is. 13:7. 35:3. Jer. 6:24. 50:43. Zeph. 3:16. b Malt 
 8:2,3. t 3:22. 2 Kings 5:2. 6:23. • Heb. second, d Josh. 9: 17. 18:25. e 1 Sam. 
 31:7. Neh. 11:33. f 9:3. g 1 Sam. 29:1,11. 31:1-10. h 1 Chr. 8:34 . 9 4 0. 
 Meribbaal. i 2 Chr. 24:26. 25:27. 33:24. j 11:2. 1 Kings 16:9. Prov. 24:33,34. 
 
 outward temptations will powerfully oppose it: but grace will 
 gather strength, and every corruption be weakened conti- 
 nually in the conflict, till the believer is at length sanctified 
 wholly in spirit, soul, and body. — Inconstancy must be inci- 
 dent to selfish men: if their avarice or ambition meets with 
 disappointment in one course, they will turn into another: 
 and sometimes making pretensions to religion seems the rea- 
 diest way to the gratification of worldly ambition, rapacity, or 
 revenge. — Many are not above committing very base crimes, 
 who are too proud to bear reproof, or even the suspicion of 
 being guilty: and while men go on in their sins apparently 
 without concern , they are often conscious that they are fight- 
 ing against God ! — Little confidence can be placed in those 
 who affront their Maker*. betray their country, or deceive 
 those who confide in them, under the pretence of servirig 
 their friends : most certainly they mean to serve their own 
 purposes; and will betray those also who now trust them, 
 when they can obtain advantageous terms for doing it. Yet 
 even by such as act from revenge, ambition, lust, or avarice, 
 the Lord secretly carries on his own designs : but as they in- 
 tend not to honour him, whatever they profess ; so when his 
 ends are answered, he will throw them aside with contempt. 
 — In some cases, and for some purposes, we too may use 
 llheir help, without inquiring about their motives : but it will 
 require great caution and wisdom, else we shall not escape 
 guilt or reproach. — The reunion of near relatives, who have 
 been involuntarily separated, is right in itself: and it is always 
 our duty to express our regard for the divine law, and to bear 
 testimony against sin. — Though guilt commonly renders men 
 the objects of our deepest compassion ; yet. no affection can 
 be either truly amiable or allowable, which is not regulated 
 according to the word of God. 
 
 V. IT — 39. The bulk of mankind, in all ages, are guided 
 by those who rule or teach them, and address their passions 
 by eloquence or flattery : but let. us seek for a sound judgment, 
 a good conscience, and an upright heart ; that we may know 
 and adhere to the truth and will of God, amidst all changes. 
 — Those who have deceived others, should endeavour to 
 undeceive them: but good words will do little, while a man 
 continues the slave of his lusts. — In cultivating Christian 
 tempers and performing relative duties, extremes and coun- 
 terfeits must be guarded against : as zeal and boldness may 
 become furious and contentious ; so meekness, and the love 
 of peace may degenerate into imbecility and irresolution ; and 
 through undue ascendency of those inferiors, who ought u to 
 be kept in subjection with all gravity,” shameful things will 
 often be done or connived at, to the disgrace of individuals, 
 and the reproach of the common cause. Every one therefore 
 should know his own place and duties, and exercise the 
 Christian temper in doing them ; and not make the fear of 
 being ruffled or discomposed an excuse for neglecting them. 
 — Proud men rate their services so high, and are so regardless 
 of relative duties and decorum, that it is not desirable to be 
 under obligations to them : we should however receive every 
 thing as from God ; and consider every man as a channel 
 through which the gift is communicated, of whom there is 
 indeed no real necessity, on whom we should rest no depend- 
 ence, and to whom that gratitude is due, and that alone which 
 consists with every other duty. — Ungodly men, who cannot 
 \rook an affront or a rival, and who deem themselves too 
 powerful for human justice, have little to restrain them from 
 the commission of the most horrid crimes : and the human 
 heart is capable of making the highest professions of friend- 
 ship subservient to the most cruel murders, and of violating 
 every sacred tie. It is not enough for those, who are invested 
 with authority, to express their abhorrence of such crimes 
 fcnal criminals, or their compassion for those who suffer by 
 
 5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, 
 Rechab and Baanah, ‘went, and came about the 
 heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, who 
 flay on a bed at noon. 
 
 6 And they came thither into the midst of the 
 house, as though they would have fetched wheat ; 
 and they smote him k under the fifth n6:'and 
 Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 
 
 7 For when they came into the house, he lay on 
 his bed in his bedchamber, and they smote him, and 
 slew him, and beheaded him, and ‘took his head, 
 and gat them away through the plain all night. 
 
 8 And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth 
 unto David to Hebron, and said to the king. 
 Behold the head of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, 
 thine enemy, which m sought thy life ; and “the 
 Lord hath avenged my lord the king this day of 
 Saul, and of his seed. 
 
 9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah 
 his brother the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, 
 and said unto them, Jls the Lord liveth, °who 
 hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity, 
 
 1 Thes. 5:3 — 7. k2:23. 3:27. 20:10. I 1 Sam. 17:54. 31:9. 2 Kings 10:6,7. 
 
 Matt. 14:11. Mark 6:28,29. m I Sam. 18:11. 19:2-10,15 . 20:1. 23:15. 25:29. 
 Matt. 2:20. n 18:19,31. 22:48. Luke 18:7,8. Rev. 6:10. 18:20. o Gen. 48:16. 
 
 1 Kings 1:29. Pe. 31:5 — 7 . 34:22. 71 :23. 103:4. 106:10. 107:2 . 2 Tim. 4:17,18. 
 
 them : but all partialities, relative affections, and interested 
 considerations should be laid aside, and condign punishment 
 inflicted ; that “ others may hear, and fear, and do no more 
 such wickedness and in every state, the executive authority 
 should possess power sufficient to punish the proudest subject, 
 lest blood be|imputed to the land. As our lives are so exposed 
 on every side ; and as he most emphatically “dieth as a 
 fool,” who dies in his sins ; we should be careful to be always 
 ready : for all the honour or commendations, that men can 
 bestow on us after our decease, will not affect or amend the 
 state of the departed soul. — Alas, what are the imagined 
 advantages of royalty ? The king “ after God’s own heart” finds 
 as much cause for lamentation and complaint, as when a poor 
 fugitive ! But he who now reigns upon the throne of David, 
 has a kingdom of a nobler kind : whatever he does is noticed 
 by and pleases all his willing people : and he will bring them 
 all to share his glory and joy. Many however are outwardly 
 serviceable to his cause, who only seek themselves in all they 
 do, and from time to time disgrace it with their crimes : these 
 may escape for a season, but at length they shall be num- 
 bered with his enemies, and shall perish for ever. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IV. V. 1. Perhaps Ish-bosheth had 
 not before been certainly informed that Abner had deserted 
 to David : or, both he and the people hoped by Abner’s means 
 to have obtained better terms. But by his death their affair* 
 were left in a most unsettled and dangerous situation ; and 
 they had no person in whom they could place confidence, 
 either as leading them to battle, or as negotiating. a treaty. 
 
 V. 2 — 4. Beeroth was one of the cities of Gibeon, (Josh. 
 9:17.) and it was allotted to Benjamin; (Josh. 18:25.) but 
 when Saul’s army was routed, and he and his sons slain, 
 the inhabitants of Beeroth deserted their city, and went to 
 sojourn at Gittaim ; where they remained when this history 
 was written. (Neh. 11:33. Note, 1 Sam. 31:7.) At the same 
 time Mephibosheth fell and was lamed. — These facts seem 
 to have been recorded, to illustrate the consternation which 
 followed the death of Saul and his sons : and perhaps Mephi- 
 bosheth’s youth and lameness emboldened Rechab and 
 Baanah to murder Ish-bosheth ; as Mephibosheth was the 
 next heir of Saul, and the avenger of blood. (Note, Num 
 35:11—15.) 
 
 V. 5. Ish-bosheth had enough to employ him in this 
 emergency, without sleeping on his bed at noon. But ho 
 appears to have been an inactive, self-indulgent man. It was 
 indeed, and is still, a custom in the east countries, to retire 
 for sleep about noon ; that is, for such as live in case and 
 luxury, not for others, except in very sultry regions. Tho 
 Scripture gives no intimation that this was a common prac- 
 tice in Israel. (Marg. Rtf . j.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. Rechab and Baanah, as captains of bands, had 
 access to some granary attached to Ish-bosheth’s house, 
 whence their soldiers had provisions ; and under this pretence, 
 without being suspected, the}' entered into his apartments and 
 stabbed him, in that part of the body where a wound was 
 known to be most certainly fatal. (Marg. Ref. k.) — And 
 when he was thus slain, they cut off’ his head also, and 
 escaped. 
 
 V. 8. These men entirely mistook David’s character, as if 
 he had such a thirst for revenge, that he would reward any 
 villany by which it could be accomplished : and they pr#- 
 sumed that they had performed the will of God, in this com- 
 plicated treason and parricide ! The Loud had indeed 
 avenged his servant of his enemies: but neither David, nor 
 David’s Lord, had commissioned them to murder their pr ncc, 
 whom they professed to serve. (Note, 3:6 — 10.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. Redeemed, &c. (9) (Marg Rtf. No*e, Get «• 
 48:16.) By using this language, David ©wind*- all wbo 
 ( 540 ) 
 
B. C. 1047. 
 
 B. C 1047. 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 10 When Pone told me, saying, Behold, Saul is 
 dead, (‘thinking 1 to have brought good tidings,) I 
 took hold of him, and slew him in Ziklag, 'who 
 thought that I would have given him a reward for 
 his tidings : 
 
 1 1 How much more, ‘Hvhen wicked men have 
 slain a righteous person in his own house upon his 
 bed ! shall I not therefore now 'require his blood 
 of your hand, and take you away 'from the 
 earth ? 
 
 12 And David commanded his young men, and 
 they ‘slew them, and cut off their hands and their 
 feet, and "hanged them up over the pool in He- 
 bron. But they took the head of Ish-hosheth, 
 and btiried it x in the sepulchre of Abner in 
 Hebron. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Elders of the tribes, at Hebron, anoint David king over all Israel, 1 — 3. 
 His age at the beginning of his reign, and the length of his reign , 4, 5. He 
 takes Zion from the Jebusites, and calls it the city of £>avid, 6—10. Hiram 
 sends him limber and workmen to build him a hotise , 1 1 . He prospers, and 
 takei more wives ; and eleven sons are born to him, 12 — 16. By divine direc- 
 tion, he gains two victories over the Philistines , 17 — 25. 
 
 T HEN “came all the tribes of Israel to David 
 unto Hebron, and spake, saying, Behold, b we 
 are thy hone and thy flesh. 
 
 2 Also in time past, when Saul was king over 
 us, thou wast he that Reddest out and broughtest 
 
 p 1:2 — 16. * Heb. he was in his own eyes, as a bringer, Lc. fOr, which was 
 
 the reward 1 gave him for his tidings, q 1 Kings 2:32. Prov. 25:26. Hah. 1:4, 
 12. I John 3:12. r 3:27,39. Gen. 9:5,6. Ex. 21:12. Num. 35:31— 34. Pa. 9:12. 
 a Gen. 4:11. 6:13. 7:23. Ex. 9:15. Ps. 109:15. Prov. 2:22. Jer. 10:11. t 1: 
 15. Ps. 65.23. Mntt. 7:2. u21:9. Deut. 21 :22.23. x 3:32. alChr. 11:1— 
 3.12.23—40. b 19:13. Uen. 29:14. Deut. 17:15. Juclg.9:2. Eph.5:30. Heb. 
 2:14. c Num. 27:17. 1 Sam. 18: 13,16 . 25:28. Is. 55:4. cl 7:7. 1 Sam. 16:1,13. 
 25: <0. Pa. 78:71,72. Is. 40: 11 . Ez. 34:23. 37:24,25. Mic. 5:4. Matt. 2:6. marg. 
 John 10:3,4,11. e 1 Sam. 9:16. 13:14. 2 Kings 20:5. Heb. 2:10. flChr.il. 
 
 in Israel : and the Loro said to thee, d Thou shalt 
 feed my people Israel, and thou shall be e a captain 
 over Israel. 
 
 3 So fall the elders of Israel came to the kin* 
 to Hebron : and king David emade a league wit!, 
 them in Hebron h before the Lord : and they 
 ‘anointed David king over Israel. 
 
 4 David was k thirty years old when he began 
 to reign, and he reigned ‘forty years. 
 
 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah m seven 
 years and six months : and in Jerusalem he reigned 
 thirty and three years over all Israel and Judah. 
 
 6 It And the king and his men “went to °Jeru 
 salem unto Pthe Jebusites, the inhabitants of the 
 land: which spake unto David, saying, ^Except 
 thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt 
 not come in hither : ‘thinking, David cannot come 
 fn hither. 
 
 7 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of 
 r Zion: 'the same is the city of David. 
 
 8 And David said on that day, ‘Whosoever 
 getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebu- 
 sites, and the lame and the blind, that are hated 
 of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. 
 ‘Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame 
 shall not come into the house. 
 
 3. slSom. 11:15. 2King»ll:I7. 2Clir.23:16. h Judg. 11:11. lSum.23< 
 13. i 2:4. 1 Sam. 16:13. k Luke 3:23. 1 1 Chr. 26:31. 29:27. m 2:11 . 1 King. 
 2:11. 1 Chr. 3:4. n 1 Chr. 1 1 :4— 9. o Gen. 14:18. Jnsh. 10:3. Judg. 1:8. 
 p Joph. 15:63. 18:28. Judg. 1:21. 19:10 — 12. q Jer. 37:10. * Or, saying, David 
 shall not. r Pa. 2:6 . 9:11. 48:12. 51:18 . 87:2. 132:13. Is. 12:6. 59:20. Mic. 4: 
 2. Rom. 9:33. Heb. 12:22. Rev. 14:1. s 6:10. 1 Kings 2:10. 3:1. 8:1. 1 Chr. 11: 
 7. 2 Chr. 5:2. 24: 16. t Josh. 15:16,17. 1 Sam. 17:2o. t Or, because they had 
 said , even the lame and the blind, he shall not come into the house. 
 
 heard him, that in his most extreme dangers, he had neither 
 used treachery or cruelty himself, nor allowed his men to use 
 them. It must therefore be evident, that now the Lord had 
 rescued and prospered him, he had no temptation to counte- 
 nance such traitors as Rechab and Baanah. 
 
 V. 11, 12. (Note, 1:13 — 16.) Whatever Ish-bosheth’s 
 character was before God, he was righteous as to his murder- 
 ers , having done them no injury, and given them no provoca- 
 tion : so that in slaying him, they 44 shed innocent blood,” from 
 the basest motives, and with the greatest aggravations : and 
 David, as God’s vicegerent, most justly executed vengeance 
 upon them for it. ( Note, Ex. 23:6 — 9.) — It would have been 
 well, if he had been equally decisive in the case of Joab : 
 that there might have been no appearance of partiality, and 
 no hope of impunity to any criminal. ( Note , 3:28,29.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Innumerable are the perils, to which our tender years are 
 exposed : and we owe much gratitude, both to God and to our 
 parents, if preserved during that period, from losing our limbs 
 or senses, or contracting harms, which would have rendered 
 our whole lives uncomfortable to ourselves and others. Parents 
 too should take occasion from this reflection, not only to be 
 very attentive to their offspring, but by prayer to commit them 
 continually to the Lord’s keeping. — Every thing will concur 
 in forwarding the accomplishment of God’s word, whether 
 of promise or of wrath, when the appointed time approaches : 
 on one hand there can be no failure; on the other, no escape. 
 — Wretched, indeed, are they who are engaged in undertak- 
 ings in which none can serve them without opposing the 
 known will of God ! The more exalted their station, the 
 greater is their danger : for the very men in whom they 
 repose their chief confidence, are destitute of principle, serve 
 them only for gain, and will betray or murder them when their 
 mercenary schemes require it. — Alas ! what numbers sink 
 from self-indulgence and carnal security, into unsuspected 
 and inevitable destruction ! — Many are conscious, that they 
 should be pleased with villany, provided it conduced greatly 
 to their profit : thus they are led confidently to conclude, that 
 others will be so too ; and as numbers are rewarded for villa- 
 nous actions, they expect the same. Persons in authority 
 should therefore decidedly manifest, that they will not be 
 served by such base characters, but will, instead of rewarding, 
 severely punish their crimes. — The servants of God are 
 encouraged by the Scriptures, and by iheir own experience, 
 to trust him in the path of duty ; and confidently to expect 
 that he will redeem them from all adversity, without counte- 
 nancing sin, any more than committing it, for that purpose : 
 they will also pity and pray for, and behave kindly to, their 
 opposers, and speak as favourably of them as they can ; and 
 on no account become their own avengers. — Finally, the son 
 of David will requite those who pretend to serve his cause 
 Vv frauds, treasons, massacres, and persecutions, with far ] 
 more dreadful vengeance, than was inflicted by David on ! 
 Ish-bosheth’s murderers. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. Y. V. 1, 2. {Note, 1 Chr. 12:23—40.) 
 When Abner and Ish-bosheth were dead, the tribes of Israel 
 were left 44 as sheep without a shepherd they had no incli- 
 nation to set up another of Saul’s family in opposition to 
 David : and having observed the prosperous state of Tudah 
 
 under his government, they began to entertain higher and 
 more honourable thoughts of him. Of their own accord there- 
 fore they applied to him, by their elders, to take the govern- 
 ment upon him ; and as a reason why he should forgive their 
 ill-usage, they pleaded their near relation to him, being his 
 brethren, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 
 (Marg. Ref. b.) They now praised his former services, 
 which before they had overlooked ; and they acknowledged 
 the Lord’s appointment of him, which before they had resisted 
 They therefore desired to put themselves under his protec- 
 tion: and hoped that he would rule over them in tenderness 
 and equity, for their safety and comfort, as a shepherd feeds 
 his flock ; as well as that he would lead them forth to victory 
 over their enemies. This is introduced, as a part of the 
 Lord’s commission to him, when he appointed him to the 
 kingdom ; by which they conveyed the intimation in the most 
 unexceptionable and efficacious manner. — This is the first 
 time good rulers are spoken of, under the emblem of shep- 
 herds, which is afterwards very common, and is especially 
 applied to Christ our King. ( Marg Ref. d.) But wicked 
 rulers are characterized as lions, bears, wolves, and leopards. 
 (Notes, Prov. 28:15,16. Ez. 19:2—9. 22:27,28. Ban. 7:2—8.) 
 
 V. 3. It is probable, that David agreed to an act of indem- 
 nity for past offences, and engaged to rule over his people 
 according to the law of God; and they submitted to his 
 authority according to the same rule. — On this occasion he 
 was anointed a third time, probably by the high-priest. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref. m.) If David was twenty years 
 of age, when Samuel anointed him, Saul reigned ten years 
 after that transaction, but it is not certainly known how \or.g 
 he had reigned before. (Note, Acts 13:21.) 
 
 V. 6 — 8. The greater part of Jerusalem lay in the lot of 
 Benjamin, and had hitherto been possessed by the Jebusites 
 (Notes, Josh. 15:63. Judg. 1:8,21.) But as soon as Israel 
 had submitted to David, he marched to dispossess them. 
 The citadel, called 44 the Strong hold of Zion,” was fortified 
 by nature and art, and the Jebusites set hirn at defiance. Con- 
 fiding in its strength, they told him that blind and lame men 
 could defend it against his army ; and perhaps in derision, 
 placed a company of invalids upon it, who insulted David and 
 his soldiers: for the last clause (8) may be translated 44 They 
 had said, even the blind and the lame, that he shall not come 
 into the house.” But David commanded his men, “wher 
 they smote the Jebusites, to throw down the blind and the 
 lame into the gutter,” or ditch, as it might be rendered ; which, 
 under the conduct of Joab, they effected accordingly. These 
 were said to be “hated of David’s soul;” for they were de- 
 voted Canaanites and idolaters, if not blasphemers of God. — 
 But, by 44 the blind and the lame,” some understand the idols 
 of the Jebusites, which David’s soldiers had thus called in 
 contempt: yet their worshippers so confided in them, that 
 they defied David to take the citadel while they kept their 
 I station, or by any means to remove them; and declared that 
 ! if he did, they would no longer admit them into their temples 
 1 or houses. — David, however, got possession : and near to this 
 mount the ark was placed, and the temple was built; and the 
 residence of the family of David was fixed. (Notes, 11. 6:1 
 17. Ps. 122: 132;13 — 18.). 
 
 I 541 ) 
 
B C. 1046 
 
 II. SAMUEL. B. C. 1046. 
 
 9 So David dwelt in the fort, and called it. the 
 city of David. And David built round about 
 from “Millo and inward. 
 
 10 And David 'went on, and grew great, and 
 T the Lord God of hosts was with him. 
 
 b. r;.-i 11 *11 And *Hiram king of Tyre sent mes- 
 
 ii)i3. J gengers to David, and cedar trees, and 
 carpenters, and imasons : and nhey built David 
 a house. 
 
 12 And ‘David perceived that the Lord had 
 established him king over Israel, and that he 
 had exalted his kingdom for “his people Israel’s 
 sake. 
 
 13 H And '’David took him more concubines and 
 wives out of Jerusalem, after he was come from 
 Hebron : and there were yet sons and daughters 
 born to David. 
 
 14 And these be “the names of those that were 
 born unto him in Jerusalem ; ?Shamuah, and 
 Shobab, and d Nathan, and 'Solomon, 
 
 15 Ibhar also, and f Elishua, and Nepheg, and 
 Japhia, 
 
 16 And Elishamah, and sEliada, and h Elipha- 
 let 
 
 17 11 But 'when the Philistines heard that b.c.i 
 they had anointed David king over Israel, all 104S -‘ 
 the Philistines came up to seek David ; and David 
 heard of it, and went down to k the hold. 
 
 » Judg. 9:6.20. 1 Kings 9:15,24. 11:27. 2Chr.32:5. • Heb. want going and 
 
 R owing. 3. 1. Job 17:9. Prov. 4:18. Is. 9:7. Dan. 2.44. Luke 2:52. v Gen. 21:22. 
 
 . 46:7,11. Is. 8:9,10. Horn. 8:31. x 1 Kings 5:8,9. 1 Chr. 14:1. t Heb. hewers 
 of the alone of the wall. y7:2. lKings7:l — 12. Ec. 2:4 — 11. Jer. 22:14 — 16. 
 B 7:16. 1 Chr. 14:2. a 1 Kings 10:9. 2 Chr. 2:11. Esth. 4:14. Is. 1:25— 27. Dan. 
 ft: 30. b Gen. 25:5,6. Deut. 17:17. 1 Chr. 14 S-7. 2 Chr. 1 1 : 18-21 . 13:21 • 
 l 1 Chr. 3:5-9. 14:4. J Or, Shimn. 1 Chr. 3:5. d 12:1-7. Luke 3:31. e 12- 
 24,25. Matt. 1:6. f Or, Eliskerma. 1 Chr. 3:6. 14:5. g Or, Beeliada. 1 Chr- 
 
 V. 9. Millo seems to have been a place of public conven- 
 tion, all around which David erected such buildings, as were 
 proper for rendering the citv the seat of government. (Note, 
 Judg. 9:16—20, v. 20. 2 Kings 12:20,21.) 
 
 V. 11. Hiram sent to congratulate David on his accession 
 to the throne, and to enter into a league with him ; and as 
 Hiram’s subjects were better architects than the Israelites, 
 they were employed in building David a palace, suited to his 
 exalted station. Though Saul affected the splendour of royalty, 
 yet he did not build a royal palace ; but David built one, 
 perhaps as a token of his assured belief that the kingdom 
 would be continued in his family. 
 
 V. 12. David was sensible that God had advanced him to 
 the kingdom, not so much that he might be honourable and 
 prosperous, as that he might promote the temporal and eter- 
 nal interests of his people. 4 This is the greatest grace of a 
 king, that he certainly believes himself to he made a king by 
 God, for the sake of the people: and let him often call to 
 mind, the people were not crea f ed or ordained by God for the 
 king.’ Conradus Pellicanus in Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. (Marg. Rtf.) It was customary for kings 
 to multiply wives, and to strengthen their interest by many 
 alliances ; and to this David very improperly conformed. 
 ( Notes, 3:2 — 5,11:1 — 5. 15:16. 16:20 — 23. 1 Kings 11:1—8.) 
 Some names are mentioned in Chronicles, not found here; 
 perhaps the sons there mentioned died in infancy. '(Note, 
 1 Chr. 3:1—9.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. The Philistines, satisfied with the advantages 
 which they had enjoyed since the death of Saul, had been 
 restrained from molesting the Israelites during their civil dis- 
 sensions : but they invaded them as soon as they were united 
 again under one king. Thus, by beginning war, they deli- 
 vered David from any embarrassment, about warring against 
 those who had previously protected him. (Notes, 1 Sam. 
 27:1 — 3. 28:1,2.) He immediately therefore marched to some 
 fortified place, where he might check their incursions, and 
 consult what measures to take. — The valley of Rephaim was 
 not far from Jerusalem. (Marg. Ref. 1.) 
 
 V. 19. Notes, 2:1—3. Ex. 28:30. Num. 27:21. 
 
 V. 20. Baal-perazim properly signifies the lord of breaches. 
 By some evideni interposition the Lord himself fought against 
 the Philistines, like the breaking forth of impetuous torrents, 
 which hear all down before them. David therefore gave the 
 place tlyj name of Baal-perazim, by way of ascribing to God 
 all the honour of the victory. 
 
 V. 21. The Philistines expected protection from their 
 images, hut they became a prey to the conquerors. When 
 /he Philistines had taken the ark of the Lord, he by grievous 
 judgments constrained them to restore it: ( Notes, 1 Sam. 
 5:6:) but the Israelite’s burnt the idols of the Philistines with- 
 out either f«*ar or hurt. (1 Chr. 14:12. Note, Dent. 7:25,26.) 
 
 V. 24. When David noard a sound among the mulberry- 
 trees, like the marching of an army, denoting the assistance 
 of angels, or of God himself; he was directed to bestir him- 
 self. Sometimes the Lord commands and employs man’s 
 concurrence, and sometimes ho rejects it ; that we may 
 neither he self-important nor ncgligpnt. 
 
 ( 542 ) 
 
 18 The Philistines also came and spread them 
 selves in 'the valley of Rephaim. 
 
 19 And David "‘inquired of the Lord, saying', 
 Shall I go up to the Philistines ? wilt thou deliver 
 them into my hand? And "the Lord said unto 
 David, Go up : for I will doubtless deliver the 
 Philistines into thy hand. 
 
 20 And David came to “Baal-perazim, and 
 David smote them there, and said, the Lord hath 
 broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the 
 breach of waters. Therefore he called the name 
 of that place ^Baal-perazim. 
 
 21 And there they left their images, and ‘‘David 
 and his men "burned them. 
 
 22 If And the Philistines ‘‘came up yet again, 
 and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim. 
 
 23 And when David 'inquired of the Lord, he 
 said, Thou shalt not go up ; but 'fetch a compass . 
 behind them, and come upon them over against 
 the mulberry-trees. 
 
 24 And let it be, when thou hearest ‘the sound 
 of a going in the tops of the mulberry-trees, that 
 then “thou shalt bestir thyself : for then shall the 
 Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the 
 Philistines. 
 
 25 And David did so as the Lord had com- 
 manded him; and smote the Philistines from 
 “Geba until thou come to ?Gazer. 
 
 14:7. h Eliphel.t. 1 Chr. 3:8. i 1 Chr. 14:8,9. Ps.2:l— 6. Re». 11:15— 18. 
 k 23:14. 1 Chr. 11:16. 123:13. Gen. 14:5. 1 Chr. 11:15. Is. 17:5. m2:l. 1 Sam. 
 23:2,4 . 30:7,8. n 23. Judg. 20:28. 1 Sam. 28:6 . 30:8. 1 Kings 22:6,15— 23. Prov. 
 3:6. o Is. 28:21. § That is, the plain of breaches, p Deut. 7:5,25. 1 Sam. 5: 
 2 — 6. 1 Chr. 14:11,12. Is. 37:19. || Or, took them away. Is. 46:1,2. Jer. 43:12. 
 g t Kings 20:22. 1 Chr. 14:13. r 19. s Josh. 8:2,7. 1 Chr. 14:14. Matt. 9:29, 
 30. Mark 8:23—25. John 9:6.7. t 2 Kings 7:6. u Judg. 4:14. 7:15. 1 Sam. 14:9 
 —12. 1 Chr. 14:15. Phil. 2:11,12. x 1 Chr. 14:16. Gibeon. y Josh, 16:10. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Mercies, long waited for in faith and patience, will be con- 
 ferred in the most reputable and comfortable manner: nor 
 shall any go unrewarded, who persist in refusing to employ 
 sinful means for their own deliverance or advancement. — Civil 
 government is fixed on its firmest basis, and is likely to pro- 
 duce the most permanent blessings, when it is regulated by 
 wholesome laws ; marking out duties, prerogatives, and privi- 
 leges to the prince and people, and reciprocally ratified, as in 
 the presence of the Lord, by the most solemn assurances, 
 with a view to his authority, appointments, and command- 
 ments. — We are all brethren; 44 of one bone, and of one 
 flesh ;” and none ought to oppress or to be cruel to another : 
 princes should use clemency, and tenderly watch over their 
 people, like shepherds over their flocks ; and the people should 
 gratefully acknowledge the blessings which they enjoy under 
 their government, honour the authority of God in them, and 
 yield them willing submission in all things lawful. — Thus 
 Jesus became our Brother, assumed and inhabits our nature, 
 that he might be our Prince and Saviour ; and thus the 
 humbled sinner takes encouragement from this endearing rela- 
 tion ; applies for his salvation, voluntarily submits to his kind 
 authority, and craves his powerful protection. — The false 
 confidences of ungodly men will assuredly deceive them, and 
 their proud boastings will hasten their ruin: while those with 
 whom is the Lord God of hosts, go forward and grow great. 
 In the day of his power Satan’s strong hold, the human heart- 
 is converted into 44 an habitation of God through the Spirit ;’ 
 and into a throne, on which the Son of David rules, and 
 brings every thought into obedience to himself. May he thus 
 come and claim and cleanse each of our hearts ; and having 
 destroyed every idol, may lie dwell and reign there for ever. 
 (Notes, Gal. 2:17—21. Eph 2:19—22. 3:1 1—19.)— It is ,n 
 mercy to a nation, when wise and righteous persons are ex- 
 alted to authority : and every advancement or endowment 
 which we receive, should remind us, that the Lord alone has 
 conferred the distinction ; and that he did it, that we might 
 be useful to his people by the talents intrusted tons. We 
 have therefore oause to be thankful and watchful ; and to 
 pray earnestly for grace sufficient to enable us duly to im- 
 prove them: (Note, 1 Kings 3:5 — 14. P. O. 1 — 15:) nay, 
 we have double cause for humility, when we reflect how little 
 we do so. — Alas ! even good men are apt to grow secure and 
 self-indulgent in prosperity, and to sanction by their example 
 those abuses, which they should oppose or repress : and all 
 our returns for the Lord’s mercies are deeply tinged with in- 
 gratitude. — When the church of God begins to prosper, its 
 enemies will generally exert t hemselves : and the great exemp- 
 tion from all kinds of persecution, and the seeming friendli- 
 ness of the world to religion, with which many arc pleased, 
 arise from tho policy of the enemy, who determines to let men 
 alone with their empty notions, forms and profession. — In our 
 spiritual warfare, vve must decidedly declare for the Lord, 
 though against relatives or benefactors; and if wo consult 
 him, he will teach us to do it. without even the appearance of 
 evil. — All those objects, which men idolize, will prove a use- 
 less incumbrance to them, when the Lord ska arise to ex(v 
 
B. C. 1043, 
 
 B. C. 1043. 
 
 . CHAPTER VI. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Oarrid fitches the ark from Kirjath-jearim on a new cart, 1—6. Uzzah is 
 smitten, David is disconcerted, and the ark is left with Obed-edom , whose 
 house is blessed on account of it, 6 — 11. David brings the ark to Zion tcj/A 
 sacrifices ; and dances before it, for which Michal despises him, 12—16. 
 He places it in a tabernacle with joy and feasting, 17—19. Michal, derid- 
 ing David for his religious joy, continues childless, 30—23. 
 
 A GAIN, David “gathered together all the 
 chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 
 
 2 And David arose, and went with all the 
 people that were with him, from b Baale of Judah, 
 to bring up from thence the ark of God, 'whose 
 name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts 
 that c dwelleth between the cherubims. 
 
 3 And they 'set the ark of God upon d a new 
 cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab 
 that ivas in iGibeah : and Uzzah and Ahio the 
 sons of Abinadab drave the new cart. 
 
 4 And they brought it out of “the house of 
 Abinadab, which was at Gibeah, ^accompanying 
 the ark of God : and Ahio went before the ark. 
 
 5 And f David and all the house of Israel 
 played before the Lord on all manner of instal- 
 ments made of fir-wood, even qn harps, and on 
 psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on 
 cymbals. 
 
 a 5:1. 1 Kings 8:1. 1 Chr. 13:1—4. Pi. 132:1—6. b Josh. 15:9,10,60. Baalah, 
 Kirjath-joari m . 1 Sam. 7:1. 1 Chr. 13:6. * Or, at which Out name, even the 
 
 name of the LORD of hosts leas called upon. Lev. 24:11 — 16. Is. 47:4. 54:5. 
 t E*.i5:18— 72. 1 Sam. 4:4. 1 Kings 8:6,7. Ps.8U:l. 1 Pel. 1:12. t Heb. marie 
 the ark of God to rids. dNum.4:5 — 12.7:9. 1 Sam. 6:7. JOr .the hill. 
 el Sara. 7:1,2. 1 Chr. 13:7. § Heb .with, fl Sam. 10:5. 16:16. 2 Kings 3:15. 
 
 1 Chr. 13:8. 15:10—24. Ps. 47:5. 68:»>— 27. 150:3—5. Dan. 3:5,7,10,15. Am. 5: 
 
 cute judgment on his enemies : and when the wicked shall 
 be swept into destruction, as with an impetuous flood, the 
 earth and all its contents shall be burnt up. But those who 
 depend upon the Lord, and act according to his directions, 
 and are ready to give him all the praise, will doubtless prevail 
 against all enemies, add one victory to another, and at length 
 be admitted into his presence, to see and adore their before 
 invisible Helper. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1. In a short time after 
 David had obtained two victories over the Philistines, he 
 formed the plan of bringing the ark to Jerusalem ; and he 
 collected thirty thousand of the chief, or most valiant men, 
 in order to put honour upon the ark, which had been so long 
 left in obscurity. 
 
 V. 2. Baale, or Baalim, or Baalah, (the two former mas- 
 culine, the latter feminine,) was another name for Kirjath- 
 jearim. (Josh. 15:9,60. 1 Chr. 13:6. Notes, 1 Sam. 7:1,2, 
 17. 1 Chr. 13:1 — 4.) — The terms used in speaking of the 
 
 ark are very expressive of reverence : “ The ark of God, 
 whose name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts, 
 thatdwelleth between the cherubims.’* The name of Jeho- 
 vah Sabbaoth, the Lord of hosts, was, as it were, affixed 
 to the ark, because it was the most honoured external repre- 
 sentation of his invisible glory : and when the ark was in its 
 proper place, in the holy of holies, the Lord manifested his 
 presence, by the visible glory above it, as the Protector and 
 Glory of Israel. It especially typified Christ, and his merits 
 and mediation, in which the name of Jehovah, and all his 
 glorious excellencies are harmoniously displayed ; while all 
 his hosts of angels, (represented by “ the cherubim,”) desire 
 to look down into those mysteries, or to be employed by him 
 who is the Saviour and Glory of his redeemed people, and 
 whom sinners now approach upon a mercy-seat. (Notes,. 
 Ex. 25:10—22. Ps. 80:1. 1 Pet. 1:10— 12.) 
 
 V. 3. David and the Israelites seem to have taken the 
 Philistines for their precedent on this occasion. (Notes, 1 
 Sam. 6:2 — 16.) instead of consulting the law of God! (Note, 
 Num.t-A — 9.) It is probable, that Abinadab and Eleazar 
 his son were dead before this time, as the ark had continued 
 at Kirjath-jearim at least seventy years ; (Note, 1 Sam. 7: 
 1,2.) but Uzzah and Ahio, two other sons or descendants of 
 Abinadab, had succeeded in attendance upon the ark ; and 
 they now undertook to drive the cart upon which it was con- 
 veyed. There is no proof that tney were Levites ; though 
 some expositors think they were : and if any of the priests 
 attended, they seem not to have taken an active part in the 
 service. It does not even appear, that the ark was oovered 
 previously to its removal, according to the law! (Notes, 
 Num. 4:5,6.) — Gibeah signifies the hill, and means that divi- 
 sion of the city, in which the house of Abinadab stood. 
 
 V. 5. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Chr. 15:16 — 24.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. When the oxen shook the ark, or stumbled, 
 (marg.) Uzzah, fearing lest the ark should fall, apparently 
 with a good intention, laid hold of it: yet “God smote him 
 for his error.” But in what did his error consist ? On this 
 question, it should be remembered, that even the Kohathites, 
 who were appointed to carry the ark, were forbidden to touch 
 i t on pain of death : that is, it must first be covered by the 
 priests, and then the Kohathites must carry it by the staves 
 onlj and not touch the ark itself: (Num. 4:15.) but Uzzah, 
 who certainly was not a priest, laid hold on the ark, which 
 Vobably was not covered t may be supposed, that neither 
 
 6 IT And when they came toeNachon’s thrashing 
 floor, Uzzah h put forth his hand to the ark ot 
 God, and took hold of it : for the oxen "shook it. 
 
 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 against Uzzah: and ‘God smote him there for his 
 ■"error ; and there he died by the' ark of God. 
 
 8 And David was "displeased, because the 
 Lord had “made a breach upon Uzzah: and he 
 called the name of the place 11 Perez-uzzah to this 
 day. 
 
 9 And David was 'afraid of the Lord that day, 
 and said, m How shall the ark of the Lord come 
 to me ? 
 
 10 So David would not remove the ark of the 
 Lord unto him into the city of David : but 
 David carried it aside into the house of “Obed- 
 edom the “Gittite. 
 
 11 And the ark of the Lord continued in the 
 house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months : 
 and rthe Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his 
 
 household. [ Practical Observations.) 
 
 12 ^ And it was told king David, saying, The 
 Lord hath blessed the house of Obed-edom, and 
 all that pertaineth unto him, because of the ark of 
 God. iSo David went and brought up the ark 
 
 23.6:5. g I Chr. 13:9. Chidon's. h Num. 4:15,19,20. |j Or, stumbled, i Le» 
 10:1—3. 1 Sam. 6:19. 1 Chr. 13:10. 15:2,13. 1 Cor. 11:30—32. UOr, rashneie. 
 k 1 Chr. 13:11,12. Jon. 4:1,9. ** Heb. broken, ft That is, the breach of Uzzah. 
 
 1 Num. 17:12,13. 1 Sam. 5:10,11. 6:20. Ps. 119:120. Is. 6:5. Luke 5:8,9. 1 Pet. 
 3:6. m I Kings 8:27. 1 Chr. 13:11,12. Job 25:5,6. n 1 Chr 13:13,14. 15:18. 16- 
 5.26:4—8. o '4:3. 15: 19. 18:2. p Gen. 30:27. 39:5,23. Prov. 3:9,10. Mai. 3:1C, 
 q 1 Chr. 15:1—3,25. Ps. 24:7—10. 68:21— 27. 132:6—8. 
 
 Eleazar, nor Uzzah, nor Ahio had thus touched it during all 
 the years it had remained with them; and that it was placed 
 on the cart by the staves only : and though it seemed neces- 
 sary for Uzzah to lay hold of it ; yet the necessity arose from 
 the method of conveyance, which some think Uzzah had pro- 
 posed, and he was therefore answerable for all the conse- 
 quences. It is probable, that he had become too familiar 
 with this sacred symbol of the Lord’s especial presence : and 
 that he presumed on the services which he and his family had 
 rendered in taking care of it, when generally neglected ; as 
 if that had given him a sanctity equal or even superior to 
 that of the priests ; so that he and his brother seem to have 
 taken the principal management of the business on them- 
 selves. Whereas, when all orders of men concurred in 
 showing honour to the ark, they ought to have declined any 
 further interference; and referred the care of it to the priest, 
 on whom it properly devolved. No doubt the Lord saw in 
 Uzzah’s conduct what indicated irreverence and presumption ; 
 not wholly unlike the sin of Nadab and Abihu, when they offer- 
 ed strange fire before him : and therefore he smote him, per- 
 haps in a similar manner, and for the same reasons. (Notes, 
 Lev. 10:1 — 5. 1 S*am. 6:19 — 21.) But though he was singled 
 out to be made an example of, his death was a pointed re- 
 buke and warning to David, to the priests, and to all Israel. 
 
 V. 8, 9. David’s heart was upright, and his zeal and love 
 very fervent : but there were many things very faulty in his 
 frame of mind, as well as irregular in his proceedings, on this 
 occasion. He seems to have been possessed with some mea- 
 sure of self-complacency, on account cf the important service 
 which he was performing, in honouring the ark after it had 
 been so long neglected ; and to have thought that the goodness 
 of the work would counterbalance a degree of informality in 
 the manner of doing it, and ensure to him comfort and com- 
 mendation : and he had not taken time to examine the law of 
 God, or to consult the priests, how this good work ought to 
 be performed. When therefore the event turned out con- 
 trary to his expectations, he was greatly disconcerted, and 
 his lively religious affections were extinguished. He was 
 angry, (so the word signifies,) that occasion had been given 
 for this unexpected stroke ; though it does not appear with 
 whom he was displeased, and certainly his anger implied a 
 degree of rebellion against the dispensation of God in smiting 
 Uzzah! A measure of servile fear succeeded to zeal, hope, 
 and joy: so that he would not venture to bring the ark any 
 nearer to him, lest he should be destroyed in like manner. 
 (Notes, Num. 17:12,13. Josh. 7:6—9. 1 Sam. 6:19— 21. 1 
 Chr. 15:12—14. • Ps . 119:120. Is. 6:5.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. Until David had further considered the matter, 
 and come to some determinal ion what to do with the ark, it 
 was carried to the house of Obed-edom ; who with humble 
 confidence was ready to receive it, notwithstanding the 
 example of Uzzah. There it abode three months, and the 
 whole multitude returned home, and left the business un- 
 finished. Obed-edom was a Levite ; (Marg. Ref. n.) and 
 he is called a Gittite, perhaps from Gathrimraon, the place 
 of his birth, or of his abode. (Josh. 21:24,25.) All things 
 relating to his health, family, and circumstances, prospered 
 in so extraordinary a manner, while the ark was with him, 
 that every one noticed it. — Doubtless Obed-edom behaved to 
 the ark with due reverence. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 12, 13. When David heard of the extraordinary bless- 
 ing, bestowed on Obed-edom because of the ark of God, h» 
 ( 543 ) 
 
B. C. 1043. 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1043. 
 
 of God from the i .se of Obed-edom into the 
 city of David with gladness. 
 
 13 And it was so, that r when they that bare the 
 ark of the Lord, had gone six paces, he sacrificed 
 •oxen and ladings. 
 
 14 And David ‘danced before the Lord “with 
 all his might ; and David was ’girded with a linen 
 ephod. 
 
 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought 
 up the ark of the Lord x with shouting, and with 
 nhe sound of the trumpet. 
 
 16 And as the ark of the Lord came into the 
 city of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked 
 through a window, and saw king David leaping 
 and dancing before the Lord ; and she “despised 
 him in her heart. 
 
 17 H And b they brought in the ark of the Lord, 
 and set it in his place, in the midst of the taber- 
 nacle that David had 'pitched for it: and David 
 “offered burnt- offerings and peace-offerings before 
 the Lord. 
 
 18 And as soon d as David had made an end of 
 offering burnt-oflerings and peace-offerings, e he 
 blessed the people in the name ofthe Lord of hosts. 
 
 r Num. 4:15. 7:9. Josh. 3:3. 1 Chr. 15:2,95.26. slKin e s8:5. 3Chr. 5:6. 
 I Ex. 15:20. Judg. 11:34. 21:21. Ps. 30:!!. 149:3. 150:4. Luke 15:25. u Dent. 
 6:5. Ec.9:l0. Col. 3:23. v I Sam. 2:18. 22:13. 1 Chr. 15:27. x 1 Chr. 15: 
 16,25,28. Ezra 3: 10,11 . Ps. 47:1,5,6. 68:24— 27. y Num. 10:1— 10. Josh. 6: 
 4,5. Ps. 150:3. zSr,on3:14. a 1 Chr. 15:29. Ps.69:7. Is. 53:3. Acts2:13. 
 
 1 Cor. 2:14. b 1 Chr. 15:1. 16:1. 2Chr.l:4. Ps. 132:8. • Heh. stretched. 
 
 c 1 Kings 8:5,62— 65. 2 Chr. 5:6. 7:5- 7. Ezra 6:16,17. d 1 Kings 8:55. 1 Chr. 
 16:2. 2Chr. 6:3. 30:13, 19,27. Acls 3:26. e Gen. 14:19. Ex. 39:43. Lev. 9:22, 
 23. Heb. 7:1—7. f. 1 Chr. 16:3. 2 Chr. 30:21. 35:7,8,12,13. Neh.8:10. Ez. 45: 
 
 was encouraged to resume his design of bringing it to Jerusa- 
 lem. He had now learned his mistake, and the reason of the 
 breach made on Uzzah. His mind was also become calm ; 
 and his zeal, love, and joy, had revived. Having likewise 
 learned that none but the Levites of the family of Kohath 
 ought to carry the ark, (Notes, 1 Chr. 15:) his “love now 
 abounded in knowledge, and in all judgment .” (Note, Phil. 
 1:9 — 11.) Conscious therefore that he was unworthy of 
 
 being employed in such a service, and sensible of his cause 
 for gratitude, if preserved from grievous miscarriages, he set 
 out with offering sacrifices: and, as he thus united humble 
 faith and holy fear with his fervent affections, he was accepted 
 and prospered accordingly. (Note, Judg. 20:26 — 28.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. On this solemn occasion David laid aside the 
 distinctions of royalty : and, as taking the lead in the worship 
 of God, he wore a linen ephod, the ordinary garment of the 
 priests when officiating, yet sometimes worn by others. 
 (Marg. Ref. v.) But it does not appear that he in the least 
 attempted to encroach upon the priestly office. — The methods 
 adopted by the Israelites on this occasion, in expressing their 
 joy and gratitude, were such as were customary among 
 them ; and the music, blowing of trumpets, and sacred dances, 
 were accompanied with psalms of praise, sung to the glory 
 of God, by very great multitudes in concert. (Notes, Ex. 
 15:20,21. 2 Chr. 15: 16:) 
 
 V. 16. Saul had neglected the ark and religion ; and 
 Michal seems to have had no deep sense of the importance 
 and excellency of heavenly things : but she was possessed 
 with high thoughts of temporal dignity and royalty. Perhaps, 
 she considered David’s zeal for the ark as a reproach of her 
 father’s negligence : at least she considered his transports of 
 religious joy, in the midst of the people, as a degradation of 
 his character, and as exposing him to contempt. David the 
 brave captain, leading forth the people to battle, and return- 
 ing with them in triumph, she had admired: but David the 
 saint, leading the people in the ordinances of God, and setting 
 them an example of fervency of spirit in his service, she 
 despised in her heart; yet this was by far the most illustrious 
 part of his character. 
 
 V. 17. The tabernacle, which had been situated at Shi- 
 loh, was from thence carried to Noh, and perhaps when 
 Samuel died it was placed at Gibeon, with the altar of burnt- 
 offering, and all other things belonging to its sacred services. 
 (Note, 1 Sam. 7:1,2. 21:1,2.) David, however, had prepared 
 another tent for the reception of the ark, where an altar was 
 erected and sacrifices offered ; as also there were on the 
 former altar. (Note, 1 Chr. 16:37 — 43.) It may be sup- 
 posed that the. building of a temple was already in contem- 
 plation, and that this tabernacle was intended for a temporary 
 accommodation, until that should be accomplished. 
 
 V. 18, 19. David prayed for the people; and as a prophet 
 he solemnly blessed them in the name of the Lord, not using 
 the ministry of the priests. (Notes, Num. 6:23 — 26.) After- 
 wards he distributed of the flesh of the peace-offerings, which 
 he sacrificed at his own expense, a sufficiency to every ono 
 present for a sacred feast, with bread and wine in proportion. 
 
 V. 20. After all these public solemnities, “ David returned 
 to bless his household to worship God with them, as no 
 douht he was wont to do, and to join with them in a religious 
 feast. — Michal spoke the language of passion and contempt. 
 Because David had expressed great zeal and earnestness, 
 ( 544 ) 
 
 19 And f le dealt among all the people, even 
 among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to 
 the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, 
 and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 
 s So all the people departed every one to his 
 house. 
 
 20 H Then David returned to h bless his house- 
 hold. And 'Michal the daughter of Saul came 
 out to meet David, and said, How ^glorious was 
 the king of Israel to-day, who ‘uncovered himseh 
 to-day in the eyes of the handmaids of his ser- 
 vants, as one of the m vain fellows 'shamelessly 
 uncovereth himself! 
 
 21 And David said unto Michal, It was "before 
 the Lord, which “chose me before thy father, and 
 before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the 
 people of the Lord, over Israel ; therefore will I 
 Pplay before the Lord. 
 
 22 And I will yet be ^more vile than thus, and 
 will be base r in mine own sight : and of the 
 'maid-servants which thou hast spoken of, of 
 them shall ‘I be had in honour. 
 
 23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had 
 no child “unto the day of her death. 
 
 17. Acts 20:35. Eph.4:8. glKin-«8:66. 2Chr.7:10. h 18. Gen. 18:191 
 
 Josh. 24:15. 1 Chr. 16:43. Ps. 30: lille. 101:2. i 16. Ps. 69:7— 9. Mark 3:21. 
 k Nell. 4:3,4. Is. 53:2,3. John 13:6. 1 Cor. 4:10—13. Phil. 2:7,8. 1 I Sam. 19» 
 
 23,24. m Judg. 9:4. Job 30:8. f Or , openly, n 14,16. 1 Cor. 10:31. ol Sain. 
 13:14.15:28.16:1,12. Ps. 78:70— 72. 89:19,20. Acts 13:22. p 5. 1 Chr. 15:29. 
 q Is. 50:6. 51:7. Matt. 5: 1 1 .12. Acts 5:41,42. Heb. 12:2. I Pet. 4:14. r Gen. 
 32:10. Job 40:4. 42:6. 1 Tim. 1:15. 1 Pet. 5:6. J Or, handmaids of my ser* 
 vants. si Sam. 2:30. t 1 Sam. 1:6 — 8. Is. 4:1. Ilos. 9:11. Luke’l:25. 
 u 1 Sam. 15-35. Is. 22: 14. 
 
 she suggested that he had behaved in an indecent manner: 
 and as he had laid aside his royal robes, she would represent 
 it as if he had improperly stripped himself. (Note, 1 Sam. 
 1 9:23,24.) But it cannot be supposed that David did any 
 thing indecorous on the occasion ; except as Michal con- 
 sidered his piety and activity in religion as unbecoming the 
 dignity of a king. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. David very properly gloried in his zeal for the 
 service and glory of God: before him, he was willing to bo 
 abased both in his own eyes, and in those of others. And 
 if his earnestness in religion was considered as playing thn 
 fool, and rendering himself vile, he desired to be still moro 
 vile; for he resolved to be still more zealous in that good 
 cause. But he intimated to Michal, that for want of similar 
 zeal, her father had been rejected ; and that he was chosen 
 in his stead to be “ruler of the people of the Lord.” Ha 
 was therefore bound by every tie to be very earnest in pro- 
 moting his worship: and that which she despised as disgrace- 
 ful to him, would in the event prove his greatest honour. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. Our judgment in religion must be regulated by 
 the word of God, and not by the customs of the world, or 
 even of the church : for human inventions have offen long 
 prevailed, when divine appointments have grown into disuse 
 and contempt. But true believers are accepted, notwith- 
 standing such errors and abuses as they either do notdiscein, 
 or are unable to rectify: yet those, who have it in their 
 power, should embrace the first opportunity of replacing 
 matters upon the scriptural foundation, and of bringing to 
 light and reputation those parts of true religion, which have 
 been most neglected and obscured. This is best dono by 
 showing their nature, use, and importance, that others may 
 willingly concur, and gradually call the attention of more and 
 more towards them : for thus the change will appear to be 
 effected by the authority of God, and not by that of man. — 
 That the Lord dwells upon the mercy-seat “between the 
 cherubim,” that the name and perfections of Jehovah are 
 in Jesus, the true Ark of the covenant, forms the foundation 
 of every genuine human hope of felicity, and is the source of 
 every believer’s privileges and comforts : while with all his 
 hosts and all his authority, God is his reconciled Friend, 
 Father, and Protector. Whatover else may be overlooked, 
 theso essential truths should be always placed in the most 
 convincing and conspicuous light, in every sermon and reli- 
 gious ordinance ; that sinners may be called on to believe, 
 and believers to rejoice, and glorify God our Saviour. — But 
 ignorance and error, in the great doctrines of religion, are 
 not the only dangers to which men are exposed : the irreve- 
 rent abuse of the gospel may be equally destructive. — Men 
 frequently, by office, or by habit, are conversant about the 
 most important truths or observances of religion with a carnal 
 mind, till they contract a contemptuous familiarity with them, 
 grow proud of their formal exercises, presumptuously intrude 
 into services which do not belong to them, and, in rash zeal 
 for the supposed cause of godliness, use such means ns the 
 Lord has not commanded, nay, such ns he has prohibited. 
 But whatever necessity may be imagined, or whatever good 
 intentions may bo pleaded, ho will resent, and perhaps in 
 this world punish, such forbidden touches of Ins ark : we 
 should therefore bo careful to keep our proper place, to d« ' 
 
B. C. 1042. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 B. C. 1042 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 David purposes to kuiid a temple, and Nathan encourages him, 1 — 3. God, 
 by Nathan, forbids it , but with promises of tjtecial blessings to Israel, 
 to David. iutd to his sued, -1 — 17. David's prayer and thanksgiving , 
 
 18 — 09 . 
 
 A ND it came to pass, 'when the king sat in his 
 house, and b the Lord had given him rest 
 round about from all his enemies, 
 
 2 That tne King said unto 'Nathan the prophet, 
 See now, d I awed m a house of cedar, but ‘the 
 ark of God dwelleth within f curtains. 
 
 3 And Nathan said to the king, *Go, do h all 
 that is in thy heart : ‘for the Lord is with thee. 
 
 4 H And it came to pass ffhat night, that the 
 word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying, 
 
 5 Go and tell *my servant David, Thus saith 
 the Lord, k Shalt thou build me a house for me 
 to dwell in ? 
 
 6 Whereas 'I have not dwelt in any house since 
 the time that 1 brought up the children of Israel 
 out of Egypt, even to this day, but have m vvalked 
 in a “tent and in a tabernacle. 
 
 7 In all the places wherein I have walked with 
 all the children of Israel spake I a word with any 
 of the “tribes of Israel, whom I commanded tc 
 rfeed my people Israel, saying, Why build ye no. 
 me a house of cedar ? 
 
 8 Now therefore, so shalt thou say unto my 
 servant David, Thus saitli the Lord of hosts, s] 
 took thee from the sheep-cote, from f following 
 the sheep, to be ‘ruler over my people, over 
 Israel : 
 
 9 And *1 was with thee whithersoever thou 
 wentest, and have ‘cut off all thine enemies tout of 
 thy sight, and have made thee “a great name, “like 
 
 a I Chr. 17:1, 4c. Dan. 4:29,30. b Josh. 21:44. 23:1. 1 Kings 5:4. 2 Chr. 14:6. 
 Pror. 16:7. Luke 1:74,75. c 12: 1. 1 Chr. 29:23. d 5:11 . 1 Chr. 14: 1. Jer. 22: 
 13— 15. Sag. 1:4. e Ps. 132:5. JohnQ:17. Acts 7:45. f 6: 17. 1 Ex. 26:1— 14. 
 40:21. 1 i hr. 16:1. 2 Chr. 1:4. g 2 Kings 4:27. h I Sam. 16:7. 1 Kings 8:17, 
 18. I Chr. 22 7. 28:2. Ps. 20:4. 37:4. i 1 Sam. 10:7. 1 John 2:27. j N urn. 12: 
 6. I Chr. 17:3. Am. 3:7. * Heb. to my servant, to David. k 1 Kings 5:3. 8: 
 
 18,19. 1 Chr. 17:4.22:7,8. 26:3. 1 Josh. 18:1. lFings8:16. 1 Chr. 17:5,6. 
 
 our own work, and to proceed in the manner prescribed in 
 his word. — Even eminently wise and good men cannot per- 
 form very important services, without feeling, at times and in 
 some degree, the emotions of pride and self-preference. And, 
 though religion consists very much in high auctions, and 
 great love and delight in spiritual things ; yet even when the 
 affections are genuine and gracious, except they are accom- 
 panied with proportionable knowledge, judgment, and hu- 
 mility, they will betray us into many unwarrantable actions, 
 and expose us to severe rebukes. In the fervency of zeal we 
 are all very prone to forget the precepts of God ; and are too 
 eager about the substance of our services, to consult the 
 Scriptures concerning the right method of conducting them. 
 Thus, we are unawares drawn into transgression, and meet 
 with severe checks, when we expected great success and 
 comfort. This is indeed needful and salutary, but it often 
 exceedingly disconcerts the mind : and then the transition is 
 very sudden from elevated joy and confidence, to great 
 dejection and fretfulness ; from a hope bordering on irreve- 
 rence, to slavish fear which verges to despondency, and 
 disheartens from present duty. Such sudden changes the 
 experienced and vigilant believer recollects with shame. He 
 too has often, especially in the time of his injudicious and 
 inexperienced zeal, been 14 greatly displeased” or discouraged 
 by those things, which were only intended to humble and 
 instruct him : and while he cannot excuse David, he sees 
 more cause to condemn himself, and to pray, 44 Enter not 
 into judgment with thy servant, O Lord, for in thy sight 
 shall no man living be justified.” — But while one is disheart- 
 ened from active service through servile fear, others will be 
 animated with humble faith and hope; and not dread the ark, 
 or the ordinance, but only the sin which occasioned the 
 rebuke, or against which the threatening is denounced. And 
 the Lord will abundantly recompense those, who are humbly 
 bold for him, while others are either presumptuous or des- 
 ponding. (P. O. 1 Sam. 6:) 
 
 V. 12 — 23. When pious men, who have been betrayed into 
 unwarrantable conduct, have had time for self-examination, 
 searching the Scriptures, and prayer, they will discover and 
 confess their mistakes, and be reduced to a better,temper ; they 
 will justify God in his corrections ; they will be convinced, that 
 safety and comfort consist, not in absenting themselves from 
 his ordinances, or in declining dangerous services, hut in 
 attending to their duty in a proper spirit and manner ; (Notes, 
 Matt. 5:23,24. — l Cor. 11:29—34. P. O. 23—31.) they will 
 profit by their own errors, stand the stronger for their falls, 
 and lot abate in their zeal and affections, but learn to con- 
 nect them with humility, and to regulate them according to 
 the precepts of the sacred Scripture. Then they may expect 
 to prosper in their attempts to glorify God, and promote the 
 cause of true religion.— We are so unworthy, and our services 
 so defiled, that all our joy in divine ordinances must be con- 
 nected with the exercise of repentance, and faith in the 
 Redeemer’s atoning blood : so that the more we are preserved 
 from sin and the more we are enabled to do in the work of 
 God, with acceptance and comfort, the greater obligations we 
 are brought under, and the more thankful we ought to be. 
 (Note, l C7i/\ 29:10 — 19.) We ought to serve the Lord with 
 our whole body and soul, and with every endowment or ca- 
 pacity we possess; our religious affections cannot be too 
 intense, if properly directed ; nor our expressions of them too 
 Strong, provided “all be done decently and in order,” accord- 
 ing to the spirit of that dispensation under which we live. — 
 The greatest of men are as nothing before the infinite God ; 
 their dependance is as entire as that of their inferiors, and 
 their obligations and accountableness are greater: the mean- 
 est employment in his service is in truth the greatest honour 
 of the mightiest princes : they ought to be as base in their 
 own eyes, when worshipping the Lord, and confessing their 
 sins, as their meanest subjects ; while they should take the 
 lea-" and set the example in every thing good : (Note* Jam 
 Vql. I. — 69 
 
 m Ex. 33:14,15. 40:35— 38. Lev. 26:23,24,27,23. Num. 10:33— 36. Deut. 23:14. 
 2 Cor. 6:16. Rev. 2:1. n Ex. 40:18,19,34. Acts 7:41. o 1 Chr. 17:6. judges. 
 p 5:2. Ps. 78:71,72. Is. 40:11. Jer. 23 4. E*. 34:2,15,23. Mie. 5:4. Man. 2:6. 
 marg. John 21:15— 17. Acts 21:28. 1 Pet. 5:2. q 1 Sam. 16:11,12. 1 Chr. 17.7. 
 .Ps. 73:70. t Heb. after, r 6:21. 12:7. 1 Sam. 9:16. 10:1. s 5: 10. 8:6, 14. 22: 
 30,34—38. I Chr. 17:8. I 22:1. 1 Sam. 31:6. Ps. 89:23. ♦ Heb .from thy face. 
 u Gen. 12:2. 1 Sam. 2:8. 1 Chr. 17:8. Ps. 1 13:7,8. Luke 1:52. x Ps. 87:3-6. 
 
 1:9 — 11.) and though some will despise their piety as madness 
 or meanness, they will be had in honour for it by numbers, 
 yea, by many who are not themselves religious. Indeed, 
 proud and carnal persons have always ridiculed fervent devo- 
 tion, as folly or enthusiasm. Satan has long deluded men 
 into a persuasion, that such holy earnestness is unprincely , 
 nay, unmanly, unbecoming persons of genius, learning, wealth, 
 or influence, and only fit for ignorant poor people, women or 
 children. However wise or eminent a man may be in other 
 respects, if he be scripturally zealous and devoted to God, he 
 must expect contempt and insult, even from his inferiors and 
 relatives : nay, he needs not wonder, if he be falsely accused 
 of the most shameless practices. But if the Lord has chosen 
 and accepted us, we should deem such reproaches honour- 
 able, and determine to become still more vile in the eyes of 
 ungodly revilers, by abounding in those services which they 
 despise. While we meekly rebuke such opposers, the Lord 
 will certainly plead our cause against them : for 44 them that 
 honour him he will honour ; but they who despise him shall 
 be lightly esteemed.” — Piety should always be attended with 
 liberality : and public exercises of religion must not exclude 
 private prayer and family worship, which should be neglected 
 by none in any rank of life. — Finally, in this removal of the 
 ark, let us contemplate the Redeemer’s ascension to glory, 
 and seek to participate his precious gifts, and to serve him 
 with ardent love and joy. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. VII. V. 1— 3. (Note, 5:11.) David, 
 now peaceably possessed of the kingdom, victorious over all 
 his enemies, and at rest in his palace, considered how he 
 might employ his leisure and prosperity in the service of God : 
 when it occurred to his mind how stately his own house was, 
 and how meanly the ark was lodged ; and he conceived a de- 
 sign of building a magnificent temple for its reception. (Notes, 
 Ps. 132:2 — 5. Matt. 6:33,34.) This he intimated to Nathan 
 the prophet, a man of great piety and wisdom, who appears 
 to have been his companion and counsellor. And Nathan, 
 assured that the design arose from zeal for the glory of God, 
 who was with David in all his undertakings, encouraged him 
 to proceed ; yet he gave his advice, not by revelation from 
 God, but according to his own private judgment. (Note, 1 
 Cor. 7:39,40.) 
 
 V. 4. The message which follows was sent without delay, 
 probably that David might not remain under a mistake, or 
 set his heart on a work not intended for him : and it was sent 
 by Nathan, that he might not be discouraged by*having his 
 counsel contradicted by another prophet. Nathan was not 
 faulty in encouraging David, any more than David was in 
 purposing to build a temple : they both did well, but the Lord 
 had wise reasons for determining otherwise. (Marg. Ref . 
 Note, 1 Kings 8:15 — 21.) 
 
 V. 5. Shalt thou, &c.] That is, 4 Dost thou entertain 
 such a purpose, which did not enter into the thoughts of any 
 fhat were before thee ? yet thou shalt not accomplish that 
 design : for the work is assigned to another person. 5 It ap- 
 pears that Nathan spoke more to David than is here recorded : 
 for other reasons are afterwards given, why David was not 
 permitted to build the temple. (Notes, 2 Chr. 22:6 — 10. 28: 
 2 — 8 .) 
 
 V. 6. 7. Though tho building of a temple accorded with 
 the spirit of the Mosaic dispensation, it was not commanded 
 by any law ; and was not therefore peculiarly any one’s duty, 
 without some further intimation from God. In the days of 
 Moses, the Lord had, by the ark, the symbol of his presence, 
 dwelt and removed with his people, in a tabernacle of his 
 own appointing. (Notes, Num. 10:33 — 36.) Since Israel 
 had been settled in Canaan, none of the rulers or judges, who 
 had been raised up out of several of their tribes, were com- 
 manded to build a temple : yet the Lord had accepted their 
 worship, while the ark abode within curtains. It was not 
 therefore necessary either to the glory of God, or the good of 
 Israel, to have a temple ; and the erecting of one might there* 
 f 545 ) 
 
3. C. 1012. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. B. C. 1042. 
 
 unto the name of the great men that are in the 
 earth. 
 
 10 Moreover, I will appoint a place for my peo- 
 ple Israel, and will yplant them, that they may 
 dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; 
 ‘neither shall the children of wickedness afflict 
 them any more, "as beforetime. 
 
 11 And as b since the time that I commanded 
 judges to be over my people Israel, and "have 
 caused thee to rest from all thine enemies. Also 
 the Loro telleth thee, that ‘'he will make thee a 
 house. 
 
 12 H And e when thy days be fulfilled, and thou 
 shalt f sleep with thy fathers, ? I will set up thy 
 seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy 
 bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. 
 
 13 h He shall build a house for my name, and 'I 
 will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever. 
 
 14 k I will be his father, and he shall be my spn. 
 'If he commit iniquity, m I will chasten him with 
 the rod. of men, and with the stripes of the children 
 of men : 
 
 15 But "my mercy shall not depart away from 
 
 y 1 Clir. 17:9. Pa. 44:2. 80:8. Jer. 18.9.24:6. Ez. 37:25—27. Am. 9:15. z Pa. 89: 
 22,23. Is. 60:18. Hos.2:l8. a Ex. 1 :13,1 4.22. Jmlg. 4:3. 6:2— 6. 1 Sam. 13:17. 
 b Jn.le. 2:14— 16. 1 Sam. 12:9— 11. Ps. 106:42. c 1 . Job 5: 18,19. 34:29. Pa. 46:9. 
 d 27. Ex. 1:21. I Kings2:24. 1 Chr. 17:10.22:10. Pa. 89:3,4. 127:1. Piny. 14:1. 
 e 1 Kings 2:1. 8:20. f Deni. 31 16. 1 Kings 1:21. I an. 12:2. Acts 13:36, 1 Cor. 
 15:51. 1 Thu. 4:14. gGen.!S:4. 1 Kings 8:20. 1 Chr. 17:11. Ps. 89:29. 132:11. 
 Is. 9:7. 11:1—3,10. Matt. 22:42-^14. Acts 2:30. h 1 Kings 5:5. 6: 12. 8: 19. 
 1 Chr. 17.11,12. 22-9,10 . 28:6,10. Zech.6:l3. Matt. 16:18. Luke 1:31— 33 
 Heb. 3:3. 1 Pet. 2:5. i 16. 1 Chr. 28:7. Pa. 89:4,21 ,36,37. Is. 9:7.49:8. Luke 
 1:32,33. kl Chr. 17:13. 23:6. Ps. 89:26,27. Matt. 3:17. Heb. 1:5. 1 Ps. 89:30 
 
 —35. m Dent. 8:5. Job 5:17. Pa. 94:12,13. Prov. 3:11,12. Jer. 30:11. 1 Cor. 
 11:32. Heb. 12:5— 11. Rey. 8:19. n Ps. 89:28,34. la. 55:3. Acta 13:34— 37. 
 
 fore very well be delayed a little longer. (Notes, Is. 66:1,2. 
 Ads 7:4-1—50.) 
 
 V. 8—11. The Lord did not employ David in building the 
 temple, but he did notjn anger reject his intended service: 
 for it was not proper, either that he should engross all the 
 honour, or do all the work. He had been advanced from a very 
 inferior situation to the throne of Israel, and employed in 
 subduing their enemies, as well as made triumphant over his 
 own. ; and he was, or would become, one of the most honour- 
 able and renowned characters in the world. (Marg. Ref. 
 u, x.) Moreover the Lord had further employment for him 
 of another sort, which was proper to be done before the build- 
 ing of the temple. The Canaanites still dwelt in the land, 
 and greatly harassed the people ; and the neighbouring nations 
 frequently afflicted them. This had been the case from their 
 first entrance into Canaan, even in the time of the judges, 
 who wrought only temporary deliverances from their more 
 grievous oppressors. Indeed, it was reserved for David to 
 crush the remnant of the Canaanites, to subjugate the other 
 enemies of Israel, and to put them in full and quiet possession 
 of the land of promise ; so that it was by their subsequent 
 revolts and apostacies alone, that they afterwards lost the 
 benefit of his victories. This was his peculiar work ; and as 
 a promise thus given to Israel, was intended to mark out 
 David’s line of usefulness. He was also employed in reform- 
 ing the state of religion, regulating the .courses of the priests 
 and Levites, and composing hymns of praise for the use of 
 the church in after ages ; and he made immense preparations 
 even for the temple itself. (Notes, 23:1,2. 1 Chr. 22: 23: 
 
 26: 28: 29.) 
 
 V. 12 — 16. The Lord intended to establish David’s pos- 
 terity upon the throne of Israel ; which was a special favour 
 not granted to Moses, to Joshua, or to any of David’s pre- 
 decessors; and therefore the work and honour of building 
 the temple were reserved for his son, who was hereafter to be 
 born ; for, by the future tense in this connexion, both Absalom 
 and Adonijah, and all the children which David then had, 
 were excluded from life succession. This son and successor 
 of David would be of a peaceable disposition, and enabled 
 to live at peace, through tile success of his father’s wars, 
 and would have more leisure and ability to complete the 
 design. To him and his posterity very precious promises 
 were given : the Lord engaged to he a Father to him, to deal 
 with him as his son, and to establish the throne of his king- 
 dom ; and if he sinned, to correct him, as men do their 
 children, according to what thoy are able to endure, and for 
 their good ; yet not to take the kingdom from him, as he had 
 done from Saul, hut to establish it from generation to genera- 
 tion. — Though for Solomon’s sin the ten tribes were rent 
 from his son ; (Notes, l Kings 11:9 — 13,29 — 31. 12:21 — 24.) 
 yet the kingdom over Judah remained, unto the Babylonish 
 captivity, in the family of David and Solomon. — These pro- 
 mises were, however, in an especial manner, predictions of 
 Christ, the son of David, the true Solomon, “the Prince of 
 eace,’’ who builds the spiritual temple of true believers, to 
 e “ an habitation of God through tho Spirit.” (Notes, Zech. 
 6:12,13. Eph. 2:19 — 22.) Accordingly a part of the prophecy 
 is applied to Christ in the New Testament. (Heb. 1:5.) 
 The stability and perpetuity of the kingdom in the house of 
 David is, in Christ, fully accomplished. (Notes, Ps. 2:72: 
 
 ( 546 ) 
 
 him, °as I took it from Saul, whom I put away 
 before thee. 
 
 16 And "'thy house and thy kingdom shall be 
 established for ever before thee : thy throne shall 
 be established for ever. 
 
 17 ‘i According to all these words, and accord- 
 ing to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto 
 
 DaVld. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 18 H Then went king David in, and r sat before 
 the Lord, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord God ? 
 and what is my house, that thou hast brought 
 me hitherto ? 
 
 19 And ‘this was yet a small thing in thy sight, 
 O Lord God ; but “thou hast spoken also of thy 
 servant’s house for a great while to come. ‘And 
 is this the 'manner of man, O Lord God? 
 
 20 And what can David say more unto thee i 
 for thou, Lord God, rknowest thy servant. 
 
 21 For ‘thy word’s sake, and “according to thine 
 own heart, hast thou done all these great things, 
 to make thy servant know them. 
 
 22 Wherefore b lhou art great, O Lord God : 
 for there is "none like thee, neither is there any 
 
 0 1 Sam. 15:28. 16:14. 1 Kings 11:13,34— 35. Is. 9:7. 37:35. p Gen. 49:10. 
 
 2 Kings 19:34. 1 Chr. 17:13,14. P*. 45:6. 72:5,17— 19. 89:36.37. Is. 9:7. Dan. 2: 
 44. 7:14. Matt. 16:18. Luke 1:39.33. John 12:34. Rev. 11:15. q 1 Chr. 17:15. 
 Acts 20:20,27. 1 Cor. 15:3. r 1 Chr. 17: 16. la. 37:14 . a Gen. 32:10. Ex. 3:11. 
 Judg. 6:15. 1 Sam. 9:21, 15:17. 18.18. Ps. 8.4. t 12:8. Nn.n. 16:9,13. n 11— 
 16. 1 Chr. 17:17. x Ps. 36:7. Is. 55:8,9. Eph. 2:7. 3:19,20. • Heb. late, 
 
 y 1 Sam. 16:7. Ps. 139:1. John 2:25. 21:17. Heb. 4:13. Rev. 2:23. z Num. 23: 
 19. Ileut. 9:5. Josh. 23:14,15. Ps. 115:1. 133:2. Matt. 24:35. Luke 1:54,55,72. 
 a Matt. 11:26. Luke 10:21. 12:32. I Cor. 1:1. Eph. 19. 3:11. b Ileut. 3:24. 
 
 1 Chr: 16:25. 2 Chr. 2:5. Ps. 48:1 . 86:10 . 96:4. 135 5. c Ex. 15:11. Deut.4:35, 
 32:39. 1 Sam. 2:2. Ps. 86:8. 89:6,8. Is. 40:18,25. 45:5,18,22. Jer. 10:6. Mic. 
 7:18. 
 
 89:19 — 37.) The clause concerning the merciful chastise- 
 ment of David’s son if he offended, and the engagement not 
 to reject him for his transgressions, belongs to his people, who 
 are his seed, and one with him. In a parallel passage, it is 
 put in the plural number, “ If his children forsake my law. 
 &c.” (Ps. 89:30 — 33.) — The expression, 44 before thee,” 
 might perhaps be a gracious intimation, that though these 
 things would take place after David’s death, yet he would be 
 acquainted with them, and rejoice in them. 
 
 V. 17. Nathan did not hesitate to contradict his own 
 counsel ; nor did he fear lest this should expose him to cen- 
 sure or contempt! (Notes, 2 Kings 20:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 18. David cordially acquiesced in the will of God ; and 
 likewise found his love, gratitude, hope, and joy, greatly ex- 
 cited, by these remembrances of past, and promises of future 
 mercies, to himself, his people, and posterity ; especially as 
 they all centered in the promised Saviour who was to de- 
 scend from him. Without delay, therefore, he went to the 
 tabernacle of God before t he ark, and poured out his heart 
 in prayer. — It is said, that “he sat before the Lord;” but it 
 is the only place in Scripture, which mentions sitting as the 
 posture of any servant of God in religious worship; and, 
 though circumstances may sometimes render if necessary, it 
 does not otherwise seem becoming. Probably, the expression 
 only means his continuance before the Lord for a consider- 
 able time, and does not. determine the posture in which he 
 prayed. — When David considered the mean estate from 
 which he had been advanced to the throne, and how he had 
 been employed, prospered, and honoured ; and when he 
 recollected the infinite majesty and holiness of God, and his 
 own sinfulness and insignificancy before him : he thought 
 nothing of his own endowments or performances, hut regarded 
 the whole as the subject of admiring gratitude and praise; 
 and was surprised that the Lord had hitherto upheld and 
 blessed so insignificant and worthless a person in such an 
 extraordinary manner. (Notes, Gen. 32:9 — 12. I Chr. 29: 
 10—19.) 
 
 V. 19. A more particular consideration of the blessings, 
 which had now been entailed upon his family, as well as upon 
 himself, still more enhanced David’s holy admiration ; and he 
 adored the riches of the divine mercy, as infinitely surpassing 
 the largest bounty of man. It is not the manner of men thus 
 to notice the mean, the base, the unworthy: thus to make 
 one kindness an introduction to another, and an earnest of 
 further favours, and a reason for bestowing them. No, this is 
 beyond example or conception ! — Or, 4 Is this thy manner of 
 dealing witli polluted, rebellious man!’ ( Note, Js. f>5:8,9. ) 
 How wonderful then tho love of a holy God to us sinful 
 creatures, especially in the gift of his 44 only begotten Son, 
 to be the Propitiation for our sins !” (Notes, 1 John 3:1 — 3. 
 4:9—12.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. David could find nothing to ask for himself, or 
 his people, or his posterity, hut what had already been cove- 
 nanted to him: so that his prayer consisted of thankful 
 repetitions of the promises. For the Lord knew his servant, 
 and would do every thing in perfect t.uth, wisdom, and love, 
 for his good ; and he desired no prosperity, wealth, or honour, 
 except in reference to tho will and glory of God. lie could 
 assign no reason for tho Lord’s former kindness to him, but 
 his sovereign will, according to own heart, dictating his 
 
B. C. 1042. 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 B. C. 1042 
 
 God beside thee, according to all that vve have 
 heard with our ears. 
 
 23 And ‘'what one nation in the earth is like 
 thy people, even like Israel, whom God 'went to 
 redeem lor a people to himself, and to f make him 
 a name, and to do for you sgreat things and 
 terrible, tor thy land, before h thy people, which 
 thou redeemest to thee from Egypt, from the 
 nations and 'their gods? 
 
 24 For thou hast k confirmed to thyself thy 
 people Israel, to be a people unto thee for ever : 
 and thou, Lord, 'art become their God. 
 
 25 And now, O Lord God, the word that thou 
 hast spoken concerning thy servant, and con- 
 cerning his house, ‘"establish it for ever, and do as 
 thou hast said. 
 
 d Deut. 4:7,8.32 — 34. 33:29. Ps. U7. 20. Rom. 3:1,2. eEx. 3:7,8. 19:5,6. Num. 
 14:13,14. Pa. 111.9. Is. 6^7 — 14. Tit. 2:14. I Pel. 2:9. Rev. 5:9. f Ex. 9: 
 16. Josh. 7:9. 1 Chr. 17.21. Is.63:12, 14. Ez. 20.9. Eph. 1:6. g Dent. 10:21. 
 P». 40:5. 65:7. 66:3. 106:22. 145:6. h Deut. 9:26. 15:15. Neh. 1:10. i Ex. 12: 
 12. k Gen. 17:7. Deut. 26:18. 123. Ex. 15:2. Deut. 27:9. I Chr. 17:22. Ps. 
 48:14. Is. 12:2. Jer. 31:1,33. 32:33. Hos. 110. Zech. 13:9. John 1:12. Rom. 9: 
 
 gracious promises, and then for his word’s sake fulfilling 
 them ; and he had the same ground for expecting all other 
 blessings, according to his holy covenant. [Notes, Deut. 7: 
 6 — 8. Rom. 8:28 — 31. Eph. 1:3 — 8. 2:4 — 10. Jam. 1:16 — 18. 
 1 Pet. 1:3 — 5.) — ‘God, he knew, would fulfil his promise 
 made by Samuel and Nathan ; to t^ie making of which he had 
 no other motive, but his own good will.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 22—25. (Marg. Ref.— Notes, Deut. 4:20,32—40. 1 
 Sam. 2:2. 1 Kings 8:23,24. Neh. 9:5 — 8.) For you. (23) 
 These words are not found in the parallel passage, (1 Chr. 
 17:21.) and seem here redundant. 
 
 V. 26. The Lord by his promises had connected the 
 glory of his own truth, with the establishment of David’s 
 family ; and David also expected and desired, that his de- 
 scendants might be instrumental in maintaining true religion 
 for the glory of God. — In Christ all the perfections of the 
 Godhead are glorified : and by him the cause of truth and 
 righteousness is, and will be, established upon earth. [Notes, 
 
 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19. Ps. 21:13. 72:17—19. Matt. 6:13.) In all 
 these respects David prayed for the magnifying of God’s 
 name, in the establishment of his posterity. [Note, 1 Chr. 
 17:17—24. v. 24.) 
 
 V. 27 — 29. [Marg.Ref.) David could not have ventured 
 to make such large requests, if the Lord had not promised 
 the blessings which he implored : but he was humbly bold to 
 ask all that God had engaged to give. — The promises of 
 Scripture are not made personally to us by name, as these 
 were to David ; but they belong to all who believe in Jesus 
 Christ, and plead them in his name. (Note, 2 Pet. 1:3,4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. The greater leisure and ability any man is 
 favoured with, the more should he form, and attempt to 
 execute, p'ans of important usefulness ; and those who are 
 largely supplied with the providential gifts of God, and at the 
 same time are richly replenished by his grace, will most 
 comfortably enjoy their possessions, when they can render 
 them subservient to his glory and the salvation of souls : they 
 will often be grieved to reflect how much is expended on 
 themselves, and how little in the service of God : and scarcely 
 deem any thing done for him while so much remains undone. 
 Such zealous and liberal Christians should be encouraged by 
 their brethren, and by ministers, in the great designs which 
 they conceive for the advancement of religion, as far as they 
 agree with the Scripture. Yet many unexceptionable un- 
 dertakings may fail of success, because they do not accord 
 with the perfect plan of God ; but none of them will fail to 
 meet with a gracious recompense. — The wisest and best of 
 men (not excepting prophets and apostles, unless when im- 
 mediately speaking by divine inspiration,) have been liable to 
 error; and therefore the claim of infallibility forms the very 
 essence of blasphemous arrogance. But God will rectify the 
 prejudicial mis'akes of his upright servants, a'nd prevent every 
 bad consequence : and it is their true honour, as well as their 
 luty, to retract what they have unadvisedly advanced, and 
 to acknowledge themselves mistaken ; and all wise men will 
 respect them the more for doing so. — The Lord does not 
 need the services of man, neither does he regard external 
 splendour ; we cannot therefore please him in his instituted 
 worship, if we have not the warrant of his word for what we 
 do. — He has accepted and blessed those, who spiritually 
 worshipped him in the midst of external meanness ; and he 
 never rejected or found fault with them on that account: but 
 no outward magnificence will render formal services pleasing 
 to him. — Our desires, even of usefulness, must be subjected 
 to his holy will, and regulated by his precept. He appoints 
 into every man his work, and endows him with suitable 
 qualifications : and each of us should thankfully and faithfully 
 mind our proper business ; and rejoice in the superior talents, 
 and more honourable and important services, of our brethren. 
 
 -When we feel the risings of envy or discontent, and are 
 ready to murmur at disappointment, we should reflect on 
 what the Lord has already done for us ; from what a wretched 
 condition he has brought us; and jvhat blessings he hat pre- 
 
 26 Anti "let thy name be magnified for ever, 
 saying', The Lord of hosts is the God ovei 
 Israel: and let the house of thy servant David bt 
 established “before thee. 
 
 27 For thou, O Lord of hosts ; God of Israel, 
 hast ‘revealed to thy servant, saying, pI will build 
 thee a house: therefore hath thy servant ifound 
 in his heart to pray this prayer unto thee. 
 
 28 And now, O Lord God, thou art that God. 
 and r thy words be true, and thou hast promises 
 this goodness unto thy servant : 
 
 29 Therefore now 'let it please thee to bless the 
 house of thy servant, that it may continue for 
 ever before thee: for thou, O Lord God, hast 
 spoken it, and with thy blessing let the house of 
 thy servant be blessed “for ever. 
 
 25,26. I Pet. 2:10. mCen. 32:12. Ps. 119:49. Jer. 11:4,5. Ez. 36:37. u 1 Chr. 
 17.23,24 . 29:10—13. Ps. 72:18,19. 115:1. Matt. 6:9. John 12:28. o Gen. 17:18. 
 1 Chr. 17:23.24. Ps. 89:35. • Heb . opened the ear. Ruth 4:4. jl Sam. 9:15. 
 
 murg. nil. q 1 Chr. 17:25,26. Ps. 10:'l7. - r Num. 23: 19. John 17:17. Tit. 
 1:2. t Heb. be thou pleased and bless. Num. 6:24 — 26. 1 phr. 17:27. Ps. 115; 
 12 — 15. s22:51. 
 
 pared for us : and we shall readily perceive (hat we have 
 been dealt with far better than we have deserved, or could 
 reasonably have expected ; nay, that if our desires be not 
 granted, it is merely because our wise and gracious Lord 
 sees it better for us that they should be refused. — Our own 
 plans, though well intended, are often fit for nothing but to 
 be laid aside, to make.w r ay for the Lord’s purposes respect- 
 ing us, of which perhaps we had no conception. But, in one 
 way or other, God will bless, and make useful to his church 
 those persons, who simply devote themselves and all they 
 have to his glory. If the Lord deny them one supposed 
 blessing, he will counterbalance the refusal with other tokens 
 of his love, and by raising their expectations of other pro- 
 mised mercies : and he tfeaches them to rejoice in the 
 prosperity of his church, as in their own felicity. — Israel, 
 according to the flesh, forfeited by their sins the rest to 
 which they were brought : and the cause of God has hitherto 
 been greatly opposed and run down. Yet the time is coining 
 when this cause will gain the entire ascendency, and over- 
 spread the earth ; and when the Israel of God shall u be 
 planted, and dwell in a place of their own, and move no more, 
 neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any 
 more for ever.” — The most favoured and honoured of men 
 will soon fulfil their days, and sleep with their fathers ; but 
 they die at peace with God, and depart hence to join the 
 blessed company before the throne. — We should indeed 
 earnestly desire the entail of our blessings upon our pos- 
 terity, that they may be the children of God also; but our 
 chief comfort in life and death must arise from looking unto 
 Jesus, the Son of God, and the everlasting King of Israel, 
 and in participating his covenanted mercies. (Note, 23:5.) 
 In his human nature u all the fulness of the Godhead dwell- 
 eth bodily,” and by uniting his people to himself through hia 
 Holy Spirit, he builds the living temple, in which the Lord 
 will dwell for ever. If we belong to him, he will not finally 
 reject us : but when we offend, he will, by rebukes and chas- 
 tenings, bring us to repentance, and establish us, as kings 
 and priests before him, to all eternity. ( Notes y Heb. 12:4 — 3. 
 Rev. 3:18,10. 5:8—10.) 
 
 V. 18 — 29. When we have duly attended to the word, 
 which the Lord has spoken ; and when our affections are ex- 
 cited, or our consciences alarmed ; let us without delay retire, 
 to pour out our hearts before him in fervent prayer, grounded 
 on his gracious promises in Christ Jesus. — The more God 
 really honours any one, the lower he sinks in self-abasement ; 
 as conscious that he has nothing of his own, but meanness, 
 sin, and misery, and that he owes all to the free mercy and 
 goodness of God. But if the blessings which we have already 
 received are so numerous, large, and unmerited ; if it appears 
 wonderful, as it does to every humble believer, that the Lord 
 has brought him hitherto ; what shall we say to th e future, the 
 eternal felicity, which he has covenanted to his people ! or of 
 the gift, of his Son to be the ransom of our souls ! — His thoughts 
 and ways are not like ours, or he never would have bestowed 
 such blessings on rebellious, polluted man. What can we 
 then say more unto him ? What can we ask or desire but 
 the performance of those promises, which of his own sovereign 
 mercy he has made to us? Comparing the former displays 
 of the glorious excellencies of our God, with those which ho 
 has manifested in his dealings with us, we shall at once have 
 our admiring gratitude enlarged, and our expectation of 
 further blessings increased ; and shall find in our hearts to 
 plead his precious promises, neither deeming them too large, 
 nor too hard, for him to perform fo us wretched sinners. 
 Though he have not given us “ a great name, like unto the 
 great men that are in the earth :” we shall be contented with 
 u a name written in the book of life,” and a clear character 
 among our brethren : and we can desire no more for our pos- 
 terity, than that they may be “ blessed with the blessing o* 
 the Lord forever.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VIII. V. 1. Note , 1 Chr. 18:1.) I* 
 is probable, that Metheg-ammah , or “the bridle of Ammah 
 (marg.) was an eminence or natural fortress, on which Gath 
 ( 547 ) 
 
B. c. ion. 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1040. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 David eubdue* •he )' hilie tines atid Moabites , 1,2. He smites Hadadezer and 
 the Syrians, J — 8. Toi, king of Ilamath, sends his son to Dai id toith pre- 
 sents, which he dedicates io God, with the spoils that he had taken, 9 — 13. He 
 puts garrisons in Edom, 14. He reigns in equity , 15. The names of his 
 chief officers, 16 — 18. 
 
 A ND “after this it came to pass, that David 
 smote the Philistines, and subdued them : 
 and David took 'Metheg'-ammah out of the hand 
 of the Philistines. 
 
 2 And b he smote Moab, and “measured them 
 with a line, casting them down to the ground ; 
 even with two lines measured he to put to death, 
 and with one full line to keep alive : d and so the 
 Moabites became David’s servants, and “brought 
 gifts. 
 
 3 .David smote also f Hadadezer, the son of 
 Rehob, king of eZobah, as he went to recover his 
 border h at the river Euphrates. 
 
 4 And David took 'from him a thousand 
 khariots, and seven hundred horsemen, and twenty 
 thousand footmen : and ‘David houghed all the 
 chariot-Aorses, but k reserved of them for an hun- 
 dred chariots. 
 
 5 And 'when the Syrians of Damascus “came 
 to succor Hadadezer king of Zobah, David slew 
 of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. 
 
 6 Then David put "garrisons in Syria of 
 Damascus: and the Syrians became servants to 
 David, and brought gifts. And "the Lord pre- 
 served David whithersover he went. 
 
 7 And David took the Pshields of gold that were 
 on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them 
 to Jerusalem. 
 
 8 And from'iBetah, and from Berothai, cities of 
 Hadadezer, king David took “exceeding much brass. 
 
 9 U When “Toi king of ‘Hamath heard that 
 David had smitten all the host of Hadadezef, 
 
 10 Then Toi sent “Joram his son unto king 
 David, to ^salute him, and “to bless him, because 
 he had fought against Hadadezer, and smitten 
 him : (for Hadadezer "had wars with Toi) and 
 Joram ’’brought with him vessels of silver, and 
 vessels of gold, and vessels of brass ; 
 
 11 Which ralso king David did dedicate unto 
 the Lord, with the silver and gold that he had 
 dedicated of all nations which he subdued ; 
 
 12 Of'Syria, and of Moab, and of the childrer 
 of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek 
 and of the spoil of Hadadezer, son of Rehob, king 
 of Zobah. 
 
 13 And David “gat him a name when he 
 returned from "smitting of the Syrians in b the 
 valley of salt, tf being eighteen thousand men. 
 
 14 And he put garrisons in Edom; throughout 
 all Edom put he garrisons ; and “all they of Edom 
 became David’s servants. And d the Lord pre- 
 served David whithersoever he went. 
 
 15 IF And David reigned 'over all Israel; and 
 ’ David executed judgment and jusdce unto all 
 his people. 
 
 16 And eJoab the son of Zeruiah teas over the 
 host ; and h Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was 
 ^recorder ; 
 
 17 And 'Zadok the son of Ahitub, and Ahime- 
 lech the son of Abiathar, were the priests ; k and 
 Seraiah was the Scribe ; 
 
 18 And 'Benaih the son of .Jehoiada was over 
 both m the Cherethites and the Pelethites ; and 
 David’s sons were ""chief rulers. 
 
 a 79. 21 15 — 2*2. • Or, (4., bridle of Ammah. 2:24. 1 Chr. 18:1. Gart.bNum. 
 24:17. Ju'l s . 3:29,30. 1 Sam. 14:47. Pa. 60:8. 83:6. 108:9. c 12:31. d 6,12—14. 
 2 Kings 1:1. 3:4— 27. 1 Chr. 18:2. e 1 Sam. 10:27. g Chr. 28:* Ps. 72:10,11 . 
 Is. 36:16. f l Chr. 18:3. Hadarezer. g 10:6. 1 Sam. 14:47. I Kings 1 1 :23,24 . 
 P«. 60: title, h Gen. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. Dent. 11:24. 1 Kings 4:21. Pa. 72:8. 
 t Or, of his J As 1 Chr. 18:4. i Deut. 17:16. Josh. 11:6,9. Ps. 20:7. 33:16,17. 
 k 1 Kings 10:26. 1 l Kings 11:23-25. 1 Chr. 1S:5,6. Is. 7:8. m Job 9:13. Ps. 
 83:4—8. la. 8:9,10. 31.3. n 14. 23:14. 1 Sam. 13:3. 14:1,6,15. 2 hr. 17:2. Pa. 
 18:34-46. o 14. 7:9. 1 Chr. 18:13. Pa. 5:11,12. 121:7,8. 140:7. 144:1,2. P.ov. 
 21:31. p 1 Kings 10:16,17. 14:26,27. 1 Chr. 18:7. 2 Chr. 9: 15,16. q 1 Chr. 18: 
 8. Tibbath. Chun. r 1 Chr. 22: 14. 16. 29.7. 2 Chr. 4:1— 18. s 1 Chr. 18:9. 
 Tuu. t Am. 6:2. u 1 < hr. 18:10. Hadoram. § Heb. ask him of peace. Gen. 
 
 was built, and which gave the inhabitants an opportunity of 
 retaining the neighbourhood in subjection. The Philistines 
 had long oppressed Israel: Samson had begun to deliver his 
 people from them ; but David effectually subdued the Philis- 
 tines, and left them no power any more to molest the Israel- 
 ites. (Notes, Judg. 13:4,5.) 
 
 V. 2. The Jews say, that, the Moabites had slain David’s 
 parents. It may be supposed, that he had just cause for this 
 war, and for the severity with which he treated the van- 
 quished ; as he seems to have measured their country, and 
 desolated two-thirds of it, and to have slaughtered two-thirds 
 of the captives. (Note, 12:26 — 31.) Thus the Moabites 
 oecame tributaries to Israel, as Balaam had predicted. 
 
 I Notes , Num. 24:17. 2 Kings 1:1.) 
 
 V. 3. Zobah seems to have been a part of Syria, to the ! 
 northeast of Canaan, to the south of Damascus, and reach- 
 ing to the river Euphrates. — It is probable, that Hadadezer 
 was jealous of David’s growing greatness, and came to assist 
 the Moabites, in order to secure his own dominions : and that 
 this gave David a fair opportunity of extending his conquests 
 to the Euphrates. — Some think, however, that David went to 
 establish his dominion over all the countries as far as that 
 river, according to the grant made to Israel ; and that he was 
 opposed by Hadadezer. (Marg. Ref g, h.) 
 
 V. 4. Seven hundred.] Seven thousand horsemen are 
 mentioned in Chronicles ; (1 CJtr. 18:4.) perhaps they were 
 divided into seven hundred divisions of ten men each ; however, 
 David disabled the most of the horses, not desiring to trust in 
 chariots or in horses, but in the living God. (Note, Josh. 1 1: 
 G.) — Yet he reserved horses for a hundred chariots , and this 
 s the first time, that chariots of any kind are mentioned, as 
 possessed by a ruler in Israel. (Note, Deut. 17:10.) 
 
 V. 5 — 8. (Marg. Ref.) The Syrians of Damascus were 
 in alliance with Hadadezer, but not subject to him. 
 
 V. 9 — 11. Hamath lay north of Canaan, and south of 
 Damascus. — Thus, by arms or alliances, these heathen na- 
 tions became tributary to David, and furnished those riches, 
 which he dedicated to the Lord for the building of the temple. 
 (Notes, 1 Chr. 22:14. 29:1—9.) 
 
 V. 12. Children of Ammon.] Either some of the Am- 
 monites at this time assisted the Moabites; or this is spoken 
 by way of anticipation. (Notes, 10: 12:20 — 31.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. Syriatis.] It is said in Chronicles, that 44 Abi- 
 shai smote eighteen thousand Edomites in the valley of salt.” 
 
 1 Chr. 18:12.) Perhaps they were Edomites fighting for the 
 yrians. It is evident^ however, that Edom was subjected 
 in consequence of this victory, by which David acquired great 
 
 ( 548 ) 
 
 43:27. Is. 39:1. x 1 Sam. 13:10. marg. 1 Kings 1:47. Ps. 129:8. U Heb. was a 
 man of wars with, tl Heb. in his hand were, vl Kings7:51. 1 Chr. 18:11. 22: 
 14—16. 26:26—28. 29:2. Mic.4:13. z 10:11,14. 12:26—31. 1 Chr. 18:11. a 7;9. 
 1 Chr. 18: 12. Pa. 60: title. * * hie smiting, b 2 Kings 14:7. 2 Chr. 25:11. ft Or, 
 slaying. cGen. 25:23. 27:29,37,40. Num. 24:18. 1 Kings 22:47. 1 Chr. 
 
 18:13. Ps. 60:8,9. 108:9,10. dSee07i6. e 3:12.5:5. f 23:3,4. 1 Chr. 18:14. 
 Ps. 45:6,7. 75:2. 78:71,72. 101:1— 8. Ia. 9:7. Jer. 22:15. 23:5,6. g 19: 13. 20:23. 
 1 Chr. 11:6. 18:15 — 17. h 1 Kings 4:3. Or, remembrancer, or writer of 
 
 chronicles, i 1 Chr. 6:8,53. 24:3,4. k 1 Chr. 18.16. Shavsha. §§ Or, secretary. 
 1 1 Kings 1:44 . 2:34,35. 1 Chr. 18:17. m 15:18. 20:7,23. 23:20— 23. 1 Sam. 20: 
 14. E?.. 25:16. Zepli. 2:5. |||| Or, princess. 20:26. 
 
 renown. — Twelve thousand of Edom are elsewhere men- 
 tioned, as slain by Joab. (Note, Ps. 60: title.) Perhaps 
 Joab and Abishai commanded distinct bodies of troops, and 
 eighteen thousand were slain between them, six thousand by 
 Abishai, and twelve thousand by Joab. — Thus the predictions 
 concerning the Edomites began to be fulfilled. (Notes, Gen . 
 25:22,23. 27:27—29,39,40. Num. 24:18,19. Ps. 60:6—12.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. The assiduity, as well as the equity and 
 
 impartiality of David’s administration, is here stated; in 
 which, as well as in his victories, he was a type of Christ. 
 Under David Joab was commander in chief of the forces. 
 Jehosaphat recorded and brought forward every business in 
 an orderly manner, or acted as judge or chancellor. Under 
 Abiathar the high-priest, Ahimelech his son, and Zadoc, 
 descended from Eleazar, were the presiding priests; proba- 
 bly the one on mount Zion, the other at Gibcon where the 
 tabernacle was. (Notes, 1 Kings 3:4. 1 Chr. 16:37 — 43.) 
 
 Seraiah was scribe or secretary, to inspect and manage all 
 writings concerning foreign or domestic transactions. And 
 Benaiah commanded the Cherethites and Pelethites, David’s 
 constant attendants or guards, who were chosen-out from his 
 other troops, and probably consisted chiefly of those who had 
 accompanied him in his distresses ; or of such as had joined 
 him from among the Philistines, who are called Cherethites. 
 (Marg. Ref. m.) His sons also, when grown up, wero 
 initiated into public business, as they became capablo of it. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In due season and succession, every promise and prediction 
 of God’s word will receive its full accomplishment. — Short is 
 the triumphing and certain the ruin of all his enemies, how- 
 ever strong and confederated. But those who confide in his 
 protection, and are doing his work, will be preserved and 
 prospered, 44 whithersoever they go. They will not allow 
 themselves to glory in their success, or to establish any other 
 ground of confidence, than the mercy, power, and truth of 
 him who has hitherto helped them, to whom they will dedicate 
 tho fruits of their prosperity ; and in this they will he distin- 
 guished from all the other mighty ones, who have been 
 renowned upon the earth. It is true wisdom to court the 
 friendship of those whom the Lord prospers. A safe and 
 honourable peace should he tho object of all wars : and tho 
 diligent, impartial administration of justice, the business of 
 those who are advanced above others; for their authority was 
 given them to do good with. — Thus the Son of David subjects 
 his enemies: his gospel is a savour of life to some, and of 
 death to others ; and ho will bo glorified upon his obstinate 
 opposers, and by those who welcome him f heir L *rd and 
 
B. C 037. 
 
 CllArTER X. B. C. 10S7. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 David inquires after Saul's family , and is informed, by Ziba , of Mephibo- 
 sheth the son of Jonathan, 1 — 4. He sends for him, and enter ams him at 
 his table for Jonathan's sake, 5— 8 . He restores to him the family-estate , 
 intrusting the management to Ziba, 9 — 13. 
 
 A ND David said, Is there yet any that is left of 
 the house of Saul, that I may snow him kind- 
 ness for “Jonathan’s sake ? 
 
 2 And there was of the house of Saul b a ser- 
 vant, whose name was c Ziba : and when they 
 had called him unto David, the king said unto 
 him, Art thou Ziba ? And he said, Thy servant 
 is he. 
 
 3 And the king said. Is there not yet any of 
 the house of Saul, that I may show d the kindness 
 of God unto him? And Ziba said unto the king, 
 Jonathan hath 'yet a son, which is lame on his 
 feet. 
 
 4 And the king said unto him, Where is he ? 
 And Ziba said unto the king, Behold he is in the 
 house of f Machir, the son of Ammiel, in Lo- 
 debar. 
 
 5 H Then king David sent, and fetched him out 
 of the house of Machir, the son of Ammiel, from 
 Lo-debar. 
 
 6 Now when ^Mephibosheth, the son of Jona- 
 than, the son of Saul, was come unto David, b he 
 fell on his face, and did reverence. And David 
 said, Mephibosheth. And he answered, Behold 
 thy servant. 
 
 7 And David said unto him, ‘Fear not : Ifor I 
 will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy 
 father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of 
 Saul thy father; and thou shalt k eat bread at my 
 table continually. 
 
 8 And he bowed himself, and said, What is thy 
 
 a 1:26. 1 Sum. 18:1— 1. 20:42. 23:16— 18. 1 Kin;s2:7. Pro.. 27:10. Matt. 10: 
 42. 25:40. Mark 9:41. John 19:29,27. PhUera. 9— 12. 1 Pet. 3:8. b Gen. 15:2.3. 
 24:2.39:6. c 16: 1-1. 19: 17,27- 29. d Deut. 4:37. 10.15. 1 Sam. 20.14— 17. 
 Matt. 5:41.45. Luke 6:36. Tit. 3:3,4. e 4:4. 19:26. f 17:27— 29. g 1 Chr. 8: 
 
 34. 9-AO.Meribhruil. It Gen. 18:2. 33:3. 1 Sam. 20:41. 26:23. i Gen. 43:18,23. 
 50:18—21. 1 Sain. 12:19,20,24. Is. 35:3,4. Mark 5:33,34. Luke 1:12,13,29,30. 
 
 Saviour. Many assist in building his spiritual temple, who 
 nave no place in it : his government is in judgment and in 
 justice, as well as in mercy : and all who adhere to him faith- 
 fully in a state of humiliation and suffering, shall reign with 
 him forever in glory. Let us then submit to him and seek 
 his friendship, counting his service our honour and our plea- 
 sure, and diligently attending to the work which he assigns 
 us in our different stations and relations, in the church, the 
 community, and in relative life, 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1. Mephibosheth was only 
 five years old at his father’s death ; (4:4. ) but at this time he 
 had a son: (12.) so that many years must have' elapsed 
 before David made this inquiry. For above seven years he 
 had been opposed by Ish-bosheth, and his engagements after- 
 wards had been numerous. He had not indeed injured any 
 of Saul’s family: yet he seems to have been too forgetful of 
 his friendship with Jonathan, and his engagements to him. 
 (Notes. 1 Sam. 18:3,4. 20-14 — 17. 23:16— 18.) As, how- 
 ever, Mephibosheth was brought up in obscurity beyortd 
 Jordan, and perhaps purposely concealed by the suspicious 
 care of his friends, David might not know that Jonathan ha4 
 any child living. (4) But at length, recollecting himself, he 
 desired to show his entire forgiveness of Saul’s injuries, and 
 his gratitude for Jonathan’s kindness, by restoring Saul’s 
 estate to some of his remaining posterity ; and by conferring 
 further favours on them, for the sake of his friend. (Marg. 
 Ref— Notes, Matt. 12MG— 50. John 19:25—27.) 
 
 V. 2. Ziba.] Notes, 9—11. 1S:1— 4. 19:24—30. 
 
 V. 3. The kindness of God.] For the sake of the oath of 
 God sworn to Jonathan, or according to the example of the 
 Lord’s kindness unto himself. — Lame, &.C.] Note, 4:3,4. 
 
 V. 4. Machir.] This person was afterwards a very use- 
 ful friend to David ; and perhaps the more willingly, on 
 account of David’s kindness to Mephibosheth, whom he had 
 generously brought up. (Note, 17:27 — 29.) 
 
 V. 6. David might have heard of the name of Mephibo- 
 sheth ; or perhaps he had seen him in his infancy, and now 
 recollected his features, though he knew not before that he 
 was living. 
 
 V. 7. Saul’s paternal estate came into David’s hands after 
 the death of Ish-bosheth, and it seems to have been large. 
 This was now restored by him to Mephibosheth as the right 
 fceir ; and he was besides admitted to a place at David’s own 
 table, as one of his near friends or relatives. 
 
 V. 8. A dead dog.] (Marg. Ref. 1.) That is, a person 
 who is very mean, and incapable of being any way service- 
 able. Mephibosheth adverted, not only to his unworthiness, 
 but to his bodily infirmities, in this expression of grateful 
 eurprise. He seems to have been an unambitious, modest, 
 “ienaly, and pious man- 
 
 servant, that thou shouldest look upon such 'a 
 dead dog as I am ? 
 
 9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, 
 and said unto him m I have given unto thy 
 master’s son all that pertained to Saul, and to al 
 his house. 
 
 10 Thou therefore, and thy sons; and thy ser- 
 vants, shall till the land lor him, and thou shal* 
 bring in the fruits, that thy master’s son may have 
 food to eat : but Mephibosheth thy master’s sor. 
 "shall eat bread alway at my table. "Now Ziba 
 had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 
 
 11 Then said Ziba unto the king, rAccording 
 to all that my lord the king hath commanded his 
 servant, so shall thy servant do. As lor Mephi- 
 bosheth, said the king', he shall eat at my table, as 
 one of the king’s sons. 
 
 12 And Mephibosheth had a young ^son, whose 
 name was Micha : and all that dwelt in the house 
 of Ziba were "servants unto Mephibosheth. 
 
 13 So Mephibosheth dwelt in Jerusalem: for 
 •he did eat continually fit the king’s table ; and was 
 lame on both his feet. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 David sends ambassadors to comfort Hanun, the king of Ammon, on the death 
 of his father ; whp grossly insults them, 1 — 4. David counsels and com- 
 forts them, 5. The Ammonites, assisted by the Syrians, are overcome by Jnao 
 and Abishai 6 — 14. Hadarezer sends another army , which David conquers 4 
 slaying Shobuch its general , 15 — 18. The kings of Syria submit to David, 19 
 
 A ND it came to pass after this, that the “king o' 
 the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his 
 son reigned in his stead. 
 
 2 Then said David, I will b sbow kindness untc 
 Hanun the son of Nahash, c as his father showed 
 kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort 
 him, by the hand of his servants, for his father, 
 
 j See on 1,3. Ruth 2:11,12. 2 Tim. 1:16—18. k 11. 19:28,33. 1 Kuig»2:7. Jer 
 52:33,34. Luke 22:30. Rev. 3:20. 13:8.16:9. 1 Sam. 24:14. 26:20. Malt. 15’ 
 
 26,27. m 16:4.19:29. 1 Sam. 9:1. Is. 32:8. n 11:19:28. 2 Kings 25:29. I.uk® 
 14:15. ol9:17. p 16:1— 4. 19:26,27. q 1 Chr. 8:34— 40. 9:40-44. Micah. 
 r Mic. 7:6. s 7,10,11. a Judg. 10:7— 9. 11:12— 28. 1 Sam. 11:1— 3. 1 Chr. 19 
 1—3. b Dent. 23:3— 6. Nell. 4:3— 7. 13:1—3. c 1 Sam. 22:3,4. 
 
 V. 9 — 11. Ziba had been greatly enriched under Saul, an<? 
 was now intrusted with the management of Mephibosheth’# 
 estate, because of his professed affection for his family : but 
 David seems to have been more generous than prudent in this 
 appointment. Mephibosheth’s family must be provided for 
 out of the estate, though he himself lived at David’s table. — 
 Some understand the last clause, as the words of Ziba, pro- 
 posing in a boasting manner to entertain Mephibosheth roy- 
 ally at his own table : but they seem to he the words of David 
 
 V. 12. Micha.] The posterity of Jonathan and Mephi- 
 bosheth, bv Micha, was very numerous. (Marg. Ref.- 
 Notes , 1 Chr. 8:29—40. 9:35—44.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Amidst a multiplicity of affairs, we are prone to forget the 
 gratitude we owe, and the engagements we are under, not 
 only to our friends, but to the Lord himself: but persons of 
 real and eminent piety, when they recollect their obligations, 
 will have no rest till they have discharged them : they will 
 be burdened with those possessions, which they suppose in 
 equity belong to another ; and impatient to express their for- 
 giveness of those by whom thay have been injured, and their 
 gratitude to the persons or the relations of those who have 
 been kind to them. — Those who have much in their power 
 should sedulously inquire after opportunities of doing good ; 
 for frequently the most deserving objects of our compassion 
 are concealed by modesty and patient resignation. — Kindness, 
 shown to the most helpless persons, is sometimes recom- 
 pensed in a very seasonable manner, by those from whom we 
 had no expectation of obtaining or wanting assistance. — To 
 be trained up in privacy, poverty, and hardship, and afterwards 
 more prospered, is far more comfortable, than to be brought 
 up in pride and delicacy, with great expectations, and then to 
 be reduced to poverty and distress. u When riches increase, 
 they are increased that eat them:” and, though the liberality 
 of friends should be thankfully acknowledged, it can contribute 
 little to our real happiness, further than providing us with the 
 necessaries or conveniences of life. But the love of Jesus 
 who seeks out, provides for, enriches, and entertains us poor, 
 ruined, worthless sinners, confers substantial and enduring 
 felicity. May we humbly acknowledge our unworlhiness of 
 his mercies, thankfully accept them, and return him our 
 cheerful praises and willling services, and show our gratitude 
 to him, by kindness to those whom he owns, as his “ brethren, 
 sisters, and mother.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 2. It is probable, that Nahash 
 was kind to David in the days of Saul, from resentment and 
 dislike to that prince: but it maybe questioned, whether Da- 
 vid ought to have shown respect to the memory of so cruel ac 
 enemy to his people; especially as the law foibad Israel to 
 seek the peace and prosperity of the Ammoni.es. ( Notes^ 
 C 549 ) 
 
B, C .03'. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1037 
 
 And David’s servants came into the land of tie 
 children of Ammon. 
 
 3 And trie princes of the children of Ammon 
 said unto Hanun their lord, 'Thinkest thou that 
 David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent 
 comforters unto thee ? d hath not David rather sent 
 his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to 
 spy it out, and to overthrow it? 
 
 4 Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, 
 •and shaved off the one half of their beards, and 
 fcut off their garments in the middle, even to their 
 buttocks, and sent them away. 
 
 5 When they told it unto David, he sent to 
 meet them, because the men were greatly 
 ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at sJericho 
 until your beards be grown, and then return. 
 
 6 And when the children of Ammon saw that 
 they h stank before David, the children of Amnion 
 sent and hired ‘the Syrians of Beth-rehob, and 
 the Syrians of Zoba, twenty thousand footmen, 
 and of king k Maacah a thousand men, and of 
 *Ish-tob twelve thousand men. 
 
 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab, 
 and 'all the host of the mighty men. 
 
 8 And the children of Ammon came out, and 
 put the battle in array at the entering in of the 
 gate : and the Syrians of Zoba, and of m Rehob, 
 and Ish-tob, and Maacah, were by themselves in 
 the field. 
 
 9 When Joab saw that "the front of the battle 
 was against him before and behind, he chose of all 
 the choice men of Israel, and put them in array 
 against the Syrians. 
 
 10 And the rest of the people he delivered into 
 the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might 
 put them in array against the children of Ammon. 
 
 * Heb. In thine eyes doth, d Gea. 42:9,16. I Cor. 13:5. e Lev. 19:27. 1 Clir. 
 19:3,4. Ps. 109:4,5. Is. 15:2. f Is. 20.4. 47:2,3. Jer.41:5. g Josh. 6:24-26. 
 1 Kings 13:34. 1 Chr. 19:5. h Gen. 34:30. Ex. 5 21. 1 Sam. 13:4. 27: 12. 1 Chr. 
 19 6,7. i 8:3,5,12. Zobah. Pro v. 25:8. Is. 8:9,10. k Josh. 13:11- 13. t Or, 
 the men of Tob. Judg. 11:3,5. 1 23:8, &c. 1 Chr. 19:8, &c. m 6. Num. 13: 
 21. Josh. 19:28. Judg. 1:31. n Josh. 8:22. Judg. 20:42,43. o 1 Chr. 19:9— 
 12. Neh. 4:20. Lake 22:32. Rom. 15:1. Gal. 6:2. Phil. 1:27,28. p Num. 13:20. 
 Deut. 31:6. Josh. 1:6,7,9,18. 1 Sam. 14:6,12. 17:32. 2 Chr. 32:7. Neh. 4:14. 
 
 Dent. 23:3 — 6. 1 Sam. 11:1 — 3.) They were not, however, 
 of the devoted nations ; so that, perhaps, it was not wrong for 
 David to express a sense of gratitude to a benefactor, without 
 deciding upon the motives of his conduct ; and to render the 
 customary civilities to his son, on his decease. 
 
 V. 3, 4. The princes of Hanun, who had great authority 
 with him, seem to have been suspicious of David, from con- 
 sciousness of the injuries which they had done to Israel, and 
 were still meditating against it. (Note, 1 Sam. 29:4 — 6.) But 
 if they had seen cause to be reserved, they ought not to have 
 abused and insulted David’s ambassadors. This was a vio- 
 lation of the most sacred laws of nations ; the greatest affront 
 imaginable to the prince whom they represented ; and a direct 
 declaration of war against him. — According to the sentiments 
 and custom's of those days, the Ammonites treated David’s 
 ambassadors in the most contemptuous manner, which they 
 could possibly devise. ( Marg . Ref. e, f. ) 
 
 V. 5. Jericho.] This was a village near the spot where 
 Jericho had stood : for that city was not yet rebuilt. (Notes, 
 Josh. 6;26. I Kings 16:34.) — In this place, as soon as the am- 
 bassadors had crossed Jordan, they were advised to remain 
 till their beards were grown; (which were considered as ne- 
 cessary to the appearance in public of grave and venerable 
 persons:) that thus the disgrace which they had received 
 might be obliterated. 
 
 V. 6. (Note, Gen. 34:30.) The Ammonites had made 
 themselves so odious to David, that they could not expect but 
 that he would make war on them : and therefore they deter- 
 mined to form alliances, and act offensively. — Little more can 
 be determined with certainty concerning the different tribes 
 of the Syrians, than what may be collected from the texts 
 referred to in the margin. Maacah seems to have been the 
 name of a district, and not of a king: and the clause may be 
 rendered, w of the king of Maacah.” (Notes, 1 Clir. 19:6,7.) 
 
 V. 8 — 14. This battle seems to have been fought at the 
 gate of Medeba, a city upon the borders of the Ammonites, 
 and in their possession. (1 Chr. 19:7.) Joab’s forces were 
 opposed by two armies, before and behind: but his arrange- 
 ment was judicious, and his address spirited. — His valour and 
 regard to hir country were real and eminent : and the language 
 of faith and piety which he employed probably under some 
 transient convictions, was honourable to God, and might be 
 useful to the soldiers. Perhaps the slaughter was not very 
 great, as both the Syrians and Ammonites took shelter in the 
 city. 
 
 V. 18. The men of seven hundred, kc.] u Seven thousand 
 men which fought in chariots.” (1 Chr. 19:18.) Probably 
 ( 550 ) 
 
 11 And he said, °If the Syrians be too strong 
 for me, then thou shalt help me : but if the chil- 
 dren of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will 
 come and help thee. 
 
 12 Be p 0 f good courage, and let us iplay the 
 men for our people, and lor the cities of our God . 
 and r the Lord do that which seemeth him good 
 
 13 And Joab drew nigh, and the people that 
 were with him, unto the battle against the 
 Syrians : and “they fled before him. 
 
 14 And when the children of Ammon saw that 
 the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before 
 Abishai, and entered into the city. So Joal 
 returned from the children of Ammon, and came 
 to Jerusalem. 
 
 15 H And when the Syrians saw that they 
 were smitten before Israel, they ‘gathered them 
 selves together. 
 
 16 And “Hadarezer sent, and brought out the 
 Syrians that were beyond Ithe river; and they 
 came to Helam : and §Shobach the captain of the 
 host of Hadarezer went before them. 
 
 17 And when it was told David, “he gathered 
 all Israel together, and passed over Jordan, and 
 came to Helam : and the Syrians set themselves 
 in array against David, and fought with him. 
 
 18 And the Syrians died before Israel ; and 
 David slew the men of seven hundred chariots of 
 the Syrians, and forty thousand ‘horsemen, and 
 smote “Shobach the captain of their host, who 
 died there. 
 
 19 And when all the kings that ivere b servants 
 to Hadarezer saw that they were smitten before 
 Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served 
 them. So the Syrians ‘feared to help the children 
 of Ammon any more. 
 
 Heb. 13:6. q 1 Sam. 4:9. 1 Chr. 19:13. 1 Cor. 16: 13. r 16:10,11. Jude. 10: 
 15. 1 Sam. 3. 18 Job 1:21. o I Kin-s 20 13,11,19— 21,58— 30. 1 Chr. I9:H, 15. 
 2 Chr. 13:5 — 16, IPs. 2:1. Is. 8:9,10. Mic. i 1 1,12. Zech. 14:2.3. Rev. 19:19 
 — '21. u 8:3 — 8. 1 Chr. 18:3, 5. } Thai is, Euphrates. § Dr, Shovhach. 
 
 IChr. 19:16. x 1 Chr. 19:17. y 8:4. Ps. 18:38. 46:11. z 1 Chr. 19:18./oofmm. 
 a Judg. 4:2,22. 5:26. bGen.l4:l— 5. Josh. 11:10. Judg. 1:7. lKinga20:l. 
 Dan. 2:37. c 8:6. 1 Chr. 19:19. Pa. 48:4,5. Is. 26:11. Her. 18:10. 
 
 seven thousand men belonging to seven hundred chariots; and 
 , forty thousand men, who fought on foot, or on horseback, as 
 there was occasion or opportunity. Or, some were foot-sol- 
 diers and some horsemen. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We ought to sympathize with the afflicted, and show grati- 
 tude to our friends: but nothing except vexalion and disap- 
 pointment, can be expected by' courting the friendship of un 
 godly men. — Treacherous minds are always suspicious : as 
 they are conscious, that they themselves mean lo deceive 
 when they can gain by it, they naturally suppose that others 
 intend the same ; and weak and wicked princes generally em- 
 ploy counsellors of this description. — It is the height of folly 
 to awaken the resentment of those, by insult and contempt, 
 whose power of taking vengeance cannot be thus diminished: 
 and the fatal effects of rash affronts, though little feared, 
 are often severely felt. — We should show respect and kindness, 
 to those who have been unjustly disgraced ; yet ii is needless 
 to lay mere affronls and insults to heart : unmerited reproaches 
 or contempt will soon wear away, and a clear conscience 
 should be deemed sufficient to counterbalance the present 
 uneasiness. Yet, by measures of this kind, valuable persons 
 are often driven for a season into obscurity, to the loss of the 
 public rather than of themselves. — Those, who are the most 
 ready to commit injustice, are commonly tho most averse to 
 reconciliation : and confidence in numbers, strength, or valour, 
 frequently buoys up men to their destruction ; for “ though hand 
 join in hand the wicked shall not be unpunished." But a good 
 cause and a single dependence upon (lie Lord afford (he surest 
 indications of success: and when valiant men are cordial lo 
 the interests of their country, and are defending its civil and 
 religious liberties, their animation and presence of mind will 
 often increase in proportion to dangers and difficulties. — It is 
 our duty, in every emergency, to do our utmost, and to en- 
 courage others to do the same, helping one another as occa- 
 sion may require; and thus committing the even! to tho Lord; 
 “Let him do what seemeth him good.” But alas, many use 
 good words, and seein, in perilous circumstances, to depend 
 on God, and to be submissive to him, whqse hearts are not 
 upright in his sight : and many are very serviceable to his 
 church, who have no pari in its peculiar blessings. — But espe- 
 cially let the impenitent and unbelieving and disobedient re- 
 collect, that the son of David will assuredly resent their con- 
 tempt of his ambassadors, whom ho sends lo them with a 
 message of peace and lovo; and tha* ho will consider the ill- 
 usage of them as a declaration of war against himself. In Ibis 
 warfare numbers and confederacies tiro e terly unavailing. 
 
3 . C. 1035. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. B. C. 1035. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 foab besieges Kabbah, I . David commits adultery with. Bath-sheba, the wife 
 of Uriah, 'l — 4. She informs David that she is pregnant, 5 ; who sends for 
 Uriah, and in vain tries to induce him to visit his wife, 6- — 13. He sends by 
 Uriah a letter to JoaJt ; according to which Uriah, with others, is slain by 
 the Ammonites, 14 — 17. Jnabsetuls word to David, and he answers the iru's- 
 sengers in very improper language, 18 — 25. David marries Batfusheba, who 
 bears him a son ; out God is displeased, 26, 27. 
 
 A nd it came to pass, 'after the year a was 
 expired, at the time when king's go forth to 
 battle , that b David sent Joab and his servants 
 with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the 
 children of Ammon, and besieged c Rabbah : but 
 David tarried still at Jerusalem. 
 
 2 And it came to pass in an evening-tide, that 
 David d arose from oft' his bed, and walked upon 
 •the roof of the king’s house: and from the roof 
 fhe saw a woman washing herself; and the woman 
 was every beautiful to look upon. , 
 
 3 And David h sent and inquired after the 
 woman. And one said, Is not this 'Bath-sheba 
 the daughter of JEliam, the wife of ‘Uriah the 
 Hittite ? 
 
 4 And David k sent messengers, and took her : 
 and she came in unto him, and 'he lay with her, 
 (for §she was m purified from her uncleanness,) and 
 she returned unto her house. 
 
 5 And the woman conceived, and sent and told 
 David, and said, "I am with child. 
 
 6 And. David sent to Joab, saying “Send 
 
 • Heb. at the return of the year. I Kings 20:22,26. a 2 Chr. 38:10. Ec. 3:8. 
 t> 1 Chr. 20:1 . Zech. 14:3. c 12:26. Deut.3:ll. 1 Chr. 20:1. Ez. 21:20. d 4: 
 5,7. Prov. 19:15. 24:33.34, Matt. 26:40,41. 1 Thes. 5:6,7. 1 Pet. 4:7. e Dent. 
 22:8. Jer. 19.13. Matt. 10:27. Acts 10:9. f Gen. 3:6. 6:2. 34:2. Job 31:1. Ps. 
 119:37. Matt. 5:28. 1 John 2:16. gGen.39:6. Prov. 6:25. 3i :30. h Jer. 5:8. 
 Hos. 7:6,7. •'7am. 1 : 14,15. t Or, Bath-shua. | Or, Ammiel. 1 Chr. 3:5. i 23:39. 
 I Chr. 11:41. k Gen. 39:7. Job 31:9 — 11. Ps. 50:18. 1 Ps. 51: title. Jam. 1:14. §Or, 
 and when she had purified herself, 8fc. she returned. Prov. 30:20. m Lev. 12: 
 
 and destruction is inevitable. Those therefore, who have 
 rashly engaged in the desperate contest, should without delay, 
 separate from his enemies, fearing any longer to help them : 
 and make it their great object to obtain his forgiveness, and 
 to be numbered among his subjects. All his people should be 
 valiant in his cause, and lor his truth and righteousness : and 
 ministers should neitheir fear, nor be ashamed, to exercise 
 their embassy of reconciliation, however despised, insulted, 
 or persecuted ; for he will plead their cause, comfort them 
 under their trials, and reward their faithfulness with “ a crown 
 of glory which fadeth not away.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1 — 5. — David committed the 
 management of the war against Ammon to Joab, and con- 
 tinued at ease in his palace, when he ought to have been 
 “fighting the battles of the Lord:” and thus, being out of 
 the line of present duty, he slothfully wasted his time. 
 Without doubt his prosperity had gradually rendered him 
 more negligent than formerly in his devotional exercises, and 
 more self-indulgent ; and perhaps had occasioned a measure 
 of self-confidence and carnal security. Thus his passions 
 gathered force, in proportion as his holy affections abated : 
 and, having been accustomed, without censure, to marry any 
 single woman, for whom he conceived an affection, his incli- 
 nations had not been habituated to a denial. When therefore, 
 after an unseasonable sleep, he was walking on the flat roof 
 of his house, and by some means had a view of a very beau- 
 tiful woman, who was washing herself from a ceremonial un- 
 deanness, he allowed himself to gaze upon her, until he 
 lusted af er her in his heart ; and, perhaps supposing her not 
 to be a married woman, he sent to inquire after her, in order to 
 add her to the number of his wives. But his sinful passion had 
 acquired such an ascendency, that he was the more inflamed by 
 being informed, that she was the wife of one of his bravest and 
 most faithful officers. He therefore sent messengers for her, 
 who could not be ignorant of his intentions : and though she was 
 previously a person of virtue and reputation, he obtained her 
 compliance, (probably by means of those hopes which his 
 rank in life was capable of inspiring,) and committed adultery 
 with her. — This crime was attended with manifold aggrava- 
 tions : it was a gross violation of the seventh commandment : 
 it was likevvise punishable by the death of both parties accord- 
 ing to the judicial \a.w. (Lev. 20:10.) David was chief ma- 
 gistrate, to whom it belonged to carry that law into execution : 
 he was at this time about fifty years of age ; and he had 
 already many wives : and many children also, approaching 
 to man’s estate, to whom the example would be prejudicial 
 in the extreme. His acquaintance with the divine law, his 
 open profession of true religion, his high reputation for piety 
 and wisdom, and the immense obligations which the Lord had 
 conferred cn him ; the rank and character of Bath-sheba too, 
 and the service for him and his country in which Uriah was 
 engaged, were all circumstances which exceedingly aggravated 
 his offence. — When Bath-sheba found that she was with child 
 by David, she justly dreaded the resentment of her husband, 
 who had been absent from her for a considerable time ; and she 
 ent to inform David, that by the iniquitous interposition of 
 his authority, which perhaps he had promised, she might be 
 
 me Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to 
 David. 
 
 7 And when Uriah was come unto him, David 
 demanded of him "how Joab did, and how the 
 people did, and how the war prospered. 
 
 8 And David said to Uriah, pGo down to th 
 house, and iwash thy feet. And Uriah departed 
 out of the king’s house, and there "followed him 
 ■a mess of meat from the king. 
 
 9 But ‘Uriah slept at the door of the king’s 
 house with all the servants of his lord, and went 
 not down to his house. 
 
 10 Ar.d when they had told David, saying, 
 Uriah went not down unto his house, David said 
 unto Uriah, Camest not thou from thy journey? 
 why then didst thou not go down unto thine house? 
 
 11 And Uriah said unto David, “The ark, and 
 Israel, and Judah, abide in tents ; and *my lord 
 Joab, and the servants of my lord ; are encamped 
 in the open fields : shall I then go into mine house 
 to eat, and to drink, and to lie with my wife ? ?as 
 thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do 
 this thing. 
 
 12 And David said to Uriah, ‘Tarry here to- 
 day also, and to-morrow 1 will let thee depart. So 
 Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day and the 
 morrow. 
 
 13 And when David had called him, he did eat 
 
 2—5. 15:19. &c. 18:19. n Deut. 22:22. Prov. 6:34. o Gen. 4:7. 38:18—23. 1 Sam. 
 15:30. Job 20:12-14. Piov.2S:13. Is. 29:13. Matt. 26:70,72,74. || Heb. of the 
 peace of Joab, Gen. 29:6. 37:14. 1 Sum. 17:22. marg. p Ps. 44:21. Is. 29: 
 15. Luke 12:2. Heb. 4:13. q Gen. 18:4. 19:2. r Ps. 12:2. 55:21. Heb. went 
 out after him. s Gen. 43:34. v Job. 5:12 — 14. Prov. 21:30. u 7:2,6. 1 Sam. 
 4:4. 14:18. x 20:6. Matt. 10:24,25. John 13:14. 1 Cor. 9:25—27. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4, 
 12. Heb. 12:1,2. y 14:19. 1 Sam. 1:26. 17:55. 20:3. 25:26. z Jer. 2:22,23,37. 
 
 preserved from being made a public example. (Note, Matt. 
 1:18,19.) — Most of the Jewish writers on the most frivolous 
 pretences, exculpate both David and Bath-sheba, as to the 
 adultery; and only condemn David as to the murder! This 
 is a specimen of their morality. 
 
 V. 6, 7. It is probable that Uriah was descended from the 
 Hittites ; but he was a proselyte, and had the heart of an 
 Israelite. — Under the guilt of his very heinous sin, David was 
 more anxious to conceal his shame, and prevent the temporal 
 consequences, than to obtain forgiveness from God ! indeed 
 the former seems for the time to have almost wholly occupied 
 his mind. (Note, Ps. 32:3 — 5.) — Perhaps he feared lest 
 Uriah, in his deep resentment, should raise rebellion against 
 him : and certainly he dreaded the reproaches which he might 
 well expect from every quarter, when his shameful miscon- 
 duct should be publicly known. In this state of mind, he did 
 not consider the treachery and injustice of drawing in Uriah 
 to consider himself as the father of the child, with which 
 Bath-sheba was pregnant: but, having formed his plan, he 
 sent to Uriah, as if he could depend more on him to inform 
 him of the state of the war than on any other person. 
 
 V. 8, 9. Uriah’s house was near David’s palace, perhaps 
 because he commanded some of the Cherethites and Pele- 
 thites, who were the king’s guard. (Note, 8:15 — 18.) David 
 never questioned but that he would gladly embrace the oppor- 
 tunity of visiting his wife, and accordingly provided them an 
 entertainment. But whether any thing had excited Uriah’s 
 suspicions, or whether, through a hardy self-denied disposi- 
 tion, he scorned to fare better than his commander and com- 
 rades, he would not go home, but slept with the other soldiers: 
 and thus the Lord defeated David’s design of “covering his 
 transgression.” (Note, Prov. 28:13.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. The circumstance of the ark being constantly 
 placed in a tabernacle, and not a temple, could be no reason 
 why Uriah should not go home to his house. It is therefore pro- 
 bable, that the ark was on this occasion carried with the army 
 to the war. (Notes, 1 Sam. 4:4,5. 1 4:16 — 23.) — Uriah’s answer 
 was so decided, 4 that David’s heart, it might have been ex- 
 pected, should have been deeply touched, to think how he 
 had abused so brave a man ; and made him reflect, how vilely 
 he indulged himself in sinful pleasure, while this man and the 
 rest gloriously endured all manner of hardships, and refusen 
 the most innocent pleasure for the sake of their country 
 But he was so corrupted for the present, that he was troubled 
 to find Uriah so true a soldier.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12, 13. David pretended further business with Uriah, 
 and great kindness for him, in order to deceive him ; that, if. 
 possible, he might break his resolution. Accordingly he en- 
 tertained him at his own table: and, in addition to his other 
 injuries, became his tempter to drunkenness ; hoping that 
 when his passions were inflamed, he might be induced to gc 
 home to his wife : but in this too he found himself disappointed. 
 (Notes, 13:22—29. Gen. 19:31 — 38. Hah. 2:15—17.) 
 
 V. 14 — 17. Satan having gradually drawn David on into 
 one sinful attempt after another, had prepared his mind for still 
 more atrocious wickedness. (Notes, Matt. 26:14 — 16,25,30 
 -35,40,41,69—75. John 12:1—8. 13:18—30.) He now per- 
 ( 551 ) 
 
B. C C35 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1035. 
 
 and drunk before him: and he “made him drink: 
 and at even he went out to lie on his bed with the 
 servants of his lord, but went not down to his 
 
 h0USe. [ Practical Observationa."] 
 
 14 H And it came to pass in the morning, that 
 David b wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it Dy the 
 hand of Uriah. 
 
 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying 'Set ye 
 Uriah in the forefront of the 'hottest battle, and re- 
 tire ye ‘from him, that he may be smitten, d and die. 
 
 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed 
 the city, that e he assigned Uriah unto a place, 
 where he knew that valiant men were. 
 
 17 And the men of the city went out and 
 fought with Joab : and t there fell some of the 
 people of the servants of David; and Uriah the 
 Hittite died also. 
 
 18 Then Joab sent, and told David all the 
 things concerning the war ; 
 
 19 And charged the messenger, saying, When 
 thou hast made an end of telling the matters of 
 the war unto the king; 
 
 20 And if so be that the king’s wrath arise, and 
 he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye so 
 nigh unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye 
 not that they would shoot from the wall? 
 
 21 Who smote sAbimelech the son of h Jerub- 
 
 a Gen. 19:32 —35. Ex. 32 21. Hab.2:15. b 1 Kings 21:3— 10. Ps. 19:13. 52:2. 
 62:9. Jer. 9:1—4. 17.9. Mis. 7:3-3. c 17. 1 Sam. IS: 17,21 ,25. Ps. 51:4, 14. See. 
 1U:23. * Heb. strong, t Heb. from after him. d 12:9. e 21. 3:27. 20:9,10. 
 
 1 Sum. 22:17— 19. 1 Kings 2:5, 3i— 34. 21:12—14. 2 Kings 10:6,7. Prov. 29:12. 
 Hoa. 5:11. Acts 5:29. f 12:9. Ps. 51:14. gjudg.9:53. h Judg. 6:32. 7: 1. 
 
 ceived that, if Uriah lived, he must detect, his wife’s unfaith- 
 fulness ; tp prevent this was at present his leading object, 
 and all other consequences were for the moment forgotten. 
 David, however, would not kill Uriah with his own hands, 
 nor order his servants to assassinate him, nor put him to 
 death unde.r colour of law : for his reputation must have been 
 ruined by such measures ; nay, perhaps the direct injustice 
 and murder would have disquieted his conscience, insensible 
 as it was become. But he devised a more plausible and se- 
 cret method of getting rid of him ; which seemed at the time 
 less atrocious, though in reality it was unspeakably more com- 
 plicated and heinous. The known valour, fidelity, and zeal 
 for his country, of this gallant officer, suggested the method 
 of murdering him ' David had such confidence in this much- 
 injured man, that he did not hesitate to intrust him with the 
 letter which decreed his death : and whatever else Uriah sus- 
 pected, he did not betray his trust. Joab, and those “ who 
 retired from Uriah," were thus made accomplices in the mur- 
 der ; and the soldiers who were slain with Uriah, were no less 
 murdered by David, than he was. Whatever casuistry David 
 might use with his conscience, this was deliberate murder of 
 many persons with malice prepense , aggravated exceedingly by 
 the circumstance, that these men were slain in the very act of 
 fighting for him and his kingdom. Perhaps Joab imagined 
 that the king had some political reason for thus taking off 
 Uriah : but probably he was rejoiced to see him involved in 
 the guilt of murder as well as himself. (Notes, 3:20 — 39.) — 
 And is this David, who repeatedly spared his enemy, and 
 whose heart smote him, when he, had cut otf Saul’s skirt ! 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 24:4 — 15. 20:8 — 20.) Alas, how is he changed 
 and fallen ! — ‘ Quantum mutatus ab illo P 
 
 V. 21. Then say, &c.] This was a plain intimation to 
 the messenger, that the death of Uriah would be so agreeable 
 to David, as to reconcile him to the loss which had been sus- 
 tained. Thus he began already to be despised even by his 
 accomplices ! — Amidst all the painful sensations excited by 
 reading this chapter, it is pleasing to find David’s soldiers so 
 ready at quoting the Scripture: for probably the book of 
 Judges was then extant as a part of Holy Writ. (Note, Judg. 
 9:50—57.) • 
 
 V. 25. Provided the brave Uriah were dead, David seems 
 not to have regarded who were slain with him. He spoke on 
 this occasion with an insensibility about the lives of his sub- 
 jects, which borders on infidelity, and strongly marks the 
 state of his heart at this time. On other occasions he would 
 have considered such an event as a rebuke, which required 
 humiliation, prayer and sacrifices, and a more entire depen- 
 dence on God in future ; (Notes, Josh. 7:G— 9. 1 Chr. 15:12 
 
 — 14.) and he would have censured the imprudence of the 
 commanders, and charged them, on pain of his displeasure, to 
 be more careful of the lives of their brethren. 
 
 V. 27. David married Bath-sheba as soon as it could be 
 done with decency, and the customary mourning (wnich was 
 in this case a vile mockery,) was ended. But though there 
 remained no injured husband to avenge the adultery, tho 
 premature birth of the child would discover it. — All this lime, 
 as it appears from the narrative, David continued impenitent, 
 and comparatively unconcerned. Probably, he still attended 
 on the ordinances of religion. By some ingenious self-flat- 
 tery he ondeavoured to palliate his conduct to himself; and 
 no one roprovod him for it. Perhaps the general practice of 
 ( 552 ’ 
 
 besheth? did not a woman cast a piece of a mijl- 
 stone upon him from the wall, that he died in 
 Thebez ? why went ye nigh the wall? Then saj 
 thou, 'Thy servant Uriah the Hittite ie dead also. 
 
 22 So the messenger went, and came and 
 showed David all thal Joab had sent him for. 
 
 23 And the messenger said unto David, Surely 
 the men prevailed against us, and came out unto 
 us into the field, and we were upon them even 
 unto the entering of the gate. 
 
 24 And the shooters shot from off the wall upon 
 thy servants, and some of the king’s servants be 
 dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead 
 also. 
 
 25 Then David said unto the messenger, Thus 
 slialt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing Jdis- 
 please thee ; k for the sword devoureth $one as well 
 as another : 'make thy battle more strong against 
 the city, and overthrow it ; and encourage thou 
 him. 
 
 26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that 
 Uriah her husband was dead, m she mourned for 
 her husband. 
 
 27 And when the mournin'" was past, David 
 sent and "fetched her to his house, and she 
 became his wife, and bare him a son. “But the 
 thing that David had done "displeased the Lord. 
 
 Jerub-baal. i 3:27,34. F».39:8. la. 14.10. Ez. 16:51,52. } Met), be evil in thin 
 eyes, k Josh. 7:8,9. 1 Sam. 6:9 Ec. 9:1 — 3,11,12. § Heb. so anrf sucA. 112: 
 26. m 3:31. 14:2. Gen. 27:41. n 3:2— 5. 5:13-16. 12:9. o Gen. 38:10. 1 Chr. 
 21:7. || Heb. was evil in the eyes of. Ps. 5:6. 51:4,5. Heb. 13:4. 
 
 other princes induced him to conclude, that persons in his 
 high station were not, in this respect, bound to the same 
 strictness as their subjects. However, though he had no 
 deep remorse of conscience, we may be sure that he lost all 
 spirituality and comfort in religion : for small transgressions, 
 like slight wounds, give much pain to the believer’s con- 
 science ; but enormous crimes, like a violent blow upon the 
 head, leave him for a season in an unaccountable state of 
 insensibility. 
 
 But the thing, &c.] Such marriages, as this of David with 
 Bath-sheba, with whom he had previously committed adul- 
 tery, were not forbidden in the law, as some of the rabbies 
 suppose; for this was needless, as both parties were coi> 
 demned to die: and David was not afterwards ordered to put 
 her away. Yet as he married her in order to cover his 
 iniquity, and as the desire of possessing her may be supposed 
 to have been an inducement to the murder of Uriah, it formed 
 an additional aggravation of the crime: and the whole trans- 
 action, from first to last, was in all respects displeasing to the 
 Lord. — But why was this permitted ? or why was it recorded ? 
 It is certain that thousands, through succeeding generations, 
 have, by this fall of “the man after God’s own heart,” been 
 prejudiced against true religion, hardened in infidelity, or 
 emboldened in blasphemy: while others have thence taken 
 occasion to commit habitual wickedness under a religious pro- 
 fession, and with presumptuous confidence, to the still greater 
 discredit of the gospel. It should, however, be considered, 
 that all these have been, previously, either open enemies to 
 true religion, or hypocritical pretenders to it : and it is the 
 righteous purpose of God, that stumhlingblocks should be 
 thrown in the way of such men, that they “ may stumble, 
 and fall, and be snared, and taken, and perish:” it is his holy 
 will thus to detect the secret ma'ignity of their hearts, and to 
 make way for the display of his justice in their condemna- 
 tion. — On the other hand thousands, from age to age. have 
 by this awful example been rendered more suspicious of 
 themselves, more watchful, more afraid of temptation, more 
 dependent on the Lord, and more fervent in prayer; and by 
 means of David’s fall, have themselves been preserved from 
 falling. Numbers, who have been overcome by temptation, 
 •have thus been preserved from despair. Every upright soul 
 will eventually derive benefit from the impartial record of this 
 event; and none will finally be injured by it, except those, 
 who desire an excuse for sin, or an objection to the religion 
 of the Bible. Bees will collect honey, and spiders poison, 
 from the same plants, according to their different natures 
 No excuse can he made for David : he attempted none lor 
 himself: and much self-knowledge is requisite to account for 
 his conduct, or to deem it possible that a man, who had sc 
 long enjoyed communion with God, in the highest exercises 
 of devotion, could commit such enormous t rimes, and con- 
 tinue so long impenitent. But the Lord’s design in leaving 
 him to himself was doubtless wise, righteous, and merciful; 
 and he ran and will overrule it for great good to (hose who 
 fear and love him. The glory of all the good is his duo : tho 
 blame of all the evil, original or consequent , nelongs to those 
 who commit it. {Notes, Gen. 50:20. 2 Chr. 32:30 — 33, u. 31 
 Matt. 26:69—75.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS 
 
 V. 1 — 13. A deep conviction, that the human hca tt, even 
 the heart of every man, is “ deceitful above Jiiugs, atd 
 
B. C. 1035. 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 B. C. 1035. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 by a parable as.ecs David to pass sentence on himself, 1 — 6. David , 
 convicted by Nathan, :onf esses ft is guilt ; atvl is partLaied, hut told that the 
 child shall iii*, I — H. The child is smitt.n anil dies, though David fasted 
 ami prayed fjr him while he lived , IS— 18. Finding that the child is dead, 
 David worships U»d, a/ul takes comfort, 19 — 23. Solomon is horn, and 
 n lined Jedidi a'l, 21, 25. D ivid takes Rabbah, and treats the Ammonites 
 with severity, 25 — 31. 
 
 A ND "the Lord sent Nathan ’’unto David : and 
 c he came unto him, and said unto him, d There 
 were two men in one city ; the one rich, and the 
 other poor. 
 
 2 The rich mail had d exceeding many flocks 
 and herds ; 
 
 3 But the poor man had nothinc, save f one 
 little ewe-lamb, which he had 1x>u£ht, and 
 nourished up : and it grew up together with him, 
 
 .7:1— S. *4:11-13. I Kins* I3U. 13:1. 2 Kings 1 :3. b 11:10— 17,25. 14 14. Is. 
 67:11.18. eEs. 51: nl/c. <1 14:5—11. Jmla.9:7— 15. 1 Kings 20:35— 11. Is. 5: 
 1—6. Mall. 21. 33—15. I. nkt* 1.5:11, Sic. 16:19, 4c. e 8. 3:2—5. 5:13-16. 15: 
 16. Job 1:3. r 11.3. : rov. 5:16,19. • lleb. morsel, g Dent. 13:6. Mic. 7:5. 
 
 desperately wicked,” is of the greatest importance to the due 
 exercise of repentance, faith, and every Christian grace: and 
 in order to impress this humiliating' conviction on the minds 
 of those who attend to the word of God, a few of his most 
 eminent servants have been left to fall in such a manner, as 
 fully to prove, that, every evil dwells in each of us ; and that 
 in circumsiances of concurring temptations, we are capable 
 of committing any crime ; even that which vve at present and 
 habitually most dread and detest ! Neither eminent piety, 
 nor a long and close walk with God, habits of obedience and 
 of the government of the passions, nor the sobriety of ad- 
 vancing age, nor peculiar obligations from God, great reputa- 
 tion and usefulness, nor clear knowledge of the divine law ; 
 nor even the Spirit of prophecy, have been found capable of 
 extirpating the most ha’cful propensities of the human heart: 
 though restrained, dethroned, and crucified, they have still 
 lited ; and have revived, obtained advantages, and for a sea- 
 son seemed to reign with the most destructive tyranny ! Who 
 then are we, that vve should deem ourselves secure? We 
 are never in this world out of the reach of temptation ; never 
 exempted, in respect of any sin, from the necessity of watch- 
 fulness, prayer, and dependence on 1 divine grace. Let us 
 not then be highminded ; but beg of God that he would 
 enable us to pass the time of our sojourning in humble jealous 
 fear. — The declensions of believers are commonly gradual : 
 exemption from trials, and worldly prosperity, induce habits 
 of negligence in duty, and inexpedient self-indulgence ; and 
 thus the soul falls into a careless and unwatchful frame. 
 (Note, l Kings 11:1 — 8.) Then a man is drawn to the 
 verge of prohibited gratification; and far beyond the bounds 
 of expediency and moderation, in things not absolutely un- 
 lawful: and when his passions have been accustomed to 
 indulgence, he is the more easily prevailed on to commit 
 evident evil. The eye, the ear, the outward senses are not 
 turned away from forbidden objects ; by these inlets the sin- 
 ful imagination is excited, and concupiscence is produced. 
 Perhaps he . hopes that the desire may be lawfully gratified, 
 and on that vain pretence the mind is allowed to dwell on it. 
 ( Notes, Gen. 3:2 — G.) But when lust is conceived, every 
 restraint generally increases its vehemence: the thoughts of 
 future consequences, and the consideration of the presence, 
 purity, and justice of God, are excluded ; his law and au- 
 thority are disregarded: faith and fear and love are out of 
 exercise ; and the enhanced imagination of the satisfaction to 
 be found in indulgence, possesses and engrosses the soul. 
 Thus sin is brought forth : and, notwithstanding palliations, 
 2Lnd previous hopes of concealment and impunity, the mind is 
 soon tortured with that dread of future consequences, which 
 far exceeds all guilty pleasures. (iVotes, Gen. 3:7. Jam. 
 1:13 — 15.) But when the bait is swallowed, Satan, hath 
 caught the sinner ; and no power except that of God can 
 deliver him, or prevent his being more and more entangled. 
 ( Note, 2 Tim. 2:23 — 26.). — The fear of contempt, and even of 
 disgracing the cause of religion, leads the believer, who is thus 
 fallen, to devise methods of concealment ; and such thoughts 
 for a season exclude others of much greater importance, and 
 afford Satan an opportunity of tempting him to still further 
 iniquities: while the conscience, once corrupted, makes feeble 
 opposition to fraudulent measures of preserving the reputa- 
 tion, or of preventing the consequences of transgression. 
 Every concession hardens the heart, and provokes the 
 departure of the Holy Spirit. The end being considered 
 necessary ; means of every kind, which promise success, 
 needful also : and when a man’s obligations to God are 
 forgotten, no wonder if all the ties of justice, gratilude, and 
 r *v;-«idship are disregarded; and to impose upon the credulity 
 an.* confidence of men, to injure them in their property, 
 e\ \tation, and connexions, and to tempt them to commit 
 sm, are obvious, and, alas! common measures. 
 
 V. 14 — 27. When a man has so far given place to the 
 devil, as not only to commit scandalous sins, but to use dis- 
 ingenuous and base means of concealing them, and sees a 
 prospect cf having the whole exposed to public view; what 
 •hall prevent his being pushed forward, by the same influ- 
 ence and from the same motives, to treachery, malice, and 
 Vol. I.— 70 
 
 and with his children : it did eat of his own 'meat 
 and drank of his own cup, and g lay in his bosom, 
 and was unto him as a daughter. 
 
 4 And there came h a traveller unto the riel 
 man ; and he spared to take of his own flock, ano 
 of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man 
 that was come unto him ; but ‘took the poor 
 man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was 
 come to him. 
 
 5 And k David’s anger was greatly kindled 
 against the man ; and he said to Nathan, 'As the 
 Lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing 
 •shall surely die : 
 
 6 And he shall m restore the lamb fourfold, be- 
 cause he did this thing, and "because he had no pity. 
 
 h Gen. 18:2— 7. Jam. 1:14. ill:3,4. k Gen. 38:24. 1 Sam. 25:21 ,22. Luke 6: 
 41,42. 9:55. Rom. 2: 1. 1 1 Sam. 14:39. t Or, is worthy to die. Heb. is a son 
 of death. 1 Sam. 20:31. 25; 16. marg. m Ex. 22:1. Prov. 6.31. Luke 19:8. • 
 n Jam. 2:13. 
 
 murder, till crimes are multiplied and aggravated, beyond 
 computation, and till every nobler consideration is extin- 
 guished ? If conscience be thus stupified, it will be easy for 
 the same artful enemy to amuse the deluded offender, with 
 some form of godliness, some palliation or cloak of iniquity, 
 which shall quiet the rising scruple : and success in such a 
 course may even be considered as a divine sanction, and 
 induce the language of indifference or of infidelity ; while the 
 heart is rendered callous, when the exercise even of atrocious 
 cruelty is needful for the end proposed. But can a real and 
 eminent believer ever tread this downward path, and, as il 
 were, fall asleep in the arms of Satan? ( Notes and P. O. 
 Judg. 16:) Can a person who has committed such atro- 
 cious crimes, and so long remains impenitent, be indeed a 
 child of God, a member of Christ, a temple of the Holy 
 Spirit, and an heir of eternal glory? Can one spark of divine 
 life exist unextinguished in such an ocean? It is plain that 
 these things are possible ; but no man in such a case can 
 have warranted evidence to conclude that he is a believer: 
 the higher his confidence, who has sunk thus low in wicked- 
 ness, the greater proof is there of Jiis presumption and 
 hypocrisy. Though grace be not lost in such an awful case, 
 the assurance and consolation of it must be wholly sus- 
 pended. Let not then any hypocrite, who resembles David 
 in nothing but his transgressions, and who adds the habit of 
 allowed sin to all other aggravations, buoy up his confidence 
 with his example : let him first imitate David’s humiliation, 
 repentance, and other eminent graces, before he thinks him- 
 self, or requires others to consider him, as merely a back- 
 slider. (Notes, 12:13—15. 15:24—29. 1 Chr. 29: Ts. 51:) 
 Neither let any opposer or despiscr of ihe truth say, Are 
 these the fruits of faith and devotion? We confidently an- 
 swer, No. They are the effects of a corrupt nature, the 
 tendency of which to evil must be inconceivably strong, when 
 it overcomes the contrary tendency of truth and grace in the 
 heart of an eminent servant of God. — And let us all watch 
 against the beginnings of negligence and self-indulgence, and 
 keep at the utmost distance from that precipice, whence 
 David fell, earnestly, beseeching God to close our senses, 
 imaginations, and affections to all forbidden objects, thoughts, 
 and desires. Let us study moderation, expediency, and 
 superiority to all animal inclinations, in things lawful: con- 
 tinually attend to our proper work, and pray always that we 
 may not be led into temptation. Then will our lives best 
 show the tendency of our principles, and confute those who 
 accuse us of encouraging men to sin by the freeness of salva- 
 tion. — But again: Is it possible that such a backslider from 
 God can be recovered, and admitted afterwards to comfort- 
 able communion with him ? Doubtless it is; “for with the 
 Lord there is mercy, and with him there is plenteous re- 
 demption :” and he will neither cast out one humble penitent 
 believer, whatever his former crimes have been ; nor suffer 
 Satan to pluck any of his sheep out of his hand. (Note, 
 John 10:26 — 31.) Let then those who are fallen, return to 
 the Lord without delay, and seek forgiveness through the 
 Redeemer’s atoning blood. — But how poor is every success 
 and gratification, when the Lord is displeased with us! 
 Either in this world or the next, he will surely expose us to 
 shame for our crimes. — It is also grievous to observe how 
 the sins of believers quiet the consciences and rejoice the 
 hearts of wicked men, who are ready to insult and say, “Art 
 thou also become as one of us !” But while many will thus 
 abuse these humiliating instances, may we be unfeignedly 
 thankful, if we have been restrained from such dreadful falls. 
 May we commit our souls to him, who is able to keep us 
 from falling : may we take warning by David’s sins ; and imi- 
 tate the generosity, self-denial, and attachment to the cause 
 of Israel, of the gallant and deeply injured Uriah. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1 — 6. When God was dis- 
 pleased with his servant David, he did not immediately inflict 
 heavy judgments upon him ; but he sent a prophet to call him 
 to repentance. — Nathan did not go, of his own accord and in 
 his own name, to reprove David for his offences : but when 
 sent by the Lord, he plainly delivered his message ; without 
 being induced by David’s royal authority, his previous enu- 
 ( 553 ) 
 
1/ C. 1034. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1034 
 
 7 IT And Nathan said to David, “Thou art the 
 man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, pI 
 anointed thee king over Israel, and il delivered 
 thee out of the hand of Saul ; 
 
 8 And I ^a^e thee thy master’s house, and thy 
 'master’s wive.-! into thy bosom, and “gave thee 
 the house of Israel and of Judah; and, if that 
 had been too little, ‘I would moreover have given 
 unto thee such and such things. 
 
 9 Wherefore hast thou “despised the command- 
 ment of the Lord, *to do evil in his sight? Hhou 
 hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and 
 hast taken his wife to he thy wife, and hast slain 
 him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 
 
 10 Now therefore “the sword shall never depart 
 
 o 1 Sim. 13:13. 1 Kings 1808. 21:19,20. Matt. 14:4. p 7:8. 1 Sam. 15:17. 
 16:13. a 22: 1,49. 1 Sam. 18.11,21. 19:10— 15. 23:7,14.26— 28. r 11. 1 Kings 
 2:22. s 2:4. 5:5. t 7:19. Ps. 81:11. 83:15. Rom. 8:32. u 10. 11:4,14 — 17. 
 Gen. 9:5,5. E«. 20:13,14. Num. 15:30.31. 1 Sam. 15:19,23. Is. 5:24. Am. 
 2:4. Heh. 10:29,29. x 2 Chr. 33:6. Ps. 51:4. 90:8. 139:1,2. Jer. 18:10. y 1 1 : 
 15—17,27. 7,13:26,29.18:14,15,33. 1 Kings 2:23— 25. Am. 7:9. Matt. 26:52. 
 a Num. 11 :Q0. 1 Sam. 2:30. Mai. 1:6,7. Matt. 6:24. Rom. 2:4. 1 Theft. 4:8. 
 b Gen. 20:3. Prov. 6:32,33. c 13:1—14,28,29. 15:6,10. d 16:21 ,22. Dent. 28:30. 
 
 nent character as a saint and psalmist, or his own peculiar 
 affection for him, to conceal or mutilate it. It is probable, 
 that this took place soon after the birth of David’s son by 
 Bath-sheba; when the scandalous transactions would begin 
 to be generally noticed. But whatever others whispered and 
 circulated, David seems not to have been in any due measure 
 sensible of his exceedingly aggravated wickedness, till the 
 Lord thus awakened his conscience. — In order to insinuate 
 the necessary truths, without exciting the resistance of David’s 
 artial self-love ; and to induce him to give sentence against 
 lmself before he was aware, Nathan introduced his message 
 with a parable. ( Notes , Judg. 9:7 — 15.) 4 There is never 
 
 more use of wisdom, than in the contrivance of reprehension ; 
 especially of princes, and great persons.’ Bp. Patrick. There 
 scarcely ever was any thing more calculated, on the one hand 
 to awaken emotions of sympathy, and on the other, those of 
 indignation, than the case here supposed, and the several 
 circumstances, by which the heart must be interested in the 
 poor man’s case, and by which the unfeeling oppression of 
 his rich neighbour was aggravated. Several expressions, 
 however, might have excited a suspicion, that more was 
 intended, than merely to plead the cause of an injured man 
 against his oppressor: yet David evidently supposed it to be 
 matter of fact, till Nathan made' the application. — The rich 
 man, who had many flocks and herds, represented David with 
 his many wives and concubines : the poor man, with his single 
 ewe-lamb, which was so tenderly brought up by him, was 
 Uriah with his one well-beloved wife; and the traveller may 
 mean David’s sensual lust, which nothing could satisfy but 
 the wife of Uriah. 4 In the beginning it’ (the evil desire) 4 is 
 but a traveller, but in time it becomes a guest ; and in conclu- 
 sion, is the master of the house.’ Jewish doctors in Bp. Pa- 
 trick. Yet this parable, apposite and beautiful as it was, 
 pointed out only a small part of the enormity of David’s con- 
 duct. Uriah’s loyal and gallant services, and David’s ingrati- 
 tude and treachery, with the murder of him and his fellow- 
 soldiers, were not so much as alluded to. His injury to Uriah 
 and Bath-sheba, in the crime of adultery, was alone shadowed 
 forth: for perhaps the prophet meant to bring him by degrees 
 to a view of his exceeding sinfulness ; and would not make 
 the case too exact in all particulars, lest he should suspect 
 his intentions, and be kept from giving sentence against him- 
 self. — David, forgetful of his own crimes, was fired with 
 indignation against the imaginary offender ; and with a so- 
 lemn oath condemned him, not 6nly to make legal restitution, 
 hut also to suffer death ; or at least declared, that he was 
 deserving of death. {Note, Gen. 38:24 — 20.) 
 
 V. 7. David failed of making the application of the para- 
 ble to himself: yet Nathan had gained a great point, in bring- 
 ing him to pronounce so severe a sentence against a supposed 
 offender, for crimes of far inferior malignity to his own. He 
 therefore, with great firmness and courage, directly applied 
 his parable to the conscience of the offender; and assured 
 David, that he was the very person whose conduct had been 
 delineated, and whose sentence had been denounced out of 
 his own mouth : and he then proceeded in a very plain, con- 
 vincing, and even severe discourse, to show the extent, aggra- 
 vations, and effects of his guilt. (Notes, 1 Sam. 15:13 — 25. 
 1 Kings 21:17— 23. Matt. 14:3 — 5.) 
 
 V. 8. Wives.] Or, Women. We read of no more than 
 one wife of Saul, and Rizpah his concubine; (21:8. 1 Sam. 
 14:50.) and probably he had not any more. The women 
 herefore of his court, and family seem to he meant ; which, 
 according to the- custom of the east, came into David’s pos- 
 session, when he succeeded to the kingdom. But if Saul had 
 more wives or concubines, it is not probable that David mar- 
 ried any of them, as Saul was his father-in-law. The Lord, 
 py giving David these women in his providence, no more 
 <anctioned his polygamy, than his giving Israel a king proved 
 ■hat they did well in desiring and asking one; or than his 
 giving David’s concubines to Absalom, sanctioned his detest- 
 able incest. (Notes, 11,12. 16:20 — 23. I Sam. 12:11 — 19.) 
 But the multitude of unmarried women, of whom David had 
 ( 554 ) 
 
 from thine house ; a because thou hast despised 
 me, and b hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite 
 to be thy wife. 
 
 11 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, C I will raise up 
 evil against thee out of thine own house, and d l 
 will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give 
 them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy 
 wives in the sight of this sun ; 
 
 12 For thou didst it e secretly : but I will do this 
 thing before all Israel, and before the sun. 
 
 13 And f David said unto Nathan, have sinned 
 against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, 
 h The Lord also hath put awaj thy sin; ‘thou 
 shalt not die. 
 
 14 Howbeit, because k by this deed thou hast 
 
 Ez. 14-9. 20:25.26. Hos. 4:13,14. e 11:4,8,13,15. F.c. 12:14. Luke 12:1,2. 1 Cor. 
 4:5. f 1 Sam. 15:20. 1 Kings 13:4. 21:20. 22:8. 2 Kings 1:9. 2 Chr. 16:10. 2L 
 20- 22 . 25:16. Matt. 14:3—5,10. g 24:10. 1 Sam. 15:24.25,30. Job 7:20 . 33:27. 
 Ps. 32:3 — 5. 51:4. Prov. 25:12. 28:13. Luke 15 21. A ct32:37. 1 John 1:8—10. 
 h Job 7:21. Ps. 32:1,2. 130:3,4. Ib. 38:17. 43:25. 44:22. T.ain. 3:32. Mic.7:18, 
 19. Zech.3:4. Heb. 9:26. i Lev. 20:10. Num. 35:31— 33. Ps. 51:16. Acts 13« 
 38.39. Rom. 8:33,34. k Neh. 5:9. Ps. 74:10. Is. 52:5. Ez. 36:21—23. Matt. 1& 
 7. Rom. 2:24. 
 
 it in his power to make choice, aggravated his guilt in seizing 
 upon the wife of another man. Naj', had he thought that any 
 thing conducive to his comfort was yet wanting, he was 
 allowed to ask for it, and the Lord declared that he would 
 not have denied it, if he had seen it good for him. (Note, 
 Ps. 84:11,12.) 
 
 V. 9. Wherefore , &c.] The clause may be rendered, 
 44 Wherefore hast thou despised the word of the Lord 
 His promises, as well as his precepts. (Notes, Job 2:10. 
 Matt. 16:21 — 23. ) David, in this instance, had shown that 
 he thought the general and special promises of God, either 
 too scanty or too precarious, to suffice for his felicity, or to 
 ensure it ; for otherwise he could have no need to seek satis- 
 faction in another way : and this was a great contempt of 
 them. He had also treated the commandments of God, as 
 rigorous and needless restraints ; and as worthy to he ne- 
 glected, dispensed with, nay trampled on, when they inter- 
 fered with his present gratification. (Notes, 11:14 — 17,27.) 
 
 V. 10. Despised me, Sac.] (Note, 1 <SVzm. 2:30.) When 
 David despised the word of God, he despised God himself ; 
 even his power and authority, his justice and purity, his 
 omnipresence and omniscience, his favour and wrath, and all 
 his glorious perfections : else, he would not thus have offended 
 him, for the base gratification of his lusts. This was an 
 aggravation of his crimes, less obvious to man’s natural ap- 
 prehensions, but full of deeper malignity, than all those enu- 
 merated in the former chapter. (Notes, 11:1 — 17. Ps. 51:4. 
 Rom. 2:4 — 6.) — As the parable had particularly represented 
 the evil of David’s adultery, the address of Nathan is most 
 pointed against his murder of Uriah. — The word rendered 
 never, in this connexion, -only implies perpetuity . (Note, 
 Gen. 17:7,8.) So long as David lived, one after another of 
 his family was slain, and Adonijah just afler his death. 
 Notes, 13:22—29. 18:9-14. 1 Kings 2:15 — 25.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. David was not at Jerusalem when Absalom 
 perpetrated his abominable crime; but it was committed in 
 so shameless a manner, that it was as notorious as if he had 
 seen it with his own eyes. (Note, 16:20 — 23.) — The Lord 
 raised up this evil out of his own house : yet he did not pul 
 the wickedness into the hearts of his sons ; but he left them 
 to their own vile passions, and overruled the effects of them 
 for David’s chastisement. (Notes, Luke 22:21 — 23, v. 22. 
 Acts 2:22—24. 4:23—28.) 
 
 V. 13. The dormant spark of divine grace in David’* 
 heart now began to rekindle : and by means of this plain and 
 faithful statement of facts, in tin* name of God, his evasions 
 vanished, and his guilt appeared in all it> magnitude. (Notes, 
 2 Chr. 16:7 — 10. 24:19 — 22.25:14 — 16.) He therefore was far 
 from resenting the pointed rebuke of the prophet, or attempt* • 
 ing any palliation of his conduct; but, In deep humiliation of 
 heart, he confessed, 44 1 have sinned against the Lord.” The 
 words are few; but the event proved them to have been the 
 language of genuine repentance, which regards sin as com- 
 mitted against the authority and glory of the Lord, whether 
 or not it have occasioned evil to any fellow-creature. ( Note 
 Ps. 51:4.) And Nathan assured him, (perhaps not at that 
 time, hut when the sincerity of his repentance had been fur 
 ther proved,] that the “Lord had put away his sin, and ho 
 should not die.” — Murder and adultery were crimes punish- 
 able by death : no Israelite indeed had authority to execute 
 this sentence upon the Lord’s annointed ; yet David might 
 justly fear that God himself would rut him off by some sudden 
 judgment. But the prophet informed him, that he should not 
 die in this manner, or be cast out of his kingdom , and this 
 intimated, that the eternal punishment also would be re~ 
 mitted. 
 
 V. 14. Perhaps the Ammonites, and other idolatrous ene- 
 mies of God and Israel, had received information of these sins 
 of the highly favoured servant and zealous worshipper of Je- 
 hovah, and blasphemed his name on that account: and tho 
 wicked Israelites, especially those of Saul’s party, would re- 
 flect upon the divine justice, in that Saul had been rejected 
 for apparently less heinous crimes, and David was spared 
 
B. C. 1032. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 B. C. 1032. 
 
 given great oc asion to the enemies of the Lord 
 to blaspheme, Mie child also that is born unto thee 
 shall surely die C Practical Oiiervatioru.'] 
 
 15 t And Nathan departed unto his house: 
 and the Lord ""struck the child that Uriah’s wife 
 bare unto David, and it was very sick. 
 
 16 David therefore "besought God for the child ; 
 and David 'fasted, and went in, and “lay all night 
 upon the earth. 
 
 17 And fthe elders of his house arose, and went 
 to him, to raise him up fibm the earth : but he 
 would not, neither did ne eat bread with them. 
 
 18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, 
 that the child died. And the servants of David 
 feared to tell him that the child was dead : for they 
 said, Behold, while the child was yet alive we 
 spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto 
 our voice : how will he then 'vex himself, if we 
 tell him that the child is dead? 
 
 19 But when David saw that his servants 
 whispered, David perceived that the child was 
 dead : therefore David said unto his servants, Is 
 the child dead ? And they said, He is dead. 
 
 20 Then David sarose from the earth, and 
 washed, and r anointed himself, and changed his 
 apparel, and came into s the house of the Lord, 
 and worshipped : then he came to his own house ; 
 and when he required, they set bread before him, 
 and he did eat. 
 
 21 Then said his servants unto him, 'What 
 thing is this that thou hast done ? thou didst fast 
 and weep for the child while it was alive ; but 
 when the child was dead thou didst rise and eat 
 bread. 
 
 22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, 
 “I fasted and wept : for I said, Who can tell 
 
 I Ps. 89:31— 33. 94:12. Prov. 3:11,12. Am. 3:2. 1 Cor. 11:32. Heb. 12 6. 
 Rev. 3:19. m Deal. 32 39. 1 Sam. 25:38. 26:10. 2 Kines 15:5. 2 Chr. 13:20. 
 P«. 104:29. Acts 12:23. n 22. Pa. 50-15. It. 25:16. ,'oel 2:12— 14. Jon. 3:9. 
 • Heb. fasted a feat. E»Ih.4:16. Ps. 69:10. Is. 22:12. Acts 9 9. o 13:31. 
 Job 20:12—14. p 3.35. I Sam. 28:23. t Hen. do hurt to. q Job 1:20. 2:10. 
 Pa. 39:9. r.am. 3:39— 41. r Ruth 43. Ec. 9:8. 66:17.7:18. t I Cor. 2:15. 
 
 notwithstandins these enormities. {Notes, Matt. 1 8:7 — 9. I 
 Tim. 6:1 — 5. Tit. 2:3 — 6.) But the Lord did not punish Saul 
 above his deservings, and therefore did him no injustice in 
 forgiving David : and he judges not merely by the outward 
 action, but by the inward disposition of the heart; and there 
 he perceived a very important difference, and even contrariety, 
 in the two characters. In the temporal punishment, however, 
 of David in his family, the Lord determined to silence these 
 blasphemies ; and he began by the death of the child which 
 Bath-sheba had bom to him. This event, though in fact a 
 mercy to all parties, yet being predicted and publicly declared 
 to be a rebuke for his sin, would be for the time a sharp and 
 painful chastisement. 
 
 V. 1-5. The prophet, having delivered his message, re- 
 turned home, probably to prayffor the king : and David re- 
 tired, and poured out his soul in godly sorrow and ingenuous 
 confessions ; and perhaps immediately wrote, and soon after 
 published, the fifty-first Psalm ; which forms the most complete 
 specimen and standard of genuine and deep repentance, that 
 is any where extant. {Notes, Ps. 51.) 
 
 V. 16. David might hope, that there was a secret condi- 
 tion in the threatening : and that upon his humiliation, attended 
 by fasting and prayer, the child might yet be spared. {Marg. 
 Ref.) He considered the infant as an innocent sufferer for 
 his crimes; {Note, 24:17.) he had doubtless a very great 
 affection for him ; his spirit was at that time peculiarly tender ; 
 and perhaps Bathr-sheba likewise was overwhelmed with a 
 ioad of guilt and sorrow. (24) On all these accounts, he thus 
 deeply humbled himself before God, and sought the life of the 
 child, though he would have lived a monument of his sin and 
 shame. — tVe may conceive of him, as laying aside his royal 
 robes, and appearing as a penitent in a mean and mournful 
 garment, fasting, lying on the ground, confessing his guilt, 
 mourning over it, and praying with all fervency, and without 
 intermission, during the whole night. {Notes, Joel 2:12 — 14 
 Jon. 3:5—9.) 
 
 V. 17. Eat bread with them.] ‘As he was wont to do at 
 other times, when the principal persons of the court sat at 
 table with him.’ Bp. Patrick. Probably, some days past 
 before the child died; but, whatever sustenance David might 
 take during that time, no doubt it was mean, scanty, and taken 
 privately. ( Note, Dan. 10:2,3.) 
 
 V. 18. Some think that the child died on the seventh day 
 from his birth ; and that this was an additional rebuke, as he 
 died uncircumcised. But others suppose that the continuance 
 of the child’s sickness, and of David’s sorrow and mortifica- 
 tion is meant. 
 
 V. 20. By changing his raiment, and going up to the house 
 •f God to worship, David publicly expressed his acceptance of 
 
 whether God will be gracious to me, that the child 
 may live ? 
 
 23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast' 5 
 Can I bring him back again? *1 shall go to him, 
 but ihe shall not return to me. 
 
 24 And David comforted Bath-sheba, his wife 
 and went in unto her, and lay with her ; and *she 
 bare a son, and he called his name Solomon ; and 
 the Lord loved him. 
 
 25 And he sent by the hand of "Nathan th» 
 prophet, and he called his name iJedidiah, becaust 
 of the Lord. 
 
 26 H And b Joab fought against Rabbah of the 
 children of Ammon, and took the royal city. 
 
 27 And Joab sent messengers lo David, and 
 said, I have fought against “Rabbah, and have 
 taken the city of waters. 
 
 28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people 
 together, and encamp against the city, and take 
 it ; lest I take the city, and §it be d called after my 
 name. 
 
 29 And David gathered all the people together, 
 and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and 
 took it. 
 
 30 And he “took their king’s croum from off 
 his head, (the weight whereof was a talent ot 
 gold, with the precious stones,) and it was set on 
 David’s head : and he brought forth the spoil of 
 the city l! in great abundance. 
 
 31 And he brought forth the people that were 
 therein, and f put them under saws, and under 
 harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and 
 made them pass through the brick-kiln : and thus 
 did he unto all the cities of the children of Ammon. 
 So David and all the people returned unto Jeru- 
 salem. 
 
 u Is. 38:1— 3. Joel 1:14. Am. 5:15. Jon. 1:6. 3:9.10. Jam. 4:9,10. x Gen. 37: 
 35. Job 30:23. Luke 23 43. y Job 7:8— 10. *7:12. I Chr. 3:5. 22:9,10. 28:5,6. 
 29:1. Mntt. 1:6. a 1 — 14. 7:4. 1 KingB 1:11 ,23. } That is, beloved of the Lord. 
 Matt. 3:17. 17:5. b 11:25. 1 Chr.2u.l. c 11:1. 1 eut. 3:11. Ez. 21.20. § Heb. my 
 name be called upon it. d John 7:18. elChr.20:2. l| Heb. very great. f8: 
 2. Pa. 21:8,9. 
 
 the chastisement, his submission to the will of God, and hia 
 gratitude to him for sparing his life. (Marg. Ref. Note , 
 Job 1:20—22.) 
 
 V.21— 23. (Marg. Ref. Note, 1 Cor. 2:14— 16.) While 
 David entertained any hope of the child’s life, humble fasting 
 and prayer formed the present duty : but after the event, meek 
 submission was required. He could not profit the child, and 
 he might injure himself, and neglect his duty, by mourning for 
 him. The child, released from sufferings, and gone before to 
 abetter world, was no loser ; the public sustained no detriment, 
 as in the death of useful persons ; and there remained no far- 
 ther reason for sorrow, except he should repine against the 
 will of God: and this he would not do, hut rather prepare to 
 follow his son, and hope to meet him in the world above. 
 
 V. 24, 25. David’s marriage with Bath-sheba was in many 
 respects very sinful ; (Note, 11 — 27.) yet it must not be dis- 
 annulled. In the mystery of the divine counsels, it made way 
 for the performance of the promises before given: (Note, 7:12 
 — lh.) and Bath-sheba has her name inserted in the genealogy 
 of the Redeemer! — As a token of the Lord’s reconciliation to 
 David and Bath-sheba, this son by her was named Solomo^, 
 or the -peaceable ; and Jedidiah, or Related of the LORD, be- 
 cause of the Lord’s peculiar favour to him. (Marg. — Notes, 
 Gen. 49:10. Matt. 1:20 — -23.) In this he especially typified 
 Him of whom the Father hath said, u This is my beloved Son, 
 in whom I am well pleased.” — 1 It is observable, that there is 
 not one word said to Bath-sheba, in all this relation. . . . She 
 was punished ... in the calamity that befel David ; who en- 
 ticed her, not she him, to commit the foul sin of adultery ; and 
 she was innocent in the murder of Uriah.’ Bp. Patrick. It 
 seems, that she was released from the legal punishment of 
 death, by the same act of grace, which pardoned David: but 
 she was, probably, for some time both in great sorrow ana 
 distress, and overwhelmed with fears, and remorse, and 
 shame. 
 
 V. 26 — 31. The sacred historian, having finished the ac- 
 count of David’? fall and repentance, resumes the subject of 
 the war with Ammon. — As the siege of Rabbah seems to 
 have been considerably advanced when Uriah was slain, the 
 event here recorded must be supposed to have occurred not 
 long afier. The Lord was very gracious to David, in thus 
 prospering his arms, notwithstanding his aggravated offences: 
 and Joab approved himself very faithful to his prince, and 
 attentive to his reputation. The crown of the king of *he 
 Ammonites is said to have weighed a talent* but that being 
 above a hundred weight, seems enormous : probably it means 
 the value of it with the precious stones. — David appears to 
 have been too much pleased with this crow* : whereas hia 
 anointing , as the king of God’s people, was a fa f nv« * honour- 
 ( 555 \ 
 
D. C. 10 V2. 
 
 II SAMUEL. B. C. 103 a. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 Amnon, David's son loves his sister Tamar , 1,2: and by Jonadab's advice 
 he feigns sickness, that Tamar might wait on him ; and taking that oppor- 
 tunity he ravishes her, 3 — 14. He hales her and drives her away , and she in 
 grief and shame relives to Absalom 15—20. David is angry ; but Absalom 
 conceals his hatred, 21 , 22. Absalom invites his brethren to a feast ; where 
 Amnon at hie command is murderel, 23—29. David grieves vehemently, 
 supposing that all his sons are slain ; but ts comforted by Jonadab, and 
 learns the truth, 30 — 36. Absalom Jle.s to Geshur ; but David longs after 
 him, 37— 39. 
 
 A ND it came to pass after this, that a Absalom, 
 the son of David, had b a fair sister, whose 
 
 o 3:2,3. 1 Chr. 3:2. b 11:2. Gen. 6:2. 39:6,7. Prov. 6:25. 81 .30. c 14:27. 
 1 Chr. 3:9. d 15. Gen. 29:18,20. 34:3. 1 Kings 11:1. e 1 Kings 21:4. Cam. 5.8. 
 2 Cor. 7:10. * Heb. it was marvellous , or hidden, in the eyes of Amnon. f Gen. 
 
 able distinction. — It is not certain what the punishments were, 
 which he indicted upon the prisoners ; whether he put them 
 to death, under saws, axes, and harrows; or whether he con- 
 demned them to wear out their lives in severe bondage, by 
 various labours. He meant to punish their cruelty to the 
 men of Jabesh-gilead, and their contempt of his ambassadors : 
 ( Notes, 10:3,4. 1 Sam. 11:1 — 3:) but if there were, as it seems 
 probable, an undistinguishing severity exercised towards them, 
 we must ascribe it to the state of his mind at that time. 
 
 City of waters. (27) The other part of the city being 
 supplied \ftith water, from that part of which Joab had got pos- 
 session, could not hold out long, but must be soon forced to 
 surrender. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. Our falls into sin originate from the evil of our 
 depraved hearts, but our recoveries are from the Lord. He 
 commonly employs the ministry of the word in bringing sin- 
 ners to repentance : and the plain authoritative declaration of 
 the divine law, and of the evil nature and effects of sin, is the 
 appointed method of awakening the careless conscience, and 
 of bringing men to condemn themselves. In some cases, great 
 prudence and address are necessary in delivering the message 
 of God, especially to those in exalted stations. Apt illustra- 
 tion often forms the most compendious and effectual method 
 of producing conviction: and it is well wnen such an indirect 
 address will spare the painful necessity of more explicit re- 
 proofs. But self-flattery renders us quicksighted to the faults 
 of others, though of inferior malignity, and blind to our own 
 most atrocious offences ; and in proportion as men are tender 
 to their own sins, they are often unreasonably severe in ani- 
 madverting upon those of their neighbours. Hence arises the 
 necessity of 44 great plainness of speech” in the public ministry 
 of the gospel; that the conduct and cases of sinners of every 
 description may be explicitly declared, and that the conscience 
 of every one that is guilty may say to him, 41 Thou art the 
 man.” Nor is this personal; provided the general cases of 
 multitudes are described, and the peculiarities of an individual’s 
 character are not so marked, as to draw the attention of the 
 auditors from themselves to him. But it is often necessary, in 
 private , to be still more explicit and particular, with such pro- 
 fessed Christians as cannot, or will not, understand the plainest 
 public address ; and this without any reserve or respect of 
 persons, and with all seriousness, energy, and expostulation. 
 It will never be well with the church of God, till secret lamenta- 
 tions over unreproved scandals and abuses, and private con- 
 versations concerning the faults of the absent, be generally 
 changed, by the ministers of Christ especially, for faithful 
 plain dealing with men in private: and those who are of re- 
 putation ought to take the lead, and to set the example, in this 
 arduous but salutary business. — The true minister’s message 
 will comfort or distress the consciences of those who regard 
 it, according as they are walking with God, or the contrary i 
 nay, the believer himself can expect no consolation from a 
 scriptural statement of the truth, while he lies under the 
 guilt and power of unrepent ed sin ; and if he obtain any, it is 
 either through the minister’s error or unfaithfulness, or his own 
 self-flattery, and ill-grounded confidence. — Every instance of 
 the divine goodness to us increases the heinousness of our 
 transgressions: hut the extent of the promises, and the Lord’s 
 readiness to hear prayer, and to give every good thing to his 
 people, peculiarly aggravate our guilt, when we desire forbid- 
 den gratifications. We need not wonder that men in general 
 despise the promises and commandments of God : yea, and 
 the Lord himself, in his whole character, and in all his rela- 
 lions to them : when even eminent believers, in some instances, 
 are capable of the same folly and ingratitude. From this 
 source all our sins proceed: man’s contempt of the infinite 
 excellency and invaluable favour of God ; disregard to his 
 authority, aversion to his service, and enmity to his justice and 
 noliness, give being and malignity to every species of disobe- 
 dience; and they are in themselves utterly inexcusable. — But, 
 nowever, iniquity may have prevailed, where true grace exists 
 there is also sensibility , and a ground in which the word of 
 God may take root. (Note, Mutt. 13:23.) The humbled 
 sinner will not be offended by his faithful reprover, but rather 
 fhank him ; and God will never refuse forgiveness to true 
 •'enitents. — If is however grievous to think, what, great occa- 
 sion of blasphemy to the enemies of the Lord the falls of his 
 professing people afFord : yet none except his enemies will 
 make this use of them ; and the open confessions of the pend- 
 ent offenders, their future holy conduct, the severe correc- 
 tions which they experience, and their patience under them, 
 *dU manifest the equity and purity, as weK as the mercy of 
 ( 556 ) 
 
 name was c Tamar ; and Amnon the son of David 
 d loved her. 
 
 2 And Amnon was so 'vexed, that he fell sick 
 (or his sister Tamar; for she was a virgin : and 
 ’Amnon thought it hard for him to do any thing 
 to her. 
 
 3 But Amnon had f a friend, whose name was 
 Jonadab the son of eShimeah, David’s brother: 
 and Jonadab was a very h subtle man. 
 
 38; 1,20. J.dg. 14:20. E«th . 5: 10, 1 4^ 6; 13. Pror. 19:6. g 32. 1 Sura. 16:9. 
 Shammah. h 14:2,19,20. Get). 3:1. Jer. 4:22. 1 Cor. 3:19. Jam. 3:15. 
 
 God, in pardoning their offences f and will mark an essential 
 difference, of habitual character and disposition , between them 
 and unhumbled sinners of every description. (Notes, Rom. T. 
 13—18.) 
 
 V. 15 — 31. The Lord often causes his offending people to 
 read their sins in their punishment; he puts them to open 
 shame for their secret offences ; and, by the sufferings of those 
 whom they most tenderly love, he fills their hearts with the 
 keenest anguish. Under such rebukes they will be led to 
 deeper and deeper humiliation, to chasten themselves with 
 fasting, and to pour out more fervent and incessant prayers ; 
 and especially for those who are suffering on their account, 
 and are unable to pray for themselves. Yet, the same prin- 
 ciples will teach them to moderate their sorrows for those be- 
 loved objects, whom God has taken from them, and to prepare 
 diligently to follow them : and nothing should induce them to 
 neglect their present duty. After the same manner, as long 
 as life lasts, let the discouraged sinner seek the Lord, humble 
 himself, and pour out his prayers before him ; if only able to 
 3ay, 44 Who knoweth if God will be gracious to me !” — Those, 
 who are ignorant of the divine life, cannot comprehend the 
 reasons of a believer’s conduct in his varied experiences : they 
 mistake deep humility and fervent prayer, for impatience and 
 an inordinate love to created objects ; acquiescence in the 
 Lord’s will, and. cheerful gratitude under sharp trials, will be 
 deemed indifference and apathy ; and in a thousand different 
 ways they will show their incapacity to judge of the consist- 
 ency and reasons of his behaviour. (Notes, Acts 1G:1 — 5. 
 P. O. 1 Cor. 2:10 — 16.) But God accepts those services 
 which man censures : a humble, submissive spirit prepares 
 the way for divine consolations, notwithstanding former 
 crimes ; and we should encourage the desponding hearts of our 
 fellow-sinners, with the comforts which the Lord has gra- 
 ciously afforded us : and when the heart is thus prepared, the 
 message of the minister will again be peace and joy. — Our 
 prayers for our children are graciously answered, if some of 
 them die in their tender infancy, (for they are well taken care 
 of,) and the others live 44 beloved of the Lord.” — V engeance 
 will in due season overtake the persecutors and abusers of 
 God’s people and ministers ; and in their severest sufferings 
 He will be righteous, though the instruments should bo un- 
 reasonably and iniquitously severe. — In proportion as we lose 
 sight of the honour that cometh from God, we become ambi- 
 tious and vain of worldly distinctions: (Note, 2 Kings 20:12 — 
 19.) and we are most compassionate, kind, and forgiving to 
 our fbllow-sinners, when we most feel our need of the Lord’s 
 forgiving love to our own souls, and experience the comfort of 
 it. — Finally, in whatever service the Lord may please toern 
 ploy us, may we, (as Joab Vvith David,) execute his will 
 faithfully, and then give him the whole glory without any 
 reserve. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIII. V. I, 2. Nathan’s word be- 
 gan to take effect not very long after it was delivered. (Notes. 
 12:10 — 12.) — David seems to have been far too indulgent of 
 his children : probably, their mothers had a great share in 
 their education, and some of these instilled into them bad 
 principles; indeed these are the natural effects of polygamy. 
 Yet his sons had been restrained from open wickedness, by 
 his example, influence, and occasional instructions, until he 
 had committed those crimes which have been considered. 
 But notwithstanding David’s repentance, they, now grown up, 
 would naturally consider that his conduct gave some license 
 to their youthful inclinations, and conclude that he could not 
 greatly censure them, after he had set them such an example. 
 Thus he might clearly trace the sins of his children from hia 
 own misconduct, and this would increase the anguish of the 
 chastisement. — Tamar was Amnon’s sister, as the daughter 
 of David, hut of another mother. (Note, 3:2 — 5.) If Amnon 
 had not been secrecy habituated to vice, he surely never could, 
 in the first instance, have yielded to so unnatural a passion ! 
 (Note, Jav. 18:6 — 17.) By gazing upon Tamar’s beauty his 
 concupiscence was excited, and, being indulged, it gained an 
 entire ascendency. (Notes, 11:1 — 5. Matt. 5:27,28.) He 
 was not. restrained from attempting to accomplish his base 
 purpose by the fear of God ; by conscience, shame, regard 
 to the peace or favour of his father, or to the reputation, 
 virtue, or comfort, of Tamar ; or by any foresight of evil rorv 
 sequences: but, because of her modesty, and the care which 
 was taken of her, lie could not find an opportunity of getting 
 her into his power. His passion therefore preyed upon his 
 spirits, and impaired his health. (Notes, Cant L 8. 2 Cor . 
 7:9—11.) 
 
 V 3, 4. Amnon deemed Jonadab his friend, tfatoso ho 
 
B. C. 1032. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 B. C. 1032 
 
 4 And he said -into him, 'Why art thou, being 
 the king’s son, ' lean 'from day to day ? wilt thou 
 not tell me ? And Amnon said unto him, k I love 
 Tamar, ! my brother Absalom’s sister. 
 
 5 And Jonadab said unto him, m Lay thee down 
 on thy bed, and make thyself sick : and when thy 
 father cometh to see thee, say unto him, I pray 
 thee, let my sister Tamar come, and give me 
 meat, and dress the meat in my sight, that I may 
 see it, and eat it at her hand. 
 
 6 it So Amnon '.ay down, and made himself sick : 
 and when the king was come to see him, Amnon 
 said unto the king, I pray thee, let Tamar my 
 sister come and "make me a couple of cakes in my 
 sight, that I may eat at her hand. 
 
 7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, 
 Go now to thy brother Amnon’s house, and dress 
 him meat. 
 
 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s 
 house; and he was laid down. And she took 
 tflour, and kneaded it, and made cakes in his 
 sight, and did bake the cakes. 
 
 9 And she took a pan, and poured them out 
 before him, but he refused to eat. "And Amnon 
 said, Have out all men from me: and they went 
 out every man from him. 
 
 10 And Amnon said unto Tamar, Bring the 
 meat into the chamber, that I may eat of thine 
 hand. And Tamar took the cakes which she 
 had made, and brought them into the chamber 
 to Amnon her brother. 
 
 1 1 And when she had brought them unto him 
 to eat, he took hold of her, and said unto her, 
 pCome, lie with me, my sister. 
 
 12 And she answered him, Nay, my brother, 
 do not Sforce me ; for "no such thing ought to be 
 done in Israel : do not thou this ‘‘folly. 
 
 13 And I, whither shall I cause my shame to 
 
 1 Kings 21:7. Esth. 5:13,14. Luke 12:32. * Heb. thin, t Heb. morning by 
 Homing, k la. 3:9. Jer.8:12. Mic.7:3. 1 Lev. 18:9. 20:17. m 16:21 — 23. 17: 
 1—4. Ps. 50:18,19. Prov. 19:27. Mark 6 24,25. Acts23.15. n Gen. 18:6. Matt. 
 13:33. J Or, paste. o Gen. 45:1. Judg. 3:19. John 3:20. p Gen. 39:7,12. § Heb. 
 humble. Geu.34:2. Dent. 22:29. || Heb. it ouzht mt so to be done . Lev. 18:9. 
 20:17. q Gen. 34:7. Judg. 13:23. 20 6. Prov. 7:7. r Gen. 19:8. Judg. 19:24. s 12: 
 ll. Deut. 22:25— 27. Judg. 20:5. Esth.7:8. t Ez. 23:17. I * 1 Heb. with great hatred 
 
 was his flatterer, and the caterer for his lusts. He was “ a 
 very subtle man;” (Notes, 32,33. 16:20 — 23. Gen. 3:1.) 
 
 ore very sagacious, as to this present world : or rather, a very 
 n-afty courtier, who readily discerned the inclinations of his 
 iperiors, and was very ingenious in devising means for the 
 gratification of them. Observing Amnon to look more and 
 more languid one day after another, he suspected the cause, 
 and intimated to him that a person of his rank might obtain 
 his desires if he went about it : and thus he drew from him 
 the shameful secret. Had he not interposed, probably 
 Amnon’s passion might have been suppressed, and at length 
 supplanted by an afiection for some other object. (Notes, 
 1 .firings 21:4 — 7.) But when Jonadab understood the state 
 of his mind, he speedily put him in a way of obtaining his 
 wishes. Amnon was the heir-apparent of the crown : David 
 was growing old, and probably showed Jonadab but little 
 favour though he was his nephew; being the son of David’s 
 brother Shimeah, called also Shaminah, and Shimma. (32. 
 
 1 Sam. 16:9. 1 Chr. 2:13.) He therefore paid court to 
 Amnon ; and supposed that his rank and authority would 
 bear him out in any crime, which he was disposed to commit. 
 
 V. 5 — 14. This plot was laid very artfully. Amnon’s 
 sickly looks gave plausibility to his pretended illness : 
 David’s tender affection to his children was well known : 
 persons, who have been accustomed to indulgence, are natu- 
 rally whimsical in their diet when sick : David would be 
 sure to visit Amnon, and be disposed to humour him in every 
 thing, and would not at all suspect so base a design concealed 
 under his request : and thus he would readily obtain David’s 
 cjnsent to Tamar’s coming to him. Nor could she have 
 any suspicion of suet horrid villany from one, who seemed 
 -ery ill and in danger of death: but when he commanded all 
 to leave the room, whilst he ate of her cakes, she might very 
 justly have apprehended some bad design. — Tamar’s skill and 
 readiness in such ordinary employments, though a king’s 
 daughter ; her compassionate attention to her half-brother ; 
 and all her answers and behaviour, are suited to give us a 
 very favourable opinion of her character. She pleaded that 
 he, as her brother, ought to protect, her, instead of injuring 
 her ; that such behaviour was peculiarly foolish and wicked 
 in an Israelite ; that it would forever disgrace and ruin her ; 
 and would expose him to scorn and hatred, as one of the most 
 abandoned of men. (Marg. Ref. p — r.) Her proposal to 
 him, to ask her of the king, who would rather allow him to 
 marry her, than leave him to die of his sickness, was 
 •ubtless solely meant to prevent present violence ; for she 
 
 go ? anti as for thee, thou shalt Ic as one of the 
 tools in Israel. r Now therefore, I pray thee, speak 
 unto the king ; for he will not withhold me from 
 thee. 
 
 14 Howbeit he would not hearken unto her 
 
 voice ; but, being stronger than she, "forced her, 
 and lay with her. [Practical observations.] 
 
 15 Then Amnon ‘hated her ''exceedingly; so 
 that the hatred ^herewith he hated her was 
 greater than the love wherewith he had loved 
 her: and Amnon said unto her, Arise, be gone. 
 
 16 And she said unto him, There is no cause ; 
 this evil in sending me away is greater than the 
 other that thou didst unto me : but he would ni t 
 hearken unto her. 
 
 17 Then he called his servant that ministered 
 unto him, and said, Put now this woman out from 
 me, and bolt the door after her. 
 
 18 And she had “a garment of divers colours 
 upon her : for with such rohes were the king’s 
 daughters that were virgins apparelled. Then 
 his servant brought her out, and bolted the door 
 after her. 
 
 19 And Tamar *put ashes on her head, and rent 
 her garment of divers colours that teas on her, and 
 xlaid her hand on her head, and went on crying. 
 
 20 And Absalom her brother said unto her, 
 Hath "Amnon thy brother been with thee ? ‘but 
 hold now thy peace, my sister : he is thy brother ; 
 "regard not this thing. So Tamar remained 
 "desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 
 
 21 But when king David heard of all these 
 things, a he was very wroth. 
 
 22 11 And Absalom b spake unto his brother 
 Amnon "neither good nor bad : for Absalom d hated 
 Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar. 
 r. c. a 23 And it came to pass after two full 
 io3o. J y earSj that Absalom had 'sheep-shearers in 
 
 greatly, u Gen. 37:3,32. Judg. 5:30. Ps. 45:14. x 1:2. Josh. 7:6. Job 2:12. 
 42:6. y Jer. 2:37. •• Heb. Aminon. z Prov. 26:24. Rom. 12:19. tt Heb. set 
 not thini heart on. tt Heb. and desolate. Gen. 34:2. 46:15. a 3:28,29. 12:5,10. 
 Gen. 34:7. 1 Sam. 2 22— 25,29. I r. 101:8. b Lev. 19:17,18. Prov. 25:9. Mn’.l. 
 18:15. c Gen. 24:50 . 31:29. d Prov. 10:18. 25:24. 27:4— 6. Ec. 7:9. Eph. 4;26, 
 31. 1 John 3:15. e Gen. 38:12,13. 1 Snm. 25:2,4,36. 2 Kings 3:4. 2 Chr. 26:10. 
 
 knew that David would afterwards protect her. (Note, Gen. 
 19:6 — 9.) And it is probable, that she accompanied her 
 complaints and expostulations with unavailing outcries, whicn 
 Amnon’s domestics doubtless disregarded: for she seems to 
 have been entirely free from blame in the scandalous trans- 
 action. 
 
 V. 15 — 18. The determined language and conduct o, 
 Tamar, probably joined with sharp reproaches, so irritated 
 Amnon, that his licentious love was at once changed into the 
 most vehement hatred: and without regarding her remon- 
 strances, he ordered her to be turned out of doors, with every 
 circumstance of aversion and abhorrence, ‘as if she had been 
 an infamous intruder.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, Gen. 39:13 — 16.) 
 This was doubtless additional and most malignant ill usage, 
 and tended to publish her disgrace, which might otherwise 
 have been concealed : but we must attribute it to the confu- 
 sion and distress of her mind, that she stated this to be the 
 greater injury ; unless she supposed that, in so singular a 
 case, he might and ought to have married her. 
 
 V. 19, 20. Tamar went home in the manner, and with af 
 the gestures of an inconsolable mourner. (Marg. Ref.) 
 Doubtless her mind was filled with extreme anguish ; but 
 perhaps she meant also thus to protest, that though unfortu- 
 nate, she was not criminal. Absalom dissembled his deep 
 and implacable resentment, and persuaded her to compose 
 her mind, and not further to expose the shame of her family. — 
 It seems that Tamar not only shunned society at the time ; 
 hut also lived all her days a single and retired life. (Note, 
 Gen. 34:31.) 
 
 V. 21. Amnon’s incest was an express violation of the 
 divine law; and to one prohibition it is added, “they shall be 
 cut off;. ..he shall bear his iniquity.” (Lev. 18:9. 20:1 7. ) 
 Yet the magistrate was not explicitly commanded to put the 
 offender to death. Neither was it enjoined, that he who 
 forced a woman should be put to death, unless she was be- 
 trothed ; because otherwise he would have been obliged to 
 marry her. ( Notes, Ex. 22:16,17. Deut. 22:22 — 27.) Per- 
 haps these circumstances, united with David’s excess. ve 
 paternal tenderness, especially to his eldest son, and with the 
 consciousness of his pwn guilt, to satisfy his mind in leaving 
 Amnon to the judgment of God, without inflicting any punish- 
 ment upon him. But certainly he ought to have manifested 
 his displeasure in some very decided rnapner; and this com- 
 plication of crimes would have justified the severest punisit 
 ment : but as he neglected his duty, the Lord afterwards took 
 vengeance on Amnon, in a way which added st.ll more to 
 ( 557 ) 
 
B. C. ll 27. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1027. 
 
 Baal-lia7or, which is beside Ephraim: and Absa- 
 om f invited all the king’s sons. 
 
 24 And Absalom came to the king, and said, 
 Behold now, thy servant hath sheep-shearers: 
 •let the king, I beseech thee, and his servants go 
 with thy servant. 
 
 25 And the king said to Absalom, Nay, my son, 
 let us not all now go, lest we be chargeable unto 
 thee. And he h pressed him: howbeit he would 
 not go, but 'blessed him. 
 
 26 Then said Absalom, If not, I pray thee, k let 
 my brother Amnon go with us. And the king 
 said unto him, Why should he go with thee ? 
 
 27 But Absalom pressed him, thAt he let Amnon 
 and all the king’s sons go with him. 
 
 28 H Now Absalom had 'commanded his servants, 
 saying, Mark ye now when Amnon’s ra heart is 
 merry with wine, and when I say unto you, Smite 
 Amnon; then kill him, "fear not: 'have not I com- 
 manded you? be courageous, and be tvaliant. 
 
 29 And the "servants of Absalom did unto 
 Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the 
 king’s sons arose, and every man *gat him up 
 upon his Hnule and fled. 
 
 30 It And it came to pass, while they were in the 
 way, that tidings came to David, saying, Absalom 
 hath slain all the king’s sons, and there is not one 
 of them left. 
 
 31 Then the king^arose, and tare his garments 
 and lay on the earth ; and r ali his servants stood 
 by with their clothes rent. 
 
 f 1 Kings 1:9,19, 25. g 11:8-15. Ps. 12:2. 55:21. Jer. 41:6,7. hGen.l9:2,3. 
 
 Jude. 16:7—10. Luke 14:23.24:29. Acts 16:15. i 14:22. marg. Ruth 2:4. k 3: 
 27. 11:13— 15.20:9. Ps. 55:21. Prov. 26:24,25. 111:15. Ex. 1:16,17. 1 Sam. 
 22:17,18. Acts 5:29. m II : 13. Gen. 9:21. 19:32— 35. Judg. 19:6,22. 1 Sam. 25: 
 »S— 38. 1 Kings 20: 16. Esth. 1:10. Dan. 5:2— C, 30. Nah.lrlO. Luke21:34. 
 n Num, 22:16,17. I .Sam. 28: 10,13. * Or, Will you not, since I have com- 
 
 manded. you 1 Josh. 1:9. t Heb. sons of valour, o 1 Sam. 22: 18,19. 1 Kings 
 2t:Il — 13. 2 Kings 1:9 — 12. Prov. 29:12. Mic. 7:3. } Heb .rode, p 18:9. Gen. 
 
 David’s domestic trials. ( Notes , 22 — 33. 1 Sam. 2:29 — 
 34.) 
 
 V. 22 — 29. Absalom harboured the deepest resentment 
 of the gross affront put upon himself, and the irreparable 
 injury done to his sister : yet for two years he concealed his 
 hatred under the appearance of total indifference! (Notes, 
 Gen. 27:41,42. Prov. 2fi:2 i— 27. Eph. 4:26,27.) This 
 imposed on Amnon, who on that very account ought to have 
 been more afraid of him : at length, however, Absalom 
 deemed matters ripe for the execution of his determined re- 
 venge. According to the custom of those times, having 
 flocks of sheep, and making a feast when they were shorn, he 
 formed his plot upon that circumstance. T o cover his design 
 
 he invited his father with all his attendants, to come to his 
 feast, sensible that from prudential reasons he would decline 
 the invitation : but he thus obtained his approbation to Am- 
 non's going with the rest of his brethren ; and David perhaps 
 hoped that a reconciliation between them would be thus 
 effected or cemented. Probably, Absalom was urged on the 
 more resolutely to the murder of his brother, because he was 
 "the next heir to the crown; if Chileab were dead, as it is 
 generally supposed. (3:3.) His atrocious crime was greatly 
 aggravated, by being a breach of hospitality, and committed 
 under the. mask of affection, in the presence of his brethren ; 
 and by his father being drawn in unintentionally to be acces- 
 sary to it. He involved his servants also in the guilt of 
 murder, as if his command could warrant their transgression 
 of God’s law! (Notes, 1 Sam. 28:9,10. 1 Kings 21:8 — 14.) 
 
 He took the rytportunity of killing Amnon when he was 
 drunk, or nearly so, as if he had meant to murder body and 
 soul at once: and his servants, without hesitation, punctually 
 executed his most iniquitous command. (Notes, 1 Sam. 22: 
 17 — 19.) — His mule. (29) Mules seem about this time to 
 have come greatly into use among the superior persons, being 
 substituted in the place of asses : for horses were still little 
 employed in Israel. (Marg. Ref. p.) Yet the breeding of 
 mules was a violation of the divine law. (Lev. 19:19.) — 
 Probably they were imported. 
 
 V. 32, 33. It cannot be supposed, that Absalom would 
 make Jonadab his confidant ; but being a sagacious man he 
 nad, from some circumstances, or casual expressions, sus- 
 pected his malicious intentions. (Marg. Ref. Note, 3, 4.) 
 ft would, however, have been far more profitable sagacity, to 
 have foreseen these consequences, and to have forewarned 
 Amnon, before he had perpetrated the crime which provoked 
 this fatal revenge. (Jer. 4:22. Note, Jer. 8:8,9.) 
 
 V. 37 — 39. (Notes, Gen. 4:9 — 12.) Absalom fled for 
 refuge to the court of his mother’s father; (Marg. Ref. y :) 
 and there he continued for three years: and David so far 
 from requiring him to bo delivered up, that he might be pun- 
 ished according to the law of God ; after a time impatiently 
 desired to recall him, and to be reconciled to him. In this he 
 to»- closely copied Eli’s example and honoured his sons more 
 > 558 ) 
 
 32 And 'Jonadab, the son of ‘Shlmeah. David’s 
 brother, answered and said, Let not my Wd sup- 
 
 ose that they have slain all the young men the 
 ing’s sons ; for Amnon only is dead : for by the 
 ^appointment of Absalom this hath been "de- 
 termined from the day that he forced his sister 
 Tamar. 
 
 33 Now therefore “let not my lord the king 
 take the thing to his heart, to think that all 
 the king’s sons are dead: for Amnon only is 
 dead. 
 
 34 But I Absalom fled. And the young man 
 that kept the watch lifted up his eyes, and looked, 
 and behold, there came much people by the way 
 of the hill-side behind him. 
 
 35 And Jonadab said unto the king, Behold, 
 the king’s sons come : ’’as thy servant said, so 
 it is. 
 
 36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had 
 made an end of speaking, that behold, the king’s 
 sons came, and lifted up their voice and wept: 
 and the king also and all his servants wept "verv 
 sore. 
 
 37 But Absalom fled, and went to ’Talmai, the 
 son of 'tAmmihud, king of Geshur. And David 
 mourned for his son every day. 
 
 38 So Absalom fled, and went to ’Gesliur, and 
 was there three years. 
 
 39 And Hhe soul of king David ^longed to go 
 forth unto Absalom : for he was b comforted con- 
 cerning Amnon, seeing he was dead. 
 
 36:24. Lev. 19:19. I Kings 1:33. q 12:16. Gen. 37:29,34. Josh. 7 6. Job 1:20. 
 r 1:11.3:31. s 3 — 5. t 1 Sam. 16:9. Shammah. § Heb. mut h. II Or, set- 
 tled. Gen. 27:41. Ps.7:I4. Prov. 24:11, 12. • u 19:19. x 38. Gen. 4 8— 14 
 Prov. 28:17. Jer. 48:44. Am. 5:19. U Heb. according to the word of thy ser- 
 vant. ** Heb. with a great weeping greatly. 15. marg. 12:21. 18:33. y 3:3. 
 1 Chr. 3:2. ft Or, Ammihur. z 14:23,32. 15:8. a Gen. 31:30. I’eut. 28:32. 
 Phil. 2:26. Or, was consumed. Ps. 84:2. 119:20. b 12:23. Gen. 24:67. 37: 
 35. 38:12. 
 
 than God ; ( Note , 1 Sam. 2:29.) who therefore made them 
 his scourges, and then punished them himself. David’s sons 
 however were not priests , and so did not disgrace the sanctu- 
 ary : he could not have proceeded against Absalom, without 
 condemning him to die; as Eli might have done against his 
 sons : and David’s own blood-guiltiness, too much resembling 
 Absalom’s, (in that he murdered Uriah under the guise of 
 friendship by the hand of others, after having previously 
 tempted him to drunkenness,) might tend to enervate his 
 resolution and dispose him to lenity. (Notes, 11:12 — 17.) 
 These considerations may account for his conduct, but they 
 by no means excuse it. — Absalom’s servants fled with him, 
 and thus escaped the doom which they merited, and so were 
 reserved for further mischief. (14:30. 15:10.) 
 
 Mourned for his son. (37) Absalom seems here exclusively 
 intended ; for David was comforted for 44 Amnon who was 
 buried privately, as it appears ; and not, as Abner had been, 
 with any public honour. (Notes, 3:33 — 39.) Amnon’s base 
 conduct had, it may well be supposed, rendered him unpopu- 
 lar : and an honourable interment would have been a strong 
 protest against Absalom’s crimes, which David was not dis- 
 posed to enter. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. The judgments of God upon those, who are 
 finally saved, may be so terrible, variod, and continued, as 
 effectually to proclaim his abhorrence of their crimes ; and 
 no reflecting person, with these records before his eyes, would 
 venture to commit iniquity, even if he could he sure to escape 
 eternal misery ; any more than a man would, for a trifling 
 advantage, throw himself from a precipice and break his hones 
 if he could be assured that his life would be preserved ; for 
 he would be sensible, that he must suffer immense pain, am 
 probably be a cripple all his days. — The Lord overrules the 
 wickedness of men, (while they are hurried on by their own 
 lusts and Satan’s temptations,) to accomplish his holy and 
 righteous purposes.’'— External accomplishments arc generally 
 a detriment to the possessors, and a temptation to others 
 none therefore ought to he vain of them, or to regret the wan/ 
 of them. — So depraved is the human heart, that even natura. 
 affection may degenerate into licentiousness : and the inter- 
 course even between near relations should be conducted with 
 caution and prudence, that no opportunity may be given to 
 those who are disposed fo commit iniquity. — What men dignify 
 with the name of /ore, is commonly a base sensual inclination, 
 entire selfishness, which triumphs over conscience and the fear 
 of God, and without pity consigns its object to irreparable dis- 
 grace and misery, for the sake of a momentary gratification ! 
 How different from that love, which the law of God commands ' 
 yea, how contrary to it ! — Men’s domineering lusts, when re 
 strained by external hinderances, become their tormentors, 
 drink up their spirits, and disorder their bodies ; and probably 
 the fury of sinful passions, without any possibility of gratifica- 
 tion, will form ono dreadful part of the misery of the damned 
 
B. C. 1027. 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. 
 
 B. C. 1027 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. 
 
 Joai> instructs a woman of Tekoah , and sends her to David , 1 — 3. With a 
 f signed tale and artful management she induces him to recall Absalom, A — 30. 
 Joab is sent to bring him to Jerusalem ; yet he is not allowed to see the king , 
 21 — 24. His beautu, 25, 26. His children. 27. After two years , he prevails 
 with Joab to introduce him to David, 28—33. 
 
 N OW “Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that 
 the king’s heart was Howard Absalom. 
 
 2 And Joab sent c to Tekoah, and fetched thence 
 a wise woman, and said unto her, I pray thee 
 feign thyself to be a mourner, and put on now 
 ‘‘mourning apparel, and anoint not thyself with oil, 
 but be as a woman that had a long time mourned 
 for the dead : 
 
 3 And come to the king, and speak on this 
 manner unto him. So Joab'put the words in her 
 mouth. 
 
 4 ^1 And when the woman of Tekoah spake to 
 the king, she r fell on her face to the ground, and 
 did obeisance, and said, 'Help, 0 king. 
 
 5 And the king said unto her, What aileth 
 thee? And she answered, *1 am indeed a widow 
 woman, and my husband is dead. 
 
 a 2:18. 1 f 'hr. 2: 16. Ii 13:39. 18:33. 19:9,4. Pro.. 29:26. c2 Chr. 11:6. 20:20. 
 Neh. 3:5,27. Jer. 6:1. Am. 1:1. Teko >h. tl 11:26. Ruth 3:3. Ps. 104:15. Ec. 
 9:8. Mall. 6.17. e 19. Ex. 4:15. Num. 23:5. I tut. 18: 18. Is. 51 :16. 59:21. Jer. 
 1:9. f 1:2. 1 Sain. 20:41. 23.23. • Heb. save. 2 Kings 6:26— 28. Job 29:12—14. 
 Luke 18:3-5. g 12:1—3. JuJg. 9:8— 15. h Gen. 4:8. Ex. 2:13. Deut. 22:26,27. 
 
 let the tremendous thought lend every reader to seek the mor- 
 tification of them, that by the grace of God they may be extir- 
 pated from his heart. — Who can conceive, what the state of 
 his world would be, if every sinner’s power was equal to his 
 inclination, for the commission .f wickedness? — If indulged 
 melancholy be improper for those, who possess eminent sta- 
 tions and great affluence in this world ; how inconsistent is it 
 with the profession, privileges, and prospects of the children 
 of God 1 and if they are “ lean from day to day” in their 
 souls, it is commonly the effect of yielding to sloth and 
 worldly affections. — When iniquity is conceived in the heart, 
 ill the powers of the understanding will be employed in devis- 
 ing how to effect it; and even sickness will not always be 
 sufficient to take men off even for the time from licentious 
 pursuits. — When debauched persons occupy exalted stations, 
 they will lie attended by “ very subtle men,” nearly resembling 
 Satan ; sagacious prompters, and crafty advisers in iniquity ! 
 These will assist them in overcoming the opposition of shame 
 and conscience ; an I encourage them lo gratify themselves, 
 without regarding truth or justice, or the interests or happiness 
 of others. Such are deemed and treated as friends ; but the 
 event will prove them to have been, merely for their own 
 advantage, the most destructive enemies.— Many violent, but 
 concealed, evil desires would be exlinguishcd, did not such 
 prompters discern and draw forth the confession of them, and 
 contrive the method of gratification. Such plausible villains 
 know how to take advantage of the affection, candour, 
 modesty, and unsuspecting confidence,of pious persons, for 
 the accomplishment of their own infamous designs : and when 
 iniquity is resolved on, a perfect infatuation takes place, and 
 all probable or certain consequences are forgotten.— But silent 
 abhorrence is the proper censure of these abominable deeds 
 of darkness, which are especially horrible under the light 
 of revelation : even ungodly persons will execrate those, who 
 perpetrate such.outrages against common decency : and they 
 will appear as fools and reprobates to their neighbours in 
 general ; notwithstanding high rank, or even princely or royal 
 dignity. 
 
 V. 15 — 39. Sensual iov^ is readily changed into hatred, 
 and concupiscence into loathing : nor can it reasonably be 
 expected, that those, who make no scruple of debauching the 
 persons for whom they pretend affection , will feel any remorse 
 at deserting them with cruelty and disdain, at exposing them 
 to shame and contempt, or at leaving them to all the horrors 
 of penury or prostitution. Let no one ever expect better 
 treatment from those who are capable of attempting to 
 seduce them.— But whatever anguish and distress may result 
 from injuries received, nothing will eventually harm us except 
 our own iniquity : and it is better to suffer the greatest wrong , 
 than to commit the least sin , though apparently with impunity 
 and without rebuke. — It is every one’s duty to comfort those 
 who are in distress : and generally it is most advisable for 
 injured persons to be quiet, and leave their cause with God. 
 
 -When less atrocious crimes escape punishment from man, 
 more and greater will be committed: and the magistrate’s 
 indignant anger against heinous offences should stimulate him 
 to enforce the laws without respect of persons : but all others 
 must learn to bear every injury without seeking to revenge 
 themselves ; and if mild expostulations and prayers will not 
 prevail, they must quietly leave the event to God. — Hatred 
 and revenge, however, possess the hearts of ungodly men : 
 and some are so artful and malicious, that they defer their 
 vengeance, and cover it with the appearance of affection, till 
 they have an opportunity of executing it with more determined 
 malignity. — Often have festive interviews, and seasons of 
 sensual indulgence, been the chosen scenes for assassinations 
 uii massacres ; and men have been sent into the eternal 
 
 6 And thy handmaid had two sons, h and they 
 two strove together in the field, and there wai 
 ‘none to part them, but the one smote the other, 
 and slew him. 
 
 7 And behold, ‘the whole family is risen against 
 thy handmaid, and they said, Deliver him that 
 smote his brother, that we may kill him, for the 
 life of his brother whom he slew ; and we wi. 
 destroy the heir also : and k so they shall 'quench 
 my coal which is left, and shall not leave tc my 
 husband neither name nor remainder tupon the 
 earth. 
 
 8 And the king said unto the woman, Go to thy 
 house, and m I will give charge concerning thee. 
 
 9 And the woman of Tekoah said unto the 
 king, My lord, O king, “the iniquity be on me, 
 and on my father’s house: °and the king and his 
 throne be guiltless. 
 
 10 And the kinjj said, Whosoever saith aught 
 unto thee, bring him tome, and he shall not touch 
 thee any more. 
 
 11 Then said she, I pray thee, Piet the king 
 
 t Heb. no deliverer between them. i Gen. 4:14. Num. 35:19. Pent. 19:12. 
 k Gen. 27:45. Deut. 25:6. 121:17. } Heb. upon the face of. m 12:5,6. 16:4. 
 Job 29:16. Prov. 18:13. Is. 11:3,4. n Gen. 27: 13. Matt. 27 25. o 3:28 Num. 
 35.33. Deut. 21:1— 9. 1 Kings 2:33. pGen. 14:22. 24:2,3. 31:50. 1 Sam. 20:42. 
 
 world from the midst of riot and excess ! Such is human 
 nature, left to itself, armed with power, and emboldened by 
 prosperity : what need then have we to pray for converting 
 grace, and to be satisfied, in our inferior stations ! — No crime 
 is so great or evident that men in general will not be found 
 daring enough to commit, in order to please their superiors : 
 but alas ! their command will not bear out the guilty at the 
 day of judgment, for violating the law of God ! — Evil tidings 
 are generally enhanced : yet the imaginary calamity proves 
 a real alfliction for the time, and may serve the purpose of an 
 humiliating chastisement. — Children are always uncertain 
 comforts : but indulged children will surely prove trials to 
 pious parents, whose foolish fondness induces them to neglect 
 their duty to God : yet parental affection can scarcely be ex- 
 tinguished by any degree of misconduct. But the case of 
 parents is very deplorable, when the children copy their 
 conduct in the crimes which they perpetrate ; and when it is 
 nevertheless their duty to punish them with great severity for 
 those very imitations ! Let this be a warning to us, to watch 
 and pray against temptation, lest by the misconduct of ono 
 unguarded hour, we should occasion such fatal consequences 
 to our offspring, and such misery to ourselves throughout our 
 future lives. And let us not covet that worldly wisdom, 
 which, with all its boasted sagacity, cannot prevent the de- 
 struction of those who are counselled by it : but let us seek 
 that heavenly wisdom, which safely leads the possessor 
 through all the dangerous paths of this life, to the perfect 
 felicity of the eternal world. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIV. V. 1 — 3. Joab perceived that 
 David greatly desired to recall Absalom ; but did not know 
 how to do it, without, disgracing his character and govern- 
 ment : he therefore framed a plausible story, and employed 
 an ingenious woman, in the character of a disconsolate widow, 
 to relate it to him. He doubtless intended to obtain a conces- 
 sion from David, that in some possible cases the punishment of 
 a murderer might be dispensed with ; and then to apply it to* 
 the case of Absalom. Thus he hoped to ingratiate himself 
 with both parties, with the king and the next heir to the 
 crown ; as Absalom would be now considered. Doubtless he 
 would also be glad to increase the number of precedents for 
 the impunity of murderers , as he lay under the guilt of that 
 crime himself. 
 
 V.6, 7. ( Notes , 13:22 — 20. Gen. 4:8.) This feigned case 
 
 was widely different from that which it was intended to repre- 
 sent. It was indeed stated that one brother had been slain 
 by the other, and that the survivor, a the only son of his 
 mother who was a widow,” was exposed to the sentence of 
 the law ; but David had many other sons ; and the death of 
 Absalom would not have u quenched his coal that was left,” 
 or deprived him of the comfort of children to succeed him in 
 his inheritance. Absalom had not slain Amnon in sudden 
 anger and hasty striving, when they were alone ; but in de- 
 liberate malice and revenge, in the presence of his brethren. 
 There was no malicious prosecution carrying on against 
 Absalom by those who coveted his inheritance : but the law 
 of God demanded his death, as a satisfaction to justice, and 
 for a salutary example to all others. Had the case been 
 drawn more similar, it would have betrayed the design, and 
 defeated Joab’s purpose : and the .state of David’s heart ren- 
 dered it unneccessary to be very exact : for he wanted, not a 
 good reason , but a plausible excuse for following his inclina- 
 tions, as Joab well knew. 
 
 V. 8 — 11. It would not have answered the intent of the 
 woman, or of Joab her prompter, had David merely engaged 
 to examine into the case : a present absolute decision in favour 
 of the supposed criminal was the object. The woman there- 
 fore having excited David’s compassion, urged he- plea with 
 ( h*9 ) 
 
B C. 1027. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. B. C. 1025. 
 
 remember the Lord thy God, that ‘thou wouldest 
 uot suffer ithe revengers of blood to destroy any 
 more, lest they destroy my son. And he said, 
 r As the Lord liveth, there shall "not one hair of 
 thy son fall to the earth. 
 
 12 Ttien the woman said, l Let thy handmaid, 
 I pray thee, u speak one word unto my lord the 
 king. And he said, *Say on. 
 
 13 And the woman said, ^Wherefore then hast 
 thou thought such a thing against the ‘people of 
 God ? for the king doth speak this thing as one 
 which is faulty, a in that the king doth not fetch 
 home again his banished. 
 
 14 For b we must needs die, and ore c as water 
 spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up 
 again ; ^neither doth d God respect any person : 
 yet doth he 'devise means, that his banished be 
 not expelled from him. 
 
 15 Now therefore that I am come to speak of 
 this thing unto my lord the king, it is because the 
 people have made me afraid : and thy handmaid 
 said, I will now speak unto the king ; it may be that 
 the king will perform the request of his handmaid. 
 
 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his hand- 
 maid out of the hand of the man that would 
 destroy me and my son together out of the in- 
 heritance of God. 
 
 17 Then thy handmaid said, The word of my 
 lord the king shall now be ^comfortable : for ( as 
 an angel of God, so is my lord the king Ho 
 ^discern good and bad: therefore the Lord thy 
 God will be with thee. 
 
 18 Then the king answered and said unto the 
 
 * Heb. the revenger of blood do not multiply to destroy. qNum. 35:19,27. 
 Deut. 19:4-10. Josh. 20:3-6. r 1 Sam. 14:45. 28:10. s 1 Kings 1:52. Matt. 
 10-30. Acts 27:34. t 1 Sam. 25:24. u Gen. 18:27,32. 44:18. Jer. 12:1. x Acts 
 28:1. y 12:7. 1 Kings 20:40— 42. Luke 7:42— 44 . 7.7:8. Judg. 20:2. a 13:37,38. 
 b 11:25. Job 30:23. 34:15. Ec. 3:19,90. 9:5. Heb. 9:27. c Job 14:7— 12,14. Pa. 
 22:14. 79:3. t Or , because God hath not taken cuoay his life, hehath. also de- 
 vised means , if e. d Deut. 10:17. Job 34: 19. Mott. 22:16. Acts 10:34. Rom. 2:11. 
 1 Pet. 1:17. e Ex. 21:13. Num. 35:15,25,28. } Heb. for rest. f 20. 19:27. 
 
 1 Sam. 29:9. Fro*. 27:21 . 29:5. § Heb. to hear. g 1 Kings 3:9,28. Job 6:30. 
 
 1 Cor. 2:14,15. marg. Heb. 5:14. h 1 Sam. 3:17,18. Jer. 38:14,25. i 3:27,29,34. 
 
 great earnestness <nd assured him that she was so satisfied 
 of the goodness of the cause, that she was willing all the guilt, 
 if there were any, should rest on her and her father’s house, 
 an ! not upon David or his kingdom. Thus she engaged for 
 what was out of her power; (Note, 1 Sam. 26:9,10.) for the 
 neglect of punishing murder would, notwithstanding, bring 
 guilt upon both king and people. (Note, Num. 35:31 — 34.) She, 
 liowever, requested him to “remember the Lord his God:” 
 that is, to give her the security of an oath, that he would spare 
 and protect her son ; and he was prevailed upon to grant her 
 unreasonable demand. In this, David acted more according 
 to his feelings than his judgment, and was very precipitate. 
 If the party concerned in the supposed case did not deserve 
 to die, the city of refuge would have afforded him a safe re- 
 treat, and a fair trial : ( Note, Jonh. 20:2 — G.) and if he merited 
 death, David had no right to dispense with the divine law by 
 protecting him ; and moreover he had examined no other wit- 
 ness, than one interested party ! 
 
 V. 13 — 17. The woman, having thus far carried her point, 
 proceeded, gradually and ambiguously, to apply David’s con- 
 cession to the case of Absalom ; and her speech was most 
 artfully devised, so that she might retract, or be more explicit, 
 according as he took it. She intimated that the king’s seve- 
 rity to his son was injurious to the people of God : and that 
 he was wanting in his duty to the kingdom, in delaying to 
 recall him: as if Absalom had been so excellent a young man, 
 that all the hopes of Israel centered in him 1 She repre- 
 sented his flight to Geshur as a banishment, which had already 
 been too severe a punishment of his offence. She pleaded 
 the certainty of death, and the impossibility of recalling the 
 dead to life again ; by which she would either insinuate that 
 Amnon would have died in some other way, if Absalom had 
 not slain him ; or that the punishment of Absalom would not 
 bring him to life again ; or that, as David himself must at 
 length die, it was proper that Absalom should be recalled to 
 succeed him. But whatever she meant, it was nothing to 
 the purpose : for God hath commanded the death of the mur- 
 derer, which exceedingly tends to the preservatio' of the life 
 of man, though it cannot raise the dead ; and if suen an argu- 
 ment were of any force, no malefactor must be put to death! 
 
 When we have a mind to a thing, all reasons seem strong 
 to persuade, us to it.’ Bp. Patrick. — She also pleaded the 
 mercy of God, m sparing, and readmitting sinful men into 
 is presence and favour, though justly banished from it ; in 
 which she seems to have referred to the return of the man- 
 slayer to his inheritance, art the death of the high-priest. — 
 The marginal reading, (14) “because God hath not taken 
 away his life, he hath also, &c.” appears to bo the proper 
 translation ; and it is intimated, that as God had spared Ab- 
 
 c 560 ) 
 
 woman, ‘‘Hide not from me, I pray thee, the 
 thing that I shall ask thee. And the woman said 
 Let my lord the king now speak. 
 
 19 And the king said. Is not the hand ‘of Joal> 
 with thee in all this ? And the woman answered 
 and said, thy soul liveth, my lord the king, 
 none can ‘turn to the right hand or to the left from 
 aught thaf my lord the king hath spoken : for thy 
 servant Joah, he bade me, and m he put all these 
 words in the mouth of thy handmaid : 
 
 20 To "fetch about this form of speech hath 
 thy servant Joab done this thing : and my lord is 
 wise, "according to the wisdom of an angel of 
 God, Pto know all things that are in the earth. 
 
 [ Practical Observations . ] 
 
 21 And the king said unto Joah, Behold now, 
 4l have done this thing : go therelore, bring the 
 young man Absalom again. 
 
 22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and 
 bowed himself, and “thanked the king : and Joab 
 said, To-day thy servant knoweth that r I have 
 found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that 
 the king hath fulfilled the request of “his servant. 
 
 23 So Joab arose and went to "Geshur, and 
 brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 
 
 24 And the king said, Let him turn to his own 
 house, and ‘let him not see my face. So Absalom 
 returned to his own house, and saw not the king’s 
 face. 
 
 25 ‘‘But in all Israel there was none to be so 
 much praised as Absalom for his beauty : "from 
 the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head 
 there was no blemish in him. 
 
 11:14,15. 1 Kings 2:5,6. k 11:11. 1 Ram. 1:25. 17:55. 2H:3. 25:26 . 2 Kings 2:41 
 1 Num. 20:17. Deui. 5:32. 28:14. Josh. 1:7. Prov. 4:27. m See on 3. Ex. 4: 
 15. r. uke 21:15. n 5:23. o 17. Job 32:21 ,22. Prov. 26:28. 23:5 pGen.3:5. 
 
 Job 38: 16, &c. 1 Cor. 8:1,9. q 11. 1 Sam. 14:39. Mark 6:96. || Heh. blessed. 
 19:39. Neh. 11:2. Job 29:11. 31:20. Prov. 31:23. rGen.6:8. Ex. 33:16,17. 
 
 Ruth 2:2. 1 Sam. 20.3. Or, thr,. s 3:3. 13:37. t 28. 3:13. Gen. 43:3. Rev. 
 22:4. ** Heb. And as Absalom there was not a beauti ful man in all Israel to 
 praise greatly. 1 Sam. 9:2. 16:7. Prov. 31:30. Mart. 23:27. u Deut. 28:35. Job 
 2:7. Is. 1:6. Eph. 5:27. 
 
 salom, David ought to pardon him. — But God pardons none 
 who are impenitent ; nor any, to the dishonour of his law and 
 justice, or to the encouragement of crimes, and the injury of 
 others. Perhaps she meant (o hint, that the people expressed 
 their dissalisfaction with Absalom’s banishment so openly, 
 that they made her afraid of an insurrection : but she pur- 
 posely so confounded the feigned cause of her son, with the 
 real cause of Absalom, that part of her address is obscure. 
 While however, she ventured to censure David for not grati- 
 fying himself; she took care repeatedly to give him flattering 
 commendations for his wisdom and goodness, which in such 
 a cause abundantly compensated for the ambiguity of her 
 discourse, and the weakness of her arguments : (Nates, Prov. 
 26:28. 29:5.) and to do her justice, her ingenuity in pleading 
 so bad a cause was admirable. ‘We love those that ad- 
 mire us.’ 
 
 V. 18—20. (Notes, 3:26—39. 11:14—17.) Even when 
 David perceived, and the woman had acknowledged, the drift 
 of her discourse ; she seems to have aimed to keep up the 
 idea, that the case stated was real, though she had turned the 
 discourse to Absalom; and that she could not hope the king 
 would spare her son, if he would not recall his own. — Her 
 flattery in the conclusion was very great ; even though she 
 meant only the land of Israel, and not the whole earth : but in 
 fact, David was not at this time giving much proof of his wis- 
 dom, as the event showed ! 
 
 V. 21, 22. David was willing to suppose that his oath, to 
 spare tho woman’s son, obliged him to recall Absalom, who 
 was the person really intended ; though he could not but per- 
 ceive the insufficiency ofher arguments, and the disparity of 
 the cases. As a favour therefore he gave Joab permission to 
 fetch home Absalom; and Joab appeared as thankful to the 
 king for allotting him this service, as if the most expensive 
 kindness had been done him. There was much of the 
 courtier in this ; but it was far distant from godly sincerity ! 
 
 If however Joah thought, that this conduct of David as a 
 pledge of reconciliation, or act of indemnity, secured him, 
 as a murderer, from punishment, he was deceived : for he 
 was at. length put to death for his crimes, and that by David's 
 counsel. (Notes, 1 Kings 2:5,6,28 — 31.) 
 
 Y. 24. David probably meant to quid his own conscience, 
 and to silenco the censures of others, or to show his abhor- 
 rence of murder, by laying Absalom under some tokens of 
 disgrace, and by denying himself the pleasure of seeing him. 
 This might also bo intended to humble Absalom : but it en- 
 tirely failed of producing that effect. 
 
 V. 25 — 27. Absalom was not praised for wisdom, justie© 
 or piety ; but morcly for his beauty, and rfl'cminacy ; tor such 
 doubtless was his attention to his hair: and yot he was the 
 
B. C. 1025. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 B. C. 1025. 
 
 26 And *when he polled his head, (for it was 
 at every year’s end that he polled it ; because the 
 hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it ;) he 
 weighed the hair of his head at Hwo hundred 
 shekels after the king’s weight. 
 
 27 And unto Absalom there were foorn three 
 sons, and one daughter, whose name teas .“Tamar: 
 she was a woman of a fair countenance. 
 
 b. c.] 28 H So Absalom dwelt two full years in 
 
 iw5. J Jerusalem, and saw not the king’s face. 
 
 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab, to have 
 sent him to the king ; b but he would not come to 
 him: and when he sent again- the second time, he 
 would not come. 
 
 30 Therefore he said unto his servants. See, 
 Joab’s field is near "mine, and he hath barley 
 there; c go and set it on fire. d And Absalom’s 
 servants set the field on fire. 
 
 31 Then Joah arose, and came to Absalom unto 
 his house, and said unto him, Wherefore have thy 
 servants set my field on fire ? 
 
 32 And Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent 
 
 i 18:9. Is. 3:21. 1 Cor. 11:14. y Gen. 23:16. Lev. 19:36. Ez. 45:9— 14. z 18: 
 18. Job 18:16— 19. Is. 14:22. Jer.22:30. a 13:1. b 30,31. Esth. 1:12. Matt. 
 22:3. * Heb. my place, c 13:23,29. Judg. 15:5. d livings 21:9 — 14. 2 Kings 
 9:33.10:6,7. e Ex. 14:12. 15:3. 17:3. fGen.3:12. 1 Sntn. 15:13. Ps.36:2. 
 
 admiration and the favourite of Israel ! ( Marg . Ref. A Totes, 15: 
 1 — 6. 1 Kings 1:5,6.) ‘It is not certain that he cut his hair 
 once a year : for the words in the Hebrew are “ from the end 
 of days to days,”... at stated times, ... when it grew too 
 heavy.’ Bp. Patrick. — As 200 shekels, according to the usual 
 meaning of the word, was no less than eight pounds four 
 ounces Troy weight ; it has been thought, that the shekel of 
 half an ounce is not meant, but a much less weight ; or that 
 the decorations used about his hair were included. Absalom’s 
 atrocious guilt however was forgotten, and his accomplish- 
 ments universally celebrated ; which increased his arrogance, 
 and ended in his ruin. — His sons died before him. (18:18.) 
 
 V. 28, 29. Perhaps Absalom was not only forbidden to 
 visit his father ; but was confined to his own house and its 
 environs, and not allowed to go abroad. (Note, 1 Kings 2: 
 36 — 46.) Thus he would be greatly embarrassed in his am- 
 bitious projects : and this might be one reason of his impa- 
 tient desire of being reconciled to David, and enjoying his full 
 liberty ; and also of being freed from the disgrace of his pre- 
 sent situation, which would hinder many from attaching them- 
 selves to him. He seems, however, to have been secretly 
 active in forming a party , even at this time : and either he had 
 not favoured Joab for his former services, according to his 
 expectations ; or Absalom’s popularity and ambition made 
 that sagacious politician regard him as a dangerous person, 
 with whom he did not wish to form any further connexions ; 
 so that he declined coming to him. 
 
 V. 30 — 33. Absalom’s injurious and hectoring treatment 
 of so considerable a person as Joab; and his arrogant mes- 
 sage to David, almost vindicating his conduct and demanding 
 justice ; plainly showed his character and intentions, and his 
 confidence in the favour of the people, and the ill-judged le- 
 nity of his father. This aggravated David's sin and folly in 
 receiving him into full favour, in the manner he did ; and 
 which would give him access, without restraint, to all those 
 who before were reserved, or afraid of showing their attach- 
 ment to him. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 20. It behooves princes and magistrates to be acces- 
 sible, and to protect the destitute and oppressed : yet the 
 most amiable dispositions must be regulated by discretion ; 
 or they will lead us to improper concessions. — While the 
 urgent wants of the poor are unheeded by most men ; the 
 secret wishes of those, who possess authority and affluence, 
 are discovered and anticipated by crafty courtiers and de- 
 pendents, who seek their own interest by forwarding their 
 •ndulgence : so that conscientious self-denial in such a situa- 
 tion is doubly difficult and doubly needful. — If scruples and fears 
 deter great men from complying with their inclinations ; some 
 feigned precedent, some plausible arguments, or some partial 
 illustration, will be devised and speciously suggested, to re- 
 move the hinderance. In such a case , the discerning favourite, 
 or candidate for royal favour, will personally, or by some well- 
 chosen instrument, venture to find fault with his prince or 
 his patron ; and to represent to him, that the safety of the 
 state, or some oth?r important interest, demands those mea- 
 sures which he scruples to adopt ; and by such addresses to 
 the passions as are suited to his character and disposition, 
 mixed with flattering commendations and expostulations, he 
 will cover the fallacy of his reasonings, and the unlawfulness 
 and impolicy of that conduct which he recommends. Thus 
 many a one has been led to impose on his own judgment and 
 conscience, and conclude that he could not resist such urgent 
 importunities, and such cogent arguments ; that his consent 
 was almost extorted ; and that to oblige such kind friends he 
 had passed his word, and could not in honour retract it: 
 while in reality he was overcome by his own inclinations, and 
 VOL. I 71 
 
 unto thee, sayinar, Come hither, that I may send 
 thee to the king-, to say, Wherefore am I come 
 from Geshur? e it had been good for me to have 
 been there still : now therefore let me see the 
 king’s lace ; and < if there be any iniquity in me, 
 let him kill me. 
 
 33 So Joab came to the king, and told him : 
 and when he had called for Absalom, he came to 
 the king, and bowed himself on his face to the 
 ground before the king : and the king ^kissed 
 Absalom. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Absalom , by fair speeches and affected courtesy , steals the hearts of the 
 people, 1 — 6. Under pretence of a vow, he obtains leave to go to He- 
 bron, where he raises rebellion, 7 — 12. David hearing it retires from 
 Jerusalem, 13 — 18. It ai the Gillite faithfully adheres to him, and the 
 people weep over him, 19 — 23. Zadok and Abiathar are sent back with th 4 
 ark, 24 — 29. David and his company ascend mount Olivet weeping, 30. 
 Hearing that Ahithophel had joined Absalom , he prays that his counsel may 
 be turned into foolishness, 31 . Hushax is sent back with instructions , 32 — 37. 
 
 A ND it came to pass after this, that a Absalom 
 prepared him chariots and horses, and fifty 
 men to run before him. 
 
 2 And Absalom b rose up early, and stood beside 
 
 Prov. 28:13. Jer. 2:22,23. 8:12. Matt. 25:44. Rom. 3:19. g Gen. 27:26. 33:4. 
 45:15. Luke 15:20. a 12:11. Deut. 17:16. 1 Sam. 8:11. 1 Kings 1 :5, 33. 10:26 
 
 —29. Ps. 20:7. lTov. 11:2. 16:18.17:19. Jer. 22:14— 16. b Job24:14. Prov. 
 4:16. Matt. 27:1. 
 
 only wanted a specious excuse for indulging them. If the 
 required concessions are evidently contrary to the duty of a 
 man’s station, and the interests of society ; it will plausibly 
 be argued, that some exceptions must be admitted ; that this 
 was a singular case ; and that herg exactness would be harsh, 
 injurious, and of bad consequence : by sophistry, so mani- 
 fest and slight, many even wise and good men deceive them- 
 selves, where their affections are previously engaged. — Let 
 us hence learn, what need we have to adhere closely to our 
 rule of duty ; to pray earnestly for the teaching of the Holy 
 Spirit ; and to watch against the deceitfulness of our own 
 own hearts, the bribery of our passions, and the agreeable 
 poison of adulation. — Sin has so filled the world with misery, 
 that real cases of distress may be found, more pitiable than 
 any which the imagination can feign ; and we should readily 
 endeavour to relieve those who are in (rouble : but even com- 
 passion, amiable as it is, will not justify our violations of the 
 divine law, or neglect of the important duties of our station. 
 (Note, Ex. 23:1 — 3.) AVith this single exception, alleviating 
 misery is the noblest privilege and employment of the great ; 
 who should in this especially “ remember the Lord their God . 
 not only his authority and their accountableness to him ; but 
 his compassion and mercy to others and to themselves ; and 
 his justice and holiness, who in his love to sinners manifests 
 most conspicuously his abhorrence of their crimes. — As all 
 must die, and there is no recall from the !omb by human power, 
 we should not spend our time in immoderate, unavailing la- 
 mentations for the dead ; but should be employed in prepar- 
 ing for our own dissolution, and in seizing the fleeting oppor- 
 tunity of “serving our generation.” — AVhen we are most 
 commended for our discernment, we generally act the most 
 foolishly ; for those very praises cloud the understanding and 
 pervert the judgment. AVedeem it unnecessary for persons 
 of such acknowledged wisdom as we are, to waste time in 
 nice distinctions ; we can scarcely refuse to speak comforta- 
 bly to them, who speak so agreeably to us : and hence extra- 
 vagant commendations lead to self-deception, and entangle 
 all parties in the net of the great deceiver of our fallen race. 
 
 V. 21 — 33. In our treatment of children or others who 
 have greatly offended, every method should be used, which 
 has a tendency to mortify pride, and to bring them to repent- 
 ance ; and in aiming at this important object, the feelings of 
 our hearts must be repressed. But when high rank, early 
 indulgence, impunity in crimes, flattering commendations, 
 personal accomplishments, and popular favour, concur to 
 increase the natural haughtiness of the human heart; and 
 when the Lord leaves a man to himself, it is inconceivable to 
 what a pitch of arrogance and insolence he will arrive. A 
 person of this description will vindicate the basest villanies, 
 treat all superiors with contempt, and all benefactors with 
 ingratitude ; and overbear and terrify all around him into 
 compliance with his unreasonable demands. — But all this is 
 the forerunner of destruction : and when parents or rulers 
 countenance such imperious characters, they will soon expe- 
 rience the most fatal effects.— The Lord grant unto us the 
 inward beauty of holiness, and the adorning of a meek and 
 quiet spirit : for “ favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain :” 
 and-those only, who fear the Lord, are truly excellent and 
 happy. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XV. V. 1 — 6. The last clause in 
 
 these verses aptly marks the way, in which Absalom ingra- 
 tiated himself with the people. He “stole the hearts of the 
 men of Israel.” (Note, Rom. 16:17 — 20.) He did not gam 
 their hearts by eminent services, or by a wise and virtuous 
 conduct. But he affected to look great, as heir to the crown; 
 and yet to be very condescending and affable to his inferiors : 
 he pretended a great regard to their interests, and threw out 
 
 ( 561 ) 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 the wa/ of t'ie gate: and it was so, that when any 
 man that hal a controversy 'came to the king .for 
 judgment, then Absalom called unto him, and said, 
 Of what city art thou ? And he said, Thy servant 
 is of one of the tribes of Israel. 
 
 3 And Absalom said unto him, See, c tliy mat- 
 ters are good and right ; but Hhere is no man de- 
 puted, of the king to hear thee. 
 
 4 Absalom said moreover, d Oh that I were 
 made judge in the land, that every man which 
 hath any suit or cause might come unto me, and 
 'I would do him justice! 
 
 5 And it was so, that when any man came nigh 
 to him to do him obeisance, he put forth his hand, 
 and took him, and skissed him. 
 
 6 And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel 
 that came to the king for judgment : so Absalom 
 h stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 
 
 r,B. c. 7 H And it came to pass after ‘forty years, 
 
 1 I021 - that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, 
 let me go and 'pay my vow, which I have vowed 
 unto the Lord in Hebron. 
 
 8 For m thy servant vowed avow while I abode 
 at_"Geshur in Syria, saying, If the Lord shall 
 bring me again indeed to Jerusalem, then °I will 
 serve the Lord. 
 
 9 And the king said unto him, Go in peace. 
 So he arose, and went to Hebron. 
 
 'Heb. to come. Ex. 18:14,16.23. 1 Kiiies 3:16— 23. c Num. 16:3,13,14. Ps. 12: 
 2. Dan. 11:21. 2 Pet. 2:10. f Or, none will hear thee from the king downward. 8: 
 15. Ex. 20:12. 21:17. Prov. 30:11,11. Kz. 22:7. Matt. 15:4. Acts 23:5. lPet.2: 
 17. d Judg. 9:1— 5,15,29. Prov. 2^6,7. Luke 14:8— 11. e Prov. 27 2. 2 Pet. 
 2:19. f Ps. 10:9,10. 55:21. Prov. 26:25. g 14:33. h Prov. 11:9. Rom. 1618. 
 
 2 Pet. 2:3. i 1 Sam. 16:13. k 13-24 — 27. 1 Prov. 21:27. Is. 58:4. Matt. 2 8. 
 23:14. m Gen. 28:20,21. 1 Sam. 1:11. Ps. 56:12. Ec. 5:4. n 13:37,38. 14:23, 
 S2. o Josh. 24:15. Is. 28:15. Jer. 9:3-5. 42:20. p 13:28.29. 14:30. q 19:10. 
 Job 20:5. Ps. 73:18,19. r 2:1,11. 3:2,3. 5:5. I Chr. 11:3. 12:23,38. s 1 Sam. 9: 
 
 artful insinuations against David’s administration : he flat- 
 tered every one who had a cause to be tried, with the assur- 
 ance that he had right on his side ; that, if it went against 
 him, he might be led to accuse David and the magistrates of 
 injustice. Though Absalom knew not how to obey, and de- 
 served to die for his atrocious crime ; yet he expressed a 
 vehement desire to be judge over all the land ; and suggested 
 Jhat suits should not then be so tedious, expensive, and par- 
 tially decided as they were. This he confirmed by rising 
 early and by apparent application ; though it was to other 
 people’s business, and not to his own duty : and by such 
 sinister arts, united with his personal attractions, magnifi- 
 cence, and address, he imposed upon multitudes all over the 
 land, to prefer so worthless a character to the wise, righteous, 
 md pious David ! — Others of the king’s sons were employed 
 .n public business, but Absalom seems not to have had any 
 place. (Note, 8:15 — 18.) This might offend him; and his 
 artifices tended to alienate the people from his brethren, as 
 well as from his father. — The chariots and horsemen of Ab- 
 salom, being a deviation from the divine law, should not have 
 been allowed by David on any account: (Notes, 8:4. Dent. 
 17,16. 1 Kings 1:5:6.) and indeed he might easily have fore- 
 
 seen the consequences of Absalom’s ostentation, and should 
 at once have restrained it. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. The era, from which the “forty years” here 
 mentioned should be computed, cannot easily be assigned ; 
 nor are any of the conjectures of learned men on the sub- 
 ject fully satisfactory. The most approved seems to be, 
 that they must be reckoned from the time of David’s anoint- 
 ing by Samuel to the kingdom: yet that, being a private 
 transaction, would scarcely have been referred to in a public 
 computation ; no other events are dated from that era ; the 
 subsequent history has no apparent connexion with it ; and 
 indeed it would fix Absalom’s rebellion more early in David’s 
 reign, than it seems to have occurred. — It is evident that 
 Josephus read four years, which he dates from Absalom’s 
 reconciliation; (a very proper time for his artful schemes to 
 produce their effects ;) and this seems to be the true reading ; 
 from which a trivial error easily made, was fallen into by 
 some very ancient transcriber. — Absalom was born at He- 
 bron ; (3:2,3.) and that gave him the pretext for asking to go 
 thither to pay the vow, which he feigned to have made at 
 Geshur: yet as David was made king at Hebron, (Notes, 
 5:1 — 5.) it was obvious to conclude from Absalom’s whole 
 character, that he was influenced by ambition rather than 
 devotion. Rut he knew his father would be pleased to sup- 
 pose that he paid any regard to religion ; and therefore he 
 cloaked his intended treason and parricide with hypocrisy. 
 (Note, Qen. 27:21—23.) 
 
 V. 10. Spies having been previously sent, into all parts 
 of the land, to sound the inclinations of the people, and to 
 prepare the way : when the design was ripe for execution, 
 trumpeters were sent after them: that, when the signal was 
 given, the spies might, through all the tribes of Israel, pro- 
 claim Absalom king, without expressly avowing the treason, 
 or saying whether David was dead, '* had resigned, or had 
 ( 56*2 ) 
 
 10 But Absaiom sent Pspies throug-houf all the 
 tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as ye hear the 
 sound of the trumpet, then ye shall say, Absalom 
 ‘ireigneth in r Hebron. 
 
 11 And with Absalom went two hundred men 
 out of Jerusalem, that were ‘called; and they 
 went in ‘their simplicity, and they knew not any 
 thing. 
 
 12 And Absalom sent for “Ahithophel the 
 Gilonite, “David’s counsellor, from his city, even 
 from ^Giloh, ‘while he offered sacrifices. And the 
 conspiracy was strong ; for “the people increased 
 continually with Ab^lom. iPracucai Observations.'] 
 
 13 And there came a messenger to David, 
 saying, b The hearts of the men of Israel are after 
 Absalom. 
 
 14 And David said unto all his servants that 
 were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us 
 flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: 
 make speed to depart, lest he overtake us sud- 
 denly, and ?bring evil upon us, d and smite the 
 city with the edge of the sword. 
 
 15 And the king’s servants said unto the king, 
 “Behold, thy servants are ready to do whatsoever 
 my lord the king shall ^appoint. 
 
 16 And the king went forth, and all his house- 
 hold "after him : and the king left f ten women 
 which xvere concubines to keep the house. 
 
 13.16.3 — 5. t Gen. 20:5. 1 Sam. 22:15. Prov. 14:15. 22:3. Matt. 10:16. Rom. 
 16:18,19. u 31. 16:20— 23. 17:14,23. x Ps. 41:9. 55:12— 14. Mic. 7:5,6. John 
 13:18. y Josh. 15:51. z Num . 23:1 ,14,30. 1 Kings 21 :9,12. Ps. 50:16— 21. 
 
 Prov. 21:27. Is. 1:10-16. Tii. 1:16. a Ps. 3: 1 . 43: 1 ,2. b 6. 3:36. Jude. 9:3. 
 Ps. 62:9. Matt. 21:9. 27:22. c 19:9. Ps. 3 -.title. \ Heb. thrust. Ez. 46:18. 
 Matt. 11:12. viarg. Luke 10:15. d 23:16,17. Ps. 51:18. 55:3— 11. 137:5,6. 
 e Prov. 18:24. Luke 22:28,29. John 6:66 — 69.15:14. § Heb. choose. || Ileb. 
 at his feci. Judg. 4:10. 1 Sam. 25:27,42. mare, f 12:11. 16:21,22. 20:3. Rom. 
 12:2. 
 
 admitted Absalom to share the authority. Thus while 
 David’s loyal subjects would hesitate in uncertainty, Absa- 
 lom’s party became formidable. 
 
 V. 11. Absalom went to Hebron with David’s approba- 
 tion, and under the pretence of religion; and these persons, 
 (who doubtless were of chief rank at Jerusalem,) being 
 invited to a sacred feast, accompanied him, and thus unde- 
 signedly countenanced his rebellion. By involving them in 
 the suspicion of treason, lie doubtless intended either to fix 
 them in his interests, or to prevent David from placing confi- 
 dence in them. 
 
 V. 12. (Marg. Ref.) Ahithophel possessed great abili- 
 ties ; and he had professed much religion, and been David’s 
 counsellor and bosom friend : but he was now retired from 
 court, perhaps in some disgust. Bath-sheba was daughter to 
 Eliam, and Eliam was son to Ahithophel ; (11:3. 23:34.) it has 
 therefore been thought that he was her grandfather, and 
 resented the dishonour done to his family. He, however, 
 readily joined Absalom’s conspiracy, and would have been 
 the chief stay of it, had not God “ turned his counsel into 
 foolishness.” (Note, 31.) In many things he resembled 
 Judas the traitor, and may everfbe said to have typified him. 
 (Notes, Ps. 41*9. 55:12—15,20,21. 109:2—20. John 13:18 — 
 30. Acts 1:16—18.) 
 
 The people increased , &c.l Various motives would induce 
 numbers to assemble ; ana many of them might have no 
 previous purpose of joining in a conspiracy against David : 
 but the feasting, the conversation, the exultations, and 
 menaces of the leading conspirators ; with the promises, and 
 fascinating objects held forth to their vain but sanguine 
 hopes ; drew them in to commit themselves, beyond their 
 first intention, as it is usual on such occasions. — They heed- 
 lessly approached the vortex, and were irrecoverably drawn 
 into it. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. It is most probable, that some of the two 
 hundred men, who “ went in their simplicity,” sent David 
 word concerning the conspiracy ; and also represented it as 
 extremely formidable. It must indeed have been expected, 
 that the conspirators would act in the most decided manner: 
 and though Jerusalem was a well-fortified city, yet it might 
 not be stored with a garrison or provisions for a siege. The 
 small force, which David had with him, might he insufficient 
 to defend it against Absalom ; and perhaps he had no confi- 
 dence in the inhabitants, or he was unwilling to expose that 
 populous and sacred city to the effects of a siege. lie might 
 also deem it prudent to give the furious blaze of popular 
 fremfy time to spend itself, hoping that numbers would soon 
 lie sensible of their folly and ingratitude. — It is probable, how- 
 ever, that conscious guilt; the hand of God evidently lifted 
 up against him as it had been predicted ; the treason of his 
 much beloved Absalom ; and the fickleness of the pcop.e 
 after all his past services, and successes for their benefit ; 
 damped his wonted courage, and rendered him loss prompt 
 for battle, especially in so horrid and unnatural a war. It 
 does not however appear that his measures were impel tic, 
 or that his friends thought thorn so. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 B. C. 1021. 
 
 B. C. 1021. 
 
 17 And the kings went forth, and all the people 
 after him, and tarried in a place that was far 
 
 off. 
 
 18 And all his servants passed on beside him; 
 
 and all the h Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, 
 and all the 'Gittites, six hundred men which 
 came after him from Gath, passed on before the 
 king. . 
 
 19 It Then said the king to ftttai, the Gittite, 
 Wherefore goest thou also with us ? return to 
 thy place, and abide with the king ; for thou art 
 a stranger, and also an exile. 
 
 20 Whereas thou earnest but yesterday, should 
 I this day make thee k go up and down with us? 
 k seeing I go whither I may ; return thou, and take 
 back thy brethren : ‘mercy and truth be with 
 thee. 
 
 21 And Ittai answered the king, and said, m As 
 the Lord livetli, and as my lord the king liveth, 
 "surely in what place my lord the king shall be, 
 whether in death or life, even there also will thy 
 servant be. 
 
 22 And David said to Ittai, Go and pass over. 
 And Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all his men, 
 and all the little ones that were with him. 
 
 23 And all the country wept with a loud voice, 
 and all the people passed over: the king also 
 himself passed over the brook °Kidron, and all 
 the people passed over toward the way of the 
 Pwilderness. 
 
 24 H And lo, iZadok also, and all the Levites 
 were with him, r bearing the ark of the covenant 
 
 g Ps. 3: title. 2. 66:12. Ec. 10:7. h 8:18. 200,23. ISnm. 30:14. I Kings 1: 
 38. 1 Chr. 1817. i 19— 22. 6:10. 18:2. lSam.27:3. j 18:2. Ruth 1:11— 13. 
 
 • '■8.56:8.59:15. Am. 8:12. Hel,. 11 :37,3S. k 1 Sam. 
 
 23:13. I 2:3. Ps. 25:10. 57:3.61:7. 85:10. 89:14. Prov. 14:22. John 1:17. 2 Tim. 
 . : 16 — 18. m 1 Sam. 20:3. 25:23 . 2 Kings 2 2,4,6. 4:30. n Ruth 1 :16.17. Prov. 
 17:17.18:24. Mali. 8:19.20. John 6:66-69. Acts 11:23. 21:13. 2Cor.7:3. 
 
 o lKings2:37. John 18:1. Cedron. p 16:*2. Matt. 3.1,3. Luke 1:80. q.27, 
 ^5. 8:17.2D:25. 1 Kings 1 :8. 2:35. 4:2— 4. 1 Chr. 6:8— 12. Ez. 48:11. r 6:13. 
 Num. 4:15. 7:9. Josh. 3:3,6,15— 17. 4: 16— 18. 6:4.6. 1 Sain. 4:3— 5,1 1 . 1 Chr. 
 15:2. s 12:10,11. 1 Sam. 4:3 — 11. Jer.7:4. t Ps. 28:8. 27:4,5. 42:1 ,2. 43:3,4. 
 63: 1,2. 84:1 — 3,10. 122:1,2,9. Is. 38:22. u 6:17. 7:2. ¥2-2:20. Num. 14:8. 
 
 V. 16. David, it is probable, took his wives and children 
 with him : but supposing that these concubines would be an 
 additional incumbrance, and not apprehending that Absalom 
 would injure them, he left them to take care of his house; 
 bv which inadvertency the Lord fulfilled his denunciation. 
 (Notes, 12:11,12. 16:20—23.) 
 
 V. 17. It is highly probable, from the original, that both 
 David and all his company went on foot , upon this distress- 
 ing occasion. — After him.] i’Sj-o. At his feet. IP. marg. 
 
 V. 18 — 22. The six hundred Gittites seem to have been 
 a distinct body from the Cherethitps and Pelethites: they 
 had accompanied, or followed, David from Gath, and probably 
 were proselyted Philistines, commanded by Ittai of the same 
 nation. The Cherethites and Pelethites seem likewise to 
 have been collected from among the several districts of the 
 Philistines, or adjacent and allied tribes. (Marg Ref. h. 
 Note , 8:15 — 18.) They were, however, numbered among 
 David’s most faithful attendants, being attached to him by 
 esteem for his character, and love to his religion : and we 
 may infer, that his sojourning in the land of the Philistines 
 was overruled for very important good to numbers of that 
 nation. — David was unwilling to expose Ittai and his men, 
 who were strangers and exiles in Israel, (having been driven 
 with their families from Gath, for their affection to David, 
 and to his religion and people,) to so much hardship and 
 peril, as were now before him : and he would have dismissed 
 them with thanks and prayers for them : hut their attachment 
 lo his person and cause was more strong than that of most 
 of the native Israelites; and they were determined to cleave 
 to him, and serve him at all events. (Note, 1 Chr. 12:16 — 
 
 18.) — David called Absalom king, (19) as he had usurped 
 the throne, and was at present in possession of regal au- 
 thority. 
 
 V. 23. Though ihe multitude favoured Absalom, yet many 
 sympathized with David— Thus while the general cry against 
 Jesus was, “ Crucify him, crucify him ;” there were those 
 who wept, aru: bewailed him. (Note, Luke 23:26—31.) 
 
 Aa me cottn.ry ivept, &c.] All the land (yNn) wept , 
 hat is, the weeping was general among the inhabitants ; the 
 adherents to Absalom being at a distance. — Kidron.] Our 
 blessed Saviour passed this same brook, in his way to the 
 garden, at or near to the mount of Olives, in the evening 
 before his crucifixion. (Note, John 18:1—3, t>. .) 
 
 V. 24 — 29. Abiathar was the high-priest: yet Zadok, of 
 the family of Eleazar, was more noticed than he, as more fa- 
 voured by David ; for Eli’s family was gradually declining. 
 (Notes, i Sam. 2:30,35,36. 1 Kings 2:26,27,35.)—' The priests 
 and Levites were generally attached to David, which was 
 honourable to them, and showed that religion was upon the 
 whole in a flourishing state. The presence of the ark and the 
 
 of God : and they set down the ark of God ; and 
 Abiathar went up, until all the people had done 
 passing out of the city. 
 
 25 And the king said unto Zadok, “Carry back 
 the ark of God into the city : if I shall find favour 
 in the eyes of the Lord, ‘he will bring me again, 
 and show me both it and his “habitation. 
 
 26 But if he thus say, I V have no delight in 
 thee ; behold here am I, x let him do to me as 
 seemeth good unto him. 
 
 27 The king said also unto Zadok the priest. 
 Art not thou - v a seer? z return into the city in 
 peace, and your two sons with you, Ahimaaz thy 
 son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 
 
 28 See, “I will tarry in the plain of the wilder- 
 ness, until there come word from you to certify me. 
 
 29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark 
 of God again to Jerusalem : and they tarried 
 there. 
 
 30 If And David went up by b the ascent of mount 
 Olivet, ‘and wept as he went up, and had c his 
 head covered, and he went d barefoot : and all tht' 
 people that was with him covered every man his 
 lead, and they went up, nveeping as they wen 
 up. 
 
 31 If And one told David, saying, f Ahithophe. . 
 is among the conspirators with Absalom. Ana 
 David said, * * * * * * 0 Lord, I pray thee, "turn the coun- 
 sel of Ahithophel into foolishness. 
 
 32 Aryl it came to pass, that when David was 
 come to 'the top of the mount, where ‘he worship- 
 ped God, behold, k Hushai the 'Archite came to 
 
 1 Kings 10:9. 2C'hr. 9:8. Ts. 42:1. 62:4. Jer. 22:28. 32:41. Mai. 1:10. i Judg. 
 10:15. 1 Sam. 3:18. Jol: 1:20.21. Ps. 39:9. y 24:11. 1 Sam. 9 9. 1 Chr. 25:5 
 i 34,36. 17:17. a 23. 16:2. 17:1,16. b Zech. 14:4. Luke 19:29,37. 21:37.2^:39 
 Acts 1:12. t Web. going up and weeping. Ps.42:3 — 11.43:1,2,5. I.uke 19:41, 
 c. 19:4. Esth. 6:12. Jer. 14:3,4. d Is. 20:2, 4. Ez. 24:17,23. e Pi. 126:5.6. 
 Matt. 5:4. Rom. 12:15. 1 Cor. 12:26. f 12. Ps. 3:1,2. 41:9. 55:12—14. Matt. 26: 
 14,15. John 13:18. g Ps. 55:15— 17. 109:3,4. h 16:23. 17:14,23. Job 5:12.13. 
 12.16— 20. Is. 19:3,11— 14. Jer. 8:8,9. 1 Cor 1:20. 3:18 — 20. Jam. 3:15. i 30. 
 1 Kings 11:7. Luke 19 29. j 1 Kings 8:44,45. Job 1:20,21. Ps. 3:3— 5,7. 4: 1—3. 
 50:15.91:15. k 16:16-19. 1 Josh. 16:2. 
 
 high-priest would have been a comfort, and an apparent«ad- 
 vantage to David : but the ark had been placed, and the ordi- 
 nances of God established, in Zion. David was under tho 
 divine rebuke, and would express his humiliation and submis- 
 sion to it; and not assume, by the presence of the ark, that 
 God was on his side, while he was suffering for his sins: 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 4:3 — 11.) but he would refer his cause to the 
 Lord, either to bring him back to Zion in peace, or to let his 
 unnatural and ungrateful foes prevail against him ; being con- 
 scious that he deserved the worst at the hands of God, though 
 not from them. (Marg. Ref. s — v.) — David’s frame of spirit 
 was excellent on this trying occasion . and his language beau- 
 tifully humble, resigned, and pious. — It is not certain whether 
 Zadok was endued wiih the Spirit of prophecy, or whether 
 he sometimes inquired of the Lord in the place of the high- 
 priest; or whether David only meant to say, that he was a 
 person of remarkable discernment and penetration, who could 
 furnish him with important and authentic information by his 
 observance of Absalom’s conduct ; and one in whose faithful- 
 ness he could entirely depend. He would not therefore go tc 
 any great distance, till he heard from Zadok. 
 
 V. 30. These were expressions of David’s self-abasement, 
 and sorrow for his sins, and for the miseries which he had 
 brought on himself, on his family, and people. He thus 
 “humbled himself under the mighty hand of God,” which lie 
 saw lifted up against him: and the people joined him with the 
 same tokens of godly sorrow and repentance. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 31. David apprehended more danger from Ahithophel’i* 
 superior talents, and. decisive energy of mind, than from a l 
 the courage and numbers of Absalom’s followers : immediately 
 therefore, upon hearing that he had joined the conspirators, 
 he addressed the Lord in one short ejaculation ; and it proved 
 effectual. He did not pray against Ahithophel himself; bur, 
 “that his counsel might be turned into foolishness;” either 
 that he might be left to give foolish counsel, or that his’pru- 
 dent advice might be despised and neglected as folly : and 
 all, who heard this petition, could not but be much impressed 
 with the answer which it shortly received. (Note, 17:1 — 14, 
 23.) — He afterwards worshipped God in a more solemn man- 
 ner with his whole company. (32) 
 
 V. 32 — 37. It reems that David entirely confided m the 
 fidelity and prudence of Hushai, and that his reputation as a 
 wise counsellor was great : but either he was not able to en- 
 dure the fatigues of w ar, or he was no soldier. David there- 
 fore stated, that in his present destitute condition, Hushai 
 would only burden him and his friends, by attending him, and 
 he pointed out how he might better serve his cause by re- 
 maining in Jerusalem. — Stratagems of war are lawful ; for ar. 
 enemy may as well be outwitted as overpowered : but the 
 instructions given fo Hushai imply a falsehood, which cannot 
 
 ( 533 ) 
 
B. C. 10<? 1 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 meet him with his m coat rent, and earth upon his 
 head ; 
 
 33 Unto whom David said, If thou passest on 
 with me, "then thou shalt be a burden unto me : 
 
 34 But if thou °return to the city, and say unto 
 Absalom, I will be thy servant, O king ; p as I have 
 been thy father’s servant hitherto, so will I now 
 also be thy servant: ^then mayest thou for me 
 defeat the counsel of Ahithophel. 
 
 35 And hast thou not there with thee Zadok 
 and Abiathar the priests? therefore it shall be, 
 that what thing soever thou shalt hear out of the 
 king’s house, r thou shalt tell it to Zadok and 
 Abiathar the priests. 
 
 36 Behold, they have there with them s their two 
 sons. Ahimaaz Zadok’s son , and Jonathan Abia- 
 thar’s son ; and by them ye shall send unto me 
 every thing that ye can hear. 
 
 37 So Hushai David’s 1 friend came into the city, 
 and “Absalom came into Jerusalem. 
 
 ra 1:2. 13:19. n 19:35. o20. Josh. 8:2. Matt. 10:16. p 16:16— 19. q 17:5 
 
 —14. r 17:15,16. s 27. 17:17. 18:19, &c. t 16:16. 1 Chr. 27:33. u 16:15. 
 a 15:30,32. 1> 9:2,9—12. c 17:27—29. 19:32. 1 Sam. 25:18. 1 Chr. 12:40. Prov. 
 18:16. 29:4,5. d Jer. 40:10,12. Am. 8:1. Mic. 7:1. e 1 Sam. 10:3. 16:20. 
 
 be wholly vindicated. (Note, Josh. 8:1,2.) — The conduct of 
 Ahithophel, in joining Absalom, would render Hushai’s less 
 suspected by the conspirators. — Ahimaaz , &c. (36) Notes , 
 17:15—21. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. The ostentation of emulating or exceeding su- 
 periors in external pomp, is an evidence of a narrow mind, a 
 weak judgment, and a depraved heart. It is, however, the 
 common folly and ruin of indulged children, and frequently 
 prepares the way for the most atrocious crimes. The very 
 first appearance, therefore, of this alFectation should be re- 
 pressed by parents, with decision, and even with severity, if 
 they would prevent the ruin of their families. — Those who 
 least understand the duties, and could least endure the bur- 
 dens of authority, are commonl}' most desirous of it. But 
 when ambition prompts, the most self-indulgent assume the 
 appearance of diligence ; and the most haughty, that of affa- 
 bility and condescension : and while men aspire to the pinnacle 
 of earthly grandeur, they, for the time, pay the most abject 
 court to the meanest of the mob ! Such fawning sons of am- 
 bition are peculiar to no age or nation : but let every wise and 
 hondst man shun them as a pestilence. They make their 
 way by openly or obliquely traducing the characters, or cen- 
 suring the measures, of their rulers; and the wisdom and per- 
 fection of an angel would be no security againat their malig- 
 nant insinuations. As self-love cannot but murmur at impar- 
 tiality, and men are generally discontented and desirous of 
 change, these demagogues always have proper persons on 
 whom to practise. By joining in the groundless complaints 
 of the disaffected, they feed their discontent; by flattering 
 their persons and approving their cause, they humour their 
 pride; by lavish promises (which cost and mean nothing) of 
 what they would do if they were in power, they excite their 
 sanguine hopes of greater felicity ; and by a voluble tongue, 
 an insinuating address, personal accomplishments, and con- 
 summate impudence, they steal the hearts of the people, and 
 
 f »repare the way for popular tumults, insurrections, and rebel- 
 ion. For such is human nature, that these arts and attain- 
 ments go much further in gaining the favour of the multitude, 
 than wisdom and justice, truth and piety, or the most import- 
 ant and long-continued services ! This is the old hackneyed 
 way for men, destitute of conscience or honour, to wind them- 
 selves into important stations ; and yet it is as much practised, 
 and as little suspected, as if it were quite a new discovery ! 
 — No wise and good man, therefore, should on any account 
 promise himself the continuance of popular favour, or be 
 cast down if he meet with treachery and ingratitude: yet, in 
 general, we may perceive the righteousness of God, in the 
 basest treatment, which we can receive from man ; and may 
 thence be reminded to humble ourselves before him, and to 
 expect all our happiness from him alone. — No villany can be 
 termed complete , which is not disguised under the mask of re- 
 ligion ; especially at those times, when the profession of god- 
 liness is treated with general respect. Pious persons are glad 
 to see others, and particularly those whom they most love, 
 appear to be religious, and arc not apt to suspect them of 
 hypocrisy: and this gives occasion to the most, scandalous and 
 pernicious deceptions. — The policy of wicked men and the 
 subtlety of Satan are exerted to the utmost, in drawing in re- 
 spectable persons to give an unintended and unsuspected 
 countenance to the basest designs ; by which, opinions, prin- 
 ciples, and practices acquire a degree of regard, to which they 
 are not. at all entitled, and which they would not otherwise 
 have obtained : but none so much strengthen the hands of pro- 
 fligates or infidels, as apostates from a religious profession. 
 
 V. 13 — 37. Little dependence can be placed on earthly 
 prosperity ; and as little can be judged of causes or charac- 
 ters bv success, until the final event of things shall arrive. — 
 Our severest trials often come from those, in whom we most 
 Confided; and our firmest friends arc sometimes raised up 
 
 { 564 > 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Ziba imposes on David, and obtains a grant of Mrphibosheth's estate , 1—4 
 i Shimei a Benjamite curses and slanders David , tcho bears it humbly ana 
 meekly , 5—14. Hushai insinuates himself into Absalom's counsels, 15—19. 
 By Ahithophel' e advice, Absalom openly goes in to his father's concubines 
 20—23. 
 
 A ND when David was a “little past the top 
 of the hill , behold, b Ziba the servant of Me 
 phibosheth met him, c with a couple of asses 
 saddled, and upon them two hundred loaves of 
 bread, and a hundred bunches of raisins, and 
 a hundred of ''summer fruits, and e a bottle of 
 wine. 
 
 2 And the king said unto Ziba, < What meanest 
 thou by these? And Ziba said, eThe asses be for 
 the king’s household to ride on ; and the bread 
 and summer fruit Tor the young men to eat; and 
 the wine, ’that such as be faint in the wilderness 
 may drink. 
 
 3 And the king said, And Hvhere is thy master’s 
 son? And Ziba said unto the king, Behold, he 
 
 f Gen. 21:29. 33:8. E*. 37:18. g 15:1. 19:86. Judg. 5:10. 10:4. hlSam.25: 
 27. i 15:23. 17:29. Judg. 8:4,5. 1 Sain. 14:28. Prov. 31:6,7. j 9:9,10. Ps. 88: 
 18. Mic. 7:5. 
 
 among persons, from whom we had the least expectations. 
 But a truly pious man will never be entirely excluded from 
 usefulness: some individuals, wherever he abides, will have 
 to bless God for his example, converse, and prayers. — In out 
 most critical and important concerns, we ought not to require 
 any thing unreasonable from our friends ; or 14 bind heavy bur- 
 dens” on new converts, lest they should be discouraged : we 
 should be thankful for fidelity and kindness from those, who 
 are not likely to be further serviceable to us, and recompense 
 them with our earnest prayers : and if the mercy and truth of 
 God be with them, and with us and ours, we shall be safe and 
 eventually happy, however at present afflicted or separated. 
 But that love of the brethren, which is the fruit of the Spirit 
 of Christ, when it is vigorous, will not be restrained by the 
 fear of hardship, danger, or even death, from rendering assist- 
 ance to those in affliction. — We often in despondency think 
 our enemies to be more numerous, and our friends fewer, 
 than they are found upon trial: for our severest crosses are 
 mingled with comforts, which afford us causes for thankfulness. 
 — The ministers of God should always set an example of sub- 
 mission to 44 the powers that be,” in all things lawful ; and of 
 cordial attachment and faithful adherence to those rulers, who 
 protect and countenance them in their pious labours ; and 
 especially in those seasons, when others oppose and revile 
 them. — It behooves us to humble ourselves before God under 
 the tokens of his displeasure ; and godly sorrow, confession of 
 sin, repentance, self-denial, and self-abasement are the pro- 
 per methods of seeking deliverance out of those troubles, 
 which are evidently chastisements for sins. ( Note , Is. 22:8 
 — 14.) At such a time, therefore, it is improper to buoy up 
 our confidence by the externals of religion, which do not 
 always imply the gracioufc presence of the Lord. If he pardon 
 our sins, and then again employ us, his house and ordinances 
 will be our comfort: and he will do us no wrong, though he 
 lay us aside, or cut us off by 'death, as though he had 44 no 
 delight in us-” Nothing, however, must prevent our worship- 
 ping the Lord, though we have not access to his more solemn 
 ordinances: and as afflictions abound, the fervency of our 
 prayers should also increase. — Vain is all worldly wisdom and 
 power against 44 the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous 
 man ;” as in answer to a single emphatical ejaculation, 44 the 
 counsel of the prudent is carried headlong,” and the force o! 
 the potent is turned into perfect weakness. — Some are useful 
 in one way, and some in another, to one common cause, when 
 they are cordially united : yet alas ! where shall we find wis- 
 dom and simplicity so united in any mere man, that we can 
 perceive nothing which merits censure, and needs forgiveness ? 
 But when the Son of David was treated with all possible 
 treachery, indignity, cruelty, and ingratitude; his wisdom, 
 meekness, candour, and patience were unalloyed perfection. 
 His inexpressible sufferings are now over: his humiliation is 
 exchanged for the throne of glory, where unseen, except by 
 realizing faith, he serves our cause in the world above. Let 
 us follow, and serve, and cleave to him, in tribulation, life, and 
 death. And let us not forget, that we are left behind among 
 his enemies, to promote his cause ; and his instruction is, that 
 we be 44 wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Note, 
 Matt. 10:16—18.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVI. V. 1—4. (Notes, 0:) Ziba 
 took advantage of existing circumstances, to form an artful 
 plan for obtaining a grant from David of Mephiboshcth’s 
 estate. By his seasonable, and apparently generous present 
 and his insinuating behaviour, ho prepossessed David’s mind 
 in his favour : (Notes. Prov. 17:8. 18:16.) and then by false 
 
 accusation, ho prejudiced him against Meplubosheth. It 
 was indeed improbable, that Mepniboshcth should prove so 
 ungrateful, or form expectations of obtaining the kingdom: 
 but what villany could < xcite wonder, when Absalom was in 
 arms against his own too indulgent father? And Ziba migh 
 hope that some event would secure him f* >m detection, oi 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 abideth at Jerusalem: for he said, k To-day shall the 
 liouse of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. 
 
 4 Then said the king to Ziba, 'Behold, thine 
 are all that pertained unto Mephibosheth. And 
 Ziba said, ‘I humbly beseech thee that I may find 
 grace in thy sight, my lord, O king. 
 
 5 H And when king David came to m Bahurim, be- 
 hold, thence came out a man of the family of the 
 house of Saul, “whosename was Shimei, the son of 
 Gera : 'he came forth, and “cursed still as he came. 
 
 6 And he cast stones at David, and at all the 
 servants of king David : and all the people and 
 all the mighty men were on his right hand and on 
 his left. 
 
 7 And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come 
 out, come out, thou 'bloody man, and thou fraan 
 of Belial : 
 
 8 The Lord hath ^returned upon thee all r the 
 blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou 
 hast reigned ; and the Lord hath delivered the 
 kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and 
 ^behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because 
 thou art a bloody man. 
 
 9 IT Then said "Abishai the son of Zeruiah unto 
 the king. Why should this ‘dead dog “curse my 
 lord the king ? x let me go over, I pray thee, and 
 take off his head. 
 
 10 And the king said, AVhat have I to do with 
 you, ye sons of Zeruiah ? so let him curse, because 
 ‘the Lord hath said unto him, Curse David. 
 “Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou 
 done so ? 
 
 11 And David said to Abishai, and to all his 
 servants, b Behold, my son, which “came forth of 
 my bowels, d seeketh my life : how much more now 
 may this Benjamite do it ? Let him alone, and 
 let him curse ; “for the Lord hath bidden him. 
 
 12 It may be that f the Lord will look on mine 
 "affliction, and that the Lord will ^requite me 
 good for his cursing this day. 
 
 k 19:24—30. Ex. 20:16. Dent. 19:18,19. Ps. 15:3. 101:5. Prov. 1:19. 21: 
 28. 1 Tim. 6:9.10. Judell. 114:10.11. Ex. 23:8. Deul. 19:15. Prov. 18:13, 
 17. 19:2. • Heb. I do aleistmce. 14:4,22. m 14. 3:16. 17:18. n 19:16. 
 
 1 Kings 2:8,9,36 — 44. t Or, he still came forth and cursed. o Ex. 22:28. 
 1 Sam. 17:43. Ps. 69:26. 109:16—19,28. Prov. 26:2. Ec. 10:20. Is. 8:21. Matt. 
 6:11,12. t Heb. man of blood. 3:37. 11:15— 17. 12:9. Ps. 5:6. 51:14. p Deut. 
 13:13. 1 Sam. 2: 12. 25:17. 1 Kings 21 : 10,13. q Jude. 9:24,56,57. 1 Kings 2:32, 
 83. Acts 28:4,5. Rev. 16:6. r 1:16. 3:28,29. 4:11,12. Ps.3 2. 4:2. § Or, behold 
 thee in thy evil . s 3:30. 1 Sam. 26:6 — 8. t 3:8. 9:8. 1 Sam. 24:14. \i See on 
 Ex. 22:28. Acts 23:5. 1 Pet. 2:17. x 1 Sam. 26:6— 11. Job 31:30,31. Jer. 40:13 
 —16. v 3:39. 19:22. 1 Kings 2:5. Matt. 16:23. Luke 9:54— 56. 1 Pet. 2:23. 
 tOen. 50:20. 1 Kings 22:21— 23. 2 Kings 18:25. Lam. 3:38,39. John 18:11. 
 a Job 9:12. Ec. 8:4. Dan. 4:35. Rom. 9:20. b 12:11 ,12. c7:12. Gen. 15:4. 
 
 d 17:1—4. 2 Kings 19:37. 2 Chr. 32:21. Matt. 10:21. e Is. 10:5 — 7. Ez. 14:9. 
 
 that David would be ashamed to retract his grant- when he 
 had once made it. (Note, 19:24 — 30.) — It is evident, how- 
 ever, that David acted very precipitately, did great injustice 
 to Mephibosheth, and even forgot his covenant with Jonathan, 
 in passing sentence without hearing Mephibosheth’s defence. 
 (Note, 1 Sam. 20:14—17.) 
 
 V. 5 — 14. Bahurim was a city of Benjamin ; and Shimei 
 was a relation of Saul : so that the translation of the kingdom 
 to David marred all his prospects of preferment. He disre- 
 garded the express appointment of God, and his heart was 
 full of implacable enmity to David, as a usurper of the 
 throne. Contrary to the fullest evidence, he accused him of 
 murdering Saul’s family, and interpreted his affliction into a 
 roof of his guilt ; and he took this opportunity to pour out all 
 inds of imprecations and reproaches, and to express all the 
 rage of impotent contempt and malice. But if David had 
 been a bloody man, and disposed to slay the family of Saul, 
 Shimei would soon have suffered the just punishment of his 
 audacity ; for David was so well guarded that Shimei could 
 only show his malice at a distance : and David’s prohibition 
 alone prevented his nephew Abishai from putting him to 
 death. This Shimei merited : but David was now under the 
 divine rebuke for his sins. Though free from the guilt charged 
 upon him, he was consciously guilty of having murdered 
 Uriah: he therefore submitted to the justice of God, in this 
 injurious treatment from Shimei ; and he could not wonder 
 that his enemies were stirred up against him, when his own 
 son sought his life. The sin both of Shimei and of Absalom 
 was from themselves and Satan : but David’s affliction was 
 from the Lord ; and they were merely instruments, which he 
 employed, without their intention, of correcting David for 
 good. (Notes, Gen. 50:20. Is. 10:7,15. Ez. 14:9—11. Jets 
 2:22—24.) The curse causeless could only injure him who 
 used it : and David hoped that his humble submission to such 
 Base usage from man, would prepare the way for the return 
 of peace and comfort from a merciful God ; and therefore he 
 would not permit Shimei to be molested. (Mars Ref. 
 Notes, 19:19 — 23. 1 Kings 2:8,9,36—4(1.) 
 
 Come out, &c. 1 7) Or rather, “ Go out, go out.” ‘Get 
 
 13 And as David and his men went by the way, 
 Shimei went along on the hill’s side over against 
 him, and ''cursed as he went, and threw stones at 
 him, and "cast dust. 
 
 14 And the king, and all the people that were 
 with him, came weary, and refreshed themselves 
 
 ■there. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 15 II And 'Absalom, and all the people the 
 men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel 
 with him. 
 
 16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the 
 Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, 
 that Hushai said un*o Absalom, “God save the 
 king, God save the King. 
 
 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, k Is this thy 
 kindness to thy friend ? 'why wentest thou not 
 with thy friend? 
 
 18 And Hushai said unto Absalom, Nay ; but 
 m whom the Lord, and Iris people, and all the men 
 of Israel choose, his will I be, and with him will I 
 abide. 
 
 19 And again, Whom should I serve? n Should 
 I not serve in the presence of his son ? As I have 
 served in thy father’s presence, so will I be in thy 
 presence. 
 
 20 U Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, “Give 
 counsel among you what we shall do. 
 
 21 And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, pGo in 
 ‘■unto thy father’s concubines, which he hath left 
 to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that 
 thou art “abhorred of B thy father : 'then shall "the 
 hands of all that are with thee be strong. 
 
 22 So they spread Absalom a tent upon ‘the 
 top of the house; and Absalom went in unto his 
 father’s concubines ffn the sight of all Israel. 
 
 23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he 
 counselled in those days, was ‘as if a man had 
 inquired at the "oracle of God : so was “all the 
 counsel of Ahithophel b both with David and with 
 Absalom. 
 
 30:25. f Gen. 29:32,33. Ex. 2:24,25. 3:7,8. 1 Sam. 1:11. Ps. 25:18. II Or, 
 tears, Heb. eye. g Dent. 23:5. Is. 27:7. Matt. 5:11,12. Rom. 8:28. 2 Cor. 4:17. 
 2 Thes. 1:7. Heb. 12:10,11. 1 Pet. 4:12— 19. h 5,6. 9 Heb. dusted him with 
 
 duet. Acts 22:23. i 5. j 15:37. ** Heb. let the Icing live. 1 Sam. 10:24. 1 Kings 
 1:25,34 . 2 Kings 11:12. Dan. 2:4. 5:10. 6:6,21. Matt. 21:9. k Deut. 32:6. I 15, 
 32— 37. 19:25. Pros. 17:17. 18:24. m5:l— 3. 1 Sam. 16:13. n 45:34. 1 Sam 
 28:2. 29:8. Ps. 55:21. Gal. 2:13. o Ex. 1:10. Ps. 2:2. 37:12,13. Prov. 21-30 
 Is. 8:10. 29:15. Matt. 27:1. A ts4:23— 28. p Gen. 6:4. 38:16. n 12:11. 1516. 
 20:3. Gen. 35:22. Lev. 18:8. 20:11. 1 Kings. 2:17,22. 1 Cor. 5:1. rtlen. 34:30. 
 1 Sam. 13:4. s Gen. 49:3,4. tl Sam. 27:12. u 2:7. Zech.8:13. xll-2 
 y 12:11.12. Num.25:6. Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3. 8:12. p7..24:7. Phil. 3:19. z Num. 
 27:21. 1 Sam. 30:8. Ps. 28:2. 1 Pet. 4:11 . tt Heb. iron/. Ps. 19:7. a 1714 
 23. Job 5:12. 28:28. Jer. 4:22. 8:9. Matt. 11:25. Luke 16:8. Rom. 1:22. 1 Cor. 
 3:19,20. Jam. 3:13—18. b 15:12. Ec. 10:1. 
 
 thee out of the kingdom, from whence thou deservest to be 
 expelled.’ Bp. Patrick— The Lord hath bidden him. (11) 
 ‘Grotius thinks David excuses Stiimei in these words: for 
 speaking concerning the respect that is to be used to kings, 
 in not giving them public reproaches, he excepts those which 
 are given by a prophet, who had a special command of God 
 for it. Upon which account he saith, when David was openly 
 upbraided by Shimei as a murderer, he had no excuse to 
 make for him but this, that perhaps God had commanded him 
 to do it.’ Bp. Patrick. How could such a thought ever come 
 into the mind of this learned and eminent man, or find a 
 reception there ? What prophet, in his most pointed reproofs, 
 ever used such virulent and slanderous language as that of 
 Shimei? not to speak of his casting stones and dust. 
 
 V. 15—19. Though Absalom interpreted Hushai’s words 
 as implying an express promise of fidelity, and an unreserved 
 tender of his services, they did not necessarily imply these 
 things. He said, “ Let the king live,” not Let king Absalom 
 live. And when Absalom expressed his surprise, that he thus 
 forsook his friend ; he declared his resolution to accompany, 
 and devote himself to him, whom the Lord and whom all 
 Israel chose ; but the event soon proved that this was not 
 Absalom, however it appeared for a time. “ He would also 
 serve in the presence of the son, as in the presence of the 
 father.” But whom would he serve? He would serve David 
 in Absalom’s presence, as faithfully as he had hitherto done. 
 (Note. Gen. 3:4,5.)— If Absalom had not been blinded with 
 pride and popularity, he would have suspected such ambigu- 
 ous words, when used by the known and hitherto zealous 
 friend of his father ; and not have admitted him at once among 
 his confidential counsellors.— It is indeed very difficult to con- 
 duct stratagems without such equivocations, if not direct 
 falsehoods : and therefore it is best to keep at a distance from 
 them if it be possible. — When Absalom said, “Is this thy 
 kindness to thy friend ?” Hushai might have answered, ‘ Is 
 this thy duty to thy father and king?’ 
 
 V. 20 — 23. (Note, 15:12.) Aliithophel’s counsel was gene- 
 rally considered as “the oracle of God,” because of his great 
 sagacity : and at one time his profession 6 c f 5iety seem io tmv« 
 ( 565 ) 
 
B. C. 1021 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 CHARTER XVII. 
 
 Hushai' a counsel ia preferred to the politic, hut desperately wicked counsel of 
 Ahithophel , by the secret appointment of God, 1—14. Hushai sends intelli- 
 gence to David, who hastily passes over Jordan , 15 — 22. Ahithophel re- 
 turns hoTite and hangs himself , 23. David comes to Mahannim , 24. Amasa 
 is ma/le captain of Absalom's army , which is encamped at Gilead , 25, 26. 
 David's friends brins him provisions, 27—29. 
 
 OREOVER, Ahithophel said unto Absalom, 
 Let me now choose out twelve thousand 
 men, and a I will arise and pursue after David b this 
 night : 
 
 2 And I will come upon him while he is 'weary 
 and weak-handed, and will make him afraid : and 
 all the people that are with him shall flee ; and d I 
 will smite the king only. 
 
 3 And e I will bring back all the people unto 
 thee : the man whom thou seekest is as if all 
 returned: so all the people f shall be in peace. 
 
 4 And sthe saying ‘pleased Absalom well, and 
 all the elders of Israel. 
 
 5 Then said Absalom, Call now h Hushai the 
 Archite also, and let us hear likewise what 'he 
 saith. 
 
 6 And when Hushai was come to Absalom, 
 
 a Prov.. 1:16. 4:16. I». 590,8. Ii Ps. 3:3— 5. 4:8. 109:2—4. c 16:14. Dent. 25:18. 
 d 1 Itings 22:31. Zech. 13:7. Matt. 21:38.26:31. John 11:50. 18:4—8. e 3:21. 
 f Is. 48:22. 57:21. lThes. 5:3. g 1 Sam. 18:20,21. 23:21. Estlj. 5: 14. Rom. 1: 
 32. * Heb. teas right in the eyes of. 2 Chr. 30:4. Esth. 1 .21. marg. h 15: 
 
 32 — 37.16:16 — 19. + Heb. is in his mouth. \ Heb. word. § Heb. counselled. 
 i Prov. 31:8. j 15:18.21:18—22.23:8,9,16,18,20-22. 1 Sam. 16:18. 17:34— 36, 
 
 been equally depended on. He did not, however, show his 
 wisdom in joining himself to a party, so devoid of all principle, 
 and headed by a rash young man of consummate villanj', 
 which foreboded nothing but ruin. But his confidence in his 
 own wisdom made him presume that he could render Absalom 
 successful ; and his mind seems to have been much imbittcred 
 against David. His first counsel to Absalom, after his peace- 
 able entrance into Jerusalem, was like an oracle of Satan , 
 both for subtlety and atrocity. For his own security and that 
 of the whole party, he intended to preclude all hope of recon- 
 ciliation with David, that Absalom might determine to con- 
 quer or to perish : and he put him on an act of shameless wick- 
 edness, which indeed was well suited effectually to ensure the 
 purpose. ( Note , Gen. 49:3,4.) By Ahithophel’s advice, 
 Absalom, without expressing the least reluctance, and in defi- 
 ance of the law of God, and even of common decency, in the 
 most public manner, lay with his father’s concubines ; thus 
 inflicting on him the correction that had been denounced. 
 (Note, 12:11,12.) It may be supposed that he meant to act 
 as king , having dethroned and succeeded David : but had he 
 been ihe rightful king, it would not in the least have excused 
 his incest. — It is surprising, that this atrocious crime did not 
 set the people against him. — So many concubines, besides 
 his wives, were by no means honourable to David: and pro- 
 bably none of them expressed a proper degree of abhorrence 
 of so gross an enormity. (Notes, 15:16. 20:3.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. Selfish men often effect to appear generous in 
 giving away the property of others for their own advantage, 
 and are great adepts in address and insinuation. Flatterers 
 are generally backbiters ; for it is as easy to them to forge 
 slanders of the absent, as to pretend affection and respect for 
 the present : and those servants, who purloin their master’s 
 substance, commonly likewise asperse their reputations. — 
 Both adulation and calumny are injurious to a great degree, 
 but the former is the most hurtful ; for to be tempted to sin is 
 more injurious than to be robbed of riches, or even of our 
 characters : and smooth speeches and well-timed presents, 
 often seduce even the wise and righteous into improper mea- 
 sures. — When much treachery and ingratitude have been 
 experienced, men are 'apt to become too suspicious, and to 
 listen to every plausible tale of calumny: the mind being 
 greatly agitated, views every thing through a false medium, 
 and we are all naturally most precipitate when least capable of 
 judging aright : but this is especially the danger of those per- 
 sons whose affections are very strong, and easily excited. But 
 while the dissimulation of false friends occasions sin ; the rage, 
 malice, anti contumely of cruel enemies call forth the exercises 
 of the believer’s graces, and often prove advantageous to him. — 
 Wicked men judge of right and wrong by self-interest ; and 
 count themselves robbed of every expected advantage which 
 goes beside them. It gratifies malevolence to insult the 
 afflicted, and to use imprecations and reproaches: and those, 
 who think nothing of the authority, providence, or word of 
 God in other respects, are often most ready to interpret the 
 afflictions of their neighbours as divine judgments, in opposi- 
 tion to the clearest evidence. But it is good to see the hand 
 of G >d directing, though not dictating, the injuries of men. 
 Their calumnies may recall to memory some evil, or appear- 
 ance of evil, which requires humiliation, watchfulness, and 
 prayer: we deserve worse from the Lord than their most 
 cruel and contemptuous treatment, and should consider it as 
 his correction : and if we bear it humbly, patiently, and meekly, 
 for his sake, he will graciously requite us with inward peace 
 and consolation. — Seasons of peculiar humiliation before God, 
 require peculiar long-suffering towards men : private revenge 
 ( 566 ^ 
 
 Absalom spake unto him, saying-, Ahithophel hath 
 spoken after this manner: shall we do after ins 
 tsaying ? if not, speak thou. 
 
 7 And Hushai said unto Absalom, The counsel 
 that Ahithophel hath %iven is ‘not good at this 
 time. 
 
 8 For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father 
 and his men, that they be hnighty men, and they 
 be "chafed in their minds, k as a bear robbed of her 
 whelps in the field : and ‘thy father is a man of 
 war, and will not lodge with the people. 
 
 9 Behold, m he is hid now in some pit, or in 
 some other place : and it will come to pass, when 
 “some of them be ’’overthrown at the first, that 
 whosoever heareth it, will say, There is a slaughter 
 among the people that follow Absalom. 
 
 10 And he also that is valiant, whose “heart is 
 as the heart of a lion, shall Putterly melt: for all 
 Israel knoweth that thy father is a mighty man, 
 and they which be with him are valiant men. 
 
 11 Therefore I counsel that sail Israel be 
 generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to 
 
 50,51. 1 Chr. 11:25— 47. Heb. 11:32— 34. B Heb. biller of soul. Jude. 18:29. 
 marg. k 2 Kings 2:24. Prov. 17:12. 28:15. Dan. 7:5. Hoa! 13:8. 1 1 Sam. 23: 
 23. m Judg. 2U:33: 1 Sam. 2*2:1 . 24:3. n Josh. 7:5. 8:6. Judir. 29:32. 1 Sax. 
 14:14,15. 11 Heb. fallen, o 1 .23. 23:20. Gen. 49:9. Num. 24:8,9. Prov.2S;l. 
 p Ex. 15:15. Deut. 1:28. Josh. 2:9— 11. Is. 13:7. 19:1. q 24:2. Judg. 20:1 
 
 must never be indulged ; and on such occasions it behooves us 
 to be very reluctant in seeking the execution of public justice, 
 on those offenders who have injured us alone : for even the 
 Judge of the world, in his humiliation for our sins , bore with 
 those who reviled and crucified him, and prayed for them: 
 yet he will at length execute vengence on all the impenitent 
 and unbelieving. — A deep sense of personal guilt will soften 
 the spirit towards others, and dispose a man to be indignant 
 and severe against himself: and the most zealous friends must 
 be disregarded, and even reproved, when they counsel what is 
 evidently wrong. # 
 
 V. 15 — 23. Men, who admire themselves, will be easily 
 deceived by those who profess an attachment to them : yet 
 they readily discern those faults in others, of which them- 
 selves are far more notoriously guilty ; and are apt to express 
 astonishment at them. — If a -zealous disciple of Christ be be- 
 trayed into evident wickedness, even profligates'will exclaim, 
 “Is this thy kindness to thy Friend!” But alas, how often 
 might the Saviour himself address each of us in these words, 
 to our shame and confusion! And how often should we thus 
 check ourselves, and remember our ingratitude, to our deeper 
 humiliation ! — Destruction is before those who hearken to de- 
 ceitful and wicked counsellors : yet young people in general, 
 especially in high life, will not regard any other. — How des- 
 perately wicked is the human heart, that can conceive, exe- 
 cute, and glory in those deeds of darkness, which it is shocking 
 to think of, and shameful to mention ! (Note, JEph. 5:8 — 14.) 
 yet all this might be drawn forth out of our hearts by successive 
 temptations, if Satan and his agents were permitted to prac- 
 tise upon us ! — When eminent abilities and daring w ickedness 
 unite in one character, they form the express image of the 
 devil: and, like that arch-apostate and rebel, men of this de- 
 scription will spare no pains to push others forward into those 
 kinds and degrees of guilt, which may drive them desperate, 
 and extinguish all thoughts of reconciliation unto God. But 
 this wisdom will shortly appear the most wretched and con- 
 temptible folly, which perverts the noble powers of an angel, 
 to increase and propagate guilt, condemnation, and eternal 
 misery. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 1—4 Ahithophel was fully 
 aware, that delay mi’«t eventually ruin Absalom’s cause ; and 
 he therefore proposed to assault David, while he and his men 
 were weary and dispirited, and unprepared for battle, and he 
 undertook to conduct the assault himself, perhaps fearing 
 lest Absalom’s rashness should defeat the design. Thus ho 
 thought that David might easily be smitten alone ; and that 
 this would effectually answer Absalom’s purpose, and bring 
 over the people to a quiet submission to his authority. The 
 desperate vrickcdness of the proposal excited no opposition, 
 either from Absalom or from the elders ; and doubtless it was 
 the most politic measure, which could possibly have been 
 adopted in such circumstances. 
 
 V. 7 — 14. It is evident that Hushai aimed to gain time 
 for David to remove to a greater distance, and to increase 
 and encourage his army: and if ho had put Absalom off from 
 adopting Ahithophel’s counsel and measure, only for one night, 
 it might have proved of essential service, especially as he 
 hoped to be able to give David intelligence of his danger. In pur- 
 suing this object, ho opposed Ahithophcl’s proposal with con- 
 summate address: and with some spcciotts arguments, taken 
 from David’s character for valour and military skill : from the 
 courage and indignation ofhis followers; and from the proba- 
 bility that David would, by some stratagem of war, in which 
 he was well versed, surprise and overcome his assailants, if 
 they were not very numerous, and so discourage the wholo 
 party ; ho therefore stated that Ahithophel’s counsi 1 was not 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 Beer-sheba, 'as the sand that is hy the sea for 
 multitude ; and that 'thou go to battle ’in thine 
 own person. 
 
 12 So shall we comt upon him ‘in some place 
 where he shall be found, and "we will light upon 
 him as the dew falleth on the ground : and of him 
 and of all the men that are with him there shall 
 not be left so much as one. 
 
 13 Moreover, if lie be gotten into a city, 
 then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city,' and 
 we will draw it into the river, until there be not 
 ’qpe small stone found there. 
 
 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, 
 The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than 
 the counsel of Ahithophel. For The Lord had 
 ‘appointed ’to defeat the a good counsel of Ahitho- 
 phel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil 
 upon Absalom. 
 
 15 H Then said Hushai unto b Zadok and to 
 Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahitho- 
 phel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel ; 
 and thus and thus have I counselled. 
 
 16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell David, 
 saying, ’Lodge not this night in the plains of the 
 wilderness, d but. speedily pass over ; lest the king 
 "be swallowed up, and all the people that are with 
 him. 
 
 17 Now ‘Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by 
 sEn-rogel ; for they might not be seen to come 
 into the city : and a wench went and told them ; 
 and they went and told king David. 
 
 18 Nevertheless, a lad saw them, and told Ab- 
 salom : but they went both of them away quickly, 
 and came to a man’s house in h Bahurim, which 
 had a well in his court ; whither they went down. 
 
 19 And the woman took and 'spread a covering 
 over the well’s mouth, and spread ground corn 
 thereon ; and the thing was not known. 
 
 20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the 
 woman to the house, they said, Where is Ahimaaz 
 
 r Gen. 13:16. 22:17. Josh. 1 1:4. !Kings4:20. * Heb. thy face ^ or presence, 
 
 go, fee. s 12:28. Ps. 7:15,16. 9:16. t l Sam. 23:23. u 1 Kings 20:10. 2 Kinga 
 18:23. 19:24. Is. 10:13,14. Ob. 3. x Matt. 24:2. y 15:31 . Gen. 32:28. Ex. 9: 
 16. Deut.2:30. 2 Chr. 25:16,20. t Heb. commanded. Ps. 33:9,10. Lam. 3:37. 
 Am. 9:3. z 15:34. 16:23. Job 5:12— 14. Prov. 19:21 . 21 :30. Is. 8:10. ICor.l: 
 19,20.3:19. a Luke 16:8. b 15:35. c 15:28. d 21,22. 15:14. 1 Sam. 20:38. 
 Ps. 55:8. Prov. 6:4,5. Matt. 24:16— 18. e 20:19,20. Ps. 35:25. 56:2. 57:3. 
 I Cor. 15:54. 2 Cor. 5:4. fl5:27,36. g Josh. 15:7. 18:16. 1 Kings 1:9. h 3:16. 
 16:5.19:16. i Josh. 2:4-6. j 15:34. Ex. 1:19. Josh. 2:4,5. 1 Sam. 19:14— 17. 
 
 good at that time, though he generally was known to be a wise 
 counsellor. But the measures, which he proposed instead of it, 
 were addressed to the vainglory, the ambition, and perhaps the 
 revenge, of Absalom and of his followers. (Note, 15:1 — 6.) 
 To raise a very large army, which Absalom, being the univer- 
 sal favourite, might easily accomplish ; to command it himself, 
 that the honour might be all his own ; to carry matters with 
 a high hand, to make sure work, and to destroy David and atl 
 his party: this was a more pompous scheme, and more suited 
 to a man of Absalom’s capacity and disposition, and to an 
 unreflecting multitude, than the deep and sagacious counsel 
 of Ahithophel. Hushai doubtless framed his speech, not to 
 meet the approbation of the wise, but to please the humour of 
 the many : and it pleased God so to infatuate Absalom and 
 all his party, that it met with general approbation. — Ahitho- 
 phel’s former counsel was followed, for God intended to cor- 
 rect David: (Note, 16:20 — 23.) but his latter was not, for he 
 did not mean to destroy him , but Absalom. Thus God an- 
 swered David’s prayer, and turned the good, that is, the politic 
 counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness. (Notes, 15:31. 16: 
 15— 19.)— A bear, &c. (8) Note, Hos. 13:5—8. 
 
 Appoin'ed. (14) Commanded. (Marg.) It was God’s 
 determined purpose thus to defeat Ahithophel’s counsel, and 
 to preserve David ; and the whole transaction was so con- 
 ductedf by his secret influence on the minds of all concerned, 
 that the event was as certainly secured, as if he had given 
 an express command to that purpose. This accorded to the 
 language of David concerning Shimei. (Notes, 16:5—14. 
 Ps. 76:10. Acts 4:23—28.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. Hushai feared, lest Absalom should be per- 
 suaded by Ahithophel to change his mind ; and he was fully 
 convinced that Absalom was determined to murder David, if 
 possible, and without delay : he therefore sent him intelligence, 
 and counselled him to provide immediately for his safety, by 
 •vrossing Jordan without delay. 
 
 V. 17—21. Absalom and his party were restrained from 
 injuring ZaJok and Abiathar ; but they seem to have sus- 
 pec'ed them. It was not. therefore, thought safe, or advise- 
 able, for Jonathan and Ahimaaz to enter the city. But they 
 abode at En-rcgel, near the city, (Marg. Ref. g.) whither 
 intelligence was sent to them by a young woman, as an un- 
 suspected messenger, which, with very great danger to them- 
 
 and Jonathan? And the woman said unto them. 
 JThey be gone over the brook of water. And 
 k when they had sought and could not find them 
 they returned to Jerusalem. 
 
 21 And it came to pass after they were departed 
 that they came up out of the well, and went and 
 told king David, and said unto David, 'Arise, and 
 pass quickly over the water : for Thus hath Ahi 
 thophel counselled against you. 
 
 22 Then David arose, and all the people that 
 were with him, "and they passed over Jordan : by 
 the morning light "there lacked not one of them 
 that was not gone over Jordan. 
 
 23 H And when Ahithophel fsaw that his 
 counsel was not tfollowed, he saddled his ass, and 
 arose, and gat him home to his house, to ihis city, 
 and §put his household in order, r and hanged him- 
 self, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of 
 his father. 
 
 24 Then David came to "Mahanaim. And 
 Absalom passed over Jordan, he and all the men 
 of Israel with him. 
 
 25 H And Absalom made ‘Amasa captain of the 
 host instead of Joab: which Amasa was a man’s 
 son whose name was “Ithra, an Israelite, that went 
 in to "Abigail the daughter of "Nahash, sister to 
 Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 
 
 26 So Israel and Absalom pitched in the ’land 
 of Gilead. 
 
 27 11 And it came to pass, when David was come 
 to Mahanaim, that Shobi x the son of Nahash of 
 Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and >"Machir 
 the son of Amiel of Lo-debar, and ’Barziliai the 
 Gileadite of Rogelim, 
 
 28 Brought "beds, and "basins, and earthen 
 vessels, and wheat, and barley, and flour, and 
 parched corn, and beans, and lentiles, and parched 
 pulse, 
 
 29 And honey, and butter, and sheep, and 
 b cheese of kine, "for David, and for the people 
 
 21-2 27-. 11,12. k Josh. 2:22,23. 1 See on 15,16. m 1— 3. n 24. Prov. 27:12. 
 Matt. 10:16. oNum. 31:49. John 18:9. p Prov. 16:18. 19:3. J Heb. done 
 
 ? 15:12. § Heb. gave charge concerning his house. 2 Kings 20:1. r 15:31. 
 
 Sam. 31:4,5. 1 Kings 16:18. Job 31:3. Ps. 5:10. 55:23. Matt. 27:5. s 2:8. 
 Gen. 32:2. Josh. 13:26. t 19:13. 20:4,9— 12. u 1 Chr. 2:16,17. Jcthur the 
 Ishmaelite. II Heb. Abigal. U Or, Jesse. 1 Chr. 2: 13,16. v Num.32:l,&c, 
 Deut. 3:15. Josh. 17:1. x 10:1 ,2. 12:30. 1 Sam. 11:1. v 9:4. i 19:31,32. 
 1 Kings 2:7. Ezra 2:61. a 16:1,2. 1 Sam. 25:18. Is. 32:8. ** Or, cups, 
 
 bl Sam. 17:18. c Luke 8:3. Phil. 4:15— 19. 
 
 selves, and by means of a stratagem, united with a degree of 
 falsehood in others, they were at length enabled to deliver. 
 (Notes, Josh. 2:2 — 6. 1 Sam. 19:12 — 17.) 
 
 V. 22. Lacked not one, &c.] This was a remarkable 
 instance of God’s providential care over his servant David 
 and his friends, that not one was lost, or had deserted, out 
 of the whole company ; and he was in this a type of Christ, 
 who loses none of his true followers. — About this time David 
 wrote the third psalm. 
 
 V. 23. Ahithophel had by this time seen enough of Absa- 
 lom, to consider his cause a£ already lost. His vexation, 
 when he saw so wild a measure as that proposed by Hushai, 
 preferred to his sound policy was intolerable. He expected 
 nothing but extreme disgrace and a public execution for his 
 treason; but it is doubtful whether he despaired of mercy 
 from God, or was hardened in presumption and infidelity : 
 he, however, most deliberately murdered himself. (Notes, 
 Job. 5:11 — 16. Prov. 24:21,22.) — It is observable that three 
 at least of those who are recorded in Scripture as suicides, were 
 apostate professors of godliness, viz. Saul, Ahithophel, and 
 Judas. (Note, 1 Sam. 31:3 — 6.) It is also remarkable that 
 he should have hanged himself, rather than kill himself in 
 any other way. (Notes, Deut. 21:22,23. Matt.. 27:3 — 5.) 
 David’s prayer was answered more terribly than he expected 
 or desired. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Hanged himself.] Aer/ylaro. Sept. Matt. 27'5. Gr.. 
 The whole narrative confutes the absurd gloss of those Jews, 
 who would represent him as choked with grief, and not as 
 having strangled himself. — He deliberately returned home,, 
 “gave charge concerning his house,” (marg.) made his will, 
 settled his affairs, and then hanged himself. 
 
 V. 24. (Marg. Ref.) While Absalom was collecting his- 
 army, David had time for taking effectual measures for resist- 
 ing him. 
 
 V. 25. Nahash was evidently another name of Jesse. 
 Ithra is supposed to nave been an Ishmaelite by birth, but 
 proselyted to the religion of Israel. — Amasa was nephew to 
 David, by Abigail his sister, as were also Joab and Abishai,. 
 by Zeruiah. (1 Chr. 2:13 — 17. Note, 17.) 
 
 V. 27 — 29. Perhaps Shobi, the son of Nahash, had been, 
 advanced to reign over Ammon by David, instead of Hanun 
 his brother; and thus expressed his gratitude: (JVoteJ, 10 }. 
 ( 567 ) 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B C. 1021. 
 
 that were with him, d to eat : for they said, 'The 
 people is hungry, and weary, and tliirsty, * 1 in the 
 wilderness. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 David musters his troops under three commanders , and charges them to spare 
 Absalom, l — 5. Absalom's army is routed ; he jlees, and his head being en- 
 tangled in an oak , he is slain by Joab , and cast into a pit, 6 — 17. Absalom's 
 place, 18. Ahinoam and Cushi carry tidings to David, 19 — 32. He laments 
 most bitterly , 33. 
 
 A ND David "numbered the people that were 
 vvith him, and set '’captains of thousands and 
 captains of hundreds over them. 
 
 2 And David sent forth c a third part of the 
 people under d the hand of Joab, and a third part 
 under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, 
 Joab’s brother, and a third part under the hand of 
 'Ittai the Gittite. And the king said unto the 
 people, f I will surely go forth with you myself 
 also. 
 
 3 But the people answered, sThou shalt not go 
 forth : for h if we flee away, they will not 'care for 
 us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: 
 but now thou art ’worth ten thousand of us : 
 therefore now it is better that thou tsuccour us 
 out of the city. 
 
 4 And the king said unto them, What seemeth 
 you best I will do. And the king stood ‘by the 
 gate side, and all the people came out 'by hun- 
 dreds and by thousands. 
 
 5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai 
 and Ittai, saying, k Deal gently for my sake with 
 the young man, even with Absalom. And 'all 
 the people heard when the king gave all the 
 captains charge concerning Absalom. 
 
 d Ps. 31:8 — .0. 84:11. e Juctg. 8:4— 6. Ec. 11:1,2. la. 21:14. 53:7. f 16:2. 
 a Ex. 17:9. Josh. 8:10. bl Sam. 8:12. e Judg. 7:16,19,20. 9:43. d 10:7— 10. 
 e 15:19 — 22. f 17:11. Ps. 3:6. 27: 1—3. 118:6— 8. e 21:17. h 17:2. 1 Kings 
 22:31. Zech. 13:7. * Heb. set their heart on us. 7 Heb. as ten thousand of 
 
 tig. Lam. 4:20. J Heb. be to succour. 10:11. Ex. 17:10— 12. i 24. Is. 28:6. 
 
 J I. 1 Sam. 29:2. k 16:11. 17: 1 — 4,14. Deut. 21 :18 — 21 . Ps. 103:13. Lt:ke23: 
 U. 112. m Judg. 12:1— 6. n 2: 17. 15:6. 19:41— 43. o Prov. 11:21. 24.21,22. 
 
 or perhaps he was proselyted and lived among the Israelites. 
 — The various kinds of provisions which were brought to 
 David, not only expressed the libe-ality of his friends, but 
 showed the extreme distress to which his followers were re- 
 duced. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , 9:4. 19:31 — 39. 1 Sam. 25: 
 18,19. 1 Chr. 12:23—40.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When Satan has seduced men into a wicked course of 
 life, every crime makes more and greater enormities almost 
 necessary ; and they must go forward, or lose the fruit, and 
 suffer the punishment of their former villanies. — His decided 
 servants are more sagacious and vigorous in their mischievous 
 devices, than the Lord’s servants are in doing good : and they 
 have a very great apparent advantage ; being freed from the 
 restraints of conscience, gratitude, natural affection, and the 
 fear of God. — That some few individuals should be monsters 
 of iniquity would not excite much surprise: but from age to 
 age immense multitudes are found, who with one consent 
 break through every tie of duty; especially when engaged in 
 opposing the cause of religion and its cordial friends : and 
 this demonstrates, that man by nature is an enemy to the 
 service and holiness of God. — When the heart is hardened in 
 iniquity, it is righteous for God to infatuate the understand- 
 ing: and when the rage of his enemies has accomplished his 
 secret purposes, and they are about to proceed further, their 
 machinations prove unsuccessful, and accelerate their own 
 destruction. ( Notes , Is. 10:7 — 19.) — The Lord can perform 
 the greatest deliverances by the feeblest instruments : he can 
 protect his servants in their extremest dangers, cr provide for 
 them in their most pressing necessities : he can restrain the 
 malice of their most cruel enemies, and enlarge the heart of 
 unexpected friends: and whatever wisdom, address, despatch, 
 or assistance, any man employs or affords ; the success is 
 from God alone, who will not suffer one of his people to 
 perish. — When Satan has tempted men to successive crimes, 
 till they are ripe for destruction ; and when Providence has 
 disappointed their ambitious and vainglorious projects, and 
 -their lives are rendered miserable ; the last device of that 
 eubrle enemy is to urge them to murder themselves: and in 
 this way lie sometimes deludes those, who have been most 
 renowned for wisdom ; but who are at length so foolish as to 
 plunge themselves into everlasting mLery, for fear of tem- 
 poral disgrace and suffering! Let us then beware of hypo- 
 crisy and apostacy, which frequently have this event : let us 
 fear sinning against knowledge and conscience, which is often 
 the forerunner of judicial hardness: let us seek the wisdom 
 which comes from God, and leads to heaven : let us watch 
 against pride, malice, envy, and ambition ; and learn to pity 
 and relieve those who are in distress, with liberality propor- 
 tioned to our ability. — Our King indeed needs not our help : 
 but he has assure i us, that what, we do for the least of his 
 brethren, who ai a sick, poor, or destitute, shall be accepted 
 ( 568 ) 
 
 6 H So the people went out into the field against 
 Israel : and the battle was in the m wood of 
 Ephraim ; 
 
 7 Where “the people of Israel were slain before 
 the servants of David, and there was there “a 
 great slaughter that day of ^twenty thousand men. 
 
 8 For the battle was there scattered over the 
 face of all the country: and ‘ithe wood ^devoured 
 more people that day than the sword devoured. 
 
 9 H And Absalom met the servants of David. 
 And Absalom rode upon a mule, and the mule 
 went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and 
 r his head caught hold of the oak, and he was 
 'taken up between the heaven and the earth ; and 
 the mule that was under him went away. 
 
 10 And a certain man saw it, and told Joab, 
 and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanged in an 
 oak. 
 
 11 And Joab said unto the man that told him, 
 And behold, thou sawest him. and why didst 
 thou not smite him there to the ground ? and I 
 would have given thee ten shekels of silver, and a 
 girdle. 
 
 12 And the man said unto Joab, Though I 
 should "receive a thousand shekels of silver in 
 my hand, yet would I not put forth my hand 
 against the king’s son : for 'in our hearing the 
 king charged thee and Abishai and Ittai. saying, 
 ’’Beware that none touch the ytiungman Absalom. 
 
 13 Otherwise I should have "wrought falsehood 
 against mine own life: v for there is no matter hid 
 from the king, and thou thyself wouldest have set 
 thyself against me. 
 
 p 2:26,31. 2 Chr. 13:16,17. 28:6. q Ex. 15:10. Josh. 10:11. Jude. 5:20,21. 
 
 1 Kings 20:30. Ps. 3:7. 43:1. § Heb. multiplied to devour . r 14:26. 17:23. 
 Malt. 27:5. s Deut. 21 :23. 27:16,20. Job 18:9,10. 31 :3. Prov. 20:20. 30:17. Jer. 
 48:44. Mark 7:10. Gal. 3:13. || Heb. weigh upon my hand, t 5. 1i Heb. Be- 
 ware whosoever ye be, of the, Sfc. u 1:15,16. 4:10 — 12. v 14:19,20. Heb 
 
 and recompensed, as if it were done for himself in person. 
 (Note, Matt. 25:34 — 40.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVIII. V. 1—3. As Ahithophel 
 had foreseen, Absalom’s delay afforded David’s friends an 
 opportunity of strengtheping his army, which was now become 
 capable of meeting their opponents in the field of battle. It 
 is probable, that it was greatly inferior in numbers to Absa- 
 lom’s, but far superior in discipline, and consisted chiefly of 
 old and approved friends, and such as acted from principle 
 and conscience in adhering to their prince. This appears in 
 the answer which they returned to his proposal of leading 
 them to battle in his own person. 
 
 Ten thousand. (3) This seems to have been spoken, not 
 only out of affection to David, hut from a proper estimate of 
 the importance of his life to the civil and religious interests 
 of the nation ; which was in great danger of falling into the 
 most abject misery and the greatest ungodliness, if Absalom 
 were successful in his wicked usurpation : and, no doubt, the 
 truly pious Israelites adhered to David, with one accord. 
 
 V. 5. Absalom aimed directly at the life of his indulgent 
 father ; David* desired nothing so much as the preservation 
 of his rebellious son I (Note, 17:1 — 4.) But Absalom’s crimes 
 were too enormous to he pardoned, consistently with David’s 
 duty; and the peace of Israel could not be established while 
 he iived. Perhaps David hoped, that if Absalom were not 
 slain in battle, he might live to repent, and so escape future 
 vengeance. But if he had been spared, he would probably 
 have occasioned David further trouble and sin ; and it pleased 
 God to preserve his servant from the guilt of pardoning him, 
 and from the anguish of punishing him. — David does not seem 
 to have doubted of the victory, after his prayer against Ahi- 
 thophel had been so remarkably answered. 
 
 V. 0. The wood of Ephraim here mentioned was beyond 
 Jordan ; and it is supposed to be the place where the Ephraim- 
 ites had been slain in the days of Jephthah. (Judg, 12:4 — C. ) 
 
 V. 8. The mood, &c.] More were slain in the nursuit 
 through the wood, than in the battle. It is also probable, that 
 number^ perished by pressing on one another in the thickets, 
 or were devoured by wild beasts. (Marg. R^f. o, p.) 
 
 V. 9. Either Absalom’s hair, which he had effeminately 
 tended, was so entangled in the boughs of the oak that he 
 could not extricate himself ; (Note, 14:25 — 27.) or his head 
 itself was confined betwixt two arms of the tree, through the 
 rapidity and inattention with Vvhich he rode, to escape the 
 servants of David. In this dreadful situation he remained 
 for a considerable time, doubtless with unspeakable horror 
 expecting his doom, without being ahlo in the least to help 
 himself. His fate was as extraordinary as his crimes; tnd 
 being providentially hanged on a tree, ho was as it were ,>ro- 
 nounced accursed by God himself. (Marg.Rrf. Note , # 23.) 
 
 V. 13. Wrought falsehood , &c.) Tins man mcait to 
 say, that ho should bavu cheated himself; and by leaking % 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 1021, 
 
 14 Then said Joab, I may not tarry thus 'with 
 (jee. And tie took three darts in his hand, and 
 "thrust them though the heart of Absalom, while 
 he was yet alive in the 'midst of the oak. 
 
 15 And ten young men that bare Joab’s armour 
 compassed about and smote Absalom, and slew him. 
 
 16 And Joab *blew the trumpet, and the people 
 returned from pursuing after Israel: for Joab held 
 back the people. 
 
 17 And they took Absalom, and cast him into 
 a great pit in the wood, and •’’laid a very great 
 heap of stones upon him : and all Israel fled every 
 one to his tent.' 
 
 18 Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and 
 •reared up for himself a pillar, which is in “the 
 king’s dale: for he said, b I have no son to keep 
 my name in remembrance : and c he called the 
 pillar after his own name: and it is called unto 
 this das', ‘‘Absalom’s place. [.Practical observations.'} 
 
 19 v Then said “Ahimaaz the son of Zadok, 
 Let me now run, and bear the king_ tidings, how 
 that the Lord hath ktvenged him of his enemies. 
 
 20 And Joab said unto him, Thou shalt not 
 Shear tidings this day, but thou shalt bear tidings 
 another day : but this day thou shalt bear no 
 tidings, ‘because the king’s son is dead. 
 
 21 Then said Joab to Cushi, Go, tell the king 
 what thou hast seen. And Cushi bowed himself 
 unto Joab, and ran. 
 
 22 Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet 
 again to Joab, But "howsoever, let me, I pray 
 thee, also run alter Cushi. And Joab said, 
 Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that 
 thou hast no tidings “ready ? 
 
 23 But howsoever, said he, let me run. And 
 he said unto him, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by 
 the way of the plain, and overran Cushi. 
 
 24 And David sat ^between the two gates : 
 and h the watchman went up to the roof over the 
 gate unto the wall, and lifted up his eyes, and 
 ooked, and behold, a man running alone. 
 
 • Heb. before thee. w 5. Juitg. 4:21.5:26,31. Pa. 45:5. 1 Thes. 5:3. 
 
 tHeb.Aenrt. Malt. 12:40. x 2:28. 20:22. Nura. 10:2— 10. 1 Cor. 14:8. 
 
 r Josh. 7:26. 8:29. 10:27. Pom. 10-7. Jer. 22:18,19. i 1 Sam. 15:12. a Gen. 
 14:17. b 14:27. Job 16:16,17. Pa. 109:13. .Ter. 22 30. c Gen. 11:4. 1 Sam. 15: 
 12. Pa 49:11. Dan. 4:30. d Gen. 11:9. Actsl:18,19. * 23:27—29.15:36.17: 
 
 17. $ Heb. judged him from the hand, Sfc. Ps. 7:6, 8, 9. 9:4,16. 10:14,18. Rom. 
 12:19. § Heb be a man "f. 17:16 — 21. f 5,27,29,33. || Heb. be what may. 
 
 Or, convenient. Rom. 1:28. Eph.5:4. g 4. 1 Sam. 4:13. h 2 Kings 9:17 — 
 
 eward, have forfeited his life. His words were replete with 
 -uth, good sense, and sound argument ; and Joab was con- 
 scious that they did not admit of an answer. 
 
 V. 14. Joab doubtless intended the interest of both David 
 and his kingdom, in killing Absalom ; and his death was of 
 salutary tendency, and even necessary : yet Joab cannot be 
 excused in acting against the express command of his sove- 
 reign. He had no warrant from God or man to execute 
 vengeance on Absalom : and, having deserved death himself, 
 he was the last person who should have complained of the 
 obstruction of public justice. 
 
 V. 17, 18. It seems that Absalom’s sons died young, as a 
 just judgment upon him for seeking the life of his father: 
 (14:27.) and that, after their death, he erected a magnificent 
 column, in or near which he meant to be interred ; and by 
 which he hoped to perpetuate his memory, with honour, to 
 future generations. (Notes, Gen. 11:3,4. Ps. 49:11. Dan. 
 4:28 — 33.) But, on the contrary, he was buried with igno- 
 miny as a malefactor ; (Josh. 10:26,27. Prov. 10:7. — Notes, 
 Josh. 7:25,26. 8:29.) and his pillar proved a monument of his 
 folly and wicked ambition. 
 
 V. 19 — 22. Ahimaaz had continued with David, after he 
 had brought tidings from Hushai ; (17:17 — 21.) and was pre- 
 sent in the battle, probably sounding one of the sacred trum- 
 pets. (Note, Num. 10:1 — 10. 2 Chr. 13:4— 12.) He was 
 desirous of being the first to announce to David the tidings of 
 the Lord’s having “judged him from the hand of his enemies 
 ’ narg.) both from disinterested love to him, and probably in 
 hopes of gradually preparing David for the account of Absa- 
 lom’s death. (Note, 28 — 32.) But Joab was sensible that 
 David would bitterly lament the death of Absalom, and was 
 not willing to send so respectable a person as Ahimaaz with 
 tidings which would be unsuitable to his friendly purpose, and 
 unwelcome to David. (27) He therefore appointed for that 
 service a man, whose name intimates that he was an Ethio- 
 pian, and perhaps a slave : he was, however, cordially attached 
 to the interests of David. Joab afterwards permitted Ahi- 
 maaz to go also. 
 
 V. 28 — 32. Probably, one motive which induced Ahimaaz 
 eo earnestly to desire to carry David the first news of the 
 victory, was, that he might gradually prepare his mind for 
 Ihe intelligence of Absalom’s death : for, though he rejoiced 
 
 Vol. I.— 72 
 
 25 And the watchman cried, and told the king. 
 And the king said, If he be alone there is tiding!* 
 in his mouth. And he came apace, and drew 
 near. 
 
 26 And the watchman saw another man run 
 ning : and the watchman called unto the porte-. 
 and said, Behold, another man running alone 
 And the king said, He also bringeth tidings. 
 
 27 And the watchman said, "Methinketh the 
 running of the ioremost is like the running o» 
 Ahimaaz the son of Zadok. And the king said, 
 ‘He is a good man, and cometh with good 
 tidings. 
 
 28 And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the 
 king, itAlI is well. And ‘‘he fell down to the earth 
 upon his face before the king, and said, ‘Blessed be 
 the Lord thy God, which hath ^delivered up the 
 men that lifted up their hand against my lord the 
 king. 
 
 29 And the king said, §§Is the young man 
 Absalom safe ? And Ahimaaz answered, When 
 Joab sent the king’s servant, and me thy servant, 
 m I saw a great tumult, but I knew not what it 
 was. 
 
 30 And the king said unto him. Turn aside, 
 and stand here. And he turned aside, and stood 
 still. 
 
 31 And behold, Cushi came ; and Cushi said, 
 ""Tidings my lord the king : for “the Lord hath 
 avenged thee this day of all them that rose up 
 against thee. 
 
 32 And-the king said unto Cushi, Is the young 
 man Absalom safe? and Cushi answered, “The 
 enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise 
 against thee to do thee hurt, be as that young 
 man is. 
 
 33 And the king was much moved, and went 
 up to the chamber over the state, and wept: and 
 as he went, thus he said, pO my son Absalom ! 
 my son, my son Absalom ! ^Would God I had died 
 for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son ! 
 
 20. Is. 21:6 — 9,11,12. F.z. 33:2 — 6. ** Heb. I see thee running. 2 Kings 9:20 
 i 1 Kings 1:42. Prov. 25: 13,25. Is. 52:7. Rom. 10: 15. tt Or, Peace be lo thee. 
 Heb. Peace. k 1:2. 14:4. 1 22:47. Gen. 14:20.24:27. 2 Chr. 20. 26. Ps. 115:1. 
 144-.1, 2. Rev. 19:1—3. XX Heb .shut up. 1 Sam. 24:18. 26.8. Ps. 31:8. §§ Heb. 
 Is there peace to, fyc. ? m 19,20,22. |||| Heb. Tidings ts brought. n 19,28. 
 22:48,49. Deut. 32:35,38. Ps. 5S:10. 94: 1— 4. o Judg. 5:31. Ps. 68:1,2. Dan. 4: 
 19. p 19:4. q 12:10-23. Ps. 103:13. Prov. 10:1. 17:25. Jam. 5:17. 
 
 in David’s deliverance, he sympathized with him in his grief; 
 and for this purpose he evaded the king’s question, which 
 Cushi soon after indirectly, hut more plainly, replied to.— 
 The piety of the language both of Ahimaaz and Cushi on 
 this occasion are worthy of notice and imitation. 
 
 V. 33. David’s grief was doubtless excessive, and very 
 imprudent and criminal. He ought to have been thankful 
 for his own deliverance and for that of Israel ; and to have 
 submitted with silent patience to the righteous judgment of 
 God upon his son. (Notes, Lev. 10:3. 1 Sam. 3:16 — ]8. 
 Ps. 39:9,10.) But he was a man of warm passions : he had 
 inordinately loved a very unworthy object, who was cut off 
 in the midst of his crimes; he could not but think of the state 
 of his immortal soul; and vainly hoped, that if he had been 
 preserved, he might have repented : he was conscious, that 
 when his own forfeited life was spared, after his adultery and 
 murder, this burden had been laid upon his family: he con- 
 sidered himself, by his transgression, example, and the chas- 
 tisement of God, as accessary to the dire catastrophe; and 
 in the vehemency of his grief he wished, that he had died 
 himself rather than his son, probably, as being better pre- 
 pared for the eternal world ; while the agitation of his mind 
 prevented him from adverting to the fatal effects of such an 
 event to his kingdom, and to that cause which in his calmer 
 hours was nearest to his heart. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 18. The peculiar exercises of religion ought lo 
 precede, but not to exclude, the use of every prudent means 
 of securing success in lawful undertakings : and those who 
 would engage others in arduous and perilous attempts, must 
 be willing to take a full share of the hardship and danger. 
 But in some cases the life of an individual is of such import- 
 ance to the public welfare, that thousands are authorized to 
 require it of him, as a duty, to take the utmost care of him- 
 self. It is well when affection and fidelity of this kind 
 subsist between princes and their subjects ; and w hen they 
 are mutually willing to venture, or to suffer, for each other’s 
 benefit. Thus Jesus loved his people, and laid down his' 
 life for them: and thus they consider his cause as dearer 
 to them than every personal interest, and are prepared to 
 l,iy down their lives for his sake. — True courage and firm 
 ness of mind arc very different from rashness and obstinacy 
 ( 569 ) 
 
B C. 1021. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Txe reo/>/e being greatly disappointed and discouraged by David's conduct, 
 Joab, by rude expostulations, induces him to restrain his grief and come 
 forth to them, l — 8. The men of Israel dispute about bringing back Da- 
 vid ; who sends to the priests to incite the men of Judah to take the lead in 
 this; and they readily comply, 9 — 15. Shimei submitting is not punished , 
 16 — 23. Mephibosheth meets David ; complains that Ziba had deceived and 
 slanders i him ; an t has half his land restored, 24 — 30. Barzillai attends 
 David over Jordan , and his son is taken into the king's family, 31 — 40. 
 The Israelites expostulate with the men of Judah , for bringing back the 
 king without them, 41 — 43. 
 
 A ND a it was told Joab, Behold, the king weep- 
 eth and mourneth for Absalom. 
 
 2 And the 'victory that day was Hurried into 
 mourning unto all the people : for the people 
 heard say that day how the king was grieved for 
 his son. 
 
 3 And the people gat them by stealth that day 
 <1010 the city, as people being ashamed d steal away 
 when they flee in battle. 
 
 4 But the king 'covered his face, and the king 
 cried with a loud voice, f O my son Absalom! 0 
 Absalom, my son, my son ! 
 
 5 And Joab came into the house to the king, 
 and said, Thou hast shamed this day the faces of 
 all thy servants, which this day have ssaved thy 
 life, and the lives of thy sons, and of thy daugh- 
 ters, and the lives of thy wives, and the lives of 
 thy concubines ; 
 
 6 l In that thou lovest thine enemies, and hatest 
 thy friends : for thou hast declared this day, that 
 l thou regardest neither princes nor servants : for 
 this day I perceive, that if Absalom had lived, and 
 all we had di # ed this day, h then it had pleased thee 
 well. 
 
 7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak 
 comfortably unto thy servants : for I swear by 
 
 1S:5,I2,14,20,33. * Heb. salvation, or, deliverance, b Prov. 16:15. 19:12. 
 r 32. 17:24. d Gen. 31:27. e See on 15:30. f 1-8:33. gNeh.9:27. Ps. 3:8. 
 
 lfl.47,48. t Heb. By loving, ^c. J Heb. princes or servants are not to thee. 
 k 3:24,25. Job 34:18. Prov. 19:9,10. Acts 23:5. § Heb . to the heart of. Gen. 
 
 84:3. la. 40:1. Hos. 2: 14. marg. i Prov. 14:28. i Ps.71:4 — 6,9 — 11,18—20. 
 129:1,2. k 18:4,24. 1 3. 18:7. 1 Kings 22:36 . 2 Kings 14:12. m Gen. 3:12,13. 
 
 and wise men are always most ready to listen to prudent 
 counsel, even from their inferiors. — The extremes of our 
 most amiable propensities are often of fatal consequence : 
 and it is merciful for God to deny us those things which we 
 greatly desire, when he sees they would prove our tempta- 
 tion or affliction.— Multitudes suffer through the wickedness 
 nf one, but for their own crimes: and rebellion against good 
 and lawful governors is generally and justly punished with 
 the ruin of those concerned in it. Yet the seducers into the 
 ways of sin must be answerable to God foj the consequences ; 
 and who can number the murders, for which many ambitious 
 usurpers will stand indicted before his righteous tribunal ! — 
 At all times “evil pursueth sinners and when in the 
 appointed hour it overtakes them, they cannot possibly es- 
 cape ; but those things on which they have most depended, 
 and of which they have been most proud, often prove the 
 occasion or instruments of their destruction. — Let young 
 people look on Absalom, suspended upon the tree, accursed 
 and forsaken of Heaven and earth ; and there read the Lord’s 
 abhorrence of rebellion against parents : let them consider 
 the agony of his death and the ignominy of his burial, and 
 learn how empty are all external embellishments ; and how 
 vain the flattery of man, {Note, 14:25 — 27.) and all that 
 care, which is employed in rendering themselves admired 
 and renowned. After all, “ the memory of the wicked shall 
 rot and nothing can preserve us from misery and con- 
 tempt, hut heavenly grace and wisdom. — They who are 
 greedy of gain, often work falsehood against their own lives 
 or souls • and many will rejoice in the effects of wickedness, 
 who will be the first to inform against those who have com- 
 mitted it, in order to exculpate themselves: but our safety 
 lies in obeying the Lord and the lawful commands of our 
 rulers.— The removal of one ringleader in daring crimes 
 proves a public benefit, and makes way for the exercise of 
 clemency to numbers: hut that will not authorize every 
 Individual to take away the life of the most notorious offend- 
 er ; for it is not enough that the thing ought to be done, but 
 we are to consider whether it be a service allotted to us by 
 our great Master. 
 
 V. 19 — 33. Every deliverance should be received wilh 
 praise and thanksgiving: and good men delight in bearing 
 giad tidings to those whom they love. May all, who pro- 
 claim the glad tidings of salvation to sinners, be men of holy 
 lives, and unblemished reputation ; and may numbers ptore 
 be sent forth with this joyful message ! — All other good 
 idings have so much alloy, that our joy on account of them 
 must be mingled with weeping, or with trembling: and alas! 
 we are more disposed to complain of the trouble which alloys 
 our mercies, than to be thankful for the mercies themselves. 
 But while we learn from the example before us, to watch 
 and pray against partial and inordinate attachments, tho 
 t 570 
 
 the Lord, if thou go not. forth, 'there will not 
 tarry one with thee this night : and that will be 
 worse unto thee than tall the evil that befell thee 
 from thy youth until now. 
 
 8 Then the king arose, and k sat in the gate. 
 And they told unto all the people, saying, Behold 
 the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people 
 came before the king : ‘for Israel had fled evc~y 
 man to his tent. 
 
 9 "A And all the people were at '"strife through* 
 out all the tribes of Israel, saying, "The king 
 saved us out o r the hand of our enemies, and he 
 delivered us or": of the hand of the Philistines j 
 and now °he is fled out of the land lor Absalom. 
 
 10 And Absalob, fwhom we anointed over us, 
 iis dead in battle. Now therefore why “speak ye 
 not a word of bringing the king back ? 
 
 11 II And king Dav ; d "sent to Zadok and to* 
 Abiathar the priests, saying, "Speak unto the 
 elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are ye the last to 
 bring the king back to lvs house? seeing the 
 speech of all Israel is come *o the king, even to 
 his house. 
 
 12 Ye are my brethren, ye ars "my bones and 
 my flesh : wherefore then are ye the last to bring 
 back the king? 
 
 13 And say ye to “Amasa, Jlrt thou not of my 
 hone, and of my flesh ? ^God do so lo me, ana 
 more also, if thou be not captain of the host before 
 me continually in the ‘room of Joab. 
 
 14 And he bowed the heart of all the men of 
 Judah, “even as the heart of one man; so that 
 they sent this word unto the king, Return thou, 
 and all thy servants. 
 
 Ex. 32:24. Jam. 3:14— 16. n 8:10. 1 Sam. 17:50. 18:5— 7,25. 19:.'. olS:li. 
 p 15:12,13. Hos. 8:4. q 18:14. || Heb. are ye silent ? Jude. 18:9 r 15:29,35, 
 36. X Kino 2:25,26,35. > 2 Cor. 5:20. t 'Matt. 5:16. 2Thrs. 3:8. u 5:1. 
 
 Gen. 2:23. Judg. 9:2. Eph. 5:30. x 17.25. 1 Chr. 2:16,17. 12:18. v Ruth 1:17. 
 
 1 Kings 19:2. z 5 — 7.3:29,30 . 8:16. 13:11. a Judg. 20:1. l e. 110:2,3. Acta 
 4:38. 
 
 indulgence or neglect of our children, and the unadvised 
 language and passionate wishes of excessive grief; while we 
 learn to bow down to the righteous appointments of God in 
 our sharpest trials, to adore his unmerited mercy in our 
 comforts and deliverances, and to prefer the public welfare 
 to any personal or private affections ; we may in David per- 
 ceive a shadow of the Saviour's love, who wept, prayed, and 
 suffered death in all its bitterness, for us rebels and enemies, 
 without even excepting those, who perseculed and crucified 
 him; and hence learn “not to he overcome of evil, but to 
 overcome evil with good.” 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XIX. V. 1—8. (Note, 18:33.) David’s 
 conduct on this occasion was exceedingly impolitic, and 
 tended to weaken the attachment, and damp the zeal of hii 
 adherents ; who would interpret his excessive grief, so pas- 
 sionately expressed, into an indifference about their interests, 
 and dissatisfaction with their services. For instead of being 
 led to celebrate their important success with joyful exulta- 
 tions, and meeting the animating hearty commendations of 
 their prince, whom they had bravely and faithfully served; 
 they were sent away grieved and ashamed. Joab had 
 therefore good reason to interpose, and would have been 
 justifiable in a very plain remonstrance ivith David on tho 
 impropriety of his conduct : but the asperity, the reproaches, 
 and the threat, confirmed with an oath of a general defec- 
 tion, which his language plainly implied, must ho ascribed to 
 his pride and insolence ; for he seems to have gloried in dis- 
 obeying and being rude to his prince. (Note, 3:24,25. 18:14. 
 20:8 — 13.) David, however, being conscious that Joab had 
 truth and reason on his side, smothered his resentment, and 
 very prudently obviated the disgust of the people. 
 
 V. 9 — 15. David would not appear to reign by force ol 
 arms : and therefore he waited till ho was publicly invited to 
 resume the reins of government. Froth the time that he 
 began to reign in Hebron over the tribe of Judah only, the 
 distinction between Judah and Israel began to he observed. 
 (Notes, 2,4. 5:1 — 3.) The men of Israel were first disposed 
 to return to their allegiance, and they spoke honourably ot 
 David’s former services ; but either fear or shame, or want oi 
 unanimity, deterred them from publicly inviting him tt return . 
 and they seem also to have disputed to whom the Dtame o( 
 the late rebellion belonged ; each endeavouring to excuse him- 
 self. — When therefore the report of these things reached the 
 king, he probably thought it would he dishonourable to his 
 own tribe, if they were tho last in this service ; or perhaps 
 'hey were so deeply involved in Absalom’s rt hellion, that they 
 feared David’s resentment, when reinstated in l.is authority. 
 He therefore employed Zadok and Abiathar to assure tho 
 principal persons of ids affection, and to excite tin m to appear 
 in this business; by which moans they took the lead in such 
 a manner, ns induced the men of Israel to ctyiclud 5, that 
 
B. C. 102t. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 B. C. 1021. 
 
 15 So the returned, and came to Jordan. 
 And Judah came to b Gilgal, to go to meet the 
 king, to conduct the king over Jordan. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 16 H And c Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, 
 which ivas of Bahurim, d hasted and came down 
 with the men of Judah to meet king David. 
 
 17 And there were a thousand men of Benja- 
 min with him, and e Ziba the servant ot the house 
 of Saul, and his fifteen sons and his twenty ser- 
 vants with him; and they went over Jordan 
 before the king. 
 
 18 And there went over a ferry-boat to carry 
 over the king’s household, and to do 'what he 
 thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera f fell 
 down before the king, as he was come over 
 Jordan ; 
 
 19 And ssaid unto the king, h Let not my lord 
 impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou ‘remem- 
 ber that which thy servant k did perversely the 
 day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, 
 that the king should 'take it to his heart. 
 
 20 For thy servant doth know that I have 
 sinned : therefore behold, m I am come the first 
 this day of all the house of “Joseph, to go down 
 to meet my lord the king. 
 
 21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered 
 and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for 
 this, because he ('cursed the Lord’s anointed ? 
 
 22 And David said, sWhat have I to do with 
 ou, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day 
 e adversaries unto me? r Sha 11 there any man be 
 
 put to death this day in Israel ? for do not I know 
 that T am this day king over Israel ? 
 
 23 Therefore the king said unto Shimei, “Thou 
 6halt not die : and the king ‘sware unto him. 
 
 24 H And "Mephibosheth the son of Saul came 
 down to meet the king, and had neither “dressed 
 his feet, nor trimmed his beard, nor washed his 
 clothes, from the day the king departed until the 
 day he came again in peace. 
 
 25 And it came to pass ; when he was come to 
 Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said 
 unto him, 'Wherefore wentest not thou with me, 
 Mephibosheth ? 
 
 o Josh. 5:9. I Sam. 11:14,15. c 16:5 — 13. 1 King« 2:8,36 — 46. d Job 2:4. 
 Prov. 6:4,5. Malt. 5:25. e 26,27. 9:2,10. 16:1-4. * Heb. the good in his 
 
 eyes. f Ps. 66:3. 81 :15. Rev. 3:9. gKc.l0:4. h 1 Sam. 22:15. Ps. 32:2. 
 
 Rom. 1:6,8. 2 Cor. 5 19. i Ps. 79:8. Is. 43:25. Jer. 31 :34. k 16:5— 9,13. Ex. 
 10:16,17. 1 Sam. 25:21. Malt. 27:4. 1 13:20,33. 1 Sam. 25:25. m Ps. 78:34— 
 87. Jer. 22:23. Hob. 5:15. u 9. 16:5. Gen. 48:14,20. 1 Kings 12:20,25. Hos.4: 
 15—17.5:3. o Ex. 22:28. 1 Kings 21:10,11. p 16:5,7,13. 1 Sam. 24:6. 26:9. 
 q 3:39. 16:10. 1 Sam. 26:8. Matt. 8:29. r 1 Sam. 11:13. Is. 16:5. Luke 9:54 — 
 56. s 1 Kings 2:8,9,37,46. t 1 Sam. 28:10. 30:15. Heb. 6:16. u 9:6. 16:3. 
 x 15:30. Is. 15:2. Jer. 41:5. Malt.6:lS. Rom. 12:15. Heb. 13 3. y 16:17. 
 t 16:2,3. a 4:4. b 16:3. Ex. 20:16. Ps. 15:3. 101:5. Jer. 9:4. c 14:17,20. 
 
 they meant to engross the credit of recalling David, and 
 exclusively to secure his favour. (Note, 40 — 43.) But it 
 would have been more prudent, if they had consulted with 
 their brethren, that all of them might act in concert ; as this 
 would have prevented many bad consequences. — David also 
 was very uneasy under Joab’s haughtiness, and was exceed- 
 ingly displeased with him for slaying Absalom, and for his 
 subsequent rudeness : and he wished to lay.him aside. (Note, 
 
 1 — 8.) He supposed likewise, that if Amasa were assured 
 of pardon- and preferment, he would draw over all that party 
 into his interests: (Note, 17:25.) and doubtless his influence 
 was very great, especially in Judah. But Amasa, having 
 neaded so daring a rebellion, was not a proper person to sup- 
 plant Joab, whose influence with the army and with David’s 
 best friends, was too firmly established to be thus shaken ; 
 and he was sure not to subrr-it quietly to such a disgrace. Da- 
 vid therefore does not seem to have acted with prudence on 
 this emergency. 
 
 Anointed. (10) It is not recorded, that Absalom was 
 anointed : but perhaps he was ; and if not, he was obeyed, 
 as if he had been the anointed king. 
 
 V. 16, 17. ( Marg . Ref.) Perhaps Shimei had been 
 
 captain of a thousand men of Benjamin, who now attended 
 him, to request that he might be pardoned. 
 
 V. 18. Ferry-boat .] This is the only place in which a 
 boat for passing over a river is mentioned. Bridges are not 
 once mentioned in Scripture. Rivers were generally forded 
 at this time. 
 
 V. 19 — 23. Next to the tribe of Judah, the descendants of 
 Joseph had the pre-eminence ; and Israel, as distinguished 
 from Judah, was named from them. Shimei, therefore, though 
 a Benjamite, ranked himself among the sons of Joseph, or 
 the Israelites ; and intimated, that none except the men of 
 Judah had come to David so soon as he had. Perhaps he 
 meant, that he had come before any of the house of Joseph. — I 
 
 26 And he answered, My lord, 0 king, my ser- 
 vant deceived me: for thy servant siyd, “I will 
 saddle me an ass, that I may ride thereon, and go 
 to the king ; because “thy servant is lame. 
 
 27 And he hath b slandered thy servant unto my 
 lord the king ; but my lord the king is “as an angel 
 of God : do therefore what is good in thine eyes. 
 
 28 For all of my father’s house d were but Mean 
 men before my lord the king : yet “didst thou set 
 thv servant among them that did eat at thine own 
 table. What right therefore have I yet 1 to cry any 
 more unto the king? 
 
 29 And the king said unto him, ? Why speakest 
 thou any more of thy matters ? I have said, 
 h Thou and Ziba divide the land. 
 
 30 And Mephibosheth said unto the king, ‘Yea, 
 let him take all, forasmuch as my lord the king is 
 come again in peace unto his own house. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 31 If And IBarzillai the Gileadite came down 
 from Rogelim, and went over Jordan with the 
 king, to conduct him over Jordan. 
 
 32 Now Barzillai was a very aged man, even 
 k fourscore years old : and lie had ‘provided the 
 king of sustenance while he lay at Mahanaim : 
 m for he was a very great man. 
 
 33 And the king said unto Barzillai, “Come thou 
 over with me, and I will feed thee with me in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 34 And Barzillai said unto the king, *How long 
 have I to live, that I should go up with the king 
 unto Jerusalem ? 
 
 35 I am this day fourscore years old : and “can 
 I discern between good and evil ? can thy servant 
 rtaste what I eat or what I drink ? scan I hear 
 any more the voice of singing men and singing 
 women ? wherefore then should thy servant be yet 
 a “burden unto my lord the king? 
 
 36 Thy servant will go a little way oyer Jordan 
 with the king : and why should the king recom- 
 pense it me with such a reward ? 
 
 37 Let thy servant, I pray thee, turn back 
 again, that “I may die in mine own city, and be 
 buried ‘by the grave of my father and of my 
 mother : but behold thy servant “Chimham 
 
 1 Sam. 29:9. d Gen. 32:10. t Heb. men of death. 1 Sam. 26:16. e 9:7,8,10 
 13. f 2 Kings 8:3. g Job 19:16,17. Piov. 18:13. Acts 18.15. it 7 e.il. 19:17— 
 19. Ps. 82:2. 101:5. i 1:26. Acts 20:24. Pliil. 1:20. j 1 Kings 2:7. Ezra 2:61 
 Neh. 7:63. k Gen. 5:27, 9:29. 25:7. 47:28. 50:26. l ent. 34:7. Ps. 90:3— 10 
 117:27. m l Sam. 25:2. Job 1:3. n 9:11. Matt. 25:34— JO. Luke 22:28— 30 
 
 2 Thes. 1:7. } Heb. How wavy days are the years oj 'my life ? Gen. 47:9 
 
 Job 14:14. Ps. 39:5,6. 1 Cor. 7:29. Jam. 4:14. o Job 6:30. 12:11. Heb. 5:14 
 1 Pet. 2:3. p Ec. 12:1— 5. q Ezra 2:65. Neh. 7:67. JV. 2:8. 12:4. r 13:25 
 15:33. s Gen. 48:21. Josh. 23:14. Lnk. .4 6. 2 Pet. 1:14 
 
 t Gen. 47:30. 49:29— 31. 50:13. 1 Kings 13:22. u 40. 1 Kings 2:7. Jer. 41:17 
 
 Shimei confessed his crime, and seemed penitent : and David 
 granted him a pardon, and swore to him that he should not 
 die at that time, or for that offence. (Notes, 16:5 — 14. 1 King s 
 2:8,9,36 — 46.) Abishai, however, would have had him made 
 an example of, as indeed he well deserved : but David inti- 
 mated, that he and Joab were always instigating him to acts 
 of severity ; but it would he injurious to his interests, as well 
 as contrary to his inclinations, to sully his restoration with 
 the execution of a single criminal ; and that there was no 
 occasion, for all were disposed peaceably to submit to him. # 
 V. 24 — 30. Mephibosheth did not. come to David till his 
 return to Jerusalem, probably, because he could not procure 
 an ass prepared for him to ride on ; having been deserted by 
 Ziba, and all his attendants. From the time of the king’s 
 departure, he had utterly neglected the care of his person, 
 and shown every token of excessive sorrow. To David’s 
 inquiry, why he had not accompanied him, he answered by a 
 simple narration of facts, united with the most respectful, 
 affectionate, thankful, and submissive language. He owed all 
 he possessed to David’s clemency and bounty ; he did not 
 complain of the grant made to Ziba ; and he was confident 
 that the king would do nothing but what was consistent with 
 wisdom and justice. — But whether David did not fully credit 
 him ; or whether he was ashamed of his credulity, and wished 
 not to have it further noticed ; he suffered Ziba to escape 
 merited punishment, and to enjoy part of the fruits of his 
 slander : or at least he contented himself with restoring mat 
 ters to their former settlement, as some understand it. (Note, 
 9:9 — 11.) Mephibosheth, however, so greatly rejoiced in Da- 
 vid’s safety and success, that he generously treated the affair 
 concerning his own estate, as a matter of indifference. (Notes 
 Phil. 1:15—20.) 
 
 V. 31 — 39. The narrative of the conversation which passed 
 between David and Barzillai, and their affectionate parting, 
 is exceedingly pleasing and instructive : but it requires littla 
 
 ( 571 ) 
 
B. C. 1021 
 
 II. SAMUEL 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 if t him go over with my lord the king ; and do to 
 him what*shall seem good unto thee. 
 
 38 And the kin» answered, Chimham shall go 
 over with me, and I will do to him that which 
 shall seem good unto thee: and whatsoever thou 
 shalt ‘require of me, that will I do for thee. 
 
 39 And all the people went over Jordan. And 
 when the king was come over, the king v kissed 
 Barzillai, and x blessed him : and y he returned unto 
 his own place. 
 
 40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and 
 tChimham went on with him: and all Hhe peo e 
 of Judah conducted the king, and also half the 
 people of Israel. 
 
 41 H And behold, all the men of Israel came to 
 the king, and said unto the king, “Why have our 
 
 • Heb. choose. v Gen. 31 :55. 45:15. Ruth 1:14. 1 K in ge 19:20. Acte 20:37. 
 x 6:18,20. 13:25. Gen. 14:19. 28:3. 47:7,10. Luke 2:34. y Gen. 31:55. Num24: 
 25. 1 Sam. 24:22. t Heb. Chimkan. z 11 — 15. Gen. 49:10. Matt. 21:9. a Judg. 
 8:1. 12:1. John 7:5,6. b 3. Gen. 31:26,27. c 12. 5:1. 1 Chr. 2:3— 17. (120:1,6. 
 
 comment. Barzillai had merely done his duty: he required 
 no recompense ; and he was too old either to enjoy the plea- 
 sures of the court, or to be of any further use to his king. 
 (Note, Ec. 12:2 — 7.) He only desired to go home to prepare 
 for death : but the case might be different in respect to his 
 son. — It is probable that David settled part of his patrimony 
 at Bethlehem on Chimham. (Note, Jer. 41:16 — 18.) 
 
 V. 40 — 43. By the time that David had passed over Jor- 
 dan, part of the elders of Israel came to bring him back, and 
 were disgusted at finding that they came too late ; and that 
 David’s reinstatement in the kingdom had been decided on, 
 though theii advice had not been asked. They thought 
 themselves despised, and that the men of Judah took too 
 much upon them: while the plea of relationship to David, 
 urged by the men of Judah, tended only to increase suspi- 
 cions and envy; and the fiercer words, which they returned 
 to the angry remonstrance of their brethren, produced very 
 bad effects. (Notes, Judg. 8:1 — 3. 12:1 — 7. Prov. 13:10. 
 17:14. 18:19. 1 Cor. 13:4 — 7. Gal. 5:13—15. Phil. 2:1—4. 
 Jam. 3: 1 3* — 18.) Whatever value or respect the men of 
 Israel at this time professed for their king, they would not 
 have quarrelled so fiercely about their own credit and interest 
 in recalling him, if they had been truly sorry for their former 
 rebellion. David freely forgave them all their gross injuries 
 against him; but they could not endure the least affront from 
 each other. (Note, 20:1,2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. The excessive indulgence of any passion, 
 
 (grief by no means excepted,) not only offends God, but 
 betrays men into great imprudence even in their temporal 
 concerns. — Those who have faithfully served us expect that 
 we should appear pleased with them, and thankful for their 
 services : and many will do more for a smile and a kind word 
 from their superiors, than for a more substantial recompense ; 
 and be much grieved and disheartened, if they think them- 
 selves frowned on. — Upon important emergencies, plain 
 truths may properly be spoken to the greatest and best, of 
 men, and they may be closely reasoned and expostulated 
 with ; but indecent, roughness, and an assuming demeanor in 
 an inferior, will render the most prudent, seasonable, and 
 honest counsel unacceptable, and perhaps ineffectual. (Notes, 
 1 Sam. 25:23 — 33. Prov. 25:11,12. 27:9.) A wise man, how- 
 ever, will endeavour to overlook the impropriety, and benefit 
 by the sound reason, of well-intended remonstrances : and 
 timely concessions will commonly prevent the ill effects of 
 mistaken measures. — Men are often betrayed, by their dis- 
 contents and fickleness, into such actions as their sober 
 judgment disapproves, and of which experience will constrain 
 them to be weary : but they do not so readily condemn them- 
 selves for the most evident treachery or ingratitude. — Many 
 allow that such and such things should be done, and wonder 
 that others do not set about them : and yet they themselves 
 are equally dilatory, through indolence, pride, or covetous- 
 ness. — Ministers should at all times be examples of fidelity 
 to magistrates and rulers ; and may very properly exhort 
 others to do their plain and evident duty, in that as well as in 
 other respects: but, this case excepted, it is generally best 
 for them not to intermeddle in public affairs. — Convincing 
 arguments, urged in mildness and love, are very forcible, and 
 produce great effects upon the minds of men in all temporal 
 concerns : but the grace of God alone can bow our hearts 
 into submission to his humbling truth and holy will. — In acts 
 of clemency to those who have been open offenders, care 
 should be taken not to disgust such as have deserved better 
 of us, though in some respects they have failed of their duty : 
 and that which exposes a man to envy or rivalship, however 
 Bplendid and valuable, will probably be injurious to him. 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 18:6 — 11. Prov. 27:4.) — Self-preference and 
 contempt of others should always be guarded against ; and 
 every thing avoided which may be thought to spring from 
 these evils: while equity, mutual respect, and harmony should 
 he studied, and many interests and supposed points of honour 
 i seeded from, that strife and contention may bo excluded. 
 
 V. 16 — 30. Many seem to bo sorry for those crimes 
 
 ( 572 ) 
 
 brethren the men of Judah b stolen thee away, 
 and have brought the king, and his household, and 
 all David’s men with him, over Jordan ? 
 
 42 And all the men of Judah answered the men 
 of Israel, 'Because the king is near of kin to ua: 
 wherefore then be ye angry for this matter? have 
 we eaten at all of the king’s cost ? or hath he 
 given us any gift? 
 
 43 And the men of Israel answered the men 
 of Judah, and said, d We have “ten parts in the 
 king, and we have also more right in David 
 than ye : why then did ye ‘despise us, that 
 f our advice should not he first had in bringing 
 back our king? And sthe words of the men of 
 Judah were fiercer than the words of the men 
 of Israel. 
 
 1 Kings 12:16. e 5:1. Prov. 13:10. + Heb. set us at tight, f 9,14. Gal. 5:20. 
 26. Phil. 2:3. g Judg. 9:23. 12:1— 6. Prov. 15:1. 17:14. 18:19. Korn. 12:21. 
 Gal. 5:15,20. Jam. 1:20. 3:14—16. 4:1—5. 
 
 which expose them to present punishment ; and the language 
 and semblance of repentance are easily imitated : but it is 
 safest for us to judge favourably of others ; if we do err, to 
 err on the side of candour and clemency ; and to leave it to 
 the heart-searching God to determine between the upright 
 and the hypocritical. — Peculiar mercies from God should 
 dispose us to be the more merciful to others: and our best 
 friends must be considered as adversaries, when they would 
 persuade us to act contrary to our conscience and our duty. 
 (Note, Matt. 16:21 — 23.) — Perseverance in well-doing will at 
 length refute slanderous accusations : true affection for our 
 friends, and sympathy with them in their afflictions, will 
 create an indifference to the pleasures of sense and external 
 decorations : and when they are beloved for the Lord’s sake, 
 as well as for personal obligations, the effect will be much 
 greater, and more permanent. But this sorrow shall be 
 turned into joy, on account of their present success, or in the 
 prospect of their future happiness, and our own in fellowship 
 with them: and these hopes and comforts tend to wean the 
 soul more and more from the trifling interests of this world. — 
 Credulity in believing slanders often leads pious persons into 
 difficulties, and covers them with shame: and no offenders 
 are so seldom treated with proper severity as backbiters. 
 
 V. 31 — 43. When God gives largeness of heart, as well 
 as great wealth, he qualifies a man to be a public blessing: 
 and doing good liberally is the proper pleasure and advantage 
 of wealth. For the little pleasure of outward enjoyments 
 quickly grows insipid; old age destroys the relish fbr them: 
 and death must soon separate a man from his riches, and 
 then he must give an account to God of his stewardship. — It 
 becomes us therefore, as we advance in life, to relinquish 
 worldly pursuits before we he torn from them ; and leaving to 
 our juniors those scenes of business, or of pleasure, where 
 reflection is too often dissipated, and the voice of conscience 
 stunned, to prefer retirement and privacy, where we may 
 best prepare for the closing hour. Even the cities where tho 
 truths of God are most professed, and his ordinances are best 
 administered ; and those courts, 'where the prince encourages 
 and sets an example of true piety ; are ensnaring places, 
 through the multitudes of another character which frequent 
 them. And, though allowances should be made to youth, in 
 matters inexpedient to old age ; yet. the sooner and the more 
 entirely young people devote themselves to God, the safer 
 and happier they will be. — It is our duly to recompense to 
 the children the kindness shown us by their parents, and to 
 pray for them that they may have grace properly to use their 
 temporal good things. — Envy and anger often interrupt the 
 most promising appearances, and in quarrels generally both 
 parties are culpable. A supposed negleot excites displeasure, 
 an angry expression provokes a retort; words grow warmer 
 and fiercer. Thus the best designs are disconcerted, and 
 much evil is committed ; when it might be otherwise, if men 
 would watch against their own pride, and be careful not to 
 affront that of others; remembering that a “soft answer 
 turneth away wrath.” (Notes, Prov. 15:1. 26:4,5.) — But 
 here again, some glimpses may be discerned of the glorious 
 character and kingdom of David’s Son and David’s Lord. 
 Being anointed by the Father to he his King upon his holy 
 hill of Zion, he reigns over a willing people, who deem it 
 their privilege to be his subjects. Once indeed they were 
 rebels, and numbers of their associates perished in rebellion: 
 but when they became sensible of their danger, they w'ero 
 fearful or reluctant to submit unto him; till his ministers, by 
 representing his tender love, and his promise* pardon 
 and preferment, through the concurring influences of his 
 Spirit, bowed their hearts to a humble willingness that ho 
 should reign over them: then he readily pardoned and ac- 
 cepted them, and upon no accusation will he cast our, or cut 
 off, the greatest offender who crios for his mercy. His 
 friends sincerely mourn when his cause is mn down, and 
 rejoice when it prospers, whether they prosper ir. the world 
 or not. He will recompense those, who from love to him 
 feed his servants ; he will assign them a place in kit holy city* 
 the new Jerusalem; he will feast them upon Ut) pro-isions 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B. C. 1021 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Sheba draws the men of Israel into a revolt , 1 , 2. David shuts up his ten con- 
 cubines, 3. Amasa, being sent to call together the men of Judah , is mur- 
 dered byjoab , who resumes the command and pursues Sheba, 4 — 13. He 
 besieges Abel, whither Sheba hail Jled, 14, 15. Through the interposition of 
 a wise woman, Sheba's head is thrown over the wall, and the revolt is termi- 
 nated, 16 — 2t. David's oJficers,'2Z—'iS. 
 
 A ND "there happened to be there b a man of 
 Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of 
 Bichri, a Benjamite : and “he blew a trumpet, 
 and said, b We have no part in David, neither 
 have we inheritance in the son of Jesse : every 
 man to his tents, O Israel. 
 
 2 So "every man of Israel went up from after 
 David, and followed Sheba the son of Bichri : 
 but ' the men of Judah clave unto their king, 
 *from Jordan even to Jerusalem. 
 
 3 It And David came to his house at Jerusalem; 
 and the king took the b ten women his concubines, 
 whom he had left to keep the house, and put 
 them in 'ward, and fed them, but went not in unto 
 them. So they were 'shut up unto the day of 
 their death, hiving in widowhood. 
 
 4 It Then said the king to ‘Amasa, ^Assemble me 
 the men of Judah within three days, and be thou 
 here present. 
 
 5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah : 
 but he Married longer than the set time which he 
 had appointed him. 
 
 6 And David said to ’Ahishai, Now shall Sheba 
 the son of Bichri m do us more harm than did 
 Absalom : take thou "thy lord’s servants and pur- 
 sue after him, lest he get him fenced cities and 
 "escape us. 
 
 7 And there went out after him “Joab’s men, 
 and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and all 
 the mighty men : and they went out of Jerusalem, 
 to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 
 
 i 19:41 — 13. Ps. 34:19. b 23:6. Deut. 13:13. Judg.l9:22. 1 Sam. 2:12. 30:22. 
 Ps. 17:13. Fruv. 26:21. Hab. 1:12,13. c 15:10. Judg. 3:27. Prov. 24:21,22. 25: 
 8. d 19:43. 1 Kings 12:16. 2Chr. 10:16. T.tike 19:14,27. el9:41. Ps.62:9. 
 
 118:6—10. Pros. 17:14. f John 6:66— 68. Acts 11:23. g 19:15,40,41. h 15:16. 16: 
 21,22. * Heb. a house of ward. Gen. 40:3. f Heb. bound. } Heb. in widowhood 
 of life, i 17:25. 19: 13/ 1 Chr. 2:17. % Heb. call. k l Sam. 13:8. 12:18.3: 
 
 90,39. 10:9,10,14. 18:2,12. 21:17. 23:18. 1 Sam. 26:6.1 Chr. 11:20. 18:12. m 19: 
 ?. n 11:11. 1 Kings 1:33. II Heb. deliver himself from our eyes. o23. 8:16, 
 
 »f his house, and will bless their children after them. Alas! 
 that it must be added, that while the King himself is so plen- 
 teous in mercy ; many of his professed subjects are envious 
 and contentious with each other, and quarrel about the most 
 trivial concerns ; which prevents much good, does immense 
 mischief, and occasions lamentable scandals. May he at 
 length teach all who are called by his name, to follow the 
 example of his humility and meekness ; and to rejoice in see- 
 ing the common cause promoted, let who will have the credit 
 of being the instrument: and may all “endeavour to keep 
 the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace !” {Note, Eph. 
 4:1—6.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XX. V. 1, 2. Thd disputants at 
 first professed to vie with each other in loyal affection for 
 their prince ; {Note, 19:40 — 43.) yet most of them were really 
 actuated by ambition of pre-eminence: one party confiding 
 in nearness of relation to David, the other in numbers. At 
 length therefore the men of Israel, who had boasted that they 
 had ten parts in David, were so irritated, that they would 
 have no part in him, but preferred a man of Belial before 
 him: intimating, that they had no share in his regard, which 
 was engrossed by the men of Judah ; and therefore they 
 would have nothing more to do with him. {Note, 1 Kings 
 12:16.) — Sheba, it is probable, had been a commnnder under 
 Amasa in Absalom’s revolt, and possessed great influence 
 among the men of Israel; so that, when he blew a trumpet, 
 and gave the signal, instead of returning home, they generally 
 followed him as the leader of another rebellion. “But the 
 men of Judah clave unto their king :” and probably a few of 
 the men of Israel ; some from fear, and others from attach- 
 ment. — Shimei did not join this rebellion, or he would have 
 been punished. 
 
 V. 3. The confinement and retired maintenance of these 
 women was the only measure, which could be adopted, in 
 justice or prudence ; unless they had been found deserving 
 of severer punishment. The less they were seen or heard 
 of, the better ; and perhaps their seclusion might be a benefit 
 to their souls. 
 
 V. 4, 5. Amasa’s appointment to be commander of the 
 liny, in the place of Joab, must have been very unpopular 
 with all those, who had fought and conquered under that 
 commander : and as Amasa had not been successful for Ab- 
 salom, perhaps his own party did not entirely confide in him. 
 This might occasion some unexpected delay in raising an 
 army: but the men of Judah seem to have been more eager 
 to dispute about their king, than to engage in battle for him. 
 
 V. 6, 7. Thy lord's servants.] That is, Joab's soldiers, 
 »r a body of men which had been more immediately com- 
 
 8 When they were at the great stone which is 
 pin Gibeon, ‘lAmasa went before them. And 
 Joab’s garment that he had put on was girdeo 
 unto him, and upon it a girdle with a sword fast- 
 ened upon his loins in the sheath thereof; and as 
 he went forth it tell out. 
 
 9 And Joab said to Amasa , r Art thou in health, 
 my brother ? And Joab took Amasa by the beard 
 with the right hand 'to kiss him. 
 
 10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword thaf 
 was ‘in Joab’s hand: so "he smote him therewiti 
 in the fifth rib, "and shed out his bowels to the 
 ground, and ’’struck him not again ; and he died. 
 So Joab and Ahishai his brother pursued after 
 Sheba the son of Bichri. 
 
 11 And one of Joab’s men stood by him, and 
 said, rHe that favoureth Joab, and he tiiat is 'for 
 David, let him go after Joab. 
 
 12 And "Amasa wallowed in blood in the midst 
 of the highway. And when the man saw that all 
 the people stood still, he removed Amasa out of 
 the highway, into the field, and cast a cloth upon 
 him, when he saw that every one that came by 
 him stood still. 
 
 13 When he was removed out of the highwaj r , 
 all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after 
 
 Sheba the SOn Of Bichri. C Practical Observations. ] 
 
 14 If And he went through all the tribes of Israel 
 unto b Abel, and to Beth-maachah, and all the 
 'Berites: and they were gathered together, and 
 went also after him. 
 
 15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of 
 Beth-maachah, and they d cast up a bank against 
 the city, and "it stood in the trench : and all the 
 people that were with Joab '’battered the wall to 
 throw it down. 
 
 18. 15:18 . 23:22,23. t Kings 1:38,44. p2:13. 3:30. q 4,5. r Ps. 55:21. Prov. 
 26:24-26. Mic . 7:2. s Mutt. 26: 18,49. Luke 22:47,48. t 9. Judg. 3:21. 1 Chr. 
 12:2. u 2:23. 3:27. Gen. 4:8. 1 Kings 2.5,6,31—34. x Acts 1:18,19. 6 Heb. 
 
 doubled not hi 8 stroke. 1 Sam. 26:8. v 6,7,13,21. 7.4. 2 Kings 9:32. a 17:25. 
 Ps. 9:16. 55:23. Prov. 24:21,22. b 1 Kings 15:20. 2 Kings 15:29. 2 Chr. 16:4. 
 c Josh. 18:25. Beeroth. d 2 Kings 19:32. Jer. 32:24. 33:4. Puke 19:43. ’* Or, 
 it stood against the outmost wall, tt Heb. marred to throw down. 
 
 manded by him. {Marg. Ref. n.o.) David would not employ 
 Joab upon this occasion, because he intended to remove him 
 from his service : but, by assigning the service to his brother 
 Ahishai, he effectually made way for Joab’s resuming the 
 command, in defiance of him. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Amasa, at length arriving with the troops which 
 he had collected, took upon him the command of the army : and 
 Joab seemed very cheerfully to submit ; following the army 
 as a private person, and professing zeal for the cause of David, 
 whilst he was meditating revenge and murder ! He had con- 
 trived, that his sword should fall from its scabbard, as if by 
 chance, when he approached Amasa, that without suspicion 
 he might have it drawn in his hand, when he saluted him • 
 and thus, pretending brotherly love, (for he was a near rela- 
 tion,) and in the very expression of endeared friendship, he 
 basely murdered him at one blow. Amasa could not but know 
 Joab’s daring and revengeful character, and his vexation at 
 being superseded by the commander of that very rebellion 
 which he had crushed ; yet he did not suspect his intention, 
 or attempt to avoid the fatal blow ! perhaps not apprehending 
 danger from the sword, because Joab held it in' his left hand. 
 But it was the Lord’s righteous will, that Amasa should thus 
 suffer the punishment due to his former treason. {Notes, 3: 
 26,27. 18:14. Judg. 9:50 — 57.) — Joab, confiding in the favour of 
 the army, by this conduct set both the king and public justice 
 at defiance, and declared his resolution to keep his place ir 
 contempt of all opposition. {Notes, 3:38,39. 1 Kings 2:5,6, 
 28 — 34.) Having therefore given Amasa a mortal wound, he 
 left him in the agonies of death, resumed the command of the 
 troops, and marched against the common enemy, without 
 concern or delay ! ' 
 
 V. 11 — 13. By the artifice of representing the cause of 
 Joab as united with that of David, the people in general were 
 left in suspense, whether Joab aettfd by the king’s orders, or 
 against them : but when the body of Amasa was removed 
 and covered, they followed their old commander without fur- 
 ther hesitation. 
 
 He that favoureth Joab. (11) “ Delighteth (yon) in Joab, 
 and in David.” Joab is placed first. Probably many who 
 had highly favoured Joab, felt, indignant on this occasion. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Sheba endeavoured to raise forces, through 
 the several tribes of Israel : but it is probable, that the elders 
 who at first had followed him, upon recollection, and from 
 dread of another civil war, had generally withdrawn from 
 him ; and therefore he had little success. So that with only 
 a few followers, chiefly from Beeroth a city of Benjamin, ha 
 at length shut himself up in Abel-beth-maachah, in the triba 
 of Naphtali, as some of the citizens seem at first to hava 
 
 • 573 ) 
 
B. C. 1021. 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1021. 
 
 16 H Then cried "a wise woman out of the city, 
 Hear, hear; say, 1 pray you, unto Joab, Come 
 near Hither, that I may speak with thee. 
 
 17 And when he was come near unto her, the 
 woman said, Art thou Joab? and lie answered, I 
 am lie. Then she said unto him, ‘Hear the words 
 of thine handmaid. And he answered, I do hear. 
 
 18 Then she spake, saying, ’They were wont 
 to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask 
 counsel at Abel : and so they ended the matter. 
 
 19 I am one of them that are ^peaceable and 
 faithful in Israel : thou seekest to destroy a city 
 and h a mother in Israel : why wilt thou 'swallow 
 up k the inheritance of the Lord? 
 
 20 And Joab answered and said, ‘Far be it, far 
 be it from me, m that I should swallow up or de- 
 stroy. 
 
 21 The matter is not so: but n a man of mount 
 Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri f by name, hath 
 
 e 14:2. 1 Sam. 25:3,32,33. Ec. 9:11— 18. f 14:12. 1 Sam. 25:24. ‘Or, they plainly 
 spake in the beginning, saying , Surely they will ask of Abel , amd so make an 
 end. Deut. 20: 10,11. g Gen. 18:23. Rom. 13:3,4. 1 Tim. 2:2. h Judg. 5:7. Ez. 
 16:45— 48. i 11:16. N.im. 16:32. 26: IU. Ps. 124:3. Jer. 5F: 34, 44. Lam. 2:2,5, 
 16. 1 Cor. 15:54. 2 Cor. 5:1. k21:3. Ex. 19:5,6. Deut. 32:9. 1 Sam. 26:19. 
 
 123:17. Job 21:16. 2*2:18. m 10. Prov. 28:13. Jer. 17:9. Luke 10:29. n 1. 
 Judg. 2:9. 7:24. 2 Kings 5:22. Jer. 4:15. 50:19. t Heb. by his name, o 23: 
 
 been favourable to his cause: but when Joab had so far 
 pushed the siege, as to fill up the trench, and to fix his engines 
 close to the wall to batter it ; it may be supposed, that they 
 began to dread the consequences. 
 
 V. 16 — 19. Joab seems to have taken it for granted, that 
 the citizens in general were firmly attached to Sheba; and so 
 did not propose terms of peace, or require them to deliver 
 him up : and they appear to have concluded, that there was 
 no safety except in resistance. But the fatal effects of this 
 misunderstanding were prevented by the timely interposition 
 of a woman of noted wisdom and prudence. In her argu- 
 ment with Joab, she seems to have referred to the law which 
 required, that before siege was laid even to a foreign city, 
 peace should be offered if the citizens would submit; and 
 much more to a city, which had hitherto been “peaceful and 
 faithful, and a mother in Israel,” as protecting the adjacent 
 villages. ( Note , Deut. 20:10 — 18.) And she tacitly inti- 
 mated that Joab, by neglecting this previous measure, was 
 about to destroy the city, to the public injury of the nation, 
 and so to u swallow up the inheritance of the Lord.” This 
 seems the proper interpretation of her expostulation: and it 
 accords with the marginal reading : though she expressed 
 herself rather obscurely, perhaps for fear of giving offence. 
 1 As if she had said, When the people saw thee lay siege to 
 the city, they said, Surely they will ask us, if we will have 
 
 eace, and then we shall soon come to an agreement, and 
 
 ave an end. 5 Bp. Patrick. Some adhering to the transla- 
 tion in the text suppose, that this city had long been noted, 
 as the residence of wise men, who had settled differences 
 by prudent and equitable accommodation; so that it was 
 become proverbial, ‘that the way to terminate matters in 
 litigation, was to ask counsel at Abel: 5 and therefore that 
 city ought not rashly to be destroyed. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. Joab, though guilty of private revenge and 
 murder, and setting his king at defiance, was, in other re- 
 spects, attentive to the public interest, and very willing to 
 settle the dispute: if the citizens therefore would deliver up 
 the traitor, he would not injure them. Thus Sheba’s head 
 purchased the safety of the city, and terminated the rebellion: 
 (Notes, Prov. 17:1 i. Ec. 9:13 — 18.) and Joab without fear or 
 shame, (apparently glorying as much in revenging himself, as 
 in serving the public,) returned to David as though nothing 
 had happened : and he was now become too powerful to be 
 removed, or called to account, or punished, without endanger- 
 ing another rebellion. 
 
 V. 23— 26. Note, 8:15 — 18. — Tribute. (24) This office 
 is not before mentioned. Perhaps, at first, the contributions 
 of the nation had been but small ; in a measure voluntary, 
 and placed under the management, of the other officers: but 
 now regular taxes were paid ; and the tribute from the con- 
 quered nations especially tended to render this new office 
 requisite. (Notes, 1 Kings 4:4 — 6. 12:18.) — Abiathar was 
 the high-priest: Ahimelech his son is not mentioned. 
 ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. We must expect one trial after another, for our 
 salutary chastisement, till we reach the place where sin and 
 sorrow are for ever excluded. — Angry disputants commonly 
 misunderstand, or misinterpret, one another’s words: proud 
 men will either manage every thing their own way, Or en- 
 tirely refuse their concurrence ; and when greatly enraged, 
 they are apt to avenge themselves on the innocent, and on 
 persons whom they profess to love, instead of those who 
 have affronted them. — The favour nfthe many is no more to 
 be depended on, than that of the great: and what indeed have 
 men a right to expect, when “ Hosannah to the Son of Da- 
 vid,” was so soon by the multitude changed into “Crucify 
 hi in* crucify him V All appearance, however, of partiality , 
 ( 574 ) 
 
 "lifted up his hand against the king, even against 
 David : deliver him only, and I will depart from 
 the city. And the woman said unto Joab, Behold, 
 Phis head shall be thrown to thee over the wall. 
 
 22 Then the woman went unto all the people 
 sin her wisdom. And they cut off the head of 
 Sheba the son of Bichri and cast it out to Joah. 
 And r he blew a trumpet, and they ^retired from the 
 city, every man to his tent. "And Joab returned 
 to Jerusalem unto the king. 
 
 23 H Now ‘Joab was over all the host of Israel : 
 “and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the 
 Cherethites: and over the Pelethites : 
 
 24 And v Adoram teas over the tribute : and 
 Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud x was ^recorder : 
 
 25 And ?Sheva was scribe : and Zadok and 
 Abiathar were the priests : 
 
 26 And "Ira also the "Jairite was "a chief ruler 
 about David. 
 
 18. 1 Sam. 24:6 . 26:9. p 17:2,3. 2 Kines 10:7. John 18:4— 8. q Ec. 7:19. »: 
 14—18. 1-1.2:28.18:16. } Heb. wer e scattered, a 3:28— 39. 1 1 :6— 21. Ec. f». 
 11. t 8:16— 18. 1 Chr. 18:15— IV. u See on 7. v I Kings 4:6. 12:18. i 1 King- 
 4:3. § Or, remembrance, y S: 17. 1 Kings 4:4. 1 Chr. 18:16. Shavsha. * 2U 
 38. 1 Chr. 11:40. Ithrite. a Judg. 10:4,5. |j Or, a prince. 8:18. Gen. 41:43 
 Ex. 2:14. 
 
 in our conduct towards those who are equally related to us 
 or have an equal claim upon us, ought to be avoided : for it 
 often excites discord in families, churches, and kingdoms. — 
 Many a vehement quarrel would spend its fury in angry 
 words, and then die away, if some “man of Belial 55 were not 
 present, to sound the trumpet of public contention. Satan, 
 if permitted, — will be sure to excite such ringleaders of dis- 
 sension: and God, in wise and holy sovereignty, is pleased 
 often to permit it, that he may execute vengeance, or inflict 
 correction, according to his righteous purposes. Hence na- 
 tions are visited with war and bloodshed, especially the dire 
 scourge of civil wars ; and the church with pestilent divisions, 
 and virulent controversies. — When immoderate and inexpe- 
 dient provision is made for sensual gratification, it will surely 
 terminate in grief and shame : and obscure retirement best 
 suits those who are become infamous by sin. — The most 
 powerful cannot effect all that they wish, or all that they see 
 to be right; nay, they cannot attempt it without dahger: for 
 at last they can only do, what the many can be prevailed with 
 to concur in. — Consequences should be well weighed before 
 important measures are adopted ; for resentment and disgust 
 are dangerous counsellors. — Our inbred lusts, like able wicked 
 men, cannot be brought under, without great difficulties, when 
 they have acquired a habit of domineering: the beginning of 
 evil should therefore in every thing be decisively resisted. — 
 By degrees men grow more and more bold and unfeeling in 
 the commission of crimes of every kind ; until they vindicate 
 and glory in their villanies : and when such daring offenders 
 are actuated by ambition or revenge, they will not be re- 
 strained by the ties of relationship, or friendship ; nay, they 
 will employ the guise and language of love, to obtain the 
 opportunity of perpetrating the most atrocious murders: but 
 the more of contrivance, or of dissimulation, is connected 
 with malice, the deeper is its malignity. — The murderer may 
 conceal his crimes, or prosper in his ways for a season, and 
 elude or outbrave the justice of man: but let him not expect 
 to escape the vengeance of God. — Vain are earthly dis- 
 tinctions and preferments, which excite so much envy and 
 enmity, without affording any additional security to man’s 
 uncertain life : may we then be ambitious “of that honour 
 which cometh from God only 1” — Great abilities, strong at- 
 tachment to the interests of the public, and eminent services, 
 performed with firmness, prudence, and clemency, constitute 
 a great , but not always a good man: and a person thus pe- 
 culiarly distinguished, being the slave of one imperious lust, 
 may violate every moral obligation in order to its indulgence ; 
 though such treachery, cruelty, and injustice seem to “be 
 far from him,” in other parts of his conduct. 
 
 V. 14 — 26. Wisdom is not restricted to rank or sex: and 
 it does not consist in extensive knowledge or ingenious spe- 
 culations ; but in understanding how to. act as circumstances 
 arise, in order that calamities may ho averted, ami benefits 
 secured, personal, relative, and public. — Contending parties 
 would often be reconciled if they properly understood each 
 other; hence the benefit of a prudent and impartial media- 
 tion : and the just punishment of one atrocious criminal, is fre- 
 quently mercy to great numbers.— Thus the sinner persists in 
 his rebellion, till, through the Saviour’s mediation, he perceives 
 that his offended Lord does not seek his destruction, but 
 that of h’rs sins: then ho becomes willing that they should bo 
 crucified, especially, the strongest ami most domineering of 
 them; and receiving pardon and grace from God, he becomes 
 peaceable, faithful, ami useful in Israel. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXL V. 1—3. It is not certain, 
 whether this famine occurred in the order nf time in whicn 
 it is related, or earlier in the reign of David. — It does no* 
 seem to have been very grievous, and the s< ^rcity of the first 
 and second year occasioned no great alarm: ut vvher, con- 
 
B. C. 1020. 
 
 B. C. 1020. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 A famine prevails for three years ; as a judgment on the land, for Saul's cruel- 
 ty to the Gibeonites , who being asked, require aer«-n of his descendants , and 
 hang them up before the Lord, I — 9. Rizpah watches their bodies : David 
 buries their bones, with thooe of Saul and Jonathan, in the sepulchre of 
 Kish ; and the famine ceases, 10—14. /n several battles with the Philis- 
 tines, four of David's mighty men slay four giants, 15 — 22. 
 
 T HEN there was “a famine in the days of 
 David three years, year after year ; and 
 David ‘inquired b of the Lord. And the Lord 
 answered, c It is for ''Saul, and for his bloody 
 house, because he slew the Gibeonites. 
 
 2 And the king called the Gibeonites, and said 
 unto them; (now "the Gibeonites were not of the 
 children of Israel, but of the remnant of the 
 Amorites ; and the children of Israel had sworn 
 unto them : and Saul sought to slay them, 'in his 
 zeal to the children of Israel and Judah.) 
 
 3 Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, 
 What shall I do for you ? and s wherewith shall I 
 make the atonement, that ye may h b!ess the in- 
 heritance of the Lord? 
 
 4 And the Gibeonites said unto him, 'We will 
 have 'no silver nor gold of Saul, nor of his house ; 
 neither for us shalt thou kill any man in Israel. 
 And he said, What ye shall say, that will I do for 
 you. 
 
 5 And they answered the king, k The man that 
 consumed us, and that 'devised against us, that 
 we should be destroyed from remaining in any of 
 the coasts of Israel, 
 
 6 Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto 
 us, and we will 'hang them up unto the Lord m in 
 Gibeah of Saul, kehom the Lord did choose. 
 And the king said, I will give them. 
 
 7 But the king spared "Mephibosheth, the son 
 
 - Gen. 12:10. 26:1. 41:57.42:1. 43:1. Lev. 26:19,20,56. 1 Kings 17:1 . 18:2. 
 
 I Kings 6:25. 8:1. .Ter. 11; 1 , &c. * Heb. sought the face, b 5:19,23. Num. 
 
 .27:21. 1 Sam. 23:2,4,11. Job 5:8— 10. 10:2. Ps. 50:15. 91 :15. c Josh. 7:1,11,12. 
 d 1 Sam. 22:17 — 19. e Josh. 9:3,15-21 . f Dent. 7:16. 1 Sam. 14:44. 15:8,9. 
 £ Kings 10:16,31. Lake 9-54,55. John 16.2. Rom. 10:2. Gal. 4:17. g Ex. 32: 
 30. Lev. 1:4. I Sam. 2:26. \Iic. 6:6,7. Heb. 9:22. 10:4—12. h 20:19. t Or, 
 It is n it silver nor gold that wehav ». to do with Saul, or his house; neither 
 pertains it to u# to kill, Sfc. i Ps. 49:7.8. I Pet. 1:18,19. k 1. Esth. 9:24,25. 
 Matt. 7:2. | Or, cut us off. Dan. 9:26. 1 17:23. 18:10. Gen. 40:19,22. Num. 
 
 tinued the third year also, David understood that it was a 
 national judgment, and inquired of God, for what particular 
 sin he thus contended with his people ; perhaps thinking of 
 his own crimes in the matter of Uriah. — The history of Saul 
 gives no account of the transaction which was declared to be 
 the cause of this calamity : but it seems that Saul, in order 
 to promote the supposed interests of Israel and Judah, 
 attempted to extirpate the Gibeonites, who were of the ancient 
 inhabitants of Canaan : though they had submitted to Israel, 
 and had quietly served them for ages; and were protected by 
 the public faiih, and a solemn oath ratifying a covenant of 
 peace with them. (Notes, Josh. 9:) Yet he did not attempt 
 to extirpate the Amalekites, Philistines, and other hostile 
 nations, whom God commanded him to destroy ! These 
 were able and determined to resist, and could not be subdued 
 without apparent danger and difficulty ; while the inoffensive 
 Gibeonites might be oppressed with ease, and apparent 
 safety. Perhaps he disliked them the more, for being pecu- 
 liarly devoted to the service of the priests pnd the sanctuary ; 
 and attempted to destroy them when he slew the priests : 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 22:9 — 19.) but it does not appear, that many 
 of them dwelt at Nob ; and neither they nor the Levites are 
 mentioned in that transaction. Nor could it have been said, 
 had the slaughter been made by Doeg on that occasion, that 
 “Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of 
 Israel and Judah.” It seems that Saul’s relations also were 
 disposed to cruelty, and concurred in this bloodshed ; and 
 that many Israelites had willingly assisted in the persecution. 
 — The violation of the oath of God, the treachery of Israel 
 towards the Gibeonites, and the murder of them, formed an 
 enormous load of national guilt, which had never been expiated 
 by the punishment of the guilty : and it pleased God in this 
 manner, and so long after, to proceed against the nation for 
 ft ; to show them his abhorrence of such crimes ; to teach 
 i tiers to keep at a distance from similar offences themselves, 
 and to punish them in others ; and to intimate that the chief 
 punishment of sin is after the death of the offender. And 
 God informed David of the cause of the visitation ; that he 
 might take proper measures for expiating the national guilt. 
 (Notes, Num. 35:31 — 34. Deut. 21:1 — 9.) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. As God accepted the expiation here demanded, 
 we must suppose, that both the inquiry of David, and the 
 answer of the Gibeonites, were directed by some open or 
 secret intimation from him. They did r ot demand their own 
 liberty, or any accession of wealth, or the death of any other 
 Israelite : but that, in the character of the avengers of the 
 blood of their brethren, they might be permitted to put to 
 death seven of Saul’s descendants ; whom they would “ hang 
 up unto the Lord,” as a sacrifice to his justice, and an ex- 
 
 of Jonathan, the son of Saul, "because of the 
 Lord’s oath that was between them, between 
 David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 
 
 8 But the king- took the two sons of pRizpah 
 the daughter of Aiah, whom she hare unto Saul, 
 Armoni and Mephibosheth ; and the five sons of 
 "Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she "brought 
 up (or Adriel, Uie son of Barzillai the Meho 
 lathite : 
 
 9 And he delivered them into the hands of the 
 Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the hill 
 <ibefore the Lord : and they fell all seven together, 
 and were put to death in the days of harvest, in 
 the first days , r in the beginning of barley-harvest. 
 
 10 And “Rizpah the daughter of Aiah ‘took 
 sackcloth, and spread it for her upon the rock, 
 “from the beginning of harvest "until water 
 dropped upon them out of heaven, and suffered 
 neither nhe birds of the air to rest on them by 
 day, nor the beasts of the field by night. 
 
 11 And it was "told David what Rizpah the 
 daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had 
 done. 
 
 12 H And David went and took “the bones of 
 Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son from the 
 men of Jabesh-gilead, which had stolen them 
 from the street of b Beth-shan, where the Philis- 
 tines had hanged them, when the Philistines had 
 slain Saul c in Gilboa : 
 
 13 And he brought up from thence the hones 
 of Saul and the bones ot Jonathan his son : and 
 they gathered the bones of them that were 
 hanged. 
 
 14 And the bones of Saul and Jonathan his 
 
 25:4,5. Deut. 21:22. Josh. 8:29. 10:26. Ezra 6:11. Esth. 9:10.13,11. Malt. 27:5. 
 m 1 Sam. 10:26. 11:4. § Or, the chosenofthe LORO. 1 Sain. 9:16,17. 10:1. 
 21. Acts 13:21 . n 1:1. 9:10. 16:1. 19:25. o 1 Sam. 18:3. 20. S.15, 17.42. 23- 
 18. ]) 3:7. || Or, Michal' s sister. 1 Sam. 18:19. Tl Heb. bare to. q See on 
 6. 6:21. Ex. 20:5. Num. 35:31 — 34. Deut. 21:1 — 9. 2 King9 24:3,4. r Ruth 
 1:22. 8 8. 3:7. t 1 Kings 21 :27. Joel 1:13. u See on 9. x Deut. 11:14. 
 
 1 Kings 18:41—45. Jer. 5:24,25. 14:22. Hos. 6:3. Joel 2:23. Zech. 10:1. y Gen. 
 40:19. Ez. 39:4. z 2:4. Ruth 2:11,12. a 2:5— 7. 1 Sam. 31 : 1 1—13. b Josh 
 17:11. Bethshean. 1 Sam. 31:10. c 1:6,21. 1 Sam. 23:4. 31:1. lChr.l0.1,&. 
 
 ample to others not to injure or oppress them. They were 
 willing to undertake the trouble, and to bear the odium of the 
 execution ; and would do it in Saul’s own city, for a warning 
 to those who had witnessed or assisted in the oppression. — 
 As David consented to this measure in obedience to God, 
 and for the public welfare, and not out of private resentment ; 
 he did not violate hia oath to Saul : (Notes, 1 Sam. 24:16 — 
 22.) but as he could spare one at least of Saul’s descendants, 
 his covenant, and his oath of sacred friendship with Jonathan, 
 required the preservation of his son in preference to all the 
 rest. 
 
 Y. 8. u The five sons of Michal,” here mentioned, seem 
 to have been the children of her sister Merab, whom Michal 
 had adopted, and brought up as her own. (1 Sam. 18:19.) 
 —This Barzillai is called “the Meholathite to distinguish 
 him from Barzillai the Gileadite, before spoken of. (19:31. 
 Judg. 7:22. 1 Kings 4:12. 19:16.) 
 
 V. 9 — 14. As these persons were hung up by the express 
 appointment of God, for an anathema, an accursed thing, a 
 national atonement to divine justice ; they were left on the 
 tree or gibbet, till some tokens of the Lord’s reconciliation 
 were afforded by seasonable rains. (Note, Deut. 21:22,23.) 
 They were not considered to be within the meaning of the 
 law, against the bodies of malefactors being left on a tree all 
 night : for that statute meant, that those, who were put to 
 death for breaking human laws, should not be treated as 
 “ accursed of God.” Indeed he may command that, in a 
 particular case, which he prohibits in general : provided it be 
 not intrinsically unjust. He ordered the children to be put to 
 death for the parents’ crimes, though magistrates in general 
 were forbidden to do it : and in like manner he might require 
 this treatment of these dead bodies, though, in some respects, 
 contrary to the general rule. — Rizpah improperly fed and 
 indulged her grief by a useless attention to the dead bodies : 
 yet her case was truly pitiable, and her patient, self-denying 
 natural affection extraordinary. David doubtless sympathized 
 with the bereaved and aged parent ; and gladly embraced the 
 opportunity, as soon as it was proper, of relieving her from 
 her melancholy charge, by decently interring them, together 
 with the bones of Saul and his other sons : and by this he 
 avowed that he had not acted out of disrespect to Saul or his 
 family. (Notes, 2:5 — 7. 1 Sam. 31:11 — 13.) — The first, rain 
 was a token of reconciliation : but after the expiation was 
 finished, the scarcity was removed in answer to prayer ; and 
 doubtless the Gibeonites joined, in seeking “ this blessing for 
 the inheritance of the Lord.” (3) 
 
 V. 15 — 22. (Marg. Ref.) All these events seem to have 
 occurred, in the order here related, and towards the latter end 
 of David’s reign. The Philistines, though frequently van* 
 ( 575 ) 
 
li C. 1018 . II. SAMUEL. B. C. 1018 . 
 
 sox d buried they in the country of Benjamin in 
 'Zelah, in the sepulchre of Kish his father : and 
 they performed all that the king- commanded. And 
 after that f God was entreated lor the land. 
 
 15 IT Moreover, sthe Philistines had yet war 
 again with Israel ; and David went down, and his 
 servants with him, and fought against the Philis- 
 tines : h and David waxed faint. 
 
 16 And Ishhi-benob, which was 'of the sons of 
 ‘the giant, (the weight of ‘whose spear weighed 
 three hundred shekels of brass in weight,) he, 
 being girded with a new sword, thought to have 
 slain David. 
 
 17 But ‘Ahishai the son of Zeruiah m succoured 
 him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. 
 Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, 
 "Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that 
 thou “quench not the ‘light of Israel. 
 
 18 And it came to pass after this, that there 
 was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob : 
 then rSibbechai the Hushathite slew ^Saph, which 
 was of the sons of “the giant. 
 
 19 And there was again a battle in Gob with 
 the Philistines, where ‘tElhanan the son oPJnare- 
 oregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of 1 Goli- 
 
 d 3:32.4:12. e Josh. 18:23. 1 Sam. 10:2 . Zelzah. f 24:23. Ex. 32:27— 29. 
 Num. 25:13. Josh. 7:26. 1 Kings 18:40,41. Jer. 14:1 — 7. Joel 2:18,19. Am. 7:1— 
 6. Jon. 1:15. Zecli. 6:8. g 5:17,22. 1 Chr. 20:4. h Josh. 14:10,11. Ps. 71:9,18. 
 73:26. Ec. 12:3. Is. 40:28—30. Jer. 9:23,24. 1 Pet. 1:24,25. i Gen. 6:4. Nnm» 
 13:32,33. Bern. 1:28. 2:10,21. 3:11. 9:2. 1 Sam. 17:4,5. • Or, Rapha. 18,20. 
 
 marg. 5:18. Gen. 14:5. t Heb. the staff, or ihe head. k 1 Sam. 17:45 — 51. 
 
 1 See on 20:6 — 10. m 22:19. Ps. 46:1. 144:10. n 18:3. o 14:7. 1 Kings 11:36. 
 15:4. Ps. 132:17. John 1:8,9. 5:35. \ Heb. candle , or lamp. p 1 Chr. 11:29. 
 
 20:4. § Or, Sippai. 1 Chr. 20:4. H Or, Rapha 16,20. marg. ql Chr. 11:26. 
 
 quished, were not totally subjugated : and the remains of the 
 Anakims, of enormous size and strength, gave David and his 
 servants, not only an opportunity of signalizing their courage, 
 but repeated proofs of the Lord’s truth and goodness. — David 
 himself was on one occasion in imminent danger of death, 
 by the hands of Ishbi-benob, who seems to have been Goliath’s 
 son, (as indeed do the others here mentioned,) and probably 
 aimed to revenge his father’s death : and David’s life was 
 deemed too valuable to Israel to be any more exposed, now 
 that his strength and activity began to fail him. For, as king, 
 prophet, and psalmist, he was the “ light of Israel,” and a 
 type of u the Light of the world.” (Notes, 18:3. 23:3,4.) 
 
 Six fingers, &c. (20) Other instances of this peculiarity 
 are recorded by historians ; and the author has been informed, 
 by most indisputable testimony, of one such who is now 
 living. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Every affliction arises from sin, and should excite us to 
 repentance : but some troubles loudly proclaim that they were 
 especially sent to “bring sin to remembrance.” (Note, 1 
 Kings 17:18.) In this case, we prolong our sufferings by 
 neglecting self-examination, and prayer to the Lord to show 
 us in what we have offended, if the cause be not already 
 plain to our consciences : and, however reluctant, we must 
 submit to this, before we can expect relief from his mercy. — 
 While the grand outlines of the Lord’s government are evi- 
 dently righteous, some of his judgments are far too deep for 
 us : but faith believes those appointments to be just, which 
 assume a different appearance, and waits for the more com- 
 plete display of the glory of God in them. — By the punish- 
 ment of children for the sins of their parents, and of subjects 
 for those of their princes, even after their death, he marks his 
 abhorrence of destructive crimes, gives a check to enormous 
 wickedness, and teaches us to pray for our rulers, and to 
 deny our passions out of love to our offspring : and he will so 
 arrange the whole, that no individual shall in the event have 
 cause to complain of injustice. — That our guilty land should 
 experience successive years of plenty, calls for admiring 
 gratitude ; and we need not wonder, if our misused abundance 
 should be punished with as great a scarcity. Yet when a 
 scarce season occurs, how few are disposed to inquire of the 
 Lord, concerning the sinful cause ; while the ingenuity of 
 numbers is employed in discovering the second causes, by 
 which he is pleased to work ; and the impatience and malignity 
 of multitudes are expressed by outrages against those who 
 are, generally without cause, charged with being the authors 
 of the calamity ! — The Lord will plead for those who cannot 
 or will not avenge themselves ; and the prayers of the poor, 
 either for or against us, are of very great efficacy. The blood 
 of nobles is not an adequate, though, the only required and 
 accepted atonement, to expiate the guilt of the murder of the 
 meanest person, in order that the wrath of God may be 
 averted from the land : and violated oaths and covenants will 
 be severely punished, either in this world or the next, let the 
 criminal be ever so highly exalted among his fellow-creatures. 
 — Our zeal, either for the public good or the supposed cause 
 of religion, is naturally exercised in a perverse manner, and 
 as if in contempt of God’s commandments : but an apparently 
 easy and safe exertion, which consists with our self-indulgence, 
 and flatters our pride and lusts, is the temptation which pre- 
 
 ( 576 ) 
 
 ath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a 
 weaver’s beam. 
 
 20 And there was "yet a battle in Gath, where 
 was a nian of great stature, that had on every 
 hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, (bur 
 and twenty in number ; and he also was born to 
 "the giant. 
 
 21 And when he “defied Israel, ‘Jonathan the 
 son of "Shimeah the brother of David slew him. 
 
 22 These I four were born to the giant in Gath, 
 and xfell by the hand of David, and by the hand 
 of his servants. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 The introduction to David’ b pealm of thanksgiving , 1. He professes his con- 
 fidence and joy in God, 2, 3. He states his trials and dangers, and cele- 
 brates the praises of God for surprising deliverances, 4—20. He avows 
 his integrity , and shows the method of the Lord’s dealings with men, 21 — 23, 
 He ascribes to God all the glory of his victories, 29—36. He exults , with 
 grateful praises, in the destruction or subjection of all his enemies, 37—44. 
 He anticipates the submission of the nations, and glories in the salvation of 
 God, and his mercies to him and to his Seed for ever, 45—51. 
 
 A ND "David spake unto the Lord b the words 
 of this song c in the day that the Lord had 
 delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, 
 and d out of the hand of Saul: 
 
 2 And he said, "The Lord is my Rock, and my 
 Fortress, and my Deliverer; 
 
 3 The God of my rock ; > in him will I trust: he 
 
 TT Or, Jair. 1 Chr. 20:5. r 1 Sam. 17:4, &c. s 1 Chr. 20:6. ** Or. Rapha. 
 
 16,18. marg. tt Or, reproached. 1 Sam. 17:10,26,36. 2 Kina9 19:23. t 1 Chr 
 27:32. u 1 Sam. 16:9. 17:13. Shummah. 1 Chr. 2:13. Shirnma. x 1 Chr. 20:8. 
 •y Josh. 14:12. Ps. 60:12. 108:13. 118:15. Ec. 9:11. Jer. 9:23. Rom. 8:31,37. 
 a Ps. 50:14. 103:1 — 6. 116:1, &c. b Ex. 15:1. Judg. 5:1. c 49. Ps. 18: title. 
 34:19. Is. 12:1, &c. 2 Cor. 1:10. 2Tim.4:18. Rer. 7:9— 17. d 1 Sam. 23: 14. 
 
 24:15.25:29.26:24 . 27:1. eDeut.32:4. 1 Sam. 2:2. Ps. 18.-2. 31:3. 42>9. 71 :3. 
 Matt. 16:18. f Heb. 2:13. 
 
 vails against us, unless the grace of God teach us a better 
 way. — Little do we know what may befall our children, or what 
 anguish they may occasion us: but if we educate them in the 
 fear of God, and commit them to his keeping, he will either 
 exempt us from heavy trials about them, or else support us 
 under them. In every case resignation to the will of God is 
 our duty and interest ; and whatever cherishes inordinate 
 grief, is sinful, rebellious, and tormenting, however specious 
 its appearance. — All personal respects must yield to the 
 command of God : yet, in subordination to it, a tribute of gra- 
 titude is due to the memory of our friends, and of respect to 
 our civil governors. — While we are able, we ought to venture 
 and labour for the public welfare* but we cannot exceed our 
 appointed measure of service : and when bodily vigour fails, 
 some are so useful by their counsels, prayers, and examples, 
 that their lives should be taken care of as a public blessing. — 
 Strength and courage often increase men’s pride ; but far 
 more frequently hasten, than retard, the stroke of death ; the 
 unexpected approach of which miserably causes all their vain 
 thoughts to perish. — The valour and affection of friends should 
 be acknowledged ; and the strongest need the assistance of 
 the more feeble: but the glory of every thing belongs to God. 
 — Through the atonement of Jesus who performed all that 
 was commanded, and through his intercession, the Lord i3 
 willingly entreated for sinners fund the believer, having peace 
 with God, needs not fear the stoutest foe who defies Israel ; 
 for though sometimes he be in apparent danger, he will at 
 length be made v4 more than conqueror, through him who 
 loved” and died for sinners. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXII. V. 1. It is probable, that this 
 song of praise was composed early in the reign of David, and 
 soon after he was finally delivered from the persecuting rage 
 of Saul. Perhaps it stands in this place, as it was found 
 among those compositions, which David used in his private 
 devotions : and in the book of Psalms, as it was corrected 
 and delivered to the chief singer, to be sung in the public 
 service of the sanctuary, from time to time, on occasions ol 
 recent deliverances, as well as in remembrance of former 
 mercies. (Ps. 18: title.) The variations are immaterial ; 
 though the Jewish writers enumerate no less than seventy- 
 four. Few of them, however, need be here particularly noted. 
 (Note, Ps. 18:1.) — The first verse of this chapter, forms the 
 title of the eighteenth psalm, with some alterations ; the 
 most remarkable of which is, the insertion of the words, u The 
 servant of the Lord,” in which it seems, the Psalmist deemed 
 himself more honoured, than in being a renowned conqueror, 
 and a very prosperous king. — He had had many cnomies, 
 both among his own people and the surrounding nations : bu 
 Saul especially is mentioned, as having been more formidable, 
 malicious, and unwearied than any of them. — In the whole o I 
 this sacred hymn, David seems immediately to eelebrato 
 providential deliverances : yet he uses language, which may 
 fairly he accommodated to spiritual blessings. lie appears 
 also primarily to speak of the Lord’s dealings with himself: 
 yet he was led by the prophetic Spirit to utter many things, 
 which may with great propriety be applied to the Redeemer’s 
 sufferings and victories, of whom David was an evident 
 and remarkable type. (Notes, Ps. 2: 22:1. ‘10:1 — 5. 69:1 — 3. 
 88 : 1 , 2 .) 
 
 V. 2, 3. The eighteenth psalm abruptly begins, 11 1 wil 
 
B. C. 101 S. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 B. C. 1018 . 
 
 is my ^Shield, and h the Horn of my salvation, 'my 
 high Tower, and k my Refuge, 'my Saviour ; :n thou 
 savest me from violence. 
 
 4 I "will call on the Lord, who is “worthy to he 
 praised : rso shall I be saved from mine enemies. 
 
 5 When the 'waves of death compassed me, 
 the floods of hingodly men made me afraid; 
 
 6 'The ^sorrows of hell compassed me about ; 
 the “snares of death prevented me ; 
 
 7 In l my distress I called upon the Lord, and 
 cried to my God: and he "did hear my voice 
 'out of his temple, and x my cry did enter into his 
 ears. 
 
 8 Then ?the earth shook and trembled : “the 
 foundations of heaven moved and shook, because 
 he was wroth. 
 
 9 There "went up a smoke *out of his nostrils, 
 and fire out of his mouth devoured : b coals were 
 kindle*! by it. 
 
 10 He “bowed the heavens also, and came 
 down; and d darkness was under his feet. 
 
 1 1 And he rode upon e a cherub, and did fly : 
 and he was seen fupon the wings of the wind. 
 
 e Gen. 15:1. Dent. 33:29. Pi. 3:3. 5:12. 2S:7. 64:9,11. 115:9-11. Pro». 30:5. 
 h l Sam.2:l. Luke 1:69. i 51. Ps. 61:3. 141:2. Pluv. IS: 10. k Ps. 9:9. 18.2. 
 27 5. 32:7. IS 1,7,11. 71:7. 142:4. Ii. 32:2. .ter. 16:19. 1 Is. 12:2.45:21. Luke 1: 
 47,71. Tit. 3:4, 6. m 49. Ps. 55:9. 72:14. 86:14. 140:1,4,11. n ?s. 116:2,4,13.17. 
 » Nell. 9:5. Ps. 18:3. 60:2. 106:2. 148:1-4. Rc*. 4: 11. 5: 12. p Ps 34:6. 
 50:13. 55:16. 56:9. 57:1—3. Rom. 10:13. • Or, pangs. 1 The*. 5:3. q Ps. 18: 
 4.69 14,15. 93:3,4. Is. 59:19. Jer. 46,7,8. Rev. 12:15,16. 17:1,15. t Heb. 
 Belial. r Ps. 13:5. 116:3. John 2:2 Acls2:24. J Or, cords. Job 36:3. Ps. 
 H0:5. Prov. 5:22. s Prov. 13:14. 14:27. t Ps. 116:4. 120:1. Molt. 26:38,39. Luke 
 ■*2.41 Heb. 5:7. u Ex. 3:7. Pi. 34:0,15- 17. v 1 Kines 8:28— 30. Ps. I»:6. 27: 
 4. Jon. 2:4.7. Hah. 2:20. x Jam. 5:4. yjutlg.5:4. ft. 18:7. 77:18. 97:4. Hal. .3: 
 6—11. Matt. 27:51. 23:2. Acls4:31. i Job 26:11. Nall. 1:5,6. a 16. Ex. 15:7,8. 
 19:1b. 21:17. Dent. 32:22. Job 4:9. 41:20,21. Ps. 18:3,15. 97:3—5. Is. 30:27,33. 
 Jer.5.14. 15:14. Heb. 12:29. § Heb. by his, $•<:. b Hab. 3:5. cPs. 144:5. Is. 
 
 love thee, O Lord, my Strength perhaps these words were 
 added, when it was made public, as an expression of David’s 
 exulting gratitude, in order to kindle the devotions of the 
 people. (Note, Ps. 18:1.) — The accumulation of metaphors 
 liere used, as descriptive of David’s expectations from God, 
 which had been fully answered, denotes, that those energetic 
 figures of speech, which commonly exceed the bounds of 
 exact truth, are too feeble to express what God is to his be- 
 lieving people, tfnd what he does for them. (Note, 2 Cor. 4:13 
 — 18.) He is a Rock, on which securely to build their confi- 
 dence ; a Refuge, in which to shelter themselves from every 
 foe, and in every trouble : a Portress and a strong Tower, 
 which are formed bv human art and labour, to supply the 
 want of the natural fortifications of rocks and mountains, or 
 to increase the security which they afford : a Shield to ward 
 off every hostile assault ; and a Horn with which to push 
 and prostrate every assailant. (Notes, Ex. 17:5,6. Devt. 
 32:4,15,30,31. 1 Sam. 2:1,2.) For the Lord is a Deliverer, 
 a Saviour , and Salvation, from every evil and danger, to 
 which the believer is exposed, who cannot but be safe and 
 comfortable, when exercising faith in him. — Several expres- 
 sions, as “ The God of my rock,” and “ the Horn of my 
 salvation,” seem to refer to the person of the Redeemer, 
 “ God manifested in the flesh,” become the Salvation of his 
 people, and in human nature displaying divine power and 
 autfiority in the redemption of believers, and the destruction 
 of their enemies. (Notes, Ps. 27:1 — 3. Is. 12:2.45:15 — 17. 
 Matt. 1:20,21. Luke 2:25— 32. Til. 2:13. 3:4—7.) 
 
 V. 4. ‘ The Travonkia’ (whole armour) ‘ of a soldier does 
 
 him no service, except he put it on to defend himself, and 
 offend his enemy ; so, no protection or help from God is to be 
 expected, . . . unless we apply ourselves to him by prayer.’ 
 Strigelius in Bp. Patrick. (Note, Ps. 116:2.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. These verses contain a figurative and poetical 
 ••escription of the violence of David’s enemies, and the immi- 
 nent danger to which he was exposed. Death seemed ready 
 to swallow him up, as the waves of the sea overwhelm those 
 who are cast into them, and encompassed by them. (Notes. 
 Jon. 2:1 — 7.) Multitudes of wicked men, pressed upon him 
 with incumbent force, like the rising floods from which there 
 •appears no deliverance : nay, the temptations of Satan, and 
 the consciousness of his sins, filled him with fears of wrath, 
 and dreadful apprehensions of future consequences : and he 
 felt like a malefactor bound for execution, whose fetters pre- 
 vent him from attempting an escape, for whose body the grave 
 nas certainly opened her mouth, and who is horribly alarmed 
 iest the pit of hell should swallow up his soul. In short, he 
 was like the helpless bird caught in the fowler’s snare, and 
 doomed to inevitable death. (Marg. Ref.) — In this he was 
 a type of Christ our King, when agonizing in the garden ; 
 when he endured the severest tortures, the pang 3 of death, 
 the temptations of Satan, yea, the wrath of God against our 
 sins ; and was at the same time surrounded by the insulting 
 scribes, priests, and people. (Notes, Ps. 18:4,5. 40:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 7 — 16. When every other hope failed, the Psalmist 
 simply and earnestly sought help from God ; whose manifest- 
 ed presence, in the sanctuary above the mercy-seat, repre- 
 sented his tabernacling in human nature, as “ God our Sa- 
 viour;” and our access to him on a throno of grace ; (Note, 
 Vol. T.— 73 
 
 12 And he made darkness 'pavilions round 
 about him, "dark waters, and thick clouds of the 
 skies. 
 
 13 Through the brightness before him were 
 h coals of fire kindled. 
 
 14 The Lord 'thundered from heaven, and 
 the Most High uttered his voice. 
 
 15 And he sent out iarrows, and scattered 
 them ; lightning, and discomfited them. 
 
 16 And k the channels of the sea appeared, the 
 foundations of the world were discovered, at the 
 'rebuking of the Lord, at the blast of the breath 
 of his "nostrils. 
 
 17 He m sent from above, he took me ; "he 
 drew me out of 'many waters : 
 
 18 He “delivered me from my strong enemy, 
 and from them that hated me : for they were too 
 strong for me. 
 
 19 They rprevented me in the day of my 
 calamity : but ithe Lord was my stay., 
 
 20 He r brought me forth also into a large 
 place: he delivered me, because he "delighted 
 
 III me. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 64:1—3. d Ex. 20:21. Deut. 4:11. 1 Kings 8:12. Ps. 97:2. 104:3. Matt. 27:45. 
 Luke 23:44,45. e Gen. 3 24. Ex. 25:19. I Sam. 4:4. Ps. 18:10. 68:17. 30:1. 99 
 1. Ez. 9:3. 10:2 — M. Heb. 1:14. fPs. 104:3. 139:9,10. g Ps. 18:11,12. 27:5. 
 II Heb. binding of waters, h 9. i Ex. 19:16. Jud®. 5:20. 1 Sam. 2:10. 7:10- 
 12:17,18. Job 37:2-5. 40:9. Ps. 29:3— 9. 77: 16— 19. Is. 30.30. Ez. 10:5. Rev. 11. 
 19 j Peui. 32:23. Josh. 10:10. Ps. 7:12,13. 18:14. 45:5. 144:6,7. Hub. 3.11. 
 k Ex. 14:21— 27. 15:8—10. Ps. 18:15—17. 114:3—7. 1 Ex. 15:8. Job 38:11. Ps. 
 106:9. Nfth. 1:4. Hab. 3:8— 10. Matt. 8:26,27. H Or, anger. 9. Ps. 74:1. 
 mPs. 18:16,17. 144:7. n Ps. 32:6. 59:1,2. 93:3,4.124:4,5. 130:1. Is. 43:2. Lam. 
 3.54. Rev. 17-15. •• Or, great, o 1. Ps. 3:7. 56:9. 2Cor. 1:10. 2 Tim. 4:17. 
 p 15:10—13. i Sam. 19:11—17. 23:26,27. Ps. 18.18,19. 118:10—13. Matt. 27.39 
 —14. q Ps. 71:20,21. Is. 26:3,4. 50:10. r Gen. 26:22. 1 Chr. 4:10. Ps. 31:8. 118: 
 5. Hos. 4 16. s 15:26. Ps. 22:8. 147:11. 149:4. Is. 42:1. Matt. 3:17. 17:5. 27: 
 43. Acts 2:32— 35. 
 
 Ex. 25:10 — 21.) as well as his exalted display of his glorious 
 presence in his holy temple in heaven. Thither the prayers 
 of David ascended, and thence they were answered in a most 
 effectual manner. — As we are not informed, that the Lord 
 delivered David, with the external displays of his power here 
 mentioned : it is supposed that he adorned his sacred poem 
 with sublime images, taken from the history of Israel in Egypt, 
 at the Red Sea, at mount Sinai, in the wilderness, and in the 
 conquest of Canaan ; and thus intimated that the deliverances 
 vouchsafed to him were as honourable to God, as those which 
 ^)f old he had wrought for his people, though elfected in a differ- 
 ent manner. The earthquake , and the shaking of the foundations 
 of the heavens, the smoke, the fire, and the darkness, into which 
 the Lord came down, and in which he majestically dwelt, with 
 several other expressions, lead our thouglrts to mount Sinai. 
 (Notes, Ex. 19:16 — 20. 20:18 — 20.) His “riding upon a 
 cherub,” and “his flying on the wings of the wind,” denote the 
 ministration of angels, and the sneed with which he effected 
 the deliverance of his servant. (Notes, Gen. 3:22 — 24. Ps. 
 104:4. Ez. 1:4 — 25. 10:1—22. 11:22—25.) “The coals of 
 fire kindled” at his presence, may indicate, that the wrath of 
 God arms all creatures against his enemies, or that it will con- 
 sume them as fuel is consumed by the fire. Other circum- 
 stances recall to our remembrance the dividing of the Red Sea, 
 and of the river Jordan ; the destruction of the Canaanites, 
 when the hailstones destroyed more than the sword of Israel ; 
 and that of the Philistines, when the Lord thundered upon 
 them and discomfited them. And the whole declared, that 
 the indignation of the Lord, against the enemies of his 
 servant, equalled his displeasure against those adversaries of 
 his people ; and that their consternation and destruction v/ere 
 no less than that of the others had been. — Here David was 
 eminently the type of Christ; and the figurative language, 
 used by him, was in many respects exactly nccomplished in 
 the preternatural convulsions attending our Lord’s death and 
 resurrection. (Notes, Ps. 18:6 — 15. Matt. 27:51 — 53. 28:1 
 -8.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. The providential interposition of God m deliver 
 ing David from his strongest enemy, when he was ready to 
 devour him, was like sending from heaven on purpose to take 
 him out of great waters, into which he must otherwise have 
 sunk and perished. (Notes, Ps. 124:4—8. J^am. 3:52 — 57.) 
 For his enemies were too strong for him, and therefore his 
 preservation was evidently the work of God. — Goliath and 
 Saul, and other enemies were perhaps intended by the 
 Psalmist: but the victory of Christ over “death and him that 
 has the power of death,” was prefigured. 
 
 V. 19. When David had framed any plan, for secreting 
 or securing himself “ in the day of his calamity,” his enemies 
 employed every method of treachery and malice to prevent 
 his success. Thus the men of Keilah were ready to deliver 
 him to Saul, and the Ziphites repeatedly informed of him.: 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 23:9 — 13,19 — 28. 26:1,2.) and therefore, not- 
 withstanding his own prudence and activity, he must have 
 been cut off, if the Lord himself had not protected him, by his 
 own immediate and extraordinary interposition. 
 
 V. 20. David had been straitened in dens and caves, as in 
 a prison, and was afraid to go abroad in the open air but now 
 through the divine goodness, he might walk at liberty, accord- 
 
 ( 577 ) 
 
B. C. 1013. 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1018 
 
 21 The Lord 'rewarded me according tc my 
 righteousness: according to the "cleanness ol my 
 hands hath tie recompensed me. 
 
 22 For *1 have kept nhe ways of the Lord, 
 and “have not wickedly departed from my God. 
 
 23 For “all his b judgments were before me: and 
 as for his statutes “I did not depart from them. 
 
 24 I was also d upright 'before him, and have 
 •kept myself from mine iniquity. 
 
 25 Therefore the Lord hath f recompensed me 
 according to my righteousness: according to my 
 cleanness 'in his eyesight. 
 
 26 With sthe merciful thou wilt show thyself 
 merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt show 
 thyself upright. 
 
 27 With h the pure thou wilt show thyself pure ; 
 and with ‘the froward thou wilt tshow thyself 
 unsavoury. 
 
 28 And k the afflicted people thou wilt save : 
 'but thine eyes are upon the haughty, that thou 
 mayest bring them down. 
 
 29 For thou art my $Lamp, O Lord : and the 
 Lord will m lighten my darkness. 
 
 30 For by thee I have "run through a troop: 
 by my God htfve I leaped over a wall. 
 
 125. lSam. 26:23. I Kin;s 8:32. Ps. 7:3,4, 8. 18:20— 25. 19:1 1. 1 Cor. 15: 
 68. u Job 17:9. Ps.24:4 Jam. 4:8. x Num. 16:1-5. I Sam. 12:3. Job 23:10 
 —12. 2 Cor. 1:12. y Gen. 18:19. Ps. 119:1— 3. 128:1. Prov. 8:S2. zPe. 
 86:3.125:5. Zeph. 1:6. John 15:10. Heb. 10:38.39. a Ps. 119:6,86,128. Luke 
 1:6. John 15:14. 1. Dent. 6:1,2. 7:12. Ps. 19:8,9. 119:13,30,102. c Dent. 8: 
 
 11. dGen. 6:9. 17.1. Job 1 : 1 . Ps. 51 :6. 84: 11. John 1 :47. 2 Cor. 5:11. * Heb. 
 to Mm. e Prov. 4:23. Heb. 12:1. f 21. Is. 3 10. Pom. 2:7,8. 2 Cor. 5:10. 
 + Heb. before his eyes. Prov. 5:21. g Matt. 5:7. Jam. 2:13. hMatt.5:8. 
 
 1 Lev. 26:23 — 28. Dent. 28:58 — 61. Ps. 125:5. X Or, wrestle. Ex. 18:11. Pr. 18: 
 26. Is. 45:9. k Ex. 3 7,8. Ps. 12:5. 72:12,13. 140:12. Is. 61:1—3. 63:9. Malt. 
 5:3. I Ex. 9:14— 17. 10:3. 18:11. Job 40:11,12. Ps. 138:6. Prov. 21:4. Is. 2:11. 
 87:23,28,29. Dan. 4-37. Jam. 4:6.7. 1 Pet. 5:5,6. § Or, candle. Job 29 3. Ps. 
 
 27:1. 84:11. John 8:12. Rev. 21:23. m Ps. 4:6. 18:28.97:11.112:4. Is. 50:10. 
 60:19,20. Mic. 7:9. Mai. 4:2. John 12:46. II Or, broken a troop. P6. 18:29. 
 
 ing to his own inclination. The words may also refer to the 
 extent of his dominions, and the greatness of his prosperity, 
 compared with his former difficulties. (Notes, Ps. 31:7,8. 
 118:5. 142: title. G,7.) All this the Lord had done for him, 
 u because he delighted in him,” as the object of his special 
 love, and a partaker of his sanctifying grace ; and as, in the 
 general tenor of his conduct, 41 a man after his own heart.” 
 (Note, Ps. 22:7,8.) 
 
 V. 21 — 28. David’s character had been grievously aspersed, 
 and many heinous things laid to his charge: but his conduct 
 had been upright and conscientious in an uncommon degree. 
 In all his persecutions by Saul, he would not in any way, or 
 on any account, injure him or his party ; nay he embraced 
 every occasion to serve the cause of Israel, though rewarded 
 by envy, treachery, and ingratitude: and in his other calami- 
 ties, he was hated without a cause, and was ever ready to 
 overcome evil with good. Under every trial he steadfastly 
 adhered to the worship of the Lord : and from fear and love 
 of his name, he continued to act. with equity, candour, and 
 kindness to man ; unreservedly and uprightly making the com- 
 mandments of God his rule, and the glory of God his aim, in 
 the habitual course of his conduct. In these respects he could 
 44 rejoice in the testimony of his conscience;” and confidently 
 appeal to the Searcher of all hearts: and every providential 
 deliverance was both a gracious recompense, and a divine 
 attestation to his innocence, from those crimes of which his 
 enemies accused him ; and a declaration that his cause was 
 more righteous than theirs. — He mentioned particularly, 
 44 That he had kept himself from his own iniquity ;” from those 
 sins to which he was most strongly tempted ; especially, he 
 would by no means be induced to injure Saul, to which his 
 circumstances powerfully tempted him. — He had indeed com- 
 mitted many sins, and some of them were very grievous ; and 
 he was conscious of manifold imperfections, (which the re- 
 view of the book of Psalms will sufficiently demonstrate ;) 
 but he neither denied, excused, nor persisted in them : on the 
 contrary, he had been deeply humbled for them ; and he was 
 in that respect also conscious of his uprightness. This pro- 
 fession, therefore, did not relate to David’s 44 justification in 
 the sight of God nor was it intended as a vindication of 
 every part of his conduct, as not needing forgiveness. (Notes, 
 Ps. 1 30:3,4. 143:2.) But it was the same consciousness of 
 general integrity which every true believer possesses, and 
 may on some occasions avow, as an answer to unmerited re- 
 proach, consistently with the deepest humility, and the most 
 entire dependence on the mercy and grace of God through 
 Jesus Christ. (Notes, 2 Chr. 1:12—14. 1 Thes. 2:9 — 12. 1 
 John 3:18 — 24.) And the gracious recompense, of which 
 David spoke, may be generally expected by those, who act 
 conscientiously in the sight of God, from right motives. This 
 accords to his method of dealing with mankind, and especially 
 with his professed worshippers. If ho sees them humble, 
 sincere, teachable, watchful, loving, pure and obedient in their 
 general conduct ; he will be merciful and kind to them, and will 
 fulfil his promises, and communicate his holy consolations, to 
 them: but. if he sees them dissembling or perverse, 41 he will 1 
 ( 578 ) 
 
 31 As for God, "his way is perfect; “the word 
 of the Lord is "tried: he is Buckler to all them 
 that trust in him. 
 
 32 For iwlio is God, save the Lord? and who 
 is r a rock, save our God ? 
 
 33 God is my 'Strength and Power : and he 
 "maketh ‘my way “perfect. [ Practical observation,.-] 
 
 34 He "maketh my feet T like hinds’ feet : and 
 “setteth me upon my high places. 
 
 35 He yteacheth my hands lito war: so that 'a 
 bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 
 
 36 Thou hast also given me “the shield of thy 
 salvation: and thy b gentleness hath §§made me 
 great. 
 
 37 Thou hast “enlarged my steps under me; so 
 that d my ""feet did not slip. 
 
 38 I have “pursued mine enemies, and destroyed 
 them ; and turned not again until I had consumed 
 them. 
 
 39 And I have f consumed them, and wounded 
 them, that they could not arise: yea, they are 
 fallen under my feet. 
 
 40 For thou hast ^girded me with strength to 
 battle : h them that rose up against me hast thou 
 ""subdued under me. 
 
 118:10 — 12. Rom. 8:37. Phil. 4:13. n Deut. 32 4. Dan. 4.37. Man. 5:48. Rev. 
 15:3. oP«. 12:6. 18:30. 119:140. Prov. 30:5. O Or .refilled. p 3. Ps. 35:2. 
 91:4. Prov. 2:7. q Dent. 32:31 ,39. 1 Sam. 2:2. Is. 42:8. 44:6,8. 45:5,6,21. Jer 
 10:6,7,16. r 2,3. t Ex. 15:2. Ps. 18:32. 27.1. 28:7,8. 31:4. 46:1. Is. 41:lU.Ztch. 
 10:12. 2 Cor. 12:9. Eph.6:l0. Pl.il .4.13. • 1 Heb. mdelh or loosell 1. I Heb. 
 13:21. u Peul. 18:13. Jot, 22:3. Ps. 101:2.6. 119:1. tt Heb. eaualleth to. v 2: 
 18. Deut. 33:25. Hab. 3:19. x Deut. 32:13. Is. 33:16 . 58 14. v Ps. 18:33,34. 
 144:1. tt Heb. for the war. z 1 s. 46:9. Ex. 39:3,9,10. a Gen. 15:1 . Ps. 84:11. 
 Eph. 6:16. b Ps. 18:35. §S Heb. multiplied >v. lieu. 12:2. 22.17. Ps. 115:14. 
 cPs. 4:1. 18:36. Prov. 4:12. d 1 Sam. 2:9. Ps. 17.5. 94 : IS. 1 19: 1 17. 121 :3. 
 INI Heb. ankles, e 5:18—25. 8:1,2,13,14. 10:14. Ps. 21:8,9. Rom. 8:37. f Ps. 19- 
 37,38. 110:1,5,6. 118:10—12. Mai. 4:1— 3. g 1 Sam. 17:49—51. 23:5. Ps. 18:32, 
 39. Is. 45:5. Col. 1:11. h Ps. 44:5. 144:2. Tfi Ileb. caused to bow. Is. 60:14 
 Rev. 3:9. 
 
 wrestle with them.” He will likewise save those who are 
 poor in spirit, and suffer persecution for his sake ; but with 
 his wrath he will frown upon proud oppressors to bring them 
 down. (Marg. Ref. k, 1.) — It should be remembered, that 
 David, in these things, was a type of Christ, to whom many 
 of the expressions here used are applicable in the fullest sense, 
 and to him alone. 
 
 IVilt show thyself unsavoury. (27) ^nn : 44 wilt wrestle.” 
 (Marg.) The rendering in the text is as if the word were 
 formed from Son, insulsum , insipidurn. But no verb is formed 
 from that root in any oilier nart of the Bible. — In the parallel 
 passage, (Ps. 18:26 or 27.) the word is Vncnn; (from Snr 
 pervertere , luctari ;) and it is generally supposed that the 
 same is intended, though rather differently modified. Indeed 
 the translation in this place gives no intelligible meaning. — 
 Mcra orpefiXov (7rpzfi\w§r)GTi. Sept. 
 
 V. 29, 30. David’s way had been intricate, dangerous, 
 and gloomy ; but the presence and favour of the Lord was 
 a Lamp unto him, marking out his path, and cheering him as 
 he walked in it. (Notes, Ps. 27:1 — 3.84:11,12. John 8:12.) 
 By his help also he had singly broken through whole armies 
 of his enemies, and leaped over every wall which obstructed 
 his escape or success. (Notes, Ps. 1S:28,29.) Many of 
 the verbs, in different parts of the Psalm, are future in the 
 original : probably, as expressing David’s previous believing ex- 
 pectations, to which the subsequent events corresponded; and 
 thus turned the language of hope into that of thanksgiving. 
 
 V. 31 — 33. From experience the Psalmist could testify, 
 that the word of God was in every case a sufficient security : 
 as all the methods of providence and grace towards him had 
 been ordered in perfect wisdom, justice, truth, and goodness. 
 None else could he in any degree depended on, for .1 e h ov a h 
 is God alone. (Notes, 2,3. Deut. 32:4.) They who trusted 
 and served him were perfectly safe : and whatever steadfast- 
 ness and integrity David had before spoken of, as marked in 
 his own conduct, all the glory belonged unto God, bj' whose 
 strength he had been upheld and preserved from falling. 
 
 V. 34, 35. As hinds climb the craggy rocks, and stand 
 firm upon the slippery summit of the precipice ; so Davil! 
 had been upheld in the most dangerous and slippery paths, 
 and advanced to his present exalted station, by the provi- 
 dence and grace of God: (Notes, Deut.. 33:24,25. Hab . 
 3:17 — 19.) and his extraordinary skill and strength in wai 
 must be ascribed to the same cause. — The word (ntr\n;) 
 rendered steel, generally signifies copper, or brass, of which 
 the ancients frequently made arms ; though bows, requiring 
 elasticity, could not well be made of it. 
 
 V. 36. Gentleness, &c.] The rebukes, corrections, and 
 instructions, which the Lord intermixed with his merciful 
 forgiveness, encouragements, and deliverances, like the gentle 
 tuition of a kind parent, tended to nrepare David for pros- 
 perity and authority, and to advance him to them. 
 
 V. 37 — 42. The meaning of these verses, as applied to 
 David, wants no other explanation than the preceding his 
 tory, implying his believing anticipations, fully verified by 
 the event. But they are peculiarly descriptive of lh« 
 
B. C. 1013. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII, 
 
 B. C. 1013 
 
 41 Thou hast also given me the 'necks of mine 
 enemies, that k I might destroy them that hate me. 
 
 42 They looked, but there was none to save; 
 even 'unto the Loro, but he answered them not. 
 
 43 Then did I beat them m as small as the dust 
 of the earth, I did stamp them "as the mire of the 
 street, and "did spread them abroad. 
 
 44 Thou also hast ^delivered me from the striv- 
 ings of my people, thou hast kept me to be iHead 
 of the heathen : r a people which I knew not shall 
 serve me. 
 
 45 'Strangers shall 'submit themselves unto me : 
 as soon as they hear, they shall be obedient unto me. 
 
 46 Strangers shall ’fade away, and they shall be 
 afraid ‘out of their close places. 
 
 I Gen. 49:?. Ex. 23:27. Josh. 10:21. Ps. 18:10,11. k P«. 21 :8,9. Luke 19:14, 
 27. 2 The*. 1:8.9. I 1 S.,m.23:S. Job 27:9. Prov. 1:28. Is. 1:15. Ki. 20:3. Mic. 
 3:1. Matt. 7:22,23. Cuke 13:25, 2S. m 2 Kinga 13:7. Ps. 18:12. 35:5. Dan. 
 2:35. Mai. 1.1. nPs. 18:42; la. 10:6. Mic. 7:10. S8ech.10:5. o Dam. 32:25. 
 Is.2li:15. Zech. 2:5. Luke 21:24. p 3:1. 5:1. 18:6—8. 13:9,14. 20:1,2.22. Ps. 2: 
 1—6. 18:43. Acts 1:25— 21. 5:30,31. q 3:1—14. Dent. 28:13. Ps. 2:8. 60:8,9. 
 72:8,9.110:6. Is. 60:12. Dan. 7: 1 1. Rom. 15:12. Rev. 11:15. r la. 55:5. 65: 1 . 
 Hos. 2:23. Rum. 9:25,26. * Web. sons of the stranger. Is. 56:3,6. f Or, yield 
 feigned obedience. Heb. lie. Deut. 33:29. Ps. 18:44,45. 66:3. 81:15. Acts 8:13, 
 
 47 The “Lord liveth ; and blessed be my Rock , 
 and exalted be the God of “the rock of my salva- 
 tion. 
 
 48 It is God that Javengeth me, and Hha. 
 bringeth down the people under me, 
 
 49 And that bringeth me forth from mine ene- 
 m.os : “thou also hast lifted me up on high above 
 them that rose up against me : thou hast delivered 
 me from “the violent man. 
 
 50 Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O 
 Lord, b among the heathen, and C I will sing praises 
 unto thy name. 
 
 51 He is d the Tovyer of salvation for his King: 
 and showeth mercy to e his anointed, unto David, 
 and to his ( Seed for evermore. 
 
 21—23. s Ps. 1:3. I«.64:6. Jam. 1:11. t Is. 2:19,21 . Am. 9:3. Mic. 7:17. 
 u Dem. 32:39.10. Job 1S:25. x Ps. 18:46. 89:26.95:1. 1, like 1:47. I Heb. 
 giretb nvengernent forme. 18:19,31. 1 Sam. 25:39. Ps. 18:47. 35:1. 94:1. 
 yPs. 110:1. 144:2. 1 Cor. 15:25. r5:12. 7:S,9. Num. 24:7,17— 19. lsam.2.8. 
 Ps. 18:48. a Ps. 140:1. b Rom. 15:9. c Ps 18:49. 103:1 . 138:1. 145:1,2. 146: 
 1.2. Is. 12:1— 6. d 2. Ps. 3:3. 21:1. 48:3. 89:26. 91:2. 144:10. e Ps. 18:50. 69: 
 20. Acts. 4:27. f 7:12,13. Ps. 18:50 . 89:29. Jer.30:9. Luke 1:31— 33. Rev. 
 11:15. 
 
 Redeemer’s conflicts and victories, and especially of the 
 inevitable destruction which came upon the Jews, and the 
 disgraceful dispersion of the degraded remnant of that 
 nation, for crucifying the Lord of glory, and rejecting the 
 gospel. They cried and still cry to the Lord to save them; 
 but refusing to obey his beloved Son, he vouchsafes them no 
 answer. — Thus David’s enemies, in their extreme distress, 
 are represented as crying to the Lord for deliverance from 
 impending ruin ; but, as they did it not in repentance, faith, 
 and integrity, it was in vain. Thus Saul inquired of the 
 Lord, and he answered him not. (Notes, 1 Sam. 28:6. 1 
 
 Car. 10:13,14.) 
 
 V. 43 — 51. This conclusion may be explained of David’s 
 victories over his rebellious countrymen, and the surround- 
 ing nations ; and of the desolations made among them. 
 These he might consider as the earnest of still more decisive 
 advantages; till the spirits of alibis adversaries should fail, 
 and their strength decay : and the strongest of them should 
 tremble even in their fastnesses and fortified cities, and sur- 
 render themselves to him to be his servants upon the first 
 summons. (JHarg. Ref.) — But here the Spirit of inspira- 
 tion seems especially to have carried his mind forward to 
 the glorious kingdom of the Redeemer, the destruction of all 
 his enemies, and the prevalency of his cause on earth. And 
 while he concluded with the high praises of God, and exult- 
 ing joy in him ; he looked forward to his posterity, and 
 rejoiced in the prospect of the blessings reserved for them, 
 not only as kings of Judah for many successive generations ; 
 but also in Christ, the anointed King of the church and of 
 the world for evermore, yea, even for ever and ever. ( Note, 
 Ps. 18:49.) 
 
 Submit themselves. (45) Or, yield feigned obedience. 
 Heb. lie. (Murg.) May nor this expression, which occurs 
 in many Psalms prophetical of the Messiah’s kingdom, be 
 considered a; a prediction of that influx of hypocrites into 
 the church, especially in and after the days of Constantine, 
 in consequence of the astonishing external displays of the 
 Redeemer’s power, ill the first ages? From this time formal 
 Christians, who lie in their profession, have been exceedingly 
 multiplied. (Note, Ps. 66:1 — 3.) — The God of the Rock of 
 my salvation. (47) This remarkable expression may well 
 call to mind, what maybe considered as ‘the style of the 
 New Testament,’ “ The God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ.” (Note, 2 Cor. 1:1 — 7, v 3.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V . 1 — 20 . When we have received mercies from God, we 
 ought, without delay, to render him our tribute of praise and 
 gratitude ; every recent favour should be acknowledged with 
 thankful remembrance of former deliverances ; and signal 
 interpositions. of the Lord in our behalf, ought to be publicly 
 celebrated, wi'h the best endowments which we possess. — 
 They who know the Lord in his glorious perfections, and the 
 various relations in which he stands to his rational creatures, 
 and especially as “ a God of Salvation ;” and who thus learn 
 to fear, trust., love, and serve him, choosing him as their Por- 
 tion, and waiting for his mercy unto eternal life, through Jesus 
 Christ, and according to the covenant which he mediated, 
 may expect from him every conceivable blessing. Nay, words 
 can never express, nor the creation itself afford objects suffi- 
 cient to represent all that the Lord is and will be unto them, 
 through time and to eternity. The more they expect and ask 
 from him in humble faith, the larger blessings shall they 
 receive ; while past experiences will encourage and dictate 
 "urther supplications. But while this felicity belongs to all 
 rrue believers ; yet frequently both the events of Providence, 
 and ‘heir inward experience, seem to indicate the contrary. 
 They are assailed by powerful enemies, and exposed to mani- 
 fold troubles and dangers, from without ; they are often dis- 
 quieted by distressing fears and terrors of conscience, from 
 within ; while Satan pours in his horrible suggestions to 
 aggravate their distress, and to urge them to despair. Thus 
 tfcey feet., as it were, the very “ pains of hell,” and are so 
 
 bound in the snares of death, that they are ready to give up 
 their lives and souls for lost. But in their extreme distress, 
 they cry unto the Lord with the greatest earnestness, and he 
 supports them, and appears for their relief: so that all their 
 sorrows and fears shall terminate in the more conspicuous 
 display of the glory of God’s perfections, and in the evidence 
 of his special love to them : all shall exercise and increase 
 their grace, prepare the way for future comforts, and become 
 the subject of triumphant praise and thanksgiving ; and how- 
 ever painful their feelings are at present, the retrospect shall 
 hereafter be delightful. — When, therefore, temptations and 
 tribulations abound, and our prayers are mingled with groans 
 and fears, with dismay and anguish of spirit ; let us not de- 
 spond, but be of good courage: for we shall certainly bless 
 God for them ere long, as many before us have done for simi- 
 lar or severer trials. Without a renewal of the miraculous 
 displays, with which Israel of old was favoured, the true 
 believer, comparing his dangers, fears, prayers, and deliver- 
 ances, may be as firmly assured that the Lord has wrought for 
 him, as that he wrought for that favoured people : and that he 
 has not only made his angels, and other creatures, the minis- 
 ters of good to him; but that his own hand has affected the 
 surprising change which he has experienced, in his condition, 
 character hopes, and prospects. — Nor are the judgments of 
 God less terrible now on the enemies of his people, than they 
 were when the earth swallowed them up, the depths of the 
 sea overwhelmed them, or the fire of the Lord consumed 
 them : though they are less noticed, because more spiritual, 
 and chiefly executed in the eternal world. For still the whole 
 creation fights against his enemies, yea, his own almighty arm 
 is lifted up to destroy them, as well as to deliver those who 
 trust in him. 
 
 V. 21 — 33. Under reproaches and persecutions, the testi- 
 mony of our conscience, to our integrity and sincerity in our 
 religious profession, “ not of fleshly wisdom, but by the grace 
 of God,” will prove a singular support : and it perfectly con- 
 sists with the deepest humility and the most simple depend- 
 ence upon the Saviour. Nor can we without it expect the 
 witness of the comforting Spirit of God. We should there- 
 fore “ exercise ourselves to have a conscience void of offence 
 towards God and man:” and, earnestly seeking supporting 
 and sanctifying grace, we should steadily persevere in the path 
 of duty, rejecting every temptation to seek relief by forsaking 
 it. — We must keep all God’s statutes and judgments before 
 our eyes, without one exception, that we may regulate our 
 conduct and conversation by them ; and we must watch and 
 pray especially against those sins which, by constitution, cus- 
 tom, or circumstances, maybe called “our own iniquity.” 
 If this be our aim and practice, the Lord will plead our cause, 
 and clear up our characters in due season. For he will deal 
 with us, according as we walk before him in humility and 
 sincerity, or the contrary; both with respect to the dispensa- 
 tions of his providence, and the consolations of his Spirit. — 
 In the darkest seasons, the Lord will guide and comfort those 
 who trust in and follow him : and of the very many millions 
 who have tried his wSrd, none ever complained that he was 
 unfaithful ; but all have been so assisted, that they have at 
 length wondered at what the Lord had enabled them to do, as 
 well as what he had done for them. Without him all other 
 helpers are vain ; and with him they are needless, except, as 
 he pleases to work by them as his instruments of good to us. 
 
 V. 34 — 51. All our talents and abilities are from God, and 
 all our improvement of them : whatever services we have 
 performed, or however consistent our walk has been, the will 
 and the power have been from him : “ He is our Strength, who 
 makieth our way perfect.” Ability and success in our spirit- 
 ual warfare, liberty from sin and Satan, enlargement of heart 
 in the service of our God, and preservation in the slippery 
 paths of this ensnaring world, are causes for thankfulness, and 
 not for glorying in ourselves. His gentle rebukes and cor- 
 rections tend to real advancement, as much as our comforts 
 and prosperity do. (Note, Heb. 12:9 — 11.) Armed with tha 
 ( 579 ) 
 
B. C. 1015. 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1015 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 David'i last words, 1 — 7. The names and exploits of Ms chief warriors, 
 
 OW these be “the last words of David. Da- 
 vid the son of Jesse said, and the man who 
 was b raised up on high, c the anointed of the God 
 of Jacob, and the d sweet Psalmist of Israel, said, 
 
 2 The 'Spirit of the Loan spake by me, and 
 his word ivas in my tongue. 
 
 3 The f God of Israel said, ®the Rock of Israel 
 spake to me, 'He that ruleth over men h must be 
 just, 'ruling in the fear of God. 
 
 a Gen. 49:1,2. Deut. 33:1, &«. Juah.S3.Ms Ps.7J:20. 2 Pet. 1 . 13 — 15. 1)5: 
 1—3.7 8.9. P». 78:70,71. 87:27. c 1 Sam. 2:10. 16:12,13. Pa. 2:6. 89:20. 
 
 d 1 Chr. 16: 1.5, 7, 9. Am. 6:5 Luka 20:42. K|.h. 5.19,20. Col. 3:16. Jam. 3:13. 
 a Mall. 22:43. Mark 19.36. dels 2:25-31. Heb. 3:7,8. 2 Pal. 1:21. f Gen. 33: 
 21). Ex. 3:15. 19:5,6. 20:2. g See on 22:2,32. Deut. 32.4,30,31. Pa. 42:9. 
 • Or, He thou ruler o ermen,Sfc. Ps. 11U:‘2. It Ex. 23:6—8. Dent. 16:18 — 
 20. Pa. 82:3,4. Is. 11:4,5.32:1. Jer. 23:5. 'Zech. 9:9. He!). 1.8. i Ex. 18:21. 
 2 Chr. 19:7— 9. Neh.5:l5. k Judg. 5:31. Ps. $9:36. 110:3. Prov.4:18. Is. 60:1, 
 
 4 And he shall he k as the light of ’the morning 
 when the sun riseth, even a morning without 
 clouds ; as m the tender grass springing out of the 
 earth by clear shining after rain. 
 
 5 Although n my house be not so with God : yet 
 °he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, 
 ordered in all things, ^and sure : for this is nal) my 
 salvation, and all my 'desire, although he make U 
 not to "grow. 
 
 6 But [ the sons of Belial shall be all of them aJ 
 "thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken 
 with hands : 
 
 3,18—20. Hos. 6:5. Mai. 4:2. Luke 1:78,79. John 1:7. 1 Hob. 6:3. m Deut. 
 
 32:2. Ps. 72:6. Ib. 4:2. Mic. 5:7. n 7: 1S.I9. 12:10. 13:14,15.28. 18:14,15. 
 1 Kings 1:5,6.2:24.25. 11:6— 8. 12:14,15. o7:15,16. 1 Chr. 17: 1 1—14. Pa. 
 
 89:3, 4,28, 2J. Is. 9:6,7. 55:3. 61:8. Jer. 32. lu. 33:25,26. Ez. 37:26. Heb. 
 
 13.20. p 1 Sam. 2:35. 25:28. 1 Kings 11:38. Acts 13:34. Heb. 6:19. qPs.62: 
 2.119:81. r Ps. 27:4. 63:1— 3.73:2o,2<5. s Is. 4 2. 7: 14. 9:6,7. 1 1 : 1 . 27:6. Am. 
 9:11. 1 Cor. 3:6,7. t 20:1. Leut. 13:13. 1 Sam. 2:12. u Gen. 3:18. Cant. 2:2. 
 Is. 33:12. Ez. 2:6. 
 
 shield of salvation and 41 the sword of the Spirit,” the Chris- 
 tian soldier, being “strong in the Lord,” will pursue his 
 victories, till he has trodden upon the necks of all his ene- 
 mies, and received the conqueror’s crown. (Notes, Rom. 
 8:35 — 39. Eph. 6:10 — 17.) For 44 the Lord liveth,” as the 
 God of strength and salvation, and will never leave us nor 
 forsake us, till he has brought us forth from all our enemies, 
 and lifted us up on high, above all that rose up against us. 
 In the prospect of that complete salvation, let us joyfully 
 praise him on the field of batt le, surrounded with our enemies, 
 and in the midst of our conflicts : and ere long we shall adore 
 him, and sing praises to his name in more exalted strains, 
 surrounded with millions of the redeemed, and innumerable 
 multitudes of holy angels, who will triumph in our victories, 
 and rejoice in our felicity. — But we may here likewise medi- 
 tate upon the Redeemer’s sufferings, and the glory which was 
 to follow, and which has followed, and shall still far more be 
 displayed : for our sins he was encompassed with the waves 
 of death, the floods of ungodly men, and the very sorrows of 
 hell, in the garden and on the cross. In his distress he called 
 upon the Lord, arid was heard, and raised from the dead, and 
 exalted to the throne of glory : while his death was attended 
 by the most stupendous displays of the divine indignation, 
 against those who perpetrated that most atrocious crime. In 
 him the Father delighted : his righteousness was perfect, yea, 
 divine : he was justified from the blasphemies of his enemies 
 by his resurrection and ascension. All power in heaven and 
 earth are in his hands : all enemies shall be put under his 
 feet, and he will destroy all who hate him. He has been 
 “delivered from the strivings of the people, and made the 
 Head of the heathen:” he continually receives the submis- 
 sions of those who hear of him, and willingly obey him ; 
 while many who have no love for him, profess submission to 
 him from fear of his power: but all opposition shall at length 
 melt away before him, and all nations shall do him service. 
 For he is the anointed King, whom the Father has exalted, 
 and his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions 
 shall serve and obey him : (Dan. 7:27. Note, Rev. 11:15 — 18.) 
 may we then accept of his salvation, and submit to his author- 
 ity ; may we now follow him bearing our cross ; that, when 
 he shall appear to judgment, we also may 44 receive a crown 
 of glory that fadeth not away.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIII. V. 1,2. Many things, after 
 this, are recorded concerning the words and actions of David ; 
 so that it is not agreed in what sense these were his “last 
 words.” Some suppose them to have been the last words 
 which he spoke by inspiration, and, as it were, an appendix 
 to the Psalms which he composed : but perhaps he repeated 
 them in his dying moments, as the expression of his faith and 
 hope, and the source of his consolation. (Notes, Ps. 72:17 — 
 20.) — The last words of eminent persons have often been 
 much attended to, and long remembered : and these of David 
 were peculiarly worthy of consideration, as they showed that 
 this venerable servant of God, when dying, was more than 
 ever assured of the reality and excellency of true religion ; 
 decided in his judgment concerning it, and his choice of its 
 blessings; and animated with humble gratitude, and joyful 
 expectation of his approaching felicity. — In the introduction, 
 he mentioned his lowly birth, obscure station, and unexpected 
 exaltation, with thankfulness. God .had raised him to a 
 throne, and made him very successful and prosperous : but 
 the most valuable circumstance of his advancement was, that 
 ae was the anointed of God, to rule over his own people Jacob, 
 and to be the type of the Messiah. Nor was he less thankful for 
 being made 44 the sweet Psalmist of Israel for being em- 
 ployed and enabled to compose hymns of praise and sacred 
 poems, for the use of his people, and of the church of God, 
 in all future ages ; and to set them to music, and provide for 
 the public performance of this delightful part of God’s wor- 
 ship. And no wonder that the work was done in so complete 
 a manner ; “for tho Spirit of the Lord spake by him* and 
 his word was in his tongue.” This he declared with his dying 
 lips, that Israel, and that we through successive generations, 
 might learn how to estimate that part of holy Scripture; not 
 so much as the words of David, as of tho holy Spirit, which 
 spake by him. ( Marg . Ref. Note , Mark 12:35 — 37.) 
 
 ( 530 ) 
 
 V. 3, 4. 44 The Spirit of the Lord spake,” by David, yea, 
 
 44 the God of Israel spake to him and he recorded his words 
 with his own meditations on them. — These verses, explained 
 of David, taught the duties incumbent on him, as king of 
 Israel ; how he ought to instruct his son and successor Solo- 
 mon ; and the general character of good and pious magistrates, 
 who are blessings to the people. — 44 He that ruleth over men” 
 should treat them as reasonable creatures of the same nature 
 with himself: and therefore he 44 must be just;” oppressing 
 and injuring none, and by an equal administration of justice, 
 restraining them from defrauding or doing wrong to one 
 another ; and by his example and influence promoting general 
 equity ; 44 ruling in the fear of God,” as accountable to him 
 for the authority deputed to him, and the use which he makes 
 of it, and teaching others to fear God. Rulers of this cha- 
 racter may reasonably expect that the Lord will prosper 
 them, and afford them blessings and comforts, like the exhi- 
 larating light of the unclouded morning sun : while their salu- 
 tary regulations, discountenancing every species of evil, and 
 protecting and advancing every good thing, diffuse the most 
 important advantages, temporal ana spiritual, around them ; 
 as the rising sun dispels the fogs and damps, and brightens 
 and cheers the face of nature ; or as his clear shining, after 
 refreshing showers, rapidly promotes vegetation, and ren- 
 ders the earth luxuriantly fruitful. (Marg. Rtf.) — Many 
 expositors, however, interpret the words almost exclusively 
 of Christ ; the anointed King of Israel, and the Ruler over 
 the sons of Adam in general. He is indeed just and righ- 
 teous : he is the Righteousness and Sanctification of his sub- 
 jects ; and both requires and teaches, inclines and enables, 
 them to fear God, and work righteousness. His light, and 
 grace, and consolations, render them fruitful and happy ; and 
 the blessings of his kingdom arc inexpressible, and shall be 
 eternal. (Notes, Ps. 45:6,7. 72:1—14. Is. 11:1—9. 32:1—8. 
 Jer. 23:5,6. Zech. 9:9,10. Tit. 2:11,12. Heb.hl- 3. Rev. 19: 
 11—16.) 
 
 V. 5. This verse is supposed to be peculiarly difficult, 
 and is variously interpreted, generally as relating to the cove- 
 nant made with David concerning the kingdom.— But, he 
 seems here to have turned his reflections fiom the kingdom of 
 his posterity, and espe< ially that of the Messiah, to his own 
 personal concerns, and those of his family and immediate 
 descendants; and he could not but regret, that 44 his house 
 was not so with God,” as the preceding statement implied. 
 Bjr his own misconduct, as well as that of others concerned, 
 his family was much less religious and prosperous, than it 
 might have been expected; and both he and Israel had suf- 
 fered many things in consequence. Several grievous and 
 scandalous events had occurred: matters were not yet as ho 
 could wish ; and he seems to have had his fears concerning 
 his descendants who should succeed him in the kingdom. 
 Perhaps, by prophetical monition, he foresaw, that they would 
 neither be happy themselves, nor blessings to Israel, nor in- 
 struments of glorifying God, in that measure which lie desired, 
 and had hoped. He however comforted himself, that “the 
 Lord had made with him an everlasting covenant.” God had 
 indeed covenanted to David that his family should succeed 
 him in the kingdom ; (Notes, 7:8 — 16. Ps. 89:19 — 37.) yot tniu 
 was not “all his salvation and all his desire;” and it could 
 give him comparatively but little consolation in his dying mo- 
 ments, (for these are part of his last words,) except as it 
 referred to the promised Seed, who was to descend from him. 
 By 44 the everlasting covenant,” therefore, David no doubt 
 principally intended tho covenant of mercy and peace, which 
 the Lord had made with him, as one who believed in tho 
 promised Saviour, and had yielded up himself to be bis re- 
 deemed servant, and had been made partaker of his sanctify- 
 ing grace as the seal and pledge of it. (Notes, Is. 55:1 — 3. 
 Jer. 32:39 — 41. Ez. 37:25,26. Heb. 13:20,21 .)— This covenant 
 was “from everlasting” in the purposes of God, and shall be 
 44 to everlasting” in the blessed effects of it. From age to ago 
 sinners, when they accede to it by true faith, are admitted to 
 share its benefits, which believers shall for ever enjoy ; and 
 God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, shall for ever 
 be glorified through it, in their salvation. It is made with 
 the Surety, in behalf of those for whom he engaged ; i\l tho 
 
CHAPTER XXIII, 
 
 B. C. 1058. 
 
 B. C. 1053. 
 
 7 But the man that shall touch them must be 
 ‘fenced with iron and the staff of a spear ; and 
 ‘they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same 
 
 pl(lC6. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 8 IF These be the names of the mighty men 
 whom David had : 'The Tachmonite that sat in 
 the seat, chief among the captains ; the same was 
 Adino the Eznite : he- lifted up his spear against 
 eight hundred, 'whom he slew at one time. 
 
 9 And after him was ^Eleazar the son of Dodo 
 the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with 
 David, when they ‘defied the Philistines that 
 were there gathered together to battle, and “the 
 men of Israel were gone away : 
 
 10 He arose, and smote the Philistines until his 
 hand was weary, and his hand clave unto the 
 sword : and b the Lord wrought a great victory 
 that day ; and c the people returned after him only 
 to spoil. 
 
 Heb. filled, i 22:8—10. T». 27:4. Malt. 3:10—12. 13:42. Lukt 19:14,27. 
 John 1^:6. 2The«. 1:8. 2:8. Heb. 6:8. t Or, Josheb-bassebet , the Tach- 
 tnonite, head of the three. 1 Chr. 11: 11,12. 27:32. + H eb. slain. y I Chr. 
 11:12—14.27:4. Dodai. i Num. 23:7,8. 1 Sam. 17:10,26,36,45,46. a Is. 
 
 63:3,5. Mark 14:50. b Josh. 10:10,42. 11:8. Judg. 15:14,18. 1 Sam. 11: 
 13.14:6,23.19:5. 2 Kings 5:1. Ps. 108:13. 144:10. Rom. 15:18. 2 Cor. 4:5. 
 Eph. 6:10 — 18. c Ps. 68:12. Is. 53:12. d 1 Chr. 11:27. Shammolhthe Harorite. 
 
 blessings of it were obtained and secured by his atoning blood, 
 and are freely bestowed upon all who believe in his name ; 
 and it secures to them pardon, righteousness, grace, and 
 “ eternal life, as the gift of God through Jesus Christ.” It is, 
 “ ordered in all things for in the Person, undertaking, and 
 mediation of the Saviour, effectual provision is made for the 
 mamfesta'ion of the holiness, the satisfaction of the justice, 
 and the honour of the law of God, and the discovery of the 
 evil and desert of sin. While his mercy abounds in the for- 
 giveness and salvation of the chief of sinners ; there is an 
 infinite fulness of grace, and of all blessings, treasured up in 
 Christ, for the supply of those who seek for this salvation ; a 
 way opened to the mercy-seat of God, in which they may 
 come in humble confidence; ordinances appointed, through 
 which these blessings are communicated ; invitations to draw 
 near, and “ exceedingly great and precious promises ” to plead 
 with God. All those things, which in one respect are com- 
 manded, in another are promised ; and while we pray for the 
 performance of the promise, we are enabled to obey the com- 
 mand, to reponi, to forsake sin, to turn unto God, and to walk 
 in newness of iife. This covenant is also “sure” or pre- 
 served. (mO»j It is preserved by the continual interces- 
 sion of Christ, and the promises and securities grounded on 
 it. (Notes, Luke 22:31— 34. Horn. 5:7— 10. 8:32— 34. Col. 
 3:1 — 4. 1 Pel. 1:3 — 5. 2 Pet. 1:10,11. Jude 1,2.)— Provision 
 is made for the recovery of those, who have walked inconsist- 
 ently with it, in the most disgraceful manner: and yet not 
 the least encouragement is given to commit sin, but the most 
 effectual methods are used to deter men from it, and constrain 
 them to all holy obedience. (Note, 1 John 2:1—3.) So that 
 It is “ ordered in all things,” in such a manner, that no believer 
 can want wisdom, grace, or strength sufficient for him, what- 
 ever his conflicts, temptations, or difficulties may be : and he 
 shall either persevere in a uniform course of holy obedience, 
 or be brought to deep and evident repentance of his miscon- 
 duct, and shall infallibly at length inherit eternal life. — This 
 covenant was “all David’s salvation;” for he was so well 
 acquainted with the holy character and law of God, the evil of 
 sin, and his own sinfulness in every thing, that he knew he 
 could not escape condemnation, according to the covenant of 
 works: and he perceived that all things suited to his case, 
 and sufficient for his salvation, were engaged for by it to every 
 believer ; and that it was framed in perfect wisdom, so as to 
 honour God, to humble and encourage the sinner, to inspire 
 love and gratitude, to bring him to a holy and happy disposi- 
 tion of mind, and to prepare him for that state of complete 
 felicity, in which all the powers of the human soul shall be 
 eternally satisfied. It. was also “ all his desire,” or delight, 
 as the word is generally rendered : in comparison with it, all 
 earthly objects lost their attractions ; he was willing to re- 
 nounce them, as far as required, for the sake of the blessings 
 of the covenant ; his comfort while he possessed them, was 
 derived from it, not from them ; and he was willing to die and 
 leave all else, that he might enjoy its full felicity. This he 
 was conscious of: and yet he complained, that matters were 
 not with his soul, any more than with his house, as he coidd 
 wish ; for this seems the meaning of the words, “ although he 
 make it not to grow.” The grace of the covenant he had 
 received, but it had not been made to increase and flourish, 
 in that measure which he desired. Still the prevalence of 
 sinful propensities, and the weakness of his faith, hope, and 
 love, were his grief and burden. The Lord had not “made 
 them to grow.” David did not mean to impeach the wisdom, 
 justice, and goodness of God, who had good reasons for what 
 he withheld, as well as for what he gave ; and doubtless David 
 would have allowed that his own inattention and negligence 
 were the criminal cause why his grace had not more been 
 made to grow. But the hope that it would ere long be per- 
 
 11 And after him was d Shammah the son ol 
 Agee the Hararite. And 'the Philistines were 
 gathered together Sinto a troop, where was a 
 piece of ground full of lentiles: and the people 
 fled from the Philistines. 
 
 12 But he stood in the midst of the ground, 
 and defended it, and slew the Philistines : ant/ 
 f the Lord wrought a great victory. 
 
 13 And "three of the thirty chief went down 
 and came to David in the harvest time unto ethe 
 cave of Aduliam : and the troop of the Philis- 
 tines pitched in h the valley of Rephaim. 
 
 14 And David was then in ‘a hold, and the 
 k garrison of the Philistines teas then in Beth-lehem. 
 
 15 And David 'longed, and said, Oh that one 
 would give me drink of the water of the well of 
 Beth-lehem, which is by the gate ! 
 
 16 And ra the three mighty men brake through 
 the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of 
 
 e 1 Chr. 11:13,14. § Or, for foraging, f See on b. 10. Ps. 3:8. 44:2. Prov. 
 21:31. || Or, the three captains over the thirty. 1 Chr. 11:15—19. g Josh. 12- 
 15.15:35. 1 Sam. 22:1. Mic. 1:15. h 5:18,22. 1 Chr. 11:15. 14:9. Is. 17:5. 
 i 1 Sam. 22:4,5. 24:22. 1 Chr. 12:16. k 1 Sam. 10:5 V 13:4,23. 14: 1 ,6. 1 Num. 
 11:4,5. Ps. 42:1,2.63:1. 119:81. Is. 41:17.18. 44:3. John 4:10,14. 7:37,38. m 9. 
 1 Sam. 19:5. Acts 20:24. Rom. 5:7. 2 Cor. 5:14. 
 
 fected in glory, animated and encouraged him in his dying 
 moments. — Referring this also to the Redeemer, it may be 
 observed, that the kingdom of David’s family was not so with 
 God in any other period, as under him ; and foreseen by faith, 
 he, as the Surety of the everlasting covenant, was all David’s 
 Salvation and Desire ; though his coming was distant, and 
 though his cause of truth and righteousness did not prosper 
 in Israel, nor even in the prophet’s own heart, as he most 
 earnestly desired that it might. (Notes, Deut. 29:4. 1 Cor. 
 3:4—9.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. Those who opposed the authority of David, and 
 afterwards of his descendants, were generally worthless and 
 troublesome characters, and would be certainly rejected and 
 destroyed, as useless thorns are cast into the fire. (Note, 
 
 1 Kings 12:16.) And those sons of Belial, who will not bear 
 the yoke of Christ, or “ have him to reign over them,” are 
 injurious to his people ; but they bring upon themselves cer- 
 tain destruction. They cannot indeed be “ taken with hands.” 
 or dealt with by those who are unarmed and unprotected. 
 But in every government, there must be persons who possess 
 power to apprehend, confine, and punish the disobedient and 
 rebellious ; in the same mannor, as a man fenced, or com- 
 pletely armed, (marg.) “with iron and the staff of a spear,” 
 can thrust the thorns into the fire: and so Christ is able to 
 destroy out of his kingdom all his enemies, and will “ make 
 them as a fiery oven in the day of his wrath ;” for he can 
 deal with those who, to all others, are utterly unmanageable. 
 (Notes, Ps. 21:8 — 12. Nah. 1:9,10.) As the willing subjects 
 of David prospered, but his opposers were crushed ; so shall 
 it be with those who suhmitto the authority of the Redeemer, 
 and those who reject him. (Notes, Matt. 3:11,12. 13:36 — 43. 
 
 2 Thes. 1:5—10.) 
 
 V. 8. Under Joab, the chief captain, the persons mentioned 
 
 in this chapter, were the principal officers in David’s army: 
 and as only thirty-six are named, Joab must be added to com- 
 plete the number thirty-seven. (39) There were two trium- 
 virates ; and under them thirty officers, who commanded 
 subdivisions of the troops. Of several of them, and of their 
 exploits, we read nothing elsewhere: so that David’s reign 
 and actions were far more splendid than they appear in the 
 history. — Adino the Tachmonite, is called Jashobeam the 
 Hachmonite. (I Chr. 11:11.) It is supposed that he had his 
 title from his wisdom, and that he ordinarily presided in coun- 
 cils of war ('oiD^n^ f rom D3n wise.) — It is here said that he 
 slew eight hundred men, in Chronicles only three hundred are 
 mentioned : perhaps three hundred were left dead on the spot, 
 and the rest died afterwards ; or two different actions are 
 meant, or some trivial mistake has been made. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. (Marg. Ref.) When the most of David’s army 
 had retired or fled, for fear of the Philistines ; he and thiee 
 of his officers defied them, as Goliath had done the army of 
 Saul : and Eleazar greatly distinguished himself on the occa- 
 sion ; fighting till his hand was weary and clave to his sword. 
 Thus “the Lord wrought a great victory that day,” princ- 
 pally by him : and when the people that had fled saw what 
 was done, they rallied again, and shared the spoil of their 
 vanquished enemies. — The divine interposition seems to have 
 been miraculous, in answer to the expectation of faith ; as in 
 the case of Jonathan and his armour-bearer. (Notes, Josh. 
 10:9,10. 1 Sum. 14:6 — 10,45,46.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. In Chronicles this victory seems ascribed to 
 Eleazar, who perhaps was the chief commander, though 
 Shammah most distinguished himself. — The field also is said 
 to have been “ full of barley :” perhaps part of it was sown 
 with lentiles, and part with barley. (1 Chr. 11:12 — 14.) — 
 The annexed titles seem to have been generally derived from 
 the place of the birth, or abode of the persons spvken if 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 ( 581 ) 
 
B. C. H'56. 
 
 II. SAMUEL. 
 
 B. C. 1056. 
 
 the well of Beth-lehem, that was by the gate, and 
 took it, and brought it to David : nevertheless he 
 would not drink thereof, but “poured it out unto 
 the Lord. 
 
 17 And he said, °Be it far from me, O Lord, 
 that I should do this: is not this Ptlie blood of the 
 men that, went in ‘’jeopardy of their lives ? there- 
 fore he would not drink it. These things did 
 these three mighty men. 
 
 18 And r A bishai, the brother of Joab, the son 
 of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted 
 up his spear against three hundred, ‘and slew 
 them, and had the name among three. 
 
 19 Was he not most honourable of three? 
 therefore he was their captain : howbeit 'he 
 attained not unto the first three. 
 
 20 And ‘Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son 
 of a valiant man, of “Kabzeel, ’who had done 
 many acts, he slew two ’lion-like men of Moab : 
 he went down also and 'slew a lion in the midst of 
 a pit in time of snow. 
 
 21 And he slew an Egyptian, $a goodly man : 
 and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand : but 
 he went down to him with a staff, and plucked 
 ihe spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and ’'slew 
 him with his own spear. 
 
 22 These things, did Benaiah the son of Jehoi- 
 ada, and had the name among three mighty men. 
 
 23 He was “more honourable than the thirty, 
 but he attained not to the first three. And 
 David set him ’’over his guard. 
 
 D Num. 23:7. 1 Sam. 7:6. Lam. 2:19. Phil. 2:17, marg. o 20:20. (.fen. 44:17. 
 ISam. 2:30. 26:11. 1 Kings 21:3. 1 Chr. 11:19. p Gen. 9:4. Pe. 72:14. Matt. 
 26:28. Mark 14:21. John 6:52— 54. qJudg.5J8. 1 Cor. 15:30. r 2:18. 3:30. 
 10:10,14.18:2.20:10. 1 Sam. 26:6— 8. 1 Chr. 2:16. 11:20,21. * Heb. slain. 
 
 6 9,13,16. 1 Chr. 11:25. Matt. 13:8,23. 1 Cor. 15 41. l 8:18. 20:23. 1 Kings 1: 
 8,26,33 . 2 29—35,46. 1 Chr. 1S:17. 27:5,6. u Josh. 15.21. t Heb. great of acts. 
 * Heb. lions of God. 1:23. 1 Chr. 11-22 — 24. 12:8. x Jutlg. 14:5,6. i Sam. 
 17:34 — 37. § Heb. a man of countenanr t . or sight, called. 1 Chr. 11:23. aman 
 of great stature. y 1 Sam. 17:51. Col. 2:15. || Or, honourable am. >ng the 
 
 thirty, 1 Chr. 27:6. IT Or, over hit council. Heb. at his command. 20:23. 
 
 V. 13 — 17. It is probable, that during the harvest, the 
 Philistines invaded the land of Israel ; in order to carry off 
 or destroy the cropland that David and his men opposed 
 them : and the three captains, of the thirty afterwards men- 
 tioned, having come to him in the cave of Adullam, (probably 
 when persecuted by Saul,) assisted him. (Notes, 1 Sam. 
 22:1,2. Ps. 142: title.) A garrison also of Philistines, at the 
 same time, occupied the outer gate of Beth-lehem the city of 
 David. — Some expositors think that David, by wishing for the 
 water of the well of Beth-lehem, meant to stir up his whole 
 band to attempt dispossessing the garrison, and not that his 
 officers alone should attack them. It is more probable, 
 however, that being very thirsty in hot weather, he eagerly 
 desired, and inconsiderately wished, to quench his thirst at 
 that well, the water being remarkably good : and that these 
 brave men, to express their peculiar attachment to him, broke, 
 sword in hand, through the Philistines, and returned to him 
 with some of the water. David however was, on recollec- 
 tion, ashamed of his inordinate desire and rash wish ; and, 
 being unwilling to encourage such desperate attempts, he re- 
 fused to drink of it, but poured it out as a drink-offering unto 
 the Lord. For as it had been procured at the hazard of 
 the lives of these brave officers, he would no more drink of 
 it, than he would drink their blood: “Far be it from me,” 
 said he, or “ My God forbid it me.” (Notes, Ps. 72:14. 
 116:15.) — “Beth-lehem” signifies the house of bread; and the 
 place was likewise noted for excellent water. There Christ 
 was born, who is the Bread of Life, and who also gives us 
 the Water of Life. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 18 — 24. (Marg. Ref.) We are not told on what 
 occasions these exploits were performed : but they were done 
 in faith, by the Lord’s extraordinary assistance, and for the 
 public good. Asahel seems to have been the third captain in 
 the second triumvirate, though mentioned as one of the thirty, 
 over whom perhaps he presided as captain: for there are 
 thirty names besides his ; and only two of the three are named, 
 if he was not the third. (Marg. Ref. Note , 2:18 — 23.) 
 
 V. 25 — 39. The names of the captains here enumerated 
 are nr c exactly the same in Chronicles, but the same persons 
 must be meant. In some instances a trivial variation is made 
 in the spelling ; in others, they might be known by more 
 names than one. — The list closes with Uriah, who met with a 
 ease reward of his services ! Others also are added in Chro- 
 nicles ; out they were not so renowned as these. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note , 1 Chr. 11:10— 47.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. I — 7. It has been observed by those who intimately 
 converse with persons of genuine piety, that they are uni- 
 formly most sensible of the reality and importance of hea- 
 venly things, when they consider themselves as very nearly 
 approaching to the eternal world. If discouraged respecting 
 their own intorest in the invisible blessings, their assured 
 ( 5S2 ) 
 
 24 ‘Asahel the brother of Joab was one of 
 the thirty ; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Beth- 
 lehem, 
 
 25 “Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Ilarodite, 
 
 26 Helez the b Paltite, c Ira the son of Ikkesh the 
 d Tekoite, 
 
 27 'Abiezer the Anethothite, < Mebunnai the 
 Hushathite, 
 
 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, eMaharai the Neto- 
 phathite, 
 
 29 h Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, 
 ■Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the chil- 
 dren of Benjamin, 
 
 30 “Benaiah the ‘Pirathonite, rn Hiddai of the 
 "’brooks of Gaash, 
 
 31 "Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the 
 “Barhumite, 
 
 32 Eliahba the Shaalhonite ; of the sons of 
 I’Jashen, Jonathan, 
 
 33 ^Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of 
 “Sharar the Hararite, 
 
 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of 
 the Maachathite, 'Eliam the son of Ahithophel the 
 Giloni^e, 
 
 35 ‘Hezrai the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 
 
 36 "Igal the son of Nathan of Zohah, Bani the 
 Gadite, 
 
 37 x Zelek the Ammonite, rNaharai the Beero 
 thite, armour-bearer to Joab the son of Zeruiah, 
 
 38 z Ira an lthrite, Garab an Ithrite, 
 
 39 “Uriah the Hittite : thirty and seven in all. 
 
 1 Sam. 522:14. 7.2:18. 1 Chr. 11:26. 27:7. a 1 Chr. 11 :27,28. Shiur.mo 1* 
 
 Hnrorite. b 1 Chr. 11:27. 27:10. Pelinite. c I Chr. 1 1 :28. 27:9. dS«m 
 14:2. e 1 Chr. 11:28. Antothite. 27:12. Anetothite. f 1 Chr. 11.29. Sibbecai 
 g 1 Chr. 11.30. 27:13. h l Chr. 11:30. Helcd. 27:15. Ileldai. i 1 Chr. ll:3L 
 Mai. k 1 Chr. 11:31. 27:14. 1 Jude. 12:15. m 1 Chr. 11:32. Hurai. •• Or, 
 valleys. Deul. 1:24. Judg.2:9. n 1 Chr. 11:32. Abiel. ol Chr. 11:33. Baha • 
 r umit e. p 1 Chr. 11:34. Hashem, the Gizonite. q 1 Chr. 11 :27. r 1 Chr. lit 
 35. Sacar. s 11:3. 15:31. 17:23. 1 Chr. 27:33,34. t l Chr. 11:37. Hezro 
 u 1 Chr. 11:33. Joel, xl Chr. 11:39. y l Chr. 11:37. 7.20:26. 1 Chr. 2:53 
 
 11:40. a 11:3,6. 12:9. 1 Kings 15:5. 1 Chr. 11:41. Matt. 1:6. 
 
 belief excites the most earnest and distressing anxiety, lest 
 they should come short of them : but when their hope abounds, 
 they exult and triumph, though parting v\ ith all below, though 
 oppressed with pain and sickness, and in the very agonies 
 of death ! So that many have gone from their dying beds 
 more convinced of the truth and excellency of the gospel by 
 their “last words” and behaviour, than by all ihe arguments 
 which have conclusively been adduced in proof of it.— 
 When we approach this closing scene, it will be useful and 
 pleasant to consider what we originally were, and to inquire 
 what the Lord has done for us, in his providence, and by 
 his grace. The more we have been conformed to the Sa- 
 viour, as bearing his image, and copying his example ; and 
 the more we have been treated by the world as he was ; the 
 more clearly it will appear that we belong to him. When 
 our endowments have been employed in the service of the 
 church ; and our words and works have been such, as evince 
 that we were “led by the Spirit,” and brought forth “the fruits 
 of the Spirit,” the review will be comfortable to us, and we 
 shall give the glory to God. 1 — They who stir up and assist their 
 brethren in the exercises of devotion, are peculiarly useful ; 
 and the sweet work of praise and thanksgiving, when con- 
 ducted with solemnity, as springing from lively affections, is 
 an anticipation of heavenly joy, a solace of earthly sorrows, 
 a preparation for every service, most honourable to God, and 
 calculated to give religion an attractive aspect. When by us 
 the Lord excites others to their duty, he speaks to us like 
 wise concerning our own ; that we may exemplify by our 
 conduct, in our proper station of life, the rules that we pro- 
 pose to others. — “ Those who rule over men” must be re- 
 minded on every occasion which occurs, and ought themselves 
 continually to remember that they are the subjects of God: 
 and in all things responsible to him for their conduct, especially 
 in the exercise of their delegated authority ; and are under the 
 most powerful obligations to imitate his equity, maintain his 
 cause, and seek his glory, in all their plans and undertakings. 
 Then will they he happy themselves, and blessings to mul- 
 titudes, who will praise God for them. The sons of Belial 
 indeeed will bo the more enraged against their equitable admi- 
 nistration, and will create disturbance and vexation ; but they 
 should endeavour, and will in some measure be able, to crush 
 and keep them under ; though they cannot quite extirpate 
 them. — The best of men, however, reviewing their past con 
 duct, and comparing it impartially with the rule of duty, will 
 see great cause to bd humbled, and to mourn over their sins. 
 Neither their hearts nor their houses will he found what they 
 ought to he : hut it will lie their earnest desire, aim, anu 
 prayer, that, their families may be the accepted servants o! 
 God. without which no outward prosperity will satisfy their 
 minds: and if, through their own negligence, or occasional 
 misconduct, they are otherwise; they will be the* more ear- 
 nest in supplication for them, that they may not perbdi with 
 
B. C. 1017, 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV, 
 
 B. C. 1017 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 David requires Joab to number the people , mho very reluctantly complies , 1 — 
 8. Joab delivers in the number to the king, 9. Fie repents; and being 
 warned by Gad the prophet, and obliged to choose one plague, out of three 
 proposed to him, he fires on three days’ pestilence, 10 — 14. After seventy 
 'thousand had died in Israel, the angel is stayed from destroying Jerusalem, 
 in answer to David’s prayer, 15 — 17. David directed by God, purchases 
 Araunah's thrashing-floor, builds analtar, and sacrifices ; and the plague 
 
 t« stayed, 18 — 25. 
 
 A ND "again the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 against Israel, and 'he b rnoved David against 
 them to say, c Go, number Israel and Judah. 
 
 2 For the king said to ''Joab the captain of the 
 host, which was with him, 'Go now through all 
 the tribes of Israel, 'from Dan even to Beer-sheba, 
 and number ye the people, f that I may know the 
 number of the people. 
 
 3 And Joab said unto the king, s Now the Lord 
 
 «21:1,&c. • Sunn. 1 Chr.21:l. Jam. 1:13,14. h 12:11. 16:10. Gen. 15:5. 
 50:20. Ex. 7:3. 1 S*m. 26:19. 1 Kings '22:211-23. Ex. 11:9. 20:25. Act»4:28. 
 2 The*. ‘2:11. c 1 Clir. 27:23,21. <12:13. 8:16. 20;23. 23:37. t Or, compass 
 mo, call. 1 Clir. 21:2. e3:10. 17:11. Judg. 20:1. f Dent. 8:13,14. 2 Chr. 32:25, 
 90.31. Prov.29:23. Jer. 17:5. 2Cor. 12:7. g 10:12. lChr.21:3,4. P». 115:14. 
 
 the sons of Belial. — Yet in all their troubles, true believers, 
 being conscious that they “have fled for refuge to the hope set 
 hefore them” in the gospel ; and having experienced the power 
 of renewing grace, may rejoice that the Lord “ hath made 
 with them an everlasting covenant and may meditate with 
 e.omfort on the rich provisions and firm security of it : and see- 
 ing all their salvation there treasured up, and there finding all 
 their desires centre, they may cheerfully bear up under all they 
 feel or fear, and look forward with joyful hope of complete 
 deliverance. — Such, as are in reality partakers of divine 
 grace, will long for more holiness : and those who, in this im- 
 perfect state, are satisfied with their present attainments, 
 have no good ground to consider themselves as true Chris- 
 tians. 
 
 V. 8 — 39. The Lord dispenses all his gifts as he pleases, 
 and there are various degrees of eminence and usefulness 
 among able and serviceable men. Whether our talents 
 therefore be more or fewer, the honour of them belongs to 
 God, and we ought to improve them for the benefit of the 
 church, and of the world, without envying or despising others. 
 — In a good cause we should willingly venture, and endure 
 hardship, even when deserted by those who ought to help 
 us ; for the Lord will be our Helper : and we should allow 
 others sometimes to share the advantages, who would not 
 expose themselves with us for the public good. — The habit of 
 wishing and hankering after those things which Providence 
 withholds, though natural to us, and often given way to by 
 godly men in an unguarded hour, is indeed a degree of rebellion 
 against the Lord ; and it shows the remaining sensuality and 
 selfishness of the heart, and leads to many snares and evils. 
 Upon recollection and experience, a wise man will be ashamed 
 of this folly ; and will abstain, not only from unlawful indul- 
 gences, but from those also which are inexpedient, and might 
 expose his brethren to temptation and danger. — Were we but 
 os much attached to the person and cause of “ the Captain of 
 our salvation,” and as much pleased to show our love and gra- 
 titude to him, by doing his will and promoting his honour, as 
 some soldiers have been to a beloved prince or commander ; 
 how self-denying, and ready fijr every service and suffering 
 should we be, and how glad to spend or to lay down our lives 
 for his sake! Yet surely, never ruler or captain was of so 
 excellent a character as ours ; his commands are all righteous 
 and beneficial, his authority is an inexpressible blessing. 
 The obligations that he has conferred on his soldiers and ser- 
 vants, the love he bears to them, and the honours that he has 
 prepared for the meanest of them, are beyond all computation 
 or conception. The blessings, which he freely bestows, were 
 dearly purchased by him : and for them when rebels and 
 enemies ! “ Precious in his sight is the death of his saints 
 he will expose them to no danger or loss, but for tueir good ; 
 he will comfort them under every suffering ; and finally de- 
 liver them, and present them and all their services, as an 
 oblation to the glory of God. Under his command, and re- 
 freshed by the waters of life which he bestows, we may 
 venture to engage, yea defy, all our adversaries at the great- 
 est disadvantage, and shall be able to turn their own arms 
 upon them. Though not numbered with apostles and pro- 
 phets, our names and services will be recorded in the book 
 of life ; and not a cup of cold water, given for his sake, shall 
 be unrewarded : yea, the willing mind to suffer for him, shall 
 be accepted, as if we had actually laid down our lives in his 
 cause. But, as he has shed his blood for sinners, let all 
 beware of neglecting so great salvation : for the sons of Belial, 
 especially those who reject or pervert his truth, and persecute 
 his people, will be thrust away as thorns into the everlasting 
 fire of hell. 
 
 Chcp. XXIV. V. 1, 2. The Israelites 
 had offended God, by their ungrateful and repeated rebellions 
 against David : by not duly profiting under the means em- 
 ployed for the revival of religion ; and probably by that 
 pride, luxury, and ungodliness, which generally spring from 
 great prosperity. They had before, in a famine which lasted 
 thrci -ears, experienced the effects of the divine displeasure ; 
 and it u likely they had not been amended by the correction ■ 
 'Notes, 21:1 — 14.) but some think, that the sin immediately 
 
 thy God add unto the people, how many soevt r 
 they be, a hundred fold, ana that the eyes of my 
 lord the king may see it: but why doth my loid 
 the king delight in this thing? 
 
 4 Notwithstanding, h the king’s word prevailed 
 against Joab, and against the captains of the host. 
 And Joab and the captains of the host ‘went out 
 from the presence of the king, to number the people 
 of Israel. 
 
 5 U And they passed over Jordan, and pitched in 
 lAroer, on the right side of the city that lieth in 
 the midst of the driver of Gad, and towards k Jazer : 
 
 6 Then they came to 'Gilead, and to the Slant! of 
 Tahtim-hodshi ; and they came to m Dan-jaan, and 
 about to "Zidon, 
 
 Prov. 14:28. In. 60:5. h 1 Clir. 21:4. Ee. 8:4. i Ex. 1 :17. Acts 5:29. ) Teut. 
 
 2:36. Josh. 13:9,16. 1 Sam. 30:28. Is. 17:2. J Or, volley, k Num. 32:1,3,35. 
 18.16:8,9. ljoen. 31 :21 ,47,48. Num. 32:1,39. § Or, ne her land newly inha- 
 
 bited. m Josh. 19:47. Judg 18:29. n (Jen. 10:15. Josh. 11:8. 19:28. Judg. 18:28. 
 
 intended, was their setting up Absalom for king, and rebel- 
 ling against David. (Notes, 1 Sam. 8:6 — 9. Hos. 8:2 — 4.) 
 This David had cordially forgiven: but it was a national 
 defection from God, which he did not judge it proper to 
 leave unpunished. So that “ again the anger of the Lord 
 was kindled against Israel :” and he permitted Satan to tempt 
 and prevail against David, that in chastising him, he might 
 punish them. David’s thought and purpose of numbering the 
 people, sprang from his remaining depravity, excited by 
 Satan’s suggestions : and as this “ was of the Lord,” (in 
 the same manner, that it was of him that the Canaanites 
 should be hardened, and that Ahab should be deceived,) he 
 withdrew every internal or external restraint, and left him 
 to follow his own counsels. (Mnrg. Ref. b.) Thus, by a 
 manner of expression common in Scripture, the Lord is said 
 to have “ moved David against Israel for certainly this is 
 the most natural construction of the words. (Marg. Note, 
 
 1 Chr. 21:1.) But other passages prove, that the sinful dis- 
 position and resolution could not be from God, though he 
 both permitted them, and overruled them to accomplish his 
 own wise and righteous purposes : and this example throws 
 light upon the doctrine of God’s providential government of 
 the world, and suggests many practical instructions. (Notes, 
 12:11,12. Gen. 50:20. 1 Kings 22:19 — 23. )— But what 
 
 constituted David’s sin in numbering the people? Some 
 expositors think it was a contempt of the promise that they 
 should be innumerable ; and that they ought not to have been 
 numbered without express command, as in the days of 
 Moses : and others suppose, that David neglected to collect 
 the half shekel apiece for the use of the sanctuary, which 
 should have attended the numbering of them. (Notes, Gen. 
 13:16. Ex. 30:11 — 16.) It however, seems evident, that 
 pride both induced David to this measure, and rendered it 
 so very displeasing to the Lord. Elated with the prosperity 
 and extent of his dominions, he wished to know, and that 
 others might know, the number of his subjects who were 
 capable of bearing arms. This originated from an ambitious 
 curiosity, and an ostentatious vanity ; and probably it was 
 accompanied with a secret complacency in his own good 
 conduct, under whose government Israel had attained this 
 prosperity, and with an improper dependence on the number 
 and valour of his forces. As he was far advanced in life, he 
 probably indulged the idea of having it said, how populous 
 and flourishing a kingdom he had left to his posterity. It is 
 likewise evident, that, the chastisement was especially levelled 
 against his pride and ambition. These evils had before been 
 secretly indulged : but tfie Lord would have restrained them, 
 had he not seen it best to permit them to break forth, both 
 for the people’s punishment, and David’s deeper humilia- 
 tion : as a physician permits some disorders to come forward 
 to a crisis, that the cure may be radical ; which is more 
 salutary than merely for a time to suspend their effects. 
 (Notes, 2 Kings 20:12—19. 2 Chr. 32:24—33. 2 Cor. 
 12:1—6.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. Joab readily perceived, that David’s purpose 
 arose from ambition, and was inconsistent with his character 
 and interest; and that if he persevered to “delight in,” or 
 require “ such a thing, it would be a cause of trespass,” 
 i. e. of guilt and punishment, “to Israel.” (1 Chr. 21:3.) 
 On this occasion he spoke with great reason and temper ; 
 expressed much affection both for his prince and country ; 
 and even assumed an appearance of piety : and David would 
 have shown his wisdom, had he yielded to his remonstrances. 
 Yet the king’s word prevailed, but “it was abominable to 
 Joab:” (1 Chr. 21:6.) and as he and the captains set about 
 it reluctantly, we may suppose that they did not perform it 
 very exactly. ‘It is something strange, that Joab should 
 see the danger of this, and David not think of it; no, not 
 when it was so plainly represented to him. But the best of 
 men are sometimes very drowsy, and apprehend not those 
 things, which plainly appear to those who are not so good. 
 Bp. Patrick. A considerable degree of self-will and preci- 
 pitation was manifested in David’s conduct respecting this; 
 measure. 
 
 V. 5 — 8. Joab and his assistants began by numbering 
 
 • 583 ) 
 
B. C. 1017. 
 
 II. SAMUEL, 
 
 B. C. 1017 
 
 7 And came to ti e strong hold of °Tyre, and to 
 all the citie i of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites : 
 and they went out to the south of Judah, even Pto 
 Beer-sheba. 
 
 8 So when they had gone through all the land, 
 they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months 
 and twenty days. 
 
 9 And Joab gave up the sum of the number of 
 the people unto the king: and there were in Israel 
 ’eight hundred thousand valiant men that drew 
 the sword ; and the men of Judah were five hun- 
 dred thousand men. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 10 H And r David’s heart smote him after that 
 he had numbered the people. And David said 
 unto the Lord, 5 I have sinned greatly in that I 
 have done : and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, 
 ‘take away the iniquity of thy servant ; for I have 
 done very “foolishly. 
 
 11 For when David was up in the morning, the 
 word of the Lord came unto the prophet “Gad, 
 David’s Jseer, saying, 
 
 12 Go and say unto David, Thus saith the 
 Lord, Z I offer the three things; choose thee one of 
 them, “that. I may do it unto thee. 
 
 13 So Gad came to David, and told him, and 
 
 ojosh. 19:29. p 2. Gen. 21:31— 33. q 1 Chr. 21:5,6. 27:23,24. rlSam.24:5. 
 John 8:9. 1 John 3:20,21. s 12:13. 1 Chr. 21:8. 2Clvr.32:26. Job33:27,28: Ps. 
 32:5. Prov. 28:13, Mic. 7:8,9. «1 John 19. t Jol. 7:21. Hos. 14:2. John 1:29. 
 u 13:13. Deut. 32:6. 1 Sam. 13:13. 26:21. 2 Chr. 16:9. Mark 7:22. Til. 3:3. 
 x 1 Sam. 22:5. 1 Chr. 21:9. 29:29. y 1 Sam. 9:9. z 1 Chr. 21:10,11. a 12:9,10, 
 14. I.er. 26:41. Job 5:17,18. Prov. 3:12. Heb. 12.6 — 10. Re«.3.!9. b 21:1. Lev. 
 26:20,26. 1 Kings 17:1, (fee. 1 Chr. 21:12. Ez. 14:13,21. Lake 4:25. 'c Lev. 26: 
 17,36,37. Devil. 28:25,52. vl Lev. 26:16,25. Pent. 28:22,27,35. Ps.916. Ez. 
 14:19—21. e I Sam. 13 6. 2 Kings 6: 15. John 12:27. Phil. 1:23. f Ex. 34:6,7. 
 
 1 Chr. 21:13. Ps. 51 : 1 . 86:5,15. 103:8,13,14. 119:156. 145:9. Is.55,7. Jon. 4:2. 
 
 the inhabitants of the country, to the east of Jordan ; thence 
 they proceeded to the northern part of the land in the bor- 
 ders of Zidon and Tyre ; and passing through the regions to 
 the west of Jordan, they numbered all the men capable of 
 bearing arms, (except the Levites and Benjamites ;) having 
 spent almost ten months in accomplishing it ! (Marg. Ref. 
 1 Chr. 2 1:6.) 
 
 Land of Tahtim-hodsh'i. (G) “Nether land newly inha- 
 bited.” (Marg.) — It is not known what region is meant; 
 as the name occurs only in this place : probably, it was a 
 tract of low land, which had lately been taken possession of 
 by the Gileadites, in the northern part of the country. 
 
 V. 9. The numbers, as stated in Chronicles, are very 
 different from those here given : and in order to reconcile 
 them, it is thought that the regular troops, serving in rotation 
 every month, and amounting to two hundred and eighty-eight 
 thousand, (besides their officers, as it is supposed.) are 
 included in the one account, but not in the other. ( Note , 
 1 Chr. 27:1 — 15.) If these are added to the men of Israel as 
 here numbered, and a due proportion taken from the men of 
 Judah for their part of this militia, the round numbers will 
 amount to nearly the same in both places. — This is, how- 
 ever, uncertain : and as Levi and Benjamin were not num- 
 bered, we may suppose that in other respects the accounts 
 were inaccurate : and it might please God thus to order it, 
 that David at last “ might not know the number of the peo- 
 ple.” (Notes, 1 Chr. 21:2 — G. 27:23,24.) — It is remarkable 
 that the Israelites had not multiplied when possessed of 
 Canaan, in any proportion to what they had done during 
 their bondage in Egypt. (Note, Ex?\J .) 
 
 V. 10. David was not convinced of the evil of his con- 
 duct, until he received an account of the numbers which had 
 been rated, and then “his heart smote him;” he became sen- 
 sible that he had displeased the Lord, and earnestly entreated 
 God to forgive him. (Notes, Ez. 11:17 — 20. 1 John 3:18 — 
 
 24.) — ‘ When he ordered it, he was possessed with other 
 thoughts ; and did not seriously reflect upon what he had 
 done, till God touched his heart with a sense of his guilt 
 after the sin was committed.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 11. Literally: “And David arose in the morning; 
 and the word of the Lord was unto the prophet Gad.” It 
 is probable, that David had become in some measure sensi- 
 ble of his sin, and had offered his humble confession and 
 supplication to God over night, or in the night ; before Gad 
 delivered his message to him in the morning. — Gad was called 
 David’s seer, for he had long been employed as the messenger 
 of God to him, and David had paid great regard to his 
 admonitions; (Notes, 1 Sam. 9:G — 10. 22:5.) and he also 
 compiled, in part at least, the annals of David’s last years. 
 (Note, 1 Chr. 29:29,30.) — Had David’s history been written 
 in the manner of modern memoirs, by friends of tho deceased ; 
 how many things would havo been concealed, or thrown into 
 tho back-ground ! how much palliated ! and what eulogiums 
 would have been paid to his excellent and honourable actions. 
 Thus David’s character would havo appeared moro faultless : 
 but his history would have been, in exact proportion, so much 
 4lte less instructive. 
 
 V. 12—14. Though the Lord intended to forgive tho sin 
 ( 584 ) 
 
 said unto him, Shall b seven years of famine comt 
 unto thee in thy land? or wilt thou "flee three 
 months before thine enemies, while they pursue 
 thee ? or that there be d three days’ pestilence in 
 thy land ? now advise, and see what answer I shar. 
 return to him that sent me. 
 
 14 And David said unto Gad, e I am in a great 
 strait ; let us fall now into the hand of the Lord : 
 [for his mercies are 'great ; and slet me not fall 
 into the hand of man. 
 
 15 So h the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel 
 from the morning even to the time appointed : and 
 there died of the people ’from Dan even to Beer- 
 sheba k seventy thousand men. 
 
 16 And when ‘the angel stretched out his hand 
 upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord m repented 
 him of the evil, and said to the angel that destroyed 
 the people, "It is enough : stay now thy hand. 
 And the angel of the Lord was by the thrashing 
 place of "Araunah nhe Jebusite. 
 
 17 And David ’spake unto the Lord, when he 
 saw the angel that smote the people, and said, 
 r Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly : but 
 “these sheep, what have they done ? 'let thy 
 hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my 
 father’s house. 
 
 Mic. 7:18. * Or, many, g 2 Kings 13.3—7. 2 Chr. 28:5— 9. Prov. 12:10. 13. 47i 
 6. Zech. 1:15. Ii Num. 16:46— 49. 25:9. 1 Sam. 6:19. 1 Chr. 21 : 14. 27:24. 
 
 Matt. 24:7. Rev. 6:8. i See on 2. k Is. 37:36. 1 Ex. 12:23. 2 Kings 19:35, 
 
 1 Chr. 21:15,16. 2 Chr. 32:21. Ps. 35:6. Acts 12:23. m Gen. 6:6. 1 Sam. 15s 
 11. Ps. 78:38. Jer. 18:7— 10. Joel2:l3,14. Am. 7:3,6. Hah. 3:2. n Ex. 9:28. 
 1 Kings 19.4. Is. 40:1,2. Mark 14:41 . 2 Cor. 2:6. o 1 Chr. 21 : 15. 2 Chr. 3:1. 
 Oman, p 5:8. Gen. 10:16. Josh. 15:63. Judg. 1:21. 19:11. Zech. 9:7. q 1 Chn 
 21:16,17. r 10. Job 7:20. 42:6. Pa. 51:2— 5. Is. 6:5. s 1 Kings 22:17. Ps. 44:11. 
 Ez. 34:2—6,23,24. Zech. 13:7. t Gen. 44:33. John 10:11,12. 1 Pet. 2:24,25. 
 
 of his repenting servant, as to his personal concern ; yet as it 
 was a public offence, he would correct it in a public manner, 
 by destroying his subjects before his eyes. (Notes, 1,2. 2 
 Khigs 23:26,27. 24:3,4. 2 Chr. 33:12—17.) This would be 
 extremely distressing to him, both because of his affection for 
 them, and because they suffered in consequence of his pride 
 and vainglorious confidence. — Only three years of famine are 
 proposed in Chronicles: (1 Chr. 21:12.) but such variations 
 frequently occur, and are probably owing to some trivial 
 errors of transcribers in so long a course of years ; especially as 
 the numbers were often distinguished by marks which might the 
 more easily be mistaken. — In this distressing difficulty, David 
 preferred a calamity, which came immediately from God, 
 whose mercies he knew to be very great, to those in which 
 men were concerned, who would have triumphed in the mise- 
 ries of Israel, and thus have been hardened in their idolatry. He 
 seems also to have chosen the pestilence in preference to the 
 famine, not only because the land had already been visited with 
 one famine of three years’ continuance, from which perhaps it 
 was scarcely recovered ; and because he and his family would 
 be as much exposed to the pestilence, as the poorest Israelite ; 
 but especially that he might continue for a shorter time under 
 the divine rebuke, however severe it might be. — 4 They that 
 fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls 
 in his sight, saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, 
 and not into the hands of men : for as his majesty is, so is his 
 mercy.’ Ecclesiasticus 2:17,18. (Heb. 10:31.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. “The time appointed” may mean either the 
 close of the third day: or, as it is more probable, the appointed 
 hour of the evening sacrifice on the first day. For u the Lord 
 repented him of the evil,” which implies, that he did not pro- 
 ceed to the extent of the judgment denounced. Yet on this 
 supposition seventy thousand died in the different parts of the 
 land, in about as few hours as Joab had employed months in 
 numbering the people ; and this apparently by the ministration 
 of a single angel ! (Notes, Ex. 12:29,30. 2 Kings 1 9:35. Heb. 
 11:28.) 4 If it,’ (the pestilence,) 4 had raged three days, and 
 
 in every nine hours had killed so many, above a third part of 
 those who had been numbered would have died by this 
 plague: but as Kimchi here observes, by the great mercy of 
 God, the time was contracted.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Num . 
 16:45—50. 1 Cor. 10:6—10.) 
 
 V. 17. Probably, the angel had before been invisible: but 
 at length “David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the 
 Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a 
 drawn sword in his hand, stretched out. over Jerusalem. Then 
 David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, 
 fell upon their faces." 1 Chr. 21:16,17. The “drawn sword” 
 was an emblem of the divine justice about to he executed 
 upon the city. David had before humbled himself in the 
 sight of God, and no doubt, had earnestly interceded for the 
 people ; but this sight affected him more than ever: and, while 
 he and the elders prostrated themselves upon the ground, ho 
 poured out his soul before God in fervent prayer for Ins sub- 
 jects, and especially for Jerusalem. He pleaded, that “it 
 was he who had commanded tho people to he numbered,” that 
 44 he had sinned, and done evil indeed :”and entreate i t) at. as 
 tho whole blamo belonged to him, so the indignation might 
 
B. 0. 1017. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 B. C. 1017. 
 
 18 H And “Gac. came that day to David, and 
 «aid unto him, Go up, rear an altar unto the Loan 
 •u the tnrashing'-floor of 'Araunah the Jebusite. 
 
 19 And David, according to the saying of Gad, 
 ivent up, *as the Loud commanded. 
 
 20 And Araunah looked, and saw the king and 
 his servants coming on toward him : and Araunah 
 went out, and showed himself before the king on 
 his face upon the ground. 
 
 21 And Araunah said, 'Wherefore is my lord 
 the king come .to his servant? and David said, 
 “To buy the thrashing-floor of thee, to build an 
 altar unto the Loud, that b the plague may be 
 stayed from the people. 
 
 22 And Araunah said unto David, “Let my lord 
 the king take and offer up what seemeth good unto 
 
 all. 1 Clir. 21 .18-. Heb. Araniah. See on o, p. 16. x Gen. 6:22. IChr. 11-19 
 S Chr. 20:20 36.1G. Nell. 9:26. Heb. 11:8. v 9:8. Gen. 18:2. Ruth 2: 10. 
 2 Chr. 21:20,21. z3,'S. a Gen. 23:8-16. I Chr. 21 :22. Jcr. 32:6-14. b21:3 
 —14. Num. 16:47 — 50. 23:8. Ps. 106:30. cGen. 23:11. 1 Chr. 21.22. 1 Sam 
 
 cease in the punishment of him and his family. His guilt 
 indeed occasioned the judgment: but the people were far from 
 that innocency which David supposed ; for their wickedness 
 was in reality the cause of the calamity. (Note, 1,2.) His 
 intercession however prevailed : and it was doubtless in an- 
 swer to his prayer, that the Lord said to the destroying angel, 
 u It is enough : stay now thine hand.” 
 
 V. 18 — 25. (Note, 1 Chr. 21:18 — 25, i>. 20.) Araunah, or 
 Ornon, though a Jebusite by birth, seems to have been cor- 
 dially attached to the interests of David, and of Israel ; and 
 was permitted to possess a thrashing-floor, and some conti- 
 guous estate, near mount Zion. On that very spot the angel 
 of the Lord appeared, and thence spake to Gad, (16. 1 Chr. 
 21:18.) that he should order David to build an altar there; 
 whose ready obedience afforded Araunah an opportunity of 
 showing his veneration for the king, his affection for Israel, 
 and his liberality in the service of God and for the public ad- 
 vantage. With a generosity like that of a king, he was ready 
 to give David the oxen, thrashing-floor, and all that apper- 
 tained to it, that he might offer the appointed sacrifices : but 
 David did not think it right to accept of them as a gift : and 
 therefore he gave him fifty shekels of silver for the oxen and 
 the wood, and six hundred shekels of gold for the ground ; for 
 this is the most obvious way of reconciling this account with 
 that in Chronicles. (1 Chr. 21:25.) There the sacrifices 
 were offered, and “ the Lord answered by fire from hea- 
 ven (Notes, Lev. 9:21. 1 Kings 18:38,39. 1 Chr. 21:26. 2 
 Chr. 7:1 — 3.) and the plague was stayed. On this very spot, 
 bought of a Gentile, the temple was soon after built, no doubt, 
 by the express command of God. (Note, 1 Chr. 22:1. 2 Chr. 
 3:1.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. In the righteous government of Godj rulers and 
 their subjects have a reciprocal influence on one another. Like 
 the members in the human body, they are interested in each 
 other’s conduct and welfare ; and cannot sin or suffer without 
 being mutually affected. — When the wickedness of nations 
 provokes God, he leaves princes to adopt pernicious measures, 
 or to commit atrocious crimes, which bring calamities on the 
 eople : ,and when the ruler commits iniquity, he is punished 
 y the diminution of his power, and by witnessing the distresses 
 of his subjects. Instead therefore of mutual recriminations 
 under public calamities, however occasioned, all parties 
 should be reminded to repent of their own sins, and to prac- 
 tise their own duties. Princes should hence be instructed 
 even for their own sakes, to repress wickedness, and to pro- 
 mote righteousness in their dominions, as well as to set a 
 good example : and the people, for the public benefit, should 
 concur in salutary measures, and pray continually for their 
 rulers. — The remains of sin live, and will often revive, in the 
 best of men, as long as they continue in this world : and the 
 wisest are soon induced to do very foolishly, when God leaves 
 them to themselves, and permits Satan to tempt them : and 
 against this there is no security, except humble watchfulness 
 and unceasing prayer. — Pride, in all its varied exercises, is 
 the t in of fallen man, as well as of fallen angels : it is the sub- 
 stance of spiritual wickedness, the rival and enemy of the 
 glory and authority of God, and equally averse to the sub- 
 missive obedience of the law, and the sovereign grace of the 
 gospel. (Notes, Dan. 4:28 — 37. Jam. 4:4— 6.) Yet this hate- 
 'll! evil mixes with and defiles the best of our services. Even 
 the believer often sacrilegiously assumes to himself the glory 
 which belongs to God: idolatrously confides in himself, or in 
 some creature : ostentatiously pourts that admiration and ap- 
 plause, of which the. Lord alone is worthy ; and becomes vain 
 of those endowments or possessions, which he had no share 
 in procuring, and cannot secure for one hour ! Those, who 
 ire altogether proud, God will resist and fight against to their 
 destruction: and he will detect and chastise the indulged 
 pride of those who, upon the whole, are humbled before him as 
 mean, sinful creatures, and yet inconsistently value and prefer 
 themselves upon some incidental advantages 1 (Notes, 2 Kings 
 20:12 — 15. 2 Cor. 12:1 — 6.) Through this hateful princi- 
 
 ple it comes to pass, that we so readily can spy a mote in 
 Vol. I.— 74 
 
 him : beh< <1, here be b oxen for burn ,1-sacrifice, and 
 thrashing instruments and other instruments ol 
 the oxen for wood. 
 
 23 All these things did AraunaTi, 'as a king, 
 give unto the king. And Araunah said unto the 
 king, ( the Lord thy God accept thee. 
 
 24 And the king said unto Araunah, g Nay; but 
 I will surely buy it of thee at a price : neither will 
 1 offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God o. 
 that which doth cost me nothing. b So David 
 bought the thrashing-floor and the oxen for fifty 
 shekels of silver. 
 
 25 And David 'built there an altar unto the 
 Lord, and offered burnt-offerings and peace- 
 offerings. k So the Lord was entreated lor the 
 land, and the plague was stayed from Israel. 
 
 6:14. 1 Kings 19:21. e Is. 32:8. f Job 42:8. Ps. 20:3,4. Is. 60:7. Ez.20:40,4L 
 Hos. 8:13. Rom. 15:30,31. 1 Tim. 2:1,2. 1 Pel. 2:5. g Gen. 23:13. 1 Chr. 21l 
 24. Mnl. 1:12-14. Rom. 12:17. h 1 Chr. 21:23. 22:1. i Gen. 8:20. 22:9. 1 Stow 
 7:9,17. k 14.21:14. 1 Chr. 21:26,27. Lam. 3:32,33. 
 
 our brother’s eye, and yet remain unconscious of a beam in 
 our own : so that even ungodly men can discern those evil 
 tempers and that unbecoming conduct in eminent believers, 
 to which themselves are insensible! (Note, Matt. 7:3 — 5.) 
 This should warn Christians to walk circumspectly, lest their 
 mistakes should encourage others in unbelief and ungodliness: 
 and it is sometimes a part of our chastisement to be shamed 
 and rebuked by men of very bad characters. Yet those who 
 have no real piety may, on personal and relative accounts, be 
 sincerely attached to the interests of true Christians ; and m 
 a certain way have the cause of religion much at heart, as it 
 happens to be connected with that of their party or their 
 friends: but they cannot love the disciple simply because he 
 loves and bears the image of his Master. They sometimes 
 however give good advice supported by solid arguments: they 
 can foresee consequences which the believer does not suspect, 
 and sincerely endeavour to prevent them; and they can min- 
 gle their expostulations with affectionate good wishes, and a 
 kind of prayers for their welfare and success. These things 
 do not prove a man to be a partaker of the grace of God ; but 
 they entitle him so far to the attention of godly persons. It is 
 indeed a shame for us to require and delight in those tilings, 
 that such men perceive to be wrong : and it is our own fault, 
 if we do not in many ways profit by their advice and cautions. 
 — But when authority prevails against reason and truth, per- 
 nicious effects must follow : yet this is so common, that those 
 who possess much power and influence, rarely acquit them- 
 selves honourably as professors of godliness. — Men seldom 
 accomplish to good purpose those services in which they re • 
 luctantly engage : and God does not generally allow those 
 whom he loves, the satisfactions which they sinfully covet. 
 
 V. 10 — 25. Where grace possesses the heart, a man ’3 
 conscience, on reflection, will reproach him with his trans- 
 gressions : and he will not only be frighted and distressed, 
 (which the hypocrite may be,) but he will be humbled before 
 God, and with ingenuous confessions and fervent prayers, seek 
 forgiveness from him ; sincerely purposing by his grace no 
 more to return to folly : and thus a man’s pride will prove an 
 occasion of increasiug his humility. (Notes, 2 Chr. 32:24 — 26 
 30 — 33, v. 31.) — But when God corrects the transgressions 
 of his people ; he makes them by the anguish of theii souls, 
 in the great straits to which he reduces them, taste the bitter- 
 ness of their sins, and perceive his abhorrence of them.— 
 Whatever we idolize, or grow proud of, will generally be 
 taken from us, or converted into a source of distress; and no 
 aggravation or affliction is more painful to generous minds, 
 than the reflection, that others whom they love are suffering 
 on their account. This is a common case in kingdoms and 
 families: and perhaps, while ministers mourn oves the state 
 of their congregations ; lhey*may sometimes profitably inquire, 
 whether their own supineness, pride, and desire of applause 
 or popularity ; their want of zeal and simplicity ; their self- 
 indulgence, or conformity to the world, do not bring a secret 
 blight upon their labours, although more open evils do not 
 bring a blot upon their profession ? and whether the people’s 
 souls are not suffering for their correction ; and to bring them 
 to deeper humiliation, greater fervency in prayer, and a 
 more simple, spiritual frame of mind, and devotedness to 
 God ? And surely we should choose to be chastened in our 
 own persons, rather than that the blessing should be withheld 
 from our congregations: for, though the Lord is righteous in 
 these dispensations ; yet the people have not deserved at our 
 hands, that we should occasion this evil to them. — Grace 
 teaches men to condemn themselves rather than others, anc 
 to seek the interests of their fellow-creatures in many respects 
 before their own^ apd earnest prayers offered in this temper of 
 mind, by those who unreservedly cast themselves on the mer- 
 cies of the Lord, are very prevalent. For “ he is slow to anger 
 and ready to forgive :” and he never fails of his promises, 
 though he readily recedes from his threatenings in behalf 
 of the humbled sinner. — If the power of angels, as it appears 
 in this chapter, is so terrible, what is that of the Almighty 
 Creator ! and as they are so obedient to their Maker’s word, 
 and so prompt in executing his will ; we ought carefully to 
 ( 585 > 
 
b. c. mi5. 
 
 1. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 1013- 
 
 imitate them, especially in the delightful service of “ minis- 
 tering to the heirs of salvation.” — Death is continually, and 
 "m so many forms and so suddenly, destroying all around, that 
 it is madness not to be expecting and preparing for the closing 
 scene. — Through the great sacrifice and intercession of the 
 Saviour, the chief of sinners may approach a reconciled God : 
 and, being justified by faith in his blood, may become his ser- 
 vant and child, and be made meet for his eternal kingdom. 
 This message, the ministers of God propose to men, that 
 they may “ advise, and consider what answer they will return 
 to him that sent them and they affectionately long that sin- 
 ners would thankfully accept of this great salvation. Though 
 men are required to forsake sin, to renounce the world and 
 its friendship, and to deny themselves, if they would be 
 
 1 Christ’s disciples : yet surely this need not reduce them to a 
 great strait ; for he will supply every want, make up every 
 loss, and give them a hundred-fold more in this preset time, 
 for all which they part with for his sake. — Grace will teach 
 men liberality when the honour of God and the good of hi- 
 people require it : and extraordinary occasions requirr extra 
 ordinary disinterestedness. But we should not encroach cu 
 those who are willing to give, or prefer a cheap religion. All 
 we possess and are belongs to God, and we should desire to 
 ; employ in his immediate service, that measure of our time 
 and substance which he requires : and while we simply follow 
 his directions, we shall speedily obtain the comfort of his 
 pardoning love, and also bo instrumental in averting hia 
 I wrath from others. 
 
 THE 
 
 FIRST BOOK OF THE KINGS, 
 
 COB1MONLY CALLED 
 
 THE THIRD BOOK OF THE KINGS. 
 
 Tre t>vo following boo ks contain, as their name imports, the history of Judah aud Israel, under the government of kings, from the 
 close of David’s reign to the Babylonish captivity, during about four hundred and twenty-seven years. They seem originally to 
 have formed but one book ; but they were afterwards divided into two, and called “ The first and second books of the Kings and 
 In some versions, “ The third and fourth books of the Kings;” as the two books of Samuel are, in the Septuagint and in the 
 Vulgate, called “ The first and the second books of the Kings.” — It is evident, that they contain an abstract of the history, compiled 
 from much more copious records, which seem to have been collected and preserved by contemporary prophets. (11:41. 14:29. 15: 
 31. 22:39,45. 2 Chr. 9:29. 12:15. 13:22. 20:34. 26:22.) Indeed a considerable part of the transactions of their own times is recorded 
 in connexion with the prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. It is, however, uncertain by whom this compilation was marie : 
 but, if Ezra, as it is generally and probably supposed, compiled the books of Chronicles ; it is not likely, that, (according to the 
 opinion of some learned men) he compiled these also : as they form a distinct history of the same times. If, therefore, they were 
 arranged in the present manner, principally by one sacred writer, those, who ascribe them to Jeremiah, seem to have adopted the 
 more probable opinion. Indeed, the second book of the Kings and his prophecy end with the narrative of the same events ; though 
 perhaps, both were added after his death by another hand: and it is not unlikely that some other trivial alterations were made in 
 the days of Ezra, to render the narrative more perspicuous to the Jews after the captivity. — They have, however, been constantly 
 received, both by Jews and Christians, as a part of the sacred canon, the holy Scriptures : and the events recorded are frequently 
 referred to in the New Testament. {Matt. 1:7 — 12. 6:29. 12:42. Luke 4:25 — 27. Acts 2:29. 7:47 — 50. Jam. 5:17, IS.) It is observable 
 also, that our Lord and his apostle James not only speak of them as authentic records, and apart of the sacred oracles as received 
 by the Jews ; but especially attest some of the most wonderful miracles recorded in them ; and thus affix a direct sanction to them, 
 as given by inspiration of God. — They also contain many prophecies ; especially that of Josiah, who was foretold by name three 
 hundred years before his birth : ( Note , 1 Kings 13:2. )‘ but none of these predictions, in their most evident literal meaning* refer to 
 events later than the Babylonish captivity. — After the death of David, the sacred historian records the principal transactions of 
 Solomon’s long and peaceable reign ; which, however, was covered with a dark cloud towards the close : and under his successor, 
 the nation was divided into the two distinct kingdoms of Judah and Israel. — The descendants of Solomon reigned over that of 
 Judah till the captivity, for about three hundred and eighty-seven years. So that from the accession of David, during a course of 
 four hundred and sixty-seven years, the throne was filled by his descendants, in lineal descent, except as the sons of Josiah 
 succeeded one another. During this longterm of years there was not a single revolution, or civil war ; and hut one short interruption, 
 by Athaliah’s usurpation. Perhaps it would be difficult to find, in universal history, any thing equal to this permanent internal 
 order and tranquillity. Let the reader recollect how many revolutions, civil wars, murders of reigning kings by rivals and 
 successors, and changes in the succession, are found in the English history, during the same number of years. — Above half the 
 kings of Judah supported true refigion, and several of them were eminently pious men : and it is remarkable that their reigns 
 were much longer than those of fne wicked princes; (11:42. 15:10. 22:42. 2 Kings 15:2,33. 18:2. 22:1., so that they comprise 
 much above three hundred years of this period ; and the greatest pan of this time was evidently passed, either in profound peace, 
 or in remarkable prosperity. Let this state of things be compared with the history of Greece or Rome ; and the situation of Judah 
 must be allowed to have been exceedingly more desirable, than that of these celebrated heathen nations. — The kingdom of Israel 
 continued about two hundred and fifty-four years, till the Assyrian captivity. The nineteen kings, of several families, who, during 
 this period, reigned in succession, were all idolaters, and most of them monsters of Iniquity: yet the Lord by his prophets, especially 
 by Elijah and Elisha, preserved a considerable degree of true religion in the land, till the measure of their national wickedness 
 was full; and then they were finally dispersed among the Gentiles: except as a remnant of them was in various ways, and at 
 different times, incorporated among the Jews. — In these hooks the history of the two kingdoms is carried on together : and tho 
 whole forms an admirable comment on the prophecies delivered to the nation by Moses ana Joshua : {Notes, Lev. 26: Deut. 4: 28: 
 29: 30: 31: 32: Josh. 23:15,16.) and a striking illustration of the proverb, “ Righteousness exalteth a nation ; but sin is the reproach 
 of any people.” — This first book contains the history of about- a hundred and twenty years. Connected with the peace and 
 prosperity of Solomon’s reign, and the fame of his wisdom, a full account is given of the temple having been built by him. God 
 nad commanded Israel to offer all their sacrifices at one place; Shiloh had for some time been that place ; and the ark had 
 been removed to Zion, by David, in order that a temple might there be built, which Solomon his son accomplished. {Note, DeuL 
 12:5 — 7.) A large proportion of the subsequent parts o’f the Old Testament relate to this temple ; to the sins of the people in 
 sacrificing elsewhere ; to their profanation of the temple ; to the judgments of God upon them fm* these crimes ; especially to the 
 destruction of the temple by the Chaldeans ; and to the rebuilding of it by Zerubbabel : and these things so •run tnroufl^i nil tho 
 subsequent history and prophecies ; that if' Sffiomon did not build the temple by the express command of God, it must fol ow, that 
 God punished the nation with tremendous judgments for violating merely human appointments.— -When the Samaritans preferred 
 mount Gerizim, our Lord told the woman of Samaria, that they “ knew not what they worshipped, for salvation was of the Jews 
 and this declaration, with his own constant attendance at the ordinances administered at the temple In Jerusalem, sufficiently attest 
 the divine inspiration of those records, in which alone it is expressly declared, that Solomon built the temple by the direction and 
 appointment of God himself. — Solomon’s fall into idolatry seems evidently implied in the book of Ecclesiastes : and the history o 
 Rehoboam’s imprudence, the division of his kingdom, Jeroboam’s idolatry, and tho subsequent events to tho end of the bocjci aro 
 assumed as undoubted facts in the writings of all the prophets So entirely does the whole canon of Scripture coincide ; whi'u 
 each part confirms, and receives confirmation from, all tho rest. 
 
 ( 586 ) 
 
B. C. 1015 
 
 CHAPTER I. B. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Abishof it procured, to writh David, in hit old-age and sickness, 1—4. Ado- 
 nijah gntns over Joab and Abiathar, and aspires to the throne, 5 — 10. Na- 
 than counsels liathsheba, who speaks to David, and is seconded by Nathan, 
 11 — 27. David assures tialh-sheba, by an oath, that Solomon shall succeed 
 him ; an l give* * orders that he should, that day, be anointed and proclaimed 
 king, 28—37. Zadok, lienaiah, and Nathan, zealously execute these 
 orders, and the people rejoice, 33 — 40. Jonathan informs Adonijah and his 
 company ; and they hastily disperse, 41 — 49. Adonijah fees to the horns of 
 the altar, and obtains from Solomon a conditional pardon, 50—53. 
 
 N OW king David was "old b and 'stricken in 
 years ; and they covered him with clothes, 
 but he gat no heat. , 
 
 2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, fLet 
 there be sought for my lord the king la young 
 virgin : and let her d stand before the king, and let 
 her ^cherish him, and let her 'lie in thy bosom, 
 that my lord the king may f get heat. 
 
 3 So ethey sought for a fair damsel throughout 
 all the coasts of Israel, and found h Abishag a 
 ‘Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 
 
 4 And the damsel was very fair, and cherished 
 the king, and ministered to him : but the king 
 • k knevv her not. 
 
 5 H Then ‘Adonijah the son of Haggith "'ex- 
 alted himself, saying, n I will “be king : and °he 
 prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty 
 men to run before him. 
 
 6 And his father Phad not displeased him ’’at 
 any time in saying, Why hast thou done so ? 
 and he also was a 5 very goodly man ; and his 
 mother 'bare him after Absalom. 
 
 7 And "he 'conferred with ‘Joab the son of 
 
 a 2 Sam. 5:4. 1 Chr. 23:1. 29:27,23. Pa. 90:10. b Gen. 18:11. 24:1. Luke 1:7. 
 
 • Heb. entered into days. J'osh. 23: 1,2. marg. t Heb. Let them seek. } Heb. 
 a damsel, a virgin, d Dent. 10:8. I Sam. 16:21,22. 2 Chr. 29:11. § Heb. be 
 
 a cherisher unto him. e Gen. 16:5. Dent. 13:6. ° Sam. 12:3. Mic. 7:5. f Ec. 
 4:11. g Esth.2:2— 4 h 2:17-25. i Josh. 19:18. 1 Sam. 28:4 2 Kings 4:8,25. 
 k Math, 1:25. 1 2 Sam. 3:4. 1 Chr. 3:2. mil. 2:24. Ex. 9:17. Prov. 16: 
 18.18:12. Luke 14:11. 18:14. n Deut. 17:15. Judg. 9:2. 1 Chr. 22:5— 11 . 
 28:5.29:1. || Heb. reign, o Deut. 17:16. 2 Sam. 15:1. Is. 2:7. p 1 Sam. 
 
 8:13. Prov. 22:15. 23:13,14. 29:15. Heb. 12:5,6. IT Heb. from his days. 
 o l Sam. 9:2. 10:23. 2 Sam. 14:25. r 2 Sam. 3:3,4. 1 Chr. 3:2. ** Heb .his 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1 — 4. David was seventy years 
 oid when he died, and these events occurred not long before. 
 He seems to have been a healthy man : yet his constitution 
 was entirely worn out ; perhaps in some measure through 
 his great exertions in his various wars. — The counsel of his 
 courtiers, or physicians, (if they may be so called,) to excite 
 in him a due degree of animal heat, especially when we 
 advert to the pains bestowed to find out a very fair damsel 
 "or the purpose, deserves much censure : though similar 
 advice has been given in other ages and countries. We 
 may suppose, that David acceded to it merely in compliance 
 with their wishes, and in deference to their judgment; but 
 the appearance was not at all becoming his character, and 
 circumstances. (Marg. Ref. Mote, 2:15 — 18.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. Adonijah could not be ignorant, that Solomon 
 had been appointed by God himself to succeed David in the 
 kingdom; (Motes, 2 Sam. 7:12 — 1G. 1 Chr. 22:6 — 10. 23:1. 
 28:5.) and his whole conduct shows, that he considered 
 Solomon only as his rival. After the death of Absalom, 
 Adonijah was David’s eldest son : and no doubt he con- 
 sidered the kingdom as his birthright, and confided in the 
 support of the people to seize upon it : without any regard 
 to his father, or to the revealed will of God. — It is remark- 
 able how frequently the first-born were set aside by his 
 express appointment. In the ordinary course of things, it 
 is expedient that the primogeniture should have the pre- 
 cedency ; and the judicial law of Moses, (as well as the 
 civil laws of most nations,) was formed accordingly. But 
 he examples of Jacob, Judah, the sons of Joseph, David, 
 Solomon, and others, prove that this is not grounded on 
 moral obligation : that it is not divine, or unalterable, or to 
 be put in competition with the welfare of whole nations, and 
 the liberty and rights of all the rest of mankind ; according 
 to the sentiments of some authors, who most absurdly ground 
 their doctrine upon the word of God, though it is evidently 
 contradictory to it ! — Absalom had been displeased with 
 his father, though most unjustly, because of the disgrace 
 under wnich he laid him for the murder of Amnon: (Mote, 
 2 Sam. 14:28,29.) but David had never given Adonijah 
 the least cause of displeasure ; except that, in obedience 
 to God, he intended and appointed Solomon to be his suc- 
 cessor. It is probable, that Adonijah was of an impe- 
 rious disposition ; and David very imprudently indulged him, 
 and never restrained or reproved him in any matter. This 
 was David’s fault : for he ought to have exerted his autho- 
 rity, and kept him in subjection ; but at the same time 
 t aggravated Adonijah’s contempt and ingratitude. He 
 seems to have greatly resembled his elder brother Absa- 
 om : like him he was too much indulged, and beloved on 
 account of his exterior accomplishments ; and like him, he 
 affected royai pomp aad magnificence: (Notes, 2 Sam. 14:25 
 - 2". 15:1 — 6.) and he succeeded to his ambitious projects, 
 
 Zeruiah, and with “Abiathar the priest: aid they, 
 ^following Adonijah helped him. 
 
 8 But v Z;tdok the priest; and Benaiah the sou 
 of Jehoiada, and ’’Nathan the prophet, and 
 rShimei, and Rei, and 'the mighty men which be- 
 longed to David, were not with Adonijah. 
 
 9 And Adonijah “slew sheep, and oxen, and fat 
 cattle, by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by^En- 
 rogel, and b cailed all his brethren the king’s sens, 
 and all the men of Judah the king’s servants: 
 
 10 But 'Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah, and 
 the mighty men, and Solomon his brother, he 
 
 Called not. f Practical Observations.'] 
 
 11 Wherefore d Nathan spake unto Bath- 
 sheba the mother of Solomon, saying. Hast thou 
 not heard that 'Adonijah the son of Haggith doth 
 reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? 
 
 12 Now therefore come, Met me, I pray thee, 
 give thee counsel, that thou mayest «save thine 
 own life and h the life of thy son Solomon. 
 
 13 Go, and get thee in unto king David, and 
 say unto him, Didst not thou, my lord, O king, 
 swear unto thy handmaid, saying, ‘Assuredly 
 Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall 
 isit upon my throne ? why then doth Adonijah 
 reign ? 
 
 14 Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the 
 king, k I also will come in after thee, and ^confirm 
 thy words. 
 
 15 H And Bath-sheba went in unto the king 
 
 words were with, s 2Snm. 15:12. Ps. 2:2. t 2:28. 2 Sam. 8: 16. 20:23. u 1 Sam. 
 22:20 — 23. 2 Sam. 15:24 — 29,35. 20:25. ft Heb. helved after Adonijah. 2:22,26 
 —35. v 2:35. 2 Sam. 8: 17,18. 20:2-5. 1 Chr. 27:5.6. Ez. 44:15. x 2 Sam. 7: 
 2—4. 12:11—15. y 4:18. Zech. 12:13. z. 2 Sam. 23:8— 39. 1 Chr. 11:10—47. 
 a 2 Sam. 15:12. Prov. 15:8. jtf O r, thewell Roge! . 2 Sam. 17.17. b 2 Sam. 13: 
 23—27.15:11. c8:19. cl 2 Sam. 7: 12— 17. 12:24,25. 1 Chr. 22:9,10. 28:4,5. 29: 1 . 
 e See on 5. f Prov. 11:14.20:18.27:9. Jer. 38:15. g 21. Gen. 19:17. Acts 27, 
 31. h Judg. 9:5. 2 Kings 11:1. 2 Chr. 21:4. 22:10. Matt. 21:38. i See cm 1 1, 
 17,30. j 17,24,30,35,48.2:12. Pent. 17:18. 1 Chr. 29:23. Ps. 132:11,12. Is. 9:7. 
 Jer. 33:21. Luke 1:32.33. k 17— 27. 2Cor. 13:1. §§ Htb.Jillup. 
 
 though he concealed and deferred them, till his father was, 
 as he supposed, finally incapacitated for business. 
 
 V. 7. It seems wonderful that Joab and .Abiathar, who 
 were persons of years, experience, and capacify ; who had 
 long attended on David, and were highly preferred under 
 him ; and who doubtless understood his intentions concern- 
 ing Solomon, should at last concur in Adonijah’s conspiracy ! 
 But perhaps Joab, though attached to David, was not favour- 
 able to Solomon, and preferred Adonijah as more congenial 
 with his own disposition. Being destitute of piety, he disre- 
 garded the divine appointment, and deemed it more politic 
 to place the eldest son upon the throne ; and no wrong to 
 David, who, he might think, injured Adonijah in preferring 
 his younger brother. Perhaps he was still afraid of being 
 called to account for his murders ; and hoped to secure him- 
 self, to continue his preferment, and to increase his influence, 
 by hclpirtg Adonijah to the kingdom : and it may be supposed, 
 that he secretly resented David’s conduct in attempting to 
 lay him aside, and to put Amasa in his place. (Notes, 2 
 Sam. 19:9 — 15. 20:6 — 10.) — Abiathar, though high-priest, 
 seems to have been less regarded by David than Zadok 
 was: (Note, 2 Sam. 15:24 — 29.) and perhaps he suspected 
 that Solomon would set his family aside, in favour of the 
 line of Eleazer to which Zadok belonged. But by attaching 
 himself to Adonijah, he hastened that event, and showed, 
 that David had good reasons for preferring Zadok, who pro- 
 bably was a man of much deeper and more serious religion. 
 (Notes, 2:26,27,35. 1 Sam. 2:31—36. Ez. 44:15,16.) 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Adonijah knew that it would be in vain and 
 dangerous to tamper with Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah, 
 who were firmly attached to the cause of Solomon, as well 
 as to that of David. — It is highly improbable, that Shimei, 
 the son of Gera,- would he much regarded by either party. 
 (Notes, 2:8,9,36—46. 2 Sam. 16:5—14. 19:19—23.) Solo- 
 mon afterwards preferred a person of this name: (4:18.) and 
 probably he was a man of considerable consequence. ( Note , 
 Zech. 12:9 — 14.) — We know nothing further of Rei, but no 
 doubt he also was a person of rank and great influence. — 
 The mighty men were the chieftains before enumerated. (2 
 Sam. 23:8—39.) — It is most likely that Adonijah made a 
 solemn sacrifice, as well as a magnificent feast, on the occa- 
 sion ; and thus he concealed his designs, till ripe for execu- 
 tion. (Note, 2 Sam. 15:7 — 9.)— «En-rogel was in the vicinity 
 of Jerusalem. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 11 — 14. Solomon could not be ignorant of Adonijah’s 
 intentions, of which he made no secret : but he remained 
 quiet, and left his cause with God. His life and succession 
 were secured by promise: yet it was proper that Nathan 
 and Bath-sheba should use prudent means for his preser 
 vation, and the maintenance of his right. Had Adonijah 
 succeeded, he would, no doubt, have put Solomon and Bath- 
 sheba to death : for the history of the world demonstrates, 
 ( 587 ) 
 
B. C 015. 
 
 I. KINGS. B. C. 1015 
 
 into the chamber : and the king was 'very old ; 
 and Abishag the Shunaininite ministered unto the 
 king. 
 
 16 And Bath-sheba "'bowed, and did obeisance 
 unto the king. "And the king said, ‘What 
 wouidest thou? 
 
 17 And she said unto him, “My lord, rthou 
 swearest by the Lord thy God unto thy hand- 
 maid, saying , Assuredly Solomon thy son shall 
 reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne. 
 
 18 And now, behold, ‘'Adonijah reigneth; and 
 now, my lord the king, r thou knowest it not : 
 
 19 And s he hath slain oxen, and fat cattle, and 
 sheep in abundance, and hath called all the sons 
 of the king, and Abiathar the priest, and Joab 
 the captain of the host: but Solomon thy servant 
 hath he not called. 
 
 20 And thou, my lord, 0 king, ‘the eyes of all 
 Israel are upon thee, that "thou shouldest tell them 
 who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king 
 after him. 
 
 21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when 
 my lord the king shall v sleep with his fathers, 
 that I and my son Solomon shall be counted 'of- 
 fenders. 
 
 22 ’ll And lo, “while she yet talked with the 
 king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 
 
 23 And they told the king, saying, Behold, 
 Nathan the prophet. And when he was come in 
 before the king, ?he bowed himself before the king 
 with his face to the ground. 
 
 24 And Nathan said, My lord, 0 king, “hast 
 thou said, Adonijah shall “reign after me, and he 
 shall sit upon my throne ? 
 
 25 For he is gone down this day, and hath 
 b slain oxen, and fat cattle, and sheep in abundance, 
 and hath called all the king’s sons, and the cap- 
 tains of the host, and Abiathar the priest: and 
 behold, they eat and drink before him, and say, 
 'God save king Adonijah. 
 
 26 But me, even _ c me thy servant, and Zadok 
 the priest, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and 
 thy servant Solomon, hath he not called. 
 
 27 Is this thing done by my lord the king, d and 
 thou hast not showed it unto thy servant, who 
 
 12-4. rn21 1 Sam. 2001. 24:8. 25:23. n 2:20. Esth.7;2. Matt.20:21, 
 
 32. * Heb. What lo theej o Gen. 18:1*2. 1 Pet. 3:6. p 13,30. q 5,24. 
 
 2 Sum. 15:10. r 11,24,27. Acts3:17. b See on 7— 10. 25. t 2 Chr. 20: 12. 
 Ps. 23:15. 123:2. Zech. 3:9. u 2 Sam. 23:2. 1 Chr. 22:8— 10. 27:5.6,10. 29:1 . 
 v Sue on 2:10. Gen. 15:15. Dent. 31:16. | Heb. sinners. 2:15,22 — 24. x Gen. 
 24:15. Job 1 16— 18. Dan. 9:20. v See on 16. Root 13:7. 1 l et. 2:17. 7. 14, IS. 
 a 5,13,17. bSeeonO. 1 Sam. 1 i: 14,15. 1 Chr. 29:41—' 23. % Heb. Let king 
 
 A lonijah live . 34. 1 .Sam. 10:24. 2 Sam. 16:16. 2 Kings 11:12. 2 Chr. 23:11. 
 margins. Matt. 21:9. Mark 11:9,10. Luke 19:38. c8.19. 2 Sam. 7:2,12— 17.12: 
 25. d 24. 2 Kings 4:27. John 15:15. $ Heb. before the Icing, e 2:24. 17:1. 18: 
 10. Judg. 8:19. 1 Sam. 14:39,45. 19:6.20:21. 2 Sam. 12:5. 2 Kings 4:60. 5: 16,20. 
 f Gen. 48:16. 2 Sam. 4:9. Ps. 34: 19— 22. 72:14. 136:24. 138:7. g See on 13,17. 
 
 that when men are aspiring after dominion, they are easily 
 tempted to the most enormous crimes, which seem neces- 
 sary for their purpose, even when most contrary to their 
 apparent natural disposition. (Notes, Judg. 9:4 — 6. 2 Kings 
 11:1,2. Mott. 2:3—0,16—18.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. It is not recorded on what occasion David 
 sware to Bath-sheba that Solomon should succeed him : but 
 It is supposed with probability, that it took place after Absa- 
 lom’s rebellion ; and as God himself had settled the succes- 
 sion, he might very properly give her this assurance. — David 
 was aware that, Adonijah had taken great stale upon him ; 
 but he did not know that he had actually advanced a claim 
 to the kingdom: this both enhanced Adonijah’s crime, and 
 pleaded David’s excuse. 
 
 V. 20. The people knew, that “the Spirit of the Lord 
 snake by David, and his word was in his tongue:” (Note, 2 
 Sum. 23:1,2.) and they had great confidence in his wisdom, 
 piety, and affection. They therefore waited to know the 
 will of God from him. David, though anointed to the king- 
 dom, did not. assume regal authority at first, without the 
 concurrence of the elders of Judah and Israel: (Notes, 2 
 
 Sam. 2:4. 5:1 — 5.) and after Absalom’s rebellion, he did not 
 return to the exorcise of it without their approbation. (Note, 
 2 Sam. 19:9 — 15.) He could not therefore claim a right to 
 dispose of the kingdom by will, as if it had been his own 
 rivate property, according to the statement of some writers ; 
 ut he might very properly inform the people of the Lord’s 
 appointment in that behalf: (Note, 1 Sam.. 8:19 — 22.) and 
 go fa r were they from eagerly joining Adonijah, as they had 
 done Absalom ; that they remained in suspense, till his 
 determination was notified. 
 
 V. 23. He. bowed, &o.] The exterior indications of civil 
 honour, tr persons in authority, were generally rendcrod by 
 (ho most eminent servants and prophets of God. The refusal 
 ( 588 ) 
 
 should sit on the throne of my lord the king after 
 
 ' [ Practical Observations.) 
 
 28 11 Then king David answered and said, Call 
 me Bath-sheba. And she came §into the king’s 
 presence, and stood before the king. 
 
 29 And the king sware, and said, e As the 
 Lord liveth, that fhath redeemed my soul out of 
 all distress, 
 
 30 Even eas I sware unto thee by the Lord 
 God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son 
 shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my 
 throne in my stead ; even so will I certainly do 
 this day. 
 
 31 Then Bath-sheba bowed with her face to 
 the earth, and h did reverence to the king, and 
 said, ‘Let my lord king David live for ever. 
 
 32 H And king David said, Call me k Zadok the 
 priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah 
 the son of Jehoiada. And they came before the 
 king. 
 
 33 The king also said unto them, Take with 
 you the servants of your lord, and cause Solomon 
 my son 'to ride upon "mine own m mule, and bring 
 him down to “Gihon : 
 
 34 And let “Zadok the priest and Nathan the 
 prophet anoint him there king over Israel : and 
 rblow ye with the trumpet, and say, iGod save 
 king Solomon. 
 
 35 Then ye shall come up after him, that he 
 may come and r sit upon my throne ; for he shall 
 be king in my stead : and “I have appointed him 
 to be ruler over Israel and over Judah. 
 
 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered 
 the king, and said, ‘Amen : “the Lord God of my 
 lord the king say so too. 
 
 37 As “the Lord hath been with my lord the 
 king, even so be he with Solomon, v atid make his 
 throne greater than the throne of my lord king 
 David. 
 
 38 So z Zadok the priest, and Nathan the pro- 
 phet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and “the 
 Cherethites, and the Pelethites, went down, and 
 caused Solomon to ride upon b king David’s mule, 
 and brought, him to Gihon. 
 
 39 And Zadok the priest took c a horn of oil 
 
 h 2 Sam. 9:6. Esth.3:2. Malt. 21:37. Eph.5:33. Heb. 12:9. iSeeon25 
 Neh. 2:3. Dan. 2:4. 3:9. 5:10.6:6,21. k See on 8,26,33. 1 5.38,44. Gen. 41:43. 
 Es til. 6:6 — 11. || Heb. the mule ichich beiongeth to me. m Lev. 19:19. n 38, 
 
 45. 2 Chr. 32:30. o 19:16. 1 Sam. 10:1. 16:3,12,13. 2 Sam. 2:4. 5:3. 2 Kings 9t 
 3,6. 11:12. 2 Chr. 23:11. l’s. 45:7. Acts 10:38. p2Sam. 15:10. 2Kings9:13. 
 11:14. Ps. 98:5— 7. q See on 25. 2 Kings 11 : 12. r See on 13:17. 2:1*2. s 2:13- 
 l Chr. 23:1. 28:4,5. Ps. 2:6. 72: title. 1 ,2. t Dent. 27:15-26. Ps. 72:19. Jer. 
 11:5.28:6. Matt. 6:13. 28:20. 1 Cor. 14:16. u 1 Sam. 25:29. Ps. 18:2. 63: l . 89: 
 20,26. x 3:7—9. Ex. 3:12. Josh. 1:5,17. 1 Sam. 20:13. 1 Chr. 28:20 . 2 Chr. 1: 
 1. 1*8.46:7,11. Is. 8:10. Matt. 1:23. Rom. 8:31. y 47. 2 Sain. 24:3. 2 Kings 2: 
 9. Ps. 72:8, 17 — 19. Dan. 7:14. z See on 8,26. alSam.30.14. 2Sam.6.18. 
 
 15:18.20:23. 1 Chr. 18:17. Zeph.2:5. b See on 33. c See on 1 Sam. 16:3. 
 
 of them may arise from an erroneous conscience: hut it has 
 the appearance of pride and affected moroseness. (Acts 26:25. ) 
 
 V. 24 — 27. (Marg. Ref.) As the transaction was so 
 public, and so many eminent persons were concerned, it had 
 the appearance of being countenanced by the king: but after 
 all that had passed, the prophet could not believe that David 
 would have taken such a step without informing him. 
 
 V. 29. Notes , Gen. 48:16. 2 Sam. 4:9. 
 
 V. 31. Live for ever.] This common expression of loj'alty 
 and affection to princes, as here used, implied that Bath-sheba 
 cordially desired the continuance of David’s life, in preference to 
 her son’s succession to the throne. ( Notes, Neh. 2:3. Dan. 2:4.) 
 
 V. 33. Mine own mule.] Notes , 5,6. JEsth. 6:6 — 1 1 . 
 
 V. 36, 37. The language of Benaiah, on this occasion, not 
 only expressed the most loyal attachment to Solomon, but 
 also fervent piety ; and an earnest desire of the prosperity c t 
 Israel under the government which God had placed over 
 them. — This instance serves to explain the original use and 
 emphasis of the wwrd Amen. (Notes, Dcut. 27:15 — 26. Ps. 
 72:17—19. Matt. 6:13.) 
 
 V. 38. Notes , 1 Chr. 23:1. 29:21— 25.— Gifom.] A 
 
 fountain near Jerusalem. (33. 2 Chr. 32:30.) It does not 
 appear that there was any special reason, why this spot was 
 selected; but, probably, it wa£ a place so much frequented 
 that it was peculiarly suited to make the transaction speedily 
 known throughout the whole city. 
 
 V. 39. A horn , &c.] Neither Absalom nor Adonijah 
 regarded this expressive ceremony : perhaps presuming on 
 the right of primogeniture ; for wo do not find that kings, who 
 succeeded as the first-born of their predecessors, without any 
 interruption, were anointed. (Notes, 19:15 — 17. 1 Sam. 10: 
 
 1. 16:13. 2 Kings 9:5 — 10. 11:12.) The anointing denoted 
 
 both their appointment expressly from God, and the qualifi- 
 cations with which ho would endow them; and th«V *c\ng 
 
D. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER I. B C. 1015. 
 
 d out of the tabernacle, and 'anointed Solomon. 
 And they blew the trumpet; and fall the people 
 said, God save kinsj Solomon. 
 
 40 And all the people came up after him, and 
 the people piped with 'pipes, and ^rejoiced with 
 great joy, so that the earth rent with the sound of 
 them. 
 
 41 U And Adonijah and all the guests that were 
 with him heard it h as they had made an end of 
 eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the 
 trumpet, he said, 'Wherefore is this noise of k the 
 city being in an uproar? 
 
 42 Anil while he yet spake, behold, 'Jonathan 
 the son of Ahiathar the priest came : and Adonijah 
 said unto him, Come in; for thou art m a valiant 
 man, and bringest good tidings. 
 
 43 And Jonathan answered and said to 
 Adonijah, "Verily our lord king David hath 
 made Solomon king. 
 
 44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the 
 priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the 
 son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pele- 
 thites, and they have caused him to ride upon the 
 king’s mule : 
 
 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the pro- 
 phet have anointed him king in Gihon : and they 
 are come up from thence rejoicing, so that “the 
 city rang again. rThis is the noise that ye have 
 heard. 
 
 d Ex. 30:23— 33. Ps. 89:20. elChr.29:22. fSeex>n25. 1 Sam. 10:24. 
 
 2 Kings 11:12. 2 Chr. 23:11, 13. • Or, Jlules. Dan. 3:5. e 1 Sam. 11:15. 
 2 Kinsrs 11:14,20. 1 Chr. 12:38— 40. Ps.97:l. Zech.9:9. Lake 19:37. Hex. 11: 
 IS — IS. h Job 20:3. Prov. 14:13. Matt. 24:38,39. l.uke 17:26— 29. i Ex. 32: 
 17,13. Job 15:21.22. Ps. 73: 18 — 20. k Matt. 21:9— 11,15. Act«21:31. l2Sam. 
 15 K. 17:17. m 22: 18. 2 Sam. 18:27. 2 Kings 9:22. Is. 57:21. 1 Thw. 5:2,3. n See 
 on 32 — 40. o 40. I Sam. 4:5. Ezra 3: 13. p 14:6. 1 Sam. 23:29. Dan. 5:26 — 23. 
 q 13. 1 Chr. 29.23. Pa. 132:1 1. Hag. 2:22. r Ex 12:32. 2 Sam. 8:10. 21:3. 
 
 types of Christ, the anointed of the Father. — The oil, with 
 which Solomon was anointed, was taken out of the taberna- 
 cle ; being, as it is probable, the same holy oil with which the 
 priests were anointed. (Note, Ex. 30:22 — 33.) 
 
 V. 41. Adonijah and his guests seem to have wasted 
 much time upon this magnificent feast, when far more import- 
 ant concerns waited their attention, and when ruin hung 
 over their heads. ( Marg. Ref. Notes, Dan. 5:1 — 9. Nah. 
 1:9,10.) 
 
 V. 42. (Note, 2 Sam. 17:17 — 21.) It is probable, that 
 Jonathan was not invited to the feast, nor concerned in the 
 conspiracy ; but he went to warn his father of the danger : 
 though some think he was left in the city to learn what should 
 occur, and to bring an account of it to Adonijah. 
 
 V. 43 — 48. The loud acclamations of the people on this 
 occasion, and the pious and fervent congratulations of David's 
 servants, were especially suited to dismay the conspirators. 
 (Notes, Matt. 21:6—11.) 
 
 V. 49 — 53. Adonijah had doubtless expected to be joined 
 by the multitude ; but finding himself mistaken, and being 
 deserted by his friends, he gave up all for lost. — The murderer 
 was to be taken from the altar and slain: (Note, Ex. 21:12 
 — 14.) but in other crimes it was a customary refuge, at 
 least till a pardon could be supplicated ; as representing the 
 method of obtaining forgiveness from God, through the great 
 sacrifice for sin. — Adonijah acknowledged Solomon as king, 
 both by word and deed ; and received a conditional pardon, 
 but Solomon gave him fair warning that he was put upon his 
 good behaviour. He also required him to go to his house 
 and live a retired, private life, not affecting the splendour and 
 state which he had before. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The most vigorous constitutions must soon 
 wear out, and our lives hasten to a close : and, though proper 
 means of restoring health and prolonging our days should be 
 used ; yet a pious and wise man ought not to yield to such 
 expedients as have the appearance of evil, or may become 
 temptations to him. But carnal men counsel others accord- 
 ing to their own inclinations, and oflen enforce their advice 
 under specious pretexts; by which they impose upon such as 
 mean no evil, but are induced to actions inconsistent with 
 their chaiacter and profession. — Indulgent parents are com- 
 monly chastised with disobedient children, who ungratefully 
 despise their infirmities, and are impatient to get possession 
 of then estates. — Every depraved propensity gathers strength 
 by being gratified : and when ambition comes within the reach 
 of its object, it urges a man to violate all obligations, to break 
 through all obstructions, to despise all dangers, and to disre- 
 gard the examples of those who have before been ruined by 
 similar attempts. So long as carnal self-love reigns in the 
 heart, no woridly wisdom and experience, no maturity of age, 
 no rank or station in the community or in the church, no pre- 
 vious fidelity or attachment to princes or patrons, can secure 
 men’s continuance in their former course or connexions : for 
 kniuunerable circumstances may occur, which may prompt 
 
 46 And also Solomon isitteth on the throne of 
 the kingdom. 
 
 47 And moreover the king’s servants came to 
 r bless our lord king David, saying, “God make the 
 name of Solomon better than thy name, and make 
 his throne greater than thy tlirone. And the king 
 ‘bowed himelf upon the bed. 
 
 48 And also thus said the king, “Blessed be the 
 Lord God of Israel, x which hath given one to sit 
 on my throne this day, ?mine eyes even seeing it. 
 
 49 And “all the guests that were with Adonijah 
 were afraid, and rose up, and went every man his 
 way. 
 
 50 H And Adonijah feared because of Solomon 
 and arose, and went, and “caught hold, on th 
 horns of the altar. 
 
 51 And it was told Solomon, saying, Behold, 
 Adonijah feareth king Solomon: tor lo, he hath 
 caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let 
 king Solomon swear unto me to-day that he will 
 not slay his servant with the sword. 
 
 52 And Solomon said, If he will show himself a 
 worthy man, There shall not a hair of him fall lo 
 the earth : but if “wickedness shall he found in him, 
 he shall die. 
 
 53 So king Solomon sent, and they brought 
 him down from the altar. And he came and 
 d bowed himself to king Solomon: and Solomon 
 said unto him, e Go to thy house. 
 
 Ezra 6:10. Ps. 20:1— 4. s Juon37. Luke 19:38. t Gen. 47:31. Heb. 11: 
 21. u Gen. 14:20. 1 Chr. 29:10,20. Neh. 9:5. Ps. 34:1. 41:13. 72:17— 18. 
 103:1,2.145:2. Dan. 4:34. Luke 1:46,47,68,69. Eph.l:3. 1 Pel. 1:3. x 3:0. 
 
 1 Chr. 17:11-14,17. Ps. 132:11,12. Prov. 17:6. y2Sam.24:3. z Prov. 28:1. 
 
 Is. 21:4, 5. Dan. 5:4— 6. a 2:28. Ex. 21:14. 38:2. Ps. 118.27. b 1 Sam. 14:45. 
 
 2 Sam. 14:11. Mall. 10:30. Luke 21:18. Acts 27:34. c 2:21— 23. il See on 16,31. 
 2 Sam. 1:2. e 2:36. 2Sam. 14:24,28. Prov. 24:21. 
 
 them to some new method of attempting to gratify their 
 reigning inclinations. So that disgust, fear, conscious guilt, 
 or the hope of greater authority, influence, or wealth, may 
 speedily induce them to measures, which stand in opposition 
 to all their former lives! We ought therefore to depend on 
 the Lord to preserve us from the deceitfulness of our own 
 hearts, and from the fickleness and treachery of men. — Po- 
 litical wisdom frequently contradicts the word of God, and 
 proves in the event the greatest folly : and crafty seducers 
 can discern who are, and who are not, fit for their purpose ; 
 and will shun determined honest characters as their enemies 
 and rivals. 
 
 V. 11 — ^7. In every age men form designs, which their 
 own consciences condemn as contrary to the will of God : 
 and yet they hope for success from the favour and assistance 
 of man 1 But those, who are vain of their own accomplish- 
 ments, often flatter themselves with the imagined attachment 
 of numbers, that have no real esteem or affection for them. — 
 A feast, and a sacrifice, are proper baits to draw in the sen- 
 sual or the unsuspecting: and aspiring men, according to the 
 taste of the times, have always employed one or both of these 
 expedients, to subserve their own ambitious purposes ; by 
 which numbers have been inadvertently betrayed to concur in 
 criminal measures, contrary to their judgments, consciences, 
 characters, and interests. — In these days, when kingdoms are 
 disposed of by common providence, the ministers of God 
 have little to do with disputed successions ; and are best at a 
 distance from the cabals, intrigues, and parties, which gene- 
 rally surround the courts of kings : yet the welfare of the 
 state, as well as of the church, should lie near their hearts: 
 and they ought to use all their influence, and embrace every 
 opportunity, to remind the greatest men, to whom they are 
 allowed access, of the words of God, and to excite them to do 
 their duty according to his revealed will. — If a neighbour is 
 in danger of being injured or murdered, without knowing it, 
 or being able to avoid the snare ; it must be the duty of every 
 man, in all cases or at any hazard, to give him warning or 
 counsel, and to interpose for his preservation. — When others 
 are neglecting their duty, through inattention or multiplied 
 infirmities or engagements, they should be put in remem- 
 brance of it : when they are slack to do it, prudent con 
 trivances, and quickening expostulations may be successfully 
 employed to incite them ; and every means should be used to 
 prevent manifest injustice, to exclude occasions of future 
 discord, and to promote decisive measures for the glory of 
 God, and the good of his people: for if the enemies of religion 
 be combined, active, and daring ; its friends should not be 
 timid, supine, and disunited. — The most respectful benaviour 
 to our superiors is very consistent with plainness of speech in 
 the great concerns of God; and such language and behaviour 
 combined in persons of known and approved character, will 
 be very forcible with men of piety and integrit f. 
 
 V. 28 — 53. The true believer loves to vevimv his past ex- 
 perience : even the frequent recollection of his jstresses, from 
 all which “the Lord hath redeemed him, increases hi* 
 
 ( 589 ) 
 
B C 101b. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 id chargee fioljTnOTi to serve Gud; and directs him koto to act towards 
 J tab , the s j/m of Barsillai , and Shimei, 1 — 9. Hie death , and the years of 
 his reigu , 11, il. Solomon succeeds him, 12. Adonijah persuades Bath- 
 sheba to ash Solomon to give him Abishag to wife ; and is put to-death , 13 — 
 2-5. Ahiatlmr’s life is spared, but he is deprived of the high-priesthood , 26, 
 27. Joa'j , having fie d to the altar, is there put to death, 28 — 34. Benaiah 
 succeeds Joab, and Zadolc, Abiathar, 35. Shimei is, by Solomon, required 
 to reside in Jerusalem and engages by oath to do so : but breaking his en- 
 gagement, he is pu'. to death, 36 — -16. 
 
 N OW “the days of David drew nigh that he 
 should die ; and he b charged Solomon his son, 
 saying, 
 
 2 T go the way of all the earth : d be thou strong 
 therefore, and “show thyself a man ; 
 
 3 And fkeep the charge of the Lord thy God, 
 to walk in his ways, to keep his ^statutes, and his 
 commandments, and his judgments, and his h testi- 
 monies, ‘as it is written in the law of Moses, that 
 thou mayest "prosper in all that thou doest, and 
 k whithersoever thou turnest thyself : 
 
 4 ‘That the Lord may continue m his word 
 which he spake concerning me, saying, If thy 
 children take heed to their way, to "walk before me 
 in truth, “with all their heart, and with all their 
 soul, there shall not Tail thee (said he) a man on 
 the throne of Israel. 
 
 a Gen. 47 23. Dcut. 31:14. 33:1. 2Tim. 4:6. 2 Pet. 1:13— 15. b Num. 
 
 27:19. Deut. 3:28. 31:23. Acts 20:28 -31. 1 Tim. 1:18. 6:13. 2Tim. 4:1 
 
 eJosh. 23:14. Job 16:22.30:23. Hob. 9:27. rl Pent. 31:6. Josh. 1:6,7. 1 Chr. 28: 
 20. Eph. 6:10. 2Tim. 2:1. e 3:7. 2 Sam’. 10: 12. I Cor. 16:13. 1 Tim. 4:12. 
 f Deut. 29:9. Josh. 1 :7. 22:5. I Chr. 22:12.13. 23:8,9. 29:19. g.See on Pent. 4:1, 
 5,8. 5:1. 6:1,2. It Deut. 4:45. Ps. 19:7. 119 2,111,133. i Deut. 17:18— 20. Mai. 4: 
 4. ■ Or. do wisely. Josh. 1:7,8. liar"-. 1 Sam. 18: 5,14,30. 2 Chr. 31:20.21. Ps. 
 1:2,3. 119:98—100. Prov. 3:1— 4, It 2 Sam. 8:6,14. 2 Hinge 18:7. 1 Gen. 19: 
 19. Dent. 7:12. 1 Chr. 23:9. John 15:9,10. Jude 20,21,24. m 2 Sam. 7:1 1—16, 
 25. 1 Chr. 17:11—15.22:9—11.28:5—7. Ps. 89:29-37. 132:11,12. n 3:3,14.8: 
 
 comfort as well as his gratitude; and inspires him with hope, 
 and animates him to his duty, though under the decays of 
 nature, and at the approach of death. In preparation for that 
 event, we should arrange all our domestic or more public 
 concerns, as may best secure peace and good to the survivors : 
 and we should lose no time before we do so useful a work, 
 even though it somewhat interrupt our religious exercises. — 
 Those enterprises must end well which are conducted with 
 piety and integrity, in simple dependence on God, and cordial 
 acquiescence in his will. — We can see no one so wise, so 
 good, or so happy in this world, but. we may well desire that 
 others may be more, wise, more holy, and more happy than 
 he; and every pious man must long that it may be thus with 
 his beloved children, both for their sakes, and for the benefit 
 of the community.— They, w|jo are engaged in a bad cause, 
 are exposed to continual terrors : and no good man can bring 
 other than evil tidings to those who are rebelling against God 
 and the king. — Vain confidence and sensual pleasure are the 
 usual forerunners of temporal and eternal destruction. — Com- 
 binations formed upon iniquitous principles will speedily be 
 dissolved, when self-preservation or self-interest calls another 
 way. But clemency becomes those in power, especially to- 
 wards such as have rather injured them than the public : yet, 
 no government can pardon or tolerate a traitor, who perse- 
 veres in his treasonable machinations. — But we see here, as 
 in a glass, Jesus, the Son of David and the Son of God, 
 exalted to the throne of glory, notwithstanding all the con- 
 spiracies and opposition of his enemies. (Notes, Ps. 2:) 
 His kingdom is far greater than that of his father David ; and 
 all the true people of God most cordially rejoice in his exalta- 
 tion. The prosperity of his cause and the triumphing of his 
 servants, are the vexation and terror of his enemies: and no 
 “horns of the altar,” no forms of godliness, no pretences to 
 religion of any kind, can profit those who will not submit to 
 his authority and accept of his salvation. He spares and is 
 ready to pardon those, who have most desperately rebelled 
 against him, when they seem disposed to repent, and do 
 works meet for repentance. But if wickedness be afterwards 
 found in them, discovering the hypocrisy of their professed 
 submission, they will at length die without mercy, and perish 
 without remedy. 
 
 NOTE6. — Chap. II. V.‘l,2. Solomon could not at 
 this time be more than twenty years of age ; and, it is proba- 
 ble, he was not so much: an early period for him to enter 
 upon so weighty a charge, as the government of God’s peo- 
 ple ! ( Note, 3:5 — 14.) But he was endowed with extraordi- 
 nary wisdom ; and David charged and exhorted him to show 
 all Israel, that though he was but a child in years, he was a 
 man in capacity and attention to business. (Notes, Num. 
 27:19. 1 Tim. 4:11 — 1(5. 2 Tim. 2:1,2.) 
 
 V. 3. (Notes, Josh. 1:7,8. 1 Chr. 22:11—13. 28:9.) Tes- 
 timonies, in this connexion, may signify those laws, which 
 preserved the remembrance of great events ; as tho sabbaths, 
 the passover, and others. (Notes, Deut. 6:1. Ps. 19:7 — 11. 
 Is. 8:16,20.) — Nothing can be moro manifest, than that the 
 /aw of Moses, as written in the Pentateuch, was known at 
 this time. (No[r.s, Deut. 17:16 — 18.) 
 
 V. 4 .(Notes, Gen. 18:18,19. 2 Sam. 7:12—16.) The 
 tontinrance of the kingdom to David’s posterity was sure, as 
 it respected.the Messiah and his spiritual reign : nor would 
 
 ( 590 ) 
 
 B. C. 1015 
 
 5 Moreover, thou knowest also what pJoab the 
 son of Zeruiah did to me, and what he did to tht 
 two captains of the host of Israel, unto lAbner the 
 son of Ner, and unto r Amasa the son of 'Jether 
 whom he slew, and ?shed the blood of war in peace, 
 and ‘put the blood of war upon his girdle that ival 
 about his loins, and in his shoes that were on his 
 feet. 
 
 6 Do therefore "according to thy wisdom, and 
 “let not his hoar head go down to the grave v in 
 peace. 
 
 7 But show kindness unto the sons of z Barzillai 
 the Gileadite, and let them be of those that “eat at 
 thy table : for so they came to me b when I fled 
 because of Absalom thy brother. 
 
 8 And, behold, thou hast with thee c Shimei the 
 son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, which 
 cursed me with a ^grievous curse in the day when 
 I went to Mahanaim : but d he came down to meet 
 me at Jordan, and I sware to him by the Lord, 
 saying, I will not put thee to death with the 
 sword. 
 
 9 Now therefore “hold him not guiltless: for 
 thou art ‘a wise man, and knowest what thou 
 
 23. Gen. 17:1. Lev. 26:3. 2 Kings 20:3. 23:3,25. 2 Chr. 17:3. Luke 1:6. 'oPeuL 
 6:5. 1U: 12. 11:13. Mail. 22:37. t Heb. he cut ofF from thee from the throne,. 
 8:25. Ps. 37:9,22. Zech. 14:2. p 1:7,18,19. 2 Sam. 3:39. 18:5,14. 19:5 — 7. 
 
 q 2 Sam. 3:27. r 2 Sam. 20:10. b 2 Sam. 17:2-5. Tthra. Illeb.w. t Jer. 
 2:34.6:15. Ez. 24:7,8. u 9. Prov.20:26. x 28— 34. Gen. 9:6. Num. 35:33. 
 Prov. 28:17. F.c.8:ll. Is. 65.2U. y 2 Kings 22:20. Ph. 37:37. Is. 48:22. 57:2,21. 
 z2 Sam. 17:27—29. 19:31—38. Prov. 27:10. a 2 Sam. 9:10. 19:28. Luke 12:37. 
 22:28—30. Rev. 3:20.21. b2Sam. 15:13 — 15. c 36— 46. 2 Sam. 1 6 : 5 — 8 . § Heb. 
 strong, d 2 Sam. 15:16— 23. Jer. 4:2. e Ex. 20:7 . 22:23. Job 9:28. f3:12.2S. 
 
 every transgression forfeit the temporal kingdom entailed 
 upon his descendants ; for chastisements would be used to 
 bring them to repentance: yet obstinate and aggravated dis- 
 obedience would cut off the entail. Thus the Lord punished 
 Solomon’s idolatry by the defection of the ten tribes from his 
 son: ( Notes , 11:9 — 13. 12:8 — 15.) and at length, the family 
 of David was deprived of all authority, till Christ came ana 
 set up his spiritual kingdom. 
 
 V. 5, 6. These dying counsels of David ought by no 
 means to be imputed to personal resentment; but to a regard 
 to justice, and a wise and pious concern for the security of 
 Solomon’s throne, which was the cause of God and of Israel. 
 — Joab had long deserved to die: and David's timidity had 
 left bloodguiltiness upon his family and kingdom. (Notes, 
 Num. 35:31 — 34. 2 Sam. 3:28,29.) His late conspiracy 
 proved him to he a factious and dangerous person: and, 
 though his influence seems to have been weakened by it ; yet 
 his party was still so strong, that it was not probable Solo- 
 mon would reign in peace while he lived. — He had not so 
 much as attempted to conceal the base murders which he had 
 committed ; but he avowed and vindicated thqjn, without 
 shame or fear of punishment ; and it was evident that he did 
 not now repent, but would readily repeat them, to carry his 
 purpose and secure his preferment. His murders were 
 crimes against David , as committed upon two men who were 
 connected with David : and yet they were so conducted, as 
 to bring him into suspicion as if privy to them. David, there- 
 fore, reminded his successor to expiate the guilt of these 
 murders by Joab’s blood, that he and his kingdom and family 
 might be guiltless. (Note, 28 — 34.) — It is observable that 
 David did not blame Joab for killing Absalom : being doubt- 
 less conscious that he deserved to die ; and that his own de- 
 sire to spare him was a weakness and a sin. 
 
 V. 7. Notes , 2 Sam. 17:27—29. 19:31—39. 
 
 V. 8, 9. (Notes, 2 Sam. 16:5 — 14. 19:19—23.) Shimei 
 also deserved to die, though for an offence of a different kind 
 from Joab’s. Probably he retained his old enmity to the family 
 of David, and his partiality to the house of Saul. Solomon 
 was not bound by the oath which David had sworn not to 
 ut him to death : his punishment, at first, would indeed 
 ave been a salutary act of juctice ; yet David would not then 
 consent to it, because unsuitable to his circumstances; and 
 had he been suitably affected with David’s lenity, and acted 
 properly afterwards, he would have been fully and finally par- 
 doned. But it is evident that he had not done this: and the 
 case was different with Solomon ; who might tako occasion 
 from some recent offence, to remember the old crimes, and 
 to execute deserved vengeance on an irreconcilable enemy 
 to him and the peace of the kingdom. David therefore coun- 
 selled him, as a wise man, not to trust Shimei, but to watch 
 him narrowly ; and he would be sure to find just cause for 
 punishing him. (Note, 36 — 46.) 
 
 Y. 10, 11. (Marg. Rtf.) The remains of Saul, and his 
 sons, were buried in thesupulchre of Kish his father. (2 Sam 
 21:14.) But David was not buried in the sepulchre of Jesse 
 at. Bethlehem ; hut in that city which ho had taken fronj tho 
 Jebusitcs, and made the capital of his kingdom, and the soa» 
 of his government, and that of his family. (Note, Acts 2» 
 25 — 32.) 
 
 V. 14 — 18. It is evident t’tat Adonijah had by no means 
 
B. C- 1014. 
 
 CHAPTER II B. C. 1014. 
 
 oughtest to do unto him ; but “his hoar head bring 
 thou dow n to the grave Kvith blood. 
 
 [Practical 06*ervationa.] 
 
 10 H So ‘David slept with his fathers, and was 
 Duried in Hhe city of David. 
 
 1 1 And the days that David k reigned over Israel 
 ivere forty years : seven years reigned he in He- 
 bron, and thirty and three years reigned he in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 12 H Then ‘sat Solomon upon the throne of 
 David his father; and m his kingdom was esta- 
 blished greatly. 
 
 13 H And "Adonijah the son of Haggith came 
 to Bath-sheba the mother of Solomon. And she 
 said, “Comest thou peaceably? and he said, Peace- 
 ably. 
 
 14 He said moreover. H have somewhat to say 
 unto thee. And she said, Say on. 
 
 15 And he said, ‘'Thou knowest that the king- 
 dom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces 
 on me, that I should reign : howbeit the kingdom 
 is turned about, and is become my brother’s : for 
 it was his from the Lord. 
 
 16 And now I ask one petition of thee, 'deny 
 me not. And she said unto him, Say on. 
 
 17 And he said, Speak, I pray thee, unto Solo- 
 mon the king, (for he will not say thee nay,) that 
 he give me s Abishag the Shunammite to wife. 
 
 18 And Bath-sheba said, ‘Well; I will speak 
 for thee unto the kina. 
 
 19 U Bath-sheba therefore went unto king Solo- 
 mon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the 
 king “rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto 
 her, and sat down on. his throne, and caused a 
 scat to be set for the king’s mother; and “she sat 
 on his right hand. 
 
 20 Then she said, rl desire one small petition of 
 thee : I pray thee, say me not nay. And the king 
 
 g6. Gen. 42:33. 44:31. h Num. 32:23. 1 See on 1:21. 1 Chi-. 29:28. Acib 2:29. 
 13:36. i 3:1. 11:43. 2 Sam 3:7. 1 Chr, 11:7. k2Sam.S:4. 1 Chr. 29:28,27. 
 11:46. 1 Chr. 29:23— 25. 2 Chr. 1 1. Ps. 132:12. m 2 Sam. 7:12,13,29. Ps. 89: 
 36,37. n See on 1:5— 10,50— S3, o 1 Sam. 16:4,5. 2 Kinqs 9:18— 22. 1 Chr. 12: 
 17,18. Luke 19:5.6. i.2Sam. 14:12. Luke 7.40. q 1:5,25. 2 Sam. 15:6,13. 16: 
 
 18. r 2 Sam. 7:12. 12:24. 1 Uir. 22:9.10 . 28:5-7. Prov. 2l:30. Jer. 27:5— 7. 
 
 Dan. 2:21. * Heb turn not away my face. Ps. 132:10. Prov. 30:7. mars. 
 
 1:2-4. 2 Sam. 3:7. 12:3. t Prov. 14:15. u Ex. 20:12. Lev. 19:3. x Ps. 
 45:9.110:1. Matt. 25:33. v Matt. 20:21. John 2:3,4. z Matt. 7:7— 11. 18: 
 
 19. Mark 10:35,36. 11:24. Luke 11:9,10. John 14:13,14. 15:16. a'2Sam. 16:21, 
 
 given up his pretensions to .the throne : and highly probable, 
 that neither he, nor Joab, nor Abiathar expected safety, 
 unless in success ; and that they were in concert forming new 
 designs against Solomon. AVith this view, they seem to have 
 thought, that if Adonijah married Abishag, it would increase 
 the number of his adherents; both by the accession of her 
 friends and relations, and from the general notions which pre- 
 vail, concerning the wives and concubines of deceased kings. 
 {Notes, 2 Sam. 3:6 — 10. 12:8. 16:20—23.) But they could 
 not get possession of Abishag, without Solomon’s consent; 
 which they had no hopes of obtaining, but by the interposition 
 of Bath-sheba. — In Adonijah’s speech to her, he insinuated, 
 that the kingdom was his, by the right of primogeniture :»and 
 that he had been in possession of it, by the consent of all 
 Israel. This, however, was totally false : the kingdom had 
 jiever been his, except in his own groundless opinion, and that 
 if the few who abetted his usurpation ; for the people gene- 
 rally favoured Solomon. But he meant to induce Bath-sheba 
 to compassionate his case ; and to make a merit with her of 
 peaceably receding from his claim : and that she might not 
 suspect any ill design, he at length conceded, that “it was 
 Solomon’s from the Lord.” But though his language was 
 not well calculated to inspire confidence; and his request 
 was in itself improper, and highly indecorous at least ; yet 
 according to his hopes, Bath-sheha suspected no ill, but 
 considered him as entitled to compassion, and supposed his 
 request to be the result of love, not ambition : and perhaps 
 she thought this an easy way of satisfying Adonijah, and 
 Securing Solomon in the kingdom. — She did not look upon 
 Abishag as the wife of David, (Note, 1:1—4.) and therefore 
 did not consider her marriage with Adonijah as unlawful ; 
 and site readily consented to become his intercessor with 
 Solomon. , (Note, Matt. 20:20 — 23.) 
 
 V . 20. For I , &c.] All such general promises imply the 
 supposition, that the request is lawful and proper to be 
 granted : for even the assurances of God’s word, that what- 
 ever we ask of him, shall be given, admit of a similar limita- 
 tion: i. e. if consistent with his glory, and for our real good. 
 (Notes, Rom. 8:24 — 27. Jam. 4:1 — 3. 1 John 5:14,15.) 
 
 V. 22. Solomon immediately saw through Adonijah’s 
 intentions, and was fully convinced that he was aiming to 
 take the fortress by sap, (so to speak,) which he had failed of 
 seizing by surprise. He perceived him still restless, aspiring, 
 and scheming; that he considered this as one step to the 
 
 said unto her, Ask on, my mother: for I will not 
 say thee nay. 
 
 21 And she said, "Let Abishag the Shunam 
 mite be given to Adonijah thy brother to wife. 
 
 22 And king Solomon answered and said unto 
 his mother, And b why dost thou ask Abishag the 
 Shunammite for Adonijah ? ask for him "the king- 
 dom also ; for he is mine elder brother ; even lor 
 him, and lor Abiathar the priest, and for Joab the 
 son of Zeruiah. 
 
 23 Then king Solomon sware by the Lord, 
 sayinsr, d God do so to me, and more also, if Ado- 
 nijah Lave not "spoken this word against his own 
 life. 
 
 24 Now therefore, f as the Lord liveth, which 
 hath established me, and $set me on the throne o: 
 David my father, and who hath h made me a 
 house, ‘as he promised, Adonijah shall be k put to 
 depth this day. 
 
 25 And king Solomon sent by the hand ol 
 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada; and ‘lie fell upon 
 
 him, that he died. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 26 H And unto m Abiathar the priest said the 
 king, .Get thee to “Anathoth, unto thine own 
 fields ; lor thou art 'worthy of death : but I will not 
 at this time put thee to death, “because thou barest 
 the ark of the Lord God before David nty father, 
 and i because thou hast been afflicted in all wherein 
 my father was afflicted. 
 
 27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being 
 priest unto the Lord; sthat he might fulfil the 
 word of the Lord, which he spake concerning the 
 house of Eli in ‘Shiloh. 
 
 28 Then tidings came to Joab : (for ‘Joab had 
 turned after Adonijah, though he turned not after 
 Absalom;) and Joab fled unto the tabernacle nl 
 the Lord, and ‘caught hold on the horns of the 
 altar. 
 
 22. b Malt. 211:22. Mnrk 10:38. Jam. 4:3. c 1:5— 7,11,24,25. tl 20:10. Ruth 1: 
 17. 1 Sam. 14:14. 2 8am. 3:9.35. 19: 13. 2 Kings 6:31. e Ps. 64:8. 140-9. Pros. 
 18:6,7. Ec. 10:12. Luke 19:22. f See on 1:29. g 3:6,7. 10:9. 1 Clir. 29:23. 2 C hr. 
 1:8,9. h Ex. 1:21. 1 Sam. 25:28 . 2 .-■am. 7:12,13,27. 1 Chr. 17 10,17.23. Ps. 
 127:1. i l Chr. 22:10. k Ec. 8:11— 13. 1 31,34,46. Judg. 8:20,21. 1 Sam. 15. 
 33. 2 Sam. 1:1$. 4:12. m 35. 1:7,25. u Josh. 21:18. Is. 10:30. Jer. 1 1. 
 \ Heb. a man of death. 2 Sam. 12:5. rnarg. o 1 Said. 22:20 — 23.23:6 — 9. 1 Chr. 
 15:11,12. p 2 Sam. lb:24—29. Malt. 10:42. Luke 22:28. Gal. 3:4 q 1 Sarn. 
 2:31—36. 3:12—14. Matt. 26:56. John 12:38. 19:24,28,36,37. r Josh. 18:1. Ps. 
 78:60. Jer. 7:12-14. s 1:7. 2 Sam. 18:2,14,15. I See on 1:50. Ex. 27:2. 
 
 throne, and that Joab and Abiathar were concerned in the 
 project. To show the inefficacy therefore of every application 
 in his favour : to convince Bath-sheba of the impropriety and 
 impolicy of her request; and to declare the necessity of his 
 death, in order to public peace, and the establishment of his 
 authority, he spoke with great earnestness and decision. 
 ( Notes , Mutt. 12:46 — 50. John 2:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 23 — 25. Solomon has been censured, as too severe 
 and precipitate m this execution: but there is no intimation 
 of this in the Scripture. Adonijah’s pardon had been condi- 
 tional ; and he had owned Solomon as king, yet he was plot- 
 ting against him ; (Note, 1:49 — 53.) he affected to tread in the 
 steps of Absalom : and doubtless he would have created as 
 fatal disturbances to Solomon’s government, as Absalom had 
 to David’s. Nor would sound policy admit of any delay; 
 when persons of so great authority and extensive influence 
 were joined in the conspiracy, and had far more specious 
 reasons for opposing Solomon, than Absalom had for rebelling 
 against David. 
 
 V. 26, 27. Solomon’s language to Abiathar, and his 
 silence, clearly prove, that some recent conspiracies had been 
 formed. Abiathar had suffered much with David, and had 
 been faithful and useful to him; (1 Sam. 22:20 — 23. Notes , 
 1 Sam. 23:1 — 13. 2 Sam. 15:24 — 29.) so that, in remembrance 
 of his services, as well as in respect to his sacred character, 
 Solomon resolved to spare his life: and as he had not com- 
 mitted murder, this clemency might properly be exercised. 
 In deposing Abiathar from the high-priesthood, Solomon pur- 
 posely intended to fulfil the word of God to Eli. (Not^s, 
 1 Sam. 2:30 — 36.) And in confining him to his own estare 
 in the country, he only put him under a disgrace which he 
 justly merited. (Notes, 36 — 46. 2 Sam. 14:28,29.) The 
 entire subjection of the priests and even of the high-priest, 
 to the kings of Israel, in all civil and political concerns, is 
 clearly shown in this instance: nor is any exemption from 
 capital punishment, in the case of treason, or other crimes 
 deserving death, even in favour of the high-priesthood itself, 
 in the least intimated. — How different from the claims of 
 the Roman hierarchy in these respects ! 
 
 V. 28 — 34. (Note, 5,6.) In fleeing to the altar, Joab 
 pleaded guilty of the treason charged upon him ; and Solomon 
 in ordering him to be slain before the altar, not for that crime 
 alone, but especially for his former murders, evinced his 
 knowledge of, and his regard for, the law of God, and 1 his 
 ( 591 ) 
 
B. C. 1014. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 1011 
 
 29 And it was told king Soloir on that Joab was 
 fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord; and behold, 
 lie is by the altar: then Solo.non sent Benaiah 
 the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, fall upon him. 
 
 30 And Benaiah came to the tabernacle of the 
 Lord, and said unto him, Thus saith the king, 
 Come forth. And lie said, Nay; but I will die 
 here. And Benaiah brought the king word again, 
 saying, Thus said Joab, and thus he answered me. 
 
 31 And the king said unto him, ’Do as he hath 
 said, and fall upon him, and bury him ; that thou 
 rmayest take away the innocent blood which Joab 
 shed, from me, and 'from tie house of my father. 
 
 32 And the Lord shall a : eturn his blood upon 
 his own head, who fell upon b two men “more 
 righteous and better than fie, and slew them with 
 the sword, d my father Da’ id not knowing thereof. 
 to wit, Abner the son of Ner, captain of the host 
 of Israel, and Amasa tho son of “Jether, captain 
 of the host of Judah. 
 
 33 Their blood shall .r.erefbre return f upon the 
 head of Joab, and upo\ the head of his seed for 
 ever: but g upon Dav>j, and upon his seed, and 
 h upon his house, and upon his throne, shall there 
 be peace for ever flrcnu the Lord. 
 
 34 So ‘Benai?b toe son of Jehoiada went up, 
 and fell upon him, and slew him: land he was 
 buried in his own house k in the wilderness. 
 
 35 . H And ihe king put Benaiah the son of 
 Jehoiada in Ss room over the host: and 'Zadok, 
 the priest the king put in the room of Abia-' 
 thar. 
 
 36 II A ’ d the king sent and called for m Shimei, 
 and said unto him, "Build thee a house in Jeru- 
 sa'em, and dwell there, and go not forth thence 
 any whither. 
 
 37 For it shall be, that on the day thou goest 
 out, and passest “over the brook Kidron, thou 
 
 u 05,31,46. x Ex. 21:14. y Gen. 9:5,6. Num. 35:33. Deiit. 19:12,13. 21 :S,9. 
 2 Kilim 9:26. Prnv. 28:17. Acts 28:4. i. 2 Sam. 3:28. a 44 (Jen. 4:11. Judg. 9:24, 
 57. Ps. 7:16. 1)2 Sain. 3:27. 20:10. c 1 Sam. 15:28. 2 Sam. 4:11. 2Chr. 21:13. 
 Esth.l:19. d 2 Sam. 3:26,37. e 5. 2 Sam. 17:25. Ithra. f See on 32. 2 Sam. 
 ?:29. 2 Kings 5:27. Ps. 101:8. 109:6—15. Matt. 27:25. g2 Sam. 3:28. Prov. 25: 
 5. h Ps. 89:29,36,37. 132:12. Is. 9:6,7. 11:1— i. Luke 1 :31— 33. 2:14. i 25,31, 
 46. j 2 Kii.es 21:18. 2 Cltr. 33:20. k Josh. 15:61. Matt. 3:1. 1 See on 27. 
 
 .Num. 25:11 — 13. 1 Sam. 2:35. 1 Chr. 6:4— 15,50— 53. 24:3. Ps. 109:8. Acts 1:30. 
 
 superiority to vulgar prejudices. He also showed the people, 
 that no place, however sacred, should secure a murderer 
 from justice. [Note, Ex. 21:12 — 14.) — His language, on 
 this occasion, proves, that he considered the guilt of innocent 
 blood as resting on his family and kingdom, so long as Joab’s 
 murders remained unpunished. ( Note , Num. 35:31 — 34.) 
 
 V. 35. Zadok.] The high-priesthood seems to have 
 continued, from this time, in the line of Eleazar and Phine- 
 has, at least till long after the Babylonish captivity. ( Marg . 
 Ref. Note , 1 Chr. 6:4 — 15.) — Nothing further is said of 
 Jonathan the son of Abiathar. (Note y 1:42.) 
 
 V. 3G — 46. No doubt Solomon suspected, that Shimei’s 
 influence would be dangerous upon his own estate, and among 
 his numerous dependents in different parts of the land : and 
 therefore he proposed to him, as the condition of his indem- 
 nity for former crimes, that he should live in Jerusalem under 
 his eye, and by no means remove thence. ( Note , 26,27.) 
 These terms Shimei readily agreed to, and solemnly sware 
 to observe them ; and for three years he lived unmolested, 
 and in affluence. But growing secure, in contempt of Solo- 
 mon’s authority, and of the oath of God, upon an unneces- 
 sary business, he took a journey, which according to his own 
 engagement forfeited his life. Thus the Lord left him to.be 
 infatuated, that due punishment might be inflicted upon him: 
 m ‘order, that every ringleader of opposition to Solomon’s 
 kingdom might be crushed, and others be intimidated by their 
 examples ; and that his throne might be established in peace, 
 as the type of the Redeemer’s kingdom of peace and righ- 
 teousness. (Note, 8,9.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. It is desirable to be habitually and calmly ex- 
 pecting the approach of death ; for that is w the way of all 
 flesh,” appointed for all men, to pass from this world to ano- 
 ther : a dark and gloomy road indeed it is for the workers of 
 iniquity, to a still more dark and dreadful place ; but rendered 
 cheerful to the righteous, by the presence of the Lord, and 
 by the hopes of' complete felicity. Whilst, they are supported 
 by these lively hopes and strong consolations, how becoming 
 is it for them to animate their survivors and successors, to fill 
 up their stations in the church of God, and in society, after 
 a proper manner ! — Young men, who are called to important 
 services, should be cautioned by their seniors to act with 
 .gravity and prudence, that they may prevent others 41 from 
 iespising their youth.” And those who in this evil world, 
 would keep the commandments of God, and, as magistrates 
 ( 592 ) 
 
 slialt know for certain that thou shalt surely die : 
 rthy blood shall be upon thine own head. 
 
 38 And Shimei said unto the king, iThe say- 
 ing is good : as my lord the king hath sa.d, to 
 will thy servant do. And Shimei dwelt in Jeru 
 salem many days. 
 
 39 And it came to pass at the end of i-b.c. 
 three years, that two of the servants of <- I0U - 
 Shimei^ ran away unto “Achish son of Maachah 
 king of Gath: and they told Shimei, saying, Be- 
 hold, thy servants be in Gath. 
 
 40 And Shimei 'arose and saddled his ass, and 
 went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants : and 
 Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. 
 
 41 And it was told Solomon that Shimei had 
 gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again. 
 
 42 And the king sent and called for Shimei, and 
 said unto him, ‘Did I not make thee to swear by 
 the Lord, and protested unto thee, saying, Know 
 for a certain, on the day thou geest out, and 
 walkest abroad any whither, that thou shalt surely 
 die? and thou saidst unto me, The word that 1 
 have heard is good. 
 
 43 Why “then hast thou not kept the oath of 
 the Lord, and “the commandment that I have 
 charged thee with ? 
 
 44 The king said moreover to Shimei, ?Thou 
 knowest all the wickedness which thy heart is 
 privy to, that thou didst to David my father : 
 therefore the Lord shall 'return thy wickedness 
 upon thine owrwhead ; 
 
 45 And king Solomon shall be “blessed. b and 
 the throne of David shall be established before 
 the Lord for ever. 
 
 46 So the king commanded Benaiah the son of 
 Jehoiada ; which went out, and fell upon him, 
 that he died. And “the kingdom was established 
 in the hand of Solomon. 
 
 m 8,9. 2 Sam. 16:5—9. Pror. 20:8,26. n 1:53. 2 Sim. 14:24,28. o 15:13. 2Sam. 
 15:23. 2 King. 23:6. S Chr. 29:16. Jer. 31:40. ’ohn 18:1. Cclrjn. p Set on 31. 
 33. Lev. 20:9. Josh. 2:19. 2Sam.l:16. Ez 18:13. q 20 : 4 . 2 Kings 20: 19. 
 r 1 Sam. 21:10. 27:2,3. s Prov. 15:27. Luke 12:15. 1 Tim. 6:10. t 36— 38. Ps 
 154. Luke 19:32. u 2 Sam. 21:2. Ez. 17:18,19. x 2 Chr. 30:12. Ec.8:2. Rom. 
 13:5. y2Sam.l6:5 — 13. John 8:9. Rom. 2:15. 1 John 3:20. z See on 32,33. 
 Ps. 7:16. Prov. 5:22. Hos.4:9. marg. aPs.2!:6. 72:17. b .See on 24. Prov. 
 25:5. Is. 9:6,7. c 12,45. 2 Chr. 1:1. Prov. 29:4. 
 
 or ministers, would induce others to do the same, need reso- 
 lution and fortitude, as well as meekness, discretion, and 
 zeal “ For they must keep the charge of the Lord and 
 the smiles and flatteries, the reproaches and opposition, the 
 frieneship and enmty of the world, will, in different ways, 
 impede them in the performance of their duty. — We can 
 neither act with true wisdom, nor prosper in our undertakings 
 further, than we make the whole word of God our rule and 
 our hope ; nor can we finally come short of all desirable suc- 
 cess, if we do this, however appearances may for a while lie 
 against us. — No length of time will obliterate the guilt of 
 sin ; and justice, though long delayed, will finally be exe- 
 cuted on the impenitent. — In human governments undue lenity 
 is a.n evidence of imbecility, want of wisdom, and disregard 
 to justice. Can it then be supposed that the King of heaven 
 will so indiscriminately exercise mercy, as not to magnify his 
 law, and show decidedly his abhorrence of iniquity ? — No 
 human authority has a right to pardon wilful murder : and 
 the magistrate, who presumes to do so, is unfaithful to him, 
 who has commissioned him to execute vengeance upon evil 
 doers ; and not only exposes the peaceablo subject, but brings 
 guilt on his own soul, on his family, and on the land. They, 
 therefore, who act “ according to w isdom,” will not lot the 
 murderer, though advanced in years, or exalted in rank, go 
 down to the grave in peace. — As private persons, we are not 
 to avenge ourselves, but must return blessings and prayers 
 for the bitterest curses and injuries of our enemies: hut such 
 offenders will not bo held guiltless before God , and if their 
 crimes be a violation of human laws, wo may, out of regard 
 to public justice, and for the sake of the peace and prosperity 
 of the church or state, desire that they should bo restrained 
 and punished ; and in our proper stations wo may promote 
 the execution of the law upon them. Nay, in doing tnis, 
 we “ may serve our generation according to the will of God, 
 and prepare for death ; no less than when wo Are recom- 
 pensing our benefactors, and doing acts of kindcss to the 
 distressed. 
 
 V. 10 — 25. It is very happy for a nation, when tho death 
 of one good king is followed by the peaceable succession of 
 another, equally wise and righteous. Hut men are not duly 
 thankful for those blessings : and therefore tho Lord permits 
 their course to he interrupted; that public calamities, expe- 
 rienced or dreaded, may promote humiliation for sin, fervency 
 in prayer, and general reformation ; and make way for more 
 lively gratitude, when they are removed or prevented. On 
 
B. C. 1014. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 1014. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Solomon marrict Pharaoh's daughter, 1 . The people sacrifice in high places , 
 2, 3. Solomon offers a thousand burnt-offerings at Gideon, 4. God appears 
 to him in a dream; and he asks awl obtains from him wisdom, together 
 with riches and honour, 6 — 15. His sagacious decision of a perplexing 
 cause between tioo harlots renders him celebrated for wisdom, 16 — ‘2a. 
 
 A ND Solomon “made affinity with Pharaoh king 
 of Egypt, “and took Pharaoh’s daughter, and 
 brought her into “the city of David, until he had 
 made an end of building a liis own house, and e the 
 house of the Lord, and f the wall of Jerusalem 
 round about. 
 
 2 Only ethe people sacrificed in high places, 
 because there h vvas no house built unto the name 
 of the Lord, untii those days. 
 
 3 And Solomon 'loved the Lord, Hvalking in 
 the statutes of David his father:' k only he sacri- 
 ficed and burned incense in high places. 
 
 4 And the king went to 'Gibeon to sacrifice 
 
 iSChr. 18:1. Eirn 9:14. b 7:8. 9:21. 11:1. c 2 Sam. 5:7. 1 Clir. 11:7. d7:l 
 —12. e6:7:13 — 51.2Chr.2: — 4: Ezra 5:11. 19:15—19. g22:43. Lev. 17:3 
 26:30. Dem. 12:2— 5. 2 Chr. 33:17. h 5:3. 1 Chr. 17:4— 6. 28:3— 6. Arts 
 7:47—49. i Deal. 6:5. J0-.12. 30:6,16.20. 2 Sam. 12:24,25. Ps. 31:23. Mark 12. 
 29,30. Rom. 8:28. 1 Cor. 8:3. Jam. 1 : 12. 2:5. 1 John 4: 19,20. 5:2,3. t See on 
 14. 2:3,4. 11:34. 13:3. IChr. 28:8,9. 2 Chr. 17:3—5. k 15:14. 29:43. "2 Kings 
 12:3. 14:4. 15.4,35. 18:4,22. ! 9:2. Josh. 9:3. 10:2. 1 Chr. 16:39. 21:29. 2 Chr. 
 1:3. m 8:63. 2 Chr. 1:6 . 7:5. 29:32—35. 30:24. Is. 40: 16. Mic. 6:6,7. n Gen. 
 
 eucji great emergencies, wisdom is needful to direct Chris- 
 tians, that they may neither neglect their present duty, nor 
 intermeddle out of their proper sphere. — Ambitious men can 
 never rest ; they must continually be aiming to disturb the 
 settled order and public peace, that they may mount to supe- 
 rior authority ; and when baffled with one weapon, they make 
 -rial of another. Whatever goes beside them in Providence 
 they deem taken from them ; and if they may not domineer, 
 they claim compassion as injured persons : under plausible 
 pretences and soft insinuations, they conceal their aspiring 
 purposes ; an 1 with apparent modesty and affection, address 
 themselves to the passions of the unsuspecting, the undiscern- 
 ing and the tender-hearted. These they would persuade into 
 improper concessions, and engage to use their influence, that 
 their moderate and equitable desires may be granted ; and 
 then they shall rest satisfied, and give nobody any further 
 disturbance : whilst perhaps all this covers the most danger- 
 ous and subtle intentions. But those, who have the ear of 
 princes, should be careful what requests they present to 
 them. Compassion, generosity, or even gratitude, may in- 
 duce them to ask for others, what cannot be granted, consist- 
 ently with the honour of the sovereign, or the interest of the 
 kingdom: and it were better to be upbraided with unkindness 
 or ingratitude, than to make so ill a use of influence. — The 
 duty of honouring parents is obligatory upon us in every station 
 in life ; and too much respect and gratitude cannot be shown 
 them, provided they be not gratified by unlawful and impro- 
 per compliances ; but no relative affection, no engagement 
 whatever, can bind us to do a thing that is evil, or of bad 
 tendency to the public. — The machinations of crafty men 
 generally entangle themselves, and involve them in mischiefs 
 which simple, upright men escape. (Note, Ps. 125:4,5.) No 
 government can be secure, whilst they, who aim to subvert 
 it, remain unpunished: and such as have been convicted, and 
 still persist in treasonable designs, are proper persons to be 
 sacrified for the public good, and for an example to others ; 
 for apparent severity to them may eventually be mercy to 
 thousands. 
 
 Y. 26 — 46. Those, who have disgraced the sacred minis- 
 try by their crimes, are unworthy to officiate in holy things, 
 and should be excluded from them : and wicked priests, 
 though often spared here, will hereafler receive the deepest 
 condemnation. Yet distinctions should be made in the pu- 
 nishment of the guilty ; former services and sufferings in a 
 good cause may plead for an alleviation of the sentence, 
 where the law of God will admit of it: and in every event his 
 word will one way or other be accomplished. — Many, who 
 slight the ordinances of God in their prosperity, flee to them in 
 terror and affliction: but no expedients will avail to secure the 
 impenitent from condi^i punishment ; and the crimes, in which 
 men long glory and prosper, will at length fall with heavier 
 vengeance on their heads. — Even murder admits of degrees 
 of criminality. The character of the persons murdered, 
 their rank, and usefulness to society ; and the malice, trea- 
 chery and boldness with which the crime was perpetrated, 
 enhance proportionably its malignity.— Different offenders 
 ought to be treated in diverse ways, and punishments so in- 
 flicted, as may appear most equitable.— The old malignity 
 remains in the unconverted heart, and a watchful eye should 
 be kept on those, who have manifested their enmity, but have 
 given no evidence of their repentance : yet it is well to show 
 them such impartiality, as shall cause them to confess “ The 
 saying is good.” But no engagements or dangers can restrain 
 worldly men from their pursuits ; they will go on, though they 
 forfeit their lives and souls : and contempt of authority, and 
 the obligation of an oath, when their own interests are con- 
 cerned, evince them to be ripe for destruction. — Thus, the 
 kingdom of Christ is established by the ruin of its obstinate 
 opposers, and the advancement of its cordial friends. Those 
 «ho injure his people will be called to account perhaps long 
 Vol. I.— 75 
 
 there ; for that was the great high place : ,n a 
 thousand burnt-offerings did Solomon offer upot 
 that altar. 
 
 5 H In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon 
 n in a dream by night: and God said, °Ask what 
 I uhall give thee. 
 
 6 And Solomon said, Thou hast showed unto 
 p thy servant David my lather ^great ‘mercy, 
 “according as lie walked before thee in truth, and 
 in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with 
 thee ; and thou hast kept for him this great kind- 
 ness, that *thou hast given him a son to sit on his 
 throne, as it is this day. 
 
 7 And now, O Lord my God, ‘thou hast made 
 thy servant king instead of David my father : and 
 I am but u a little child : I know not how v to go 
 out or come in. 
 
 28:12,13. Num. 12:6. Job 33:14,15. Malt. 1:20. 2:13,19. o 2 Chr. 1:7— 12 
 Moll. 7:7,8. Mark 10:36— 38,51. 11:24. John 14:13.14. 15:16.16:23,24. Jam. 1: 
 5,6. I John 5:14,15. p Num. 12:7. 2 Sam. 7:5. q 2 Sam. 7:8— 12. 12:7,8. 22:47 
 — 51. 1 Chr. 29.12—14. Ps. 78:70—72. • Heb. bounty. Ps. 13:6. 116 7. 119:17. 
 2 Cor. 9:5,11. r2:4. 9:4. 2 Kings 20:3. Ps. 15:2. 18 20—24. s See on 1:48. t Dan. 
 2:21.4:25,32.5:18,21. u 1 Chr. 29:1. Job 32.6— 8. Ec. 10:16. Jer. 1:6. Matt. 
 18:3,4. v Num. 27:17. Deul. 31:2. 1 Sam. 18:16. 2Sarn.5:2. John 10:3,4,9. 
 
 afier ; and all who are kind to them shall be surely recom- 
 pensed. Wisdom, justice, truth, and mercy unite in his 
 administration : his kingdom is from the Lord ; his enemies 
 will be condemned out of their own mouths ; and the wicked- 
 ness to which their own hearts are privy, will silence all their 
 pleas. (Note, 1 John 3:18 — 24.) Many have incurred his 
 wrath by a forbidden pursuit of worldly objects : and in aim- 
 ing to secure some needless possession, have lost their immor- 
 tal souls. May we be his faithful subjects ! May the Lord 
 more and more establish and extend his kingdom by making 
 his foes his footstool, and may the whole eartli be filled with 
 his glory, and with the acclamations of his willing people ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1. As Rehoboam was born 
 before the death of David, (comp. 11:42 with 14:21.) it is 
 plain that Solomon had before this married Naamah an 
 Ammonitess ; (Note, 14:21.) and at this time he married the 
 daughter of the Egyptian king. It is supposed that both of 
 them had embraced the religion of Israel : and, as Solomon is 
 not censured on this account, there might be special reasons 
 inducing him to this conduct, of which we are not informed. It 
 is also remarkable, that when Solomon’s wives drew him into 
 idolatry, the idols of Egypt are not mentioned : so that Pha- 
 raoh’s daughter does not seem to have been one of his temp- 
 ters. (Note, 11:1 — 8.) At first he brought her into the city 
 of David : but after he had finished his other works, he built 
 her a palace at some distance from the temple. (9:24. Note, 
 2 Chr. 8:11.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. Until the temple was budded, the irregularity of 
 sacrificing to the God of Israel in high places, and burning 
 incense at them by the priests, was in some degree connived 
 at : but the people proceeded much further in it, than in the 
 days of David, and Solomon was censurable for countenanc- 
 ing them by his example. Upon high hills, especially when 
 covered with trees, as having peculiar solemnity, and being 
 favourable to retirement, they erected altars, and offered 
 sacrifices, after the manner of the nations around them, but 
 contrary to the law of Moses. (Notes, Lev. 26:30. Deut. 
 12:2 — 7. 2 Kings 18:4,22. Ez. 20:28,29.) Solomon, how- 
 ever, “ loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his 
 father.” 
 
 Y. 4. The tabernacle made under the direction of Mose#, 
 and the altar belonging to it, were at this time stationed at 
 Gibeon: and this was on that account, the principal high 
 place, where the priests and Levites officiated according to 
 the law. (2 Chr. 1:5,6. Notes, 1 Chr. 16:37—43. 21:28 — 
 30. ) Solomon must have continued at Gibeon for some time 
 on this occasion ; as he offered a thousand burnt-offerings 
 upon the altar made byBezaleel, (Note, Ez. 27:1 — 8.) which 
 the constant and vehement fire on the altar entirely consumed. 
 (Note., 8:63—65.) 
 
 V. 5-14. (Notes, Gen. 20:1—6. 31:23,24. Job. 4:12 — 
 16. 33:14 — 18.) In ordinary dreams almost every thing is 
 incoherent and irrational, though they often savour of a man’s 
 waking thoughts, pursuits, and character: but Solomons 
 dream was of another kind. While his corporeal senses 
 were locked up in sleep, the powers of his soul were super- 
 naturally invigorated ; and he was enabled to receive the 
 divine vision, and to make a suitable choice in the case refer- 
 red to him. His pleas were cogent, and his determination 
 wise. His father had ruled over Israel in truth and righteous- 
 ness, and had been greatly favoured and prospered : he was 
 the first of the rulers of Israel, who had been succeeded by 
 his son : Solomon had been preferred before his elder breth- 
 ren by God’s own appointment : all these circumtances con- 
 curred to raise men’s expectations, or to excite their enmity 
 and envy ; and thus to increase the importance and arduous- 
 ness of his station. The people were very numerous, they 
 were the chosen of God, and among them he must both judgo 
 in equity, and promote true religion. Yet he was very young, 
 and inexperienced as a child. (Notes, 2:2. 1 Chr. 22:2 — 5 
 ( 583 ) 
 
I. KINGS, 
 
 B. C. 1974 
 
 B. C. 1014 
 
 8 And th> servant is in the midst of ’thy peo- 
 ple which thou hast chosen, a great people, that 
 ’cannot he numbered nor counted for multitude. 
 
 9 'Give therefore thy servant an 'understanding 
 heart a to judge thy people, that I may b discern 
 between good and bad : for c who is able to judge 
 this thy so great a people ? 
 
 10 And the speech d pleased the Lord, that 
 Solomon had asked this thing. 
 
 11 And God said unto him, Because thou hast 
 asked this thing, and e hast not asked tor thyself 
 'long life ; neither hast asked riches for thyself, 
 nor hast asked the life of thine enemies : but hast 
 asked for thyself understanding to ^discern judg- 
 ment ; 
 
 12 Behold, fl have done according to thy 
 words: lo, si have given thee a wise and an 
 understanding heart; so that there was none like 
 thee before thee, neither h after thee shall any arise 
 like unto thee. 
 
 13 And ‘I have also given thee that which thou 
 hast not asked, both k riches and honour : so that 
 there ^shall not be any among the kings like unto 
 thee all thy days. 
 
 14 And 'if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep 
 my statutes and my commandments, m as thy 
 father David did walk, then "I will lengthen thy 
 days. 
 
 15 And Solomon °awoke ; and behold, it was a 
 dream. And he came to Jerusalem, and stood 
 Pbefore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and 
 offered up burnt-offerings, and offered 'Jpeace- 
 offerings, and made ’a feast to all his servants. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 16 H Then came there 'two women, that were 
 harlots, unto the king, and ‘stood before him. 
 
 17 And the one woman said, "0 my lord, I 
 and this woman dwell in one house ; and I was 
 delivered of a child with her in the house. 
 
 18 And it came to pass the third day after that 
 
 x Ex. 19:5,6. 1:6-8. 1 Sxm. 12 22. Ps. 18-71. jr Gen. 13:16. 15:5. 22:17. 
 
 1 Chr. 21:2,5,6. 27:23,21. < 1 Chr. 22:12. 29:19. 2Chr. 1:10. Ps. 119:31,73,114. 
 Prov.2:6. 3:13 — 18. 16:16. Jam. 1:5. 3:17. * Heb. hearing. Prov. 20: 12. a 28. 
 Ps. 721,2. Prov. 14:8. Ec. 7:11,19. 9.15 — 18. b2Sam. 14:17. h. 11:2-4. 1 Cor. 
 2:14,15. Eph. 5:17. Phil. 1:10. Or. Heb. 5:14. c Ex. 3: 1 1 .12. 4: 10— 13. Jer. 1 : 
 6. Matt. 3:11,14. 2 Cor. 2:16. 3:5. cl Prov. 15:8. e Ps. 4:6. Prov. 16:31 . Matt. 
 20:21,22. Jam. 4:3. f Ilob. many days. } Heb. hear. 9. mare. fPs. 10.17. Is. 
 65 24. Rom. 8.26,27. 1 John 5:14,15. g 23. 2:6,9. 4:29— 34 . 5:1$. 10:3— 8. 2Chr. 
 111,12.2:12.9:5—8. Ec. 1:16. Lnke2l:15. h Matt. 12:42. Col. 2:3. i Ps. 
 84:11,12. Malt. 6:33. Rom. 8:32. 1 Cor. 3:22,23. Eph. 3:20. k 4:21— 24. 
 10:23,27. Prov. 3:16. § Or, hath, not been. 12:3,4. I Chr. 22:12,13. 28:9. 
 
 29:1. Jer. 1:6 — 8.) His single petition therefore was, that 
 the Lord would give his servant an understanding heart : that 
 is, that he would enlarge and strengthen his intellectual 
 powers, give him a ready discernment in spiritual things and 
 a correspondent disposition ; and furnish him with the peculiar 
 talents and capacities for government ; that he might admi- 
 nister justice and judgment, with impartial rectitude and deep 
 penetration, for the benefit of the people and the honour of 
 God. Doubtless these sentiments were habitually in Solo- 
 mon’s mind, previously to this dream : and his consciousness 
 of his own insufficiency had led him to depend upon the Lord 
 to qualify him for the discharge of the duties of his important 
 station: and his request accorded to the exhortations which 
 David had given him, and the prayers which he had offered 
 for him. (Notes, 1 Chr. 22:11,12. 28:9. 29:10—19. Ps. 72: 
 title s 1,2. Prov. 2:1 — 6. 14:8. Jam. 1:5 — 8.) — Absalom and 
 Adonijah do not seem to have been troubled with anxiety on 
 this account, though far inferior to Solomon in capacity for 
 ruling: hut they sought the honour and power of the kingdom, 
 he desired to discharge the duty of a king. — The disposition 
 and judgment which dictated this petition, in preference to all 
 those alluring distinctions which carnal minds b pursue, and 
 v^hich especially attract young persons in superior stations, 
 was well pleasing to the Lord ; and he assured Solomon, that 
 u he had given him a wise and understanding heart,” and that 
 he should receive a very large accession of wisdom : (Note, 
 Matt. 13:12.) so that he should excel all the kings of Israel, 
 who had preceded or should succeed him, and indeed all other 
 kings, in every kind of knowledge and discernment, and also 
 in riches and honour, which he had not asked. — ( Notes , 4:30 — 
 34. Matt. 6:33,34. 12:41,42.) — The promise of long life was 
 
 conditionally added ; and perhaps it was in part forfeited by 
 the idolatry, and other sins, into which he was afterwards 
 betrayed. (Notes, 2 Chr. 1:7 — 13.) 
 
 V. 15. Marg. Ref. Note , 2 Sam. 6:17. 
 
 V. 16 — 22. These harlots, who by some means escaped 
 punishment, for their licentious conduct, were alone when the 
 child of the one died ; 1 hough probably not when the children 
 were born. Tho first wom an’s account, though in great part 
 conjectural seems tc have been tho truth. Perhaps tho 
 ( 591 ) 
 
 1 was delivered, that this woman was delivered 
 also : and we were together; there was no stranger 
 with us in the house, save we two in the house. 
 
 19 And this woman’s child died in the night; 
 because she overlaid it. 
 
 20 And she arose at ’midnight, and ’took my 
 son from beside me, while thy handmaid slept, 
 and laid it in her bosom, and laid her dead child 
 in my bosom. 
 
 21 And when I arose in the morning to ’give 
 my child suck, behold, it was dead ; but when I 
 had considered it in the morning, behold, it was 
 not my son which I did bear. 
 
 22 And the other woman said, 'Nay ; but the 
 living is my son, and the dead is thy son.. And 
 this said, No; but the dead is thy son, and the 
 living is my son. Thus they spake before the 
 king. 
 
 23 Then said the king, The one saith, This is 
 my son that liveth, and thy son is the dead ; and 
 the other saith. Nay ; but thy son is the dead, and 
 my son is the living. 
 
 24 And the king said, bring me a sword. And 
 they brought a sword before the king. 
 
 25 And the king said, ‘'Divide the living child 
 in two, and give half to the one, and half to the 
 other. 
 
 26 Then spake the woman whose the living 
 child was unto the king , for c her bowels "yearned 
 upon her son, and she said, O my lord, d fiive hei 
 the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the 
 other said, Let it he neither mine nor thine, but 
 divide it. 
 
 27 Then the king answered and said. Give her 
 the living child, and in no wise slay it: she is the 
 mother thereof. 
 
 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment which 
 the king had judged ; and they 'feared the king: 
 for they saw that f the wisdom of God was %i him 
 to do judgment. 
 
 2CI,r.7:17— 19. Ps. 132:12. Zecli. 3:7. m Sre on 3. 9:1.5. 15:5. 1 Chr. 17:3, 
 4.29:2.34:2. Acts 13:22. n Dent. 5:16. Ps. 91 : 16. Prov. 3:2,16. 1 Tim. 4:8. 
 o Gen. 41:7. Jer. 31:26. p2Sam.6:17. 1 Chr. 16:1,2. /q8:63. Lev. 3: 7:11—19. 
 
 2 Sam. 6:18,19. 2Chr. 7:5,7—10.30.22—26. rGen. 31:54. 40:20. Esth. 1:3. Dan. 
 5:1. Mark 6:21. e Lev. 19:29. Deut. 23:17. Josh. 2:1. t Ex. 18:13,16. Nuro. 
 27:2. u Gen. 43:20. Rom. 13:7. x Job 24:13—17. Matt. 13:25. John 3:20. y 21. 
 z Gen. 21:7. 1 Sam. 1:23. Lam. 4:3,4. a 23,24. b Prov. 25:3. c Gen. 43:30. 
 Is. 49:15. Jer. 31:20. Hos. 11:8. Phil. 1:8. 2:1. 1 John 3:17. II Heb. were hot. P». 
 39:3. d Rom. 1:31. 2Tim. 3:3. e Ex. 14:31 . Josh. 4: 14. I Sam. 12:18. 1 Chr. 
 29:24. Prov. 24:21. f 9— 12. Ezra 7:25. Ec. 7:19. Dau. 2:21,47. 5:11. 1 Cor. 
 1:24,30. Col. 2:3. IT Heb. in the midst of him. 
 
 other woman feared some reproach, suspicion, or punish- 
 ment, as if she had willingly or negligently occasioned tho 
 death of her child ; or she hoped to have some gain by means 
 of the living child ; or perhaps she was induced by envy 
 and malignity to claim it as her own : for her willingness to 
 have it divided afterwards evinced that she had no true affec- 
 tion for it. (26) 
 
 V. 23 — 28. As there were no witnesses in this transac- 
 tion, and both parties were alike strenuous and positive, the 
 cause became extremely difficult ; and probably it was re- 
 ferred to the king’s hearing, because it had proved too 
 difficult for the inferior judges. In many countries such 
 cases have been decided by lot, and which is much worse, 
 by duels; or the parties have been tortured, that they might 
 be compelled to declare the truth. But Solomon adopted 
 the only rational method, by making use of his acquaintance 
 with the human heart, to discover which of them had tho 
 feelings of a mother for the living child. Yet when he called 
 for the sword, and ordered the living child to he divided; as 
 none of the auditors seemed to have perceived his intentions, 
 they doubtless would secretly condemn the proposal, as 
 puerile, absurd, and inhuman. The woman, who consented 
 to the division of the child, perhaps expected to obtain Solo- 
 mon’s favour by this acquiescence : but she betrayed her 
 want of natural affection for the child, and her resentment 
 against her competitor ; while the other expressed all the 
 feelings of a mother in an artless and inimitable manner. 
 And when the people saw, that, by this extraordinary mea- 
 sure, Solomon had extorted the truth beyond all further 
 doubt ; they revered and stood in awe of him, notwithstand- 
 ing his youth ; perceiving 44 that the wisdom of God was in 
 him to do judgment.” (Note, 2:2.) — The murder of illegi- 
 timate infants by their mothers, to conceal their own sin and 
 shame, which so frequently occurs in this land, is not so 
 much as intimated in any way in the Scriptures, nor, as far 
 as my reading and recollection extend, in any ancient his- 
 tory. Tho state of morals among tho heathen accounts for 
 this, among them, in two ways : 1st. It was not considered 
 as peculiarly disgraceful to either parent to have spurious 
 children: and 2dly rr he common practice of exposing infants, 
 
B. C. 1014. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 B. C. 1014 
 
 CHAPTER TV. 
 
 tolotnon' a princes, 1 — 6. Twelve officers toho provided for hit household, each 
 in Ms mont'<, 7— T9. The prosperity and gi'andeur of his kingdom, 20 
 —25. His horses and chariots, 26 — 28. His wisdom and reputation, 29 
 
 —34. 
 
 0 king Solomon was king “over all Israel. 
 
 2 And these were - the princes which he had , 
 •Azariah the son ofZadok the 'priest: 
 
 3 Elihoreph and Ahiah, the sons of d Shisha, 
 •scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the •re- 
 corder. 
 
 4 And “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over 
 the host: and rZadok and Abiathar were the 
 priests : 
 
 5 And Azariah the 5 son of Nathan was over the 
 
 • 11 13.35,35. 12:19,50 . 5 Sum. 5:5. I Chr. 12:38. 2 Chr. 9:30. Ec. 1:12. b F.x. 
 18:21. 2 Sam. S:15 — 18. 20:23-26. 1 Cor 12:28. t 1 Chr. 6:8— 10. 27:17. 
 
 • Or, chief officer, d 2 Sum. 20:25. Shtra. 1 Chr. 18:16. Shm-sha. t Or, 
 secretaries . 1 Or, remembrancer. 2 Snm. 8:16. 1 Chr. 18:15. Ts. 62:6. mar- 
 gins. e See on 2:35. f See on 2:26,27,35. g 1:10, &c. 2 Sam. 7:2. 12:1— 15, 
 
 officers : and Zabnd the son of Nathan was 
 principal officer, and h the king’s friend : 
 
 6 And Ahishar was over the household : and 
 ‘Adoniram the son of Abda was over the ^tribute. 
 
 7 H And Solomon had twelve officers over all 
 Israel, which provided victuals for the king and 
 his household : ieach man his month in a vear 
 made provision. 
 
 8 And these are their names: "The son of Hur, 
 in k mount Ephraim : 
 
 9 '"The son of Dekar, in Makaz; and ia 
 'Shaalbim, and m Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth 
 hanan : 
 
 10 "The son of Hesed in Aruboth : to him 
 pertained "Sochoh, and all the land of °Hepher : 
 
 25. h 2 Sam. 15:37. 16:16. 19:37.38. Prov. 22:11. John 13:23. 15:14,15. Jam. 2 
 23. i 12:18. 2 Sam. 20:24. Adoram. % Or, levy. 5: 13,14. 9: 15. )lChr.2J. 
 1 — 15. || Or, Ben-hur. k Judg. 17:1. 19:1. IT Or, tien-dekar. 1 Josh. 19:42. 
 Shaalabbin. m See on 1 Sam. 6:12,20. ** Or, Ben-hesed. n See on Josh 
 15:35. o Josh. 12:17. 17:2; 
 
 whether spurious or not, excluded all temptation to the secret 
 murder of any. But the case must have been very different 
 in Israel : yet this crime seems never to have occurred ; nor 
 was any law enacted concerning it. It is not, however, diffi- 
 cult to discover the cause of its frequent and horrid occur- 
 rence in our enlightened land, in the stern rejection of the 
 offending female, if detected, from the society of all who are 
 not thus disgraced, without discrimination, or hope of reco- 
 very from this infamous loss of caste , so to speak ; and in the 
 ent're impunity of her male paramour, though perhaps far 
 more deeply criminal. And it is a question of no small 
 importance, in every view, whether some measures might 
 not be taken, to counteract this dire evil, without lowering the 
 standard of morality, or giving encouragement to vice. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. Whatever external or intellectual accomplish- 
 ments any man may possess; u to love the Lord” is the 
 grand distinction between one man and another: and thus the 
 meanest believer is preferred before all the wise, learned, 
 renowned, and prosperous unbelievers on earth ; and is 
 classed among apostles, prophets, and th'ose few princes who 
 have served God. Indeed, admiration of his perfections, 
 gratitude for his goodness, delight in his service, and zeal 
 for his glory, form the perfection and felicity of angels : and 
 to this character the grace of our Redeemer renews all 
 those, who accept of his salvation. — Such as love the Lord 
 ought to copy the examples, and follow the instructions, of 
 those who have gone before them in the same path ; espe- 
 cially of pious parents: but they should be careful to avoid 
 their errors and transgressions ; for even good men find it 
 difficult to act themselves at all times as they would counsej 
 others : so that defects will be found in the best characters, 
 and the best state of the church upon earth. We should 
 indeed watch and pray against all evil in ourselves, and use 
 our influence to prevent it in others : yet we should expect to 
 see many things that we disapprove, and learn to make 
 allowances for them. — That is never wasted, which is pru- 
 dently spent in the service of God: and the munificence and 
 liberality of the great should be proportioned to their afflu- 
 ence, that their example may edify their inferiors. To 
 abound in the work of the Lord, upon scriptural principles , 
 forms the proper method of waiting for the communications 
 of further knowledge, grace, and comfort.- -In jeffect, the 
 Lord by his gospel makes this proposal to all who hear it, 
 H Ask what I shall give thee.” (Note, Matt. 7:7 — 11.) He 
 does not indeed engage to gratify the desires of the ambitious, 
 the covetous, the sensual, the envious, or the revengeful : 
 but he is ever ready to answer the petitions of those, who 
 ask of him heavenly wisdom and spiritual blessings, how- 
 ever guilty, depraved, and foolish they have hitherto been. 
 We should therefore first request, the Lord to teach us what 
 to pray- for, and how to pray aright: and if we pray from our 
 hearts, and in the Redeemer’s name; if we have been taught 
 to ask of the Lord, his favour, his image, his graces, and his 
 comforts ; with wisdom, ability, and a willing mind, to fill up 
 our station in the church and in society, to his glory and 
 the good of others ; he has already given us an understand- 
 ing heart, and will make continual accessions to this gift. 
 When we decidedly prefer these spiritual blessings to all 
 worldly advantages, we may be sure that he will give us as 
 much of outward comforts, as he sees really subservient to 
 our good. We should also honour the riches of his all-suffi- 
 ciency and liberality, by multiplying and enlarging our re- 
 quests, and grasp ng at more and more from him ; for he will 
 take it graciously, and deal with us accordingly. — In every 
 service, public and private, they are most qualified for their 
 work, and acquit themselves the best in it, who are most 
 sensible of its difficulty, and of their own insufficiency. It 
 is a hopeful circumstance, when those, whom others call 
 wise men , deem themselves children; and very discouraging, 
 when men are singular in a good opinion of their own abili- 
 ties and attainments.— Distinguishing favours require peculiar 
 -eturns of gratitude : and a man’s being evidently called to 
 #ery important and arduous services, may dictate his prayers, 
 and er courage his expectations o proportionable assistance. 
 
 Such as succeed eminently wise and good men, should ask 
 a double portion of wisdom and grace, to answer the expecta- 
 tions of others from them : and they who, in deviation from 
 ordinary rules, are employed in any public service, will be 
 more narrowly watched, and more severely censured, if they 
 act inconsistently. Let not this hint be overlooked, or taken 
 amiss, by those who preach the gospel without an express 
 regular appointment from man, in any of those ways by 
 which ministers are ordinarily sent forth. — The continued 
 blessing of God can only be expected in the way of persever- 
 ing obedience : and negligence or wickedness will always 
 ensure loss in our temporal or spiritual comforts. 
 
 V. 16 — 28. Judges, magistrates, and all concerned in 
 trying causes, need great discernment, as well as integrity, 
 in order to search out the truth, when all possible pains and 
 fallacy are employed to conceal it: they ought therefore, in 
 all their studies and in all their decisions, to ask wisdom of 
 God ; and we should earnestly remember them in our prayers 
 that he would confer it upon them. — Where the Lord has 
 given abilities, and a heart disposed to improve them, he 
 will open a way for the profitable exercise of them in his 
 due time : and an accurate acquaintance with the human 
 heart will be found a most profitable kind of knowledge for 
 all, but especially for magistrates and ministers. — God has 
 made natural affection very strong, especially in mothers, 
 as the great means of preserving their infants, in the midst 
 of their dangers and infirmities, and notwithstanding all the * 
 trouble and fatigue which they occasion. Yet human depra- 
 vity, habitual wickedness, or fear and shame* can extinguish 
 it, and even mothers are capable of becoming the murderers 
 of their own infants ! Surely these harlots will rise up in 
 judgment against such unn; ‘ural criminals, and condemn 
 them ; and still more their brutal seducers, who have desert-, 
 ed them when exposed to these awful temptations. — But to 
 accommodate this transaction, may we not observe, that 
 many professors of the gospel (like the pretended mother 
 who consented to have the child divided) would mutilate the 
 sacred Scriptures, and leave out those parts which oppose 
 their prejudices, pride, and lusts ? yea, they would fain divide 
 their hearts between God and mammon. But the true be- 
 liever loves the whole Scripture, and holds it fast, and value® 
 doctrines, precepts, warnings, promises, and every part, a* 
 necessary to the perfection of the inestimable whole : and this 
 cordial affection proves the whole to be his own. He would 
 yield his heart entirely to the Lord, and seek after his happi- 
 ness from him alone. Soon our Solomon will decide between 
 these two characters : u in him is the wisdom of God to do 
 judgment.” Let us then see to it, that our cause and title bo 
 clear : for he cannot be imposed upon by any evasions or 
 subterfuges : seeing he “ searcheth the hearts of all the child- 
 ren of men,” and u all things are naked and open before him, 
 with whom we have to do.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1. David had not at first 
 reigned over u all Israel ;” and none of Solomon’s successors 
 had this privilege continued to them. (Note, Ec. 1:1.) 
 
 V. 2 — 6. (Marg. Ref.) — Several of these princes , or minis- 
 ters of state, and chief officers, were either the same persons 
 as David had employed, or their sons. (20:23 — 25. Note, 2 
 Sam. 8:15 — 18.) — Abiathar, though deposed from the high- 
 priesthood, and secluded from the sanctuary, retained under 
 Zadok the title and emoluments of a priest, or one of the 
 chief priests. Azariah the son, or grandson, of Zakok, being 
 the son of Ahimaaz, (1 Chr. 6:8,9.) might under his grand- 
 father have the chief management of ecclesiastical matters. 
 Two sons of Nathan the prophet, as it is supposed, were pre- 
 ferred by Solomon, and one was dignified as the king’s friend. 
 
 V. 7 — 19. (Marg. Ref.) These officers were appointed 
 to procure every kind of provision, where it was most plenti- 
 ful and good : and we may suppose that, besides the monthly 
 supply of such productions as were common to the whole land, 
 they would purchase upon the spot those provisions which 
 were peculiar to each district, and which could be preserved. 
 This was a salutary and economical arrangement, and would 
 prevent any part of the country from being improperly drained , 
 it would also promote an equal consumption, and supply th® 
 
 ( 595 ) 
 
B. C. 10i4. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 1014 
 
 11 "The son of Abinadab. in all the region of 
 pDor; which had Taphath the daughter of Solo- 
 mon to wife : 
 
 12 Baanah the son of Ahilud ; to him pertained 
 'iTaanach and ‘Megiddo, and all *Beth-shean, 
 which is by ‘Zartanah beneath “Jezreel, from 
 Beth-shean to x Abel-meholah, even unto the place 
 that is beyond Jokneam. 
 
 13 'The son of Geber, in yRamoth-gilead ; to 
 him pertained Hhe towns of Jair the son of 
 Manasseh, which are in Gilead : to him also 
 pertained the region of “Argob, which is in 
 Bashan, threescore great cities with walls and 
 brazen bars : 
 
 14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had ’Mahanaim : 
 
 15 Ahimaaz was in b Naphtali ; he also took 
 Basmath c the daughter of Solomon to wife : 
 
 16 Baanah the son of Hushai was in d Asher 
 and in Aloth: 
 
 17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in “Issachar : 
 
 18 r Shimei the son of Elah, in ^Benjamin. 
 
 19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of 
 Gilead, in h the country of Sihon king of the 
 Amorites, and of Og king of Bashan; and he was 
 the only officer which was in the land. 
 
 20 If Judah and Israel were many, 'as the sand 
 which is by the sea in multitude, k eating and 
 drinking, and making merry. 
 
 21 And ‘Solomon reigned over all kingdoms, 
 from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and 
 unto the border of Egypt : they '"brought presents, 
 and served Solomon all the days of his lile. 
 
 22 H And Solomon’s ^provision for one day 
 was thirty "measures of fine flour, and threescore 
 measures of meal, 
 
 23 "Ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the 
 pastures, and a hundred sheep, beside harts, and 
 roe-bucks, and fallow-deer, and fatted fowl. 
 
 • Or, Ben-abinndab. p Josh. 12:23. 17: 1 1 . Judg. 1:27. q See on Josh. 17: 
 11. Judg. 5:19. r 2 Kings 23:20,30. s 1 Sam. 31:10,12. t 7:46 Zarthan. 
 Josh 3:16. Zrtretrm. u 18:46. x 19:16. 1 Or. lion-geber. v 22.3. Dent. 
 
 4:43. Josh. 20:8. 21:38 . 2 Kings 9:1,14. z Num. 32:41. Dent. 3. 14. aDeut.3: 
 1,13,14. Ps. 22:12. 68:15. X Or, to Mahdnaim. Gen. 32:2. 2 Sam. 2:8. 17:24, 
 27. b Josh. 19:32-39. c 11. 1 Sam. 18:18. d Josh. 19:24—31. e Josh. 19: 
 17—23. f 1:8. Zeeh. 12:13. g Josh. 18:20— 28. h Num. 21 :21— 35. Deut.2: 
 26-37.3:1-17. Josh. 13:9— 12. i 3:8. Ge n . 13:16. 15:5. 22:17. Prov. 14:28. 
 k 1 Sam. 30:16. l,Chr. 12:39. Job 1:18. Ps. 72:3— 7. Ec.2:24. Is. 22:13. Mie. 
 4:4. Zech. 3:10.9:15. Acts2:46. 124. Gen. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. Deut. 11:24. 
 Josh. 1:4.2 Chr. 9:26. Ezra 4:20. Ps. 72:8,9. m 1 Sam. 10:27. 2 Kings 17:3. 
 2 Chr. 17:5. 92:23. Ps. 68:29. 72:10,11. 76:11. § Heb. bread. H Heb. cors. 
 
 n Neh. 5:17,18. o Gen. 10:19. Judg. 16:1. Gaza. p Seeon 21. Ps. 72:8,11. 
 
 requisite plenty upon the best terms. — Two of these purveyors 
 married daughters of Solomon : for it was not his policy to 
 prevent his children from intermarrying with his subjects. 
 Perhaps he had more daughters, though but one son by all his 
 wives. But these marriages must have taken place many 
 years after his accession, and this chapter should be consider- 
 ed as a general account of the state of the land in his reign. 
 Geber seems to have had the chief management of the whole 
 country beyond Jordan, and to have employed his son, and 
 Ahinadab, under him in that district. (13:14,19.) 
 
 V. 20. The people were not diminished in Solomon’s reign 
 by wars, invasions, or intestine contests ; and therefore they 
 grew exceedingly numerous and prosperous, and lived in 
 great peace and plenty. ( Marg . Ref. Note , Ec. 2:24 — 26.) 
 But they seem to have been too much pleased and elated with 
 their external blessings, and to have indulged themselves too 
 freely in the use of them. 
 
 V. 21. David had subdued all the countries, from the en- 
 trance of Egypt to the river Euphrates: and Solomon reaped 
 the fruit of his victories, by reigning peaceably over these ex- 
 tensive territories, and increasing his own wealth, and that 
 of his native subjects, by the presents and tributes of the in- 
 habitants. (Notes, Gen. 15:18 — 21. Ex. 23:31. Josh. 1:3,4. 
 2 Sam. 8:3. Ps. 72:8—11.) 
 
 V. 22, 23. The provisions here mentioned would suffice 
 for several thousands of people. Solomon’s servants and 
 officers, and those who flocked to his court from all parts of 
 the land, and from distant nations, with their retinues, were 
 no doubt entertained upon them. (Note, Neh. 5:14 — 18.) 
 
 Measures. (22) Cors. (marg.) A cor is generally com- 
 puted at ten ephahs, or rather above seventy-two gallons. 
 
 V. 24. Tiphsah is supposed to have been a city, near 
 which there was a passage over the Euphrates, either by a 
 ford, a ferry, or a bridge ; the name being derived from a word 
 which signifies to pass over. (Note, 2 Sum. 19:18.) Azzah 
 is Gaza of the Philistines, the original word being the same. 
 
 V. 25. (Marg. Ref.) The land from the one end to 
 the other was in such profound peace, and was so exempt 
 from oppression or terror, that the people disregarded the 
 protection of walled cities, and lived upon their lands, that 
 they might enjoy their abundance upon the spot, where it was 
 produced. (Note, Ez. 38:1 1 . Mic. 4:4. Zech. 3:9,1 0.) 
 
 ( 596 ) 
 
 24 For he had dominion over all the region on 
 this side the rivei, from Tiphsah even to "Azzah, 
 over Pall the kings on this side the river : and he 
 ihad peace on all sides round about him. 
 
 25 And Judah and Israel dwelt ’’safely, r every 
 man under his vine and under his fig-tree, 'from 
 Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 
 
 26 IT And Solomon had ‘forty thousand stalls o 1 
 horses for his chariots, and twelve thousand 
 horsemen. 
 
 27 And “those officers provided victual for king 
 Solomon, and for all that came unto king Solo- 
 mon’s table, every man in his month : they lacked 
 nothing. 
 
 28 Barley also and straw for the horses and 
 "dromedaries brought they unto the place where 
 the officers were, every man according to his 
 
 charge. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 29 IT And "God gave Solomon wisdom and un- 
 derstanding exceeding much, and ^largeness of 
 heart, even z as the sand that is on the seashore. 
 
 30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom 
 of all 'the children of the east country, and all 
 b the wisdom of Egypt. 
 
 31 For he was “wiser than all men ; than 
 d Ethan the Ezrahite, and e H.eman, and Chalcol, 
 and Darda, the sons of Mahol : and f his fame 
 was in all nations round about. 
 
 32 And she spake three thousand proverbs: 
 and his h songs were a thousand and five. 
 
 33 And he spake of trees, from ‘the cedar-tree 
 that is in Lebanon, even unto k the hyssop that 
 springeth out of the wall : he spake also ’of 
 beasts, and of fowl, and of creeping things, and of 
 fishes. 
 
 34 And m there came of all people to hear the 
 wisdom of Solomon, from all kings of the earth, 
 which had heard of his wisdom. 
 
 q 5:4. I Chr. M:9. Ps. 72:3,7. Is. 9:1. Luke 2:14. Heb. 1:1,0. TI Heb. confi. 
 daily. Is. 60:18. Jer. 23:5,6. 36:15,16. Ez. 38:11 . marg. r 2 Kings 18:31. Mic, 
 4:4. Zech. 3:10. s Judg. 50:1. 2 Sum. 17:11. 24:15. 1 10:25,26. Deut. 11:16. 
 2 Sam. 8:4. 2 Chr. 1 : 14. 9:25. Ps.20;7. u 7 — 19. ** Or, mules, or swift beasts. 
 Esth. 8:10,14. Mic. 1:13. x See on 3:12,28. 10:23.24 . 2 Chr. 1 : 10— 12. Ps. 119; 
 34. Prov. 2:6. Ec. 1:16. 2:26. Jam. 1 -5,17. 3: 17. v Ie.60:5 z *ee on 20. Gen. 
 41:49. Judg. 7:12. Jer. 33:22. Hab.l:9. aGw>.25:6. Job 1:3. Dan. 1:20. 4:7. 
 5:11,12. Matt. 2:1. b Is. 19:11,12. Acts 7:22. cSeeon3:12. Matt. 12:42. 
 Luke 11:31. Col. 2:3. d 1 Chr. 15:19. Ps. 89: title, e I Chi*. 2:6. 6:33. 15:17, 
 19. Ps. 86: title, f 5:7. 10.1,6. 2 Chr. 9.23. Malt. 4:24. g Prov. M. Ec. 12: 
 9. Matt. 13:35. h Cant. 1:1. i Num. 24:6. 2 Kings 19:23. Ps. 92:12. k Ex. 
 12:22. Num. 19:18. Ps. 51:7. Heb.9:lS 1 See on Gen. 1 : 20-25. m 10:1 
 2 Chr. 9:1,23. Is. 2:2. Zech. 8:23. 
 
 V. 26. “A thousand four hundred chariots, &c.” 10:26. 
 2 Chr. 1:14. “ Four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, 
 &c.” 2 Chr. 9:25. Different ways have been taken of recon- 
 ciling these texts ; none of which arc satisfactory. Four thou- 
 sand stalls (not stables) would be a proper number for a thou- 
 sand chariots to have change of horses. The four hundred 
 might be added afterwards. As numbers were generally ex- 
 pressed in the manuscripts by numeral letters, over which, in 
 many cases, a small mark distinguished one number from 
 another much smaller ; it seems most obvious to suppose that 
 a trivial mistake has here occurred. Forty thousand stalls 
 for chariot horses, (unless all sorts of carriages be included,) 
 seems out of all proportion to t welve thousand horsemen : and 
 in no other place are more than a thousand and four hundred 
 chariots mentioned. (Notes, 10:24 — 27. Deut. 17:16.) 
 
 V. 27, 28. Note, 7 — 19. — Dromedaries „ (28) Marg.— 
 Esth. 8:10,14. 
 
 V. 29. Largeness of heart, &c.] This expression and 
 comparison denote the unparalleled greatness of Solomon’s 
 intellectual powers, his most extensive knowledge, and his 
 enlargement of heart in communicating instruction to all 
 around him. ‘A mind very comprehensive of all sort of know- 
 ledge ; and a heart to do a vast deal of good. . . . As the sand 
 . . . encloses a vast body of waters ; so his mind contained an 
 ocean of knowledge, as Lord Bacon . . . speaks.’ Bp. Patrick • 
 (Notes, Ps. 119:32. 2 Cor. 5:13—15.) 
 
 V. 30 — 34. God gave Solomon, not only heavenly wisdom, 
 and singular talonts for government, blit extraordinary capa- 
 cities for the attainment of all kinds of knowledge: so that ho 
 excelled the wise men of Egypt, and of Babylon, of Arabia, 
 or countries still more to the east, in astronomy, and all other 
 sciences for which they were renowned. In the knowledge of 
 divinity he surpassed Ethan and Homan, who seem to have 
 been men renowned for extraordinary piety and wisdom at 
 that time ; and all others who were celebrated in Israel on tne 
 same account. — (Marg. <1 -f. I Chi i,6 ) He ox- 
 
 celled also in morality, politics, and economics: for he spnko 
 three thousand proverbs, of which such as wore most suited 
 for general utility have come down to us in the book of Pro- 
 verbs. He likewise excelled in poetry, and wrote one thou- 
 sand and five songs : but only one of these is preserved in 
 Scripturo. It may, how ver, be supposed, that many of th« 
 
B. C. 1014. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 B. C. 1014. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Hiram, king of Tyre, sends to congratulate Solomon ; who informs him that 
 he intends to build a temple, and- desires him to furnish the timber, l — 6. 
 Hiram blesses God for Solomon's wisdom, and engages for the timber ; re- 
 quiring in return food for his household, 7 — 9. The mutual good offices 
 between Hiram and Solomon, 10 — 12. The number of Solomon's workmen 
 and labourers , 13 — 18. 
 
 A ND “Hiram king of Tyre b sent his servants 
 unto Solomon : lor lie had heard that they 
 had anointed him king in the room of his father: 
 “for Hiram was ever a lover of David. 
 
 2 And ‘‘Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 
 
 3 Thou knowest how that David my father 
 •eould not build a house unto the name of the 
 Lord his God, 'for the wars which were about 
 him on every side, until the Loud sput them under 
 the soles of his feet. 
 
 4 But now the Lord my God h hath given me 
 r est on every side, so that there is neither adver- 
 sary nor evil occurrent. 
 
 5 And, 'behold, I 'purpose to build a house unto 
 the name of the Lord my God, k as the Lord 
 spake unto David my father, saying, Thy son 
 whom I will set upon thy throne in thy room, he 
 shall build a house unto my name. 
 
 6 Now therefore command thou, that they hew 
 me 'cedar-trees out of Lebanon ; and my servants 
 6hall be with thy servants: and unto thee ra will I 
 give hire for thy servants according to all that 
 thou shalt 'appoint : for thou knowest “that there 
 
 | is not among us any that can s/uil to hew timber 
 | like unto the “Sidonians. 
 
 7 H And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the 
 [ words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly, ano 
 
 said, ^Blessed be the Lord this day, iwhich hath 
 | given unto David r a wise son over this great 
 people. 
 
 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, I have 
 'considered the tilings which thou sentest to me 
 for : and I will do all thy desire concerning tim 
 ber of cedar, and concerning ’timber of fir. 
 
 9 My servants shall bring them down from 
 ‘Lebanon unto the sea ; and "I will convey their 
 by sea in floats unto the place that thou shalt 
 ^appoint me, and will cause them to he discharged 
 there, and thou shalt receive them, : and thou shall 
 accomplish my desire, in "giving food for my house- 
 hold. 
 
 10 So Hiram gave Solomon cedar-trees, p. 
 and fir trees, according to all his desire. L 1012 . 
 
 11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand 
 "measures of wheat for food to his household, and 
 twenty measures of' pure oil : thus gave Solomon 
 to Hiram year by year. 
 
 12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, y as he 
 promised him : and there was peace between Hi- 
 ram and Solomon; and ’they two made a league 
 together. 
 
 a 10, IS. 9:11— 11. 2 Chr. 2:3. Hamm. b 2 Sara. 8:10. 10:1,2. Pa. 45:12. 
 c 2Num. 5:11. 1 Chr. 14:1. Am. 1:9. d2Chr.2:3. e 2 Sam. 7:5— 11 . 1 Chr. 
 22:1-6. 2 Chr. 6:6—8. f 1 Chr. 22:8. 2S:3. g Josh. 10:24. Ps. 8:6. 110:1. 
 Mai. 4:3. 1 Cor. 15:25. Eph. 1:22. b See on 4:24. 1 Chr. 22:9. Ps. 72:7. I». 9: 
 7. Acts 9:31. i 2 Chr. 2:1,4. • Heb. say. k 2Sam. 7.12,13. lC'hr,17:12. 
 
 22:10.28:6,10. Zech. 6-. 12,13. 1 6:9,10,16,20. 2 Chr. 2:8,10. Ps. 29:5. m Rom. 
 12:17. Phil, 4:8. t Heb. any. u 1 Cor. 12:14— 21. Eph. 4:7. o Gen. 10:15. 
 
 Ezra 3:7. p 10:9. 2 Chr. 2:11,12. 9:7,8. Ps. 122:6,7. 137:6. q 1:48. Gen. 33:5. 
 Is. 8:18.9:6. rSeetm3:9. 2Chr.2:12. Pror. 10:1. 15:20. 23:24. J Heb. 
 heard, s 6:15,34. 2 Sara. 6:5. 2 Chr. 3:5. t Dent. 3:25. u 2 Chr. 2:16. 
 
 § Heb. send. x2Chr.2:15. Ezra 3:7. Ez. 27:17. Acta 12:20, II Heb. cors. 4; 
 22. marg. 2 Chr. 2:10. y 3:12. 4:29. 2 Chr. 1:12. Jam. 1:5. z 15:19. Gen. 21: 
 32. Am. 1:9. 
 
 others were upon moral and religious subjects ; as well as 
 remarkable for the beauties of poetry. He was, moreover, 
 deeply versed in all the branches of natural philosophy, and 
 discoursed in an admirable manner upon the nature, proper- 
 ties, and uses of the several species of plants and animals. 
 So that in every thing he possessed such an undisputed supe- 
 riority over all men in that age, that his reputation for wisdom 
 brought numbers from different Kings and nations all around, 
 to learn every kind of useful knowledge from him : and per- 
 haps he possessed more accurate and extensive knowledge, 
 on an immense variety of subjects, than any mere man besides, 
 in any age or nation of the world, ever did. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 28. True wisdom generally directs those, who suc- 
 ceed prudent and prosperous men in kingdoms or estates, to 
 tread in their steps, to employ their servants, and to avail 
 themselves of the good advice of their friends and counsel- 
 lors: but folly and self-conceit delight in making many and 
 great changes, though they commonly prove disadvantageous. 
 (Notes, 12:11—15. 2 Kings 21:1— 3. Ec. 2:18— 23.)— Those 
 who faithfully seek the good of our souls, though sometimes 
 with sharp reproofs, are our best friends : and their memories 
 are always entitled to grateful respect, and their children to 
 kind regard ; yet these are worthy of a wise man’s confidence 
 and friendship, only when they tread in the steps of their 
 pious parents. — The different ranks of men in society should 
 be distinguished by a suitable attendance and provision ; but 
 “ when goods increase, they are increased that eat them,” 
 and the owner’s have much additional incumbrance, and but 
 little accession of solid advantage. (Note, Ec. 5:9— 42.) It 
 is also extremely difficult to possess abundance, without covet- 
 ousness, luxury, or ostentation ; without abusing, wasting, 
 or burying, the goods of our common Lordj to whom every 
 one must give an account, of his stewardship : yet, prudent 
 management and frugality are excellent appendages to libe- 
 rality, and serve to support the expenses of it. — Wise and 
 righteous princes are most valuable blessings to whole king- 
 doms, and should be sought in prayer from that God, who has 
 all hearts in his hands : yet all outward prosperity is preca- 
 rious and transient ; and too often it proves unfavourable to 
 religion, and increases pride, sloth and sensual indulgence ; 
 thus rendering divine judgments necessary.— Wealth without 
 wisdom, and knowledge without humility and grace, are gene- 
 rally destructive to the possessor, and to those with whom he 
 is connected : yet both are the gifts of God, good in them- 
 selves, and only evil as perverted hy man’s depravity. And 
 heavenly wisdom teaches men to give God the glory in the use 
 of these inferior blessings, and so renders them ornamental to 
 the Christian profession, and conducive to promote designs of 
 extensive usefulness. 
 
 V. 29—34. A reputation for wisdom and piety is no fur- 
 ther desirable, than as it consists with humility, and affords a 
 man an opportunity of communicating more extensively that 
 useful knowledge, which the Lord has imparted. (Note, Ec. 
 10:1.)— Every information, which is needful in order to our 
 glorifying God and obtaining his “salvation with eternal 
 glory,” is preserved to us in the sacred Scriptures: and the 
 light of heaven will more certainly and speedily instruct us in 
 
 all useful knowledge, than all the regretted records of antiquity 
 could do if we had them. Let us then rejoice that the Lord 
 reigns on a mercy-seat, and that his name is Emmanuel. 
 His kingdom was faintly shadowed forth in that of Solomon, 
 but is of a nobler and more heavenly nature. The blessings 
 of It consist not “ in meat and drink, but in righteousness, 
 peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” In his days the righ- 
 teous flourish ; their numbers have already been exceedingly 
 multiplied, and future ages shall witness a more, rapid and 
 immense increase, “ when all kings shall bow down before 
 him, and all nations shall serve him.” (Note, Ps. 72:8 — 11.) 
 Then “ shall they beat their swords into ploughshares, and war 
 shall be learned no more:” then shall “ every man call his 
 neighbour under the vine, and under the fig-tree.” (Notes, 
 Is. 2:2 — 5. Mic. 4:1 — 5.) “In him are hid all the treasures 
 of wisdom and knowledge ;” his fame shall spread through all 
 the earth, and all people shall come to him, learn of him, take 
 upon them his easy yoke, and find rest for their souls. — But, 
 whilst we look with joyful, longing desires and fervent prayers 
 for these glorious days, let us now sit at his feet, hear his 
 word, ask of him wisdom, submit to his will, and seek his 
 glory. Then, outward tribulation shall not break our inward 
 eace ; then, we shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of 
 is house; then, we shall enjoy much liberty, and have many 
 glimpses of his glory on earth ; and shall speedily remove to 
 yon brighter world above, where innumerable angels, and 
 redeemed sinners, are happy in his presence, and rapturously 
 celebrating his praises. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. V. V. 1. (Note, 2 Sam. 5:11.) It is 
 highly probable, that Hiram was himself a worshipper of 
 Jehovah, and loved David on account of his wisdom and 
 piety ; though hi's people in general seem to have continued 
 idolaters. He sent to condole with Solomon on his father’s 
 death, and to congratulate him on his peaceable succession. — 
 Tyre and Zidon lay north of Canaan, and were not expressly 
 included in the grant to Israel ; it was therefore lawful to 
 form alliances with them. 
 
 V. 2—9. (Marg. Ref. Notes, l Chr. 22:6—10. 2 
 
 Chr. 2:3 — 12.) The Tyrians possessed only a small tract of 
 land, and were employed and enriched by commerce and 
 manufactures ; and they had their provisions chiefly from the 
 fruitful land of Canaan. (Note, Acts 12:20 — 23.) 
 
 V. 11. “Twenty thousand baths of oil” are mentioned in 
 Chronicles, which amounted at least to two thousand cors, 
 (Marg. Note, 4:22.) But as barley and wine are there 
 spoken of; some think that the wheal, here mentioned, was 
 intended for the use of Hiram’s family, and the small quantity 
 of very fine oil for his own use ; whereas in Chronicles the 
 provisions made for the workmen are intended. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 2:3—10.) 
 
 V. 13 — 18. A small number comparatively of Israelites 
 were employed, in rotation, as it consisted with their conve- 
 niency, and probably in the easier services : but a great num- 
 ber of the remains of the ancient inhabitants of the land 
 continually assisted the Tyrians, by removing the timber, 
 conveying it to the sea, helping to navigate the floats, and 
 conveying it when landed to Jerusalem ; and in preparing 
 stones for the temple. (Marg. Ref. Note, 9:20 — 22.) These 
 ( 597 ) 
 
B. C. 1012. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. 0. 101G 
 
 13 H And king Solomon raised a ’levy out of all 
 Israel ; and Hhe levy was thirty thousand men. 
 
 14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand 
 '’a month by courses; a month they were in Le- 
 banon, and two months at home : and c Adoniram 
 was over the levy. 
 
 15 And Solomon had d threescore and ten thou- 
 sand that bare burdens, and fourscore thousand 
 hewers in the mountains : 
 
 16 Beside the chief of Solomon’s officers, which 
 were over the work, Hhree thousand and three 
 hundred, which ruled over the people that wrought 
 in the work. 
 
 17 And the king commanded, and they brought 
 great stones, f costly stones, and hewed stones, to 
 lay the foundation of the house. 
 
 18 And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s build- 
 ers did hew them, and Uhe stone-squarers : so 
 they prepared timber and stones to build the 
 house. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The bitildim of the temole is begun, 1. The dimensions of the house, and its 
 porch, 2, 3. The windows, 4. The chambers, 5— 10. The promise of God 
 concerning the temple, 11 — 13. Its walls, ceiling, floor , and ornaments, 14 
 — 18. The Oracle and Cherubim, 19 — 30. The doors of the Oracle, and of 
 the house, 31 — 35. The inner-court, 36. The time in which the whole was 
 completed, 37 , 36. 
 
 A ND a it came to pass, in the four hundred and 
 eightieth year after the children of Israel 
 were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth 
 
 * Heb. Viiufe of man. See onl:6. o. 9:15. b 4:7— 19. 1 Chr. 27:1—15. 
 c See on 4 .6. d 9:20—22. 2 rhr. 2:17,18. 8:7—9. Ezra 2:58. Neh.7:57, 
 
 60. e 9:23. 2 Chr. 2:2. f 6:7. 7:9. 1 Chr. 22:2. Is. 28:16. 1 Cor. 3:11,12. 
 1 Pet. 2:6,7. Rev. 21:14—21. f Or, Giblites. Josh. 13:5. Ps. 83:7. Ez. 27:9. 
 & Judg. 11:26. 2 Chr. 3:1:2. b37. Num. 1:1. * Heb. built. Acts 7:47. cl Chr. 
 20:19. Zech. 6:12,13,15. John 2: 19— 21 . 1 Cor. 6: 19. 2 Cor. 6: 16. Eph. 2:20— 22. 
 Col. 2:7. Heb. 9:11. 11:10. 1 Pet. 2:5. dEzra6:3,4. Ez. 41:1, &c. Rev. 21:16, 
 17. e l Chr. 26:11. 2 Chr. 2:3,4. Ez. 41:15. Matt. 4:5. John 10:23. Acts 3:10, 
 
 were superintended by three thousand and three hundred 
 persons, perhaps of the same nations. Three thousand six 
 nundred are mentioned in Chronicles: (2 Chr. 2:17,18.) per- 
 haps three hundred were officers over the rest; or they were 
 supernumeraries, to supply for such as were sick and disabled 
 from attendance.' — Thus the temple was chiefly built by the la- 
 bour and riches of those who were originally Gentiles ; which 
 typified the calling of the Gentiles ink) the church : and the 
 costly stones laid out of sight, as the foundation of the tem- 
 ole, typified Christ, our tried and precious Foundation ; and 
 were an emblem of the hidden excellency of those who form 
 apart of his spiritual temple. (Note, 1 Pet. 2:4 — 6.) 
 
 Stone-squarers. (18) Giblites. Marg. — Josh. 13:5.) ‘The 
 Giblites, ... being Phenicians, inhabitants of Gabala a pro- 
 montory mentioned by Pliny, . . . were the most excellent 
 artists in those parts.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Those who love God are influenced to love one another, 
 and rendered superior to selfish jealousies and envyings : and 
 this divine energy teaches them to rejoice in each other’s 
 prosperity, and to be glad to receive or afford mutual assist- 
 ance in every good undertaking. — The most necessary and 
 successful wars, not only produce very much temporal evil, 
 but obstruct or retard the execution of many useful designs 
 for promoting godliness : we may then well pray, * Send 
 peace in our time, O Lord :’ and when he “ gives rest on 
 every side, so that there is no adversary nor evil occurrent,” 
 no time should he lost, but every one should be intent to 
 devise and execute such useful undertakings as were before 
 prevented. (Note, Acts 9:31.) — Different persons are quali- 
 fied for diverse services; and while all harmoniously concur, 
 in their proper places, and by improving their several talents, 
 the common cause will prosper. — It is admirable when the 
 children rise up, and complete the wise and pious designs of 
 their deceased parents: and all should rejoice and bless the 
 Lord, when they see such tokens of the prosperity of his 
 church. — God has so constituted the earth, that every nation 
 has its peculiar productions, and its inhabitants their distin- 
 guished* endowments : thus their mutual intercourse is for- 
 warded ; and, by an interchange of benefits, they are instructed 
 to love one another as children of the same family. Happy 
 would it be, if commerce were generally conducted on such 
 principles, and rendered subservient to the promulgation of 
 true religion: but alas! through man’s depravity, it has often 
 tended to diffuse wickedness and misery rapidly through the 
 nations of the earth! — All agreements should be made with 
 consideration, that equity may be established, and contests 
 precluded : and great punctuality should be observed in pay- 
 ing labourers their wages. — Frequently, they are most inge- 
 nious in the liberal arts, who are strangers to true godliness; 
 and many are employed about the church of God, who have 
 no interest in its blessings. (Notes, Ps. 87:4 — 7. P. O.) The 
 meanest office in his service is honourable and profitable, if 
 cordially performed: and millions of us poor Gentiles, who in 
 ourselves were devoted to destruction- have been employed 
 by him — Our gracious Lord lays no intolerable burdens on 
 ( 598 ) 
 
 year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, b in the month 
 Zif, which is the second month, that he ‘began to 
 c build the house of the Lord. 
 
 2 And the house which king Solomon built for 
 the Lord, the length thereof was d threescore 
 cubits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, anJ 
 the height thereof thirty cubits. 
 
 3 And the e porch before the temple of the 
 house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, 
 according to the breadtli of the house ; and ten 
 cubits was the breadth thereof, before the house. 
 
 4 And for the house he made ^windows of 
 narrow lights. 
 
 5 TI And "against the wall of the house he f built 
 ^chambers round about, against the walls of the 
 house round about, both of the temple and of 
 the ^oracle : and he made "chambers round about. 
 
 6 The nethermost chamber was five cubits 
 broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the 
 third was seven cubits broad ; for without in the 
 wall of the house he made ^narrowed rests round 
 about, that the beams should not be fastened in 
 the walls of the house. 
 
 7 And the house, when it was in building, was 
 h built of stone made ready before it was brought 
 thither: so that there was ‘neither hammer, nor 
 axe, nor any tool of iron, heard in the house 
 while it was in building. 
 
 8 The door for the middle chamber was in the 
 
 11. t Or, windows broad within, and narrow without : or, skewed and closed. 
 SeeonS-A. Cant. 2:9. Ez. 40:16. 41:26. 1 Or. upon, or, joining to. flChr. 
 9:26 . 23:23 . 28:11. 2 Chr. 31:11. Neh. 10:37. 1*2:44 . 13:5 — 9. Cant. 1:4. Jer. 35* 
 4. Ez. 40:44. 41:5 — 11. 42:3 — 12. § Heb .Jloms. g 16,19—21,31 . Ex. 25:22. 
 
 Lev. 16:2. Num. 7:89. 2 Chr. 4:20. 5.7,9. Ps. 28:2. || Heb. ribs. V. Or, 
 
 narrowings, or, rebatemonls. h 5:18 Prov. 24:27. Rom. 9:23. 2 Cor. 5:5. Coi. 
 1:12. 1 Pel. 2:5. i Is. 42:2. Acts 9:31. Jam. 1:20. 3:17,18. 
 
 any of his people ; but in every injunction consults their in- 
 terests and comfort. Let us then serve him cheerfully, and 
 attend to our proper work : and after his example may we be 
 humane and considerate in all our requisitions from our infe- 
 riors ; that our service, like his, may be loved, and considered 
 as a privilege by those employed in it. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1. The use and typical 
 meaning of the temple, and those of the tabernacle, were the 
 same: but the moveable tabernacle suited the state of Israel 
 when wandering in the wilderness, and a magnificent temple 
 was more proper when they were settled in Canaan. (Notes, 
 Ex. 25:8,9.)— A temple was not indeed essential to the reli- 
 gion of Israel : and therefore the building of it was deferred 
 till four hundred and eighty years after that people was 
 brought out of Egypt ; or four hundred and forty years after 
 they entered Canaan: (Note, Judg. 11:26.) and this temple 
 was destroyed in less than four hundred and twenty years 
 after it was finished. — Solomon was more than three years 
 in making the necessary preparations ; and in the fourth year 
 of his reign, he laid the foundation. The month Zif was the 
 second of the ecclesiastical year. Some think that the names 
 of the months, here given, were not in use before the cap- 
 tivity. 
 
 V. 2, 3. The temple w r as a very magnificent building, and 
 immense quantities of gold and silver were used about it 
 yet, apart from its courts, it was but a small structure, com- 
 pared with many buildings in ancient and modern tirrtes. — It 
 was about a hundred feet long, thirty-three feet wide, and 
 fifty feet*high : and it had a porch, on the east end at the 
 entrance, which formed in some respects an ornamental 
 steeple of about two hundred feet high. (Notes, 2 Chr. 3:3,4.) 
 The tabernacle erected in the wilderness is computed to have 
 been fifty feet long, twelve or thirteen feet wide, and nearly 
 seventeen feet high. 
 
 V. 4. The tabernacle had no light from without, and tha 
 temple had not much. (Note, Ex. 25:31 — 39.) These win- 
 dows, which are supposed to have been wider on the inside 
 than without, were situated in the spaces between the cham- 
 bers afterwards mentioned ; or, as some think, above them. 
 (Marg.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. These chambers accommodated the priests, when 
 they were upon duty at the temple : and in them they laid up 
 their clothes, the sacred vessels not in immediate use, and 
 the other treasures belonging to the temple. For the pur- 
 pose of fixing these chambers, the wall of the temple was 
 made two cubits thicker at the bottom than at the top : and 
 where it was made a cubit less in thickness, a rest was 
 formed on the outside, for the beams of the second story oi 
 chambers to lodge upon, and so for the third. By this con- 
 trivance the upper stories were larger than the lower ; and 
 the wall of the temple was not weakened, either 1 a buildiDf, 
 or by repairing the chambers. It is supposed that there was 
 also a gallery round about, by which the priests entered the 
 chambers ; and that there were no chambers over the en* 
 trance of the temple. (Notes, Ez. 41:5 — 12.) 
 
 V. 7. Every stone was squared, and fitted for its place, 
 
B. C. ' 006 . 
 
 CHAPTER YI. 
 
 B. C. 1005 
 
 right side of the house : and they Jwent up with 
 winding’ stairs into the middle chamber , and out 
 of the middle into the third. 
 
 9 So k he built the house, and finished it ; and 
 covered the house Uvith beams and boards of 
 cedar. 
 
 10 And then he built chambers against all the 
 house, five cubits high : and they rested on the 
 house with timber of cedar. 
 
 11 IT And the word of the Lord came to 
 Solomon, saying, 
 
 12 Concerning this house which thou art in 
 building, ‘if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and 
 execute my judgments, and keep all my command- 
 ments to walk in them ; m then will I perform my 
 word with thee, which I spake unto David thy 
 father : 
 
 13 And "I will dwell among the children of 
 Israel, and “will not forsake my people Israel. 
 
 [ Practical Observation «.] 
 
 14 So rSolomon built the house, and finished it. 
 
 15 And he built the walls of the house within 
 with boards of cedar, *both the floor of the house, 
 and the walls of the ceiling : and he covered them 
 on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of 
 the house with planks of fir. 
 
 16 And he built twentv cubits on the sides of 
 the house, both the floor and the walls, with boards 
 of cedar : he even obuilt them for it within, even 
 for the oracle, even for the most holy place. 
 
 17 And the house, that is, the temple before it, 
 was forty cubits long. 
 
 18 And the cedar of the house within was carved 
 with §knobs and "open flowers: all ' was cedar; 
 there was no stone seen. 
 
 19 And r the oracle he prepared in the house 
 within, *to set there the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord. 
 
 20 And the oracle in the forepart was twenty 
 cubits in length, and ‘twenty cubits in breadth, 
 and twenty cubits in the height thereof; and he 
 overlaid it with '"pure gold; and so covered “the 
 altar which was of cedar. 
 
 21 So Solomon “overlaid the house within with 
 pure gold : and he made a partition rby the chains 
 of gold before the oracle ; and he overlaid it with 
 gold. 
 
 22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, 
 
 • Heb. shoulder. \ Ez. 41:6,7. Ic i4,38. f Or, the vault beams and the ceilings 
 with cedar. 1 2:3,4. 3:14. 8:25. 9:3—6. 1 Sam. 12:14,15. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 
 7:17,18. Ps. 132:12. Zech.3:7. Col. 1:23. m2Sam. 7:13. 1 Chr. 22:10. n8:27. 
 Ex. 25.8. Let. 26:11. Ps. 68:18. 132:12,13. Is. 57:15. Ez. 37:26— 28. 2 Cor. 6: 16. 
 Rev. 21:3. o See on Deut. 31:6,8. 1 Sam. 12:22. 1 Chr. 28:9,20. p 9,38. Acts 
 7:47,48. % Or, from the floor of the house, unto the walls, tfc. 16. ti5,19,20. 
 
 8:6. Ex. 25:21,22. 26:33. Lev. 16:2. 2 Chr. 3:8. Heb. 9:3. § Or, gourds. II Or, 
 openings of flowers, r See on 5. 2 Chr. 4:20. 6 8:6 — 10. Ex. 40:20,21. 2 Chr. 
 5:7. Heb. 9:3,4. tSeeon2,3, H Heb. shut up. u22. 7:48. Ex. 30:1—3. x Ex. 
 26:29,32. 36:34 . 2 Chr. 3:7— 9. y 5. Ex. 26:32,33. 2 Chr. 3:14— 16. z See on 
 
 at the quarry ; so that the temple was erected without noise, 
 or the incumbrance of useless rubbish. Several of these 
 circumstances may shadow forth spiritual things. (P. O.) 
 
 V. 8. There seems to have been a door, in each of the 
 two upper stories, into a gallery, which communicated with 
 all the chambers ; and winding stairs from one story to 
 another. 
 
 V. 10. The chambers were five cubits high in each story ; 
 and thus’they did not go up to the top of the temple, which 
 was thirty cubits high. (3) The windows are supposed to 
 nave been placed above the top of the chambers. (Note, 
 4.) — The beams of cedar lay on the rests in the wall. 
 , Note, 5,6.) 
 
 V. 11—13. This word of the Lord was both an encourage- 
 ment to Solomon to proceed; and an intimation to him, and 
 to Israel, that neither the service performed in building the 
 temple, nor its continuance with them, could secure to them 
 (he Lord’s favour, if they were not obedient to his command- 
 ments : for both king and people stood upon the same terms 
 with God, as they did before the temple was begun. (Notes, 
 9:3—6. Jer. 7:3—15.) 
 
 V.»15 — 22. The inside of the walls of the temple were 
 throughout wainscotted with cedar, ornamented with exqui- 
 site workmanship ; and it was floored with planks of fir, or, 
 as some explain the word, of a very durable kind of cedar : 
 yet both these were covered with plates of solid gold. ( Note, 
 Ez. 41:22.) In the same manner and proportion, as the 
 tabernacle had been, this building was divided into two parts. 
 ( Note, Ex. 26:31 — 33.) “ The oracle,” or “ the most holy place,” 
 m which was the ark of the covenant, with the mercy-seat, 
 and from whence the Lord delivered his answers to the high- 
 priest from above the mercy-seat was twenty cubits square : 
 
 until he had finished all the house : ‘also the whofe 
 altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with 
 gold. 
 
 23 H And within the oracle he made “two cheru- 
 bims of “olive-tree, each ten cubits high. 
 
 24 And five cubits was the one wing of the 
 cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the 
 cherub : from the uttermost part of the one wing 
 unto the uttermost part of the other were ten 
 cubits. 
 
 25 And the other cherub was ten cubits : both 
 the cherubims were of one measure and one 
 size. 
 
 26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, 
 and so was it of the other cherub. 
 
 27 And he set.the cherubims within the inner 
 house : b and “they stretched forth the wings of the 
 cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched 
 the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub 
 touched the other wall ; and their wings touched 
 one another, in the midst of the house. 
 
 28 And he overlaid the cherubims with gold. 
 
 29 And he carved all the walls of the house 
 round about with “carved figures of cherubims. 
 and d palm-trees, and JTopen flowers, within and 
 without. 
 
 30 And “the floor of the house he overlaid with 
 gold, within and without. 
 
 31 H And for the entering of the oracle he made 
 f doors of olive-tree : the lintel and side-posts 
 were S§a fifth part of the wall. 
 
 32 The ""two doors also were of olive-tree ; and 
 he carved upon them carvings of cherubims, and 
 palm-trees, and ""open flowers, and overlaid them 
 with gold, and spread gold upon the cherubims, 
 and upon the palm-trees. 
 
 33 So also made he for the door of the temple, 
 posts of olive-tree, ’“a fourth part of the wall. 
 
 34 And the two doors were of efir-tree : the ‘‘two 
 leaves of the one door were folding, and the two 
 leaves of the other door were folding. 
 
 35 And he carved thereon cherubims, and palm- 
 trees, and open flowers ; and covered them with 
 gold, fitted upon the carved work. 
 
 36 K And he built ‘the inner court with three 
 rows of hewed stone, and a row of cedar beams. 
 
 37 IT In "the fourth year was the foundation of 
 the house of the Lord laid, in the month Zif : 
 
 20. «Gen. 3:24. Ex. 25:18— 22. S7:7— 9. 2Chr.3:10— 13. P«. 18:10. 80:1. I». 
 37:16. Ez. 10:2, Sic. Heb. 1:14. 1 Pet. 1:12. ** Or. oily. Heb. trees of nil. 
 b Ex. 25:20. 37:9. 2 Chr. 5.8. tfOr, the cherubims stretched forth their wings, 
 2 Chr. 3:11. c Ex. 36:8. 2 Chr. 3:14. 4:2—5. Ps. 103:20. 148:2. Luke 2:13,14. 
 Eph. 3:10. Rev. 5:11-14. d Ps. 92:12— U>. Rev. 7:9. Heb. openings of 
 flowers. 18,32. e Is. 54:11,12. 60:17. Rev.^21 :18— 21 . f John 10:9. 14:6. Eph. 
 2:18. Heb. 10:19,20. $§ Or, five square. |||| Or, lenves of the doors. 'ITU Heb. 
 openings of flowers. ** * Or, four square, g 5:8. h Ez. 41 :23 — 25. i Ex. 27:9 
 —19. 38:9-20. 2Chr. 4:9. 7:7. Rev. 11:2. kl. 2 Chr. 3:2. 
 
 it is also said to have been twenty cubits high, though the 
 house was thirty : it was therefore either built or ceiled lower 
 tfian the .vther part of the temple. The veil, which separated 
 the holy d holies, was hung by golden chains on pillars 
 erected for that purpose. (2 Chr. 3:15,16.) — “The altar, 
 by the oracle,’’ was the altar of incense without the veil; in 
 the holy place, which was twice as long as the most holy place. 
 
 V. 23 — 28. These cherubim were the emblems of the 
 angels, as jointly worshipping God our Saviour; and as delight- 
 ing to contemplate the mysteries of redemption. — They were 
 distinct from, and much larger than, those which covered the 
 mercy-seat, and indeed were inseparably united to it. (Notes, 
 Ex. 25:10 — 22.) — They stood erect with “their faces towards 
 the wall;” (2 Chr. 3:13.) and they covered with their out- 
 stretched wings the whole breadth of the most holy place. — 
 The others were of solid gold ; but these of olive-tree covered 
 with gold. 
 
 V. 31 — 35. It is probable, -that, besides the veil, there was 
 another partition between the holy of holies and the sanc- 
 tuary. The veil covered the whole of this : but when that was 
 drawn aside, folding doors, of olive-tree plated with gold, and 
 curiously engraved with cherubim and palm-trees, took up a 
 fifth of the partition, or about four cubits.— The doors at the 
 entrance of the sanctuary were rather larger. 
 
 V. 36. The inner court, at the entrance of the sanctuary, 
 in which the altar of burnt-offering stood, was principally 
 appropriated to the priests, Levites, and those vvhc brought 
 the sacrifices. (Notes, Ex. 27:9 — 19. Ez. 40: 41; 42:) It 
 was separated from the other courts by a wall of hewn stone, 
 but it is supposed that part of it was built of cedar-beams, to 
 leave openings, through which the other worshippers might 
 see the sacrifices offered, and join in the sacred services. 
 
 I 599 j 
 
B. C 992 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 100^ 
 
 38 And in the eleventh year, in the month Bui, 
 (whir h is the eighth month,) was the house ‘finished 
 ’throughout all the parts thereof v and according to 
 all the fashion of it. So was he m seven years m 
 building it. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Solomon builds himself a house , 1 : and the house of the forest of Lebanon., 
 2—5 : the porch of pillars, 6 : the porch of judgment , 7 : the house of Pha- 
 raoh's daughter, 8. The costly materials of these structures, and of' the 
 great court, 9—12. Hiram, a skilful artificer, is fetched from Tyre, 13, 14. 
 He casts two pillars of brass , 15 — 22 : and the brazen sea ; with ten bases, 
 and ten lovers, and other vessels for the temple, 23 — 47. The furniture and 
 sacred vessels of gold are made for the temple, 48 — 50. The dedicated 
 treasures are brought into it, 51. 
 
 B UT Solomon was building his own house 
 “thirteen years, and he finished all his house. 
 2 11 He built also b the house of the forest of 
 Lebanon ; the length thereof was a hundred cubits, 
 and the breadth thereof fifty cubits, and the height 
 thereof thirty cubits, upon four rows of cedar- 
 pillars, with cedar-beams upon the pillars. 
 
 3 And it was covered with cedar above upon 
 the 'beams, that lay on forty-five pillars, fifteen in 
 a row. 
 
 4 And there were “windows in three rows, and 
 ’light was against light in three ranks. 
 
 5 And all the floors and posts were square with 
 the windows : and light was against light in three 
 ranks. 
 
 Ezra 6; 14,15. Zech. 4:9. 6:13 — 15. * Or, with mil the appurtenances thereof, 
 and with all the ordinances thereof . m7:l. Ezra 3 S-— 13. 6:15. John 2:20. 
 
 a 9:10. 2 Chr. 8:1. Ec. 2:4,5. Matt. 6:33. b9:19. 10: 17. 2Cbr. 9:16. Cant. 7:4. 
 * Heb. ribs. 6:5. rnarg. c 5. 6:4. Ia. 54:12. Ez. 40: 16,22,25,29,33,36 . 41 .26. 
 t Heb. sight against eight. } Or, spaces and pillars were square in prospect. 
 
 V. 37, 38. The whole time was seven years and a half ; 
 but the number of whole years alone is mentioned. This is 
 frequently the case. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. Though God does not delight in outward mag- 
 nificence, but is present with his poor people who assemble 
 in the meanest place, and accepts their worship : yet he ex 
 pects that the wealthy should devote their riches to his ser- 
 vice. And whatever is liberally expended, out of zeal for his 
 glory, and according to the rule of his word, shall be graciously 
 accepted ; though perhaps man may censure the expense, as 
 needless or useless. (Notes, Matt . 20:6 — 13. John 12:1 — 8.) — 
 Every good work should be done heartily and without procras- 
 tination : but it is not needless delay to consult prudent mea- 
 sures, to make requisite preparations, and to remove such 
 obstructions, as might afterwards impede our progress, or 
 divert our attention. Thjis, young men, animated with a 
 laudable design to seek the salvation of souls, and impatient 
 to be employed in the work of the ministry, would do well to 
 restrain their ardour, to wait for a proper opening in Provi- 
 dence, and to spend some time in previous study, meditation, 
 and prayer ; that they may acquire the wisdom, experience, 
 humility, and steadiness, requisite for so important a work ; 
 and afterwards proceed in it without interruption, and to 
 better effect : and a few years spent in this manner will no 
 more be lost time, than those which were employed in pre- 
 parations for the building of Solomon’s temple. — Every thing 
 in the church above is conducted in perfect harmony and 
 regularity ; every part of that spiritual temple being made 
 ready for its place, before it is conveyed thither: and the 
 more the church on earth resembles it the better. — The true 
 church of God is most glorious within ; and the true believer 
 is chiefly employed in attending to the state of his heart. — In 
 all religious matters conveniency must be preferred to splen- 
 dour; but stability must not be sacrificed even to apparent 
 conveniency. — No pompous services will purchase a dispen- 
 sation from obeying the least of God’s commandments. All 
 those things in which men, who allow themselves in sin, con- 
 fide, will be found as unavailing, as the temple was to the 
 wicked kings and people of Israel : for nothing but unreserved 
 obedience, to the precepts and statutes of God’s word, can 
 prove the sincerity of our faith, and our love to the Saviour. 
 But though numbers of professors apostatize, and whole na- 
 tions forfeit their peculiar privileges; yet the Lord will dwell 
 in the midst of his true people, and never forsake them ; and 
 they will delight in his ordinances and commandments ; and 
 be encouraged by being told their duty, as it is a token of the 
 Lord’s favour to them. 
 
 V. 14 — 38. What is begun in the fear and love of God, in 
 dependence on him, and obedience to him, will in due time be 
 accomplished to his glory. — God must be honoured with the 
 best we have: but gold is only meet to be trodden under foot, 
 in comparison with the beauty of holiness, which is the glory 
 and ornament of his spiritual temple. — The human nature of 
 the Redeemer, that true Temple iri which God dwells with 
 man, is immaculately holy: the Christian, as united unto 
 Jesus, and “an habitation of God through the Spirit,” is 
 sanctified in his measure : and the church above, where innu- 
 merable angels unite with redeemed sinners, in ceaseless 
 woiship of God our Saviour, is perfect in this beauty. Let 
 iiot then the hypocrite, or formal professor of Christianity, 
 who is a stranger to the sanctifying influences of God’s Spirit, 
 
 ( 600 ) 
 
 6 H And he made a porch of pillars ; the length 
 thereof was fifty cubits, and the breadth thereof 
 thirty cubits: and the porch was ^before them: 
 and the other pillars and the thick beam were 
 before them. 
 
 7 H Then he made d a porch “for the throne where 
 he might judge, even the porch f of judgment: and 
 it was covered with cedar ’’from one side of the 
 floor to the other. 
 
 8 H And his house where he dwelt had ^another 
 court within the porch, which was of the like worlt 
 Solomon made also h a house for Pharaoh’s daugh- 
 ter, whom he had taken to wife, like unto this 
 poych. 
 
 9 All these were of ‘costly stones, according to 
 the measures of hewed stones, sawed with saws, 
 within and without, even from the foundation unto 
 the coping, and so on the outside toward the great 
 court. 
 
 10 And k the foundation teas of costly stones, 
 even great stones; stones of ten cubits, and stones 
 of eight cubits. 
 
 11 And ‘above were costly stones, after the 
 measures of hewed stones, and cedars. 
 
 12 And the great court round about teas with 
 m three rows of hewed stones, and a row of cedar- 
 
 § Or, according to them. || Or, according to them. d 6:3. e 10:18 — 20. 
 Ps. 122:5. Is. 9:7. f3:9,28. Prov. 20:8. H Hub. from floor to floor, g 2 Kings 
 20:4. h See on 3:1. 9:24. 2Chr.8:ll. i 10,11.5:17. k Is. 28:16. 54:11. 
 1 Cor. 3:10,11. Rev. 21:19,20. 1 Eph. 2:20— 22. 1 Pet. 2:5. m See on 6:36. 
 
 and who lives ir secret or open sin, suppose himself a part of 
 this living Temple. — Yet let sinners come to Jesus, as the 
 living Foundation, that they may be built on him, a part of 
 this spiritual house, .consecrated in body and soul to the glory 
 of God. (Notes, Eph. 2:19 — 22. 1 Pet. 2:4 — 6.) — If we have 
 good ground to conclude, that we are a part of this living Tem- 
 ple ; let us look to it, that our inward part, which is seen by 
 God alone, may be preserved most pure ; let us be careful also 
 of our outward conduct, that our blameless conversation may 
 be ornamental to our profession in the sight of man: let us 
 look to Jesus for encouragement and assistance in every ser- 
 vice, and as the great examplar to which we are to be con- 
 formed : and let us by faith behold that glorious company 
 whom we hope soon to join ; that we may now emulate their 
 praises, imitate their obedience, and thus anticipate their com- 
 forts, even in this world of sin and sorrow. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1. Solomon began the tem- 
 ple first, and was most earnest in expediting it ; and therefore 
 it was finished in far less time than his own palace. As he 
 employed twenty years in these buildings; (9:1 0. ) it seems 
 he finished the temple before he began his own house ; though 
 his numerous workmen might have carried on both together. 
 
 V. 2. Some have thought that this palace was built v for 
 retirement, in a beautiful situation near mount Lebanon : but it 
 seems rather to have been erected not far from Jerusalem ; and 
 to have been thus called, either from its airy and lofty situation* 
 or from the cedars of Lebanon of which it was built. For 
 Solomon put the shields of gold “ in the house of the forest of 
 Lebanon :” yet when Shishak came to Jerusalem he seized on 
 them ; and when Rehoboam made brazen ones in their stead, 
 they were carried before him when he went to the house oi 
 the Lord, and brought hack with him to the great chamber* 
 (10:17. 2 Chr. 9:16. 12:9—11.) 
 
 V. 6 — 12. The “ porch of pillars” is supposed to have been 
 a covered portico, in which Solomon’s guards and attendants 
 waited: and “The porch of judgment,” another portico, in 
 which he sat to decide causes. It is not certain, whether 
 “ the porch of pillars,” belonged to “ the house of the forest 
 of Lebanon,” or to the palace in Jerusalem : but it is most 
 probable, that “ the porch for the throne” was at Jerusalem. — 
 The palace seems to have stood within two courts; one 
 nearer to it than “the porch for the throne,” and the other 
 farther off. — The nalace for Pharaoh’s daughter was placed 
 at some distance, “out of the city of David :” ( Note, 2 Chr. 
 8:1 1 .) but it was built with the same magnificence as the other 
 palaces. The costly stones seem to have been large valuable 
 blocks of marble, beautifully squared and polished on every 
 side : and the outer court was surrounded with a wall, like 
 that which separated the court of the temple ; so that the 
 people might look through the rows of the cedar-beams, which 
 were placed at proper distances. These buildings, though 
 magnificent, were intended for use, and not merely for osten- 
 tation : and no doubt they were finished in the best stylo of 
 the architecture of those days. The court round Solomon's 
 own house was built in the same manner as the inner court 
 of the house of the Lord. 
 
 V. 13, 14. Hiram’s mother is in. Chronicles said to have 
 been u of the daughters of Dan ;” (2 Chr. 2:14.) and some 
 think, that Dan was the name of her father: hut probably, 
 she was originally of the tribe of Dan, and lmd first bcetr 
 married to a man of Naphtnli; and, being by him left a 
 widow, had married a Tynan to whom she I Me Hiram, os 
 
B. C. 1005. 
 
 CHAPTER YII. B. C. 1005. 
 
 beams, both for the inner court of the house of the 
 Lord, and for “the porch of the house. 
 
 [Practical Observations.] , 
 
 13 H And king Solomon sent and fetched "Hi- 
 ram out o'’ Tyre. 
 
 14 He was ‘a widow’s son of the tribe of 
 rNaphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a 
 worker in brass; and ihe was filled with wisdom 
 and understanding, and cunning to work all works 
 in brass. And lie came to king Solomon, and 
 wrought all his work. 
 
 15 For he 'cast r two pillars of brass, of eighteen 
 cubits high apiece : and a line of twelve cubits did 
 compass either of them about. 
 
 16 And he made ’two chapiters of molten brass, 
 to set upon the tops of the pillars : the height of 
 the one chapiter was five cubits, and the height of 
 the other chapiter was five cubits : 
 
 17 And nets of checker-work, and Hvreaths of 
 chainwork, for the chapiters which were upon the 
 top of the pillars ; seven for the one chapiter, and 
 seven for the other chapiter. 
 
 18 And he made the pillars, and two rows round 
 about upon the one network, to cover the chapi- 
 ters that were upon the top, with pomegranates: 
 and so did he for the other chapiter. 
 
 19 And the chapiters that ivere upon the top of 
 the pillars were of “lily work in the porch, four 
 cubits. 
 
 20 And the chapiters upon the two pillars Jiad 
 pomegranates also above, over against the belly 
 which was by the network: and the ‘pomegran- 
 ates were two hundred in rows round about upon 
 the other chapiter. 
 
 21 And rhe set up the pillars in ‘the porch of 
 the temple : and he set up the right pillar, and 
 called the name thereof Uachin : and he set up 
 the left pillar, and called the name thereof 
 $Boaz. 
 
 22 And upon the top of the pillars was lily-work: 
 so was the work of the pillars finished. 
 
 23 If And *he made b a molten sea, ten cubits 
 from "the one brim to the other: it was round all 
 about, and his height was five cubits : and a line 
 of thirty cubits did compass it round about. 
 
 24 And under the brim of it round about there 
 were "knops compassing it, ten in a cubit, ‘‘com- 
 passing the sea round about: the knops were cast 
 in two rows when it was cast. 
 
 25 It stood upon "twelve oxen, three looking 
 toward the north, and three looking toward the 
 west, and three looking toward the south, and 
 three looking toward the east : and the sea was 
 
 n John 10:23. Acts 3:11. 5:12. o 40. 2 Chr. 2:13. 4:11. Huram. • Heb. Me 
 sonof a widow woman. p 2 Chr. 2:14. q Ex. 31:2 — 6.35:30 — 35.36:1,2.8. 
 Is. 28:26. Dun. 1:17. f He'o. fashioned, r 2 Kings 25:16,17. 2Chr.3:l5— 
 17. 4:12. Jer. 52:21—23. s Ex.' 36:38. 38:17,19,28 . 2 Chr. 4:12,13. t Ex. 28: 
 14,22,24,25.39:15—18. 2 Kings 25:17. u 22. 6:18,32,35. x 2 Kings 25: 17. 
 
 2 Chr. 3:16. 4:13. Jer. 52:22,23. v 2 Chr. 3:17. Gal. 2:9. Rev. 3:12. z 6:3. 
 Ez. 40:48,49. J That is, He shall establish. 2 Sam. 7:12! Is. 9:7. § That is, 
 
 In it is strength. Ruth 4:21. Is. 45 24. Matt. 16:18. a Ex. 30:13 — 21.38:8. 
 b 2 Kings 25: 13. 2 Chr. 4:2. Jer. 52:17,20. II Heb. his brim to hie brim, c 6: 
 
 Huram, who was called by the name of the king of Tyre. 
 This man, uniting, as it were, the Israelite and the Gen- 
 tile in one person, and being the chief workman in making 
 the furniture of the temple, aptly represented the union of 
 Jews and Gentiles in the Christian church. (Note, Eph. 2: 
 19—22.) 
 
 V. 15 — 22. ( Marg . Ref.) Each of these pillars being 
 
 eighteen cubits in height, the two together would measure 
 thirty-six cubits in length : but one cubit, is supposed to be 
 allowed for the bases. (2 Chr. 3:15.) — The chapiters are, in’ 
 one place, said to have been three cubits in height: but the 
 upper part, covered with decorations, is thought to be there 
 mentioned separately, and to be here included. (16.2 Kings 
 25:17.) — There were four hundred pomegranates in all ; two 
 hundred on each chapiter, in two rows of an hundred each. 
 Perhaps ninety-six of these might be counted on every side : 
 being nearly one half of the whole number on each chapiter : 
 but, as some think, there were ninpty-six smaller pomegra- 
 nates in each row, in four divisions, towards the four quarters 
 of the sky ; and four larger pomegranates were placed between 
 these four divisions. (Jer. 52:23.) — A writer, who completely 
 understood such subjects, would scarcely be able, by words 
 without plates, to convey any adequate ideas of the orna- 
 mental workn.anship described in this chapter. — These pillars 
 wee intended for ornament and for significancy. “ Jachin” 
 .cgnifies, He shall establish : “ Boaz,” In him is strength. 
 
 Marg.) And thus the priests and worshippers were re- 
 Vol. I.— 76 
 
 set above upon them, and all their hinder parts 
 were inward. 
 
 26 And it. was fa handbreadth thick, and thr 
 brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup 
 f with flowers of lilies : it contained ''two thousand 
 baths. 
 
 27 H And lie made ten bases of brass ; four cubits 
 was the length of one base, and four cubits the 
 breadth thereof, and three cubits the height of it. 
 
 28 And the work of the bases ivas on this man- 
 ner : they had borders, and the borders were be- 
 tween the ledges: 
 
 29 And on the borders that ivere between the 
 ledges were 'lions, oxen, and cherubims : and upon 
 the ledges there was a base above : and beneath 
 the lions and oxen were certain additions made of 
 thin work. 
 
 30 And every base had four brazen k wheels, and 
 plates of brass : and the four corners thereof had 
 under%etters : under the laver were undersetters 
 molten, at the side of every addition. 
 
 31 And the mouth of it within the chapiter 
 and above was a cubit : but the mouth thereof 
 was round after the work of the base, a cubit and 
 a half: and also upon the mouth of it were 
 gravings with their borders, four-square, not 
 round. 
 
 32 And under the borders were four wheels; 
 and the axle-trees of the wheels were "joined to the 
 base : and the height of a wheel was a cubit and 
 half a cubit. 
 
 33 And 'the work of the wheels was like the 
 work of a chariot-wheel: their axle-trees, and 
 their naves, and their felloes, and their spokes, 
 were all molten. 
 
 34 And there were four undersetters to the four 
 corners of one base : and the undersetters were of 
 the very base itself. 
 
 35 And in the top of the base ivas there a round 
 compass of half a cubit high : and on the top of 
 the base, the ledges thereof and the borders 
 thereof, were of the same. 
 
 36 For on the plates of the ledges thereof, and 
 on the borders thereof, he “graved cherubims, lions, 
 and palm-trees, according to the "proportion of 
 every one, and additions round about. 
 
 37 After this manner he made the ten bases: all 
 
 of them had one casting, one measure, and one 
 size. • 
 
 38 IT Then made he “ten lavers of brass: one 
 laver contained forty baths : and every laver was 
 four cubits : and upon every one of the ten bases 
 one laver. 
 
 18. Ex. 25:31—36. 37:17— 22. d2C'hr.4:3. e 2 Chr. 4:4. Jer. 52:20. Ez. 1* 
 10. Mall. 28:19. Mark 16:15,16. I.uke 24:47. 1 Cor. 9:9. Her. 4.6,7. f Jer. 52: 
 21. g 19. 6:18.32,35. h 38. 2 Chr. 4:5. Y.i . 45: 14. i 2 Kings 25. 13,16. 2 Chr. 
 4:14. Jer. 52; 17', 20. J See on 25, 6:27. E*. 1:10. 10:14.41:13,19. Rev. 4:6,7 
 k K/. 1:16 — 21.3:13.10:10 — 13. 11 Heb. in the base. 1 Ez. 1:16,18. m29.0. 
 
 29,32,35. Hz. 40:31,37. 41:18— 20,25,26. •• Heb. nakedness, n Ex. 30:17— 21, 
 28.38:8.40:11,12. 2 Chr. 4:6. Zecli. 13:1. Heb. 9:10. 10:22. 1 Jolm 1:7. Rev. 
 714. 
 
 minded to trust only in the Lord, and not in themselves, or in 
 their forms. 
 
 V. 23 — 39. In the tabernacle there had been one laver of 
 brass, at which ihe priests continually washed Ihemselvcs, 
 and the sacrifices. (Note, Ex. 30:18 — 21.) But now the 
 numbers of the priests and Levites were multiplied, and the 
 sacrifices were proportionally increased. Therefore Solomon 
 prepared this brazen sea ; and ten lavers besides, at which the 
 sacrifices were to be washed. These were constantly sup- 
 plied with water by the Nethinim, or the Gibeonites, whowere 
 servants to the priests. (Note, josh. 9:27.) The brazen sea 
 was a very large reservoir, capable ofholding three thousand 
 baths, or about four hundred and fifty hogsheads ; though no 
 more than two thousand were generally put into it. — The 
 knops are supposed to have been in the form of an ox’s head, 
 (2 Chr. 4:3.) and some think that the water flowed out at Ihe 
 mouths of them, or of some of them. — The oxen on which it 
 was placed, might be intended as a protest against the absurd 
 idolatry of worshipping God under an image in that form. 
 — The ten lavers, though generally placed in two rows, 
 in the inner court of the temple, were fixed upon bases, 
 which ran on wheels, that they might be removed as conve- 
 niency required. — The description given of Ihese bases, is 
 very difficult: many of the original words are but seldom used, 
 if at all, elsewhere : and it would be impossible to give a satis- 
 factory explanation of each particular, without labour and pro* 
 lixity, disproportioned to its importance to us. — The likeness 
 ( 601 ) 
 
B. 0. 1.704. 
 
 I. KINGS, 
 
 B. C. 1004, 
 
 39 And he put five bases on the right "side of 
 the house, anti five on the left side of the house : 
 and “he set the sea on the right side of the house 
 eastward, over against the south. 
 
 40 11 And tHiram made '‘the lavers, and sthe 
 shovels, and r the basins. ‘So Hiram made an end 
 of doing all the work that he made king Solomon 
 for the house of the Lord : 
 
 41 The ‘two pillars, and the two bowls of the 
 chapiters that were on the top of the two pillars ; 
 and the u two networks, to cover the two bowls of 
 the chapiters which were upon the top of the pil- 
 lars ; 
 
 42 And four hundred pomegranates for the two 
 networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one 
 network, to cover the two bowls of the chapiters 
 that were upon tthe pillars ; 
 
 43 And the “ten bases, and ten lavers on the 
 bases ; 
 
 44 And rone sea, and twelve oxen unddt the 
 sea ; 
 
 45 And ‘the pots, and the shovels, and the ba- 
 sins : and all these vessels which Hiram made to 
 king Solomon for the house of the Lord, were of 
 ^bright brass. 
 
 46 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast them, 
 in "the clay-ground between “Succoth and b Zar- 
 than. 
 
 47 And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed , 
 ’because they were exceeding many : neither was 
 the weight of the brass "found out. 
 
 48 And Solomon made all the vessels that 
 pertained unto the house of the Lord : ‘the altar 
 of gold, and d the table of gold, whereupon the 
 showbread was, 
 
 49 And e the candlesticks of pure gold, five on 
 the right side, and five on the left, 'before the 
 oracle, with the flowers, and the lamps, and sthe 
 tongs of gold, 
 
 50 And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the 
 basins, and the h spoons, and the ^censers, o/pure 
 gold : and the hinges of gold, both for the doors 
 of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the 
 doors of the house, to wit, of the temple. 
 
 51 So ‘was ended all the work that king Solo- 
 mon made for the house of the Lord. And So- 
 lomon brought in the ^things k which David his 
 father had dedicated : even the silver, and the 
 gold, and the vessels, did he put among the trea- 
 sures of the house of the Lord. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Solomon assembles the elders and princes ; and the priests carry the ark into 
 the most holy place, l — 9. The glory of the Lord Jills the house, 10,11. 
 
 Solomon blesses Israel ; and praises God for performing his word to Da- 
 vid, 12 — 2. He prays, that God would answer the supplications of Israel , 
 
 and of strangers, in aliases, and in all cases in which they shoufa call upon 
 him, towards this his holy temple, 22 — 53. He again praises God, and blesses 
 the people, 54 — 61. He offers very numerous sacrifees, keeps the fea.it 
 fourteen days ; and dismisses the people , who return homt joyful and tharib- 
 ful, 62 — 66. 
 
 T HEN “Solomon b assembled the elders of Israel. 
 
 and all the heads of the tribes, the 'chief of 
 the fathers of the children of Israel, unto king 
 Solomon in Jerusalem, “that they might bring up 
 
 * Heb. shoulder. o 2 Chr. 4:6,10. t Heb. Hiram. See on 13. p See on 
 28. 2 Kings 25:14,15. 2 Chr. 4:8,11 — 16. Jer. 52:18,19. q 45. r Ex. 24:6. 
 
 • Ex. 39:32— 43. t See on 15—22. 2 Chr. 4:12. u 17,18. } Heb. the face of 
 
 the pillars, x 27—39. v See on 23 — 26. z Ex. 27:3. 38:3. Lev. 8:31. 1 Sam. 
 2:13,14. 2 Chr. 4:16. Ez.'46:20— 24. Zech. 14:21. § Heb. brass made bright, 
 or, scoured. || Heb. the thickness of the ground. a Gen. 33:17. b 4:12. 
 Zartanah. Josh. 3: 16. Zaretan. 2 Chr. 4:17. Zeredathah. U Heb. for the ex- 
 ceeding multitude. 2 Chr. 4:18. *’ Heb. searched. 1 Chr. 22:14,16. c Ex. 
 
 30:1—5.37:25—28.39:38.40:26. 2Chr.4:19. d Ex. 25:23— 30. 37:10— 16. 39: 
 
 36. 40:22,23. Lev. 24:5—9. 2Chr.4:8. Ez. 40:39,42. 41 :22. 44:16. Mai. 1:12. 
 I Cor. 10:21. e Ex. 25:31, &c. 37: 17, &c. 39:37. 40:24,25. 2Chr.4:7. Zech. it 
 1—3,11— 14. Matt. 5:14— 16. Rev. 1:20.2:1. f See on 2 Chr. 4:20. g Ex. 25: 
 38. Num. 4:9. h Ex. 25:29. Nura. 7:86. t+ Heb. ash-pans. Lev. 16:12. 2 Chr. 
 4:21,22. i Ex. 40:33. Ezra 6:15. Zech. 4:9. Heb. holy things of David. 
 k 2 Sam. 8:7— 11. 1 Chr. 18:7,8,10,1 1 . 26:26— 28. 28: 1 1—18. 29.2— 8. 2 Chr. 5:1. 
 a 2 Chr. 5:2 b Josh. 23:2. 24:1. 1 Chr. 28:1. 2 Chr. 30:1. Ezra 3:1. * Heb. 
 princes. Num. 7:3. c 2 Sam. 6: 1 ,2,12. 1 Chr. 13: 1—5. 15:3,25. 
 
 of lions, oxen, &c. we shall hereafter find to be undeniably 
 emblematic of the boldness, patience, diligence, and heavenly- 
 mindedness of the ministers of Christ. ( Notes, Ez. 1:5 — 14. 
 Rev. 4:6 — 8.) Oxen and cherubim are both mentioned, (29) 
 which shows they were not the same figures. ( Note , Ez. 10: 
 14.) 
 
 V. 40 — 17. JMarg. Ref. Notes, 15 — 39. — In the plain of 
 Jordan. (46) The. place chosen for casting all these vessels 
 of brass, or copper, was doubtless selected for conveniency, 
 and as best suited for the purpose: and, being at a consider- 
 able distance from Jerusalem, that city would be preserved 
 from the smoke and noxious vapours necessarily occasioned 
 by the process: and all the vessels brought ready for use to 
 the court of the temple. ^6:7.) 
 
 V. 48 — 51. There were ten tables ; (2 Chr. 4:8.) but per- 
 haps one was much larger than the rest, and the showbread 
 was chiefly placed upon it. Every thing was made new for 
 the temple, even the altar for burnt-offerings; (Note, 2 Chr. 
 4:1.) except the ark of the covenant with the mercy-seat and 
 cherubim: for this was the peculiar symbol of the Lord’s pre- 
 sence with his people, as reconciled in Jesus Christ, the one 
 Mediator between God and man. (Notes, Ex. 25:10 — 40. 27: 
 1— S. 30:1—8. Ez. 40:38—44. 41:22. 43:13—17.) Thus 
 under the gospel dispensation, externals of worship are alto- 
 gether changed, but the way of access and acceptance with 
 God is the same. — Most things were multiplied, or enlarged 
 above what they had been in the tabernacle ; but there was 
 but one altar of burnt-offering, and one altar of incense as be- 
 fore. Thus the New Testament dispensation is suited to the 
 promulgation of the gospel, through all nations: but the mul- 
 tiplication of atonements and intercessors is antichristian. — 
 Solomon, having plenty of materials, prepared great quantities 
 of all requisite utensils for the service of the sanctuary, for 
 the benefit of those who should come after him : and he de- 
 posited the remainder of the consecrated treasures in the 
 house of the Lord, for the same purpose in futuro times. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Princes and nobles may be allowed, without 
 censure, to build their houses, and to lay out their estates, as 
 it is suitable to their rank, conveniency, or inclinations : yet 
 they should be reminded that Solomon found it, and they 
 will at length find it all a mere vanity. (Notes, Ec. 2:9 — 
 11.) They should also be cautioned, not to expend too 
 much in that manner, lest they should be straitened in 
 their ability of doing good to others, and glorifying God : 
 (Notes, and P. O. Luke 16:1 — 12.) and likewise not to suf- 
 fer such cares and contrivances to take up their time, or to 
 draw their thoughts and affections off from communion with 
 God, and the care of their souls: for peace of conscience, joy 
 in the Holy Ghost, and the lively hope of a heavenly inherit- 
 ance, are the choicest coinforts; the beauties of holiness are 
 the most valuable ornaments ; and distinguished usefulness 
 ( 602 ) 
 
 is the most honourable and durable testimony to a man’s cha- 
 racter. — When, however, men begin first with the service of 
 God, and are not by other employments taken off from it, or 
 rendered negligent in it, and still return to it for satisfaction ; 
 and when in all their undertakings, they have an eye to the 
 peculiar duties of their stations, as well as to general conve- 
 niency and utility ; we may hope, that the multiplicity of their 
 engagements will not materially injure them: hut they are 
 treading on perilous ground, and have need of peculiar cir- 
 cumspection, watchfulness, and earnestness in prayer. 
 
 V. 13 — 51. It is well when great ingenuity unites with 
 equal integrity ; when entire confidence is proved to have been 
 well placed ; and when every one abounds in the work of the 
 Lord, in proportion as his abilities are enlarged. Yet, in all 
 our services, and after them, we need washing from the guilt 
 and pollution of sin, which defiles us and all we do. Let us 
 therefore bless God for 44 the Fountain” which he has “opened 
 for sin and for uncleanness ;” and which by the preaching of the 
 gospel and the written word, may be conveyed to every part 
 of the earth. — In him also is Strength , and he will establish all 
 who trust in him. Those who depend on their own resolutions, 
 wisdom, or works; who trust in riches, honour, prosperity, or 
 powerful friends ; who worship other gods, or depend on other 
 intercessors; and who presume upon their notions, creeds, or 
 external forms ; can never bo established, but will at lengih 
 sink and perish. But the power of Christ rests upon the hum- 
 ble believer; his arms uphold him : his grace establishes his 
 heart in hope and love; he is his Stability in every trial, and 
 his Sufficiency for every service: and is both able and willing 
 44 to keep him from falling, and to present him faultless before 
 the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy.” He indeed is 
 both the Temple and the Builder ; the Altar and the Sacrifice ; 
 the Light of our souls, and the Bread of life; and is every 
 way adequate to the largest and most numerous wants of the 
 millions who have applied, and shall in faith apply to him. 
 •External images cannot describe, words cannot e:\prcss, the 
 heart cannot conceive, his prccionsness or his love. Let us 
 come to him, and wash away our sins in his blood ; let us 
 seek for the purifying grace of his Spirit ; let us walk in the 
 light of his instructive word, and observe his kind directions; 
 lot us feed upon him daily ‘in our hearts by faith with thanks- 
 giving,’ maintain communion with God the Father, through 
 his intercession, and yield up ourselves and all we have to 
 his service. Tims being 44 strong in the Lord, and in the power 
 of his might,” we shall be 'accepted, useful, and happy; and 
 shall be enabled to do our own work, in our proper places, 
 with fidelity, in a manner consistent with our profession, 
 and to the glory of his name. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VIII. V. 1. (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:1,2. 1 
 Chr. 13:1 — 4.) The temple was in a peculiar manner tho 
 residence of Jehovah in the midst of Israel, when the ark of 
 the covenant was placed in it : and the want of the aik*, after 
 the Babylonish captivity, in the temple then built, in’uuated 
 
B. C. 1004. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 B. C. 1004, 
 
 the ark of the covenant of the Lord d out of the 
 city of David, which is Zion. 
 
 2 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves 
 unto king Solomon “at the feast in the month 
 Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 
 
 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and f the 
 priest took up the ark. 
 
 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord, 
 sand the h tabernacle of the congregation, and all 
 the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even 
 those did the priests and the Levites bring up. 
 
 5 And king Solomon, and all the congregation 
 of Israel that were assembled unto him, were with 
 him before the ark, ‘sacrificing sheep and oxen, 
 that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. 
 
 6 And k the priests brought in the ark of the 
 covevant of the Lord unto ‘his place, into the 
 oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even 
 “'under the wings of the cherubims. 
 
 7 For the cherubims spread forth their two 
 wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubims 
 covered the ark and the staves thereof above. 
 
 8 And they “drew out the staves, that the 
 "ends of the staves were seen out in the ‘holy 
 place before the oracle, and they were not seen 
 without : and there they are “unto this day. 
 
 9 There was '’nothing sin the ark save the two 
 tables of stone, which Moses r put there at Horeb, 
 Uvhen the Lord made a covenant with the chil- 
 dren of Israel, when they came out of the land of 
 
 Egypt. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 10 IT And it came to pass, when the priests 
 were come out of the holy place , that “the cloud 
 filled the house of the Lord, 
 
 11 So that the priests could not stand to 
 
 d 3:15. 2 Sam. 5:7-9. 6:12-17. 1 Chr. 11:7 \5:29. 16:1. Ps. 9: 1 1. 102:21. Is. 
 28:16. 4G ; 1 3 . 1 Pet. 2:6. e l.ev. 23:34. Num. 29:12. &c. Dent. 16:13. 2 Chr. 5:3. 
 7:8—10. Ezra 3:4. Neh.8:14— 18. Zech. 14.16—19. John 7:2,37,38. f Num. 4: 
 15. Deut. 31:9. Josh. 3:3,6,14,15. 4:9. 6:6. 1 Chr. 15:2,1 1—15. 2 Chr. 5:5— 8. 
 g 3:4. 2 Chr. 1:3. h See on Ex. 40:2-33. i 62,63. 2 Sam. 6:13. 1 Chr. 16:1. 
 k 4. 2 Chr. 5:7. 1 6:19. Ex. 26:33,34. 40:20,21. m 6:27. Ex. 25:20— 22 37:9. 
 I Sam. 4:4. 2 Sam. 6:2. Ps. 80:1. 99:1. Is. 37:16. Ez. 10:5. u Ex. 25:14,15. 
 37:4,5.40:20. * Heb. heads, t Or, ark. 2 Chr. 5:9. o Josh. 4:9. Matt. 28: 
 
 15. p Ex. 25:21. Deut. 10:2. 2Chr.5:10. q Ex. 16:33. Num. 17:10. Heb. 
 9 4. r Ex. 40:20. Deut. 10:5. 31:26. * Or, whe> e. 21. Ex. 24.8. 34:27,28. 
 
 Deut. 4:13. s Ex. 13:21. 14 .24. 16:10. 24: 1G— 18 . 40:34,35. Lev. 16:2. Num. 9: 
 15. 2 Chr. 513,14. 7:1 — 3. Ez. 10:4. Rev. 15:8. t Lev. 9:6,23. Ez. 43:2,4,5. 
 44 : 4 . John 1:14. Acts 7:55. 2 Cor. 3:18. 4 6. Rev. 21:11,23. u Deut. 411. 
 I Chr. 6:1.2. Ps. 18:8— 11 . 97:2. v Ex. 20:21. Deut. 5:22. Heb. 12:18. 
 
 that that dispensation was ready to vanish away. Solomon’s 
 undertaking therefore was incomplete, and the temple lacked 
 its chief glory, (notwithstanding all its gold and exquisite 
 workmanship,) until the ark was removed thither, and fixed 
 in the most holy place. This therefore he took care to per- 
 form, according to the law, and in the most public and solemn 
 manner. — Mount Moriah, on which the temple was built, 
 was near to the city of David, on mount Zion where the ark 
 was before placed; but was distinct from it. (Notes, 1 Chr. 
 21:18—30. 22:1. 2 Chr. 3:1,2.) 
 
 V. 2. This was about eleven months after the temple was 
 oompleted. The intervening time was doubtless employed ill 
 getting every thing ready for the solemnity; and the time 
 which was chosen coincided with the feast of tabernacles, 
 which ensured the presence of multitudes of the most zea- 
 lous and pious Israelites, along with the elders and chief 
 persons. (2 Chr. 7:8,9. Note, 63 — 65.) 
 
 V. 3. The Levites of Kohath’s family were appointed to 
 carry the ark ; and the priests were of that family : on the 
 most solemn occasions, therefore, the priest performed this 
 service. (Notes, Num.T'A — 9. fosh. 3:3,4. 2 Sam. 6:12,13. 
 1 Chr. 15:15. 2 Chr. 5:2—5.) 
 
 V. 4. It is probable, that noth the ancient tabernacle 
 which Moses had made, and that which David had formed at 
 Jerusalem, were brought up to the temple, and, with all their 
 vessels and furniture, deposited in its treasuries, * to avoid 
 all danger of superstition and idolatry; and that no worship 
 might be performed any where, but only at this house of God, 
 which he’ (Solomon) ‘now dedicated to him.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, 2 Kings 18:4.) Thus the Mosaic dispensation after- 
 wards resigned up all its honours to the Christian ; and thus 
 the knowledge and grace of the church on earth will be ab- 
 sorbed and lost in the vision and glory of heaven. 
 
 V. 5. The altar of burnt-offering, which Solomon had 
 orepared, seems to have been covered with sacrifices, without 
 any fire under them : and when Solomon had ended his 
 prayer, the fire came down from heaven and consumed them. 
 (Note, Lev. 9:24. 2 Chr. 7:1 — 3.) But there might also be 
 other sacrifices on the former altar, and likewise temporary 
 altars erected, with all suitable preparations for so extraordi- 
 nary an occasion. (Note, 63—65.) 
 
 V. 6. (Marg. Ref.) — Oracle.] tOI, from (iTi to speak ;) 
 Decause from above the mercy-seat the Lord spake, when the 
 ulers inquired of him by the high-priest. 
 
 minister because of the cloud : ‘for the glory jf 
 the Lord bad filled the house of the Lord. 
 
 12 H Then spake Solomon, “The Lord sail, 
 that he would dwell in ’the thick darkness. 
 
 13 I have “surely built thee a house to dwell 
 in, fa settled place lor thee to abide in for ever. 
 
 14 And the king turned his face about, and 
 “blessed all the congregation of Israel : and “all 
 the congregation of Israel stood : 
 
 15 And be said, b Blessed be the Lord God of 
 Israel, “which spake with his mouth unto David 
 my father, and d hath with his hand fulfilled it, 
 saying, 
 
 16 Since “the day that I brought forth my 
 people Israel out of Egypt, ‘I chose no city out of 
 all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that smy 
 name might be therein ; but h l chose David to be 
 over my people Israel. 
 
 17 And ’it was in the heart of David my father 
 to build a house for the name of the Lord God 
 of Israel. 
 
 18 And the Lord said unto David my father, 
 k Whereas it was in thy heart to build a house 
 unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thy 
 heart. 
 
 19 Nevertheless ‘thou shalt not build the house ; 
 but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, 
 he shall build the house unto my name. 
 
 20 Ana the Lord “hath performed his word 
 that he spake, and I am risen up in the room of 
 David my father, and sit on ihe throne of Israel, 
 as the Lord promised, and have built a house 
 for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 
 
 21 And ”1 have set there a place for the ark, 
 wherein is °the covenant of the Lord, which he 
 
 x 2 Sam. 7:13. 1 ( hr. 17:12. 22:10,11. 28:6 10,20 . 2 Chr. 6:2. v Ps. 78:68.69. 
 132:13,14. John 4:21 — 23. Acts 6:14. Ileb. 8.5— 13. 9:1 1,12,21. i 55.56. Josh 
 2-2:6. 2 Sam. 6:18. 1 Chr . 16:2. 2 Chr. 6:3. 30:18- -20. Ps. 118:20. Luke24:50, 
 51. a 2 Chr. 7:6. Neh. 8:7. 9:2. Matt. >3:2. j 1 Chr. 29:10,20. 2 Chr. 6 : 4 . 
 20:26. Neh. 9:5. Ps. 11:13. 72:18,19. 115:18. 117:1.2. Luke 1:68. Ei,h. 1:3. 
 
 1 Pet. 1:3. c 2 Sam. 7:25/28,29. 1 i hr. 17:12. Is. 1:20. Luke 1:70. d Jo«h. 
 21:45.23:15,16. Ps. 138:2. Matt. 24:35. Luke 1:54 ,55,72. e See on 2 Sam. 7: 
 6,7. 2 Chr. 6:5. f 1 Chr. 17:5,6. Ps. 132: 13. g See on 29. 11 :36. 2 Kings 23 
 27. Neh. 1:9. Jer. 7:12 Dan. 9:19. h 1 Sam. 16: 1 . 2 Sam. 7:8. 1 ( hr. 28:4. 
 Ps. 78:70. 89:19,20. i2Sarn.7:2,3. 1 Chr. 17:1 ,2. 22:7. 28:2. k 2 Chr. 6:7,8. 
 
 2 Cor. 8: 12. 15:3—5. 2Sam. 7:5,12,13. 1 Chr. 17:4 .1 1 ,12. 22:8— 10. 28:6. 
 
 /n Seeon 15. Neh. 9:8. Is. 9:7. Jer. 29:1(1,11,29. Ez. 12:2-5. 37:14. Mic. 7 20. 
 Rom. 4:21. Phil. 1:6. n£eeon5,6. o 9. Ex. 31:28. Deut. 9:9,11. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. The cherupim, here mentioned, do not mean 
 those made of solid gold, in the days of Moses, shadowing 
 the ark, which were inseparable from the mercy-seat ; ( Note, 
 Ex. 25:10 — 21.) but those which Solomon had just prepared 
 in the most holy place. (Note, 6:23 — 28.) The ends of the 
 slaves might be seen in the holy of holies, but not in the 
 outer sanctuary. The ark now came toils resting place, and 
 it continued in the same situation, when this history was 
 written. — Aaron’s rod, the pot of manna, and the copy of 
 the law, were by, but not within , the ark. (Note, Heb. 
 9:1—5.) 
 
 V. 10 — 14. All the priests and Levites attended the 
 removal of the ark, and sang solemn praises upon the occa- 
 sion, with the sound of trumpets and instruments of music. 
 (Notes, 2 Chr. 5:11 — 13.) But when the ark, as the symbol 
 of Jehovah’s presence, had taken possession of the temple, 
 the cloud filled the whole of it, so that the priests could no 
 longer continue in it. The “ thick darkness” represented the 
 comparative obscurity and terror of that dispensation ; and the 
 darkness, which in this world rests upon all our inquiries into 
 the things of God and of eternity. “ God indeed is Light, and 
 with him is no darkness at all :” but we sinners cannot approach 
 or endure that light, except as seen in the person of Jesus 
 Christ. (Marg. Ref. u, v. Notes , 2 Cor. 4:5,6. 1 'Tim. 6:13 
 — 16. 1 John 1:5 — 7.) This thick darkness, whilst it terrified 
 others, assured Solomon of the divine favour, and that the 
 temple which he had built would be the residence of the ark, 
 and the centre of the worship of Israel, for generations to 
 come : and with these assurances he encouraged the people ; 
 he congratulated them on this renewed token of the Lord’s 
 former favours to Israel ; and he pronounced a solemn and 
 affectionate blessing on them. (Note, 2 Sam. 6:18,19.) — 
 Similar evidences of the Lord’s gracious presence, and of his 
 awful glorv, had been vouchsafed, when ihe tabernacle was 
 erected: (Notes, Ex. 40:34,35. Lev. 16:2.) and it is not easy 
 to distinguish with accuracy between the cloud, and the glory 
 of God which filled the house. It may, however, be observed, 
 that at the close of Solomon’s prayer, the fire burst forth from 
 the cloud and consumed the sacrifices on the altar. (Note+ 
 2 Chr. 7:1—3.) 
 
 V. 15 — 21. In this introductory address, while Solomon 
 adored and blessed God, with lively gratitude, for performing 
 his promises: he also reminded the people of several particu- 
 lars, which were well suited to affect their hearts, and prepare 
 ( 603 ) 
 
D C. 1004. 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 1004. 
 
 iivde with our fathers,, when he brought them out 
 
 of the land ol Egypt. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 22 If And Solomon Pstood before the altar' of 
 the Lord, in the presence of all the congregation 
 of Israel, and ^spread forth his hands toward 
 heaven : 
 
 23 And he said, r LoRD God of Israel, there is 
 •no god like thee, in heaven above, or on earth 
 beneath, ‘who keepest covenant and mercy with 
 thy servants that “walk before thee with all their 
 heart : 
 
 24 Who hast kept with thy servant David my 
 father that thou promisedst him : Hhou spakest 
 also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with 
 thy hand, as it is this day. 
 
 25 Therefore now, Lord God of Israel, y keep 
 with thy servant David my father that thou pro- 
 misedst him, saying, ’There shall not fail thee a 
 man in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel ; 
 tso that z thy children take heed to their way, that 
 they walk before me as thou hast walked before 
 me. 
 
 26 And now, a O God of Israel, b let thy word, I 
 pray thee, be verified, which thou spakest unto 
 thy servant David my father. 
 
 27 But “will God indeed dwell on the earth? 
 Behold d the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot 
 contain thee; how much less this house that I 
 have budded ? 
 
 p 2 Kings 11:14.23:3. 2 Chr. 6:12,13. q Ex. 9:29,33. Sec or. 2Chr.6:10. Ezra 
 8:5. Job 11:13. Is. 28:2. 63:4. Is. 1:15. lTim.2:8. r Gen. 33:20. Ex. 3: 15. 
 sEx. 15:11. 1 Sam. 2:2. 2 Sara. 7:22. Ps. 35:10. 86:8. 89:6— 8. 1 13:5. Is. 40:18, 
 25. Jer. 10:6,16. Mic. 7:18. t Deut.7:9. Neh. 1:5. 9:32. Ps. 89:3— 5. Dan. 9:4. 
 Mic. 7:19,20. Luke 1:72. u 2:4 . 3:5. 6: 12. Iren. 17: 1. 2 Kings 20:3. X See on 
 15. 2 Sam. 7:12. 2 Chr. 6:14,15. j 2:4. 2 Sara, 7:27— 29.' 1 Chr. 17:23— 27. 
 Luke 1:68 — 72. * Heb. There shall not be cut off unto thee a man from my 
 
 fight. Jer. 33:17 — 26. f Heh. only if. z 2:4. 9:4— 6. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2Chr.6:16, 
 17. a 23. Ex. 24:10. 1 Sam. 1:17. Ps. 41:13. Is. 41 : 17. 45:3. b2Sam.7:23 
 
 —29. 2 Chr. 1:9. Jer. 11:5. Ez. 36:36,37. c2Chr.6:18. Is. 66:1. John 1:14. 
 
 Acts 7:48,49. 17:24. 2Cor.6:16. 1 John 3:1. d Deut. 10:14. 2 Chr. 2:6. Ps. 113: 
 4. 139:7— 16. Jer. 23:24. 2 (or. 12:2. e2Chr.6:I9. Ps. 141:2. Dan. 9:17— 19. 
 Luke 18:1,7. fPs. 4:l. 5:1.86:3,6,7. 88:1,2. g 52. 2 Kings 19:16. 2 Chr. 6:20, 
 
 them to unite with understanding in the solemn services of 
 that interesting occasion. The Lord had by Moses declared 
 his purpose of selecting one place for his sanctuary, where he 
 might u record his name,” and meet and bless his worshippers: 
 but hitherto no temple had been built, and the tabernacle and 
 ark had been removed from one place to another. ( Notes , 
 Ex. 20:21 — 25. Deut. 12:5 — 7. 2 Sam. 7:5 — 16.) — David, his 
 chosen king, was indeed accepted in his design of erecting a 
 temple : yet he was not allowed to accomplish his purpose. 
 But at length, according to the promise of God to him, his 
 son had completed the temple, and had brought the ark into 
 the most holy place. — The tables of the law are called the 
 covenant , because the covenant with Israel at Sinai was* 
 grounded on them. (Note, Ex. 25:10 — 22.) 
 
 V. 22. A scatfold had been prepared in the court of the 
 temple ; and on this Solomon stood up to bless and instruct 
 the people, and then he kneeled down upon it, to offer the 
 following most copious and comprehensive prayer. (2 Chr. 6: 
 x3.) To this reverential posture he also added the spreading 
 forth of his hands towards heaven, as expressive of the fer- 
 vour of his heart, and the largeness of his expectations, in 
 this act of worship. ( Marg . Ref. q.) — The king of Israel 
 never looked more glorious than on this occasion. Doubtless 
 his personal performance of this service gave it a peculiar 
 solemnity, and greatly alfected the people: (Note, 2 Kings 
 23:2.) but he was also a type of Christ, who is at once our 
 King and our Intercessor. — It is most probable, that he 
 prayed from a full heart, without any precomposed form of 
 words : but not without having seriously and fully considered 
 the various blessings for which he should pray. 
 
 V. 23, 24. Solomon, in opening his prayer, addressed the 
 Lord, with reference to his essential perfections, and relations 
 to all his rational creatures ; and, as the God of Israel, the 
 sole object of their worship, the Author of their peculiar 
 mercies, a God in covenant with them, and the eternal Portion 
 of his believing obedient people. Other nations had their 
 imagined deities, whom they worshipped and confided in ; but 
 they were not like the God of Israel, who had evidently per- 
 formed all his covenant engagements to his u servants, that 
 walked before him with all their heart especially in his 
 recent dealings with David and his family. (Marg. Ref. s, t. 
 Notes , Ex. 15:11. Deut. 33:26 — 28. 2 Sam. 7:8 — -16.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. As the Lord had thus far performed his pro- 
 mises to David, in placing his son on his throne, and in 
 enabling him to build him a house ; Solomon took occasion to 
 plead for the accomplishment of the other promises, respect- 
 ing the perpetuity of the succession in his posterity: but this 
 was conditional ; and his petition implied a prayer, that they 
 might be directed and inclined to walk before God, as David 
 had done, and in such a manner as might ensure that event. 
 ( Notes, 1 Chr. 28:7—9. 211:10 — 19. Ps. 89:19—37.) 
 
 V. 27. Solomon was deeply sensible, and ho would have 
 
 ( 004 ) 
 
 28 Yet "have thou respect unto the prayer ol 
 thy servant, and to his supplication, O Lord 
 my God, to f hearken unto the cry, and to the 
 prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to- 
 day : 
 
 29 That etliine eyes may be open toward this 
 house night and day, even toward the place ol 
 which thou hast said, h My name shall be there: 
 that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer which 
 thy servant shall make Howard this place. 
 
 30 And hearken thou to the supplication of thy 
 servant, and of thy people Israel, ‘when they shall 
 pray Howard this place : k and hear thou in heaven 
 thy dwelling place : and when thou hearest, ’for 
 
 glV6. [Practical Observations."] 
 
 31 H If any man m trespass against his neighbour, 
 and "an oath be laid upon him to cause him to 
 swear, and “the oath come before thine altar in 
 this house : 
 
 32 Then “hear thou in heaven, and do, and 
 judge thy servants, Pcondenming the wicked, to 
 bring his way upon his head ; and ^justifying the 
 righteous, to give him according to nis righteous’ 
 ness. 
 
 33 U When thy people Israel be r smitten down 
 before the enemy, “because they have sinned 
 against thee, and shall ’turn again to thee, and con- 
 fess thy name, and “pray, and make supplication 
 unto thee ”111 tiiis house : 
 
 40. 7:15. 16:9. Neh. 1:6. P«. 34:15. Dan. 9:18. h 16.43. marg. 11:36. Ex.20i 
 24. Deui. 12:11. 16:2,6. 26:2. 2 Kings 21 :4,7. 23:27. 2 Chr. 6:5,6,20. 7 16. 20- 
 8. 33:4,7. Nell. 1:9. John 14:13,14. < Or, in this place. Dan. 6:10. i 2 Chr. 20: 
 8,9, Neh. 1:5,6. § Or, in this place, k 34,36,39,43,49. 2 Chr. 6.21. Ps. 33:13,14. 
 113:5,6. 123:1. Ec. 5:2. Is. 57:15. Matt. 6:9. 1 34,36,39. 2 Chr. 7:14. Ps. 130: 
 
 3,4. Dan. 9:19. Matt. 6: 12. m 2 Chr. 6:22,23. II Hen. he require an oath of him. 
 Ex. 22:8 — 11. Lev. 5:1. Pro?. 30:9. nNum.5;16 — 22. o See on k. 30. pNnm. 
 5:27. Deut. 25:1. Prov. 1:31. Is. 3:10,11. Ez. 18:13,30. Rom. 2:6— 10. q Ex. 
 23:7. Prov. 17; 15. Ez. 18:20. r Lev. 26:17, 25. Deut. 28:25,48. Josh. 7:8. 2 Chr. 
 6:24,25. Ps. 44:10. s Josh. 7:11,12. Judg. 6:1,2. 2 Kings 17:7— 18. 18:11 ,12. 
 2 Cltr. 36:14— 17. t Lev. 26:40,41. Neh. 1 :9. Jon. 3:10. u Ezra 9:5, &c. Neh. 
 9:1,3, Slc. Ia. 63:15 — 19. 64: &c. Dan. 9:3, &c. H Or, toward. 30, 
 
 the people seriously consider, that the most magnificent tem- 
 ple was no meet habitation for the infinite God. The ark 
 might abide in it, and the Lord might thence display his gra- 
 cious presence with his worshippers ; which, contrasting his 
 majesty, purity, and justice, with their meanness, guilt, and 
 pollution, was a condescension that could not be sufficiently 
 admired: but “the heaven of heavens,” the glorious mansion 
 of angels and archangels, could not contain , or circumscribe , 
 his essential presence. (Notes, Is. 57:15,16. 66:1,2. John 1:1 — 
 3,14. Acts 7:44—50. Eph. 2:19—22. Col. 2:8,9. Rev. 21:1—4.) 
 
 V. 28 — 30. The Lord was not essentially more present in 
 the temple than elsewhere ; and the full displays of his glory 
 were made in heaven, his throne and his dwelling-place: yet 
 he had “ recorded his name” in the temple ; and it was a pe- 
 culiar type of the human nature of Christ, in whom the divine 
 perfections are revealed, as harmonizing in the salvation of 
 believers; and in whom “God is reconciling the world to 
 himself,” dwelling among men, and accepting the services 
 and answering the prayers of all true believers. — The sacri- 
 fices continually offered, the incense burnt, and the whole 
 service performed at the temple, were typical of the Re- 
 deemer’s offices, oblation, and intercession. The temple, 
 therefore, must be continually adverted to ill all their 
 prayers. — Accordingly, the Israelites, when far distant from 
 Jerusalem, were accustomed to turn their faces towards it, 
 as expressive of their dependence on the services there per- 
 formed by the priests, and of their communion with the 
 worshippers of Jehovah: and when they were near it, they 
 resorted thither to present their supplications. (Marg. Ref. 
 g, h. Notes, Dan. 6:10,11. Jon. 2:3,4.) — Thus Solomon 
 besought God, that in answer to the prayer which ho that 
 day offered, he would in all future ages regard the templo 
 with his peculiar favour, and hear the prayers of all who 
 should present them towards it, wheresoever they were, or 
 whatever were their distresses. (Luke 1:8 — 10.) Under one 
 word, “forgive,” he comprised all that he could ask in behalf 
 of his people; for, as all misery springs from sin; forgiveness 
 of sin must prepare the way for the removal of every evil, 
 and the communication of every good ; and without it, no 
 deliverance can eventually prove a blessing. ( Notes , Ps. 
 32:1,2. Rom. 4:6— 8.) 
 
 V. 31, 32. In case a man should bo accused of defrauding 
 or robbing his neighbour ; and decisive evidence being want- 
 ing to prove whether he wore or were not guilty ; an appeal 
 should be made by oath, at or towards the allur, before tho 
 temple, to the heart-searching God, that lie was innocent; 
 or in any other case in which this solemn appeal was made; 
 Solomon prayed, that the Lord would interpose, in soino 
 evident manner, to discovor and punish the guilty, and to 
 clear up tho character and recompense tho integrity of the 
 innocent. (Notes, Ex. 22:7—18. Num. 5:22 — 31. Matt. 
 23:16—22.) 
 
a c. 1004. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 34 Then hear thou in heaven, and 'forgive the 
 sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again 
 unto the land Jwhich thou gavest unto their 
 fathers. 
 
 35 H When 'heaven is shut up, and there is no 
 rain, because they have sinned against thee ; “if 
 they pray toward this place, and b confessthy name, 
 
 S nd ‘turn from their sin, when thou afflictest 
 lem : 
 
 36 Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the 
 sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that 
 d thou teach them 'the good way wherein they 
 should walk, and f give rain upon thy land which 
 thou hast given to thy people tor an inheritance. 
 
 37 H It there be sin the land famine, if there be 
 pestilence, blasting, mildew, locust, or if there be 
 caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land 
 of their 'cities, whatsoever plague, whatsoever 
 sickness there be ; 
 
 38 What h prayer and supplication soever be 
 made by any man, or by all thy people Israel, which 
 shall know every man ‘the plague of his own heart, 
 and Jspread forth his hands toward this house : 
 
 39 Then k hear thou in heaven thy dwelling- 
 place, and forgive, and do, and 'give to every man 
 according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest ; 
 (for m thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of 
 all the children of men ;) 
 
 40 That they may “fear thee all the days that 
 
 i See on 30. Ezra 1:1— 6. Ps. 106:47. Jer. 31 :4— 9,27. 32:37. 33:10— 13. Dan. 9: 
 2,19,25. Am. 7:2. y Gen. 13: 15. Ex. 6:8. Josh. 21:43. zI7:l. Lev.26:19. Deut. 
 11:17. 28:12,23.24. '2 Sam. 24:13. Jer. 14:1—7. Ez. 14:13. Mai. 3.10. Luke 4:2# 
 Rev. 11:6. a 33. 2Clir. 6:24,26. Rom. 10:9. 15:9. b 29.30. Joel 1:13—20.2:15— 
 17. c33. Is. 1:15,16. 9:13. Ez. 18:30— 32. Hos. 14:1. d Ps . 25:4,5,12. 27:11. 32:8. 
 91:1-2. 119:33. 143:8. Is. 35:8. Mic. 4:2. el Sam. 12:23. 2Chr. 6.26,27. Is. 30: 
 21. Jer. 6:16. 42:3. Malt. 22:16. f 18: 1 ,27— 40,45. Ps.68:9. Jer. 14:22. Jam. 
 5:17, IS. s Lev. 25: 16.25.26. Deut. 28-21,22,25,38— 42,52— 61. 2 Kings 6:25— 29. 
 1 Cbr. 21:12. 2 Chr. 6:28— 31 . 20:9. Ps. 105:34,35. Jer. 32:2. 39:1—3. Ez. 14:21. 
 Joel 1:4—7 . 2:25.26. ■ Or Jurisdiction. h2Chr. 20:5—13. Ps. 50:15. 91:15. 
 la. 37:4,15—- 21. Joel 2:17. vm.7:l— 6. i 2 Chr. 6:29. Jot. 7: 1 1 . Ps. 32:3,4. 42: 
 6,9,11. 73:21,22. 142:3-5. Prov. 14:10. Rom. 7:24. Pl.il. 4:6. j See on -22. Is. 
 1:15. k See on 32,36. I Ps. 18:20—26 . 28:4. Jer. 17:10. 32:19. Ez. 18:30. Rev. 
 22:12. m 1 Sam. 16:7. I Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 6:30. Ps. 11:4,5. John 2:25. 21 : 17. 
 Acts 1:24. Heb. 4:13. Rev. 2:23. n Gen. 22:12. Ex. 20:20. Deut. 6:2,13. 1 Sam. 
 12:24. Ps. 115:13. 130:4. Jer. 32:39,40. Hoe. 3:5. Acts 9:31. 10:2. Heb. 12:28, 
 *9. Rev. 15:4. 19:5. o 10:1,2. Ruth 1 :16. 2:11 . 2 Chr. 6:32. Is. 56:3— 7. Matt. 
 1:5,10,11. 15:22— 28. Luke 17:18. John 12:20: Acts 10:1— 4. p 10:1,2. Ex. 18: 
 
 V. 33, 34. The Israelites would not be “ smitten down,” 
 or taken prisoners, by their enemies, except they sinned 
 against God : and, notwithstanding their temple, altar, and 
 sacrifices, they could not expect deliverance, or restoration 
 from captivity or bondage, without repentance and turning to 
 the Lord ; without confessing their relations and obligations 
 to him, and their sins against him ; and without offering their 
 supplications towards the temple, to him who dwelt upon a 
 mercy-seat between the cherubim. (Notes, Joe' . /:10— 18. 
 Dan. 9:2—20.) 
 
 V. 35, 36. Marg. Ref. Notes, 17:1. 18:36—40. Jer. 14:1 
 — 6.— That thou, he. (36) In addition to all the teaching 
 of the written word, and the instructions of the priests, Le- 
 vites, and prophets, Solomon entreated the Lord himself to 
 teach the people to profit by their advantages and their 
 chastisements : for this would make way for forgiveness, and 
 consequently for returning plenty and prosperity. — The same 
 words are rendered in Chronicles, “ When thou hast taught 
 them the good way in which they should walk.” (2 Chr. 
 6:26,27.) — The divine teaching particularly respects this 
 “good way in which we ought to walk,” and not merely no- 
 tions and speculations. 
 
 V. 37. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 38. The plague, &c.] That is, “His own sore, and 
 his own grief.” 2 Chr. 6:29. (Note, Prov. 14:10.) The 
 former petitions particularly respected public judgments and 
 distresses; but this passage related to private afflictions and 
 trials, and whatever should fill the heart and conscience of 
 any individual-with anguish and dismay. — This interpretation 
 doubtless includes, though it is not confined to, that meaning 
 which is very frequently given to the expression, “the plague 
 of his own heart;” namely, the prevalence of in-dwelling sin, 
 which as a plague or pestilential disease, is the grief and sore 
 of every true believer ; and in connexion with the guilt which 
 in consequence accumulates upon his conscience, brings him 
 day by day, to offer his fervent prayers and supplications be- 
 fore the mercy-seat of a forgiving God. 
 
 V. 39. (Notes, John 2:23—25. II eh. 4:12,13. Rev. 2:20— 
 23, v. 23.) The Lord, “who only knoweth the hearts of the 
 children of men, ’ could exactly distinguish between the hypo- 
 crite, and the upright penitent believer: and would deal with 
 each, according to the covenant of mercy and grace through 
 the promised Saviour, forgiving and doing all good to the one, 
 and leaving the other under condemnation. 
 
 V. 40. As “there is no man that sinneth not,” (46) so 
 no man could worship a holy God, “ if there were, not for- 
 giveness with him.” (iVotes, Gen. 22:11,12. Ps. 130:3,4.) 
 Unless this was clearly revealed, that reverential fear, which 
 
 B. C. 100* 
 
 they live in the land which thou gavest unto out 
 fathers. 
 
 41 H Moreover, concerning “a stranger that w 
 not of thy people Israel, but rcometh out of a far 
 country lor thy name’s sake; 
 
 42 (For tthey shall hear of thy 'great name, 
 and of 'thy strong hand, and of thy stretched-out 
 arm ;) 'when he shall come and pray towards this 
 house ; 
 
 43 Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, 
 and do according to all that the stranger calleth 
 to thee for: “that all people of the earth may know 
 thy name, to 'fear thee, as do thy people Israel: 
 and that they may know that 'this house which I 
 have builded is called by thy name. 
 
 44 II If thy people Jgo out to battle against 
 their enemy, 'whithersoever thou shalt send 
 them, and “shall pray unto the Lord Howard b the 
 city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house 
 that I have built for thy name. 
 
 45 Then hear thou in heaven their prayer and 
 their supplication, and maintain their cause. 
 
 [Practical Observations.] 
 
 46 If they sin against thee, (for Hhere is no 
 man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with 
 them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they 
 carry them away captives d unto the land of the 
 enemy, tar or near ; 
 
 47 Yet e if they shall "bethink themselves in the 
 
 8— 12. 2 Kings 5:1—7,16,17. Is. 60:1— 10. Matt. 2:1. 12:42. Acts 8:27, Sc. q Ex. 
 15:14,15. Deut. 4:6. Josh. 2:10,11. 9:9,10. 2 Chr. 32:31. Dan. 2:47. 3:28. 4:37. 
 r Ex 3:13— 16. 34:5—7. Josh. 7:9. l>s. 86:8,9. Ez.20:9. s Ex. 3:19,20. 9:15,16. 
 13:14. Deut. 3:21. 11:2,3. 2 Kings 17:36. Ps. 89:13. 136:12. Is. 51:9. 63:12. Jer. 
 3111. 32:17. t Is. 66:19,20. Jer. 3:19. Zech. 14:1S. Acts 8:27. u 1 Sam. 17:46. 
 2 Kings 19:19. 2 Chr. 6:33. Ps. 21:27. 67:2. 72:10,11. 86:9. Is. 11:9. Rev. 11:15. 
 x Ps. 102:15. 117: t Heb. thy name, is called upon t/tie house. 29. v Deut. 20: 
 1—4. 31:3—6. Josh. 1:2—5. 2 Chr. 6:31. zNum. 31:1, tic. Josh. 6:2— 5. 8:1, 
 2. Judg. 1:1,2. 4:6. 6:14. 1 Sam. 15:3—18. 30:8. 2 Sam. 5:19,23. a 2 Chr. 14: 
 
 9— 12. '18:31. 20:6— 13. 32:20. 4 Heb. the way of the city. bSeeonl6. Ps. 
 78:67—69. 132:13,14. Dan. 9:17—19. § Or, right. Gen. 18:25. Ps. 9:4. Jer. 5: 
 28. c 2 Chr. 6:36. Job 14:4. 15:14— 16. Ps. 19:12. 130:3. 143:2. Prov. 20:9. 
 Ec. 7:20. Is. 53:6. 64:6. Rom. 3:19. Gal. 3:22. Jam. 3:2. 1 John 1:8— 10. 
 d Lev. 26:34—39. Deut. 4:26,27. 28:36,64—68 . 29:28. 2 Kings 17.6,18.23. 25:21. 
 Dan. 9:7-14. Luke 21:24. e Lev. 26:40— 45. Deut. 4:29— 31 . 30:1,2. 2.Chr. 6: 
 37. 33:12,13. Ez. 16:61,63. 18:28. Hag. 1:7. Luke 15:17. 11 Heb .bring backio 
 their heart. 
 
 unites with hope, and leads men to -repent and seek the Lord, 
 would be extinguished, when sinners became acquainted with 
 their own character and state, and with the perfections and 
 holy laws of God ; and that slavish fear alone would remain, 
 which unites with enmity and despair, and drives men further 
 and further from God and his worship. (Note, Jam. 2:19,20.) 
 — It is very instructive to compare the several parts of this 
 prayer with the preceding prophecies, and the subsequent 
 history ; which may in good measure be done by consulting 
 the marginal references. 
 
 V. 41 — 43. Solomon wag persuaded that the heathen 
 nations would hear of the name, perfections, and wonderful 
 works of Jehovah ; and would come and worship him at this 
 temple, as the God of Israel, who dwelt among his people by 
 the ark of his strength, and was propitious to them through 
 the sacrifices there offered. (Notes, John 12:20 — 22. Acts 
 8:26 — 31.) He therefore interceded for them also, that they 
 might be accepted, and obtain the same blessings with the 
 native Israelites : iind he desired and hoped, that all the 
 nations of the earth might know, fear, and worship the God 
 of Israel. (Notes, 1 Sam. 17:45 — 47. 2 Kings 19:14 — 19, v. 
 19. Ps. 22:27, 28. Jer. 16:19— 21. Matt. 6:13.) Accordingly 
 there was a court built, called ‘the court of the Gentiles,’ 
 which was appropriated to the use of those, who came from 
 other nations to worship the God of Israel, but who were not 
 circumcised, and did not observe the ceremonial law. — The 
 prejudices of the Jews, in the days of Christ, against the ad- 
 mission of the Gentiles into the church, arose from ignorance 
 of the Scriptures, connected with national prejudices, Phari- 
 saical pride, and bigotry ; which being early imbibed, were 
 not easily removed even from true believers. 
 
 V. 44, 45. (Marg. Ref.) Thou shalt send, he. (44) 
 That is, in any just and necessary , war ; for God did not send 
 the Israelites, when they were actuated by selfishness to en- 
 gage in oppressive'and unrighteous wars ; neither could they 
 reasonably expect his assistance in them. It does not indeed 
 appear from their history, that they were much engaged in 
 such wars : and many circumstances, arising from the tenure 
 of their lands, and other judicial regulations, as well as their 
 religious ordinances, tending to constitute Israel a nation of 
 agriculturists, powerfully counteracted the pernicious natural 
 propensity of fallen man, both rulers and people, to make war 
 their favourite and most, honourable employment. 
 
 V. 46 — 53. This concluding part of Solomon’s interces- 
 sion was evidently answered, in the restoration of the Jews 
 after the Babylonish captivity. (Notes, Lev. 26:38—45. 
 Deut. 4:29—31. Neh. 1:5—11. Jer. 29:11—14. Es. 36:25— 
 32.) Though the temple and city lay in ruins; yet wh»» 
 ( 605 ) 
 
B. C 1004. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 1004. 
 
 land whither they were carried- captives, and 
 repent, and make supplication unto thee in the 
 land of them that carried them captives, f saying, 
 We have sinned, and have edone perversely, we 
 have committed wickedness ; 
 
 48 And so h return unto thee wiih all their 
 heart, and with all their soul, in the land of their 
 enemies which led them away captive, and ‘pray 
 unto thee toward their land, which thou gavest 
 unto their fathers, k the city which thou hast 
 chosen, and the house which 1 have built for thy 
 name : 
 
 49 Then 'hear thou their prayer and their 
 supplication in heaven thy dwelling-place, and 
 maintain their 'cause, 
 
 50 And forgive thy people that have sinned 
 against thee, and all their transgressions wherein 
 they have transgressed against thee, “and give 
 them compassion before them who carried them 
 captive, that they may have compassion on them : 
 
 51 For they be “thy people^ and thine inhe- 
 ritance, which thou broughest forth out of Egypt, 
 from the midst of “the furnace of iron : 
 
 52 That Pthine eyes may be open unto the sup- 
 plication of thy servant, and unto the supplication 
 of thy people Israel, to hearken unto them I 'in all 
 that they call for unto thee. 
 
 53 For thou didst r separate them from among 
 all the people of the earth, to be ‘thine inheritance, 
 l as thou spakest by the hand of Moses thy servant, 
 when thou broughtest our fathers out of Egypt, 
 O Lord God. 
 
 54 U And it was so, that "when Solomon had 
 made an end of praying all this prayer and sup- 
 plication unto the Lord, he arose from before the 
 altar of the Lord, from “kneeling on his knees 
 w vvith his hands spread up to heaven. 
 
 55 And he stood, and “blessed all the congre- 
 gation of Israel with a loud voice, saying, 
 
 56 hBlessed be the Lord, that ’hath given rest 
 unto his people Israel, according to all that he 
 promised : “there hath not Tailed one word of all 
 his good promise, which he promised by the hand 
 of Moses his servant. 
 
 f Ezra 9:6,7. Neh. 1:6. 9:26—30. Pa. 106:6. Is. 64:6— 12. Dan. 9:5— 11. Zech. 
 12:10. g Job 33:27,25. Jer. 31 :18— 20. Duke 15:18. h Dent. 4:29. 6:5,6. Judg. 
 10:15,16.' 1 Sam. 7:3,4. Nell. 1:9. Ps. 119:2,10.145. Prov. 23:26. Is. 55:6,7. Jer. 
 3:10. 24:7. 29:12— 14. Dan. 9:13. Acts 8:37. Rom. 10:10. i See an 30. Dan. 6: 
 10. k See on 44. 1 See on 30. * Or right. 45. 2 Kings 19:19. Zech. 1:15,16. 
 
 m2 Chr. 30:9. Ezra 7:6,27,28. Neh. 1:11. 2:4 — 8. Ps. 106:46. Prov. 16:7. Dan. 
 1:9,10. Acts 7:10. n 53. Ex. 32:11,12. Num. 14:13— 19. Pent. 9:26— 29. 2 Chr. 
 6:39. Neh. 1:10. Is. 63:16 — IS. 64:9. Jer. 51:19. oDeut.4:20. Jer. 1 1 :4. p See 
 on 29. 2 Chr. 6:40. q Ps. 86:5. 145:18. r Ex. 19:5,6. 33: 16. Num. 23:9. Dent. 
 4 34.7:6—8.14:2.32:9. 2 Cor. 6: 14— 18. Tit. 2: 14. 1 Pet. 2:9. s Dent. 32:9. 
 Jer. 10:16. Eph. 1 : 18. t Dent. 33:1 — 3,26— 29. u l.uke 11:1. 22:45. v See on 
 2 Chr. 6:13. Ps.95:6. Luke 22:41 ,45. Ads 20:36 . 21:5. w See on 22. 2 Chr. 6: 
 12. x Seeon 14. Num. 6:23—28. 2 Sam. 6: 18. 1 Chr. 16:2. y See on 15. 7. Deut. 
 3:20. 12:10—12. Josh. 21:44. 2 Chr. 14.6. Heb. 4:3—9. a Josh. 21:45. 23:14,15. 
 Luke 1:54,55,72,73. 21:33. t Heb. fallen. 1 Sam. 3:19. 2 Kings 10:10. b Deut. 
 Bt:6,8. Josh. 1:5,9. 1 Chr.28:9. 2 Chr. 32:7,8. Ps. 46:7,11. Is. 8:10. 41:10. Matt. 
 
 they bethought themselves, and repented, and prayed in the 
 land of Chaldea, towards the land of Israel ; the Lord heard, 
 forgave, and restored them to their own land. (Notes, Dan. 
 9:1 — 19.) But it will hereafter receive another more remark- 
 able answer, when the Jews shall be gathered from their 
 present dispersion, become a part of the Christian church, 
 and probably be reinstated in their own country. — All Solo- 
 mon’s arguments, in this plea for his people, were deduced 
 from the Lord’s choice of them, his separation of them from 
 other nations to he his inheritance, and the favours which he 
 had already conferred upon them : and all inseparably con- 
 necting their returning peace and prosperity, with their deep 
 humiliation, true repentance, conversion, and fervent prayer. 
 (Note, Zech. 12:9 — 14.) — It appears from Chronicles, that 
 Solomon concluded with a passage taken from one of the 
 Psalms. (Note, 2 Chr. 6:41,42.) — There is no man that sin - 
 neth not. (46) Notes, Ec. 7:19,20. Rom. 3:21 — 26. Jam. 
 3:1,2. 1 John 1:8- 10. 3:4—6. 
 
 V. 55 — 61. ( Notes, Josh. 21:43 — 45. 23:14 — 16.) Incline, 
 kc. (58) No blessing can be expected whilst men continue 
 wilfully disobedient. No human heart is of itself inclined to 
 obey the call to repentance, faith, and newness of life, walk- 
 ing in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 
 The first benefit communicated to sinners, through the inter- 
 cession of him whom Solomon typified, is w the inclining of 
 the heart to this obedience.” 4 Lord have mercy upon us and 
 incline our hearts to keep this law.’ Communion service. — 
 4 As by thy special grace preventing us, thou dost put into 
 our hearts good desires.’ Col. for Easter Sunday. — 4 We 
 have no power to do good works, pleasant .and acceptable to 
 God, without the grace of God by Christ preventing us, that 
 we may have a good will, and working with us when we 
 ( 606 ) 
 
 57 The b LoRD our God be with us, as he was 
 with our fathers : let him not leave us, nor forsake 
 us : 
 
 • 58 That he may “incline our hearts unto him, 
 
 to walk in all his ways, and to keep d his com- 
 mandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, 
 which he commanded our fathers. 
 
 59 And let these my words, wherewith I have 
 made supplication before the Lord, be “nigh unto 
 the Lord our God day and night, that he maintain 
 the cause of his servant, and the cause of his 
 people Israel tat all times, f as the matter shall 
 require : 
 
 60 That sail the people of the earth may know 
 that ‘‘the Lord is God, and that there is none else. 
 
 61 Let your heart therefore be ‘perfect with 
 the Lord our God, to walk in his statutes, and to 
 keep his commandments, as at this day. 
 
 62 H And Hhe king, and all Israel with him, 
 offered sacrifice before the Lord. 
 
 63 And Solomon offered k a sacrifice of peace- 
 offerings, which he offered unto the Lord, two 
 and twenty thousand oxen, and a hundred and 
 twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the 
 children of Israel 'dedicated the house of the 
 Lord. 
 
 64 The same day did the king “hallow the 
 middle of the court that was before the house of 
 the Lord : for there he offered burnt-offerings, and 
 meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace-ofierings : 
 because “the brazen altar that was before the 
 Lord teas too little to receive the burnt-offerings, 
 and meat-offerings, and the fat of the peace- 
 offerings. 
 
 65 And at that time Solomon “held a feast, and 
 all Israel with him, Pa great congregation, 9from 
 the entering in of Hamath unto r the river of Egypt, 
 before the Lord our God, “seVen days and seven 
 days, even fourteen days. 
 
 66 On l the eighth day he sent the people away : 
 and they ^blessed the king, and went unto their 
 tents "joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness 
 that the Lord had done for David his servant, 
 and for Israel his people. 
 
 1:23. 28:20. Rom. 8:31. Heb. 13:5. cPs. 110:3. 119:36. Cant. 1:4. Jer. 31:33. 
 Ez. 36:25,27. Phil. 2: 13. Heb. 13:21. d See on Deut. 4:1,45. 6:1. ePs. 102,1,2. 112: 
 2. John 17:9,20 — 24. 1 John 2:2. + Heb. the thing of a Hay in his day. Luke 
 
 11:3. f Deut. 33:25. g See on 43. Josh. 4:24. 1 Sam. 17:46. 2 Kings 19:19. 
 h 18:39. Deut. 4:35,39. Is. 44:6.8,24. 45:5,6,22. Jer. 10:10—12. Joel 2:27. i 11: 
 4. 15:3,14. Gen. 17:1. 2Kings20:3. 1 Chr. 28:9. Job 1:1, 8 V Ps. 37:37. 2 Cor. 7: 
 1. Phil. 3:12— 16. |2Sam.6:17— 19. 2 Chr. 7:4 — 7. k Lev. 3: 1 Chr. 29:21 
 2Chr. 15:11. 29:32—35. 30:24 . 35:7—9. Ezra 6:16,17. Ez. 45:17. Mic. 6:7. 
 1 Num. 7:10,11,84— 88. 2 Chr. 2:4. 7:5. Ezra 6:16,1*7. Neh. 12:27. John 10:32. 
 m2 Chr. 7:7. n 2 Chr. 4:1. o 2. Lev. 23:34— 43. 2 Chr. 7:8,9. p2(hr. 30:13 
 Ps. 40:9,10. q 4:21,24. Num. 34:8. Josh. 13:5. Judg. 3:3. 2 Kings 14:25. Am. 
 6:14. r Gen. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. Num.34:5. Josh. 13:3. s 2 Chr. 7:8,9. 30:23. 
 t2Chr. 7:10. 31:1. § Or, thanked. 1,47. u Deut. 12:7,12,18. 16:11. 2 Chr 
 
 29:36. 30.26,27. Neh. 8:10. Pa. 95:1,2. 100:1,2. 18.61:9,10. 66:13,14. Jer. 31:12 
 —14. Zeph. 3:14. Zech. 9:9,17. Acta 2:46. Gal. 5:22. Phil. 4:4. 
 
 have that good will.’ Art. x. This, therefore, we should beg 
 of God for others, and for ourselves, when we perceive our 
 need of it: for when this is granted all else will follow. Yet 
 Solomon afterwards exhorted the people to be 44 perfect with 
 the Lord, &c.”: (fil ) and this is the scriptural method, though 
 to many it appears inconsistent : but the exhortation reminds 
 men of their duty ; and the prayer or promise shows how 
 they may be enabled to do it. (Notes, Ps. 51:10. 110:3. Ez. 
 11:17—20. 18:30—32. 36:25—27. Phil. 2:12,13.) 
 
 V. 63 — 65. (Num. 7:) The sacrifices offered at the 
 dedication of the tabernacle were very few, compared with 
 the immense number here mentioned : but those were pro- 
 portioned to the circujnstanees of the princes x>f Israel in the 
 wilderness, these to the riches and power of king Solomon. 
 (Marg. Ref. k.) — It is probable, that, altars of earth, or of 
 rough stone, were prepared all over the inner court. (Note, 
 Ex. 20:21 — 25.) — All these sacrifices were not offered on the 
 same day, but during the whole time of the solemnity: and 
 the immense multitudes assembled feasted on I ho flesh of the 
 peace-offerings. — The people separated on the twenty-third 
 day of the seventh month, the day after tho close of the 
 feast of tabernacles; (2 Chr. 7:9,10.) so that tho dedication 
 of the temple must have preceded. And, as the great day 
 of atonement was observed on the tenth day of the seventh 
 month, it is not improbably conjectured, that the seven days 
 of the feast of dedication preceded that solemnity ; and that 
 the people waited after it, to keep the feast of tabernacles 
 also, before they returned home. (Notes, J.cv\ 16:29—31. 
 23:26 — 32,34 — 36.) — The brazen altar, kc.. (64) Note, 2 
 Cut. 4:1. — From the entering in of Hamath, kc. (65) Marg, 
 Ref. q, r. 
 
 V. 66. The people departed full of i dniiration of Solo* 
 
B. C. 992. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. B. C. 992. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Osd appears again to Solomon , and makes a covenant icithhim , 1 — 9. Trans- 
 actions between Solomon an l Hiram, 10 — 14. Solomon builds or rebuilds 
 several cities, 15—19. He subjects the remnant of the Canaanites to bond- 
 service, and employe the Israelites in more honourable offices, 20—23. 
 Pharaoh's daughter removes to her house, 24. Solomon sacrifices thrice 
 every year , 25. His navy fetches gold from Ophir , 26 — 28. 
 
 A nd R it came to pass, when Solomon had 
 finished the building of b the house of the 
 
 • 6:37,38 . 7:1,51. 2Chr. 7:11. b 2 Chr. 8: l— 6. Ec.. 2:4. c 11:19. Ec.2:10. 
 
 5:9. d 3:5. 11:9. 2 Chr. 1:7 — 12. 7:12. e 2 Kings 20:5. Ps. 10:17. 66:19. 116:1. 
 
 mon’s piety, wisdom, magnificence, and liberality ; as well 
 as of gratitude to the Lord for all his goodness : and they 
 prayed most fervently for the king, being much enlivened by 
 the sacred ordinance. (Murg. Ref,) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. When those in authority heartily and scrip- 
 turally promote the cause of true religion, increasing num- 
 bers will soon be engaged in the cause: thus, the pious 
 designs, which were conceived in a single breast, may, by 
 the blessing of God, be completed with the concurrence and 
 to the benefit of thousands, nay perhaps millions ! and 
 what a blessed improvement is this of authority, influence, 
 affluence, and wisdom ! Numbers indeed will assist on such 
 occasions, to please their superiors, or to acquire reputation, 
 or from secular motives, who are not cordially attached to 
 the cause, and who will not profit by it themselves ; yet, 
 even they may forward such measures as conduce to the 
 good of others. — True wisdom is displayed as much in the 
 well timing, as in the orderly conducting, of important 
 undertakings ; and in obtaining the voluntary concurrence of 
 others, where folly would deem it sufficient to employ supe- 
 rior power and constraint. — But without the gracious pre- 
 sence of the Lord, every religious observance is an empty 
 form : the written word, the preaching of the gospel, prayer, 
 baptism, and the Lord’s supper, orthodox creeds, profes- 
 sions, speculations, and external order, form hut a well-pro- 
 portioned lifeless carcass; a temple without the ark, and 
 without the glory ; unless we in these things hold communion 
 with a reconciled God upon a mercy-seat, through the person 
 and work of the Redeemer, and by the influences of his 
 sanctifying Spirit. This is the life and soul of true godli- 
 ness, which infuses efficacy into every truth, ordinance, or 
 duty ; and in all things it should be chiefly attended to. 
 (Note, 2 Cor. 3:17,18.) For, as far as this is attained, we, 
 the believing servants of God on earth, hold fellowship with 
 the church above; and, with all the company of angels and 
 archangels, we worship the name of God our Saviour, with 
 acceptance, and to his glory. 
 
 V. 10—21. When we wait upon the Lord in the ways of 
 his appointment, we shall surely receive tokens of his special 
 favour : yet his light is inaccessible to us : and the cloud, 
 with which he veils his insufferable brightness, in his dis- 
 coveries of himself to us, sometimes obstructs our view of 
 his love, and causes us to tremble for fear of his judgments. 
 The dark dispensations of Providence, the awful declara- 
 tions of God’s word, the apprehensions of his purity and 
 justice, and the consciousness of guilt and pollution, often 
 induce the awakened sinner to say, “Depart from me, for I 
 am a sinful man, O Lord ;” when such views should quicken 
 him in fleeing for refuge to the hope of the gospel. (Note, 
 Luke 5:1 — 11. P. O. 1 — 15, conclusion.) On these occa- 
 sions, those who are stronger in faith, and more advanced*in 
 knowledge and experience, should encourage their weaker 
 brethren, and explain such things to them as needlessly 
 alarm them: for the established believer can deduce comfort, 
 and motives for thankful obedience, from that very darkness 
 which dismays and confounds the inexperienced Christian. 
 However, blessed be God, in the person of our Emmanuel, 
 and in his complete redemption, “ the thick darkness,” in 
 which Jehovah dwells, is greatly dispelled ; the dark cloud 
 is become bright to us; (Note, Matt. 17:5—8.) and though, 
 compared with the beatific vision, we “ see though a glass 
 darkly:” yet, following him who “is the Light of the 
 vvorld, ’ “ we shall not abide in darkness, but shall have the 
 light of life.” Yet in the most spiritual frame of heart of the 
 most eminent believers, sacred joy, gratitude, and love, will 
 * e mixed with deep humility and reverential fear; and con- 
 scious guilt and pollution will connect self-abhorrence and 
 godly sorrow, with their most fervent praises and adorations. 
 We all arc bound by the strongest obligations to use our 
 utmost exertions for the honour of God : vet the most zealous 
 believer will be conscious, that he has lost opportunities of 
 service, through infirmity, temptation, and incumbrances. 
 But when the Lord h not pleased to employ us in any work, 
 which we sincerely design and vigorously attempt, he will 
 notice and recompense the intention, even as much as if it 
 had been accomplished. Let us then persevere in devising, 
 and endeavouring to execute, plans of usefulness, though w°e 
 be often baffled and unsuccessful ; for it shall at last be • 
 declared, that we “did well that it was in our heart:” and 
 let sinners remember, that they also are accountable to’ God 
 and will be punished, for all the wickedness which was con- 
 ceived in their hearts, though they were restrained in Provi- 
 dence, left destitute of the power, or deterred by the fear of 
 man ; and therefore did not actually commit it. — When the 
 Lord’s time arrives for any work to bo done, all opposition 
 
 Lord, and the king’s house, and c all Solomon’s 
 desire which he was pleased to do, 
 
 2 That the Lord appeared to Solomon the 
 second time, d as he had appeared unto him at 
 Gibcon. 
 
 3 And the Lord said unto him, e I have heard 
 thy prayer and thy supplication that thou hast 
 made before me: fl have hallowed this house, 
 
 Dnn.9:23. John 11:42. Acts 10:31. 18:10,11. Ex. 20:11. Num. 16:38. Malt 
 6:9. 
 
 will die away, all difficulties vanish, and all things concur in 
 forwarding its completion : and whatever good work we have 
 been employed in, and enabled" to effect, we should consider 
 it as a performance of his promises, and as an occasion 
 afforded of celebrating his praises, to whom alone all the glory 
 belongs. 
 
 V. 22 — 30. The service of God is the highest honour of 
 the greatest of men ; and to lead others in prayer and praise, 
 to animate and assist them in worshipping the Lord, forms 
 the noblest employment on earth, and most resembles that of 
 the angels in heaven. But indeed, the most exalted adora- 
 tions of the noblest creatures are beneath the notice of hia 
 infinite majesty, and only accepted through his unspeakable 
 condescension. With what internal awe, and external indi- 
 cations of reverence, should we, worthless sinners, prostrate 
 ourselves before his glorious and holy majesty ! How should 
 we approach his mercy-seat with admiring, adoring gratitude, 
 and humble expectation of his invaluable and much needed 
 benefits ! and how should faith and love exalt our souls above 
 all external objects, and raise them to heaven, his dwelling- 
 place, where He displays his glory, who fills immensity, and 
 “ inhabiteth eternity !” — But behold, he dwells in human 
 nature, as in his temple ! there sinners may see his glory 
 and live : and when we pray in his name, directing our faith 
 towards that sacred residence of the Deity, he will assuredly 
 hear, and forgive our sins, and save our souls. His “name 
 is Emmanuel:”* “God is in Christ reconciling the world unto 
 himself.” 
 
 Y. 31-T-45. It is a debt we owe to our brethren, neigh- 
 bours, friends, and strangers, yea, to our enemies, to intercede 
 for them as their cases may require. Having therefore such 
 a multiplicty of persons, cases, and wants to spread before 
 the Lord, our hearts should frequently be enlarged to pray 
 copiously, as well as fervently : and we shall not be con- 
 demned for long prayers, if they be not formal, and rendered 
 tedious by vain, unmeaning repetitions. — It is also a com- 
 fort to the believer to reflect, how may prayers of parents, 
 ministers, and pious friends, are laid up before God on his 
 behalf; and how many are now praying for him in one place 
 or other. All these shall, in due time, be answered in bless- 
 ings unnumbered: nay, even whole nations, through succes- 
 sive generations, have reaped the benefits of the fervent 
 supplications of a single true believer. Such intercessors ferm 
 the unseen strength and bulwark of kingdoms: may the 
 Lord increase their numbers, and may we be found among 
 them ! — Yet the prayers of all the subjects would be unavail- 
 ing, did not the King, our Prince of Peace, the Builder of 
 the Spiritual Temple, intercede for them. His pleading is 
 always prevalent, and gives efficacy to all the rest: vet 
 neither the prayers of godly friends, nor even the Saviour’s 
 intercession, will benefit those who are never brought to pray 
 earnestly for themselves. For he intercedes for those alone, 
 who eventually are led to “believe in his name,” and “who 
 come to God by him :” and the prayers of his people, for 
 such as continue impenitent and unbelieving, return into 
 their own bosom. (Note, John 17:6 — 10,20,21.) 
 
 V. 46 — 66. We are alas ! all sinners, and sin is the cause 
 of all calamities public and personal ; and unless forsaken and 
 forgiven, it must terminate in final misery. But when the 
 vilest transgressor bethinks himself, and examines his heart 
 and life ; when he is humbled before God, and penitently con- 
 fesses that he has sinned, has done perversely, and committed 
 wickedness ; when he returns to the Lord with his whole 
 heart, and prays unto him, in the Saviour’s name : then he 
 has begun to receive the benefit of his intercession, and the 
 Father will hear in heaven his supplication, and maintain his 
 cause. Then, whatever be his grief, his burden and terror, 
 and “ the plague of his own heart,” the guilt of his con- 
 science, the depravity of his nature, his evil habits, the force 
 of temptation, or the pressure of affliction, he will bring u, 
 and spread it in secret before a heart-searching and merciful 
 God : thus he will obtain pardon and peace, and learn to love 
 and fear the Lord all his days. In this manner the Israel 
 of God is established and sanctified, and the backslider is 
 recovered and healed ; the stranger is brought nigh, and the 
 mourner comforted : the name of God is glorified, and num- 
 bers are added to the church of such as shall be saved. 
 Often did offending Israel in this way prove the mercy of 
 God, when they sought him under their distresses ; and 
 there failed not one good word of all that he had promised 
 them. But at length they wearied out his patience, and 
 all his threatenings were accomplished : yet, even in their 
 present dispersion, they will at length bethink themselves, 
 and turn to God, as dwelling in his true Temple, and 
 then they shall be numbered among his people. Oh, may 
 they speedily be restored, that their conversion may be “ as 
 ( 607 ) 4 
 
B. C. 992. 
 
 1. KINGS. B. €. 992. 
 
 which thou hast built, sto put my name there for 
 ever ; and ‘‘mine eyes and my heart shall be 
 there perpetually. 
 
 4 And ‘if thou wilt walk before me, as David 
 thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in 
 uprightness, to do according to all that I have 
 commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and 
 my judgments : 
 
 5 Then k I will establish the throne of thy king- 
 dom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David 
 thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man 
 upon the throne of Israel. 
 
 6 But 'if ye shall at all turn from following me, 
 ye or your children, and will not keep my com- 
 mandments and my statutes which I have set 
 before you, but m go and serve other gods, and 
 worship them : 
 
 7 Then "will I cut off Israel out of the land 
 which I have given them ; and “this house which 
 I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of 
 my sight ; and ['Israel shall be a proverb and a 
 by-word among all people. 
 
 8 And at nthis house, which is high, every one 
 that passeth by it shall be astonished, and shall 
 hiss ; and they shall say, r Why hath the Lord 
 done thus unto this land, and to this house? 
 
 9 And they shall answer, “Because they forsook 
 the Lord their God, who brought forth their 
 fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken 
 hold upon other gods, and have worshipped them, 
 
 gSeeon 8:29. Deut. 12:5,11,21. 16:11. h Deut. 11:12. 2 Ohr. 6:40. 7:15,16. Ps. 
 132:13,14. Cant. 4:9,10. Jer. 15:1. i 3:14. 8:25. 11:4,6,38. 11:8. 15:5. Deut. 
 28:1. 2Chr. 7:17,18. Job 23:11,12. P». 15:2. 26:1,11. Prov.20:7. Zech.3:7. 
 Luke 1:6. 1 Tiles. 4:1,2. k2:4. 6:12. 8:15,20. 2 Sara. 7:12,16. 1 Chr.22:10. Pa. 89: 
 28—39.132:11,12. II Sam. 2:30. 2Sam. 7:14— 16. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2Chr. 7:19—22. 
 15:2. in 11:4—10. Josh. 23: 15,16. n Lev. 18:24—28. Deut. 4:26. 29:26— 28. 2 Kings 
 17:20—23. 25 9. Jer. 7:15. 24:9. Ei. 33:27— 29. Luke 21:24. o See on 3. 2 Kings 
 25:9.2Clir. 7:20. 36:19. Jer. 7:4—14. 26:6.18. 52:13. Lam. 2:6,7. Ez. 24:21. Mic. 
 3:12. Malt. 24:2. Luke 21:24. p Deut. 28:37. Nell. 4:1— 1. Pa. 44:14. Is. 65:15. 
 Jer. 21:9. Lam. 2:15,16. Joel 2:17. q'2 Chr. 7:21. Ib. 64:11. Jt r. 19:8 . 49:17.50: 
 
 life from the dead” to all nations, “ that all the people of 
 the earth may know,” and worship our God and Saviour! 
 “ May the Lord our God be again with them, as he was 
 with their fathers, . . . and incline their hearts unto him to 
 walk in all his ways 1” — By the example of Israel other 
 nations should be warned and instructed : no war ought to be 
 engaged in, which cannot be conducted in a spirit of faith 
 and prayer: princes and nobles should set the example in 
 the worship of God, and act accordingly : public calamities 
 should excite to national repentance, reformation, and prayer : 
 and these things would best secure public peace and pros- 
 perity. The same should be the conduct of churches, fami- 
 lies, and individuals. — May “ the Lord then incline our 
 hearts unto him, that we may walk in all his ways, and 
 keep his commandments and statutes may we abound in 
 his work, and stir up others to do the same : may we love 
 the Lord, and do good to and pray for one another, and 
 rejoice together for all the goodness that the Lord has done 
 for us and for his people ! Then shall we enjoy some of the 
 days of heaven upon earth, and be continually preparing for 
 that world, where the feast of holy love and joy will be 
 unalloyed and eternal. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1, 2. Solomon did not finish 
 his other buildings, till above twelve years after the dedica- 
 tion of the temple ; (10. Note, 7:1.) and it is exceedingly 
 improbable, that this gracious appearance of God to him was 
 delayed so long. Some expositors therefore render these 
 verses, “ And it was, that thus Solomon finished,” &c. — 
 “ And the Lord appeared,” &c. — The two subjects are 
 kept entirely distinct in Chronicles. (2 Chr. 7:11,12.) — The 
 encouragement given Solomon, while building the temple, 
 (Note, 6:11 — 13.) was either sent by a prophet, or given in 
 an answer by the high-priest; for this was only the second 
 appearance of God to him. (Note, 3:5 — 14.) 
 
 V- 3. The Lord favourably accepted the temple, which 
 Solomon had built and consecrated to him ; and set it apart 
 as holy, for the residence of his ark, the centre of his worship, 
 the place of his altar and sacrifices, and the visible pledge of 
 his gracious presence with Israel, so long as they adhered to 
 his ordinances and commandments. (Notes, Dent. 12:2 — 7.) 
 And he promised, “ that his eyes and his heart should be 
 there perpetually:” (Notes, Deut. 11:12. Ps. 34:15 — 17. Jer. 
 15:1.) that is, lie would regard it with peculiar attention and 
 favour, and delight in doing good to those, who worshipped 
 at, or towards, that holy place. (2 Chr. 7:12 — 16.) And 
 had not the national sins of Israel forfeited the blessing, this 
 would uninterruptedly have been the case until the coming 
 of Christ. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Solomon and his posterity, and Israel in that 
 and future ages, were alike concerned in these promises anti 
 warnings. The obedience intended in all such declarations, 
 is the unreserved, though imperfect, obedience of a penitent 
 believer ; by which he evidences his cordial acceptance of 
 (, 608 ) 
 
 and served them : therefore hath the Lord brought 
 upon them all this evil. 
 
 [Practical Observations 
 
 10 H And it came to pass ‘at the end of twentv 
 years, when Solomon had built the two houses, 
 the house of the Lord, and the king’s house, 
 
 11 ( JVow "Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished 
 Solomon with cedar-trees and fir-trees, and with 
 
 f old, according to all his desire,) that then ’king 
 olomon gave Hiram twenty cities in the land “of 
 Galilee. 
 
 12 And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the 
 cities which Solomon had given him; and "they 
 pleased him not. 
 
 13 And he said, What cities are these which 
 thou hast given me, imy brother? And he called 
 them the land oPCabul unto this day. 
 
 14 And Hiram *8601 to the king sixscore talents 
 of gold. 
 
 15 H And this is “the reason of the levy which 
 king Solomon raised ; for b to build the house ot 
 the Lord, and his own house, and c Millo, and the 
 wall of Jerusalem, and d Hazor, and “Megiddo, and 
 r Gezer. 
 
 16 For Pharaoh king of Egypt had gone up, and 
 taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the 
 Canaanites that dwelt in the city, and given it 
 for a present unto his ^daughter, Solomon’s wife. 
 
 17 And Solomon built Gezer, and ''Bethoron 
 the nether, 
 
 13. Dan. 9:12. r Deut. 29:24. Jer. 22:8,9,28. s Deut. 29:25-28. 2 Chr. 7:22. 
 Jer. 2:10—13,19. 5:19. 16:10—13. 50:7. Lam. 2:16,17. 4:13—15. Ez. 36:17— 20. 
 t 1. 6:37,38. 7:1. 2 Chr. 8:1. u See on 5:6— 10. 2 Chr. 2:8— 10,16. v2Chr. 
 8:2. x See on Josh. 20:7. * Heb. were n <t right in his eyes. Num. 22:34. 
 
 Judg. 14:3. margins. y 5:1,2. Am. 1 :9. t That is, Displeasing, or, dirty. 
 Josh. 19:27. z 11,28. 10:10,14,21. a 21 . See on 5:13. b 10. 6:38. 7:1. 2 Chr. 
 8:1. c 24. 11:27. Judg. 9:6,20. 2 Sam. 5:9. 2 Kings 12:20. d Josh. 11:1. 19:86. 
 Judg. 4:2. 2 Kings 15:29. e 4:12. Josh. 17:11. Judg. 5:19. 2 Kings 9:27. 23:29, 
 30. 2 Chr. 35:22. Zech. 12:11. f 16,17. Josh. 10:33. 16: 10. 21 :21 . Judg. 1:29. 
 1 Chr. 6:67. 20:4. g See on«4. 3:1. h Josh. 16:3. 21:22. 2 Chr. 8:5,6. 
 
 unmerited mercies, and aims to glorify the God of fiis salva- 
 tion. (Notes, Matt. 7:24 — 27. John 14:21 — 24. Rom. 2:7 — 
 11.) — The words “if ye shall at all turn,” &c. certainly 
 mean, “if ye altogether turn,” &c. (2 Chr. 7:19.) and indeed 
 not every sin, but national idolatry or apostacy, sanctioned 
 by the example of the prince, or rulers, or tolerated by them, 
 was intended : for this especially violated the national cove- 
 nant, and forfeited all the covenanted blessings. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. These denunciations were remarkably fulfilled 
 during the Babylonish captivity; but the destruction of Jeru- 
 salem by the Romans, and the state of the Jews to this very 
 day, are the most extraordinary accomplishment of them. 
 (Notes, Deut. 29:21—25. 2 Kings 25:8—10 .Jer. 40:2,3. Lam. 
 1:8—11. 2:15, 1G. 4:13—16.) 
 
 V. 11 — 14. Hiram had furnished Solomon with timber, not 
 only for building the temple, but also for his own house, and 
 his many other magnificent works : and he likewise “ had sent 
 him a hundred and twenty talents of gold ;” for that seems to 
 be the proper construction of the fourteenth verse. Solomon 
 therefore was indebted to Hiram, beyond the corn and wine 
 and oil agreed upon: (Note, 5:11.) and he gave him twenty 
 cities in Galilee as a compensation. They seem to have 
 been small towns in the vicinity of Tyre, beyond the bounda- 
 ries of the land, as divided by Joshua, and lately taken from 
 tho ancient inhabitants. Probably they lay in ruins. — Hiram, 
 however, was not satisfied with them, and “called them the 
 land of Cabul.” (Marg.) — Perhaps, being accustomed to 
 magnificence, and to acquire wealth by commerce, he had 
 not the turn of mind for cultivating land : and finding the roads 
 bad, the houses mean, and the country depopulated, ho was 
 not aware of the advantage which might be made of them. 
 Solomon afterwards rebuilt them, and the Israelites dwelt 
 in them ; and probably Hiram was satisfied with some 
 equivalent. 
 
 V. 15. The reason, &c.] That is, the occasion which 
 there was for the levy, in order to accomplish so many groat 
 and magnificent works : or, the method in which it was raised. 
 (Note, 5:13 — 18.) 
 
 V. 16, 17. The Canaanites kept possession o Geser, a 
 city in the lot of Ephraim, in the time of Joshua and tho 
 judges : but the inhabitants paid tribute to Israel. (Judg. 
 1:29. Note, Josh. 16:10.) It seems that they had continued 
 in this state, till Pharaoh destroyed them, and burned tho 
 city: but on what account this was done, we know not. And 
 he gave the site of the city, nnd the suburbs to his daughter 
 some think, at tho time of her mnrriage to Solomon. Solo- 
 mon, however, rebuilt the city, with several others, which 
 probably wero in a ruinous condition. 
 
 V. 18. 'l'admor in the v>ildcmess.] This is supposed to 
 havo been tho satno with tho city Palmyra, the magnificent 
 ruins of which, in tho midst of widely extended plains of bar- 
 ren sands, attract tho attention, and excite the admiration, 
 of modern travellers and antiquarians. But the architecture 
 
B. C. 992. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 992 
 
 18 And 'Baalath, and k Tadmor in the wilder- 
 ness, in the land, 
 
 19 And all 'the cities of store that Solomon had, 
 and cities for his chariots, and cities for his horse- 
 men, and 'that which Solomon desired to build in 
 Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of 
 his dominion. 
 
 ?0 Jin (l all the people that were ""left of the 
 “Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebu- 
 sites, which were not of the children of Israel, 
 
 21 Their children “that were left after them in 
 the land, whom the children of Israel also were 
 Pnot able utterly to destroy, upon those did Solo- 
 mon slevy a tribute r of bondservice unto this day. 
 
 22 But ’of the children of Israel did Solomon 
 make no bondmen : ‘but they were men of war, 
 and his servants, and his princes, and his captains, 
 and rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen. 
 
 23 These ivere the “chief of the officers that were 
 
 1 Josh. 19:44 k2 Chr. 8:4. 14:26 — 23. Ex. 1:11. * Heb. the desire of Solomon 
 
 which he desired. See on 1. Ec. 2: 10. 6:9. m 2 Chr. 8:7,8. n Gen. 15:19 — 21. 
 Ex. 23:23,23— 33. 34:11,12. Dent. 7.1— 3. o Jtidg. 1 :21 ,27— 35. 2:2U— 23. 3:1— 4. 
 Ps. 106:34—36. p Josh. 15:63. 17:12,16—18. q 15. 5:13. Judg. 1:28, 35. r Gen. 
 9:25.26. Ezra 2:55—58. Neh. 7:57. 113. s Lev. 25:39. t 4:1— 27. 1 Sam. 8: 
 11,12. 2Chr. 8:9,10. u5:16. 2 Chr. 2:18. 8:10. x 16. 3:1. 7:8. 2 Chr. 8:11. 
 
 of these ruins, being evidently Grecian , does not allow us to 
 suppose that they are the remains of buildings erected by 
 Solomon ; for they must be of much later date. 
 
 V. 19. (Marg. Ref. Note , 4:26.) Perhaps the levy of 
 service raised for the building of these cities, gave occasion to 
 tiie complaint of the people after his death. ( Note , 12:4.) 
 
 V. 20—22. It is probable, that these remains of the Amo- 
 rites, and the other devoted nations, had submitted to Israel, 
 and renounced idolatry ; and so were spared on terms, not 
 dissimilar from those formerly granted to the Gibeonites. 
 ( Notes , Josh. 7:2. 9:3 — 5,7,19 — 27.) — They and their .poste- 
 rity seem to have been afterwards called “ Solomon’s serv- 
 ants,” and thus to have been distinguished from the Nethinim. 
 (Note, Ezra 2:55 — 58.) — By employing them in these labo- 
 rious services, Solomon was enabled to exempt the native 
 Israelites from all but the more honourable employments. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 23. Notes, 5:13—18. 2 Chr. 8:10. 
 
 V. 24. Marg. Ref. Note, 2 Chr. 8:11. 
 
 V. 25. Solomon observed the three great festivals with 
 peculiar solemnity : yet he sacrificed at other times also ; and 
 “ burned incense,” not personally, but by the priests. (Note, 
 
 2 Chr. 26:16—23.) 
 
 V. 26 — 28. Solomon, possessing Ezion-geber, a seaport 
 upon the Red Sea, (Marg. Ref. e.) which communicates 
 with the Indian ocean ; united with Hiram, whose subjects 
 were skilled in navigation and commerce, and probably traded 
 to some part of the East Indies: and this is perhaps as 
 ancient and authentic an account of the East India trade, as 
 any that is extant. (Note, 10:22.) Ophir is by many sup* 
 posed to have been the island now called Ceylon : though 
 various other opinions are advanced concerning it. ( Marg. 
 Ref. h.l — Four hundred and fifty talents are mentioned in 
 Chronicles: btit perhaps thirty talents were divided among 
 the officers and seamen ; so that only four hundred and 
 twenty were paid into the treasury. 
 
 FRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The Lord is ever ready to hear the prayers 
 which we make before him, and to manifest his acceptance 
 of our upright services: and when we present ourselves, in 
 body and soul, to be consecrated as the temples of the Holy 
 Spirit, to his glory, he will hallow and sanctify us by his grace, 
 and render us meet to be a holy habitation for himself ; though 
 before we were altogether polluted. (Note, Eph. 2:19 — 22.) 
 In and through Jesus Christ, his eyes and his heart are always 
 upon everv true believer, to watch over him, and to rejoice 
 in doing him good ; yet it is only at intervals, that he mani- 
 fests his presence, and lifts up the light of his countenance 
 upon him : but in heaven we shall always behold his face, 
 and be filled with unalloyed, uninterrupted felicity. — After all 
 the services which we can perform, we stand upon the same 
 terms with the Lord as before : nothing can purchase for us 
 an exemption from obedience, or a dispensation to sin, in any 
 case whatever: nor would the true believer desire such a 
 license. Rather, in w!:e integrity and uprightness of his heart, 
 he longs for the entire mortification of every lust, and the 
 increase of grace in his soul: and in his calmest moments 
 would rather choose to be severely rebuked and “chastened 
 of the Lord and thus kept from sin, or recalled from his 
 wanderings, than be allowed to transgress with impunity and 
 prosperity. As for those, who merely call themselves Chris- 
 tians, of every sect and creed, who make their forms and 
 notions an excuse for breaking God’s commandments, they 
 will ere long be exposed to universal and everlasting contempt. 
 For none will be so despised and miserable, either in this 
 world or the next, as those who have continued wicked under 
 the means of grace, who have apostatized from a religious 
 profession, or who have made the truths and ordinances of 
 God the cloak or the occasion of their iniquitous practices. — 
 Vol. 1.-7/ 
 
 over Solomon’s work, five hundred and fifty, which 
 bare rule over the people that wrought inthe work. 
 
 24 II But “Pharaoh’s daughter came up out of 
 Jthe city of David unto her house which Solomon 
 had built for her : then did he build “Mi'ilo. 
 
 25 If And “three times in a year did Solomon offe. 
 burnt-offerings and peace-offerings upon the altar 
 which he built unto the Lord, and b he burnt in- 
 cense T upon the altar that was before the Lord. 
 “So he finished the house. 
 
 26 If And king Solomon d made a navy of ships 
 in “Ezion-geber, which is beside < Eloth, on the 
 tshore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 
 
 27 And Hiram sent in the navy ehis .servants, 
 shipmen that had knowledge of the sea, with the 
 servants of Solomon. 
 
 28 And they came to h Ophir, and fetched from 
 thence gold, 'four hundred and twenty talents, and 
 brought it to king Solomon. 
 
 y 2 Sam. 5:9. i 15. 11:27. !! Chr. 32:5. a Ex. 23:14— 17. 34:23. Dent. 16:16. 
 2 Chr. 8:12,13. b Ex. 30:7. 1 Chr. 23:13. 2 Chr. 26:16—21. 29:11. 34:25. t Heb. 
 upon it which was before, c 6:38. 2Chr.8:16. d 2 Chr. 8: 17.18. e 22:48. 
 Num. 33:35. Deut. 2,8. f 2 Kings 14:22. % Heb. lip. g 5:6,9. 22-49. 2 Chr 
 
 20.36,37. h 10:11. Gen. 10:29. 1 Chr. 29:4. 2 Chr. 8:18. 9:10. Job 22:24. 23: 
 16. Ps. 45:9. Is. 13:12. i 2 Chr. 8:18. 
 
 The conduct of individuals, of churches, and nations, who are 
 exposed to great calamities, when carefully considered, will 
 always sufficiently answer the inquiry, “ Why hath the Lord 
 done this unto them?” Nay, even infidels and profligates 
 frequently justify God in the punishment of unrighteous pro- 
 fessors of religion, though not without casting unwarrantable 
 scoffs and insults upon them. — Parents, who set their children 
 good examples and give them good instructions, are war- 
 ranted to hope, that their prayers for them will be answered, 
 and the blessings of the covenant entailed upon them. (Note, 
 Gen. 18:18,19.) But the examples of those, whose sins are 
 recorded in their punishment, may be equally instructive. — 
 The present dispersed and despised state of the Jews is both 
 a demonstration of the truth of the Scriptures, and a daily 
 instruction and warning to us, not to trust in outward privi- 
 leges, not to trifle with the commandments of God, and not to 
 neglect the salvation of the gospel. We have indeed a better 
 covenant, founded on better promises, than that made wiih 
 the nation of Israel: but let us see to it, that it is really made 
 with us ; and that the law of God is written in our hearts, as 
 the proof that our iniquities are forgiven. If this be the case, 
 our persevering obedience, as well as our faith in the Saviour, 
 is provided for ; and the Lord u will put his fear into our 
 hearts that we may never depart from him.” (Note, Jer. 
 32:38 — 41.) 
 
 V. 10 — 28. Inthe world, and in the church, we all have need 
 of each other, and should endeavour, according to our ability, 
 to equal or to exceed the kindness of others to us: but we 
 should not be surprised or discouraged, if our attempts be not 
 acceptable even to our brethren. For men are, and will be,, 
 of different judgments and dispositions ; and they may be 
 allowed to differ in all temporal matters, and in some things, 
 which pertain to the worship of God : but as all believers 
 come to the mercy-seat of their reconciled Father, by Christ 
 the living Way, and through his propitiation, and intercession : 
 and as they all choose and delight inthe same spiritual excel- 
 lency of heavenly things; in these respects, they must and 
 will be of one mind and of one judgment. — High stations fur- 
 nish abundant employment for men’s hands and hearts ; and 
 it is wonderful, if those who fill them are not “careful and 
 troubled about many things,” to the neglect of “ the one thing 
 needful yet at last, all their magnificence and splendid 
 achievements are vanity and vexation of spirit. Nothing is 
 truely valuable, but in proportion as it is useful : and that is 
 most valuable which promotes the salvation of souls. They 
 however, who begin with the service of God, regulate their 
 worldly employments according to the precepts of his word, 
 and still adhere to his worship and ordinances, take the best 
 measures for obtaining all desirable success in their under- 
 takings. Their activity and ingenuity may be beneficial to 
 others, and they may perhaps escape material harm them- 
 selves : yet it is hard to persevere in such a course : few can 
 resist the fascinating temptations of great prosperity ; it gradu-. 
 ally fosters pride and sensual indulgence, and eats out the 
 life and power of godliness : and most of those, who have risen 
 to great honour and affluence, after having given satisfactory 
 evidence of real godliness, have evidently shown that their 
 souls were losers in proportion. Let the rich and prosperous* 
 then, “ rejoice with trembling,” and take heed lest they forget 
 the Lord ; and let the poor and obscure be thankful for their 
 safer condition ! (P. O. Deut. 8: latter part. Notes , 1 Tim. 
 
 6:6— 10,17— 19. Jam. 1:9—11.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1, 2. Cush, the son of Ham, 
 had a descendant called Seba, and it is probable, that he 
 settled in Africa, to the south of Egypt. (Note, Gen. 10:6, 
 7.) Eber also had a descendant called Sheba; and A bra- 
 ham a grandson by Keturah, called by the same name. ( Gen. 
 10:28.25:1 — 3.) On these and other accounts, it has been 
 controverted, whether the queen of Sheba came from some 
 ( 609 ) 
 
B. C. a 32. 
 
 I. KINGS, 
 
 B. C. 992. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Tht queen of Sheba comes to visit Solomon and to propose hard questions to 
 him, 1,2 He answers her questions: and she greatly admires his piety , 
 wisdom, and magnificence , 3—9. Their presents to each other , 1U — 13. 
 Solomon's yearly rcj;enu>, 14, 15. His golden targets and shields , 16, 17. 
 His throne of ivory, 18 — 20. His rich vessels, and lucrative commerce ; and 
 the presents brought him, by such as came to hear his wisdom, 21 — 25. His 
 chariots and horsemen, 25. The plenty of silver and cedar in his time, 27. 
 Horses, chariots, and linen-yarn, brought out of Egypt , 28, 29. 
 
 A ISD “when the queen of ''Sheba c heard of the 
 iiime of Solomon ‘‘concerning the name of the 
 Lord, she came e to prove him with hard questions. 
 
 2 And she came to Jerusalem with > a very 
 great train, with camels that bare espices, and 
 very much gold, and precious stones : and when 
 she was come to Solomon, she h communed with 
 him of all that was in her heart. 
 
 3 And' Solomon ‘told her all her ‘questions: 
 there was not any thing Jhid from the king, which 
 he told her not. 
 
 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all 
 k Solomon’s wisdom, and ‘.the house that he had 
 built, 
 
 5 And ra the meat of his table, and the sitting of 
 his servants, and the ‘attendance of his ministers, 
 and their apparel, and his ^cupbearers, and his 
 “ascent by which he went up unto the house of 
 the Lord ; "there was no more spirit in her. 
 
 [Practical Observations.’] 
 
 6 And she said to the king, It was a true ^report 
 that I heard in mine own land of thy “acts and of 
 thy wisdom. 
 
 a 2 Cbr. 9:1. Malt. 12.42. Luke 11:31. b Gen. 10:7,28 . 25:3. Job 6:19. Ps. 72: 
 10,15. Is. 60:6. Jer. 6:20. Ez. 27:22,23. 38. 13. t4:31,34. dJob2S:28. Pro.. 2: 
 3—6. John 17:3. 1 Cor. 1:20,21. e J.id;. 14:12—14. Ps. 49:4. Prov. 1:6. Malt. 
 13:11,35. Mark 4:34. f 2 Kings 5:5,9. Is. 60.6—9. Acta 25:23. g Ex. 25:6. 
 2 Kings 20:13. h Gen. 18:33. Job 4:2. Ps. 4:4. Luke 24:15. i2Chr.9:2. Pmv. 
 1:5,6. 13:20. Is. 42:16. Matt. 13:11. John 7:17. 1 Cor. 1:30. Col. 2:3. • Heb. 
 void', i See on I. 3:12. 2x»m. 14:17,20. Dan. 2:20— 23. Heb. 4:12,13. k 3: 
 28 . 4:29— 31. 2 Chr. 9:3,4. Ec. 12:9. Malt. 12:42. 16:7: m 4:22,23. t Heb. 
 
 'landing. 1 Or .butlers. n2 Kings 16:18. 1 Cbr. 9:13. 2 Chr. 23:13. Ez. 44:3. 46: 
 2. o Josli. 5:1. 2 Chr. 9:4. § Heb. word. 2 Chr. 9:5,6. inarg. i| Or, sayings, p h. 
 
 part of Ethiopia in Africa, or from the most remote region of 
 Arabia, near the Indian ocean, in Asia. — Tradition favours 
 the former opinion, but the-n it is blended with manifest false- 
 hoods. Our Lord says, 41 The queen of the south, came from 
 the uttermost part of the earth, to hear the wisdom of Solo- 
 mon:” and Ethiopia is more distant from Jerusalem than any 
 part of Arabia; but at the same time it does not so well 
 answer the description, 44 the uttermost part of the earth.” 
 (Mult. 12:42.) Learned men are therefore now generally of 
 opinion, that Sheba lay in the most southern part of Arabia 
 Felix, between the Red Sea and the Indian ocean ; that ihe 
 queen of Sheba was descended from Abraham by Keturah, 
 and retained some traditional fragments of true religion ; and 
 that she had heard the fame of Solomon from the mariners of 
 the fleet to Ophir, which had put into some of her ports: and 
 indeed the more general connexion, in which the name Sheba 
 is used, in the subsequent part of Scripture, powerfully con- 
 firms this conclusion. ( Marg . Ref. b.) — Our Lord’s testi- 
 mony to the motives which influenced the queen of Sheba, 
 sufficiently refutes the disadvantageous surmises which have 
 often been entertained and advanced. She 44 had heard of 
 the fame of Solomon, concerning the name of the Lord,” 
 and she came 44 to hear his wisdom.” The report of his 
 knowledge in the truth and precepts of religion, of his piety 
 and zeal in the worship of Jehovah, and of the wisdom given 
 him, peculiarly attracted her attention : and she came to pro- 
 pose many questions to him which perplexed her mind, upon 
 those important subjects: she could meet with no one, who 
 could clear them up to her ; and she desired “to prove him,” 
 whether he could or not. This shows that she was used to 
 reflect seriously upon religion ; hut for want of proper instruc- 
 tion, was not able to obtain satisfactory solutions of her diffi- 
 culties: and considering her sex and rank, and the magnificence 
 and indulgence in which she might have lived at home ; her 
 long journey, undertaken for these purposes, formed a strong 
 proof of a pious and ingenuous mind, which knew the value 
 of true wisdom, and was willing “to buy the truth” at any 
 price. (Notes, Prov. 23:23. Acts 8:26 — 31,) — Her train and 
 attendance were suited to her high rank ; and many think, that 
 the treasures, which she brought, serve also to mark out the 
 region whence she came. — Hard questions. (1) rwn; (from 
 T>n (enigma loqui vel proponcre :) translated a riddle; Judg. 
 14:12 — 18. dark saying , Ps. 49:4. — The plural, dark sayings , 
 Ps. 78:2. Prov. 1:6 — Notes , Ps. 78:2. Prov. 1:6. 
 
 V. 3. With the books of holy Scripture, then extant, and 
 the wise and understanding heart, which the Lord had given 
 him, Solomon readily answered those questions that were 
 most difficult to the queen of Sheba. He had prayed, that, 
 “all the people of the earth might know the name of the 
 Lord, to fear him (8-43. ) and he doubtless instructed her 
 fully in those truths, which relate to the being and perfections, 
 the authority, law, and worship of the one living and true 
 God : in the nature, and meaning of the temple, altar, priests, 
 and sacrifices, at Jerusalem; and in every other subject, 
 ( 610 ) 
 
 7 Howbeit pI believed not the words, until 1 
 came, and mine eyes bad seen it : and behold, the 
 half was not told me : “thy wisdom and prosperity 
 exceedeth the fame which I heard. 
 
 8 Happy are thy men, ‘happy are these tliy 
 servants, which stand continually before thee, and 
 that hear thy wisdom. 
 
 9 r Blessed be the Lord tliy God, which 'de- 
 lighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel, 
 'because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore 
 made he thee king, “to do judgment and justice. 
 
 10 And v she gave the king a hundred and 
 twenty talents of gold, and of ’spices very great 
 store, ^and precious stones : there came no more 
 such abundance of spices as these which the 
 queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. 
 
 11 And the navy also of Hiram, that brought 
 gold from 'Ophir, brought in from Ophir great 
 plenty of “almug-trees, and precious stones. 
 
 12 And the king made of the almug-trees. 
 “pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the 
 king’s house, b harps also and psalteries for singers: 
 there came no such almug-trees, nor were seen 
 unto this day. 
 
 13 And king Solomon gave unto the queen o. 
 Sheba "all her desire, whatsoever she asked, beside 
 that ‘‘which Solomon gave her of his royal bounty. 
 So she turned and went to her own country, she 
 
 and her servants. C Practical Observations.] 
 
 64:4. Zech. 9:17. Mark 16:11. John 20:25—29. 1 Cor.2:9. I John 3:2. U Heb. 
 thou hast added wisdom and goodness to the fame. <| 2 Chr. 9:7.8. Prov. 3:13, 
 
 14. 8:34. 10:21. 13:20. Luke 10:39 — 42. 1 1 .28,31 . r See on 5:7. Ps. 72.17—19. 
 s Ps. 18:19.22:8. Is. 42:1. 62:4. t Cent. 7:8. 1 ( hr. 17 22. 2 Chr. 2: 1 1 . u2Sarn. 
 8:15.23:3. Ps. 72:2. Prov. 8:15,16. Is. 9:7. 11 :4,5. 32: 1 ,2. Jer. 23:5,6. Rom. 13: 
 3,4. v See on 2. 9:14. Malt. 2 11. x Gen. 43:11. Kx. 30:34. y Prov. 3:13 — 
 
 15. 20:15. Rev. 21:11. 7. See on 9:27,28. 2 C hr. 8:18. Ps. 45.9. a 2 ( hr. 2:8. 
 9:10,11. algum. ** Or, rails, lie' . a prop. b 1 Chr. 23:5. 2 5: 1 , &c. Ps.92:l — 
 3. 130:3-5. Rev. 14:2,3. c 2. 9:1. ft. 211:4. 37:4. Mall. 15:28. John 14:13,14. 
 Eph. 3:20. ft Heb. which he gave her, according to the hand of king Solomon. 
 
 which was essential to the acceptable worship of Jehovah. 
 Her language also indicates that she profited by his instruc- 
 tions ; and probably carried home with her the sacred Scrip- 
 tures, and a large accession of profitable knowledge concern- 
 ing true religion, for the benefit of her subjects. (Notes, Acts 
 
 8:36—40.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Marg. Ref. His ascent, Sic. (5) Some under- 
 stand these words of a magnificent communication, which 
 Solomon had prepared, between his palace and the courts Oi 
 the temple, by which he and all his attendants regularly went 
 up to worship the Lord. (Notes, 2 Kings 16:17,18. Ez. 44: 
 
 1 — 3. 46:1 — 3.) Others suppose that they mean the sacrifices 
 which he offered upon the altar: while others explain them 
 of the cheerful and fervent solemnity with which he wor- 
 shipped, showing that his heart was much engaged in the 
 sacred service. The first indeed seems the true meaning 
 hut however that may he, Solomon's \\i>dom and wealth, his 
 magnificence, and his regular and prudent management of his 
 numerous concerns, united with his exemplary piety, over- 
 powered the queen’s mind with astonishment; so that she 
 was altogether overcome by it. — This event probably took 
 place about the middle of Solomon’s reign, at least before he 
 began to turn aside to idolatry. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. Solomon’s wisdom made a deeper impression 
 upon the mind of ihe queen of Sheba, than all his prosperity 
 and grandeur. She congratulated, and almost seemed to 
 envy, the felicity of his servants. She had derived such 
 benefit from her occasional convcrsa’ion with him ; that she 
 considered those persons peculiarly favoured, though far her 
 inferiors in rank, who continually enjoyed the advantage of 
 his instructive discourse and wise counsels. She also very 
 fervently praised God, for his love to Solomon and to Israel, 
 in endowing him with such extraordinary wisdom, in raising 
 him to the throne, and in blessing him with peace and pros- 
 perity, that he might rule over his people “in justice, and in 
 judgment.” These sentiments concerning the sovereignty 
 ami providence of God, the Giver of all wisdom and prospe- 
 rity ; his free and unfailin? love to his people; the duty of 
 kings ; and the happiness of those nations who are favo ired 
 with those that do their duty ; together with her praising .Sod 
 for his love to his people, in which she cordially rejoiced, 
 prove nn understanding and pious mind, and must convince 
 the reflecting reader that she returned home much benefited 
 hy her journey. 
 
 V. 11, 12. It is not known what kind of wood is in'ended 
 hy the words almug-trees, or al gum-trees : hut the specimen 
 brought from Sheba would remain to posterity in the pillars, 
 or rails, and the musical instruments, made of it. (2 Chr. 2: 
 8. 9:10,11.) 
 
 V. 13. (Marg. Ref. ) Besides the munificent presents, 
 which Solomon, no doubt, unsolicited, conferred on the quern 
 of Sheba; he also gave her all those things which she parti- 
 cularly requested : being, probably, such produe ions of Judah 
 and the adjacent regions, as she had not seen in her owr 
 
B. C. 992. 
 
 B. C. 992. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 14 11 Now the weight of gold that came to 
 Solomou in one year <l was six hundred threescore 
 and six talents of gold, 
 
 15 Besides that he had of the merchantmen, 
 and of the traffic of the spice-merchants, and of 
 'all the kings of Arabia, and of the ’governors of 
 the country. 
 
 1G 1i And king Solomon made 'two hundred 
 targets of beaten gold ; six hundred shekels of 
 gold went to one target. 
 
 17 And he made three hundred shields o/’beaten 
 gold; three pounds of gold went to one shield: 
 and the king put them g in the house of the forest 
 of Lebanon. 
 
 18 H Moreover, the king made h a great throne 
 of ‘ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold. 
 
 19 The throne had six steps, and the top of 
 the throne was round 'behind : and there were 
 ; stays on either side on the place of the seat, and 
 two lions stood beside the stays. 
 
 20 And twelve ‘‘lions stood there on the one 
 side and on the other upon the six steps : there 
 was not khe like made in any kingdom. 
 
 21 ^1 And all king Solomon’s ‘drinking vessels 
 were of gold, and all the vessels of m the house of 
 the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold ; “none 
 were of silver : it was nothing accounted of in 
 the days of Solomon. 
 
 22 b or the king had at sea a navy of "Tharshish 
 
 d See on 9:28. e 2 Chr. 9:13.14. Pi. 72:10. Is. 21:13. Gal. 4:25. • Or, cap- 
 Mins, f 14:25— 23. 2Chr.9:15, IS. 12:9,10. g See on 7:2. h 2 Chr. 9:17— 19. 
 Ps. 45:6. 110:1. 122:5. Heb. 1:3,8. Rev. 20:11. i 22. 22:39. Ps. 45:8. £ 7 .. 27:6. 
 Arn. 6:4. Rev. 18:12. t Heb. on the hind'r part thereof. } Heb. hands. 
 k Gen. 49:9. Nmn. 23:24. 24:9. Rev. 5:5. § Heb. so rrvuLe. ' 1 2 Chr. 9:20—22. 
 m 17.7:2. || Or, there was no siloer in them, n 22:48. Gen. 10:4. 2 Chr. 9: 
 21 20:36,37. P<. 13:7. 72:10. Is. 216. 23:1,6,10. 6U:9. 66:19. Ez. 27:12. John 1: 
 8 Tarskish. IT Or, elephant's teeth. 18. Am. 3:15. o Job 39:13. p 3:12,13. 
 4.30,31. 2 Chr. 9:22,23. Ps. 89:27. Eph.3:8. Col. 1: 18.19. 2:2,3. ** Heb. the 
 
 country. These would keep in her remembrance, when she 
 arrived in her own kingdom, what she had seen and heard at 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Perhaps the kings of Arabia were induced, by 
 the queen of Sheba’s report and example, to pay court to 
 Solomon and send him presents. 
 
 V. 16, 17. These targets and shields seem to have been 
 intended principally for magnificence, and to be carried before 
 the king on special occasions. (Notes, 7:2. 14:25 — 28.) 
 
 V. 18 — 20. Ivory is not mentioned in Scripture, till the 
 time of Solomon, who doubtless imported it from India. — It 
 cannot be supposed, that the ivory was entirely covered with 
 Sold ; but rather inlaid with it, so as to add to its beauty. — 
 The lions seem to have been intended not only for ornament, 
 but as emblems of the courage and resolution, requisite in 
 the impartial administration of justice ; and they denoted that 
 magistrates should be a terror to evil-doers, and the protec- 
 tors of those who peaceably submit to their authority. Judah 
 was compare'/ by Jacob to a young lion ; and our Lord is 
 called “ the Lion of the tribe of Judah.” ( Notes , Gen. 49: 
 8,9. Rev. 5:5 — 7.) 
 
 V. 22. .Many learned men have endeavoured to show that 
 Tharshish w as a city in Spain, called Tartessus ; and some 
 think that this navy, which Solomon had with the navy of 
 Hiram, was distinct from that which traded to Ophir, and was 
 fitted out from some port on the Mediterranean : and they 
 account for the length of time taken up in each voyage, by 
 supposing that a great part of it was employed in selling and 
 buying, or bartering, the several articles of commerce. — Blit, 
 whatever gold might he, ivory, apes, and peacocks, ( or par- 
 rots, as some render the word,) do not seem to have bpen 
 articles of trade in any of the countries bordering on the 
 Mediterranean. — u Jehoshaphat made ships of Tharshish to 
 go to Ophir for gold : but they went not; for the ships were 
 broken at Ezion-gaber.” — “ He joined himself with Ahaziah 
 to make ships to go to Tharshish, and they made the ships in 
 Ezion-gaber. . . . And the ships were broken, that they were 
 not able to go to Tharshish.” (Note, 22:18,49. 2 Chr. 20: 
 35 — 37.) These passages, being decisive proofs that the 
 
 ships of Tharshish, ships to go to Tharshish, were built at 
 Ezion-gaber on the Red Sea, the learned Bishop Lowth, 
 (having adopted the opinion that Tharshish was Tartessus 
 in Spain,) says, ‘ Tharshish is celebrated in Scripture for the 
 trade, which Solomon carried on thither in conjunction with 
 The Tyrians. Jehoshaphat attempted afterward to renew that 
 trade; and from the account, given of that attempt, it appears, 
 /hat. this fleet was to sail from Ezion-gaber on the Red Sea, 
 and must therefore have designed to sail round Africa, as 
 Solomon’s fleet probably had done before : for it was a three 
 years’ voyage ; and they brought gold from Ophir, probably 
 rom the coast of Arabia, silver from Tartessus, and ivory, 
 *pes, and peacocks, from Africa. — It is certain, that under 
 Pharaoh-nccho, about two hundred years after, this voyage 
 was made by the Egyptians,’ &c. Bp. Lowth on Is. 2:13 — 
 
 with the navy of Hiram : once in three years 
 came the navy of Tharshish, bringing gold, am 
 silver, ’’ivory, and apes, and “peacocks. 
 
 . 23 So king Solomon I’exceeded all the kings o. 
 the earth for riches and for wisdom. 
 
 24 H And all the earth sought "to Solomon, to 
 hear his wisdom, ‘‘which God had put in his 
 heart. 
 
 25 And they brought 'every man his present, 
 vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and garments, 
 and armour, and spices, horses, "and mules, ‘a 
 rate year by year. 
 
 26 And “Solomon gathered together chariots, 
 and horsemen : and he had a thousand and four 
 hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, 
 whom he bestowed x in the cities for chariots, and 
 with the king at Jerusalem. 
 
 27 And rthe king "made ffilver to be in Jeru- 
 salem as stones, and cedars made he to be as the 
 sycamore-trees that are in the vale, for abun- 
 dance. 
 
 28 And ttSolomon had 'horses brought out of 
 Egypt, “and linen yarn : the king’s merchants 
 received the linen yarn at a price. 
 
 29 And a chariot came up and went out of 
 Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a 
 horse for a hundred and fifty : and so for all b the 
 kings of the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, 
 did they bring them out by §kheir means. 
 
 face of. q See on 3:9.12,28. Pruv.2:6. Dai). 1:17 2:21,23. 5:11. r 10. 
 
 J ttdg. '3:15. 1 Sam. 10:27. 2 Sam. 8:2, 1U. 2 Chr. 26:8. Job 42:11. Pi. 72:10,15. 
 Is. 86:16. Matt. 2:11. s 1:33. 18:5. Gen. 36:24. Ezra 2:66. Eslh. 8:10,14. Ii. 
 66:20. Ez. 2714. t 2 Kings 17:4. 2 Chr. 9:24. u Set on 4:26. 2 Chr. 1:14. 9| 
 25. Is. 2:7. r 2 Chr. 9:25. x 2 Chr. 1:15— 17. 9:27. Job 22:24,25. r+ Heb. 
 gave. 4 * Heb. the going forth of the horses which was Solomon’s, v Deut. 17: 
 16. 2 < 1,,-. 1:16,17. 9:28. Is. 31:1—3. 36:9. a Gen. 41:42. Prov.7.I6'. Is. 19:9. 
 Ez. 27:7. b Josh. 1:4. 2 Kings 7:6. §§ Heb. their hand. Hos. 12: 1U. Mai. 1:1. 
 jnargins. 
 
 16. — But, with all deference to so eminent a writer, it must 
 be allowed extremely improbable, that in regular voyages, for 
 commerce , (not discovery, for which Pharaoh-necho’s extra- 
 ordinary expedition doubtless was undertaken,) such a cir- 
 cuitous course should be chosen ; when, as far as we can 
 learn, it was not then known that Africa was a peninsula! 
 To fit out one navy at Ezion-gaber, for Ophir, whether in 
 Arabia, or the East Indies, which might coast some parts of 
 Africa ; and to fit out another navy to Spain from some Medi- 
 terranean port, would be an obvious and compendious mea- 
 sure : but that the same ships should attempt the whole, and 
 after taking in the far richest part of their freight, compara- 
 tively near home ; should with it attempt to sail round Africa, 
 in order to add silver, and some other articles of inferior 
 value, at Tartessus, must strike every reflecting person as a 
 most unparalleled proceeding. — To sail round Africa at that 
 time, would be immensely more formidable than a voyage 
 round the world at present : and a single glance at a map 
 must convince any person, acquainted with commerce, that 
 no man of common prudence would ever think of such a 
 voyage for lucrative purposes. — Tharshish seems indeed, in 
 some places, io mean Tartessus, or Tarsus, or some place 
 connected with the Mediterranean : for Jonah embarked for 
 Tharshish at Joppa; and Joppa is situated on the Mediterra- 
 nean. Ships of Tharshish seem also sometimes to mean any 
 large ships fitted out for long voyages. But in this place, and 
 some others referred to, if the text be not corrupted, (which 
 there is not the least reason to suppose,) Tharshish must 
 mean some place in the East Indies, or bordering on the Indian 
 ocean. (Note, 2 Chr. 9:13 — 21, v. 21.) 
 
 V. 24 — 27. ( tyotes , 3:5 — 14. 4:26 — 34.) These particu- 
 lars were recorded, to show the faithfulness of God to the 
 promises which he had made to David and to Solomon, 
 whose reign typified the kingdom of the Messiah, in its peace 
 and prosperity, and in the submission and willing services 
 of princes and nations. — But Solomon was doubtless culpable 
 in several respects, and his mind was gradually corrupted 
 lrom its simplicity to excessive luxury and ostentation, which 
 prepared the way for the awful departure from God recorded 
 in the ensuing chapter. (Note, 2 Sam. 11:1—5.) 
 
 V. 28, 29. Solomon and Pharaoh seem to have traded 
 together, by their merchants, to the exclusion of other per 
 sons. The price of the linen yarn, according to its quality, 
 was fixed by contract. The price of a good chariot-horso 
 also was fixed at about nineteen pounds sterling, and that of 
 a chariot at seventy-five: and, in a contract, there is no 
 absurdity in supposing that, the quality being described, a 
 certain sum should be given for each, one with another. 
 Besides those which were brought for the king’s use, num- 
 bers were sold again, at a great profit doubtless, to the neigh- 
 bouring princes : for Pharaoh reserved to his son-in-law the 
 exclusive advantage of this lucrative trade. Some indeed 
 suppose the stipulated sums to have been an exorbitant tax, laid 
 by Pharaoh on all chariots, or horses, which were exported: 
 ( 611 ) 
 
B. C 990. 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 990. 
 
 < HAPTER XI. 
 
 Soumort, having ta m very * r urn/ wives and. concubines, even strange women , 
 is in hj* old age s* lured Ot, them into idolatry, 1 — 8. The Lord threatens to 
 rend the greater p v t of Je kingdom from his family , 9 — 13. Solomon finds 
 an adversary in Hadaa the Edomite , who had been entertained in Egypt, 
 14 — 22 : anain Ilezon, who reigned in Damascus , 23 — 25 : and in Jeroboam ,* 
 to whom AhijaJi foretold that he should reign over ten tribes, and whom Solo- 
 mon in vain attempts to kill, 26 — 40. Solomon dies arid is buried, and 
 Reholionm succeeds him, 41 — 43. 
 
 B UT king Solomon Moved many strange .women, 
 'together with the daughter of Pharaoh, 
 women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, 
 Zidonians, and Hittites : 
 
 2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord 
 said unto the children of Israel, b Ye shall not go 
 in to them, neither shall they come in unto you : 
 
 a 8. Gen. 6:4-5. Deut. 17:17. Neh. 13:23 — 27. Prov. 2:16. 5:3— 50. 6:24. 7:5. 
 22:14.23.33. • Or, betidei. 3:1. Lev. 18:18. I. Ex. 23:32,33. 31:16. Dent. 7: 
 3,1. Josh. 23:12,13. Ena 9:12. 10:2, 4c. Mai. 2: 1 1 . c 16:31— 33. Num.25: 
 1—3. Jude. 3:6,7. 2 Chr. 21 :6. 2 Cor. 6: 14— 16. d Gen. 2:24. 31:3. Jmlg. 16: 
 4— 21. 2Chr. 19:2. Pa. 139.21. Rom. 1 :32. 12:9. 1 Cor. 15:33. Rev. 2:4. 
 
 but the other seems the more probable way of explaining 
 the passage. ( Marg . Ref. t, u. Notes, Deut. 17.16. Is. 
 31:1—3.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 5. Wisdom and piety are exceedingly valuable, 
 and render men truly honourable ; and those, who form a due 
 estimate of their worth, will think no expense or labour too 
 great to obtain them. — When we first attend seriously to re- 
 ligion, we shall meet with many w hard questions,” which we 
 cannot resolve, and which will often perplex and distress our 
 minds, especially if at a distance from proper instructions. 
 But “ then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord.” 
 By waiting and prayer, by practising what we have learned, 
 by diligently searching the Scriptures, and by consulting wise 
 and experienced Christians, we shall be delivered from our 
 difficulties, and a clearer light will shine upon our path. 
 (Notes, Prov. 4:18,19. Is. 42:13 — 17. Hos. 6:1 — 3. John 
 7:14 — 17.) — Those who possess wisdom and knowledge, ought 
 to be courteous and accessible, and glad to communicate 
 them for the good of others; even as the rich should be to 
 impart their wealth. — Great wisdom and piety, in the midst 
 of singular prosperity and grandeur, are very uncommon, 
 and therefore excite the higher admiration. A good under- 
 standing will also be displayed, in the orderly and prudent 
 regulation of domestic and secular concerns ; so that pro- 
 priety, and consistency with a man’s station and circum- 
 stances, will be visible to the attentive spectator ; but our 
 greatest diligence, constancy, seriousness, and cheerfulness, 
 should be manifested, in attending on the ordinances of God; 
 that our example may influence others to “serve him in re- 
 verence and godly fear.” This gives a lustre to wisdom, 
 learning, wealth, or greatness: but alas! how few are ambi- 
 tious of this honour that comelh from God ! how little of this 
 is seen in our princes, and nobles, and great men ! 
 
 V. 6 — 13. The reports which we hear concerning the 
 achievements and excellences of our fellow-creatures, or 
 concerning any earthly glory, are seldom verified when we 
 become acquainted with them. But there is a spiritual excel- 
 lency in heavenly things, and in consistent Christians, to 
 which no reports can do justice : and the better they are 
 known, the more they will be esteemed and relished. — Those 
 who delight in the company of wise men will become wise: 
 and they are highly favoured, who have continual opportunity 
 of conversing with persons of this character: yet frequently, 
 such as have occasional intervievys with them get more be- 
 nefit than those do who are always with them. — All our 
 comforts and prospects spring from the Lord’s love to us : he 
 delights in the fruits of his own Spirit ; and he communicates 
 many good gifts to magistrates, ministers, and private Chris- 
 tians, out of love to his people, that they may be serviceable 
 to them, and happy are they, who are governed and in- 
 structed by those, “ in whom the Lord delighteth.” This 
 indeed has hitherto been a very uncommon case; and many 
 are ready to conclude that it never can become general : but 
 the Scriptures assure us, that at length it shall be the privi- 
 lege and felicity of every nation under heaven. — Whatever 
 our station and endowments be, they are connected with cor- 
 respondent duties ; and we should take it kindly to be reminded 
 of them, and excited to perform them with diligence and 
 fidelity. — Reciprocal kindnesses cement friendship ; and the 
 wealthy should not willingly be outdone in generosity : but 
 neither the company of God’s people, nor the ordinances of 
 his house, should detain us from our proper place and employ- 
 ments, but should send us to them, prepared and disposed 
 to discharge them with greater wisdom and conscientiousness. 
 — Thus the awakened sinner, oppressed with perplexing dif- 
 ficulties, discouraging objections, and distressing fears, hears 
 the report of the Saviour’s acts and wisdom, of his unsearch- 
 able riches an4 unfathomable love ; but can scarcely believe 
 the report. With trouble, self-denial, and the forsaking of 
 many earthly things, he resorts by faith and prayer unto him, 
 and is graciously encouraged and entertained: the Lord’s 
 effectual teaching dispels his darkness and distress ; he shows 
 him his glory and grace, he satisfies him with the provisions 
 ©f his house, and enriches him from his treasures of “ wisdom, 
 righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.” The rejoicing 
 believer no longer glories in himself, and his own attainments: 
 ( 612 ) 
 
 for 'surely they will turn away your heart after 
 their gods : d Solomon clave unto these in love. 
 
 3 And he had 'seven hundred wives, princesses, 
 and three hundred concubines: and his wives 
 turned away his heart.. 
 
 4 For it came to pass, < when Solomon was old, 
 that shis wives turned away his heart after other 
 gods : and h his heart was not perfect with the 
 Lord his God, as was the heart of David his 
 father. 
 
 5 For Solomon went after 'Ashtoreth the god- 
 dess of the Zidonians, and after k Milcom the abo- 
 mination of the Ammonites. 
 
 e Judg. 8:30, 31. 9:5. 2Snm. 3:2— 5.5:13— 16. 2 Chr. 11:21. Ec.7.28. M2. 6: 
 
 1.9:10. 14:21. g Sec on c. 2. Deut. 7:1. 17:17. Sell. 13:25,27. li 6,38. 6:12,13. 
 8:61.9:1. 15:3,14. 2 Kings 211.3. 1 Chr. 28:9. 29: 19. 2 Chr. 17:3.25:2.31:20,21. 
 31:2. i 33. J.i.lg, 2:13. 10:6. 1 Sam. 7:3,1. 12:10. 2King»23:13. Jer.2:10— 13. 
 k 7. Lev. 18:21. 40:2-5. Moltch. Zeph. 1:5. Malchtnn. 
 
 nor is he terrified, though humbled with the consciousness of 
 his own guilt and pollmion. The person, the character, the 
 love of Jesus attract and engross his admiring attention, while 
 they confirm his lively hopes of salvation : and he finds by 
 experience, that the half was not told him of his excellency 
 and preciousness. He now congratulates the felicity of the 
 meanest servant of the Redeemer, but especially that of 
 those above, who always behold his face and do his will. — 
 He blesses the Lord for his love to Israel, in giving them such 
 a Prince and Saviour, and yields up himself both to be ruled 
 and saved by him: and though Jesus needs not, and is not 
 enriched by, all that he can render to him ; yet he devotes 
 his riches and talents to his service, and they are graciously 
 accepted, and recompensed with all that he can desire: yea, 
 of his royal bounty, our Prince of Peace gives more than any 
 petitioner is able to “ ask or think.” The believer, who has 
 thus been with Jesus, will return to his station in society, to 
 discharge his duty, with new alacrity, from purer motives, and 
 to nobler purposes: yet he will still look forward to the day. 
 when, being “ absent from the body, he shall be present with 
 the Lord ;” and when his transient glimpses of the Saviour’s 
 glory, which overpower him with admiration, shall be ex- 
 changed for uninterrupted vision, with faculties enlarged, and 
 strengthened to endure and delight in that ineffable reful- 
 gency. But who can express or conceive aright of that state 
 of felicity ? Every enraptured spirit will then confess, that the 
 thousandth part of what is there enjoyed never reached his 
 ear, nor was thought of in his most delightsome moments 
 upon earth. — Oh, may the writer, and every reader of these 
 observations, aspire after that unutterable felicity, and at 
 length rejoice in it together ! “ Behold a greater than Solo- 
 
 mon is here.” Even upon earth he is present in his word, 
 his ordinances, anti on his throne of grace ; and will be found 
 of all who seek him uprightly — But “ the queen of the south 
 will rise up in judgment with the men of this generation” also. 
 “She came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the 
 wisdom of Solomon ;” but they will not arise from their beds, 
 or go out of their houses, or even open their Bibles, to learn 
 the wisdom of the Son of God ! they will not put themselves 
 to the least inconvenience to receive his instructions, and seek 
 his salvation ! (Note, Matt. 12:41,42.) Yea verily, this 
 example shames every one of us ; for we are all guilty of 
 undervaluing our mercies, and of slackness in attending on 
 the means of grace. Let then the careless and the infidel 
 take warning, for evil is before them : let the negligent “strive 
 to enter in at the strait gate,” lest he should be found with- 
 out when the door is shut : let the drooping inquirer be en- 
 couraged, for poor sinners of the Gentiles are welcome to 
 Christ : and let us all sit at his feet, hear his word, and wait 
 for his salvation : and, by reporting his praises, and doing his 
 will, let us endeavour to recommend him to our fellow-sinners 
 on every side. 
 
 V. 14 — 29. They have the most comfort in worldly things, 
 (though seldom the largest share of them,) who expect least 
 from them, and decidedly prefer wisdom and grace, and who 
 devote the best of all which they have to the Lord: for his 
 largest promises, general and particular, shall surely be per- 
 formed to those who trust and serve him. But alas ! what 
 are worldly wealth and prosperity? They can only procure 
 luxuries, embellishments, and curiosities, which add nothing 
 to the real enjoyment of life : abundance creates satiety, and 
 what is had in plenty is nothing accounted of. Such posses- 
 sions always multiply cares and temptations: and they gene- 
 rally undermine humility and heavcnly-mindedncss ; and eat 
 out the life of religion by leading to sensual indulgence, ava- 
 rice, ostentation, or the pride of life. But the spiritual peace, 
 riches, and abundance of the Redeemer’s kingdom, are of 
 another nature : they satisfy, but never satiate ; while they 
 sanctify the soul, and strengthen it to resist temptation, -and 
 to mortify every fleshly lust. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1 — 8. Wc have not a more 
 melancholy and astonishing instance of human depravity, in 
 the sacred Scriptures, than that recorded in these verses. He, 
 who was named “ Jedidiah,” Beloved of the LORD, and who 
 early in life is declared to have “ loved the Loin>:” (Notes, 
 3:2,3. 2 i Sam. 12:24,25.) — he, who had been favoured with 
 such special tokens of God’s favour, and had received such 
 
B. C. 982. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. B. C. 980 
 
 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, 
 and 'went not fully after the Lord, as did David 
 nis father. 
 
 7 Then did Solomon 'build a high place for 
 "’Chemosh, the "abomination of Moab, in °the hill 
 that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the 
 abomination of the children of Ammon. 
 
 8 And likewise did he for Pall his strange wives, 
 which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their 
 gods. 
 
 [ Practical Observations . ] 
 
 9 H And the Lord was langry with Solomon, 
 because r his heart was turned from the Lord 
 God of Israel, "which had appeared unto him 
 twice, 
 
 10 And had ‘commanded him concerning this 
 thing, that he should not go after other gods : but 
 he kept not that which the Lord commanded. 
 
 11 Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, 
 Forasmuch as this f is done of thee, and thou hast 
 not kept my covenant and my statutes which 
 I have commanded thee, “I will surely rend the 
 
 • Heb. fulfilled not a/lei . Num. 14:24. Josh. 14:3,14. Heb. 1 Lev. 26:30. 
 Num. 33:52. 2 Kings 21:2,3. 23:13,14. Ps. 78:58. Ez. 20:28,29. m Num. 21: 
 29. Judg. 11:24. Jer. 48:13. a Deal. 13:14. 17:3,4. 27:15. Is. 44:19. Ez. 18: 
 12. Dan. 11:31. 12:11. Rev. 17:4,5. o2Sam. 15:30. Zcch.U:!. Matt. 26:30. 
 Acts 1:9,12. p See on 1. Ez. 16:22 — 29. I los. 4:11,12. 1 Cor. 10; 1 1 , 12,20— 22. 
 o Ex. 4:14. Num. 12:9. Deul. 3:26. 9:8,20. 2Sam. 6:7. 11:27. 1 Chr.21:7. Ps. 
 73.58— 60 . 90.7,8. r See on 2,3. Dent. 7:4. Prov.4-23. Is. 29:13,14. Hoc. 4:11. 
 2 Tim. 4:10. s 3:5. 9.2. 16:12,13.9:4—7. 2 Chr. 7:17—22. t Heb. t« mlA 
 Hue. u 31. 12:13,16. Num. 14:23,35. 1 Sum. 2:30— 32. 13:13,14. 15:26-28. 
 
 answers to his prayers : — he, who had been honoured to build 
 the temple, and was so enlarged in supplication when it was 
 dedicated : — he, who was renowned throughout the earth for 
 his wisdom and piety, as well as his wealth and prosperity:— 
 he, who was employed as an inspired writer, whose name is 
 affixed to a part of the oracles of God ; who had given such 
 excellent counsels and warnings to others, and was so illus- 
 trious a type of Christ: — even he apostatized, and became a 
 public and shameful worshipper of abominable idols, to the 
 disgrace of his understanding, as well as the scandal of his pro- 
 fession ! — It is probable, that his declension was gradual : he 
 was perhaps elated with spiritual pride, as well as induced by 
 his prosperity to indulge in luxury and ostentation : or perhaps, 
 he deemed it unnecessary for one of his wisdom and ability, 
 and of his rank and authority, to restrict himself by those 
 rules, which were needful or salutary to inferior persons, as 
 if he were secure from those evils which they were intended 
 to prevent 1 He first multiplied horses, and caused the people 
 to go down into Egypt for that purpose ; then he greatly mul- 
 tiplied gold and silver, contrary to the law of Moses; (Notes, 
 10:24 — 29. Deut. 17:16,17.) not as his father had done, for the 
 service of the sanctuary, but for the increase of his own splen- 
 dour. Thus, the barrier was broken through, and the fervour 
 of his piety abated. — After the example ofhis father, he mar- 
 ried several women, and added one to another, more and more 
 rapidly, till he had got together an immense number of wives 
 and concubines. And he doubtless might argue, that if it was 
 lawful to have two wives, why not many ? and in his case, 
 who could maintain thorn all, they might not be inexpedient, 
 and would add to his magnificence and royal dignity. Probably, 
 Pharoah’s daughter, whom he first married, was a real con- 
 vert; (for we find no temples built to the gods of Egypt;) and 
 this might induce him to take more wives of the heathens, 
 flattering himself, that his wisdom and example would prevail 
 with them also to embrace the worship of Jehovah. Thus 
 he proceeded, till perhaps persons were employed to collect 
 from every part of his kingdom, but especially from the sub- 
 jected nations, every beautiful woman whom they found, with- 
 out regard to her religion. Those of superior rank seem to 
 have been numbered among his wives, and styled princesses; 
 while the inferiors were his concubines, with inferior privileges. 
 (Note, Gen. 25:5,6.) Towards the close ofhis life, when he 
 was above fifty years of age, he grew more addicted to his 
 women than before: and spending much time in their com- 
 pany, he doubtless in a degree neglected both the worship of 
 God, and the affairs of his kingdom : and perhaps the enor- 
 mous expense, which their extravagance occasioned, rendered 
 those burdens requisite, of which the people afterwards com- 
 lained. (Note, 12:4.) But the evil did not stop here : for 
 is women gained still greater ascendency over him, and gra- 
 dually prevailed with him to connive at their idolatries, to 
 oblige them by building idolatrous temples, and at length to 
 join with them in their abominable worship ! When one had 
 been thus gratified, there could be no peace, unless the others 
 were obliged in the same manner ; and therefore he did thus 
 for all his strange wives. — Those who have noted in history, 
 or in society, the effects of the influence of inveigling women 
 over the greatest and wisest of men, will readily perceive that 
 matters were speedily in a train ; and that it was almost im- 
 possible, without an immediate divine interposition, that Solo- 
 mon should stop short of this extreme folly and wickedness, 
 when he had once suffered himself to be entangled in the fatal 
 »et. (Notes, Judg. 16:4 — 21.) The inspired historian, there- 
 
 kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy ser 
 vant. 
 
 12 Notwithstanding v in thy days I will not do i. 
 x for David thy lather’s sake : but ?\ will rend it 
 out of the hand of thy son. 
 
 13 Howbeit, ’I will not rend away all the king- 
 dom; but will give “one tribe to thy son b for David 
 my servant’s sake, and c fbr Jerusalem’s sake which 
 I have chosen. 
 
 14 U And d the Lord stirred up “an adversary 
 unto Solomon, Hadad the Edomite : he was of the 
 king’s seed in Edom. 
 
 15 For it came to pass , 1 when David was i-b.c 
 in Edom, and Joab the captain of the host L 1MU - 
 was gone up to bury the slain, «after he had smit- 
 ten h every male in Edom ; 
 
 16 (For six months did Joab remain there with 
 all Israel, until he had cut off every male ir. 
 Edom f) 
 
 17 That Hadad fled, he and certain Edomites 
 ofhis father’s servants with him, to go into Egypt: 
 'Hadad being yet a little child. 
 
 2 Sam. 12:9 — 12. v 21:29. 2 Kings 20: 19. x 9:4,5. Gen. 12:2. 19:29. y See or. 
 Ex. 20:5. z.2Sam. 7:15, 16. I Chr. 17:13,14. Ps. 89:33— 37. a35,36. 12:20. 
 
 b See on 11:12,32. Deul. 9:5. 2 Kings 13:23. 19:34. Ps. 89:49. 132:1.17. Is. 9:7 
 Jer. 33:17— 26. Luke 1:32,33. c Deul. 12:5,11. 2 Kings 21 .4. 23:27. Ps. 132:13, 
 14. Is. 14:32. 62:1,7. Jcr.33:15, 16. d 12:15. 1 Sam. 26:19. 2 Sam. 24: 1. 1 Chr 
 5:26. Is. 10:5,26. 13:17. e 2 Sara. 7:14. Ps. 89:30— 34. f2Sam.8:14. 1 Chr 
 
 18:12,13. Ps. 60: title. 108:10. g Gen. 25:23. 27:40. Num. 24 : 18,19. Mai. 1:2, 
 3. hNura. 31:17. iEx.2:l— 10. 2Sam.4:4. 2Kingsll:2. Matl.2:13,14. 
 
 fore, quotes the prohibition of marrying strange women, with 
 the annexed consequence, w Surely they will turn away you. 
 heart after their gods:’ 5 to show that no eminency of wisdom, 
 or firmness of resolution, will secure any man ; when in a 
 careless or self-confident spirit he presumes to violate God’s 
 commandments, and thus to run into temptation. Of this 
 Solomon formed a most striking proof. (Marg. Ref. b. c. 
 Notes, Ex. 34:11- — 17. Josh. 23:11 — 13. Neh. 13:23 — 30.) — 
 David had committed several heinous sins, but he had repent- 
 ed, and humbled himself for them: and he had still adhered to 
 the worship of Jehovah, and never in the smallest instance 
 set the people an example of idolatry, or given*any connivance 
 to that greatest of all abominations, that open treason against 
 the king of heaven, and violation of the national covenant 
 with Israel. But Solomon’s heart was not thus u perfect with 
 the Lord his God and “ he went not fully after the Lord !* 
 (Marg. Ref. h.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. The Lord had twice appeared unto Solomon, in 
 the most condescending and encouraging manner: and on the 
 last occasion he had solemnly warned him of the consequences 
 of disobedience, especially of idolatry. (Notes, 3:5 — 14. 6:11 
 — 13. 9:3 — 9.) This aggravated his offence: and it is pro- 
 bable, that God sent this awful message by a prophet ; as 
 refusing to appear again to him after hrs ingratitude for his 
 former gracious appearance to him. 
 
 V. 12, 13. The sentence, however, should not be executed 
 during his life, but immediately after his death. (Note, 21:27 — 
 29. ) Benjamin was so connected with Judah, that together they 
 were but as one tribe, and therefore it is not here particularly 
 mentioned. As a punishment of Solomon’s sm, the other ten 
 tribes would be rent from his son : (Notts, 29 — 32. 12:19,20. 
 1 Sam. 15:27,28.) but in performance of the promises made 
 to David, and in a gracious recompense for his obedience ; 
 and to maintain the worship of Jehovah at Jerusalem, which 
 he had chosen, God would continue the tribe of Judah under 
 the government of Solomon’s posterity. — Even the mitigations 
 of the sentence were suited to humble and afflict Solomon. 
 Nothing was done for his sake, but all for his father’s. (Notes, 
 Gen. 19:27 — 29. 1 Sam. 2:30.) It is very probable, that this 
 message brought him to himself, and led him to repentance. 
 
 1 This was enough to astonish any man, to hear that all his 
 splendour should be so soon eclipsed, if he were not perfectly 
 stupified, and it is likely it did make him reflect on his folly: 
 and, as many think, moved him to write the book of Eccle- 
 siastes.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 14. As the opposition which Hadad made to Solomon 
 accorded to the Lord’s secret design of punishing him, and 
 was overruled for that purpose, he is said to have “ stirred 
 him up though it is evident Hadad was instigated by his 
 own ambition and resentment. (Notes, 1 Sam. 26:17 — 19. 
 
 2 Sam. 24:1,2. Jam. 1:13—15.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. These particulars are not recorded in the pre- 
 ceding history. (Marg. Ref. f.) — As the Edomites after- 
 wards continued a people, either some particular district only 
 was treated with this severity, or numbers escaped f rom Joab 
 and his men. — Unless some very peculiar-cause required it # 
 this military execution cannot be justified. — To bury the slain. 
 (15) The Israelites, who had been slain in the contest, as 
 many think. % 
 
 V. 17 — 22. (Marg. Ref.) After the death of David and 
 Joab, Hadad returned to Idumea, in hopes to excite disturb- 
 ances before Solomon’s authority was established: but he 
 seems to have been disappointed and restrained till %fte: 
 ( 613 ) 
 
B. C. 979. 
 
 L KINGS. B. C. 977. 
 
 18 And the) a/oss. out of k Midian, and came to 
 Paran: and they took men with them out of Pa- 
 ran, and they came to Egypt, unto Pharaoh king 
 of Egypt ; which gave him a house, and appointed 
 him vict mis, and gave him land. 
 
 19 An< 1 Hadad m finind great favour in the sight 
 
 of Pharaoh, so that he gave him to wife the sister 
 of his own wife, the sister of “Tahpenes the 
 queen. * 
 
 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bare him Genu- 
 bath his son, whom Tahpenes “weaned in Pha- 
 raoh’s house: anil Genubath was in Pharaoh’s 
 household among the sons of Pharaoh. 
 
 b c.a 21 And when Hadad '’heard in Egypt that 
 ms. J David slept with his fathers, and that Joab 
 the captain of the host was dead, Hadad said to 
 Pharaoh, 'Let me depart, that I may go to mine 
 own country. 
 
 22 Then Pharaoh said unto him, iBut what 
 hast thou lacked with me, that, behold, thou seek- 
 est to go to thine own country? And he an- 
 swered, Nothing: howbeit, 'let me go in any 
 wise. 
 
 23 IT And "God stirred him up another adver- 
 sary, Rezon the son of Eliadah, which fled from 
 his lord ‘Hadadezer king of Zobah : 
 
 24 And he gathered men unto him, and became 
 captain over a band, when David slew them of' 
 Zobah ; and they went to "Damascus, and dwelt 
 therein, and reigned in Damascus. 
 
 25 And he was an adversary to Israel x all the 
 days of Solomon, besides the mischief that Hadad 
 did: and he ^abhorred Israel, and reigned over 
 Syria. 
 
 26 IT And ‘Jeroboam the son of Nebat, “an 
 Ephrathite of Zereda, b Solomon’s servant, whose 
 mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow woman, even 
 he lifted up his hand against the king. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] * 
 
 27 And this was the cause that he “lifted up his 
 hand against the king: d Solomon built Millo, and 
 Trepnired “the breaches of ' the city of David his 
 father. 
 
 28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man 
 of valour : and Solomon seeing the young man 
 
 k Gen. 11:2, l. Num.52r4. 25:6,14,18. 1 Gen. 14:6. 21:21. Num. 10:12. Dent. 
 M. 33:2. Iliib. 3:3. m Gen. 39:4,21. Acts 7:10,31. n Jer. 43:7—9. o Gen. 21: 
 7,8. 1 Sam. 1:24. p2:10. Ex. 4:19. Matt. 2:20. * Heb. Send me away. Gen. 
 
 45:24. Josh. 2:21. 1 Sam. 9:26. 2 Sam. 3:21. q Jer. 2:31. Luke 22:35. t Heb. 
 Not. r 2 Sum. 18:22,23. Ps. 37:8. Mark 14:31. on 14. 2 Sam. 16:11. 
 
 Ezra 1:1,5. Is. 13:17. 37:26. 45.5. Ez. 38:16. t2 Sam. 8:3. 10:15-18. 1 Chr. 
 18:3 — 9. 19:6,16 — 19. Ha larczor. Ps.60: title. u 19:15. 20:31. Gen. 14:15. 
 Acta 9:2. x 5:4. 2 Chr. 15:2. y Gen. 34:30. Deut. 23:7. 2 Sam, 16:21 . Ps. 106: 
 40. Zech. 11:8. z 11,28. 12:2,20, &c. 13:1, &c. 14 16. 15 30.16:3.21:22. 
 a Gen. 35:16. Ruth 1:2. 1 Sam. 1:1. 17:12. 1 Chr. 2:19. b 9:22. 2Chr.l3:6. 
 c 2 Sam. 20:21. Prov. 30:32. Is. 26:11. d See on 9:15,24. } Heb. closed. Am. 
 5:11. e Neh. 4:7. Ps. 60:2. Is. 22:9. Ez. 13:5. f See on 2 Sam. 5:7. § Heb. 
 
 Solomon’s idolatry ; when he perhaps attempted to seize the 
 kingdom of Edom, and molested Solomon all the rest of his 
 reign. 
 
 V. 23 — 25. When David had defeated Hadadezer, Rezon 
 collected a company, over whom he became a captain ; and it 
 is probable, that for a long time they lived bv plunder: for 
 
 David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus :” (Notes , 2 Sam. 
 8:3 — 8.) but at length Resin found an opportunity of seizing 
 Damascus, and usurping the kingdom of Syria. — He had in- 
 deed abhorred Israel from the first ; but probably he did not 
 openly appear as Solomon’s adversary, or do him any injury, 
 till Solomon had provoked the Lord by his idolatries. (Note, 
 Prov. 16:7.) 
 
 V. 26—28. (9:15,24. Notes, Judg. 9:16—20, v. 20. 2 Sam . 
 5:9.) Jeroboam, having been employed in superintending the 
 builders at Jerusalem, so distinguished himself by capacity and 
 industry, that Solomon preferred him to a post of considerable 
 authority and influence. He either placed him over the tribute 
 collected from the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh, or made 
 him superintendent of the levy sent from them by courses 
 to assist in his works. (Note, 5:13 — 18.) — This advancement, 
 probably from a low situation, opened vast prospects to his 
 ambitious mind : and he seems to have excited and encou- 
 raged the discontent of the people, on account of the burdens 
 •aid on them. Perhaps he was plotting an open revolt ; at 
 least he joined the disaffected party : and thus he might be 
 said to “lift up his hand against the king;” though his designs 
 were not. carried into effect, till after Solomon’s death. 
 
 V. 29— 32. (Marg. Rtf. Note, Acts 21:7—14.) The 
 meaning of the emblematical action, here recorded, seems to 
 imply, t h at “the new garment” belonged to the prophet, not 
 to Jeroboam ; though many expositors suppose the contrary. 
 The division of the kingdom took nothing from Jeroboam, hut 
 gave the dominion over ton tribes to him. (Note, 12,13.) — 
 
 C 614 ) 
 
 that he Hvas industrious, she made him ruler over 
 all the "charge of h the house of Joseph. 
 
 29 And it came to pass at that time when 
 Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet 
 'Ahijah the k Shilonite found him in the way; and 
 he had clad himself with a new garment; ‘and 
 they two were alone in the field : 
 
 30 And Ahijah caught the new garment that 
 was on him, and Tent it in twelve pieces : 
 
 31 And he said to Jeroboam, Take thee ten 
 
 g ieces ; for “thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel, 
 ehold, I will rend the kingdom out of the hand 
 of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee : 
 
 32 (But “lie shall have one tribe for my servant 
 David’s sake, and rfor Jerusalem’s sake, the city 
 which I have chosen out of all the tribes oi 
 Israel A 
 
 33 Because that ithey have forsaken me, and 
 have worshipped “Ashtoreth the goddess of the 
 Zidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and 
 Milcom-the god of the children of Ammon, and 
 have not walked in my ways, to do that which is 
 right in mine eyes, and to keep my statutes and 
 my judgments, as did David his father. 
 
 34 Howbeit, “I will not take the whole kingdom 
 out of his hand : but I will make him prince all the 
 days of his Jife for David my servant’s sake, whom 
 I chose, because he kept my commandments and 
 my statutes : 
 
 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s 
 hand, and ‘will give it unto thee, even ten tribes. 
 
 36 And unto his son will I give one tribe, that 
 “David my servant may have a ’light always before 
 me in Jerusalem, x the city which I have chosen 
 me to put my name there. 
 
 37 And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign, 
 ^according to all that thy soul desireth, and shalt 
 be king over Israel. 
 
 38 And it shall be, ‘if thou wilt hearken unto 
 all that I command thee, and wilt walk in mv 
 ways, and do that is right in my sight, to keep 
 my statutes and my commandments, as David 
 my servant'did ; “that 1 will be with thee, and 
 b build thee a sure house, as I built for David, and 
 will give Israel unto thee. 
 
 did work. Prov. 22:29. ej5:16. || Heb. bterden. Deut. 1:12. 19.14:25. Matt, 
 11:30. h Josh. 18:5. Jud*. 1:22,23 . 2Sam. 19:20. Am. 5:6. Zech. 10:6. i 12: 
 15. 14:2. 2 Chr. 9:29. k Josh. 18:1. 1 Gen. 4:8. 2 Sam. 14:6. m 1 Sam. 15:27, 
 28.24:4,5. n See on 11,12. o See on 12 20. p See on 13. q 9. 3: 14. 6:12,13. 
 9:5-7. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 15:2. Jer.2:13. r See on 5-8. &.See on 12,13,31. 
 Job 11:6. Ps. 103:ln. Hnb 8 2 1 12:15-17,20. 2Chr. 10:15— 17. o 15:4, 
 
 2Sam. 7:16,29. 21:17. 2Kings8:19. 2 Chr. 21:7. Pa. 132:17. Jer. 33: 17— 21. 
 Am. 9:11,12. Luke 1 :69,70,7S,79. Acts 15:16,17. H Heb. lamp, or, candle. 
 x Sceon 13. 9:3. Gal. 4:25,26. Heb. 12:22. Rev. 21:10. y26. Deut. 14:26. 
 
 2 Sam. 3:21. z3:14. 6:12. 9:4,5. Ex. 19:5. Deut. 15:5. Zech. 3:7. a See on 
 Deut. 31:8. Josh. 1:5. b 14:7— 14. 2Sum. 7:11,16,26— 29. 1 Chr. 17.10,24— 27. 
 
 Some think that the rending of the garment, into twelve 
 pieces, represented also the subsequent divisions and dis- 
 tractions which prevailed in Israel. 
 
 V. 33. Induced by Solomon’s example, and to obtain his 
 favour, it seems that the people had generally joined in his 
 idolatry ; and the punishment inflicted on him and his posterity 
 involved them in manifold and heavy calamities. 
 
 Y. 34— 36. (Notes, 12,13. Gen. 18:19,19. 26:2— 5.) ‘This 
 was an admonition to Jeroboam not to molest Solomon in his 
 lifetime, by raising rebellion against him ; and also to walk 
 in God’s way, as David did, and not to fall into idolatry.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 A light, &c. (36) It was the purpose of God that David’s 
 family should still continue illustrious; and be the instruments 
 of preserving the light of true religion in Jerusalem ; as well 
 as types of Christ, “the Light of the world.” (Notes, 15:1,5. 
 Ps. 89:19— 37. 132:17. Is. 9:6,7.) 
 
 V. 37. Thy soul desireth.] It is probable, from this ex- 
 pression, that Jerohoam secretly aspired to the kingdom. 
 But neither, the designs of God nor this declaration by the 
 prophet excused his ambition and rebellion. David, long after 
 he had been anointed to the kingdom, was faithful to Saul, 
 and was not driven by persecution to attempt aught against 
 him : nor would he even seize the vacant throne, I ill called to 
 it by the voice of the people* (Notes, I Sam. 24:4 — 7. 26:8 
 —12. 2 Sam . 2:4. 5:1,2. 2 Kings 8:14,15.) 
 
 V. 38. And build thes , &c.] Notes', 2 Sam. 7 : s — i r> . 
 Distrusting this express conditional promise, J *rohoam en- 
 deavoured to establish his authority by disobedience ; and 
 thus he forfeited the kingdom as to his posterity, and brought 
 ruin upon them, and incalculable mischiefs on Israel. (Notes, 
 12:26-31. 14:5—16. 2 Chr. 13:4—12.) 
 
 V. 39. Three alleviations of the denouncer! ju jgmentt 
 are mentioned. They would not happen in Soiomor k days, 
 
CHAPTER XI, 
 
 B. C. 975. 
 
 B. C. 975. 
 
 39 And I will for this 'afflict the seed of David, 
 but d not for ever. 
 
 40 Solomon 'sought therefore to kill Jeroboam. 
 And Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, unto 
 •Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until 
 the death of Solomon. 
 
 41 And *the rest of the 'acts of Solomon, and 
 
 c 12:16. 14:8.25,26. Ps. 89:38—45,49—51. d See on 36. Is. 7:14. 9:7. 11:1—10. 
 ’er. 23.5,6. l.uke 1:32,33. 2:4,11. e 2 Chr. 16:10. Prov. 21:3(1. Is. 14:24— 27. 
 46:10. Ltun. 3:37. fl 4:25,26. 2 Chr. 12:2-9. g 2 Chr. 9:29,30. ’Or,! lords, 
 
 lierefore Jeroboam ought by no means to have attempted 
 any thing against him : the whole kingdom was not to be 
 taken from Solomon’s posterily ; therefore Jeroboam must 
 not expect to subject Judah and Benjamin: and the affliction 
 xas not to be for ever ; which seems especially to refer to 
 Christ and his everlasting kingdom. 
 
 V. 40. There is nothing in the original for therefore; it is 
 simply 11 And Solomon sought to kin Jeroboam.” It does not 
 appear that he did this because of Ahijah’s prophecy , which 
 would have been an instance of most infatuated rebellion 
 against God, and utterly inconsistent with repentance ; but 
 because of Jeroboam's subsequent misconduct , who perhaps 
 divulged and boasted of the promise, and “lifted up his hand 
 against Solomon which implies an attempt to raise rebellion 
 m his lifetime. (26) — It is probable that Shishak was the 
 successor of Pharaoh, whose daughter Solomon had married ; 
 Dut perhaps of another family and interest. He is the only 
 aing of Egypt hitherto called by his proper name ; all before 
 aim being known by the general title of Pharaoh. He is also 
 thought to have been the Sesostris of pagan history. ( Notes , 
 14:25—28. 2 Chr. 12:2—11.) 
 
 V. 41. In the book, &c.] Some annals, or records, of 
 Solomon’s life and reign, more copious than the account here 
 given; from which such extracts were made, as were needful 
 for edifica'ion. ( Preface to 1 Kings. Notes, 14:19. 1 Chr. 
 29:29,30.) 
 
 V. 42, 43. Solomon was the only king who reigned so long 
 as forty years over all Israel : yet he was not above sixty 
 years of age when he died, and perhaps he had injured his 
 constitution by indulgence. — We are not here informed, 
 whether he repented before his death, or not : and this silence 
 is a warning to every one of us, not to yield to temptations, 
 lest we should leave the. world in uncertainty, and be con- 
 demned as hypocrites in the consciences of God’s people. 
 But this silence in the book of Kings no more proves that 
 Solomon did not repent, than the silence of the book of 
 Chronicles proves that he did not commit idolatry. I would 
 not indeed decide upon so controverted a point with unhesi- 
 tating confidence: yet the book of Ecclesiastes seems fully 
 to show, that he repented, and publicly declared that repent- 
 ance before his death. •( Note , Ec. 7:23 — 28.) We are not 
 however much interested in the solution, as some suppose ; for 
 the doctrines of Christianity must he proved by “the sure 
 testimony of God,” and not by particular examples : for we 
 are not sufficiently acquainted, either with the real character 
 of men, or with their final doom ; to decide on this ground. If 
 Solomon did not repent, he doubtless perished, notwithstand- 
 ing all his previous zeal, important services, and eminent 
 endowments : for no part of Scripture gives reason to suppose 
 that any who die in unrepented wickedness are saved. Many 
 indeed think that this supposition would prove all his profession 
 of religion to have been hypocritical ; and this conclusion 
 does not well accord to his name Jedidiah, and the testimony 
 of the Holy Spirit, that he “loved the Lord.” (Notes, Ez. 
 3:20,21. Hcb. 10:35—39.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. We are repeatedly reminded, by the examples 
 of the mosl eminent men, that no abilities or endowments ; 
 that no Illustrious services, fervent affections, or vigorous 
 resolutions ; that nothing inherent in man, forms in itself any 
 security against the deceitfulness and desperate wickedness 
 of his heart, or may be depended on as sufficient to preserve 
 him from the commission of the most atrocious crimes. — 
 Men of superior understanding find it far easier to lay down 
 excellent rules for the conduct of others, than ti^reduce them 
 to practice in the constant tenor of their own lives. — (Notes, 
 Prov. 1: — 9:) For alas ! they often fall into the same pit, and 
 are caught in the same snare, against which they have repeat- 
 edly warned others ; and sometimes are guilty of things as 
 absurd and foolish as they are wicked. Nay, old age itself 
 will not eradicate from the heart any evil propensity. The 
 habit of indulgence in fleshly lusts will more than counterba- 
 lance the effect of nature’s decay : and if our sinful passions 
 be not crucified and mortified by the grace of God, they will 
 never die of themselves, but will subsist and rage when every 
 opportunity of gratification shall be taken away. — Thus we 
 are taught to “ cease from man,” and to watch and be sober : 
 f or ours is a dangerous warfare in an enemy’s country, while 
 ■he worst of our foes are the traitors which occupy our own 
 hearts. — We all naturally desire prosperity and pre-eminence; 
 Jtet in general these operate as fatal poisons to the soul. 
 And when we allow of one inordinate or inexpedient indul- 
 gence, we give energy to all our passions, and to every 
 temptation of Satan. Not only will the same inclination 
 grow more importunate ; but others also, like humoured chil- 
 dren, win expect to be gratified in their turn : while self- 
 
 all that he did, and his wisdom ; are they no. 
 written in the book of the acts of’ Solomon ? 
 
 42 And the 'time that Solomon reigned ii. 
 Jerusalem over all Israel was ''forty years. 
 
 43 And Solomon 'slept with his fathers, and was 
 k buried in the city of David his father : and ‘Reho- 
 boam his son reigned in his steac.. 
 
 or, l/iings. t Heb. day. h 2: 1 1 . i 1:21. 14:20. 15:8,24. 16:6. Dent. 31:16. 
 2 Kings 16:20 . 20:21. 21:18. k 2:10. 14:31. 2 Kings 21:18,28. 2 Chr. 21:20 . 26« 
 23. 28:27. Jer. 22:19. 1 l Chr. 3: 10. 2 Chr. 9:31. 13:7. Matt. 1:7. Robor.m. 
 
 government, even the authority of reason and conscience over 
 the inferior faculties, is weakened by every concession. Our 
 safety and comfort therefore consist in resolutely requiring 
 them all to obey, and though we cannot extinguish our pas- 
 sions, in rigorously confining them within the bounds of what 
 is lawful and expedient. — Indulged luxury, or the pride of life, 
 generally introduces greater licentiousness, where a man’s 
 affluence is equal to his inclinations. But the history of the 
 world and of the church demonstrates, that the love of women 
 is one of the most dangerous passions of the human heart 
 When once the divine original appointment concerning mar- 
 riage is violated, the unbridled propensity will know no 
 bounds : nor can the wisest or the most determined say to it, 
 
 44 Thus far shalt thou go, and no further :” but, like a descending 
 weight, the progress is from bad to worse with accelerated 
 rapidity. The designing objects of a sensual and roving 
 affection will employ, by turns, all the arts of persuasion, 
 dalliance, flattery, or upbraidings, to prevail over a man’s 
 resolution, and to induce his compliance with the most unrea- 
 sonable and pernicious requests ; till shame and conscience 
 are surmounted, reputation and interest sacrificed, every 
 barrier is broken down, and a perfect infatuation takes place. 
 (P. O.Judg. 16:) — Parents, and those who are in reputation 
 for piety, should be peculiarly careful what practices they 
 sanction by their examples : for such as do not imitate them 
 in their best actions, will be encouraged to copy and to exceed 
 them in their mistakes and misconduct. Those who have 
 made the boldest profession of godliness, and have been most 
 serviceable to its interests, may expect to be assaulted by the 
 strongest temptations from the great enemy of souls ; and 
 should always entertain a jealous fear, lest, being overcome 
 in an unguarded hour, they should after all become a scandal 
 to religion, a stumbling block to the prejudiced, an encourage- 
 ment to hypocrites and infidels, or a snare and evil precedent 
 to the unstable and injudicious. They should therefore be 
 peculiarly watchful against the incursions of spiritual pride ; 
 or the fatal persuasion, that they are superior to those rules 
 and cautions, which are needful for weaker persons. They 
 should always meditate with seriousness on their danger of 
 falling, and the wide spreading fatal effects of their miscon* 
 duct ; and prefer any affliction, or even death, to thus disho- 
 nouring God and his truth. — The fond hope, which numbers 
 indulge, who marry with ungodly persons, of being instru- 
 mental to their salvation, stands exposed throughout the 
 Scripture, but especially in this chapter: the wisest and best 
 of men are more likely to be corrupted by the converse of a 
 beloved ungodly companion, than to bring such a one to a 
 sense of serious religion. Considering the state of human 
 nature, the case is as desperate as that of a healthy person 
 associating with those that have got the plague, who is far 
 more likely to be infected himself, than to recover them : and 
 the Lord’s prohibition of such marriages declares them to be 
 means, which he does not allow of, and will seldom use, for 
 that purpose. — The slaves of fleshly lusts are meet worship- 
 pers of abominable idols ; but not of the God of Israel, who 
 is holy, and whose worshippers must be holy too. — Those 
 who connive at the wickedness which they ought to punish* 
 will soon join in committing it, and in inducing others to do 
 the same : but all this proceeds from the heart not being fully 
 devoted to the Lord ; for when the love of him occupies the 
 affections, and the soul is satisfied with the earnests and 
 hopes of his favour, all inferior desires, however lawful, will 
 he moderated, regulated, and subordinated ; and all unlawful 
 inclinations will be hated and crucified. 
 
 V. 9 — 25. The Lord is very angry even with the objects 
 of his special love, when their hearts are fora season, or in a 
 measure, turned from him; and the peculiar tokens of his 
 favour, his answers to their prayers, and their comfortable 
 communion with him in times past, will aggravate their guilt 
 and increase his displeasure : nor can there be any peace, or 
 assurance of acceptance, without an unreserved persevering 
 obedience to his commandments. Yet, in punishing trans- 
 gressors, he will not dishonour his own faithful promises, de- 
 sert the cause of true religion, or fail to honour the memories, 
 of those who have uprightly walked in his ways : and for the 
 sake of Jesus, and his people whom he hath chosen, he will 
 not suffer his whole displeasure to arise. It is grievous indeed 
 to leave heavy judgments for our sins to our posterity ; yet it 
 is a mercy to have peace and truth in our days. But when 
 the Lord is become an Adversary, he will give power, cou- 
 rage, and capacity to other adversaries, and thus render those 
 formidable, who before appeared contemptible: and we should 
 always observe his righteous hand, even in those sufferings 1 
 which come upon us from the wickedness of others. — Unne- 
 cessary seventy excites resentments, which may long after 
 create us or ours disturbance and grief: and it is best, as far 
 l 615 ) 
 
B. C. 9 75. 
 
 I. KINGS. B. C. 9", 5. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The Israelites, assevibled at Schechem to make Rehoboam king , t oilh Jero- 
 boam now returned from Egypt, demand redress of their grievances , 1 — 5. 
 Rehoboam, rejecting the counsel of the old men, and. following that of the 
 young , answert them roughly, 6 — 15. Ten tribes recolt, stone Adoram, raid 
 make Jeroboam king, 16 — 20. Ilehnboam raises an army to subdue them ; 
 but is forbidden by the piophet Shemmaih, 21 — 24. Jeroboam builds 
 Shechcm ami Penuel, 25 : and to establish his kingdom, he sets up the 
 wo ship of the gol ten calves in Bethel and Dan, 26 — 33. 
 
 A ND “Rehoboam went to b Shechem: for all 
 Israel were come to Shechem to make him 
 
 king. 
 
 2 Ami it came to pass, when “Jeroboam the 
 son of Nebat, who was yet in Egypt, heard of it, 
 (for he was tied from the presence of king So- 
 lomon, and Jeroboam dwelt in Egypt;) 
 
 3 That they sent and called him. And Jeroboam 
 and all the congregation of Israel came, and spake 
 unto Rehoboam, saying, 
 
 4 Thy father made d our yoke grievous : now 
 therefore make thou the grievous service of thy 
 father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, 
 lighter, and we will serve thee. 
 
 5 And he said unto them, Depart yet for three 
 
 a See on 11:43. 2 Chr. 10:1. b Geo. 12:6. Sichem. 33:18,19. Josh. 20:2. 24:1, 
 32. Judg. 9:1. Ps. 60:6. Acts 7:16. Sychem. c See on 11:26—31,40. 2 Chr. 10: 
 2,3. d 4:7,20,22,23,25. 9:22,23. 1 Sam. 8:11— 18. 2 ('hr. 10:4,5. Matt. 11:29, 
 SO. 23:4. 1 John 5:3. e 2 Sam. 16:20. 17:5. Job 12:12.32:7. 1 Toy. 27:10. Jer.42: 
 
 as we can, to exercise lenity to all men, and u to overcome 
 evil with good.” — Bur, if the abundance and pleasure of a 
 court, and the friendship of a king, could not detain Hadad 
 from his own desolate and subjected country ; what earthly 
 prosperity should take off a believer’s affections from his glo- 
 rious inheritance in heaven, or make him reluctant to remove 
 thither ? Many abhor the Israel of God, who are not per- 
 mitted to hurt them : nay, when they seem to succeed in their 
 malice, they are only the instruments of salutary chastise- 
 ment to them. 
 
 V. 26 — 43. We often find our worst enemies among those 
 whom we have most befriended ; especially when ingenuity, 
 industry, and resolution, rather than piety, have recommended 
 them to our notice. These qualifications make way for a 
 man’s preferment, and every advance enlarges the ambition 
 of a proud, unsanctified mind : and when men of this charac- 
 ter come within the attraction of supreme authority, and dare 
 to hope for that dangerous pre-eminence ; to “ reign accord- 
 ing to the desire of their hearts,” forms the grand object, and 
 to it every tie of gratitude or duty must be sacrificed. — Pro- 
 vidential dispensations to this day, as well as prophetic decla- 
 rations of old, try men’s spirits, whether they will grasp at 
 advantages at all events ; or whether they will wait patiently, 
 and use only lawful means of obtaining them, according to the 
 will of God. — Many so believe some parts of God’s word, as 
 perversely to take encouragement from them to commit ini- 
 quity ; instead of so believing the whole, as to expect the 
 blessings proposed in the way of conscientious obedience 
 there prescribed. They are shown, and seem to understand, 
 that others have forfeited their most valuable interests by sin ; 
 and yet they will seek to seize or to secure their own by 
 similar transgressions! so inconsistent is human nature! — 
 The Lord will not afflict for ever the people of his covenant : 
 hut when they grievously offend, he will eclipse all their 
 honour : he will leave obscurity and reproach upon their cha- 
 racters ; and perhaps bring them down to the grave in dis- 
 grace, discomfort, and uncertainty ; distressed concerning the 
 state of their own souls, and about the consequences of their 
 conduct, to their families, to the church, and to the world. 
 May God help us to walk circumspectly; to pass the time of 
 our sojourning here in fear ; and to stand with our loins girded, 
 and our lamps burning, prepared for and expecting the coming 
 of our Lord. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1. We read of no son of 
 SSolomon except. Rehoboam, and his mother was an Am- 
 monitess. (Notes, 14:21. Deut. 23:3 — 5.) — He had also two 
 daughters. (4:11,15.) That he should have no more chil- 
 dren, may be considered as a providential rebuke, for his 
 multiplying wives in so unprecedented a manner. — Solomon 
 seems to have been sensible, that his son was not likely to 
 prove a wise man, or to carry on his designs for the good of 
 •Israel, and the establishment of his family ; and he appears 
 •'o have greatly regretted it. (Note, Ec. 2:18 — 23.) As Rc- 
 hoboam was the unrivalled heir of so flourishing a kingdom, 
 nis natural imprudence and rashness would doubtless be 
 increased by the flattery of the young men, with whom he 
 was brought up. The people in general, upon Solomon’s 
 death, appeared disposed to recognize his succession, and 
 convened at Shechem for that purpose. (Marg. Ref. h. Note, 
 25.) Yet, it is probable, that this city, which belonged to 
 Ephraim, was chosen, rather than Jerusalem or Hebron, that 
 the tribe of Judah might not have too great influence in the 
 transaction ; and Rehoboam was impolitic in consenting to 
 that appointment, if he could have prevented it. 
 
 V. 2, 3. Jeroboam, hearing of the death of Solomon, was 
 not inclined to delay to return into the land of Israel, and 
 wait his opportunity of seizing upon the prize, which had 
 ( 616 ) 
 
 clays, then come again to me. And the people 
 departed. 
 
 6 H And king Rehoboam “consulted with the old 
 men that stood before Solomon his father while 
 he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I 
 may answer this people ? 
 
 7 And they spake unto him, saying, < If thou 
 wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and 
 wilt serve them, and answer them, and sspeak 
 good words to them, then they will be thy ser- 
 vants for ever. 
 
 8 But h he forsook the counsel of the old men. 
 which they had given him, and consulted with the 
 young men that were grown up with him, and 
 which stood before him : 
 
 9 And he said unto them, ’What counsel give 
 ye that we may answer this people, who have 
 spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy 
 father did put upon us lighter? 
 
 10 And the young rnen that were grown up 
 with him spake unto him, saying, k Thus shalt 
 thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, 
 
 2-5.43:2. f 2Chr. 10:6,7. Prov. 15:1. Phil. 2:7 — II. g 13. 2 Sam. 15:3— 6 
 Be. 10:4. Zeeh. 1:13. h 2 Chr. 10:8. 25:15,16. Prov. 1:2— 5,25,30. 19:20.25:12. 
 Ec. 10:2,3. i 22:6— 8. 2 Sam. 17:5,6. 2 Chr. 10.9. 18:5— 7. It 2 Sam. 1 7:7— 13. 
 
 been set before his ambition. He was not disposed to wait 
 the Lord’s direction to proceed, as David had done when Saul 
 died. (Note, 2 Sam. 2:1,4.) — The elders of the people also, 
 by sending for him, indicated that they meant to impose strict 
 limitations on Rehoboam. 
 
 V. 4. When the scriptural account of Solomon’s reign, and 
 the peace, affluence, and prosperity which Israel then enjoy- 
 ed, are considered, we cannot doubt, but that this charge was 
 either false or greatly exaggerated. (Notes, 9:19. 11:1 — 8.) 
 
 Solomon had never oppressed the people with heavy taxes 
 or exercised cruelty towards them : and though some hard- 
 ships might have been experienced in the latter end of his 
 reign, compared with the former years; yet they were no* 
 “grievous services,” or heavy burdens: but, in fact, “ Jeshu- 
 run waxed fat and kicked.” — While they complained of their 
 own grievances and demanded redress, they were silent as to 
 Solomon’s idolatry, in which indeed many of them had con- 
 curred, and about the more complete re-establishment of the 
 worship of God among them. (Notes, 11:33. 1 Sam. 8:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 5. This delay of Rehoboam showed a reluctancy to 
 comply with the demands of the people, and afforded the 
 malecontents time to tamper with the elders of Israel, and tc 
 render them evil-affected. It would have been a far more 
 prudent measure to have immediately assured them of a re- 
 dress of all real grievances , and then to have waited till 
 particulars were inquired into, when the unreasonableness oi 
 exorbitant claims would have been detected. 
 
 V. 6, 7. The persons whom Rehoboam first consulted, 
 were the friends and counsellors of Solomon, firmly attached 
 to the interests of his family, and capable of giving safe and 
 prudent advice. Accordingly, they advised him to make all 
 needful concessions to the assembly, to speak fair to them, 
 and to show a readiness to pay regard to their interests and 
 inclinations : this would have quieted the minds of the well- 
 disposed, and broken all the measures of the malecontents ; 
 and when matters were settled, the people in general would 
 have quietly rendered all proper submission to the prince of 
 the house of David. (Notes, Judg. 8:1 — 3. Prov. 15:1. 25:15.) 
 
 V. 8 — 15. The wise counsel of the old men did not suit 
 the rash, insolent, and domineering spirit of Rehoboam ; and 
 he opposed to it the advice of the companions of his youthful 
 pleasures, who would be sure to accommodate themselves to 
 iiis inclinations. It ‘is a frequent fault of new kings, who, tc 
 show their power, presently change their counsellors, and 
 put in new officers, to gratify all their dependents ; not con- 
 sidering who are wisest, but who have been their companions.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. - They counselled him therefore to speak with 
 authority, and to damp the spirits of the assembly by reso- 
 lute language, that they might no longer presume to dictate 
 to him. The expressions which they suggested, allowed to 
 the utmost, and even aggravated, the injurious charge brought 
 against Solomon ; and yet avowed a resolution of greater 
 oppression and severity! The king was advised to menace 
 them, that “his little finger should be thicker than his father’s 
 loins:” that is, that, as he was much more powerful than 
 Solomon was at the beginning of his reign ; so ho would cer- 
 tainly let them feel the weight of that power, if they dared to 
 oppose him. Perhaps he thought thus because he came to 
 the throne at a more mature age, than Solomon had done: 
 and had not any brothers to rival him in it. lie also declared 
 that he would “add to their yoke,” by der landing heavier 
 services and taxes of them : and, if they hesitated to obey, ne 
 would chastise them with scorpions, severe punishments as 
 terrible as the sting of a scorpion; or, as some think, a icrri- 
 blo scourge thus called. — Such language as this was not voi/ 
 wise in Pharaoh to the poor enslaved Israelites* hut it was 
 not at all likely that it should bo endured by a rich, numerous 
 
B. C 975. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 B. C. 975 
 
 saying', Thy father maje our yoke heavy, but i 
 make thou it lighter unto us ; thus shalt thou say I 
 unto them, 'My little finger shall be thicker than 1 
 my father’s loins. 
 
 11 And now whereas my father did lade you I 
 with a heavy yoke, m l will add to your yoke: my 1 
 father hath chastised you with whips, but I will I 
 chastise you with "scorpions. 
 
 12 IT So Jeroboam and all the people came to 
 Rehoboam the third day, as the king had ap- 
 pointed, saying, “Come to me again the third day. 
 
 13 And the king ^answered the people ‘roughly, 
 and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave ! 
 him ; 
 
 14 And spake tq them after ^the counsel of the 
 young men, saying, 'My father made your yoke 
 heavy, and I will add to your yoke : my father also 
 chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you 
 with scorpions. 
 
 15 Wherefore the king hearkened not unto the 
 people: for "the cause was from the Lord, ‘that 
 he might perform his saying, which the Lord 
 spake By Ahijah the Shilonite unto Jeroboam the 
 son ofNebat. 
 
 16 If So when all Israel saw that the king heark- 
 ened not unto them, the people answered the 
 king, saying, "What portion have we in David ? 
 neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: 
 v to your tents, 0 Israel: 'now see to thine own 
 house, David. ?So Israel departed unto their 
 tents. 
 
 17 But as for Hhe children of Israel which 
 dwelt in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned 
 over them. 
 
 18 Then king Rehoboam sent “Adoram, who 
 
 I 2 Chr. 10:10,11. Prov. 10:14. 18:6,1.28:23- 29:23. Is. 47:6. m Ex. 1:13,14.5: 
 5—9,18. 1 Sura. 8:18. 2Chr.l6:10. Is. 58:6. Jer. 27:11.28:13,14. n 14. Ez.2: 
 
 6.' Rev. 9:3— 10. o 5. 2 Chr. 10:12— 14. p20:6— 11. Gun. 42:7,30. Ex. 5:2. 
 
 10:28. Judg. 12:1— 6. 1 Sum. 20:10,30,31. 25: 10,1 1 . 2Sam. 19:43. Pros. 15:1. 
 18:23. ■ Hub. hardly. Gen. 16:6. q 2 Cl.r. 22:4. Eslh. 1:16— 21. 2:2— 4. 
 
 Prov. 12:5. Is. 19:11—13. Dun. 6:7. r 10,11. Prov. 13:10. 16:18. 17:14. Be. 7: 
 
 8. Jam. 3:14— 18. 4:1.2. s 24. 22:23. Dent. 2:30. Judg. 14:4. 2 Chr. 10:15.22: 
 7.25:16,20. Ps. 5:10. Am. 3:6. Acts 2.23. 4:23. I See on 11:11,29-38. 1 Sam. 
 15:29. 2 Sum. 17:14. 2 Kings 9:36. 10:10. Is. 14:13— 17. 46:10,11. Dan. 4:35. 
 John 19:23,24,28,29,32—37. Aids 3: 17. 13:27—29 u See on 2 Sum. 20: 1 . 2 Chr. 
 10:16. t 22:17,36. x 11 13,34,36,39. 2 Sam. 7:15,16. Ps.2:l— 6. 76:10. 89:29— 
 37.132:17. Is. 7 2,6,7. 9:6,7. Jer. 23:5,6. 33:15,16,21 . Luke 19:14,27. y Judg. 
 8:35. 2 Sam. 15:13. 16:11. z 11:13,35. 2 Chr. 10:17. 11:13— 17. a 4:6.5:14. 
 
 and free people. (Nates, Ex. 5:4 — 14.) Nothing can be 
 conceived more foolish and exasperating, than such an ad- 
 dress in so critical a juncture: but it. was adopted, because it 
 coincided with the self-importance and lyrannical temper 
 of Rehoboam; and we may cease to wonder at his extreme 
 infatuation, when we are told, that “the cause was from 
 the Lord, that he might perform his word.” (Notes, 
 11:29—33. 2 Sam. 17:7 — 14. 2 Chr. 25:14-16. Prov. 21:30. 
 Is. 19:11—14.) 
 
 V. 1G. Though Rehoboam had acted very foolishly and 
 wickedly : yet perhaps he might have been brought to a bet- 
 ter temper, by proper arguments and expostulations. — The I 
 Lord had indeed promised ten tribes to Jeroboam: but he had 1 
 not commanded the people to revolt from the family of David ; 
 nor had he commissioned Jeroboam to wrench these tribes ! 
 from Rehoboam. His purposes and declarations were not I 
 the motive of their conduct, and therefore formed no excuse i 
 for it. Their contempt of the memory of David, and ingrati- j 
 tude to him and his son, who had done so very much towards 
 advancing them to their present prosperity, were very crimi- I 
 nal : but their language concerning his hrtuse, as if the entail 1 
 of the kingdom to his family, though confirmed to him by the I 
 faithful oath and covenant of God himself, would now come 
 to nothing, was extremely profane, and discovered the infi- 
 delity of their hearts. (Notes, 2 Sam.. 7:12 — 1G. Ps. 89:19 — 
 37.) They indeed determined to have nothing more to do I 
 with the house of David, and he could not see to it himself: I 
 but the Lord would take care to fulfil his engagements; and 
 David’s family could not be destroyed, though it would be 
 corrected or weakened ; for the Messiah was to descend 
 ‘rom him. (Notes, 11:12,13,30. 1 Sam. 22:9,10. 2 Sam. 20: 
 ’.,2.) — Indeed the ten tribes themselves were by far the 
 greater losers by the revolt. 
 
 V. 17. A considerable part of the priests and Levites, 
 •ogether with the tribe of Benjamin, and many of the Simeon- 
 des, dwelt in Judah; (Note, Josh. 19:1 — 9.) and many others 
 vjon after joined them. (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17.) 
 
 V. 18. It is not certain, whether Rehoboam sent Adoram 
 to demand the taxes of the people, after their dispersion, as a 
 feeble attempt to enforce his imprudent threats; or whether, 
 previously to their departure from Shechem, he sent him to 
 ->acify them with proposals for an accommodation. But, 
 whatever his age, experience, and influence might have been, 
 his office alone rendered him a very improper person for this 
 embassy: (4:6. Note, 2 Sam. 20:24.) for the discontents 
 
 Vol. i - rs 
 
 was over the tribute; and b all Israel stoned him 
 with stones, that he died. Therefore king Reho 
 boam ’made speed to get him up to his chariot, to 
 c tlee to Jerusalem. 
 
 19 So ''Israel ire belled against the house of 
 David "unto this day. 
 
 20 And it came to pass, when all Israel heard 
 that Jeroboam was come again, that they sent 
 and called him unto the congregation, fand made 
 him king over all Israel: there was ?none that 
 followed the house of David, but the tribe Oi 
 
 Judah Only. [Practical Obsewatione 
 
 21 H And h when Rehoboam was come to Jeru- 
 salem, he assembled all the house of Judah, with 
 the tribe of Benjamin, 'a hundred and fourscore 
 thousand chosen men, which were warriors, to 
 fight against the house of Israel, to bring the king- 
 dom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 
 
 22 But the word of God came unto iShemaiah 
 k the man of God, saying, 
 
 23 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, 
 king of Judah, and unto all the house of Judah 
 and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, 
 saying, 
 
 24 Thus saith the Lord, 'Ye shall not go up, 
 nor fight against your brethren the children of 
 Israel : return every man to Lis house ; m fbr this 
 thing is from me. "They hearkened therefore to 
 the word of the Lord, and returned to depart, 
 according to the word of the Lord. 
 
 25 H Th«n Jeroboam “built rShechem in mount 
 Ephraim, and dwelt therein ; and went out from 
 thence, and built 'iPenuel. 
 
 26 And Jeroboam r said in his heart, "Now shah 
 the kingdom return to the house of David. 
 
 Adoirram. 2 Sam. 20:24. 2 Chr. 10:18. Hndoram. b Ex. 17:4. Num. 14:10 
 2 Chr. 24:21. Acts 5:25. 7:57,58. t Heb . strengthened himsel''. c 20:18 — 20. 
 Prov. 28:1,2. Am. 2:16 d 1 Sam. 10:19. 2 Kings 17:21. 2 Chr. 10:19. 13:5—7. 
 17. Is. 7:17. J Or , fellaway. Heb. 6:6. e See on Josh. 4:9. f 1 Sam. 10:24. 
 H os. 8:4. g See on 17. 11:13.32. h 2 Chr. 1 1 : 1— 3. il Chr. 21:5. 2 Chr. 14: 
 8,11. 17:14—19. Prov. 21:30.31. j 2 Chr. 12:5,7. k 13:1,4,5,11. 17:18,24, 
 nn Peut. 33:1. 2 Kings 4: 16, 22, ‘25, 27. 1 Tim. 6:11. 1 Num. 14:42. 2 ( hr. 11:4. 
 25:7, S. 28:9-13. m See on 15. 1 1 :‘29— 38. Hus. 8 4. n 2 Chr. 25:10.28:13— 15. 
 
 0 9:15,17,18’. 15:17. 16:24. 2 Chr. 11:5— 12. y>Seeon\. Jndg. 9. 1 ,45— 49. 
 
 q Gen. 32:30,31. J'idg. 8:8,17. rPs.l4:l. Mark2:fi— 8. Luke 7:39. s 11:38. 
 
 1 Sam. 27:1. 2Chr.2u.20. Is. 7:9. Jer 38:18—21. John 11:47— 50. 12:10,11,19. 
 Acts 4:16,17. 
 
 of the people were excited by the tributes or levies over 
 which he presided. Accordingly he lost his life in a popular 
 tumult, and Rehoboam hastily bed to Jerusalem. ( Marg .) 
 All these measures seem to have been exceedingly impolitic: 
 the result of passion, not of judgment. — This is the first time 
 that we read of a king of Israel riding in a chariot ; though no 
 doubt Solomon had generally done so. (Cant. 3:9,10.) 
 
 V. 19, 20. The defection of Israel from Rehoboam is 
 called rebellion against the house of David ; as no misconduct 
 of either Solomon or Rehoboam was sufficient to justify or 
 even excuse it ; and neither the people nor Jeroboam intended 
 to obey God, though they accomplished his purposes, by 
 pursuing their own schemes. They made Jeroboam king, 
 ‘without any condition, that we can find: though it is likely, 
 he promised to ease them of all their burden.’ Bp. Patrick .— 
 No whole tribe, except Judah, and little Benjamin as united 
 to it, adhered to Rehoboam. ( Note , 11:12,13.) 
 
 V. 21 — 24. The Lord would not allow Rehoboam to re- 
 cover the ten tribes, nor was it his w ill that he should lose 
 Judah: and therefore he mercifully prohibited the war, and 
 thus prevented much bloodshed, though both parties deserved 
 punishment for their sins. It was commendable in Reho- 
 boam, that he submitted to the message of God by his pro- 
 phet, when his loss had been so great, and his preparations 
 were so formidable. — It is probable his more prudent coun- 
 sellors opposed the war. 
 
 Shemaiah , the man of God. (22) One who had been be- 
 fore known and approved as a prophet of the Lord ; and not 
 one newly raised up, whom Rehoboam and the people would 
 have been less disposed to regard. 
 
 V. 25. (Marg. Ref.) Jeroboam repaired and fortifier! 
 Shechem and Penuel ; and perhaps erected palaces, and 
 other public buildings in them, that they might he the seats 
 of his government, on each side of Jordan. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 11:5—12.) 
 
 V. 26 — 29. The Lord had promised Jeroboam, that he 
 would give ten tribes to him, and confirm the kingdom ovei 
 them to his posterity, in ca «e he obeyed his commandments 
 but he either forgot or despised the word of the Lord; and, 
 leaning to his own understanding, he concluded, that he never 
 could secure the obedience of the people, if they went up tG 
 Jerusalem to worship. (Notes, 11:37,38.) For in case Re- 
 hoboam permitted them to come and return in safety, (as it 
 is probable he would have done,) their friendly intercourse 
 with their brethren, their social worship, and mutual kind- 
 
 ( ei7 ) 
 
B C. 975 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 975 
 
 27 If this people ‘go up to do sacrifice in the 
 house of he Lord at Jerusalem, then shall the 
 heart of this people turn again unto their lord, 
 even unto Rehoboam king of Judah, “and they 
 shall kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of 
 Judah. 
 
 28 Whereupon the king ’'took counsel, and 
 made rtwo calves o/'gold, and said unto them, ‘It 
 is too much for vou to go up to Jerusalem : 
 “behold thy gods, 0 Israel, which brought thee up 
 out of the land of Egypt. 
 
 29 And he set the one in b Beth-el, and the 
 other put he in c Ban. 
 
 30 And this thing ,J became a sin : for the 
 went to worship before the one, even unto 
 
 31 And he made 'a house of high places, and 
 made 'priests of the lowest of the people, which 
 were not of the sons of Levi. 
 
 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth 
 month, on the fifteenth day of the month, e like 
 unto the feast that is in Judah, and he ’offered 
 upon the altar. So did he in Beth-el, 'sacrificing 
 unto the calves that he had made : and h he placed 
 in Beth-el the priests of the high places which he 
 had made. 
 
 33 So he ^offered upon the altar, which he had 
 made in Beth-el the fifteenth day of the eighth 
 month, even 'in the month which he had devised 
 of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the 
 children of Israel : and k he offered upon the altar, 
 ^and burnt incense. 
 
 t 5:29,30,14. 11:32. Peut. 12:5— 7. 16:2,6. u Gen. 12:12,13. 26:7. Prov.29: 
 25. t Cor. 1:19,20. x S r on 8,9. Ex. 1:10. Is. 30:1. y Ex . 20:4. ; enl. 4: 
 1 4— IS. 2 Kings 10:29. 17:13. 8 Chr. 11:15. Hns. 8:4— 7. ' 10:5,6. 7. Is. 30:10. 
 2 Pel. 2:19. a See on Ex. 32:1,8. b Gen. 12:8. 28: 19. 35: 1 . Hus. 4:15. tlirn. 
 11:14. Done 34:1. Judg. 18:29— 31 . 20: 1 . 2 Kings 10:23. Jer. 816. Am. 8:14. 
 d 13.31. 2 Kings 10:31. 17:21. e 13:32. Ex. 16:25. Hos. 12:11. f 13:33. Nom. 
 
 3:10. 2 Kings 17:32. 2Chr. 11:14,15. 13:9. Ez. 44:7,3. g8:2. I.ev. 23:34, &c. 
 
 Num. 29:12, &c. Ez. 43:8. Matt. 15:8,9. * Or, went up to the altar, t Or, to 
 sacrifice, h Am. 7:10 — 13. + Or, went up to, &c. 32. i Num. 15:39. Ps. 106: 
 39. Is. 29:13. Matt. 15:6. Mark 7:13. k 13:1. 1 Sam. 13:12. 2Chr.26:16 
 § Heb. to bum incense. 13:1. 
 
 ness, would induce them to return to their submission to 
 David’s family, and to purchase Rehoboam’s favour by killing 
 his competitor. This might indeed seem natural and reason- 
 able, but it contradicted, the truth of God; and Jeroboam’s 
 wicked policy violated his commandments. To cover his 
 secret intentions, he pretended, that it was too much trouble 
 for the people to go to Jerusalem to worship ; and that they 
 might as acceptably serve God nearer home. (Notes, Judg. 
 8:27. 17:5.) ‘He therefore made two golden calves, in imita- 
 tion no doubt of the idolatries which he had witnessed in 
 Egypt, and according to the idolatry of Israel in the wilder- 
 neis: (Note, Ex. 32:2 — 6.) and he placed 'them at the 
 so ithern and northern extremities of his kingdom; at Beth-el, 
 afterward called on that account u Beth-aven,” or the house 
 of vanity : and at Dan, where the Danites had formerly 
 established idolatry. These were also reputed sacred places : 
 the one, tor Jacob’s vision and vow ; and the other, for the 
 customary idolatry which had there prevailed. (Notes, Gen. 
 28:12 — 22. Judg. 18:30,31.) Thus he “made Israel rosin,” 
 ani introduced the worship of the golden calves, which was 
 perpetuated in the kingdom of Israel, without interruption, 
 till the Assyrian captivity: arid the hulk of the people readily 
 concurred in his measures, as suited to their conveniency 
 and inclinations ; though the priests, Levites, and many 
 Israelites were honourable exceptions. ( Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 
 IT.) — It is evident, that Jeroboam meant this worship for 
 Jehovah the God of Israel, “ who brought them out of the 
 land of Egypt:” though it was directly contrary to the law of 
 God, and infinitely dishonourable to his glorious majesty, to 
 be thus represented. Per.haps ihe people would be less 
 shocked at worshipping the God of Israel, under the simili- 
 tude of the golden calf, than if they had been at once invited 
 to worship Baal: but it made way for thar species of idolatry 
 also. Thus the worship of images of Christ, and similar 
 superstitions, in the ancient Romish church, soon introduced 
 th ' worship of saints and angels. (Notes, Ex. 20:4 — (5.) 
 
 V. 30. (Marg. Rtf. d. Notes, 14:9 — 16.) — Even unto 
 Dan.] The people readily resorted to sacrifice to the 
 appointed places ; though sometimes that might occasion 
 them longer journeys, than if they had gone to Jerusalem. 
 Perhaps they often went from the southern part of the land, 
 even to Dan, to maintain communion with those who wor- 
 shipped there, who probably would not be backward in 
 repaying their civility. 
 
 V. 31. Temples, on high places, were erected for the 
 worship of the calves, at Belli- el and Dan ; which were 
 intended to serve the purpose to the religion of the ten tribes, 
 that the temple did to Judah. Some think there were several 
 chapels and altars erected, for the conveniency of the wor- 
 shippers ; and perhaps others were added indifferent parts of 
 the land. For these he appointed and consecrated priests of 
 he poorest of the people, who would on that account, be the 
 nnre obsequious to him for their own interest. Or rather, as 
 others explain the words, he made priests from every extre- 
 mity of the land, or from every tribe and family without 
 exception. — Thus he exempted the people from paying tithes 
 to the Levites, whom he drove out of his kingdom, because 
 they would not concur in his idolatry : (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 
 17.) and he paid court to the other tribes, by admitting them 
 to the priesthood, of which many were ambitious: (Notes, 
 Num 16:1 — 4,8 — II.) and in both respects he, no doubt, 
 thought himself, and was considered by others, a consummate 
 politician. (Notes, 2 Sam. 15:31. 2 Chr. 13:4 — 22. Job 12:13 
 --25. Prov. 21:30. 1 Cor. 1:20— 25.) 
 
 V. 32, 33. This feast in the eighth month was intended as 
 an imitation of the feast of tabernacles, which was kept in 
 the seventh month, and perhaps it lasted as many days. 
 (Note, Lev. 23:31 — 36,39 — 43.) But Jeroboam affected the 
 credit of devising an entirely now system ; and perhaps he 
 hoped to draw in those who still went up to Jerusalem, by 
 having his feast at a different time. — Ho seems himself to 
 have acted as priest, in offering sacrifice and burning incense. 
 Note, 13:1.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 20. Many wise and pious men have had the severe 
 affliction of foolish and wicked children: and as the “Lord 
 alone giveth wisdom,” even good instructions will not ensure 
 their prudent and proper conduct. But had examples gene- 
 rally defeat the effect of wise counsels : and those who are 
 likely to inherit great dignity are commonly so flattered and 
 indulged, that it is almost a miracle, if they are not intoxi- 
 cated with pride and sensual lusts. — Man is a discontented 
 being; and while one desire remains ungratified, and one 
 inconvenience unremoved, he is naturally more disposed to 
 murmur, than to be thankful either to God or man, for the 
 multiplied unmerited blessings with which he is surrounded. 
 It is true, that rulers are often oppressive, and “ make their 
 yoke grievous ;” and the people possess liberties and privileges 
 which they have a right in a regular manner to defend ; hut 
 it is also true, that the people often complain without cause, 
 and in an improper manner ; that they do not make proper 
 allowances for human infirmity, and the arduousness of 
 government ; that they expect all the advantages of it, while 
 they grudge the necessary expenses ; and are more anxious 
 about their own interests, than about general equity, or the 
 cause of truth and righteousness. Of these unreasonable 
 dissatisfactions, ambitious men are ready to take the advan- 
 tage, and put themselves in the way to head any formidable 
 opposition to “ the powers that be,” when it can subserve 
 their own purpeses. (Notes, 1 Sam. 8:6 — 9. 2 Sam. 15:1 — 6. 
 20:1,2. P. O. 2 Sam. 15:1 — 12.) It requires great wisdom 
 to prevent or defeat these pernicious machinations : and if 
 those, who have not prudence or experience adequate to such 
 emergencies, would follow the counsel of their reaj friends 
 who are older or wiser than themselves, much mischief would 
 be prevented. But weak men are commonly the most obsti- 
 nate and relish no counsel but what flatters their silly pride, 
 and humours their unreasonable prejudices: and when the 
 companions of a prince’s pleasures are his select counsellors ; 
 his inclinations, however mischievous, will he preferred to the 
 important interests of the whole kingdom. (Notes, 2 Chr. 
 24:17,18. Esth. 2:1 — 4. Dan. 6:12 — 17.) Yet experience 
 decides that, in general, men best mount by first stooping, 
 prevail by yielding, and rule bv becoming serviceable and 
 giving good words: and when this consists with duty, it is n. 
 most cases our wisdom and interest.. To the haughty indeed 
 it appears degrading and mean : they delight to exert their 
 authority, and show their courage, by boasting and threatening, 
 without considering whether they have power and abilities 
 to bear them out against the enraged opposition, which such 
 language and behaviour must excite. By attempting in this 
 manner to domineer, men expose themselves to the contempt 
 of the wise : their enemies are rejoiced, and their friends aro 
 grieved by it ; and they who have power to resisi, will scorn 
 to fear those, who are above seeking to be loved. Thus, fatal 
 contests are excited, and all parties arc hurried on to commit 
 many crimes : yet the Lord overrides the whole to accom- 
 plish his own righteous purpose arm noly word. — We need 
 not wonder that, those persons who forget the mercies of God, 
 and oppose his appointments with ingratitude and contempt, 
 should recompense their earthly benefactors with reproach* s, 
 insults, or injuries: but the Lord will take care of the 
 characters, families, and interests of Ins faithful servants ; 
 and they may safely leave their cause in his hand, though 
 they cannot see to it thfemselves. — But when men are left to 
 their own infatuated counsels, they add one mistake 1<» 
 another: they perceive their folly in some instances, when it 
 is too late ; yet in attempting to rectify their errors they the 
 more entangle themselves, and expose their friends: ami 
 those who were most rash and daring when danger was out 
 of sight, aro generally the most cowardly when it seems to 
 approach. 
 
 V. 21 — 33. It is in vain to attempt to disannul file I.oid’s 
 counsel; when his revealed will is contrary to oil pm si its, 
 they should bo relinquished, however great our apparent ’ >ss 
 may be ; and it is his will, and should be the desire of all iu 
 
 ( G13 ) 
 
B. C. 974. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 B. C. 974. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 4 won of God tent frym Judah prophesies to Jeroboam , while burning incense, 
 that Josiah of David's race should defile the altar at Beth-el ; and he gives 
 him a sign, l — 3. Jeroboam's hand, stretched forth against him, withers ; 
 and the altar is rent , 4, 6. Jeroboam's hand is restored at the prophet's 
 prayer, 6. He refuses entertainment and a reward, and leaves Beth-el, 7 — 
 10. He is se luced, and brought back , by the lie of an old vrophet, who af- 
 terwards denounces the judgment of God against him for his disobedience, 
 
 II — 0*2. A lion kills him on his way home, 23 — 25. The old prophet fetches 
 his body, buries it with lamentations, and confirms his ‘prophecy, 26 — 32. 
 Jeroboam persists in his evil ways, 33, 34. 
 
 A ND behold, there came a a man of God out 
 of Judah b by the word of the Lord unto 
 Beth-el : and c Jeroboam stood by the altar to 
 ’burn incense. # 
 
 2 And he cried against the altar in the word of 
 the Lord, and said, d O altar, altar! thus saith the 
 Lord ; Behold, a child shall be born unto the 
 house of David, e Josiah by name; and upon thee 
 shall he offer the priests of the high places that 
 burn incense upon thee, and men’s bones shall be 
 burnt upon thee. 
 
 3 And fhe gave a sign the same day, saying, 
 This is the sign which the Lord hath spoken ; 
 Behold, the altar shall be rent, and the ashes that 
 are upon it shall be pourecUout. 
 
 4 And it came to pass when king Jeroboam 
 heard the saying of the man of God, which had 
 cried against the altar in Beth-el, that he put forth 
 
 a See on 12:2*2. 2 Chr. 9:29. b 5.9.2S.32. 20:35. Jer. 25:3. 1 Thes. 4:15. c See 
 on 12:33. 2 Chr. 2618. 'Or, offer. Nrnn. 16:40. Jer. 1 1 : 12. 3*2:29. Mai. 1:11. 
 Rev. 3:3. dDeui. 32.1. Is. 1:2. 58:1. Jer. 22:29. Ez. 36:1,4. 38:4. Luke 19:40. 
 e 2 Kings 22:1,2. 23:15—18. 2 Chr. 34:1,4—7. Is. 42:9. 44:26—23. 46:10. 48:5— 
 7. f Ex. 4:3— 5,8,9. 7:10. Deut. 13:1— 3. 1 Sam. 2:34. 2 Kin-rs 20:8. Is. 7:11 — 
 14. 38:6—8. Jer. 44:29. Mali. 12:33-40. 1 Cor. 1:22. e 2 Chr. 16:10. 18:25. 
 25 15,16. Jer. 20:2. 26:8—11,20—23. 38:4—6. Am. 7:10— 13. Matt. 26:57. Mark 
 14 .44 — 46. Acts 6:12— 14. h Gen. 19:11. 2 Kings 6:18— 20. Jer. 20:4— 6. Luke 
 3:19,20. 6:10. John 18:6. Acts 9:4,5. 13:8-11. Rev. 11:5. i 22:28,35. Ex. 9: 
 18—25. Num. 16:23—35. Deut. 18:22. Jer. 28: 16,17. Mark 16:20. Acts 5:1— 10. 
 
 authority, as much as possible to prevent the effusion of 
 human blood. — Unbelieving men judge by appearances, and 
 often conclude, that safety and prosperity can be obtained by 
 those measures alone, which the word of God condemns. 
 They engage in enterprises, in which they must either succeed, 
 or be ruined : success in this case appears the grand object ; 
 and the necessity, they suppose, will excuse or justify their 
 deviations from general rules: and thus they regard not what 
 wickedness they commit, nor what numbers they involve in 
 ihe same guilt and condemnation. But faith waits upon God 
 m the path of duty, for the performance of his own promises, 
 whatever difficulties may seem to impede it : and it perceives 
 and aims at nobler objects, than the success of any temporal 
 project, or even the preservation of life itself. — The duplicity 
 of poli'icians often consists in concealing their selfish purposes, 
 under plausible ostensible pretences: but men frequently 
 conjecture aright in such matters; and God sees and will 
 expose the thought of their hearts, notwithstanding all their 
 disguises. — The benefit of the public is often the plea ; per- 
 sonal impunity for their crimes, the retaining of their dignity, 
 or the increase of their own authority, are the real motives of 
 their conduct. The people, however, are generally willing to 
 gratify their rulers in matters of religion, provided it be easy, 
 cheap, pompous, or sensual*, and if a few scruples intervene, 
 the revival of some old supersiition, some plea of antiquity, 
 or of liberality of sentiment, or of agreement in the main 
 with more scrupulous persons, though expedient alterations 
 are adopted, will generally conciliate the minds of the majority 
 to any religion, which suits their conveniency, agrees with 
 their interests, and does not disquiet their consciences, or 
 disturb them itfgratifying their inclinations. — When persons 
 in authori y aim to render religion conducive to their secular 
 purposes, fhpy generally love to bring every thing under their 
 own management. The ceremonies must be of their own 
 devising and the ministers of their own selecting : and indeed 
 a hireling, ignorant priesthood well suits with an idolatrous 
 or superstitious worship, an usurping tyrannical prince, or a 
 rebellious, apostate people. But. the pride, arrogance, and 
 enmity of the human heart, never appears more atrocious 
 and odious, than when it presumptuously dares to change 
 the divine appointments, for those w which a man hath devised 
 of his own heart,” and to mould the worship of God into 
 contrariety to his will; when ministers, so called, can be 
 found shameless enough to countenance this arrogance ; and 
 when whole nations of professing worshippers quietly submit 
 ;o it. Indeed nothing in such a case, but a torrent of ungod- 
 .iness, and most awful judgments, can he expected. — But alas ! 
 *iow soon all earthly prosperity is clouded! every remarkable 
 prevalence of true religion on earth, has hitherto been suc- 
 ceeded by lamentable declensions, apostacies or division. 
 May the Lord hasten that time, when our “ Prince of Peace” 
 6hall set up his kingdom of truth and of righteousness all 
 over the earth, and when his cause shall finally and univer- 
 sally prevail ! ( Notes , Rev. 20:1 — 6.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 1. To burn incense.] Notes. 
 3:2,3. 12:32,33. 2 Chr. 20:16 — 23.) Jeroboam seems on this 
 occasion to have officiated himself, and to have burned incense 
 tt the same altar on which the sacrifices had been offered. 
 
 his hand from the altar, saying, sLay hold on 
 him. And h his hand, which he put forth against 
 him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again 
 to him. 
 
 5 The altar also was rent, and the ashes pourei 
 out from the altar, ‘according to the sign which the 
 man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 
 
 6 And the king answered and said unto the man 
 of God, ‘‘Entreat now the face of the Lord thy 
 God, and pray for me, that my hand may be re- 
 stored me again. ‘And the man of God besought 
 the ‘Lord, and the king’s hand was restored him 
 again, and became as it was before. 
 
 7 And the king said unto the man of God, 
 Come home with me, and “refresh thyself, "and I 
 will give thee a reward. 
 
 8 And the man of God said unto the king, °If 
 thou wilt give me half thy house, H will not go 
 in with thee, neither will 1 eat bread nor drink 
 water in this place : 
 
 9 For iso was it charged me by the word of 
 the Lord, saying, r Eat no bread, nor drink water, 
 nor turn again by the same way that thou earnest. 
 
 10 So he went another way, and returned not 
 by the way that he came to Beth-el. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 k Ex. 8:8,28. 9:28. 10:17. 12:32. Num. 21:7. 1 Sam. 12:19. Jer. 37:3. 42:2—4. 
 Acts 8:24. Rev. 3:9. 1 Ex. 8:12, 13. Num. 12:13. 1 Sam. 12:23. Matt. 5:44. 
 Luke 6:27,28.23:34. Acts 7:60. Rom. 12:14,21 . Jam. 5:16— 18. f Neb. face of 
 the LORD, m Gen. 18:5. Judg. 13:15. 19:21. n 1 Sam. 9:7,8. 2 Kings 5:15. 
 Jer. 40:5. Mai . 1 : 10. Acts 8:18— 20. 1 Pet. 5:2. o Num. 22:18. 24:13. Esth. 5: 
 3,6. 7:2. Mark 6:23. p 2 Kings 5:16,26,27. Mark 6:11. 2 Cor. 11:9,10. q See cm 
 1,21.22. 1 Sam. 15:22. Job 23:12. John 13:17. 15:9,10,14. r Num. 16:26. Deut. 
 13:13—18. Ps. 141:4. Rom. 16:17. 1 Cor. 5:11. Eph.5:ll. 2 John 10,11. Rev. 
 18:4. 
 
 As the typical meaning of these institutions was not at aF. 
 understood, and as the divine appointment was entirely disre- 
 garded, every kind of innovation was made without scruple. 
 
 V. 2. We are not informed of this prophet’s name ; bu* 
 he came from Judah, in the name of Jehovah, whose wor- 
 ship at the temple Jeroboam and Israel had forsaken: (1) 
 and he predicted the prevalency of the house of David, whose 
 authority they had rejected. With holy boldness and great 
 earnestness he cried against the altar, while Jeroboam and 
 his attendants were performing their religious rites. As the de- 
 struction of this newly instituted worship was to be expressly 
 foretold, and the stupidity of the idolaters themselves to be 
 severely reproved, he addressed himself to the altar, and not 
 to the worshippers. (Marg. Ref. d.) — This prediction was 
 delivered considerably more than three hundred years before 
 Josiah was born ; yet during all those years, no one of the 
 house of David gave his son this name, or attempted to fulfil 
 the prophecy, until the appointed time was arrived ; and then 
 Anion, a wicked prince, named his son Josiah. (Note, 2 
 Kings 23:15 — 20.) — This extraordinary prophecy was a plain 
 declaration, that the family of David would continue, and be 
 honoured as the supporters of true religion, when the king- 
 dom of the ten tribes should be incapable of resisting them. — 
 The burning of men’s bones upon the altar was the greatest 
 contempt of it imaginable : and the offering of the priests 
 themselves upon it, the greatest mark of God’s abhorrence of 
 their crimes. (Marg. Ref . e.) 
 
 V. 3 — 6. The judgment immediately inflicted upon Jero- 
 boam, and the rending of the altar as it had been foretold t 
 inlimidated him, so that he did not venture to attempt any 
 thing further against u the man of God,” whose message was 
 thus divinely attested. In this emergency he had no confi- 
 dence in his idols, his newly constituted priests, or his self- 
 invented sacrifices ; but he expected help from the prayers o! 
 the prophet. He therefore bogged him to entreat the face 
 (or the favour) of the Lord his God for him : but he neither 
 acknowledged his guilt, nor desired instructions from the pro- 
 phet, nor sought forgiveness of his sins, nor desisted from his 
 idolatry. He merely desired the removal of the divine judg- 
 ment, which the prophet readily prayed for and obtained. 
 (Notes, Ex. 9:30. Arts 8:18 — 24.) 
 
 V. 7 — 10. Jeroboam neither repented, nor returned thanks 
 to God far the restoration of his withered hand : but he -was 
 willing to entertain and reward the prophet for it.; perhaps 
 supposing that he was ready to do any thing for hire, like his 
 own priests. (Notes, 21:8^-14. 1 Sam. 9:6 — 10. 2 Kings 
 
 5:20—25. Is. 50:9—12. Am. 7:12, 13.) But the Lord had 
 prescribed to his servant a different conduct. As a solemn 
 protestation against the idolatry of Beth-el, he was forbidden 
 to eat or drink in that ciiy, whatever hardship he might en- 
 dure. God would not accept their most costly sacrifices • 
 nor would he allow his servant to accept of any entertainment 
 from its inhabitants; or to do any thing which had the appear- 
 ance of having fellowship with the men, whose works ot 
 darknoss he was sent to reprove. Nay, the more fully to ex- 
 press his abhorrence of their apostacy, and his determination 
 not to make himself in any way familiar with them, or aught 
 belonging to them, he was ordered to return by another road. 
 ( 619 ) 
 
B. C 974 
 
 1. KINGS. B. C. 974. 
 
 11 UNiW there dwelt “an old prophet in Beth- 
 el , and his 'sons ‘came and told him all the works, 
 that the man of God had done that day in Beth-el: 
 the words which he had spoken unto the king, 
 them they told also to their father. 
 
 12 And their father said unto them, What way 
 went he? for his sons had seen what way the man 
 of God went which came from Judah. 
 
 13 And he said unto his sons, “Saddle me the 
 ass. So they saddled him the ass : and he rode 
 thereon, 
 
 14 And went after the man of God, and found 
 him “sitting under an oak : and he said unto him, 
 ’’Art thou the man of God that earnest from 
 Judah? And he said, I am. 
 
 15 Then he said unto him, Come home with 
 me, and eat bread. 
 
 16 And he said, Z I may not return with thee, 
 nor go in with thee : neither will I eat bread nor 
 drink water with thee in this place : 
 
 17 For ht was said to me “by the word of the 
 Lord, Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water 
 there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou 
 earnest. 
 
 18 He said unto him, I am a prophet also as 
 thou art ; and b an angel spake unto me by the word 
 of the Lord, saying, Bring him back with thee 
 into thy house, that he may eat bread and drink 
 vater. ‘But he lied unto him. 
 
 20,21. Num. 23:4,5. 24:2. 1 Sun. 10:11. 2Kings23:18. F.z. 13:2,16. Man. 
 T-22. 2Pet.2:16. ‘ Heb. son. t I Tim. 3:5. u 27. Num. 22:21. Judg. 5: 
 
 10.10:4. 2Sam. 19:26. x 19:4. John 4:6,34. 1 Cor. 4:11,12. 2 Cor. 11:27. 
 Piil. 4:12,13. y See on 1. z 8,9. Gen. 3:1— 3. Num. 22:13.19. Matt. 4:10. 
 *6:23. f Heb. a word was. a See on b. 1 . 20:35. b Num. 22:35. Judg. 6: 
 11,12. 13:3. c Geu. 3:4,5. Is. 9:15. Jer. 5:12,31. 23:14,17,32. 28:15,16. Ez. 13: 
 
 And when solicited by the king himself, and promised a royal 
 recompense ; (though probably he was poor, as well as hungry 
 and weary ;) he thus far obediently observed his instructions. 
 
 V. 11 — 19. This old prophet continued to reside at Beth- 
 el, after the priests and Levites had been driven a<Vay, and 
 after idolatry was publicly established there : yet he entered 
 no protest against it ; and his sons were present at the idola- 
 trous sacrifice, and made no secret of it. One old prophet: 
 (Heb.) if any others had lived there, they had ere this left the 
 place. These circumstances, joined to his conduct on this 
 occasion, are convincing proofs, that though called a prophet 
 he was not a really godly man. Perhaps he had been edu- 
 cated in the schools of the prophets, and had been favoured 
 with the Spirit of prophecy. (Note, Num. 22:5.) This had 
 acquired him the reputation of a prophet, and he had main- 
 tained it in the days of Solomon, when religion was respected. 
 But when the change took place under Jeroboam, being a 
 carnal man, he preferred ease and interest to his religion, and 
 made no direct opposition to the prevailing party: perhaps 
 satisfying his conscience with holding his own sentiments pri- 
 vately, and not actually joining in the idolatry. Yet he was 
 still desirous of the reputation of a prophet, as far as he could 
 safely retain it: and this appears to have been his leading 
 motive, in enticing the prophet of Judah back again ; and not, 
 as has been conjectured, either real kindness to him, or malice 
 against him. Many would doubtless applaud the resolution 
 and disinterestedness of the man of God, who at last was not 
 injured by Jeroboam: and perhaps this old prophet was afraid 
 of being censured for his cowardice, connivance, and selfish- 
 ness. (Note, Acts 5:1 — 11.) He might hope to avert this 
 disgrace by showing kindness to the man of God ; and he 
 found he could do it, without incurring Jeroboam’s displeasure. 
 He therefore followed him, and found him sitting under a 
 tree, weary and in need of refreshment, which would add 
 much energy to his temptation : and when he perceived that 
 he was decided against eating bread at Beth-el ; he assured 
 him that he also was a prophet, and came by commandment 
 from God to bring him back; thus imposing upon him by 
 speaking lies in the name of the Lord ! (Notes, Gen. 3:1 — 6. 
 Is. 9:13 — 17. Matt. 4:1 — 1.) And the man of God perhaps 
 supposed that he might refresh himself at the house of a pro- 
 phet in Beth-el, though not in the house of an idolater. But 
 as the commandment of God to him had been immediate and 
 express; and he had only this man’s own word for it that he 
 was a prophet, or that the Lord had spoken to him by an 
 angel ; his conduct was very criminal, and calculated to 
 weaken the effect of his message upon the consciences of 
 Jeroboam, and his other auditors ; and doubtless his judgment 
 was on this occasion bribed by his inclinations. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. As the Lord inspired Balaam, contrary to his 
 intentions, to pronounce blessings, and to utter, though doubt- 
 less with the greatest reluctance, prophecies concerning Is- 
 rael : ( Num. 23:7, 8. 24:1 — 13.) so was this prophet constrained 
 to pronounce sentence against the man of God, whom he had 
 seduced into disobedience ; and thus to publish the shame of 
 his. own most impious imposture, which also implied against 
 himself a far more dreadful doom, except he repented. — The , 
 ( 620 ) 
 
 19 So d he went back with him, and did eat 
 bread in his house and drank water. 
 
 [ Practical Obteroaliont.'] 
 
 20 And it came to pass, as they sat at the table, 
 that e the word of the Lord came unto the prophel 
 that brought him back : 
 
 21 And he cried unto the man of God that came 
 from Judah, saying, f Thus saith the Lord, For- 
 asmuch as ethou hast disobeyed the mouth of the 
 Lord, and hast not kept the commandment which 
 the Lord thy God commanded thee, 
 
 22 But earnest back, and hast eaten bread and 
 drunk water in the place, of the which the LORD 
 did say to thee, Eat no bread, and drink no water: 
 h thy carcass shall not come unto the sepulchre ol 
 thy fathers. 
 
 23 If And it came to pass, after he had eaten 
 bread, and after he had drunk, that he saddled for 
 him the ass, to wit , for the prophet whom he had 
 brought back. 
 
 24 And when he was gone, ’a lion met him by 
 the way, and slew him: and his carcass was cast 
 in the way, and the ass stood by it ; the lion also 
 stood by the carcass. 
 
 25 And behold, men passed by, and saw the 
 carcass cast in the way, and the lion standing by 
 the carcass : and they came and told it in the city 
 where the old prophet dwelt. 
 
 26 And when the prophet that brought him 
 
 9,10,22. Mali. 7:15. 24:24. Rom. 16:18. 2 Cor. 11 :3, 13— 15. 2 Pet. 2:1. 1 John 
 4 1. Rev. 19:20. <1 9. Gfen. 3:6. 2 Pet. 2:18,19. e Num. 23:5,16 . 24.4,16— 24. 
 Matt. 7:22. John 11:51. 1 Cor. 13:2. f 17. Gen. 3:7. Esth.613. Jer. 2:19. 
 Gal. 1:8,9. g Lev. 10:3. Num. 20:12,21. 1 Sam. 4:18. 13:13. 15: 19,22— 24. 
 
 2 Sam. 6:7. 12:9— 11.24:13. Rev. 3:19. h 14:13. 2 Chr. 21 : 19,20. Is. 14:19,20. 
 Jer. 22: 19. i 20:36. 2 Kings 2:24. Am. 5.19. 1 Cor. 11 31,32. 1 Pel. 4:17,18. 
 
 sentence was direct, that the prophet of Judah should not die 
 in peace at home, to be buried in his own sepulchre : but the 
 time and circumstances of his death were not specified. 
 
 V. 23 — 32. The old prophet did not accompany the 
 prophet of Judah, perhaps apprehensive of some divine 
 judgment overtaking him : but some think, that he supplied 
 him with the ass on which he rode, and that he had come 
 on foot. The lion, commissioned by God, slew the prophet, 
 but did not devour his body ; and he neither hurt nor frighted 
 away the ass : nay, he behaved so tamely, that travellers 
 ventured past him, perhaps at a distance ! And even the 
 old prophet ventured, and was allowed without molestation, 
 to take away his body for burial! ‘Here is a cluster of 
 miracles ; that the lion, contrary to his nature, did not eat 
 the carcass, nor kill the ass, nor meddle with the travellers 
 that passed by, nor with the old prophet and his ass : and 
 that the ass stood so quietly, and was not frighted at the 
 sight of the lion, and betake itself to flight. And more than 
 this, the lion stood by the carcass a long time, till this strange 
 news was carried into the city ; . . . which made the miracle 
 the more illuslnous. and plainly showed that this did not 
 happen by chance.’ Bp. Patrick. All these miraculous 
 circumstances marked the death of the man of God as a 
 divine rebuke for his disobedience, in eating bread at idola- 
 trous Beth-el; and both counteracted the conclusion, which 
 Jeroboam might have been tempted to draw from his death 
 against the truth of his message, and formed a solemn proof, 
 how God abhorred, and would have all his people abhor, 
 this newly instituted worship. — Thus, for one offence, a 
 faithful servant of God w as punished A it h immediate 
 death, being “chastened of the Lord, that he should not 
 be condemned with the world:” whilst the Ijing prophet, and 
 the idolatrous king, escaped with impunity, being reserved 
 to the punishments of a future state; which were in this 
 instance loudly proclaimed. The old prophet indeed paid 
 respect to the man of God, and expressed his conviction 
 that his predictions would be verified, and a concern about 
 his own bones. But he seems to have shown no humiliation 
 for his enormous crimes, no tokens of true repentance, no 
 care about his soul : he neither left Beth-el, nor entered a 
 public protest against Jeroboam’s idolatry ; nor did any 
 thing, which many a hypocrite has pot equalled or exceeded, 
 in attempting to buoy up his own presumption, or to impose 
 upon others. Nay, he appears to have been desirous ol 
 gratifying his own vanity, and his claim to be considered as 
 a prophet, when he buried the man of God in his own sepul- 
 chre, and lamented over him, u Alas, my brother !” He was, 
 however, instrumental in accomplishing the Lord's word: and 
 the prophet of Judah being buried at Beth-el, with a monu- 
 mental inscription, would tend to keep his prediction in 
 remembrance, and he an abiding protest against the worship 
 of the golden calves. The man of God from Judah appears 
 to have spoken more prophecies, than are mentioned in the 
 beginning of the chapter: and though the city Samaria was 
 not yet built, the historian calls the cities in that neighbour- 
 hood, u The cities of Samaria in sovio cf which Jeroboam 
 had built high places. 
 
B. C. 974. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 B. C. 974. 
 
 back from the way heard thereof, he said, It is 
 k the mao of God who was disobedient unto the 
 word of the Lord : therefore the Lord hath deli- 
 vered him onto the lion, which hath 'torn him, and 
 slain him, according to the word of the Lord, 
 which he spake unto him. 
 
 27 And he spake to his sons, saying, Saddle me 
 the ass. And they saddled him. 
 
 28 And he went, and found his carcass cast in 
 the way, and the ass and the lion standing by the 
 carcass : 'the lion had not eaten the carcass, nor 
 'lorn the ass. 
 
 29 And the prophet took up the carcass of the 
 man of God, and laid it upon the ass, and brought 
 it back: and the old prophet came to the city, to 
 mourn and to bury him. 
 
 30 And he laid his carcass in his own grave ; and 
 they '"mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother! 
 
 k'r.ev. 10:3. 'fs.im. 12:10,14. Ps. 119:120. Prov. 11:31. Ez. 9:6. 1 Cor. 11:30. 
 H. 12:26,29. 1 ret. 4:17. • Heb. broken. 117:4,6. Lot. 10:2,5. Joh3S:ll. 
 P,. 1 13.7,6. Jer. 5:22,23. Dan. 3:22,27,23. 6.22— 24. Acts 16:26. Heb. 11:33,34. 
 T Hu t. broken, m 14:13. Jer. 22:18. Acts 8:2. r, Num. 23: 10. Ps. 26:9. Ec. 
 8 10. Luke 16:22,23. o 2. 2 Kings 23:16— 19. p 12:29,31. Lev. 26:30. q 16: 
 
 V. 33, 34. Notes, 12:31—33. 14:9—16. 2 Chr. 13:13— 
 
 22. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The Lord often meets sinners in the midst of 
 their crimes, with alarming indications of his displeasure, to 
 show that u their way is perverse before him.” — It requires 
 gi eat fortitude to deliver faithfully the messages of God, 
 especially to those in authority : for a full and plain declara- 
 tion of his word will certainly exasperate the proud and 
 ungodly of every description, whether profane, superstitious, 
 or hypocritical. But the Lord will bear those out whom he 
 sends, and who simply trust and obey him: and faith in him 
 is sufficient to overcome the fear of man. They who are 
 employed in services of this kind should speak and act 
 decidedly, as men in earnest, calling upon the very inanimate 
 creation to testify, as it were, against the crimes of pre- 
 sump'uous offenders, who will not regard the word of God ; 
 in order that a deeper impression may be left upon the 
 minds of their hearers. — The Lord is peculiarly offended 
 with those who attempt any thing against such intrepid 
 reprovers of sin ; and they, who have most insulted his ser- 
 vants, are often brought by affliction to pay court to them, 
 and to desire their prayers. Nor ought this ever to be 
 refused : for by returning good for evil, their severity against 
 men’s crimes is proved to be connected with compassionate 
 love for their persons ; and in answer to prayer, God often 
 bestows temporal mercies upon impenitent sinners ; though, 
 continuing such, they cannot escape the damnation of hell. 
 — Carnal men frequently betray their impenitency under con- 
 victions, even by their concessions : they acknowledge the 
 true believer to be the servant of God, but they do not 
 imitate him: they feel the vanity of their own superstitions 
 or worldly idols, but they do not renounce them : they desire 
 the removal of their afflictions, rather than the forgiveness of 
 their sins, or the mortification of their lusts : and they show 
 Kindness or offer presents to the minister who prays for them, 
 while they requite the Lord with base ingratitude. — When 
 persons are living in open sins, and causing others to sin by 
 their influence and authority, the “ men of God” should 
 manifest their abhorrence of their crimes, by refusing to 
 accept of any favours from them, and by separating from all 
 intercourse with them. And when those who are in low 
 circumstances act in this manner, with firmness and meek- 
 ness, and plainly assign the reasons of their conduct; it will 
 be one of the most alarming and convincing warnings, which 
 can possibly be given. Ministers and Christians must often 
 go among ungodly people, but they ought never to make 
 themselves familiar with them ; and should show that they 
 are so uneasy in their company, that none of their temporal 
 good things can bribe them, needlessly to prolong or repeat 
 their visits. In order to this, they must be superior to the 
 love of worldly pleasure and interest, inured to hardship and 
 sell-denial, and well acquainted with the commandments of 
 God. In the mystery of Providence, false religion is per- 
 mitted to be planted, and to prevail to the deceiving of great 
 multitudes : but the Lord keeps the times and seasons in his 
 own power ; he foresees and determines those events, which 
 are most distant and appear most contingent; and he will 
 n his appointed time destroy everv species of irreligion or 
 superstition, by one of the house' of David, of far nobler 
 name and greater excellency than Josiah.— But the tokens 
 of his displeasure on the instruments of iniquity, proclaim 
 its awful vengeance upon the sinners themselves : and none 
 will become sacrifices to his justice with deeper detestation 
 and contempt, than hireling ministers, who for filthy lucre 
 have countenanced false religion, to the destruction of the 
 souls of those who blindly followed such blind guides. 
 
 V. 11 19. The cause of God admits of no neutrality. 
 
 (Note, JMatt. 12:29,30.) In times of general apostacy, or 
 increasing infidelity and ungodliness, we are especially called 
 to bear our testimony, without yielding to fear or shame : 
 
 31 And it came to pass, after he had buried 
 him, that he spake to his sons, saying, When I am 
 dead, then bury me in the sepulchre wherein the 
 man of God is buried ; "lay my bones beside hw. 
 bones : 
 
 32 For "the saying which he cried by the word 
 of the Lord against the altar in Beth-el, and 
 against all Pthe houses of the high places which 
 are sin the cities of Samaria, shah surely come to 
 pass. 
 
 33 TT After this thing "Jeroboam returned not 
 from his evil way, but J made asain of the lowest 
 of the people priests of the high places: 'whoso- 
 ever would, he ^consecrated him, and he became 
 one of the priests of the high places. 
 
 34 And this thing 'became sin unto the house of 
 Jeroboam, even "to' cut it off, and to destroy it 
 from off the face of the earth. 
 
 24. 2 Chr. 25:13. Ezra 4:10. John 4:4,6. r 12:31—33. 2 Chr. It : 15. 13:9. Am. 
 4:6 — 11. } Heb. returned and made. Ps. 78:34. Jer. 18:4. marg. 8 Num. 1: 
 51.3:10.17:5.12,13. § Ileb. filled Ms hand. Ex. 28:41. vuirg. Judg. 17:12. 
 
 t 12:30. 2 KingB 10:31. 17:21. u 12:26. 14:10. 15:29,30. 
 
 and if any professed Christian will not confess Christ in this 
 world, Christ will not own him in the day of judgment. But 
 if a reputed prophet, an old prophet, who appeared zealous 
 for the truth, while credit and advantage accrued from it, 
 purchase security by conniving at prevailing abominations, 
 he may justly be suspected of hypocrisy. These are indeed 
 “dumb dogs that cannot bark,” when the Lord is robbed ot 
 his worship and honour ; and are not fit persons to be em- 
 ployed by him, or countenanced by his faithful people. In 
 some cases they are even worse than the active instruments 
 of deception : because they sin against greater light ; they 
 more frequently stumble unestablished persons, and bring 
 deeper disgrace upon the truths which they have professed. 
 Such time-servers, however, are often willing to be thought the 
 servants of God by religious people, though ashamed of him 
 among his enemies : and for that purpose , they covertly seek 
 the acquaintance of those ministers who are in reputation 
 for faithfulness, and show them kindness. But they are the 
 most dangerous, because the most plausible and unsuspected, 
 of all tempters to real Christians, whose candour makes them 
 willing to hope the best of them, to credii their professions, 
 and to return their civilities. Having learned to be silent, 
 when called to defend the truth, they soon learn to forge lies 
 in the name of God, when it can answer their purpose ; and, 
 by various specious pretences, they obtain the esteem of the 
 unwary, and abuse their confidence by inveigling them into 
 disobedience : so that tempteVs of this description often pre- 
 vail, when the terrors of persecution, and the allurements ot 
 preferment, have bqen resolutely withstood. ‘Surely, says 
 the tempted believer, such good men would never propose an 
 ill thing ! they brought the word of God for it ! they were so 
 very kind, and could have no interest in it !’ But for our 
 own sakes, and for the credit of the gospel, let us all with 
 one consent withdraw from worldly professors of religion, and 
 be upon our guard against them: let them decidedly serve 
 God, or Baal, that we may know what they are ; or let us 
 refuse to have any acquaintance with them. 
 
 V. 20 — 34. Nothing can excuse any act of wilful disobe- 
 dience : the tempter “ hath the greater sin,” but the tempted 
 is deeply criminal ; and the offences of those who are much 
 honoured and employed of God, are of all the most disho- 
 nourable to him, as they rivet the prejudices and embolden 
 the blasphemies of his enemies. Such offenders therefore 
 shall by no means escape correction in this world: and 
 perhaps their very tempters shall be employed to denounce, 
 or inflict, the chastisements of the Lord upon them ; or in 
 other respects they shall be made very severe and alarming : 
 while the wicked frequently escape, in this life, being “ re- 
 served unto the day of judgment to be punished.” — The 
 exact obedience of the irrational cr6atures to their Maker, 
 forms a reproach of man’s rebellion : for he can restrain or 
 change the very nature of every creature, to render it sub- 
 servient to his wise and righteous purposes. — Happy are 
 they, who are habitually ready for death : even if the Lord 
 shall call them hence, by some awful rebuke for an incidental 
 transgression ; while they are made useful warnings to others, 
 they will be found safe and happy themselves. {Notts, 
 2 Kings 22:15 — 20. 1 Cor. 11:29 — 34.) — But many will show 
 respect to the servants of the Lord, assent to the truth of 
 their words, appear to lament their death, and wish to have 
 their lot with them in another world ; who yet live and die 
 impenitent: {Note, Num. 23:10.) and many are warned, 
 convinced, and alarmed, who silence their consciences, and 
 practice increasing wickedness, to the utter ruin of them- 
 selves and those connected with them. Let all then fear 
 provoking God to leave them to final hardness of heart : let 
 us “ take heed and beware of hypocrisy :” let us dread pros- 
 pering in sinful ways; let us tremble while v’e nad this 
 chapter, and pray earnestly to be kept from every delusion 
 and temptation, and to bq enabled to walk with self-denying 
 perseverance in the way of God’s commandments i 
 ( 621 ) 
 
B i; 96H 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 JB. C. SCO. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Jeroboam sends 1 2 * is wife, disguised, to Ahijak the prophet, to inquire concern- 
 ing his son 1 -\jah , who teas nick, 1 — 4. A hij ah, forewarned by God, de- 
 nounces to bet the destruction nf Jeroboam's family, the death of her son, 
 and the reject • on of Israel, 5 — 16. Abijah dies and is buried , 17, 18. Jero- 
 boam dies ami is succeeded by Nadab , 19, 20. Rehoboam reign* over Judah; 
 and they provoke the Lord by their wickedness, 21 — 24. j.uehalc carries 
 away much treasuie, and the golden shields , fiom Jerusalem , 25, 26. Re- 
 lic boam fhakes brazen shields in their stead, 27, 28. His acts, and wars 
 with Jeroboam, 29, 3J. He dies and is succeeded by Abijarn, 31. 
 
 A T ‘that time Abijah L 'the son of Jeroboam fell 
 sick. 
 
 2 And Jeroboam said to bis wife, Arise, I pray 
 thee, and 'disguise thyself, that thou be not known 
 to be the wife of Jeroboam ; and get thee to Shiloh : 
 behold there is d A!iijah the prophet, which told me 
 that I should be king over this people. 
 
 3 And 'take 'with thee ten loaves, and (crack- 
 nels, and a tcruse of honey, and go to him : < he 
 shall tell thee what shall become of the child. 
 
 4 And Jeroboam’s wife did so, and arose, and 
 went to (‘Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. 
 But Ahijah could not see ; h for his eyes Hvere set 
 by reason of his age. 
 
 5 °il And ‘the Lord said unto Ahijah, Behold, 
 the wife of Jeroboam cometh to ask a tiling of thee 
 for her son ; lor he is sick : thus and thus shalt 
 thou say unto her : for it shall be, when she cometh 
 in, that she shall feign herself to be another 
 woman. 
 
 6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound 
 of her feet, as she came in at the dooni, tiiat he 
 said, Come in, k thou wife of Jeroboam 'why 
 feignest thou thyself to be another? ra for I am sent 
 to thee with "heavy tidings. 
 
 7 Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus saith the Lord God 
 
 a 13:33,31. b 12,13. Ex. 20:5. 1 Sain. 1:19,20. 31:2. 2 Sam. 12:15. c 5,6.22: 
 SO. 1 Sam. 29:3. 2 Sain. 1 1:2. 2 - hr. 18:29. Luke 12:2. d See on 1 1 :29 — 38. 
 e 13:7. 1 Sam. 9:7,8. 2 Kin;. 1 42. 5:5,15. *7—9. • Heb. In thine hand, t Or, 
 c Ices . 2 Sa in . 13:6. 1 Or, holtle. t 2 Kings 1 :2. 8:8. Luke 7:2,3. John 4:47, 
 43.11:3. g 11:29. Jnsli. 18.1. 1 Sam. 4:3,4. Mer. 7: 12— 14. h Gen. 27:1 . 43:10. 
 I eat, 34:7. 1 Sam. 3:2. 4:15. Ps. 91U10. Ec. 12:3. § Heb. sto >d for his hoari- 
 
 n css. i 2 Kings 4:27. 6:8— 12. Prov. 21:30. Am. 3:7. Acts 1 U: 19,20. k Job5: 
 13. Ps. 33: U). 1 2,5. F//. 14:3— 5,7,8. Luke 20:20— 23. Acts 5:3 — 5,9,10. Heb. 
 4:13. m 10,11. 13 20— 22. 20:42.21:18— 24. 22:8. 1 Sam. 15: 16,26. 28:18. Jer. 
 21:2-7. Er.. 2:4,5. Dan. 4:19— 25. 5:17— 23. Mark 14:21. I| Heb. hard, n 12: 
 24. 16:2. 1 Sam. 2:27— 30. 15:16 . 2 Sam. 12:7,8. o See on 11:30,31. p 3:14. 
 
 NOTES— Chiip. XIV. V. 1—4. In the remainder of the 
 books of the Kings, vve have the history of Judah and Israel car- 
 ried on together, or with continual transitions from one to the 
 01 her. But. the latter part of the second book of Chronicles 
 more fully relates the history of the kings of Judah, and drops 
 Uiat of the kings of Israel, except as connected with the other. 
 — Jeroboam had taken no notice of Ahijah, either while taking 
 possession of the kingdom, or when establishing his idolatrous 
 worship at Dan and Bcth-el ; being conscious that the pro- 
 phet would have opposed and condemned his whole conduct. 
 But when his son Abijah was dangerously ill, he wished to 
 know from the prophet, whether he would recover or not: for 
 he was convinced, that more dependence might be placed on 
 his word, than on that of all his priests. But he did not 
 inquire, 1 Wherefore the Lord corrected him,’ or, 4 How he 
 might avert his displeasure.’ He did not request the prophet’s 
 instructions or prayers ; or even his directions what to do in 
 order to his son’s recovery; he only wished to be relieved 
 from his anxiety, by being informed whether he would or 
 would not recover. (Notes, 2 Kings 1:2. 8:7,8.) Not 
 choosing himself to go to the prophet, fearing his severe 
 reproofs and warnings; and perhaps being unwilling that the 
 people should discover his own private judgment concerning 
 his calves, and their priests; he would not confide the busi- 
 ness to any servant, but sent his wife: yet, she must go in 
 disguise, as the wife of a husbandman, with a present suitable 
 to one in that station^ to inquire about her son, without 
 informing the prophet of her rank! — Alas! what ideas must 
 he have had of the infinite and omniscient God, that he should 
 expect him to reveal to his prophet whether the son of this 
 unknown person would recover; without revealing who it 
 was that, came to inquire of him ! — Ahijah was infirm, and 
 blind with age; and, not being fitted as formerly for active 
 service, he lived retired, and probably much respected, at 
 Shiloh ; lamenting doubtless, though he could not prevent, 
 the sin and misery of his people. 
 
 Cracknels. (3) Dnp3; from punctatus , a kind of cake, 
 marked with spots, probably reckoned a delicacy. 
 
 V. 5, 6. The Lord previously informed his servant of 
 the whole device, by immediate revelation, and instructed 
 him what message to deliver. The wife of Jeroboam came 
 to the prophet ; yet, as he was commissioned to declare to 
 her the purpose of God, he told her, that he 44 was sent to her 
 with heavy tidings:” and, as she came with dissimulation, 
 and, in an assumed garb and character, in order to impose 
 ujpon him; and as Jeroboam had apostatized to idolatry; he 
 showed no manner of respect to her rank, or to that of her 
 fr*’ band. (Notes, 21:20. Dan. 6: IT.) 
 
 ( 622 ) 
 
 oflsrael, “Forasmuch as I exalted thee from among 
 the people, and made thee prince over my people 
 Israel, 
 
 8 And °rent the kingdom away from the house 
 of David, and gave it thee : and yet thou has 4 
 not been as Dny servant David, who kept my 
 commandments, and who followed me with all his 
 heart, to do that only which was right in mine 
 eyes ; 
 
 9 But shast done evil above all that were before 
 thee : for r thou hast gone and made thee other 
 gods, and molten images, Ho provoke me to anger 
 and hast ‘cast me behind thy back : 
 
 10 Therefore behold, U I will bring evil upon 
 the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from 
 Jeroboam “him that pisseth against the wall, 
 and ffiim that is shut up and left in Israel, and 
 will take away the remnant of the house of Jero- 
 boam, ‘as a man taketh away, dung, till-.it be a-ll 
 gone. 
 
 11 Him “that dieth- of Jeroboam in the city 
 shall the dogs eat ; and him that, dieth in the field 
 shall the fowls of the air eat: for the Lord hath 
 spoken it. 
 
 12 Arise thou therefore, get thee to thine own 
 house : and b when thy feet enter into the city, tire 
 child shall die. 
 
 13 And all Israel 'shall mourn for him, and bury 
 him : for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the 
 grave, because in him d there is found some good 
 thing toward the Lord God of Israel in the house 
 of Jeroboam. 
 
 14 Moreover, 'the Lord shall raise him up a 
 
 11:33,38.15:5. 2 Chr. 17:3. 28:1. />.cls 13:22,36. q 16. 12:28. 13:33,34 15:34. 
 16:31. r Deut. 32:16,17,21. Judg.5:8. 2 Chr. 11:15. Ps. 106:19,20. 115:4-8. 
 Is. 44:9— 20. Jer. 10:14 — 16. s 22. Peut. 9:8- 16,24. 2 Kings 21 :3. 23:26. 
 
 2 Chr. 33:6. Ps. 78:40,06. Jer. 7:9,10. Er.. 8:3.17. 1 Cor. 10:22. iNrh.9:25. 
 
 Ps. 50:17. Er. 23:35. u 15:25— 30. 4m. 3:6. x 16:11. 21:21. 1 Sam. 25:22,34. 
 2 Kings 9:8,9. y Deni. 32:36 . 2 Kings 14:26. z 1 Sum. 2:30. 2 Kings 5:37. 21 : 
 13. Job 20 7. Ps. 83:10. Is. 5:25. 14:19,23. Jer. 8:2. El. 26:4. Zeph. 1:17. Mai. 
 2:3. Luke 14:34,35. a 16:4. 21 :1S, 23, 24. Is. 66:24. Jer. 1S:3. Kz. 3017— 19. 
 Rev. 19:17,18. b 3,6,17. 2 Kings 1:6,16. John 4:50— S2. c Num. 20:29. Jer. 
 22:10,18. <1 2 Chr. 12:12. 19:3. Job 19:28. Philem.6. 2Pei.2:S,9. e 15.27 
 —29. 
 
 V. 7. — 11. (Notes, 11:29 — 38.)— Jeroboam intended that 
 liis calves, at Dan and Beth-el, should represent the God of 
 Israel, who brought the nation out of the land of Egypt ; and 
 would have his subjects to think, that they were worshipping 
 the God of their fathers. (Note, 12:26 — 29.) But I he Lord 
 called them, “ oilier gods, and molten images for as he 
 cannot be represented by any similtude, so. he abhors all 
 image worship as the grossest idolatry. The case is precisely 
 the same, as to the worship of images in the church of Rome. 
 (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17.) None of the rulers or Judges of 
 Israel had acted so wickedly: Saul, who had been rejected 
 for his rebellion, had not committed open idolatry ; much less 
 had he used his authority lo promote it. Even Solomon, for 
 whose apostacy the ten tribes had been rent from his son, 
 had not established idolatry by a law, as Jeroboam had done ; 
 nor had any thing so atrocious been attempted by Israel, 
 since it became a nation. Such judgments therefore were 
 denounced against Jeroboam’s house, as had never before 
 been inflicted : and some of the terms used here occur for the 
 first time. (Marg. Ref. x , y. Note, I Sam. 25:21,22, v. 
 22.) — By “him that is shut up and left in Israel,” may he 
 meant, ‘every one who has taken refuge in the most fortified 
 cities, and every one that has escaped from the more general 
 devastations:’ or, in general, all without exception, however 
 secure they might suppose themselves to be; even these 
 would be pursued and cut off. Or, an allusion may he made 
 in those peculiar treasures, which are shut up for security in 
 the safest repositories, and arc reserved to the last when all 
 else is spent ; and yet they must be parted with, or will be 
 searched out and seized upon. Indeed the house of Jeroboam 
 was become as offensive to the Lord, as dung would he in a 
 man’s habitation; and should therefore l)e taken away till 
 (here was none ieft. Nor should any of his family, save 
 Abijah, he buried, but their dead bodies should ho left above 
 ground, till the dogs or the fowls of the air devoured them, to 
 their deeper disgrace and abhorrence. (Notes, 21:21 — 26 
 
 2 Kings 9:30—37. Jer. 8:1—3.) 
 
 Hast cast me, Sic. (9) ‘Neglecting me and my service. 
 For those things we cast behind our backs, which arc nothing 
 worth ; and for which wc have no regard, or concern what 
 becomes of them.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12, 13. Abijah w as the only person of all the house of 
 Jeroboam, who was well disposed to the worship and service 
 of Jehovah : and it is probable, that, ho had expressed strong 
 disapprobation of his father’s idolatry, and a purpose of sup- 
 pressing it, if lie should ever havo it in his power. His re- 
 moval was therefore a heavy judgment upon Israel, who were 
 unworthy of so pious a prince to reign ,ver them; and it was 
 
B. C. 960. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 B. C. 958. 
 
 king over Israel, who shall out off the house of 
 Jeroboam that day : ' but what ? even now. 
 
 15 For ethe Lord shall smite Israel,' ''as a reed 
 is shaken in the , water, and he shall 'root up 
 Israel out of k this good land which lie gave to 
 their fathers, and 'shall scatter them beyond the 
 river, m because they have made their groves, 
 "provoking the Lord to anger. 
 
 16 And “he shall give Israel up because of the 
 sins of Jeroboam, fvvho did sin, and who made 
 Israel to sin. 
 
 17 11 And Jeroboam’s wife arose, and departed, 
 and came to sTirzah : and r when she came to the 
 threshold of the door, the child died : 
 
 18 And they buried him ; and all Israel mourned 
 for him, according to the word of the Lord which 
 he spake by the hand of his servant Ahijah the 
 prophet. 
 
 19 And the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, ’how 
 he warred, and how he reigned, behold, they are 
 written ‘in the book of the Chronicles of the kings 
 of Israel. 
 
 b. c.-j 20 And the days which Jeroboam reigned 
 854 -1 were two and twenty years: "and he 'slept 
 with his fathers ; and *Nadab his son reigned in 
 
 his Stead. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 b. c.i 21 H And Rehoboam the son of Solomon, 
 975 . J re ig. net [ i n Judah. ^Rehoboam was forty and 
 one years old when he began to reign ; and he 
 reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, Hhe city 
 which the Lord did choose out of all the tribes of 
 Israel, ’to put his name there: and his mother’s 
 name teas b Naamah an Ammonitess. 
 
 22 And "Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, 
 
 f Ec. 8:11. Ez.7i2— 7. 12:22— 28. Jam. 5:9. 2Pet.2:3. * I Rain. 12:25. 
 
 2 Kin-s 17:8,7. )i Mall. 11:7. Duke 7:24. i Deul. 29:28. Ps. 52:5. Pr,v.2:22. 
 Am. 2:9. Zeph. 2:4. Malt. 15:13-. k Lev. 23:32-34,43. Dent. 4:26,27. 28:36, 
 61—63.29:21-28. Josh. 23.15,16. 1 2 Kings 15:29. 17:23. 18:11,12. Am. 5:27. 
 
 Acts 7:43. m Ex. 31:13.14. Dent. 12 3,4. n See on 9,23.24. o Is. 411:24. 
 Hos. 9-11,12,16,17. p 1-2.30. 13:34. 15:30,34. 16:2. Ex. 32:21.3.5. Jar. 5:31. 
 Hoi. 5:11,12. Mic. 6:16. Malt. 18:7. Rom. 14:13. -q 15:21., 33. 16:6,8,9, 
 15,23. Josh. 12:24. Cant. 6:4. r S c on 12,13. 1 Sam. 2:30 — 34. 4:18— 
 20. s 30. 2 Chr. 13:2-20. t 29. 15:31 . 16:5,1 1,20,27. 22:39. 1 Chr. 27:24. 
 Esth. 6:1. u Set on 2.10. 11:43. • Heh. lay down. Job 14:12. Ps. 3:5. 4:8. 
 
 x 15:25— 31. y 11:43. 2 Chr. 12:13. 13:7. 7. See on 8:16,44. 11:36. Ps. 
 
 78:68,69. 87:1,2. 132:13,14. Is. 12:6. a See on Ex. 20:24. Deut. 12:5,21. b 31. 
 
 the earnest of the entire destruction of Jeroboam’s family, and 
 a sort of preparation for it. — It seems, that Israel, though 
 generally apostate, had some sense of Abijah’s worth, and of 
 their loss by his death, and sincerely mourned for him. (18. 
 Note, 2 Chr. 35:25—27.) 
 
 V. 14. (Notes, Ex. 9:13 — 1G.) — But whatl even now.] 
 That is, ‘ Do not think tha.t these judgements are distant 
 events ; but prepare for them, and consider what will be the 
 consequences if they should come immediately ; for they are 
 even now at hand.’ In two years after Jeroboam’s death, 
 Baasha utterly extirpated his family. (15:25 — 30.) — Some, 
 however, interpret the clause to mean, that the desolation of 
 Jeroboam’s house should merely be an introduction to still 
 greater calamities on Israel. 
 
 V. 15, 1G. These verses emphatically predict the en- 
 feebled, distracted state of Israel, by continual usurpations, 
 massacres, and civil wars, and the further idolatries into 
 which they were led by their wicked princes, until they were 
 given up finally at the Assyrian captivity. — They were 
 punished for “ willingly walking afier the commandment” of 
 Jeroboam, -to worship the golden calves; and for concurring 
 in his revolt from the house of David, and from the worship 
 of God. (Marg. Ref. p. Notes, Hos. 5:11,12. 8:2 — G. 13:10, 
 U Mic. 6:16.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Note, 12,13. — Tirzah. (17) Marg. Ref. q. 
 
 V. 19, 20. (Marg. Ref.) The booh, &c. (19) These 
 chronicles, or words of days, or journals, were the public re- 
 cords of the kingdom, from whence extracts seem to have 
 been made by the inspired writers, with such additions as 
 were suited for instruction. If any one wished further to 
 gratify his curiosity, he was referred to the original records : 
 but these have now long since been buried in oblivion. The 
 same may be said of “The book of the Chronicles of*the 
 kings of Judah,” (29) which were the records of that kingdom, 
 and not that part of holy writ which we call the Books 
 of Chronicles. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 11:41. 1 Chr. 29:29,30. ) 
 
 V. 21. Rehoboam was born one year before David’s 
 death : for Solomon reigned only forty years : and having had 
 his education in the best part of his father’s reign, he had 
 abundant opportunity of becoming a wiser man than he 
 proved to be. Naamah is supposed to have been the daughter 
 of Shobi, the Ammonite, who was kind to David in Absa- 
 lom’s rebellion ; (Note, 2 Sam. 17:27—29.) and Shobi having 
 been proselyted to the religion of Israel, David took his 
 daughter to be the wife of his son Solomon, perhaps out of 
 gratitude for his kindness. David had himself married the 
 daughter of Talmai the king of Geshur ; but the character of 
 
 and •'they provoked him 1o jealousy with their sins 
 which they had committed, ’above all hat their 
 fathers had done. 
 
 23 For they also f built them high places, and 
 'images and egroves, on every high hill, and 
 under every green tree. 
 
 24 And "there were also Sodomites in the land : 
 and they did according to all the abominations of 
 the nations, which the Lord cast out before the 
 children of Israel. 
 
 25 IT And it came to pass in the fifth year oi 
 king Rehoboam, that 'Shishak king of Egypt 
 came up against Jerusalem : 
 
 26 And k he took away the treasures of the 
 house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s 
 house; he even look away all : and he took away 
 all ‘the shields of gold which Solomon had made. 
 
 27 And king Rehoboam "’made in their stead 
 brazen shields, and committed them unto the 
 hands of the chief of the 'guard, which kept the 
 door of the king’s house. 
 
 28 And it was so, when the king went into the 
 house of the Lord, that the guard bare them, 
 and brought them back into "the guard-chamber. 
 
 29 IT Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and 
 all that he did, 0 are they not written in the book 
 of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah r 
 
 30 And inhere was war between Reho-rB. , 
 
 boam and Jeroboam all their days. L 998 
 
 31 And iRehoboam slept with his fathers, anti 
 was buried with his fathers in the city of David. 
 And r his mother’s name was Naamah an Am- 
 monitess. And ’Abijam his son reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 Dent. 23:3. 2 Chr. 12:13. c Jude. 3:7,12. 4:1. 2Kings17:19. 2 Chr. 12:1. 
 Jet*. 3:7 — It. dSe<o»9. 1 cut. 4 24. 29:28. 32:16— 21. Ps. 78:58. ' Is. 65:3,4 
 1 Cor. 10:22. e 16:30. 2 Kins* 21:11. Kz. 16:47,48. f3:2. Deul. 12:2. Is. 57:5. 
 Ez. 16:24,25. 20:28,29. t Or, standing images, or, statues. Lev. 26:1. g Mic. 
 5:14. Dent. 12:2. 2 Kings 17:9,10.21:3—7. 2 Chr. 2S:4. Jer. 17.2. h 15:12.2b 
 46. Gen. 19:5. Deul. 23: 17. Judg. 19:22. 2 Kings 23:7. Rom. 1:24—27. 1 Cor. 8c 
 9. i 11:40. 2 Chr. 12:2— 1. k See on 7:51. 15.18. 2 Kings 24:13. 2 Chr. 12:9—11. 
 Ps. 39:6. 89:35— 45. I 10:16,17. 2 ( hr. 9: 16,16. Prov. 23:5. Ec. 2:18,19. m 
 Lam. 4:1,2. } Heb .rwr>er«. 1,5.18:46. 1 Sam. 8:11 . 22: 17. 2 Sam. lo-.l . n 2 
 Chr 12:11. o See on 19. 11:41. 15:23. 22:45. 2 Chr. 12:15. p 12:24. 15:5, 
 q See on 20. 11:43. 15:3,24 . 22:50 . 2 Chr. 12:16. r See on 21. si Chr. 3:^. 
 Abia. 2 Chr. 12:16. Abijah. Matt. 1:7. Abia. 
 
 Absalom, his son by her, should have*cautioned him against 
 such marriages. (Notes, 2 Sam. 3:2 — 5. J 3:37 — 39. 15: — 
 17:) It is very doubtful whether Naamah ever cordially 
 embraced true religion: and as Solomon worshipped the gods 
 of Ammon among the rest, it has been thought, that she a: 
 last became one of his seducers. (Note, 3:1. 11:1 — 8.) 
 
 V. 22 — 24. It was a most extraordinary circumstance, 
 that, after the priests and Levites, and pious persons from 
 Israel, had settled in Judah, (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17. 12:1.) 
 
 Rehoboam and his subjects in general should become more 
 gross idolaters, than the Israelites were. Yet fefcis was ac- 
 tually the case : for they worshipped false gods even more di- 
 rectly than the Israelites ; and the groves seem to have been 
 temples erected in shady places, where the most abominable 
 lewdness was practised in honour of their filthy idols. (Marg. 
 Ref. Notes, 9—11. 12:26—29. Lev. 18:21—30.) Thus 
 they far surpassed all their progenitors in abominable idol- 
 atries, and emulated the abominations of the devoted Canaan- 
 ites. 
 
 Y. 25 — 28. It is probable that Shishak was excited by 
 Jeroboam, as well as allured by the prospect of an immense 
 booty, in thus making war against Rehoboam. (Note, 11:40.) 
 If, as some learned men suppose, Shishak was the Sesostris 
 of pagan historians, he was a most powerful and formidable 
 conqueror: and Rehoboam, perhaps intimidated by seeing 
 the hand of God so speedily lifted up against him, seems to 
 have tamely surrendered. (Notes, 2 Chr. 12:1 — 11.) Thus 
 in less than five years from Solomon’s death, the temple was 
 plundered, as well as his royal palaces ; and Shishak having 
 seized the booty, appears to have relinquished his conquests 
 in Judah. — Rehoboam replaced the golden shields with others 
 made of brass; and the use which he made of these shows 
 for what purposes those of gold had been designed; and inti- 
 mates, that he still on some occasions attended the worship 
 of God at his temple. (Notes, 7:2. 10:16,17.) 
 
 V. 29. Marg. Ref. Note, 19. 
 
 V. 30. Rehoboam was not allowed to attack Jeroboam, 
 in the beginning of his reign, and we read of no great battles 
 fought between them: yet by mutual incursions, they mo- 
 lested and weakened each other all their days. (Notes, 12. 
 21-24. 15:6,7.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1—20. Parents often suffer and are corrected in the 
 affliction of their children: and on such occasions they should 
 examine their lives, repent of their sins, humble themselves 
 before God, submit to his will, seek help from him, and espe- 
 cially pray that the affliction may be sanctified for the good 
 ( 62 S ) 
 
B. C. 959. 
 
 I KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 955. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Abijam' t wicked reign, 1 — 7. Hr dies, and is succeeded by Asa, 8. Asa's 
 good reign, 9—15. In his war with Banska, he makes a league with BerJia- 
 dad , king of Syria ; compels Baasha to desist from building Ilamah ; and 
 with the materials builds Geba and Mi 'pah, 16 — 22. He dies, and is suc- 
 ceeded by Jehoshaphat, 2 3,24. Nadab's wicked reign over Israel, 25 , 26. 
 Baasha slays him , seizes the kingdom, and executes Ahijah's prophecy 
 against Jeroboam's family, 27 — 32. Baasha' a wicked reign, 33, 34. 
 
 N OW “in the eighteenth year of king Jero- 
 boam the son of Nebat reigned Abijam over 
 Judah. 
 
 2 Three years reigned he in Jerusalem. And 
 b his mother’s name was "Maachah, the daughter 
 of d Abishalom. 
 
 3 And he walked in e all the sins of his father, 
 which he had done before him: f and his heart 
 was not perfect with the Lord his God, as the 
 heart of David his father. 
 
 4 Nevertheless, sfor David’s sake did the Lord 
 
 a See on 14:31. 2 Chr. 13:1,2. b 13. 2 Clir. 1 1 :2u — - 22. c 2 Chr. 13:2. MicfiainA 
 the daughter of Uriel, d 2 Chr. M:21. Absalom. el4:21,22. f See on 3:li. 
 11:4,33. 2 Kings 20:3. 2 Chr. 25:2. 31:20,21. Ps. 119:80. g 11:12,32. Gen. 12:2. 
 19:29.23:5. Dent. 4:37. 2 Sam. 7:12— 16. Is. 37:35. Jer. 33:20— 26. Rom. 11:28. 
 h 11:36. 2 Chr. 21:7. Ps. 132:17. Luke 1:69-79. 2:32. John 8:12. Rev. 22:16. 
 
 of their souls. But sinners are more anxious to know the 
 secret purposes of God, than to understand his revealed will 
 and their own duty : and- they are often conscious, that their 
 forms are not to be depended on ; but are afraid that others 
 should perceive their convictions, and despise them. They 
 secretly reverence the faithful servants of God : and, having 
 found the truth of some of their words, they have an inward 
 persuasion, that the rest also will be verified ; except as they 
 flatter themselves with hopes of escaping the miseries de- 
 nounced against them. They form, indeed, very erroneous 
 judgments both of God and of his servants; yet they would be 
 glad of help or information in times of trouble, did they not 
 fear rebukes and warnings. They therefore, eiiher keep at 
 a distance, or attempt to impose upon faithful ministers, by 
 disguising their real characters, and pretending kindness to 
 them. Indeed the wisest of men may thus be deceived; but 
 God searches every heart, and often unmasks the hypocrite 
 before the world : he more frequently enables his servants to 
 see through their disguises, and to address them in their real , 
 not their assy med characters ; and at last he will expose them 
 to universal shame and contempt before the assembled world. 
 4 What then doth it avail thee, thou deceiver, to attempt im- 
 posing upon men? 44 Why feignest thou thyself to be 
 another” person? In vain dost thou expect an answer of 
 peace, while thou continuest in sin. The ministers of Christ 
 are all sent to thee *vith heavy tidings: thine attempt, to 
 impose on them, or to bribe them by presents, does but in- 
 crease thy guilt: they will not thus be diverted from giving 
 thee faithful reproofs and awful warnings ; and the event will 
 shortly inform thee of the purpose of God concerning thee ; 
 the foreknowledge of which, would only augment thy misery, 
 except thou repent of all thy wickedness, and turn to the 
 Lord in uprightness of heart.’ — Every providential favour 
 demands a return of grateful obedience, and aggravates future 
 transgression ; and thus prosperous sinners accumulate guilt 
 and wrath, with a rapidity proportioned to their abused mer- 
 cies. ( Note, Rom. 2:4 — 6.) — When men have witnessed, and 
 have even gained by, the wrath of God against the sins of 
 other men, and yet imitate and exceed them in iniquity ; they 
 may expect to be visited with more tremendous vengeance : 
 and as they dishonour him by their crimes, he will disgrace 
 them in their punishment. — A man is not indeed affected by 
 the indignity shown to his dead body, or even by the miseries 
 of his posterity; yet the prospect may torment his mind 
 while he lives : such judgments form a proper emblem of the 
 punishment of the wicked after death ; and they strongly 
 express the abhorrence and indignation of God for a warning 
 to others. — Instruments will readily be found, among the 
 depraved sons of men, for the most bloody and savage acts 
 of inhumanity : but the circumstance of their being advanced 
 to power by the providence of God, who overrules their 
 crimes to the accomplishment of his own righteous purposes, 
 forms no excuse for their ambition and cruelty. — Impenitent 
 sinners often flatter themselves, that threatened judgments 
 are very distant, when they are even at the door ; and excuse 
 vhemselves, because they were persuaded or frighted into 
 compliance. — Awful indeed will be the doom of those who 
 employ their abilities and authority to make others sin ; for 
 thousands will for ever execrate some of them, as the causes 
 of their eternal perdition. They, however, who yield to 
 temptation, follow bad examples, and obey sinful commands, 
 will provoke the Lord to give them up, and cast them oft’, 
 unless they deeply repent of their iniquity. — The Lord deals 
 with men according to their habitual character : and he will 
 not mention against the upright believer, who has cordially 
 followed him, those incidental sins of which he has repented, 
 and for which he has patiently borne correction. — To show 
 the power and sovereignty of his grace, he frequently reserves 
 an individual or two out of the worst of families, in whom there 
 is 44 some good thing toward the Loud God of Israel.” The 
 fruits of his grace he peculiarly delights in, when they flourish 
 frcin the hearts of the young and the affluent, and of those 
 who are surrounded with contagious examples and instruc- 
 ( 624 ) 
 
 his God b give him a ’lamp in Jerusalem, to set up 
 his son after him, 'and to establish Jerusalem : 
 
 5 Because JDavid did that vsliich was right in 
 the eyes of the Lord, and turned not aside from 
 any thing that he commanded him all the days ol 
 his life, k save only in the matter of Uriah the Hit- 
 tite. 
 
 6 And 'there was war between Rehoboam and 
 Jeroboam all the days of his life. 
 
 7 Now m the rest of the acts of Abijam, and rn.c 
 all that, he did, are they not written in the L 953 - 
 book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah ? 
 And "there was war between Abijam and Jero- 
 boam. 
 
 8 And "Abijam slept with his fathers ; and they 
 buried him in the city of David : and rAsa his sor. 
 reigned in his stead. 
 
 •Or, candle. Ps. 18:28. i Ps. 87:5. In. 9:7. 14:35. 62:7. Jer. 33:2. Mis. 4:1,2 
 Matt. 16: 18. j See on 3. 14:8.2 Kings 22:2. 2 Chr. 34:2. Ps. 119:6. Luke 1:6. ,\ct. 
 13:22,36. k 2Sam. 11:4,15— 17. 12:9,10. Ps. 51: (We. 1 See on 14:30. m 
 on 14:29. 2 Chr. 13:2,21 ,22. n 2 Chr. 13:3— 20. oSee on 14:31. 2Chr.l,:l. 
 p 1 Chr. 3:10. Matt. 1:7,8. 
 
 tions. When such young persons are spared, they prove 
 blessings to their families and connexions : but their prema- 
 ture death forebodes awful judgments, and may well be 
 mourned over as a public calamity. But they “are taken 
 away from the evil to come,” and their death can never be a 
 loss to themselves. 
 
 V. 21 — 31. No wonder that they, who live at a distance 
 from the ordinances of God, are hardened in iniquity ; w hen 
 such as are most favoured provoke him to jealousy by their 
 crimes, and are uninfluenced by his judgments, mercies, warn- 
 ings, and promises. — The perpetration of the worst crimes, 
 of the worst of the heathen, in Jerusalem, the city that the 
 Lord had chosen for his temple and worship ; and at present 
 in this favoured land and city; demonstrates, that nothing 
 can render the heart of fallen man holy, but the special 
 sanctifying grace of the Holy Spirit: on this alone may we 
 depend ; for this may we daily pray, in behalf of ourselves 
 and of all around us ! — But sin quickly enfeebles, impoverishes, 
 and disgraces the most prosperous nations : and when holi- 
 ness, the real glory of a religious profession, is gone, all 
 external splendour will follow it, or become worthlesss. Yet 
 many, who live in gross wickedness, keep up a formal attend 
 ance upon divine ordinances, and are pleased with an osten- 
 tatious imitation of the usages of better times; which have 
 lost all their intrinsic value, and retain nothing, except the 
 external glitter that amuses weak and carnal minds. — Death 
 still marches his solemn round, and conveys monarchs from 
 their thrones, as well as peasants from their cottages. Happy 
 are they, and they alone, who possess the “lively hope of an 
 incorruptible inheritance,” in that world, 44 where the wicked 
 cease ftom troubling, and where the weary are at rest !” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XV. V. 1—3. (Marg. Ref. a, b. 
 Note , 9.) There is no sufficient ground for the opinion, that 
 Maachah was the daughter of Absalom the son of David 
 (Marg. Ref. c, d.) She is called “ Micaiah the daughter 
 of Uriel,” in Chronicles. — His heart was not perfect , &c. (3) 
 Marg. Ref. f. Note , 14. — As Abijam, though a wicked man, 
 was a professed worshipper of Jehovah, he is called 44 the 
 Lord his God.” (Note, 2 Chr. 28:5.) 
 
 V. 4. Notwithstanding the wickedness of Abijam, and 
 others of David’s race ; they were for his sake, continued as 
 44 a lamp in Jerusalem (Notes, 11:12,13,34 — 36, v. 36.) and 
 they were made highly useful, both to establish the civil state 
 of that city, and to maintain the true worship of God in it ; 
 when the light of divine truth was extinguished in almost all 
 other places of the earth. 
 
 V. 5. Save only, &c.] Many other parts of David’s con- 
 duct were evidently faulty : but in this instance alone he 
 acted so inconsistently with his profession, in all respects, as 
 otherwise it could scarcely have been conceived that a truly 
 pious man could have done. (Notes, 2 Sam. 11:) — Those 
 who know the human heart, and the state of a believer in 
 this world of conflict and temptation, will never expect to see 
 in mere man a character and conduct free from blemish and 
 criminality ; though they observe many preserved from falling, 
 or from continuing long, under the power of notorious evils. 
 David, however, deeply repented of mis part of his conduct ; 
 and to the close of his life he showed himself to be the upright 
 and devoted servant and worshipper of the Lord, and in no 
 instance turned aside to idolatry, or countenanced it in bis 
 subjects. (Notes, 11:1— 8, conclusion. 1 Chr. 28: 29: Ps. 51:) 
 
 V. 6, 7. God vouchsafed to continue the royal authority 
 over Judah in the family of David : yet, instead of ruling over 
 Israel also, as David and Solomon had done, both Reho- 
 boam and Abijam were harassed by perpetual wars with 
 Jeroboam the king of Israel. Rehoboam left this unnatural 
 war, after it had lasted nil his days, to his son Abijam, who 
 obtained a most decisive victory over Jeroboam, but died soon 
 after. ( Notes^ 14:30. 2 Chr. 13:3- 22 ) 
 
 V. 9. Abijam began to reign during the eighteenth yenr 
 of Jeroboam ; he reigned through his nineteenth year, and 
 he died before the close of his twentieth, when Asa succeeded 
 him. Thus Abijam is said, according to the Hebrew idiom. 
 
H. C 930. 
 
 B. C. 953 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 9 And in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king 
 of Israel reigned Asa over Judah. 
 
 10 And forty and one years reigned lie in* * Jeru- 
 salem. And his 'mother’s name was Maachah, the 
 daughter of Abishalom. 
 
 11 And '■Asa did that which teas right in the 
 eyes of the Lord, as did David his father. 
 
 12 And he took away 1 the Sodomites out of the 
 land, and removed “all the idols that his fathers 
 had made. 
 
 13 And also ‘Maachah u his mother, even her he 
 removed from being queen, because she had made 
 an idol in a grove ; and Asa 'destroyed her idol, 
 'and burnt it by Hhe brook Kidron. 
 
 14 But y the high places were not removed : 
 nevertheless Asa’s 'heart z was perfect with the 
 Lord all his days. 
 
 15 And *he brought in the Things which his 
 
 father had dedicated, and the things which himself 
 had dedicated, into the house of the Lord, silver, 
 and gold, and vessels. I Practical Observations .] 
 
 16 IT And b there was war between Asa and 
 Baasha king of Israel all their days. 
 
 1 7 And “Baasha king of Israel went up against 
 Judah, and built d Ramah, that “he might not 
 suffer any to go out or come in to Asa king of 
 Judah. 
 
 18 Then ‘Asa took all the silver and the gold 
 that vtere left in the treasures of the house of 
 the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s house, 
 and delivered them into the hand of his servants : 
 and king Asa sent them to ^Ben-hadad, the son of 
 Tabrimon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, that 
 dwelt at h Damascus, saying, 
 
 19 There is a ‘league between me and thee, and 
 between my father and thy father: behold, I have 
 sent unto thee a present of silver and gold: come 
 and k break thy league with Baasha king of Israel, 
 that he may ^depart from me. 
 
 20 So Ben-hadad hearkened unto king Asa, and 
 sent the captains of the hosts which he had against 
 the cities of Israel, and smote ‘Ijon, and m Dan, and 
 r Abel-b 2 thmaachah, and all “Cinneroth, with all 
 the land of Naphtali. 
 
 21 And it came to pass, Hvhen Baasha heard 
 thereof, that he left off building of Ramah, and 
 dwelt in sTirzah. • 
 
 22 Then king Asa “made a proclamation 
 throughout all Judah ; none was "exempted : and 
 
 they took a way the stones of Ramah and the tim 
 ber thereof, wherewith Baasha had builded ; an«. 
 king Asa built with them *Geba of Benjamin, and 
 ‘Mizpah. 
 
 23 The “rest of all the acts of Asa, and all his 
 might, and all that he did, and the cities which he 
 built, are they not written in the book of the Chro- 
 nicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless *in 
 the time of his old age lie was diseased in his feet. 
 
 24 And Asa slept with his fathers, and tb. c. 
 was buried with his fathers in the city of L 9M - 
 David his father: and y Jehoshaphat his son reigned 
 in his stead. 
 
 25 IT And 'Nadab the son of Jeroboam ’’began 
 to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa 
 king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two 
 years. 
 
 26 And “he did evil in the sight of the Lord, 
 and b \valked in the way of his father, and c in his 
 sin wherewith he made Israel to sin. 
 
 27 H And d Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house 
 of Issachar, “conspired against him ; and Baasha 
 smote him at f Gibbethon, which belonged to the 
 Philistines ; for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to 
 Gibbethon. 
 
 28 Even sin the third year of Asa king of 
 Judah did Baasha slay him, and reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 29 And it came to pass, when he reigned, that 
 he smote all the house of Jeroboam ; h he left not 
 to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had 
 destroyed him, accdrding unto the saying of the 
 Lord, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the 
 Shilonite : 
 
 30 Because of 'the sins of Jeroboam which he 
 sinned, and which he made Israel sin, by his pro- 
 vocation wherewith he provoked the Lord God 
 of Israel to anger. 
 
 31 11 Now the rest of the acts ofNadah, and all 
 that he did, are They not written in the book of 
 the Chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 32 And k there was war between Asa and 
 Baasha king oflsrael all their days. 
 
 33 In the third year of Asa king of Judah began 
 Baasha the son of Ahijah to reign over all Israel 
 in Tirzah, ‘twenty and four years. 
 
 34 And m he did evil in. the sight of the Lord, 
 and "walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his 
 sin wherewith he made Israel to sin. 
 
 * That is, erandmother's. 2,13. 2 Chr. 11:20,21. 13:2. q 3. 2 Chr. 14:2. 
 
 II. 15:17.16:7—10. r See on 14:24 . 22:46. Rom. 1:26,27. Jude 7. a 3 11- 
 7,8.14:23. 2 Chr. 14.2 — 5. Ez. 20:18,19. Zech 1:2— 6. 1 Pet. 1:18. t 2,10 
 2Chr. 15:16: u Deut 13:6— 11 . 33:9. Zech. 13:3. Matt. 10:37. 12:46— 50. 2Cor. 
 6H6. Gal. 25, 6, 14. t Heb. cut of. Lev. 26:30. Deut. 7:5. 2 Kings 18:4. 23:12— 
 lo. 2 Chr. 34:4. v Ex. 32:20. Deut. 9:21. Josh 6:24. x2Sam. 15.23. 2 Kin^a 
 28:6. John 18:1. Cedron. y 22:43. 2 Kings 12:3. 14:4. 15:4. 2 Chr. 14:3,5. z8: 
 61. 11:4. 2 Chr. 15:17.16:9.25:2. a See on 7:51. 1 Chr. 26:2S— 28. 2 Chr 14 
 13.15:18. | Heb. holy things, b 6,7,32. 14:30 . 2 Chr. 16:1 . &c. c 27. 2 Chr 
 16.1. d 21. Josh. 18:25. 1 Sam. 15:34. Jer. 31:15. e 12:27. 2 Chr. 1 1 : 13— 17 
 f 15. 14:26. 2 Kings 12:18. 18:15,16. 2 Chr. 15:18. 16:2—6. g20:l— 5,33 34 2 
 
 Kings 8:7-15. h 11:23,24. Gen. 14:15. 15:2. Jer. 49:27. Am. 1:4. i2 Chr. 19: 
 
 2. Is. 31:1. k 2 Sam. 21:2. 2 Chr. 16:3. Ez. 17:13-16. Rom. 1:31.3:8. 6 Heb 
 , 2 * * 0 K K- 15:29 ; m 12:29 - Gen. 14:14. Judg. 18:29. n 2 Snm. 20:14,15. 
 ?■ , p , 2 ‘i br -‘ 6: ®- q]14:17. 16:15—18. Cam. 6 : 4 . r 2 Chr. 16:6. 
 Il Heb. free. • Josh. 18:24. Gaba. sf:17. t Josh. 18:26. 1 Sam. 7:5. M,~veh 
 Jer.4 0 i0,l° u 7,8. 14:29 — 31 x 2 Chr. 16:13—14. Pa. 90:10. y 2-2:41—43.' 
 
 2 Chr. 17:1. Matt. 1:8. Jnsaphnl. z 14:12,20. Heb reisnrd n 16-7 °5 30 
 b 12:28-33. 13:33,34. c 30.34. 14: 16. 16:19,26. 21 :25b 22-52 ' &?„' 20-9 Ex 32* 
 
 ?'• ‘S"™-* 24 - ? 0 K ,“, i e s3: bn 1:1I „2 3:I5 ' Je ''- K:3s - Rom - nos. I Cor. 8c 
 
 23 -'^^ 
 
 kseei ” 16 - »*: 
 
 to have reigned “ three years,” in the same manner as Chris 
 is said to have risen after “ three days.” Thus also Nadal 
 began to reign in the second year of Asa, and reigned twi 
 years: yet Baasha succeeded him in the third year of Asa 
 (28) This is the way, in which the computation of the year 
 between the two kingdoms may be made to coincide: for, ii 
 the numerous successions in the kingdom of Israel, the sami 
 year is frequently twice reckoned; both to him who reignei 
 in its commencement, and to him who succeeded before thi 
 close of it. 
 
 X' f 0-13, Maachah was Asa’s grandmother, but. pro' 
 bably his own mother was dead, and Maachah had brough 
 him up : ( Notes, 1-3. 2 Chr. 11:18-23.) he however de. 
 priyed her of authority, and removed her from court, for he 
 idolatry, which he entirely suppressed.— The words trans- 
 ated, from being queen,” may be rendered, from the queen 
 tamely, lest IVflaachah should seduce Asa 5 s queen also int( 
 idolatry.— Idols. (12) O^J. Dungit gods. Deut. 29:17 
 marg. Note, Lev. 26:30. YmfiaXa. Phil. 3:5. 
 
 jin idol. (i3) ris^DiO; ‘ Which imports something of terro 1 
 
 *nd horror, either because it was of a frightful aspect, o 
 Drought dreadful judgments on its worshippers.’ Bp. Patrick 
 
 V. 14. IVas perfect, &c.] This may be opposed to thi 
 external good behaviour, and the insincere and divided hear 
 of hypocrites; and may signify that Asa was cordially dc. 
 voted to the service and worship of God all his days; anc 
 that his sins arose from infirmity, not from presumptuous, de. 
 liberate wickedness. (Notes, 5,17—24. 2 Chr. 16: Ps. 19 
 12 — 14.) But some explain it to mean no more, than that hi 
 Voi. I. — 79 
 
 never turned aside from the worship of God to idolatry, as 
 Solomon had done. — He had not, however, zeal and resolu- 
 tion enough to suppress the high places, on which the people 
 sacrificed to the Lord, instead of coming to the temple ; 
 though he destroyed the idols out of the land. (Notes. 3: 
 2—4.) ’ 
 
 V. 15. It seems that Abijam, in his war with Jeroboam, 
 had made some vow of dedicating the spoil to God, which he 
 did not live to perform. But Asa fulfilled it, as well as i 
 similar vow of his own. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Lev. 27:28. 
 29. 2 Chr. l4‘9- — 15.) 
 
 V. 16 — 22. (25 — 31.) The conduct of Asa evidently 
 
 arose from unbelief, and was very criminal in itself. It was 
 wholly wrong to tempt Ben-hadad to “break his league” with 
 the king of Israel ; and still worse to hire him to it with the 
 consecrated treasures of the temple: and the calamities and 
 miseries brought by Ben-hadad’s invasions on ihe inhabitants 
 of the cities in the northern part of the land, were very great. 
 This occurred in the latter years of Asa’s reign. — Baasha’s 
 policy was not unlike the impious devices of Jeroboam: 
 (Note, 12:26 — 29.) but God could have turned it into fool- 
 ishness, without Asa opposing it by a policy not more iustifi- 
 able. ( Notes , 2 Chr. 16:1 — 10.) 
 
 V. 23, 24. Marg. Ref. Notes, 14:19. 2 Chr. 16:12— 14. 
 
 V. 27. Gibbethon .] Marg. Ref. Note, 16:15. 
 
 V. 29, 30. No doubt Baasha left the dead bodies of Jero- 
 boam s family unburied, as it had been predicted. < Notes, 
 14:9—14.) It is also referred to as a well-known fact in sub 
 sequent passages. (16:3,4. 21:22—24.) Baasha, however. 
 
 ( 623 ) 
 
B. C. 930. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 930. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Jehu the prophet predicts the ruin of Baas h a 1 a family, 1—4. Baas ha dies, 
 and is succeeded iy his a >n Blah, 5—7. Zimri slays Blah, succeeds him, 
 and fulfils Jehu' s prophecy, 8—14. Omri usurps the kingdom, and besieges 
 Zimri in Tirxah, who burns himself in the palace, 15—20. Tibni opposes 
 Omri, who prevails against him , 2i, 22. Omri builds Samaria, reign* very 
 wiclcedl ;, (lies, an l is succeeded by Ahab, 23 — 28. Ahab's excessive wicked- 
 ness and idolatry, as instigated by his wife Jezebel, 29 — 33. Joshua's curse 
 on him that should rebuild Jericho , is fulfilled on Uiel, 34. 
 
 T HEN the word of the Lord came to a Jehu 
 the son of b Hanani against Baasha, saying, 
 
 2 Forasmuch as C I exalted thee out of the dust, 
 and made thee prince over my people Israel, and 
 4 thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and 
 •hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me 
 to anger with their sins ; 
 
 3 Behold, I will take away the posterity of 
 Baasha, and the posterity of his house ; and f will 
 make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the 
 son of Nebat. 
 
 4 Him that dieth of Baasha in the city g shall 
 the dogs eat; and him that dieth of his in the 
 field shall the fowls of the air eat. 
 
 a 7. 2Chr. 19.2. 20:34. b 2 Chr. 16:7—10. c 14:7. 1 Sam. 2:8,27.28. 15:17— 
 19. 2 Sam. 12:7—11. Ps. 113:7,8. Luke 1:52. d See on 13.33,34. 15:34. e See 
 on 14:16. 15:26. Ex. 32:21. 1 Sam. 2:24. 26:19. f 11,12. 14:10. 15:29,30. 21: 
 21— 24. Is. 66:24. Jer. 22:19. g See on 14:11. h See on 14:19. 15:31. i 14:20. 
 15:24. j 8,13,14. k See on 1,2. 1 Ps. 115:4. Is. 2.8. 44:9— 20. m 14:14. 15: 
 
 5 Now h the rest of *he acts of Baasha, and 
 what Jie did, and his might, are they not written 
 in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of 
 Israel ? 
 
 6 So 'Baasha slept with his fathers, and was 
 buried in Tirzah : and JElah his son reigned in 
 his stead. 
 
 7 And also by k the hand of the prophet Jehu 
 the son of Hanani came the word of the Lord 
 against Baasha, and against his house, even for 
 all the evil that lie did in the sight of the Lord, 
 in provoking him to anger ‘with the work of his 
 hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam ; and 
 ""because he killed him. 
 
 8 U In the twenty and sixth year of Asa king 
 of Judah, began Elah the son of Baasha to reign 
 over Israel in Tirzah, two years. 
 
 9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his 
 chariots, D conspired against him, as he was in 
 Tirzah, °drinking himself drunk in the house ol 
 Arza, ’steward of his house in Tirzah. 
 
 27 — 29. 2 Kiuzs 10:30,31. Is. 10:6,7. Hos. 1:4. Acts 2:23 . 4:27.28. n 15:27. 
 2 Kings 9:14. 12:20. 15:10,25,30. o 20:16. 1 Sam. 25:36— 38. 2Sam 13:28,29. 
 Prov. 23:29— 35. Jer. 51:57. Dan. 5: 1—4,30. Nah. 1:10. Hab. 2:15,16. Matt. 
 24:49—51. Luke 21:34. * Heb. which was over. Gen. 15:2. 24:2,10. 39:4,9. 
 
 only sought to secure himself in the kingdom by this cruelty, 
 and therefore he imitated Jeroboam in his idolatry and other 
 impieties. (34. Notes, 16:2 — 7.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. Even a superficial acquaintance with the 
 divine law may enable us to perceive evident defects, in the 
 conduct of eminent believers ; and man’s natural enmity to 
 God and his servants disposes him to delight in severely ani- 
 madverting on them: yet if the habitual conduct of the righ- 
 teous, towards God and man, be impartially contrasted with 
 that of unbelievers, the difference is very visible, and they 
 appear to be of another spirit, and far more excellent than 
 their neighbours. But when the secret desires and good 
 works of the righteous, and the secret evils of the hearts and 
 lives of ungodly men. shall be made manifest at the day of 
 judgment ; the glory of the divine justice and mercy will be 
 displayed to the whole world, in the allotment of their ever- 
 lasting portion of happiness or misery. (Note, ]\Ial. 3:13 — 
 18.) The general conduct of the Lord’s servants may there- 
 fore be held forih as an example for imitation: and numbers 
 are blessed on their account, both while they live, and after 
 they are gone to their rest. But alas! even children, who 
 have been favoured and spared for their parents’ sake, often 
 forsake their righteous ways ; and but few, especially in 
 superior stations, or among kings and rulers, have hitherto 
 served God in uprightness of heart. He has, however, still 
 taken care of his cause ; while those, who ought to have been 
 serviceable to it, have perished in their sins : and the Son of 
 David will continue a Light to his church, to establish it in 
 truth and righteousness, to the end of time, and for ever. 
 (Note, Rev. 21:22 — 27.) — It is happy for nations, when wick- 
 ed rulers are speedily removed ; and when the righteous come 
 in their stead, and are long preserved, 44 to do that which is 
 right in the eyes of the Lord.” — Those who would please 
 him, and promote reformation, must prefer his glory to the 
 reputation of every friend or relative : nay, they must oppose 
 the crimes even of their own parents, though this may seem 
 a reflection upon the memory of the deceased, or a slight put 
 upon the characters of the living. Nor may any age, sex, or 
 relative tie, induce such as are intrusted with authority, to 
 allow those to possess power or influence, who abuse it to 
 the dishonour of God, and to promote idolatry, superstition, 
 or ungodliness ; and in every situation our duty to him must 
 have the precedency over all other duties. (Notes, Matt. 
 10:37 — 39. Luke 14:25 — 27.) How absurd then is it, to be 
 satisfied with a religion, merely because our fathers professed 
 it ! for indeed that reason, if allowed to be valid, would gene- 
 rally prove that men ought to continue in idolatry, super- 
 stition, and immorality. (Note and P. O. 1 Pet. 1:17 — 21.) 
 — Every reformation upon earth has hitherto been defective : 
 the utmost attainment of fallen man has been an upright 
 and persevering endeavour to glorify God ; and this meets 
 with his merciful acceptance, by faith in Jesus Christ. 
 
 V. 16 — 34. Even true believers find it very difficult in 
 times of urgent danger, 44 to trust in the Lord with all their 
 heart, and not to lean to their own understanding;” and unbe- 
 lief proportionally makes way for carnal policy. This has 
 often induced Christains to call in the help of the enemies of 
 God in their contests with their brethren ; to spend that 
 time and substance to obtain their favour, which ought to 
 have been devoted to the Lord’s service ; and to tempt 
 others to behave deceitfully or cruelly. Such evils have 
 frequently disgraced religious disputes: the victories thus 
 acquired have weakened the common cause, and ended in 
 shame and bitterness : and some, who once shone bright in 
 the meridian of the church, have been thus covered with a dark 
 cloud toward the close of their days. May God help us 44 to 
 follow aflsr peace, and those things, where with one may 
 ( 626 ) 
 
 edify another that our 44 path may shine more and more 
 bright unto the perfect day!” — But after all, how much hap- 
 pier are those who are connected with godly people, than 
 such as have their lot cast among the profane and wicked ! 
 (Note, 16:21,22.) — Wretched is it for others, but most so for 
 themselves, when children inherit the vices, with the estates, 
 of their wicked parents : their temporal calamities may arise 
 from the sins of their fathers; but “the wrath to come” will 
 be the recompense of their own crimes. — Ungodly men exe- 
 cute the just judgment of God upon each other, whilst grati- 
 fying their own- ambition, avarice, or revenge; and at the 
 same time they ripen for severer vengeance, by imitating 
 the sins of those whom they have supplanted. Many suffer, 
 and many are induced to commit iniquity, by such rulers 
 and usurpers. But in the midst of all these enormities, and 
 this apparent confusion, the Lord is carrying on his universal 
 plan: and when it shall be fully completed, all rational and 
 holy creatures, and all the company of redeemed sinners, 
 will perceive, admire, and adore the glorious justice, wisdom 
 truth, and mercy, displaj'ed in every part of it through all the 
 ages of eternity. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVI. V. 1. Hanani, the father of 
 Jehu, was a prophet, as well as his son. (Note, 2 Chr. 16:7 
 — 10.) Jehu was a young man at this time, and he continued 
 for many years employed b the'Lord, and useful to his peo- 
 ple. (Notes, 2 Chr. 19^2. 20:31 — 34.) — Thus a succession 
 of prophets was raised up in the nation of Israel, through 
 every generation, till the advent of Christ approached. 
 (Preface to Malachi.) 
 
 V. 2. The conduct of Baasha, jn conspiring against Na- 
 dab, and murdering him and Jeroboam’s family, was highly 
 criminal. But the success of his conspiracy, and his ad- 
 vancement from a very low condition, to the throne of Israel, 
 were from the Lord; whose benefits aggravated the guilt ol 
 his subsequent idolatry and wickedness. (Note, 2 Sam. 12: 
 8.) — God acknowledged Israel as his people, notwithstanding 
 their apostacy, because they professed themselves his wor- 
 shippers ; because there were many believers in the land, and 
 because he intended to maintain religion among them, and 
 not utterly to cast them off. This also was an aggravation of 
 Baasha’s sin ; that being, by Providence, made prince over the 
 Lord’s people, he employed his authority in causing them to 
 sin against him. 
 
 V. 3 — 6. (Notes, 14:5 — 14.) Baasha was not slain, but 
 died and was buried; Jeroboam also died: but the threaten- 
 ings were executed on his whole family and posterity. 
 
 / will take away. (3) * v, y -0 : I will consume as by fire. 
 
 V. 7. It is likely that Jehu was sent from Judah, of which 
 kingdom he seems to have been, and delivered his message tc 
 Baasha, as the man of God did to Jeroboam. (Notes, 13:1 
 — 6. 2 Chr. 16:7 — 10. 19:2.) — Killed him.] 4 Baasha destroyed 
 Jeroboam in his posterity, by cruelly murdering them all. 
 God had not commanded him to do this, though he had pro 
 dicted that it should be done. Baasha was actuated by his 
 own ambition and other selfish passions; and therefore de- 
 served punishment, tnough he fulfilled the righteous purposes 
 of God. (Notes, 2 Kings 10:29 — 31. Is. 10:5 — 15. Hos. 1:4,5. 
 Acts 2:22—24.) 
 
 V. 8 — 14. Baasha began to reign in the third year of Asa, 
 and he reigned twenty-four years, yet he died, and was suc- 
 ceeded by Elah, in the twenty-sixth year of Asa. Thus, 
 it is evident, that a part of the third year of Asa, after 
 Baasha came to the throne, is calculated as a whole year. 
 (Note, 15:9.) In like manner Elah, who began to reign iiv 
 the twenty-sixth year of Asa, atld was killed in the twenty- 
 seventh, is said lo have reigned two yen s, that, is a part of 
 two years. — The sentence denounced against the house of 
 Baasha, greatly resembles that denounced against Jeroboam 
 
B. C. 910 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 B. C. 929 
 
 10 And pZinin went in, and smote him, and 
 killed him, in the twenty and seventh year of Asa 
 king of Judah, and ^reigned in his stead. 
 b. c.i 11 And it came to pass, when he began to 
 !®. J reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that 
 r he slew all the house of Baasha : 'he left him not 
 one that pisseth against a wall, 'neither of his 
 kinsfolks nor of his friends. 
 
 12 Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of 
 Baasha, 'according to the word of the Lord, 
 which he spake against Baasha 'by Jehu the pro- 
 phet, 
 
 13 For all the sins of Baasha, and the sms of 
 Elah his son, by which they sinned, and by which 
 they made Israel to sin, in provoking the Lord 
 God of Israel to anger with their "vanities. 
 
 14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that 
 he did, are 'they not written in the book of the 
 Chronicles of the kings of Israel? 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 15 H In the twenty and seventh year of Asa king 
 of Judah did Zimri reign 'seven days in Tirzah. 
 And the people were ^encamped against Gibbe- 
 thon, which belonged, to the Philistines. 
 
 16 And the people that were encamped heard 
 say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the 
 king : wherefore all Israel made 'Omri, the captain 
 of the host, king over Israel that day in the 
 camp. 
 
 17 And Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all 
 Israel with him, and they "besieged Tirzah. 
 
 18 And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that 
 the city was taken, that he went into the palace 
 of the king’s house, b and burnt the king’s house 
 over him with fire, and died, 
 
 19 For his sins which he sinned "in doing evil 
 in the sight of the Lord, in walking in the way of 
 Jeroboam, and d in his sin which he did, to make 
 Israel to sin. 
 
 20 Now 'the rest of the acts of Zimri, and bis 
 treason that he wrought, are they not written in 
 the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 p 2 Kings 9:31. q 15. r 15:29. Judg. 1:7. 6 See on 14:10. 1 Sam. 25:22,34. 
 
 • Or, both his kinsmen and his friends, t See on 1 — 4. t Heb. bu the hand 
 of. 7. 14:18. 2 Kings 14:25. 2 Chr. 10:15. Prov. 26:6. u Deut. 32:21. 1 Sam. 
 12:21. 2 Kings 17:15. Is. 41:29. Jer. 10 :1J— 5,8,15. Jon. 2:8. I Cor. 8:4. 10:19, 
 20. r See on 5. x 2 Kinga9:31. Job 20:5. Ps. 37:35,36. y 15:27. Josh 19:44. 
 21:23. z 30. 2 Kings 8:26. 2 Chr. 22:2. Mic. 6:16. a Judg. 9:45,50,56,57. 
 2 Kings 6:24,25. 18:9-12.25:1— 4. Luke 19:43,44. b Judg. 9:54. 1 Sam. 31:4, 
 5. 2Sam. 17:23. Job2:9,10. Matt. 27:5. c 7,13. 15:30. Ps. 9:16. 58:9— 1 1 . 
 d See on 12:28. 14: 16. 15:26. e 5,14,27. 14:19. 15:31 . 22:39. f 8,29. 15:25,28. 
 Prov. 28:2. Is. 9.18—21. 19:2. Matt. 12:25. 1 Cor. 1:12,13. Eph. 4:3—5. g 8, 
 
 and his family : and both Jeroboam and Baasha died in 
 peace ; while Nadab and Elah, their sons, were slain within 
 two years, and the posterity of each of them was entirely and 
 ignominiously extirpated! But Baasha’s friends likewise 
 were involved in the same ruin : and Zimri executed the sen- 
 tence of the prophet with great rapidity ; though he meant 
 not so. — Drunk. (9) Marg. Ref. o. 
 
 V. 15. The death of Nadab had before prevented the 
 prosecution of the siege of Gibbethon : (15:27,28.) and it 
 was the second time interrupted by the murder of Elab, who 
 stayed at home to indulge himself while his army was besieg- 
 ing that city. — Gibbethon lay in the lot of Dan, but it was 
 given to the Lefates. (Josh. 19:44. 21:23.) The Philistines, 
 however, had got possession of it, during the distractions 
 which prevailed in Israel. 
 
 V. 17 — 19. The army, which besieged Gibbethon, having 
 made their commander Omri king, by military election ; and 
 Omri having left the siege of Gibbethon, to make war against 
 Zimri in Tirzah ; Zimri, finding his cause desperate, afraid 
 of falling alive into the hands of his enemies, and perhaps 
 envying his competitor the possession of that palace and 
 those riches which he had coveted, burnt himself, with the 
 palace and all its treasures. He was driven to this extremity, 
 and left to this desperation, by the righteous judgment of 
 God, for his sins : as in the space of seven days he had mur- 
 dered all the posterity and relations of Baasha ; and had 
 manifested his determination to support the worship of the 
 -olden calves. (Note, 2 Kings 9:30 — 37.) 
 
 V. 21, 22. The army, encamped before Gibbethon, chose 
 Omri, their commander, king : but it seems either that some 
 of them were afterwards disgusted by him ; or that the prin- 
 cipal persons, who were absent, disapproved of this measure, 
 and set up Tibni against him.— As the war lasted six years, 
 'Note, 23.) numbers no doubt were cut off on both sides, 
 before the contest ended with the death of Tibni. 
 
 So Tibni, &c. (22) How much is contained in this con- 
 cise sentence ! and similar contests continually terminate in 
 he same manner It is an epitome especially of the history 
 of civil wars. 
 
 H 21 Then were the people of Israel f divided into 
 two parts : half of the people followed Tibni the 
 son of Ginath, to make him king ; and half lollowed 
 Omri. 
 
 22 But the people that followed Omri pre- 
 vailed against the people that followed Tibni the 
 son of Ginath : so Tibni died, and Omri reigned 
 
 23 IT In the thirty and first year of Asa king riu 
 of Judah, began Omri to reign over Israel, L 925 
 ^twelve years : six years reigned he in Tirzah. 
 
 24 And he bought the hill Samaria of Sheme 
 for two talents of silver, and built on the hill, anc. 
 called h the name of the city which he built, after 
 the name of Shemer, owner of the hill, iSamaria. 
 
 25 But Omri wrought evil in the eyes of the 
 Lord, and 'did worse than all that were before 
 him. 
 
 26 For The walked in all the way of Jeroboam 
 the son ofNebat, and in his sin wherewith he made 
 Israel to sin, to provoke the Lord God of Israel to 
 anger with k their vanities. 
 
 27 Now 'the rest of the acts ofOmri, which he did, 
 and his might that he showed, are they not written 
 in the bopk of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 28 So Omri ""slept with his fathers, and was i-b.c 
 buried in Samaria : and Ahab his son reigned * *- m 
 in his stead. 
 
 29 IT And in the thirty and eighth year of Asa 
 king of Judah, began Ahab the son of Omri to 
 reign over Israel : and Ahab the son of Omri 
 reigned over Israel "in Samaria twenty and two 
 years. 
 
 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the 
 sight of the Lord "above all that were before him. 
 
 31 And it came to pass, $as if it had been Pa 
 light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam 
 the son of Nebat, that he ttook to wife ".Jezebe 
 the daughter of Ethbaal king of Hhe Zidonians, 
 ‘and went and "served Baal, and worshipped him. 
 
 32 And he reared up an altar for Baal in 'the 
 house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 
 
 33 And Ahab fmade a grove ; and Ahab 
 
 29. h 13:32. 18:2. 20:1.22:37 . 2 Kings 17:1,6,24. John 4:4,5. Acts 8:5— 8 
 J Heb. S/tomeron. i 30.31.33. 14:9. Mic. 6:16. ) 2,7,19. 12:26—33. 13:33,34. 
 
 k Set on 13. Ps. 31:6. Jer. 8.19. 10:3,8. 11:22. 16:19. 18:15. Acts 14:15. Rom. 
 1:21—23. 1 5,14,20.15:31. m See on 6. nSeeonlA. o 25,31,33. 14:9. 21: 
 25. 2 Kings 3:2. § Heb. was it a light thing, Sfc. p Gen. 30:15. Num. 16:9. 
 Is. 7:13. Ez. 8:17. 16:20,47.34:18. q Gen. 6:2. Deut. 7:3,4. Josh. 23: 12,13. 
 Neh. 13:23 — 29. r 18:4,19. 19:1,2. 21:5— 14,25. 2 Kings 9: 3U— 37. Rev. 2:20 
 s 11:1. Judg, 10:12. 18:7 t See vn 11:4— 8. u 21:26. Judg. 2.11. 3 7. 10:6. 
 2 Kings 10:18. 17:16. x 2 Kiugs 10:21,26,27. v Ex. 34:13. 2 Kings 13:6. 17:16. 
 21:3. Jer. 17:2. 
 
 V. 23. Twelve, &c.] Twelve years elapsed between the 
 death of Zimri and that of Omri; namely from the beginning 
 of the twenty-seventh, to the end of the thirty-eighth year 
 of Asa’s reign. But probably half that time had been spent 
 in civil wars between Omri and Tibni ; and the thirty-first 
 year of Asa was nearly concluded, when Omri obtained 
 the undisputed possession of the throne ; from which time he 
 reigned six complete years. — Thus, whilst Israel was torn to 
 pieces by intestine commotions, conspiracies, massacres, and 
 the succession of one usurper to another, who were all mon- 
 sters of iniquity, and all destroyed the families, friends, and 
 adherents of the murdered king; Judah was quietly governed 
 by one pious prince, who began to reign in the days of Jero- 
 boam, survived Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, and Omri, 
 and lived till the fourth year of Ahab. The revolt of Israel 
 therefore proved to be mainly their own loss. (Note, 12:16.1 
 
 V. 24. It is probable, that ihe burning of the palace at 
 Tirzah, by Zimri, induced Omri to this measure. — It is con- 
 jectured that Shemer sold this estate at a low price, upon 
 condition of having the city to be built on it, called by his 
 name. From this city the whole surrounding country was 
 called Samaria, or Shomeron : and sometimes the whole 
 kingdom of the ten tribes is thus called, after Samaria be- 
 came the capital city. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 30 — 33. Omri had done worse than all that had been 
 before him, and probably had enforced the worship of the 
 golden calves with greater strictness and severity: (25,26.) 
 but it seemed a light thing to Ahab to tread in his steps, or in 
 those of Jeroboam; (Note, Ez. 16:44 — 47.) for, without any 
 political inducement, he proceeded to still grosser idolatries 
 He had a rooted enmity to the worship of Jehovah, and to 
 every thing which related to it ; and he married Jezebel, a 
 zealous and furious worshipper of Baal, on purpose, as it 
 seems, to have her counsel and assistance in supplanting the 
 worship of the Lord, and even of the golden calves; and in 
 establishing that of Baal throughout the land. 
 
 Ethbaal, &c. (31 ) ‘ Called in profane writers Ithobalus. 
 Bp. Patrick. His name was talren from the ido* ch ho 
 worshipped. 
 
 ( 627 ) 
 
B. C. 9U 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 910. 
 
 •did more to .ro voice the Lord God of Israel to 
 anger than at he kings of Israel that were before 
 him. 
 
 34 H In his days did Hiel the Beth-elite build 
 Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram 
 V' *s first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his 
 youngest son Segub, “according to the word of the 
 Lord, which he spake by Joshua the son of Nun. 
 
 * 21:19,25.22:6,8. a Josh. 6:26. 23: 14,15. Zeoh. 1:5,6. Matt. 24:35. *Heb. 
 Elijahu. Matt. 11:14. 16:14. 27:47,49. Luke 1:17. 4:25,26. 9:30,33,54. John 
 
 An altar for Baal , &c. (32) Jeroboam and his successors 
 professed to consider the golden calves, as representatives of 
 the God of Israel. (Note, 12:26 — 29.) But Ahab more direct- 
 ly and expressly worshipped other gods. ( Note , 2 Kings IU:18, 
 28.) — A grove. (33) Marg. Ref. y. Notes, 2 Kings 17:16. 21:3. 
 
 V. 34. (Note, Josh. 6:26.) Four hundred and forty 
 years had passed since this word had been spoken ; and 
 the exact accomplishment of it, after so long a period, was a 
 solemn warning to the people, to expect the fulfilment of all 
 the curses denounced against them, in case of their idolatry, 
 by Moses and Joshua. (Notes, Deut. 4:25 — 28. Josh. 23: 
 13 — 16.) — This account illustrates the daring spirit of rebel- 
 lion against God, which prevailed in those wretched times. 
 Hiel, inured to idolatry at Beth-el, set the curse of God at 
 defiance : and, though his eldest son died when he laid the 
 foundation of Jericho, he scorned to be intimidated, or to 
 desist from his undertaking ; till, when he completed the 
 work, his youngest son died also ; and the rest of his children, 
 as it is supposed, in the intermediate space of time. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. We do not well understand the rules, and 
 plans of wisdom, justice, truth, and mercy, by which God 
 governs nations and individuals; (Note, Ps. 97:2.) yet we 
 may draw general instructive conclusions from this history. 
 Frequently the Lord warns before he punishes: and they, 
 who are not induced to repentance, are rendered more inex- 
 cusable in their wickedness. By whatever means men are 
 advanced to authority ; their exaltation is from the Lord, they 
 are bound to use it in his service, and are liable to severe 
 punishment for the abuse of it: yet they must also give an 
 account to God, for the crimes committed in order to obtain 
 the dangerous pre-eminence. The same observations hold 
 good in respect of wealth, and every other temporal distinc- 
 tion. — God is greatly displeased with those who in any way 
 tempt others to commit iniquity: but he is especially pro- 
 voked by those, who seduce his professing people to apostacy, 
 or true believers to conceal or disgrace their profession : per- 
 secutors, therefore, will be answerable for all the sins to 
 which they tempt men by the dread of punishment, as well 
 as for all the injustice which they commit, and the blood which 
 they shed. — Those who follow the examples of such as have 
 been awfully punished for their sins, may expect to be over- 
 taken with similar vengeance : and many verj' wicked men 
 have been men of might and renown, have built cities, and 
 perpetuated their memories in the annals of history ; but they 
 have no name in the book of life, and stand condemned in the 
 word of God. — The impunity of the principal culprits, while 
 their children, relatives, or helpers suffor for their crimes, 
 loudly declares the approaching day of judgment, and the 
 more exact discrimination of characters, and distribution of 
 rewards and punishments, which shall then take place. — No 
 crime more degrades and exposes a man than drunkenness : 
 and they who sit down with the intention of “drinking them- 
 selves drunk,” or are persuaded to do so, should recollect 
 how easily they may be murdered in such a state ; in how 
 many ways they may be hurried before the tribunal of God ; 
 and what an awful thing it would be, to meet their Judge in 
 such a situation. And when rulers and great men spend 
 their time in intemperate indulgence, instead of attending to 
 the duties of their station, it bodes ill to the public and to 
 themselves. (Notes, Esth. 3:12 — 15. Prov. 31:4 — 7. Ec. 
 10:16—19.) 
 
 V. 15 — 34. Wicked men accomplish the purposes of God 
 without intending it; and their injustice and cruelty towards 
 each other display his righteousness, while they illustrate the 
 desperate wickedness of the heart of man. — When they are 
 hurried on by their vile passions, and have got the power into 
 their hands, they often perpetrate much wickedness in a little 
 time : and thus they speedily fill up their measure, and hasten 
 the vengeance of God upon themselves. Whether they 
 destroy themselves, or are murdered by others, the ruin is 
 brought upon them by sinning against the Lord : even in 
 death they frequently show the predominancy of their pride, 
 envy, and malice ; and thus are driven away into the eternal 
 world, not only under condemnation as sinners, but under the 
 domineering power of most diabolical dispositions, being 
 14 vessels of wrath fitted for destruction.” From such a death, 
 good Lord deliver us ! — In all cases the triumphing of the 
 ungodly is short; and for the wickedness of nations many 
 -re their princes. When tyrants hastily succeed one another, 
 with massacres, conspiracies, and civil wars; and when every 
 one is worse than all that went before him ; we may be sure 
 that tho Lord has a controversy with the people for their sins : 
 and they are loudly called to repentance and reformation. 
 Indeed, those who forsake God, will generally be left to plague 
 ( 628 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Elijah foretells to Ahnb a long and. excessive drought ; and is sent by God 10 
 the brook Cherilh, and fed by ravens, l — 7. He is afterward* sent to 2a- 
 ■deplialh, and sustained by a widow-woman , whose barrel of meal and crus 
 of oil do not fail, 8 — 16. Her sun dies, but is restored to life in answer t 
 Elijah's prayer, whom she fully believes to be sent by Gad, 17—24. 
 
 A ND 'Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inha 
 bitantsof Gilead, said unto Ahab, *Jls the Lord 
 God of Israel liveth, b before whom I stand, there 
 
 1:21,25. Rom. 11:2. Elias, a 22: 14. 2 Kings 3:14. 5: 16. Is. 49:18. Matt. 7:29 
 Luke 1:17. b Deni. 10:8. Jer. 15:19. Luke 1:19. 21:36. ,^cls27:23. 
 
 one another: they, who seek not rest in his service, will 
 always be unsettled and uneasy ; and when his professed 
 people quarrel with each other, their enemies will always bo 
 gainers. — Intermarriages with daring offenders greatly em- 
 bolden men’s minds in wickedness, and hurry them on to the 
 greatest excesses. — The progress of iniquity must be from 
 bad to worse ; it seems a light thing to notorious sinners to 
 walk in the steps of their predecessor^ ; and they are often 
 ambitious of distinguishing themselves, and of expressing their 
 enmity and contempt of God, in ways before unheard of. 
 Hence so many newly invented oaths, blasphemies, supersti- 
 tions, and species of false religion ; as well as new refinements 
 in licentiousness and immorality. — When princes set the 
 example of rebellion against God, their subjects will often 
 ambitiously emulate them, and thus ungodliness becomes a 
 test of loyalty, and a kind of fashionable accomplishment: 
 nor will any warnings daunt the stout spirits of presumptuous 
 sinners till wrath come upon them to the uttermost. But they, 
 who despise the denunciations of God’s word, will certainly 
 know his truth in them by their own dreadful experience. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 1. The most illustrious 
 prophet Elijah was raised up, in the reign of the most wicked 
 among the kings of Israel: and he is brought to our notice in 
 a very abrupt manner. Nothing is recorded either of his 
 parentage, education, or previous manner of life. He is 
 called 44 the Tishbite :” but it is not agreed, whether this title 
 was taken from the place where he lived, or given him be- 
 cause he was the reformer of Israel: for the word may signify 
 a converter. He was of the inhabitants of Gilead, beyond 
 Jordan ; but we know not of which tribe. His name signifies. 
 The I^ORD my God is He. This might imply that Jeho- 
 vah, the true God, would stand by him in the perilous services 
 to which he was called, in opposing the worship of false 
 gods. — It may be supposed, that Elijah had previously warned 
 Ahab to forsake his idolatry, and that he had treated his mes- 
 sage with contempt : at length therefore, he declared, and con- 
 firmed it with a solemn oath by the Lord God of Israel, 
 before whom he stood, (as his servant acting by his authority,) 
 that there should be neither rain nor dew for years, but ac- 
 cording to his word ; that is, until he caine again, and fore- 
 told its coming, and prayed for it. The expression, 44 As the 
 Lord God of Israel liveth,” intimated that the idols' of tho 
 heathen were lifeless stocks, and could not help their wor- 
 shippers. — The duration of this drought was three years and 
 a half; and the effects must have been inexpressibly calami- 
 tous. (Marg. Ref. c.) One whole year, without rain oi 
 ’dew, would afflict this land more terribly than it can be con- 
 ceived : but in much less than three years and a half nearly 
 all the cattle must he destroyed, and most of the inhabitants 
 would be either dead or migrated into other countries. Yet the 
 bulk of Israel continued mad upon their idols, throughout this 
 most tremenduous calamity ! It was sent in answer to the pro- 
 phet’s prayer, which probably he offered in Ahab’s hearing: 
 and the judgment was intended to be a demonstration, that 
 Baal could not defend his worshippers against the indig- 
 nation of Jehovah. The glory of God and the interests 
 of true religion were therefore so greatly concerned in this 
 decision, which was needful in order to prevent the utter 
 apostacy and rejection of Israel, that the prophet might pre- 
 sent this petition in wise zeal, and true benevolence ; and 
 doubtless he was immediately instructed by the Lord to do 
 so. The benefit of the calamity would abundantly outweigh 
 the miseries: for though many were hardened, yet doubtless 
 numbers were eventually brought to repentance, and made to 
 embrace and continue steadfast in the service of the true God. 
 (Note, Jam. 5:16—18.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. Elijah was commanded to conceal himself, not 
 only to avoid the persecuting rage of Ahad instigated by 
 Jezebel, but as an additional judgment upon the Israelites. 
 The Lord did not intend to shorten the term of the calamity, 
 and he would not have his servant pray for it and be denied, 
 (Notes, Jer. 14:10 — 12. 15:1.) He was pleased therefore to 
 send him out of the way, that he might not be solicited and 
 refuse: ami all this time the people were deprived of the 
 benefit of Elijah’s example and instructions. Thus he was 
 excluded from society and usefulness: but he doubtless was 
 engaged in heavenly contemplation and communion with 
 God; and in prayers for the reformation of his people, and 
 for their being turned unto the Lord, though not for the pre- 
 sent removal of the famine. — The brook Chorith ran into the 
 river Jordan; (5) hut it seems the place was so retired, and 
 the prophet kept so close, that neither friends nor foes knew 
 where he was. (Note, 18:10.) 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Elijah was a very extraordinary person, and 
 every circumstance relating to him was render* 1 cqi ally ei- 
 
B. C. 909. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 907 
 
 shall not be 'dew nor rain these years, but accord- 
 ing to my word. 
 
 2 And d the word of the Lord came unto him, 
 saying, 
 
 3 Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and 
 •hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before 
 Jordan. 
 
 4 And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the 
 brook; and ( I have commanded the ravens to feed 
 thee there. 
 
 5 So he went and sdid according unto the word 
 of the Lord: for he went and dwelt by the brook 
 Cherith, that is belore Jordan. 
 
 6 And h the ravens brought him bread and flesh 
 in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening ; 
 and he drank of the brook. 
 
 7 And it came to pass, 'after a while, that ‘the 
 brook dried up, because there had been no rain in 
 
 the land. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 8 II And k the word of the Lord came unto him, 
 saying, 
 
 9 Arise, get thee to 'Zarephath, “which belong- 
 eth to Zidon, and dwell there: behold, I have 
 commanded a "widow-woman there to sustain 
 thee. 
 
 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And 
 when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the 
 widow-woman was there gathering of sticks : and 
 he called to her, and said, "Fetch me, I pray thee, 
 a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. 
 
 11 And ras she was going to fetch it, he called 
 to her, and said, Bring me,l pray thee, ^a morsel 
 of bread in thy hand. 
 
 c Luke 4:25. Jam. 5:17. Rev. 11:6. d 12:22. 1 Chr. 17:3. Jer. 7:1 . 11:1 . 18:1. 
 Hos. 1:1,2. c ?2:23. Ps. 31:20. 83:3. Jer. 36: 19,26. John 8:59. Acts 17:14. 
 Heb. 11:38. Rev. 12:6,14. 19.19:5—8. Num. 20:8. Job 34:29. 38:8- 13,41. 
 
 Ps. 33:8,9. 147:9. Am. 9:3,4. Malt. 4:4,11. g 19:9. Prov. 3:5.6. Matt. 16:24. 
 John 15:14. h Rx. 16:35. Num. 11:23. Judg. 14:14. 15:18,19. Ps. 34:9,10. 37:3, 
 19.78:15,16,23,24. Jer. 37:21 . 40:4. Hab. 3:17,18. Matt. 6:31,32. 14: 19— 21. 
 19:26. Luke 22:35. Heb. 6:18. * Heb . at the end of days . i [8.40:30,31.54: 
 JO. k See on 2. Gen. 22:14. Is. 41:17. Heb. 13:6. 1 Ob. 20. Luke 4:26. Sa- 
 
 repta. m Matt. 15:21,22. n 4. Judg. 7:2,4. Rom. 4:17 — 21 . 2 Cor. 4:7. o Gen. 
 21:15. 24:17. John 4:7. 2Cor. 11:27. Heb. 11:37. p Gen. 24:18,19. Matt. 10: 
 42.25:35—40. Heb. 13:2. q 9. 18:4. Gen. 18:5. rSeeonl. I Sam. 14:39,45. 
 20:3,21.25:26.26:10. 2 Sam. 15:21. Jer. 4:2. 5:2. s2 Kings 4:2— 7. Matt. 15: 
 33,34. t Gen. 21:16. Jer. 14:18. Lam. 4:9. Ez. 12:18,19. Joel 1:15,16. u Ex. 
 
 traordinary, in order to excite the attention of a thoughtless 
 and hardened generation. Ravens, being birds of prey, were 
 far more likely to take away the food of those who had any, 
 than to bring bread and flesh to the prophet in his destitute 
 situation: but the command, , or miraculous power of God, 
 suspended their natural instinct, and made them act directly 
 contrary to it. ( Note , 1 Sam. 6:10 — 16.) It is useless and 
 presumptuous to inquire whence they procured the bread and 
 flesh, or how the food was prepared? He who commanded 
 them to feed his servant, had ten thousand ways of enabling 
 them to fulfil his word. Thus Elijah was sufficiently pro- 
 vided for, when numbers were starving: and the consolations 
 of the Lord would render him contented with his solitude and 
 sustenance. — Some have objected that ravens , being unclean 
 birds, would pollute the food which they brought: but this 
 arises from a mistake. The flesh of unclean animals might 
 not be eaten; but the touch of them when living, communi- 
 cated no ceremonial uncleanness, either to food, or any other 
 thing : for asses and camels were also unclean ; yet in constant 
 use, for carrying provisions, as well as for other purposes. 
 (Note, Lev. 11:31.) 
 
 V. 7. Elijah seems to have continued in this situation 
 about a year: the natural .supply of water which came by 
 common Providence failed because of the dry weather ; but 
 the miraculous supply of food, which was ensured to him by 
 promise, failed not. (Note. 10 — 16.) 
 
 V. 9. (Marfr. Ref. 1.) This woman was of Gentile 
 extraction, a Zidonian, of the same nation with Jezebel the 
 patroness of the worship of Baal: (16:31.) yet she had be- 
 come acquainted with the God of Israel, and probably was a 
 spiritual worshipper of him, when the nation of Israel was in 
 general lapsod to idolatry. (Note, Matt. 15:21 — 24 ) That 
 ravens first, and then a poor widow-woman , a Gentile, should 
 be employed to feed God’s prophet, in preference to any of 
 the Israelites, was a severe reflection upon that people : and 
 Elijah’s being sent to Zarephath, rather than to any other 
 city, or any poor distressed widows, of Israel, was an illus- 
 tration of God’s sovereignty, and a pre-intimation of the call- 
 ing of the Gentiles. (Note, Luke 4:23 — 30.) — As the Lord 
 commands his creatures, according to their natures and capa- 
 cities ; perhaps this poor widow had received some pre-inti- 
 ntation of Elijah’s coming, and a command to entertain him, 
 nothing doubting. 
 
 V. 10 — 16. The effects of the famine in the land of Israel, 
 were severely felt at Zidon also, and probably in all the ad- 
 jacent countries ; Judah perhaps being excepted. The poor 
 woman was gathering sticks for fuel, when addressed by the 
 
 12 And she said, r As the Lord thy God hveth 
 I have not a cake, "but a handful of meal in 
 barrel, and a little oil in a cruse : and behold, I 
 am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and 
 dress it for me and my son, ‘that we may eat if 
 and die. 
 
 13 And Elijah said unto her, "Fear not; go amt 
 do as thou hast said : but 'make me thereof a little 
 cake “first, and bring it unto me, and after makt 
 for thee and for thy son. 
 
 14 For ?thus saith the Lord God of Israel, “The 
 barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the 
 cruse of oil fail, until the day that the Lord 'send- 
 eth rain upon the earth. 
 
 15 And she went and “did according to the 
 saying of Elijah : and she, and he, and her house, 
 did eat l many days. 
 
 16 And b the barrel of meal wasted not, neither 
 did the cruse of oil fail, "according to the word of 
 the Lord, which fie spake $by Elijah. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 17 II And it came to pass after these things, that 
 d the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, 
 fell sick : and his sickness was so sore, "that there 
 was no breath left in him. 
 
 18 And she said unto Elijah, fWhat have I to 
 do with thee, ?0 thou man of God ? h art thou come 
 unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to 
 slay my son? 
 
 19 And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And 
 he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up 
 ‘into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his 
 own bed. 
 
 14:13. 2 Kings 6:16. 2 Chr. 20:17. Ts. 41:10,13. Mutt. 28:5. Acts 27:24. .Gen. 
 22:1,2. Judg. 7:5— 7. Matt. 19:21,22. Heb. 11:17. 1 Pet. 1:7. x Prov. 3:9,10. 
 Mai. 3:10. Matt. 6:33. 10:37. y 2 Kings 3: 16,17. 7:1,2. 9:6. z 4. 2 Kings 4:2— 
 7,42-44. Matt. 14:17— 20. 15:36- 38. t Heb. givelh. a Gen. 6:22. 12:4. 22:3. 
 2 Chr. 20:20. Matt. 15:28. Mark 12:43. John 11:40. Rom. 4:19.20. Heb. 11:7 
 8,17. J Or, a full year, b Matt. 9:28—30. 19:26. Luke 1:37.45. John +.50,51, 
 c See on 13:5. § Heb. by the hand of. Sec on 16:12. d Gen. 22: 1 ,2. 2 Kings 4: 
 18—20. Zech. 12:10. John 11:3,4,14. Jam. 1:2—4,12. 1 Pet. 1:7. 4:12. e Job 12: 
 10.34:14. Ps. 104:29. Dan. 5:23. ,1am. 2:26. marg. f 2 Sam. 16: 10. 19:22. 
 2 Kings 3:13. 2 Chr. 35:21 . Luke 4:34. 8:28. John 2:4. g See on 13:1 . 1,16:9. 
 Gen. 42:21,22. 50:15— 17. 1 Sam. 16:4. Job 13:26. Ez. 21 ;23,24. Mark 5;7,15 
 — 17. 6:16. i 2 Kings 4:10,21,32. Acts 9:37. 
 
 prophet, who probably knew by a divine intimation that she 
 was the person appointed to entertain him. Notwithstanding 
 her distress, and the scarcity that prevailed, she readily com- 
 plied with the request of a stranger to fetch him a little water 
 But when he craved a morsel of bread also, she called “the 
 Lord his God” to witness, that she had none, but was going 
 to prepare her very last provision ; and then had nothing to 
 look for, but death by hunger, for herself and her son. It 
 must be supposed that she knew Elijah to be an Israelite by 
 his appearance and attire: (Note, Num. 15:38 — 40.) and he 
 had perhaps declared himself the servant of Jehovah, anc 
 asked her for bread and water in his name ; and, for his sake, 
 she would have been ready to help him, if it had been in her 
 power. Moreover, she doubtless perceived something vene- 
 rable in his aspect, which prepossessed her in his favour 
 so that when he required her, “in the name of the Lord,’ 
 to make him a cake first , (which, in her circumstances , was 
 surely one of the hardest commands that ever was given !) 
 promising her that her scanty supply should not fail ; her faith 
 surmounted all difficulties and silenced all objections : she 
 believed his words, and did as she was directed, and so 
 “ became heir of the righteousness that is by faith.” (Note, 
 Heb. 11:7.) Thus having “entertained a prophet, in tho 
 name of a prophet, she received a prophet’s reward.” (Note, 
 Matt. 10:40 — 42.) For above two years she and her son, as 
 well as Elijah, were fed miraculously with sufficient provi- 
 sion ; and she lived by faith, in temporal as well as in spi- 
 ritual things ! For though the margin renders the words 
 “ many days,” a full year ; it is evident from the conti- 
 nuance of the famine, that Elijah abode with her a much 
 longer time. * 
 
 V. 17. Perhaps the woman’s son died suddenly, before 
 the prophet had opportunity to pray for his recovery; because 
 the Lord intended a greater display of his own glory, and a 
 more distinguishing favour to the woman, than the sparing of 
 his life : or he was left to die without any miraculous inter- 
 position, to try her faith. (Notes, Mark 5:35—43. John 11 
 1 — 10 .) 
 
 V. 18. This woman had doubtless heard, that the drought 
 had come upon Israel in answer to Elijah’s prayer: and per- 
 haps she supposed that her affliction had come upon her in 
 the same way. She seems to have venerated his sanctity 
 and to have had a trembling consciousness of her own sinful- 
 ness. Perhaps the death of her son brought her former wor- 
 ship of Baal to remembrance ; or she thought she was not 
 worthy of the company of the prophet, or hat *iot duly pro- 
 I fited by it. But her mind was much agitate 1 ; ;n ha* 
 629 ) 
 
R C 907. 
 
 I. KINGS. B. C 907 
 
 20 And !he cried unto the Lord, and said, 0 
 Lord my God, '■hast thou also brought evil upon 
 the w.dovv with whom I sojourn, by slaying her 
 son ? 
 
 21 And 'he "stretched himself upon the child 
 three times, and cried unto the Lord, and said, 
 m O Lord my God, I pray thee, let this child’s soul 
 come 'into him again. 
 
 22 And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah; 
 
 I 13:38,37. Ex. 11:4. 1 Sam. 7:8,9. 2 Kin 6 » 19:4,1.5. P.. 99:S. Mill. 21:22. Jaw. 
 5:13—18. It Gen. 18:23—25. Josh 7:8,9, Ps. 73:13,14. Jar. 12:1. 12 Kinas 4: 
 33—35. Acts 20:10. * Heb. measured, m Acts 9:40. Heb. 11:19. t Heb. info 
 his inuard parts, n Dew. 32:39. 1 Sam. 2:6. 2 Kings 13:21. Luke 8:5-1,55. John 
 
 words imply a mixture of unbelief and impatience, as well as 
 self-abasement and a sense of guilt. And she seems to have 
 thought the presence of the man of God was dangerous, and 
 hastened divine judgments upon her. ( Luke 5:8. Notes , 1 
 Sam. 16:4. 2 Sam. 6:8,9.) Yet by her own account the 
 prophet’s presence had prolonged her son’s life, and her own 
 also. (12) 4 Their sins are said to be “ called to remembrance” 
 by God, when he punishes them.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, Ez. 
 21:23.) 
 
 V. 19. Loft.] 4 The LX X translate it vneptaov, an upper 
 room ; which he had to himself for his study, meditation, and 
 prayer ; as Elisha afterwards had in another place : 2 Kings 
 4:10.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 20. Elijah himself could not understand the mystery 
 of this dispensation ; but greatly wondered that the Lord 
 should bring evil on the woman, who entertained him for his 
 sake, as well as on those who rejected both God and his 
 prophet ; and he expostulated with God on the occasion. 
 
 V. 21, 22. The external conduct of Elijah denoted the ear- 
 nestness of his desires, and the greatness of his expectations, 
 of the child's restoration to life. He would, if possible, have 
 communicated of his own life to him, or have concurred, if 
 anything had been in his power, to his revival. — The expres- 
 sion, 44 Let this child’s soul come into him again,” not only 
 intimates the prophet’s certainty that he was really dead ; 
 but it marks the distinction between the rational soul and the 
 earthly body to be as real, as that between the house and its 
 inhabitant : for both the prophet and the historian, 44 speaking 
 as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,” used proper lan- 
 guage. No one had yet, as far as we know, been raised 
 from the dead, and perhaps no prayer to this effect had ever 
 before been offered. (Notes, Gen. 22:5,6. John 9:27 — 34. 
 Rom. 4:18 — 22. Heb. 11:17 — 19.) Elijah’s petition was no 
 doubt directed by immediate inspiration. 
 
 V. 24. The woman had been strongly tempted to unbe- 
 lief: but she had now got the victory, and was more con- 
 firmed and assured in faith and hope than ever. She had 
 doubted, but now she knew, that Elijah was the servant of 
 God, and she fully expected the performance of all his decla- 
 rations. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. The Lord will have witnesses to his truth in the 
 worst of times : and as he does not immediately cast off his 
 professing people, when they renounce his service ; he employs 
 various methods to convince them of their sin, and to bring 
 them to repentance. — Great intrepidi y and resolution are 
 necessary for those who are employed to stoj> the torrent of 
 prevailing iniquity, or to declare the message of God before 
 persecuting tyrants : but he who sends them, will qualify 
 .hem, and bear them out in these arduous and perilous ser- 
 vices. — Impenitent sinners have eventually the prayers even 
 of the most benevolent ministers of God against them: be- 
 cause, if they go on in sin, his glory requires their destruc- 
 tion ; and every servant of the Lord seeks His glory, in 
 preference to every other consideration. But, if the severest 
 temporal judgments be made effectual to bring men to serve 
 G >d, they will have great cause to bless him for sending them. 
 — Fruitful seasons, and abundance of provisions for the body, 
 are valuable mercies , and famine is a most tremendous evil : 
 yet the liberty and opportunity of attending on divine ordi- 
 nances are more valuable advantages ; and a famine of the 
 word of God is above all to be dreaded and deprecated. 
 
 ( Note, Am. 8:11 — 14.) — The Lord will provide for those who 
 serve him faithfully : and he will teach them to be satisfied 
 with their provisions though mean, and their situation though 
 outwardly uncomfortable. Indeed, if we consider how much 
 better we are dealt with than we deserve, and how many are 
 destitute of the necessaries of life; we shall see abundant 
 reason to be contented with f >od and raiment, of the meanest 
 and coarsest kind : nor ought we ever to desire luxuries or 
 superfluities. — It is the greatest trial to the faithful and zea- 
 lous minister, to be taken off from his work and usefulness, 
 and excluded from the society of pious persons : yet, if thus 
 circumstanced, ho should submit to it as his trial, wait the 
 Lord’s time to be employed again, seek his comfort from com- 
 munion with him and diligently prepare for future service. 
 And if the trying dispensation did not arise from his own 
 misconduct, the loss will not. eventually be his, but that of 
 those from whom he is banished ; being frequently a judgment 
 upon them for not profiting by former advantages, while they 
 enjoy them. — All nature shall sooner change its course, than 
 one of God’s promises faii. We do not indeed now expect 
 literally to be fed by ravens: but. the Lord often employs 
 ( 630 ) 
 
 and the soul of the child came into him again, “and 
 he revived. 
 
 23 And Elijah took the child, and brought him 
 down out of the chamber into the house, and de- 
 livered him unto his mother: and Elijah said, 
 “See, thy son liveth. 
 
 24 11 And the woman said to Elijah, pNow hy 
 this I know that thou art a man of God, and that 
 ‘tthe word of the Lord in thy mouth is truth. 
 
 5:28,29.11:43,44. Acts2n !2. Rom. 14:9. Re.. 11:11. o2 Kings 4:35:37. I,..ke 7 
 15. Act. 9:41. Heb. 11:35. p John 2:11 . 4 :42— 48 11:15,42. 15:24. q lie. 12:10 
 1 The., 2:13. 1 Jolm 2:21. 
 
 selfish men, contrary to their nature and general character 
 to support his indigent people, or to maintain his cause by 
 their property. The thanks, in this case, are due to the 
 Lord, who sends the provisions by such instruments : but we 
 should pray, that, as he has counteracted their natural dis- 
 position in this instance, he would be pleased also to change 
 them by his renewing grace. 
 
 V. 8 — 16. The Lt>rd does not generally provide long 
 together for his people in the same way, or by the same 
 means; lest they should rest in them, and expect help from 
 them. But he permits one resource to fail ; and when he has 
 left them nothing but his own promise to trust to, he unexpect- 
 edly opens another resource ; that they may admire the ma- 
 nifold riches of his wisdom, as well as adore his .power, truth 
 and love. Frequently he raises supplies from those wIk 
 themselves need relief: “the abundance of their joy, and 
 their deep poverty, abound unto the riches of their liberal) y :” 
 (Notes, 2 Cor. 8:1 — 5. 9:8 — 11.) and he supplies their wants, 
 whilst they are encouraged to communicate of their pittance 
 to others still more destitute. Indeed our faith must be proved 
 by various trials in providence, as well as by our obedience 
 to the commandments of God ; and must also grow strong by 
 exercise. But when it is genuine, it 44 worketh by love** of 
 him and of his people : and the desire of doing good to others 
 for his sake, united to a firm expectation that his promises 
 will be performed, produces obedience even to hard com- 
 mands, notwithstanding all the reluctancy and objections of 
 our distrustful, selfish hearts. — They who come unto Gr d, 
 and walk with him, must simply trust him, nay, venture 
 their lives and souls upon his word, and at his command i e- 
 nounce every present interest, in expectation of future a id 
 more enduring advantages. Genuine faith encourages m *n 
 to do this; while unbelief dislikes the security, holds fist 
 things present, and for the perishing pleasures and interests 
 of this world foregoes the blessings of eternal salvation. B it 
 none can be losers in the event by giving up secular advan- 
 tages, at the Lord’s command ; and what is expended up< n 
 his people, for his sake, shall be recompensed as if given 'o 
 himself: so that the self-denial and liberality of faith, are the 
 best means of excluding the fear of future want, of providing 
 for our families, and of placing out our substance at the high- 
 est interest, and upon the most unexceptionable security. In 
 these funds the poor may obtain property, as well as the rich ; 
 for a morsel of bread, or a cup of water, will go as far, when 
 it is all that we can give, as thousands of gold and silver 
 when they can be spared. (Notes, Prov. 19:17. Mark 12: 
 41—44. Luke 6:27 — 36. 2 Cor. 8:10— 15.) 
 
 V. 17 — 24. Neither^faith nor obedience, however exem- 
 plary, can exclude afflictions and death : and under severe 
 and unexpected trials it is extremely difficult to avoid impa- 
 tience, and to exercise unshaken confidence and unreserved 
 submission. But the Lord bears with our infirmities and 
 compassionates our sorrows : and we should pity and readily 
 help each other, thus bearing one another’s burdens, accord- 
 ing to the example and command of Christ. (Note, Gal. 6: 
 
 1 — 5.) Though vve cannot work miracles for the relief of 
 the afflicted, we may afford much assistance to them ; and in 
 all cases we may pray in faith, that the Lord would sanctifj 
 and make up every loss, by the influences and consolations of 
 his Spirit. — The Lord hy afflictions 44 calls our sins to remem- 
 brance ;” and this should quiet our spirits, and lead us to 
 self-examination and repentance, that vve may obtain forgive- 
 ness from him: and thus all shall issue in our increase of 
 faith, assurance of hope, and joyful expectation of every pro- 
 mised good. — Thus when Jesus comes to communicate his 
 blessings, the convinced trembling sinner often mistakes the 
 meaning of those humbling instructions which he imparts, and 
 those trials which he employs; he is ready to suspect, that 
 he means to “bring his sins to remembrance,” and to slay nil 
 his hopes; and is tempted to say, “What have I to do with 
 thee ?” But the loving Saviour pities and boars with such 
 trembling souls: and when he has turned their mourning into 
 joy, by reviving their hopes and forgiving their sins ; they 
 admire his love and power, and know assuredly that his word 
 is truth ; and expect every future good in reliance on his pro- 
 mise, and obedience to his holy will. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVIII. V. 1,2. The third year.] * 
 That is, in the third year of Elijah’s abode at Zarephath. 
 For it is probable, that he continued there above two years 
 which, added to a year at the brook Cherith, completed three 
 years and a half: for this was the time which the drought 
 lasted. Some, however, think he remained just tvvoy. ars at 
 Zarephath ; and that the six n otitl'V ^recedid his rot* inj to 
 
B. C.' 906. CHAPTER XVIIL B. C. 90« 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Elijah is sent to meet Ahab , 1, 2. Ahab and pious Obadiah go different ways , 
 to search the lan l for pasture , 3 — 6. Elijah meets Obadiah ana sends him to 
 call Ahab, 7—16. Ahab , at Elijah's word, convenes Israel, with the prophets 
 of Baal, at Carmel, 17 — 20. Elijah proposes to decide, whether JEHOVAH 
 or Baal be God, by proving which would answer by fire, 21 — 24. Baal's 
 prophets invoke him in vain, 25 —29. Elijah prepares a sacrifice, causes 
 much water to be poured upon it, an d calls on JEHOVAH, who answers by 
 fir r consuming the altar with the sacrifice; the people are convinced that 
 JEHOVAH is God ; and at Elijah's word they slay Baal's prophets, 30 — 40. 
 Elijah gives Ahab notice of abundant rain, which he obtains by prayer ; and 
 then he runs before Ahab's chariot to Jezrecl, 41 — 46. 
 
 A ND it came to pass 'after many days, that the 
 word of the Lord came to Elijah in b the third 
 vear, saying, c Go, show thyself unto Ahab ; and d I 
 will sent! rain upon the earth. 
 
 2 And Elijah 'went to show himself unto Ahab. 
 And there was f a sore famine in Samaria. 
 
 3 And Ahab called "Obadiah, which was Uhe 
 governor of his house. (Now Obadiah efeared 
 the Lord greatly : 
 
 4 For it was so, when TJezebel h cut off the pro- 
 phets of the Lord, that Obadiah took a hundred 
 prophets, and hid them by fifty 'in a cave, and k fed 
 them with 'bread and water.) 
 
 5 And Ahab said unto Obadiah, Go into the 
 land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all 
 brooks : peradventure we may find ""grass to save 
 the horses and mules alive, that Hve lose not all 
 the beasts. 
 
 6 So they divided the land between them, to 
 pass throughout it: “Ahab went one way by him- 
 self, and Obadiah went another way by himself. 
 
 7 IT And as Obadiah “was in the way, behold, 
 Elijah met him : and p he knew him, and ‘'fell on 
 his face, and said, Art thou that "my lord Elijah? 
 
 > Luke 4:25. Jam. 5:17. Rev. 11:2,6. b 17:1,7,15. c 2,15, ic. d Lev. 26:1. 
 Deul. 23:12. Ps. 65.9— 13. Is. 5:6. Jer. 10:13. 14:22. Joel 2:23. Am. 4:7. e Ps. 
 27 1.56:4. Prov. 28:t. Is. 51:12. Heb. 13:5,6. f Lev. 26:26. Deul. 23:23,24. 
 2 Kii.es 6:25. Jer. 14:2-6,18. Joel 1:15-20. -Heb. Obaiiahu. t Heb. over his 
 knute. Gen. 24:2,10. 39-4,5,9. 41:40. e 12. Gen. 22:12. 42:18. 2 King! 4:1. Nell. 
 6:15.7:2. Prov. 14:26,27. Mai. 3:16. Malt. 10:28. Acts 10:2,35. J Heb. Izebel. 
 . Nell. 9:26. Matt. 21:35. Rev. 17:4-6. i Heb. 11:38. k 13. 2 Kings 6:22,23. 
 Matt. 10:40— 42. 25:35,40. 1 13:8,9,16. m Pa. 104:14. Jer. 14:5,6. Joel 1:18. 2: 
 22. Hab. 3:17. Rom. 8:20 — 22. § Heb. we cut not off ourselves from the beasts . 
 n Jer. 14:3. oll:29. p 2 Kings 1.6— 8. Matt. 3:4. 11:8. q Gen. 18:2. 50:18. 
 Sam. 20 41. 2 Sam. 19:18. Is. 60:14. rGen. 18:12. 44:16, 20, 33.Num. 12:11. s 3. 
 
 the brook Cherith. (Luke 4:25.) — He seems to have been 
 ■iule noticed at Zarephath, notwithstanding the miracles 
 which he wrought. — Elijah could not but deeply lament the 
 miseries of Israel : but he did not leave his retirement, till the 
 Lord ordered him to go to Ahab, previously to his sending 
 “ rain upon the land," as it should be rendered ; for the land of 
 Israel was especially intended. — The extremity of the famine 
 rendered it the more dangerous for him to show himself to 
 the enraged tyrant : but at this time he was raised above all 
 fear of what flesh could do unto him. [Note, 19:2.) 
 
 V. 3. Obadiah signifies The servant of the LORD. Oba- 
 diah was so faithful and useful a servant to Ahab, that even 
 Jezebel’s instigation did not induce him to dismiss or injure 
 him : and he was, it seems, willing to retain his place, though 
 perilous and difficult while he could with a safe conscience ; 
 as he might do some good, and prevent some evil, by conti- 
 nuing in it : and, though he witnessed abominable idolatries 
 and iniquities, we may be sure, that he was not required to 
 bow his knee unto Baal. (Notes, Dan. 2:46 — 49. 3:1 — -7.) 
 “ He feared the Lord greatly.” Obadiah, at a distance from 
 religious ordinances, and surrounded by the worst of exam- 
 ples and by strong temptations, was eminently pious and de- 
 voted to God 1 (Notes, Gen. 22:11,12. Ec. 12:11— 14.) 
 
 V. 4. Wicked as Ahab was, he does not seem to have di- 
 rectly persecuted, except as instigated Ry Jezebel, until she had 
 long trained him up to it. — After the institution of the worship 
 of the golden calves, the priests and Levites, and pious Is- 
 raelites, had generally left their possessions, and' gone up to 
 the tribe of Judah and united with it : (Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 
 17.) but the Lord had mercifully raised up prophets, who 
 promoted true religion throughout the land. It is probable, 
 that they were brought up in the schools of the prophets, first 
 instituted by Samuel, which still remained, and were made 
 very serviceable by the blessing of God upon them. (Notes, 
 
 1 Sam. 10:5, fi. 2 Kings 2:3. 4:1.) These prophets did not 
 statedly offer sacrifices : nor did they require the people to go 
 up to Jerusalem to keep the solemn feasts : but they taught 
 them the essentials of true religion, either in private houses, 
 or in such assemblies as were afterwards called synagogues. 
 Thus they worshipped the God of Israel. towards, though not 
 at, the temple and Jerusalem: (Note, 8:28 — 30.) and there 
 seems to have been considerable numbers of believers dis- 
 persed through the tribes. Against these prophets, who were 
 the chief opposers of idolatry, (and doubtless against the 
 seminaries where they were educated,) Jezebel’s rage was 
 directed, and she cut off many of them : but Obadiah found 
 means to conceal and preserve a hundred persons, through 
 the persecution, supporting them in their concealment at his 
 own expense. And, though his conduct was no secret, he 
 
 8 And he answered him, I am : go, tell ‘thy lord 
 Behold, Elijah is here. 
 
 9 And he said, ‘What have I sinned, that thou 
 
 wouldest deliver thy servant into the hand of Ahab, 
 to slay me ? . • 
 
 10 As “the Lord thy God liveth, there is no na- 
 tion nor kingdom, * 1 whither my lord hath not sent to 
 seek thee : and when they said, He is not there , 
 he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that 
 Hhey found thee not. 
 
 11 And now thoi>sayest, ‘Go, tell thy lord, Be- 
 hold, Elijah is here. 
 
 12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am 
 gone from thee, that, "the spirit of the Lord shall 
 carry thee whither I know not; and so when I 
 come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, b he 
 shall slay me : but I thy servant fear the Lord 
 ‘from my youth. 
 
 13 Was it not told my lord d what I did when 
 Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, how I hid 
 a hundred men of the Lord’s prophets by fifty 
 in a cave, and fed them with bread and water? 
 
 14 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Bo 
 hold, Elijah is here ; and he shall slay me. 
 
 15 And Elijah said, 'As the Lord fof hosts 
 liveth, ebefore whom I stand, I will surely show 
 myself unto him to-day. 
 
 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told 
 him : and Ahab went to meet Elijah. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 17 IT And it came to pass when Ahab saw Eli- 
 jah, that Ahab said unto him, Art thou h he that 
 troubleth Israel ? 
 
 Rom. 13:7. 1 Pet. 2:17,18. t 12. See on 17:18. Ex. 5:21. u 15. 1:29. 2:24. 
 17:1,12. 1 Sam. 29:6. x Ps. 10:2. Jer. 26:20—23. y 17:5,9. Ps. 12:7,8. 31:20. 
 91:1. Jer. 36:26. John 8:59. z8,14. a 2 Kings 2:11 ,16. Ez. 3:12— 14. 8:3. 11:24. 
 37:1.40:1,2. Matt. 4:1. Acts 8:39. 2 Cor. 152:2,3. b 1 Sam. 22:11—19. Dan 2: 
 5—13. Matt. 2:16. Acts 12:19. c 1 Sam. 2:18,26. 3:19,20. 2 Chr. 34:3. Ps. 71: 
 17,18. Luke 1:15. 2 Tim. 3:15. d 4. Gen. 20:4,5. Ps. 18:21— 24. Acts20:34. 
 1 Thes. 2:9,10. e See on 10. Heb. 6:16,17. f Gen. 2:1. Dent. 4:19. Job 25:3. Ps. 
 24:8—10. 1 03.21 . 148:2,3. Is. 6:3. Jer. 8 2. Luke 2:13,14. g See on 17:1. Deui. 
 1:38. Luke 1:19. h 21:20. Josh 7:25. Jer. 26:8,9.38:4. Am. 7:10. Acts 16:20. 
 17:6.24:5. 
 
 was still protected and employed by Ahab ! — Bread and 
 water.] That is, with the necessaries of life ; “ food convenient 
 for them.” (13:8,9,16,22.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. Horses , &c. (5) Ahab seems to have been 
 more anxious about the animals, which ministered to his 
 luxury, than about those, which were more immediately ne- 
 cessary to his poor subjects, as sheep, goats, and oxen. That 
 the king in person should go upon such a business, could only 
 be the effect of the extremity of the fi.mine. Probably most ot 
 the cattle, and many of the people, had perished : yet no 
 mention was made of returning to the Lord with repentance, 
 fasting, and prayer ! (Notes, Joel \: 13 — 15. 2:15 — 17.) Had 
 God never sent to them, it seems they would never have ap- 
 plied to him to terminate the calamity, whatever extremities 
 they had endured : but he had a remnant, for whose Bake he 
 was pleased to return to them in mercy ; and the glory of his 
 name required, that he should not yet give up Israel to utter 
 destruction. (Notes, 19:18. Judg. 3:9,10,14. Rom . 11:1 — 6A 
 
 V. 7. Elijah was a poor man, and greatly hated in Ahab a 
 court, in which Obadiah held considerable preferment : yet 
 Obadiah, by word and deed, testified the greatest reverence 
 for him, as to an honoured and distinguished superior ; be- 
 cause he was a man of God, and of eminent sanctity ! (Note % 
 Matt. 8:8,9.) 
 
 V. 10. No nation, &c.] That is, in the neighbourhood, 
 among Ahab’s dependants and allies. — He was so earnest to 
 discover Elijah, that he caused the rulers of those countries, 
 in which he possessed sufficient influence, to swear that they 
 did not conceal him, and perhaps that thpy would deliver him 
 up if they found him : yet Elijah lived part of the time in 
 Ahab’s own kingdom ; and the rest, in the country of Zidon, 
 whence Jezebel came ! — As Ahab offered no violence to the 
 prophet when he met him, it has been thought, that he did 
 not seek him from a vindictive motive, but in expectation that 
 he would terminate the terrible drought which he had de- 
 nounced : as if the prophet could do it without the Lord, to 
 whom no application was made ! It is, however, probable, 
 that resentment and enmity greatly influenced Ahab ; and 
 that Jezebel intended to cut off Elijah also, if he could have 
 been found, at least, unless he consented to remove the famine 
 But Ahab was over-awed by his unexpected appearance and 
 intrepidity, and did not dare to proceed against him. ( Note , 
 2 Kings 1:15,16.) 
 
 V. 12 — 16. Obadiah, even in Ahab’s family, had from his 
 youth been a devoted and zealous worshipper of Jehovah 1 
 He introduced the mention of his good services, not in osten- 
 tation, but as an evidence of his sincerity. He well knew 
 how exceedingly Ahab would be offended, if he thought him- 
 self imposed upon, in a matter which he had so much at 
 
 ( 631 ) 
 
B t 906. 
 
 I. KINGS. 
 
 B. C.' 906. 
 
 18 And he answered, 'I have not troubled 
 Israel ; but thou, and thy father’s house, k in that 
 ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, 
 and thou hast followed Baalim. 
 
 19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all 
 Israel unto ‘mount Carmel, and m the prophets of 
 Baal four hundred and fifty, and the "prophets of 
 the groves four hundred, which "eat at Jezebel’s 
 table. 
 
 20 So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, 
 and gathered the prophets together unto mount 
 Carmel. 
 
 21 And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, 
 pHow long halt ye between two ‘opinions? nif the 
 Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow 
 him. And the people "answered him not a word. 
 
 22 Then said Elijah unto the people, I, even S I 
 only, remain a prophet of the Lord ; but ‘Baal’s 
 prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 
 
 23 Let them therefore give us two bullocks; and 
 ‘et them choose one bullock for themselves, and 
 cut it in pieces, and lay it on wood, and put no 
 fire under : and I will dress the other bullock, and 
 lay it on wood, and put no fire under : 
 
 24 And call ye on the name of your gods, and I 
 will call on the name of the Lord: and the God 
 
 1 Ez. 3;8. Mott, u 4. Acts 24:13,20. k 9:9. 2 Chr. 15:2. Prov. 11:19. 13: 
 21. Is. 3:11. Jit. 2:13,13. Rom. 2.8,9. 1 42,43. Josh. 19:26. 2Kings2:25. 
 Jcr. 46:18. Am. 1:2. .9:3. m 22:6. 2 Pet. 2:1. Rev. 19:20. n 15:13. 16:33. 
 
 2 Kings 13:6. o 19:1,2. 2 Kings 9:22. Rev. 2.20. p Dent. 4:3-5. 2 Kings 17:41. 
 Zeph. 1:5. Matt. 6:24. Lnke 16:13. Rom. 6:16—22. 1 Cor. 10:21,22. 2 Cor. 6: 
 14—16. Rev. 315,16. * Oi ■, thoughts, q 39. Ex. 5:1,2. Josh. 24:15,23,24. 1 Sum. 
 7:3. 1 Chr. 17:26. 2 Chr. 33:13. Ps. 100:3. r Gen. 24:50. 44:16. Job 40:4,5. 
 Milt. 22:12,34,46. Rom. 3:19. 6:21. s 19:10,14 . 20:13,22,35,38. 22:6—8. Rom. 
 11:3. i 19:20. Malt. 7:13-15. 2 Tim. 4:3,4. 2 Pet. 2:1— 3. u 38. Lev. 9:24. 
 J*idg. 6:21 . 1 Chr. 21:26. 2 Chr. 7:1. v 2 Sam. 14:19 f Heb. The word is good. 
 
 heart : and perhaps he concluded that Ahab would be enraged, 
 because he had not apprehended the prophet, when he had 
 the opportunity. He could not suppose that Elijah intended 
 to venture into the presence of his indignant enemy, and he 
 was persuaded, that the Spirit of the Lord could readily con- 
 vey away his servant, and again conceal him : ( Marg . Ref. 
 a. Notes , 2 Kings 2:16 — 18. Ez. 8:2 — 4.) and therefore he 
 desired to be excused from so perilous a service. But when 
 the prophet solemnly assured him, that he did not mean to 
 dude Ahab, but to show himself unto him on that very day, 
 he willingly went to inform him. 
 
 V. 17. Elijah was the grand opposer of Ahab’s plan, for 
 bringing Israel to unite in the worship of Baal, and so making, 
 according to his views, a quiet settlement of the religion 
 of the nation: and in this sense he perhaps deemed him 
 “ a troubler of Israel.” (Notes, Acts 16:19 — 24. 17:5 — 9.) — 
 But it is not easy to determine what his precise sentiments 
 were concerning the drought, which came at Elijah’s word. 
 If he thought, that it was caused and continued by the prophet’s 
 power , and could be removed at his will ; and that he 
 troubled Israel in not removing it ; he must have been disposed 
 to credit any absurdity, rather than believe that Jehovah 
 was the Author of it, and that it could be removed only by 
 his power ; or allow that it was his interest and duty to re- 
 turn to the worship of God which he had forsaken. (Notes, 
 Et. 7:22,23. 1 Sam. 6:2—9.) 
 
 V. 18 — 20. “Baalim” is the plural number: for Ahab 
 worshipped many false gods. — The boldness and authority, 
 with which the prophet charged him as the “troubler of Is- 
 rael,” intimidated the king, who had not his prompter Jezebel 
 with him. He was afraid perhaps, that Elijah would execute 
 judgment upon him at once, if he further offended him : 
 (Note, 1 Sam. 15:26 — 28.) he found the prophet would not 
 be induced by menaces and reproaches to comply with his 
 requirements ; and he was willing to be upon terms with him, 
 in hopes that he would procure the removal of the famine: 
 and thus he was induced to consent to the demand which he 
 marie. — It seems that an altar had been built upon mount Car- 
 mel, and sacrifices offered oi to Jehovah ; (30) hut the 
 worship of Baal had supplanted even this irregular service of 
 the one living and true God. — There were no less than four 
 hundred and fifty prophets, or priests, of Baal, and four hun- 
 dred of the groves (mtPKn), who are supposed to have been , 
 devoted to a Zidonian goddess. These four hundred especially 
 were entertained at Jezebel’s table, as a kind of domestic 
 chaplains; though no doubt they too were at times sent, at 
 her expense, into every part of the land, to promote idolatry 
 among the inhabitants. — Elijah, however, desired to confront 
 the whole company before all the people of Israel, and to 
 bring the matter in dispute to a fair decision. But when 
 Jehovah had called for drought, and neither Baal nor any 
 other of their idols could send rain, the matter was already 
 sufficiently plain to every reasonable person. (Note, Jer. 
 14:19-22.) 
 
 Troubled , &c. (18) 4 They trouble a nation who break 
 
 he laws of God, nor they that defend them.’ Bp. Patrick, 
 f Note, Josh. 7:25,26.) 
 
 Mount Carmel . *19^ In the lot of Asher towards the 
 
 ( 632 t 
 
 that “answereth by fire, let him be God. And all 
 the people answered T and said, ‘It is well spoken. 
 
 25 And Elijah said unto the prophets of Baal, 
 Choose you one bullock, for yourselves, and dress 
 it first; for ye are many ; and call on the name of 
 your gods, but put no fire under. 
 
 26 And they took the bullock which was given 
 them, and they dressed it, and called on the name 
 of Baal ‘from morning even until noon, saying, O 
 Baal, ‘hear us. But there was T no voice, nor any 
 that ^answered. And they “leaped upon the altar 
 which was made. 
 
 27 And it came to pass at noon, that "Elijah 
 mocked them, and said, Cry “aloud : for he is a 
 god : either “he is talking, or he “is pursuing, or 
 he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, 
 and "must be awaked. 
 
 28 And they cried aloud, and b cut themselves 
 after their manner with knives and lancets, till 
 “the blood gushed out upon them. 
 
 29 And it came to pass, when mid-day was 
 past, and they "prophesied until the time of the 
 ^offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was 
 d neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any "“that 
 
 recorded. t Practical Observations.] 
 
 30 And Elijah said unto all the people, Come 
 
 Is. 39:8. X Matt. 6:7. } Or, answer, y 24. Ps. 115:4 — 7. 135:15— 20. Is. 37:38. 
 44:17. 45:20. Jer. 10:5. Dan. 5:23. Hab. 2:18: 1 Cor. 8:4. 10:19.20. 12:2. § Or, 
 heard. II Or, leaped up and down at the altar. Zeph. 1:9. z. 22.15. 2 Chr. 23: 
 S. Ec. 11:9. Is. 8:9,10. 44:15— 17. Ez. 20:39. Am. 4:4,5. Matt. 26:45. Mark 7:9. 
 14:41. IT Heb. with a great voice. ** Or, he meditateth. It Heb. hath a pursuit. 
 a Ps. 44:23. 78:65,66. 121:4. Is. 51:9. Mark 4:38,39. b Ler. 19:28. Deut. 14:1. 
 Mic. 6:7. Mark 5:5. 9:22. Heb. they poured out blood upon them, c 22:10, 
 12. 1 Sam. 18:10. Jer. 28:6 — 9. Acts 16:16,17. 1 Cor. 11:4,5. §§ Heb. ascending. 
 Seeon 36. d See on 26. Gal. 4:8. 2 Tim. 3:8,9. |||| Heb. attention. 
 
 north of the land. (Josh. 19:26.) Not Carmel, in the lot of 
 Judah. (1 Sam. 25:2.) 
 
 V. 21. Halt ye, &c.] The metaphor is taken from the 
 unequal walk of a lame person. Many of the people wavered 
 in judgment, and varied in practice ; sometimes worshipping 
 Jehovah, at others worshipping Baal, as their convictions 
 or interests prevailed: or they endeavoured to form a coali- 
 tion between them, of which Baal’s prophets would pro- 
 bably admit: but to which Jehovah would never consent. 
 Elijah therefore called upon them without further delay to 
 determine, whether of the two was the self-existent and eter- 
 nal God, the Creator, Governor, and Judge of the world ; 
 and to follow him alone, whether Jehovah or Baal were he, 
 as there could be no more than one supreme God. (Notes, 
 Deut. 6:4,5. Josh. 24:14,15. Matt. 6:24.) To this the people 
 answered nothing: being unwilling to confess their guilt, or 
 offend the king, and notbeing able to object to what he said, 
 or being ashamed of their conduct. 
 
 V. 22. Elijah was the only prophet of Jehovah who 
 stood forth at this time ; the prophets whom Obadiah pre- 
 served, and the prophets of whom we afterwards read, being 
 driven into concealment. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 4. 19:10.) 
 
 V. 23. Elijah conceded the preference, in every external 
 circumstance, to the prophets, of Baal, that the victory might 
 be the more conspicuous, to the glory of God alon? : for doubt- 
 less he acted by direction from heaven. (Note, Ez. 8:9 — 11.) 
 
 V. 24. The. proposal was so reasonable, that the people 
 at once agreed to it ; and thus Baal’s prophets were con- 
 strained either to comply : or to allow Baal to be an imponent 
 idol, and Jehovah the only true God. — By fire. ] Marg . 
 Ref. u. Notes, Gen. 4:3—5. Lev. 9:24. 
 
 V. 26. O Baal, &c.] (Note, Matt. 6:7,8.) The continued 
 cry of four hundred and fifty prophets, during several hours, 
 with an unmeaning repetition of the words, “O Baal, hear 
 us,” with gre^t vehemence, must have formed a most dis- 
 sonant vociferation ; whilst like frantic men, they leaped upon , 
 or round, or up and down, at the altar and sacrifice, according 
 to the worship which they were accustomed to perform ! — 
 Some think that the sun was worshipped under the name 
 Baal ; and that this encouraged his prophets to expect an 
 answer by fire. 
 
 V. 27 — 29. Elijah mocked, or ridiculed, the false prophets, 
 and ironically observed, that Baal, no doubt, had a very 
 great number of engagements, and therefore was taken up. 
 or at a distance, or asleep ; and therefore his votaries would 
 not succeed without greater earnestness ami louder cries ! 
 (Notes, 22:15. Ec. 11:9,10. Is. 44:12—17. Mar k 7:9.)—’ The 
 absurdity of the idolatry was worthy of being exposed to 
 contempt before the people, though the effects of it. were 
 most deplorable. — It seems however, that they thought Eli- 
 jah in earnest in his counsel and determined to follow it; and, 
 still more to please the demon whom they worshipped ns 
 God, they cut their flesh, and mingled their own blood with 
 that of their sacrifice, according to the frequent custom of 
 idolaters! But all their efforts proved in vain: though they 
 continued to prophesy, afler their manner, till three hours 
 after noonday had passed, shov «ng tokens of being under a 
 supernatural influence; and, At n iny support, sii ging 
 
B. C. 906. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 906 
 
 near unto me. And all the people came near unto 
 him. And “he repaired the altar of the Lord that 
 was broken down. 
 
 31 And Elijah took f twelve stones, accord- 
 ing to the number of the tribes of the sons of 
 Jacob, unto whom the word of the Lord came, 
 *sayin<j, Israel shall be thy name: 
 
 32 And h vvith the stones he built an altar ‘in 
 the name of the Lord: and he made a trench 
 about the altar, as great as would contain two 
 measures of seed. 
 
 33 And 'he put the wood in o^der, and cut the 
 bullock in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and 
 said. k Fill four barrels with water, and pour it on 
 the burnt-sacrifice, and on the wood. 
 
 34 And he said, 'Do it the second time. And 
 they did it the second time. And he said, Do it 
 the third time. And they did it the third time. 
 
 35 And the water ’ran round about the altar ; 
 and he filled m the trench also with water. 
 
 36 And it came to pass "at the time of the 
 offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the 
 prophet came near and said, “Lord God of 
 Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, Piet it be known 
 this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I 
 am thy servant, land that I have done all these 
 things at thy word. 
 
 t 19:10,14. 2 Chr. 33:16. Rom. 11:3. f Ex. 24:4. Josh. 4:3,4,20. Ezra 6:17. Jer. 
 31:1. Ez. 37:16— 22. 47:13. Eph. 2:20. 4:4-6. Rev. 7:4— 8. 21 : 12. e Gen. 32:28. 
 33:20. 35:10. 2 Kin*. 17 34. Is. 48:1. h Ex. 20:24.25. Judg. 6:25. 21:4. 1 Sam. 
 7:9,17. i ICor. 10:31. Col. 3:17. ) Gen. 22:9. Lev. 1:6—8. k Dan. 3:19— 25. John 
 11:39,40.19:33,34. I 2 Cor. 4:2. 8:21. * Heb. wen!, m 32,38. n 29. Ex. 29:39-41. 
 Ezra 9:4,5. Ps. 141:2. Pan. 8:13. 9:21. 12:11. Acts 3:1. 10:30. o21.Gen.26: 
 21. 31:53. 32:0. 46:3. Ex. 3:6,15,16. 1 Chr.29:l8. 2 Chr. 20:6.7. Eph. 1:17. 3:14. 
 p 8:43. 1 Sam. 17:46,47. 2 Kings 1:3,6. 5:15. 19:19. Ps. 67:1,2. 83:18. q 22:28. 
 Num. 16:28- -30. John 11:42. r 24,29,36. Gen. 32:24,26,28. 2Chr. 14:11.32:19, 
 20. Ii. 37:17 -20. Dan 9:17— 19. I.uke I1:S. Jam. 5:16,17. • Jer. 31 :18,19. Ez. 
 
 hymns to Baal along wilh their absurd and frantic devotions. 
 
 No doubt Satan could have sent fire, and would if he 
 might have done it ; but he can do nothing except what is 
 permitted, lo him. (Notes, Job 1:9 — 12,16. Matt. 8:30 — 32.) 
 — The evening sacrifice. (29) About three hours before 
 sunset. (Note, 36,37.) 
 
 V. 30. The prophet gave his competitors full opportunity 
 cf making a fair trial what Baal could do : but when they 
 had prophesied till almost evening, it was time that he should 
 proceed to show them what Jehovah could and would do; 
 and therefore he interrupted them by addressing the people. 
 (Note, 18—20.) 
 
 V. 31. (Note, Ex. 20:21 — 25.) Elijah meant by this exact 
 number of stones, selected to repair, or rebuild, the allar of 
 Jehovah which had gone io decay, to show, that the de- 
 scendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, notwithstanding 
 divisions and apostacies, were yet the people of Jehovah, 
 and formed one church and nation : and that they ought to 
 unite in worshipping the God of their fathers, and in oppos- 
 ing all idolatry. The reference lo the name of “ Israel” 
 given to Jacob, when he wrestled with God and prevailed, 
 was suited to shame the people from their idol-worship, as 
 well as to encourage Elijah's own heart in prayer. (Marg. 
 Ref. Notes, Gen. 32:24 — 30.) 
 
 V. 32 — 35. By forming this trench, or trough, round about 
 die altar, and both filling it with water, and pouring a great 
 quantity upon the altar, the burnt-offering, and the wood, 
 Elijah excluded all possibility of suspicion that any fire hac 
 been concealed, and thus rendered the divine interposition 
 more illustrious and convincing. 
 
 V. 36, 37. The prophet, by the time chosen for his 
 sacrifice and prayer, avowed his communion with the wor- 
 shippers of God, at his temple in Jerusalem: and he briefly, 
 but most fervently, besought Jehovah on this important 
 occasion to interpose ; that the people might be convinced 
 that he was indeed Ihe true God, the God of their fathers, 
 and of the nation ; and also that all, which he, his servant, 
 had done, concerning the famine especially, had been in 
 obedience to God’s command. This would greatly display 
 the glory of his name, and promote the highest good of his 
 people ; since they might henceforth know and worship him, 
 as that God, who had thus turned their hearts back from 
 idolatry unto himself, to worship and serve him alone, and to 
 render the whole praise and glory unto his name. Hoiy 
 zeal and intelligent good-will to Israel suggested every word, 
 and rendered the prayer peculiarly emphatical ; especially 
 when contrasted wilh the unmeaning and long-continued 
 vociferations of Baal’s pronhets. (Note, 26.) 
 
 V. 38, 39. It is probable, that this fire appeared as light- 
 ing, though no cloud was seen : or it was called “ the fire 
 if God,” from its extraordinary force, and its unparalleled 
 fleets ; and especially as sent to plead the cause of God, 
 and to expose his worthless rival to contempt. (Marg. Ref. 
 X, u.) — It would be more perspicuous and emphatical to 
 retain the original word, Jehovah, in the translation of this 
 chapter. The people were convinced, for the time, that 
 Jihovah was the only true God ; and they prostrated them- 
 Voi I— 80 
 
 37 "Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people 
 may know that thou art the Lord God, and that 
 “thou hast turned their heart back again. 
 
 38 ’Then the “fire of the Lord fell, and con- 
 sumed the burnt-sacrifice, and the wood, and the 
 stones, and the dust, and licked up the water tha 
 was in the trench. 
 
 39 And when all the people saw it, v they fe. • 
 on their faces: and they said, “The Lord, he it 
 the God ; the Lord, lie is the God. 
 
 40 And Elijah said unto them, ^Take the 
 prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape 
 And they took them : and Elijah brought them 
 down to the brook rKishon, and "slew them there. 
 
 41 H And Elijah said unto Aluib, “Get thee up, 
 eat and drink ; for there is la sound of b abundance 
 of rain. 
 
 42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And 
 “Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and d hc 
 cast himself down upon the earth, and “put his 
 face between his knees, 
 
 43 Aqd said to his servant, 'Go up now, look 
 toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, 
 and said, There is nothing. And he said, eGo 
 again seven times. 
 
 44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, 
 that he said, Behold, there ariseth h a little cloud 
 
 36:25—27. Mai. 4:5,6. Luke 1:16.17. l Gen. 15:17. Lev. 9:24. 1 Cnr.21 26 
 2 Chr. 7:1. n21. I.ev, 10:2.2 Kings 1:12. Job 1:16. Is. 31 :9. v Judg. 13:20 
 1 Chr. 21:16. 2 C'lir. 7:3. x See on 21 . John 5:35. Acts 2:37.4:16. tOr , Apme- 
 l lend . 2 Kings 10:25. v See on Judg. 5:21 . zDeut. 13:5. 18:20. Jer. 48:10. Zech 
 13:2,3. Rev. 19:20. 20:10. a Ec. 9:7. Acte 27:34. } Or, a sound of a noise o] 
 min. 17:1. bSeeonl. c 19. Matt. 14:23. Luke 6: 12. Acts 10:9. d Gen. 24 
 52. Josh. 7:6. 2 Sam. 12:16. Dan. 9:3. Mark 14:35. Jam. 5:16,17. e 19:13. E?ro 
 9:6. Ps. 89:7. Is. 6:2. 38:2. Dan. 9:7. fPs.5:3. Luke 18:1. g Gen. 32:26. Iiab 
 2:3. Luke 18:7. Eph. 6:18. Heb. 10:36,37. h Job 8:7. Zech. 4:10. 
 
 selves before him with terror, mixed with reverence. — It lias 
 been observed, that the fire on this occasion consumed the 
 altar as well as the sacrifice, because oblations were not 
 there statedly to be offered ; but at the dedication of the 
 temple, the sacrifice was consumed, and the altar continued. 
 {Note*, Lev. 9:24. 2 Chr. 7:1—3.) 
 
 V. 40. Baal’s prophets, being Israelites, idolaters, and 
 teachers of idolatry in Israel, were condemned by the pro- 
 phet to die, according to the express injunctions of the 
 Mosaic law. ( Notes , Devi. 13:1 — 5. 18:20 — 22.) The peo- 
 ple, under the present impression, readily concurred with 
 Elijah, and Ahab did not interpose to prevent the execution 
 of the condemned criminals. — “ The four hundred prophets 
 of the groves,” were not present on this occasion. Some 
 learned men think, that they were Zidonians, not Israelites; 
 and therefore their attendance had not been insisted on, or 
 they had refused to come. 
 
 V. 41. ( Note , 17:1.) The idolatry of* Israel having re- 
 
 ceived a powerful check, and its chief abettors the prophets 
 of Baal having suffered condign punishment ; the prophet 
 declared to Ahab the approach of deliverance from that 
 awful calamity, under which the land had so long groaned ; 
 and encouraged him to go and cheerfully refresh himself. 
 ( Note , 2 Sam. 21:9 — 14.) It is probable, that the prophet, 
 who throughout this chapter spake and acted with heroical 
 intrepidity, u being strong in faith, giving glory to God was 
 too sanguine in his expectations of subsequent success. 
 Ahab’s concurrence in all that he had done, or connivance 
 at it, and the people’s decided language and conduct, led 
 him to conclude, that he should, as if were, carry all before 
 him, till the worship of Baal was wholly extirpated. This 
 unwarranted expectation made way for the timid conduct 
 and depressed state of mind, which is recorded in the next 
 chapter. (Notes, 19:1 — 14.) In this chapter he shows what 
 man may be and do, when God upholds and strengthens 
 him; in the next what the same man is, when left to himself. 
 This appears, in the case of Elijah, as clearly, though in a 
 far different way, as in the case of Samson ; (Notes, Judg. 
 Ifi:) and in many things it resembles what St. Paul records 
 of himself. (Notes, 2 Cor. 12:1 — 10.) 
 
 V. 42. In a posture of most profound reverence, the pro- 
 phet sought of God, by earnest prayer, the blessing of rain 
 upon the parched land ; and he continued his fervent suppli- 
 cations in the same place and posture, without having taken 
 any refreshment, as it appears, till he had sensible evidence 
 that his prayer was granted. (Note, Jam. 5:16 — 18.) 
 
 V. 43 — 45. As Elijah had no servant before he went to 
 Zarephath ; some have thought, that the widow’s son, whom 
 he had raised to life, had accompanied him. But it appears 
 from the narrative, that he was not old enough ; and it is 
 more likely, that, a young person from the schools of the 
 prophets attended Elijah on this occasion. — The prophet 
 spake as one assured that his prayer would immediately be 
 answered ; and like Jacob of old, he seemed determined not 
 to let the Lord go until he had blessed him. The seryani 
 was therefore ordered to go seven times ; and he saw no 
 appearance till the last time, when a veiy small cloud arose, 
 • ( 633 ) 
 
B. C 9^6. 
 
 I. KINGS B. C. 90# 
 
 out of the sea, like a man’s hand. And he .said. 
 Go up, say unto Ahab, ‘Prepare thy chariot , and 
 get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. 
 
 45 And it came to pass in the mean while, that 
 the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and 
 
 • Heb. Tie, or. Bind. 1 Sain. 6:7,10. Mic. 103. i 39 40. Num. 25:8. 2S.m. 
 21:14. j 21:1,33. Jonh. 19:18. 2 Sam. 2:9. 2 Kings 9:16. k 2 Kings 3:15. Is. 
 
 out. of the Mediterranean sea, which was near to mount 
 OarmeJ : this the prophet knew to be the forerunner of the 
 desired blessing, and he sent word to Ahab accordingly. — 
 The rain was no doubt equal to the necessities of the land ; 
 and it formed another demonstration that Jehovah was the 
 only true God. (Note, 18 — 20.) 
 
 Went up, &c. (43) The transactions of the day are sup- 
 posed to have taken place at the foot of the mount, near 
 some rivulet, whence water could still be procured. From 
 this place, Ahab went up to some tent or residence to take 
 refreshment; but Elijah went up towards the summit of 
 the mount, where the Mediterranean sea might be clearly 
 seen : yet he sent his servant to some higher crag or emi- 
 nence to make his observations. 
 
 V. 46. The Lord directed and strengthened Elijah, 
 though weak with fasting and fatigue, to show this respect 
 to Ahab; and to run as a footman before his chariot; in 
 order to convince him, that his severe reproofs were con- 
 sistent with affection and loyalty in secular matters: nor 
 was the prophet afraid of going to Jezreel, where Jezebel 
 was ; though he did not come into her presence. It does 
 not appear, that either Ahab, or his attendants, or the 
 inhabitants of Jezreel, offered him any refreshment, or hos- 
 pitably entertained him. His reception at least was dis- 
 couraging. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 16. — The severest judgments will not of themselves 
 humble or change the hearts of sinners ; who often grow more 
 hardened under them, even to desperation. — The imagined fire 
 of purgatory, therefore, or the real torments of hell, possess no 
 purifying efficacy ; and the wicked under the anguish of their 
 sufferings will continually increase in wickedness, and accu- 
 mulate wrath to all eternity. For nothing, except the aton- 
 ing blood of Christ, can expiate the guilt of sin; nothing, 
 except the sanctifying Spirit of God, can purge away its 
 pollution: and all other expedients are satanical delusions, 
 to keep men from this one u fountain, which God hath opened 
 f >r sin and for uncleanness.” — The enmity of man’s heart 
 against God, expresses itself by persecuting those who bear 
 his image and seek his glory: yet he protects them, until 
 their testimony be finished. — It has been the common lot of 
 his prophets and faithful servants, to be lodged in caves or 
 dens of the earth, and fed with bread and water, (if that 
 could be procured,) while the ministers of Satan have rioted 
 in luxury. (Note, Heb. 11:35 — 38.) Yet the Lord has had 
 a remnant in all places, where any part of his word has been 
 known, m every age of the world : and notwithstanding 
 errors and irregularities, that spiritual worship, and that 
 repentance, fear, and love of his name, which are the fruits of 
 his Holy Spirit, are accepted through the Redeemer, and by 
 faith in him. Thus the remnant in Israel, when that nation 
 had generally apostatized to idolatry, encourages the hope, 
 that there are true believers known unto God, and reserved 
 to him, in those parts of the Christian church, where the 
 ostensible body is most deformed by superstition and idolatry. 
 — If men of eminent piety were found in Ahab’s family, and 
 in Nero’s palace, we may conclude that the Spirit of God 
 will keep alive the holy flame which he has kindled, in any 
 situation to which a believer can be called. (Note, Phil. 
 4:21,22.) We should therefore be very cautious about leav- 
 ing, or persuading others to leave, the posts assigned in 
 Providence, however perilous or ensnaring ; while they can 
 be maintained without sinful compliances, and while they 
 afford opportunities of doing good. — They, who begin early 
 to 9erve God, are likely to be eminent in their generation : 
 and those who “ fear the Lord greatly,” devise various 
 methods of usefulness ; for they do not shrink from trouble, 
 danger, or expense, in promoting his cause, or protecting 
 and relieving his oppressed and afflicted servants. Provi- 
 dence indeed has often remarkably preserved those who 
 have ventured their lives freely in his service, in times of 
 triumphant wickedness; yet, singular activity, prudence, and 
 fidelity in secular concerns, frequently prove the means of 
 their security. (Notes, Dan. 6:3 — 5.) — Many are careful to 
 prevent the effects of sin upon their temporal interests, whilst 
 they continue by their crimes to augment the fierce wrath of 
 God, which is the cause of all misery : and ungodly rich men 
 are commonly more careful about their own self-indulgence, 
 than to preserve the multitude of the poor from starving. 
 (Notes, Am. 6:3 — ^ Duke 16:19 — 21.) But while sinners 
 remain on earth, the Lord will afford them some respite ; that 
 his judgments and mercies may concur, either to lead them 
 to repentance, or to display his justice in their condemna- 
 tion : and national calamities are often retarded or terminated, 
 for the sake of a despised remnant of believers ; for if per- 
 secutors could extirpate them all, they would open the flood- 
 gates of divine vengeance upon themselves. — The servants 
 of God may, in his cause, boldly face their most powerful 
 •Jeraged enemies ; for they dare not touch them when he 
 ( 634 ) 
 
 ‘there was a great rain. lAnd Ahab rode, and 
 went to Jezreel. 
 
 46 And k the hand of the Lord was on Elijah ; 
 and ‘he girded up his loins, and “ran before Ahah 
 *to the entrance of Jezreel. 
 
 8:11. El. 1:3. 3:14. 1 2 Kins. 4:29. 9: 1 . Job 38:3. Jer. 1:17. I Pel. 1.13. 
 m Malt. 22:21. 1 Pet. 2:17. t Heb . till thou come tu Jezreel. 
 
 intimidates their hearts, and cannot when he restrains their 
 hands: (Notes, Matt. 14:3 — 5. Acts 4:13 — 22. 5:26 — 39.) 
 and such as fear the Lord, however exalted in life, will 
 greatly respect his faithful servants, though poor and hated 
 by all around them. — They, whose situations have long re- 
 quired them to be cautious of giving unnecessary umbrage, 
 are apt to grow too timid, and to apprehend consequences 
 which are not likely to follow : if, however, they be sincere, 
 they will surmount their fears, and join with their more 
 courageous brethren in doing the will of God. 
 
 V. 17 — 29. The ministers of the Lord have generally 
 been accounted the troublers of nations, nay, even of the 
 church, by ungodly rulers: beca ise they oppose prevailing 
 abuses though sanctioned by authority, and denounce the 
 wrath of God against impenitent sinners. Nay, they have 
 frequently been treated as the authors of those calamities, 
 which have come upon men for persecuting them, and neglect- 
 ing their warnings ! But they arc able to refute, and even to 
 rfetort, such charges, when urged to their faces: and to show 
 that those who forsake the commandments of the Lord, aAd 
 teach others to do so, are the real troublers of the world, of 
 the church,, and of themselves and their own families: and 
 when this is done with firmness and solemnity, as by the 
 authority of God, it will often cause the proudest sinner to 
 tremble ; to desist from present purposes of violence, and to 
 comply with reasonable requirements. — The condescension 
 of the Lord in repeatedly proving the most evident truths, 
 concerning his being, perfections, the divine authority of his 
 word, and the nature of his worship, is as wonderful as the 
 perverseness of men, w hich requires such repeated demon- 
 strations : but the fundamentals of religion stand on such 
 manifest grounds of reason and sound argument, that they 
 need fear no fair investigation. It is of peculiar import- 
 ance, that we come to a decision on such subjects ; for whilst 
 we waver respecting them, we must be unstable in all our 
 ways. But we should be equally decided in our practice, 
 else our creed, however orthodox, will be received only by a 
 dead faith. If the Lord be God, let us worship him, choose 
 him for our Portion, and devote ourselves to his service : il 
 Jesus be the divine and only Saviour, let us come to him, 
 cleave to him, and depend on him alone for every thing: if 
 the Bible be the word of God, let us reverence, study, and 
 receive the whole of it, and submit our understanding to its 
 teaching : and let us no longer endeavour to serve God and 
 Mammon ; to reconcile religion and secret sin ; or to believe 
 revelation, to accept of salvation, or to give up ourselves to the 
 service of our Redeemer, by halves, or with reserves. This 
 Satan will.be content with, but the Lord abhors it. — The 
 cause of truth is not to be determined by vote, authority, oi 
 wealth : one poor prophet or minister for Jehovah ; hundreds 
 and thousands for Baal, even of those in reputation and favour, 
 and the highest secular or ecclesiastical stations ; as well as 
 of those who have possessed wealth and learning, has been 
 a common case ! But God will plead his ow n cause, and that 
 of his witnesses, which will countervail all disadvantage's ; 
 and his truth is great, and will prevail. In confidence of his 
 support, we may concede every external precedency to our 
 opponents, and boldly stand forth in his cause, without appre- 
 hension about the event. It is right, however, to state every 
 thing in so equitable, plain, and convincing a manner, that all 
 may be constrained to say, “It is well spoken,” and that the 
 mouths of gainsayers may be stopped. — The absurdities of 
 superstition and false religion might excite our ridicule or 
 mockery, did not their awful effects demand our tears. The 
 example of Elijah, in this instance, must be imitated with 
 great caution, and only on very peculiar and evident occasions. 
 — The service of Satan, whether in the observations of 
 idolatrous worship, or in the practice of immoralities, whilst 
 it promises indulgence to men s lusts, is cruel to their persons, 
 and tends to torment them even in this world. 
 
 V. 30 — 46. All religious diligence, which is not regulated 
 according to the word of God, as to its grand outlines, how- 
 ever self-denying or plausible, is unavailing: “for he, who 
 gathereth not with” the Saviour, “ scattercth.” (Note, Matt . 
 12:29,30.) Yet, when it is impracticable for us exactly to 
 come up to the scriptural standard ; or when we cannot have 
 personal communion with God’s people, in his more solemn 
 ordinances : we must come as near as we can to the one, 
 and show our fellowship with the other by such expressions 
 as we are capable of: and the Lord will graciously accent 
 our upright intentions, and dispense with the unavoidable 
 irregularity. — Hypocrites expect to be heard for their much 
 or their loud speaking; but a few words uttered in assured 
 faith, and with fervent affections of zeal for the glory of God, 
 and love to the souls of men, or thirst mgs after the Lord’? 
 image and favour, often form “ the effectual fervent pruyei 
 of the righteous man, which availeth much.” Such principles 
 ought to dictate aU our prayers, and wo should utterly disre- 
 gard even our own reputation in the judgment of men tjtr.o ft 
 
6 . C. 906. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 B. C. 906 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Hh-ih shows Jezeke , that Elijtth had slain final's prophets , and she sends to 
 Elijah, threatening to take atony his life , 1, 2. lie fees into the wilderness ; 
 is weary of living ; but being twice strengthened with food brought by an 
 angel, he Jasts forty days, anil arrives at II >reb, 3 — 8. There God meets 
 hxtn, preceded by a strong i oinrt, an earthquake, and f re ; and, speaking to 
 him in a still small voter, commissions him to anoint Hazael, Jehu, and 
 E’lshn, 9 — 17. Elijah is informed that seven thousand worshippers of J E- 
 HOVA '! still remain in Israel , 18. Elijah casts his mantle on Elisha, who 
 takes trace of his friends , and follows him, 19 — 21. 
 
 A ND “Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had 
 done, and withal b hovv he had slain all the 
 prophets with the sword. 
 
 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, 
 saying, 'So let the gods do to me, and more also, 
 ll il I make not thy life as the life of one of them 
 by 'to-morrow about this time. 
 
 3 And when he saw that, 'he arose, and went 
 for his life, and came to ^Beer-sheba, which 
 bet on get h to Judah, and left his servant there. 
 
 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the 
 wilderness, and came and h sat down under a 
 juniper-tree : and 'lie requested ’for himself that 
 he might die: and said, It is enough; now, O 
 Lord, take away my life ; for I am not k better 
 than my fathers. 
 
 5 And 'as he lay and slept under a juniper-tree, 
 
 ] behold, then m an angel touched him, and sah 
 I unto him, Arise and eat. 
 
 6 And lie looked, and behold, there "was a. cake 
 baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his 
 'head : and he did eat, and drink, and laid him 
 down again. 
 
 | 7 And “the angel of the Lord came again the 
 
 second time, and touched him, and said, Arise 
 1 and eat, ^because the journey is too great for 
 thee. 
 
 8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and 
 went iin the strength of that meat, 'forty days 
 and forty nights, unto “Ho rob the mount of God. 
 
 9 H Arid he came thither ‘unto a cave, and lodged 
 there ; and behold, the word of the Lord came to 
 him, and he said unto him, “What doest thou 
 
 here, Elljclh ? [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 10 And he said, I have been x very jealous for 
 the Lord God of hosts : for the children of Israel 
 have forsaken thy covenant, ^thrown down thine 
 
 1 altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword ; 
 j and I, even Z I only, am left : and a they seek my 
 life, to take it away 
 
 11 And lie said, Go forth, and b stand upon the 
 
 a 16:31. 21:5— 7,25. b See on 18:40. c 2:28. 20:10,1 1. Ruth 1:17. 2 Kings 6‘: 
 31. d Ex. 10:23. 15:9. 2 Kings 19:10 — 12.22,27,28. Dan. 3:15. eProv.77:l. 
 Acts 12:4—6. Jam. 4:13,14. f Gen. 12:12,13. Ex. 2:15. 1 Sam. 27:1. Is. 51? 12, 
 
 13. Matt. 26:50.70— 74. 2 Cor. 12:7. g 4:25. Gen. 21:31. Am. 7:12,13. h 13: 
 
 14. Gen. 21:15,16. John 4:6. i 3. Num. 11:15. 2 Kings 2:11. Job ;':20- 22. Jer. 
 
 20.14—18. Jon. 4:3,8. Phil. 1:21—24. * Heb./or his life, k Am. 6:2. Nah. 
 
 8:9. Matt. 6:25. Rom. 3:9. 1 Gen. 28:1 1—15. m Ps. 34 7,10. Dan. 8: 19. 9:21 . 
 10:9,10. Acts 12 7. Heb. 1:14. 13:5. n 17:6,9—15. ?s. 37:3. Is. 33:16. Matt. 
 
 when it is connected with the credit of religion, the conviction 
 of sinners that our cause is that of God, and the establish- 
 ment of believers in the faith: but for these purposes we 
 should endeavour to obviate every occasion of suspicion, and 
 to be careful that our good be not evil spoken of. — The awful 
 displays of the divine justice and holiness may terrify and 
 convince the sinner ; extort many confessions, and dispose 
 him to external acts of obedience, while the impression lasts : 
 but the view of these attributes, harmonizing with mercy, 
 love, and truth, in Christ Jesus, is needful to draw the soul 
 into self-abasement, affiance, and love. Yet the spirit of 
 God employs both methods, in effecting the conversion of 
 sinners, in order and measure, as he pleases : and in our 
 endeavours for that same blessed purpose, it is generally 
 advisable to inform the understanding and convince the judg- 
 ment first, and then to address the heart and conscience. — 
 When sinners are deeply impressed with divine truth, they 
 should be earnestly exhorted without delay, to set about those 
 self-denying duties, to which the Saviour calls his disciples. — 
 Under the Christian dispensation, indeed, vve must not destroy 
 the lives of men, even though they have deceived others to 
 idolatrous worship. When, however, false teachers are re- 
 moved, silenced, or put to shame, it exceedingly promotes the 
 revival of true religion : and after effectual measures for 
 public reformation have been used, we may hope for the 
 merciful removal of public calamities. — Faith perceives things 
 imperceptible to sense, and anticipates future and distant 
 blessings: it therefore excites fervent prayers, in which reve- 
 rence, humility, importunity, and perseverance are requisite 
 in order to success. — The love of faithful ministers to the 
 persons of sinners should not only be manifest to that God, 
 who in secret hears their affectionate prayers for those 
 whom they most severely reprove : but they should show it 
 by every external expression ; and be ready to give honour to 
 whom honour on any account is due; and in their private 
 conduct to become the meanest servants to those, whom, 
 speaking in God’s name, they “rebuke with all authority.” 
 And he will strengthen his people for every exertion atid self- 
 denial, to which his commandments and his providence shall 
 "411 them. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XIX. V. 1, 2. (Marg. Ref.) The 
 Lord left, this wicked woman, when informed by Ahab of 
 what had been done, to b t e so intoxicated by rage, that, 
 instead of sending a messenger to apprehend or kill Elijah, 
 she gave him warning and time to make his escape ! ( Note, 
 
 Matt. 2:7,8.) Some indeed think, that she was afraid to 
 venture at the same time on the rage of the people, and the 
 miraculous power, which the prophet evidently and undeni- 
 ably possessed, by attempting to slay him : but contented 
 herself with threatening him, that he might abscond and 
 ''ccasion her no further interruption, or take further measures, 
 ugainst the worship and worshippers of Baal, and the 
 jirophets of the groves: (18:19.) while others suppose she 
 i ad such an opinion of his intrepidity, that she concluded he 
 ■could certainly wait the event. But her absolute language, 
 And the imprecation upon herself if she failed, seem more 
 like the outrageous effusion of passion, than the effect of 
 deliberation and design. Without reflecting that she might 
 not live fill the morrow, or not be able to find Elijah, or°to 
 prevail aita pst him ; she sware by the gods that she would 
 put him ti doath, as if all events were absolutely in her own 
 
 4:11.6:32. Mark 8:2,3. John 21:5,9. t Heb. bolster. o See on 5. p Dent 
 33:25. Ps. 103:13,14. q Dan. 1.15. 2 Cor. 12:9. r Ex. 24: 18. 34:28. Deui. 9: 
 
 9.18. Matt. 4:2. Mark 1:13. Luke 4:2. See on Ex. 3:1 . 19: 18. Mai. 4:4,5. 
 t Ex. 33:21,22. Jer. 9:2. Heb. 11:38. u 13. Gen. 3:9. 16:8. Jer. 2:18. John 1: 
 3,4. x Ex. 20:5. 34:14 Num. 25:11. 1 s. 69:9. 119:139. John 2:17. y 14. IS. 4, 
 30. Jer. 2:30. Hos.5:ll. Mic.6:16. z 18:4.22.20:13,22,35,41,42.22:8. Rom. 
 11:2,3. a 2. 18:10,17. b Ex. 19:20. 24:12,18. 34:2. Matt. 17.1— 3. 2 Pel. 1: 
 
 17.18. 
 
 power! (Notes, 2 Kings 1:10 — 17. Prov. 27:1. Jam. 4: 
 13—17.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. It seems, that Elijah fled from Jezreel on the 
 very night after the sacrifice, and the fire from heaven, and 
 the abundant rain given in answer to his prayers ; and before 
 he had time suitably to refresh himself after the fatigues of 
 the preceding day. Beer-sheba, in the south of Judah, was 
 at a considerable distance from Jezreel, in the lot of Issachar: 
 (Josh. 19:18.) yet he travelled with all speed till he came 
 thither. But there he left his servant, as unable to proceed 
 through weariness : or perhaps he was unwilling to expose 
 i him to farther hardship; having, as some think, purposed to 
 ' end his life in that desolate wilderness, where Israel had 
 i wandered forty years. — He had passed through the whole 
 i kingdom of Judah, where doubtless pious Jehoshaphat. would 
 have welcomed and protected him. But he seems, on this 
 | occasion, to have been left to himself for his humiliation ; and 
 consequently he was seized with unreasonable terror. Instead 
 of venturing all consequences, assured of the protection of 
 l the Almighty; and pushing his advantage, by leading the 
 
 1 people to destroy the temple and worship of Baal, and 
 restore the worship of Jehovah ; he fled from the important 
 service, and impatiently wished and prayed for death ! What 
 a contrast to his zeal and intrepidity, as recorded in the 
 preceding chapter ! ( Notes , 18:40. Num. 11:11 — 15. Jon. I: 
 2,3. 4:1 — 4,9 — 11.) Thus the people, left withbut a leader, 
 and intimidated by his example, would be too much afraid of 
 Jezebel, to reap those decisive advantages from the miracle, 
 and the events recorded in the former chapter, which might 
 have been hoped for. — When Elijah said U I am no better 
 than my fathers,” he seems to have referred to some pre-inti- 
 mations given him of his translation : but he was willing 
 rather to die, than to live in misery, and to behold, without 
 being able to prevent, the wickedness and ruin of his people * 1 
 yet he would rather die by the hand of the Lord, than by that 
 of Baals worshippers, lest they should blaspheme that God 
 whose prophet they had slain. 
 
 V. 5 — 8. The Lord intended that Elijah should visit Ho- 
 reh, where Moses had fasted forty days and nights ; that in 
 him the miracle might he repeated : because as Moses was 
 the lawgiver, so Eli jah was in some respects the chief of the 
 prophets. (Note, Matt. 17:3.) God at first miraculously 
 provided his servant with food : (Note, 17:4 — 6.) and then 
 he supported him without food, or any need or desire of it. 
 ( Notes, Ex. 34:28. Matt. 4:3,4.) As mount Horeb was but 
 a few days’ journey from Beer-sheba; the forty days here 
 i mentioned seemed to include the whole of the time, which 
 passed till his return out of the wilderness. 
 
 V. 9. IVhat doest thou, &c.?] Elijah had been secretly 
 guided to mount Horeb, rather than to another place ; and 
 probably he sought retirement for meditation and prayer. 
 But this was not at that crisis his proper employment ; for ne 
 ought by no means to have fled from the land of Israel, but 
 there to have persevered, without dread of consequences, in 
 promoting the cause of true religion. (Notes, Josh. 7:10 — -12. 
 Neh. 6:10 — 14. Acts 4:29— 31. 8:1.) 
 
 V. 10. The prophet pleaded in his own behalf that 
 j “he had been very jealous for the Lord,” having had his 
 glory exceedingly at heart, and having been deeply grieved, 
 
 I and even filled with holy indignation, at Israel’s apostacy. 
 i This he had long endeavoured to prevent ; and he had now 
 
 ( 635 ) 
 
R C. 906. 
 
 I. KINGS. B. C. 906. 
 
 inount before the Lord. And behold, Hhe Lord 
 passed by, rt and a great and strong wind rent the 
 mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before 
 the Lord ; but the Lord was not in the wind : 
 and after the wind c an earthquake ; but the Lord 
 was not in the earthquake : 
 
 12 And after the earthquake f a fire ; but the 
 Lord was net in the fire : and after the fire s a still 
 small voice. 
 
 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that 
 h he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, 
 and stood in the entering in of the cave. And 
 behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, 
 ‘What doest thou here, Elijah ? 
 
 14 And he said, k I have been very jealous for 
 the Lord God of hosts : because the children of 
 Israel have 'forsaken thy covenant, thrown down 
 thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the 
 sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek 
 my life to take it away. [Practical observations.-] 
 
 15 And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on 
 thy way to m the wilderness of Damascus : and 
 when thou contest, "anoint "Hazael to be king 
 over Syria : 
 
 16 And nJehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou 
 anoint to be king over Israel : and lElisha the son 
 
 c Ex. 33:21 — 23. 34:6. llab. 3:3— 5. <t Ex. 19:16. 20:18. Job38:l. Ps. 50: 
 3. Is. 30:30. Ez. 11. Nah. 1:3,6. Heb. 12:18 — 21. Rev. 20:11. c 1 Sam. 
 14:15. Ps. 68.8. Nah. 1:5. Zech. 14:5. Malt. 24:7. 27:51— 54. 28:2. Heb. 12:26. 
 Rev. 11:19. 16:18. f 18:38. Gen. 15:17. Ex. 3:2. Dent. 4:1 1 ,12,33. 8 Kings I: 
 10. 2:11. Heb. 12:29. * £>.34:6. Job 4:16. 33:7. Zech. 4:6. Acts 2:2,36,37. 
 h See on 18:42. E*. 3:5. 33:23. Is. 6:2,5. 19. Gen. 16:8. John 21 : 15— 17. 
 
 b See on 10. Is. 62:1 ,6,7. 1 Deut. 29:25. 31:20. Ps. 78:37. Is. 1:4. Jet*. 22:9. 
 
 3>an. 11:30. Hos.6:7. Heb. 8:9. m Gen. 14:15. 2 Kings 8:7. Acts 9:2,3. n Ib. 
 45:1. Jer. 1:10. 27:2, &c. o 2 Kings 8:8— 15,28. 9: 14. Am. 1:4. p5eeon 
 2 Kings 9:1—3,6—14. q See on 19—21. Luke4:27. Elieeus. r 4:12. Judg. 7: 
 
 fled from his work, not through defect of zeal, but for want of 
 encouragement. The whole nation, he thought, had re- 
 nounced their covenant with Jehovah, and had concurred 
 with their rulers in breaking down his altars, which had been 
 erected on the high places ; as if they were determined to 
 worship him no more. (18:30.) The altars, though irregular, 
 on which sacrifices were offered to Jehovah alone, are thus 
 distinguished from those on which the people sacrificed to 
 Baal and other idols, or to the golden calves, They had also 
 joined in murdering the prophets ; so that he stood alone to 
 stem the torrent, and they were all ready to assist Jezebel in 
 putting him to death also. But he supposed matters to be 
 much worse than they really were : for probably several of 
 the hundred prophets, whom Obadiah had protected, were 
 living, and privately attempting to do good with some success. 
 So that he needlessly discouraged himself : and his mind was 
 so much embittered by his disappointments, that he is said to 
 have “made intercession against Israel.” (Murg. Ref. 
 Notes , 11—17. Rom . 11:1—6.) 
 
 V. 11 — 14. There seems to have been, in this manifes- 
 tation of God to Elijah, an intended reference to that with 
 which Moses was favoured, when (he Lord caused his good- 
 ness to pass before him ; and to the terrific solemnities from 
 mount Sinai, (where Elijah now was,) compared with the 
 mild majesty in which he communed with Israel from above 
 the mercy-seat. (Notes, Ex. 19:16 — 25. 33:20 — 23. 34:5 — 
 7.) It was preceded by a vehement wind, rending the moun- 
 tains and rocks ; by an earthquake still more tremendous ; 
 and by a fire, similar perhaps to that which appeared on 
 mount Sinai at tHe delivery of the law : all these effects were 
 no doubt produced by the ministration of angels. But the 
 Lord made known his more immediate presence, not by these 
 terrors, but by a still small voice ; and it is not said that there 
 was any visible appearance of glory. This intimated that 
 miraculous judgments, and terrifying displays of the Lord’s 
 power and indignation, though proper for the destruction or 
 intimidation of his enemies, or to excite attention, were only 
 preparatives for that real good intended for Israel ; which 
 must be effected by the energy of his Spirit, accompanying 
 the convincing and persuasive instructions of his word. Elijah 
 had perhaps expected to prevail, a9 with a high hand, and with 
 continued miracles and judgments : or he had supposed that 
 the desired reformation was to be effected by the interference 
 or sanction of regal authority, or the support of the people at 
 large. Whereas, having gained their attention by the famine, 
 and its gracious removal, in answer to his prayers ; by call- 
 ing for and obtaining fire from heaven to consume the sacri- 
 fice, and by the execution of Baal’s priests, and by rain, 
 according to his word ; he ought to have proceeded to instruct 
 them with meekness and gentleness, M publicly and from house 
 to house,” and to have excited others to assist him : and then 
 the Lord would have blessed that “still small voice”’ for the 
 most important purposes; notwithstanding the persecuting 
 rage of Ahab and Jezebel, and the general apostacy of the 
 people. (Note, 2 Cor. 10:1 — 6.) — Thus miracles in the first 
 ages of Christianity called men’s attention to the preaching 
 of the gospel, which, as a still small voice, was the power of 
 God to salvation to thousands and millions. — Though Elijah 
 ( 636 ) 
 
 of Shaphat of r Abe -meholah shalt thou anoint to 
 be prophet in thy room. 
 
 17 And it shall come to pass, that ‘him that 
 escapeth 'the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay • 
 and him that escapeth from "the sword of Jehi. 
 shall "Elisha slay. 
 
 18 ?Yet ‘I have left me seven thousand in 
 Israel, all Hhe knees which have not bowed unto 
 Baal, and "every mouth which hath not kissed 
 him. 
 
 19 H So he departed thence, and found b Elisha 
 the son of Shaphat, who was ploughing with 
 twelve yoke of oxen before him, and "he with the 
 twelfth : and Elijah passed by him, and cast d his 
 mantle upon him. 
 
 20 And "he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, 
 and said, 1 Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and 
 my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he 
 said unto him, 'Go back again : for what have I 
 done to thee ? 
 
 21 And he returned back from him, and took a 
 yoke of oxen, and slew them, and eboiled their 
 flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and h ga\'e 
 unto the people, and they did eat. Then he 
 arose, and went after Elijah, and 'ministered 
 unto him. 
 
 22. a Is. 24:17,18. Am. 2:14. 5:19. t 2 Kines 8:12. 10:32. 13:3,22. u 2 Kins. 
 9:14,4c. 10-6, Ac. i 2Kings2:23.24. Is. 11:4. Jer. 1:10. Hus. 6.5. Rev. 19: 
 
 21. y Is. 1:9. 10:20— 22. Rom. 11:4,5. • Or, I will 'ease. z Ex. 20:5. Is. 
 
 49:23. Rom. 14:10— 12. Phil. 2:10. a Job 31:27. Ps.S:12. Hos. 13:2. b See 
 on 1G. c Ex. 3:1. Jnilsr. 6:11. Ps. 78:70— 72. Am. 7:14. Zech. 13:5. Mall. 4: 
 18,19. d 13. 1 Sam. 28:14. 2 Kitnrs 2:8,13,14. e Malt. 4:20,22. 9:9. 19:27. 
 
 I Matt. 8:21 ,22. Luke 9:61,62. Acts20:37. t Heb. Go, return, g 2 Sam. 24: 
 
 22. h Luke 5:28,29. i 18:43. Ex. 24:13. Num. 27:18-20 . 2 Kings 2:3. 3:11. 
 Acts 13:5. 2 Tim. 4:11. Philem. 13. 
 
 shewed tokens of humble adoration on this occasion, the repe- 
 tition of his answer to the Lord’s renewed inquiry, “What 
 doest thou here ?” shows, that he did not as yet fully under- 
 stand the emblematic display : and that he was not proparly 
 convinced of his unbelief and sin in fleeing out of the land ; 
 or reconciled to going back to his station and employment. 
 He afterwards better understood the Lord’s meaning, as it 
 appears from his subsequent conduct. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. As the prophet was ordered to go on the way 
 to the wilderness of Damascus, it seems probable that he 
 went directly towards Syria, and meeting with Hazael anointed 
 him ; though this is not recorded. Jehu was afterwards 
 anointed by a prophet sent by Elisha, (Notes, 2 Kings 9:1 
 — 10.) and perhaps Elisha w r as anointed by Elijah, when 
 called to be his successor. Some, however, think the ex- 
 pression is not always to be taken literally; but merely as an 
 intimation, that God would advance the persons spoken of, to 
 the. stations assigned, and qualify them for the work to he 
 performed by them. (Ps. 105:15. Is. 45:1.)- Jehu executed 
 vengeance upon Jezebel and Allah’s posterity, and the priests 
 and worshippers of Baal : Hazael through his whole reign 
 wasted and destroyed the people of Israel : and, at Elisha’s 
 word, the Lord took vengeance on those, who would not 
 attend to the instructions of his prophets. The order of time, 
 in these judgments, seem not to he exactly marked, but the 
 certainty of the events. (Marg. Ref. s. — x.) — God was infi- 
 nitely more jealous for his own glory, than Elijah could be 
 for it ; and he w ould by no means desert his cause, or suffer 
 his enemies to triumph, as the prophet feared ; but, before he 
 proceeded to vengeance, he would gather in his chosen peo- 
 ple, and separate a remnant from among the idolaters. 
 
 V. 19. The Lord “had reserved for himself” seven thou- 
 sand Israelites, who had neither bowed their knees to Baal, 
 nor kissed his image, nor in any way been induced to w orship 
 him. (Marg. Ref. y — a. Note, Hos. 13:2.) — These, though 
 few in comparison, were a considerable number in themselves, 
 and far more than Elijah supposed. — As Ahab and Jezebel 
 aimed to establish the worship of Baal, we may suppose that 
 the golden calves were neglected ; and that those persons 
 conscientiously adhered to the worship of Jehovah, as tho 
 times would admit : they would however, greatly need further 
 instruction and encouragement. Others might he recovered 
 from idolatry, and the rising generation might be rescued from 
 its contagion. So that there was a great deal of useful em- 
 ployment for Elijah, which it was well worth while to accom- 
 plish even by living amidst persecutions, perils, and conflicts. 
 (Note, Phil. 1:21 — 26.) There was also a sufficient reason 
 why the Lord should defer his anger, though provoked to 
 jealousy every day. (Note, Rom. 11:1—6.) % 
 
 V. 19. This might occur after Elijah's return from the 
 wilderness of Damascus, or on his journey thither. — Elisha 
 was employed in husbandry, and his father ser ins to have 
 been a man of wealth. Whilst he w’as emplr »cd in his labour 
 Elijah cast, his mantle upon him, which nns intended, and 
 understood, as a call to him to follow and attend upon him. 
 (Notes, 2 Kings 2:13,1 4.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. It is probable that Elijah intended to discover, 
 w'hclher Elisha w'as fully determined to renounce his > impo* 
 
B C. 901. 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 B. C. 901 
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 Ben-hadad king of Syria , not satisfied with Ahab'e submission, leads a power- 
 ful army against Samaria , and wars against it , 1 — 12. Ahab, directed by a 
 
 •repars jor anoincr assauu pec. me oyrmris come again, me next year, 
 h very great preparations ; and arc opposed by a very small company, 
 ■27. A prophet assures Ahab of victory, because the Syrians thought 
 HOVAH the Ood of the hills , but not of the valleys , 28. The Syrians are 
 
 * prophet , gains a complete victory over him, 13—21. A prophet warns Ahab 
 to prepare for another assault, 2*2. The Syrians come again, the next year, 
 with vei 
 23 — 27. 
 
 JEHOVAi , , * 
 
 smitten with immense slaughter, and Hr.n-hadud flees and hules himself ',29. 
 30. He submissively sues to Ahab, who makes a league with him, 31 — 34. A 
 prophet, by a parable, leads Ahab to condemn himself, and then denounces 
 the judgment of God against him for his unseasonable lenity ,35 — 43. 
 
 A ND “Ben-hadad the kin"- of Syria gathered 
 all his host together: and there were b thirty 
 
 a 15:18,50. 2 Kinis 8:7—15. 2Chr. 16:2— 1. Jer. 49:27. Am. 1:4. b 16,24. Gen. 
 14:1—5. Judg. 1.7. Ezra 7:12. Is. 10:8. Ez. 26:7. Dan. 2:37. c Ex. 14:7. Deut. 
 
 and two kings with him, 'and horses, and chariots : 
 and he went up and d besieged Samaria, and 
 warred against it. 
 
 2 And 'lie sent messengers to Ahab king of 
 Israel into the city, and said unto him, Thus saith 
 Ben-hadad, 
 
 3 Thy f silver and thy gold is mine ; thy wives 
 also and thy children, even the goodliest, are 
 mine. 
 
 4 And the king of Israel answered and said. 
 
 20- 1. JuJg. 4:3. 1 Sam. 13:5. Is. 37:24. d I,ev. 26:25. Deut. 28:52. 2 Kings 6t 
 24—29. 17:5,6. e 2 Kings 19:9. Is. 36:2, 4c. 37:9,10. f Ex. 15:9. Is. 10:13,14 
 
 ral interests, and to venture persecution as a prophet of the 
 Lord : and to lead him to count his cost ere he engaged. 
 (Notes, Matt. 8:18—22. Luke 14:28—33.) But Elisha’s 
 heart was touched by the Holy Spirit,, and he was ready to 
 leave all to attend Elijah. He did not ask to wait till the 
 death of his parents, but only to bid them farewell : and, 
 having make a feast for his neighbours of the flesh of the 
 oxen, prepared with their yokes, as the fuel ; (in token, that 
 he never meant to return again to that employment ;) he fol- 
 lowed Elijah, and ministered to him, that under his tuition he 
 might be prepared to succeed him, and in the mean time be a 
 help and comfort to him. (Notes, 2 Kings 3:11,12. Matt. 
 9:9 — 13.) — The prophet could now no longer complain, that 
 he was left alone, for the Lord had provided him a companion. 
 (Notes, Ex. 4:14. Matt. 10:1 — 1.) — From the ensuing his- 
 tory it appears, that Elijah and Elisha employed themselves 
 not only in privately instructing the people, but also in found- 
 ing or superintending seminaries of prophets, in different parts 
 of the land, who might assist them in the work of reformation, 
 and maintain it when they were removed. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. No miracles or judgments can finally stop the 
 fury of persecutors : though they be intimidated for a season, 
 when they have respite, and leisure to confer with one an- 
 other, they grow desperate in proportion as they have been 
 baflled and mortified. (Notes, Ex. 8:15. 14:5 — 9. Acts 4: 
 13 — 22. 5:17 — 28.) Nay, such diabolic enmity can inhabit 
 the breasts of females, and has sometimes raged in them 
 with peculiar vehemence ! (Notes, Matt. 14:3 — 11.) — Mad 
 oassions often defeat their own end, and furious threats pre- 
 vent the execution of determined malice. — The most eminent 
 believers cannot exercise even those graces, which most dis- 
 tinguish their characters, without the immediate assistance of 
 God: and when in danger of being exalted above measure, 
 they are sometimes left to struggle with temptation without 
 their wonted support. Then the boldest, who before feared 
 no number or power of the adversaries, tremble at the distant 
 prospect of danger; the most, zealous are dissatisfied with 
 their employments, and sit down disconsolate and de- 
 sponding; nay the most resigned grow fretful, and even pray 
 in a peevish manner, and want to die, not out of longing for 
 heavenly glory, but from weariness of conflicts and tribula- 
 tions. But it is shameful for a soldier to wish to be absent 
 from his place in the day of battle, or to expect the victory 
 without the peril and the hardship of the conflict. The Lord, 
 however, bears with his faithful servants, notwithstanding 
 their infirmities; and preserves them for every service which 
 he has allotted them, whatever they wish or fear. As all 
 creatures are at his command, those for whom he engages 
 to provide, can want no good thing; and yet if he pleases, 
 he can support them without either means or instruments. 
 (Notes, 17:1 — 16.) His mercy and power are the same from 
 generation to generation, whether displayed in the same way 
 or not : and he will vouchsafe his gracious presence to his 
 people, into whatever place they are banished. Indeed when 
 they flee from the path of duty, he will meet and rebuke 
 them, but he will not. forsake them. 
 
 V. 10 — 14. No former zeal, boldness, or usefulness, will 
 excuse present neglects : yet we are most apt to boast of 
 what we have been and done, when most remiss in present 
 duty ! Disappointments in our too sanguine expectations 
 often sour our tempers, as well as render us discontented : 
 and then we are ready to blame others for our failures, and 
 to be severe in our censures and remarks. The zealous 
 minister often finds this leaven corrupting his services : he is 
 sometimes tempted to think all his labour in vain, when he 
 does not see the immediate effect; and to conclude, 1 hat he 
 can do no good, because he cannot do all that he hoped for: 
 and when he witnesses much evil in the church, or in that 
 part in wnich ho labours, he often imagines matters to be 
 much worse than they really are. Thus “our hands hang 
 down, and our knees wax feeble ;” and we are ingenious in 
 discouraging and disquieting ourselves. But upon reflection, 
 this very experience may explain to us that rebellion of others, 
 which so disconcerts us ; and teach us gentleness and long- 
 suffering, without disdaining or despairing of the worst of 
 sinners. — The blessing is from the Lord ; and he often works 
 most effectually when proper means are used, with quiet 
 assiduity and perseverance, without any*of that bustle and 
 -ehemence which excite the public attention. Magistrates 
 should indeed exercise their authority, in promoting true reli- 
 gion, by all hallowed and scriptural means. (Notes, 2 Chr. 
 7.7 — 9. 30.12.) But attempts to produce reformation, in 
 
 either doctrine or worship, by coercive means, and the secular 
 arm, bearing all down before it, like the strong wind, the 
 earthquake, and the fire, in every case promise more than 
 they effect; and even when the magistrate’s authority is re- 
 gulated and limited in a proper manner, in repressing impiety 
 and immorality, and countenancing zealous ministers in their 
 labours, it only makes way for the “st.ill small voice” of the 
 gospel, by means of which the Holy Spirit performs his gra- 
 cious work upon the heart. (Notes, Is. 42:1 — 4. Rom. 1:13 
 — 16. 1 Cor. 2:3 — 5. 2 Cor. 10:1 — 6.) And the minister, 
 when deprived of this protection and support, and driven by 
 persecution into obscure corners, may expect great useful- 
 ness, by this power accompanying his labours. — The word of 
 God also is indeed “ like a fire, and a hammer, that breaketh 
 the rocks in pieces ;” and the whole of it should be preached 
 with zealous plainness and faithfulness: but “ the ministration 
 of condemnation,” and the awful terrors of eternal vengeance, 
 only precede and make way for “ the ministration of righteous- 
 ness,” and the sweet gospel of Christ, attended by urgent 
 persuasions, melting expostulations, and tender invitations, in 
 which the Lord chiefly comes to seal our hearts for himself; 
 and without this little will be done. — We shall do well often 
 to imagine, that we hear the Lord inquire, “ What doest thou 
 here ?” In scenes of worldly dissipation, in trifling company, 
 in riotous feast ings, or where unlawful traffic is carrying on, 
 the Christian can have no good answer ready : nor can the 
 minister, if engrossed by needless worldly business, by trifling 
 studies, or by the pursuits of ambition, preferment, pleasure, 
 or reputation, to the neglect of the important duties of his 
 calling. Nay, if we are at home, when we should he in the 
 pulpit ; asleep, when we should be at work ; or in company 
 when we should be engaged in prayer and meditation, or 
 reading the Scriptures ; such a question must confound us. 
 In short every station has its proper duties, and every portion 
 of time its proper work, and we should frequently call our- 
 selves to account, whether we be in our place and proper 
 employment, as the duty of the season requires. 
 
 V. 15 — 21. It is not easy to convince men of their faults, ' 
 and silence their excuses or boastings : and whilst the Lord 
 encourages his servants, under their difficulties, he sends 
 them back to their proper work, ashamed of their timidity and 
 neglect ; and then he gives them both helpers and success. 
 He has “ a remnant, according to the election of grace,” 
 which he reserves to himself, and preserves from prevailing 
 abominations. For their conversion and edification he waits 
 and provides: in the mean time impenitent sinners ripen for 
 vengeance ; and he raises up instruments to execute it upon 
 them, from whom they shall by no means escape : for the 
 word of God, spoken by his despised ministers, ensures their 
 destruction, more than the sword of any enemy. Nor will 
 he* ever desert his own cause, however it seems to be run 
 down: he will furnish men for the most perilous and self- 
 denying services : and those who duly understand the import- 
 ance of the sacred ministry, will renounce every other honour, 
 pleasure, and interest for the sake of it, though called to 
 labour in the midst of hardships, poverty, and persecution. — 
 Zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of souls will sub- 
 ordinate, though it will not extinguish natural affections. 
 (Notes, Matt. 10:37 — 39.) The work of the ministry re- 
 quires the whole man : and when such persons are employed, 
 as have not been regularly educated for it, they arc espe- 
 cially concerned to attend the instructions, to frequent the 
 company, and to copy the examples, of aged and approved 
 ministers ; and “ no man having set his hand to the plough, 
 and looking back, is fit. for the kingdom of God.” ( P . O. 
 Matt. 4:12 — 25. Note, Matt. 8:21,22.) In difficult times 
 helpers of inferior abilities may bo a great ccftnfort to the dis- 
 couraged servants of God : and this service is carried on to 
 advantage, when different ministers concur, from the same 
 principles, to seek the same great end of his glory in the sal- 
 vation of souls. May “the Lord of the harvest send forth 
 many sech labourers into his harvest!” Amen. (Note, 
 Matt. 9:36— 3S.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1. Ben-hadad signifies The 
 son of Hadad ; (11:1 4 — 22. ) yet he is said to have been “ the 
 son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion.” (15:18.) — Perhaps 
 Hadad was his father, and Tabrimon and Hezion his more 
 remote ancestors. — The thirty and two kings were petty 
 princes of the adjacent countries, who were either vassals or 
 allies to the king of Syria. — Ben-hadad seems to have been 
 induced by rapacity to wage war against Ahab ; and it is 
 probable that he had wasted the country before he besieged 
 Samaria. — The late terrible famine must have diminished 
 ( 637 ) 
 
B. 0. v .>01. 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 901. 
 
 My lord, 0 king - , accoiding to thy saying, ?I am 
 thine, and all that I have. 
 
 5 And the messengers came again, and said, 
 Thus speaketh Ben-hadad, saying, Although I 
 have sent unto thee, saying’, Thou shalt deliver 
 me thy silver, and thy gold, and thy wives, and 
 thy children ; 
 
 <5 Yet I will send my servants unto thee to- 
 morrow about this time, h and they shall search 
 thy house, and the houses of thy servants ; and 
 it shall be, that whatsover is 'pleasant in thine 
 eyes, they shall put it in their hand, and take it 
 away. 
 
 7 Then the king of Israel called 'all the elders 
 of the land, and said, 'Mark, I pray you, and see 
 how this mam k seeketh mischief : for he sent unto 
 me for my wives, and for my children, and for my 
 Bilver, and for my gold, and I "denied him not. 
 
 8 And all the elders and all the people said 
 unto him, Hearken not unto him, nor consent. 
 
 9 Wherefore he said unto the messengers of 
 Ben-hadad, Tell my lord the king, All that thou 
 didst send for to thy servant at the first, I will do : 
 but this thing I may not do. Anil the messengers 
 departed, and brought him word again. 
 
 10 And Ben-hadad sent unto him, and said, 
 The gods do so unto me, and more also, m if the 
 dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all 
 the people that tfollow me. 
 
 11 And the king of Israel answered and said, 
 Tell him, "Let not him that girdeth on his harness 
 boast himself as he that putteth it off. 
 
 12 And it came to pass, when Ben-hadad heard 
 this "message as he was “drinking, he and the 
 kings in the "pavilions, that he said unto his 
 servants, n Set yourselves in array. And they set 
 themselves in array against the city. 
 
 13 IT And behold, there "came a prophet unto 
 Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the Lord, 
 
 I I,e». 86:36. Dpnt. 23:48. Jud*. 15:11—13. 1 Sam. 13:6,7. 2 Kings 18:14— 1«. 
 h I .Sam. 13:19 — 21. 2 Sam. 24:14. 2 Kings 18:31, 32. * Heb. desirable. Gen. 27: 
 15. Ezra 8:27. Is. 44:9. Jer. 25:34. Lam. 1 7.10. Hos. 13:15. Joel 3:5. margins. 
 i 8:1. I Clir. 13:1.28:1. Prov. 11:14. j 2 Kings 5:7. k Jnh 15.35 Ps. 7:14. 36:4. 
 €>2:3. 140:2. Prov. 6:14. 11:27. 21 2. Dan. 11.27. Rom. 3:13—18. \ Heb. kept not 
 back from him. See on 4. 1 See <>n 19:2. Acts 23:12. n 2 Sam. 17:12.13. 2 
 Kings 19:23,24. Is. 10:13,14. 37:2*1,25. * Heb. are at my feet. Ex. 11:8. mare. 
 Jude. 4:10. nl Sam. 14:6,12,13. 17 44-47. Prov. 27:1. Kc. 9.11. Is. 10:15,16. 
 Matt. 26:33— 35,75. § Heb. word, o 16. 16:9. 1 Sam. 25:36. 2 Sam. 13:28. 
 IVov. 31:4,5. Pan. 5:2,30. Luke 21:34. Eph.5:18. II Or, ten's. Jer. 43:10. IT Or, 
 Place the engines. And they placid, engines. ** Heb. approached, p 2 Kings 
 
 the number of the Israelites, by death and emigration, almost 
 beyond calculation: and by the righteous judgment of God, 
 tue remainder were so disaffected to Ahab, or so dismayed 
 by Ben-hadad, that they had retired or fled ; and thus they 
 left the capital city in a very defenceless condition. 
 
 V. 2 — 11. Ben-hadad’s first message was couched in in- 
 sulting language. He not only considered Ahab’s riches as 
 already his property ; but his wives and children, even the 
 goodliest of them, as his slaves. Yet Ahab understood this, 
 only as a claim to dominion over him, and his properly or 
 kingdom ; and in abject, terms he consented to be his vassal, 
 and to do him homage, and pay him tribute. Ben-hadad 
 therefore, (perhaps perceiving his terror and pusillanimity, ) 
 grew more insolent, and by a second message demanded the 
 immediate possession and use of them all, for himself and his 
 servants, who would come the next day, and search all the 
 houses and treasures, and carry away what they thought 
 most valuable, whether it belonged to Ahab, or to his people. 
 To this the elders of Israel would not allow the king to con- 
 sent : the dominion and the public treasures, Ben-hadad 
 might have taken ; but to plunder the city and enslave the 
 inhabitants must not be granted. To this answer the king of 
 Syria sent a boasting menace, confirmed with an oath by his 
 idols ; implying, that he would enter Samaria with such num- 
 bers, that, when the whole city was reduced to a heap of 
 dust, it would not afford them every one a handful: (Notes, 
 
 Ex. 15:9,10. 2 Kings 19:23,24. Is. 10:12 — 14.) but Ahab 
 very pertinently reminded him not to exult and triumph, till 
 he had gotten the victory, and had put off his armour; as at 
 oresent he was only girding it on, and preparing for the battle. 
 
 V. 13. Elijah had complained that he was left alone; yet 
 he Lord hail other prophets, whom he could send to speak 
 before Ahab. (Note, 19:10.) Probably, Elijah and Elisha 
 were at this time well employed in some distant part of the 
 land ; and Ahab and Jezebel were too much engaged, to 
 interrupt their labours or usefulness. — The Lord was pleased 
 to predict the victory to this wicked prince, for his further 
 conviction, that. Jehovah, not Baal, was the living God; 
 for the punishment of Ben-hadad’s insolence ; for the honour 
 of his own name, and for the benefit of his true wor-hippers ; 
 and in his long-suffering towards Israel, and compassion for 
 their complicated distresses. 
 
 c 638 ) 
 
 pHast thou seen all this great multitude ? behold, 
 I will deliver it into thy hand this day ; land 
 thou shalt know that I am the Lord. 
 
 14 And Ahab said, By whom ? And he said, Thus 
 saith the Lord, Even by the '"young men of the 
 princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who 
 shall ""order the battle ? And he answered, Thou. 
 
 15 Then he numbered the young men of the 
 princes of the provinces, and they were r two 
 hundred and thirty-two: and after them he num- 
 bered all the people, even all the children of Israel, 
 being "seven thousand. 
 
 16 And they went out at noon. But 'Ben- 
 hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, 
 he and the kings, the thirty and two kings that 
 helped him. 
 
 17 And "the young men of the princes of the 
 provinces went out first; and Ben-hadad sent 
 out, and thev told him, saying, There are men 
 come out of Samaria. 
 
 18 And he said. "Whether they be come out 
 for peace, take them alive ; or whether they be 
 come out for war, take them alive. 
 
 19 So these young men of the princes of the 
 provinces came out of the city, and the army 
 which followed them. 
 
 20 And "they slew every one his man : and 
 ■ v the Syrians fled ; and Israel pursued them: and 
 Ben-hadad the king of Syria 'escaped on a horse 
 with the horsemen. 
 
 21 And the king of Israel “went out, and smote 
 the horses and chariots, and slew the Syrians 
 
 with a great slaughter. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 22 IT And b the prophet came to the king of 
 Israel, and said unto him, Go “strengthen thyself, 
 and mark, and see what thou doest: for ll at the 
 return of the year the king of Syria will come up 
 against thee. 
 
 23 And the servants of the king of Syria said 
 
 6:8—12.7:1. 13:23. Is. 7:1 — 9. F.i. 20:14,22. q 28. 18:37. E*. 14:18. 16:12. P». 
 83:18. Is. 37:211. Hi. 6:7. Joel 3:17. tt Or, servants. Gen. 14:14— 16. Jud*. 7.16 
 —20. 1 Sam. 17:50. 1 Cor. 1:27—29. JJ Heb. bind, or, tie. See on 18:44. r Jude. 
 7:7,16. 1 Sam. 14:6. 2Chr. 14:11. s 19.18. 1 Sam. 14:2. 2 Kin:> 13.7. J>>. 106; 
 40—46. t See on 12. 16:9. Prov. 23:29— 32. Kc. 10:16,17, n 14,15,19. * I Sam. 
 2:3,” 14.11,12. 17:44. 2 Kin»< 14 8—12. Prov. 18:12. s 2 Sain. 2:16. v I.ev.26, 
 8. Judd. 7 20 — 22. 1 Sam. 14:13-15. 2 Kings 7:6.7. Ps. 33:16.46:6. ' a I Sam. 
 30:16,17. 2 l ing. 19:36. a Ju<lg. 3:28 . 7:23-25. 1 Sam. 14-29-22. 17 52. 
 2 Kings 3:18,24. I. 13,38. 19:10. 22:8. c 2 Cln . 25:8,11. Ps. 27:14. Prov. 18 10. 
 20:18. Is. 8:9, Joel 3:9,10. E[ili.6:10. d26. 2Sam. 11:1. I (hr. 20:1. Is. 26:11. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Ahab, sensible that the promised victory must 
 he miraculous, inquired, by w horn it was to be obtained : and he 
 was directed to employ, not his bravest soldiers, but the ser- 
 vants, or pages, of the chief men in the different provinces r 
 and also himself to lead on the attack. His whole army con- 
 sisted of only seven thousand men; (the same number with 
 those preserved from idolatry, hut not the same persons;) 
 yet none of these were to be employed, till the first .assault 
 had been made, and the first advantage gained, by this sma.V 
 company of servants! (Notes, Judg. 7:8,16 — 22. 1 Sam. 
 14:6 — 10.) And under the present impression of terror and 
 hope, Ahab readily obeyed these uncommon orders; though 
 in general he despised and hated both the prophets, and him 
 that sent them. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. It is probable, that Ahab chose to lead out 
 his little troop at noon, when he supposed the Syrians would 
 be at dinner, or reposing themselves. — Ben-hadad, despising 
 the Israelites, was indulging to excess : and on hearing that 
 a small company came out of Samaria, he gave such orders, 
 in haughtiness and intoxication, as were exactly suited to 
 embarrass his officers and soldiers; and to prevent their 
 attacking the assailants with spirit, lest they should slay 
 those whom they had been ordered to take alive! (]\Iarg. 
 Ref. v.) And to make prisoners of those who came out to 
 treat of peace, would have been contrary to all the laws and 
 usages of nations, even in time of war. 
 
 V. 19 — 21. The two hundred and thirty-two servants 
 whom especially Ben-hadad had ordered to ho taken alive, 
 slew every one the man who attempted to seize him : and 
 this unexpected resistance, by the secret operation of God 
 upon the minds of the Syrians, so dismayed them, that they 
 yielded the army an easy and decisive victory. (Note, 1 Sam. 
 14:11 — 15.) Ben-hadad, after all his boasts and menaces, 
 might be considered as successful, beyond all reasonable 
 expectation, in this respect, that he escaped with life, drunken 
 as he then was. (16. Notes, 1 Sam. 30:16 — 19.) 
 
 V. 22. It docs not appear, that Ahab regarded this mer- 
 ciful and seasonable warning, given him by the prophet; or 
 that he made any suitable return for his late unexpected 
 deliverance and success. 
 
 V. 23 — 25. The servants of Ben-hadad, either in flattery 
 as if no human valour could possibly iou Vi« a my, or fi 'u. 
 
B. C. 901. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B. C. 901. 
 
 unto him, “Their gods are gods of the hills ; there- 
 fore they were stronger than we ; but let us fight 
 against them in the plain, and surely we shall be 
 stronger than they. 
 
 24 And do this thing; ‘Take the kings away, 
 every man out of his place, and put captains in 
 their rooms : 
 
 25 And number thee an army, like the army 
 that ’thou hast lost, horse for horse, and chariot 
 for chariot. : and we will fight against them in the 
 plain, and surely w# shall be stronger than 
 they. And he hearkened unto their voice, and 
 did so. 
 
 26 And it came to pass at the return of the 
 year, that Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians, and 
 went up to sAphek ’to fight against Israel. 
 
 27 And the children of Israel were numbered, 
 and twere all present, and went against them: 
 and the children of Israel pitched before them 
 h like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians 
 filled the country. 
 
 28 U And ‘there came a man of God, and spake 
 unto the king of Israel, and said, Thus saith the 
 Lord, k Because the Syrians have said, The Lord 
 is God of the hills, but he is not God of the 
 valleys, ‘therefore will I deliver all this great 
 multitude into thy hand, and m ye shall know that 
 I am the Lord. 
 
 29 And they pitched one over against the other 
 .“seven days. And so it was, that in the seventh 
 day the battle was joined : and the children of 
 Israel slew of the Syrians °a hundred thousand 
 footmen in one day. 
 
 t 5S. 14:23. 1 Sain. 4:5. i Kmzs 10:12. 2 Chr. 32:13—19. P». 50:21,22. 121:1,2. 
 Is. 42:8. r 1 . 16. 22:31. Prov. 21:30. • Heb. was fallen, z 30. Josh. 13:4. 19: 
 30. Jurlg. 1:31. Aphik. 1 Sam. 4:1. 29:1 . 2 Kings 13:17. 4 Heb. to the wot with 
 Israel. + Or, were victualled. Josh. 1:11. Jud^. 7:8. h Deut. 32:30. Judg6:5. 
 1 . am. 13:5— 8. 14:2. 2 Chr. 32:7,8. Ec. 9:11. i 13,22. 13:1. 17:18. 2 Chr. 20:14 
 —20. k See on 23. I Deut. 32:27. Josh. 7:8,9. Ps. 58:10,11. 79:10. Is. 37:29,35. 
 Jer. 14:7. Ez. 20.9,14. 33:21—23,32. m See on 13. Ex. 6:7. 7:5. 8:22. Dent. 29: 
 6. Ez. 6:14. 11:12. 12.16. 36:22.39:7. n Josh. 6:15. 1 Sam. 17:16. o 2 Sam. 10: 
 18. 2 Chr. 13:17. 20:23—25. 28:6. Is. 37:36. p Is. 21:18. Jer. 48:44. Am. 2:14, 
 
 present conviction, ascribed their defeat to the gods of Israel. 
 They supposed that Israel had deities, like the gods of other 
 nations, especially Jehovah, (28) to whom they ascribed a 
 limited power, within a certain district, out of which they 
 could do nothing. They had probably heard, that Jehovah 
 had displayed his glory from mount Sinai: the temple was 
 built on mount Zion: Samaria was situated on a hill; and 
 the people loved to sacrifice on high places : therefore the 
 Syrians concluded that the God of Israel was powerful upon 
 the mountains, but not in the plains ; and they foolishly 
 expected to prevail against Israel and Jehovah, by chang- 
 ing their ground. ( Note , JVum. 23:13.) No doubt, however, 
 they likewise considered the plain country as better suited to 
 their army, which was furnished with cavalry and chariots 
 of war, than to the foot soldiers of Israel. — Their other advice 
 was sensible and pertinent. The kings served rather for 
 pomp* and feasting, than for war: and it could not be expected 
 that they would either be so hearty in the cause of Syria, or 
 so observant of exact discipline, as Syrian captains, appointed 
 by the king, and desirous of signalizing themselves, would be. 
 (Mnrg. Ref. e,f.) 
 
 V. 26. Aphek lay in the lot of Asher, in the most northern 
 part of the land; ( Marg . Ref. g. Note , Josh. 19:24 — 31.) 
 and seems to have been selected as the seat of the war, 
 because the adjacent region had plains and vallies, suited to 
 Ben-hadad’s cavalry. 
 
 V. 27. It is probable, that Israel’s late miraculous victory 
 encouraged the small army, by which it was gained, to 
 accompany Ahab to the country selected by the Syrians ; 
 but no others joined them, and their appearance conveyed 
 the idea of weakness and timid : ty ; more resembling two 
 small flocks of young goats, in a desolate country, than a 
 powerful army, whirl, the occasion seemed to demand. 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 13:6,7,13—15,22.) 
 
 V. 28. Ahab and Israel, instead of deliverance, merited 
 severe vengeance : but it was proper, that the ignorance or 
 blasphemy of the Syrians should be confuted : that all might 
 know that Jehovah, the God of the whole earth, was 
 almighty in every place. (Notes, Deut. 32:26,27. Jer. 14:7— 
 Ez. 20:7 — 9. 30:32.) — Probably, this man of God informed 
 \hab, that the Lord had devote i Ben-hadad to destruction, 
 arid would deliver them into his hands, that he might execute 
 his vengeance upon him. Another prephet seems to have 
 been sent with this message ; and not he who delivered the 
 former one. 
 
 V. 29, 30. Perhaps the Israelites were encamped on a 
 hill, and the Syrians intimidated by their late defeat, did not 
 venture to attack them, notwithstanding tho\r immense supe- 
 riority in numbers, till they c^me down into tue plain. This, it 
 is probable, they did on the seventh day ; and the Lord mira- 
 
 30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; 
 and there p a wall fell upon twenty and seven 
 thousand of the men that were left. And Ben- 
 hadad “ified, and came into the city, §into an inner 
 chamber. 
 
 31 H And r his servants said unto him, Behold 
 now, we have heard that the kings of the house of 
 Israel are “merciful kings : let us, I pray thee, 'put 
 sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, 
 and go out to the king of Israel : "peradventure 
 he will save thy life. 
 
 32 So they girded sackcloth on their loins, and 
 put ropes on their heads, and came to the kins' of 
 Israel, and said, v Thy servant Ben-hadad saith, I 
 pray thee, let me live. And he said, Is he yet 
 alive ? “lie is my brother. 
 
 33 Now nhe men did diligently observe 
 whether any thing would come from him, and 
 did hastily catch it : and they said, Thy brother 
 Ben-hadad. Then he said, Go ye, bring him. 
 Then Ben-hadad came forth to him ; “and he 
 caused him to come up into the chariot. 
 
 34 And Ben-hadad said unto him, “The cities, 
 which my father took from thy father, I will 
 restore; and thou shalt make streets for thee in 
 Damascus, as my father made in Samaria. 
 Then said Ahab, I will send thee away with 
 this covenant. b So he made a covenant with 
 him, and sent him away. 
 
 35 U And a certain man “of the sons of the 
 prophets said unto his neighbour, d in the word of 
 the Lord, “Smite me, I pray thee. And the man 
 refused to smite him. 
 
 15.5.19 9:3. Luke 13:4. q 10,20. Dan. 4:37. §Or, from cho miter to chamber. 
 Heb. into n chamber within a chamber. 22:25 . 2 Chr. 18:24. r 23. 2 Kings 5: 13. 
 s Prov. 20:28. Is. 16:5. Eph. 1:7,8. t 21:27— 29. 2 Pam. 3:31. 14:2. 2 Kings 
 19:1,2. Esth. 4:1-3. Is. 22: 12. 37:1 . Jon. 3:5,6. Rev. 11:3. u2Kines7:4. 
 Esth. 4:16. Job 2:4. Matt. 10:28. v 3— 6. Job 12:17,18. 40: 1 1.12. Is. 2.11.12. 
 10:12. Dan. 5.20— 23. Ob. 3,4. x 42. 1 Sam. 15:8,20. y Prov. 25:13. Luke 
 16:8. z 2 Kings 10:15. Acts 8:31. a 15:20. 2Clir. 16:4. b 42.22:31. 2 Chr. 
 18:30. Is. 26:10. c 38. 1 Sam. 10:12. 2 Kings 2:3,5,7,15. 4:1 ,38. Am. 7:14. 
 d 13:1,2,17,18. e 37. Is. 8:18. 20:2,3. Jer. 27.2,3. Ez. 4:3. Matt. 16:24- 
 
 culously interposing, both to encourage and assist the little 
 company of Israel, and to terrify and confound the Syrians, 
 a decided victory, with prodigious slaughter of the Syrians, 
 ensued. And the survivors taking refuge in the city, by the 
 immediate interposition of the Almighty, twenty-seven thou- 
 sand were crushed by the wall, from which they expected 
 defence, falling upon them. (Josh. 6:20.) And Ben-hadad 
 concealed himself in a retired chamber. (Marg.) 
 
 V. 31 — 34. A general opinion seems to have prevailed, 
 that the princes of Israel, the people of God, were more gene- 
 rous and clement than other kings: and indeed, sentiments, 
 derived from the oracles of God, produce good effects, in this 
 respect, on multitudes who do not act habitually on religious 
 principles. — Ben-hadad’s ambassadors, appearing in his name 
 before Ahab, clothed in sackcloth, and with ropes on their 
 heads, formed a remarkable and most humiliating contrast to 
 the preceding state of affairs. Thus they acted as penitents 
 and criminals, who were sorry that they had attacked Ahab, 
 and confessed that they deserved to die for that offence. This 
 must have been a very great mortification to Ben-hadad : and 
 it was equally flattering to Ahab’s vanity ; who, seduced by 
 it, forgot both the interests of Israel, and his own real honour 
 and security. Indeed he ought, to have given God the glory 
 of his victory, and to have consulted the prophets in what 
 manner to deal with Ben-hadad. But he acknowledged this 
 wicked prince as his brother ; being more pleased with the 
 dignity of a king, than the distinction of an Israelite. ( Note , 
 1 Sam. 15:8,9.) He even treated him with respect, and made 
 a league with him upon disadvantageous terms ; and sent him 
 away, without any security, except his bare word, for the 
 performance of the treaty, and which Ben-hadad soon vio- 
 lated. (Notes, 22:2 — 31.) In all this Ahab was extremely 
 foolish, as well as deeply criminal. — The streels of Damascus 
 were probably allotted the Israelites for the purposes of 
 trade, that in them they might live unmolested according to 
 their own laws. It is probable, that the same liberty had been 
 allowed the Syrians in Samaria ; where the ido’aters were 
 at ease, when the prophets of Jehovah were cut off. 
 
 Diligently observe , ccc. (33) irn; augurotus est, divi- 
 
 navit, observavit conjectural. — Gen. 44:5,15. (Note, Gen. 44: 
 4 — 6.) Hence on; n serpent. Gen. 3:1. (Note, Gen. 3:1.) 
 These men acted with the subtlety and sagacity of the ser- 
 pent, in their conduct before Ahab. 
 
 V. 35, 36. This command was given by one of “ the sons 
 of the prophets” u in the word of the Lord,” to his neighbour, 
 or fellow, to another of the same company, who would know 
 that he spake in the name of the Lord. The refusal there- 
 fore was direct disobedience to God, which he was pl'is^d to 
 punish with immediate death, by a lion meeting and slaying 
 him. (Note, 13:23 — 32.) Ahab would doubtless hear of 
 ( 639 ) 
 
B. G. 900. 
 
 1. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 899 
 
 36 Then said he unto hirn, f Because thou hast 
 not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon 
 as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay 
 thee. And as soon as he was departed from him, 
 a lion found him, and slew him. 
 
 37 Then he found another man, and said, 
 *801116 me, I pray thee. And the man smote him, 
 'so that in smiting he wounded him. 
 
 38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the 
 king by the way, and h disguised himself with ashes 
 upon his face. 
 
 39 And as the king passed by, he cried unto 
 the king: and he said, ‘Thy servant went out into 
 the midst of the battle; and behold, a man turned 
 aside, and brought a man unto me, and said, 
 Keep this man : if by any means he be missing, 
 then shall k thy life be for his life, 'or else thou shalt 
 tpay a talent of silver. 
 
 40 And as thy servant was busy here and there, 
 the vvas gone. And the king of Israel said unto 
 him . 1 ra So shall thy judgment he ; thyself hast 
 decided it. 
 
 f 13:21 — 24,26. 1 Sam. 15:22,23. g 35. Ex. 21:12. * Heb. emit in? and wounding. 
 h 14:2. 22:3U. 2 Sam. 14:2. Matt. 6.16. i Juilg. 9:7— 2U. 2 Sam. 1*2:1 — 7. 14: 
 5— 7. Mark 12.1— 12. k 42. 2 Kings 10:24. 1 Ex. 21:30. Job 35:18. Pa. 49:7, 
 8. Prov. 6:35. 13:8. 1 Pet. 1:18,19. | Heb. weigh. J Heb. As was not. 
 
 m 2 Sam. 12.5,6. Job 15:6. Matt. 21:41 . 25:24 — 27. Luke 19:22. n 38. 2 Sam. 
 
 this event : and if one who humanely refused tb smite a pious 
 prophet at the command of God vvas thus punished ; he 
 might conclude, that he should not be spared, who disobeyed 
 God, by forming an alliance with a haughty idolatrous king, 
 whom the Lord required him to destroy. It seems that the 
 prophet intended, by being wounded, the better to personate 
 a soldier who had been in the battle, and had deserved well 
 of his king, though he had failed of his duty in one particu- 
 lar. (37) 
 
 V. 33 — 40. The prophet appeared, either as one wounded 
 in the face, and so covered with a bandage like a veil to dis- 
 guise himself, as many understand it ; or he assumed the 
 character of a mourner, being under condemnation to die, 
 seeing he could not pay the talent of silver required of him ; 
 or he united both. His account implied, that the prisoner 
 trusted to his keeping was one of superior rank ; and that his 
 officer, or captain, committed him to his care, with this in- 
 junction, or warning : yet the prisoner was gone ; and Ahab, 
 without reflecting on his own conduct, confirmed the sentence. 
 (Notes, 2 Sam. 12:1 — 7.) 
 
 V. 41, 42. As soon as Ahab discovered who the prophet 
 was, he perceived that he had been drawn in to pass sentence 
 upon himself. Ahab lost his life in fighting against Ben- 
 hadad, who did not fulfil this treaty: ( Notes , 22:3,31 — 35.) 
 and great evils came upon Israel from the Syrians, whom 
 Ahab might at this time have subjugated, or deprived of 
 power to injure them. (Notes, 2 Kings 6:25 — 29. 8:12,13. 
 10:32—36.) 
 
 V. 43. Heavy , &c.] Whilst the Lord secured his own 
 glory, and protected his people ; he deprived Ahab of all 
 satisfaction in his deliverance and victory, and filled him with 
 vexation and dismay. He did not repent of his fault, but he 
 was chagrined at the message, and enraged at the messenger. 
 Many think it was Michaiah, which is not improbable. ( Notes , 
 21:4—6. 22:8. 1 Sam. 14:45,46.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. The indignation of the Lord will surely weaken 
 and dispirit sinners : and those nations especially, which have 
 been favoured with the light of revelation, will be brought low 
 for their iniquity, when they forsake the service of God. — 
 Ungodly men delight to insult over the fallen ; success in- 
 creases their pride and insolence ; and thus they too are 
 prepared for vengeance. — Those, who most daringly rebel 
 against God, are often mere cowards when assaulted by their 
 fellow-creatures : and no extremities of affliction, or consult- 
 ing together on what they should, or should not do, will bring . 
 sinners, when left to themselves, duly to consider the real 
 causes of their distress. — Men will part with their most 
 pleasant things, which they most love, to save their temporal 
 lives : and yet they lose their souls, and incur everlasting 
 misery, rather than bestow any labour, or give up any plea- 
 sure or interest, to prevent it! (Notes, Matt. 16:24 — 28. P. 
 O. 21 — 28.) — Boasting and menacing language generally be- 
 trays a weak and foolish mind, exposes men to cutting rebukes, 
 and terminates in abject meanness and disgrace. To glory 
 in what we have done, is pride and vanity : but to glory in 
 what we will do, is extreme ignorance and folly ; for no capa- 
 city or management can ensure success. (Note, Jam. 4:13 — 
 17.) — Drunkards perform great things as far as boasting 
 words can go : and they urge one another on to rash and fool- 
 ish enterprises, which expose them in every way to detriment 
 and to ruin. — The Lord will secure his own glory, and take 
 care of his own people, notwithstanding the wickedness of 
 the great or the many : he will leave every impenitent sinner 
 without excuse; and he delights to save by unlikely instni- 
 ments, that his own power may be the more conspicuous. At 
 
 ( 640 ) 
 
 41 And he hasted, and took n the ashes awa, 
 from his face; and the king of Israel discerneu 
 hirn that he was of the prophets. 
 
 42 And lie said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, 
 “Because thou hast let go out of thy hand a man 
 whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore 
 rthy life shall go for his life, and thy people for his 
 people. 
 
 43 And the king of Israel ‘Hvent to his house 
 heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria. 
 
 CHAPTER? XXI. 
 
 Ahab covets Naboth's vineyard, and is greatly displeased , because Naboth 
 refuses to part with it, 1 — 4. Jezebel discovering this, by letters, in Aho.b } s 
 name, to the elders of Jezreel, causes Naboth to be stoned, as a blasphemer 
 5 — 14. She excites Ahab to lake possession of his vineyard, 15, 16. Elijah 
 is sent to meet Ahab, and to denounce the judgment of God against, him , and 
 his family, and Jezebel, 17 — 24. Ahab's enormous wickedness , 25, 26. He 
 externally humbles himself before God, and the judgments on his family are 
 deferred to his son's days , 27 — 29. 
 
 A ND it came to pass “after these things, that 
 Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which 
 was in b J ezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab king 
 of Samaria. 
 
 2 And Ahab spake unto Naboth, saying, “Give 
 
 13:19. Job 2:8. Jer. 6:26. o 34 . 1 Sam. 15:9— 11. p 22:31— 37. 2 Kines 6:24. 
 8:12. 2 Chr. 18:33,34. q 21:4.22-8. Eslh. 5:13. 6:12,13. Job 5:2. Frev. 19:3 
 a 20:35— 43. 2 Chr. 28:22. Etra 9:13,14. Is. 9:13. Jer. 5:3. b 18:45. Josh. 19: 
 18. Judg. 6:33. 1 Sam. 29:1. Hoa. 1:4,5. c Gen. 3:6. Ex. 20:17. Deni. 5:21. 
 1 Sam. 8:14. Jer. 2217. Hab.2:9— 11. Luke 12:15. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. Jam. 1:14,15. 
 
 some seasons, the convictions of the most abandoned may get 
 an advantage over their lusts : for a time they may be restrain- 
 ed from iniquity, may do many things according to the com- 
 mand of God, and even regard the admonitions of his minis- 
 ters : thus they are sometimes externally favoured ; that they 
 may experience the different effect of obedience and of dis- 
 obedience, for their deeper condemnation, if they relapse info 
 their former crimes. — The Lord inspires counsel and courage, 
 or sends infatuation and dismay, as he pleases : so that ihe 
 battle is not to the strong ; but all calculations are strangely 
 proved erroneous, when this secret influence is not taken into 
 the account. (Note, Ec. 9:11,12.) 
 
 V. 22 — 43. Fallen man has very confused, absurd, and 
 dishonourable apprehensions of the divine attributes. He 
 conceives of God, as if he were such an one as himself, and 
 is thus emboldened to persist in his rebellion : and the most 
 consummate wisdom, in worldly concerns, often unites with 
 the most contemptible ignorance on religious subjects. — To 
 silence the blasphemies, or to expose the mistakes of his ene- 
 mies, the Lord sometimes gives temporary success to those 
 who, in another way, despise his warnings and disobey his 
 precepts : but he will not countenance them in their crimes, 
 nor let them finally escape condign punishment. — The whole 
 creation is at war with those who fight against God ; and he 
 will surely render contemptible, as well as miserable, the 
 haughtiest of them. — The ambitious are pleased with abject 
 submissions and adulation ; and love the society of the most 
 wicked men, who will stoop low enough to them. Thus they 
 are seduced and bribed, not only to disregard the will of God, 
 and to prefer the friendship of his enemies ; hut to forego the 
 most solid temporal advantages to themselves and their con- 
 nexions, for the sake of empty words and fair professions ! 
 It indeed becomes all to be merciful ; and clemency is the 
 ornament of royalty, especially of the kings of Israel, the 
 rulers of God’s people: yet clemency to notorious criminals, 
 whilst those who love and serve God are treated with cruelty, 
 is strangely inconsistent ; to pretend to be more merciful than 
 the Lord, by sparing those whom he commands to be put to 
 death, is an awful presumption ; and to regard those as 
 brethren, whom he has doomed to u utter destruction,” is an 
 evidence of great impiety. — In every thing the Lord demands 
 implicit obedience ; even the plea of compassion will not 
 excuse rebellion against his will : and, by severe temporal 
 judgments on such as have committed lighter offences, ho 
 loudly speaks terror to more atrocious criminals ; whom ho 
 will at length constrain to decide against themselves. And 
 whatever prosperity they may in the mean time obtain, it will 
 be embittered to them by what they feel, and what they fear ; 
 for “there is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” — But 
 may we not here, by an allowable accommodation, hint some 
 profitable instructions ? Tho convinced sinner, not daring 
 any longer to persist in his impotent contest against tho 
 Almighty; and unable to flee from him, or to purchase his 
 forgiveness and favour, is almost, reduced to despair. Then 
 he nears a report of mercy, abounding in Christ Jesus to the 
 chief of sinners ; and in hopes of obtaining a free salvation, 
 with penitent tears and humiliating confessions, he cries out, 
 “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” Becoming acquainted 
 with the gracious appellations of Father, Brother, and Friend 
 of sinners, and the exceedingly great and precious promises 
 contained in tho Scripture ; lie diligently observes, and eagerly 
 catches them, as it were, from tho Saviour’s lips, and pleads 
 them in humble prayer. Thus he obtains forgiveness ; tho 
 everlasting covenant is made with him, and all the blessings 
 of the gospel are secured to him: at the same time, he yields 
 himself to tho Lord to be his servant, and love constrains him 
 
B C. 809. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 899 
 
 me t'ny vineyard, that I may have it for d a garden 
 of herbii, because it is near unto my house : and 
 I will give thee for it a better vineyard than it; 
 or if it 'seem* good to thee, I will give thee the 
 worth of it in money. 
 
 3 And Naboth said to Ahab, 'The Lord forbid 
 it mt , that f 1 should give the inheritance of my 
 fathers unto thee. 
 
 4 And Abab came into his bouse eheavy and 
 displeased, because of the word which Naboth 
 the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, 
 h I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. 
 ‘And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned 
 away his face, and would eat no bread. 
 
 5 But k Jezebel his wife came to him, and said 
 unto him, 'Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou 
 eatest no bread ? 
 
 6 And he said unto her, ’"Because I spake unto 
 Naboth the Jezreelite, and said unto him, Give 
 me thy vineyard for money ; or else, if it please 
 thee, I will give thee another vineyard for it : and 
 he answered, "I will not give thee my vineyard. 
 
 7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, °Dost 
 
 thou now govern the kingdom of Israel ? Arise, 
 and eat bread, and let thy heart be merry : H 
 will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jez- 
 reelite. [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 8 So sshe wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and 
 
 .1 2 King6 9:27. Dent. 11:10. Ec. 2:5. Cant. 4:15. * Heb.be poor/ in thine 
 
 eves. Gen. 16:5. I Sam. 8:6. 29:6. margins, e Gen. 44:7,17. Josh. 22:29. 24: 
 16. 1 Sam. 12:23.21:6.26:9— 11. 1 Cbr. 11:19. Job 27:5. Rom. 3:4,6,31. 6:2,15. 
 7:7,13. 1 Cor. 6:15. Gal. 6:14. f Lev. 25 $3. Num. 36:7. Ez. 46:18. g See on 
 20:43. Is. 57:20,21. Jon. 1:1,9. h See on 3. Num. 22:13,14. iGen.4:5*-8. 
 
 Sam. 13:2,4. Ec. 6:9. 7:8,9. Eph. 4:27. Jam. 1:14,15. k 25. 16:31 . 18:4. 19:2. 
 Gen. 3-6. 1 2 Sam. 13:4. Nell. 2:2. Esth. 4:5. m S«eon2. Esth. 5:9— 14. 6: 
 12,13. Prov. 11:30. 1 Tim. 6:9,10. Jam. 4:2—7. n See on 3,4. o 1 Sam. 8*14. 
 2 Sam. 13:4. Prov. 30:31. Ec. 4:1. 8:4. Dan. 5:19— 21. p 15.16. Mic.2:l,2.7: 
 3. q 2 Sam. 11:14,15. 2 Chr. 32:17. Ezra 4:7,8,11. Neh. 6:5. Esth. 3: 12— 15. 
 8:8—13. r Num. 11:16. Deut. 16:18,19. 21:1-9. si. 2 Kings 10:1— 7,11. 
 
 to live to his glory. — But alas! most that hear these glad 
 tidings are busy here and there, till the day of salvation is 
 gone ; and, not having wherewithal to ransom their souls, they 
 must spend eternity in unavailing lamentations and despair. 
 Nay, even true believers are often so taken up with trifles, as 
 tc let Seasons of important usefulness glide away unimproved, 
 to the loss both of themselves and of others. May the Lord 
 “ teach us so to number our days, that we may apply our 
 hearts unto wisdom !” 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XXI. V. 1, 2. Ahab had not long 
 before _ lost an opportunity of enlarging, securing, and 
 improving his dominions; and now he coveted Naboth’s vine- 
 yard, to make him an additional kitchengarden, or pleasure- 
 garden! He seemed, however, to propose equitable terms 
 to the possessor ; but his fault lay in desiring it in an inordi- 
 nate manner. (Notes, £*.20:17. Rom. 7:7—12.) 
 
 V. 3. Naboth seems to have been a conscientious man, 
 and a worshipper of Jehovah, which might render Jezebel 
 the more determined on his destruction. (Note, 8 — 14.) He 
 valued his vineyard as “ the inheritance of his fathers,” 
 originally assigned to them by the Lord himself. He might, 
 if in want, have leased out, or mortgaged , his estate till the 
 year of jubilee: (Notes, Lev. 25:23—28. Num. 36:1—0.) 
 but this was not the case ; and he was sensible, that if his 
 vineyard became a part of the royal gardens, it would never 
 revert to his family. The Lord had forbidden him to alien- 
 ate his land: and he plainly gave Ahab the true reason, why 
 he could not comply with his desires ; for he would rather 
 seem uncourteous, or offend his prince, than transgress the 
 ■aw of God : whatever otherwise he might have been disposed 
 to do. 
 
 The IjotcI forbid it me.] "tm k n‘"kn. 1 nS'brt, profa- 
 nitas ; profanum ; vox aliquid abominatis. Respondet Gratcis 
 pn ytvoiro .’ Robertson— Gen. 18:25. Josh. 22:29. 24:16. 1 
 Sam. 24:7. 2 Sam. 23:17. Heb. The word implies the idea 
 ’f impiety ; and Naboth seems to have started back from the 
 proposal, with aversion and alarm, as from a temptation to a 
 heinous sin. 
 
 V. 4 — 8. ( Note, 20:43.) Ahab, a victorious and prosper- 
 ous king, was filled with anguish and vexation, because he 
 met with a denial in so small a matter ! Such was the conflict 
 of his passions, that he lay down, and, either through sickness 
 or sulleiwess, would not taste food 1 He greatly desired the 
 vineyard. His pride was intolerably offended, that one of 
 his own subjects should peremptorily refuse to comply with 
 1. s proposal ; he was ashamed to yield the point in contest ; 
 and he was afraid of proceeding to extremities. The effects 
 of these conflicting passions made him very miserable : yet it 
 ;s probable he would not have attempted violence against 
 Naboth, had not “Jezebel his wife stirred him up.” (Notes, 
 Esth. 5:13,14.) — It is observable, that in relating the cause of 
 nis disquietude, Ahab made no mention of Naboth’s conscien- 
 tious reason for his refusal ; but stated it as if it had been 
 entirely the effect of insolence and obstinacy 1 
 
 V. 7. It was indeed unworthy of the king of Israel to 6 et 
 
 Vol. I. — 81 
 
 sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters 
 unto ' the elders and to 'l he nobles that were in 
 his city, dwelling with Naboth. 
 
 9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, ‘Pro- 
 claim a fast, and set Naboth 'on high among the 
 people : 
 
 10 And set “two men, "sons of Belial, before 
 him, to bear witness against him, saying, rThou 
 didst blaspheme God and the king. And then 
 carry him out, and stone him, that lie may die 
 
 1 1 And the men of his city, even the elders and 
 the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, 
 'did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was 
 written in the letters which she had sent unto 
 them. 
 
 12 They “proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on 
 high among the people. 
 
 13 And there came in two men, children of 
 Belial, and sat before him : and b the men of Belial 
 witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in 
 the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did 
 “blaspheme God and d the king. Then 'they 
 carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him 
 with stones, that lie died. 
 
 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, f Naboth 
 is stoned, and is dead. 
 
 15 IT And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard 
 that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that 
 
 t Gen. 31:13— 17. Is. 58:4. Matt. 2:8.23:14. Luke 20:47. Jolm 18:28. 1 Hel) 
 in the top of the people. u See on Deut. 19:15. Matl. 26:59,60. Acts6:ll. 
 x See on Dent. 13:13. Judg. 19:22. y Ex. 22:28. Lev. 24: 15,16. Alatt. 26:65, 
 66. John 10:33. Acts 6:13. z Ex. 1:17,21. 23:1,2. Lev. 19:15. 1 Sam. 22: 17,18. 
 23:20. 2 Kings 10:6.7. 2 Chr. 24:21. Prov. 29: 12,26. Dan. 3: 18— 25. Hus. 5:11. 
 Mic. 6:16. Matt. 2:12,16. Acts 4:19. 5:29. a See on 8— 10. b Deut. 5:20. 19: 
 16 — 21. Ps. 27:12. 35:11. Prov. 6: 19. 19:5,9. 25: 18. Mark 14:56— 59. c Job 1:5. 
 11.2.9. Matt. 9:3. Acts 6:11,13. d Ec. 10:20. Is. 8:21. Am. 7:10. Luke 23:2. 
 John 19:12. Acts 24:5. e Lev. 24:11— 16. Num. 15:35,36. Deut. 13:10. 21:21. 
 22:21,24. Josh. 7:24,25. 2 Kings 9:26. Acts 7:58,59. f 2 Sam. 11:14— 24. Ec. 5: 
 8.8:14. 
 
 himself about such a trifle. But this base woman meant to 
 rouse her husband *to gratify both his covetousness and 
 revenge. ( Notes , 2 Sam. 13:1 — 4.) She intimated, that he 
 was incapable of managing a kingdom as it became a king, 
 if he hesitated to seize on Naboth’s vineyard, and to punish 
 his insolence. (Note, John 11:49 — 53.) ‘What! hast thou 
 not power to crush such an adversary ? Arise and enjoy 
 thyself, and leave the business with me ; I will speedily set- 
 tle it to thy satisfaction.’ This was her evident meaning, to 
 which Ahab made no objection or opposition. 
 
 V. 8 — 14. Jezebel wrote in Ahab’s name; and sealed 
 
 the letters with his seal, which it seems he allowed her to 
 use when and as she pleased. Thus the elders of Jezreel 
 were required to obey her directions, as they valued the 
 king’s favour. She represented Naboth as a dangerous crimi- 
 nal, who must be taken off, without a particular inquiry into 
 the nature of his offence: yet, as he bore a fair character, 
 some charge must be brought against him, which might prevent 
 the people from taking umbrage at his execution. A fast 
 must therefore be proclaimed ; as if some horrid wicked- 
 ness had been discovered, which threatened the city with 
 divine judgments, till solemnly expiated. (Note, Is. 58:3,4.) 
 This would excite general consternation : and on the day 
 appointed, Naboth must be apprehended; and “men of 
 Belial” procured, (that is, men wholly unprincipled, and free 
 from all restraints of conscience, who would do any thing for- 
 hire ;) to testify that he had blasphemed God and the king: 
 thus he would be condemned to be stoned for the blasphemy ; 
 for the treasonable words his estate would be confiscated; 
 and the elders were required to see the sentence immediately 
 executed. These infamous orders were as infamously 
 obeyed, without hesitation or reluctance ; and by elders and 
 nobles of Israel, though in contempt of all religion, law and 
 justice ! — It seems they stoned Naboth’s sons also, that there 
 might be none to avenge his death, or to demand his estate. 
 (2 Kings 9:26.) When Jezebel cut off the Lord’s prophets,, 
 she had doubtless inured the magistrates to similar practices, 
 and rewarded their wickedness: so that she did not fear a 
 refusal from the elders of Jezreel. They also knew from 
 whom the orders came, and reported the execution of them 
 to Jezebel, not to Ahab. The elders of the same city, not 
 long after, paid as implicit an obedience to Jehu’s orders, in 
 putting to death seventy of Ahab’s descendants. (2 Kings 
 10:3—10.) 
 
 Nobles. (8) : (from album esse, albcscere ; Robert- 
 
 son:) candidi, candidate. , togati. — Didst blaspheme. (10) 
 ro"0. Note, Job 1:5. 
 
 V. 15, 16. Ahab proved, that he was pleased with ine 
 conduct of Jezebel and her agents; and indeed.he made it his 
 own, by readily going in person to take possession of the 
 estate, for which the atrocious murder had been committed. 
 (Note, 17—19.) 
 
 Y. 17 — 19. Other prophets or sons of the prophets had 
 been sent upon ordinary messages to Ahab : but Elijah 
 himself was employed on this occasion, whose very presence 
 
 ( 641 ) 
 
B. C. 899. 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. (J. 899. 
 
 Jezebel said -*> Aliab, «Arise, take possession of 
 the vineyard ol Naboth the Jezreelite, which he 
 refused to give thee for money : for Naboth is not 
 alive, but dead. 
 
 Ib H And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that 
 Naboth was dead, that h Ahab rose up to go down 
 to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take 
 
 possession of it. I Practical Observations.] 
 
 17 H And 'the word of the Lord came to Elijah 
 the Tishbite, saying, 
 
 18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, 
 ’'which is in Samaria : behold, he is in the vine- 
 yard of Naboth, whither he is gone down to 
 possess it. 
 
 19 And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus 
 saith the Lord, ’Hast thou killed, and also taken 
 possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, 
 saying, Thus saith the Lord, m In the place where 
 dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick 
 thy blood, even thine. 
 
 20 And Ahab said to Elijah, "Hast thou found 
 me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have 
 found thee : because “thou hast sold thyself Pto 
 work evil in the sisrht of the Lord. 
 
 21 Behold, 'll will bring evil upon thee, and will 
 take away thy posterity, and will cut off from 
 Ahab r him that pisseth against the wall, and “him 
 that is shut up and left in Israel, 
 
 e Seem 7. h 2 Sam. 1:13—16.4:9—12. 11:25—27.23:15—17. Ps. 50:18. Is. 
 33:15. OUad. 12—14. Rom. 1:32. 3 Pet. 2:15. i 2 Kings 1:15,16. 5:25. P*. 
 9:12. Is. 26.21. k 13:32. 2Chr.22:9. 1 Gen. 3:11. 4:9,10. 2 Sam. 13:9. 
 
 Mic. 3:1—4. Mab. 2:9.12. rn 22:38. Jutlg. 1:7. 2 Sam. 12:11. 2 Kinks 9:25.26. 
 Esili. 7:10. Pe. 7:15,16. 9:16. 58:10,11. n 18:17. 22.8. 2 Chr. 18:7,17. Am. 5:10. 
 Mirk 12:12. Gal. 4:16. Rev. 11:10. o 25. 2 Kings 17:17. Is. 50:1. 52:3. Horn. 
 7:14. p 16:30. 2 Kings 21:2. 2Chr. 33:6. Eph. 4:19. q See on 14:10. Ex. 20: 
 5. 2 Kings 9:7— 9. 10:1 — 7,11-14,17,30. r See on 1 Sam. 25 22,34. s Dent. 
 32:36. 2 Kings 9:8,9. 11:26. t 15:29.16:3,4,11. u See on 14:16. 15:30,34. 16: 
 25. v See on 25. 2 Kings 9: 10,30 — 37. • Or, ditch, x 14:11.16:4. Is. 14:19. 
 
 would dismay the proud tyrant, and whose strong faith and 
 intrepid spirit qualified him for such a service. (Notes, 18: 
 17 — 20.) In the very vineyard of Naboth, even whilst Ahab 
 was seizing on his prey, and surrounded by his officers, the 
 prophet delivered this message to him, for his deeper morti- 
 fication, and that it might be more noticed by others. He 
 directly charged Ahab with the murder of Naboth, nor did he 
 attempt to deny it, or to excuse himself. The prediction, 
 that dogs should lick the blood of Ahab, certainly implied 
 that he would be cut off by a violent death : but the expres- 
 sion, “in the place where, &c.” occasions considerable diffi- 
 culty ; because the city Samaria was at some distance from 
 Jezreel. Some learned men think that the word rendered 
 “the place where,” may mean, in like manner as: but 
 this signification of the original word is unprecedented. 
 Others suppose, that the word place is taken in a large 
 sense, for all the adjacent region ; and so includes Samaria, 
 where Ahab dwelt, and where he was buried ; as well as the 
 city of Jezreel. (22:37,38.) But may we not say, that, as 
 dogs licked the blood of Ahab, literally , when his chariot was 
 washed in the pool of Sa^naria ; so they licked his blood, as 
 flowing through and from the veins of his son Jorarn, when 
 Joram was slain by Jehu, and his body thrown into this very 
 spot? (Note, 2 Kings 9:25,26.) 
 
 V. 20. After the slaughter of Baal’s prophets, and Eli- 
 jah’s flight from Jezebel, Ahab had returned to his wicked 
 course of life, and he shunned the prophet as his worst 
 enemy: and it does not appear, that Elijah had seen him 
 since those events. (Notes, 22:8,9.) Before indeed Ahab 
 had bestowed much pains to find the prophet: but being 
 now determined in idolatry, and yet afraid of him, whose 
 prayers had called for drought upon the land, and fire and 
 rain from heaven', (Notes, 17:1. 18:38,39,41 — 44.) and espe- 
 
 cially still feeling in his conscience the anguish of his cutting 
 rebukes, he even trembled at the thoughts of him. Others, 
 called prophets* had come to him with milder messages, anil 
 he thought them more friendly; but Elijah’s severity could 
 not be mollified. His presence therefore on this occasion 
 surprised, offended, and affrighted him; and when “his enemy 
 had found him,” he expected not to go well away, but to hoar 
 some awful judgment denounced against him, for his recent 
 transgression. — Nor did Elijah deny that he was an enemy to 
 'his wickedness : he neither paid respect to him, nor was in- 
 timidated by his anger or power. He had found him, as a 
 thief caught in the fact; and, in the name of God, he de- 
 nounced the most tremendous sentence of condemnation on 
 him and on his posterity. (Note, Jer. 2:26 — 30.) For Ahab 
 had “ sold himself” as a uniting slave to his lusts. This is very 
 different from “being sold under sin so that through the 
 remaining power of corrupt nature, a man who “ delights in 
 I he law of God,” and hates all sin, yet “ cannot do the things 
 that he would.” In the former case, the slavery is voluntary, 
 the will itself is enslaved ; in the latter, it is involuntary, and 
 .s a man’s grief and distress. “ To will is present with me: 
 out howto perform that which is good, I find not.” — “Oh 
 wretched man that I am.” (Notes, Rom. 7:13 — 25.) 
 
 ( C42 ) 
 
 22 And will ’make thy house like the house ot_ 
 Jeroboam the son of'Nebat, and like the house of 
 Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the provocation 
 wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, ana 
 “made Israel to sin. 
 
 23 And of ’Jezebel also spake the Lord, saying. 
 The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the ’wall of Jezreel. 
 
 24 Him “that dieth of Ahab in the city the 
 dogs shall eat: and him that dieth in the field 
 shall the fowls of the air eat. 
 
 25 But rthere was none like unto Ahab, which 
 did “sell -himself to work wickedness in the sight 
 of the Lord, “whom Jezebel his wife ’stirred up. 
 
 26 And he did b verv abominably in following 
 idols, “according to all things as did the Amorites, 
 whom the Lord cast out before the children o I 
 Israel. 
 
 27 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard 
 those words, that d he rent his clothes, and put 
 sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and “lay in 
 sackcloth, and f went softly. 
 
 28 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah 
 the Tishbite, saying, 
 
 29 sSeest thou how ''Aliab humbleth himselt 
 before me ? because he humbleth himself before 
 me, ‘I will not bring k the evil in his days: but 
 ‘in his son’s days will I bring the evil upon his 
 house. 
 
 Jer. 15:8. Ex. 32:4,5. 39:18— 20. Rev. 19:18. y 16:30— 33. 2 King823:25. 
 7 See on 20. 2 King. 17:17. Is. 50:1. 52 3. Rum. 6:19. 7:14. a 7. 11:1—1. 18: 
 31. 18:4. 19:2. Piov. 22:14. Ec. 7:26. Mark 6:17—2). Acts 6 12. 14:2. t Or, 
 incited, b 2 Chr. 15:8. Is. 65:4. Jer. 16:18.44:4. Ex. 18:12. I Pa. 4.3. Rev. 
 2118. c Gen. 15:16. Lev. 18:25— 30. 20:22,23. Dei, t. 12:31. 2 King. 16:3.21:2, 
 II. 2 Chr. 33:2,9. 36:14. Kara 9:11— 14. Pa. 106:3.5— 39. Ex. 16.47. d Gen. 
 37:34. 2 Klin's 6:30, 31. 18:37. Jon. 3:6. i 2 Sam. 12:17. Job 1615. Is. 22:12. 
 58:5-8. Joel. 1:13. f Is. 38:15. g Jer. 7:17. Luke 7:44. Ii Ex . 10:3. Ps. 18: 
 44.66:3. margins. 78-34—37. i Ps. 86:15. Ex. 33:10,11. Mic. 7:18. Rom. 2:4 
 2 Pet. 3:9. k See on 21—23. 1 2 Kings 9:25.26,33—37. 10:1—7,11. 
 
 Thou hast sold thyself.] "p-onn ; 25. — / have sold: 
 orvooj yc have sold yourselves, rr have been sold. Is. 50:1. 
 
 V. 21, 22. Marg. Ref. Notes , 14:9-11. 16:2—6. 
 
 V. 23. This circumstance not. only predicted the dreadful 
 manner in which Jezebel should be slain, but denoted the 
 worst punishment of sin to be after death. (Note, 2 Kings 
 9:30 — 37.) — Jezreel .] In the very place in which Naboth 
 had been murdered. If Jezebel attended Aljab on this occa- 
 sion, it was, as far as is recorded, the only time in which 
 Elijah spake in her presence. 
 
 V. 25, 26. Ahab’s crime in respect of Naboth, was not a 
 detached part of his conduct, contrary to the general course 
 of his life, as David’s sin in the rmUter of Uriah had been : 
 but it was a specimen of his continued rebellion against God : 
 (Note, Rom. 7:15 — 17.) and the gross and open idolatry to 
 which Jezebel had first stirred him up, was even more abo- 
 minable in the sight of God than his murder and other crimes. 
 Having sold himself to w ork wickedness in the sight of the 
 Lord, as if in contempt and defiance of him, he was openly, 
 constantly, and diligently employed in it , as a slave is in his mas- 
 ter’s business ; and it was requisite that his punishment should 
 be as notorious as his crimes had been. (Marg. Ref. U, 1.) 
 
 V. 27—29. Ahab was greatly terrified at Elijah’s mes- 
 sage ; and at the severe, determined, and solemn manner in 
 which he delivered it : but his humiliation was superficial, and 
 productive of external observances only. He did not, that 
 we find, so much as restore Naboth’s vineyard to his heirs ; 
 much less did he put aw ay Jezebel, or renounce idolatry, and 
 establish the worship of God. But lie rent his clothes, wore 
 sackcloth, and lay in it, fasted, and appeared in public with 
 the dejected air of a penitent. — However, though his humi- 
 liation was formal and hypocritical, it acknowledged the jus- 
 tice of God, and his ow n sin, and put an outward honour on 
 the divine law. Neither Jeroboam nor Baasha had even 
 thus far humbled themselves. Inadequate as it. was, Ahab 
 would have acted still worse, if he had vindicated and gloried 
 in his crimes, or attempted to put the prophet to death : and 
 therefore the Lord recompensed his outward temporary re- 
 pentance with a similar rew ard ; for he granted him a respite 
 of the judgment, as far as it respected his family, and spared 
 him the anguish of witnessing the slaughter of his children. 
 
 1 Accordingly, it was his son’s blood, not his, which was 
 licked up by the dogs, in the portion of Jezreel.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, 17 — 19.) — Jezebel was too hardened to show any 
 svmptoms of remorse on this, or any other occasion. (Note, 
 Acts 24:24—27.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. Tt is natural to us, as fallen creatures, to hanker 
 after those things which are withheld from us; and every 
 accession of wealth or prosperity, increases the violence of 
 this propensity. The commandment indeed, which forbids us 
 to covet, “ is holy, just, and good,” the fence of our neigh- 
 bour’s property, and of our own pence and integrity. (Note. 
 Ex. 20:17.) But alas! “ it is wtuk through the flesh and 
 the impetuous torrent of our lusts easily bursts the salutary 
 Carrier, and rages the more for having been opposed. (Note. 
 
B. C. 897. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 B. C. 897 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 jihab persuades Jehoshaphat to go with him against Ramoth-gilead , l — 4. Jc - 
 hosh/iphat proposes to inquire of the LORD ; and the false prophets assure 
 AhaJ> of success , 5—7. Ai Jehoshaphat' s request Micaiah , whom Ahab hates, 
 is sent for , 8—12. The messenger's advice to Micaiah , and his answer , 13, 
 14. Micaiah , adjured by Ahab to declare the truth, predicts his death , and 
 shows that his prophets are deceived by a lying spirit , 15 — 23. Hr is reviled, 
 emit en, and sunt to prison, 24 — 28. Jehoshaphat goes to battle in his robes, 
 but Ahab in disguise, 29, 30. Jehoshaphat, mistaken fur Ahab, narrowly 
 escapes; Afuib is mortally wounded ; and the people are dispersed by pro- 
 clamation, 31 — 36. Ahab airs ; and dogs lick his blood, 37 — 38. The acts of 
 Ahab, who is succeeded by Ahaziah, 39, 40. Jehoshaphat' s good reign and 
 tets, 41 — 49. he dies, and is succeeded by Jehoram, 50. Ahaziah' s wicked 
 reign, 51 — 63. 
 
 A ND “they continued three years without war 
 between Syria and Israel. 
 
 bS«o. 20:34. b 1. Mult. 12:10. 16:21. c 41 , 44. See on 15:21. 2 Kingt 8:18. 
 SChr. 18:1,2. d 4:13. Deut.4:43. Josh. 20:8. * Heb. silent from taking it. 
 
 Judg. 16:2. 2 Sam. 19:10. margins, e 2 Kings 3:7. 2 Chr. 18:3. f2Chr. 19:2. 
 
 Rom. 8:3,4.) Yet every violation of the precept proves its 
 excellency ; as indulged concupiscence opens the door to 
 temptations, makes way for the most atrocious crimes, and 
 prepares misery and destruction for every one who stands in 
 the way of its gratification. If fair means fail to procure the 
 object of inordinate desires, fraud or violence must be em- 
 ployed. — Pride cannot brook opposition; every plea of con- 
 science is treated as mere pretence ; and the best intended 
 actions, of the most blameless and excellent persons, are 
 ascribed to the worst of motives. But such passions are ser- 
 pents cherished in a man’s bosom, the bite of which inflicts 
 exquisite torture and death. — Vain indeed are earthly advan- 
 tages, if the want of a coveted spot of ground for a garden, 
 and the supercilious or conscientious behaviour of an inferior, 
 can rob a prosperous monarch of all his comfort, and render 
 him sick with rage and vexation ! ( Note , Esth. 5:13.) This, 
 however, is wholly the effect of men’s lusts and passions, 
 which, like children, are always most restless when most in- 
 dulged. Providential blessings well answer the end for which 
 they were intended, but cannot form a rational creature’s 
 felicity : and that degree of contradiction or disappointment, 
 which would scarcely cause a humble man to heuve one sigh, 
 will break a proud man’s heart. We should beware then of 
 covetousness, pride, anger, envy, and discontent : we should 
 “ watch and pray that we may not enter into temptation 
 we should aim to make the spiritual precept, “ thou shalt not 
 covet,” the barrier in our hearts , as well as in the law of God, 
 against the violation of the other commandments; and not 
 allow ourselves so to desire things lawful, as not to be able 
 to brook a denial or disappointment. (Note, Matt. 5:27,28.) 
 Our more intimate connexions are in these respects of the 
 highest importance. In the married state we expect, and 
 should reciprocally impart, sympathy, counsel, encourage- 
 ment, and assistance: but when, instead of a prudent and 
 pious counsellor, a man has a factor for Satan in the form of 
 an artful, unprincipled, and beloved woman, what fatal effects 
 may not be expected ! u Be ye not therefore unequally 
 yoked with unbelievers.” It is hard to relate facts respecting 
 ourselves with simplicity and impartiality ; but much more 
 difficult to restrain those within the strict limits of equity, who 
 are able to seize on the objects of their desires, without fear 
 of being called to account before any human tribunal. Hence 
 rapines and oppressions have disgraced human nature, and 
 desolated the earth, in all ages ; every resistance to the will 
 of a superior, however reasonable, conscientious, and mild, 
 has been condemned as rebellion ; and this has occasioned 
 assassinations, massacres, or public executions. A little 
 acquaintance with history, and with human nature, will ter- 
 minate our astonishment at such transactions ; for u nothing is 
 new under the sun:” but they must ever excite our regret, our 
 compassion, and our indignation. 
 
 V. 8—16. The most, flagrant injustice has generally been 
 committed under the colour of legal forms; and the most 
 horrid crimes have been perpetrated under the mask of piety: 
 because the show of these good things hides the deformity of 
 such transactions as otherwise could never be endured. 
 ( Notes , Matt. 23:14,25 — 28.) — Many command and reward 
 villany, who in their hearts despise and det-est the merce- 
 nary wretches whom they employ. (Note, Matt. 27:3 — 5.) 
 It is grievous that men of Belial abound even in the lower 
 orders of society; but most horrible when judges and nobles 
 deserve this harsh appellation. Yet there will always be 
 found those in every rank who will prostitute their talents, 
 influence, and conscience, to the tyrant who rewards iniquity. 
 ( Notes, Ps. 58:1,2. 82:2—4. Ez. 22:27,28. Mic. 2:1—3. 
 7:1—4. Matt. 2(3:57 — 62.) Let us then bless God for a 
 limited government, and for security from such outrages of 
 oppression: though, even in Britain, men of Belial, by false 
 testimony and perjury, may deprive us of our property, our 
 liberty, our reputation, or our lives. We should therefore 
 commit all that is dear to us to the Lord’s keeping ; seek 
 hose good things which cannot be taken from us; and wait 
 *ith cheerful patience for that approaching judgment, when 
 all iniquitous sentences shall be reversed. And let judges, 
 juries, and witnesses beware of being warped in their deci- 
 sions, verdicts, or testimony, by fear, affection, or interest : 
 for those, who now are placed upon the tribunal, must shortly 
 stand at the bar, to answer before a heart-searching, impar- 
 tial Judge, for their conduct in their important stations. — 
 Those who rejoice in iniquity, and gladly seize on the profit 
 
 2 And it came to pass *in the third year, tha: 
 “Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to me 
 king of Israel. 
 
 3 And the king of Israel said unto his servants 
 Know ye that 'Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we 
 be 'still, and take it not out of the hand of the 
 king of Syria? 
 
 4 And he said unto Jehoshaphat, “Wilt thou go 
 with me to battle to Ramoth-gilead? And Jeho- 
 shaphat said to the king of Israel, f I am as thou 
 art, my people as thy people, my horses as thy 
 horses. 
 
 Ps. 139:21,22. Pror. 13:20. 1 Cor. 15:33. 2 Cor. 6:16,11. Epk.5:ll. 2 John 11. 
 Rev. 2:2.6. 
 
 derived from the crimes of others, will be condemned equally 
 with the perpetrators: and the triumphing of the wicked in 
 the success of their villany, resembles the flash of lightning, 
 which leaves the night more dark and gloomy than before : 
 for the Lord beholds and is displeased ; and his tremendous 
 threatenings are only preludes to his more tremendous ven- 
 geance. 
 
 V. 17 — 29. Such ministers of God as are most decidedly 
 faithful, must expect to be deemed morose, and even malevo- 
 lent, by sinners, whose consciences have been galled with 
 their plain warnings and rebukes, but whose hearts are 
 wedded to their lusts. Men of this character often count the 
 very persons to be their enemies, whose hearts bleed with 
 compassion for them, and whose secret prayers in their 
 behalf are recorded before God, as a demonstration of their 
 disinterested love for them. Indeed this appears in their 
 being willing rather to incur their keenest resentment, than 
 cease their endeavours to save their souls. If men allow that 
 they hate the minister for his faithfulness, they condemn 
 themselves ; but if they dislike him for his excessive severity, 
 and his ill-nature, they are perfectly excusable: and what 
 sinner would not wish to stand fair with his own conscience, 
 and with society? (Note, 22:8.) On the other hand, im- 
 penitent sinners often account those to be their friends, who 
 speak smooth things, and help them to deceive themselves, 
 and are very lavish in their commendation, by way of con- 
 trasting them with those whom they deem their enemies ; 
 that it may be thought they love religion, while they hate its 
 firmest friends. — But “ the man of God” will neither desire 
 the applause, nor fear the reproach, of those who have “ sold 
 themselves to work wickedness,” and evince that they are 
 the enemies of God and holiness. His testimony will one 
 day find out those who have rejected it to their condemnation. 
 Terrible things may come upon the willing slaves of sin in 
 this woild ; but they will surely receive its awful wages in 
 the second death. (Note, Rev. 20:11 — 15.) — At the tribunal 
 of God, the difference will be manifest to all men, between 
 the most lamentable falls of true believers, and the habitual 
 wickedness of ungodly men ; and between true repentance 
 and all external, partial, and temporary appearances of it. — 
 Before the searching word of God, the most hardened con- 
 science (with very few exceptions) will sometimes be dis- 
 quieted, and the stoutest, hearts tremble ; and for a season 
 sinners will speak and act as if truly penitent. But “ by their 
 fruits ye sTiall know them:” and as the heart remains un- 
 changed, nature will soon return to that course from which 
 it has been violently forced ; so that relapses into former ini- 
 quities, with continuance and quietness, will evince such 
 hopeful appearances to be widely different from “ that repent- 
 ance, which is unto salvation not to be repented of.” Yet, 
 as these concessions outwardly yield the point in contest, 
 and are thus honourable to God, he will notice and recom- 
 pense them with respites and outward benefits. So that, 
 whilst we are warned to beware of counterfeits, we are en- 
 couraged by the abounding grace of God, which lie will never 
 withhold from the upright humble soul ; seeing he so delights 
 in mercy, that he extends it even to wicked men, as far as 
 consists with his justice, holiness, truth, and wisdom. W e 
 may also be animated to abound in the work of the Lord, 
 assured that our labour will not be in vain ; since lie even 
 recompenses in kind the formal services of his enemies. And 
 finally, may we seek the blessings of the new covenant for the 
 good of ourselves, and of our children after us ; whilst wicked 
 tn^fi Meave their inheritance tp their posterity, burdened with 
 the curse of God ; and ensure destruction to their own souls. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXII. V. 1. Three years.] During 
 this time Ben-hadad was, no doubt, recruiting his forces, and 
 preparing for war ; having by no means adhered to the treaty 
 which Ahab had made with him. 
 
 V. 2. We shall have a better opportunity i. ereader of 
 fully considering Jehoshaphat’s character. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 17: — 20:) — He was very criminal in marrying his son to one 
 of the family of idolatrous Ahab, which probably occasioned 
 his visit at Samaria, with all its consequences. (Notes, 
 2 Kings 8:18. 2 Chr. 18:1.) 
 
 V. 3. Ramoth, &c.] This seems to have been one of the 
 cities that Ben-hadad had engaged to restore to Ahab: but, 
 having recovered his liberty, he made no scruple of violating 
 his word. (Note, 20:31—34.) Ramoth in Gilead was 
 allotted to the tribe of Gad, and appointed by Moses lo be 
 ( 643 ) 
 
B. C. 897. I. KINGS. B. C. 897. 
 
 5 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, 
 ^Inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to- 
 day. 
 
 6 Then the king of Israel gathered h the pro- 
 phets together, about four hundred men, and said 
 unto them, Shall I go against Ramoth-gilead to 
 battle, or shall I forbear ? And they said, 'Go up ; 
 for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the 
 king. 
 
 7 And Jehoshaphat said, Hs there not here a 
 prophet of the Lord besides, that we might in- 
 quire of him ? 
 
 8 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, 
 There is k yet one man, Mieaiah the son of Imlah, 
 by whom we may inquire of the Lord : 'but I hate 
 him : for he doth not prophesy “good "concerning 
 me, but evil. And Jehoshaphat said, “Let not the 
 king say so. 
 
 9 Then the king of Israel called an 'officer, and 
 said, ^Hasten hither Mieaiah the son of Imlah. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 10 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the 
 king of Judah, sat each on his throne, ^having put 
 on their robes, in a Void place in the entrance of 
 
 g Nurn. 27:21. Josh. 9:14. Jude. 1:1. 20:18,23,23. 1 Sum. 14:18,19. 23:2,4,9 
 — 12. 30:8. 2 Kings 1:3.3:11. I Clir. 10:13,14. 2 Chr. 18:4,5. Prov. 3:5,6. Jer. 
 21:2 42:2 — 6. Es. 14:3. 20:1— 3. h 18:19. 2 Tim. 4:3. i 15,22,23 . 2Chr. 
 18:14. Jer. 8:10,11. 14:13,14.23:14— 17. 28:1— 9. Ez. 13:7— 16,22. Matt. 7:15. 
 2 Pet. 2:1— 3. Rev. 19:20. j 2 Kings 3: 1 1—13. 2 Chr. 13:6,7. k 18:4. 19:10,14. 
 23:41,42. 1 27.20:43.21:20. Gen. 37:8. 2 Chr. 36:16. Prov. 9:8. 15: 12. Is 49:7. 
 Jer. 18:18.20:10.43:3,4. Am. 5:10. Zech. 11:8. Malt. 10.22. John 3: 19— 21. 7:7. 
 15:18,19. 17:14. Gal. 4:16. Rev. 11:7—10. m 13. Is. 30:10. Jer. 38:4. Mic. 2:11. 
 n 20:35-42. 2 Kings 9:22. 16.3:11.57:19—21. o 21:27— 29. Prov. 5:12— 14. 
 Mic. 2:7. *Or, eunuch. 2 Kings 9:32. 2 Chr. 18:8. Is. 39:7. Dan. 1:18. p26, 
 
 one of the cities of Refuge. ( Deut . 4:43. Josh. 20:8.) It was 
 also given to the Levites of the family of Merari. (Josh. 
 21:38.) Yet it was at this time possessed by the king of 
 Syria. 
 
 V. 4. Jehoshaphat meant nothing more, than to express 
 his readiness to atford Ahab every assistance in his power ; 
 as both he and his forces were at his command : but the lan- 
 guage seemed to countenance all Ahab’s undertakings; or at 
 least to treat all the differences in opinion and conduct be- 
 tween him and Ahab as unimportant ! Yet surely there was 
 an essential difference between the reformer of Judah, and the 
 corrupter of Israel ! But excessive pliability of temper was 
 the grand defect in Jehoshaphat’s character; which exposed 
 him to many temptations, and involved him and his kingdom 
 in many and complicated calamities ; and terminated in the 
 extirpation of his whole family, Joash alone excepted. ( Notes , 
 2 Kings 8:18. 9:27,28. 10:13,14. 11:1,2. 2 Chr. 18:1.19:2.) 
 
 V. 5. Jehoshaphat had been used to “acknowledge God 
 in all his ways,” and not to engage in any important under- 
 taking without inquiring of him by his prophets, or high-priest ; 
 and he was not satisfied that Ahab should do otherwise. But 
 what true servant of God could bring an acceptable, or even 
 a tolerable message, to a gross idolater and cruel oppressor, 
 who, for twenty-two years after he came to the throne, had 
 been hardening himself in iniquity, amidst warnings, judg- 
 ments, mercies, and convictions ? 
 
 y. 6. It is most probable, that these were the prophets 
 of the groves, who escaped, when the prophets of Baal were 
 slain at the command of Elijah ; for certainly they were false 
 prophets. (Notes, 18:18 — 20,40.) No doubt, they commonly 
 prophesied in the name of Baal, or of some idol : but it seems 
 that occasionally they could speak in the name of the Lord. 
 [n this verse indeed the word is not Jehovah, but Adonai , 
 which is used with greater latitude: hut afterwards both 
 Zedekiah, and the rest of them, used the word Jehovah. 
 (11,12.) Like some modern philosophers and poets, they 
 perhaps would argue, that it was all one, whether the 
 Supreme Being were called Baal, or Jehovah, or Jupiter. 
 To accommodate themselves therefore to Jehoshaphat, and 
 to show that they were not bigots, but men of candour and 
 liberali'.y, they would for once prophesy in the name of 
 Jehovah. They perhaps allowed Jehoshaphat to be a good 
 sort of man : but he had some narrow prejudices, and would 
 not he satisfied, if they said, 4 Go up, for Baal shall deliver it 
 into the hand of the King;’ and they would scorn to disagree 
 with him about a trifling variation, which they could make 
 with little trouble, and without expense. — They perceived 
 also which way Ahab’s inclinations leaned, and to please him 
 likewise they assured him of success. It is however to be 
 supposed, that the number and valour of Ahab’s forces, his 
 alliance with Jehoshaphat, and the scandalous treachery of 
 Ben-hadad, concurred in encouraging their hopes that lie 
 should obtain the victory: especially as, notwithstanding his 
 idolatries, he had before been rendered successful. ( Notes, 20:) 
 
 V. 7. Jehoshaphat must have regarded these prophets as 
 deceivers and sycophants, whose interest it was to counsel 
 Ahab to please himself. He knew that Israel was favoured 
 with Elijah, Elisha, and other eminent prophets, though none 
 of them appeared at court : he felt dissatisfied ; but being too 
 afraid of giving offence, he seemed to allow that these were 
 
 ( 644 ) 
 
 the gate of Samaria; and r all the prophets pro- 
 phesied before them. 
 
 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made 
 him "horns of iron : and he said, ‘Thus saith the 
 Lord, With these shalt thou push the Syrians, 
 until thou have consumed them. 
 
 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, 
 “Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper : for the 
 Lord shall deliver it into the king’s hand. 
 
 13 And the messenger that was gone to cai 
 Mieaiah spake unto him, saying, "Behold now, 
 the words of the prophets declare good unto the 
 king with one mouth : let thy word, I pray thee, 
 be like the word of one of them, and speak that 
 which is good. 
 
 14 And Mieaiah said, As the Lord liveth, 
 rwhat the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. 
 
 15 H So he came to the king. And the king said 
 unto him, Mieaiah, "shall we go against Ramoth- 
 gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? And he 
 answered him, “Go, and prosper : for the Lord 
 shall deliver it into the hand ol the king. 
 
 16 And the king said unto him, How many 
 times b shall I adjure thee “that thou tell me 
 
 27. q 30. Eslh. 5:1. 6:8,9. Matt. 6:20. 11:8. Acts 12:21.25:23. 1 Heb. floor 
 r 18:29. 2 Clir. 18:9—11. Jer. 27:14—16. Ex. 13.1—9. s Jer. 27:2. 28:10—14. 
 x Zech. 1:18-21. Acts 19:13—16. 2 Cor. 11:13— 15. 2 Tim. 3:8. t Jer. 23:17,25. 
 31. 28:2,3. 29:21. Ez. 13:6. 22:27,28. Mic. 3:11. u See on 6— 15,32- 36. x Ps. 
 10:11. 11:1. 14:1.50:21. Is. 30:10.11. lira. 7:3. Am. 7:13—17. Mis. 2:6, 7,1 1. 
 1 Cor. 2:14—16. y Num. 22:38. 2 Clir. 18:12,13. Jer. 23:28. 26:2,3. 42:4. Ex. 2:4 
 —8.3:17— 19. Acts20:20, 26,27 . 2Cor. 2:17. 4:2. z See on 6. a 18:27. Jrnlg. 
 10:14. 2 Kings 3:13. 2 Chr. 18:14. Ec. 11:9. Matt. 26.45. b Josh. 6:26. 1 Sum. 
 14:24. 2 Chr. 18:15. Malt. 26:63. Mark 5:7. Acts 19:13. c Jer. 42:5—6. Matt. 
 22:16,17. 
 
 prophets of God, yet he wished to gonsult some other, if there 
 •were any to be found. Perhaps he took occasion, from their 
 using the word Adonai , (which might mean either the God of 
 Israel, or a false god,) to inquire after some other prophet of 
 Jehovah: and this might induce them afterwards to change 
 their language in this respect. His subsequent conduct, 
 however, shows that he paid far more regard to them, than 
 he ought to have done, or than they deserved. Indeed, he 
 ought to have decidedly entered his protest against them, and 
 warned Ahab of his danger, if he hearkened to them : as 
 Mieaiah did. At least he should have done this, after he had 
 heard Micaiah’s message. (Notes, 17 — 28.) 
 
 V. 8. Mieaiah is never mentioned in the history, except 
 in this chapter and the histqry in Chronicles: (2 Chr. 18: ) 
 yet he doubtless had several times been sent with messages 
 of rebuke and warning to this haughty idolater: (Note, 9.) 
 Ahab, therefore, while he allowed, that they might inquire of 
 the Lord day him, acknowledged that he hated him ! (Notes, 
 Is. 30:8 — 11. John 7:3 — 10.15:17 — 21.) But Jehoshaphat 
 
 ventured gently to intimate that he ought not to speak thus: 
 he ought neither to hate him, nor he displeased with his word, 
 nor seek agreeable but useful things ; and he hoped on this 
 occasion he would bring an encouraging message. 
 
 V. 9. Ahab knew where to find Mieaiah, whom he 
 perhaps had nut in prison for some of his faithful reproofs. 
 (Note, 26,27.) — Some conjecture that Mieaiah was the pro- 
 phet, who three years before had chagrined Ahab, and that 
 he had kept him in prison ever since. (Note, 20:43.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. (Marg. Ref. q, r. Note, 24,25.) Horns , 
 &c. (11) These horns of iron were, probably, intended to 
 represent the joint forces of the two kings, made successful 
 by the power of God. The false prophets imitated the true 
 ones in using external signs, the more deeply to impress the 
 minds of those whom they addressed. (Marg. Ref. s, t.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. Perhaps this man intended to be friendly to 
 Mieaiah : and thought it was a pity, that he should hinder his 
 preferment, and expose himself to Ahab’s resentment, by a 
 needless or useless scrupulousness. He advised him to show 
 some deference to royalty ; to have some respect to the other 
 prophets ; and not to affect singularity, or presume that ho 
 alone was divinely inspired. But he must have entertained 
 most absurd notions concerning prophecy ; either considering 
 the whole to be a mere imposition ; or supposing that the 
 truth, will, and purpose of God, could he modelled according 
 to the inclinations of man. If he thought that Mieaiah, by 
 speaking that which was good to Ahab, could promote the 
 success of the enterprise, he must have been extremely igno- 
 rant. And it was still worse, if ho advised Mieaiah to please 
 the king, without regard to consequences. Perhaps, ho con- 
 cluded, that the unanimity and confidence, with which so 
 great a number of prophets assured Ahab of success in 
 the name of the Lord, proved them to be in the right ; 
 and that it would he foolish in Mieaiah to oppose his single 
 voice to such a multitude. And indeed, not only Ahab, 
 but Jehoshaphat himself, seems to have been imposed upon 
 by the same delusive argument ; which, in one form or other, 
 has been urged as cogent, if not unanswerable, by very able 
 and sensible men, in every age of the church. ‘lie thought 
 he could persuade Mieaiah, not to dissent from the it*st, lest 
 ho should fall under the censure of singularity peevishness. 
 
B. C. 897. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 nothing but that which is true in the name of the 
 
 Lord ? 
 
 17 And he said, d I saw all Israel scattered 
 upon the hills, 'as sheep that have not a shepherd : 
 and the Lord said, These have no master ; let 
 them return every man to his house in peace. 
 
 ft And the king of Israel said unto Jehosh- 
 aphat, ‘ Did I not tell thee that he would pro- 
 phesy no good concerning me, but evil ? 
 
 19 And he said, eHear thou therefore the word 
 of the Lord: h I saw the Lord sitting on his 
 throne, and ‘all the host of heaven standing by 
 him on his right hand and on his left : 
 
 20 And the Lord said, Who shall 'persuade 
 Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth- 
 gilead ? And one said on this manner, and another 
 said on that manner. 
 
 21 And There came forth a spirit, and stood 
 before the Lord, and said, I will persuade 
 him. 
 
 22 And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? 
 And he said, I will go forth, and I will be ‘a lying 
 spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And he 
 
 d 1 Sam. 9:9. Jer. 1:11 — 16. El. 1:4. Acls 10:11— 17. c 34— 36. Num. 27:17. 
 2 Chr. 18:16,17. Jer. 23:1,2. 50:6,17. Ez. 34:4— 6. Zech. 10:2. 13.7. Matt. 
 9:36. f See on 8. Prov. 10:24.27:22. 29:1. I.uke 11:45. g l>. 1:10. 28:14. Jer. 
 2:4.29:20.42:15. Ez. 13:2. Am. 7:16. Ii 2 Chr. 18:18— 22. Is. 6:1. Ez. 1: 
 26—28. Dan. 7:9,10. Acts 7:55,55. Rev. 4:2,3. i Ps. 103:20,21. Is. 6:2,3. Zech. 
 1:10. Matt. 18:10. Heb. 1:7,14. 12:22. Rev. 6:11. - Or, deceive. Job 12:16. Jer. 
 4:10. Ez. 14:9. It 23. Job 1:6,7. 2! 1 . 1 Job 1:8— 1 1 . 2:4— 6. John 8:44. Acls 5:3, 
 4. 2 Thes. 2:9,10. I Tim. 4:1,2. 1 John 4:6. Rev. 12:9,10. 13:14. 16:13,14. 20:3, 
 7,8,10. m See on 20. Judg. 9:23. Ps. 109:17. 2 Thes. 2:11,12. Rev. 17:17. 
 n Ex. 4:21. 10:20. Peut, 2:30. 2 Chr. 25:16. Is. 6:9,10. 44:20. Ez. 14:3—5,9. Matt. 
 13:13—15.24:24,25. o See on 8—11.20:42.21:19. Num. 23:i9,20. 24:13. Is. 3: 
 
 and privacy of spirit. And thus it is in the church at this 
 day.’ Bp. Patrick. — Micaiah however at once silenced the 
 courtier ; and with a solemn oath protested, that he would 
 deliver the message of Jehovah without any alteration, 
 whatever the king thought of it, and whatever the other pro- 
 phets might agree in. — A most noble example ! 
 
 V. 15. Go, &c.] The prophet did not preface this 
 address, with “ Thus saith the Lord and Ahab evidently 
 perceived that.he did not speak with his usual decision and 
 authority. It was, as if he had said, ‘ You intend to go up 
 against Ramolh-gilead, and your prophets assure you of suc- 
 cess ; and if I do not, you will disregard my warning, and treat 
 me as an enemy. But you have my good will and good wishes, 
 if they could profit you : and if my conscience would allow 
 me, I too could easily seek your favour, by saying, “ Go, and 
 prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the 
 king.” — You have a mind to go, and do so : try the truth of 
 their prediction.’ — Bp. Patrick'. (Notes, 18:27 — 29. Ec. 
 11:9,10.) 
 
 V. 16. Ahab spake as if he had, on former occasions, 
 thus adjured Micaiah to speak nothing to him, hut “ that 
 which was true in the name of the Lord ,” and with some 
 animation, that the prophet needed such adjurations. He 
 evidently aimed to be thought, especially by Jehoshaphat, 
 exceedingly solicitous about discovering the will of God. 
 Perhaps Micaiah hesitated, till repeatedly urged to speak: 
 and some think, that he did not receive his message, till the 
 very moment before he delivered it. — The adjuring a person 
 to speak, was equivalent to putting him upon his oath ; and 
 calling on him, as in the presence and by the authority of 
 God, to speak all he knew. ( Marg . Ref. Note, Matt. 26: 
 63—68.) 
 
 V. 17. This vision exactly represented the condition of 
 Ahab’s forces, after he was slain ; and showed, that Ben- 
 hadad, his pride and revenge being gratified by Ahab’s death, 
 would allow the Israelites, when vanquished, and scattered 
 without a leader, to return home in peace. (Marg. Ref. 
 Note, 36.) . 
 
 V. 18. Ahab aimed to persuade Jehoshaphat and him- 
 self, that this warning originated from Micaiah’s malignity 
 and enmity to him, being similar to the messages which he 
 had formerly delivered ; and therefore, that it ought not to 
 be put in competition with the predictions of all the other 
 prophets. ( Notes, 21:17 — 19. Prov. 29:1. Jer. 38:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 19 — 23. In order to leave this hardened criminal with- 
 out excuse, and to give a salutary instruction and warning to 
 others in future ages, Micaiah received and related this 
 vision. — It is not requisite to inquire particularly, concerning 
 what passes in that world where the Lord unveils his glory ; 
 for truths, rather than facts, are revealed in, such representa- 
 tions. (Note, Job 1:6.) — -God had doomed Ahab to fall at 
 Ramoth-gilead, by the army of Ben-hadad, whom he had 
 sinfully spared. ( Notes, 20:31 — 34,41,42.) In order to bring 
 him thither, he was pleased to give an evil spirit leave to 
 impose on him, with the hopes of success in that expedition. 
 “ The devil and his angels” are always ready for such at- 
 tempts, and generally use false prophets and teachers as 
 their ministers. (Note, 2 Cor. 11:13 — 15.) This method 
 the lying spirit proposed upon the present occasion, and 
 •revailed against Ahab, by inducing all his prophets tc 
 assure him of victory. And by permitting him to do this, 
 
 B. C. 897 
 
 said, m Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also 
 go forth, and do so. 
 
 23 Now therefore, behold, "the Lord hath put a 
 lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets 
 and "the Lord hath spoken evil concerning thee. 
 
 24 But rZedekiah the son of Chenaanah went 
 near, and tsmote Micaiah on the cheek, and said, 
 'Which way went the Spirit of the Lord from me 
 to speak unto thee ? 
 
 25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, thou shalt see 
 in that day, when thou shalt go 'into an inner 
 chamber to hide thyself. 
 
 26 And the king of Israel said, Take Micaiah, 
 and ‘carry him back unto Amon the governor of 
 the city, and to Joash the king’s son ; 
 
 27 And say. Thus saith the king, U l’ut this^ 
 fellow in the prison, and feed him with “bread oi 
 affliction, and with water of affliction, ^until I come 
 in peace. 
 
 28 And Micaiah said, “If thou return at all in 
 peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. And 
 he said, "Hearken, O people, every one of you. 
 
 [ Practical Observation >.] 
 
 11. p 11. q 2 Chr. 18:23,24. Is. 50:5,6. Lam. 3:30. Mic. 5:1. Mark 14:65. 15- 
 19,20. John 15:18,20. Acts 23:2. r Jer. 28:10,11. 29:26,27. Matt. 26:68. 27:42, 
 43. s Num. 31:8. Is. 9:14-16. Jer. 23:15 . 28:16,17. 29:21,22,32. Am. 7:17. 
 2 Pet. 2:1. Rev. 19:20. t Or, from chamber to chamber. Heb. a chamber in a 
 chamber. 20:30. marg. t 9. u 2 Chr. 16:10. 18:2S-27. Jer. 20:2. 29:26 . 37:15. 
 38:6. Lam. 3:53— 55. Mark 6:17— 28. Luke 3:20. Acts 5:18. 16:23,24.24:25—77. 
 26:10. Eph. 3:1. Rev. 2:10. x Deut. 16:3. I s. 80:5. 102:9. 127:2. Is. 30:20. 
 y Luke 12:45,46. 1 Thes. 5:2,3. Jam. 4:13,14. z Num. 16:29. Deut. 18:20—22. 
 2 Kings 1:10,12. Is. 44:26. Jer. 28:8,9. Acti 13:10,11. a 18:21—24,36,37. 2 Chr 
 18:27. Am. 3:1. Mic. 1:2. Mark 7:14 — 16. 12:37. 
 
 44 the Lord put a lying spirit in the mouth of all his pro- 
 phets.” (22) He neither commanded nor inclined the lyin^ 
 spirit to tempt Ahab’s prophets ; nor did he put the wicked- 
 ness into their hearts, or the lies into their mouths. He 
 likewise gave Ahab fair warning : and if he had not hated 
 the truth, and loved a lie, he would not have gone to Ramoth- 
 gilead : but God foresaw he would go, and would perish there. 
 — The prophet u saw the Lord sitting upon his throne,” and 
 that made him disregard Ahab upon his throne, and not fear 
 his frown and vengeance ; nor the resentment of the four 
 hundred prophets, who must have been enraged, even to 
 madness, at being thus publicly declared to be the ministers 
 of the devil, to deceive and persuade their king to his de- 
 struction. (Marg. Ref. Notes , Ez. 14:1 — 11. 2 Thes. 2:8 — 12.) 
 
 Persuade. (20) nns\ In piel nns persuasit, seduxit : Sua - 
 dere, veris rationibus , vel falsis , et sic est decipere. Hinc 
 ttciSih suadeo. Robertson. Judg. 14:15. 16:5. Jer. 20:7. 
 Heb. (Notes, Gen. 9:27. Jer. 20:7—9.) 
 
 V. 24, *5. (Note, 10,11.) Zedekiah seems to have been 
 the principal person among Ahab’s prophets: he therefore 
 highly resented Micaiah’s words, and both reviled and smote 
 him in the presence of the king and his nobles ; (Marg. Ref. 
 q.) nay, in the presence of Jehoshaphat; and yet he met 
 with no rebuke ! As one who would appear confident, that 
 he spake by the Spirit of the Lord, he inquired, when and 
 how that Spirit left him to inspire Micaiah. But the prophet 
 meekly answered, that the event would determine which of 
 them spake by the Spirit of God ; and he would not need 
 information on that head, when he should conceal himself in 
 the closest recess, 44 a chamber,” or closet, 41 within a cham- 
 ber,” (marg.) for fear of those who sought his life. Probably 
 Zedekiah accompanied Ahab to the war, and this prediction 
 was fulfilled when he fled from the enemy, after Ahab’s 
 death. Then he would have leisure to reflect on his own 
 impiety, and the fatal effects of his counsel to his king, for 
 whom he had pretended great friendship. (Notes, Jer. 28:9 — 
 17. Ez. 13:6 — 16. Am. 7:10 — 13.) — He would hide himself, 
 
 4 for fear he should be seized, and punished as a false pro- 
 phet, and the cause of Ahab’s death.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 26, 27. Ahab sent Micaiah back to the persons who 
 had him before in custody, one of whom was 44 Joash, the 
 king’s son :” yet nothing is elsewhere said of a son of Ahab 
 of that name. To these, however, he sent orders to 44 put 
 him in the prison,” some place of closer confinement than 
 before; (Note, 9.) and there to treat him with severity in 
 respect of his sustenance, and in other respects, until he 
 should return in peace, probably intending then to put him 
 to death, as a false prophet. Ahab forgot.his own counsel 
 to Ben-hadad, when he spake so confidently of returning in 
 peace. (20:11.) 
 
 V. 28. Micaiah thus put the difference between himsell 
 and Ahab’s prophets to the test, and made his appeal to the 
 people at large ; that, if the king despised the word of God, 
 they might from his fate learn to reverence it. (Notes, 1 8:36,3”' 
 Num. 16:28 — 34.) — People .] D'oy, peoples, meaning both 
 the men of Judah who attended Jehoshaphat, and those of 
 Israel. 
 
 Y. 29. Jehoshaphat’s silent connivance at Ahab’s treat- 
 ment of Micaiah, and his willingness to go with him to battle, 
 after these solemn wa* nings, were very criminL., and almost 
 unaccountable. PerKxps he feared personal insults; or ho 
 ( \ 
 
B. C. 897. 
 
 I. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 897 
 
 29 So b the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat 
 ihe king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 
 
 30 And the king of Israel said unto Jehosha- 
 hat, ‘I will disguise myself, and enter into the 
 attle ; but c put then on thy robes. And the king 
 
 of Isfael ''disguised himself, and went into the 
 battle. 
 
 31 But the king of Syria commanded his 'thirty 
 and two captains that had rule over his chariots, 
 saying, f Fight neither with ssmall nor great, save 
 only with the king of Israel. 
 
 32 And it came to pass, when the captains of 
 the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, 
 Surely it is the king of Israel. And they turned 
 aside to tight against him : and h Jehoshaphat 
 cried out. 
 
 33 And it came to pass, when the captains of 
 the chariots perceived that it ivas not the king 
 of Israel, 'that they turned back from pursuing 
 him. 
 
 34 And a certain man drew a bow f at a 
 venture, k and smote the king of Israel between 
 the {joints of the harness : wherefore he said unto 
 the driver of his chariot, Turn thy hand, and 
 carry me out of the host ; for I am ^wounded. 
 
 35 And the battle “increased that day: and the 
 king was stayed up in his chariot against the 
 Syrians, and 'd^ed at even : and the blood ran out 
 of the wound into the '"midst of the chariot. 
 
 36 And ra there went a proclamation throughout 
 the host about the going down of the sun, saying, 
 “Every man to his city and every man to his own 
 country. 
 
 37 If So the king died, and "was brought to 
 Samaria ; and they buried the king in Samaria. 
 
 38 And one washed the chariot in the pool of 
 Samaria ; °and the dogs licked up his blood ; and 
 they washed his armour ; according unto the word 
 of the Lord which he spake. 
 
 39 Now Pthe rest of the acts of Ahab, and all 
 
 b See on 2 — 6. 2 Chr. 18:28. * Or , when he was to disguise himsel f , and en- 
 ter into the battle. c 10. Ps. 12:2. d 14:2.20:38. lSam.2':8. 2Sam.l4:2. 
 2 Chr. 18:29. 35:22. Prov. 21.30. Jer. 23.24. e 20:24. 2 Chr. 18:30. f See on 
 20:33—42. g SeeonGen. 19:11. 1. Sam. 30:2. Jer. 16:6. h Ex. 14:10. 2 ( hr. 
 18:31. Ps. 50:15. 91:15. 116:1,2. 130:1-4. John 2:1,2. i 31 . Ps. 76:10. | Heh. 
 in his simplicity. 2 Sam. 15:11. k 1 Sam. 17:49. 2 Kings 9:24. } Heb. joints 
 and the breastplate. Rev. 9:9. § Heb. made sick. 2 Chr. 18:30. 35:23. mar- 
 
 gins. Mic.6:13. II Heb. ascended. 128.20:42. IT Heb. bosom, m 17,31. 
 12:16. 2 Kings 14:12. n 12:24. Judg. 7:7,8. 21 :24. 1 Sam. 4:10. 2 Sam. 
 
 19:8. 2 Kings 14: 12. ** Heb. came, o See on 21:19. Josh. 23: 14.15. Is. 44: 
 25,26. 48:3—5. Jer. 44:21—23. Zech. 1:4—6. Matt. 24:35. p 14:f9. 15:23,31. 
 16:5,20,27. q 10:18,2-2. Ps. 45:8. Ez. 27:6,15. Am. 3:15. 6:4. rSeeon2:\U. 
 
 persuaded himself that in Ahab’s court he had no business to 
 intermeddle ; or, matters were carried with such violence and 
 precipitation, that he had scarcely time to reflect on his own 
 conduct. ( Note , 7.) 
 
 V. 30. Perhaps Ahab was secretly alarmed by the so- 
 lemnity of Micaiah’s address, though he scorned to desist 
 from his enterprise ; or he was aware that he should be pe- 
 culiarly aimed at by the Syrian forces. Under pretence of 
 honouring Jehoshaphat as with the chief command, he made 
 this insidious proposal, that by exposing him to the greatest 
 danger, he might favour his own escape. (Note, 2 Chr. 18: 
 29.) Such was his friendship! But Jehosnaphat meant no 
 harm, and suspected none : yet in such a case, the wisdom 
 of the serpent was as needful as the harmlessness of the dove. 
 ( Notes, Matt. 10:16—18. 1 Cor. 14:20 — 25, v. 20.) 
 
 V. 31. (20:24.) Some have imagined, that Ben-hadad 
 
 wished to wipe off the disgrace of his own captivity, by making 
 Ahab prisoner in return ; and to reciprocate his kindness, in 
 liberating him without ransom. (Note, 20:31- 34.) But his 
 proud heart seems to have rankled with a far more malignant 
 resentment; and Ahab’s triumphant success agains him had 
 excited such hatred, as no subsequent kindness could erase. 
 
 V. 32 — 35. Jehoshaphat in extreme danger cried unto the 
 Lord, and he wonderfully preserved him. 4U They turned 
 back from pursuing him which was to be ascribed to the 
 secret providence of God, . . . who resolved as wonderfully to 
 preserve Jehoshaphat, as to destroy Ahab.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, 2 Chr. 18:30—34, v. 31. 19:1,2.) But Ahab, notwith- 
 standing all his precaution, could not escape the destined 
 blow. The captains of Ben-hadad knew not where to seek 
 for him : but an arrow shot at random by a Syrian was di- 
 rected by God, to penetrate the joints of his breastplate, or 
 coat of mail, and to give him a mortal wound. — 44 Joints of 
 the harness” in the text, seems less proper than the marginal 
 reading. — Perhaps Ahab did not think that the wound would 
 prove fatal, and was unwilling to intimidate his forces by 
 wholly leaving the field of battle ; and therefore probably 
 having retired that his wound might be dressed; he returned, 
 and remained in his chariot till he died. 
 
 Y T . 36. When Ahab’s death 'was known, either Jehosha- 
 
 ( 646 ) 
 
 that he did, and ithe ivory house which he made, 
 and all the cities that he built, are they not writter 
 in the book of the Chronicles of the kings ol 
 Israel ? 
 
 40 So Ahab ‘slept with his fathers; and 
 'Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 41 H And ‘Jehoshaphat the son of Asa r». c. 
 began to reign over Judah in the fourth year L 9H - 
 of Ahab king of Israel. 
 
 42 Jehoshaphat was “thirty and five years old 
 when he began to reign ; and he reigned twenty 
 and five years in Jerusalem. “And his mother's 
 name was Azubali the daughter of Shilhi. 
 
 43 And idie walked in all the way of Asa his 
 father ; ‘he turned not aside from it, “doing that 
 which was right in the eyes of the Lord : never- 
 theless b the nigh places were not taken away ; 
 for the people offered and burnt incense yet in 
 the high places. 
 
 44 And Jehoshaphat ‘made peace with the 
 king of Israel. 
 
 45 Now d the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, 
 and his might that he showed, and how he warred, 
 e are they not written in the book of the Chronicles 
 of the kings of Judah ? 
 
 46 And f the remnant of the Sodomites, which 
 remained in the days of his father Asa, he took 
 out of the land. 
 
 47 There was then sno king in Edom : a deputy 
 was king. 
 
 48 h Jehoshaphat "made ’ships of Tharshish to 
 go k to Ophir lor gold: but 'they went not: for 
 the ships were broken at m Ezion-geber. 
 
 49 Then said Ahaziah the son of Ahab unto 
 Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with thy ser- 
 vants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not. 
 
 50 H And Jehoshaphat “slept with his r-B. c. 
 fathers, and was buried with his fathers “in L S89 - 
 the city of David his father : and rJehoram his 
 son reigned in his stead. 
 
 11:21.14:31. Dent. 31:16. 2Sam.7:12. s 51. 2 Kines 1 :2,17. 2 Chr. 20:35 
 
 1 Set on 2. 1 Chr. 8:10. 2Chr.l7:l. u S Kinee 1:17. 8:16. x 14:21. 15:2.10. 
 
 v 15:11,14. 2 Chr. 14:2— 5,11. 15:8,17. 7.15:5. Kx.32 8. 1 s nn. 12 :20,2U 
 
 2 l hr. 16:7 — 12. Ps. 40:4. 101:3. 125:5. Prov. 4:27. n 2 Chr. 17 3— 6. 19:3.4. 
 
 20:3, &o. t> 14:23. 15:14. 2 King* 12:3. 14:3,4. 15:3,4. 18.22. c 2. 2Kinss8. 
 18. 2Chr. 19:2.21:6. 2 Cor. 6:14. (139. e Sie on 1 1 ;4! . 14 :29. f 14:24; 15: 
 12. Gen. 19:5. Dern. 23:17. Judg. 19:22. Rom. 1:26,27. 1 Cor. 6.9. 1 Tim. U 
 10. Jmle 7. s Gen. 25:23. 27:40.36:31, ic. 2 Sam. 8:14. 2 Kings 3:9. 8:20. Pa. 
 108:9,10. h 2 Chr. 20:35,36. tt <>r, had ten shivs, i 10:22. 2 Chr. 9:21 . Ps. 
 48:7. Is. 2:16. 60:9. Jon. 1:3. k Sr. on 9:28. Ps.45:9. 1 2 Chr. 20:37. 25:7. 
 
 m See on 9:26. Num. 33:35,36. n See on 40. 2:10. 2 Chr. 21:1. oSeeonll: 
 43. 14:31. 15:24. p 2 Kings 8:16—18. 2 Chr. 21:5—7. 
 
 phat, or those who succeeded in command, issued this pro- 
 clamation, probably with reference to Micaiah’s vision. 
 ( Note, 17.) 
 
 V. 38. Note, 21:17—19. 
 
 V. 39. Ivory house.] It cannot be supposed that this 
 house was built of ivory : but it was so inlaid and ornamented 
 with ivory, that il thence derived its principal elegance, or 
 magnificence. ( Marg . Rf. q.) 
 
 V. 41 — 15. Perhaps this general account is here given of 
 
 Jehoshaphat’s reign over Judah, in order to contrast it with 
 Ahab’s wicked reign over Israel. The chief blemish in Jeho- 
 shaphat’s character and conduct is hinted at, when it is said, 
 “ He made peace with the king of Israel :” nol merely engag- 
 ing: to avoid all hostile measures ; but entering into the most 
 intimate alliance with him, and confirming the treaty by mar- 
 rying his son to Ahab’s daughter, which introduced much 
 idolatry and wickedness into Judah, brought great calamities 
 on th*e inhabitants, and occasioned the almost entire ruin ol 
 Jehoshanhat’s family. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 2 — 5. 2 Chr. 
 17:— 20.) 
 
 High places. (43) ‘This error was so deeply rooted, 
 that the best of the kings, till Hozekiah’s time, . . . connived 
 at it.’ Bp. Patrick, {Notes, 2 Bings 18:4,22. 2 Chr. 31:1.) 
 V. 46. 15:12. Notes, 14:22—24. Deut. 23:17,18. 
 
 V. 47. David had conquered Edom ; and it is probable, 
 that till this time the nominal king of Edom had been merely 
 a viceroy of the kings of Judah. {Marg. lief. Note, 2 Sam. 
 8:13,14.) 
 
 V. 48, 49. Jehoshaphat at first joined with Ahaziah, and 
 lost his Heel : but being reproved by a prophet, lie would not 
 consent to Ahaziah’s proposals the second time. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 20:35 — 37.) These ships of Tharshish were made to go to 
 Ophir : yet it is said in Chronicles, they were “ made to go to 
 Tarshish.” Was thero not therefore a Tarshish near Ophir, 
 as well as a placo of that name in Spain. (Note, 10:22.) 
 
 V. 51. Jehoshaphat began foreign in the fourth year of 
 Ahab, who reigned twenty and two years ; (41) yet Ahaziah 
 succeeded Allah, in the seventeenth year of jehoshaphat. 
 This occasions some difficulty : hut learned mensu ipose that 
 the chronology of the kings of Israel was m*. listed lo that of 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 897 
 
 B. C. 897. 
 
 b.c.i 51 H Ahar*iah the son of Ahab <>began to 
 887. J re ior n 0 ver Israel in Samaria the seventeenth 
 year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned 
 r two years over Israel. 
 
 52 And *he did evil in the sight of the 
 Lord, and walked in the way of his father, and 
 
 a 40. r 15:25. 2 Klns» 1:17. • See on 15:26. 16:30—33. 2 King! 1:2—7. 
 
 121:25. 2 King. 8:27. 9:22. 2Chr.22:3. Mark6:24. Re*. 3:20. u See on 
 
 the kings of Judah. Now Ahab began to reign after Asa had 
 entered on his thirty-eighth year, and Asa died before the 
 end of his forty-first year. (16:29. 2 C/ir. 16:13.) And Je- 
 hoshaphat began to reign in the same year, which thus was 
 reckoned both to Asa and Jehoshaphat. Ahab therefore is 
 computed to have reigned four years in Asa’s time, and 
 eighteen in Jehoshaphat’s, including a part of the year in 
 which Asa died, and in which Jehoshaphat succeeded him: 
 though Ahab did not live till Jehoshaphat had fully completed 
 his seventeenth year ; having died nearer the beginning of the 
 year, than Asa had done. — It is difficult to make this intelli- 
 gible to persons not acquainted with the Jewish method of 
 computing time; who, (whether in days or years,) take in 
 both the first and last of the account, as if entire, even though 
 only a small part of each had actually passed. Thus Ahaziah 
 having reigned part of the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat, 
 and part of the eighteenth, (for he died in the eighteenth,) is 
 said to have reigned two years. (Note, 16:8 — 14.) • 
 
 V. 52, 53. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2 Kings 1: — Baal , &c. 
 (53) ‘Which worship had been introduced by his mother 
 Jezebel; beyond the impiety of Jeroboam. Taking no warn- 
 ing by the hand of God against his father, which was very 
 remarkable; nor believing the dreadful threatenings of Elijah 
 against his mother, and their whole family.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Notes, 21:17—23.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. They who neglect the word of God, to rely on 
 the promises of ungodly men, generally meet with merited dis- 
 appointment : but this does not excuse the treachery and 
 ingratitude of those who deceive and injure the very persons 
 that have been criminally kind to them. — There are certain 
 critical seasons, when advantages are placed within our reach : 
 but if we let the opportunity pass we shall in vain attempt to 
 recall it, and our endeavours will only serve to increase our 
 losses. (Note, Ec. 8:6,7.) — Wicked men court the friendship 
 of the righteous, when they can render their assistance sub- 
 servient to their own purposes: but their professions of re- 
 gard must be insincere. — That same compliant spirit, which 
 betrays some pious persons into amity with the declared ene- 
 mies of religion, renders the connexion peculiarly dangerous 
 to them : they are perpetually persuaded to improper conces- 
 sions of every kind ; and induced to connive at, and even 
 sanction, such converse and conduct, as they ought decidedly 
 to protest against: and the fear of being deemed uncourteous, 
 and the desire of escaping censure, ridicule, or insult, for their 
 religious peculiarities, stop their mouths, and cause them to 
 deviate from sincerity in their expressions of civility or cour- 
 teousness. Yet these alone are the godly persons whose 
 acquaintance the men of the world will much desire. If, 
 however, we are necessarily placed among profane or infidel 
 characters, we must not yield, either to fear or shame, so as 
 to conceal our dependence on God and devotedness to him ; 
 for these mark the difference “ between those who serve him, 
 and those who serve him not.” — If it were to be decided by 
 vote, what is the true religion, we see plainly that those abo- 
 minations which God abhors would gain the election, against 
 that worship which he has instituted. Even in the visible 
 church, numbers, authority, and unanimity, have repeatedly 
 been in favour of delusions, nay, destructive heresies, and 
 abominable idolatries, against a single poor despised prophet 
 of the Lord ! — It is indeed, in a worldly sense, worth while, 
 for a man of competent talents and address, to employ him- 
 self in reconciling men’s consciences to their inclinations ; 
 and if great men cannot discard their religious scruples, to 
 enable them, by help of some false system, to render them 
 subservient to the commission of sin without remorse. In 
 some places and at some times, such false prophets will be 
 well paid for their delusions : and those, who, from ambition, 
 avarice, or sensuality, “ turn away their ears from the truth,” 
 and “ cannot endure sound doctrine,” will “ heap to themselves 
 teachers of this kind, after their own lusts :” (Note, 2 Tim. 
 4:1 —5, tin. 3,4.) that the agreement of so many ministers may 
 embolden them to disregard those singular and uncourteous 
 persons who are always robbing them of their comfort, and 
 putting them upon an unnecessary strictness. A few indivi- 
 duals indeed hint, that something is wanting in their favourite 
 instructers ; nay, prefer such as they dislike. But then, are 
 not these too scrupulous ? Do they not carry matters too 
 far? Do they make proper allowances for human frailty, 
 and peculiar situations ? Thus eventually smooth doctrine, 
 united with confidence, ingenuity, and courtly manners, ob- 
 'ains the preference, and opens the way to the favour of the 
 eat and of the many. The faithful servants of God must 
 erefore lay their account with hatred, contempt, and insult. 
 They know not to give flattering words, or to call base crimes 
 by soft names, or to buoy up the hopes of hypocrites with 
 osinuating falsehoods : they cannot be silent, when called to 
 *peak ; but must declare the counsel of God, and not keep 
 
 ‘in the way of his mother, "and in the way o i 
 Jeroboam the son of Nehat, who made Israel to 
 sin : 
 
 53 For x he served Baal, and worshipped hm., 
 and ^provoked to anger the Lord God of Israel 
 'according to all that his father had done. 
 
 14:9 — -16. 15:34. 2 Kings 3:3. x Judge 2:1— II. 2 Kings 1:2. 3:2. y 16:7 P» 
 106:28. Is. 65:3. Ez.8:3. z21:29. Ez. 18:14— 18. 
 
 back any thing profitable, however displeasing. Their con • 
 scientiousness will often be ascribed (o pride and obstinacy: 
 the language of their tender compassion for souls will be 
 called severity or malevolence; and their plaindealing will 
 be branded as insolence and ill-manners. But they must 
 commit their cause to God: and wicked men, who hate them 
 for the truth’s sake, will at length find, that they were their 
 own enemies in so doing, and that in opposmg them they 
 strove against the Almighty. 
 
 V. 10 — 28. Unprincipled teachers are sufficiently pliable 
 in matters of religion : they carefully avoid the imputation of 
 bigotry ; they make great pretensions to candour, and even 
 treat the most fundamental truths of Revelation as matters 
 of indifference or uncertainty : but the same paen are exceed- 
 ingly tenacious of their own interests, and stubborn in their 
 own concerns. Whereas we ought to be as pliant as the 
 willow, where our own ease, credit, advantage, or indulgence 
 are at stake ; and as firm as the sturdy oak, in standing up 
 for the great things, which relate to the glory of God, and the 
 salvation of souls. — Those who are rising in the world, or 
 possessed of wealth, are apt to counsel the ministers of Christ, 
 what they ought to speak in the name of the LORD; though 
 they betray their own ignorance and love of the world by 
 every word. We should indeed be accessible and teachable, 
 and willing to take a friendly hint from any man : but when 
 others would persuade us to consult our own ease, and inte- 
 rest, to shun the cross, to prefer courtesy to integrity, and to 
 bend the word of God to the humours of the rich and great ; 
 we must recognise the tempter in such counsellors, and by 
 peremptory language stop at once their insidious proposals, 
 by declaring our determination, whatever others do, to adhere 
 to what we consider as the truth and will of our Lord and 
 Judge. (Notes, Am. 7:12 — 17. Matt. 16:21 — 23.)— In some 
 cases however we should not be forward to speak: when 
 men evidently do not wish to hear the truth, and appear de- 
 terminately set against our testimony, it may be enough to 
 express our compassionate good-will, and our fears for them ; 
 or to show our disapprobation by silence. But if we are fairly 
 called upon to give our sentiments, we must do it with all 
 seriousness and firmness, without regarding personal conse- 
 quences. — A believing view of the presence and glory of the 
 King of Heaven, will raise us above the fear of our fellow- 
 creatures, however powerful or enraged ; aud will enable us 
 to commit ourselves to his protection, in the discharge of our 
 duty, in the midst of apparent danger. But we must not ex- 
 pect exemption from hardship and ill-usage : and need not 
 wonder if we eat the bread of affliction, and are even re- 
 warded with blows, imprisonment, and cruel mockings : and 
 when princes, false teachers, and apostates unite against the 
 servants of God, even the remnant of his people will often 
 be afraid to interfere in their behalf. — Alas ! how should we 
 be ashamed to complain of what we in this day call trials, 
 when we consider what the servants of God formerly endured ! 
 Yet it will be well, if our exemption from trouble prove not 
 more injurious to us, than persecutions did to them : for we 
 are more easily allured and bribed into unfaithfulness and 
 conformity to the world, than influenced by terrors and 
 threats. Let us then watch and pray, and prepare for temp- 
 tations of every kind : and be careful that the quietness of 
 our enemies do not arise from our making too many conces- 
 sions, and going upon their ground, to meet them half way, 
 in order to form the worst of all coalitions.— Nothing can by 
 any means harm us, if we continue faithful, and meekly va- 
 liant for the truth: the Lord will remove every aspersion from 
 our characters ; and bear testimony to his truth, in his due 
 time : and some will profit by our warnings, though others 
 rush headlong on ruin. — Little do unbelievers suspect how 
 many legions of crafty, malicious, and powerful enemies are 
 unwearied in plotting their destruction ; restrained by no 
 hand but that of him whom they despise and disobey. (P. 
 O. Job 1:6 — 12.) — The whole multitude of those “ who pri- 
 vily bring in damnable heresies,” or propagate infidelity with 
 vast industry and ingenuity, speak and write no other things,, 
 than are suggested to them by the prompter behind the cur- 
 tain. Let us then fear suppressing our convictions, and re- 
 turning back to sin after professions of repentance, lest Satan 
 should thus prevail against us. For if he obtain leave to de- 
 ceive, the disposition of our hearts to prefer a flattering lie 
 to a humbling truth that opposes our inclinations, will give 
 him such an advantage, that every attempt of others to pre- 
 vent his success, will only exasperate the mind to persecu- 
 tion or blasphemy. 
 
 V. 29 — 53. Those, who are rebellious against God, and' 
 injurious to his people, will not often be very faithful or grate- 
 ful to their friends. Self-love is their supreme principle, to 
 which all other considerations must be sacrificed ; and the 
 children of God are seldom so politic as the children of the- 
 wicked one. When, however, the Lord has rebuked his. 
 ( 647 ) 
 
B. C k*6. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 896, 
 
 offending people, he will mark that difference between them 
 and his enemies, which they did not sufficiently observe. 
 “His eyes are upon the righteous, and his ears are open to 
 their prayers : but his face is against the workers of iniquity.” 
 None “ can hide themselves in secret places from him.” 
 That which is casual to man, is the appointment of God, to 
 fulfil his word nf mercy or of wrath ; so that, “ men shall 
 say, This hath God wrought, for they shall perceive that it 
 is his work.” The deceiver and deceived are his, and the 
 flatterer and flattered shall be taken in the same net, and 
 fall into the same destruction. Alas ! what will all riches, 
 mrinuments, or splendid achievements avail, when God shall 
 
 require the sinner’s soul ? Happy arc they in death, who 
 have served him in their generation : but the best of mere 
 men, nay their best actions, are so defective, if not defiled, 
 that “ blessed is he” alone “ whose iniquity is forgiven, ana 
 whose sin is covered.” Yet sincere endeavours to do good 
 are the proper evidences and effects of saving faith : and the 
 concurring reproofs of God’s word and rod will lead the upright 
 believer to repent of every transgression, and to bring forth 
 fruits meet for repentance : whilst hardened sinners rush for- 
 ward, unawed, and unmoved, in the ways which have led 
 others before them into everlasting misery. 
 
 THE 
 
 SECOND BOOK OF THE KINGS, 
 
 COMMONLY CALLED 
 
 THE FOURTH BOOK OF THE KINGS. 
 
 This book is merely a continuation of the preceding, to which it is joined in the Hebrew Canon : the remarks therefore already 
 made on that , in a great measure apply to this. — It contains the history of above three hundred years.— In Israel the kings were 
 uniformly idolatrous and wicked : and though the labours of Elijah, Elisha, and other prophets, were prospered to preserve a 
 considerable number of the people from the general contagion ; yet the measure of their national iniquity was soon filled up; so 
 that they were conquered and carried captive by the kings of the Assyrians, and dispersed among the Gentiles, no more, as a col- 
 lected body to be restored to their own land. Their country was, after this, planted by the conquerors with a mingled people, who 
 established a corrupt and partial worship of Jshovah, from whom originated the nation and religion of the Samaritans. These 
 events began to take place considerably above a hundred years before the Babylonish captivity. — In Judah indeed some remarkable 
 revivals of religion took place under the pious princes of David’s family, and by means of the faithful labours of the prophets: 
 but these promising appearances were of short duration ; several of the kings were idolatrous and extremely wicked ; the priests 
 and Levites exceedingly neglected their important duty ; and the people were generally prone to idolatry and iniquity. So that, 
 after the death of pious Josiah, the nation became almost universally corrupt ; and the melancholy account closes with the 
 lestruction of the city and temple, the desolation of the country, and the enslaving and carrying away of the inhabitants, by the 
 Chaldeans. — As all the prophets, (commonly so called,) whose writings have been preserved, lived in the latter part of this period ; 
 (those excepted who lived during or after the captivity ;) and as they 'continually refer to the facts recorded in this history ; we 
 may consider all their predictions as sanctioning, by their accomplishment, the divine authority of the narrative ; though it does 
 not contain any express prophecy, the completion of which extended much beyond the term of the return of the Jews from the 
 Babylonish captivity. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Moab rebels against Israel , 1. Ahaziah , being sick , sends to inquire of Haul- 
 tebub ; and Elijah is sent by an angel to order the messengers to inf >rmhim , 
 in the name of JEHOVAH, that he should surely die, 2— 4. Ahaziah sends 
 to apprehend Elijah, who twice calls down fire to consume those icho came 
 aga inst him, 6 — 12. The captain of the third company sues for mercy ; and 
 Elijah, encouraged by an angel, goes to Ahaziah, and assures him that he 
 wou'd die at that time, 13—16. Ahaziah dies, and is succeeded bu Jehoram, 
 17, 18. 
 
 T HEN “Moab rebelled against Israel b after the 
 death of Ahab. 
 
 2 And Ahaziah fell down through c a lattice in 
 his upper chamber that tons in Samaria, and d was 
 sick : and he sent messengers, and said unto them, 
 Go, inquire of ‘Baal-zehuh the f god of Ekron, 
 ^whether I shall recover of this disease. 
 
 a Num, 24:17. 5 Sam. 8:2. 1 Chr. 18:2. ft. 60:8. l> 3:4,5. 82U,2->. c Jurlg. 5:23. 
 Cant. 2:9. Acts 20:9. til Kings 22:34. marg, 2 Chr. 21 : 14,15.* Job 31 :3. e 3,6, 
 J5. Matt. 10:25. 12:21—27. Mark 3:22. Luke 11:15. lieelzcbub. fJudg. 11:24. 
 1 Sam. 5:10. 1 Kings 11:33. Is. 37:12,19. g 8:7— 9. 1 King* 14-3. h 15. 1 Kings 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1. After David had subjugated 
 the Moabites, they continued in subjection till the division 
 of the kingdom ; when their vassalage and tribute were trans- 
 ferred to the kings of Israel, as those of Edom remained to 
 the kings of Judah. {Note, 1 Kings 22:47.) But after 
 Allah’s death the Moabites revolted. {Marg. Ref. Notes , 
 3:4—27. 2 Sam. 8:1,2.) 
 
 V. 2. The lattice, through which Ahaziah fell, is sup- 
 posed to have had some curious ornamental network, which 
 being decayed, gave way when he leaned upon it. — u Baal- 
 zebub” signifies the lord of a fly ox flies. Probably, the coun- 
 try was grievously infesicd with swarms of Hies, and the 
 Kkronit.es fancied that their idol delivered or preserved them 
 from these. {Note, Ev. 8:21.) Beelzebub, (which is the 
 same name,) is called in the New Testament “the prince of 
 the devils;” and hence we learn that, under these names and 
 images, evil spirits were actually worshipped ns gods. {Note, 
 Matt. 12:22 — 24.) — The Baal generally worshipped in Israel 
 at that time, " as the god of the Z.idonians ; but Baal-zcbub 
 riis the god of Ekron in Philistia : for they “ had lords many, 
 ( 648 ) 
 
 3 But h the angel of the Lord said to ’Elijah the 
 Tishbite, k Arise, go up to meet the messengers of 
 the king of Samaria, and say unto (hern, 'Isit not 
 because there is not a God in Israel, that m ye go 
 to inquire of Bnal-zebub the god of Ekron? 
 
 4 Now therefore thus saith the Lord, ‘Thou 
 shalt not come down from that bed on which thou 
 art gone up, "hut shalt surely die. And Elijah 
 departed. 
 
 5 ffT And vyhen the messengers turned hack unto 
 him, he said unto them, Why are ye now turned 
 back ? 
 
 6 And they said unto him, There came a man 
 up to meet us, and said unto us, Go, turn again 
 
 19 5.7. A,u 8:26. 12:7— 11. I 8. Set on I Hines 17:1 . k 1 Kins. 18:1. 18.16. 
 5:8,15. I K:im. 17:46. 1 Kinds 18:38. P.<. 76:1. m .lpr. 2: 11— 13. Jim. 2:8. UKI>. 
 The bed whitner thou art gone tip, thou shall no f mine down from i' . n Gen. 2: 
 17.3:4. Ntim. 26:65. 1 Sam. 28:19. I King* 14:12. Prov. 11:19.14:32. Ez. lb:4. 
 
 and gods many.” It seems that his oracle was then in great 
 repute, as that of Delphos was in Greece some ages after- 
 wards. — Ahaziah did not send to inquire what he was to do 
 in order to his recovery, but merely to know whether ho 
 should recover or not. {Notes, 8:7,8. 1 Kings 14:1 — 4.) 
 
 Perhaps he had been making preparations for reducing the 
 Moabites, and was impatient to march against them. 
 
 V. 3, 4. When a king of Israel sent to inquire of a 
 heathen oracle, lie proclaimed to the Gentiles his want of 
 confidence in Jehovah: as if the only nation favoured A'ith 
 revelation, and the knowledge of t he true God, had been the 
 only nation in which no God was known! This was pecu- 
 liarly dishonourable and provoking to the Lord; {Notes, 6:8, 
 15,16. 1 Kings 18:36,37. Ps. 76:1,2.) and therefore the 
 
 Lord by his angel commissioned Elijah to answer the inquiry 
 of the messengers, and to send them hark to Ahaziah, with 
 the solemn denunciation of his speedy death by the disease 
 which confined him to bis bed. The prophet accordingly 
 went and met the messengers, and sent them bp^k with lhi§ 
 sentence. And he departed, vet -•.si nc conceal hitnttif 
 
B. C. 896. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 B. €. 89d. 
 
 onto the king that sent you, and say unto him, 
 Thus saith the Loro, Is it not because there is 
 not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire 
 of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron ? "therefore thou 
 shalt not come down from that bed on which thou 
 art gone up, but shalt surely die. 
 
 7 And he said unto them, "What manner of 
 man was he which came up to meet you, and told 
 you these words? 
 
 8 And they answered him. He was ?a hairy 
 man, and girt with a girdle of leather about his 
 loins. And he said, It is Elijah the Tishbite. 
 
 [ Practical Obiervationt.'] 
 
 9 H Then the king ‘‘sent unto him a captain of 
 fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him : and 
 behold, r he sat on the top of a hill. And he spake 
 unto him, “Thou man of God, the king hath said, 
 Come down. 
 
 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain 
 of fifty, ‘If I be a man of God, then "let fire come 
 down from heaven, and consume thee and thy 
 fifty. And there came down fire from heaven, 
 ’and consumed him and his fifty. 
 
 H r Again also he sent unto him another cap- 
 tain of fifty with his fifty. And he answered 
 and said unto him, z O man of God, thus hath the 
 king said, Come down quickly. 
 
 12 And Elijah answered and said unto them, 
 ’If I be a man of God, let fire come down from 
 heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty. And the 
 
 fire of God came down from heaven, and con 
 sumed him and his fifty. 
 
 13 11 And b he sent again a captain of the thirc 
 fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty 
 went up, and came and Tell on his knees before 
 Elijah, and "besought him, and said unto him, "O 
 man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the hie 
 of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. 
 
 14 Behold, there came fire down from heaven, 
 and burnt up the two captains of the former fifties* 
 with their fifties : therefore let my "life now b* 
 precious in thy sight. 
 
 15 And the angel of the Lord said unto Elijah. 
 Go down with him : ‘ be not afraid of him. Ana 
 he arose, and went down with him unto the king. 
 
 16 And he said unto him, Thus saith the Lord, 
 ^Forasmuch as thou hast sent messengers to in- 
 quire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, ( is it not 
 because there is no God* in Israel to inquire of his 
 word ?) therefore thou shalt not come down off 
 that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt 
 surely die. 
 
 17 II So he died according to the word of the 
 Lord which Elijah had spoken. And Jehoram 
 reigned in his stead h in the second year of Jeho- 
 ram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah ; be- 
 cause he had no son. 
 
 18 Now the rest of the acts of*Ahaziah which 
 he did, are they not written ‘in the book of the 
 Chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 o See on 3,4. 1 Chr. 10:13,14. *Heb. What was the manner of the man ? Judg. 
 3:18. 1 Sam. 28:14. pis. 20:2. Zech. 13:4. Malt. 3:4. 11:8. Luke 1:17. Rev. 
 11:3. q 6:13,14. 1 Rings 18:4,10. 19:2.22:8,26,27. Matt. 14:3. r 1 Kings 18:42. 
 Luke 6:11,12. s Am. 7:12. Matt. 26:68. 27:29,41— 43. Mark 15:29,32. Heb. 11: 
 36. 1 2:23,24. Nnm. 16:28—30. 1 Kings 18:36—38.22:28 . 2Chr.36':16. Ps. 105: 
 15. Matt. 21:41.23:34 —37. Acls5:3— 10. u Num. 11:1. 16:35. Job 1:16. Ps. 106: 
 18. Luke 9:54. Rev. 11:5. x Dan. 3:22 . 6:24. Acts 12:19. y Num. 16:41. 1 
 Sam. 6:9. Is. 26:11. Jer. 5:3. John 18:5—12. Acts 4:16,17. r See on 1 Sam. 22: 
 
 17— 19. Prov. 29:12. Is. 32:7. Mall.2:16. Luke 22:63,64. a See on 9,10. b Job 
 15:25,26. Prov. 27:22. Ec. 9:3. Is. 1:5. t Heb. bowed, c Ex. 11:8. Num. 12:11 
 -13. 1 Kings 13:6. Is. 60:14. Rev. 3:9. d Ps. 102:17. Jam. 4:7. e 1 Sam. 26c 
 21,24. Ps. 49:8. 116:15. Prov. 6:26. Matt. 16:25,26. Acts20:24. men. 15:1. 
 Kings 18:15. Ps. 27:1. Is. 51:12,13. Jer. 1:17. 15:20. Ez.2.6. Matt. 10:28. Heb. 
 11:27. g See on 3,4. Ex. 4:22,23. 1 Kings 14:6—13. 21:18—24 . 22:28. b 3:1. 
 8:16,17. lKings22:51. iSee on 1 Kings 14:19.22:39. 
 
 but continued so near to the same place, that the captains 
 and their soldiers readily found him. ( 9,10) 
 
 V. 5, G. The speedy return of the messengers convinced 
 Ahaziah, that they had not gone to Ekron ; and they punc- 
 tually delivered the message of God, which Elijah had sent by 
 them, without softening it in the least, or changing a word in 
 it. Something peculiarly venerable in the appearance of the 
 prophet, with the firm solemnity of his manner in speaking to 
 them, seems to have over-awed them ; and probably they were 
 convinced, that his words would be verified. 
 
 V. 8. Elijah was a hairy man, either in his person, or by 
 reason of the coarseness and roughness of his garments, made 
 perhaps of hair, and girded round him with a piece of un- 
 dressed skin. In this manner he showed his mortifiedness to 
 the world, and expressed his concern and grief for the idola- 
 try and iniquity of his people. (Note, Matt. 3:4.) 
 
 V. 9. This officer called Elijah a “man of God ” by way 
 of derision, not out of respect as others did. — Jezebel’s name 
 is not mentioned in this transaction ; but probably she stirred 
 up her son, as she formerly had done her husband, against the 
 prophets of the Loro. 
 
 On the top of a hill.] Some think mount Carmel is meant: 
 but Carmel was far north, or northwest of Samaria, where 
 Ahaziah lay, (Josh. 19:26.) and the road to Ekron lay to the 
 southwest. Had the prophet retired to mount Carmel, the 
 captain could not so readily have found him. 
 
 V. 10. No doubt Elijah was moved to call for fire from 
 heaven on these men, by immediate revelation. He was 
 influenced by a holy zeal for the honour of the Lord, which 
 was attacked in his person as a man of God, by the worship- 
 pers of Baalim ; for if he had been actuated by resentment or 
 selfish passions, the fire from heaven would not have come at 
 his word. (Notes, 2:23,24. 2 Cor. 13:7— 10.)— He had before 
 demonstrated Jehovah to be the only true God, by fire from 
 heaven consuming the sacrifice: (Notes, 1 Kings 18:32—39.) 
 yet the nation in general, and especially the rulers, adhered 
 to the worship of Baal : it was therefore proper, that they 
 should receive a. more awful proof; and be made sensible 
 that all the enemies of the Lord would at length be destroyed. 
 The officers and soldiers, who were slain, not only deserved 
 death as idolaters, but doubtless they had been the instru- 
 ments of Ahab and Jezebel in persecution: and the example 
 would have salutary effects on many in Israel. (Notes, 
 Dan. 3:19—23. Luke 9:51 — 56. Acts 12:18,19.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. It is hard to say, which was on this occasion 
 the more wonderful, the madness of the wounded and en- 
 abled Ahaziah, when the report of the awful event reached 
 aim, or the presumption of this officer and his soldiers : for 
 the second attempt was made in a more peremptory and 
 haughty manner than the foregoing. But perhaps the former 
 calamity was ascribed to chance. ‘Indeed it had so hap- 
 pened that terrible lightning, just at that moment, slew the 
 captain and his fifty men.’ None of the persons concerned 
 tppear to have been convinced that Jehovah had sent the 
 Vol. I.— 82 
 
 fire from heaven, for this express purpose, in answer to the 
 words of Elijah. (Note, 1 Sam. 6:2 — 9.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. This officer had not courage to refuse obe- 
 dience to the infatuated tyrant, who ordered him on this 
 desperate service ; and yet he dared not attempt any thing 
 against Elijah : he therefore employed humble entreaties, 
 with every expression of respect and submission ; and in this 
 manner his life and the lives of his soldiers were preserved. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. Elijah had so exasperated Jezebel and her 
 party, by putting the prophets of Baal to death ; and by the 
 awful sentence on Ahab and Jezebel, and the whole family, 
 denounced in the vineyard of Naboth ; that he had no further 
 prospect of doing them good. In general he lived in a retired 
 manner; and laboured among the inferior inhabitants without 
 exposing himself to the rage of the king: but on this occasion, 
 he was especially commissioned to go to him, along with the 
 captain and his fifty. And his presence and authoritative 
 boldness in delivering in person the solemn message before 
 sent by the messengers, so dismayed Ahaziah, that he did 
 not attempt any thing against him ; and shortly after he died, 
 (17) according to Elijah’s word, for attempting to consult a 
 heathen oracle. (Note, 1 Chr. 10:13,14.) 
 
 V. 17. Jehoshaphat lived some time after this : it is there- 
 fore supposed that he admitted his son Jehoram to reign with 
 him, eight or nine years before his death : and Jehoram the 
 son of Ahab began to reign over Israel, in the second year 
 of that term, or in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat. (Notes, 
 8:16,17. 1 Kings 22:51.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. Man’s revolt from God is often punished by 
 the rebellion of those who owe subjection to him. — Death 
 meets men ill the most unexpected places and forms, but 
 always under the direction of the all-wise and righteous God. 
 If reconciled to him by faith in the Saviour, and walking in 
 his ways, “death is ours,” and can never come in a wrong 
 time or manner: but to the impenitent and unbelieving he is 
 and must be “the king of terrors.” — False religion amuse3 
 men’s minds, and gratifies a vain curiosity: but the Bible 
 declares the way of accep«ance, and the path of duty; and, 
 without informing us of the events of our future lives, or the 
 time and manner of our death, it teaches us to be always 
 ready ; and instructs us how to behave under every dispensa- 
 tion of Providence, and thus to find comfort under them alL 
 and derive benefit from them. — With such instructions, ana 
 access to the mercy-seat of our God and Father, we have no 
 occasion to consult any of those oracles, which pretend to 
 unfold what God has been pleased to conceal. The believer 
 assured by the word of God that all things shall work together 
 for his good, may rejoice in hope, and look forward with com* 
 fort : but the foreknowledge of the afflictions of future life, 
 joined to the terror of final misery, would mar the little enjoy- 
 ment which the unbeliever has in this world, and torment him 
 before his time. ( P . O. Gen. 15:12 21.) — Men are prono 
 ( 649 ) 
 
B. C. 896 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 896. 
 
 CHAPTER II. • 
 
 Elijah when aootf to be translated , cannot induce Elisha not to attend him, in 
 his progress, 1- 7. With his mantle he divides Jordan , and they pass over, 
 8. Elijah allow* conditionally of Elisha's request of a double measure of 
 the Spirit , and taken to heaven in a fiery chariot , 9 — 11. Elisha takes up 
 Elijah's mantle ; smites arid dividse Jordan with it, and passes over ; ana is 
 received as E/ija'i's successor, 12 — 15. The sons of the prophets in vain 
 seek for Elijah, 15 — 18. Elisha heals with salt the bad waters of Jericho , 
 19 — 2*2. Bears destroy the children that mock him, 23 — 25. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, when the Lord would 
 “take up Elijah into heaven b by a whirlwind, 
 that Elijah went with 'Elisha from d Gilg-al. 
 
 2 And Elijah said unto Elisha, “Tarry here, I 
 pray thee; lor the Lord hath sent me to Beth-el. 
 And Elisha said unto him, ( As the Lord liveth, 
 and as thy soul liveth, el will not leave thee. So 
 they went down to h Beth-el. 
 
 3 And ‘the sons of the prophets that were at 
 Beth-el came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, 
 Knowest thou that the Lord will take away k thy 
 master from thy head to-day ? And he said, Yea, 
 I know it; hold ye your peace. 
 
 4 And Elijah said unto him, Elisha, tarry here, 
 
 a Gen. 5:24. 1 Kings 19:4. Luke 9:51. Acts 1:9. Heb.ll:5. Rev. 11:12. b I 
 Kings 18:12. 19:11. Job 38: c See on l Kings 19:16—21. d Josh. 4:19. 5:9. 
 e Ruth 1:15. 2 Sam. 15:19,20. John 6:67,68. 14,6. 4:3U. 1 Sam. 1 :*26. 17:55. 25: 
 25. g Ruth 1:16—18. 2 Sain. 15:21. 1 John 2. 19. hGen. 28:19. 1 Kings 12:29, 
 83. 13:1,2. i 5:7,15. 4:1,38. 9:1. 1 Sam. 10:10—12. 19:20. 1 Kings 18:4. 20:35. Is. 
 
 to act as if there were no God ; and as if they were left to 
 take care of themselves, as well as to spend their lives in 
 following their own inclinations: hence they are so readily 
 induced to yield to fcvery temptation, and to make rapid pro- 
 gress in wickedness, when in pursuit of the objects which they 
 idolize, or when afraid of losing them. — Those who would be 
 valiant for the truth, and in the cause of God, before the 
 great ones of this world, must learn temperance and frugality ; 
 and evince that they neither envy nor covet their luxuries 
 and embellishments, but are indifferent about all other things, 
 compared with the glory of God and the salvation of immor- 
 tal souls. 
 
 V. 9 — 18. The conduct of some persons, as impartially 
 recorded in the word of God, appears so infatuated, that we 
 should scarcely be able to credit the account, did we not 
 sometimes witness actions equally unaccountable. Often has 
 it been observed, that men upon a deathbed, and aware that 
 they could not recover, have appeared more trilling, profane, 
 avaricious, morose, fierce, or cruel, than at any former pe- 
 riod : so that those around them have been tempted, by their 
 intolerable conduct, to wish them dead before the hour arrived ! 
 Some have even seemed to regret with their dying lips, that 
 they could do no more mischief in the world before they left 
 it ! And in many other ways men are continually acting in 
 a manner inexplicable, except upon the principles cf the wise 
 man ; “ The heart of the sons of men is full of evil, and mad- 
 ness is in their heart whilst they live, and after that they go 
 to the dead.” (Notes, Ec. 9:1 — 3. Matt. 2:16 — 18.) — Haughty 
 persecutors will always meet with wretches ready to execute 
 their most impious and desperate mandates : and when pro- 
 vidential mercies, means of grace, warnings and corrections, 
 leave them thus desperate in enmity against God and his ser- 
 vants, we may be confident that vengeance slumbereth not. 
 — If the wicked face death in its most tremendous forms, to 
 obtain or preserve ihe favour of an earthly prince, whose 
 u breath goeth forth, and he returneth to his dust, and all his 
 thoughts perish;” what danger and hardship ought we not 
 to welcome in the service of the everlasting God, who can 
 give us the gracious recompense of eternal life. (Notes, Ps. 
 146:3 — 6.) — There are proper seasons for different methods 
 of behaving towards sinners, and we must ask wisdom of 
 God to direct us : and, as the same action may be either right 
 or wrong, according to the principle from which it springs, we 
 should look well to our own spirits, and be candid in judging 
 our brethren. It is, however, our general rule, u not to be 
 overcome of evil, but to overcome evil with good.” — The 
 judgments of God under the Christian dispensation are com- 
 monly spiritual : and the more mildly we behave to those, 
 who insult and injure us for the Lord’s sake, the more terrible 
 punishment will he at length inflict upon them. But our God 
 is ever ready to forgive the humble supplicant, however rebel- 
 lious he has been ; and the way to prevail with him is to bow 
 before him. We therefore should be followers of him, and 
 be ready to pray for and favour our bitierest enemies, espe- 
 cially when under any alarm of conscience they entreat us 
 so to do. — We may safely venture into the presence of our 
 most enraged foes, when he requires us, who has all hearts 
 in his hand: the courage of faith has often struck terror into 
 the heart of the proudest sinner: how then shall any be able 
 to stand before God, when he arises to execute judgment ? 
 His words will surely take effect : and while some sinners, 
 being long spared, increase their own condemnation ; others 
 are cut off speedily, and hurried into destruction. Both are 
 intended to warn others to seek the Lord whilst he may be 
 found : and his servants will, one way or other, survive and 
 witness the destruction of all his enemies. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 1. None, Enoch alone ex- 
 cepted, had ever been favoured with exemption from the 
 general sentence denounced against sinful man, “ Dust thou 
 ( 650 ) 
 
 I pray thee ; for the Lord hath sent me to 'Jericho. 
 And he said, m As the Lord liveth, and as thy 
 soul liveth, I will not leave thee. So they came 
 to Jericho. 
 
 5 And the sons of the prophets that were a» 
 Jericho came to Elisha, and said unto him 
 Knowest thou that the Lord will take away. n th> 
 master from thy head to-day ? And he answereu- 
 °Yea, 1 know it ; hold ye your peace. 
 
 6 And Elijah said unto him, Tarry, I pray thee, 
 here ; for the Lord hath sent me to Jordan. Ana 
 he said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul'liveth, 
 I will not leave thee. And they two went on. 
 
 7 And rfifty men of the sons of the prophets 
 went, and stood 'to view afar off: and they two 
 stood by Jordan. 
 
 8 And Elijah took nliis mantle, and wrapped it 
 together, and smote the waters, and they 'were 
 divided hither and thither, so that they two went 
 over on dry ground. 
 
 8:18. k Deut. 33:3. Acts 22:3. 1 Josh. 6:26. 1 Kings 16:34. Luke 19:1. m See 
 on 2. 4:30. Acts 2:42. 11:23. n See on 3. Josh. 1:1,2. Luke 24:51. John 17:5 — 7. 
 Acts 1:2,11. 20:25. o Gen. 48:19. Ec.3:7. Is. 41:1. Hab. 2:20. p 17. 1 King* 
 18:4,13. * Heb. in sight, or, over against, ql Kings 19:13,19. r 14. Ex. 14: 
 21,22. Josh. 3:16,17. Ps. 114:5— 7. Is 11:15. Bfeb. 11:29. Rev. 16:12. 
 
 art, and to dust shalt thou return.” (Note, Gen. 5:22 — 24. 
 P. O. 21 — 32.) But the Lord had given Elijah some pre- 
 vious intimations, that he intended thus to distinguish him, 
 and that the day was at hand. (Note, 1 Kings 19:3,4.) At 
 that time, he and Elisha were at Gilgal : (Notes, Josh 5:9. 
 10:7,40 — 43.) and thence Elijah went in circuit to several o 
 the schools of the prophets in different places, to give them 
 his parting exhortations and blessing. Doubtless most of 
 them were established, and all of them were, superintended 
 by him. (Note, 1 Kings 19:20,21.) — It is not known how old 
 Elijah was when translated. 
 
 V. 2. Elijah might intend by this proposal to make trial 
 of the strength of Elisha’s attachment ; or perhaps he longed 
 for retirement, and shunned ostentation. But Elisha ex- 
 pressed his determination to enjoy the pleasure and reap the 
 benefit of his company to the last ; and, if it might be, to 
 witness his translation : and this he confirmed with a most 
 solemn asseveration. (Notes, Ruth 1:16,17. 2 Sam. 15:18 
 — 22.) — As the life and soul of man entirely depend on God, 
 to mention them in a solemn oath, either alone, or along with 
 him, was deemed equivalent to swearing by the name of the 
 Lord. (Notes, Matt. 5:33 — 37. 23:16 — 22.) 
 
 V. 3. Beth-el.] (Marg. Ref. Notes , l Kings 12:26— 
 33. 13:1,2.) ‘In that place where the golden calves were 
 
 worshipped, God . . . continued the schools of the prophets 
 among them. For by “ the sons of the prophets” are meant 
 the scholars of the prophets, whom they educated and trained 
 up in religion and piety. And God . . . bestowed on some of 
 them the Spirit of prophecy. . . . This was a great testimony 
 of God’s love to an apostate people. . . . And it is still metre 
 remarkable, that prophets of greater excellency for miracles 
 were continued in Israel, than were in Judah ; because they 
 needed them more. ... It seems to me very probable, that 
 these “sons of the prophets” were such ministers to the pro- 
 phets as the evangelists were to the apostles; whom the pro- 
 phets sent to publish their prophecies and instructions to the 
 people, where they could not go themselves.’ Bp. Patrick. — 
 “ The sons of the prophets” at Beth-el, and other places, had 
 received a divine intimation, that Elijah was on that day to he 
 taken from them : and as Elisha was next in precedency after 
 Elijah, sitting nearest under him, or at his feet, while he de- 
 livered his instructions ; he would be considered as their 
 superintendent, when his master was taken “from his head,** 
 or from above him. (Note, Acts 22:1 — 5.) — Elisha howevci 
 would not allow them to interrupt the composure of Elijah’s 
 mind at this solemn season by any lamentations : it is probable, 
 that he forbad them publicly to speak of it, lest multitudes 
 should he collected to witness the event ; or he counselled 
 them to be calm, and not to disquiet themselves, for the Lord 
 would make up the loss. 
 
 V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref.) Jericho.] Notes , 19 — 22. 1 Kings 
 16:34. 
 
 V. 6. ‘He hoped for some great blessing from him, when 
 he was carried up lo heaven ; and therefore continued firm iu 
 his resolution, to attend that wonderful change.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, 9,10.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. These fifty men seem to have hoped to witness 
 Elijah’s translation, but this favour was granted only to Elisha. 
 They, however, saw Jordan twice divided, first before Elijah 
 and Elisha, and then afterwards before Elisha alone, by 
 smiting the waters with Elijah’s mantle. (Notes, 14. Josh. 
 3:15—17.) 
 
 Mantle. (8) nviN. In all the places where this word is used, 
 the LXX translate it uij^tarr, 7, a sheepskin. Hcb. 11:37. Gr 
 (Note, 1:8.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. Elisha was thus reminded to make his request 
 before Elijah was taken from him : for the prophet did not give 
 the least intimation of being prayed to as an intercessor, after 
 he was gone to heaven ; nay, his words imply the coa 
 
B. IV 89 i. 
 
 CHAPTER II. B. C. 89*. 
 
 9 U An I it came to pass, when they were gone 
 . .ver, tha. Elijah said unto Elisha, *Ask what I 
 .shall do for thee, before l be taken away from 
 thee. And ‘Elisha said, I pray thee, let u a double 
 portion of thy Spirit be upon me. 
 
 10 And he said, ’Thou hast 'asked a hard 
 thing : nevertheless , *if thou see me when I am 
 taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if 
 
 not, it shall not be SO. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 11 H And it came to pass, as they still went on, 
 
 and talked, that behold, (here appeared Li chariot 
 of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both 
 asunder; and Elijah went up z by a whirlwind 
 •into heaven. . • 
 
 12 And Elisha b saw it, and he cried, c My father, 
 my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen 
 thereof! And ‘‘lie saw him no more : and he 
 took hold of his own clothes, and e rent them in 
 two pieces. 
 
 13 He took up also fthe mantle of Elijah that 
 fell from him, and went back, and stood by the 
 ’bank ol Jordan ; 
 
 14 And he took the mantle of Elijah, that fell 
 from him, and ssmote the waters, and said, 
 h Where is the Lord God of Elijah ? And when 
 he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither 
 and thither: and Elisha went over. 
 
 15 And when the sons of the prophets, which 
 were ‘to view at Jericho, saw him, they said 'The 
 Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they 
 
 > 13:11— 19. Num. 27:16 — 23. Deut.34:9. 1 Chr. 29:18,19. Ps. 72:1,20. F.uke 24: 
 <5— 51. John 17:9— 13. Acts 1:8. 8:17. 20:2-5,36. t Num. 11:17,25. 1 Kings 3:9. 
 
 2 Chr. 1:9.10. John 14:12—14. 16:7. 1 Cor. 12:31. n Deul. 21:17. Zech. 9:12. 12: 
 8. 1 Tim. 5:17. v Mark 11:22—24. John 16:24. * Heb. done hard in asking, x 12. 
 Acts 1:9,10. y 6:17. Pa. 68:17. 101:3,4. Ez. 1 :4, &c. 10:9, &c. Hah. 3:8. Zech. 
 6:1— 8. Heb. 1:14. z See on 1. aMark!6:19. b 10. c 13:14. Job 22:30. Prov. 
 11:11. Ec. 7:19. 9:16—18. Is. 37:4,15,21. Acts 27:24. d Prov. 30:4. Mark 16:19. 
 Luke 2:15. 24:51,. John 3:13. Acts 1:9. 2 Cor. 5:2,4. Eph. 4:8. Rev. 11:12. 
 e Job 1:20,21. Is. 57:1,2. Acts 8:2. f8. 1 Kings 19.19. 1 Heb. Up. 1 Kings 9:26. 
 uiarg. g See on 8— 10. Josh. 1:1 — 9. Mark 16:20. John 14:12. Acts 2:33. 3:12, 
 
 trary, in a very decisive manner. If the request were not 
 made before he was taken away, it would afterwards be too 
 late. Elisha, therefore, knowing the efficacy of Elijah’s 
 prayer, desired him to ask for him a double portion of his 
 spirit. (Notes, Num. ll:Zo — 29. 27:18. 1 NingsZiS — 14.) He 
 seems only to have meant a double portion of the Spirit of 
 prophecy, and of wisdom, courage, faith, and grace, to what 
 was ordinarily bestowed upon the prophets: but as he was to 
 succeed so eminent a person in a most important work, and 
 n arduous times, his desires and expectations might be en- 
 arged by zeal for the honour of God, and for the revival of 
 rue religion; so that he was led to use words, which may 
 signify even double the portion which Elijah had possessed: 
 and Elijah’s answer seems to imply, that this was the import 
 of them. — It appears fiom the history, that Elisha wrought 
 twice as many miracles as Elijah had done: and being more 
 constantly among the people, as their example and instructor, 
 for above sixty years, from his first calling by Elijah, he 
 seems to have been favoured with more extensive usefulness 
 than he ; though in other respects he may be considered as 
 his inferior. (Note, 13:14.) Thus our Lord said to his apos- 
 tles, (referring to the extensive usefulness of their labours, 
 compared with that of his persona! ministry, and to the num- 
 ber, variety, and long-continuance of the miracles wrought 
 by them,) “ Greater works than these shall ye do :” yet was 
 he infinitely greater than they. (Notes, Matt. 11:7 — 11. John 
 14:7—14.) 
 
 V. 11. (Marg. Ref . Note, 1.) Elijah’s translation was 
 doubtless performed by the ministration of angels, who caused 
 the appearances and effects here described. The event was 
 a distinguished honour put upon one, who had been pecu- 
 liarly zealous for the honour of God, and had ventured all 
 consequences in his cause, by opposing the idolatry of an 
 apostate and persecuting age and nation. It was a public 
 attestation of the doctrine of a future state of retributions, 
 for the encouragement of God’s suffering people; and it was 
 also a prefiguration of the Redeemer’s ascension. (Notes, 
 Luke 24:50 — 53. Acts 1:9 — 12.) — The prophet had on one 
 occasion passionately wished to die ; but the Lord was gra- 
 ciously pleased to deal with him better than his wishes. He 
 had passed over Jordan to his native country, and was con- 
 ferring with Elisha, perhaps about the joys of heaven, or the 
 interests of true religion in Israel, when they were thus sud- 
 denly interrupted and separated. 
 
 V. 12. The manner in which Elijah was taken away, 
 amidst his most interesting discourse, must have been exceed- 
 ingly affecting to Elisha, who could not but congratulate his 
 felicity. But he had lost one whom he loved and revered as 
 a father : and Israel had lost a reformer, whose labours and 
 prayers did more to preserve the nation from ruin, than cha- 
 riots and horsemen, however numerous, could have done ; 
 and on these accounts he grieved, and expressed his regret 
 by rending his clothes. (Note, 13:14.) Nor was he recon- 
 
 came to meet. him, and k bc wed themselves to the 
 ground before him. 
 
 16 And they said unto him, Behold now, there 
 be with thy servants fifty tstrong men: let them 
 go, we pray thee, and seek thy master : les 
 jeradventure ‘the Spirit of the Lord hath taken 
 lint up, and cast him upon §some mountain, or 
 into some valley. And he said, Ye shall not send 
 
 17 And when ‘"they urged him till he was 
 ashamed, he said, Send. They sent therefore 
 fifty men ; and they sought three days, but “found 
 him not. 
 
 18 And when they came again to him, (for he 
 tarried at Jericho,) he said unto them, Did 1 not 
 
 say unto you, Go not ? [Practical Observations! ] 
 
 19 11 And the men of the city said unto Elisha, 
 Behold, I pray thee, the situation of this city is 
 pleasant, as °my lord seetli : but ‘'the water is 
 naught, and the ground “barren. 
 
 20 And he said, Bring me a new cruse, and 
 put isalt therein. And they brought it to him. 
 
 21 And he went forth unto the spring of the 
 waters, and ‘cast the salt in there, and said, Thus 
 saith the Lord, 6 I have healed these waters ; 
 ‘there shall not be from thence any more death or 
 barren land. 
 
 22 So the waters were healed unto this day, 
 according to the saying of Elisha which he spake. 
 
 23 11 And he went up from thence unto 
 u Beth-el : and as he was going up by the way 
 
 13. h Juds.6:13. 1 Kings 18:36— 39. Ps. 42:240. 115:2. Joel 217. i See on 7. 
 j Num. 11:25-29. 27:20. Josh. 3:7. Is. 11 .2. 59:21 . John 15:26.27. Acts 1:8. 
 2Cor. 12:9. I Pet. 4:14. k 19. 4 1—4,37. 6:1— 7. Josh. 4:14. } Heb. sons oj 
 strength. 1 I Kings 18:12. Ez. 3:14. 8:3. 11:24. 40:2. Acts8:39. 2 Cor. 12 2.3. 
 § Heb. one of the mountains, m 2 Sain. 18:22,23. Luke 11:8. Rom. 10:2. 
 n Heb. 1 1 :5. o Num. 12:1 1. 1 Kings 18:7,13. 1 Tim. 5: IT. p Ex. 7:19. 15:23. Josh. 
 6:17,26. I Kings 16:34. || Heb. causing to miscarri/. Ex. 23:26. Dent. 28:2 — 4, 
 11,15—18. Hos. 9:14. q Judg. 9:45. Ez. 47:11. Zeph.2:9. r4:41.G:6. Ex. 15: 
 25,26. John 9:6. s Ez. 47:8— 1 1 . 1 Cor. 1:18 — 28. Ilcv. 22:2,3. t Ps. 107:34— 38. 
 Rev. 21:4. u 1 Kings 12:28—32. Hos. 4:15. 10:5,15. Am. 3:14. 4:4. 5:5. 7:13. 
 
 ciled to his own and the public loss, by being the president o» 
 all the schools of the prophets, or by being assured of a double 
 portion of Elijah’s spirit. 
 
 V. 13. The prophet went to heaven in the body; yet, as 
 a token of the different state into which he was entered, and 
 the change which had taken place, he dropped his mantle or 
 upper garment. (Notes, 1 Cor. 15:50 — 54 . 2 Cor. 5:1 — 4 .) 
 Elisha had been first called to attend Elijah, by the casting 
 of his mantle over him; and he now received and valued this 
 mantle, as a token of his receiving a double portion of his 
 spirit. (Notes, 9,10. 1 Kings 19:19.) 
 
 V. 14. Elisha was inwardly moved to make trial, whe- 
 ther Elijah’s words were indeed fulfilled to him; and whether 
 the Lord God, who had wrought such miracles by Elijah, 
 and had just before divided the waters of Jericho when he 
 smote them with his mantle, was with him in like manner. 
 The original is more expressive than the translation, and may 
 he rendered, “Where is Jehovah, the God of Elijah, even 
 He?” He is still with me: though Elijah he not here, the 
 God of Elijah is. (Notes, Josh. 3:7. Matt. 28:19,20.) 
 
 V. 15. These “sons of the prophets ” had witnessed the 
 division of Jordan, both by Elijah, and afterwards by Elisha ; 
 (Note, 7,8.) thence they concluded, that the Spirit of Elijah 
 rested on Elisha; and by bowing to the ground before him, 
 they gave him honour as their superintendent from that time. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. These sons of the prophets might think, that 
 even in case Elijah was finally taken from them, his soul 
 alone was gone to heaven ; and that his body might be found, 
 and buried with due honour: but perhaps they also doubted, 
 whether he was really removed ; or had only been carried to 
 some other place in a supernatural manner, as he seems to 
 have been on former occasions. (Marg. Ref. Note , 1 Kings 
 18:12 — 16.) Elisha, however, might fear lest they should 
 
 suspect, if he persisted in refusing their request, that he w as 
 influenced by an undue desire, of filling Elijah’s honourable 
 place ; and the event tended to establish his authority. 
 
 V. 19—22. Jericho had not long before been rebuilt, in 
 defiance of the curse which Joshua had denounced against him 
 who ventured to rebuild it ; and it is probable, that the plea- 
 santness of the situation had been the inducement. (Note, 
 1 Kings 16:34.) But, as an evidence of God’s displeasure, 
 the water was unwholesome; and perhaps in consequence, 
 the ground, (though not otherwise deficient in fertility,) had 
 the property of causing the cattle to cast their young ; and 
 as some think, the immature fruit to fall from the trees. It is 
 not unlikely, that similar effects were produced on the women 
 also. (Marg.) But, as the inhabitants had admitted a semi- 
 nary of prophets among them, these tokens of the divine dis- 
 pleasure were miraculously removed. The new cruse, and 
 the salt, could have no natural efficacy to heal the water, and 
 remove the bad property of the land ; but we*e merely signs 
 of Jehovah’s powerful operation. (Marg Ref. Notes , 4* 
 40,41.6:1—7 Ez. 47:11. Matt. 5.13.) 
 
 ( 651 ) 
 
B. C. 896. 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 896 
 
 there came forth 'little children out of the city, 
 and ^mocked him, and said unto him, 'Go up, thou 
 bald head ; go up, thou bald head. 
 
 24 And lie turned back, and looked on them, 
 and "cursed them in the name of the Lord. 
 
 xlob 19:18. Prov. 20: 11. 22:6,15. Kc. 11:10. Is. 1:6. 3:5. Jer.7:18. y Gen. 21:9. 
 2Chr.36:16. Job 30:1,8,9. Pa. 35:15. Is. 57:3,4. Gal. 1:29. Hsb. 11:36. ill. 
 Matt. 27:29 — 31 ,40 — 13. a. 1:10 — 12. Gen. 9:25. Dent. 28:15— 26. Jer 28:16.29: 
 
 V. 23, 24. Several learned men have endeavoured to 
 prove, that these offenders were not children, but grown up 
 persons: and, no doubt the firstword rendered 
 
 children , is often used in that sense. The addition, however, 
 of the word rendered little , seems clearly to evince, that they 
 were not men, but young boys, who had been trained up in 
 idolatry, and taught to despise the prophets of the Lord. 
 They had heard that Elijah was “gone up” to heaven, and 
 they insultingly bade Elisha follow him, that they might be 
 rid of him also ; and they reviled him for the baldness of his 
 head. Thus they united the crimes of abusing him for a 
 supposed bodily infirmity, contemptuous behaviour towards a 
 venerable person, and enmity against him as the prophet of 
 God. The. sin therefore even of these children was very 
 heinous : yet the greater guilt was chargeable on their parents 
 and teachers ; and their fate was a severe rebuke and awful 
 warning to them. If the Spirit of God had not dictated 
 Elisha’s solemn curse of them, Providence would not have 
 followed it. with so terrible a judgment. ( Notes , 1:10. Prov. 
 26:2.) The children of the city in general seem to have been 
 present; and the insult was perhaps the effect of a pre-con- 
 certed plan, to drive the sons of the prophets from Beth-el 
 by illtreatment. The forty-two children (D'-ty), which 
 were devoured, seem to have been only a part of the whole 
 company, and perhaps they were the most guilty. However, 
 the Judge of all the earth surely did right. Had he cut them 
 off by a fever, no one would have objected to it: but, while 
 the dispensation would have been as severe towards them, 
 it would not have been suited, in any adequate measure, to 
 make the same useful impression on the minds of the sur- 
 vivors, or to inculcate the same important instructions to 
 other ages and nations, as this solemn sentence and imme- 
 diate execution were. (Notes, Num . 31*2. Josh. 6:21. Acts 
 5:1 — 11.) — It seems that the inhabitants of Beth-el were so 
 over-awed, that they no more ventured to molest Elisha or 
 the sons of the prophets. — Shebears. (24) Note, Hos. 13: 
 
 5—8. 
 
 V. 25. ( Marg. Ref.) To Samaria .] Perhaps, there 
 
 was a seminary of the sons of the prophets even in Samaria: 
 or Elisha had lodgings in that city, to which he returned after 
 his circuits in other parts, for whatever service might there 
 be performed by him. (Note, 6:32,33.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The Lord always acts with perfect wisdom, 
 justice, goodness, and truth ; but he does not always deign 
 to explain to us the reasons of his conduct. In exempting 
 sinners from merited condemnation, and in conferring un- 
 merited blessings, he “divideth to every man severally as he 
 will.” (Note, Acts 10:34,35.) We are assured, that they 
 who repent and believe the gospel, shall be saved ; that the 
 Lord will honour those who honour him : and if we obtain 
 eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, we need not 
 greatly regret that we do not pass the same way to it, as 
 Enoch and Elijah did ; being comfortably assured, that we 
 shall be more than conquerors in the last conflict, through 
 him “who hath loved us;” and that at last “death will be 
 swallowed up in victory.” (P. O. Gen. 5:21 — 32. Note, 
 I Cor. 15:50 — 58.) — As we know not the time of our depar- 
 ture, we should give diligence to be habitually ready : and 
 we ought to mind our proper work with greater assiduity, if 
 able, when we perceive that the time approaches. Whether 
 ministers or private Christians, we are called to “serve our 
 generation and should aim to leave all around us deeply 
 convinced of the nearness and reality of eternal things, and 
 animated with the desire of glorifying God and doing good : 
 and our example, exhortations, and prayers should especially 
 be directed to these important objects, when we approach 
 the solemn closing scene. (Note, 2 Pet. 1:12 — 15.) On the 
 other hand, we should gladly embrace opportunities of visi- 
 ting the deathbeds of eminent believers, that we may learn 
 heavenly wisdom, and catch holy fire, as it were, from theft- 
 converse and behaviour. But such occasions require serious- 
 ness, calmness, and submission to the will of God ; and we 
 should learn even to repress our own feelings, rather than dis- 
 tract the minds, or interrupt the devotions and discourse, of the 
 departing Christian. As long as pious persons are with us, 
 we should beg an .interest in their prayers; that, by “the 
 supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,” we may be enabled to 
 tread in their steps, and to be serviceable to the church as they 
 have been. And if from zeal for the glory of God, and love 
 to the souls of men, we should covet earnestly to abound still 
 more in grace, .visdom, and usefulness; neither God, nor his 
 dying saints, will blame the largeness of our desires. Nor is 
 tl hard in itself, however it may appear to us ; for that ful- 
 ness, whence prophets and apostles derived all their endow- 
 ments, still remains, and wo are invited to ask large supplies 
 from it : (Note, John 1:16.) and those who are called to suc- 
 ceed eminent men in arduous and important stations, and are 
 
 ( 652 ) 
 
 And there came forth two b she bears out o 
 the wood, and tare forty and two 'children • 
 of them. 
 
 25 And he went from thence to d mount Carmel, 
 and from thence he returned to Samaria. 
 
 21—23. Am. 7:17. Mark 11:14,21. Acts 5:5,9. 8.20. 13:9— 11. 2 Cor. 10:6. 1,2 
 Sam. 17:8. Pro*. 17:12.28:15. Hos. 13:8. cKx.20:5. 1 Kings 13:24. 19:17. 2fc 
 36. dl:25. 1 Kings 18:19,42. 
 
 conscious of their own insufficiency, are peculiarly encou- 
 raged to expect a double portion of the Spirit of God, that 
 they may not disgrace their situations, or remain useless in 
 them. 
 
 V. 11 — 18. Angels delight to be employed in removing the 
 saints to their gLjrious rest, in any way that the Lord pleases. 
 (Notes, Gen. 24:5 — 9. Luke 16:22,23. Heb. 1:13,14.) Yet the 
 event, which is so joyful to them, often causes painful separa- 
 tions to those who are left behind : many on these occasions 
 are bereft of such, as have been more dear and useful to them, 
 than the tenderest parent:, yea, even the public has 1 been 
 deprived of some of its strongest bulwarks, though most men 
 are insensible to the loss. (Note, Is. 57:1,2.) On these ac- 
 counts it is allowable to grieve : but believers should be warned 
 “ not to sorrow, as men without hope;” the separation will at 
 length issue in a more joyful meeting, and the loss shall be made 
 up to them. Though Elijah be removed, “the Lord God of 
 Elijah” lives. Thus, when the Saviour ascended into heaven, 
 he left not his disciples comfortless ; but he bequeathed to 
 them his precious gospel, like Elijah’s mantle, as the token 
 of the divine power being exerted to subvert the empire of 
 Satan, and to set up the kingdom of God in the world: and 
 he poured out upon them his Holy Spirit, both to qualify them 
 fully for their most important and arduous ^ministry, and to 
 render their labours abundantly successful. The same gospel 
 still remains with us ; and though the miraculous powers are 
 withdrawn, it still is attended with a divine energy for the con- 
 version and salvation of sinners. Oh, may that power be more 
 abundantly experienced, wherever the word of God is truly 
 preached ! And may we all seriously inquire, whether it be 
 not suspended, retarded, or removed, through some criminal 
 cause in us! — Having, however, the same exceeding great 
 and precious proniises, the same throne of grace, the same 
 Mediator, the same powerful God and Father, as the primi- 
 tive Christians had ; if we have also the same “ precious 
 faith,” we need not fear breaking through all difficulties, op- 
 posing enemies, and at last passing comfortably through tho 
 Jordan of death, as on dry ground. — When we perceive men 
 averse to conviction, and bent upon their own schemes, 
 though vain and empty ; it is sometimes best to leave them 
 to take their own course: and their fruitless labours and in- 
 quiries often most effectually discover to them their mistakes. 
 
 V. 19 — 25. The nature of man, in its best estate, and 
 adorned with all the embellishments of which it is capable, 
 resembles the unwholesome water and soil of Jericho. It is 
 throughout infected with sin, and barren of real good; and 
 man’s best actions, till renewed by grace, proceed from selfish 
 and carnal motives, are directed to unworthy purposes, and 
 measured by a false rule. But when that remedy is applied, 
 a blessed change takes place through all the powers of tho 
 soul: and repentance, faith, and love of God and man, pro- 
 duce good works, performed from the purest principles, and 
 for the most important ends ; and regulated according to the 
 holy law of God, and the example of the Redeemer. In this 
 way sometimes whole towns and cities have assumed a new 
 appearance, through the preaching of the gospel, and by tho 
 pouring out of the Holy Spirit; so that the curse of sin and- 
 ungodliness has been converted into the blessing of fruitful- 
 ness “in the works of righteousness, which are through Jesus 
 Christ to the praise and glory of God :” and when this bless- 
 ing is vouchsafed to seminaries of learning, and places of pub- 
 lic education ; the fertilizing streams may flow through whole 
 countries, nay into the most distant lands, and produce the 
 most happy change. (Notes, Ez. 47:1 — 11.) — While the 
 special favour of God evidently rests on those places where 
 his gospel is welcomed; his heaviest wrath will light on thoso 
 who reject the gracious message, and insult and abuse his 
 ministers. The words and actions even of children, yea, of 
 “ little children,” are noticed by him. Let then the youngest 
 who read or hear these observations, “ stand in awe, and sin 
 not:” let them think of the terror and anguish of the children 
 of Beth-el, when they are tempted to deride the deformed, 
 the lame, or the infirm ; when they are induced to show con- 
 tempt to the aged ; and especially when they are about to 
 join those, who revile or ridicule such as aic in reputation for 
 sanctity : for this is to despise tho holiness of God in them. 
 And if any have the misfortune to have parents or teachers 
 so wicked, as to set them an example of such profaneness, or 
 to instruct or encourage them to behave in such a manner; 
 let them remember that they should “obey God rather than 
 man,” and that they must answer to him for their oflence, 
 whoever commands them to commit it. But words cannot 
 express what strikes tho imagination on this awful subject. 
 We can scarcely conceive the horror which seized tho parents 
 of Beth-el, on the view of tho mangled bodies of their children, 
 whom they had taught that impiety, which brought the 
 dreadful judgment upon them. What then will he the onguisli, 
 at the great decisive day, of those po- tints, vhc witn»iss live 
 
B. C 895. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B C. 895 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Jehoram reigns wickedly, 1 — 3. Mesha king of Moab revolts , 4, 5. Jehoram, 
 Jehoshaphat , and the king of Edom, march against him ; and being greatly 
 distressed for want of water, (hey apply to Elisha, who sharply reproves 
 Jehoram, but shows respect to Jehoshaphat, 6 — 14. Hepromise* tlunn water, 
 and victo y, 15—19. Plenty of water is sent ; the Moabi'es are deceived by 
 the appearance, and are entirely defeated, 20 — 24. The allied kings destroy 
 the cities, spoil the country, and. besiege Kir-haraseth, 25. The king of Moab, 
 sacrificing his eldest son, causes them to raise the siege, 26, 27. 
 
 N OW “Jehoram the son of Ahab began to 
 reign over Israel tn Samaria in the eighteenth 
 year of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and reigned 
 twelve years. 
 
 2 Anti he b wrought evil in the sight of the 
 Lord; “but not like his father, and d like hfs mother: 
 for he put away the 'image of “Baal that his father 
 had made. 
 
 3 Nevertheless f he cleaved unto the sins of 
 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Tvhich made Israel to 
 sin; h he departed not therefrom. 
 
 4 If And Mesha king of Moab was ‘a sheep- 
 master, and ‘‘rendered unto the king of Israel a 
 hundred thousand lambs, and a hundred thousand 
 rams, with the wool. 
 
 5 But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, 
 'that the king of Moab rebelled against the king 
 of Israel. * 
 
 6 If And king Jehoram went out of Samaria the 
 same time, and ""numbered all Israel. 
 
 7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the 
 king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath 
 rebelled against me : "wilt thou go with me against 
 Moab to battle ? And he said, I will go up : I am 
 as thou art, my people as thy people, and my 
 horses as thy horses. 
 
 8 And he said, Which way shall we go up? 
 And he answered, The way through “the wilder- 
 ness of Edom. 
 
 9 So the king of Israel went, and the king of 
 
 a 1:17. 8. IS. Joram. 1 Kings *3:51. h 6:31,33. 21:6,20. See on 1 Sam. 15:19. 
 1 Kings 16:19. c 1 Kings 15:33. 21:20,25. <19:22,34. 1 Kings 21:5—15,15. • Heb. 
 statue, e 10:18,26—53. 1 Kines 16:31,32. f 10.20 — 31 . See on 1 Kings 12:28—33. 
 
 f see on 1 Kings 14:16. 15:26,34. 16:31. h 13:2,6,11. 14:24. 15:9,18.17:22. 
 
 Kings 12:26— 28. 13:33. 1 Cor. 1:19,20. i Gen. 13:2. 26:13,14. 2 Chr. 26:10. Job 
 1:3.42:12. It 2 Sam. 8:2. 1 Chr. 18:2. Ps. 60:8. Is. 16:1. 1 See on 1 1. 2 Chr. 
 21:8—10. m 1 Sam. 11:3. 15:4. 2 Sam. 21:1. 1 Kings 20:27. n See on 1 Kings 
 22:1.32,33. 2 Chr. 18:3,29—32. 19:2.21:4-7 . 22 3,4.10-12. o Nnm.21:4. Mai. 
 1:2.3. p S e on 1 Kings 22:47. q Ex. 15:22. 17:1. Num. 20.2,4 . 21:5. 33:14. 
 t Heb. at their Feet. Ex. 11:8. marg. Judg. 4:10. r 6:33. Gen. 4:13. Ps. 78:31 — 
 86. Prov. 19:3. Is. 8:21. 51:20. s See on 1 Kings 22:7. Ps. 74:9. Am. 3:7. t 1, 
 
 everlasting condemnation of their offspring, occasioned by 
 their negligence and wickedness! Let us turn from the dread- 
 ful meditation, and take warning to train up our families, with 
 increasing earnestness, “ in the nurture and admonition of 
 the Lord hoping and praying that we shall be enabled, at 
 that important season, to appear before God, and to adopt 
 the language of the prophet, “ Behold, I and the children 
 that thou hast given me.” — Indeed the ministers of Christ 
 must and will in all ordinary circumstances continue to bless, 
 and not curse: but the Lord is still glorious in holiness, and 
 all creatures serve him ; and while he protects his people, 
 even among their enraged foes, he can soon call for instru- 
 ments of his vengeance on those whom he sees to be ripe for 
 destruction. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1. Note, 1:17. 
 
 V. 2, 3. Jehoram threw aside, but did not destroy, the 
 image of Baal : and if he suppressed the worship of Baal for 
 a time, in order to please Jehoshaphat, and secure his alliance, 
 or through terror at the awful end of his father and brother, 
 it was soon allowed to revive. (Notes, 10:18 — 31. I Kings 
 16:30 — 33.) But he was not so eager on that idolatry, or so 
 vehement a persecutor of the prophets and worshippers of the 
 Lord, as his predecessors had been ; preferring the more 
 politic measures of Jeroboam. (Note, 1 Kings 12:26—29.) 
 Yet, it seems, Jezebel retained her influence, and promoted 
 her favourite idolatry; though for reasons of state, or being 
 discouraged by various calamities, she acquiesced in her son’s 
 measures at the beginning of his reign. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Marg. Ref. Note, 1:1. — Rams. (4) Or wethers, 
 a a some understand it. 
 
 V. 7. Jehoshaphat used exactly the same words in this 
 answer to Jehoram, as he had done to his father Ahab. But 
 the ill success of Ahab’s expedition, his own extreme danger 
 and merciful deliverance, and the sharp reproof given him by 
 the prophet, should have taught him a different, conduct. 
 
 ( Notes, 1 Kings 22:4,30,32 35. 2 Chr. 19:2,3.) — As Jehoram 
 had put away the image of Baal, Jehoshaphat perhaps was 
 in hopes of effecting a more complete reformation in Israel, 
 by this compliance : but he thus almost entirely ruined his own 
 family. (Note, 1 Kings 22:11 — 46.) • 
 
 V. 8, 9. This way was far about for Jehoram, and 
 through a part of tho desert in which Israel had wanted water, 
 when they came out of Egypt ; and the same difficulty might 
 teasonably have been expected. (Notes, Num. 20:2 — 5,14 — 
 
 Judah, and The king of Edom : and they fetched 
 a compass of seven days' journey : and there vvaf) 
 ino water for the host, and for the cattle 'that fa 
 lowed them. 
 
 10 And the king of Israel said, Alas, tha* 
 "the Lord hath called these three kings together, 
 to deliver them into the hand of Moab ! 
 
 11 But* Jehoshaphat said, ’Is there not here a 
 prophet of the Lord, ‘that we may inquire of the 
 Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel’s 
 servants answered and said, Here is Elisha the 
 son of Shaphat, “which poured water on the hands 
 of Elijah. 
 
 12 And Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the 
 Lord is with him. So The king of Israel and 
 Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to 
 
 him. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 13 And Elisha said unto the king of Israel, 
 'What have I to do with thee ? “get thee to b the 
 prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy 
 mother. And the king of Israel said unto him,, 
 “Nay : for the Lord hath called these three kings 
 together, to deliver them into the hand of Moab. 
 
 14 And Elisha said, d Jls the Lord of hosts 
 ; liveth, before whom I stand, surely, were it not 
 
 that “I regard the presence of Jehdtehaphat the 
 king of Judah, f I would not look toward thee, nor 
 see thee. 
 
 15 But now sbring me a minstrel. And it came 
 to pass, when the minstrel played, that ‘‘the hand 
 of the Lord came upon him. 
 
 16 And he said. Thus saith the Lord, ‘Make 
 this valley full of ditches : 
 
 17 For thus saith the Lord, ‘Ye shall not see 
 wind, neither shall ye see rain; yet that valley 
 shall be filled with water, ’that ye may drink, both 
 ye, and your cattle, and your beasts. 
 
 3. Josh. 9:14. Judg. 20:8— 11.18,23,26— 28. 1 Chr. 10:13. 14:10,14. 15:13. u Gen. 
 18:4. Josh. 1:1. 1 Kings 19:21. Luke 22:26.27. John 13:4,5,13,14. Phil. 2: 
 22. x 2:14.15,21,24. 1 Sum. 3:19— 21 . y 5:8,9,18. Is. 49:23. 60:14 Rev. 3:9. 
 
 7. Ez. 14:3— 5. Mutt. 8:29. John 2:4. 2 Cor. 5:16. 6:15. a Judg. 10.14. Jcr.2: 
 27,28. b I Kings 18:19.22:6,10.11,22— 25. c See on 10. Deul. 32:37— 39. 
 Hos. 6:1. <15:16. I Kings 17:1. 18:15. e 2 Chr. 17:3-9. 19:3,4. Ps. 15:4. 
 
 f 1 Sain. 15:26— 31. 1 Kings 14:5, 4c. 21:20. Jer. 1 ;18. Dan. 5:17— 23. Malt. 
 22:16. g I Sam. 10:5. 16:23. 18:10. 1 Chr. 25:2,3. Eph. 5:18.19. h 1 Kings 18: 
 46. Ez. 1:3. 3:14,22. 8:1. Acts 11:21. i 4:3. Num. 21:8,16— 18. k 1 Kings 18: 
 36— 39. Ps. 84:6. 107:35. Is. 41 : 17,18. 43:19,20. 48:21. 1 Ex. 17:6. Num. 20. 
 
 8— 11. 
 
 21. 21:16 — 18.) Jehoshaphat seems to have intended to pre- 
 vent the revolt, and secure the assistance of the deputy-king 
 of Edom, and to attack the Moabites by surprise: (Note, 1 
 Kings 22:47.) but he neglected to inquire of the Lord, for 
 which he was speedily rebuked. It is probable, that the army 
 either missed the direct road, or was hindered in its march, 
 and turned out of the way which the kings had intended to 
 take, by some unforeseen impediments: ora great drought 
 prevailed in that region, of which they had not been aware. 
 
 V. 10. Jehoram had planned this expedition, without any 
 divine direction, for his own interest, and had drat™ the 
 other two kings into it. Had they succeeded, he would not 
 have given God the glory ; yet when calamities came upon 
 him, through his own inadvertency, “ his heart fretted against 
 the Lord :” but he expressed neither repentance, nor faith, 
 nor submission to the will of God. ( Notes, 6:24 — 33. Prov. 
 19:3.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. Doubtless, the prophet was divinely directed to 
 follow the camp on this occasion. The servant of Jehoram 
 was better acquainted with Elisha, than his master was ; 
 and he was known, as having been the attendant of Elijah, to 
 assist him in w'ashing his hands, and other menial offices ; 
 yet as appointed to be his successor. (Note, 1 Kings 19: 
 20,21.) Jehoshaphat was now made sensible of his fault in 
 neglecting to inquire of the Lord: and the three kings concurred 
 in showing respect to Elisha ; not ordering his attendance, but 
 waiting on him. (Notes, 5:8 — 12. Ex. 11:8. Is. 60:10—14. 
 Rev. 3:8,9.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. It is probable, that Elisha meant to show Jeho- 
 shaphat the deficiency and hypocrisy of Jchoram’s reformation, 
 as his heart still went after the prophets and worship of Baal ; 
 and he had no real regard for the prophets of God, though he 
 consulted him in his distress. He would not therefore show 
 him any respect or honour, that he might understand how the 
 Lord detested his iniquity; but he treated Jehoshaphat with 
 respect, though he also was faulty. (Notes, Judg. 10:13 — 18. 
 Ez. 14:1 — 5. 20:39) — Doubtless he was directed to act in his 
 public character, differently from what he would have done 
 as a private subject of Jehoram’s kingdom. This indeed is 
 implied in the words of the oath, by which he confirmed what 
 he spake. “ As the Lord of hosts liveth, before whom I 
 stand.” (Marg. Ref. d.) 
 
 V. 15. The “ minstrel” was one skilful in playing on a 
 harp, or some other musical instrument : and it is probable 
 ( 653 ) 
 
B. C. 895. 
 
 II KINGS, 
 
 B C. 895. 
 
 18 And m th.s is bat n a lig’ht thing in the sight of 
 the Lord : °he will deliver the Moabites also into 
 your hand.’ 
 
 19 And pye shall smite every fenced city, and 
 
 every choice city, and shall sfell every good tree, 
 and stop all wells of water, and ’mar every good 
 piece of land with stones. % 
 
 20 And it came to pass in the morning, r when 
 the meat-offering was offered, that behold, there 
 came water by the way of Edom, and the coun- 
 try was s filled with water. 
 
 21 II And when all the Moabites heard that the 
 kings were come up to fight against them, they 
 •gathered all that were table to put on armour and 
 upward, and stood in the border. 
 
 22 And they arose up early in the morning, and 
 the sun shone upon the water, and the Moabites 
 saw the water on the other side as red as blood : 
 
 23 And they said, ‘This is blood : the kings are 
 surely Islain, and they have smitten one another: 
 “now therefore Moab to the spoil. 
 
 m I Kings 3:13. Jer. 32:17,27. L,ikel:27. Eph. 3:2(1. n 20,10. 1 Kings 16: 
 31. Is.7:13.49:6. Es.8:17. o 1 Kings 20: 13,28. Is. 7:1— 9. p 13:17. Num. 
 21:17. Judg. 6:16. 1 Sam. 15:3. 23:2. q Deni. 20: 19,20. • Heb. grieve. 23. 
 
 El. 29:39,40. 1 Kings 18:3S. Dan. 9:21. s See cm Ps. 79:15,16,20. Is. 35:6, 
 7. 1 Heb. were cried together. * Heb. gird himself with a girdle. I Kings 
 20:11. Eph. 6:14. 6:18— *20. 7:6. § Heb. desroyed. u Ex. 15:9. Judg. 5: 
 
 that he sang the praises of God, accompanied with soft and 
 sweet music. — This was intended to calm the prophet’s mind,, 
 which had been discomposed with a holy indignation, by 
 recollecting the abominations of Ahab’s family ; and so to 
 prepare him for those illapses of the Holy Spirit, which he 
 assuredly expected, and accordingly received. ( Notes , 1 
 
 Sam. 10:5,6. 16:15 — 23.) 
 
 V. 16, 17. With the prophetical promise of a sufficient 
 supply of water, for them, their cattle, and beasts of burden, 
 a commandment was given which required considerable labour, 
 and was a trial of the faith and obedience of the persons con- 
 cerned. It is useless to inquire whence this water came : 
 He, that caused the rock to pour forth rivers, could never 
 want resources. (Note, Ex. 17:5,6.) The supply, however, 
 was evidently miraculous : and those who have insinuated 
 the contrary, as if Elisha had merely known that there was 
 water in the place, if they would only dig for it; must suppose 
 that the prophet, whom they attempt to disparage, had more 
 sagacity in matters of this kind, than these three kings, with 
 all their officers, and counsellors, and soldiers. 
 
 V. 18, 19. (Marg. Ref.) Providence put in Jehoram’s 
 power to execute that severe vengeance upon the revolted 
 Moabites, which he meditated. But it is not certain, whether 
 the words of Elisha implied a permission to do so, or were 
 merely prophetical of the event. ( Dcut . 20:19,20.) — It is 
 probable, that much of the land could not be cultivated, till 
 the stones were gathered off: and these, lying in heaps upon 
 the corners of the fields, would speedily be dispersed by a 
 numerous army, and occasion great hinderance and difficulty 
 in the future cultivation of the country. 
 
 V. 20. The time of the morning sacrifice at Jerusalem 
 was chosen by the Lord for this miracle, to intimate to the 
 whole company, that the deliverance was vouchsafed them 
 through the sacrifices and the worship there performed. 
 (Marg. Ref. r.) — It may here very properly bo noted, that 
 neither Elijah nor Elisha seems ever to have resorted to the 
 worship at the temple, or to have required the people, under 
 the government of the kings of Israel, to do so; though that 
 worship was appointed by God, and it is evident that his 
 spiritual worshippers had respect to it. The peculiar circum- 
 stances of Israel were such, that without uninterrupted 
 miracles, or subverting the foundation of the civil establish- 
 ment, the people could not exactly observe the ritual law. 
 The prophets were therefore directed, by God himself, to 
 accommodate their conduct to these circumstances, and to 
 spend their lives in recovering or preserving the people from 
 idolatry, and in teaching them the grand essentials of accept- 
 able religion. In every age hitherto, considerate and faithful 
 ministers have found it impracticable, for them to rectify 
 every external deviation from what to them appeared most 
 scriptural: but having adverted to the distinction between 
 what is desirable , and what is attainable ; and between the 
 essentials of true religion in every age, and matters more 
 circumstantial ; they have accommodated themselves to that 
 state of things w'hich they could not alter; and endeavoured 
 to bring men to repentance, faith in Christ, and holiness of 
 life, and to as scriptural an external worship as they could. 
 And, though some of their brethren have censured them, the 
 Lord God of Elijah and Elisha has evidently pleaded their 
 cause, by making them the instruments of numerous conver- 
 sions, and great revivals of religion : whilst others, scrupu- 
 lously exact in external forms and earnest to magnify them, 
 have worn out their lives in vainly attempting to new model the 
 church and the world, ana have missed their opportunity of 
 more essential usefulness. ( Notes , 4:23. 1 Sam. 7:9,17. 1 
 Kings 18:4,36,37.) In clue time the Lord will regulate every 
 thing externally, as well as internally bn the best manner: in 
 ( 654 ) 
 
 24 And when they came to the camp oi 
 Israel, the Israelites rose up and x smote the 
 Moabites, so that they fled before them : but they 
 "went lorward smiting the Moabites, even in their 
 country. 
 
 25 And they ^beat down the cities, and on 
 every good piece of land cast every man his stone, 
 and filled it, and they stopped all the wells oi 
 water, “and felled all the good trees: •'only in b Kir- 
 haraseth left they the stones thereof ; howbeit the 
 slingers went about it , and smote it. 
 
 26 H And when the king of Moab saw that I e 
 battle was too sore for him, he took with him seven 
 hundred men that drew swords, to break through 
 even c unto the king of Edom : but they could not. 
 
 27 Then he took his eldest son, that should 
 have reigned in his stead, and ‘'offered him for a 
 burnt-offering upon the wall. And there was 
 great indignation against Israel : and 'they de- 
 parted from him, and returned to their own 
 land. 
 
 30. 2Chr. 20:25. Is. 10:14. x Josh. 8:20— 22. Judg. 20:40-46. I Tlies. 5:3,4. 
 II Or, smote in it even smiting. y 19. Jiirlg. 9:45. 2 Sam. 8:2. I«. 37:26,27. 
 z Gen. 26:15,18. 2 Chr. 32:4. a Dent. 20:19,20. H Heb. until he left the stones 
 thereof in Kir-haraselk. b Is. 16:7,11. Jer. 48:31 ,36. Kir-heres. c 9. Am. 
 2:1. d Gen. 22:2,13. I eut. 12:31. Judg. 11:31,39. Ps. 106:37,38. Ez. 16:20 
 Mic. 6:7. e 1 Sam. 14:36—46. 1 Kings 20:13,28,43. 
 
 the mean while we must make the best of things : we must 
 aim to be satisfied respecting our own conduct as in the 
 sight of God ; to be moderate and candid in our own judg- 
 ment concerning those who differ from us, and patient under 
 their censures of us; and, learning what that means, “I will 
 have mercy and not sacrifice,” to be careful not to lose sight 
 of the great end of all religion, for the sake of some of the 
 disputable means of attaining it. For at last nothing w avail- 
 eth in Christ Jesus, but faith, which' worketh by love,” and 
 “a new creature” manifested in u newness of life.” ( Notes % 
 Gal. 5:1—6. 6:11—16.) 
 
 The way of Edom.] Mount Seir was inhabited by Edom : 
 and some think that plentiful rains on the mountains of Edom 
 supplied the water. But this is uncertain; and mount Seir 
 was not so distant, but that tokens of wind or rain would have 
 been perceived by the army. (17) 
 
 V. 22. 23. The sun shining upon the water in ditches, 
 probably in a red soil, had the appearance of blood ; and 
 deceived the Moabites, who knew that it was just before a 
 dry valley, and that no rain had fallen : and as combined 
 armies have often quarrelled, and destroyed each other, they 
 hastily concluded this to be the case, and acted as if it had 
 been fully proved to them. 4 The Moabites easily believing 
 what they wished, imagined they had nothing to do, but to go 
 and gather the spoil, and not to fight at all.’ Rp. Patrick . 
 God permitted them to be thus infatuated for their destruc- 
 tion. (Note, Judg. 7:16-22. 2 Chr. 20:22—25.) 
 
 V. 24, 25. Marg. Ref. Notes , 18, J 9,27. 
 
 V. 26. The camp of the viceroy of Edom seems not to 
 have been so well fortified as the camps of the other kings: 
 and therefore the king of Moab, in his extreme danger, thought 
 to force his way through in this direction ; but he was not 
 able. 
 
 .V. 27. It has been supposed that the king of Moab 
 offered in sacrifice the eldest son of the king of Edom, w hom 
 he had taken prisoner: but the narrative does not admit o! 
 this interpretation. It is evident, that he sacrificed his own 
 eldest son, and the heir apparent of his crown, to procure the 
 assistance of his idols, or to avert their indignation. It has 
 been thought, that a tradition of Abraham’s offering his son 
 Isaac, nay, that even a distorted tradition concerning the 
 sacrifice of the Redeemer, gave occasion to those horrid 
 human sacrifices, which have been, and still 'are, very com- 
 mon in the Gentile world. But this at most could only be the 
 occasion ; the cause was twofold; the depravity and blind- 
 ness of the human heart, and the subtlety and malignity of 
 Satan ; in whose worship, as directed by him, it must be a 
 first principle, that the more costly, painful, unnatural, and 
 cruel the oblation is, the more acceptable the sacrifice ; 
 because it best gratifies his pride, envy, and malice. (Notes, 
 Lev. 20:2 — 5. Mic. 6:6 — 8.) — This horrid sacrifice the king 
 of Moab offered in the sight of the combined armies, that 
 they might see his desperate determination to endure and 
 inflict all extremities, rather than be reduced : his remaining 
 forces were thus fired with indignation against Israel ; and 
 perhaps Jehoshaphat, and the king of Edom, expressed their 
 disapprobation of those severities which occasioned the 
 dreadful deed. In this manner the minds of the assailants 
 being filled with horror, and their measures disconcerted, 
 they, by common consent, raised the siege of Kir-haraseth, 
 the principal city of Moab, before the walls of which these 
 transactions took place. Thus it escaped the destruction 
 which had overwhelmed the other cities: (2.5) and the allied 
 armies returned home, without having fully completed their 
 design. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Partial reformations often originate from the 
 
B C. 894. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 B. C. 894 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 At Elisha '* word the oil of a poor prophet' » widow is increased , to enable her 
 tc fay her debt, 1—7. He is hospitably entertained by a woman of Shunem, 
 who is rewarded by having a son in her old age, 8 — 17. The child dies, but 
 is restored to life in answer to Elisha's prayer, 18 — 37. Elisha heals the 
 pottage made with pois mous herbs, 38 — 41 ; and feeds a hundred men with 
 tioenti/ small barley loaves, 42 — 44. 
 
 N OW there cried a certain woman of the wives 
 of the "sons of the prophets unto Elisha, say- 
 ing, Thy servant my husband is dead ; and thou 
 knowest that b thy servant did fear the Loan: and 
 •the creditor is come to take unto him my two 
 6ons to be bondmen. 
 
 2 And Elisha said unto her, d What shall I do 
 for thee ? tell me, what hast thou in the house ? 
 And she said, Thy handmaid hath not any thing 
 in the house 'save a pot of oil. 
 
 3 Then he said, Go, borrow thee vessels abroad 
 of all thy neighbours, even f empty vessels; 'bor- 
 row not a few. 
 
 4 And when thou art come in, ethou shalt 
 shut the door upon thee, and upon thy sons, h and 
 shalt pour out into all those vessels, and thou shalt 
 set aside that which is full. 
 
 • 38. See on 2:3.5. I Kings 30:35. bGen.22-.12. 1 King! 18:3/ Neh. 7:2. P». 
 103:11,17. 112.1,12. 115:13. 147:11. Ec. 8:12. 12: 13. Mai. 3:16. 4:2. Acts 13:25. 
 Rev. 15 4. 19 5. c Lev. '25:39,10,48. Nell. 5:2-5. 10:31. Jer. 34:14. Matt. 18: 
 25,30,35. Jam. 2:13. .1 2:9. 6:26,27. Mall. 15 31. John 6:5—7. Acts 3:6. 2 Cor. 
 6:10. e 1 Kings 17: 12. Jam. 2.5. f 3.16. John27. • Heb. scan' not. 13:18, 
 19. Pa. 81:10. John 13:24. g 32,33. 1 Kings 17:19,21. Is. 25:20. Matt. 6:6. 
 Mark 5:40. '.cts 9:40. h John 2:7— 9. 6:11. i 5:11. 1 Kings 17:15,16. Luke 1:45. 
 Heb. 11:7,8. j 43,44. Matt. 9:29. 13:58. 14:20. 15:377 Luke6:19. 2Cor.6:12, 
 
 hope of advantage in temporal things, by the favour of godly 
 men : and even the selfish will sometimes renounce those sins, 
 which occasion them loss and trouble ; and then detect their 
 own hypocrisy by adhering to those which promise present 
 advantage. True piety, however, disposes men to judge fa- 
 vourably: and this candour is apt to carry them too far; while 
 they indulge the hope of drawing half-converts further into 
 the ways of God, by complying with their inclinations, and 
 cultivating their acquaintance. We should indeed endeavour, 
 by kindness, both to win upon the affections of our neighbours, 
 and to evince the tendency of our religion : yet our conduct in 
 all things should be regulated by the word of God ; and it is 
 there declared that “evil communications corrupt good man- 
 ners and we are commanded “ to come out, and be separate” 
 from the ungodly. — Worldly men are quicksighted to their 
 temporal interests, but they seek nothing further ; and often 
 deduce pious persons to forget their own principles, and to 
 “lean to their own understandings,” instead of “ acknowledg- 
 ing the Lord in all their ways.” But whilst the wicked in 
 their difficulties are ready to “ fret against the Lord,” as the 
 author of those calamities which their own sin and foily have 
 brought upon them; the believer will be humbled before him 
 for neglect of duties, and disposed to inquire his will and seek 
 his help. And when , corrections have brought men to (his 
 temper, relief will be afforded them ; and their ungodly con- 
 nexions will often succeed the better on their account. — Those, 
 who would bo eminent in the church of the living God, must 
 readily stoop to the meanest service and the hardest labour : 
 for such as have thus distinguished themselves, have generally 
 attained to singular honour and usefulness. (Notes, Matt. 20: 
 24—28.) 
 
 V. 13 — 27. Many show respect to the ministers of God 
 under heavy trials, who despise them at other times. In that 
 case, they might be justly left to seek help from the worldly 
 idols, the vicious companions, the worthless forms, or infidel 
 principles, which they have preferred to the favour and truth 
 of God i and they should be shown, that with him “ there is no 
 respect of persons.” The minister may also properly let them 
 know, that he is no stranger to their character, and will pay 
 no court to them, whatever he would do or suffer for their 
 goofi : and he, who in private life is the allowed inferior, and 
 willing to be the servant of all, when speaking in the name of 
 the Lord, is commissioned to “rebuke with all authority.” In 
 all ordinary cases, however, it should be with evident affection 
 and respect ; and it is proper so to change the voice, and 
 regulate the conduct, as decisively to mark the difference 
 between the offending believer and the mere hypocrite. — Com- 
 posure of mind favours the reception of heavenly communica- 
 tions: when the wickedness and misery of man have ruffled 
 us, meditation on the glorious perfections and wonderful works 
 of God is suited to restore the calm : and it is well, when the 
 sweet, but much perverted arts of poetry and music, are used 
 with such caution and propriety, as to favour communion with 
 him.— The Lord will take occasion, from the distresses of his 
 offending servants, to manifest the. glory of his power, truth, 
 and love: and, whilst all good gi'Is are from him alone, we 
 must show our believing expectation, and prepare for their 
 reception, by observing the directions of his word.— It is a 
 light thing for him to preserve his people from becoming a 
 prey to their enemies : he will make them more than con- 
 querors over them all. — Our rule is to do good and not evil to 
 our adversaries: but we shall hereafter behold and rejoice in 
 the destruction of all the enemies of God. And they who are 
 expressly commissioned by him, (as the Israelites of old, and 
 magistrates at present,) to execute his vengeance upon the 
 
 5 So 'she went from him, and shut the dooi 
 upon her and upon her sons, who brought the 
 vessels to her, and she poured out. 
 
 6 And it came to pass when Hhe vessels were 
 full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a 
 vessel. And he said unto her, There is not a ves 
 sel more. k And the oil stayed. 
 
 7 Then she came and told the man of God. 
 And he said, Go, sell the oil, and 'pay thy 'debt, 
 and live thou and thy children of the rest. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 8 U And lit fell on a day, that Elisha passed to 
 m Shunem, where teas "a great woman ; and “she 
 ^constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, 
 that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to 
 eat bread. 
 
 9 And Pshe said unto her husband, Behold 
 now, I perceive that 411118 is a holy r man of God, 
 which passeth by us continually. 
 
 10 “Let us make ‘a little chamber, I pray thee, 
 on the wall ; and let us set for him there a bed, 
 and a table, and a stool, aud a candlestick : and it 
 
 13. It 13:19. Josh. 6:12. 1 Kinds 17:14. JohuG:12. IPs. 37:21. Rom. 12:17. 
 Phil. 4:8. 1 Thu. 2:9,10. 4:12. 2Thes. 3:7— 12. t Or, creditor. } Hub .there 
 was a day. 1 1,18. m 12. Josh. 19:18. 1 Sam. 28:4. 1 Kings 1:3. n 2 Sam, 19: 
 32. Job 1:3.32:9. Luke 1:15. o Gen 19:3. Judg. 19:20. Prov.7:21. Luke 14: 
 23.24:29. Acts 16:15. § Heb . laid hold on him. p Prov. 31:10,11. 1 Pet. 3:1. 
 q l Thrs. 2:10. Til. 1:8. 2 Pet. 1:21. 3:2. r See on Deut. 33:1 . 1 Kings 13.1. 
 17:18,24. 1 Tim. 6:11. s Is. 32:8. Malt. 25:40. Luke 8.3. Rom. 12:13. Heb. 
 10:24. 13:2. 1 Pet. 4:9,10. I 1 Kings 17:19. 
 
 wicked, are authorized in those severities, which in others 
 would be extremely criminal. — The Lord will put honour upon 
 his own institutions : and sinners left to themselves are speed- 
 ily infatuated ; for if men could not believe what they wish to 
 be true, without proof, and in defiance of demonstration*, u tho 
 fool” would not w say in his heart, there is no God.” — When 
 sinners are promising themselves peace and safety, sudden 
 and inevitable destruction comes upon them ; desperation suc- 
 ceeds their mad presumption ; and in Satan’s service, and at 
 his suggestion, such horrid deeds have been perpetrated, as 
 cause even the natural feelings of humanity to recoil. We 
 should, however, be careful not to urge the worst of men to 
 extremities, lest we should occasion blasphemies, murder, or 
 suicide : we ought rather to recede from our right, and leave 
 them to the judgment of God. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. TV. V. 1. The prophets were minis- 
 ters by selection, and not by entail , as the priests were : yet 
 they seem in general to have married and brought up families ; 
 though Elijah and Elisha ar$ supposed to have continued in 
 a single state. — Except the prophets had private fortunes, 
 which probably was not often the case, their incomes must 
 have been very precarious ; and would arise either from the 
 donations of pious persons, or from their own manual labour. 
 The people perhaps sometimes gave them the first-fruits, and 
 some other of ihe oblations, which would have belonged to 
 the priests and Levites, if they had not departed from among 
 them. {Note, 2 Chr. 11:13 — 17.) Many of them, however, 
 seem to have been very scantily provided for: and this servant 
 of God, who was of approved piety, not only left his family 
 destitute, but involved in debt. Yet the creditor paid no more 
 regard to the distress of the widow, than to the character of 
 the deceased; nay, perhaps he was the more severe in his 
 demands, because of the attachment, of the debtor to the wor- 
 ship of Jehovah, and his zeal against idolatry. As therefore 
 the widow had no effects, with which to discharge the debt, 
 he proceeded to sell her sons for slaves in order to pay him- 
 self. ( Marg . Ref. c. Notes , Ex. 21:2. Neh. 5:1 — 13. Matt. 
 18:23 — 27.) — Elisha had no wealth from which to assist the 
 widow : yet it was proper, for the honour of religion, that the 
 creditor should be satisfied: and the Lord directed him to a 
 method of effectually answering this demand, and of supplying 
 her future neccssfties. 
 
 V. 2. The woman had parted with every thing of value, to 
 satisfy other demands, or to supply her urgent necessities. 
 Probably this oil was a present from some friend of her de- 
 ceased husband, out of the produce of his olive-yard, but it 
 was utterly insufficient to satisfy the creditor. 
 
 V. 3. Not a ,fetv.\ As many, and as large, as she could 
 procure. {Marg.) 
 
 V. 4. Shut, &r.] This direction was given, in order that 
 the woman might avoid interruption and ostentation ; and that 
 in retirement, she with her sons might the more leisurely con- 
 sider and adore the goodness of the Lord. (Note, Matt. 6:6.) 
 
 V. 6. The woman was ordered “to borrow empty vessels 
 not a few;” and, as her neighbours were willing to lend her, 
 we may conclude that she borrowed as many as she thought 
 could be wanted: yet the oil stayed not, till all the vessels 
 were filled. Had her expectations been larger, the supply 
 would have been still more abundant. (Note, 13:15 — 19.) 
 
 V. 7. The woman would not make use of the miraculous 
 supply, till she had received the prophet’s direction : and by 
 his orders she first discharged her whole debt, and then used 
 the remainder for the subsistence of herself and her children. 
 (Marg. Ref. Note, Rom. 13:8 — 10.) 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Elisha seems to have generally resided at of 
 
 ( 655 ) 
 
R. C. 894 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 889. 
 
 shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn 
 in thither. 
 
 It Ami it fell on a day that he came thither, 
 and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. 
 
 12 A rul lie said to “Gehazi his ’servant, Call this 
 Shunammite. And when he had called her, she 
 stood before him. 
 
 13 And he said unto him, Say now unto her, 
 Behold, ’thou hast been careful for us with all this 
 care ; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou 
 be spoken tor Ho the king, or Ho the captain of the 
 host? And she answered, a I dwell b among mine 
 own people. 
 
 14 And he said, What then is to be done for 
 her? And Gehazi answered, Verily c she hath no 
 child, and her husband is' old. 
 
 15 And he said, Call her. And when he had 
 called her, she stood in the door. 
 
 16 And he said, d About this 'season, according 
 to the time of life, c thou shalt embrace a son. 
 And she said, Nay, f my lord, thou man of God, 
 gdo not lie unto thy handmaid. 
 
 a. c.-| 17 And h the woman conceived, and bare a 
 
 893 -*son at that season that Elisha had said unto 
 her, according to the time of life. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 B.c.-j 18 H And when the child was grown, it fell 
 883 -lon a day, that he went out to his father Ho 
 the reapers. 
 
 19 And he said unto his father, iMy head, my 
 head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. 
 
 5 i 
 
 u 29—31. 5:20—27. 8:4,5. v3:ll. 1 Kings 18:43. 19:3. Acu 13:5. x Mall. 10:40 
 —42. I.uke 9:3—5. Rom. 16:2,6. Phil. 4:18,19. 1 Thes. 5:12,13. 2 Tim. 1:16— 18. 
 v 3:15—18.8:3—6. Gen. 14:24. 2Sam. 19:32-38. z9:5. 2 Sam. 19:13. 1 Kings 
 4 : 32 . a 1 Tim. 6:6— 8. Heb. 13:5. b 8:1. Ruih 1:1— 4. Ps. 37:3. c Gen. 15:2, 
 3. 17:17. 18:10— 14. 25 21. 30:1. Judg. 13:2. 1 Sam. 1:2,8. Luke 1:7. d Gen. 
 17:21.18:10,14. • Heb. set lime, e Gen. 17:16,17. Luke 1:13,30,31. f See 
 on q. 2:19. g 28.5:10,11. Gen. 18:12— 15. 1 Kings 17: 18. 18:9. Ps. 116: 
 
 11. Luke 1:18— 20. h Gen. 21:1. 1 Sam. 1 :19,20. Ps. 113:9. Luke 1:24, 
 
 25. Heb. 11:11. i Ruth 2:4. j Job 14-1,2. Jer. 4:19. k Is. 49:15. 66:13. 
 
 near mount Carmel : but he went his circuits through the land, 
 to visit the seminaries of the prophets, and to instruct the peo- 
 ple, which probably was his stated employment, when not 
 sent on some special service. (Notes, 2:1. 1 Kings 19:20,21.) 
 At Shunem there lived a woman of wealth and piety, who 
 invited him to come to her house, and with some difficulty 
 prevailed on him. But when he became acquainted with her 
 character, he never failed to call upon her when he journeyed 
 that way. Her husband seems to have been a pious person, 
 but not so zealous and active as she was : and, as he confided 
 his domestic affairs to her care, she is chiefly noticed. By 
 his approbation she prepared for the prophet a retired lodging ; 
 perhaps perceiving that the hurry of a large family did not 
 suit his contemplative mind. — The plain, simple manner in 
 which the prophet’s chamber was furnished, ((hough he was 
 he patriarch, if I may so speak, of the whole church of Israel,) 
 is worthy of our notice. There was nothing provided for or- 
 nament or indulgence, but merely for necessity, for study, and 
 for devotion. — Shunem. (S) In the lot of Issachar. (Marg. 
 Ref. m. Note, Josh. 19:17 — 23.) 
 
 V. 13. Elisha had no doubt acquired considerable influ- 
 ence with Jehoram, or his captains, by the singular deliver- 
 ance and victory obtained through him: (Notes, 3:4 — 27.) 
 and, though he would ask nothing for himself, he was willing 
 to show his gratitude in behalf of his kind hostess, by inter- 
 osing in her behalf, if she had any petition to present. — Per- 
 aps Jehoram’s soldiers or tax-gatherers might be oppressive 
 or troublesome in the neighbourhood ; and he thought she 
 might desire to seek redress of this, or some other grievance. 
 (Notes, 8:3 — G.) Or perhaps he made the proposal, with an 
 intention of manifesting her indifference to temporal interests. 
 Accordingly she answered, that, living safe and contented 
 among her friends and relatives, and those who behaved 
 kindly to her, she had no request to make. Having said this, 
 she seems to have withdrawn; but Elisha further conversed 
 e*n the subject with Gehazi. 
 
 Thou hast been careful.] nvm. Tin, tremere , turban, com- 
 moveri cura. Robertson. Probably, the same word was 
 used by our Lord to Martha, rendered rvp/}at,ji, art troubled, 
 Luke 10:41 . 
 
 V. 14 — 17. Gehazi, as having more leisure and opportu- 
 nity to observe the affairs of the family than Elisha had, 
 discovered what favour would be most acceptable; and he 
 seems not to have doubted the prevalence of his master’s 
 prayers in this respect. In addressing his benefactress, 
 Elisha used words, which some think implied, not only the 
 time, but the very day, on which she should embrace a son. 
 (Marg. Ref. Gen. 17:21. 18:14.) — Her answer reminded him 
 of his character, and intimated that she could not suppose he 
 would mock her with delusive expectations : especially as she 
 had expressed no impatience under her trial, and had not so 
 much as mentioned a desire of having childron. (28. Notes, 
 Gen. 30:1,2. 1 Sam. 1:4—8.) 
 
 ( 656 ) 
 
 20 And when he had taken him, and brought 
 him to k his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, 
 ‘and then died. 
 
 21 And she went up, and laid him on m th«i bed 
 of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, 
 and went out. 
 
 22 And she called unto her husband, and said, 
 Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and 
 one of the asses, that "I may run to the man of 
 God, and come again. 
 
 23 And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him 
 to-day ? it is neither “new moon nor sabbath. And 
 she said, It shall be f well. 
 
 24 Then Pshe saddled an ass, and said to her 
 servant, '(Drive, and go forward ; islack not thy 
 riding for me, except I bid thee. 
 
 25 So she went and came unto the man of God 
 r to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when 
 the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to 
 Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shu- 
 nammite : 
 
 26 s Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say 
 unto her, l Is it well with thee ? is it well with thy 
 husband ? is it well with the child ? And she 
 answered, “It is well. 
 
 27 And when she came to the man of God to 
 the hill, she caught §him T by the feet : but Gehazi 
 came near to Hhrust her away. And the man 
 of God said, rLet her alone ; for her soul is "vexed 
 within her: and the Lord hath Hiid it from me, 
 and hath not told me. 
 
 Luke 7:12. 1 Gen. 22:2. 37:3,35. 1 Kings 17:17. Ez. 24:16— 18. Luke 2:35. 
 
 John 11:3,5,14. m 10. 1 Kings 17:19. n 24,26. John 11.3. Acts 9:38. o Klim. 
 10:10.28:11. lChr.23:31. Is. 1:13— 15. t Heb. peace. 26. p Ex. 4:20. 
 
 1 Sam. 25:20. 1 Kings 13:13,23. q 1 Sam. 25:19. % Heb. reslrainnot for n « 
 
 to ride, r 2:25. 1 Kings 13:19,42. s Zech.2:4. t Gen. 29:6. 37:14. 1 Sam. 
 17:18. Matt. 10:12,13. Acts 15:36. u 23. lSam.3:18. Jol>l:21. § Heb. by 
 his feet, v Matt. 28:9. Luke 7:38. x Matt. 15:23. Mark 10:13. John 4:27. 
 12:4 — 6. y Mark 14:6. John 12:7. II Heb. bitter. 1 Sam. 1:10. Job 10:1. 
 
 Prov. 14:10. 18:14. z 6:12. Gen. 18:17. 2 Sam. 7:3. Am. 3:7. John 15:15. 
 
 V. 21. On the bed, &c.] This implied, that the woman 
 had some expectation of her son’s being restored to her ; as 
 he had at first been given her in so extraordinary a manner; 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 17:17 — 24. Heb. 11:17,19.) yet this hope was 
 not sufficiently prevalent to exclude her anguish of spirit, 
 under this unexpected and sudden affliction. 
 
 V. 22. The field, where the woman’s husband superin- 
 tended his reapers, was near to the house ; as this request 
 must have been made by some messenger. 
 
 V. 23. It appears, that on the sabbaths, new moons, and 
 other solemnities, the people were accustomed to assemble 
 in appointed places, to worship God, and to receive instruc- 
 tion from the prophets ; and it was thought allowable to use 
 the cattle on the sabbath-day, to go to the prophet, or to 
 these places, if at a distance. (Notes, Ex. 20:8 — 11.)— It is 
 not certain whether they assembled in synagogues, or private 
 houses ; but probably it was done in most parts of the land of 
 Israel. — In Judah, pious people had the advantage of the 
 temple-worship, and the instructions of the priests and Le- 
 vites ; they were generally countenanced and protected by 
 their kings ; and they thankfully availed themselves of these 
 advantages. But in Israel, the ruling powers were against 
 them: yet they served God according to their consciences, 
 as their circumstances would admit. (Note, 3:20.) — The 
 afflicted mother would not needlessly distress her husband, 
 by informing him of the death of the child, still hoping, that 
 the restoration of the child, by the miraculous interposition 
 of Elisha, would prevent his grief; but merely said it would 
 be well for her to go: and he had that confidence in her, that 
 he required no further explanation. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. Mount Carmel was at some distance from 
 Shunem ; and the words, “Slack not thy riding,” imply that 
 the servant also rode on an ass. The word (jro), rendered 
 Drive, properly means, Lead the way, or, Go before. — Elisha 
 did not expect to see her at this time ; and, being afraid that 
 some calamity had befallen her, sent Gehazi lo make very 
 particular inquiries; to which she answered, 11 It is u'ell ,” or 
 peace, (m^ttf). Some suppose that she only meant lo put off 
 Gehazi with this answer, as in part true, in respect of herself 
 and her husband, though not the whole of the case: but it is 
 probable that it was also the language of her faith and submis- 
 sion ; as she was persuaded, that the affliction was in mercy, 
 and would terminate well, though her passions conflicted 
 against her better judgment. (Marg. Ref. Note, Lev. 
 10:3.) 
 
 V. 27. (Marg. Ref.) It is plain from this verso, that 
 the prophets derived all their supernatural knowledge from 
 immediate communication ; and not from any powor of dis- 
 cerning, habitually inherent in them. 
 
 V. 28. Doubtless the acuto feelings of the Shunammite 
 mingled some impatience in these expostulations: yet she 
 meant them as arguments, to prevail with the prophet to 
 come to her relief; being satisfied of the provalency of his 
 
B. C. 8S9. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 E. C. 887 
 
 28 Then she said, "Did I desire a son of my 
 lord? did I not say, b Do not deceive me ? 
 
 29 Then he said to Gehazi. 'Gird up thy loins, 
 and ‘'lake my staff in thy hand, and go thy yvay: 
 if thou meet any man, 'salute him not; and if any 
 salute thee, answer him not again: and May my 
 staff upon the face of the child. 
 
 30 And the mother of the child said, the 
 Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, h I will not 
 leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. 
 
 31 And Gehazi passed on before them, and 
 laid the staff upon the face of the child; hut there 
 was ‘neither voice nor ’hearing. Wherefore he 
 went again to meet, him, and told him. saying, 
 The child is k not awaked. 
 
 32 And when Elisha was come into the house, 
 behold, 'the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. 
 
 33 He went in therefore, and m shut the door 
 upon them twain, and “prayed unto the Lord. 
 
 34 And he went up, and “lay upon the child, 
 and put his mouth upon his month, and his eyes 
 upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands, and 
 he stretched himself upon the child ; and the flesh 
 of the child waxed warm. 
 
 35 Then he returned, and walked in the house 
 and fro; and went up, and stretched himself 
 
 upon him : and the child sneezed seven times, 
 rand the child opened his eyes. 
 
 36 And he called Gehazi, and said, iCall this 
 Shunammite. So he called her. And when she 
 was come in unto him, he said, "Take up thy son. 
 
 37 Then she went in, and "fell at his feet, and 
 
 a Gen. 30:1. b See on 16. c 9:1. 1 Kings 18:46. Eph. 6:14. 1 Pet. 1:13. d 2: 
 14. Ex. 4:17. e Luke 10:4. f Ex. 7:19,20. 14: .6. Josh. 6:4.5. Acts 3: 16. 19: 
 12. g Seeon2:2,4. h Ex. -33:12 — 16. Roth 1:16— 18. i 1 Sam. 14:37. 28:6. 
 Ez. 14:3. Matt. 17:16 — 21. Mark 9:19 — 29. Acts 19:13 — 17. * Hcb .attention. 
 
 I Kings 18:26.29. k Job 14:12. Dan. 12:2. John 11:11,43,44. Eph.5:14. 
 
 I 1 Kings 17:17. Duke 8:52,53. John 11:17. m Set on 4. Matt. 6:6. n 5:11. 
 6 17,18,20. 1 Kings 17:20. 18:26,27. John 11:41,42. Acts 9:40. Jam. 5:13—18. 
 j 1 Kings 17:21. tcts 20:10. t Heb . once hither and once thither . p 8:1,5. 
 .3:21. 1 Kings 17:22. Luke 7:14,15. 8:55. John 11 :43,44. Acts 9:40. q 72. 
 r 1 Kings 17:23. Luke 7:15. Heb. 11:35. s 27.2:15. 1 Kings 17:24. 12:1. 
 
 1 Sam. 7:16,17. Acts 10:33. 15:36. u 8:1 . Lev. 26:26. Deut. 28:22— 24,38— 40. 
 
 prayers. For, as she had not impatiently desired children, she 
 could not think that her son had been given her without soli- 
 citation, merely to become the occasion of her far deeper 
 distress. [Notes, 14 — 17,21.) 
 
 V. 29 — 31. It is difficult to determine whai the prophet 
 meant by thus sending Gehazi. He had divided Jordan by 
 using Elijah’s mantle; and'perhaps he thought his own staff, 
 in the hands of Gehazi, would bo as efficacious. [Note, 2: 
 14.) Or perhaps he meant to make trial of the Shunammite’s 
 faith. Gehazi, however, was ordered to proceed as a man 
 upon urgent business, who may not be delayed even by atten- 
 tion to ordinary civilities: [Luke 10:4.) and he would ihus 
 arrive at Shunem some time before Elisha could. He seems 
 to have observed his directions punctually, but in vain ; either 
 through his own unbelief; [Notes, Matt. 17:19 — 21. Acts 19: 
 13 — 20.) or because the woman had no expectations from 
 him; or because Elisha was faulty in attempting to perform 
 the miracle by a substitute ; or, as some think, because the 
 prophet altered his purpose, at the importunity of the woman, 
 and so did not pray for Gehazi’s success. [Notes, 5:20 — 27.) 
 
 V. 33 — 35. It is instructive to compare the manner , in 
 which Elijah and Elisha wrought their miracles, especially in 
 raising the dead, with that of Jesus Christ. Every part of 
 their conduct expressed a consciousness of inability in them- 
 selves, and an entire dependence on another, and earnest 
 application tv him for his interposition : but Jesus wrought by 
 his own power ; “ he spake, and it was done ;” “ Young man, 
 I say unto thee, arise ;” “ Talitha, chmi “ Lazarus, come 
 forth.” [Notes, Mark 5:35 — 43. Luke 7:11 — 17. John 11:41 — 
 46. Acts 9:36 — 43.) — On this occasion, Elisha by his great 
 attention, showed his earnest desire of restoring the child to 
 his afflicted mother : and the actions which he employed were 
 significant expressions of his expectation, that God, by com- 
 municating life to the body, would enable each part to per- 
 form its proper office. The recovery of the chuo was gradual ; 
 life was communicated, and then one symptom and another 
 of it appeared. As his disorder had been in his head, it has 
 been observed that his sneezing might remove the cause of 
 it, and restore him to health also. (Notes, Ez. 37:1 — 10 Mark 
 8:22—26.) 
 
 V. 36, 37. [Notes, 1 Kings 17:21,22. H,h. 11:35—38.) 
 The joyful mother not only expressed her high respect for 
 the prophet, but worshipped God also, giving him humble 
 thanks for his great goodness to her : for the words may be 
 rendered, “ She fell at his feet, and worshipped.” 
 
 V. 38, 39. [Marg. Ref.) Wild gourds. (39) These 
 are supposed to have been gathered from the plant called 
 coloquintida, which is of a most nauseous bitter, and, if taken 
 mproperly, operates as a fatal poison. The sons of the 
 irophets seem to have fared very hardly ; and in a season 
 Vol. I.— 83 
 
 bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, 
 
 and went out. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 38 H And Elisha 'came again to Gilgal. Ano 
 there teas “a dearth in the land; and "the sons oi 
 the prophets ?were sitting before him : and he said 
 unto his servant, 'Set on the great pot, and seethe 
 pottage for the sons of the prophets. 
 
 39 And one went out into the field to gather 
 herbs, and found "a wild vine, and gathered thereof 
 wild gourds his lap full, and came and shred them, 
 into the pot of pottage: for they knew them not. 
 
 40 So they poured out for the men to eat. And 
 it came to pass, as they were eating of the por- 
 tage, that they cried out, and said, ' O thou man of 
 God,f/rere is 'death in the pot. And they could not 
 eat thereof. 
 
 41 But he said, Then bring meal. d And he 
 cast it into the pot; and he said, Pour out for the 
 people, that they may eat. And 'there was no 
 fiiarm in the pot. 
 
 42 U And there came a man from f Baal-shalisha, 
 and brought the man of God thread of the first- 
 fruits, twenty loaves h of barley, and full ears of 
 corn in §the husk thereof. And he said, Give unto 
 the people that they may eat. 
 
 43 And 'his servitor said, k What ! should I set 
 Ibis before a hundred men? He said again, Give 
 the people, that they may eat : for thus saith the 
 Lord, 'They shall eat, and shall leave thereof. 
 
 44 So he set it before them, and they did eat, 
 and left thereof, according to the word of the 
 Lord. 
 
 2 Sam. 21:1. Jer. 14:1— 6. Ez. 14:13. Luke 4:25. x See on 2:3. 1 Sam. 19:20. 
 y Prov. 8:34. Luke 2:46. 8:35,38. 10:39. Acls 22:3. > Mark 6:37. 8:2—6. Luke 
 9:13. John 21:5,9. a Is. 5:4. Jer. 2:21. h See on 9. 1:9,11 .13. Deut. 33:1. 
 1 Kines 17:18. c F.x. 10:17. 15:23. Mark 16:18. d 2:21. 5: 10 . 6:6. Ex. 15:25. 
 John 9:6. 1 Cor. 1:25. e Acts 28:5. t Heb. evil thing. f 1 Sam. 9:4. g 38. 
 Ex. 23:16. Deut. 12:6 26:2— 10. lSam.9:7. 2 ( hr. 1 1 : 13,14. Prov. 3:9,10. 
 
 1 Cor. 9:11, Gal. 6:6. h 7:1,16—18. Deut. 8:8. 32:14. John 6:9,13. § Or, hit 
 scrip, or, garment, i See on 12. k Matt. 14:16,17. 15:33,34. Mark 6:37 — 39. 
 8:4. Luke 9:13. John 6:9. 1 Matt. 14:20. 15:37. 16:8—10. Mark 6:42.43.8:20. 
 Luke 9:17. John 6:11-13. 
 
 of urgent scarcity they were glad to gather what they could 
 find, and thus one of them ignorantly brought the produce of 
 this noxious plant. 
 
 V. 40, 41 . It is probable that these men were alarmed, 
 not only by the nauseous taste of the food, but by the effects 
 produced on those who had begun to eat of it. — Yet we may 
 take occasion to remark the goodness of God, in giving us 
 the senses of smelling and tasting, to be, as it were, sentinels 
 to keep watch, that nothing prejudicial may be received into 
 the stomach. — The “meal cast into the pot,” was only a 
 token of the divine operation, in changing the taste and pro- 
 perties of the pottage* that his servants might not want a 
 necessary refreshment. (Notes, 2:19 — 22. Ex. 15:25,26. 
 Mark 16:17,18.) 
 
 V. 42 — 44. This would be a considerable present in a 
 time of famine. (Note, 1.) — ‘Unto whom’ (the prophets) 
 4 it is probable, pious persons gave that portion, which wa3 
 assigned by God for the priests, to whom they could not now 
 carry their first-fruits, they being in the land of Judah. And 
 I suppose the schools of the prophets might be partly main* 
 tained by this means. 5 Bp. Patrick. The loaves seem to 
 have been small ; perhaps each intended to be a meal or 
 one man. The supply, however, was deemed greatly inade- 
 quate to the company : but the increase was little, compared 
 with the miracles of this kind wrought by Jesus Christ. 
 (Notes, Matt. 14:15 — 21. 15:32 — 38.) — The sons of the 
 
 prophets seem at this time to have become very numerous : 
 but perhaps some of the people, who came from a distance 
 to receive instruction, shared the repast. And this might he 
 one reason of the servant’s objection to setting so little food 
 before such a number of persons. (Notes, 1 — 7. 1 Kings 
 
 17:10—16.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. It is incumbent on all Christians, and especially 
 on ministers, to submit to Providence in respect of their 
 temporal provision ; and, while they trust in God for their 
 daily bread, not to tempt him by negligence or extravagance. 
 They ought not to contract debts for things not absolutely 
 necessary, which they have not a reasonable prospect of dis- 
 charging : for nothing tends more to bring reproach on the 
 gospel, and excite prejudice against it; nothing more dis 
 tracts men’s minds whilst they live, or more distresses their 
 families when they are dead, than a burden of debt, without 
 effects with which to pay it. Many hardships therefore 
 should be endured, and many pleasant things renounced^ 
 rather than that such injurious consequences should he occa- 
 sioned. Yet, in the mystery of providence, this may some- 
 times unavoidably prove the case, even of those who are 
 eminent for piety ; nor can the strictest prudence avert th« 
 calamity: besides, many good men are deficient in worldly 
 ( 657 ) 
 
B. C. 894. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 894. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 N sman, captain of the host of Syria, is a leper , 1. By the report of a cap- 
 tive maid of Isiael , concerning the prophet , he comes to the king of Israel 
 at Saviuiria to be healed, *2 — 7. Elisha sends fir him; he goes to him, and 
 is ordered to wash seven times in Jordan : he is angiy , but, persuaded by 
 his servants, he complies and is cleansed , 8 — 14. He acknowledges the true 
 Ood ; offers presents to Elisha, who refuses them; and is sent away in 
 peace, resolving to worship the LORD alone, 15 — 19. Gehazi, by a lie, 
 obtains presents from Naaman, and is punished by leprosy, entailed also on 
 hi 8 descendants. 2U — 27. 
 
 N OW “Naaman, captain of the host of the king 
 of Syria, was b a great man 'with his master, 
 and ’honourable, because c by him the Lord had 
 given tdeliverance unto Syria : he was also a 
 mighty man in valour, hut he was ,l a leper. 
 
 a Luke 4:27. !> 4:8. Ex. 11:3. Eslh. 9:4. 10:3. * Heb. before, t Or, gra- 
 cious. Heb. lifted up, or, accepted in countenance, c Prov. 21:31. Is. 10:5, 
 6. Jer. 27:5,6. Dan. 2:37,38. John 19:11. Horn. 15:18. J Or, victory, d 27. 
 7:3. Lev. 13:2,3,44— 46. Num. 12:10— 12. 2 Sam. 3:29. 2 Chr. 2o:19— 23. 
 
 2 Cor. 12:7. e 6:23. 13:20. Judg. 9:34. 1 Sam. 13:17,18. f F«. 123:2. 
 
 sagacity, and their unsuspecting simplicity exposes them to 
 the designs of the artful. But, when this is a man’s misfor- 
 tune rather than his fault, he will have a testimony to his 
 integrity in the consciences of all impartial persons ; the 
 Lord’s people will he inclined to relieve him or his, according 
 to their ability : and God himself will, in some way, interpose 
 to clear up his character, and to provide for his wants. — He 
 who has all hearts in his hand is able, without a miracle, to 
 procure as effectual a supply, as the increase of the widow’s 
 oil : and when the ability is given, the creditor, though unrea- 
 sonable and severe, must first he satisfied, after which the 
 remainder maybe enjoyed with comfort. — We should then 
 be careful to perform our present duty, and to commit all 
 our concerns to the Lord : we should study to adorn the 
 gospel in our life and conversation, and he will take care of 
 us and ours : and if he bring us into distress, he will mani- 
 fest his power and truth in our deliverance. He generally 
 supplies what is requisite for honesty and charity to his peo- 
 ple, by blessing them while they are occupying with a little. 
 And the best directed benevolence of man consists, in teach- 
 ing and helping the poor to make the most of what they 
 acquire by honest industry: but in every way we should 
 show a readiness to relieve those in distress ; and to give 
 them our counsel and prayers, when we have nothing else.- — 
 [f our hearts were more prepared to receive spiritual bless- 
 ings, and if we, in retirement and fervent prayer, expected 
 larger supplies, we should be more richly replenished. — 
 At length all the vessels of mercy shall be filled with the 
 Lord’s goodness : and the Redeemer’s all-sufficiency will 
 only be stayed from supplying the wants and saving the souls 
 of sinners, when there are no more inclined to come to 
 him for salvation. 
 
 V. 8 — 17. The ministers of religion should not seek great 
 things for themselves, or court the intimacy of the great, 
 expect to do good to them , or by them : but they ought to be 
 unwearied in their useful labours, like him “ who went about 
 doing good,” that all may “perceive that they are holy men 
 of God,” simply dependent on him, walking with him, devoted 
 to his service, and seeking his glory. Though backward to 
 form connexions with their superiors, lest they should he 
 taken off from their important work, and entangled in the 
 world ; they may yet find a few in that sphere, whose 
 acquaintance may be deemed a privilege. But, whilst they 
 do not refuse their countenance and friendship, they feel, 
 that “it is more blessed to give than to receive ;” and they 
 will endeavour to make such returns of gratitude as are in 
 their power, and especially they will seek the blessing of 
 God upon their benefactors : nay, they will go further with 
 man to ask favours in behalf of others, than for themselves. 
 But it is a great happiness to know when it is well with us, 
 and to be content among our friends and relatives, without 
 coveting the splendour or pleasures of courts and public life : 
 and when we have so learned submission to the will of God, 
 as to express no desire for those objects, which others can 
 perceive are wanting to our comfort. The Lord however 
 sees the secret wish, which is suppressed in obedience to 
 his will ; and will hear the prayers of his servants in behalf 
 of their benefactors, by communicating unsolicited and unex- 
 .ected mercies : nor must the promises and engagements of 
 ihe men of God be deemed fallacious, like those of the men 
 of the world. 
 
 V. 18 — 37. Alas ! all earthly comforts are sources of trouble 
 and sorrow : anxious fears counterbalance our pleasure from 
 our beloved children, when most hopeful : and their sudden 
 sickress and death may turn all our joy into poignant 
 anguish. On such occasions it is right to keep silence* or 
 to sav that “ all is well nor must we think it hard to bring 
 up children for the grave, or for the kingdom of heaven.— 
 We indeed cannot expect a present resurrection of our 
 deceased friends : hut in many of our troubles we may find 
 relief ; in all of them peace and comfort, from the counsel 
 and prayers of the Lord’s faithful servants, who can teach 
 us how to turn all our losses into the richest gain. Their 
 company therefore, with the ordinances of God, and the 
 throne of grace, should be doubly welcome to the afflicted 
 and bereaved. — W e should treat those with great tenderness 
 whose souls aro vexed in them ; mailing allowance for im- 
 ( 65S ) 
 
 2 And the Syrians had gone out “by companies^ 
 and had brought away captive out of the land of 
 Israel a little maid ; and < she ^waited on Naaman’s 
 wife. 
 
 3 And she said unto her mistress, e\Vould God 
 my lord were 11 with the prophet that is in Samaria ! 
 for h he would ’’recover him of his leprosy. 
 
 4 And one went in, 'and toid his lord, saying, 
 Thus and thus said the maid that is of the laud of 
 Israel. 
 
 5 And the king of Syria said, JGo to, go, and 1 
 will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he 
 departed, k and took "'with him ten talents of silver, 
 
 § Heb. was be ore. g Num. 11:29. Acts 2*3:29. 1 Cor. 4:8. !|Heh. bo- 
 
 fore. h 8. Matt. 8:2,3. 11:5. I .tike 17: 1*2 — 14. IT Heb. gather in. i 7:9— 11. 
 Mark 5:19. 16:9,10. John 1:42—46.4:28,29. 1 Cor. 1 26,27. j Gen. 11.3,4,7. 
 Ec. 2:1. Is. 5:5. Jam. 4:13.5:1. k 8:8,9. Num. 22:7,17,18. 24: 11 — 13. I Sam. 
 9:8. 1 Kings 13:7.45:3. Acts 8:18 — 20. ** Heb. in his hand. 
 
 proprieties in their conduct, and impatience in their expres- 
 sions: and suffer them to open before us their griefs, as well 
 as be ready to attempt their consolation : and in general we 
 should not avoid trouble, nor affect state, by doing those 
 things by others which we are able to do ourselves. — When 
 we have used proper means with diligence and earnestness, 
 we may expect the efficacious blessing of God, both in things 
 temporal and spiritual ; but not otherwise. — The gospel of 
 salvation will no more effect the sinner’s conversion, without 
 the presence and blessing of God, than the condemning law 
 will: and if the minister be a hypocrite, and destitute of faith, 
 little good can be expected from the most exact external 
 observances; 1 the sinners are “ not awaked” ’ will generally 
 be the doleful report. Not so, when the use of appointed 
 means is accompanied by the spirit of fervent believing 
 prayer, and persevering expectation from the Lord ; then 
 tho change, which takes place in the conduct of many, shall 
 evince that “ they are quickened who were dead in trespasses 
 and sins.” — As the choicest comforts occasion the severest 
 trials, so our heaviest afflictions make^ way for the sweetest 
 consolations : and, notwithstanding appearances, the Lord 
 will not needlessly grieve his true people, by giving them 
 blessings in order to take them away from them ; but it is a 
 comfort under temporal losses to reflect, that we did not 
 inordinately desire the object of which we are bereft. — It is 
 happy and comely when harmony prevails in domestic life ; 
 when the husband’s authority is tempered with affection and 
 unsuspecting confidence; when the wife answers that confi- 
 dence with deference and submission, as well as fidelity ; and 
 when each parly consults the other’s inclinations, and both 
 unite in attendance on the ordinances of God, and supporting 
 his cause. 
 
 V. 38 — 44. While the servants of the Lord are contented 
 with mean accommodations, and* put their trust in him, he 
 can make their coarsest fare pleasant to them. Let them 
 but observe his directions, and he will not only supply their 
 wants, but extract the death, the evil, from such tilings as 
 most alarm them. When he pleases, the scantiest provi- 
 sions shall suffice ; and whilst he communicates to us, we 
 should in faith impart a portion to others; and thus all will 
 be clean and salutary to us. But to those, who feed them- 
 selves without fear, their table becomes a snare, and perdi- 
 tion entwines around their sensual enjoyments. Aware of 
 this danger, let us learn to use temporal good tilings with 
 caution and moderation, in dependence on him, by whose 
 blessing alone our food is made wholesome and nutrimental. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V.*V. 1. The Syrians were idolaters, 
 and often oppressors of Israel; yet the deliverance of which 
 Naaman had been the instrument, is here ascribed to the 
 power and goodness of God. “ By him Jehovah had given 
 deliverance (or salvation , ny’i&’r) to Syria.” Such is the 
 rational language of the sacred writers : whilst the arguments 
 and phraseology of those in genera 1 , who compose what is 
 justly called pi nfane history, too evidently show that God is 
 not in all their thoughts. ( Notes, Josh. 10:9,10. Ps. 144:10.) 
 — The leprosy was a loathsome and dist ressing •distemper : 
 and though Naaman was not under the restrictions prescribed 
 for Israel ; yet doubtless, lie found it a great deduction from 
 the satisfaciion which he might otherwise have found in his 
 high preferments and honours. (Notes, Leu. 13:45,46. Num. 
 12:11—15.) 
 
 V. 2 — 4. This young damsel, though taken captive, and 
 torn from her relatives and country, and made a slave to 
 Naaman, having, it is likely, been treated with kindness, 
 and employed to wait on his wife, entertained a cordial affec- 
 tion for her master, and earnestly desired the removal of his 
 affliction. Young as she was, she had heard of the piety 
 and miracles of Elisha ; and, though he had not cleansed 
 any lepers, she was persuaded he would ho inclined to show 
 kindness even to a heathen, and he enabled to effect his cure. 
 Nor did Naaman despise tho information as coining from 
 such a quarter. He had doubtless tried to the utmost, what 
 the physicians could do for him, hut in vain ; and his earnest 
 desire of a cure prevented him from disdaining an application 
 to the prophet of Israel. (Note* Luke 17:11 — 19.) Eithe- 
 the prophet was at. Samaria, when the damsel was ’aker 
 captive ; or the adjacen* district is meant. 
 
B. C. 994. 
 
 CHAPTER 
 
 B. C. 894, 
 
 and six thousand pieces of gold, and 'ten changes 
 of raiment. 
 
 6 And he brought the letter to the king of 
 Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come unto 
 thee, behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my 
 servant to thee, that thou mayest recover him of 
 his leprosy. 
 
 7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel 
 had read the letter, "'that he rent his clothes, and 
 said, n Jlm I God, to kill and to make alive, that 
 this man doth send unto me to recover a man of 
 his leprosy? wherefore consider, I pray you, and 
 “see how he seeketh a quarrel against me. 
 
 8 H And it was so, when Elisha the man of God 
 had heard that the king of Israel had Prent his 
 clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, Where- 
 fore hast thou rent thy clothes? ilet him come 
 now to me, r and he shall know that there is a pro- 
 phet in Israel. 
 
 9 So s Naaman came with his horses and with 
 his chariot, and stood at the door of the house of 
 Elisha. 
 
 10 And Elisha ‘sent a messenger unto him, 
 saying, Go and “wash in Jordan "seven times, 
 and nhy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou 
 shalt be clean. 
 
 1 Gen. 45:22. Judg. 14:12. Jam. 5:*, 3. m 11:14. 18:37. 19:1. Nam. 14:6. Jer. 
 36:21. Mall. 26:65. Acts 14:14. n Gen. 30:2. Dent. 32:39. 1 Sam. 2:6. Dan. 
 2:11. Hos. 6:1. o l Kings 20:7. Luke 11:54. p See on 7. 2 Sam. 3:31 . q3,15. 
 1:6. 1 Kings 17:24. 18:35. r Ex. 11:8. Rom. II :13. Hos. 12:13. s 3:12. 6:32. 
 Is. 60:14. Acts 16:29,30,37— 39. t Matt. 15:23— 26. u 2:21. 3: 16. 4:41. Johu 9:7. 
 1 Cor. 6:11. x Lev. 14 7,16,51. 16:14,19. Num. 19:4,19 Josh. 6:4,13-16. y 14. 
 Ex. 4:6,7. 7. Prov. 13. 1U. Matt. 8:8. 15 27. Luke 14:11. a Prov. 1:32. Matt. 19: 
 22. John 6.66-69. 13:20. fleb. 12:25. b Prov. 3:7. Is. 55:8,9. 1 Cor. 1:21—25. 
 2:14 — 16. 3:18 — 20. * Heb. I said, !fc. Or, I said with myself , He rcill surely 
 
 come out, Sec. t Heb. move up and down. J Or, Amana. c 17. 2:8,14. Josh. 
 
 V. 5, C. Ben-hadad king of Syria, having heard, pro- 
 bably from Naaman himseif, that there was a prophet in 
 Israel, who, it was supposed, could heal the leprosy, seems 
 to have concluded that he must be at the command of the king 
 of Israel, and perform his miracles for his pleasure and advan- 
 tage: and if the Israelitish maid knew so much of the pro- 
 phet, the king must have him continually in his presence or 
 in his thoughts. He therefore concluded, that he had only 
 to ask it as a favour of Jehoram, that Naaman might be 
 cured, and it would be granted of course. Naaman also 
 would prefer going in state to the king of Israel, to becoming 
 a supplicant to a poor prophet: yet it seems he intended libe- 
 rally to reward Elisha for the service. 
 
 V. 7. Jehoram interpreted the ignorant language, and 
 absurd request of the kinsf of Syria, into blasphemy against 
 God, as well as malice against himself, and a pretence for 
 waging war against him. Though an idolater, and a very 
 wicked man, he would be thought conceumed about the ho- 
 nour of God : and as full of abhorrence ot Ben-hadad 's sup- 
 posed crime, “ he rent his clothes.” — He had either for the 
 moment forgotten the miracles wrought by Elisha; (Note, 3: 
 lii, 17.) or he did not desire to witness any more of them ; or 
 he thought this beyond his power: for it seems it was deemed 
 as impracticable, by human skill, to cleanse a rooted leprosy, 
 as to raise the dead. (Note, Lev. 13:1,2.) By this conces- 
 sion of the king, the miracle wrought by Elisha became the 
 more illustrious. ( Marg . Ref. n.) 
 
 V. 8. It is probable, that Elisha was at or near Samaria, 
 when Naaman arrived ; and the report of what had occurred 
 was directly brought to him. This induced him not to go to 
 Jehoram, but to send, it maybe supposed by one of the sons 
 of the prophets, this message to him. Naaman had come 
 <nto the land of Israel, expecting relief from a prophet of the 
 God of Israel: and Elisha would by, no means have him go 
 back disappointed, lest he should conclude that Jehovah 
 was like' the gods of the nations, and as unable to do good or 
 evil as they were. On the contrary, he would have it known 
 that God had “ a prophet in Israel,” by whom he performed 
 such cures, as none of the neathen prophets, priests, or phy- 
 sicians could effect ; and which were far beyond all the power 
 of the mightiest monarchs. 
 
 V. 9 — 12. The prophet knew how to stoop to the meanest 
 service or person, when it was proper; but Naaman seemed 
 to have come to him with great ideas of his own importance, 
 as if he conferred a favour or honour upon him. Elisha was 
 therefore directed to assume that superiority, which really 
 belonged to him : and to show Naaman, that he was far 
 from being elated by the presence of so great a man ; and 
 that he regarded not his rank, desired not his friendship, and 
 would not accept his presents ; though, for the honour of the 
 God of Israel, his leprosy should be cleansed, if he would 
 observe the simple direction which he sent him by a messen- 
 ger. But Naaman thought that the prophet treated him 
 with rudeness and neglect. He had previously formed an 
 idea in his mind of the manner in which the cure would be 
 jerformod, and this message did not at all answer his expec- 
 tations. He wanted to be cured as a man of consequence, 
 who was entitled to regard ; and not as a poor pensioner, who 
 
 11 But *Naamar. was wrotli,nnd 'vent a tv ay, 
 and said, b Beliold, '1 thought, He will surely con.e 
 out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the 
 Lord his God, and Strike his hand over the place, 
 and recover the leper. 
 
 12 Are not JAbana and Pharpar, rivers of Da- 
 mascus, ‘better than all the waters of Israel ? may 
 1 not wash in them, and be clean? So he turntu 
 and went away in a rage. 
 
 13 And ''his servants came near, and spake unto 
 him, and said, e My Hither, if the prophet had bid 
 thee do some great thing, wouidest thou not. have 
 done it ? how much rather then, when he saith to 
 thee, f Wash, and be clean ? 
 
 14 Then swent he down, and dipped himsell 
 seven times in Jordan, ''according to the saying of 
 the man of God : and ‘his flesh came again like 
 unto the flesh of a little child, k and he was 
 clean. 
 
 15 H And 'he returned to the man of God, he 
 and all his company, and came and stood before 
 him : and he said, Behold, m now I know that 
 there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: 
 now therefore, I pray thee, take "a blessing of thy 
 servant. 
 
 16 But lie said, °As the Lord liveth, before 
 
 3:15— 17. Ez. 47:1— S. Zech. 13: 1 . 14:8. Mark 1:9. d 3. 1 Sam. 25:14— 17, 
 1 Kings 20:24,31. Job 32:8,9. Jer. 38:7— 10. e 2:12. 6:21. 13:14. Gen. 41:43. 
 morg. Mai. 1:6. Mall. 23:9. 1 Cor. 4:15. t See on 10. Ps. 51:2,7. Is. 1:16. 
 John 13:8. .Acts 22:16. F.|jh. 5:23,27. Til. 3.5. Heb. 10:22. 1 Pet. 3:21. Rev. 7- 
 14. g Job 31:13. Prov. 9:9. 25:11,12. b 2 Cbr. 20:20. John S:5. Heb. 11:7,8. 
 i 10. Job 33:25. k Luke 4:27. 5:13. Til. 2:14. 1 Luke 17:15 — 18. m 8. Josb. 
 2:9—11.9.9,24. 1 Sam. 17:46.47. 1 Kings 18:36. Is. 43:10,11. 44:6,8. 45:6. Jer. 
 10:10.1 1 .16:1 9 — 21 . Dan. 2:47. 3:29. 4:34,35. 6:26,27. Rom. 10:10. n Gen. 33: 
 11. 1 Sam. 25:27. 2 Cor. 9:5. marg. o See on 3:14. 1 Kings 17:1. 18:15. 
 
 is glad of his alms by whomsoever sent. Abana and Pharpar 
 were larger rivers than Jordan, and Naaman thought them 
 more likely to effect a cure: but the rivers of Damascus had 
 not been distinguished by miracles, as Jordan had been ; 
 [Notes, 2:7,8,14. Josh. 3:4.) and Naaman, in his haughti- 
 ness and wrath, forgot that Jf.hovah was to cleanse his 
 leprosy by means of his own appointment, and not in a way 
 of man’s devising. (Notes, Num. 21:6 — 9. John 3:14,15. 
 2 Cor. 4:7.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. This Syrian was favoured with very prudent, 
 respectful, and affectionat? servants ; and probably he was 
 in general a kind and considerate master, who could bear to 
 be reasoned with by his inferiors. (Note, 1 Sam. 25:14 — 17.) 
 They had, it may be supposed, heard a great deal from the 
 Israelitish maid of Elisha’s miracles', and were very desirous 
 that Naaman should make the trial. Being more calm and 
 impartial than he, they perceived that the prophet’s directions 
 were simple, easy, and safe. Had the prophet prescribed 
 nauseous medicines, a tedious regimen, or some painful opera- 
 tions, or even some burdensome religious observances ; or 
 had he demanded a large sum of money as the price of the 
 cure ; they knew that Naaman would have complied without 
 hesitation : how much more then ought he, in reason, to go to 
 Jordan, and wash seven times in its waters ? This remon- 
 strance was “ a word spoken in due season,” and had its full 
 effect : (Note, Prov. 25:1 1,12.) and his cure immediately fol- 
 lowed on his obedience ; so that the decayed and loathsome 
 parts of his skin and flesh became perfectly sound, and 
 assumed the healthful appearance of the flesh of a child. — 
 ‘ This was the only cure of a leprosy that we read of, till 
 Christ the great Prophet came into the world.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 Though the remark be not quite correct, it is entitled to con 
 sideration. Miriam was cleansed, in answer to the prayer 
 of Moses; but no other instance is recorded. (Notes, Num. 
 12:9—15.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. Naaman, having received the cure, returned 
 to Elisha, to express his gratitude, and to give glory to God : 
 and now the prophet went out to confer with him. (Note, 
 Luke 17:11 — 19.) His confession was very expressive and 
 satisfactory. He not only allowed that Jehovah was the 
 true God ; hut also, that there was “ no God in all the earth, 
 but in Israel the gods of all other nations being helpless, 
 worthless idols. — Whal an awful representation does this give 
 us of the state of the Gentiles, “ without hope, and without 
 God in the world!” (Note, Eph. 2:11 — 13.)— Naaman there 
 fore urged the prophet to take a present, or blessing, of him, 
 as a token of his gratitude ; but he most decidedly refused 
 He did not scruple to receive presents from pious Israelites, 
 and he seems to have accepted Ben-hadad’s gift; (Note, 8: 
 7—9.) but the case of Naaman was singular. It was of great 
 importance what impressions he, at that crisis, should receive 
 concerning the God of Israel and his worshippers. Elisha 
 had sent for him to confer a benefit on him ; and had he taken 
 the present, Naaman might have ascribed this to a selfish 
 motive, and imbibed prejudices ; but perfect disinterestedness 
 would have a contrary tendency. (Note, 1 Cor. 9:14 — 18. 2 
 Cor. 11:7 — 12.) ‘ He would have s (rangers to their religioa 
 
 know, how good the God of Israel *as, w/io made ri'» sec 
 
 ( ^ 
 
B. C. 894. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 894 
 
 whom I stand I will receive none. And he urged 
 him to take it ; but he refused. 
 
 17 And Naaman said, .Shall there not then, I 
 ray thee, be given to thy servant two mules’ 
 wden <iof earth ? for thy servant r will henceforth 
 
 offer neither burnt-offering nor sacrifice unto other 
 gods, but unto the Lord. 
 
 18 In this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, 
 that when my master goeth into the house of 
 Riinmon to worship there, and he a leaneth on my 
 hand, 'and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon : 
 when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, 
 "the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing. 
 
 19 And "lie said unto him, ^Go in peace. So 
 he departed from him a ‘little way. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 20 H But 'Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the 
 man of God, said, Behold, a my master hath spared 
 Naaman this Syrian, in not receiving at his hands 
 that which he brought : but b ns the Lord liveth, I 
 will run after him, c -and take somewhat of him. 
 
 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And 
 when Naaman saw him running after him, d he 
 lighted down from the chariot to meet him, and 
 said, 1 Is all well ? 
 
 22 And he said, All is well. 'My master hath 
 
 p 20,26. Gen. 14:22,23. 1 Kings 13:3. Dan. 5:17. Malt. 10:8. Acts 8:18—20. 1 Cor. 
 6:12. 10:32,33. 2 Cor. 11:9,10. 12:14. q 12. Rom. 14:1. rAcls26:18. 1 Thea. 
 1:8. 1 Pet. 4:3. s 7:2,17. t 17:35. Ex . 20:5. lKin?sl9:!8. u2Chr.30:18, 
 IS. Jer. 50:20. x Matt. 9:16,17. John 16:12. 1 Cor. 3:2. Ileb. 5: 13,14. y Ex. 
 4:18. 1 Sam. 1:17.25:35. Mark5:34. Luke 7:50. 8:48. * Heb . a little piece of 
 ground. Gen. 35:16. marg. z 4:12,31,36. Matt. 10:4. John 6:70. 12:6. 13:2. 
 Acts 8:18,19. a Prov. 26:16. Luke 16:8. John 12:5,6. Acts 5:2. b 6:31. Ex. 
 2C:7. 1 Sam. 14:39. c Ex. 20: 17. Ps. 10*3. Jer. 22:17. Hab.2:9. Luke 12:15. 
 
 1 Tim. 6:9 — 11. 2 Tim. 4:10. Tit. 1.7. 1 Pet. 5:2. 2 Pet. 2.14,15. d Luke 7:6, 
 7. Acts 8:31. 10:25,26. t Heb. Is there peace ? 4:26.9:17 — 22. e 1 Kings 13: 
 
 t — . ■ ■ 
 
 vants so good that they did the greatest good to mankind for 
 nothing. Which generous piety was apt to invite others to 
 the worship and service of this great and good God. For it 
 gives great authority to a teacher of virtue, not to be covetous.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 17 — 19. Naaman in his first impressions conceived, 
 that there must be a peculiar sanctity in the earth of Israel, 
 having received such benefit from washing in one of its 
 rivers : he therefore asked permission to carry home with 
 him enough of it to build an altar, on which to offer sacri- 
 fices to Jehovah, whom alone lie was determined in future 
 to worship with burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as Israel did. 
 Yet, as holding a high station in Ben-hadad’s court, it would 
 be expected that he should accompany him to the temple of 
 Rimmon : and whilst the king, leaning on his arm, should 
 bow before his idol, Naaman could not avoid bowing also. 
 But as he meant to do this, not as an act of worship to Rim- 
 mon, but of service to his prince ; he hoped the Lord would 
 pardon him in it : and some learned men have thought that 
 his conduct in this respect was justifiable ; because he was 
 not an Israelite, and so not under the law of Moses. It is 
 evident, however, that the prohibition of every kind and 
 degree of idolatry, belongs to the moral law, which is univer- 
 sally obligatory. Our strict rule of duty certainly forbids 
 such a conformity; the gospel grants no dispensations; and, 
 in similar circumstances, a Christian would be absolutely 
 required to renounce every advantage and preferment, which 
 could not be retained without such communion with idolaters, 
 and countenance of idolatry: nay, to endure the utmost 
 effects of the persecutor’s rage, rather than make such com- 
 pliances, however palliated by salvos and mental reserves. 
 (Notes, Dan. 3:8 — 18.) The prophet however seems to 
 have perceived, that Naaman was convinced, that even 
 bowing with the king in the house of Rimmon was not right, 
 and he left those convictions gradually to produce their 
 effects: if they were the result of regenerating grace, they 
 v/ould in time bring him to make a more public protest 
 against idolatry, when his faith, judgment, and experience 
 were matured. Moreover, as the whole work was from 
 God in so extraordinary a manner, it is probable, that the 
 prophet declined interposing his private judgment, when he 
 had no immediate directions from heaven respecting it. — “In 
 this thing the Lord pardon thy servant, that when my lord 
 went into the house of Rimmon, to bow down himself there, 
 and leaned on my hand, I bowed down myself there ; that I 
 bowed down myself — the Lord pardon thy servant in this 
 thing.” ( JVhithy , Note on Luke 12:8.) This would imply, 
 that. Naaman had previously favourable thoughts of true 
 religion, and had not been an idolater in other respects ; 
 though he had conformed in this particular, which now 
 appeared to him the most heinous of his sins. Yet there is 
 no intimation, that he had not been as gross an idolater as 
 the other Syrians. This translation, which many learned 
 men have endeavoured to establish, disregards the vau con - 
 versive , which generally changes the preterite into the future, 
 All the versions or ancient translations understand the words 
 zS the future , and not of the past. — Elisha seems also to 
 have been silent concerning the earth, which Naaman 
 ( 660 ) 
 
 sent me, saying, Behold, even now there he come 
 to me from mount Ephraim two young men or 
 f the sons of the prophets : egive them, I pray thee 
 h a talent of silver, and two changes of garments. 
 
 23 And Naaman said, Be content, take two 
 talents. 'And he urged him, and k bound two 
 talents of silver in two bags, with two changes 
 of garments, and laid them upon two of his ser- 
 vants ; 'and they bare them before him. 
 
 24 And when he came to the Hower, he took 
 them from their hand, n 'and bestowed them in the 
 house: and he let the men go, and they departed. 
 
 25 But he went in, and "stood before his 
 master: and Elisha said unto him, “Whence 
 comest thou, Gehazi ? And he said, nThy servant 
 went §no whither. 
 
 26 And ihe said unto him, 'Went not my heart 
 
 with thee, when the man turned again from his 
 chariot to meet thee ? e Is it a time to receive 
 money, and to receive garments, and olive-yards, 
 and vineyards, and sheep, and oxen, and men- 
 servants, and maidservants ? , 
 
 27 The 'leprosy therefore of Naaman shall 
 cleave unto thee and "unto thy seed for ever. 
 And he went out from his presence x a leper as 
 white as snow. 
 
 18. Is. 59:3. Jer. 9:3,5. John 8:44. Acts 5:3,4. Rev. 21 .8. f See on 2:3. 1 Kings 
 20:35. g 2 Cor. 12:16— 18. h See on 5. Ex. 38.24—28. I Kings 20:39. i 16. 
 2:17. k 12:10. mars. 1 Is. 30:6. J Or, secret p face, m Josh. 7:1,11,12,21. 
 1 Kings21:16. Hab. 2:6. Zech. 5:3,4. n Prov. 30:20. Ez. 33:31. Matt. 26:15, 
 16,21—25. John 13:2,26—30. o 20:14. Gen. 3:8,9. 4:9. 16:8. p 22. Acts 5:3,4. 
 § Heb. not hither or thither. q Ps. 63:11. Prov. 12:19. Acts5:9. r 6:12. 
 1 Cor. 5:3. Col. 2:5. s 16. Gen. 14:23. Ec.3:l— 8. Matt. 10:8. Acts 20:33,35. 
 1 Cor. 9:11.12. 2 Cor. 11:8— 12. 2 Thea. 3:8,9. t See on <1.1. Josh. 7:25. Mai. 
 2:3, 4, 8, 9. Matt. 27:3—5. Acts 5:5.10. 8:20. 1 Tim. 6:10. 2 Pet. 2:3. u 1 Sam. 
 2:30—36. 2Sam. 3:29. x 15:5. Ex. 4:6. Num. 12:10. 
 
 requested, and probably for the reasons before mentioned. 
 (Note, Matt. 9:16,17.) Nor was any thing proposed to 
 him, concerning his embracing in other respects the religion 
 of Israel. 
 
 V. 20 — 25. It is probable, that Gehazi was one of the 
 sons of the prophets, had long had the advantage of the 
 society of Elisha, and kept up a profession of piety ; yet he 
 remained an avaricious and wicked man, and far worse than 
 the servants of Naaman the Syrian! (Notes, Matt. 26:14 
 — 16.) He deemed Elisha foolish, to miss so fair an oppor- 
 tunity of enriching himself, having a right to Naaman’s 
 money in return for the cure. But as for himself, he would 
 not be so scrupulous ; and with a solemn oath, (even when 
 speaking to himself, which in this case was peculiarly pro- 
 fane,) he declared that he would take somewhat of him. To 
 accomplish his covetous purpose, he soon devised a plausible 
 lie : and Naaman’s heart was so atfected by the benefit 
 which he had obtained ; that he treated even the prophet’s 
 servant vviih the greatest respect, and pressed his acceptance 
 of a larger sum than he petitioned for. In this manner 
 Gehazi appropriated above seven hundred pounds sterling in 
 silver, which he secreted in some convenient place ; and he 
 then returned to Elisha with another direct falsehood, as if 
 he could have deceived God, as well as his prophet. (Notes, 
 Acts 5:1 — 11.) His whole conduct was wicked in a most 
 aggravated degree : he did what he could to disgrace the 
 God of Israel, and to misrepresent his religion: he behaved 
 in a manner most injurious to his master’s character : and he 
 not only robbed Naaman of his property ; but he took the 
 most effectual method imaginable to prejudice him against the 
 prophet and true religion, and to induce him to return to idola- 
 try. (Notes, Jer. 7:8 — 11. John 12:1 — 8. 2 Cor. 12:16 — 21.) 
 
 Even now. (22) At this very crisis, (as Gehazi pretended) 
 since Naaman had leflj Elisha’s door anil had gone perhaps 
 a furlong or two on the way. — The tower. (24) “ Secret 
 place.” (3Targ.) Ssyn, Ophel: 2 Chr. 27:3. 33:1-1. Perhaps 
 this was a sort of storehouse, for such provisions as were 
 brought for the sons of the prophets ; of which Gehazi was 
 storekeeper. Like Judas, who kept tho bag. ( John 13:29.) 
 
 V. 26, 27. The Spirit of God showed Elisha what had 
 passed, as plainly as if he had witnessed the whole transac- 
 tion. (Note, 1 Kings 14:5,6.) — Considering the distressed 
 state of Israel by reason of the famine, and the low estate 
 of religion, other interests and employments called for Geha- 
 zi’s attention. The prophets of Jehovah were required 
 to show themselves men of another spirit than the false 
 prophets, by a disinterested indifference about the world ; 
 and the state of Naaman’s mind, and the peculiarity of his 
 case, rendered this action the most ill-timed that could ho. 
 (Note, 15,16.) — We may suppose, that Gehazi was inwardly 
 contriving how to lay out his money, in purchasing an olive- 
 yard, or vineyard, that he might exchange the service of 
 Elisha for a more profitable occupation. (Notes, Josh. 7:) 
 And so he might ; but it would be under the stigma and 
 misery of a rooted and dreadful leprosy, entailed upon bis 
 posterity in perpetuity, or as long as one of them remained. 
 This was tho proper emblem of the polluted slate of hit 
 soul. (Note, Prov. 21:6.) 
 
B. C. 893. 
 
 CHAPTER VI, 
 
 B. C. 893 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 f\e sons of the prophets jtrcpare to enlarge their dwelling, and Elisha causes 
 iron to swim, 1 — 7. He discloses to Jehoram the counsels of the Syrian king, 
 mho sends troops to apprehend him, 8 — 14. Elisha'S servant is terrified ; but 
 is encouraged by seeing horses and chariots of fire round his master, 15—17. 
 The Syrians , at Elisha's prayer, are partially blinded; and he conducts 
 them into Samaria, where they regaui their sight, and by the prophet' s pro- 
 posal are tu’er taint d, nrul dismi.-^cd in peace, 18 — 23. Ben-had <id besieges 
 Samaria , and reduces it to extreme famine, 24, 25. Women contest about 
 eating their own children; and apponl to the king , who in a rage resolves to 
 kill Elisha, 26 — 33. 
 
 A ND “the sons of the prophets said unto 
 Elisha, Behold now, b the place where we 
 dwell with thee is c too strait for us. 
 
 2 Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, ‘’and 
 
 a Ste on 2:3. 1:1. 1 Kings 20:35. b 4:38. 1 Sam. 19:20. c Josh. 17:14. 19.47. 
 Job 36:16. Is. 49.19,20. 54:2,3. il John ‘21:3. Acts 18:3. 20:34,35. 1 Cor. 9:6. 
 1 Thes. 2:9. 2 Tlies. 3:8. 1 Tim. 6:6. e 5.23. Judg. 19:6. Job 6:28. f Judg. 4: 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V..1 — 7. In whatever manner, or degree, a man is ho- 
 noured and preferred by the princes of the earth, or made an 
 instrument in Providence of public benefit to others, he can 
 obtain no exemption from trouble. Some bodily infirmity, or 
 distressing disease, or domestic affliction, will counterbalance 
 his advantages, and imbitter his enjoyments: nor can we 
 remedy this vanity and vexation, except by humble submis- 
 sion to the will of God, and believing confidence in his truth, 
 wisdom, and mercy ; and the enjoyment of that peace and 
 consolation, which are communicated by “the supply of the 
 Spirit of Jesus Christ.” — The Lord overrules, to his own 
 glory, those events which originate in man’s wickedness: the 
 young, or the poor, are often better acquainted with his ser- 
 vants and service, than the rich or aged : but as he works by 
 despised instruments, so wise men will avail themselves of 
 a useful hint from the lowest of their inferiors. — Kind beha- 
 viour to domestics generally ensures a valuable recompense: 
 and no injuries or hardships should indispose us to seek the 
 welfare, or to compassionate the sorrows, of those among 
 whom our lot is cast; especially when they are kind to us. 
 This “little maid” proved a richer treasure to Naaman, than 
 any Ben-hadad could bestow : and good and pious servants 
 are indeed invaluable benefits. — We carry our knowledge of 
 God and of true religion with us, wherever we remove ; none 
 can deprive us of these true riches and this ^lessed liberty ; 
 and the meanest believer will find opportunities of glorifying 
 God and being useful to man, if he act consistently with his 
 character and profession : for such a conduct will attract 
 regard from those who are ignorant or careless about reli- 
 gion, and dispose them to attend to his words, particularly 
 in times of affliction. ( P . O. Acts 8:1 — 8.) — Those who 
 know the servants of God, will nor. doubt their readiness to 
 relieve the distressed ; arfd such as know him, are sensible 
 that in answer to their prayer of faith, he frequently removes 
 calamities, and imparts temporal benefits, even to those who 
 serve him not. In these concerns men have keen sensi- 
 bility, and readily make trial of any probable means of relief, 
 though expensive, laborious, painful, and evnn uncertain : it 
 would be well if they were equally sensible of the power of the 
 divine wrath to which they are exposed, the burden of guilt 
 with which they are chargeable, and the loathsome leprosy 
 of unmortified sin with which they are polluted. (Note, 
 Matt. 8:1 — 4.) — The great ones of the earth are apt to 
 suppose, that wealth, authority, and infiuence can command 
 every thing: but when they seek those blessings, which the 
 Lord communicates in answer to the prayers of his faithful 
 servants, they will find that nothing can be done in this way; 
 but that they must act as poor and needy persons, and come 
 as humble supplicants for a free gift, and not as lords to 
 demand, or to purchase. (Notes, Matt. 5:3. Jam. 1:9 — 11.) 
 For the ministers of God must obey man, only so far as the 
 will of their great Master allows them : and in his service 
 they must not be directed or dictated to by any human 
 authority. — The ignorance of many, in spiritual things, is 
 manifested by every part of their conversation: yet we 
 should not impute that to a blasphemous or malevolent 
 intention, which they utter merely because they know no 
 better. — No judges are more severe towards their fellow- 
 sinners, than those who themselves have no fear of God be- 
 fore their eyes : and they are especially quicksighted to the 
 atrocious conduct of those, whom they suspect of intentions 
 to injure them ; and vehement in their declamations against 
 the crimes, of which themselves are not known to be guilty. 
 
 Y* 8 19. The minister of God should seize every oppor- 
 
 tunity to evince the truth and importance of his religious prin- 
 ciples, and to display the glorious perfections of the Lord : yet 
 he should not appear greatly pleased with the respect shown 
 him by great men ; and he ought to be cautious lest, by his 
 language and behaviour, he enhance that pride and vanity 
 which need to be mortified. Rather he should aim to convince 
 them of his earnest desire to do them good ; and of his indiffer- 
 ence about those external distinctions, which others envy, 
 covet, or are delighted with— All the commands of God are 
 suited to make trial of men’s spirits; especially those which 
 u’lrect a sinner how to apply for the blessings of salvation. 
 These do not accord with the self-importance and self-suffi- 
 ciency, the carnal prejudices and pompous ideas, of an un- 
 ht«mbleu -eart : nor can they be cordially attended to, except 
 by “ the poor in spirit,” or without that implicit faith which 
 
 take thence every man a beam, and let us make 
 us a place there, where we may dwell. And he 
 answered, Go ye. 
 
 3 And one said, e Be content, I pray thee, and 
 f go with thy servants. And he answered, I 
 will go. 
 
 4 So he went with them. And when they 
 came to Jordan, ethey cut down wood. 
 
 5 But as one was felling a beam, the *axe-head 
 fell into the water : and he cried, and said, h Alas, 
 master ! ‘for it was borrowed. 
 
 6 And the man of God said, Where fell it? 
 
 8. g Deut. 19:5. 29:11. * Heb. iron. £c. 10:10. Is. 10:34. h 15. 3:10. Rev. 18: 
 10,16,19. i 4:7. Ex. 22:14,15. Ps. 37.21. 
 
 produces as implicit obedience. The way of a sinner’s accept- 
 ance and sanctification, by the blood and Spirit of Christ, 
 through faith alone in his name, does not sufficiently gratify 
 or employ self, to please the sinner’s heart. The method 
 seems to many futile and inadequate : human wisdom and phi- 
 losophy, (like Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus,) can 
 furnish more rational and eligible methods of cleansing: nay, 
 the operose and austere devices of superstition appear to 
 numbers preferable to “the Fountain opened for sin and for 
 uncleanness;” and the very proposal shocks and affronts al. 
 the sons of pride and self-sufficiency. But the sinner, who is 
 deeply burdened with guilt, and longs to escape the wrath to 
 come, and the service of Satan, would do “great things,” if 
 required for that purpose. If pilgrimages, mortifications, and 
 austerities could avail, they would not be evaded: to torture 
 his body, to part with his wealth, or even lay down his life, 
 would be deemed a low price at which to purchase forgiveness 
 of sins and eternal salvation ; but none of these things, in this 
 use of them, can be accepted. (Note, Mic. 6:G — 8.) As, how- 
 ever, the Fountain is opened, and the access free, he will 
 “ much more wash and be clean,” as the Lord has directed. — 
 Salvation is from the love and power of God, in the way of 
 his appointing and revealing, for his own glory, and in the use 
 of those means which he has instituted. In this manner the 
 believer seeks for it, not neglecting, altering, or adding to the 
 Saviour’s directions ; and by repeated washings he is made 
 clean from the guilt and pollution of sin : whilst others, ne- 
 glecting this great salvation, through proud contempt, sensual 
 indulgence, covetousness, or sloth, live and die in their leprosy, 
 and must for ever be excluded from the presence of a holy 
 God. But when sinners are under serious impressions, and 
 as yet prejudiced against the Lord’s method of salvation, they 
 should be reasoned with in meekness and love, and persuaded 
 to make trial of it in simplicity. For he will not cast out the 
 humble supplicant, however enormous his former crimes have 
 been, or however weak and wavering his present faith mfLy 
 be. — If masters were courteous and condescending, and ser- 
 vants could give salutary advice with modesty and respect, 
 many evils might be prevented, and the pernicious effects of 
 hasty sallies of passion counteracted. — When temporal trou- 
 bles and deliverances bring us acquainted with God, and lead 
 us to his service, they are indeed precious blessings; and 
 gratitude to the Lord will dictate liberality to the instruments 
 of his mercies. But different circumstances will render it ne- 
 cessary to adopt different measures. “ The man of God” will 
 never allow himself to “ covet any man’s gold, or silver, or ap- 
 parel ;” but be content with daily bread, and learn to trust for 
 to-morrow. Yet sometimes he will understand that the proffer- 
 ed kindness is the Lord’s method of supplying his necessities, 
 that it will be fruit abounding tc the benefit of the donor, and 
 that there is a propriety in accepting it as a token of love: 
 (Note, Phil. 4:14 — 20.) but, at others, the gift will be looked 
 on as a temptation ; and he will perceive that the acceptance 
 of it would degrade his character and office, dishonour God, 
 and tend exceedingly to the injury of the giver. In this case 
 he will decidedly refuse it. This is particularly to be adverted 
 to in the case of the great, when they first turn their thoughts 
 to religious subjects. From knowledge of the world, they are 
 apt to suspect all their inferiors of mercenary designs, and 
 naturally suppose that ministers are only carrying on a trade 
 like other men ; while the conduct of too many so called con- 
 firms them in this sentiment. There is but one way of coun- 
 teracting this prejudice; and that is by evidencing a disinte- 
 rested spirit, and not asking any thing, and in many cases 
 refusing to accept favours from them, until they have attained 
 a further establishment in the faith ; and by always persever- 
 ing in an indifference to every personal interest. — It is not 
 adviseable violently to oppose every mistake which unites with 
 men’s first convictions, lest we should damp that earnestness 
 which promises good fruit, when matured by experience, and 
 duly regulated by the gradual teaching of the divine Spirir, 
 attending suitable instruction. We cannot bring men forw: 'd 
 faster than the Lord prepares them to receive instruction: 
 and where he works, he will in time lead them to renounce 
 every secular interest, and bear any cross rather tha^i si n 
 against him. 
 
 V. 20 — 27. No outward religious advantages ensure the 
 renewing of the heart; and better servants are frequentl> 
 found in ungodly families, than in the houses of the most em» 
 nent servants of God. 5 Tis true, that the latter must, - or the 
 
 ( 661 l 
 
li. C 392. 
 
 B. C. 892 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 And he show :d him the place. And he k cut 
 down a stick, and cast it in thither ; and the iron 
 did- swim. 
 
 7 Therefore said he, 'Take it up to thee. And he 
 m put Ollt his hand, and took it. [ Practical Obtcrvcitiom.-] 
 
 8 If Then "the king of Syria warred against 
 Israel, and “took counsel with his servants, saying, 
 In such and such a place shall be my ‘camp. 
 
 9 And the man of God sent unto the king of 
 Israel, saying, ''Beware that thou pass not such a 
 place ; for ''thither the Syrians are come down. 
 
 10 And the king of Israel "sent to the place 
 which the man of God told him and "warned him 
 of, and 'saved himself there, not once nor twice. 
 
 1 1 Therefore “the heart of the king of Syria 
 was sore troubled for this thing ; and he called his 
 servants, and said unto them, "Will ye not show 
 me which of us is for the king of Israel ? 
 
 12 And one of his servants said, 'None, my 
 lord, O king: but ^Elisha, the prophet that is in 
 Israel, 'telle th the king .of Israel the words that 
 thou speakest in °thy bedchamber. 
 
 13 And he said, Go, and b spy where he is, that 
 
 1 may send and fetch him. And it was told him, 
 saying, Behold, he is in 'Dothan. 
 
 k2:21.4:41. Ex. 15:25. Mark 7:33,34. 8:23— 25. John 9:6,7. 14:7,36. 
 
 Luke 7:15. Acts 9:41. m Ex. 4:4. n 24. 1 Kings 20:1 ,34. 22.31. o 1 Kings 
 20:23. Job 5:12,13. I’rov. 20:18. 21 :30. Is. 7:5— 7. 8:10. *0 r, encamp ins. 
 t> 3:17 — 19. 1 Kings 20:13,28. q 4:27. Am. 3:7. Rev. 1:1. r 5:14. Ex. 9: 
 20,21. 1 Kings 20:15. Prnv. 27:12. Matt. 24:15— 17. s Ez. 318— 21. Matt. 
 2:12. 3:7. Heb. 11:7. t 2:12. 13:14. Am. 7:1—6. Acts 27:24. u l Sam. 
 28:21. Job 18:7—11. Ps. 48:5. Is. 57.20,21. Matt. 2:3. x 1 Sam. 22.8. 
 t Heb. No. y 5:3,8,13— 15. 7, See on 9,10. Is. 29:15. Jer. 23:23,24. Dan. 2: 
 22,23,28—30,47.4:9—18. a Ec. 10:20. b 1 Sam. 23:22,23. Ps. 10:8— 10. 37: 
 12— 14,32. Jer. 36:26. Matt. 2:4— 8. John 11:47—53. c Gen. 37:17. d 1:9—13. 
 
 time, wear the hypocrite’s cloak ; yet under it, the covetous 
 man, the thief, the liar, the traitor, may lurk concealed; but 
 a fair occasion will betray the secret, and his profession will 
 end in awful apostacy. ( Notes , Matt. 13:20 — 22.) Such 
 worldly professors deem themselves wiser in their selfishness, 
 than those who shake their hands from unlawful gain: they 
 have the name of God in their mouths, but they have not his 
 glory at heart ; nor do they care how many stumble and perish 
 through their wickedness. They make their advantage of 
 those who are under serious impressions : they can never want 
 a plausible lie, when Satan is their prompter : and they speak 
 and do whatever is suggested, “ for filthy lucre’s sake.” ( Note , 
 Tit. 1:10 — 13.) Thus they add sin to sin with rapid progress, 
 deceiving many, but known to the heart-searching God ; and 
 they are often detected, exposed, and solemnly warned by 
 hit servants. In this world they are sometimes branded with 
 infamy, and made awful examples, to wipe off the disgrace 
 which they have brought upon the gospel : and everlasting 
 misery and contempt will be their portion if they die impeni- 
 tent. — Alas ! what a price do men pay for outward advantages, 
 when they are connected with such consequences to them- 
 selves, and such misery is entailed upon their posterity! Let 
 us beware of hypocrisy and covetousness, and dread above 
 all things the curse of spiritual leprosy remaining upon our 
 souls living and dying, and for ever. (Re v. 22:10 — 12.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1 — 7. Probably, this event oc- 
 curred either at Gilgal, or at Jericho, both of which were near 
 Jordan. — Under Elisha’s superintendence the schools of the 
 prophets flourished, and doubtless true religion revived and 
 spread in proportion: but it is not certain, whether the build- 
 ing intended was a place of assembly, where the prophets met 
 for religious exercises with other pious Israelites ; or whether 
 they purposed to live together in it, with their families, as a 
 collected body separate from others. When, however, they 
 were straitened for room, they did not depend on others to 
 prepare them a more convenient or spacious building: but 
 they proposed to fill up the intervals of their time in manual 
 labour, and prepare one for themselves : and probably they 
 were accustomed to work in one way or other, that the people 
 might not be burdened. ( Notes, Acts 18:1 — G. 1 Cor. 4:9 — 13. 
 
 2 Cor. 11:7 — 12. 2 Thes. 3:6 — 9.) But they would not go to 
 hew limber, for this purpose, without Elisha’s permission ; 
 and they desired his company, to sanction their attempt, and 
 to solace their toil bv his edifying conversation ; to which he 
 willingly consented. — Perhaps they were not very skilful about 
 their work, and some of their tools were borrowed : so that an 
 axe-head falling into the water, proved a cause of anxiety to 
 one of them; as it seems he was not well able to make it 
 good, and the owner could not afford to lose it. In so small 
 a matter the Lord was pleased to work a miracle, to compose 
 the young ptophet’s mind, to put honour upon Elisha, to en- 
 able the company to proceed with their undertaking, and to 
 encourage their faith and hope ! — The stick cast into the 
 water was the token of the Lord’s operation ; and it is useless 
 to inquire in what wav he made the iron to swim. (Note, 4: 
 40,41.) 
 
 V. 8 — 12. ( Marg . Ref. o — r.) As the Israelites had re- 
 
 peatedly avoided the ambushments which the Syrians had 
 formed against them ; Ben-hadad suspected that he had a 
 l 662 ) 
 
 14 Therefore d seiu he thither horses, and 
 chariots, anti a 'great host : and they came bj 
 night, and compassed the city about. 
 
 15 And when the ^servant of the man of God 
 was risen early, and gone forth, behold, a host 
 compassed the city both with horses and chariots. 
 And his servant said unto him, "Alas, my master 
 how shall we do? 
 
 16 And he answered, f Fear not: for sthey tha 
 be with us are more than they that be wit! 
 them. 
 
 17 And Elisha h prayed, and said, Lord, I praj 
 thee, ’open his eyes, that he may see. And the 
 Lord opened the eyes of the young man ; and he 
 saw: and behold, the mountain was k full ot 
 horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. 
 
 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha 
 
 F rayed unto the Lord, and said, 'Smite this people, 
 pray thee, with blindness. And he smote them 
 with blindness, according to the word of Elisha. 
 
 19 H And Elisha said unto them, This is not the 
 way, neither is this the city : "follow me, and "’I 
 will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he 
 led them to Samaria. 
 
 20 And it came to pass, when they were come 
 
 » 
 
 1 Sam. 23:26. 24:2. Matt. 26:47,55. Johu 18:3—6. J Heb. heavy. 18:17 .marg 
 § Or, minister. See on 3:11. 5:20,27. Ex. 24:13. 1 Kings 19:21. Matt. 20:^6 — 
 23. Acts 13:5. e 5. 2 Chr. 20: 12. Ps. 53:5. Matt. 8:26. fEx. 14:13. Ps. 3:6. 
 11:1.27:3.118:11,12. Is. 8:12,13. 41 :10— 14 Mark 16:6. Acts J8:9, 10. Phil. 1- 
 28. g2Chr. 32:7,8. Ps. 46:7,1 1 . 55: 18. Is. 8:10. Matt. 26:53. Rom. h 31. 1 John 
 4:4. h Ps. 91:15. Jam. 5:16—18. i 18—20. Ps. 119:18. Is. 42:7. Acts 26:18. EuU. 
 1:18. Rev. 3:7. k 2:11. Ps. 34:7 . 68: 17 . 91 : 1 1 . 104:3. E 2 . 1:13—16. Zccb« 1:8 
 6:1—7. Matt. 26:53. Heb. 1:14. I Gen. 19:11. J’eut. 28:28. Job 5 *4. Zech. 
 12:4. John 9:39. 12:40. Acts 13:11. Rom. 11:7. II H$h . come ye after me. Malt. 
 16:24. Mark 8:34. Luke 9:23. m 2 Sam. 16:18,19. Luke 24:16. 
 
 traitor in his privy-council, though he knew not on whom to 
 fix the charge : and this greatly perplexed his mind. Many of 
 the Syrians, it seems, were acquainted with the extraordinary 
 powers given to Elisha by the God of Israel. N a am all’s 
 cure could not fail to increase his reputation, and good effects 
 might be thus produced upon the minds of some individuals; 
 though the enmity of the Syrian king against Israel still re- 
 mained : and perhaps Naaman had been dismissed from his 
 high station, as no longer sufficiently compliant to the king. 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 20:22:) 
 
 V. 13, 14. It was wonderful, that Ben-hadad did not 
 perceive, that the God of Israel could as easily disclose this 
 design to his prophet, as the other plans which he had formed ! 
 (Note, Matt. 2:3 — 8.) He had perhaps heard, that fire from 
 heaven had consumed the small companies who attempted to 
 apprehend Elijah; and therefore he sent a large army, as if 
 this would ensure success. (Notes, 1:9 — 12.) But a small 
 number would have sufficed to take an unarmed man : and 
 no force could prevail against the prophet’s omnipotent 
 Defender. (Note, Matt. 26:47 — 56.) The offence however 
 was less heinous in Syrians than in Israelites ; and therefore 
 Ben-hadad’s army was not punished, as Ahaziah’s captains 
 and soldiers had been. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. Elisha, by strong faith, perceived the invisible 
 guard assigned him : but his servant, who had newly suc- 
 ceeded Gehazi, was weak in faith and needed encouragement ; 
 and the Lord was pleased to enable him, as if with his bodily 
 eyes, to perceive hosts of angels, in the form of chariots and 
 horses of fire encamped around the prophet, to protect him, 
 and to fight against those who should olfer him any violence. 
 (Notes, 2:11,12.) 
 
 V. 18. It is probable, that the captains of the army avowed 
 to the men of Dothan, their purpose in thus surrounding the 
 place; and expected their concurrence in apprehending 
 Elisha, as the condition of their own preservation. — But the 
 prophet, secure of the divine protection, seems to have gone 
 out to the Syrians, who, in answer to his prayer, were 
 deprived for the time of the proper use of their eyes, so that 
 they could not distinguish one object from another; and yet 
 they were not sensible of their own incapacity ! (Note, Gen . 
 19:11.) Thus the miracle was reversed in respect of them, 
 from that with which the prophet’s servant had been favoured: 
 he saw what was invisible to others ; they could not see 
 what all others could. 
 
 Blindness.] d v ydd. Used only here and Gen. 19:11. 
 
 V. 19, 20. The prophet intended to deceive the Syrians: 
 and this might lawfully have been done, even if he had meant 
 to treat them as enemies, in order to his own preservation ; 
 but he designed them no harm by the deception. He was no 
 longer in Dothan, and they in reality had no business there : 
 but he truly informed them, that if they would follow him. 
 ho would bring them to the man whom they sought: and 
 accordingly, when they w’oro so infatuated as to follow a 
 stranger, and so bewildered as to enter Samaria, he made 
 himself known to them ; and the miraculous suspension o. 
 their eyesight being removed, they saw themselves at the 
 mercy of the king of Israel. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Jehoram when he became acquainted with 
 the singular event, was cagor to smite the Syrian troops , 
 
B. C. 892L 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 89? 
 
 into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, "open the 
 eyes of these men, that they may see. And the 
 Lord "opened their eyes, and they saw; and 
 behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 
 
 21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when 
 he saw them, •’My father, '•shall I smite them ? shall 
 I smite tho < ? 
 
 22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite 
 them : "wouldest thou smite those whom thou hast 
 taken captive with 'thy sword and with thy bow? 
 ‘Set bread and water before them, that they may 
 eat and drink, and go to their master. 
 
 23 And "lie prepared great provision for them f 
 and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them 
 away, and they went to their master. v So the 
 bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel. 
 
 [Practical Observatiotis.'] 
 
 24 H And it came to pass after this, that Ben- 
 hadad king of Syria ‘gathered all his host, and 
 went up, and besieged Samaria. 
 
 25 And there was v a great famine in Samaria : 
 and behold, they besieged it, until 'an ass’s head 
 was sold for fourscore pieces of silver, and the 
 fourth part of a cab of dove’s dung for five pieces 
 of silver. 
 
 26 And as the king of Israel was passing by 
 upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him, 
 saying, “Help, my lord, O king. 
 
 27 And he said, 'If the Lord do not help thee 
 
 n See on 17. Luke 24.31. o Judg. 24:40—42. Luke 16:23. p 2:12. 5:13. 8:9. 13: 
 14. q I Sam. 21:4.19.26:3. Luke 9:54— 56. 22:49. r Deut. 20:11—16. 2Chr. 
 58:8—13. s (ien. 48.22. Josh. 24:12. Ps.44:6. Hos. 1:7. 2:18. t Prov. 25:21. 
 Mat:. 5:44. Rom. 12.20,21. u 1 Sam. 24:17,18. 2 Chr. 28:15. Prov. 25:21,22. 
 Malt. 5:47. Luke 6:35. 10:29—37. V See on 8,9. 5:2. 24:2. x 17:5. 18:9. 25:1 . 
 l>ut.2S:52. 1 Kings20:l. 22:31. He. 9:14. y 28,29. 7:4 . 25:3. Lev. 26:52. 1 
 Kings 18:2. Jer. 14: 13— 1.5,18. 32:24. 52:6. z Ez. 4:13—15. a 2 Sam. 14:4. Is. 
 10:3. Luke 18:3. Acts2l:*23. * O r, Let not the LOfiD save thee. bPs. 60:11. 
 62:8. 118:8,9. 124:1 — 3. 127:1. 146:3. Is. 2:22. Jer. 17:5. c Gen. 21:17. Judg. 18: 
 23. 1 Sam. 1:8. 2 Sam. 14:5. Ps. 114:5. Is. 22:1. d Lev. 26:29. Deut. 28:53 — 
 
 but he was very respectful to the prophet who had put them 
 in his power, and would not act without his permission. 
 When Elisha therefore had shown him the impropriety of 
 slaughtering prisoners of war, whom he had taken captive ; 
 much more that of smiting those whom God had led into that 
 situation ; he desisted from his purpose : nay, he obeyed the 
 prophet’s orders in liberally entertaining and then dismissing 
 the whole army ! Let them ‘ “ go to their masters,” and tell 
 him what civility and kindness there is among the people of 
 God.’ Bp. Patrick. Yet this very man soon after deter- 
 mined to murder this same prophet! (Notes, 31. Matt. 14:3 
 — 11. Mark 6:15 — 29.) The Syrians, however, no more 
 attempted to apprehend Elisha: and the soldiers were per- 
 haps so won by his clemency, or afraid of his power, that 
 they ceased from molesting the land by depredations ; until 
 Ben-hadad had collected his whole force to besiege Samaria 
 some time afterwards. 
 
 V. 24. It seems that Ben-hadad met with little opposition, 
 till he came to Samaria. 
 
 V. 25. If the pieces of silver here mentioned were shekels, 
 above ten pounds sterling was, on this occasion, paid for the 
 head of an unclean animal, not generally used in food, and 
 affording very little sustenance ; whilst about twelve shillings 
 were given for about three pints of very mean pulse, called 
 dove’s dung ; or, as some think, of the undigested corn taken 
 from the crop, or craw, of that fowl. However this may be 
 explained, the prices shew the extremity of the famine. It 
 is sufficient to suppose, that each of these bargains was once 
 actually made in the urgency of hunger. 
 
 V. 26. Help, &c.] nyiyin ; “Save my lord, O king,” 
 ‘Save me from perishing by hunger by interposing thind 
 authority in my behalf.’ 
 
 V. 27. (Marg.) This may be understood as the lan- 
 guage of passion, or desperation: as if Jehoram had said, 
 ‘The Lord will not, and I cannot, help thee ; but we must all 
 perish together.’ 
 
 V . 28, 29. The truth and awful justice of God upon the 
 idolatrous Israelites were displayed in this most horrible 
 transaction. The extremity of hunger, inducing rage and 
 madness, and extinguishing humanity and natural affection, 
 prepared the way for such actions, as at other times the 
 persons themselves would have abhorred the thoughts of. But 
 this was repeatedly foretold as the punishment of Israel’s 
 apostacy from God ; and more instances of it occur in their 
 history, than in the records perhaps of all other nations. 
 (Notes, Lev. 26:29. Deut. 28:49 — 57. Lam. 2:20 — 22. 4:10. 
 Ez. 5:10.) 
 
 V. 30. The king mourned his own miseries and those of 
 the people, and he assumed the ‘garment of a penitent: 
 ( Notes, 1 Kings 21:27 — 29. Is. 58:3—7. Joel 2:12—14.) but 
 he did not renounce his idolatries ; and he grew more despe- 
 rate in his rebellion, through the extremities to which he was 
 reduced. 
 
 V. 31. Either Elisha had denounced this judgment upon 
 
 b whence shall I help thee ? out of the barn-floor 
 or out of the wine-press ? 
 
 28 And the king said unto her, c What ailetk 
 thee? And she answered, This woman said unto 
 me, d Give thy son that we may eat him to-day, 
 and we will eat my son to-morrow. 
 
 29 So we boiled my son, and did eat him : and 
 I said unto her on the hiext day, Give thy son, 
 that we may eat him : and "she hath hid her son. 
 
 30 H And it came to pass, when the king heard 
 the words of the woman, that < he rent his clothes ; 
 and he passed by upon the wall, and the people 
 looked, and behold, he had sackcloth within upon 
 his flesh. 
 
 31 Then he said, *God do so and more also to 
 me, h if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall 
 stand on him this day. 
 
 32 But Elisha sat in his house, and ‘the ejders 
 sat with him ; and the king sent a man from 
 before him : but k ere the messenger came to him, 
 he said to the elders, '$ee how this '"son of a 
 murderer hath sent to take away my head ? look 
 when the messenger cometh, shut the door, and 
 hold him fast at the door : is not "the sound of hi3 
 master’s feet behind him ? 
 
 33 And Vvhile he yet talked with them, behold, 
 the messenger came down unto him : and he said. 
 Behold, “this evil is of the Lord; what should I 
 ' wait for the Lord any longer ? 
 
 57. Is. 9:20,21. Lam. 4:10. Ez.5:10. Matt. 24:18— 21. Luke 23:29. t Heo. 
 other, e 1 Kings 3:26. Is. 49: 15. 66:13. f See on 5:7. 19:1. 1 Kings 21:27. t«. 
 58:5—7. g Until 1:17. 1 Sam. 3:17. 14:44.25:22. 2 Sain. 3:9,35. 19:13. 1 King! 
 2:23. It 1 Kings 18:17. 19:2. «:8. Jer. 37:15,16. 38:4. John 11:50. Act* 23:12, 
 13. i liz. 8:1. 14:1. 20:1.33:31. k 12. 5:26. 1 Luke 13:32. m 1 Kings 18:4. 21- 
 10. n 1 Kings 14:6. o Gen. 4:13. Ex. 16.6— 8 . 1 Sum. 28:6— 8 . 31:4. Job 1: 
 11.2:5,9. Prov. 19:3. Is 8:21. Jer. 2:25. Ez. 33:10. Mott. 27:4,5. 2 Cor. 2:7,11. 
 Rev. 16:9— 11. p l-e. 27:14.37:7. 62:5. Is. 8:17 . 26:3. 50:10. Lam. 3:25,28. 
 
 Hab. 2:3. Luke 18:1. 
 
 Jehoram for his sins; or Jehoram supposed that it was sent 
 in answer to his prayers ; or he thought the prophet could 
 help him if he would ; or he blamed him, for inducing him to 
 dismiss the Syrian army, when it was in his power: or 
 perhaps Elisha had counselled him in the name of the Lord 
 to hold out the siege, and that he should be delivered. His 
 rage however, against God, vented itself in menacing violence 
 to his faithful servant with an oath, and imprecation on him- 
 self, if he did not inflict it. — ‘ He swore he should not live till 
 night.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, 1 Kings 19:2.) 
 
 V. 32, 33. Elisha lodged at Samaria at this time, pro- 
 bably in the school of the prophets, sharing the hardships ot 
 that city during the siege and famine ; and me elders had 
 resorted to him to entreat his prayers, or to desire his counsel. 
 The Lord revealed to him Jehoram’s intentions: and Elisha 
 called him, “ the son of a murderer,” as proving himself the 
 genuine offspring of Ahab and Jezebel, who slew the Lord’s 
 prophets, and murdered Naboth. (Notes, 1 Kings 14:5,6. 
 18:4. 21:7 — 16.) At his desire the messenger of Jehoram 
 was shut out, till his master, who a,s Elisha knew would 
 follow him, perhaps to countermand his order, was arrived. 
 And when he was entered, and perhaps exhorted to hope for 
 deliverance ; he in a blasphemous manner answered, that tho 
 calamity was from the Lord, who would not deliver them, 
 and that it was in vain to wait for him any longer. Probably 
 he meant to infer, that he might as well put Elisha to death, 
 and surrender to Ben-hadad without further delay. (Notes, 
 25. Job 2:9 — 11. Jer. 2:25. Lam. 3:26 — 30.) — As the messen- 
 ger was excluded till the king arrived, it is evident that tho 
 latter was the speaker of these words, and not his servant in 
 his presence. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. 'God has often increased his church, by the addi- 
 tion of faithful ministers and true believers, in times of great 
 persecution: For the whole glory is secured to him, when the 
 effect is produced without the aid, and notwithstanding the 
 opposition, of human authority, by the preaching of his word, 
 and the operation of the Holy Spirit. (Note, Zcch. 4:4 — 7.) — 
 Religion indeed always appears to advantage under the cross ; 
 when poverty and affliction are endured with cheerful meek- 
 ness and patience, and when hard labour and mean fare 
 excite no complaints. When men, honoured by the Lord as 
 instruments of much good to souls, willingly earn their living 
 by working at some honest calling, rather than burden the 
 people ; and yet will not entangle themselves with the affaire 
 of the world to acquire riches for themselves or families ; their 
 conduct evidently accords to the spirit of true religion, and 
 seldom fails to attract the attention of numbers to pezsons, 
 who act upon principles, which are contrary to the general 
 propensities of human nature. — Respect to seniors or supe- 
 riors becomes those especially, who teach others to “render 
 unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s, and to God the 
 things which are God’s and contentment with poor accom- 
 modations, those who inculcate mortification to the things of 
 ( 663 ") 
 
B. C. 892. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 892 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Klisha predicts great plenty in Samaria, and the dealt of an unbelieving lord, 
 
 1 , 2. Four lepers venture into the Syrian camp, and bring word that it ie 
 entirely deserted, a terror from God having driven away the army, 3 — 11. 
 Jehoram fears a stratagem, sends messengers to examine, and finds the re- 
 port true', 12 — 15. The people spoil the Syrian camp ; the predicted plenty 
 takes place ; an / the unbelieving lord, having charge of the gate, is trod- 
 den to death, 16 — 20. 
 
 T HEN “Elisha said, Hear ye the word of the 
 Lord ; Thus saith the Lord, d To-morrow 
 about, this time shall c a measure of fine flour be 
 sold for a shekel, and two measures d of barley for 
 a shekel, in the gate of Samaria. 
 
 2 Then ‘a lord on whose hand the king leaned 
 answered the man of God, and said, Behold, e if 
 the Lord would make ( windows in heaven, 
 might this thing be? And he said, Behold, ethou 
 shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat 
 thereof. 
 
 3 And there were Tour leprous men at the 
 
 a See on 6:33. 20:16. [Kings 22:19. Is. 1:10. Ez. 37:4. b 18,19. E*.8:23. 9: 
 5,6. 11:13. 16:12. Josh. 3:5. 1 Sam. 11:9. Ps. 46:5. c 6:25. Rev. 6:6. d 4:42. 
 John 6:9. * Or, a lord which belonged to the king, leaning on his hand, 5:18. 
 
 e Gen. 18:12 — II. Num. 11:21— 23. Ps. 78:19— 21,41. fGen.7»ll. Mai. 3:10. 
 g 17—20. Petit. 3:27. 2 Chr. 20:20. Is. 7:9. Rom. 3:3. 2 Tim. 2:13. Heb.3:l7— 
 19. h See on 5:1. 8:4. Lev. 13:46. Num . 5:2— 4. 12:14. i 4. Jer. 8:14. 27:13. 
 
 time and sense. — There is that pleasantness in the converse 
 of the eminent servants of God, which can make men forget 
 the pain and weariness of labour: and when condescension 
 to the meanest unites with usefulness to the greatest, and with 
 great eminence in the church of God, it confers a peculiar 
 lustre on a man’s character. — A pious and generous mind is 
 more disquieted by occasioning loss to others, than by suffer- 
 ing it himself; and peculiar care should be taken of things 
 borrowed. — Our heavenly Father cares for his people in their 
 most minute concerns, and sympathizes with them in their 
 fears and sorrows: (Note, Matt. 10:29 — 31.) and he pecu- 
 liarly regards those persons, who are conscientiously afraid 
 of dishonouring religion, through unavoidable poverty, and 
 being unable to render to all their dues. 
 
 V. 8 — 23. The Lord knows, and can easily defeat, the 
 secret machinations of his enemies. And the profession of 
 being his worshippers will sometimes for a season engage his 
 external protection; in order to the confusion of his avowed 
 enemies, and for the sake of that remnant of true believers with 
 whom they are connected. (Notes, Ex. 32:7 — 14. Deut.Z2:2\S, 
 27. Jer. 14:7 — 9. Ez. 20:7 — 9.)--Even the wicked are some- 
 times willing to be counselled by the servants of God in their 
 temporal concerns, and they experience the advantage of this 
 conduct; but they will not take warning “to flee from the 
 wratli to come,” or be persuaded to renounce their favourite 
 sins ! Wave this subject, do not trouble their consciences or 
 interfere in those things, in which they choose to indulge them- 
 selves, and you may obtain their confidence ; nay, they will 
 give up their inclinations in other respects by way of com- 
 promise. — As prophets were not without honour save in their 
 own country; so numbers profess to honour those that have 
 obtained a good report in the word of God, who would treat 
 them with scorn or enmity, if they could again revisit the 
 earth. For distance of time or place breaks the force of their 
 reproofs ; and they can suppose that other sinners, and not 
 themselves, are intended : but when near, they direct the 
 word to the conscience, with “ Thou art the man,” and ex- 
 cept this produce repentance, it must exasperate. Such men, 
 however, prove the insincerity of their professed esteem, by 
 living in habitual neglect of the truths and precepts, which 
 were delivered by the persons, whom they would be thought 
 to admire. (Notes, Matt. 13:54 — 58. 23:29 — 33.) — The obsti- 
 nate rebellion and blindness of fallen man often induce him to 
 strive and expect to prevail against those, whom he cannot 
 deny to be the people of God : but as no outward miracles can 
 extirpate the malignity of the heart, so nothing can injure 
 those whom the Lord protects. Were our eyes opened to 
 behold the world of spirits, we should perceive more formida- 
 ble preparations against us, than those which alarmed the 
 prophet’s servant ; even legions of malicious, powerful, and 
 sagacious spirits combined for our destruction : but we should 
 also see an innumerable company of holy angels encamped 
 around us for our defence ; and the Almighty God himself 
 our Friend and Protector. Strong faith will supply the want 
 of sight : it realizes both the danger and the security, and 
 with a clear idea of the force of the enemy confidently an- 
 swers, “ Fear not, for they that be with us, are more than 
 they that be with them.” May God give us this faith, and 
 especially strengthen it in the time of danger, and in the hour 
 of death ! But if we are “strong, we should bear the in- 
 lirmities of the weak,” and both encourage and pray for them. 
 — Increasing experience of the Lord’s power and love, and 
 those glimpses of heavenly things with which his people are 
 favoured, gradually embolden them to walk by faith, and not 
 by sight : nor is the power of prayer less, than it was in those 
 ages of miracles, though the Lord answers it in a different 
 way. — It is a mercy to be kept from gross crimes even by igno- 
 ronce.and blindness; and we may pray, that our enemies may 
 ‘h; so bewildered and confounded, as to fail of accomplisning 
 
 I 664 ) 
 
 entering in of the gate : and they said one to 
 another, 'Why sit we here until we die? 
 
 4 If we say, k We will enter into the city, then 
 the famine is in the city, and we shall die there : 
 and if we sit still here, we die also. Now there- 
 fore come, and ‘let us fall unto the host of the 
 Syrians : m if they save us alive, we shall live ; and 
 if they kill us, "we shall but die. 
 
 5 And they rose up °in the twilight to go unto 
 the camp of the Syrians: and when they were 
 come to the uttermost part of the camp of Syria, 
 /behold, there was no man there. 
 
 6 For ‘‘the Lord had made the host of the 
 Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise 
 of horses, even the noise of a great host : and they 
 said one to another, Lo, the king of Israel hath 
 hired against us r the kings of the Hittites, and "the 
 kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us. 
 
 7 Wherefore ‘they arose and fled in the twilight, 
 
 k Jer. 14:18. 1 1 Chr. 12:19. Jer. 37: 13,14. mEslh.4:16. Jer. 8:14. Jon. 3: 
 9. Luke 15:17— 19. n2Sain. 14:14. Heb. 9:27. o 1 Sam. 30:17. Ez. 12:6,7, 
 12. p Lev. 27:8.36. Deul. 28:7. 32:25,30. q 3:23. 19:7. 2 Sam. 5:24. Job 15- 
 21. Ps. 14:5. Jer. 20:3,4. Ez. 10:5. Rev. 6: lo, 16. 9:9. rl Kings 10:29. s 2 Chr 
 12:2,3. Ib. 31:1. 36:9. t Job 18:11. Ps. 48:4-6. 68:12. Prov. 28:1. Jer. 48:8,9 
 
 their malicious purposes. The gospel itself indeed often occa- 
 sions the blindness and obduracy of obstinate unbelievers to 
 increase: (Note, 2 Cor. 2:14 — 17.) yet we must pray for 
 them, and persevere in our endeavours to win them over tc 
 be friends to us and to the Lord. .We should also watch for 
 opportunities to show our friendly disposition towards them ; 
 as well as to convince them, that they will be ruined by their 
 own iniquities, if they persist in them. 
 
 V. 24 — 33. The regard which wicked men pay to the 
 servants of God, when they seem to favour them, is fre- 
 quently turned into bitter enmity under their troubles. — In 
 extreme distress, if they' recollect that their affliction is from 
 the Lord, that rage against him, which vents itself in blasphe- 
 mies, dictates also cruelty against his people. They blame 
 any one as the cause of their calamities, rather than condemn 
 themselves and renounce their sins. If rending their clothes, 
 without a broken and contrite heart ; and if wearing sack- 
 cloth, without being “renewed in the spirit of their mind,” 
 would avail, they would not refuse these external tokens o. 
 humiliation: but, while their own impenitence alone retards 
 the deliverance, they excuse their proceeding to still more 
 desperate measures, by avowing, that it is in vain to “wait 
 for the Lord any longer.” — Alas! what miseries has sin 
 entailed upon mankind ! Little do we know what extrem ties 
 we may be called to endure in this world : vvliat then will be 
 the everlasting wrath of God against his enemies, in the world 
 to come ? But if we are reconciled to him, lie will help us 
 when all human help fails*; in the time of famine we shall be 
 satisfied, and in peril we shall be safe : whilst all the curses 
 of God’s book will fall upon the head of presumptuous trans- 
 gressors. Let us then “ seek first the kingdom of God :” let us 
 he thankful for our daily bread, and not contract habits of 
 self-indulgence, nor set our affections on earthly objects: and 
 may the whole word of God, being truly believed, combine to 
 increase in us reverent fear and holy hope, that we may he 
 “ steadfast and unmoveable, always abounding in the work o- 
 the Lord, knowing that our labour is not in vain in the Lord. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1. This chapter is a continua- 
 tion of the subject of the preceding: and immediately as 
 Jehoram had spoken the profane and desperate words before 
 considered, Elisha in his presence and before the whole com- 
 pany gave the merciful assurance contained in this verse. 
 The measure here spoken of is supposed to have contained 
 about a peck, or two gallons ; and the prices specified, no 
 doubt, were those of plentiful times : hut that corn should be 
 sold so cheap in Samaria, on the morrow, was impossible lo 
 any power hut that of God. Jehoram however, notwithstand- 
 ing his rage and desperation, was induced to wait one day 
 longer, to make trial of the prophet’s words. (Notes, 6:25, 
 31—33.) 
 
 V. 2. This lord was one of the king’s most intimate friends, 
 who waited on his person. It is probable that he was an 
 idolatrous despiser of Jehovaii and his prophet ; and per- 
 haps he wanted to persuade Jehoram, that Elisha amused 
 him with the promise of an impossibility, to preserve himseK 
 from immediate death. 
 
 Thou shalt see, &c.] 1 A just punishment of his unbelief. 
 And such will be the portion of those, that believe not the 
 promise of eternal life. 1 Ip. Patrick. 
 
 V. 3. While the weightier matters of the law were gene- 
 rally neglected, and idolatry prevailed, the prescribed rule 
 about the exclusion of lepers seems to nave been rigorously 
 observed. ( Notes, Jjev. 13:45,46. Num. 6:1 — 4.) Those 
 men resided in tents without the wall ; but probably they were 
 admitted within the gate, at the times when the Syrians mado 
 their assaults. Gehazi is by some supposed to have bqen 
 one of them, by which moans he became acquainted with ho 
 king. ( Marg. Ref. Note, 8:4 — 6.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. The infatuation, which sr>ea the uhid * o T the 
 
B. C. 892. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 B. C. 892 
 
 and left their tents, and "their horses, and their 
 asses, even the camp as it was, "and fled for their 
 life. 
 
 8 And when these lepers came to the uttermost 
 part of the camp, they went into one tent, and 
 did eat and drink, and carried thence silver, and 
 gold, and raiment, and went and ?hid it : and 
 came again, and entered into another tent, and 
 carried thence also, and went and hid it. 
 
 [ Practical Obscwations .] 
 
 9 Then Hhey said one to another, VVe do not 
 well: “this day is a day of good tidings, and we 
 hold our peace : if we tarry till the morning-li^ht, 
 'some b mischief will come upon us: now therefore 
 come, that we may go and tell the king’s house- 
 hold. 
 
 10 So they came and called unto c the porter of 
 the city: and they told them, saying, We came to 
 the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was 
 d no man there, neither voice of man, but horses 
 tied, and asses tied, and the tents as they v:ere. 
 
 1 1 And he called the porters ; and they told it 
 to the king’s house within. 
 
 12 H And the king arose in the night, and said 
 “unto his servants, <1 will now show you what the 
 Syrians have done to us. They know e that we 
 he hungry ; therefore are they gone out of the 
 camp, to h hide themselves in the field, saying, 
 When they come out of the city, we shall catch 
 them alive, and get into the city. 
 
 13 And 'one of his servants answered and said, 
 Let some take, I pray thee, five of the horses that 
 remain, which are left +in the city, (behold, they 
 
 II Ps. 20:7,8. 33 U7. Am. 2:14—16. x Num. 35:11,12. Prov. 6:5. Ts. 2:20,21. 
 Mull. 24: 16— 18. Heb. 6:18. v 5:24. Josh. 7:21. Jer. 41:8. Mall. 13:44. 25: 18. 
 
 3. Has. 1:4.5. a 6. Is. 41:27. 52:7. Nab. 115. Luke2:10. Phil. 2:4 . • Heb. 
 tee shall find punishment, b 5:26,27. Num. 32:23. Prov. 24:16. cll.2Sam. 
 18:26. Ps. 127:1. Mark 13:34,35. d See on 6,7. e 6:8. Gen. 20:8. 41 :38. 
 Kings 20:7,23. f See on I. 5:7. g 6:25-29. h Josh. 8:4— 12. Judg. 20:29— 
 
 whole Syrian army, was equal to the illusion put upon their 
 senses. Probably, by the ministration of angels, noises were 
 made resembling those of a very large army with numerous 
 chariots and horsemen marching speedily, and ready directly 
 to fall upon them at once, while they were unprepared for 
 battle. But the excessive terror must have been caused im- 
 mediately by supernatural influence on their minds. (Marg. 
 Ref. Notes , 19:7. Ex. 15:14—16. Dcut. 2:24,25. 1 Sam. 
 14:11 — 15.) It is not known who the kings of the Hittites 
 were, or where they reigned. (Note, Judg. 1:22 — 26, v. 26.) 
 Indeed the whole of the supposition was improbable; and in 
 their trepidation the Syrians left even their horses, which 
 might have accelerated their flight ! 
 
 V. 8, 9. Having satisfied their hunger, and secured as 
 well as they could a rich booty, they began to reflect upon 
 their conduct. They were conscious of having not acted 
 properly, in respect of the distressed inhabitants of the city ; 
 and were afraid, lest some evil should come upon them, if 
 they further delayed to make known the good tidings to those 
 concerned. — Some mischief would befall them : either some 
 judgment from God; or some punishment from the magis- 
 trates, for prolonging the miseries of the people. (9. marg.) 
 
 V. 12. If Jehoram had firmly expected that Elisha’s 
 words would be verified, he would have concluded that this 
 event was the effect of a miraculous interposition in his 
 favour ; though he might properly have taken every prudent 
 precaution against a surprise. (Marg. Ref. Note, 1.) 
 But he seems to have had little expectation of that kind, not- 
 withstanding all the miraculous interpositions of God, hy 
 means of the prophet, in his behalf. 
 
 V. 13, 14. This person strenuously urged in favour of 
 his counsel, that these men and their horses would be no more 
 exposed, than those who remained in the city. Many had 
 been already consumed, and all the rest must die with hunger 
 in a few days, if no relief were afforded : and they might as 
 well be cut olf in examining the real state of the Syrian 
 camp, and discovering what had become of the besiegers, as 
 perish tamely and timidly in the city. — It seems, only two 
 horsemen were sent ; perhaps no more horses being found fit for 
 the service ; or the king would venture no more out of the city. 
 V. 15. Notes, Is. 2:19—21. Phil. 3:8— 11. 
 
 V. 16 — 20. The people being extremely hungry, and ve- 
 hemently eager for food, thrust down this nobleman, whilst 
 ie attempted, perhaps in a harsh manner, to restrain them 
 from rushing out to plunder the Syrian camp : or, as some 
 diink, to regulate the market, which was held at the gate and 
 supplied from the camp. Thus he was trodden to death ; and 
 the truth and justice of God were clearly seen in that event. 
 I Notes, 1,2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. In extreme distress unexpected relief is often 
 preparing: and whatever unbelievers may imagine, it is not 
 
 Vol. I.— 84 
 
 i are as all the multitude of Israel that are left in it: 
 behold, I say, k they are even as all the multitude 
 of the Israelites that are .consumed :) and let us 
 send and see. 
 
 14 They took therefore two chariot-horses ; 
 and the king- sent after the host of the Syrians, 
 saying, Go and see. 
 
 15 And they went after them unto Jordan : 
 and lo, all the way teas full of garments and 
 ‘vessels, which the Syrians ra had cast away in 
 their haste. And the messengers returned, and 
 told the king. 
 
 16 And the people went out, and "spoiled the 
 tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour 
 was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley 
 for a shekel, "according to the word of the Lord. 
 
 17 H And the king appointed rtlie lord on whose 
 hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate ; 
 and tthe people trode upon him in the gate, and he 
 died, as the man of God had said, who spake when 
 the king came down to him. 
 
 18 And it came to pass r as the man of God had 
 spoken to the king, saying, Two measures o. 
 barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for 
 a shekel, shall be to-morrow about this time in the 
 gate of Samaria : 
 
 19 And that lord answered the man of God, and 
 said, Now, behold, if the Lord should make 
 windows in heaven, might such a thing be ? And 
 he said, Behold, thou shall see it with thine eyes, 
 but shalt not eat thereof. 
 
 20 And s so it fell out unto him : for the people 
 trode upon him in the gate, and he died. 
 
 37. i Se*on 5:13. t Heb. mil. k 4. 6:33. Jer. 14:18. Lam. 4:9. I Esth. 1: 
 7. la. 2*24. m Job 2:4. Is. 2.20. 10:3. 31 :7. Ez. 18:31. Mutt. 16:26.24:16 — 18. 
 Pl.il. 3:7,8. Heb. 12:1 n 1 Sam. 17:53. 2 Clir. 14:12-15. 20:25. Job 27:16.17. 
 Ps. 68:12. Is. 33:1,4,23. o Num. 23:19. Is. 44:26. Mall. 24:35. p See on 2 
 q 9:33. Judg. 20:43. Is. 25:10. Mic.7:10. Heb. 10:29. r See on 1,2. s Num 
 20;12. 2 Chr. 20.20. Job 20:23. Is. 7:9. Jer. 17.5,6. Heb. 3:18,19. 
 
 in vain to wait for the Lord, how long soever he seems to 
 delay his coming. — No temporal deliverances and mercies 
 will eventually profit sinners, except they are led to repent- 
 ance ; and in that case, “ where sin hath abounded, grace 
 will much more abound.” — We are all prone to judge of 
 God’s promises by human probabilities, and to limit his power 
 of performance by our capacity of discerning how it can be 
 done ; and whatever increases pride and self-confidence pro- 
 portionally augments this propensity. Hence the rich, the 
 noble, the wise, and the learned of the world, have generally 
 been the most backward in implicitly crediting the sure testi- 
 mony of God, and expecting promised mercies in the way of 
 his appointment, and in single dependence on his power 
 truth, and love, without regarding those apparent impossi- 
 bilities which lie in the way. But all those who persist in de- 
 spising either his promised blessings, or this method of obtain- 
 ing them, will see the felicity of believers without partaking 
 of it. For, though he will pardon the infirmities of his peo- 
 ple’s faith, while they pray, “ Lord, I believe, help thou mine 
 unbelief;” yet he will not spare those, who harden themselvus 
 and others in rebellion, through their infidel objections and 
 enmity against the truth, however they may enjoy the con- 
 fidence of earthly princes, or the admiration of mankind. — 
 Men reason justly in their secular concerns : the least proba- 
 bility of preserving life is preferred to certain death, and the 
 lowest, condition is considered as better than perishing by hun- 
 ger. "Yet, in the concerns of their souls, they will not be so 
 convinced, even by demonstration, as to bestow pains and pul 
 themselves to inconveniences, to escape the wrath to come 
 and obtain eternal life. But the awakened sinner fears an 
 evil infinitely worse than death ; and under the greatest dis- 
 couragements, even when tempted to despair, he learns to 
 argue, ‘If I go on in sin, or sit down in sloth, or run into 
 worldly dissipation, or have recourse to superstitions, or 
 attempt to establish my own righteousness, I must perish. 
 The mercy of God in Jesus Christ is my only refuge. If I 
 cast myself at his feet and wait his time, who knows but he 
 may save me ? And if at last he spurns me, I can but be 
 lost. Ail else is comparatively worthless : if then I must 
 perish, I will perish under the means of grtice, and supplicating 
 his mercy and salvation.’ {Esth. 4:16.) In like manner the be- 
 liever exposed to the terrors of persecution, reasons with hiro- 
 self: ‘ If I am faithful to the Lord, I can but die, and he will 
 give me the crown of life : but if I deny Christ through dread 
 of death, he will refuse to acknowledge me another day : and I 
 “fear him who is able to destroy body and soul in hell,” 
 more than those “who ran only kill the body.” 5 Thus be- 
 lievers venture themselves into the Saviour’s hands, and 
 cleave to him with purpose of heart; whilst others neglect 
 or forsake him. — The Lord can effect his designs by various 
 methods : a terror from him can drive men from their purpose, 
 as effectually as the destroying sword of vengeance ; {Note 
 (665 ) 
 
B. C . 8J 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 884 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TTie Snunammite, iy Elisha's advice, to avoid a famine of seven years , goes 
 te sojourn in Phitietia , 1,2. On her return, she applies to the king who is 
 conversing with Gehazi on Elisha’ s miracles ; ana he restores her land, 
 3 — 6. Elisha goes to Damascus : Hazacl is cent by Ben-hadad to inquire of 
 him concerning hie sickness : he predicts Hazael's cruelty to Israel , as de- 
 stined to be king of Syria, 7 — 13. Hazael murders Ben-hadad and succeeds 
 him, 14, 15. Jehor am reigns wickedly in Judah, 16 — ly. Edom and Libnah 
 revolt, 20 — 22. Jehoram is succeeded by Ahaziah, who reigns wickedly, 
 23 — 27. He assists the king of Israel against Syria , and when wounded 
 visits him at Jezreel , 28, 29. 
 
 T HEN spake Elisha unto the woman, “whose 
 son he hail restored to life, saying, Arise, and 
 go thou and thine household, and b sojourn where- 
 soever thou oanst sojourn: for “the Lord hath 
 d ralled !i>r a famine ; and it shall also come upon 
 the land “seven years. 
 
 2 And the woman arose, and did after the 
 saying of the man of God : and she went * with 
 
 her household, and sojourned in nlie land of the 
 
 Philistines seven years. 
 
 b. e.-i 3 And it came to pass at the seven years’ 
 M3 -J end, that the woman returned out of the land 
 of the Philistines : and h she went forth to cry unto 
 the king for her house, and for her land. 
 
 4 And the king talked with ‘Gehazi the servant 
 of the man of God, saying. k Tell me, I pray thee, 
 ■all the great things that Elisha hath done. , 
 
 5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the 
 king how "'he had restored a dead body to life, 
 
 that "behold, the woman, whose son he had 
 
 restored to life, cried to the king for her house 
 
 i See on 4.31—35. b Gen. 12:10. 26:1. 47:4. Ruth 1:1. c Gen. 41 :2S— 28,32. 
 I.ev. 26:19,211,26. Deni. 28:22-24,38—40. 1 Kinss 17:1. 18:2. Ps. 105-16. 107: 
 34. Hug. 1:11. I.uke 21:1 1,22. Act* 11:88. djer. 25:29. e Gen. 41:27. 2 Sam. 
 21.1.24:13. L.uk 1.25. fl Tim. 5:8. s Judg.3:3. lSam.27:I— 3. h 6. 4:13. 
 6:28. 2 Sam. 14 4. P*. 82:3,4. Jer. 22:16. Luke. 18:3— 5. i 5:20— 27. 7:3,10. 
 k Luke 9:9. 23:8. Acts24:24. 12:14,20—22,24.3:14—16.4:3—6,16,17.5:14,27. 
 6:6,9-12,17—20,32.7:1,16-20. m 4:35. n Ruth 2:3. Esth. 5:14. 6: 11 ,12. Prov. 
 16:9. Ec. 9:11. Malt. 10:29,30. Acta 8:27, Stc. Rom. 8:31. o6:12,26. 1 Sam. 
 26:17. Ps. 145:1. • Or, eunuch. 9:32. Geu. 37:36. 1 Chr. 28:1. margins. 
 
 19:35.) anil we absolutely depend upon him for the due exer- 
 cise of our senses and faculties, as well as for the continuance 
 of our lives, and the salvation of our souls. — While some, 
 when life is at stake, readily relinquish all which they before 
 held dear ; others, when wearing away by incurable or loath- 
 some disease, are as rapacious of gain, as if their lives were 
 secured to them, with every other requisite for enjoyment 1 
 {Note, 5:2(5,27.) 
 
 V. 9 — 20. Natural humanity, and fear of punishment, 
 are powerful checks on the selfishness of the ungodly, and 
 tend to preserve some order anil regularity in the world. 
 Those however, who have found “ the unsearchable riches of 
 Christ,” will not delay to report the good tidings to others, 
 that they may partake of that blessedness which is sufficient 
 for all: and from love to him they will gladly communicate 
 their temporal good things to their brethren. — True faith con- 
 sists with prudent precautions : but unbelief suggests endless 
 and unreasonable suspicions, and puts away those blessings, 
 which are brought nigh to the soul, by the invitations and 
 promises of God. The believer, on the other hand, makes 
 trial of them, and experience confirms his faith: and a 
 change, immensely more felicitating than that which is here 
 recorded, takes place in his state, prospects, comforts, and 
 character. But every word of God, concerning judgment as 
 well as mercy, will speedily be accomplished ; and earthly 
 honours will accelerate the ruin of the ungodly. May God 
 help us seriously to inquire, whether we are now exposed to 
 his awful threatenings; or interested in his exceedingly great 
 and precious promises ; that so we may profit by the warning, 
 or by the encouragement, resulting from that knowledge of 
 our own state and character, compared with the warnings 
 and promises of the holy Scriptures. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 1, 2. This famine seems to 
 have been sent in the latter part of Jehoram’s reign, as a 
 punishment of ihe pertinacious idolatry of both king and peo- 
 ple, notwithstanding the miracles which they had witnessed, 
 and the mercies which they had experienced. (Am. 7:4.) It 
 continued twice as long as that in the days of Allah, but was 
 not so extreme. (Note, 1 Kings 17:1.)— Elisha was warned 
 of its approach, and counselled his benefactress, now, as it 
 appears, left a widow, to remove till it was over. ( Notes, Gen. 
 12:10. 2G:1 — 5. Ruth 1:1 — 5.) There was a measure of 
 plenty in the land of the Philistines, whilst Israel was visited 
 with famine : but either they could spare none to sell to their 
 neighbours, or their old enmity made them unwilling'to do it. 
 They did not, however, molest such as went to sojourn among 
 them. — Had not Judah also felt the effects of the famine, it is 
 likely that this pious woman would have gone thither to so- 
 journ. 
 
 V- 3.- As this pious woman firmly bolieved the words of 
 Elisha, predicting Ihe famine, and acted accordingly ; so, 
 when the seven years assigned for its continuance were ended, 
 she leturned into her own land, in confidence that the famino 
 won'll then terminate. 
 
 To cry, &c-l Either the lands of the Shunammitc had been 
 
 ( 6G6 ) 
 
 and for her land. And Gehazi said, °My lord, t 
 king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whon 
 Elisha restored to life. 
 
 6 And when the king asked the woman, sht* 
 told him. So the king appointed unto her a 
 certain 'officer, saying, ^Restore all that was hers, 
 and all the fruits of the field since the day that she 
 left the land, even until now. 
 
 [ Prac teal Observations . ] 
 
 7 H And Elisha came to ‘‘Damascus : and “Ben- 
 hadad the king of Syria was sick ; and it was 
 told him, saying, “The man ol' God ‘is come 
 hither. 
 
 8 And the king said unto Hazael, "Take a 
 present in thy hand, and go, meet the man o» 
 God, and “inquire of the Lord by him, saying, 
 Shall I recover of this disease ? 
 
 9 So -'Hazael went to meet him, and took a 
 present twith him, even of every good thing of 
 Damascus, forty camels’ burden, and came and 
 stood before him, and said, “Thy son Ben-hadad 
 king of Syria hath sent me to thee, saying, Shall 
 I recover of this disease ? 
 
 10 And Elisha said unto him. Go, say unto him, 
 Thou fnayest certainly recover : howbeit, b the 
 Lord hath showed me, that “lie shall surely die. 
 
 11 And he settled his countenance Isteadfastly, 
 until he was ashamed : and the man of God 
 d wept. 
 
 p Deul. 22:2. Jude. 11:13. 2. Sara. 9:7. Prov. 16:7. 21:1. q Gen. 14:15. 1 King. 
 11:24. Is. 7:8. r 6:21. I Kings 15:18. 29:1,34. 22:31. s 1 :9, III. 2:15. 6:12. Set 
 on Dent. 33:1. 1 Kings 13:1. lJudg. 16:2. Acts 17.6. u See on 5:5. 1 Sam. 
 9:7. 1 Kings 14:3. x 1:2. 3:11—13. 1 Kings 14:1— 1. I.tilce 13:23. Acts 16:30. 
 v See on 1 Kings 19:15. f Heb. in his han t. 5:5. z 6:21 . 13: 14. 16:7. 1 Sam. 
 25:8. Philem. 10. b 13. Gen. 41:39, Jer. 38:21. £z. 11:25. Am. 3:7. 7:1, 4, 7. 8: 
 1. Zech. 1:20. Rev. 22:1. c 1 :4,16. Gen. 2:17. Ez. 18:13. | Heb. and set it. 
 d Gen. 45:2. Ps. 119:136. Jer. 4:19. 9:1.18. 13:17. 14:17. Luke 19:41. John lit 
 35. Acts 20:19,31. Rom. 9:2. Phil. 3:18. 
 
 seized, as forfeited lo the crown by her emigration; or some 
 of her neighbours or relations had violently seized upon them ; 
 or those, to whom she had left the management of her affairs, 
 would neither restore her estate, nor come to account con- 
 cerning the profits of it. She had therefore at ibis time oc- 
 casion to apply to the king, though not formerly ; (Note*, 4:13.) 
 and it was commendable in Jehoram, that he was accessible 
 to such a claimant. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. (Notes, 5:20 — 27.) It was not unlawful to speak 
 to a leper, provided it was done without touching him; and 
 Jehoram, from curiosity, was willing to converse, concerning 
 Elisha’s miracles, with so mean a person as Gehazi was ; who 
 likewise bore an infamous character, and was covered with a 
 loathsome disease ! yet he did not court the prophet’s acquaint- 
 | ance, because he disliked his counsels and admonitions, and 
 dreaded his warnings and rebukes. The Lord, however, thus 
 prepared his mind to do this pious woman justice ; and his 
 providence is especially to be noted in the singular coincidence 
 of apparently casual events from which most important con- 
 sequences frequently follow. 
 
 V. 7, 8. The prophet doubtless was divinely directed to 
 go to Damascus. Some suppose that he went to counsel and 
 encourage Naaman ; arid others, that he retired thither during 
 the famine. Some indeed think that he went lo anoint Ha- 
 zael ; but it is probable, that Elijah had performed that ser- 
 vice, though Hazael, being young and destitute of power to 
 seize on the kingdom, seems not to have much regarded the 
 transaction. ( Mtvrg . Ref. Note, I Kings 19:15—17.) Ben- 
 hadad, however, was no longer disposed to injure Elisha. 
 The report of the prophet’s miracles had excited respect and 
 i veneration for him, and perhaps his sickness had softened his 
 mind, so that he welcomed him to hi§ capital, and, according 
 to the custom of the day, sent his chief minister to inquire of 
 him concerning his recovery. (Notes, 1:2. I Kings 14:1 — 4.) It 
 would have been far more rational to request the instruction 
 and prayers of u the man of God.” 
 
 V. 9. We may infer from the silence of Scripture, that 
 the prophet accepted of this royal present, which must have 
 been of very great value, as the provision which the Lord 
 assigned him in a foreign country, and to enable him to assist 
 the poor Israelites, and the sons of the prophets in their 
 poverty and distresses. (Note, 5:15,10.) 
 
 V. 10. Ben-hadad’s disease was not of itself mortal, though 
 his life was near its end from another cause. But the prophet 
 either did not know, or did not think it proper to inform Ha- 
 zael, what that cause would he. — The Hebrew text howevci 
 is, u Thou shalt not surely recover,” or live; u for the Lord,’ 
 &c. though ancient expositors, both Jews and Christians 
 adopting the reading of the margin, render it as i; stands ir 
 our version: and indeed this appears to be the true reading, 
 as the prophet’s answer was probably intended t3 bo obscure 
 and ambiguous. 
 
 V. 11. The prophet fixed his eyes on Hazael s» steadfastly, 
 and for so long a time, that Hazael was confounded , and 
 Elisha himself, in the foresight of Hazael’s wickedness, and 
 
B. C. 884. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 B. C. 884. 
 
 12 And Haa.fl said, Why weepeth 'my lord? 
 And he answered, Because 1 know ' the evil that 
 thou wilt do unto the children of Israel : their 
 strong-holds wilt thou set on fire, and their young 
 men wilt thou slay with the sword, and wilt B dash 
 heir children, and rip up their women with child. 
 
 13 And Hazael said, But what ! is thy servant 
 b a dog, that ihe should do this great thing ? And 
 Elisha answered, k The Lord hath showed me 
 that thou shalt be king over Syria. 
 
 14 So he departed from Elisha, and came to 
 his master ; who said to him, What said Elisha 
 to thee ? And he answered, 'He told me that thou 
 shouldest surely recover. 
 
 15 And n, it came to pass "on the morrow, that 
 he took a thick cloth, and dipped it in water, and 
 spread it on his face, °so that he died ; and 
 frlazael reigned in,his stead. 1 Practical observation «.] 
 
 16 H And in the fifth year of Joram the son of 
 Ahab king of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then king 
 of Judah, 'iJehryam the son of Jehoshaphat king 
 of Judah ’began to reign. 
 
 17 Thirty and two years old was he when he 
 began to reign; and he reigned eight years in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 1° And he walked r in the way of the kings of 
 Israel, as did ‘the house of Ahab : for ‘the daughter 
 of A hub was “his wife : and he did evil in the sight 
 of the Lord. 
 
 19 Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah, *for 
 David his servant’s sake, as he promised him to 
 give him ahvay a flight, and to his children. 
 
 20 H In his days rEdoin revolted from under the 
 hand of Judah, and 'made a king over them- 
 selves. 
 
 «Sreon4:28. 1 Kin S s 18:13. f 10:32,33. 12:17. 13:3,7. Am. 1:3,4. g 15:16. Pa. 
 137:9. Is. 13:16,18. Hon. 10:14. 13: 16. Am. 1:13. Nah. 3:10. hi Sam. 17:43. 
 2 Sam. 9:8. Ps. 22:16,20. Is. 56:10,11. Matt. 7:6. Phil. 3:2. Iter. 22:15. iJer. 
 17:9. Matt. 26:33—35. k See on 10. 1 Kings 19:15. Mic. 2:1. 1 10. 5:25. Matt. 
 26:16. m 13. 1 Sam. 16:12,13. 24:4— 7,13. 26:9— 11. 1 Kings 11:26— 37. n Ps. 
 36:4. Mic. 2:1. o9:24. 15:10—14,25,30. I Kings 15:28. 16:10,18. Is. 33:1. p 13. 
 1 Kings 19:15. q 1 : 17. 1 Kings 22:50 . 2 Chr. 21: 1—20. • Heb. reigned, r 3:2, 
 8. 1 Kings 22:52,53. s 9:7,8. 21:3,13. 2 Chr. 21:13. Mic. 6:16. t 26. 1 Kings 
 24:25. 2 Chr. 18:1. 19:2. 21:6. 22:1— 4. u Gen. 6:1— 5. Peut. 7:3,4. See on 
 I Kings 11:1—5. Nell. 13:25,26. x 19:34 . 2 Sam. 7:12,15. 1 Kings 11:36. 15:4,5. 
 BChr. 21:7. Is. 7:14. 37:35. Jer. 33:25,26. Luke 1:32,33. t Heb. candle, or, 
 
 of the miseries of Israel, burst into tears. (Note, Luke 19:41 
 — 44.) 
 
 V. 12, 13. Hazael felt at. that time no inclination to the 
 brutal ferocity and cruelty of which Elisha spoke; and he 
 wondered that the prophet should suppose him capable of 
 tearing and devouring, like some fierce and greedy dog, rather 
 than a rational creature. But Elisha answered, “ The Lord 
 hath showed me, that thou shalt be king over Syria Or, 
 “The Lord hath made me to see thee king over Syria.” 
 And when advanced to the throne, being engaged in war with 
 Israel, and exasperated by their resistance, he would be tempt- 
 ed to cruelties, of which at present he had no thought. (Note, 
 Jer. 17:9,10.) Some indeed think Hazael only meant, that he 
 was too inconsiderable a person for such great exploits : but 
 his high rank under Ben-hadad would have enabled him to 
 erform them, had his passions been sufficiently excited; and 
 e was evidently startled at the mention of the cruelties, 
 which the prophet predicted would be perpretated by him. 
 (Mar g. Ref. Note, Am. 1:3 — 5.) 
 
 V. 14, IS. Hazael misreported Elisha’s answer, having 
 doubtless already formed the intention of murdering Ben- 
 hadad, and seeking an opportunity of effecting his purpose. 
 By the method that he employed of murdering him, he pre- 
 vented any alarm, or any marks of violence appearing on the 
 body. — Elisha’s intimation might give Satan an occasion of 
 suggesting this villany to Hazael ; but it was not the cause of 
 his crime, and formed no excuse for it. Had he been of David’s 
 disposition, he would have waited in the path of duty, till the 
 Lord had performed his word, in that manner which pleased 
 him. (Notes, 1 Sam. 24:4—7. 1 Kings 11:37. 12:2,3,26—29.) 
 Thus he soon manifested the rapacity and cruelty of the dog, 
 of which he desired to be thought incapable. (Notes, 12,13. 
 Is. 56:9 — 12. Mic. 3:5 — 7.) — It is supposed, that Ben-hadad 
 had no son ; that Hazael was in great favour with the people, 
 and with the army especially; and that, for a time at least, he 
 escaped the suspicion of having murdered Ben-hadad. 
 
 V. 16, 17. Jehoram, the son of Jehoshaphat, began to 
 reign with his father before the death of Ahab, so that Aha- 
 ziah the son of Ahab died in the second year of his reign, or 
 in the eighteenth of Jehoshaphat. About five years after he 
 seems to have been more solemnly admitted to the exercise 
 of the royal authority, within two years of his father’s death. 
 This took place when Jehoram was thirty-two years old, and 
 from that time he reigned eight years ; though he reigned only 
 five or six, as sole king after the death of his father. (Note, 
 1:17.) 
 
 V. 18. The daughter, &c.] Perhaps Jehoshaphat hoped 
 
 21 So Joram went over to Zair, and all the 
 chariots with him: and he rose by nig'ht, and 
 smote the Edomites which compassed him about 
 and the captains of the chariots: and the people 
 fled into (heir tents. 
 
 22 Yet “Edom revolted from under the hand ol 
 Judah unto this day. Then b Libna.-i revolted ai 
 the same time. 
 
 23 And “the rest of the acts of Joram, and a 
 that he did, are they not written in ihe hook o 
 the Chronicles of the kings of Judah ? 
 
 24 And Joram d slept.with his fathers, and was 
 buried with his fathers in the city of David ; and 
 'Ahaziah his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 25 H In the f twelfth year of Joram the son of 
 Ahab king of Israel did Ahaziah the son of Je- 
 horam king of Judah begin to reign. 
 
 26 sTwo and twenty years old was Ahaziah 
 when he began to reign ; and he reigned h one year 
 in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was ‘Atha- 
 liah, the tdaughter of Omri king of Israel. 
 
 27 And k he walked in the way of the house of 
 Ahab, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, as 
 did the house of Ahab : for he was ‘the son-in- 
 law of the house of Ahab. 
 
 28 If And "’he went with Joram the son of Ahab 
 to the war against "Hazael king of Syria in 
 “Ramoth-gilead ; and the Syrians wounded Joram, 
 
 29 And king pJoram went back to be healed ill 
 
 Jezreel of the wounds Hvhich the Syrians had 
 given him at "Ramah, when he fought against 
 Hazael king of Syria. And ^Ahaziah, the son of 
 Jehoram king of Judah, went down to see Joram 
 the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was 
 ’’sick. , 
 
 lamp. See on 1 Kings 11:36. y 22. 3:9. 2 Chr. 21 :8, 10. z 2 Sam. 8: 14. I Kinqp 
 22:47. a See on Gen. 27:40. b 19:8. Josh. 21:13. 2 ( hr. 21:10. c 15:6,36. 
 See on 1 Kings 11:41. 14:29. 15:23. 2 Chr. 21:11—20. d See on 1 Kings 2:10. 
 11:43. 14:20,31. e 1 Chr. 3:11. 2 Chr. 21:17. 25:23. Jehoahaz. 22:6. Aznrioh. 
 f See on 16,17. 9:29. 2 Chr. 21:30. g2Chr.22:2. h 9:21— 27. 2 Chr. 22:5—8. 
 i 11:1,13 — 16. 1 Or. granddaughter , 18. k See on 18. 1 18. 2 Chr. 22:3. 
 
 Ec. 7:26. 2 Cor. 6:1 4— 17. m 3:7. 1 Kings 22:4. 2 Chr. 18.2,3,31. 19:2.22:5. 
 n 12,13. I Kings 19:17. o Josh. 21:38. 1 Kings 4:13. 22:3. p 9:15. $ Heb. 
 wherewith the Syrians had wounded. |j Called Ramoth , 28. q 9:16. 2 Chr. 
 22:6,7. fl Heb. wounded. 1 Kings 22:34. 
 
 by thus marrying his son to Ahab’s daughter, to cement a 
 peace between the two kingdoms, and to bring back the Is- 
 raelites to the worship of God at Jerusalem : but it was an 
 unhallowed measure, and produced a contrary effect, in intro- 
 ducing idolatry into Judah, and most ruinous consequences 
 to Jehoshaphat’s posterity. (Notes, 1 Kings 22:2. 2 Chr. 19: 
 2. 21:4. 22:5.) This affinity gave occasion to the same names 
 in both families. Each had a Jehoram and an Ahaziah ; but 
 they all took after the house of Ahab. 
 
 V. 19. Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Kings 11:12,13,34 — 36, r. 
 36. 
 
 V. 20— 24. (Notes, 3:8,9. 1 Kings 22:47.) Notwith 
 standing Jehoram’s decisive victory over the Edomites, he 
 could not re-establish his authority over them. Perhaps he 
 was hindered by the revolt of Libnah ; (Note, 2 Chr. 21 :S — 
 11.) and by fears of further insurrections in his own kingdom, 
 where he was become extremely odious. Thus the prophecy 
 of Isaac was fulfilled, after Edom had been subject to Israel 
 about a hundred and fifty years: nor did r thc Jews again 
 acquire the dominion over Edom, till long after the Baby- 
 lonish captivity. (Marg. Ref . y. a. Note, Gen. 27:39,40.) — 
 Jehoram was buried in Jerusalem, but not in the sepulchres 
 of the kings. (Notes, 2 Chr. 21:12 — 20.) 
 
 V. 26. Perhaps Omri adopted and educated Athaliah, 
 who was his granddaughter, and the daughter of Ahab. 
 
 V. 28, 29. (Notes, 9:21 — 28.) Ahaziah was Jehoram’s 
 youngest son ; his other sons having all been slain before his 
 death. (Note, 2 Chr. 22:1.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. Temporal deliverances are only respites, and, 
 “ Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee,” is a 
 warning qf universal application. (Note, John 5:10 — 14.) — 
 When the Lord calls for judgments ; famines, pestilences, 
 wars, tempests, and earthquakes, obey his word : and if he 
 contends he will overcome; for he will prolong the affic- 
 tion, and make it more and more severe, until the sinnei be 
 either humbled or destroyed. (Note, Lev. 26:24.) When 
 he “rendereth a fruitful land barren for the wickedness of 
 them that dwell therein,” he takes care of the remnant of 
 his people, and abundantly recompenses their kindness to 
 his servants for his sake ; and they will also gladly embrace 
 opportunities of requiting their benefactors, especially by 
 their counsels and prayers : but open enemies sometimes 
 escape better, than hypocrites or apostates. — Where the moral 
 law of God is not violated, a real necessity will justify many 
 deviations from the letter of ritual appointments : hut believers 
 will not choose to -eside longer among ignorant and ungodly 
 ( 667 ) 
 
B. C. 884. 
 
 II. KINGS. B. C. 884 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A young prophet, by Elisha' $ orders, goes to Ramoth-gilead ; anoints Jehu as 
 king over Israel, and directs him in extirpate Ahab'a family , 1 — 1(>. Jehu 
 acquaints the captains, is pro clamed king, and marches in haste to Jezreel 
 against Joram , 1 1 — 16. Joram sends messengers to Jehu, who detains them , 
 17 — 20. He and Ahaziah meet Jehu ; who kills Joram, and casts him into 
 the field of Naboth, 21 — 26. Ahaziah is slain at Gur and buried at Jerusa- 
 lem, 27 — 29. Jezebel, by Jehu's orders, is thrown out of the windoiO, and 
 trampled under foot, 30 — 33. She is eaten by dogs, as Elijah had predicted, 
 34—37. 
 
 A ND Elisha the prophet called one of “the 
 children of the prophets, and said unto him, 
 b Gird up thy loins, and take this “box of oil in 
 thy hand, and go to ‘‘Ramoth-gilead : 
 
 2 And when thou comest thither, look out 
 there “Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of 
 Nimshi, and go in, and make him arise up from 
 1 among his brethren, and carry him to an 'inner 
 chamber ; 
 
 3 Then take the box of oil, and spour it on his 
 head, and say, Thus saith the Lord, h I have 
 
 a 4:1. 6:1 — 3. Seeon 1 Kings 20:35. b4;29. 1 Kings 18:46. Jcr. 1:17. Luke 12: 
 35— 37. 1 Pel. 1:13. c 1 Sam. 10:1. 16:1. 1 Kings 1:39. d 8:28,29. 1 Kings 22: 
 4,20. e 14. 1 Kings 19: 16,17. t'5,11. * Heb. chamber in a chamber. 1 Kings 
 20:30. 22:25. margins, g Kx. 29.7. Lev. 8:12. 1 Sam. 16:13. 1 Kings 19:16. 
 h 8:13. 1 Sam. 9:16. 15:1,17. 16:12. Ps. 75:6,7. Prov. 8:15,16. Jer. 27:5— 7. Dan. 
 
 people than is needful, even when they behave kindly to 
 them ; but gladly return to the ordinances of God, and the 
 communion of the saints. ( Notes , Ruth 1:4 — 10.) — We 
 know not what changes await us : we may soon be deceived 
 by those who have hitherto been faithful to us, and need the 
 help of those on whom we have not heretofore had any 
 dependence. — The love of wordly riches induces men to 
 various methods of fraud and oppression, and breaks through 
 the most powerful obligations, or the strongest relative ties. 
 Hence the benefit of magistracy, to preserve equity and 
 order among mankind. Believers may, on important occa- 
 sions, avail themselves of their privileges as members of 
 the community ; provided they are not actuated by covetous- 
 ness or resentment, do not manifest a contentious spirit, and 
 make no appeal in a doubtful cause, or in matters of no great 
 importance : (Note, Matt. 5:38 — 42.) and rulers should award 
 justice without respect of persons, and compel the injurious 
 to restitution. — But the Lord himself will plead the cause of 
 the defenceless and the oppressed, of the fatherless and the 
 widow : he often effects his purpose by influencing the hearts 
 of princes in their favour ; and the most casual or trivial inci- 
 dent, which conduces to it, may prove an occasion of exciting 
 praise and gratitude for his providential goodness. — The 
 gratification of curiosity is more pleasing to the carnal mind, 
 than the mortification of worldly lusts : and hypocrites, apos- 
 tates, or profligates, on some occasions, will be pleased with 
 conversation on religious topics, provided they have no refe- 
 rence to their own conscience, character, or conduct. (Notes, 
 John 4:16 — 20. P. O. 16 — 26.) Thus they countenance 
 each other in ungodliness, or buoy up presumptuous hopes: 
 whilst they cannot endure the instructions, and will not 
 imitate the example, of those teachers whom they most pro- 
 fess to admire. 
 
 V. 7 — 15. The Lord can procure his people a welcome, 
 and spread them a table, even amidst their enemies ; who, 
 on some occasions, and especially in affliction, may be 
 inclined to show them great kindness and respect. Yet few, 
 even in that case, derive real benefit from their instructions, 
 and disposition to do them good : but some honour redounds 
 to God, and outward advantages accrue to his servants; who 
 may without scruple receive them, as from him, when they 
 are not required to flatter, or in any other way to act incon- 
 sistently with their profession. — Those who love God and 
 man, must often weep upon a survey of the wickedness and 
 ra_sery of mankind : and a particular foresight of the state of 
 the church, and of the world, would augment their sorrow. 
 But little are men, when not exposed to temptation, aware 
 of the desperate wickedness of their own hearts! They do 
 not conceive themselves capable of those enormities, to 
 which at present they feel no inducement; and it is deemed 
 an insult upon them to suppose they are. But when the 
 powerful attraction of great imaginary advantages approaches 
 the carnal mind, the latent depravity begins to move ; and 
 they will surely come into contact, unless hindered by ex- 
 ternal obstructions, or by the power of God upon the heart. 
 Then, the greedy dog, the ravening wolf, the subtle fox, the 
 poisonous serpent, or the filthy swine, form feeble emblems 
 of human depravity : the persons, who before were most 
 inoffensive, become guilty of far greater repacity, treachery, 
 or cruelty, than the worst of these animals; and in their 
 cooler moments doubtless often reflect with horror and 
 astonishment at tlieir awful progress. Those who, as mor- 
 tified limbs, are continually cut off from the body politic, 
 once no more thought of such criminality and condemnation, 
 than any reader of these observations : and we are any of 
 us capable, if left to ourselves, of the worst crimes perpe- 
 trated by the vilest pests and scourges of the world ! This 
 should remind us, w not to be high-minded but to fear,” and 
 to trust only in the Lord to preserve us from the deceitful- 
 ness of our own hearts. As the desire of greatness is a 
 uangerous temptation, which has induced many to perpetrate 
 ( 668 ) 
 
 anointed thee king over Israel. Then open the 
 door, ‘and flee, and tarry not. 
 
 4 So the young man, even the young man the 
 prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. 
 
 5 And when he came, behold, the captains of 
 the host were sitting ; and he said, JI have an 
 errand to thee, O captain. And Jehu said, Unto 
 which of all us? And he said, To thee, O 
 captain. 
 
 6 And k he arose, and went into the house; and 
 he poured the oil on his head, and said unto 
 him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, 'I have 
 anointed thee king m over the people of the Lord, 
 even over Israel. 
 
 7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy 
 master, that "I may avenge the blood of my 
 servants the prophets, and the blood of all the 
 servants of the Lord, °at the hand of Jezebel. 
 
 2:21, 4:35. 5:18. John 19:10,11. i 1 Sam. 16:2. Matt. 2:13. 10:16. J Jutlg. 3: 
 19. k Acts 23:18,19. 1 See on 3. 1 Kings 1:34. 2 Clir. 22:7. Ps. 2:6. marg. Is. 
 45:1. m 1 Kings 3:8. 10:9. 14:7. 16:2. n Deut. 32:35,43. Ps. 94:1—7. Matt. 23: 
 35. Luke 18:7,8. Rom. 12:19. 13:4. Heb. 10:30. Rev.fc9,10. 18:20. 19:2. o 33 
 —37. 1 Kings 18:4. 21:15:25. 
 
 the basest crimes ; so power, however obtained, generally 
 alters men’s manners for the worse : and their inclinations 
 to vice commonly increase, in proportion as they are able 
 to commit it, without control, and with impunity. We 
 ought therefore to be content and thankful in more obscure 
 situations ; and those, who are called to this dangerous pre- 
 eminence, have need of double watchfulness and fervency in 
 prayer. — When iniquity is conceived in the heart, means will 
 be devised for its perpetration : and flattering language often 
 cloaks the most maglignant purposes : for sinners in general 
 are satisfied with concealing their crimes from man, regard- 
 less of the all-seeing eye of God. — It is, in every case, an 
 awful cruelty to flatter those with the hope of life, whom we 
 suppose to be near dissolution : because they ought to be 
 preparing for that important change, and to be counselled 
 and warned so to employ their few .remaining days or hours. 
 
 V. 16 — 29. When pious men choose wives for themselves, 
 or take any measures in the marriage of their children, they 
 should remember that their remote posterity are concerned, 
 and that an improper choice may entail misery and ruin upon 
 them. — Indulged children seldom prove wise or good men ; 
 and it is not often expedient to advance young people, need- 
 lessly and prematurely, to authority. Inferiors and depend- 
 ents are often employed to chastise our rebellion againsl 
 God, by their ill behaviour to us. He will not, however, 
 break his promise or forsake his cause : but, whilst wicked 
 men, from generation to generation, perish in their sins, the 
 Son of David, the Light of his church, and of the world, 
 ever lives to protect, bless, and comfort his people. May all 
 the changes, troubles, and wickedness of the world, make us 
 more earnest in securing an interest in his great salvation ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap IX. V. 1. Elijah, many years before, 
 had been commissioned to anoint Jehu, as a king of a new 
 family, immediately appointed by God to reign over Israel, 
 and to execute vengeance on the family and adherents of 
 Ahab. (Note, l Kings 19:15 — 17.) But, a respite having 
 been granted that prince, when he externally humbled him- 
 self before God, it seems, the anointing of Jehu was deferred 
 likewise : (Note, 1 Kings 21:27 — 29.) so that this service now 
 devolved on Elisha, as Elijah’s successor and representative. 
 But it required secrecy, and it was not proper he should per- 
 form it in person : as one of “ the sons of the prophets,” who 
 was little known, might have a far better opportunity of 
 escaping, if suspected by Jehoram’s friends. — Elisha lived 
 above forty years after this: (Note, 13:14.) and, probably, 
 was not incapacitated by age or infirmities, for the labour and 
 activity required on this occasion, but was for other reasons 
 induced, or directed, to send a deputy. (Marg. Ref.) — When 
 the ancients used great expedition, they girded up the skirts 
 of their long upper garments with a girdle round their loins, 
 (Note, 1 Pet. 1:13—16.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. Jehoram having retired from the army, (8:29.) 
 Jehu seems to have been left first in command, having been 
 long employed by Allah’s family. The directions given this 
 young prophet were explicit; especially as to the secrecy to 
 be observed, and the measures to he adopted for his own 
 safety. (Marg. Ref.) The service was indeed peculiarly 
 perilous; and Samuel had used caution, in a measure much 
 less offensive. (Note, 1 Sam. 16:1,2.) 
 
 V. 5 — 10. Jehu was engaged in converse or consultation 
 with the other captains, when thus addressed by a person, it 
 is probable, of mean appearance: yet when the young prophet 
 said, “I have an errand” (or a word) “to thee, O captain,” 
 he readily went aside with him to learn his business. And 
 immediately the prophet anointed him, explained the meaning 
 of that transaction, and gave him an express commission from 
 God. In all this, no doubt he exactly adhered to h** instruc- 
 tions. (Marg. Ref. n — s.) — Israel, though generally idol- 
 atrous, was still “ the people of the Loud.” They wire called 
 bv his name, and had a remnant of his worship! am mg 
 them: and Jehu was thus warned to use his ul -orry m 
 
B. C. 8S4. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 881. 
 
 8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish : 
 and pI will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth 
 against the wall, and ihim that is shut up and left 
 in Israel : 
 
 9 And 1 will make the house of Ahab dike the 
 •>.ouse of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like *the 
 house of Baasha the son of Ahijah : 
 
 10 And ‘the do^s shall eat Jezebel in the portion 
 of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. 
 And “he opened the door, and fled. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 11 11 Then Jehu came forth to the servants of 
 his lord : and one said unto him, *Is all well ? 
 wherefore came this - v mad fellow to thee? And 
 he said unto them, Ye know the man, and his 
 communication. 
 
 12 And they said, It is false ; tell us now. And 
 he said, ’Thus and thus spake he to me, saying, 
 Thus saith the Lord, I have anointed thee king 
 over Israel. 
 
 13 Then they hasted, "and took every man 
 his garment, and put it under him on the top of 
 tlie stairs, and b blew with trumpets, saying, Jehu 
 *is king. 
 
 14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of 
 Nimshi, “conspired against Joram. (Now Joram 
 had d kept Ramoth-gilead, he and all Israel, 
 because of Hazael king of Syria. 
 
 15 But king ‘Joram was 'returned to be healed 
 
 p See on 1 Kings 11:10,11. 21:21,22. q 14:26. Deni. 32:36. r 1 Kings 14:10, 
 11.15:29.21:22. s 1 Kings 16:3,4,11,12. 1 35,36. 1 Kings 21:23. Jer. 22:19 
 
 u 3. Judg. 3:26. i 17,19,22.4:26.5:21. >• Is. 59:15. mare- Jer. 29:26. Hos. 9: 
 7. Mark 3:21. John 10:20. Acts 17:18.26:24. 1 Cor. 4:10. 2 Cor. 5:13. z See on 
 $—10. a Mutt. 21:7,8. Mark 11:7,3. b2 Sam. 15:10. 1 Kings. 1:34,39. Ps. 17: 
 5—7. 98.6. • Heb. reignelh. c 31 . 8:12—15. 10:9. 15:30. 1 Kings 15:27. 16:7,9, 
 16. d 8:23. I Kings 22:3. t Heb. Jehoram. e 8:29. 2 Chr. 22:6. } Heb. 
 
 obedience to God, and to promote true religion. The family 
 and adherents of Ahab were criminals condemned by the 
 Supreme .fudge ; Jehu was appointed to execute the sentence ; 
 the kingdom was his recompense for the service: and, as far 
 as he acted according to the instructions given him, he needed 
 not fear contracting guilt, or regard any reproach or opposi- 
 tion to which he might be exposed. The murder of the pro- 
 phets and worshippers of God was more insisted upon, in this 
 indictment, than even the worship of Baal. Jehoram had 
 been spared many years, but he continued impenitent ; though 
 not so wicked as Ahab, who was punished in his posterity. 
 Jezebel had retained her authority, and persisted in idolatry, 
 and in her enmity to Jehovah and his servants ; though less 
 spoken of in the reigns of her sons, than in that of her hus- 
 band. Long space had been given her, but she had not 
 repented ; and her measure of iniquity was now full, and her 
 awful doom most expressly denounced. ( Marg . Ref. 35, 36. 
 Notes, 1 Kings 21:23. Rev. 2:20 — 23.) 
 
 V. 11. This mad fellow.] It is probable, that there were 
 some peculiarities in the young prophet’s manner and address, 
 which made the captains conclude that he was one of the 
 “ sons of the prophets,” and speak of him in this language ; 
 and some reference might be had to those vehement actions, 
 which the prophets sometimes used, when influenced by the 
 Spirit of prophecy: [Note, 1 Sam. 19:19 — 24.) but it seems 
 rather to have resulted from profane contempt of religion, as 
 it may be supposed they were generally idolaters. Indeed, 
 without excepting him who “spake as never man spake,” 
 those, who have faithfully delivered the Lord’s message to 
 sinners, have in all ages been treated as madmen. (Marg. 
 Ref. y.) They are so indifferent about those objects, which 
 attract the senses, and which man naturally desires and pur- 
 sues ; and so engaged about those things which are invisible, 
 and therefore generally neglected as if unreal ; their judg- 
 ment, conversation, maxims, and conduct are so contrary to 
 those of other men ; and they venture and endure so much, 
 in pursuit of interests and objects of which others have no 
 conception ; that worldly men naturally conclude them to be 
 ■tad, when they deem them honestly in earnest. (Notes, 
 Mark 3:20,21. 2 Cor. 5:13 — 15.) The charge however is 
 often brought in self-defence: for, admitting the principles 
 and practice of the devoted servants of God to be reasonable, 
 wise, and necessary to happiness, the inference is undeniable ; 
 that the ambitious, the sensual, the covetous, the dissipated, 
 the worldly, and the ungodly of every description, are fools 
 and madmen to all intents and purposes. 
 
 Ye know, &c.] Perhaps Jehu meant, that the captains 
 knew the man to be a prophet ; and must suppose that he 
 came to admonish and instruct him : or he might intend to 
 evade the question, as if the prophet’s errand had nothing 
 peculiar in it : but they would not be thus satisfied, knowing 
 that something more was communicated to him. This is the 
 common interpretation. — It may, however, be questioned, 
 whether Jehu did not suspect, that the young prophet acted 
 in concert with the captains ; and that they were previously 
 acquainted with the man and his communication. 
 
 V. 12, 13. When the captains urged Jehu further, he 
 
 in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians lhad 
 
 f iven him, when he fought with Hazael king of 
 yria.) And Jehu said, If it be your minds, then 
 let §none go forth nor escape out of the city t# 
 go to tell it in Jezreel. 
 
 16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went ti* 
 Jezreel; for Joram lay there. ‘And Altazian 
 king of Judah was come down to see Joram. 
 
 17 And there stood sa watchman on the towe 
 in Jezreel, and he spied the company of Jehu as 
 he came, and said, I see a company. And Joram 
 said, ‘’Take a horseman and send to meet them, 
 and let him say, ‘ Is it peace ? 
 
 18 So there went one on horseback to meet 
 him, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? 
 And Jehu said, "What hast thou to do with 
 peace ? turn thee behind me. And the watch- 
 man told, saying, The messenger came to them, 
 but he cometli not again. 
 
 19 Then he sent out a second on horseback 
 which came to them, and said, Thus saith the 
 king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What 
 hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind 
 me. 
 
 20 And the watchman told, saying, He came 
 even unto them, and cometh not again : and the 
 "driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of 
 Nimshi; ‘for he driveth '"furiously. 
 
 21 And Joram said, "Make ready. And his 
 
 smote. § Heb. no escape, go, Sfc. .1 Sam. 27:9 — 11. f 8:29. 2 Chr. 22:6,7. g2 
 Sam. 13:34. 18:24. Is. 21:6—9,11,12. 56:10. 62:6. Rz. 33:2—9. Acts 20:26— 31 . 
 h 7:14. i 19. 1 Sam. 16:4. 1 Kings 2,1 .3. Luke 10:5,6. k 19.22. Is. 48:22. 59:8. 
 Jer. 16:5. Rom. 3:17. || Or, marching. Hab. 1:6. 3:12. 110:16. Ec. 9:10. Is. 
 54:16. Dan. 11:44. TI Heb. in madness. ** Heb .bind. 1 Kings 20: 14. marg. 
 Mic. 1:13. 
 
 declared the business of the young prophet,' with a frankness 
 and boldness, which seem to have arisen from a divine 
 energy on his mind ; for, if the captains had not coincided 
 with him, the discovery might have proved fatal to him. 
 Some kind of faith in the word of God, spoken by the pro- 
 phet, seems to have animated him to this hazardous under- 
 taking, of which it does not appear that he had had any 
 previous intention : and the minds of his companions also 
 were surprisingly disposed to concur with him, by making 
 him a kind of throne, and proclaiming him king w ith sound of 
 trumpets. It is probable, that this was done on the top of 
 some edifice, from which the people were generally informed 
 of such public transactions as were proper to be communi- 
 cated to them. Thus the conspiracy was openly avowed. 
 While Jehoram had rendered himself odious by his crimes 
 and oppressions to the nation in general ; it may be supposed, 
 that he was also unpopular in the army, through his severity 
 and cruelty. 
 
 V. 14. It is evident that Ramoth-gilead was at this time 
 in the hands of the Israelites: (15) but it is not certain, 
 whether they had just taken it; or whether Hazael had 
 raised the siege of it, having attempted in vain to retake it. — 
 Jehoram’s absence from the army proved of fatal consequence 
 to him : he “ escaped the sword of Hazael, but Jehu slew 
 him.” (1 Kings 19:17.) 
 
 V. 15 — 17. (8:28,29.) Jezreel lay at a considerable dts 
 
 tance from Ramoth-gilead, with the river Jordan between. 
 Yet Jehu concerted his plan with such prudence, and exe- 
 cuted it with such despatch ; his adherents came so cordially 
 into his interests, and so faithfully kept his counsel; and the 
 people in the neighbourhood were either so ignorant about his 
 intentions, or so regardless of them ; that Jehoram received 
 no tidings of his march, till Jehu’s distant approach was per- 
 ceived by the watchman ! But the matter was of the Lord, 
 and could not fail of success. 
 
 I see acompany. (17) A troop, or army, as the word nyest 
 signifies. 
 
 Y. 18, 19. Perhaps Jehoram feared, lest the Syrians had 
 obtained the victory over his troops, and driven them away 
 from Ramoth: but Jehu, by compelling his messengers to 
 turn behind him, prevented his obtaining any information, and 
 increased his perplexity. 
 
 V. 20. Furiously.] Some have rendered this, He driveth 
 slowly. But Jehu was a vehement man, yet keen and saga- 
 cious, a fit instrument for his peculiar work. His approach 
 might be seen at a great distance from a watchtower, as he 
 came with an armed force : and it is most probable, that he 
 travelled with as much celerity as he could. — The original 
 word is exactly rendered in the margin, in madness ; being 
 from the same root as that above translated, mad feU 
 low. (11) 
 
 V. 21. Jehoram had no sufficient force to oppose Jehu’s 
 army, and he seems to have acted rashly in going out to meet 
 him. But he still dreamed of peace, and was impatient to 
 know, whether Jehu returned defeated by the Syrians, of 
 triumphant over them. Thus Jehu’s design was facilitated, 
 | and perhaps bloodshed prevented : and thus, according to th» 
 ( 669 ) 
 
B. C. 8t)4. 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 884 
 
 chariot was made ready. And m Joram king of 
 .srael and Ahaziah king of Judah went out, each 
 in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu, 
 and "met him in "the portion of Naboth the 
 Jezreelite. 
 
 2 Z And it came to pass, when Joram saw 
 Jehu, that he said, °Is it peace, Jehu? And he 
 answered, “What peace, so long as ithe whore- 
 doms of thy mother Jezebel, and her witchcrafts 
 are so many ? 
 
 23 And Joram turned his hands, and fled, and 
 said to Ahaziah, r There is treachery, O Ahaziah. 
 
 24 And Jehu ’drew a bow with his full strength, 
 and smote "Jehoram between his arms, and the 
 arrow went out at his heart, and he tsunk down 
 in his chariot. 
 
 25 Then said Jehu to Bidkar his captain, Take 
 up, and cast him in the portion of the field of 
 Naboth the Jezreelite: for remember how that, 
 when I and thou rode together after Ahab his 
 father, ‘the Lord laid this burden upon him; 
 
 26 Surely I have seen yesterday the §blood of 
 Naboth, and the blood u of his sons, saith the 
 Lord ; and X I will requite thee in this "plat, saith 
 the Lord. Now therefore take and cast him 
 into the plat of ground, according to the word of 
 the Lord. 
 
 27 H But when ^Ahaziah the king of Judah saw 
 this, lie fled by the way of the 'garden-house. 
 And Jehu followed after him, and said, Smite him 
 also in the chariot. And they did so at the going 
 tip to Gur, which is by "Ibleam. And he fled to 
 b Megiddo, and died there. 
 
 m 2 Chr. 22:7. *H eU. found. Nmn. 20:14. marg. n 26. 1 Kings 21:1 — 7, 
 15, IS, 19. o See oti 17. p See on 18. Is. 57:19 — 21. q 1 Kings 16:30— 33. 18:4. 
 19:1,2.21:8—10.25. Nall. 3:4. Rev. 2:20 17:4,5.18:3.23. r 11:14. 2 Chr. 
 23:13 t Heb. filled, his hand H'i'h a bow. si Kings 22:34. Job 20:23 — 25. Ps. 
 60:22. Pi-ov. 21:30. Kc. 8:12,13. 1 Tlies. 5:3. . 4 Heb. bowed, t l Kings 21:19. 
 24—29. Is. 13:1. Jer. 23:33— 38. Nah. M. Mai. 1:1. Matt. 11:30. § Heb. 
 bloods. uDeut. 24:16. 2 CLr. 24:25. 25.4. x Ex. 20 5. Deut. 5:9. Ez. 18: 19, 
 
 U dr, portion, y 8:29. Num. 16:26. 2 Chr. 22:7—9. Prov. 13:20. 2 Cor. 6:17. 
 zl Kings 21:2. a Josh. 17:11. Jtulg. 1.27. b23:29,30. Judg. 1:27. 5:19. 1 Kings 
 4:12. c 12:21. 14:19,20.23:30. 2 Chr. 25:28. 35:24. cl 8:16,24,25. 2 Chr. 22:1 ,2. 
 
 purpose of God, Jehoram was slain in the portion of Naboth ; 
 probably near the place where he and his sons had been put 
 to death. (Notes, 25,26. 1 Kings 21:17 — 19.) 
 
 V. 22. Idolatry is in Scripture called whoredom ; and, 
 when committed by the professed people of God, adultery, 
 to denote the Lord’s abhorrence of it. Jezebel’s idolatries 
 had been manifold and long-continued ; and, as some think, 
 attended by prostitution, according to the shameless prac- 
 tices of the Gentiles in their worship: of Jezebel’s personal 
 character in this respect nothing further is recorded. (Notes, 
 Rev. 2:20 — 23. 14:8. 17:1,2.) The words, witchcrafts, may 
 
 allude to the fascinating artifices that harlots use to allure men 
 to wickedness ; by which her various methods of seducing 
 the Israelites to idolatry seem to be intended. For this pur- 
 pose she doubtless employed promises, presents, caresses, 
 and flatteries ; and on the other hand, frowns, threats, and 
 persecutions ; by which great multitudes were induced to 
 conform to her religion, and join in her spiritual whoredom. 
 As Jehu had been long unsuspected, in the court of Ahab 
 and his sons, he probably had never before in any way pro- 
 tested against the worship of Baal. — Jehoram was answerable 
 for Jezebel’s crimes, because he countenanced and imitated 
 them, instead of using his authority to repress them. (Note, 
 
 1 Kings 15:10—13.) • 
 
 Y. 23, 24. Marg. Ref. Note, 1 Kings 22:32 — 35. 
 
 V. 25, 26. In the vineyard of murdered Naboth, of which 
 tehoram seems to have kept possession, his body was left 
 unburied, to be devoured by dogs, or beasts of prey: and the 
 dogs, in some sense, licked the blood of Ahab, as flowing 
 from the wounds of his son. (Note, 1 Kings 21:17 — 19.)— 
 The words of the prophets were called burdens, as predicting 
 a heavy burden of misery to the guilty party, which he could 
 neither endure nor remove. (Marg. Ref. t. Note, Jer. 23: 
 33 — 40 .) — It is probable that Jehu had seldom reflected on 
 Elisha’s words during the intervening years, till these events 
 brought the substance of them fresh to his recollection. 
 
 Rode together. (25) Ahab’s * 1 guard were wont to ride in 
 pairs, two and two ; and Jehu and Bidkar rode at that time 
 together, and heard Elijah’s words.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 The blood of his sons. (26) This evidently implies that 
 Naboth’s sons were put to death along with him : for to sup- 
 pose, that the words only mean that they were deprived of 
 their estate, and so impoverished, and as it were starved, is 
 altogether unreasonable. (Note, 1 Kings 21:8 — 14.) 
 
 V. 27, 28. Ahaziah was Ahab's grandson by Athaliah; 
 and being also an idolater, he was within Jehu’s commission. 
 So that, being found with Jehoram, he shared his punishment ; 
 though, as son to pious Jehoshaphat, he was allowed an 
 a wn«,rable burial. The circumstances elsewhere recorded 
 concerning his death, ronder it probable that he was not 
 
 ( 670 ) 
 
 28 And c his servants carried him in a chariot 
 to Jerusalem, and buried him in his sepulchre with 
 his fathers in the city of David. 
 
 29 And d in the eleventh year of Joram the sou 
 of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah. 
 
 [Practical Obaervatious.'] 
 
 30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, 
 'Jezebel heard of it ; and she ’’painted her face, 
 and f tired her head, and looked out at a win- 
 dow. 
 
 31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she 
 said. Had sZimri h peace, who slew his master? 
 
 32 And he lifted up his face to the window, 
 and said, 'Who is on my side? who ? And there 
 looked out to him two or three "eunuchs. 
 
 33 And he said, k Throw her down. So they 
 threw iier down : and some of her blood was 
 sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses : 'and he 
 trode her under foot. 
 
 34 And when he was come in, m he did eat and 
 drink, and said, Go, see now “this cursed woman , 
 and bury her : tor “she is a king’s daughter. 
 
 35 And they went to bury her : rbut they found 
 no more of her than the skull, and the feet, and 
 the palms of her hands. 
 
 36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. 
 And he said, 'iThis is the word of the Lord, which 
 he spake f, by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, 
 saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat 
 the flesh of Jezebel : 
 
 37 And r the carcass of Jezebel shall he as dung 
 upon the face of the field in the portion of Jez- 
 reel ; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel. 
 
 e 1 Kings 19:1.2. IT Heb. put her eves in painting. Jer. 4:30. Ez. 23:40. f Ie . 3 
 18— 24. Ez. 24:17. 1 Tim. 2:9,10. 1 Pet. 3 3. g 1 Kings 16.9—19. h See on IS — 
 22. i Ex. 32:26. 1 Chr. 12:18. 2 Chr. 11:12. Ps. 118:6. 124:1,2. ’* Or, chambe 
 lains. Esth. 1:10. 2:15,21 . Acts 12:20. k See on 1 Kings 21:11. 1 26. 7:20. Is. 25. 
 10. Lam. 1:15. Mic. 7:10. Mai. 4:3. Malt. 5:13. Heh. 10:29. ml Kings 18:41. 
 Esth. 3:15. Am. 6:4. n 1 Kines 21.25. Prov. 10:7. Is. 65:15. Matt 25:41. t> 1 
 Kings 16:31. p Job 31 :3. Acts 12:23. q See on 1 Kings 21:23. ft Heb. by the hand 
 or. 14:25. Lev. 8:36. 2 Sam. 12:25. r Ps. 83:10. Ec. 6:3. Is. 14:18—50. Jer. 8:2. 
 1(5:4. 22:19. 36:90. Ez. 32:23 — SO. 
 
 slain, till Jehu had inflicted vengeance on Jezebel at Jezreel 
 (Notes, 30—37. 2 Chr. 22:7—9.) 
 
 Garden-house. (27) It seems, that Ahab, notwithstand- 
 ing Elijah’s awful message to him, and his external humilia- 
 tion, proceeded with his plan of forming Naboth’s vineyard, 
 or part of ir, into a garden of herbs; and this house is sup- 
 posed to have been built on it, for the accommodation of 
 those who kept it. (Notes, 1 Kings 21:1,2,27 — 29.) — Died 
 there.] Ahaziah was taken at Megiddo, and brought to 
 Jehu, who slew him, probably at Jezreel. But he died with 
 the others of the house of Ahab, which is supposed to be here 
 meant. 
 
 V. 29. Jehoram began to reign over Judah, in the fifth 
 year of Jehoram king of Israel ; it is probable, in the very 
 beginning of it: and he died, and was succeeded by Aha- 
 ziah, in the eleventh or twelfth year of Jehoram; that is, the 
 close of the eleventh, or beginning of the twelfth. This space 
 is called eight years , as comprising six whole years, and a 
 portion of two others, computed according to tho reigns of 
 the kings of Judah. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 30 — 37. Jezebel had no way of escaping or resisting 
 Jehu : she therefore aimed to outbrave and intimidate him. 
 Instead of assuming the habit of a mourner, or a suppliant, 
 she arrayed herself in all the magnificence of royalty, and 
 stationed herself in a conspicuous place to wait his arrival. 
 She used the method, customary in the east, of giving her- 
 self a majestic appearance, by a kind of paint which dilates 
 the eyebrows, and makes the eyes look large and bright. 
 And when Jehu approached the place, she accosted him by 
 saying, “Had Zimri peace, who slew his master?” Zimri 
 had destroyed the house of Baasha, and had soon after fallen 
 before Omri the father of Ahab: (Note, 1 Kings 10:8 — 19.) 
 
 but Zimri had had no commission for what he did; and Jehu 
 was expressly ordered to take vengeance on the house of 
 Ahab. He was not therefore to be thus intimidated : for finding 
 upon inquiry, that her chamberlains were ready to join him ; 
 (being either mercenary men who were willing to purchase 
 his favour, or being weary of Jezebel’s imperious and haughty 
 disposition ;) he ordered her to he thrown from the window, 
 and thus she was dashed to pieces, and trodden under foot 
 by the horses. 4 See how suddenly courtiers change with the 
 fortune of their master.’ Bp. Patrick. — Afterwards, when 
 he thought of burying her, in honour of her royal extraction, 
 he found himself disappointed ; for her mangled body, (having 
 probably been plundered of its costly attire,) was entirely 
 torn in pieces, and devoured by dogs. This reminded him 
 of tho word of the Lord by Elijah, which he had before for- 
 gotten: and he observed that her carcass was to become as 
 dung upon the face of the earth. — This was a nremHu! and 
 most ignominious end, worthy of one who I ui been a 
 
B. C. 884. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 fthu, by letters to the elders , causes Ahab's seventy sons to be s'ain at Sama- 
 ria, and their heads to be brought to Jezreel, 1 — 7. He shows uiis to be a 
 fulfilment of Elijah's prophecy, and destroys all Ahab's kindred in Jezreel, 
 8—11. In his way to Samaria he slays forty-two of Ahaziah's brethren, 
 12 — M. Attended by Jehonadab, he slays all that remained to Ahab in Sa- 
 maria, 15 — 17. He assembles all the worshippers of Baal by stratagem ; 
 puts them to death, and bi eaks down Baal's images and temple , 18 — 28. He 
 follows the sins of Jeroboam; yet the kingdom to the fourth generation is 
 ■ promised him, for destroying the houee of Ahab, 29—31. Hazael smites 
 Israel, 32, 33. Jehu dies, and Jehoahaz succeeds him, 34 — 36. 
 
 A ND Ahab had “seventy sons b in Samaria. 
 
 And Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, 
 unto “the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to 
 'them that brought up AhabVcAiWren, saying, 
 
 2 Now d as soon as this letter cometh to you, 
 seeing your master’s sons are with you, and 
 
 »Judg. 8:S0. 10:4. 12:14. b 5:3. I Kings 13:32. 16:28. 2 Chr. 22:9. c Set on 
 Deut. 16:18. 1 Kines 21 :S— 14. * Heb.n ourishers. d See on 5:6. e Deut. 17: 
 14,15. 1 Sam. 10:24. 11:15. 2 Sam. 2:8,9. 1 Kings 1:24,25. 12:20, f2 Sam. 2:12 
 
 curse to Israel and Judah, but had brought the heaviest 
 curses upon herself ; and who was a specimen, and in some 
 respects a type, of all ringleaders in idolatry, and tempters 
 to that crime. Yet “ this cursed woman,” the daughter of a 
 king, was also the wife of a king, the mother of two kings, 
 tiie mother-in-law of a king, and the grandmother of a king, 
 all in her own life 1 So vain are all earthly honours and dis- 
 tinctions ! 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The long-suffering of God enhances the con- 
 demnation of those, who are not led by it to repentance. 
 (Notes, Rom. 2:4 — 0. 9:22,23.) — In his appointed time he will 
 raise up and qualify suitable instruments for performing his 
 purpose, whether of vengeance or of mercy. — The faithful 
 servants of God must stand prepared for arduous and perilous 
 undertakings : and obedience to his commandments must 
 have the precedency before all other duties. But, as the 
 written word is at present our only rule of duty, it seldom 
 happens, that we are required to act, even in apparent vio- 
 lation of our relative obligations to princes, parents, masters, 
 or other superiors; except in professing those truths, and 
 attending on those ordinances, which they may disapprove, 
 discountenance, or prohibit , or in keeping aloof from those 
 superstitions, or worldly places and practices, which they 
 would enjoin. — Yet if, after all endeavours “to render ho- 
 nour to whom honour is due,” ,we should be reproached or 
 11-treated for our conscientious obedience to God, we must 
 Dear it with meekness and patience: (Notes, Acts 4:13 — 22, 
 
 19. 23 — 28. 5:29 — 31,41,42.) and when in danger of perse- 
 cution, we are allowed to flee from it. They, who are em- 
 ployed as ministers, will be the most exposed in these re- 
 spects : for the message of the Lord, meeting sinners in the 
 midst of their worldly pursuits, singles them out, by an appli- 
 cation to their hearts and consciences, as if they were ad- 
 dressed by name : (Note, 2 Sam. 12:7.) and while some are 
 thus separated from their companions, and by the unction of 
 the Holy Spirit, prepared for the service of God ; others are 
 marked out, in the midst of their prosperity, as in danger of 
 eternal misery. Whilst, however, we conscientiously adhere 
 to our instructions, we shall be accepted, and preserved as 
 long as is really good for us. 
 
 V. 11 — 29. Every man should well consider to what work 
 the Lord calls him, and in what manner and for what ends 
 ne ought to do it. His special commission justifies the severest 
 executions of his enemies: but our general instructions to do 
 good, and to bless, and to overcome evil with good, point out 
 to us more delightful services, in which we should thankfully 
 abound from day to day. Yet the vengeance of God will fall 
 with peculiar weight upon the head of those that oppress and 
 persecute his people and ministers ; who may deem them- 
 selves highly favoured, if they are only reviled, and reproach- 
 ed as fools and madmen. Satisfied with the testimony of 
 their conscience, and the Lord’s gracious acceptance, they 
 may rejoice and be exceedingly glad, at being thus ranked with 
 prophets, apostles, and the Saviour himself: and instead of 
 resenting the opprobrious terms, as an intolerable affront, 
 may glory in them as a most honourable distinction. ( Notes 
 Matt. 5:10 12. 1 Pet. 4:12 — 16.) They should, however, 
 be extremely careful to avoid all ridiculous and unreasonable 
 words and actions, that they may give no just occasion to 
 such malignant and injurious charges ; which, when unme- 
 rited, car.r.ot possibly injure them, except they make them 
 angry, contentious, discontented, or reluctant to their duty. 
 — The Lord often secretly disposes men to concur in his 
 designs, in a manner contrary to their former conduct, and 
 to all human probabilities: and then such events, as would 
 itherwise have been impracticable, are speedily and easily 
 accomplished and, to ask advice, is often the readiest way 
 of obtaining concurrence and assistance. Prudence united 
 with vigour and despatch, promises success in the most ar- 
 duous designs ; and a disposition to “ drive furiously,” may 
 sometimes fit a person for peculiar services, which would not 
 so well suit the temper of more sedate and amiable persons : 
 vet in general it is no commendation of a man’s character, or 
 
 qualification for ti e most desirable kinds of usefulness’. 
 
 While sudden destruction is rapidly approaching, sinners are 
 still saying, Peace, peace : but what, peace can there be to 
 .lie impenitent workers of iniquity, and to .those who have 
 
 B. C. 884. 
 
 there are with you chariots and horses, a fenced 
 city also, and armour; 
 
 3 “Look even out the best and meetest of your 
 master’s sons, and set him on his father’s throne, 
 and f fight for your master’s house. 
 
 4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, 
 ^Behold, two kings stood not before him: h how 
 then shall we stand ? 
 
 5 And he that was over the house, and he that 
 was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers 
 up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, ‘We are 
 thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us ; 
 We will not make any king: do thou that ivhich is 
 good in thine eyes. 
 
 —17. 1 Kings 18:21. John 18:36. *9:84,27. h Is. 27:4. Jer. 49:19. Nah. 1:6. 
 Luke 14:31. i 18:14. Josh. 9:11,24,25. 1 Kings 20:4. Jer. 27:7,8,17. John 
 12:26. 
 
 tempted others to join them in rebellion against God ? — Noto- 
 rious sinners entail judgment on their posterity unto the third 
 and fourth generation, especially when these*walk in the steps 
 of their progenitors. — The circumstances of temporal judg- 
 ment are sometimes remarkably calculated to call to remem- 
 brance the crimes for which they are inflicted r so that the 
 most superficial observers must perceive the justice of God 
 in them, and acknowledge that the Scriptures are fulfilled. 
 How will it then be in “ the day of wrath, and the revelation 
 of the righteous judgment of God, who will render unto every 
 one according to his works ?” And if we would escape the 
 destruction of the ungodly, we must avoid all intimate ac- 
 quaintance with them ; for “ a companion of fools shall be 
 destroyed.” 
 
 V. 30 — 37. Some haughty transgressors have so long 
 prospered in their crimes, and domineered over all around 
 them, that they suppose they can outbrave all opposition, and 
 defy even the justice of God himself. Their hearts grow 
 more hardened and insolent, when they are evidently upon 
 the brink of destruction : and an unhumbled spirit, in alarming 
 and humiliating circumstances, is a distinguishing mark of 
 those, who “are appointed unto wrath.” — They who care- 
 fully adorn their persons “by painting the face,” “tiring the 
 hair, and putting on of apparel, ” whilst their souls are polluted 
 with the guilt and defilement of innumerable, unrepented, 
 unpardoned, unmortified iniquities, should sometimes turn 
 aside to view themselves in this mirror, and to contemplate 
 the conduct and fate of Jezebel : especially those who use 
 these arts to seduce o'hers from the ways of truth and righ- 
 teousness. Such persons, however noble, wealthy, bdautifiil, 
 or successful, are emphatically accursed ; under the curse of 
 God themselves, and the cursed instruments of bringing others 
 into the same condemnation. — Persons of royal extraction or 
 authority, naturally annex the idea of sacred to their dis- 
 tinctions ; yet they often pay no regard to the sacred service 
 and honour of the King of kings •* but how can they expect 
 the conscientious Obedience of their subjects , whilst they are 
 in a state of actual rebellion against their Sovereign ; and 
 attempting to corrupt the morals and principles of the people 1 
 Indeed traitors are justly execrated, and seldom prosper : but 
 the Lord often uses them as the instruments of his righteous 
 vengeance against ungodly princes. — Court-favourites are 
 commonly a fickle, timeserving people. For the sake of 
 emolument, they are very assiduous and lavish in their flat- 
 teries : but when a revolution takes place, they often betray, 
 or even murder, the same unhappy persons, to secure them- 
 selves, or to obtain still greater preferment ! This is espe- 
 cially to be feared by those who render themselves odious 
 through insolence and wickedness ; and who are only served 
 out of slavish fear or mercenary hope. — Let proud tyrants 
 and oppressors study this chapter with fear and trembling: 
 the loftiest will be brought low, and every one of them, in his 
 turn, must give an account unto God, with whom “is no 
 respect of persons.” The anguish of Jezebel’s death, and 
 the disgrace of her mangled limbs, faintly shadow forth tho 
 misery and contempt, which at and after death will be the 
 portion of those, who have been “ the terror of the mighty in 
 the land of the living whose very memory shall rot in intamy. 
 This the believer will foresee and expect ; and at length all 
 the world shall witness it witli astonishment. May we flee 
 from that “ wrath which is revealed from heaven against all 
 ungodliness and unrighteousness of men and seek to secure 
 an interest in those precious promises, that will assuredly be 
 performed in due season ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1 — 7. These seventy persons 
 were Ahab’s descendants by several wives, probably including 
 the sons of Jehoram. They resided at Samaria, as a more 
 secure situation than Jezreel: or as some think, they fled 
 thither from Jezrepl, when Jehoram was slain : attended by 
 the rulers or elders of Jezreel, who nlight be supposed mo?* 
 attached to the interests of the family ; and by those who had 
 superintended their education. Doubtless, many of lbs 
 elders were the same persons, who had put Naboth and ms 
 sons to death in obedience to Jezebel; and, their consciences 
 and principles having Deen debauched by such services, tney 
 were equally ready to murder the family of Ahab at Jehu's 
 command. (Note, 1 Kings 21:8 — 14.) Jehu B e,em& to have 
 been aware of their base disposition ; and he wrote letters to 
 ( 671 ) 
 
B. C 984. 
 
 II. KINGS. E. C. 884. 
 
 6 Then he wrote a letter the second time to 
 them, saying, If ye be 'mine, and if ye will 
 hearken unto my voice, k take ye the heads of the 
 men ‘your master’s sons, and come to me to 
 Jezreel by to-morrow this time. (Now the king’s 
 sons being seventy persons, were with the great 
 men of the city which brought them up.) 
 
 7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to 
 them, that they took the king’s sons, and m slew 
 seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, 
 and sent him them to Jezreel. 
 
 8 H And "there came a messenger, and told him, 
 saying, They have brought the heads of the king’s 
 sons. And he said, Lay ye them in two heaps 
 at the entering in of the gate “until the morn- 
 ing- 
 
 9 And it came to pass in the morning, that he 
 went out, and stood, and said to all the people, 
 rYe be righteous: behold, 'll conspired against 
 my master, and slew him : but who slew all these ? 
 
 10 Know now that there shall r fall unto the 
 earth nothing of the word of the Lord, which the 
 Lord spake concerning the house of Ahab : for 
 •the Lord hath done that which he spake tby his 
 servant Elijah. 
 
 11 So Jehu slew all that remained of the house 
 of Ahab in Jezreel, and all his great .men, and his 
 ^kinsfolks, and 'his priests, until “he left him none 
 remaining. 
 
 12 U And he arose and departed, and came to 
 
 • Heb. for me. See on 9:32. Matt. 12:30. Luke 9:50. k Num. 25:4. See 
 on 1 Kings 21:8— 11. 1 Deut. 5:9. Josh. 7:24,25. Job 21:19. Is. 14:21,22. Retr. 
 2:20—23. m9. 11:1. 1 Kinge 21:21. 2Chr.21:4. Matt. 14:8 — 11. n2Sam.ll: 
 18 — 21. 1 Kings 21:14. Mark 6:28. o Deut. 21:23. p 1 Sam. 12:3. Is. 5:3. 
 q See or. 9:l4 — 24. Hos. 1:4 r 1 Sam. 3:19. 15:29. Jer. 44:28,29. Zech. 1:6. 
 Mark 13:31. 6 See tan 9:7 — 10. 1 Kings 21:21 — 24,29. T Heb. by the hand of . 
 9:36. marg. } Or, acquaintance, t 23:20. 1 Kings 18:19,40.22:6. Rev. 19:20. 
 80:10. u Josh. 10:30. 11:8. 1 Kings 14:10. 15:29. 16:11.21:22. Job 18:19. Ps. 
 109:13. Is. 14:21,22. § Heb. house of shepherds binding sheep. II Heb. found. 
 
 them, that by killing the young princes by their hands, he 
 might avoid odium, and prevent further bloodshed, and forward 
 the completion of his purpose : for as Samaria was strongly 
 fortified, and defended by a much more powerful garrison 
 than Jezreel; it might have stood out against him for a long 
 time, and at last have been reduced with great difficulty, if 
 the princes had courageously defended it. He was indeed 
 commissioned to destroy all the house of Ahab, and he was 
 not at all scrupulous about the means of doing it: otherwise 
 he would have hesitated at employing men to serve him, with 
 such base treachery and murder. But regardless of this, he, 
 by an intimidating challenge, assured them, that if they 
 attempted to protect their royal charge, the matter must be 
 decided by the sword. He knew their strength, and he 
 would have them to be aware of his resolution. As, however, 
 they did not fear the vengeance and power of God, but the 
 courage and success of Jehu, whom they despaired of resist- 
 ing, they unreservedly submitted to him. Nor did they, 
 when they received his second letter, so much as beg that 
 others might be appointed to slay the young princes ; but, as 
 it seems, without reluctancy, at the first word, beheaded them 
 all. Doubtless they had brought them up delicately, repeat- 
 edly avowed their attachment to them, and bestowed many 
 flattering encomiums upon them. (Note, 9:30 — 37.) They 
 probably expected a reward from Jehu ; but they seem to 
 have been slain among the other adherents of Ahab’s family. 
 (17) — Most of these princes must have been grown men, 
 though some might be minors or childi*pn. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. The heads of Ahab’s sons, having been laid 
 in a place of public concourse, would occasion much amaze- 
 ment and many inquiries: which gave Jehu an opportunity of 
 addressing the multitude on the subject. He meant to abate 
 the odium of his own conduct towards the family of Ahab, 
 by contrasting it with the atrocious treachery and cruelty of 
 these professed friends, who had been so entirely confided in 
 by Ahab and his family. At fhe same time he reminded them, 
 that the whole was a performance of the word of the Lord 
 by Elijah, which would receive a still more exact comple- 
 tion : instead, therefore, of condemning the persons employed 
 in this bloody work, they ought to adore the truth and justice 
 of God, and submit to his will. Thus he likewise avowed 
 his purpose of going on with what he had begun : but. as the 
 commission given him by the prophet was not publicly Known, 
 he did not mention it. (Notes, 9:5 — 10,25,26. 1 Kings2\'\l 
 —26. Hos. 1:4,5.) 
 
 V. 11. Priests.] These seem to have been the priests, 
 or prophets, of Baal and othor idols, who had eaten at 
 Jezebel’s table, and who presided over all the others. As 
 they were strongly attached to Ahab’s family, Jehu may be 
 supposed to have put them to death from reasons of state, 
 rather than from zeal against idolatry. 
 
 V. 13, 14. All the sons of Jehoram, the father of Ahaziah, 
 had been slain by the Philistines, during the life of Jehoram ; 
 •.Notes* 2 Chr. 21:16 — 20. 22:1.) but these persons seem to 
 ( 672 ) 
 
 Samaria. And as he was at the $shearing-house 
 in the way, 
 
 13 Jehu "met with "the brethren of Ahaziah 
 king of Judah, and said, Who are ye? And 
 they answered, We are the brethren of Ahaziah , 
 and we go down to "salute the children of the 
 king and the children of the queen. 
 
 14 And he said, rTake them alive. And they 
 took them alive, and slew them at the pit of the 
 shearing-house, even two and forty men ; Neither 
 
 left he any of them. [Practical Observation!. 1 
 
 15 H And when he was departed thence, he 
 “lighted on a Jehonadab the son of b Rechab coming 
 to meet him : and he “saluted him, and said to 
 him, “Is thy heart right, as my heart is with thy 
 heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, 
 d give me thy hand. And he gave him his hand ; 
 and “he took him up to him into the chariot. 
 
 16 And he said, fCome with me, and see my 
 zeal for the Lord. So they made him ride in his 
 chariot. 
 
 17 And when he came to Samaria, he slew all 
 that remained unto Ahab in Samaria, still he had 
 destroyed him, ‘’according to the saying of the 
 Lord, which he spake to Elijah. 
 
 18 II And Jehu gathered all the people together, 
 and said unto them, ‘Ahab served Baal a little ; 
 but k Jehu shall serve him much. 
 
 19 Now therefore call unto me ‘all the prophets 
 of Baal, m all his servants, and "all his priests ; let 
 
 1 8:24,29. 9:21—27. 2. Chr. 21:17.22:1— 10. Tt Heb. the peace of. y 6, 10,11. 
 1 Kings 20:18. z 8:18. 11 :1. 2 Chr. 22:10. *• Heb. fund. 13. 9:21 margins. 
 a Jer. 35:6,8,14 — 19. Jonadab. b 1 Chr. 2:55. tt Heb. blessed. See on Get;. 31: 
 55. 47:7,10. c I Chr. 12:17,18. John 21:15—17. Gal. 4:12. d Ezra 10:19. Ez. 
 17:18. Gal. 2:9. eAct88:31. f 31 . 9:7— 9. Num. 23:4. 24:13— 16. 1 Kings 19: 
 10,14,17. Prov. 27:2. Matt. 6:2. Rom. 10:2. g See on 11. 9:8. Ps. 109:8,9. Mai. 
 4:1. h See on 10. 9:25,26. 1 Kings 21:21. i 3:2. 1 Kings 16:31.32. 18:19,22,40. 
 k Job 13:7. Rom. 3:8. Phil. 4:8. 1 3:13. 1 Kinfs 22:6. m21. nil. 
 
 have been the sons of Ahaziah’s brethren, or his nephews. 
 They belonged however to Ihe family of Ahab, and fell w ithin 
 Jehu’s commission. (Marg. Ref . x.) They supposed Jeho- 
 ram and Jezebel to be still living .in prosperity, and were 
 going in a company to see them : and thus they met then 
 doom, and were slain by Jehu. 
 
 V. 15, 16. (Notes, Jer. 35:) Jehonadab was eminent for 
 his cordial attachment to the worship of Jehovah, and for a 
 life of strict piety, and deadness to the world. Having there- 
 fore hoard that Jehu was executing the predicted vengeance 
 upon the house of Ahab, he seems to have entertained hopes 
 of a thorough reformation, and was desirous of giving his 
 cordial support to so good a work : and he went to meet Jehu, 
 who, with apparent piety, pronounced a blessing upon him ; 
 inquiring whether he met his sincere affection with reciprocal 
 cordiality. (Marg. Ref.) Indeed some think, that Jehona- 
 dab first blessed Jehu, as Jacob •had blessed Pharaoh ; and that 
 then Jehu addressed him. (Note, Gen. 47:7.) Being, how- 
 ever, satisfied with Jehonadab’s answer, he took him up into 
 his chariot ; secretly elated, as it seems, with the concurrence 
 of so pious a person, and expecting by his influence to ac- 
 quire the full confidence of the people. But, had he intended 
 effectually to reform religion, he would doubtless have sent 
 for Elisha, to counsel him and concur with him ; and his neg- 
 lect, in that particular, was no favourable indication of hig 
 designs. He seems to have ostentatiously boasted of his 
 “zeal for the Lord,” and wanted to have it noticed: (Notes, 
 Num. 24:16. Prov. 27:2.) but in reality he was influenced by 
 carnal policy, united with a temporary conviction, and not by 
 genuine, pious zeal. 
 
 V. 17. The rulers and elders of Samaria readily allowed 
 Jehu and his company to enter the city, and surrendered all 
 its strong-holds and forces up to him: but as no exception is 
 mentioned, when, it is said, “He slew all that remained unto 
 Ahab in Samaria it is generally and probably concluded, 
 that he slew the traitorous rulers and elders also. Many love 
 the treachery, who despise or detest the traitors ; and none, 
 when their purpose is answered, afterwards trust them. 
 (Note, Matt. 27:3—5.) 
 
 V. 18 — 20. The kings of Israel, who had seized thethrone 
 by conspiring against their predecessors, had commonly imi- 
 tated or exceeded their idolatry ; and this gave plausibility to 
 Jehu’s stratagem : but it was a measure which cannot be jus- 
 tified or at all excused. It would have been sufficient, if he 
 had destroyed the temples and images of Baal, and put to 
 death the known abettors and ringleaders of his worship, and 
 every one who should afterwards attempt to revive it. But 
 to draw them into a snare, by a direct falsehood, ami to tempt 
 them to commit idolatry, that ho might slay them in the very 
 act, was “ to do evil, that good might come and resembled 
 the abhorred maxim of thoso who maintain, that faith is not 
 to be kept with heretics. (Notes, Josh. 9:19,20. 2 Sam. 13: 
 22—29. Rom. 3:5—8.) 
 
 V. 21. Numbers doubtless had boon drawn in to bow the 
 
B. C. 8S4. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 B. C. 856 
 
 none be wanting : for I have a great sacrifice to 
 do to Baal : whosoever shall he wanting, he shall 
 not live. “But Jehu did it in subtlety, to the 
 intent that he might destroy the worshippers of 
 Baal. 
 
 20 And Jehu said, ‘Proclaim a solemn assembly 
 for Baal. And they proclaimed it. 
 
 21 And Jehu sent through all Israel : and all 
 the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was 
 not a man left that came not. rAnd they came 
 into ‘'the house of Baal ; and the house of Baal 
 r was Tull from one end to another. 
 
 22 And lie said unto him that was over the 
 vestry, Brin<r forth ’vestments for all the wor- 
 shippers of Baal. And lie brought them forth 
 vestments. 
 
 23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of 
 Rechab, into the house of Baal, and said unto the 
 worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there 
 be here with you none of the servants of the 
 Lord, but the worshippers of Baal only. 
 
 24 And when they went in to offer sacrifices 
 and burnt-offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore 
 men without, and said, l If any of the men whom 
 1 have brought into your hands escape, he that 
 lettelh him go, his life shall be for the life of him. 
 
 25 And it came to pass, as soon as he had 
 made an end of offering the burnt-offering, that 
 Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, “Go 
 in, and slay them; v let none come forth. And 
 they smote them with the ledge of the sword ; 
 and the guard and the captains cast them out, 
 ind went to the city of the house of Baal. 
 
 26 And they brought forth the ^images out of 
 the house of Baal, *and burned them. 
 
 *> Sue on 18. 2 Cor. 4:2. 11:3,13—15. 12:15—18. 1 The». 2:3. • Heb. Sanctify. 
 
 1 Kings 18:19,20. 21:12. Joel 1:14. p Joel 3:2,11—14. Rev. 16:16. q l Kings 
 16: :2. r Judg. 16:27. t Or, so full that they stood mouth to mouth, s Ex. 28:2. 
 Malt. 22:11,12. i 1 Kings 20:30— 42. u Ez. 9:5,6. v Dent. 13:9— 11. Ez. 22:21, 
 22. Rev. 16:6,7. .Heb .mouth. § Heb. statues. 1 Kings 14:23. marg. y. 19:18. 
 
 2 Sam. 5:21. y 18:4. 23.7— 14. Lev. 26:30. Deut. 7:5,25. 1 Kings 16:32. 2Chr. 
 34:3—7. i Ezra 6:11. Dan. 2:5. 3:29. a 13:2,11. 14:24. 15:9,18,24,28. 17:22. 
 1 Kings 12:23—30. 13:33,34. 14 16. b Gen. 20:9. Ex. 32:21. 1 Sam. 2:24. Mark 
 S:24— 26. 1 Cor. 8:9—13., Gal .2:12,13. c Ex. 32:4. Hos. 8:5,6. 10:5. 13:2. d 1 
 
 knee to Baal, in order to obtain the favour, or escape the dis- 
 pleasure of their rulers, who did not cordially approve of that 
 idolatry, though indifferent about the worship of Jehovah. 
 And these would keep away till Jehu’s intentions were more 
 manifest : but the zealous idolaters were judicially infatuated, 
 and attended. Their number must have been small, com- 
 pared with the state of things in the first days of Elijah : but 
 Jehoram was not so zealous for the worship of Baal, as Ahab 
 had been ; and the incessant labours of Elisha, and the sons 
 of the prophets, must have produced very great effects. — 
 Some expositors, however, think that by the servants of Baal, 
 (as in the original,) his worshippers in general are not meant, 
 nut the persons who ministered to the prophets and priests of 
 Baal, as the Levites and Nethinims did to the sons of Aaron. 
 
 V. 22. Vestments.] The prophets, priests, and servants 
 of Baal wore distinguishing garments, in which they were 
 accustomed to perform their religious services. ( Mart;. Ref.. 
 Note, Zeph. 1:4.) 
 
 V. 23. None of, &c.] This was spoken in a dissembled 
 zeal to preserve the purity of the worship of Baal : but had 
 not the idolaters been judicially infatuated, they must have 
 suspected some design concealed under such a precaution. 
 
 V. 24, 25. ( Note, 1 Kings 20:41,42.)— Perhaps, all the 
 servants of Baal were not collected, nor all others separated, 
 till the sacrifices were placed upon the altar; and therefore 
 they were permitted to go through with their worship. — We 
 may suppose that Jehonadab so much approved the substance 
 of Jehu’s service, that he was willing to allow for the infor- 
 mality with which it was performed: otherwise he certainly 
 could not approve of his dissimulation, or his attendance on 
 an idolatrous sacrifice with apparent satisfaction. When the 
 captains and men, employed by Jehu, had slain all the priests 
 and servants of Baal, within the precincts of the temple, 
 (which a small company of armed men might readily do, 
 some watching at the gates to intercept those who attempted 
 to escape, and others entering sword in hand among a de- 
 fenceless confined company;) and had made themselves sure 
 that they were all dead, by casting out their bodies ; they 
 hastened to the city of the house of Baal” to complete 
 Jehu’s design. For it seems that the buildings around the 
 temple of Baal and the courts of the temple, which had been 
 erected for the accommodation of his priests and i heir attend- 
 ants, were so numerous, as to form a kind of city by them- 
 selves. 
 
 V. 2G, 27. Mare. Ref —A draught-house. (27) The 
 citizens thenceforth made a practice of carrying all the filth 
 and rubbish of Samaria to that place, in contempt and abhor- 
 
 Voi,. I. — 85 
 
 27 And they *braKe down tie .mage of Baal 
 and brake down the house of Baal, and made it 
 ’a draught-house unto this day. 
 
 28 Tints Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. 
 
 29 61 Howbeit, from “the sins of Jeroboam the 
 son of Nebat, who b made Israel to sin, Jehu 
 departed not from after them, to wit, c the golden 
 calves that were d in Beth-el, and that were in 
 Dan. 
 
 30 And the Lord said unto Jehu, “Because 
 thou hast done well in exectR ng that which is 
 right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house 
 of Ahab 'according to all that was in my heart, 
 ethy children of the fourth generation shall sit on 
 the throne of Israel. 
 
 31 But Jehu Hook h no heed to ‘walk in the law 
 of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart : for 
 k he departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, which 
 made Israel to sin. 
 
 32 61 In those days the Lord began to 1! cm 
 Israel short : and ‘"Hazael smote them in all the 
 coasts of Israel ; 
 
 33 From Jordan "eastward, all "the land of t-b.c 
 Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and 1- 8 . 60 
 the Manassites from Aroer, which is by the river 
 Arnon, iteven Gilead and Bashan. 
 
 34 Now “the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all 
 that he did, and all his might, are they not written 
 in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 35 And Jehu Pslept with his fathers : and they 
 buried him in Samaria. And Hehoahaz his son 
 reigned in his stead. 
 
 36 And ttthe time that Jehu reigned over tb. c. 
 Israel in Samaria was twenty and eight L 856 - 
 years. 
 
 Kings 12:29. e 1 Kings 21:29. Ez. 29:18— 20. Hos. 1:4. f 1 Sam. 15:18— 24. 
 1 Kings20;42. 21:22. g 35. 13: 10. 14:23. 15:8,12. || Heb. observed not. h Deut. 
 4:15,23. 1 Kings 2:4. Ps. 39: 1 . 119:9. Prov. 4:23. Heb. 2:1. 12.15. i Dent. 5:33. 
 10:12,13. 2 Chr. 6:16. Neh. 10:29. Ps. 78:10. Ez. 36:27. Dan. 9:10. k See an 
 29.3:3. 1 Kings 14:16. U Heb. cut off the ends of. m 8: 12. 13:22. 1 Kings 19; 
 17. ** Heb. toward the rising of the sun. n Num. 32:33 — 42. Deut. 3:l*i— 17. 
 Josh. 13:9 — 12. tt Or, even to Gilead, Sfc. Am. 1:3,4. o 12:19. 13:8 See on 
 1 Kings 11:41. 14:19,29. p See on 2 Sam. 7:12. 1 Kings 1:21. 2:10. 14:20,31 
 q 13:1,7,8. Heb. the days were. # 
 
 rence of the idolatry which had been there committed. 
 ( Marg . Ref. z.) 
 
 Y. 28. After this, the worship of Baal does not appear to 
 have ever been restored in the kingdom of Israel, though 
 other idolatry abounded. 
 
 V. 29 — 31. Had Jehu acted from genuine zeal for the 
 honour of God, in destroying the worship of Baal, he would 
 also have put down the worship of the golden calves ; that 
 idolatry being as expressly forbidden by the second, as the 
 other was by th e first commandment. But that was a politic 
 and profitable sin, and it appeared dangerous to attempt any 
 thing against it. In his general conduct also “he took no 
 heed to walk in the law of the Lord . . . with all his heart,” 
 so that his religious zeal was partial, politic, and selfish. The 
 Lord, however, sent a prophet to assure him, that he had 
 done right, in executing vengeance on Allah’s family, as well 
 as in destroying the worship of Baal ; and to promise him a 
 suitable recompense. Accordingly, his family sat on the 
 throne of Israel longer than any other family did, either be- 
 fore or after; as the fourth generation reached to above one 
 hundred years from the time when Jehu ascended the throne. 
 (Notes, 15:8,12.) Yet, in other respects these very actions of 
 Jehu were deemed deserving of punishment. (Note, Hos. 
 1:4,5.) The repetition used concerning Jeroboam, “who 
 made Israel to sin,” emphatically shows the extreme crimi- 
 nality of his conduct in the sight of God, as thus opening the. 
 way, and setting the example, for all the idolatries of Israel,, 
 till that kingdom was subverted. He was, in some respects, 
 answerable for the whole. 
 
 V. 32—36. Hazael smote that region, which lay east of 
 Jordan : but he did not desolate it : this was afterwards done 
 by the kings of Assyria. (Note, 1 Chr. 5:25,26.) At this time 
 he committed those barbarities which Elisha hod predicted, 
 and we may suppose that the miseries of Israel were very 
 great. (Notes, 8:12,13. Am. 1:3— 5.) But from the period, 
 when Jehu ceased to do the work assigned him by God, his 
 actions and might are no further noticed in sacred Scripture, 
 and the account of his reign is very compendious. (Marg 
 Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. How soon are the most flourishing families and 
 kingdoms desolated, when God arises to execute his judg- 
 ments !— Such as bequeath his blessing to their children in 
 answer to thein prayers, and as a gracious recompense of their 
 faith and charity, provide in a fa- betler manner for them, 
 than those who leave estates to it eir descendants, burdenea 
 with the indignation of the Lord, for their injustice, oppression, 
 ( 673 ) 
 
S C. 884. 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 876 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 .thaliah murders the seed royal of Judah : but Jonah , the infant son of Aha- 
 ziah , is preserved by Jehosheba in the temple , 1 — 3. Jehoiada the high 
 prirsl, in the seventh year, having taken proper measures , anoints and 
 crowns him, 4—12. Athaliah, pressing into the temple , is seized and slain , 
 13 — 16. Jehoiada makes a covenant between the LORD , the king, and the 
 veople ; arid destroys the worship of Baal , 17,18. Joash reigns in peace , 
 and the people rejoice , 19 — 21. 
 
 A ND when “Athaliah b the mother of Ahaziah 
 saw that her son was dead, she arose c and 
 ilastroyed all the ‘seed royal. 
 
 b 2 ' hr. 22:10. 24:7. b 8:26. 9:27. c Matt. 2:13,16 . 21 :38, 39. • Heb . need of 
 the kingdom. 25:25. marg . Jer. 41:1. d2Chr.22?ll. Jehoshabearh. e 8:16. 
 Jehoram. f 12:1,2. Jehoash. g8:19. Prov. 21:30. Is. 7:6,7. 37:35.65:8 9 Jer. 
 
 and impiety. — The selfishness of the human heart gives pecu- 
 liar energy to those temptations, which powerfully assail their 
 hopes and fears as to this life. Where this principle has the 
 ascendency, men may be induced to such treachery and 
 cruelty, as before they never thought of : arid those, who in- 
 fluence their inferiors to practise iniquity for them, need not 
 to be surprised if they commit similar crimes against them. 
 But nothing except faith, fear of God, love to his name, and 
 the hope of eternal life, can give a decided victory over all 
 temptations ; and enable us to obey the Lord, and venture all 
 consequences in his service.- -Those who have done things 
 really, or apparently evil, are often disposed to draw in others 
 to act in a manner more evidently and grossly iniquitous ; and 
 then to conclude, that they shall be acquitted by righteous 
 judges, not being themselves so atrociously criminal. Yet the 
 law of God, and not any conduct of man, is the rule by which 
 our actions are to be judged : and, though tempters generally 
 prove accusers, a moiety of the guilt of every crime perpetrated 
 at their instance, properly belongs to them. — We readily per- 
 ceive the propriety of submitting where we are unable to 
 withstand, and of taking warning by the examples of those 
 who have in vain opposed the will of earthly princes ; at least 
 we are naturally disposed at any price to pacify their displea- 
 sure. But are not sinners sensible that they cannot stand 
 against the indignation of the Almighty? And yet they per- 
 sist in rebellion against him, and will not take proper measures, 
 or make proper submissions, to avert his wrath and recover 
 his favour ! — If we call ourselves the servants of earthly po- 
 tentates, they expect that our obedience to their mandates 
 should evince the sincerity of our professions : and if we are 
 the Lord’s, we must show that we are devoted to him by doing 
 his will ; and he Rever did, nor can command any thing unjust 
 or unreasonable. — In the most awful transactions however, 
 even though attended by the basest villanies, the truth and 
 justice of God ought to be acknowledged ; nay, true faith as- 
 sures us of them, even when to us imperceptible : for no word 
 of God can fall to the ground, but all will be performed ; and 
 then his glory will be conspicuous to the whole world. — We 
 should dread and abhor the man who had murdered our 
 
 f iarents or children, the wife of our bosom, or our beloved 
 riends ; and who had aimed a dagger at our hearts, and having 
 repeatedly wounded us, still avowed his purpose of assassinat- 
 ing us. But when we look back upon our deceased relatives, 
 or forward to our own dissolution: when we reflect on the 
 sufferings which we or ours endure or fear, or on those mise- 
 ries which render the earth like one great hospital, slaughter- 
 house, and burying-ground ; when we consider the innumera- 
 ble millions of human bodies, which have been consigned to the 
 tomb, and are reverted to the dust ; and the immense multi- 
 tudes daily following: yea, when our believing thoughts make 
 excursions into the invisible world, and survey the miseries 
 of fallen angels, and departed souls consigned to the place 
 of torment : or when we look forward to the rbsurrection and 
 the final judgment, and view the innumerable millions of the 
 wicked, appalled with horror and despair, amending to the 
 awful sentence, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting 
 fire, prepared for the devil, and his angels:” in short, when 
 the aggregate of all the misery in the whole creation, through 
 eternal ages, has been considered, and the question occurs, 
 t; Who slew all these ?” the answer will be, sin ! transgres- 
 sion of God’s law has made all this havoc, and introduced 
 all this misery into his most perfect creation ; and, worse than 
 all this, sin has crucified the Lord of glory. Shall we 
 then lodge this viper in our bosom, and madly seek for happi- 
 ness from the cause of all possible misery ? Rather we should 
 abhor and dread it with that complete detestation, which 
 would render its distant approach more formidable to us than 
 any temporal pain or affliction imaginable. 
 
 V. 15 — 36. Men of eminent godliness should countenance 
 every work of public reformation ; and wise men will value 
 their presence and assistance. But they are frequently too 
 hasty in their concurrence, and too sanguine in their expec- 
 tations, when those in exalted stations stand forth as the pro- 
 fessed friends of religion: and thus they are drawn in to 
 sanction those wrong measures which they arc unable to pre- 
 vent, to the discredit of the common cause. — Hypocrites and 
 self- deceivers are often ready to say to eminently pious per- 
 sons, “ Come and see our zeal for the Lord when they are 
 only aiming, by the assistance of a party, to establish their 
 own authority and reputation, or other secular interests. And 
 when men’s professions are very strong, their progress very 
 rapid, and their zeal tarnished with ostentation, or leavened 
 with subtlety and a fickle or fierce demeanour; they may 
 jusflv be suspected, and need to he watched and admonished 
 ( G 74 ) 
 
 2 But d Jehosheba, the daughter of king c Joram, 
 sister of Ahaziah, took r Joash the son of Ahaziah, 
 and stole him from among the king’s sons which 
 were slain ; and «they hid him, even him and his 
 nurse, h in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that 
 he was not slain. 
 
 3 And he was with her hid in the house of the 
 Lord six years. 'And Athaliah did reign over 
 the land. 
 
 33:17,21,26. h See on 1 Kingo 6:5,6,8,10. Jer. 35:2. Ez. 40:45. i2 ihr. 22:12. 
 Ph. 12.8. Mai. 3:15. 
 
 by those, who would avoid subsequent painful reflections. 
 Vehemence and severity indeed were in some measure con- 
 sistent with the awful executions which a righteous God com- 
 manded in these ancient times: yet the manner, m which his 
 orders were performed, might indicate a very improper spirit. 
 Zeal, however, in the cause of God, is worthless, except it be 
 tempered with humility, meekness, kindness, and a peaceable 
 frame of mind: as furious contentions and bitter recrimina- 
 tions cannot adorn the gospel, or mee.t the divine acceptance ; 
 for neither the wrath nor the falsehood of man can u worlc the 
 righteousness of God.” (Notes, JLvke 9:51 — 56. Jam. 3:13— 
 18.) — Hypocrites betray themselves by their earnestness 
 about one part of religion, and their indifference about others • 
 and generally profitable or plausible sins are spared, while 
 those, which would injure them with their party, are cast off 
 Yet the church, and the world, may reap advantage from their 
 partial obedience : and God will not remain as it were indebt- 
 ed to them; but will recompense their external services witn 
 external rewards, and at the same time visit their sins with 
 deserved punishments. Much more then will he recompense 
 the upright services of his believing people, who may be en- 
 couraged by this consideration to abound in his work.-~The 
 servants of Satan are often open enough in avowing what 
 master they serve ; it is therefore shameful and deplorable, 
 when the servants of the Lord are unwilling that men should 
 know that they are employed by him. — If the wicked could so 
 separate the people of God from their company, as to let 
 none remain in it, we might be sure that destruction was pre- 
 paring for them: but what ble>sed ordinances should we have* 
 if no servants of ssn and Satan crept in among the worship- 
 pers of the Lord! Generally, if not always, we must say, 
 “Ye are clean, but not all.” Nay, many are useful to the 
 souls of others, who themselves prove apostates and cast- 
 aways. The Lord grant that this may not be the case with 
 the writer, or any of the readers, of these observations ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XI. V. 1, 2. (Notes, 9:27,29. 10:13, 
 14.) It is probable that Athaliah was left in authority, when 
 Ahaziah went to visit Jehoram : and, being informed that he 
 was slain, she proceeded to destroy “all the seed royal,” or 
 the seed of the kingdom ; that is, all who could claim the king- 
 dom, as descended from David’s royal race. This seems to 
 include all the males whom Athaliah knew to belong to that 
 family, especially in the line of Solomon and Rehoboam, 
 without excepting even her own grandchildren by Ahaziah. 
 Some think, an impious revenge actuated her : and that, as 
 God had ordered the family of Ahab, (whose daughter she 
 was,) to he destroyed; so she was determined to extirpate 
 that family which he especially favoured. But it is more cer- 
 tain that she was influenced by ambition, and desired to reign 
 without a competitor; and to he able to defend herself against 
 Jehu, by whom she must think herself marked for destruction 
 By this concurrence of events, Jehoshaphat’s alliance with the 
 house of Ahab proved almost the total ruin of his family ; and 
 of the house of David, from whence the Messiah was to de- 
 scend ! To appearance, and in Athaliah’s intention, it was 
 exterminated; and indeed that branch, which descended from 
 Johoshaphat, was so interw'oven with Allah’s devoted family, 
 that without a favourable construction of the sentence, none 
 of them could have been spared: for Jehoshaphat’s o’her sons 
 had been slain by Jehoram, as soon as he had got possession 
 of the throne, so that all who survived were the descendants 
 of Ahab as well as of Johoshaphat. (Note, 2 Chr. 21:4.) 
 But by an act of grace, as it were, Joash, being both a branch 
 of the house of David, and of that of Ahab, was considered 
 as belonging to the former family, and snatched as “ a brand 
 from the burning.” (Notes, 3:7. 1 Kings 22:1 — 4.) — Some 
 
 think that he was left for dead among the other victims of 
 Athaliah’s ambition; but being taken away, he revived and 
 was recovered : or else he was removed when they were 
 slaying the others, and either was not sought for, or could 
 not be found. Jehosheba, though the daughter of Jehoram, 
 (whether by Athaliah, or some other wife is not certain,) had 
 been married some time before to Jehoiada the high-priest; 
 God, thus preparing for the protection of Joash, before the 
 danger became apparent.. — Jehosheba concealed Joash in 
 some of the chambers set apart for the use of the priests* 
 within the precincts of the temple, where he remained in safety; 
 Athaliah not suspecting that any male branch of the family 
 survived. 
 
 V. 3. It seems that the degenerate race of Judfih did not 
 oppose the usurpation of this vile woman ! W e ate informed 
 of nothing respecting Athaliah’s conduct, during her continu- 
 ance in authority, but that she supported the Ivors! -ip of Baal f 
 as a genuine daught er of Jezebel. 
 
B. C 878. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 B. C. 878 
 
 b. c.-i 4 IF And “the seventh year Jehoiada sent 
 87S - ■* ami fetched the ‘rulers over hundreds, with 
 m the captains and the guard, and brought them to 
 him into the house ol' the Loro, and "made a 
 covenant with them, and "took an oath of them 
 in the house of the Lord, and showed them the 
 king’s son. 
 
 5 And he commanded them, saying, This is the 
 thing that ye shall do : a third part of you That 
 enter in on the sabbath shall even be keepers of 
 <>the watcji of the king’s house ; 
 
 6 And a third part shall be at r the gate of Sur ; 
 and a third part at the gate behind the guard : so 
 shall ye keep the watch of the house, 'that it be 
 not broken down. 
 
 7 And two 'parts of all you that ^go forth on 
 the sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of 
 the house of the Lord about the king. 
 
 8 And ye shall compass the king round about, 
 every man with his weapons in his hand : and l he 
 that cometh within the ranges, let him be slain. 
 And be ye with the king as he goeth out and as 
 he cometh in. 
 
 9 And "the captains over the hundreds did 
 according to all thing's that Jehoiada the priest 
 commanded : and they took every man his men 
 that were to come in on the sabbath, with them 
 that should go out on the sabbath, and came to 
 Jehoiada the priest. 
 
 10 And to the captains over hundreds did the 
 priests give x king David’s spears and shields, that 
 were in the temple of the Lord. 
 
 k 2 Chr. 23:1. 1 9. 1 Chr. 9:13. m Acts 5:24,20. n 17.23:3. Josh. 24:25. 
 1 Sam. 13:3. 23:18. 2 Chr. 15:12. 29:1U. 34:31,32. Neh. 9:38. o Gen. 50: 
 
 25. 1 Kings 18:10. Neh. 5:12. 10:29. p 1 Chr. 9:25. 23:3-6,32. 24:3-6. 
 Luke 1:8,9. q 19. 16:18. I Kings 10:5. Jer. 25:10. Ez. 44:2,3.46:2,3. r 1 Chr. 
 2S:13 — 19. 2 Chr. 23:4,5. * Or, from breaking up . f Or, companies. Heb. 
 
 hands, s See on 5. 2 • hr. 23:6. t 15. Ex. 21:14. 1 Kings 2:28 — 31. 2 Chr. 23: 
 7. u See on 4. 2 Chr. 23:8. x 1 Sam. 21:9. 2 Sam. 8:7. 1 Chr. 26:26,27 . 2 Chr. 
 5:1. 23:9,11). y 8,10. tHeb.fi/toaMer. z Ex. 40:6. 2 Chr. 6:12. Ez. 8:16. Joel 
 •:17. Matt. 23:35. Luke 11:51. a 2,4. 2 Chr. 23:11. b2 Sam. 1:10. 12:30. 
 Esth. 2:17. 6:8. Ps.21:3. 89:39.132:18. Matt. 27:29. Heb. 2:9. Rev. 19:12. 
 e Ex. 25:16.31:18. Deut. 17.18 — 20. Ps. 78:5. Is. 8:16,20. d 9:3. 1 Sam. 10:1. 
 
 V. 4. Jehoiada, as,high-priest, and as having the lawful 
 heir to the crown under his care, was fully authorized to act 
 on this occasion. Indeed Jehosheba herself had a far better 
 right to the throne, than Athaliah. — All the persons, whom 
 Jehoida first employed, seem to have been Levites ; though 
 others, by their means, were afterwards brought to concur. 
 (Note, 2 Chr. ‘23:1, 2.) For the Levites were numbered, and 
 arranged in companies under their several heads, called cap- 
 tains, or leaders ; and they attended upon the service of the 
 temple, in rotation, by weekly courses. ( Notes , 1 Chr. 23:2 
 — 6. 2-5:1 — 6. 26:6 — 12, v. 6.) These were first informed by 
 Jehoiada, that the king's son was in the temple, and that 
 he intended to place him on the throne: and he proposed to 
 make a solemn agreement with them before God, to which 
 they readily acceded, and hourfd themselves by oath to fide- 
 lity. Perhaps Athaliah’s government had grown intolerably 
 oppressive ; or Jehoiada perceived that its continuance 
 threatened the destruction of religion : therefore the priests, 
 and the chief of the Levites, as most immediately engaged 
 for the support of that cause, went among their brethren, to 
 prepare their minds to attempt a deliverance. 
 
 V. o — 9. The Levites attended in their courses every 
 week ; one company coming in at the beginn'ng of the sab- 
 bath, and another going out at the close of it. But Jehoiada 
 employed both companies on this occasion ; such only ex- 
 cepted, as were only necessary to perform the ordinary 
 services.— By “ the king’s house” some understand the cham- 
 ber in which Joash resided : others the royal palace, from 
 which there was an entrance into the court of the temple. 
 This was guarded by one division of those who came in on 
 the sabbath to prevent a surprise; another was set to guard 
 u the gate of Sur,” or, the foundation ; and another to protect 
 the temple and courts from injury ; or, as the original may 
 mean, to guard the breach, which had been made in the tem- 
 ple, or its out-buildings. (2 Chr. 24:7.) Others of those 
 Levites who went out on the sabbath, were stationed to 
 guard the king himself, with orders to slay any one who 
 attempted to come within their ranks. Two-thirds are men- 
 tioned of these Levites, as some of them might have urgent 
 calls to return to their families. These arrangements no 
 doubt were supposed suitable, and sufficient to secure the 
 temple from being polluted by the guards or favourers of 
 4.thaliah, whilst Jehoiada and his sons were engaged in 
 crowning and anointing Joash. {Notes, 12. 2 Chr. 23:11.) 
 — By employing the Levites almost exclusively, all suspicion 
 was precluded : and, as the throne belonged to the family of 
 David, not only by hereditary succession, but by the special 
 appointment of God; and as these rights, and all the interests 
 of the kingdom of Judah, and even the worship of God, were 
 basely trampled upon by a murderous and idolatrous woman. 
 
 11 And the guard stood, revery man with hi? 
 weapons in his hand, round about the king, from 
 the right ^corner of the temple to the left corner 
 of the temple, along z by the altar and the tem- 
 ple. 
 
 12 And a he brought forth the king’s son, and 
 b put the crown upon him, and gave him c the 
 testimony : and they made him king, and ‘‘anointed 
 him ; and they 'clapped their hands, f and said, 
 
 §God save the king. [Practical Observations.] 
 
 13 H And swhen Athaliah heard the noise of 
 the guard and of the people, she came to the 
 people into the temple of the Lord. 
 
 14 And when she looked, behold, the king 
 stood by h a pillar, as the manner was, and ‘the 
 princes and the trumpeters by the kin^, and ‘‘all 
 the people of the land rejoiced, -and blew with 
 trumpets. And Athaliah rent her clothes, and 
 cried, 'Treason, treason ! 
 
 15 But Jehoiada the priest commanded the 
 ■"captains of the hundreds, the officers of the host, 
 and said unto them, Have her forth without the 
 ranges : and him that "followeth her kill with the 
 sword. For the priest had said, "Let her not be 
 slain in the house of the Lord. 
 
 16 And they laid hands on her; and she went 
 by the way rby the which the horses came into 
 the king’s house : and There was she slain. 
 
 17 U And Jehoiada r «nade a covenant between 
 the Lord and the king and the people, that they 
 should be the Lord’s people ; 'between the king 
 also and the people. 
 
 16:13 2 Sam. 2:4. 5:3. 1 Kings 1:39. Lam. 4:20. Acts 4:27. 2 Cor. 1:21. Deb. 
 1:9. e Ps. 47:1. 98:8. Is. 55:12. fl Kings 1:34. Ps. 72: 15- 17. Dan. 3:9. 6:21 . 
 Matt. 21:9. § Heb. Let the king live. 1 Sam. 10:24. 2 Sam. 16- 16. mar? ins. 
 e 2 Chr. 23: 12— 15. h 23:3. 2 Chr . 34:31 . i 10:11. See on Num. 10:1— 10. kl 
 Kings 1:39,40. 1 Chr. 12:40. Prov. 29:2. Luke 19:37. Rev. 19:1—7. 1 1,2.9:23. 
 1 Kings 18:17,19. m 4,9,10. 2 Chr. 23:9,14. n See on 8. o Ez. 9.7. p2Chr. 
 23-15. q Judg. 1:7. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. Rev. 16:5 — 7. r See ott 4. Dent. 5: 
 2,3.29:1— 15.“Josh. 24:25. 2 Chr. 15: 12— 14. 29:10 . 34:31 . Ezra 10:3. Neh. 5:12, 
 13. 9:38. 10:28,29. s 1 Sam. 10:25. 2 Sam. 5:3. 1 Chr. 11:3. 2 Chr. 23:16. Rom. 
 13:1—6. 
 
 of the devoted house of Ahab ; they were fully justified in 
 these decided measures against her. Perhaps they were like- 
 wise assured of the concurrence of the people, when matters 
 were ripe for their interposition. 
 
 V. 10. It is probable, that these were arms which David 
 had taken from his conquered enemies, and dedicated to the 
 Lord, by way of ascribing the honour of his success to him. 
 {Marg. Ref. x.) This tends to confirm the interpretation 
 before given, concerning these captains : namely, that they 
 were not military officers, as some suppose ; but the leaders 
 of the several courses and companies of the Levites, who did 
 not usually wear the weapons of war. {Note, 4.) 
 
 V. 12. Coronation is not before this expressly mentioned, 
 in the appointment of any king, either in Judah or Israel ; but 
 it seems to have been customary : for the crown, as one ol 
 the insignia of royalty, is repeatedly mentioned. {Marg. 
 Ref. b.) No doubt, “ the testimony” signifies the booh of flu 
 law ; and Joash was instructed by this significant action, that 
 he received his authority from God, and was accountable to 
 him for it, according to the rule of hrs word. (Note, Ex. 
 31:18.) He was also anointed, in token of his divine appoint- 
 ment to the kingdom ; as Athaliah’s usurpation had inter- 
 rupted the succession. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Kings 1 :33, 
 39, u. 39. 1 Chr. 29:21 — 25.) When this had been done, not 
 only the priests and Levites, but the people who had wit- 
 nessed the transaction, shouted for joy and clapped their 
 hands, and wished their king life and prosperity. (Marg 
 Ref. Note, Matt. 21:8—11.) 
 
 V. 13 — 16. Athaliah, after the manner of her mother 
 Jezebel, instead of fleeing with feminine timidity, when she 
 heard the noise and suspected the occasion; went directly 
 into the temple, unattended by a guard, as if she could by 
 her presence over-awe and confound the conspirators : but by 
 this rashness she rushed upon her death. (Note, 9:30 — 37.) 
 — The people, it seems, were assembled, perhaps to cele- 
 brate some of their solemn feasts ; and they, with their 
 princes or magistrates, cordially united with Jehoida, and the 
 priests and Levites. When Athaliah saw Joash stand in 
 the place appropriated to the king’s use, she was aware of 
 what had taken place ; and expressed her abhorrence of the 
 supposed treason by word and deed, in hopes of inducing 
 the people to take her part. But her conduct had been so 
 odious and unnatural, that none favoured her : and at the 
 word of Jehoiada she suffered the punishment due to her 
 complicated crimes. Doubtless, Jehoiada acted in all this 
 business by the direction and according to the will of God. 
 — It. is probable that the Levites executed the sentence ; and 
 great care was taken not to pollute with blood the court of 
 the temple. 
 
 V. 17 — 20. Jehoiada embraced this opportunity of engag 
 
 ( 675 , 
 
D. C. 818. 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 866. 
 
 18 And d ' Iho people of the land l went into the 
 house of Ba&4, and brake it down; his altars and 
 his images “brake they in pieces thoroughly, and 
 x slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. 
 And the priest ^appointed 'officers over the house 
 of the Lord. 
 
 19 And he *took the rulers over hundreds, and 
 the captains, and the guard, and all the people of 
 the land ; and they brought down the king from 
 the house of the Lord, and came a by the way of 
 the gate of the guard to the king’s house. And b he 
 sat on the throne of the kings. 
 
 20 And all the people of the land c rejoiced, and 
 the city was in quiet; and they d slew Athaliah 
 with the sword beside the king’s house. 
 
 21 e Seven years old was Jehoash when he 
 began to reign. 
 
 I 9:25-28. 18:4. 23:4—6,10—14. 2 Chr. 23:17. 34:4,7. u 18:4. Ex. 32:20. 
 De.it. 12:3. Is. 2:18. Zech. 13.2. x Dent. 13:5,9. 1 Kings 18:40. Zech. 13: 
 3. y 2 Chr. 23:18—20. * Heb. offices. zSeennA—U. a See on 5. 2 Chr. 23: 
 6,19. b 1 Kings 1:13. 1 Chr. 29:23. Jer. 17:25 . 22:4,30. Matt. 19:28 . 25:31. 
 
 ging the young king and the people, in the most solemn man- 
 ner, to renew their national covenant with the Lord, that 
 they would worship and serve him alone ; as well as perform 
 their reciprocal duties to each other in the fear of God. As 
 the protector and near relation of Joash, he was authorized to 
 act for him, and the whole compact was deliberately ratified, 
 as in the presence of God. ( Notes , 23:3. Deut. 29:10 — 15. 
 Josh. 24:25. 2 Chr. 15:12—15. Neh. 10:1.) When this 
 was concluded, they proceeded to destroy the worship of 
 Baal, which Athaliah had established in Judah ; breaking 
 down the idolatrous temple and images, and slaying the 
 priest of Baal at his altars ; without imitating or emulating 
 Jehu’s subtlety in detecting his worshippers. (Note, 10:18 — 
 20.) The people were greatly rejoiced at this happy revolu- 
 tion, and matters were soon brought to a quiet settlement. 
 (Notes, 2 Chr. 23:) Nothing is recorded of the burial of 
 Athaliah ; but in every respect she was treated with neglect 
 and abhorrence. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. I — 12. When the thirst of dominion predominates, it 
 extinguishes both common humanity and natural affection, 
 and steels the hearts of parents, yea of mothers, against their 
 own children or descendants. Nor can the most humane 
 conceive how they should act, if brought within the magnetic 
 influence of powerful temptations, through opening prospects 
 of gratifying ambition and the thirst after power and dignity, 
 united with fear, envy, resentment, or other vehement pas- 
 sions. We should therefore repress the first emotions of this 
 aspiring temper, and pray without ceasing to be kept out of 
 the way of temptation. And we may also learn to be thank- 
 ful to God, for restraining others and ourselves, from acting 
 forth all the desperate wickedness of the human heart, which 
 otherwise would produce effects unspeakably horrid. — What 
 fatal consequences flow from matrimonial connexions, or in- 
 timate acquaintance with atrocious sinners ! The mischiefs, 
 which may thus be entailed upon children and remote poste- 
 rity cannot be ascertained ; and may extend even to the ruin 
 of the interests of true religion, in those places where before 
 it flourished. These reflections should add energy to the 
 Lord’s prohibition of these incongruous alliances. Yet, he 
 mixes his severest judgments, upon his professed people and 
 offending servants with mercy : in the midst of opposition he 
 provides for the performance of his promises : and the ex- 
 tremities, to which his cause may be reduced, are permitted, 
 to illustrate the glory of his power and truth, in preserving 
 and recovering it. — The most successful villany will be short- 
 lived : and, though in that little time dreadful havoc may be 
 made in society, and irreligion or false religion may appa- 
 rently be established upon the ruins of true godliness ; yet 
 the cause of God cannot be kept down, but, like the fabled 
 phenix, it will revive from its ashes with renewed youth and 
 vigour. — One pious man may, on some emergencies, become 
 an instrument of most extensive good : especially when regard 
 to the glory and worship of God, is united with prudent con- 
 trivance, and well-concerted measures. — In urgent cases, 
 general rules of external propriety may be dispensed with : 
 and ministers ought always to lead the way in opposing the 
 prevalence of wickedness, and in promoting equity, and sub- 
 mission to lawful governors, as well as in promoting true reli- 
 gion. — To what peculiar dangers are those in exalted stations 
 exposed, through the ambition, treachery, and cruelty of men ! 
 We may therefore be thankful to be placed with our families 
 in an obscure situation, beneath envy or jealousy. — Princes 
 should be reminded, when intrusted with authority, of their 
 accountableness to God for the use of it : and every oppor- 
 tunity should be embraced to enforce a conscientious regard 
 io his word. 
 
 V. 13 — 21. Evil will hunt out the wicked to destroy them ; 
 and they are often hardened and infatuated to rush upon their 
 own destruction. — The most abandoned, on some occasions, 
 express abhorrence at the supposed crimes of others, espe- 
 cially when committed against themselves ; but it is neither 
 treason, nor cruelty, to execute vengeance upon usurpers and 
 ( 076 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Jehoash reigns well so long as Jehoida lives , 1—3. He gives orders that ths 
 temple should he repaired ; yet the priests neglect the service ; hut he devises 
 apian for defraying the expense, and completes the work , 4 — 16. He gives 
 the consecrated treasures to Hazael, to divert him from assaulting Jet usa- 
 lem. 17, 18. He is slain by his servants , and succeeded bu his son Axiuxiah, 
 19-21. 
 
 I N 'the seventh year of Jehu. Mehoash began 
 to reign ; and lorty years reigned he in Je- 
 rusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of 
 Beer-sheba. 
 
 2 And 'Jehoash did that which was right in the 
 sight of the Lord all his days, wherein Jehoiada 
 the priest instructed him. 
 
 3 But d the high places were not taken away, 
 the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the 
 high places. 
 
 4 II And Jehoash 'said to the priests, All f the 
 
 c See on 14. 2 Chr. '43:21. Prov. 11:10. d See on 15. e 4. 22:1. 2 Chr. ai ; 1_ 
 a 9:27. 11:1,3,4,21. 2 Chr. 21:1. b 11 :2. 1 Chr. 3: II . Joash . c 14:3. 2 Chr. 24: 
 2,17—22.25:2.26:4. d 14:4. 18:4. 1 Kings 15:14 . 22.43. 2 Chr. 31 :1 . e22:4. 
 2 Chr. 29 4— II. 35:2. f 18. 1 Kings 7:51. 1 Chr. 18:11. 2 Chr. 15:18. 31:12. 
 
 parricides, and to restore the authority to its rightful possessor. 
 — As “one sinner destroyeth much good;” so the removal of 
 one ringleader in iniquity may prepare the way for great 
 reformation. — It is our duty to engage ourselves and each 
 other, and all those over whom we have acquired influence, 
 in as firm and solemn a manner as possible, to be the Lord’s 
 people : and when we begin with a due regard to religion, 
 relative duties will be the better understood and performed. 
 Yet they should be plainly declared and enforced, without 
 the exception of those which suhsist between the prince and 
 people. — The rectifying of scandalous abuses, and the pu- 
 nishment of notorious criminals, form an introduction to the 
 revival of true godliness. External regularity will afterwards 
 more easily be re-established ; and the effectual blessing of 
 God may be expected. The way for a people to be joyful 
 and at peace, is to engage cordiaHy in the service of God ; for 
 “the voice of joy and thanksgiving, is in the dwellings of the 
 righteous;” but “there is no peace, saith my God, to the 
 wicked.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 2,3. Jehoida acquired such 
 influence over Joash, or Jehoash, by his services and coun- 
 sels, in his younger years, as retained him in good behaviour, 
 so long as he lived to give him advice. But the latter part 
 of his life, after Jehoiada’s death, was extremely wicked ; and 
 all the good of his best days, was of that kind which springs 
 from transient convictions, and external influence, or that 
 which hypocrites do to be seen of men. (Notes, 2 Chr. 24: 
 17 — 26.) His reign, however, should by no means be num- 
 bered with those of the worst kings of Judah : for he repressed 
 idolatry, and maintained the worship at the temple; though 
 he did not abolish the irregular worship of God in the high 
 places ; which indeed was never done till the days of Heze- 
 kiah. (Marg. Ref. Notes , 18:4,22.) Jehoiada lived and 
 retained his influence, during twowirds at least of the years 
 that Joash reigned. 
 
 V. 4, 5. The temple had been suffered to go to decay, 
 during the reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah, and the usurpa- 
 tion of Athaliah ; and her sons, doubtless encouraged by her 
 had impiously broken down some part of the buildings, to 
 adorn the house of Baal with the most costly materials of the 
 temple ; as well as spoiled its consecrated treasures io enrich 
 those of their idols. (2 Chr. 24:7.) But Jehoash, having h id 
 his life preserved in the precincts of the temple, seems to have 
 had a strong desire of seeing it restored to its ancient sp'en- 
 dour: whilst Jehoida perhaps was more intent to promote the 
 internal part of true religion. — The money, which Jehoash 
 ordered the priests to collect from the people, seems to have 
 arisen from the sale of such firstlings as were not fit for sacrh 
 fice ; from the half shekel apiece levied of all the people ; from 
 the redemption of things dedicated ; from the redemption of 
 those who were vowed to the Lord by a singular vow ; and 
 from voluntary contributions. (Marg. Ref. g, h. Notes, Ex, 
 13:11 — 16. 30:11 — 16. Lev, 27:2 — 27.) — As some of these 
 were the dues of the priests, whose incomes must have been 
 greatly diminished by the defection of the ten tribes; that, cir- 
 cumstance might render them more disaffected to the busi- 
 ness, and negligent in it. 
 
 V. 6 — 12. Jehoash’s orders must have been very long 
 neglected ; for nothing was done effectually, till the twenty- 
 third year of his reign, or the thirtieth of his life. It is proba- 
 ble, that the priests appropriated considerable sums to their 
 own use, which they received for the repair of the temple; 
 till the people lost all confidence in them, and would give 
 them no more money on that account. Jehoida himself ap- 
 pears to have been remiss in this affair ; but his great age 
 would necessarily render him less capable of active services. 
 (Note, 2 Chr. 24:15,16.) The priests, however, readily con- 
 sented to the alteration proposed by Jehoash ; and a procla- 
 mation having been made for the collection of a half shekel 
 from each male above twenty years of age ; (2 Chr. 24:6,9. 
 Note, Ex. 30:11 — 16.) and a chest so placed, that the money 
 might be either put in by those that brought it, or by t ho 
 priests in their presence ; large stuns were soon collected, and 
 
B. C. 856. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 B. C. 840, 
 
 money of the ‘dedicated things that is brought 
 into the house of the Lord, even ethe money of 
 every one that passeth the account, the money 
 ’that, every man is set at, ''and all the money that 
 ’cometh into any man’s heart to bring into the 
 house of the Lord, 
 
 5 Let 'the priests take it to them, every man 
 of his acquaintance ; and k let them repair the 
 breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach 
 shall be found. 
 
 B.e.n 6 But it was so, that in the 5 three and 
 twentieth year of king Jehoash ‘the priests 
 had not repaired the breaches of the house. 
 
 7 Then '"king Jehoash called for "Jehoiada the 
 priest, and the other priests, and said unto them, 
 “Why repair ye not the breaches of the house ? 
 now therefore receive no more money of your 
 acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of 
 the house. 
 
 8 And the priests consented to receive no more 
 money of the people, neither to repair the breaches 
 of the house. 
 
 9 But Jehoiada the priest Ptook a chest, and 
 bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it sbeside the 
 altar, on the right side as one cometh into the 
 house of the Lord: and r the priests that kept the 
 '[door put therein all the money that was brought 
 into the house of the Lord. 
 
 10 And it was so, when they saw that there was 
 much money in the chest, that ’the king’s ’’scribe 
 and the high-priest came up, and they "put up in 
 bags, and told the money that was found in the 
 house of the Lord. 
 
 11 And they ‘gave the money, being told, into 
 the hands of them that did the work, that had the 
 oversight of the house of the Lord : and they 
 ’’laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that 
 wrought upon the house of the Lord, 
 
 12 And to “masons, and hewers of stone, and to 
 
 Or, holy things. Heb. holinesses. Lev. 5:15,16.27:12 — 27,31. g Ex. 30:12 — 
 15. 2 Chr. 24.9,10. t Heb. of the souls of his estimation. Lev. 27:2 — 8. h Ex. 
 15:1.2.35:5.22,29.36:3. 1 Chr. 29:3— 9,17. Ezral:6. 2:69. 7 16.8:25— 28. Luke 
 21:1 — 4. 1 lleb. asrpndeth upon the heart of Oman. i 2 Chr. 24:5. k 12.22:5, 
 6. 1 Kings 11:27. 2 Chr. 21:7. is. 53.12. § Heb. twentieth year and third yenr. 
 
 1 1 Sara. 2-29,30. 2 Chr. 29:34. Is. 56:10—12. Mai. 1:10. Phil. 2:21. 1 Pet. 5:2. 
 m2 Chr. 24:5,6. n 2. 11 :4. 2 Chr. 23:1 .24:16. ol Chr. 21:3. p2 Chr. 24:8. 
 Mark 12:41. q2Chr.24:10. r 22:4. 23:4. 25: 18. 1 chr. 15: 18,24. Jer. 35:4. 52: 
 24. || Heb. threshold. Ps. 84:10. marg. s 19:2. 22:3,12. 2 Sam. 8:17. 20:25. 
 1 Or, secretary. •( Heb. bound up. 5:23. t 22:5,6. 2 Chr. 24:11,12 . 34:9— II. 
 
 applied by Jehoiada and the king’s secretary to the repairs of 
 the temple. [Marg. Ref.) — As the chest is said in Chroni- 
 cles to have been “set without at the gate,” and that the 
 “ princes and people cast” the money into it ; it has been 
 thought, that the chest was at first placed in the inner court ; 
 so that the money still generally passed through the hands of 
 the priests : but that not being satisfactory, it was removed 
 to a situation, where all had ready access to it. (2 Chr. 24: 
 8 , 10 .) 
 
 V. 13 — 15. It seems that orders were given to the work- 
 men, that the repairs of the temple should first be completed, 
 before any vessels were made; though it is probable that 
 these were much wanted : but when the workmen had set the 
 temple “in its state,” they punctually brought the surplus of 
 the money to the king and Jehoida, without requiring to be 
 called to an account ; and then such vessels were made as 
 had been taken away by Athaliah and her sons. (2 Chr. 24: 
 7,14.) The conduct of these workmen was highly commend- 
 able ; and formed a contrast to that of the remissness and 
 selfishness of the priests and Levites as above noticed. — Sil- 
 ver. (13) Notes, Ex. 25:23—30. Num. 7:13,14. 
 
 V. 16. [Marg. Ref. c.) Besides the money paid as 
 amends to the priests for trespasses committed in holy things; 
 it is thought that persons, living at a distance, sent money to 
 them to purchase trespass-offerings and sin-offerings, and 
 sacrifice them in their name. And, as they commonly sent 
 more than the sacrifice cost, the surplus became a perqui- 
 site, under the tame of trespass-money and sin-money. 
 r Hns. 4:8.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Probably, the expedition of Hazael, here in- 
 tended, is the same as that of the Syrians, which is recorded 
 in Chronicles: [2 Chr. 24:23,24.) and, if so, the success of it, 
 and the calamities brought on Judah by it, were far greater, 
 han this short account seems to describe them. It took 
 ■dace, however, after Jehoash’s apostacy; and he made no 
 scruple of spoiling the te nple of the remains of its treasures, 
 to purchase Hazael’s departure. (Notes, 2 Chr. 24:17 — 22.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. The Syrians left Jehoash “in great diseases:” 
 »nd his servants (probably some relations or friends of Je- 
 noiada, who deeply resented the murder of his son Zecha- 
 riah) took that opportunity of slaying him. — Joash was buried 
 til the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings ; 
 
 buy timber and hewed stone to repair the breaches 
 of the house of the Lord, and for all that ’’was 
 laid out for the house to repair it. 
 
 13 Howbeit, “there were not made for the house 
 of the Lord rbowls of silver, snuffers, basins, 
 "trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, 
 of the money that was brought into the house of 
 the Lord ; 
 
 14 But they gave that to the workmen, and 
 repaired therewith the house of the Lord. 
 
 15 Moreover “they reckoned not with the men, 
 into whose hand they delivered the money to 
 be bestowed on workmen; b for they dealt faith- 
 fully. 
 
 16 The “trespass-money and sin-money was 
 not brought into the house of the Lord : it was 
 the priests’. 
 
 17 H Then ‘‘Hazael king of Syria went up, and 
 fought “against Gath, and took it ; and Hazael 
 ’set his face sto go up to Jerusalem. 
 
 18 And Jehoash king of Judah “took all the 
 hallowed things that Jehoshaphat, and Jehorarn, 
 and Ahaziah, his fathers, kings of Judah, had 
 dedicated, and his own hallowed things, and all 
 the gold that was found in the treasures of the 
 house of the Lord, and in the king’s house, and 
 sent it to Hazael king of Syria : and he $§went 
 away from Jerusalem. 
 
 19 ’ll And ‘the rest of the acts of Joash, and all 
 that he did, are they not written in the book of the 
 Chronicles of the kings of Judah ? 
 
 20 And k his servants arose, and made a con 
 spiracy, and slew Joash in “"the house of Millo, 
 which goe-th down to Silla. 
 
 21 For 'Jozacbar the son of Shimeath, and 
 Jehozabad the son of '"Shomer, his servants, smote 
 him, and he died ; and they buried him with his 
 fathers in the city of David : and "Amaziah his 
 son reigned in his stead. 
 
 ft Heb. brought it forth, n 1 King:? 5:17.18. Ezra 3:7. 5:8. Luke 21 :5. 1% Heb 
 went forth, x 2 Chr. 24:14. y See on Num. 7:13.14. 1 Kings 7;48 — 50. Ezra 
 1:9—11. z See on Num. 10:2. a22.7. b 2 Chr. 34:12. Neb. 7:2. Matt. 24:45. 
 Luke 16:1,10,11. 1 Cor. 4:2,3. 3 John 5. c Lev. 5:15— 18. 7:7. Num. 5:8— 10. 
 18:8. Hos. 4:8. d See on 8: 12— 15. elSam.27:2. I Kings 2:39,40. 1 Chr. 6:13. 
 18:1. fJer. 42:15. Luke 9:51,53. g 2 Chr. 24:23,24. h 18:15,16. 1 Kings 15:18. 
 2Chr.l6:2. §$ Heb. went up. i 8:23. See on 1 Kings 11:41. 14:19,29. k 14:5. 
 2 Chr. 24:24.25. 25:27. 33.24. |||| Or, Beth-millo. Judg. 9:6. 2 Sam. 5:9. 1 Kings 
 11:27. 12 Chr. 24:26. Sabad. m 2 Chr. 24:26. Shimrilh. n 2 Chr. 24:27. 
 
 ‘because he had forsaken God, and slain one of his prophets. 
 Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 2 Chr. 24:25 — 27.) Millo seems to 
 have been a general name of public buildings for convening 
 the people : and this Millo in the way to Silla, was a distinct 
 place from Millo in the city of David. (Marg. Note , 2 Sam. 
 5:9.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Wise and pious instructers and counsellors are a singular 
 benefit to young persons, especially when called to fill up im- 
 portant stations : and it is a happy case, when they acquire a 
 proper influence, and make an unexceptionaDle use of it.. 
 Indeed, restraining men from outward crimes, and inducing 
 them to external good actions, does not imply conversion of 
 the heart to the love of God, and delight in his holy service : 
 yet it prevents much mischief, and occasions extensive benefit 
 to the community ; and often precedes, and is made the means 
 of, men’s internal renovation. — A too favourable regard to 
 customary violations of the divine law, and the fear of conse- 
 quences in making innovations , often influence pious men to 
 let slip the favourable opportunity of effecting still greater 
 good : and mere formalists have frequently exceeded true 
 and eminent believers, in their active earnestness about the 
 externals of religion: for, in old age especially, they are apt 
 to yield to the love of ease and peace, or to discouragement 
 through reiterated disappointments, and so to become remiss. 
 — The building or repairing of convenient places for divine 
 worship falls peculiarly within the sphere of princes and no- 
 bles ; and, if done from a proper principle, it is a good work 
 which will not lose its reward : yet many abound in such 
 useful services, whose “ hearts are not right in the sight of 
 God.” — Too often have nominal ministers been convicted of 
 seeking their own interests, rather than those of religion 
 As a body, they must be suspected ; and therefore should 
 carefully avoid the appearance of this evil, lest they lose the 
 confidence of the people, and become useless and contemp- 
 tible. (Notes, Mai. 1:9 — 11. 2:4 — 9.) It is most grievous, 
 that the disinterested fidelity and punctuality of tradesmen 
 and mechanics should shame the mercenary conduct oi 
 priests: or that the activity and zeal of laymen should expose 
 the lukewarmness and indifference of the clergy ! These 
 things are not the fault of the ministerial office, but of human 
 nature, which that office will not change. The collective 
 ( 677 ) 
 
fi C. 865 
 
 II. KINGS. B. C. 83S 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 lehoahaz reigns wickedly over Israel , 1 , 2. Israel it oppressed by Hazael , 
 but relieved in answer to Jehoahaz' s prayer, Z — 7. Jeioahaz dies, and is 
 succeeded by his son Joash, 8, 9; who reigns wickedly, dies, and is suc- 
 ceeded by his son Jeroboam, 10 — 13. An account of a visit paid by Joash to 
 Elisha on his deathbed, who by a sign assured him of three victories over 
 the Syrians, 14 — 19. Elisha dies ; the Moabites inva le the land ; and a dead 
 man is raised to life, on touching his bones, ‘20, 21. Hazael, who had 
 oppressed Israel, dies , and Joash gains three victories over his son lSen-ha- 
 dad, 22—25. 
 
 b.c.-i TN the 'three and twentieth year of Joash* 
 8X - J JL the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, a Je- 
 hoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel 
 in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years. 
 b.ch 2 And he did that vihich was evil in the 
 849. J s ight of the Lord, b and 'followed the sins of 
 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel 
 to sin ; he departed not therefrom. 
 
 3 H And the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 against Israel, “and he delivered them into the 
 hand of d Hazael king of Syria, and into the hand 
 of “Ben-hadad the son of Hazael, all their days. 
 
 4 And r Jehoahaz besought the Lord, and sthe 
 Lord hearkened unto him : for b he saw the 
 oppression of Israel, ‘because the king of Syria 
 oppressed them. 
 
 5 (And the Lord gave Israel k a saviour, so that 
 they went out from under the hand of the Syrians : 
 and the children of Israel dwelt in their tents, as 
 tbeforetime. 
 
 6 Nevertheless they 'departed not from the 
 sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel 
 sin, but ^walked therein: m and there "remained 
 the grove also in Samaria.) 
 
 7 Neither did he leave of the people to Je- 
 hoahaz but “fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, 
 and ten thousand footmen ; for “the king of Syria 
 had destroyed them, and had made them 'dike the 
 dust by thrashing. 
 
 8 H Now ithe rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and 
 all that he did, and his might, are they not 
 
 * Heb. twentieth year, and third year. 8:26. 10:36. 11:4.21. a 10:35. b 11. 
 See on 10:29. 1 Kings 12:26 — 33. 14:16. t Heb. walked after. Hos. 5:11. 
 c Lev. 26:17. Deut. 4:24—27. 27:25. Judg. 2:14. 3:8. 10:7—14. Is. 10:5,6. 
 Heb. 12:29. d 22. See on 8:12,13. 1 Kings 19:17. e 24,25. f Nam. 21:7. 
 
 Judg. 6:6,7. 10:10. Ps. 78:34. Is. 26:16. Jer. 2:27. gGen. 21:17. Ex. 3:7. 
 Judg. 10:15,16. 2 Chr. 33:12,13,19. Ps. 50:15. 106:43,44. Jer. 33:3. h Gen. 
 31:42. Ex. 3:9. Is. 63:9. i 22. 14:26. k 25. 14:25,27. Neb. 9:27. Is. 19:20. 
 Ob. 21. Luke 2:11. \ Heb. yesterday and third day. Ex. 4:10. Deut. 19:4. 
 
 I Sarn. 19:7. 1 Chr. 11:2. margins. 1 See on 2. 10:29. 17:20—23. Deut. 32: 
 15 — IS. § Heb. he walked. 1 Kings 15:3. 16:26. m 17:16. 18:4.23:4. Deut. 
 
 body is placed in a conspicuous station, and their faults are 
 not easily concealed: and, as more is expected from them 
 than from others, they meet with less allowance, and indeed 
 their misconduct admits of less excuse. It is therefore most 
 for their own credit and comfort,, and for the honour of their 
 profession, to stand aloof from those concerns in which large 
 sums of money are employed. (P. O. John 12:1 — 8. 2 Cor. 
 
 8:16 — 24.) At least all works of piety and charity should be 
 so managed, that those who contribute to them, may be as- 
 sured their money is honestly and prudent \y expended: and 
 they deserve commendation, who are faithful in such matters. 
 — May the Lord preserve us from the disgraceful and 
 wretched doom of the hypocrite and apostate! May our 
 “hearts be sound in his statutes;” and may our “path shine 
 more and more unto the perfect day !” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIII. V. 1. Joash king of Judah 
 bejan to reign in the seventh year of Jehu ; ( 1 2:1 . ) but it was 
 probably in the beginning of the year ; and if Jehu reigned 
 a little above twenty-eight years, Joash might have entered 
 on his twenty-third year, when Jehu died and was succeeded 
 by Jehoahaz. 
 
 V. 3. All their days.] Or, “all his days;” for there is 
 nothing answering to their in the original ; and Joash the son 
 of Jehoahaz delivered Israel from Ben-hadad. (22 — 25.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Jehoahaz, while ho deprecated the wrath of God, 
 and entreated the removal of his heavy judgments, seems not 
 ;o have attempted any reformation. If, however, this took 
 place towards the conclusion of his life, his faith and repent- 
 ance might not have time to produce their genuine fruits : 
 and this is probable ; for the deliverance, in answer to his 
 prayer, was not granted till the reign of his son Joash, the 
 “ saviour” or deliverer, here spoken of: as it appears from 
 the subsequent narration. — Yet some think Joash began to 
 deliver Israel during the life of bis father. (22 — 25.) 
 
 V. 6. Either the grove, which Ahab had dedicated to 
 Baal, was still used in idolatry, or another was prepared for 
 that purpose. (1 Kings 15:13. 16:33. Notes, 17:16. Deut. 
 16 : 21 ..) 
 
 V. 7, 8. Jehoahaz seems to have defended himself va- 
 liantly against Hazael, though without success : this might 
 provoke the cruelty, which Elisha had foretold : and it even- 
 tually increased the miseries of Israel. (Mnrg. Ref. Notes , 
 0:12,13. 10:32-36. 1 San-. 13:13— 15.) 
 
 written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings 
 of Israel ? 
 
 9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers; and 
 they r buried him in Samaria : and ’Joash his son 
 "reigned in his stead. 
 
 10 Ulnthe thirtyand seventh year of Joash i-b. e. 
 king of Judah, "began Jehoash the son of L M1 - 
 Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and 
 reigned sixteen years. 
 
 1 1 And he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord ; ‘he departed not from all the sins of 
 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin ; 
 but he walked therein. 
 
 12 And “the rest of the acts of Joash, p. c. 
 and all that he did, and “his might where- L 825 - 
 with he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, 
 are they not written in the book of the Chronicles 
 of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 13 And Joash ?slept with his fathers ; and 
 ’Jeroboam sat upon his throne ; and Joash “was 
 buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. 
 
 14 II Now Elisha was b fallen sick of his sickness 
 whereof “he died. And Joash the king of Israel 
 came down unto him, and wept over his face, 
 and said, d O my father, my father! the chariot of 
 Israel, and the horsemen thereof! 
 
 15 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and 
 arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. 
 
 16 And he said to the king of Israel, "Put thy 
 hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon 
 it : and “Elisha put his hands upon the king’s 
 hands. 
 
 17 And he said, 'Open the window eastward. 
 And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. 
 And he shot. And he said, sThe arrow of the 
 Lord’s deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance 
 from Syria : for thou shalt smite the Syrians in 
 b Aphek, till thou have consumed them. 
 
 7:5. 1 Kings 16:33. II Heb. stood, n 1 Sam. 13:6,7,15.19— 23.’ 1 Kings 20:15,27. 
 Is. 36:8. 0 8:12,10:32. p Ps. 18:42. I.. 41:2, 18.18. Joel 3:14. mare. Am. 1:3. 
 q 10:34,35. See on 1 Kings 11:41. 14:19,20,29,31. r 13. 10:35. 1 Kings 14:13. 
 s 10. 14:8. Jehoash. fi Alone. ** In concert with his father, t See nn'2,6. 3:3. 
 10:29. u 14— 25. x 14.8— 16. 2 Chr. 25:17— 24. y Sre on 2 Sam. 7:12. 1 King* 
 1:21.2:10.14:31. r 14:28,29. a See on 9. b 20:1 . Gen. 48: 1 . John 11 :3. Phil. 
 2:26,27. cPs. 12:1. Is. 57:1. Zech. 1:5. Acts 13:36. d 2:12. 6:21. Prov. 11:11. 
 Ez. 14:14.22.30. Mark 6:20. ft Heb. Make thine hand toride. e4:34. Gen. 
 49.24. Pr. 144.1. f 5:10 — 14. John 2:5— 8. 11:39-41. g Ex. 4:2,17. Judg. 7:9 
 —20. 2. Sam. 5:24. 1 Cor. 1:18. h 1 Sam. 4:1. 1 Kings 20:26,30. 
 
 V. 10. The seventeen years of Jehoabaz reach to the 
 thirty-ninth or fortieth year of Joash king of Judah ; but Je- 
 hoash of Israel began to reign in the thirty -seventh year of 
 Joash of Judah : Jehoash must therefore have reigned some 
 time along with his father. 
 
 V. 12. Notes, 14 — 19. 14:8—14. 2 Chr. 25:17 — 24. * 
 
 Y. 14. If Elisha was called to follow Elijah no more than 
 seven years before the death of Ahab; and if he died as soon 
 as Joash mounted the throne, he prophesied at least sixty-six 
 years ! but many think that this took place towards the closo 
 of the reign of Joash. From the beginning of the reign of 
 Jehu to Elisha’s sickness and death, (that is, at least, for 
 more than forty-five years,) his name is never once men- 
 tioned ; but without doubt he was very usefully employed, 
 especially in superintending the schools of the prophets. 
 There is ground to conclude, that great numbers were con- 
 verted to God by his labours ; though the bulk of the nation 
 conformed to the idolatry established by authority. (Note, 
 10:21.) Neither Jehu nor Jehoahaz paid any attention to the 
 prophet: yet they were not persecutors, and probably they 
 respected his character. Being, however, employed in state 
 affairs, and determined to maintain the idolatry of the golden 
 calves, they were not disposed to hearken to his admonitions : 
 and he expressed his disapprobation of their conduct by 
 keeping at a distance. (Notes, Eph. 5:8 — 14. 2 r J'hes. 3: 
 
 6 — 9.) But when Joash heard that he was apparently near 
 death, at a time when Israel was brought very low by ini- 
 quity, he seems to have considered the dispensation as a 
 divine 1 rebuke ; and, under the prevalency of present convic- 
 tions, he visited and lamented over him, in the very words 
 which Elisha had used when Elijah was removed; (Note, 
 2:12.) acknowledging him to be the chief defence of Israel, 
 whose death would more expose them to ruin, than all Ha- 
 zael’s successes. Yet we read of nothing, in t he character 
 or conduct of Joash, to warrant a conclusion, that this was 
 more than a transient impression upon his mind, which soon 
 wore ofF without producing any abiding good effect. 
 
 V. 15 — 19. In this prophetical transaction, the use of tho 
 “bow and arrows” denoted that Joash was to be the instru- 
 ment of Israel’s deliverance, by military valour and enterprise: 
 the prophet’s directing the king in shooting, and laying his 
 hands upon his, implied that he was to follow the direction of 
 the prophet, and that God would give him success. The 
 ( 678 ) 
 
B. C. 839. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 18 And he said, Take the arrows. And he took 
 them. And he said unto the king of Israel, 'Smite 
 upon the ground. And k he smote thrice, and 
 stayed. 
 
 19 And 'the man of God m was wroth with him, 
 and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six 
 times ; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou 
 hadst consumed it : whereas “now thou shalt 
 smite Syria but thrice. 
 
 20 U And Elisha died, and they “buried him. 
 And rthe bands of ithe Moabites invaded the 
 land at the coming in of the year. 
 
 21 And it came to pass, as they were burying 
 a man, that behold, tney spied a band of men; 
 and they cast the man into the sepulchre of 
 Elisha : and when the man ’was let down, and 
 touched the bones of Elisha, he revived, and 
 stood up on his feet. 
 
 22 H But “Hazael king of Syria oppressed 
 Israel all the days of Jehoahaz. 
 
 23 And ‘the Lord was gracious unto them, 
 
 and had compassion on them, and “had respect 
 unto them, ’because of his covenant with Abra- 
 ham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would not destroy 
 them, ‘neither cast he them from his 'presence as 
 yet. , 
 
 l!«. 20:2-4. Ez. 4:1 — 10. 5:1 — 4. 12:1—7. k 4:6. Ex. 17:11. 11:9-15.4:16,40. 
 6:9. m Lev. 10:16. Num. 16:15. Mark 3:5. 10:14. n 25. Mark6:5. o2Chr. 
 24:16. Acts 8:2. p 5:2. 6:23. 24:2. q 3:5,24— 27. Judg. 3:12. 6:3— 6. ■ Heb. 
 went down, r 4 :35. Is. 26: 19. Ez. 37:1— 10. Malt. 27:52,53. John 5 25,28,29. 
 11:44. Acts5:15. 19:12. Rev. 11:11. s See on 3— 7. 8:12. Ps. 106:40— 12. t 14: 
 27. Ex. 33:19. 34:6,7. Judg. ’10:16. Neh. 9:31. Ts. 86:15. Is. 30:18,19. Jer. 12: 
 
 arrow shot eastward, marked the situation of the place where 
 the deliverance was to be wrought, and intimated that the 
 eastern coasts of the land of Israel would be rescued from the 
 king of Syria; (Note, 10:32 — 36.) though his dominions, 
 whjfh lay chiefly to the north of Canaan, would not be taken 
 from him : and the smiting of the arrows upon the ground was 
 significant of the use that Joash would make of his first vic- 
 tory, by which his enemies were cast down to the ground 
 before him, whether he would effectually crush their power, 
 or imitate the impolitic lenity of Ahab. (Notes, 1 Kings 20: 
 31 — 43.) Probably Joash was not informed that his victories 
 would equal the times, which he smote with the arrows ; and 
 perhaps considering the action as trivial and unmeaning, he 
 smote but thrice, which displeased the prophet, and, as it 
 were, limited the king’s successes. His conduct expressed 
 the state of his mind, as not firmly believing the words of the 
 prophet, or not duly valuing the promised deliverance. (25) 
 
 In Aphek. < 17) Aphek was near to Philistia to the west 
 of Samaria: (Marg. Ref. h.) but a decisive victory over 
 Hazael and the Syrians, in that place, made way for 
 Joash’s rescuing the regions towards the east out of their 
 hands. 
 
 V. 20, 21. ‘They laid the body by Elisha’s, for fear, if 
 they proceeded to the sepulchre prepared for this man, they 
 should fall into the hand of the Moabites. . . . God restored 
 him, in an instant, to perfect health : for he stood upon his 
 feet ; and, it is likely, walked home with those who brought 
 him to be buried.’ Bp. Patrick. — This extraordinary mira- 
 cle, wrought by the touch of the dead body of Elisha, (which 
 by the ritual law could only render a man unclean,) declared 
 that he was as much beloved as Elijah, though he had not 
 been translated ; and that the Lord was his God, after death 
 as well as before ; and thus intimated both the immortality of 
 the soul, and the final resurrection of the body. It might also 
 intimate that many mercies were reserved for Israel, in an- 
 swer to Elisha’s prayers, and in consequence of his labours 
 for them in his lifetime. (Notts, Luke 20:27—38, v. 36. Acts 
 5:12—16. 19:8—12.) 
 
 V. 23. The reason here assigned, for the deliverance 
 granted to Israel, seems to imply that there was nothing 
 either in Joash, or his subjects, (except their miseries,) to 
 induce the Lord thus to favour them. (Marg. Ref. t— y.) 
 The deliverance was granted, not from regard to the cove- 
 nant ratified at mount Sinai, which had been grossly violated ; 
 but out of respect to the covenant ratified with Abraham, 
 Isaac, and Jacob, long before the entrance of the Mosaic law. 
 (Notes, Lev. 26:41 — 45.) Nor was the success of Joash any 
 thing more, than a respite for the present from the judgments 
 which impended over them. (Notes, 4,5. Judg. 10:15,16.) 
 practical observations. 
 
 “ The Lord is slow to anger and of great mercy yet he 
 will by no means acquit obstinate transgressors ; and his just 
 anger is the cause of all human misery. When deep afflic- 
 tion excites a cry for deliverance, he will hearken ; for he is 
 gracious and compassionate, and delights in mercy, and can 
 speedily give a deliverance out of every trouble. But if he 
 answer the mere cry of distress for temporal relief, much 
 more will he regard the prayer of faith for spiritual blessings : 
 and, as he so long remembered his covenant with Abraham, 
 Isaac, and Jacob, and spared the posterity for the sake of 
 their pious ancestors, notwithstanding their manifold provoca- 
 
 B. C. 839 
 
 24 So ^Hazael king of Syria died ; and p. i, 
 Ben-hadad his son reigned in his stead. L «»9. 
 
 25 And Jehoash tne son of Jehoahaz p. c 
 'took again out of the hand of Ben-hadad L 835 - 
 the son of Hazael the cities, which he had taker 
 out of the hand of Jehoahaz his father by wa. 
 ‘Three times did Joash beat him, and recovered 
 the cities oflsrael. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Amaziah reigns well, yet not like David , 1 — 4. He justly punishes his father's 
 murderers, 5, 6. He stains a victory over Edom, 7. He rashly challenges 
 Jehoash king of Israel, and, obstinately persisting, is vanquished and taken 
 prisoner by him ; the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and the treasures o 
 the temple spoiled, % — 14. Jehoash dies, and is succeeded by Jeroboam, 1J>, 
 16. Amaziah is slain by conspirators, 17 — 20. His son Azariah is made 
 kins, and builds Elath, 21, 22. Jeroboam' s wicked reign, 23, 24. He 
 restores the coast of Israel, 25—27. He dies and is succeeded by his son 
 Zachariah, 28, 29. 
 
 I N the second year of “Joash son of Jehoahaz 
 king of Israel b reigned Amaziah the son oi 
 Joash king of Judah. 
 
 2 He was twenty and five years old when he 
 began to reign, and reigned twenty and nine years 
 in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Je- 
 hoaddan of Jerusalem. 
 
 3 And c he did that which was right in the sight 
 of the Lord, yet not like David his father: ‘‘he 
 did according to all things as Joash his father did. 
 
 15. Lam. 3:32. Mic. 7:18,19. 11 Ex. 2:24,25. 1 Kings 8:28. v Gen. 13:16,17. 
 17:7,8. Ex. 3:6,7. 32:13 14. Lev. 26:42. Dent. 32:36". Ps. 105:8. Mic. 7:20. 
 Luke 1:54,55,72,73. x 17:18. 24:20. Ps. 51:11. Mall. 25:41. 2 Thes, 1:9. • Heb. 
 face, y Ps. 125:3. Luke 18:7,8. t Heb. relumed and loot, z 18,19. a 15. 13. 
 10. b 1 Chr. 3:12. 2 Chr. 25:1. c 12:2. See on] Kings 11:4. 15:3. 2 Chr. 25. 
 2,3. d 2 Chr. 24:2,17,18. 25:14— 16. Jer. 16:19. Zech. 1:4— 6. 1 Pet. 1:18. 
 
 lions ; much more will he remember Jesus and the covenan* 
 which he mediated, and for his sake pardon the abundant 
 transgressions of all, who by true faith stand in a spiritual 
 relation to him. All other privileges and distinctions can only 
 avail to retard the deserved vengeance : the Lord may not 
 destroy sinners, or cast them from his presence “ as yet but 
 without being “partakers of Christ” the Saviour, they must 
 at length perish. — The true believer, though chastened fo. 
 his transgression, shall not be left to perish for ever : but being 
 “ delivered from the hand of his enemies, he shall serve God 
 without fear, in righteousness and holiness, before him all his 
 days.” — Wicked men prosper in their schemes, till the Lord’s 
 purposes respecting them are accomplished ; and then they 
 are removed, or ruined, without any difficulty. There is such 
 excellency in true and eminent godliness, that it often excites 
 the esteem and respect of those, who cleave to their sins. 
 Persons even of this character, while under convictions, will 
 feel and acknowledge, that the servants of God are their best 
 friends, and the most valuable part of society. But this lan- 
 guage of conscience is soon silenced by the clamorous voice 
 of their passions. — Some parts of the lives of eminent believ- 
 ers are more conspicuous than others; but in the general 
 tenor of them, they aim to glorify God and do good to man. 
 Yet the most devoted will be ashamed, that they have not 
 been more earnest ; and the most useful must regret, that the 
 world has received so little benefit from them. Indeed, re- 
 flection on the prevalence of wickedness and misery, on every 
 side, with the prospect of still more dreadful judgments upon 
 all the workers of iniquity, must fill the heart of every pious 
 and benevolent man with deep concern. — Yet the good seed, 
 which faithful ministers sow in their lifetime, may spring up 
 after their death ; and they may often take encouragement 
 from the prospect of their prayers being answered after they 
 are removed : yet their removal is frequently the signal for 
 calamities to break forth ; as the recall of an ambassador pre- 
 cedes a declaration of war. However, living or dying, the 
 true people of God are blessed, and blessings to others : and 
 those who, like the Saviour, pass through death and the grave 
 to glory, are not less favoured, than if they were immediately 
 received up to heaven in the body.— But the death and burial 
 of Jesus alone has efficacy to disarm the king of terrors ol 
 his power to hurt, and to sanctify the tomb, as a safe repos- 
 tory for the believer’s body, till the general resurrection. 
 Through him all blessings come from a reconciled God to 
 believing sinners : if we use his appointed means in the obe- 
 dience of faith, and be not straitened in our desires and expec- 
 tations of help from him, through unbelief, we shall not be 
 straitened in him, but shall be “able to do all things through 
 Christ who strengtheneth us.” Then shall we beat down our 
 enemies, and trample them as the mire in the streets, till our 
 deliverance be complete, and our rejoicing in the Lord abund- 
 ant. May he give us strong faith, that our hearts may be 
 established and comforted ; and that we may greatly glorify 
 his name, and be serviceable to his people on earth, in our 
 way to the heavenly inheritance ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1. Joash king of Israel 
 began to reign about four years before Amaziah king of Ju- 
 dah : but he is supposed to have reigned part of the time with 
 his father Jehoahaz ; and Amaziah succeeded to the throne 
 of Judah in the second year after the death of Jehoahaz king 
 oflsrael. Yet, as Amaziah survived Joash only fifteen years, 
 S79 ) 
 
B. C. 827. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 825. 
 
 4 Howbeit, 'the high places were not taken 
 away : as yet the people did sacrifice, and burnt 
 incense on the high places. 
 
 5 U And it came to pass, as soon as the kingdom 
 was confirmed in his hand, ( that he slew shis 
 servants which had slain the king his father. 
 
 6 But the children of the murderers he slew 
 not : according unto that which is written in the 
 book of the law of Moses, wherein the Lord 
 commanded, saying, h The fathers shall not be 
 put to death for the children, nor the children be 
 
 E ut to death for the fathers; but every man shall 
 e put to death for his own sin. 
 
 7 He ‘slew of Edom in Hhe valley of salt ten 
 thousand, and took 'Selah by war, and called the 
 name of it k Joktheel unto this day. 
 
 8 IT Then ‘Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash 
 the son of Jehoahaz, son of Jehu king of Israel, 
 saying, '"Come, let us look one another in the 
 face. 
 
 9 And Jehoash the king of Israel sent to 
 Amaziah king of Judah, saying, "The thistle that 
 was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in 
 Lebanon, saying, Give thy daughter to my son to 
 wife : and there passed by a wild beast that was 
 in Lebanon, and trode down the thistle. 
 
 10 Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and °thy 
 heart hath lifted thee up : I’glory of this, and tarry 
 at fliome : for iwhy shouldest thou meddle to thy 
 hurt, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah 
 with thee ? 
 
 11 But "Amaziah would not hear. Therefore 
 Jehoash king of Israel went up ; and he and 
 Amaziah kintr of Judah looked one another in 
 the face at "Beth-shemesh, which belongeth to 
 Judah. 
 
 e See on 12:3. 15:4,35. fGeti. 9:6. Ex. 21:12— 14. Num. 35:33. g 12:20, 
 21. 2 Chr. 25:3,4. h Dent. 24:16. Ez. 18:4,20. i 8:20— 22. 2 Chr. 25:1 1,12. 
 j 2 Sam. 8:13. IChr. 18:12. Ps. 60: lilie. * Or, the rock. * Ic Josh. 15:38. 
 i 2 Chr. 25:17—24. m 11. 2 Sam. 2: 14— 17. Prov. 13:10. 17:14. 18:6.20:18.25:8. 
 n Jude. 9:8 — 15. 2 Sam. 12; 1 — 4. 1 Kings 4:33. Ez. 20:49. o Deut. 8:14. 2 Chr. 
 25:16.32:25. Prov. 16:18. Ez. 28:2,5,17. Dan. 5:20—23. Hab. 2:4. Jam. 4:6. 
 p Ex. 8:9. Jer. 9:23,24. Jam. 1:9. f Heb. thy house, q 2 Chr. 35:21. Prov. 17: 
 14.20:3.26.17. Luke 14:31,32. r 2 Chr. 25:16,20. s Josh. 21:16. 1 Sam. 6:9. 
 X Heb. smitten, t 1 Sam. 4:10. 2 Sam. 18:17. 1 Kings 22:36. u 25:6. 2 Chr. 
 
 (17) either the sixteen years of Joash’s reign must be reckoned 
 from his father’s death; {Note, 13:10.) or, as some think, 
 Amaziah’s reign is computed from the time that his father 
 Joash became incapable of managing public affairs. (2 Chr. 
 24:23 — 27.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. Amaziah, like his father Joash, began apparently 
 well, and ended very ill. He supported and regularly attended 
 the worship of Jehovah; yet not with the fervent piety of 
 David : neither did he destroy the high places ; where, pro- 
 bably, priests and Levites officiated in sacrificing and burning 
 incense. {Marg. Ref. Note , 12:2,3.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. Amaziah did not at first venture to punish the 
 conspirators, who had slain his father; and it seems they 
 continued at court as if they had done no wrong, and feared 
 no danger ; having only avenged the death of Jehoiada’s son on 
 Jehoash, without attempting to injure Amaziah, or deprive 
 him of the kingdom. {Note, 12:20,21.) But when he found 
 himself sufficiently established in authority, he very properly 
 punished them: but in doing this he strictly adhered .o the 
 command of God, in not punishing their children with them. 
 {Note, Deut. 24:1(5.) — These references to the very words of 
 the law, as they now stand in the books of Moses, should not. 
 be unnoticed. Undoubtedly these books were extant, and 
 well known, when this history was written. 
 
 V. 7. The name which Amaziah gave to Selah, signifies 
 Obedience to God ; in which it is probable, he referred to his 
 obedience to the word of God by the prophet in dismissing 
 the auxiliaries of Israel, and considered his victory as the 
 reward of it: but his behaviour, in the whole transaction, and 
 afterwards, very little agreed with this name. {Notes, 2 Chr. 
 25:5 — 16.) Valley of salt.} Marg. Ref. i. 
 
 Y. 8. The peace between Judah and Israel had continued 
 from the time of Asa, during above a hundred years: and, 
 though the affinity formed by Jehoshaphat with the house of 
 Ahab had been of fatal consequences to the royal family of 
 Judah ; yet, on the whole, peace had been far more conducive 
 to the welfare of both nations, than the ruinous wars which 
 preceded and ensued. Perhaps Amaziah bore resentment 
 .against the family of Jehu, for the slaughter of .his relations: 
 he had also received injurious treatment from the Israelites, 
 whom he had engaged in his service, and sent back, having 
 been forbidden to employ them. (Notes, 2 Chr. 25:6 — 10,13.) 
 Perhaps he hoped to reduce Israel again under the dominion 
 of the family of David. But, if he had not been actuated by a 
 vain ambition, he would have made his complaints, and 
 .demanded satisfaction, and not have sent this foolish chal- 
 lenge. In effect, ho informed Joash, that he scorned to attack 
 ( 680 ) 
 
 12 And Judah was Tput to the worse before 
 Israel ; and ‘they fled every man to their tents. 
 
 13 And Jehoash king of Israel “took Amaziah 
 king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of 
 Ahaziah. at Beth-shemesh, and came to Jeru- 
 salem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem 
 from Hhe gate of Ephraim unto Hhe corner-gate, 
 four hundred cubits. 
 
 14 And he took "all the gold and silver, and all 
 the vessels that were found in the house of the 
 Lord, and in the treasures of the king’s house, 
 “and hostages, and returned to Samaria. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 15 TT Now Hhe rest of the acts of Jehoash which 
 he did, and his might, and how he fought with 
 Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written 
 in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of 
 Israel ? 
 
 16 And “Jehoash slept with his fathers, and 
 d was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel ; 
 and 'Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 17 “IT And f Amaziah the son of Joash king i-b. c. 
 of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash L sio. 
 son of Jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen years. 
 
 18 And Hhe rest of the acts of Amaziah, arc 
 they not written in the book of the Chronicles of 
 the kings of Judah ? 
 
 19 Now h they made a conspiracy against him 
 in Jerusalem : and he fled to 'Lachish ; but they 
 sent after him to Lachish, and slew him there. 
 
 20 And they brought him on horses : arid k he 
 was buried at Jerusalem with his fathers in the 
 city of David. 
 
 21 And all the people of Judah took 'A?ariah, 
 which was sixteen years old, and m made him 
 king instead- of his father Amaziah. 
 
 33:11. 36:6,10. Job 40:11,12. Prov. 16:18. 29:23. Is. 2:11,12. Dan. 4:37. Lute 
 14:11. x 2 Chr. 25:23,24. Neb. 8:16. 12:39. y Jer. 31:38. Zecli. 14:10. z24:13. 
 25:15. 1 Kings 7:51. 14:26. 15:18. a 18:23. marg. b See on 10:34,35. 1 Kings 
 14:19,20. c See on 2 Sam. 7:12. 1 Kings 1:21. dSeeonl3-9. e 13:13. Ho«. 
 1:1. Am. 1:1. 7:10,11. f 1 ,2,23. 13: 10. 2 Chr. 25:25. g 13:8,12. I Kin»» :':41. 
 14:29. h 12:20,21. 15:10,14,25,30. 21:23. 2 Chr. 25:27,28. i Josh. 10:31. Mi©. 
 1:13. k 8:24. 9:28. 12:21. 1 Kings 2:10. 1 1 :43. 2 Chr. 21 :20. 26 23. 33:20. 1 16x 
 13. 2 Chr. 26:1. Uzziah. Matt. 1:8,9. Ozias. m 21:24. 1 Chr. 3:12. 
 
 him at a disadvantage: but wished him to bring forth all hi* 
 forces, and make a fair trial of their military skill and valour 
 in a pitched battle. (Notes, 2 Sam. 2:14 — 16. 2 Chr. 25:17 
 —24. Prov. 13:10. 17:14.20:18. 25:8—10.) 
 
 V. 9, 10. Joash rebuked Amaziah’s pride, with an arro- 
 gance equally unreasonable. The thistle, a useless weed, 
 which may by chance wound the foot of the incautious pas- 
 senger, was made the emblem of the kingdom of Judah, and 
 of the ancient and honourable house of David ; while the house 
 of Jehu was represented as a stately cedar! The thistle 
 ‘having drawn blood on some poor traveller, and sorely 
 afflicted him, (as Amaziah had done the Edomites,) grew very 
 proud, and would be no longer one of the shrubs, but equal to 
 the most goodly trees.’ Bp. Patrick. Joash intimated, that if 
 Amaziah, upon his casual success against the Edomites, had 
 presumed to solicit an alliance with him, he would have con- 
 sidered his proposals in the same light, as if the thistle should 
 aspire to unite families with the cedar ; and the meanest of 
 his soldiers should have chastised his insolence, and crushed 
 him, as easily as a wild beast of the forest could trample 
 down the thistle : how much more then, when Amaziah dared 
 to challenge him to battle, would he bring destruction upon 
 himself! — There was, however, much good sense in Joash’s 
 counsel. Let Amaziah rest satisfied with the reputation 
 which he had acquired, and not meddle or rashly involve 
 himself in a contest with his neighbour, who was disposed 
 to peace, which would terminate in the disgrace and ruin o! 
 himself and his kingdom. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 11—14. As Amaziah prepared for war, it became 
 necessary for Joash to oppose him: in consequence Ama- 
 ziah’s army was completely routed, many lives were thrown 
 away, Amaziah was made prisoner, Jerusalem was taken, 
 and its fortifications to a large extent demolished, and the 
 very temple plundered of its treasures and sacred vessels, oy 
 the rapacious and profane conqueror. 
 
 Came to Jerusalem. (13) ‘Bringing Amaziah with him; 
 and letting the inhabitants know, (as Josephus saith,) that 
 he would slay him before their eyes, if they did not immedi- 
 ately open their gates unto him ; which was accordingly done. 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 Hostages. (14) ‘The sons, I suppose of the principal per- 
 sons < f the city, for a security that they would . . . give him no 
 disturbance.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 17 — 20. Joash, it seems, set Amaziah at. liberty; and 
 he survived Joash fifteen years. But the ill sucres of his rash 
 expedition rendered his people disaffected to h m, which at 
 length produced a conspiracy, or open revolt, which dwMo 
 
B. C. 822 . 
 
 B. C. 810 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 22 He built "Elath, and restored it to Judah, 
 after that the king slept with his lathers. 
 a c.-i 23 H In "the fifteenth year of Amaziah 
 W5 - -* the son of Joash king of Judah, pJeroboam 
 the son of Joash king of Israel "began to reign 
 in Samaria, and reigned forty and one years. 
 
 24 And he did that which was evil iin the sight 
 of the Loud : r he departed not from all the sins of 
 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 
 
 25 He restored the coast of Israel “from the 
 entering of Hamath ‘unto the sea of the plain, 
 according to the word of the Loud God of Israel, 
 which he spake by the hand of his servant "Jonah, 
 the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of 
 *Gath-hepher. 
 
 26 For the Lord ^saw the affliction of Israel, 
 that it was very bitter : for there was z not any 
 shut up, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. 
 
 27 And the Lord "said not that he would b blot 
 out the name of Israel from under heaven : but 
 c he saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son 
 of Joash. 
 
 n 16:6. Dent. 2:8. IKiugs9:26. 2 Chr. 26:2. Elolh. oil. p 27. ilos. 1:1. 
 Am. 1:1. 7:9 — 11. * Now he begioa to reign alone. o 21:6. Gen. 38:7. 
 
 Dent. 9:18. 1 Kings 21:25. r See on 13:2,6,11. s Num. 13:21. 34:7,8. 
 
 K.r.. 47 16 — IS. Am. 6:14. t Oen. 14:3. Deul. 3:17. u Jon. 1:1. Matt. 
 12:39,46. 16:4. Jonas, x Josh. 19:13. Gitlar-hepher. y 13:4. Ex. 3:7,9. 
 Juclg. 10:16. Ps. 166:43—15. Is. 63:9. z Dout. 32:36. 1 Kings 14:10. 21.21. 
 a 13:23. Hos.l:6. b Ex. 32:32,33. Deut. 9:14. 25:19. 29:20. Ps. 69:28. Rev. 3:5. 
 
 him from Jerusalem to Lachish ; whither the insurgents 
 ursued him: and when they had slain him either they 
 rought him themselves, or suffered him to be brought, to 
 Jerusalem to be buried. ( Marg . Ref. h — k. Note , 2 Chr. 
 25:25—27.) 
 
 V. 21. Azariah, or Uzziah, (words of similar meaning, 
 the one signifying, The help of the Lord , and, the other, the 
 strength of the Lord,) is thought by some to have been very 
 young, not more than four years of age, when his father was 
 slain ; and they suppose that he was not made king till about 
 twelve years afterwards. Thus he began to reign in the 
 twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam; though his father was slain 
 in the fifteenth year of Jeroboam. (23.15:1.) Butthe years 
 of Azariah’s reign are reckoned from his father’s death : and 
 therefore others suppose, that Jeroboam reigned along with 
 his father Joash eleven or twelve years ; so that reckoning his 
 reign from this time, Azariah began to reign in his twenty- 
 seventh year, though only fifteen or sixteen years after he 
 began to reign alone. (23. 15:1. margins.) 
 
 V. 22. Elath.] This was a town upon the Red Sea, 
 convenient for commerce, which the Edomites or Syrians 
 had taken away from the kings of Judah. ( Marg.'Ref .) It 
 is supposed that Amaziah had taken it, when he conquered 
 the Edomities ; but had not been able to derive much advan- 
 tage from it, because of subsequent troubles ; and that 
 Azariah, after Ainaziah’s death, rebuilt and fortified it. 
 
 V. 23, 21. Jeroboam the second reigned much longer than 
 any other of the kings of Israel.— ‘As he had the name, so 
 he trod in the steps of him, who first corrupted Israel with 
 idolatry.’ Bp. Patrick. — Joash, in giving this name to his son, 
 seems almost to have pointed out to him the conduct, which 
 he would have him adopt. 
 
 V. 25. The various enemies of Israel had encroached on 
 their borders, from the northern to the southern extremity of 
 the country belonging to the ten tribes ; from Lebanon to the 
 dead or salt sea, which had been the plain of Sodom : but, 
 Jeroboam, encouraged by the predictions of Jonah, drove 
 back these enemies, and recovered the country. ( Preface 
 to Jonah.) 
 
 V. 2G, 27. Joash had been successful, both against the Sy- 
 ri ins and Judah. But probably the Syrians, not being totally 
 subdued, still carried on destructive hostilities against Israel : 
 and the neighbouring nations, as the Moabites, Ammonites, 
 Edomites, made continual incursions, and plundered whatever 
 they could seize upon ; so that the most valuable treasures of 
 the Israelites were pillaged, those who seemed to have taken 
 refuge in the safest places were destroyed, and there were none 
 to help them. But as the time for their final dispersion was 
 not yet come, the Lord saved them by the hand of Jeroboam, 
 notwithstanding his idolatries. — Blot out. (27) Notes, Ex. 
 32:30—33. Deut. 29:19,20.) 
 
 V. 28. Damascus and Hamath belonged to Judah, in the 
 -eigns of David and Solomon: (Notes, 2 Sam. 8:3 — 11. 1 
 ^Tings 4:21.) and Jeroboam so effectually subdued the Sy- 
 lans, that he obtained possession of them for Israel ; which 
 
 called recovering them, because, though divided in govern- 
 ment, Judah and Israel were still to be considered as one 
 people. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 14. Many appear righteous unto men, whose in- 
 
 ward parts are very wickedness, and whose base conduct at 
 'ength betrays their hypocrisy. Yet the Lord gives due com- 
 mendation to the actions which accord to his law, because 
 Vi us far they honour him. — Where his judgments are most 
 evidently lighteous, the wickedness of the instruments may 
 Voi . I -86 
 
 28 U Now d the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and 
 all that he did, and his might, how he warred, 
 and how he recovered “Damascus, and Hamath, 
 which belonged to Judah, for Israel, are they 
 not written in the book of the Chronicles of the 
 kings of Israel ? 
 
 29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, tb. l. 
 even with the kings oflsrael ; and 1 Zachariah 1- ,6J - 
 his son 'reigned in his stead. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Azariah’s good reign, I — 4. He is smitten with leprosy ; and Jotham his son 
 
 f overns for him, and succeeds him, 5—7. Zachariah reigns ill, and is slain 
 y Shallum ; and the fulfilment of the word of God to Jehu is noticed , 8 — 12 
 A fter one month, Shallum is slain , and succeeded by Menahem ; who treats 
 his opposers with saoage cruelly ; reigns wickedly ; becomes tributary to 
 Pul, king of Assyria ; dies, and is succeeded by his son Pekahiah , 13 — 22. 
 Pttkahiah reigns ill, and is slain and succeeded by Pekah, 23 — 26. Pel: ah 
 imitates the sins of his predecessor ; Tiglalh-pileser of Assyria, carries 
 captive part of Israel; and Hoshea kills and succeeds Pekah, 27 — 31. Jo- 
 tham reigns well in Judah, 32 — 35. He dies , and is succeeded by his son 
 Ahaz , 36—38. 
 
 I N "the "twenty and seventh year of Jeroboam 
 king of Israel began Azariah son of Amaziah 
 king of Judah to reign. 
 
 2 b Sixteen years old was he when he began to 
 
 c 5:1. 13:5. Hos. 1:7. Tit. 3:4 — 6. d<See07jl5. e2Sam.8:6. 1 Kings 11:24. 
 1 Chr. 18:5,6. 2 Chr. 8:3.4. f 15:8. t After an interregnum of eleven years 
 a 8.14:16,17. * This is the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam’s partnership in 
 the kingdom with his father, who made him consort at his going to the Syrian 
 wars. It is the sixteenth year of Jeroboam’s monarchy, b 14:21. 2 Chr. 26:1, 
 3. Uzziah. 
 
 deserve punishment by the sword of the magistrate : and 
 “ the Judge of all the earth” may do many things consistently 
 with his justice, and in his omniscience, unerring wisdom, and 
 all-sufficiency, which would not be right for shortsighted, 
 feeble mortals to imitate. It will appear, however, in the 
 day of final retributions, that no one has suffered who did not 
 deserve it, and that none perish but for their own sins. — Un- 
 sanctified success increases pride ; pride excites contentions ; 
 and these are the sources of trouble and iniquity in private 
 life: but when they arise between princes, they become the 
 misery of whole kingdoms ; and the blood of thousands is 
 lightly esteemed by vainglorious mortals, who seek to be 
 admired and extolled by men as foolish and worthless as 
 themselves. — The effects of pride in others are often insuffer- 
 able, even to those who are equally proud themselves ; and 
 all naturally delight in expressing contempt for such, as avow- 
 edly aim to outshine their neighbours. — We might smile at the 
 ridiculous methods, which arrogant worms lake to vaunt 
 themselves, and to express their contempt of their rivals for 
 fame ; did not the fatal effects of such competitions call for 
 our lamentations: and the vain boastings of those who follow 
 peace are most tolerable, because most harmless. But did 
 men consider from whom, and for what, their talents and 
 successes were given, and how prone they are to abuse them , 
 and did they understand how mean, guilty, and polluted man 
 is, at his best estate, their boastings must needs be excluded. 
 In reality, all the distinctions between one sinful man and 
 another would not be worth noting, except for the sake of re- 
 lative obligations, and the peace of society : but what images 
 can shadow forth the absurdity and madness of those, who 
 by their daring crimes seem to challenge the Almighty to the 
 conflict, and to rush upon the thick bosses of his buckler ? Or, 
 who could have conceived such an amity and union, as the 
 Lord invites us wretched sinners to ent< r into with himself, 
 through the mysterious union of the divine and human nature 
 in our Emmanuel ? — In all our undertakings, we should pre- 
 viously consider our ability to accomplish them : and rather 
 rest satisfied with moderate advantages, or inferior reputation, 
 than risk the consequences of beginning what we are not able 
 to finish, which is indeed to “ meddle to our hurt.” (Notes, 
 Prov. 17:14. Luke 14:28 — 33.) But caution is especially 
 
 needful, when if we fail of success, we cannot suffer alone, 
 but must involve many in our calamities : and those who will 
 not take fair warning and good advice, even from an insulting 
 enemy, may too late wish they had. 
 
 Y. 15 — 29. Wicked princes and nations are frequently 
 successful, because opposed by others more guilty than them- 
 selves. — The proud are often visited with most humiliating 
 providences ; and if not humbled by them, their destruction is 
 inevitable. Yet even in those places, where ungodliness is 
 generally prevalent, the Lord takes notice of the extreme bit- 
 terness under which men groan, and spares them from time 
 to time, that his goodness may lead them to repentance. 
 Especially, is he thus long-suffering to those nations, where 
 he has a remnant of true believers.— But the lives and suc- 
 cesses of wicked men are contracted within narrow limits, and 
 they are soon “ driven away in their wickedness,” one after 
 another. And though the Lord will never blot out the name 
 of his true Israel from under heaven, but will always raise 
 them up helpers, that the enemy may never prevail against 
 his cause on earth : yet there is an appointed period to his 
 patience and long-suffering ; beyond which he will no longer 
 bear with impenitent sinners, corrupt professing churches, or 
 wicked nations ; but will proceed to deal with them according 
 •to the most awful denunciations of his holy word 
 ' 681 ) 
 
B. C. 7TS. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 771 
 
 reign, a id ne reigned two and fifty years in 
 Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jecholiah 
 of Jerusalem. 
 
 3 And 'he did that . which was right in the 
 sight of the Lord, according to all that his father 
 Amaziah had done ; 
 
 4 Save that d the high places were not removed : 
 the people sacrificed and burnt incense still on 
 the high places. 
 
 5 H And 'the Lord smote the king, f so that he 
 was a leper unto the day of his death, ^and dwelt 
 in a several house. And h Jotham the king’s son 
 was over the house, ‘judging the people of the 
 land. 
 
 6 And the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all 
 that he did, are k they not written in the book of 
 the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 
 
 a. c.-j 7 So ‘Azariah slept with his fathers; and 
 7M - -I they buried him with his fathers in the city 
 of David; and Jotham his son reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 p. c-i 8 H In m the ‘thirty and eighth year of 
 772 - J Azariah king of Judah did "Zachariah the 
 son of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six 
 months. 
 
 9 And he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lor>d, °as his fathers had done : he departed 
 not from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, 
 who made Israel to sin. 
 
 10 And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired 
 against him, and rsmote him before the people, 
 and islew him, and reigned in his stead. 
 
 11 And r the rest of the acts of Zachariah, 
 behold, they are written in the book of the 
 Chronicles of the kings of Israel. 
 
 12 This was “the word of the Lord which he 
 spake unto Jehu, saying, ‘Thy sons shall sit on 
 the throne of Israel unto the fourth generation. 
 
 “And SO it came to pass. [Practical Observation «.] 
 
 13 IT Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign 
 in the nine and thirtieth year of v Uzziah king of 
 Judah; and he reigned ‘a full “month in Samaria. 
 
 « 12:2,3. 14:3,4. 2 Chr. 2S:4. d 14:4. 18:4. 1 Kinei 15:14. 22:43. 2 Chr. 
 
 17 6 . 32:12. 34:3. e 2 Sam. 3:29. 2 Chr. 26.16—20. Job 34:19. f 5:27. 
 Num. 12:10. g 7:3. Lev. 13 46. Num. 12:14. Dent. 24:8,9. h 2 Chr 26:21. 
 
 2 Sam. 8 15. 15.2 — 1. 1 Kings 3:9.28. Ps. 72:1,2. k See on 14:19. 2 Chr. 26: 
 5-15. 1 2 Chr. 26:23. Is. 6:1. UzziaA. in 1. 14:16,17,21. ■ * There having 
 been an interregnum for eleven years. n 14:29. o Sec on 10:29,31 . 13:2,11 . 
 14:24. p Am. 7:9. q 14,25,30. 9:24,31. 1 Kings 15:28. 16:9,10. Hos. 1:4,5. 
 
 i See on 14:28. s 10:30. t 13:1,10,13. 14:29. u 9:25,20,36,37. 10:10. Num. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XV. V. 1. Marg. Notes , 14:21. 
 
 V. 2 — 7. ( Notes , 2 Chr . 20 :) — Two and fifty years. (2) 
 The long reign of Azariah must be considered as very advan- 
 tageous to Judah, when contrasted with the state of Israel 
 during the same period. 
 
 A several house. (5) Retired, but spacious, where he had 
 liberty to recreate himself, though excluded from public busi- 
 ness. 
 
 V. 8. Amaziah reigned fifteen years after Jeroboam came 
 to the crown of Israel ; (14:17.) so that the death of Jeroboam, 
 who reigned forty-one years, coincided with the twenty-sixth 
 or twenty-seventh year of Azariah. An interregnum of about 
 eleven years must therefore be allowed for, in the kingdom of 
 Israel , between the death of Jeroboam, and the succession of 
 his son : either because of his youth, or through the factious 
 temper of the people. (Marg.) 
 
 V. 12. Notwithstanding the wickedness of Israel, and the 
 persevering idolatry of Jehu and his descendants, the Lord 
 would not proceed to execute vengeance upon them, till the 
 predicted period. (Marg. Ref. Note , 10:29 — 31.) And bad 
 as Jehu’s family was; the times, during which they reigned, 
 were by far the best that Israel experienced from their sepa- 
 ration from the family of David to their final dispersion. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. Marg. Ref. — Tiphsah. (16) A city called'Tiph- 
 sah, near the Euphrates, was one boundary of Solomon’s do- 
 minions. ( Note , 1 Kings 4:24.) But that was so far distant 
 from Tirzahj that some other city of the same name, situated 
 in Canaan, is supposed to he here meant. If, however, Me- 
 nahem attempted to recover all that had been lost to Israel, 
 after the death of Solomon, ho might march to Tiphsah, on the 
 Euphrates ; and this might give occasion to the king of Assyria 
 to invade his dominions . — All the women ? &c.] This savage 
 barbarity was exercised by Mcnahcm against the inhabitants of 
 those cities, which did not immediately submit to his usurpod 
 authority. — Things were now hastening to a fatal crisis in the 
 kingdom of the ten tribes. After the death of Elisha, true reli- 
 gion evidently began to decline ; and neither the labours, nor the 
 writings, of the succeeding prophets could stop the rapid in- 
 crease of immorality, idolatry, or profaneness, which inundated 
 that people. This chapter gives such an account of their public 
 affairs, as will afford the attentive reader great assistance in 
 ( 682 ) 
 
 14 For Menahem the son of Gadi went up 
 from rTirzah, and came to Samaria, “and smote 
 Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria, and slew 
 him, and reigned in his stead. 
 
 15 And “the rest of the acts of Shallum, and 
 his conspiracy which he made, behold, they are 
 written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings 
 of Israel. 
 
 16 IT Then Menahem smote b Tiphsah, and all 
 that were therein, and the coasts thereof from 
 Tirzah : because they opened not to him, therefore 
 he smote it; and 'all the women therein that 
 were with child he ripped up. 
 
 17 In d the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah 
 king of Judah began Menahem the son of Gadi 
 to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in 
 Samaria. 
 
 18 And he did that which wao 'evil in the sight 
 of the Lord : he departed not all his days from 
 the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made 
 Israel to sin. 
 
 19 And 'Pul the king of Assyria came against 
 the land : and *Menahem gave Pul a thousand 
 talents of silver, that his hand might be with 
 him h to confirm the kingdom in his hand. 
 
 20 And 'Menahem ^exacted the money of Israel, 
 even of all k the mighty men of wealth, of eacn 
 man fifty shekels of silver, to give to the king of 
 Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back, and 
 ’stayed not there in the land. 
 
 21 If And m the rest of the acts of Menahem, and 
 all that he did, are they not written in the book 
 of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel ? 
 
 22 And Menahem slept with his fathers; and 
 Pekahiah his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 23 H In the fiftieth year of Azariah king of 
 Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to 
 reign over Israel in Samaria, " and reigned two 
 years. 
 
 24 And he did that vthich teas “evil in the 
 sight of the Lord : he departed not from the sins of 
 Jeroboam the son of Neoat,who made Israel to sin. 
 
 23:19. Zech. 1:6. Mark 13:81. John 10:35. 19:21,36,37. Aasl:16. v 1. Aza. 
 rinh. Matt. 1:8,9. Ozias. t Heh. a month of day e. x 1 King!’ 16:15. Job 20: 
 15. Ps. 55:23. Prov. 28:2,17. y 1 Kings 14:17.15:21,33. 16:8,9,15,17. z See on 
 10. a See on 1 1. I Kings 14:19,29.22:39. hi Kings 4:24. c See on 8:12. 
 Am. 1:13. d 13. e See on 9. f 1 Chr. 5:25,26. Is. 9:1. g 12; 18. 16:8. 17:3. 
 4. 18:16. Hos. 5.13. 8:9,10. 10:6. h 14:5. Jer. 17:5. i 23:35. + Heb. caused 
 
 to come forth, k Ruth 2:1. 2 Sam. 19:32. Job 1.3. 129.17:3,4.18:14—17. 
 
 m See on 15. n 21:19. 1 Kings 15:25. 16:8. 22:51. Job20:5. o See on 9,18- 
 
 understanding the writings of those prophets, who lived during 
 that period, viz. Isaiah, Hoshea, Mieah, and Amos. 
 
 V. 19, 20. The king of Assyria, coming lo invade Israel, 
 seems to have found the people much disaffected to Mcna- 
 hem, who must have been odious for his cruelties ; but he, 
 having made submission to Pul, and engaged for the payment 
 of one thousand talents of silver, (nearly four hundred thou* 
 sand pounds,) obtained his assistance in subjugating the 
 Israelites, and was thus confirmed in the kingdom ; and then 
 by force he extorted the money from his richer subjects. 
 Thus the kingdom was impoverished, and the people exaspe- 
 rated ; and that powerful prince having been so well paid lbr 
 invading the land, left an example to his successors, which 
 they followed till they had totally desolated the country. — 
 The kingdom of Assyria is here mentioned, for the first time, 
 after the building of Nineveh by Nimrod. ( Note, Gen. 10:8 
 — 12.) And this shows, that the history, given by many 
 writers, of a very prosperous and large monarchy, lasting 
 for much above a thousand years previous to this time, is in 
 great measure a romance. David and Solomon met with no 
 opposition from die kings of Assyria, in establishing their 
 kingdom, even to the Euphrates. Nor is Assyria once men- 
 tioned in their history. Assur indeed helped the Moabites, 
 Ammonites, and Edomites, on some occasions: but yet the 
 very connexion implies, that it was of itself not very consi- 
 derable. (Note, Ps. 83:6 — 8.) Bui it seems that Nineteh 
 had by this time become a very great cily, and no doubt 
 the king of Nineveh had acquired a considerable territory. 
 (Jon. 1:2. 3:3,4. 4:11.) And some think that Pul was the 
 king, when Jonah prophesied against Nineveh. It is not* 
 however, agreed, whether he was one of the ancient line or 
 Assyrian kings; or whether he was one of those who effected 
 that revolution, which, all allow, took place about this time ; 
 and so was the father of Tiglath-pileser. The latter indeed 
 seems most probable : but such darkness and uncertainty rest 
 on this part of ancient history, that the most learned men 
 differ exceedingly in their opinions on the subject. (Notes, 
 1 Chr. 5:25,26. 2 Chr. 28:16 — 18.) 
 
 Of each man fifty shekels. (20) 4 He gave to the king 
 
 of Assyria so many shekels for every man ... in his army. 
 So they’ (the Hebrew words) 4 run exactly, 44 to give to ti:o 
 
B. C. 740. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 B. C. 742 
 
 U.c.-I 25 But fpekah tta son of Remaliah, ^a 
 J captain of his, "conspired against him, and 
 smote him in Samaria, in the palace of the king’s 
 house, with Argob and Ariel), and with him fifty 
 men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, and 
 reigned in his room. 
 
 26 And 'the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and 
 all that he did, behold, they are written in the 
 book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. 
 
 27 H In 'the two and fiftieth year of Azariah 
 king of Judah, "Pekah the son of Remaliah began 
 to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned 
 twenty years. 
 
 o. c.i 28 And he did that which was "evil in the 
 no. J of the Lord : he departed not from the 
 sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made 
 Israel to sin. 
 
 29 In the days of Pekah king of Israel, came 
 *Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, and took y Ijon, and 
 ‘Abel-beth-maachan, and “Janoah, and b Kedesh, 
 and c Hazor, and d Gilead, and “Galilee, all the land 
 of Naphtali, and 'carried them captive to Assyria. 
 
 30 And Hoshea the son of Elah ernade a con- 
 spiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah, h and 
 b. c.-j smote him, and slew him, and 'reigned in his 
 m -1 stead ‘in ’the twentieth year of Jotham the 
 sonofUzziah. 
 
 31 And the rest of the acts of Pekah and a. 
 that he did, behold, they are written in tne book 
 of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. 
 
 32 H In the second year of Pekah the son oC' 
 Remaliah king of Israel began k Jotham the son 
 of 'Uzziah king of Judah to reign. 
 
 33 Five and twenty years old was he when he 
 began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years p. c. 
 in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was L 75S - 
 m Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok. 
 
 34 And he did that ivlticli was right in the 
 sight of the Lord : he did "according to all that 
 his father Uzziah had done. 
 
 35 H Howbeit, °the high places were not 
 removed : the people sacrificed and burnt incense 
 still in the high places. He built >'the higher 
 gate of the house of the Lord. 
 
 36 H Now sthe rest of the acts of Jotham, and all 
 that he did, are they not written in the book ol 
 the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 
 
 37 In those days the Lord "began s lo send 
 against Judah, ’Rezin the king of Syria, and. 
 “Pekah the son of Remaliah. 
 
 38 And 1 Jotham slept with his fathers, and 
 was buried with his fathers in the city of David 
 his father : and y Ahaz his son reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 « 27. 2 Cbr. 28:6. q 9:5. 1 Kings 16:9. r See on 10. 9:14. s See on 15. t 2, 
 8,13,23. u 25,37. Is. 7:1,9. ▼ See on 9,18. 13:2,6. 21 :2. x 16:7. 1 Chr. 5:6, 
 25. 2 Chr. 28:20,21. Tiglalh-pilneser. Is. 9:1. y 1 Kings 15:20. 2 Chr. 16:4. 
 i 2 Sum. 20:14, 15. a Josh. 16:6,7. Janohah. h Josh. 19:36,37. c Josh. 11:1, 
 10,13. 12:19. Judg. 4:2. d Num. 32:1,40. Deut. 3:15. Am. 1:3,13. e Josh. 20: 
 7. 1 Kings 9:11. Is. 9:1,2. Matt. 4.15,16. f 17:6,23. Lev. 26:32,38,39. Deut. 
 4:26,27. 28:25,64,65. Is. 1:7. 7:20. g See on 10,25. h Hos. 10:3.7,15. 'After 
 an anarchy for some years, i 32,33. 16:1. 17:1. 2 Chr. 28:4— 6,16. Is. 7:1 — 9. 
 
 8:6. t the fourth year of Aliaz, in the twentieth year nfter Jotham had begun 
 to reign, k 7. 1 Chr. 3:12. 2 Chr. 27:1. Matt. 1:9. Joalham. 1 See on 1,7,13 
 17,23,27.14:21. 1 Chr. 3:12. Azariah. m 2 Chr. 27:1. Jerushah. ti 3,4. 2 Chr. 
 26:4,5.27:2. o See on 4. 18:4. 2 C hr. 32:12. p 2 Chr. 27:3. q See on 6,7. 2Chr. 
 27:4—9. r 10:32. 1 Sam. 3:12. Jer. 25:29. Luke 21:28. s Deut. 28:48. Pa. 
 78:49. Is. 10:5 — 7. Jer. 16:16.43:10. t 16:5. 2 Chr. 28:6. Is. 7:1,8. Hos. 5: 12, 
 13. u See on 27. x Seeon 2Sam. 7:12. 1 Kings 1:21. 14:20,31. y 16:1. 
 
 1 Chr. 3:13. 2 Chr. 28:1. Matt. 1:9. Achaz. 
 
 king nf Assyria fifty shekels of silver for each man.” ’ Bp. 
 Patrick. It may be supposed that Menahem compelled “ the 
 mighty men of wealth” to give much more a piece than this 
 sum, and each of them in some proportion to his affluence. 
 
 V. 25. It does not clearly appear, whether Argob, Ariph, 
 and the fifty Gileadites, were slain with the king; or whether 
 they were conspirators with Pekah. 
 
 V. 29. Pul seems to have carried captive many out of 
 those tribes which dwelt to the east of Jordan : (Note, 1 
 Chr. 5:25,26.) and Tiglath-pileser, who is, with great pro- 
 bability, thought to have been his son and successor, carried 
 captive a considerable number of the inhabitants of the north- 
 ern parts of the land, as well as the inhabitants of the dis- 
 tricts to the east of Jordan. ( Marg . Ref .) — Thus the 
 prophecies in this respect had a gradual accomplishment. 
 (Notes, 17:5,6. 18:9—12.) 
 
 V. 30. In the twentieth, &cj That is, the twentieth 
 year from Jotham’s accession ; for he reigned only sixteen 
 years ; (33) and Hoshea succeeded Pekah in the fourth year 
 of Ahaz, though he was not established in the kingdom till 
 the twelfth year of that king. It is also evident from the 
 whole narrative, that Ahaz reigned over Judah some time 
 • before the death of Pekah. (Note, 17:1 .) Perhaps the con- 
 spiracy was entered into before the death of Jotham ; but 
 was not successful till four years after. In respect of many 
 of these difficulties in settling the chronology, (which infidels 
 vainly magnify into objections against the sacred history,) it 
 may be proper to observe, that no writer wilfully contradicts 
 himself within a few lines: and therefore some solution of the 
 difficulty should be sought, and must exist, whether our in- 
 formation enable us to solve it or not. 
 
 V. 31. Notes, 16:5. 2 Chr. 28:6—8. 75.7:1,5—9. 
 
 V. 32 36. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2 Chr. 27 . — In the second 
 year. (32) Pekah reigned twenty years. (27) Jotham 
 therefore began his reign seventeen or eighteen years before 
 the death of Pekah : consequently Pekah survived Jotham a 
 considerable time ; as indeed the Scriptures referred to ( Note . 
 31.) fully prove. (Note, 30.) 
 
 V. 37. In the days of Jotham, those designs of Rezin 
 and Pekah were formed, and in some degree carried into 
 eftect, which became far more formidable during the reign of 
 Hahaz. (Notes, 30. 2 Cftr. 28:1— . .15. 7s. 7:1— 9.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. The study of history has a tendency to render 
 Ihe reflecting person thankful even for a mediocrity of cha- 
 racter, in those placed in authority; and to dispose him to 
 l ear patiently many evident faults in the administration of 
 fubliC affairs. For as every thing may be estimated by 
 lomparison; and as the history of the world exhibits by far 
 the greater part of princes desperately wicked, and the people 
 exposed to every kind of misery, in consequence of their 
 ambition, cruelty, and tyranny, or the contests between rivals 
 for power : so, we may repress our murmurs under slighter 
 grievances, by reflecting with grateful satisfaction on our ex- 
 emption from flagrant oppressions. In this view, we seem to 
 congratulate Judah under the peaceful reigns of Azariah and 
 Jotham ; as that kingdom was very highly favoured, compared 
 with the distracted state of Israel, under a succession of 
 
 bloody murderers, usurper^, and tyrants. And if the inha- 
 bitants of our land of liberty and peace can read this narration, 
 without forgetting their imaginary or trivial causes for com- 
 plaint, or without blessing God for their mercies, and praying 
 for their rulers, and the continuance of our distinguishing pri- 
 vileges, they cannot be acquitted from the charge of base 
 ingratitude. — But with regret we must observe, that such is 
 the depraved tendency of human nature to evil, that revivals 
 in religion are commonly transient : whereas corruptions 
 endure from age to age, and few good men have at once 
 power and courage effectually to remove them. For great 
 defects are found even in godly persons: and, though they 
 are graciously accepted, as to their eternal state, they are 
 often in this world marked with the tokens of the divine displea- 
 sure for particular offences, by which they have dishonoured 
 him ; nor can any situation prevent these effects of sin. — 
 When persons in authority are incapacitated from the duties 
 of their high station, it is peculiarly happy for them and for 
 the public, when they have children, who, like Jotham, are 
 disposed and qualified to fill up their places, and to enter into 
 their views of serving God and doing good to the people ; and 
 who can give satisfaction both to them and to the community. 
 — The imperfections of true believers are very different from 
 the allowed, habitual, and pertinacious wickedness of ungodly 
 men. In the former, the remaims indeed of depravity are 
 visible, and occasionally break forth into evident evil: but. in 
 the latter case, when restraints of conscience, regard to repu- 
 tation, ear of human laws, and want of power, are surmount- 
 ed ; the desperate wickedness of the heart, like an impetuoi>s 
 torrent which has burst its banks, bears down all opposition, 
 and spreads devastation all around 
 
 V. 13 — 38. The words concerning Jeroboam, so often 
 repeated, for ages after his death, that u he made Israel to 
 sin,” should impress our minds with dread and horror, at the 
 thought of tempting others to wickedness ; as it can never bo 
 known how extensively or durably the mischief may spread. 
 For however ungodly men may disagree in all other things, 
 they perfectly accord, in either utterly neglecting religion, or 
 in making it a state-engine, or in some way subservient to 
 their selfish projects : and the most notorious and detestable 
 idolatries and superstitions have, in many kingdoms, been 
 supported by authority from generation to generation, through 
 successive revolutions in the government, by those who in 
 their hearts despised the whole system which they patron- 
 ized ! — When the gratification of ambition, avarice, revenge, 
 or lust, requires it, there is no conceivable kind or degree oi 
 treachery and barbarity, which men may not be tempted to 
 commit: yet the madness of those who thus act, equals their 
 wickedness ; for repeated examples of the fatal end of those, 
 who through blood have waded to a throne, will not deter 
 them from pressing forward in the same way, and mounting 
 the slippery pre-eminence, to be thence hurried by a violent 
 death to a premature grave ! We should then be thankful for 
 external restraints, and for being kept out of temptation ; and 
 beg of God incessantly to “ create in us a clean heart, and 
 renew a right spirit within us:” and may he help us to seek 
 that honour which comes from him, to those who do good 
 in their generation ; and to dread that greatness, which is 
 
 ( 683 ) 
 
B. C. 740. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 740 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Ahaz reigns very wickedly, I — 4. Rezin and Pekah war against him; ana 
 Rezin lakes Elath, 5, 6. Ahaz hires Tiglath-pileser against them, who 
 takes Damascus and slays Rezin , 7 — 9. Ahaz sends a pattern of an altar 
 from Damascus ; and Urijah n the high-priest , makes one like it for burnt- 
 offerings ; reserving the brazen alia - for Ahaz to inquire by, 1U — 16. Ahaz 
 robs anl defaces the temple for the king of Assyria , 17, 18. He dies , and is 
 succeeded by his son Heztkiah, 19, 2U. 
 
 I N the ’seventeenth year of Pekah the son of 
 Remaliah, b Ahaz the son of Jotham king of 
 Judah began to reign. 
 
 2 Twenty years old was Ahaz when be began 
 to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, 
 and “did not that which ivas right in the sight of 
 the Lord his God, like David his father. 
 
 3 But d he walked in the way of the kings of 
 Israel, yea, and 'made his son to pass through 
 the fire, f according to the abominations of the 
 heathen, whom the Lord cast out from before the 
 children of Israel. 
 
 4 And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the 
 high places, and son the hills, and under every 
 green tree. 
 
 . 5 11 Then h Rezin king of Syria and Pekah son 
 
 of Remaliah king of Israel came up to Jerusalem 
 to war : and they besieged Ahaz, 'but could not 
 overcome him. 
 
 6 At that time Rezin king of Syria k recovered 
 Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from 'Elath : 
 and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there 
 unto this day. 
 
 7 So Ahaz sent messengers 'to 'Tiglath-pileser 
 king of Assyria, saying, m I am thy servant and 
 thy son : come up, n and save me out of the hand 
 of the king of Syria, and out of the hand of the 
 king of Israel, which rise up against me. 
 
 8 And Ahaz took “the silver and gold that 
 was found in the house of the Lord, and in the 
 
 a 15:27— 30,32,33. b See on 15:38. 2Chr.28:l. Is. 1:1. 7:1. Hos. 1:4. 
 
 Mic. 1:1. c 11:3.15:3,34.18:3.22:2. 1 Kings 3:14. 9:4. 11:4— 8. 15:3. 2 Chr. 
 17:3.29:2. 34 2,3. d 8:18. 1 Kings 12:28—30. 16:31—33.21:25,26. 22:52,53. 
 
 2 Chr. 22:3. 28:2 — 4. e 17:17. 23:10. Lev. 18:21. 20:2. Deut. 12:31. 18:10. 
 2 Chr. 33:6. Ps. 106:37,38. Jer. 32:35. Ez. 16:21. 20:26,31. f 21:2.11. Deut. 
 12:31. 1 Kings 14:24. 2 Chr. 33:2. Ps. 106:35. Ez. 16:47. gDeut. 12:2. 1 Kings 
 14:23. Is. 57.5— 7. 65:4.66:17. Jer. 17:2. Ez. 20:28,29. h 15:37. 2 Chr. 28:5— 
 15. Is. 7:1,2. i 1 Kings 11:36. 15:4. Is. 7:4— 6,14. 8:6,9,10. 9:6.7. k 14:22. 
 Dent. 2:8. • Hcb. Elolh. 1 Kings 9:26. 2 Chr. 26:2. 1 See on 15:29, | Heh. 
 Tilgath-pilezer. I Chr. 5:26. 2 Chr. 28:20. Tilgalh-pilnezcr . m 1 Kings 20: 
 4,32,33. n Ps. 146:3—5. Jer. 17:5. Lam. 4:17. Hos. 14:3. o 17,18. 12:17,18. 
 
 obtained and secured by doing mischief and diffusing misery. 
 Yet in these horrid scenes, the truth and justice of God are 
 manifest: they perfectly accord to the character of human 
 nature given in the Scriptures, and form a confirmation of 
 their divine original. — u For the wickedness of the land many 
 arc the princes thereof ;” whose crimes and sufferings are 
 the punishment of the sins both of the governors and go- 
 verned. (Note, Prov. 28:2.) “A man that doe^h violence 
 *.o the blood of any person, shall flee to the pit ; let no man 
 stay him.” (Note, Prov. 28:17.) For a time wicked men 
 may prosper, to execute the vengeance of God on other sin- 
 ners, and then others will be raised up to execute vengeance 
 on them ; as criminals, or the refuse of society, are commonly 
 employed for public executioners. — The most innocent suf- 
 ferers from man’s wickedness must plead guilty before God, 
 and may often read his just displeasure in the injustice and 
 cruelty of their oppressors. — Proud men cannot endure con- 
 tradiction, and the ambitious aro exasperated by opposition: 
 yet often, in aiming at independence and supreme authority, 
 they crouch with the basest submissions, and bring themselves 
 into the most abject dependence on strangers and enemies, 
 who from mercenary motives, at first assist, and then enslave 
 them. — Death in various forms hurries men to God’s judg- 
 ment-seat : the righteous are then taken from the evil to 
 come, and enter into rest; and it is a mercy to be spared the 
 anguish of witnessing the miseries that are coming on cor- 
 rupted churches and nations. But the wicked are stopped in 
 their career, that they may do no more mischief, and “ their 
 lamp is put out in utter darkness.” May we live the life of 
 faith and holiness, and die the death of the righteous, that 
 “ an entrance may be ministered to us abundantly into the 
 everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ !” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVL V. 2. w He did not that which 
 was right in the sight of the Lord his God, like David his 
 father 4 as might, have been expected from the good educa- 
 tion, which no doubt, so pious a man as Jotham his father 
 gave him ; who left him an excellent example.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 Ahaz was an entire contrast to his ancestor David, and a dis- 
 grace to his family. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Ahaz imitated the kings of Israel, in worshipping 
 idols and rebelling against the Lord. It is said in Chronicles 
 that he w burnt his children in tha fire,” and here that he 
 “ made his son to pass through the fire,” to consecrate him to 
 the demon which he worshipped. (2 Chr. 28:1 — 4. Notes , 
 Isv. 18:21. 20:2 — 5.) In short he cooied the crimes of the 
 ( 684 ) 
 
 treasures of the king’s house, and sent it for a 
 present Ho the king of Assyria. 
 
 9 And the king of Assyria hearkened untc 
 him: for the king of Assyria Hvent up agains' 
 'Damascus, and took it, and carried the people ot 
 it captive to r Kir, ‘and slew Rezin. 
 
 10 U And king Ahaz went to Damascus to 
 meet Tiglath-pileser king of Assyria, 'and saw 
 an altar that was at Damascus : and king Aha: 
 sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, 
 and “the pattern of it, according to all the work- 
 manship thereof. 
 
 11 And Urijah the priest "built an altar ac- 
 cording to all that king Ahaz had sent from 
 Damascus : so ^Urijah the priest made it against 
 king Ahaz came from Damascus. 
 
 12 And when the king was come from Damas- 
 cus, the king saw the altar: and the king 
 "approached to the altar, and “offered thereon. 
 
 13 And b he burnt his burnt-offering and his 
 meat-offering, and poured his drink-offering, and 
 sprinkled the blood k>f his peace-offerings upon 
 tfie altar. 
 
 14 And he brought also “the brazen altar, which 
 was before the Lord, from the forefront of the 
 house, from between the altar and the house 
 of the Lord, and put it on the north side of d the 
 altar. 
 
 15 And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the 
 priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn e the 
 morning burnt-offering, and the evening meat- 
 offering, and f the king’s burnt-sacrifice, and his 
 meat-offering, with the burnt-offering of all the 
 people of the land, and their meat-offering, and 
 their drink-offerings ; and sprinkle upon it all the 
 blood of the burnt-offering, and all the blood of 
 
 18:15,16. 2 Chr. 16:2. 28:20,21. p Pa. 7:15,16. Is. 7:17. 8:7,8. q 2 Chr. 28:5. 
 Arm 1:3 — 5. r Heb. Dammesek. s Is. 22:6. Am. 9:7. ♦ Is. 7:16. 9: 1 1. 
 t Deut. 12:30. 2 Clir. 28:23— 25. Jer. 10:2. Ez. 23:16,17. Rom. 12:2. 1 Pet. 1: 
 18. u Ex. 24:4. 39:43. 1 Chr. 28:11,12,19. Ps. 106:39. Ez. 43:8,11. Matt. 15; 
 6,9. x l Kings 21:11—13. 2 Chr. 26:17,18. Jer. 23:11. Ez. 22:26. Dun. 3:7. 
 Hos. 4:6. 5:11. Mai. 2:7— 9. Gal. 1:10. y Is. 8:2. z 1 Kings 13:1. 2 Chr. 26: 
 16 — 19.28:23,25. a Num. 18:4 — 7. b Lev. 1: 2: 3: § Heb. the peace-offerings 
 which were his. c Ex. 40:6,29. 2 Chr. 1:5. 4:1. Matt. 23:35. d 10 — 12. e 3: 
 20. Ex. 29:39— 41. Num. 28:2— 10. Dan. 9:21,27. 11 ;31. 12:11. f Lev. 4:13 — 
 26. 2 Sam. 6:17,18. 1 Kings 3:4. 8:64. 2 Chr. 7:4,5. 29:21— 24,32,35. Ez. 46:4— 
 7,12—14. 
 
 Canaanites, whom God had destroyed by Israel ; (Note, Lev. 
 18:24— "30.) and not only allowed, but set the people an exam- 
 ple of, a variety of idolatrous practices. Hezekiah was born 
 some years before the death of Jotham ; if he was the son here 
 intended, he was past his infancy at the time. (Note, 18:2.; 
 He, however, proved an eminently pious prince, and an entire 
 contrast to his most wicked father. (Notes, 18: — 20:) 
 
 V. 5. The Lord brought these enemies against Ahaz for 
 his crimes: their successes, and the miseries of Judah were 
 very great, immense numbers being slain and taken prison- 
 ers ; and Ahaz was extremely terrified. But they could not 
 take Jerusalem, dethrone Ahaz, and destroy the family of 
 David, as they had intended : for this was contrary to the 
 purpose, the promises, and the prophecies of God. (Notes^ 
 2 Chr. 28:5—19. Ps. 76:10. Is. 7:1—9.) 
 
 V. 6. (Note, 14:22.) — The word “ Jews” is here first used. 
 It is literally the Judeans; that is, the men of Judah ; as all 
 those, who adhered to the family of David, were called, to dis- 
 tinguish them from the subjects of the kings who reigned over 
 the ten tribes, called Israel. — The general custom among even 
 learned writers, of calling the nation of Israel Jews, from the 
 days of Moses, and even before, is inaccurate and unscrij)- 
 tural. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. (Notes, 15:19,20,29.) As the king of Assyria 
 brought Ahaz into abject dependence on him, and both weak^ 
 ened him and drained his treasury, it is said that “he dis- 
 tressed him, but strengthened him not,” (2 Chr. 28:20,21.) 
 though he averted the present storm. — From this time Syria 
 ceased to be a kingdom: and the region formed successively a 
 part of the kingdom of Assyria, of Chaldea, or of Persia; till 
 it was subjugated by Alexander the Great ; after whose death 
 a new kingdom of Syria was formed, which with all his other 
 dominions, at length became a part of the Homan empire. 
 (Note, Dan. 7:6.) Ahaz feared danger to his kingdom from 
 Syria, and sought help from Assyria ; whence indeed tire 
 greatest danger was to be apprehended. (Note, Is. 7:17- 
 25.) 
 
 Kir. (9) 1 A place in . . . the upper Media, as Josephnj 
 tells us.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 10—16. (Notes, 2 Chr. 25:14—16. 28:22,23.) Ahnz 
 sacrificed to the gods of the vanquished Syrians, perhaps when 
 he went to Damascus to congratulate Tiglath-pileser on 1 is 
 success. There he saw an altar, in the temple of some o’ 
 their idols, which appeared to him more magnificent or coa 
 venient than that which Solomon had made according to the 
 
H. C. 740. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C 730 
 
 the sacrifice : and the brazen altar shall be *for 
 me to inquire by. 
 
 16 Tlius did h Urijah the priest, according to 
 all that king Ahaz commanded. 
 
 17 H Ana king Ahaz 'cut off "the borders of the 
 bases, and removed the laver from off them ; and 
 took down 'the sea from off the brazen oxen that 
 were under it, and put it upon a pavement of 
 stones. 
 
 18 And m the covert for the sabbath that they 
 had built in the house, and the king’s entry 
 without, turned he from the house of the Lord 
 for the king of Assyria. 
 
 t. c.j 19 If Now "the rest of the acts of Ahaz, 
 ’**• -> which he did, are they not written in the 
 book of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 
 
 20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and "was 
 buried with his fathers in the city of David : and 
 fHezekiah his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 e 18:4. Gen. 44:5. 2 Chr. 33:6. 1».2:6. Hos.4:l2. h See on 11. Ads 4:19. 
 5:29. 1 Thes. 2:4. Jude 11. i 2 Chr. 28:24. 29:19. k 1 Kings 7:27— 39. 2 Chr. 
 4:14. 1 25:13—16. 1 Kings 7:23—26. 2 Chr. 4:15. Jer. 52:20. m 11:5. 1 Kings 
 10:5. Ez. 46:2. n 15:6,7,36,38. 20:20,21. Seeon 1 Kings 14:29. o 21:18,26. 
 2 Chr. 28:27. p 18:1. lChr.3:13. 2 Chr. 29:1. Is. 1:1. Hos. 1:1. Mic. 1:1. 
 
 will of God. At the command of Ahaz, with which he sent a 
 model of the altar from Damascus, probably adorned by many 
 figures of idols, the wretched high-priest, Urijah, without 
 scruple or hesitation, prepared one like it, with which he pro- 
 faned the coprt of the temple; and when Ahaz returned, the 
 altar of God was removed to make way for it. It is uncer- 
 tain whether sacrifices were offered to the gods of Damascus 
 on this altar, or whether the oblations were presented to 
 Jehovah alone. — It seems that Ahaz professed a purpose 
 of converting the former altar into an oracle, at which he might 
 inquire : as the church of Rome, by adoring the host, has 
 converted the Lord’s supper into the most absurd and detes- 
 table idolatry, under the pretence of honouring it. (Note, 
 i8:4.) Some however think that Ahaz only meant, that he 
 would take advice what to do with the altar : and tradition 
 reports that he demolished it, and made a sundial (called the 
 6undial of Ahazl of the brass. (20:11.) But tb s is uncer- 
 tain, and not probable : for we do not read, that Hezekiah 
 made any altar, as in that case he must have done. In the 
 whole transaction, the high-priest was willing to oblige the 
 king by servile compliances ; and did not, as far as it appears, 
 need either menaces, or promises, or even bribes, to procure 
 his concurrence ! * 1 There are always some men to be found, 
 that will comply with the most wicked commands.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. He might have said, some priests, and chief priests 
 and high-priests. (Note, 2 Chr. 26:1 G — 23.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Ahaz pillaged and defaced the temple, and its 
 courts, and sacred utensils, in various ways, either to supply 
 his necessities with the plunder, or to express his enmity 
 against the worship of the Lord. (2 Chr. 28:24,25.) The 
 covert of the sabbath, and the entry, seem to have been ac- 
 commodations for the king and his attendants to repair to the 
 temple-service. To please the king of Assyria, who it is pro- 
 bable paid him a visit, he turned these another way, or to 
 other uses. (Notes, 1 Kings 10:5. Ez. 46:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 20. Ahaz died young ; and it has been observed that 
 no king of Judah reached David’s age of seventy years, though 
 some of them reigned longer than he had done : but the age of 
 Asa is not recorded. - 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The word of God affords abundant encouragement to pious 
 parents to give their children good instructions, enforced by 
 good examples, and to pray for them : and these means are so 
 generally made effectual, as sufficiently to verify the proverb, 
 “ Train up a child in the way he should go ; and when he is 
 old, he will not depart from it.’’ ( Note, Prov . 22:6. ) Yet 
 
 there are exceptions recorded in the Scriptures, to remind us, 
 that every man is born in sin, and that the grace of God alone 
 can change the heart ; in order that we may expect the bless- 
 ing from him only. On the other hand some who have been, 
 as it were, early dedicated to Satan, and initiated into his 
 service, have, by the victorious grace of God, been made 
 eminent examples of faith and piety : and every accurate ob- 
 server of mankind, in places favoured with the light of the 
 gospel, has remarked instances of both. The infatuated slaves 
 of sin heedlessly proceed in those paths, whence others have 
 been hurried into destruction. But we need not wonder that 
 men violate the law of God, in the indulgence of their natural 
 passions, when they cannot be restrained from disobeying 
 him in the most unnatural cruelty to themselves and their 
 own children : nor should the insolence and obstinacy of pros- 
 perous sinners excite astonishment; seeing so many sin more 
 and more, while severely suffering under the effects of former 
 crimes ! — Such is man’s carnal enmity against God, that he 
 will have recourse to any expedient, or make the most abject 
 submission to his fellow-creatures, rather than humble him- 
 self before God, and seek help from him! But the relief thus 
 obtained, tends to enfeeble and enslave men the more ; and it 
 often accelerates, as well as increases, that ruin which it 
 seemed to retard. — Our natural propensity to some sort of 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Hoshea becomes tributary to Shalmaneser , conspires tilth the king of Egyp 
 against Mm, and is shut up in prison by the king of Assyria , 1 — 4. Shalma- 
 neser besieges Samaria ; and after three years takes it, and carries Israel 
 captive into Assyria and Media, 5, 6. The crimes, which brought this pu- 
 nishment from God on his people, 7—23. The strance nations, planted in 
 the land, are plagued by lions, 24, 25 : but, instructed by a priest of Israel 
 in the worship of the Lord, they serve him along with their own idols, 26 — 41 
 
 I N the twelfth year of Ahaz king of Judal 
 began “Hoshea the son of Elah to reign in 
 Samaria over Israel nine years. 
 
 2 And he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord, b but not as the kings of Israel that 
 were before him. 
 
 3 H Against him came up "Shalmaneser d king 
 of Assyria; e and Hoshea became his servant, and 
 "gave him 'presents. 
 
 4 And the king of Assyria f found con- i-b. c. 
 spiracy in Hoshea : for he had sent messen- L T25 - 
 gers to So sking of Egypt, and h brought no 
 present to the king of Assyria, as he had dent 
 
 Matt. 1:9,10. Ezekias. a 15:30. 18:9. b 3:2. 10:31. 13:2,11. 15:9,18,24. 2 Chr. 
 30:5—11. c 18.9. Hos. 10:14. Shalmon. <1 15:19,29,16:7.18:13.19:36,37. 
 Is.7:7,8.10:5,6,ll,12. e 16:8. 18: 14— 16,31 . • Hcb. rendered, t Or, Iribwt. 
 2 Sam. 8:2,6. f 24:1,20. Ez. 17:13— 19. g 18:21. Ib. 30: 1 — 4. '31:1— 3. Ez. 17: 
 15. h 18:14,15. 
 
 religion is not easily extinguished : but, except it be regulated 
 according to the word and by the Spirit of God, it produces 
 the most absurd superstitions, or the most detestable idolatries, 
 or at best it quiets the sinner’3 conscience, and amuses his 
 mind, with a round of unmeaning ceremonies, frequently con- 
 nected with the most immoral practices. Even infidels have 
 been remarkable for credulity ; and the capacity of believing , 
 when not exercised on the truth, frequently embraces the 
 most ridiculous falsehoods. But whether kings are impious, 
 or superstitious, or infidel, or sacrilegious, they generally meet 
 with priests of their own stamp, who court their favour by 
 assisting their iniquities or idolatries! Yet si.jh mercenary 
 timeservers and men-pleasers, who bear the name and wear 
 the garb of ministers, are guilty of a greater breach of trust, 
 and the prostitution of a more sacred character, than even the 
 wicked princes ivhom they flatter and embolden in their sins : 
 as their conduct is, in the highest degree, dishonourable to 
 God, and ruinous to man, they merit the deepest contempt 
 and detestation ; and assuredly they will “receive the greater 
 damnation,” except by a miracle of grace they are brought to 
 repentance. — The arrogant self-wisdom, which induces men 
 to new model divine ordinances after their own vain imagina- 
 tions, is insufferably provoking to that “God, who resisteth 
 the proud and that external magnificence, which carnai 
 minds affect in his worship, obscures the real glory of heavenly 
 things, excites false ideas of the divine character, and turns 
 men aside from that spiritual service, which alone the Lord 
 accepts and delights in. (Notes, John 4:21 — 24.) Thus 
 new ways of worshipping God very speciously introduce 
 gross idolatries ; as the church of Israel, and that of Rome, 
 among other examples, have abundantly evinced. But when 
 men forsake God, they forsake their own mercies: and if 
 those who have been trained up in the ways of God, forsake 
 his house and ordinances ; and, affecting to be wiser than their 
 pious parents, turn things into another channel, associate 
 with more fashionable companions, and seek to acquire the 
 favour, assistance, or commendation of ungodly men ; there is 
 reason to fear that sudden destruction is coining upon them, 
 from which they shall by no means escape. (Notes, 21:1 — 3. 
 
 1 Kings 12:6—15. Ec. 2:18—23.) 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 1. (Note, 15:30.) During 
 more than eight years after the slaughter of Pekah, Hoshea 
 was kept out of possession of the kingdom, or was unsettled 
 in it: and the years of his reign are reckoned from his esta- 
 blishment on the throne, and not from the death of his pre- 
 decessor. 
 
 V. 2. We ar^ told by the Jewish writers, that the solden 
 calf had before this been carried away from Dan ; (Notes, 
 Hos. 10:5 — 8.) that Hoshea did not enforce that idolatry as 
 his predecessors had done ; and that he allowed the Israelites, 
 who were so disposed, to go up to Jerusalem to worship. 
 (Note, 2 Chr. 30:6 — 9.) He, however, did “evil in the sight 
 of the Lord though he was not in all respects so wicked as 
 his predecessors. Whether an idolater, or not, he was ungodly; 
 and his murder of Pekah, and usurpation of the kingdom, 
 merited the punishment which he endured : whilst the people 
 were fully ripe for destruction ; and the guilt, which had been 
 accumulating for ages, was punisned in that generation. 
 (Note, Zcch. 5:5 — 11. P. O.) — In finally des’roying the 
 kingdom of Israel, during the time of that king, who was less 
 wicked than the rest; the Lord showed that he punished the 
 crimes of the people at large, and not. those of their princes 
 only, as many might be ready to imagine. (Note, 2 Sam. 
 24:1,2.) 
 
 V. 3. It is most probable that Shalmanezer was the son 
 of Tiglath-pileser. — Menahem had given his predecessor Pul 
 footing in the land, and encouragement to come again ; by 
 raising a large sum of money for him, and by rendering his 
 kingdom dependent on him. Ahaz king of Judah likewise, by 
 purchasing the help of Tiglath-pileser, had procured the de- 
 
 ( 685 ) 
 
B. C. 721. 
 
 n. KINGS. B. C. 721. 
 
 year by year: therefore the king of Assyria shut 
 him up, and 'bound him in prison. 
 
 5 *11 Then k the king of Assyria came up through- 
 out all the land, and went up to Samaria, and 
 besieged it 'three years. 
 
 6 II In the ninth year of Hoshea m the king of 
 Assyria took Samaria, and "carried Israel away 
 into Assyria, and placed them in “Halah and in 
 Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of 
 
 Pf.he Medes. [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 7 For so it was, that the children of Israel had 
 isinned against r the Lord their God, “which had 
 brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from 
 under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, ‘and 
 had feared other gods. 
 
 8 And “walked in the statutes of the heathen 
 whom the Lord cast out from before the children 
 of Israel, and “of the kings of Israel, which they 
 had made. 
 
 9 And the children of Israel did ^secretly those 
 things that were not right against the Lord their 
 God, and they built them high places in all their 
 
 l 25:7. 2Chr. 32:11. Ps. 149:7,8. k 18:9. 1 25:1— 3. Jer. 52:4,5. m 18:10,11. 
 Hos. 1:5.9. 13:16. n Lev. 26:32,33,38. Deut. 4:25— 28. 29:36,64. 29:28. 311:18. 
 
 1 Kings 14:15,16. Am. 5:27. o 19:12. 1 Chr. 5:26. Is. 37:12,13. p Is. 13:17. 
 21:2. Dan. 5:28. q lleul. 31 : 16,17,29. 32: 15, &c. Josh. 23:16. Judg. 2:14— 17. 
 
 2 Chr. 36:14— 16. Neh. 9:26. Ps. 106:35— 41 . Kz. 23:2, Ac. Ho*. 4:1— 3. 8:5— 14. 
 r 16:2. 1 Kings 11:4. 15:3. 2Chr.35:5. s See on Ex. 20:2. t 35. Jer. 10:5. 
 u 16:3,10. 21:2. Lev. 18:3,27—30. Deut. 12:30,31. 18:9. 1 Kings 12:28. 16:31 — 
 33. 21:36. Jer. 10:2. i Hos. 5:11. Mic. 6:16. y Deul. 13:6. 27:15. Job31:27. 
 Ez. 8:12. z 18:8. Hos. 12:11. a 16:4. Ek. 34:13. Lev. 26:1. 1 Kings 14:23. 
 Is. 57:5. * Heb.srafues. b Deut. 16:21. Mic. 5:14. c See on 1 Kings 14:23. 
 
 struction of the kingdom of Syria, which was of small extent 
 and force, compared with that of Assyria : and thus every 
 rampart was broken down, which could exclude the Assyrians 
 from the land of Israel and Judah. ( Notes, 15:19,20. 16:7 
 
 -9.) 
 
 V. 4. So is > supposed to be the same person as is called 
 Sabacus, or Sabacon, in pagan writers. He was king of 
 Ethiopia ; but he invaded Egypt, took possession of the king- 
 dom, and reigned there for a long term of years. — About this 
 time, or rather earlier, the rivalship began between the kings 
 of Egypt and the monarchs of different nations, who succes- 
 sively were powerful in Asia, to the north, or northeast of 
 Canaan ; which, lying between the contending powers, was 
 for many ages brought into dependence on the one or the 
 other of them. (Notes, 2 Chr. 35:20 — 24. Dan. 11:5. Zech. 
 9:3.) But the people, contrary to the commands of God, were 
 more disposed to unite with the Egyptians, than with any of 
 their opponents. — Had Hoshea endeavoured to effect a tho- 
 rough reformation in Israel ; and then, in dependence on God, 
 had he openly attempted to shake off every foreign yoke ; he 
 might possibly have succeeded. But the manner, in which 
 he attempted to change one yoke for another, without return- 
 ing to the Lord, or seeking his assistance, formed a mixture of 
 perfidy, impolicy, and ungodliness ; and proved the immediate 
 occasion of his ruin and that of his people. It seems probable, 
 that Shalmaneser by some means took Hoshea prisoner, be- 
 fore he laid siege to Samaria : and that Hoshea ended his days 
 in a prison. His name is the same as that by which Joshua 
 was at first called: (Note, Num. 13:16.) so that the settle- 
 ment of Israel in Canaan, and the expulsion of the ten tribes 
 from it, occurred under the government of persons originally 
 of the same name. 
 
 V. 5, 6. The inhabitants of Samaria doubtless endured 
 great extremities, in the long siege and terrible destruction of 
 the city : but the brevity of the sacred historian seems signi- 
 ficantly to intimate, that the Lord did not now notice their 
 affliction as he had done before the measure of their iniquities 
 was filled. (Notes, 14:26,27. 18:9—12. Hos. 8:7,8. 10:14,15. 
 13:15,16. Mic. 1:5 — 7.) — When Shalmaneser had taken Sa- 
 maria, and become absolute master of tl^e whole land, he 
 formed the project of changing the inhabitant?, and in part 
 accomplished it; but it was more fully completed by Esar- 
 haddon, his grandson, several years afterwards. (Ezra 4:2.) 
 It is, however, here spoken of by anticipation. Yet it seems, 
 that some of the poorer Israelites were at last left in the land, 
 many of whom were incorporated with the new inhabitants. 
 (2 Chr. 34:6,7.) But, as the noithcrn part of the country, 
 called Galilee, was in the time of Christ inhabited by persons 
 acknowledged to be of the seed of Israel, who went up to 
 Jerusalem to worship ; whilst the middle of the country was 
 occupied by the Samaritans, who were of another origin and 
 religion ; it is probable that the new inhabitants did not so 
 fully occupy the northern, as the middle parts of the land. — 
 Probably, the Israelites, who were carried captive to a great 
 distance, m the dominions of the conqueror, were chiefly in- 
 corporated among the nations : yet some of them seemed to 
 have retained the knowledge of their original, and of part of 
 their religion ; and either to have returned with their brethren 
 after the Babylonish captivity, or to have united with those 
 lews, who were afterwards dispersed in many different coun- 
 tries of the wor.d. (Note, Ezra 2:64. Euke 2:36 — 38.) — 
 Some, nowever, think, that incorporated bodies of them are 
 still existing. 
 
 cities, Troni the tower of the watchman to the 
 fenced city. 
 
 10 And “they set them up "images and b grov^s 
 c in every high hill, and under every green tree : 
 
 11 And there they d burnt incense in all the 
 high places, as did the heathen whom the Lord 
 carried away before them ; and wrought wicked 
 things “to provoke the Lord to anger : 
 
 12 For they served idols, 'whereof the Loro 
 had said unto them, ®Ye shall not do this thing. 
 
 13 Yet the Lord h testified against I-srael, ‘and 
 against Judah, k by 'all the prophets, and by all the 
 'seers, saying, m Turn ye from your evil ways, and 
 "keep my commandments, and my statutes, accord- 
 ing to all the law which I commanded your fathers, 
 and which I sent to you by my servants the pro- 
 phets. 
 
 14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but 
 “hardened their necks, like to the neck of their 
 fathers, that '’did not believe in the Lord their God. 
 
 15 And they rejected his statutes, and ihis 
 covenant that he made with their fathers, and r his 
 
 Deut. 12:2,3. d 1 Kings 13:1. 2 Chr. 28:25. Jer. 44: 17. e 21:6. Ps. 78:56— 58 
 f Ei. 20:3— 5. 34:14. Deut. 5:7— 9. g Deut. 4:15— 19,23-25. 12 4. h Deut 
 8:19. 31:21. Neh. 9:29,30. Ps. 50:7. 81:8,9. Jer. 42:19. Acts. 20:21. i 2 Cbr. 
 36:15,16. Jer. 3:8— 11. Hos. 4:15. It Deut. 4:26. Josh. 03:16. Jude. 6:10. 10: 
 11-14. 1 Sam. 12:7— 15. Is. 1:5— 15,21— 24. Jer. 5:29— 31. Zech. 1:3-6. 
 t Heb. the hand of all. 1 See on 1 Sam. 9:9. I Chr. 29:29. mis. 1:16 — 20. 
 55:6,7. Jer. 7:3— 7. 18:11.25:4,5.35:15. Hos. 14:1. n Jer. 7:2-2,23. 26:4— 6. 
 o Deut. 31:27. 2 Chr. 36:13. Prov.29:l. Is. 48:4. Jer. 7:26. Rom. 2:4,5. Heb 
 3:7,8. p Deut. 1:32. Ps. 78:22,32. 106:24. Heb. 3:12. q E* 24:6— 8. Deut. 
 29:10—15,25. Jer. 31:32. r 2 Chr. 36:15,16. Neh. 9:26,29,30. Jer. 44:4. 
 
 V. 7 — 11. The iniquities of Israel were many and aggra- 
 vated: but their apostacy from God to idolatfy especially 
 formed the violation of the national covenant. The Lord 
 had, as it were, graciously espoused them to himself: but this 
 spiritually adultery excited his jealousy ; and, by persisting 
 in it, they provoked him to give them a writing of divorce- 
 ment, and to put them away. (Note, Jer. 3:6 — 11.) They 
 had, as a nation, experienced his power and love in delivering 
 them from Egypt, and giving them Canaan; and they had 
 witnessed and executed his vengeance upon the idolatrous 
 Canaanites : yet, in disobedience to express and repeated 
 commandments, they had ungratefully and absurdly worship- 
 ped their idols. They had also willingly obeyed the orders 
 of idolatrous kings to worship the golden calves and Baalim. 
 (Note, Hos. 5:11,12.) They had likewise committed much 
 secret idolatry, in addition to that which was established by 
 law ; and especially they had worshipped the sun, moon, and 
 stars, which as the hosts or armies of God, stationed in the 
 visible heavens, are employed to fulfil his will : (Note, Deut. 
 4:19.) and finally, they so multiplied their temples, or altars, 
 that they were found in every village, and at every shepherd’s 
 lodge, where he watched his flocks and fruits. (Is. 1:8. Note , 
 Hos. 12:10,11.) as well as in the fenced cities. Thus M they 
 wrought wicked things,” as if they had expressly intended 
 u to provoke the Lord to anger so that at lcngdi the pre- 
 dicted and denounced judgments came upon them. (Marg. 
 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 12—14. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Neh. 9:26—30. Zech. 
 1:5,6.) The people rejected the testimonies of God which he 
 testified against them ; and they did not believe in him, or 
 depend on him for protection, according to his promises. 
 They hoped to sin with impunity, and concluded that the 
 service of the Lord would be unprofitable. They not only 
 violated the law, by presumptuously doing those things, con- 
 cerning which u the Lord had said unto them, Ye shall not 
 do this thing ;” (Note, Num. 15:30,31.) but they persisted in 
 their rebellion and idolatry, and hardened their hearts in 
 impeniteney. (Notes, Jer. 8:4 — 7. Ez. 18:30 — 32. Rom. 2: 
 4 — 6.) u To harden the neck,” is a metaphor taken from the 
 stiffness of the neck of an ox, ,when with his full strength ho 
 resists the attempts of the husbandman, to put the yoke upon 
 him, or to bring him to draw in it : and it aptly represents 
 the self-will, earnestness, and stubbornness, with which the 
 presumptious sinner sets himself to rebel against God, ir 
 the midst of warnings, convictions, judgments, and mercies. 
 ( Note, 2 Chr. 30:6 — 9. Prov. 29:1 . Is. 48:3 — 5.) 1 2 This was 
 the original of all the sins they committed ; they did not be- 
 lieve God’s prophets, but hearkened to deceivers.’ Bp. Po 
 trick. 
 
 V. 15. Became vain. 1 By making and worshipping life- 
 less images, the people became senseless, like unto them: 
 and by worshipping imagined deities under these images, 
 they learned to imitate all the vices ascribed to those demons 
 Thus among the Greeks and Romans, the worshippers o, 
 Bacchus revelled in intemperance, those of Venus rioted in 
 licentiousness, .and those of Mars delighted in shedding hu- 
 man blood. The case is the same with modern idolaters 
 By worshipping Satan under all these names, they were 
 conformed to the very nature, and imbibed all the hatefu. 
 qualities, of that arch-apostate and rebel. (Note, Rom. 1 
 21—32.) 
 
 V. 16. It is probable that the words (?w»irN and 
 rendered a grove and groves, (10) meat some kind of images 
 
 ( 686 ) 
 
b c. m. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 687 
 
 testimonies which he testified against them; and 
 they followed 'vanity, and ‘became vain, and 
 went after the heathen that were round about 
 them, concerning “whom the Lord had charged 
 them, that they should not do like them. 
 
 16 And they left all the commandments of the 
 Lord their God, and made them ‘molten images, 
 even two calves, and made ?a grove, and 'wor- 
 shipped all the host of heaven, and served 
 •Baal. 
 
 17 And b they caused their sons and their 
 daughters to mss through the fire, and c used 
 divination and enchantments, and d sold them- 
 selves to do evil, e in the sight of the Lord, to pro- 
 voke him to anger. 
 
 18 Therefore the Lord was very angry with 
 Israel, and f removed them out of his sight : there 
 was none left but sthe tribe of Judah only. 
 
 19 Also h Judah kept not the commandments of 
 the Lord their God, but 'walked in the statutes of 
 Israel which they made. 
 
 20 And the Lord k rejected 'all the seed of 
 Israel, and afflicted them, and m delivered them 
 into the hand of spoilers, “until he had cast them 
 out of his sight. 
 
 21 For °he rent Israel from the house of David : 
 and ''they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king : 
 and sJeroboam drave Israel from following the 
 Lord, and made them sin r a great sin. 
 
 22 For the children of Israel 'walked in all the 
 sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed 
 not from them ; 
 
 23 Until ‘the Lord removed Israel out of his 
 sight, “as he had said by all his servants the 
 prophets. x So was Israel carried away out of 
 their own land to Assyria, unto this day. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 24 H And nhe king of Assyria brought men from 
 
 Deut. 32:31. 1 Sam. 12:21. 1 Kings 16:13. Ps. 115:8. Jer. 10:8,15. Joa. 2:8. 
 Jer.2:5. Rom. 1:21— 23. 1 Cor. 8:4. u 8,11,12. 2Chr. 33:2,9. x Ex. 32:8. 1 Kings 
 12:28. Ps. 108:18—20. Is. 44:9,10. y 10. 1 Kings 11.15,23. 15:13. 16:33. z Deut. 
 4:19. Jer. 8:2. a 10:18— 28. 1 1 : 18. 1 Kings 16:31 . 22:53. b 16:3.21:6. Lev. 
 18:21. 2 Chr. 28:3. Ps. 106:37,38. Ez. 20:26,31. 23:37,39. c 21:6. Deut. 18:10— 
 12. 2 Chr. 33:6. Is. 8: 19. 47:9,12,13. Jer. 27:9. Mic. 5:12. Acts 16:16. Gal. 5:20. 
 d 1 Kings 21 -.20,25. Is. 50:1. e 11.21:6. f 13:23. 23:27. Petit. 29:20— 28. 32:21 — 
 26. Josh. 23 13.13. Jer. 15:1. Hos. 9.3. g 1 Kings 1 1:13,32,36. 12:20. Hos. 11:12. 
 h 1 Kings 14:22,23. 2 Chr. 21:11,13. Jer. 2:28. 3:8— II. Ez. 16:51,52.22:2—16: 
 23:4—13. i 8:18,27. 16:3. k 15. 1 Sam. 15:23,26. 16:1. Jer. 6:30. Rom. 11:1, 
 2. 1 Chr. 16:13. Neh. 9.2. Is. 45:25. Jer. 31 :36, 37. 33:24— 26. 46:28. m 13:3,7. 
 
 15:18—20,29.18:9. 2 Chr. 28:5,6. n See on 18. Deut. 11:12. Jon. 1:3,10. Matt. 
 
 Bet up in the temples originally built in groves ; and not the 
 trees which formed the grove. (Notes, 21:7,8, a. 7. 1 Kings 
 
 14:22 24.) 
 
 V. 17. Marg. Ref. Notes, 16:3,4. Ex. 22:18. Deut. 18: 
 9 — 12. — To provoke, &c.] The people acted, as if their ex- 
 press intention had been to provoke the Lord to anger : they 
 had sold themselves as slaves to Satan, to work evil in the sight 
 of God, that they might in every thing displease him as much 
 as possible. (Notes, 7 — 11. 1 Kings 21:20,25,26. Jer. 7:19. 
 
 Ez. 8:17.) 
 
 V. 18. The tribe of Judah onlij.] That is, the tribe of 
 Judah, with the Benjamites, Levites, and others, who were 
 incorporated along with Judah into one oeopie. 
 
 V. 19— 23. Marg. Ref. Notes, l Kings 11:12,13. 12:16, 
 26—33. 14:15,16. Ps. 51:11. 
 
 V. 24. (Note, 5, 6.) Shalmaneser seems to have carried 
 away all the chief men, and the bulk of the nation ; but to 
 have left some poor remains of the Israelites, who dwelt in 
 the land, during the remainder of his reign, and the busy 
 reign of Sennacherib. But Esarhaddon more entirely re- 
 moved the old inhabitants, and peopled the country from dif- 
 ferent parts of his dominions : and by that time Babylon, 
 which had formed a distinct kingdom, was brought under the 
 government of the king of Assyria, and some of these new 
 inhabitants were removed from thence. (Notes, 2 Chr. 33:11. 
 Ezra 4:10.)— The cities in the region' of Samaria had not 
 been destroyed, but reserved for the new inhabitants. (Marg. 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 25, 26. These colonists had met with no remarkable 
 judgments, when they served idols in their own countries : but 
 they now possessed the land, which Jehovah had called by 
 his own name ; and he was pleased to show them, that Israel 
 had not been dispossessed, jjccause he was not able to defend 
 them, but because he had given them up to ruin for their sins. 
 It was also proper they should be convinced, that they had 
 no right to their new possessions, except by Jehovah’s 
 allowance; and that he expected that they should do him 
 homage for their estates : and therefore a number of lions 
 were let loose upon them, as soon as they entered the land. 
 The desolations of war would naturally make way for the 
 increase of wild beasts : but these lions assaulted the people 
 in so remarkable a manner ; that they reasonably and truly 
 
 'Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from “Ava, and 
 from b Hamath, and from Scpharvaim, and placed 
 them in the cities of Samaria, instead of the chil- 
 dren of Israel : and they possessed Samaria, and 
 dwelt c in the cities thereof. 
 
 25 And so it was at the beginning of their 
 dwelling there, that d they feared not the Lord; 
 therefore “the Lord sent lions among them, which 
 slew some of them. 
 
 26 Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, 
 saying, The nations which thou hast removed, 
 f and placed in the cities of Samaria, eknovv not 
 the manner of the God of the land : therefore lie 
 hath sent lions among them, and behold, they 
 slay them, because they know not the manner of 
 the God of the land. 
 
 27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, 
 saying, Carry thither h one of the priests whom 
 ye brought from thence ; and let them go and 
 dwell there, and let him teach them the manner 
 of the God of the land. 
 
 28 Then one of the priests whom they had 
 carried away from Samaria came and dwelt ‘in 
 Beth-el, and k taught them how they should fear 
 the Lord. 
 
 29 Howbeit, every nation 'made gods of their 
 own, and put them in the houses of the high 
 places which the Samaritans had made, every 
 nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. 
 
 30 And the men of Babylon made Succoth- 
 benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and 
 the men of Hamath made Ashima, 
 
 31 And m the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, 
 and the Sepharvites “burnt their children in fire 
 to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of 
 Sepbarvaim. 
 
 32 So they feared the Lord, and “made unto 
 themselves of the lowest of them priests of the 
 
 25:41. 2 Thes. 1:9. o 1 Kines 11:11,31. 14:8. Is. 7:11. p 1 Kings 12:19,20. 
 2 Chr. 10:15—19. q See on l'Kings 12:28-30. 14:16. 2 Clir. 11:14,15. r Gen. 
 20:9. Ex. 32:21. 1 Sam. 2:17,24. Ps. 25:11. John 19:1 1. s See on 3:3. 10:29, 
 31.13:2,6,11.15:9. l See on 18,20. nSeeonl3. 1 Kings 13:2. 14: 16. Hus. 1- 
 4 — 9. Am. 5:27. Mic. 1:6. x 6. 18:11,12. yEzra4:2-10. z 30. 2 Chr. 33:11. 
 a 31.18:34. Is. 37:13. lvnh. b 13:13. Is. 10:9. 36: 1 9. c 6. Matt. 10:5: (128, 
 32,34.41. Josh. 22:25. Jer. 10:7. Pan. 6:26, Jon. 1:9. e 2 24. 1 Kines 13:24. 
 20:36. Jer. 15:3. Ex. 14:15. (SeeonVA. g 27. 1 Sam. 8:9. 10:25. Am. 3:14. 
 h Judg. 17:13. 1 Kings 12:31. 13.2. 2 Chr. 11:15. i 1 Kings 12:29— 3-2. k U. 
 29:13. Matt. 15:14. 1 Ps. 115:4— 8. 135:15— 18. Is. 44:9— 20. Jer. 10:3—5 Hos. 
 8:5,6. Rom. 1:23. m See on 24. n See on 17. o 1 Kings 12:31. 13:33. 
 
 concluded, that they were sent by “the God of the land” to 
 punish them for not serving hint. (Notes, Judg. 16:23,24. 
 1 Kings 20:23— 25. Dan. 5:!— 4.) 
 
 V. 27, 28. It is not at all probable, that this instructor 
 was a priest of the family of Aaron, or that he taught the 
 people from the book of the divine law, as some have thought. 
 One of the priests “ carried away from Samaria” is expressly 
 mentioned. And the person selected, had, most likely, been 
 one of the priests, either of the golden calf at Beth-el, or of 
 some high place in that neighbourhood : accordingly he re- 
 sorted to Beth-el as his residence, when sent to teach the 
 people to worship the God of the land, having doubtless as- 
 sistants in the business.— It is, however, probable, that he 
 did not teach them to worship Jehovah by images; though 
 we can only know what he taught, by the result: but it is 
 evident they were led to consider Jehovah as the local tute- 
 lary god of the land, one among a group of other deities; 
 instead of worshipping him as the one, true, eternal, almighty, 
 and glorious Creator, Governor, and Judge of the world. 
 (Note, Jer. 10:6— 8,11. Zeph. 2:11. Zech. 14:6—9.) They 
 probably learned to offer sacrifices, with some external regard 
 jo the ceremonies of the Mosaic law, but without understand- 
 ing the meaning and use of the sacred ordinances: but it is 
 not certain whether circumcision was introduced among the 
 Samaritans at this time, or at a later period. (Notes, 41. 
 Neh. 13:23 — 30.) Along with these and such like obser- 
 vances, they were allowed, or they assumed, the liberty of 
 serving their own idols, according to the customs of their 
 several tribes. • 
 
 V. 29 — 31. Learned men have framed many conjectures 
 concerning the meaning of the several names here made use 
 of, and'the idols and idolatries signified by them. But such 
 obsolete abominations, with which every thing brutal, cruel 
 and licentious was connected, are not worth understand- 
 ing. (Notes, Ex. 23:13. Josh. 23:7. Jer. 10:11. Ztch 
 13:2,3.) 
 
 V. 32. After the example of Jeroboam, these men chose 
 the priests of Jehovah from the lowest of the people; (1 
 Kings 13:33.) whilst probably, the chief nobles were ambitious 
 of the honour of being priests to their favou-ite idols ! 
 
 V. 33 — 40. The new inhabitants of the land imitated the 
 idolatrous Israelites, by associating their idols with Jfho- 
 ( 687 ) 
 
B. C. 678. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 high places, which sacrificed for them in '‘the 
 houses of the high places. 
 
 33 They ^feared the Lord, and served their 
 own gods, after the manner of the nations 
 "whom they carried away from thence. 
 
 34 Unto this day they do after the former 
 manners : they 'fear not the Lord, neither do 
 they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, 
 or after the law and commandment which the 
 Lord commanded the children of Jacob, ’whom 
 he named Israel ; 
 
 35 With ‘whom the Lord had made a covenant, 
 and “charged them, saying, Ye shall not *fear other 
 gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, 
 nor sacrifice to them : 
 
 36 But the Lord, who brought you up out 
 of the land of Egypt with great power, and y a 
 stretched-out arm, ’hint shall ye fear, and him 
 
 p29. 23:19. 1 Kings 13:32. q 1 Kings 18:21- Hos. 10:2. Zeph. 1:5. Matt. 6:24. 
 Luke 16:13. * Or, who carried them away . r See on 25,27,28,33. 8 Gen. 
 
 32:23. 33:20. 35:10. I Kings 18:31. 16.48:1. t 15. Ex. 19:5,6. 24:6— 8. Deut. 
 29:10—15. Jer. 31:31—34. Heb. 8:6—13. u Ex. 20:4,5. 34:12—17. Deut. 4:23— 
 27. 13:1, &c. Josh. 23:7,16. x Judg. 6:10. Jer. 10:5. y See on Ex. 6:6. 9:15. 
 Deut. 5:15. Jer. 32:21. Acta 4:30. z Lev. 19:32. Deut. 6:13. 10:20. 12:5,6,11, 
 
 vah, as the objects of worship. The remainder, however, 
 of the verses seems to relate to the Israelites after they were 
 carried captive. They still persevered in idolatry and dis- 
 obedience ; and not being purified, were left to be consumed 
 in the furnace. — It is said, that the Israelites “ did not fear 
 the Lord ;” (34) yet the heathens, who followed their exam- 
 ple, are said “ to have feared the Lord.” (32,40.) The 
 Israelites did not so much as fear the wrath of the almighty 
 God : but on the other hand the poorPagarts feared the power 
 of his wrath, and to avert it paid him some ignorant worship, 
 according to the wretched instructions given them. As this 
 was an external acknowledgment of his power and Godhead, 
 and a homage paid to him, he was pleased in consequence 
 to withdraw his judgments from them. 
 
 V. 41. Some ascribe these words to Jeremiah, the sup- 
 posed writer of this part of the history, others to Ezra after 
 the captivity. However, these Cutheans , (as the Jews call 
 them from Cuthah , 24.) maintained this mongrel religion till 
 after that later period, and so were proper successors of ido- 
 latrous Israel, the professed people of God. About four 
 hundred years before Christ, a temple was built by them, in 
 competition with the temple at Jerusalem : for, having been 
 joined by a number of apostate Jews, and a priest of the 
 family of Aaron, they renounced gross idolatry, and became 
 schismatical worshippers of Jehovah, receiving some parts, 
 and rejecting others, of the Jewish-Scriptures. (Notes, 27, 
 28. Nth. 13:23 — 30.) It is not requisite to decide, whether 
 there were any true godliness among them : but, as a people, 
 “ they knew not what they worshipped, for salvation was of 
 the Jews.” ( Notes, John 4:19 — 24.) Christ commanded his 
 disciples, whom he sent forth in his lifetime, not to enter into 
 any city of the Samaritans : yet he himself spent two days at 
 Sychar, one of their cities; (Note, John 4:39 — 42.) and the 
 apostles after the day of Pentecost did not regard the Sama- 
 ritans as Gentiles ; for they preached in their cities before the 
 conversion of Cornelius. (Notes, Acts 1:4 — 8. 8:5 — 8. 10:1,2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. The long-suffering of God, instead of leading 
 sinners to repentance, often renders them more secure : for, 
 having long transgressed with impunity, they conclude that 
 there is no danger ; and thus they w treasure up wrath against 
 the day of wrath.” (Notes, Ec. 8:11 — 13. Rom. 2:4 — 6.) — 
 Ungodly men are not all alike abandoned to flagrant enormi- 
 ties : but the least criminal deserve worse than the most se- 
 vere temporal calamities ; and consequently none have any 
 right to complain, if God, the righteous Sovereign shall see 
 good, in their days to execute upon a guilty people the accu- 
 mulated vengeance of many generations. For when the ap- 
 pointed measure of iniquity is filled up, the Lord will forbear 
 no longer. Then kings and people reciprocally suffer on 
 account of each other’s crimes; and their causes and inte- 
 rests are no more separable, in the great concerns of national 
 judgments and mercies, than those of the head, or heart, and 
 the several members of the human body. (P. 0.2 Sam. 24: 
 l — 9.) — When the service of God, which is perfect freedom, 
 is renounced, men become slaves to the vilest and most ty- 
 rannical of masters: ajid sinners, left to themselves, never 
 attempt any thing more than a change of one tyrant for ano- 
 ther ; not having the most remote idea or expectation of com- 
 plete liberty in the service of God. The extravagant profli- 
 gate sometimes, in advancing years exchanges the bondage 
 of his sensual lusts, for the yoke of avarice or ambition ; and 
 the immoral and profane may commence Pharisees, or hypo- 
 crites : but mere nature can advance little further than this. 
 Yet the gospel calls us, not only to break our league with 
 every lust, and to renounce every sinful connexion, however 
 formed, confirmed, or palliated by specious pretences ; but to 
 
 efuse obedience to every superior who would require us to 
 sin against God : which if we would do, wo must seek the 
 effectual assistance of his special grace. In all other cases 
 the Lord marks with disapprobation men’s violations of agreo- 
 ( 688 ) 
 
 B. C. 678. 
 
 shall ye worship, and to him shall ye do sacri 
 fice. 
 
 37 And a the statutes, and the ordinances, and 
 the law, and the commandment which he b wrote 
 for you, ye shall observe to do lo- evermore ; c and 
 ye shall not fear other gods. 
 
 38 And the covenant that I have made with 
 you d ye shall not forget; neither shall ye fear 
 other gods. 
 
 39 But “the Lord your God ye shall fear ; and 
 
 ‘he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your 
 enemies. • 
 
 40 Howbeit they did not hearken, shut Ihey 
 did after their former manner. 
 
 41 So h these nations feared the Lord, and 
 served their graven images, both their children 
 and their children’s children : as did their lathers, 
 so do they ‘unto this day. 
 
 12. Matt. 10:28. Rev. 15:4. a Lev. 19:37. Dent. 4:44,45. 5:31— 33. 6:1,2. 12: 
 32. IChr. 28:19. P«. 19:8— 11. 105:44,45. b Deut. 31:9,11. Neh. 9:13.14. 
 
 c See on 35. d Deut. 4:23. 8:12. 8:14— 18. e See on 36. 1 Sam. 12 24. la 8: 
 12—14. Jer. 10:7. Matt. 10:28. Luke 1:50. fNeh.9:27. Luke 1:71,74 75. 
 
 g See on 8,12,34. Deut. 4:28. h 32,33. Josh. 24:14— 20. 1 Kings 18:21. Zeuh. 
 1:5. Matt. 6:24. Rev. 3:15,16. i Ezra 4:1—3. 
 
 ments, and refusal of obedience to those whom his providence 
 has placed over them : and perfidious attempts for deliver- 
 ance, from trouble or thraldom, commonly terminate in deeper 
 misery and ruin. 
 
 V. 7 — 23. When God arises to judgment, all opposition is 
 vain, and only tends to prolong or increase miser}'. He keeps 
 an exact register of our advantages, as well as of our sins and 
 their aggravations : and when the day of retribution arrives, 
 he will produce the whole account ; that all the world may see 
 u he hath not done without cause, all that he hath done” 
 against the workers of iniquity : for the day of his wrath will 
 be the revelation of his righteous judgment; and indeed his 
 justice in the temporal sufferings of guilty nations is frequently 
 evidenced in the same manner. (Note, Ez. 14:22,23.) — No 
 authority or example can bear men out in breaking the com- 
 mandments of God: but the judgments which they have 
 known to be executed upon sinners ; the favours conferred 
 on themselves ; and the testimony of the Lord’s ministers, 
 warning, exhorting, and inviting them to repent and to turn 
 to God, will aggravate the guilt of those, who harden their 
 hearts in disobedience. — Enormous as the outward wicked- 
 ness of the world evidently is, the secret crimes, and sinful 
 thoughts, desires, and purposes of mankind are immensely 
 worse. — Murders, rapines, adulteries, thefts, robberies, and 
 treason, are atrocious evils, which, for the good of society, 
 are marked with a black brand of infamy : yet, in the balance 
 of unbiassed reason, as well as in holy writ, ingrat itude and 
 enmity to God, proud rebellion against him, and contempt, 
 neglect, or defiance of him ; and all the idolatry, or impiety, 
 which result from these propensities, violate still higher obli- 
 gations, with far deeper malignity, and spring from the worst 
 state of the heart imaginable. These evils will therefore be 
 peculiarly considered, in the condemnation of the wicked 
 especially of such as have been favoured with revelation, and 
 the ordinances of God ; and who have been his professed 
 people, outwardly dedicated to him, and admitted into cove- 
 nant with him. — Without turning from every evil way, and 
 unreservedly keeping the commandments and statutes of God, 
 there can be no true godliness: yet, this conversion must 
 spring from a belief of his testimony, both concerning u his 
 wrath revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and un- 
 righteousness of men,” and concerning his mercy in Jesus 
 Christ, to all who repent and embrace this salvation. The 
 rejection of his statutes and covenant is always the effect of 
 unbelief ; through which sinners harden their hearts against 
 the fear of God, exclude the desire of his favour, and obsti- 
 nately set themselves to break his commandments ; and thus 
 following lying vanities, become worthless and base, like their 
 worldly idols. — When sinners have resolutely turned away 
 from God, they not only commit those sins, v. hich promise 
 present advantage or gratification ; but they transgress with 
 out any conceivable temptation, as if they purposely devised 
 to provoke the Lord to anger : and, having sold themselves to 
 do evil, they serve Satan, with greater self-denial, and violence 
 done to their most rational natural affections, than evercouid 
 be required of them in the service of God. He peculiarly 
 abhors those, who seduce or drive others, hv any means, 
 from following him, and cause them to sin against him ; and 
 generations yet unborn may curse the inventors of any false 
 religion, or plausible system of infidelity, as the occasions of 
 their everlasting perdition ; nay, bad examples alone, may 
 render men chargeable with this tremendous guilt of murder- 
 ing the souls of others ; for human nature is far more ready 
 to copy the evil than the good, and to listen to tempters than 
 to monitors. How circumspectly then should we walk, seeing 
 such dreadful consequences may ensue, for ages to come, in 
 various ways, from our misconduct ! 
 
 V. 24 — 41. — When the Lord casts off his professing peo- 
 ple, or delivers them into the hands of their enemies, he will 
 take care of his own glory: and he can let their insulting con- 
 querors know, that they have not prevailed against them for 
 
B. C. 726. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C -25. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Uexekiah reigns veil, abolishes idolatry, and prospers, 1 — 8. In his time Sa - 
 m i/ ia if taken, and Israel carried captive, 9—12, Sennacherib invades 
 Judah, and Hezckiah pays him tribute, 13 — 16. Rabshakeh, sent by Senna- 
 cherib, in un insulting and blasphemous speech, aims to induce the people to 
 revolt, 17—35. Hezekiah's servants hold their pe^ce, and rend their clothes, 
 36, 37. 
 
 N OW it came to pass “in the third year of 
 Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that 
 “Hezekiah the son of Ahaz king of Judah began 
 to reign. 
 
 2 TwAity and five years old was he when he 
 began to reign ; and he reigned twenty and nine 
 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was 
 °Abi the daughter of Zachariah. 
 
 • 3 And he did that which was d right in the 
 
 a 9. 15:30. 17:1. b 16:20. 
 
 2 Chr. 29:1. Matt. 1 :9,10. Ezekia. 
 
 I Chr. 3J3 
 
 c 2 Chr. 29:1. AbijaTi. d 20:3. Ex. 15:26. Deul. 6:18. 2 Chr. 31:20,21. Job 33: 
 27. Ps. 119.128. ll.in. 7.12. Bpfc. 6:1. e 22:2. 1 Kings3:14. 11:4,38. 15:5,11. 
 2 Chr. 29:2. f 12:3. 14:4. 15:4,35. Lev. 26:30. I Kings 3:2.3. 15:14. 22:43. Ps. 
 78:53. Ez. 20:23,29. g 23;4, Sc. Dent. 7:5. 12:2,3. Judg. 6:25,28. 1 Kings 15:12, 
 13. 2 Chr. 19:3. 31:1. 33:3. • Heb. statues, h Nnm. 21:8,9. John 3:14,15. i 16: 
 15. ( That is. <z p iece of brost. ) 19:10. 2 Chr. 32:7,8. Job 13:15. Ps. 13:5.27:1, 
 
 sight of the Lord, 'according to all that David his 
 father did. 
 
 4 H He f removed the high places, and E brak-' 
 the 'images, and cut down the groves, and brake in 
 pieces “the brazen serpent that Moses had made . 
 for ‘unto those days the children of Israel did burr, 
 incense to it : and he called it ^Nehushtan. 
 
 5 He Hrusted in the Lop.d God of Israel ; so 
 that k after him was none like him among all the 
 kings of Judah, nor any that were before him. 
 
 6 For 'he clave to the Lord, and departed not 
 tfrom following him, but “kept his commandments, 
 which the Lord commanded Moses. 
 
 7 And "the Lord was with him: and °he 
 prospered whithersoever he went forth : and he 
 
 th«ir own righteousness, or by their own power ; but that he 
 has been provoked by the sins of those who were called by 
 his name, to give their enemies power against them. (Notes 
 and P. O 1 Sam. 5: 6:) — All rational creatures ought to serve 
 their Creator: and the very heathen, who honour not his 
 M eternal power and Godhead,” and are not thankful for his 
 goodness, are left without excuse: (Note, Rom. 1:1 8 — 20.) 
 yet, that ignorance, which springs from a comparative want 
 of the means of instruction, is an alleviation of the sinner’s 
 guilt, and will plead effectually for the mitigation of his pu- 
 nishment ; and the nearer any approach to u the valley ofvi- 
 sion,” the more inexcusable will they be, if they continue irre- 
 ligious, or attached to absurd and cruel superstitions. — The 
 terror of the Almighty sometimes induces unconverted sinners 
 to a forced or feigned submission: but, when instructed by 
 ignorant or hypocritical teachers, they form very unworthy 
 thoughts of God ; expect to please him by an outside form and 
 a liplabour; and endeavour to reconcile his service with that 
 of Mammon, t he love of the world, and the indulgence of their 
 darling lusts. Thus, slavish fear united with ignorance, pro- 
 duces an unwilling worship, with the worthless dregs of men’s 
 time and spirits, when the prime of them have been spent and 
 exhausted in pursuits and pleasures more agreeable to their 
 carnal minds; and they remain destitute of true repentance, 
 faith, love, and devotedness to God. This kind of religion 
 abounds from age to age, being congenial to the human heart, 
 meeting with little disquietude from the natural conscience, 
 and exciting no opposition from the world ; or from Satan, 
 who willingly compounds to give up a part, for a time, that 
 he may at length engross the whole. Yet, even such a worth- 
 less form of godliness is less dishonourable to the Lord, than 
 the confident presumption of bold hypocrites and apostates. 
 These come short even of this w fear of God and in oppo- 
 sition to the knowledge which they have acquired, they cast 
 his law behind their backs ; set his threatenings, his power, 
 and justice at defiance ; and despise or abuse his mercies and 
 his promises. — If severe afflictions fail to bring such men to 
 repentance, (an affect which they seldom produce,) their ruin 
 will be inevitable and most. tremendous. But, may that “fear 
 of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom,” possess our 
 hearts and influence our conduct, that we may be ready for 
 every change ! Our worldly settlements are precarious : we 
 know not whither we may be driven before we die ; and we 
 must soon leave this world : then u the wicked will be driven 
 away in his wickedness, but the righteous hath hope in his 
 death having u chosen that good part, which shall never be 
 taken from him.” (Notes, Prov. 14:32. Luke 10:38 — 42.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVIII. V. 1. Hoshea seems to have 
 been placed on the throne above four years before the death 
 of Ahaz; but his establishment in quiet possession of the 
 kingdom might take place some time after, from which the 
 third year here mentioned was reckoned. ( Notes, 9,10. 15:30. 
 17:1.) For it is not likely that Hezekiah reigned a year along 
 with his father. 
 
 V. 2. Twenty and Jive, &c.] If we suppose that Ahaz at 
 his death had nearly completed his thirty-seventh year, and 
 Hezekiah was only entering on his twenty-fifth when he be- 
 gan to reign, Ahaz must have been under thirteen years of 
 age, when his son was born ! (16:1,2.) But there are on re- 
 cord well attested instances, especially in those climates, of 
 men having children at as early a period : and there seems 
 to have been a peculiar wisdom of Providence displayed in 
 this uncommon circumstance : for thus Ahaz had a son of ma- 
 ture age to succeed him, when he had filled up so speedily the 
 measure of his iniquities. And as Hezekiah was about nine 
 years of age at the death of Jotham his grandfather, perhaps 
 some good seed, which that pious prince had sown in his ten- 
 der mind, might conduce to the excellency of his character. 
 (Note, 16:3,4.) 
 
 V. 3. After the example of David, Hezekiah was sincerely 
 and inwardly devoted to God ; he delighted in his service, and 
 persevered in promoting the cause of true religion to the end 
 of his days : and, while preserved from scandalous offences, 
 such as David had been botrayed into, he emulated the 
 Vol. I.— S7 
 
 2.46:1,2.84:12.146:5,6. Jer. 17:7,8. Mat,t. 27:43. Eph. 1:12. k 19:15—19.23: 
 25. 2 Chr. 14:11. 16:7—9.20:20,35. 1 Deut. 10:20. Josh. 23:8. Acts 11:23. X Heb. 
 from after him. m 17:13,16,19. Jer. 11:4. John 14:15,21. 15:10,14. 1 John 5:3. 
 n Gen. 21:22. 39.2,3. 1 Sam. 18:14. 2 Chr. 15:2. Ps. 46:11. 60:12. Matt. 1:23. 
 28:20. Acts 7:9,10. o Gen. 39:2. 1 Sam. 18:5,14. mare. 2 Sam. 8:6,14. 
 
 2 Chr. 31:21.32:30. Ps. 1:3. 
 
 strength of his faith, the vigour of his love, and the fervency of 
 his piety. (Notes, 22:1,2. 2 Chr. 31:20,21.) 
 
 V. 4. We shall hereafter meet with a fuller account oi 
 Hezekiah’s reformation. (Notes, 2 Chr. 29: — 31:) — His fa- 
 ther had set him a very bad example, and probably had given 
 him as Ited an education : yet he came to the throne a con- 
 firmed servant of God, full of zeal for his glory, and confidence 
 in his protection and assistance. Isaiah began to prophesy 
 in the reign of Uzziah, or Azariah: (Notes, Is. HI. 6:1 — 4.) 
 and it is highly probable, that Hezekiah became attached to 
 him during Ahaz’s lifetime ; and received from him those in- 
 structions, which, by the blessing of God, rendered him so 
 illustrious an example of genuine piety, wisdom, and holiness, 
 as he proved, notwithstanding the wickedness of his father. 
 The prophet had occasionally been sent to Ahaz ; but he was 
 the friend and counsellor of Hezekiah. — In this reformation, 
 he not only removed the monuments of idolatry, which 
 abounded through the wickedness of Ahaz, his predecessor ; 
 but he suppressed the irregular worship upon the high places, 
 which had subsisted, and been connived at, even by the pious 
 kings of Judah, for many ages: and in doing this he must have 
 risked much opposition even from his own subjects. — One 
 instance of Judah’s idolatry, and of Hezekiah’s reformation, ia 
 mentioned in this place alone. The brazen serpent had been 
 preserved by Israel, as a monument of the miracles wrought 
 by means of it in behalf of their forefathers, in order to excite 
 their gratitude, and encourage their faith and hope. (Notes, 
 Num. 21:6 — 9. John 3:14,15.) We are not informed wherfe 
 it was placed ; but it seems that after a time the people stu- 
 pidly and wickedly made an idol of it, and burnt incense to it ; 
 as if it had wrought the cures, instead of being the external 
 sign of the powerful and merciful interposition of the Lord. 
 Hezekiah finding this idolatry deeply rooted, destroyed the 
 brazen serpent, and called it Nehushtan, or a piece of brass ; 
 (marg.) by way of exposing the folly of those who worship- 
 ped it, when it was of no more value or efficacy than any other 
 piece of brass. — The superstitious veneration paid to sacred 
 relics in the Christian church, and especially the adoration 
 paid to the form of the cross, and even in express words to the 
 wood and nails of it, with all the impostures which have arisen 
 from that absurd idolatry, have been exactly parallel to the 
 worship of the brazen serpent ; and Hezekiah’s example fully 
 authorizes the total abolition or disuse of every thing of that 
 kind in religious worship. There were no relics under the 
 Old Testament-church, except the pot of manna, Aaron’S 
 rod, and this brazen serpent. The two former were pre- 
 served by God’s own appointment, but they were concealed 
 in the holy of holies from popular inspection : the other was 
 preserved by human contrivance, and became an occasion 
 of idolatry, until a pious king, who doubtless recollected with 
 reverence and gratitude the event commemorated by it, de- 
 stroyed it with decided abhorrence. And there never were 
 any relics preserved in the Christian church, however good 
 the intention of the preserver might be, which have not issued 
 in such abuses, superstitions, and impositions, as must cause 
 all judicious friends to the gospel to unite in earnestly pray- 
 ing for their extirpation. Yet, true piety, and fervent affec- 
 tion for holy things and holy men, naturally lead this way 
 unless sound judgment, and considerable acquaintance with 
 human nature, and the history of superstition, counteract their 
 efficacy. 
 
 V. 5, 6. None of the kings of Judah, from the time of the 
 division of the kingdom, equalled Hezekiah in the vigour and 
 simplicity of his dependence upon the Lord ; in which he 
 aspired to an equality with his progenitor David, who had 
 reigned over the whole land. Even Asa, through weakness of 
 faith, sought the assistance of a heathen prince ; and Jeho- 
 shaphat formed an alliance with idolatrous Ahab : but Heze- 
 kiah clave to the Lord in entire confidence and unreserved 
 obedience, to the end of his life. (Notes, 22:1,2. 1 Kings 15: 
 17—24. 2 Chr. 16:7—12. 19:1—4.) 
 
 V. 7. Ahaz had basely made the land tributary to the king 
 of Assyria, to purchase his assistance against the Israelites 
 and Syrians : but Hezekiah, who was under no personal cn 
 
 ( 6S9 ) 
 
C. 713. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 712 
 
 rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served 
 him not. . 
 
 8 He smote ‘'the Philistines, even unto Gaza, 
 and the borders thereof, ‘from the tower of the 
 watchman to the fenced city. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 9 H And it came to pass in ‘the fourth year of 
 
 kin"- Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of 
 Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that ‘Shal- 
 maneser kin^ of Assyria came up against Samana, 
 and besieged it. , „ , • 
 
 c c.-l 10 And at the end of three years “they 
 720. J took it ; even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, 
 (that is, the ninth year of Hoshea king ol Israel,) 
 Samaria was taken. 
 
 1 1 And 'the king of Assyria did carry away 
 
 Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and 
 in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities 
 of the Medes : c , 
 
 12 Because nhey obeyed not the voice ot the 
 Lord their God, but transgressed his covenant, 
 and all that rMoses the servant of the Lord 
 commanded, and would not hear them , nor do 
 
 B^c.i 13 ^ Now in 'the fourteenth year of king 
 71 * * 3 * . J Hezekiah did 'Sennacherib king ot Assyria 
 “come up against all the fenced cities ot Judah, 
 and took them. _ _ . , , . 
 
 14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the 
 
 kin"- of Assyria to Lachish, saying, b I have 
 offended ; return from me : that which thou 
 
 puttest on me I will bear. And the king ot 
 
 Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah 
 three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents 
 
 °* f^And Hezekiah 'gave him all the silver that 
 was found in the. house of the Lord, and in the 
 
 treasures of the king’s house. . . 
 
 16 At that time did Hezekiah cut off the d gold 
 from the doors of the temple of the Lord, and 
 from the pillars which Hezekiah king ol Judah 
 had overlaid, and gave tit to the king oi Assyria. 
 
 [ Practical Observation *.] 
 
 17 H And 'the king of Assyria sent Tartan ru. c. 
 and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish L 2 - 
 to king Hezekiah with a Sgreat host against 
 Jerusalem : and they went up, and came to Je- 
 rusalem : and when they were come up, they 
 came and stood by 'the conduit ot the upper 
 pool, which is in the highway of the fullers 
 
 fie 'l8 And when they had called to the king, there 
 came out to them eEliakim the son oi Hilkiah, 
 which was over the household, and b Shebna the 
 "scribe and Joah the son of Asaph 'the recorder. 
 
 19 And Rabshakeh said unto them, Speak ye 
 now to Hezekiah, 'Thus saith the great king, the 
 king of Assyria, k What confidence is this wherein 
 
 thou trustest? , ... . , v 
 
 20 Thou ’’sayest, (but they are but vain words,) 
 tt/ have counsel and strength for the war. Now 
 on whom dost thou trust, that thou 'rebellest 
 
 against me f _ 
 
 & 2l Now, behold, thou I?trustest upon m the staff 
 
 20 16 7 q2Chr. 28:18. I». 14:29. • Heb. Aszah. r 17:9. 2 Chr 26: 
 
 0 'it 5:2. s I. 17:1— 6. t 17:3. Hos. 10:14 Shalmrm. u Hot. 13.16. 
 
 - .3. g;7. 9:1 — 4. Mic. 1:6 — 9.6:16.7:13. v 17:6. 19:11. 1 Chr. 
 
 ft. 
 
 m&m: *«. 5 * * * * * 11 )- 3 ; «' 25 r 2 7- 
 
 «f7 43 x 17-7-23. Deut 8:20. 11 :28. 29:24-28. 31 :17. Nth. 9:17 Is. 1: 
 
 19 Jer 3:8.7:23. Dan. 9:6-11. Mic.3:4. 2Th«.l:8 1 Pel. 2:8. 4:17. 
 
 - Nura 12 7 Deut. 34:5. Josh. 1:1. 2Tlm.2:24. Heb. 3:5,6. i 2 Chr. 32.1. 
 Is.* 36:1. t Heb. Sanherib. a Is. 7:17, &c. 8:7,8. 10:5. Hos. 12:1,2. b 7. 1 Kings 
 
 gagements to that prince, would not stand to the agreement 
 which his father had formed. (Notes, 16:7— 9. 17.3,4.) Hav- 
 ing set about a complete reformation of religion, and confiding 
 in'the Lord’s assistance, he refused submission to any foreign 
 potentate : and, as the king of Assyria would call this rebel- 
 ling against him, that term is here used. But it does not 
 appear that Hezekiah violated any treaties; and the king ot 
 Assyria could have no just claim to rule over the king of 
 Judah. Some think, however, that he was too precipitate in 
 this measure ; being rather elated by Ins prosperity in other 
 
 transactions^ ^ } The p hiUst i nes had recovered 
 
 strength, in the unsettled state of affairs m Israel and Judah ; 
 but Hezekiah again reduced them to subjection. C/ir. -b. 
 18. Is. 9:12. Note, Is. 14:28—32.) . . 
 
 y 9 — 12. Shalmaneser began the siege ot Samaria, in 
 tne beginning of the fourth year of Hezekiah, and the seventh 
 of Hoshea ; so that the three years' siege was concluded, by 
 the end of the sixth of the former, and the ninth of the latter 
 prince. (Notes, 1. 17:1-11. )-The desolations of Israel 
 would tend to dispose the Jews to concur with Hezekiah, and 
 thus facilitate his endeavours for reformation, as well as 
 quicken him in them. . r ~ » 
 
 V. 13. A few years after the reduction of Samaria, fchal- 
 maneser died, and was succeeded by his son Sennacherib. 
 Shalmaneser doubtless would have attempted to subjugate 
 Hezekiah ; but he was otherwise employed, and this leisure 
 was given to Hezekiah, to effect his reformation without inter- 
 ruption. (Notes, 2 Chr. 29 : — 31:) Sennacherib, as soon as 
 he mounted the throne, emulated his father s military honours, 
 and imitated his example. He therefore purposed to trea 
 Jerusalem and Judah, as Shalmaneser had done Samaria and 
 Israel: and it pleased God to chastise the lukewarmness, 
 hypocrisy, or reluctancy, with which many of 'he Jews con- 
 curred in Hezekiah’s reformation, and-to try Ins faith, and that 
 of other believers, by permitting this potent monarch to reduce 
 the other fenced cities and strong holds of Judah, and to 
 threaten Jerusalem with a siege. ( Notes, 2 Chr. 3-1. is. 
 
 7:17 — 25. 8:6 — 8. 10:5 — 14,28 — 34. 36:1,2.) 
 
 y 14 — 16. Some expositors charge Hezekiah with crimi- 
 nality, in revolting from the king of Assyria: but he seems 
 rather to have sinned by yielding to him in so timid a manner. 
 He evidently distrusted God’s protection: (Note, Gen. 12.lt 
 -If..) and by confessing to the haughty conqueror that he 
 had offended, and was ready to submit to any imposition that 
 he laid upon him; and by hiring his departure with Ins own 
 treasures, and the gold of the temple, he invited and encou- 
 raged his further impositions. The event shows, that it he 
 hac boldly stood out, and committed his cause to God, lie 
 would have been protected. But though Hezekiah s conduct 
 might perhaps be reprehensible ; yet it served to rentier ben- 
 nachtr'b’s subsequent violence more inexcusable. 1 rotiamy, 
 
 ( 690 t 
 
 20:4. Prov. 29:25. Luke 14:32. c 12:18.16:8. 1 Kines lSiiSJS.lS. 2 Chr. 16:2. 
 
 j | K" lrit7 o fi.Qi 35 o Chr 29:3. 1 Heb. them, e 2 Chr. 32:9. Ib. 20. 1.36. .4. 
 
 t aSKir f -1:20 Is 7:3. ».*itl. 36:2 ,1 9:2. ... «:»-». 36:3,®. 37: 
 
 ?*K h 34 ^’ lo’T.' A MW. Bd* Dam 4° m. 
 
 ®?ll,li 3 *19:. C 0 hr 2 Clfr*. 
 
 .. , .. n i ...j .rii.. i:.n. +t Or huf r nuns el and. stTWBth, are JOT 1/16 
 
 talkest. 
 war. 
 
 ,29,30 19:10. 2 Chr. 32:7,8,10,1 1,14— 16. Ps. 4:2 Is. 36:4,7 37:10 3 Or. 
 
 est. •• Heb. uordof the lips, tt Or, but counsel and *'>"’/'*! *r«/2 r .<*• 
 . Pros. 21:30.31. 114. ft Heb . trust'll thee, m Is. 3b. 6. Lt. 29.6,7. 
 
 Ahaz had cut off the gold from the doors and pillars of the 
 temple, and Hezekiah had replaced it: yet he too, in this 
 emergency, cut it off to purchase peace. (Marg. HeJ. 
 
 Notes, 2 Chr. 32:3— 8.) . , . 
 
 V 17 This second invasion is computed by some learned 
 
 men to have been three years after the former agreement ; 
 during which time Sennacherib was occupied in other wars. 
 But it seems more probable from the narrative, that he 
 returned the ensuing year. (Note, Is. 36:2.) Hirai», , how- 
 ever, accomplished his other projects, and being lifted up with 
 pride, he was determined, without provocation, to reduce 
 Judah and Jerusalem, and to treat the inhabitants as his 
 father had done those of Samaria. (Notes, Is. 10 8 14. 33. 
 
 5 9.) He therefore sent his commanders with a large army 
 
 to encamp against that city, being himself engaged in bcsieg- 
 ; n „ T ac hish • (2 Chr. 32:9.) and they were instructed to sum- 
 mon Hezekiah to surrender at discretion, having doubtless 
 particular orders what to say to hint or his envoys, on that 
 
 Sah Stood by the conduit, &c.l ‘They took up their head- 
 quarters, as we now speak, by the conduit, or canal, into 
 which water was derived from the upper fishpond or pool, 
 which was in the highway to the field, where the fullers, 
 after they had washed their clothes in the pool, wtre wont to 
 spread them.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V 18 Hezekiah, though summoned to a personal confe- 
 rence did not choose to trust himself with his perfidious and 
 domineering invaders; and therefore he appointed commis- 
 sioners, or deputies, to attend in Ins name. (Marg. tiej. 
 Notes, 2 Sam. 8:15—18. Is. 22:15—25. 36:3.) 
 
 v 19 Rabshakeh, &<:.] This man is reported by tradition 
 to have been an apostate Jew; which supposition, It well 
 grounded, may account both for his fluency m speaking the 
 Hebrew tongue, and concerning the God of Israel; and for 
 his imbittered enmity against true religion. 
 
 V. 20, 21. It does not appear that Hezekiah, after the 
 preceding agreement, had refused to pay tribute to the king 
 of Assyria, or had attempted to shake off his yoke : but when 
 he found him determined to destroy Jerusalem and enslave 
 its inhabitants, he refused to surrender at discretion, and pre- 
 pared to stand a siege ; and this was deemed rebellion and 
 the most unreasonable presumption ! ( Note, R mgs -0:2 
 
 11 ) Rabshakeh supposed that Hezekiah had neither coun- 
 sel nor strength for such a war: and indeed he did not place 
 his dependence on his own wisdom, or on the number and 
 valour of his troops. — Iloshoa had confided in the lung ol 
 Egypt, and had been deceived and ruined by that confidence: 
 
 ( Note , 17:4.) and if Hezekiah had done the same, lie might 
 have proved to him like a bruised cane, which deceives those 
 who lean upon it, and not only lets them fall, hut pierces or 
 wounds their hands. (Note, Ez. 2“-fi,7.) He, however, naa 
 not put his trust in Egypt for chartois ui..' norsem-n ; thongi. 
 
B. C. 712. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 B. C. 712 
 
 of this bruised reed, even "upon Egypt, on which 
 if a man lean, it will go into his hand and pierce 
 it ; °so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that 
 trust on him. 
 
 22 But if ye say unto me, rWe trust in the 
 Loro our God : is not that he iwhose high places 
 and whose altars Hezekiah hath taken away, 
 and hath said to Judah and Jerusalem, Ye shall 
 worship before this altar in Jerusalem? 
 
 23 Now therefore, I pray thee, give 'pledges to 
 my lord the king of Assyria; and r I will deliver 
 thee two thousand horses, if thou be able on thy 
 part to set riders upon them. 
 
 24 How then ‘wilt thou turn away the face of 
 one captain of the least of my master’s servants, 
 and put Hhy trust on Egypt for “chariots and for 
 horsemen ? 
 
 25 Am y I now come lip without the Lord 
 against this place to destroy it? The Lord said 
 to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it. 
 
 26 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and 
 Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I 
 pray thee, to thy servants x in the Syrian lan- 
 guage ; for we understand it : and talk not with 
 us in the Jews’ language, in the ears of the people 
 that are on the wall. 
 
 27 But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my 
 master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to 
 speak these words? hath he not sent me to the 
 men which sit on the wall, that they may reat 
 their own dung, and drink ’their own piss with 
 you ? 
 
 28 Then "Rabshakeh stood and cried with a 
 
 „ Is. 30:2,7. 31:1— 3. o 17:4. Jer. 46:17. p 5. Dan. 3:15. Matt. 27:43. q4. 
 J Clir. 31:1. 32:12. Is. 36:7. 1 Cor. 2:15. • Heb. hostages, r 1 Sam. 
 
 17:42—14. I Kings 20:10,18. Neb. 4:2—5. Ps. 123:3,4. Is. 10:13,14. 30:8, 
 S. s Is. 10:8. Dan. 2:37,38. 4:22,37. t 21. See on Deut. 17:16. Is. 31:1,3. 
 86:6,9. Jer. 37:7 . 42:14—18. He. 17:15,17. u Ps. 20:7,8. * 19:6,22, &c. 
 
 1 Kings 13:18. 2 Chr. 35:21. Is. 10:5,6. xEzrn4:7. Is. 36:11,12. Dan. 2:4. 
 y 6:25. Deut. 28:53 — 57. Ps. 73:8. Lam. 4:5. Ez. 4:13. t Heb. the water of their 
 feet. z2Chr. 32:18. Is 36:13— 18. a 19. Ezra 7:12. Ps. 47:2. Is. 10:8— 13. 
 Ez. 29:3. 31.3— 10. Rev. 19:16. b 2 Chr. 32:11,15. Dan. 3:15— 17. 6:16. John 
 
 probably many of his nobles were disposed to that measure, 
 and some engagements of that kind had before been attempt- 
 ed. (Notes, Is. 30:1 — 7. 31:1 — 5.) — Vain words. (20) “Word 
 of tile lips.” Marg. % 
 
 V. 22. The Assyrians had learned that Hezekiah professed 
 to confide in God : and Rabshakeh combatted that confidence, 
 by inquiring how he could presume to expect assistance from 
 him, whose altars and high places he had destroyed? (Notes, 
 4. 2 Chr. 31:1.) For he ignorantly supposed that the Lord 
 would be pleased, and deem himself honoured, in proportion 
 to the number of the temples and altars dedicated to him, 
 though erected contrary io his express command ; and there- 
 fore he concluded that Hezekiah had forfeited God’s protec- 
 tion, by that very reformation which ensured it. ( Notes, Num. 
 23:1,2,4 — 15. 1 Cor. 2:14 — 16.) As none of the kings who sup- 
 ported the worship of Jehovah, and reformed religion, had 
 ventured to take away the high places, this gave the greater 
 plausibility to the objection. (Note, 4.) 
 
 V. 23, 24. If Hezekiah would give security, that he would 
 submit in case of failure, Rabshakeh vaunted that, he would 
 send him two thousand horses, provided he could find men to 
 ride them. By this he meant to insult and expose Hezekiah's 
 inability to resist the immense army of Sennacherib ; or even 
 a small detachment of it, under the command of the least of 
 his captains. But tfie Israelites were forbidden to multiply 
 chariots and horses, and Hezekiah had learned to depend on 
 a firmer support. (2 Chr. 32:6 — 8. Notes, Deut. 17:16. Ps. 
 20 : 6 — 8 .) 
 
 V. 25. Rabshakeh intended to discourage the people, and 
 to induce them to a revolt. Samaria had been destroyed 
 according to the denunciations of Jehovah, and Shalmane- 
 ser had been considered as his instrument in that destruction. 
 The Jews also were menaced with judgments for their sins, 
 and Rabshakeh affected to believe, that Sennacherib was com- 
 missioned to execute similar vengeance on Jerusalem. ( Note, 
 2 Chr. J5:20 — 24. Is. 36:10.) But there was no truth in his 
 assertion, which the late effectual reformation might inspire 
 the people with confidence to disregard ; and the impiety of 
 pretending, that Sennacherib came by the command of Jeho- 
 vah, when he was entirely instigated by ambition, resentment, 
 vid rapacity, and when he treated God himself in the most 
 blasphemous manner, was horrible profaneness. (Notes, 19- 
 4,25—28. 2 Chr. 32:9 — 16, v. 15. 17— 22, v. 19. Is 10:5—15.) 
 
 V. 26. The ambassadors fully understood the drift of Rab- 
 shakeh’s discourse, and reasonably and mildly required him 
 jo make his proposals to them in the Syrian language ; and 
 ■lot to address himself to the people, who were not proper 
 
 jdges jn such matters, by speaking in the language of the 
 Jews. (Marg. Ref .) 
 
 v. 27. These were hyperbolical expressions, denoting the 
 
 loud voice in the Jews’ language, and spake, say- 
 ing, Hear the word ol'Hhe great king, the king of 
 Assyria : 
 
 29 Thus saith the king, b Let. not Hezekiah de- 
 ceive you : for he shall not be able to deliver you 
 out ol his hand : 
 
 30 Neither let Hezekiah “make you trust in the 
 Lord, saying, The Lord will surely deliver us, 
 and d this city shall not be delivered into the hand 
 of the kin^ of Assyria. 
 
 31 Hearken not unto Hezekiah : for thus saith the 
 king of Assyria, tJVIake an agreement with me by 
 a present, and come out to me, and then e eat ye 
 every man of his own vine, and every one of his 
 fig-tree, and drink ye every one the waters of his 
 ^cistern : 
 
 32 Until flcome and take you away to a land 
 elike your own land, a land of corn and wine, a 
 land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil-olive 
 and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and 
 hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he “persuadeth 
 you, saying, The Lord will deliver us. 
 
 33 Hath h any of the gods of the nations de- 
 livered at all his land out of the hand of the king 
 of Assyria ? 
 
 34 Where are 'the gods of Hamath, and of 
 Arpad ? where are k the gods of Sepharvaim, 
 Hena, and Ivah ? ‘have they delivered Samaria out 
 of my hand ? 
 
 35 Who are they among all the gods of the 
 countries that have delivered their country out of 
 my hand, That the Lord should deliver Jeru 
 salem out of my hand? 
 
 ♦ 
 
 19:10,11. 2 Thes. 2:4. c22. 19:10,22. Pa. 4:2. 11:1.22:7,8.71:9,11. Mai.. 27:43. 
 Luke 23:35. d 19:32 — 34. J Or, Seek my favour. Heb. Make withmea blessing. 
 Gen. 32:20. 33:11. Prov. 18:16. e 1 Kings 4:20,25. Zech. 3:10. %Qr,]>it. fll. 
 17:6,23.24:14—16.25:11. g Ex. 3:8. Num. 13:26,27. 14:8. Dent . 8:7— 9. 1 1 : 12. 
 32:13,14. i| Or, deceiveth. 29. h 19:12,17,18. 2 Chr. 32:14-17,19. Is. 10:10,11. 
 36:18—20. i 19:13. Num. 13:21. 2 Sum. 8:9. Jer. 49:23. k 17:24— 33. Ava. la. 
 36:18,19.37:11,12,18,19. 117:6,23,24,30,31.19:12,13. m Ex. 5:2. 2 Chr. 32:15. 
 Job 15:25,26. Is. 10:15. 37:23—29. Dan. 3:15. 
 
 utmost extremities of famine, which the people must expect 
 to endure, in case they dared to resist the king of Assyria. 
 (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 28 — 35. Rabshakeh supposed that the Assyrian mo- 
 narchs had overpowered the gods, as well as the kings, of all 
 the nations which they had subjected; and that Jehovah 
 was no more powerful than the rest of them : and therefore 
 if the Jews regarded Hezekiah’s persuasions, and expected 
 help from the Lord, they would certainly be deceived, for he 
 would never be able to deliver'them. What mean thoughts 
 of the infinite God, and what arrogant thoughts of himself, 
 must have possessed the mind of Sennacherib, who doubtless 
 had instructed his servant, to speak of him in this style ! The 
 gods of Hamath, &c. were mere idols, not able to do good or 
 evil. The people of Samaria had provoked the Lord to sell 
 them into the hands of their enemies ; and the idols, which 
 they had chosen, were indeed unable to defend them: but, 
 soon after, the new inhabitants experienced to their loss, that 
 the God of their land could, if he had so pleased, have deli- 
 vered Samaria out of the hand of the king of Assyria. (17: 
 25,26. 19:17 — 19. 2 Chr. 32:19.) Surely, if this proud worm 
 had not been intoxicated with success, he must have admitted, 
 that somewhere in the universe there was a power superior 
 to that of mortal man ! and if so, it must be highly irrational 
 thus to set at defiance “all that was called God, or worship- 
 ped !” But, by this blasphemy the Lord was expressly en- 
 gaged in the cause ; and his honour required him to crush the 
 self-important wretch, who dared to exalt himself against 
 him : so that the greatest kindness imaginable was done to 
 the king and the people of Judah, by this language of impiety 
 and defiance. (Notes, 19:1,14— 19, v. 19. 25—29. Ps. 79:8 — 
 
 1 3. /s. 10:15 — 19.) — The proposal made to the people was 
 not very alluring, unless they could be previously terrified 
 with the dread of impending destruction: for Rabshakeh 
 avowed the intention of extorting more money from them 
 and only of permitting them to continue in their own land, til 
 the king had leisure to remove them to another: and the fei- 
 tility of that other country was not likely to be very uscl.nl to 
 those, who were to be captives and slaves in it. But who 
 could have depended upon the word of such a man, if he had 
 made more equitable proposals ? — Rabshakeh, however, ar- 
 gued very plausibly on his own principles, and his eloquence 
 has been much admired : but when a man addresses himself 
 to an uninformed populace, and has sufficient effrontery, and 
 no reserves as to what he says, be it ever so false, impious, 
 or malignant, provided it is suited to inflame their passions, to 
 excite their fears or terrors, and to set them against the rulers 
 whom God has placed over them ; eloquence requires com- 
 paratively no great talent or genius. 
 
 V. 36, 37. Hezekiah was aware what sort of language 
 
 < 691 ) 
 
B 712. 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C "’2 
 
 36 But the people "held their peace, and 
 answered him not a word : for the king’s com- 
 mandment was, saying, Answer him not. 
 
 37 Then came Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, 
 
 which was over the household, and Sheona i..e 
 scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder, to 
 Hezekiah °with their clothes rer.t and told him 
 the words of Rahshakeh. 
 
 n Ps. 38:13,14. 30:1. Prov. 9:7. 26:4. Am. 5:13. Malt. 1:6. o 5:7. 23:11,19. 
 
 Gen. 37:29,34. Job 1:20. Is. 33:7. 36:21,22. Jer. 36:24. Malt. 26:65. 
 
 Rahshakeh would employ, and had wisely counselled his en- 
 voys, and commanded the people, to hold their peace ; lest 
 they should get engaged in a reviling contention, or provoke 
 him to further impiety. 4 This was a wise order ; . . . and it 
 was no less pious : for Hezekiah believed that God would an- 
 swer for himself, not in words, but in such deeds as would 
 demonstrate that he was above all gods.’ Bp. Pa/rich. In 
 abhorrence, however, of his blasphemy, and in grief for the 
 afflicted estate of the nation, the ambassadors rent their 
 clothes, and returned to the king. ( Notes , Is. 33:7 — 13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. In times of increasing impiety we should not 
 despond, as if things must necessarily proceed from bad to 
 worse ; for the Lord is able to give them an unexpected and 
 effectual turn. From the most abandoned families he some- 
 times raises up the brightest ornaments and most useful 
 friends of true religion, to illustrate the sovereignty and power 
 of his grace : and when parents have been notoriously pro- 
 fane and wicked, their children should not hesitate to express, 
 by an opposite conduct , a decided disapprobation of their 
 crimes, and to counteract to the utmost the effects of them on 
 others ; whether they have occupied a public, or a more pri- 
 vate station in society : for, when the honour of God is con- 
 cerned, the reputation of the nearest relatives is entitled to a 
 very subordinate regard. (Notes, Matt. 10:37 — 39. Luke 14: 
 25—27. 2 Cor. 5:16. Note and P. O. 1 Pet. 1:17— 21.)— It 
 is not enough, that we do not imitate the conduct of atrocious 
 offenders, or that we tread in the steps of those, who have 
 upon the whole served God sincerely : but we should aim 
 high ; and, in aspiring at that eminence which the Scripture 
 proposes, we should set before our eyes the most approved 
 patterns, whose actions are there recorded ; that we may 
 follow those who have most nearly followed Christ, and most 
 effectually served God and their generation ; and thus be- 
 come good examples for others to copy. (Note, 1 Thes. 1: 
 5—8.) — In attempting personal or public reformation, those 
 things should be removed or avoided, which have proved 
 occasions of evil, though not sinful in themselves. Human 
 depravity is prone to pervert the bounty of Providence into 
 fuel for sinful lusts ; and, in some circumstances, is equally 
 propense t o abuse the peculiar mercies of God inlo occasions 
 of superstition and idolatry. It is natural to fallen man to 
 put the creature in the place of the Creator, and to regard 
 the instrument , rather than the Author, of our comforts : and 
 though this is more evidently absurd when the instrument is 
 irrational or inanimate ; it is equally idolatrous, when the 
 most exalted of intelligent agents are thus unduly honoured. 
 However excellent, useful, or deserving of honour, such 
 creatures have been ; when they are thus idolized, their com- 
 parative meanness and worthlessness ought to be exposed, 
 and the abuse of them treated with the deepest indignation 
 and abhorrence : nay, it were better that the most exalted 
 creature should perish, than that God should be dishonoured 
 ■)y having the least of his glory given to another. Much more 
 then, should every monument of his former mercies be extir- 
 pated, when it becomes the occasion of fatal delusions ; and 
 the perversion cannot otherwise effectually be prevented : but 
 the propriety of •such a measure is still more conspicuous, j 
 when the relic, or the custom, was originally the creature of, 
 superstition, a mere human invention, perhaps the result of j 
 fraud and imposture. True faith needs not such aids to devo- i 
 tion : the word of God, daily meditated upon, leads the mind ! 
 to realize past, future, and invisible things, as if present : thus 
 every good end proposed by other expedients is answered, j 
 without the danger to which they expose us : and the simple 
 scriptural use of the sacramental signs, and pledges of hea- 
 venly tilings, may effectually be preserved from such abuse, 
 and answer every purpose, which can be obtained bv pre- 
 senting the objects of our faith to our bodily senses, in any 
 way not warranted by the w r ord of God ; which only tends to 
 distract the mind, to interrupt the simple exercise of faith, to 
 ex'dte spurious affections, to deprave the imagination vvi'h 
 gross and fa ] se notions of heavenly things, and to introduce, | 
 either absurd superstition, or wild enthusiasm. — Those, who ; 
 most entirely trust in God, will feel themselves most effec- | 
 tually emancipated from other dependences, and from the | 
 dominion of every other master ; and will be encouraged to j 
 resist every enemy and rival, “that they may cleave to the ! 
 Lord, and not depart from following him, and keeping his 
 commandments.” 
 
 V. 9 — 16. While the interests of religion decline or are j 
 run own in one place, the Lord takes care that they shall j 
 revive and flourish in another. The judgments, which dcso- i 
 .ate degenerate churches and nations, instead of injuring his I 
 cause, tend to warm, animate, and embolden others in per- j 
 Ronal religion, and in attempting public reformation ; nay, ■ 
 they often facilitate the work of active instruments in religious | 
 revivals, bv intimidating opposers, and exciting those who j 
 were indifferent, or reluctant to assist. — Yet, the believer, ' 
 when pursuing heavenly things, and seeking the glory of God, ! 
 with the greatest simplicity and most vigourous affections I 
 ( 692 ) 
 
 must stand prepared for trouble. For a time, he may enjoy 
 the sunshine of peace and prosperity, to encourage him in 
 his labour of love, and to enable him to bring it to some es- 
 tablishment; and “whatsoever he doeth” shall eventually 
 44 prosper.” Bur, when the Almighty is pleased to remove 
 his restraining hand, Satan and wicked men will assault him, 
 with rancour and vehemence proportioned to his zeal and 
 success : and the Lord often permits them to do this : for he 
 regards not so much the present transient feelings of his be 
 loved servants, as the final happy and glorious event of their 
 trials and conflicts. Nations also may meet with public 
 calamities, when true religion is most vigourously and suc- 
 cessfully promoted, by the general concurrence of all orders 
 of men. (Notes, 2 Chr. 20:1 — 4. Ps. 44:17— 22.) The secret 
 dislike, the hypocrisy, and the lukew'arntness of numbers, re- 
 quire correction : while trials tend to purify the faith and 
 hope of upright persons ; to bring them to greater simplicity 
 in their zeal for the honour of God, and in their dependence 
 on his help ; and to increase the fervency of their addresses 
 at the throne of grace : and thus they make way for the fuller 
 display of the glory of God in their deliverance. Yet, in 
 such trying situations the strongest believers are apt to waver, 
 to make improper concessions, and to speak and act unad- 
 visedly. — Whatever is withheld or withdrawn from God, 
 which has been or ought to be devoted to him, m order to 
 purchase exemption from trouble, or peace with the enemies 
 of his church, will eventually occasion our shame, and involve 
 us in greater difficulities. 
 
 V. 17 — 37. No dependence can be placed on the engage- 
 ments of the covetous or ambitious : and all attempts to pur- 
 chase their favour, or to sooth them into peace, arc vain. 
 When it is in their power, they will find some pretence for 
 seizing on those possessions which they covet, while every 
 acquisition increases their insatiable rapacity. Success in 
 wickedness elates them with pride and insolence; they for- 
 get that they are men, or have any superior ; and treat all 
 as enemies or rebels, who do not implicitly comply w ith their 
 exorbitant demands. Our only safety then consists, in com- 
 mitting our persons, property, connexions, reputations, liberty, 
 and every thing which we value, into the powerful keeping of 
 our God, in the exercise of'failh, and by adhering to the path 
 of duty. — 44 The* tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poi- 
 son ; it setteth on fire the whole course of nature, and is set 
 on fire of hell.” What pride, reproaches, lies, impiety, athe- 
 ism, and blasphemy have, in all age#, been vented by it, to 
 the dishonour of God, and the unutterable injury of mankind 
 We may form some estimate of the desperate wickedness of 
 the human heart, from the horrible language which is uttered 
 by the lips of men ; 44 for out of the abundance of the heart 
 the mouth speaketh.” (Notes, Matt . 12:31 — 37. Jam. 3:3 — 6.) 
 May the Lord replenish our hearts with his grace, that out 
 of that good treasure we may speak such things, and such 
 only, as may “minister grace unto the hearers !” If, indeed, 
 “as the fool hath said in his heart, there were no God,” it 
 would in general be vain and presumptuous for the weaker to 
 resist the stronger : but, as “the Lord doeth what he will in 
 the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the 
 earth;” so, 44 the race is not always to the swift nor the bat- 
 tle to the strong.” All confidence in man may justly be ex- 
 ploded, as leaning on a broken staff, which will not only fail, 
 but also wound : and dependence on our own counsel and 
 might, whatever proportion they may bear to those of our 
 opponents, is equally vain and fallacious. ButourGod never 
 fails those who trust in him : in this confidence the believer, 
 when more conscious of his own extreme debility, than his 
 insulting foes can conceive, may boldly defy the most potent 
 of them; and if they deride this dependence on the omnipo- 
 tent God, they only engage him, 44 for his own name’s sake.” 
 the more decisively to fight against them ; and to turn their 
 vaunrings and threatenings into confusion, dismay, and ruin. 
 — When they, who have domineered over their fellow worms, 
 presume to assault those whom the God of heaven protects; 
 they will soon feel their inability to resist bis power, or to en- 
 dure the weight of his indignation. Yet many who atheisti- 
 cally, or impiously, deny his existence, blaspheme his truths, 
 or condemn his authority ; inconsistently, upon other occa- 
 sions, advance clai iris to his favour, and express thefr expec- 
 tations that he will prosper their wicked devices! Because 
 they have succeeded in exposing or seducing hypocritical and 
 degenerate professors of Christianity ; they triumph as if they 
 had, or soon should, completely ruin the cause of vital godli- 
 ness, anti prevail against the house of David and his king 
 dom, which is founded upon an immoveable foundation. 
 Numbers also, ignorantly and absurdly, suppose those things 
 to be pleasing to God, which he most abhors ; because ‘hey 
 form their judgments on the deductions of their own under- 
 standings, or on the traditions and authority of men, and not 
 on the plain and sure testimonies of the sacred Scriptures 
 44 For the things of the. Spirit of God are fo lishness to the 
 natural man.” Hence they embolden themselves, and en- 
 deavour to discourage scriptural worshippers, upon the mos 
 
B. C. 712. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. * B. C. 712 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Bezekiah in distress tends to desire Isaiah's prayers , and receives an encou- 
 raging answer, 1—7. Sennacherib, going to oppose the king of Ethiopia , 
 sends a blasphemous letter to Hezekiah , 8 — 13. Hit prayer on the receipt of 
 it, 14 — 19. Isaiah, in the name of God , rebuking the proud blasphemies of 
 Sennacherib, foertells his Overthrow, and the prosperity of Zion,V. 0 — 34. An 
 angel destroys the Assyrian army, 35. Sennacherib is slain by his own sons, 
 in the temple of hit idol, 36, 37. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, “when king Hezekiah 
 heard it, that b he rent his clothes, and 
 “covered himself with sackcloth, and ''went into 
 the house of the Lord. 
 
 2 And “he sent Eliakim, which was over the 
 household, and Shebna the scribe, and -the elders 
 of the priests, covered with sackcloth, f to Isaiah 
 the prophet sthe son of Amoz. 
 
 3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, 
 h This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, 
 and ‘blasphemy: Tor the children are come to 
 the birth, and there is not strength to bring 
 tbrth. 
 
 4 It may be k the Lord thy God will hear all the 
 words of Rabshakeh, ‘whom the king of Assyria 
 his master hath sent to reproach the living God ; 
 and will "reprove the words which the Lord thy 
 God hath heard : wherefore "lift up thy prayer 
 for "the remnant that are deft. 
 
 a Is. 37:1. b 5:7. 18:37. 1 Sam. 4:12. Ezra 9:3. Job 1:20. Jit. 36:24. Malt. 26: 
 65. c 6:31). Gen. 37:34. 1 Kings 21:27,29. Eslh. 4:1— 4. Ps. 35:13. John 3:8. 
 Matt. 11:21. d«Chr. 7:15,16. Job 1:20,21. e 18:18. 22:13,14. Is. 37:2— 5. C2 
 Clir. 26:22. Malt. 4:14. Luke 3 4. E tains. g Is. 11. 21. h 18:29. Ps. 39:11. 
 123:3,4. Jer.30;5 — 7. Hos. 5:15. 6:1. * Or, provocation. Ps. 95:8. Heb. 3:15, 
 16. i Is. 26:17,18. 66:9. IIos. 13:13. k Geu. 22: 14. Deut. 32:36. Josh. 14:12. 
 I Sam. 14:6. 2 Sam. 16:12. 1 18:17—35. m 22. 1 Sam. 17:45. Pa. 50:21. 74: 
 18. n 2 Chr. 32:20. Ps. 50:15. Jer. 33:3. Ez. 36:37. Jam. 5:16,17. o 17:5,6. 18: 
 
 false and preposterous grounds. Such cavils, objections, and 
 arguments have no weight with the established believer : and 
 Jierefore these men pretend to despise him, that they may 
 address the prejudices and passions of the ignorant, unstable, 
 and unthinking multitude, with whom their specious declama- 
 tions go further than either solid arguments or scriptural tes- 
 timonies. They endeavour to insinuate, that the persons, 
 who labour to prevail with them to trust and serve God, ac- 
 cording to the plain meaning of his holy word, are deceivers, 
 to whom they cannot safely attend : and, while they are only 
 aiming at the gratification of their own ambition or avarice, 
 they profess great compassion and kindness for them, are 
 lavish of good words, and set before them alluring prospects 
 of felicity. ’ But, it is often best to leave persons of this 
 description to rail and blaspheme, without directly answering ; 
 because such attempts ordinarily increase their self import- 
 ance, and tend to disseminate still more widely the effect of 
 their poisonous tenets ; while a decided expression of abhor- 
 rence of t heir guilt generally forms the best testimony against 
 them. The matter must be left to the Lord, who has all 
 hearts in his hands : he will plead his own cause, and that of 
 his truth and people ; and our safety and duty consist in com- 
 mitting ourselves into his hands, by humble submission, be- 
 lieving hope, and fervent prayer. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. I. Hezekiah, by rending 
 his garments and clothing himself in sackcloth, expressed his 
 abhorrence of Rabshakeh’s blasphemy ; his grief for the 
 afflictions of his people; and his humble consciousness of his 
 own and his people’s unworthiness, and need of pardoning 
 mercy ; while he wholly depended upon God for protection. 
 
 V. 'i. Isaiah had at this time prophesied almost fifty years, 
 if he entered upon that office only a short time before the 
 death of Uzziah: for he prophesied, in the days of Uzziah, 
 who died about 758 before Christ ; and these transactions 
 occurred about 712. (Notes, ts. 1:1. 6:1 — 4, v. 1.) It must be 
 supposed that Hezekiah had often consulte.d him : and the 
 nature of this message implies a previous acquaintance, and a 
 mutual confidence. (Note, 18:4.) Isaiah’s visits to Hezekiah, at 
 and after his sickness, are thought by some to have taken place 
 before this, though recorded afterwards ; (20:) and many parts 
 of his prophecy evidently refer to these events. — In this emer- 
 gency therefore Hezekiah sent to Isaiah the prophet, rather 
 than to the high-priest; though he had employed the priests 
 and Levites in his reformation. Perhaps Urijah was still 
 living, or some other high-priest too much resembling him in 
 character. (Note, 16:10 — 16.) There seems, however, to 
 nave been an intended slight upon the high-priest. Some 
 •earned men indeed think, that the appointed method of in- 
 quiring of God by the high-priest, was disused from the time 
 that the temple was built : but this can only be collected from 
 the silence of Scripture, as no express declaration to that 
 effect is recorded. — Shebna, who was employed on this occa- 
 sion, as well as in receiving the message of Rabshakeh, is 
 elsewhere represented in an unfavourable light. (Notes, Is. 
 22:15 — 19.) For pious persons cannot always employ such 
 characters, and such only, as they approve. The elders of 
 the priests accompanied the chief officers of the king, in going 
 x> the prophet: and they all went to him in the habit of 
 ■mourners and penitents. 
 
 V. 3. It was not only a season of great distress to Israel ; 
 
 5 So the servants of king Hezekiah came to 
 Isaiah. 
 
 6 H And Plsaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye 
 say to your master, Thus saith the Lord, ^Be not 
 afraid of the words which thou hast heard, with 
 which r the servants of the king of Assyria have 
 blasphemed me. 
 
 7 Behold, I will send ’a blast upon him, and he 
 shall ‘hear a rumour, and shall return to his own 
 land; and "I will cause him to fall by the sword in 
 his own land. 
 
 8 H So Rabshakeh returned, and found the 
 king of Assyria warring against *Libnah : for he 
 had heard that he was departed Jfrom Lachish. 
 
 9 And “when he heard say of Tirhakah kins: of 
 Ethiopia, Behold, he is come out to fight against 
 thee : “he sent messengers again unto Hezekiah, 
 saying, 
 
 10 Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of 
 Judah, saying, b Let not thy God in whom thou 
 trustest deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not. 
 be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria. 
 
 11 Behold “thou hast heard what the kings of 
 Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them 
 utterly : and shalt thou be delivered ? 
 
 13. 2 Cliv. 28:5.6. In. 8:7,8. 10:6. t Heb. found, pis. 37:6, 7. q 6:16. Ex. 14: 
 
 13. Lev. 26:8. Deut. 20: 1,3,4. Josh. 11:6. 2 Chr. 20:15,17. Is. 41:10—14. 51:7, 
 12,13. r 18:35. Ps. 74:18,23. Rev. 13:6. s 35,37. Job 4:9. Ps. 1 1 :6. 18:14,15 . 
 50:3, Is. 10:16—18. 11.4. Jer. 51:1. 1 7:6. Job 15:21. Jer. 49:14.51:45. Oh. 1. 
 u 36,37 . 2 Chr. 32:21. x 8:22. Josh. 10:29. 12:15 15:42. y 18:14. Josh. 12:11 . 
 15:39. Is. 37:8,9. Mic. 1:13. z 1 Sam. 23:27,28. Is. 37:9. a 18:17. bl8:5,29, 
 30. 2 Chr. 32:15— 19. Is. 37:10— 14. c 17,18. 17:5, &c. 18:33,34. 2 Chr.32:13, 
 
 14. Is. 10:8—11. 
 
 but the confidence of the king, in the protection of God, was 
 rebuked by Rabshakeh in the name of Sennacherib, as a 
 groundless presumption, and the name of Jehovah was blas- 
 phemed on that account. Indeed the affairs of Judah were 
 come to a crisis: every thing valuable was at stake. As the 
 woman in travail, who has not strength to bring forth, must 
 die, if she he not speedily assisted ; so, Hezekiah and his 
 people, in their pressing necessity, were utterly unable to do 
 any thing effectual to extricate themselves, and must perish 
 without immediate help from God. (Note, Hos. 13:12,13.) 
 
 V. 4. Hezekiah’s confidence in God was in some respects 
 encouraged by the blasphemy of the Assyrians. For though 
 he and his people were unworthy of the divine favour ; yet it 
 was proper for the Lord to rebuke and silence the reproach- 
 ful words which had been spoken. In this hope therefore he 
 entreated and required the prophet to u lift up his prayer,” 
 with earnestness and importunity, for the remnant which was 
 left, that the people of God might not be swallowed up and 
 extirpated. Israel had been carried into captivity, and dis- 
 persed ; and Judah was reduced to extremities : and would 
 God suffer his blasphemers finally to prevail against his wor- 
 shippers, and entirely to destroy his holy religion? ( Notes y 
 Is. 8:6—8. 10:5,6.) 
 
 V. 7. A blast , &c.] Some have supposed that this expres- 
 sion related to the manner in which the Assyrian army was 
 destroyed : viz. by exciting one of those scorching wind* 
 which in those countries have been known to destroy grei 
 multitudes almost instantaneously. But this is uncertain 
 and perhaps it only means, that the Lord would destroy al 
 his prosperity, as easily as the pinching gale of wind blasts 
 the tender vegetables : while the death of his numerous forces, 
 probably attended by a report, that Tirhakah and the Ethio- 
 pians were marching to assault him, as a terrifying rumour in 
 his ears, would hurry him home with dismay and disgrace. 
 (Notes, 35 — 37. Job 20:10 — 29, vv. 23 — 26.)-*— As the word, * * * 4 
 rendered blast, is often translated spirit; some explain the 
 expression to mean, that God would send an angel, or spirit , 
 to destroy Sennacherib’s army ; but others think it signifies, 
 that God would fill his heart with terror by some supernatu- 
 ral agent. M I will infuse a spirit into him.” — The phrase 
 
 4 never signifies any thing, hut putting a spirit into a person , 
 this was t veupa SeiXtas,’ (a spirit of fear.) Seeker in Bp 
 Lowth. 
 
 V. 8. It is probable, that Rabshakeh marched the army 
 back from Jerusalem to join Sennacherib, when he found that 
 Hezekiah would neither surrender, nor return any answer to 
 his insulting message. (32) For Jerusalem was so advan- 
 tageously situated, and so well fortified, that, with a moderate 
 garrison, it might have made a stout resistance against any 
 detachment of the Assyrian army: (JVotes, 25:1 — 5.2 Sam. 
 5:6 — 8. Ps. 48:12,13. 125:2. Ijim. 4:12.) though it must pro- 
 bably at length have shared the fate of Samaria, if the Lord 
 had not immediately interposed. The siege, however, was 
 postponed, or not carried on with vigour, till Sennacherib had 
 leisure to come against it in person. In the mean time he had 
 withdrawn from Lachish, (it is not known whether he had 
 taken that city or not;) and was besieging Libnah, anothe 
 city, which refused to open its gates to the conqueror 
 
 V. 9 — 13. When Sennacherib had, the first time, ’evieo 
 contributions upon Hezekiah, he marched his arm/ into 
 
B. C. 712 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 712. 
 
 12 Have 'lie gods of the nations delivered them 
 which my lathers have destroyed ; as d Gozan, and 
 •Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of f Eden 
 which were in Thelasar ? 
 
 13 Where is ethe king of Hamath, and the king 
 of h Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, 
 
 of Hena, and Ivah ? [Practical Obicrvations.'] 
 
 14 H And 'Hezekiah received the letter of the 
 hand of the messengers, and read it : and He- 
 zekiah went up into the house of the Lord, and 
 “spread it before the Lord. 
 
 15 And Hezekiah ‘prayed before the Lord, and 
 said, '"O Lord God of Israel, which "dwellest 
 b tween the cherubims, “thou art the God, even 
 thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the eartli ; 
 Pthou hast made heaven and earth. 
 
 16 Lord, ^bow down thine ear, and hear : 
 r open Lord, thine eyes, and see : and hear the 
 words of Sennacherib, "which hath sent him to 
 reproach the living God. 
 
 17 ‘Of a truth, Lord, “the kings of Assyria 
 have destroyed the nations and the lands, 
 
 18 And ’have ’cast their gods into the fire: 
 ’for they were no gods, but the work of men’s 
 
 d 17:6. IChr. 5:26. e Grii. 11:31. 29:4. Acts 7:4. Ckarran. f Gen. 2:8. 
 Is. 37:12 . Telacsar. El. 27:23. g 18:34. Num. 13:21. 34:8. Is. 11:11. Jer 
 39:5. 49:23. Zech. 9.2. h 17:24. Is. 37:13. Arphad. i Is. 37:14. k 1 Kings 
 8:28—31). Ezra 9:5. Ps. 74:10,11. 91:1,2. 123:1— 4. I 2 Sam. 7: 18, Sic. 2 Chr. 
 11:11.20:6. Dan. 9:3,4. m Gen. 32:28. 39:20. lKings8:23. lChr.4:10. Is. 41: 
 17. n Ex. 25:22. I . -lam. 4:4. Ps. 80:1. 99:1. o 5:15. 1 Kings 18:39. Is. 43:10. 
 44:6,8. 45:22. Dan. 4:34,35. p Gen. 1:1. 2:4. Ps. 33:9. 146:6. Jer. 10:10— 12. 
 John 1:3. q Pa. 31:2. Is. 37:17. r 1 Kings 8:29. 2 Chr. 6:40. Dan. 9: 18. s 4, 
 Ps. 79:12. Is. 37:4,17. Heb. 11:26. t Job 9:2. Is. 5:9. Jer. 26:15. Dan. 2:47. 
 Man. 14:33. Luke 22:59. Acts 4:27. 1 Cor. 14:25. u 16:9. 17:6,24. I Chr. 5:26. 
 Is. 7:17,18. 10:9— 11. » 2 Sam. 5:21. Is. 48:1,2. 'Heb. given. x Ps. 115:4— 8. 
 
 Egypt ; probably in resentment against the king, for formin^ 
 alliances with the vassals of the Assyrians, as he regarded 
 the Jews and the Samaritans to be. After several successes 
 there, while he was besieging Pelusium, an important fortress 
 in that country, he heard that Tirhakah king of Ethiopia was 
 marching against him with a great army : and, not choosin, 
 to wait his approach, he raised the siege; and returning into 
 Judea, began to commit hostilities there, as it has been before 
 related. But, finding that Tirhakah pursued him as a fugi- 
 tive, he marched back to encounter him ; and, having totally 
 routed his army, he returned to wreak his vengeance on He 
 zekiah and Jerusalem. This gave the Jews some respite 
 for preparation and for prayer ; and alforded Sennacherib an 
 occasion for more deliberately uttering his blasphemf s, by a 
 letter sent to Hezekiah, when detained for a time from march- 
 ing against him. — Learned men differ in opinion concerning 
 Tirhakah ; whether he were king of Ethiopia, or Cush , to the 
 south of Egypt in Africa, or of the Cushites in Asia. He was 
 however an ally of the king of Egypt. (Mafg. Ref. Notes , 
 18:20,21,28—35. 1 Kings 10:1,2.) 
 
 V. 14—19. Notes , 3,4. 1 Kings 8:33,34. 2 Chr. 14:9 — 
 
 1 5. 20:6 — 12. — Spread it, &c. (14) By this action Heze- 
 
 kiah referred the matter entirely to God, intimating that as 
 his honour was immediately assaulted, he was chiefly con- 
 cerned to defend it: and by this appeal the king meant to 
 shelter himself and his people under the shadow of the Al- 
 mighty ; that while the Lord pleaded his own cause, he might 
 also deliver them from their enraged enemies. (Notes, 2 Chr. 
 20:14—17. Ps. 21:13.) 
 
 Thou art the God, &c. (15) Jehovah, the God of Israel, 
 who dwells between the cherubim, on the mercy-seat, was 
 considered by Sennacherib and Rabshakeh as merely the 
 local deity of a small region: but. Hezekiah prayed, that he 
 would arise, and make it appear that he was the God of all 
 the kingdoms of the earth, and the Creator of the world. 
 
 Hath sent him, &c. (16) That is Rabshakeh, who pro- 
 bably was sent with this letter. — Cast their gods, &c. (18) 
 
 Notesr 2 Sam. 5:21. Ps. 115:3—8. Is. 44:12—20. 46:1,2,5 — 9 
 Jer. 10:3— 11. Hos. 8:5,6. 
 
 Now, &c. (19) It would have been comparatively a 
 
 small matter for Hezekiah and his people to perish ; but it 
 would be an evil of infinite magnitude, for all the nations to 
 conclude that Jehovah was no more powerful than their 
 worthless idols : and it would be unspeakably honourable to 
 the name of God, to show the difference between the Creator 
 of the world, and these his puny rivals ; and to prove, that he 
 only was the Lord almighty, able to save and tfl destroy, 
 Sennacherib’s blasphemous challenge gave a fair opportunity 
 of publicly demonstrating this most important truth: and a 
 plea grounded so directly on the honour of God could not but 
 prevail. (Notes, Ex. 32:11 — 14. 1 Sam . 17:45 — 47. Is. 
 37:20. Matt. 6:9,10,13.) 
 
 V. 21. The virgin, &c.] The inhabitants of Jerusalem 
 as forming or representing the visible church of God, having 
 his temple and instituted worship among thorn, are callod in 
 one body, M the daughter of Zion,” or of Jerusalem. (Marg 
 Ref. c.) They were safe under his protection anti care as a 
 virgin-daughter in the house of a wise and tender parent: and 
 tnough the Assyrian attempted brutal violence, they might 
 ( 694 ) 
 
 hands, wood and stone : therefore they have de- 
 stroyed them. 
 
 19 Now therefore, ?0 Lord our God, I beseec.. 
 thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the 
 kingdoms of the earth may know that thou an 
 the Lord God, even thou only. 
 
 20 H Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to 
 Hezekiah, saying, Thus saith the Lord God of 
 Israel, That Hvliich thou hast prayed to me against 
 Sennacherib king of Assyria a I have heard. 
 
 21 This is the word that the Lord hath spoken 
 concerning him; “The virgin “the daughter o. 
 Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to 
 scorn ; the daughter of Jerusalem hath d shaker. 
 her head at thee. 
 
 22 “Whom hast thou reproached and bias 
 phemed ? and against whom hast thou f exalted 
 thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high ? even 
 against sthe Holy One of Israel. [Practical oh>«rvation .. j 
 
 23 'By thy “messengers thou hast reproached 
 the Lord, and hast said, ‘With the multitude of 
 my chariots I am come up to the height of the 
 mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut 
 down the Jtall cedar-trees thereof, and the choice 
 
 Is. 37:18.19. 44:9—20. Jer. 10:3—9,14—16. Acts 17.29. v Ex. 9:15,16. Josh. 7 9 
 1 Sam. 17:45—17. 1 Kings 8:43. 18.36,37. Ps. 67:1,2. 83:18. Dan. 4:34— 37. rt 
 Sam. 15:31. 17:23. a20:5. 2 Chr. 32:20,21 . Job 22:27. Ps. 50:15. 65:2. Is. 58: 
 9. 65:24. Jer. 33:3. Dan. 9.20—23. John 11:42. Ada 10:4.31. I John 5:14,15. 
 b Is. 23:12. 37:22.47:1. Jer. 14:17. 18:13.31:4. Lam. 1:15.2:13. Am. 5:2. c Pa. 
 9:14.137:8. Is. 1 :8. 23:10. 47:5. Jer. 46:11. Lam. 2: 13. 4:21. Mic. 4:8. Z«ch. 
 9:9. (1 Job 16:4. Ps. 22: 7,8. Is 37:22. Lam. 2:15. Matt. 27:35. e 18.28-35. 
 Ex. 5:2. Ps. 73:9 . 74:22,23. f Kx. 3:17. Prov. 30:13. la. 10:15. 14:13,14. Ei. 
 28:2— 9. Dan. 5:20— 23. 2 Cor. 10:5. 2 Tiles. 2:4. g Ps. 71.22. Is. 5:24 30:11, 
 12,15. Jer. 51:5. t Heb. the /land of. h 18:17. 2 Chr. 32:17. i 18.23,33,34. Ps.20:7 
 Is. 10:7 — 11,14. 37:24,25. Ez. 31 :3, &c. | Heb. talness of the ced.tr trees thereoj. 
 
 treat his efforts with disdain and defiance ; might despise 
 them and laugh them to scorn, and menace his destruction 
 by shaking their heads at him. Perhaps the term, virgin, 
 might refer to the state of Jerusalem, as free from idolatry, 
 and reserved for the Lord alone; (2 Cor. 11:1 — 6, v. 2.) or 
 as having never been exposed to the ravages of an enraged 
 victor. (Notes, Is. 23:12. .47:1 — 3.) The city of David, oi 
 Zion, seems never to have been taken by any assailant, from 
 the time when David got possession of it, till the Babylonish 
 captivity. — The former part of this message is addressed no* 
 to Hezekiah, but to Sennacherib, as if present : first by ih<s 
 daughter of Zion, and then by the Lord himself. 
 
 V. 22. Sennacherib had both exalted his voice, in re- 
 proach and blasphemy against God : and lifted up his eyes, 
 in pride and ambition ; as if he even aspired to his throne, and 
 affected equality with him, or even superiority above him. 
 (Notes, 2 Chr. 32:9—16, t. 15. 17—22, v. 19. Is. 10:15—19 
 Ez. 28:2 — 10. Dan. 5:18— 24. 2 Thes. 2:3,4.) But he did 
 not consider whom he had thus affronted: not the idols of tin 
 heathens, which being wood and stone, he hail easily cast 
 into the fire ; but Israel’s holy Protector, who would execute 
 signal vengeance upon him for his bold presumption ; and 
 who being the Creator of heaven and earth, could crush as a 
 moth the feeble worm, which had set him at defiance. 
 
 V. 23. The Assyrian monarch was elated by his suc- 
 cesses ; and, on account of the number and valour of hir 
 troops, his chariots, and other mititary preparations, sup- 
 posed that nothing would be too hard for him to accomplish. 
 He is here introduced as glorying in what he had done, and 
 would do. No mountain was so inaccessible but he could 
 drive his chariots over it ; no forest so impervious but he could 
 level it with the ground : no place so fortified, hut he would 
 force his way into it. Some suppose he meant, that he ha 4 
 marched his army through the defiles, or over the eraggj 
 summits of mount Lebanon: but others think that by thes/ 
 expressions the temple on mount Zion is intended ; and that 
 he gloried, as already indisputably master of the whole laud , 
 and as if he had marched his army, and driven his chariot* 
 into the mountain of the Lord’s house, and dispossessed hir« 
 of his habitation. The temple may be called Lebanon 
 either because difficult of access, or because it was built 
 with cedars of Lebanon : the removal of all obstructions 
 by slaying the bravest of Hezekiah’s captains, may be de- 
 noted, by cutting down the cedars and choice fir-trees ; and, 
 “the lodgings of his borders, and the forest of his Carmel/ 
 may mean the strong-holds upon the borders of the land ; and 
 the fruitful fields, which would come into the possession of the 
 conqueror. For Carmel being situated in a very fruitful pari 
 of the laud, every fruitful spot seems to have been called b) 
 that name. (Marg. Notes, Is. 10:12 — 15.) 
 
 V. 24. Hezekiah had before taken measures to proven! 
 the Assyrians from finding water near Jerusalem. (Note, 
 2 Chr. 32:3,4.) But this haughty conqueror boasted, tha 
 wherever his armies marched to besiege cities, that by dg 
 ging deep wells he found water where none had ever been 
 found before, so that ho and his arviy had “drunk stn’gb 
 waters:” and likewise that they dried up all the rive** hj 
 which the cities were defended, either by the numbers whf 
 drank of them, or by diverting their course into other chan 
 
B. C. 712. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 B. C. 71& 
 
 fir-trees there* I: •nrul I will enter into the lodgings 
 of his borders, and into 'the forest of his Carmel. 
 
 24 I have digged and drunk strange waters, 
 and k with the sole of mv feet have I dried up all 
 the rivers of 'besieged places. 
 
 25 'Hast thou not heard long ago how 'I have 
 done it, and of ancient times that I have formed 
 it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou 
 shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities into ruin- 
 ous heaps. 
 
 26 Therefore their inhabitants m were §of small 
 power, they were dismayed and confounded ; 
 "they were os the grass of the field, and as the 
 green herb, as "the grass on the housetops, and 
 as coni blasted before it be grown up. 
 
 27 But pI know thy “abode, and sthy going 
 out, and thy coming in, and thy rage against 
 me. 
 
 28 Because r thy rage against me and "thy 
 tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will 
 put ‘my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy 
 lips, and I will turn thee back u by the way by 
 which thou earnest. 
 
 29 And this shall be x a sign unto thee, ^Ye 
 
 • Or, the forest, and //is fruitful field. Is. 10:18. k Ex. 15:9. 2 Sam. 17:13. 
 1 Kings 20:10. Dan. 4:30. t Dr, fenced. } Or, Hast thou not heard how / 
 have made it long ago, and formed it of ancient times 1 Should I now bring 
 it to be laid ioaste,3.in\ fenced cities to be ruinous heaps') 1 Ps. 33:11. 76:10. Is. 
 10:5,6,15. 37:26.27. 45:7. 46:10,11. 54:16. Acts 4:27,28. m Num. 14:9. 1's. 48:4 
 —7.127:1. Jer. 37:10 . 50:36,37 . 51:30,32. § Heb. short of hand. Num. 11:23. 
 u Ps. 92:7. 102:11. Is. 40:6— 8. Jam. 1:10,11. 1 Pet. 1:24. o Ps. 129:6— 8. p Ps. 
 139:2—11. Jer. 23:23,24. II Or, sitting, q Deut. 28:6,19. Ps. 121:8. Is. 37:28, 
 29. r Ps. 2:1—5. 7:6. 10:13,14. 46:6. 93:3,4. Luke 6:11. John 15:18,23,24. Acts 
 7:54. e Ps. 65:7. 74:4,23. 63:2. t Job 41:2. Ps. 32:9, Ez. 29:4. 38:4. Am. 4:2. 
 
 nets : as if he had been capable of dividing the rivers, that 
 his army might march over ; and of bringing waters front the 
 rock, as Jehovah had done for his people! (Notes, Ex. 
 14:26—31. 17:5,6. Josh. 3;15 — 17.) — ' The cities of Egypt, 
 where Sennacherib had been very successful, were chiefly 
 defended by rivers or deep moats. 
 
 V. 25. When the Lord had declared the vainglorious 
 thoughts of Sennacherib’s heart, who affected to be thought 
 invincible and omnipotent ; he addressed him as in person, 
 and interrogated him, whether he had never heard that these 
 were the peculiar works of Israel’s God? In ancient times, 
 long before Sennacherib, or the ancestors of whom he boasted, 
 were born, Jehovah, (for the deliverance of his people, and 
 to form them into a nation who should worship hint,) had, as 
 it were, levelled mountains : he had literally dried up rivers 
 and seas to afford them a passage ; and cause them to drink 
 strange waters flowing from the rock of flint. — Or Sennache- 
 rib, in what he had done, had only fulfilled the purposes and 
 predictions of Jehovah, as his instrument in his least honour- 
 able work of executing vengeance : and this without intend- 
 ing it, and instigated only by his own ambition, rage, and 
 insatiable rapacity. God, in righteousness, had allotted him 
 the service of “ laying waste fenced cities into ruinous 
 heaps,” which he performed in a most iniquitous manner. — 
 Isaiah’s prophecies concerning the Assyrians seems to be 
 referred to. (Notes, Is. 7:17— 25. 8:6—10. 10:5 — 15,24 — 
 
 34. 30:27—32. 33:1—13.) 
 
 V. 26. (Note, 9 — 13.) The Lord had been pleased to 
 enfeeble and intimidate all the enemies, which Sennacherib 
 nad hitherto encountered ; so that they fell before him as the 
 grass before the scythe ; nay, they withered of themselves, 
 
 as grass on the housetops, or as corn blasted before it be 
 grown up.” (Note, Ps. 129:6—8.) His success was therefore 
 no decided proof that he possessed extraordinary power, 
 courage, or conduct; and he had no reason thus to vaunt, as 
 if he had done wonderful things. 
 
 V. 27, 28. The Lord knew Sennacherib’s secret thoughts 
 and plus, as well as his undertakings ; and that he was 
 actuated by implacable enmity against his perfections, autho- 
 rity, vvorship, and worshippers : especially since Hezekiah, 
 trusting in the Lord, had dared to disregard his menaces and 
 resist his will. This rage had vented itself in blasphemies 
 and reproaches against God ; and it had also occasioned inso- 
 lent threatenings and tumultuous preparations against Jerusa- 
 leni. But the Lord was about to deal with him by force, as 
 with some savage beast, or untractable horse or mule: he 
 would fasten a hook in his nose, and a bridle in his mouth, 
 and let him know that there was One, infinitely above him ; 
 and send him home baffled and disgraced. (Notes, Job 41:1 
 —II. Is. 37:29. Ez. 29:2— 5. 38:4.) 
 
 V. 29. The Lord here addresses Hezekiah. — The devasta- 
 tions of the Assyrians had, probably , prevented the land from 
 being sown that year; and the next is supposed to have been 
 the sabbatical year ; though this is the only intimation, in all 
 the history of Israel, that any regard was paid to that institu- 
 tion : (Note, 2 Chr. 36:21.) but the Lord here engaged, that 
 the spontaneous produce of the land, from the corn shaken 
 out in gathering the preceding harvest, should be sufficient 
 for the support of the people, during those two years, and till 
 a supply was obtained in the ordinary way. (Note, Lev. 25- 
 
 shall eat this year such things as grow of them* 
 selves, and in the second year that which springetb 
 of the same ; and in the third year, sow ye, aa- 
 reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruits 
 thereof. * 
 
 30 'And "the remnant that is escaped of tlie 
 house of Judah “shall yet again take root down- 1 
 ward, and bear fruit upward. 
 
 31 For b out of Jerusalem shall go forth a 
 remnant, and "they that escape out of mount 
 Zion : “the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall to 
 this. 
 
 32 Therefore thus saith the Lord, concerning 
 the king of Assyria, d He shall not corne into tLs 
 city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before 
 it with shield, nor “cast a bank against it. 
 
 33 By the way that he came, by the sair. * 
 shall he return, and shall not come into this city 
 saith the Lord. 
 
 34 For ‘I will defend this city, to save it, efor 
 mine own sake, and for h my servant David’s 
 sake. 
 
 35 If And it came to pass 'that night, that 
 ‘‘the angel of the Lord went out, ‘and smote in 
 
 u 33,36,37. i 21,31— 34.20:8,9. E*. 3:12. Is. 7:11— 14. LukefclS. yLev.25- 
 4,5,20— 22. I«. 37:30. z 4. 2 Clir. 32:22,23. Is. 1:9. 10:20-22. H Heh. l». ... 
 caving of the house of Judah that remaineth. a Ps. 80:9. Ia. 27:6. 37:31,32. 
 b Jer. 44:14. Rom. 9:27. 1 1 :5. '* Heb. the escaping, c Is. 9:7. 59:17. 63:15. Ez, 
 5:13. 20:9. Zech. 1:14. John 2:17. d Is. 8:7—10. 10:24,25,25—32. 37.33-35. 
 e 2 Sam. 20:15. Ez. 21:22. Luke 19:43,44. fPs. 46:5,6. 48:2—8. Is. 31:5. 38:6. 
 g Deut. 32:27. 18.43:25.48:9,11. Ez. 36:22. Eph. 1:6,14. hi Kings 11:12,13. 
 15:4. Is. 9:7. Jer. 23:5,6. 33:21 ,26. i Ex. 12:29. Dan. 5:30 1 Thes. 5:2,3. k Ex. 
 12:29,30. 2 Sam. 24:16. 1 Chr. 21 :12, 16. 2 Chr. 32:21,22. Ps. 35:5,6. Acfc 12:23. 
 1 Is. 10:16 — 19,33. 30:30—33. 37:36. Hos. 1:7. 
 
 20 — 22.) As the performance of this promise was evidently 
 subsequent to the destruction of Sennacherib’s army, it was 
 a sign to Hezekiah’s faith, that the present deliverance would 
 be an earnest of the Lord’s persevering care of the kingdom 
 of Judah ; and of the accomplishment of that part of the pro- 
 mise, which related to events still more remote. (Note, Ex, 
 3:12.) 
 
 V. 30, 31. The ten tribes were already carried captive; 
 Judah was brought very low ; Jerusalem alone withstood the 
 victor’s arms, and it was menaced with a siege. (Note, Is. 8: 
 6 — 8.) The professed worshippers of God were a very small 
 remnant, and seemed devoted to ruin. But that remnant would 
 be as seed-corn ; which striking root in a fruitful soil, springs 
 up and yields a large increase. (Note, Is. 27:2 — 6, v. 6.) They 
 were destined to go forth from mount Zion, to possess tl]e 
 land, and to spread into distant countries ; and were a typical 
 resemblance of the apostles and primitive Christians, who 
 from Jerusalem carried the gospel into all the nations of the 
 earth, in order to produce an immense increase of true be- 
 lievers, who are all the children of Abraham, and heirs ac- 
 cording to the promise. (Note, Gal. 3:26 — 29.) This the 
 Lord himself undertook to perform ; not because of their 
 righteousness, hut out of zeal for his own glory ; to make known 
 his perfections, to magnify his law and authority, and to pro- 
 mote his own cause, and increase the number of his worship- 
 pers. (Note, Is. :6,7.9) 
 
 V. 32, 33. It is certain from these verses, that Sennacherib 
 never approached near enough to Jerusalem, to lay siege 
 against it, or even to make preparations for a siege : and there is 
 no proof that Rabshakeh or Rabsaris had proceeded to be- 
 siege the city ; though they had come with an army and 
 menaced it. (Notes, 8,27,28. 18:17. Is. 33:20 — 22.) 
 
 V. 34. For my servant , &c.] That is, from a gracious 
 regard to David’s faith and piety, to perform the promises 
 made to his family, and to make way for the coming of the 
 Messiah who was to descend from him. (Note, 1 Kings 11: 
 12,13.) 
 
 V. 35. Rabshakeh seems to have rejoined the king with 
 his detachment: and, after the victory gained over Tirhakah, 
 Sennacherib marched directly to besiege Jerusalem ; and was 
 just arrived and encamped in the neighbourhood of t hat city,, 
 but had not made any assualt upon it. (Note, 32,33.) And 
 this happened the very night after Hezekiah had spread the 
 letter before God, and sought his help by prayer. The de- 
 vastation was made with such profound silence, that the sur- 
 vivors were not aware of the blow, till they arose in the 
 morning, and found one hundred and eighty-five thousand of 
 their comrades dead in the camp ! u When they arose, . . .. 
 these,” (the hundred and eighty-five thousand,) 44 were 
 all dead corpses.” Probably Rabshakeh perished among the 
 rest; but Sennacherib was preserved to still deeper disgrace, 
 and a more dreadful end. — The “angels excel in strength', 
 this angel was commissioned by divine authority, and armed 
 with adequate power; and it is not requisite for us to deter- 
 mine in what manner he effected this tremendous slaughter. 
 (Note, Ps. 76: Is. 10:16— 19,28— 34. 29:5—8. 31:8,9. 33:23, 
 24.) 4 Herodotus reports from f he Egyptians, that their king- 
 
 being also a priest, by his prayers to his god, brought this 
 destruction on the Assyrians, as they lay before Pelusium : p 
 great army of rats coming rn the night, and gnawing 1.7 ihei 
 
 ( 695 ) 
 
B. C. 709. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 709, 
 
 the camp of the Assyrians a hundred fourscore 
 and five thousand : and ra when they arose early 
 in the morning, behold, they were all dead 
 corpse;:. 
 
 36 So "Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, 
 and went and returned, and dwelt at “Nineveh. 
 
 m Ur. 12:30. Ps. 76:5— 7,10. n 7:28,33. o Gen. 10:11,12. Jon. 1:2. Nah. 1:1. 
 2 8. Mail. 12:41. p 10. 18:5,30. Dent. 32:31. 2 Chr. 32:14,19. Is. 37:37,38. 
 
 bowstrings in pieces, so that they could not fight. So studious 
 were they to pervert the truth, and corrupt the sacred story !’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 3G, 37. Sennacherib is supposed to have survived this 
 catastrophe for some time ; and to have lived under great con- 
 tempt, but exercising the most odious cruelty towards his sub- 
 jects. Though he had had such awful demonstration of the 
 power of Jehovah, and the impotence of his own idols ; yet 
 he adhered to the latter, and died in an act of idolatrous wor- 
 ship : a striking example of the difference between the God in 
 whom Hezekiah trusted, to whom he prayed, and by whom 
 he was miraculously delivered, in the most urgent extremity ; 
 and the god of Sennacherib, who could not defend him in his 
 own capital, during profound peace, from the sword of his 
 sons, even while employed in acts of religious worship! — 
 Some have conjectured, that Sennacherib had vowed to sa- 
 crifice his sons to his idol, and that they murdered him in self- 
 defence : and then escaped into the adjacent mountains of 
 Armenia, or Ararat. (Note, Gen. 8:4, 5.) — Esarhaddon seems 
 o have been a man of much better character than his father. 
 / Mar g. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. In times of great distress and prevailing impiety, 
 9 rong expressions of poignant sorrow and deep humiliation 
 tire p^puliarly seasonable: for, “the Lord calls to weeping, 
 and mourning, and girding with sackcloth,” and the contrary 
 spirit and conduct are irrational, offensive, and tokens of a 
 profane, sensual, and selfish heart. (Note, Is. 33:8 — 14.) — 
 They, who best know the efficacy of fervent believing prayer, 
 will most desire the supplications of others for them ; and espe- 
 cially of those, who have long been eminent for piety and 
 simplicity, and zealous for the glory of God. Alas ! few kings 
 are very earnest to form alliances with the faithful and devoted 
 ministers of religion, against their hostile invaders ; yet, they 
 are of more real utility than increasing numbers of brave and 
 disciplined troops: and whenever princes, prophets, and peo- 
 ple unite in prayer, in real dependence on God, and a dispo- 
 sition to give him the praise ; a prosperous event may be 
 confidently expected, notwithstanding their own weakness, 
 and the rebukes and insults of haughty enemies. — The Lord 
 44 resisteth the proud,” and will vindicate his own cause against 
 those who reproach, defy, or blaspheme his name ; or who 
 rival him, and rob him of his glory. — The more we are hum- 
 bly conscious that we cannot help ourselves, but must be 
 miserable and perish without his aid ; the more simple will be 
 our dependence on him, and the more fervent our applica- 
 tions to him, whether in temporal or spiritual exigencies. — 
 4 Man’s extremity is therefore God’s opportunity:’ and while 
 his servants can speak nothing but terror to the proud, the 
 profane, and the hypocritical; they have comfortable words 
 to say to the discouraged believer. 1 Be not afraid: thine 
 enemies are God’s enemies, and thy cause is his cause: in 
 glorifying himself, he must protect and save those who trust 
 in him. He delights in giving the very blessings for which 
 thy soul is athirst : and with the breath of his mouth he can 
 slay the wicked, and blast all the machinations of earth and 
 hell against his church.’ — The Lord finds wicked' men other 
 employment, when he would give his servants a respite from 
 conflict and persecution: and even those projects, which are 
 in themselves most trifling or most detestable, often so engross 
 the minds, occupy the time, and fill the hands of the ungodly, 
 as to detain them from attempting that mischief to the cause 
 of God, to which otherwise they would be disposed. But their 
 pursuits of wealth, of honour, of pleasure, or of learning, do 
 not prevent their discovering the enmity of their hearts, or 
 filling up the measure of their sins : and when this is done, 
 they are taken away, and their place knows them no more. — 
 The blasphemies which many utter, are not unmeaning 
 words, as they suppose, but the natural produce of their de- 
 praved hearts: and therefore they reiterate them, and grow 
 more outrageous in them, when recent occasions are afforded. 
 Absurd as it appears, worldly men do really think, that those 
 who trust in God will be deceived ; and they presume upon 
 •success, while they despise him, and set him at defiance ! 
 Impunity and prosperity inspire confidence and arrogance ; 
 ;and men expect to prevail against all who resist them, because 
 in some instances they have been successful ! (Note, Ec. 8: 
 ■’i— 13.) 
 
 V. 14 — 22. We can easily say, u If God be for us, who 
 ( an be against us ?” but in the crisis of danger, when the eye 
 of sense perceives no way of escape, without removing moun- 
 tains, and effecting apparent impossibilities, faith is con- 
 strained to maintain a severe conflict against unbelief, even 
 m the experience of the most established believers. But 
 orayer is the never-failing resource of the tempted Christian; 
 whether he be called to struggle with outward difficulties, or 
 f* engage in the more distressing warfare with his inward 
 •^jemies. At the mercy-seat of his almighty Friend he opens 
 
 . ( 696 ) 
 
 37 And it came to pass, as he was wor- tb.c. 
 shipping in the house of I’Nisroch his god, L m 
 that Adrammelech and Sharezer <ihis sons smote 
 him with the sword : and they escaped iftto the 
 land of ’Armenia. And ’Esarhaddon his son 
 reigned in his stead. 
 
 q 2 Chr. 32:21. * Heb. Ararat. Gen. 8:4. Jer. 51 :27. r Ezra 4:?. 
 
 his heart ; before him he particularly spreads the case ; to 
 him he makes his appeal: and when he can discern that the 
 glory of God is engaged on his side, his faith gains the victory, 
 and he again exults in the assurance, that he never shall be 
 moved. He knows the difference between Jehovah, whose 
 mysterious nature and harmonious perfections are revealed 
 in the sacred Scriptures ; and all those idols, which are the 
 work of men’s hands, or the creatures of their imaginations. 
 Infidels may indeed triumph over superstition, hypocrisy, and 
 every form of worthless profession : and they may vaunt and 
 boast, as if they could, with equal ease and certainty, prevail 
 against the truths and spiritual worship of God our Saviour. 
 But, whether they employ the terrors of persecution, or the 
 more specious armour of blasphemous reproaches, sarcastic 
 wit, or proud reasonings ; their assaults are vain against 
 the faith and prayers, the holy lives, and scriptural preaching 
 of the Lord’s true servants. “The weapons of our war- 
 fare are mighty through God,” not only to repel the assaults 
 of Satan and his ministers, whether they assume the form of 
 the roaring lion, the subtle serpent, or the angel of light; but 
 to subvert his strong-holds, and 44 to cast down imaginations,” 
 (or reasonings ,) “and every high thing that exaltcth itself 
 against the knowledge of God, and to bring into cdptivity 
 every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (Note, 3 Cor. 
 10:1 — 6.) No weapon that is formed against, the church can 
 prosper: and the daughter of Zion, whilst untainted with 
 idolatry or hypocrisy, and faithfully reserving herself for 
 him, who has “espoused her in righteousness, and faithful- 
 ness, and loving kindness,” may despise and defy the feeble 
 efforts of all assailants, and confidently predict their speedy 
 and terrible destruction. Oh, that such persons would con- 
 sider, “whom they have reproached and blasphemed ! r * whom 
 they have opposed and provoked to wrath ! “against whom 
 they have exalted their voice, and lifted up their eyes on high !* 
 They may think that he is altogether such a one as them- 
 selves : but they wfll find, that he is “ the Holy One of Israel.” 
 He sees their inmost thoughts ; he discerns the rage and 
 enmity of their hearts; as well as hears the stout and arro- 
 gant words, which they instigate each other to speak against 
 him : and what will they do, when from his awful tribunal he 
 shall give the mandate, “ These mine enemies, which would 
 not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them 
 before me !” (Note, Luke 19:11 — 37, v. 27.) 
 
 V. 23 — 37. The greatest exploits of men are unworthy of 
 notice, compared with the most ordinary works of God : the 
 most powerful and successful of his enemies undesigned ly 
 accomplish his secret purposes, or express predictions f and 
 prosper only till they have filled up their part of his universal 
 plan. Some the Lord employs, contrary to their own inten- 
 tions, as executioners of his vengeance, “ to lay waste fenced 
 cities into ruinous heaps ;” and therefore their opposers prove 
 weak, timid, or infatuated : but, when they have accomplished 
 their work, (perhaps with hearts full of rage against him, whe 
 had exalted and prospered them ;) their turn comes next, ar.i 
 others execute vengeance upon them : or he deals with them 
 by his own hand, as with some great Behemoth or Leviathan, 
 and restrains, confines, or enfeebles them, as he sees good. 
 But his believing people, safe under his protection, and living 
 upon his grace and providential bounty, are employed as wil- 
 ling instruments to perform his works of goodness and mercy, 
 which when finished shall meet a sure reward. Whilst all 
 creatures here below subserve their good ; and nature itseh 
 is made to transcend her usual limits, or alter her settled course, 
 to supply their wants ; and while the mighty angels are al. 
 ministering spirits, sent forth to protect them, or avenge thci* 
 on their enemies: the}', in their places, would imitate tha. 
 prompt obedience, and 41 delight to do the commandments” of 
 God, “ hearkening unto the voice of his word.” — But all crea 
 t tires, y.ea, the holy angels, and the Lord of angels himself, 
 fight against those who fight against his church : nay, those 
 objects on which they chiefly depend, and those persons from 
 whom they expect the greatest kindness, will concur in effect- 
 ing their destruction; and every respite will finally add to 
 their infamy and misery. — The cause of God, however re- 
 duced, will surely revive : the remnant of every generation 
 will yield an increase to that which succeeds ; and at length 
 “ Israel shall blossom, and bud, and fill the face of the world 
 with fruit.” The zeal of the Lord of hosts, which appointed 
 and sent the mighty Saviour, is engaged to make his salvation 
 triumphant over all opposers, and to fill the earth with the 
 knowledge of his glory: not now for 44 his servant David’s 
 sake,” but for the sake of his 14 beloved Son, in whom he is 
 w-ell pleased.” May our hearts he prepared as good ground, 
 that his word may strike root in them, and bring forth fruit ir 
 our lives ! then we shall witness the full completion of all those 
 prophecies, of which he has already given us so many signs 
 and earnests, while with exulting millions wo shall sing 
 44 Hallelujah ! tue Lord God omnipotent reigned*. ’’ and 14 the 
 
n. C. 713 , 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B. C. 713. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 fjizetriah, when sick, is warned, by Isaiah to prepare for death , 1 ; but pray- 
 ing, he receives the promise o'' if teen years added to his life, and of deli- 
 verance from the Assyrians, 2—7. In confirmation the shadow on Alias's 
 dial goes back tendegrees, 8 — 11. T'ie king of Babylon sends to congratu- 
 late Hezekiah , who shows the ambassadors all his treasui es, 12, 13. Isaiah 
 repi'Ores him for this, and for , tells the Babylonish captivity, 14 — 19. Heze- 
 kiah dies, arid ts succeeded by Alanasseh,$0, 21. 
 
 I N those days “was Hezekiah sick unto death. 
 
 And '’the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came 
 to him, and said unto him, thus saith the Lord, 
 ‘Set thine house in order ; for c thou shalt die, and 
 not live. 
 
 2 Then d he turned his face to the wall, and 
 prayed unto the Lord, saying, 
 
 3 I beseech thee, O Lord, “remember now how 
 ' I have walked before thee sin truth and with h a 
 perfect heart, and have done that which is good 
 in thy sight. And Hezekiah 'wept 'sore. 
 
 4 And it came to pass, afore Isaiah was gone 
 out into the middle 'court, that the word of the 
 Lord came to him, saying, 
 
 5 k Turn again, and tell Hezekiah, 'the captain 
 of my people, Thus saith the Lord, ro the God of 
 David thy father, “I have heard thy prayer : °I 
 have seen thy tears: behold, >’I will heal thee; on 
 
 the third day ithou shalt go up unto the house o 
 the Lord. 
 
 6 And 'I will add unto thy days fifteen y£ars , 
 and I will deliver thee and this city out of the 
 hand of the king of Assyria ; and S I will defene 
 this city for mine own sake, and for my servant 
 David’s sake. 
 
 7 And Isaiah said, ‘Take a lump of figs. And 
 they took and laid it' on the bile, and he re- 
 covered. 
 
 8 And Hezekiah said unto Isaiah, “What shall be 
 the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall 
 go up into the house of the Lord the third day ? 
 
 9 And Isaiah said, ‘This sign shalt thou have 
 of the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that 
 he hath spoken : shall the shadow go forward ten 
 degrees, or go back ten degrees? 
 
 10 And Hezekiah answered, y It is a light thing 
 for the shadow to go down ten degrees : nay, but 
 let the shadow return backward ten degrees. 
 
 11 And Isaiah the prophet “cried unto the 
 Lord : and “he brought the shadow ten degrees 
 backward, by which it had gone down in the 
 
 §dial of AlltlZ. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 a . Chr. 32:24. Is. 38:1. John 11:1-5. Phil. 2:27,30. b 19:2,20. * Heb. give 
 charge concerning thine house. 2 Sam. 17:23. Is. 38:1. margins. c Jer. 18: 
 7-MO. Jon. 3:4 — 1U.« d 1 Kings 8:30. I’s. 50:15. Is. 38:2,3. Matt. 6:6. e Gen. 
 6:1. Neh. 5:19. 13:14,22,31. Ps. 25:7. 89:47,50. 119:49. Is. 63.11. fGen.5:?2, 
 24. 17:1. I Kings 2:4. 3:6. Job 1:1,8. Luke 1:6. g 2 Chr. 31 :20,2l. Ps. 32:2. 
 145:18. Jer. 4 2. John 1:47. 2 Cor. 1:12. I John 3:21,22. h 1 Kings 8:61. 11:4. 
 15:14. 2 Chr. 16:9. i 2 Sam. 12:21,22. Ps. 6:6. 102:9. Is. 38:14. Heb. 5:7. 
 t Heb. with a great weeping. J Or, city. k 2Sam.7:3 — 5. 1 Chr. 17:2—4. 
 1 Josh. 5: 14,15. 1 Sam. 9:16. 10:1. 2 Sara. 5:2. 2 Chr. Vf: 12. Heb. 2:10. m 2 Chr. 
 
 31:3. 13.38:5.55:3. Malt. 22:32. n 19:20. Ps. 65:2. Luke 1:16. o Ps. 39:12. 
 56:8. Rev. 7:17. p 7. Ex. 15:26. Job 33:19— 26. Ps. 147:3. Jam. 5. 
 
 14,15. n 8. Ps. 66.13 — 1 5,19,20. 115:12-14. 118:17-19. Is. 38:22. John 5: 
 14. rtfs. 115:15. Acts27;24. s See on 19:34. 2 Chr. 32:22. Is. 10:24 
 
 t 2:20— 22. 4:41. Is. 38 21. u 5. 19:29. Jndg. 6: 17,37-40. Is. 7:11,14. 38:22. 
 IIos. 6:2. x Js. 38:7,8. Matt. 16:1— 4. Mark 8:1 1 ,1‘2. Lnke 11:29,30. v 2:10. 
 3:18. Is. 49:6. Mark 9:28.29. John 14:12. z Ex. 11:15 1 Kings 17:20,21. 13: 
 
 36— 38. Acts 9:4U a Josh. 10:1*2— 14. 2 Chr. 32:21,31. Is. 38:8. § Heb. de- 
 
 grees. 
 
 Kingdoms of the earth are become the kingdoms of the Lord 
 and of his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever.” Amen, 
 and amen. (Notes, Rev. 1 1:15 — 18. 19:1 — 0.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XX. V. 1. Hezekiah reigned twenty- 
 nine years, and he lived fifteen after this sickness : it must 
 therefore have happened in the fourteenth or beginning of 
 the fifteenth year of his reign ; about the time of Sennache- 
 rib’s first invasion of Judea. (18:13.) — It is not likely, that all 
 the events recorded in the two preceding chapters occurred 
 within a part of one year ; yet, this must have been the case, 
 ifHezekiah’s sickness was subsequent to the destruction of 
 the Assyrian army. (Notes, 2 Chr. 32:24 — 26. Is. 38:6.) — 
 The expression, “ Set thine house in order,” or, command 
 '■oncerning thine house, was a direction to Hezekiah, to make 
 without delay, a full and final settlement of his domestic and 
 ;ivil concerns, that nothing might interrupt his mind, or take 
 t otf from the exercise of devotion, in the nearer approaches 
 }f death; and yet, that nothing might be neglected, ’which 
 related to the interests of survivors. Hezekiah’s disorder was 
 in itself mortal, and must have terminated in death, without 
 a miracle : the prophet therefore spoke according to the natu- 
 -j l tendency of the disorder, and not according - to the Lord’s 
 secret purposes. Hezekiah’s prayer showed, that he did not 
 consider the sentence to be irreversible. 
 
 V. 2. It is probable that Hezekiah turned his face to the 
 wall of his chamber, (which might be towards the temple,) 
 merely that he might have more freedom and privacy in pour- 
 ing out his heart before God. 
 
 V. 3. Hezekiah evidently prayed, that he might recover, 
 though he expressed himself with submission to the will of 
 God: and doubtless he was very unwilling to die at that time. 
 To account for this, it has been said, that believers under the 
 Old Testament, having dark views of the eternal world, might 
 oe expected to die with more regret than those under the 
 New: hut facts by no means support this supposition; for 
 Abraham, Jacob, Aaron, Moses, Joshua, David, and others, 
 seem to have left the world with as much joyfulness as Paul 
 himself. We must, therefore, ascribe Hezekiah’s reluctance 
 to die, either to the state of his mind, or to the circumstances 
 of his family and the nation. Nothing appears peculiarly to 
 have distressed him, in the view of immediate death, as to the 
 state of his own soul. But the circumstances of his family, 
 and the state of affairs in Israel seem to solve all the difficulty. 
 Probably, at that time Hezekiah had no son ; for Manasseh, 
 who succeeded him, was not born till three years after. (21:1.) 
 By his de'ath, therefore, this branch of David’s family would 
 have been extinct, and the succession must have been conti- 
 nued in a more remote and obscure branch of it : and this would 
 have been a discouraging rebuke to him, as if he had forfeited 
 the covenant of royalty. It is a general and probable opinion, 
 that the nation was at this time threatened with an assault by 
 the whole force of the king of Assyria; they therefore needed 
 t. commander, who united wisdom, courage, and faith, to head 
 tfiem in such an emergency : and if he were removed, and 
 •hey were left to a disputed succession, and the weakness of 
 an usurped or opposed government, there could he little pros- 
 pect, but that Jerusalem would share the fate of Samaria. 
 With great earnestness and perseverance, Hezekiah had 
 Vought his reformation to a hopeful establishment: but he 
 might fear, lest the instability of the people, and the dissen- 
 
 ons of the nobles, would subvert all, if he were taken away 
 
 Vol. I. — SS 
 
 at this crisis. He therefore desired to live, not for his own 
 sake so much as for that of his familj' and people, especially 
 for the interests of true religion ; and he prayed to that, effect, 
 with many lears, as well as with great fervency. (Notts, Is. 
 38:1 — 3,9 — 20.) The Lord knew, andJHezekiah could appeal 
 to him, that he had walked before him in sincerity and upright- 
 ness of heart ; having used all his authority and influence, 
 with zeal and earnestness, to suppress idolatry and wicked- 
 ness, and by every scriptural means to promote the worship 
 and service of God ; and that he had done what was good in 
 his sight, being an example to his people. The consciousness 
 of his integrity gave him confidence; and he begged the Lord 
 to remember the fruits of grace which had been produced, and 
 to spare him, that, he might be yet more fruitful and useful. 
 (Notes, 2 Chr. 30:23—27. 31:20,21. Neh. 13:14,31.2 Cor. 1:12 
 -14.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:1 — 5. — The captain. (5) This 
 title implies that Hezekiah was spared, that lie might lead the 
 people to victory, by the prevailing weapons of faith and 
 prayer. (lYIarg. Ref. Note, Josh. 5:13 — 15.) — I hare heard, 
 &c.] (Note, Is. 65:24,25.) The Lord knew his heart, and 
 saw that he would be disposed, in the first place, after his 
 recovery, to go up to his courts to return thanks for the mercy , 
 and therefore he suited the message to his secret desires and 
 intentions. (8) He should 4 recover his strength so fast, as to 
 be able in three days’ time to go up to the temple, and give 
 God thanks for his cure.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 6. Hezekiah was the only person, that we read of, who 
 was previously informed how long he was to live. Such in- 
 formation would be of very bad tendency lo ungodly men : 
 and it would not be either comfortable or useful to a believer 
 unless animated with vigorous faith, and glowing zeal for the 
 honour of God. Doubtless, this pious king made a good use 
 of his knowledge, and waited the appointed period of his days 
 with calm resignation ; but we need not envy him this pecu- 
 liar privilege. He was not more than fifty-four years old 
 when he died. — God would also defend Jerusalem, as v\ it h a 
 shield, against all the power and rage of the Assyrian king, 
 for the glory of his own name, and for the sake of his servant 
 David. (Notes, 19:34. Is. 38:6.) 
 
 V. 7. It seems that Hezekiah’s sickness was a species 
 of the plague, accompanied with a bile of fatal tendency ; 
 whether this application were medicinally proper, or not, 
 doubtless it was rendered effectual by miracle ; or rather, 
 it was a token of the divine operation by which he was 
 healed. 
 
 V. 8. Ab the Lord was graciously pleased frequently to 
 confirm his promises by signs, Hezekiah desired one in this 
 case : not in unbelief, but for the confirmation of his wavering 
 faith. ( Notes, Judg. 6:36— 40. /*. 7:10— 12.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. The dial of Ahaz, it. is probable, was placed full 
 in Hezekiah's view, and the sun shining upon it : and he was 
 allowed to choose, whether the shadow should go forward, or 
 backward, ten degrees; that is, half hour lines, as it is con- 
 jectured. The progression of the shadow with accelerated 
 speed, though evidently miraculous, seemed not so extraordi- 
 nary to Hezekiah as its retrograde motion, which he prefer- 
 red, and which accordinglj' took place. W e are not concerned 
 to determine how God produced this effect : if he saw good, 
 he was able to cause a temporary change in the motion of the 
 earth and heavenly bodies: (Note, Josh. 10:12 — 14.) and 
 ( 697 ) 
 
V. Z. 7 2. 
 
 II. KINGS. B. C. 698. 
 
 12 H At tha; time k Berodach-baladan, the son 
 of Baladan, c k ng of d Babylon, 'sent letters and a 
 present unto Hezekiah : f for he had heard that 
 Hezekiah had been sick. 
 
 13 And Hezekiah hearkened unto them, and 
 ^showed them all the house of his ‘precious things, 
 the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the 
 precious ointment, and all the house of his tarmour, 
 and all that was found in his treasures : ’’there 
 was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, 
 that Hezekiah showed them not. 
 
 14 H Then ‘came Isaiah the prophet unto king 
 Hezekiah, and said unto him, k What said these 
 men ? and from whence came they unto thee ? 
 And Hezekiah said, They are come from ’a far 
 country, even from Babylon. 
 
 15 And he said, What have they seen in thine 
 house ? And Hezekiah answered, ra All the thing's 
 that are in my house have they seen : there is 
 nothing among my treasures that I have not 
 showed them. 
 
 b Is. 39:1. Merodach-balndan. c 2 Clir. 32:31. d Gen. 10:10. 11:9. Is. 13: 
 
 1.19. .1:4. e 2 Sam. 3:10. 10:2. f Is. 39:1. g 2 Chr. 32:27. Is. 39:2. "Or, 
 epicery. 1 Kings 10:2,10,15,25. t Or, jewels. Heb. nssse/s. h 2 Chr. 32: 
 25,26. Ec. 7.20. i Is. 39:3— 8. k 5:25,26 . 2 Sam. 12:7, ftc. 2 Chr. 16:1 — 
 10.35:7 — 9,15,16. Ps. 141:5. Pro*. 25:12. Jer. 26:18,19. Am. 7:12,13. Mark 6: 
 
 18.19. 1 Deut. 48:49. Josh. 9:6,9. Is. 13:5. m 13. Josh. 7:19. Job 31:33. 
 
 Prov. 28:13. I John 1:8— 10. n 7:1. 1 Kings 22:19. Is. 1:10. Am. 7:16. o24: 
 
 some think that the same effect was produced in other places, 
 especially at Babylon. ( Notes , 2 Chf. 32:30 — 33, v. 31. Is. 
 38:8.) — It appears from Herodotus, that the Egyptians had 
 observed some few instances, in which the course of the sun 
 and moon was very different from what was usual ; though 
 their traditions of them were greatly distorted, and wholly 
 unlike the real facts, as recorded in Scripture. 
 
 V. 12, 13. The king of Babylon seems at this time to have 
 reigned independent ; but he was in danger of being reduced 
 under the power of the Assyrian monarch : yet, in process of 
 time Babylon acquired the pre-eminence, and swallowed up 
 the Assyrian empire. (Notes, 17,18. 17:24. 23:29,30. 2 Chr. 
 33:11. Is. 39:1.) This prince, having heard of Hezekiah’s 
 sickness, and the miraculous circumstances of his recovery, 
 and knowing that he had refused submission to the Assyrians, 
 seems to have proposed to enter into a confederacy with 
 him against that potent nation, “ and Hezekiah hearkened 
 unto them,” as inclined to accede to their proposals. He was 
 too well pleased with this flattering embassy ; and, in order 
 to convince the ambassadors, who brought the letters, that he 
 was a desirable ally, he showed them all his treasures, and 
 armour, and preparations for war of every kind. This resulted 
 from pride and ostentation, and might have led to an improper 
 alliance with an idolatrous prince. He seems likewise to have 
 missed the opportunity of instructing the Chaldeans concern- 
 ing the perfections of Jehovah, who had wrought the mira- 
 cles which had excited their attention ; and concerning his 
 authority, law, and worship ; and of showing them the absur- 
 dity and evil of idolatry, especially their worship of the sun, 
 which was evidently the creature and servant of the God of 
 Israel. (Notes, 2 C/tr. 32:24 — 26. Is. 39:2.) — Though Heze- 
 aiah’s sickness preceded Sennacherib’s invasion and over- 
 throw, it is probable that this embassy arrived after that 
 event ; when Hezekiah’s exhausted treasuries had been abun- 
 dantly replenished by the spoil of the Assyrians. (Note, 2 
 Chr. 32:27—29.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. Hezekiah did not resent the prophet’s interference 
 in state affairs; (Notes, 2 Chr. 16:7—10. 25:14 — 16.) for he 
 reverenced his person, confided in his prudence and affection, 
 and desired to hear the wlfLjbf God from him. In his answer, 
 he intimated, that he had counted it an honour to receive am- 
 bassadors from a far country. (Note, Josh. 9:8 — 15.) — Per- 
 naps, he was not at first conscious of having done wrong ; 
 yet, in reviewing and relating his conduct, he was made 
 deeply sensible of his sin and folly. (Note, 2 Chr. 32:30 — 
 33, v. 31.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Considering the small and unsettled power of 
 me king of Babylon, at this time, compared with that of tho 
 Assyrian kings, who seemed about to establish a permanent 
 dominion over all the adjacent countries ; nothing could be 
 more unlikely, than the accomplishment of this prediction ; 
 yet in somewhat more than a hundred years it was exactly 
 fulfilled! — All the remaining treasures and the vessels of the 
 temple, and furniture made by Solomon, or supplied by sub- 
 sequent kings, with all the treasures of the palace, and riches 
 of the city, were carried to Babylon ; and Daniel and his 
 companions, some of whom were descended from Hezekiah, 
 became eunuchs in. the king of Babylon’s palace. (Note, 
 Dan. 1:3 — 7.) — Hezekiah dreaded the power of the Assyrians : 
 but he was more disposed to expect help, than to fear ruin, 
 from tho king of Babylon. If this transaction occurred before 
 Sennacherib’s overthrow, as many suppose, (Note, 12,13.) it 
 took place previously to Hezekiah’s emptying his treasuries, 
 to hire Sennacherib's departure, on his first invasion of the 
 land. (Note, 18:14 — 1C.) Tho chief reason for assigning 
 this date to it is, that the power of the Assyrians, after tho 
 ( 638 ) 
 
 16 And Isaiah said unto Hezeknh, “Hear the 
 word of the Lord. 
 
 17 Behold, the days come, that all that is ir 
 thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid 
 up in store unto this day, “shall be carried into 
 Babylon ; nothing shall be left, sailh the Lord. 
 
 18* And of p thy sons that shall issue from thee 
 which thou shalt beget, shall they take away ; am. 
 ^they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of 
 Babylon. 
 
 19 Then said Hezekiah unto Isaiah, r Good is 
 the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken 
 And he said, Us it not good, if “peace and truth 
 be in my days ? 
 
 20 H And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and 
 all his might, and how ‘he made a pool, and a con- 
 duit, and brought water into the city, are (hey not 
 written u in the book of the Chronicles of the kings 
 of Judah? 
 
 21 11 And Hezekiah “slept with his fathers : and 
 rManasseh his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 13.25:13-15. 2 Chr. 36:10,18. Jer. 27:21,22.52:17— 19. p 24 12. 25:6. 2Chr. 
 33:11. q Dan. 1:3 — 7. r Lev. 10:3. 1 S.ira. 3: IS. Job 1 :21 . Ps. 39:9. Lam. 3: 
 22,39. | Or , Shall there not be peace and truth, !f c. ? s ErLIi. 9:30. Jer. 33:6. 
 Zech. 8:19. Luke 2:10,14. t Chr. 32:4,30,32. Neh. 3: 16. Is. 22:9— 11. u 8: 
 23. 15:6,26. 16:29. 1 Kings 14:19. 15:7,23. x 21:18. 1 Kings 2:10. 11:43. 14:31. 
 2 Chr. 26:23. y 21:1. 
 
 destruction of Sennacherib’s army, ceased to be formidable ; 
 yet Hezekiah’s conduct implied, that he chiefly feared danger 
 from that quarter. But indeed, after that blow, the Assyrian 
 power was far greater than that of any of the neighbouring 
 countries ; and Hezekiah might desire to form a league tc 
 defend himself and his kingdom against it. 
 
 V. 19. Hezekiah humbly and submissively allowed the 
 justice of the sentence, and the goodness of God in the re- 
 spite ; and gratefully acknowledged his unmerited kindness, in 
 the peace, prosperity, and continuance of true religion in his 
 days. Yet the prospect, respecting his family and nation, 
 must have occasioned him many painful sensations. ( Marg . 
 Ref.) 
 
 T. 20, 21. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2 Chr. 32:3,4,30—33. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. 4 In the midst of life we are in death:’ — happy 
 then are they, and they alone, who are habitually prepared 
 for that event ! Yet even to them, it is desirable to be apprised 
 of its immediate approach : that they may settle all their tem- 
 poral concerns, for the peace and benefit of their survivors ; 
 and then meet the separating stroke, with that calmness, and 
 in that frame of spirit, which may most impress and edify sur- 
 rounding friends. — If the Lord seem in his providence to com- 
 mand us 44 to set our house in order, for we must die, and not 
 live and yet afterwards unexpectedly prolong our days ; 
 our preparation in that case will neither mar the comfort, nor 
 lessen the usefulness, of our future lives. — It is frequently re- 
 quired of ministers, to intimate to sick persons the probability, 
 or supposed certainty, of their approaching dissolution ; as 
 well as to assist them in improving the visitation, and in'pre- 
 paring for the event: and should such intimations afterwards 
 prove erroneous, they ought not to be censured ; for they can 
 only speak according to their judgment, and deliver that mes- 
 sage from God, which appears to them suited to the case of 
 those whom they address. — Though miracle's, properly so 
 called, have ceased ; yet the Lord hears the prayer of faith 
 for the sick, and sometimes remarkably prospers simple 
 means, used in dependence on his blessing. And though 
 physicians, (for prophets are not now sent from God to inform 
 us in these matters,) should give little encouragement respect- 
 ing the recovery of beloved and useful persons ; we may still 
 continue to pray for them : for, 44 with God all things are pos- 
 sible,” and the most sagacious of men are often found mis- 
 taken. In respect of ourselves, it is generally best to be 
 willing to depart, and to pray especially for spiritual blessings 
 in behalf of ourselves and others. Yet there maybe cases, in 
 which men may with propriety be importunate for the continu- 
 ance of life and health, in order to complete designs of public 
 and allowed utility, which appear likely to be frustrated i. 
 they should be removed ; or when in any way the important 
 interests of families, churches, or nations appear to them con- 
 nected with their lives. Yet, as we are all liable to mistake 
 in these concerns, submission to the divine will ought inva- 
 riably to be united with such petitions : and nothing else 
 should make any man desirous to live in this wretched world, 
 who knows that he is ready for a better. — The mercy of our 
 God, and the merits of our heavenly Advocate, form tho sin- 
 ner’s never-failing plea at the throne of grace : yet, the con- 
 sciousness of sn verity in our professed faith and piety, gives 
 confidence in tint -is of trial ; and may, on some occasions, ho 
 pleaded before him, without the imputation of pride or s« If- 
 righteousness. — Secret earnest prayer is the approved and 
 successful method of obtaining relief and comfort, in seasons 
 of tho deepest distress and sometimes the Lord immediately 
 turns the mourning of the humble supplicant into joy and 
 thanksgiving. He always hoars the prayers and sees tho 
 
B. C. 67U 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 B. C. 670 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 SJanasech reigns very wickedly and idolalrouely , 1—9. Prophets are sent to 
 predict judgments upon Judah because of his wickedness , 10 — 16. He dies 
 and is succeeded by Amon, 17,18. Amon reigns wickedly , 19—22. He is 
 slain by his servants ; the people put the conspirators to death , and make 
 his son Josiah king, 23, 24. Amon's acts and burial , 25, 26. 
 
 M ANASSEH "teas twelve years old when he 
 began to reign, and reigned fifty and five 
 vears in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was 
 '■Hephzi-bah. 
 
 2 And 'lie did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord, d after the abominations of the hea- 
 then, whom the Lord cast out before the children 
 of Israel. 
 
 3 For he built up again 'the high places which 
 Hezekiah his father had destroyed ; and f he reared 
 
 . 20:21. 1 Chr. 3:13. 2 Chr. 32:33. 33:1. Mall. 1:10. Mnnaaaea. b Prov.5:19. 
 . 62:1. mors. c 7,16. 16:2-4. 22:17. 2 Chr. 33:2— 4. d Lrv. 18:2.5— 29. 
 
 Dent 12:31. 2 Chr. 36:14. Kz. 16:51. e 18:4,22. 2 Chr. 32:12. 34:3. f 10:18 — 
 CO 1 Kings 16:31— 33. 18:21,26. g 8:18,27. Mic. 6:16. h 17:16. 23:4. Deut. 4: 
 19. 17:3. 2 Chr. 33:3— 5. i 16:10— 16. Jer.32:34. j Er. 20:24. Deut. 12:5. 
 
 tears of tlic broken in heart ; and will give health, length of 
 days, and temporal deliverances, as much, and as long, as 
 they arc Iruly beneficial. — The minister of Christ must deliver 
 his Lord’s message, even when it contains alarms and re- 
 bukes ; but he delights to bo the messenger of joy and conso- 
 lation, to those whom his word has previously wounded. — If 
 we would have promised mercies, we must observe the insti- 
 tuted means ; for these, being connected with the end by the 
 express promises of God, are far more certainly efficacious, 
 when used properly, than any of these means which produce 
 their effect in the ordinary course of Providence : and yet, the 
 latter ought not to be neglected, lest we tempt rather than 
 trust the Lord. — Recovery from sickness should always be 
 publicly acknowledged, by first “ going up to the house of the 
 Lord,” to render the sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, if 
 it can be done : yet alas ! few observe this rule, and many of 
 those few do it as a formal task ; while re-established health 
 is employed in scenes of diversion or business, if not more 
 directly devoted to the service of Satan by licentious pleasures. 
 (Note, Luke 17:11 — 19.) But the true believer values the 
 ability and opportunity of attending on the ordinances of God, 
 and will go up with a glad and thankful heart ; (Notes, Ps. 
 118:17 — 24.) and will value that, more than any other privi- 
 lege of health. — True faith is not without its misgivings, so 
 that the strongest believers desire to have theirs more 
 strengthened : and in their experience, the Lord is pleased 
 sometimes to give those evidences of his power, truth, and 
 love to them, which establish their hearts as effectually as 
 miraculous signs did of old. All creatures are his servants, 
 to minister to the good of his children; and in answer to their 
 prayers he can, in innumerable ways, render them subser- 
 vient even to their spiritual benefit. 
 
 V. 12 — 21. Alas ! how seldom do we make suitable returns 
 to the Lord for his condescending mercies to us ! Ambition 
 and ostentation too generally intrude, where thankfulness 
 alone should occupy the heart ; and we are often chargeable 
 with pride, vanity, and carnal confidence, when we do not 
 suspect ourselves. — It is very difficult to possess distinctions 
 in rank, wealth, elegant furniture, or any thing valued by men, 
 without a secret self-preference, and a desire that others 
 should admire the possessor’s ingenuity, taste, magnificence, 
 or felicity. This foolish pride the Lord will rebuke and cor- 
 rect in those whom he loves ; and especially when they idolize 
 the opinion of ungodly men, and court their acquaintance, be- 
 cause they profess to esteem and admire them. But it is 
 hopeful, when persons in superior rank will endure to be rea- 
 soned with, and reproved by those, who in outward circum- 
 stances are greatly their inferiors : for generally such inter- 
 ference, however well meant and prudently conducted, excites 
 resentment. If we could look into futurity, it would damp 
 our joy in present prosperity : and we may expect vexation 
 from every object, in proportion as we have been inordinately 
 pleased with it.— Our regard to posterity, and our grief for 
 the gloomy prospects before us, in the church or the world, 
 must not render us unmindful of our present mercies, or in- 
 duce impatient murmurs. Our God has wife and righteous 
 reasons for all he does, or permits to be done ; and if we enjoy 
 peace, and the advantages of true religion in our days, we 
 should be very thankful. Shortly, our trials and services will 
 end together. Our space is limited, though its limits are un- 
 known to us, and then we shall sleep with our fathers And 
 “ blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord ; ... for they rest 
 from their labours, and their works do follow them !” 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXI. V. 1, 2. It is uncertain whether 
 Hezekiah had any other children than Manasseh, or any 
 other wives than Hephzi-bah, whose name signifies My de- 
 light is in her. (Is. 62:4.) Doubtless, Manasseh had been 
 properly educated during the lifetime of his father ; and the 
 rudiments of religious knowledge which he then imbided, 
 Jiough they exceedingly aggravated the guilt of his enormous 
 tnpiety, idolatry, and cruelty, might prove the seeds of his 
 ubsequent repentance : at least we may be sure, that his 
 pious father offered many prayers for him, which at length 
 were answered. (Notes, 2 Chr. 33:12 — 17.) — It would be 
 pleasing to his youthful mind to inherit a prosperous kingdom 
 
 I up altars for Baa!, and made a gre ve. as> did «Ahab 
 I king of Israel ; h and worshipped all the .tost o 
 heaven, and served them. 
 
 4 And ‘he built altars in the house of the 
 Lord of which the Lord said, Jin Jerusalem will 
 
 1 put my name. 
 
 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven 
 k in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 
 
 6 And 'he made his son pass through the fire, 
 and observed m times, and used enchantments, and 
 dealt with “familiar spirits and wizards : lie 
 “wrought much wickedness in the sight of the 
 Lord, to provoke him to anger. 
 
 7 And rfie set a graven image of the grove 
 that he had made in the house, of which the Lord 
 
 2 Sam. 7:13. 1 Kings 8:29. 9:3. Ps. 78:68,69. 132:13,14. U 23:4,6. 1 King! 9:36. 
 7:12. 2 Chr. 33:5,15. Ez. 411:28,32,37,47. 42:3. 43:5. 44: 19. I 16:3.17:17. Le». 
 18:21.20:2,3. 2 Chr.28:3. 33:6. m Lev. 19:26,31. Deut. Is: 10 — 14. n 1 Chr. 
 10:13. Is. 8:19. 19:3. Acts 16:16. o 24:3,4. Gen. 13:13. p 23:6. 2 Chr. 33: 
 7,15. 
 
 so early in life ; but this circumstance proved extremely pre- 
 judicial to him, and was still more ruinous to his people. 
 
 ( Notes and P. O. Duke 15:11 — 16.) The event, as well as 
 the testimony of the prophets, evinces, that Hezekiah’s re- 
 formation had been complied with in a reluctant and hypocri- 
 tical manner, especially by many of the chief men : and that 
 the nation was ripening fast for destruction. The nobles, upon 
 whom the regency, or the counselling of thejioung king, mus 
 necessarily devolve, seem to have been disposed to idolatry 
 and by humouring and flattering Manasseh, they trained him 
 to concur with their wishes, and probably to go much beyona 
 them. (Notes,. 2 Chr . 24:17,18. Matt. 23:15.) Soon after 
 Hezekiah’s death, his reformation was subverted : and the 
 king proceeded from bad to worse, till he was carried captive 
 to Babylon. Thus Hezekiah, though a prince of eminent 
 piety and excellence, was ihe son of a very wicked father, 
 and the father of a still more wicked son ! ( Margs Ref.) 
 
 V. 3. It is probable, that Manasseh was taught to consi 
 der his father’s attachment to the temple, as the effect of a 
 weak and bigoted mind. It appeared to the nobles more 
 convenient, liberal, and magnificent, to have a variety ol 
 temples and altars; than to be confined to meet with the 
 poorest of the people, from all parts of the land, at Solomon’s 
 temple. (Notes, 1 Kings 12:26 — 29. 2 Chr. 24:17,18. Is. 
 29:13—16.) In contempt therefore of his father’s memory, 
 the king rebuilt the high places, which had been piously de- 
 stroyed. (Notes, 18:4,22. 2 Chr. 31:1. Ec. 2:12 — 17.) Yet 
 this seemed but a light thing, and he soon proceeded to copy 
 Ahab’s idolatry, and even greatly to exceed it. (Note, 1 
 Kings 16:30—33.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. In order, as if were, the more directly to insult 
 the God of Israel, Manasseh built altars to his idols, and to 
 the host of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars ; (Note, Deut. 
 4:19.) not only in Jerusalem, where the Lord had recorded 
 his name ; but even in the conns of the temple itself ; both 
 that into which the priests and Levites, and such as brought 
 sacrifices entered, and that in which the other worshippers 
 assembled. (Marg. Ref. Note, 2 Chr. 33:6 — 8.) 
 
 V. 6. His son.] u His children.” 2 Chr. 33:6. Amon 
 was not born till the thirty-third year of Manasseh’s reign, 
 which is generally computed to have been subsequent to his 
 captivity and repentance. (1,19.) If so, some other son was 
 thus dedicated to his idol, perhaps with some of his daughters 
 likewise, of whom nothing is recorded. But it may be doubted 
 whether Manasseh’s captivity was so long before his death : 
 the general character of his reign in Scripture, and the very 
 imperfect reformation which afterwards took place, seem to 
 render that opinion improbable ; and there is no scriptural 
 information concerning the dale of his captivity, or even the 
 name of the Assyrian king who carried him captive: so that 
 perhaps Amon was the son here peculiarly intended. (Note, 
 2 Chr. 33:11.) 
 
 Observed times, &c.] (Notes, Ex. 22:18. Deut. 18:9 — 12.) 
 The persons who practised, or pretended to, these several 
 methods of holding correspondence with invisible agents, or 
 obtaining information from them, were Manasseh’s oracles: 
 and he inquired of them, instead of consulting the Lord by his 
 prophets, or by the high-priest. No doubt, they humoured 
 his vanity, and aimed to gratify his curiosity, without teaching 
 him his duty, or reproving him for his sins. In this he went 
 beyond all his predecessors. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Chr. 
 10:13,14. 2 Chr. 33:9,10.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:8—11. 1 Kings 6:11—13. 9:3 
 
 —6. Ps. 78:69. 
 
 Of the grove. (7) Perhaps this was a model of 
 
 some grove, used for idolatrous worship: though it is com- 
 monly supposed to have been the image of one of Manasseh’s 
 idols. (Note, 17:16.) Some think that it was a wooden 
 image of Ashteroth, or Astarte. (Note, Judg. 2:11 — 13.) — 
 Manasseh seems to have placed this image in the temple 
 itself. Thus he purposely affronted the Lord, and set him 
 at defiance; making the idol his rival, to intercept the adora- 
 tion of his worshippers. 
 
 V. 9. Manasseh proposed one idolatry after another; and 
 the people in general readily complied, both to obtain his 
 ( 699 ) 
 
B. C. 641. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 641 
 
 naid to David, and to Solomon his son, nln this 
 louse, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out 
 of all tribes of Israel, will I put my name for 
 ever : 
 
 8 Neither r will I make the feet of Israel move 
 any more out of the land which I gave their 
 fathers ; 'only if they will observe to do according 
 to all that I have commanded them, and accord- 
 ing to all the law that my servant Moses com- 
 manded them. 
 
 9 But 'they hearkened not: and Manasseh 
 'seduced them to do "more evil than did the na- 
 
 ions, whom the Lord destroyed before the chil- 
 dren of Israel. [ Practical Observation*.] 
 
 10 MI And rthe Lord spake by his servants the 
 prophets, sayins - , 
 
 1 1 ’Because Manasseh king of Judah hath done 
 these abominations, and hath done wickedly 
 "above all that the Amorites did, which were 
 before him, and hath b made Judah also to sin 
 with his idols : 
 
 12 Therefore thus saith the Lord God oflsrael, 
 Behold, C I am bringing such evil upon Jerusalem 
 and Judah, that ‘'whosoever heareth of it, both 
 his ears shall tingle. 
 
 13 And "I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of 
 Samaria, and’ 1 the plummet of the house of Aliab : 
 and si will wipe Jerusalem, as a man wipeth a 
 dish, 'wiping it, and turning it upside down. 
 
 14 And h I will forsake 'the remnant of mine in- 
 heritance, and kleliver them into the hand of their 
 enemies ; and they shall become a prey and a spoil 
 to all their enemies ; 
 
 15 Because they have done that which was 
 evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, 
 ''since the day their fathers came lbrth out of 
 Egypt, even unto this day. 
 
 q 4. 23:27. 1 Kings 8:29,44. 9:3,7. 2 Chr. 7:7,16,20. Neh.l:9. Ps. 74:2. 78:69. 
 69.132:13,14. r 18:11. 2 Sam. 7:10. 1 Chr. 17:9. 2 Chr. 33:8. s Lev. 26:3, 
 Sic. Deut. 5:28,29. QS:1, Slc. Josh. 23:11— 13. Ps. 37:3. 81:11— 16. Is. 1 : 19. Jer. 
 7:3—7,23. 17:20—87. Ur.. 22:2—16. 33:25—29. t 2 Chr. 36:16. Kira 9:10,11. 
 Nell. 9:23,29,30. Ps. 81:11. Dan. 9:6,10.11. I. like 13:34. John 15:22. Jam. 4:17. 
 u 1 Kings 14 16. 2 Chr. 33:9. Ps. 12.8. Prov. 29:12. IIos. 5:11. Rev. 2:211. 
 x Ei. 16:47.51,52. y 2 Chr. 33:10. 35:15. Nth. 9:26,30. Malt. 23:34— 37. 
 I 23:25.27.24.3,4. Jer. 15:4. a l Kings 21:20. El. 16:3,43. b 1 Kings 14:16. 
 15:30.16:19. c 22:16. Dan. 9:12. Mic. 3:12. cl 1 Sain. 3:11. Is. 28:19. Jer. 
 19:3. Mall. 24:21,22. I.nlce 23:23.29. Rev. 6:15— 17. e 17 6. Is. 28: 17. 31: 1 1 . 
 Lain. 2:8. Ei. 23:31-34. Am. 7:7,8. Zecli. 1:16. f 10:11. 1 Kings 21:21— 24. 
 g Is. 14:23. Jer. 25:9. Ez. 24:10,11. Rev. 18:21-23. • Heb. he wipeth end 
 
 lumelh it upon the face thereof, h Pent. 31 17. 2 Chr. 15 2. Ps. 37:28. Jer. 
 23:33. Lam. 5:20. i 19 1,30,31. 24.2. 2 Chr. 36:16,17. Jer. 23:33. J Lev. 26: 
 
 favour, and because it suited their depraved inclinations. 
 Tlius they proceeded to such an excess of wickedness, that 
 they became worse than the ancient Amorites or Canaanites, 
 on whom Israel had inflicted the veneeancc of heaven. (Notes, 
 Lev. 14:24—30. Ez. 18:48— 55.) 
 
 V. 10—12. (Marg.Ref. Note, 9.) It is not certain, 
 that any of the prophets, whose writings have come down to 
 us, lived in the time of Manasseh. Isaiah and Hoshea pro- 
 bably were dead. (Notes, 16. 19:2. Is. 1:1. Hos. 1:1.) 
 Jeremiah did not begin to prophesy till several years after 
 Manasseh’s death. It is not known when Joel flourished. 
 Nahum and Habakkuk seem to have lived at a later period. 
 But a succession of prophets was raised up ; and many, 
 doubtless, addressed their contemporaries, whose writings 
 and names have not reached us. — Tingle. (12) Note, I 
 Sum. 3:11. 
 
 Y. 13. As the builder keeps his work exactly straight and 
 perpendicular, by the line and the plummet : so the Lord 
 would execute strict justice upon the inhabitants of Jerusa- 
 lem: proceeding by the same measure with them, as he had 
 done wilh those of Samaria, whom he divided to the famine, 
 to the sword, and to captivity ; nay, he would be as severe 
 with ihetn, as ho had been with ihe idolatrous family of Allah. 
 (1 Kings 21:21 — 24.) The subsequent expressive similitude 
 emphatically represents the city subverted, and totally deso- 
 lated ; yet not finally destroyed, hut cleansed from idolatry, 
 and reserved for the future residence of tKe Jews. (Notes, 
 Ez. 24:3—11.) 
 
 V. 14. Forsake, Sic..] Not finally, hut for a season, dur- 
 ing the Babylonish captivity : yet this only related to the col- 
 lective body of the nation, and their external privileges ; for 
 individual believers were preserved, and peculiarly noticed, 
 even during that visitation. (Note, I Sam. 12:22.) 
 
 V. 15. IMarg.Rrf.k. Notes, Jer. 15:1 — 5. Ez. 20:5 — 38. 
 
 V. 16. Probably, infants were burnt in the fire, by Ma- 
 nasseh’s authority and command to Molech ; and the oppres- 
 sion, violence, and cruelty of his general administration might 
 aecasion much unrighteous shedding of blood: but his perse- 
 cuting rage, against those who opposed and reproved his ido- 
 airi js, seems especially intended. The Jewish writers assert, 
 hat ne cau ed the venerable Isaiah to he sawn asunder, 
 (or warning him and his people of approaching vengeance : 
 
 I 700 ) 
 
 16 Moreover, 'Manasseh shed innocent blood 
 very much, till he had filled Jerusalem from 'one 
 end 1o another; '"besides his sin wherewith he made 
 Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the 
 sight of the Lord. 
 
 17 Now "the rest of the acts of Manasseh, 
 and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are 
 they not written in the book of the Chronicles of 
 the kings of Judah ? 
 
 18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers, i-b.c. 
 "and was buried in the garden of his own L M3 - 
 house, in the garden of Uzza : and Amon his 
 son reisaied in his stead. 
 
 19 f A moil was twenty and two years old 
 when he began to reign, and he reigned itwo 
 years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name t cas 
 Meshullemeth, the daughter of Haruz of Jothah. 
 
 20 And he did that which was evil in the 
 sight of the Lord, r as his lather Manasseh did. 
 
 21 And he walked in all the way that his 
 father walked in, and served the idols that his 
 father served, and worshipped them : 
 
 22 And s he forsook the Lord God of his fathers, 
 and walked not in the way of the Lord. 
 
 23 Ml And 'the servants of Amon conspired i-b.c 
 against him, and slew the king in his own I- 641 - 
 house. 
 
 24 And “the people of the land slew all them 
 that had conspired against king Amon ; and ‘the 
 people of the land made Josiah his son king in 
 bis stead. 
 
 25 Now y the lest of the acts of Amon which 
 he did, are they not written in the book of the 
 Chronicles of the kings of Judah? 
 
 26 And he was- buried in his sepulchre 2 in the 
 garden of Uzza: and "Josiah his son reigned in 
 his stead. 
 
 17,36— 38. Deut. 4:26,27. 28:25,31— 33,48. Jude. 2:14,13. Nell. 9:27— 37. Pe 
 106:40—43. Is. 10:6. Lam. 1:5,10. k Deni. 9:24. 31:27.29. Jude. 2: II— 13. P» 
 106:34 -40. Ez. 16:15, &c. 20:4,13,21,30. 23.3,8, &c. Dan. 9:5— 11. 124:3,4. 
 N urn. 35:33. Dent. 21:8,9. Jer. 2:34. 7:6. 15:4. Mall. 23:30, 31. 27:6. Luke 13: 
 31. Heb. 11:37. t Heb , mouth lo mouth . m 7,11. Ex.32:*21. 1 Kings 14:15, 
 16. 2 Chr. 33:9. n See on 20.29,21. 2 Chr. 33:11— 19. o 2 C’lir. 21:20. 24:16. 
 25.28:27.3-2:33.33:20. Jer. 22:19. p l Chr. 3:14. 2 Chr. 33:21. Matt. 1- 
 10. q 15:23. 1 Kings 15:25. 16:8 . 22:51. r 2— 7. Num. 32:14. 2 Chr. 33:22, 
 23. Matt. 23:32. /lets 7:51. s Deut. 32:15. 1 Kings 1 1 33. 1 Chr. 28:9. Jer. 
 2:13. Jon. 2.8. t 12:20. 14:19. 15:25,30. ! Kings 15:27. 16:9. 2 Chr. 33x 
 24,25. u 14:5. x 11:17. 14:21. 1 Sam. 11:15. 2 Sam. 5:3. 1 Kings 12:1, 
 20. 2 Chr. 22:1. 26:1. 33:25. y 17. See on 20.20. z See on 18. a l Kings 
 13:2. 
 
 but this is of very questionable authority. It is not said that 
 Isaiah prophesied in the days of Manasseh : nor is it proba- 
 ble that he did. (IVote, Is. 1:1.) — His multiplied and varied 
 murders, however, were an addition to his unprecedented 
 idolatries, and indeed inseparably connected wilh them: for 
 thus, as well as by seducing the people, ( Note , 9.) “he made 
 Judah to sin.” 
 
 V. 17, 18. We shall hereafter meet with a more pleasing 
 account of the latter part of Manasseh’s reign. ( Notes, 2 Chr. 
 33:11 — 19.) — He was not buried in the sepulchre of the kings, 
 u but in the garden of Uzza,” “in his own house,” or some 
 sepulchre which he had prepared there for himself. This 
 seems to have been a penitent confession, that his crimes had 
 rendered him unworthy to be numbered with the descendants 
 of David. Some, however, suppose that, the people would 
 not allow him that honour. Yet, no doubt, he was a true 
 penitent, though it is not here mentioned. (Note, I Kings li: 
 42,43.) 
 
 Of Uzza. (18) ‘ Some think this was the place where 
 
 Uzziah was buried’; (2 Chr. 2G:23.) and that he chose to he 
 buried here, as unworthy because of his manifold sins, (of 
 which he repented,) to be laid in the common sepulchre of tne 
 kings of Judah.jp Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 20 — 24. If Manasseh repented only in the latter years 
 of his life, Amon was trained up in his youth, with the worst 
 instructions, and was accustomed to copy the worst exam- 
 ples : and to these he adhered, without regarding his father’s 
 subsequent good behaviour or advice. 1 He was bred up in 
 idolatry, and solemnly consecrated by his father to the ser- 
 vice of Molech.’ Bp. Patrick. If this were the case, Ma- 
 nasseh’s captivity and repentance must have taken place at a 
 later period, than is generally assigned it. ( Notes, 6 . 2 Chr. 
 33:11,21 — 25.) Amon’s reign was very short, and he was 
 
 soon cut off in his sins. Perhaps, his murderers meant to 
 exclude the family of David, ami seize tho throne for then* 
 selves; but this was contrary to the purpose of God and met 
 with due punishment from the people: and their wickedness 
 made way for Josiah, under whoso government the nation 
 had one bright expiring gleam of reformation and prosperity. 
 
 V. 2G. Note , 18. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. Young persons arv gene ally dr liroun of being 
 
B. C. 641 
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 13. C. 624. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Josiah reigns well , 1,2. He provides for the repairs of the temple, Z — 7. 
 Hilkiah finds the book of the law, which is read to the kin g ; who it alarmed, 
 and sends to inquire of God, by IJulduh the prophetess, 8 — 14. She fore- 
 tells the destruction of Jerusalem, but speaks peace to Josiah, 15 — 20. 
 
 * T OSI AH urns b eight years old when he began 
 J to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years 
 in Jerusalem: and his mother’s name was Jedi- 
 iah the daughter of Adaiah, of “Boscath. 
 
 2 And he did that which was d right in the sight 
 of the Lord, and “walked in all the way of David 
 his father, and ‘turned not aside to the right hand 
 or to the left. 
 
 a. c.-i 3 H And it came to pass sin the eighteenth 
 624 ■ -I year of king Josiah, that the king sent 
 Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, 
 the scribe, to the house of the Lord, saying, 
 
 4 Go up to h Hilkiah the high-priest, that he 
 
 a l Kings 13:2. 2 Chr. 34:1,2. Jer. 1:2. Zeph.Ul. Matt. 1 : 10. Josias. b 11: 
 21.21:1. Ts. 8:2. Ec. 10:16. Is. 3:4. c Josh. 15:39. Bozkath. cl 16:2. 18:3. 
 
 2 Chr. 17:3.29 2. Prov. 20:11. e l Kings 3:6. 11:38. 15:5. I Deal. 5:32. Josh. 
 1:7. Pror. 4:27. Kz.l&U— 17. g 2 Chr. 34:3— 8. h 1 ( hr. 6:13. 9:11. 2 Chr. 
 34:9—18. i 12:4,8-11. 2 Chr. 24:8— 12. Mark 12:41,42. j 1 Chr. 9:19. 26:13 
 
 their own masters, and of obtaining early possession of riches 
 or power, that they may indulge their inclinations and self- 
 importance : and too often, from such motives, are secretly 
 rejoiced at the death of their parents. But this generally 
 ruins the comfort of their future lives, and renders them the 
 instruments of immense mischief to those who are unhappily 
 connected with them. It is much safer and happier, when 
 youth is sheltered under the fostering care of affectionate and 
 prudent parents, or of faithful guardians and tutors ; till 
 greater maturity of age and experience gives a more hopeful 
 prospect of discretion. Though such young persons are less 
 indulged, caressed, and flattered, and are laid under restric- 
 tions unpleasant at the time ; they may live to be thankful for 
 the restraints, under which at present they are impatient. — 
 None are more abandoned than those, who become wicked 
 after a religious education; for they cannot have quietness in 
 vice, till by desperate courses they have effectually stupified 
 I heir consciences : and in every case, the greater the obsta- 
 cles which are surmounted, before men attain to the undis- 
 turbed indulgence of their lusts, the more lost they are after- 
 wards to all sense of shame or decency. But the Lord will 
 put his fear into the hearts of his true people, that they shall 
 not finally depart from him: (Note, Jer. 32:38 — 41.) yet in 
 ihe reformation of collective bodies, numbers are mere time- 
 servers, such as w believe for a season, but in temptation fall 
 away.” ( Note , Matt. 13:20,21 . ) — The mind of man is dis- 
 posed to vibrate from one extreme to another; as the de- 
 scending stone falls with a force proportioned to the height 
 to which it was raised : so that times of remarkable revival 
 in religion have often been succeeded by those of most noto- 
 rious infidelity, impiety, and profligacy. — The ambition of 
 excelling proYnpts sinners to aspire after pre-eminence even 
 in crimes ; and men are capable of glorying in having gone 
 beyond all their predecessors in iniquity, and in refining upon 
 the blasphemy and sensuality of former times, or of contem- 
 porary rivals in vice ! — An infidel neglect of true religion, is 
 often connected with the most absurd credulity and ridiculous 
 superstitions ! — Some daring sinners not only seek to gratify 
 their lusts, but seem desirous of forcing their crimes upon the 
 notice of the Almighty; as if ambitious of provoking his in- 
 dignation by every token of contempt, and defiance ! and they 
 peculiarly delight in seducing others to commit the same 
 wickedness, as if ambitious also of promoting the ruin of their 
 souls ! — The vain glory of young persons often appears in 
 affecting to be wiser than their prudent and pious parents, by 
 reversing all their plans, and especially by treating with con- 
 tempt their religious singularities, as they suppose them to be. 
 — But these are the ways in which men expose their own 
 folly, and bring ruin upon themselves : thus they forfeit the 
 Lord’s favour and protection, and fall under his dreadful in- 
 dignation : and all the mischief which they have done to 
 others will recoil upon themselves, to their increasing guilt 
 and condemnation ; except a timely repentance prevent the 
 fatal consequences. 
 
 V. 10 — 26. If temporal judgments are so dreadful when 
 foreseen or reported ; what will be the horror of that day, 
 when k ’lie earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more 
 cover her slain !” (Note, Is. 26:20,21.) Yet, in the severest 
 vengeance, the Lord proceeds by rule and measure, and does 
 not punish either nations or individuals beyond their deserts. — 
 External privileges, instead of benefiting those who neglect 
 the obedience of faith, will immensely enhance their guilt and 
 punishment. — The Lord wil^cast otf any professing people, 
 who dishonour him by their crimes, and who persecute his 
 servants : but he will never desert his cause on earth. — When 
 sinners disregard the invitations and exhortations of God’s 
 ministers, they are constrained to denounce his awful ven- 
 geance. Then resentment will be awakened in the hearts of 
 he proud and rebellious, and faith and patience will be pecu- 
 liarly requisite: but the servants of the Lord will overcome 
 sll, u by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their tes- 
 timony.” — It is inconceivable what wickedness some men 
 
 may 'sum the silver t cliich is brought into the 
 house of the Lord, which Hhe keepers of th»> 
 'door have gathered of the people : 
 
 5 And let them '“deliver it into the hand of the 
 doers of the work, that have the oversight of the 
 house of the Lord: and let them give it to th 
 doers of the work, which is in the house of the 
 Lord, 'to repair the breaches of the house, 
 
 6 Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, 
 and to buy timber and hewn stone to repair the 
 house. 
 
 7 Howbeit, m there was no reckoning made 
 with them of the money that was delivered into 
 their hand, because "they dealt faithfully. 
 
 8 H And Hilkiah the high-priest said unto 
 Shaphan the scribe, ”1 have found ihe book of the 
 law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah gave 
 the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 
 
 —19. 2 Chr. 8:14. Neh. 11:19. Ps. 84:10. “ Heb. threshold, k 12:11— 14. 
 
 1 12:5. S Chr. 24.7,12,13,27. Ezra 3:7. m 12:15. 2 Chr. 24:14. n Ex. 36:5,6. 
 Neh. 7:2. Prov. 28:2u. Luke 16:10—12. 1 Cor. 4:2. 2 Cor. 8.20, 21. 2 Tim. 2:2. 
 3 John 5. oDeut. 31:24 —26 . 2 Chr. 34:14,15. 
 
 have lived to commit, who yet have not only been spared, 
 but pardoned: ( Notes , Dan. 4:) such transgressors cannot 
 forgive themselves, but would live and die covered with shame 
 and self-abhorrence for all their crimes. — Whether the Lord 
 bear long with presumptuous offenders, .or whether he more 
 speedily cut them off in their sins ; all those who persist in 
 forsaking him, and in refusing to walk in his ways, mus 
 perish : and the wickedness of the parent often occasions the 
 destruction of the children. It is well, however, when the 
 removal of the ungodly makes way for better characters: yet 
 those who, instigated by any corrupt passion , execute deserved 
 vengeance upon wicked men, will bring deserved vengeance 
 upon themselves also. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXII. V. 1, 2. Josiah was seated 
 on the throne by those, who brought his father’s murderers to 
 justice, and who doubtless were friends to the family of 
 David : for “ the people of the land,” must be understood to 
 mean, at least, a majority of the elders and great men assem- 
 bling, and, with the approbation of the people, declaring to 
 whom the right of succeeding tp the throne belonged. It may 
 be supposed, that some of the nobles were concerned in the 
 conspiracy against Amon, or favoured the cause. ( Note , 21. 
 20 — 24.) We may therefore conclude thaj the persons, in- 
 trusted with Josiah’s education, were at least averse to ido- 
 latry, and favourable to the worship of Jehovah. Perhaps 
 his mother was a pious person, and instilled good principles 
 into his tender mind. By the blessing of God, however, on 
 the means used, he was very early brought under religious 
 impressions, and set about the work of public reformation * 
 and the event of his succession when a child was widely dif- 
 ferent from that of Manasseh. ( Notes , 21:1 — 3.) For his 
 character was most excellent : he copied the faith, zeal, and 
 piety of his ancestor David, and kept the middle path, with- 
 out diverging to any of those extremes to which human na- 
 ture is prone. (Notes, 18:3,5,6.) And had the people as cor 
 dially concurred in his reformation, as he. entered upon ana 
 persevered in it, blessed effects would have followed : but 
 they were given up to the most infatuated idolatry and wick 
 edness, and his efforts only served to evince the incurable 
 wickedness of that generation. (Notes, Jer. 3:6 — 11. 6: 
 
 27 — 30. Ez. 24:12,13.) — We can obtain but a superficial 
 knowledge of the state of Judah from these compendious his- 
 torical records, unless we compare them with the writing's of 
 the contemporary prophets. 
 
 V. 3 — 7. Josiah began to seek the Lord in the eighth 
 year of his reign, and to attempt a public reformation in the 
 twelfth ; so that considerable progress had before been made 
 in destroying ihe idols, which filled Judah and Jerusalem to an 
 almost inconceivable degree: but in his eighteenth year he 
 proceeded to reinstate the temple and its worship in their for- 
 mer splendour, and the principal reformation in his reign was 
 effected at this time. (Note, 2 Chr. 34:3 — 7.)— The money 
 was collected by voluntary contributions, as in the time of 
 Jehoash : but the Levites proved more active and faithful, than 
 the priests had then been; and the workmen were no less 
 worthy of confidence. (Notes, 12:4 — 15. 2 Chr. 34:8 — 13.) 
 
 V. 8 — 1 1. The inquiries and controversies, which this ac- 
 count of finding the book of the law has occasioned, seem to 
 have been quite unnecessary. If it were conceded, that no 
 other complete copy existed in all the world, at the time when 
 this book was found, it would not in the smallest degree invali- 
 date the authenticity of that part of holy writ: because all 
 the succeeding writers of the Scriptures, with Chr ; d himself 
 and his apostles, have given the sanction of their testimony to 
 its divine original. All the cavils and objections therefore of 
 infidels, grounded upon this circumstance, mean nothing ; ex- 
 cept they are intended to demonstrate their imbittered en- 
 mity to the sacred Scriptures.— It is highly probable, that 
 copies of the law were at that time very scarce, through the 
 idolatry of the former reigns, and the lamentable ungodliness 
 of the people. It may also be reasonably conjectured, that 
 the priests had made abstracts from it, of the outlines ofthei/ 
 
 l 701 x 
 
B. ; 65 1. 
 
 II. KINGS 
 
 B. C. 624. 
 
 9 And pShaphan ithe scribe came to the king, 
 and brought the king word again, and said, Thy 
 servants have 'gathered the money that was found 
 in the house, and have delivered it into the hand 
 of them that do the work, that have the oversight 
 of the house of the Lord. 
 
 10 And Shaphan the scribe showed the king, 
 saying, Hilkiah the priest hath delivered me a 
 book. And r Shaphan read it before s the king. 
 
 11 And it came to pass, when the king had 
 heard the words of the book of the law, ‘that he 
 
 Tent his clothes. [ Practical Observation!.] 
 
 12 And “the king commanded Hilkiah the 
 priest, and “Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and 
 rAchbor the son of 'Michaiah, and Shaphan the 
 scribe, and Asahiah a servant of the king’s, saying, 
 
 13 Go ye, ‘inquire of the Lord for me, and 
 for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the 
 words of this book that is found : for “great is 
 the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, 
 b because our fathers have not hearkened unto the 
 words of this book, to do according unto all that 
 which is written concerning us. 
 
 14 So Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam, and 
 Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asahiah, went unto 
 
 • p3, 12. 25:22. Jer. 36:24. 29:3. 36:10—12. 39:14. 40:11. 41:2. Ez. 8:11. q See 
 on 18:18. • Heb. melted, r Deut. 31:9— 13. 2 Chr. 34:18. Neh. 8:1— 7,14, 
 IS. 13:1. Jer. 36:21. e Deut. 17: 18— 20. Jer. 13:18. 22:1,2. t 2 Chr. 34:19. 
 Jer. 36:24. Joel 2:13. Jon. 3:6,7. u 19:2,3. 2 Chr. 34:19—21. Is. 37:1—4. x See 
 on 9. Jer. 26:22,24. y 2 Chr. 34:20. Abdon. t Or, Micah. I 3:11. 1 Kings 
 22:7,8. 1 Chr. 10:13,14. Ps. 23:14. Prov. 3 6. Jer. 21:1,2. 37:17. Ei. 14:3,4. 20: 
 1-3. Am. 3:7. a Ex. 20:5. Deut. 4:23-27. 29:23-28. 31:17,18. Neh. 8:8,9. 9: 
 S. Dan. 9:5,6. Rom. 3:20. 4; 15. 7:9. b 2 Chr. 29:6 . 34:21. Ps. 106:6. Jer. 16:12. 
 44:17. Lam. 5:7. Dau. 9:8,10. c Ex. 15:20. Juilg. 4:4. Mic. 6:4. I.uke 1:41. 
 &c. 2:36. Acts 21:9. 1 Cor. 11:5. d2 Chr. 34:22. Tikvath. Hasrah. } Heb. 
 garments. 2 Kings 10:22. Neh. 7:72. § Or, second port, e 1:6,16. Jer. 23:28. 
 
 worship, without specifying particulars, or inserting the so- 
 lemn sanctions annexed to each of them. This would spare 
 them the trouble of transcribing, or studying, or reading to the 
 people, the whole book ; and, as these abstracts would come 
 into common use, few people would look any further. But 
 had not a universal traditional recollection of the law, and in 
 general of its contents, prevailed in the nation; how could the 
 book, when found, have obtained proper and implicit credit as 
 the word of God by Moses ? In the dark ages of popery this 
 was precisely thq case: the liturgies and rituals contained a 
 few selected portions of Scripture; and not only were the 
 people kept in the dark as to the entire contents of the Bible, 
 but few even of the priests had ever read it through, and num- 
 bers of these had never seen a complete,' copy of it. The 
 same naturally becomes the case still, (notwithstanding the 
 multiplication of copies of the Bible by the art of printing, and 
 its public allowance in the vulgar tongue, and the commend- 
 able pains bestowed by pious persons to disperse them;) 
 whenever any set of men become strenuous for one part of 
 religion in preference to the rest. They, who are the oracles 
 of each party, insert in their writings those portions of Scrip- 
 ture, which are supposed to inculcate the doctrines for which 
 they contend ; but keep out of sight, perhaps without design, 
 those passages which as strongly declare what they under- 
 value, overlook, or are prejudiced against. And these writ- 
 ings form the religion of the zealous friends of that party, 
 while the rest of the Scripture is comparatively neglected or 
 forgotten. Indeed we all are disposed to havo favourite pas- 
 sages of Scripture, to which we are more attentive than to 
 the rest: so that without great care we shall be led into this 
 error. — And may it not be hinted with propriety, that some 
 text-books, which were well designed, are yet capable of a 
 dangerous abuse? I mean those books, which give a text of 
 Scripture for every day, with pious observations upon it. 
 Many read these in family worship, instead of the Bible itself ; 
 and others, it is likely, do the same in their closets: but num- 
 oers are thus undesignedly led to substitute a part for the whole; 
 the abstract with ail exposition, instead of the book of the 
 aw : whereas 44 all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, 
 and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for 
 .nstruction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be 
 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (Note, 2 
 Tim. 3:14 — 17.) The proper use of such books is to suggest 
 subjects for pious meditations and ejaculations, in the inter- 
 vals of conversation and business.— The book, whicli Hilkiah 
 found, seems to have been the original book of the law, de- 
 posited by Moses at the side of the ark ; (Note, Deut. 31:26.) 
 hut which in those distracted times had been removed, either 
 'or concealment, lest it should be destroyed by the idolaters, 
 or in contempt by those who were turning every thing into 
 confusion. Some argue that this circumstance occasioned 
 osiah’s consternation : but he certainly acted like a man 
 who had never seen the law before ; and this most likely was 
 the case, though there might ho copies dispersed among his 
 subjects. It is probable his reformation had hitherto been 
 
 oducted by such abstracts, as have been mentioned, or b}' 
 Taditional knowledge. If the kings of Judah had observed 
 .he rule of transcribing the law with their own hands, very 
 
 ( 702 ) 
 
 Huldah c the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the 
 son of d Tikvah the son of Harhas, keeper of the 
 Jwardrobe, (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the 
 ^college 0 and they communed with her. 
 
 15 II And she said unto them, 'Thus saith the 
 Lord God of Israel, Tell the man that sent you 
 to me, 
 
 16 Thus saith the Lord, ‘Behold, I will bring 
 evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants 
 thereof; even sail the words of the book which 
 the king of Judah hath read. 
 
 17 Because they h have forsaken me, and have 
 burnt incense unto other gods, that they might 
 provoke me to anger with all ‘the works of their 
 hands ; therefore my wrath shall be'kindled against 
 this place, and k shall not be quenched. 
 
 18 But to 'the king of Judah which sent you 
 to inquire of the Lord, ra thus shall ye say to him, 
 Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, As touching 
 the words which thou hast heard ; 
 
 19 Because “thy heart was tender and thou 
 hast “humbled thyself before the Lord, when thou 
 heardest what I spake against this place, and 
 against the inhabitants thereof, that they should 
 become Pa desolation and a curse, and hast rent 
 
 620:17.21:12,13. 2 Chr. 34:24,25. g25:l-4. Lev. 26:15, &c. Deut. 28:15, 4e. 
 29:18— 23. 30:17,18.31:16— 18.32:15-26. Josh. 23:13, 15. Dan. 9:11— 14. h Ex. 
 32:34. Deut. 29:24— 28.32:15-19. Judg. 2:12-14. 3:7,8. 10:6,7,10—14. 1 Kmg. 
 9:6—9. Ps. 106:35-42. Jer. 2:11-13.27,28. i Ps'. 115:4— 8 . Is. 2:8,9. 44:17— 20. 
 46:5-8. Mic. 5:13. k Deut. 32:22. 2 Chr. 36:16. Is. 33:14. Jer. 7:20. 17:27. Ex. 
 20:47,48. Zeph. 1:18. 1 2 Chr. 34:25-28. m Is. 3:10. Mai. 3:16,17. n 1 Sam. 
 24:5. Pa. 51:17. 119:120. Is. 46:12. 57:15. 66:2,5. Jer. 36:24,29— 32. Ez.9:4. 
 Rom. 2.4,5. Jam. 4:6—10. o Ex. 10:3. Lev. 26:40,41. I Kings 21:29. 2 Chr. 
 33:12,19,23. Mic. 6:8. 1 Pet. 5:5,6. p Lev. 26:31,32. Deut. 29:23. Jer. 26:6. 
 44:22. 
 
 salutary effects might have been produced ; but it seems to 
 have been entirely neglected, as well as the command to read 
 the law publicly to the people, every year at the feast of ta- 
 bernacles. (Notes, Deut. 17:18.31:9 — 13. Neh. 8:1 — 18.9:3.) 
 — It is supposed that the portion, which was first read to 
 Josiah, was the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth chapters of 
 Deuteronomy : and these were doubtless well suited to cow- 
 vince him, that the guilt and danger of his people was much 
 greater than he had apprehended, and to induce the expres- 
 sions of fear, sorrow, and humiliation, which he showed. We 
 may conclude, that he afterwards conducted his reformation 
 with more exactness ; as he now wrought by rule, and was 
 aware of the imminent danger to which he and his subjects 
 were exposed. 
 
 V. 12, 13. Very little is recorded concerning the high- 
 priests, as active instruments in reformation, and reviving 
 true religion. Hilkiah indeed seems to have been a man of 
 good character; though it is likely, not well acquainted with 
 the divine law. (Marg. Ref.) Josiah, however, never pro- 
 posed inquiring of the Lord, by him and the breastplate of 
 judgment ; nor did Hilkiah object, when sent with others to 
 inquire of a prophetess. Either he was ignorant, that to in- 
 quire of God was one distinguishing part of his office; or he 
 humbly thought himself unworthy to perform it: or this me- 
 thod of inquiry was considered as obsolete ; having fallen into 
 disuse, perhaps, from the too general want of true piety in the 
 high-priests, who had been superseded in this respect by the 
 prophets raised up in constant succession. (Note, 19:2.) — 
 Ahikam. (12) Note , Jer. 26:24. 
 
 V. 14. Huldah, &c.] Jeremiah and Zephaniah prophe- 
 sied at this time ; but perhaps being young, and newly entered 
 on their work, they were of inferior note ; or they were else- 
 where employed. (Notes, Jer. 1:1 — 3. Zeph. 1:1.) — The or- 
 dinary ministry, both under the Old and New Testament, is 
 confined to men : but the Lord is not hound by those restric- 
 tions which he imposes upon us : and he has often conferred 
 on women the spirit of prophecy. (Marg. Ref . c. Notes, 
 
 1 Cor. 14:34,35. 1 Tim. 2:11 — 14.) — Huldah was doubtless a 
 person of eminent piety, and well known to be a prophetess. 
 She was a married woman, and her husband being keeper of 
 the wardrobe, might make her better known to Josiah, who 
 perhaps had before this consulted her. — Whether the word 
 rendered “the college” means an institution at Jerusalem, in 
 some respects similar to the schools of the prophets in Israel ; 
 or whether it only denotes, according to the marginal reading, 
 the part of the city in which she lived, is not agreed. The 
 latter opinion, however, seems most probable, as the same 
 word (natron) is in the next chapter translated 41 of the se- 
 cond order.” (Note, 23:4.) 
 
 V. 15 — 20. The sentence denounced concerning the de- 
 solations of Jerusalem was irrevocable : but as Josiah acted 
 in a manner which showed that ho was a inan of a broken 
 heart and a tender conscience, a true penitent, and a real be* 
 liever, he would be spared the anguish of witnessing those 
 dire calamities. (Notes, 1 Kings 21:27 — 29. Is. 57:15,16. 
 66:1,2. Jer. 36:20 — 25. Ez. 9:3,4.) Though lie w*s slain 
 in battle, yet he died in peace with God, and went to glory 
 As he was not forty years old when he died, an 1 th /fal 'V* 
 
B. C. 624. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 B C. 624 
 
 thy clothes; and ‘'wept before me; r I also have 
 heard thee, saith the Lord. 
 
 20 Behold therefore, ■! will gather thee unto 
 hy fathers, and thou shalt be ‘gathered into thy 
 grave in peace; and thine eyes shall not see all 
 the evil which 1 will bring upon this place. And 
 they brought the king word again. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Jotiah rend* (he laio in a solemn assembly gathered for that and similar pur- 
 poses, l, '2. He enters into covenant with God; and abolishes idolatry in 
 Judah , 3 — 14. He bums men's bones on the altar nt Deth-el ; fulfils^ the pre- 
 diction of the prophet sent to Jeroboam ; destroys the high places in Samaria, 
 and slays the priests, 15—20. He celebrates a solemn passover, 21—23. He 
 puts away wizards, tfc. 24 : and excels all his predecessors, 25. The wrath 
 of God against Judah is yet unavveased, 26—28. Josiah is slain in battle 
 by Pkaraoh-nccho , and succeeded by Jehnahax, 29, 30 ; who reigns wickedly 
 three months , is led away prisoner by Pharaoh into Egypt , and succeeded by 
 Jehoiakim, 31—34 ; who taxes the land for Pharaoh’s tribute, and reigns 
 wickedly, 35—37. 
 
 A ND “the king sent, and they gathered unto 
 him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. 
 
 q Num. 25.6. Judg. 2:4,5. 20:26. Ezra 9:3,4. 10:1. Nell. 8:9. Ps. 119:136. Jer. 
 9:1. 13:17. 14:17. Luke 19:41. Rom. 9:2,3. r 19:20 . 20:5. .Gen. 25:8. Dent. 
 81:16. 1 Chr. 17:11. 2Chr. 34:28. t 23:29,30. Pe. 37:37. 18.57:1,2. Jer.22:10,15, 
 16, aDeut.31:2S. 2 Sam. 6:1. 2Chr. 29:20. 30:2.34:29,30. * Heb . from small 
 even unto great, b Gen. 19:11. 1 Sam. 5:9. 30:2. 2 Chr. 15:13. Ealh. 1:5. Job 
 8.19. Ps. 115:13. Acts 26:22. Rev. 20:12. c Deut. 31:10 — 13. 2 Chr. 17:9. Neh. 
 8:1—8. 9:3.13:1. (122:8. Deut. 31:26. 1 Kings 8-9. e 11:14,17. 2 Chr. 23:13. 34: 
 
 struction of Jerusalem took place within twenty-three years 
 after, he might have lived to that time, according to the ordi- 
 nary course of nature. But as his piety and zeal could not 
 avail to prevent that catastrophe, he was mercifully “ taken 
 away from the evil to come.” (Marg. Ref. Note, Is. 57:1,2.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 11. Those who have been favoured in their tender 
 years, with prudent and pious instructers, have very great 
 cause for gratitude: for that circumstance is immediately 
 ordered in Providence, without their even appearing to choose 
 it for themselves, and frequently in opposition to their incli- 
 nations ; yet it commonly proves the means of determining 
 both the comfort and usefulness, and the happy close, of 
 their future lives. — The Lord frequently demonstrates the 
 sovereignty of his grace, by raising up the brightest orna- 
 ments of his church from the most degenerate families. — It is 
 a peculiar favour to be brought to seek and serve God in early 
 life, and to be led to copy closely the best examples. — It is 
 incumbent on us to keep the narrow way, and to avoid the 
 extremes which are found on the right and on the left : and 
 great watchfulness is requisite so to shun self-righteous pride, 
 as to keep clear of antinomian abuse of the gospel. In escap- 
 ing from superstition, we are in danger of running into inex- 
 pedient indulgence, or irreverence to things sacred. Fierce 
 and contentious zeal, in some men, leads others to sooth 
 themselves in lukewarmness, indolence, and timidity : and in 
 numberless ways, when avoiding one evil, we are prone to 
 run into another ; or so to attend to one part of religion, as 
 to neglect others, and thus to mar that proportion and sym- 
 metry, which are its peculiar ornament. But if, with all our 
 circumspection, we are kept from great and mischievous mis- 
 takes ; we must give all the praise to him, who leads his 
 people “in the midst of the paths of judgment.” (Prov. 8: 
 20.) — The interests and passions of men raise up so many 
 obstructions, that public reformations commonly move hea- 
 vily ; and can only be effected by perseverance, gradually, 
 and as the zealous reformers obtain influence, and establish 
 their characters by “ patient continuance in well-doing.” — 
 Yet, in the worst of times, we meet with examples of libe- 
 rality, fidelity, and integrity, which are worthy of praise and 
 imitation. — The prevalence of impiety, infidelity, superstition, 
 or licentiousness, renders the word of God a neglected book ; 
 and that neglect reciprocally augments these evils. And 
 when professed ministers grow careless, selfish, or supersti- 
 tious, the people of course become generally ignorant of the 
 sacred oracles : and far more, when they employ their influ- 
 ence, and exert their authority, to keep the Scriptures, as 
 translated into the language of their several countries, out of 
 the hands of the common people ; and to discountenance the 
 study of them ; and when they endeavour to obstruct those 
 who would circulate, and encourage the study of, the oracles 
 of God. Alas ! that this stigma of popery should disgrace so 
 many rulers and teachers of our protestant church! But 
 whenever the clergy in general, and those of superior autho- 
 rity and reputation in particular, shall make it their great 
 business, to call the attention of the people to the Scriptures, 
 and to bring them acquainted with the whole of them ; their 
 conduct will have a most extensive effect, in preventing the 
 influx of vice, and in promoting true knowledge and genuine 
 piety. “ For the word of God is quick and powerful ;” and, 
 being “ sharper than any two-edged sword,” it penetrates the 
 neart and conscience with irresistible energy. (Notes jcr. 
 23:2.8,29. Heb. 4:12,13.) By the holy law is the knowledge 
 of sin, and by the blessed gospel is the knowledge of salva- 
 tion. When the former is understood, in its strictness, ex- 
 tent, excellency, and awful sanction, the sinner perceives his 
 guilt, is convinced that the great wrath of the Lord is kindled 
 agchTSt him for his transgressions ; and begins to inquire, 
 “ Wtjat must I do to be saved ?” This excites his attentive 
 regard to the mir "try and ministers of the gospel: who point 
 
 2 And the king went up into the house of the 
 Lord, and all the men of Judah and all the 
 inhabitants of Jerusalem with him. and the 
 priests, and the prophets, and all the people, 
 'both b small and great : and c he read in their ears 
 all the words of ‘'the book of the covenant which 
 was found in the house of the Lord. 
 
 3 H And the king 'stood by a pillar, and fmade 
 a covenant before the, Lord, 6 to walk after the 
 Lord, and to keep h his commandments, and his 
 testimonies, and his statutes, ‘with all their heart 
 and all their soul, to perform the words of this 
 covenant that were written in this book. lAnd 
 all the people stood to the covenant. 
 
 4 And the king commanded Hilkiah the high- 
 priest, and the k priests of the second order, and 
 'the keepers of the door, m to bring forth out of the 
 temple of the Lord all the vessels that were made 
 
 31,32. f Ex. 24:7,8. Dent. 5:1— 3. 29:1,10-15. Jo»h. 24:25 . 2 Chr. 15:12-14. 23: 
 16.29:10. E?.ra 10:3. Neh. 9:38. 10:23, &c. Jer. 50:5. Heb. 8:8—13. 12:24. 13: 
 20. g Deut. 8:19. h Deut. 4:45. 5:1. 6:1 . Ps. 19:7 — 9. i Deut. 6:5. 10:12. 11: 
 13. Matt. 22:36,37. j Ex. 24:3. Josh. 24:24 . 2 Chr. 34:32,33. Ec. 8:2. Jer. 4:2. 
 k 1 Chr. 24:4— 19. Matt. 26:3. 27: 1. 1 See on 22:4. 1 Chr. 26:1-19. m 21:3,7. 
 2 Chr. 33:3,7. 34:3,4. 
 
 out to him “ Jesus Christ, as the end of the law for righ- 
 teousness, unto every one that believeth.” And when the sinner 
 has been taught to trust and love the Saviour, he will thence- 
 forth walk in newness of life. — The scarcity of the written 
 word did not excuse Israel’s degeneracy and idolatry, because 
 it was the effect of it ; “ the people loved to have it so; 55 hut 
 the abundance of Bibies with which this land is favoured, will 
 exceedingly aggravate the guilt of our national impiety, infi- 
 delity, and licentiousness : for what greater contempt of Got. 
 can we show, than to refuse to. read his word, when put into 
 our hands ; or reading it, to refuse to believe and obey it ? 
 
 V. 12 — 20. The ministers of religion must communicate 
 to the people whatever they have learned respecting the wil' 
 of God, whether alarming or encouraging : otherwise they dc 
 not “ declare his whole counsel,” nor u keep themselves puro 
 from the blood of all men.” — Kings and rulers being personally 
 as much concerned as their subjects to humble themselves 
 before God, to know his will, and to seek his salvation; and 
 their conduct being of still greater importance toothers ; those 
 who minister before them in sacred things, should especial iy 
 instruct them in the whole of divine revelation: and they are 
 guilty of the basest and most cruel unfaithfulness, to them 
 and to millions, if from regard to their own safety or emolu- 
 ment, they keep back offensive truths. — Those princes who 
 are acquainted with able and faithful servants of God, and 
 who are not deterred by evil counsel from consulting them, 
 and from encouraging them without needless ceremony to 
 speak the whole truth, best consult their own good, and that 
 of their subjects. — It is also becoming when superior stated 
 pastors and rulers of the church discard prejudice and jea- 
 lousy, respect ing those among their inferiors, or of other orders 
 in society, whom God endows with peculiar spiritual gifts for 
 the edifying of his people ; when, instead of standing upon 
 character and precedency, and hindering others from regard- 
 ing their advice, they take the lead in honouring the grace of 
 God in them, and gladly receive their profitable instructions. 
 Such are wise men, and will daily grow wiser ; because they 
 are conscious th’at they have not attained, but need continual 
 accessions to their measure of divine knowledge and grace : 
 but those who are too great or too proud to learn, even from 
 their inferiors, are likely to live and to die without true wisdom. 
 — In communicating his special blessings, the Lord does not 
 restrict himself to age, or sex, or order, or condition in so- 
 ciety ; but “divideth severally to every one, as he will:” and 
 true sanctity consists in separation from sin, and devotedness 
 to God ; and not in seclusion from society, or from that state 
 which he has pronounced honourable. — There are kinds and 
 degrees of guilt, which the Lord will not pandon, either in in- 
 dividuals or nations ; and the discovery of men’s iniquities w il. 
 fully demonstrate the justice of his most tremendous ven- 
 geance on them. But a tender, broken, and contrite heart, 
 a humble consciousness of having deserved wrath, and an 
 earnest application for mercy, are things which “accompany 
 salvation,” and will never be rejected by our gracious Lord 
 and Saviour. (Note, Heb. 6:9,10.) Whatever persons o 
 this character ear, suffer, or witness, or in what way soevei 
 they are removed out of the world, they shall be gathered to 
 the grave in peace, and shall enter into the rest reserved for 
 the people of God. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIII. Y. 1,2. Note , Deut. 31:10 — 
 1 3. — The prophets. (2) It may be supposed, that Jeremiah, 
 Zephaniah, Huldah, and others were present on this occa- 
 sion, encouraging and assisting the king iq his pious under- 
 taking : yet it is probable, that the king neither employed 
 them, nor the priests, in reading the law to the elders of ths 
 people, at least not exclusively ; but that he performed the 
 service personally as the principal reader, though others 
 might be employed in the same manner, in different stations ; 
 4 for it is not likely that one man’s voice could reach so great 
 a multitude.’ Bp. Patrick. ( Note , Acts -2:14 — 21.) Th? 
 ( 703 ) 
 
B C. 624 
 
 B. C. 624. 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 for "Baal, and for the grove, and for all the host of 
 heaven : and he burned them without Jerusalem 
 in the fields of "Kidron, and carried the ashes of 
 them unto "Beth -el. 
 
 5 And he 'put down Hhe idolatrous priest^, 
 whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn 
 incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, 
 and in the places round about Jerusalem; them 
 also that burned incense unto Baal, to the sun, 
 and to the moon, and to the tplanets, and to nail 
 the host of heaven. 
 
 6 And he brought out r the grove from the house 
 of the Lord, without Jerusalem, unto the brook Kid- 
 ron, 'and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamp- 
 ed it small to powder, and cast the powder thereof 
 upon ‘the graves of the children of the people. 
 
 7 And he brake down the houses of "the 
 Sodomites that were by the house of the Lord, 
 x where the women wove ^hangings for the grove. 
 
 8 And he brought all the priests out of the 
 cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where 
 the priests had burned incense, from rGeba to 
 ‘Beer-sheba, and brake down the high places of 
 the gates that were in the entering in of the gate 
 of Joshua the governor of the city, which were 
 on a man’s left hand at the gate of the city. 
 
 n 17:16. Judg. 2:13. 1 Kings 16:31. 18:19,26,40. 19:18. Is. 27:9. Jer. 7:9. 
 
 0 2Sam. 15:23. John 18:1. Cedron. pi Kine;s 12:29. Hos. 4:15. Am. 4: 
 
 4. * Heb. caused to cease, t Heb. Chemarim. Hos. 10:5. marg. Zepli. 
 
 1:4,5. X Or, twelve signs, or, constellations, q See on 21:3,4. Jer. 8: 1 ,2. 44 : 
 17—19. r 21 :7. Judg. 3:7. 1 Kings 14:23. 16:33. Jer. 17:2. s Kx. 32:20. I 'eut. 
 7:25.9:21. t 10:27. 2 Chr. 34:4. ti Gen. 19:4,5. 1 Kings 14:24. 15:12. 22:46. 
 2,Chr. 34:33. Rom. 1:26.27. x Ex. 35:25,26. Ez. 16:16. Hos. 2:13. §Heb. 
 houses, y Josh. 21 : 17. 1 Kings 15:22. 1 Chr. 6:60. Is. 10:2J. Zech. 14.10. z Gen. 
 
 opinion, that he only engaged others to read the law, seems 
 to be taken from modern refinements, and sentiments of royal 
 dignity ; and not from facts, good sense, or the examples of 
 pious princes in those days. (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:12 — 22. 1 
 
 /Ting's 8:10 — 61. Ec. 1:1.) For such is human nature, that 
 so trivial a circumstance as the rank of the reader or speaker, 
 will frequently excite greater attention than matters of ac- 
 knowledged superior importance. — Though Josiah was as- 
 sured that no reformation could prevent the desolations of 
 Jerusalem ; yet he would do what he could to prolong her 
 state, to rescue a remnant as brands out of the burning, and 
 to sow good seed, which might afterwards produce a refor- 
 mation even among the dispersed captives. 
 
 V. 3. (Marg. Ref.) The prophets, priests, and elders, 
 and through them the whole nation by their representatives, 
 bound themselves at this time, in the most solemn manner, 
 to renounce and abolish every species of idolatry, to re- 
 establish the worship of God according to the law, and to 
 serve him in righteousness and true holiness. We learn from 
 the event, that the most of those present, who u stood to the 
 covenant,” were hypocritical in the transaction ; being induced 
 to concur, in order to please the king, or to avoid his displea- 
 sure and the reproach of singularity ; or by some transient im- 
 pression upon their minds. Yet Josiah did well in requiring 
 them thus to engage, as far as they could be prevailed on 
 without compulsion. A great deal of outward wickedness 
 would be prevented; many individuals would receive essential 
 benefit; and in every way the name, worship, and law of God 
 were honoured : while those who acted hypocritically, and 
 violated their engagements by apostacy, were accountable to 
 God for their conduct. (Notes, 11:17 — 20. Dent. 29:10 — 15. 
 Neh. 10:1.) Indeed, no effectual means can be used of doing 
 extensive good, which will not eventually prove an occasion 
 of deeper guilt and condemnation to many. (Notes, John 15: 
 22—25. 2 Cor. 2:14— 17.)— Pillar.} (Marg. Ref. e.) ‘At 
 the entrance of the court of the priests, by a marble pillar.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 4. “The* priests of the second order,” seem to have 
 been the heads of the several courses, which served in rota- 
 tion, under the person next in succession to the high-priest- 
 hood, who acted upon emergencies as deputy to the high-priest. 
 These were the chief priests mentioned so often in the New 
 Testament. (Notes, 1 Chr. 24:1 — 19. Ezra 2:36 — 39.) — 
 Josiah in his former well-meant attempts for reformation, had 
 probably removed the idols, and abolished the worship of them 
 in Jerusalem: but perhaps he had supposed, that the vessels 
 and other valuables might be reserved for the use of the tem- 
 ple. Being, however, now more fully instructed in the law of 
 God, he destroyed all these vessels, however costly, by fire: 
 and in his progress through the land, he carried the ashes to 
 Beth-el, the beginning of idolatry to Israel, as established by 
 public authority ; in order to render both the place, and these 
 ashes contemptible and abominable to'the people. (Notes, 
 
 1 lungs 12:26—33. 13:1—10.) 
 
 V. 5. Chemarim, the name of theso priests, (marg.) is 
 supposed to be derived from the black garments which they 
 wore, and by which they were distinguished from the priests 
 of Jehovaii, who wore garments of white linen. (Notes, 
 Ex. 28:40,41. Hos. 10:5,6. Zcpk. 1:4.) 
 
 ( 704 ) 
 
 9 Nevertheless, Hhe priests of the high places 
 came not up to the altar of the Lord in Jeru- 
 salem, b but they did eat of the unleavened bread 
 among their brethren. 
 
 10 And he defiled "Topheth, which is in Hhe 
 valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man 
 'might make his son or his daughter to pass 
 through the fire to Molech. 
 
 1 1 And he took away the horses that the kings 
 of Judah had given to‘ the sun, at the entering in 
 of the house of the Lord, by the chamber of 
 Nathan-melech the “chamberlain, which icas in 
 the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun 
 with fire. 
 
 12 And the altars that were e on the top of the 
 upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of 
 Judah had made, and the altars h which Manasseh 
 had made in the two courts of the house of the 
 Lord, did the king beat down, and ’’brake them 
 down from thence, and 'cast the dust of them into 
 the brook Kidron. 
 
 13 And the high places that were before 
 Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of "the 
 mount of corruption, which JSolomon the king of 
 Israel had budded for k Ashtoreth the abomination 
 of the Zidonians, and for ’Chemosh the abo- 
 
 21:31.26:33. Judg. 20:1. 1 Kings 19:3. a Ei. 41:10 — 14. Mai. 2:8,9. b 1 Sam. 
 2:36. Ez. 44:29— 31. c Is. 30:33. Jer. 7:31,32. 19:6,11— 13. Tophel. :l Josh. 
 15:8. 2 Chr. 28:3. 33:6. Jer. 19.2. 32:35. Malt. 5:22. Or. e 16:3 17:17. 21:6. 
 I.ev. 18:21. Deul. 18:10. Jer. 32:35. F.x. 16:21. 20:26,31. 23:37—39. f5. 2 Chr 
 14:5. 34:4. marg. Ez. 8:16. || Or, eunuch , or, officer, g Deni. 22:8. Jer. 19:13. 
 Zeph. 1:5. h 21:5,21,22. 2 Chr. 33:5,15. II Or, ran from thence, i See on 6 
 ** That is, the mount of olives. J 1 Kings 11:7,8. Neh. 13:26. k Judg. 2:13. 10:6. 
 1 Sam. 7:4. 12:10. I Kings 11 :5,33. INum. 21:29. Judg. 11:24. Jer. 48:7,13,46 
 
 Planets.] (Marg.) Different opinions are held 
 
 concerning the meaning of this word, which is found here 
 only. 
 
 V. 6. Marg. Rtf. Note, Ex. 32:20. — The graves, &c.] 
 The graves of the worshippers of these idols are meant. This 
 was another expedient, to render these idols and the idolaters 
 alike vile and abominable to the spectators. 
 
 V. 7. Note, 21:7,8, v. 7. — Hangings , &c.] It is supposed 
 that these hangings were intended for tents, in which the de- 
 votees of the demons perpetrated the most detestable species 
 of lewdness, as a part of their religion, and as near as pos- 
 sible to the house of the Lord itself! This was even worse 
 than making that holy place a den of thieves. (Notes, Ez. 8: 
 7—14. Matt. 21:12,13. P. O. 12—16.) 
 
 V. 8. It is probable that these high places were defiled, by 
 casting the bones or dead bodies of men into them. Thus the 
 people in general would be preserved from going thither, wher 
 they had so expressly been declared abominable ; though pre 
 sumptuous persons should rebuild them. — Josiah showed his 
 impartiality, when he destroyed those high places at the gate? 
 of the city, which seem to have been erected under the pa- 
 tronage of a considerable person, entitled “ the governor <J 
 the city.” 
 
 From Geba, &c.l (Marg. Ref. y, z.) The northern and 
 southern borders of the kingdom of Judah. 
 
 Y. 9. It does not appear that these priests had been 
 guilty of idolatry, but of irregularly and illegally worshipping 
 Jehovah in the high places, instead of at the temple. To 
 deter others from this inveterate practice, they were excluded 
 from their sacred functions ; but not put to death, or deprived 
 of their maintenance, though it is uncertain what portions 
 were allotted them. (Notes, IjCV. 21:17 — 24. Ez. 44:10 — 16.) 
 
 V. 10. Notes, Uv. 18:21. 20:2 — S.—Topheth, &c.] This 
 place derived its name from a word, which signifies a drum: 
 because they used to drown the cries of the children, who 
 there passed through the fire, or were burned in it, by the 
 sound of drums. (Notes, Is. 30:33. Jer. 7:32,33.) 
 
 V. 1 1 . The worshippers of the sun represented that lumi- 
 nary, by a man seated in a chariot drawn by swift and furious 
 horses; and therefore they dedicated to him horses and cha- 
 riots. The kings of Judah had imitated this custom, and kept 
 the horses of the sun at the entrance of the temple : and a per- 
 son, who, as it seems, was very honourably provided for, was 
 employed to take care of them! But Josiah took away the 
 horses and burned the chariots. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. Manasseh, after his repentance, had removed 
 the altars from the courts of the Lord: but it is probable that 
 Amon had replaced or rebuilt them, and they retained the 
 name of their original deviser. (Notes, 2 Chr. 33*1 5 — 17-2 1 
 — 25.) The high places which Solomon had built, had doubt- 
 less been in part at least demolished : but the idolatrous kings 
 had rebuilt or repaired them, and dedicated them to the same 
 idols, and called them by Solomon’s name ; perhaps glorying 
 that they copied the example of so illustrious a prince. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note, 1 Kings 11:1 — 8.) The sacred writer seems 
 to coll the hill on which theso high places were erected, and 
 which is supposed to have been the mount of Olives, “the 
 mount of corruption,” because of the abominations there com- 
 mitted. All these, as well as the altars, which had been mad© 
 
B. C. 624. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 B. C. 610» 
 
 miration of the Moabites, and for m Milcom the 
 abomination of the children of Amnion, did the 
 Kin>? defile. 
 
 14 And "he brake in pieces the 'images, and cut 
 
 down the groves, and filled their places with 
 °the bones of men. [Practical Obtervn lion..] 
 
 15 H Moreover, The altar that was at Beth-el, 
 and the high place which Jeroboam the son of 
 Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both 
 that altar and the high place he brake down, and 
 burned the high place, and ^stamped it small to 
 powder, and burned the grove. 
 
 16 And as Josiah turned himself, he spied the 
 sepulchres that were there in the mount, and 
 sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, 
 and r burned them upon the altar, and polluted it, 
 according to the word of the Lord which the 
 man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these 
 words. 
 
 17 Then he said, What title is that that I see ? 
 And the men of the city told him, ‘It is the 
 sepulchre of the man of God which came from 
 Judah, and proclaimed these things that thou 
 hast done against the altar of Beth-el. 
 
 18 And he said, Let him alone ; let no man 
 move his bones. So they let his bones *alone, 
 with ‘the bones of the prophet that came out of 
 Samaria. 
 
 19* And all "the houses also of the high places 
 that were in *the cities of Samaria, which The 
 kings of Israel had made z to provoke the LORD 
 to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them ac- 
 cording to all the acts that he had done in Beth-el. 
 
 20 And a he tslew all the priests of the high 
 places that were there upon the altars, and burned 
 men’s bones upon them, and returned to Jeru- 
 salem. 
 
 m Zeph. 1:5. Malcham. n Ex. 23:24. Num. 33:52. Dent. 7:5.25,26 . 2Chr. 
 S4:3,4. * Heb. statues, o 16. Num. 19:16,18. Jer. 8:1,2. Ez. 39:12— 16. 
 Matt. 23:27,2 8. p 10:31. 1 Kings 12:28—33. 14:16. 15:30. 21:22. q See 
 on 6. rl Kings 13:1,2,32. Malt. 24:35. John 10:35. s 1 Kings 13:1,30. 
 t Hib. to escape, t 1 Kings 13:11—22.31. u 17:9. 1 Kings 12:31. 13:32. 
 
 x 2 Chr. 30:6— 11.31:1. 34:6. y 8:18. 1 Kings 16:33. Mic.6:16. z 17:16— 18. 
 21:6. Ps. 78:58. Jer. 7:18,19. Ez. 8:17,18. a 10:25. 1 1:18. Ex. 22:20. Deut. 
 13:5. 1 Kings 18:40. Zech. 13:2,3. £ Or, sacrificed. 1 Kings 13:2. Is. 34:6. 
 
 b 2 Chr. 85:1, &c. c Ex. 12:3, &o. Lev. 23:5— 8. Num. 9:2 — 5.28:16 — 25. 
 
 on the flat roofs of their houses, for more retired idolatrous 
 worship, Josiah cleared away entirely, and used every method 
 of rendering the places, where idolatry had been committed, 
 contemptible and vile. 
 
 V. 15 — 20. Josiah had evidently some authority over a 
 great part of the country, which the ten tribes had occupied ; 
 (2 Chr. 34:6.) but it is not certain, whether this was by grant 
 from the king of Assyria, or by the willing subjection of the 
 inhabitants: the former, however, appears the more probable. 
 ( Note, 29,30. ) On this occasion he exactly accomplished the 
 prediction of the man of God concerning him, delivered about 
 three hundred and sixty years before : and though he may be 
 supposed to have designed that accomplishment ; yet so 
 wicked a man as his father could have had no such intentions, 
 in giving his son the name of Josiah. (Notes, 1 Kings 13:2, 
 23 — 32.) — It seems that many Israelites had collected to- 
 gether in several parts of the land ; and especially, that the 
 idolatrous priests had resorted to Beth-el to renew their old 
 idolatry. (Notes, 17:24 — 28.) These Josiah put to death, 
 perhaps with others from the land of Judah who were noto- 
 riously guilty. By burning men’s bones upon their altars he 
 endeavoured to render their idolatry detestable to all the in- 
 habitants ; that they might be induced to join themselves to 
 the Jews in the worship of God at Jerusalem : for nothing 
 was so polluting by the ceremonial law, as a dead human body, 
 or any part of one. (Note, Num. 19:11.) — It has been justly 
 observed, that if Josiah had entertained the same notions of 
 the sanctity of relics, which have so long prevailed among 
 professed Christians ; he would have bestowed at least as 
 much pains in honouring the bones of the old prophet from 
 Judah, as he did in disgracing those of the idolatrous priests. 
 But he thought it enough to let the bones of the man of God 
 he quietly in his grave. 
 
 V . 21—23. Having made all necessary preparation, Josiah 
 proceeded to lead the attention of the people to their solemn 
 feasts; and this first passover was celebrated with extraor- 
 dinary zeal and exactness, and by immense multitudes ; so 
 that in all respects it exceeded every passover which had 
 been observed from the days of Joshua. It must be supposed, 
 that in the reigns of the idolatrous kings, this and the other 
 sacred festivals were often entirely neglected : yet, under the 
 judges, and during the reign of the pious kings, they were 
 observed ; but in no instance, with such regularity and zeal, 
 and by so great numbers as at this time. (Notes, 2 Chr 30- 
 
 M ) 
 
 Vo :.. I.— 89 
 
 21 IT And the king commanded all the people 
 saying, b Keep the passover unto the Lord your 
 God, “as it is written in the book of this covenant. 
 
 22 Surely d there was not holden such a pass- 
 over from the days of the judges that judged 
 Israel, nor in all the days e of the kings of Israel, 
 nor of the kings of Judah; 
 
 23 But in the eighteenth year of king Josiah 
 wherein this passover was holden to the Lord in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 24 H Moreover, ( the workers with familiar spirits, 
 and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, 
 and all the abominations that were spied in the 
 land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put 
 away, That he might perform the words of the 
 law, which were written in h the book that Hilkiah 
 the priest found in the house of the Lord. 
 
 25 And ‘like unto him was there no king before 
 him, That turned to the Lord with all his heart, 
 and with all his soul, and with all his might, 
 ‘‘according to all the law of Moses ; neither after 
 him arose there any like him. 
 
 26 IT ‘Notwithstanding, the Lord turned not 
 from the fierceness of his great wrath, wherewith 
 his anger was kindled against Judah, because ol 
 all the “provocations that Manasseh had provoked 
 him withal. 
 
 27 And the Lord said, m I will remove Judah 
 also "out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, 
 and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have 
 chosen, and the house of which I said, “My name 
 shall be there. 
 
 28 Now rthe rest of the acts of Josiah, and all 
 that he did, are they not written in the book r-B. c. 
 of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah ? L 6, °- 
 
 29 IT In his days iPharaoh-nechoh kins; of 
 Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to 
 
 Deut. 16:1 — 8. d 2 Chr. 35:18,19. e 2 Chr. 30:1— 3,13— 20. 35:3— 11. f 21 :3, 
 6. 1 Sam. 28:3 — 7. Is. 8:19. 19:3. Acts 16:16 — 18. § Or, teraphim. Gen. 31:19. 
 Judg. 17:5. 18:17,18. Hos. 3:4. g Lev. 19:31. 20:27. Dent. 18:10—12. Is. 8:20. 
 Rom. 3:20. Jam. 1:25. h 22:8—13. 2 Chr. 34:14-19. i 18:5. j 3. Deut. 4: 
 29.6:5. I Kings 2:4. 15:5. Jer. 29:13. k Neh. 10:29. Mai. 4:4. John 1:17. 7: 
 19. 1 21:11— 13.22:16,17.24:3.4. 2 Chr. 36:16. Jer. 3:7-10. 15. 1—4. H Heb 
 angers, m 17: 18,20. 18:11. 24:3. 25:1 1. Deut. 29:27,28. Ez. 23:32— 35. n Ps. 
 51:11. Jer. 31:37. 33:24. Lam. 2:7. o Set on 21:4,7. I Kings 8:29. 9:3. 
 p See on 20:20. q 33,34. 2 Chr. 35:20-24. Jer. 46:2. 
 
 V. 24. (Marg.Ref.) The whole narrative marks, the 
 care with which this pious prince had studied “ the book of 
 the law,” after it was found; the diligent investigation which 
 he made to detect and destroy every thing forbidden in it ; 
 and the exactness, as well as earnestness, with which his re- 
 formation was conducted. Had the princes and people been 
 as sincere and zealous as their king, the happiest effects 
 would have followed. (Notes, Jer. 3:6 — II. Zeph. 1:5 — 8.) 
 
 V. 25. Hezekiah excelled all the kings of Judah for entire 
 confidence in God ; and Josiah surpassed all others in zeal for 
 eformation, and in an unblemished life , being attentive to 
 obey the precepts, and promote the glory of God, with his 
 whole heart and soul. (Note, 18:5,6. 2 Chr. 31:20,21 .) ‘Heze- 
 kiah himself was not so exact, and did not make such a 
 thorough search as he did after all idolatrous practices.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 26,27. Josiah lived above thirteen years after this great 
 reformation, and to the end retained the people in the external 
 worship of God: (2 Chr. 34:33.) but in general they relapsed 
 secretly into many of their former idolatries and iniquities; 
 and, as a collective body, they were not greatly amended in 
 the sight of a heart-searching God. — They had heartily con- 
 curred in the idolatries and crimes of Manasseh, but they 
 had not imitated his repentance: on the other hand thej had 
 hypocritically joined in Josiah’s reformation, and were ripe, 
 upon his removal, to join the apostacy of his sons. (Note, 
 25.) Manasseh’s wickedness therefore was accounted na- 
 tional, and fitted up their measure of iniquity ; whereas Jo- 
 siah’s piety was personal, and the hypocrisy and apostacy of 
 the people aggravated their guilt and hastened their ruin. 
 (Notes, 21:13—16. 22:15—20. 24:3,4.) But though the Lord 
 did not turn from the fierceness of his great wrath, so as to 
 spare Jerusalem from desolation, and the Jews from capti- 
 vity ; yet this event proved a kind of crisis in their disease : 
 and while the wicked perished in vast numbers, the remnant 
 was purified ; and .Tosiah’s reformation probably had a very 
 happy effect, in raising up many persons to join this small 
 remnant, which proved the precious seed of their future 
 church and nation. 
 
 V. 29, 30. Nabopollazar, king of Babylon, assisted by the 
 Medes, is supposed, before this time, to have conquered the 
 Assyrians and destroyed Nineveh. Thus he became king o, 
 Assyria also : and some learned men are of opinion, tha 
 after Manasseh was freed from captivity, the kings of Judah 
 reigned over the country formerly possessed by the ten tribcu 
 ( 705 ) > 
 
B. C. 610. II. KINGS. B. C. 610. 
 
 the tver Euphrates : and king Josiah went against 
 him ; and he r slew him at ‘Megiddo, when 'he had 
 seen him. 
 
 30 And “his servants carried him in a chariot 
 dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jeru- 
 salem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And 
 'the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of 
 Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in 
 his father’s stead. 
 
 31 H "Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old 
 when he began to reign; and he reigned three 
 months in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name 
 was x Hamutal, the daughter of Jeremiah of 
 Libnah. 
 
 32 And rhe did that which was evil in the 
 sight of the Lord, according to all that his 
 fathers had done. 
 
 33 And Pharaoh-nechoh 'put him in bands at 
 “Riblah, in the land of Hamath, 'that he might 
 not reign in Jerusalem; and 'put the land to a 
 
 r Ec. 8:14. 9:1,2. In. 57:1,2. Rom. 11:33. 89:27. Judg. 1:27. 5:19. lKings4: 
 12. Zech. 12:11. Megiddon. Rev. 16:16. Armageddon. t 14:8,11. u 9:28. 
 
 1 Kings 22:33— 38. v 14:21 .21:24. 2 Chr. 36:1,2. \vtChr.3;15. Jer.22:ll. 
 Skciilum. x 24:18. y 21 :2— 7,21 ,22. z 2 Chr. 36:3,4. E/.. 19:3,4. a 25:6. 
 Jer. 39;5, 6. 52:9,10,^5. * Or, because he reigned. fH eb. sal amulet upon the 
 
 as tributaries and allies to the kings of Babylon. — Josiah 
 might therefore consider himself as under engagements to the 
 king of Assyria, as well as unwilling that the contending 
 parties should march their armies through his country : he 
 however lost his life in the attempt. Megiddo was situated 
 in the lot of Manasseh, in a northern part of the land : 
 {Judg. 1:27.) but at this time it seems to have been under 
 Josiah’s government. Perhaps Josiah disguised himself, that 
 the king of Egypt might not know him ; but he, having dis- 
 covered him, singled him out for slaughter. When he had 
 received his mortal wound, he was carried out of the battle, 
 and he died by the way to Jerusalem. ( Note , 2 Chr. 35:20 
 — 24.) — It has commonly been observed that our young king 
 Edward VI. greatly resembled Josiah. He gave indeed sin- 
 gular evidence of wisdom and piety far beyond his years : 
 but he was taken away at the age when Josiah first began to 
 seek the Lord ; and we can only conjecture what he would 
 have been and done, if he had been spared to reach the age 
 at which Josiah was slain. — The people of the land placed 
 Jehoahaz, or Shallum, the second son of Josiah on the throne 
 in preference to his elder brother Tehoiakim : ( Note , 22:1,2.) 
 probably, because he was deemed to k c of a more active and 
 martial temper. And to confirm their irregular proceedings, 
 they anointed him, as if he had been immediately appointed 
 by God : (Note, 1 Kings 1:38,39, v. 39.) but alas! the season 
 of the Lord’s graciously giving them pious kings to reign over 
 them was elapsed, and all Josiah’s sons proved wicked, im- 
 politic, and unsuccessful. As Zedekiah was no more than 
 twenty-one years old, when he was made king, after Jehoia- 
 kim had reigned eleven years, and Jeconiah his son a short 
 time; (24:18.) he of course was younger than Jehoahaz, 
 though mentioned before him in Chronicles. (1 Chr. 3:15.) 
 
 Josiuh went against him. (29) 4 Being afraid he intended 
 
 to invade his country in his passage, or to divert him from his 
 expedition against the Babylonians, with whom he was in 
 league : it is likely the latter was the reason.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 — Pharaoh-necho : . . . Megiddo .] 4 Whom Herodotus . . . 
 
 calls Nckw?,’ ( Necos ) 4 and mentions the fight which he had 
 with the Syrians tv M ay<5oAu>,’ ( Magdolum .) Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 33. Jehoahaz had assumed the regal authority without 
 Pharaoh’s consent, and perhaps attempted to continue the 
 war against him ; which appears probable, because he was 
 bound at Riblah, at the northern extremity of the promised 
 land. Pharaoh, by some means, took him prisoner, deposed 
 him, and sent him bound into Egypt, where he ended his 
 days : (Notes, Jer. 22:10 — 12. Ez. 19:2 — 9.) and the land was 
 put under tribute, in token of its subjection to the king of 
 Egypt. (Mnrg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 34. 44 Jehoiakim” means the same as 44 Eliakim ex- 
 cept that the latter is compounded with the word translated 
 God, the former with a part of the name Jehovah. Pha- 
 raoh seems not to have wished Jehoiakim to renounce his 
 religion ; but chose to distinguish him, as the ruler of that 
 ccple, who professed to worship Jehovah. — Hitherto the 
 ingdom of Judah had descended in a direct line from father 
 to son: and this is the first instance of one brother succeed- 
 ing another. ( Preface , 1 Kings.) 
 
 V. 37. In the prophecy of Jeremiah the extreme wicked- 
 ness of Jehoiakim is fully shown. (Notes, Jer. 2G: 36:) 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. t — 1 4. Nothing ought to discourage our endeavours to 
 promote a re vival of true religion. If declining churches and 
 nations cannot be rescued from impending judgments, a few 
 individuals maybe snatched as “brands from the burning:” 
 and if ministers, in their several stations, fail of general or 
 aHd.ing usefulness, and have continually the prospect of being 
 removed ; many a one may, in the mean time, receive import- 
 ant benefit, and prove the seed of a future revival, even in 
 that very place. — As sinners cannot bo preserved from eter- 
 
 ( 70S ) 
 
 tribute of a hundred talents of silver, and a talent 
 of gold. 
 
 34 And Pharaoh-nechoh made b Eliakim the 
 son of Josiah king in the room of Josiah his 
 father, and ‘turned his name to Uehoiakim, and 
 took Jehoahaz away : and d he came to Egypt, 
 and died there. 
 
 35 And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold 
 to Pharaoh ; but he e taxed the land to give 
 the money according to the commandment ol 
 Pharaoh : he exacted the silver and the gold of 
 the people of the land, of every one according to 
 his taxation, to give it unto Pharaoh-nechoh. 
 
 36 'Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old 
 when he began to reign ; and he reigned eleven 
 years in Jerusalem. And his mothers name ivas 
 Zebudah, the daughter of Pedaiah of Rumah. 
 
 37 And she did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord, according to h all that his fathers had 
 done. 
 
 land. 18:14. b 2 Chr. 36:3,4. c 24:17. Dan. 1:7. 1 Colled Jakim. Malt. I: 
 11. d Jer. 22. 11, 12. Ez. 19:3,4. e 13:19,80. f 1 Clir. 3:15. 2 Clir. 36:5. Jer. 
 1-3. g Jer. 22:13-17. 26:20— 23. 36:23— 26,31. Ez. 19:5— 9. h 2 Cl:r. 2S:22- 
 25. 33:4—10,22,23. 
 
 nal destruction, without repentance ; so degenerate nations 
 cannot be rescued from public calamities, without general re- 
 formation. To effect this it is the interest of princes to pro- 
 mote the knowledge of God in their dominions: and it is no 
 degradation of their dignity, personally to take an active part 
 in such attempts ; which will induce numbers of every order in 
 the community to concur. — All external obligations to the 
 service of God may be entered into with a hypocritical, or 
 self-righteous spirit : yet this should not make us object to such 
 engagements ourselves, or averse to propose them; but only 
 make us cautious in what manner we do it, and careful to in- 
 culcate the same caution upon others. It is safe to bind our- 
 selves solemnly to walk after the Lord, and to keep his com- 
 mandments ; because these are previous indispensable duties, 
 (Note, Num. 30:2.) and some are thus rendered more earnest 
 in attending to them • but the word of God must be the rule 
 and standard in every thing; not only as to the duty itself) 
 but also as to the motive and manner of doing it. — In those 
 nations, w hich profess to w orship God, and which are favoured 
 with the light of revelation, we need only to investigate with 
 diligence, and compare the result of our observations w ith the 
 word of triuh, to discover such enormous and multiplied 
 abominations, as could never have been conceived upon a 
 distant and superficial view, or a judgment formed by other 
 rules. Even in worshipping congregations, an exact scrutiny 
 would commonly bring to light such evils, as before were never 
 suspected: but the most humiliating discoveries will be made, 
 by an exact inquiry into our own hearts and conduct. That 
 man, who previously deemed his behaviour unexceptionable 
 and his heart good, if he can be engaged in. diligent self-ex- 
 amination and watchfulness, daily beholding himself in the 
 mirror of God’s word, and for a long time comparing with it 
 his thoughts, intentions, dispositions, words, and actions; will 
 experience increasing convictions of the deceit fulness and des- 
 perate wickedness of his heart, and of the exceeding sinfulness 
 of his whole life. And if he set about amendment, in depend- 
 ence on the mercy and grace of God in Jesus Christ, and 
 according to the rule of the Bible, lie will, as he proceeds, 
 find still more and more to be done ; and to the end of his life 
 perceive, that he is very far off from the perfect righteousness 
 of the holy law. Nor are any persons disposed to object to 
 this unfavourable statement, but such as are either unacquaint- 
 ed with the rule, or strangers to a serious examination of their 
 conduct by it. (Note, Jer. 179,10. P. O. Ez. 8: Notes, 
 Rom. 7:7 — 12. Jam. 1:22 — 25.) — Imperfection is stamped 
 upon all human goodness, and the greatest reformations 
 hitherto seen on earth, have left many things unreformed. — 
 The scriptural history may w<ell excite the hatred and disgust 
 of the proud admirers of the human heart and understanding; 
 as it presents to our view a very mortifying picture of the 
 blindness of man’s mind, as well as of the perverseness of his 
 will, and the depravity of his affections. But suppose the 
 appeal made to other histories, or to universal observation 
 and experience :— if the records of Greece and Rome w ere 
 presented to our view, as a detail of facts, without the varnish 
 of declamation and panegyric; if the conduct of these cele- 
 brated nations, in public and private life, throughout their term 
 of notoriety, were impartially compared with t lie just and holy 
 law of God; would not their idolatries and immoralities bo 
 found to exceed even those of Israel ? ( Note, Rom. 1 :28— 32.) 
 Would they not picture human nature as blind and depraved 
 as the Bible does? And do not all the encomiums bestowed 
 on them, arise from man’s disposition to ‘‘call good evil, and 
 evil good, to pu darkness for light, and light for darkness?’ 
 (Note, Is. 5:20.) Pride, amb.v'on, rapacity, cruelty, and re- 
 venge, have even been canonized by poets, and orators, and 
 historians: and idolatry, impiety, brutal excess, and unnatural 
 lusts have been called by uofl names, and excused, if not vin 
 dicated by these elegant and ingenious ancients. Ot}.orwiso 
 
B. C. 607 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 B. C. 600 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Jehoiakim submits to Nebuchadnezzar, but afterward « rebels, 1. God hastens 
 the fulfilment of his predictions against Judah, 2 — 4. Jehoiakim dies, and 
 is succeed' d bu Jehoiachin, 5,6. The king of Babylon prevails against 
 the king of Egypt, 7. Jehoiachin reigns wickedly, 8,9. Jerusalem is 
 taken ; and the king, with his family and treasures, and the sacred vessels, 
 and chief persons of Judah, is carried captive to Babylon, 10 — 16. Zede- 
 kiah is made king, reigns wickedly, and rebels against the king of Babylon, 
 17-20. 
 
 I N "his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon 
 came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant 
 b. c.n three years: then he turned and rebelled 
 6US - J against him. 
 
 2 And c the Lord sent against him bands of 
 the Chaldees, and bands of the Syrians, and 
 bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children 
 of Ammon, aftd sent them against Judah, to 
 destroy it, d according to the word of the Lord, 
 
 a fl:5. 5 Chr. 36:6. Jer. 25:1.9. 46:2. Dan. 11. c 6:23.13:20,21. Deut. 28:49, 
 50. 2 Chr. 33:11. Job 1:17. Is. 7: 17. 13:5. Jer.35:ll. d 20:17.21:12—14. la. 6: 
 11,12. Jer. 25:9. 26:6,20. 32:28. Mic.3:12. ’ Heb. the hand, of his. e 18:25. 
 
 Gen. 50:20 . 2 Chr. 24:21.25:16. Is. 10:5,6. 45:7. 46:10,11. Am. 3:6. 123:26,27. 
 
 which he spake by * his servants the pro- 
 phets. 
 
 3 Surely e at the commandment of the Lord 
 came this upon Judah, to 'remove them out of 
 his sight, efor the sins of Manasseh, according t<. 
 all that he did ; 
 
 4 And also h for the innocent blood that ht 
 shed, (for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood,') 
 ■which the Lord would not pardon. 
 
 5 K Now Hhe rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and 
 all that he did, are they not written in the book 
 of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah ? 
 
 6 So Jehoiakim k slept with his fathers: 1-3. c 
 and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead. L m - 
 
 7 And 'the king of Egypt came not again any 
 more out of his land : for the king of Babylon haa 
 
 Lev. 26:33— 35. Dent. 4 '2S.27. 28:63. 29:28. Josh. 23:15. Jer. 15:1— 4. Mic.2: 
 10. f 21:2-11. h 21:16. Num. 35:33. i Jer. 15:1,2. Lam. 3:42. j 2 Chr. 36: 
 8. Jer. 22:13— 17. 26:36. k Jer. 22: 18,19. 36:30. 1 Jer. 37:5— 7. 46:2. 
 
 the conclusion is as irrefragable from the study of profane his- 
 tory, as from the records of God’s word, that “the imagina- 
 tion of man’s heart is only evil from his youth and that all 
 the real godliness, or goodness, which has ever been found on 
 earth, has been derived from the new creating Spirit of Jesus 
 Christ. — Persons of eminence, of whatever kind, have need to 
 he very careful what they sanction : for numbers, in distant 
 ages and nations, may be emboldened to transgress, by ac-^ 
 ceding to their sentiments, or by imitating their examples:* 
 and the reflection, of doing extensive mischief for generations 
 to come, would in that case, be a painful prerogative of supe- 
 rior talents, rank, or reputation. — In using all our influence 
 decidedly to suppress abuses, and to oppose iniquity, we should 
 show all allowable tenderness to the persons of men : yet man 
 must not pretend to more mercy than his Maker, by sparing 
 those whom he orders to be punished. — In reducing our con- 
 duct, or that of others, to the standard of Scripture, in evi- 
 dent and important matters, no allowance must be made for 
 customary, reputable, ancient, or fashionable abuses : diffi- 
 culties also must be encountered, hardships endured, self-de- 
 nial exercised, and opposition and every worldly interest dis- 
 regarded: no man must be known after the flesh ; nor any 
 attention paid to persuasions, complaints, remonstrances, or 
 reproaches ; nor even to prejudices, except in matters of sub- 
 ordinate consequence. Therefore courage, constancy, and 
 patience, are requisite for such attempts ; and these, when 
 genuine, can only spring from grace and faith, and be given 
 in answer to prayer, without which every undertaking of this 
 kind will be fruitless. — Not only should gross abominations 
 be precluded ; hut every temptation or occasion of sin should 
 be removed, whatever he the secular loss or expense, if we 
 would effectually glorify God, and do good: and every method 
 should be adopted to fill men’s minds with abhorrence of ini- 
 quity, and to show plausible abuses in a contemptible and de- 
 testable light: especially where godly people are liable to be 
 seduced into pernicious compliances. 
 
 V. 15 — 37. The predictions of Scripture may be so long 
 ere they are accomplished, that the expectation of the event 
 may seem to expire ; but they will all be punctually fulfilled 
 in their season: and it must give singular encouragement to the 
 pious, when they find themselves evidently employed in bring- 
 ing about that accomplishment. — Ungodly persons may, even 
 after death, be more respected for their connexion with the 
 servants of God ; but the Judge of all will not regard such dis- 
 tinctions. — AVhen gross iniquities are renounced, and a credi- 
 ble profession of faith, repentance, and devotedness to God 
 are made, men may be deemed prepared for the most solemn 
 ordinances of his worship : though no human care or penetra- 
 tion can exclude formal hypocrites ; such attendance on the 
 worship of God is externally honourable to him, and useful to 
 numbers : and, as he will know how at last !o separate be- 
 tween the tares and the wheat, we must leave them to grow 
 together till the harvest. The scrutinizing eye of the zealous ser- 
 vant of God will continually find many abuses to be rectified : 
 and we must still press forward, both in personal and public 
 reformation. Those who attempt this with their whole heart, 
 In humility and simplicity, may hope to be useful to others, 
 and shall certainly be accepted themselves ; and as there are 
 degrees of excellency among true believers, so they will re- 
 ceive a proportionable recompense. But when the sins of a 
 collective body are come to a crisis, no human endeavours 
 can avert the wrath of God : and when eminent and useful 
 • tersons are prematurely taken away, it forebodes public ca- 
 lamities. ( Note, Is. 57:1 ,2.) The best of men may be mis- 
 ed ir.to unadvised meddling with matters not properly be- 
 .onging to them : but if we are habitually living by faith, and 
 walking with God, even should we be taken away in conse- 
 quence of any indiscretion, it will not prevent our dying in 
 peace, and being received to glory. — Piety is personal, °the 
 effect of special grace. The children even of the most pious 
 parents inherit original depravity ; nor can education, instruc- 
 tion, or example pr vent its effects, without regeneration: 
 yet abundant encouragement is given to the diligent use of 
 *iie appointed means of grace, in respect of our children. 
 
 (Notes, Gen. 18:17 — 19. Prov. 22:6.) — When those who have 
 stood in the gap are removed, judgments often follow like an 
 inundation: and a little time and slender abilities frequently 
 suffice to undo all the external good, which pious men, of ex- 
 cellent capacities, have been labouring, with unremitting en- 
 deavours, for a course of years to effect. (Notes, Ec. 2:18 — 
 23. 9:13 — 18.) Blessed be God, that good work, which he 
 begins by his regenerating Spirit, cannot be disannulled: but, 
 notwithstanding all changes and temptations, shall be “ per- 
 formed unto the day of Jesus Christ.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V.l. Pharaoh-nechoh, after 
 Josiah’s death, obtained a victory over the king of Babylon, 
 and for some time retained Judea and Syria in subjection. 
 But not long after, Nabopollazar seems to have associated 
 his son Nebuchadnezzar with him in the kingdom, that by 
 him the war with the Egyptians might be conducted with 
 greater vigour. For when Daniel had been three years under 
 tuition at Babylon, and had afterwards been introduced to 
 Nebuchadnezzar, he interpreted the dream of that prince in 
 the second year of his reign : yet Daniel had been carried cap- 
 tive by Nebuchadnezzar the king. (Note, Dan. 2:1.) Two 
 distinct dates respecting the beginning of his reign must there- 
 fore be admitted; 3nd it appears that he was made king tyo 
 or three years before ids father died.-— Nebuchadnezzar having 
 obtained decisive advantages against the Egyptians, attac ked 
 Jehoiakim, as an ally of Nechoh, and, having taken him pri- 
 soner, he “ bound him in fetters to carry him to Babylon (2 
 Chr. 36:6,7.) but upon his submission he released him, and 
 carried away some of the gold and silver vessels of the temple, 
 and some of the most considerable persons of the land. Among 
 the latter were Daniel and his companions. (Notes, Dan 1:1 
 — 7.) This is the first epoch of the seventy years of the Ba- 
 bylonish captivity. Nebuchadnezzar left Babylon in the third 
 year of Jehoiakim, and he reduced that prince in his fourth 
 year. After this, Jehoiakim served the king of Babylon three 
 years, and in his eighth year he rebelled against him, about 
 three years before his death. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 2. It may be supposed, that these nations had been 
 subjected to the king of Babylon ; and were encouraged by 
 him to attack the revolted Jews, while he was otherwise em- 
 ployed. But the Lord’s secret disposal of their hearts to 
 these attempts alone is noticed. It is probable that Jehoiakim 
 was harassed by them during the remainder of his days ; and 
 perhaps he was at last slain in some sally against' them, when 
 they approached Jerusalem; and so left unburied, or other- 
 wise very disgracefully treated. But some think, that after the 
 transactions here recorded, Nebuchadnezzar carried him to 
 Babylon, and at length put him to death, and treated his dead 
 body most ignominiously. (Note, Jer. 22:13 — 19. 36:30,31.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. Manasseh’s idolatry became a national sin, as 
 publicly enforced by persecution, which filled Jerusalem with 
 the innocent blood of those who refused compliance. The 
 chief men of Judah were involved in this guilt, and had 
 neither repented, nor been brought to justice for it : thus, ac- 
 cumulated and atrocious murders remained unpunished, as a 
 load of guilt upon the land : (Notes, Num. 35:31 — 34. Deut. 
 21:1 — 9. Ez. 22:3 — 5,24 — 28.) and both the princes and peo- 
 ple were in general more disposed to imitate Manasseh’s ido- 
 latries and persecutions, than his repentance. Therefore, 
 though the Lord had pardoned the personal wickedness ot 
 penitent Manasseh, he would not pardon the unrepented na- 
 tional guilt, of which he had been the occasion, and in some 
 sense the author. (Note, 23:26,27. 2 Chr. 33:11 — 19.) 
 
 Out of his sight. (3) Out of that land in which his wor- 
 ship had been established, and the special tokens of his gra- 
 cious presence so wonderfully vouchsafed. (Notes, Deut. 
 11:12. Ps. 51:11.) 
 
 Would not pardon. (4) nSoS n-N-N 1 ?. The Lord, in his 
 wisdom and righteousness, did not see good to pardon this 
 national guilt, in those circumstances; hut judged it proper tc 
 inflict condign punishment for it : but the personal sins of such 
 as repented and sought mercy, were pardoned notwithstand 
 ing this determination. (Notes, Ez. IP J, 4, 19 — 32.) 
 
 V. 6. As Jehoiakim was “ buried with the mnal of ati 
 
 t , 707 ) 
 
B. C. >9} 
 
 II. KINGS. 
 
 B. C. 599. 
 
 taken “from the river of Egypt unto the river 
 Euphrates nQ that pertained to the king of 
 
 Egypt. [ Practical Observations . ] 
 
 8 H “Jehoiachin was “eighteen years old when 
 he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem 
 three months. And his mother’s name xvas Ne- 
 hushta, the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 
 
 9 And he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord, according to all that his father had 
 done. 
 
 10 U At that time the servants of Nebuchad- 
 nezzar king of Babylon came up against Jeru- 
 salem, and the city 'was besieged. 
 
 11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon 
 came against the city, and his servants did 
 besiege it. 
 
 12 And rJehoiachin the king of Judah went 
 out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, 
 and his servants, and his princes, and his tofficers : 
 and the king of Babylon nook him in the eighth 
 year of this reign. 
 
 13 And r he carried out thence all the treasures 
 of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of 
 the king’s house, and "cut in pieces all the vessels 
 of gold ‘which Solomon king of Israel had made 
 in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had 
 said. 
 
 14 And he carried away all “Jerusalem, and 
 
 m Gen. 15:18. Nura. 34:5. Josh. 15:4. 1 Kings 1:21. Is. 27:12. n 1 Chr. 3: 
 16. Jer. 24:1. Jeconiah. Jer. 22:24,28. 37:1 . Coniah. Matt. 1:11,12. Jechonias. 
 o 2 Chr. 36:9. * Heb. came into siege. 25:2. p 2 Chr. 36:10. Jer. 24:1. 29:1,2. 
 38:17,18. Ez. 17:12. t Or, eunuchs, q 25:27. Jer. 52:31. 1 Nebuchadnezzar's. 
 Jer. 25:1.52:28. r20:17. Is. 39:6. Jer. 20:5. b 25:13— 15. Ezra 1:7— 11. Jer. 27: 
 16—21 . 28:3,4,6. Dan. 5:2,3. t 1 Kings 7:48—50 . 2 Chr. 4:7—22. u 2 Chr. 36: 
 
 ass the expression, “slept with his fathers,” can only mean 
 that he died, without determining what became either of his 
 soul or body. ( Marg . Ref. Note , 2.) 
 
 V. 7. The king of Egypt having been driven back into 
 his own land, and confined there ; the kings of Judah were 
 left entirely at the mercy of Nebuchadnezzar : so that policy, 
 as well as their most solemn engagements, demanded their 
 peaceable submission, aud their resignation to the correcting 
 hand of God in that dispensation. (Notes, Ez. 17:2 — 21.) 
 
 V. 8 — 16. Jehoiachin, or Jeconiah, seems to have mounted 
 the throne on the death of his father, without waiting for the 
 king of Babylon’s consent. But it was like going on board a 
 sinking ship. He had just time enough to manifest his evil 
 disposition, and was thenattacked by the king of Babylon : who 
 probably, was provoked by his thus assuming the authority, 
 and suspected him of designing to revolt : so that Nebuchad- 
 nezzar besieged Jerusalem, first by his captains, and then 
 personally. And either by surrender, or upon some deceitful 
 engagement, Jeconiah went forth to him, and was carried 
 captive to Babylon. After all the depredations to which the 
 temple had been exposed, some of the vessels that Solomon 
 had made, remained in the treasuries of the temple: but all, 
 except what were in immediate use, seem at this time to have 
 been seized, and some of them cut in pieces, and sent to Ba- 
 bylon. And those, afterwards mentioned, might be such as 
 had been before this carried away, or such as were found at 
 the complete destruction of the temple and city. (25:14,15. 
 Ezra 1:7 — 11. Jer. 28:3, G. Dan. 5:1 — 4.) It is no where 
 said, what became of the ark of the covenant and the mercy- 
 seat : but in some way these were destroyed ; for all allow, 
 that there was no ark in the temple built after the captivity ; 
 and it is not improbable, that at this time the gold of the ark, 
 &c. was cut off, and taken away. This event took place 
 in the eighth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s, reign, (12) and 
 forms a second epoch to be regarded in computing the du- 
 ration of the captivity. (Notes, 2 Chr. 36:21. Ezra 1:1 
 — 4. Dan. 1:1,2.) — The chief and the most useful of the 
 people were carried to Babylon, that the land might be re- 
 duced to absolute dependence on Nebuchadnezzar. Seven 
 thousand soldiers, one thousand craftsmen and smiths, and 
 two thousand persons of superior rank, may make up the 
 sum total of ten thousand. Some learned men, however, 
 suppose, that there were ten thousand carried captive from 
 Jerusalem a'one, besides a thousand craftsmen and smiths ; 
 and also seven thousand from the rest of the land. — Jere- 
 miah speaks of three thousand and tweny-three, who seem 
 to have been carried away the year before, out of the open 
 country. ( Note, Jer. 52:24 — 30.) Among tho rest Ezekiel 
 was at this time made a captive. (Note, Ez. 1:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 17. Jehoiachin was succeeded by his uncle, the 
 youngest son of Josiah. — “ Mattaniah” signifies the gift of 
 JEHOVAH: “Zedekiah,” the righteousness of JEHO- 
 VAH: and the king of Babylon, by giving him this name, 
 meant either an appeal to the justice of God against him, if 
 he violated his engagements ; or to refer to the judgments, 
 which he had heard were denounced against Jerusalem by a 
 righteous God. 
 
 V. 20. ‘ God was so highly displeased with this wicked 
 
 peop.e, that he permitted Zedekiah to break his faith with 
 
 ( 708 ) 
 
 all the f rinces, and all the mighty men of valour 
 even ten thousand captives, and all the draftsmen 
 and smiths: none remained save nhe poorest sort 
 of the people of the land. 
 
 15 And - v he carried away Jehoiachin to Baby 
 Ion. and the king’s mother, and the king’s wives, 
 ana his Officers, and the mighty of the land, 
 these carried he into captivity from Jerusalem tp 
 Babylon. 
 
 16 And all the men of might, even *sevei 
 thousand, and craftsmen and smiths a thousand, 
 all that were strong and apt for war, even them 
 the king of Babylon brought captive to Baby- 
 lon. 
 
 17 IT And “the king of Baby!*n made Mat 
 taniah b his father’s brother king in his stead, 
 and “changed his name to Zedekiah. 
 
 18 Zedekiah was twenty and one years old 
 when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven 
 years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was 
 d Hamulal, the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 
 
 19 And c he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord, according to all that Jehoiakim had 
 done. 
 
 20 For f through the anger of the Lord it 
 came to prss in Jerusalem, and Judah, until he 
 had cast them out from his presence, that sZede- 
 
 »kiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 
 
 9,10. Jer. 21:1— 5. 52:' 1 8. Ez. 1:1,2. v 1 Sam. 13:19— 22. x 25:12. Jer. 39:10, 
 10:7.52:16. Ez. 17:14. y .iei on 8. Eslh. 2:6. Jer. 22:24— 28. § Of , eunuch., 
 z Jer. 29:2. 52:28. a 2 CSr. 36:10,11. Jer. 37:1. 52:1. b 1 Chr. 3:15,16. c 23: 
 34. 2 Chr. 36:1. 423:31. e23:37. 2 Chr. 36:12. Jer. 21:8 . 37:38. Ez.21:25, 
 122:17. Ex. 9:11— 17. Dent. S:3<1. Is. 19:11— 14. 1 Cor. 1:20. 2 Thes. 2:9— 11. 
 g 2 Chr. 36:13. Jer. 27:12— 15. 38.17-21. Ez. 17:15—20. 
 
 Nebuchadnezzar, and to rebel against him, forgetting for what 
 cause he changed his name.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 17:4. 
 2 Sam. 17:7 — 14, v. 14. 24:1,2. 2 Chr. 25:14— 16. 75.19:11 
 —15. £2.17:3—21. 21:25—27 ) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 7. When the Lord leaves men to the blindness of 
 their own minds, and to the lusts of their own hearts ; some are 
 infatuated to adopt and obstinately persist in the most destruc- 
 tive measures, and others are hurried on by ambition, avarice, 
 or resentment, to execute upon them the vengeance which 
 had been predicted. — Multiplied murders, sanctioned by 
 authority, and persevered in with impunity, form a species of 
 national wickedness which the Lord will not pardon ; espe- 
 cially when false religion is established by law, and persecut- 
 ing statutes are enacted or revived, and executed against his 
 true worshippers : and when this is # not merely the act of a 
 few oppressors, but the people in general 44 love to have it 
 so.” Yet, even this may be endured by the long-suffering of 
 the Lord for many generations ; till the whole accumulated 
 load falls upon a devoted people, with direful destruction. — 
 Blessed be God, there is no degree or kind of personal guilt, 
 which he will not pardon to the true penitent ; for it is 44 impos- 
 sible to renew unto repentance” such as have committed 44 the 
 sin unto death.” (Notes, Heb. 6:4 — 6. 1 John 5:14 — 18.) 
 
 But it is very distressing for those who have obtained forgive- 
 ness of their own transgressions, to reflect thfLt they have 
 been the guilty occasion to others, by their examples, influ- 
 ence, or persuasions, of those sins, which, being continued 
 in, the Lord will not pardon ; and of which they have no 
 power to bring them to repent. The good Lord preserve us 
 from sin and temptation, and above all from being tempters 
 to others ! And may this reflection stir up young persons to 
 seek and serve God without delay, lest they should do that 
 mischief, which, if they themselves should live to repent, 
 they will never be able to undo. — When God arises to judg- 
 ment all resistance will be ineffectual ; and the folly, as well 
 as the wickedness, of every worldly dependence, will be ma- 
 nifest: but his justice will never appear in its full glory, till 
 that day, when 44 he will bring to light the hidden things of 
 darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.” 
 (Note, 1 Cor. 4:3 — 5.) In the mean time, we are. incompe- 
 tent judges of the divine procedures ; and ought to wait with 
 silent patience. — Wicked men soon discover the temper of 
 their hearts, and give evidence of what they would do if* they 
 were spared : therefore the Lord often cuts them olf, to pre- 
 vent further mischief ; and thus hinders them from 44 treasur- 
 ing up wrath against the day of wrath.” But when their 
 powe» is taken away, and their lives are spared, though in 
 poverty and misery, it may be an infinite mercy to their souls. 
 ( Notes, 25:27—30. Jer. 24:4—7.) 
 
 V. 8 — 20. Tho gradual approach of divine judgments 
 affords sinners space for repentance, and believers leisure to 
 prepare for properly meeting the calamity : but it only evinces 
 the desperate obduracy and obstinacy of those, who arc not 
 deterred from their sins by all which they witness or expe- 
 rience. — God delights in his ordinances, so l/mg as they prove 
 means of grace to those who are favoured with them ; but he 
 abhors them, when they degenerate into a lifeless form, and 
 that, which to the carnal eye appears most glorious in rcli- 
 
B. C. 5S9. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 B. C. 588. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Jerusalem is besieged and taken; Zedekiah flees, and is made prisoner; nis 
 sons are slain, his eyes are put out, and he is carried in chains to Babylon, 
 l — 7. The temple, palaces, and city arc burned, the walls are broken down, 
 and the remnant of the people le i captive , except a small number of the poor, 
 8—14. The residue of the sacred vessels and treasures are carried away, 
 18—17. The nobles are slain at Riblah, 18 — 21. Oedaliah who is left go- 
 vernor, being treacherously slain, the rest Jlce into Egypt , 22—26. After 
 many years, Evil-merodach shows great kindness to Jehoiachin, 27 — 30. 
 
 A ND it came to pass “in the ninth year of 
 his reign, in the tenth month, in the lentil 
 day of the month, that b Nebuchadnezzar king of 
 Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jeru- 
 salem, and 'pitched against it ; and they built forts 
 against it round about 
 
 b. c.-i 2 And the city was besieged unto the 
 6f8 - J eleventh year of king Zedekian. 
 
 3 And on ‘'the ninth day of the fourth month 
 'the famine prevailed in the city, and f there was 
 no bread for the people of the land. 
 
 4 II And he city was broken up, and all the 
 men of war ''fled by night by the way of the 
 gate between two walls, which is by the king s 
 garden: (now the Chaldees were against the 
 city round about ;) ‘and the king went the way 
 toward the plain. 
 
 5 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after 
 the king, land overtook him 1 in the plains of 
 Jericho : and all his army were scattered from 
 him. 
 
 6 So k they took the king, and brought him 
 up to the king of Babylon to ‘Riblah ; and they 
 ■gave judgment upon him. 
 
 7 And ‘"they slew the sons of Zedekiah before 
 his eyes, “and 'put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and 
 "bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him 
 lo Babylon. 
 
 8 H And ‘in the fifth month, on the seventh 
 day of the month, (which is ‘ithe nineteenth year 
 of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon,) came 
 ‘Nebuzar-adan, icaptain of the guard, a servant of 
 the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem : 
 
 <2 Chr. 36:17. Jer. 34:2,3. 39:1. 52:4,5. Ez. 24:1,2. b24:l,10. lC!ir.6:15. Jer. 
 27:8—32:28.43:10.51:34. Ez. 26:7. Nebuchadrezzar. Dan. 4:1, &c. c Is. 29:3. 
 I er. 32:24. Ez. 4: 1-8. 21:22-24. Luke 19:43,44. d Jer. 39:2. 52:6. Zech.8:19. 
 « Lev. 26:26. Dcut. 28:52.53. Lam. 4:4—10. Ez. 4:9—17. 5:10,12. 7:15. 14:21. 
 f Jer. 37:21. 38:2. g Jer. 5:10. 39:2,3. 52:6,7. Ez. 33:21. h Lev. 26:17,36. Deut. 
 28:25. 32:24, 25, 30. Jer. 39:4—7. i 5. Ez. 12:12. j Is. 30:16. Jer. 24:8. 39:5.52: 
 8. Am. 2:14 — 16. k 2 Chr. 33:11. Jer. 21 :7. 34:21 ,22. 38:23. Lam. 4:19,20. Ez. 
 17:20,21.21:25—27. 1 See on 23:33. * Heb. spake judgment with him. m Gen. 
 21:16.44:34. Deut. 28:34. 'Jer. 22:30. 39:6,7. 52:10,11. n Jer. 32:4,5. 34:3. Ez. 
 12:13. 1 Heb. made blind, o Judg. 16:21. 2 Chr. 33: 1 1. 36:6. Ps. 107:10,11.149: 
 8 . Ez. 7:27. 17:16— 20. p Jer. 52:12— 14. Zech. 8:19. q24:12. r Jer. 39:9— 14. 
 
 gious worship, is often ir. his account a vile abomination. — 
 Wicked men become curses to each other ; and the nearer 
 their intimacy or relation, the greater will be the anguish of 
 those who sin and perish together. — External ‘ pre-eminence, 
 in times of public calamity, often gives the precedency in 
 suffering; but riches, dignity, authority, and superior abilities, 
 will assuredly increase the sinner’s condemnation ; for to 
 whom much is given, of him will the more be required. Let 
 us then neither envy nor covet such precarious advantages, 
 but be warned to improve every talent intrusted to us. Let 
 us in these awful events contemplate the truth of the Scrip- 
 ture, and “ flee from the wrath to come embrace and plead 
 the precious promises of God ; and by patient continuance 
 in well-doing, wait for the Saviour’s mercy unto eternal 
 life ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXV. V. 1—5. Jerusalem was so 
 fortified by nature and art, that notwithstanding the enfeebled 
 state of the inhabitants, and Nebuchadnezzar’s great power 
 and military skill, it could not be taken till the besieged were 
 incapacitated by famine to make any further resistance. 
 (Notes, Lam. 4:10,12.) In the Prophecy and Lamentations 
 of Jeremiah, we shall have an opportunity of more fully con- 
 sidering the circumstances of this catastrophe, and indeed the 
 whole of this compendious history : it suffices in this place to 
 observe, that the obstinacy, impiety, and misery of the be- 
 sieged were alike great, and almost unparalleled. (Notes, 
 Jer. 37:38:39:1 — 10.) — The king and his remaining forces en- 
 deavoured to escape by some private gate, which the enemy 
 •iad not observed, or did not guard : but his attendants were 
 dispersed, and he was taken prisoner. (Notes, Lam. 4:20. 
 Ez. 12:1—16.) 
 
 V. 6, 7. Nebuchadnezzar, having placed Zedekiah on the 
 
 krone, and made him engage to be faithful to him, tried and 
 Condemned him as a traitor, in the presence of his ministers 
 and counsellors: (Notes, 2 Chr. 36:13. Jer. 39:1 — 10. Ez. 
 17:15 — 21. 21:25 — 27.) and, having slain his sons in his sight, 
 as the last spectacle which he should ever behold, and which 
 might ever after haunt his affrighted imagination, he put out 
 his eyes, and sent him in chains to Babylon. (Notes, Jer. 
 32:4,5, v. 5. 34:1—5. 38:1—6,20—23. Ez. 12:8—16.) Here 
 
 9 And ‘he burnt the house of the Lord,, and 
 ‘the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, 
 and every great man’s house, burnt he with fire. 
 
 10 And all the army of the Chaldees, that were 
 with the captain of the guard, "brake down the 
 walls of Jerusalem round about. 
 
 11 Now “the rest of the people that were left 
 in the city, and the fugitives that fell atvay to tic- 
 king of Babylon with the remnant of the multi 
 tude, did Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard 
 carry away. 
 
 12 But the captain of the guard Jleft of the 
 oor of the land to be vine-dressers and hus- 
 andmen. 
 
 13 And ‘the “pillars of brass that were in the 
 house of the Lord, and the b bases, and the brazen 
 sea that was in the house of the Lord, did the 
 Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of 
 them to Babylon. 
 
 14 And 'the pots, and the shovels, and the 
 snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of 
 brass wherewith they ministered, took they away. 
 
 15 And the firepans, and the howls, A and such 
 things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in 
 silver, the captain of the guard took away. 
 
 16 The two pillars, ''one sea, and the bases 
 which Solomon had made for the house of the 
 Lord ; 'the brass of all these vessels was without 
 weight. 
 
 17 The height of the tone pillar was eighteen 
 cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass : and 
 the height of the chapiter three cubits ; and the 
 wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the 
 chapiter round about, all of brass : and like unto 
 these had the second pillar with wreathen work. 
 
 18 U And the captain of the guard took 
 sSeraiah the chief priest, and '’Zephaniah the 
 second priest, and the three keepers of the. "door : 
 
 19 And out of the city he took an "officer that 
 was set over the men of war, and ’five men of 
 
 40:1 — 4.52:12 — 16. Lam. 4:12. J Or, chief marshal. 6 2Chr. 36:19. Ps. 74:3 
 —7. 79:1. Is. 64:11. Jer. 7:14. 26:9. Lam. 1:10. 2:7. Mic. 3:12. Luke 21:5,6. 
 
 Acts 6:13,14. t Jer. 34:22. 37:8,10. 39:8. 52:13. Am. 2:5. u Neh. 1:3. Jer 
 
 5:10. 39:8. 52:14. x Jer. 15:1,2. 39:9. 52:15. Ez. 5:2. 12:15,16. 22:15,16. 
 
 § Heh. fallen away. y24:14. Jer. 39:10. 40:7. Ez. 33:24. * * 20:17. 2 Chr. 
 36:18. Jer. 27:19— 22. 52:17— 20. Lam. 1:10. a 1 Kings 7:15,21 ,41 . 2 Cbr. 
 4:12,13. b 1 Kings 7:23—45. 2 Chr. 4:2—6,14—16. c Ex. 27:3. 38:3. 
 
 1 Kings 7:48—50. 2 Chr. 4:20—22. 24:14. d Ex. 37:23. Num. 7:13,14 1 King* 
 7:48—51. 2 Chr. 24:14. Ezra 1:9 — 11. Dan. 5:2,3. [| Heb. the one sen e 1 King* 
 7:47. f 1 Kings 7:16. Jer. 52:21—23. g 1 Chr. 6:14- Ezra 7:1. Jer. 52:24. 
 h Jer. 21:1. 29:25,29. U Heb. threshold . ** Or, eunuch, i Jer. 52:25. 
 
 he ended his life, probably not long after ; for no more is re- 
 corded concerning him. Zedekiah left daughters at Jerusa- 
 lem, who went down with Johanan to Egypt, and doubtless 
 died there. (Jer. 41:10. 43:6.) 
 
 V. 8 — 10. Nebuzar-adan seems to have arrived at Jeru- 
 salem on the seventh day of the month, but he began to exe- 
 cute his commission on the tenth. (Jer. 52:12.) — The king of 
 Babylon, enraged at the long and obstinate defence, which 
 the Jews had made, determined that this city should be no 
 more inhabited, to cause him or his successors so much trou- 
 ble and expense in future. (Notes, Ezra 4:12 — 24.) He 
 therefore gave orders to level the city with the ground, with- 
 out sparing even the temple, either for its sanctity, antiquity, 
 or magnificence 1 Thus he performed the words both of the 
 later prophets, and likewise the predictions of Moses. This 
 is computed to have been four hundred and twenty-four years 
 from the time when Solomon laid the foundations of the tem- 
 ple. Josephus informs us, that the second temple was 
 destroyed by the Romans, on the same day of the same 
 month. 
 
 V. 12. Note, 22—26. 
 
 V. 13 — 17. ( Marg . Ref. Notes, 1 Kings 7:13 — 51. Jer. 52: 
 17 — 23.) By this it appears, that Nebuchadnezzar did not 
 purpose wholly to desolate the land ; but by destroying Jeru- 
 salem to deprive the nation of the power of resistance, and so 
 to continue in U a feeble company of men to cultivate the 
 earth. — But his design, in this respect, was defeated, that the 
 purpose and predictions of God might be accomplished. It is 
 not known what became of the ark ; but it was not afterwards 
 found. (Notes, 24:6 — 16. Ezra 1:7 — 11. Hag. 2:6 — 9.) 
 
 IVithovt weight. (16) The quantity of brass was so 
 great, that its weight was not ascertained. (1 Kings 7:47.) 
 
 V. 18 — 21. Marg. Ref. — Five. (19) Seven men are 
 mentioned by Jeremiah ; (Note, Jer. 52:24 — 27.) but perhaps 
 five were of superior rank to the others ; or were more dis- 
 tinguished as the favourites and counsellors of Zedekiah. 
 All these persons were put to death as accessaries to his 
 rebellion. 
 
 V. 22 — 26. Nebuchadnezzar ir ended to preserve some 
 inhabitants in the land ; but it was he Lc- d’s purpose that it 
 ( 709 
 
B. C. 588. 
 
 II. KINGS. B. C 560. 
 
 them that wtre n the king’s presence, which 
 were fount 5 in the city, and the 'principal scribe 
 of the ho?-, which mustered the people of the 
 land, and threescore men of the people of the land 
 that were found in the city : 
 
 20 And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard 
 took these, land brought them to the king of 
 Babylon to Riblah : 
 
 21 And the king of Babylon smote them, and 
 slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. k So 
 Judah was carried away out of their land. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 22 H And as for 'the people that remained in 
 the land of Judah whom Nebuchadnezzar king 
 of Babylon had left, even over them he made 
 ra Gedaliah the son of “Ahikam the son of Shap- 
 han, ruler. 
 
 23 And “when all the captains of the armies, 
 they and their men, heard that the king of 
 Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there 
 came to Gedaliah to Misnah, even Ishmael the 
 son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, 
 and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netopha- 
 thite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, 
 they and their men. 
 
 24 And Gedaliah Psware to them, and to their 
 men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the 
 servants of the Chaldees : dwell in the land, and 
 
 * Heb. saw the Icing's face. Eslh. 1:14. t Or, scribe of Ike captain of thehost. 
 
 Jer. 52:26,27. Lam. 4:16. k 17:20. 23:27. Lev. 26:33— 35. Dent. 4:26. 28:36,64. 
 Jer. 24:9,10. 25:9—11. Am. 5:27. 1 Jer. 40:5,6. in 25. Jer. 39:14. 41:2. n 22:12. 
 2Chr. 34:20. Jer. 26:24. o Jer. 40:7,8,11,12. p 2 Sam. 14: 1 1 . 19.23. Jtr. 40:9, 
 10. Ez. 33:24— 29. q Jer. 40:9. 42:6. r Zech. 7:5. 8:19. s Jer. 40:15,16. 41:1— 
 
 should be desolated. (12. Notes, Jer. 25:8 — 10.) — Ishmael, 
 being of the royal family, could not endure to see any shadow 
 of authority possessed by another, while he was excluded ; 
 and therefore he murdered Gedaliah, who seems to have been 
 a wise and good man. His father Ahikam had been Jere- 
 miah’s protector ; and the prophet had by choice joined his 
 company. (Notes, Jer. 2G:24. 40:6.) — After this event, the 
 Jews, rejecting the word of the Lord by Jeremiah, fled into 
 Egypt, for fear of the resentment of the king of Babylon ; and 
 there they either miserably perished, or were lost among the 
 natives, and thus God performed his purpose and predictions 
 of desolating the country, contrary to the intentions of the 
 instruments, which he had hitherto employed. (Notes, Jer. 
 39: — 42:) The small numbers, mentioned in all the accounts 
 of these events, lead the mind to a most melancholy reflection 
 on the multitudes who must have perished, and been driven 
 into other lands, by the distresses of the Jews, previous to this 
 catastrophe. 
 
 Y. 27 — 30. It is recorded that Nebuchadnezzar, after his 
 recovery from the miraculous insanity with which he had been 
 visited, committed his son to prison for maladministration 
 during that period ; (Notes, Dan. 4:28 — 37.) and that there 
 he contracted an acquaintance with Jehoiachin. God had 
 foretold, that the captives at Babylon would be more favoured, 
 than those who remained at Jerusalem : and thus Jehoiachin 
 was at length more favoured than Zedekiah. (Notes, Jer. 
 24:) — Many captive or tributary kings abode at Babylon, but 
 Jehoiachin was treated with greater kindness and respect 
 than any of them, either out of personal affection, or from re- 
 gard to the ancient race of the kings of Judah. (Note, Jer. 
 52:31.) — As Evil-merodach reigned but two years, it is pro- 
 bable Jehoiachin did not live long after this. (Note, Ezra 1: 
 1-4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 21. If repeated warnings and afflictions leave the 
 sinner’s heart more obdurate than before, it is an evidence that 
 his ruin is at hand. (TVoIe, Prov. 29:1.) — Those advantages, 
 which inspire confidence in the ways of wickedness, will 
 eventually aggravate the possessor’s misery : for no power 
 can resist, no craftiness can elude, those whom God appoints 
 to be the executioners of his vengeance. — If rebellion against 
 earthly princes deserve penalties so severe, as by common 
 consent have, in all ages and nations, been inflicted upon 
 those who were guilty of that crime : who can estimate what 
 or how much punishment is due to rebellion against our 
 Creator, Benefactor, and Sovereign 1 — Precibus as our eyes 
 are to us, they may possibly be reserved to witness such 
 scenes, as may make us wish, that they had been previously 
 closed, in darkness or in death. But surely no sight can be 
 so distressing, as the misery of our children, when occasioned 
 
 serve the king of Babylon, <iand it shall be weL 
 with you. 
 
 25 But it CLriit to pass r in the seventh month, 
 that "Ishmael tne son of Nethaniah, the son of 
 Elishama, of the seed troyal, came, and ten men 
 with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, am 
 the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at 
 Mizpah. 
 
 26 And ‘all the people, both small and i-b. c. 
 great, and the captains of the armies, arose, L se2 - 
 and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the 
 Chaldees. 
 
 2? IT And “it came to pass in the seven and 
 thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king 
 of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and 
 twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach 
 ’‘king of Babylon in the year that he began to 
 reign did ?lift up the head of Jehoiachin king ol 
 Judah out of prison ; 
 
 28 And he spake ^kindly to him, and set his 
 throne above ‘the throne of the kings that were 
 with him in Babylon ; 
 
 29 And “changed his prison-garments: and b he 
 did eat bread continually before him all the days 
 of his life. 
 
 30 And his allowance teas a continual allowance 
 given him of the king, c a daily rate for every day, 
 d all the days of his lile. 
 
 15. J Heb. ofthe kingdom. 11:1. t Jer. 41:16— 18. 42:14— 22 . 43:5— 7. u Jer. 
 24:5,6 . 52:31 — 34. x Prov. 21:1. y Gen. 40:13,20. § Heb. good things with 
 him. z Jer. 27:6— 11. Dan. 2:37. 5:18,19. a 24:12. Gen. 41:14,42. Eslh. 4:4. 
 8:15. Is. 61:3. Zech. 3:4. Luke 15:22. 1)2 Sam. 9:7. c Nell. 11:23. 12:47. Don. 
 1:5. Matt. 6:11. Luke 11:3. Acls6:l. il Gen. 48:15,16. 
 
 by our own misconduct ! — God overrules, and imperceptibly 
 guides, even the anger and the resentment of men to execute 
 his righteous purposes for his own glory. In the day of his 
 indignation, he utterly disregards populous cities, magnificent 
 palaces, and fertile countries : nay, he permits his avowed ene- 
 mies to destroy his sanctuaries, to prevent the administration 
 of his ordinances, and even to extinguish the very light of his 
 gospel, in those places, where these inestimable advantages 
 have long been despised, neglected, or perverted. But he 
 will still preserve his true religion, though perhaps among the 
 poor and despised alone. — As the Lord “ spared not the 
 angels, that sinned as he has doomed the whole race of 
 fallen men to the grave, and all unbelievers to hell ; and as 
 11 he spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all 
 we need not wonder at any desolation or miseries which, for 
 sin, he may see good to bring upon guilty nations and 
 churches. 
 
 V. 22 — 30. The secret working of Providence disappoints 
 the politic or humane purposes of such as purpose to spare 
 those whom God intends to destroy : and, while some are left 
 to their ungoverned passions, and others to their groundless 
 fears and infatuated devices, 44 his counsel shall stand, and he 
 will do all lus pleasure.” — No state of misery on earth can be 
 called absolutely hopeless or comfortless. In hell alone this 
 blackness of darkness is to be found for ever. During our 
 most dismal and tedious nights of adversity, we may hope for 
 the cheerful dawning of prosperous days ; especially, if our 
 afflictions lead us to repentance : for God has all hearts in his 
 hands, and, as he sees good, can incline them to kindness. — 
 The believer in this world is, as it were, imprisoned with sins, 
 temptations, and tribulations, sometimes for many a tedious 
 year : hut death, as the servant of Jesus Christ, comes for 
 his enlargement. Then, the prisondoor is opened, his fetters 
 are loosed, his prison-garments changed for the robes of sal- 
 vation and glory ; his head is lifted up, and his throne advanced 
 above the chief of the kings of the earth ; and he shall ho 
 eternally feasted upon the fulness of joy. which is to be found 
 in the presence and favour of the Almighty. Indeed, even 
 here, the Saviour grants to the trembling, distressed, and en- 
 slaved sinner, who comes and trusts in him, a blessed release 
 from condemnation and bondage : he bestows on him liberty, 
 change of raiment, royal immunities, and heavenly provisions, 
 day by day ; and these are intended as earnests and foretastes 
 of those 44 pleasures, which are at his right hand for evermore. M 
 In short, sin alone can hurt us, and Jesus alone can do good 
 to sinners. May God help us to believe ; and to wait, in pa- 
 tient hope, for the blessed season, when, being made more 
 than conquerors by his grace, wc shall 44 sit down with the 
 Saviour upon his throne, even as he hath overcome, and hath 
 sat down with the Father upon his throne 
 
 # 
 
 < 
 
THE FIRST BOOK 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CHRONICLES. 
 
 it is grncrally agieed, that the books of the Chronicles were compiled by Ezra, after the Babylonish captivity ; and that they consist 
 of extracts from the public records of the Jews, and the writings of preceding prophets. Some passages appear to have been in 
 sertea in the very words of the original record, which was written before the captivity ; and a few names seem to have been added 
 to the genealogies, after the death of Ezra. (1 Chr. 3:19 — 24.) The original name is (D'D'n The words of the days , which 
 
 signifies Journals, or Annals; and it is not improperly rendered Chronicles , or Records of the times. Anciently, the whole 
 forme 1 but one book in the Hebrew Bible ; but the Septuagint divide it into two, and call them The Boohs of things which haa 
 been left out ; yet this is less proper than the original name ; for there are many repetitions of facts before recorded, as well as 
 further historical information. These repetitions, however, must not be deemed superfluous ; for most of them in some degree, 
 and some of them exceedingly, elucidate the preceding history : and the few. that seem not wanted in this respect, are suited tc 
 connect the whole into one narration, without referring to other books ; wnich would be peculiarly useful, when copies of the 
 whole Scriptures were both scarce and expensive. — In the genealogies there are several literal or verbal variations, from those 
 found 
 other 
 variat 
 
 the transcriber has taken place ; but there is no variation, which in the least interferes with our faith or practice, or weakens the 
 external or internal evidence of the divine inspiration of the Scripture in general, or of these books in particular. — It was evidently 
 a principal design of the sacred writer, in these records, to bring into one view, and comprise in a narrow compass, whatever imme- 
 diately related to the nation of Israel, to each of the twelve tribes, and to the family of David, with reference to the settlement in tho 
 land after the captivity ; and to ascertain the descent of the promised Messiah : and in both these respects, the genealogies would 
 be very useful. Until Christ came, all the genealogies of that nation were preserved correct and authentic : but since that period, 
 the Jews have none which can be depended on. The types were then fulfilled in the great Antitype ; the kingdom and priesthood 
 were permanently united in his person ; and the nation soon forfeited their peculiar temporal advantages, by rejecting their King : 
 and as their genealogies were no further needful, they were left to be involved in oblivion or uncertainty. — Many things might be 
 very plain and useful to the ancient Jews, which appear obscure and uninteresting to us. Should it be allowed, that a small part 
 of the Scripture was profitable to the church in some ages and places, but not at all in others, it would be no impeachment of the 
 divine wisdom and goodness : and if we cannot understand or get any benefit from certain portions ; it is more reasonable to blame 
 our own dulness, than, so much a3 in thought, to censure them as useless. — The first book commences with genealogies from Adam, 
 till long after the captivity ; many of which are collected from other parts of Scripture. The advancement of David to the throne 
 upon Saul’s death, is next related : and a much fuller account is given of his internal government of the kingdom ; especially in the 
 regulation concerning the priests and Levites, in the service of the sanctuary ; the preparation that he made for the building of the 
 temple ; and the exhortations to Solomon his successor, and to the elders of Jsrael with which he closed his days, than in the pre- 
 ceding histories. And the sacred writer seems to have dwelt on these subjects the more fully, in order to stir up a holy emulation 
 in his contemporaries, in restoring the worship at the temple to its ancient order and purity. So tha-t in this book, “ the man after 
 God’s own heart” shines much brighter, than in the second book of Samuel, and the beginning of the first of Kings. — The genea- 
 logies, giveti by St. Matthew and St. Luke, may be supposed to refer in many respects to those in this book. And when it is said 
 that Zacharias was “ of the course of Abia,” the reference is still more indisputable. (24:10. Luke 1:5.) — The prophecies contained 
 in it coincide indeed with those in the second of Samuel and in the Psalms ; and therefore cannot be adduced as full proofs of its 
 divine inspiration : but the sentiments which pervade it are perfectly scriptural : and we are sure it formed a part of the Jewish 
 Scriptures, when our Saviour and his apostles appealed to them, as “ The oracles of God.” 
 
 in other parts of Scripture : but it is evident, that many persons had more than one name, and were callfed by one or the 
 indiscriminately ; ana the spelling and pronunciation, in most languages, change considerably in a course of years. Some 
 s in the numerals have already been noted ; and we are sometimes constrained to allow, that, probably, a trivial error ol 
 
 B. C. 4004. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The genealogy, from Adam to Noah and his sons, 1—4. The sons of Japheth , 
 5 — 7 ; of Ham, 8 — 16 ; and of Shem, 17 — 23. A genealogy from Shem to Abra- 
 ham and his sons, 24—28. The sons of Ishmael, 29—31 : and of Keturah , 32, 
 33. The posterity of Abraham by Esau , 34—37. The sons of Seir , 38—42. 
 The kings and dukes of Edom, 4^—54. 
 
 A DAM, “Sheth, b Enosh, 
 
 2 c Kenan, d Mahalaleel, e Jered, 
 
 3 f Henoch, ^Methuselah, h Lamech, 
 
 4 ‘Noah, k Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 
 d.c. a 5 U The 'sons of Japheth; Gomer, and 
 2S48. JMagog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, 
 and Meshech, and Tiras. 
 
 6 And the sons of Gomer; m Ashchenaz, and 
 "Riphath„and Togarmah. 
 
 7 And the sons of Javan ; Elishah, and "Tar- 
 shish, “Kittim, and 'Dodanim. 
 
 8 it The Psons of Ham; Cush, and Mizraim, 
 “Put, and Canaan. 
 
 9 And the sons of Cush ; Seba, and Havilah, 
 and Sabta, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And the 
 aons of Raamah ; Sheba, and Dedan. 
 
 A Gen. 4:25,26. 5:3,8. Luke 3:38. Seth. bGen. 5:9— II. Luke 3:38. Enas. 
 e Gen. 5:12— 14. Luke 3:37. Cainnn. d Gen. 5:15— 17. Luke 3:37. Maleleel. 
 • Gen. 5:18— 20. Luke 3:37. Jared, f Gen. 5:21— 24. Heb. 11:5. Jude 14. Enoch. 
 g Gen. 5:25 — 27. Luke 3:37. Nlathusaln. h Gen. 5:28— 31 . Luke 3:36. i Gen. 
 5:32.6:8,9.7:1.9:29. Is. 54:9,10. Ez. 14:14. Mall. 24:37,38. I.nke 3:36. 17:26, 
 •n. Noe. Heh. 11:7. 2 Pet. 2-5. k Gen. 5:32. 6: 10. 9:18. 1 Gen. 10: 1— 5. Ez. 
 27:13. 38:2,3,6. 39:1. m Gen. 10:3. Aehken oz. * Or, Diphath, as in some 
 •opies. n Ps. 72:10. Is. 66:19. o Num. 24:24. In. 23:1,12. Jer. 2:10. Ez. 27:6. 
 Dan. 11:30. Chitlim. f Or, Rodnnim, as in some copies. p Gen. 10:6,7. 
 2 Gen. 10:6. Phut, r Gen. 10:8— 12. Mic. 5:6. s Gen. 10:13,14. t Deut. 2: 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1 — 4. This chapter consists 
 wholly of extracts, and abridgments of genealogies, from the 
 book of Genesis : though several names are spelt differently, 
 and some are changed. ( Marg . Ref .)— The original of Israel, 
 and indeed of the whole human race, is in these verses de- 
 rived from the first man, whom God created ; and this rational 
 account may be considered, as an intended refutation of all 
 the fabulous, obscure, and absurd pretensions, advanced in 
 ihis respect, by many pagan nations. ( Notes , Gen. 1:1,26— 
 2ft. 2:4,7. 5:1,2.) ‘ No book in the world shows the original 
 
 B. C. 2320 
 
 10 And r Cush begat Nimrod. He began to be 
 mighty upon the earth. 
 
 11 And “Mizraim begat Ludim, and Ananim, 
 and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, 
 
 12 And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (of whom 
 came the Philistines,) and ‘Caphthorim. 
 
 13 And “Canaan begat Zidon his first-born, 
 and *Heth, 
 
 14 The yJebusite also, and Hhe Amorite, and 
 “the Girgashite, 
 
 15 And b the Hivite, and the Archite, and the 
 Sinite, 
 
 16 And the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and 
 the “Hamathite. 
 
 17 V The d sons of Shem; “Elam, and f Asshur, 
 and Arphaxad, and eLud, and h Aram, and Uz, 
 and Hul, and Gether, and 'Meshech. 
 
 18 And Arphaxad begat IShelah, and Shelah 
 begat Eber. 
 
 19 And unto k Eber were born two sons: the 
 
 23. Jer. 47:4. Am. 9:7. u Gen. 9:22,25,26. 10:15 — 19. Sidon. x Gen. 23:3,5, 
 20.27:46.49:30—32. Ex. 23:28. Josh. 9:1. 2 Sam. 11:6. y Gen. 15:21. Ex.33< 
 2.34:11. Judg. 1:21. 19:11. 2Sam. 24:16. Zech.9:7. z Gen. 48:22. Num. 
 21:21—32. Deut. 20:17. Josh. 3:10. 24: 15. 2 Sam. 21 :2. 2 Kings 21 : 1 1 . Am.2« 
 9. a Gen. 15:21. Deut. 7:1. Josh. 3:10. Neh. 9:8. b Ex. 3:8,17. 13:5. 1 King* 
 9:20. c Num. 34:8. lKings8;65. d Gen. 10:22 — 32.11:10. e Gen. 14:1. Ia. 
 11:11.21:2.22:6. Jer. 25:25. Ez. 32:24. Dan. 8:2. f Num. 24:22— 24. Ezra 4:2. 
 Ps. 83.8. Assur. Ez. 27:23. 32:22. Hos.14.3. g Is. 66:19. Et. 27:10. h Num. 
 23:7. i Gen. 10:23. Mash, j Gen. 10:24. 11:12—15. Salah. k Gen. 10:21, 
 25.11:16,17. Num. 24:24. 
 
 propagation of mankind, but only the holy Scriptures. They 
 who are ignorant of them, having nothing of true antiquity 
 devised senseless fables of their descent, they knew not how, 
 nor from whom. . . . This was the peculiar glory of the Jewish 
 nation, that they alone were able to derive their pedigree 
 from the first man that God created ; of which no other na- 
 tion could boast, or make a shadow of pretence.’ Bp. Pa- 
 trick. 
 
 V. 5— 23. (Notes, Gen. 9:24—29. 10:)— This short re- 
 view of the peopling of the earth by the sons of Noah,. 
 
 ( rn ) 
 
B. C. 1750. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 name of the one was 'Peleg ; because in his days 
 the earth was divided : and his brother’s name 
 was Joktan. 
 
 20 And Joktan begat Almodad, and Sheleph, 
 and ‘Hazermaveth, and Jerah, 
 
 21 Hadoram also, and Uzal, and Diklah, 
 
 22 And m Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 
 
 23 And "Ophir, and “Havilah, and Jobab. All 
 these were the sons of Joktan. 
 
 24 H rShem, Arphaxad, sShelah, 
 
 25 r Eber, “Peleg, ‘Reu, 
 
 26 “Serug, “Nahor, yTerah, 
 
 27 z Abram ; the same is Abraham. 
 
 28 The sons of Abraham; “Isaac, and b Ish- 
 inael. 
 
 29 ^ These are their generations. c The first- 
 born of Ishmael, d Nebaioth ; then e Kedar, and 
 Adbeel, and Mibsam, 
 
 30 Mishina, and f Dumah, Massa, fHadad, and 
 Tema, 
 
 31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are 
 the sons of Ishmael. 
 
 B.c.-i 32 "il Now g the sons of Keturah, Abra- 
 l ’ 53 J ham’s concubine: she bare Zimran, and 
 Jokshan, and Medan, and h Midian, and Ishbak, 
 and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan ; ‘Sheba, 
 and JDedan. 
 
 33 And the sons of Midian; k Ephah, and 
 Epher, and Henoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All 
 these are the sons of Keturah. 
 
 34 And ‘Abraham begat Isaac. m The sons 
 of Isaac : Esau, and "Israel. 
 
 35 H The “sons of Esau; Eliphaz, Reuel, and 
 Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. 
 
 36 The sons of Eliphaz ; rTeman, and Omar, 
 •iZephi, and Gatan, Kenaz, and Timna, and 
 Amalek. 
 
 37 The sons of Reuel; Nahath, Zerah, Sham- 
 mah, and Mizzah. 
 
 38 And r the sons of Seir; Lotan, and Sho- 
 bal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and 
 ‘Ezar, and Dishan. 
 
 39 And the sons of Lotan : ‘Hori, and “Ho- 
 mam : and Tiinna was Lotan s sister. 
 
 40 The sons of Shobal ; v Alian, and Manahath, 
 
 • Thai is, Division. 1 Gen. 10:25, *27. Hazarmaveth. m Gen. 10:28. Obnl. 
 n Gen. 10:29. 1 Kings 9:28. 10:11. 1 Chr. 29:4. Job 22:24. Ps. 45:9. Is. 13: 
 12. o Gen. 2:11. 25:18. 1 Sain. 15:7. p Gen. 11:10-26. q Luke 3:35. 
 tSala. r Luke 3:35. Heber. s Luke 3:35. PUalec. t Luke 3:35. Rusau. 
 n Luke 3:35. Saruch. x Luke 3:34. Nachor . y Luke 3:34. Tko.ro.. z Gen. 
 11:27— 32. 17:5. Josh. 24:2. Neh. 9:7. a Gen. 17: 19— 21 . 21 :3— 5,12. b Gen. 
 16:11—16.21:9,10. c Gen. 25: 12— 16. d Gen. 28:9. Nebajoth. Is. 60:7. e Ps. 
 120:4. Cant. 1:5. Is. 21:17. f Is. 21:11. t Or, Hadar. Gen. 26:15. g Gen. 
 25:1—4. h Gen. 37:28. Ex. 2:15,16. Num. 22:4— 7. 25.6. 31 :2. Judg.6:l— 6. 
 
 I 1 Kings 10:1. Job 6.19. Ps. 72: 10,15. Is. 60:6. j la. 21:13. Jer. 25:23. 49:8. 
 Ez. 25:13.27:20. k Is. 60:6. 1 Gen. 21:2, 3. Matt. 1:2. Luke 3:34. Acts 7:8. 
 
 might be intended to intimate that we are all of one blood 
 and nature, though of different families. 
 
 V. 24—27. (Marg. Ref. Notes , Gen. 11:10— 32. 17:5,6.) 
 Shem . . . was the most eminent of Noah’s sons, whom he 
 solemnly blessed; the Messiah being to spring from him. 
 (Gen. 9:26.) For from Adam thepromi.se of the Messiah 
 was translated to Seth ; and from Seth to Shem ; from Shem 
 to Eber ; from whom the Hebrew nation, some think, derived 
 their name ; and had this precious promise committed to their 
 trust, above all other nations in the world.’ Bp. Patrick . 
 ( Note, Gen. 11:6—9.) 
 
 V. 28— 33. Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 16:12. 17:18—21. 
 21:20,21. 25:1—6,16,18. 
 
 V. 34 — 37. Notes , Gen. 25:20 — 34. 36:1 — 19. — Timna , 
 and Amalek. (36) Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, and 
 another of Amalek. (Gen. 36:12.) The words here, therefore, 
 seem to mean, Of Timna , Amalek. (39) 
 
 V. 38—42. Notes , Gen. 36:20,24. 
 
 V. 43 — 54. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 36:31 — 43.) When 
 tie sacred historian had given the genealogy of Abraham, 
 he father of the faithful ; he briefly mentions Abr&ham’s 
 escendants by Ishmael, by Keturah, and by Esau, with 
 some coincident matters: but he speedily leaves these sub- 
 jects, to confine himself to the chosen people of God, and 
 feline of the Saviour ; in comparison with whom, the nations 
 most renowned for arts or arms seem entirely disregarded. 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 As we are descended fVom that “one man, by whom sin 
 and death entered into the world so wo all resemble and 
 imitate him: and this should remind us how sinful and frail 
 we are ; and excite us to repent, to value the Saviour, to 
 despair of happiness in this miserable world, to seek those 
 things which are above, and habitually to prepare to meet 
 death, who is, to all unbelievers, “the king of terrors.” For, 
 as an invincible conqueror, he has already transmitted the 
 ( 712 ) 
 
 B. C. 1717. 
 
 and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. And the sons of 
 Zibeon ; “Aiah, and Anah. 
 
 41 The sons of Anah ; ^Dishon. And the sons 
 of Dishon ; z Amram, and Eshban, and Ithran, 
 and Cheran. 
 
 42 The sons of Ezer ; Bilhan, and "Zavan, 
 and Jakan. The sons of Dishan; b Uz, and 
 Aran. 
 
 43 *n Now these are “the kings that reigned in 
 the land of Edom, before any king reigned over 
 the children of Israel; Bela the son-ofBeor: and 
 the name of his city was Dinhabah. 
 
 44 And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son 
 of Zerah of d Bozrah reigned in his stead. 
 
 45 And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the 
 land of the Temanites reigned in his stead. 
 
 46 And when Husham was dead, Hadad the 
 son of Bedad, which smote Midian in the field 
 of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of 
 his city was Avith. 
 
 47 And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of 
 Masrekah reigned in his stead. 
 
 48 And when Samlah was dead, “Shaul of 
 Rehoboth by the river reigned in his stead. 
 
 49 And when Shaul was dead, Baal-hanan the 
 son of Achbor reigned in his stead. 
 
 50 And when Baal-hanan was dead, Hadad 
 reigned in his stead : and the name of his city 
 was f Pai ; and his wife’s name was Mehetabel the 
 daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 
 
 51 H Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom 
 were ; duke Timnah, duke eAliah, duke Jetheth, 
 
 52 Duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 
 
 53 Duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, 
 
 54 Duke Magdiel, duke Iram. b These are the 
 dukes of Edom. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The sons o f Israel, 1,2} of Judah, 3 — 12: of Jesse, 13 — 17: of Caleb, the 
 son of Hezron, 13—20 : of Hezron, by the daughter of Machir, 21 — 24 : and 
 of Jerahmeel, Hezron's son , 25 — 33. The pos erily of Shisham, by hit 
 daughter, 34 — 41. Another branch of Caleb' s posterity , 42 — 49. The song 
 of Caleb, the son of Hut, 50 — 54. The families of the Kenites, 55. 
 
 T HESE are the sons of 'Israel ; ‘’Reuben, 
 Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Ze- 
 bulun, 
 
 2 Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad. 
 and Asher. 
 
 m Gen. 25:24— 28. Mai. 1:2—4. Rom. 9:10—13. n Gen. 32:28. o Gen. 36:4, 
 5,9,10. p 53. Gen. 36:11— 15. Jer. 49:7,20. Am. 1:12. Ob. 9. Hnb 3:3. q Gen. 
 36:15. Zcp'io. r Gen. 36:20,29,30. s Gen. 36:21. Ezer. t Deul. 2:12,22. 
 u Gen. 36:22. Hetnan. v Gen. 36:23. Alvan—Shepho. x Gen. 36:24. Aiah. 
 y Gen. 36:25. z Gen. 36:26. Hcmdan. a Gen. 36:27. Zaavan — Achan. 
 b Gen. 36:28. Lam. 4:21. c Gen. 36:31— 39. 49:10. Num. 24: 17— 19. d Is. 34: 
 6.63:1. Jer. 49:13. Am. 1:12. Mic.2:12. e Gen. 36:37. Saul. f Gen. 36:39. 
 Pan. g Gen. 36:40. AlvaJi. h Gen. 36:41 — 43. * Or, Jacob. Gen. 32:28. 49i 
 2. b Gen. 29:32—35. 30:5—24. 35:18,*22— 26. 46:8, &c. 49:4— 28. Ex. 1:2— 4. 
 Num. 1:5—15. 13:4—15.26:5, &c. Rev. 7:5—8. 
 
 bodies of innumerable millions to the grave, and their souls 
 to the tribunal of God and to the eternal world ; and is even 
 now ready to deal with us in like manner. (Note, Rom. 5: 
 20,21.) But while we are spared, we should regard every 
 human being as a brother, a fellow-sinner, and a fellow-suf- 
 ferer, without respect to climate, complexion, p#ty, charac- 
 ter, or even personal injuries : and, with expanded benevo- 
 lence and compassion we should aim to alleviate misery, to 
 increase comfort, to promote peace, and to be instrumental 
 to the salvation of men, by our example, prayers, and the 
 improvement of our several talents. — Short is our passage 
 through time into eternity: — we are no sooner born, than we 
 begin to die ; and all earthly distinctions will speedily be re- 
 duced to a level, as the rough weed, the green blade, and 
 the gaudy flower fall before the ^discriminating scythe ! May 
 we then be distinguished as the Lord’s people, who are his 
 portion, and whom he delights to honour and bless. — The 
 inconceivable multitudes of the human race, which have peo- 
 pled or shall people the earth through successive generations, 
 will ere long assemble before the judgment-seat of Christ-, 
 and be divided as easily, and as certainly, “as the shepherd 
 divideth the sheep from the goats:” then the wicked “shall 
 go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into 
 life eternal.” May we then so “look for these things, as to 
 give diligence that we may bo found of him in peace, without 
 spot and blameless !” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. II. V. 1, 2. Notes, Gen. 29:32-35. 
 30:1—21. 32:28. 35:17,18. 
 
 V. 3, 4. (Notes, Gen. 38.) The descendants of Judah 
 arc first mentioned ; for that tribe (like him who was to 
 spring from it) was in all respects to I avc the pre-tminence. 
 (Notes, Gen. 49:8 — \0.)-~Shelak. (3/ Note, 4:2.. 
 
 V. 5, 6. Marg. Rtf. — The son* oj Zerah, &c. (6) It is 
 uncertain whether Ethan, Homan . hileol, and Para, the 
 sons of Muliol, of whom we road, ( K ngs 4:31. V were r e- 
 
B. C. 1550. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 B. C. 1550. 
 
 3 The sons of Judah; c Er, and Onan, and 
 Rhelah: which three were born unto him of the 
 (laughter of Shua the Canaanitess. And Er the 
 first-born of Judah, was evil in the sight of the 
 Lord, and he slew him. 
 
 4 And d Tamar his daughter-in-law bare him 
 'Phare/, and 1 Zcrah. All the sons of Judah were 
 five. 
 
 5 The sons of Pharez ; eHezron, and Hamul. 
 
 6 And the sons of Zerah ; "Zimri, and 'Ethan, 
 and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara: five of them 
 in all. 
 
 7 And the sons of k Carmi; 'Achar, the troubler 
 of Israel, who transgressed in the thing m accursed. 
 
 8 And the sons of Ethan ; Azariah. 
 
 9 The sons also of Hezron, that were born 
 unto him; "Jerahmeel, and “Ram, and pChelubai. 
 
 10 And Ram begat lAmminadab, and Ammin- 
 adab begat "Nahshon, prince of tbe children of 
 Judah ; 
 
 11 And Nahshon begat “Salma, and Salma be- 
 gat Boaz, 
 
 12 And Boaz begat Obed, and Obed begat 
 1 Jesse. 
 
 13 H And Jesse begat "his first-born 'Eliab, and 
 Abinadab the second, and *Shimma the third, 
 b.c.i 14 Nathaneel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 
 109 J 15 Ozem the sixth, T David the seventh: 
 
 16 Whose sisters were Zeruiah, and Abigail. 
 And the sons of Zeruiah ; Abishai, and Joab, 
 and Ashael, three. 
 
 17 And Abigail bare "Amasa : and the father of 
 Amasa was b Jether the Ishmaelite. 
 
 b.c a 18 IT And “Caleb the son of Hezron begat 
 1470 J children of Azubah his wife, and of Jerioth: her 
 sons are these ; Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon. 
 
 19 And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took 
 unto him d F.phrat,h, which bare him Hur. 
 
 20 And Hur begat Uri, and Uri begat “Bezaleel. 
 
 21 TI And afterwards Hezron went in to the 
 daughter of f Machir the father of Gilead, whom 
 he 'married when he was threescore years old ; 
 and she bare him Segub. 
 
 22 And Segub begat sJair, who had three 
 and twenty cities in the land of Gilead. 
 
 23 And he took h Geshur, and Aram, with the 
 towns of Jair, from them, with Kenath and the 
 towns thereof, even threescore cities. All these 
 
 e 9:5. Gen. 33:2—10. 46:12. Nnm. 26:19,20. d Gen. 38:13— 30. Ruth 4:12. Matt. 
 1:3. Thamar. e 9:4. Num. 26:21. Ruth 4:18. Neh. 11:4. Perez. Matt. 1:3. 
 Luke 3:33. Pkares. f 9:6. Num. 26:13,20. Neh. 11:24. Matt. 1:3. Zara, 
 g Gen. 46:12. Num. 26:21. Matt. 1:3. Luke 3:33. Esrom. h Josh. 7:1,17,18. 
 Zabdi. i 1 Kings 4:31. Dnrda. k 4:1. 1 Josh. 7:1 — 5. Aehan. m Deut. 7: 
 26.13:17. Josh. 6:18. 7:11— 15. 22:20. n 25— 33. o Ruth 4. 19. Matt. 1:3. 
 Luke 3:33. Aram, p 18,19,24,42. Caleb. qRuth4:20. Matt. 1:4. Luke 3: 
 33. Aminadab. r Num. 1.7. 2:3. 7:12,17. 10:14. Ruth 4:20. Matt. 1:4. Luke 
 8:32. Naas son. s Ruth 4:21. Matt. 1:4,5. Luke 3:32. Salmon — Booz. t 10: 
 14. Ruth 4:22. 1 Sam. 16:1. Is. 11:1,10. Matt. 1:5. Luke 3:32. Acts 13:22. 
 Rom. 15:12. u 1 Sam. 16:6. 17:13,28. v 27:18. Elihu. x 20:7. Shimea. 
 
 mote and eminent descendants of Zerah ; or whether different 
 persons, bearing nearly the same names, are there intended. 
 
 V. 7. (Notes, Josh. 7:1,10 — 24.) Achan, who sinned in 
 the accursed thing, is here called Achar, or the troubler; with 
 reference to Joshua’s words to him. (Note, Josh. 7:25,26.) 
 Carmi is said in Joshua to be the son of Zabdi, who is here 
 called Zimri. (6) — The genealogies of Judah are very copi- 
 ous: because David, the progenitor of the Messiah, was of 
 that tribe ; and the whole nation of the Jews, to this day, is 
 composed of such as either descended from Judah, or incor- 
 porated with those who did. (Note, 2 Kings 16:6.) 
 
 V. 8. “ Sons” here signifies descendants. These might 
 be numerous, though but one son is mentioned. 
 
 V. 9 — 12. Hezron, the son of Pharez. (5) (Marg. Ref. 
 Notes, Ruth 4:17 — 22.) 
 
 V. 15. Jesse had eight sons; (1 Sam. 16:10.) but it is 
 probable, that one died before David came to the throne. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 17. Jether is generally supposed to have been an Ish- 
 maelite by birth, but an Israelite by religion. (Note, 2 Sam. 
 17:25.) 
 
 V. 18 — 20. This Caleb, or Chelubai, (9) was not the 
 
 •ame as Caleb the son of Jephunneh, whose posterity is 
 
 Oerwards mentioned. (4:15.) He must have lived some 
 time before Israel left Egypt; as Bezaleel,who was the prin- 
 cipal person employed in constructing the tabernacle, was his 
 great-grandson; the son of Uri, the son of Hur, the son of 
 Caleb. (Marg. Ref. Note, Ex. 31:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 21. “ The father of Gilead” means, the prince of 
 Gilead, or the father of a large portion of the inhabitants. 
 The term occurs frequently in this sense, throughout the sub- 
 Vol. I. — 90 
 
 belonged to the sons of Machir tbe father of 
 Gilead. 
 
 24 And after that Hezron was dead in 'Caleb- 
 ephratah, then Abiah, Hezron’s wife bare him 
 lAshur the father of k Tekoa. 
 
 25 11 And the sons of 'Jerahmeel, the first-born 
 of Hezron, were Ram, the first-born, and Bunah, 
 and Oren, and Ozem, and Ahijah. 
 
 26 Jerahmeel had also another wife, whose 
 name was Atarah; she was the mother ofOnam. 
 
 27 And the sons of "’Ram, the first-born of 
 Jerahmeel, were Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker. 
 
 28 And the sons of"Onam were Shammai, and 
 Jada. And the sons of Shammai ; Nadab, and 
 A bis hur. 
 
 29 And the name of the wife of Abishur was 
 Abihail ; and she bare him Ahban, and Molid. 
 
 30 And the sons of “Nadab ; Seled, and Ap- 
 paim : but Seled died without children. 
 
 31 And the sons of Appaim ; Ishi. And the 
 sons of Ishi; Sheshan. And rthe children of 
 Sheshan ; Ahlai. 
 
 32 And the sons of Jada, the brother of Sham- 
 mai ; Jethur, and . Jonathan : and Jethur died 
 without children. 
 
 33 And the sons of Jonathan ; Peleth, and 
 Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel. 
 
 34 IT Now Sheshan had no sons, but daugh- 
 ters : and Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, 
 whose name was Jarha. 
 
 35 And '(Sheshan gave his daughter to Jarha 
 his servant to wife ; and she bare him Attai. 
 
 36 And Attai begat Nathan, and Nathan begat 
 r Zabad, 
 
 37 And Zabad begat Ephlal, and Ephlal begat 
 Obed, 
 
 38 And Obed begat Jehu, and Jehu begat Aza- 
 riah, 
 
 39 And Azariah begat Helez, and Helez begat 
 Eleasah, 
 
 40 And Eleasah begat Sisamai, and Sisamai 
 begat Shallum, 
 
 41 And Shallum begat Jekamiah, and Jekamiah 
 begat Elishama. 
 
 42 H Now the sons of “Caleb the brother of 
 Jerahmeel, were Mesha l his first-born, which 
 was the father of "Ziph ; and the sons of Mare- 
 shah, x the father of Hebron. 
 
 1 Sam. 16:9. Shammah. y 1 Sam. 16:10,11. 17 12 — 14. ?. 1 Sam. 26;6. 2Sam. 
 2:18—23. 3:39. 16.9—11. 19:22. a 2 Sam. 17:25. 19:13. 29:4—12. 1 Kings 2:5, 
 32. b 2Snm.l7:25. Ithraan Israelite. c 9. Chelubai. 42. <1 24,50.4:4. 
 
 Mic. 5:2. E])hrala. e Ex. 31:2. 36:1 ,2. 37:1. 38:22. 2 Clir. 1:5. f Gen. 50:23. 
 Num. 26:29. 27:1. 32.39,40. Deut. 3:15. f Heb. look. g Num. 32:41. Deut. 
 3:14. Josh. 13:30. h Josh. 13:13. i 9,18,19. I Sam. 30:14. ) 4:5. k 2 Sam. 
 14:2. Am. 1:1. 19. m 25. n 26. o 28. p 34,35. q3I. r 11:41. s 9. 
 Chelubai. 18,19.24. t Gen. 49:3. Ex. 4:22,23. Rom. 8:29. Heb. 12:23. u Joth. 
 15:24. 1 Sam. 23:19. 26:1. x 23,24,45,49,52. 8:29. Ezra 2:21— .5. Neh. 7: 
 25—38. 
 
 sequent genealogies ; as the reader will readily perceive by 
 consulting the marginal references. {Notes, 42 — 53.) 
 
 V. 22. Jair was descended by his father from Judah, and 
 properly belonged to that tribe: but Hezron, his grandfather, 
 married a wife of the tribe of Manasseh ; and Jair, as de- 
 scended from her, united himself to that tribe, and at length 
 inherited among them. ( Note , Num. 32:41.) 
 
 V. 23. Jair seems to have taken Geshur, Aram, and some 
 other places, from those who before possessed them. (Num. 
 32:39—42. Deut. 3:14. Josh. 13:29—32.) 
 
 V. 24. Asher was the posthumous son of Hezron, by 
 Abiah, whom he married in his old age. (21) But h.e be- 
 came a man of consequence ; and his descendants principally 
 peopled, or ruled over, Tekoa. 
 
 V. 25 — 33. Nothing further is recorded of the persons 
 mentioned in these verses. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 34 — 41. It does not appear that Sheshan had more 
 than one daughter, whom he gave in marriage to his servant, 
 an Egyptian ; who, it is probable, was a proselyte to the true 
 religion, and had been faithful to him. But, as a numerous 
 progeny might spring from this one daughter, the plural num- 
 ber is used, as it was before observed to be in the case of 
 sons. (Note, 8. ) 
 
 V. 42 — 49. This Caleb, being the brother of Jerahmeel, 
 was the same person of whom we read before. His children 
 by Azubah and by Ephrath, had been enumerated: (Note y 
 18 — 20.) so that “Meshah, his first-born,” seems to have 
 been born to him by another wife, whom he married before 
 either Azubah or Ephrath. — The Jews, when they returned 
 from the captivity, were principally of the tribe of Judah* 
 and n these genealogies might be exceedingly useful to them, 
 ( 713 ) 
 
B. C. 1400 
 
 B. C. 712. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 43 And 4 ne s.ms of Hebron; Korah, andTa- 
 puah and Kekem. and Shema. 
 
 44 And Shema begat Raham, the father of 
 Jorkoam: and Rekem begat Shammai. 
 
 45 An'd the son of Shammai was Maon : and 
 Maon was the father of rBethzur. 
 
 46 And Ephah, 'Caleb’s concubine, bare Haran, 
 anil Moza, and Gazez: and Haran begat Gazez. 
 
 47 And the sons of J hdai ; Regem, and Jo- 
 tham, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and 
 •Shaaph. 
 
 48 Maachah, Caleb’s “concubine, bare Sheber, 
 and Tirhanah. 
 
 49 She bare also Shaaph b the father of c Mad- 
 mannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah, and the 
 father of d Gibea : and the daughter of Caleb was 
 Achsah. 
 
 50 H These were the sons of Caleb the son of 
 Hur, the first-born e of Ephratah ; Shobal the 
 father of ' Kirjath-jearim, 
 
 51 Salma sthe father of h Beth-lehem, Hareph 
 the father of Beth-gader. 
 
 52 And Shobal the father of Kirjath-jearim had 
 sohs : 'Haroeh, and 'half of the Manahethites. 
 
 53 And the families of Kirjath-jearim ; the 
 ■Ithrites, and the Puhites, and the Shumathites, 
 and the Mishraites: of them came k the Zarea- 
 tliites, and the Eshtaulites. 
 
 54 The sons of Salma ; 'Beth-lehem, and the 
 m Netophathites, lAtaroth, the bouse of Joab, and 
 half of the Manahethites, the Zorites. 
 
 55 And the families of “the scribes which dwelt 
 at °Jabez ; the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and 
 Suchathites. These are Pthe Kenites that came 
 of Hemath, the father of the house of iRechab. 
 
 y Josh. 15:58. z 18,19,48. a 46. Gen. 25:5,6. b See on 42. c Josh. 15:31. Is. 
 10:31. Mrtdmenah. d Josh. 15:57. 2Sam. 21:6. Gibenh. e 19,20. Ephrath. 
 f 53. 13:5,6. Josh. 15:9,6U. 1 Sam. 7:1. g 4:4. h Gen. 35:19. Rnth. 1:19. 2:4. 4: 
 11. Matt. 2: 1,6. John 7:42. * Or, Reaiah. 4 :2. ^ Or, half of the Menuchites, 
 
 or, Hatsi-hammenuchoth. i 11 :40. 2 Sam. 23.38. k Josh. 15:33. 19:41 . Judg. 
 13:2,25.16:31. 151. m 11:30. 2 Sam. 23:29. Ezra 2:22. Neh. 7:26. 12:28. 
 
 Or, Atariles, or, crowns of the house of Joab. Josh. 16:2. n Ezra 7:6. Jer. 
 :8. o 4:9,10. p Judg. 1:16. 4:11. 1 Sam. 15:6. q 2 Kings 10: 15. Jer. 35:2-8, 
 19. a 2 Sam. 3:2-5. b 2 Sam. 13:1 ,29. c 1 Sam. 25:43. 27:3. d Josh. 15:56. 
 e 2 Sam. 3:3. Chileab. f 1 Sam. 25:39— 42. g 2Sam. 13:1,20—28.38. 18:14, 
 18,33.19:4-10. h 2:23. Josh. 13:13. 2 Sam. 14:23,32. 15:8. i 2 Sam. 3:4. 
 
 I Kings 1:5.2:24,25. j 2 Sam. 3:5. k 2 Sam. 2: 11 . 5:4,5. 1 Kings 2: 11. 114: 
 
 4. 2 Sam. 5:14. Shamrnuah. m 2 Sam. 7:2— 4. 12:1—15. Luke 3:31. n 28:5, 
 
 No doubt they were extracted from ancient public records of 
 allowed authenticity. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 The cities, of which these persons are said to have been 
 fathers, were all situated in Judah ; and this confirms the pre- 
 ceding interpretation. (Note, 21.) 
 
 Achsah. (49) w Caleb the son of Jephunneh” had a daughter 
 called Achsah, who was married to Othniel, at the time when 
 Joshua completed the division of the land. (Notes, Josh. 15: 
 16 — 19.) But Caleb the son of Hezron lived some ages 
 before : (Note, 18 — 20.) and his daughter Achsah was a dif- 
 ferent person. 
 
 V. 50. Caleb, here spoken of, was the grandson of him 
 before mentioned, and brother to Uri, the father of Bezaleel ; 
 the same as erected the tabernacle. (9,18,19,42.) 
 
 V. 52, 53. The inhabitants of these cities consisted in 
 general of Shobal’s descendants ; or they were the principal 
 persons among them. This seems to be equivalent to the 
 phrase, u the father ofZiph, of Beth-lehem, &c.” (42,43.) 
 
 V. 54. The word rendered “ the house of Joab, seems to 
 be a proper name, Beth- joab ; for a place, not a family, is 
 evidently meant. — 1 Beth-joab; so these words, we translate 
 “the house of Joab,” should be rendered; for he is not 
 speaking of Joab’s family, but of Caleb’s.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 55. 77/e Kenites, &c.] (Notes, Judg. 1:16. 4:11. Jer. 
 35:1 — 7,18,19.) It seems that some of the Kenites, the pos- 
 terity of Hobab, incorporated with Judah, and became expert 
 in writing, and eminent in their knowledge of the law of God. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 No length of time will expunge the guilt or infamy of those 
 who do evil in the sight of the Lord, are troublers of his peo- 
 ple, and die in their sins. But, as the Saviour was pleased 
 to assume human nature, by descent through so many a 
 heinous transgressor, and thus to be u made in the likeness 
 of sinful flesh,” as well as a sacrifice for sin, all manner of 
 wickedness shall be purged away from those who believe in 
 nis name. — Frequently the last, become first, and the first 
 last; and atrocious sinners have in every age been trans- 
 formed into the most eminent believers. — Difficulties, ble- 
 mishes, and disgraces in the beginnings of life, or on the 
 entrance of any undertaking ; and remarkable blots in the 
 origin of families ; have often proved as foils to the lustre, 
 eucccss, or eminence, with which they were afierwards 
 favoured. In the same wise, righteous, and merciful sove- 
 reignty, the Lord advances or depresses the branches offami- 
 lies ; prospers or renders unsuccessful our temporal pursuits ; 
 
 ( 7)4 ) 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The tone of David , 1—9. Hie line to Zcdekiah, 10—16. The sone and euccee 
 eore of Jeconiah , 17—24. 
 
 N OW these were “the sons of David, which were 
 born unto him in Hebron ; the first-born 
 b Amnon, of c Ahinoam the d Jezreelitess; the second, 
 “Daniel 'of Abigail the Carmelitess : 
 
 2 The third, ^Absalom the son of Maachah 
 the daughter of Talmai king of h Geshur: the 
 fourth, 'Adonijah the son of Haggith : 
 
 3 The fifth, Shephatiah of Abital: the sixth, 
 Ithream by iEglah his wife. 
 
 4 These six were born unto him in Hebron; 
 and k there he reigned seven years and six months: 
 and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years. 
 
 5 And these were born unto him in Jerusalem; 
 'Shimea, and Shobab, and "Nathan, and "Solo- 
 mon, four, of “Bathshua the daughter of i’Am- 
 miel : 
 
 6 Ibhar also, and ‘'Elishama, and "Eliphelet, 
 
 7 And s Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia, 
 
 8 And Elishama, and ‘Eliada, and “Eliphelet, 
 nine. 
 
 9 These were all the sons of David, besides the 
 sons x of the concubines, and rTamar their sister. 
 
 10 If And Solomon’s son was “Rehoboam, 
 “Abia his son, '’Asa his son, “Jehoshaphat his son, 
 11 d Joram his son, “Ahaziah his son, < Joash his 
 son, 
 
 12 sAmaziah his son, h Azariah his son, 'Jotham 
 his son, 
 
 13 k Ahaz his son, 'Hezekiah his son, m Manasseh 
 his son, 
 
 14 "Amon his son, °Josiah his son. 
 
 15 And the sons of Josiah were, the first-born 
 
 6. 2 Sam. 12:24,25. o 2 Sam. II :3. Balh-sheba. Matt. 1:6. p 2 Sam. 11:3. 
 Eliam. q 14:5. 2 Sam. 5.15. Elishva. r 14.5. Elpalet. s 2 Sam. 5: 15,16. 
 t 14:7. Beeliada. u 14:7. 2 Sam. 5: 16. Eliphalet. x2Sam.5:13. y 2 Sam. 
 13:1—20. z 1 Kings 11:43. 14:31. Matt. 1:7. Roboam. a 1 Kings 15:1. AbU 
 jam. 2 Chr. 13:1. Abijah. b 1 Kings 15:8. 2Chr. 14:1. c 1 Kingd 15:24, 
 2( hr. 17:1. Matt. 1:8. Joeaphat. /d lKings22:50, 2 Chr. 21 : 1 . Jehoram. 
 e 2 Kings 8:24 . 2 Chr. 21 :17. Jthonhaz. 22: 1.6. Azdrioh. f 2 Kings 11:21. 
 
 2 Chr. 24:1. g 2 Kings 14:1. 2 Chr. 25:1. h 2 Kings 14:21 . 2 Chr. 26:1 . Uz. 
 ziah. Matt. 1:8,9. Ozias. i 2 Kirfga 15:5,32. 2 Chr. 27: 1 . Matt. 1:9. Joaiham. 
 k 2 Kings 16:1. 2 Chr. 28:1— 8. Matt. 1:9. Achaz . 1 2 Kings 18:1. 2 Chr. 29: 
 1. Matt. 1:9. Ezekias. m 2 Kings 21:1. 2 Chr. 33:1. Malt. 1:10. Mannsses. 
 n 2 Kings 21:19. 2 Chr. 33:20,21. o2Kinga22:l. 2 Chr. 34:1. Matt. 1:10,11. 
 Josias. 
 
 replenishes or diminishes our households, and renders them 
 a comfort or a trial to us. Submission to his will is our duty 
 and wisdom ; but it is the privilege of the true believer alone 
 to maintain this happy frame of mind. In Christ, however, 
 there is neither bond nor free, neither male nor female, neither 
 Jew nor Gentile : all who come to him are equally welcome to 
 his salvation ; all are equally privileged, in proportion to their 
 faith, love, and devotedness to him : and it is a peculiar favour 
 for poor strangers to be made M scribes well instructed in the 
 kingdom of God,” and to be fitted also for usefulness toothers. 
 In short, the whole, that is truly valuable, consists in the 
 favour, peace, and image of God; and a life spent to his 
 glory, and in promoting the welfare of our fellow-creatures. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. III. V. 1— 9. (Notes, 2 Sam. 3:1— 5. 
 5:13—16.) David’s other sons by Bathshua, or Bath-sheba, are 
 mentioned before Solomon, though yoqnger than he ; because 
 the genealogy is resumed from him. Probably David called 
 one of them Nathan, out of respect to the prophet of that 
 name, whom he loved the belter for his faithful reproof. Mary 
 the mother of Jesus was descended from Nathan, not from 
 Solomon. (Notes, Luke 3:23 — 38.) The two sons, which 
 are here mentioned, more than in Samuel, probably died 
 young ; as there are two called Elishama, and two Eliphelet. 
 (Marg. Ref.) — It seems that David had children by Ins con 
 cubines, whose names are no where recorded. 
 
 V. 1(> — 15. (Marg. Ref.) Johanan seems to have died 
 young. Shallum is also called Jchoahaz. He was older than 
 Zedekiah, though mentioned after him. (Note, 2 Kings 23: 
 29,30, u. 30.) 
 
 V. 16. As the sons of Jeconiah are enumerated in the next 
 verses, and as Zedekiah, a son of Jeconiah, is not elsewhere 
 mentioned, it is thought by learned men, that “ his son” here 
 means his successor. 
 
 V. 17, 18. Many commentators take it for granted, that 
 Salathiel, or Shealtiel, actually descended from Nathan, and 
 was only the adopted son of Jeconiah; that Solomon’s lino 
 was extinct; and that Joseph, the husband of Mary, sprang 
 from Nathan, as well as she. They ground this sentiment on 
 those reasons : Jeremiah is supposed to have pronounced 
 Jeconiah childless ; but perhaps a satisfactory solution of that 
 difficulty may bo adduced. ( Note, Jer . 22:28 — 30. ) Again, it is 
 argued, that St. Luke mentions Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, 
 in the genealogy of Mary. But to this it may be answered, that 
 it is scarcely the shadow of an argument to say, because n father 
 and son are of the same names in one genealogy, as they are ui 
 
B. C. 714. 
 
 CHAPTER IT. 
 
 Jolianan, the second pJehoiakim, the third iZede- 
 kiah, the fourth r Shallum. 
 
 16 And the sons of Jehoiakim; ‘Jeconiah his 
 son, ‘Zedekiah his son. 
 
 17 H And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, "Salathiel 
 his son. 
 
 18 Malchiram also, and Pedaiah, and Shenazar, 
 Jecamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah. 
 
 10 And the sons of Pedaiah were ‘Zerubbabel, 
 and Sldmei : and the sons of Zerubbabel ; Me- 
 shu. am, and Hananiah, and Shelomith their sis- 
 ter : 
 
 20 And Hashubah, and Ohel,'and Berechia, 
 and Hesadiah, Jushab-hesed, five. 
 
 21 And the sons of Hananiah ; rPeletiah, and 
 Jesaiah : the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of 
 Arnon, the sons of Obadiah, the sons of Shechan- 
 iah. 
 
 b.c.-i 22 And the sons of Shechaniah ; Shemai- 
 43o. J a h : an d the sons of Shemaiah ; z Hattush, and 
 Igeal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six. 
 
 23 And the sons of Neariah; Elioenai, and 
 "Hezekiah, and Azrikam, three. 
 
 24 And the sons of Elioenai were Hodaiah, and 
 Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, 
 and Delaiah, and Anani, seven. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The posterity of Judah, in the line of llezron, Carmi, and Hut, 1 — 4 . The 
 posterity of 1 shur, Hezron's son, 5 — 8. Jabez, and his prayer, 9, 10. 
 Other descendants of Judah by Pharez, 11—20. The posterity of Shelah, 
 Judah’s son, 21—23. The sons of Simeon and their cities, 21— 38. They 
 conqrier Gedor and the Amalefcites , 39 — 43. 
 
 T IME sons of Judah; “Pharez, Hezron, and 
 b Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal. 
 
 5 2 Kill-8 -23:34. Eliakim. 2Ctir.36:S. Jer. 22:18. q 2 Kings 24:17,13. Mat ta- 
 2Chr. 36:11. r 2 Kings 23:30 . 2 Chr. 36:1. Jthonhaz. Jer. 82:11. 
 
 8 2 Kings 24:8. 25:27 . 2 Chr. 36:9. JeboiccMn. Jer. 32:24,28. Ctmiah. Matt. 
 |:ll. Jcchonias. t 15. n Ejrn 3:2,8. 5:2. Sltealtiel. Matt 1:12. I Etn 
 2 2 3:2. Hag. 1:12— 14.2:2,4. Zech.4:6— 8. Matt. 1:12,13. Zorobabel. 7 Neh 
 10:22. z Kara 8:2. • Or, HUktJahu. a 2:5. Gen. 38:29. 46:12. Num. 25:20, 
 21. Ruth 4:18. Matt. 1:3. Luke 3:33. Phares. Eerom. b 2:9. Chelubai. 
 2:18. C aleb. c 2:52. Harnett. <1 2:53,54. Josh. 15:33. Judg. 13:25. e Judg. 
 
 15 11. 2 Chr. 11:6. f 18,39. Josh. 15:36. g 2:19,50. hSeeon2:24. i Gen. 
 
 another, therefore they were the same persons, when no other 
 part of the genealogy supports, or can possibly accord with, 
 the conclusion. Salathiel, the father of Zorobabel, mentioned 
 by St. Luke, was “ the son of Rhesa, the son of Joanna, the 
 son of Judah this Salathiel was the “ son of Assir, the son 
 of Jeconiah.” — 1 Rhesa [Luke 3:27.) ... is not found among 
 the eight children, that are here reckoned up.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 Matthew says, Jeconiah begat Salathiel ; and it will be harsh 
 to interpret this of mere adoption, or of less than being his 
 progenitor; and here are several other sons, or descendants, 
 of Jeconiah mentioned, who cannot all have been adopted. 
 Upon the whole it scarcely admits of a doubt, that the line 
 from Solomon to Joseph was uninterrupted ; and that the two 
 families met in Jesus, the real son of Mary, and the supposed 
 and legal son of Joseph. (ATotes, Matt. 1:2 — Vt.Luke 3:23 — 38.) 
 
 V. 19 — 24. Perhaps Pedaiah was Salathiel’s son, Jeco- 
 niah’s grandson, and Zerubbabel’s father: hut, being of small 
 note, his name is omitted in the other genealogies, which is a 
 common case. Nothing is known except the names of the 
 persons afterwards mentioned ; but several of them must have 
 lived a long time after the captivity, perhaps later than the 
 days of Ezra. St. Matthew evidently deduces the line of 
 Joseph from a different branch of the same stock : that is, 
 from another branch of Zerubbabel’s descendants. (Matt. 
 1:13—16.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In the large families of wise, eminent, and pious men, 
 many persons prove too insignificant to attract our notice, 
 and others so vicious as to excite our grief and indignation. 
 They therefore, who have no children, may hence learn sub- 
 mission to the will of God: for if, by that appointment, they 
 are destitute of some comforts, they are also exempted from 
 a variety of anxieties and trials. And those, to whom God 
 has given children, may learn to bring up their offspring for 
 him to the best of their power, recommending them to his care 
 and blessing: nor should they indulge the hope of much com- 
 fort from them, any more than seek great things for them, in 
 this vain and vexatious world. Yet, upon the whole, the at- 
 tentive and accurate observer will perceive that the posterity 
 of the righteous enjoy advantages, sometimes for many gene- 
 rations, in consequence of the piety of their progenitors - so 
 that this is the best way of laying up an inheritance for our 
 beloved offspring. — Nothing more distinguishes the real be- 
 liever from the slave of sin, than the manner in which each of 
 them behaves towards a faithful reprover: the former, upon 
 reflection, will love and revere him as his best friend ; the 
 latter will habitually hate him as his enemv. (5. 2 Sam 12- 
 1—7,13. 1 Kings 21:20. 22:8. Ps. 141-5.) But all our gra- 
 
 titude to the instruments of our mercies should be ultimately 
 directed to the glory of God : and all the prosperity of ourselves 
 and our families will eventually terminate in misery, unless it 
 
 B. ' 1500. 
 
 2 And "Reaiah the son of Shobal begat rn. „ 
 Jahath, and Jahath begat Ahumai, and t* 500 
 Lahad. These are the families of the d Zora 
 thites. 
 
 3 And these were of the father of ‘Etam , 
 Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idhash : and the name o* 
 their sister teas Hazelelponi : 
 
 4 And Penuel the father of 1 Gedor, and Ezer 
 the father of Hushah. These are the sons ol 
 eHur, the first-born of Ephratah, the father ol 
 Beth-lehem. 
 
 5 And h Ashur the father of Tekoa had two 
 wives, Helah and Naarah. 
 
 6 And Naarah bare him Ahuzam, and Hepher, 
 and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the 
 sons of Naarah. 
 
 7 And "the sons of Helah were Zereth, and 
 Jezoar, and Etlman. 
 
 8 And Coz begat Annb, and Zobebah, and 
 the families of Abarhel the son of Hamm. 
 
 9 H And Jabez was ‘more honourable than his 
 brethren : and his mother called his name 'Jabez, 
 saying. Because k I bare him with sorrow. 
 
 10 And Jabez 'called on ro the God of Israel, 
 saying, f Oh that thou wouldest "bless me indeed, 
 and "enlarge my coast, and that rtliy hand might 
 be with me, and that Thou wouldest ?keep me 
 from evil, ’that it may not grieve me ! And ‘God 
 granted him that which he requested. 
 
 11 H And Chelub the brother of Shuah begat 
 Mehir, which was the father of Eshton. 
 
 12 And Eshton begat Beth-rapha, and Paseah, 
 
 34:19. Is. 43:4. Acts 17:11. * That is, Sorrowful, k 7:23. Gen. 3:16. 36: 18 
 
 1 Sam. 4:21. 1 18:8. Gen. 12:8. Job 12:4. Ps. 55.16. 99:6. 116:2— 4. Jer.33:3- 
 
 Rom. 10:12— 14. 1 Cor. 1:2. m Gen. 32 28. 33:20. 1 Sam. 1:17. Is. 41 17. 
 
 t Heb. If thou wilt, frc. Luke 19:42. n Gen. 122. 32:26. Ps. 72:17. Acts 3:26. 
 F.ph. 1.3. o Josh. 17:14—18. Judg. 1.27—36. Prov. 10:22. p Ps. 119:173. Is. 
 41:10. John 10:28. t) Gen. 48:16. Prov. 3U:8,9. Mutt. 6:13. Rom. 12:9. 16. 19. 
 
 2 Tim. 4:18. J Heb. do me. r Ps. 32:3,4 . 51 :8, 12. Matt. 26:75. John 21:17. 3 
 Cor. 2:1— 7. Eph. 4:30. Rev. 3:19. a 1 Kings 3 7— 13. Job 22:27,28. Ps. 21 :4. 
 65:2.66:19,20.116:1,2. Matt. 7:7-11. Eph. 3:20. 
 
 centre in union with the Son of David, the King of Israel, and 
 the Saviour of sinners. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1. Carmi seems to mean the 
 same person before called Chelubai, and Caleb. ( Marg . Ref. 
 Notes , 2:18—20,42—49, v. 42.) 
 
 V. 2 — 4. The Zorathites were the inhabitants of Zorah. 
 but they in general descended from Shobal, or were subject to 
 him. “The father of Etam,” seems to imply, that the per- 
 sons spoken of were the sons of one, who was lord of Etam, 
 and progenitor of its principal inhabitants. — Hur appears to 
 have been the grandfather of Salma, who before was called 
 the father of Beth-lehem. (Note, 2:52,53.) 
 
 V. 5 — 8. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 9, 10. Nothing is recorded concerning the parentage 
 or family of this remarkable person : but, as he was eminent 
 for valour, success, wisdom, or piety, it is probable, that the 
 Jews did not want information concerning him. It must be 
 supposed, that he lived soon after Israel took possession of 
 Canaan ; and when they were greatly straitened by the re- 
 mains of the ancient inhabitants. His mother, having suffered 
 much in her pregnancy or travail, called him “ Jabez,” or, 
 Sorrowful ; (marg.) but her sorrow was emphatically turned 
 into joy, if she lived to see how eminent and excellent a man 
 he proved. His achievements are not recorded ; but his praj'ers 
 are, for our instruction and imitation. He was a genuine son 
 of Jacob, who wrestled, and so prevailed with God, refusing 
 to depart without a blessing, and on that account was sur- 
 named Israel. (Notes, Gen. 32:24 — 30.) From a full heart, 
 Jabez earnestly entreated the God of Israel to u bless him 
 indeed;” and neither to send him away without a blessing, 
 nor merely to bless him, like Esau, with temporal blessings. 
 (Note, Gen. 27:38.) He seems to have been constrained to 
 fight against the Canaanites: but lie conducted the war with 
 faith and prayer; and he entreated the Lord to be with him, 
 and both to enlarge his coast, and to preserve him from dis- 
 astrous events, which might occasion grief unto him. — Be- 
 lievers, under the Old Testament, saw, in the land of Canaan, 
 a type of heaven ; in their wars was represented the conflict 
 of God’s people with their enemies : and every clause of his 
 prayer may be applied to, and doubtless was intended for, 
 more noble and spiritual blessings. Accordingly, the Lord 
 heard and granted his requests, and thus he became honour- 
 able, as well as prosperous, in Israel. — The Jews think that 
 Jabez was an eminent doctor of the law, and that “the 
 scribes which dwelt at Jabez” were his disciples. (2:55.) — 
 This instructive example, in the midst of genealogies, to us 
 so abstruse, seems like the fragrant rose, surrounded by thorns , 
 or as refreshing streams in the desert : and it appears a re- 
 compense intended for the careful student of God’s word, who 
 diligently and reverently examines the whole, comparing one 
 part with another, without disregarding or undervaluing any. 
 
 ( 715 ) 
 
B. C. 1500. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES B. C. 715. 
 
 and Tehinnah, the father of 'Irnahash. These 
 are the men of Rechah. 
 
 13 And the sons of ‘Kenaz ; Othniel, and Se- 
 ’•aiah : and the sons of Othniel; ’Hathath. 
 
 14 And Meonothai begat Ophrah : and Seraiah 
 begat Joab, the father of the Jvalley of HJhara- 
 shim ; for they were craftsmen. 
 
 15 And the sons of “Caleb the son of Jephun- 
 neh ; Iru, Elah, and Naam: and the sons of Elah, 
 even "Kenez. 
 
 16 And the sons of Jehaleleel ; Ziph, and 
 Ziphah, Tiria, and Asareel. 
 
 17 And the sons of Ezra were, Jether, and 
 Mered, and Epher, and Jalon: and she bare 
 Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the father of 
 Eshtemoa. 
 
 18 And his wife 1T Jehudijah bare Jered “the 
 father of Gedor, and Heber the father of >Socho, 
 and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these 
 are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, 
 which Mered took. 
 
 19 And the sons of his wife "Hodiah the sister 
 of Naham, the father of z Keilah the Garmite, and 
 Eshtemoa the Maachathite. 
 
 20 And the sons of Shimon were Amnon and 
 Rinnah, Ben-hanan, and Tilon. And the sons of 
 Ishi were Zoheth, and Ben-zoheth. 
 
 21 It The sons of a Shelah the son of Judah 
 were, Er the father of Lecah. and Laadah the 
 father of Mareshah, and the families of the house 
 of them that wrought fine linen, of the house of 
 Ashbea. 
 
 22 And Jokim, and the men of Chozeba, and 
 Joash, and Seraph, who had the dominion in 
 Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient 
 things. 
 
 23 These were b the potters, and those that 
 dwelt among plants and hedges : there they dwelt 
 with the king for his work. 
 
 24 II The sons of Simeon were, c Nemuel, and 
 Jamin, d Jarib, e Zerah, and Shaul: 
 
 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma 
 fiis son. 
 
 26 And the sons of Mishma ; Hamuel his son, 
 Zacchur his son, Shimei his son. 
 
 27 And Shimei had sixteen sons and six daugh- 
 ters ; but his brethren had not many children, 
 
 • Or, the city of Nahnsh. t Josh. 15:17. Judg. 1:13. 8:9—11. I Or, Ha- 
 thath and Meunatfuii, who begat. J Or, inhabitants of the valley. § That 
 Is, craftsmen. 2 Kings 24:14. Nen. 11:35. u Num. 13:6,30. 14:6 — 10,24, 
 30. Josh. 14:6 — 14. 15:13— 20. Judg. 1:12— 14. || Or, iflcnaz. v 19. 6:57. 
 Josh, 15:50. Eshtemoh. 21:14. 1 Sam. 30:23. U Or, the .Jewess, x 4,39. Josh. 
 15:58. v Josh. 15:34.35,48. Socoh. •• Or t JehudijaJi.\8. z Josh. 15:44. 
 
 1 Sam. 23:1, &c. a 2:3. 9:5. Gen. 38:5. 46:12. Num. 26:20. Neh. 11:5. Shi/o- 
 ni. b 14. Pa. 81:6. c Gen. 46:10. Ex. 6.15. Jemuel. d Num. 26:12 — 14. 
 Jachin. e Gen. -16:10. Zohar. ft Heb. unto. Numr, 2:4,13.26:14,22. fJosh. 
 
 Grieve me. (10) oxy. The verb from which his name 
 Jabez was derived, and the noun translated sorrow. (9) 
 
 V. 13. Kenaz is supposed to have been the son of Chelub. 
 (11. Notes, Josh. 15:16,17, v. 17. Judg. 3:9,10, u. 9.) 
 
 V. 14. Craftsmen .] ( Marg .) Smiths, carpenters, and 
 
 other artificers, may be included under this general term. 
 (Note, 22:23.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Ezra seems to have been the person before called 
 Asareel, (16) or, as some think, his son. 
 
 She bare. (17) That is, Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh 
 bare to Mered : ( 18) for these appear to have been Ezra’s 
 grandsons. Many think that Pharaoh was the name of an 
 Israelite ; yet it is not impossible that Mered might marry a 
 daughter of an Egyptian king, by some of his concubines. — 
 Father of, &c.] Notes, 2:21,42 — 49, v. 49. 
 
 V. 20. Shimon is supposed to have been another son of 
 Mered, by Hodiah, or Jehudijah. (18,19.) As the name 
 signifies a Jewess, (18, marg.) it rather favours the opinion, 
 that Bithiah was not a Jowess, but an Egyptian. 
 
 V. 21. The sacred historian had mentioned the descend- 
 ants of Judah by Zerah ; (2:6 — 8.) and having more copiously 
 given the genealogies of Judah’s posterity by Pharez, he here 
 mentions briefly a few of the line of Shelah, the son of Judah, 
 by the Canaanitish woman whom he married ; and who was 
 his eldest surviving son. (Notes, Gen. 38:4,5,11 — 16,24. Neh. 
 11:4—6.) 
 
 V. 22, 23. Perhaps these families, in the time of David, or 
 Solomon, when Moab was subjected, had dominion there ; 
 but m process of time they were so reduced, as to subsist by 
 the meanest employments. Their honour and dignity “were 
 ancient things ;’ for at the time when this was written, they 
 were brought very low. — Some think that they remained near 
 Babylon, oiler the return of Judah from the captivity, “ nmong 
 plants and hedges,” for the sako of doing the work of the Per- 
 ( 716 ) 
 
 neither did all their family multiply * 1 Gike to the 
 children of Judah. 
 
 28 And they dwelt at f Beer-sheba, and Mola- 
 dah, and Hazar-shual, 
 
 29 And at eBilhah, and at Ezem, and at 
 Tolad, 
 
 30 And at h Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at 
 ‘Ziklag, 
 
 31 And at Beth-marcahoth, land Hazarsusim, 
 and at Beth-birei, and at Shaaraim. These were 
 their cities unto the reign of David. 
 
 32 And their villages were k Etam, and Ain, 
 Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities: 
 
 33 And all their villages that were round about 
 the same cities, unto ‘Baal. These were their 
 habitations, and Htheir genealogy. 
 
 34 And Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah 
 the son of Amaziah, 
 
 35 And Joel, and Jehu the son of Josibiah, the 
 son ofSeraiah, the son of Asiel. 
 
 36 And Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jes- 
 hobaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and 
 Benaiah, 
 
 37 And Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son ol 
 Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the 
 son of Shemaiah : 
 
 38 These ^mentioned by their names ivere 
 princes in their families : and the house of their 
 fathers increased greatly. 
 
 39 H And they went to the entrance of m Gedor, 
 even unto the east side of the valley, to seek 
 pasture for their flocks. 
 
 40 And they found fat pasture and good, and 
 "the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for 
 they of “Ham had dwelt there of old. 
 
 41 And Pthese written by name came in the 
 days of ‘‘Hezekiah king of Judah, and smote their 
 tents, and the habitations that were found there, 
 and destroyed them utterly unto this day, and 
 dwelt in their rooms: because there was -pasture 
 there for their flocks. 
 
 42 And some of them, even of the sons ol 
 Simeon, five hundred men, went to 'mount Seir, 
 having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, 
 and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 
 
 43 And they smote ‘the rest of the Amalekites 
 that were escaped, and dwelt there “unto this day. 
 
 15:28,29. 19:2,3,9. £ Josh. 19:3,4. Balah- Ezem-Eltolad. h Josh. 19:4. BethuL. 
 i 12:1. Josh. 15:31.19:5. 1 Sam. 27:6. 30: 1 . Neh. 11 :23. J Josh. 19:5.6. Hazar- 
 susah. Beth lebaolh. Sharuhen. k Josh. 19:7. Ether. Remmon. 1 Josh. 19: 
 8. i aalath-beer. Or, as they divided themselves by nations among them. 
 §§ Heb. coming by names. 5:24. Gen. 6:4. m 4,18. Josh. 12:13. Gtder. 15:58. 
 n Judg. 18:7—10. o Gen. 9:22, &c. 10:6. Ps. 78:51. 10:5:23. jj 33—38. 
 q 2 Kings 18:8. Is. 14.28— 32. r Num. 32:1 — 4. s Gen. 36:8,9. Dcut. 1:2. 
 l Ex. 17:14— 16. Dent. 25. 17- 19. 1 Sam. 15:7,8.30:17. 2 Sam. 8:12. u Dent 
 34:6. Judg. 1:26. 2 Chr. 5:9. Jer. 44:6. Matt. 27:8. 28:15. 
 
 sian kings. — It was common in those ages, and still is in many 
 places, for particular trades and professions to be continued in 
 families, through successive generations. 
 
 V. 24. The families of Simeon are mentioned next to those 
 of Judah, because their inheritances adjoined to each other. 
 (Marg. Ref. Note, Josh. 19:1—9.) 
 
 V. 30, 31. Ziklag was at first given to Simeon: (Josh. 
 19:5.) but the Philistines took it, and gave it to David; so 
 that from this time it belonged to Judah. (Marg. Ref. Note, 
 
 1 Sam. 27:5,6.) 
 
 V. 34 — 38. These were eminent men among the Sime- 
 onitos; and perhaps leaders in that expedition, which is next 
 recorded. 
 
 V. 39 — 43. Part of the Simeonites joined the house ol 
 David when the ten tribes revolted: (Note, 2 Chr. 15:9.) 
 and, being greatly increased in tho time of Hezekiah, they 
 dispossessed some of tho ancient Canaanites, who still kept 
 possession of a plentiful and peaceful country, lit for the feed- 
 ing of cattle. — Perhaps this tract belonged to the Simeonites 
 in the division of tho land, and at length they got possession 
 of it. Some however think, that a country towards Arabia, 
 without the borders of tho promised land, is intended. It 
 seems that the remains of tho Amalekites, after tho general 
 destruction of them mado by Saul and David, had settled 
 near to the Edomites, in mount Seir: but this remnant was 
 extirpated by a small company of Simeonites. — Some think, 
 that the kings of Babylon permitted this part of Simeon to 
 remain unmolested in their possessions, through tho cnptiv’ijr, 
 even to the time of Ezra: but perhaps Ezra extracted tho 
 words, “unto this day,” from the ancient reords without 
 altoring them. — The habitations. (41) Or the 4/cuwnim, or 
 Maonites. (Heb. — Judg. 10:12. 2 Chr. 26:7.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Children should considor how much their parents, osp* 
 
B. C. 1710. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 B. C. 1/10. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Judah and Joseph preferred before Reuben, who forfeited his birthright , 1, 2. 
 Reuben's descendants ; some of whom vanquish the Hagarites , 3 — 10. The 
 chief men of Gad , and their habitations, 11 — 17. Reuben , Gad, and half of 
 Mannas* eh, obtain a victory over the Hagarites, 18 — 22. The habitations 
 and chief men of that half of Manasseh, 23, 24. The captivity of the two 
 tribes and half, for their sins, 25, 26. 
 
 N OW the sons of Reuben, the first-born of 
 Israel, (for "he teas the first-born; but, b for- 
 asmuch as he defiled his father’s bed, "his birthright 
 was given unto the sons of Joseph the son of 
 Israel : d and the genealogy is not to be reckoned 
 after the birthright. 
 
 2 For "Judah prevailed above his brethren, and 
 of him came ‘ the ‘chief ruler ; but the birthright 
 
 was Joseph’s :) 
 
 3 The ssons, I say, of Reuben the first-born 
 of Israel were, Hanoch, and h Pallu, Hezron, and 
 Carmi. 
 
 4 The sons of Joel ; Shemaiah his son, Gog 
 his son, Shimei his son, 
 
 5 Micali his son, Reaia his son, Baal his son, 
 o. c.-i 6 Beerah his son, whom 'Tilgath-pilneser 
 m J king of Assyria carried away captive : he 
 was prince of the Reubenites. 
 
 7 And his brethren by their families, (Hvhen 
 the genealogy of their generations was reckoned) 
 were the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah, 
 
 8 And Bela the son of Azaz, the son of 'Shema, 
 the son of Joel, who dwelt in m Aroer, even unto 
 "Nebo, and °Baalmeon. 
 
 9 And eastawrd he inhabited unto the enter- 
 ing in of the wilderness from the river Euphrates : 
 pbecause their cattle were multiplied in the land 
 of Gilead. 
 
 b. c a 10 And in the days of Saul they made 
 iwo. J war w ith qthe Hagarites, who fell by their 
 
 a 21. Gen. tSZl. 46. 8.49:3. Ex. 6:14. Num. 1:5. 16:1. 26:5. b Gen. 35:02. 
 49:4. Lev. 13:8.20:11. Dent. 27:20. 1 Cor. 5:1. c Gen. 48:15—22. Dent. 21: 
 17. d Gen. 25:23. 1 Sam. 16:6 — 11. e Gen. 49:8— 10. Num. 2:3. 7:12. Juds. 
 1-2. Ps. 60:7. 108:9. f 1 Sam. 16:1,10,12. 2 Sam. 8:15. Ps. 78:68—71. Jer.23: 
 6.6. Mic.5;2. Matt. 2:6. Heb. 7:14. • Or, prince, g Gen. 46:9. Fa. 6:14. 
 Num. 26:5— 9. h Gen. 48:9. Phallu. i 26. 2 Kings 15:29. 16:7 . Tiglath- 
 
 piteser. k 17. 1 4. Shemaiah. m Num. 32:34. Dent. 2:36. Josb. 13:15 — 21. 
 Is. 17:2. n Num. 32:38. Dent. 32:49. 34:1. Is. 15:2. o Josh. 13:17. Ei.25:9. 
 
 hand: and they dwelt in their tents ^throughout 
 all the east land of Gilead. 
 
 It H And the children of Gad dwelt oveT 
 against them, fin the land of Bashan unto Salcah 
 
 12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and 
 Jaanai, and Shaphat in Bashan. 
 
 13 And their brethren of (he house of their 
 fathers were, Michael and Meshiillam, and Sheba, 
 and Jorai, and Jaclian, and Zia, and Heber, 
 seven. 
 
 14 These are the children of Abihail the son o. 
 Huri, the son of Jaroali, the son of Gilead, the son 
 of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, 
 the son of Buz; 
 
 15 Alii the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, chief 
 of the house of their fathers. 
 
 16 And they dwelt in Gilead in Bashan, and in 
 her towns, and in all the suburbs of 'Sharon, upon 
 their (borders. 
 
 17 All these were ‘reckoned by genea- i-b. c. 
 
 logies in the days of “Jotharn king of*- 750 - 
 Judah, and in the days of ’Jeroboam king re. c. 
 of Israel. "" L 7E0 - 
 
 18 11 The sons of Reuben, and the Gadites, 
 and half the tribe of Manasseh, of ^valiant men, 
 men able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot 
 with bow, and skilful in war, were “four and forty 
 thousand seven hundred and threescore, that went 
 out to the war. 
 
 19 And they rmade war with the Hagarites, 
 with Jetur, and ’’Nephish, and Nodab. 
 
 20 And "they were helped against them, and 
 the Hagarites were delivered into their hand, and 
 all that were with them : for b they cried to God 
 in the battle, and he was entreated of them ; 
 "because they put their trust in him. 
 
 p Josh. 22:8,9. q 19,20. Gen. 21 :9. 25:12. Ps.83:6. t Heb. upon all the face 
 of the east, r Num. 32:34— 36. Dent. 3:10— 17. Josh. 13:11,24— 28. s 27:29. 
 Cant. 21. Is. 35:2. J Heb . goings forth, t 7. u,2 Kings 15*5, 32. 2 Chr. 27; 
 1. v 2 Kings 14:16,23,28. § Heb. sons of valour, x Josh. 4:12,13. y See on 
 10. z 1:31. Gen. 25:15. Naphish, a 22. Ex. 17:11. Josh. 10:14.42. 1 Sam. 
 7:12.19:5. Ps. 46:1 . 146.5,6. b 2 Chr. 14:11— 13. 18:31. 20:12. 32:20,21. c Ps. 
 9:10.20:7,8.22:4,5.84:11,12. Jer. 17:7,8. Nab. 1:7. Eph. 1:12. 
 
 dally their mothers, suffered for them, before they became 
 capable of reflection ; and they should endeavour by every 
 means to requite them, as much as possible, by kindness, and 
 by aiming to be a comfort to them, in their whole conduct. 
 But it is basely ungrateful, (though alas! very common,) 
 willingly to cause them still more exquisite and durable an- 
 guish, by ill-behaviour. Those events, which at first occa- 
 sion most sorrow, often terminate in the greatest comfort: we 
 should not therefore yield to despondency, but “ hope to the 
 end,” and expect to extract good from every apparent evil. — 
 But it is natural for us to record our sorrows rather than our 
 mercies; though, considering our guilt and sinfulness, we 
 may reasonably wonder that the latter are so many, and the 
 former so few. — “ The honour, which cometh from God,” is 
 introduced by the gifts of wisdom, faith, and piety ; and when 
 these are bestowed, men will at length be honourable, whe- 
 ther they be renowned and prosperous, or not. — We go about 
 our proper work in a right manner, when we use lawful and 
 suitable means for success with all assiduity, and seek a 
 blessing on them by fervent prayer. — A confluence of all 
 earthly good things cannot “ bless us indeed the true feli- 
 city, which our hearts should eagerly desire, consists in the 
 favour, image, and presence of God: and we should pray l'or 
 this, as resolved not to depart without it. The pardon of sin, 
 the gift of righteousness, and the first-fruits of the Spirit, form 
 the beginning of this happiness : but the world, Satan, and 
 in-dwelling sin, crowd, and straiten us on every side, and keep 
 us from the possession of our inheritance. We should then 
 beg of “the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” to 
 enlarge our coast, that we may attain to greater holiness, 
 liberty, comfort, and usefulness ; and acquire a more decisive 
 victory over our enemies. And if his “ hand be with us,” if 
 his power be exerted in our cause, we shall be protected, 
 upheld, and enabled to withstand, and to gain ground against, 
 the confederated forces of the world, the flesh, and the devil. 
 We may very properly, with resignation, pray to be kept 
 from the evil of suffering, which is grievous to nature ; but 
 the evil of sinning most affrights and disquiets the spiritually 
 minded : this extorts their bitterest groans and complaints ; 
 against this they most earnestly pray, “ Lead us not into 
 •emptation, but deliver us from evil.” And, being kept from 
 ne burden of a guilty conscience, and the anguish of having 
 oishonoured and offended the God of their salvation, they can 
 the better bear up under other trials, as supported by that 
 “peace of God which passeth all understanding.” Blessed 
 be the Lord, he is ever ready to grant and to exceed our 
 prayers for promised blessings : and we are our own ene- 
 
 mies, if we do not ask and expect great things from him, 
 through the Saviour’s name. — In this checkered world in- 
 deed, there is nothing durable or substantial: but possessing 
 the hope of unchangeable felicity, we may cheerfully ao- 
 quiesce in the Lord’s allotment of our worldly settlement sand 
 occupations. Nor is it desirable to advance our children 
 much above our own rank ; for those, who at one time have 
 dominion, may at another become dependent on the worst of 
 men fora penurious maintenance: whereas honest labour, 
 in some regular and useful calling, best preserves that medi- 
 ocrity which is most comfortable, and most advantageous to 
 our spiritual concerns. Let us then adhere to the kingdom 
 of “ the Son of David :” for this “ Prince of peace ” w ill sup- 
 ply the temporal wants of his people with every thing truly 
 desirable, and make them happy for ever, while his curse wilt 
 pursue all his enemies to their utter destruction. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. V. V. 1, 2. The double portion, 
 which belonged to the first-born, having been forfeited by 
 Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son by Leah, was given to Joseph, 
 his eldest son by Rachel, whose descendants had a double 
 portion in Canaan; Jacob having adopted Ephraim and 
 Manasseh, to be, as his own sons, heads of two distinct 
 tribes. (Notes, Gen . 48:5 — 7. 49:3 — 12,22 — 26.) — Yet, as 
 the chief Ruler, or Prince, even the Messiah, of whom David 
 and his royal race were progenitors and types, was to descend 
 from Judah ; the genealogy began with him, and not with 
 either Reuben or Joseph. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 3 — 8. Very brief extracts are made from the registers 
 of Reuben, and of several other tribes : because, it is pro- 
 bable, but few persons of these tribes, returned from the cap- 
 tivity to settle in Canaan: and therefore only a few of these 
 tribes were concerned in the genealogies, compared with the 
 numbers of Judah, Benjamin, and Levi, of whom the Jews 
 after that event principally consisted. It may be supposed, 
 that Ezra’s contemporaries would see the reason why the 
 persons selected should be named, and not others ; though 
 we can assign none. — This chapter contains all that relates 
 to the two tribes and a half, which settled to the east of Jor- 
 dan. (Notes, Num. 32: Josh. 22:) 
 
 V. 9. The inheritance of Reuben extended to the borders 
 of that desert, which reached even to the Euphrates. 
 
 V. 10. Note, 18—22. 
 
 V. 11 — 17. (Marg. Ref.) Part of the genealogies of 
 Gad, whence these extracts were taken, seems to have been 
 made during the time that Jeroboam the second reigned over 
 Israel, and the rest when Jotham reigned in Judah. 
 
 V. 18 — 22. The Hagarites were the descendants of 
 
 ( 717 1 
 
a. c. mo. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. B. C. 1700 . 
 
 21 And they 'took away their cattle; of their 
 camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred 
 and fifty thousand, and of asses two thousand, 
 and of 'men an hundred thousand. 
 
 22 For there fell down many slain, because d the 
 war was of God. And they dwelt in their steads 
 •until the captivity. 
 
 23 H And the children of the half tribe of 
 Manasseh dwelt in the land : they increased from 
 Bashan unto ' Baal-hermon and Senir, and unto 
 mount sHermon. 
 
 24 And these were the heads of the house of 
 their fathers, even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, 
 and Azriel, and Jeremiah, and Hodaviah, and 
 Jahdiel, mighty men of valour, Jfamous men, and 
 heads of the house of their fathers. 
 
 25 H And they transgressed against the God of 
 their fathers, and h went a whoring 'after the gods 
 of the people of the land, whom God destroyed 
 before them. 
 
 26 And the God of Israel ^stirred u^ the spirit 
 of ’Pul kin<r of Assyria, and the spirit of m Tilgath- 
 pilneser, king of Assyria, and he carried them 
 away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and 
 thj half tribe of Manasseh, "and brought them 
 unto Halah, and Habor, and Hara and to the 
 river Gozan, unto this day. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The sons of Levi, by Aaron, to Eleazar , 1—3. The line of Eleazar to the 
 captivity, 4 — 15. The families of Levi, 16 — 19. The sons of Ger shorn, 2u, 
 21: of Kohath, 22 — 23: of Merari, 29, 30. The singers appointed by David, 
 31—48. The office of Aaron and his sons, 49. Aaron's line to Ahvruiaz, 
 50—53. The cities of the priests and Levitts , 54—81. 
 
 b. ciHpHE "sons of Levi; b Gershon, Kohath, 
 noo J J and Merari. 
 
 r Heb. led captive, t Heb. souls of men. Rev. 18:13. d 2 Chr. 32:8 Rom. 
 P:31. e 26. 2 Kings 15:29. 17:6. f Josh. 13:29— 31. g Deu- . 3:o.9. 4:48. 
 Josh. 13.11. Ps. 133:3. Cant. 4:8. J Heb. men of names. 4:38. h Jutlg.2:17. 
 6:33. 2 Kings 17:7, &c. Hos. 1:2. 9:1. Rev. 17:5. iJudg.2:12. 2 Chr. 25: 
 14,15. Ps. 106:34— 39. k 2 Sam. 24:1. 2 Chr. 33:11. Ezra 1:5. Is. 10:5,6. 
 
 13:2 — 5. 1 2 ’tings 15:19. m See on 6. 2 Kings 15:29. 16:7. Tiglath-pilezer. 
 
 n 2 Kings 17:6. 18:11. 19:12. Is. 37:12. a 23:6. Gen 46:11. Ex. 6:16. Num. 
 8:17.26:57. b 16,17,20. Gershom. c 23:12. Ex. 6:18,21— 24. d 22. Antminor 
 lab. e 23.13. Ex. 6:20. f Ex. 2:4,7. 15:20. Mic. 6:4. g 24:1,2. Ex. 6:23. 24: 
 1.28:1. Lev. 10:1,12. h 24:3— 6. i 50 . 9:20. Ex. 6:25. Num. 25:6— 11. 31: 
 
 Hagar, or the Ishmaelites properly so called ; ( Marg . Ref. 
 19.) and being a nation of plunderers, they would not fail to 
 give their neighbours just cause of making war upon them. 
 7 Note,' Gen. 16:12.) But, indeed, u the war was of God,” 
 (22) undertaken in his fear, and independence on him, and 
 was approved and succeeded by him : so that the victors 
 and their descendants dwelt in the country thus acquired, till 
 they were carried captive by the Assyrians. If this was the 
 same war, as was before mentioned, (10) the two tribes and 
 half tribe beyond Jordan might be left, during a part of Saul’s 
 reign, to defend themselves : but some think that these tribes 
 were numbered by genealogies, in the days of Jeroboam and 
 Jotham, in order to make war against the Hagarites. (17) 
 They, however, acted in concert and with vigour, and with 
 faith and prayer, against these formidable enemies. But es- 
 ecially it is noted, that they trusted in God, and called upon 
 im in the battle, in the first onset of which the Hagarites, 
 probably, obtained some advantage ; and their success accord- 
 ed to their faith. — The multitude of the prisoners may give an 
 idea of the superiority in numbers of the enemy, and of the 
 slaughter which was made. — The Ishmaelites have always 
 been remarkable for the numbers of camels, which they take 
 with them in their expeditions. — When we read of this con- 
 duct and success of these Israelites, we are ready to say, 
 u Oh that there had” always “been such a heart in them!” 
 but the conclusion of the chapter gives us a different view of 
 their character and condition. 
 
 V. 25, 26. The Manassites, with the Reubenites and 
 Gadites, forsook God to worship idols ; and the nation of 
 Israel generally did the same : yet, the two tribes and a half 
 seem to have been more early and entirely corrupted, than 
 the other tribes. — Their progenitors had hastily desired a set- 
 tlement to the east of Jordan ; and now these tribes were 
 carried captive before the rest of Israel. {Notes, Num. 32: 
 1 — 5,29. 2 Kings 15:19,20,29.) But they were placed in the 
 same regions by Pul and Tilgath-pilneser, to which Shalma- 
 neser afterwards carried the other tribes. {Notes, 2 Kings 
 17:5,6. 18:9 — 12.) — Hara is supposed to be the same as Media, 
 or part of it. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is profitable to be frequently reminded, that sin degrades 
 men from their excellency, stamps indelible disgrace on their 
 characters, forfeits their advantages, and entails manifold 
 losses on their posterity. But the Lord punishes none above 
 their deserts ; and, as he secs good, he confers unmerited fa- 
 vours on mankind. — They, who arc related to our chief Ruler 
 of the tribe of Judah, as his true disciples and subjects, are 
 ( 718 ) 
 
 2 And "the sons of Kohath; d Amram, Izhar, 
 and Hebron, and Uzziel. 
 
 3 And the children of Amram; 'Aaron, and 
 Moses and f Miriam. The sons also of Aaron ; 
 eNadab and Abihu, h Eleazar and Ithamar. 
 
 4 Eleazar begat ’Phinehas, Phinehas begat 
 JAbishua, 
 
 5 And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat 
 Uzzi, 
 
 6 And Uzzi begat Zerahiah, and Zerahiah 
 begat Meraioth, 
 
 7 Meraioth begat Amariah, and Amariah 
 begat Ahitub, 
 
 8 And '‘Ahitub begat 'Zadok, and Zadok i-b. <;. 
 
 begat m Ahimaaz, l >i°° 
 
 9 And Ahimaaz begat Azariah, and Azarkh 
 begat Johanan, 
 
 10 And Johanan begat Azariah, (he it is i-b. j 
 that "executed the priest’s office in 'the L 76 °- 
 temple that "Solomon built in Jerusalem :) 
 
 11 And Azariah begat' ^Amariah, and Amariah 
 begat Ahitub, 
 
 12 And Ahitub begat Zadok, and Zadok begat 
 sShallum, 
 
 13 And Shallum begat 'Hilkiah, and Hilkiah 
 begat Azariah, 
 
 14 And Azariah begat "Seraiah, and i-b. c. 
 
 Seraiah begat Jehozadak. L 5SS - 
 
 15 And 'Jehozadak went into captivity, "when 
 the Lord carried away Judah and Jerusalem *by 
 the hand of Nebuchadnezzar. 
 
 16 If The sons of Levi; ^Gershom, i-b. c. 
 
 Kohath, and Merari. L ),0 ° 
 
 17 And these fce’thc names of 'the sons of 
 Gershom; Libni, and “Shimei. 
 
 6. Josh. 22:13, 3D— 32. 24:33. Judg.20:28. Ezra 3:2. Ps. 106:30,31. j Ezra 7 
 1—5. k 2 Sam. 8.17. I 2Sam. 15:35. 17:15. 20:25. I Kings 1:3,34.11.2:36. 
 m 2 Sam. 15:27,36. 17.17,20. 18:19,22,27— 29. n 2 Chr. 26:17— 20. • Heb. ths 
 house. 0 1 Kings 6: 7: 2Chr.3:4: p Ezra 7:3. q 9.11 . Neh. 11:11. 
 
 Meshullajn. r 2 Kings 22:12—14. 2 Chr. 34:14 — 20. 35:8. s 2 Kings 25: 18. 
 Ezra 7:1. Neh. 11:11. Jer. 3:24 — 27. Zech.6:ll. t Ezra 5.2. Jozadak. Hag. 
 1:1,12,14. 2:2. Josedech. u 2 Kings 25:21. 2 Chr. 36:17— 21. Jer. 39:9. 5*> 
 12—15,28. x Ex. 4:13. 2 Kings 14:27. Acts 14:27. Rom. 15:18. y 1. Ex. 6:16. 
 Gershon. z 23:7. Num. 3:18.21. a Ex. 6:17. Shimi. 
 
 far more favoured, than those who have a twofold, or tenfold 
 portion of perishing riches. Let us seek and choose this 
 better portion ; and leave the children of this world to con- 
 tend about their gilded baubles, without envying, coveting, or 
 interfering. We need not in that case fear wanting anything 
 truly good for us, u for our Father knoweth what things we 
 have need of:” when our families increase, he will increase 
 our provision ; and it is our privilege to cast our care on him, 
 and to keep in the path of duty. — Happy is that people who 
 live together in harmony, who readily assist each other ; who 
 strenuously oppose the common enemies of their souls ; and 
 who acknowledge God in all their ways, but are especially 
 earnest in times of trial and temptation. Such persons will 
 assuredly be heard and helped; their warfare is of God, 
 their enemies will be trodden down, their victory is certain, 
 and their triumphs will be glorious. — And let it he carefully 
 noticed, that all genuine and warranted trust in God will be 
 expressed by earnest prayer; and this in part distinguishes 
 it from a presumptuous confidence, and an jndolent reliance, 
 which often subsist without application to him, or habitual 
 prayer ; and are especially maintained by lifeless forms, and 
 inefficacious notions. — Those who rebel against the Lord, 
 and apostatize from him, must eventually be ruined: espe- 
 cially such as desert his worship and reject his salvation, for 
 the sake of those idols which are set up either in temples, or 
 in the hearts of the avaricious, the sensual, or the ambitious. 
 It will little avail them, to have their names inserted in the 
 genealogies of honourable families, or recorded as famous in 
 the page of history, while they are rejected by God, and 
 excluded from his kingdom. — We should consider, that those 
 actions, which are vain, foolish, and wicked in man, may ho 
 permitted and made use of by the Lord in justice, wisdom, 
 and goodness. From him the renowned ravagers of the 
 earth derive their power and courage : and they are employed 
 as his executioners, and classed with pestilences, earth- 
 quakes, and famines ; being equally dreadful and fatal to 
 mankind. Nor should vve forget, that they, whose inordinate 
 desire of earthly objects draws them to a distance from the 
 ordinances of God, are assuredly preparing for their own cor 
 rection or destruction. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VI. V. 1—3. Notes, Ex. 6:14—20 
 Lev. 10:1,2. 
 
 V. 4 — 15. These verses contain the lino of Eleazar. 
 Aaron’s eldest surviving son, after the death of Nath o and 
 Abihu, to the Babylonish captivity: but all the persons men- 
 tioned were not high-priests, for Ithamar’s posterity tm«ycd 
 that dignity for some time. (Notes, 24:1 — 4. 1 Sam. 4.M),35, 
 
B. C. 1170. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 1444 
 
 18 And the sons of Kohath, were b Amram, and 
 lzhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. 
 
 19 The sons of Merari; c Mahli, and Mushi. 
 And these arc the families of the Levites accord- 
 ing to their fathers. 
 
 20 Of Gershom; d Libni his son, Jahath his 
 son, Zimmah nis son, 
 
 21 *Joah his son, Iddo his son, f Zeraii his son, 
 ‘Jeaterai his son. 
 
 22 The sons of Kohath ; h Amminadab his son, 
 Korali his son, Assir his son, 
 
 23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and 
 Assir his son, 
 
 24 Tahath his son, ‘Uriel his son, Uzziah his 
 son, and Shaul his son. 
 
 e. c.n 25 And the sons of k Elkanah ; Amasai, 
 noo.J anc j Ahimoth. 
 
 26 As for Elkanah : the sons of Elkanah ; 
 'Zophai his son, and "'Nahath his son, 
 
 27 "Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, °Elkanah 
 his son. 
 
 28 And the sons of Samuel ; the first-born 
 pVashni, and Abiah. 
 
 29 The sons of Merari; iMahli, Libni his son, 
 Shimei his son, Uzza his son, 
 
 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah 
 his son. 
 
 b. c -| 31 And these are they r \v hom David set 
 
 ioi7. J over ^ serv i C e of song in the house of the 
 Lord, ’after that the ark had rest. 
 
 32 And ‘they ministered before the dwelling- 
 place of the tabernacle of the congregation with 
 singing, “until Solomon had built the house of the 
 Lord in Jerusalem: 'and then they 'waited on 
 their office according to their order. 
 
 33 And these are they that waited with their 
 children. Of the sons of' the Kohathites ; x Heman 
 a singer, the son of y Joel, the son of ’Shemuel, 
 
 34 The son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, 
 the son of “Eliel, the son of b Toah, 
 
 35 The son of c Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the 
 son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 
 
 36 The son of Elkanah, the son of f 'Joel, the 
 son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 
 
 37 The son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the 
 son of ’Ebiasaph, the son of ' Korah, 
 
 38 The %on of slzhar, the son of Kohath, the 
 son of Levi, the son of Israel. 
 
 a 2,3. 23:12. c 23:21. 21:26. Ex. 6.19. Mahali. Num. 3:20. 26:97,58. 
 d 17. e 42. Elhan. 141. Adaiah. g 41. Echni. h 2.18. Ex. 6:21,24. 
 Izhar. i 36. Zephaniah Azariah. Joel, k 35,36. Ex. 6:24. 1 35. 1 Sam.l: 
 I. Zuph. m 34. Toah. I Sam. 1:1. Tohu. n34. Eliel. 1 Sam. 1:1. Elihu. 
 o 1 Sam. 1:1,19,20. t> 33. 1 Sam. 8-2. Joel, q 19. Num. 3:33. r 15:16—22, 
 27.25:1—31. s 16: 1 . 2 Sam. 6:17. Pa. 132.8,14. t 16:4— 6,37— 42. Ps. 68:24, 
 25. u 10. 1 Kings 8:6— 13. v 9:33.25;S— 31. 2 Chr. 29:25— 30. 31 :2. 35:15. 
 Ezra3:10,ll. 6:18. Neh. 11:17-23.12:27,28,45-47. Ps. 134:1,2. 135:1— 3. 
 • Heb. stood, x 15:17.19. 16:41 ,42. 25:1— 5. 2 Chr. 5:12. 29: 14. Ps. 88: title, 
 y 28. Vashni. z 28. I Sam. 1:20,28. Samuel, a 27. Eliab. b 26. Nahath. 
 c 26. Zophai. d 24. Shaul, Uzziah, Uriel, e Ex. 6:21 — 24. Abiasaph. f Num. 
 16:1, &o. 26:10, 11. Ps. 42: 44: 45: 49: 84: 85: titles. g Num. 3:19. Izehar. 16: 
 1. h 15:17—19.16:7.25:2.26:1. 2 Chr. 5. 12. 20: 14. 29:13,30. 35:15. Ezra 2:41. 
 
 36. f Kings 2:26,27,35.) — “ He . . '. that executed the priest’s 
 office in the temple that Solomon built,” (an intimation that 
 the writer lived when the second temple was built or building,) 
 is supposed to have been Azariah, who vigorously opposed 
 Uzziah’s presumptuous attempt to burn incense. (Note, 
 2 Chr. 26:16 — 23.) His father Johanan is thought by some 
 to have been the same as Jehoiada, the firm friend to religion 
 and the family of David, during Athaliah’s usurpation. 
 (Notes, 2 Kings 11: 12: 2 Chr. 23: 24:) Otherwise Jehoiada 
 is not mentioned. — Urijah, who basely obeyed idolatrous 
 Ahaz, is not named in this catalogue, and perhaps several 
 others are omitted. (Marg. Ref .) — It is wonderful, that so 
 little is recorded of the high-priests, when the office is repre- 
 sented in the law, and by St. Paul in his epistle to the He- 
 brews, as of a peculiar sanctity and importance. 
 
 V. 16 — 30. The principal persons, who presided over the 
 three families of Levi, till the time of David, seem to be 
 mentioned in these verses. — The marginal references contain 
 the variation in the names given to the same persons, in diffe- 
 rent parts of sacred history, as far as it can be ascertained ; 
 and nearly the whole, that is at present known concerning 
 them, may be learned by carefully consulting them. — Samuel 
 the son of Elkanah (27,33,34. ) was not a priest, but descended 
 from Izhar, Aaron’s uncle : yet, as a prophet, he sacrificed 
 personally, and not by the ministration of the priests, as 
 some have conjectured. (Notes, 1 Sam. 7:9. 9:12 — 14. 16: 
 1-5.) 
 
 V. 31, 32. After the tabernacle had been made station- 
 ary, and the Levites had greatly multiplied ; David formed 
 arrangements for their regular ministering by rotation : and 
 
 39 And his brother h Asaplt, who stood on his 
 right hand, even Asaph the son of Beijechiab, 
 the son of Shimea, 
 
 40 The son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, 
 the son of Malchiah, 
 
 41 The son of 'Ethni, the son of Zerah, the 
 son of k Adaiah, 
 
 42 The son of 'Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the 
 son of Shimei. 
 
 43 The son of m Jahath, the son of "Gershon:, 
 the son of Levi. 
 
 44 And their brethren the sons of Merari 
 stood on the left hand : °Ethan the son of iKishi, 
 the son of Abdi, the son of Malluch, 
 
 45 The son of Hashabiah, the son of Amaziah, 
 the son of Hilkiah, 
 
 46 The son of Amzi, the son of Beni, the son 
 of Shamer, 
 
 47 The son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the 
 son of iMerari, the son of Levi. 
 
 48 Their r brethren also the Levites were 
 appointed unto all manner of service of the 
 tabernacle of the house of God. 
 
 49 H But ’Aaron and his sons offered v-b. c. 
 upon the altar of the burnt-offering, and on L nw- 
 the altar of incense, and were appointed for all 
 the work of the place most holy, and to ‘make 
 an atonement for Israel, according to all that 
 “Moses the servant of God had commanded. 
 
 50 And these are the sons of Aaron ; v Eleazar 
 his son, x Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 
 
 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his 
 son, 
 
 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitup 
 his son, 
 
 53 yZadok his son, Ahimaaz his son. 
 
 54 II Now ’these are their dwelling-places 
 throughout their “castles in their coasts, of the 
 sons of Aaron, b of the families of the Kohathites : 
 for theirs was the lot. 
 
 55 And they gave them ’Hebron in the land of 
 Judah, and the suburbs thereof round about it. 
 
 56 But the fields of the city, and the villages 
 thereof, they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 
 
 57 And to the sons of Aaron they gave the 
 cities of Judah, namely, Hebron, Hlie city of 
 refuge, and ’Libnah with her suburbs, and 
 1 Jattir, and Eshtemoa, with their suburbs, 
 
 3:10. Neh. 7. 44. 11:17,22. 12:85,46. Ps. 50: 73:— 83: lilies. i 21 . Jeaterai. 
 k9l. Mto. 1 21 . Jonh. m 'ill. n 1.16,17,20.23:6. (Jen. 46:11. Ex. 6:16. 
 Num. 3:17. Gershon. o 25:1 ,3.6. Jeduthun. Ps.89 : title, p 15:17. Kushaiah, 
 q 23:21.28. Ex. 6:19. Num. 3:2U, 33— 36. 4:42. 7 8. 10: 17. Josh. 21 : 7. 34— 40. 
 r 23:2, &c.25: 26: Num. 3: 4: 8:5— 26. 16:9,10. 18: s Ex . 27: 1—8. 30:1 — 7. 
 
 Lev. 1:5, 7, 8. 8: 9: 10: 21: 22: Num. 16:16—50. 17. Deut. 18:1—8. Heb. 7:11 
 
 14. t Ex. 29:33,36,37. 30:10— 16. Lev. 4:20. Nmn. 15:25. 16:46. Job 33:24. 
 marg. u Deul. 34:5. Josh. 1:1. v 3— 9.24:1. Ex . 6:23. 28: 1 . Lev. 10:14. 
 Num. 3:4,32. 20:26— 28. 27:22. Ezra 7: 1—5. 8:33. x See on A. 9:20. v 12:2ft. 
 23:16.24:3,31. 1 Sam. 2:35. 2 Sam. 8:17. 15:24— 27, 35,36. 17:15—17.20:25. 
 
 1 Kings 1:8,26,34.2:35.4:4. Ez.. 44:15. z Num. 35:1— & Josh. 21 : 3— 8. a Hen. 
 25:16. b Josh. 21:4,5. c Josh. 14 : 13. 15:13. 21 : 1 1—13. Judg. 1:20. d Num. 
 35:13 — 15. Josh. 20:7— 9. e Josh. 15:42. 21:13,14. f See on 4:17. Josh. 15:48. 
 
 especially a large number of them were employed as singers 
 and musicians, in celebrating the praises of God. (Notes, 
 9:31— 33, v. 33. 16:4— 6,37— 43. 25:26:) This was settled 
 before the building of the temple, but it was continued after- 
 wards. (Marg. Ref.) • 
 
 V. 33 — 38. Heman was grandson to Samuel or Shemuet, 
 the prophet and judge of Israel ; and probably be was ad- 
 vanced to this office, in honour of his illustrious ancestor. 
 The genealogies of Hentan, and Asaph, and Ethan, are car- 
 ried back to Levi : whence we may infer that their station, as 
 precentors, was considered as both important and honourable. 
 —Heman, mentioned with Ethan of the sons of Zerah, was 
 of the tribe of Judah. (Notes, 2:5,6. 1 Kings 4:30—34, 
 v. 31.) 
 
 V. 39 — 47. Marg. Ref. — His brother Asaph. (39) As 
 Asaph was of the same tribe with Heman, he is called his 
 brother, though belonging to a different family of that tribe, 
 for he was descended from Gershom ; but Heman, from 
 Kohath. 
 
 V. 48. * It is observable, that in all genealogies of the 
 Levites, there is not a word said of the sons of Moses and 
 their posterity ; he having no ambition to prefer them to any 
 office, either in church or state !’ Bp. Patrick. (Not', Num. 
 27:18.) They are indeed mentioned ; but as in no respect 
 distinguished from the other Levites. (23:14 — 18.) 
 
 V. 49—53. Note, 4—15. 
 
 V. 54 — 66. (Marg. Ref.) ‘These things seen to ha 
 mentioned so often, and with such exactness, that it might 
 appear what care was taken by God, for the maintenance of 
 his ministers, of all sorts ; and for the instruction of his people, 
 l 719 ) 
 
B. C. 1444. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. B. C. 1017. 
 
 58 And sHilen with her suburbs, h Debir with 
 her suburbs, 
 
 59 And ‘Ashan with her suburbs, and k Beth- 
 shemesh with her suburbs: 
 
 60 And out of the tribe of Benjamin; 'Geba 
 with her suburbs, and m Alemeth with her sub- 
 urbs, and "Anathoth with her suburbs. All their 
 cities throughout their families were thirteen cities. 
 
 61 And “unto the sons of Kohath, which were 
 Pleft of the family of that tribe, were cities given 
 out of the half tribe, namely\ out of the half tribe 
 of Manasseh, by lot, ten cities. 
 
 62 And to the sons of ‘'Gershom throughout 
 their families were given out of the tribe of 
 Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out 
 of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe 
 of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities. 
 
 63 Unto the sons of r Merari were given by lot, 
 throughout their families, out of the tribe of 
 Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of 
 the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities. 
 
 64 And s the children of Israel gave to the 
 Levites these cities Hvith their suburbs. 
 
 65 And they gave by lot out of the tribe of 
 the children ot Judah, and out of the tribe of the 
 children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the 
 children of Benjamin, “these cities, which are 
 called by their names. 
 
 66 And *the residue of the families of the sons 
 of Kohath had cities of their coasts out of the 
 tribe of Ephraim. 
 
 67 And they gave unto them, of the cities of 
 refuge, yShechem in mount Ephraim with her 
 suburbs; they gave also z Gezer with her suburbs, 
 
 68 And “Jokmeam with her suburbs, and b Betb- 
 horon with her suburbs, 
 
 69 And “Ajalon with her suburbs, and d Gath- 
 rimmon with her suburbs : 
 
 70 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh; 
 c Aner with her suburbs, and fBileam with her 
 suburbs, for the family of the remnant of the sons 
 of Kohath. 
 
 71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out 
 of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, sGolan 
 in Bashan with her suburbs, and ‘‘Ashtaroth with 
 her suburbs : 
 
 72 And out of the tribe of Issachar, 'Kedesh 
 with her suburbs, k Daberath with her suburbs, 
 
 g Josh. 15:51. 21:15. Holon. h Josh. 12:13. 15:49. i Josh. 21:16. Ain. k Josh. 
 15:10.21:16. 1 Sam. 11:12— 19. 18:6. Josh. 21:17. m Josh. 21 : 18. A/mon. 
 q 1 Kings 2:26. Is. 10:30. Jer. 1:1. 11:23. 37:12. o 1,2,18,33. p 66. Josh. 21: 
 4,5,20—26. q 71— 76. Josh. 21:27— 33. r 77— 81. Josh. 21:34— 40. s Josh. 21: 
 41,42. t Num. 35:2 — 5. u 57— 60. x 61. y Gen. 35:4. Josh. 20:7. 21:21. 
 z Josh. 12:12. 16:3,10. 21:21. a Josh. 21:22. Kibzaim. b Josh. 10:11. 16:5. 
 I Sam. 13:18. c Josh. 10:12. Ajalon. 21:24. d Josh. 21:24. e Josh. 21:25. 
 Tanach. Gathrimmon. f Josh. 17:11. Ibleam. g Deut. 4:43. Josh. 20:8. 21 : 
 27. h Deut. 1:4. Josh. 9:10. 21:27. Be-eskterah. i Josh. 19:37.21:32. Judg. 
 
 among whom he dispersed the Levites, who were peculiarly 
 devoted to this service.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Josh. 20: 21:) 
 — Juttah and Gibeon are here omitted. Perhaps they lay in 
 ruins when the book was written: so that only eleven cities 
 from Judah and Benjamin are enumerated ; though thirteen 
 were allotted to the priests in the days of Joshua. (Josh. 21: 
 16,17,19.) 
 
 V. 67 — 81. Cither some of the cities, or their names, had 
 been changed since the time of Joshua : but, as Mr. Henry 
 observes, Salop and Shrewsbury, Sarum and Salisbury, are 
 as different names for the same places, as any in these cata- 
 logues; yet those, who live in their vicinity, are not at all 
 confused by them. — Some cities also are here mentioned, as 
 having belonged to Ephraim, which in Joshua are spoken of 
 as cities of Dan : but various changes in such matters would 
 occur in a course of ages. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In the judgment of God, none of the human race are more 
 honourable or valuable, than those who consistently minister 
 «n holy things. And though many, who bear this sacred 
 character, render themselves insignificant by their indolence, 
 contemptible by their covetousness, or odious by their profli- 
 gacy, or bring the divine vcngoance upon themselves by offer- 
 ing “strange fire beforo the Lord:” (Note, Lev. 10:1,2.) yet, 
 instead of that order being despised on these accounts, those 
 who arc singularly humble, diligent, disinterested, zealous, 
 and valiant for the truth, ought to be treated with the greater 
 respect ; and of this, God himself has condescended to set 
 the example in his holv word. — None of the I.ord’s people, 
 and especially of his ministers, should be unemployed : they 
 wno, through want of ability or change of circumstances, are 
 precluded from one method of glorifying God, should set 
 -heraselves to devise another. And if they deem nothing, 
 ( 720 ) 
 
 73 And Ramoth with her suburbs, and Anem 
 with her suburbs : 
 
 74 And out of the tribe of Asher ; ‘Mashal with 
 her suburbs, and Abdon with her suburbs, 
 
 75 And m Hukok with her suburbs, and Rehob 
 with her suburbs : 
 
 76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali; “Kedesh 
 in Galilee with her suburbs, and “Harnmon with 
 her suburbs, and Kirjathaim with her suburbs. 
 
 77 Unto the rest of the children of Merari 
 were given out of the tribe of Zebulun, pRimnion 
 with her suburbs, Tabor with her suburbs: 
 
 78 And on the other side Jordan by Jericho, 
 on the east side of Jordan, were given them, out 
 of the tribe of Reuben, iBezer in the wilderness 
 with her suburbs, and ' Jahzah with her suburbs, 
 
 79 Kedemoth also with her suburbs, and Me- 
 phaath with her suburbs : 
 
 80 And out of the trihe of Gad ; 'Ramoth in 
 Gilead with her suburbs, and 'Mahanaim with 
 her suburbs, 
 
 81 And “Heshbon with her suburbs, and x Jazer 
 with her suburbs. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 The sons of Issachar , 1 — 5: of Beniamin, 8 — 12 : of Naphtali , 13. and oj 
 Manasseh, 14 — 19. The sons of Ephraim , of whom some were slain by the 
 men of Gath, 20— 22. His sons by Beriah, 23—27. Their h<ibitations, 28, 
 29. The sons of Asher, 30 — 4U. 
 
 N OW a the sons of Issachar were Tola, and tb. c. 
 Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four. Li’w>. 
 2 And the sons of Tola ; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, 
 and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and ShemueL, 
 heads of their father’s house, to wit, of Tola : 
 they were valiant men of might in their genera- 
 tions ; b whose number was in the days of David 
 two and twenty thousand and six hundred. 
 
 3 And the sons of Uzzi; Izrahiah: and the 
 sons of Izrahiah; Michael, and Qbadiah, and 
 Joel, Ishiah, five ; all of them chief men. 
 
 4 And “with them, by their generations, after 
 the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers 
 for war, six and thirty thousand men : for they 
 had many wives and sons. 
 
 5 And their brethren among all the families of 
 Issachar were valiant men of might, reckoned in 
 all, by their genealogies, fourscore and seven 
 thousand. 
 
 6 If The sons d of Benjamin ; Bel,?, and rn. c. 
 Becher, and “Jediael, three. *■ 1,0 °- 
 
 4:9. k Josh. 21 :28,29. Kishon. Daberah. Jarrhuth . Engannim. 1 Josh. 21: 
 30. Mishal. m Josh. 21:31. Helkath. n Josh. 12:22. 19 37. 20:7.21:32. JulU 
 4:6. Kaxlesh-naphtali. o Jcsh. 21:32. Himmoth-d <r . Kartan. p Josh. 21:34, 
 35. Jokncam. Kartah. Dimnah. Nahalat. q Dent. 4:4 '. Josh. 20:8. 21:36. 
 r Josh. 21 : 36,37. Juhazah. s Josh. 21 :88,39. 1 Kings 22:3. 2 Kings 9:1. 
 
 t Gen. 32:2. Josh. 21:38. 2 Sam. 17:24,27. 19:32. n Nnm. 21 :25. 32:37. Pent. 
 2:24. Josh. 13:26. Neh. 9:2*2. Cant. 7:4. x Nnm. 3-2: 1 ,3. Josh. 13:25. 21 :39. 
 a Gen. 46:13. Phuvah. Job. Num. 26:23,24. Pua. 1) 21:1—5. 27:1,23,24. 
 2 Sam. 24:1 — 9. c 12:32. d 8:1, &c. Gen. 46:21. Nam. 26:33— 41. e 10,11. 
 
 which may conduce to the advancement of true religion, too 
 laborious, mean, disgusting, or discouraging ; if they be dis- 
 posed to be u instant in season, and out of season to in- 
 struct, or encourage, one, ten, or ten thousand, in public, or 
 in private, in a cottage, an hospital, a prison, or a palace ; in 
 safe and easy, or in difficult and perilous circumstances ; if 
 they consider nothing too little to be attended to, and nothing 
 too arduous to be attempted ; and if they do all in sincerity, 
 humility, and simplicity of spirit, they cannot long be unoecu- 
 pied or useless. But, nothing can be a more pleasant and ho- 
 nourable work, than to excite or assist the devotions of the 
 pious, and to lead them to abound in thanksgivings and 
 praises to the Lord. — If a rich inheritance, or the important 
 station of a magistrate or civil governor, could with propriety 
 be quitted for such a service, the enlightened understanding 
 must perceive it to be an honourable and advantageous ex- 
 change ; for this is the delightful employment of those above, 
 who are arrived at their eternal rest. — They, who have shown 
 themselves peculiarly disinterested in the cause of God and 
 his people, should be peculiarly considered by their brethren, 
 and their families respected for their sakes. But, though 
 Christians and ministers may be very useful to the church, 
 while M they wait in their offices,” none hut our great High- 
 Priest can make atonement for sin ? none can bo accepted, 
 save through his atonement and mediation. — While ministers 
 arc bound to wait on their ministering, according to the work 
 of their place ; the people are equally hound, in (heir several 
 stations, to strengthen their hands, and to contribute without 
 grudging to their comfortable maintenance : and in every good 
 work, equality and unanimity will render the burden light, end 
 conduce to the comfort of all concerned, as also to render 
 their endeavours more generally useful. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VII. V. 1— 5. (Marg. When 
 
B. C. 1600. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 B. C. 1600 
 
 7 And the sons of Bela; Ezbon, and Uzzi, and 
 Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of the 
 house of their fathers, mighty men of valour ; 
 0 . c.-| and 'were reckoned by their genealogies 
 l017 'J twenty and two thousand and thirty and tour. 
 
 8 And the sons of Becher; Zemira, and Joash, 
 and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jeri- 
 moth, and Abiah, and Anathoth, and Alameth. 
 All these are the sons of Becher. 
 
 9 And the number of them, after their genea- 
 logy by their generations, heads of the house of 
 their fathers, mighty men of valour, was twenty 
 thousand and two hundred. 
 
 10 The sons also of Jediael ; Bilhan : and the 
 sons of Bilhan; Jeush, and Benjamin, and e Ehud, 
 and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tharshish, and 
 Ahishahar. 
 
 1 1 All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads 
 of their lathers, mighty men of valour, were 
 seventeen thousand and two hundred soldiers, fit 
 to go out for war and battle. 
 
 12 h Shuppim also, and Huppim, the children of 
 l Ir, and Hushim, the sons of k Aher. 
 
 13 11 The sons of Naphtali; 'Jahziel, and Guni, 
 and Jezer, and m Shallum, "the sons of fiilhah. 
 
 14 11 The sons of Manasseh ; Ashriel, vvhom 
 u. c.-i she bare: (but his concubine the Aramitess, 
 ims.J b are “Machir the father of Gilead : 
 
 15 And Machir took to wife the sister of rHup- 
 pim and Shuppim, whose sister’s name was 
 Maachah;) and the name of the second was 
 Zelophehad: and ^Zelophehad had daughters. 
 
 16 And Maachah the wife of Machir bare a 
 son, and she called his name Peresh ; and the 
 name of his brother was Sheresh; and his sons 
 were Ulam and Rakem. 
 
 17 And the sons of Ulam ; fBedan. These 
 were the sons of Gilead, the son of Machir, the 
 son of Manasseh. 
 
 18 And his sister Hammoleketh bare Ishod, 
 and s Abiezer, and Mahalah. 
 
 b. c.i 19 And the sons of Shemida were Ahian, 
 ,600 -J and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam. 
 
 20 H And ‘the sons of Ephraim ; Shuthelah, 
 and Bered his son. and Tahath his son, and 
 Eladah his son, and Tahath his son, 
 
 21 And Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, 
 and Ezer, and Elead, whom the men of Gath 
 that were born in that land slew, because they 
 came down to take away their cattle. 
 
 f 21:1— 5. 2Chr. 17:17,18. g J'ld". 3:15, Sic. h 15. Gen. 46:21. Muppim. 
 Huppim. Num. 26:39. Shupham. Hupham. i 7. Iri. k Num. 26:38. Ahiram. 
 \ Gen. 46:24. Num. 25:48. Jahzeel. m Gen. 46:24. Num. 26:49. Shillem. 
 n Gen. 30:3 — 8 . 35:22. 46:25. o 2:21-23. Gen. 50:23. Num. 26:29— 34 . 27:1. 
 32.39— 42. Dent. 3:13— 15. Josh. 13:31 . 17:1— 3. Judg.5tl4. p 12. q Num. 
 26:33.27:1—11.36:1—12. r 1 Sain. 12:11. s Num. 26:30. Jeezer. Judg. 6:11, 
 24,34.8:2. t Num. 26:35,36. u Gen. 37:34. x 4:9. Gen. 35:18. 1 Sam. 4:21. 
 * That is, In evil, y Josh. 16:3,5. 1 Kings 9:17. 2 Chr. 8:5. a Num. 13:8,16. 
 
 David numbered the people, (Notes, 2 Sam. 24:1 — 9.) the 
 effective men of Issachar amounted to 87,000 : 22,000 of vvhom 
 descended from Tola his eldest son ; but whether the 36,000 
 (4) were descendants of Tola by Uzzi; and the 22,000, his 
 descendants by Tola’s other sons ; or whether another of 
 Issachar’s sons is intended, does not clearly appear : for Uzzi 
 was the son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Izrahiah and 
 his five sons are spoken of as five sons of Uzzi. (3) If the 
 former be meant, which seems the more obvious meaning, by 
 far the greatest part of the tribe of Issachar descended from 
 Tola. 
 
 V. 0 — 11. The persons mentioned seem not, strictly speak- 
 ing, to have been the sons of Bela and Becher; but renowned 
 persons among their descendants, or such as were progenitors 
 of those who returned from Babylon. (Notes, 8:1 — 5. Gen. 
 
 46:21.) 
 
 V. 12. Aher.] Aher signifies another, and it has been 
 conjectured that these were Danites, 1 the sons of another 
 bihe ;’ especially as Hushim is named as the only son of Dan. 
 ( Gen. 46:23.) And they suppose, that the name of Dan was 
 not mentioned, because his descendants first established ido- 
 latry. But Zebulun, as well as Dan, is here omitted ; per- 
 haps, because none of either of these tribes returned at first 
 from Babylon. — Though the Benjamites had been almost 
 destroyed, in the first days of the judges, they soon became 
 numerous and powerful. (Notes, Judg. 20: 21:) 
 
 V. 13. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 14, 15. Ashriel was Manasseh’s eldest son by hiswife, 
 who is not named : but a Syrian concubine was the mother 
 ol Machir, from whom the whole of that numerous tribe seems 
 to have descended : for Ashriel as the son of Manasseh is 
 
 VOL. I. — 91 
 
 22 And Ephraim their father "mourned many 
 days, and his brethren came to comfort him. 
 
 23 H And when he went in to his wife, she 
 conceived and bare a son, and x he called his 
 name 'Beriah, because it went evil with his 
 house. 
 
 24 (And his daughter was Sherah, who built 
 rBeth-horon the nether, and the upper, and 
 Uzzen-sherah.) 
 
 25 And Rephah was his son, also Resheph 
 and Telah his son, and Tahan his son, 
 
 26 Laadan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama 
 his son, 
 
 27 "Non his son, b Jehoshua his son. 
 
 28 II And their possessions and habitations 
 were c Beth-el, and the towns thereof, and east- 
 ward d Naaran, and westward e Gezer, with the 
 'towns thereof; Shechem also and the towns 
 thereof, unto Gaza and the towns thereof: 
 
 29 And by the borders of the children ot 
 'Manasseh, ?Beth-shean and her towns, h Taanach 
 and her towns, ‘Megiddo and her towns, Dor and 
 her towns. k In these dwelt the children of Joseph 
 the son of Israel. 
 
 30 H The sons of Asher ; 'Imnah, and p. c. 
 Isuah, and m Ishuai, and Beriah, and Serah L no °- 
 their sister. 
 
 31 And the sons of Beriah ; Heber, and Mal- 
 chiel, who is the father of Birzavith. 
 
 32 And Heber begat Japhlet, and "Shomer, 
 and Hotham, and Shua their sister. 
 
 33 And the sons of Japhlet; Pasach, and 
 Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of 
 Japhlet. 
 
 34 And the sons of "Shamer ; Ahi, and Rohgah, 
 Jehubbah, and Aram. 
 
 35 And the sons of his brother Helem ; Zophah, 
 and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal. 
 
 36 The sons of Zophah ; Suah, and Harnephar, 
 and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah, 
 
 37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, 
 and rlthran, and Beera. 
 
 38 And the sons of Jether; Jephunneh, and 
 Pispah, and Ara. 
 
 39 And the sons of Ulla; Arab, and Haniel, 
 and Rezia. 
 
 40 All these were the children of Asher, heads 
 of their father’s house, choice and mighty men 
 of valour, chief of the princes. And 'dhe p. c. 
 number throughout the genealogy of them L ion. 
 
 Nun. Os/iea. b Ex. 17:9— 14.24:13. 3v2:17. Num. 11 :2S. 14.6. 27:18. Oeut.31: 
 23. Joshua. Acts 7:45. Heb.4:8. Jesus, c Gen. 28:19. Josh. 16:2. Jnrlg. 1:22 
 d Josh. 16:7. Nanrath. e See on 6:66,67. t Heb. daughters, f Josh. 17:7— 
 11. g 1 Sam. 31:10. Beth-shan. h Judg. 5:19. lKings4:!2. i Judg. 1:27. 
 1 Kings 9:15. 2 Kings 9.27. 23:29. 2 Chr. 35:22. Zecfi. 12:11. Rev. 16:16. 
 k Josh. 16: 17: Judg. 1:22— 29. 1 Gen. 46:17. Num. 26:44-46. Jimnah. 
 
 m Gen. 46:17. Isui. n 34. Shamer. o 32. Stunner, p 38. Jether. q 21: 
 1—5. 2 Sam. 24:1— 9. 
 
 not mentioned elsewhere ; and Zelophehad u the second” was 
 a descendant of Machir, two generations having intervened 
 between them : for he was the son of Hepher, the son of Gi- 
 lead, the son of Machir. (Num. 26:29 — 33. Notes , Num. 
 27:1—11. 36:1—12. Josh. 17:1— 6.)—“ Of Asriel the family 
 of the Asrielites.” (Num. 26:31.) This Asriel was a de- 
 scendant of Machir by Gilead. Machir married a descend- 
 ant of Benjamin. 
 
 V. 18. Hammoleketh seems to have been the sister oi 
 Gilead : though some think she was the sister ofBedan. (17) 
 
 V. 21, 22. Ezer and Elead seem to have been the sons, or 
 grandsons, ofEphraim, and not his more remote descendants; 
 for it is evident that he was living when they were slain. 
 Some think, that they supposed the time was arrived for the 
 nation to inherit Canaan : and so made an unsuccessful in- 
 vasion of it. But, it is more likely, that some inhabitants of 
 Gath, who had been natives of Egypt, made an incursion into 
 Goshen, to commit depredations on the cattle of Israel, and 
 slew those who defended them. Thus Ephraim, that was 
 intended to be a very numerous and prosperous tribe, was at 
 first diminished. 
 
 V. 24. Some female descendant of Ephraim had afflu- 
 ence, influence, and liberality, to rebuild three cities for her 
 brethren. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V, 25 — 29. (Marg. Ref.) “Rephah was his son,” (25) 
 ‘that is, the son of Beriah.’ ... “Jehoshua,” (27) ‘for 
 whose sake his pedigree seems To be thus largely deduced. 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 30—40. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Events frequently occur entirely beyond our expectations 
 ( 721 ) 
 
B. C. 1400. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1250 
 
 that were apt to the war and to battle was 
 twenty and six thousand men. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The sons and chief men of Benjamin . 1 — 32. The family of Saul and his 
 descendants by Jonathan , 33—40. 
 
 j. c.n 1\TOW Benjamin begat “Bela his first-born, 
 noo.j Ashbel the second, and b Aharah the 
 third, 
 
 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth. 
 
 3 And the sons of Bela were, c Addar, and 
 Gera and Abihud, 
 
 4 And Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah, 
 
 5 And d Gera, and “Shephuphan, and Huram. 
 
 6 And these are the sons of f Ehud : these 
 are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants 
 of sGeba, and they removed them to >‘Mana- 
 hath : . 
 
 7 And Naaman, and Ahiah, and Gera, he 
 removed them, and begat Uzza, and Ahihud. 
 
 8 And Shaharaim begat children 'in the country 
 of Moab, after die had sent them away; Hushim 
 and Baara were his wives. 
 
 9 And he begat of Hodesh his wife, Jobab, 
 and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcham, 
 
 10 And Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirma. These 
 were his sons, heads of the fathers. 
 
 11 And of Hushim he begat Abitub, and 
 Elpaal. 
 
 12 The sons of Elpaal^ Eber, and Misham, 
 and Shamed, who built k Uno, and Lod, with the 
 towns thereof: 
 
 13 Beriah also, and 'Shema, who were heads 
 of m the fathers of the inhabitants of "Ajalon, who 
 drove away the inhabitants of Gath : 
 
 14 And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth, 
 
 15 And Zebadiah, and Arad, and Ader, 
 
 16 And Michael, and Ispah, and Joha, the 
 sons of “Beriah ; 
 
 17 And Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hezeki, 
 and Heber, 
 
 18 Ishmerai also, and Jezliah, and Jobab, the 
 sons of Elpaal; 
 
 19 And Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi, 
 
 20 And Elienai, and Zilthai, and Eliel, 
 
 21 And Adaiah, and Bera.ah, and Shimrath, 
 the sons of rShimhi ; 
 
 22 And Ishpan, ar/ Heber, and Eliel, 
 
 23 And Abdon, a Zichri, and Hanan, 
 
 24 And Hananiah, and Elam, and Antothijah, 
 
 25 And Iphedeiah, and Penuel, the sons of 
 Shashak ; 
 
 26 And Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and 
 Athaliah, 
 
 27 And Jaresiah, and Eliah, and Zichri, the 
 sons of Jeroham. 
 
 28 These were heads of the fathers, by their 
 generations, chief men. These idwelt in Jeru 
 salem. 
 
 29 And at Gibeon dwelt r the father of Gibeon, 
 whose wife’s name teas Maachah. 
 
 30 And his first-born son s Abdon, and Zur, 
 and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab, 
 
 31 And Gedor, and Ahio, and 'Zacher. 
 
 32 And Mikloth begat “Shimeah. And p. c. 
 these also dwelt with their brethren in Jeru- *- ,20 °- 
 salem, over against them. 
 
 33 And v Ner begat x Kish, and Kish bega . 
 Saul, and rSaul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua 
 and z Abinadab, and °Esh-baal. 
 
 34 And the son of Jonathan was b Merib-baal 
 and Merib-baal begat “Micah. 
 
 35 And the sons of Micah were, Pithon, anc 
 Melech, and d Tarea, and Ahaz. 
 
 36 And Ahaz begat 'Iehoadah ; and i-b: c 
 Jehoadah begat Alemeth, and Azmaveth, L 1000 
 and Zimri; and Zimri begat Moza, 
 
 37 And Moza begat Binea : ' Rapha was his 
 son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 
 
 38 And Azel had six sons, whose names are 
 these, Azrikam. Bocberu, and Ishmael, and 
 Sheariah, and Obadiah, and. Hanan. All these 
 were the sons*of Azel. 
 
 39 And the sons of Eshek his brother were, 
 Ulam his first-born, Jehush the second, and Eli- 
 plielet the third. 
 
 40 And the sons of Ulam were mighty men oi 
 valour, ^archers, and had h many sons, and sons’ 
 sons, a^ hundred and fifty. All these are of the 
 sons of Benjamin. 
 
 a 7:6 — 12. Gen. 46:21. b Num. 26:38. Ahiram. c Gen. 46:21. Num. 26:40. 
 Ard. d Judg. 3:15. e 7:12. Shup;im. Num. 26:39. Shupham. f 7:10. Judg. 
 3:20, &c. 4:1. g 6:60. h 2^2,54. i Ruth 1:1. jGen.25:6. k Ezra 2:33. 
 
 Neh. 6:2. 7:37. 11:35. 1 21. Shimhi. m 2:49,50,52. 4:4. n Josh. 19:42. Aja- 
 lon. o 13. p 13 Shema. q Josh. 15:63. 18:28. Judg. 1:21. Neh. 11:1 ,7— 9. 
 
 and contrary to probabilities ; the dispensations of Providence 
 seem to run counter to the promises, in order that their per- 
 formance may be the more observed and admired ; and often 
 a good cause is unsuccessful, while the wicked triumph in 
 the success of their villany: but the day of judgment will 
 clear up, and rectify, all such apparent obliquities in the 
 divine administration. — Those who live long often become 
 like the decaying tree, which stands till all its branches are 
 withered, or broken off one after another. But, though the 
 premature, death of our children must necessarily be afflic- 
 tive, and it behooves us all mutually to comfort each other ; 
 yet, we should not mourn as men without hope; for the Lord 
 is able to make up all our losses. Considering our state on 
 earth, we may properly call all our children Beriah; (marc.) 
 for “man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upwards.” 
 But the supports, consolations, and prospects, which the 
 gospel brings to believers, are sufficient to counterbalance 
 every evil, and to render both life and death tolerable, if not 
 joyful. — As men readily venture their lives to preserve their 
 cattle or property; surely we should be willing to renounce, 
 venture, and suffer any thing, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 and his precious salvation. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 1— 5. {Note, 7:7—11.) The 
 tribe of Benjamin adhered to Judah, in the division of the 
 kingdom, and returned with the Jews from Babylon: and, as 
 the history is about to open with the translation of the king- 
 dom from Saul of that tribe, to David of Judah; we have 
 here a more copious account given of it than of several other 
 tribes. But either some of the sons of Benjamin had several 
 names, or those called his sons were his more remote descend- 
 ants. G<*ra, called his son in Genesis, is here mentioned as 
 his grandson by Bela: ( Note , Gen. 46:21.) but the whole 
 subsequent genealogy is obscure. (Marc. Ref.) 
 
 V. 6 — 10. Ehud, the son of Gera, (5) was the judge of 
 Israel, who slew Eglon king of Moab: ( Notes , Jude • 3:15 — 
 30.) perhaps, in consequence, he acquired dominion over the 
 Moabites, and some of his descendants lived among them. 
 These having many children, removed several of them, and 
 nettled them in different places during their own lives. 
 
 ( 722 ) 
 
 r 9:35,36. J chi el. s 9:36,37. t 9:37. Zecharinh. u 9:38. Shimeram. y 9*39. 
 1 Sam. 9:1. 14:50,51. x 1 Sam. 9:1. Acts 13:21. Cis. y 1 Sam. 14:49. 31 :2. 
 7. 1 Sam. 14:49. Phut. a 2 Sam. 2:8. 4:12. Ish-boshelh. b2Snm. 4:4. 9:6. 19: 
 24 — 30. M'phibosheth. c 2 Sum. 9:12. Mich a. cl 9:41. Tahrea. e 9:42. Jarah. 
 f 9:43. Rephaiah. g 12:2. 2 Chr. 14:8. Ii Ps. 127:3 — 5. 128:3—6. 
 
 V. 11— 28. Mar g. Ref. 
 
 V. 29 — 40. There are no genealogies remaining of any 
 of the kings of Israel, after the division of the kingdom. 
 But, we have here not only a genealogy of Saul, but also an 
 account of his descendants by Jonathan, and Meribbaal, or 
 Mcphibosheth , and his son Micah, for several generations. 
 (NoteSy 1 Sam. 9:1,2. 14:47 — 52.) Perhaps David took care 
 to record what passed in his days, and his descendants 
 recorded what came after, in honour of Jonathan, David's 
 covenanted generous friend. (Marc. Ref. Notes , 9:35 — 44. 
 2 Sam. 9: lf>:l — 4. 19:24 — 30.) ‘Conradus Pellicanus makes 
 this reflection: — ‘That hence we may learn, it is an unne- 
 cessary labour scrupulously to inquire after these things, from 
 which we can reap no fruit, and of which we may be igno- 
 rant without danger. Especially in the matter of these 
 genealogies, the reason of which is long since expired, 
 together with the tribes to which they belong. As for the 
 certainty* of our belief, which depends upon the authority of 
 the holy Scriptures, that stands firm and constant, though 
 some things, by the length of time, be so obscure, that they 
 are not now exactly understood; especially in the difference 
 we find in the proper names of persons and places, which 
 without prejudice to the faith may be neglected.” Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord delights to exalt those who have been abased y 
 and to honour those who adhere to him, and to the King whom 
 he has placed upon his holy hill of Zion, to his chosen peo- 
 ple, and to his instituted worship. Numbers of renowned 
 names arc now buried in oblivion ; but as God honours some 
 of those, who have been faithful and useful in their genera- 
 tion, by recording their names in the sacre 1 Scriptures; so ho 
 writes the names of all his people in the hook of life. May 
 this be our privilege, however unnoticed in the partial histo- 
 ries of mankind ! — Alas ! what will it ava 1 those, who perish 
 in an unequal contest with the Almighty, to be admired as 
 men of valour and activity by their fellow-i rcatures ! Let us 
 seek to make our peace with God ; and foi his .' uke, aim after 
 I his example, to forgive our enemies, and s» wv a decent 
 
B. C. 444. 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 B. C. 444. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Ths original of the genealogies of Israel and Judah , 1. The first settlers in 
 the laml after the captivity ,2. The first who dwelt at Jerusalem , of the 
 other tribts,3 — 9: ant o > the priests arvl l.eviles , with their charge and 
 service, 10—34. A repeated account of Haul's family , 3S— 44. 
 
 S O "all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; 
 
 and behold, they were written in the book oi' 
 the kings of Israel and Judah, who were b carried 
 away to Babylon for their transgression. 
 
 2 IF Now c the first inhabitants that dwelt in 
 their possessions in their cities were the Israelites, 
 the priests, Levites, and d the Nethinims. 
 
 3 And "in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of 
 Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and f of 
 the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh : 
 
 4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son ofOmri, 
 the son of Imri, the son of eBani, of the children of 
 h Pharez the son of Judah. 
 
 5 And of the ’Shilonites ; Asaiah the first- 
 born, and his sons. 
 
 6 And of the sons of k Zerah ; Jeuel, and their 
 brethren, six hundred and ninety. 
 
 7 And of, the sons of Benjamin; ‘Sallu the son 
 of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of 
 Hasenuah. 
 
 8 And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah 
 the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam 
 the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son 
 of Ibnijah ; 
 
 9 And their brethren, according to their genera- 
 tions, nine hundred and fifty and six. Ail these 
 men were chief of the fathers in the house of their 
 fathers. 
 
 10 IF And of the priests; Jedaiah, and . ra Je- 
 hoiarib, and Jachin, 
 
 11 And "Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of 
 Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son ofMeraioth, 
 the son of Ahitub, °the ruler of the house of God ; 
 
 12 And Adaiah the son of Jeroham the son of 
 Pashur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasiai the 
 son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of 
 Meshullam, the son of rMeshillemith, the son of 
 simmer; 
 
 a E/.ra 2:59,62,63. Neh. 1:5,64. Matt. 1:1— 16. Luke 3:23 — 38. b2Chr.33: 
 
 11.36:9,10.18-20. Jer. 39:9. 52:14,15. Dan. 1:2. c Earn 2:70, Neh. 7:73. 11:3. 
 d Josh. 9:21— 27. Ezra 2:43,58. 8:20. Neh. 7:60,73. 1 1:3,21. e Neh. 11:1,4— 9. 
 r 2Chr. 11:16. 30:11,18. g Neh. 8:7. 10:13. h 2:5. 4:1. Gen. 46:12. Num.26: 
 90. Neh. 11:4,6. Pe>ez. iNiim. 26:20. Shelanites. Neh. 11:5. Shiloni. k 2:4, 
 6. Gen. 93:30. Zarah. Num. 26:20. 1 Neh. 8:4. 10:20. 11:7. m Neh. 11:10. 12:19. 
 Joiarib. n 6:8 — 15. Neh. 10:2. 11:11. Seraiah. o 24:5. Num. 4:15,16,28,33. 
 2 Kin** 23 4.25:18. Neh. 11:11. Act85:24,26. p Neh. 11:12,13. Meshillemoth. 
 q 24:14. Ezra 2:37. Neh. 7:40 * Heb. mighty men of valour. 26:6,30,32. Neh. 
 11:14. r Neh. 11:15. s Neh. 10:11. 11:15. 12:24. t See on 6:19,29,63. Num. 26: 
 
 respect to their memories : and still more to express affection 
 and gratitude to those who have been kind and useful to us, 
 not neglecting the credit and interests of their posterity. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1. This verse seems to be 
 the sacred writer’s account of the book, or books, from which 
 he had transcribed the preceding genealogies. Both Israel 
 and Judah had been thus reckoned or registered ; and he had 
 made extracts from the books of the two kingdoms, which had 
 been written before the captivity. (Note, Neh. 7:5,6.) The 
 ten tribes had been carried into regions at a considerable dis- 
 tance from'Babylon : but they were, at the time to which this 
 refers, in general, subject to the kings of Babylon. (2 Kings 
 17:6. 18:11. 19:12,13. Am. 5:25— 27.) 
 
 V. 2. The persons who first, after the captivity, regained 
 possession of their cities and lands, contained among them, 
 not only Jews properly so called, but many Israelites from 
 the other tribes ; and also a number of priests, Lcvites, and 
 Nethiniin. (Notes, Neh. 11:1 — 3.) — The Nethinim ^vere the 
 remainder of the Gibeonites, with others perhaps joined with 
 them, who were given as servants to the priests and Levites. 
 The word signifies given, or dedicated persons. (Notes, Josh. 
 9:27. 1 Kings 9:20—22. Ezra 2:55—58. 8:20.) 
 
 V. 3 — -9. From the subsequent names of the priests and 
 Levites, it is probable, that the sacred writer is speaking of 
 the transactions recorded by Nehemiah; (Note, Neh. 11: 
 4 — G.) yet the names here mentioned so differ from those in 
 the parallel passage, that it can hardly he supposed the same 
 persons are always meant. — But, in these matters there are 
 difficulties, which are perhaps incapable of a satisfactory solu- 
 tion at this distance of time, though the whole might be plain 
 to those, for whose use it was principally intended. 
 
 IJthai, Sic. (I) ‘ Now he sets down their names ; and first 
 liiose of the tribe of Judah.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 11. “ The ruler of the house of God” does not signify 
 the high-priest, but “ the second priest,” who officiated for 
 him when incapacitated ; or one of the chief priests, who 
 suDermtended the affairs of the temple in all ordinary cases. 
 (Marg. Ref. Note, Neh. 11:10—15.) 
 
 V. 12 — 18. Several names seem to be omitted, in the 
 
 13 And their brethren, heads of the house of 
 their fathers, a thousand and seven hundred 
 •and threescore ; ‘very able men lor the work of 
 the service of the house of God. 
 
 14 And of the Levites; r Shemaiah the son of 
 Hashiib ? the son of Azrikam, the son of "Hasha- 
 biah, 'of the sons of Merari ; 
 
 15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and 
 "Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of v Zichri, 
 the son of Asaph ; 
 
 16 And "Obadiah the son ofShemaiah, the son 
 of Galal, y the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah 
 the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, thaj. dwelt 
 in the villages of the "Netophathites. 
 
 17 And ‘the porters were, Shallum, and Akkub, 
 and Talmon, apd Ahiman, and their brethren : 
 b Shallum was the chief; 
 
 18 Who hitherto waited in "the king’s gate 
 eastward : d they were porters in the companies of 
 the children of Levi. 
 
 19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of 
 "Ebiasaph, the son of f’Korah, and his brethren, of 
 the house of his father, the Korahites, were over 
 the work of the service, keepers of the tgates of 
 the tabernacle : and their fathers, being sover the 
 host of the Lord, were h keepers of the entry. 
 
 20 And ‘Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the 
 
 ruler over them in time past, and k the Lord tb. c. 
 was with him. L 1450 - 
 
 21 l Jlnd Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah 
 was porter of the door of the tabernacle of the 
 congregation. 
 
 22 All these, which were chosen to he porters 
 in the gates, were two hundred and twelve. 
 These were reckoned by their genealogy m in 
 their villages, whom "David and "Samuel the 
 seer Fdid ordain in their §set office. 
 
 23 So they and their children had Pthe over- 
 sight of the gates of the house of the Lord, 
 namely, the house of the tabernacle, by wards. 
 
 24 In ifour quarters were the porters, toward 
 the east, west, north, and south. 
 
 57. u Neh. 11:17,22. Mictia. 12:25. v 25:2. Neh. 10:12. Zaccur. 11:17. Zabii. 
 12:35. Zaccur. x Neh. 11:17. Abda. — Shammua. 12:25. y 25: 1 ,3,6. 2 Chr. 35: 
 15 z 2:54. Neh. 7:26. 12.23—30. a 23:5.26: Neh. 11.19. b 19. cl Kings 10:5. 
 2 Kings 11:19. Er. 44:2,3. 46:1,2. Acts 3:11. d 26:12— 19. e 6:22,23. f Num. 
 26:9 — 11. Ps. 42:44: — 49: titles, t Heb. thresholds. Pa. 84:10. marg. g 2 Kinga 
 11.9,15. 2 Chr. 23:4— 10. h 28:7,8,13— 19. i Num. 3:32 . 4:16,28,33 . 31 :6. 
 k Num. 2511 — 13. 1 Sam. 16:18. Acts7:9,10. 126:14. m 16,25. Neh. 1 1 :23— 
 30,36. 12:28,29.44. n 23: 25: 26: 2«:13,21. o 1 Sam. 9:9. 1 Heb. founded. 
 
 $ Or, trust. 26,31. p 23:32 . 2 Chr. 23:19. Neh. 12:45. Ez. 44:10,11,14. q 26: 
 14—18. 
 
 genealogies of these persons, and others introduced, which 
 are elsewhere omitted : but the names are so far the same, 
 as to show that the transactions recorded by Nehemiah are 
 intended. ( Notes , Neh. 11:10 — 19. 12:1 — 11.) 
 
 V. 19 — 21. It has been conjectured that the Jews, upon 
 their return from Babylon, prepared a tabernacle for the wor- 
 ship of the Lord, before they had courage or ability to rebuild 
 the temple. But the inspired historian evidently spoke of the 
 times of Nehemiah ; and the temple had been finished many 
 years before.— The word tabernacle may, therefore, refer to 
 the sanctuary erected by Moses, which the temple, built after 
 the captivity, more resembled, than it did Solomon’s magnifi- 
 cent edifice. Indeed, the sanctuary at first was only a tent , 
 or tabernacle , when Phinehas superintended it, in time past : 
 yet, “the Lord was with him.” (Notes, Num. 3:32. 4:27,28. 
 31:4 — 6.) — This seems to have been mentioned, as an instruc- 
 lion and encouragement to the priests and Levites, in the 
 times of Ezra and Nehemiah : for there can be no reasonable 
 doubt that Phinehas the grandson of Aaron was intended.- 
 Ainong numerous instances in which the Word of the Lord 
 is used, by the Jewish paraphrasts, personally for Jehovah, 
 the following maybe adduced: ‘In the Targum, The Word 
 of the Lord was his Helper. — From whence Beckius frames 
 this argument: — that if he who was with Phinehas was Jeho- 
 vah the true God, and this Wor*d was with Phinehas ; then 
 the Word, in the opinion of this paraphrast, was Jehovah 
 the true God.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 22. Samuel seems to have made some regulations re- 
 specting the attendance of the Levites, before those which 
 David afterwards established : indeed, some think, that David 
 received those instructions from Samuel, according to which 
 he regulared the courses of the priests and Levites. (Marg. 
 Ref.) — When the Jews returned from Babylon, they ordered 
 these matters with respect to those appointments. 
 
 V. 23 (Marg. Ref.) The expression here used, “ the 
 house of the tabernacle,” is considered by many as confirming 
 the opinion before mentioned, that a tabernacle was erected, 
 after the captivity, till the temple was finished. (Note, 19— 
 21.) No doubt can, I suppose, be made as to the fact: but, 
 ( 723 ) 
 
B. C. 444. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1056 
 
 25 And their brethren, which were in their 
 villages, were to come after r seven days from 
 time to time with them. 
 
 26 For these Levites, the four chief porters, 
 were in their ’set office, and were over the 
 'chambers ’and treasuries of the house of God. 
 
 27 IT And they lodged round about the house 
 of God, because ‘the charge was upon them, and 
 "the opening thereof every morning pertained to 
 them. 
 
 28 And certain of them had "the charge of the 
 ministering vessels, that they should ffiring them 
 in and out by tale. 
 
 29 Some of them also were appointed to over- 
 see the vessels, and all the instruments of the 
 sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and 
 v the oil, and "the frankincense, and the spices. 
 
 30 And some a of the sons of the priests made 
 the ointment of the spices. 
 
 31 And Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who 
 was the first-born of b Shallum the Korahite, had 
 the "set office over the things that were made "fin 
 the pans. 
 
 32 And other of their brethren, of "the sons of 
 the Kohathites, were over the "show-bread, d to 
 prepare it every sabbath. 
 
 33 And these are e the singers, chief of the 
 fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the 
 chambers f were free: for they were ^employed 
 in that work day and night. 
 
 34 These h chief fathers of the Levites were 
 r. c.-i chief throughout their generations ; these 
 i3i».j d we it at Jerusalem. 
 
 35 II And ‘in Gibeon dwelt k the father of 
 Gibeon Jehiel, whose wife’s name was Maachah: 
 
 36 And his first-born son Abdon, then Zur, 
 and ‘Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab, 
 
 37 And Gedor, and Ahio, and m Zechariah, and 
 Mikloth. 
 
 38 And Mikloth begat "Shimeam. And they 
 also dwelt with their brethren at Jerusalem, over 
 against their brethren. 
 
 39 And °Ner begat Kish ; and Kish begat Saul ; 
 
 p and Saul begat Jonathan, and Malchishua, ano 
 Abinadab, and lEshbaal. 
 
 40 And the son of Jonathan was r Merib-baai 
 and Merib-baal begat Micah. 
 
 41 And the sons of Micah were Pithon, ana 
 Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz. 
 
 42 And Ahaz begat 'Jarah : and Jarah begat 
 Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri ; and Zimri 
 begat Moza, 
 
 43 And Moza begat Binea ; and ‘Repbaiah 
 his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 
 
 44 And Azel had six sons, whose names are 
 these, Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and 
 Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were 
 the sons of Azel. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Saul's defeat and death, 1 — 7. The Philistines abuse his dead body , 8 — l(k 
 The men of Jabesh-gilead rescue it, with the bodies of his sons, II, 12. 
 Saur* sin ; for which he died, and the kingdom woe transferred to David, 
 
 N OW "the Philistines fought against p. c. 
 
 Israel: and the men of Israel fled from L‘ 056> 
 before the Philistines, and fell do^n “slain in 
 b mount Gilboa. 
 
 2 And the Philistines followed hard after Saul, 
 and after his sons ; and the Philistines slew 'Jona- 
 than, and d Abinadab, and Malchishua, 'the sons 
 of Saul. 
 
 3 And the battle ‘went sore against Saul, and 
 the ‘archers ‘hit him, and she was wounded oi 
 the archers. 
 
 4 Then said Saul to his armour-bearer, b Draw 
 thy sword, and thrust me through therewith ; 
 lest these ‘uncircumcised come and §abuse me. 
 But his armour-bearer would not ; for k he was 
 sore afraid. So ‘Saul took a sword and fell 
 upon it. 
 
 5 And when his armour-bearer saw that Saul 
 was dead, he fell likewise on the sword, and died. 
 
 6 So m Saul died, and his three sons, and all his 
 house died together. 
 
 7 And when all the men of Israel that were 
 in the valley saw that they fled, and that Sau 
 and his sons were dead, “then they forsook their 
 
 rB. C. 
 I 300. 
 
 r 2 Kings 11:5,7. 2 Chr. 23:8. * Or, trust. 22,31. | Or, storehouses, e 26: 
 20—27. 2 Chr. 31:5—12. Neh. 10:38.39. 13:5. t 23:32. Rom. 12:7. 
 
 u l Sam. 3:15. Mai. 1:10. x 26:22— 26. Num. 3:25— 37. Ezra 8:25— 30. Neh. 
 12:14.13:4,5. } Heb . bring them in by tale, and carry them out by tale. § Or, 
 vessels, y Ex. 27:20. z Ex. 30:23- 38. a Ex. 30:25. 33 :35— 38. 37:29. b 17, 
 19. || Or, trust. 22,26. IT Or, on flat jilates, or slices. Lev. 2:5,7. 6:21. c 6: 
 33, &c. ** Heb. bread of ordering. d Ex. 25:30. Lev. 24:5 — 8. e See on 
 6:31— 33. 15:16— 22. 16.4— 6. 25:1, &c. Ezra 7:24. f Neh. 1 1 : 17,2*2,23. ft Heb. 
 uponthem. g Ps. 134 :1 ,2. 135: 1— 3. h 13. Neh. 11:1— 15. i 8:29— 40. k 2: 
 23,24,45,50 — 52. 1 39. See on 8:33. m 8:31. Zacher. n 8:32. Shimeah. 
 
 o 1 Sam. 14:50,51. p 10:2. 1 Sam. 13:22. 14:1,49. Ishui. 31:2. q See on 
 
 8:33. r See on 8:34 — 36. s 8:36. Jehoadah. t 8:37. Rapha. a 1 Sam 
 28:1.29:1,2.31:1,2. * Heb. wounded. b 8. 1 Sam. 28:4. 31 : 1 . 2Sam. 1:6 
 
 21.21:12. c 8:33. 9:39. 1 Sam. 14:6,39,40. 2 Kinga 23:29. Is. 57:1,2 
 
 d 1 Sam. 14:49. Ishui. e Ex. 20.5. 2 Kings 25:7. f 1 Sam. 31 :3— 6. 2 Sam 
 1:4 — 10. Am. 2:14. t Heb. shooteis wtlh bows. + Heb .found, g Oen. 49:23 
 24. h Judg. 9:54. i Judg. 15:18. 1 Sam. 14:6. 17:26,36. 2 Sam. 1 :20. § Or 
 mock. Judg. 16:21,23—25. k 1 Sam 31:4. 2 Sam. 1:14—16. 1 5. 2 Sam. 1:9 
 10. 17:23. 1 Kings 16:18 Matt. 27:4,5. Acts 1:18. 16:27. m 1 Sam. 4:10,11 ,13 
 12.25. Ec. 91,2. Hos. 13:10,11. n Lev. 26:31,36. Deut. 28:33,43. Judg. 6.2 
 15am. 13:6. 31:7. 
 
 if the sacred historian wrote of Nehemiah’s time, whatever 
 allusion he might make to that fact; it is certain that the 
 temple had been completed many years before. — When 
 David made those’ regulations concerning the courses and ser- 
 vices of the Levites, there was no temple ; but the ministra- 
 tions were performed at the tabernacle : and perhaps on that 
 account, u the house of the tabernacle” is mentioned. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. Marg. Ref . Notes , 26: 
 
 V. 27 — 29. The gold and silver vessels, and other treasures 
 appropriated to the service of God, were deposited in the 
 treasuries of the sanctuary ; and the Levites lodged around 
 it, as the appointed guard of them, as well as to be ready for 
 their work.* (26:20 — 28. Note, Ezra 8:24 — 27.) 
 
 V. 30. The Levites kept guard over the deposit of spices 
 and frankincense, as well as over the other treasures: but 
 the priests compounded the holy oil and incense. (Notes, 
 Ex. 30:22 — 38.) It seems, however, that Bezaleel of Judah, 
 made them in the time of Moses. (Ex. 37:1,29.) 
 
 V. 31 — 33. Marg. Ref. — Singers. (33) A number of the 
 Levites were employed, by rotation, in singing praises to the 
 Lord ; and they seem to have continued the service, night 
 and day ; and consequently were exempted from other em- 
 ployments, and also from paying tribute. (Marg. Ref. e— g. 
 Note , Ezra 7:24 — 26. Ps. 134:) — Moses commanded nothing 
 concerning singers or musicians ; and he forbad any to add 
 to his words: but this could only mean uninspired persons; 
 for no doubt God, by his prophets, might add, diminish, or 
 alter, as he saw good. 
 
 V. 35 — 44. (Note, 8:29 — 40.) This repetition seems to 
 have been intended merely as an introduction to the ensuing 
 history. 
 
 Ner, &c. (39) (1 Sam. 14:50,51.) Perhaps Abicl, the 
 father of Kish, was also called Ner. — Ner, th,c father of Ab- 
 ner or Abiner, (my father Ner,) was Saul’s uncle, not his 
 grandfather. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Iii remembering the miseries of man, we should be careful 
 
 ( 724 ) 
 
 not to lose sight of his transgressions, that the justice of God 
 in them may be acknowledged and adored. — When sinners 
 repent and forsake their sins, they are in the way of being 
 extricated from trouble: and the affairs of church and state 
 are likely to be well ordered, when men of all ranks and 
 orders in the community concur in endeavours for that pur- 
 pose. — Whatever politicians may suppose, no description ol 
 men are more essential to the real welfare of the state, than 
 conscientious ministers of religion ; and that service requires 
 very able men, of clear heads and steadfast minds. God will 
 raise up such persons, in those nations which he peculiarly 
 favours ; and qualify some for rulers in his church, and others 
 for subordinate services: and it is well, when every one knows, 
 and diligently attends to, his proper work, without envying or 
 contemning any of his brethren. To be u a doorkeeper in 
 the house of the Lord” is an honourable employment : and it 
 he be with us, it will both be comfortable to us, and profitable 
 to others ; but without this, our services will be formal, and 
 our souls miserable. — If employed in the service of the sanc- 
 tuary. we have a charge to keep, as well as a work to do ; 
 and those, who “watch for men’s souls, as they that must 
 give account,*’ are intrusted with that which is unspeakably 
 more valuable, than the richest treasures of silver and gold. 
 They should therefore reside upon the spot, as much as pos- 
 sible; in order to be near and ready for their work, at every 
 hour as occasion may require. To prepare bread for the 
 sanctuary in their stated public preaching, may perhaps bo 
 only expected from them every sabbath : but some parts of 
 their work must be needful every day ; and they should genes 
 rally bo exempted from other cares and employments, that 
 they inay give themselves wholly to the word of God and 
 prayer. (P. O. Acts 6:1 — 7.) Blessed he his name! if 
 indeed we be now true believers, wo shall for ever, (not in 
 rotation, but altogether,) without interruption or cessation, 
 praise him night and day, in his temple above. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. X. V. 1—12. Marg. Ref. Notes , 
 
 1 Sam. 31 : — All his house died, & c. (6) “All his men," 
 
B. C. 1048. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. B. C. 104t.. 
 
 cities, and fled: and the Philistines 0iine and 
 dwelt in them. 
 
 8 And it came to pass on the morrow, when 
 the Philistines came °to strip the slain, that they 
 found Saul and his sons fallen in mount Gilboa. 
 
 9 And when they had stripped him, they 
 •Took his head, and his armour, and sent into the 
 land of the Philistines round about, to carry 
 Hidings unto their idols, and to the people. 
 
 10 And they put his armour in the house of 
 r t.heir gods, and fastened his head 'in the temple 
 of Dagon. 
 
 11 And when ‘all Jabesh-gilead heard all that 
 the Philistines had done to Saul, 
 
 12 They arose, all the valiant men, and took 
 away the body of Saul, and the bodies of his sons, 
 and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their 
 bones under “the oak in Jabesh, and ‘fasted seven 
 days. 
 
 13 If So Saul died for his transgression which 
 he ’committed against the Lord, yeven against 
 the word of the Lord, which he kept not, and 
 also ‘for asking counsel of one that had, °a familiar 
 spirit, to inquire of it ; 
 
 14 And inquired not of the Lord : therefore 
 c he slew him, and d turned the kingdom unto 
 David the son of tJesse. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 David, by general consent , is made king over all Israel, at Hebron, 1 — 3. He 
 takes Zion from the Jebusites ; dwells these, and prospers, 4 — 9. The 
 names and achievements of his principal warriors, 10—47. 
 
 T HEN “all Israel gathered themselves to David 
 unto b Hebron, saying, 'Behold, we are thy 
 bone and thy flesh. 
 
 2 And moreover ‘in time past, even when Saul 
 was king, thou wast he d that leddest out and 
 broughtest in Israel : and the Lord thy God said 
 unto thee, e Thou shalt Teed my people Israel, 
 and thou shalt be f ruler over my people Israel. 
 
 3 Therefore came all the ^elders of Israel to 
 the king to Hebron ; and h David made a covenant 
 with them in Hebron 'before the Lord ; and they 
 ‘anointed David king over Israel, according to 
 the 'word of the Lord *by Samuel. 
 
 4 H And m David and all Israel went to Jeru- 
 
 o 1 Sara. 31:8. 2 Kings 3-23. 2 Chr. 20:25. p 4. 1 Sam. 31:9,10. 2 Sam. 
 1:20. Matl. 14:11. q Jndg. 16:23,24. Dan. 5:2—4,23. r 1 Sam. 31:10. 
 Ashlarolh. s 1 Sam. 5:2— 7. t 1 Sam. 11:1— 11. 31:11— 13. 2 Sam. 2:4— 
 7. u Gen. 35:8. 2 Sam. 21:12— 14. x Gen. 50:10. 2Sam. 3:35. • Heb. 
 
 transgressed, y 1 Sam. 13:13. 15:3,23. z l Sam. 28:7 — 20. a Ex. 22:18. 
 Lev. 19:31,20:6. Deut. 18:10— 14. 2Kings21:6. Is. 8:19. Acts 8:9— 11. 16:16— 
 18. b Judg. 10:11 — 16. 1 Sam. 28:6. Ez. 14:3— 6. c Ps. 17:13. Is. 10:7,15. 
 »1 1 Sam. 13:14. 15:28. 16:1,11— 13.28:17 . 2 Sam. 3:9,10. 5:3. + Heb. Isai. 
 
 a 12:23— 40. 2 Sam. 5:1. b Num. 13:22. 2 Sam. 2:1 . 15:10. 1 Kings 2: 11. 
 
 c Gen. 29:14. Deut. 17:15. Judg. 9:2. 2 Sam. 19:12,13. Eph. 5:30. * Heb. both 
 yesterday and the third day. d Num. 27:17. 1 Sam. 18:13. Is. 55:4. John 10: 
 4. e 1 Sam. 16:1,13. 2Sam.7:7. Pe. 78:71,72. Is. 40:11. Mic. 5:2,4. Matt. 2: 
 f. f Or, rule. f2Sam.5;2. 1 Kings 3:9. 14:7. g2Sam.5:3. hlSam.il: 
 15. 2 Kings 11:17. 2 Chr. 23:3. i Judg. 1 1 : 1 1 . 1 Sam. 23:18. k 1 Sam. 16:13. 
 
 2 Sam. 2:4. 2 Kings 23:30. 1 1 Sam. 15:28. 28:17. \ Heb. by the hand of. 
 
 m 2 Sam. 5:6 — 10. q 5. Josh. 15:63. 18:28. Jebusi. Judg. 1:21. 19:10 — 12. 
 
 in Samuel. ‘ All that were present with him in the fattle : 
 and his family had received such a blow, that it never reco- 
 vered itself again. F or though Ish-bosheth reigned over a part 
 of the country, yet it was not in any splendour.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13, 14. This history is repeated as an introduction to 
 that of the kingdom of David. The Lord is said to have 
 slain Saul, because he sentenced him to death, and gave 
 Satan leave to tempt him to be his own executioner. — Is it 
 possible, more strongly to mark the excessive criminality of 
 consulting witches, conjurers, fortunetellers, or sorcerers of 
 any kind, real or pretended, than by representing Saul’s con- 
 duct in this respect, as one principal reason of his rejection 
 and awful end? {Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Sam. 28:3 — 10.) 
 
 He inquired not , &c. (141 That is, he did not persevere 
 in inquiring of the Lord; but gave it up as hopeless, and 
 had recourse to the consulting of a witch. ‘ He was remiss 
 and negligent, saying, If God will not hear me, I will go 
 and consult a familiar spirit.’ Laniado, a Jew, in Bp. Pa- 
 trick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord punishes none except sinners ; and no sinners 
 can escape, who do not humbly cast themselves upon his 
 mercy: but when transgressors inquire of God, and earnestly 
 seek deliverance in his appointed way, they will certainly 
 prevail ; and if they be involved in domestic or national cala- 
 mities in this world, they will be saved from the wrath to cotne. 
 
 -Alas! many “reject his counsel, and will none of his 
 
 eproof,” till he leaves them to “ eat of the fruit of their own 
 ways, and to be filled with their own devices and numbers, 
 who profess to seek the Lord, are so superficial in doing it, 
 so seen weary of it, and so ready to listen to Satan’s tempta- 
 tions, that God accounts it no inquiry at all. May we “ seek 
 the Lord, whilst he may be found,” and till we have obtained 
 ( 725 ) 
 
 salem, which is "Jebus : where the Jebusites were. 
 “the inhabitants of the land. 
 
 5 And - the inhabitants of Jebus said to David 
 p Thou shalt not come hither. Nevertheless 
 David took Hhe castle of Zion, which is r the 
 cily of David. 
 
 6 And David said, 'Whosoever smiteth the 
 Jebusites first shall be §chief and captain. ‘So 
 Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was 
 chief. 
 
 7 And “David dwelt in the castle; therefore 
 they called "it, The city of David. 
 
 8 And he built the city round about, even from 
 ‘Millo round about: and Joab ’’repaired the rest 
 of the city. 
 
 9 So David ’’waxed greater and greater : Tor 
 the Lord of hosts was with him. 
 
 10 H These also are ‘the chief of the mighty 
 men whom David had, who t'strenghtened them- 
 selves with him in his kingdom, and with all 
 Israel, “to make him king b according to the word 
 of the Lord concerning Israel. 
 
 11 And this is the number of the mighty men 
 whom David had ; “Jashobeam 3J a Hachmonite, 
 the chief of the captains : he lifted up his spear 
 against three hundred slain by him at one time. 
 
 12 And after him was d Eleazar the son oi 
 Dodo the “Ahohite, who was one of f the three 
 mightiest. 
 
 13 He was with David at ePas-dammim, and 
 there the Philistines were gathered together to 
 battle, where was a parcel of ground full ot 
 barley; and the people fled from before the 
 Philistines. 
 
 14 And they $§set themselves in the midst of 
 that parcel, and delivered it, and slew the Philis- 
 tines; and b the Lord saved them by a great 
 ""deliverance. 
 
 15 H Now three ’’’’of the thirty captains went 
 down to the rock to David, into ‘the cave oi 
 Adullam ; and the host of the Philistines encamped 
 k in the valley of 'Rephaim. 
 
 16 And David was then “in the hold, and “the 
 Philistines’ garrison was then at Beth-lehem. 
 
 o Gen. 10:16. 15:21. Ex. 3:17. p 1 Sum. 17:9,10,36. q 1 Kings 8: 1. 2 Chr. 5: 
 2. P». 2:6. 9:11.48:2,12,13.78:68.87:2,5. 125:1,2. 132:13. Lam. 4:11,12. Rom. 
 9:33. Heb. 12:22. Rev. 14:1. r 7. 2 Sam. 5:9. 6:10,12. Pb. 122:5. s Josh. 15: 
 16,17. 1 Sam. 17:25. §Heb.liend. t 2 Sam. 2:18. 3:27. 8:16 . 20:23 uPs.2: 
 6. || That is, Zion. 5. x Judg. 9:6,20. 1 Kings 9: 15. 11 :27. 2 Kings 12:20. 
 TI Heb. revived. Neh. 4:2. ** Heb. went in going and increasing . 2 Sam. 3:1. 
 5:10. Job 17:9. Is. 9:7. y 9:20. Ps. 46:7,11 . Is.~8:9,lC. 41:10,14. Rom. 8:31. 
 z2Sarn.23:8. ft Heb. held strongly with. a 12:38. 2 Sam. 3: 17,18,21 . 
 
 b 1 Sam. 16:12 — 14. c 27:2. 2 Sam. 23:8. The Tachmonite Adi.no, the Ez 
 nite. Or, son of Hacmcmi. d 27:4. Dodai. 2 Sam. 23:9. e 8:4. f 19,21. 
 2 Sam. 23:17 — 19,23. g 1 Sam. 17:1. Ephes-dammim. §§ Or, stood, h 1 Sam. 
 14:23.19:5. 2 Sam. 23:10. 2 Kings 5:1. Ps. 18:50. |||| Or, salvation. Ps. 144: 
 
 10. Prov. 21:31. Till Or, captains over the thirty. 2 Sam. 23:13. i Josh. 12: 
 15. 1 Sam. 22:1. Mic. 1:15. k 14:9. 2 Sam. 5:18,22. Ib. 17:5. 1 Josh. 15-8. 
 the giants. m 1 Sam. 22:1.23:25. Ps. 142: title. n 1 Sara. 10:5. 13:4,23. 
 
 pardon, peace, and sanctifying grace ; and are enabled to 
 renounce all fellowship with the works and prince of darkness. 
 And may the good Lord deliver us from unbelief, impatience, 
 and despair, and teach us to trust in him, to obey and submit 
 to his will : and to render due honour and kindness to all, 
 whatever their behaviour to us may have been ! Thus wait- 
 ing on him, we shall obtain a kingdom that cannot be moved, 
 being beyond the reach of the incessant changes and revolu- 
 tions of sublunary things, 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. V. 1 — 3. In this recapitulation 
 of the transactions, with which David’s reign over all Israel 
 was introduced, no mention is made of Ish-bosheth, or Abner, 
 or of the seven first years after Saul’s death : (Notes, 2 Sam . 
 1: — 4:) but the narrative begins with his being submitted to, as 
 God’s appointed king, and as such anointed at Hebron, by the 
 concurrence of the whole nation. (Notes, 2 Sam. 5:1 — 3.) It 
 is here added, 44 according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.” 
 (Notes, 1 Sam. 13:13—15. 10:6 — 13.) 
 
 V. 4 — 8. Notes, 2 Sam. 5:6 — 9. — Joab, &c. (6) It is evi- 
 dent that Joab was, before this, high in authority under David ; 
 but he was, as a reward of his courage and conduct on this 
 occasion, established commander-in-chief over the whole 
 army. 
 
 V. 9. (2 Sam. 5:10.) David’s increasing greatness, with 
 the cause of it, is here emphatically stated. 
 
 V. 10 — 14. Note, 2 Sam. 23:8 — 12. — Who strengthened , 
 &c. (10) 4 Those valiant men . . . that assisted him’ (David) 
 4 in his advancement, and helped to establish him in his autho- 
 rity. They were such, in a!l likelihood, as had accompanies 
 him, during his persecution by Saul, whei they gave De.v 1 
 many proofs of their valour and affection as they also < d 
 afterward.’ Bp. Patrich. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 15 — 19. Marg. Ref. Note, 2 Sarr t3:13 -l/. 
 
B C. 104 f. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. B. C. 1053 
 
 17 And David “longed, and said, Oh that one 
 would give me drink ‘'of the water of the well of 
 Beth-lehem, that is at the gate ! 
 
 18 And the three thrake through the host of 
 the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of 
 Beth-lehem, that was by tl e gate, and took it, 
 and brought it to David : but David would not 
 drink of it, but r poured it out to the Lord, 
 
 19 And said, "My God forbid it me, that I 
 should do this thing : ‘shall I drink the blood of 
 these men ‘that have put their lives u in jeopardy? 
 for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought 
 it. Therefore he would not drink it. x These things 
 did these three mightiest. 
 
 e. c a 20 H And rAbishai the brother of Joab, 
 ion. J hg was c |,j e f 0 f the three : for lifting up 
 his spear against three hundred, he slew them , 
 and had a name among the three. 
 
 21 Of the three, he was more honourable than 
 the two ; for he was their captain : 'howbeit he 
 attained not unto the first three. 
 
 22 “Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a 
 valiant man of b Kabzeel, twho had done many 
 acts ; he slew two 'lion-like men of Moab : also he 
 went down and d slew a lion in a pit in a snowy 
 day. 
 
 23 And he slew an Egyptian, la man of great 
 stature, 'five cubits high; and in the Egyptian’s 
 hand was f a spear like a weaver’s beam ; and he 
 went down to him with a staff, and plucked the 
 spear out of the Egyptian’s hand, and eslew him 
 with his own spear. 
 
 24 These things did Benaiah the son of 
 Jehoiada, and had the name among the three 
 mighties. 
 
 25 Behold, he was honourable among the 
 thirty, h but attained not to the first three : and 
 •David set him over his guard. 
 
 26 H Also the valiant men of the armies were 
 ‘Asahel the brother of Joab, ‘Elhanan the son of 
 Dodo of Beth-lehem, 
 
 27 m Shammoth the Harorite,Helez the "Pelonite, 
 
 28 °Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer 
 the fAntothite, 
 
 29 'iSibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the r Ahohite, 
 
 30 ‘Maharai the Netophathite, ‘Heled the son 
 of Baanah the Netophathite, 
 
 31 "Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, that per- 
 
 o Nnm. 11:4,5. 2 Sam. 23:15,16. Ps. 143:6. p Pa. 42:1,2. 63:1. Ib. 12:3. John 
 4:10,14. q 1 Sam. 19:5. Cant. 8:6. Acls 20:24 21: 13. 2 Cor. 5:14 ,15. r 1 Sum. 
 7 6. s 2Sam. 2317. 1 Kings 21:3. Rom. 6:1,2. t Lev. 17:10,11. Job 31:31. 
 Ps. 72:14. Mark 14:24. John 6:55. * Heb . with their lives. Rom. 16:4. 
 
 u Judg. 5:18. 1 Cor. 15:30. x See on 12. v 2: 16. 1 Sam. 26:6. 2 Sam. 2:18. 
 3:30.18:2.20:6.21:17.23:18,19. z Matt. 13:8,23. t Cor. 15:41. a 27:5,6. 
 ESarn. 8 18. 20:23. 23:20-23. 1 Kings 1 :8, 38. 2:30,34,35. b Josh. 15 21. 1 Heb. 
 yreat of deeds. c 12:8. 2 Sam. 1:23. d Judg. 14:5,6. 1 Sam. 17:31 — 36. J Hel). 
 $ man of measure. eDeut.3:ll. 1 Sam. 17:4— 7. f 20:5. g 1 Sam. 17:51 . 
 h 21. i '2 Sam. 20:23. k 27:7. 2 Sam. 2: 18— 23. 3:30. 23:24. 1 2 Sam. 21 : 19. 
 
 in 2 Sam. 23:25. Shammnh the Harodite. n 2 Sam. 23:26. Paltite. o27:9. 
 
 V. 20—25. Mars. Ref. Note , 2 Sam. 23:18—24. 
 
 V. 2G — 47. (Note, 2 Sam. 23:25 — 39.) The marginal re- 
 ferences and readings, show the principal differences between 
 this part of the chapter, and the passages referred to. Several 
 names are added to the catalogue of worthies. It is probable, 
 the persons intended Were something less famous than those 
 mentioned also in the second book of Samuel. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 When the time arrives for the performance of God’s word, 
 those persons who before were the most averse to the things 
 predicted, will concur in accomplishing them. — Kings should 
 remember, and have need to be reminded, that they are not 
 advanced for their own aggrandizement or self-indulgence; 
 but that they should, with activity and vigour, provide for tho 
 defence and welfare of the nations over which, they reign. — 
 The desire of applause and pre-eminence seems to be the 
 nighest motive, of which carnal men are capable : but those, 
 who are born from above, are actuated by purer and nobler 
 principles. Yet, in seeking the glory of God and the good of 
 man, by endeavouring to advance the kingdom of Jesus the 
 Lord’s anointed ; they most effectually secure their own ho- 
 nour and exaltation. — The kingdom and glory of Christ will 
 surely wax greater and greater, (the Lord of hosts being with 
 him,) till all his enemies are put. under his feet, and all his 
 friends placed with him upon his throne. — The way to be truly 
 great is to be really useful ; and to give the use and glory of 
 all our talents and services to the Lord : and if we be, at 
 ength, preserved from the destruction of the wicked, we shall 
 perceive that, the Lord has saved us with a great delivorance. 
 May he teach us t6 repress all our earthly desires, to govern 
 >ur appetites, to acknowledge candidly our mistakes, and 
 ( 726 
 
 tained to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the 
 Pirathonite, 
 
 32 “Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, JAbiel the 
 Arbathite, 
 
 33 Azmaveth the “Baharumite, Eliahba the 
 Shaalbonite, 
 
 34 The sons of “Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan 
 the son of Shage the Hararite, 
 
 35 Ahiam the son of b Sacar the Hararite, 
 'Eliphal the son of Ur, 
 
 36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the 
 Pelonite, 
 
 37 d Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of 
 Ezbai, 
 
 38 'Joel the brother of Nathan, Mibhar §the 
 son of Haggeri, 
 
 39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, 
 the armour-bearer of Joab the son ofZeruiah, 
 
 40 Ira the ‘Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 
 
 41 sUriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 
 
 42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite a 
 captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 
 
 43 Hanan the son of Maachah, and Joshaphat 
 the Mithnite, 
 
 44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jehiel 
 the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 
 
 45 Jediael the “son of Shimri, and Joha his 
 brother, the Tizite, 
 
 46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Josha- 
 viah, the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the 
 Moabite, 
 
 47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jasiel the Mesobaite. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The companies which came to David at Ziklag, 1 — 22. The armed troops that 
 came to him at Hebron, 23—40. 
 
 N OW “these are they that came to David ru. c- 
 to Ziklag, ’while he yet kept himself L 10S3 - 
 close because of b Saul the son of Kish : and they 
 were among 'the mighty men, helpers of the war. 
 
 2 They were armed with bows, and d could use 
 both the right hand and the left 'in hurling 
 stones, and shooting arrows out of a how, even 
 of Saul’s brethren of Benjamin. 
 
 3 The chief ivas Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons 
 of ‘Shemaah the ‘Gibeathite: and Jeziel, and 
 Pelet, the sons of ^Azmaveth ; and Berachah, and 
 Jehu h the Antothite, 
 
 4 And Ismaiah the ‘Gibeonite, k a mighty man 
 
 p 27:12. 2 Sam. 23:27. Anethothite. q 27:11. 2 Sam. 23:27,28. Mcbtmnai.— 
 Zalman, r 12. s 27:13. t 27:15. Heldai. 2 Sam. 23:29. Hele't. u 2 Sam. 
 23:29. Ittai. x 2 Sam. 23:30. Hiddai. y 2 Sam. 23:31. Abi-albon. z 2 Sam. 
 23:31. Barhumite. a 1 Snm. 23:32. ./ashen, b 2 Sam. 23:33. Sharar. c 2 Sam. 
 23.34. Eliphelet. Ahasbai. d 2 Sam. 23:35. Hezrai. — Pattrai the Arbite. 
 e 2 Sam. 23:36. leal the son of Nathan. § Or, the Haggerite. f 2 Sam. 20t 
 26. Jairite. g 2 Sam. 11:6, &c. 23:39. II Or, Shimrite u 1 Sam. 27:6. 2 Sam. 
 1:1.4:10. * Ileb. being yetshutup. b 8.33. 9:39. c 11:10,19,24.25. d Judg. 
 3:15.20:16. e 1 Sam. 17:49. f Or, Hatmaah. f 1 Sain. 11.4. 2 Sam. 21: 
 6. g 11:33. h 11:23. i Josh. 9:3,17—23. k 11:15. 
 
 completely to rectify them when discovered ; and to be gentlo 
 and tender to others, and only severe against our own sins. 
 Attached to the person and cause, and obedient to the orders 
 of our King and Captain, may we endure hardship, be valiant 
 for the truth, and so “ fight the good fight of faith, that we may 
 lay hold on eternal life and have our names enrolled with 
 honour in the records of the heavenly Jerusalem ! 
 
 NOTES — Chap. XII. V. I, 2. The sacred writer her*, 
 goes back in the history to the times which preceded tho 
 death of Saul, and records some particulars not mentioned in 
 the books of Samuel, respecting David’s advancement to tho 
 throne.— Several considerable persons resorted to him at Zik- 
 lag: (Marg. Ref. a, h.) and either joined his small troop, or 
 assured him of assistance when it became necessary. — Some 
 of these were Benjamites, and related to Saul, who were 
 either induced through a firm belief of the word of God by 
 Samuel respecting him; or by indignation at the base treat- 
 ment which David met with from Saul, to the disgrace of 
 their family and tribe; or because they perceived, that the 
 Lord was departed from Saul, and was with David of a truth. 
 The hand of God was, however, very conspicuous, in raising 
 him up friends from this tribe, whence he might have expected 
 the most determined opposition. — Use both , &c. (2) Notes, 
 Judg. 3:15—18. 20:16. 
 
 V. 4. Perhaps Saul had conferred some honourable dis- 
 tinction on thirty of his most valiant, captains ; as David after- 
 wards did on the same number of his: and Ismaiah was placed 
 over this illustrious company. For Ahiezer (3) scorns to 
 have been the chief of those who came to David at this time 
 — 4 1 suppose, there were thirty Benjamites came over to DuviJ 
 at one time, and this was their leader.’ Rp. Patrick 
 
B. C. 1043. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 among; the thirty, and over the thirty ; and Jere- 
 miah. and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Josabad 
 the ‘Gederathite, , 
 
 5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and* Bealiah, and 
 Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite, 
 
 6 Elkanah, and Jesiah, and Azareel, and 
 Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korhites, 
 
 7 And Joelah, and Zebadiah, the sons of 
 Jeroham of m Gedor. 
 
 8 And of the Gadites there separated them- 
 selves unto David "into the hold to the wilderness 
 men of might, and men 'of war fit for the battle, 
 that could "handle shield and buckler, rwhose 
 faces were like the faces of lions, and were fas 
 'swift as the roes upon the mountains ; 
 
 9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second, Eliab the 
 third, 
 
 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 
 
 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 
 
 12 Johanan the eighth, Elzahad the ninth, 
 
 13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbanai the eleventh. 
 
 14 These were of the sons of Gad, captains of 
 the host : tone of the least was over a hundred, 
 and the greatest over a thousand. 
 
 15 These are they that went over Jordan in 
 the first month, when fit had ^overflown all his 
 ba^ks; and they put to flight all them of the 
 Valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west. 
 
 16 And there came of ’the children of Benjamin 
 and Judah to ‘the hold unto David. 
 
 17 And David went out "to meet them, and 
 answered and said unto them, “If ye be come 
 peaceably unto me to help me, x my heart shall 
 be "knit unto you : but if ye be come to betray me 
 to mine enemies, seeing there is no "wrong in 
 my hands, .’the God of our fathers look thereon, 
 and ‘rebuke it. 
 
 18 Then a the Spirit ^came upon b Amasai, who 
 was chief of the captains, and he said, “Thine are 
 we, David, d and on thy side, thou son of Jesse : 
 •peace, peace be unto thee, and peace be to thy 
 helpers ; for f thy God helpeth thee. Then David 
 received them, and made them ^captains of the 
 
 founds [Practical Observations.] 
 
 19 And there fell some of Manasseh to David, 
 h when he came with the Philistines against 
 Saul to battle : but they helped them not : for 
 the lords of the Philistines upon advisement, 
 
 I Josh. 15:36. m 4:18,39. Josh. 15:58. n 16.11:16. 1 Sam. 23:14,29. 24:22. 
 • Ueb.oJ the host. o 2 Chr 25:5. Jer. 46:9. p 11:22. 2Sam. 1:23. 17:10. 23: 
 20. Prov.28:l. t Heb. as the roes upon the mountains to make haste. q2Sam. 
 2:18. i¥ov.6:5. Cant. 8:14. J Or, one that was least could resist an hundred, 
 and the greatest a thousand. Lev. 26:8. Deut. 32:30. r Josh. 3:15. 4: 18. Jer. 
 12:5.49:19. § Heb. filled over. s 2. I See onS. || Heb. before them. 
 
 u 1 Sam. 16:4. 2 Sam. 3:20— 25. 1 Kings 2:13. 2 Kings 9:22. Pa. 12:1,2. 
 
 x 1 Sara. 18:1,3. 2 Kings 10:15. Ps. 86:11. 2 Cor. 13:11. Phil. 1:27. 11 Heb. 
 
 one. Jer. 3*2:30. Acts4:32. 1 Cor. 1:10. ** Or, violence. y Gen. 31 :42,53. 
 1 Sam. 24:11—17. 26:23,24. Ps. 7:6. 1 Pet. 2:23. z Zech. 3:2. Jude 9. a Judg. 
 6:31.13:25. tt Heb. clothed Amasai. b 2:17. 2 Sam. 17:25. 19:13. 20:4, &c. 
 Amasa. c 2 Kings 10:5. d Ruth 1:16. 2 Sam. 15:21. 2 Kings 9:32. Matt. 12:30. 
 
 V. 8. Into the hold, &c.] These Gadites came to David, 
 either to Ziklag, or to some of those natural fortresses in which 
 he secured himself, before he went into the land of the Phi- 
 listines. (Marg. Ref. n.) 
 
 Faces of lions, &c.J ‘ They had a fierceness in their coun- 
 tenances, which terrified their enemies ; who durst not look 
 them in the face, but ran away as soon as they saw them. 
 But they could not save themselves by flight, being pursued 
 so swiftly by these men, that they overtook them and slew 
 them.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref. p, q.) 
 
 V. 14. Either these persons had the command, some over 
 a hundred men, and others over a thousand, before they came 
 to David ; or he preferred them afterwards, in consideration 
 of their services ; or the passage may be understood according 
 to the marginal reading. 
 
 V. IS. The lot of Gad was to the east of Jordan: and it 
 is prooatto, mat these men crossed the river towards the 
 west, or into the land of Canaan properly so called. (Notes, 
 Num. 32:) It seems also, that some great emergency re- 
 quired their immediate interposition; but it is not stated 
 what enemies they opposed.— Perhaps, during some part of 
 Saul’s reign, the Philistines and other tribes, made incursions 
 into the land of Israel; and these resolute Gadites hastened 
 to assist their brethren. Or perhaps they were coming to join 
 David, in his extreme danger; and, being opposed by Saul’s 
 adheitnts, thtv put them to flight, and pursued them in every 
 direction. (Note, 8.) 
 
 V. 1(5 — 18. David had experienced much treachery even 
 from those of his own tribe, and was therefore pul on his 
 guard ; but he very frankly avowed his suspicions, and ap- 
 
 B. C. 1048. 
 
 sent him away, saying, He will fall to his master 
 Satrl : i to the jeopardy of our heads. 
 
 20 As he 'went to Ziklag, there fell to him of 
 Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, 
 and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and 
 Zilthai, k captains of the thousands that were ol 
 Manasseh. 
 
 21 And they helped David ^against 'the band 
 of the rovers : for they were all "“mighty men of 
 valour, and were captains in the host. 
 
 22 For at that time "day by day there came 
 to David to help him, until it was a great host, 
 like “the host of God. 
 
 23 It And these ore^the numbers of the p. c. 
 ""bands that were ready armed to the war, L ,#4B * 
 and came to David to Hebron, "Ho turn the king- 
 dom of Saul to him, "according to the word of the 
 Lord. 
 
 24 The children of Judah that bare shield and 
 spear were six thousand and eight hundred, 
 ready ""armed to the war. 
 
 25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty men of 
 valour for the war, seven thousand and one 
 hundred. 
 
 26 Of the children of Levi four thousand and 
 six hundred. 
 
 27 4nd Jehoiada was “the leader of the 
 ‘Aaroiites, and with him were three thousand 
 and seven hundred. 
 
 28 And "Zadok, a young man mighty of 
 valour, and of his father’s house twenty and two 
 captains. 
 
 29 And of the children of Benjamin, the 
 "'kindred of Saul, three thousand : for hitherto 
 tft ihe greatest part of them had kept the ward of 
 the house of Saul. 
 
 30 And of the children of Ephraim twenty 
 thousand and eight hundred, mighty men of 
 valour, Infamous throughout the house of their 
 fathers. 
 
 31 And of x the half tribe of Manasseh eighteen 
 thousand, which were expressed by name, to 
 come and make David king. 
 
 32 And of the children of Issachar, which were 
 men that had "understanding of the times, Ho 
 know what Israel ought to do ; the heads of them 
 were two hundred, and “all their brethren were 
 at their commandment. 
 
 e Gal. 6:16. Eph. 6:23,24. ft Sam. 25:28,29. 2Sam.5:2. Zech. 8:23. Joho6:67, 
 68. g 1 Sam. 8:12. 22:7. 1 Kings 9:22. h 1 Sam. 29:2— 4. Heb. on our hetuls. 
 
 il Sam. 29:11. k Ex. 18:21. Deut. 1:15. 33:17. §§ Or, with a band. 1 1 Sam. 
 30:1—17. m 20. 5:24. 11:10,21,22. n 2 Sam. 2:2-4. 3:1. Job 17:9. oGen. 
 32:2. Josh. 5:14. Ps. 148:2. p 11:1,3. 2Sam.5:l — 3. |||l Or, taptains, o* 
 men. Heb .heads, q 10:14. r 11:10. 1 Sam. 16:1,12,13. 2 Sam. 3:18. Pa. 2:6. 
 89:19,20. ITU Or, prepared, s 9:20. 2 Kings 1 1:4,9. 25:18. t 6:49— 57. 27:17. 
 u 6:8,53. 2 Sam. 8:17. 1 Kings 1:8. 2:35. Ez. 44:15. *** Heb. brethren. 2 Gen. 
 31:23. ttt Heb. <i multitude of them. 2 Sam. 2:8,9. Heb. men of names. 
 
 Gen. 6:4. x Josh. 17: y Gen. 49:14. Esth.l:13. Is. 22:12— -14. Mic.6:9. Malt. 
 16:3. Luke 12:56,57. z Prov. 14:8. Eph. 5:17. a Prov. 24:5. Ec. 7:19. 9:13. 
 
 pealed to the consciences of those concerned. If they came 
 peaceably to assist him, he would cordially unite with them ; 
 and the time would some, when fie should be able to recom- 
 pense them ; but 1 1 he was conscious he had not injured 
 either Saul ci ins country; he reminded them, that if they 
 came to betray him, the God of their fathers would surely 
 avenge his cause upon them. Then Amasai, their leader, 
 animated by a special impulse of the Spirit of God, answered 
 him in the name of all the rest. He declared that they were 
 entirely attached to his person and interest ; and cordially 
 desired the prosperity of him, and of all who helped him; not 
 only as his cause was just, but as they were persuaded that 
 it was the cause of God, and would prevail : and they desired 
 to share the conflicts and the successes of David and his 
 friends. Accordingly David received and preferred therm- 
 it is not certain, whether Amasai was, or was not, the same 
 as Amasa, elsewhere mentioned. (Marg. Ref. b.) 
 
 V. 19. Notes, l Sam. 29:2—6. 
 
 V. 20, 21. These captains of Manasseh seem to have met 
 David, as he was returning from tho army of the Philistines to 
 Ziklag. It is probable, that they did not bring their compa- 
 nies with them ; yet they both assured him offuture assistance,, 
 and very seasonably helped him against the Amalekites who 
 had spoiled Ziklag. (Notes, 1 Sam. 30:) 
 
 V. 22. Such numbers resorted to David, after Saul's de- 
 feat and death, and they were so loyally attached to David, 
 so united with each other, and so powerfully illustiious and 
 valiant, that they resembled “the host of God;” that is, his 
 legions of angels. Some consider it merely as a Hebraism 
 for a very great army. 
 
 ( 727 ) 
 
B. C. 1048. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1043 
 
 33 Of Zcbulun, such as went forth to battle, 
 ‘expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty 
 thousand, which could 'keep rank: they were 
 
 • not of double heart. 
 
 34 And of Naphtali a thousand captains, and 
 with them with shield and spear thirty and 
 seven thousand. 
 
 35 And of the Danites expert in war twenty 
 and eight thousand and six hundred. 
 
 36 And of Asher, such as went forth to battle, 
 ^expert in war, forty thousand. 
 
 37 And on b the other side of Jordan, of the 
 Reuhenites, and the Gadites, and of the half 
 tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments 
 of war for the battle, a hundred and twenty 
 thousand. 
 
 38 All these men of war, that could keep rank, 
 came c with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make 
 David king over all Israel: and d all the rest also 
 of Israel were of one heart to make David king. 
 
 39 And there they were with David three 
 days, 'eating and drinking : for their brethren had 
 prepared for them. 
 
 • Or, rangers of battle, or ranged in battle. t Or, set the battle in array. 
 
 J Heb. without a heart, and a heart. Ps. 12:2. John 1:47. § Or, keeping their 
 
 rank, b 5:1, &c. Num. 32:33—42. Dent. 3:12—16. Josh. 13:7—32. 14:3.22:1— 
 1U. c 1 Kings 8:61. 11:4. 2 Kings 20:3. Ps. 101:2. d See on 17,18. Gen. 49:8— 
 10. 2 Chr. 30:12. Ps. 110:3. Ez. 11:19. e Gen. 26:30. 31:54. 2 Sam. 6:19. 19:42. 
 f 2 Sam. 16:1. 17:27 — 29. || Or, victual of meal, g 1 Sam. 25:18. h 1 Kings 
 
 1:40.2 Kings 11:20. Prov. 11:10. 29:2. Jer. 23:5,6. Luke 19:37,38. Rev. 19:5—7. 
 
 V. 23 — 40. Some learned men understand this passage, 
 or at least a part of it, as relating to the time when David 
 was made king over Judah, on his first coming to Hebron: 
 hut it seems entirely to refer to his being made king over all 
 Israel, after the death of Ish-bosheth ; for there was no such 
 union of the several tribes, on the former occasion, as is here 
 described. (Notes, 2 Sam. 2:1 — 4. 5:1 — 3.) — At that time 
 great numbers came to David from each of the tribes of 
 Israel : but in different proportions, according to the degree 
 of the cordiality and zeal of each tribe. It is probable, that so 
 small a number of Judah was present, in order that David’s 
 own tribe, over which he had now reigned seven years, might 
 not appear to impose a king on their brethren. There was a 
 considerable number of Levites assembled ; but not at all in 
 proportion to the multitude of the priests, the descendants of 
 Aaron, who appeared on this occasion under a leader named 
 Jehoiada, probably appointed by Abiathar the high-priest: 
 while Zadok, who was afterwards high-priest, being now a 
 voung man, headed a company of chief men, perhaps of the 
 line of Eleazar. So greatly had that family increased, not- 
 withstanding the slaughter which Saul had not long before 
 made of them, (Notes, I Sam. 20:6 — 19.) that almost four 
 thousand attended on this occasion ! — The Benjamites in 
 general had favoured the house of Saul ; and numbers of them 
 still waited for an opportunity of reviving the claim of that 
 family, in some of its branches ; for so the latter part of the 
 twenty-ninth verse may be interpreted. — The leaders of 
 Issachar were intelligent men, who understood the signs of 
 the times ; and perceived that it was both the duty and politi- 
 cal interest of Israel, to advance David to the throne : and, 
 having great authority in their tribe, they induced them to a 
 unanimous concurrence in this measure ; though they do not 
 seem to have brought them to Hebron. Besides the num- 
 bers, who doubtless on various accounts were kept away, 
 though cordially attached to David, there were three hundred 
 and fifty thousand armed men, all heartily devoted to his 
 service ; who placed him upon the throne of Israel, with 
 every expression of joy and affection. 
 
 Not of double heart. (33) ‘All sincerely affected to 
 David ; though there were so many of them.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, Jam. 1:5 — 8.) — On asses , &c. (40) No mention is 
 
 made oi horses, as employed on this occasion. — There was 
 joy in Israel.] ‘ Their hearts were enlarged with joy, to see 
 an end of their division, by their union under such a king, as 
 they might, reasonably hope would procure great happiness 
 to them.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 18. Earthly princes in general honour with marked 
 distinction such persons, as have faithfully adhered to them 
 in seasons of difficulty and danger: and, in like manner, 
 Jesus Christ will confer peculiar honour upon those, who em- 
 brace and adhere to his gospel, in times of persecution and 
 digress ; who deny themselves, renounce their worldly inte- 
 rests, break through difficulties, and bear the cross, for his 
 sake and after his example. — Courage, strength, agility, 
 ingenuity, or superior mental endowments, are valuable to 
 the possessors and to the community, only when, being con- 
 sidered as talents committed to them by the great Lord of 
 all, 'hey are conscientiously improved in promoting the glory 
 of Cod, and t he welfare of mankind: for, when misused or 
 neglected, they prove occasions of increasing condemnation. 
 Long experience of the deceitfulness of mankind will teach 
 caution to every reflecting person; but we slnuld be afraid 
 of growing unreasonably suspicious * and if w 9 have a clear 
 ( 728 
 
 40 Moreover, they that were nigh them, even 
 unto Issachar, and Zebulun, and Naphtali, brought 
 f bread on asses, and on camels, and on, mules, 
 and on oxen, afid "meat, meal, scakes of figs, and 
 bunches or raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, 
 and sheep abundantly: for Hhere was joy in 
 Israel. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 David, with the princes and people, with great solemnity and zeal , fitches the 
 arkfrom Kirjath-jearim , 1 — o. Uzza is smitten, David is disc mcerted, 
 and the ark is left at the house of Obed^edom, 9 — 14. 
 
 A ND David “consulted with the captains of 
 thousands, and hundreds, and with every 
 leader. 
 
 2 And David said unto all the congregation of 
 Israel, b If it seem good unto you, “and that it be 
 of the Lord our God, let us 'send abroad unto 
 our brethren every where, that are d left in all 
 the land of Israel, and with them also to “the 
 priests and Levites which are in 'their cities and 
 suburbs, that they may gather themselves unto us : 
 3 And let us tbring again fthe ark of our God 
 to us : for ewe inquired not at it in the days of 
 Saul. 
 
 a 12:14,20,32. 2Sam.6:l. 2 Kings 23:1. 2Chr.29:20. 31:29,30. b 1 Kings 12: 
 7. 2 Kings 9:15. Prov. 15:22. Philem. 8,9. c Ex. 18:23. 2 Sam. 7.2—5. • Heb. 
 break forth, and send, d 10‘7. Is. 37:4. e 15:2 — 14. Num. 4:4, &c. 2 Chr. 31: 
 4, Ac. f Heb. the cities of their suburbs. 6:54 — 81. Num. 35:2 — 9. t Heb, 
 
 bring about, f 1 Sam. 7:1,2. Ps. 132:6. g 1 Sam. 14:18,36,37. 22:10,15. 23:2 
 4,9—12. 
 
 conscience, and use moderate precautions, we may trust in 
 God to defend us from the effects of secret treachery, as wel 
 as of open violence ; while we should readily forgive former 
 injuries, and unite with those, who profess a disposition to be 
 at peace with us, arid to help us. But, when we cannot but 
 suspect men’s intentions in courting our friendship, it is best, 
 in some cases, frankly to remonstrate with them as in the 
 sight of God. This may sometimes intimidate the insincere, 
 and give the upright an opportunity of clearing up their 
 characters ; while suspicions, harboured in secret, or only 
 whispered among friends, are often injurious to the suspected 
 person, and always troublesome to ourselves. Integrity and 
 affection will frequently, when the case requires it, dictate 
 such frank, unreserved, and energetic language, as to afford 
 full satisfaction: and then, cordial union, in promoting one 
 common cause, succeeds jealousies, distance, and the debility 
 of distrust. — Peace or victory, prosperity and felicity, are 
 ensured to those whom God helps, and to all who concur 
 with them. If under the influence of his Spirit, we, on that 
 account, desire to have our lot among them, and declare on 
 their side ; and if we uprightly embrace the cause of Christ ; 
 his heart will be knit unto us, and he w ill receive and advance 
 us in due season. 
 
 V. 19 — 40. The cause of our King appears to a carnal 
 eye weak and obscure, and his subjects have been hitherto 
 comparatively few : but his kingdom and glory will, ere long, 
 rapidly advance; and his host become, like “the host of 
 God,” innumerable and invincible. — The advancement of 
 wise and good men to authority, is justly considered as a 
 cause of great and general joy ; and joy naturally enlarges 
 the heart in cheerful liberality. Thus the Saviour’s exalta- 
 tion to the throne of glory filled the hearts of his people with 
 gladness: nay, the sinner’s willing submission to him, ushers 
 in a day of joy and gladness, in which his brethren share, 
 and to which they contribute. But, what a joyful time will 
 that be, “ when all kings shall fall down before him, all nations 
 shall serve him !” Every individual, in the innumerable 
 throng, will participate and add to the joy of all the rest : and 
 nothing short of the perfect purity and harmony of heaven, 
 can give us a higher idea of true happiness. Meanwhile, 
 happy are they, “ who have undersUmding of the limes, to 
 know what Israel ought to do:” who wisely perceive it to be 
 their duty and interest, to submit to and trust in Jesus Christ 
 the Son of David : who renounce all inconsistent connexions, 
 pursuits, and employments for his sake ; and unreservedly 
 employ all their influence and ability to promote his cause 
 from love to him and to their brethren : whose love also 
 abounds in knowledge and in all judgment, so that their 
 beneficent endeavours are directed by heavenly wisdom, 
 through an acquaintance with the word of God, and a matu- 
 rity of experience and observation: and who consequently 
 know how to attempt every tiling in that manner, and at 
 those seasons, which are suited to give it the greatest effect. 
 This is to unite* “ the wisdom of the serpent with the harm- 
 lessnoss of the dove ;” and “if amy man lark this wisdom, let 
 him ask it of God f who giveth to all men liberally, and up- 
 braidelh not, and it shall he given him.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 1 — 4. It is probable, that 
 David consulted with his principal friends and officers, about 
 bringing bark the ark, immediately after he had got possession 
 of mount Zion, and had fixed his residence theVo: yet 
 appears, from comparing the different parts of the narrative* 
 that he did not accomplish the design till some time after 
 being retarded by the incursions of tht Phil slincs, and by 
 
B C. 1046. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 B. C. 1047 
 
 4 And all the congregation said that they 
 would do so : for h the thing was right in the eyes 
 afall the people. 
 
 5 So ‘David gathered all Israel together, from 
 •Shihor of Egypt even unto the entering of 'He- 
 math, to bring tiie ark of God from m Kirjath-jearim. 
 
 6 And David went up, and all Israel, to 
 “Baalah, that is, to Kirjath-jearim, which belonged 
 to Judah, to bring up thence the ark of God the 
 Lord, “that dwelleth between the cherubims, 
 •"whose name is called on it. 
 
 7 And they 'carried the ark of God ‘■in a new 
 cart r out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza 
 and Ahio drave tire cart. [Practical observations.] 
 
 8 And ’David and all Israel played before 
 God with all their might, and with 'singing, and 
 ‘with harps, and with psalteries, and with timbrels, 
 and with cymbals, and with trumpets. 
 
 9 H And when they came unto the thrashing- 
 floor of “Chidon, Uzza put forth his hand to hold 
 the ark ; for the oxen ^stumbled. 
 
 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled 
 against Uzza, and he smote him, because “he put 
 his hand to the ark : and 'there he died before 
 God. 
 
 11 And David was ‘displeased because the 
 Lord had made a breach upon Uzza: wherefore 
 that place is called $Perez-uzza “to this day. 
 
 12 And David was b afraid of God that day, 
 saying, c How shall I bring the ark of God home 
 to me ? 
 
 13 So David ''brought not the ark home to 
 himself to the city of David, but carried it aside 
 into the house of d Obed-edom e the Gittite. 
 
 14 And the ark of Goa remained with the 
 family of Obed-edom in his house three months. 
 And r the Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom, 
 and all that he had. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Hiram sends timber and builders to build David a house, 1. He prospers in 
 his kingdom , takes more wives, and has several children, 2, 3. The names 
 of his sons, 4 — 7. He gains two signal victories over the Philistines, 8 — 17. 
 
 N OW Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers 
 to David, b and timber of cedars, with masons 
 and carpenters, c to build him a house. 
 
 2 And David perceived that d the Lord had 
 
 a l Sam. 18:20. 2 Sam. 3:36. 2 Chr. 30:4. marg. Esth. 8:5. i 2 Sam. 
 
 6:1. k Num. 34:5—8. Josh. 13:3—6. Sihor. 1 Kings 4:21. Jer. 2:18. Sihor. 
 
 Nun. 34:8. Josh. 13.5. I Kings 8:65. 2 Kings 25:21. Hamath. m 6. 1 Sam. 
 6:21. , :1. n Josh. 15:9,60. 2 Sam. 6:2. Baale. o Ex. 25:22. Num. 7:89. 
 
 1 Sam. 4:4. 2 Kings 19:15. Ps. 80:1. 99:1. Is. 37:16. p Ex. 20:24. 23:21. Num. 
 t:27. 1 Kings 8:16. * Heb .maae the ark to ride. q 15:2,13. Num. 4:15. 
 
 I Sam. 6:7,8. 2 Sam. 6 3. rl Sam. 7:1,2. s 15:10— 24. 1 Sam. 10:5. 2Sam. 
 6:5 2 Kings 3:15. Ps. 47:5.68:25— 27. 150:3— 5. t Heb. songs, t 15:28. 16:5, 
 42.23:5.25:1—6. Dan. 3:5— 7. Am. 5:23. 6:5. u 2 Sam. 6:6. Nachon. J Or, 
 shook it. x 15:13,15. Num. 4:15: Josh. 6:6. y Lev. 10:1 — 3. Num. 16:35. 
 
 1 Sam. 6:19. 2 Chr. 25:16— 20. 1 Cor. 11:30— 32. ' z 2 Sam. 6:7— 9. Jon. 4:4,9. 
 That is, The breach of Uzza. a Gen. 32:32. Deut. 34:6. Josh. 4:9. b Num. 
 7:12,13. 1 Sam. 5:10,11. 6:20. Ps. 119:120. Is. 6:5. Luke 5:8,9. c 1 Kings 8: 
 £7. Job 25:5,6. Malt. 25:24. || Heb .removed, d 15:18.16:5.26:4,8. 2 Sam. 
 6:10,11. e 2 Sam. 4.3. f Gen. 30:27. 39:5. Prov. 3:9,10. Mai. 3:10,11. 
 a 2 Sam. 5:11,12. I Kings 5:1,8-12. 2 Chr. 2:11,12. Huram. b 22:2. 1 Kines 
 6:6,9,10,18. 2 Chr. 2:3,8— 10. Ezra 3:7. c 17:1. 2 Sam. 7.2. 1 Kings 7:1— 12. 
 
 other hinderances. (Notes, 2 Sam. 5: 6:1,2.) He did not 
 iudge it expedient, to act merely by authority in so impor- 
 tant a concern : but, by consulting his friends, he ensured 
 their ready concurrence, and that of their several connexions, 
 and also of the priests and Levites. During Saul’s reign, or 
 the latter part of it at least, the ark had been neglected, and 
 even David had inquired of God by the high priest at a dis- 
 tance from it; (Notes, 1 Sam. 23:1 — G,9 — 13. 30:7 — 10. 2 
 Sam. 2:1 — 3.) while Saul concerned himself very little in 
 any way about religion. Thus the regular way of inquiring 
 the will of God, by the high priest, with the breastplate of 
 judgment, before the ark in the sanctuary, had been long 
 neglected. 
 
 V. 5 — 14. Marg. Ref. Notes , 2 Sam. 6:1 — 11. — Shihor , 
 &c. (5) Marg. Ref. k. Note , Josh. 13:1 — 5 . — A new cart , 
 &c. (7) ‘ They had so long been without it’ (the ark) ‘ that 
 they had forgot how it ought to be carried.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V 1 — 7. When we set out in life, or obtain any temporal 
 advancement, we should first inquire, how we may honour 
 God and do good, and enjoy the divine blessing, in our seve- 
 ral situations, and in the use of our possessions! Princes 
 especially ought to adopt the most useful measures which they 
 can devise to promote true religion by their example and 
 authority, that they may have the Lord nigh unto them in all 
 they undertake.. This can only be done by consulting with 
 others, and engaging them to concur in measures of acknow- 
 ledged utility, and evidently consistent with the word of God ; 
 and by reminding, encouraging, and charging the ministers of 
 religion, to attend to their impo tant duties in their several 
 Vol. I. — 92 
 
 confirmed him king over Israel, for "bis kingdom 
 was lifted up on high, 'because of his people 
 Israel. 
 
 3 H And David «took 'more wives at Jerusalem : 
 and David begat more sons and daughters. 
 
 4 Now these are the names of his children 
 which be had in Jerusalem ; h Shammua, ard 
 Shobab, 'Nathan, ami k Solomon, 
 
 5 And Ibliar, and 'Elishua, and Elpale. 
 
 6 And Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia. 
 
 7 And Elishama, and ‘"Beeliaila, "and Eliphak t. 
 
 8 H And "when the Philistines heard that 
 David was Panointed king over all Israel, tall 
 the Philistines went up to seek David, p. c. 
 And David heard of it, and went out L IM1 - 
 against them. 
 
 9 And the Philistines came and spread them- 
 selves in r the valley of Rephaim. 
 
 10 And David ’inquired of God, saying, ‘Shall 
 I go up against the Philistines? and wilt thou 
 deliver them into my hand ? And the Lord said 
 unto him, "Go up ; for I will deliver them into 
 thy hand. 
 
 11 So they came up to v Baal-perazim ; and 
 David smote them there. Then David said, 
 x God hath broken in upon mine enemies by my 
 hand dike the breaking forth of waters: therefore 
 they called the name of that place 'Baal-perazim. 
 
 12 And when they had left their gods there, 
 David gave a commandment, and they z weie 
 burned with fire. 
 
 13 And the Philistines a yet again spread ra. e. 
 
 themselves abroad in the valley. L I0 ‘ s - 
 
 14 Therefore David b inquired again of God : 
 and God said unto him, Go not up after them ; 
 "turn away from them, and come upon them over 
 against the mulberry-trees. 
 
 15 And it shall be, when thou shalt hear d a 
 sound of going in the tops of the mulberry-trees, 
 that ’then thou shalt go out to battle : < for God 
 is gone forth before thee, to smite the host of the 
 Philistines. 
 
 16 David therefore ?did as God commander, 
 him: and they smote the host of the Philistines 
 from h Gibeon even to ‘Gazer. 
 
 Jer. 22:13— 15. d 17:17. 2 Sum. 7:16. Ps. 89:20-37. e Num. 24:7. 2 Sam. 7: 
 8,9. f 1 Kines 10:9. 2 Chr. 2:11. Esth. 4:14. Is. 1:25—27. Dun. 5:30. g 3:1— 
 4. Deut. 17:17. 8 Sam. 5:13. 1 Kings 11:3. Prov. 5:13,19. Ec. 7:26— 29. 9:9. 
 Mul. 2:14,15. Matt. 19:4,5,8. * Heb. yet- h 3:5. Shimea. 2 Sam. 5:14. Sham- 
 muah. i 2 Sam. 12: 1 . Luke 3:31. k 22:9— 12. 2S:5, 6. 2 Sam. 12:24,23. 1 Kings 
 1:13,17.2:15.3:3,5—11. Mali. 1:6. I 3:6. E/ishnma. 2Sam.5:15. m2 Sam. 
 5:16. Eliada. n 3:8. Eliphelet. n 1 Sam. 21:11. 2Snrn.5:17 — 25. p 11:3. 
 
 2 Sam. 5:3. q Ps.2:l— 6. Rev. 11:15 — 18. r 11 :15. 2 Sam. 5:18,22. 23:13. Is. 
 17:5. s 14. 13:3. 1 Sam. 23:2— 4,9— 12. 2 Sam. 2:1. & 19,23. t 1 Sam. 30:8. 
 Prov. 3:6. u Judg. 4:6,7. 1 Kings 22:6,15— 17. v 2 Sam. 5:20. la. 28:21. 
 
 x Ps. 18:13—15.44:3. 144:1,10. y Ex. 14:28. Job3U:14. Matt. 7:27. t That 
 \s, a place of breaches. •/. Ex. 12: 12. 32:20. Deut . 7:5,25. 1 Sam. 5:2 — 6. 2 Kings 
 19.18. a 2 Sam. 5:22—25. 1 Kings 20:22. b See on 10. Ps.27:4. c Josh. 8:2— 
 7. John 9:6,7. d Lev. 26:36. 2 Kings 7:6. 19.7. Acts 2:2. e Judg. 4:14. 7:9,15 
 1 Sam. 14:9— 22. Phil. 2:12,13. f Is. 13:4. 45:1 .2. Mic. 2:12,13. g Gen. 6:22. 
 Ex. 39:42,43. John 2:5. 13:17. 15:14. h 2Sam. 5:25. Ceba. i 6:67. Josh. 16: 
 10. Gezer. 
 
 situations, that good examples and good instructions may 
 abound throughout the land. When such things, being mildly 
 proposed, seem good to the leading men, we may hope that 
 they are from the Lord, and expect that many other persons, 
 being called upon, will voluntarily assist ; and that thus the 
 gospel will excite general attention, without any of the ante* 
 Christian weapons of compulsion. — In rectifying abuses, it is 
 generally best to shun personal reflections and severe accusa- 
 tions : they appear malevolent, and excite opposition. Suf« 
 flee it to show, that things needful have been neglected, and 
 that it is proper for us to attend to them : and, in pub v e 
 transgressions, humility will teach a man to consider himself 
 as in some measure guilty, and more readily to condemn him- 
 self than others. — Even good men, in doing their duty, are 
 liable to mistakes, and to act in an improper spirit: and 
 rebukes, though merited and needed, often excite murmurs, 
 discouragements, and hard thoughts of God. May we then, 
 with redoubled diligence, seek to become acquainted with tbq 
 whole word of God, and to make it “ the lantern of our path *' 
 may we walk humbly and circumspectly, avoid rashness and 
 presumption, rejoice in our privileges with trembling, be 
 patient under divine rebukes, persevere in well doing without 
 discouragement, and seel? the forgiveness and acceptance _»i 
 every service, from the mercy of God in ClTrist Jesus ! Thus 
 will the gospel, which is to many u the savour of death, 
 become to us “ the savour of life,” and the source of aL 
 blessings in time and to eternity. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1—16. (Notes, 3:1—9 
 2 Sam. 5:11 — 25.) The events, recorded in this chapter, are 
 supposed to have taken place, in the order assigned to them 
 ( 729 ) 
 
B. C. 1048. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1043 
 
 17 And the Ifame of David went out into all 
 lands ; and the Lord brought k the fear of him 
 upon all nations. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 David, preparrs a place for the ark, and gives orders to the priests and he - 
 vites, about bringing it from the house of Obed-edom, 1 — 24. He and all the 
 chiefs of Israel attend its removal , with sacrifices and songs of praise, 25 — 
 28. Michal despises David for dancing before the ark , 29. 
 
 A ND David made him “houses in the city of 
 David, b and prepared a place for the ark of 
 God, and pitched for it a tent. 
 
 2 Then David said, 'None ought to carry the 
 ark of God but the Levites : for “them hath the 
 Lord chosen to carry the ark of God, and d to 
 minister unto him for ever. 
 
 3 And David “gathered all Israel together to 
 Jerusalem, f to bring up the ark of the Lord unto 
 his place, which he had prepared for it. 
 
 4 And David assembled «the children of Aaron, 
 and the Levites : 
 
 5 Of the sons of Kohath ; h Uriel the chief, and 
 his ’brethren a hundred and twenty : 
 
 6 Of the sons of 'Merari ; Asaiah the chief, 
 and his brethren two hundred and twenty : 
 
 7 Of the sons of Gershom ; k Joel the chief, and 
 his brethren a hundred and thirty: 
 
 8 Of the sons of 'Elizaphan ; nl Shemaiah the 
 chief, and his brethren two hundred : 
 
 9 Of the sons of “Hebron ; Eliel the chief, and 
 his brethren fourscore : 
 
 10 Of the sons of “Uzziel ; rAmminadab the 
 chief, and his brethren a hundred and twelve. 
 
 11 And David called for ^Zadok and Abiathar 
 the priests, and for the Levites, for “Uriel, 
 Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Ain- 
 minadab, 
 
 12 And said unto them, “Ye are the chief of 
 the fathers of the Levites: 'sanctify yourselves, 
 
 I Josh. 6:27. 2 Chr. 26:8. k Ex. 15:14 — IS. Dent. 2:25. 11:25. Josh. 2:9— 11. 
 9:24. a 2 Sam. 5:9. 13:7,8. 14:21. 1.3. 16:1. 17:1—5. Ps. 132:5. Acts 7:46. • Heb. 
 It is not to carry the ark of God , but for the Levites. c Nnm. 4:2 — 15,19,20. 
 7:9. Deut. 10:8. 3l;9. Josh 3:3. G:6. 2 Chr. 35:3. d Num. 8:13,14,24—26. 18: 
 !— 8. Is. 66:21. Jer. 33:17— 22. e 13:5. lKings8:l. f 1 . 2 Sam. 6: 12. g 6: 
 16—20 49,50.12:26—28. Ex. 6:16— 22. Num. 3.4. h 6:22— 24. t Or, kinsmen. 
 > 6:29,30. k 11.93:8. 1 Ex. 6:22. Elzaphan. mil. n 6:2. 23: 12,19. 26.23. 
 30,31. Ex. 6:18. Num. 26:58. o 6:18. 23:12. Ex. 6:18,22. p 6:22. q 12:28. 
 18:16. 1 Sam. 22:20— 23. 2 Sam. 8: 17. 15:24—29,35.20:25. 1 Kin£s2:35. r See 
 w5- 10. s 9:34.24:31. t 14. Ex. 19: 14,15. 2 Chr. 5:11. 29:4,5. 30:15. 35:6. 
 Ez. 48:11. John 17:17. Rom. 12:1,2. Rev. 5:9,10. u 13:7— 9. 2Sam.6:3. 
 
 ▼ 13:1J,!1. 2 Sam. 6:7,8. x See on 2. Num. 4:15. 7:9. Deut. 31 :9. 2 Chr. 30: 
 
 in the jecond book of Samuel, and before David attempted 
 to brio* the ark to Mount Zion. 
 
 L/fl their gods , &c. (12) That is, u Their images.” 
 ( Noie , 2 Sam. 5:21.) ‘No wonder they could not preserve 
 such gods, as could not preserve them, which David would 
 not honour, as they had done the ark when they took it, but 
 burnt them.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 17. Notes , Josh. 2:8—11. 6:27. Matt. 4:23—25. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord has so arranged matters in his providence, that 
 all have reciprocally need of each other’s assistance : thus 
 men learn to feel their own insufficiency, and to unite in 
 society for their common benefit. But, all our advantages 
 are from God, by whatever means or instruments they are 
 derived to us ; and we should recollect, that we possess them 
 for the good of others, and especially for the benefit of his 
 people. — To repress that disposition to carnal security and 
 self-indulgence, which gathers strength by prosperity, we 
 must expect successive conflicts and troubles. But, if we 
 inquire of the Lord in all our difficulties, and trust in him 
 simply; if wc use the appointed means with diligence, and 
 obey his orders without reserve ; if wc break every league 
 with sin, give no quarter to our lusts, and neither spare our 
 own idols, nor covet those of others ; and if we be disposed 
 to give all the glory to the Lord ; we shall not only be con- 
 querors, but every conflict will increase our felicity, and add 
 lustre to our eternal triumphs. Yet, all the praise and honour 
 will ultimately be ascribed to the Saviour : his kingdom is 
 confirmed anti made very high, for the benefit of all his believ- 
 ing people : may his fame go forth into all lands ; and may 
 all nations fear his indignation, trust his mercy, submit to his 
 authority, and unite in glorifying his name ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XV.‘ V. 1. As David had many 
 wives and children, he had occasion to build several houses 
 for them. (3:1—9. 2 Sam. 13:7,20*23. 14:24.)— Some think 
 that the tabernacle made by Moses was become ruinous from 
 tunc and neglect. About four hundred and fifty years had 
 passed since it was erected. (Notes, 16:37 — 43. 1 Kings 6:1. 
 8:4.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. Marg. Ref. Notes, 12 — 15. 2 Sam. 6:12,13. 
 
 V. 4 — 11. The priests and Levites had been before sent 
 lo ; (13:2.) but it is probable, that only a few of them 
 ( 730 ) 
 
 both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up 
 the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place 
 that I have prepared for it. 
 
 13 For because “ye did it not at the first, 
 ’the Lord our God made a breacii upon us, "for 
 that we sought him not after the due order. 
 
 14 So the priests and the Levites ^sanctified 
 themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God 
 of Israel. 
 
 15 And the children of the Levites “bare the 
 ark of God upon their shoulders with the staves 
 thereon, as Moses commanded, according to the 
 word of the Lord. 
 
 16 And “David spake to the b chief of the 
 Levites to appoint their brethren to be “the 
 singers with the instruments of music, psalteries, 
 and harps, and cymbals, sounding, by ^lifting up 
 the voice with joy. 
 
 17 So the Levites appointed “Heman the son 
 of Joel ; and of his brethren, f Asaph the son of 
 Berechiah ; and of the sons of Merari their 
 brethren, eEthan the son ofKushaiah; 
 
 18 And with them their brethren of b the second 
 degree, 'Zechariah, Ben, and k Jaaziel, and She- 
 miramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliah, and 
 Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and 
 Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, ’and Obed-edom, and 
 Jeiel, the porters. 
 
 19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, 
 xvere appointed to sound with ""cymbals of brass ; 
 
 20 And Zechariah, and "Aziel, and Shemira- 
 moth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliah, and 
 Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with psalteries on 
 "Alamoth ; 
 
 21 And pMittithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mik- 
 neiah, and Obed-edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, 
 with ‘'harps on the ’Sheminith to excel. 
 
 22 And' Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was 
 
 17— 90. Pror. 28 13. 1 John 1:8— 10. y Lev. 10:3. 2 Chr. 29:15,34. Joel2;l8, 
 17. z Ex. 25:12— 15. 37:3— 5. 40:20. Num. 4:6. 1 Kings 8:8. 2 Chr. 6:9. 
 
 a 2 Chr. 30:12. Ezra 7:24— 28. Is. 49:23. 1,12. Acts 14 : 23 . 1 Tim. 3:1— lk 
 2 Tim. 2:2. Tit. 1:5. c 27,28.0:31—38.13:8. 10:42 . 23:5.25:1—6. 2 Chr. 29: 
 28-30. Neh. 12:36.40. Ps. 87:7. 149:3. 150:3.4. <12 Chr. 5:13. EzraSUU.ll. 
 
 Neh. 12:43. Ps. 81 :1. 92:1— 3. 95:1 . 100:1 . Jer. 33:11 . e 6:33.25:1-5. 1 Sam. 
 8.2. f 6:39. 25:2. Pa. 73:83: lilies, fr 19. 6:44. son of Kishi. h 25:2— 6,9— 
 31. i 16:5,6. k 20. Aziel. 1 13:14.16:5,38.26:4,8,15. m 16. 13:11. 16:5,42. 
 25:1,6. Ps. 150:5. n 18. Jtwziel. o Ps. 46: litU. p 18. 16:5. q 25:6,7. 
 1 Sam. 10:5. Ps. 33:2. 81:1,2. 92:3. 150:3. ; Or, eighth lo oversee. Ps.6: 12; 
 
 titles. 
 
 attended : at least, at this time greater numbers were col- 
 lected, and they were arranged with more exact regularity. 
 (Marg.Rcf.) 
 
 V. 12 — 14. It appears from David’s language to the priests 
 and Levites, that they had before neglected to “ sanctify 
 themselves,” by carefully avoiding, or seeking to be cleansed 
 from, all ceremonial pollutions ; by abstraction from outward 
 indulgences : and by repentance, faith, prayer, and medita- 
 tion. ( Notes, Ex. 19:10—15. 2 Chr. 29:3—5, v. 5. 30:15.) — 
 The ark had long been stationary, and the priests and Levites, 
 through negligence, had forgotten how it ought lobe removed ; 
 so that the king himself first discovered the error which had 
 been committed, and pointed it out to them : and t hough he 
 joined himself with them, as “ not having sought the Lord 
 after the due order;” (13:9 — 11. Notes, 2 Sam. 6:3 — 11. 2 
 Chr. 30:16 — 20.) yet it is plain that a large proportion of tho 
 blame belonged to them, especially to the chief persons 
 among them. (Note, Mai. 2:4 — 9.) It seems, however, that 
 they were at this time made sensible of their guilt and danger ; 
 and very seriously and reverentially prepared for the solemn 
 service. ‘ This good king doth not wholly excuse himself, and 
 lay all the blame on them ; but puts himself into the number of 
 those who were negligent in this matter. For it was his duty, as 
 well as theirs, to look into the law, and pray to God for his 
 direction.’ Bp. Patrick. Had the express injunction in the 
 law of Moses (Note, Deut. 17:18.) been strictly observed, it 
 would have prevented many of these mistakes. But it may 
 be doubted, if even David himself had noticed if. 
 
 V. 15. The Levites of the family of Kohath were appointed 
 to carry the ark, and the priests were (if that family ; so that, 
 on some occasions the priests, and on others the ordinary 
 Levites descended from Kohath, performed this service. 
 ( Notes, Num. 4:4 — 16. 7:4 — 9. Josh • 3:3,4. 1 Kings 8:3.) 
 
 V. 16. David, as a prophet, appointed tho several parti- 
 culars concerning tho solemn worship at the sanctuary, 
 especially in respect of psalmody anil music : and he seems 
 first to have begun this arrangement when he removed the 
 ark, though ho afterwards more entirely completed it 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, 16:4—6,37—43. 25: Ex. 15:1,20,21, 
 2 C hr . 29:25—30.) 
 
 V. 17—19. Marg. Ref. Notes, Cr. 31—38. 
 
 V. 20, 21. Alamoth and Shcminith are musical terror 
 
B. C. 1043. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. B. C. ,, 43 
 
 'for tsoag : "he instructed about the song, because 
 he was skilful. 
 
 23 And Berechiah and Elkanali were 'door- 
 keepers for the ark. 
 
 24 And Shebaniah, and Jehoshaphat, and 
 Nethaneel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and 
 Benaiah, and Eliezer, “the priests, did blow with 
 the trumpets before the ark of God : and “Obed- 
 edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers lor the ark. 
 
 25 31 So "David and the elders of Israel, and 
 the ^captains over thousands, went to bring up 
 the ark of the covenant of the Lord out ot the 
 house of “Obed-edom “with joy. 
 
 26 And it came to pass, when b God helped 
 the Levites that bare the ark of the covenant of 
 the Lord, that “they offered d seven bullocks and 
 seven rams. 
 
 27 And David was clothed with e a robe of fine 
 linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and 
 the singers, and rChenaniah the master of the 
 J song with the singers : David also had upon him 
 an ephod of linen. 
 
 28 Thus all Israel ^brought up the ark of the 
 covenant of the Lord h with shouting, and with 
 sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with 
 cymbals, making a noise with psalteries and harps. 
 
 29 11 And it came to pass, as the 'ark of the 
 covenant of the k LoRD came to the city of David, 
 that ‘IVlichal the daughter of Saul looking out at 
 
 • Or , for t\e carraige : he instructed about the carriage. T Hcb. lift- 
 ing up. 16, /7. r 25:7,8. 8 9:21— 23. 2 Kings 22:4. 2-5: 18. Pa. 84:10. t 16: 
 
 6. Num. 1 0 : S. 2 Chr. 5:12,13. Ps. 81:3. u 18,23. x 2 Sam. 6:12,13. 1 Kings 
 
 *8:1. y Num. 31:14. Deut. 1:15. 1 Sam. 8:12. 10:19.22:7. Mic.5:2. z 13:14. 
 a 13:11,12. Deut. 12:7,18. 16:11,15. 2 Chr. 20:27,28. Ezra 6:16. Ps. 95:1,2. 100: 
 1,2. Phil. 3:3. 4:4. b 29:14 . 1 Sam. 7: 12. Acts 26:22. 2 Cor. 2:16. 3:5. 
 
 c 2 Sam. 6:13. Ps. 66:13— 15. d Num. 23: 1 ,2,4,29 . 29:32. Job 42:8. Ez. 43:23. 
 e 1 Sam. 2:18. 2 Sam. 6:14. f 22. 1 Or, carriage. 22. g 2Sarn. 6:15. h 16. 
 13:8. 2 Chr. 5:12,13. Ezra 3:10,11. Ps. 47:1— 5. 68:25. 98:4—6. 150:3—5. i 17: 
 1. Num. 10:33. Deut. 31:26. Josh. 4:7. Judg. 20:27. 1 Sam. 4:3. Jer.3:16. 
 He>. 9:4. k 2Sam.6:16. 1 1 Sam. 18:27,28. 19:11— 17. 25:44. 2 Sam. 3:13,14. 
 
 which cither signify treble and bass, or some particular tunes, 
 or the construction of the instruments to which the composi- 
 tions were adapted. ( Notes , Ps. 6: title. 46: title.) 
 
 V. 22. Chenaniah seems to have been the precentor , and 
 the principal instrucler of all the company in singing : though 
 Heman, Asaph, and Ethan had the chief authority over the 
 singers and musicians of the families of the Levites. (Marg. 
 Ref. v. 17.) 
 
 V. 23, 24. Perhaps Berechiah and Elkanah were stationed 
 on mount Zion, to open the doors of the tent, when the ark 
 approached to it ; and when the singers called on them for 
 admission. (Note, Ps. 24:7 — 10.) And Obed-edom and 
 Jehiah were afterwards appointed statedly to guard the door 
 of the tent, that none might enter, but according to the law. — 
 The blowing of the trumpets was exclusively the office of the 
 priests. (Marg. Ref. t. Note, Num. 10:2 — 10.) 
 
 V. 26. The Levites offered these sacrifices on their own 
 account, besides those which David offered. (Note, 2 Sam. 
 6:12,13.) Thus they acknowledged the unmerited goodness 
 of God, in enabling them with safety to perform the service 
 allotted them ; probably being conscious, that Uzzah had been 
 smitten, as much through their fault as for his own. — Some 
 think that they rested seven times, and offered a bullock 
 and a ram each time. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 27, 28. Note, 2 Sam. 6:14,15. 
 
 V. 29. (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:16,20 — 23.) 1 She was a proud 
 woman, and ’tis likely had no great sense of religion, which in 
 the reign of Saul . . . was much neglected.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The most zealous and useful reformers have, in all ages, 
 been left to make mistakes, which inferior persons could 
 easily discern ; and especially, before their judgments were 
 matured by experience and observation. Satan avails him- 
 self of these errors to prejudice the minds of men against their 
 A’hole character and work : and the artifice readily succeeds 
 with those, who are in quest of some specious pretence, for 
 despising and opposing the humbling truths and the holy ser- 
 vice of God. But, we should hence infer, that nothing perfect 
 can be expected from mere men ; and we should neither be 
 offended at the miscarriages blended with laudable and useful 
 endeavours ; nor yet vindicate or adopt every sentiment and 
 practice, which have been sanctioned by respectable and 
 eminent men: but, we should compare all, as well as we 
 can, with the word of God ; and by that criterion distinguish 
 between the precious and the vile. Wise and good men, 
 however, will profit by rebukes ; having discovered, they will 
 honestly confess, their mistakes, and acknowledge that they 
 “did not seek the Lord after the due order;” and, upon 
 ^collection, they will both justify him in his sharpest correc- 
 tions, and proceed with their work with greater circumspec- 
 tion. It indeed, seems one of the greatest attainments of 
 human nature, to search out, confess, rectify, and profit by, 
 our own mistakes and miscarriages. — The Lord’s choice of 
 us, in every sense in which that expression is used or under- 
 
 a window, saw king David "“dancing and playing 
 and "she despised him in her heart. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The ark being placed in its tent, David offers sacrifices, and liberally fecs't 
 the people, 1 — 3. He appoints singers and musicians to praise the Lxnd, 
 4 — 6. The psfUm of thanksgiving then used,! — 36. The priests, singers, 
 and porters appointcel to minister continually before the ark, 37 — 42. David 
 dismisses the people, 43. 
 
 • ^O “they brought the ark of God, and set it 'in 
 
 0 the midst of the tent that David pitched for 
 it: and "they offered burnt-sacrifices and peace- 
 offerings before God. 
 
 2 And when David had made an end of offering 
 d the burnt-offerings, and the peace-offerings, “he 
 blessed the people in the name of the Lord. 
 
 3 And lie dealt to every one of Israel, both man 
 and woman, fto every one a loaf of bread, and 
 good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. 
 
 4 H And 5 he appointed certain of the Levites to 
 h minister before the ark of the Lord, and 1 to re- 
 cord, and to thank and praise lthe Lord God of 
 Israel : 
 
 5 k Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah 
 Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Matta 
 thiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-edom : 
 and Jeiel with 'psalteries and with harps ; but 
 Asaph made a sound with cymbals; 
 
 6 Benaiah also and Jahaziel the priests 'with 
 trumpets continually before the ark of the covenant 
 of God. 
 
 7 H Then ra on that day David delivered first 
 
 m Ex. 15:20. Ps. 30:11 . 149:3. 150:4. Ec. 3:4. Jer. 30:19. 33:11. n2Sam,6: 
 20—23. Ps. 69:7 — 9. Acts2:13. lCor.2:14. 2C'or.5:I3. a 2 Sam. 6:17— 19. 
 
 1 Kings 8:6. 2 Chr. 5:7. b 15:1,12. 2Chr.!:4. Ps. 132.8. c 1 Kings 8:5. 
 
 2 Chr. 5:6. Ezra 6:16 — 18. d Uv. 1:3. e Gen. 14:19. 20:7. 47:7,10. Nim.6: 
 
 23—27. Josh. 22:6. 2Sam.6:18. 1 Kings 3:55,56 . 2 Chr. 29:29. 30:18— 20,27. 
 Luke 24:50,51. Heb.7:7. f 2 ( hr. 30:24. 35:7,8. Neh. 8:10. Ei. 45:17. 1 Pet. 
 4:9. g 15:16. 23:2—6. 24:3. h 37—42. 23:27—32. Num. 18:1—6. i 8. Ps. 
 38: 70: titles. 103:2. 105:5. Is. 62:6,7. j Gen. 17:7. 32:28. 33.20. marg. 1 Kings 
 8:15. Ps. 72:18. 106:48. k See on 6:39. 15:16— 24. 25:1— 6. * * Heb. instru- 
 
 ments of psalteries and harps. 15:20,21. 2 Cl>r. 29:25. 1 Num. 1U:8. 2 Chr. 
 5:12,13. 13:12. 29: -6 — 28. m 2 Sam. 23:1 ,2. 2 Chr. 29:30. Neh. 12:24. 
 
 stood, implies our being chosen to services, as well as privU 
 leges ; and plain and serious admonitions, from those who lead 
 the way by a good example, and whose rank and character 
 give weight and authority to their words, will often excite the 
 remiss to diligence, and the ignorant and heedless to lcaro 
 and attend to their duty. — But alas ! pre-eminence is gene- 
 rally privileged with supineness and indulgence : and too 
 often, examples of avarice, pride, and licentiousness, become 
 infamously conspicuous, through the rank of those who set 
 them ; diffusing their baleful influence, like a destructive pes- 
 tilence, among the subordinate members of the community 
 We have all, however, our proper place, work, and talent; 
 every servant should know well his own business, and punctu- 
 ally execute it ; and this cannot be done without attention to 
 the Scriptures, and preparation of heart by the sanctification 
 of the Spirit, vouchsafed in answer to our prayers. — Every 
 thing we engage in, must he undertaken in dependence on the 
 mercy and grace of God through the atoning sacrifice of the 
 Redeemer : and, as “ it is of the Lord’s mercy, that we are 
 not consumed so, if we go successfully and comfortably 
 through any sevice, we must remember that God has helped 
 us, and give him the glory; for without him we can do 
 nothing. When God accepts our persons and our works, 
 makes our hearts joyful in himself, and renders our services 
 beneficial to his church ; we may indeed expect, but need 
 not regard, the scoffs and reproaches of unbelievers : and we 
 must learn to bear them with patience, and to persevere in 
 our compassionate prayers for those, who are thus enemies 
 to their own souls by opposing the cause of God, which we 
 are honoured to promote. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVI. V. 1—3. Notes, 2 Sam. 6: 
 17—19. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. These Levites were appointed “ to record,” or 
 to put the people in remembrance of the wonderful works of 
 God for Israel, as well as to thank him and praise his name. 
 (Note, Is. 62:6,7*) Doubtless, David acted as a prophet in 
 regulating this part of divine worship : and his example will 
 not justify uninspired men, in introducing human inventions 
 into the worship of God, and imposing them by their own 
 authority ; for when Hezekiah made similar arrangements, 
 he only enforced what David had appointed. (2 Chr. 29:26 — 
 28.) Yet it is evident that the other kings of Judah, and 
 Nehemiah after the captivity, in many things commanded and 
 directed the Levites and priests, and even the high-priest, in 
 respect of their ministrations; and that when they exercised 
 this authority in religious concerns, according to the word of 
 God, they were approved and comaiended for so doing. As 
 this is no where enjoined on rulers in the law of Moses ; it 
 seems by no means exclusively to belong to that dispensa- 
 tion, but to be the proper improvement of the talents intrust ca 
 to them ; while an unscriptural exercise of this authority con- 
 stituted an abuse and perversion of their talents. (N'-f*. 2 
 Kings 16:10—16. 2 Chr. 15:12—19. 29:12,15,21—24. 20.12. 
 U:2— 4,20,21 34:20—28. 35:1—9. Neh. 13:7-13,28- iii. 
 
 ( 731 ) 
 
B. C. 1043. I. CHRONICLES. B. C. 1043, 
 
 this psalm , to thank the Lord, "into the hand of 
 Asaph and his brethren. 
 
 8 "Give thanks unto the Lord, Pcall upon his 
 name, intake known his deeds among the peo- 
 ple. 
 
 9 "Sing- unto him, sing "psalms unto him, ‘talk 
 ye of all his wondrous works. 
 
 10 “Glory ye in his holy name : x let the heart of 
 them rejoice that seek the Lord. 
 
 11 rSeek the Lord and "his strength, a seek his 
 face continually. 
 
 12 b Remember his marvellous works that he 
 hath done, his wonders, and c the judgments of his 
 mouth ; 
 
 13 0 (1 ye seed of Israel, his servant, ye children 
 of Jacob, e his chosen ones. 
 
 [Practical Observations."] 
 
 14 He is f the Lord our God; §his judgments 
 are in all the earth. 
 
 15 Be h ye mindful always of his covenant; the 
 
 q P6. 12: 18: titles, o See on Pe. 105:1—15. p Is. 12:4. Acis 9:14. 1 Cor. 1:2. 
 q 1 Kings 8:43. 2 Kings 19:19. Ps. 67:2— 4. 78:3— 6. 145:5,6. r Ps. 95:1,2 . 96: 1 , 
 2.98:1—4. s Matt* 26:30. Kpli.5-.19. Col. 3:16. Jam. 5:13. t Ps. 40:10. 71:17, 
 18.96:3.145:4—6.12. u Ps. 34.2. Is. 45:25. Jer. 9:23,24. 1 Cor. 1 ;30,31 . Gr. 
 x 28:9. Prov. 8:17. Is. 45:19. 55:6,7. Jer. 29:13. Matt. 7:7,8. y Am. 5:6. 
 Zeph. 2:2,3. z 2 Chr. 6:41 . Ps. 68:35. 78:61 . a Pa. 4:6. 27:8,9. 67:1. b 8,9. 
 Ps. 103:2. 111:4. c Ps. 19:9. 1 19:13,20,75.137. Rom. 11.33. Rev. 16:7. 19:2. 
 d Cen. 17:7. 28:13,14. 35:10—12. e Ex. 19:5,6. Deut. 7:6. Ps. 135:4. 1 Pet. 2: 
 
 9. f Ex. 15:2. Ps. 63:1. 95:7. 100:3. 118:28. g 12. Ps. 48:10,11. 97:8,9. h Ps. 
 
 Ez. 45:18 — 25.) — The use of instrumental music in the wor- 
 ship of God was evidently prior to the ceremonial law ; and 
 therefore could form no part of it, or be abrogated with it: 
 and though it is not required in the New Testament ; yet it 
 seems no way inconsistent with it, provided it be suited to the 
 solemnity and seriousness of our religious rejoicing, and so 
 regulated as really to assist the exercise of devout affections. 
 The sad abuse of making, what is called sacred music , a 
 matter of mere carnal diversion , with some other subordinate 
 evils of the same kind, form the strongest arguments against 
 it. (Note, Ex. 15:1.) — The trumpets alone were appointed 
 in the law, and had a typical meaning. (Note, Num. 10:2 — 
 
 10. P. O. 1—10.) 
 
 V. 7. The psalm, which was sung on this solemn occa- 
 sion, is composed of extracts from several psalms. ( Marg . 
 Ref.) To the twenty-second verse inclusive is nearly the 
 same as the former part of the cv. Psalm: from the twenty- 
 third verse to the thirty-third, it accords to the xcvi. Psalm ; 
 and the conclusion, to that of the cvi. Psalm. Probably 
 David had these by him, with many others, for his own private 
 use ; and he composed from them a song of praise and 
 thanksgiving, to record the mercies of the Lord, suited to the 
 solemnity. But, afterwards he gave the other psalms also, 
 one after another, into the hands of the chief singers, for the 
 benefit of the people who attended the worship performed 
 before the ark. 
 
 To thank the Lord.] 4 To give him thanks (as Conradus 
 Pellicanus well glosses) for all his benefits, he had bestowed 
 on his people Israel, and which he intended to bestow on all 
 the people of this world by his Son Christ.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 8, 9. In these verses the inspired and enraptured 
 Psalmist excited the people, and taught them to animate each 
 other, in blessing the God of Israel for all his mercies, and 
 in celebrating his glorious perfections, which are worthy to be 
 known, admired, and extolled ; and which render him the 
 meet object of the universal and entire love, worship, confi- 
 dence, and obedience of all rational creatures. He also ex- 
 horted them to meditate, and converse frequently, on the 
 wonderful works of Jehovah, and to proclaim them before 
 others ; to call on him in all their wants and dangers ; and by 
 every means to adore and praise him. (Notes, Ps. 96:1 — 4. 
 105:1,2. Is. 12:4— 6.) 
 
 V. 10. To “ glory in God,” is to value our relation to him, 
 as our honour and privilege, far above all other distinctions ; 
 to make that alone the ground of our confidence and exulta- 
 tion ; to account ourselves in this, more happy, more ho- 
 noured, and more favoured, than any other people. To “glory 
 in his holy name,” is to rejoice and exult in his immutable 
 wisdom, justice, truth, and love. ( Notes, Is. 45:23 — 25. Jer . 
 9:23,24. 1 Cor. 1:26—3 1. Phil. 3:1— 7, u. 3.) And even 
 
 they, who arc only beginning to seek the Lord, may rejoice 
 that he is upon a mercy-seat, ready to receive their submis- 
 sions, to hear their prayers^ to forgive their sins, to supply 
 their wants, and to save their souls. (Marg. Ref .) 
 
 V. 1 1. “Seeking the Lord” implies an earnest and dili- 
 gent endeavour to obtain the knowledge and favour of God, 
 according to the revelation made of him in his word ; the 
 renewal of the soul to holiness by his grace, the safety to bo 
 enjoyed under his omnipotent protection, and the comfort and 
 support of his Spirit under all trials and temptations, till his 
 strength has perfected the work of his mercy in the full salva- 
 tion of both body and soul ; when present glimpses of his glory, 
 and experience of his love, shall be perfected, by beholding 
 the full display of that glory, and enjoying the full effects of 
 that love, in heaven for ever. (Notes, Ps. 14:2,3. 27:8,9. Is. 
 
 Matt. 6:33,34. 7:7 — 11.) — The gracious aid and pro- 
 
 ( 732 ) 
 
 word which he commanded to 'a thousand gene 
 rations ; 
 
 16 Even of the covenant k which he made with 
 Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; 
 
 17 And hath confirmed the same to Jacob, 'for 
 a law, and to Israel for m an everlasting covenant, 
 
 18 Saying, "Unto thee will I give the land o; 
 Canaarij the 'lot of your “inheritance; 
 
 19 When ye were but 'few, even fa few, and 
 strangers in it. 
 
 20 And when ithey went from nation to nation, 
 and from one kingdom to another people : 
 
 21 r He suffered no man to do them wrong : 
 yea, "he reproved kings for their sakes, 
 
 22 Saying, Touch not ‘mine anointed, and do 
 my “prophets no harm. 
 
 23 x Sing unto the Lord, all the earth; "show 
 forth from day to day his salvation. 
 
 24 "Declare his glory among the heathen ; his 
 marvellous works among all nations. 
 
 25:10. 44:17. 105:8. Mai. 4:4. i Deut. 7:9. It Geo. 15:18. 17:2.26:3.28:13,14 
 Ex. 3:15. Neh. 9:8. Luke 1:72,73. Acls3:25. Gal. 3:15— 17. Heb. 6:13— 18. 
 IPs. 78:10. m Gen. 17:7,8. 2 Sam. 23:5. Is. 55:3. Heb. 13:20. n Gen. 12:7. 
 13:15.17.8.28:13,14. 35:11,12. ■ Heb. cord. Mic.2:5. o Num. 26:53— 56. 
 
 Dent. 32:8. f Heb . m*n of number . p Gen. 34:30. Acts 7:5. Heb. 11:13. 
 q Gen. 12:10.20:1.46.3,6, r Gen. 31 :24,29,42. s Gen. 12: 17. 20:3. Ex. 7:16, 
 17.9:13—18. t 1 Kings 19:16. 1 John 2:27. u Gen. 20:7. 27:39,40. 48:19,20. 
 49:8—10. x See on 9. Ps. 96:1— 13. Ex. 15:21 . Ps. 30:4. Is. 12:5. y Ps. 40. 
 10.71:15.16.51:6—8. z 2 Kings 19:19. Ps. 22:27. Is. 12:2— 6. Dan. 4:1— 3. 
 
 tectionof Jehovah were ensured to Israel, when they sought 
 him as dwelling between the cherubim above the ark : there- 
 fore the ark itself is called “ his strength and this implies, 
 that we must “seek the Lord,” through Christ, and according 
 to the gospel. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 12, 13. “The judgments of his mouth,” may either 
 mean, the righteous laws and statutes given to Israel, or the 
 just vengeance which God denounced and executed on his 
 enemies, in Egypt, in the wilderness, and in Canaan. (Marg. 
 Ref. Notes , Deut. 7:6 — 8. Is. 41:8,9.) 
 
 V. 14. Israel, as the peculiar people of Jehovah, were 
 bound to worship and obey him ; and ought to glory and re- 
 joice in him. Indeed, his word and his works, both of mercy 
 and vengeance, which had become known and renowned 
 among the nations far and wide, suggested powerful motives 
 both of warning and encouragement, to his professed servants. 
 He also governs the whole earth injustice and in judgment: 
 and is continually executing, in his providence, deserved pu- 
 nishment upon offending nations and individuals. His judg- 
 ments were made known in all the earth, in a most striking 
 manner, when Christianity was established in the world , 
 while the nation of the Jews, and the idolatrous Gentiles, who 
 opposed the cause of Christ, were exposed to the most ter- 
 rible and durable calamities. 
 
 V. 15 — 19. (Note, Ps. 105:8 — 15, v. 8.) The covenant* 
 of Jehovah with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, engaged to 
 their posterity the inheritance of Canaan. This was abso* 
 lute, as a law which required prompt obedience. Their de- 
 scendants must inherit the land ; but, which of their genera- 
 tions, or for how long a time that should be, depended on 
 other circumstances, which were declared and stipulated by 
 the Sinai-covenant. (Notes, Gen. 17:4 — 12. 26:2 — 5. 28:13 
 —15. Ex. 19:5. 24:6—8. Jer. 31:31— 34. Gal. 3:15 — 18L 
 
 Heb. 6:16 — 20. 8:7 — 13.) — 4 What he had first promised to 
 Abraham, and confirmed to Isaac, by a solemn oath, he 
 established to Jacob by an inviolable law, to endure for ever. 
 Bp. Patrick. A thousand generations is a large definite 
 number taken for an indefinite one ; (Deut. 7:9.) and this 
 language was suited to lead the thoughts of pious Israelites 
 to the eternal inheritance typified by Canaan. The oath, by 
 which the Lord condescended to ratify this engagement, 
 showed the immutability of his counsel, and represented the 
 covenant of grace, as irreversibly confirmed with every true 
 believer. — David called upon the people to remember ths 
 covenant; that, considering from how small beginnings 
 through how many and formidable difficulties, and after how 
 many delays, the engagement of the Lord had been fulfilled ; 
 they might be animated to praise him, encouraged to trusl 
 him, and induced to cleave to and obey him. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. (Notes, Gen. 20:1 — 7. 26:11.) The Patriarchs 
 were the Lord’s anointed, as they were believers, prophets, 
 and types and ancestors of Christ ; in respect of the Lord’s 
 choice of them, his grace bestowed on them, and their spiritual 
 consecration to his service ; though they wore not externally 
 anointed with oil, that we read of. (Marg. RvJ. Notes , 1 
 John 2:20—29.) 
 
 V. 23,24. Having taken a suitable passage from one psalm, 
 to stir up the congregation to celebrate the praises of God, 
 for his special mercies to Israel ; David introduces another 
 psalm, and adds a solemn call to all the inhabitants of the 
 earth to join in his praises, as the only living ind true 
 God, the Creator and Judge of the world, and the God of sal- 
 vation ; and from day to day to make known his glory and 
 salvation still more widely. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ps. 961 -4.) 
 
 4 Let not only the Israelites praise him, but a/1 the people of 
 the earth acknowledge their greut Creator; proclaim nis 
 
B. C. 1043. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 B. C. 1043 
 
 25 For “great, is -,he Lord, and greatly to be 
 praised : b lie also is to be feared above all gods. 
 
 26 For c all the s:ods of the people are idols: but 
 4 the Lord made the heavens. 
 
 27 “Glory and honour are in his presence ; 
 f Strength and gladness are in his splace. 
 
 28 ’’Give unto the Lord 'ye kindreds of the peo- 
 ple, give unto the Lord Jglory and strength. 
 
 29 Give unto the Lord k the glory due unto his 
 name: 'bring an offering, and “come before him: 
 worship the Lord in "the beauty of holiness. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 30 Fear “before him, all the earth: the world 
 also shall be ^stable, that it be not moved. 
 
 31 Let ot.he heavens be glad, and r let the earth 
 rejoice : and let men say among the nations, 'The 
 Lord reigneth. 
 
 32 Let ‘the sea roar, and the fulness thereof : 
 let the “fields rejoice, and all that is therein. 
 
 a Ps. 89:7. 145:3-6. 18.40:11-17. Rev. 15:3,4. b Ex. 15:11. Ps. 66:3— 5. 76:7. 
 Jer. 5:22. 10:6— 10. Rev. 15:4. c Lev. 19:4. Ps. 1 15:4— 8. Acls 19:26. 1 Cor. 
 8 4. d U. 42:5. Jer. 10:11,12. e Ps. 8:1. 16:11. 63:2,3. John 17:24. fPs.27: 
 4-6.23:7,8.43:2-4. ? Ps. 96:6. h Pa. 29:1,2. 68:34. i Ps. 66-1,2. 67:4,7. 86: 
 8— 10. 98:4. 100:1,2. Ia. 11:10. j 29:10 — 14. Ps. 115:1,2. I Cor. 15: 10. 2 Cor. 
 12:9,10. E|ih. 1:6,17—19. Phil. 4:13. k Ps. 89:5-8. 108:3—5. 148:13,14. Is. 6: 
 3. Rev. 4:9— 11. 5:12— 14. 7:12. I 1 Kings 8:41— 43. Ps. 68:30,31. 72:10,15. Is. 
 80:6,7. m Ps. 95:2. 100:4. n 2 Chr. 20:21. Ps. 29:2. 50:2. 96:6,9. 110:3. Ex. 
 7:20.24:25. o See on 23,25. Ps. 96:9. Rev. 11:15. p Ps. 33:9. 93:1. 148:5,6. 
 
 promised salvation by Christ without intermission.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 25, 26. The power and majesty, the authority and 
 eternity, the omniscience, omnipresence, and unchangeable- 
 ness of God, are his greatness: as his justice, wisdom, truth, 
 goodness, and mercy, form his holiness. In both respects he 
 is altogether glorious, and infinitely exceeds the most exalted 
 praises, and even the comprehension, of the noblest of all 
 created intelligences. Thus he is the sole object of fear, and 
 reverential worship, and adoring love ; while all others, to 
 whom divine worship ever was rendered, are either senseless 
 stocks, fallen angels, or mere creatures, who cannot help their 
 worshippers, or punish their despisers. ( Notes , Ps. 96:5. 
 Jer. 10:6— 8,11— 15. Rev. 15:1— 4.) 
 
 V. 27. (Ps. 96:6.) Wherever the Lord displays his pre- 
 sence by his works, he shows the glory and honour of his 
 perfections: but, in heaven, where his presence is manifested, 
 in a manner to us inconceivable and ineffable, his glory and 
 honour beam forth upon the blessed inhabitants, so as to 
 transform them fully into his holy image of light, purity, and 
 felicity, and to be reflected back in their rapturous unceasing 
 worship and service of him. This is, in a feeble way, imi- 
 tated and emulated, “ in his place," his sanctuary, his church 
 on earth. There his power and beauty are in a measure 
 displayed ; and the true believer, beholding in Christ Jesus 
 the glory of the Lord, “ is changed into the same image, from 
 glory to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord and thus is both 
 made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light, and enjoys 
 the earnests of it. (Notes, Ps. 27:4—6. 50:1,2. 63:1 — 4. 
 2 Cor. 3:17,18.) 
 
 V. 28, 29. This is an exhortation to all who then heard, 
 and all who now hear or read it, to “ascribe to Jehovah” 
 the tribute of praise and adoration, which he demands as his 
 due ; to allow that all glory belongs to him, and that all power 
 resides in him, or is derived from him ; and to render to him 
 that gratitude, love, and service, which is due to him from all, 
 as their Creator and hourly Benefactor. (Notes, Ps. 29:1,2. 
 96:7—9. ) This cannot be withheld without the basest ingra- 
 titude. — “All the kindreds of the earth” form but one family, 
 and ought to unite in the service of their common Father. 
 But all had sinned and fallen under condemnation: yet, 
 through the Redeemer, who was promised from the beginning, 
 all were invited to approach the Lord with their worship and 
 oblations at his sanctuary. This may be called, “ the beauty 
 of holiness,” from the especial presence of the Lord, dwelling 
 above the ark between the cherubim, upon the mercy-seat, 
 as Israel’s God; as typifying the human nature of Jesus 
 Christ; and representing the believer’s heart, now become 
 “ an habitation of God through the Spirit.” AY hen, however, 
 we approach the F ather, upon a mercy-seat, through the sacri- 
 fice and mediation of the Son, and under the influences of the 
 Hcly Spirit; then, and then only, do we, in the full meaning 
 3f the words, “ worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.” 
 
 V. 30. Let all men fear the power, justice, and majesty 
 of God : let them fear his wrath, and flee for refuge to his 
 rnrrcy ; let them reverence his authority and excellency, and 
 learn to worship and obey him. (Notes, Gen. 22:11,12. 1 
 
 Kings 8:41 — 43.) If this were done, it would render the moral 
 state of the world as stable and immoveable, and keep every 
 thing in as great order and regularity, as his creating and 
 upholding word has established the natural state of it: and to 
 this the gospel is suited to bring all who embrace it. (Note. 
 Ps. 75:2,3. 96:10.) 
 
 V. 31. Wise, righteous, and good kings, and equitable 
 •aws, impartially administered, make prosperous nations ; and 
 all good subjects must rejoice in a government of this descrip- 
 tion : but traitors and criminals tremble on that very account. 
 
 33 Then shall 'the trees of the wood sing out 
 at the presence of the Lord, ^because he conieth 
 to judge the earth. 
 
 34 O 'give thanks unto the Lord ; for he w 
 good ; for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 35 And say ye, “Save us, O God of our salva- 
 tion, and gather us together, and deliver us from 
 the heathen, b that we may give thanks to thy 
 holy name, and “glory in thy praise. 
 
 36 “'Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever 
 and ever. And all the people “said, Amen, and 
 praised the Lord. 
 
 37 H So he left there, f before the ark of the 
 covenant of the Lord, Asaph and his brethren, to 
 minister before the ark continually, &as every day’s 
 work required : 
 
 38 And h Obed-edom with their brethren^ three- 
 score and eisrht ; Obed-edom also the son of 'Jedu- 
 thun, and Hosah to be porters : 
 
 Is. 49:8. Jer. 10:12. Col. 1:17. Heb. 1:3. q Ps. 19:1. 89:5. 148:1— 4. Luke2< 
 13,14. 15:10. r Ps. 97:1. 98:4. Luke 2:10. s Ps. 93:1,2. 96:10. 99:1. 145:1. Is 
 33:22. Mali. 6:13. Rev. 19:6. t Ps. 93:4.98:7. u Ps. 98:8. 148:9,10. Is. 44:23. 
 x Ps. 96:12,13 Ex. 17:22-24. y Ps. 98:9. 2 Tlies. 1 .8,10. 2Pel.3:14. Rev. 
 11:17,18. x Ezra 3:11 . Ps. 106:1. 107:1. 118:1 . 136: 1 , Sc. Jer. 33: 1 1 . a Ps. 
 14:7.53:6.79:9,10. b Ps. 105:45. Is. 43:21. Eph. 1:12. 1 Pet. 2:5,9. c 9,10. 
 Ps.44-8. Is. 45:25. 1 Cor. 1:31: d 1 Kings 8:15,56. Ps. 72:18,19. 106:48. Eph 
 
 1:3. I Pet. 1:3. e Deul. 27:15— 26. Nth. 8.6. Jer. 28:6. 1 Cor. 14:16. 1 See on 
 4—6.15:17—24.25:1—6. g 2 Chr. 8:14. Exra 3:4. h 13:14. 26:4 — 8. i 25:3 
 
 The Lord, who reigns over all, is perfect in his character, his 
 law, and his administration: this alone would be cause ol 
 universal joy, if all men were loyal and obedient ; but it 
 speaks terror to the sinner’s conscience. Yet, as the Lord 
 reigneth in Jesus Christ upon a throne of grace ; even sinners, 
 yea, the chief of sinners, may rejoice, when, desirous of for- 
 giveness and reconciliation, they are made humbly willing tc 
 become his subjects: so that men, of all nations on earth, 
 are called on to join the gladness of the blessed inhabitants of 
 heaven ; and in exulting joy to proclaim, that 44 the Lord 
 God omnipotent reigneth.” ( Notes , Ps. 97:1,2. 99:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 32, 33. All the parts of nature are here poetically 
 addressed, by the royal prophet, to join the universal song ol 
 joy and praise; in their several ways, to welcome Jehovah 
 as the Sovereign of the universe ; and to wait the great deci- 
 sive day, when he will come, as the Saviour of his people, to 
 judge the world in righteousness. (Notes, Ps. 96:11 — 13. 98c 
 7 — 9. 148: Is. 55:12, 13.) Perhaps all the different ranks 
 and descriptions of the human species, who have feared the 
 Lord, and hoped in his mercy, and who will then unanimously 
 rejoice in the consummation of their felicity, are here intended 
 under figurative expressions. The first coming of Christ 
 likewise, with the calling of the Gentiles, and the surprising 
 and most happy change effected by the gospel, in the moral 
 and religious state of the world, as preparatory to his second 
 coming, seems also to have been predicted. Indeed, nothing 
 but the plenteous goodness of God, the perpetuity and eternity 
 of his mercy in Christ Jesus, can encourage a sinner to desire 
 his appearing as a Judge; all therefore except true believers 
 must tremble at the thoughts of that solemn season, in pro- 
 portion as they understand the nature of that judgment, and 
 attentively meditate upon it: and they will be driven to de- 
 speration when it shall arrive. 
 
 V. 34— 36. (Notes, Ps. 1 36:1 — 3. Jer. 33:10,11.) Many 
 Israelites, even when David came to the tfirone, might be 
 dispersed in other nations, by the frequent wars waged with 
 their neighbours. And he prayed that they might be gathered 
 from their dispersions, to join in this joyful worship. (Notes, 
 Ps. 14:7. 106:47,48.) Perhaps the Spirit of God, who spake 
 by the Psalmist, intended the gathering of Israel from future 
 and greater dispersions : and it may well be accommodated 
 to the present state of that nation, and our hope of their 
 future calling into the church ; as well as to the collecting 
 together of believers from all the nations of the earth, to bless 
 and adore the God of Israel, in and through the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. We can scarcely enlarge our thoughts to conceive 
 the effect, which these high praises of God, sung by so vast a 
 multitude, with harmonious elevation of heart and voice, upon 
 this joyful occasion, must have produced. It naturally leads 
 our thoughts to the songs of the redeemed of the Lord in glory ; 
 and perhaps we are not, in this world, capable of more just 
 and spiritual ideas of them, than are suggested by this subject, 
 though we may be sure that they are unspeakably more 
 sublime and refined. (Notes, Ps. 41:11 — 13, v. 13. 89:52.) 
 
 V. 37 — 43. Abiathar was high-priest at this time ; and 
 it is probable he resided at Jerusalem. 4 Abiathar the high- 
 priest attended upon David, that if he had any occasion to 
 consult the divine majesty, ... he might be ready to do it for 
 him.’ Bp. Patrick. — The stated worship before the ark con- 
 sisted principally of psalmody and music, over which Asaph 
 presided. But Zadok, of Eleazar’s line, as next in authority 
 under the high-priest, resided at Gibeon, where the taber- 
 nacle and the brazen altar still remained: (Note, 2 Sam. 
 6:17.) and there, with the other priests, he took care that all 
 the sacrifices prescribed by the law should be regularly 
 offered. — Psalmody was constantly performed here also, 
 under the direction of Heman and JedutFiun : and they had 
 l 733 ) 
 
B. C 1043. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1C 42. 
 
 39 And k Zadok the priest, and his brethren the 
 priests, 'before the tabernacle of the Lord,- m in the 
 nigh place that ivas at Gibeon, 
 
 40 To "offer burnt-offerings unto the Cord upon 
 the altar of the burnt-offering continually Imorn- 
 ing and evening, and to do according to all that is 
 written in the law of the Lord, which he com- 
 manded Israel ; 
 
 41 And with them "Heman and Jeduthun, and 
 the rest that were chosen, who were Pexpressed by 
 name, ‘‘to give thanks to the Lord, because his 
 mercy endureth for ever ; 
 
 42 And with them Heman and Jeduthun, with 
 'trumpets and cymbals, lor those that should make 
 a sound, and with S musical instruments of God. 
 And the sons of Jeduthun were ‘porters. 
 
 k See on 12:28. 1 21:29. 2Chr. 1:3,4. m 1 Kings 3:4. n Ex. 29:38^12. 
 
 Num. 28:3 — 8. 1 Kings 18.29. 2 Clir. 2:4. 31:3. Ezra 3.3. Ez. 46:13-15. Pirn. 
 9:21. Ain. 4:4. * Hel). in the morning and in the evening, o 37. 6:39 — 47. 25: 
 
 1—6. p 12:31. Num. 1:17. Ezra 8:20. q See on 34. 2 Chr. 5:13. 7:3. 20:21. 
 Pe>. 103:17. Luke 1:50. r 2 Chr. 20:25—28. Ps. 150:£-6. s 25:6. t Heb .for 
 Vie gale, t 2 Sam. 6:19,20. 1 Kings 8:66. a Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. Ps. 101:2. 
 
 43 And ‘all the people departed every man to 
 his house:- and David returned "to bless his 
 house. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 David, purposing to build a temple , is encouraged by Nathan , 1, 2. The 
 Lord, a/tertoards , by Nathan , prohibits it ; but with many encouraging pro- 
 miscs , 3 — 15. David' 8 prayer and thanksgiving, 16—27. 
 
 N OW it came to pass, a as David sat in his 
 house, that David said to b Nathan the pro- 
 phet, Lo, c I dwell in a house of cedars, but d the 
 ark of the covenant of the Lord remaineth e under 
 curtains. . 
 
 2 Then Nathan said unto David, f Do ail that 
 is in thine heart ; efor God is with thee. 
 
 3 H And it came to pass the same night, that b the 
 word of God came to Nathan, saying, 
 
 4 Go and 'tell David my servant, Thus saith 
 
 a 2 Sam. 7:1, £ Dan. 4:4,29,30. b 29:29. 2 Sam. 12:1 ,25. 1 Kings 1 :8,23, 41. 
 c 14:1. Jer. 22:15. Hag. 1:4,9. d Ps. 132:5. Acts 7:46. e 5. 15:1. 16:1. Ex. 
 40:19— 21. 2 Sam. 6.17. 2 Chr. 1:4. f 22:7. 28:2. Josh. 9:14. 1 Sam. 16 7. Ps. 
 20:4. 1 Cor. 13:9. g 1 Pam. 10:7. 2 Sam. 7:3. Zech. 8:23. Luke 1:28. h Num. 
 12:6. 2 Kings 20:1—5. Is. 30:21. Am. 3:7. i Is. 55:8,9. Rom. 11:33,34. 
 
 with them the sacred trumpets, which seem to have been 
 kept by them, though used by none but the priests. — When 
 David brought the ark from obscurity, he was directed to 
 convey it to Jerusalem, because it was to be stationed there. 
 As he intended immediately to build a temple for its recep- 
 tion, he did not remove the tabernacle of Moses thither ; 
 but prepared a temporary tent, perhaps formed in the same 
 manner: and when he was not allowed lo build the temple, 
 he made no alteration, but attended to both separately all his 
 days. It seems that these regulations were made and 
 declared, before the people separated, and were continued 
 from that very day. (Notes, 2 Sam. 6:20. 1 Kings 3:4.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. The public revival of religion, and the pure 
 worship of God, being countenanced and protected by “ the 
 powers that be,” are joyful events to believers: and when 
 their hearts are enlarged with gratitude to God, they will 
 also be expanded in liberality towards men, and disposed to 
 pray for them, and to do good to them for his sake. — It is a 
 good and pleasant thing to be thankful, and we should care- 
 fully record and frequently review the Lord’s mercies, to us 
 and to his church, that we may be excited to abound in joyful 
 praises : and ministers arc especially appointed, by the Son 
 of David our King, to animate and assist the people thus to 
 glorify and rejoice in God, by preaching to them the gospel of 
 salvation, and by every other means in their power. — The 
 streams of mercy, of which we partake, should be traced 
 back to that Fountain of love whence they are derived ; and, 
 in thanking the Lord for his benefits to us, we should cele- 
 brate the glorious excellences of his nature. This will also 
 encourage our own faith and hope, and excite the attention 
 of others to observe and admire his marvellous works : there- 
 fore we should be unreserved and open, in singing and speak- 
 ing forth the praises of our God. — Riches, pre-eminence, 
 wisdom, and strength, are precarious blessings, in which we 
 must not glory and rejoice : but “ let him that glorieth, glory” 
 in his relation to “the Lord” our Salvation. To know, love, 
 and belong to him constitutes the chief honour and happiness 
 of man ; and forms “ that good part which shall never be 
 taken from us.” While the assured believer boldly glories in 
 the righteousness, mercy, truth, and power of his reconciled 
 God, let the trembling sinner rejoice also; for he casts out 
 none that come, and saves all who trust in him. But, let us 
 all learn to seek him diligently and continually : not only that 
 we may rejoice in his favour ; but that we may be strength- 
 ened by him, to perform every service, and to triumph over 
 all our inward and outward enemies. Indeed, we could no 
 longer distrust either his mercy, or his power, if we duly 
 remembered his works of old ; especially the marvellous work 
 of redemption, through Jesus Christ, which has eclipsed all 
 former displays of his wisdom, truth, and love. Nor are 
 “the judgments of his mouth” less worthy of our attention, 
 than “ the operations of his hands :” by them we arc instructed 
 and directed ; and even the denunciations of his wrath, and the 
 execution of his righteous vengeance on sinners, “ warn us 
 to flee from the wrath to come,” and to “give diligence to 
 make our calling and election sure:” whilst his mercies are 
 recorded, to enliven our gratitude and encourage our hope; as 
 the happy and chosen servants of God, who are “ followers 
 of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” 
 (Notes, and P. O. Heb. 6:13—20.) 
 
 Y. 14 — 29. The all-sufficient God is the Portion and the 
 everlasting recompense of his true people; while his worship 
 and service form the solace of their souls in this evil world. 
 “ He is ever mindful of his covenant,” and he makes it a law 
 to himself, an invariable rule of his conduct towards them: 
 and if we were duly mindful of it, we should derive great 
 encouragement from his promises, and from that oath which 
 he has interposed for the “ strong consolation of all those, 
 who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before 
 them:” while love and gratitude would, as an inward law in 
 our minds, command and constrain our most devoted obe- 
 dience. — Those who are interested in his promise of eternal 
 ( 734 ) 
 
 life, by faith in Jesus Christ, will be carried through all diffi- 
 culties, and rendered superior in all conflicts, though in them- 
 selves they are few and poor. Here, they wander as strangers 
 and pilgrims: but, compared with them, the most potent 
 monarchs are accounted mean and vile, in the judgment of 
 God. They have received the unction of his Holy Spirit; 
 his seal is affixed to them, and no man can injure them with 
 impunity: nay, nothing can possibly harm them, but all things 
 shall eventually work together for their good. (Notes, and 
 P. O. Rom. 8:28 — 39.) Let us, however, be careful of pre- 
 maturely concluding, that we are numbered with them ; and 
 seriously appeal to our consciences and experience, whether 
 “ the Lord of the whole earth be” that Lord whom we desire 
 to obey : and whether Salvation by Jesus Christ from deserved 
 wrath, from Satan, sin, and this present evil world, be our 
 daily prayer, hope, and rejoicing. Do we perceive and adore 
 the glory of the divine perfections, and rejoice in celebrating 
 his praise ? And do we yield ourselves to his service ; 
 depending on his mercy and grace, and lamenting that we 
 love him no more and serve him no better? All this, and 
 immensely more, is due to him ; for he is infinitely great, 
 holy, and good ; all our praises are beneath his excellency , 
 and nothing can be compared with his uncreated majesty. 
 Let us then devote all we have and are to him, and aim to 
 worship him “in the beauty of holiness.” 
 
 V. 30 — 43. The Lord our God is greatly to be feared. 
 All the earth shall stand in awe of him : for his wrath against 
 the workers of iniquity is intolerable and eternal ; but “ in 
 his favour there is life, in his presence there is fulness of joy, 
 and at his right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” He 
 is glorious as our Creator and Judge, but more glorious as a 
 Saviour : in that character sinners may approach and wor- 
 ship him, with acceptance and comfort ; and men on earth, 
 as well as the holy inhabitants of heaven, may rejoice in his 
 universal and everlasting kingdom; because in Christ Jesus, 
 “he is good, and his mercy enduueth for ever.” Oh, that 
 there were such a heart in us and in all men, thus to fear 
 him and to hope in his mercy ; that we might look forward 
 with comfort and exultation to our meeting him upon his 
 awful judgment seat! He is continually collecting, before 
 his throne, that chosen remnant, which the Saviour has 
 redeemed unto God with his blood, from all the nations*of 
 the earth : and there, being freed from sin, admitted to the 
 beatific vision, and filled with love, and gratitude, and joy, 
 they sing eternal praises to his name. As we successively 
 depart this life, may our souls be gathered unto them; and 
 may that time speedily arrive, when the scattered Jews shall 
 at length be gathered into the church, and the fulness of the 
 Gentiles brought in, to “give thanks to his holy name, and to 
 glory in his praise!” Amen, and Amen. — In this life, believers 
 enjoy, from time to time, earnests and foretastes of heavenly 
 bliss ; but, when they cannot reach such fervent affections 
 and exalted strains, they must statedly persevere in using the 
 means of grace, as sinners “ beholding the Lamb of God, that 
 takoth away the sins of the world:” and the continual atten- 
 dance of his appointed ministers, in his courts, is not only 
 right in itself, but an encouragement to the faith and hope 
 of his people, and a help to their praises and thanksgivings. 
 Finally, it is well, when one duty prepares the soul for 
 another; when public worship renders us more constant and 
 spiritual in family worship and secret devotion; and when 
 the effects of the whole appear in our conduct in relative life 
 and in society. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVII. V. 1—6. This chapter almost 
 entirely answers to the seventh of the second of Samuel; 
 many minute variations indeed are found; but those only 
 which are more material need here he noticed. (Notes f 
 2 Sam. 7:1 — 7.) Tent to tent , &c. (5) In the wilderness* 
 the ark was taken out of the tent, wnen the camp of Israel 
 marched ; and was returned into it, when they rested. — It 
 was afterwards taken from the tabernacle at Shiloh, and then 
 stationed at Kirjath-jearim, doubtlesi in, a tent prepared 
 for it ; thence David removed it to an< »her tent on mount 
 
Q C. 1042. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 1042 
 
 the Lord, JThou slmlt not build me a house to 
 dwell in : 
 
 5 For I have not k dvvelt in a house since the 
 day that I brought up Israel unto this day : but 
 have 'gone from tent to tent, and from one taber- 
 nacle to another. 
 
 6 Wheresoever I have m walked with all Israel, 
 spake 1 a' word to any of "the judges of Israel, 
 whom I commanded to "feed my people, saying, 
 Why have ye not built me a house of cedars ? 
 
 7 Now therefore thus shalt thou say unto my 
 servant David, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, p I 
 took thee from the sheepcote, even tfrom follow- 
 ing the sheep, that thou shouldest be 'iruler over 
 my people Israel : 
 
 8 And r I have been with thee whithersoever 
 thou hast walked, and ’have cut off all thine ene- 
 mies from before thee, and have ‘made thee a 
 name like the name of the great men that, are in 
 the earth. 
 
 9 Also "I will ordain a place for my people Israel, 
 and will “plant them, and they shall dwell in their 
 place, tand shall be moved no more ; neither shall 
 'the children of wickedness "waste them any more, 
 ■as at the beginning, 
 
 10 And "since the time that I commanded judges 
 to be over my people Israel. J Moreover, I will 
 subdue all thine enemies. Furthermore, I tell 
 thee, that "the Lord will build thee a house. 
 
 11 H And it shall come to pass, < when thy days 
 be expired that thou must sgo to be with thy fa- 
 thers, that 'I will raise up thy seed after thee, 
 which shall be of thy sons ; and I will establish 
 his kinsrdom. 
 
 12 ‘He shall build me a house, and k I will es- 
 tablish his throne for ever. 
 
 13 ‘I will be his Father, and lie shall be m my 
 son : and n I will not take my mercy away from 
 him, "as I took it from him that was before thee : 
 
 14 But I will settle him >’in my house, and in 
 my kingdom for ever : and his throne shall be es- 
 tablished for evermore. 
 
 15 ^According to all these words, and according 
 to all this vision, so did Nathan speak unto David. 
 
 16 H And David the king came and r sat before 
 
 22:1, 8.28:2,3. 2 Sam. 7:4,5. 1 Kings 8:19. 2Chr.6:8,9. k2Snm.7:6. 1 Kings 
 : 27. 2Chr. 2:6. 6:18. Is. 66:1,2. Acls 7:44—50. • Heb .been. 1 El. 403,3. 
 2 Sam. 6:17. 1 Kings 8:4, 16. m Ex. 33: 14,15. 40.35-38. Lev. 26:11,12. Num. 
 10:33—36. Dent. 23:14. 2 Cor. 6:16. Rev. 2:1. n Judg. 2:16— 18. 1 Sam. 12:11. 
 1, Sam. 7:7. tribes. Acts 13:20. o 11:2. Ps. 78:71,72. .Ier.23:4. Ez. 34:2. Mic. 
 1:4. Matt. 2:6. marg. p Ex. 3:1—10. 1 Sam. 17:15. 2 Sam. 7:8. Ps. 78:70,71. 
 Am. 7:14,15. Matt. 4:18— 22. Luke 5:10. t Heb .from after, q 2 Sam. 6:21. 
 Matt. 2:6. r 2. 1 Sam. 18.14,28. 2 Sam. 7:9. 8:8,14. Ps. 46:7,11. s 1 Sam. 26: 
 10.31:1-6. 2 Sarn. 22:1, 38— 41. t 17. 2 Sam. 8- 13. Ezra 4:20. Ps. 71:21. 75:7. 
 113:7,8. Luke 1:52. u Jer. 31:3,12. Ez. 34:11. x Ps. 44:2. Jer. 24:6. 31 :41 . 
 y Ez. 36:14,15. 37:25. Am. 9:15. z Ps. 89:22. Eph. 2:2,3. 5:6. a Is. 49:17. 
 60:18. b Ex. 1:13,14.2:23. c Judg. 3:8. 4:3. 6:3-6. 1 Sam. 13:5,6, 19,20. 
 d hi. 21:8.9. 89:23. 110:1. e Ex. 1:21. 2.Sam.7:ll. Ps. 127:1. f29:I5.28. 
 
 Acts 13:36. g Gen. 15:15. Deut. 31:16. 1 Kines 1:21. 2:10. Acts 2:29. h 28:5. 
 2 Sam. 7: 12.13. 12:24,2-5. 1 Kings 8:20. Ps. 132:11. Jer. 23:5,6. Rom. 1:3,4. 
 i 22:9,10.28:6—10. 1 Kings 5:5. 2 Chr. 3: 4: Ezra 5:11. Zech. 6:12,13. John 2: 
 19—21. Acts 7:47,48. Col. 2.9. k Ps. 89:4,29,36,37. Is. 9:7. Dan. 2:44. 1 Cor. 
 15:25. Rev. 11:15. 1 2Sam. 7:14. Ps. 89:26,27. Heb. 1.5. in Ps. 2:7,12. Luke 
 9.35. John 3:35. n 2 Sam. 7:15,16. 1 Kings 11:12,13,36. o 12.10:14. 1 Sam. 
 15:28. p Ps. 2:6. 89:36. Luke 1:32,33. Heb. 3:6. q 2 Sam. 7:17. Jer. 23:28. 
 
 Zion. (16:1—3. Notes, 1 Sam. 7:1,2. 21:1,2. 2 Sam. 6:10, 
 11,17.) 
 
 V. 7 — 15. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:8 — 16. — I took, 
 &c. (7) Notes, 2 Sam. 12:7. Ps. 78:70—72. Is. 51:1—3. 
 Eph. 2:11 — 13. — Name, &c. (8) Notes, Gen. 12:1 — 3. Ps. 
 71:20,21. — But I will, Sic. (14) In the parallel passage the 
 Lord says to David, “ thy house, and thy kingdom but 
 here “ my house. Sic.” The Lord was Israel’s King; and 
 David and Solomon were his vicegerents, as well as types of 
 the Messiah, in whose church and kingdom all these promises 
 and predictions have their grand fulfilment : which shows 
 ‘thot this principally belonged to the Messiah, of whom 
 David was but a figure.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 16, 17. (Notes, 2 Sam. 7:18,19.) Thou hast, &c. (17) 
 In the parallel passage we read, “ Is this the manner of men, 
 O Lord God ?” It was not the manner of men to raise a 
 poor shepherd to be a renowned and powerful king. Some 
 expositors, however, suppose, that David here referred to 
 the Messiah himself, the Seed of the woman, the greatest of 
 the human race, being also “ the Lord from heaven in 
 whose line God had placed David as the progenitor, and had 
 honoured him as the type of his anointed King. “ Thou hast 
 looked upon me according to the manner of the Man who is 
 of high degree, O Lord God.” (Notes, 2 Sam. 7:19. Ps. 
 110:1. 1 Co. :V45— 49i Phil. 2:5—11.) 
 
 V. 18 — 24. \oies, 2 Sam. 7:20 — 25. — Thy servant's sake. 
 (19) “For thy word’s sake,” in Samuel.— The promise, in 
 "ulfilhng which Sod conferred these benefits on David and 
 
 the Lord, and said, ‘Who am I, O Lord God, 
 and ‘what is my house, “that thou hast brought 
 me. hitherto ? 
 
 17 And yet this was “a small thing in thine eyes, 
 O God ; for nhou hast also spoken of thy servant’s 
 house for a great while to come, and “hast re 
 garded me according to the estate of a man of 
 high degree, O Lord God. 
 
 18 What can David speak more to thee for »tlie 
 honour of thy servant? for b thou knowest thy 
 servant. 
 
 19 O Lord, for "thy servant’s sake, and d ac- 
 cording to thine own heart, hast thou done all this 
 greatness, in making known all these tgreat things. 
 
 20 O Lord, there is "none like thee, neither is 
 there any God f besides thee, ^according to all that 
 we have heard with our ears. 
 
 21 And h what one nation in the earth is like 
 thy people Israel, whom God went to 'redeem, to 
 be his own people, to k make thee a name of 'great- 
 ness and terribleness, ra by driving out nations from 
 before thy people, whom thou hast redeemed out 
 of Egypt ? 
 
 22 For n thy people Israel didst thou make thine 
 own people lor ever ; and thou, Lord, becamest 
 their God. 
 
 23 Therefore now, Lord, "let the thing that 
 thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and con- 
 cerning his house, be established for ever, and do 
 as thou hast said. 
 
 - 24 Let it even be established, Pthat thy name 
 may be magnified for ever, saying, The Lord of 
 hosts is the God of Israel, even God to Israel : 
 and let the house of David thy servant be esta- 
 blished before thee. 
 
 25 For thou, O my God, hast $told tfiy servant 
 
 ‘that thou wilt build him a house : therefore thy 
 servant hath “found in his heart to pray before 
 thee. v 
 
 26 And now, Lord, ‘thou art God, and hast 
 promised this goodness unto thy servant: 
 
 27 Now therefore "let it please thee to bless the 
 house of thy servant, that it may be before thee 
 for ever : for thou "blessest, O Lord, and it shall 
 bet blessed for ever. 
 
 Acts 20:27. r 2 Sam. 7; 18. 2 Kings 19:14. s Gen. 32: 10. Ps. 144:3. t Judg 
 6:15. 1 Sam. 9:21. u Gen. 48:15,16. 1 Sam. 7:12. Acts 26:22. 2 Cor. 1:10. 
 x 7,8. 2 Sam. 7: 19. 12:8. 2 Kings 3:18. Is. 49:6. y 11-15. Eph. 3:20. z 8. 
 1 Kings 3:13. Ps. 78:70— 72. 89:19, &c. Phil. 2:8— 11. a 1 Sam. 2:30. 2 Sam. 
 
 7:20—24. b 1 Sam. 16:7. Ps. 139:1. John 21:17. Rev. 2:23. c Is. 37:35. 42:1. 
 49:3,6. d Matt. 11:26. Eph. 1:9 — 11.3:11. } Heb. greatnesses. 29:1 1,12. Ps. 
 111:3,6. e Ex. 15:1 1 . 18:1 1 . Dent. 3:24. Ps. 89.6,8. Is. 40:18,25. Jer. 10.6.7. 
 f Deul. 4:35,39. 1 Sam. 2:2. Is. 43:10. 44:6. 45:5,22. g Ps. 44:1. 78:3,4. Is. 63: 
 12. h Deut. 4:7,32—34. 33:26—29. Ps. 147:20. i Ex. 3:7,8. 19:4—6. Dent. 15- 
 15. Ps. 77:15. 107:2. 111:9. Is. 63:9. Til. 2:14. kNeh.9:10. Is. 48:9. 63:12. 
 
 Ez. 20:9,10. 1 Peut. 4:34. Ps. 65:5. 66:3— 7. 114:3— 8. Is. 64:3. mPeut. 7:1,2. 
 Josh. 10:42. 21:43— 15. 24:11,12. Ps. 44:2,3. n Gen. 17:7. Ex. 19:5,6. l ent. 
 7:6—8. 26:18,19. 1 Sam. 12:22. Jer. 31:31—34. Zech. 13:9. Rom. 9:4—6.25,26. 
 1 Pet. 2:9. o Gen. 32:12. 2 Sam. 7:25— 29. Ps. 119:49. Jer 11:5. Luke 1:38. 
 p 2 Chr. 6:33. Ps. 21 : 13. 72: 19. Malt. 6:9,13. John 12:28. 17:1. Phil. 2:11. 
 1 Pet. 4:11. q Jer. 31:1. Heb. 8:10. 11:16. § Heb. revealed the ear of. 1 Sam. 
 9:15. r See on 10. s Ps. 10:17. Ez. 36:37. 1 John 5:14,15. t Fix. 34:6,7. 
 
 Tit. 1:2. Heb. 6:18. II Or , it hath pleased. u Gen. 27:33. Ps. 72:17. Rom. 
 
 11:29. Eph. 1:3. 
 
 his race, was first given from love to him, as a type of Christ, 
 “his Servant in whom his soul delighteth.” ‘He had passed 
 his word to David by his prophets out of his own mere good- 
 ness, without any other motive. It may be also thought to 
 signify, for the sake of the Messiah, who is the word of God, 
 and by way of eminence is called his Servant. Is. 42:1. 49:5. 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 IVhat one nation, &c. (21) Notes, Deut. 4:6 — 8,34 — 40. — 
 A God to Israel. (24) The Lord, as “the God of Israel,” 
 not only required worship and obedience ; but he was himself 
 the all-sufficient Friend and Portion of his chosen people. 
 
 V. 25—27. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:26—29. Luke 1:26—38. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The repetitions in the word of God may be considered as 
 tacit reproofs of our negligence, forgetfulness, and unteach- 
 ableness. Indeed, we are very backward to get familiarly 
 acquainted with every part of the sacred volume, and very 
 prone to forget what we have read ; so that we need to be 
 taught again what we seem to have already learned : and for 
 all these reasons it is very useful to have the same important 
 truths, precepts, and examples enforced on us, in different 
 parts of the Scriptures. If, in reading any chapter, or hear- 
 ing any sermon, we learn nothing new ; yet are reminded 
 of those things of which we had lost sight, and stirred up to 
 the exercise of faith and holy affections, and to the more 
 diligent, fervent, and delightful practice of our several duties 
 very important purposes are answered. (Note, 2 Pet. 1:12 
 — 15. P. O. 12 — 18. iVofe, 3:1 — 4.) It may however, suffice 
 ( 735 ) 
 
B. C. 1039, 
 
 I. CHRONICLES, 
 
 B. C. m2 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 David tubduea the Philistines, and makes the Moabites tributary, 1,2. He 
 smites Hadarezer and the Syrians, 3 — 8. Tou, king of Hamath, sends his 
 son to David with presents, which he dedicates with the spoil, unto God, 9 — 
 11. He put 8 garrisons into Edom, 12, 13. He reigns in equity , 14. His 
 principal officers, 15 — 17. 
 
 N OW “after this it came to pass, that David 
 smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and 
 took b Gath and her towns out of the hand of the 
 Philistines. 
 
 2 And c he smote Moab ; and the Moabites be- 
 came David’s servants, and d brought gifts. 
 
 3 H And David smote “Hadarezer king of 
 ' Zohah unto Hamath, as he went to establish 
 his dominion eby the river Euphrates. 
 
 4 And David took from him a thousand cha- 
 riots, and h seven thousand horsemen, and twenty 
 thousand footmen : David also ‘houghed all the 
 chariot-/iorscs, but reserved of them k a hundred 
 chariots. 
 
 5 And when 'the Syrians of 'Damascus came 
 “to help Hadarezer king of "Zobah, David slew 
 of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men. 
 
 6 Then David put garrisons in Syria-damas- 
 cus; and the Syrians “became David’s servants, 
 and brought gifts. pThus the Lord preserved 
 David whithersoever he went. 
 
 7 And David took the ^shields of gold that 
 were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought 
 them to Jerusalem. 
 
 8 Likewise from r Tibath, and from Chun, 
 cities of Hadarezer, brought David very much 
 brass, “wherewith Solomon made the brazen sea, 
 and the pillars, and the vessels of brass. 
 
 9 Now when ‘Tou king of Hamath heard 
 how David had smitten all the host of Hadarezer 
 king of Zobah ; j 
 
 10 He sent 'Hadoram his son to king David, 
 to inquire of his welfare, and to Congratulate 
 him, because he had fought against Hadarezer, 
 and smitten him; (for Hadarezer "had war with 
 Tou ;) and with him “all manner of vessels of 
 gold, and silver, and brass. 
 
 11 U Them also David “dedicated unto the Lord, 
 
 a 2 Sam. 8:1,2. b 1 Sam. 5:8. 27:4. 2 Sam. 1:20. 8:1. Metheg-ammah. c Num. 
 24:17. Judg. 3:29,30. 2 Sam. 8:2. Ps. 60:8. Is. 11:14. d 1 Sam. 10:27. 1 Kings 
 10:2,25. 2 Kings 3:4,5. Ps. 68:29,30. 72:8—10. Is. 16:1. e 2 Sam. 8:3. Hada- 
 dezer. f 1 Sam. 14:47. 2 Sam. 10:6. Ps. 60: title, g Gen. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. 
 h 2 Sam. 8:4. seven hundred. i Deut. 17:16. Josh. 11:6,9. Pa. 20:7. 33:16,17 
 k 1 Kings 4:26. 10:26. 1 2 Sam. 8:5,6. 1 Kings 1 1 :23, 24. * Heb. Darmesck 
 
 mis. 8:9, 10. n 3. 1 Sam. 14:47. o See on 2. Ps. 18:43,44. p 17.8. Ps. 121: 
 8. Prqv. 21:31. q 1 Kings 10:16,17. 14:26—28. 2 Chr. 9:15,16. 12:9,10. r 2 Sam. 
 8:8. Beta. Berothai. a 22:14. 1 Kings 7:15-47. 2Chr. 4:2 — 6,1‘2 — 18. Jer. 52: 
 17 — 23. t 2 Sam. 8:9. Toi. t Or, Joram. 2 Sam. 8:10. X Or, salute him. 
 
 § Heb. bless him. || Heb . was the man of wars . u 2 Chr. 9:1,23,24. Is. 39:1. 
 v 22:14. 26:20,26,27. 29:14. Ex. 35:5,21-24 . 2 Sam. 8:11,12. 1 Kings 7:51. 
 2 Kings 12:18. 2 Chr. 5:1. Mic. 4:13. x 20:1,2. y 1 Sam. 27:8,9. 30:13,20. Ps. 
 83:6,7. z 2:16. 11:20. 1 Sam. 26:6,8. 2 Sam. 3:30. 10:10,14. 16:9— 11. 19:21,22. 
 
 to observe in this place, that persons of eminent piety will 
 still be devising and attempting one service after another for 
 the honour of God, and to promote the best interests of man- 
 kind ; accounting themselves to have done nothing, while so 
 much remains to be done : that Christ alone begins and 
 finishes his work, and perpetually unites in his own person 
 all those offices which are requisite for the welfare of his 
 church ; but that mere men have, for a short space, certain 
 portions of service allotted them, which they cannot exceed : 
 that God accepts and rewards those good desires, which he 
 is pleased for wise reasons to frustrate : that his favour and 
 his image ennoble the meanest of his people, above u the 
 estate of men of high degree :” that we cannot possibly 
 desire more for ourselves, or for the church, than he has 
 promised : that true grace desires all this, and wants no 
 more ; and true faith, in vigorous exercise, seeks, asks, 
 expects, and waits for it all, in the way which God has pre- 
 scribed : and that, if we serve the Lord, as a God over us in 
 dependence on his mercy through Jesus Christ, he will be a 
 God to us; and those whom he blesses, will be blessed for 
 evermore. For this blessedness may we look, with patient 
 submission and joyful expectation, amidst the trials of life, 
 and in the hour of death ; and may the same be continued 
 to our children and posterity after us, through successive 
 generations ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVIII. V. I. In the parallel pas- 
 sage, Gath is called Metheg-ammah, or the bridle of Ammah , 
 as built on a natural strong-hold, called Ammah, and intended 
 to bridle, or keep in subjection, the adjacent country. ( Note, 
 2 Sam. 8:1.) — The rest of this chapter, which is for substance 
 the same as the eighth chapter of the second of Samuel, has 
 already been commented on. ( Marg . Ref.) 
 
 V. 2- 8. EstaJAish his dominion. (3) In Samuel, “Re- 
 cover his border.” — Seven thousand . (4) In the parallel pas- 
 ( 736 
 
 with the silver and the gold that he brought from 
 all these, nations; from Edom, and from Moab, 
 and from “the children of Ammon, and from the 
 Philistines, and from rAmalek. 
 
 12 “Moreover, "Abishai the son of Zeruiah 
 “slew of the Edomites in b the valley of salt eigh- 
 teen thousand. 
 
 13 HAnd lie put “garrisons in Edom; and d all the 
 Edomites became David’s servants. “Tiius the 
 Lord preserved David whithersoever he went. 
 
 14 11 So "David reigned oyer all Israel, and 
 ^executed judgment and justice among all his 
 people. 
 
 15 And Moab the son of Zeruiah was over the 
 host ; and ' Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, "re- 
 corder ; 
 
 16 And Zadok the son of Ahitub, and k Abime- 
 lech the son of 'Abiathar, were the priests ; and 
 m Shavsha was scribe ; 
 
 17 And "Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over 
 the “Cherethites and the Pelethites ; and the sons 
 of David were chief '"about the king. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 David sends ambassadors to comfort the king of Ammon, who abuses and In- 
 sults them, 1 — 5. The Ammonites and Syrians are vanquished by Jonh, and 
 Abishai, 6 — 15. The king of Syria sends another armu, which David cur* 
 quers, slaying its commanders, 16 — 18. 77ie Syrians submit to David, 19. 
 
 N OW it came to pass after this, that “Nahash 
 the king of the children of Ammon died, and 
 his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 2 And David said, b I will show kindness unto 
 Hanun the son of Nahash, because his father 
 showed kindness to me. And David sent mes- 
 sengers to comfort him concerning his father. So 
 the servants of David came into the land of “the 
 children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort him. 
 
 3 But d the princes of the children of Ammon 
 said to Hanun, 'Thinkest thou that “David doth 
 honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters 
 unto thee ? are not his servants come unto thee 
 for f to search, and to overthrow, and to spy oul 
 the land ? 
 
 4 Wherefore Hanun etook David’s servants, 
 and h shaved them, 'and cut off their garments in 
 
 20:6.21:17.23:18. IT Heb. Abshai. 19: 1 1 . ifiarg. a2Sam.8:13. Ps.60:/i7/*. 
 8,9. b 2 Kings 14:7. 2 Chr. 25:11. c 6. 1 Sam. 10:5. 13:3. 14:1. 2 Sam. 23: 14. 
 2 Cor. 11:32. d Gen. 25:23. 27:29,37,40. Num. 24:18. e See on 6. Ps. 18:48 — 
 50. 121:7. 144:10. f 12:38. g2Sam.8:15. Pa. 78:71,72. Is. 9:7. 32:1,2. Jer. 
 
 22:15.23:5,6.33:15. h 11 :6. 2 Sam. 8:16. il Kings 4 3. * * Or, remembrancer. 
 k2Sam.8:17. Ahimelcch. 1 2>Sam. 20:25. 1 Kings 2:35. m2Sam.8:17. 
 
 Seraiah. 20:25. Shevah. 1 Kings 4:3. Shisha. n 2 Sum. 8:18. 15:18.20:7,23. 
 23:19—23. 1 Kings 1:38,44. 2:34,36. o Zeph.2:5. tt Heb. at the hand of. 23: 
 28. marg. a 1 Sam. 11:1,2.12:12. 2 Sam. 10:1—3. bl Sam. 30:26. 2Sam.S: 
 1,7. 2 Kings 4:13. Esth. 6:3. Ec.9:15. c Gen. 19:37,38. Deut;23:3— 6. Neb. 
 4:3,7. 13:1. d 1 Sam. 29:4,9. 1 Kings 12:8— 1 1 . ‘Heb. In thine eyes doth 
 David, e 1 Cor. 13:5—7. f Gen. 42:9—18. Josh. 2:1—3. Judg. 1:23,24. 18:2. 
 8—10. g Ps. 35:12. 109:4,5. h Lev. 19:27. Is. 15:2. Jer. 41 :5. 48:37. i Is. 20* 
 4. 47:2.3. 
 
 sage, “Seven hundred.” (Notes, 2 Sam. 8:3,4 .)— Brazen 
 sea , &c. (8) Notes , 1 Kings 7:15 — 47. 
 
 V. 9 — 17. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2 Sam. 8:9 — 18. — Dedi- 
 cated. (11) ‘David . . . had in his heart to build a splendid 
 house for God’s habitation. And when he was prohibited by 
 God to do it, ... he could not satisfy himself without doing 
 something towards it; by preparing materials for it, and con- 
 secrating a great deal of treasure to be emoloyed in the 
 building, and no other use.’ Bp. Patrick. ( Notes, 22:2 — 
 5,14. P. O .) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Those who “ seek first the kingdom of God and his righ- 
 teousness,” shall, in due time and manner, have all other 
 things added unto them. Communion with God, and his con 
 solations, are intended to animate us to diligence in our 
 proper work, and vigour in our spiritual warfare. — Earthly 
 possessions are often lost by attempting to establish them: 
 and sinners ruin themselves by encouraging and assisting one 
 another, in rebellion against God, and opposition to his cause. 
 Our good fight of faith, under the Captain of our salvation, 
 will assuredly terminate in everlasting triumph and peace. 
 But the happiness of Israel, through David’s victories and 
 equitable administration, very faintly shadowed forth the 
 felicity of the redeemed in the realms above, when the last 
 enemy shall be destroyed, and Jesus shall reign in the midst 
 of them for ever and over, and they shall behold, and share, 
 the joy and glory of his kingdom. (Heb. 12:2. Notes, Matt. 
 25:19 — 23. Rev. 3:20 — 22.) Lot us then, without delay, join 
 ourselves to him, trusting and serving him constantly and 
 faithfully, that at length wo may be for ever with him. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XIX. V. 1—5. Notes, 2 Sam. 10:1—5. 
 
 V. 6. Syria-maachah.] Or, Artfm-maachah. Maachah 
 (or Maachathi) lay to the east of Jordan, and had bcea 
 allotted to Manasseh : but it is probable, that the Syrians 
 
B. C. 1036. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B. C. 1017. 
 
 the midst hard oy their buttocks, and k sent them 
 away. 
 
 5 Then there went certain, 'and told David 
 how the men were served. And he sent to meet 
 them : for the men were greatly ashamed. And 
 the king said, Tarry m at Jericho until "your beards 
 be grown, and then return. 
 
 6 H And when the children of Ammon saw that 
 they “had made themselves ’odious to David, 
 Hanun and the children of Ammon sent Pa thou- 
 sand talents of silver, to hire them chariots and 
 horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of iSyria- 
 maachah, and out of "Zobah. 
 
 7 So they “hired thirty and two thousand cha- 
 riots, and Hhe kini" of Maachah and his people, 
 who came and pitched before “Medeba. And the 
 children of Ammon gathered themselves together 
 from their cities, and came to battle. 
 
 8 And when David heard of it, he sent x Joab, 
 and all the host of the mighty men. 
 
 9 And the children of Ammon came out, and 
 y put the battle in array Kefore the gate of the city : 
 and Hhe kings that were come were by themselves 
 in the field. 
 
 10 Now “when Joab saw that the 'battle was 
 b set against him before and behind, he chose out 
 of all the ^choice of Israel, and put them in array 
 against the Syrians. 
 
 11 And the rest of the people he delivered unto 
 the hand of ^Abishai his brother, c and they set them- 
 selves in array against the children of Ammon. 
 
 12 And be said, d If the Syrians be too strong 
 for me, then thou shalt. help me : but if the chil- 
 dren of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will 
 help thee. 
 
 13 Be e of good courage, and let us behave our- 
 selves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of 
 our God : and f let the Lord do that which is good 
 in his sight. 
 
 14 So Joab and the people that were with him 
 drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle : and 
 ethey fled before him. 
 
 15 And when the children of Ammon saw that 
 the Syrians were fled, h they likewise fled before 
 Abishai his brother, and entered into the city. 
 Then Joab came to Jerusalem. 
 
 16 If And when the Syrians saw that they were 
 put to the worse before Israel, they sent messen- 
 gers, ‘and drew forth the Syrians that were be- 
 
 ond the "river : and k Shophach the captain of the 
 ost of Hadarezer went before them. 
 
 17 And it was told David : and he gathered all 
 
 fc 2 Sam. 10:4,5. 2 Chr. 36:16. Mark 12:4. Luke 20:10,11. 1 Malt. 18:31. m Josh. 
 6:24 — 26. 1 Kings 16:34. n Judg. 16:22. o Luke 10:16. lThes.4:8. * Heb. to 
 Blink. Gen. 34:30. Ex. 5:21. 1 Sam. 13:4.27:12. Ps. 14:3. margins. p 2 Chr. 
 16:2,3. 25:6. 27:5. q 2 Sirm. 10:S. r 18:3,5,9. 1 Sam. 14:47. 2 Sam. 8:3. 1 Kings 
 11:23,24. s 18:4. Ex. 14:9. Jud®. 4:3. 1 Sam. 13:5. 2 Chr. 14:9. Ps.2P:7— 9. 
 I 2 Sam. 10:6. king Maacah. u Sum. 21:30. Josh. 13:9. Is. 15:2. x 11:6,10, 
 &c. 2 Sam. 23:8, &c. y 1 Sam. 17:2. 2 Sam. 18:4. 2 Chr. 13:3. 14:10. Is. 28:6. 
 Jer. 50:42. Joel 2:5. z 2 Sam. 10:8. 1 Kings 20:1 ,24. a 2 Sam. 10:9 — 14. 
 t Heb. face of the battle was. b Josh. 8:22. Judg. 20:42,43. X Or, young men. 
 * Heb. Abshai. 11 :20. See on 18: 12. c See on 9. dNeh.4:20. Ec.4:9 — 12. 
 
 Gal. 6:2. Phil. 1:27J28. e Dent. 31:6,7. Josh. 1:7. 10:25. 1 Sam. 4:9. 14:6—12. 
 17:32. 2 Sam. 10:12. Ezra 10:4. Neh.4:14. Ps. 27:14. 1 Cor. 16:13. f Judg. 10: 
 15': 1 Sam. 3:18. 2 Sam. 15 26. 16:10,11. Job 1:21. e 1 Kings 20:13,14,19— 21, 
 23—30. 2 Chr. 13:5—16. h Lev. 26:7. Rom. 8:31. T Ps. 2:1. Is. 8:9,10. Mic. 
 
 had got possession of it ; and that it was thence called Syria- 
 maachah. ( Deut . 3:14. Josh. 12:5. ) 
 
 V. 7. Thirty-two thousand soldiers (exclusive of a thou- 
 sand sent by the 'king of Maachah) arc mentioned in the 
 parallel passage: (2 Sam. 10:6.) but thirty-two thousand 
 chariots are here stated. (Note, 1 Sam. 13:5.) Either some 
 trivial mistake has crept into the text, in respect of the num- 
 ber or kind of these auxiliaries ; or they were used in general 
 to fight, some on foot, and others on horseback ; yet on some 
 occasions they all could drive, and fight from chariots of war. 
 
 V. 8 — 15. JVote, 2 Sam. 10:8 — 14 . — The kings, &c. (9) 
 The people of the allied kings are mentioned in Samuel. — 
 Behave ourselves valiantly. (13) “Let us play the men.” 
 2 Sam. 10:12. — The original is the same in both places. 
 
 V. 16—19. Note, 2 Sam. 10:18. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We may expect, that in this world our kindest actions will 
 often be requited with the basest returns, and our best inten- 
 tions expose us to the most injurious suspicions. Even in 
 our implicit obedience to our great and gracious Lord, when 
 we most sincerely desire to do good to our fellow-creatures, 
 we must lay our account with ingratitude, contempt, and 
 abuse. But these things should not discourage us ; for he 
 will plead our cause, and both comfort us, and kindly recom- 
 
 Vol. I. — 93 
 
 Israel, and passed rver Jordan, and came upoi 
 them, ‘and set the battle in array against them. 
 So when David had put the battle in array against 
 the Syrians, they fought with him. 
 
 18 But the Syrians m fled before Israel: and 
 David slew of the Syrians seven thousand men 
 which fought in chariots, and forty thousand "foot- 
 men, and killed Shophach the captain of the host. 
 
 19 And when "the servants of Hadarezer saw 
 that they were put to the worse before Israel, they 
 made peace with David, and became his servants : 
 neither ‘"would the Syrians help the children of 
 Ammon any more. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Rabbah is taken and spoiled, and the inhabitants are treated toith great seve- 
 rity, 1—3. Three giants are slain by Daoid's servants , in three battles 
 against the Philistines, 4 — 8. 
 
 A ND “it came to pass, that ’after the year pb. c. 
 
 was expired, at the time that kings go ‘- 1035 ’ 
 out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the 
 army, and b wasted the country of the children of 
 Ammon, and came and besieged "Rabbah. But 
 David tarried at Jerusalem. And d Joab smote 
 Rabbah, and destroyed it. 
 
 2 And David took the crown of their king from 
 off his head, and found fit to weigh a talent of 
 gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it 
 was set upon David’s head : e and he brought also 
 exceeding much spoil out of the city. 
 
 3 And f he brought out the people that were in 
 it, and cut them ®with saws, and with harrows of 
 iron, and with axes. Even so dealt David with 
 all the cities of the children of Ammon. And 
 David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. 
 
 4 H And it came to pass after this, that i-b. c. 
 b there ?arose a war 'at Gezer with the Philis- L 10ls - 
 tines : at which time JSibbechai the Hushathite 
 slew k Sippai,j/ia£ was of the children of Hhe giant : 
 and they were subdued. 
 
 5 And there was war again with the Philis- 
 tines ; and Elhanan the son of 'Jair slew Lahmi, 
 the brother of ""Goliath the Gittite, whose spear’s 
 staff' was like a weaver’s beam. 
 
 6 And yet again there was war at Gath, where 
 was a man "of great stature, whose fingers and 
 toes were four and twenty, six on each hand, and 
 six on each foot : and he also was "the son of the 
 giant. 
 
 7 But when "he "defied Israel, Jonathan the 
 son of "Shimea, David’s brother, slew him. 
 
 8 These were born unto the giant in Gath ; 
 and Pthey fell by the hand of David, and by the 
 hand of his servants. 
 
 4:11,12. Zech. 14:1 — 3. || That is, Euphrates. k 2 Sam. 10:16. Shobnch. 
 
 1 See on 9. Is. 22:6,7. m 13,14. Ps. 18:32. 33:16. 46:1 1 . n 2Sam. 10:18. 
 horsemen. oGen. 14:4,5. Josh. 9:9 — 11. 2 Sam. 10:19. 1 Kings 20:1 ,12. Is. 10: 
 8. p 14:17. Ps. 48:3 — 6. a 2 Sam. 11:1. * Heb. at the return of the year. 
 
 1 Kings 20:22,26 . 2 Kings 13:20. b Is. 6:11. 54:16. c Deut. 3:11. '2 Sam 12: 
 
 26. 17:27. Jer. 49:2,3. Ez. 21 :20. 25:5. Am. 1 : 14. d 2 Sam. 1 1 :16 — 25. 12:26— 
 31. t Heb .the weight of it. e 18:11. 2 Sam. 8:11,12. f 19:2 — 5. I s. 21 :8,9^ 
 g Ex. 1:14. Josh. 9:23. Judg. 8:6,7,16,17. 1 Kings 9:21. h 2 Sam. 21:15. 
 j Or, continued. Heb. stood, i Josh. 12:12. 16:3. Or, Gob. 2 Sam. 21:18. 
 j 11:29. Sibbeccvi. k2Sam. 21:18. Saph. § Or , Raphn. 1 2 Sam. 21:19. 
 Jaare-oregim. m 1 Sam. 17:4. 21:9.22:10. 2 Sam. 21:19. || Heb..o/ measure. 
 
 2 Sam. 21:20. IT Heb. bom to the giant, or, Rapha. n 1 Sam. 17:10,26,36. 
 
 Is. 37:23. ** Or , reproached, o 2:13. Shimmah. 1 Sam. 16:9. Shnmmah . 
 
 p Josh. 14:12. Ec. 9:11. Jer. 9:23. Rom. 8:31. 
 
 pense all that we endure for his sake: and after his example 
 we also should endeavour to make up to those that serve us, 
 every loss to which they are exposed in executing our orders. 
 — In every case the servants of God, though here disgraced, 
 will finally be honoured : but none of his enemies will bring 
 upon themselves more sudden and terrible vengeance,, thar 
 those who insult his ambassadors, when sent with a message 
 of peace and salvation. — The only safety of us sinners con- 
 sists in submitting to God, making our peace with him, and 
 becoming his servants: thus separating from those who per- 
 sist in their opposition and rebellion, vwe may escape their 
 doom. — When prudence, vigilance, courage, and diligence, 
 have been used in a good cause, and we have mutually 
 assisted each other; we may confidently leave the event to 
 the Lord, saying, “Let him do what seemetli him good.” 
 But let us look to ourselves, and examine our hearts and 
 lives, and fear, lest having been instruments of good to others, 
 we should ourselves be found to come short of salvation, 
 through unbelief and impenitent continuance in sin. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XX. V. I— 3. (Notes, 2 Sam. 12:26 
 — 31.) The whole account of David’s adultery, and of tho 
 sins and sufferings consequent upon it, is here entirely omit- 
 ted. (Notes, 2 Sam. 11: — 19:) 
 
 V. 4 — 7. Mar g. Ref. Note, 2 Sam. 2‘:I5 — 22 
 
 ( 737 ) 
 
B. C. 1017, 
 
 I. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 1017 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Pnrid. tempted by Satan, requires Joub to number the people, 1 — 4. The 
 number is returned to the Icing, 5, 6. God ie displeased , and David owns 
 his fault, 7, 8. The Lord, by Gad the prophet, proposes three Judgments to 
 David, who chooses three days' pestilence, 9 — 13. Seventy thousand are cut 
 off ; and David, seeing the destroying angel, intercedes for the people, 1 1— 
 17. Direct td by Gad, he buys Oman's thrashing-floor ; and sacrifices : fire 
 consumes the oblation, and tf.t p.etgue is stayed, 18—27. lie again sacrifu es 
 there ,f paring to go unto Gibeon, 28 — 30. 
 
 A ND “Satan stood up against Israel, and b pro- 
 -lx- voked David to number Israel. 
 
 2 And David said to c Joab and to tbe rulers of 
 the people, Go, number Israel from d Beer-sheba 
 even to Dan ; and 'bring the number of them to 
 me, f that I may know it. 
 
 3 And Joab answered, sThe Lord make his 
 people a hundred times so many more as they be : 
 but, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s 
 servants? why then doth my lord require this 
 thing? h why will he be a cause of trespass to 
 Israel ? 
 
 4 Nevertheless 'the kind’s word prevailed 
 against Joab. fWherefore Joab departed, k and 
 went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem. 
 
 5 IT And Joab gave the sum of the number of the 
 people unto David. And all they of Israel were 
 'a thousand thousand and a hundred thousand 
 men that drew sword: and Judah was four hun- 
 dred threescore and ten thousand men that drew 
 sword. 
 
 6 But m Levi and Benjamin counted he not 
 among them : for the king’s word was abominable 
 to "Joab. 
 
 7 'And °God was displeased with this thing, 
 therefore i'he smote Israel. 
 
 8 And David said unto God, ff have sinned 
 
 F reatly, because I have done this thing: but now, 
 beseech thee, ‘do away the iniquity of thy ser- 
 vant- for s I have done very foolishly. 
 
 9 if And the Lord spake unto ’Gad, David’s 
 seer, saying, 
 
 10 Go ami tell David, saying, Thus saith the 
 Lord, I 'offer thee three things ; “choose the one 
 of them, "that I may do it unto thee. 
 
 11 So Gad came to David, and said unto him, 
 Thus saith the Lord, tChoose thee 
 
 12 Either Hhree years’ famine ; or three months 
 Ho be destroyed before thy foes, while that the 
 sword of thine enemies overtaketh thee; or else 
 three days “the sword of the Lord, b even the pes- 
 tilence, in the land, and c the angel of the Lord 
 
 n 2S»m.24:l. 1 Kings 22:20-22. Job 1:6 — 12. 2:4 — 6. Zecli. 3:1 . Matt. 4 3. 
 Luke 22:31. John 13 2. AcIb 5:3. Jam. 1:13. Rev. 12:10. b Luke 11:53. Hel>. 
 10:21. c Set oni Sam. 24:2— 1. d Judg.20:l. 1 Sam. 3:20. 2Som.3:10. 17: 
 11.24:15. 1 Kings 4:25. 2 Chr. 30:5. e 27:23,24. f Dent. 8:13-17. 2 Chr. 32: 
 25,25. Prov. 29:23. 2 Cor. 12:7. g 19:13. Pi. 115:14. Prov. 14:28. Is. 26:15. 
 49 19. h Gen. 20:9. Ex. 32:21. Num. 92 9, 10. 1 Sam. 2:21. 1 Kings 14:16. 
 i Ec. 8:4. i Ex. 1:17. Dan. 3:18. Acts 5:29. it See on 2 Sam. 24:3-8. 127: 
 23,21. 2 Sam. 24:9. m Num. 1:47— 49. n 2 Sam. 3 27. 1 1 :1S — 21. 20:9,10. 
 
 ■ Heb. And it was evil in ths ei/es of God concerning this thins, o 2 Sum. 1 1 : 
 27. 1 Kings. 15:5. p 14. Josh. 7 1 ,5,13. 22: 16— 26. 2Sam. 21:1,14. 24:1. q2Sam. 
 12:13. Ps. 25: 1 1.32:5. Jer. 3:13. Luke 15:18.19. 1 John 1:9. rPs. 51:L— 3. 
 Hos. 14:2. John 1:29. s Gen. 34:7. 1 .Sam. 13:13.26:21. 2 Sam. 13:13. 2Chr. 
 •16 9. t 29:29. 1 Sam. 9:9. 2 Sam. 24:11. t Heb. stretch out. u Josh. 24:15. 
 Prov. 1:29—31. x Num 20:12. 2Sam. 12:10—12. 1 Kings 13:21,22. Prov. 3:12. 
 Rev. 3:19. } Heb. Take to thee, y Lev. 26:26— 29. 2 Sam. 21 : 1 . lKingsl7:l. 
 2 Kings 9;1 . Lam. 4:9. Luke 4:25. 7. Lev. 26: 17,36,37. Dent. 28: 15,25,51 ,52. 
 
 Jer. 12.16. a 16. Is. 66:16. Jer. 12:12. 47:6. b Lev. 26:16,25. Deut. 28:22,27, 
 35. Ps. 91 :6. Ez. 14:19—21. c 15,16. Ex. 12:23. 2 Kings 19:35. Matt. 13:49,50. 
 
 destroying throughout all the coasts of Israel. 
 d Now therefore advise thyself what word I slial. 
 bring again to him that sent me. 
 
 13 And David said unto Gad, 'I am in a great 
 strait : < let me fall now into tbe hand of the Lord ; 
 ffor very §great are his mercies : but h let me not 
 fall into the hand of man. 
 
 14 IT So 'the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel : 
 and there fell of Israel Seventy thousand men. 
 
 15 And God sent an angel Hinto Jerusalem to 
 destroy it : and as be was destroying, the Lord 
 beheld, and he 'repented him of the evil, and said 
 to the angel that destroyed, ’"It is enough, stay 
 now thy hand. And the angel of the Lord 
 stood by the thrashing-Hoor of "Oman the Jebu- 
 site. 
 
 16 And David lifted tip his eyes, and “saw the 
 angel of the Lord stand between the earth and 
 the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand, 
 stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and 
 the elders of Israel, who were ^clothed in sack- 
 cloth, ofell upon their faces. 
 
 17 And David said unto God, Ts it not I that 
 commanded the people to he numbered ? even I 
 it is that have sinned and done evil indeed ; hut 
 as for S these sheep, 'what have they done ? “Let 
 thy hand, I pray thee. O Lord my God, he on 
 me, and x on my lather’s house; but not on thy 
 people, ’that they should be plagued. 
 
 18 If Then z the angel of the Lord commanded 
 Gad to say to David, “that David should go up, 
 and set up an altar unto the Lord in the thrash- 
 ing-floor of Oman the Jebusite. 
 
 19 And David b went up at the saying of Gad, 
 which he spake in the name of the Lord. 
 
 20 "And Oman turned hack, and saw the angel ; 
 and his four sons with him hid ihemselves. “Now 
 Oman was thrashing wheat. 
 
 21 And as David came to Oman, Oman looked, 
 and saw David, and went out of the thrashing- 
 floor, and ’’bowed himself to David with his face 
 to the ground. 
 
 22 Then David said to Oman. '"Grant me the 
 place of this thrashing-floor, that I may build an 
 altar therein unto the Lord: 'thou shalt grant it 
 me for the full price: ’that the plague may be 
 stayed from the people. 
 
 23 And Oman said unto David, sTake it to 
 
 Acts 12:23, Rev. 7:1—3. <1 2 Sum. 24: 13,14. e 2 Kings 6:15. 1:4. Eslh. 4:11. 
 
 1(1. John 12:27. Phil. 1:23. f Heb. 10:31. p Ex. 34:6,7. P». 86:5,15. 103:8. 
 130:7. Lam. 3:32. Jon. 3:9. 4:2. Mir. 7:18. Huh. 3:2 6 Or, many. Ps. 5:7. 
 
 51 : 1 ,2. 69: 13,16. 106:7. Is. 55:7. 63:7,15. h 2 Chr. 88:9. Prov. 12:10. Is. 47:6. 
 i Nnm. 16:46—49. 2 Sam. 24:15. j Ex. 12 30. Nom. 25 9. I Sam. 6:19. 2 Kinxa 
 19:35. k 2Sam. 24:16. Jer. 7:12. 26:9.18. Moll. 23:37,38. 1 See on Gen. 6:6. 
 
 Ex. 32:14. Judg. 2:18. 10:16. Ps. 78:38. Jer. 18:7— 10. m Ex. 9:28. 1 Kii.e* 
 
 19:4. Ps. 99:13. Mark 14.41. n 2 Sam. 24:18. Arnunah. 2( hr. 3:1. o Ex. 
 14:19,20. 2 Kines 6: 17. p 1 KInss 21:27. 2 King* 19:1. Ps. 35:13,14. Jon. 3:6— 
 8. q Nnm. 14:5. 16:22. r 8. 2 Sam. 24:17. Is. 51:4. Er. 16:63. slKine«22. 
 17. Ps. 44:11. I 2 Sam. 24:1. n Gen. 44:33. F.x. 32:32, S3. John 10:11,11 
 Rom. 9:3. Uo!in3:16. x Ex. 20:5. 2 Sum. 12:10. Ps. 51:14. Is. 39:7,8. 
 
 y Josh. 22:18. z 1 1 . Acts 8:26, Ac. a 15. 2 Sam. 21.18. 2 Chr. 3:1. h 2 Kings 
 5:10 — 14. John 2:5. Acts 9:6. || Or, When Omni turned back awl saw the 
 
 angel; then he, and his four sons with him hid themselves, c Judg. 6:11. 
 d 1 Sam. 25:23. 2 Sim. 24: 18— 20. H Heb. Give. I Kings ?I:2. e 2 Sum. 24: 
 21. f Num. 16.48.25:8. g Gen. 23:4— 6. 2 Sam. 24:22,23. Jer. 3*2:8. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 A pious and benevolent mind cannot possibly delight in men- 
 tioning the transgressions of useful ami eminent men. So 
 that if truth and candour will permit, and if no good purpose 
 can be answered by speaking, persons of this character will 
 choose to he silent; though they will by no means deny, 
 excuse, or extenuate the sins of any man, when they cannot 
 honestly conceal them. It however proves a malignant or an 
 unfeeling mind, to he always searching into the miscarriages 
 of others, especially those of superior reputation, in the world, 
 or in the church. — The conflicts of believers, like those of 
 David, will be successive, as long as they live here, and 
 sometimes the sharpest a^e reserved till the last : and their 
 victories will be gradual, as their enemies will still he renew- 
 ing their assaults, and recovering their strength. — Though the 
 Lord severely correct the sins of his own believing people, he 
 will not leave them in the hands of their enemies ; his assis- 
 ance far more than counterbalances all the advantages, in 
 lumber and strength, of those that defy his Israel; and all 
 -hat trust in him shall he made more than conquerors, through 
 nim that loveth them. 
 
 NOTES.— C»ap. xxr. V. 1. (Note, 2 Sam. 21:1,2.) 
 It J3 said in 2 Sam. 24:1. that God, being angry with Israel, 
 «oved David, that is, suffered Satan to move him. This is 
 efficiently, explained there. Only here the phrase stood up 
 R to be observed; which was the posture of those who 
 i 738 ) 
 
 charged or accused any person of a crime, in a court of jus- 
 tice. See l Kings 22:21. Thus Satan is represented as 
 “ the accuser of the brethren,” in the hook of the Revelation ; 
 and here to lay some sin to the charge of the Israelites, which 
 he represented to God as a reason to punish them. For it 
 is the way of the holy Scripture, thus to bring down these 
 things, and accommodate them to the lowest capacities. 
 Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Job 1:9 — 12. Zcch. 3:1 — 4. Rev. 12: 
 7—12.) 
 
 V. 2 — 6. Notes , 2 Sam. 21:3 — 9. — Why will he be a cause 
 of trespass to Israeli (3) This part of Joab’s expostulation 
 with David is not found in Samuel; and it shows, that Joab, 
 amidst all his crimes, had considerable knowledge in religion, 
 and much sagacity in discerning the motives, and presaging 
 the consequences, of other men’s conduct. (Marg. Ref. h.) 
 — The king's word was abominable to Joab. (0) ‘He did all 
 this against his will: and at Inst the work was so odious unto 
 him, that he was quite tired with it ; and therefore broke off, 
 before ho took the numbers of those two tribes.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7, H. Notes, 2 Sam. 11:27. 12:13. 24:10.— He smote 
 
 Israel. (7) ‘He resolved to punish them; because it was for 
 their sins, that God permitted David to indulge himsolf iuthif 
 vanity.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 9—17. Notes, 2 Sam. 24:1 1—17. 
 
 V. 18 — 25. Notes, 2 Sam. 24:18 — 25. — Saw, &c. (20) Tne 
 destroying angel was rendered visible, not only to Dm «d and 
 
B. C. 1017. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 B. C. 1016. 
 
 thet, and let my lord the king do that which is 
 ood in his eyes : lo, I give thee h the oxen also for 
 urnt-offerings, and the thrashing instruments for 
 wood, and the wheat for the meat-offering ; I give 
 St all. 
 
 24 And king David said to Oman, 'Nay; I will 
 verily buy it for the full price: for I #ill not take 
 that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt- 
 offerings without cost. 
 
 25 So k David gave to Oman for the place six 
 hundred shekels of gold by weight. 
 
 26 And David 'built there an altar unto the 
 Lord, and offered burnt-offerings and peace-of- 
 ferings, ra and called upon the Lord ; and he an- 
 swered him from heaven "by fire upon the altar of 
 burnt-offering. 
 
 27 And “the Lord commanded the angel ; and 
 *’ , 'e p it up his sword again into the sheath thereof. 
 
 28 H At that time when David saw that the 
 Lord had answered him in the thrashing-floor of 
 Oman the Jebusite, then he sacrificed there. 
 
 29 For ithe tabernacle of the Lord, which 
 Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of 
 the burnt-offering, were at that season in the high 
 place at "Gibeon. 
 
 30 But David could not go before it to inquire 
 of God : for "he was afraid because of the sword 
 of the angel of the Lord. 
 
 hi Sam. 6:14. 1 Kinss 19:21. 18.23:21,3s. i Hen. 14:23. 23:13. Deut. 16:16, 
 17. Mai. 1:12— 14. Rom. 12:17. k 2 Sam. 21:24,25. 1 Ex. 20:24,25. 24.4.5. 
 
 m 1 Sam. 7:8,9. Ps. 51:15. 91:15. 99:6. Prov. 15:8. Is. 65:24. Jer. 33:3. n Lev. 
 9.24. Ju<l K . 6 21. 13:20. I Kings 18:38. 2Cbr. 7:1. o 15,16. 2 Sam. 94:16. 
 Ps. 1U3.2D. Heb. 1:14. p 12:20. Jer. 47:6. Ex. 21:30. Malt. 26:52. John 18:11. 
 a Ex. 40 I , &c. r 16:39. 1 Kinse 3:4. 2 Chr. 1 : 13. s 16. 13: 12. Dent. 10:12. 
 
 2 Sam. 6:9. Job 13:21 . 21:6. 23:15. Ps. 119:120. Heb. 12:28,29. Rev 1:17. 15:4. 
 a 21:13—28. lien. 28: 17. Deut. 12:5—7,11. 2 Sam. 24:18. 2 Chr. 3:1. 6:5,6. Ps. 
 78:60,67-69. 132:13,14. John 4:20— 22. b 2 Kings 18:22. 2Chr.32:12. 
 
 c 1 Kings 9:20,21. 2 Chr. 2:17. 8:7,8. Is. 61:5,6. Eph. 2:12,19— 22. (114:1. 
 
 the elders of Israel, but to Oman, (or Araunah,) and his 
 sons also. Indeed, it is probable, that this awful vision of the 
 angel, with a “drawn sword in his hand, stretched out over 
 Jerusalem,” continued apparent to all the inhabitants, till 
 David had offered the appointed sacrifices. The variations 
 <n the narrative are noted in the exposition of the parallel pas- 
 sage in Samuel. 
 
 V. 2G. The fire from heaven was an emblem of divine 
 vindictive justice against sinners : but, this fire consuming the 
 sacrifices, and sparing the offenders, who thus pleaded guilty 
 and sought mercy, was the highest token of the Lord’s accep- 
 tance of the sacrifice, and a type of our salvation by the pro- 
 pitiary sufferings of Christ for us. (Notes, Gen. 4:3 —5. Lev. 
 9:24. 1 Kings 18:38,39. 2 Chr. 7:1—3.) 
 
 V. 28 — 30. David had in general been used to sacrifice at 
 Gibeon; (Notes. 10:37 — 43. 1 Kings 3:4.) but on this emer- 
 
 gency he was afraid to leave Jerusalem, lest the angel should 
 smite the inhabitants : and having been accepted at the thrash- 
 ing-floor of Oman, he continued afterwards to offer sacrifices 
 there. (Note, 22:1.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 So long as we abide on earth Satan has access to us, 
 through the remains of sin in our hearts, and especially of 
 pride : an 1 the Lord has wise and righteous reasons for per- 
 mitting this enemy, under certain restrictions, to tempt his 
 servants. As far as he obtains this permission, he is un- 
 wearied in his malicious efforts to deceive, to defile, or to dis- 
 tress us ; and he can vary his devices in many plausible ways : 
 Dut, he does us more harm as a seducer than as an accuser, 
 as a subtle serpent than as a roaring lion. W e are therefore 
 called upon to be sober and vigilant, and to pray always that 
 we “ enter not into temptation :” and, as men advance in rank 
 and reputation, authority, or usefulness, they have need to 
 redouble the guard, and to be more watchful and instant in 
 prayer than ever; for the enemy levels his assaults especially 
 against those who are eminent in character, or fill up public 
 stations, in the church or in the community ; because their 
 falls involve numbers either in sin or suffering. — It is a mercy 
 to be speedily made sensible of our guilt, when we have been 
 left to transgress : but no confession or humiliation can secure 
 us from present sufferings, when we have committed such 
 crimes as appear abominable even to ungodly men, and bring 
 an open scandal upon our profession. — By thus yielding to 
 temptation we bring ourselves into dreadful straits, from which 
 we can by no means extricate ourselves : yet, even in this 
 case, there is encouragement for us to leave our cause in the 
 hand of the Lord, that he may do with us as he pleases ; “ for 
 very great are his mercies.” — Of all the painful consequences 
 cf transgression, none in this world can be more distressing 
 to an ingenuous mind, than to see those whom we most love, 
 and desire the most to do good to, suffering heavily through 
 our sins. But even under the anguish of this trial, we must 
 oot allow ourselves to murmur, or to despond. — The Lord has 
 righteous reasons for his dispensations, though mysterious to 
 us : and therefore they, who a-e reciprocally suffering through 
 •ach owr’s sins, should uni#* together in humiliation before 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 David makes large preparations for the temple, 1 — 5. He instructs Solomo* 
 and chargee him lo build it, 6 — 16. lit commands the elders of Israel lo as- 
 sist him, 17—19. 
 
 T HEN David said, "This is the house of the 
 Lord God, b and ttiis is the altar of the burnt* 
 offering for Israel. 
 
 2 And David commanded to gather together 
 "the strangers that were in the land of Israel ; and 
 he set d masons to hew wrought stones to build the 
 house of God. 
 
 3 And David “prepared iron in abundance for 
 the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the 
 joinings ; and brass in abundance 1 without weight, ; 
 
 4 Also ^cedar-trees in abundance : for the Zido- 
 nians, and they of Tyre brought much cedar- 
 wood to David. 
 
 5 And David said, h SoIom»n my son is young 
 and tender, and the house that is to be builded for 
 the Lord must be ‘exceeding magnifical, of fame 
 and of glory throughout all countries : I w\\\ there- 
 fore now make preparation lor il. So k David pre- 
 pared abundantly before his death. 
 
 6 H Then he called for Solomon his son, and 
 'charged him to build a house for the Lord God 
 of Israel. 
 
 7 And David said to Solomon, My son, as for 
 me, m it was in my mind to build a house “unto 
 the name of the Lord my God : 
 
 2 Sam.5: II. I Kings 5:17,18. 6:7. 7:9— 12. 2 Kings 12:12. 29:6. Ezra3:7, e 29: 
 2,7. f 14. 1 Kings 7:47. 2 Chr. 4:18. Jer. 52:26. g 2 Sam. 5:11. 1 Kings 5.6— 
 10. 9 Chr. 2:3. Ezra 3:7. h 29:1. 1 Kings 3:7. 2 Chr. 13:7. ilKings9:8. 
 2 Chr. 2:5. 7:21. Is. 61:11. Ez. 7:20. Hag. 2:3,9. Luke 21:5. k Deut. 31 :2— 7. 
 Ec. 9:10. John 3:30. 4:37,38. 9:4. 13:1. 2 Pel. l:13— 15. 1 Num. 27:18,19,23. 
 
 Deut. 31:14,23. Matt. 98:18—90. Acts 1:2. 20:25— 31. 1 Tim. 5:21. 6:13— 17. 
 2 Tim. 4:1 . m 17:1.28:2. 29:3. 2 Sam. 7:2. 1 Kings 8:17— 19. 2 Chr. 6:7— 9. 
 Ps. 132:5. Acts 7:46. n Deut. 12:5,11,21. 1 Kings 8:16,20,29. 9:3. 2Chr.2:4. 
 Ezra 6:12. 
 
 him, and in fervently deprecating the effects of his indignation 
 from each other. This forms the proper employment of every 
 individual, in times of general calamity : and when public ho- 
 nour has thus been rendered to the righteous Author of na- 
 tional sufferings, his merciful interposition may be expected. 
 He knows how to educe good from evil, and to overrule our 
 sufferings, nay, even our sins, for the good of our souls, and 
 the promotion of true religion. — The fear of impending ven- 
 geance, from the wrath of an offended God, is naturally cal- 
 culated to drive men from him. But in subserviency to the 
 gospel, and through the influence of the Spirit of God, it con- 
 curs in showing sinners the preciousness of Christ ; disposing 
 them to forsake all for him, and afterwards enlarging the mind 
 in grateful obedience to him, who has saved them from so 
 great a destruction. Those who shelter their souls, as it were, 
 under the atonement of his sacrifice, who “suffered once for 
 sins, the just for the unjust,” will be safe from danger, even 
 in the hour of death, and in the day of judgment, and none 
 are losers, by being willing to part with all for the sake of 
 Christ, or to dedicate all to his service. — When the urgency 
 of our affairs constrains us to act contrary to our previous 
 methods and rules, or to our inclination, we shall frequently 
 learn afterwards, that, by so doing, we were preparing the 
 way for some important benefit from the Lord to us or to 
 others: and in the observance of his directions, we may con- 
 fidently expect acceptance and returning comfort. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXII. V. 1. The Lord, having point- 
 ed out the place, where he would have sacrifice offered for 
 averting the pestilence, and having “answered by fire from 
 heaven David was assured, probably by immediate inspira- 
 tion, that it was his will, the temple should be built by Solo- 
 mon on this very spot.. It had immediately before been in 
 the possession of a Jebusite , which was an intimation of mercy 
 intended for the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. (21:18.) — It 
 does not appear, whether David removed the ark thither with 
 its tent, or whether it remained in its former place. — Hence- 
 forth this became the spot, which God “ chose to place his 
 name there,” and where sacrifices were regularly offered, as 
 long as that dispensation lasted. ( Notes , Deut. 12:5 — 7. 2 Chr. 
 3:1,2. Fs. 78:67— 69. John 4:19— 24.) 
 
 V. 2 — 5. David though denied the honour of building 
 the temple,* yet out of love to so good a work, employed 
 himself in making every kind of preparation for it. ( Notes, 
 18:9 — 17, v. 11. 28:11 — 18. 29:1 — 9.) — The strangers , here 
 mentioned, seem to have been the remnant of the old 
 inhabitants, who, having submitted to David, had their 
 lives spared, and had been reduced to bondage. (Note, 
 
 1 Kings 9:20 — 22.) — David procured much cedar-wood for 
 the temple ; but Solomon had occasion for a great deal more. 
 
 ( Marg . Ref.) — According to the nature of that introductory 
 dispensation, and for an emblem of the spiritual glory of 
 Christ and his church, Solomon’s temple was built with grea 
 magnificence: that, being renowned through all countries, 
 strangers might be induced to visit it, and thus become ac- 
 quainted with Jehovah, and his true worship. Sol n :>n 
 also would need every encouragement and assistance fo- so 
 
 ( 739 > 
 
B. C. 016. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 1016 
 
 8 Bjt the word of the Lord came to me, say- 
 ing, °Thou hast shed blood abundantly, and hast 
 made great wars : "thou shalt not build a house 
 unto my name, because thou hast shed much 
 blood upon the earth in my sight. 
 
 9 Behold, sa son shall be born to thee, who shall 
 be a man of rest; and r I will give him rest from 
 all liis.enemies round about : for his name shall be 
 'Solomon, and S I will give peace and quietness 
 unto Israel in his days. 
 
 10 'He shall build a house for my name ; and 
 J he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and 
 ^1 will establish the throne of his kingdom over 
 
 ISPRCl lor 6VCF. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 11 Now, my son, ?the Lord be with thee: and 
 prosper thou, and build the house of the Lord 
 thy God, as he hath^aid of thee. 
 
 12 Only z the Lord give thee wisdom and 
 understanding, and give thee charge concerning 
 Israel, "that thou mayest keep the law of the 
 Lord thy God. 
 
 13 Then b shalt thou prosper, if thou takest 
 heed c to fulfil the statutes and judgments, which 
 the Lord charged Moses with concerning Israel: 
 <! be strong, and of good courage ; dread not, nor 
 be dismayed. 
 
 o 38:3. Num. 31:19,20,34. 1 Kins' 5.3. p 17:4—10. 2 Sam. 7:5— 11 . q 17: 
 11.28:5—7. 2 Sam. 7:12.13. r 1 Kinzs 4:20,25. 5U. Ps. 72:7. Is. 9:6.7. 
 
 • That is, Peaceable. 2 Sam. 12:2-1,25. s Jude. 6:24. marg. Job 34:29. 
 Is. 26:12. 45:7. 57:19. 66;12. Hag. 2:9. t 17:12,13. 28:6. 1 Kings 5:5. 8: 19,20. 
 Zech. 6:12,13. u Ps. 89:26,27. Heb. 1 .5. x 17:1 1. 28:7. Ps. 89:36,37. Is. 9:7. 
 y 16.28:20. Is. 26.12. Matt. 1 :23. 28:20. Rorn. 15:33. 2Tim.4:22. z 1 Kings 
 3:9—12. 2 Cbr. 1:10. Ps. 72:1. Prov. 2:6,7. Luke 21:15. Jam. 1:5. a Pent. 4: 
 6, 1 Kings 11:1 — 10. Prov. 14:8. 1 John 2:3. b 28:7. Josh. 1:7,8. mars'. 1 Kings 
 2:3. Jer. 22:3,4. c Matt. 3:15. Acts 13:22. Gal. 6:2. Jam. 2:8. d 28:10,20. 
 Dent. 31:7,8. Josh. 1:6— 9,18. 1 Cor. 16:13. Kph.6:10. 2Tim.2:l. * * Or, 
 
 great a work, as succeeding to the throne of Israel when 
 young, and being called lo perform so arduous and important 
 a service; that he might not be retarded from entering on it 
 in an early period cf his reign. (Note, 1 Kings 3:5 — 14.) 
 
 V. 6— 10. (Notes, Num. 27:18,19. 2 Tim. 4:1—8.) David 
 was a type of Christ in his conflicts, victories, and the de- 
 struction of his obstinate enemies : but Solomon represented 
 the Saviour triumphant, glorified, and giving peace and feli- 
 city to his willing subjects. In this latter character “ the 
 Prince of peace” erects his spiritual temple ; and h z ire 
 accorded to the nature of the Christian dispensati^:., and to 
 the character of Jesus, both of which were represented in 
 this transaction, that the temple should be built by a peace- 
 able prince, than by a successful war*-’ or. Yet, David in his 
 wars did the work and sought the honour of God, and was 
 eminently serviceable to his people: and he was desirous also 
 of building the temple. (Notes, 2 Sam. 7:1 — 5,12 — 16. 12: 
 24,25. 1 Kings 8:17— 21. Zech. 6:12,13.) 
 
 Hast shed blood, (8) ‘Though David’s wars were war- 
 ranted, and succeeded by God in an extraordinary manner ; 
 yet it did not suit so well with the divine Majesty to have a 
 house built him by one who had shed so much blood, as by 
 one that reigned in peace and quietness : that he might he an 
 emblem of the King of peace, the Lord of the church, who 
 was prefigured in all such great transactions.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 Forever. (10) ‘This can belong to none in the proper 
 and full sense of the word, but Christ alone. For Solomon 
 reigned but forty years, and after that his kingdom was torn 
 in pieces. Therefore to Christ the author to the Hebrews 
 applies them, Heb. 1:5.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 11, 12. David had given Solomon exhortations and in- 
 structions; but the powerful influence of divine grace alone 
 could form him to that wisdom, piety, and zeal, which such a 
 work required. This he earnestly prayed for in Solomon’s 
 behalf, and taught him to pray for and confidently to expect : 
 for the language may he understood as an assurance that it 
 would be so ; as well as a prayer that it might be so. The 
 connexion also of ihe several particulars is well worthy of 
 notice. The Lord must give the wisdom and understanding, 
 in or ler that he might keep the charge and ihe law: for this 
 would he the genuine and sure effect, and thus prosperity 
 would he the result. (Notes, 13. 1 Kings 3:5 — 14. Ps. 72: 
 
 4* 4 : ) 
 
 V. 13. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 28:7,8. Josh. Ii7,8.) Con- 
 scientious obedience to the commands of God, on scriptural 
 principles, both secures final success, and inspires present 
 courage and confidence. 
 
 V. 14. The gold and silver here mentioned, if computed 
 by the ordinary weight of the talent, would amount to eight 
 or nine hundred millions sterling* and this enormous quantity 
 would have more than sufficed to erect an edifice, as large as 
 the temple itself apart from its courts, of solid gold and silver. 
 Compared therefore with the size of the temple, and with the 
 gains of Solomon, when the precious metals became common 
 at Jerusalem; ( l Kings 9:14,28.) it is generally concluded, 
 either that some mistake has taken place in the numeral let- 
 ters, or that a talent of inferior weight and value is meant. — 
 David h?d collected this wealth for the temple in his trouble, 
 ( 740 , 
 
 14 Now behold, in my ^trouble I have prepared 
 for the house of the Lord e a hundred thousan 
 talents of gold, and a thousand thousand talents 
 of silver ; and of brass and iron f without weight; 
 for it is in abundance: timber also anil stone 
 have I prepared ; and thou mayest add thereto. 
 
 15 Moreover, there are workmen with thee in 
 abundance, : hewers and workers of slone and 
 timber, and sail manner of cunning men for every 
 manner of work. 
 
 16 Of h the-gold, the silver, and the brass, and 
 the iron, there is no number. ‘Arise, therefore, 
 and he doing, k and the Lord be with thee. 
 
 17 TI David also commanded 'all the princes of 
 Israel to help Solomon his son. saying, 
 
 18 Is ‘"not the Lord your God with you? "and 
 hath he not given you rest on every side? for he 
 hath given the inhabitants of the land into mine 
 hand ; and the land is subdued “before the Lord, 
 and before his people. 
 
 19 Now Pset your heart and your soul to seek 
 the Lord your God ; ^arise therefore, and build 
 ye the sanctuary of the Lord God, r lo bring the 
 ark of the covenant of the Lord, and the holy 
 vessels of God, into the house that is to be built 
 s to the name of the Lord. 
 
 poverty. 2 Cor. 8:2. e 29:4— 7. 1 Kings 10:14. f 3. 2 Kings 25:16. Jer. 52:20. 
 | Thai is, masons and carpenters. See on 2 — 4. g Ex . 28:6. 31 5. 35:32— 
 
 35. 1 Kings 7:14. h See on 3,14. i Josh. 1 :2,5,9. 7:10. Judg. 4:14. 18:9,10. 
 2 Chr. 20:17. 1 Cor. 15:58. Eph. 5:14. Phil. 2:12,13. 4:13. k 1 Sam. 17:37. 20: 
 
 13. 1 28:21. 29:6. Rom. 16:2,3. Phil 4:3. 3 Joint 8. m Jude. 6:12— 14. Rom. 
 8:31. n See on 9. 23:25. Deul. 12:10,11. Jo«h. 22:4. 23 1 . 2 S^m. 7:1 . Acts 9:31. 
 o Dent. 20:4. Josh. 10:42. 1 Sam. 25:28 . 2 Sam. 5:19,20. Ps. 44:1—5. p 16:11. 
 28:9. Dent. 4:29. 32:46,47. 2 Chr. 20:3. Dan. 9:3. Hae. 1:5. marg. Acts 11:23. 
 q See on 16. Is. 60:1. Acts 22:16. r 1 Kings 8:6,21. 2 Chr. 5:7. 6:1 1. o See on 
 7. 1 Kings 5:3. 
 
 or in his poverty. He had set out in life very poor ; he had 
 passed through a constant succession of trials and troubles, 
 not only before he came to the kingdom, but during his whole 
 reign ; and all his prosperity was the result of the Lord’s 
 singular kindness, in making him a gainer by all the attempts 
 of his numerous enemies. — He seems also to speak of his 
 preparation as a small matter, whether compared with tho 
 greatness of the Lord to whom it was dedicated, or with his 
 own obligations to him. (Note, 29:10 — 19.) 
 
 V. 15—19. Marg. Ref. Notes, 28:20,21. 29:2—9,21—25. 
 — Set your heart* &c. (19) Earnestly seize the present op- 
 portunity, and make it your grand concern to seek and serve 
 the Lord in all respects, as well as to build the temple. 
 (Notes, Ec. 9:10. Is. 55:6,7. Matt. 6:33,34. John 12:34—36.) 
 
 • PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. When the grace of God possesses the heart, a 
 man’s falls and mistakes will eventually be overruled to form 
 him to such a humble and watchful frame of mind, as will 
 exceedingly increase the simplicity, purity, and activity of 
 his zeal in the service of God. — The most eminent servants 
 of the Lord are apt sometimes to abate their diligence; and 
 alarming providences often concur with the warnings and re- 
 bukes of the Scripture, to stir them up to greater earnestness ; 
 especially when they are reminded of the approach of death, 
 and perceive that much remains to be done, and that proba- 
 bly they have only a short time in w hich to do it. — When tho 
 Lord refuses to employ us in those kinds and in that measure 
 of service to his church, which we desired and hoped to per- 
 form ; we must not on that account yield to indolence or 
 discouragement. But we should bo doing what we can, in a 
 subordinate sphere, and upon a smaller scale; and rejoice in 
 affording any little assistance to those who arc honoured with 
 more extensive usefulness. The “ spirit that is in us,” in- 
 deed, powerfully “lusteth to envy ;” hut we must seek unto 
 him, who “ giveth more grace,” that this evil may he morti- 
 fied and subdued. — We are not likely on earth to witness 
 those glorious times which are foretold in the Scriptures, 
 when Satan shall no more deceive the nations, and “tho 
 earth shall he filled with the knowledge of the glory of tho 
 Lord, as the waters cover the sea:” yet, it is possible that we 
 may he, as it were, collecting materials for that work. What- 
 ever is done towards rendering the word of God more gene- 
 rally known, understood, and attended to, in the world, is like 
 bringing a stone, perhaps an ingot of gold, towards erecting 
 the edifice. Whatever tends to bring the rising generations, 
 in succession, acquainted with the gospel of Jesus Christ, in 
 its purity and energy, is, as it were, enlisting soldiers for that 
 decisive conflict, in which the armies of Christ shall obtain 
 most glorious victories. These considerations should en- 
 courage us, when we are grieved that we see no more fruits 
 of all our labours. Much good may appear after our death 
 which was hidden from us, “lest we should be exalted above 
 measure.” “ Let us not then he weary of well doing ; for in 
 due season we shall reap, if wo faint not.” — Above all, they 
 who are aged, and expect shortly to he removed .o a bettor 
 world, should diligently instruct, encourage, charge, and cau- 
 tion those, who arc young and inexperienced, aid who are 
 likely to succeed them in their work. The service is arduouj 
 
13. C. 101«. CHAPTER XXIII. B. C. 1016. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 £avid makes Solomon kingyX. The Levites are numbered, and close ed for 
 different services, 2 — 6. The sons of Qerehon, 7 — 11. Of Kohath , 12 — 20. 
 Of Meruri , 21—23. The several officers of the Levites, 24—32. 
 
 S O when David was “old and full of days, b lie 
 made Solomon his son king over Israel. 
 
 2 U And c he gathered together all the princes of 
 Israel, with the priests and the Levites. 
 
 3 Novv ‘'the Levites were numbered from the 
 age of thirty years and upward: and their number 
 by their polls, man by man, was 'thirty and eight 
 thousand. 
 
 4 Of which, f twenty and four thousand were 
 to ‘set forward the work of the house of the 
 Lord; and six thousand were ^officers and judges. 
 
 5 Moreover, four thousand were h porters ; and 
 four thousand 'praised the Lord with Hite instru- 
 
 n 29:2$. Gen. 25:8. 35:29. I Kings 1:1. Job 5:26. b 28:5. 29:22—25. 1 Kings 1: 
 53—39. c 13:1.28:1. Josh. 23:2.24:1. 2Chr. 34:29, 30. d Num. 4:2,3,23,30,35, 
 43,47. a Num. 4:48. 129-32.6.48.9:28—32.25:20-27. • Or, orerne. Neh. 
 11:9,22. Acts 20:28. g 26:29—31. lieut. 16:18.17:8—10. 2Chr. 19:8. Mai. 2:7. 
 h 9:17-27. 15:23,24.16:38.26:1—12. 2 Chr. 8:14. 35:15. Ezra 7-7. Neh. 7:73. 
 
 anti important, being intimately connected with the honour of 
 God, and the salvation of souls; and “who is sufficient for 
 these things?” Indeed, all our sufficiency must be of God. 
 He allots various services to his people ; and' that which 
 qualities for one kind of usefulness, may unfit for another ; we 
 should then all acquiesce in his wiH ; and fill up our proper 
 place for the common benefit, as the members do in the 
 human body. (Note, Rom. 12:3 — 8.) But peace is in its own 
 nature preferable to the most successful wars ; and the shed- 
 ding of human blood, though sometimes necessary, should 
 always be done with great reluctance, and thought of with 
 horror: for even when the Lord commanded it, he was 
 pleased to speak of it, as “ shed in his sight," and as what he 
 had no pleasure in beholding. We should therefore be far 
 more ambitious of the honour of giving rest and quietness to 
 those around us, than of the conqueror’s applause. “ Blessed 
 are the peace-makers ; for they shall be called the children 
 of God.” (Notes, Matt. 5:9. Jam. 3:17,18.) — Among other 
 unspeakable advantages of public peace, this is peculiarly 
 important, that it affords the fairest opportunities of executing 
 useful designs to promote true religion : and then we should 
 be active and earnest to seize the favourable opportunity, by 
 forming or assisting every design of general utility. (Note, 
 Acts 9:31.) But especially peace among Christians is con- 
 ducive to this most desirable end ; which is grievously coun- 
 teracted by the animosities, divisions, and vehement contro- 
 versies, which, alas 1 prevail and are multiplied. Did all real 
 believers “ endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the 
 bond of peace,” and to strive together for “ the faith of the 
 gospel such effects would follow, as seem at present to 
 exceed our largest expectations or conceptions. (Note, and 
 P. O. Eph. 4:1 — 6.) The work is, however, in the hands of 
 “ the Prince of peace :” may he compose all our differences, 
 and ■build the spiritual temple so magnificent and glorious, 
 that the fame of it may be spread into all countries, (ill all 
 the nations of the earth become his willing subjects, and live 
 in love and peace with each other ! 
 
 V. 11 — 19. Even the young, the weak, and inexperienced, 
 when called forth to service by the Lord, may expect that he 
 will be with them ; and that he will give them upright, zealous 
 minds, with true wisdom and understanding, and then cause 
 them to prosper in their work. — No abilities or diligence can 
 render us durably and extensively useful to others, if we do 
 not take heed to our own conduct, that it be regulated ac- 
 cording to the word of God. While we trust in his grace 
 and mercy, and obey his commandments, we need fear no 
 difficulties or opposition ; the things which seem to be against 
 us will “work together for our good:” we should then be 
 “strong in the Lord,” and of good courage, and not dread or 
 be dismayed at the prospect of any temptations, troubles, or 
 persecutions, which may meet us in the way of our duty. — 
 In such an age and nation as this, we of course enter in many 
 respects into the labours of others : but to all the preparation 
 hitherto made in any place, we shall find it requisite to add 
 far more ; for much, very much remains to be done to render 
 6' “ a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” ( Note, Tit. 
 2:14.) All our advantages, and all the promises of the gos- 
 pc 1 , are intended to encourage our activity, and not to excuse 
 our sloth. And, whether we seek our own salvation, or that 
 of other men, we must “arise, and be doing.”— The whole 
 weight of public services should not be laid upon those who 
 sustain public characters. Others are commanded to assist 
 them in proportion to their talents and abilities : and they are 
 exnorted lo set their hearts and souls thus to seek and serve 
 • ’e Lord, that the good works, which have been devised, may 
 be completed without needless delay. Thus nobles, senators, 
 magistrates, and indeed every subject in his place, should 
 concur with the king, in every scriptural measure for stop- 
 ping the progress of immorality and profaneness, and for pro- 
 moting the fear of God, and a regard to his truths, ordinances, 
 and commandments : first they should lead the way by a good 
 example ; then they should proceed to employ their authority 
 and influence, to give effect to such endeavours: and fina'lv, 
 they should seek the blessing of God upon them by fervent 
 
 ments which I made, said David, to praise there 
 
 with. 
 
 6 And David ^divided them into "courses 
 among the sons of Levi, namely, 'Gershon 
 Kohath, and Merari. 
 
 7 II Of the “'Gershonites were ”Laadan and 
 Shimei. 
 
 8 The sons of Laadan ; the chief was “Jehiel, 
 and Zetham, and > Joel, three. 
 
 9 The sons of Shimei; Sheloniith, and Haz,el, 
 and Haran, three. These were the chief of the 
 fathers of Laadan. 
 
 10 And the sons of Shimei were Jahath, iZina, 
 and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the 
 sons of Shimei. 
 
 11 And Jahath was the chief, and r Zizah the 
 
 i 6:31 — 48. 9:33. 15:16— 22. 16:41,42. 25:1— 7. 2 Chr. 20:19— 21. Ps. 87:7. 
 
 j I Kings 10:12. 2 Chr. 29:25,26. See on Am. 6:5. k 2 Chr. 8:14. 29:25. 31:2. 
 35:10. Ezra6:I8. * Heb. divisions. 24:1. 26:1. 1 6:1,16. Gershom. Ex. 6:16 
 —24. Num. 26:57,58. m 6:17 — 20. 15:7. 26:21. n Ex. 6:17. Libni. Shimi. 
 o 15:18,20,21. p 6:33,34. 15:7,11,17. q 11. Zizah. r 10. Zina. 
 
 prayers. Thus likewise, the leading persons in congregations 
 should second to the uttermost the labours of the minister for 
 the good of souls : their unanimity, forbearance, and cordiality, 
 their pious examples, family religion, and earnest prayers, 
 should never be wanting, that they may add weight to his 
 exhortations, strengthen his hands, encourage him in his ar- 
 duous work, and bring a blessing upon it. Yet, alas! how 
 contrary is the conduct of too many, who would be thought 
 friends to the goSpel ! In the church, .in their families, and 
 in their worldly concerns, they act as if they meant to coun- 
 teract the labours of ministers ; to weaken their influence, to 
 discourage their hearts, to prejudice men’s minds against the 
 blessed truths which they preach, and to embolden all around 
 them to disregard their warnings and exortations ! — But 
 surely, if “the Lord indeed be with us,” and has given us 
 rest from our enemies; we shall set our hearts and souls to 
 seek him, and by every means in our power, to glorify his 
 name, and promote the peace and prosperity of his church. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXIII. V. 1. David named Solo- 
 mon his successor.— If this transaction preceded his las* 
 sickness, and Adonijah’s usurpation, that usurpation was 
 thus rendered more inexcusable : for it is evident that David 
 acted as a prophet, as well as \Vith the full concurrence of 
 his people. (Notes, 29:21 — 25. 1 Kings 1:5,6. 2:15 — 18.) 
 
 V. 2 — 6. The ark being now stationed at Jerusalem, the 
 place of the temple appointed, and great preparations made 
 for the building of it; (16:1. 22:1 — 4,14.) David proceeded to 
 reduce the whole service of the priests and Levites to method, 
 which seems before to have been conducted with less regu- 
 larity. The Israelites had been greatly increased ; and we 
 may suppose that, towards the close of David’s reign, the 
 occasional sacrifices were far more numerous than they had 
 been. The priests and Levites also were greatly multiplied ; 
 and it was of importance to make every thing ready for con- 
 ducting the service, with proportionable splendour and solem- 
 nity, as soon as the temple was finished. David therefore 
 began his arrangements with numbering the Levites, from 
 thirty years of age, as in the time of Moses : but it does not 
 appear, that such as were above fifty years old were omitted. 
 (Notes, 24 — 28. Num. 4:3. 8:24 — 26.) The priests, who 
 were very numerous, were not included in the sum total here 
 mentioned ; so that this tribe had increased in greater propor- 
 tion than the others. — Twenty-four thousand Levites were 
 employed to “ set forward the work of the house of the Lord :” 
 (4) that is, to assist the priests in every thing pertaining to 
 the sacrifices, and in removing from the temple and its courts 
 whatever might be polluting and offensive ; that the whole 
 service might be performed with expedition and exactness, 
 and every thing preserved entirely clean and beautiful. (28) 
 It is also probable, that, while the temple was building, the; 
 were employed in superintending ihe workmen. They served 
 in rotation by courses ; and it may be concluded, that every 
 week a thousand came in, and a thousand went out. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note, 2 Kings 11:5 — 9.) Doubtless it was also intended, 
 that they should be instruclers of the people, in their several 
 districts, when not employed at the sanctuary. (Notes, Num. 
 35:2 — 8. 2 Chr. 30:21,22.) Six thousand were employed as 
 magistrates, in the different parts of the country, and perhaps 
 they likewise acted in rotation. (4) Four thousand kept the 
 doors of the sanctuary, that no unclean or improper person 
 might, enter the courts ; that no disturbance might be made, 
 to interrupt the sacred services; that none but priests might 
 go into the temple ; and that no one might rob the treasures 
 there deposited: and four thousand were appointed as singers 
 and musicians, to keep up that part of divine worship con- 
 tinually. (Marg. Ref.) — These also were dividedinto twenty* 
 four courses, and changed weekly. (9:25.) 
 
 V. 7— 23. Marg. Ref. Notes, 6:16—48. Ex. 6:14— 25. 
 Num 3: 4: 16:1 — 4. — Aaron, & c. (13) 6:49. Notes, Ex. 28:1. 
 Num.G: 23—27. 16:5—7,35—50. 17: 18:1— 6.~ Moses, &c. (14) 
 As the sons of Moses were excluded from the priesthood 
 evidently with Moses’s most cordial and disinterested con- 
 currence, and, as it appears from the history by tl eir own 
 also; no other person, not of Aaron’s race, oi ( oi. any 
 ( 741 ) 
 
B. C. 1016 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1016. 
 
 second : bi<, Jk (sh and Beriah 'had not. many 
 sons ; therefore they were in one reckoning, 
 according to their father’s house. 
 
 12 II The ’sons of Kohath; Amram, Izhar, 
 Hebron, and Uzziel, four. 
 
 13 The 'sons of Amram; Aaron and Moses: 
 and Aaron was “separated, that he should "sanc- 
 tify the most holy things, he and his sons for ever, 
 Uo burn incense before the Lord, to minister unto 
 him, and "to bless in his name forever. 
 
 14 Now concerning Moses “the man of God, 
 b his sons were named of the tribe of Levi. 
 
 15 The sons of Moses were, "Gershom, and 
 Eliezer. 
 
 16 Of the sons of Gershom, d Shebuel was the 
 chief. 
 
 17 And the sons of Eliezer were, Rehabiah 
 ’the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons ; but 
 the sons of Rehabiah twere very many. 
 
 18 Of the sons of Izhar ; “Shelomith the chief. 
 
 19 Of the sons of r Hebron; Jeriah the first, 
 Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and 
 Jekameam the fourth. 
 
 20 Of the sons of Uzziel; Micah the first, and 
 Jesiab the second. 
 
 21 H The sons of ^Merari ; h Mahli, and Mushi. 
 The sons of Mahli ; Eleazar, and Kish. 
 
 22 And Eleazar died, and 'had no sons, but 
 daughters: and their ^brethren the sons of Kish 
 "took them. 
 
 23 The sons of Mushi ; Mahli, and Eder, and 
 'Jecemoth, three. 
 
 24 H These were m the sons of Levi "after the 
 house of their fathers ; even the chief of their 
 
 • Hel >. did not multiply sons, s See on 6:2. Ex. 6:18. Num. 3:27. 26:58. t See 
 nn 6:3. Ex. 6:20. Num. 3:27. 26:59. u Ex. 28:1. Num. 18:1. Ps. 99:6. 106:16. 
 Acta 13:2. Rom. 1:1. Gal. 1:15. Heb. 5:4. x Ex. 29:33—37,44. 40:9—15. Lev. 
 10:10,17,18.16:11 — 19,32,33.17:2—6. Num. 18:3— 8. v Ex. 30:6— 10,34— 38. 
 
 Lev. 10:1,2. 16:12,13. Num. 16:16— 18,35— 40,46,47. 2 Chr. 26:18-21. Luke 1:9. 
 Rev. 8:3. z Lev. 9:22,23. Num. 6 23-27. Deut.21:5. a See nn Deut. 33:1. 
 Ps. 90: title, b 26:23— 25. c Ex. 2:22. 4:20. 18:3,4. d 25:20. Shubael. t Or, 
 the first. 25:25. J Heb .were highly multiplied. e 24:22. She/omoth. 26:26. 
 f 12. 15:9.24:23. g 6. See nn 6-29,30. 24:26— 30. h Ex. 6:19. Mahali. i 24: 
 28. § Or, kinsmen, k Num. 36. 6— 8. 124:30 . Jerimoth. m Num. 10:17,21. 
 n Num. 1:4.2:32.3:15,20.4:34—49. o Num. 1:2,18,22.3:47. p 3,27. Num. 
 1:3.4:3.8:24. Ezra 3:8. o See on 22: 18. 2 Sam. 7: 1 ,1 1 . || Or, and he dicellelh 
 in Jerusalem, ffc. 1 Kings 8:13,27. Ps. 9:11. 68:16,18. 132:13,14. 135:21. Is. 8: 
 
 account reasonably think of intruding into that sacred office. 
 (Note. 6:48.) 
 
 V. 24 — 28. (Note, 2 — 6.) The work of the Levites was 
 by no means so laborious at this time, as when the tabernacle 
 was carried by them, along with Israel, in their journeys ; and 
 perhaps numbers of the young Levites, being out of employ, 
 contracted bad habits or set bad examples: therefore David, 
 as a prophet, ordered this change. Twenty-five years of age 
 had been the earliest term of their entering upon their proba- 
 tionary services, but now they were to be employed from 
 twenty years old: and, as* a matter of importance, David 
 confirmed it with his last words. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 29. Marg. Ref. Notes , 9:31 — 33. Ex. 25:23 — 30. Lev. 
 2:4 — 8. 24:5 — 8. — All manner , &c.] Those Levites, who 
 acted as magistrates, (4) had the inspection of weights and 
 measures of every kind, that no fraud might in this way be 
 committed. Honesty is nearly connected with piety; and 
 therefore the Levites, being sufficiently numerous, were em- 
 ployed to superintend the former as well as the latter. (Notes, 
 Deut. 25:13 — 16. Prov. 11:1. 16:11. 20:10,23. Am. ,8:4— 10. 
 Mic. 6:10 — 15.) They probably kept standard-weights and 
 measures at the temple, by which all those allowed in traffic, 
 were tried and approved : and from this “the shekel of the 
 sanctuary,” took that name. (Note, Ez. 45:10 — 12.) 
 
 V. 30 — 32. The Levites assisted the priests, in offering 
 the sacrifices ; though some parts of their service were per- 
 formed by the priests alone. (Notes, Lev. 1:5 — 9. Num. 8: 
 19—26. 18:2—6.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 If we be prepared for death, having accomplished our mea- 
 sure of services, and seeing others raised up to succeed us in 
 ti:e church or the community, according to our several situa- 
 tions, we surely may be “ full of days,” whatever our term of 
 life may be: and satisfied with living in this world of sin and 
 sorrow', of vanity and temptation, we may rejoice to leave all 
 below, and even to be absent from our bodies, that we may 
 go to heaven and be present with the Lord. (Notes and P. 
 0. 2 Cor. 5:1 — 8.) — We should be thankful, in declining years, 
 to be eclipsed by men of real integrity, piety, and useful 
 endowments, who are coming forward upon the stage of 
 action : yet, we should still endeavour to do all wo can to 
 promote the common cause of religion; and sometimes the 
 sagacity and experience of old age, when incapable of much 
 bodily exertion, may suggest and effect moro real good, than 
 the vigour and activity of youth. — The increase of ministers 
 js vf great importance, provided they be men of God, zealous 
 ( 742 ) 
 
 fathers, as they were counted by number of names 
 “by their polls, that did the work for the service 
 of the house of the Lord, from the age of '’twenty 
 years and upward. 
 
 25 For David said, ‘'The Lord God of Israe 
 hath given rest unto his people, "that they may 
 dwell in Jerusalem lor ever ; 
 
 26 And also unto the Levites: they shall no 
 more ’’carry the tabernacle, nor any vessels of it 
 for the seryice thereof. 
 
 27 H For "by the last words of David, the Levites 
 were "numbered from twenty years old and above : 
 
 28 Because their "office was to wait on the sons 
 of Aaron 'for the service of the house of the 
 Lord, in the courts, and “in the chambers, and 
 in the "purifying of all holy things, and the work 
 of the service of the house of God ; 
 
 29 Both for ^the show-bread, and for "the fine 
 flour for meat-offering, and for the "unleavened 
 cakes, and for that which is baked in the ’’pan, 
 and for that which is fried, and for all manner of 
 ’’measure and size ; 
 
 30 And to "stand d every morning to thank and 
 praise the Lord, and likewise at even; 
 
 31 And to offer all burnt-sacrifices unto the 
 Lord e in the sabbaths, in the new-moons, and on 
 the fset feasts, by number, according to the order 
 commanded unto them, continually before the 
 Lord : 
 
 32 And that they should ekeep the charge of 
 the tabernacle of the congregation, and the charge 
 of the holy place, and h tne charge of the sons of 
 Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house 
 of the Lord. 
 
 18. Joe' 3:21. Zech. 8:3. 2 Cor. 6:16. Col. 2:9. r Num. 4:5, 49. 7:9. s 2 Sum. 
 23:1. Ps. 72:20. IT Heb. numbers. ** Heb. station was at the hand of . 18:17 
 marg. Neb. 11:24. t 4.28:13. Num. 3:6— 9. 8: 11— 22,26. 18:2— 6. u 9:28. 
 1 Kings 6:5. 2 Chr. 31:11. Ezra 8:29. Neh. 13:4,5,9. Jer. 35:4. Ez. 41:6— 11,26 
 42:3 — 13. x 9:28,29. 2 Chr. 29:5,18,19. 35:3— 6,1 1—14. y 9:31,32. Ex. 25:30. 
 Lev. 24:5— 9. 1 Kings 7:48. 2 Chr. 13:11 . 29:18. Neh. 10:33. Malt. 12.4. Hel. 
 9:2. z 9:29. Lev. 6:20— 23. a See on Lev. 2:4— 7. 7:9. U Ov. fiat plate. 
 b Lev. 19:35,36. Num. 3:50. c 6:31— 33. 9:33. 16:37—42.25:1—7. 2 Chr. 29:23 
 —28.31:2. Ezra 3:10,11. Ps. 135:1— 3,19,20. 137:2— 4. Rev. 5:8— 14. 14:3. d Ex. 
 29:39—42. Ps. 92: 1—3. 134: 1,2. e Lev. 23:24,39. Num. 10:10. Ps.81:l— 4. Is. 
 1.13,14. f Lev. 23. Num. 28; 29: g 9:27. Num. 1:53. 1 Kings 8>4. h Num. 
 
 3:6-9,33. 
 
 for his glory, and earnestly seeking the salvation of souls. In 
 this case they will desire employment, and in one way or 
 other will be usefully active. — But it is expedient that every 
 one should know his proper place, to help forward the work 
 of the house of the Lord ; to promote equity and justice ; to 
 instruct the people in the truths and precepts of God’s word, 
 to take care that his ordinances be duly administered ; a«d to 
 excite and assist the people in his sacred worship. — Every 
 method should be used to prevent the irregularity, indo- 
 lence, and worldly lusts, of this order men, whose example, 
 influence, and conversation are more useful, or more perni- 
 cious, than those of any other; and who are commonly either 
 better or worse employed, than the other orders in society.— 
 Though it is generally inexpedient, that, the more arduous 
 part of the sacred ministry should be performed by very young 
 men ; yet those who arc intended for this service, ought by no 
 means to waste their youth in inactivity or dissipation ; but 
 to employ their time in preparatory and initiatory sludies and 
 exercises. — A constant succession of religious duties, stated 
 or occasional, public or private, must engage the true minis- 
 ter’s attention, day by day continually: and if a man cannot 
 take pleasure in such employments, he must soon be weary o» 
 the work, as a drudgery , and will either neglect if, or attend 
 upon it unwillingly, for the sake of his wages. (P. O. Acts 
 6:1 — 7. Notes , 1 Tim. 4:12 — 16.) A new heart, a spiritual 
 mind, which delights greatly in God’s commandments, is the 
 first and most essential qualification for the ministry ; as indeed 
 it forms the great distinction between the true Christian, and 
 all other men in the world. To the spiritual man every suc- 
 cessive service will yield renewed satisfaction ; and he will be 
 unwearied, and always abounding and delighting in t lie work of 
 the Lord ; being never so happy, as when employed for such a 
 good Master, in so pleasant a service. With him the work 
 itself, and the success of his labours, are the principal objects: 
 the emolument or maintenance, (though he has a right to it, 
 and perhaps cannot live without it,) is a very subordinate 
 consideration: nor will ho much regard whether he lie called 
 to take the lead, or whether he keep the charge of others who 
 are placed over him, provided they do not oind his hands or 
 impede his usefulness. ( Notes, 1 7Hm. 3:1 — 7. 1 Pet. 5:1 — 4.) 
 These are indeed u men of God :” may he supply his church 
 with numbers of them ; in the place of those hirelings, who 
 have in all ages swarmed in the professipg church, to the 
 scandal of religion and the ruin of their own souls! Such 
 ministers as have been described, will beai cepted and useful 
 in the most obscure situations ; and will subserve the interests 
 
B. C. 1015. CHAPTER XXIV. B. C. 1M5. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 rw nests are divided by lot into txoenty-four courses , 1 — 19. The rest of 
 t*e Kohathites, and the Meriyitss, are divided in like manner, 20 — 31. 
 
 N OW these are “the divisions of the sons of 
 Aaron. b The sons of Aaron ; Nadab, and 
 Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 
 
 2 B.t “Nadab and Abihu d died before their 
 father, and had no children : therefore “Eleazar 
 and Ithamar executed the priest’s office. 
 
 3 And David distributed them, both ( Zadok 
 of the sons of Eleazar, and sAhimelech of the 
 sons of Ithamar, according' to their offices in their 
 service. 
 
 4 And there were more h chief men^ found of 
 ‘the sons of Eleazar than of the sons of Ithamar; 
 and thus were they divided. Among the sons of 
 Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the 
 house of their fathers, and eight among the sons 
 of Ithamar k according to the house of their 
 fathers. 
 
 5 Thus were ‘they divided by lot, one sort 
 with another ; for '"the governors of the sanc- 
 tuary, and governors of the house of God, were 
 of the sons of Eleazar, and of the sons of Itha- 
 mar. 
 
 6 And Shemaiah the son of Nethaneel "the 
 scribe, one of the Levites, wrote them before the 
 king, and the princes, and Zadok the priest, and 
 Ahimelech the son of Abiathar, and before the 
 chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites : 
 one 'principal household being taken for Eleazar 
 and one taken for Ithamar. 
 
 7 Now the first lot came forth to "Jehoiraib, 
 the second ?to Jedaiah, 
 
 8 The third to ‘tHarim, the fourth to Seorim, 
 9 The fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to r Mi- 
 jamin, 
 
 10 The seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to 
 Abijah, 
 
 11 The ninth to ‘Jeshuah, the tenth to She- 
 caniah, 
 
 12 The eleventh to “Eliashib, the twelfth to 
 Jakim, 
 
 13 The thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth 
 to Jeshebeab, 
 
 . 23:6. Marg. b 6:3. Ex. 6:23. 28:1. Lev. 10:1— 6. Num. 3:2. 26:60. c Ex. 
 24:1,9. d Lev. 10:2. Nura. 3:4.26:61. e Ex. 29:9. Lev. 10:12. Num. 16:39, 
 40.18:7. f 6,31. 6:4 — 8,50 — 53. 12:27,28. 15:11. 16:39 2Sam. 20:25. lKings2: 
 35. g 1 Sam. 21:1. 22:9. 2Sam.8:17. h 15:6— 12,16. i Num. 25:11— 13. 
 
 1 Sam. 2:30— 38. k See on 23:24. I Josh. 18:10. Prov. 16:33. Acts 1 :26. m 9: 
 11. 2 Chr. 35:8. Neh. 11:11. Matt. 26:3. 27:1 . Acts 4:1 ,6. 5:24. n 1 Kings 4:3. 
 
 2 Chr. 34:13. Ezra 7:6. Neh. 8: 1 . Matt. 8:19. 13:52. 23:1,2. • Heb. house of 
 
 the father. 4.23:24. o 9:10. Neh. 12:19. Joiarib. p Ezra 2:36. Neh. 7:39. 
 
 of morality most effectually, as well as promote the spiritual 
 worship of God through Jesus Christ. And should they leave 
 their families in poverty and obscurity, after their decease : 
 this circumstance will be a testimony before the world of their 
 disinterestedness ; and the Lord will surely provide for their 
 wants, as far as is truly good for them. He advances, and he 
 abases, as his infinite wisdom sees good, whatever may be 
 our cares or desires. May we then seek and serve him up- 
 rightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his 
 word and resignation to his righteous will 1 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V. 1— 4. {Marg. Ref . Notes, 
 Lev. 10:1 — 5. Num. 18:7.) It may be supposed, that the 
 house of Ithamar, in consequence of the sentence denounced 
 against it in the days of Eli, had decreased in numbers and 
 eminency, before 7,adok was constituted high priest: (Notes, 
 1 Sam. 2:30—36. 3:11—14. 1 Kings 2:26,27,35.) so {hat there 
 were twice as many flourishing families and principal persons 
 in the line of Eleazer, as in that of Ithamar. ‘ To avoid all 
 confusion, now that they were much increased, David dis- 
 tributed the priests as he had done the Levites, into several 
 courses ; which, no doubt, was by a divine direction, as well 
 as the other. . . . He appointed . . . sixteen courses of the 
 sons of Eleazer, under as many heads of their families ; 
 and half as many of the posterity of Ithamar.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 5. Governors, &c.] Or, principal ministers in holy 
 things, and rulers in behalf of God, or superior magistrates. 
 (Marg. Ref. m.) 
 
 V . 6. The regulation of these courses of the priests was 
 made by casting lots, before the king and all the chief persons 
 in the land, in a most solemn manner; and a record was 
 made of the transaction, to prevent any future contest. First, 
 one household was taken of Eleazer’s race, and then one of 
 Ithamar’s till sixteen had been completed ; after which the 
 remaining eigh' of Eleazer’s sons, were arranged according to 
 the order in which their lots came forth. 
 
 V. 7. It was thought, by the Jews in after ages, a great 
 konoui to be descended from Jehoiarib. The Maccabees 
 
 14 The fifteenth to Bilgah, th* sixteu T h to 
 x Immer, 
 
 15 The seventeenth to Hezir, tie eighteenth 
 to Aphses, 
 
 16 The nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth 
 to Jehezekel, 
 
 17 The one and twentieth to Jachin, the two 
 and twentieth to Gamul, 
 
 18 The three and twentieth to Delaiah, the 
 four and twentieth to Maaziah. 
 
 19 These were Hhe orderings of them in their 
 service to come into the house of the Lord. 
 according to their manner, “under Aaron their 
 father, as the Lord God of Israel had commanded 
 him. 
 
 20 H And the rest of the sons of Levi were 
 these: Of the sons of “Amram; b Shubael : of tl>e 
 sons of Shubael ; Jehdeiah. 
 
 21 Concerning “Rehabiah : of the sons of Re- 
 habiah, the first was d Isshiah. 
 
 22 Of the “Izharites; fShelomoth: of the sons 
 ofShelomoth; Jahath. 
 
 23 And the sons of Hebron ; sJeriah the first 
 Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Je- 
 kameam the fourth. 
 
 24 Of the sons of Uzziel; h Michah: of the 
 sons ofMichah; Shamir. 
 
 25 The brother of Michah was ‘Isshiah: of the 
 sons of Isshiah ; k Zechariah. 
 
 26 The ‘sons of Merari were Mahli, and 
 Mushi : the sons of Jaaziah; Beno. 
 
 27 If The sons of Merari by Jaaziah; Beno, 
 and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri. 
 
 28 Of Mahli came Eleazar, ra who had no sons. 
 
 29 Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was 
 Jerahmeel. 
 
 30 The sons also of "Mushi; Mahli, and Eder 
 and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the 
 Levites after the house of their fathers. 
 
 31 These likewise cast "lots over against their 
 brethren the sons of Aaron in the presence of 
 David the king, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and 
 the chief of the fathers of the priests and Levites, 
 even Hhe principal fathers over against their 
 younger brethren. 
 
 11:10. q Ezra 2:39. 10:21. Neh. 7:35. 12:15. r Neh. 12:17. Miniamin. e Neh. 
 12:4,17. Luke 1:5. Alia. i Ezra 2;36. Neh. 7:39. 12: 10. u Neh. 12:10. 
 x Ezra 2:37. 10:20. Neh. 7:40. v 9:25. 2 Chr. 23:4,8. 1 Cor. 14:40. z See on 
 1. Heb. 7:11. a 6:18. 23: 12-14.' b 23:16. 26:24. Shebuel. c 23:17. d 26:25. 
 Jeshaiah. e 23:18. Ex. 6:21. Num. 3:19,27. Izeharites. f 23:18. 26:26. 
 Shelomith. g 23:19. 26:31 . Jerijah. h 23:20. Micah. i 28:20. Jesiah. k 15: 
 18,20. I 6:19.23:21. Ex. 6:19. Num. 3:20. m 23.22. n 6:47. 23:23. o 5,6. 
 Num. 26:56. p 25:8.26:13. 
 
 were descended from him; (1 Mac. 2:1 — 4.) and Josephus 
 thought himself noble, because he sprang from the first o I 
 these twenty-four courses. 
 
 V. 10. Abijah.] The courses of the priests, established 
 by David, were continued, with some alterations, till the days 
 of Christ : these records must therefore have been very use- 
 ful to the Jews, after their return from the Babylonish cap- 
 tivity. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ezra 2:36 — 39. Luke 1:5 — 7.) 
 
 V. 19. Under Aaron their father.] All the priests were 
 considered as Aaron’s successors, and as filling up his place, 
 in whose person the whole priesthood was originally vested, 
 and from whom it was derived to his posterity. — These 
 arrangements having been made by David, acting under 
 the direction, and according to the commandment given by 
 Moses concerning the priesthood ; the courses of the priests 
 attended, each during one week at a time, for the ordinary 
 services ; though at the great festivals, and on other public 
 occasions, numbers of the rest would be present and assist. 
 
 V. 20 — 30. (Marg. Ref.) These persons seem to have 
 been the heads of those twenty-four thousand Levites, who 
 in twenty-four courses waited on the priests in their minis- 
 trations. (23:4.) 
 
 V. 31. The principal, Sec.] The whole company being 
 ranged, according to their families, into the proper number ot 
 divisions, the order of their courses was assigned them by lot, 
 without respect to rank or seniority. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord will certainly perform all his promises and 
 threatenings ; and if they do not take effect suddenly, and 
 with observation, they will do it gradually and silently. — Sin 
 ruins men’s characters, comforts, and families ; and will de- 
 stroy the immortal souls of all those, who do not obtain salva- 
 tion by faith in Jesus Christ. — In all cases we ought to act 
 with exact impartiality, as far as we are able: and when 
 human prudence fails of discerning a reason of preference 
 where it must be given ; it is right, in one way or other, to 
 refer the determination o the Lord. — Much wisdom and 
 ( 743 ) 
 
B. C. 10 j. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES B. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 The names anil offices of the principal singers and musicians , 1—7. They are 
 divided by lot into twenty four-courses , 8 — 31. 
 
 M OREOVER David and “the captains of the 
 host separated to the service of the sons of 
 b Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jedifthun, who 
 should 'prophesy with d harps, with psalteries, and 
 with cymbals : and the number of the workmen 
 according' to their service was : 
 
 2 Of the sons of “Asaph ; Zaccur, and Joseph, 
 and Nethaniah, and f Asarelah, the sons of Asaph 
 sunder the hands of Asaph, which prophesied 
 "according to the order of the king. 
 
 3 Of h Jeduthun : the sons of Jeduthun; ‘Ge- 
 daliah, and iZeri, and k Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and 
 Mattithiah, ^six, under the hands of their father 
 Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp, n, to give 
 thanks and to praise the Lord. 
 
 4 Of "Heman : the sons of Heman ; "Bukkiah, 
 rMattaniah, ‘•Uzziel, r Shebuel, and 'Jeriinoth, 
 ‘Hananiah, "Hanani, “Eliathah, rGiddalti, and 
 ‘Romamti-ezer, “Joshbekashah, b Mallothi, “Hothir, 
 and Mahazioth : 
 
 5 All these were the sons of Heman d the king’s 
 seer in the twords of God, to lift up the horn. 
 And “God gave to Heman fourteen sons and three 
 daughters. 
 
 6 All these were funder the hands of their 
 father sfor song in the house of the Lord, with 
 cymbals, psalteries, and harps, for the service of 
 the house of God, §accortlin°r to the king’s order 
 to h Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman, 
 
 7 So the number of them, with their brethren 
 that were instructed in the songs of the Lord 
 even all that were cunning, was two hundred four- 
 score and eight. 
 
 8 H And tiiey ‘cast lots, Jward against ward, as 
 well the small as the great, k the teacher as the 
 scholar. 
 
 9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to 
 Joseph : the second to Gedaliah, who, with his 
 brethren and sons, were twelve : 
 
 . 10 The third to "’Zaccur, he, his sons, and his 
 brethren, were twelve: 
 
 11 The fourth to "Izri, he, his sons, and his 
 brethren, ivere twelve : 
 
 12 The fifth to "Nethaniah, he, his sons, and 
 his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 • 12:23. 23:2. 24:5,6*2 Chr. 23:1,9. b See on 6:33,39,44. 15:16—19. c 3. 1 Sam. 
 10:5. 2 Kings 3:15. 1 Cor. 14:24— 26. cl 15:16—21.16:4,5,42.23:5—7. 20lir. 
 23:13. 29:25, 28. 31:2. 31 12. Eira3:10.11. Neh. 12:24.27,43— 46. Ps. 81:2.92:1 
 —3. 150:3— 5. Rev. 15:2— 4. e 1. 6:39. 15:17. 16:5. Ps. 73:— S3: lilies, f 14. 
 Jesharelah. g 3,6. Is. 3:6. * Heb. by the hands of the king. 6. marg. h 9:16. 
 16:41,42. 2 Chr. 29:14. i 9. ) 11. Izri. k \o. 121.15:19,21. t With 
 
 Shimei, mentioned 17. m Ps. 92:1. Jer. 33:11. n 6:33. 15: 17,19. 16:41,42. Ps. 
 88: title. 0 13. p 16. q 18. Azareel. 24:21. r 20. 24:20. Shubael. s 22.24. 
 
 equity is requisite to exclude occasions of envy, jealousy, 
 and contention, in the regulation of public affairs, where 
 numbers are concerned : but what is done fairly and openly, 
 and in the fear of God, is placed upon the most permanent 
 basis. — The solemn appointment and orderly attendance of 
 ministers, is of considerable importance ; but they are all 
 under the hand of Jesus, from whom they receive their com- 
 mission and instructions, as well as their qualifications ; and 
 to whom they are all accountable. — Difference of age, learning, 
 piety, reputation, and other circumstances, gives external 
 precedency to some ministers : but they are all brethren, and 
 none ought to act as lords, with despotic rule, or domineer 
 over the others. ( Note , 1 Pet. 5:l-c— 4 . P. O. 1 — 7.) Thus, 
 in Jesus Christ, there is neither male nor female, bond nor 
 free ; hut all believers are one in him, being children of God, 
 fellow-heirs of eternal life, and brethren to each other. May 
 they all on earth emulate that love, peace, and harmony, 
 which will subsist in the heavenly world ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXV. V. 1—6. “ The captains of 
 the host,” (1) seem to mean the leaders, or heads, of the 
 several courses of the priests and Levites. — Jeduthun either 
 was the same person, as was before called El ban ; or Eihan 
 was dead, and Jeduthun succeeded him. (15:17 — 19. Note, 
 22.) — The word prophesy , in this place, seems to mean no 
 more, than praising God by singing inspired prophetical 
 hymns, with great earnestness and devout affections, under 
 the influences of the Holy Spirit. As the prophet’s in 
 Samuel’s days used music and singing ; it has been conjec- 
 tured, that he first introduced them into the regular worship 
 of Israel, and that David reduced to order what, he found 
 already established. (Notes, 9:22. 1 Sam. 10:5,6.) — These 
 persons are said to have 44 prophesied according to the order 
 if the King;” because ho instituted the order of their services. 
 -Only five sons of Jeduthun are hero named ; hut Shimei, 
 ( 744 s 
 
 13 The sixth to Bukkiah, he, his sons, and his 
 brethren, were twelve : 
 
 14 The seventli to pJesharelah, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 15 The eighth to Jeshaiah, he, his sons, and 
 his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 16 The ninth to Mattaniah, he, his sons, and 
 his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 17 The tenth to Shimei, he, his sons, and his 
 brethren, ivere twelve : 
 
 18 The eleventh to ‘•Azareel, he, his sons, and 
 his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 19 The twelfth to ‘Hashabiah, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 20 The thirteenth to 'Shubael, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 21 The fourteenth to Mattithiah, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 22 The fifteenth to Jeremoth, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 23 The sixteenth to Hananiah, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 24 The seventeenth to Joshbekashah, he, his 
 sons, and his brethren, were twelve: 
 
 25 The eighteenth to Hanani, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 26 The nineteenth to Mallothi, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 27 The twentieth to Eliathah, he, his sons, 
 and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 28 The one and twentieth to Hothir, he, his 
 sons, and his brethren, were twelve: 
 
 29 The two and twentieth to Giddalti, he, his 
 sons, and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 30 The three and twentieth to 'Mahazioth, he, 
 his sons, and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 31 The four and twentieth to Romamti-ezer, 
 he, his sons, and his brethren, were twelve : 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 The divisions of the porters, 1-M2. The gates assigned to them by lot , 13 — 19* 
 The Levites who had the charge of the treasures ,20 — 28. Those who were 
 officers and judges, 29 — 32. 
 
 C ONCERNING the divisions of “the porters : 
 Of the ‘ Korhites was “Meshelemiah the son 
 of Kore, of the sons of ‘'Asaph. 
 
 2 And the sons of Meshelemiah were, Ze- 
 chariah the first-born, Jediael the second, 
 Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 
 
 30. 1 23. u 25. x 27. » 29. 7.31. a 21. b 26. c 28,30. d 21:9. 1 Sam. 
 9:9. J Or, mallei s. e $8:5. Gen. 33:5. Ps. 127:3. Is. 8:18. f 2,3. e 1-3. 
 15:22.23:5. Ps.,68:25. Eph.5:19. Col. 3:16. 5 Hub. by the hands of the king. 
 2. marg. h See on 1 — 4. i See on 24:5. Lev. 16:8. I Sam. 14:41,42. Prov. 16: 
 33. Acia 1:26. j 24:31 . 26:13.16. Neh. 12:24. k 15:22. 2 Chr. 23: 13. 12. m2, 
 n 3. Zeri. o2. it 2. Asarelah. q4. Uzxiel. r 3. s 4. Shebu-l. t 4. a 9: 
 17—27.15:18,23,24. 2 Chr. 23:19. b Num. 26:9— 11. Ps. 41:— 49: titles, c 14. 
 Sheltmiah. d 6:37.9:19. Ebiasaph. 
 
 afterwards mentioned, is supposed to have been the sixth. 
 (17) Perhaps, though as Jeduthun’s son he was chosen to 
 he the head of one course, he was at this time young, and nol 
 fit for present service. — Heman seems to have been a pro- 
 phet, or u seer,” in the common acceptation, and was much 
 consulted by David: 44 he lifted up the horn,” or presided 
 over those who used wind-instruments ol music. (Marg. 
 Ref.— Notes, 6:33—39. 9:31—33. 16:37—43. 23: i>. 2— 6.) 
 
 V. 7. These two hundred and eighty-eight, being twenty- 
 four courses of twelve each, were more skilful than the other 
 Levites ; and being placed under the twenty-four sons of the 
 chief singers, they had the four thousand before mentioned 
 divided among them, to officiate by courses, according to 
 their instructions. (23:5.) * * * 4 Twelve of those singers, with 
 
 their governor, came and waited every week ; at the end oi 
 which they were succeeded by other twelve, till the course 
 was finished.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 8. Even among the twenty-four leaders, some were 
 more expert than others ; some wore teachers , and others 
 scholars; but every one was taken by (he solemn casting o! 
 lots without any regard to these distinctions. (Marg. Rtf.) 
 
 4 Thus all things were disposed for the preserving order, and 
 avoiding all disputes about precedence : there being no rcspec 1 
 had in this divine distribution to their birth, but the younge* 
 in course preceded the elder.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 9—31. Marg. Ref. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord is in himself exalted far above all blessing and 
 praise, and our obligations to him are infinite • we ought 
 therefore to give him thanks, and to praise him, with our 
 noblest powers ; and to render every kind and degree of cana- 
 citj f , ingenuity, or skill, whioh we possess, subsen ient to that 
 highest end : but especially our best an 1 most lively affections 
 are his due. Every part of his servico i» delightful* 'n pro 
 
B. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 B. C. 10*5 
 
 3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Elioenai 
 the seventh. 
 
 4 Moreover the sons of 'Obed-edom were, She- 
 maiah the first-born, Jehozabad the second, Joah 
 the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nathaneel 
 the fifth, 
 
 5 Ammicl the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peul- 
 thai the eighth : for f God blessed 'him. 
 
 6 Also unto Shemaiah his son were sons born, 
 that ruled throughout the house of their father : 
 for they ivere ^mighty men of valour. 
 
 7 The sons of Shemaiah ; Othni, and Rephael, 
 and Obed, Elzabad, whose brethren were strong 
 men, Elihu and Semachiah. 
 
 8 All these of the sons of Obed-edom : they 
 and their sons and their brethren, able men for 
 strength for the service, were threescore and two 
 of Obed-edom. 
 
 9 And ‘‘Meshelemiah had sons and brethren, 
 strong men, eighteen. 
 
 10 Also 'Hosah, of the children of Merari, 
 had sons ; Simri the chief, (for though he was 
 not the first-born, yet k his lather made him the 
 chief ;) 
 
 11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, 
 Zechariah the fourth : all the sons and brethren 
 of Hosah were thirteen. 
 
 12 Among these were the divisions of the por- 
 ters, even among the chief men, having ‘wards 
 one against another, to minister in the house of 
 the Lord. 
 
 13 If And they cast lots, ‘as well the small as 
 the great, according to the house of their fathers, 
 for every gate. 
 
 14 And the lot eastward fell to m Shelemiah. 
 Then for "Zechariah his son, a wise counsellor, 
 they cast lots ; and his lot came out northward. 
 
 15 To Obed-edom southward ; and to his sons, 
 the house of I Asuppim. 
 
 c 15:18,21,24. 16:5.33. f 13:14. • Thatis, Obed-edom. e 8. !2:2S. 2 Chr. 26: 
 17. Neh. 11:14. 1 Tim. 6:12. 2Tim. 2:3. h 1,14. i 16:38. k See on 5:1 ,2. 
 1 See on 25:8. t Or, as wellfor the smalt as for the great. 24:31. 25:8. ml. 
 ftleshelemiah. n 2. 1 Heb. gatherings. 17. o 10,11. » 1 Kings 10:5. 2 Chr. 
 9:4. q 12.25:8. Neh. 12:24. r 9:24. 2 Chr. 8:14. 6 Num. 26:11 . Korah. 
 
 V 22. 9&3-30. 22:3fi,14— 16.28:12— 19.29:2— 8. 1 Kings 14:26. 15:18. Mai. 3: 
 
 portion as we are properly disposed : yet we should apply our 
 minds to instruction, that we may become “ workmen that 
 need not be ashamed,” as capable of performing our several 
 duties with propriety and readiness. — Human prudence must 
 regulate certain circumstances relative to religious worship ; 
 and every society, larger or smaller, should order such mat- 
 ters for themselves, to the best of their judgment : but unless 
 the Spirit of God put life and fervour into our devotions, they 
 will, however appointed, be a lifeless, worthless form. — We 
 should all be ready to give or to receive instructions, without 
 self-preference, or accounting ourselves degraded ; for in 
 God’s sight tile teachable scholar is nearly as honourable as 
 the able instructer. — It is pleasant to receive all our temporal 
 and domestic comforts, as given unto us of God, and then to 
 devote them all to his service : and it is a singular mercy to 
 have a large family, all employed and accepted by him. But 
 whether our children and connexions be few or many, may 
 we and they be all his, and meet in his temple above to sing 
 his praises for ever 1 Whatever Providence may allot us 
 here, may this be the lot and portion of our inheritance here- 
 after ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVI. V. 1. Marg. Ref. Note, 
 23:2 — 6, v. 5.— -Asaph.] Not Asaph the chief musician, who 
 was of the family of Gershom ; (6:39 — 43.) but another 
 Asaph, of the sons of Korah, called also Abiasaph. (6:37. 
 9:19.) ' 
 
 V. 4, 5. (Marg.) The numerous and prosperous family 
 'f Obed-edom was the effect of the divine blessing, by which 
 1 is reverential regard to the ark was recompensed. ( Notes, 
 i Sam. 6:10—13.) 
 
 V. 6—12. Marg. Ref .—Mighty men, &c. (6) The 
 porters, and treasurers of the temple, had occasion for 
 strength and valour, both to oppose such as improperly 
 attempted to enter the courts or sanctuary, or to raise any 
 disturbance there ; and also to guard the sacred treasures of 
 money, vessels, flour, frankincense, wine, and oil, there depo- 
 sitee and of which some of them were appointed to keep an 
 acci t. (20. Notes, 9:27 — 30.) — Josephus speaks of the 
 gates of the temple being so massy, as to require twenty per- 
 sons to open or shut them : this too would find employment 
 for the strength of the porters. The temple indeed was not 
 yet built ; but David had received from the Lord a pattern of 
 what it was to be, and he arranged every thing with reference 
 to t. (Notes, 28:11—18.) — It is supposed, that the families 
 of the Levites succeeded to the lot of their fathers, whether 
 as singers, porters, or whatever was the service assigned 
 Voi. L — 94 
 
 16 To Sliuppirn anti "Hosalt the lot came forth 
 westward, with the gate Shallecheth, by th», 
 '’causeway of the going up, ^ward against ward. 
 
 17 ‘Eastward were six Levites, northward foui 
 a day, southward four a day, and towards Asup 
 pim two and two. 
 
 18 At Parbar westward, four at the causeway, 
 and two at Parbar. 
 
 19 These are the divisions of the porters amdng 
 the sons of "Kore, and among the sons of Merari. 
 
 20 And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the 
 ‘treasures of the house of God, and over the 
 treasures of the ^dedicated things. 
 
 21 As concerning the sons of “Laadan ; the sons 
 of the Gershonite Laadan, chief fathers, even of 
 Laadan the Gershonite, were “Jehieli. 
 
 22 The sons of Jehieli; Zethani, and Joel bis 
 brother, which were rover the treasures of the 
 house of the Lord. 
 
 23 Of the 'Amramites, and the Izharites, the 
 Hebronites, and the Uzzielites : 
 
 24 And “Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son 
 of Moses, was ruler of the treasures. 
 
 25 And his brethren by b Eliezer ; "Rehabiah 
 his son, and Jeshaiah his son, and Joram his son, 
 and Zichri his son, and d Shelomith his son : 
 
 26 Which Shelomith and his brethren were 
 ‘over all the treasures of the dedicated things, 
 which David the king, and the chief fathers, the 
 captains over thousands and hundreds, and the 
 captains of the hosts, had dedicated. 
 
 27 Out of the "spoils won in battles did they 
 dedicate, f to maintain the house of the Lord. 
 
 28 And all that ^Samuel the seer, and Saul the 
 son of Kish ; and h Abner the son of Ner, and 
 ‘Joah the son of Zeruiah, had dedicated; and 
 whosoever had dedicated any thing, it was under 
 the hand of Shelomith and of his brethren. 
 
 29 II Of the "Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons 
 
 10. § Heb. My. 26— 28. 18:11. 1 Kings 7:51 . 2 Chr. 31 :11 ,12. u 6:17. Libni. 
 23:7. x 23:8. 29:8. Jthiel. y 20. Neh. 10:38. z 23:12. Num. 3:19,27. u 23: 
 15,16. 24:20. ShuhaeL. b 23:15. fix. 18:4. c 23:17. d 23:18. e 18:11.22:11. 
 29:2 — 9. Num. 31:50 — 52. II Heb . battles and spoils, f 2 Kings 12:14. Neh. 
 10:32—34. gl Sam. 9:9. h 1 Sam. 14:47— 51. 17:55. i 2 Sam. 10:9— 14. k 23. 
 23:12,18. 
 
 them ; and this from one generation to another, without passing 
 from one company to another. ‘ They were distributed into 
 courses, as the priests and Levites were ; and these were 
 principal commanders over them : being the more illustrious 
 of their brethren, and therefore particularly named.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V . 13. The porters seem to have been divided into courses, 
 by a different method than the other Levites. The several 
 families or divisions of them cast lots, at which gates they 
 should keep ward ; and then the individuals of those divisions 
 attended in rotation ; but whether the order, in which they 
 thus followed each other, was determined by lot, or by agree- 
 ment, it does not appear. 
 
 V. 14. A wise counsellor.] It seems that Zechariah, being 
 renowned for his wisdom, was preferred to be the king’s 
 counsellor. The office of porter in the temple was a place of 
 great trust, and therefore honourable. 
 
 V. 15. “ Asuppim” signifying gatherings : it is supposed 
 
 that the house of Asuppim was a building erected to contain 
 the money that was collected, for the use of the sanctuary, 
 with the vessels employed in the sacred services. 
 
 V. 16 — 23. Marg. Ref . — Ward against ward. (16) Marg. 
 Ref. Their stations were opposite to each other ; as the 
 north to the south, &c. — Eastward were sir, &c. (17,18.) 
 
 1 Among the porters there were four and twenty, adbording 
 to the rest of the courses ; six on the east side, four on the 
 north, four on the south ; at Asuppim, two and two, (four in 
 all,) four on the west, and two at Parbar.’ Kimchi in Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 24 — 27. These are the only persons among the • 
 
 descendants of Moses, who are mentioned as appointed fin 
 any office of honour and distinction. (Marg. Ref. Notes , 
 18:11. 22:6— 14.) 
 
 V. 28. Samuel, &c.] It had been customary from the 
 time of Abraham, (Notes, Gen. 14:18 — 10. 28:20 — 22.) and 
 probably from the beginning of the world, for persons to dedi- 
 cate a portion of their gains to the service of God, as an 
 acknowledgment that all came from him : but it is uncertain 
 whether Samuel, or the other persons here mentioned, had 
 an expectation of a temple being built, for which they desired 
 to make preparation. 
 
 V . 29. (Marg. Ref. Note, 23:2 — 6.) — The outward business 
 &c.] These Levites seem not to have performed any service 
 within the precincts of the sanctuary: and their employment 
 on that account may be called “ the outward business.” In 
 general, it may be supposed, that, as well as the othei 
 ( 745 ) 
 
B. C. 1019 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1015 
 
 were for 'the outward business over Israel, for 
 “officers and judges. 
 
 30 And of the "Hebronites, Hashabiah and his 
 Brethren, men of valour, a thousand and seven 
 hundred, were ’officers among them of Israel on 
 this side Jordan westward, in all the ‘business of 
 the Lord, and in the service of the king. 
 
 31 Among the Hebronites was °Jerijah the 
 chief, even among the Hebronites, according to 
 the generations of his fathers. In the pfortieth 
 year of the reign of David they were sought for, 
 and there were found among them mighty men of 
 valour at ‘iJazer of Gilead. 
 
 32 And his brethren, r men of valour, were two 
 thousand and seven hundred “chieHathers, whom 
 kin‘*’ David made rulers over the ‘Reubenites, the 
 Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, for every 
 matter pertaining to God, “and 'affairs of the king. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 David's twelve captains , one for each month , 1 — 15. The princes of the twelve 
 tribes , 16 — 22. The numbering of the people was hindered , 23, 24. David's 
 several officers and counsellors, 25—34. 
 
 N OW the children of Israel after their number, 
 to wit, the chief fathers, and a captains of 
 thousands and hundreds, and their officers that 
 b served the king in c any matter of the courses, 
 which came in and went out ''month by month 
 throughout all the months of the year, of every 
 course, were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 2 Over the first course for the first month, was 
 "Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel : and in his course 
 were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 3 Of the children of 1 Perez, ivas sthe chief of 
 all the captains of the host for the first month. 
 
 4 And over the course of the second month was 
 b Dodai an Ahohite, and of his course was Mikloth 
 also the ruler: in his course likewise were twenty 
 and four thousand. 
 
 I 2Chr.34:13. Nell. 11:16. m 23 4 . 2 Chr. 19:8 — 1 1 . n 23:12,19. • Heb. oner 
 the eha-ge. o 23;I9. Jeriah. p 29.27. 1 Kings 2:11. q Josh. 21:39. Is. 16: 
 9. r 6— 9. sl5:12.23:24.24:31. t 12:37 u 2 Chr. 19: 1 1 . t Heb. thing. 
 
 e 13:1. Ex. 18:25. Dent. 1:15. 1 Sam. 8:12. Mic. 5:2. b 23:1. 2 Chr. 17:1*2 — 19. 
 26:11—13. c 1 Kings 5' 14. d 1 Kings 4:7,27. e 11:11. 2 Sam. 23:8. Adino 
 the Eznite. f Gen. 38:29. Mum. 26:20. Pharez. g Gen. 49:8 — 10. Num.7:I2. 
 10:14. h 11:12. 2Sam.23:9. Dodo, i 18:17. 1 Kings 4:4. * Or , principal 
 
 Levites, they were expected to be instructers of the people 
 in the law of God : and in particular they were made magis- 
 trates of different orders, to administer justice to the people. 
 As the Levites were more numerous than could be employed 
 in the sanctuary ; and as they ought to be, and had opportu- 
 nities of being, better acquainted with the law than the 
 other Israelites ; they were appointed to this service, along 
 with the elders of every tribe. (Note, 2 Chr. 19:5 — 11.) 
 From these, the scribes, lawyers, or doctors of the law, men- 
 tioned in the New Testament, seem to have arisen. As the 
 office of the magistracy reaches only to the regulation of the 
 outward conduct ; whilst the ministry of the word forms the 
 means of regulating the mind or judgment, with the conscience 
 and affections of the heart ; the former may in this sense also 
 be called the outward business. The lawyers above mentioned 
 made the whole of religion a mere outward business ; and 
 they have always had abundance of disciples in this respect. 
 (Notes, Matt. 23:25—28. Luke 11:37—41.) 
 
 V. 30 — 32. Hebron was first assigned to the priests ; 
 (Note, Josh. 21:1 1,12.) but it was afterwards occupied by 
 Levites, perhaps as tenants whilst the priests were but few. 
 The Levites here mentioned, it seems, lived there, till they 
 had acquired the name of Hebronites, and then removed over 
 Jordan into the land Gilead. But being sought out, they 
 were appointed judges, and officers, for various purposes, civil 
 and ecclesiastical, superior and inferior, on each side Jordan, 
 in two divisions : though the larger proportion was assigned 
 to those who lived east of that river ; perhaps because, being 
 more remote from the sanctuary and the seat of government, 
 they needed more attention to keep them to their duty, both 
 to God, and to the king. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 Fortieth year. (31) It is generally thought that most or 
 all of these regulations were made in the last year of David’s 
 life : but, though this be uncertain, they were certainly 
 arranged towards the close of his reign. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The blessing of God renders individuals happy, and fami- 
 lies flourishing : and those, who have been faithful in a little, 
 will be made rulers over many things. — Wisdom, courage, 
 strength of faith, holy affections, and constancy of mind in 
 our duty, are requisite for every station. But those, who 
 minister in the house of the Lord, and are required, without 
 respect of persons, to prevent the profanation of holy things, 
 have peculiar need of these qualifications. They are the 
 porters of the spiritual house, and the “ stewards of the mys- 
 teries > God a charge is committed to their trust, infinitely 
 wore valuable than all the treasures of the temple ; and they 
 ( 746 ) 
 
 5 The third captain of the host for the thirst 
 month was 'Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a 'chiet 
 priest: and in his course were twenty and fou: 
 thousand. 
 
 6 This is that Benaiah, who was '“mighty among? 
 the thirty, and above the thirty : and in his course 
 was Ammizabad his son. 
 
 7 The fourth captain for the fourth month icas 
 'Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son 
 after him : and in his course were twenty and four 
 thousand. 
 
 8 The fifth captain for the fifth month was 
 “Shamuth the Izrahite : and in his course were 
 twenty and four thousand. 
 
 9 The sixth captain lor the sixth month was 
 "Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in his 
 course were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 10 The seventh captain for the seventh month 
 was °Helez the rPelonite, of the children of 
 Ephraim : and in his course were twenty and 
 lour thousand. 
 
 1 1 The eighth captain for the eighth month was 
 iSibbecai the Hushathite, of the 'Zarhites: and 
 in his course were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 12 The ninth captain for the ninlh month was 
 Abiezer the “Anetothite, of the Benjamites : and 
 in his course were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was 
 ‘Maharai the Netophathite, of the "Zarhites: and 
 in his course were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month 
 ivas ''Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of 
 Ephraim : and in his course were twenty and four 
 thousand. 
 
 15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month 
 teas v Heklai the Netophathite, of "Othniel : and in 
 his course were twenty and four thousand. 
 
 officer. I Kiftes 4:5. k 1 1 :22— 25. 2 Sam. 22-20— 23. 2 Sam. 9:18— 23. 
 
 23 24. m 11:27. Shnmmoth the Hararite. 26:29. 2 Sam. 23:25. Shammah iht 
 Harodite. n 1 1:28. 2 Sam. 23:26. o 11:27. p 2 Sam. 23:26. Pnltite. q 111 
 29. 2. Sam. 21:18. r Num. 26:20. s 11:23. Antothite. 2 Sam. 23:27. Anetho 
 thile. t 11:30. 2 Sam. 23:28. ull. x 11:31. 2 Sain. 23:30. v 11:30. Jleled 
 2 Sam. 23:29. Heleb. z4:13. Judg. 3:9. 
 
 need lo be watchful and faithful. (Notes, Matt. 24:45 — 51 
 Mark 13:33 — 37. Luke 11:35 — 46. 1 Cor. 4:1 — 5.) Their 
 
 office requires them w rightly to divide the word of truth,’* 
 and to administer divine ordinances according to it; that tho 
 hungry souls may be fed and feasted from t lie provisions of 
 the Lord’s house; and that he may be glorified by their spi- 
 ritual sacrifices, acceptable to him through Jesus Christ. 
 Great integrity, firmness, and discretion, are necessary to do 
 this according to the mind of the great Master of the family, 
 and to prevent abuses, and prostitution of sacred ordinances 
 to secular purposes, by ungodly men. From these sacred 
 treasuries, “ the unsearchable riches of Christ,” all our wants 
 are supplied : but receiving from his fulness, and being victo- 
 rious over our enemies by his grace, we must give him the 
 glory, and endeavour to dispose of the whole of our abilities 
 and substance according to his will ; allotting a proportion to 
 maintain the expense of his worship, as well as (o provide for 
 the poor. Many unbelievers, however, join in these external 
 services, and we must not in any degree rest our hopes ol 
 salvation on them. — The work of the minister requires the 
 whole man : internal renovation is immediately its object ; and 
 the outward business of external order in society properly 
 belongs to I he magistrate. These services are therefore 
 best preserved distinct ; yet particular circumstances may 
 warrant exceptions. However, both magistrates and minis- 
 ters should concur in leading people, by different means, to 
 fear God, and honour the king, and to do justice, and show 
 kindness to their brethren. — It is very wrong for able men to 
 get out of the way, when their help is wanted : but they 
 should be sought out, and set to work : and as our end 
 approaches, we should be more earnest to render our Iasi 
 services to mankind. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVII. V. 1—15. When David 
 was not actually engaged in war, twenty-four thousand men 
 seem to have been continually kept under military discipline. 
 These were exchanged every month for others ; so that two 
 hundred and eighty-eight thousand men were, every year, 
 exercised as a regular militia ; but they were not kept from 
 their other engagements, more than a month at one time. 
 These were mustered from all the tribes of Israel, under 
 commanders, called 44 captains of the companies, that minis- 
 tered to the king by course.” (28:1.) All the twelve captains 
 are named among David’s mighty men [Marg. Ref. 11: 
 10 — 47. 2 Sam. 23:8 — 39.) The word translated priest , and 
 applied to Benaiah, evidently means, cjid should be rendered. 
 Ruler , or officer . (Marg.) Asahel, ivhom Abner slew, is 
 numbered among theso captains, and upon his death, his so» 
 
« C. 1015 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 B. C. 1015. 
 
 16 *il Furthermore over the tribe* of Israel: the 
 ruler of the Reubenites was Eliezer the son of 
 Zichri : of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of 
 Maachah : 
 
 17 Of the Levites, “Hashabiah the son of Ke- 
 muel: b of the Aaronites, Zadok: 
 
 18 Of Judah, c Elihu, one of the brethren of 
 David : of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael : 
 
 19 Of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah : 
 of Naphtali, Jerimoth the son of Azriel : 
 
 20 Of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son 
 
 of Azaziah: of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel 
 the son of Pedaiah: ' 
 
 21 Of the hal 1-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, 
 •'Iddo the son of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiei 
 the son of “'Abner : 
 
 22 Of Dan, Azareel the son of Jeroham. These 
 were the princes of the tribes of Israel. 
 
 23 U But David took not the number of them 
 f from twenty years old and under: because the 
 Lord had said she would increase Israel like to 
 the stars of the heavens. 
 
 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah h began to number, 
 but he finished not, because there fell wrath for it 
 against Israel ; neither *was the number put in the 
 account of the chronicles of king David. 
 
 25 And over 'the king’s treasures was Azma- 
 veth the son of Adiel : and over k the storehouses 
 in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and 
 in the castles, was Jehonathan the son of Uzziali : 
 
 26 And over them that did the work of the 
 field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the son of 
 Chelub : 
 
 27 And over the vineyards was Shimei the Ra- 
 mathite : over ‘the increase of the vineyards for 
 the wine-cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite : 
 
 28 And 'over the olive-trees and the sycamore- 
 
 & 26:30. t> 12:27,28.24:4,31. c 1 Sam. 16:6. 17:13,29. Ehab. d 1 Kings 4:14. 
 e 1 Sam. 14:5(1,51. 2 Sam. 3:27,37. f Nnm. 1:18. g Gen. 15:5. Heb. 11:12. 
 h 21 : 1 1 — 17. 2Sam.24:l — 15. * Heb . ascended the number . i 2 Kings 18: 15. 
 fi Chr. 16:2. k Gen. 41:48. Ex. 1:11. 2 Chr. 26:10. Jer. 41 :8. f Heb. that 
 which was of the vineyards. 1 1 Kings4:7. m 5:16. Is. 65:10. n Job 1:3. 
 
 succeeded him: hence vve learn, that this order was at least 
 begun to be established before David ruled over the whole 
 land. ( Note , 2 Sam. 2:18 — 23.) — Joab was the commander 
 In chief. (34) 
 
 V. 1G — 22. These persons, called u the princes of the 
 tribes,” (28:1.) seem to have been civil rulers over their 
 several tribes, not entirely unlike the lord-lieutenants of 
 counties in England. — Gad and Asher are not mentioned, 
 probably because they were joined to the neighbouring tribes. 
 Elihu, or Eliah, was David’s elder brother. The Levites 
 had a prince, or rulers, as the other tribes had ; and the 
 family of Aa#on, as distinguished from the rest, had Zadok, 
 for their ruler, or prince. The son of Abner was, probably, 
 advanced upon his father’s death, as an expression of David’s 
 jnfeigned concern for that event. (Notes, 2 Sam. 3:26 — 
 39.) 
 
 V. 23, 24. It seems probable, from this passage, that 
 Joab began, by David’s order, to number the children, as 
 well as the grown men, but was prevented from finishing the 
 account. (Notes, 2 Sam. 24:1 — 9.) The numbering of the 
 effective men might have been deemed politically expedient : 
 but ostentation alone could dictate the numbering of minors 
 and infants; especially as God had pronounced the seed of 
 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, innumerable. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 An account of the number, as far as he went, was given by 
 Joab to the king; but the king, being sensible of his error, 
 would not have it recorded in the public registers of the king- 
 dom, as other things of daily occurrence were.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 25 — 31. (Marg. Ref.) This account mentions only 
 such persons, as filled up needful or useful stations ; not any 
 superfluous officers, retained merely to make a show of mag- 
 nibcence. Luxury, ambition, and venality have multiplied 
 these attendants on courts; and selfish opposers will so im- 
 pede the most unexceptionable measures of government, in 
 limited monarchies, that without a number of retainers whose 
 interest it is to support the crown, the public business must 
 move heavily, if it could at all proceed. Yet ancient sim- 
 plicity was preferable to modern refinement; and the useful 
 productions of the earth, to all the devices of luxury and 
 indulgence. (Notes, 1 Kings 4:2 — 19. 2 Chr. 26:10.) — These 
 officers are called 44 the stewards over all the substance and 
 possessions of the king.” (28:1.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The prudent management of secular affairs is conducive 
 to the interests of godliness ; provided it be kept in its proper 
 place, and the favour and glory of God have a decided prefe- 
 rence. In the kingdoms of this world, habitual readiness for 
 war forms a better security of peace, than any treaties or 
 alliances: in like manner, nothing so much encourages Satan’s 
 
 trees that were in the low plains was Baal-hanan 
 the Gederite : and over the cellars of oil was Jo- 
 ash : 
 
 29 And over the herds that fed in m Sharon was 
 Shitrai the Sharonite : and over the herds tluu 
 were in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai: 
 
 30 Over "the camels also was Obil “the Ishmael- 
 ite : and over the asses was Jehdeiah the Mero- 
 nothite : 
 
 31 And over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagarite. 
 All these were the rulers of the substance which 
 was king David’s. 
 
 32 Also Jonathan David’s ''uncle was a coun- 
 sellor, a wise man, and a ^scribe: and Jehiel the 
 son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons : 
 
 33 And sAhithophel was the king’s counsellor : 
 and r Hushai the Archite was the king’s 'compa- 
 nion : 
 
 34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son 
 of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and ‘the general of 
 the king’s army was Joab. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 David assembles the chiefs of Israel; shows them hoio his vt^rjiose of build- 
 in* a temple had been disallowed, and relates the LORD'S special favour to 
 him ; and his promises to Solomon, 1 — 7. He chai ses Solomon to know and 
 serve God, and to build the temple, 9, 10. He gives a pattern for the form Oj 
 the several • arts, (as God had showed it to him,) and gold arid silver for the 
 materials , 11 — 19. He encourages Solomon with the assurance of help , both 
 from Cod, and from from his people, 20, 21. 
 
 A ND David “assembled all the princes of Israel, 
 b the princes of the tribes, and the “captains 
 of the companies that ministered to the king by 
 course, and the captains over the thousands, and 
 captains over the hundreds, and d the stewards 
 over all the ’substance and. possession of the 
 king, ‘and of his sons, with “the ^officers, and with 
 ( the mighty men, and with all the valiant men 
 unto Jerusalem. 
 
 2 Then David the king sstood up upon his feet, 
 
 o Gen. 47:6. p 2 Sam. 13:3. 21:21. Nephew. J Or, secretary. § Or, Hach* 
 monile. 11:11. q2Sam. 15:12. 16:23. 17:23. r 2 SaiA. 15:32,37. 16:16. s 2 Sam. 
 16:17. Ps. 55:13. Zech. 13-7. t 11:6. a 23:2. Josh. 23:2. 24:1 . b 27:16— 22, 
 c 27:1 — 15. (1 27:25-31. * Or, cattle, f Or, and his sons, e 27:32— 34. 
 
 + Or, eunuchs, f 11:10, &c. g Gen. 48:2. 1 Kings 1:47. 
 
 assaults, as our unwatchfulriess ; and while we stand armed 
 with u the whole armour of God,” in the exercise of faith and 
 preparation of heart for the conflict, we shall certainly be 
 safe, and probably enjoy inward peace. — When we have 
 exposed ourselves to wrath and chastening for our sins, we 
 ought humbly to confess them and to desist from them : this 
 will not make atonement for our crimes; but it. is a prepara- 
 tion of heart from the Lord, for receiving the atonement made 
 by the Saviour, and making suitable returns for it. — Useful- 
 ness is the proper standard of valuableness: and he who 
 estimates by this rule, will give the word of God, the salvation 
 of Christ, and true religion, u decided preference to all other 
 things, because infinitely more Useful . — Well-chosen coun- 
 sellors prove the wisdom of princes: yet, some will be found 
 wise men and scribes, and eminent for worldly policy and 
 plausibility, who are in fact very wicked characters. But the 
 faithful, the upright, and godly, should be our friends and 
 chosen companions; and no king will be well advised in all 
 things, or in those of the greatest importance, who does not 
 make the testimonies of God 41 his delight and his counsellors ;” 
 however he may be surrounded by powerful family con- 
 nexions, faithful friends, and able politicians. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXVIII. V. 1. This transaction 
 seems to have occurred in the time of David’s last sickness, 
 which, notwithstanding remissions, he r/as aware w'ould 
 terminate in death. He therefore summoned the several 
 descriptions of men, which were mentioned in the preceding 
 chapter, and which formed a convention of the states, or 
 representatives of the people ; that he might declare to them 
 the will of God as revealed to him, and engage them to a 
 hearty concurrence in those public measures, which, in obe- 
 dience to that will, he had resolved on. — Princes.] Note , 27s 
 16 — 22. — Captains, &c.] 4 That is, those great commanders 
 
 of 24,000 apiece, mentioned in the beginning of the foregoing 
 chapter. . . . The commanders of every one of those thousands, 
 with the centurions, who commanded the several companies, 
 consisting of a hundred.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, 27:\ — 15.) — 
 Stewards , &c.] Note, 27:25 — 31. — Many of the chief priests 
 and Levites generally resided with David at Jerusalem ; but 
 it is not expressly said, that they were present on this occa- 
 sion. 
 
 V. 2. David, finding himself able, and being animated by 
 the solemn occasion, stood up on his feet, to express his 
 earnestness in this address, and his affection and respect, for 
 the people; and especially as intending to bom nr the Lord, 
 by whose authority and commission he spake. Moses and 
 Joshua had, just before their death, assembled the people 
 for similar purposes. ( Dtut . 31:28 — 30. Notes, Dcut. 32; 15- 
 52. Josh. 23: 24:) — David used the most endearing language 
 ( 747 ) 
 
B. C. 015. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. B. C. 1015 . 
 
 and said, Hear me, 'my brethren, and my people : 
 Jls for me, I had in my heart to build a house 
 rest k for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, 
 and for 'the footstool of our God, and m had made 
 ready for the building : 
 
 3 But God said unto me, "Thou shall not build 
 a house lor my name, because thou hast been a 
 man of war, and hast shed "blood. 
 
 4 Howbeit the Lord. God of Israel “chose me 
 before all the house of my father to be king over 
 Israel for ever: for he hath Pchosen Judah to be 
 the ruler; and of ithe house of Judah the house 
 of my father; and r among the sons of my father 
 he liked me to make me king over all Israel : 
 
 5 And of "all my sons, (for the Lord hath given 
 me many sons,) ‘he hath chosen Solomon my son 
 “to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the 
 Lord over Israel. 
 
 6 And he said unto me, Solomon thy son. x he 
 shall build my house and my courts : for jJ nave 
 chosen him to be my son, and I will be his 
 father. 
 
 h 11:1 — 3. Deut. 17:15,20. Ps. 22:22. Heb. 2:11,12. i 17:1,2. 2Sam. 7: 
 t. 1 Kings 8:17,18. It 6:31. Pa. 132:3—5,8,14. 1 Ps. 99:5. 132:7. la. 66: 
 
 I. Lam. 2:1. Acts 7:49. m 18:7— 11. 22:2— 5,14. n 17:4. 22:8. 2 Sam. 7 5- 
 
 13. 1 Kings 5:3. 2 Chr. 6:8,9. * Heb. bloods, o 1 Sam. 16:6 — 13. 2 Sam. 7: 
 
 8—16. Ps. 78-68-72. 89:16—27. p 5:2. Gen. 49:8-10. Ps. 60:7. 108:8. q 1 Sam. 
 16:1. r 1 Sam. 16:12,13. Ps. 18:19. 147:10,11. s 3.1 —9. 14:4— 7. t 22:9.23: 
 1.29:1. u 17:14.29:23. 2 Chr. 1:8,9. Ps. 72: title. 1 &c. Is. 9:6,7. x 17:11 — 
 
 14. 22:10. 2 Sam. 7:13.14. Zech. 6:12,13. Heb. 3:3,6. y Heb. 4 5. z Ps. 89: 
 28— 37. 132:12. !)an. 2:41. a 2*2:13. I Kings 6:12,13. 9:4,5. 11:9 — 13. tHeb. 
 strong. 10. Josh. 1.6,7. lKings2:2 — 4. b 1 Kings 8:61. 11:4. c Deut. 4:6. 
 Malt. 5:16. Phil. 2: 15,16. Heb. 12:1,2. d Deut. 4:26. 29:10,15. Acts 10:33. 
 e Ps. 119:4, 10, 11.-27,33, 34, 44. Prov.2:l— 5. 3:1. f Deut. 4:1. 5:32,33. 6:1,2. 
 
 in this parting interview, begging their attention, as his 
 “ brethren and his people.” — The ark is here called “the 
 footstool of our God.” Heaven, where the Lord unveils his 
 glories, is his throne ; the earth is his footstool; and the place 
 of the ark was, as it were, the centre of that footstool , where 
 the gracious presence of God on earth was chiefly displayed, 
 and before and toward which all his people worshipped. 
 (Marg. Ref. 1. Notes, Ps. 99:5. Is. 66:1,2. Lam. 
 2 : 1 .) 
 
 V. 3. Notes , 22:6—10. 29:1. 2 Sam . 7:1—11. 1 Kings 
 8:15—21. 
 
 V. 4—6. Notes, 1 Sam. 16:6—11. 2 Sam. 7:12—16. 12: 
 24,25. 1 Kings 1:5,6,15 — 18. — For ever. (4) That is, per- 
 manently in his posterity, and to the end of the world, yea, 
 to eternity, in Christ, of whom David and Solomon were 
 remarkable types. — It was not known till David’s time, from 
 which family in Judah the Messiah would descend. (Notes, 
 Gen. 49:8—10.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. David had committed several great transgres- 
 sions, and he every where speaks the language of conscious 
 sinfulness. Yet the people had been preserved from idolatry, 
 and retained in the worship and service of God, during his 
 whole reign ; and at this time they, as well as Solomon, 
 appeared well disposed to true religion. If therefore they 
 continued constant, “ as at that day,” to keep the Lord’s 
 commandments and judgments ; their national covenant re- 
 maining unviolated, would secure their possession of Canaan 
 and other important advantages. Yet they were exhorted 
 not only to “ keep,” but 44 to seek for, all the commandments 
 of the Lord ;” that they might know them more exactly, and 
 perform them more entirely. David therefore exhorted the 
 princes to engage themselves to this, as “in the sight of all 
 Israel, even the congregation of the Lord, and in the audi- 
 ence of their God,” who was especially present in that solemn 
 assembly ; that they might be the more impressed, and that 
 their example might have a salutary effect on others also. — 
 4 It is not enough to know the will of God, if we do not keep 
 it ; that is, observe his commands, and live in the practice of 
 our duty. But that we may know it, it is necessary to seek 
 it ; that is, to inquire after it and to study the laws of God : 
 for no man, as Grotius here observes, shall be excused by a 
 supine ignorance.’ Bp. Patrick. It is as necessary to pray 
 humbly and continually for divine teaching, in “ seeking the 
 commandments of God,” as to study the laws of God, and 
 search the Scriptures: for proud, and learned, and self-wise 
 error, will no more excuse a man, than a supine ignorance. 
 (Notes, Prov. 2:1 — 9.) 
 
 V. 9. The being and perfections of God are made known 
 by his works, and by his word : and wc ought diligently to 
 seek the knowledge of him from both these sources. That 
 discovery of some of the divine perfections, which may be 
 made by studying the works of creation and providence, may 
 je naturally delightful to man ; because it gratifies his love of 
 Knowledge, and excites his surprise, without affronting his 
 pride, alarming his conscience, or offending his prejudices. 
 But revelation gives us the whole character of God, as con- 
 nected with his natural perfections, and mysterious subsis- 
 tence : and this not only in plain declarations, but in an his- 
 torical and prophetical view of his providential government 
 of the universe; in his holy law “the ministration of con- 
 demnation and death and in his blessed gospel, “the mi- 
 C 748 ) 
 
 7 Moreover ‘I will establish his kingdom for 
 ever, “if he he ’’constant to do my commandments 
 and my judgments, b as at this day. 
 
 8 Now therefore c in the sight of all Israel, the 
 congregation of the Lord, and d in the audience 
 of our God, 'keep and seek for all the command- 
 ments of the Lord your God : f that ye may po». 
 sess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance 
 for your children after you for ever. 
 
 9 And thou, Solomon my son, eknow thou ^the 
 God of thy father, and 'serve him with a perfect 
 heart, and with k a willing mind : for 'the Lord 
 searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all “the 
 imaginations of the thoughts: "if thou seek him, 
 he will he found of thee ; but “if thou fprsake him, 
 he will cast thee off for ever. 
 
 10 rTake heed now; for the Lord hath chosen 
 thee to build a house for the sanctuary : be 
 strong, and do it. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 11 U Then David gave to Solomon his son The 
 pattern of r the porch, and of 8 the houses thereof, 
 
 g Deut. 4:35. 1 Kings 8:43. Ps. 9:10. Jer. 9:24. 22:16. 24:7. 31 :34. Hos. 4:1,6. 
 John 8:55. 17:3. Acts 17:23,30. Rom. 1:28. 1 ('nr. 15:34. 2 Cor. 4:6. h Gen. 
 28:13. Ex. 3:16. 15-2. 1 Kings 3:6. Ps. 18:2. 89:26. i 29:9,17— 19. 1 Kings 8:61. 
 2 Kings 20:3. 22:2.. Ps. 101:2. John 1:47. k 2 Cor. 8:12. 9:7. I Pet. 5:2. 129:17. 
 1 Sam. 16:7. 1 Kings 8:39. Ps. 7:9. Prov. 17:3. Jer. 11:20. 17:10. 20:12. John 
 2:25. 21:17. Acts 1:24. Heb. 4: 13. Rev. 2:23. m Gen. 6:5. 8:21 . Deut. 31:21. 
 Ps. 139:2. Ez. 38:10. n 2 Chr. 15:2. Prov. 2:1— 6. Is. 45: 19. 55:6,7. Jer. 29:13. 
 Matt. 7:7,8. Jam. 4:8 — 11. o Deut. 31:16,17. 1 Kings 9:6— 9. Ezra 8:22. Is. 
 1:28. Heb. 10:38,39. p 6. 22:16— 19. 1 Tim. 4:16. q 19. Ex. 25:40. 26:30. 39: 
 42,43. 2 Chr. 3:3. Ez. 43:10,11. Heb. 8:5. r 1 Kings 6:3. 2 Chr. 3:4. Ez. 40.8, 
 9,15,48,49. s 1 Kings 6:10—20. 2Chr. 3:5-10. Ez. 41:13, &c. Heb. 9:2— 8. 
 
 nistration of righteousness and of the Spirit.” (Note, 2 Cor. 
 3:7 — 11.) This knowledge of God the natural man cannot 
 receive. (Note, 1 Cor. 2:14 — 16.) It implies the infinite 
 justice and holiness of God, and the entire apostacy, rebellion, 
 pollution, and misery of man ; and shows every person on 
 earth to be a criminal condemned to everlasting punishments 
 from which he cannot be delivered, except by the unmerited 
 mercy of the Father, through the atonement of the Son, and 
 by the sanctification of the Holy Spirit. All men therefore 
 oppose, neglect, or pervert this knowledge of God, except as 
 they are taught by him. Some notions of these things may 
 be attained by an unhumbled sinner: but he does not see 
 them as they really are, according to their nature and value ; 
 and his ideas no more agree with the true meaning even of 
 his own words, than the words of a man born blind do with 
 his ideas, when he speaks about light and colours. This 
 knowledge therefore will have no effect, unless a bad one, on 
 the state of his heart, and the conduct of his life. But where 
 God is truly known, he is also feared, believed, trusted, 
 loved, worshipped, and obeyed, in proportion to that know- 
 ledge. Self-abasement, hatred of sin, indifference about 
 worldly objects, and general benevolence from the purest 
 principles, will uniformly attend and grow with it ; and all 
 true religion may be resolved into it. (Notes, Ps. 9:7 — 12, 
 v. 10. 91: 14—16. Jer. 24:7. 31:33,34. Matt. 11127. John 17: 
 1 — 3. 2 Cor. 4:3 — 6.) — This knowledge of God is, under the 
 inward teaching and illuminating influence of the Sprit of 
 truth, received by faith simply crediting “ the testimony of 
 God,” and diligently appropriating the information which he 
 communicates in Scripture. As far as required, it regulates 
 the understanding, judgment, conscience, will, affections, and 
 all the powers and opera'ions of the soul ; and consequently, all 
 the intentions, dispositions, words, and actions. It brings a man 
 acquainted with God in Christ, as a Father and Friend, in a 
 way of experience and communion. It discovers what we 
 may expect from him, and what he must approve or abhor in 
 us; and consequently what is requisite to his saving sinners 
 in a way that is honourable to his own great name, and to 
 our being capable of happiness in his favour and service. 
 Thus we learn the inestimable value of the Saviour’s atone- 
 ment, and of the sanctification of the Holy Ghost, and are 
 influenced to walk conscientiously in all his ordinances and 
 commandments. It brings a sinner to his proper place, at 
 the foot of the cross, and prostrate before the mercy-seat of 
 a forgiving God ; as a poor, helpless, lost sinner, an ignorant 
 child, a humble suppliant, a condemned criminal, deserving 
 nothing hut wrath, yet expecting every thing needful or 
 desirable, from the infinitely free mercy and gruce of God 
 our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Having been for- 
 given much, and receiving much, the pardoned sinner learns 
 to love much ; and experiencing the blessed effects of this 
 knowledge of God on his own soul, he declares its excellency 
 to others, that they too may seek and find so inestimable a 
 treasure. — Thus David had known the Lord; and having 
 for many years feared, trusted, loved, and worshipped him. 
 he was about to remove to that belter world, where know- 
 ledge, holiness, love, and felicity are perfected : but before 
 he departed, he desired to give it, as his dying counsel to Iils 
 beloved Solomon, to cultivate the acquaintance of so kind* 
 merciful, faithful and powerful a Friend ; (Note, Job 22*-21 — 
 30.) and to “serve him with i /erfe* h**ar and a Wi.ling 
 
B.C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 B. C. i015. 
 
 and of 'the treasuries thereof, and of the “upper 
 chambers thereof, and of the inner parlours 
 thereof, and of *the place of the mercy-seat, 
 
 12 And the pattern of all 'that he had by the 
 Spirit, of the courts of the house of the Lord, 
 and of all the chambers round about, of the treasu- 
 ries of the house of God, and of ?the treasuries of 
 the dedicated things : 
 
 13 Also for ‘the courses of the priests and the 
 Levites, and for all the work of the service of the 
 house of the Lord, and for all "the vessels of ser- 
 vice in the house of the Lord. 
 
 14 He gave of gold by weight for things of 
 gold, for all instruments of all manner of service ; 
 silver also for all instruments of silver by weight, 
 for all instruments of every kind of service : 
 
 15 Even the weight for b the candlesticks of 
 gold, and lor their lamps of gold, by weight for 
 every candlestick, and lor the lamps thereof: and 
 for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for 
 the candlestick, and also for the lamps thereof, 
 according to the use of every candlestick. 
 
 16 And by weight he gave gold lor the 'tables of 
 show-bread, for every table ; and likewise silver 
 for the tables of silver : 
 
 t 9:56—29. 26:20—27. Luke 21:1. u 1 Kings 6:5,6,10. 2Chr. 3:9. Neh. 10:38, 
 30.13:5. Jer. 35:2. Ei. 41:6, &c. x Ex. 25:17— 22. 40:20,21. lKings6:19. 
 2 Chi*. 5:7. Heb.9:5. * Heb. that was icith him by. y 26:26—28. 1 Ki»e6 14: 
 26. 15:15,18. 2 Kings 16:8. 18:15. z 24:1, &e. 25:1, &c. a 9:29. Ezra 8: 25— 30, 
 33. b Ex. 25:31—39. 1 Kings 7:49. 2 Chr. 4:7. Zech. 4:2,3,11— 11. Rev. 1:12, 
 20.2:1. c Ex. 25:23— 30. lKings7:43. 2 Chr. 4:8,19. d l Sam. 2:13,14. 
 
 mind,” or inward delight. But he also reminded him at the 
 same time of the Lord’s heart-searching knowledge, and of 
 his justice and holiness, as well as of his mercy. (Marg. 
 Ref. 1.) A formal service therefore would not profit: if he 
 sought God in a proper manner, he would be found of him ; 
 but if he finally renounced his service, he would “cast him 
 off for ever,” notwithstanding all his former kindness to him. 
 
 V. 10. Solomon was thus exhorted to be very circum- 
 spect, and attentive to the directions and commandments of 
 God, in that important service to which he was called ; yet 
 not to be discouraged respecting it. ‘ Being a young man, he 
 might be discouraged from undertaking so great a work: but 
 ne bids him go about it strenuously, because God had chosen 
 nirn to do it.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 11 — 13. David was divinely instructed, probably by 
 immediate revelation, or else by some prophet, (perhaps 
 Nathan,) in what form the temple was to be built, and how 
 to regulate every thing respecting it, and its chambers, and 
 courts, and treasuries. (Notes, 9:22. 15:16. 16:1 — 3. 23: — 26:) 
 “ The Lord made him understand it in writing by his hand 
 upon him.” (19) And in what way soever this writing was 
 made and sent to him, he gave it to Solomon just before his 
 death : so that nothing was left even to “ the wisdom of Solo- 
 mon,” but all was done by rule, even to the quantity of metal 
 used in each vessel. (Notes, 1-1 — 18.) Moses had been 
 instructed in the same manner in erecting the tabernacle. 
 For both the tabernacle and temple were typical of Christ, 
 and heavenly things. (Notes, Ex. 25:9,40. 31:6.) — In vain 
 do men of opposite sentiments contend for such uniformity in 
 the circumstances of our worship, under the New Testa- 
 ment ; seeing it is manifest, that exact, precise, and express 
 rules are no where to be found, in respect of every particular. 
 — It is, however, most evident, that to model divine ordi- 
 nances according to man’s imagination, would have been the 
 height of presumption even in Solomon himself. 
 
 V. 14— 16. (Mar, g. Ref. Note, 1 Kings, 7:48 — 51.) The 
 candlesticks o. -ulver, and tables of silver, are not elsewhere 
 mentioned, and it is not known to what use they were put. 
 
 The former’ . . . (the candlesticks of silver) ‘were lesser, to 
 be carried in their hands from place to place, as there was 
 occasion.’ Bp. Patrick. It seems there were in the temple 
 several tables of gold for the show-bread, and the vessels 
 belonging to that part of the stated service. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 4:19.) 
 
 V. 17. The word, rendered basins, seems to be derived 
 from the atonement made by the blood of the sacrifices, which 
 was received into them till it was sprinkled. (Note, Num. 
 7:13,14.) 
 
 V. 18. Above the ark, between the cherubim, the glory 
 ot the Lord appeared, as a mighty warrior riding in his 
 chariot of war, to the assistance of Israel his people. ( Marg. 
 Ref. Note, Ex. 25:10 — 21.) As the cherubim of gold made 
 by Moses were joined to the mercy-seat, which covered the 
 ark ; it has been thought, that Solomon was directed to make 
 two additional cherubim, after the same pattern. These 
 must, however, be distinguished from those made of olive- 
 
 ees covered with gold. (Note, 1 Kings 6:23 — 28.) And 
 ,t is not absolutely certain, that amidst the many removals of 
 the ark which had taken place, the cherubim had not been 
 separated from it ; and whether Solomon did any thing more 
 than make two others in the stead of them. 
 
 V. 19. (Note, 11 — 13.) This comprises all the particu- 
 
 17 Also d pure gold for the fleshhooka- and 'the 
 bowls, and the cups : and lor the golden basin.i 
 he gave gold by weight for every basin; an* 
 likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver ; 
 
 18 And for f the altar of incense refined gold by 
 weight ; and gold for the pattern of «the chariot 
 of the cherubims, that spread out their wings, 
 and covered the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord. 
 
 19 All this, said David, ’’the Lord made me 
 understand in writing ’by Ins hand upon me, even 
 all the works of this pattern. 
 
 20 H And David said to Solomon his son, k Be 
 strong, and of good courage, and do it : 'fear not, 
 nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, 
 will be With thee ; m he will not fail thee, nor Ibr- 
 sake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for 
 the service of the house of the Lord. 
 
 21 And behold, “the courses of the priests and 
 the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the 
 service of the house of God : and there shall be 
 with thee, for “all manner of workmanship, every 
 Pwilling skilful man, for any manner of service : 
 4also the princes and all the people will be wholly 
 at thy commandment. 
 
 2 Chr. 4:20— 22. e Num. 7:13,14. 1 Kings 7:48— 50. 10:21 . f Ex. 30:1-10. 
 
 1 Kings 7:48. g Ex. 25:18— 22. 1.8am. 4:4. 1 Kings 6:23— 30. Ps. 18:10. 68:17. 
 80:1.99:1. Ez. 1:15—24. 10:2, &c. h 11,12. Ex. 25:40. 26:30. i Ez. 1:3. 3:14, 
 22. k 10.22:13. Deut. 31:7,8. Josh. 1:6-9. 1 Cor. 16:13. 1 Ps. 27:1,2. Is. 41: 
 10.13. Rom. 8:31. m Josh. 1:5. Heb. 13:5. n 21: 25: 26: o Ex. 31:3. p'Ex. 
 35:25,26,35. 36:1—4. Ps. 110:3. q 22:17,18. Tit. 3.1. 
 
 lars mentioned in the preceding verses. — ‘God made him to 
 understand all this so plainly and distinctly, as if it had been 
 written on his mind, as the ten commandments were upon 
 the tables of stone in the mount.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 20, 21. (Marg. Ref. Note, 10.) There appeared, 
 in all the several orders of men, a very promising disposition 
 to harmony among themselves, and loyalty to their prince ; 
 and David foresaw that God would dispose them to cordial 
 obedience to Solomon, though a younger brother, and in his 
 youth.— s‘ This was one reason, no doubt, of calling this 
 assembly together, that they might be engaged to be aiding to 
 Solomon, in promoting so pious a work.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. While life continues, it is desirable to spend it 
 in promoting the peace, prcsperil.v, and spiritual good, of 
 those who may remain behind. (Notes, Ec. 9:10. 2 Pet. 1: 
 12 — 15.) — To treat inferiors with condescending respect and 
 affection, is the way to gain love, without losing any due 
 honour: and to address subjects as rational creatures, show- 
 ing them the propriety and advantage of proposed measures, 
 and persuading them to a willing concurrence, is far prefer- 
 able to the exercise of despotic authority. Indeed kings and 
 their meanest subjects are all brethren in fallen Adam : and 
 believers, on a throne or in a cottage, are all brethren in 
 Jesu? Christ, and should mutually seek each other’s welfare. 
 — In that monarchy, which God established in Israel and 
 sanctioned by his approbation, we see no traces of the unal- 
 terable right of primogeniture, or of ruling with absolute 
 authority. Rather we perceive a resemblance of that limited, 
 moderate, and equitable authority, which a kind Providence 
 has established over these kingdoms ; for which we can never 
 be sufficiently thankful, and for the continuance of which to 
 our latest posterity, we should most fervently pray. The 
 wickedness of man indeed, and the experience of ages, have 
 taught the friends of liberty to secure that blessing by many 
 regulations, which were not thought of, nor needful, in the 
 happy days of “ the man after God’s own heart:” and pru- 
 dence dictates the general expediency of hereditary succes- 
 sion. Yet surely the conduct of David at the beginning, in 
 the middle, and at the close of his reign, greatly resembled 
 that of a British monarch meeting his Parliament, and doing 
 all things by their concurrence and assistance. — It may be 
 comfortable to us in a dying hour, to recollect the plans which 
 we had framed to promote true religion, though we have been 
 unable to accomplish them: from hence we may infer, that 
 we are the chosen and called of God ; as such designs prove, 
 that he has given us a heart to account his service a delight- 
 ful privilege, and to long and love to be employed in it. But, 
 in the nature and measure of our services, we must learn 
 acquiescence in his will, whose choice of us is the source ot 
 all our grace, comfort, or usefulness : he was pleased to make 
 us Christians, or ministers, and to employ us in various 
 ways ; but he does not generally acquaint us with the reason 
 of it. Happy are they, whom he has “chosen in Christ . .. 
 unto the adoption of children unto himself, according to the 
 good pleasure of his will:” (Note, Eph. 1:3 — 8.) from their 
 almighty Father they will “ receive a kingdom that cannot 
 be moved,” and he will establish it to them for ever. And it 
 will be manifest, that this is their felicity, by their constancy 
 in keeping his commandments, and doing their proper work 
 in his church, after the example and by the grace of the 
 Saviour. Let us then “ give .diligence to make our calling 
 
 ( 749 ) 
 
B. C. 1015. 
 
 I. CHRONICLES. • B. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 David shows the princes ami people what, treasures he had prepared for the 
 building and service of the temple, 1 — 5. After his example, and at hie ex- 
 hortation, they offer liberally, o — 9. He adores and blesses God, and prays 
 for the people and for Solomon, 10—19. The people worship, sacrifice, and 
 feast with joy ; and then make Solomon king the second time, 20—2*2. He 
 reigns in majesty ami prosperity , 23—25. David's long avid prosperous 
 rtign, and happy death, 26 — 30. 
 
 F URTHERMORE David the king said “unto 
 all the congregation, Solomon my son, 
 Hvhom alone God hath chosen, is yet “young 
 and tender, and the work is great; d for the 
 palace is not for man, but for the Lord God. 
 
 2 Now e I have prepared < with all my might 
 for the house of my God sthe gold for things to be 
 made of gold, and the- silver for things of silver, 
 and the brass for things of brass, the iron for 
 things of iron, and wood for things of wood ; 
 b onyx-stones, and stones to be set, glistering 
 stones, and of divers colours, and all manner of 
 precious stones, and marble-stones in abun- 
 dance. 
 
 3 Moreover, because 'I have set my affection 
 t.o the house of my God, k I have of mine own 
 proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given 
 to the house of my God, ‘over and above all that 
 I have prepared for the holy house, 
 
 4 Even three thousand talents of gold, of the 
 “gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of 
 refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses 
 withal : 
 
 5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver 
 for things of silver, and for all manner of work 
 to be made by the hands of artificers. And "who 
 
 a 28:1,8. b 23:5,6. 1 Kings 8:19,20. c 22:5. 1 Kings 3:7. 2Chr. 13.7. Pros. 
 4:3. Jcr. 1:6,7. d 28:10. 2 Chr. 2:4,5. e 22:3-5,14— 16. f 3 Chr. 31:80.31. 
 Ec. 9:10. 2 Cor. 8:3. Col. 3:23. 1 Pel. 4.10,11. g28:14— 18. h Gen. 2:12. Ex. 
 28:20.39:13. Job 28:16. Is. 54:11,12. H ev. 21:18-21. i Ps. 26:8. 27:4. 84:1,10. 
 122:1—9. k 21:24. Prov. 3:9,10. 122:4,5,14—16. m 1 Kings 9:28. n Ex. 
 
 25:2—9. 35:5, *c. Nnm. 7:2,3,10 — 14, &c. Ezra 1:4—6. 2:68,69. 7:15,16. ■ Heb. 
 to Jill his hand . o 27:1. Is. 60:3 — 10. p 26:21,22. Jehieli. q Deut. 16:10,11. 
 Judg. 5:9. Ps. 110:3. 2 Cor. 8:3,12. 9:7,8. r 17. I Kings 8:61. s Prov. 23:15, 
 16. Luke 15:6. John 15:11. Phil. 2:15— 17. 4:1,10. 1 Thes. 3:0— 9. t 20. 2 Chr. 
 20:26,27. Ps. 103:1,2. 138:1. 146:2. ul Kings 8:15. 2 Chr. 6:4. Ps. 72:18,19. 
 Ez. 3:12. Eph. 1:3. 1 Pet. 1:3. x Gen. 32:28. 33:20. y Is. 63:16. Matt. 6:9. 
 
 and election sure:” and, as in the presence of God, and in 
 die sight of his people, let us 11 seek out that we may do all 
 his commandments,” sincerely, unreservedly, and in humble 
 imitation of our perfect pattern. Let us seek the knowledge 
 of God, as the most valuable of all treasures ; and acquaint 
 ourselves with him, as the God of all those in every age and 
 nation, who M through faith and patience inherit the promises.” 
 Let us seek grace from him by earnest prayer, that we may 
 serve him with an upright, undivided heart, and a willing, 
 cheerful mind. Let us beware of hypocrisy ; “ for the Lord 
 searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations 
 of the thoughts.” Let us fear coming short, growing negli- 
 gent, or turning aside; for “if we forsake him, he will cast 
 us off for ever.” But let us hope also in his mercy ; for if 
 we seek him he will be found of us : and we shall be strong 
 in accomplishing the services to which we are called ; we 
 shall live in good measure in the enjoyment of our privileges, 
 and may hope to leave them for an inheritance to our children. 
 In this “fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence:” and 
 by attaining to an assurance that we are his people, we may 
 be assured also that he will not fail us nor forsake us ; we 
 may then bid defiance to all our enemies, and be of good 
 courage in the prospect of difficulties and dangers. 
 
 V. 1 1. — 2 f . If the Lord employ us and be with us, he will raise 
 us up helpers, both willing and skilful, as for as we want them : 
 and thus he will carry us through the duties of our several 
 stations, and, these being finished, will receive us unto him- 
 self. — Nobles, ministers, and people should be wholly at the 
 command of those rulers especially, who boldly and zealously 
 endeavour to promote true religion; using their influence and 
 authority to lead all their subjects to a willing attendance to 
 things evidently scriptural, and of acknowledged excellence 
 and importance. — But we should never forget, that the whole 
 of the salvation for sinners, is of the Lord : the wondrous plan, 
 the great and glorious Redeemer, and Redemption, and the 
 revelation of it in the scriptures of truth ; the way of access, 
 the ministry of the gospel, the throne of grace also, the public 
 ordinances, the sacramental seals, and every thing pertaining 
 to our reconciliation and walk with God, are from him ; and 
 may not be modelled by human authority. Even mere circum- 
 stances, which must be regulated by man’s discretion, anil in 
 which every society has a right to judge for its willing mem- 
 bers, are not to be imposed on our brethren: and we are ac- 
 countable to God, though not to man, for that judgment and’ 
 practice which we ourselves form and adopt. We should 
 therefore in every thing be circumspect, and not leave the 
 Scripture in any particular, where it affords us directions; 
 vet we should not endanger the peace of the church, for the 
 ake of minute external regulations. Hitherto much has been 
 anuss in every age, in every state, and in every division of 
 ( 750 ) 
 
 then is willing to consecrate his service this day 
 unto the Lord ? 
 
 6 U Then °the chief of the fathers and princes 
 of the tribes of Israel, and the captains ot thou- 
 sands and of hundreds, with the rulers over the 
 king’s work, offered willingly, 
 
 7 And gave for the service of the house of God 
 of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand 
 drams, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of 
 brass eighteen thousand talents, and one hundred 
 thousand talents of iron. 
 
 8 And they with whom precious stones were 
 found gave them to the treasure of the house of 
 the Lord, by the hand of pJehiel the Gershonite. 
 
 9 Then the people rejoiced, for that ^they 
 offered willingly, because with r perfect heart they 
 offered willingly to the Lord : and s David the 
 king also rejoiced with great joy. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 10 IT Wherefore ‘David blessed the Lord 
 before all the congregation : and David said, 
 “Blessed be thou, x Lord God of Israel >’our 
 Father, for ever and ever. 
 
 11 Thine, O Lord, c is the greatness, and the 
 power, and the glory, and d the victory, and the 
 e majesty : for f all that is in the heaven and in the 
 earth is thine; nhine is the kingdom, O Lord, 
 and thou art h exalted as head above all. 
 
 12 Both ‘riches and honour come of thee, and 
 thou k reignest over all; and in thy hand is 'power 
 and might; and in thy hand it is to make great, 
 and to m give strength unto all. 
 
 Luke 11:2. Rom. 1:7.8:15. Phil. 4:20. 2 Thes. 2:16. c Dan. 4:30.34,35. Mutt. 
 6:13. 1 Tim. 1:17. 6:15,16. Jude 2-5. Re*. 410,11. 5:12,13. 7:9-12. 19:1. 
 
 d 1 Sam. 15:29. marg. Ps. 98:1. e Jub 37:22. Ps. 29:4. 45:3,4. 104:1. 145:12. 
 Is. 2:10. Heb. 1:3. f Gen. 1:1 . 14:19,22. Ps. 115:15,16. Is. 42:5.66:1. Jer. 10: 
 10—12. 27:5. Dan. 4:32,34,35. e, Ps. 97:1. 99:1. 145:1,12,13. Dan. 4:3. Rev. 11: 
 15. h Neh. 9:5. I f. 21:13. 46:10. 47:9.57:5,11. 97:9. Is. 2:11. 12:4. i Deut. 8: 
 18. 1 Sam. 2:7,8. Job 42.10. Ps. 75:6,7. 113:7,8. Prov. 10:22. Luke 1:51—53. 
 Rom. 11:35,36. k Dan. 6:26. 1 Job 9:19. Ps. 62:11. Is. 43:13. 46:10. Dan. 5: 
 18—21. Matt. 28.18. John 19:11. Eph. 3:20. Rev. 11:17. rn 2 Chr. 16:9. Ps. 
 18:31,32.28:8.29:1,11.68:34,35.144:1,2. Is. 45:24. Eph. 3:16. Phil. 4: 13. Col. 
 1 : 11 . 
 
 the church : ere long our Prince of Peace, the builder of the 
 true temple, the Son of God, will come and set all right. In 
 the mean time let us judge for ourselves, and bear with each 
 other; let us cease from self-confident boastings, and acrimo- 
 nious controversies ; and, in our several places, let us endea- 
 vour to serve God, and to help one another, and to promote 
 the common cause of truth and holiness. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIX. V. 1. Whom alone God, 
 &c.] David by this expression, declared that God had chosen 
 Solomon in preference to the rest of his sons ; and that this 
 was the sole reason of his succession to the throne, and not 
 any partial affection of his own towards him. This would 
 tend to satisfy the people, and to induce David’s other sons to 
 submit to the divine appointment. (Notes, 22:2 — 10.) 
 
 V. 2. The peculiar use made of the precious stones of va- 
 rious kinds, mentioned in this verse, in decorating the temple, 
 or in adding to the magnificence of the service there per- 
 formed, is not known. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 3 — 9. David seems to have dedicated a certain propor- 
 tion of all his spoils and gains to God, before he considered 
 the residue as his own; and this proportion constituted the 
 treasure before spoken of; (22:14.) but besides this, he gave, 
 from his own treasury, about eighteen millions sterling of gold 
 and silver. This he offered, not by constraint, or from osten- 
 tation; but because “he had set his affection to the house of 
 his God,” and thought he could never do enough towards pro- 
 moting that good work. He was likewise desirous to see his 
 subjects “abound in this grace also;” as they had been en- 
 riched by his victories, and never burdened with taxes: and 
 he knew that it would be “fruit which would abound to their 
 own account.” Having set them the example, he only in- 
 quired who was willing to assist, and to consecrate his service 
 unto the Lord, by contributing part of his wealth to that holy 
 use: and immediately they offered about thirty millions of 
 gold and silver, besides brass, iron, and precious stones ; and 
 instead of grudging the expense, the king and people all re- 
 joiced together ; for they were cordial in it, and offered willingly 
 themselves, and rejoiced to see all the others offering with the 
 same liberality. — The prosperity of Israel must have been 
 immense, under the reign of David; and it seems that there 
 was also much true piety among the people, especially to- 
 wards the close of his reign. Wc can scarcely form a con- 
 ception of the magnificence of the temple and ddjaccnt edi- 
 fices, about which such immense quantities of gold and silver 
 were employed. (Note, Ez. 41:22.) But “the unsearchable 
 riches of Christ” excel the splendour of the temple, infinitely 
 more than that surpassed the meanest cottage on earth. — The 
 refined silver seems to have been used, in covering the inner 
 walls of the chambers and other out-buildings ; for those of the 
 temple itself wero plated with gold. (1 King 6:2 21.) Min* 
 
B. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX, 
 
 B. C. 1015. 
 
 13 Now therefore, our God, n we thank thee, 
 and praise thy glorious name. 
 
 14 But "who am I, and what is my people, 
 •that we should 'be able to offer so ^willingly 
 after this sort? for r all things come of thee, and 
 •of thine own have we given thee. 
 
 15 For 'we are strangers before the%, and 
 sojourners, as were all our fathers: ‘our days on 
 the earth are as a shadow, and there is none 
 •abiding. 
 
 16 O Lord our God, "all this store that we have 
 prepared to build thee a house for thy holy name 
 cometh of thy hand, and is all thine own. 
 
 17 I know also, my God, that thou Hriest the 
 heart, and yfiast pleasure in uprightness. As for 
 me. 'in the uprightness of my heart I have 
 willingly offered all these things : and now have I 
 seen with “joy thy people, which are ^present 
 here, to offer willingly unto thee. 
 
 18 O b LottP God of Abraham, Isaac, and of 
 Israel, our fathers, c keep this for ever d in the 
 imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy 
 people, and "prepare their heart unto thee. 
 
 19 And “give unto Solomon my son a perfect 
 heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testi- 
 monies, and thy statutes, and to do all these 
 things, and to build the palace, for 'the which I 
 
 have made provision. [Practical Observations ,J 
 
 20 H And David said to all the congregation, 
 
 n Ps. 105:1. 105:1. Don. 5:23. 2 Cor. 2:14. 8:16. 9:15. lThes.2:13. o Gen. 
 32:10. 2 Sam . 7:18. Pan. 4:30. 1 Cor 15:9,10. 2Cor. 3:5. 12:9— 11. p Ps. 
 115:1. Rev. 4:10. * Heb. retain, or, obtain strength. q 9. Phil. 2:13. Jam. 
 1 : 17 . r Gen. 28:22. Ps. 50:10— 12. Rom. 11:36. 1 Cor. 16:2. t Heb. of 
 
 thy hand, s Gen. 47:9. Ps. 39:12. 119:19. Heh. 11:13— 16. 1 Pet. 2:11. t Job 
 14:2. Ps. 90:9. 102:11.144:4. Ec.6-12. Jam. 4:14. t Heb .expectation, u 14. 
 2Chr. 31:10. Ps . 24 : 1 . Hos.2;8. I. tike 19:16. x 28 9. Deut. 8:2. 1 Sam. 16:7. 
 Ps. 7.9.51:6. Prov. 16:2. 21 :2. Jer. 17:10. Heb. 4:12. Rev. 2:23. y Prov. 11: 
 20. 15:8,9. John 1:47. zActs24:16. 2 Cor. 1:12. lThes.2:10. a 9. Philpm. 
 7,20. § Heb. found, b Ex. 3:6.15.4:5. Matt. 22:32. Acts 3:13. c Deut. 30: 
 6. Ps. 51:10. 119:116,117. Jer. 10:23. 32:39,40. Phil. 1:6,9—11. 1 Thes. 3:11,12. 
 Heb. 13:21. d 28:9. Gen. 6:5. Ps. 1 19:1 13. || Heb. stablish. Ps. 10:17. 2 Thes. 
 
 own proper good. (3) nSlP: rendered a peculiar treasure, Ex. 
 19:5. special, Deut. 7:0. jewels, Mai. 3:17. (Note, Tit. 2:14.) 
 —The chief , lie . (6) Notes, 27: 28: 1 . 
 
 With perfect heart, &c.] (9) ‘ This is the virtue which St. 
 Paul sails airhorris, singleness of heart ; which hath respect' 
 purely to the service of God, the honour of religion, and the 
 good of the church : 2 Cor. 8:2. 9:11,13.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 
 2 Cor. 1:12 — 14. Eph. 6:5 — 9.) — ‘It was a singular comfort 
 to him,’ (David,) ‘in his old age to see the people so well dis- 
 posed, and his exhortation so effectual upon their hearts.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 10 — 19. Instead of boasting of these extraordinary ob- 
 lations ; (Note, Num. 23:4 — 6.) David gave solemn thanks to 
 the Lord, with much enlargement of heart and copiousness of 
 expression. — “ Lord, God of Israel, our Father,” may mean, 
 either the ‘ God of our fai'ner Israel, or Jacob,’ (18) or ‘Je- 
 hovah our Father, the God of Israel.’ In this last view, the 
 words may be considered as the first instance in Scripture, 
 of God being addressed in prayer, as “Our Father.” (Note, 
 Matt. 6:9.) This is properly the language of the Spirit of 
 adoption. (Note, Rom. 8:14 — 17.) As king of Israel David 
 was become great, powerful, and honourable ; he had obtained 
 victories, taken immense spoils, and been crowned with royal 
 majesty: but what was all this, before him who “ inhabiteth 
 eternity,” and filleth immensity, and is underived and indepen- 
 dent of all ; who possesses immutably every glorious and adora- 
 ble perfection, and exercises almighty power and absolute uni- 
 versal authority; and who, victorious over all his enemies, reigns 
 in majesty which exceeds all description or imagination ! for 
 his “is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever, 
 Amen.” (Note, Matt. 6:13.) From this God alone, David 
 had received his wealth, his honour, and power: this he ac- 
 knowledged with grateful praise; but, contemplating the in- 
 finite glories of his great Benefactor, and then turning his 
 thoughts to himself and his people, the comparison affected 
 him with a deep conviction of their meanness, weakness, and 
 unworthiness; and he could not but wonder, that the glorious 
 God would condescend to notice such indigent and sinful crea- 
 tures. “Lord,” says he, “what are we, that we should offer 
 so willingly after this sort !” Their existence was derived from 
 God; he had graciously given them these treasures, and had 
 disposed their hearts willingly to make this use of them; so 
 that in every way the whole praise belonged to him. ‘ In the 
 Targumit is thus paraphrased, JVhn hast given us such plenty , 
 that we are abie to offer these gifts. He should have added, 
 and also given us a heart to part with them for thy service. 
 
 The highest satisfaction was, that God had bestowed upon 
 
 him a heart, to do what he had done, willingly, with a sin- 
 cere respect to the service of God, and not out of vain glory.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. (Note, Ps. 110:3.) As for David and his peo- 
 ple, tl ey were strangers and sojourners ; dying, because sin- 
 ful ores ures. Though settled and prospered very greatly in 
 Canakt, they still were strangers before God, and sojourners, 
 
 *Now bless the Lord your God. And all the 
 congregation blessed . the Lord God of their 
 fathers, and h bowed down their heads, and 
 ‘worshipped the Lord, and the king. 
 
 21 And they k sacrificcd sacrifices unto the 
 Lord, and offered burnt-offerings unto the Lord, 
 on the morrow after that day, even a thousand 
 bullocks, a thousand rants, and a thousand lambs, 
 with their 'drink-offerings, and sacrifices in abun- 
 dance for all Israel : 
 
 22 And did ro eat and drink before the Lord 
 on that day with great gladness. And they 
 made Solomon the son of David king “the second 
 time, “and anointed him unto the Lord to be the 
 chief governor, and fZadok to be priest. 
 
 23 Then Solomon isat on the throne of the 
 Lord as king instead of David his father, and 
 ‘prospered; and ‘all Israel obeyed him. 
 
 24 And ‘all the princes, and the mighty men, 
 and “all the sons likewise of king David, 1, sub- 
 mitted themselves unto Solomon the king. 
 
 25 And the Lord ’‘magnified Solomon exceed- 
 ingly in the sight of all Israel, and ^bestowed upon 
 him such royal majesty as had not been on any 
 king before him in Israel. 
 
 26 H Thus David the son of Jesse reigned 
 
 ‘over all Israel. . 
 
 27 And the time that he reigned over Israel 
 was “forty years; seven years reigned he in 
 
 2:16,17. I Pet. 5:10. e 28:9. Ps. 72:1. 119:80. Jam. 1:17. f2.22:14. g 16:36. 
 2 Chr. 20.21 . Ps. 134:2. 135: 19— 21 . 146:1 ,2. 148:13,14, Sc. h Gen. 24:26,48. 
 Ex. 4:31. Ps. 29:1, 2.95:6. i Ex 14:31 . 1 Sam. 12:18. Prov. 24:21. lPet.2: 
 17. k 1 Kings 8:62— 65. 2 Chr. 7.4—9. Errs 6:17. 1 l.ev. 23:13. Nnm. 15:5,7, 
 10. m Kx. 24:11. Deut. 12:7,1 1 ,12. 16:14— 17. 2 Chr. 7:10. Neh. 8:12. Ec. 2: 
 24.3:12,13. 8:15. 9:7. I Tim. 617.18. n23:l. o 1 Kings 1 :35— 39. p 1 Kings 
 2:35. q 17:11,12.28:5. Ps. 132:11. Is. 9:6,7. r22.ll. s Ec. 8:2— 5. Korn. 
 
 13:1. 1 22.17.28:21. o 3 3-9. 1 Kings 1 ;50— 53. 2:24,25. 1! Heb. gave the 
 
 hand under. Gen. 24:2. 47:29. 2 Chr. 30:8. marg. Ez. 17:18. x Josh. 3:7. 4: 
 14. 2 Chi . 1:1. Job 7:17. Acts 19:17. ylKings3:13. 2 Chr. 1:1*2. Ec.2:9. 
 Dan. 5:18,19. Heb. 2:9. z 18: 14. Ps. 78:71 ,72. a 3:4. 2 Sam. 5:4.5. 1 Kings 
 2 : 11 . 
 
 as really, (though in rather a different sense,) as their fathers 
 were, when they dwelt in the promised land in tents, or wan- 
 dered in the desert. (Notes, Ps. 39:12. Heb. 4:3 — II. 11:13 
 — 16. I Pet. 2:11.) Indeed all that treasure, which they gave 
 to the Lord to build his temple, was his own before ; if they 
 had attempted to keep it, death would soon have removed 
 them : so that the only use which they could make of it, to 
 their own real advantage, was thus to consecrate it to the ser- 
 vice of him who gave it, and whose gracious acceptance of 
 their oblation would add still more to their obligations. At the 
 same time David was conscious of his own uprightness and 
 willingness in this oblation, as in (he presence of that heart- 
 searching God who “ hath pleasure in uprightness,” and with 
 great joy he beheld his people showing every token of the 
 same disposition. He well knew, that this, as far as genuine, 
 was the effect of a sacred influence from God upon the heart, 
 1 preventing them, that they might have a good will :’ and he 
 most fervently prayed, that it might be evermore kept there, 
 by the same grace ‘ working in them when ihey had that good 
 will:’ and that the Lord would prepare the hearts of them all, 
 but especially the heart of Solomon, for himself; and tkat he 
 might accomplish the arduous important service before I m.— 
 Such is this address of David to the Lor d God of Israel ; and 
 nothing on this side heaven can be conceived more humble, 
 pure, evangelical, spiritual, devout, or exalted, than the praise, 
 adoration, gratitude, confidence, love, zeal, and philanthropy, 
 which it breathes throughout. — None abiding. (15) No ex 
 pectation. (Marg. Notes, Ps. 39:7,8. 62:1,2,5 — 7.) 
 
 V. 20. David, having concluded his act of worship, called 
 upon the people to bless the Lord with him: and when they 
 had rendered their adoring praises and thanksgivings unto 
 God, they performed obeisance to their aged and pious king. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 21 — 25. Besides the burnt-offerings, which were en- 
 tirely consumed on the altar, numerous peace-offerings were 
 sacrificed, on the flesh of which the assembled multitudes 
 joyfully feasted. (Notes, Deut. 12:5—7. 1 Kings 8:63 — 65. 
 Neh. 8:10 — 12.) — Solomon had been hastily, and by a few 
 persons, anointed king, during Adomjah’s usurpation; (Notes, 
 1 Kings 1:38,39.) but he was at this time anointed in a more 
 solemn and public manner. As Abiathar was removed from 
 the high priesthood, anil Zadok substituted in his place, afier 
 David’s death ; it has been thought, that the second anointing 
 of Solomon was also subsequent to that event. (Note, 1 
 Kings 2:26,27 .) He was anointed unto “the Lord to be 
 the chief governor,” and “he sat on the throne of the Lord.” 
 For the Lord was in an especial manner the king of Israel ; 
 the princes received their authority from him by peculiar 
 designation ; and they were expressly required to support his 
 worship and law. They also were all types of Christ, who 
 “sat down with his Father on his throne.”- — We may sup- 
 pose that every kind of personal accomp..shment united with 
 justice, wisdom, and prosperitv, in that --iiyal majesty which 
 ( 751 ) 
 
B. C. 1015. 
 
 I CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 1015. 
 
 Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 28 And he died in h a good old age, c fii!l 
 riches, and honour ; and Solomon his son 
 m his stead. 
 
 29 Now ''the acts of David the king, first and 
 
 t Gen. 15:15. 25:8. Job 5’26. Prov. 16:31. Acts 13:36. c 23:1. Gen. 35: 
 29. (I 1 Kings 11.41. 14:29. Heb. 11:32,33. * Or , history . Heb. words. 
 
 of days, 
 reigned 
 
 last, behold, they are written in the 'book a 
 ®Samuel the seer, and in the book of ' Nathan the 
 prophet, and in the book of eGad the seer, 
 
 30 With all his reign, and h his might, and ‘‘the 
 times that went over him, and over Israel, and 
 over all the kingdoms of the countries. 
 
 
 
 el Sam. 9:9 f 2 Sam. 7:2— 4. 12:1 — 7. g 21:9 — 11. h 2 Kings 10:34. 14:28. 
 1 I an. 2:21. 
 
 the Lord bestowed upon Solomon, and by which he magnified 
 him in the sight of all Israel. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 2G — 28.. {Marg. Ref.) When we read the eleventh 
 chapter of the second book of Samuel, and the sequel of that 
 melancholy narration, we could scarcely expect to behold 
 David appear so illustrious in his closing scene, in which 
 avery thing heavenly ami excellent is combined; and the 
 people seem to have considered him with a veneration and 
 affection, which language fails to express. But his repen- 
 tance had been as remarkable as his sins ; and his conduct, 
 during his afllictions, and towards the end of his fife, seems 
 to have had more effect on his subjects, than all that they 
 had before witnessed. — It is indeed hard to say, which shines 
 the brightest in this chapter, the rising , or the setting sun: 
 but it is better to rise behind clouds, and to be much obscured 
 in the course of our lives, and to set, like David, with splen- 
 dour ; than with Solomon to rise very bright, and shine very 
 splendid, and then to set behind an almost impenetrable cloud. 
 
 ( Note , 1 Icings 11:42,43.) 
 
 V. 29, 30. It is plain from these verses, that the contem- 
 porary prophets were the historians, or annalists, of God’s 
 people ; and that they left far more copious records of public 
 transactions, both in respect of Israel and the adjacent coun- 
 tries, than have come down to us. (Note, 2 Sam. 24:11.) — 
 Learned men may indeed regret the loss of these histories ; 
 but ‘ God knows better than we, what was most fit to be pre- 
 served for the use and benefit of his church. 5 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The due support and scriptural promotion of 
 religion, is always more important, and in many cases more 
 arduous, than the administration of civil government : because 
 the honour of God, and the most essential interests of immor- 
 tal souls, are concerned in it ; compared with which all other 
 interests are trivial. They alone, whom the Lord hath 
 chosen for such a work, will prosper in it ; and it is the duty of 
 all to assist by every proper means in their power. — Strong 
 affection to God, and to all that relates to him for his sake, 
 will constrain men to the most disinterested, self-denying, 
 and liberal services; and they will never think that they 
 have done, or can do, enough to promote his glory; but, with 
 all their might, will abound in every good work, and make 
 more and more preparation for the carrying on of the same 
 great and holy design. (Note, 2 Cor. 5:13 — 15.) — Those 
 who would excite others to consecrate their service to the 
 Lord, either in feeding his poor children, or in spreading his 
 truth and supporting his worship, must set the example: and 
 then a hint from them will go further, than a laboured and 
 eloquent oration from a man, who persuades others to those 
 things, which he himself evidently does not practise. — Our 
 holy joy in God will commonly bear proportion to the willing- 
 ness, uprightness, and liberality, with which we devote our 
 all to him: and that, rejoicing is peculiarly pure and heavenly, 
 which sprfngs from beholding those whom we greatly love, 
 giving evidence of their real devotedness to God, and their 
 delight in his ways. (Notes, Phil. 4:14—20. 1 Thes. 3:fi— 10. 
 2 John 4. 3 John 1 — 4.) The bodily pain and infirmities of 
 age, and the chilling hand of death, while they indispose us 
 for all other enjoyments, or separate us from them, cannot 
 preclude or extinguish this, which emulates that of angels, 
 who “ rejoice over one sinner that repenteth.” 
 
 V. 10 — 19. Those, who are most “zealous of good works,” 
 will never boast of them, or trust in them. Sensible of their 
 indigence as creatures, and conscious of their guilt and defile- 
 ment as sinners, they will allow that “it is of the Lord’s 
 mercies they are not consumed.” To them it appears an 
 unspeakable favour, that a holy God will accept any worship 
 or service from such polluted creatures: they know that all 
 their ability of every kind is from him ; and they account it 
 their chief pleasure, honour, and privilege to be employed by 
 him, who needs not and cannot be profited by their services. 
 They are conscious that their best needs forgiveness, falls 
 infinitely beneath his glorious majesty, and is utterly un- 
 worthy of his acceptance, “ whose is the kingdom, and who 
 is exalted as Head above all.” ‘In like manner, we ought to 
 acknowledge God in all spiritual things: referring every good 
 thought, good purpose, good work, to his divine grace, from 
 whom we receive it; beseeching him, as David doth, ... to 
 preserve it in us.’ Bp. Patrick. Thus our best and most 
 •iseful works will terminate in admiration of his inconceivable 
 majesty, goodness, power, and holiness ; in unfeigned praises 
 and thanksgivings; and in tne deepest self-abasement before 
 him. This is genuine grace : but when we are proud of our 
 services, (which we are very prone to be,) what is it, but 
 sacrilegiously to rob God of what belongs to him alone, and 
 sacrifice it. to the most hateful of our own lusts ? Wo may 
 indeed “rejoice in the testimony of our consciences,” when 
 we have acted with “simplicity and godly sincerity, in the 
 presence of that God who trieth the heart, and hath pleasure 
 Vi unrightness; (Note* 2 Cor . 1:12 — 14.) and should joyfully 
 ( 752 ) 
 
 observe the indications of the same disposition in others: but 
 we must remember, that this also is the gift of God, and that 
 we can no more offer the sacrifice of a broken heart, or a 
 thankful heart, than we can present ten thousands of bulls 
 and goats, except, as we give unto him his own, which he has 
 previously conferred upon us. All comes from him, and to 
 him belongs “ the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for 
 ever.” — While we bless the Lord for putting good desires 
 into our hearts, or the hearts of others, we should never 
 forget to pray to him to preserve and fix them there, and to 
 bring them to good effect. — When we feel that there is no 
 abiding for us on earth, but that we are departing as a shadow, 
 and following our fathers, who have been strangers and 
 sojourners before us ; we should be peculiarly fervent in our 
 prayers that those who are to succeed us, or whom we con- 
 sider as having profited by our instructions, may have their 
 “ hearts prepared unto the Lord,” and disposed for the work 
 to which they are called. Parents and ministers also, when 
 they perceive any of their children or people under serious 
 impressions, should “ travail in birth for them till Christ be 
 formed in them,” by earnest constant prayer, that “the Lord 
 would keep for ever in the imaginations of the thoughts of 
 their hearts,” those good desires which he has excited, “and 
 prepare their hearts unto himself.” (Notes, Gal. 4:17 — 20. 
 Col. 2:1 — 4.) We should also call upon them to pray and to 
 bless the Lord for themselves : and when our examples prove 
 that we are deeply in earnest in these great concerns, we 
 may hope that our exhortations will have a permanent and 
 most beneficial effect. 
 
 V. 20 — 30. They, who render God the honour due unto 
 his name, will seldom fail duly to respect those, who have 
 been the instruments of his kindness to them, or to honour 
 those whom God has placed in authority over them. — All our 
 obedience and communion with God must have a believing 
 reference to that one great sacrifice, which infinitely more 
 honours his law and justice, than all the oblations which sha- 
 dowed it forth to ancient believers: thus, peace with him, 
 peace of conscience, and gladness of heart will make sacred 
 ordinances pleasant to us ; and even render our ordinary 
 meals subservient to our spiritual improvement and the honour 
 of God ; while they are attended with gratitude, temperance, 
 liberality, and a heavenly mind. These are the pleasures 
 and employments which add dignity to prosperity, rank, and 
 eminence for wisdom ; which adorn every personal accom- 
 plishment, and increase the enjoyment of sprightly youth and 
 vigorous health. These are essential to that royal majesty, 
 which God bestows on those whom lie loves : and without 
 these there can be no durable prosperity, honour, comfort, or 
 usefulness. Unless we have some acquaintance with these 
 pious exercises, riches, honour, and prosperity only render 
 “ the king of terrors” more tremendous ; but these are suffi- 
 cient to deprive death of his sting: and when we read or hear 
 of one, who has been taken away from the midst of such 
 employments, we readily conceive of his soul, as escaped 
 out of prison, mounting up to heaven, and joining immediately 
 with ineffable delight in the worship of angels. May we “die 
 the death of the righteous, and may our latter end be like 
 his !” Blessed be God, the chief of sinners may hope for such 
 a glorious exit, when brought to repent, and to flee for refuge 
 to the Saviour’s atoning blood. Nay, even those who have 
 grievously sinned, affer a long profession of godliness, to the 
 triumphing of the wicked, and so as to bring on themselves 
 the most severe and complicated chastisements, may possibly 
 retrieve all ; may have their broken bones made to rejoice; 
 may recover “ the joy of God’s salvation may “ have their 
 lips opened to show forth his praises, that sinners may bo 
 converted unto him and may regain the entire confidence 
 of those, who had been the most stumbled by their fall. 
 (Notes, Ps. 51 '.title. 11 — 13.) But this cannot be done without 
 deep humiliation before God and man, resigned patience 
 under correction, and redoubled watchfulness and diligence in 
 the Lord's ways. Let us then mark the difference between 
 the spirit and character of the man after God’s own heart, 
 living and dying ; and those of such worthless professors, as 
 resemble him in nothing but his sin, and who apologize for 
 their crimes by his example. Let us also compare him with 
 those presumptuous cavillers, who profanely carp at the ble- 
 mishes in illustrious scriptural characters; but never raise 
 their minds to an idea of such exalted excellency, piety, and 
 philanthropy, as David showed. We cannot too closely imi- 
 tate the general example of this most eminent saint ; but let 
 us watch and pray, lest we he overcome by temptation and 
 overtaken with sin, to the dishonour of God, and the wound- 
 ing of our own consciences: and if we have offended, let us 
 copy his example of repentance and patience, still hoping to 
 close our days like him, and, having “served our own gene- 
 ration by the will of God,” to fall asleep, with the sure and 
 certain hope of a glorious resurrection, through our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ Amen. 
 
THE SECOND BOOK 
 
 OF THE 
 
 CHRONICLES. 
 
 This book is a continuation of the history begun in the former book. It in some respects coincides with the books of Kings Bat 
 there, the histories of Judah and Israel are carried on together ; as those of England and Scotland are by some of our historttne : 
 here, the affairs of Judah are more fully and distinctly recorded, while those of Israel are only mentioned occasionally, when 
 required by the main subject ; as an English historian would sometimes digress concerning the affairs of F ranee or Germany, in 
 elucidating his narrative. ‘ There are several things contained in this book, of which no mention is made there,’ (in Kings,) 
 ‘ particularly in the history of Jehoshaphat and Hezekiah : and many other things there mentioned, are here more fully and 
 clearly explained, as will be observed in the acts of Abijah, Asa, Joash, and other kings of Judah.’ Bp. Patrick .— The history 
 opens with the accession of Solomon, and contains a narrative of the several kings of his race, who reigqpd in succession, till the 
 Babylonish captivity ; and it concludes with an intimation of Cyrus’s decree for the restoration of the Jews and the rebuilding of 
 the temple, about four hundred and eighty years after.— Besides the additional practical instruction here afforded, especially in 
 respect uf the different effects of piety, or profaneness, in the affairs of nations favoured with revelation ; this history throws great 
 light on the prophetical writings, which can by no means be well understood without constantly adverting to it. The prophecies 
 contained in it either were fulfilled soon after they were spoken, or coincide with those before considered : and it is not always 
 easy to determine concerning subsequent scriptural references, whether they relate to this book or to the books of Kings 
 
 B. C. 1015. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Solomon established as king , calls on his nobles and people, to join in sacrificing 
 at Gibeon , 1—6. The Lord appears to him there by night, and allows him 
 to choose what blessing to ask : he asks wisdom, and is promised also 1 'iches 
 and honour, 7— 12. Solomon's forces, riches, and commerce, 13 — 17. 
 
 A ND Solomon the son of David “was strength- 
 ened in his kingdom, and b the Lord his God 
 was with him, and 'magnified him exceedingly. 
 
 2 Then Solomon spake unto all Israel, d to the 
 captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the 
 judges, and to every governor in all Israel, 'the 
 chief of the fathers. 
 
 3 So Solomon, and all the congregation with 
 him, went to the high place that was at ' Gibeon; 
 for there was g the tabernacle of the congregation 
 of God, which Moses, h the servant of the Lord, 
 had made in the wilderness. 
 b. c.-i 4 But 'the ark of God had David brought 
 1045 .J up f rora Kirjath-jearim to the place which 
 David had prepared for it : k for he had pitched a 
 tent for it at Jerusalem. 
 
 5 Moreover, 'the brazen altar, that m Bezaleel 
 the son of Uri, the. son of Hur, had made, 'he put 
 before the tabernacle of the Lord; and Solomon 
 and the congregation sought unto it. * 
 
 6 And Solomon went up thither to the brazen 
 altar before the Lord, which was at the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, and offered n a thousand 
 burnt-offerings upon it. 
 
 7 H °In that night did God appear unto Solo- 
 mon, and said unto him, rAsk what I shall give 
 thee. 
 
 8 And Solomon said unto God, iThou hast 
 showed great, mercy unto David my father, and 
 hast made me r to reign in his stead. 
 
 9 Now, O Lord God, "let thy promise unto 
 David my father be established : for thou hast 
 made me king over a people dike the dust of the 
 earth in multitude. 
 
 a I Kings 2:12.4*. b Gen. 21:22. 39:2,21. Ex. 3:12. 1 Clir. 17:8. Mott. 28:20. 
 c 1 Chr. 29.25. Phil. 2:9—11. .1 29:20.30:2,31:29,30. 1 Chr. 13:1. 15:3. 28:1 . 
 29 1. e 1 Chr. 15:12. 21:4.31. f 1 Kings 3 4. 1 Chr. 16:39. 21:29. gEx.2S:l, 
 Ac. 40:2,34. Lev. 1:1. I. Deut. 31:5. i 2 Sam. 6: ’,17. 1 Chr. 13:.?, 6. 15:25- 
 28. k 1 C'lir. 16:1. Pa. 132:5,6. 1 Ex. 27:1-8. 38:1 — 7. in Ei 31:2. 1 Chr. 
 
 2:19,20. " Heh. was there. n 1 Kings 3:4. 8:63. 1 Chr. 29-21. Is. 40:16. 
 
 0 1 Kings 3:5—15. Pror. 3:6,6. p Matt. 7:7,8. Mink 10:36.37.51. John 16:23. 
 
 1 John 5:14,15. q 2 Sam. 7:9.9. 12:7,8. 22:51.23:1. Ps. 86:13. 89:20-28,49. Is. 
 55:3. r I Chr. 28:6. 29:23. s 2Sam. 7:12-16,25- 29. 1 Chr. 17:11—14,23—27. 
 
 ” NOTES.— Chap. I. V. 1. Note, I Chr. 29:21—25. 
 
 V. 2. This seems to have taken place a short time after 
 David’s decease ; when Solomon, being established in his 
 kingdom, convened his chief men, and spake to them concern- 
 ing the solemn sacrifice in honour of God, which he purposed 
 to offer. 
 
 V. 3 — fi. Notes, Ex. 40:1 — 33. 2 Sam. G: 1 Kings 3-1 . 8'4 
 1 Chr. 16:37—43. 21:28—30. 22:1. 
 
 V. 7 — 12. Note, 1 Kings 3:5 — 14. — This was in thy 
 
 •wart. (11) This does not occur in Kings: and it implies 
 that the request of Solomon, as arising from a spiritual judg- 
 ment and heart, was peculiarly acceptable to that. God, who 
 searches, regards, and demands the heart. God promised 
 
 VOL. I.— 95 
 
 B. C. 1015. 
 
 10 ‘Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that 
 I may “go out and come in before this people : 
 x for who can judge this thy people, that is so 
 great ? 
 
 11 And God said to Solomon, Because ^this 
 was in thy heart, and thou bast not asked riches, 
 wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, 
 neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked 
 wisdom and knowledge for thyself, 'that thou 
 mayest judge my people, over whom I have made 
 thee king: 
 
 12 Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto 
 thee ; and a I will give thee riches, and wealth, 
 and honour, b such as none of the kings have had 
 that have been before thee, neither shall there any 
 after thee have the like. 
 
 13 It Then Solomon came from his journey to 
 the high place that was c at Gibeon to Jerusalem, 
 from before the tabernacle of the congregation, 
 and ''reigned over Israel. 
 
 14 And 'Solomon gathered chariots and horse- 
 men: and he had a thousand and four hundred 
 chariots, and twelve thousand horsenaen, which 
 he placed in the chariot-cities, and with the king 
 at Jerusalem. 
 
 15 And Hhe king Imade silver and gold at 
 Jerusalem as plenteous as stones, and cedar-trees 
 made he as the P sycamore-trees that are in the 
 vale for abundance. 
 
 16 And ^Solomon had horses brought out of 
 Egypt, and linen yarn: the king’s merchants 
 received the linen yarn at a price. 
 
 17 And they fetched up, and brought forth out 
 of Egypt, a chariot for six hundred shekels of 
 silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty : and 
 so brought they out horses for all h the kings of 
 the Hittites, and for the kings of Syria, by their 
 "means. 
 
 28:6,7. Ps. 89:35— 37. 132:11,12. t Heb. much ns the dust nf the ccirth. Gen. 
 13:16.22:17. Mum. 23:10. I Ps. 1 19:34.73. P. ov. 2:2— 6. 3: 13- 18. Jam. 1:3. 
 n Num. 27:17. Deut. 31:2. 2Sam.5:2. x 2 Cor. 2:16. 3:5. y 1 Sam. 16:7. 
 1 Kims 8:18. 1 Chr. 28:2. 29:17,13. Acts5:4. r 1 Kino 3:28. Prov. 14:8. Jam. 
 3:13.17. a Mall. 6:33. Epl). 3 20. b 9:22. 1 Chr. 29:25 Ec 2:9. c 3. 
 d 1 Kings 4:24,25. e 9:25. Dent. 17:16. 1 Kings 4:26. 10:26. ( 12.9:27. 1 Kino 
 10:27. Job 22:24,25. Is. 60:17. J Heb .gave. g 9:27. Is. 9:10. Am. 7:14. 
 § Heb. the gains forth nf the horses which was Solomon's. 9:28. 1 Kings 10:28, 
 29. h 2 Kings 7:6. II Heb. hand. 
 
 Solomon all the things which s 4ie had not asked, except the 
 life of his enemies : but he was to be a peaceable king, a type 
 of the Prince of peace. (12) 
 
 Y. 14— 17. Notes, I Kings 10:24 — 29. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The presence and blessing of God gives strength, honour, 
 happiness, and stability ; and to whom he has given much, 
 from them he requires the more.— It would be a comely sight 
 to the spiritually minded, to behold kings with their nobles, 
 and the chief estates of their dominions, assembling together 
 for the purposes of religious worship, stirring up each other 
 by the fervency of their devotions, and giving evident demon- 
 strations how generally and deeply tneir hearts were engaged 
 
 ( 753 ) 
 
D. C. 1014. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 1014 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 Solomon purposes to build the temple , and a palace, 1. Hie workmen , 2. 
 He tends to Huram for skilful artificers , ana for timber, 3 — 10. Huram's 
 friendly answer. 11—16. Solomon employe strangers, as labourers and 
 overseers, 17, 16. 
 
 A ND Solomon “determined to build a house 
 b for the name of the Lord, and "a house for 
 his kingdom. 
 
 2 And Solomon d told out threescore and ten 
 thousand men to bear burdens, and fourscore 
 thousand to hew in the mountain, and three 
 thousand and six hundred to oversee them. 
 
 3 *11 And Solomon sent to 'Huram the king of 
 Tyre, saying, < As thou didst deal with David 
 my father, and didst send him cedars to build 
 him a house to dwell therein, even so deal with 
 me. 
 
 4 Behold, *1 build a house to the name of the 
 Lord my God, 'l^o dedicate it to him, and 'to 
 burn before him 'sweet incense, and tor k the 
 continual show-bread, and for 'the burnt-offerings 
 morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the 
 the new moons, and on m the solemn feasts of the 
 Lord our God. This is an ordinance for ever to 
 Israel. 
 
 5 And the house which I build is "great; for 
 “great is our God above all gods. 
 
 6 But Pwho is 'able to build him a house, 
 seeing the heaven and heaven of heavens, cannot 
 contain him ?’ iwho am I then, that I should build 
 him a house, r save only to burn sacrifice before 
 him ? 
 
 7 Send me now therefore a man 'cunning to 
 work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in 
 iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and 
 that can skill : to grave with the cunning men that 
 are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, 'whom 
 David my father did provide. 
 
 8 "Send me also cedar-trees, fir-trees, "and 
 Salgum-trees, out of Lebanon; for I know that 
 thy servants can skill to cut timber in Lebanon; 
 and behold, my servants shall be with thy 
 servants, 
 
 1 Kings 5-5. h Deut. 12:5,11. 2S:5S. 1 Kinea 8:18,20. 1 Chr. 22:10. Matt. 6: 
 10. c 1 Kings 7:1. 9:1. d 18. 1 Kings 5:15,16. e 1 Kings 5:1. Hiram. 
 
 2 Sam. 5:11. 1 f hr. 14:1. g 1. 1 Kings 8:18. hi Kings 8:63. i Ex. 30:7. 
 Heb. incense of spices, k Ex. 25:30. Lev. 24:5 — 8. I Ex. 29:38 — 42. Num. 
 28:3,4,9 — 11. m Lev. 23: Num. 28; 29. n 9. 1 Kings 9:8. 1 Chr. 29:1. Ez. 7: 
 £V. o Ex. 15:11. I Chr. 16:25. Ps. 86:8,9. 135:5. 145.3. Jer. 10:6. p 6:18. 
 
 1 Kings8:27. Is. 66:1. Acls7:4S,49. f Heb. hathretaincd, or, obtained strength. 
 q 1:10. Ex. 3.11. 2 Sam. 7: 18. 1 Chr. 29: 14. 2Cor.216. Eph. 3:8. r Dent. 
 12:5.6,11,14,26. s Ex. 31:3— 5. 1 Kings 7: 14 . Is. 28:26,29. 60:10. % Heb. to 
 
 grace g ravines, t 1 Chr. 22:15,16. u 1 Kings 5:6. x 1 Kings 10:11. alinug - 
 
 in the sacred services. Alas ! even in Christian countries 
 such scenes are seldom, if ever, exhibited ! Blit the example, 
 the influence, and the exhortations of princes, tvho greatly 
 fear and love the Lord, and who are eminent for piety and 
 wisdom, may effect very great things : especially when one 
 succeeds to another, walking before God, in the steps of his 
 predecessor: and those, who love the truths and service of 
 God, should unite in praying, not formally, but fervently, for 
 all in authority ; that, being enriched with grace and wisdom, 
 they may become instruments of extensive good to their 
 dominions. — To us the desires of men’s hearts can only be 
 known by their habitual conduct ; but in themselves they as 
 certainly distinguish characters, as actions do: and if the 
 Lord see that it is in our heart to desire wisdom and grace, 
 more than riches, honour, or pleasure, he will delight to fulfil 
 all our mind. His promises should form the rule and measure 
 of our prayers: and when they respect any important end, 
 they may be pleaded as engaging him to grant all things re- 
 quisite in order to it. — To know and to do our duty in the 
 station of life assigned us, to the glory of God and the benefit 
 of our connexions in society, requires much wisdom, and is 
 one principal exercise and evidence of it : and if we humbly 
 feel our need of this wisdom, and faithfully ask it of God, he 
 will give it liberally, and not upbraid our former folly. ( Note, 
 jars. 1:5 — 8.) — Those secular employments, which arc com- 
 menced by the'ivorship and service of God, are likely to be 
 well managed and to be prosperous: and as he “gives grace 
 and glory; so he will withhold no good thing ftom them that 
 walk uprightly.” — But alas! prosperity is always dangerous, 
 because our hearts are extremely deceitful: and it is with 
 great propriety, that we pray, ‘in all time of our wealth, . . . 
 Good Lord deliver us,’ from pride, ostentation, indolence, 
 self-indulgence, and a worldly mind. Let us then improve 
 our present talent, seek heavenly blessings, and be contented 
 without those great things, which men generally covet, but 
 which commonly prove fatal snares to their souls. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. I, 2. Marg. Rrf. Note, 1 
 Kings 5:13—18. 
 
 V. 3 -10. Wc have here a more particular account of 
 
 ( 754 ) 
 
 9 Even to prepare me timber in abundance : 
 for the house which I am about to build shall be 
 “wonderful great. 
 
 10 And, behold, H will give to tby servants, 
 the hewers that cut timber, twenty thousand 
 measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand 
 measures of barley, and twenty thousand 'baths 
 of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil. 
 
 11 H Then Huram the king of Tyre answered 
 in writing, which he sent to Solomon, “Because 
 the Lord hath loved his people, he bath made 
 thee king over them. 
 
 12 b Huram said moreover, Blessed be the Lord 
 God of Israel, "that made heaven and earth, who 
 hath given to David the king a wise son, "endued 
 with prudence and understanding, that might 
 build d a house for the Lord, anti a house for 
 his kingdom. 
 
 13 And now I have sent a cunning man, en 
 dued with understanding, 'ofHuram my father’s, ; 
 
 14 “The son of a woman of the daughters ol 
 Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, ^skilful 
 to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, 
 in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in 
 fine linen, and in crimson ; also to grave any 
 manner of graving, and to find out every device 
 which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, 
 and with the cunning men of my lord David thy 
 father. 
 
 15 Now therefore the wheat, and the barley, 
 the oil, and the wine, hvhich.my lord hath spoken 
 of, let him send unto his servants : 
 
 16 And 'we will cut wood out of Lebanon "as 
 much as thou shalt need ; and we will bring it to 
 thee in floats by sea to "Joppa, and thou shalt 
 carry it up to Jerusalem. 
 
 17 H And Solomon “numbered all "the strangers 
 that were in the land of Israel, 'after the num- 
 bering wherewith David his father had numbered 
 them; and they were found a hundred and fifty 
 thousand, and three thousand and six hundred. 
 
 18 And he set Threescore and ten ihousand of 
 
 trees. § Or, algummtm. II Heb. great and wonderful. 5. 7:21. I Kings 9:8. 
 y 1 Kings 5:11. Luke 10:7. Rom. 13:7,6. z 1 Kings 7:26,38. Ezra 7:22. 'a 9:8. 
 Dent. 7:7.8. 1 Kings 10:9. b 1 Kings 5 7. 1 Chr. 29:20. V*. 72:18,19. Luke 1: 
 68. 1 let. 1:3. c Gen. 1:2: Ps. 33:6. 102:25. 124:8. 136:5,6. 146:5,6. Jer. 10: 
 11. Acts 4:24. 14:15. (Jol. 1 : 16,17. Rev. 4:1 1 . 10:6. H Heb. knowing prudence, 
 gfc. 1:10— 12. d I. e 4:16. f 1 Kings 7:13.14. g 7. Ex. 31:3,4. h 10. 
 
 1 Kings 5:11. i l Kings 5:8,9. ” IJcb. according to all thy need.. *tt Heb. 
 Japho. Josh. 19.46. Ezra 3:7. Jon. 1:3. Acts 9:36. Iu:32 k 2 8:7,8. 1 Kings 5: 
 13—16.9:20,21. Heb. the men the strangers. 1 1 Chr. 22:2. m2. 
 
 » : — — 
 
 Solomon’s message to Huram, (or Hiram,) king of Tyre, 
 than was before given; (Notes y 1 Kings 5:1 — 11.) and it 
 appears, that he thought it no impropriety to speak freely and 
 particularly on religious subjects, in treating with a heathen 
 prince about secular business. On the contrary, he laboured 
 to give him very high and honourable thoughts of Israel’s 
 God, as great above all gods, and as one whom “the heaven 
 of heavens could not contain:” he particularly explained to 
 him his intentions in building a temple to the name of the 
 Lord; viz. that it was to be the stated place of those insti- 
 tuted ordinances, which were required by the law of God, 
 given to Israel ; that he might not misapprehend him, as if 
 he supposed that Jehovah could be circumscribed in a 
 temple, like the idols of the heathen : and he represented to 
 him his own inability and unworthiness for such a service, 
 except as mercifully assisted and accepted m it, by that 
 gracious God, who had chosen him for the work. [Marg. 
 
 Re f) , . . 
 
 V. 11, 12. The just sentiments contained in these verses, 
 with the pious and benevolent spirit which they breathe, leave 
 no doubt, that Huram was himself * spiritual worshipper of 
 the true God. (Note, 1 Kings 10:0 — 9.) ‘ He . .. owns the 
 
 God of Israel to be Jehovah, the Maker of heaven and 
 earth. . . . The Israelites, . . . when they would distinguish 
 him from idols and creatures, . . . confess him to be th« 
 Creator of the world. ... And ... he’ (Huram) ‘congratu- 
 lates the Israelites on the happiness they enjoyed under such 
 a king, which was the effect of* his love to God and Ins church.* 
 Victorimis Strigelius in lip. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13. Of Huram my father's.] Or, Huramahi. It 
 seems that this man, being the most eminent in his line of 
 business, was called father , or my father Huram. King 
 Huram called him so, and Solomon did tl ie same. ( iVofe, 
 4:16.) For it is evident that the artist’s name is here mount, 
 and not that of the king’s father. 
 
 V. 14 — 16. Marg. Ref. Note , 1 Kings 7:1*1. — My lord 
 David. (14.) An honourable title given by Huram to David, 
 expressive of his veneration and affection for him: (or, pro 
 bably, he had derived his kin w ledge of the true God, and 
 
B. C. 1011. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 1011 
 
 them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore 
 thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three 
 thousand and six hundred overseers to set the 
 people a-work. * 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The place cf (be temple, and the time lohen the building of it was begun, 
 
 1, 2. I'* aim east ns and ornaments, 3 — 7. Those of the most holy place, 8 
 
 — HJ. The cherubim placed in it, 11 — 13. The veil , 14. The two pillais, 
 
 15 — 17. 
 
 T HEN "Solomon began to build Ihe house of 
 the Loan at Jerusalem b in mount Moriah, 
 ’where the LORD appeared unto David his 
 father, in the place that David had prepared in 
 the thrashing-floor of c Ornan the Jebusite. 
 
 2 And he began to build d in the second day of 
 the second month, in the fourth year of his reign. 
 
 3 H Now these are the things wherein "Solo- 
 mon was 'instructed for the building of the house 
 of God. 'The length by cubits after the first 
 measure teas threescore cubits, and the breadth 
 twenty cubits. 
 
 4 And the porch that was in the front of the 
 house, the length of it was according to the breadth 
 of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was 
 a hundred and twenty : and he overlaid it within 
 with pure gold. 
 
 5 And nhe greater house he ceiled with fir- 
 tree, which he overlaid with fine gold, and set 
 thereon palm-trees and chains. 
 
 G And he ^garnished the house with '’precious 
 stones for bear.ty ; and the gold was gold of Par- 
 vaim. 
 
 7 He 'overlaid also the bouse, the beams, the 
 posts, and the walls thereof, and the doors thereof, 
 with gold ; and k graved cherubims on the walls. 
 
 8 H And he made 'the most holy house, the length 
 whereof was according to the breadth of the 
 
 a 1 Kings 6:1 , kc. b Hen. 22:2,14. * Or, which was seen of David. c2Sani. 
 24:18-25. Araunah. 1 Chr. 21:18. 22:1. d 1 Kings 6:1. 'e 1 Chr. 28: 1 1— 19. 
 t Heb. founded, f 1 Kings6:2,3. g 1 Kings 6: 15— 17,21 ,22. } Heb. covered. 
 h 1 Chr. 29:2,8. Is. 54:12. Rev. 21 : 19,20. i Ex. 26:29. 1 Kings 6:20— 22,30. 
 Ez. 7 20. k Ex .26:1. 1 Kings 6:35. 1 Ex. 26:33. 1 Kings 6:19,20. Heb. 9:3,9. 
 
 his holy worship, from his intercourse with David, to whom 
 on that account he looked up, as to a superior. 
 
 V. 17, 18. Marg. Ref. Notes , 1 Kings 5:13-18. 9: 
 20 — 22 . # 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We ought always to attend to the work of God, in decided 
 preference to our own indulgence or accommodation : and 
 our hearts should be resolved for every service, that we may 
 endure hardship, struggle with difficulties, and not yield to 
 weariness or discouragement. — The greatest monarchs on 
 earth are as nothing, in comparison with the God of heaven; 
 and they should deem it their highest honour to be his ser- 
 vants, and to speak of his glorious majesty. — The genuine love 
 of God, abounding in the heart, infuses the savour of piety 
 into the ordinary concerns and converse of life. Indeed, we 
 should be neither afraid nor ashamed, to embrace every 
 opportunity of speaking honourably of him, and of impressing 
 the minds of men with a deep sense of his majesty and ex- 
 cellency, and of the importance of his favour, worship, and 
 service. ( Note, Ps. 1 1 9:46. ) — It is a great part of our “ wis- 
 dom towards them that are without,” so to explain our mean- 
 ing in every doctrine and ordinance, and so to guard our 
 discourses about them, as may best prevent misapprehension 
 or prejudice: and the neglect of this rule is not boldness or 
 faithfulness, as some well-meaning zealots suppose, but 
 •indiscretion and folly. — In pleading the cause of God and 
 religion, we should always speak humbly of ourselves; but, 
 unless we be humbled, our temper and conduct will betray 
 the hypocrisy of our self-abasing language. May the Lord 
 himself therefore u clothe us with humility !” — Possessions, 
 endowments, or royal authority, are given men for the sake 
 of others ; and a wise and pious king is an evidence of the 
 Lord’s special love to the people. Who then can express 
 the greatness of his love to his people, in giving them his 
 only begotten Son, to be their Prince and Saviour ! It is 
 also a great mercy to have children endued with wisdom and 
 understanding: and we should all desire to be blessings to 
 those among whom we live, that they may bless God for us. 
 We ought also to praise him for those blessings which are 
 exclusively bestowed on others: and it is pleasant to observe 
 ^ow the friendship of pious men becomes the means of bring- 
 ing those who were far off, to know, love, and worship our 
 God and Saviour. Let us then be unwearied in spreading 
 the knowledge of his name and truth ; and let us devote our 
 several talents to his service ; endeavour to be helpful to one 
 another in this good work ; and be thankful that poor heathens, 
 and even the meanest slaves, ijiay be usefully and acceptably 
 employed by our great and gracious Lord ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. III. V. 1, 2. (Notts, Gen 22:2. 
 
 house, twenty cubits, and the breadth thereof 
 twenty cubits : and he overlaid it witli fine gold 
 amounting to six hundred talents. 
 
 9 And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels 
 of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers 
 with gold. 
 
 10 And in the most holy house he made m two 
 cherubims of ^image-work, and overlaid them 
 with gold. 
 
 1 1 And the wings of the cherubims were twenty 
 cubits long : one wing of the one cherub was 
 five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house ; and 
 the other wing teas likewise five cubits, reaching 
 to the wing of the other cherub. 
 
 12 And one wing of the other cherub was five 
 cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the 
 other wing urns five cubits also, joining to the wing 
 of the other cherub. 
 
 13 The wings of these cherubims spread them 
 selves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on 
 their feet, and their faces were inward. 
 
 14 IT And lie made "the veil of blue, and pur- 
 ple, and crimson, and fine linen, and "wrought 
 cherubims thereon. 
 
 15 ^T Also he made before the house "two pillars 
 of thirty and five cubits "high, and the chapiter 
 that was on the top of each of them was five 
 cubits. 
 
 16 And he made ■’chains, as in the oracle, and 
 put them on the heads of the pillars; and made 
 °ia hundred pomegranates, and put them on the 
 chains. 
 
 17 And he "reared up the pillars before the tem- 
 ple, one on the right hand, and the other on the 
 left ; and called the name of that on the right 
 hand "Jachin, and the name of that on the left 
 t'Boaz. 
 
 10:19. m 1 Kings6:23 — 28. $ Or, moveable work. || Or , toward the house. 
 Ex. 25:20. n Ex. 26:31— 35. Matt. 27:51. Heb. 9:3. 10:20. 11 Heb. caused to 
 
 ascend, o 1 Kings 7:15— 24. Jet'. 52:21 — 23. ** Heb. long. p 1 Kings 6:21. 
 q 1 Kings 7:20. r 1 Kings 7:21. ft That is, He shall establish. That is, In 
 it is strength. 
 
 1 Chr. 21:18 — 30.22:1.) It is thought, that the tempie and its 
 courts were situated, partly in the lot of Judah, and partly 
 in that of Benjamin. (Notes, Deut. 33:12. Ps. 78:67 — 69.) — 
 Began to build , &c. (2) Note , 1 Kings 6:1. 
 
 V. 3, 4. “The first measure” seems to mean the original 
 plan. ‘He projected the sanctuary, and the oracle, both 
 together; and in their first description they were to be in 
 length sixty cubits : that is, forty for the sanctuary, and 
 twenty for the most holy place.’ Bp. Patrick. The height 
 of the porch is not mentioned in Kings ; but the description 
 given of the temple, in the exposition, takes in this account. 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 6:2,3. 1 Chr. 28:1 1 — 13,19.) 
 
 Y. 6 — 8. (Marg. Ref.) It is not known on what account 
 the gold, here mentioned, is called gold of Parvaim ; that 
 word not elsewhere occurring in Scripture : probably it was 
 brought from a place so called. 
 
 V. 9. Some by the word rendered “ the upper cham- 
 bers,” suppose the ceiling of the most holy place to he 
 meant ; hut perhaps some of the upper chambers, on the 
 outside of the temple, were thus decorated; the lower being 
 used for more common purposes. (Notes, 1 Kings 5:5- 
 10 .) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. The meaning of the word rendered “image- 
 work,” (10) is not well known; but it implies something 
 highly ornamented. 
 
 V. 14—17. Notes, 1 Kin gs 6:23—28. 7:15—22. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Proper instructions, well understood, enable us to go about 
 our work, without hesitation or uncertainty, and to proceed 
 in it with confidence and comfort. Blessed be God, the 
 sacred Scriptures are sufficient to render “ the man of God 
 throughly furnished for every good work;” and all our mis- 
 takes and embarrassments, in matters of importance, arise 
 from not knowing the Scriptures, or not attending to this our 
 heavenly rule. Let us then search them daily ; and beseech 
 the Lord to enable us to understand, believe, remember, and 
 obey his whole word ; that our way may be made plain before 
 us. Let us endeavour, that all our works may be ‘ begun, 
 continued, and ended in him:’ let us seek his grace to adorn 
 our souls with the beauties of holiness, and his strength to 
 establish us in faith and steady obedience, and to prosper our 
 labours for his glory. Beholding God in Christ, his true Tem- 
 ple, infinitely more glorious than that of Solomon, may vve 
 too become “a spiritual house,” “a habitation of God though 
 the Spirit,” ? nd “a holy priesthood ;” that here on earth we 
 may begin to join the worship of cherubim and seraphim 
 before the throne ; and at length in his couv s above, s ng 
 “praises to him, who sitteth upon the thre.o, and to ne 
 Lamb for ever and ever.” 
 
 ( 755 1 
 
B. C. 1006. II. CHRONICLES. B. C. 1006 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The altar of brans, 1. The molten sea supported, by twelve oxen , 2—5. 
 The Lavers , candlesticks , and tables, 6 — 8. The two courts of the temple , 
 9, 10. The vessels, furniture, and instruments of brass, 11 — 18. Those of 
 gold, 19—22. 
 
 M OREOVER, he made a an altar of brass, 
 twenty cubits the length thereof, and twenty 
 cubits the breadth thereof, and ten cubits the 
 height thereof. 
 
 2 Also he made b a molten sea of ten cubits from 
 'brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits 
 the height thereof; and a line of thirty cubits did 
 compass it round about. 
 
 3 And under it was “the similitude of oxen, 
 which did compass it round about ; ten in a cubit, 
 compassing the sea round about. Two rows of 
 oxen were cast, when it was cast. 
 
 4 It d stood upon twelve oxen, “three looking 
 toward the north, and three looking toward the 
 west, and three looking toward the south, and 
 three looking toward the cast: and the sea was 
 set. above upon them, and all their hinder parts 
 were inward. 
 
 5 And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, 
 and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a 
 cup, Hvith flowers of lilies; and it received and 
 held * 1 three thousand baths. 
 
 6 H He made also nen lavers, andput five on the 
 right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them : 
 'such things as they offered for the burnt-offering, 
 they washed in them ; h but the sea xcas for the 
 priests to wash in. 
 
 7 And he made ’ten candlesticks of gold ''ac- 
 cording to their form, and set them in the temple, 
 five on the right hand, and five on the left. 
 
 8 He made also ‘ten tables, and placed them 
 in the temple, five on the right side, and five on 
 the left ; and he made a hundred ^basins of 
 gold. 
 
 9 H Furthermore, he made m the court of the 
 priests, and the great court, and doors for the 
 court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass. 
 
 a 1:5. Ex. 27:1— 8. 1 Kings 8:22,64. 9:25. 2 Kings 16:14,15. Ei. 43:13—16. 
 b Ex. 30:18-21. 1 Kings 7:23-26. Zech. 13:1. 'I it. 3:5. Rev. 7:14. • Heb. 
 
 his brim to is brim, c Ez. 1:10.10:1-1. 1 Cor. 9:9,10. Rev. 4:7. d Matt. 16: 
 18. Eph. 2:20. Rev. 21:14. e Matt. 28:19,20. Mark 16:15. Luke 24:46.47. Acts 
 9:15. t Or, like a lilyjl over. f 1 Kings 7:26. g Ex. 30:18—21. 1 Kings 7: 
 38,40. Ps. 51:2. 1 Cor. 6:11. 1 John 1:7. 1 Heb. 'he work of burnt-offering. 
 
 Lev. 1:9,13. Ez. 40:38. h 2. Ex. 29:4. Heb; 9:14. Rev. 1:5,6. 7.14. i 1 Kings 
 7:49. 1 Mir. 28:15. Zech. 4:2,3,11 — 11. Matt. 5:14— 16. John 8:12. Rev. 1:20. 
 k Ex. 25:31 — 40. I Ex. 25:23— 30. 37:10— 16. 1 Kings 7:48. Is. 25:6. Ez. 44.16. 
 Mai. 1:12. 1 Cor. 10:21. § Or, bowls. Jer. 52:18,19. Zech. 14:20. m 1 Kings 
 
 6:36.7:12. n 1 Kings 7:39. o 1 Kings 7:40,45. || Or , bowls. II Heb. finished 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1. This altar is not men- 
 tioned in the book of Kings. It was four times as long and 
 four times as broad, and above three times as high, as that 
 made by Moses; (Notes, Ex. 27:1 — 8 .'Ezra 3:2,3. Ez. 43: 
 13 — 17.) and it formed a scaffold, above eleven yards square, 
 and five yards high. — It might be supposed that the Israelites, 
 now that dhey were settled, multiplied, and enriched in 
 Canaan, would bring far more numerous sacrifices, than they 
 could have done in the wilderness; and the altar was formed 
 accordingly, to be capable of containing many more. As it 
 was so high, all the worshippers in the most distant parts of 
 the courts of the temple, might behold, and be affected with, 
 this representation of the Lord’s wrath against sinners, and 
 his way of showing mercy through the sufferings of the 
 promised Saviour. This was continually shadowed forth, by 
 the innocent animals consumed by the fire which came down 
 from heav<-n, while the guilty offerers were spared. (Notes, 
 Gen. 4:3 — 5. Eev. 1:4.) 
 
 V. 2— C. Notes, 1 Kings 7:23—39. Jer. 52:17—23. Zech. 
 13:1. Tit. 3:4—7. 
 
 V. 7. Form.] Either the/orm, in which Moses had been 
 taught to make the golden candlestick for the tabernacle ; 
 (Notes, Ex. 25:31 — 39. I Kings 7:48 — 51.) or, according 
 to the pattern which David gave him. (Notes, 1 Chr. 28: 
 
 II — 19.) 
 
 V. 8. Marg. Ref. Note, 1 Kings 7:48 — 51. 
 
 V. 9. Note, 1 Kings 6:36. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Marg. Ref. — Pommels. (12) Or Glohcs. 
 These are called howls. 1 Kings 7:41 . Perhaps they were 
 globes placed abovS the chapiters, which were seen through 
 the ornaments with which they were decorated. (Note, 
 1 Kings 7:15—22.) 
 
 V. 16. ‘Some think, Solomon calls him his father, out of 
 great respect to him, or because he was the inventer of all 
 this excellent work, as in Gen. 4:20,21.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, 
 2:13.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 19. It is probable, that hut one table was used for the 
 show-bread : hut the rest might he placed near it, for other 
 
 v 756 ) 
 
 10 And “he set the sea on the right side of tin 
 east end, over against the soutiv 
 
 11 H And Huram made “the pots, and the sho 
 vels, and the Jl basins. And Huram “finished tht 
 work, that he was to make for king Solomon for the 
 house of God ; 
 
 12 To wit, Pthe two pillars, and ^the pommels, 
 and the chapiters which were on the top of the 
 two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two 
 pommels of the chapiters, which were on the top 
 of the pillars; 
 
 13 And r four hundred pomegranates on the two 
 wreaths ; two rows of pomegranates on each 
 wreath, to cover the two pommels of the chapi 
 ters which were upon the '‘pillars. 
 
 14 He made also ’bases, and "lavers made he 
 upon the bases ; 
 
 15 ‘One sea, and twelve oxen under it: 
 
 16 The "pots also, and the shovels, and the 
 ’fleshhooks, and all their instruments, did >Hurarn 
 z his father make to king Solomon, for the house 
 of the Lord, of "bright brass. 
 
 17 In the plain of Jordan did the king cast 
 them, in the ^clay-ground between Succoth and 
 “Zeredathah. 
 
 18 Thus Solomon made all these vessels in 
 great abundance: for b the weight of the brass 
 could not he found out. 
 
 19 H And Solomon made c all the vessels fhai 
 were for the house of God, d the golden altar also, 
 and 'the tables whereon the show-bread was set ; 
 
 20 Moreover f the candlesticks with their lamps, 
 that they should eburn after the manner before 
 b the oracle, of pure gold ; 
 
 21 And ‘the flowers, and the lamps, and the 
 tongs, made he of gold, and that ""perfect gold ; 
 
 22 And the k snuffers, and the ““basins, and the 
 spoons, and the censers, of pure gold ^ and 'the 
 entry of the house, the inner doors thereof for the 
 most holy place, and the doors of the house of the 
 temple, were of gold. 
 
 tomake. p 3.15-M7. q 1 Kings 7:41. r Fx. 28:33,34. I Kings 7:42. Cant. 4 
 13. Jer. 52:23. " Heb. face of the. s 1 Kings 7:27 — 43. ft Or, caldrons. 6 
 t 2— 5. u 11. Ex. 27:3. 38:3. Zech. 14:20,21. x 1 Sam. 2:13,14. 1 Chr. 28:17 
 y 1 Kings 7: 13.14,45. Hiram. z2:13. Heb. made bright, or, scoured. §§ Heb 
 thicknesses <>f the ground, a 1 Kings 7:46. Zorthan. b 1 Kings 7:47. 1 Chr. 22 
 3,14. Jer. 52:20. c 36:10,18. 1 K^gs 7:48— 50. 2 Kings 24:13. 25: 13— 15. Ezra 
 1:7-11. Jer. 28:3. 52:18,19. Dan. 5:2,3,23. H 26:16— 18. Fx . 30: 1— 10. 37 
 2.5—29. Rev. 8:3. 913. e Ex. 25:23— 30. Lev. 21:5— 8. 1 Chr. 28:16. f7. Ex 
 25:31-37. g Ex. 27.20.21. h 1 Kings 6:5,16,17. 8:6. Ps. 28:2. i 5. Ex. 25:31 
 37:20. 1 Kings 6: 18,29.35. 1111 Heb. perfection* of. k Ex. 37:23. I Kings 7:50 
 2 Kings 12:13. 25:14. Jer. 52:18. Till Or, bowls. 1 1 Kings 6:31 ,32. 
 
 purposes ; or, perhaps some of the tables, as well as of the 
 other vessels, were kept against future emergencies. (Nole t 
 
 1 Chr. 28:15,16.) 
 
 V. 22. The inner doors , &c.l Marg. Rtf. Note, 1 Kings 
 5:31—35. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The furniture of the temple, compared with that of the 
 tabernacle, plainly instructed God’s ancient people, that his 
 church would be gradually enlarged, and his worshippers 
 immensely multiplied: and, blessed be God, in the person, 
 sacrifice, and offices of Christ, there is an abundant suffi- 
 ciency for any multitudes, however large, who can ever come 
 to the Father through him. — May the preaching of the gospel 
 hold him forth, as crucified for sinners, to all the nations of 
 the earth ; and may his Spirit prepare the hearts of all the 
 inhabitants, to welcome his salvation, for all things else are 
 now ready. Whilst we thus pray for others, may we he 
 found humble penitents, by faith beholding Jesus as “the 
 Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world :” may 
 we daily wash our souls, and our services, in that “ fountain 
 which he hath opened for sin and for uncleanness may we 
 find continual access to the Father, through our heavenly 
 Advocate, and receive continual supplies of his Spirit: may 
 we walk in the light of his word, feast upon the provisions of 
 his house, and ho “constrained by his love, to live no longer 
 to ourselves, hut unto him who died for us and rose again.” — 
 Nothing can be too precious to be consecrated to his ser- 
 vice ; but he will not reject the meanest abilities, the feeblest 
 endeavours, or the most trivial oblations, which are offered 
 in faith and love: yet he requires the very best of our affec- 
 tions and of all we have ; and ho will much more readily bear 
 with external meanness in our services, than with an insincere 
 heart, however covered with specious and pompous profes- 
 sions and performances. The nearer we approach him in 
 privilege and external worship, the more holy we should he ; 
 (Note, Lev. 10:3.) and the nearer we really approach to him 
 in knowledge and communion, the more holy we shall become: 
 till at length faith shall bo changed for vision, and wo shall ho 
 made perfectly and eternally like him, nd fi'led for ih fulf 
 
B. C. 1005. 
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 B. C. 100 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 temple is Jlnithed , and the dedicated treasures deposited in it, 1. The ark 
 is brought into the most holy place, 2 — 10. While the Leviles sing praises to 
 Cod, a cloud Jills the temple, 11 — 14. 
 
 r piIUS all the work that Solomon made for the 
 JL house of the Lord was finished: and Solo- 
 mon “brought in all the things that David his 
 father had dedicated : and the silver, and the gold, 
 and all the instruments, put he among the trea- 
 sures of the house of God. 
 
 2 H '’Then Solomon assembled the elders of 
 Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, c the chief of 
 the fathers of the children of Israel, unto Jeru- 
 salem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the 
 Lord ’'out of “the city of David, which is Zion. 
 
 3 Wherefore all the men of Israel assembled 
 themselves unto the king f in the feast which was 
 in the seventh month. 
 
 4 And all the elders of Israel came ; and Vhe 
 Levites took up the ark. 
 
 5 And they brought up the ark, and h the taber- 
 nacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels 
 that were in the tabernacle ; these did the priests 
 and the Levites bring up. 
 
 6 Also 'king Solomon, and all the congregation 
 of Israel that were assembled unto him before the 
 ark, sacrificed sheep and oxen, which could not 
 be told nor numbered for multitude. 
 
 7 And the priests brought in the ark of the 
 covenant of the Lord unto his place, k to the 
 oracle of the house, into the most holy place, even 
 under the wings of the cherubims : 
 
 8 For the cherubims spread forth their wings 
 over the place of the ark, and the cherubims 
 covered the ark and 'the staves thereof above. 
 
 9 And they drew out the staves of the ark, 
 that m the ends of the staves were seen from the 
 ark before the oracle; but they were not seen 
 without. And 'there jt is unto this day. 
 
 10 There was nothing in the ark "save the two 
 tables which Moses put therein at Horeb, +wheft 
 “the Lord made a covenant with the children of 
 Israel, when they came out of Egypt. 
 
 a ! Kings 7:51 . 1 Chr. 84:14. 25:26— 28. b 1:2. 1 Kings 8:1— II. lC'hr.28:l. 
 c 1 Chr. 15:12. 24:6,31. 26:25. d 1:4. 2 Sara. 6:12. 1 Chr. 16:1. c 2 Sam. 5:7. 
 '7:8-10. I.ev. 23:34-36. 1 King! 8:2. g Num. 4:15. Josh. 3:6. 6:6. 1 Kinea 
 8:3. 1 Chr. 15:2,12— 14. h 1:3. 1 Kings 8:4, S. i2Sara. 6:13. 1 Kings 8:5. 
 1 Chr. 16:1,2.29:21. k 4:20. Ex. 37:6—9. 1 Kings 6:23-28. 8:6,7. 1 Ex. 25: 
 
 12 — 15. 37:3 — 5. Num. 4:6. m 1 Kings 8:8,9. * Or, they are there : ns, 1 Kings 
 6:8. n Ex. 31:13. 32:15,16,19.34:1.40:20. Dent. 10:2— 5. Heb. 9:4. f Or, 
 where. o Ex. 19:5. 24:7,8. Dent. 29:1 ,10— 14. Jer. 31 :31— 34. Heb. 8:6— 13. 
 ♦ Heb. found, p 29:5,15,34 . 30:15,17-20. Ex. 19:10,14,15. Job 1:5. q 35:4. 
 1 Chr. 24: r 29:25. 1 Chr. 15:16— 22. 16 4—6,41,42.23:5,30. 25.1— 7. Ezra 3:10, 
 11. si Chr. 6:33,39. 25:6. Ps.50: 62: 88: titles. t 1 Chr. 15:27. Rev. 15:6. 
 19:8. n Ps. 92:3. 149:3. 150:3—5. x Num. 10:1—5. Josh. 6:6— 30. 1 Chr. 15: 
 
 fruition of his favour and glory. (Notes, 2 Cor. 3:17,18. 
 1 John 3:1 — 3.) 
 
 NOTES— Chap. V. V. 1. Notes, 2 Sam. 8:9—11. 
 I Kings 7:48—51, v. 51. 8:4. 1 Chr. 26:28. 29:3—9. 
 
 V. 2 — 5 . Murg. Ref. — Levites. (4) Perhaps the Levites, 
 of the family of Kohath, carried the ark into the courts of the 
 temple, and then the priests conveyed it into its proper place. 
 (Notes, Num. 4:6 — 18. 1 Kings 8:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 6. (Note, 1 Kings 8:5.) ‘The observation of Vic- 
 torious Strigelius upon this history is very pious: That 
 nothing is more lovely in human things than such concord, as 
 here appeared among all orders of men ; both of teachers 
 and learners, magistrates, soldiers, and people, who were all 
 combined to promote the honour and service of God. Such 
 unity ought to he studied by Christian people, that we may 
 be all one, as our Saviour prayed.' Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7 — 10. Note, 1 Kings 8:7 — 9. — Unto this day. (9) 
 That is, The day when these events were recorded-, not the 
 day when these extracts were made, after the captivity. 
 
 V. 11. So great a multitude of sacrifices were to be 
 offered on this occasion, that the whole body of the priests, 
 who were capable of service, were employed at once ; and not 
 only those who attended in their courses. 
 
 V. 12, 13. (Marg. Ref.) These particulars are not 
 mentioned in Kings. (Notes, Lev. 23:24,25. Num. 10:2 — 
 10. Josh. 6:3—16. 1 Chr. 15:17—24. 16:4—6. 25:1— 6.)— It 
 is remarkable, that the Lord took possession of his temple by 
 the cloud, at the moment when, with one consent, the Levites 
 trere singing the praises of his everlasting goodness and 
 mercy. (Notes, 7:1 — 3. 20:21 — 25. Ezra 3:8 — 11. Ps. 136: 
 )— 3. Jer. 33:10,11.) 
 
 V. 14. Marg. Ref. b — d. Note, 1 Kings 8:10 — 14. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The gracious presence of God renders his ordinances far 
 more glorious, and is more essential to their efficacy, than 
 any conceivable external order or magnificence : and he is as 
 really fvasent with two or three humble worshippers in a 
 
 11 H And it came to pass, when tbe priests 
 were come out of tbe holy place; (for all ttv* 
 priests that were present were rsanctified, an* 
 did not then lAvait by course : 
 
 12 Also r tbe Levites which were the singers, ah 
 of them of "Asaph, of Hernan, of Jeduthun, with 
 their sons and their brethren, being" ‘arrayed in 
 white linen, having “cymbals, and psalteries, and 
 harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with 
 them x a hundred and twenty priests sounding 
 with trumpets ;) 
 
 13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters’ and 
 singers were ?as one, to make one sound to be 
 heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and 
 when they lifted up their voice with "the trumpets, 
 and cymbals, and instruments of music, and 
 praised the Lord, saying, For a lie is good; for 
 his mercy endureth for ever : that b then the house 
 was filled with a cloud, even the house of the 
 Lord ; 
 
 14 So that “the priests could not stand to minis- 
 ter by reason of the cloud : for d the glory of the 
 Lord had filled the house of God. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Solomon blesses the people, and praises God, 1— II. His prayer at the dedi- 
 cation of the temple, 12 — 39. He concludes by earnestly entreating the 
 Lord's special presence and blessing, 40—42. 
 
 T HEN said Solomon, a The Lord hath said 
 that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 
 
 2 But b I have built a house of habitation for 
 thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. 
 
 3 And the king c turned his face and d blessed the 
 whole congregation of Israel: and e all the congre- 
 gation of Israel stood. 
 
 4 And he said, f Blessed be the Lord God of 
 Israel, swho hath Vith his hands fulfilled that 
 which he spake with his mouth to my father 
 David, saying, 
 
 5 h Since the day that I brought forth my people 
 out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city among 
 all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that 
 ‘my name might be there ; k neither chose I ahy 
 man to be a ruler over my people Israel : 
 
 24.16:6. y Ps. 95:1,2. 100:1,2. Is. 52:8. Jer. 32:39. Acts 4:32. Rom. 15:6. 
 Rev. 5:8— 14. z Ps. 68:25,26. a 7:3.2(1:21. 1 Chr. 16:34,41 . Ezra 3:11. Ps. 
 136:1, (ic. Jer. 33:11. b Ex. 40:34,35. 1 Kings 8: 10— 12. c 7:2. 1 Tim. 6:16. 
 d Ex. 40.35. Is. 6.1-4. Ez. 10:4. Rev. 15:8. a Ex. 20:21 . 24: 15— 18. Lev. 16: 
 2. Dent. 4:11. 1 Kin S s8:12. Ps. 18:8— 11. 97:2. Nah. 1:3. Heb. 12.18. b 2:4— 
 6. 2 Sam. 7 13. 1 Kings 8:13. 1 Chr. 17:12. 22: 10,1 1 . 28:6,20. > s. 132:5,13.14. 
 John 4:21— 23. Heb. 9:11,12. Rev. 21:3. c 1 Kings 8:14. <129:29. Josh. 22:6. 
 1 Kings S:55— 61. 1 Chr. 16:2. Luke 24:50,51. e 1 Kings 8: 14. Neh. 8:5— 7. 
 
 Matt. 13:2. f 1 Kim's 8: 15. 1 Chr. 29:10,20. Ps. 41 : 13. 68:4,3*2— 35. 72:18,19. 
 Luke 1.68. Eph. 1:3. g 1 Chr. 17:12. Ps. 138:1,2. Malt. 24:35. Luke 1:70. 
 h 2 Sam. 7:6,7. 1 Kings 8:16. i Ex. 20:24. 23:21. Deut. 12:5,11. Dan. 9:19. 
 k 1 Sam. 10.24. 13:13,14. 15:23. 2 Sam. 7:15,16. 
 
 mean and obscure corner, as with tens of thousands assem- 
 bled with every possible accommodation, or every kind oi 
 solemn grandeur and magnificence. (Notes, Matt. 18:19,20. 
 John 4:21 — 24.) Yet, on some occasions, the concurrence o. 
 vast multitudes, under the direction of pious princes, has been 
 made extensively useful to mankind, and greatly honourable 
 to God and honoured by him. — The eye of our faith must, in 
 every service, be primarily directed to the atoning sacrifice of 
 Christ : but in subordination to it, our sacrifices of praise and 
 thanksgiving are peculiarly well pleasing unto God ; if the 
 harmony of our voices, or musical instruments, is really ac- 
 companied with the sweet melody of a humble and grateful 
 heart. — All the divine perfections are glorious in themselves 
 hut the Lord’s goodness and ever enduring mercy are pecu 
 liarly endearing to the broken-hearted, humble penitent; and 
 he especially delights in the exercise and in the glory of his 
 mercy, in harmony with his wisdom, truth, and justice, 
 through the merits of the Saviour. This should encourage 
 all who feel their need of abounding mercy ; being conscious 
 that their sins have greatly abounded. — The ministers of God 
 should always be ready, both in body and soul, for every ser- 
 vice, ordinary or extraordinary : and it has a very unfavour- 
 able appearance, even in the eyes of men in general, when 
 they manifest an unwillingness, or even backwardness, to ex- 
 ceed that measure, which entitles them to their emoluments. 
 ( Note , Mai. 1:9 — 11.) — When the worshippers of God are 
 of one mind, as well as in one place, they may expect hi? 
 more immediate presence and blessing: if he take possession 
 of our hearts to sanctify them, he will exclude whatever inter- 
 feres with his design of filling them with his glory ; and though 
 darkness now rests upon our views of heavenly things, yet r 
 in the temple above, “ the Lord himself v ill be our everlast 
 ing Light,’ and we shall know even as we are known. \ Notes 
 Rev. 21:22 — 27. 22:2 — 5.) May he prepare us for that land 
 of perfect knowledge, purity, and felicity ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VI. V. 1—3. Marg. Ref. Note , 
 
 1 Kings 8:10—14. 
 
 ( 757 ) 
 
B. C. 1004. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 1004 
 
 6 But I have 'chosen Jerusalem, that my name 
 might be there ; and have ‘"chosen David to be 
 over my people Israel. 
 
 7 Now "it was in the heart of David my father 
 to build a house lor the name of the Lord God of 
 Israel : 
 
 8 But the Lord said to David my father, For- 
 asmuch as it was in thy heart to build a house 
 for my name, "thou didst well in that it was in 
 thy heart. 
 
 9 Notwithstanding, thou shalt not huild the 
 house ; but >Hhy son, which shall come forth out of 
 thy loins, he shall build the house for my name. 
 
 10 The Lord therefore hath ‘‘performed his 
 word that he hath spoken ; for r I am risen up in 
 the room of David my father, and am set on the 
 throne of Israel, “as the Lord promised, and have 
 built the house for the name of the Lord God of 
 Israel : 
 
 11 And in it have ‘I put the ark, wherein is the 
 covenant of the Lord, that he made with the 
 children of Israel. 
 
 12 U And “he stood before the altar of the Lord, 
 in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, 
 and “spread lorth his hands, 
 
 13 (For Solomon had made a brazen ^scaffold, 
 of five cubits 'long, and five cubits broad, and 
 three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of 
 'the court; and upon it he stood, and "kneeled 
 down upon his knees before all the congregation 
 of Israel, and spread forth his hands toward hea- 
 ven,) 
 
 14 And said, b O Lord God of Israel, there is 
 “no god like thee in the heaven, nor in the earth; 
 which d keepest covenant, and slowest “mercy unto 
 thy servants that < walk before thee with all their 
 hearts : 
 
 15 Thou which hast kept with thy servant 
 David my father that which thou hast promised 
 him; and sspakest with thy mouth, and hast ful- 
 filled it with thy hand, as it is this day. 
 
 ,i6 Now therefore, O Lord God of Israel, h keep 
 with thy servant David my father, that which thou 
 hast promised him, ‘saying, 'There shall not fail 
 thee a man in my sight to sit upon the throne of 
 Israel ; yet so that thy children take heed to their 
 way k to walk in my law, as thou hast walked be- 
 fore me. 
 
 17 Now then, 'O Lord God of Israel, m let thy 
 word be verified, which thou hast spoken unto 
 
 thy servant David. [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 18 But “will God in very deed dwell with men 
 on the earth ? Behold, "heaven, and the heaven 
 of heavens, cannot contain thee : "how much less 
 this house which I have built ! 
 
 19 iHave respect therefore to the prayer of thy 
 servant, and to his supplication, "O Lord my God, 
 r to hearken unto the cry and the prayer which thy 
 servant prayeth before thee : 
 
 1 l?:13. Pb. 48:1. 78:68 — 70. 132:13. In. 14:32. n> 1 Sam. 16:1. Ps. 89:19,20. 
 r : t 7:2,3. 1 Kings 5:3. 8:17. 1 Chr. 22:7. 28:2. o 1 Kings 8- 18-21. Mark 
 1 1:8. 2 Cor. 8:12. p 2 Sam. 7:12,13. 1 Chr. 17:4,11,12. q .See on 4. r 1:1. 
 1 Kings 2: 1*2. 3:6,7. I Chr. 29:15,23. Ec. 1 4. 2:18,19. s I Chr. 28:5. t 5:10. 
 Etc. 40:20. 1 King3 8:9,21. Heb. 9:4. u 1 Kings 8:22. 2 Kings 1 1:14. 23:3. Ps. 
 29:1,2. x Ex. 9:33. Job 11:13. Ps. 28:2. 63:4. 68:31. 141:2. 143:6. Is. 50:15. 
 1 Tim. 2:8. y Neh. 8:4. * Heb . the length thereof , Sfc. z 4 9. 1 Kings 6:36. 
 7 12. al Kmg3 8:54. Ezra 9:5. Ps. 95:6. Dan. 6:10. Luke 22:41. Acts 20:36. 
 21:5. b Geo. 33:20. 35:10. Ex. 3:15. 1 Kings 8:23. 18:36. 1 Chr. 29:10,20. 
 c Ex. 15:11. 2 Sam. 7:22. Ps. 86:8. 89:6,8. Jer. 10:6,16. d Dent. 7:9. Neh. 1:5. 
 Ps. 89:28. Dan. 9:4. Mic. 7:18 — 20. Luke 1:72. e Ps. 103:17,18. Luke 1:50,54, 
 55. f Gen. 5:24. 17:1. 1 Kings 3:6. 6:12. Luke 1 6. 1 Thes. 2: 12. g 2 Sam. 7: 
 12. 1 Kings 8:24. 1 Chr. 22:9,10. h Ez. 36:37. John 15:14,15. i 7:18. 2 Sam. 
 7.12—16. 1 Kings 2:4. Ps. 132:12. 1 Heb. There s/inll not a man be rut off 
 
 k Ps. 26 3. 119:1. 14,14. Ex. 24: 10. Is. 41 :17. 45:3. m 2 Sam. 7:25-29. Jer-. 
 
 11:5. n 1 Kings 8:27. Ps. 113:5,6. Is. 57: 15. m-. 1 . Acts 7:48,49. 17:24. o 2:6. 
 Ps. 139:7-10. Jer. 23:24. 2 Cor. 12:2. p 32:15. Job 4: 19. 9:14. 25:4-6. Matt. 
 7:11. q 1 Kings 8:28. Ps. 74:20. 130:2. 1 tan. 9: 17- 19. Luke 18:1-7. r Ps. 4: 
 I. 5:1,2. 20:1 — 3. John 17:20. s 16:9. 1 Kings 8:29,30. 2 Kings 19:16. Noli. 1:6. 
 Ps. 34.15. t 6. Pent. 26:2. Col. 2:9. J Or, in this place. Dan. 6:10. § Heb. 
 pray. u 39. Job 22:12— 14. Ps. 123:1. Ec. 5:2. Is. 57:15. Mutt. 6:9. x Ps. 
 85:2,3.130 3 4. Is. 43.25. Dan. 9:19. Mic. 7:18,19. Matt. 6:12. y 1 Kings 8:31, 
 32. || Heb . and he require an oath vf him. Ex. 22:11. Lev. 5:1. Prov. 30:9. 
 
 V. 4 — 11. Note y 1 Kings 8:15 — 21 . — Neither chose /, &c. 
 1 5) The judges and Saul were chosen by God, for a season, 
 to be rulers of Israel ; but not to establish a permanent and, 
 hereditary authority over that people , as was the case with 
 David. — Jerusalem, (6) This is not found in Kings. — Jeru- 
 salem was expressly marked out, by the building of the temple , 
 to he the centre of ihe worship of Israel: as the Lord had 
 before spoken by Moses. (Marg. Ref. 1. Note } Deut. 12: 
 
 5-7.) 
 
 20 That 'thine eyes may be open upon this 
 house day and night, upon the place whereof thou 
 hast said that thou wouldest ‘put thy name there 
 to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant 
 prayeth 'toward this place. 
 
 21 Hearken therefore unto the supplications of 
 thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they 
 shall $make toward this place : hear thou from “thy 
 dwelling-place, even from heaven ; and when thou 
 hearest, “forgive. 
 
 22 H If a man ?sin against his neighbour, "and 
 an oath be laid upon him to make him swear, and 
 ‘the oath come before thine altar in this house : 
 
 23 Then hear thou "from heaven, and do, and 
 judge thy servants, by b requiting the wicked, by 
 recompensing his way upon his own head ; and 
 by "justifying the righteous, by giving him accord- 
 ing to his righteousness. 
 
 24 If And if thy people Israel be "put to the 
 worse before the enemy, d because they have sin- 
 ned against thee, and “shall return and confess thy 
 name, and < pray and make supplication before 
 thee "in this house : 
 
 25 Then hear thou from the heavens, and efor- 
 give the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them 
 again unto the land "which thou gavest to them 
 and to their fathers. 
 
 26 II When ‘the heaven is shut up, and k there 
 is no rain, because they have sinned against thee ; 
 yet 'if they pray toward this place, and confess thy 
 name, and m turn from their sin, when "thou dost 
 afflict them : 
 
 27 Then hear thou from heaven, and for 
 give the sin of thy servants, and of thy people 
 Israel, "when thou hast taught them the rgood 
 way wherein they should walk ; and ‘‘send rain 
 upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy 
 people for an inheritance. 
 
 28 H If there be r dearth iu the land, if there be 
 pestilence, if there he blasting, or mildew, “locusts, 
 or caterpillars; if ‘their enemies besiege them in 
 the "cities of their land ; “whatsoever sore, or 
 whatsoever sickness there be : 
 
 29 Then “what prayer, or what supplication 
 soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy 
 people Israel, when every one shall >know his 
 own sore, and his own grief, and shall “spread 
 forth his hands "in this house : 
 
 30 Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling 
 place, and forgive, and "render unto every man 
 according unto all his ways, whose heart thou 
 knowest ; (for b thou only knowest the hearts of 
 the children of men ;) 
 
 31 That they may “fear thee, to walk in thy 
 ways, §§so long as they live in the land which thou 
 gavest unto our fathers. 
 
 32 H Moreover, concerning d the stranger, which 
 Is not of my people Israel, but “is come from a 
 far country for thy great name’s sake, and Mhy 
 
 a Num. 6:19— 22. Matt. 23: IS. n 21. b Num.5'.B7. Prov. 1:31 . I». 8:11. Rom. 
 2:9. c Deut. 25:1. Prov. 17:15. Is. 3:10. Ex. 18:20. Rom. 2:10. 1! Or, 4« 
 ten. Lev. 26:17,37. Deni . 28:25,18. Josh. 7:8. I Kings 8:33,31 . Ps. 11:10. djoth. 
 7:11,12. Jiiclg. 2:11,11,15. 2 Kings 17:7— 18. e Lev. 26:10— 12. Deni. 1 .29— 31 . 
 30:1—6. Neh. 1:8,9. Prov. 28:13. Jer. 3:12,13. f Exra 9:5. *<•. Neh. 9:1, &c 
 Is. 63: 64: Dnn. 9:3, &c. ** Or, toward. 20. g Ezra 1:1—6. Ps. 106:47. Jer. 
 33:6—13. h Gen. 13:15. Ex. 6:8. Josh. 21:43. i Lev. 26:19. I cul. 1 1 : 17J»t 
 23. 1 Kings 17:1. Luke 4:25. k Is. 50:1, 2. Ez. 14 :13. Am. 1 1—9. Rev. 11:6. 
 I Jer. 14:1—9. Joel 1:13—20.2-15—17. m Prov. 28:13. Ez. 13:27-32. n 33:12, 
 13. Hos. 5:15. 6:1. o 1 Kings 8:35,36. I*». 25:4,5,8, 12. 94:12. I I9-.5W. Mic. 4:2. 
 John 6.45. p le. 30:21. Jer. 6:16. 42:3. q 1 Kings 18:40— 45. Jot. 37:1 1—14 
 Ps. 68:9. Jer. 14:22. Joel 2:23. Zech.10 1. Jam. 5-17,18. r Lev. 26.16.25.25. 
 Dent. 28:21— 61. Ruth 1:1. 1 Kings 8:37— 40. 2 Kings 6:25—29. 8:1. s Ex. 10: 
 12—15. Joel 1:4— 7. 2:25. Rev. 9:3— II. t 12:2-5.20:9—13.32:1. Lev. 26:25. 
 Deut. 28:52— 57. ft Heb. land oft heir gatet. u 1 Kluge 8:87,38. x ft. 83: 
 12,13.50:15.91:15. y Prov. 14:10. z 12,13. Is. 1:15. JJ Or, Hum rd. a ft. 
 18:20-26. Jer. 17:10. Ez. 18-30. Mutt. 16:27. h 1 Kings 8: 39. I Chr. 29:9 
 29:17. Ps. 11:4,5. John 2:25. Heb. 1:13. Rev, 2.23. c Ex. 20:20. 1 Sum. 12:24 
 Job 28:28. Ps. 128:1. 130:4. Acts 9:31 . $§ Heb. nil the days which thru live upon 
 the face of the lane. .1 !•:> 12:48,49 Ruth 1:16.2:11,12 1 Kings 8:41 48.10: 
 1,2. Is.. 56.3— 7. Matt. 2:1.8:10, 11. John 12:20. Acta 8:27. 10: 1—1. Eph.2:l2, 
 13. e Ex. 18:8-12. Josh. 2 9. 9:9. 2 Kings 5:3.8,15. Is. 60:1— 10. Zech. 8:22. 
 Mutt. 12:42. f Ex. 3: 19,20. 13: 14. Ps. 89:13. 
 
 V. 12, 13. Note , 1 Kings 8:22. 
 
 V. 14—21. Marg. Ref. Notes , 1 Kings 8 23— 30. 
 
 V. 22 — 40. Notes , 1 Kings 8:31 — 53. — l\im from their sin. 
 (20) All the prayers contained in these verses, for deliver- 
 ance from suffering, imply that sin would he the cause of 
 that divine anger, which inflicted the suffering, and art* con- 
 nected with prayers for the repentance and conversion of the 
 sufferers. (24,25.36,37,39.7:14.) The prophecie "f Israel’s 
 restoration aro all connected iu a similar man no’ (Aifes » 
 
 ( 759 ) 
 
B. C. 1004, 
 
 CHAPTER VI. B. C. 1004. 
 
 mighty hand, and thy litre- ihed-out arm ; g if they 
 come and pray in tins house; 
 
 33 Then hear thou from the heavens, even 
 from thy dwelling-place, and do according to all 
 that the stranger calleth to thee for; That all 
 people of the earth may know thy name, and fear 
 thee, as doth thy people Israel, and may know 
 that 'this house which I have built is called by tjiy 
 name. 
 
 34 U If 'thy people go out to war against their 
 enemies k by the way that thou shalt send them, 
 and 'they pray unto thee "'toward this city which 
 thou hast chosen, and the house which I have 
 built for thy name ; 
 
 35 Then "hear thou from the heavens their 
 
 36 II If ithey sin against thee, (‘'for there is no 
 man which sinneth not,) and "thou be angry with 
 them, and deliver them over before their enemies, 
 and They carry them away captives unto a land 
 far off or near ; 
 
 37 Yet Hf they ^bethink themselves in the land 
 whither they are carried captive, and turn and 
 pray unto thee in the land of their captivity. 
 
 • Is. 66:20. Zech. 14:16,17. Acts2:10. h 1 Sam. 17:46. 2 Kings 19:19. Ps. 22: 
 27. 67:2.137:4,5. Is. 11:10 . 49:6 . 54:1— 3. Rev. 11:15. * lleb. thy name is 
 
 edited upon this house. Num.6:27. I Kings 8:16. i Dent. 20*1 — 4. Josh. 1:2 — 
 5. 1 Kings 8:44,15. k Num. 31:2— 6. Josh. 8:1— 8. Jude. 1:1,2. 1 Sam. 1.3:3, 
 18. I 14:9 — 12. 18:31.20:6— 13. 32:20,21. m 6. I Kings 8:13. Is. 14:32. Dan. 
 6:10. II Pan. 9:17— 19. o Is. 37:21— 36. t Or, rishl. Pi. 9:4. Jcr. 5:23. 
 ill Kin-s 8:46,50. q Job 15:14— 16. Ps. 130:3. 143:2. Prov.20:9. Ec. 
 
 7:20. Jam. 3:2. 1 John 1 :S— 10. r Lev. 26:34—44. Dent. 4:26,27. 2S:36, 64 
 —68.29:24—28. 2 Kings 17:6,18,23. 25:21 . Dan. 9:7— 14. Luke 21:24. } Hell. 
 they that lake them captives carry them ate ay. s Lev. 26:40 — 45. Deut. 4:29, 
 
 Ts. 5 9:20,21. Jcr. 31:18—20,33,34. 32:37—41. Ez. 36:25 — 32. 
 Mic. 7:14 — 20. Zech. 12:9 — 14. 13:1 .) — Bethink themselves. 
 (37) Notes, Ps. 119:57—63, v. 59, So. Ez. 18:28. Hag. 1: 
 5—11. Luke 15:17 — 19. 
 
 V. 41, 42. These concluding words are not in the book of 
 Kings ; but are taken, with some variation, from the hundred 
 and thirty-second Psalm, which probably was composed with 
 reference to the removal of the ark at this time. (Notes, Ps. 
 132:1,7 — 9.) — TJie temple was called the resting place of the 
 ark, because it there had a permanent settlement. The tem- 
 ole likewise typified the human nature of Christ, “ in whom 
 JweUeth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily the ark typi- 
 fied nis meritorious obedience and sufferings, by which the 
 loly law was magnified, and through which believing sinners 
 approach, and hold communion with a reconciled God. The 
 ark, the sacramental pledge of Jehovah’s strength engaged 
 for Israel’s help, would not avail without his actual presence. 
 This might be expected, and indeed would be visible in its 
 effects, if “his priests were clothed with salvation,” or righ- 
 teousness. If they were partakers of salvation in their souls, 
 and brought forth the fruits of it in their holy H^es and con- 
 versation : then, their example, instructions, and ministrations, 
 would be greatly blessed, and made very successful. Those 
 who, as penitent believers, have obtained mercy, and are 
 separated from the love and spirit of the world, by the influ- 
 ences of the sanctifying Spirit of God, are saints. Their 
 edification, comfort, and joy, in subserviency to the glory of 
 God, and in connexion with the conversion of sinners, form 
 the great object of religious ordinances : and the faith and 
 piety of ministers, the purity and solemnity of their services, 
 and the flourishing of true religion, cause them “to rejoice in 
 goodness,” even the goodness of the Lord ; by enlarging and 
 gratifying all their holy, pious, and benevolent affections. — 
 These seem, therefore, the blessings peculiarly intended; 
 though the outward protection and prosperity, of both priests 
 and people, were also implied. — Solomon further prayed, that 
 God would not reject his prayer, which he made for a blessing 
 on that work to which he had called him, and for which he had 
 caused him to be “ anointed :” for that would be “ to turn 
 away his face,” and to send him away ashamed and dis- 
 couraged. But in this, he was a type of, and probably had 
 reference to, the promised Messiah. He also entreated the 
 Lord, to remember the mercies which he had promised to 
 David, and through him to his people and posterity; and to 
 continue and perfect them. This also may be applied to the 
 mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ and of God the Father 
 through him. 
 
 • PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 17. It is a great mercy to be enabled to go through 
 important services to the church, in simple obedience, and in 
 dependence On the Lord ; and to witness the accomplishment 
 of them, with humble gratitude to the Giver of both the will, 
 the ability, and the success ; adoring his power, faithfulness, 
 and goodness in every part of it, without expressing self-im- 
 portance or self-complacency. For pride and ostentation, if 
 allowed to intrude, rob God of his glory, and mar the accep- 
 tance, or the comfort, of the most useful and excellent under- 
 takings. Here then the main guard should be placed, by 
 (Rose who are employed as instruments for the good of others : 
 
 saying, l \Ve have sinned, we have done amiss, 
 and have dealt wickedly : 
 
 38 If they “return to thee with all their hear* 
 and with all their soul, in the land of their cap- 
 tivity, whither they have carried them captives, 
 and “pray toward their land which thou gaves . 
 unto their fathers, and toward The city which 
 thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I 
 have built dor thy name ; 
 
 39 Then hear thou from the heavens, even 
 from thy dwelling-place, their prayer and their 
 supplications, and maintain their "cause, and 
 Torgive thy people which have sinned against 
 ihee. 
 
 40 Now, "my God, let, I beseech thee, b thine 
 eyes be open, and let c thine ears be attent unto 
 the prayer "that is made in this place. 
 
 41 Now therefore d arise, O Lord God, into 
 , e thy resting place, thou, and 'the ark of thy 
 strength : let s;hy priests, O Lord God, be clothed 
 with salvation, and let h thy saints rejoice in good- 
 ness. 
 
 42 O Lord God, turn not away the face of 
 'thine anointed : k remember the mercies of David 
 thy servant. 
 
 30:1 — 3. Luke 15:17. § Heb . bring hack lo their heart. t Ezra 9:6,7. Neh. 
 
 1:6. 9:26— 30. Job 33:27,28. I s. 106.6. Is. 64:6— 12. Jer. 3:12 — M. 31:18 — 20. 
 Dan. 9:5— 11. Luke 15:18,19. u Deut. 30:2— 6. Jer. 29:12— 14. Hoi. 14:1-4. 
 Joel 2:12,13. x 33: 1 1 — 13 Dan. 9:3,4. y34. || Or, righ> . 35. Zech. 1:15.16. 
 7. Ps 25:18. Mic. 7:18-20. a Ps. 7:3. 13:3. 22 1,2. 88:1. b 7; 15. 16:9. 1 Kings 
 8:52. Ps. 34:15. Is. 37:17. Dan. 9:17— 19. c Ps. 17:1. 31:2. 116:2. TT Heb. of 
 this place, d Ps. 132:8 — 10,16. e 1 Chr. 28:2. f Josh. 3: 13. 6:4,5. Ps. 110:2. 
 Rom. 1:16. g Is. 59:16— 18. 61:3,6,10. Rom. 13:14. Gal. 3:27. Eph 4:22—21. 
 Rev. 19:8,14. h Neh. 9:25. Is. 65: 18.19. Phil. 3:3. 4:4. i 1 Kings 1 :34. Ps. 2: 
 2. Is. 61:1. k Ps. 132:1.^5:3. Acts 13:34. 
 
 this, this above all the rest, should dictate their constant 
 prayers ; and all, who wish success to their attempts, should 
 join in prayer for them, that they may be kept humble, and 
 rendered more and more humble, in proportion as the}' are 
 honoured by God for usefulness. — When a good work is well 
 finished, it is not done with : when the sermon is preached, 
 the letter written, or the book sent to the press, or even well 
 received by the public, its real utility depends on the Lord’s 
 subsequent effectual blessing. It ought therefore to be dedi- 
 cated to him, committed to his hands, and his blessing sought 
 upon it ; and in this case we may confidently expect, that the 
 fruit, which by his grace we have produced, will remain for 
 the durable good of many, when we are gone to our home, 
 “the rest reserved for the people of God.” ( Note , Ec. 12: 
 2—7.) 
 
 V. 18 — 42. The more we know of God and re’igion, 
 tually and experimentally , the more humbly we shall think of 
 ourselves and of all our performances ; the more reverentially 
 we shall adore the infinitely glorious God, and the more en- 
 tirely we shall trust to his covenant of mercy and grace, made 
 with believing sinners in Jesus Christ. — We may and ought, 
 unworthy as we are, to expect large answers to all our 
 prayers, which we present for ourselves and others, through 
 the Saviour’s intercession. They are greatly favoured who 
 have pious friends to pray for them ; and it is an inestimable 
 mercy for us all, that 44 we have an Advocate with the Father 
 Jesus Christ the righteous,” who is 44 the propitiation for our 
 sins ; and not for ours only ; but for the sins of the whole 
 world.” (Note, 1 John 2:1,2.) Yet this will not prevent the 
 destruction of any who never pray for themselves : not that 
 the Saviour pleads in vain, but that the event shows he does 
 not intercede for them. (Notes, John 17:6 — 10,20,21.) — In 
 times of prosperity, personal or public, we should expect ad- 
 versity, and pray with reference to it : and in seasons of deep 
 distress and temptation, we ought still to hope and pray for 
 deliverance and comfort. — Blessed be God, sinners of every 
 description, when they bethink themselves, and humbly pour 
 out their prayers, in dependence on the Saviour’s merits, may 
 be assured of forgiveness, acceptance, and all the blessings 
 of salvation. — Jehovah has made our nature his resting 
 place for ever, in the person of Emmanuel ; and through him 
 he dwells and delights in his church of redeemed sinners. 
 May all his ministers, of every name, be clothed with righte- 
 ousness and salvation ; may all his saints be made joyful in 
 his goodness ; may the numbers of both be continually in- 
 creasing, till the boundaries of his church extend as wide as 
 those of the human species ! May the hearts of the writer 
 and of every reader become his resting place; may Christ 
 dwell in us by faith, casting out every idol, cleansing us from, 
 all filthiness, consecrating us as his temples, and shedding 
 abroad his love in us : may the Father look upon us, in and 
 through his Anointed, whose face he never turns away, and 
 whose petitions meet with no repulse ; and may he remem- 
 ber and bless us in all things, according to his mercies to 
 sinners through him. Amen. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VII. V. 1—3. Fire, descending and 
 consuming the sacrifices, was the customary token of the 
 divine acceptance. This represented the righteous displea-. 
 sure of God against man's sin, as the cause of the sufferings 
 
 ( 759 ) 
 
B. C. J i'04 
 
 II. CHRONICLES, 
 
 B. C. 1004. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Go ^ testifies hit a* t eptance of Solomon's prayer by fire from heaven ; the 
 g ory n f the Lord fills the temple , and the people worship, l — 3. Solomon's 
 numerous sacrifices at the dedication , 4—7. The congregation keep the 
 feast of tabernacles, and the feast of the dedication, fourteen days, 8, 9. 
 He dismisses t'ic people joyful, and is prospered, 10,11. God again ap- 
 pears to Solomon, and makes a covenant with him, 12—22. 
 
 N OW "when Solomon had. made an end of 
 praying, b the fire came down from heaven, 
 and consumed the burnt-offering and the sacri- 
 fices ; and c the glory of the Lord filled the house. 
 
 2 And d the priests could not enter into the 
 house of the Lord, because the glory of the Lord 
 had filled the Lord’s house. 
 
 3 And when all the children of Israel saw how 
 the fire came down, and the glory of the Lord 
 upon the house, "they bowed themselves with 
 their faces to the ground upon the pavement, 
 and worshipped, and praised the Lord, saying , 
 'For he is good; for his mercy endurctli for 
 ever. 
 
 4 11 Then the king and all the people offered 
 sacrifices before the Lord. 
 
 5 And king Solomon offered &a sacrifice of 
 twenty and two thousand oxen, and a hundred 
 and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all 
 the people h dedicated the house of God. 
 
 6 And 'the priests waited on their offices : ffhe 
 Levites also with instruments of music of the 
 Lord, k which David the king had made to praise 
 the Lord, 'because his mercy endureth for ever, 
 when D&vid praised by their 'ministry, and m the 
 priest sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel 
 stood. 
 
 7 Moreover Solomon "hallowed the middle of 
 the court that was before the house of the Lord : 
 for there he offered burnt-offerings,' and the fat of 
 the peace-offerings, because “the brazen altar 
 which Solomon had made was not able to receive 
 the burnt-offerings, and the meat-offerings, and 
 the fat. 
 
 8 H Also at the same time Solomon Pkept the 
 feast seven days, and all Israel with him, ^a very 
 great congregation from r the entering in of 
 Hamath unto the river of Egypt. 
 
 9 And in the eighth day they made a ’solemn 
 assembly : for they kept the dedication of the altar 
 ‘seven days, ami the feast seven days. 
 
 10 And on the ‘three and twentieth day of the 
 seventh month he sent the people away into Iheir 
 tents, “glad and merry in heart x for the goodness 
 that the Lord had showed unto David, and to 
 Solomon, and to Israel his people. 
 
 a 1 Kinjts 8:54 . In. 65:24. Dan. 9:20. Acts 4:31 . 16:25,26. b Gen. 15:17. Lev. 
 9:24. Jud?. 6:21. 1 Kines 18:24,38. 1 Chr. 21:26. c 5:13.14. Ex. 40:34,35. Lev. 
 9:23. i Kings 8: 10,11. Is. 6:1— 4. Ez. 10:3,4. 43.5. 44:4. Hag. 2:7— 9. Uev.21: 
 23. d 5:14. Ex. 24:17. Is. 6:5. Rev. 15:8. e Ex. 4:31. Lev. 9:24. Num. 14:5. 
 16:22. I Kings 18:39. 1 Chi'. 29:20. Ps.95:6. 15:13.20:21. Ezra3:U. Ps. 103: 
 17. 136:1, &c. Is. 63:7. Jer. 33:11. Lukel:50. g 1:6.5:6.15:11.29:32,33.30: 
 24.35:7—9. 1 Kinas 8:62.63. 1 Chr. 29:31. Ezra 6:'16.I7. Ez. 45:17. Mir. 6:7. 
 h 2.4. Nnm. 7:10. 1 Kings 8:63. Ezra 6: 16. John 10:22. i 1 Chr. 16:39,40. 24: 
 1-3. 1 29:25. 1 Chr. 6:31.32. 15:16— 21. 16:4— 6, 41?42. 25:1— 7. ]< Am. 6:5. 
 
 1 See on f 3. 1 Chr. 16-34. Ps. 106:1. 107:1. 118:1—4. 138:8. * Heh. hand. Is. 
 52:6. m 5:12. Num. 10:1—10. Josh. 6:4. 1 Chr. 13:8. 15:24. 16:6,42. n 36:14. 
 Nnm. 16:37,38. 1 Kings8:64. Heh. 13:10— 12. o4:l. p Lev. 23:34— 43. Nnm. 
 29:12—33 Rent. 16:13— 15. lKings8:65. Neh.8:13— 18. Zech. 14:16— 19. 
 John 7:2,37— 39. q 30:13. r Gen. 15:18. Nnm. 34-5— 8. Josh. 13:3—5. 1 Kings 
 4:21—25. Am. 6:14. t Heb. restraint. Lev. 23:36. Deut 16:8. Neh.8:18. Joel 
 1:14. mar sins, s 30:23. 1 Kings 8:65. t 1 Kings 8:66. » 29:36.30:26. Deut. 
 12:7,12,18.16:11,14. Nell. 8:10. Ps. 32:11. 33:1 . 92:4. 100:2. 105:3. 106:5. Acts 
 2:4£ 16:34. Phil. 4:4. x 6:41 . Ex. 18: 1 . y 2: 1 . 1 Kings 9: 1 . z. Ec. 2:4,10,1 1 . 
 a x 7. Gen. 17:1. 1 Kings 9:2. b 2 Kings 20:5. Ps. 10:17. 66:19. Luke 1:13. 
 Acts 10:31. 1 John 5:14,15. c 16. Deut. 12:5,11. Ps. 78:68,69. 132:13,14. d 2: 
 
 of our holy Surety; and perhaps, (he sanctification of our 
 xouls by the power of the Holy Spirit, like purifying fire, 
 onsuming our carnal and corrupt affections. (Marg. Ref. 
 b. Notes, Gen. 4:3—5. Ijev. 9:24. 1 Chr. 21:26. Malt. 3:! 1, 
 12.)— ‘This is added to what is recorded in that book,’ (of 
 Kings.) ‘ . . . By fire sent down from heaven to consume the 
 sacrifices . . . the first sacrifice that we read of in Scripture, 
 (that of Abel,) it is generally thought was declared to be 
 acceptable unto God.’ Bp. Patrick. The visible displays 
 also of the divine glory still continued, or were renewed after 
 some intermission ; or perhaps were sensibly augmented. 
 (5:13,14. Note, 1 Kings 8:10 — 14.) But it is probable, the 
 people expected these tokens of the Lord’s acceptance ; and 
 the awful sight did not terrify them, but only disposed them 
 to the most reverential adoration, united with reiterated 
 praises of his goodness and mercy that endurcth for ever. 
 No similar tokens of the divine acceptance attended the 
 dedication of the second temple, after the captivity ; nor was 
 me ark restored to its place, but finally lost. (Notes, Ezra 
 3-12,13. 6:16—21.) 
 
 V 4 — 10. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1 Kings 8:63- -GG.) Solo- 
 
 ( 760 ) 
 
 11 Thus ^Solomon finished the rouse of the 
 Lord, and the king’s house : and ‘all that came 
 into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the 
 Lord, and in his own house, he prosperously 
 effected. 
 
 12 H And "the Lord appeared to Solomon by 
 night, and said unto him, b I have heard thy 
 prayer, and "have chosen this place to myself for 
 d a house of sacrifice. 
 
 13 If C I shut up heaven that there be no ram, 
 or if f I command the locusts to devour the land, 
 or if «I send pestilence among my people ; 
 
 14 If h my people, twhich are called by my name, 
 shall 'bumble themselves, and pray, and seek my 
 face, and k turn from their wicked ways ; then 
 'will I hear from heaven and will forgive their 
 sin, and will "'heal their land. 
 
 15 Now "mine eyes shall he open, and mine 
 ears attent unto the prayer Hhat is made in this 
 place. 
 
 16 For now “have I chosen and sanctified this 
 house, that Pmy name may be there for ever : and 
 inline eyes and my heart shall be there per- 
 petually. 
 
 17 And as for thee, r if thou wilt walk before 
 me, as David thy father walked, and do according 
 to all that I have commanded thee, and shalt 
 "observe my statutes and my judgments: 
 
 18 Then ‘will I establish the throne of thy 
 kingdom, according "as I have covenanted witn 
 David thy lather, saying, There "shall not "fail 
 thee a man to be ruler in Israel. 
 
 19 But v if ye turn away, and forsake my 
 statutes and my commandments, which I have set 
 before you, and “sh'all go and ’serve other gods, 
 and worship them ; 
 
 20 Then “will I pluck them up by the roots 
 out of my land which I have given them ; and 
 this house, which I have sanctified for my name, 
 will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be 
 a proverb and a by-word among all nations. 
 
 21 And “this house, which is high, shall be d an 
 astonishment to every one that passeth by it; so 
 that he shall say, “Why hath the Lord done thus 
 unto this land, and unto this house ? 
 
 22 And it shall he answered, ' Because they 
 forsook the Lord God of their fathers, which 
 brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and 
 laid hold on other gods, and worshipped them, 
 and served them: ^therefore hath he brought all 
 this evil upon them. 
 
 6. Dent. 12-S. e 6:26—28. Deut. 11:17. Job 11:10. 12:14. Luke 4:25. llev. 3, 
 
 7. 11:6. f Ex. 10:4—6. Ps. 105:34. Joel 1:4—7.2:25. g Num. 14:12. 16:45,47. 
 
 2 Sam. 24:13— 15. Ez. 14:19— 21. his. 63:19. X Heb. upon whom my name is 
 railed, i 6:37- 39. 33 12,13,18,19. Lev. 26:40,41 . Deut. 4:29,30. 30: 1-6. Er.. 
 33:11. Jam. 4:9,10. k Prov. 28:13. Is. 55:6,7. Er. 18.27— 30. 1 See on 6:39. 
 m Ps. 00:2. Jer. 8:22. 33:6. 51:9. n 6:20,40. Deut. 11:12. Neb. 1:6. Ps.65:2. 
 130:2. 1 Pet. 3:12. § Heb. of this place. 6:40. o rent. 1221. 16:11. 1 King* 
 
 8:16,44,48. Ps. 132:14. Zech.' 3:2. p Sec on 6:5,6,20. 33:4-7. 1 Kings 8:35. 9 
 3. 2 Kings 21:4,7,8. q See on 15. Matt. 3:17. John 2: 19— 21 . Col. 2-9. r Den*. 
 28 1.&C. 1 Ki >«rs 2 3.3:14.8:25. 11:38. 1 Chr. 28:9. Zech. 3:7. s Deut. 4:40. 
 Ps. 105:45. Ez. 36:27. John 14:21. 15:10. t See nn 2Sam. 713— 16. u Ps. 89: 
 28—40.132:11,12. x 1 Kings 9:5. Jer. 33:20,21,25,26. (1 Heh . be rut off to thee. 
 6:16. v Lev. 26:14, &c. Deut. 28:15, &c. 1 Sam. 12 25. 1 Chr 28:9. z See on 
 Dent. 4:23— 27. Josh. 23: 15.16. I Kings 9:6,7. 1 1 :4— 8. a 2 Kings 17:20. P«. 
 52:5. Jer. 12:17. 18:7. 31:28.45:4. Jude 12. b Deut. 28:37. 1 Kings 9:7. Nelu 
 41—4. Ps. 44:14. Jer. 24:9. Lam. 2:15,16. c 1 Kings 9:8. d 29:8. Jer. 19.8. 
 49:17.50:13. e Deut. 29:24— 28. 1 Kings 9:8,9. Jer. 5: 19. 13:22. 16: 10-12. 22: 
 8,9,28. f Judg. 2:12,13. Jer. 1:16. Lam. 2:16,17. 4:13 — 15. Ez. 14:23. 3G:17 — 
 20. g 36:17. Dan. 9:12. 
 
 moil’s blessing (he people, when risen from his knees ; prais- 
 ing God for performing his promises to them; ant! praying 
 that God would incline their hearts to obedience, that all the 
 earth might know that Jehovah alone is God ; is hero 
 omitted. (1 Kings 8-54 — 61.) — The priests, &c. (6) Marg . 
 Ref. Notes, 5:11 — 13. 
 
 V. II — 22. Marg. Ref. Notes , 1 lungs 9:1 — 9. — If I 
 shut, &c. (13) This is not found in Kings. Solomon con 
 nected the repentance of the people, with their deliverance 
 from divine judgments, in his prayers; .and God does the 
 same in his gracious answer. “If my people . . . shall hum- 
 ble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from 
 their wicked ways.” (Notes, 6:22 — 40, v. 26. .1 Kings 8:23 — 
 26.) — Pluck, &c. (20) Notes, Deut . 29:19 — 26. Jer. 45:4,5, 
 v . 4. Lam. 2:7,15,16. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The mercies of God to sinners are communicated in a 
 manner suited to impress all who receive them with the most 
 profound reverence of his majesty, justice, and holiness ; thus 
 leading them to unite humble confidence with fear of offend- 
 ing so Kolv a God. Especially, whoever bcnolds, with truq, 
 
B. C. 992, 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 13. C. 992. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 TKt cities built by Solomon, 1—6. The remnant of I he devoted nations are 
 subjected to tribute , ant the Israelites employed in honourable service*, 7 — 
 11). Pharaoh's daughter removes to hor house, 11. Solomon's daily sacri- 
 fices, and those on festival days, 12, 13. He ajrpointe the priests and Levi es 
 to their services in order, 14, 15. The work of the h-yuse of God is finished , 
 16. Solomon's navi/ brings gold from Ophir , 17, 18. 
 
 p. c.n A ND it came to pass “at the end of 
 J ii twenty years, wherein Solomon had 
 built the house of the Lord, and his own house, 
 
 2 That b the cities which Huram had restored 
 to Solomon, Solomon built them, and caused the 
 children of Israel to dwell there. 
 
 3 And Solomon went to c Hamath-zobah, and 
 prevailed against it. 
 
 4 And d he built Tadmor in the wilderness, and 
 all the store-cities, which he built in Hamath. 
 
 5 Also he built c Beth-horon the upper, and 
 Beth-horon the nether, fenced cities, with walls, 
 gates, and bars ; 
 
 6 And f Baalath, and all ethe store-cities that 
 Solomon had, and all the h chariot-cities, and the 
 cities of the horsemen, and 'all that Solomon 
 desired to build in Jerusalem, ‘and in Lebanon, 
 and throughout all the land of his dominion. 
 
 7 H As for Jail the people that were left of k the 
 Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, 
 and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, which were 
 not of Israel, 
 
 ‘ 8 But of their children who were left after 
 them in the land, 'whom the children of Israel 
 consumed not, them did Solomon make m to pay 
 ti ibute until this day. 
 
 9 But "of the children of Israel did Solomon 
 make no servants for his work; but "they were 
 men of war, and chief of his captains, and cap- 
 tains of his chariots, and horsemen. 
 
 10 And these were the chief of king Solomon’s 
 officers, even Ptwo hundred and fifty, that bare 
 rule over the people. 
 
 a See an 1 Kings 9:10. b See on I Kings 9:11 — -13. c Kum. 13:21. 34:8. 
 
 2 Sam. 8:3. lKings 11:23— 25. 1 Chr. 18:3. d 1 Kings 9:17— 19. e Josh. 
 
 16:3,5. 1 Chr. 7:24. f Josh. 19:44. lKings9:18. g 4. 17:12. lKings 
 
 9:19. h 1:14 1 Kings 10:26. * Heb. all the desire of Soloirion which he de- 
 
 sired to build. lKings9:19. Ec.2:10. i lKings 7:2'. Cant. 4 8. j See on 
 1 Kings 9:20— 22. k Gen. 15:19 — 21 . Deut. 7:1 . 1 Judg. 1:21— 36. Ps. 106:34. 
 m 2:17,18. 1 Kings 5:13. 11. n Ex. 19:5,6. Lev. 25:39— 46. Gal. 4:26— 31. 
 o 1 Sam. 8:11,12. p 2:18. 1 Kings 5:16. 9:23. q 1 Kings 3:1 . 7:8. 9:24. | Heb. 
 holiness. Ex. 3:5.29:43. Ez. 21:2. 2 Pet. 1:18. r 4:1. I Chr. 28:11. Ez. 8:16. 
 
 faith, the divine Saviour agonizing and dying for man’s sin, 
 will, by that view, find his godly sorrow enlarged, his hatred 
 of sin increased, his soul made more watchful, and his life 
 more holy: and they are speculating hypocrites, who profess 
 to expect salvation by the cross of Christ, while the world 
 has their hearts, and sin is allowed in their habitual' conduct. 
 —The Lord’s ready answers to our prayers should animate 
 us to repeat, with deeper reverence and more lively gratitude, 
 our praises of kis mercy. — The most endearing displays of 
 the love of God, rightly understood, speak terror to hypocrites 
 and presumptuous offenders: but the most tremendous dis- 
 coveries of his righteous vengeance need not discourage the 
 upright, humble believer. — Every token of his favour should 
 enlarge our hearts in his service: and those who are inspired 
 with zeal for his glory, and who taste the joy of his salvation, 
 will never think too much time or expense can be bestowed 
 in communion with him and his saints, provided other duties 
 be. not neglected. — In the best state of nations favoured wiih 
 revelation, there has hitherto been a succession of prosperity, 
 ingratitude, corrections, repentance, forgiveness, renewed 
 mercies and prosperity, and renewed ingratitude and forget- 
 fulness of God. Yet the Lord delights in those places, where 
 his ordinances are maintained and attended on, in some 
 measure of purity and consistency. But in cases of apos- 
 tacy, or general profaneness, or hypocrisy, he will glorify his 
 justice by tremendous judgments upon those who have thus 
 abused his mercies, and forfeited their privileges, making 
 them a warning to others, if not an infamy among the heathen. 
 Let us then stand in awe of him ; watch against all sin ; and 
 copy the examples of the most approved of his saints, in the 
 brightest parts of their characters. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 1 — 3. Perhaps Hamath- 
 zobah had revolted : but Solomon regained possession of it. 
 (Note*) 2 Sam. 8:3 — 11. 1 Kings 9:1,2-11 — 14. 11:23 — 25.) 
 
 V. 4 — 6. Note, 1 Kings 9:15 — 22. 
 
 V. 7—9. Notes , 1 Kings 5:13—18. 
 
 V. 10. Three hundred overseers, omitted in one place, 
 are added in another, completing the same number. (Com- 
 pare 2:18. 1 Kings 5:16. 9:23.) 
 
 V. 11. Pharaoh’s daughter is supposed to have been a 
 proselyte to the true religion : but she was of heathen extrac- 
 tion, and perhaps attended by many who were not proselyted. 
 J Notes, 1 Kings 3:1.) If there were no open idolatry or 
 Vol. I.— 96 
 
 11 IT And Solomon ^brought up the daughter 
 of Pharaoh out of the city of David, unto the 
 house that lie had built for her : for he said, Mj 
 wife shall not dwell in the house of David king a 
 Israel, because the places are ’holy, whereunti. 
 the ark of the Lord hath come. 
 
 12 11 Then Solomon offered burnt-offerings 
 unto the Lord r on the altar of the Lord, which 
 he had built before the porch, 
 
 13 Even after a certain rate “every day, offer- 
 ing according to the commandment of Moses, 
 on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on 
 the solemn feasts, ‘three times in the year, even in 
 the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of 
 weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. 
 
 14 II And he appointed, according to the order 
 of David his father, "the courses of the priests to 
 their service, and “the Levites to their charges, to 
 praise and minister before the priests, as the duty 
 of every day required : nhe porters also by their 
 courses at every gate ; lor ’so “had David “the 
 man of God commanded. 
 
 15 And "they departed not from the command- 
 ment of the king unto the priests and Levites 
 concerning any matter, or concerning c the 
 treasures. 
 
 16 Now d all the work of Solomon was pre- 
 pared unto the day of the foundation of the 
 house of the Lord, and until it was finished. So 
 the house of the Lord was perfected. 
 
 17 H Then went Solomon to “Ezion-geher, 
 and to f Eloth, at the seaside, in the land of 
 Edom. 
 
 18 And “Huram sent him, by the hands of his 
 servants, ships, and servants that had knowledge 
 of the sea; and they went with the servants of 
 Solomon to Ophir, and took thence four hundred 
 and fifty talents of gold, and brought them to king 
 Solomon. 
 
 Joel 2:17. s Ex. 29:38 — 42. Lev. 23: Num.28: 29: Ez. 45: 17. 46:3— 15. t See 
 on Ex. 23:14 — 17. Deut. 16:16. 1 Kings 9:25. u 5:11.23:4. 31:2. If hr. 24:1— 
 19. Luke 1:5,8. x 35:)U. 1 Chr. 6:31,32, &c. 15:16—22. 16:4 —6,42. 23: 24:20 
 — 31. 25: Ezra 6:18. y See on I Chr. 26:1 — 19. J Heb. so was the command- 
 ment of David. 7. 2 Sam. 23:2. I Chr. 28:19. Acts 13:22,36. a See on Deut. 
 33:1. 1 Kings 13:1. h See on 30: 12. Ex. 39:42,43. cl Kings 7.51. I Chr. 9: 
 29.26:20— 26. d 1 Kings 5: 18. 6:7. e 20:36. Num. 33:35. Ezion-gaber. 
 1 Kings 9:26. 22:48. f Pent. 2:8. 2 Kings 14:22. 16:6. Elath. g 9:10,13. 
 See on 1 King* 9:27,28. 10:22. Hiram. 
 
 profaneness in her court, there might be many things incon- 
 sistent with spiritual religion ; and Solomon did not think it 
 right, that she should reside where the ark had been situated, 
 and so near to the continual temple-worship. Perhaps he 
 wanted resolution wholly to suppress all that he did not en- 
 tirely approve. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. Solomon exactly adhered, both to the law ot 
 Moses, and also to all David’s regulations: not only because 
 he was his father, but because he was 41 a man of God,” and 
 acted by his authority in forming them. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , 
 1 Chr. 23:-2 6:) 
 
 V. 16. Note, 1 Kings 6:7. 
 
 V. 18. Ships, bp.] The materials perhaps were ready 
 prepared, and the workmen sent, that the ships might be 
 constructed there; for vessels could not sail from Tyre to 
 Ezion-geber, or Eloth: as there was no communication by 
 water between the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea, 
 on which these sea ports were situated. (Note, 1 Kings 9: 
 26—28. 10:22.) 
 
 • PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Some difficulty or conflict must be expected in every state 
 on earth: but those whom the Lord loveth, will prevail; 
 and in heaven their peace will be perfect and eternal. — We 
 shall never be satisfied with our possessions, enjoyments, or 
 achievements, unless we limit our desires hy the precept and 
 the providence of God: yet he indulges his people in things 
 indifferent, as far as this is consistent with their real good. — 
 His ‘service is perfect freedom;’ all else is bondage: hut if 
 we, poor condemned criminals and strangers, are brought 
 nigh, pardoned, and employed by our merciful Lord, we shall 
 surely render him our tribute of praise and grateful obedience, 
 though the lowest and most laborious service in his house be 
 allotted to us. — It is hard to keep up a proper distinction 
 between things sacred and common, in the palaces of the 
 great, or in the courts of kings : and it .sometimes requires 
 more wisdom and resolution to govern a large family in the 
 fear of God, without conniving at evident evil, than it does 
 to govern a large kingdom with reputation, and in prosperity. 
 (Note, 1 Tim. 3:4,5.) and the difficulty is increased, when by 
 any means a man has got a hinderance, instead of a helper* 
 in the wife of his bosom. But the truths, worship, and honour 
 of God, should be nearer our hearts than any relative com- 
 forts : and we ought to offend or grieve any one, rather than 
 
 ( 761 1 
 
B C. 992. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 990 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Th 4 queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon ; her admiration of his wisdom, and 
 magnificence ; her presents and return , 1 — 12. Solomon's annual revenue 
 in gold, 13, 14. His golden shields and targets, 15, 16. His ivory throne, 
 and rich vessels of gold, 17 — 21. Toe honour paid him by other kings, 22 
 — 24. His stalls, horses, and chariots, 25. The extent and wealth of his 
 dominions, 26 — 28. He dies, and is succeeded by Itchoboam, 29 — 31. 
 
 A ND “when the queen of b Sheba heard of 
 'the fame of Solomon, she came to prove 
 Solomon d vvith hard questions at Jerusalem, with 
 a very great company, and 'camels that bare 
 fspices, amf gold in abundance, and precious 
 stones: and when she was come to Solomon, rshe 
 communed with him of all that was in her heart. 
 
 2 And Solomon h told her all her questions : 
 and 'there was nothing hid from Solomon which 
 he told her not. 
 
 3 And when the queen of Sheba had k seen the 
 wisdom of Solomon, and 'the house that he had 
 built, 
 
 4 And ra the meat of his table, and "the sitting 
 of his servants, and the attendance of his minis- 
 ters, and their apparel; his ‘cup-bearers also, and 
 their apparel; and °his ascent by which he went 
 up into the house of the Lord; inhere was no 
 more spirit in her. 
 
 5 And she said to the king, It was a true 
 Report which I heard in mine own land of thine 
 'acts, and of thy wisdom : 
 
 6 Howbeit i'I believed not their words, until I 
 came, and mine eyes had seen it: and behold, 
 
 ' the one half of the greatness of thy wisdom was 
 not told me : for thou “exceedest the fame that I 
 heard. 
 
 7 'Happy are thy men, and happy are these 
 thy servants, which stand continually before thee, 
 and hear thy wisdom. 
 
 8 “Blessed be the Lord thy God, 'which 
 delighted in thee to set thee on his throne, to be 
 king for the Lord thy God: .'because thy God 
 loved Israel, to establish them for ever, therefore 
 made he thee king over them, Ho do judgment, 
 and justice. 
 
 9 And “she gave the king a hundred and 
 twenty talents of gold, and b of spices great 
 abundance, and precious stones: neither was 
 there any such spice, as the queen of Sheba gave 
 king Solomon. 
 
 10 And the servants also of Huram, and the 
 servants of Solomon, 'which brought gold from 
 Ophir, brought l, algum-trees and precious stones. 
 11 And the king made of the algum-trees 
 
 u See n; 1 Kinas 10:1,2. Matt. 12:42. T.i.ke 11:31. b fieri. 10:7,28.25:3. c 1: 
 1.12. 1 Kings 4-31. d Ps. 49:4. 78:2. Prov. 1:6. Mall. 13: 11 ,35. e Ps. 72:10, 
 15. Is. 60:6. f9. Malt. 2:11. g I Sam. 1 : 15. Ps. 142:2. Matt. 12:34. hProv. 
 13:20. Mark 4:11,34. John 15:15. i 1 Kings 3: 12. 4:29. Col. 2:3. Heb. 1 12,13. 
 K See oo 1 Kings 10:3,4. Acts II ‘23. 13:4: 1 Kings 6: 7- rp 1 Kings 4:22,23. 
 
 Prov. 9:5. John 6:53— 57. n 1 Kings 10:5. Luke 12:37. Rev. 3:20. * Or , but- 
 
 lers. Neh. 1:11. o 23:13. 2 Kings 16:18. I Chr. 9:18. Ez. 44:3. 46:2. i. Ps. 
 119:81. 143 7. Cant. 5:8. Dan. 10:17. Rev. 1:17. t Hel>. word. S e on 1 Kings 
 10:6. 1 Or, . eayzngx. q John 20:25— 29. r See on 1 Kings 10:7. Ps. 31:19. 
 
 Zech.9:17. 1 Cor. 2:9. 1 John 3:2. 6 5. 1 Kings 4:31 ,34. t‘nril.5:9 — 1(5. t Deut. 
 33:29. 1 Kings 10:8. Ps. 27:4. 84:10— 12. Prov. 3:13,14 . 8:34. 10:21. 13:20. I.nke 
 10:39—42. 11:28. il 1 Chr. 29: 10,20. Ps 72 18,19. 2 Cor. 9: 12— 15. x 2 Sam 
 15:25,26. See on 1 Kings 10:9. Ps. 18:19. *22:8. Is. 42:1 62:4. v 2:11. Pent. 7: 
 8. I Chr. 17:22. z 2 Sam. 8:15. 23:3. Ps. 72:2. 99:4. Is. 9:7. 11:1— 5. 32:1,2. 
 
 disobey God and grieve his people, by allowing his ordinances 
 to be profaned. — In all things, which are expressly directed in 
 Scripture, our religious diligence should be exactly regulated 
 by it: every part of the Lord’s service should be attended to, 
 in due succession, order, and proportion; and then we should 
 not find any vacant time lie heavy upon our hands. — In be- 
 ginning and conducting every undertaking, we should keep 
 the end in view: and from our entrance upon life we should 
 look forward, and be preparing for the close of it ; that then 
 we may have peace, and a happy entrance into a better state. 
 Nor ought we to allow oursedves in any pursuit or indul- 
 gence, which interferes with that grand object. Thus, 
 44 known unto the Lord arc all his works from before the 
 foundation of the world every thing respecting his spiritual 
 temple was planned and determined, before he began to 
 work ; and M his counsel shall stand, and he will do all his 
 pleasure.” — As men risk much, and undergo great hardship, 
 in obtaining an earthly treasure ; may we remember 44 how 
 much better wisdom is than gold and, leaving the children 
 of this world to contend for its toys ; may we, as the children 
 of God, 44 lay up our treasure in heaven, that where our 
 treasure is, there our hearts may be also!” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IX. V. 1—11. {Notes, 1 Kings 10:1 
 — 12.) 4 The hard questions she came to ask, were not the 
 
 curious inquiries into the secrets of natural things, or new 
 political matters, hut about things pertaining to piety and the 
 
 ( 76a ) 
 
 Herraces to the house of the Lord, and to the 
 king’s palace, and 'harps, and psalteries for 
 singers : and there weie none such seen before in 
 the land of Judah. 
 
 12 And king Solomon gave to the queen ol 
 Sheba, fall her desire, whatsoever she asked, 
 besides that which she bad brought unto the king. 
 So she turned, and went away to her own land, 
 she anti her servants. 
 
 13 H Now ethe weight of gold that came to 
 Solomon in one year was six hundred and three 
 score and six talents of gold : 
 
 14 Besides that which chapmen and merchants 
 brought. And all the kings of Arabia, and "go- 
 vernors of the country brought gold and silver to 
 Solomon. 
 
 15 H And king Solomon made h two hundred tar- 
 gets of beaten gold : six hundred shekels of beaten 
 gold went to one target. 
 
 16 And three hundred shields made he of beaten 
 gold : three hundred shekels of gold went to one 
 shield. And the king put them 'in the house of 
 the forest of Lebanon. 
 
 17 H Moreover, the king made k a great throne 
 of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold. 
 
 18 And there were six steps to the throne, with 
 a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the 
 throne, and "stays on each side of the sitting place, 
 and ‘two lions standing by the stays : 
 
 19 And m twelve lions stood there on the one 
 side and on the other upon the six steps. There 
 was not the like made in any kingdom. 
 
 20 H And all "the drinking vessels of king Solo- 
 mon were of g old, and all the vessels of the house 
 of the forest of Lebanon were of "pure gold : 
 "none were of silver ; °it was not any thing ac- 
 counted of in the days of Solomon. 
 
 21 For the king’s ships went to i J Tarshish with 
 the servants of Huram : every three years once 
 came the ships of Tarshisli bringing gold, and 
 silver, "ivory, and apes, and ^peacocks. 
 
 22 And king Solomon 'passed all the kings of 
 the earth in riches and wisdom. 
 
 23 H And all the kings of the earth 'sought the 
 presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that 
 'God had put in his heart. 
 
 24 And they brought “every man his present, 
 vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and raiment, 
 harness, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year 
 by year. 
 
 Jer. 33:15,16. Heb. 1:8,9. a 24. 1 King. 9:14. 10:10. b See on 1. Gen. 43:11 
 Ex. 30:34. c See on 8:18. 1 Kings 9:27,28. 10:22. d 1 Kings 10:11. almue- 
 trees. § < >r, stays. Heb. highways, e See on 1 Kings 10:12. 1 Chr. 23:5. 25: 1 . 
 Ps. 9*21— 3. 150:3 — 5. f 1 Kings 10:13. Ps.20:4. Eph. 3:20. g 1 Kings 10:14, 
 15. Ps. 68:29. 72:10,15. || Or, captains, h 12:9,10. See on 1 Kings 10:16,17. 
 il Kings 7:2. k See on 1 Kings 10: 18— 20. Ps. 46:8. Rev. 20:11. 11 Heb. 
 
 hands. I Den. 49:9,10. Num. 23:24. 24:9. Rev. 5:5. m Matt. 19:28. Rev. 21: 
 12. n 1 Kings 10:21. Esth. 1:7. Dan. 5:2,3. ** Hel>. shut up. ft Or, there was 
 no silver in them. o 27. Id. 2:22. Jer. 31:5. p See on 1 Kings 10:22. 22.48 
 Tharshish. Or , elephants' ’eeth. q Job 39:13. r 1:12. 1 Kings 312,13. 
 4:30.31. 10:23,24. Ps. 89:27. Matt. 12:42. Col. 2:2.3. s 6,7. 1 Kings 4:31. Is. 
 11:2,10. l 1:10 — 12. See on 1 Kings 3:28. Prov. 2 6. Dan . 1 : 17. 2 21— 23. 5 II 
 Luke 21:15. 1 Cor. 1:30. 12:8. Eph. 1:17. Jam. 1:5,16,17.3:17. u 9. 1 Sam. 
 10:27. 1 Kings 9:14. 10:10,25. Job 42:11. 
 
 service of God. For our Saviour saith, she came to hear 
 44 the wisdom of Solomon,” and should therefore rise up m 
 judgment against that generation, which would not learn of 
 him. And in 1 Kings 10:1. it is said, the fame that she heard 
 of Solomon was “concerning the name of the Lord winch 
 moved her to this journey.’ Bp. Patrick. — The throne on 
 which Solomon reigned, was the throne of God : for he was 
 God’s vicegerent, and thus 44 king for the Lord his God,” to 
 promote his glory and support religion. (Note, 2:11,12.) 
 
 V. 12. (Note, 1 Kings 10:13.) 4 In 1 Kings 10:13. ... 
 the words are, 44 besides that which Solomon gave her of his 
 royal bounty,” ... here explained (o have been done, to 
 requite her for the great presents she made the king.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 13—21. Notes, 1 Kings 10:14— 22.— Apes, &c. (21) 
 The imports here mentioned indicate, that prosperity had 
 enervated the minds of Solomon and his subjects, and led 
 them to love things curious and uncommon, though useless in 
 themselves: and indeed the East Indian trade has helped to 
 render every nation luxurious and self-indulgent, which has 
 prospered in it, from the beginning to this day. 
 
 V.22— 28. Notes, 1 Kings 4:21. 10:23—20. 
 
 V. 20 — 31. Solomon’s apostaey and idolatry are not at all 
 hinted at in this narration : and ibis forms a cogent argument, 
 that, being repented of and forgiven* they would never he 
 remembered against him to his condimna'ion ; t u*u^h thet 
 
B. C. 975 
 
 CHAPTER X. B. C. 975. 
 
 25 And Solomon had x four thousand stalls for 
 torses and chariots, and twelve thousand horse- 
 nen ; whom he bestowed in the chariot-cities, 
 mil with the king at Jerusalem. 
 
 26 H And he -’reigned over all the kings, from 
 the river even unto the land of the Philistines, 
 md to the border of Egypt. 
 
 27 And ’the king 'made silver in Jerusalem as 
 stones; and cedar-trees made he “as the syca- 
 more-trees that are in <the low plains in abun- 
 dance. 
 
 28 And they b bromrht unto Solomon horses out 
 of Egypt, and out of all lands. 
 
 29 H Now c the rest of the acts of Solomon, first 
 and last, are they not written in the : book of 
 d Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of 
 e Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of rlddo 
 the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat ?, 
 
 30 And ^Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all 
 Israel forty years. 
 
 b. c.-| 31 And Solomon '’slept with his fathers, 
 
 975 ; -I and he was buried in the city of David his 
 father : and Rehoboam his son reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The Israelites , at Shcchem, make Rehoboam kin* ; and wit' Jeroboam require 
 him to lighten 'heir yoke , 1 — 5. Rehoboam, rejecting the advice o’ his 
 fa'her's counsellors, and consulting with thr young men , nnswe s very 
 rough 1 1 /, 6 — 15. The ten tribes revolt , kill Hadxjram, and drive away Reho- 
 bomn, 16 — 19. 
 
 A ND “Rehoboam went to Sbechem : for to 
 "Sheetem were c all Israel come to make him 
 
 king. 
 
 2 And it lame to pass, when ‘'Jeroboam the son 
 of Nebat, who was in E°ypt, whither he had 
 fled from the presence of Solomon the king, heard 
 it, that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. 
 
 3 And ’they sent and called him. So Jero- 
 boam and all Israel came, and spake to Rehoboam, 
 saying, 
 
 4 Thy ( father made our yoke grievous : now 
 therefore ease thou somewhat the ^grievous ser- 
 vitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he 
 put upon us, and we will serve thee. 
 
 5 And he said unto them, ''Come again unto 
 me after three days. And the people departed. 
 
 6 11 And king Rehoboam 'took counsel with the 
 old men that had stood before Solomon his father 
 while he jet lived, saying, k What counsel give ye 
 me to retu m answer to this people ? 
 
 7 And thev spake unto him, saying, 'If thou he 
 kind to this people, and please them, and '"speak 
 
 X 1:14. Deul. 17-16. 1 Kins. 4:26. 10:26. y I Ki/igs 4:21,24. P*. 12:8— It. 
 I an. 7:14. Rev. 19:16. * Thai is, Euphrates. Gen. 15:18. Ex. 23:31. Josh. 
 13:2-7. z 20 1:15. t Kings 10:27, Job 22:24,25. t Heb. gave. a 1 Chr. 
 27:28. Ps. 78:4.. Is. 9:10. Am. 7:14. Luke 19:4. b 25. 1:16. 1 Kings 10:28. 
 Is. 2:7,8. 31:1. c See on 1 Kings 1 1 :41 ,42. t Heb. word*. <1 2 Sam. 7:1— 3. 
 12:1.25. 1 Kings 1:8,10,11,22—27,32—38. I Chr. 29:29. e 1 Kings 11:29. 14:2. 
 
 12:15.13:22. g l Kings 11 :42, 43. h See on 2Sam.7:12. 1 Kings 1 .21 . 2:10. 
 a l Kings 12:1. 1 Chr. 3:10. Matt. 1:7. Rohonm. h Gen. 12:6. Sichem . 37:12, 
 13. Josn. 20:7.24 1. Jndg. 9:1. c. 1 Kings 4:1. 1 Chr. 12:38. <1 1 Kings 11.26, 
 
 28,40. 12.2. e 1 Kings 12:3. f 1 Sam. 8: 11— 18. 1 Kings 12:4. Is. 47:6. Matt. 
 11:29,30.23:4. 1 John 5:3. g Ex. 1 .13.14. 2:23. 1 Kings 4:20,25. 9:22. hi Kings 
 12:5. Prov. 3:28 i Job 1212,13. 32:7. Prov. 27:10. Jer. 42:2— 5,20. k 2 Sam. 
 16:20.17.5,6. I 1 Kings 12:7,8. Prov. 15:1. m Gen. 49:21 . 2 Sam. 15:2 — 6. 
 n 25:15.16. 2Sim. 1714. Prov. 1 :25. 9:9. 19:20. 25:12. Ec. 10:2,3,16. o 6. 
 8 Sam. 17:5,6. Kings22;6 — 8. p 5ee on 4. q 2 Sam. 17:7 — 13. Prov. 21 :30. 
 
 were in one dace recorded for a warning toothers in all future 
 ages. (Notss, 1 Kings 11:) 
 
 In the hoot , &c. (29) ‘ It appears by this, that the prophets 
 . . . were als-> historians, who gave an account of what passed 
 in their times : out of whose work this short history was 
 extracted. . . These three did not join to make one book, 
 but severally and distinctly gave an account of such things as 
 occurred U their knowledge ; out of which, it is probable, 
 Ezra took many things which he na'h supplied in this book.’ 
 5p. Patrick. (Mare. Ref. Preface to 1 Kings. Notes , 1 
 Kings 11:41. 14:19. 1 Chr. 29:19,20.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In proportion as we possess true wisdom, we shall perceive 
 its excellency, and labour to obtain an increase of it : and in 
 the same proportion we shall become more indifferent about 
 worldly wealth, and more liberal in our use of it to good pur- 
 poses, if God has bestowed it upon us. For true wisdom 
 vnd happiness are inseparably combined: but no such 
 alliance is formed between riches and the enjoyment even of 
 this present life. ( Note, Luke 12:15 — 21.) It is therefore far 
 more desirable to be connected with those who can teach us 
 wisdom, than with those who can give us wealth : let us then 
 acquaint ourselves with the divine Saviour, that, becoming 
 his disciples and servants, we may “ find rest for our souls 
 
 good words to them, they will be thy servants fly 
 ever. 
 
 8 But "lie forsook the counsel which the old 
 men gave him, and took counsel with, the young 
 men that were brought up with him, that stood 
 before him. 
 
 9 And he said unto them, “What advice give 
 ye that we may return answer to this people, 
 which have spoken to me, saying, pEase somewhat 
 the yoke that thy father did put upon us? 
 
 10 And the young men that were brought up 
 with him, spake unto him, saying, <iThus shalt 
 thou answer the people that spake unto thee, say- 
 ing, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make 
 thou it somewhat lighter for us ; thus shall thou 
 say unto them, 'My little finger shall be thicker 
 than my father’s loins. 
 
 11 For whereas ’my father 'put a heavy yoke 
 
 upon you, 'I will put more to your yoke : my 
 father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise 
 you with "scorpions. . 
 
 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to 
 Rehoboam on the third day, as the king bade, 
 saying, “Come again to me on the third day. 
 
 13 And the king ^'answered them roughly; and 
 kingRehoboam “forsook the counsel of the old men, 
 
 14 And answered them after b the advice of the 
 young men, saying, c My father made your yoke 
 heavy, hut 1 will add thereto: my father chastised 
 you with whips, but I will chastise you with scor 
 pions. 
 
 15 So the king hearkened not unto the people : 
 for ''the cause was of God, "that the Lord might 
 perform his word, which he spake by the hand ot 
 I'Abijah the .Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of 
 Nebat. 
 
 16 11 And when all Israel sate that the king 
 would not hearken unto them, the people answered 
 the king, saying, sWhat portion have we in 
 David ? and we have none inheritance in h the son 
 of Jesse : every man to your tents, O Israel : and 
 now, ‘David, see to thine own house. k So all 
 Israel went to their tents. 
 
 17 Bui 'as for the children of Israel that dwelt 
 in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over 
 them. 
 
 18 Then king Rehoboam sent "’Hadornm, that 
 was over the tribute ; and the children of Israel 
 "stoned him with stones, that he died. But king 
 Rehoboam ’made speed to get him up to his cha- 
 riot, to flee to Jerusalem. 
 
 Is. 19:11— 13. r 1 Kings 1-2:10,11. Prov. 10: 14. 13:16. 14: 16. I8:G. 7. 25:25. 29: 
 23. a See on 4 § Heb. laded. I Ex. I -13,1 1. 5:5-9,18. I Sam. 8: 18. Is. 47: 
 
 6.53-6. Jer. 28:13,1-1. Mall. 11:29. n Luke 10:19. Rev. 9:3,5,10. x 5. 1 Kings 
 12:12—15. v Gen. 42:1,30. Kx. 10:28. 1 Sam. 25: 10.1 1. 1 Kings 20:6— 11. 
 Prov. 15:1. n 8. b 22:4,5. Prov. 12:5. Dan. 6:7. c See on 10.11. Prov. 17: 
 14. Ec. 2:19. 7:8. 10:16. Jam. 3:14— 18. 4:1,2. d 25:16-20. Deni. 2:30. Jiulg. 
 14:4. 1 Sam. 2:25. 1 Kings 22:20. Acts 2:23. 4:28. e Ser or 1 Kings 11 :29— 39. 
 John 12:37— 39. 19 24.32— 36. f See or 9:29. g2Sam.20:l. 1 Kings 12:16,17. 
 h 1 Sam. 20-27,30,31. 22:7,9,13. i2 Sam. 7:15,16. 1 Kings 11:13,34-39. 1 Chr. 
 17:14. Ps. 2:1— 6. 76:10.89:29— 37. 132:17. Is. 9:6,7. 11:1. Jer. 33:20,21 .25,26. 
 Ev. 37:24.25. Am. 9:11. Luke 1:32,33. 19:14,21. Acts 2:39. I for. 15:25. Ilev. 
 22:16. k 19. Jmlg. 8:35. 8 Sam. 15:13. 16:11. John 6:66. 7 53. 1 11:1. 1 Kings 
 11:36.12:17. m 1 Kings 4:6. 5: 14. Adoniram. 12: 18. Adoram. n 24:21. Acts 
 1:51,38. f Heli. strengthened himself. 
 
 and we shall in that case see more glory, experience more 
 pleasure, and appropriate more riches, than our hearts can 
 previously conceive. He will and can u do for us exceed- 
 ing abundantly above all that we ask or think and the 
 meanest of his servants will be great above all the ungodly 
 princes of the earth : nor can they be separated from him 
 though, while present with the body they are absent from tb 
 Lord, as to the full and immediate enjoyment of his presence 
 and communion with him. Next to this, let us value the 
 acquaintance of those who love and serve him, that we may 
 hear the wisdom that w God hath put into their hearts and 
 let us follow them as far as they follow Christ, but no further, 
 whatever may be their reputation in the church. — Seeing 
 God buries in the depth of the sea the sins of his believing 
 servants, we shuuld be tender of their reputations, as well as 
 careful to avoid their mistakes and faults. — As to worldly 
 grandeur, what is it, that we should covet it ? Neither autho- 
 rity, wealth, magnificence, nor reputation for wisdom, can 
 ward off the stroke of death, or prepare us for it, or reconcile 
 us to it. But u thanks be to God, who giv< th victory” to the 
 true believer, even over this dreadful enemy, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. X. Y. 1—19. Notes, 1 King* 4UA, 
 11:1—8,34—40. 12:1—20. 
 
 f ~63 ) 
 
H C J75 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 974. 
 
 19 And ’Israel rebelled against the house of 
 David runto this day. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 Rehoboam, preparing to reduce Israel , is forbidden by the prophet Shemeiah, 
 l — 4. lie builds and fortifies several cities, 5—12. The priests axvL Leviios , 
 being cast off by Jeroboam, resort to Jerusalem, attended by other purus 
 Israelites, 13 — 17. liehoboam' s wives and children , 18 — 23. 
 
 A ND d when liehoboam was come to Jerusa- 
 lem, he gathered of the house of Judah and 
 Benjamin b a hundred and fourscore thousand 
 chosen men, which were warriors, to fight against 
 Israel, that he might bring the kingdom again to 
 Rehoboam. 
 
 2 But the word of the Lord came c to She- 
 maiah d the man of God, saying, 
 
 3 Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon, 
 king of Judah, and e to all Israel in Judah and 
 Benjamin, saying, 
 
 4 Thus saith the Lord, Ye shall not go up, nor 
 fight r against your brethren: ^return every man 
 to his house : h for this thing is done of me. And 
 ‘they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned 
 from going against Jeroboam. 
 
 5 IT And Rehoboam dwelt in Jerusalem, and 
 Jbuilt cities for defence in Judah. 
 
 6 He built even k Beth-lehem, and ‘Etam, and 
 m Tekoa, 
 
 o 16. 13:5—7. 1 Kings 12:19,20. 2 Kings 17:21—23. p 5:9. Josh. 4:9. Ezra 9:7. 
 a See on 1 Kings 12:21. b Ps. 33:10, 16. Prov. 21 :30,3l . c 12:7,15. 1 Kings 
 12:22—24. d 8:14. See on Dent. 33:1. 1 Sam. 2:27. 1 Tim. 6:11. e Geu. 49: 
 28. Ex. 24:4. 2 Kings 17:34. Phil. 3:5. Rev. 7:4—8. f Geu. 13:8. 2 Sam. 2:26. 
 Acts 7:26. 1 Cor. 6:5— 8. Heb. 13:1. t Pet. 3:8. 1 John 3:11— 13. g 10:16. 
 1 Kings 22:36. h See on 10:15. Gen. 50:20. 1 Kings 11:29—38. Hob. 8:4. i 25. 
 7 — 10. 28:9 — 15. j 8:2-6. 14:6,7. 16:6. 17:12.26:6.27:4. Is. 22:8— 11. k Gen. 
 35:19. 1 Sam. 17:12. Matt. 2:5,6. 1 Judg. 15:8. lChr.4:32. m 20:20 . 2 Sam. 
 14:2. Neh. 3.5,27. Jer. 6:1. Am. 1:1. n Josh. 15:58. o Josh. 15:35. Soco/l. 
 p Joel). 12:15. 15:35. 1 Sam. 22:1.' 2 Sam. 23:13. Mic. 1:15. q 1 Chr. 18:1. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The wisest of mere men in some things act imprudently, 
 especially when, by sin, they provoke God to leave them to 
 themselves : nay, the most equitable princes may be betrayed 
 into partial, oppressive, or unwarrantable measures ; and this 
 is the general consequence of being drawn, by their favourites, 
 or their passions, into lavish expenses. Thus, some cause of 
 complaint must exist in every kingdom, of which turbulent 
 and ambitious men will avail themselves. (Note, 2 Sam. 15: 
 1 — 6. P. O. 1 — 12.) For, while we all need so many 
 
 allowances for ourselves , we are naturally indisposed to make 
 allowances for others. Indeed, very many would be dissa- 
 tisfied, even if God were to place over them perfectly wise 
 and righteous governors : for do they not murmur against his 
 own most righteous dispensations ? Do they not regard his 
 holy law as a heavy yoke, a grievous servitude ? and are not 
 they ungrateful for his manifold goodness ? Nay, the very 
 kingdom of the Prince of peace, though his throne is established 
 in mercy, does not give satisfaction. Numbers “ will not 
 have him to reign over them;” numbers of ’his professed 
 subjects neglect his service because they think him an austere 
 Lord ; numbers renounce their professed subjection to him, 
 and prefer the yoke of sin and Satan ; and alas ! the impa- 
 tience, the negligence, the reluctancy to his service, which 
 most if not all Christians at some times discover, evince that 
 they want somewhat to be eased even of his yoke. Yet, his 
 wisdom, righteousness, truth, goodness, and mercy are infi- 
 nite ; “ his yoke is easy and his burden light and the whole 
 blame of our uneasiness rests, upon ourselves alone. This 
 reflection should teach us to w abhor ourselves,” and to pray 
 continually, “ Turn thou me, and so shall I be turned.” 
 And, being so culpable ourselves, we should learn to bear 
 with the perverseness of others, and to prefer lenient to 
 violent measures; and experienced to inexperienced coun- 
 sellors. But nothing manifests greater folly than affronting, 
 menacing language, when united with indecision and weakness 
 in perilous circumstances. — No man can bequeath his pros- 
 perity, any more than his wisdom, to his heirs * though our 
 children will generally be affected by our conduct. Let us 
 then seek those good things which will be our own for ever ; 
 and implore the blessing of God upon our posterity, in 
 preference to wealth or worldly exaltation : let us lay our 
 account with vicissitudes and vexations on earth, and with 
 fickleness and ingratitute from man : and let us learn to 
 depend on the power, faithfulness, and love of that God, who, 
 in correcting his children, or punishing his enemies, will never 
 fail of performing his largest promises to those who trust in 
 him. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XI. V. 1—4. Note, 1 Kings 12:21 — 
 24. 
 
 V. 5 — 12. (Marg. Ref.) Thq Lord did not permit 
 
 Rehoboam to wage war against the newly erected kingdom 
 of Israel; yet it was allowable and prudent for him to take 
 all proper measures, for the defence of his remaining domi- 
 -lions : this he did by repairing and fortifying several cities, to 
 obstruct the entrance, or retard the progress, of 'Jeroboam 
 ana his troops, in case he should attempt an invasion. — 
 Perhaps he was become weary of his young counsellors, and 
 % -64 ) 
 
 7 And “Beth-zur, ann °Shoco, and pAdullam, 
 
 8 And | )Gath, and ’Mareshah, and “Ziph, 
 
 9 And Adoraini, and ‘LacJiish, and Azekah, 
 
 10 And "Zorah, and Aijalon, and x Hebron, 
 which are in Judah and in Benjamin, fenced cities. 
 
 11 And he fortified the strong-holds, and put 
 ^captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil 
 and wine. 
 
 12 And in every several city he l put shields and 
 spears, and made them exceeding strong, “having 
 Judah and Benjamin on his side. 
 
 13 And the priests and the Levites that were 
 in all Israel ‘resorted to him out of all their coasts. 
 
 14 (For the Levites left b their suburbs and c their 
 possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem : 
 lor d Jeroboam and his sons had*cast them off from 
 executing the priest’s office unto the Lord. 
 
 15 And he ordained him priests for the high 
 places, and e for (he devils, and f for the calves 
 which he had made.) 
 
 16 And rafter them, out of all the tribes of 
 Israel, such as b set their hearts to seek the Lord 
 God of Israel came to Jerusalem, ‘to sacrifice 
 unto the Lord God of their fathers. 
 
 17 So they k strengthened the kingdom of Judah, 
 and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, 
 
 r Josh. 13:44. s Josh. 15:24. 1 Sam. 23:14,19. Ps. 54: title, t 32:9. Josh. 10: 
 5,11. 15:35,39. u Josh. 15:33. Zoi eah. 19:41,42. Ajalon. x Gen. 23:2. Nuro. 
 13:22. Josh. 1411. 20:7. 2 Sam. 2:11. y 23. 17:19. z 26.14,15.32:5. 1 Sam. 
 13:19,22. a See on 1. * Heb. presented themselves to him. b Num. 35:2 — 5. 
 Josh. 21:20-42. 1 Chr. 6:66— 81. c Lev. 27:30— 34. Num. 18:21—28. d 13:9. 
 1 Kings 12:28—33. 13:33. e Lev. 17:7. 1 eut. 32:17. 1 Cor. 10:20,21. 1 Tim. 4:1. 
 Rev. 16:14. f Ex. 32-4—8,31. 1 Kings 12:28. 14:9. Ps. 106:19,20. Hos. 8:5,6. 
 13 2. g 15:9. 30:11,18,19. Josh. 22:19. h Ex. 3:21. mare. Dent. 32:4G. 1 Sam. 
 7:3,4. I Chr. 22:19. Job 34:14. Ps. 62: 10. 108:1 . Dan. 6:14. Hos. 4:8. Hag. 1:5. 
 marg. Acts 11:23. i Deni. 12:5,6,11,13,14. 1 Chr. 16:29.22:1. k 12:1. 
 
 disposed to hearken to more sage advisers : and his remain- 
 ing subjects were very hearty and united in his interests. — 
 Etam (6) belonged to Simeon, (1 Chr. 4:32.) and Zorah and 
 Aijalon (10) to Dan. (Josh. 19:40 — 42.) So that some cities 
 of the other tribes, beside Judah and Benjamin, remained 
 under the government of Rehoboam. 
 
 V. 13 — 17. When Jeroboam had established the worship 
 of the golden calves, in order to prevent his subjects from 
 going to Jerusalem ; (Notes, 1 Kings 12:25 — 33.) it is proba- 
 ble, that all the priests and Levites unanimously protested 
 against his idolatry ; and were therefore laid aside, to make 
 way for a more compliant priesthood. As Jeroboam esta 
 blished no other idolatry than that of the calves ; the ! anguage 
 here employed teaches us, that the worship paid to tnem was 
 actually rendered to devils ; though he professed, and proba- 
 bly intended, by them to worship the God of Israel. For it 
 was in a way which he had expressly prohibited, and which 
 was infinitely dishonourable to him ; and therefore it was 
 acceptable to Satan alone, and his destestable associates in 
 rebellion. (Note, Lev. 17:3 — 7, i>. 7.) — The word rendered 
 devils, in the texts of the New Testament referred to, is 
 daifiUsV demon; (Marg. Ref. e.) which often in heathen 
 writers, has a good sense ; that is, it is used for the objects oi 
 their worship: but these were evil spirits; and the word has 
 always a bad meaning in Scripture, and denotes abominable 
 idols, and evil spirits as worshipped under their names. Holy 
 angels are never called demons. — It is not certain whether 
 Jeroboam had deprived the priests and Levites of their clues, 
 to maintain his new priesthood : but it seems, that, for the 
 present, they might have retained their cities, suburbs, and 
 possessions, if they would have remained inactive ; yet, their 
 situation would have been extremely ensnaring and perilous, 
 and it afforded them little or no prospect of usefulness. In 
 the days of David and Solomon, they had become generally 
 attached to the worship of God at the sanctuary, as well as 
 to the royal family of Judah : and, as a body, they seem to 
 have been more pious and zealous, than at any other period* 
 they therefore magnanimously determined, with one consent, 
 to desert their cities and possessions, and entirely to leave 
 the apostate Israelites, thus u shaking off the very dust of 
 their feet for a testimony against them.” — Jeroboam probably 
 was glad to be rid of them : but they were cordially w elcomed 
 by the king and people of Judah ; and doubtless were provided 
 for among their brethren, w hoso emoluments must thus have 
 been greatly reduced. It is probable, that scarcely any 
 either of the priests or Levites remained behind on this occa- 
 sion, for we read nothing of them in the subsequent history of 
 Israel. This must he allowed to have been as noble a testi- 
 mony for the cause of God, against apostates and idolaters, as 
 any history has recorded of a whole body of professed 
 ministers. — Along with them numbers of the pious Israelites 
 left their estates, and came to unite with the tribes of Judah 
 and Benjamin. They might bring away w ith them many of 
 their effects : and, as the land afforded room enough for 
 them, their numbers and treasures greatly strengthened the 
 kingdom of Judah, and rendered it almost equal in force to 
 that of Israel. But the chief advantage was, that nearly all 
 the true religion of the nation was concentrated in that d’v*- 
 
B. 971 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 B. C. 971 
 
 three yeai* : for ’three years they walked 3n the 
 way of David and Solomon. 
 
 16 If Arvl Rehoboam took him Mahalath the 
 daughter of Jcrimoth the son of David to wife, 
 and Abihail the daughter of m Eliab the son of 
 Jesse : . 
 
 19 Which bare him children, Jeush, and Sha- 
 mariah, and Zaham. 
 
 20 A fid after her he took "Maachah the daugh- 
 ter of “Absalom ; which bare him rAbijah, and 
 Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith. 
 
 21 And Rehoboam loved Maachah the daugh- 
 ter of Absalom above all his wives and his con- 
 cubines : (for he took ‘‘eighteen wives, and three- 
 score concubines; and bega,t twenty and eight 
 sons, and threescore daughters.) 
 
 22 And Rehoboam r made Abijah the son of 
 Maachah the chief, to be ruler among his brethren: 
 for he thought to make him king. 
 
 I 1:1—12.7: 17 — 19. 8:13 — 16. Hos.6:4. Matl. 13:20,21. m 1 Sum. 16:6. 17:13, 
 28. I Chr. 2:13. 27:18. Elihu. n 21. 13:2. Michaiahlhe daughter of Uriel . 
 o 1 Kings 15:2. Abishalom. p 12:16. 1 Kings 15:1. Abijam. Matt. 1:7. Abia. 
 q 23. Deut. 17:17. Jmlg. 8:30. 2 Sam. 3:2—5. 5:13. I Kings 11:3. 1 Chr. 3: 1 — 9. 
 Cant. 6:8,9. r Dent. 21: 15— 17. 1 Chr. 5:1,2.29:1. s 10:8— 15. Luke 16:8. 
 t 21:3. Gen. 25:6. 1 Kings 1:5,6. u 1 1 . * Heb. a multitude of wives. See on 21. 
 
 3ion of it. Accordingly, for three years the kingdom of 
 Judah was greatly strengthened ; while the king and the 
 people in general adhered to the worship of God, as in the 
 days of David, and in the best times of Solomon ; but after- 
 wards matters took another turn. — It is not probable, that 
 Solomon would have been thus joined with David, as the 
 good pattern which Rehoboam and his subjects followed, if 
 he had persevered and perished in his apostacy. 
 
 Jeroboam and his sons. (14) 4 His sons were his principal 
 counsellors, and assistants in the change he made in religion.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 18 — 21. Rehoboam imitated his father in multiplying 
 wives, but not to the same enormous excess : and he does not 
 appear to have married any heathen women. 
 
 Daughter of Eliab. (18) Eliab was David’s eldest bro- 
 ther; yet more than eighty years had elapsed, since David, 
 at the age of thirty, began to reign. Abihail must, therefore, 
 have been granddaughter, or great granddaughter to Eliab, 
 and this shows the latitude in which the words son and daughter 
 are used in Scripture, for a descendant, even after several 
 intervening generations. (Note, Ruth 4:18 — 22.) 
 
 The daughter of Absalom. (20) It is said of Abijah, that 
 w his mother’s name was Michaiah the daughter of Uriel of 
 Gibeah.” (13:2.) Gibeah belonged to Benjamin, and proba- 
 bly Absalom, here mentioned, was a Benjamite. (Note, 
 
 1 Kings 15:1—3.) 
 
 V. 22, 23. Rehoboam acted from partial affection, and by 
 his own authority, in advancing Abijah above his elder 
 brethren : whereas, God himself chose Solomon to be king in 
 preference to David’s other sons. (Note, 1 Chr. 29:1.) It is 
 probable, that Rehoboam’s conduct gave umbrage to his other 
 sons ; and that he dispersed them, in the fenced cities, in ho- 
 nourable and affluent situations, to prevent their uniting 
 against Abijah : but perhaps he also confided m them to retain 
 these cities in their duty, and to defend them against the com- 
 mon enemy. Whatever were his motive, it was deemed good 
 policy by his contemporaries. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is commonly more prudent to manage moderate posses- 
 sions well, than to risk losing them by grasping at greater 
 advantages: and when an egregious error has exposed us to 
 some heavy loss, it is generally wisest to sit down by it, lest 
 we be betrayed into still more fatal mistakes. — It is in vain to 
 contend with the purpose of God, when he makes it known 
 unto us: and, as his word declares that none shall enjoy dura- 
 ble peace in the practice of wickedness, it is madness to ex- 
 pect it ;\et, by tins rule of judgment, what a world of madness 
 and folly do we live in ! — Even those who are destitute of true 
 faith and grace, frequently pay some regard to the word of 
 God, and, for a time, are restrained by it from actions, to 
 which they are inclined, and do many things which are dis- 
 agreeable to them : and even this temporary faith, and external 
 obedience, are often recompensed with temporary and exter- 
 nal advantages. — In seasons of prevailing ungodliness and 
 public disturbances, the ministers of religion will be exposed 
 to peculiar trials; as they must either act contrary to their 
 consciences or expose themselves to great loss and peril. 
 This is the time, when God puts the sincerity of their faith 
 and iove to the proof: on these great occasions, he peculiarly 
 calls upon them to bear testimony to his truth, and to protest 
 at all events, against enormous evils, by whom whomsoever 
 patronised. As connivance and silence in such a case are 
 very criminal : so it is peculiarly honourable to God, and con- 
 vincing to the consciences of men, when they readily renounce 
 l eir secular interests, and stand up boldly for the cause of 
 (JLd, without regarding consequences : nor will such behaviour 
 ever lose its reward. — It may be their duty to retire from such 
 places as will not receive their testimony, where? they can do 
 wo good, where their temptations are great, an * 1 , where they 
 
 23 And ‘he dealt wisely, and ‘dispersed of 
 all his children throughout all the countries o. 
 Judah and Benjamin, unto “every fenced city : 
 and he gave them victual in abundance. And he 
 desired 'many wives. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Rehoboam forsakes Ood , and Shiehak king of Egypt invades Judah, 1 — 4 
 Rehoboam and his princes, being warned by Shetnaia/i , humble themselves , 
 and., though spoiled , ate not destroyed , 5—12. 'Rehoboam' e reign and death. 
 Abijah succeeds him, 13 — 16. 
 
 A ND it came to pass, “when Rehoboam had 
 established the kingdom, and had strengthened 
 himself, b he forsook the law of the Lord, and “all 
 Israel with him. 
 
 2 Ami it came to pass, that in the fifth year of 
 king Rehoboam, d Shishak king of Egypt came up 
 against Jerusalem, “because they had transgressed 
 against the Lord, 
 
 3 With i twelve hundred chariots, and three 
 score thousand horsemen: and the people were 
 
 n 13. 11:17. b 26:13—16. Dent. 6:10—12. 8:10-14. 32:15. 1 Kines 9:9. Jer. 2: 
 31. Hos. 13:1,6— 8. c 11:3. 1 Kings 12:17. 14:22— 24 . 2 Kines 17:19. flos. 5: 
 
 10,11. Mic. 6:16. cl Seeon 1 Kings 11:40. 14:25,26. e 7 : 19,20. 36: 14— 1 9. 
 Jurtg. 2:13— 15..1 Chr. 28:9. Neb. 9:26,27. Ps. 106:43,44. Is. 63:10. Jer.2:19. 
 44:22,23. Lam. 5:15.16. fJudg.4:13. 1 Sam. 13:5. 2 Sam. 10:18. 
 
 may be exposed to still fiercer persecutions: and in that case 
 no possessions or connexions ought fo be regarded. — When 
 the ministers and ordinances of God are driven from any 
 place, it is time for them, 44 who set their hearts to seek the 
 Lord,” to come out and be separate, that they may not be 
 seduced to have fellowship with the worshippers and servants 
 of Satan. Trials of this kind, serve to separate the chaff 
 from the wheat; and indeed untried faith is not much to be 
 depended on: but when we have been proved, and it appears, 
 that we are willing to renounce our worldly interests, as far 
 as called to it, for the sake of Christ and the gospel, we have 
 got one good evidence that we are truly his disciples. — Those 
 ministers should be welcomed and encouraged, who evidently 
 prefer their work, with a good conscience, to their posses- 
 sions ; and if things were as they should be, their more affluent 
 brethren would readily share their emoluments with them, if 
 they saw them destitute. — It is genuine policy for any king- 
 dom to entertain such as are willing to leave their estates and 
 native country, purely for conscience’ sake ; for they will 
 prove the strength and bulwark of the state, which gives 
 them a comfortable asylum. But 44 I-chabod, the glory is de- 
 parted,” may be written on that kingdom which drives them 
 away, by superstitious or idolatrous impositions, and by per- 
 secutions. — Nothing can injure us, while we keep close to the 
 worship and service of God: but without true faith and grace, 
 all apparent zeal and external profession will at length wither. 
 Yet mjny deem themselves good and righteous, because they 
 are not so faulty, in the best part of their character, as some 
 eminently godly persons were in the greatest blemishes of 
 their lives ! — It is indeed well, when those, who begin foolishly, 
 grow wiser by experience: but alas! that wisdom is of little 
 value, which is engrossed by the care of secular interests, to 
 the neglect of the immortal soul, through the indulgence of 
 worldly lusts, and departing from the living God. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V.l. Rehoboam’s religion seems 
 to have proceeded wholly from his fears of being given up into 
 the hands of Jeroboam : when therefore he was become so 
 strong, that, as he supposed, he had nothing to apprehend 
 from that quarter, he became openly rebellious and idolatrous. 
 (Note, 1 Kings 14:22 — 24.) The leading men also and the 
 bulk of the nation, so generally and openly renounced the 
 worship of God at the temple, that it was adjudged a national 
 apostacy. — The ten tribes had before apostatized with Jenv* 
 boam ; and when Rehoboam, with Judah and Benjamin, fol- 
 lowed their example, 44 all Israel,” as a nation, 44 had forsaken 
 the law of the Lord ;” and the pious remnant formed only a 
 few exceptions to the general rule. 
 
 V. 2. (Note, 1 Kings 14:25 — 28.) It is probable, that 
 Shishak was of another family than Pharaoh, whose daughter 
 Solomon had married ; and was excited to this invasion by the 
 reports of the immense treasures, which that prince had col- 
 lected at Jerusalem, with the division in his dominions, and 
 the weakness of Rehoboam’s administration. But the Lord 
 gave him power to execute his rapacious purposes ; which he 
 would not have done, if the people had not transgressed against 
 him. 
 
 In the fifth year.] ‘Their apostacy was in the fourth year; 
 . . . therefore God speedily corrected them, that he might 
 reduce them to his service, before they were settled in their 
 impiety.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 3, 4. (Marg. Ref.) The Lubims were the inhabitants 
 of Lybia, adjoining to Egypt on the west: the Sukkiims are 
 supposed to have beei\the people called Troglodytes, because 
 they dwelt in caves, (rpwyAa(j :) and the Ethiopians, probably, 
 were the inhabitants of Ethiopia to the south of Egypt. — It is 
 likely that several of Rehoboam’s sons were slain, or taken 
 captive, by Shishak, when he took the cities in which they 
 governed. (Note, 11:22,23.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. While the king and his nobles were consulting 
 
 ( 765 ) 
 
B. C. 971 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 958. 
 
 <wit.y-.nut number that came with liim out of 
 Ee-ypt; the ''Lubims, the Sukkiims, and the 
 Ethiopians. 
 
 ■4 And lie took k tlie fenced cities which per- 
 tained to Judah, and 'came to Jerusalem. 
 
 5 IT Tuen came n, Shemaiah the prophet to Reho- 
 hoam, and to the princes of Judah, that were 
 gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shi- 
 shak, and said unto tliem, Thus saith the Loud, 
 "Ye liave forsaken me, and therefore have I also 
 “left you in the hand of §hishak. 
 
 6 Whereupon the princes of Israel, and the 
 king Phurnbled themselves; and they said, tThe 
 Lord is righteous. • 
 
 7 And when r the Lord saw that they humbled 
 themselves, the word of the Lord came to She- 
 maiah, saying, They have humbled tliemselves ; 
 therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant 
 them 'some deliverance; s and my wrath shall not 
 be poured out upon Jerusalem by the hand of 
 Shishak. 
 
 8 Nevertheless, ‘they shall be his servants; that 
 "they may know my service, and the service of the 
 kingdoms of the countries. 
 
 9 So ’Shishak king of Egypt came up against 
 Jerusalem, and x took away the treasures of the 
 house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king’s 
 house; he took all; he carried away also Hhe 
 shields of gold which Solomon had made. 
 
 c 14:9. Jrnls. 6:5. Rev. 9:16. Iil6;8. Ez. 30:5. Niih. 3:9. i 14:12. 16:8. Is. 
 43:3. Dan. 11:43. Nall. 3:9. Cushim. Heb. Gen. 10.6— 8. k 11:5—12. Is. 36:1. 
 Jer. 5:10. 1 2 Kings 18:17. I«. 8:8. 10:11. m 11:2. 1 Kings 12 22. n See on 1 , 
 2.15:2. Dent. 28:15, 4c. Jmlg. 10:9— 14. If hr. 28:9. Jer. 2:19. 4:18. 5:19 23: 
 33. o 2 Sam. 24:11. Ps. 37 33. |. 32:26 . 33: 12,19,23. Ex . 10:3. Lev. 26:40,41 . 
 
 1 Kings 8:37 — 39. Ps. 78:34.35. Jer. 44:10. Dan. 5:22. Hos.5.15. Luke 18:14. 
 Jam. 4 10 q Ex. 9:27. Juilg. 1.7. Jub 33:27. Ps. 129:4. Lam. 1:18. Dan. 9:14. 
 Rom. 10:3. r Jutlg. 1015, t6. 1 Kings 21:28,29. Jer. 3:13. Luke 15:18— 21. 
 
 Or, a little while. 2 Kings 13:4 — 7,2.8. Am. 7,6—8. s 34:21,25. Ps. 79:6. Is. 
 2-23. Jer. 7:20. Rev. 14: 11,'. 16:2— 17. I Is. 26:13. n Deut. 23:47,48. Judg. 3: 
 ,2. Jer. 10.24. Hos. 8:10. v 1 Kings 14:25,26. x 1 Kings 15:18. 2 Kings 16:8. 
 
 »hat measures to adopt, in this dangerous extremily, and per- 
 laps were about to surrender to the conqueror; the prophet, 
 n a few words, reminded them, that Shishak’s power over 
 them was the effect of the Lord’s righteous indignation, who 
 was contending with them for their apostacy. The time and 
 circumstances indeed of their affliction evidently proclaimed 
 this truth, yet they had no' before attended to it; but this mes- 
 sage had an immediate effect upon them; for they humbled 
 themselves, and acknowledged the justice of God in their 
 punishment. ( Marg. Ref . p .) An external reformation, and 
 a regard to the worship at the temple, during the remainder 
 of Rehoboam’s reign, followed this humiliation; but itVcnt no 
 further, at least with him. 
 
 V. 7—11. (Notes, Judg. 3:1,2. I Kings 21:27—29. Ps. 
 7(1:10.) It is probable, that Shishak had intended to give up 
 the city to be plundered by his army : but God suddenly 
 disposed him to greater moderation and clemency lhan could 
 possibly have been expected from such a man in his circum- 
 stances. So that he contented himsdf with emptying the 
 treasures of the temple and of the king, and carrying away 
 the golden shields which Solomon had made for magnificence 
 rather than fir use: (Notes, 1 Kings 10:10,17. 14:25 — 28.) 
 and he did not proceed to rob the temple of its sacred vessels. 
 Neither did he deprive llie inhabitants of their private pro- 
 perty ; but perhaps he exacted a sum of money, in token of 
 their becoming bis .servants. He was, however, permitted 
 thus far to prevail, that Rehoboa’n and bis subjects might 
 experience the different effects of keeping close to the wor- 
 ship of God, as in the prosperous days of David and Solo- 
 mon ; and of renouncing his service, and in consequence 
 being reduced under the power of the conqueror, and pre- 
 served from entire ruin, merely by his unexpected clemency 
 on their unreserved submission. ‘He resolved lo let them 
 Jeel the difference between him, and all other lords and mas- 
 ters; and how much more happy they were while they con- 
 tinued to worship and serve him, than when they fell under 
 a foreign yoke.’ Bp. Patrick . 
 
 V. 12. Phings went well.] Or, “yet in Judah there were 
 good things:” (marg.) that is, there were a number of true 
 Believers, spiritual worshippers, and servants of God, espe- 
 cially such as came out of Israel ; for whose sake Rehoboam 
 and' the kingdom were spared: so that we read no more of 
 Shishak, who, by one means or other, was kept from coming 
 to extort anv further tribute or services from them. ( Notes, 
 Gen. 32:6—28. 33:4.) 
 
 V. 13. The city, &c.) It was a peculiar honour con- 
 ferred on Rehoboam for his father’s sake, and his greatest 
 advantage, that he reigned in that city which the Lord had 
 chosen as the place of his temple, and instituted vyorship ; 
 (Marg. Ref. d, e.) but it seems to be here mentioned as an 
 aggravation of the guilt of his ungodliness. 
 
 V. 14. Rehoboam’s religion was a reluctant, formal ser- 
 vice; his heart was ndt engaged; he never called upon “all 
 ihat was within him to praise the Lord,” and he did not desire 
 ( 766 ) 
 
 10 Instead of which, king Rehohoam made 
 ‘shields of brass, and committed them to the hands 
 of “the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance 
 of the king’s house. 
 
 11 And when the king entered into the house 
 of the Lord, the guard came and fetched them, 
 and brought them again into the guard-cham- 
 ber. 
 
 12 And b when he humbled himself, the wrath 
 of the Lord turned from him, that he would not 
 destroy him altogether: and 'also in Judah things 
 went well. 
 
 13 H So king Rehoboam strengthened himself in 
 Jerusalem, and reigned : for ‘Rehoboam u-as one 
 and forty years old .when he began to reign, and 
 he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, d the city 
 which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes 
 of Israel, Ho put his name there. And his mo- 
 ther’s name leas Naamah, tan Arnmonitess. 
 
 14 And he did evil, because ehe Tprepared not 
 his heart h to seek the Lord. 
 
 15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, 'first and last, 
 are they not written in the Shook of k Shemaiah 
 the prophet, and of 'Iddo the seer concerning ge- 
 nealogies ? And there were ""wars between Reho- 
 hoam and Jeroboam continually. 
 
 16 And Rehoboam "slept with his fathers, and 
 was buried in the cify of David: and “Ahijah his 
 son reigned in his stead. 
 
 18:15,16. Lam. 1:10. y 9:15,16. 1 Kings 10:16,17. z 1 Kings 14:27,28. Lam. 
 4:1. a 2 Sam. 8:18.23:23. I (’hr. 11:25. Cant. 3:7,8. b See on 6,7. Lam. 3: 
 22,33,42. 1 Or ,yct in Judah there irere good things. 19:3. Gen. 18:24. 1 Kinca 
 14:13. Is. 6:13. c 13:7. 1 Kings 14:21. d See on 6:6. Ps. 48:1— 3. 78:68,6$. 
 e Ex. 2(1.24. Dent. 12:5,11. Ez. 48:35. f Pent. 23:3. IKingslll. Neh. 13:1, 
 26. g 11:16.19:3.30:19. 1 Nam. 7:3. 1 Cbr. 29:18. Ps. 78:8. * Heb .fixed. Ps. 
 57:7.78:37. 1 Cor. 15:58. 16:13. h Ps. 105:3,4, Is. 45: 19. 55:6,7. Mail. 7:7. 
 i 9:29. § Heb. words, k 5. 1 Kings 12:22. 1 13:22. m 1 Kings 14:30. n See 
 on 1 Kings 14:29 — 31. o 13:1. 1 Kings 14:31. Abijam. 1 Chr. 3:10. Matt. 1:7. 
 Abia. 
 
 that preparation of an humble, believing, and pious disposi- 
 tion of heart, which is requisite in order to worship God 
 spiritually and with delight. This was the scource of his 
 instability ; and thus he was easily drawn into open ungodli- 
 ness and wickedness. {Marg. and Marg. Ref . Notes , 11: 
 13—17, v. 16. 30:16—20, v. 19. 1 Chr. 29:10—19, v. 18. 
 Ps. 78:9—11.) 
 
 V. 15, 16. Notes, 9:29—31. 1 Kings 14:30. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is a very common, but most lamentable case, that men, 
 who in distress or danger, or apparently near death, seem 
 very much engaged in seeking God, often throw aside their 
 religion when they have received a merciful deliverance. 
 But the warning, u Sin no more, lest a worse thing come 
 unto thee, 1 ’ deserves the most serious consideration of all 
 who are tempted to such base ingratitude. {Note, John b: 
 10 — 14, v. 14.) The Lord can soon arrest them by renewed 
 afflictions; reduce them to still greater extremities; and 
 bring trouble upon them from those quarters whence it was 
 least expected. — Ungodly prosperity serves only to increase 
 vain confidence, and to invite rapacity, without affording any 
 real security; and all methods of defence prove ineffectual, 
 when an angry God “arises to that judgment, which he hath 
 commanded.” — Every affliction has a voice, and delivers a 
 message from the Lord ; but sinners do not regard or under- 
 stand : it is therefore, a singular mercy when he sends them 
 “an interpreter,” to explain the voice of his rod by that of 
 his word. (Note, Job. 33:19 — 26.) — Humiliation before God 
 for sin, with unreserved acknowledgments that he is just in 
 all that he inflicts or threatens, is essential to true repent- 
 ance : but this may he counterfeited both by word fnd deed. 
 Yet, when there arc merely external appearances of contri- 
 tion, our merciful God will often grant respites, in order to 
 encourage true penitents, by showing his readiness to forgive. 
 This is especially the case in his dealings with sinful nations: 
 for a general external humiliation before God, under national 
 judgments, is a good evidence that their iniquities are not 
 yet full: and when there is a number of true believers among 
 them, who are protected from oppression and persecution ; 
 the Lord will grant some deliverance, and his “ w'rath shall 
 not be poured out upon them” as yet. — Amidst all our 
 abounding iniquity, impiety, and infidelity, these kingdom* 
 seem hitherto to have been spared on these accounts: may 
 he reform, and not destroy us! — When the Lord is pleased 
 to show mercy, he can dispose the hardest hearts to com- 
 passion ; the most rapacious, to moderation; and the most 
 impious, to fear profaning sacred things: for he rules the 
 impetuous lusts of men as he does the raging ocean, saying, 
 “Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and here shall 
 thy proud waves he stayed.” But his wrath may occasion 
 many painful effects, when not poured out unto the utter- 
 most. These are, however, often intended in mercy, and aro 
 of salutary tendency: for it is good to be convinced by any 
 sufferings, short of eternal misery, that by for -liking the Lord 
 
B. C. 958. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 B. C. 957. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 gbijah reigns ; he and Jeroboam , with vast preparations , engage in war, 1 — 3. 
 Abijah shows the Justice of his cause, 4 — 1*2. Judah, relying on Qod, gains 
 a signal victory, with immense slaughter of the Israelites, 13—19. Jeroboam 
 dies, 20. Abijah' s wives and child/ en,2\,'J2. 
 
 N OW “in the eighteenth year of king Jero- 
 boam began Abijah to reign over Judah. 
 
 2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. His 
 mother’s name also was b Michaiah the daughter 
 of Uriel of c Gibeah. d And. there was war be- 
 tween Abijah and Jeroboam. 
 
 3 And Abijah ‘set the battle in array with an 
 n.c.-] army of valiant men of war, even 'four hun- 
 #S7 - d dred thousand chosen men : Jeroboam also 
 set the battle in array against him with f eight 
 hundred thousand chosen men, being mighty men 
 of valour. 
 
 4 11 And Abijah stood up upon mount eZema- 
 raim, which is in mount Ephraim, and said, h Hear 
 me, thou Jeroboam, and all Israel ; 
 
 5 'Ought ye not to know, that )the Lord God 
 of Israel gave the kingdom over Israel k t-o David 
 for ever, even to him and to his sons by ‘a cove- 
 nant of salt. ? 
 
 6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant 
 of Solomon the son of David, is risen up, and 
 hath m re belled against his lord. 
 
 7 And there are gathered unto him "vain men, 
 "the children of Belial, and have strengthened 
 
 a See on 12:16. 1 Kings 15:1. b 11:20. Maachah the daughter of Absalom. 
 
 I Kings 15:2. Ahishnlom. c Josh. 18:28. Gibeath. Judg. 19:14,16. 1 Sam. 10: 
 26. d 1 Kings 15:6,7. * Heb. bound together. 1 Sam. 17:1 — 3. e 11:1.14:8. 
 17:14— 18.2612,13. 1 Chr. 21:5. f 14:97 g Gen. 10:18. Josh. 18:22. h 15.2. 
 Judg. 9:7. i Neh. 5.9. I rov. 1:29. 2 Pet. 3:5. j Judg. 11:21-24. Jer.27:5— 7. 
 Dan.4:25— 32. 5 IS. k 1 Sam 16:1,12. 2 Stun. 7:12,16. 1 Kings 8:20. 1 Chr. 
 17:11,14.28:4,5. Ps. 89.19— 37. Jer. 33:21,22,26. Luke 1:31— 33. 1 Lev. 2:13. 
 Num. 18:19. Hz. 43:24. Mark 9:49,50. m 10:19} 1 Kings 11 :26. 12:20,27. 
 
 a Judg. 9:4. 11:3. 1 Sam. 22:2. Job 30:8. Ps. 26:4. Prov. 12:11.28:19. Acts 17: 
 
 6. Tit. 1:10. o See on Dent. 13:13. 1 Kings 21 : 10,13. p 12:13. Ec. 10:16. Is. 
 3:4. 1 Cor. 14:20. Heb. 5:12. q 11:1 — 4. r 9:8. Ps.2:l— 6. Is. 7:6,7. 9:6,7. 
 
 we are cruel to ourselves ; and that his service, which is but 
 another name for liberty, peace, and felicity, cannot be re- 
 nounced, without our becoming the miserable slaves of the 
 worst of tyrants and oppressors: and whenever the heart is 
 truly humbled, the afflictions will be removed, or alleviated 
 and counterbalanced by divine consolations. — Sin always 
 debases those who commit it, robs them of substantial bless- 
 ings, and substitutes a mere empty worthless show of good ; 
 and whatever else be preserved or obtained, it will ruin the 
 immortal soul, except true repentance intervene. Unless 
 44 the heart be prepared to seek ihe Lord,” we must perish: 
 and if convinced, that we are unable of ourselves to effect 
 this preparation , let us pray fervently, according to the lan- 
 guage of Scripture, “ Turn thou me, and so shall I be turned ;” 
 “Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within 
 me.”* If we do this in sincerity, using the other means of 
 grace, and watching against sin and temptation ; our en- 
 deavours will not be in vain. Where these things are wanting, 
 formality and hypocrisy form a man’s highest attainments ; 
 ais chief advantages prove an aggravation of his crimes ; and 
 a life of vanity and vexation will be closed by a miserable 
 death. May we then look to our hearts, and keep them with 
 dll diligence ; for the Lord especially regards them : and may 
 oe prepare our hearts unto himself, that we may serve him 
 *dth perseverance and delight, while we live ; possess a 
 strong consolation and joyful hope, when we are called to 
 walk through the valley of the shadow of death ; and so have 
 an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord 
 iud Ssfriour Jesus Christ ! Amen. « 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIII. V. 1, 2. Marg. Ref. Notes , 
 11:18 — 23. 1 Kings 15:1—3. 
 
 V. 3. The kingdom of the ten tribes had been given to 
 Jeroboam ; hut he and his people had, by apostacy and ido- 
 atry, merited the severest punishment, which Abijah was 
 employed, or permitted, to execute. Rehoboam had aimed 
 «o recover dominion over all Israel; but perhaps Abijah 
 ady endeavoured to secure his own kingdom. ( Note , 
 
 Kings 12:21—24.) — The numbers which they brought into 
 field were immense : but when every man was a soldier, 
 -mall kingdoms could raise very large armies upon any great 
 emergency. Five hundred thousand had been numbered of 
 Jutiah in the time of David, and it had received a great 
 'iio^ease on the division of the kingdom ; yet Israel raised an 
 -rmy twice as large as that of Judah, out of all their tribes. 
 .Notes, 11:13—17. 2 Sam. 24:9. 1 Chr. 21:2—6, v. 5. 27: 
 > 15.) 
 
 W . 4 — 12. Jeroboam seems to have been the aggressor in 
 tfjiS war : yet Abijah had marched into his country ; and from 
 i. whence Jeroboam and many of the Israelites could 
 *cwr him, he spake to them as one who wished to bring the 
 contest to an amicable conclusion. At least this seems to. 
 have been his ostensible design ; though his speech was well 
 suited, and probably intended, to encourage his own troops, 
 and to dismay those of Jeroboam. Abijah bears a bad 
 oharacter in kings; (Note, 1 Kings 15:1 — 4.) yet on this 
 
 themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solo- 
 mon, when Rehoboam was ’’young and tender- 
 hearted, and ‘•could not withstand them. 
 
 8 And now ye think to withstand r the kingdom 
 of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David ■, 
 and ye be "a great multitude, and there are ‘with 
 you golden calves, which Jeroboam made you for 
 gods. 
 
 9 Have ye not "cast out the priests of the Lord, 
 the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and have 
 T made you priests after the manner of the nations 
 of other lands ? so that whosoever cometh to ’con- 
 secrate himself “with a young bullock and seven 
 rams, the same may be a priest of them that are 
 Jno gods. 
 
 10 But as for us, 'the Lord is our God, and 
 
 we have not forsaken him ; and “the priests, 
 which minister unto the Lord, are the sons of 
 Aaron, and the Levites wait upon their busi- 
 ness : . 
 
 11 And b they burn unto the Lord every 
 morning and every evening burnt-sacrifices, and 
 'sweet incense : the d show-bread also set they in 
 order upon the pure table ; and 'the candlestick of 
 gold with the lamps thereof, to burn every evsn- 
 ing: for ’we keep the charge of the Lord our 
 God ; but ye have forsaken him. 
 
 12 And behold, ?God himself is with us b for 
 
 Luke 19:14,27. s 14:9—1 1. 20:6,12. Ps. 33:16. t See on 11:15. 1 Kines 12.58. 
 14:9. Hoe. 8:6. u 11:14,15. v 1 Kings 12:31— 33. 13:33. t Heb, Jill his hand. 
 Re. 32:29. Lev. 16:32. 1 Chr. 29:5. margins . x Ex. 29:1,35. Lev .'8:2. y Deni. 
 32:17. 2 Kings 19:18. Jer. 2:11. Hob. 8:6. Acts 19:26. Ual.4:8. z 11.16.17. 
 Ex. 19:5,6. Zecll. 13:9. i Ei.2SI.Sc. Num. 16:40. 18. 1—7. b See on 24. 
 Ex. 29:38— 42. c Ex. 30:1— 10. Lev. 2:1— 3. Num. 16:6, "7, 46, 47. Lnkel:9 
 Rev. 8:3,4. d Ex. 25:39. Lev. 24:6. e Ex. 25:31— 39. 27:20,21. Lev 24:3.4 
 f Gen. 26:5. Num. 9-19,23. Ex. 44:8,15. 48:11. g Num. 23:21. 1 Sam. 4:5—7. 
 Is. 8:10. Zech. 10:5. Rom. 8:31. b Dent. 20:4. Josh. 5:13- 15. Ps.20.7. Heb. 
 2 : 10 . 
 
 occasion he spoke religiously ; and he seems to have had a 
 strong confidence in God, grounded on the maintenance of 
 his ordinances, and the number of pious worshippers in his 
 kingdom. The basis of his address was truth : hut there was 
 much false colouring in his manner of stating it, according :o 
 the too general custom of eloquent orators. For the covenant 
 respecting the kingdom over Israel, made with David in 
 behalf of his posterity, (except as it related to the Messiah,) 
 was conditional; and neiiher Solomon, Rehoboam, nor 
 Abijah, had been attentive to the re -stipulations. (7:17,18. 
 Notes, 2 Sam. 7:12—16. 1 Kings 9:4—9. 11:9—13. Ps. 89:19 
 — 37. 132:11,12.) — “ A covenant of salt” is one solemnly rati- 
 fied by a sacrifice and a feast, at both of which salt was used ; 
 that is to say, an unchangeable covenant : (Notes, Leu. 2:13. 
 Num. 18:19.) but the Lofd evidently did not consider himself 
 irreversibly engaged to continue the kingdom of all Israel 
 to David’s posterity. — Jeroboam had indeed acted very 
 wickedly in his manner of seizing and governing the kingdom 
 of Israel : yet it had been granted to him by God himself, and 
 Abijah never mentioned that circumstance. (Notes, 1 Kings 
 11:29 — 40.) — The persons, who revolted from Rehoboam and 
 made Jeroboam king, had acted with great precipitation and 
 ingratitude ; but perhaps it was not candid to call them indis- 
 criminately 44 vain men, the children of Belial.” Rehoboam 
 had given them no small provocation ; he was surely old enough 
 to have behaved more wisely, if he had not been actuated by 
 a proud, domineering disposition ; and it was not so much 
 owing either to his lenity, his timidity, or his weakness, that 
 he had not prosecuted his pretensions by war ; as to the 
 divine prohibition. (Notes, 1 Kings 12:8 — 24.) — But Abijah’s 
 words were more forcible, when he exposed the apostacy and 
 idolatry of the kingdom of Israel ; their impiety and sacrilege 
 in excluding the priests of the Lord from their possessions; 
 and the shameful manlier, in which any worthless man was 
 made a priest, who could and would bring the sacrifice 
 appointed by way of consecration ; for by these crimes. 
 Jeroboam and his subjects were drawing down the vengeance 
 of heaven upon themselves. (Notes, 11:13 — 17. 1 Kings 12. 
 26 — 33. 13:33,34. 14:5 — 16.) But what Abijah urged, concern- 
 ing the state of true religion in Judah, was not strictly just ; 
 and, as spoken by him, it savoured of ostentation. Abijah 
 himself was not a godly man ; and idolatry was evidently 
 connived at in his days. Yet it was true, that the men of 
 Judah had the priests, ordinances, and worship of God 
 among them ; that there were numbers of pious worshippers 
 in the land ; that theirs was the more righteous cause ; that 
 the Lord was on their side, and their Captain, while the 
 Israelites fought against him ; and that the' presence of the 
 priests blowing the sacred trumpets, according to the law 
 was a token of his presence with them and favour to them. 
 (Notes, Num. 10:2 — 10.) — The expression, 44 after the man- 
 ner of the nations,” (9) shows that the laws of Moses were 
 not made accordijjg to the customs of the Gentiles, af <>any 
 suppose ; but entirely distinct from them : and that the simi- 
 larity which in many instances has been traced, Actually 
 ( 767 ) 
 
B. C. 957. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES, 
 
 B. C. 95 
 
 our Captain, and ’his priests with sounding 
 trumpets to cry alarm against you. 0 children 
 of Israel. k fight ye not against the Lord God of 
 your fathers; for 'ye shall not prosper. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 13 H But Jeroboam caused m an ambushment 
 to come about behind them: so they were before 
 Judah, and the ambushment was behind them. 
 
 14 And when Judah "looked back, behold, the 
 battle ivas before and behind ; and they “cried 
 unto the Lord, and nhe priests sounded with the 
 trumpets. 
 
 15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout: and 
 ias the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass, 
 that r God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before 
 Abijah anti Judah. 
 
 16 And the children of Israel fled before Judah : 
 and s God delivered them into their hand. 
 
 17 And Abijah and his people slew them with 
 a great slaughter ; so there fell down slain of 
 Israel ‘five hundred thousand chosen men. 
 
 18 Thus the children of Israel were brought 
 
 under at that time, and the children of Judah 
 prevailed, “because they relied upon the Lord 
 God of their fathers. 
 
 19 And Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and 
 Hook cities from him, Beth-el with the towns 
 thereof, and Jeshanah with the towns thereof, 
 and ^Ephraim with the towns thereof. 
 
 20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength 
 again in the days of Abijah : and Hhe Lord 
 struck him, and “he died. 
 
 21 H But Abijah b waxed mighty, and married 
 “fourteen wives, and ‘'begat twenty and two sons, 
 and sixteen daughters. 
 
 22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah, and his 
 ways, and his sayings, are written in the 'story of 
 the prophet e Iddo. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Abijah dies, and Asa succeeds him, 1. He abolishes idolatry , 2—5. Enjoy- 
 ing peace, he fortifies his kingdom , and establishes a large army, 6—8. 
 Being attacked by Zerah, with an immense, army of Ethiopians , he calls on 
 God, is victorious , (cncl acquires much spoil, 9 — 15. 
 
 S O Abijah “slept with his fathers, and they 
 buried him in the city of David : and b Asa 
 
 1 Num. 10:9. 31:6. Josh. 6:20. k Joh 15:25,26. 40:9. Is. 45:9. Acts 5:39. 9: 
 4,5. 124:20. Num. 14. 41. Deut. 28:29. Job 9:4. Is. 54:17. Jer. 2:37. Ez. 17: 
 9. m 20:2-2. Josh. 8:4. Pro*. 21:30. Jer. 4:22. n Ex. 14:10. Josh. 8:20. Jude. 
 20:33 — 43. 2 Sam. 10:8— 14. o 14:11. 18:31. Ps. 50: 15. 91 :5. p See on 12. 
 
 q 20:21. Josh. 6:16,20. Judg. 7:18— 22. Ps. 47:1,5. r 14:12. Num. 32:4. Josh. 
 11:8. Judg. 4:15. 2 Kings 5:1. Ps. 118:4 — 7. Is. 37:36. s Gen. 14:20. Deut. 2: 
 SS. 3.3. Josh. 10:12. 21:44. Judg. 1:4. 11:21. 1 Sam. 23:7. t 3,12. 28:6. Is. 10: 
 
 arose from the idolaters, in several particulars, adopting or 
 imitating the usages of Israel. 
 
 Zemaraim. (4) Zemaraim was a city allotted to Ben- 
 jamin : but mount Zemaraim, no doubt adjacent to it, was in 
 mount Ephraim, on the borders of the two tribes. (Josh. 18:22.) 
 
 V. 13 — 22. ‘Jeroboam, like a profane politician, (Note, 
 
 1 Kings 12:26 — 29.) disregarded all Abijah’s pleas, and rested 
 his whole dependence on the valour of his troops, and the skil- 
 fulness of his arrangements. Whilst Abijah therefore was 
 speaking about peace, he was preparing for action : and to 
 make, as he supposed, sure of the event, to the superiority of 
 his numbers he added an ambushment, that he might surround 
 and destroy the whole army of Judah, probably intend- 
 ing to seize upon that kingdom also. But the people cried 
 unto the Lord in this extremity, as expecting help and 
 deliverance from him alone ; whilst the sounding of the sacred 
 trumpets caused numbers to shout with confidence of success : 
 and, according to their hope, it pleased God to smite the 
 Israelites in such a manner, that they were unable to resist 
 or to escape by flight ; and thus five hundred thousand were 
 slain in one day, which is the largest slaughter that history 
 records to have been ever made in any one battle. This deci- 
 sive blow gave Judah so great a superiority, that it can only be 
 ascribed to a divine interposition, that the kingdom of Israel 
 was not entirely subverted. Many cities, however, were 
 subdued, and among the rest Beth-el fell into the hands of 
 the victor ; yet we do not read that he removed the golden calf, 
 and probably the city was soon after conceded to Jeroboam. 
 That prince, however, never recovered from this blow, for 
 the Lord soon after smote him, and he died : (Note, Acts 12: 
 20 — 23.) yet Abiiah died nearly two years before him, and 
 did not long enjoy the fruits of his victory, for which he made 
 very ungrateful returns. Though destitude of piety, he seems 
 to have possessed great vigour and capacity. During his 
 short reign he became very powerful ; he had a very numerous 
 family ; and his ways and sayings were so remarkable as to 
 be particularly recorded by the prophet Iddo. ( Marg . and 
 <Marg. Ref . e. Notes, 1 Kings 15:1 — 9.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. The promptness of mankind to war lamentably 
 proclaims the depravity of our nature, and the influence that 
 the great murderer of bodies and souls possesses over the 
 minds of men, even in the determinations of senates and in 
 the cabinets of kings. Nor can vainglorious commanders 
 more delight in seeking renown, power, or revenge, by the 
 destruction of the human species, than many of their inferiors 
 do, in listing under their banners, seconding their aims, and 
 rushing upon danger and death, that they may attempt the 
 slaughter of those who never injured or even saw them. Such 
 stubborn facts stand in the page of every history, a confutation 
 of the absurd encomiums, which self-flattering speculators 
 have passed upon the philanthropy of the human heart, and 
 the sufficiency of human reason, for every purpose of virtue 
 and religion. The annals of mankind form one continued 
 narration of blood shed in the most wanton and unnecessary 
 manner, in pursuit of honour and dominion, or in seeking to 
 wrest the sword of vengeance from the hands of the Supreme 
 Judge. The millions, who have thus perished miserably, 
 w hateful, and hating ono another,” exceed almost imagina- 
 tion : and to crown the whole, the chief actors in this bloody 
 tragedy have engrossed almost the whole applause of their 
 fellow-mortals ; or shared it with the poets, orators, and his- 
 torians, who have excited them by infamous panegvrics to 
 guch destructive pursuits ! Compare the whole with the short 
 command, u Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself;” and 
 ( 768 ) 
 
 16—19. 37-36. Nah. 1 :5. 1 Cor. 10:22. u 16:8,9. 20:20. 2 Kings 18:5. 1 Chr. 5k 
 20. Ps. 22:4,5. 146:5. Dan. 3:28. Eph. 1:12. x Josh 10:19,39. 11:12. 1 Sam. 
 31:7. y 15:8. Josh. 15:9. Ephron. John 11:54. z 1 Sam. 25:38. 26:10. Ez. 24: 
 16. Acts 12:23. a 1 Kings 11:20. 15:9. b 2 Sam. 5:12,13. c See on 11:21. 
 d Judg. 8:30,31. 9:5. 10:4. * Or, commentary . e 9:29. 12:15. a 9:31. Sec on 
 1 Kings 2:10. 14:31. b 1 Kings 15:8. 1 Chr. 3:10. Malt. 1:7,8. 
 
 then bring in an impartial verdict concerning the heart of 
 man, and the state of human nature. (Note, Lev. 19:18.) — 
 Yet all the blood thus shed must be one day accounted for, 
 as murder, on whomsoever that load of guilt may fall. Surely 
 then, war should be always considered as the last resource, 
 a desperate remedy, never to be used when the welfare of the 
 state can possibly be otherwise secured. A righteous cause, 
 a willingness for peace on reasonable terms, f.nd a well- 
 grounded confidence in God, should he considered as the 
 grand requisites, in the management of this direful appeal to 
 the supreme Arbiter of kings and nations. — But, it is easy to 
 speak on these topics, wilhout the fear of God possessing the 
 heart. Many presume upon external privileges, who disre- 
 gard his precepts ; they boast of the form of godliness, without 
 the power of it; they are justly severe upon the crimes of 
 other men, yet. they do not amend their own: but palliate the 
 offences of their own party, while they aggravate the miscon- 
 duct of their adversaries. These are not only the arts ofthose, 
 who purposely frame manifestos to varnish their ambition with 
 the show of equity ; but are often employed by such as really 
 have justice on their side, yet forget that genuine beauty is dis- 
 graced and rendered suspected, by being painted. It is obvious, 
 however, that ungodly princes have often prospered, because 
 their enemies have been s’ ill more abandoned ; because they 
 had justice on their side : because many of their subjects were 
 pious ; because more external honour was paid to the truth and 
 ordinances of God among their subjects ; or because the 
 appeal to him, and professed reliance on him, was more 
 openly made in the decision of the contest. 
 
 V. 13 — 22. The wise politicians of the world generally 
 treat with contempt, all arguments grounded on the state of 
 religion, and the favour of God toward his worshippers: their 
 vVhole dependence is “ on an arm of flesh,” and if their confi- 
 dence be disappointed, they ascribe it to fortune, or to the 
 chance of war. But, the God of battles gives victory to whom 
 he pleases : against him all courage and conduct are vain ; and 
 he will appear for those, who rely on and call upon him in the 
 time of distress. He has often brought his people into immi- 
 nent danger, in order t<? exercise their faith, and to put vigour 
 into their prayers, which will be sure to terminate in shouts of 
 victory. But, to triumph in those contests, which causo so 
 many thousands and hundreds of thousands of the human 
 species to expire in agony, and their immortal souls to be sent 
 to the tribunal of God and an eternal state, can give little 
 pleasure to a feeling heart ; except as his justice, and faithful 
 care of his people are seen and adored in them. And least of 
 all, can success in civil wars, which are commonly conducted 
 with the most unrelenting rancour and most tremendous 
 slaughter, give satisfaction to any benevolent mind. Nor are 
 the victories acquired in those fierce, though unbloody con- 
 tests, which rend the church of Christ, to the disgrace of the 
 common cause, and the joy of the common enemy, to be more 
 rejoiced in. But to conquer our own passions, to prevail against 
 the tempter and the world, and to overcome evil with good, are 
 victories to be gained by faith, patience, and prayer, in which 
 we may safely and purely rejoice. And when the conquerors 
 and the conquered, in bloody battles, will join in execrating their 
 own and each other’s madness ; “ when the earth shall disclose 
 her blood, and shall no more cover her slain ;” then shall we 
 receive the unsullied palm, the conqueror’s noblest crown. Nay, 
 death and the grave, which so dreadfully triumph over those 
 whom the Lord smites in his anger, and so speedily wrench the 
 prosperous from all their grandeur, will never hurt us; indeed, 
 vve shall than gain a complete victory over that last enemy, 
 and mortality shall at length be swallowed up of life. 
 
B. C. 942. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 B. C. 942. 
 
 n.s son reigned in his stead. In his days the land 
 was quiet ten years. 
 
 2 And Asa did that which was c good and right 
 in the eyes of the Lord his God : 
 
 3 For ll he took away the altars of the strange 
 gods , and e the high places, and f brake down the 
 
 images, and "cut down the groves : 
 
 4 And ''commanded Judan to 'seek the Lord 
 G od of their fathers, and k to do the law and the 
 commandment. 
 
 5 Also he took away, out of all the cities of 
 Judah, the high places and the 'images: and the 
 kingdom was quiet before him. 
 
 6 H And 'he built fenced cities in Judah : m for 
 the land had rest, and he had no war in those 
 years ; because “the Lord had given him rest. 
 
 7 Therefore “he said unto Judah, Let us build 
 these cities, and make about, them walls, and 
 towers, gates, and bars, Awhile the land is yet 
 before us; because we have sought the Lord our 
 God, iwe have sought him, and r he hath given us 
 rest on every side. So they built, and prospered. 
 
 8 And Asa "had an army of men that bare 
 targets and spears, "out of Judah three hundred 
 thousand ; and out of Benjamin, that bare shields 
 and drew bows, two hundred and fourscore 
 thousand : all these were mighty men of valour. 
 
 9 U And there came out against them ‘Zerah 
 
 e 31:20. 1 Kings 15:11.0. Luke 1:15. d Deut. 7:5. 1 Kings 11:7,8. 14 22—24. 
 a 15:17. Lev. 26:30. 1 Kings 15:12,14. f 34:4. Ex. 34:13. Deni. 7:5,25. • Heb. 
 statues. 2Kings23:14. mars, g Judg. 6:25 — 28. 2 Kings 13:4.23:6,14. h 29: 
 21,27,30.30:12.33:16.34:32,33. Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. 1 Sam. 3:13. Ezra 10: 
 
 7 — 12. Neh. 13:9,19 — 22. Ps. 101:2 — 8. i See on 1 1 :16. 30: 19. Is. 55:6 7. Am. 
 5:4. k Neh. 10:29—39. Ps. 119:10. t Heb. sun-tmages. 34:4. mars. 1 8:2— 
 6.11:5—12. m Judg. 3:1 1.30. 5:31. 1 Kings 5:4. 1 f hr. 22:9. n 15:15 Job 34: 
 29. I s. 46:9. o 32:5. Acts 9:31. p John 9:4. 12:35,36. Heb. 3:13— 15. q See 
 on 4. 1 Chr. 28:9. Ps. 105:3,4. Jer. 29:12— 14. 1 Pel. 3:12. r See on 6. Josh. 
 23:1. Malt. 11:28,29. a 11:1 13:3.17:14—19.25:0. t Seeon 12:2,3. 16:8. 
 
 2 Kings 19:9. Is. 8:9,10. £z. 30:5. Rev. 16:14. u Josh. 15:44. Mic. 1:15. 
 x Judg. 1:17. Zephath. y 13:14. 18:31. 32:20. Ex. 14:10. 1 Chr. 5:20. Ps.22:5. 
 34:6. 50:15. 91:15. Acts 2:21. z Lev. 26:8. Deut. 32:30. Judg. 7:7. 1 Sam. 14: 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XIV. V. 1. The land, &e.] Abi- 
 jah’s vigour and success laid the foundation of Asa’s peace 
 and prosperity. Jeroboam, and his son Nadab, remained 
 quiet during the short time which they reigned over Israel, 
 after Abijah’s victory. Baasha began to reign before the 
 close of Asa’s third year ; but though “ there was war be- 
 tween him and Asa all their days (1 Kings 15:16.) it did 
 not for some time occasion much disturbance to the peace of 
 Judah, through the enfeebled state of Israel. 
 
 V. 2 — 5. Asa not only behaved so well as to approve his 
 conduct to man, but he aimed to act as in the sight of Him, 
 who seelh the secret intentions of the heart ; and accordingly 
 “he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Notes, 
 12:14. 1 Kings 15:14,15.) He began his reign by abolishing 
 those idolatries, which had been connived at in the preceding 
 reigns, especially that of the sun-images ; (5. marg.) and by 
 using his authority to retain the people in the worship of God 
 at the temple, and to enforce obedience to his commandments. 
 He afterwards carried his reformation still further ; ( Notes, 
 15:1 — 15.) yet at last, the high places, where. Jehovah was 
 irregularly worshipped, w’ere not removed, though the idola- 
 trous altars were destroyed. (15:17. 1 Kings 15:14.) 
 
 V. 6 — 8. The union of piety and prudence, in Asa’s con- 
 duct, is worthy of notice and commendation. We may sup- 
 pose that his army generally served in divisions by rotation, 
 Dut could be marshalled all together upon occasion. (Note, 
 l Chr. 27:1 — 15.) The number of his soldiers was great, 
 especially that of Benjamin ; but probably many from the 
 other tribes were numbered among them. (Note, 17:13 — 
 19 .) — Because tke Lord had given him rest. (6) (Job 34: 
 29.) Various concurring events formed the second cause of 
 this rest, both from external wars, and internal disturbances ; 
 but the Lord, the Great First Cause, directed and over- 
 ruled all, to effect his own merciful purpose to Asa and 
 Judah. This Asa saw, and piously acknowledged. (7) 
 
 V. 9 — 15. It is not certain, whether the Ethiopians or 
 Cushites of Africa, or those near Arabia, are here intended, 
 though it is more generally thought that the latter are meant. 
 But they who suppose the former, conjecture that Zera had 
 subjugated his neighbours, the Egyptians ; had taken posses- 
 sion of the cities and territories bordering on Egypt ; and 
 intended still further to extend his conquests, when he had 
 seized upon the kingdom of Judah. — Asa’s army was for- 
 midable, though not equalt o Zerah’s immense preparations. 
 He, however, placed no confidence in it, but relied only on 
 the protection of God. His prayer is the genuine language 
 of faith. He was conscious that his aim had been to glorify 
 the Lord, and promote his worship, m the time of his pros- 
 >erity ; and this encouraged him to look upon God as his 
 reconciled Friend and Father. Having put himself and his 
 people under his protection, he was persuaded, that none 
 could prevail against them, without seeming at least to pre- 
 vail against God. If his army had been superior to that of 
 Vol. I. -97 
 
 the Ethiopian with a host of a thousand thousand, 
 and three hundred chariots; and came unto 
 “Mareshah. 
 
 10 Tiien Asa went out against him, and thev 
 set the battle in array in the valley of *Zephathab 
 at Mareshah. 
 
 11 And Asa rcried unto the Lord his God, 
 and said, Lord, it is 'nothing with thee to help, 
 whether with many, or with “them that have no 
 power : help us, O Lord our God ; for we b rest 
 on thee, and c in thy name, we go against this 
 multitude. O Lord, thou art our God; d let not 
 hnan prevail against thee. 
 
 12 So The Lord smote the Ethiopians before 
 Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled. 
 
 13 And Asa and the people that were with 
 him pursued them unto f Gerar : and the Ethio- 
 pians were overthrown, that they could not 
 recover themselves ; for they were destroyed 
 ^before the Lord and before '’his host ; and they 
 carried away very much spoil. 
 
 14 And they smote all the cities round about 
 Gerar; for 'the fear of the Lord came upon 
 them: and they spoiled all the cities; for there 
 was k exceeding much spoil in them. 
 
 15 They smote also 'the tents of cattle, and 
 m carried away sheep and camels in abundance, 
 and returned to Jerusalem. 
 
 6. 1 Kings 20:27—30. Amos 5:9. 2 Cor. 12:9,10. a 20:12. Deut. 32:36. Is. 40: 
 29-31. b 32:8. 1 Sam. 17:35,36. Ps.37:5. Prov. 18:10. Is. 26:3,4. 41 :10— 
 14. Joint 14:1,27. Rom. 8:31. c 13:12,18. 1 Sam. 17:45,46. Ps. 20:5,7. Is. 
 26:13. Acts 3:16. d Deut. 32:27. Josh. 7:8,9. 1 Sam. 2:9. l's. 9: 19. 79:9,10. 
 Jer. 1:19. Zech. 2:8. Matt. 16:18. Acts 9:4. $ Or, mortal man. Is. 2:22. e 13: 
 15.20:22. Ex. 14:25. Dent. 28:7. 32:39. Josh. 10:10. Ps.60:12. 136:17,18. 1 Cor. 
 9:26.15:57. f 14. Gen. 10:19.20:1.26:1. § Heb. broken. g Job 6:9. 9:4. 
 
 - Thes. 1:9. I: Josh. 5:14. 1 Sam. 25:28. 1 Chr. 12:22. Ps. 108:11. i 17:10.20: 
 29. Gen. 35:5. Deut. 2:25. Josh. 2:9— 11. 5:1. ISam. 14:15. 2 Kings 7:6. Job 
 15:21. Ps. 48:5,6. Is. 31:9. k 20:25. Judg. 14 : 19. 2 Kings 7:7,8,16. Ps. 68:12. 
 Is. 33:23. Rom. 8:37. 11 Chr. 4:41. m Num. 31:9,30— 17. 1 Sam. 30:20. 
 
 1 Chr. 5:21 . 
 
 the enemy, it could not have secured the victory; if it had 
 consisted of a few enfeebled, disjjirited troops, the Lord could 
 have helped by them : for it was “ nothing with him to help 
 with many, or with them that had no power.” ( Notes, 20. 
 6 — 12. 32:6 — 8, v. 8. 1 Sam. 14:6 — 10.) Either way he 
 desired to confide wholly in the Almighty, and to give him 
 the glory of the victory. The event accorded to his faith; 
 the Lord fought by Asa’s subjects as his host; (13) the 
 Ethiopians were entirely overthrown, and dispersed ; the 
 spoil, which had been deposited in Gerar of the Philistines, 
 and in other cities in that vicinity, was taken ; and this most 
 formidable invasion exceedingly enriched Judah. (Notes, 
 16:1 — 10.) — Asa cried, tic. (11) ‘ Before he began to fight, 
 
 he implored the help of heaven ; which he did, I suppose, in 
 the face of all his army, that they might look up to God, as 
 their Strength and Salvation.’ Bp. Patrick. — Thou art out 
 God.] ‘ Nothing could more inspire them w ith courage, than 
 to believe he looked upon their cause as his own, while they 
 owned him for their God.’ Ibid. — Camels. (15) ‘The abundance 
 of camels which they had, show they were Arabians.’ Ibid. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The active talents and outward success of ungodly men 
 sometimes make way for the peace and prosperity of those, 
 whose leading aim it is to glorify God and promote true reli- 
 gion ; and thus they, whose hearts are “ not prepared to seek 
 the Lord,” may be serviceable to others: but nothing will 
 profit our own souls, except that religion, which induces us 
 to “do that which is good and right in the eyes of the Lord.” 
 Indeed, this alone can prepare us for arduous and perilous 
 services ; and influence us to undertake, to pursue without 
 weariness, and by cheerful perseverance to accomplish, 
 designs of usefulness in our various situations: and wh^n 
 men in authority, or others according to the duties of their 
 several stations, properly attempt reformation, and support 
 the cause of true religion by scriptural means, they often find 
 less difficulty than they expected : for they are approved even 
 by the consciences of those men, w hose sins oppose their 
 designs. — In all our prosperity we should notice and acknow- 
 ledge the hand of God : if he gives rest, none can cause 
 trouble ; and those who uprightly seek him shall find peace 
 and comfort. Yet, while we are in this world, we must 
 prepare for trials and conflicts ; we can never be safe except 
 we be watching and praying ; and, though the grace of God 
 will indeed be sufficient for his people, none of them will have 
 any strength to spare. Our utmost watchfulness and dili- 
 gence will not secure us from tribulation : but the conscious- 
 ness of having heartily served the Lord in prosperity, will 
 turn to us for a testimony, that we are indeed his people and 
 he our God ; and this will encourage our confidence in him 
 in the hour of trouble and temptation. When we can clearly 
 see that “ God is for us,” we shall be enabled to rest in him, 
 and to call upon him with more vigorous faith and enlarged 
 expectation : and then we shall perceive, that our own weak- 
 ( 769 ) 
 
B. C. 942 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 940. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 The encouraging prophecy of Azariah before Asa, 1 — 7. Asa puts away ido- 
 latry , assembles tie people, and enter 6 into covenant with God, 8— 15. He 
 removes his mother from being queen, for her idolatry ; yet the high places 
 are not taken away, 16, 1". He brings the dedicated things into the temple , 
 ani enjoys a long peace, 18, 19. 
 
 A ND “the Spirit of God came upon Azariah 
 the son of Oded : 
 
 2 And he went out 'to meet Asa. and said unto 
 him, b Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and 
 Benjamin ; “the Lord is with you, while ye be 
 with him; and d if ye seek him, he will be found of 
 you; but e ifye forsake him, he wili forsake you. 
 
 3 Now for f a long season Israel hath been 
 without the strue God, and without b a leaching 
 priest, and 'without law: 
 
 4 But when they hn their trouble did turn unto 
 the Lord God of Israel, and sought him, he was 
 k found of them. 
 
 5 And in those times there was 'no peace to him 
 that went out, nor to him that came in, but "“great 
 vexations were upon all the inhabitants of the 
 countries. 
 
 6 And “nation was 'destroyed of nation, and city 
 of city: for °God did vex them with all adversity. 
 
 7 Be rye strong therefore, and let not your 
 hands be weak ; for tyour work shall be rewarded. 
 
 8 And when Asa heard these words, and the 
 prophecy of "Oded the prophet, he ’took courage, 
 
 a 20:14. &:2Q. Num. 24:2. Jnrtg. 3: 10. 2 Sam. 23:2. 2 Pet. 1:21. • Heb. be- 
 
 fore Asa. I) 13:4.20:15,20. Judg. 9:7. Ps. 49:1,2. Is. 7: 13. Malt. 13:9. Rpv. 2: 
 7,11,17,29.3:6,13,22. c 1312. 32:8. Dent. 20:1 . Jam. 4:8. d 4,15. 33:12,13. 
 Is. 55:6,7. Jar. 29: 13.14. Mall. 7:7,8. e 12:1— 3. 24:20 . 2 Kings 21:14. 1 (.'hr. 
 28:9. Rom. 11:1,2. Heb. 12.25. f 1 Kings 12:28-33. Hus. 3.4. g Jer. 10:10. 
 John 17:3. 1 Thes. 1:9. 1 John 5:20. h 17:8.9. Lev. 10:11. Dent. 33:10. Nell. 
 8:9. Ez. 44:21-23. Mic. 3:11. Mai. 2.7. Malt. 2:4,5. 1 Tim. 3:2. i Horn. 2: 
 12. 7:8,9. 1 Uor. 9:21. j Dent . 4:29,30. Judg. 3:9,10. 10: 10— 16. Ps. 106:44. 
 Hos. 6:1. 14:1— 3. k 15. Is. 55:6. 65:1,2. Rom. 10:20. 1 Judg.5:6. 1 Sam. 13: 
 6. Ps. 121:8. m Malt. 24:6,7. Luke 21:25. ,112:15.13:17. Mark 13.8. Luke 
 21:9,10. t Heb. beaten in pieces, o 33: 11 . 36: 17. Judg. 2:14. Ps.lu6:41. Is. 
 10:6. Am. 3:6. Luke 21:22— 24. p Josh. 1:7,9. 1 Chr. 28:20. Ps. 27:14. Is. 35: 
 8.4. Dan. 10:19. I Cor. <6:13. Eph. 6:10. q Gen. 15:1. Ruth 2:12. Ps. 19:11. 
 58:11. Matt. 5:12,46.6:1,4,6,18. 10:41,42. Luke 6:33. Rom.4:4,5. 1 Cor. 3:8, 
 
 ness, or the power of our assailants, is no good reason for 
 discouragement. Improbabilities, and even apparent impossi- 
 bilities , of help and deliverance, cause no difficulty to an 
 almighty arm : and if the glory of God engage him on our side, 
 no created power can prevail against us. Indeed, it is our duty 
 to employ every prudent precaution, to use all proper means, 
 and to exert the whole strength which he has given us : and 
 in this way he commonly helps us, both in our temporal and 
 spiritual concerns: hut he can as readily work without us, as 
 by us; and when we go forth in his name, and are disposed 
 to give him the glory, we shall certainly have all desirable 
 success. — Those whom the Lord smites, cannot recover 
 their strength, nor they whom he intimidates, their courage ; 
 and all tilings work together for the good of those whom he 
 favours. Hovevcr he may deal with us in temporal things, 
 if we are indeed the soldiers of Jesus Christ, we must be en- 
 riched by every conflict, and prove gainers by all our losses : 
 and the approaching victory over our last enemy death, will 
 make way for our entrance into “ his presence, where is ful- 
 ness of joy, and pleasures for evermore.” 
 
 NOTES. — C h a p. XV. V. 1—7. (Note, 8.) The pro- 
 phet met Asa and his army as they returned from their vic- 
 tory and triumph over the Cushites ; and thus addressed them, 
 with words of warning and encouragement. — It is not easy 
 to determine what times or events were intended by the pro- 
 phet in the following verses. Some think, that he referred to 
 the state of Israel, in the days of the judges, when the people 
 for a long time generally forsook, and almost forgot, the true 
 God ; the priests were not. public teachers as they ought to 
 nave been, and the law was greatly neglected. (Notes, 
 Deut. 33:10. Josh. 21:1,2. Hos. 4:6. Mai. 2:4—9.) At the 
 slime time the people were exposed to the invasions of various 
 enemies, who destroyed each other, yet alternately harassed 
 and oppressed them : because, for their sins, “ God did vex 
 them with all adversity;” and consequently there was no 
 peace to those who journeyed, or went out upon business. 
 Now, these times of trouble and vexation seemed to be re- 
 turning again, (after the prosperity and peace enjoyed under 
 David and Solomon,) in the divisions, apostacies, idolatries, 
 and calamities of the preceding reigns. And the people might 
 be assured, that the Lord would deal with them by the same 
 measure, as he had dealt with their fathers: if they forsook 
 his worship, and ran into idolatry and impiety, they would he 
 left to all their former miseries; hut if they returned to God 
 and served him, he would protect and prosper them: (Note, 
 1 Chr. 28:9.) even as when Israel under the judges, in their 
 trouble, sought the Lord, he was always ready to remove 
 their afflictions. This seems the most satisfactory interpre- 
 tation. But others suppose, that the prophet referred to the 
 utate of the kingdom of Israel: they had rejected the true 
 God, expelled the teaching priesthood, and cast ofF the law 
 *f ihe Lord, and their subsequent calamities were intended as 
 ft warning for ,»jdah, yet, even whenever Israel should re- 
 
 and put away ‘the ^abominable idols out of all the 
 land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of “the cities 
 which he had taken from mount Ephraim, and 
 renewed “the altar of the Lord, that was before 
 the porch of the Lord. 
 
 9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, 
 and ?the strangers with them out of Ephraim and 
 Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for “they fell to 
 him out of Israel in abundance, when “they saw 
 that the Lord his God was with him. 
 
 10 So they gathered themselves together r b.c. 
 at Jerusalem in b the third month, in the *- 941 - 
 fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. 
 
 11 And they “offered unto the Lord Hhe same 
 time, of the spoil which they had brought u seveD 
 hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep. 
 
 12 And “they entered into a covenant to ‘seek 
 the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart, 
 and with all their soul; 
 
 13 That ^whosoever would not seek the Lord 
 God of Israel should be put to death, h whether 
 small or great, whether man or woman. 
 
 14 And 'they sware unto the Lord with a loud 
 voice, and with shouting, and k with trumpets, and 
 with cornets. 
 
 15 And all Judah 'rejoiced at the oath: for 
 they had m sworn with all their heart, and “sought 
 him with their whole desire ; and °he was found 
 
 14. 9:17,18. 15:58. Col. 3-24. Heb. 6:10. 10:35. 2 John 8. r 1. s 19:11. Is. 44- 
 14. margins. Acts 28:15. t Lev. 18.30. Dent. 27:15. Is. 65:4. Jer. 16:18. Er.. 
 8:10. 1 Pet. 4:3. Rev. 17:4,5. J Heb. abominations. 1 Kings II :5,7. 2 Kingc 
 23:13. II 13:19. x 4:1.8:12. 29:18. 2 Kings 16:14. 18:22. y 11:16. 30:1— 11, 
 25. /. 1 Kings 12:19. 1 Chr. 12:19. a Gen. 39:3. 1 Sam. 18:28. 1 Kings 3:28. 
 Zech. 8:21— 23. Acts 7:9,10. 9:31. b Esth. 8:9. e 14:13—15. Num. 31:28,29, 
 50. 1 Sam. 15:15,21. 1 Chr. 26:26,27. § Heb. in that day. d 1:6. 7:5. e 23: 
 16.29:10.34:31,32. Deut. 29: 1 ,12. Neh. 9:38. 10:29. Jer. 50:5. 2 Cor. 8:5. (See 
 on 4. Deut. 4:29. 10:12. I Kings 8:48. Jer. 29: 12,13. g Ex. 22:20. Deut. 13:5, 
 9,15. 17 2—5. 1 Kings 18:40. h Gen. 19:11. Ex. 12:29. Deut. 29:18. Job 3:19. 
 34:19. Ps. 115:13. Acts 26:22. Rev. 6:15. 20:12. i Neh. 5: 13. 10:29. k Ps.81: 
 1—4. 1 23:16— 21.29:10,36. Deut. 26:11. Neh. 8:9. Ps. 32: 1 1 . 1 19:11 1 . Fro?. 
 3:17. 2 Cor. 1:12. m Ps. 119:106. nSeeon2,4. Is. 26:8. 45:19. Phil. 1:23 
 o See on 4. 
 
 pent, and seek God, he would be found of them. — Others 
 again suppose the passage to be prophetic of the Babylonish 
 captivity, and even of the present dispersion and future con- 
 version of the Jews, to which the words are doubtless appli- 
 cable. Perhaps the prophet had, some reference to God’s 
 general method of dealing with Israel in all ages, and then 
 no wonder that his expressions pre descriptive of several dis- 
 tinct transactions. — It is plain, however, that warning and 
 encouragement were intended for Asa and his subjects; and 
 the prophet’s scope was to excite them properly io improve 
 their present success, by attempting a more effectual reforma- 
 tion, which would assuredly he rewarded with proportionable 
 prosperity. 
 
 V. 8. Perhaps the prophet was called Oded, as well as 
 his father, (1) and Azariah bv way of distinction: though 
 some think, that Oded confirmed the words of his son by a 
 prophecy to the same effect. — The work of complete refor- 
 mation appeared to Asa so difficult and perilous, through the 
 inveterate propensity of the people and of the chief persons to 
 idolatry; that he had not courage to attempt it, till thus as- 
 sured of the divine assistance and acceptance. Accordingly, 
 when he proceeded in his work, many abominable idols were 
 found in every part of the land : which he removed, with those 
 that were in the cities taken from Israel: but, as the golden 
 calf was not removed from Beth-el, it is probable, that cit> 
 had been previously ceded to the king of Israel, or retaken by 
 him. (Note, 13:13 — 22.) He likewise “renewed” the altar 
 of God, in the inner court of the temple ; which, it seems, had 
 been left to go to decay, in the preceding reigns, and had not 
 been duly repaired in the preceding years of Asa. 
 
 V. 9. Simeon , &c.] The situation of this tribe, in part 
 of the lot of Judah, (Note, Josh. 19:1 — 9.) had not prevented 
 them from joining the general revolt. But at this time inan> 
 of them, with numbers from the other tribes, submitted to 
 Asa, and probably a great part of the tribe of Simeon perma 
 nently adhered to Judah. 
 
 V. 10, 11. ‘This seems to have been a voluntary asseni 
 bly, by common agreement, rather than by the king’s com- 
 mandment or invitation; unless we suppose it to have been at 
 one of the great festivals.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 Fifteenth year, &c. ( 10) It is said “ The land was quiet 
 
 ten years:” (1) hence it is concluded that Zerah’s invasion 
 was in the eleventh year of Asa. Vet that the sacrifices from 
 the spoil should not be offered from the spoil taken, till tlx* 
 fifteenth of Asa, can hardly accord to that supposition. 
 
 The same time. (11) ‘In the Hebrew, “in that day,* 
 which the Targum takes to have been in the feast of weeks, • 
 . . . which was kept in the third month, railed Sivan.' Bp. 
 Patrick. — Some previous appointment, however, evidently 
 produced a much more general concourse on this occasion, 
 than would otherwise have taken place. 
 
 V. 12 — 15. The people voluntarily covi .anted to seek live 
 Lord, each for himself and all in entire union, with at. 1 ear- 
 ( 770 ) 
 
B. C. 940. 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 
 B. C. 920. 
 
 of them : and Pthe Lord gave them rest round 
 about. 
 
 16 II And also concerning sMaacliah 'the 
 mother of Asa the king, r he removed her from 
 being queen, because she had made an hdol in 
 a grove : and Asa ‘cut down her idol, and stamped 
 if, and burnt it at the brook Kidron. 
 
 17 But ‘the high places were not taken away 
 out of Israel : nevertheless “the heart of Asa was 
 perfect all his days, 
 
 18 H And he “brought into the house of God the 
 things that his father had dedicated, and lhat he 
 nimself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels. 
 
 19 And there was no more war unto the y five 
 and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Asa make6 a league with Benhada I against Baasha , who is hindered from 
 building Ramah ; and Asa with the stones of it builds Geba and Mizpah , 1 
 — 6. Hannni the prophet reproves him for trusting in the Syrians, rather 
 than in God , an I is imp isoned by Asa, who at the same time oppressed some 
 of his subjects, 7 — 10. When sick, Asa seeks to physicians, and not to God , 
 11, 12. His death and burial, 13, 14. 
 
 I N the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, 
 “Baasha king of Israel came up against Judah, 
 and built Ramah, b to the intent that he might let 
 none go out or come in to Asa king of Judah. 
 
 n SeeonS. Josh. 23:1. Job34:29. q 1 Kings 15:13. * That is, grandmother. 
 1 Kings 15 2,10. r 14:3— 5. Ex. S2;27,28. Deut. 13:6— 8. 33:9. Zech. 13 3. 
 Mark 3:21, 31 — 35. 2Cor.516. t Heb. horror, s See on 14:3. 34:7. Ex. 32: 
 2(J. Lev. 26:30. Deut. 7:5,26,26. 9:21 . 2 Kings 23:6,12,15. t 14:3— 5. Deut. 
 12 13,14. 1 Kings 3:2— 4. 22:43 . 2 Kings 12:3. 14:4. u 16:7— 12. 1 Kings 11 :4. 
 x 1 Kings 7:51. 15:14,15. I Chr. 26:20— 26. v 16:1. 1 Kings 15:16,17,32,33. 
 a See on 1 Kings 15:16—22. b See on 11:13— 17. 15:9. 1 Kings 12:27. c 28:21. 
 2 Kings 12: IS. 16.8. 18:15. * Heb. Darmesek. d 18:3. 19:2. Judg. 2:2. Is. 31: 
 
 nestness : and also without respect of persons, to execute the 
 law of God on idolaters ; and on those who disregarded the 
 sabbaths and solemn feasts, or refused their attendance on the 
 public ordinances of religion. (Notes, Lev. 24:10 — 16. Num. 
 15:31—36. Deut. 13:1 — 11.) This covenant they entered 
 into in the most cheerful and open manner; and every one 
 ratified it by a solemn oath, with a loud voice, in the presence 
 of all the people, accompanied by shouting, and the priests 
 sounding with the sacred trumpets, and with cornets : for they 
 were deeply impressed with the kindness which they had ex- 
 perienced, and great numbers were evidently very sincere 
 and earnest in their religion. (Marg.Ref) ‘They reaped 
 the happy fruit of this reformation, in the great peace which 
 they enjoyed, without disturbance from any of their neigh- 
 bours.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, 1 Kings 16:23.) 
 
 V. 16. Note, 1 Kings 15:10 — 13. 
 
 V. 17, 18. Notes, 1 Kings 15:14,15. — Out of Israel, &c. 
 (17) Some have thought that this only relates to the cities 
 which had been taken from the kingdom of Israel: but it is 
 probable that some high places at least were still connived at 
 in Judah : perhaps as a human device, to render the people 
 more willing to renounce idolatry. Yet, upon the whole, Asa 
 meant well and did well, and was cordial in his endeavours for 
 reformation. 
 
 V. 1 9. Baasha died ill the twenty-sixth year of Asa’s reign : 
 and, as there were wars between Asa and Baasha, (16:1. 
 1 Kings 15:16,17,32,33.) it seems impossible to reconcile this 
 verse, and the date of the ensuing chapter, with the other 
 history, except by allowing a trivial error of the transcribers, 
 and reading the twenty-fifth, instead of the thirty-fifth, in this 
 verse, and the twenty-sixth, instead of the thirty-sixth, in the 
 first verse of the following chapter. This is the date which 
 Josephus affixes to these events, and it is very probable in 
 itself. Other ways of solving the difficulty have been proposed, 
 but they appear liable to insuperable objections. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Prosperity and coinfort should animate us to more diligent 
 obedience ; but we need the ministry of the word to remind us 
 of our duty, when successful, as much at least as when afflict- 
 ed. — The gracious tenor of the gospel authorizes us to assure 
 sinners of every description, that if they “seek the Lord” in 
 a proper manner, he will be found of them ; at the same time 
 all should be warned, that if they forsake the Lord, he will 
 cast them off; and we may know that God is wi>h us for every 
 saving purpose, when we are conscious of trusting in his 
 mercy, attending on his ordinances, and walking in obedience 
 to his commandments. But, cautious fear and cheering hope 
 must unite to render us vigilant, active, and steadfast in the 
 ways of God. — The history of rhe church in all ages, and the 
 experience of every believer, demonstrate, that vexation and 
 distress are the never-failing consequences of negligence and 
 sin, even to those who are not left to final apostacy ; and that 
 humiliation before God, and diligent seeking him, uniformly 
 make way for peace and comfort. Hence the benefit of a 
 teaching ministry, of the holy law, and of the blessed gospel. 
 The Lord grant that all, who are called ministers, may be- 
 come “ apt to teach,” mighty in the Scriptures, men of God, 
 acquainted with him, his truth, and his will, and able to declare 
 nis whole counsel to the people ! May he send forth such la- 
 bourers into his harvest, and extend the blessing of them to 
 the remotest nations of the earth ! And may the Jews, who 
 have been so long without the “ true God and eternal life ;” 
 
 2 Then Asa ‘brought out silver and gold out 
 of the. treasures of the house of the Lord and of 
 the king’s house, and sent to Benhadad king ol 
 Syria, that dwelt at 'Damascus, saying, 
 
 3 There is ll a league between me and thee, as 
 there was between my father and thy father : be- 
 hold, I have sent thee silver and gold ; go, ‘break 
 thy league with Baasha king of Israel, that he 
 may depart from me. 
 
 4 And Benhadad f hearkened unto king Asa, 
 and sent the captains of ’his armies against the 
 cities of Israel ; and they smote ?Ijon, and '’Dan, 
 and Abel-maim, and all the 'store cities of Naph- 
 tali. 
 
 5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it 
 Jthat he left off building of Ramah, and let his 
 work cease. 
 
 6 Then Asa the king took all Judah ; and k they 
 carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber 
 thereof, wherewith Baasha was building, and he 
 built therewith 'Geba and m Mizpah. 
 
 7 If And at that time "Hanani the seer came to 
 Asa king of Judah, and said unto him, “Because 
 thou hast relied on the king of Syria, and not >’re- 
 
 1—3. 2 Cor. 6:16. e Gen. 20:9,10. Ex. 32:21. Josh. 9:19,20. 2 Sam. 21:2. Ps. 
 15:4. Ez. 17:18,19. Rom. 1:31,32. 2 Tim. 3:3. f l Tim. 6:10. 2Pet.215. 
 t Heb. armies which were his. g 1 Kings 15 20. h Gen. 14:14. Judg. 18:28, 
 29.20:1. i 8:6. 17:12. 1 Kings 9:19. )Seeon\. k 1 Kings 15:22. 1 Josh. 18: 
 24—26. Gabn. 21:17. 1 Chr. 6:60. Ie. 10:29. Zech. 1410. m Josh. 15:38. 18: 
 26. 1 .Sam. 7:6,16. 10:17. Mizpeh. n 19:2.20:34. 1 Kings 16:1. oPs. 146.3—6. 
 Is. 31:1. 32:2. Jc r. 17:5,6. Eph. 1:12,13. p 13:18. 32:7,8. 2 Kings 18:5. 1 Chr. 
 5:20. 
 
 (Note, 1 John 5:20,21.) without a teaching priesthood, and 
 without him who is the true and only High-Priest of the 
 church, whom “God hath so long vexed with all adversity,” 
 at length in their trouble, seek the Lord, be found of him, and 
 be grafted again into their own olive-tree, from which they 
 were broken off through unbelief! — The assured expectation 
 of assistance, acceptance, and a gracious recompense, in- 
 spires the soul wilh courage and strength for present duty: 
 and we ought to exhort and encourage one another, that we 
 may be “strong in the Lord,” and that our hands may not be 
 weak, when we are called to arduous and perilous attempts, 
 for the honour of God, and to promote true religion. — The way 
 to win those, who are of the contrary party, is by showing 
 them evidently that “the Lord our God is with us.” In order 
 to this, all abominable things must be put away, and conscien- 
 tious obedience must unite with cheerful confidence in God. — 
 Whatever the Lord gives should be employed according to 
 his will : especially we should devote our bodies and souls 
 unto him, according to his everlasting covenant ; by accepting 
 of his salvation, and yielding ourselves to his service. Our 
 devotedness to God our Saviour should be avowed and pro- 
 fessed in the most solemn and public manner. Such obliga- 
 tions indeed bind to no more than was before our duly: but 
 they have a tendency to fortify the heart against temptation, 
 to excite us in a way of remembrance to every service, and 
 to give us a farther opportunity of watching over each other, 
 and exhorting one another to every good work. Unless, in- 
 deed, we sincerely mean to seek and serve God with our 
 whole heart, and our whole soul, such transactions are hy- 
 pocrisy. But, if we enter into these engagements with up- 
 rightness, really purposing to be helpful to others also, we 
 may joyfully expect that the Lord will give rest to our souls. 
 — Every public transaction should be conducted wilh cautious 
 regard to peace, and. to civil subordination in all things lawful, 
 lest our good should be evil spoken of. We are not indeed 
 called on to inflict death, or any secular punishment, on those 
 who are guilty of impiety, apostacy, or idolatry ; yet, they who 
 neglect the great salvation of the gospel, will by no means 
 escape a more dreadful doom. — No relative affections are to 
 be indulged, when they interfere with our evident duty to God . 
 but where the heart is upright, there will be peace and ac- 
 ceptance, though we come short of that perfection which is 
 proposed to us, and to which we should continually be press- 
 ing forwards. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XVI. V. 1—6. (Notes, 15:19. 1 Kings 
 16:8 — 14.) — Baasha seems to have meditated war against 
 Judah from the beginning of his reign : and probably he had 
 made some hostile attempts before ; but he was not able to 
 make any formidable attack, till the year preceding his death. 
 At that time he so fortified Ramah, upon the frontiers of the 
 land, that he not only prevented his own subjects from mi- 
 grating into Judah, but stopped all travellers from passing: 
 and this both hindered the Israelites from going over to ihe 
 king of Judah, and was likely, it seems, to reduce him and his 
 subjects to distress. In this difficulty, Asa distrusted his ow n 
 troops, and neglected the proper means of defence ; and he 
 likewise gave up his confidence in God, and used very sinful 
 means for deliverance. He tempted a heathen prince, with 
 the consecrated treasures, to break a solemn league, and to 
 turn his arms against his ally : and, by making a league with 
 him to this effect, he became accessary to all the treacfiery, 
 perjury, injustice, and cruelty of Benhadad But, though it 
 ( 771 ) 
 
B. C. 91 t». 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 914, 
 
 lied on the Loan thy God, therefore is ithe host 
 of the king of Syria escaped out of thy hand. 
 
 8 Were not r the Ethiopians and the Lubims *a 
 huge host, with very many chariots, and horse- 
 men ? yet, “because thou didst rely on the Lord, 
 he delivered them into thy hand. 
 
 9 For ‘the eyes of the Lord run to and fro 
 throughout the whole earth, bo show himself 
 strong in the behalf of them “whose heart is 
 perfect toward him. Herein “thou hast done 
 foolishly : therefore from “"henceforth thou shalt 
 have wars. 
 
 10 Then Asa was ? wroth with the seer, and 
 'put him in a prison-house ; for lie was in a rage 
 with* him because of this thing. And Asa 
 loppressed some of the people “the same time. 
 
 11 And behold, b the acts of Asa, first and last, 
 lo, they are written in the book of the kings “of 
 Judah and Israel. 
 
 12 And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his 
 reign was d diseased in his feet, until his disease 
 was exceeding great : yet “in his disease he 
 sought not to the Lord, but to the f physicians. 
 
 p See on 3. r See on 14:9 — 1?. * Heb. in abundance. 8 See on 7. Ps. 
 
 9:9,10.37:39,40. t 6:20. Job 34:21. Pa. 34: 15. 113:6. Prov. 5:21 . 15:3. Jer. 
 16:17.32:19. Zech.4:10. Heb. 4:13. 1 Pet. 3: 12. t Or, strongly to hold with. 
 -J Seeon 1517. 2Kings20:3. Ps. 37:37. v 1 Sam. 13. 13. 2 Sam. 12:7— 12. 
 I Chr. 21:8 Job 34.18,19. Jer. 5:21. Mott. 5:22. Luke 12:20. 1 Cor. 15:36. Gal. 
 3:1. x 1 Kings 15:32. y 25: 16. 23:19. 2 Sam. 12:13. 24:10— 14. Pa. 141:5. 
 Prov. 9:7—9. z 18.26. Jer. 20:2. 29:25. Matt. 14:3,4. Luke 3:20. Acts 16:23,24. 
 J Heb. crushed. Job 20:19. mar". Is. 51:23. Jer. 31:34. Lam. 3:34. a 2 Sam. 
 11:4.12 31. b 9:29. 12:15. 20:34 . 25:22. c 2.5:26. 27:7. 32:32.33:18.35:27. 
 
 answered a present purpose, it exposed him to severe rebukes, 
 and he never prospered afterwards. (Note* 1 Kings 15:17 — 
 22 .) 
 
 V. 7 — 10. Asa’s misconduct entirely originated from un- 
 oelief. Had he relied on the Lord, he would have defended 
 him against the Israelites, and enabled him likewise to prevail 
 against the king of Syria, who was then in league with Ba- 
 asha; by which he might have enriched his treasures, instead 
 of emptying them to purchase his assistance. This was the 
 more inexcusable ?n him, seeing he had before experienced 
 the prevalence of faith and prayer, in his victory over the 
 Ethiopians. (Notes, 14:9 — 15. 2 Sam. 12:8 — 10.) Indeed, 
 Asa could not be ignorant, that the omnipresent and ever 
 watchful providence of God notices all the wants, dangers, 
 and trials of those, who uprightly trust and serve him ; and is 
 ever at hand to give speedy and effectual assistance to them, 
 as the case may require. (Marg. Ref.) In this A«a greatly 
 failed ; and the prophet plainly told him, that he had acted 
 foolishly , and thenceforth should have wars. His subsequent 
 conduct seems to be without parallel in Scripture. No one 
 decidedly pious man, as I recollect, is recorded to have so 
 deeply resented a reproof from a prophet in the name of God, 
 as to have used severity against him for it: yet the expres- 
 sions concerning Asa’s character are so strong, (14:2. 15:17.) 
 that we must consider him as an exception : and a lamentable 
 proof that there is no kind of sin, which a believer is not ca- 
 pable of committing, if left to himself: so that we must not 
 form our judgment of men’s characters from any detached 
 actions, but the general tenor of their conduct. — In his rage 
 he committed the prophet to prison, or rather he “ put him 
 into the stocks,” for that is the meaning of the original word : 
 perhaps excusing himself to others, and to his own conscience, 
 by criminating the prophet as rude, intermeddling, and 
 insolent : and perhaps, when some of the people censured 
 his conduct, he oppressed them also, as determined to 
 crush all opposition by violent means. It is probable, how- 
 ever, that he speedily released the prophet ; and as he lived 
 at least fifteen years after this event, (for so long he lived 
 after Baasha’s death ;) and as we do not find that he oppressed 
 or persecuted any person, except on this occasion; we may 
 conclude that he repented, and adhered to the service of God 
 to the close of his life. But, having openly dishonoured the 
 Lr'rd, the latter part of his reign was obscure, inglorious, and 
 tro ublesome. — It is not said what wars he was engaged in ; 
 but probably they were more perplexing to him, than fatal to 
 his people. 
 
 Lubims. (8) 4 The people of Libya, or the Africans beyond 
 Egypt.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, 12:3,4.) This favours the 
 opinion that the Ethiopians, commanded by Zerah, were 
 those of Africa, not the Cushites in Arabia. (Note, 14:9 — 
 15.) — He was in a rage with him because of this thing. (10) 
 
 4 For which he ought to have thanked and rewarded him.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12. ‘Asa had the gout, which increased to such a height 
 that he died of it, as Pelicanus thinks; which was a just 
 punishment for putting the prophet’s feet in the stocks.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. — Under this excruciating correction he relapsed into 
 his former sin, of relying on man, and not on the Lord. If he 
 consulted physicians, properly so called, his sin entirely consist- 
 ed in his reliance on them, instead of seeking a blessing from 
 God pn the means which they employed. But, perhaps they 
 were such persons as attempted, by charms, or other super- 
 ( 772 ) 
 
 13 And Asa eslept with his fathers, and i-b. c. 
 died in the one and fortieth year of His L 9U - 
 reign. 
 
 14 And they buried him in h his own sepulchres, 
 which he had §made for himself in the city oi 
 David, and laid him in the bed which was filled 
 with ‘sweet odours, and divers kinds of spices pre- 
 pared by k the apothecaries’ art: and they made 
 ‘a very great burning for him. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Jehoshaphat succeeds Asa, reigns well, and prospers , 1 — 6. He sends priests 
 and Levites, accompanied by princes , to teach the law throughout Judah , 7 
 —9. God over-awes the minds of Jehoshaphat' s neighbours, so that they 
 submit to him , 10, 11. His greatness, ana his army, with the captains, 
 12^-19. 
 
 A ND “Jehoshaphat his son reigned in his 
 stead, b and strengthened himself against 
 Israel. 
 
 2 And he “placed forces in all the fenced cities 
 of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, 
 and d in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his 
 father had taken. 
 
 3 And “the Lord was with Jehoshaphat, be- 
 
 1 Kings 15:23. d Mall. 7:2. Luke 6:37,38. Re*. 3:19. e See on 9. 28:22. 1 Chr. 
 10:14. Jer. 17:5. f Gen. 50:2. Job 13:4. Jer. 8:22. Mott. 9:12. Mark 2:17. 5:26. 
 Col. 4:14. g 1 Kings 15:24. h 35:24. Is. 22:16. John 19:41 ,42. § Heb. dtggra. 
 i Gen. 50:2. Mark 16:1. John 19:39,40. k Ex. 30:25— 37. Ec. 10:1. 121:19. 
 
 Jer. 31:5. a 1 Kings 15:24. 22:41. 1 Chr. 3:10. Matt. 1:8. Jnavhat. b 12:1. 
 26:8.32:5. 1 Sam. 23:16. Ezra 7:23. Eph.6:10. c See on 1 1 : 1 1 ,12. d 15:8. 
 e 15:2,9. Gen. 39:2,3,21. Ex. 3:12. 4:12. Josh. 1:5,9. Judg. 2:18. 6:12. 2 Sam. 
 5:10. 1 Chr. 22:18. Ps. 46:7,11. 18.8:10.41:10. Matt. 1:23. 18:20. 28:20 . 2 Tim. 
 4:22. 
 
 stitious devices, to alleviate his pain: and then the thing itself 
 likewise was exceedingly sinful. As the Lord has been 
 pleased to throw a cloud upon his memory, we will not further 
 attempt to penetrate it; though from the character which he 
 bears in Scripture, it may be inferred, that he did not die with- 
 out repenting of this sin also. 
 
 V. 13, 14. (Marg. Ref.) Some have considered this 
 funeral, as an argument of the improper state of Asa’s heart, 
 even at death, supposing that he appointed it for himself, out 
 of vainglory, and in conformity to heathen customs. Indeed, 
 it is said, that he digged sepulchres for himself, (marg.) as 
 Manasseh and others also did : hut probably the pomp of his 
 interment, which had nothing idolatrous or unlawful in it, was 
 intended by the people as an expression of respect for his 
 memory; (Marg. Ref.) for, notwithstanding the blemishes 
 recorded in this chapter, he had been an excellent, valuable, 
 and successful prince : and the state of Judah during his 
 reign was most happy, compared with the distractions and 
 miseries of Israel. (Note, 1 Kings 1 (5:23. ) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Those, who on some occasions, u being strong in faith, 
 glorify God,” and bring blessings on themselves and others by 
 so doing ; at other times show that faith is lamentably out of 
 exercise: (Note, Gen. 12:1 — 5,11 — 16.) and whenever men 
 waver, as to confidence in God, they grow negligent and 
 heartless in waiting on him, and serving him, and in usirt*? 
 proper means for their own defence or deliverance ; and 
 become ready to turn aside into by-paths, and employ sinful 
 expedients. When once any person has set forward in this 
 downhill road, he hurries along from one crime to another, 
 till he falls into greater ungodliness ; nor can we tell into what 
 impiety, treachery, or injustice, we may run, if left to our- 
 selves. Well may vve then be cautioned, u while we think 
 we stand, to take heed lest vve fall and well may we pray, 
 “Lord, increase our faith*” — The self-sufficient are impa- 
 tient of reproof or contradiction ; and then the plain language 
 of faithful ministers appears ill nature, ill manners, imperti- 
 nence, or insolence. In this case, if power unite with 
 haughty resentment, persecution will follow : so that they 
 are not qualified at all times to deliver the messages of God, 
 even to good princes, who are not ready to hear the cross. 
 For, in general, 44 the flatterer, who spreads a net for a man’s 
 feet,” and merits execration, may more reasonably expect a 
 reward from men; than he who most affectionately labours 
 for their present and eternal good, but who will, when 
 needful, speak offensive truth, unreservedly, and in plain 
 language. (Notes, Matt. 14:3- *11.) — Those, who venture to 
 take the part of such as have thus given umbrage, must expect 
 to share in the resentment which they have excited : for where 
 rage prevails against the fear of God, justice and humanity 
 will scarcely be attended to. If, however, any of the Lord’s 
 own people thus resent the conduct of his faithful ministers, 
 they may lay their account with most severe chastisement, 
 and when they repeatedly relapse into the same crime, they 
 may expect to go down into the grave in dishonour and in un- 
 certainty, and to leave their characters involved in obscurity. — 
 But, notwithstanding incidental faults, we should honour the 
 memory of those who have been useful in their generation, 
 and that of our benefactors : leaving their eternal state to tho 
 heart-searching Judge. — In all our conflicts and sufferings, vve 
 have need especially to look to our own Marts, that they be 
 u oerfect towards God,” in the exercise of aith, patience, and 
 
B. C. 905, 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 B. C. 900 
 
 cause f he walked in the first ways of 'his father 
 David, and ^sought not unto Baalim; 
 
 4 But sought to the LORD God of his father, 
 and ''walked in his commandments, and ‘not after 
 the doings of Israel. 
 
 5 Therefore k the Lord established the kingdom 
 in his hand: and all Judah f brought to Jeho- 
 shaphat 'presents ; and m he had riches and honour 
 in abundance. 
 
 6 And “his heart was ^lifted up °in the ways 
 of the Lord : moreover >’he took away the high 
 places and groves out of Judah. 
 
 f Practical Observations. 2 
 
 7 H Also in the third year of his reign the sent 
 to his princes, even to Ben-hail, and to Obadiah, 
 and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to 
 Micaiah, 'to teach in the cities of Judah. 
 
 8 And with them he sent Levites, even She- 
 b. an maiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and 
 912 - J Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, 
 and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tob-adonijah, 
 Levites ; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, 
 •priests. 
 
 9 And they taught in Judah, and had ‘the 
 book of the law of the Lord with them, and went 
 about "throughout all the cities of Judah, and 
 taught the people. 
 
 10 11 And "the fear of the Lord §fell upon all 
 
 f 2Sam.8:15. 1 Kings 11 :6. 15:3,4. 2 Kings 14:3. 16:2. 18:3.22:2. Ps. 132:1— 5. 
 * Or, his father, and of David. If :2 — 5,11. 15:8—13. % Judg. 2:11 . 8:33. Jer. 
 
 2:23. h Luke 1:6. 1 Thes. 2:12. 4:1. i 1 Kings 12:28,33. 13:33,34. 16:31—33. 
 2 Kings 8:18. 17:19. Jer. 3:7,8. Hos. 4:15. k 2 Sam. 7.25,26. 1 Kings 9:4,5. 
 Ps. 127:1. 132:12. 1 Pet. 5:10. t Heb. gave. 1 32:23. 1 Sam. 10:27. 1 Kings 
 4:21.10:25. Ps. 68:29. 72: 10. 76: 1 1 . Matt. 2: 1 1 . m 1:15.9:27.18:1.32:27—29. 
 Gen. 13:2.26:13,14. Deut. 8:13,14. Job 42:12. Matt. 6:33. n Dent. 28:47. Job 
 22:26. 1 That is, was encouraged, o Ps. 18:21. 119:1. 138:5. Hos. 14:9. Acts 
 13:10. p 14:3. 15:17. 19:3. 20:33. 31:1. 34:3—7. 1 Kings 22:43. q Deut. 4:5. 
 Ps. 34:11. 51:13. Ec. 1:12. 12:9,10. Is. 49:23. r 15:3. 30:22. 35:3. Deut. 33:10. 
 
 obedience : remembering that “ his eyes run to and fro, 
 throughout the earth, to show himself strong in behalf of them,” 
 who thus trust and serve him ; being an ever-present and all- 
 sufficient Helper and Comforter. And he will especially 
 plead the cause, and abundantly recompense the sufferings, 
 of those who are here persecuted for righteousness’ sake, and 
 for being faithful to his truth, and in delivering his message to 
 their fellow-sinners. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. XVII. V. 1, 2. (Marg. Ref . a,b.) 
 It is probable that Asa had been engaged in war with the 
 kingdom of Israel, after the establishment of Omri on the 
 throne, though no events occurred so considerable as to be 
 recorded. — In the cities of Ephraim , &c. (2) Note, 15:8. 
 
 V. 3. The first ways, &c,] Jehoshaphat copied the 
 example of David, by proceeding to reform the state of reli- 
 gion immediately on his accession to the throne ; and in his 
 zeal for the pure, orderly, and spiritual worship of God: but 
 he carefully avoided those sins, into which David afterwards 
 fell. This is the common explication of the expression. — But 
 as David’s piety and zeal never shone brighter than at the 
 close of his life ; perhaps the words might as properly be 
 read, “In the first ways, even those of David his father :” 
 proposing him as his model, and not the succeeding princes, 
 under whom idolatry had been introduced, tolerated, or but 
 feebly opposed ; and not being satisfied even with walking in 
 the steps of his father Asa, but aiming to reduce matters to 
 their ancient purity. — The margin reads it, of his father, and 
 of David ; for the latter days of Asa were not so worthy of 
 imitation as his former had been. 
 
 V. 4, 5. (Marg. Ref.) 1 As he worshipped not the gods 
 of other countries, so he did not join with the Israelites 
 in worshipping God by the calves. . . . Riches procure men 
 honour, when they make such a good use of them, as he did.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 6. The heart of Jehoshaphat was lifted up, not in pride, 
 but in courage, zeal, and vigour. By strong faith and ardent 
 love, he was lifted up above fears and discouragements ; and 
 readily faced and endured dangers and difficulties in the cause 
 of God. And he did not glory in his riches and honour, but 
 in serving the Lord, and promoting his cause. (Note, 1 Sam. 
 2:1.)— He took away the high places in Judah ; but perhaps 
 he left them in the cities of Ephraim ; or he destroyed such 
 as were devoted to idols, but spared those in which God was 
 worshipped. Or, he destroyed them at the beginning of his 
 reign ; but his subjects restored some of them afterwards. 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, 20:31—34. 1 Kings 22:41—45, v. 43.) 
 
 V. 7—9. While the priests and Levites neglected their 
 duty, as public teachers, the people remained ignorant of the 
 truth and law of God, and were easily seduced into supersti- 
 tion or idolatry: so that the reformations which took place 
 were rather the result of authority than conviction and 
 distinct knowledge ; and thus only external and transient. 
 Asa and his people had done well, in covenanting together to 
 punish those who would not seek the Lord: (Note, 15:12— 
 15.) for this was according to the tenor and intention of that 
 introductory dispensation ; mder which the capital punish- 
 
 the kingdoms of the lands that were round about 
 Judah, ^so that they made no war against Jeho 
 shaphat. 
 
 1 1 Also some of the Philistines ‘brought Jeho- 
 shaphat presents, and tribute-silver ; and the 
 Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and 
 seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and 
 seven hundred he goats. 
 
 12 UAnd Jehoshaphat “waxed great exceedingly; 
 and he built ' in Judah "castles, and cities of store. 
 
 13 And he had “much business in the cities of 
 Judah « and the men of war, mighty men of 
 valour, were in Jerusalem. 
 
 14 And these are d tlie numbers of them ac- 
 cording e to the house of their fathers: Of Judah, 
 the captains of thousands : Adnah the chief, and 
 with him mighty men of valour ! three hundred 
 thousand. 
 
 15 And '"next to him was Jehohanan the cap- 
 tain, and with him two hundred and fourscore 
 thousand. 
 
 16 And next him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, 
 who ^willingly offered himself unto the Lord; and 
 with him two hundred thousand mighty men of 
 valour. 
 
 17 And of Beniamin ; Eliada, a mighty man of 
 valour, and with him '’armed men with bow and 
 shield, two hundred thousand. 
 
 Neh. 8:7,8,13,14. 9:3. Malt. 4:23. Mark 4:2. Luke 4:43,44. Acls 1:1. s Ezra 
 7:1—6. Mai. 2:7. t Deut. 6:6- 9. 31 : 1 1—13. Josh. 1:7.8. Is. 8:20. Matt. 15:2 
 —9.28:19,20. Luke 4:17— 19. Jolm 5:39,46. Ads 13:15. 15:21. 28:23. Rom. 3:2. 
 
 1 Pet. 4:11. 11 Matt. 10:23. 11:1. Ads 8:40. x See on 14: 14. Gen. 35:5. Ex. 
 15:14— 16. Josh. 2:9— 11. § Heb. Bar. y 16:9. Ex. 34:24. Prov. 16:7. z See 
 on 5. 9:14.26:8. 2 Sam. 8:2. 2 Kings 3:4. a 18: 1 . 1 Chr. 29:25. b 8:2 — 6. 1 1 : 
 5 — 12. 14:6,7. 26:6 — 9. *27:4. 32:5,27 — 29. II Or .palaces, c 26:10— 15. 1 Chr. 
 27:25—31. d (ien. 12:2. 13:16. 15:5. e See on Num. 1:2,18. f 11:1. 13:3. 14: 
 8.26:13. V Heb. a! his hand, g Judg. 5:2.9. 1 Chr. 29:9,14,17. Ps. 110:3 
 
 2 Cor. 8:3—5,12. h 14:8. 2 Sam. 1:21,22. 
 
 ment of apostate Israelites was one divinely appointed 
 method of preserving that people from sinking wholly into 
 idolatry, till the coming of Christ. But Jehoshaphat did 
 better, when he added the public teaching of the people from 
 the law of God : for this not only tended to the same object, 
 but promoted the salvation of sonls, and the increase of spiri- 
 tual worshippers, who would hand ‘down religion to their pos- 
 terity. The princes were joined in commission with the 
 priests and Levites ; both to excite the latter to their duty, 
 and to induce the attention of the people. Probably they 
 acted as magistrates, and were men of known probity, piety, 
 and acquaintance with the law of God ; who, when they 
 administered justice, instructed and exhorted the people, and 
 charged them, both as a matter of conscience, and as they 
 regarded the favour of the king, to receive and observe the 
 instructions of the priests and Levites. The persons from 
 among the priests and Levites, who were appointed to be the 
 itinerant instructers, ‘were doubtless selected, because they 
 were known to be eminent for piety and ability. They took 
 the book of the law with them, and read and expounded it 
 wherever they went, grounding all their instructions upon it. 
 It must also be supposed that these teachers were intended 
 to excite and to strengthen the hands of the priests and 
 Levites, who resided in the neighbourhood of the cities to 
 which they went, and who were to be considered as the stated 
 teachers in their several districts. (Note, 15:1 — 7.) It has 
 before been shown, that the prophets in the kingdom of Israel 
 held slated assemblies for religious worship, on the sabbath- 
 days, and on some of their solemn feasts. (Note, 2 Kings 4: 
 23.) And it is probable, that from this time it became gra- 
 dually the practice of the priests and Levites in Judah, as 
 far as they paid regard to their duty ; hut this alas, was but 
 seldom done. Synagogues, as it appears from this history, 
 were not yet regularly formed in Judah ; and the book of the 
 law seems to have been very scarce, and but little attended 
 to by the people in general, or made known to them by their 
 regular instructers. (Note, 15:1 — 7, v. 3.) 
 
 V. 10. The army of Jehoshaphat was indeed very formi- 
 dable, (13 — 19.) yet it was “ the fear of Ihe Lord” that deterred 
 his neighbours from attacking him : they were so dismayed, 
 that they dared not to attempt any thing against one, who 
 was so evidently favoured of God ; and it is probable, the 
 surrounding nations had observed, that Judah always pros- 
 pered, when the worship of God was kept up in ihe land. 
 (Notes, Ex. 34:24. Lev. 36:3,4. Deut. 28:3—14.) 
 
 V. 11. The Philistines had been subdued by David, and 
 no doubt had paid him tribute; but, after a time, tney seem 
 to have again become independent: (Notes, 2 Kings 13:8.) 
 and it is not certain, whether they and the Arabians brought 
 these presents to Jehoshaphat, as submitting *o his authority, 
 or only as desiring to conciliate his friendship. 
 
 V. 13 — 19. Jehjsbaphat’s militia far exceeded \ number 
 that of any of his p edeeessors, (13:3.) though le • li» not pos- 
 sess much above a third of (he countiy, over which David 
 and Solomon had reigned. But great numbers had fit eked 
 into his kingdom from Israel, his \ ■iop i increased by a pecu- 
 
 ( 773 ) 
 
B. C. 897 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 897 
 
 18 And jux was Jehozabad, and with him 
 a hundred and fourscore thousand ready pre- 
 f ired for the war. 
 
 19 These waited on the king, beside those, 
 whom the king 'put in the fenced cities through- 
 out all Judah. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 Jehoshaphat joins affinity with Ahab, and agrees to go with him against Ra- 
 moth-gilead , 1 — 3. The false prophets assure them of success, 4,5. At 
 Jehoshaphat' s request Micaiak is sent for, icho foretells Ahab's death, and. 
 shows that his prophets were instigated by a lying sprit, 6—22. He is reviled 
 and sent back to prison, 23 — 27. j*:a6 goes in disguise to the battle; 
 
 wheie Jehoshriphal, in imminent danger, calls on God, and is preserved, 
 28 — 32. Ahab is slain by an arrow shot at a venture, 33, 34. 
 
 N OW Jehoshaphat had “riches and honour in 
 abundance, and b joined affinity with Ahab. 
 
 2 And 'after certain years c he went down to 
 Ahab to Samaria. And d Ahab killed sheep and 
 
 i 2,12.11:12,23. « 1:11—15. Set or, 17:5,12. Matt. 6:33. I) 31. 19:2.21:6.22: 
 2,3. 1 Kings 16:31— 33. 21:25 . 2 Kings 8:18,26,27. 11:1. 2 Cor. 6:11. • Heb. at 
 the end of years. 1 Kings 17:7. Neh. 13:6. margins, c 19:2. 1 Kings 22:2. 
 d 1 Kings 1:9. Is. 22:12,13. Luke 17:27—29. e 1 Kings 22:4,20-22. f Deal. 
 
 4:43. Josh. 20:8. 1 Kings 4:13. 2 Kings 9:1. g See on 1 Kings 22:4. 2 Kings 
 
 liar blessing, and no wasting wars had occurred for many 
 years. It is probable that the*e troops served by rotation ; 
 (Notes, 1 Chr. 27:1 — 15.) and some of them might be em- 
 ployed in the buildings and other business, which he had in 
 the cities of Judah. (Marg. Ref.) One of his chief officers 
 is distinguished for having offered himself willingly to serve 
 God, as vvell as his country, in that station. (1G) 
 
 Much business. (13) ‘To settle religion, and purge out 
 idolatry, as well as lo provide for their safety, by fortifi- 
 cations, and whatsoever was necessary for the public tran- 
 quillity.’ B]>. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. It is a signal blessing when the Lord raises up pious 
 and able men, in church or state, to succeed one another. For 
 often useful instruments are removed, or laid aside, at the 
 very crisis when their preparations were completed, and their 
 purposes in a fair way of being effected ; and others come in 
 their stead, who take a pride and pleasure in rendering their 
 schemes abortive: and thus “one sinner destroyed much 
 good.” (Notes, Ec. 2:18 — 23. John 4:31 — 38.) It therefore 
 behooves us all to pray for a succession of useful men, who 
 may every one of them endeavour to complete the designs of 
 their predecessors, and make way for the usefulness of their 
 successors: and did all pious persons, with one accord and 
 without intermission, unite in such prayers, in behalf of the 
 community, the church at large, and particular congregations ; 
 they would witness blessed effects, and brighter prospects 
 would open before us.— It is happy when prudence, vigour, 
 and piety unite in distinguished characters ; when they care- 
 fully imitate the best parts of the conduct of eminent be- 
 lievers, and as carefully avoid their mistakes ; and when the 
 purest ages of the church are made tile models of personal 
 religion and public reformation. Indeed, we should all study 
 to walk in those “first ways” of Christians, when “great 
 grace was upon them all,” and not be satisfied with the cur- 
 rent standard of modern profession : this would tend to the 
 establishment of our hearts in peace and assurance, and to 
 the prosperity of our endeavours to glorify God and to do 
 good. — When faith is in vigorous exercise, ami when zeal, 
 love, and active hope render the ways of God delightful : the 
 soul rises superior to dangers and difficulties, disregards 
 hardships and labours, and can even rejoice in sufferings for 
 the Lord’s sake. Then low, earthly affections are subdued ; 
 the heart is lifted up above them, and soars heaven-ward , 
 glorying in nothing but the service, truth, and favour of God, 
 and ambitious of no other honour. This exalted piety springs 
 from genuine poverty of spirit : and a deep sense of the con- 
 descension of the infinite God, in employing and accepting us 
 poor, guilty, polluted, worthless creatures, inspires the heart 
 with renewed vigour in his service. 
 
 Y. 7—19. The public teaching of the word of God forms, 
 in all ages, the grand method of promoting the power of god- 
 liness : for by it the understanding is informed, the judgment 
 regulated, the conscience awakened and directed, and the 
 hopes, fears, and affections suitably excited; and, as far as 
 the divine blessing is vouchsafed, religious worship is ren- 
 dered a voluntary, reasonable, and spiritual service. Kings 
 and princes, therefore, render a most essential service to the 
 cause of God, when they use their influence to excite and 
 countenance those, who “labour in the word and doctrine ;” 
 and by their example and public declarations make it known, 
 that they most approve of such as diligently attend on the 
 instructions of such teachers. And though no violence must 
 be done to any man’s conscience, nor any one constrained to 
 teach in contrauiction to his judgment: yet surely they, who 
 are publicly maintained as teachers of the people, may he 
 required either to do their work, or to give place to those who 
 will! — Notwithstanding the prejudices of mankind, and the 
 indiscretions of individuals, an itinerant preacher, if duly quali- 
 fied and sent forth, is one of the most honourable and useful 
 characters that can be found upon earth : and there needs no 
 other proof that, when this work is done properly and with 
 
 < 774 ) 
 
 oxen for him in abundance, and for the people 
 that he had with him, and 'persuaded him to gc 
 up with him to f Ramotli-gilead. 
 
 3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehosha- 
 phat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to 
 Ramoth-gilead ? And he answered him, si am as 
 thou art, and my people as thy people ; and we 
 will be with thee in the war. 
 
 4 H And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of 
 Israel, 'inquire, I pray thee, at the word of the 
 Lord to-day. 
 
 5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered to- 
 gether of 'prophets four hundred men, ayid said 
 unto them, 'Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to bat- 
 tle, or shall I forbear ? And they said, k Go up ; 
 for God will deliver it into the king’s hand. 
 
 6 But Jehoshaphat said, 'Js 7/iere -not here a 
 
 3:7. Ps. 139:21. Eph. 5:11. 2John 10,11. 1: 34:26. 1 S:un. 23:2,4.9— 12. 
 
 2 Sam. 2: 1 . 5:19,23. 1 Kines 22.5,6. P«. 27:4. Jer . 21 :2. Ez.2u:3 i 1 King. 
 18:19. 2 Kings 3:13. 2T:in.4.3. j Jer. 38:14, &c. 42:2,3,20. k 14,20,21. Jer. 
 8:10,11.23 17. Ez. 13:3—16,22. Mic. 2:11. 3:0. Rev. 19:20. ) S.eonl Kin». 
 22:7—9. 2 Kings 3:11— 13. 
 
 perseverance, it forms the grand method of spreading widely, 
 and rendering efficacious, religious knowledge, than the ex- 
 perience of the church in all ages ; for great reformations and 
 revivals of religion have generally been thus effaced. It is 
 especially sanctioned by the example of Christ and his apos- 
 tles, and recommended as the divine method of spreading the 
 gospel through the nations of the earth ; itinerant preaching 
 having almost always preceded, and made way for, the stated 
 ministry of regular pastors. But it is a work which requires 
 peculiar talents and dispositions, and a peculiar call in Pro- 
 vidence ; and is not rashly and hastily to be ventured upon by 
 every novice, who has learned to speak about the gospel, and 
 has more zeal, than knowledge, prudence, humility, or expe- 
 rience. An unblemished character, a disinterested spirit, an 
 exemplary deadness to the world, unaffected humility, deep 
 acquaintance with the human heart, and preparation for en- 
 during the cross, not only with boldness, but with meekness, 
 patience, and sweetness of temper, are indispensably neces- 
 sary in such a service. They who engage in it should go 
 upon broad scriptural grounds, and dwell chiefly upon those 
 grand essentials of religion, in which pious men of different 
 persuasions are agreed ; plainly proving every thing from the 
 word of God, running nothing into extremes, and avoiding all 
 disputes, however urged to it, about the shibboleths of a party. 
 In this way itinerant preaching is a blessing which all, who 
 love the souls of men, must wish to be vouchsafed to every 
 part of every nation upon earth. And if those who are in 
 authority, would employ select men of known and approved 
 piety and ability, protected and countenanced by them, to go 
 from city to city, and from village to village, through the 
 kingdom, teaching in every place the plain acknowledged 
 truths and precepts of the Bible, immense good might he 
 done. Those stated teachers, who have been grossly negli- 
 gent or profligate, must either be disgraced or reformed ; 
 others might be stirred up to use greater diligence; and the 
 instructions of stated faithful ministers would receive an ad- 
 ditional sanction, which could not fail of producing a happy 
 effect. — Thus it was in the days of Jehoshaphat ; and thus it 
 will be, wherever or whenever God shall please to stir up the 
 hearts of kings, princes, and ministers, to teach the people in 
 every part of their territories, according to the word of God. 
 This is also the proper way of promoting public peace and 
 prosperity ; and, it will prove a better protection of nations, 
 than an increase of powerful armies or navies: yet it may 
 very properly he connected with the ordinary methods of de- 
 fence. — Persons in authority have “ much .business” to which 
 they ought to attend : and they should consider that stable 
 peace, and increasing numbers of well maintained and orderly 
 subjects, are more honourable than the most successful 
 wars : and whatever ability any man possesses, he should 
 willingly devote himself to God, and serve him with all that 
 he has. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XVIII. V. 1. Affinity , &c.] Jeho- 
 ram the son of Jehoshaphat married Athaiiah the daughter ot 
 Ahab. {Notes, 1 Kings 22:2. 2 Kings 8:18,20.) Perhaps 
 pride and ambition had some influence in forming this fatai 
 union: but probably Jehoshaphat was allured to it, by the 
 hopes of cementing a durable peace between Judah and 
 Israel, whom he wished to consider as brethren. ( Note, 
 2 Kings 8:18.) Ahab perceived Jehoshaphat to he so strong, 
 that lie had no hopes of prevailing against him, and therefore 
 he courted his friendship. But this affinity was evil in itself 
 and peculiarly dangerous to Jehoshaphat : who, though firm 
 and courageous in resisting and overcoming opposition and 
 difficulties, was easily persuaded by fair words into impropei 
 compliances. (Notes, 1 Kings 22:4,7,29. 2 Kings 3:7.) 
 
 V. 2 — G. Notes, 1 Kings 22:1 — 7. — We will be with thee in 
 the war. (3) Thus Jehoshaphat expressly engaged to assist 
 Ahab, before lie proposed to inquire of God. (Note, Josh. 9: 
 14,15.) — 4 Ahab entertained both Jehoshaphat and nis attend- 
 ants, with great splendour. ...He caressed bin fco at this 
 feast, and used such arguments, as prevailed with him to 
 
B. C. 897. CHAPTER XVIII. B. C. 897. 
 
 prophet of the Lord ‘besides, that we might in- 
 quire of him ? 
 
 7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, 
 There is yet m one man, by whom we may inquire 
 of the Lord : but "I hate him ; for he never pro- 
 phesieth “good unto Pme, but always evil : the 
 same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehosha- 
 phat said, <iLet not the king say so. 
 
 8 And the king of Israel called for one of his 
 tofficers, and said, *Fetch quickly Micaiah the 
 son of Imla. 
 
 9 Ami the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat 
 king of Judah, r sat either of them on his throne, 
 •clothed in their robes, and they sat in a §void 
 place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria : 
 and ‘all the prophets prophesied Before them. 
 
 10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had 
 made him “horns of iron, and said, “Thus saith 
 the Lord, With these thou shalt push Syria until 
 “they be consumed. 
 
 11 And ^all the prophets prophesied so, say- 
 ing, Go up to Ramoth-gilead, and prosper : for 
 the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the 
 king. 
 
 12 And the messenger that went to call Micaiah 
 spake to him, saying, ‘Behold, the words of the 
 prophets declare good to the king with one 
 'assent; let thy word, therefore, I pray thee, be 
 like one of theirs, and speak thou good. 
 
 13 And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, 
 •even what my God saith, that will I speak. 
 
 14 And when he was come to the king, the 
 king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to 
 Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And 
 he said, b Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be 
 delivered into your hand. 
 
 15 And the king said to him, How many times 
 •shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the 
 truth to me in the name of the Lord ? 
 
 16 Then d he said, I did see all Israel scattered 
 upon the mountains, e as sheep that have no shep- 
 herd : and the Lord said, These have no f master ; 
 let them return therefore every man to his house 
 in peace. 
 
 17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, 
 «Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy 
 good unto me, "but evil ? 
 
 18 Again he said, Therefore b hear the word of 
 the Lord ; ‘I saw the Lord sitting upon his 
 throne, and Jail the host of heaven standing on his 
 right hand, and on his left. 
 
 19 And the Lord said, k Who shall entice 
 Ahab king of Israel, that he may 'go up and fall 
 at Ramoth-gilead ? And one spake, saying after 
 this manner, and another saying after that 
 manner. 
 
 20 Then m there came out a spirit, and stood 
 
 • Heb. yet, or, more, m 1 Kings 18:4. 19:10. n 1 Kings 18:17. 20:42,43.21: 
 20. Prov. 9:8. Jer. 18:18. Am. 5:10. Mark 6:18,19,27. John 7:7. 15: 18,19, 
 24. Gal. 4:16. o Is. 30:10. Jer. 38:4. p 13. 2 Kings 9:22. Ez. 3:17— 19. 
 Acts 20:26,27. q Prov. 25:12. Mic. 2:7. f Or, eunuchs. 1 Sam. 8:15. 1 Chr. 
 28:1. margins. Is. 39:7. Dan. 1:3, 7,8. j Heb. Hasten. 25:26. lKings22:9. 
 r See on 1 Kings 22:10 — 12. Is. 14:9. Ez. 26:16. Dan. 7:9. Matt. 19:28. s 29. 
 Malt. 6:29. 11:8. § Or, floor. I Jer. 27:14— 16. u Jer. 27:2. 28:10— 14. Zech. 
 1:18-21. 2 Tim. 3:8. x Jer. 23:17,21,25,31. 28:2,3. 29,21. Ez. 13:7. 22:28. 
 fl Heb. thou consume them, y 5,12,33,34. Prov. 24:24,25. Mic. 3:5. 2 Pet. 2: 
 1-3. Jude 16. Rev. 16:13,14. 19:20. z Job 22:13. Ps. 10:11. Hos. 7:3. Am. 7: 
 13. Mic. 2:6,11. lCor.2:14 — 16. T1 Heb. mouth. Josh. 9:2. marg. a Num. 
 22:18-20,35.23:12,26.24:13. 1 Kings 22:14. Jer. 23:23. 42:4. Ez. 2:7. Mic. 2: 
 6.7. Acts 20:27. 1 Cor. 11:23. 2 Cor. 2:17. Gal. 1:10. 1 Thes. 2:4. b 1 Kings 
 18:27.22:15. Ec. 11:9. Lam. 4:21. Am. 4:4,5. Matt. 26:45. c 1 Sam. 14:24. 
 
 1 Kings 22:16. Matt. 26:63. Mark 5:7. Acts 19:13. d Matt. 26:64. e 33,34. 
 
 1 Kings 22:17,34—36. Jer. 23:1,2. Ez.34:5,6,8. Zech. 10:2. 13:7. Matt. 9:36. 
 Mark 6:34. f 2 Sam. 2:7. 5:2. 2 Kings 10:3. gSeeonl. 1 Kings 22:18. Prov. 
 29:1. Jer. 43:2,3. ** Or, but for evil, h Is. 1:10. 28:14. 39:5. Jer. 2:4. 19:3. 
 
 34:4. Am. 7:16. i 1 Kings 22:19— 23. Is. 6:1— 5. Dan. 7:9,10. Acts 7:55,56. 
 
 1 Gen. 32:2. Ps. 103:20,21. Zech. 1:10. k See on 1 Kings 22:20. Job 12:16. Is. 
 6:9,10.54:16. Ez. 14:9. 2 Thes. 2:11,12. Jam. 1:13,14. 125:8,19. Prov. 11:5. 
 
 undertake this expedition. What he had consented to in the 
 nidst of their merriment, he seems now to resolve delibe- 
 rately.' Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7—13. Notes , 1 Kings 22:7—14. 
 
 V. 14—27. Notes, 1 Kings 22:15—28. 
 
 V. 28, 29. (Notes, 1 Kings 22:29,30.) It has been thought 
 that Ahab wished Jehoshaphat to fall by the Syrians, in ex- 
 pectation that the affairs of Judah would come under his 
 management, as the father-in-law of Jehoram. 
 
 V. 30—34. Notes, 1 Kings 22:31—35 .—God moved, &c. 
 (31) In the extremity of danger, Jehoshaphat made the Lord 
 his Refuge, who remembered his servant, though out of the 
 path c r duty ; and, in answer to his prayer, inclined his pur- 
 
 before the Lord, and said, I will entice him. And 
 the Lord said unto him. Wherewith ? 
 
 21 And he said, I will go out, and be “a lying 
 spirit in the mouth of all bis prophets. And the 
 LORD said, “Thou shalt entice him, and thou 
 shalt also prevail : go out and do even so. 
 
 22 Now therefore, behold, Pthe Lord hath pu, 
 a lying spirit in the mouth of these thy prophets, 
 sand the Lord hath spoken evil against thee. 
 
 23 Then ‘Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah 
 came near, and smote Micaiah upon the cheek 
 and said, ‘Which wav went the Spirit of thi 
 Lord from me to speak unto thee ? 
 
 24 And Micaiah said, ‘Behold, thou shalt see 
 on that day, when thou shalt go fflnto an inner 
 chamber to hide thyself. 
 
 25 Then the king of Israel said, Take ye 
 Micaiah, “and carry him back to Amon the 
 governor of the city, and to Joash the king’s 
 son ; 
 
 26 And say, Thus saith the king, “Put nhis 
 fellow in the prison, and feed him with ‘bread of 
 affliction, and with water of affliction, “until 1 
 return in peace. 
 
 27 And Micaiah said, b If thou certainly return 
 in peace, then bath not the Lord spoken by 
 me. And he said, “Hearken, all ye people. 
 
 28 So d the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat 
 the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 
 
 29 And the king of Israel said unto Jehosha- 
 hat, e I will disguise myself, and will go to the 
 attle : but f put thou on thy robes. So sthe king 
 
 of Israel disguised himself ; and they went to the 
 battle. 
 
 30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the 
 captains of the chariots that were with him, say- 
 ing, ''Fight ye not with 'small or great, save only 
 with the king of Israel. 
 
 31 And it came to pass, when the captains of 
 the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It 
 is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed 
 about him to fight : but k Jehoshaphat cried out, 
 and ‘the Lord helped him ; and m God moved 
 them to depart from him. 
 
 32 For it came to pass, that, when the cap- 
 tains of the chariots perceived that it was not 
 the king of Israel, they turned back again ?Trom 
 pursuing him. 
 
 33 And n a certain man drew a how §§at a 
 venture, and smote the king of Israel ""between 
 the joints of the harness : therefore he said to his 
 chariot-man, Turn thine hand, that thou mayest 
 carry me out of the host; for I am ""wounded. 
 
 34 And the battle increased that day : howbeit 
 the king of Israel stayed himself up in his chariot 
 against the Syrians until the even; and about 
 the time of the sun going down °he died. 
 
 m Job 1:6. 2:1. 2 Cur. 11 :3, 13-15. n 22. Gen. 3:4,5. See on 1 Kings 22:21. 
 
 22. John 8:44. 1 John 4:6. Rev. 12:9. 13:14. 20:8. o See on 19. Judg. 9:23. Job 
 1:12.2:6. Pg. 109:17. p Ex. 4:21. Ez. 14:3— 5,9. Matt . 24:24,25. 2Cor.ll: 
 11— 13. 2 Thes. 2:9— II. 1 Tim. 4:1,2. q See on 7,17. 25:18. Is. 3:11. Matt. 
 26:24,25. Mark 14:20,21. r See on 10. 1 Kings 22:23-25. Is. 50:5,6. Jer. 20:2. 
 Lam. 3:30. Mic. 5:1. Matt. 26:67. John 18:22,23. Acts 23:2,3. s Jer. 29:26,27. 
 Matt. 26:67,68. John9:40,4l. I Is. 26: 1 1 . Jer. 28: 16,17. 29:21 ,22,32. It Or, 
 from chamber to chamber. Heb. into a chamber in a chamber. 1 Kings 20:30. 
 Is. 26:20. u 8. Jer. 37:15— 21 . 38:6,7. Acta 24:25-27. x See on 15. 16:10. 
 
 1 Kings 22:26—28. Jer. 20:2,3. Matt. 5:12. Luke 3:19,20. Acts 5:18. 2 Cor. 11. 
 
 23. Rev. 11:10. y 1 Sam. 25:21. Matt. 12.24. Luke 23:2. Acts 22:22. z Pg 
 80:5.102:9. Is. 30:20. aDeut.29:19. Ps. 10:5. Prov. 14:16. I Thes. 5:2,3 
 h Num. 16:29. Act9 13:10,11. c Matt. 13:9. 15: 10. Mark 7:14. Luke. 20,45,46 
 d See on 1 Kings 22:29— 33. e 1 Sam. 28:8. I Kings 14:2—6.20:38. Job 24:15, 
 Jer. 23:24. f Ps. 12:2. Prov. 26:25. g 35:22. h 1 Kings 20:33,34,42. i Set 
 on 15:13. Gen. 19:11. Deut. 1:17. k 13:14. 14:11 . Ex. 14:10. Ps. 116:1,2. 
 
 2 Cor. 1:9,10. 1 26:7. Ps. 46:1 ,11 . 94: 17. 118: 13. m Ezra 1:1. 7:27. Neh.l:ll. 
 
 Prov. 16:7.21:1. Heb .from after him. n See on 1 Kings 22:34. §§ Heb. in 
 
 his simplicity. 2 Sam. 15:11. |||| Heb. between the joints and between thi 
 
 breastplate. 1 Kings 22:34,35. till Heb. made sick. 3o:23. o Sec on 16:19,-27. 
 Num. 32:23. Prov. 13:21. 28:17. 
 
 suers to depart from him, by a secret but powerful influence 
 on their minds. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Abundant riches and honour do indeed give large opportu- 
 nities of doing good ; but they are attended with such strong 
 temptations, as very few who possess them are enabled to 
 withstand. It is therefore a certain proof, that men are no 
 well acquainted with the artifices of Satan, and the deceit- 
 fulness of their own hearts, and that they have much self- 
 confidence, when they covet riches in order to do good ; for 
 they are far more likely to get harm by them. Among other 
 evils, they often betray pious persons into improper marriages, 
 for themselves or their children. It appears beneath them to 
 ( 775 ) 
 
B. C. 897 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 896 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 *ehoahaphat on his retu-n , la reproved by Jehu the prophet, for joining alli- 
 ance with Aha!) ; but t anrnended in other respects, 1—3. He visits and 
 reforms his kingd >rn, 1 : awl gives a, charge to the judges, priests and Le- 
 tiles in the cities of Judah, and at Jerusalem, 5 — 11. 
 
 A ND Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned 
 to his house a irj peace to Jerusalem. 
 
 '2 And b .Jehu the son of “Hanani ‘'the seer 
 went out to meet him, and said to king Jeho- 
 shaphat, 'Shouldest thou help the ungodly, and 
 love them that f hate the Lord? therefore tis 
 wrath upon thee from belore the Lord. 
 
 3 Nevertheless, there are h good things found in 
 thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out 
 of the land, and hast ‘prepared thy heart to seek 
 God. 
 
 4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and 
 he ’went out again through the people from k Beer- 
 sheba to 'mount Ephraim, and ‘"brought them 
 back unto the Lord God of their fathers. 
 
 5 U And "he set judges in the land throughout 
 all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city ; 
 
 6 And said to the judges, “Take heed what ye 
 do: for fye judge not for man, but for the Lord, 
 who is with you in the 'judgment. 
 
 a 19:31.32. b 20:34. I Kinea 16:1,7,12. t 16:7. d See an 1 Sam. 9:9. e 18:3,28. 
 
 1 Kings 21:25. Ps. 15:4. 139:21,22. Pi-nv. 1:10—19. Rom. 1:32. Eph. 5:11. 2 John 
 10,1 1; f 18:7. Ex . 20:5. Deni. 5:9. 7:10. 32:41.33:11. Ps. 21:8. 68:1 . 81:15. Jolm 
 15:18,23. Rorn. 1:30.8.7. Jam. 4:4. g 32:25. Ps. 90:7.8. Rum. 1:18. 1 Cor. 11: 
 31,3*2. h 17:3 — 6. 1 Kings 14:13. Rom. 7:18. i See on 12:14. 30:19. Ezra 7:10. 
 Ps. 57:7. * Heb. returned and went out. 1 Sam 7:15 — 17. k Gen. 21:33. Judg. 
 20:1. 1 Josh. 17:15. Juclz. 19:1. m See on 15:8-13. 29: 10,1 1 . 1 Sam. 7:3,4. 
 
 Alai. 4:6. Luke 1.17. n 8. Deut. 16:18— 20. Rom. 13:1— 5. 1 Pet. 2:13,14. 
 o Josh. 22:5. 1 Chr. 28:10. Luke 12:15. 21 :8. Acts 5:35. 22:26. p Deut. 1:17. 
 Ps. 82:1 — 6. Ec. 5:8. t Heb. matter of judgment, q Gen. 42:18. Ex. 18:21,22, 
 
 join affinity with inferior families; but “ not many mighty or 
 noble are called and so they are seduced to prefer titles and 
 estates to faith and holiness; and the effects are generally 
 lamentable to themselves, to posterity, and to the cause of 
 godliness. — We should follow peace with all men: but we 
 ought to have no intimacies with the workers of iniquity ; for 
 their caresses, flatteries, and feasts, are more dangerous 
 than their most imbittered rage ; and in fact they are fre- 
 quently the result of politic enmity, and at best proceed from 
 mercenary self-love. Indeed, the most enormous wickedness 
 is often veiled under a show of piety. — A very great majority 
 of professed ministers, in many ages and places, have been 
 teachers of lies : who, while they acted their parts with the 
 name of God in their mouths, have secretly been prompted by 
 Satan, “ deceiving and being deceived.” We should there- 
 fore be reminded not only to u inquire of the Lord,” but 
 careful likewise by whom we inquire of him ; and also that we 
 inquire his will, before we commit ourselves, bv engagements 
 that may he contrary to it. — They who flatter the humours of 
 the rich and great will in general be most favoured ; and those 
 who offend the pride, or disturb the consciences, of such as 
 are strangers to the power of godliness, will be hated, and 
 may lay their account with hard usage : nay, such pious per- 
 sons as associate with ungodly people, must often witness 
 and seem to approve of, very abominable things. The event, 
 however, will show faithful teachers in their proper light ; so 
 r .hat even the wicked will be constrained to allow the pro- 
 priety of their conduct. In the mean time, let them go on 
 with confidence in God, simply declaring his whole message, 
 and patiently bearing the cross; for “great will be their 
 reward in heaven.” — Satan is allowed to deceive those, who 
 reject the testimony of God’s prophets. — No policy can avert 
 « he stroke of the Lord’s vengeance, when the time arrives; 
 nor can his people ever be destitute of a refuge. He both 
 can and will extricate them even from those difficulties and 
 perils, into which they have sinfully brought themselves, when 
 hey earnestly arid humbly call upon him : and, as lie has all 
 hearts in his hand, he can easily rescud them in their most 
 urgent distresses. — “ O Lord God of hosts, blessed is the 
 man that pufteth his trust in thee!” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIX. V. L This peaceful return 
 dome exceeded Jehoshaphat’s expectations, and was contrary 
 ro his deserts: and he was thus discriminated from Ahnb to 
 whom he had said, “I am as thou art.” (18:3, 29. Note , 
 
 ( Kings 22:4.) 4 1 suppose, as soon as the battle was over, 
 ne immediately went to Jerusalem, to return thanks to God 
 for his wonderful preservation.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 2. Jehu was the son of Hanani, who was cast into 
 prison by Asa for reproving him; (Note, lfi:7 — 10.) yet he 
 was not afraid of bringing a similar message to Jehoshaphat. 
 That prince’s alliance with a notorious idolater was a had 
 example to his subjects, which exceedingly tended to coun- 
 teract his endeavours for reformation : and Ahab’s expedi- 
 tion was undertaken in defiance of the word of God, and 
 attended with such circumstances, as rendered Jehoshaphat 
 .nexcusable in helping him. For this misconduct “wrath 
 was upon him from before the Lord:” not the wrath of an 
 Enemy or avenging Judge, but. that of a/i offended Father: 
 and ‘he fata effects of this affinity upon his family and king 
 ( 776 1 
 
 7 Wherefore now, siet the fear of the Lord be 
 upon you ; take heed and do it : for there is r no 
 iniquity with the Lord our God, nor ’respect of 
 persons, nor 'taking' of gifts. 
 
 8 H Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat 
 set "of the Levites, and of the priests, and of the 
 chief of the fathers of Israel, for “the judgment of 
 the Lord, and lor controversies, when they re- 
 turned to Jerusalem. 
 
 9 And he charged them, saying, Thus shall ye 
 do yin the fear of the Lord, faithfully, and with a 
 perfect heart. 
 
 10 And what cause soever shall come to you of 
 your brethren that dwell in their cities, 'between 
 blood and blood, between law and commandment, 
 statutes and judgments, ye shall even “warn them 
 that they trespass not against the Lord, and so 
 b wrath come upon you, and upon your brethren : 
 this do, and ye shall not trespass. 
 
 11 And behold, “Amariah the chief priest is 
 oyer you in d all matters of the Lord ; and Zeha- 
 diah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of 
 Judah, for all the king’s matters: also the Levites 
 shall be officers before you. JDeal ’courageously, 
 and 1 the Lord shall be with nhe good. 
 
 25,26. Nell. 5:15. Is. 1:23—26. r Gen. 18:25. Deut. 32.4. Rum. 9:14. s Deut. 
 10:17.18. Joh 34:19. Mult. 22: 16. Acts 10:34. Rom. 2:11. Gal. 2:6. Enh. 6-9. 
 Col. 3:25. 1 Pet. 1:17. t Ex. 23:8. Deut. 16:19. Is. 1:23. 33:15. Mic. 7:3. 
 u 17:8. Deut. 17:8— 13. 1 Chr. 53:4. 26:29. x Ex. 18:19— 26. Deut. 21:5.85:1. 
 y See on 7. Deut. 1:16.17. 2 Sain. 23:3. Is. 11:3-5. 32:1. 7 Dent. 17.8. a Er.. 
 3:18—21.33:6. Acts 20:31. lTlies. 5:14. b Num. 16:46. Josh. 22:18— 20. 
 c 1 Chr. 6:11. d S. 1 Chr. 26:30. Alai. 2:7. 1 Heb. lake courage and do. 
 
 e Josh. 1:6,9. 1 Chr. 22 1 1 ,16,19. 1 Cor. 16: 13. 2 Tim. 2: 1 . f 6. 15:2. Ps. 18: 
 25,26. John 14:23,24. Rom. 2:4— 13. Phil. 4:8,9. g Ps. 37:23. 112:5. Prov.2:20. 
 Ec. 2:26. Luke 23:50. Acts 11:24. 
 
 dom, were as awful evidences of this wrath, as could be ex- 
 perienced by one that did not finally perish. (Notes, 21:4, 
 18—20. 22:5,7—9. 2 Sam. 12:10. 2 Kings 11:1,2.)— Went 
 out to meet him.] 4 Before he came into the city, thatteing 
 admonished by him, he mighi be the more affected with the 
 mercy of God towards him in his deliverance.’ Bp. Patrick . 
 
 V. 3. Marg. Ref. Notes, 17:1—9. 
 
 V. 4. Jehoshaphat went no more to Samaria, but abode 
 at Jerusalem, and in Judah, and attended to the atfairs of his 
 own kingdom. Being assured that the Lord had graciously 
 accepted of his endeavours for reformation, he made a circuit 
 through his kingdom to perfect that work, and to restore what 
 had been overturned. For it seems, that the people had 
 relapsed into idolatry, regarding his intimacy with Ahab as a 
 kind of dispensation, to such as chose to avail themselves of it. 
 
 V. 5 — 11. In process of time, irregularities and abuses 
 in the magistracy had interrupted the regular administration 
 of justice: but Jehoshaphat carefully reduced this likewise to 
 order ; and took care that judges, and courts of justice, should 
 be established in every considerable town, for the benefit of 
 the neighbourhood ; but with appeal to the superior courts at 
 Jerusalem. (Notes. Ex. 23:1 — 3,fi — 9. D<ut. 1(5:18,19. 17: 
 8 — 13. 1 Chr. 23:2 — G. 2fi:30 — 32.) In all these courts the 
 priests and Levites were joined with the principal persons of 
 the other tribes: for the law of God was in an especial man- 
 ner the statute-law of the realm; according to which both 
 ecclesiastical causes, or the “judgment of the Lord,” the 
 pleas of the crown, or 44 the king’s matters,” and common 
 pleas, or 44 controversies,” were to be determined. This 
 settlement was completed, when the king and his attend- 
 ants returned to Jerusalem from the circuit of the land: 
 and both in the cities of Judah, and at Jerusalem, the king 
 solemnly exhorted and charged the magistrates to do the 
 duty of their office, in the fear of the Lord ; as acting by 
 his authority, iu his presence, under his protection, copying 
 his impartial justice and equity, and looting forward to the 
 account which they must shortly rendei to him. (Marg. 
 Ref. o — t. y.) 4 It is most agreeable to the Scripture to un- 
 
 derstand by the things of God, those which were defined by 
 the law of God, and were to be judged of by that law : and 
 by 44 the king’s matters,” such as not being defined by the 
 divine law, were left to the judgment of the king ; of which 
 kind were all deliberations about what was expedient, or not 
 expedient. . . . The court had different presidents, according 
 to the nature of the causes. In things pertaining to God, 
 Amariah the high-priest sat as the first judge; in things per- 
 taining to the king, Zebadiah a principal person about the 
 king . . . was the moderator.’ Grotivs, quoted by Bp. Patrick. 
 
 4 The rest’ (of the Levites) 4 who were not judges, were 
 ministers under them, to seo their sentence executed. . . .lie 
 bids them not he afraid of any man, for God, who employed 
 them, would stand by them, and defend them, if they wore 
 good and upright judges.’ Bp. Patrick. — Some interpret, blood 
 and blood, of relationship and titles to estates ; but it seems 
 rather to mean causes concerning murder, maiming, or acci- 
 dentally killing any one. — The judges were required to warn 
 the people not. to transgress; lest, besids other reasons, their 
 brethren should be involved in the cons* q.ier cos of t.ieir crimes. 
 The LORD, who is with you in }hd$ nent . (G) Viltirk 
 
B. C. 892. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. B. C. 893 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 f eho$haphut , alarmed by an invasion of the Moabites, Ammonites, and others , 
 proclaims a fast , 1 — 4. Iiis prayer, 5 — 13. Jahaziel, the prophet , assures 
 him of a signal deliverance, 14 — 17. Jehoshaphat and his people receive 
 the promise with adoring thankfulness , 18, 19. He exhorts them to believe, 
 ana appoints singers to praise the Lord, 2u, 21. The invaders destroy one 
 another, and the people of Judah gather immense spoils, 22 — 25. They 
 bless God at Herachah, return in triumph, and enjoy peace, 26 — 30. Je- 
 hoshaphat' s good reign and acts, 31 — 34. He joins with. Ahaziah in sending 
 ships to Tharshish, which are wrecked, according to the prediction of Elie- 
 xer, 35-37. 
 
 I T came to pass “after this also, that b the chil- 
 dren of Moab, and the children of Ammon, 
 and with them other beside the Ammonites, 'came 
 against Jehoshaphat to battle. 
 
 2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, 
 saying, There cometh a great multitude against 
 thee from d beyond the sea on this side Syria; and 
 behold, they be in 'Hazazon-tamar, which is * En- 
 gedi. 
 
 3 And Jehoshaphat efeared, and set 'himself to 
 h seek the Lord, and 'proclaimed a fast throughout 
 all Judah. 
 
 4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to 
 
 a 15:5, It. 32:1. b Ps. 83:5-8. Is. 7:1. 8:9,10. 16:6. c 19:2. Jer. 10:21. Rev. 
 3:19. d Gel). 11:3. Nilm. 31:12. Josh.3:16. e Gen. 14:7. f Joah. 15:62. 
 1 Sam. 23:29. Cant. 1:11. s Gen. 32:7— 11,24— 28. Ps. 56:3,1. Is. 37:3— 6. 
 Jon. 1:16. Matt. 10:28. * Heb. his face. h See on 11:16. 19:3. i Judg.20: 
 
 23. I bam. 7:6. Ezra 8:21— 23. Esth. 4:16. Jer. 36:9. Joel 1:14. 2:12— 18. Jon. 
 3:5—9. i Ps. 34:5,6. 50:15. 60:10-12. k 19:5. Ps. 69:35. 1 See on 6:12,13. 
 
 34:31. 2 Kings 19:15— 19. m See on Ex. 3:6,15,16. 1 Chr. 29:18. n Dent. 4: 
 
 tile Talmud thus translates, ‘Ye do not judge before the 
 sons of men, but before the IVORD of the Lord, and his 
 glorious presence resides among you in the act of judgment ; 
 which is an illustrious testimony that the ancient Jews 
 believed more persons than one in the Deity.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 ■ — Deal courageously . (II) Notes, Josh. 1:7. 2 Tim. 2:1,2. — 
 The LORD shall be with the good.] Note, Phil. 4:8.9. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Nothing but perils, wrath, and painful effects, can he 
 expected from intimacies with ungodly men; and that in 
 proportion to the degree of their avowed hatred to the cha- 
 racter, worship, and service of God. We ought therefore to 
 shun all needless familiarity with them, and to show them 
 and all the world, our disapprobation of their principles and 
 conduct ; whatever may be their rank, abilities, or accom- 
 plishments ; or however political interests or relative ties may 
 plead for a coalition. We should indeed bear them good- 
 will, and be ready to relieve their distress, and to help them 
 in their most important interests : but we ought to be cautious 
 of involving ourselves with their secular undertakings, and 
 still more of concurring with them in any of their sinful pro- 
 jects. (Notes, 2 Cor. 6:14 — 18. Kph. 5:8 — 14. 2 John 7 — 11. 
 P. O .) — The unmerited mercies of God are often united 
 with severe rebukes and corrections ; and these again are 
 moderated by tokens of his approbation, where our conduct 
 has been good in bis sight : for he would not have those dis- 
 couraged, who “ prepare their hearts to seek him and when 
 there are really good things found in us, he will mercifully 
 forgive the evil which we allow not or repent of, and accept 
 the good, through the Saviour’s advocacy. In these things 
 we should be followers of God: we must not “hate our 
 offending brother, nor suffer sin upon him ; but in any wise 
 rebuke him;” (Note. Lev. 19:17.) but we should take more 
 pleasure in commending what is evidently good ; and bear 
 much from those in whom “ good things are found.” — While 
 ministers ought not to fear or respect the persons of men, or 
 be intimidated by the sufferings of others in the same cause, 
 but must deliver their whole message plainly ; they should 
 also endeavour to do it with forbearance, tenderness, and 
 candour, which will render reproofs less offensive and more 
 effectual. When these are prudently given and properly 
 taken, they are not only salutary, but confer honour on both 
 parties; (Note, Prov. 25:11,12.) and when, being united 
 with due commendations, they excite men to renewed vigi- 
 lance and diligence in their proper work, they become gene- 
 ral benefits.— The tendency of human nature to evil renders 
 unremitting vigour necessary in all those, who would sup- 
 press abuses and effect reformation : for, on every relaxation, 
 evils will revive and gather strength rapidly, and all will need 
 to be done over again. — -The ministry and the magistracy, 
 when restricted to their distinct methods, may concur in pro- 
 moting godliness, as well as preserving public peace : and all 
 legal decisions should be expedited in a regular and easy 
 method, and with little expense ; that the poor may be placed, 
 as nearly as possible, at an equal advantage with the rich, in 
 obtaining their dues. — Magistrates are the vicegerents, of the 
 Governor and Judge of the world, and are therefore to be 
 'beyed in all things lawful for the Lord’s sake. (Notes, Rom. 
 r3:l — 7.) But there lies an appeal from their decisions to a 
 superior tribunal ; and they should be constantly and solemnly 
 reminded, that they will he exposed to condemnation, if they 
 do not act uprightly in the fear of God, without respect of 
 persons, or taking of gifts. And, besides executing the laws 
 of man impartially, it is their duty also to warn men not to 
 trespass against the Lord, lest wrath come upon them and 
 their brethren. (Note, 17:7 — 9.) They should therefore 
 Vol. I.— 98 
 
 ‘ask help of the Lord; even out of all Hhe cities 
 of Judah they came to seek the Lord. 
 
 5 11 And ‘Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation 
 of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, 
 before the new court, 
 
 6 And said, ’”0 Lord God of our fathers, art 
 not thou "God in heaven? and “j'ulest not thou 
 over all the kingdoms of the heathen ? and Pin 
 thy hand is there not power and might, so that 
 911006 is able to withstand thee ? 
 
 7 Art not thou r our God, ‘who didst “drive out 
 the inhabitants of this land before thy people 
 Israel, and ‘gavest it to the seed of Abraham "thy 
 friend for ever ? 
 
 8 And they dwelt therein, and have v built thee 
 a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying, 
 
 9 “If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, 
 judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand be- 
 fore this house, and in thy presence, (for Jthy 
 name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our 
 affliction, then thou wilt hear and help. 
 
 39. Josh 2:11. 1 Kings 8:23. Is. 57:15,16. 66:1. Mall. 6:9. o 1 Chr. 29:11 ,12. 
 Ps. 17:2,8. Jer. 27:5— 8. Dan. 4: 17,25,32— 35. p 1 Chr. 29: II ,12. Ps. 62:11. 
 Mali. 6:13. q Acts 11:17. r 14:11. Gen. 17:7. Ex. 6:7. 19:5-7.20:2. 1 Chr. 
 17:21 — 24. t Heb. thou, s See on Ex. 33:2. Ps. 44:2. t Gen. 12:7. 13:15. 
 Josh. 24:3,13. Neh. 9.8. n Is. 41:8. John 11:11. 15:15. Jam. 2:23. v See on 
 2:4. 6:10. x See on 6:28—30. 1 Kings 8:33,37. y See on 6:20. Ex. 20:24. 
 
 23:21. 
 
 lake heed and deal courageously, not fearing the displeasure 
 of man, but confiding in the protection of God, who is with 
 them in the judgment ; that he may indeed be with them for 
 their good. May he provide increasing numbers of good 
 ministers and good magistrates, to suppress vice, and to pro- 
 mote the cause of truth and holiness ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XX. V. 1/2. (Notes, 1.4:1— 15. 31: 
 20,21. 32:1—8. 1 Sam. 7:1—7.) “The fear of the Lord had 
 fallen upon the kingdoms round about Judah and Jehosha- 
 phat had so long enjoyed peac6, that he seems to have ne- 
 glected his military arrangements, and to have relaxed his 
 vigilance. (Notes, 17:10 — 19.) Perhaps his enemies ob- 
 served this, and thought to take advantage of it; or they had 
 heard “ that, wrath was upon him from before the Lord,” for 
 uniting with Ahab. This formidable armament consisted of 
 Moabites, Ammonites, and the allies of the Ammonites, 
 (Note, 10,11.) and came from “beyond the sea on this side 
 Syria,” that is the dead sea, or salt sea , which was considered 
 as one of the western boundaries of Syria ; and they were 
 encamped in his dominions at En-gedi. (Marg. Ref. e, f.) 
 before he was informed of their approach, or apprised of their 
 intentions. This would prevent his mustering all his forces. 
 
 V. 3, 4. Probably, this invasion took place not long after 
 Jehoshaphat’s return from Ramoth-gilead ; and he was afraid 
 that God was about to chastise his sin by permitting the de- 
 vastation of his kingdom. To avert this calamity, “he set 
 himself to seek the Lord.” It may he supposed, that he 
 made the best military arrangement of which the exigency 
 would admit: but his chief preparation consisted in proclaim- 
 ing a fast, and gathering his people together to ask help of the 
 Lord. — We have in the preceding books of Scripture, read 
 of private fasting with prayer ; of “ afflicting the soul” at the 
 day of atonement; of the people’s fasting at the instance of 
 Samuel the prophet; and of their fasting by common con- 
 sent: (Notes, Lev. 1 0:29 — 31. Dent. 9:18,25. Judg. 20:26-- 
 28. 1 Sam. 7:5,6. 2 Sam. 12:16.) but the fast here mentioned 
 was observed at the proclamation of the chief magistrate, who 
 acted by the authority of his slation, and not by the Spirit of 
 prophecy: and the event of this measure, both warrants civil 
 governors in times of distress to act in this manner, and en- 
 courages them to expect the most important benefits from it.. 
 Every one was called on to humble himself before God for 
 his own sins, and the sins of the public, as the aggregate of 
 the whole. Thus they united in expressing their sorrow and 
 self-displacency for their sins : and they publicly honoured 
 God as the righteous Author of their calamity, and as their 
 only Hope and Refuge in distress. All other cares being 
 laid aside, they were at leisure to unite in uninterrupted and 
 fervent prayers for help and forgiveness. Doubtless serious 
 impressions would be made on many, who before had been 
 inattentive; the pious affections of others would be revived, 
 and rendered more fixed and lively; and in every way it 
 would tend to the honour of God, and the good of his people. 
 
 V. 5. New court.] It is not known what is here meant 
 by the new court: hut, probably, Jehoshaphat had rebuilt 
 some of the courts, or had added one to them. 
 
 V. 6 — 9. After the example of Solomon, Jehoshaphat 
 himself offered the public prayer for this large congregation, 
 in words which proceeded from the abundance of his heart; 
 a careful examination of the marginal references will he found 
 the best comment on them. (Notes, 1 Kings 8:33 — 43. 1 
 Chr. 29:10 — 19.) — Abraham thy friend. (7) i3nN: a lover Oj 
 thee. (Marg. Ref Notes, John 15:12—16. Jam. 2:22— 29.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. The mention of mount Seir, the country of 
 Edom, shows what is meant in the first verse by “ether 
 beside the Ammonites.” — The Moabites, Ammonites, and 
 ( 777 ) 
 
B. o. 812 . 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 JB. C. 892. 
 
 10 And now behold, the children of Ammon 
 and Moab, and mount Seir, 'whom thou wouldest 
 not let Israel invade, when they came out of the 
 land of Egypt, hut they turned Com them, and 
 destroyed them not ; 
 
 11 Behold, I say, ’'how they reward us, to come 
 b to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast 
 given us to inherit. 
 
 12 O our God, c wilt thou not judge them? for 
 *we have no might- against this great company 
 that cometh against us ; 'neither know we what 
 to do : hut four eyes are upon thee. 
 
 13 And sail Judah stood before the Lord, with 
 their little ones, their wives, and their children. 
 
 [ Practical Observations 
 
 14 H h Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zecha- 
 riah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son 
 of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, 
 'came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the 
 congregation ; 
 
 15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye 
 inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehosha- 
 pliat ; Thus saith the Lord unto you, k Be not 
 afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multi- 
 tude ; for ‘the battle is not yours, but God’s. 
 
 1 6 To-morrow go ye down against them : be- 
 hold, they come up by the *clifi of Ziz; and ye 
 shall find them at the end of the tbrook, before 
 the wilderness of Jeruel. 
 
 17 Ye shall m not need to fight in this battle : set^ 
 yourselves, "stand ye still, and see the salvation of 
 
 I Nnm.au?— 21. Deul. 2:1, 5, 9,19. Judg. 11:15— 18. a G«n. 44:4. Pa. 
 7:4. 35:12. Prov. 17.13. Jer. 18.21). 1, Judg. 11:23,21. Pa. 83:3—12. c Deul. 
 
 32:36. Judg. 11:27. Ps. 7:6,8. 9: 19. 43: 1 . Is. 2:1. 72:4. Joel3:!2. Rev. 19:11. 
 d See on 14:11. 1 Sam. 14:6. 2 Cor. 1:8,9. e2Kings6:15. f Ps. 25:15. 121: 1, 
 2. 123:1,2.141:8. Jou.2:4 g Deul. 29:10,11. Ezra 10:1. Jon. 3:5. Arts 21:5. 
 n Is. 58:9. 65.21. Dan. 9:20,21. Acts 10:4,31. i 15:1.21:20. Num. 11:25,26. 
 21:2. k 32:7. Dent. 1 :29, 30. 20:1,4. 31:6,8. Josh. 11:6. Nell. 4:14. Ps. 27:1.2. 
 Is. 11:10— 16. 1 32:8. 1 Sam. 17:47. • Heb. ascent, t Or, valley, m 22,23. 
 
 Ex. 14:13.14,25. n Ps. 46:10,11. Is. 30:7,15. Lam. 3:26. o 15:2.32:8. Num. 
 14:9. Ps. 46:7,11. Is. 8:9,10. 41:10. Am. 5:14. Matt. 1:23. 28:20. Rom. 8:31. 
 
 Edomites, had been expressly named as nations whom Israel 
 must not invade : and the divine admonition had been exactly 
 attended to. (Deut. 2:4 — 7,9,19. Note , Num. 20:14 — 21.) 
 Other wars indeed had brought some of them under the 
 dominion of Judah and Israel: but it seems the superiority 
 had been used with gentleness, and no reason had been given 
 for this violent assault; in which, it is probable, the confede- 
 rates meant to destroy the kingdom of Judah, and the house 
 of David; as well as to expel the people of God, from that 
 land which was “ his possession so that the war was indeed 
 waged against the Lord himself. (Notes, Judg. 11:12 — 27.) 
 
 V. 12. The language of this verse is peculiarly expressive 
 of humble, genuine faith. The appeal, as to the justice of 
 the cause, is simply, yet emphatically, made 4) God ; and 
 the inability of Jehoshaphat, with the force which he had 
 hastily collected, or indeed with any forces apart from the 
 powerful aid of God, to resist so vast an army ; the perplexity 
 to which he was reduced ; and his only refuge from despair, 
 by firmly relying on the Almighty, and expecting help from 
 him, as pleading his own cause in pleading theirs ; are stated 
 in the most natural and affecting manner. (Note, 14:9 — 15.) 
 — ‘In this weak and declining condition, wherein the church 
 now is, . . . let us say daily with Jehoshaphat, “We know 
 not what to do ; but our eyes are unto thee.” “ Thine is the 
 kingdom, the power, and the glory.” Thou art our King and 
 our Shepherd ; we are thy people, and the sheep of thy pas- 
 ture. Thou only art powerful, we are infirm: but thy power 
 will be perfected in our weakness. “Not unto us, O Lord, 
 but to thy name give the glory ; for thy mercy and thy truth’s 
 sake.” Do not remember our iniquities, but save us for thy 
 mercy’s sake ; for we are brought very low.’ — 4 Such addresses 
 to God ... will illustrate this prayer of Jehoshaphat, better 
 than the largest commentaries.’ Victorinus Strigelius in Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 13. IVith their little ones.] Notes , Deut. 29:10 — 15. 
 31:10 — 13. Ezra 10:1. Neh. 8:1,2. Joel 2:15— 17.— Not only 
 the women, and the children who were grown up, attended 
 on this occasion, hut the infants also: for it. is probable the 
 people intended their presence, as a silent plea with the 
 Lord to have mercy upon them for the sake ol their helpless 
 offspring. (Note, Jon. 4:9 — 11.) 
 
 V. 14 — 17. The Lord did not speak on this occasion by 
 the high-priest, but by an ordinary Levite descended from 
 Asaph, who, it is probable, was an eminently pious person. 
 Whether he had previously been known as a prophet, or not, 
 all present, were satisfied that he spoke by the Spirit of God. 
 He assured them of the Lord’s especial interposition; for, as 
 the battle immediately concerned his honour, it. would ho de- 
 cided by his power. “The war is not to you, but to God.” 
 (Note, 10,11.) Without any fear of the immense multitude 
 of their invaders, they were ordered to march forth the next 
 day, not to fight, but t) witness the salvation of the Lord 
 ( 778 , 
 
 the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem : fear 
 not, nor be dismayed; to-morrow go out against 
 them : "for the Lord will be with you. 
 
 18 And Jehoshaphat ‘‘bowed his head with Ins 
 face to the ground: and all Judah, and the inha 
 bitants of Jerusalem, fell before the Lord, wor 
 shipping the Lord. 
 
 19 And ‘‘the Levites of Ihe children of th. 
 Kohathites, and of the children of the 'Korhites 
 stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with 
 8 a loud voice on high. 
 
 20 If And they rose early in the morning, and 
 went forth into the wilderness of ‘Tekoa : and, as 
 they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear 
 me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; 
 x Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be 
 established ; ^believe his prophets, so shall ye 
 prosper. 
 
 21 And when he had 'consulted with the peo- 
 ple, he “appointed singers unto the Lord, and 
 That should praise ''the beauty of holiness, as the) 
 went out before the army, and to say, “Praise the 
 Lord; for his mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 22 And When they began To sing and to 
 praise, d the Lord set ambushments against the 
 children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, 
 which were come against Judah ; and they Were 
 smitten. 
 
 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood 
 up against the inhabitants of "mount Seir, utterly 
 to slay and destroy them: and when they had 
 
 2 Tim. 4:22. p 7:3. Gen. 24:26. Ex. 4:31. q 1 Chr. 15:16— 22. 16:5,42. 23:3. 
 25:1—7. r Ps.44:— 49: lilies, s 5:13. Ezra3:12,13. Neh. 12:42,43. Ps.81:l. 
 95:1,2. I 11:6. 2 Sam. 14:2. I Chr. 4:5. Jer. 6:1. uSeeonl5. X Is. 7:9. 
 26:3. John 11:40. 14:1. Rom. 8:31. v Ex. 14:31. Luke 16:31. John 5:46,47. 13: 
 20. z I Chr. 13:1,2. Prov. 11:14. a 29:25—30.30:21. Ezra 3:10,11. Neh. 12: 
 27. J Heb. pmiee. of. b 1 Chr. 16:29. Ps. 29:2. 50 2. 90: 17 96:9. c 5:13. 
 7:3,6. 1 Chr. 16:34,41. Ezra 3:11. Ps. 106:1. 107:1. 136:1, Sc. Jer. 33:11. 
 § Heb. in the time that, Ucc. II Heb. in singing and praise . d Judg. 7:22. 1 Sam. 
 14:16,20. 2 Kings 6: 17. Ps. 35:5,6. Is. 19:2. Ez. 38:21. U Or, smote one another. 
 e Gen. 14:6. 36:8,9. Deut. 2:5. Josh. 24:4. Ez. 35:2.3. 
 
 with them, and his answer to their fervent prayers. (Notes, 
 Ex. 14:13,14. 1 Sam. 17:45—47.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. The king and his people, placing the most en- 
 tire confidence in the divine promise, at once anticipated its 
 fulfilment, and directly joined in an act of solemn adoration, 
 and in songs of gratitude and praise for this yet unaccom- 
 plished deliverance. 
 
 V. 20, 21 . Jehoshaphat seems not greatly to have regarded 
 the arrangement of his army ; for he so firmly believed the 
 words of the prophet, that he marched forth as to a triumph, 
 and not to a battle. Accordingly he exhorted his troops to 
 a firm faith in God, and an entire reliance on his power, 
 faithfulness, and covenanted mercy to his people : and a con- 
 fident expectation, that all his words spoken to them by his 
 prophets should be accomplished : for thus, and thus only, 
 could they be established and prosper. (Is. 7:9) Having 
 consulted with the chief persons of the people that were with 
 him, he also appointed singers to go before the army, “that 
 should praise the beauty of holiness :” that is, according to 
 some expositors, exactly as they used to do at his beautiful 
 sanctuary. But perhaps the expression rather means, that 
 they should celebrate the glorious exc ellences of God, which 
 render him “ the Perfection of beauly,” and the meet object 
 of the most absolute love, confidence, and delight of all his 
 rational creatures; especially, as “his mercy which endureth 
 for ever,” is displayed in perfect, harmony with his more 
 awful attributes. (Notes, 5:12,13. 7:1 — 3. 1 Chr. 16:28, 23. 
 Ps. 50:1,2. 90:13—17. 136:1—3.) 
 
 V. 22 — 25. Some commentators, both ancient and mo- 
 dern, think that angels were employed on this occasion, who 
 came on the invaders by surprise, as from an ambushment. 
 and slew some of them: and that the survivors supposed 
 rh emselves assaulted by their confederates; and so reta- 
 liated, till they fbll into utter confusion, and entirely destroyed 
 one another. — But perhaps the Lord only left the several 
 nations to a natural distrust and jealousy of each other: and 
 thus some of them formed ambushments against the rest, 
 which terminated in their mutual destruction. Or perhaps 
 the ambushments placed against the Jews, fell by mistake on 
 their own allies. This, however, fulfilled the purpose of 
 God, as effectually as if he had placed the ambushments, 
 or they had acted in obedience to his commandment. The 
 slaughter was universal, and the spoil immense: so that this 
 invasion served exceedingly to enrich Jehoshaphat and his 
 kingdom. (Notes, 32:27 — 29. Rom. 8:35 — 39.) 
 
 V. 26 — 28. “ Berachah” signifies Blessing. Having pre- 
 viously sought deliverance, by fasting and prayer, and re- 
 ceived the assurance of it with grateful joy, Jehoshaphat 
 and his army returned immediate and most fervent thanks and 
 praise to the Lord, who had in so wonderful a manner p* - 
 formed his promise. 4 They did not return every man to n.’s 
 own homo; ... but first went back to Jerusalem to bla«s 
 
B C. 892. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 B. C. 896 
 
 m3 le an end of the inhabitants of Seir, every one 
 helped "to destroy another. 
 
 24 And when Judah came toward the watch- 
 tower in the wilderness, they looked unto the mul- 
 titude, and, behold, 'they were dead bodies fallen 
 to the earth, and 'none escaped. 
 
 25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came 
 to take away the spoil of them, sthey found among' 
 them in abundance both riches with the dead 
 bodies, and ''precious jewels, which they stripped 
 off for themselves, more than they could carry 
 away : and they were three days in gathering of 
 the spoil, it was so much. 
 
 26 * And on the fourth day they assembled them- 
 selves in the valley of JBerachah ; for there they 
 ‘blessed the Lord: therefore Hhe name of the 
 same place was called, The valley of Berachah, 
 k unto this day. 
 
 27 Then they returned every man of Judah 
 and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the More-front 
 of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy ; for 
 ■the Lord had made them to rejoice over their 
 enemies. 
 
 28 And they came to Jerusalem m with psalte- 
 ries and harps and trumpets unto the house of 
 the Lord. 
 
 29 And "the fear of God wa3 on all the king- 
 doms of those countries, when "they had heard that 
 the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. 
 
 ’ Heb. for the destruction. f Ex. 14:30. Ps. 110:6. Is. 37:36. Jer. 33:5. 
 
 ^ Heb. there was not an escaping. Ezra 9:14. g Ex. 12:35,35. 1 Sam. 30:19, 
 20. 2 Kings 7.9— 16. Ps. 63:12. Rom. 8:37. h Ex. 3:22. Num. 31:51. Judg. 8: 
 24— 2S. Prov. 3:15. J That is, blessing. i Ex. 15:1— 19. 2Sam.22:l. Ps. 
 103:1,2. 107:21,22. Luke 1:68. Rev. 19:1—6. j Gen. 28:19 . 32.30. Ex. 17:15. 
 
 1 Sam. 7:12. Is. 62:4. Acts 1:19. k 5:9. § Heb. head. 2 Sam. 6:14,15. Mic. 2: 
 13. Heb. 6:20. I 1 Sam. 2:1. Neh. 12:43. Ps. 20:5. 30: 1 . Is. 35:10. 51:11 . Rev. 
 18:20. m2 Sam. 6:5. 1 Chr. 13:8. 23:5. 25:6. Ps. 57:8. 92:3. 149:3. 150:5-5. 
 Rev. 14:2,3. n 17:10. Gen. 35:5. Ex. 23:27. Josh. 5:1. 2 Kings 7:6. o Ex. 
 
 him’ (the Lord) ‘again for hearing their prayers, and mak- 
 ing good his promises.’ Bp. Patrick. The whole forms 
 a most remarkable and instructive history: and no under- 
 taking, recorded in Scripture, was entered on, conducted, 
 and concluded, in a more unexceptionable manner. 
 
 V. 29, 30. When the surrounding nations perceived how 
 wonderfully the Lord had destroyed this powerful armament, 
 whey dared not to attack Jehoshaphat any more ; and thus 
 God gave him rest round about, which continued during the 
 remainder of his reign. ( Note , 17:10) 
 
 V. 31 — 34. (Notes, 17:3. 2 Sam. 22:21—28. 1 Kings 
 
 22:41 — 46.) The minds of the people were not suitably 
 prepared for the regular and cordial worship of God at Jeru- 
 salem : so that Jehoshaphat either did not dare to attempt, 
 or was not able to effect, an entire and abiding suppression 
 of all those high places, where God was irregularly worship- 
 ped. (Marg. Ref. u, x. Notes , 17:6. 19:2 — 4.) 
 
 V. 35 — 37. Jehoshaphat’s affinity with Ahab’s family 
 drew him in to join in this traffic with wicked Ahaziah, for 
 which he was rebuked and chastened ; and afterwards he 
 refused to join with him. Ahaziah died within less than two 
 years after Ahab, and Jehoshaphat survived him for a con- 
 siderable time. (Notes) 1 Kings 22:48,49. 2 Kings 1:1 — 17. 
 
 6:16,17.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. Uninterrupted peace must not be expected in 
 this world, even when we are most devotedly serving God. 
 The enemies of true religion are the more exasperated by our 
 zeal to promote it; our own miscarriages require rebukes; 
 trials are needful to repress pride; and difficulties form the 
 proper exercise and discovery of our faith, love, patience, and 
 hope in God. Thus his honour, the edification of others, the 
 gooa of our own souls, and our situation in the midst of un- 
 godly men, all require that “ in the world we should have tri- 
 bulation.” — In calamities or dangers, public or personal, our 
 first business should be to seek help from the Lord. When 
 two or three agree in doing this, that concurrence adds energy 
 to their supplications: how much more then, when multitudes 
 with one accord pour out their fervent supplications for the 
 same common blessing! Hence the advantage of days ap- 
 pointed for national fasting and prayer. Such seasons remind 
 the remnant of believers to unite in the same requests, as 
 with one heart and one voice : and even the cries of uncon- 
 verted men for outward mercies form an honourable acknow- 
 ledgment of God, and qf man’s entire dependence, on him : 
 and frequently receive a gracious answer. It is therefore 
 commendable in Christian princes to call their people to these 
 solemn services; and it is indeed a most important part of 
 their duty and true wisdom : but it can scarcely be supposed 
 that the mere appointment is sufficient ; unless their own ex- 
 mple proves that they are in earnest in the sacred service, 
 let who will be formal . It is also the duty of every individual, 
 acco- iing to his station in the community, to concur in such 
 piot * measures, and to stir up himself and those around him, 
 to engage cordially in them, that good impressions may be 
 
 30 So the realm oi" Jehoshaphat was quiet 
 for rhis God gave him rest round about. 
 
 31 V And ^Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah 
 he was thirty and five years old when be begau 
 to reign, and he reigned twenty and five years iu 
 Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah, 
 the daughter of Shilhi. 
 
 32 And r he walked in "the way of Asa his 
 father, and ‘departed not from it, doing that 
 which was right in the sight of the Lord. 
 
 33 Howbeit, “the high places were not taken 
 away : for as yet the people “had not prepared 
 their hearts unto the God of their fathers. 
 
 34 Now nhe rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, 
 first and last, behold, they are written in the "book 
 of "Jehu the son of Hanani, who "is mentioned in 
 the book of the kings of Israel. 
 
 35 V And after this "did Jehoshaphat king rB. c. 
 of Judah join himself with Ahaziah king of L 895 - 
 Israel, b who did very wickedly : 
 
 36 And he joined himself with him to make 
 ships to go to “Tarshish: and they made tne 
 ships in d Ezion-gaber. 
 
 37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mare- 
 shah, prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, 'Be- 
 cause thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, f the 
 Lord hath broken thy works. And the ships 
 were broken, that they were not able to go to 
 Tarshish. 
 
 15:14—18. Josh. 2:9 — II. 9:9—11. p 14:6,7. 15:15. Josh. 23:1. 2 Sam. 7:1. Job 
 34:29. Prov. 16:7. John 14:27. q 1 Kings 22 4 1—44. r See on 17:3— 6. s See 
 on 14:2— 5,11— 13. 1 Kings 15:11. t 16:7— 12. Fn. 18:21. 36:3. u See on 14: 
 3.17:6. z. See on 12:14. 19:3.30:19. Deut. 29:4. 1 Sam. 7:3. y See on 12: 
 15.13:22. 16:11. || Heb. words, z 19.2. 1 Kings 16:1,7. 2 Heb. was made 
 
 to ascend, a 1 Kings 22:48,49. b 2 Kings 1 :2 — 16. c See on 1 Kings 111:22. 
 
 Thars/iish. d 1 Kings 9:26. Ezion-geber. e See on 19:2. f 16:9. Prov. 9:6. 
 13:20. Heb. 12:6. Rev. 3:19. 
 
 made, fixed, or revived in the minds of men in every place. — 
 What then shall we think of those, who call themselves 
 Christians and patriots ; yet not only neglect, hut ridicule of 
 revile, this scriptural method of seeking help in clanger, from our 
 almighty Friend, after an example so honoured by God him- 
 self? qr of those, who give occasion to such reproach and con- 
 tempt, by their absurd and manifest liypocrisy in these obser- 
 vances?— The fear of wrath, when united with a hope of mercy, 
 excites sinners to seek the Lord in good earnest; and is often 
 useful to quicken the believer, when his love has subsided, and 
 he is grown slothful in the concerns ofhis soul. We must, there- 
 fore, first approach the holy majesty of our God, with humilia- 
 tionforour sin, justifying him in all we suffer or fear, and con- 
 fiding only in his mercy for acceptance, and in his power for 
 protection. And in all ages of the church, fasting has been 
 deemed an expedient attendant upon such exercises, on par- 
 ticular occasions, personal and public ; being expressive of a 
 mind abstracted from earthly things ; conscious of having for- 
 feited every enjoyment by sin ; and attentive only to obtain 
 the great objects which the soul is then pursuing.— All be- 
 lievers are sons of Abraham and “ friends of God with such 
 persons the everlasting covenant is established, and to them 
 every promise belongs. (Notes, Gen. 12:1 — 3. John 15:12 
 — 1G. Rom. 5:1,2.) Even in those distresses, which are in- 
 tended for the correction of their sins, when they cry unto the 
 Lord, he will hear and help them. Their enemies are his 
 enemies ; and when they are rewarded with evil for good, he 
 will appear for them and plead their cause. When they are 
 the most indisposed to avenge themselves, anil least able to 
 ward off injuries, their dependence on God will become more 
 unreserved, and their prayers more fervent: and he will no 
 more forsake those, who “know not what to do," but look up 
 to him alone for help; than a fond mother will desert her 
 helpless infant, that clings to her bosom, and knows and seeks 
 no other refuge. Indeed, this is the very frame of mind to 
 which he designs to form his people. — The covenant is made 
 with believers “for the good of their children aftcrtliem ;” and 
 they should bring them, and the rest of their families, as soon 
 as possible to the ordinances of God, that they may be trained 
 up in his house, and become truly a part ofhis family. 
 
 V. 14 — 37. The Lord will surely speak peace to those, 
 who seek him in a due manner: and when his word banishes 
 our fears and calms our spirits, our prayers arc answered in 
 good measure, even previously to those providential deliver- 
 ances, of which we have received a blessed pledge. — If our 
 sins be pardoned, “God is for ns ;” and “ if he be for us, who 
 can be against us?” We need not be dismayed at the num- 
 ber and power of our enemies, or on account of our own weak- 
 ness : “ the battle is the Lord’s,” and the victory is suro. We 
 have only to observe his word of command, whether he cali 
 us to labour, to wrestle, and strive : or whether it become our 
 part to “stand still, and to see the salvation of the Lord.” 
 When vigorous faith receives the promises, their accom- 
 plishment is anticipated with humble gratitude. The Chris- 
 tian soldier may sing his songs of triumph, when marching to 
 ( 779 ) 
 
B. C. 8i>9. II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 r 9 \oshaphat -ties ; Jehoram succeeds, slays his brethren , and reigns wickedly, 
 
 1 7. Ed( m and Libnah revolt, 8—10. He establishes idolatry, 11. Eli- 
 
 jah's written prophecy against him, 12—15. The Philistines and Arabians 
 invade and vluiuler his kingdom, and carry all his family captive, except 
 Jehoahaz, 16, 17. Elijah's prophecy fulfilled in Jehoram' s incurable disease 
 and death ; and he is interred without honour , 18—20. 
 
 N OW “Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and 
 “was buried with his fathers in the city of 
 David. And “Jehoram his son reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 2 And he had brethren, the sons of Jehosha- 
 phat, Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and 
 Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah : all these 
 were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 
 
 3 And their father d gave them great gifts of 
 silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with 
 fenced cities in Judah : but the kingdom gave he 
 to Jehoram : because he was the first-born. 
 
 4 Now when Jehoram was risen up to the king- 
 dom of his father, he strengthened himself, and 
 'slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers 
 also of the princes of Israel. 
 
 5 Jehoram was thirty and two years old when 
 he began to reign, and * 1 he reigned eight years in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 6 And he walked sin the way of the kings of 
 Israel, like as did the house of Ahab; for h he had 
 
 a 1 Kings 22:50. b 20. See on 9:31. 12:16. c 2 Kings 8:16,17. d 11:23. Gen. 
 25:6. Deut. 2115— 17. e 17. 22-8,10. Gen. 4:8. Judg. 9:5.56,57. 1 John 3:12. 
 f 2 Kings8:l6,l7. g 1 Kings. 16:25— 33. h 18:1.22:2. 2 Kinga8;18. Neh. 13: 
 25,26. i 22:11. Is. 7:6,7. k2Sam.23:5. Ps. 89:28— 34,39, Jer. 33:20— 26. 
 
 I 2 Sam. 7:12-17. 1 Kings 11:13,36. 2Kings8:!9. Ps. 132:17,18. Luke 1:69,79. 
 
 • Heb. lamp, or, candle, m Gen. 27:40. 2 Kings 8:20 — 22. t Heb .hand, 
 
 (he field, or conflicting in his spiritual battles, being assured 
 that he shall be “made more than conqueror, through the Sa- 
 viour who hath loved him:” and thus the joy and praise of the 
 church militant may emulate and anticipate that of the church 
 triumphant. — But alas ! our faith is apt to waver, and then 
 our joys decline: believers need frequent exhortations to per- 
 severing faith and hope in God ; and it becomes the strong in 
 this manner to animate the weak. — As fve cannot know 
 the truth and promises of God, except by his prophets and 
 apostles ; how can we believe in him, unless we firmly credit 
 their infallible testimony, as recorded in the sacred Scriptures ? 
 In proportion as we expect protection in this way from God, 
 by obedient faith, we “ shall he established,” and prosper ; and 
 shall adore the beauty of the divine holiness, and the everlast- 
 ing mercy of God in Christ Jesus, with thankful hearts: and 
 the more generally and publicly this is done in any country, 
 the greater stability and success will attend the affairs of the 
 nation. When we thus arrange and conduct our affairs, our 
 enemies will fall before us ; our trials will prove our gain: and 
 our very sorrows will enrich our souls with more abundant 
 rejoicing. The advantage will be all our own ; but the whole 
 glory will be ascribed to the Lord. — We should always ren- 
 der our tribute of praise and gratitude for mercies received, 
 when our hearts are impressed with a lively sense of the 
 loving-kindness of God : as thanksgivings, for public or private 
 benefits, grow languid by delay. But alas ! we find very few 
 who are so prompt to return thanks for favours vouchsafed, 
 as they were to cry for relief in the hour of distress. (Note, 
 and P. O. Luke 17:11 — 19.) Blessed be God, there are some 
 honourable exceptions, whose example proves very useful. — 
 Mercy thus sought and improved will be durable ; and if God 
 give us rest, none will dare to molest us. — But the best of 
 men seldom shine so bright in prosperity as in adversity : and 
 even relapses into sin may be noticed in very valuable cha- 
 racters, which the Lord will mark with rebukes and chastcn- 
 ings. Many things must also remain imperfect in the church 
 on earth ; for there are many desirable regulations which the 
 greatest reformers have not ventured to attempt, or have not 
 been able to accomplish : and indeed, except men’s “ hearts 
 are prepared to seek the Lord,” magistrates and ministers 
 can do nothing effectual. The zealous, however, will never 
 labour in vain. Much good will be done, though not all which 
 they desire. God will graciously accept their endeavours ; 
 and in heaven they will be associated with “ the spirits of just 
 men made perfect,” and made like them in holiness and felicity. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXL V. 2. The second Azariah, 
 in the original, is called Azariahu. — King of Israel.] Jeho- 
 shaphat is called hero “the king of Israel,” not “king of 
 Judah as the whole nation sprang from Jacob, whom God 
 surnained Israel ; and he reigned over a considerable part of 
 it. (4. 28:19.) 
 
 V. 3. Perhaps Jehoram had acted the hypocrite during his 
 father’s, lifetime ; but, even if he showed his evil disposition, 
 Jehoshaphat, having no command from God, did not think it 
 proper to set him aside ; otherwise his brethren were better 
 than he, more wise and more righteous. (Note, 13.) The 
 succession of so wicked a king as Jehoram, to pious Jehosha- 
 hat, was a just judgment on the men of Judah for “not 
 avmg prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers,” 
 during the preceding reigns. (Note, 20:31 — 34,' ‘v, 33.) 
 
 ( 780 ) 
 
 B, C. 889. 
 
 the daughter of Ahab to wife : and he wrought 
 that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord. 
 
 7 Howbeit 'the Lord would not destroy the 
 house of David, ‘‘because of the covenant that he 
 had made with David, and 'as he promised to give 
 a 'light to him and to his sons for ever. 
 
 8 H In his days '"the Edomites revolted from 
 under the 'dominion of Judah, "and made them- 
 selves a king. 
 
 9 Then Jehoram went forth with his princes, 
 and all his chariots with him: and he rose up by 
 night, and smote the Edomites which compassed 
 him in, and the captains of the chariots. 
 
 10 So the Edomites revolted from under the 
 hand of Judah unto this day. The same time 
 also did “Libnah revolt from under his hand ; rbe- 
 cause he had forsaken the Lord God of lus 
 fathers. 
 
 11 Moreover ^he made high places in the 
 mountains of Judah, and “caused the inhabitants 
 of Jerusalem to commit 'fornication, and ‘com- 
 pelled Judah thereto. 
 
 12 H And there came "a writing to him from 
 x Elijah the prophet, saying, Thus saith the Lord 
 God of David thy father. Because thou hast not 
 walked ?in the ways of Jehoshaphat thy father, 
 nor ‘in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 
 
 n 1 Kiliss 22:47. 2 Kings 3:9. o Josh. 21:13. 2 Kings 19:8. p 13:10. 15:2 
 
 rent. 32.21. 1 Kings 11 31,33. Jer. 2.13. q Deni. 12:2— 1. 1 Kings 11 :7. Ps. 
 78:38. El. 20:28. r 1 Kings 14:9,16. 2 Kings 21:11. Hab.2:15. Rev. 2:20. s 13. 
 l.ev. 17:7.20:5. 2 Kings 9:22. Ps. 106:39. &. 18:15, 4c. Rev. 17:1— 5. l 33:9. 
 Dan. 3:5,6,15. Rev. 13:15—17. 17-5,6. u Jer. 36:2,23,28— 32. Ez. 2:9,10. Dan. 
 6:5,25—29. x 2 Kings 2:11. y 17:3,4. 1 Kings 22:43. z 14:2—5. 1 Kings 15:11. 
 
 V. 4. On one pretence or another, Jehoram cruelly slew 
 all his brethren, from a jealous ambition, lest they should 
 supplant him in his authority ; which was probably increased 
 by their reputation and favour with the people ; and the 
 affluence and authority to which Jehoshaphat had raised 
 them. (Note, Judg. 9:4 — 6.) He slew some of the princes 
 also, who probably favoured them. Some think these were 
 the magistrates whom Jehoshaphat had appointed. (19:5 — 
 11 .) This he did, lest they should revenge on him the murder 
 of his brethren. 
 
 V. 5, 6. Notes , 18:1. 1 Kings 16:30—33. 2 Kings 8:16 — 
 18. 
 
 V. 7. 2 Kings 8:19. Notes, 2 Sam. 7:12—16. 1 Kings 1 1: 
 11—13,34—36, v. 36. Is. 9:6,7. Jer. 23:5,6. 33:14—26. Ez. 37; 
 24,25. 
 
 V. 8 — 11. (Note, 2 Kings 8:20 — 24.) Jehoram obtained 
 some advantages over the Edomites, but could not re-esta- 
 blish his dominion. — Libnah seems to have revolted, because 
 they would not submit to his idolatrous impositions. — The 
 inhabitants of Jerusalem were induced by his persuasions to 
 fall in with his idolatry ; but the other parts of Judah were 
 compelled to it by persecution. — All kinds of licentious and 
 unnatural practices, to the extreme disgrace of human nature, 
 were encouraged, and even held sacred, in the worship of 
 these abominable idols, as may undeniably be proved even 
 from pagan authors. 
 
 V. 12. If the account of Elijah’s translation be given 
 according to the order of time in which it. occurred, it happened 
 before Jehoram reigned alone. (Notes, 2 Kings 2:11 — 18. 3: 
 11,12.) But the spirit of prophecy might direct Elijah to 
 prepare this writing before his translation, in the foresight of 
 Jehoram’s crimes; it might be left to Elisha, or some other 
 prophet, to transmit it to him ; and coming in that extraordi- 
 nary manner, it would have a peculiarly awful energy. 
 
 1 Elijah, foreseeing by the Spirit of prophecy, before he went 
 to heaven, the wickedness of Jehoram, spake these words to one 
 of the prophets, and charged him to put them down in writing, 
 and to send them in a letter to Jehoram, when he grew so 
 impious as is here related ; and let him know, that Elijah 
 commanded this ‘writing to be delivered to him : that so Jeho- 
 ram being affected with it, as if it had been sent from heaven, 
 might be moved to repent of the evil he had done.’ Dp. 
 Patrick. — Some, however, have not improbably conjectured, 
 that Elisha, and not Elijah, is intended. — The opinion, found 
 in Josephus, and elsewhere, that this letter was sent by Elijah 
 from heaven, only shows, that the papists have not the honour 
 of being the first inventors of such legendary tales. (Acts 19. 
 35.) 
 
 V. 13. Better.] Jehoram’s brethren seem to havo been 
 pious persons, ami haled for the same cause as Abel was 
 hated by Cain. 4 This seems to signify that they were pious 
 persons, who abhorred idolatry: and therefore his sin was 
 the more heinous, in cutting them off, proceeding from enmity 
 to God, as well as to them.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, Gen. 4: 
 6—9. 1 John 3:11,12.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. Many of the people had concurred in Jehoram’n 
 idolatry ; and some of them must have been instruments in 
 his base, unnatural murders. They Were therefore joined in 
 his punishment, and he suffered hv losing his sutjecU? 
 (Note, 18 — 20.) 4 All which calamities were tin atei mi ui 
 
B. C. S84. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. B. C. 884 
 
 13 But hast vva.ked "in the way of the kings 
 of Israel, and hast made Judah and the inhabitants 
 of Jerusalem to go a b vvhoring, like to the whore- 
 doms of the house of Ahub, and also "hast slain 
 thy brethren of thy father’s house, which were 
 better than thyself : 
 
 14 Behold, with a great ‘plague will the Lord 
 smite d thy people, and 'thy children, and thy 
 wives, and all thy goods : 
 
 15 And thou shall have great sickness, ' by dis- 
 ease of thy bowels, until Hhy bowels fall out by 
 reason of '‘the sickness day by day. 
 
 b. c. I 16 *11 Moreover, ‘the Lord stirred up 
 
 ss4. J against Jehoram the spirit of the ‘‘Philis- 
 tines, and of the Arabians, that were near the 
 Ethiopians : 
 
 IT And they came up into Judah, and brake 
 into it, and ‘carried away all the substance that 
 was found in the king’s house, and 'his sons also, 
 and his wives; so that there was never a son left 
 him, save m Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. 
 
 18 11 And after all this the Lord smote him in 
 his bowels with "an incurable disease. 
 
 19 And it came to pass, that in process of time, 
 after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by 
 reason of his sickness : so he died of sore diseases. 
 And his people “made no burning for him, like the 
 burning of his fathers. 
 
 20 '‘Thirty and two years old was he when he 
 began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight 
 years, and departed i without being desired : how- 
 
 a 1 Kings 16 :25, 30— 33. b 11. Ex. 34:15. Deut. 31:16. 2 Kings 9:22. c 4. 
 Gen. 4:10 — 12. 42:21,22. Judg. 9:56,57. 1 Kings 2:31— 33. Is. 26:21. Hub. 2:12. 
 1 John 3:12. * Heb. stroke. Lev. 26:21. d Hos.5:ll. Mic.fi. 16. e Ex. 20: 
 5. f 18,19. Num. 5:27. Deut. 28:61. Acts 12:23. g Pg. 109:18, Acts 1: 
 18. h 18. Deut. 23:27.35,59,67. i 33:11. 1 Sam. 26:19. 2 Sarn. 24:1 . 1 Kings 
 11:11,23. Ezra 1:1,5. Is. 45:5 — 7. Am. 3:6. k 17:11. t Heb . carried captive. 
 Job 5:3,4. 1 22:1. 24:7. in 22:1. Ahaziah. 6. Azariah. n See on 15. o 16: 
 
 the writing sent him in the name of Elijah, that he might not 
 think they came by chance, but by the special direction of 
 Almighty God, as a punishment of his wickedness.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 16, 17. The Philistines 1 invaded him on the west side 
 of his kingdom, as the Arabians did on the east side.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. (Note, 17:11.) The spirit of these invaders was 
 especially stirred up against Jehoram, and they do not seem 
 to have done any great mischief to the country, or to Jerusa- 
 lem. Having taken captive all his sons, except Jehoahaz, or 
 Ahaziah , (names of similar meaning,) they put them to death. 
 (Note, 22:1.) — Athaliah, the daughter ofAhab, was left by the 
 invaders ; but she proved a still further curse to the family of 
 Jehoram. It is probable that she concealed herself and her 
 youngest son. 
 
 V. 18 — 20. Jehoram lived to witness the fulfilment of the 
 other most afflictive particulars of Elijah’s prophecy; and 
 then he was seized with the predicted malady. (12 — 15. 
 Notes , Deut. 28:61. Acts 12:20 — 23.) He was a young man, 
 yet he could get no relief from the most painful and loath- 
 some disease imaginable: and “he departed without being 
 desired/’ No one regretted his death, as none had desired 
 his recovery: but the idolaters, and even his dependents, 
 were glad to be relieved from his tyranny: they therefore 
 burnt no sweet spices in honour of him, and refused to bury 
 him among their former kings. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The effects of sin may be very dreadful and durable, even 
 when it does not prove finally destructive to him who com- 
 mitted it. — No means can ensure divine grace to our children ; 
 but intimate connexions with atrocious sinners almost render 
 their ungodliness certain. — We are reminded to bless God 
 for equitable rulers, a mild administration, and a limited and 
 well-arranged constitution of government ; and to pray for a 
 continuance of these blessings : for, notwithstanding the most 
 prudent regulations, we may be suddenly and irreparably be- 
 reaved of them, unless God mercifully protect us. — Ambition, 
 envy* and jealousy destroy natural affection, and convert men 
 into savage monsters ; when they have obtained power, and 
 are afraid of losing it, and when “ there is no fear of God 
 before their eyes.” In the mystery of Providence, such per- 
 sons prosper for a time, and murder much wiser and better 
 men than themselves : but the Lord has righteous purposes 
 in permitting these events ; part of which may now be dis- 
 cerned, and all the rest will be discovered by the light of the 
 eternal world. — The vilest characters are, in some way, con- 
 nected in the great chain of causes and effects: and are re- 
 served to be undesignedly instrumental in carrying on the 
 purposes of God, and in fulfilling his promises to his church 
 and servants: or they are spared awhile, for the sake of 
 ‘heir relation to those, whom “he delighteth to honour.” 
 But his plan will not long require them ; their measure of 
 iniquities will speedily be full, and then all their prosperity 
 will end in ruin and despair. — The Lord, by one means or 
 
 beit they buried him in the city of David, but no 
 in the sepulchres of the kings. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Ahaziah succeed* Jehoram, reigns wickedly, joins Jehoram king of Israel, am* 
 is slain by Jehu, 1—9. Athaliah murders the seed royal, and usurps the 
 throne, 10. Joash is preserved by Jehoshabeath, 11, 12. 
 
 A ND “the inhabitants of Jerusalem made 
 ‘‘Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead : 
 for the band of men that came with the Arabians 
 to the camp had “slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah 
 the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. 
 
 2 d Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when 
 he began to reign, and he reigned one year in 
 Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was 'Athaliah 
 the daughter of Omri. 
 
 3 He also walked in the ways of the house of 
 Ahab: for f his mother was g his counsellor to do 
 wickedly. 
 
 4 Wherefore he did evil in the sight of the 
 Lord, like the house ofAhab : for h they were his 
 counsellors, after the death of his father, to his 
 destruction. 
 
 5 H He ‘walked also after their counsel, and 
 k went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of 
 Israel, to war against Hazael king of Syria at 
 'Ramoth-gilead : and the Syrians smote Joram. 
 
 6 And he returned to be healed in Jezreel, 
 because of the wounds ‘which were given him at 
 Ramah, when he fought with Hazael king of 
 Syria. And “Azariah the son of Jehoram king ot 
 Judah went down “to see Jehoram the son of 
 Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick. 
 
 14. Jer. 34:5. p 5. + Heb. without desire. 23:21 . Prov. 10:7. Jer. 22:18,19,23. 
 a 23:3.26:1. 33:25. 36:1. b 6. Azariah. 21: 17. Jehoahaz. 1 Chr. 3:11. c 21: 
 16,17. (1 2 Kbit's 8:26. e 21:6. 1 Kin-s 16:28. f Gen. 6:4,5. Deut. 13:6—8. 
 
 Judg. 17:4,5. Neh. 13:23 — 27. Mai. 2:15. Matt. 14:8— 1 1 . g Gen. 27. 12,13 
 Matt. 10:37. h 24:17,18. Prnv. 1:10. 13:20. 19:27. iPs. 1:1. k 2 Kings 8:23, 
 29. 118:3,31.19:2. 1 Kings 22:3,4. Dan. 5:22,23. * Heb .wherewith they 
 
 wouTided him. m 1,7. AhnziaJi. 21:17. Jehoahaz. n 2 Kings 8:29. 10:13,14. 
 
 other, awfully reminds offenders of their guilt, and warns 
 them of their danger : and those, who despise these admoni- 
 tions, will experience the truth of them when it is too late 
 for, if neither judgments nor respites bring men to repentance, 
 destruction cannot be far distant. — The dreadful torments 
 and deaths of some murderers, persecutors, and other haughty 
 criminals, who defy human justice, proclaim, that “verily 
 there is a God, that judgeth the world;” and show what all 
 such enemies of God and man may expect, in the day of 
 wrath and righteous vengeance. None need lament the 
 departure of those who were plagues and tempters while 
 they lived : and it may be right, in some cases, to with- 
 hold customary respect from them after their death ; that 
 other tyrants and persecutors, when surrounded by sycophants 
 who flatter them m their crimes, may understand how they 
 are despised and abhorred in the general sentiments of man- 
 kind. May the Lord enable us so to live, that we may 
 have hope and comfort in the approach and agonies of death, 
 and a joyful entrance into glory: and that our survivors 
 may have to bless God for the benefit which they have re- 
 ceived from us, and to regret our removal i Of this we should 
 be ambitious, and such honour in some degree have all tire 
 saints of God. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXII. V. 1. The Arabians seem tc 
 have taken Jehoram’s family captive, in the prospect of ob- 
 taining a ransom : but some band of men in their camp 
 slew them ; and thus defeated their purpose, but accomplished 
 that of God. ( Note , 21:16,17.) 
 
 V. 2 — 4. Party and two. (2) As Jehoram was under 
 forty years old when he died, it must be granted that this is 
 an error of the transcribers, and that it should be twenty-ttco , 
 as in Kings, (2 Kings 8:26.) and in some ancient versions. — 
 Ahaziah was born when his father was eighteen years of age, 
 et he had several elder brethren : so that Jehoram must have 
 een married to Athaliah when he was very young; and this 
 circumstance rendered Jehoshaphat’s conduct in this alliance t 
 still more blameable. (Note, 18:1.) 
 
 V. 5. Ahaziah ‘w'ould not imitate his grandfather in that 
 which was good in him: yet he followed his bad example, in 
 joining with Ahab’s son, as Jehoshnphat had with Ahab, 
 Bp. Patrick. — This propensity in human nature, not only to 
 copy bad examples, but even to select the bad part of good 
 characters for imitation, is an awful and conclusive proof of 
 doep depravity. 
 
 V. 6. (2 Kings 8:28,29.) The name given the king ot 
 
 Judah in this verse, tnough in the translation the difference 
 is not great, yet it is greater in the original, and seems tc 
 have been a distinct name by which he was known. (iJPtnK, 
 Ahaziah; VT»*vj7, Azariah.) — It signifies the help of the 
 
 LORD. 
 
 V. 7—9. (Notes, 2 Kings 9:21—28. 10:13,14.) The 
 Lord was pleased to commission Jehu, at this crisis, in order 
 that Ahaziah might be involved in the righteous judgment, 
 which was executed upon the house of Ahab. — Ahaziah lay 
 concealed in the kingdom of Samaria, though not in the citv 
 ( 781 ) 
 
B. C. 865. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 878 
 
 7 And the ‘destruction of Ahaziah "was of God 
 jy coming to Joram : for when he was come, rhe 
 went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of 
 Nimshi, whom ''the Lord had anointed to cut off 
 the house of Ahab. 
 
 8 And it came to pass, that r when Jehu was 
 executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, and 
 found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the 
 brethren of Ahaziah, that ministered to Ahaziah, 
 he slew them. 
 
 9 And “he sought Ahaziah ; and they caught 
 him, (for he was hid ‘in Samaria,) and brought 
 him to Jehu : and when they had slain him, they 
 buried him : “Because, said they, he is “the son of 
 Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his 
 heart. So nhe house of Ahaziah had no power 
 to keep still the kingdom. 
 
 10 II But when “Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah 
 saw that her son was dead, she arose, and de- 
 stroyed all the seed royal of the house of Judah. 
 
 11 But “Jehoshabeath the daughter of the king 
 took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him 
 from among the king’s sons that were slain, and 
 
 S ut him and his nurse in a b bedchamber. So 
 ehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the 
 wife of “Jehoiada the priest, (for she was the 
 sister of Ahaziah,) hid' him from Athaliah, so that 
 d she slew him not. 
 
 12 And he was with them e hid in the house of 
 God six years: and f Athaliah reigned over the 
 land. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 Jehoiada takes proper measures, and makes Joash king , 1 — II. Athaliah is 
 slain, 12 — 15. Jehoiada subverts idolatry ; restores the worship of God , 
 and places Joash on the throne , to the great joy of the people , 16 — 21. 
 
 A 
 
 d places 
 
 ND in the “seventh year Jehoiada strength- 
 
 ened himself, and took the captains of 
 hundreds, Azariah the son of Jeroham, and 
 Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the 
 son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, 
 and Elishaphat the son of Zichri, into b covenant 
 with him. 
 
 • 2 And they “went about in Judah, and gathered 
 the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and d the 
 chief of the fathers of Israel, and they came to 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 3 And all the congregation “made a covenant 
 with the king in the house of God. And he said 
 unto them, Behold, the king’s son shall reign, r as 
 the Lord hath said of the sons of David. 
 
 4 This is the thing that ye shall do; A third 
 
 part of you sentering on the sabbath, of the priests 
 and of the Levites, shall be "porters of the 'doors ; 
 
 5 And a third part shall be at 'the king’s house ; 
 and a third part at k the gate of the foundation : 
 and all the people shall be in the courts of the 
 house of the Lord. 
 
 6 Bullet none come into the house of the Lord 
 save the priests, and ‘they that minister of the 
 Levites; they shall go in, for they are -holy : but 
 all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord. 
 
 7 And ra the Levites shall compass the king 
 round about, every man with his weapons in his 
 hand ; and "whosoever else cometh into the house, 
 he shall be put to death : but be ye with the king 
 when he cometh in, and when he goeth out. 
 
 8 So "the Levites and all Judah did according 
 to all things that Jehoiada the priest had com- 
 manded, and took every man his men that were 
 to come in on the sabbath, with them that were to 
 go out on the sabbath: for Jehoiada the priest 
 dismissed not rthe courses. 
 
 9 Moreover, Jehoiada the priest delivered to 
 the captains of hundreds ‘'spears, and bucklers, 
 and shields, that had been king David’s, which 
 were in the house of God. 
 
 10 And he set all the people, every man having 
 his weapon in his hand, from the right ‘side of the 
 temple to the left side of the temple, "along by the 
 altar and the temple, by the king round about. 
 
 11 Then “they brought out the king’s son, and 
 ‘put upon him the crown, and gave him “the tes- 
 timony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and 
 his sons’ 1 anointed him, and said, +God save the 
 king. 
 
 12 H Now nvhen Athaliah heard the noise of 
 the people running and praising the king, “she 
 came to the people into the house of the Lord : 
 
 13 And she looked, and behold, “the king stood 
 at his pillar at the entering in, b and the princes and 
 the trumpets by the king : and “all the people of 
 the land rejoiced, and d sounded with trumpets ; 
 also “the singers with instruments of music, and 
 such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah 
 rent her clothes, and said, ^Treason, treason. 
 
 14 Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the 
 captains of hundreds that were set over the host, 
 and said unto them, Have her forth of the ranges : 
 and 1 whoso folio vveth her, let him be slain with the 
 sword. For the priest said, eSIay her not in the 
 house of the Lord. 
 
 * Heb. treading down. Mai. 4:3. o 10:15. Judg. 14:4. I Kings 12:15. 22:20. 
 Ps. 9:16. Is. 46:10. p 2 Kings 9:21. q 1 Kings 19:16. 2 Kings 9:1— 7. r 2 Kings 
 10:11—14. s 2 Kings 9:27. t 1 Kings 13:32. u 2 Kings 9:28,34. x 17:3,4. 
 21:20. y 1,8.21:4,17. z2 — 4. 2 Kings 11:1, tic. a 2 Kings 11:2 . Jehoshcba. 
 b Ez. 40:45,45. c23:l. d 21:7. 2Sam.7:13. 1 Kings 15:4. Ps. 33:10. 76:10. Prov. 
 21:30. Is. 65:8. Acts 4:28. e Ps.27:5. f Ps. 12:8. 73:14.18,19. Jer. 12:1. Hah. 1: 
 12. a 2 Kings 11:4, &c. b 15:12. 1 Sam. 18:3. Neh. 9:38. c Ps. 1 12:5. Matt. 10: 
 
 16. Eph.5:l5. d 1 1 : 13 — 17. 1 Chr. 15:12.24:6. e 16. 2 Sam. 5:3. 2 Kings 1 1 : 
 
 17. 1 Chr. 11:3. f 6:16. 7: 18. 21 :7. 2 Sam. 7:16. 1 Kings 2:4. 9:5. Ps. 89:29,36. 
 
 g 1 Chr. 9:2S.23:3 — 6. 24:3— 6. Luke 1:8,9. h l Chr. 26:13— 16. * Heb. 
 
 thresholds, i 2 Kings 11:5,6. Ez. 44:2,3. 46:2,3. k Acts 3:2. 1 2 Kings 11:6, 
 
 7. 1 Chr. 23:28— 32. m 2 Kings ! 1 :8,9. n Ex. 19:12,13. 21 :14. o2 Kings 11:5. 
 p 1 Chr. 24: 25: 26: n 1 Sam. 21:9. 2 Sam. 8:7. f Heb. shoulder of the house. 
 2 Kings 11:11. r 6:12. Ex . 40:6. Matt. 23:35. s 22. 1 1 . 2 Kings 1 1 :12 l 2 Sam. 
 1:10. Pa. 21:3. 89:39. 132:18. Heb. 2:9. Jam. 1:12.2:5. Rev. 4:4, lU. 5:10. 19:12. 
 u Ex. 25:16. 31:18. Deut. 17:18. Ps. 2:10— 12. 78:5. Is. 8:16,20. 19:23. x 1 Sam. 
 10:1. 2Sam.5:3. 1 Kings 1:39. Ps. 89:20. Acts 4:26,27. } Iieb. Let the kin$ 
 
 live. 1 Sam. 10:24. 2 Sam. 16:16. 1 Kings 1:34. Matt. 21:9. v 2 Kings 1 1 : 13— 
 16. z 2 Kings 9:32—37. a 34:31. 2 Kings 23:3. b Num. 10:1 — 10. 1 Chr. 15; 
 24. c 1 Kings 1:39,40. 1 Chr. 12:40. Prov. 11:10.29:2. d Judg. 7:S.18— 22 
 2 Kings 9:13. e 1 Chr. 15:16 — 22,27.25:1 — 8. § Heb. Conspiracy. 1 Kings 18: 
 17,18. 2 Kings 9:23. Rom. 2: 1,2. f 2 Kings 10:25. 11:8,15. g Ez. 9:7. 
 
 so called. When he had seen Jehoram slain, he fled and 
 endeavoured to conceal himself in some part of that country: 
 but Jehu ordered him to be pursued, and at length he was 
 taken at Megiddo, and brought to Jehu, who caused him to 
 be put to death. His servants were permitted, however, to 
 carry his corpse to Jerusalem, and bury him, out of respect 
 to the memory of Jehoshaphat his grandfather; while Jeho- 
 ram was left unburied, in detestation of his father Ahab’s 
 enormous wickedness. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. Notes, 2 Kings 11:1 — 3. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 No tongue can express, no imagination can conceive, the 
 guilt and condemnation of those parents, who counsel their 
 own children to do wickedly, and who thus become their 
 murderers in the most awful sense. Yet, this fatal calamity, 
 to families and to society, is frequently the consequence of 
 contracting marriages with those who are irreligious and 
 wicked. But they, who are not previously disposed to un- 
 godliness and vice, will not hearken to such pernicious coun- 
 sellors: and neither the persuasion, authority, example, nor 
 lavour, even of a parent, is to be regarded, when the will and 
 honour of God are concerned. But when men hate the truth 
 and service of God, they are judicially left, to be seduced and 
 deceived, till their impolicy and impiety concur in bringing 
 destruction upon them. None can flee, or hide himself, from 
 that evil which pursueth sinners ; or from those instruments, 
 whom God employs to execute judgment upon his enemies: 
 and the external respect paid to them, for the sake of pious 
 ancestors will not prevent the ruin of their own souls, or 
 ( 782 ) 
 
 that of their families. — The most desperate and prosperous 
 workers of iniquity, who are hardened against every natural 
 affection, as well as all remains of the fear of God, can do 
 no more than execute his righteous purposes: but he will 
 not suffer his promises to be broken ; and if infants, or pious 
 persons, are permitted to be cut off in such unnatural mas- 
 sacres, he will set all right in the eternal world. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIIL V. 1, 2. (Note, 2 Kings 
 11:4.) These “chief fathers of Israel” seem to have been 
 the descendants of those priests and Levites from the ten 
 tribes, and pious persons, who left their cities and joined 
 themselves to Judah, in the days of Jeroboam. ( Note, 1 1:13 
 — 17.) The word “Israel,” however, is sometimes used as 
 a general term for the nation, and so applied to the people of 
 Judah. 
 
 V. 3 — 10. Notes , 2 Kings 11:5 — 10. — Made a covenant, 
 & c. (3) 16. Notes , 2 Kings 11:17 — 20. — “The house of the 
 Lord,” (6) must mean the inner court ; for no Levites, who 
 were not also priests* entered the sanctuary. This shows, 
 that on some occasions, the people were admitted into the 
 inner courts ; else the injunction had Been needless. 
 
 Y. 11. Note, 2 Kings 11:12. — Sons.] Probably Zcclia- 
 riah, the son of Jehoiada, who was afterwards stoned by 
 Joash’s command, assisted in crowning and anointiug him. 
 (Notes, 24:19—26.) 
 
 V. 12 — 21. Notes, 2 Kings 11:13 — 20. — I {is pillar at the 
 entering in, &c. (13) The king’s pillar was >t (lie entrance 
 of the inner court ; but the tw6 pillars, Boa/, aiu? Jacln i, stood 
 at the porch of the temple. One of these therefore could net. 
 
B. C. 865. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 B. C. 8fc* 
 
 15 So they laid hands on her; and when she 
 was come to the entering b of the horse-gate by 
 the king’s house, 'they slew her there. 
 
 16 H And Jehoiada k made a covenant between 
 him, and between all the people, and between the 
 king, 'that they should be the Lord’s people. 
 
 17 Then all the people went to "‘the house of 
 Baal, and brake it down, and "brake his altars 
 and his images in pieces, and “slew Mattan the 
 priest of Baal before the altars. 
 
 18 Also Jehoiada appointed the officers of the 
 house of the Lord by the hand of the priests the 
 Levites, Pvvhotn David had distributed in the^ 
 house of the Lord, to offer the burnt-offerings of 
 the Lord, 'las it is written in the law of Moses, 
 with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained, 
 "by David. 
 
 19 And he set the 'porters at the gates of the 
 house of the Lord, that none which was unclean 
 in any thing should enter in. 
 
 20 And he took ’the captains of hundreds, and 
 the nobles, and the governors of the people, and 
 all the people of the land, and brought down the 
 king from the house of the Lord : and they came 
 through the high gate into the king’s house, and 
 set the king upon the throne of the kingdom. 
 
 21 And ‘all the people of the land rejoiced : and 
 the city was quiet, after that they had slain Atha- 
 liali with the sword. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 Joash reigns well during Jehoiada' e life, and zealously repairs the temple, 
 
 1 — 14. Jehoiada dies, and is honourably buried, 15, 16. Joash, seduced by 
 his princes, turns aside to idolatry ; and causes Zechariah, Jehoiada' s son, 
 to be stoned, for reproving him in the name of God, 17 — 21. Zechariah' s 
 dying prediction, 22. Joash is plundered by the Syrians, left sick, and then 
 slain by his own servants, 23 — 2G. Amaziah succeeds him , 27. 
 
 * T OASH was seven years old when he began to 
 
 reisrn, and he reigned forty years in Jerusa- 
 lem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beer- 
 sheba. 
 
 2 And b Joash did that which was right in the 
 sight of the Lord “all the days of Jehoiada the 
 priest. 
 
 3 And Jehoiada d took for him 'two wives ; and 
 he begat sons and daughters. 
 
 b. c.-| 4 II And it came to pass after this, that 
 
 ms - -I Joash vVas minded to "repair the house of 
 the Lord. 
 
 5 And he gathered together the priests and the 
 
 h Neh. 3. 28. i 22:10. Judg. 1:7. Matt. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. Re*. 16:5—7. It 15:12,14. 
 29:10.31:31,32. Deul. 5.2,3. 29:1,10— 15. 2 Kino 11:17. Ezra 10:3. Neh. 5:12, 
 13. 9:38. 10:29, &c. 1 Deut. 26- 17— 19. Josh. 24:21— 25. Is. 41:5. m 34:4,7. 
 
 2 Kings 10:25—28. 11:18. 13:4. n Deut. 12:3. Is. 2: 18. Zech. 13:2,3. o Deul. 
 13:5,9. 1 Kings 18:40. 2 Kings 11:18,19. p 1 Chr. 23: 21: q Num. 28:2, &c. 
 
 • Heb. bu the hands of David. 29:25. 1 Chr. 25: r 1 Chr. 9:23,24. 26: s 2 Kings 
 11:9,10,19. t 2, Kings 11:20. Ps. 58:10. Prov. 11:10. Rev. 18:20. 19:2— 4. 
 a 2 Kings 11:21. 12:1. Je'ioash. 1 Chr. 3:11. b 25:2.28:4,5. 2 Kings 12:2. Ps. 
 78:36,37. 106:12,13. Mark 4:16,17. c 17-32. <t Gen. 21 :21 . 24:4. e Gen. 4: 
 
 as some have supposed, be the king’s pillar. (Marg. Rtf. a. 
 1 Kings 7:21 .)— Singers, &c. (13) Marg. Ref. It is ob- 
 servable, that this particular is noted in Chronicles, and not 
 in Kings ; in which the appointment of the sacred Psalmody 
 vs not recorded. (Comp. 1 Kings 8:1 — 11. with 2 Chr. 5:1 1— 
 14. 1 Kings 8:62 — 66. with 2 Chr. 7:1 — 10.) — Jehoiada, be. 
 (16) Jehoiada, as priest, and probably high-priest, represented 
 God in this solemn transaction. — The officers. (18) The ar- 
 rangements made by David, as to the worship and attendance 
 at the temple, had been wholly disregarded ; but were restored 
 by Jehoiada. [Marg. Ref.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord commonly effects great and important changes 
 Dy those persons whom he has furnished with wisdom, courage, 
 piety, and integrity; and who intend to do his will and pro- 
 mote his glory, and not to advance their own interests. — In 
 the greatest emergencies, care ought to be taken that sacred 
 things be not profaned ; and that every one concur in a man- 
 ner consistent with his character and calling: and as ministers 
 are by profession holy persons, they should be careful to ex- 
 hibit holy examples. Civil transactions should be managed 
 with a regard to the' word and worship of God; and while 
 men’s hearts overflow with good wishes for their princes, com- 
 mendations of (hem, or joy in their advancement ; they should 
 remember to conduct and terminate all in thanksgivings and 
 praises unto God. This is peculiarly becoming, when perse- 
 cuting tyrants and usurpers are removed and equitable rulers 
 come in their places ; the work is the Lord’s, whatever instru- 
 ments he is pleased to employ. Such national mercies should 
 be acknowledged by public reformations: and by a concur- 
 rence of all ranks, in solemnly yielding themselves up to be 
 the Lord’s people, and in establishing his worship and ordi- 
 nances according to his word. Where this is neglected, the 
 ioy and singing, which takes place upon great deliverances, 
 
 Levit.es. and said to them, Go out unto the cities 
 of Judah, and f gather of all Israel money to i-b. c 
 repair the house of your God from year to L 
 ear, and see that ye hasten the matter. «How- 
 eit the Levites hastened it not. 
 
 6 And the king- called for Jehoiada the chief, 
 and said unto him, h Why hast thou not required 
 of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out 
 of Jerusalem 'the collection, according' to the com- 
 mandment of Moses the servant of the Lord, and 
 of the congregation of Israel, for the k tabernacle 
 of witness ? 
 
 7 For the 'sons of Athaliah, m that wicked wo- 
 man, had broken up the house of God ; and also 
 all the dedicated things of the house of the Lord 
 "did they bestow upon Baalim. 
 
 8 And “at. the king’s commandment they made 
 a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house 
 of the Lord. 
 
 9 And they made a 'proclamation through 
 Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in to the Lord the 
 ^collection that Moses the servant of God laid 
 upon Israel in the wilderness. 
 
 10 And all the princes and all the people 
 ^rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, 
 until they had made an end. 
 
 11 Now it came to pass, that r at what time the 
 chest was brought unto the king's office by the 
 hand of the Levites, and when they saw that 
 there was much money, the king’s scribe and the 
 high-priest’s officer came and emptied the chest, 
 and took it, and carried it to his place again. 
 Thus they did day by day, and gathered money 
 in abundance. 
 
 12 And the king and Jehoiada “gave it to such 
 as did the work of the service of the house of the 
 Lord, and hired ‘masons and carpenters to repair 
 the house of the Lord, and also such as wrought 
 iron and brass to mend the house of the Lord. 
 
 13 So the workmen wrought, and 'the work 
 was perfected by them, and they set the house ol 
 God “in his state, and strengthened it. 
 
 14 And when they had finished it, they brought 
 the rest of the money before the king and Je- 
 hoiada, whereof were made “vessels of the house 
 of the Lord, even ^vessels to minister, and Ho offer 
 withal, and spoons, and vessels for gold and silver. 
 
 19. Matt. 19:4 — 8. * Heb. renew. 5 — 7. f 29:3. 34:8,9. 2 Kings 12:4,5. g 2 Kings 
 12:6,7. h 2 Sam. 24:3. i Ex. 39:12— 16. k Num. 1 :50. 17:7,8. 18:2. Acts 7: 
 44. 121:17. m 28:22-24. Esth.7:6. Prov. 1U:7. 2Thes.2:8. Rev. 2:20. 
 
 n Deut. 32:15— 17. Ez. 16: 17.1 9 — 21 . Dan. 5:2-4 .23. Hos. 2:8,9. o 2 Kings 12: 
 8,9. Mark 12:41. t Heb. voice, p See on 6. Matt. 17:24—27. q 1 Chr. 29:9. 
 Is. 64:5. Acts 2:45— 47. 2 Cor. 8:2. r 2 Kings 12: 10— 12. s 34:9— tl. t 1 Kings 
 5:15. % Heb. the healing went up upon the work by their hand. Neh. 4.7. 
 u 1 Chr. 22:5. Hag. 2:3. Mark 13:1.2. x 2 Kings 12:13,14. v 1 Kings 7:50. 
 § Or, pestils. Prov. 27:22. 
 
 or the accession of kings to the throne, will commonly be 
 shortlived, and will terminate in complaints, and discords, 
 and calamities. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXIV. V. 1—3. Note, 2 Kings 12: 
 2,3. — Took, &c. (3) The Jewish expositors are of opinion, 
 that Jehoiada took these two wives for himself, not for Joash : 
 and they consider this as inconsistent with the character o( 
 the high-priest. But it is most obvious to understand the 
 words/or him, of Joash : and Jehoiada’s advanced age, at this 
 time, renders it highly improbable that he should lake them 
 for himself ; for he must, on any computation, have been above 
 a hundred years old, when Joash began to reign. (Note, 
 15,16.) Nor are any sons of Jehoiada mentioned afterwards, 
 except such as were grown up. — It is not indeed expressly 
 said that Jehoiada was high-priest, but the way in which he 
 is distinguished from the other priests, and the authority 
 which he exercised, seem to put it beyond all reasonable 
 doubt that he was. 
 
 V. 4 — 14. Marg. Rtf. Notes, 2 Kings 12:4 — 16. — Hasten , 
 &c. (5) 4 Things were in so bad a condition, that it required 
 the work should be begun with speed. Yet such was the 
 negligence of the Levites, and the backwardness perhaps of 
 the people to part with their money, that in the twentv-jhird 
 year of this king’s reign nothing was done.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 The sons of Athaliah, b c. (7) .Tehoram’s sons, Ahaziah 
 excepted, whether by Athaliah, or his other wives, were slain 
 before his death. (22:1.) But either his sons by Athaliah, 
 during his lifetime, or her sons by some other man, as many 
 suppose, had thus spoiled the temple to consecrate its trea- 
 sures to Baalim. — All the princes, &c. (10) 4 The great 
 
 men set so good an example to the people, that they cheer- 
 fully joined with them in this good work.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 And they offered, be. (14) It appears from this, that the 
 daily offering, morning and evening, had been intermitted 
 ( 783 ) 
 
B. C. 840. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 839. 
 
 And they 'offered burnt-offerings in the house 
 of the Loro continually “all the days of Jehoiada. 
 b. c.-i 15 But Jehoiada waxed old, and was 
 sis. J bf u || „f c | a y S when he died; c a hundred and 
 thirty years old ivas he when he died. 
 
 16 And they buried him d in the city of David 
 among the kings, 'because he had done good in 
 Israel, both toward God, and toward his house. 
 
 [Practical Observatiane.'] 
 
 17 It Now f after the death of Jehoiada came 
 b. c.n s the princes of Judah, and made obeisance 
 s4,) - J to the king. Then the king hearkened unto 
 them. 
 
 18 And h they left the house of the Lord God 
 of their fathers, and served groves and idols : 
 and 'wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for 
 this their trespass. 
 
 19 Yet k he sent prophets to them, to bring 
 them again unto the Lord; and they testified 
 against them : but they would not 'give ear. 
 
 20 And m the Spirit of God 'came upon Ze- 
 chariah "the son of Jehoiada the priest, which 
 stood above the people, and said unto them, 
 Thus saith God, "Why transgress ye the com- 
 mandments of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? 
 'because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also 
 forsaken you. 
 
 t Ex. 29.33—12. Num. 28:2, &c. a 2. b Gen. 15:15. 25:8. lClir.23:l. 
 Job 5:26. Ps. 91:16. c Gen. 47:9. Ps. 90:10. d 1 Sam. 2:30 1 Kin«s 
 
 2:10. Acts 2:29. e 23: 31 :20,21. Neh. 13:14. Heb.6:10. I Deut. 31:27. Acis 
 20:29,30. 2 Pet. 1:15. g 10:9—10. 22:3,4. Prov. 7:21-23. 20:19. 26:28. 29: 
 6. Dan. 11:32 h 4. 21:13. 33:3—7. 1 Kings 11:4,5. 14:9,23. i 19:2. 28:13. 20: 
 8. Josh. 22:20. Judg. 5:8. 2 Sam. 24:1. Hos. 5:10,11. k 36:15, IG. 2 Kings 17: 
 13—15. Neh. 9:26. Jer. 7:25,26, 25:4,5 44:4,5. Luke 11:47—51.16:31.20:9—15. 
 I Is. 23:23. 42:23. 51:4.55:3. Matt. 13:9,15,16. m 15:1. 20:14. ' Heb. clollied. 
 Judg. 6:31. 1 Chr. 12:18. margins, n 23:11. o Num. 14:41. 1 Sam. 13:13,14. 
 
 previously ; and that it was neglected after the death of 
 Jehoiada. (Notes, 23:18,19. Ex. 29:38 — 41. Dan. 8:9 — 12. 11: 
 31. 12:11—13.) 
 
 V. 15, 1G. Jehoiada was born in the reign of Solomon, and 
 had lived through six successive reigns, besides Athaliah’s 
 usurpation ; namely, those of Rehoboam, Abijah, 'Asa, Jeho- 
 shaphat, Jehoram, and Ahaziah. Ho was honourably interred 
 among the kings of Judah : but the reason assigned for this 
 extraordinary respect was much moro honourable ; and per- 
 haps it was inscribed on his monument : “ He has done good 
 in Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.” He had 
 eminently promoted true religion, and promoted the regular 
 worship of God, and the repairs of the temple ; in which the 
 best interests of the people were greatly concerned. He had 
 also been exceedingly useful in preserving the line of David 
 in the person of Joash, and in terminating Athaliah’s wicked 
 usurpation. ( Note, 31:20,21 .) — Israel, the general name of 
 the whole nation, is sometimes used when the kingdom of 
 Judah is meant. 
 
 V. 17, 18. Jehoiada had acquired his influence over Joash 
 during his childhood : and his near relation to the king, and 
 tne immense obligations, which he had conferred upon him, 
 concurred with his age, gravity, reputation, piety, and wisdom, 
 to support him in authority. So that, while he lived, neither 
 Joash, nor his courtiers, ventured to follow, or even to declare, 
 their inclinations to idolatry ; but externally conformed to 
 Jehoiada’s regulations. As soon, however, as he was removed 
 by death, they threw off the mask ; and the nobles paid court 
 to Joash, and perhaps flattered him, as at length freed from 
 priestly dominion, tuition, grave lectures, and restraints, and 
 as now a king indeed, and intimated, that ho would have no 
 objection to release the rigour of Jehoiada’s administration, 
 in matters of religion. Perhaps, they only proposed, that he 
 should tolerate their sacrificing upon the high places, as more 
 convenient and agreeable to them, than always coming to 
 Jerusalem : but he, being won by their homage, as well as 
 induced by his own inclinations, joined with them even in more 
 gross and avowed idolatry ; in consequence of which, they 
 soon experienced the tokens of the divine displeasure. (Note, 
 2 Kings 12. -4 7,18. ) 
 
 V. 19 — 22. I Marg. Ref.) Both the king and his courtiers 
 seem to have contemptuously disregarded the warnings of the 
 prophets, first sent to them ; so that they did not honour them 
 even with hatred or persecution. But, at length, when they 
 were assembled on account of some festival ; (for the temple 
 was not utterly forsaken ;) the Spirit of God directed Zecha- 
 nah to expostulate with them respecting their idolatry. Being 
 the son of Jehoiada, a near relation to Joash, a chief priest, if 
 not the high-priest, he seemed to be the most unexceptionable 
 person, who could possibly have been selected for the service : 
 while his piety, and the meekness and reasonableness of his 
 plain address and warning, combined in entitling him to a 
 favourable hearing, and evidenced his admonition to bo season- 
 able. “ The Spirit ofGod clothed him.” (marg.) 1 He had 
 a divine motion to speak publicly to the people and to reprove 
 them, which that he might do and be heard of all, he got up 
 into a high place, where they might all both see and hear 
 him. 1 Dp. Patrick. But all this was in vain ; the onraged 
 ( 784 ) 
 
 21 And they ^conspired against him, and 
 'stoned him with stones at the commandment 
 of the king, in the court of the house of the 
 Lord. 
 
 22 Thus Joash the kin^ ‘remembered not the 
 kindness which Jehoiada his fattier had done to 
 him, hut slew his son. And when he died, he 
 said, 'The Lord look upon it, and require it. 
 
 23 H And it came to pass 'at the end of the 
 year, that “the host of Syria came up against 
 him: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, 
 and destroyed x all the princes of the people from 
 among the people, and sent all the spoil of them 
 unto the king of ^Damascus. 
 
 24 For the army of the Syrians rcame with 
 a small company ci men, and the Lord 'delivered 
 a very great host into their hand, because they 
 had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. “So 
 they executed judgment against Joash. 
 
 25 And when they were departed from him, 
 (for they- left him in b great diseases,) c his own 
 servants conspired against him d for the blood of 
 the sons of Jehoiada the priest, and slew him on 
 his bed, and lie died : and they buried him in the 
 city of David, but they buried him “not in the 
 sepulchres of the kings. 
 
 26 And these are they that conspired against 
 
 2 Sam. 12:9,10. Zech. 7: 1 1—14. p 15:2. Deut. 29:25,26. 1 Chr. 28:9. Jer. 2:19. 
 4.18.5:19,25. q Jer. 1 1 : 19. 18: 18. 38:4— 6. r Matt. 21 :35. 23:34-37. Acts7: 
 58,59. $ Ps. 109:4. Luke 17:15—18. John 10:32. I Geu.9.5. Jer. 11:20.26:14, 
 15. 2 Tim. 4:14. Rev. 6:9—11. 18:20. 19:2,3. t Heh. in the revolution. 1 Kings 
 20:22,26. u Dent. 32:35. 2 Kinps 12:17,18. x 17,18. Ps 2:10,11. 58:10,11. 
 82:6,7. } Heb. Daimuek. y Lev. 26 8. Dent. 32:30. Is. 30:17. Jer. 37:10. 
 
 i. 16:8,9. 20:11,12. Lev. 26:25. Deut. 28:25. a 22:8. Is. 10:5,6. 13:5. Hob. 1:12. 
 0 21:16,18,19.22:6. c 2 Kings 12:20. 14: 19,20. d 21:22. Ps. 10:14. Rev. 16:6. 
 e 16.21:20.23:27. 
 
 apostate, who haled reproof, ordered him to be stoned, and 
 the unprincipled people, as ifjoinedina preconcerted conspi- 
 racy against God and his servants, with one accord executed 
 the unrighteous sentence, even in the court of the temple ! 
 (23:14,15. Note, 2 Kings 11:13 — 1G.) — It is scarcely possible 
 that a murder could contain more aggravated injustice and 
 impiety: but the ingratitude of Joash is peculiarly noticed. 
 Many, who have cast off all fear ofGod, retain some regard 
 to their earthly benefactors ; but this base man was lost tc 
 every thing, which had the least semblance of good. — Zccha 
 riah’s dying words would be best rendered, “ The Lord wil 
 look upon it and require it as a prophecy, and not a prayer 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, Matt. 23:29 — 36.) The event so'oi 
 verified this prediction. (Note, 23,24.) 1 It is likely that h j 
 was a younger son of Jehoiada. ... Ludovicos Capellui 
 therefore thinks, that his brother the high-priest conniving at 
 Joash’s apostacy, this younger brother was inspired of God to 
 reprove it, which boldness Joash and his courtiers thought 
 they might punish with some colour, . . . which they stirred up 
 the people to chastise. . . . Though Zechariah> spoke by the 
 Spirit of God, he only applied the prediction of Moses (Deut. 
 31:16,17.) to the present time ; that they might all learn to 
 have a greater regard to Moses, and continually meditate in 
 his law; unto which if they had attended/they would easily 
 have discerned, who were true prophets, and who were false.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 23, 24. (Note, 17,18.) A small company sent by 
 Ilazael plundered Jerusalem, and sent the spoil to Hazael at 
 Damascus. They likewise “ destroyed all the princes oftlm 
 people the very persons who seduced Joash into idolatry. 
 ( 17 ) So that the judgment of God executed by them, singled 
 out the principal criminals, as appointed to death. “ They 
 executed judgment, (or judgments) against Joash” also.— 
 That so small an army should obtain so decided a victory 
 over all the power of Judah, and the strength of Jerusalem ; 
 showed that the punishment was immediately from God him- 
 self, who forsook them, and “ delivered a very great host into 
 the hand of the Syrians ;” because they had so wickedly fop- 
 saken him. 
 
 V. 25, 2G. (Note, 2 Kings 12:20,21.) ‘Many think he 
 was sorely wounded in the battle, which brought him into 
 great diseases, and they increased, it is likely, by the anguish 
 of his mind, to see his country ruined* and by the hatred and 
 contempt into which he was fallen.’ Bp. Patrick. Joash 
 seems to have murdered some other sons ot Jehoiada, perhaps 
 lest they should avenge die death of Zechariah. — Whether 
 the conspirators intended to punish Joash for this murder, or 
 were actuated by private resentment or ambition ; God was 
 pleased to use them as executioners of his righteous ven- 
 geance. They were both born of foreign women : the idola- 
 trous kings perhaps encouraged such forbidden marriages: 
 but in this case they proved fatal to Joash. (Marg. I\ cf . ) 
 
 V. 27. Burdens, &c.] Either the tribute demanded by 
 the victor ; or the judgments denounced and inflicted by the 
 Lord. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — IG. Tho host education, the most scriptural in- 
 structions, and the brightest examples, are insufficient ot 
 
B. C. 8S9. 
 
 CHAPTER XXY. . B. C 827 
 
 nim; ‘Zabad the son of Shimeath an Amraonitess, 
 and Jehozabad the son of tShimrith a Moabitess. 
 
 •>7 H Now concerning his sons, and the greatness 
 of the f burdens laid upon him, and the ^repairing 
 of the house of God, behold, they are written in 
 the §story of the book of the Kings. And eAma- 
 ziah his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 Amaziah at first reigns well, awl justly punishes his father's murderers , 1 — 4. 
 He gathers a great army, and hires, for a hundred talents, a hundred thou- 
 sand Israelites against Edom: but, having paid the money , he dismisses 
 them at the word of a prophet ; and they depart in great anger, 5 — 10. He 
 smites the Edomites, and exercises great cruelty towards the captives, 11, 
 12. The Israelites, on their return, spoil the cities of Judah , 13. Amnziah 
 serves the gods of Edom, an I rejects the admonitions of a prophet, 14 — 16. 
 He challenges Joash, who in vain warns him : he is vanquished, and Jerusa- 
 lem spoiled, 17 — 24. 17ie rest of his reign, 25, 26. He is slain by a conspi- 
 racy, 27, 28. 
 
 A MAZIAH was “twenty and five years old 
 ■IX. when he began to reign, and he reigned 
 twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. And his 
 mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 
 
 2 And he did that which was right in the sight 
 of the Lord, ''but not with a perfect heart. 
 
 3 K Now it came to pass, when the kingdom 
 was 'established to him, that “lie slew his servants 
 that had killed the king his father. 
 
 4 But he slew not their children, but did d as it 
 is written in tiie law in the book of Moses, where 
 the Lord commanded, saying, The fathers shall 
 
 • Or, Josachar. 2 Kings 12:21. t Or, Shomer. f 2 Kings 12:18. J Heb. 
 founding. 13. § Or, commentary. 9:29. 16:11. 20:34. g 2o:l. 1 Chr. 3:12. 
 
 a 2 Kings 14:1 — 3. b 14. 24:2. 26:4. 1 Sam. 16:7. Pe. 78:37. Is. 29:13. llos. 10: 
 2. Acts 8:21. * Heb. confirmed upon him. c 24:25,26. Gen. 9:5,6. Ex. 21:14. 
 Num. 35:31— 33. <1 Dent. 24: 16. 2 Kings 14:5. »er. 31 -.29,30. Ez. 18:4,20. 
 
 e Ex. 18:25. lSam.8:12. 1 Chr. 13:1. 27:1. f Num. 1:3. g 11:1. 14:8. 17: 
 
 themselves to convert the soul ; they are, however, the gene- 
 ral means by which the Lord works ; and even, when not 
 eventually successful to change the sinner’s heart, they com- 
 monly produce effects salutary to the community. — Hypo- 
 crites often show extraordinary zeal for externals, but they 
 foolishly neglect the heart. — The reluctancy of men to part 
 with their money, for pious and charitable uses, is increased 
 by the avarice of many, through whose hands it should pass, 
 and who basely intercept it : but exact fidelity and punctu- 
 ality, in showing that it has been, or will be, expended for the 
 end proposed, go far towards inducing men to contribute 
 liberally in a good cause ; and this alone can afford comfort 
 upon reflection, or bring honour upon a man’s character. — If 
 we live to the glory of God, and endeavour to do good to 
 men, especially in the great concerns of salvation ; we may 
 be satisfied that we have lived long enough, though we should 
 die voung ; or we may be willing to linger out many years 
 in infirm old age, if the Lord has any thing for us to do. But, 
 whenever or however we pass from time into eternity, may 
 we leave such a testimony in the consciences of our survi- 
 vors, that if they were required to make an inscription for our 
 tomb, they might be constrained to write; “He did good to 
 Israel, both toward God, and toward his house.” It is true, 
 that many, who are over-awed by the personal qualities, the 
 rank, or the reputation of eminent men, secretly hate their 
 piety, and are weary of their authority. But a good con- 
 science, the assurance of usefulness, and the approbation of 
 God, may enable a man to disregard these painful effects of 
 superior excellency. 
 
 V. 17—27. The authority or influence of parents, minis- 
 ters, and pious friends, joined with transient serious impres- 
 sions, and other incidental circumstances, may produce, and 
 •ong maintain, a plausible profession of religion : but the iamp 
 will go out when it is especially wanted ; unless supplied from 
 the oil in the vessel, the grace of God possessing the heart. 
 (Notes, and P. O. Matt. 25:1 — 13.) — When a man is under 
 the power of pride and worldly passions, he disrelishes those 
 counsels, from which he has received the most important 
 temporal advantage, and which tend to his eternal good : and 
 then flattery, licentious liberty, arbitrary authority, and the 
 most impious, proposals, will be more welcome, because con- 
 genial to his judgment and affections. But be, who has not 
 sense to direct his own conduct, and is too proud to take 
 good advice, will soon be proved a fool, let who will flatter 
 his wisdom.— 41 This is the love of God, to keep his command- 
 ments, and his commandments are not grievous.” Yet the 
 yoke of external obedience is very uneasy to the carnal 
 tnind ; and, in this case, men will secretly rejoice, and per- 
 haps openly congratulate one another, upon the death of 
 pious monitors, or even parents. But impiety brings wrath, 
 especially when consequent to apostacy, on such as cast off 
 the fear of God. — No caution, tenderness, or gentleness, con- 
 sistent with faithfulness ; no respectability of character, emi- 
 nent services, or personal obligations, can secure the ministers 
 of God from persecution, if they rouse the dormant con- 
 science, contradict the haughty spirit, or excite disquietude 
 in sin : and, except their word be accompanied with the con- 
 verting grace of God, the sinner will rage, in proportion to 
 his power, pride, or impiety. — Some regard to justice, de- 
 cency, and gratitude, may be expected from ignorant and 
 
 Vol. I. — 99 
 
 not die for the children, neither shall the children 
 die lor the lathers, but every man shall die for his 
 own sin. 
 
 5 H Moreover, Amaziah gathered Judah r » < 
 together, and made them “captains over L 627 
 thousands, and captains over hundreds, according 
 to the houses of their fathers, throughout all 
 Judah and Benjamin: and he numbered them 
 f from twenty years old and above, and found 
 them sthree hundred thousand choice men, able 
 to go forth to war, that could handle spear and 
 shield. 
 
 6 He hired also a hundred thousand mighty 
 men of valour out of Israel for a hundred talents 
 of silver. 
 
 7 But there came h a man of God to him, say 
 ing, O king, let not the army of Israel go with 
 thee ; ‘for the Lord is not with Israel, to wit, with 
 all the children of Ephraim. 
 
 8 But if thou wilt go, do it, k be strong for the 
 battle : God shall make thee fall before the enemy : 
 for 'God hath power to help, and to cast down. 
 
 9 And Amaziah said to the man of God, But 
 what shall we do for the hundred talents which l 
 have given to the f army of Israel ? And the man 
 of God answered, “'The Lord is able to give thee 
 much more than this. 
 
 14—18. h 2 Sam. 12:1. 1 Kings 13:1. 1 Tim. 6:11. 2 Tim. 3:17. i 13:12. 19:8. 
 1 King* 12:88. Is. 28:1— 3. Hos. 5:13-15.9:13. k 18:14. Ec. 11.9. Is. 8:9,10. 
 Joel 3:9—14. Malt. 26:45. 1 14:11. Jud g .7:7. 1 Sam. 14:6. Job 5: 18. 9:13. Ps. 
 20:7.33:16—20. t Heb .band, m 1:12. Deut.8:18. Prov. 10:22. Hag. 2:8. 
 Luke 18:29,30. 
 
 profligate characters, and from infidels and heathen idola- 
 ters: hut the rage of an apostate hursts all obligations and 
 restraints ; for he has so done violence to his conscience, 
 that it has lost all its energy ; and except he be restrained by 
 human laws, every thing desperate may be expected from his 
 resentment. The testimony of faithful ministers will, how 
 ever, be accepted, by God, when rejected by men ; and he 
 will recompense to them all their losses and sufferings for 
 his sake. — Those who transgress the commandments of the 
 Lord, cannot prosper, whatever they may presumptuously 
 suppose ; and when they forsake God, he will forsake them. 
 Without the spirit of prophecy, we may confidently foretell 
 that the Lord will look upon, and require, all the persecutions, 
 slanders, mockeries, and ill-usage, which his servants meet 
 with, except their prayers be answered, and he give the per 
 secutors repentance and better minds. — The Lord can soon 
 find such as will, for their own purposes, execute judgment 
 upon murderers, and other atrocious criminals, however ex- 
 alted ; nor can any power avail against those, into whose 
 hands he delivers his enemies to be punished. Then, supe- 
 riority in station only ensures precedency in suffering: and 
 how dreadful is it when a painful and miserable death trans- 
 mits the impenitent rebel to a more miserable eternity ! God 
 help us to be in earnest, to take warning, to be upright in 
 heart, and to persevere unto the end ! that, having lived by faith, 
 and in humble, devoted obedience, we may at length “die the 
 death of the righteous, and that our last end may be like his ! ,J 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXV. V. 1, 2. Notes , 14—16. 26: 
 4. 2 Kings 14:1 — 4. 
 
 V. 3, 4. (Notes, 24:25,26.) Even f lie conspirators 
 against Joash intended to avenge upon nim the murder of 
 Zechariah, they acted without a commission from that God, 
 u to whom vengeance belongeth and were justly put to death 
 for treason and murder. (Note, 2 Kings 14:5,6.) 
 
 V. 5. Nearly four times as many soldiers had been num 
 bered in the days of Jehoshaphat. (Note, 17:13 — 19.) The 
 inhabitants of the land must have vastly decreased during the 
 late reigns, in consequence of their wickedness, and as a pu- 
 nishment of it. But, perhaps, numbers were unwilling* to enlist 
 under Amaziah: and either he did not attempt to force them, 
 or they found means to evade his inquiries. His army, how- 
 ever, seems to have been sufficiently numerous to reduce the 
 revolted Edomites, against, whom he was preparing' to make 
 war. (11,12.) 
 
 V. 6 — 10. If Amaziah had previously consulted God, all 
 the painful consequences of the measure which he adopted 
 would have been prevented. — As a hundred talents would 
 not divide above eight shillings apiece, among one hundred 
 thousand men ; we may suppose that it was only an earnest 
 of their pay, or that they expected to be enriched with the 
 plunder of the Edomites. — The kingdom of Israel was openly 
 idolatrous, and the Lord would not have Judah join alliance 
 with them. Perhaps the army which Amaziah had hired, 
 was chiefly of the tribe of Ephraim ; or that tribe, being the 
 most considerable in the kingdom of Israel, is put for the 
 whole. — As the Lord was not with the men of Ephraim, he 
 declared by his prophet that he would not prosper Amaziah, 
 if he employed them : and if, after this prohibition, he would 
 persist in taking them with him, he was warned, that God 
 would make him fall before the enemy : for be could help him 
 ( 785 ) 
 
B. C. 826 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 825. 
 
 10 Then "Amaziah separated them, to wit , the 
 army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go 
 'home again : wherefore their anger was greatly 
 kindled against Judah, and they returned home in 
 
 tffreat Silver. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 11 IT And Amaziah strengthened himself, and led 
 forth his people, and went to the - “valley of salt, 
 and smote of the children of Seir ten thousand. 
 
 12 And other ten thousand left alive did the 
 children of Judah carry away captive, and brought 
 them unto the top of the rock, and ‘’cast them 
 down from the top of the rock, that they all were 
 ^broken in pieces. 
 
 13 But the ^soldiers of the army which Ama- 
 ziah sent back, that they should not go with him 
 to battle, fell upon the cities of Judah, from ’'Sama- 
 ria even unto “Beth-horon, and smote three thou- 
 sand of them, and took much spoil. 
 
 14 If Now it came to pass, after that Amaziah 
 was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, 
 that ‘he brought the gods of the children of Seir, 
 and set them up to be u his gods, and bowed down 
 himself before them, and burned incense unto them. 
 
 15 Wherefore the anger of the Lord was 
 kindled against Amaziah, and he sent unto him 
 “a prophet, which said unto him, ^Why hast thou 
 sought after Hhe gods of the people, “which could 
 not deliver their own people out of thy hand ? 
 
 16 And it came to pass, as he talked with him, 
 that the king said unto him, l, Art thou made of 
 the king’s counsel? “forbear ; why shouldest thou 
 be smitten ? Then the prophet forbare, and said, 
 
 I know that God ‘‘hath ^determined to destroy 
 thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not 
 hearkened unto my counsel. 
 
 17 If Then 'Amaziah king of Judah took 
 advice, and sent to Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, 
 the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, Come, f let 
 us see one another in the face. 
 
 18 And Joash king of Israel sent to Amaziah 
 king of Judah, saying, The "thistle that urns in 
 Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, 
 
 n I Kings 12:‘24. • Heb. to their place, t Heb . heat of anger. 2 Sam. 19: 
 43. Prov. 29:22. o 2 Sam. 8:13. 2 Kings 14:7. Ps. 60: title. p2Sam. 12:31. 
 
 1 Chr.20:3. q 20:10.21:8 — 10. } Heb. sons of the band. r 1 Kings 16:24, 
 
 29. s 8:5. 1 Kings 9:17. t 28:23. u Ex. 20:3— 5. Deut. 7:5,25. 2 Sam.5: 
 21. x 7. 16:7— 9. 19:2.20:37. 2Sam.l2:l— 6. v 24:20. Jude. 2:2. Jer. 2:5. 
 z Ps. 96:5. a 11. Ps. 115:4—8. Is. 44:9,10. 46:1,2. Jer. 10:7. 1 Cor. 8:4. 10:20. 
 b 16:10. 18:25,26.24:21. Ain. 7:10— 13. Matt. 21:23. c Prov. 9:7,8. Is. 30:10, 
 11. Jer. 29:26. 2 Tiin. 4:3. Rev. 11:10. d Ex. 9:16. Deut. 2:30. 1 Sam. 2:25. 
 Acts 4:28. Rom. 9:22. § Heb. counselled. 18:20,21. Is. 46:10. Eph. 1:11. e 13. 
 
 2 Kings 14:8 — 14. f 2 Sam. 2:14. Prov. 20:3. II Or, furze-bush, or thorn. 
 Judg. 9.8 — 15. 1 Kings 4:33. H Heb. a beast of the field. Ps. 80:13. g 26:16. 
 
 without the aid of idolaters ; and he could cast him down, 
 though he thus made himself 14 strong for the battle.” (Notes, 
 Is. 8:9,10. Joel 3:9 — IT.) And as for the hundred talents, 
 which he had given to the Israelites, and could not recover, 
 and which he was unwilling to lose; the Lord was able to 
 give him much more than that, 4 and, as Grotius observes, he 
 is rich enough, who is impoverished for God’s sake.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. — Amaziah, though destitute of true faith, paid so 
 much regard to the Lord’s message, that he discharged the 
 hired army: and they were exceedingly offended at the 
 affront put upon them, in being sent away as the enemies of 
 God : and perhaps also by the disappointment of their ava- 
 ricious or ambitious expectations. 
 
 V. 11, 12. ( Marg . Ref. Note , 2 Kings 14:7.) No 
 intimation is given, on what account, or for what provocation, 
 this most cruel conduct towards the prisoners of war was 
 adopted* The enmity between Israel and Esau seems to 
 have been reciprocal, and deeply malignant. The victorious 
 king and his army considered ev^ry individual of Edom, as a 
 traitor and a rebel; and so adjudged them to death, and 
 acted according to that judgment. But their conduct was 
 wholly inexcusable, and could only perpetuate rancour to 
 future gentyations, and provoke the surviving Edomites to 
 cruel retaliations whenever they had it in their power. 
 
 V. 13. The Israelites seem to have returned home , when 
 discharged by Amaziah, as his powerful army deterred them 
 from attempting revenge at that time: but when he was en- 
 gaged in war with the Edomites, they took the opportunity, 
 marched from Samaria, and plundered all the cities till they 
 came to Beth-horon, where they sle\tf three thousand of the 
 inhabitants. — Amaziah had indeed dismissed these auxiliaries 
 in obedience to God ; but his savage cruelty to the prisoners 
 of Edom, and his subsequent idolatry, ( Note , 14 — 16.) proved 
 that he acted by constraint or terror, when he was obedient: 
 he therefore received for his complicated misconduct a just 
 rebuke. Had he broken the idols to pieces, and treated the 
 prisoners with clemency ; he might have expected comfort in 
 h*s success, and not experienced such painful effects from 
 
 ( 796 ) 
 
 saying, -Give thy daughter to my son to wife : and 
 there passed by ’’a wild beast, that was in Le- 
 banon, and trode down the thistle. 
 
 19 Thou sayest, Lo, thou hast smitten the 
 Edomites ■ and ethy heart lifteth thee up b to 
 boast: abide now at home; ‘why shouldest thou 
 meddle to thy hurt, that thou shouldest fall 
 even thou, and Judah with thee? 
 
 20 But Amaziah would not hear ; for k it came 
 of God, that he might deliver them into the hand 
 of their enemies, because they sought after the 
 gods of Edom. 
 
 21 So Joash the king of Israel went up; and 
 they 'saw one another in the face, both he and 
 Amaziah king of Judah, at ”‘Bcth-shemesh, which 
 belongeth to Judah. 
 
 22 And Judah was "put. to the worse before 
 Israel, and they "fled every man to his tent. 
 
 23 And Joash the king of Israel “took Amaziah 
 king of Judah, the son of Joash, the son of 
 rJehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh, and brought him to 
 Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem 
 from the ‘■gate of Ephraim to the "corner-gate, 
 four hundred cubits. 
 
 24 And he took r all the gold and silver, 
 and all the vessels that were found in the house 
 of God with Obed-edom, and the treasures of 
 the king’s house, the hostages also, and returned 
 to Samaria. 
 
 25 H And Amaziah, the son of Joash king of 
 Judah, lived after the death of “Joash, son of 
 Jehoahaz king of Israel, fifteen years. 
 
 26 Now the ‘rest of the acts of Amaziah, ni < . 
 first and last, behold, are they not written L 81u - 
 in the hook of the Kings of Judah and Israel ? 
 
 27 Now after the time that Amaziah did turn 
 away ttfrom following the Lord they %nade a 
 conspiracy against him in Jerusalem ; and he fled 
 to “Lachish : hut they sent to Lachish after him, 
 and slew him there. 
 
 28 And they brought him upon horses, and 
 buried him with his lathers in Hhe city of Judah. 
 
 35 25. Deut. 8:14. Prov. 13:10. 16:18. 28:25. Dan. 5:20— 23. Hal). 2:4. Jnni.4- 
 8. 1 Pet. 5:5. I: Jer. 9:23.24. lCor.l:29. i 35:21. Prov. 18:6. 20 3. 26: 14. 
 I.uke 14:31. k 16.22:7. 1 Kings 12:15. Ps. 81:11,12. Acts 28:25— 27. 2Thes.2: 
 9 — 11. 1 Pet. 2:8. 1 17. m Josh. 21:16. 1 Sam 6:9,19,20. ** Heb. smitten. 28: 
 5,6. n 1 Sam. 4:10. 1 Kings 22:36. o 33*11. 36:6.10. Prov. 16: 18. 29:23. Dan 
 4:37. Ob. 3. Luke 14:11. p 21:17.22:1. Ahaziah. 22:6. Azariah . q Neh. 8: 
 16.12:39. tt Heb. the gate of it that looketh. Jer. 3i :38. r 12:9. 2 kings 14: 
 14. s 2 Kings 14: 17. Jehoash. t 20:34. 2 Kings 1415. *X Heb. from after. 
 §§ Heb . conspired a conspiracy. 24:25. 2 Kings 14:19. u Josh. 10:31. x 2 King* 
 14:20. city of David. 
 
 dismissing the Israelites. — Perhaps the cities* which were 
 destroyed on this occasion, being in the vicinity of Israel, 
 were infected with idolatry. 
 
 V. 14 — 16. Ahaz, who worshipped the idols of Syria by 
 whom he was vanquished, was not so senseless as Amaziah, 
 who sought unto the gods of Edom, which could not deliver 
 them from his cruelty. ( Note, 28:22,23.) 4 Perhaps Amaziah 
 worshipped them from fear they should owe him a spite, and 
 contrive some mischief against him, in revenge of what he 
 had done against the Edomites.’ Bp. Patrick. But Ama- 
 ziah, who had borne with the prophet, who spoke to him con- 
 cerning dismissing the Israelites, by which he lost one hundred 
 talents, was so mad upon his idols, that he would not endure 
 that subject to he insisted on. — He seems to have menaced 
 the prophet with Zechariah’s doom ; and thus he made him- 
 self a sharer in the guilt of that atrocious murder. (Note, 
 24:19 — 22.) The prophet was a counsellor, whom the Lord 
 had appointed him : and none of those whom he had chosen 
 for himself gave him such honest, wise, and salutary counsel. 
 But, as he would not hearken to it, the prophet desisted, 
 having most solemnly warned him that the 1 .ord had counselled 
 to destroy him. (Marg. Notes, 17 — 27. Dtut. 2:30. 1 Kings 
 22:19—23. Luke 22:21—23. Arts 2:22—24.) 
 
 V. 17 — 24. Notes, 2 Kings 14:8 — 14. — Took advice , &e. 
 (17) Amaziah having rejected the counsel of God, advised 
 with his flatterers ; and they counselled him to make a foolish 
 challenge, which paved the way for his ruir., to which he had 
 been doomed for his obstinate idolatry. — To boast . (19) 
 
 “Glory of this:” 2 Kings 14:10. — It came of God, Sir. (20) 
 The people had joined in Amaziah’s idolatry: and therefore 
 8U (Te red through his folly and vainglory. (Ntes, 14 — 16. 
 2 Sam. 24:1,2. 2 Kings 23:26,27.) 4 God blinds the minds nf 
 
 those whom lie intends to destroy for their sins.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 — Obed-edom. (24) Perhaps adescendrnt of him who re- 
 ceived the ark m the days of David, had die charge of these 
 treasures in the house of God. (1 Chr. 13:13,11. ) 
 
 V. 2. r > — 27. (Note, 2 Kings • 4:17- 20 j No intimation is 
 given, that Amaziah repented Dring .he who 1 .# space of the 
 
B. C. 810 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 B. C. 810. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 Vt ziah succeeds \maziaJi , reign* well fora time, and is greatly prospered* 
 
 4 . His building*, husbandry, army, and engines of war, J^—15. Being 
 lifted up in pride 'ie attempts to hum incense in the temple, is opposed by 
 the priests, and smitten with leprosy by God , 16 — 21. He dies , and is suc- 
 ceeded by Jotham, 22, 23. 
 
 T HEN ‘all the people of Judah took '’Uzziah, 
 who was sixteen years old, and made him 
 king in the room of his father Amaziah. 
 
 2 He built “Eloth, and d restored it to Judah, 
 after that the king slept with his fathers. 
 
 3 Sixteen years old teas 'Uzziah when he began 
 
 ft 22:1. 33:25. b 2 Kings 14:21. 15:1 . 1 Chr. 3:12. Azaxinh. Matt. 1 :8,9. Ozias. 
 c 8:17. 2 Kings 14:22. 16:6. Eta’ti. d 25:23,23. e Is. 1:1. 6:1. Hoe. 1:1. Am. 
 1:1. Zech. 14:5. I' 2 Kings 15:2,3. Jecholiak. g 25:2. Ii 24:2. Judg.2:7. 
 
 Lord’s long-suffering. Probably he added tyranny and op- 
 pression to his idolatry: and this, with his imprudent and 
 unsuccessful administration, rendered him so odious, that he 
 was slain, as it appears, by the general consent of his sub- 
 jects, and no one was called to account for his death. — He 
 was, however, buried with the other kings of Judah. ( Notes , 
 21:18—20. 24:15,16.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. Many favour and support religion from motives 
 of policy, who either do not appear, or who only appear, to be 
 religious; but the Lord has no pleasure in dissemblers. — 
 Traitors and murderers are sometimes so powerful, as, for a 
 time, to' set justice at defiance; but they will at length find 
 those who are able to execute righteous vengeance upon 
 them. In every case, however, the law of God should be 
 adhered to, as our perfect rule of duty. — Unrepented sin will 
 inevitably and finally ruin every one who continues in it : and 
 in like manner it will infallibly enfeeble those nations where 
 it prevails, and diminish their prosperity and consequence. 
 Princes and statesmen professing Christianity, when forming 
 alliances, or stipulating succours from foreign courts, seldom 
 inquire, whether 44 the Lord be with them” or not. Indeed, 
 the very question would»too generally excite ridicule and dis- 
 gust: and yet this will be found of far greater efficacy, in the 
 success of wars, and the prosperity of kingdoms, than the 
 most sagacious ungodly devices. It is indeed certain, that no 
 enterprise, public or private, should be engaged in, without 
 seeking to know the will of God concerning it ; if we would 
 avoid those distressing consequences, which often follow from 
 even the most politic measures. But no confederates are so 
 uangerous as apostates. — Success cannot reasonably be ex- 
 pected by those, who act in defiance of the divine commands : 
 they may be “strong for the battle,” or for the business ; but, 
 if God is pleased “to make them fall,” their strength will 
 avail nothing; for he has power to help, and to cast down: 
 and if men prosper in presumptuous wickedness, their success 
 is the prelude of their ruin. — When those who have not true 
 faith, or a spiritual mind, are convinced of the sinfulness of 
 any part of their conduct or pursuits, they always object to 
 self-denying obedience ; and seem to say, “ But what shall 
 we do, for the hundred talents?” ‘What shall we do, if, by 
 hallowing the sabbath, we lose so many good customers ? 
 What shall we do, if we renounce this illegal traffic and 
 exorbitant profit, to compensate so important a loss? What 
 shall we do, if we affront our friends, obstruct our pre- 
 ferment, or lose the friendship of the world? How shall 
 we maintain our families? “What shall we eat? or what 
 shall we drink? or wherewithal shall we be clothed?” Pe- 
 nury and distress face us in the way which you point out 
 to us: we are almost persuaded it is the road to heaven ; but 
 what shall we do about the expenses of the journey ?’ Here 
 numbers stumble and turn aside, or endeavour to quiet their 
 conscience in a^vain pretence, that such and such practices 
 are necessary in their case ; that the precept must be dispensed 
 with: in short, their meaning is, however they may disguise it 
 from others, and even from themselves, that by them, circum- 
 stanced as they are, both God and Mammon may be served ; 
 and that they may be Christ’s disciples without “denying 
 themselves, taking up the cross, and forsaking all for him.” 
 But the answer to such objections is obvious : “ The Lord is 
 able to give f hee much more than this ;” and he has promised 
 to “add all other things” to those “ who seek first the kingdom 
 of God, and his righteousness:” yea, to make up a hundred 
 fold, even in this present world, all that has been conscien- 
 tiously renounced for his sake and the gospel: and we are 
 “compassed about with an innumer. ie cloud of witnesses” 
 of his faithfulness to this promise. Unbelief, however, will 
 trust the Lord no further, than it can understand in what way 
 he will fulfil his word: but faith approves the security, and 
 gives him full credit for his truth, power, and love ; and makes 
 every sacrifice, and ventures every consequence, in depend- 
 ence on his word, and in obedience to his command. He, 
 who in this way is reduced to poverty, is enriched for ever; 
 and he may set down his largest losses as his most certain 
 jpins, assured, that “no good thing will the Lord withhold 
 from those who walk uprightly. ” — Yet, a single instance of 
 “elf-denying obedience, performed on a sudden, under some 
 vehement impression, does not prove that a man has true 
 Sith. A person, on a sudden emotion, might cut off his hand, 
 any cause, and upon reflection repent of it ever after: but 
 the deliberate daily renouncing of the world, and opposing 
 
 to reign, and he reigned fifty and two years in 
 Jerusalem. His mother’s name also wus r Jecoliah 
 of Jerusalem. 
 
 4 And he did that which was right in the sight 
 of the Lord, According to all that his father Ama- 
 ziah did. 
 
 5 And h he sought God in the days of Zecha- 
 riah, who ‘had understanding in the ‘visions of 
 God : and, k as long as he sought the Lord, God 
 made him to prosper. 
 
 6 And he went forth and 'warred against the 
 
 Hos. 6:4. Murk 4:16,17. Act. 20:30. I Gen. 41:15. Dan. 1:17.2:19. 5:16. 10:1- 
 ■ Heh. seeing of God. k 15:2.25:8. 1 Chr. 22:11,13. Ps. 1:3. 121:16,1.. 
 
 14:29. 
 
 our strongest sinful inclinations, (though as painful to part 
 with as a right hand, or a right eye,) for the sake of the gos- 
 pel, and in obedience to the Saviour, forms the constan-t evi- 
 dence of an interest in him, and all his precious promises; 
 (Notes, Phil. 3:1 — 11, v. 7 — l J.) and to some measure of this 
 temper and conduct every true believer has attained. But, 
 the behaviour of the mere professor of true religion will fre- 
 quently detect the hypocrisy of his obedience in particular 
 instances, and justify God in punishing his other crimes, by 
 the very consequences of that obedience. 
 
 V. H — 28. Those who are evidently and consciously irre- 
 ligiaus , are yet often much offended with being treated as 
 such : and affronted pride, united with disappointed rapacity 
 kindles a resentment, from which the most fatal effects may 
 be expected. — Abused mercies occasion man’s most aggra- 
 vated,wickedness, and accelerate his ruin : so that, when we 
 are prospered by Providence, we should be peculiarly carefui 
 what return we make for the goodness of Gou and what use 
 we make of his bounty. — “ The tender mercies of the wicked 
 are cruel ;” and none are so imperious and inhuman towards 
 those who oppose their will, as they who dare to bid defiance 
 to the authority of the Almighty. — The absurdities of super- 
 stition and idolatry, to which the human race has in all ages 
 shown so strange a propensity, are as disgraceful to the 
 understanding as to the heart : and if we did but consider how 
 unavailing those worldly objects, which we are apt to idolize, 
 have always proved, to the peace, safety, and happiness of 
 their possessors ; the reflection must check our eager pursuits 
 of wealth, honour, or sensual pleasure ; or at least show them 
 to be as irrational, as the worship of useless, helpless idols. — 
 They, who are mad upon their lusts, will not bear control 
 or counsel : and he, who would expostulate with them for 
 their good, may expect to be treated as impertinent, inter- 
 meddling, or insolent : especially if an inferior venture to 
 admonish, in the name of the Lord, sinners of superior rank 
 and station. These, indeed, seem generally to claim it as 
 one of their prerogatives, to walk unmolested in “ the broad 
 way that leadeth to destruction :” and ridicule or menaces 
 will be the recompense of him, who dares to warn them that 
 it is a dangerous road. But, after all the contempt and 
 obloquy to which such counsellors are exposed, the event 
 demonstrates, that princes generally hearken to those who 
 are far worse : and, though assuming churchmen have often 
 disgraced their profession ; yet no man, from the throne to 
 the almshouse, will have cause to repent attending to the 
 warnings, instructions, and counsel of the few, who honestly 
 declare the truth and will of God, without courting the favour, 
 fearing the frown, or respecting the person of any man. If, 
 however, mild, serious, rational, and scriptural reproof is 
 proudly rejected and resented, we are not required further to 
 urge our admonitions, but must desist, by plainly giving men 
 to understand what the consequence will be. — When the 
 remonstrances of conscience are silenced, and the ministers 
 of God are rejected and menaced, it is to be feared that he 
 has determined upon the sinner’s destruction ; and if he also 
 says, “ Let him alone,” “ my Spirit shall not always strive 
 with him ;” he will be given up to strong delusion, to increas- 
 ing vain confidence, infatuated projects, rash intermeddling, 
 and obstinate perseverance in a course of folly, till the measure 
 of his wickedness is filled up, and “ destruction from the 
 Almighty” comes upon him. Thus 44 a man’s pride shall 
 bring him low ;” his ruin may be dated from his turning away 
 from the Lord ; and the longer he is spared, the more will he 
 44 treasure up wrath against the day of wrath, and revelation 
 of the righteous judgment of God, who shall render to every 
 man according to his works.” May the Lord preserve us 
 from this dreadful doom, and prepare our hearts to receive 
 his truth, to welcome his counsels and reproofs, and obediently 
 to submit to his authority, and do his will ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVI. V. 1—3. Notes , 2 Kings 
 14:21,22. 15:1—7, u. 1—5. 
 
 V. 4. Uzziah, or Azariah, began his reign much better 
 than he ended it, as Amaziah had done. But he seems to 
 have supported the worship of God all his days ; and he is 
 never charged with idolatry, or any kind of immoraliiy. 
 (Notes, 25:14 — 16. 2 Kings 14:3,4.) His reign must there- 
 fore have been very happy for his people, and favourable to 
 the interests of religion, though the close of it proved disgrace- 
 ful to himself. 
 
 V. 5. It i« not known of what tribe or family this Zecha- 
 riah was ; though some conjecture, that he was the son o. 
 1 7S7 ) 
 
B. C. 7 55. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C 758. 
 
 Philii tines, a d brake down "the wall of Gath, and 
 the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod, and 
 built cities'about Ashdod, and among the Philistines. 
 
 7 And "God helped him against the Philistines, 
 and against "the Arabians that dwelt in Gur-baal, 
 and the Mehunims. 
 
 8 And i’the Ammonites gave gifts to Uzziah: and 
 ibis name 'spread abroad even to the entering in of 
 Egypt: for he strengthened himself exceedingly. 
 
 9 Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem 
 at the "corner-gate, and at “the. valley-gate, and at 
 ‘the turning of the wall , and dottified them. 
 
 10 Also he built towers in the desert, and §dig- 
 ged many wells : for “he had much cattle, both in 
 the low cftuntry and in the plains; husbandmen 
 also, and vine-dressers in the mountains, and in 
 “Carmel : for he loved ’’husbandry. 
 
 11 Moreover, Uzziah had a host of fighting 
 men, that x went out to war by bands, according 
 to the number of their account by the hand of 
 Jeiel the scribe, and Maaseiah the ruler, under 
 the hand of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains. 
 
 12 The whole number of the chief of the . fa- 
 
 thers of the mighty men of valour were two thou- 
 sand and six hundred. • 
 
 13 And under their hand was “an army, nhree 
 hundred thousand and seven thousand and five 
 hundred, that made war with mighty power, to 
 help the king against the enemy. 
 
 14 And Uzziah prepared for them, throughout 
 all the host, shields, and spears, and helmets, and 
 habergeons, and bows, and 1 ’slings to cast stones. 
 
 15 And he made in Jerusalem engines, invented 
 by 'cunning men, to be on the towers and upon 
 the bulwarks, to shoot arrows and great stones 
 withal. And his name tispread far abroad ; for he 
 was marvellously helped, till he was strong. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 rn 2 Sam. 8:1. 1 Chr. 18:1. * Or, in the country of Ashdod. 1 Sam. 5.1, 
 6. n 14:11. 1 Chr. 5:20. 12:18. Ps. 18:29,34,35. Acts26:22. o 17:11. 21:16. 
 p 20:1. Gen. 19:38. Deuf. 2:19. Jude. 11:15— 18. 1 Sam. 11:1. q Gen. 12:2. 
 2 Sam. 8:13. 1 Kings 4:31. Matt. 4:24. t Heb.wenf. r 25:23 . 2 Kings 14:13. 
 Jer. 31:38. Zech. 14:10. s Neh. 2:13. 3:13. t Neh. 3:20,24. * Or, repaired. 
 § Or, cut out tinny cist'Tns. Gen. 26:18 — 21. u 2 Kings 3:4. 1 Chr. 27:26 — 31. 
 II Or, fruitful fields. 2 Kings 19:23. Is. 29: 17. T Heb. ground, x 2 Kings 5: 
 2. ** Heb. the power of nn army. y 11:1.13:3.14:8. 17:14 — 19. tIHeb. 
 
 stones of slings. Julg. 20:16. 1 Sam. 17:49. z 2:7,14. Ex. 31:4. jj Hel* 
 
 that Zechariah whom Joash murdered. This, however, 
 would be a singular instance in Scripture, of a son called by 
 liis father’s name. — He was perhaps endued with a peculiar 
 gift in distinguishing between those, who are actually favoured 
 with prophetic visions, and those who only pretended to be 
 so. (1 Cor. 12:10.) At least he was well acquainted with 
 divine things, an intelligent, prudent, pious, and heavenly- 
 minded man ; and an instructer, or counsellor, to Uzziah, 
 who prospered by hearkening to his admonitions ; whilst 
 Amaziah, who had scorned to be counselled by a prophet, 
 fallowed advice which brought him to destruction. ( Notes , 
 25:14 — 24.) Had Zechariah been spared, he might perhaps 
 have dissuaded Uzziah from that fatal attempt, which he after- 
 wards made. ( Note , 16 — 23.) 
 
 V. 6 — 9. These verses contain some particulars, in which 
 Uzziah, by the special help and blessing ofGod, was greatly 
 prospered, while he adhered strictly to the worship of God 
 according to the law. (Marg. Rtf .) — 1 He demolished all 
 the fortifications of his enemies on the frontiers, and provided 
 his own frontiers with works, garrisons, arms, and engines of 
 war. . . . These Mehunims were a people in Arabia desert a? 
 Bp. Patrick. Jabneh is not mentioned elsewhere, nor 
 Gur-baal. — u He built cities about Ashdod,” or u in the 
 country of Ashdod.” (Marg.) — In the days of his father, 
 the wall of Jerusalem had been broken down “ to the corner- 
 gate (25:23.) and Uzziah not only repaired it, but added 
 towers and fortifications to secure it. 
 
 V. 10. Powers.] These towers seem to have been built 
 in the desert, for the protection of Uzziah’s shepherds and 
 flocks, from the depredations of the Arabian freebooters and 
 others, upon whom he seems to have retaliated. (11) — A 
 prince can hardly have a more rational, inoffensive, and 
 indeed useful recreation from public business, than these rural 
 occupations. (Notes, 1 Kings 4:7 — 19. I Chr. 27:25 — 31.) 
 
 In Carmel.] 4 Not . . . the famous mount of that name, 
 (for that was not in the tribe of Judah,) but a very fertile 
 country, as the word Carmel signifies in several places. Is. 
 16:10. Jer. 2:7. 48:33.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Notes, 1 Sam. 
 25:2. 2 Kings 19:23. Is. 35:1,2.) 
 
 V. 11—15. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 6—9. 14:6— g. 17:13—19. 
 25:5.) — 4 God aided him so wonderfully in all his undertakings, 
 that he feared no enemy. . . . How hard it is to bear great pros- 
 perity with moderation md humble thankfulness.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 16 — 23. Uzziah had been remarkably prospered in 
 
 ( 788 ) 
 
 16 H But “when he was strong, his heart was 
 lifted up to his destruction : for he transgressed 
 against the Loud his God, and b went into the tem- 
 ple of the Lord c to bur - , incense upon the altar of 
 incense. 
 
 17 And d Azariah the priest went in after him, 
 and with him fourscore priests of the Lord, that 
 were “valiant men : 
 
 18 And they ’ withstood Uzziah the king, and 
 said unto him, It nppertaineth “not unto thee, Uz 
 ziah, to burn incense unto the Lord, but ‘‘to the 
 
 riests, the sons of Aaron, that are consecrated to 
 urn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for thou 
 hast trespassed ; ‘neither shall it he for thine honour 
 from the Lord God. 
 
 19 Then Uzziah was wroth, and had a censer 
 in his hand to burn incense : and while k he was 
 wroth with the priests, ‘the leprosy even rose up 
 in his forehead before the priests in the house of 
 the Lord, from beside the incense-altar. 
 
 20 And Azariah the chief priest, and all the 
 priests looked upon him, and, behold, he was 
 leprous in his forehead, and they thrust him out 
 from thence; yea, himself ""hasted also to go out, 
 because "the Lord had smitten him. 
 
 21 And "Uzziah the king was a leper unto the 
 day of his death, and p dwelt in a ^several house, 
 being a leper ; for he was cut off from the house 
 of the Lord: and Jotham his son was over the 
 king’s house, judging the people of the land. 
 
 22 II Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, ‘‘first 
 and last, did "Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, 
 write. 
 
 23 So Uzziah “slept with Iris fathers, and ‘they 
 buried him with his fathers in the field of the 
 burial which belonged to the kings; for they said, 
 He is a leper : and Jotham his son reigned in his 
 stead. 
 
 went forth.. Matt. 4:24. a 25:19.32:25. Dent. 8:14,17. 32:13— 15. Prov. 16:18. 
 Hab. 2:4. Col. 2:18. b 2 Kings 16: 12,13. c Ntim. 16:7,17,18,35. 1 Kings 12:33. 
 13:1—4. d 1 Chr. 6: 10. e 1 Chr. 12:28. 26:6. f 16:7— 9. 19:2. Jer. 13:18. 
 Matt. 10:18,28. 14:4. 2 Cor. 5:16. Gal. 2:11. g Num. 16:40,46— 48. 18:7. h Ex. 
 30:7,8. Heb. 5:4. i 1 Snm. 2:30. Dan. 4:37. John 5:44. Jam. 2.1. k 16:10. 
 25:16. 1 Num. 12:10. 2 Kings 5:27. mEsth.6:12. n Lev. 14:34. l ent. 28: 
 22,35. o 2 Kings 15:5. p Lev. 13:46. Num. 5:2,3. 12:15. 2 Kings 7:3. §§ Heb. 
 free, q 9:29. 12:15. r Is. 1:1. 6:1. a 2 Kings 15:6,7. t 18. 21:20. 28:27. 
 33:20. 
 
 every thing ; but pride, instead of gratitude, wak fostered by 
 it: so that, deeming himself at least as much favoured as the 
 priests were, he thought it a reproach to him to be excluded 
 from any part of the temple, or the worship of God. — Burn- 
 ing incense was the most honourable part of the sacerdotal 
 office, and of that he became ambitious. (Note, Lev. 10: 
 1,2.) The law had forbidden any, but the priests of the 
 family of Aaron, to enter the sanctuary, or to burn incense ; 
 and the fate of Korah and his company, was an awful exam- 
 ple upon record, of the consequences to be expected from 
 violating that statute. (Notes, Num. 16: 17:) But perhaps 
 Uzziah was tempted to disbelieve these ancient records, 
 imagining that they had been falsified by the priests to keep 
 up their own consequence ; or that the law was now become 
 obsolete: and he might be confirmed in this, by considering 
 that nothing of the kind had taken place for many centuries. 
 Thus “his heart was lifted up to his destruction;” his crime 
 exposed him to eternal destruction, as well as present death; 
 and though he was respited, yet his remaining days were 
 spent, as it were, in a lingering ignominious execution. — 
 None of the former kings of Judah had attempted to burn 
 iucense in the temple ; none, perhaps, to invade the sacer- 
 dotal office in any way: though many of them had offended 
 by forsaking the worship of God. Had Uzziah contented 
 himself with imitating David, Solomon, and Jehoshaphar, 
 in instructing, and praying with and for his people, he would 
 have done commendably. — The idolatrous kings indeed 
 burned incense to their »dols, and it seems he took them for 
 his pattern in this insto’ o, though lie would not forsake the 
 God of Israel. (Note, Kings 13:1.) — Azariah and the 
 other priests behaved nobiy on this occasion: (Note, 2 Kings 
 16:10 — 16.) they opposed the king’s design, not with violence 
 or reproachful language, but with plain scriptural remon 
 strances, precepts, and counsels; and by warning him, tha 
 his attempt would expose him to disgrace from the Lori 
 God. (Note, 1 Chr. 6:4 — 15, v. 10.) Vet he was insensible 
 to their arguments, and enraged by their faithful opposition: 
 and Josephus writes that he threatened them with death, 
 when an extraordinary earthquake preceded his being smit- 
 ten with leprosy. (Notes, slows 1:1. Zech. 14:1,5.) But, 
 however that might be, when lie found that this divine judg- 
 ment was inflicted upon him, and was conspicuous in his 
 forehead, he became sensible of his sin ntu* clanger, and 
 yielded to the priests who hurried him out of ve s: lictuarv, 
 
B. C. 758. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII, 
 
 B. C. 742. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Jotham reign* well and proavera, 1, 2. Hie building e, 3, 4. He subdue s the 
 Ammonites, 5, 6. He dies , and is succeeded by Ahaz, 7 — 9. 
 
 J OTHAM was “twenty and five years old when 
 he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen 
 years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was 
 Jerushah, the daughter of Zadok. 
 
 2 And b he did that which was right in the sight 
 of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah 
 did: howbeit, c he entered not into the temple of 
 the Lord. And d the people did yet corruptly. 
 
 3 He built the “high gate of the house of the 
 Lord, and on the wall of ‘Ophel he built much. 
 
 4 Moreover < he built cities in Hhe mountains 
 of Judah, and in the forests he built castles and 
 towers. 
 
 5 H He fought also with h the king of the Am- 
 
 i 2 Kiri 2 » 15-32.33. 1 Clir. 3:12. Is. 1:1. Hos. 1:1. Mic. 1:1. Mutt. 1:9. Joatlmm. 
 b 26:4. 2 Kings 15.34. e 25:16—21. IV 119:120. Acts 5:13. d 2 Kings 15:35. 
 c 23:15,20. Jei\2U:2. • Or, the tower. 33:14. Neh. 3:26. 111:5—10.14:7. 
 
 yea hasted to retreat, perhaps dreading still further judg- 
 ments. It pleased God to continue this stigma upon him 
 during the remainder of his life : and, in consequence, he 
 was excluded from the precincts of the temple ; from society, 
 except that of the priests into whose office he had intruded ; 
 and from the exercise of his regal authority. It is not said 
 how long this Occurred before his death : but the age of 
 Jotham, when he began to reign, implies, that it was late in 
 Uzziah’s reign, before he was smitten with the leprosy: and 
 his reign must be considered as a very prosperous one for his 
 kingdom. But, by aspiring after that honour which did not 
 belong to him, he lost all his dignity and reputation, and was, 
 in some sense, degraded beneath the meanest of his subjects, 
 and even after his death, notwithstanding his good and pros- 
 perous reign, he was, as a leper, excluded from the sepul- 
 chres of the kings. — Yet the long-suffering of God gave him 
 space for repentance: and his patient and quiet submission 
 to this severe rebuke, and to all its most painful consequences, 
 (as they must have been to so honourable and prosperous a 
 monarch,) forms no inconsiderable proof of his repentance; 
 i»nd implies that his retirement was well improved, and his 
 death happy. (2 Kings 15:1 — 7.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 15. Wise and pious instructers are an invaluable 
 treasure to young people ; especially to those who are ad- 
 vanced to exalted stations, and who are generally poisoned 
 with the flattery of interested sycophants and dependents. 
 Yet, unless they seek and serve God from an inward princi- 
 ple of piety ; they will at length lose, or shake off, their pre- 
 ceptors and their religion together. — Many have experienced, 
 and some have confessed, that, when they paid regard to the 
 service of God, they prospered ; but that every thing went 
 wrong, from the time they grew negligent in religion. In- 
 deed, external prosperity docs not now so uniformly attend 
 godliness, as it did in the case of Israel : yet every under- 
 taking will succeed with the true Christian, as far as it is 
 good for him; and God will help and prosper him in his 
 spiritual warfare, in proportion to the simplicity of his depend- 
 ence and obedience. — No lawful business will be the worse 
 managed, or prove less pleasant to any man, on account of 
 his diligence in the service of God, if he have learned to 
 arrange his temporal and spiritual concerns in due order. — 
 It would be happy for mankind, if able and powerful mo- 
 narchs took more delight, and spent more of their leisure 
 hours, in rural occupations, which are manly, useful, and 
 truly honourable : but hitherto man’s chief ambition, exertion, 
 and ingenuity, have been directed to the destruction of his 
 own species ! If, however, it must be a part of his occupa- 
 tion to invent and forge instruments of destruction, and of 
 shortening the already contracted duration of human life ; 
 surely these should be used only in self-defence, or in awing 
 the turbulent spirits of those public depredators, who cannot 
 otherwise be prevented from disturbing the world. 
 
 V. 16 — 23. It is written, as with a sunbeam, that pros- 
 perity is most dangerous to fallen man. Some are “ lifted 
 up” by it 44 to their destruction,” others to their deep disgrace 
 and lasting distress: and we have all more cause to pray to 
 be preserved from its fascinating influence, than from the 
 depth of poverty, or from the anguish of the severest disap- 
 pointment and afflictions. — The narrow way is one and 
 straight ; but the paths of transgression are numerous and 
 various : and new ones are continually struck out, by the 
 oerverse ingenuity and presumption of rebellious man. Ex- 
 tremes are on every side. To avoid enthusiasm and credu- 
 lity, men become profane and infidel ; and, in shunning infi- 
 delity, they rush into superstition. Those who are not 
 * hargeable with immorality or gross profaneness, may yet 
 provoke the Lord by their hypocrisy or self-righteous pride. 
 We are not indeed, at present, kept at that awful distance 
 om sacred things, which the people of God formerly were : 
 yet let us not suppose, that we are in no danger of offending 
 *i this way. The sacred ministry may be intruded into, 
 «*« r h a presumption and impiety bordering upon sacrilege and 
 llasphemy; while mercenary and ungodly men make those 
 ( 789 ) 
 
 monites, and prevailed against them. And the 
 children of Ammon gave him the same year a 
 hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand 
 measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. 
 'So much did the children of Ammon pay unto 
 him, both the second year, and the third. 
 
 6 So Jotham became mighty, because he } pre- 
 pared his ways before the Lord his God. 
 
 7 H Now ’the rest of the acts of Jotham, and 
 all his wars, and his ways, lo, they are written 
 in the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. 
 
 8 He was five and twenty years old when he 
 began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 9 H And k Jotham slept with his fathers, and 
 they buried him in the city of David : and Ahaz 
 his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 26:9,10. r Josh. 14:12,13. Luke 1:39. It 2(1-1. Judg. 11:4, 4c. 2 Sam. 10:1 — 
 14. Jer. 49:1—6. t Hel). Thus. } Or, estubliahed.. 19:3. i 20:34. 26:22.23. 
 32:32,33. k 2 Kings 15:36,38. 
 
 professions, engagements, and protestations, in the presence 
 of God, “ for filthy lucre’s sake,” which they deride as enthu- 
 siastic or superstitious ! The Lord’s table may be approached 
 in hypocrisy, pride, unbelief, and impenitency; or even as a 
 step to preferment, by infidels and debauchees who are the 
 slaves to every lust ! and in many ways men may be guilty 
 of most awful and presumptuous profanations. Against these 
 abuses the ministers of God must caution all persons, how- 
 ever wealthy, honourable, or powerful, with plain declara- 
 tions of the truths and precepts of Scripture, and solemn 
 warnings respecting the consequences of transgression. Yet, 
 alas! few are found, who are valiant men , that dare, in meek- 
 ness and faithfulness, oppose the powerful who attempt the 
 most scandalous profanations ; and venture all the conse- 
 quences of their displeasure in refusing to concur in them. 
 But the Lord will assuredly stand by those few, and mark 
 their opposers with evident tokens of his anger. — No wonder 
 that ungodly men are so enraged at opposition from the mi- 
 nisters of God ; for even believers at some times cannot endure 
 it. But his rebuke brings them to themselves, and they then 
 make haste to renounce their wayward purposes ; submit 
 patiently to his severest corrections ; and are humbled for 
 the pride of their hearts. And, whatever humiliating or dis- 
 graceful events take place ; however we may be excluded 
 from the earthly courts of the Lord, ‘the communion of his 
 saints,’ and the comforts of society ; if we are brought to true 
 repentance, and at length obtain eternal life, we shall bless 
 God for the whole. ( Notes , and P. O. Dan. <1:28 — 37.) But 
 the Lord always resists the proud ; and contempt, either on 
 earth or in hell, is the never-failing consequence of self-confi- 
 dence and arrogance. When, however, the Lord sees good 
 to throw prosperous and useful men aside, as a broken ves- 
 sel ; if he raises up their children, or other able persons, to 
 fill their places, that the community be not losers, they may 
 rejoice in renouncing all worldly concerns, and in employing 
 the remnant of their days in preparing for death and heaven 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVII. V. 1, 2. Marg. Ref. 2 
 Kings 15:32 — 36. — He entered not . (2) Jotham imitated his 
 father in the best part of his conduct ; but did not attempt to 
 enter the temple, or to burn incense, as Uzziah had dorre. 
 (Notes, 26:4,16 — 23.) — The people did yet corruptly.] ‘They 
 offered incense in high places ; (2 Kings 15:35.) and as some 
 think committed idolatry.’ Bp. Patrick. The general cha- 
 racter also of the people, as to unrighteousness, fraud, op- 
 pression, and other crimes ; as well as their ungodliness, 
 hypocrisy, or idolatrous worship, seems to be implied. 
 
 V. 3. Ophel.] This seems to have been a cliff, or high 
 rock, where a tower and wall were built to fortify the city. 
 Those Jotham greatly strengthened and improved. 
 
 V. 4. ‘He took care to fortify his kingdom strongly on all 
 sides, against his enemies.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 5. (Marg. Ref.) It is probable that at the end of 
 three years, the Ammonites recovered strength, and refused 
 to pay the tribute. 
 
 V. 6. It has been observed, that most, if not all, the piou9 
 kings of Judah, have some evil thing laid to their charge : but 
 Jotham has not; except as “the people did corruptly,” and 
 the high places were not demolished. 
 
 V. 7. It is supposed, that Jotham’s deeds so attracted 
 attention, that they were recorded in the Chronicles of Israel, 
 as well as in those of Judah ; though but little has oeen trans- 
 mitted to us concerning him. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The severest judgments of God have mercy connected with 
 them, either to the persons themselves, or to others, who 
 thence learn caution and circumspection. — It ought to be the 
 constant aim of every one of us, to imitate the faith, p'ety, 
 equity, kindness, self-denial, patience, and meekness, of tnose 
 servants of God with whom we are acquainted, and of whom 
 we read or hear; and carefully to avoid their failings and 
 the sins into which they have been betrayed : but the re- 
 verse of this is general, and natural to mankind. — If we 
 would attain to eminence in godliness or usefulness, we must 
 diligently “prepare our ways before the Lord ou- God," 
 
B. C. 738. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 733, 
 
 OHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Ahaz reigns very wickedly, 1 — 1. He is defeated with, terrible slaughter of 
 his army by the kings of Syria and Israel , 5—7. The Israelites lead to 
 Samaria an immense number of captives , 8 . The people are induced , by 
 the remonstrance of a prophet, and the interference of the princes, to treat 
 them kindly and send them home, 9 — 15. Ahaz, attacked by the Edomites , 
 and Phx/ietines, sends to the king of Assyria, but receives no benefit from 
 his assistance, 16 — 21. In his distress he adds to hie idolatries , 2^—25. 
 He dies, and is succeeded by Hezekiah , 26, 27. 
 
 1 A HiZ was twenty years old when he began 
 A to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in 
 
 Jerusalem : but he did not that which was right 
 in the sight of the Lord, b like David his father : 
 
 2 For c he walked in the ways of the kings of 
 Israel, and made also d molten images for 'Baalim. 
 
 3 Moreover, he 'burnt incense in r the valley 
 of the son of Hinnorn, and eburnt his children 
 in the fire, h after the abominations of the heathen, 
 whom the Lord had cast out before the children 
 of Israel. 
 
 4 He ‘sacrificed also and burnt incense in the 
 high places, and on the hills, and under every 
 green tree. 
 
 5 Wherefore the Lord k his God 'delivered him 
 into the hand of the king of Syria ; and they smote 
 him, and carried away a great multitude of them 
 captives, and brought them to tDamascus. And 
 
 a 2 Kings 16:1,2. 1 Chr. 3:13. Is. 1:1. 7:1—12. Has. 1:1. Mic. 1:1. Matt. 1:9. 
 Achat, b 17:3. c 21:6. 22:3,4. 1 Kings 16:31— 33. 2 Kings 10:26— 23. 4 El 
 34:17. Lev. 19.4. e Judg. 2; 1 1,13. * Or, offered sacrifice, f 2 Kings 23: 10. 
 
 Jer. 7:31,32. 19:2—6,13. g 33:6. Lev. 18:21. 2 Kings 16:3. Ps. 106:37,38. Jer. 
 2:34. Ez. 16:20,21. Mtc. 6:7. 1i 33:2. Dent. 12:31. i Lev. 26:30. Deut. 12:2,3. 
 
 2 Kings 16:4. k 36:5. Ex. 20:2 3. 1 24:24.33:11.36:17. Judg. 2:14. 2 Kings 
 
 acting habitually as under his inspection, and depending on 
 his assistance and merciful acceptance, from love to his 
 name and zeal for his glory. — Many pious men have not for- 
 titude or vigour to combat the difficulties, which must be 
 expected by those who attempt reformation, in opposition to 
 inveterate prejudices, errors, superstitions, and immoralities ; 
 yet all in public stations should remember, that this is incum- 
 bent upon them, and forms that improvement of their talents 
 which God requires. They should therefore M arise and be 
 doing,” acccording to the duties of their situations, “ and the 
 Lord will be with them for good.” — But even when the most 
 unexceptionable example is united to the most strenuous and 
 persevering endeavours, the success of pious reformers will 
 not answer their desires and expectations. Many of u the 
 people will still do corruptly :” and, in righteous displeasure 
 against those who hate to be reformed, the Lord often pre- 
 maturely removes wise, prosperous, and pious rulers in church 
 or state; and sends others, whose •follies and vices severely 
 punish a people, who did not value their mercies till they 
 were withdrawn from them. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXVIII. V. 1—4. Marg. Ref . 
 Notes , 2 Kings 16:3,4. Lev. 20:2—5. Matt. 5:21,22, 
 
 v. 22. 
 
 V. 5. Jehovah was ‘the God of Ahaz,’ as his Creator, 
 Upholder, and Governor, as Ahaz was born among the pro- 
 fessing and covenant people of God, dedicated to him by 
 circumcision, and educated in a religious manner ; as he 
 reigned over Judah, where alone the worship of God was 
 instituted ; and as he was bound by every obligation to serve 
 mid obey him. But he was not ‘ the God of Ahaz,’ as he is 
 the God of true believers, according to the covenant of grace ; 
 he was not Ahaz’s Portion and Salvation: nor was Ahaz the 
 Lord’s servant and worshipper, for he was a most wicked 
 apostate and idolater. In short, he had not the privilege of 
 having “ the Lord for his God,” his “ Shield and exceeding 
 great Reward but he had the guilt of violating the strongest 
 obligations to his service ; and of continuing impenitent and 
 ungodly, in the midst of every advantage and means of grace. 
 Had he been born and educated a heathen, he might perhaps 
 have escaped remarkable judgments: but as he was an 
 apostate, ‘‘the Lord his God” delivered him to be punished, 
 into the hands of the Syrians and Israelites. (Notes, 2 Kings 
 16:5 — 9.) His people also were involved in the same guilt, 
 and in the same punishment. They did corruptly under 
 pious Jotham : for their correction Jotham was removed, and 
 wicked Ahaz succeeded ; and his idolatry and enormous 
 crimes were punished by dreadful havoc made among his 
 subjec's. Thus, the sins and sufferings of kings and people 
 lesemtde the case of the human body; in which the head 
 must share the sufferings of the members, and the members 
 those of the head, by reason of that unity which subsfsts be- 
 tween them. ( Note , 2 Sam. 24:1,2. P. O. 1 — 9.) 
 
 V. 6 — 8. This is the greatest slaughter of the men of 
 Judah that we read of. (13:17.) And as they were “all 
 valiant men,” and Israel was not in a very prosperous state, 
 the defeat of Judah with such tremendous slaughter must be 
 ascribed to some supernatural terror or confusion. “ Because 
 they had forsaken the Lord,” 4 who therefore forsook them, 
 and took away their courage, that they could make no resist- 
 ance.’ Bp. Patrick. Ahaz himself escaped: but he had a 
 son and t wo of his chief officers slain, one of whom was next 
 under him in authority ; and an immense spoil, and multitude 
 of prisoners, were collected from the defenceless country by 
 ( 700 ) 
 
 he also was delivered into the hand of the king 
 of Israel, who smote him with a great slaughter. 
 
 6 For m Pekah the son of Remaliah slew in 
 Judah "a hundred and twenty thousand in one 
 day, which were all tvaliant men; “because they 
 had forsaken the Lord God of their fathers. 
 
 7 And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew 
 Maaseiah the king’s son, and Azrikam the gover- 
 nor of the house, and Elkanah that was *next to 
 the king. 
 
 8 And the children of Israel i’ C arried away 
 captive of their ^brethren two hundred thousand, 
 women, sons, and daughters, and took also away 
 much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to 
 
 Samaria. [^Practical Observations.'] 
 
 9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, 
 whose name was Oded : and r hc went out before 
 the host that came to Samaria, and said unto 
 them, Behold, “because the Lord God of your 
 fathers was wroth with Judah, he hath delivered 
 them into your hand, and ye have slain them in a 
 rage that ‘reacheth up unto heaven. 
 
 10 And now ye purpose to "keep under the 
 children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmen 
 
 16:5. Is. 7:!, 6. f Heb. Darmauk. m 2 Kinn 15 27.37. Is. 7:4,5, 9. 9:21. 
 ii 13:17. | Heb. sons of valour. o 15:2. Deut. 6: 14,15. 28: 15,25. 29:24— 26. 
 
 31:16,17.32:30. Joah. 23:16. Is. 24:5,6. Jer. 2: 19. § Heb. 0e second to. pDeut. 
 28:25,41. q 11:4. Acts 7:26. 13:26. r 19:1,2. 25:15,16. 1 Kings 20:13,22,42. 
 2 Kings 20:14,15. s 5. Judg. 3:8. Pa. 69:26. Is. 10:5.47:6. Ez. 25: 12,15. 26:2. 
 Ob. 10—16. Zech. 1:15. t Gen. 11:4. Ezra 9:6. Rev. 18:5. u Lev. 25:39— 46. 
 
 the rapacious victors. It does not appear, however, that 
 Jerusalem was taken by them. (Notes, Is. 7:1 — 9.) 
 
 V. 9 — 11. The Lord, provoked with Judah’s idolatries, 
 had delivered them into the hands of their still more idola- 
 trous brethren, who had shown the most exorbitant rage and 
 cruelty in destroying them : and, as if this had been a small 
 thing, they proceeded to gratify their inhuman avarice, by 
 seizing all the women and children, to sell them, or to keep 
 them for slaves. But, if the Lord had so severely punished 
 their offending brethren of Judah, could the men of Israel 
 expect to escape his fierce indignation? Were there no sins 
 among them to provoke his displeasure ? Rather, were they 
 not already abundantly sufficient, without augmenting them 
 by this iniquitous and cruel treatment of ihe women and 
 children, who had never injured them? Or, could they hope 
 for the mercy of God, if they neither showed mercy nor jus- 
 tice to their brethren ? They were therefore required to set 
 the captives at liberty ; because they themselves were ex- 
 posed to the fierce wrath of God. This was the Lord’s mes- 
 sage to the conquerors by his prophet ; and it naturally leads 
 us to consider some questions concerning slavery. — Let it 
 then be remembered, that there do not at present subsist any 
 such distinctions between nations, as God for wise reasons, 
 was pleased, for a time, to establish between Israel and the 
 Gentiles ; but every man is now our Jicighhour , and in one 
 sense our brother; our fellow-man, if not our fellow- Christian. 
 — They indeed attempt too much who argue, that slavery in 
 all cases is contrary to scriptural principles ; and this has 
 given its advocates some advantage in the controversy. But 
 no man, well acquainted with the word of God, needs fear to 
 maintain, that the modern slave-trade stands in diametrical 
 opposition to both the law and the gospel ; as well as to the 
 true interests of mankind. Who can possibly hold his wn- 
 off ending brother in bondage, for his own gain, without vio- 
 lating the rule of doing to others, as he would that they 
 should do unto him, and as he might fairly expect that they 
 should do unto him? (Note, Matt. 7:12.) Suppose that 
 an African should kidnap the son of an English merchant, 
 carry him to Africa, and, pretending property in him, should 
 sell him for a slave ; and so he should be sold from one t« 
 another for life, and his children after him. Suppose that 
 Africans gave such prices for Englishmen, as encouraged 
 them to steal and sell one another, till it became a regular 
 trade ; would not free-born Britons execrate buyers, sellers, 
 stealers, and all concerned in such a traffic? Those who 
 have forfeited their lives by crimes against the state, have 
 also forfeited their natural right to liberty ; and might justly 
 he sold for slaves, bij public authority, declaring the crimes 
 for which they were thus punished. Some other criminals, 
 and some kind of fraudulent debtors, might he sold for a 
 limited time, consistently with equity. Perhaps some 
 prisoners taken in battle, in those wars, which are evidently 
 undertaken by all concerned in them, from avarice and 
 cruelty, might thus be punished, without transgressing the 
 law of God; for the policy of it forms quite a distinct ques- 
 tion. But to seize, enslave, and sell a follow-creature, 
 who has, by no criminality known to us, or cognizable by us, 
 merited so severe a treatment, must in all cases be contrary 
 to the law of “loving our neighbour as ourselves.” The 
 poor Africans cannot be proved to lie either criminals, 
 debtors, or prisoners taken in rapacious or revengeful wars, 
 waged by them against those who enslave them: on the con- 
 trary, they appear generally to be persons, w ho have Icon 
 
B. C 788. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII, 
 
 B. C. 738 
 
 and bondwomen unto you : but are there ’'not 
 with you, even with you, sins against ^tlie Lord 
 your God ’ 
 
 11 Now hear me therefore, and 'deliver the 
 captives again, which ye have taken captive of 
 your brethren : for "the fierce wrath of the Lord 
 is upon you. 
 
 12 Ther. certain of b the heads of the children 
 of Ephraim, Azariah the son of Johanan, Bere- 
 chiah the son of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the 
 son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, 
 'stood up against them that came from the war. 
 
 13 And said unto them. Ye shall not bring in 
 the captives hither : for whereas we have offended 
 against the Lord already , ye intend to d add more 
 to our sins and to our trespass: for our trespass 
 is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel. 
 
 14 So the armed men left the captives and the 
 spoil, before the princes and all the congrega- 
 tion. 
 
 15 And the men which were 'expressed by 
 name rose up, and took the captives, and with the 
 spoil f clothed all that were naked among them, 
 and arrayed them, and shod them, and «gave them 
 to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and car- 
 
 x Jer. 05:29. Rom. 12:20,21. lPet.4:17,18. y 5. z Is. 58:6. Jer. 34:14,15. 
 Heb. 13:1-3. a Ezra 10:14. Malt. 5:7. 7:2. Jam. 2:13. blChr.28:l. c Jer. 
 26:6. il Num. 32:14. Josh. 22-17,18. Mall. 23:32,35. Rom. 2:5. e 12. f Job 
 31:15—23. ls.5S:7. Matt. 25:35-45. Acls9:39. 1 Tim. 5:10. Jam. 2:15,16. 
 
 1 John 3. 17. IS. g 2 Kings 6:22. Prov. 25:21 ,22. Luke 6:27. Rom. 12:20,21. 
 h Dent. 34:3. Judg. 1:16. i 2 Kings 16:5—7. Is. 7:1—9,17. k 25:11,12. Lev. 
 26:18. * Heb. a captivity. 1 Ez. 16:27,57. m Josh. 15:10. 1 Sam. 6:9,13. 
 
 kidnapped from their relatives, or bought of them ; or taken 
 prisoners in wars, excited on purpose to supply that infamous 
 market. If any of them be criminals, the European mer- 
 chants know it not: they have no authority from either God 
 or man to be their executioners ; and their descendants cer- 
 tainly are not criminals. Were it indeed true, (which is far 
 from being the case,) that if not bought by the Europeans, 
 they would be slain by the conqueror; we need only answer, 
 
 1 You must not “ do evil, that good may come.” If you have 
 no other way of rescuing them, you had better leave them to 
 fight their own battles, and treat their captives as they please, 
 without interfering : and you certainly would do so, if avarice 
 were no more concerned in the business than humanity is.’ 
 It is true, that the Scripture throughout speaks of slavery as 
 actually existing : but the judicial law was very distinct from 
 the moral law, as has before been shown. (Note, Ex. 21:1 — 
 6.) Like other municipal laws, it aimed to prevent those evils 
 which originated from abuses and human passions, and 
 which could not be terminated except by constant miracle ; 
 as in the case of divorces. The apostles and evangelists 
 were preachers, not legislators ; they were not empowered to 
 subvert the foundations of civil government throughout the 
 world ; and they found slavery universally and inseparably 
 interwoven with them. Every one must therefore perceive 
 what confusion, what reproach, and what additional enmity 
 to Christianity, must have been occasioned by such an 
 attempt. They indeed laid down the principles, which, 
 when reduced to practice, will infallibly annihilate slavery: 
 and, taking things as they then stood in civil society, they 
 taught all Christians how to accommodate themselves to 
 their stalions, consistently with their profession, even if they 
 were slaves, and slaves in a heathen family. — The question 
 is, therefore, to be decided not by facts, but by The Moral 
 law of God, and the tendency of the Gospel. The prac- 
 tice could not then be regularly opposed, without creating 
 convulsions in society ; nor can it ever be successfully recti- 
 fied by preachers ; it is the work of enlightened, humane, and 
 pious legislators.— Individual believers under both dispensa- 
 tions possessed slaves: they took matters as they were; and 
 treated their slaves with such equity and humanity, as ren- 
 dered it a kindness to them, to take them out of ungodly 
 families. And a pious West Indian who laments the enor- 
 mities which he cannot but witness, arising from this un- 
 natural trade, and who sincerely wishes and prays for its 
 entire abolition, may, in the mean time, deem it better, 
 quietly to set his neighbours an example of treating slaves 
 with brotherly lenity and kindness, conducive to their real 
 happiness, than indiscriminately to liberate them : when per- 
 haps it might occasion fatal effects upon the minds of the 
 other planters and their slaves ; if this were done by an indi- 
 vidual, in opposition to all his neighbours, and without the 
 'nterference of legal authority. AVhen strangers are brought 
 go far from home, and are not able to return, a truly pious 
 and humane man may render the yoke tolerable to them. 
 But, who had a right by compulsion to bring his unoffending 
 brethren so far from their native land ? And what propor- 
 tion do pious and humane persons in most communities, bear 
 to those of an opposite character ? A succession of very 
 wise and good kings, if that could be ensured, might vender 
 even absolute monarchy a blessing. But while mankind are 
 what they are, men of reflection, and lovers of their brethren, 
 
 ried all the feeble of them upon asses, and brought 
 them to Jericho, b the city of palm-trees, to then 
 brethren : then they returned to Samaria. 
 
 16 81 At that time 'did king Ahaz send unto the 
 kings of Assyria to help him. 
 
 17 For again k the Edomites had come and 
 smitten Judah, and carried away ‘captives. 
 
 18 The ‘Philistines also had invaded the cities 
 of the low country, and of the south of Judah, 
 and had taken m Beth-shemesh, and "Ajalon, and 
 °Gederoth, and I’Shocho with the villages thereol 
 and sTimnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo 
 also and the villages thereof: and they dwelt 
 there. 
 
 19 For r the Lord brought Judah low, 'because 
 of Ahaz king of 'Israel ; lor he "made Judah 
 naked, and transgressed sore against the Lord. 
 
 20 And "Tilgath-pilneser king of Assyria came 
 unto him, and ^distressed him, but strengthened 
 him not. 
 
 21 For Ahaz 'took away a portion out of the 
 house of the Lord, and out of the house of the 
 king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the 
 king of Assyria : but he helped him not. 
 
 22 81 And "in the time of his distress did he tres- 
 
 n 11:10. Aijnlon. o Josh. 15:41. p Josh. 15:48. Socoh. q Judg. 14:1. 
 Tirrmath. r Deut. 28:43. 1 Sam. 2:7. Job 40: 12. Ps. 106:41—43. P^ov. 29:23. 
 8 Hob. 5:11. Mic. 6:16. t 21 :2. u Gen. 3:7,11. Ex. 32:25. P.ev. 3:17, 18. 16:15. 
 x 2 Kings 15:29. 16:7 — 10. Tiglath-pileser . 1 Chr. 5:26. Hos. 5:13. v 2 Kings 
 17.5. Is.7:20.30:3,16. Jer.2:37. z 12:9. 2 Kings 18:15, 16. Prt.v. 20:25. a 33: 
 12. Ps. 50:15. Is. 1:5. Ez. 21:13. Hos. 5:15. Rev. 16:9— 11. 
 
 will never be friends to despotism in kingdoms, or in families: 
 and absolute monarchs and the holders of slaves, (except of 
 such as are condemned by an equitable sentence, to that 
 condition, as the punishment rf their crimes,) will ever be 
 justly exposed to the determined opposition of mankind, even 
 when they do not merit detestation by any direct abuse of 
 power. 
 
 Y. 12 — 15. It is remarkable that Pekah is not mentioned 
 in this transaction concerning die prisoners : but probably he 
 was at the head of the army, when the prophet addressed 
 them. (6) — The courage of these princes, who ventured thus 
 determinedly to oppose the whole army, insolert with victory 
 and enriched with booty, was admirable and highly commend- 
 able, and their arguments were cogent, and coincided with 
 the message of the prophet. The apcstacy, idolatry, and 
 recent cruelty of Israel rendered their trespass very great ; 
 and if they reduced the captives to slavery, it would add still 
 more to their sins, and hasten the execution of the fierce 
 wrath of God upon them. — The compliance of the army, in 
 leaving both the captives ar.d the spoil, to the disposal of the 
 princes, was very wonderful nnd perhaps unparalleled in 
 history ; and the humane trea’ment, and the carrying back of 
 the captives to their brethren, deserves all possible applause.— 
 The prophet’s remonstranc : had for the time its full effect : 
 but alas 1 both princes and people still cleaved to their idols, 
 and went on in their oilier sins. (Mar g. Ref.) ‘ What might 
 not these great men have done, to bring them to repent of 
 their idolatry, if they had been truly religious and exerted 
 their authority ?’ Bp. Patrick. The narrative also shows, 
 that even Israel, amidst all their idolatries and iniquities, had 
 not forgotten, and were not disposed to question, the divine 
 authority of the law of Moses. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. (2 Kings 16:7 — 9.) 4 This is the first time 
 
 that we read of the king of Assyria, excepting 2 Kings 15:19. 
 where Pul king of Assyria is mentioned as a powerful prince, 
 who invaded the Israelites. Before his time, we read nothing 
 of the Assyrian monarchy, which grew by degrees to its 
 greatness from small beginnings. ... If their large empire had 
 been of long standing, we should in all probability have heard 
 of them before this time, as we do often afterwards.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. (Note, 2 Kings 15:19,20.) — The Philistines, &c. 
 (18) Marg. Ref. 26:6. Notes, 2 Kings 18:8. Is. 14:28—32. 
 
 V. 19. He marie Judah naked.) The Lord himself was 
 the glory and defence of Judah : but Ahaz, by seducing his 
 subjects from his worship and service, had degraded them, 
 stripped them of all their ornament, deprived them of all 
 their protection, and left them defenceless and contemptible 
 in the hands of their feeblest enemies. (Marg. Ref. Note 
 Ex. 32:25.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. (Note, 2 Kings 16:7 — 9.) Tiglath-pilezer 
 4 did come to his assistance against the king of Syria, 
 ... he took Damascus, carried the people captive, and 
 delivered Ahaz from the power of the Syrians. . . . But this 
 did Ahaz little good ; for he ... rather weakened him by 
 exhausting his treasures, and by destoying Samaria, whereby 
 the way was opened to invade his country the more easily 
 in the next reign. Thus many countries, in latter ages, by 
 calling in the assistance of some foreign prince against their 
 enemies, have been overthrown and conquered by those who. 
 came to their help.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 22, 23. This is that king Ahaz. (22) This is ths*- 
 
 ( 791 ) 
 
3. C. 733. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 726, 
 
 ass yet more against the Lord : b this is that 
 ing Ahaz. 
 
 23 For “he sacrificed unto the gods of ‘Damas- 
 cus, which smo.e him : and he said, d Because the 
 gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore 
 will I 'sacrifice to them, that they may help me. 
 But fthey were the ruin of him, and of all Israel. 
 
 24 And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of 
 the house of God, and «cut in pieces the vessels 
 of the house of God, and ^shutup the doors of the 
 house of the Lord, and ‘he made him altars in 
 every corner of Jerusalem. 
 
 25 And in every several city of Judah he made 
 iigh places to f burn incense unto other gods, and 
 provoked to anger the Lord God of his fathers. 
 
 26 H Now k the rest of his acts, and of all his 
 ways, first and last, behold, they are written in 
 the book of the Kin^s of Judah and Israel. 
 
 27 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they 
 b. c.-i buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: 
 
 J hut 'they brought him not into the sepulchres 
 of the kings of Israel : and Hezekiah his son 
 reigned in his stead. 
 
 b Esth. 7:6. Ps. 52:7. c 25:14. 2 Kings 16: 12,13. * Heb. Damiesek. d Hab. 
 1:11. e Jer. 44:15— 18. f Jer. 44:20— 23. g 2 Kings 16: 17,18. 25: 13, &c. h 29: 
 S.7. i 33:3— 5. Jer. 2:28. Hos. 12:11. Acts 17:16,23. t Or , offer. k 20: 
 34. 27:7 — 9. 2 Kings *6:19,20. 121:20.26:23.33:20. I Sam. 2:30. Prov. 10:7. 
 a l Kings 18:1 — 3. 1 Chr. 3:13. Is. 1:1. Hos. 1:1. Mic. 1:1. Matt. 1:9,10. Eze- 
 kias. b 26:5. Is. 8:2. c 28:1. 34:2. 2 Kings 18:3. d 34:3. Ec 9:10. Matt. 
 
 notorious offender, who grew more outrageous in his idolatry 
 and impiety, amidst his distresses ! That abandoned prince, 
 who disgraced the house ,of David, and accelerated the ruin 
 of Judah ! Who foolishly sacrificed to the gods of his enemies, 
 supposing that they had smitten him ; instead of humbling 
 himself before the Lord, who had used the Syrians as his 
 instruments for his correction ! That Ahaz, who acted in a 
 manner which tended to ruin himself, his family, and his 
 kingdom ; and persevered in it so obstinately, that he pro- 
 voked the Lord to cut him off by a premature death, in the 
 full career of his wickedness !’ (Note, 25:14 — 16.) — 4 A most 
 monstrous stupidity, to imagine they had any power over 
 him, who could not defend themselves from Tiglath-pilezer.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 24-27. Notes , 21:18—20. 29:3—7. 2 Kings 16: 
 10—20. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. Those who succeed eminently wise and pious 
 men in the same important station, seldom enter into their 
 views or imitate their conduct, in 44 doing that which is right 
 in the sight of the Lord :” nay, frequently they seem ambi- 
 tious of being as opposite to them as possible ; especially 
 when they run into wickedness, after having received a pious 
 education. (Note, 2 Kings 21:3.) — When sinners 44 like not 
 to retain God in their knowledge,” he gives them up to the 
 lusts of their own hearts, to perpetrate every thing horrible 
 and unnatural ; and when such monsters of iniquity are 
 advanced to thrones, it is evident, that the Lord intends by 
 them to punish a guilty land, by involving their subjects in the 
 consequences of their crimes and follies. They, therefore, 
 who are groaning under the oppression of cruel tyrants, or 
 suffering from the effects of their infatuated counsels, are 
 called on to humble themselves before God for their own sins, 
 to submit to his justice, and to seek deliverance from his 
 mercy. On the other hand, if we are governed with equity and 
 clemency, and live in peace and prosperity, through the pru- 
 dent and successful administration of our rulers ; we should 
 bless God for his mercies, and show forth our graiitude in our 
 daily conduct : and it is the constant duty of us all to pray for 
 those who are, or shall be, placed over us, that they may be 
 the instruments of God’s goodness and mercy to us, and not 
 of his wrath. — Tempters and examples of iniquity are often 
 employed as scourges ; and the sentence, which God righ- 
 teously denounces, man may unrig hteously execute. — It is a 
 lamentable reflection, that so many thousands of lives are 
 sacrificed to the mad passions of potent individuals, who them- 
 selves escape : but they that thus are cut off, are sinners, and 
 are punished for having forsaken or offended God. — The 
 combined effects of several depraved passions is very dread- 
 ful : when revenge is satiated, avarice or ambition may take 
 the reins ; and if pow’er he not wanting, the widow, the orphan, 
 the stranger, and the helpless, will be oppressed, crushed, 
 and enslaved without redress ; while the oppressor will rejoice 
 in growing rich by these detestable measures. But the Lord 
 beholds and disapproves ; and, in one way or another, he will 
 plead and revenge the cause of the oppressed. 
 
 V. 9 — 27. It is happy when the authority of God’s word, 
 or the expostulations of his ministers, deter men from persist- 
 ing in mercenary cruelties ; or excite legislators and princes 
 to put a stop to their iniquity. If the oppressed have pro- 
 voked God to deliver them up into the hand of their oppres- 
 sors; should not these remember, that 44 there are with them 
 also sins against the Lord?” Even rigorous justice towards 
 an offending brother, is a grievous offence, in one that only 
 { 792 ) 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 Hezekiah reigns well, opens the doors of the temple, and exhorts the priest » 
 and Lcvitcs to prepare every thing for the worship of God, I — 11. They 
 sane t if y themselves, and cleanse the temple and its vessels, i2 — 19. Hete- 
 kiah offers solemn sacrifices; and the Lcviles show more zeal than the 
 priests, 20— 36. 
 
 a IT EZEKIAH began to reign vihcn he was five 
 JLX and twenty years old, ami lie reigned nine 
 and twenty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s 
 name v'as Aoijah, the daughter of h Zechariah. 
 
 2 And he c did that which teas right in the sight 
 of the Lord, according to all that David his 
 father had done. 
 
 3 ^1 He, d in the first year of his reign, in the first 
 month, e opened the doors of the house of the 
 Lord, and repaired them. 
 
 4 And he brought in the priests and the Le- 
 vites, and gathered them together into the f east 
 street, 
 
 5 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites; 
 g Sanctify now yourselves, and h sanctify the house 
 of the Lord God of* your fathers, and carry forth 
 the filthiness out of the holy place. 
 
 6 For 'our fatliers have trespassed and done 
 that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our 
 
 6:33. e 28:24 . 2 Kings 16:14-19. f 32:8. Nell. 3:29. Jer. 19:2. g 35.6. Ex 
 19:10,15. I Chr. 15:12. h 16.34:3—8. Ez. 36:25. Mivtt. 21 : 12,13. 1 Cor. 3:16 
 17. 2 Cor. 6:16.7:1. Eph. 5:26,27. i 28:2-4,23— 25. 34:21. Ezra 5:12. 9:7 
 Neh. 9:16,32. Jer. 16:19. 44:21,22. Lnm. 5:7. Dun. 9:8,16. Matt. 10:37. 23 
 30—32. 
 
 lives and hopes through the mercy of God. (Notes and P. O. 
 Matt. 18:23 — 35.) But for those, who have deserved the 
 heavy wrath of God for t heir own sins, to injure and cruelly 
 entreat their unoffending brethren, must 44 add exceedingly tc 
 the fierce wrath of the Lord that is upon them.” If 44 he 
 shall have judgment without mercy, who has showed no 
 mercy what will be his doom, who has been guilty of the 
 most flagrant injustice to the inoffensive stranger, merely 
 because he had it in his power to oppress him ! Surely, in 
 such a case, while the ministers of the gospel warn, exhort, 
 and beseech the oppressors to deliver the captives up, whom 
 they have taken of their brethren : the legislators and rulers 
 of every state should peremptorily refuse admission into their 
 dominions, to those bondslaves, whom men have so unjustly 
 reduced under their subjection. For we have offended 
 against the Lord already, and this connivance must add still 
 more to our sin and to our trespass, till fierce wrath come 
 upon the nation. Nay, if the poor captives, who have been 
 violently torn from their native country, and who have no power 
 to return to their beloved relatives, could, when dismissed 
 and kindly treated, be carried hack again to them, it would 
 be a conduct becoming the disciples of Christ ; it might tend 
 to render the name of Christian respectable in those distant 
 regions, where the cruelty, treachery, and avarice of those 
 who bear it have rendered it odious ; and thus at. length 
 prepare the way for the propagation of the gospel among 
 these poor benighted heathens. And, instead of injuring the 
 interests of the community, or of any individuals; (except 
 the most atrocious of the oppressors, who have no right to be 
 considered ;) we may venture, upon general scriplural prin- 
 ciples, to foretell, that above all other measures, it w'ouldtend 
 the most effectually to the lengthening of our tranquillity and 
 prosperity. (Note, Dan. 4:27.) — But if those, who commise- 
 rate their oppressed fellow-creatures, long to see their griev- 
 ous servitude terminated, they must unite in prayer for the 
 divine blessing upon the exertions of those, who honourably 
 stand forth in this benevolent cause. For, except the Lord 
 touch the hearts of such as are to decide upon it, every exer- 
 tion will be in vain. — When sinners are left to their own 
 hearts’ lusts, they grow more and more callous, and desperate 
 in wickedness; and 44 trespass yet more and more” in their 
 distress, as if in defiance of God ; seeking redress in ihcir 
 miseries, from those sins whence all their sufferings spring, 
 and which will terminate in their ruin and in that of all w ho 
 adhere to them. For when God casts down, none can raise 
 up; and all helpers will increase distress, instead of affording 
 deliverance. — The progress of wickedness and misery is often 
 rapid : and it is awful to reflect upon the case of one, who has 
 44 trespassed more and more,” and added one impiety to 
 another, and done all in his power to lead others into the 
 same destructive courses ; being at once 44 driven away in his 
 wickedness,” info the eternal world. ( Note, Prov. 14:32.) 
 Yet, even this apparent severity of God, against the rng- 
 lcaders in iniquity, proves mercy to thousands, when ngnttous 
 and useful persons are raised up in their stead. 
 
 NOTES.— Ci-iap. XXIX. V. 1,2. Notes, 2 Kings 
 18:1—3. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. 4 This demonstrates his great piety and zeal foi 
 God, that he began so soon to reform religion. . . . The surest 
 way to establish himself, he thought, was to establish true 
 religion ; though he run a great hazard in attemnt ng the 
 abolishing idolatry, which had been confirmeM by some years' 
 prescription.’ Bp. Patrick. It seems that .he ptihl'u worship 
 at the temple was entirely suppressed and prohibited juring the 
 
B. C. 726. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 B. C. 72b 
 
 God, and k h;ivc forsaken him, and have 'turned 
 away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, 
 and 'turned their hacks. 
 
 7 Also m they have shut, up the doors of the 
 porch, and put out the lamps, and have not 
 burned incense, nor offered burnt-offerings in the 
 holy place unto the Goil of Israel. 
 
 8 "Wherefore the wrath of the Lord was upon 
 Judah a*nd Jerusalem, and he hath delivered them 
 to 'trouble, “to astonishment, and to hissing, as ye 
 see with your eyes. 
 
 9 For lo, four fathers have fallen by the sword, 
 and our sons and our daughters and our wives are 
 in captivity for this. 
 
 10 Now ‘‘if is in my heart r to make a covenant 
 with the Lord God of Israel, ’that his fierce wrath 
 may turn away from us. 
 
 1 1 My sons, be not now 'negligent: for ‘the Lord 
 hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, 
 and that ye should minister unto him, and §burn 
 incense. 
 
 12 51 Then the Levites arose, Mahath the son of 
 Amasai, and Joel the son of Azariah, of the sons 
 of the “Kohathites : and ‘of the sons of Merari ; 
 Kish the son of Abdi, and Azariah the son of Je- 
 halelel : and '’of the Gershonites ; Joah the son of 
 Zimrhah, and Eden the son of Joah: 
 
 13 And of the sons of ‘Elizaphan ; Shimri, and 
 Jeiel : and of the sons of “Asaph ; Zechariah, 
 and Mattaniah : 
 
 14 And of the sons of b Heman ; Jehiel, and 
 Shimei: and of the sons of “Jeduthun; Shemaiah, 
 and Uzziel. 
 
 k Jer. 2:13,17. 1 Jer. 2:27. Ez.8:16. • Heb. given the neck, m 28:24. Lev. 
 24:2—8. 2 Kings 16:17,18. n 24:18. 34:24,25. 36:14— 16. Deul. 28:15— 20. 
 
 t Heb. commotion. o Lev. 23:32. Dent. 28:59. I Kings 9:8. Jer. 18:16. 19:8. 
 25:9,18.29:18. p 28:5— 8,17. Lev. 26: 17. q 6:7,8. r 15: 12,13 . 23:16 . 34 :30- 
 £2. Ezra 10:3. Neh. 9:38. 10:1, &c. Jer. 34. 15,18. 50:5. 2 Cor. 8:5. s 2 Kings 
 23:3,26. 1 Or, deceived. Gal. 6:7,8. l Num. 3:6 — 9. 8:6 — 14. 18:2 — 6. Deut.. 
 
 10:8. § Or, offer sacrifice. Ntim. 16:35— 40. 18:7. u Ex. 6: 16— 25. Num. 4:2, 
 &c. I Chr. 6 16— 18. 15:5.23:12— 20. x l Chr. 6:19,44. 15:6.23:21—23. y 1 Chr. 
 
 latter years of king Ahaz. (7. 28:24. 2 Kings 16:17,18.) The 
 only reason advanced for a contrary opinion, is this : it is not 
 aaid, that the sacred fire on the altar of burnt-offering was 
 extinguished, or that it was rekindled by fire from heaven, as 
 at the dedication of the temple. If, however, the service was 
 not totally put a stop to, the people in general were shut out. 
 from attending. — Hezekiah must have witnessed this impiety 
 of his father, with deep regret and indignation : but imme- 
 diately upon his succession to the throne, he threw open the 
 doors of the temple, and proceeded to re-establish the worship 
 there, as in the days of David. Yet the priests and Levites 
 delayed to do their duty, till excited *o it by the king. Perhaps, 
 Urijah was still the high-priest; (Note, 2 Kings 16:10 — 16.) 
 the chief priests were infected with idolatry, and disaffected 
 to the. service of God ; and their inferiors, even if well disposed, 
 might be held back by the authority of the leading men, till 
 required and authorized by Hezekiah. — Sanctify , &c. (5) 
 Personal repentance, and purification from legal and moral 
 defilements, were requisite in the priests and Levites, before 
 they could, according to order, proceed to purify the temple. 
 
 ( Marg . Ref. g, h.) — Much rubbish, dirt, and rust, would be 
 contracted, through disuse and neglect, in the temple, the 
 courts, and the sacred vessels: but the idolatry with which 
 they had been polluted, and the altar, made after the model of 
 that which Ahaz saw at Damascus, formed by far the worst 
 filthiness, from which they needed to be cleansed. 
 
 V. 6, 7. (Marg. Ref.) Our fathers, &c. (6) When the 
 honour of God was concerned, Hezekiah did not hesitate to 
 criminate those who had gone before. He did not indeed 
 directly mention Anaz, his father, because that was not 
 needful ; and the neglect and base compliances of the priests 
 and Levites, had greatly contributed to the wickedness of the 
 king and his nobles. (Notes, Matt. 10:37 — 39. 2 Cor. 5:16. 
 P. O. 1 Pet. 1:17 — 21, latter part.) 
 
 Turned away, &c.] 4 This seems to signify, that Ahaz 
 
 brought in a way of worship directly contrary to the law of 
 God, which commanded them to worship toward the ark, 
 which was placed in the west. But he ordered that they 
 should turn their hacks upon that, . . . and worship toward the 
 east, where he had set his altar. And at last he shut up the 
 doors of the temple, that they should not worship there at all.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. (Note, Ez. 8:16.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. The defeat and dreadful slaughter recorded in 
 •he foregoing chapter seem here referred to, as the effect of 
 some extraordinary terror from God on the minds of the Jews ; 
 jtnd the Edomites and Philistines had been successful, because 
 God had employed them as the weapons of his indignation. 
 '.Marg. and Marg. Ref. Notes, 28:6 — 8,16 — 19.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. ( Notes, 2 Sam. 7:1—3. 1 Kings 8:15—21. 
 
 Chr. 28:2.) 4 He foresaw there was immediate destruction 
 
 spending upon the whole nation for their iniquities, unless 
 
 Vol. I.— 100 
 
 15 And they gathered their brethren, and d sanc- 
 tified themselves, and came, according to the com- 
 mandment of the king, “by the words of the Lord 
 'to cleanse the house of the Lord. 
 
 16 And the priests went into f the inner part of 
 the house of the Lord, to cleanse it, and brought 
 out sail the uncleanness that they found in the 
 temple of the Lord into the court of the house of 
 the Lord. And the Levites took it, to carry it 
 out abroad into the brook h Kidron. 
 
 17 Now they began on the first day of the first 
 month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the 
 month came they to 'the porch of the Lord : so 
 they sanctified the house of the Lord, in eight 
 days : and in k lhc sixteenth day of the first month 
 they made an end. 
 
 18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king, 
 and said, We have cleansed all the house of the 
 Lord, and 'the altar of burnt-offering, with all 
 the vessels thereof, and m the show-bread table, 
 with all the vessels thereof. 
 
 19 Moreover "all the vessels, which king Ahaz 
 in his reign did cast away in his transgression, 
 have we prepared and sanctified, and beho d, 
 they are before the altar of the Lord. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 20 51 Then Hezekiah ^ the king “rose early, 
 and gathered the rulers of the city, and went up 
 to the house of the Lord. 
 
 21 And they brought ‘'seven bullocks, and 
 seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven he-goats. 
 for ‘‘a sin-offering for the kingdom, and for the 
 sanctuary, and for Judah. And he commanded 
 
 6:17.20,21. 15:7.23:7—11. z Lev. 10:4. Elzaphtm. 1 Chr. 15:S. a I Chr.6: 
 39.15:17.25:2. b 1 Chr. 6:33. 15:19. c 1 Chr. 25:1,3,6 . 4 5. || Or, it. Ike 
 
 business. 30:12. e 1 Chr. 23:23. 1 3:8.5:7. Ex. 26:33,34. 1 Kings 6:19.*. 
 
 Heb. 9:2—8,23,24. g Ez. 36:29. Matt. 23:27. h 15:16. 2 Kinxs 23:1— 6. Jjbn 
 18.1. Cedi'on. i7. 3:4. 1 Kings 6:3. 1 Chr. 28:11. k Ex. 12:2-8. 14:1,7. 
 
 m 4:8. 13:11. n 2S:24. o Gen. 22:3. Ex. 24:4. Josh. 6:12. Jer. 25:4. p N im. 
 23:1,14,29. 1 Chr. 15-26. Ezra 8:35. Jub42.8. Ez. 45:23. q Lev. 4:3-14. Num. 
 15:22-24. 2 Cor. 5:21. 
 
 they did heartily and speedily repent of them. . . . Therefore 
 this good king thought it absolutely necessary forthwith to 
 make a thorough reformation, and engage the whole nation 
 in a solemn covenant to worship God purely. Thus Conradus 
 Pellicanus.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 15:12 — 15. Deut. 29:10 — 
 15. Josh. 24:25—27. 2 Kings 11:17— £0. 23:3. Neh. 9:38. 10:1, 
 28—39.) Hezekiah attempted to prevail with the priests and 
 Levites to attend to their duty, by argument and affectionate 
 exhortation, and not by comp^ion. This condescending 
 address assured them of his readiness to support and protect 
 them, as a father would do his obedient children. He warned 
 them not to be deceived; for God would certainly call them 
 to a strict account, if they neglected the work to which he had 
 chosen them: or he exhorted them not to be remiss , when 
 extraordinary exertions were become absolutely necessary. 
 
 Be not now negligent. (11) “ Be not deceived.” 
 
 Marg. Do not err : 4 do not persist in that error; in which 
 you have neglected that worship of God, lo which you were 
 chosen.’ Junius in Robertson. 
 
 V. 12 — 19. All these lenders in the work were Levites 
 of the different families of that tribe: (Marg. Ref. u — c.) 
 not the chief in rank, hut the most eminent for zeal and dili- 
 gence. The hign-priest is not mentioned. Some of the 
 other priests concurred, and cleansed the inside of the sanc- 
 tuary, whither the Levites might not enter. — When the ark 
 was to be removed, and on other necessary occasions, the 
 priests might enter the holy of holies, i hough not at other 
 rimes. (Note, Num. 4:5.) — Ahaz died about the close of 
 the year; and Hezekiah had given timely orders to the 
 priests and Levites, for them to begin this work with the 
 new year. It is surprising that Ahaz did not cut in pieces 
 all the tables of show-bread, and the other golden and silver 
 furniture of the temple; hut merely cast them aside. 
 
 According to the commandment of the king, & c. (15) 
 When Ahaz commanded Urijah contrary to the law of God, 
 both he, and the priest who obeyed his. impious command, 
 acted most wickedly. (Note, 2 Kings 16:10 — J 6 .) But the 
 priests and Levites acted right, in proportion as they obeyed 
 “the commandment of the king by the words of the Lord.” 
 Hezekiah properly improved his talent, without intermeddling 
 out of his province; and they as properly yielded obedience. — 
 Why should not the case he the same, under the Christian 
 dispensation? Was Hezekiab’s interposition any part of the 
 ritual law of Moses, which Christianity has superseded ? 
 ( Note, 30:12.) 
 
 V. 20. Perhaps Hezekiah arose earlier on that day than 
 common, that he might, set the people an example of earnest- 
 ness in the service of God. He would not lose a day, nor 
 an hour, after the temple was ready, before he opened the 
 solemn worship of God, by sin-offerings and other sacrifices. 
 (Notes, Ps. 119:57 — G \. Matt. 6:33,34.) 
 
 ( 793 Y 
 
B. ( . 736, 
 
 II. CHRONICLES 
 
 B. C. 726. 
 
 tiie priests the sons of Aaron to offer them on the 
 alta • of the Loan. 
 
 22 So they killed the bullocks, and the priests re- 
 ceived the blood, and 'sprinkled it on the altar : like- 
 wise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled 
 the blood upon the altar: they killed also the lambs, 
 and they sprinked the blood upon the altar. 
 
 23 And they brought 'forth the he-goats for 
 the sin-offering before the king and the congre- 
 gation; and “they laid their hands upon them: 
 
 24 And the priests killed them, and they made 
 ‘reconciliation with their blood upon the altar, to 
 make an atonement for all Israel: for the king 
 commanded that the burnt-offering and "the sin- 
 offering should be made for all Israel. 
 
 25 And “he set the Levites in the house of the 
 Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with 
 harps, ^according to the commandment of David, 
 and of ‘Gad the king’s seer, and "Nathan the 
 prophet: b ior so was the commandment T of the 
 Lord by his prophets. 
 
 26 And the Levites stood with c the instruments 
 of David, and Hhe priests with the trumpets. 
 
 27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the 
 burnt-oHering upon the altar. And Lvhen the 
 burnt-offering began, e the song of the Lord began 
 also with the trumpets, and with Hhe instruments 
 ordained by David king of Israel. 
 
 28 And f all the congregation worshipped, and 
 "the singers san<r, and the trumpeters sounded : 
 and all this continued until the burnt-offering was 
 finished. 
 
 29 And when they had made an end of offering, 
 the king and all that were "present with him, 
 g bowed themselves, and worshipped. 
 
 r Lev. 1:5. 4:7,13,31. 8:15,19,24. Hell. 9:21,22. • Heb. near, s Lev. 1:4. 
 4.15,24. t Lev. 6:30.8:15. Kz. 45:15,17. Dan. 9:24. Rom. 5:10.11. 2 Cor. 
 5:16—21. Col. 1:20.21. Heb. 2:17. u Lev. 4:13, Sec. x I Clir. 9:33. 15: 
 16-22. 15:4,5,42. 25:1—7. v 8:14. 35:15. 1 ( hr. 23:5. 28:12,19. z 2 Sam. 
 21:11. IChr. 21:9. 29:29. a '2 Sam. 7:2-4.12:1—7. b 30:12. f Heb. by th. 
 bnfA of the LORD, by the hand of his prop' els. c 1 Chr. 23:5. Am. 6:5. 
 d 5:12, '13. Num. 10:10. Josh. 6:4— 9. 1 Chr. 15:24. 16:6. I s. 81 :3. 98:5,6. 150:3. 
 I Heb .in the time. c 7:3.20:21.23:18. Ps. 136:1. § Heb. hands of instru- 
 ments. fPs. 68:24 — 26. Rev. 5:8 — 14. || Heb. song. Ps. 89:15. U Heb. found. 
 
 V. 21 — 24. (Marg. Ref. Note , Lev. 1:5 — 9.) — One bul- 
 lock was appoin'ed for a sin-offering for the high-priest, and 
 one for the whole congregation : but on this extraordinary 
 occasion, when so many and great enormities had been com- 
 mitted, multiplied atoning sacrifices wore offered. ( Notes , 
 Lev. 4:13 — 21. Num. 15:22 — 29.) The ceremony of the 
 king end the congregation laying their hands upon the head 
 of the goats, expressed their confession of guilt, and the sub- 
 stitution of the guiltless animal to suffer in their stead ; which 
 prefigured him u who bare our sins in his own body on the 
 tree.” (Notes, Lev. 1:4. 16:20 — 22.) It is not, however, 
 here stated, that ihe prescribed rules, respecting the sin- 
 offerings, for the priest, the ruler, or the nation, as to carry- 
 ing the blood into the most holy place, and burning the bodies 
 without the camp, was observed. Perhaps this was not 
 done: and in that case, these sin-offerings must be con- 
 sidered as in some respects different from those prescribed 
 in that part of the law. (Notes, Lev. 4:4 — 7,11,12. 6:30. Heb. 
 13:9 — 14, vv. 11,12.) — The word here rendered he- goats , (21) 
 is not used in Scripture till after the captivity, and learned 
 men think that this is one proof that Ezra compiled these books. 
 — The burnt-offering and the sin-offerings were presented, 
 not only in behalf of the kingdom of Judah, but for all Israel, 
 even the ten tribes, which were at this time governed by 
 Hoshea. Hezekiah seems in this to have had respect to the 
 plan which he afterwards proposed, and which is recorded in 
 th 3 ensuing chapter, namely, of uniting the whole nation of 
 Israel in celebrating the passover, and in the worship of 
 God. 
 
 V. 25 — 30. The temple-psalmody was regulated with the 
 concurrence of these other prophets, as well as by the ap- 
 pointment of David. ( Notes, 23:11 — 21, v. 13. 1 Chr. 9:22. 
 15:16. 16:4—6.25:1—8. Ezra 3:8— 11. Ps. 33:2,3. 81:1— 5. 
 95:1—6. 150:) 
 
 The. priests with the trumpets. (26) The blovying of 
 trumpets by the priests, on various occasions, and in par- 
 ticular over the sacrifices, was a part of the ritual law of 
 Moses, and is here exactly distinguished from the psalmody 
 instituted by David and the prophets. (27,28. Notes, 5:12,13. 
 13:4—12, v. 12. Num. 10:2—10, 10. P. O. 1— 10 .— Asaph 
 
 the seer. (30) Notes, Ps. 73: title. 74: title. 
 
 V. 31, 32. As the burnt sacrifices were wholly consumed 
 on the altar, the offering of them evinced greater zeal and 
 liberality, than the oblation of peace-offerings, a grcaj part of 
 which was eaten by the offerer and his friends. (Notes, 
 Uv. 1: 3:) — Comparing the sacrifices offered on this occasion, 
 with those of Solomon when the temple was dedicated ; (7:5 
 
 .0. Note, 1 Kings 8:63 — G5.) though here it is said the 
 
 30 Moreover, Hezekiah the king and the 
 princes commanded the Levites to sing praise 
 unto the Lord ’’with the words of David, and <y 
 Asaph the seer. And 'they sang praises witu 
 gladness, and they bowed their heads and wor 
 shipped. 
 
 31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, Now 
 ye have "consecrated yourselves unto the Lord, 
 come near and bring "sacrifices and 'thank-offer- 
 ings into the house of the Lord. And the 
 congregation brought in sacrifices and thank- 
 offerings ; and m as many as were of a free heart, 
 burnt-offerings. 
 
 32 And "the number of the burnt-offerings, 
 which the congregation brought, was threescore 
 and ten bullocks, a hundred rams, and two hun- 
 dred lambs: all these were for a burnt-offering to 
 the Lord. 
 
 33 And the “consecrated things, were six hun- 
 dred oxen and three thousand sheep. 
 
 34 But '’the priests were too few, so that they 
 could not flay all the burnt-offerings : wherefore 
 "their brethren the Levites "did help them, till the 
 work was ended, and until the other priests had 
 sanctified themselves: r for the Levites were more 
 “upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the 
 priests. 
 
 35 And also 'the burnt-offerings were in 
 abundance, with "the fat of the peace-offerings, 
 and "the drink-offerings for every burnt-offering. 
 y So the service of the house of the Lord was set 
 in order. 
 
 36 And ‘Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, 
 that “God had prepared the people : for Hhe 
 thing was done suddenly. 
 
 e 20:18. 1 Chr. 29:20. Ps. 72:11. Rom. 14:11. Phil. 2:10,11. h 2 Sam. 23:1 ,2. 
 1 Chr. 16:7— 36. i Ps. 32:11. 33:1. 95:1 ,2. 100:1 ,2. 149.2. Phil. 4:4. •‘Or, 
 
 filled your hand. 13:9. k Lev. 1 : 3: 1 Lev. 7:12. m Lev. 1:3. 23:38. Ezra 1: 
 4. n 1 Kings 3:4. 8:63. 1 Chr. 29:21. Ezra 6:17. o 31. p5.30:16,17. q 35: 
 11. Num 8:15,19. 18:3,6,7. tt Ueb. strengthened them r 30:3. si Chr. 29: 
 17. Ps. 7:10. t 32. u Ex. 29:13. Lev. 3:15,16. x Gen. 35:14. Lev. 23:13. 
 Num. 15:5,7,10. y 1 Chr. 16:37—42. Ezra 6: 18. 1 Cor. 14:40. z 1 Chr. 29:9, 
 17. Ezra 6:22. 1 Thes. 3:8,9. a 30:12. 1 Chr. 29:18. Ps. 10:17. Prov. 16:1. 
 b Acts 2:41. 
 
 burnt-offerings were in abundance ; wc may form some idea, 
 how greatly the riches and prosperity of the kingdom of Judah 
 were diminished ; or, how greatly the general spirit of piety 
 had declined. (30:24.) 
 
 V. 33. It is probable, that the consecrated things denote 
 the peace-offerings and thank-offerings. 
 
 V. 34. It docs not appear that any idolatrous priests were 
 punished : but perhaps some were disgraced and excluded 
 from attendance; while many neglected to sanctify them- 
 selves, being averse to the sacred service. It was therefore 
 deemed more proper, that upright and duly sanctified Levites 
 should flay the sacrifices, than unclean or profane priests. 
 This is considered by many as irregular, but it is no where 
 prohibited. Indeed, before the Levites were given to the 
 sons of Aaron, it is probable, that they who brought the sacri- 
 fice both slaughtered and flayed it; (Note, Lev . 1:5 — 9.) 
 afterwards these services seem to have formed a part of the 
 ministry assigned to the Levites, at the will of the priests : but 
 at length it became customary for the priests to perform them. 
 The Levites might not in any case sprinkle the blood, burn 
 the fat and flesh, or approach the altar. — 4 The Levites were 
 men of greater integrity than the priests: at least there were 
 more men of zeal found among them, that readily offered 
 themselves to the service of God. See 30:17.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 35. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V 36. The great and sudden change produced in the con- 
 duct of the people ; and the alacrity with which they concurred 
 in measures, to which much opposition had been expected, 
 evidenced that 44 God had prepared” them: and Hezekiah and 
 all the people rejoiced in it, as a token that he would prosper 
 them in endeavouring a more complete reformation. (Marg. 
 Ref. Note, 30:12.) God 4 had given this good mind to them, 
 to join so forwardly in this reformation. 44 For the thing 
 was done suddenly ;” which argued a divine motion, whereby 
 they were excited without long persuasions.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 19. The removal of a single individual of very bad 
 character, from any public situation, and the succession of a 
 wise and pious person in his stead, may be productive o» 
 most important and extensive good effects ; for authority, 
 influence, and example, give such energy to the attempts of 
 princes and nobles, that the consequences of their conduct are 
 beyond all calculation. What an honour is it to be employed 
 in diffusing piety and felicity through whole kingdoms ! But 
 how dreadful will bo the condemnation of those, who spread 
 guilt and misery in so extensive a manner! — Whether a godly 
 man inherit a kingdom, or an estate ; whether he change hii 
 station in society or his place of abode, or be removed to a 
 ( 794 ) 
 
B. C. .2b. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX 
 
 B C. 726 . 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Hsz'kiah proclaims a solemn passover to be kept in the second month, and calls 
 on both Judah and Israel to unite in celebrating it, 1 — 5. Hie message to 
 fhj Israelites , and the reception with which it met, 6 — 12. A great multitude . 
 haring destroyed the altars for idolatry in Jerusalem, preparc'to keep the 
 feas t, 13 — 16. Hezekiah prays for those who are not ceremonially clean, 
 and is graciously answered, 17 — 20. They keep the feast fourteen days with 
 great Joy, 21—26. The priests bless the people, 27. 
 
 A ND Hezekiah sent “to all Israel and Judah, 
 and wrote letters b also to Ephraim and Ma- 
 nasseh, that they should come “to the house of the 
 Lord at Jerusalem, ''to keep the passover unto 
 the Lord God of Israel. 
 
 2 For 'the king had taken counsel, and his 
 rinces, and all the congregation in Jerusalem, to 
 eep the passover f in the second month. 
 
 3 For they could not keep it sat that time, h be- 
 cause the priests had not sanctified themselves 
 sufficiently, neither had the people gathered them- 
 selves together to Jerusalem. 
 
 4 And the thing 'pleased the king and all the 
 congregation. 
 
 5 So they 'established a decree k to make pro- 
 
 .11:13,16. b 10,11. i5:7. 35:6. Hos. 5:4. 7:8,9. 11:8. c Dcm. 16:2— 6. d Kx. 
 12:3—20. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. e 1 Chr. 13:1—3. Pi-ov. 11:14. 15:22. Ec. 4:13. f Nuin. 
 9:10,11. g Ex. 12:6,18. h 29:34. • Heb. was right in Hie eyes of. 1 Chr. 13: 
 4. i Ezra 6:8— 12. Eith. 3:12-15. 8:8— 10. 9:20,21 . Dan. 6:8. k 24:9.36:22. 
 Lev. 23. 2, 4. -Dan. 4:1, &c. 1 Judg. 20:1. m 35:18. n Job 9:25. Esth. 8:14. 
 
 ler. 51:31. t Heb. the hand of the. o Is. 55:6,7. Jer. 4:1. Ez. 33:11. Hos. 
 
 new situation in the church; his first actions will be of consi- 
 derable importance, and often leave an abiding impression : 
 and regulations may frequently be then made without diffi- 
 culty, before different habits and expectations have been 
 formed ; which would afterward become almost impracticable. 
 — Even in that nation, in which God had appointed that 
 apostates and idolaters should be punished with death, the 
 most effectual revivals of true religion were produced by 
 example, exhortation, and encouragement : and if it were in 
 the hearts of kings and rulers, thus to join themselves in cove- 
 nant with the Lord, and zealously to stir up all orders of 
 people to do their duty, by earnest persuasions and affection- 
 ate expostulations, without using violence, or imposing on 
 men’s consciences ; many would be excited willingly to concur 
 in their pious designs, and to 44 come according to the com- 
 mandment of the king, by the words of the LORD.” ( Notes, 
 10,11. 30:12.) Happy and honourable will they be, who shp.Il 
 thus become 44 nursing fathers” to the church, not by bribes and 
 preferments, but by countenancing those who zealously labour 
 to promote acknowledged truth and practical godliness, even 
 though not all exactly in the same way. 
 
 V. 20 — 36. The nominal ministers of religion have, in all 
 ages, been lamentably backward, in labouring and venturing 
 to promote the cause of God : and the higher their dignities , 
 and the greater their emoluments , the more evident, alas, fre- 
 quently, has been their aversion to the work of the ministry. 
 Too generally indeed the infidelit}' and impiety of all orders 
 in the community are justly chargeable upon the vices, the 
 supineness, or the insufficiency of the stated ministers. 
 Instead of exhorting all others to do their duty, no exhorta- 
 tions have been found effectual, to induce them to attend to 
 their own : nay, they have often been found disposed to over- 
 awe and browbeat their inferior brethren, who were willing to 
 44 labour in the word and doctrine and to supply their lack 
 of service, that immortal souls might not perish for want of 
 instruction. But if the honour of a parent is not to be 
 regarded, where the glory of God is concerned, such clergy- 
 men, however dignified, must not expect to be treated with 
 respect, when the very existence of true religion is at stake : 
 and the reputation of the clerical function must be supported 
 by the holy lives, superior knowledge in divine things, and 
 unwearied labours of the clergy : or else it will sink into 
 neglect and contempt. The true minister of Christ, however, 
 should take heed first to himself and then to his ministry. 
 His own conscience, heart, and life must first be purified, by 
 repentance and faith in the divine Saviour ; and then he may 
 hope to prosper in endeavouring to convert others also, and 
 to promote the pure and spiritual worship of God. — In all 
 reformation, personal or public, we must first be convinced 
 in what particulars we have done wrong, and then consider 
 how we may do better. Neglect of God and omission of duty 
 lead to more direct impiety and iniquity ; and our own trans- 
 gressions prepare us to become tempters and seducers of 
 others. ^Thus religion is run down, and the wrath of the 
 Lord comes on apostate professors of the gospel, and on 
 apostate nations. In returning to him, therefore, we must 
 renounce our sins and begin to practise neglected duties, to 
 use the means of grace, and to watch against the wickedness 
 of the heart. We, indeed, have no occasion for multiplied 
 sacrifices ; as the one atonement of Christ is sufficient for all 
 who rely on it : but we need repeated confessions of guilt, 
 constant humiliation before God, and application to the 
 Saviour’s blood, for forgiveness and acceptance : we need to 
 maintain daily communion with our reconciled Father through 
 Christ., and to receive continual communications from him : 
 and we should present our spiritual sacrifices of praise and 
 thanksgiving, and devote our time, talents, and substance, 
 
 clamation throughout all Israel, 'from Beer-sheba 
 even to Dan, that they should come to keep the 
 passover ui to the Lord God of Israel at Jerusa 
 lem : m for they had not done it of a long time in 
 such sort as it was written. 
 
 6 So "the posts went with the letters from ’the 
 king and his princes, throughout all Israel and 
 Judah, and according to the commandment of the 
 king, saying, Ye children of Israel, “turn again 
 unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, 
 and he will return to the remnant of you that 
 are Pescaped out of the hand _ of the kings of 
 Assyria. 
 
 7 And be not ye "dike your fathers, and like 
 your brethren, which trespassed against the Lord 
 God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up 
 to desolation, r as ye see. 
 
 8 Now J be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers 
 were, but fyielcl yourselves unto the Lord, and 
 “enter into his sanctuary, ‘which he hath sanctified 
 for ever : and “serve the Lord your God, that 
 
 14:1. Joel 2:12,13. Jam. 4:8. p 28:20. 1 Kings 15:19,29. 1 Chr. 5:26. Is. 1:9. 
 q Ez. 20:18. Zech. 1:3,4. r 29:8. J Heb. harden not your necks. 36:13. Ex. 
 32:9. Dent. 10:16. § Heb. give the hand. 1 Chr. 29:24. marg. Ezra 10:19. Ps. 
 68:31. Rom. 6:13,16,19. 3 Ps. 63:2. 68:24. 73: 17. t Ps. 132:13,14. u Deni. 
 
 6:13,17. Josh. 24:15. Malt. 4:10. Jolm 12:26. Rom. 6:22. Col. 3:22— 24. Rev. 
 7:15. 
 
 yea, our bodies and souls, with a free heart, as sacrifices 
 acceptable to the Father through the Redeemer’s name. To 
 these things we are encouraged by the joyful sound of his 
 gospel : when we abound in these sacred exercises, according 
 to the commandment of the holy prophets and apostles of 
 Christ, we shall be enabled, though in ourselves most miser- 
 able sinners, to 44 rejoice in the Lord,” and to glory in his 
 salvation. Those ministers, who are most diligent in prepar- 
 ing for their work, and in performing it, will eventually be most 
 employed and honoured, even though inferior in external 
 distinctions ; and slothful disqualification will never excuse 
 any man’s negligence before God. But he alone can prepare 
 the heart of man for vital godliness : when much real good is 
 effected in a little time, the glory must be ascribed to him ; 
 and all who love him, or the souls of men, will rejoice. If we 
 would have such blessings, we must make it our constant 
 prayer to him, thus to 44 prepare our hearts” and those of 
 others ; for when he works, great things may suddenly be 
 effected. The Lord grant, that none called ministers may be 
 negligent ; but that they may all act as chosen by him, to 
 stand before him, and to serve him ; and zealously do his will, 
 that his wrath may be turned from them, and from others on 
 every side, by his blessing upon their labours, and in answer 
 to their fervent prayers and supplications ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XXX. V. 1. The other tribes of 
 Israel were as much bound to obey the law of Moses, as 
 Judah and Benjamin were ; but Hezekiah had no authority 
 over them. Yet the circumstances, in which they were 
 placed, encouraged him to address them by letters, with an 
 amicable and pious invitation ; which implied, that they migh* 
 attend at the temple with perfect safety, though they were 
 not his subjects. (Notes, 1 Kings 12:26 — 29. 2 Kings 17:2. 
 18:9 — 12.) — Ephraim and Manasseh, as principal tribes, seem 
 to he put for the whole kingdom of Israel. 
 
 V. 2 — 4. Hezekiah and his counsellors justly concluded, 
 that the regulation of the fourteenth day of the second month, 
 which had been made for individuals, who were hindered from 
 eating the passover at the appointed season, might, in their 
 present circumstances, be extended to the whole congrega- 
 tion. (Notes, Num. 9:6 — 14.) — A sufficient number of the 
 priests had not been duly sanctified, to prepare the temple for 
 lhat ordinance at the stated time, or to officiate in it ; the 
 people, long disused from attendance, were not generally 
 assembled ; those who were present seemed well disposed to 
 celebrate that solemn and significant ordinance ; and it might 
 have an abiding good effect, if the favourable opportunity were 
 seized. (Notes, 35:1 — 19. Ex. 12:3 — 27.) For these reasons, 
 it was determined to summon the people to attend, and to keep 
 the passover in the second month. 
 
 V. 5. As it was written.] It is probable that the passover 
 and the other solemn feasts, were sometimes totally omitted 
 for many years together ; at other times very carelessly 
 attended, and by very few persons, compared with what the 
 law required : and the ten tribes had never been accustomed 
 to repair to Jerusalem, since the division of the kingdom. 
 (Notes, 26,27. 11:13—17. 1 Kings 1 2:26—32.) 
 
 V. 6 — 9. Hoshea was king of Israel at this time, and it 
 does not appear, that he attempted to hinder his subjects 
 from resorting to Jerusalem to worship, if they chose it. 
 (Note, 2 Kings 17:2.) — In the preceding reign, Israel had 
 made a most dreadful slaughter of the men of Judah : yet 
 Hezekiah considered the Israelites as brethren, and greatly 
 desired to bring them back, by kind treatment, to the religion 
 of their fathers ; therefore he sent his proclamation, or letters, 
 into the parts of the land belonging to the ten tribes, as well 
 as throughout his own dominions. — The word rendered 
 I 44 posts” signifies i unners : for men were then, and still are n 
 ( 795 ) 
 
B. C. 726. 
 
 II CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 726 
 
 'the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from 
 you. 
 
 9 For rif ye turn a?ain unto the Lord, your 
 brethren and your children shall find compassion 
 before them that lead them captive, “so that they 
 shall come again into this land : for a the Lord 
 your God is gracious and merciful, and b will not 
 c turn away ids face from you, if ye return unto 
 him. 
 
 10 So d the posts passed from city to city through 
 the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even unto 
 Zebulun : but “they laughed them to scorn, and 
 mocked them. 
 
 11 Nevertheless, f divers of Asher and Manas- 
 seh, and of Zebulun, ^humbled themselves, and 
 came to Jerusalem. 
 
 12 Also in Judah h the hand of God was to 
 give them one heart to do 'the commandment of 
 the king and of the princes, iby the word of the 
 
 LORD. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 13 And there assembled at Jerusalem much 
 people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in 
 k the second month, a very great congregation. 
 
 14 And they arose and took away the •altars 
 *hat were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for in- 
 cense took they away, and cast them into m the 
 brook Kidron. 
 
 x 28:11,13.29:10 . 2 Kings 23:26. Ps. 78:49. v 7:14. Lev. 26:40— 42. Deut. 
 30:2—4. I Kings 8:50. Ps. 106:46. z Jer. 29:*12— 14. 31 :27,28. a Ex. 34:6,7. 
 Ps. 85:5,15. 145.7,8. Mic. 7:18. b 15:2. Is. 55:7. Ez. 18:30— 32. c Jer. 18:17. 
 d 6. Esth. 3:13,15. 8:10,14. Job 9:25. e 36:16. Gen. 19:14. Neh.2:19. Job 12: 
 4 . Luke 8.53. 16:14.22:63,64.23:35. Acts 17:32. Heb. 11:36. f 18.11:16. Acts 
 17:34. g 12:6,7,12.33:12,19,23.34:27. Ex. 10:3. Lev. 26:41. Dan. 5:2*2. Luke 
 14:11. 18:14. Jam. 4:10. 1 Pet. 5:6. h 29:36. 1 Chr. 29:18,19. Ezra 7:27. Ps. 
 110:3. Jer. 32:39. Phil. 2:13. 2 Thes. 2: 13,14. i Deut. 4:2, 5, 6. 1 Thes. 4:2. 
 ) 29:25. Acts 4:19. k See on 2. 1 28:24.34:4,7. 2 Kinge 18:22.23:12,13. Is. 
 
 many places, trained, and kept on purpose, to convey 
 despatches speedily by running. — Even then, the Israelites 
 tVere but a remnant, which had escaped from the ravages of 
 Pul and Tiglath-pilezer : and far heavier judgments awaited 
 them for their apostacy and idolatry ; which could not be 
 averted, except by turning again to the God of their fathers. 
 Hezekiah, however, most affectionately and plainly, cautioned 
 them not to copy the crimes of their fathers and brethren, 
 whose miseries they had witnessed : he warned them not to 
 be u stiff necked,” or obstinate in rebellion: ( Note , Deut. 
 10:16.) and he exhorted them to “ yield themselves unto the 
 Lord that is, to yield the victory to him, to submit to his 
 authority, to lay down their rebellious arms, to implore 
 mercy, and to become his servants. (Note, Rom. 6:12,13.) 
 He entreated them also to “ enter into his sanctuary, which 
 he had sanctified for ever that is, to renounce their idola- 
 tries and self-invented worship, and to re'sort with-their sacri- 
 fices to the temple at Jerusalem, and there to keep the 
 solemn feasts. — The temple was not only the centre of God’s 
 worship, and the pledge of his gracious presence with his 
 people ; but likewise the type of those spiritual blessings 
 which are from everlasting to everlasting upon all true 
 believers. — Hezekiah also encouraged those whom he 
 addressed, to hope, from the abundant mercy and grace of 
 God to the penitent, that if thus they turned to him, the 
 fierceness of his wrath would be turned away from them; and 
 even to expect the restoration of their brethren and children, 
 who were already in captivity : for God, having all hearts in 
 nis hand, could and would make the enemies of those who 
 pleased him to be at peace with them, and to show them 
 compassion. In this, he evidently referred to the promises 
 contained in the books of Moses. ( Marg . Ref.y — b.) — It is 
 observable, that these letters carefully avoided all mention of 
 the claim of David’s family to dominion over all Israel ; and 
 of former injuries and quarrels, or whatever could give any 
 shadow of offence, either to the prince or his subjects, except 
 in the immediate concerns of religion. 
 
 V. 10, 11. The nation of Israel was almost ripe for de 
 struction ; and it is by no means wonderful, that most of 
 them insulted and mocked t he messengers, who carried these 
 faithful expostulations and invitations: indeed we may rather 
 wonder, that they met with no harsher treatment. Some, 
 however, out of the several tribes were prevailed on ; and, 
 humbling themselves for former sins, resorted to Jerusalem ; 
 so that Hezekiah’s pious design was not ineffectual, though 
 not so successful as he had wished it to be. 
 
 V. 12. The language of this verse is entitled to special 
 attention. “ The commandment of the king and his princes, 
 by the word of the Lord, net with ready and general obe- 
 dience from the men of Judah, because ‘‘the hand of God 
 was to give them one heart to do it.” If the rulers had com- 
 manded any thing contrary to the word of the Lord, or 
 beyond it, in affairs of religion ; it. would have been a misap- 
 plication of their authority: but, as they required nothing but 
 what God had expressly enjoined, they duly improved their 
 talent; and the people, by the grace of God, know and per- 
 formed their duty. — It does not appear, to me at least, that 
 
 ( 706 ) 
 
 15 Then they killed the passover on the four- 
 teenth day of the second month : and the priests 
 and the Levites “were ashamed, “and sanctified 
 themselves, and brought in the burnt-oflerings 
 into the house of the Lord. 
 
 16 And Pthcy stood in their 'place Rafter their 
 manner, according to the law of r Moses the man 
 of God : "the priests sprinkled the blood, which 
 they received of the hand of the Levites. 
 
 17 For there were many in the congregation 
 that were not sanctified: therefore ‘the Levites 
 had the charge of “the killing of the passovers 
 for every one that was not clean, to sanclily them 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 18 For a multitude of the people, even “many 
 of Ephraim, and Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebu- 
 lun, rhad not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat 
 “the passover otherwise than it was written. But 
 Hezekiah “prayed for them, saying, b The good 
 Lord pardon every one 
 
 19 Thai “prepareth his. heart to seek God, the 
 Lord God of his fathers, d though he be not 
 cleansed according to the purification of the sanc- 
 tuary. 
 
 20 And the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and 
 
 “healed the people. [Practical Observations.} 
 
 21 And the children of Israel that were tpre- 
 
 218— 2U. m 15:16. 29:16. 2 Sum. 15:23. John 18:1. Cedron. n 29:34. E.z. 16: 
 61 — 63. 43:10,1 1 . o 21. 5:1 1 . 29:15,34. 3' 18. Ex. 19:10,22. p as. 10,15. "Heb. 
 standing, q 2 Kings 11:14. r See on Deut. 33:1 . s 35.10,11. Lev. 1:5. Heb. 
 11:28. t 29:o4. 35:3-6. u Ex. 12:6. x See on 11. y Num. 19:20. 1 C or. 11: 
 28. z Ex. 12:43, &c. a Gen. 20:7,17. Job 42:8,9. Jam. 5:15,16. 1 Jolm 5: 16. 
 b 6:21. Ex. 34:6-9. Num. 14:18 — 20. Ps. 25.8. 36:5. 86:5. 1 19 68. Dan. 9:19. 
 c 19:3.20:33. 1 Sum. 7:3. 1 Chr. 29:18. Ezra 7:10. Job 11:13. Ps. 10:17. Piov. 
 23:26. d Lev. 12:4. 15:31— 33. 21:17— 23.22:3-6. Num. 9:6. 19:13— 20. eEx. 
 15:26. Ps. 103:3. Jam. 5:16. t Heb .found. 
 
 Christianity has at all altered the duty either of rulers or 
 subjects in this respect. ( Notes, 29:10,11,12 — 19, v. 15.) 
 ‘There was a marvellous unanimity in Judah, who were so 
 obedient to the motions of the divine grace, (without which 
 so great a charge could not have been made,) as generally to 
 comply with the king’s proclamation, made with the consent 
 of the princes. They looked upon it as a divine command, 
 which was brought to them by that authority : and it appeared 
 so to be, by the mighty power of God, which wrought their 
 hearts to a cheerful obedience.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13. The emphatical language here used fully proves, 
 that the concourse of people to celebrate this passover, was 
 exceedingly great, compared with all other instances with 
 which the writer was acquainted. (Note, 35:18,19.) 
 
 V. 14. The people assembled at Jerusalem some days 
 before the passover ; and they employed the intermediate 
 time, in clearing the city of altars for idolatry, and from other 
 abominations. This was an excellent preparation for the 
 solemn ordinance, which they were about to celebrate. 
 (Notes, 2 Kings 23:4—23.) 
 
 V. 15. The zeal and earnestness of the king, the princes, 
 and the people in general, made the priests and Levites 
 ashamed of their supinencss, and stirred them up to prepare 
 themselves, and attend on their work: ‘they blushed to see 
 the people so forward, and themselves so negligent.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. “ The hand of God” was in t his also, or they 
 would have been the more irritated, as examples in ancient 
 and in modern times abundantly prove. (Notes, 12. Matt. 
 21:14—16,23—27.) 
 
 V. 16 — 20. (Marg. Ref.) Either the Levites, or the 
 offerers, might receive the blood of the victims ; but the priests 
 alone might sprinkle it. — It is evident from this passage, that, 
 in ordinary cases, the persons who brought the paschal lambs 
 slew them; or this exception would not have been stated: 
 and it is at least probable, that the ease was at first the same 
 with other sacrifices. (Notes, 29:34. Dev. 1:5 — 9.) — But 
 many of the ten tribes, having come at a short warning, and 
 being destitute of instruction, were ceremonially unclean, 
 and therefore not regularly prepared to eat the passover. 
 (Notes, Num. 9:6 — 14.) Yet it would have greatly dis- 
 couraged them r had they been excluded from that sacred 
 ordinance, to which they had been invited: they appeared 
 sincere and earnest in returning to the Lord, and there was a 
 prospect of important usefulness. They were' therefore 
 allowed to eat the passover, when the Levites hud killed it 
 for them, notwithstanding their ceremonial disqualification, 
 and Hezekiah, sensible that there was danger in this devi- 
 ation, earnestly prayed to the good and merciful Lord, “to 
 pardon every one that prepared his heart to seek . . . tho 
 Lord, ... though not cleansed according to the purification 
 of the sanctuary.” (TStarg. Ref. a — d.) To this prayer the 
 Lord granted a favourable answer, “and healed the peoj le/ 
 Perhaps he had visited them with some sickness for their 
 irregular attendance, which he then graciously healed. ( Note, 
 I Cor. 11:29 — 31.) Or, ho gave peace to their conscieir.es, 
 and healed their souls. 
 
 V. 21, 22. The sacrifices, psalmody, and wot ship of the 
 
B. C. 726. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 B. C 7:6. 
 
 sent at Jerusalem kept f the feast of unleavened 
 bread seven days, with sgreat gladness : and the 
 Levites and h the priests praised the Lord day by 
 day, singing with 'loud instruments unto the Lord. 
 
 22 And Hezekiah spake Comfortably unto all 
 the Levites ‘that taught k the good knowledge of 
 the Lord : and they did eat throughout the feast 
 seven days, offering peace-offerings, 'and making 
 confession to the Lord God of their fathers. 
 
 23 And the whole assembly ra took counsel n to 
 keep other seven days : and they kept other seven 
 days with gladness. 
 
 24 For Hezekiah king of Judah tdid “give to 
 the congregation a thousand bullocks and seven 
 thousand sheep ; and the princes gave to the con- 
 
 gregation a thousand bullocks and ten thousand 
 sheep: and ''a great number of priests sanctilicd 
 themselves. 
 
 25 And all the congregation of Judah, with the 
 priests and the Levites, and all the congregation 
 that came out of Israel, and ithe strangers that 
 came out of the land of Israel, and that dwelt in 
 Judah, r rejoiced. 
 
 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem : for 
 “since the time of Solomon the son of David king 
 of Israel there teas not the like in Jerusalem. 
 
 27 H Then "the priests the Levites arose, and 
 blessed the people : and their voice was heard, 
 and "their prayer came up to $his holy dwelling- 
 place, even unto heaven. 
 
 r Kx. 12:15. 13:6. Lev. 23:6. Luke 22:1.7. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. B 26. 7:10. Deut. 12: 
 7,1*2. 16; 14 . Nelt. 8:10. Acts *2:46. Phil. 4:4. h See on 20:21. 29:25—' *27. * Heb. 
 instruments of strength. Ps. 150:3 — 5. t Heb. to the heart of nil. 32:6. Is. 40: 
 1. Hos. ‘2:14. margins, i 15:3. 17:9. 37:3. Dent. 33:10. Ezra 7:10,25. Neh. 8: 
 7,8,18.9:3. 2 Tim. 4:2. k Prov. 2:6.7. 8:6. John 17:3. 2 Cor. 4:6. Phil. 3:8. 
 I Deut. 26:3— 11. Ezra 10:11. Neh. 9:3. m 5ee on 2. n 7:9. 1 Kings 8:65. 
 
 X Heb. lifted up, or, offered, o 35:7,8. 1 Chr. 29:3— 9. Ez. 45:17. Eph.4:8. 
 p 29:34. q See on 18. Ex. 12:43— 49. r 1 Chr. 16:10,11. Ps. 92:4. 104:34 
 s 7:9,10. t See on Num.6.23 — 26. Deut. 10:8. u See on 1 Kings 8:30,39. 
 Acts 10:4. § Heb, the habitation of his holiness. Deut. 26:15. Ps. 68:5. Is. 57: 
 15. 63:15. 66:1. * 
 
 people, were accompanied by the reading and expounding of 
 the law; and some of the Levites were employed to instruct 
 the people in the good, the profitable, and pleasant knowledge 
 of the Lord; (Note, 1 Chr. 28:9.) and the king peculiarly 
 noticed and encouraged them in this useful work, which was 
 very much wanted. (Notes, 15:1 — 7, v. 3. 17:7 — 9. Deut. 
 31:10—13. Ezra 7:6—10. Neh. 8:1—9,18. 9:1—3. 13:1—3.) 
 This would excite others to apply themselves to the study of 
 the law, that they too might be qualified for this service. — 
 By “ making confession,” may be meant, either confessing 
 their sins, or acknowledging the unmerited goodness of the 
 Lord, or both combined. 
 
 V. 23 — 25. (Marg. Ref. Note, 29:31,32.) This passover 
 must have been not long before the time of harvest: but the 
 hearts of the people were so enlarged with holy affections, 
 that they were neither weary of the sacred service, nor in 
 haste to return to their secular business. (Notes, Ex. 23:14 
 — 18. Leu. 23:10 — 21. Deut. 16:9.) * They did not observe 
 
 other seven days of unleavened bread, but offe»ed sacrifices 
 with praises and thanksgivings, and feasting, seven days.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. — The people in general, and those who came 
 out of the kingdom of Israel, would be unprepared for the 
 expense attending these sacrifices: and, therefore both Heze- 
 kiah and his princes liberally gave cattle for sacrifices ; in 
 which no doubt they acted properly, and should be imitated 
 according to the nature of the Christian dispensation, by 
 princes and nobles, liberally supplying what is wanting to 
 support the worship of God, and to make glad the hearts of 
 their poorer brethren. (Notes, Ez. 45:16,17.) The example 
 had also a salutary influence on the priests, who sanctified 
 themselves, to take their part in the service. — Probably, 
 “the strangers that came out of the land of Israel,” as dis- 
 tinguished from “ the congregation of Israel,” were not Israel- 
 ites by birth, but circumcised proselytes. 
 
 V. 26. The observance of this passover, and the solem- 
 nities that attended it, were attended with great joyfulness of 
 heart, and crowned with a peculiar blessing: many of the 
 priests and people were brought to a serious sense of religion, 
 and an important revival was introduced among them ; even 
 superior to any which had taken place since the days of 
 Solomon : and in no instance had seven additional days been 
 added to the time assigned to any festival, since the dedica- 
 tion of the temple by him. (Notes, 1 Kings 8:63 — 66.) — As 
 this occurred in the first year of Hezekiah’s reign, and he 
 reigned twenty-nine years, it must be supposed that he wit- 
 nessed the effects of so good a beginning, to the end of his 
 life. It was done suddenly, but, by the grace of God, it was 
 done effectually. — Doubtless, the passovers and other solemn 
 feasts were kept up, and attended to, during this reign, though 
 not in so remarkable a manner as this first passover. 
 
 V. 27. This seems to have closed the solemnity, in a most 
 suitable and impressive manner ; and the fervent prayer of 
 the priests was heard in heaven, and graciously accepted. 
 (Notes, Num. 6:23 — 27.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Favourable opportunities of fixing good im- 
 pressions ought by no means to be neglected : and it is better 
 that circumstantial irregularities should be admitted, than that 
 divine ordinances should not be observed, or substantial use- 
 fulness prevented. — When duties have been long omitted, 
 the time ought to be more carefully redeemed, that no further 
 delays may be occasioned : former negligence, though it can- 
 not be excused, may be forgiven; but persevering ungodliness 
 will infallibly end in destruction. — We ought to embrace 
 every proper opportunity of addressing men upon their eter- 
 nal concerns, and of engaging as many as possible in the 
 service of God: and we may employ arguments and persua- 
 sions with those, over whom we claim no authority. Injuries 
 or enmities, however many or great, should not render us 
 indifferent about the salvation of any man: no expense or 
 labour ought to be regarded in our endeavours to do good: 
 nor should we be discouraged by the prospect of the neglect, 
 contempt, or even rage, of the very persons, whose happi- 
 ness wi: are seeking. Numbers may and will “ laugh us to 
 
 scorn:” but several will be humbled and benefited: and 
 perhaps were success was least expected, where impiety 
 and profligacy were most notorious, and among those who 
 appeared ripe for destruction. Such attempts should be 
 made in plainness, meekness, and affection ; all reproaches 
 and upbraidings, and every thing assuming, or needlessly 
 offensive, should be avoided ; important and undeniable 
 truths and duties should chiefly be insisted upon : and the 
 conscience and passions, especially hope and fear, should be 
 vigorously addressed. The consequences of impenitent re- 
 bellion against God should he solemnly stated, and contrasted 
 with the happy effects of returning to him by humble, peni- 
 tent faith ; and the whole enforced by arguments deduced 
 from fact and experience. Addresses to this effect are 
 peculiarly seasonable, while men are suffering for their 
 crimes ; and still deeper miseries present themselves to their 
 view, from which they have no prospect of deliverance, but 
 by the merciful interposition of God. And when, among 
 their acquaintance and relatives, the prosperity of eminently 
 pious persons can be compared with the misery of those who 
 are notoriously profligate; the argument thence deduced, 
 for repentance and returning to God, will have peculiar 
 energy : for even the irreligious must see the absurdity of 
 copying the wicked examples of fathers or brethren, who 
 have been evidently ruined by their vices. But the* ricn 
 mercy of God forms the grand argument, by which to enforce 
 repentance on the sinner’s conscience. “ There is forgive- 
 ness with him,” and “plenteous redemption” in the Saviour’s 
 blood; and we are tinder a dispensation of mercy. Nothing 
 but stiffnecked, obstinate, impenitent wickedness can rum 
 us. The chief of sinners, “ who yield themselves to the 
 Lord,” shall certainly be saved. Let them therefore trust 
 in his mercy, attend upon his ordinances, anil join them- 
 selves to his people, that they may serve him; and then the 
 fierceness of his wrath will turn away from them ; but not 
 otherwise. To this “we should exhort one another daily, 
 lest any of us be hardened, through the deceitfulness of sin 
 to this we should invite and persuade all others without 
 exception, as far as we are able; for “him that cometh” to 
 the Saviour, “ he will in no wise cast out :” but “ will grant” 
 unto all who believe in him “that being delivered from 
 the hand of their enemies, they may serve him without 
 fear, in righteousness and true holiness, before him, all the 
 days of their life;” and the covenant made with them will 
 prove for the good of their children and brethren also. — Oh, 
 that messengers were sent forth to carry these invitations to 
 every city and village, through our land, and every land 1 It 
 is true, the Lord alone can render them effectual ; but he 
 works by the word of his ministers, and also by the command- 
 ment of kings and princes, when it accords with his word. — 
 Faith comes by hearing ; and true religion has uniformly 
 flourished, in proportion to the measure in which faithful, 
 scriptural preaching has abounded. In general, persons of 
 wealth or authority might be instrumental in promoting this 
 faithful preaching of the word of God, if thej' had the inclina- 
 tion, and were willing to bear the expense of it ; nor can 
 superior rank enjoy a higher privilege. All who are em- 
 ployed in such a work, should do it with their might; and 
 neither be discouraged nor exasperated by opposition or 
 reproach ; and they will find at length that “ their labour was 
 not in vain in the Lord.” 
 
 V. 13 — 20. When we are humbled for our transgressions, 
 and declare war against all our idols, expecting and seeking 
 forgiveness and salvation only through the atonement of 
 Christ, we become welcome communicants at the Lord’s 
 table. The unhumbled and impenitent indeed, the man who 
 lives in known sin, and he who comes ‘trusting in his own 
 righteousness,’ instead of the * manifold and great mercies of 
 God,’ may presume to commemorate the death of Christ ; 
 but he is an intruder, who comes to the marriage-feast, with- 
 out the wedding-garment. (Note, Malt. 22:11 — 14.) Yet 
 when the sinner has indeed begun to prepare his heart to 
 seek the Lord ; though his views he fjeble, obscure, and in 
 many things erroneous, and his app -oach he not exactly 
 
 ( 797 ) 
 
EL C. 725. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 725 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 The pecrde deaf my the idols and their temples nrul altars, through the cities 
 of Judah and in Ephraim and AJanasseh, 1. Hezekiah orders ike courses 
 of the priests arui . evil es, and provides for their maintenance , as well as 
 for the staled jo:r{/ices. 2 — ■) The people readily bring their first-frui s 
 and tithes. ;> — I S. Hezekiah appoints officers l>j dispose of these oblations , 
 II — 19. .1 high commendation of .his zeal and integrity, 2u, 21. 
 
 N OW “when all this was finished, b all Israel 
 that were 'present went out to the pities of 
 Judah, and “brake the 'images in pieces, and cut 
 down the groves, anil threw down the high places 
 anti the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, d in 
 Ephraim also and Manasseh, Juntil they had 
 utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children 
 of Israel returned, every man to his possession, 
 into their own cities. 
 
 2 U And Hezekiah appointed 'the courses of the 
 priests and the Levites after their courses, every 
 man according to his service, the priests and 
 Levites for burnt-offerings and for peace-offer- 
 ings, to minister, and -f to give thanks, and to 
 praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord. 
 
 3 He appointed also ’'the king’s portion of his 
 substance for the burnt-offerings, to wit, h for the 
 morning and evening burnt-offerings, and 'the 
 
 a 30: b 1 Kings 18:38 — 40. 2 Kings 23:2 — 20. * Heb. found. Gen. 19:15. 
 
 Esth. 4:15. margins. c 1 4 '3. 23: 17. 32; 12. 34:3 — 7. Ex. 23:24. Deut. 7:5. 
 2 Kings 18:4. f Heb. (130:18.34:6,7. 2 Kings 17.2. 23:15. + Heb. 
 
 until lo make an end. e 5:11. 8:14. 23:8. 1 Chr. 16:37,40 . 23: 24 : 25 : 26: Ezra 
 6.18. Luke 1:5. f 29:24— 26. 1 Chr. 16:4— 6,41,42. 23:30. 25:1-3. Neh. 11:17. 
 Ps. 134:1— 3. 135:1 — 3,26. Jr. 33:11. g 30:21. lChr.26:2S. Ez. 45:17. 46:4— 
 7,12—18. h See on Ex. 29:33— 42. Nnin. 28:3-8. i See on Num. 28:9,10. 
 
 J Seeon Num. 28:11— 15.— Num. 28:16— 31. 29: Deut. 16:1— 17. Ps.81:l— 4. 
 
 regular ; he must not be discouraged, despised, or treated 
 with harshness. Our blessed Advocate, who “ breaketh not 
 the bruised reed,” will intercede for him ; we too ought to 
 pray for and encourage him; and “ the good Lord will- par- 
 don” every one who hears this character. No trembling 
 believer, therefore, who desires to trust in the Redeemer, 
 and to show his gratitude by obeying his plain command, 
 needs to be alarmed, lest he should fail in that exactness, 
 which he supposes is required in this ordinance : for the 
 good Lord lays no snares in the way of humble, upright 
 inquirers. — Previous preparation is indeed profitable ; but the 
 true believer is habitually ready, and ought not to retire for 
 want of actual preparation. Yet every defect is sin, and 
 need! forgiveness ; and should be matter of humiliation, 
 though not of discouragement. ( P . O. 1 Cor. 11:23 — 34.) — 
 Man’s authority cannot disannul or alter divinely instituted 
 externals in the worship of God : yet these may be idolized ; 
 and the Lord will, on some occasions, approve the conduct 
 of those, who prefer the spirit to the letter of an instituted 
 observance, where both cannot possibly be attained ; and 
 who seize an opportunity of glorifying him, in seeking the 
 conversion and salvation of souls, by postponing or relaxing 
 n the exact observance of an external regulation. 
 
 V. 21 — 27. Many allowances ought indeed to be made 
 for those who are newly brought forth out of very ignorant 
 places, to attend on the ordinances of God ; yet they must 
 nit be left in their mistakes. His ministers must diligently 
 u teach them the good knowledge of the Lord,” of his per- 
 fections, mysteries, ordinances, and precepts, that they may 
 proceed with increasing understanding and alacrity. Those, 
 who "labour in this important work, should be encouraged and 
 counselled by their superiors, and by all capable of doing it; 
 for it is a very arduous work, and often brings a man into 
 many perplexities and discouragements. — When those who 
 have been hitherto most careless, wicked, and profane, 
 deeply humble themselves before God, and return to him by 
 true faith, they may in due time expect great gladness in his 
 ordinances. Their confessions of sin will be made pleasant by 
 the hope of forgiveness, and by that peace and joy which are 
 the sweet fruits of the sanctifying Spirit. They, who taste 
 this happiness in the worship of God, will not speedily grow 
 weary of it, hut will he glad to prolong the delightful employ- 
 ment, and must be, as it were, torn away to return to their 
 secular occupations. — When the ignorant, the mean, and 
 the profligate, as well as those of superior stations, become 
 earnest in God’s service, Pharisees will cither be exasperated 
 or ashamed: and it is happy for themselves and for others, 
 when they are at length brought to true repentance, and fall 
 in with, and help forward, the work of God in their several 
 places. And if numbers of ministers, that have been un- 
 godly and mercenary, become obedient to the faith, we may 
 b<? sure that God is powerfully at. work, and has much more 
 '.o do. (Note, Ants 0:7.) — True godliness will be attended 
 proportionable joy : and numbers met together, to whom 
 i lie Lord has given one heart to delight in his ordinances, 
 -'ill share and augment each other’s rejoicing. But such 
 seo sons on earth are transient: trials and conflicts await us 
 after our choicest consolations ; yet, these are highly bene- 
 ficial to us. — The solemn and affectionate benedictions and 
 prayers of the Lord’s ministers, by which the people are 
 dismissed from sacred ordinances, are not to be slighted : 
 though spoken on earth, they are heard in heaven, the holy 
 dwelling-place of our reconciled God. The intercession of 
 ( 798 ) 
 
 burnt-offerings for the sabbaths, and Jfor the new 
 moons, and ior k the set leasts, as it is written in 
 the law of the Lord. 
 
 4 Moreover he commanded the people that 
 dwelt in Jerusalem to give 'the portion of the 
 priests and the Levites, ra that they might be 
 encouraged in "the law of the Lord. 
 
 5 H And °as soon as the commandment §canie 
 abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance 
 rtiie first-fruits of corn, wine, pnd oil, and 'honey, 
 and of all the increase of the field ; and the tithe 
 of ail things brought they in abundantly. 
 
 6 And concerning ithe children of Israel and 
 Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also 
 brought in r the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the 
 tithe of holy tilings which were consecrated unto 
 the Lord their God, and laid them ’’by heaps. 
 
 7 In "the third month they began to lay the 
 foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the 
 seventh month. 
 
 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came 
 and saw the heaps, they 'blessed the Lord, “and 
 his people Israel. 
 
 Col. 2:16,17. k Lev. 23:2, «ic. 116. Lev. 27:30— 33. Num. 18:8— 21,26— 28. 
 Mai. 3:8— 10. m Neh. 13:10— 13. 1 Cor. 9:10-14. n Mai. 2:7. o24:10,U. 
 Ex. 35:5,20-29. 36:5,6. 2 Cor. 8:2— 5. § Heb . brake forl/i. p Ex. 22:29. 23: 
 
 19. 34:22,26 Num. 18:12. Neh. 10:35— 39. 12:44. 13:31. Prov. 3:9. 1 Cor. 15: 
 
 20. Jam. 1:18. Rev. 14:4. I( Or, dales, q 11:16,17. r Lev. 27:30. Deut. 
 14:28. II Heb. heaps , heaps . s Lev. 23:16—24. t Gen. 14:20. Judg. 5:9. 
 1 Kings 8:14.15. 1 Chr. 29:10— 20. Ezra 7.27. 2 Cor. 8:16. Eph.l:3. I Thes. 3: 
 9. 1 Pet. 1:3. u 6:3. Gen. 14:19. 2 Sam. 6:18. 1 Kings 8:55,56. 
 
 our great High-Priest, however, is chiefly to be valued : he 
 never fails to plead for every believer, and he never pleads in 
 vain. A few more interruptions of our joy, by conflicts and 
 temptations, (whilst in him we still have peace,) and we 
 shall be with him to behold his glory : then our worship, our 
 love, and our rejoicing, will be uninterrupted, unalloyed, and 
 eternal. 
 
 NOTES.-^Chap. XXXI. V. 1. (Note, 30:14.) Either 
 this destruction of the appendages of idolatry in Israel was 
 confined to those cities and villages, which had come under 
 the dominion of the kings of Judah; or else, Hoshea not 
 objecting to it, the people, in their zeal for the honour of the 
 God of Israel, went into different parts of his kingdom, for 
 this purpose ; while the idolaters were intimidated from 
 making any opposition. (Notes, 34:3 — 7. 2 Kings 23:15 — 
 20.) When this was done, they returned home: and it is 
 probable that some of the Israelites, who had been at the 
 feast, retired into the land of Judah, during the ravages of 
 Shalmaneser, and so escaped the general ruin. 4 They 
 would not return home, till they had done all they could to 
 establish and promote true religion. Of so great import it is 
 (as Pellicanus here observes) to have a good king, and a 
 well-instructed people. 5 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 Y. 2. (Marg. Ref. Note, 23:11—21, v. 18,19.) David, 
 as a prophet, had made many of these arrangements, to which 
 as king he required the obedience of the priests and Levites. 
 Jehoiada, both as high-priest, and as acting in the name of 
 the young king, restored them: but Hezekiah, who was not 
 a prophet or priest, took the lead and gave the directions on 
 this occasion ; yet he added nothing to what had before been 
 instituted, and altered nothing in it. “ The king’s command- 
 ment was according to the word of the Lord.” ( Notes, 30:12. 
 
 1 Chr 23:2 — 6,24 — 28.) 
 
 The tents, &c.] The buildings which surrounded the 
 temple, in which the priests and Levites were stationed, 
 resembled the tents in which soldiers are regularly encamped. 
 
 V. 3, 4. The public sacrifices were generally purchased 
 by contributions from the people: but Hezekiah at this tim# 
 chose to be at the expense of them out of his own stated 
 revenue; (Note, Ez. 45:17.) that the people might be the 
 more ready to obey his commandment, in bringing their tithes 
 and first-fruits, according to the law of God, for the mainte- 
 nance of the priests and Levites. This was intended to en- 
 courage the priests and Levites to apply themselves entirely 
 to studying, teaching, and fulfilling the law of the Lord ; being 
 assured that their families would not be left destitute. (Notes, 
 30:21,22. Neh. 12:44 — 47. 13:10—13. 1 Cor. 9:7— 18.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. The several productions here mentioned were 
 laid in different heaps, in some convenient place, but not 
 properly guarded or taken care of. (Marg. Ref.) It is 
 probable, that some of the first-fruits, tithes, and offerings, 
 were generally sold, and the money deposited in one common 
 stock. 4 They began to offer first-fruits in the third month 
 when their harvest, began, and finished their tithing in the 
 seventh month, when their harvest w-as ended, Ex. 23:1 0.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. — Hezekiah commanded nothing more than what 
 was enjoined by the law: but he used his authority to en- 
 force on the people the requirements of the law, and 44 the 
 hand of God was to give them one heart to perform the com- 
 mandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the 
 Lord.” ( Note, 30: 12.) 
 
 V. 8. Hezekiah and his princes commended the libp alit^ 
 of the people ; they also prayed for them, and gave thanks 
 
B. C. 725. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 B. C. 713. 
 
 9 Then Hezekiah questioned with the priests 
 ami the Levites concerning, the heaps. 
 
 10 And y Azariah the ciiiet' priest of t he house 
 of Zadok answered him, and said, “Since the 
 people began to bring the offerings into the house 
 )!' the Loud, T we have had enough to eat, and 
 have left plenty: for 'the Lord hath blessed his 
 people; and that which is left is this great store. 
 
 [ Practical Ob&croati m8.] 
 
 11 H Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare 
 'chambers in the house of the Lord; and they 
 prepared them, 
 
 12 And brought in the offerings and the tithes, 
 and the dedicated things faithfully : “over which 
 Cononiah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei his 
 brother wcm the next. 
 
 13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and 
 Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, 
 and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were 
 overseers hinder the hand of Cononiah and 
 Shimei his brother, b at the commandment of 
 Hezekiah the king, and ‘Azariah the ruler of the 
 house of God. 
 
 14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, 
 d the porter toward the east, was over e the free-will 
 offerings of God, to distribute the oblations of the 
 Lord, and f the most holy things. 
 
 15 And tnext him were Eden, and Miniamin, 
 and Jeshua, and Sliemaiah, Amariah, and She- 
 
 » 26:17. 1 Kins, 2:35. 1 Chr. 6:8,14. El. 44:15. x Prov. 3:9,10. Hag. 
 2:18,19. Mai. 3:10,11. 1 Tim. 4:8. v 2 Kings 4.43,44. Matt. 15:37. Phil. 
 4:1s. z Gen. 25:12. 30:27—30. 39:5,23. Lee. 25:21. 26:4,5. Dent. 28:8. 
 Prov. 10:22. 2 for. 9:8— II. • Or, storehouses. Neh. 10:38,39. 13:5,12, 
 
 13. a See on 1 Chr. 25.20 — ‘25. f Heh. at the hand. b 4,11. See on 3U: 12. 
 c See on 1U. 1 Chr. 9:11. 24:5. Neh. 11:11 d 1 Chr. 26:12,14,17. e l.ev.22: 
 18.23:38. Num. 29:39. J em. 12.6,17. 16:10. Ezra 1:4. 3:5. 7; 16. Ps. 119:108. 
 f Lev. 2:10. 6:16,17. 7:1—6. 10:12,13,27:28. } Heb .at his hand. 13. marg. 
 
 the Lord, tvho had given them the power and inclination to 
 bring such abundance. (Notes, 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19. 2 Cor. 8:1 
 — 5,1 C — 24. 9:8 — 15.) ‘They gave thanks to God, who had 
 given them such plenty of good things, and had likewise 
 given them a heart to offer it plentifully.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 9, 10. The king and the princes supposed, from the 
 abundance which they beheld, that the priests, who had the 
 superintendence of the business, had preserved the whole ; 
 and they inquired, wherefore they had not distributed the 
 oblations of the people. But it was answered, that the Lord 
 had blessed the people with such an abundant increase, that 
 all this was left, after the priests and Levites had been suffi- 
 ciently provided for! (Notes, Hag. 1:5 — 11. 2:15 — 19. Mai. 
 3:7 — 12.) The disinterestedness of the priests was highly 
 commendable ; for they might easily have enriched them- 
 selves, without being suspected : and the whole transaction 
 enlarges our idea of the blessing which had attended the pre- 
 ceding solemnity : for before this, the priests seem to have 
 been generally very careless and ungodly. (Notes, Mai. 1:9 
 — 14.) — It is probable, that Azariah was the chief priest, 
 under the high-priest, and nearly related to him. (13. 1 Chr. 
 0:13,14.) 
 
 V. 11—14. (Neh. 10:37—39. 12:44. 13:5,9. Notes, 1 Kings 
 6:5,6. Neh. 13:10 — 14.) Hezekiah commanded ‘to build 
 new storehouses ; . . . because there was not room enough 
 wherein to lay all the offerings anc( tithes, and other dedicated 
 things. As he took care, they should all be faithfully laid up, 
 so he set trusty persons to see that they were no less faith- 
 fully preserved, for their proper uses.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 15 — 19. The priests and Levites, as they attended in 
 their courses, had a certain portion allotted to them, accord- 
 ing to their office and charge. The sons of the priests, who 
 attended with them, as it seems, from three years of age, to 
 learn the work of the sanctuary, previously to the time of 
 their officiating, had a provision made for them. A list was 
 taken of the wives, and of the other children, of the priests 
 and Levites, and a proportionable allowance was assigned 
 them : as also to Lhose, who were excluded or excused fr >m 
 attendance ; and for all of those who were absent from tue 
 temple, employed as magistrates and teachers in their several 
 districts. Thus none appropriated an exorbitant proportion, 
 and none wanted a suitable provision : “for in their set office, 
 they sanctified themselves in holiness they separated them- 
 selves from other employments, and devoted themselves to 
 serve God in their proper office, in a holy and believing ex- 
 pectation that he would provide for them ; (for so the words 
 seem to mean:) nor were they disappointed. And this 
 regular provision kept them from the temptation of entangling 
 themselves in worldly cares and employments, to the neglect 
 of their ministry. ‘ This seems to be a reason, why such 
 care was taken of their wives and children; because their 
 husbands were wholly given up to the service of God, and 
 could not follow any other employment, whereby to provide 
 for the maintenance of their families.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. 
 Ref. Notes, Neh. 13:10—13. 2 Tim. 2:3—7.) 
 
 V. 20, 21. The general conduct of Hezekiah was good in 
 
 caniah, in ethe cities of tlie priests, in their $se*. 
 ollice. to give to their brethren by courses, h aa 
 well to the great as to the small: 
 
 1G Beside their genealogy of males, from three 
 years old and upward, even unto every one that 
 entereth into the house of the Lord, ’his daily 
 portion for their service in their charges accord- 
 ing to their courses ; 
 
 17 Both to the k genealogy of the priests by 
 the house of their fathers, and the Levites from 
 ‘twenty years old and upward, in their charges, 
 m by their courses ; 
 
 18 And to the genealogy of all their little ones, 
 their wives, and their sons, and their daughtero, 
 through all the congregation : tor in their “set 
 office "they sanctified themselves in holiness : 
 
 19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, which 
 were in °lhe fields of the suburbs of their enles, in 
 every several city, Pthe men that were expressed 
 by name, to give portions to all the males among 
 the priests, and' to all that were reckoned by 
 genealogies among the Levites. 
 
 20 II And thus did Hezekiah throughout all 
 Judah, and ^wrought that which was good anc 
 right and truth belore the Lord his God. 
 
 21 And in every work that he began in the 
 service of the house of Gor^ and in the law, and 
 in the commandments, to seek his God, r he did it 
 with all his heart, and “prospered. 
 
 g Josh. 21:9— 19. 1 Chr. 6:54— 60. § Or, trust. 1 Chr. 9:22. mwrg. h 1 Chr. 
 
 25:8. i Lev. 21:22,23. k Num. 3:13.20. 4:38,42,46. 17:2,3. Ezra 2:59. I Num. 
 4:3. 8:24. I Chr. 23:24,27. in See on 2. 1 Chr. 24:20— 31. 25: 26: II Or, trust. 
 
 15. 1 Chr. 9:22. margins. n Is. 5.16. Rom. 15:16. o 15. Lev. 25:34. Num. 
 35:2—5. 1 Chr. 6:51,60. p 12—15. 28:15. q 1 Kings 15:5. 2 Kines 20:3. 22:2. 
 John 1:47. Acts 24:16. lThes.2:lO. r Deut. 6:5. 10:12. 1 Kings 2:4. 1 Chr. 
 22:19. Ec. 9:10. Jer. 29:13. s 14:7.20:20.26:5. Josh. 1:7. 1 Chr. ‘22:13. Ps. 1: 
 3. Matt. 6:33. 
 
 itself; he acted with equity and impartiality towards all his 
 subjects in these regulations, and strict attention to the laws 
 and institutions previously established. His heart also was 
 upright in the sight of God: and in all that he attempted, to 
 establish the worship of the Lord, and to obey and enforce 
 the observance of his law, seeking his favour and glory, he 
 was earnest and hearty, and single in his aim and depend- 
 ence ; and he was prospered accordingly. What a com- 
 mendation was this as given by God himself! What a happy 
 instrument was this pious king of good to his people ! and 
 what an encouraging and worthy example is this for princes, 
 magistrates, ministers, and Christians to imitate! 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. The finishing of one duty should form an intro- 
 duction to the beginning of another ; and he, who “delighteth 
 greatly in God’s commandments,” will not complain of this 
 as a weariness. — Public ordinances, and divine consolations, 
 should stir up men to cleanse their hearts, houses, or shops, 
 and every thing in which they are concerned, from the filthi- 
 ness of sin, and the idolatry of covetousness: and to exhort 
 and excite others to do the same, by every method, consist- 
 ent with relative duties and the peace of society. — The sub- 
 sequent improvement of solemn ordinances, is of the greatest 
 importance to personal, family, and public religion. It is 
 then our business to meditate on, and reduce to practice, 
 what we have learned ; to express our pious affections in 
 every kind of good work; and to take care that the vigour of 
 them do not subside, through unwatchfulness, neglect of 
 prayer, or worldly indulgences. Inattention to these duties 
 renders the private conversation and behaviour of mosi, who 
 profess the gospel, inconsistent with their public profession, 
 and apparently religious affections : their growth in grace is 
 thus prevented, and religion does not appear so venerable by 
 far as it otherwise would do. — Examples should concur with 
 exhortations or injunctions, whether men act as magistrates 
 or ministers: and this will give them greater effect, in many 
 cases, than menaces, coercive measures, or severe rebukes. 
 Those, who would have others expend their wealth in useiul 
 works, ought to take the lead: nay, the easiest method of 
 enforcing the laws, and prevailing with others ^o pay their 
 dues, is often found to be by receding from personal claims, 
 and joining liberality with justice, in the magistrate’s own 
 conduct. — The proper use of superior riches is, to do superior 
 good with them: and if this were generally understood and 
 believed, the most blessed effects would be produced. — Every 
 exercise of human authority in the church of God must be 
 regulated and bounded by his law, and must enforce obe 
 dience to it, and not make additions to it, or alterations in it 
 — While ministers ought to attend upon their proper wo:k. 
 in their several places ; they should be encouraged in it, a id 
 not constrained or tempted to neglect it, by the want of a 
 suitable maintenance for their families ; or made uneasy and 
 distressed in attending on it: nor should any excuse be 
 afforded to those, who by choice leave the word of God for 
 secular engagements. — A man is never impoverished by pru- 
 dent liberality, in works of piety and charity : indeed, this ia 
 
 ( 799 ) 
 
B. C. 713. 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 712 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 Sennacherib invade 9 Judah ; arid I Iczckiah fnrtifi s Jerusalem, and encourages 
 the people, l — 8. Sennacherib's blasphemous messages and letters, 9 — 19. 
 Hezekiah and Isaiah pray for deliverance : an angel desirous the Assyrian 
 a m y ; and their kin , when returned In Nineveh , is slain by his sms when 
 worshipping his idol, 20,21. Hezekiah prospers and is renown'd,%2, 23. 
 [a hk nckness he prays , and is miraculously recovered / his heart is lifted 
 up , but he a fterwards humbles himself, 21 — 25. His riches and works , 27 
 — 3 ). misconduct in respect of the ambassadors, from the king o 1 
 
 Babylon, 31. He dies , his memory is honoured ; and Manas sell succeeds 
 him, 32, 33. 
 
 A FTER "these things, and the establishment 
 thereof, Sennacherib b king of Assyria came, 
 and entered into Judah, and encamped against the 
 fenced cities, and thought to 'win them for him- 
 self. 
 
 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib 
 was come, and that 'lie was purposed to fight 
 against Jerusalem, 
 
 3 He "took counsel with his princes and his 
 mighty men d to stop the waters of the fountains 
 which were without the city: and they did Help 
 him. 
 
 4 So there was gathered much people together, 
 who stopped all the fountains, and "the brook that 
 ♦ran through the midst of the land, saying, Why 
 should the f kings of Assyria come, and sfind 
 much water? 
 
 5 Also h he strengthened himself, and built up 
 all the wall ‘that was broken, and raised it up to 
 the towers, and k an#ther wall without, and re- 
 paired ■Millo in the city of David, and made §darts 
 and shields in abundance. 
 
 6 And m he set captains of war over the people, 
 and gathered them together to him "in the street of 
 the gate of the city, and spake ''comfortably to 
 them, saying, 
 
 7 Be "strong and courageous, t’he not afraid 
 nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all 
 the multitude that is with him : for there be more 
 with us than with him : 
 
 a 30:1,2. 2 Kings 18:13. Is. 36:1, Sic. b 2 Kings 15:19. 17:6. 18:11,19,20. Is. 7: 
 17,18.8:6-8.10:5,6. Hos. 11:5. * Heb. break them up. Is. 10:7— 11. 37:24,25. 
 Mic.2:l3. t Heb. his face was to war. 2 Kings 12: 17. Luke 9:51 ,53. c 30:2. 
 2 Kings 18:20. Prov. 15:22. 20:18. 24:6. Is. 40:13. Rom. 11 ;31. d 2 Kings 20: 
 20. Is. 22:8 — 11. e 30. 30:14. } Heb .overflowed, f See on 1. 2 Kings 18:9, 
 
 13.19:17. 13.10:8. g 2 Kings 3:9,16,17. 19:21. h 12:1. 14:5 — 7. 17:1,2.23:1. 
 25:8. Is. 22:9,10. i 25:23. k 2 Kings 25:4. Jer. 39:4. 1 Judg. 9:6. 2 Sam. 5.9. 
 
 1 King99:24. 11:27 . 2 Kings 12:20. § Or, sworls, or weapons. 26: 14,15. m 17: 
 14 — 19. 1 Cbr. 27:3,4, &c. n Ezra 10:9. Neh. 8:1 — 3,16. || Heb. to their heart. 
 30.22. Gen. 34:3. Is. 40:2. marg. o Deut. 31 :6,7,23. Josh. 1:6 — 9. 1 Chr. 28: 
 10,00. 19. 35:4. Dan. 10:19. Zech. 8:9,23. Eph. 6:10. 2 Tim. 2:1. p 20:15. 
 
 2 Kings 18:30. 19:6,7. q 2 Kings 6: 16. Rom. 8:31. I John 4:4. r Job 40:9. Jer. 
 17:5. s 13.12. 14.11. Ps. 46:7;il. Is. 8:10. 41:10. Acts 18.10. 2 Tim. 4:17,22. 
 
 the way to ensure the blessing of God on his substance and 
 his labours. (Marg. Ref.) And when the portion, which is 
 due to the ministers of religion, and to the poor, is conscien- 
 tiously rendered to them, it shall be recompensed as if it 
 were a free-will offering. 
 
 V. 11 — 21. A proper use of authority, joined with a good 
 example, and convincing arguments, will induce many to do 
 their duty in those things in which they before were entirely 
 negligent. : hut, whatever means are used, when men abound 
 in good works, we should bless the Lord for it ; and due 
 commendation should not be withheld from them. — Disinte- 
 restedness, impartiality, and frugality, are requisite in those 
 who have the management of public charities, or other public 
 funds : for when proper care is taken of the sums already 
 contributed, and they are evidently expended for the sole 
 purpose intended, encouragement is given to further contri- 
 butions. — It would tend greatly to the welfare of the church, 
 if ministers were provided for, with some degree of equality, 
 proportioned to their diligence, their families, and their neces- 
 sary expenses : and it is a shameful abuse, that funds 
 anciently appropriated for the maintenance of the clergy, are 
 m a great measure applied 1o aggrandize those who do very 
 little for them; whilst the real labourers in the vineyard are 
 scarcely kept from starving, and leave no provision for their 
 families whep taken from them. Legislators should rectify 
 such abuses. But the faithful servant of God needs not be 
 discouraged : let him study to live, and to preach, according 
 to the word of truth, and u give himself wholly” to his work ; 
 and let him do it in faith, and the Lord will not suffer him to 
 want ; yea, he will provide for his children after him. But 
 all pious men are not. able to go on comfortably in this man- 
 ner ; and it is a grievous thing, that their spirits should he 
 depressed, and their hands weakened, in their work, on this 
 account ; hut it is still far wofse, when they are tempted to 
 leave their proper employment, to earn a morsel of bread for 
 their wives and children. May the Lord raise up in every 
 nation zealous men, who in such matters, and in all others, 
 will 44 * work that which is good, and right, and truth, before 
 the Lord and who will do their utmost, 41 with all their 
 hearts in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and 
 m the commandments,” to seek the honour of the Lord ' — 
 ( 800 ) 
 
 8 With him is r an arm of flesh ; hut 'with us it 
 the Lord our God to help us, and Ho fight. our 
 battles. And the people ’’rested themselves upon 
 the words of Hezekiah king- of Judah. 
 
 9 H After this did "Sennacherib king of Assyria 
 
 send his servants to Jerusalem, (but he himself 
 laid siege against “Lachish, and all his re. c 
 "power with him,) unto Hezekiah king of L 71u - 
 Judah, and unto all Judah that were at Jerusalem, 
 saying, # 
 
 10 yThus saith Sennacherib king of Assyria 
 Whereon do ve trust, that ye abide in the "siege 
 in Jerusalem r 
 
 11 Doth not Hezekiah persuade you 'to give 
 over yourselves to die by famine and by thrst, 
 saying, “the Lord our God shall deliver us out of 
 the hand of the king of Assyria ? 
 
 12 ’’Hath not the same Hezekiah taken away 
 his high places, and his altars, and commanded 
 Judah and Jerusalem, saying, c Ye shall worship 
 belbre d one altar, and burn incense upon it? 
 
 13 Know ye not what e I and my fathers have 
 done unto all the people of other lands? fwere 
 the gods of the nations of those lands any ways 
 able to deliver their lands out of my hand ? 
 
 14 Who was there eamong all the gods of those 
 nations, that my fathers utterly destroyed, that 
 could deliver his people out of my hand, that 
 h yo«r God should be able to deliver you out of 
 my hand ? 
 
 15 Now therefore let not Hezekiah 'deceive 
 you, nor k persuade you on this manner, neither 
 yet believe him: for no god of any nation or king- 
 dom was able to deliver his people out of my 
 hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how 
 'much less shall your God deliver you out of rny 
 hand ? 
 
 16 And his servants spake m yet more against 
 
 t 20:15. Deut. 20:1,4. Josh. 10:42. U Heb. leaned. 15.20:20. Is. 36:18. u See 
 on 2 Kings 18:17. Is. 36:2. x Josh. 10:31 . 12: 1 1 15:39. Is. 37:8. Mic.!:13. 
 ** Heb. dominion. y See on 2 Kings 18:19. Is. 36:4. tt Heb. strong-hold. 
 z See on 2 Kings 18:27. Is. 36:12,18. a 15. 2 Kings 19:10. Ps. 3:2. 11:1— 3. 22: 
 8.42:10.71:11. Matt. 27:43. b ; 'See on 31 :1 . 2 Kings 18:4.22. Is. 36:7. c See 
 on Deut. 12:13,14,26,27. d 4:1. Ex. 27:1— 8. 30:1— 6. 40:26— 29. 1 Kings 7:48. 
 e 2 Kings 15:29. 17:5,6.19:11—13,17,18. Is. 10:9,10. 37:12,13,18— 20. Dan. 4:30. 
 37. f See on 19. 2 Kings 18:33—35. 19:18,19. Ps. 115:3—8. Is. 44:8—10. Jer. 
 10:11,12.16. Acts 19:26. 1 Cor. 8:4. g See on Is. 10:11,12. h Ex. 14:3. 15:9— 
 11. Is. 42:8. i See on 2 Kings 18:29. 19:10. kll. 1 Kings 22:22. Is. 36:18. 
 Acts 19:26. Gal. 1:10. 1 Ex. 5:2. Dan. 3:15. John 19:10,11. m Job 15:25,26. 
 
 Ps. 73:9. 
 
 Whether we have few or many talents, may we thus improve 
 them, and encourage others to do the same: we shall then 
 assuredly be prospered in some measure ; and shall obtain 
 that 44 honour which cometh from God,” being graciously 
 addressed by him with, 44 Well done, good and faithful servant, 
 enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXII. V. 1. Most of the trans- 
 actions, recorded in the preceding chapters, took place in the 
 first year of Hezekiah’s reign : and from that time he proceeded 
 to establish and complete his reformation, without any very 
 memorable occurrences, till his fourteenth year, in whicn 
 Sennacherib’s first invasion occurred. (Marg. Ref . Note , 
 
 2 Kings 18:13—16.) 
 
 V. 3, 4. (Marg. Ref.) The brook here mentioned, is 
 supposed to have been Kidron, or Cedron, called also 44 the 
 upper water-course of Gihon.” (30) Through subterraneous 
 cr concealed channels, Hezekiah brought the paters of this 
 rivulet into the city, to supply certain pools there formed for 
 the use of the inhabitants. Or, by some means, he turned or 
 concealed the course of it, in order that the Assyrians might 
 be distressed for water, if they undertook the siege of Jeru- 
 salem. — 44 The kings of Assyria” had, during several succes 
 sions, been formidable enemies to Israel and Judah: and this 
 measure was intended, not only for a present defence against 
 Sennacherib, but also as a security against, future invasions 
 of him or his successors. (Note, Is. 22:8 — 14.) 
 
 V. 5 — 8. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 20:14 — 19. 2 Kings ft: 15 — 
 17. 1 John 4:4 — 6.) These measures seem to have been 
 adopted, and this most encouraging exhortation given, at the 
 approach of Sennacherib’s first invasion : and the people in 
 general had a strong confidence, that the Lord would deliver 
 them according to the word of Hezekiah. 4 They relied on 
 what he said, as if it had been spoken to them by God him- 
 self.’ Bp. Patrick. Some, however, seem to have confided 
 rather in their fortifications. — Yet Hezekiah himself was after- 
 wards induced to submit to Sennacherib, and pay him tribute ; 
 on this he departed, hut not long after lie renewed his 
 attempts. (Note, 2 Kings 18:13 — 16.) 
 
 V. 9 — 16. Notes, 2 Kings 18:17 — 25. — That he abide in 
 the siege , &c. (10) Or 44 in the strong-hold in Jerusalem. 1 ’ 
 Marg. — How much less, &c. (15) This haughty conqueror 
 
B. C. 712. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 B. C. 700 
 
 the Lord God, and "against his servant Heze- 
 
 kiah. 
 
 17 He “wrote also letters Ho rail on the Lord 
 God of Israel, and to speak against him, saying, 
 qAs the gods of the nations of other lands have 
 not delivered their people out of iny hand, so 
 shall not the God of Hezekiah. deliver his people 
 out of my hand. 
 
 18 Then “they cried with a loud voice, in the 
 Jews’ speech, unto the people of Jerusalem that 
 were on the wall, 'to affright them, and to trouble 
 ♦hem ; that they might take the city. 
 
 19 And they ‘spake against “the God of Jeru- 
 salem, as against the gods of the people of the 
 earth, which were “the work of the hands of man. 
 
 20 And for this cause ^Hezekiah the king, and 
 •the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz, “prayed and 
 criea to heaven. 
 
 21 IT And b the Lord sent an “angel, which d cut 
 off all the mighty men of valour, and “the leaders 
 and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. 
 So he returned f with shame of face to his own 
 land. And when she was come into the house of 
 his god, they that came forth of his own bowels 
 ‘slew him there with the sword. 
 
 22 Thus h the Lord saved Hezekiah and the 
 inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sen- 
 nacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of 
 all other, and ‘guided them on every side. 
 
 23 And many brought k gifts unto the Lord to 
 Jerusalem, ‘and ‘presents to Hezekiah king of 
 Judah : so that '"lie was magnified in the sight of 
 all nations from thenceforth. 
 
 [Practical Obserentiontf] 
 
 e. cm 24 ^T In those days "Hezekiah was sick to 
 ,13 - J the death, and prayed unto the Lord : and 
 he spake unto him, and he tgave him a sign. 
 
 25 But Hezekiah “rendered not again accord- 
 ing to the benefit done unto him ; for Phis heart 
 
 o John 15:21. o See on 2 Kings 19:14. Neh. 6:5. Is. 37:14. p See on 2 Kings 
 19:22,28. Is. 10:15. 37:23,24,28,29. Rev. 13:6. q 2 Kings 19:12. r 2 Kings 18:26 
 — 28. Is. 36:13. s 1 Sam. 17:10,26. Neh. 6:9. t See on 13—17. u 6:6. Pe. 76: 
 1,2. 78:68. 87:1—3. 132:13,14. Is. 14:32. Heb. 12:22. x Deut.4:28. 27:15. 2 -Kings 
 19:18. Ps. 135:15 — 18. 18.2:8.37:19.44:16—20. Jer. 1:16. 10:3,9.32:30. Hos. 8: 
 5,6. y See on 2 Kings 19:14—19. Is. 37:14—20. z 2 Kings 19:2—4. Is. 37:2—4. 
 a 14:11.20:6—12. Fs. 50:15. 91:15. b See on 2 Kings 19:20,35. Is. 37:21 ,36,37. 
 c 2 Sam. 24:16. Malt. 13:49,50. Acts 12:23. d Job 9:4. Ps. 76:5,7,12. els. 
 10:8.16 — 19,33,34. 17:12 — 14 . 29:5- 8.30:30—33 . 33:10—12.36:9. Rev.6:15,16. 
 19:17,18. fPs. 132:18. Prov. 11 :2. 16:18. g See on 2 Kings 1 9:36,37. Is. 37:37, 
 38. * Heb. made him fall, h Ps. 18:48—50. 144:10. Is. 10:24,25. 31:4,5. 33:22. 
 
 \ Ps. 48:14. 73:24. Is. 58:11. John 16:13. 2Tbes. 3:5. k 2 Sam. 8:10,11 . Ezra 
 /:15 — 22,27. Ps. 68:29. 72:10. Is. 60:7—9. Matt. 2:11. 117:11. 1 Kings 4:21. 
 
 10:10,25. t Heb . precious things. 9:9,10,24. m 1 :1 . 1 Chr. 29:25. n See on 
 2 Kings 20:1 — 3. Is. 38:1 — 3. 1 Or, wrought a miracle for him. See on 
 
 2 Kings 20:4—11. Ts. 38:4—8,21,22. o Deut. 32:6. Ps. 116:12,13. Hos. 14:2. 
 
 supposed that Jehovah was even inferior to the gods of the 
 nations ! Probably he grounded this notion on the inferiority 
 of Judah, in extent and population, to many of the kingdoms 
 which he had subdued ; especially as he was master of almost 
 the whole land already. — ‘ If the Lord had a mind to help 
 them, he would have them believe, that he was not able ; 
 because no gods had been able to deliver those that wor- 
 shiped them, from his power.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 17—22. Notes, 2 Kings 18:26—35. 19:— God of Jeru- 
 salem. (19) Sennacherib called Jehovah “ the God of 
 Jerusalem,” either because that city alone remained in the 
 nands of his worshippers ; or because Hezekiah, by abolish- 
 ing the high places, seemed to have confined to Jerusalem 
 alone, the worship of his God, which before ‘had been spread 
 over the land. 
 
 V. 23. Marg. Ref. Notes, Is 60:4 — 9. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. (Notes, 2 Kings 20: Is. 38: 39:) These events 
 are supposed, by many learned men, to have been previous 
 to Sennacherib’s first invasion, as evidently occurring in the 
 fourteenth year of Hezekiah’s reign. I Note, 2 Kings 18:13. 
 20:1.) — The princes and the people of Judah, as well as the 
 king, had been very ungrateful for their many mercies : and 
 when “ Hezekiah was humbled for the pride of his heart,” 
 and had received Isaiah’s alarming message, it is probable he 
 made open confession of his offence, and called upon the 
 people to join with him in solemn humiliation and prayer on 
 that account. It may, however, be doubted, whether the 
 ambassadors from the king of Babylon came to Jerusalem 
 before Sennacnerib’s last invasion of the land ; as the trea- 
 sures, which Hezekiah showed them, seem to have been 
 -btained by the result of that invasion, and the presents, 
 which were afterwards brought to him. (Note, 27 — 29.) — 
 This chapter is in great measure an abridgment of those 
 chapters in the Second of Kings, and in the prophecy of 
 Ixaiah, which are referred to . — Gave him a sign. (24) Or, 
 u wrought a miracle for him.” Marg. 
 
 V. 27 — 29. The riches, here spoken of, seem to have 
 arisen, in great measure, from the immense spoil found in the 
 Vol. I— 101 
 
 was lifted up : ‘'therefore there was wrath upo.. 
 him, and upon Judah and Jerusalem. 
 
 26 Notwithstanding, “Hezekiah humbled him- 
 self for the Spride of his heart, both he and the 
 inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of 
 the Lord came not upon them “in the days of 
 Hezekiah. 
 
 27 H And Hezekiah had ‘exceeding much 
 riches and honour : and he made himself 
 "treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for re. c. 
 precious stones, and lor spices, and for L 7P “- 
 shields, and for all manner of '^pleasant jewels: 
 
 28 “Storehouses also for the increase of corn, 
 and wine, and oil; and ^stalls for all manner oi 
 beasts, and “cotes for flocks. 
 
 29 Moreover, he provided him cities, and 
 "possessions of flocks and herds in abundance : 
 for b God had given him substance very much. 
 
 30 This same Hezekiah also “stopped the 
 upper water-course of d Gihon, and brought tb. c. 
 it straight down to the west side of the city L 7 ' 2 - 
 of David. “And Hezekiah prospered in all his 
 works. 
 
 31 H Howbeit, f in the business of the “ambas- 
 sadors of the princes of Babylon, who sent unto 
 him to inquire of Hhe wonder that was done in 
 the land, God h left him, ‘to try him, k that he might 
 know all that was in his heart. 
 
 32 ^ Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and 
 his "goodness, behold, they are written 'in the 
 vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, 
 and “in the book of the Kings of Judah and 
 Israel. 
 
 33 And Hezekiah “slept with his fathers, tb. c. 
 and they buried him in the “chiefest of the L 695 
 sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah 
 and the inhabitants of Jerusalem “did him honour 
 at his death : Pand Manasseh his son reigned in 
 his stead. 
 
 Luke 17:17,18. p 31 . 25:19. 26:16. Deut. 8:12— 14,17. 2 Kings 14:10. 20:13. 
 
 Ez. 23:2,5,17. Dan. 5:20,23. Hnb. 2:4. 2 Cor. 12:7. 1 Tim. 3:61 1 Pet. 5:5,6. 
 q 24:18. See on 2 Sam. 24:1,10— 17* 1 Chr. 21:1,12— 17. r 33:12,19.23.34:27. 
 Lev. 26 40,41. 2Kings20:19. Jer. 26:18,19. Jam. 4:10. § Heb. lifting up. 
 
 s 34:27,28. 1 Kings 21:29. See on 2 Kings 20:16— 18. Is. 39:6— 8. I f:12.~9:27. 
 17:5. u 1 Chr. 27:25, &c. II Heb. instruments of desire, x 26:10. y 1 King* 
 4:26. z 2 Sam. 7:8. a 26:10. Gen 13:2— 6. 1 Chr. 27:29— 31. Job 1 :3. 42: 12. 
 b 25:9. Deut. 8:18. 1 Sam. 2:7. 1 Chr. 29:12. Prov. 10:22. 1 Tim. 6: 17,18. 
 
 c See on 4. Is. 22:9-11. d 1 Kings 1:33,38,45. e Josh. 1:7,8. Ps. 1:1— 3. 
 f 2 Kings 20:12,13. Is. 39:1,2. IT Heb. interpreters. g2Kings20:8 — 11. Is. 
 38:8. h Judg. 16:20. Ps. 27:9. 51:11,12. 119:1 16,117. John 15:5. i Gen. 22:1. 
 De.it. 8:16. Job 1:11,12.2:3— 6. Ps. 139:1 .2,23,24. Prov. 17:3. Zech. 13:9. Mai. 
 3:2,3. 1 Pet. 1:7. k Deut. 8:2. 13:3. ** Heb. kindn esses. 31:20,21. 1 Is. 36: — 
 39: m 2 Kings 18: — 20: n See on 1 Kings 1:21. 2:10. 11 :43. it Or, highest, 
 
 o 16:14. Gen. 50:10,11. Num. 20:29. Deut. 34:8. 1 Sam. 2:30. 25:1. Prov. 10:7. 
 p See on 33:1, &c. 
 
 Assyrian camp. (Notes, Is. 33:2 — 6,23,24.) Storehouses , 
 
 &c. (28) Notes, 26:10. 1 Chr. 27:25—31. Job 1:2,3, v. 3. 42: 
 10—17, v. 12. Prov. 27:23—27. Ec. 5:9—12. 
 
 V. 30 — 33. Marg. Rrf. Notes, 3,4, v. 4. 2 Kings 20:20, 
 21. — The princes. (31) “The princes of Babylon sent to 
 inquire of the wonder that had been done in the land :” but it 
 is not certain, that the Chaldeans observed any change in 
 the motion of the heavenly bodies. The report of the mira- 
 cles which attended Hezekiah’s recovery, might suffice for 
 that purpose. Yet, in Isaiah it is said, “ The sun returned, 
 &c.” (Note, Is. 38:8.) — The Lord on this occasion withdrew 
 from Hezekiah the immediate efficacy of his grace, and left 
 him to follow the dictates of his own natural propensity, “ to 
 try him, that he might know all that was in his heai‘.” The 
 omniscient God before knew the whole ; but, having by the 
 trial made the case evident, he thus pointed it out to Heze- 
 kiah, and to all succeeding ages, for their humiliation, warn- 
 ing, and instruction. (Notes, Deut. 8:2,3.) For it hence 
 appears undeniable, that the best of men, if left to themselves, 
 are prone to pride and ostentation, to idolize themselves and 
 their fellow-creatures, to withdraw their dependence from 
 God, to rob him of his glory, and to he ungrateful for his 
 mercies. (Note, 2 Cor. 12:7 — 10.) ‘God suffered him to 
 behave according to his own inclinations, without any special 
 motiot from him ; that Hezekiah might know, he was not so 
 strong as he imagined, if he were left to himself without God. 
 . . . God made proof of Hezekiah, as he had done of many 
 other good men, whether he would entirely obey him or not. 
 . . . God no doubt . . . saw the pride and vanity that lurked in 
 Hezekiah’s heart ; which was hid from every one but God 
 himself, who now suffered him to discover it for his humilia- 
 tion.’ Bp. Patrick. — They buried. Sac. (33) Notes, 16:13,14. 
 21:18—20. 24:15,16. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 23. Satan and his emissaries are most eager to give 
 us disturbance, when we are most usefully employed • but 
 God restrains them, till he sees it needful to correct our mis- 
 conduct, or to try our faith and constancy, and then they sr# 
 ' 801 ) 
 
3 . C. 635, 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 635 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Manasseh reigna long , i# very wicked , multiplies idolatries, corrupts the peo - 
 p.e, and rejects the <ulmonitions of God, l — 10. He is carried captive to 
 Babylon ; he humbles himself greatly before God, with earnest and fervent 
 prayer ; and is restored to his kingdom, 11 — 13. He fortifies his dominions, 
 and restores the worship of God, 11—17. His acts and prayers , lJ, 19. 
 He dies, and Amon succeeds, who reigns wickedly, and i3 murdered, 20—21. 
 The people slay the murderers, and make Josiah king, 25. 
 
 »T\ IT ANASSEH was b tvvelve years old when 
 IM he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and 
 five years in Jerusalem: 
 
 2 But did that which was evil in the sight of 
 the Lord, c like unto the abominations of the 
 heathen, whom the Lord had cast out before the 
 children of Israel. 
 
 3 H For d he 'built again the high places 'which 
 Hezekiah his father had broken down ; and ( he 
 reared up altars for Baalim, and s made groves, 
 and worshipped all 'the host of heaven, and 
 served them. 
 
 4 Also 'he built altars in the house of the 
 Lord, whereof the Lord had said, k In Jerusalem 
 shall my name be forever. 
 
 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven 
 fin the two courts of the house of the Lord. 
 
 6 And he '"caused his children to pass through 
 the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom : also 
 "he observed times, and used enchantments, 
 
 a 32:33. 2 Kings 21:1. 1 Chr.3:13. Matt. 1:10. Manatees. b 34:1.2. Ec. 10: 
 16 Is. 3:4,12. c 23:3. 36:14. Lev. 18:24—30. 20:22^23. Dent. 12:31. 18:9— 14. 
 2 Kings 17:11,15.21:2,9. Ezra 9:14. Ps. 106:35— 40. Ez. 11:12. cl Ec. 2:19. 
 9:18.° * Heb. returned and built, e 30:14. 31 :l. 32: 12. 2 Kings 18 4. 21 :3. 
 f 28:2— 4. Judg. 2:11— 13. g Deut. 16:21. 1 Kings 14:23. Jer. 17:2. Ii Dent. 
 4:19.17:3. 2 Kings 23:5,6,11. Jer. 8:2. 19:13. Zeph. 1:5. Acts 7:42. i 15. 
 34:3,4. 2 Kings 21:4,5. Jer. 7. 30. k 6:6. 7:16. 32: 19. Deut. 12:11. 1 Kings 
 8-29. 9:3. 1 '4:9. Jer. 32:34,35. Ez. 8:7—18. m 28:3. Lev. 18:21. 20:2. 
 
 Deut. 12:31. 18:10. 2 Kings 21:6. 23:10. Jer. 7:31,32. Ez. 23:37,39. n Lev. 
 19:26.20:6. Deut. 18:10—14. 1 Sam. 15:23. 2 Kings 17:17. Is. 47:9—12. Gal. 
 
 permitted, under certain restrictions, to assault us. — It is very 
 lawful and proper to employ prudent precautions and means 
 of defence ; and to be united and vigorous in every adviseable 
 measure, when there is a prospect of danger or difficulty : 
 but it is seldom that men attend to these tilings, without con- 
 fiding \n them. We should therefore encourage ourselves 
 and each other, to trust wholly in tile Lord : and if he is for 
 us, there will be more with us than with our foes ; should all 
 the men on earth, and all the le|ions of fallen angels, combine 
 and actually approach to assault us. What need then have 
 we to fear the strongest arm of flesh, when we have the 
 “ Lord our God to help ns, and to fight our battles ?” These 
 are words, that may safely be rested upon, by all who 
 “ repent andfurn to God, and do works meet for repentance.” 
 Yet such a confidence will excite the contempt and reviling 
 of idolaters, infidels, and other proud, ungodly men : those 
 who venture to do their duty, in defiance of the persecuting 
 rage of some powerful king, professing to rely on the Lord of 
 hosts, will he deemed obstinate and infatuated : and in 
 various difficulties, it will be inquired, whether “ they will be 
 persuaded to give themselves over to die by famine and 
 thirst.” The more undaunted any one is, while trusting the 
 Lord in the path of duty, the more will some impious 
 wretches rail, blaspheme, menace, boast, and triumph ; espe- 
 cially when grown insolent by success, and intoxicated with 
 absolute authority. But let the oppressed and insulted 
 believer pray earnestly to the Lord, that he may not be driven 
 from his confidence. In due time it will appear, that “ none 
 ever hardened himself against God and prospered and that 
 none were ever confounded who put their trust in him. For, 
 as the power and justice of God are displayed in the destruc- 
 tion of his enemies ; so, his rich and free mercy are glorified 
 in thfe salvation of his people. 
 
 V. 2-1—33. Alas ! how seldom do we in any good degree 
 render to the Lord according to .his benefits ! None, who 
 know themselves, and watch over their own' hearts, will 
 venture to cast a stone at Hezekiah ; but they will all, one by 
 one, depart convicted in their consciences of similar guilt, and 
 crying out, “ God be merciful tome a sinner!” — If we be not 
 left tcTexpose our foolish and wicked pride before the world, 
 the Lord sees and abhors the risings of it in our hearts, and 
 might justly pour out his wrath upon us: yet, if humbled for 
 this pride of our heart, he will forgive us and continue to bless 
 us. But we ought to watch and pray always, that wc may 
 not “ enter into temptation,” and that God would not leave us 
 to ourselves : we ought to repress every vainglorious 
 thought, and to welcome even afflictions and severe rebukes, 
 and painful conflicts and temptations, when they keep us 
 from being “ exalted above measure.” Blessed be God, death 
 will soon end the believer’s conflict ; then every sin will he 
 abolished, and he may safely he trusted with the most glo- 
 rious exaltation and uninterrupted felicity ; and will no more, 
 to all eternity, be tempted to intercept the least mite of that 
 revenue of praise, which belongs to the God of his salvation. 
 
 While we are here, we ought to honour those to whom 
 honour is due, though they he far from perfect : and we may 
 well respect the memories, and should imitate the example, 
 of those who have been pious and useful in their generation : 
 t SU2 
 
 and used witchcraft, and "dealt with a familia. 
 spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evL 
 in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to 
 anger. 
 
 7 And he set a carved image, the idol which he 
 had made, Pin the house of God, of which iGod 
 had said to David and to Solomon his son, In this 
 house and in Jerusalem, "which I have chosen 
 before all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name 
 for ever : 
 
 8 Neither ‘will I any more remove the foot 
 of Israel from out of the land which I have ap- 
 pointed for your fathers; 'so that they will lake 
 heed “to do all that I have commanded them, ac- 
 cording to the whole law and the statutes and the 
 ordinances "by the hand of Moses. 
 
 9 So Manasseh -’’made Judah and the inhabi 
 tants of Jerusalem to err, and "to do worse than 
 “the heathen, whom the Lord had destroyed be- 
 fore the children of Israel. 
 
 10 And b the Lord spake to Manasseh, and to 
 his people : but they would not hearken. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 11 H Wherefore c the Lord brought upon them 
 d tlie captains of the host r of *the king of Assyria, 
 which took Manasseh { among the thorns, and 
 
 5:20. o 2 Kings 21:6. 23:24. 1 Chr. 10:13. Is. 8:19. 19:3. n 2 Kings 21 :7,9. 
 23:6. q See on 4. 1 Kings 8:29. Ps. 132:13,14. r 6:6. 1 Kings 8:44,18. 
 
 11:13,32. Ps. 78:68. s See on 2 Sam. 7:10. 1 Chr. 17:9. iSeeonl.ll 
 
 —22. Deirt. 28:1— 14.30:15-20. Is. 1:19,20* Ez. 33:25.26. u Deut. 4:40. 5:1, 
 31—33.6:1.8:1.27:25. Luke 1:6. Gal. 3:10— 13. x See on Lev. 8:36. 10:11. 
 y 1 Kings 14:16. 15:26. 2 Kings 21 :16. 23:26. 24 3,4. Pro*. 29:12. Mic. 6:16. 
 z See on 2. 2 Kings 21 :9 — 11. Ez. 16:45— 47. a Lev. 18.24. Deut. 2.21. Josh. 
 24:8. 2 Kings 17:8— II. b 36:15,16. Nell. 9:29,30. Jer. 2.5:4— 7. 44:4,5. Zech. 
 1:4. Acts 7:51,52. c Deut. 28:36. d Is. 10:8. 36:9. | Heb. which were the 
 
 king's, e Neh. 9:32,37. Is. 5:25—30. 7:18—20. f 1 Sam. 13:6. 
 
 for, a short time may perhaps awfully convince survivors, that 
 the loss of them was far greater, than at first could be at al) 
 supposed. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIII. V. 1— 5. (Notes, 2 Kings 
 21:1 — 5.) Perhaps Hezekiah named his son Manasseh from 
 the circumstance, that many of the tribe of Manasseh had 
 come at his invitation, to attend the passover. (Note, 30:1 1.) 
 
 V. 6 — 8. Manasseh ‘seems lo have studied to find out 
 what God had forbidden in his law, that lie might practise it.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 2 Kings 21:6 — 8.) — A carved image, 
 the idol, he. (7) “ A graven image of the grove,” 2 Kings 
 
 21:7. 
 
 V. 9, 10. (Notes, 2 Kings 21:9,10.) 4 A most prodigious 
 change from the height of piety in his father’s t ime, into the 
 sink of impiety in this! ... Victorinus Strigelius, ...pro- 
 fessor of theology at Heidelberg, lefi this remark in his lec- 
 tures on this place, near a hundred and forty years ago:’ 
 (that is, soon after the establishment of the reformation in 
 Germany:) — “Now we have the word of God abundantly in 
 all wisdom, and pious princes patronise both those that 
 preach, and those that learn the gospel. But this plenty of 
 the word we now enjoy, (I tremble to speak it, but I must 
 speak it, because it will come to pass,) shall be taken away 
 and that sad mournful time will come, when the public assem- 
 blies of the church shall be scattered, and a few pious souls 
 shall meet with fear in a corner, to communicate among 
 themselves the fragments of the heavenly doctrine, and give 
 God thanks for these remainders.’ Which we have seen 
 fulfilled in that country, and in France, and other places.’ 
 B P . Patrick. — This apparent prophecy seems to hove been 
 merely a presage grounded on the vicissitudes of things, 
 especially in respect of religion, and the tendency of pros- 
 perity to induce carnal security. 
 
 V. 11. There is not the least intimation, in the Second 
 Book of Kings, either of Manasseh’s captivity, or of his re- 
 pentance: and it might have been concluded from the narra- 
 tive there given, that he persevered in his career of impiety 
 and iniquity, with impunity, till his death. Here, however, 
 we find a most instructive view of his latter years; and this 
 very man became as eminent an instance of the power, 
 riches, and freeness of divine mercy and grace, as any re- 
 corded in the Scripture. — When he and his people had long 
 disregarded the admonitions of the prophets, and added per- 
 secutions, and multiplied murders, to their other crimes; 
 (9,10. Notes, 2 Kings 21:16. 23:26,27.) “the Lord brought 
 upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria.” 
 We are not informed what devastations these invaders made 
 in Judah and Jerusalem: hut Manasseh, being either van- 
 quished or intimidated, attempted to conceal himself in a 
 thicket; where, being discovered, he was taken prisoner, 
 loaded with fetters, and sent to Babylon. God, in his provi- 
 dence, gave the Assyrians the power and opportunity of 
 making this invasion, and he left them to follow their own 
 ambition, or other worldly motives; and he also gave them 
 success, in order to chastise Manassoh’s enormous wicked- 
 ness. — Many suppose, that Esar-haddon, having got posses- 
 sion of Babylon, and entirely changed the inhabitants of the 
 kingdom of Israel, about the same time sent to invade Judah. 
 
B. C. 660. CHAPTER XXXIII. B. C. 611 
 
 •bound him with ’fetters, and carried him to Ba- 
 bylon. 
 
 12 And h when lie was in affliction, ‘he besought 
 ‘the Loud bis God, 'and bumbled himself greatly 
 before the God of bis fathers, 
 
 13 And prayed unto him: and m he was en- 
 treated of him, an.d beard his supplication, and 
 “brought him again to Jerusalem into bis king- 
 dom. Then Manasseh “knew that the Lord he 
 was God. 
 
 14 Now after this, Phe built a wall without the 
 city of David, on the west side of 'iGibon, in the 
 valley, even to the entering in at ‘the fish-gate, 
 and compassed about 'Ophel, and raised it up a 
 very great height, and 'put captains of war in all 
 the fenced cities of Judah. 
 
 15 And ‘he took away the strange gods, and the 
 idol out of the house of the Lord, and all the 
 altars that he had built in the mount of the house 
 of the Lord, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out 
 of the city. 
 
 16 And he “repaired the altar of the Lord, and 
 sacrificed thereon T peace-offerings and “thank- 
 offerings, and ^commanded Judah to serve the 
 Lord God of Israel. 
 
 17 Nevertheless, z the people did sacrifice still 
 fn the high places, yet unto the Lord their God 
 only. 
 
 18 IF Now “the rest of the acts of Manasseh, 
 
 1 2 Kings 83:33. 35:6. Job 36:8—11. Ps. 107:10—12. • Or, chains, h 28:22. Lev. 
 26:39—42. Dent. 4:30,31. Jer. 31:18— 20. Hos. 5:15. Mic.6:9. Luke 15:16— 18. 
 i 18,19. Ps. 50:15. Acts 9:11. k Nee on 28:5. 119,23.32:26. Ex. 10:3. Luke 
 18:14,15. Jam. 4:10. 1 Pel. 5:5,6. m Ezra 8:23. Job 22:23,27. 33:16— 30.- Ps. 
 32:3— 5. 36:5. Is. 55:6— 9. Jer. 29:12,13. Matt. 7:7,8. Luke 23:42,43. John 4: 
 10. n Ezra 7:27. Prov. 16:7. 21 : 1. Matt. 6:33. o Detit. ‘29:6. Ps. 46:10. Jer. 
 24:7. Dan. 4:34,35. John 17:3. Heb.8:ll. \) 32:5. q 32:30. 1 Kings 1:33,45. 
 r Neh. 3:3. 12:33. Zeph. 1:10. 1 Or, the tower. 27:3. Nell. 3:26,27. s 11:11, 
 
 12.17:19. iSee nn'S — 7. 2 Kings 21:7. Is. 2:17— 21. Ez. 18:20— 22. Hos. 14: 
 1—3. Matt. 3:8. u 29:18. 1 Kings 18:30. v Lev. 3:1, &c. x Lev. 7:12— 18. 
 
 and carried Manasseh captive to Babylon, in the twenty- 
 second year of his reign. But the Scripture does not men- 
 tion the date of this event, nor the name of the Assyrian 
 king : and from the scriptural description of Manasseh’s 
 reign, as exceedingly wicked, it seems highly improbable, 
 that he lived above thirty years after his repentance and 
 reformation, as upon this supposition he must have done. 
 
 * This was three and thirty years before his death, as the 
 Jews make account. ... But both Kimchi and Abarbinel 
 confess, that this relies upon a weak foundation ; as doth the 
 other thing that he was carried away in the twenly-second 
 year of Ins reign.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12, 13. When Manasseh was deprived of his authority 
 and liberty, and secluded from his evil counsellors and com- 
 panions, and from all his pleasures ; in chains, and in a 
 prison ; without any other prospect than of ending his days 
 in that wretched situation; he had leisure to reflect on what 
 had passed. He woulcHhen, no doubt, recollect the honour, 
 prosperity, and great, deliverances, with which his father had 
 been favoured ; his own good education, with the instructions 
 and warnings of the prophets ; and his atrocious, multiplied, 
 and daring crimes: and he would remember that his miseries 
 had been foretold by his faithful monitors. Tnus, by the 
 special grace of God, his solitude and affliction brought him 
 to view his own conduct and character in another light than 
 he had done before ; and he began to pray for mercy and 
 deliverance, “humbling himself greatly before the God of his 
 fathers.” (Note, Puke 15:17 — 19.) He confessed his sins, 
 condemned himself, anti was covered with shame before God, 
 abhorring his crimes, and loathing himself for them, as guilty 
 of most aggravated ingratitude, impiety, and iniquity; yet 
 still hoping to be pardoned, through the abundant mercy of 
 the Lord, who had always, in the days of his ancestors, 
 shown himself ready to forgive repenting rebels. These 
 humble supplications the Lord graciously accepted: and he 
 inclined the king of Assyria to liberate his prisoner, and to 
 reinstate him in his authority. “ Then Manasseh knew that 
 the Lord he was God,” alone able to punish, or to deliver: 
 he likewise became acquainted with him as a God of salva- 
 tion ; and learned to fear, trust, love, and obey him. (Note, 
 1 Chr. 28:9.) 
 
 V. 14. Marg. Ref. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. It is evident that Manasseh, on his return 
 from Babylon, entirely renounced all idolatry ; and set him- 
 self to suppress it in his kingdom, to revive the worship of 
 God at the temple, and by his example and authority to pre- 
 vail with the people to attend on it. These were “fruits 
 meet for repentance.” — It has indeed been asserted, that his 
 public reformation was very imperfect, and that he did not 
 show the zeal and vigour, which a true penitent ought to 
 have done. It does not however, appear, from this short 
 account, that he was remarkably deficient. He would have 
 done better, if he had demolished the idols, instead of cast- 
 ing them out of the city. But he totally suppressed all open 
 
 and b his prayer unto his God, and the words of 
 “the seers that spake to him in the name of the 
 Lord God of Israel, behold, they are written ‘ * i r i 
 the book of the Kings of Israel. 
 
 19 e His prayer also, and how God was en 
 treated of him, and fall his sin, and his trespass 
 and the places wherein he built high places, ane 
 set lip groves and graven images, ^before lie was 
 humbled: behold, they are written among the 
 sayings of ffhe seers. 
 
 20 11 So h Manasseh slept with his fathers, rn.c 
 and they buried him in his own house: and L 6J3 - 
 'Amon his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 21 11 Amon was two and twenty years old whet 
 he began to reign, and reigned ffwo years in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 22 But he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord, k as did Manasseh his father : lor 
 Amon sacrificed unto all the carved images which 
 Manasseh his father had made, and served them; 
 
 23 And 'humbled not himself before the Lord, 
 as Manasseh his father had humbled himself; but 
 Amon Hrespassed more and more. 
 
 24 And m his servants conspired against him, 
 and slew him in his own house. 
 
 25 IF But the people of the land “slew all them 
 that had conspired against king Amon ; and “the 
 people of the land made pJosiah his son king in 
 nis stead. 
 
 y 9. 14:4. See on SO. 12. Gen. 18:19. Luke 22:32. z 15:17. 32:12. lKing B 22' 
 43. 2 Kings 15:4. a 20:34. 32:32. See on 1 Kings 11:41. b See on 12,13.19. 
 c 10. 1 Sam. 9:9. 2 Kings 17:13. Is. 29:10. 30:10. Am. 7:12. Mic.3:7. d See 
 on 1 Kings 14:19. 15-31. e 11,12,19. Prov. 15:8. Acts 9:11. f See an 1—10. 
 g See on 12. 30: II. 36:12. Jer. 44:10. Dan. 5:22. J Or , Hosai. h See on 32 
 33. 2 Kings 21:18. i 2 Kings 21: 19— 25. lChr.3:14. Matt. 1:10. J 1. I.nke 
 12:19,20. Jam. 4:13— 15. k See o?i 1— 10. 2 Kings 21:1—1 1,20. Ez. 20:18. 
 
 1 See on 1 ,12,19. Jer. 8:12. § Heb. multiplied trespass. 28:22. 2 Tim. 3:13. 
 
 m 24:25,26. 25:27,28. 2 Sam. 4:5— 12. 2 Kings 21 ;23— 26. Ps. 55:23. Rom. 11: 
 22. n Gen. 9:5,6. Num. 35:31,33. o 26:1.36:1. p See on 34:1. 
 
 idolatry: and it might arise from other causes than Manas- 
 seh’s want of zeal, that the high places were not removed. 
 The inveterate habits of the people ; the powerful opposition 
 of that party, which had concurred in his former idolatries, 
 and of the nation in general ; and the weakness of his 
 authority, through ill success, and the power of the Assyrian 
 monarch ; would occasion obstacles, which he might not be 
 able to overcome. (Notes, 14:2 — 5. 17:6. 20:31 — 34, v. 33. 
 
 1 Kings 15:14.) But there is not the most remote intimation, 
 that God did not accept his endeavours. Yet the opposition 
 or hypocrisy of the people, who had readily concurred in his 
 iniquities, but refused to imitate his repentance, prevented it 
 from being a national blessing, as his crimes had formed and 
 occasioned a load of national sin, “which the Lord would 
 not pardon.” (Notes, 2 Kings 23:26,27. Jer. 15:2 — 4.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. The repeated mention of Manasseh’s prayer, 
 u and how God was entreated of him,” and of his being 
 humbled, are well worthy of our notice. This humble, sup 
 plicating frame of mind forms, as it were, a crisis in the sin- 
 ner’s case ; and from the moment that he is brought into it, 
 he enters upon a new state, and commences a new life, 
 however wicked he before has been. (Marg. Ref.) The 
 prayer, contained in the Apocrypha, and ascribed to Ma- 
 nasseh, probably' was composed long after: but no doubt he 
 prayed continually and fervently, for all the blessings and 
 mercies which so atrocious a sinner needed ; and with par- 
 ticular confessions of his sins, and with all that unstudied 
 copiousness, which a burdened conscience, a broken heart, 
 trembling fears, wavering hopes, and fervent desires, will 
 invariably dictate. (Notes, Job 33:19 — 30. Acts 9:10 — 14, v. 
 11.) ‘As if he had said, How he continued to pray till God 
 was entreated of him? Bp. Patrick. — Instead of “ the seers,” 
 (19) the marginal reading is Hosai , and some suppose it to 
 have been the name of a prophet in those dayg. 
 
 V. 20. Note, 2 Kings 21:18. 
 
 V. 21 — 25. (Note, 2 Kings 21:20 — 24.) As soon as 
 Manasseh was dead, Amon re-established all his faihor’s 
 idolatries ; either bringing back those, images which had been 
 thrown aside, or forming others of the same kind. Perhaps 
 he flattered himself, that he too should live many years ; and 
 should repent in his old age, if that were necessary, and so 
 at last be saved, as his father was supposed to have been. 
 But whatever warnings or convictions he had, he never 
 “humbled himself” in true repentance; but “.respassed 
 more and more.” Or, “this Amon multiplied trespass.” 
 (Marg.) He was therefore soon cut off in his sins, and 
 made an example of just Severity; and placed as a beacon, 
 to warn all men not to draw perverse conclusions from the 
 example of the Lord’s patience and mercy to Manasseh, and 
 thus encourage themselves in impenitent wickedness. (Notes, 
 Dan. 5:18—24. P. O. 18— 31. Luke 23:39— 43.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. It would be extremely distressing to pioua 
 parents, magistrates or ministers, if they could foresee the 
 ( 803 ) 
 
B. C. 641 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 6S0 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 Jonah reigns well, and destroys idolatry both in Judah anti Israel. 1—7. He 
 provides for the repair of the temple, 8 — 13. Hillciah finds the book of the 
 l/iw, and reruls it before the king ; who is greatly alarmed, and sends to in- 
 quire of God by the -prophetess Huldah, 11 — 22. Huldah predicts the de- 
 struction of Jerusalem, but not till after JosiaJi's death, 23—28. He causes 
 Out law to be read in a solemn assembly . and renews the covenant between 
 God and the people , 29 — 33. 
 
 * T OSI AH was b eight years old when he began to 
 J reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and 
 thirty years. 
 
 2 And he did that which was 'right in the sight 
 of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David 
 u. c.-j his father, and d declined neither to the right 
 63 '- J hand nor to the left. 
 
 3 H For in the eighth year of his reien, 'while he 
 was yet young, he began f to seek after the God of 
 David his father : and in the twelfth year she be- 
 
 a 33:25. 1 Kings 13:2. 2 King» 22:1. 1 Chr. 3:14,15. Jer. 1:2. Zeph. 1:1. Malt. 
 1:10.11. /owns, b 24:1 . 26: 1 . 33: 1 . 1 Sam. 2:13,26. I Kings 3:7— 9. Ec.4:13. 
 c 14:2.17:3.29:2. 1 Kings 14:8. 15:5. 2 Kings 22:2. d Dent. 5:32. Josh . 1:7. 
 23:6. Prov. 4:27. e 1 Chr. 22:5. 29:1. Ps. 119:9. Ec. 12: 1 . 2 Tim. 3: 15. f See 
 on 1 Chr. 28:9. Prov. 8: 17. Matt. 6:33. g See on 33:17,22. 2 Kings 23:4,14. 
 h 30:14. See on 2 Kings 18:4. i 33:3. Ex. 23:24. Lev. 26:30. Deut.7:5,25. * Or, 
 
 consequences of their removal, in the conduct of their 
 children or people, and in the subversion of their most im- 
 portant regulations. Yet good instructions and examples 
 may remain, like seed under the ground, for a long time 
 unperceived, and yet at length spring up and bring forth 
 much fruit. Without disquieting ourselves about futurity, 
 we may therefore cheerfully commit our families, and our 
 endeavours to do good, as well as our souls and bodies, into 
 the hand of God, assured that our labours will not prove 
 wholly ineffectual. (Ps. 90:17- Note , Ec. 9:1 — 3.) — The 
 tendency of human nature to evil is so strong, that no- 
 thing but divine grace can give it a contrary bias: and when 
 that power is in any degree suspended or withheld, men 
 return to evil, as a stone falls downwards ; and run, with 
 rapid and accelerated motion, continually further and further 
 into transgression. But the Lord notices both the number, 
 the variety, and the aggravations of our offences: and mer- 
 cies and opportunities ungratefully abused, the truth held in 
 unrighteousness, the seduction or compulsion of others to sin, 
 warnings slighted or despised, and mischief extensively com- 
 mitted, add exceedingly to the heinousness of men’s offences. 
 (Note, Luke 7:40 — 43.) Yet, “where sin hath abounded, 
 grace hath often much more abounded:” (Note, Rom . 5:20, 
 21.) and some of every description of sinners shall be brought 
 to repentance and salvation, to prove that u with God nothing 
 is impossible.” 
 
 V. 11 — 25. When the objects of the Lord’s special love 
 disregard the rebukes of his word, he will let them feel his 
 chastening rod : and they may truly say, u Before I was 
 afflicted, I went astray ; but now have I kept thy word.” 
 Adversity, solitude, and sequestration from gay companions, 
 and scenes of business, pleasure, and dissipation, connected 
 with present sufferings and the prospect of death and eternity, 
 cause many to reflect, who in prosperity were careless and 
 presumptuous. The effects of a pious education, or of solid 
 religious instructions, often show themselves in affliction: 
 the troubles themselves verify the warnings of pious relatives 
 or teachers ; and worse things arise before the mind, as the 
 dreaded consequence of continuing in sin. Yet all this would 
 not have an abiding effect, if afflictions were not a 4 means of 
 grace,’ which God himself uses and blesses, as evidently, as 
 he does those which he commands us to employ for ourselves 
 and for each other. When men are left to themselves, 44 in 
 their distress they trespass yet more against the Lord.” But 
 when he gives the blessing, the hardest, stoutest, and proudest 
 heart softens, and becomes broken and contrite. His hand 
 should therefore be noticed in all our afflictions; and our 
 prayers presented that they may be sanctified and converted 
 into blessings to our souls. — Those, who have been most 
 daring in rebellion against God, are sometimes the most 
 cowardly, when assaulted by their fellow-creatures. 44 In 
 the fear of the Lord, there is strong confidence:” but guilt 
 appals the sinner, and his courage fails him in the hour of 
 danger. There is, however, no possibility of fleeing or 
 hiding ourselves from God: our only hope consists in hum- 
 bling ourselves before him ; and if our distresses and perils 
 induce us to this, they will prove the most effectual means 
 of promoting our felicity. — 44 The Lord is rich in mercy; 
 with him there is plenteous redemption;” and he so delights 
 in pardoning and saving transgressors, that he permits the 
 vilest to come to his throne of grace. Wherever there is a 
 sinner of wliom it can truly be said, 44 Behold he prayeth,” 
 there will the Lord be found a God that heareth prayer. 
 There is indeed immense difficulty in bringing the wicked 
 thus to seek the Lord ; but none in prevailing with him, to 
 hear and forgive the returning penitent who calls upon him 
 in truth. (Notes, Is. 55:6 — 9.) He often answers the mere 
 cry of distress with temporal deliverances ; while relapses 
 into former crimes, and perseverance in them, prove that the 
 supplicants were never truly humbled or penitent. But 
 when a sinner in his affliction beseeches the Lord, and 
 41 humbles himself greatly before him;” when ho condemns 
 himself, ingenuously confesses his sins, and is covered with 
 ( 804 ) 
 
 gan to purge Judah and Jerusalem from r b c. 
 h the high places, and the groves, and the L eso- 
 carved images, and the molten images. 
 
 4 And they 'brake down the altars ol'Baalim in his 
 presence ; and the 'images, that were on high above 
 them, he cut down ; and the groves, and the carved 
 images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, 
 and k made dust of them, and strowed it upon the 
 'graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. 
 
 5 And 'he burnt the bones of the priests upon 
 their altars, and "cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 
 
 6 And so did he "in the cities of Manasseh, and 
 Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with 
 their 'mattocks round about. 
 
 7 And when he fiad broken down the altars 
 and the groves, and had “beaten the graven images 
 
 sun-images. 14-.5. 2 Kings 23:4,5,11. k 7. Ex. 32:20. Deut. 9:21. 2 Kings 23: 
 12. Ps. 18.42. Is. 27:9. 1 lleb. face of the graves. 2 Kings lu26, 27. 23:4,6. 
 
 1 1 Kings 13:2. 2 Kings 23: 16. Jer. 8:1,2. m 7. Num. 35:33. Jcr 3; 10. 4:14. 
 Ez. 22:24. n 30:1, 10, 11. 31:1. 2 Kings 23:15— 20. 1 Or .mauls. 1 Sara. 13:20, 
 21. Prov. 25:18. Is. 7:25. o See on h. Deul. 9:2l. 
 
 shame, and melted into godly sorrow : when he renounces 
 all hope but in undeserved mercy, and every plea but in the 
 Redeemer’s name, and seeks forgiveness and salvation before 
 all other things ; he will assuredly find access and accept- 
 ance: and his future life will evince, that his repentance, 
 faith, and love, have united in bringing him to hate and 
 renounce all his sins, and to 44 walk henceforth in newness of 
 life.” If it were possible he would undo his former wicked 
 works, and lead into the ways of truth and peace all those 
 whom he had before seduced into the paths of sin and ruin : 
 if his former life has been profane or immoral, his future con- 
 duct vvill appear a perfect contrast to it ; and he will make 
 an entirely contrary use of his wealth, abilities, or influence, 
 after 44 he is humbled” and has begun to pray, to what he did 
 before. (Comp. 3 — 5,9. with 15,16.) Sincere piety, and 
 love to the truths, ordinances, and commandments of God, 
 will be manifest in his subsequent conduct ; and he will desire 
 and aim at more than he can accomplish, both in serving God 
 nimself, and in attempting to prevail with others to do the 
 same. The blood of Christ cleanses such penitents from all 
 sin: their afflictions will either be sanctified and counter- 
 balanced with comfort, or removed ; in due time the Lord 
 will extricate them from all the difficulties, in which their 
 former sins had involved them ; and he will be greatly glorified 
 in their repentance, future conduct, and eternal salvation. 
 Let dinners then be willing to know the worst of their case ; 
 for it is by no means desperate: let them consider all their 
 pains and sorrows as so many calls to humble themselves 
 before God, to call upon him, and to 44 acquaint themselves 
 with him, that they may be at peace.” And let not the hearts 
 of those, who are thus seeking him, yield to discouragement ; 
 but let them humble themselves yet more and more, and 
 44 pray always and not faint.” — Let pardoned sinners exert 
 themselves to evidence their gratitude, and to glorify the 
 God of their salvation ; and let them walk humbly before 
 him, and hope, pray for, and endeavour the conversion of 
 their fellow-sinners, not excepting the very worst: 44 for the 
 things which are impossible with man, are possible with 
 God.” — But, on the other hand, let those, who take encou- 
 ragement from the gospel presumptuously to expect salvation, 
 without repentance and newness of life, read in Manasseh’s 
 deep humiliation, earnest prayers, and consequent newness 
 of life, their own fatal and horrible delusion, who practically 
 say, 41 Let us sin on, that grace may abound.” Let those 
 who trifle and procrastinate, because a merciful God has long 
 borne with a few most notorious rebels, and at length granted 
 them repentance and forgiveness of sins, meditate upon the 
 example of Amon ; and tremble, lest he should make them 
 monuments of his righteous vengeance. — But indeed we have 
 all sinned : let us all then inquire seriously, whether we have 
 been and are deeply humbled, or not: and whether we arc 
 pouring out our prayers before the mercy-seat of a forgiving 
 God, day by day, in this self-abased frame of mind: whether 
 we have experienced a change in our judgment, disposition, 
 aim, and general conduct ; or whether we still continue un- 
 humbled, impenitent, 44 trespassing still more and more,” and 
 imitating the wickedness, and only the wickedness, of those 
 who are gone before us. The two characters are easily 
 distinguished; and they comprise all mankind, and distinguish 
 between those who are now in the broad road to destruction, 
 and those who are in the narrow way of eternal life. May 
 God help us to be honest to ourselves, and to form a just con- 
 clusion concerning our own characters, before death, (which 
 probably may come much sooner than we expect,) fixes us 
 for ever in an unchangeable state ! 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXIV. V. 1, 2. Note, 2 Kings 
 22 : 1 , 2 . 
 
 V. 3 — 7. This passage seems a compendious account 
 of Josiah’s reformation, perhaps without much respect to the 
 order of time. He began seriously to attenu to religious sub- 
 jects, in the eighth year of his reign. 4 He gavo very early 
 proofs of his pious inclinations ; for when he was but sixteen 
 years old, and had newly taken on him the administration of 
 
B. C. 624 , 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 B. C. 624. 
 
 ’into powder, and cut down all the idols through- 
 out all the land of Israel, >’he returned to Jeru- 
 salem. 
 
 d. c.-i 8 H Now in ithe eighteenth year of his 
 J reign, when he had purged the land, and 
 the house, he r sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, 
 and 'Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joali 
 the son of Joahaz the ‘recorder, to repair the 
 house of the Lord his God. 
 
 9 And when they came to "Hilkiah the high- 
 , priest, 'they delivered the money that wars brought 
 
 into the house of God, which the Levites that 
 kept the doors had gathered of the hand of ?Ma- 
 nasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of 
 Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and 'they 
 returned to Jerusalem. 
 
 10 And they put it “in the hand of the work- 
 men that had the oversight of the house of the 
 Lord, and they gave it to the workmen that 
 wrought in the house of the Lord, to repair and 
 mend the house : 
 
 11 Even to the artificers and builders gave 
 they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for cou- 
 plings, and to “floor the houses which b the kings 
 of Judah had destroyed. 
 
 12 And the men did the work “faithfully : and 
 the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, 
 the Levites, of the sons of Merari ; and Zechariah 
 and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to 
 set it forward ; and other of the Levites, d all that 
 could skill of instruments of music. 
 
 13 Also they were over 'the bearers of burdens, 
 and were overseers of all that wrought the work 
 in any manner of service : and of the Levites 
 there were f scribes, and ^officers, and h porters. 
 
 14 If And when they brought out the money 
 that was brought into the house of the Lord, 
 'Hilkiah the priest found a book of k the law of 
 the Lord given by *Moses. 
 
 15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan 
 the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the 
 house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the 
 book to Shaphan. 
 
 16 And ‘Shaphan carried the book to the king, 
 and brought the king word back again, saying, 
 All that was committed to Hhy servants, they 
 do it. 
 
 17 And m they have “gathered together the 
 money that was found in the house of the Lord, 
 and have delivered it into the hand of the over- 
 seers, and to the hand of the workmen. 
 
 18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, 
 saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given 'me a book. 
 n And Shaphan read “fit before the king. 
 
 • Heb. to make powder, p 31:1. q Jer. 1:2,3. r 2 Kings 22:3,12,14. Jer. 26:24. 
 29:3.36:10.39:14.40:11. Ez. 8:11. s Jer. 21 :1. 29:21 ,25. 37:3. t2Sam.8:16. 
 20:24. 1 Chr. 18:15. u 14,15.18,20,22. 2 Kings 22:4. 23:4. x See on 24:11-14. 
 2 Kings 22:5 — 7. Phil. 4:8. y 30:10,18. 31:1. z 7. a 2 Kings 12:11 ,12,14. 22: 
 5,6. Ezra 3:7. f Or, rafter. b See on 33:4— 7,22. c 2 Kings 12:15. 22:7. 
 Neh. 7:2. Prov. 28:20. 1 Cor. 4:2. d i Chr. 6:31, &c. 15:16—22. 16:4,5,41,42. 
 23:5.25:1, &c. e 2:18. 8:10. Neh. 4:10. f Ezra 7:6. Jer. 8:8. Matt. 26:3. 
 g 19:11. 1 Chr. 23:4. 26:29,30. h 8:14. 1 Chr. 9:17. 15:18. 16:38,42. 26:1, &c. 
 Ezra 7:7. i See on 2 Kings 22:8.— Deut. 31 :24— 26. k 12:1.31:4.35:26. Ezra 
 7:10. Ps. 1:2. Is. 5:24. 30:9. Jer. 8:8. Luke2:39. % Heb . the hand of Moses . 
 
 Lev. 8:36. 10:11. 26:46. 1 See on 2 Kiogs 22:9,10. § Heb. the hand of thy. 
 
 m SeeonS — 10. || Heb. poured out, or, melted, n Deut. 17:19. Josh. 1:8. Ps. 
 119:46,97—99. Jer. 36:20,21 . IT Heb. in it. o Rom. 3:20. 7:7— 1 1 . Gal. 2:19. 
 8:10—13. p 2 Kings 19:1. 22:11,19. Jer. 36:22— 24. Joe! *13. q 2 Kings 2-5:22. 
 Jer. 26.24. 40:6,9,14. r 2 Kings 22:12. Achbor. Jer.26:22. s 2 Kings 22:12. 
 
 affairs, he began to worship God publicly, and propounded 
 David unto himself for his pattern. When he was twenty 
 years old, he began to bring others to the true religion, by 
 reforming abuses in the worship of God. 1 Bp. Patrick.— 
 Something was attempted in the twelfth year; (which was 
 oefore Jeremiah began to prophesy ;) but probably not much 
 was effected till the eighteenth. [Notes, 2 Kings 22:3 — 7. 
 23:4 — 23. Jer. 1:1 — 3.) Yet the land was purged from its 
 grosser abominations, before the repairing of the temple : but 
 ttis uncertain whether this extended to the land of Israel, or 
 whether that be spoken of by anticipation : but it is plain 
 that Josiah had authority over the country of the ten tribes, 
 and the inhabitants of them. 
 
 Y. 8 — 13. ‘When he was twenty-six years old he pro- 
 ceeded further, having disposed the people to offer freely 
 toward the reparation of the hohse of God. 1 Bp. Patrick. 
 (Notes, 2 Kings 12:4 — 16. 22:3 — 7.) They returned, & c. 
 (9) These Levites seem to have gone through the land, 
 soliciting contributions for repairing the temple, even from 
 “the remnant of Israel;” and they returned to Jerusalem 
 when they had completed that business. — The temple began 
 
 19 And it came to pass, when the king hat? 
 heard “the words of the law, i 1 that he rent hip 
 clothes. 
 
 20 And the king commanded Hilkiah. and 
 ‘‘Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and r Ahdon the 
 son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and 
 ‘Asaiah a servant of the king’s, saying, 
 
 21 Go, ‘inquire of the Lortb for me, and for 
 them "that are left in Israel and in Judah, con- 
 cerning the words of the book that is found : 'for 
 great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured 
 out upon us, because our fathers have not kept 
 the word of the Lord, to do after all that is 
 written in this book. 
 
 22 And Hilkiah, and they that the king haa 
 appointed, went to Huldah rthe prophetess, the 
 wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of 
 'Hasrah, keeper of the "wardrobe, (now she 
 dwelt in Jerusalem in the tt C ollege ;) and they 
 spake to her to that effect. 
 
 23 And she answered them, Thus saith the 
 Lord God of Israel, a Tell ye the man that sent 
 you to me, 
 
 24 Thus saith the Lord, Behold, b I will bring 
 evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants 
 thereof, even “all the curses that are written in 
 the book, which they have read before the king of 
 Judah : 
 
 25 Because d they have forsaken me, and have 
 burned incense unto other gods, that they might 
 
 rovoke me to anger with all the works of their 
 ands; therefore 'my wrath shall be poured out 
 upon this place, and f shall not be quenched. 
 
 26 And eas for the king of Judah, who sent 
 you to inquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto 
 him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, concern- 
 ing the words which thou hast heard ; 
 
 27 Because ‘‘thine heart was tender, and thou 
 didst ‘humble thyself before God, when thou 
 heardest his words against this place, and against 
 the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself 
 before me, and k didst rend thy clothes, and weep 
 before me ; I have even heard thee also, saith the 
 Lord. 
 
 28 Behold ‘I will gather thee to thy fathers, 
 and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave m in 
 peace, "neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that 
 I will bring upon this place, and upon the inha- 
 bitants of the same. So they brought the king 
 word again. 
 
 29 H Then °the king sent, and rgathered 
 together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 
 
 30 And the king went up into the house of the 
 Lord, and all the men of Judah, and the inha- 
 
 Asohiah. t Ex. 18:15. 1 Sam. 9:9. 1 Kings 22:5 — 7. Jer. 21:2. Ez. 14:1, Ac 
 20:1—7. u 28:6.33:11. 2 Kings 17:6,7.22:13. Is. 37:2—4. Jer. 42 2. xLev. 
 26:14, &c. Dent. 28:15, &c. 29: 18— 28. 30:17— 19. 31:16—18. 32:15 — 25. Rom. 4: 
 15. y F.x. 15:20. Judg. 4:4. Luke 1:41 — 45.2:36. Acts 21:9. 7 See on 2 King* 
 22:14. Harhcr*. ** Heb .garments, tt Dr, school, or, second part . a See on 
 2 Kings 22:15—20. Jer. 21 :3— 7. 37:7— 10. 1)36:14—20. Josh. 23: 16. 2 Kino 
 
 21:12.23:26.27. Is. 5:4— 6. Jer. 6: 19. 19:3.15. 35: 17. 36:31 . c See on 21. <1 SU 
 on 12:2. 15:2.33:3— 9. 2 Kings 24.3,4. Is. 2:9.9. Jer. 15: 1 — 4. e Is. 42.25. 
 Jer. 7:20. Lam. 2:4. 4:11. Nah. 1:6. Rev. 14:10,11. f 2 Kings 22:17. See on 
 Jer. 4:4. 7:20. Ez. 20:48. Mark 9-43-49. g 21,23. h Sec on 2 Kings 22:18,19. 
 Ps. 34:18. 51:17. Is. 57:15. 66:2. Ez. 9:4. 36:26. i See on 32:26. 33: 12,19. Jam. 
 4:6—10. k See on 19. Jer. 36:23.24. 1 35:24. See on 2 Kings 22:20. Is. 57:1 .2. 
 Jer. 15:1. Ez. 14:14— 21. mPs. 37:37. n 1 Kings 21:29. 2 Kings 20:19. Is. 
 
 39:8. o 1 Sam. 12:23. 1 Chr. 29:2, kc. Mark 14:8. p 30:2. 2 Kings 23:1—3. 
 
 to go to decay during the idolatries of Manasseh : and the 
 wicked reign of Amon, and the long minority of Josiah, ren- 
 dered it much in need of a thorough repair. 
 
 All that could skill, &c. (12) It seems, that the Levites, 
 who attended by courses, in the intervals of their proper 
 work, assisted by turns in superintending the workmen ; nor 
 were those excepted who were employed in psalmody: thus 
 they became doubly useful, and saved the expense of other 
 overseers. (Notes, 1 Chr. 23:2 — 6.) 
 
 V. 14 — 19. (Note, 2 Kings 22:8 — 11.) ‘Both priests and 
 people omitting the reading of the law, both publicly and 
 privately, (for the public omission caused a private neglect,) 
 no wonder, that upon finding the book of the law, and hear- 
 ing it read, they were startled at it, as if one were risen frotr 
 the dead. 1 Capellus in Bp Patrick. (Notes, i7'7 — 9. Deut 
 17:18. 31:10—13. Josh. 1:8. 8:30—35.) 
 
 V. 20— 28. A T otes, 2 Kings 22:12— 20. Jer. 3:6—11.— 
 All the curses, &c. (24) This confirms the opinion, that the 
 twenty-seventh, and following chapters of Deuteronomy 
 were first read to Josiah. 
 
 V. 29—32. Notes, 2 Kings 23:1—3 —Read, & c. (30 
 ( 805 ) 
 
B. C. 623, 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 623. 
 
 bitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the 
 Levit.es, and all the people, ‘great and small : and 
 ■the read in their ears all the words of r the book 
 of the covenant that was lound in the house of 
 the Lord. 
 
 31 And the king stood 'in his place, and ‘made 
 a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the 
 Lord, and to keep* his commandments, and his 
 testimonies, and his statutes, “with all his heart, 
 and with all his soul, o perform the words of 
 the covenant which are written in this book. 
 
 32 And “he caused all that were 'present in 
 Jerusalem and Beniamin to stand to it. And 
 the inhabitants of Jerusalem ?did according to 
 the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 
 
 33 And Josiah Hook away all “the abomina- 
 tions out of all the countries that pertained to 
 the children of Israel, and made all that were 
 present in Israel, to serve, even to serve the Lord 
 their God. And. b all his days they departed not 
 'from following the Lord, the God of their 
 fathers. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Josiah causes a solemn passover to be celebrated , 1 — 19. He is slain in battle 
 against Pharaoh-necho , 20 — 24. Great lamentations are made Jot him , 25. 
 His acts and goodness, 26, 27. 
 
 M OREOVER "Josiah kept a passover unto 
 the Lord in Jerusalem : and they killed the 
 passover on “the fourteenth day of the first month. 
 
 2 And he set the priests in their "charges, and 
 4 eneouraged them to the service of the house of 
 the Lord. 
 
 * Heb. from great even to small. 15:12,13. 18:30.* Deut.l:17. Job3:19. q 6: 
 l,&c. 17:7— 9. Deut. 17:18— 20. Neh.8:2— 5. Ec. 1:12. 12:9,10. r 15,18,19, 
 24. Ex. 24:7. 2 Kings 23:2,21. Jer. 31:31,32. b 6:13. 2 Kings 11 :14. 23:3. Ez. 
 46:2. 1 23:16.29:10. Ex. 24:6— 8. Deut. 29:1 ,10— 15. Josh. 24:25. Neh.9: 
 
 38.10:29. Jer. 50:5. Heb. 8:6— 13. u 15:12,15. See on 31:21. Deut. 6:5. 
 
 Luke 10:27—29. x 14:4.30:12.33:16. Gen. 18:19. Ec.8:2. t Heb. found. 29: 
 29. v Jer. 3:10. z See on 3 — 7. 2 Kings 23:4 — 20. a See on 1 Kings 11:5— 7. 
 1) Josh. 24:31. } Heb. from after, a 30: 2 Kings 23:21—23. b Ex. 12:6. 
 Num.9:3. Deut. 16:1 — 8. Ezra 6:19. Ez. 45:21. c 23:8. 31:2. Num. 18:5 — 7. 
 1 Chr. 24: Ezra 6:18. d 29:5— 11. 31:2. 1 Chr. 22:19. e 17:8,9. 30:22. Deut. 
 
 Notes , 17:7—9. Neh. 8:1—9,18. 9:3. 13:1—3. Rom. 3:19,20. 
 7:9 — 12. — Covenant . (31) Notes, 15:12 — 15. 2 Kings 11:17 
 
 — 20. Neh. 9:1,38. 10:1 — 17. — ‘He did not compel them, but 
 they offered themselves freely, upon his persuasion, to renew 
 their covenant with God, and promised to be firm to it ; 
 which perhaps, at that time they really resolved, though they 
 soon revolted.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 33. While Josiah lived, the people were restrained 
 from open idolatry: yet we learn from the prophets, especially 
 Jeremiah, that, at this very time especially, they were ripen- 
 ing for destruction, by their hypocrisy and iniquity. (Notes, 
 Jer. 3:6—11. 4:14. 25:3—7. Zeph. 1:1— 8.)—' 1 Though he 
 suppressed all external idolatry, yet in their hearts they 
 strongly inclined to it, and often practised it, as appears from 
 Jer. 3:10. 25:3,4, &c.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Several years of our lives must pass before we become 
 capable of performing useful services : our earliest youth 
 should therefore be dedicated to God, that we may not waste 
 any of our remaining span. Happy and wise are they, who 
 seek the Lord at a period of life when others are pursuing 
 sinful pleasures, contracting bad habits, forming ruinous con- 
 nexions, and making work for bitter repentance ; either 
 gracious repentance in this world, or that which is attended 
 with despair in the regions of misery. None can express 
 the anguish which is prevented by early piety, and its happy 
 consequences. — If we would be useful, we must first “ take 
 heed to ourselves and when we are established in faith and 
 grace, we shall be fitted for instruments of good to others. 
 In this important work we must expect many opposers, and 
 but few cordial helpers: and the more we look into the world, 
 the church, or our own hearts, by the light of God’s word, 
 the more evidently shall we see how very much reformation 
 and renovation are every where needed. (P. O. Ez. 8:1 — 
 6.) — The suppression of gross abominations makes way for 
 the pure administration of God’s ordinances : and when the 
 filthiness and idols are cleansed out of our hearts, the Lord 
 will prepare his temple there, and graciously come and dwell 
 in it. — Liberality, integrity, and diligence are commendable 
 in every work, but especially in whatever relates to the wor- 
 ship and service of God, and all undertakings immediately 
 connected with it. — When God enables us to act conscien- 
 tiously, according to our present knowledge, he will in due 
 time give us still further and clearer views of his truth. 
 (Notes, Has. 6:1 — 3. John 7:14 — 17, v. 17.) The moro we 
 oecome acquainted with the Scripture, the more evidently 
 shall we perceive our own guilt and danger: but if this dis- 
 covery produces godly sorrow, contrition, humiliation, and 
 further inquiries after the will of God, an answer of peace 
 rnay be expected: while all the curses, which he has de- 
 nounced, will fall upon the impenitent workers of iniquity. — 
 Though we cannot prevent the ruin of sinners in general, or 
 ( 806 ) 
 
 3 And said unto 'the Levites that taught all 
 Israel, which were holy unto the Lord, f Put the 
 holy ark «in the house, which Solomon the son of 
 David king of Israel did build : it shall h not be a 
 burden upon your shoulders : ’serve now the Lord 
 your God, and his people Israel. 
 
 4 And prepare yourselves by k the houses of 
 your fathers, 'after your courses, according to the 
 writing of David king of Israel, and "’according 
 to the writing of Solomon his son. 
 
 5 And "stand in the holy place according to the 
 divisions of the ‘families of the fathers of your 
 brethren, the 'people, and after the division of the 
 families of the Levites. 
 
 6 So “kill the passover, and r&anctify yourselves, 
 and prepare your brethren, that they may do ac- 
 cording to the word of the Lord by the hand of 
 Moses. 
 
 7 And iJosiah 'gave to the people, of the flock, 
 
 lambs and kids, all for the passover-offerings, for 
 all that were present, to the number of thirty 
 thousand, and three thousand bullocks : these 
 were of 'the king’s substance. * 
 
 8 And “his princes %ave ‘willingly unto the 
 eople, to the priests, and to the Levites : “Hil- 
 iah, and Zechariah, and Jehiel, “rulers of the 
 
 house of God, gave unto the priests for the pass- 
 over-offerings, two thousand and six hundred 
 small cattle, and three hundred oxen. 
 
 9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethaneel 
 his brethren, and Hashabiah, and Jeiel, and Joza- 
 
 33; 10. Neh. 8:7,8. Mal.«;7. f8:ll. 31:14. 'gSeeonS-.l. h Num. 4:15— 49. 
 1 Chr. 23:26. iNum.8:19. 15:9,10. 2 Cor. 4:5. It 1 Chr. 9:10— 34. Neh. 
 
 11:10—20. 1 1 Chr. 23:— 25: m 8:14. n Ps. 131:1. 135:2. * Heb. houst oj 
 the fathers, t Heb. sons of the people, o 30:15— 17. Ex. 12:6,21 ,22. Ezra 
 6:20,21. p 29:5,15,34 . 30:3,15—19. Gen. 35:2. Ex. 19:10.15. Num. 19:11—20, 
 Job 1:5. Ps. 51:7. Joel 2:16. Heb. 9:13,14. q 30:24. Is. 32.8. Ez. 45:17. 
 I Heb. offered. I Kings 8:63. r 1 Kings 8:63. 1 Chr. 29:3. s 29:31—33. 1 Chr. 
 29:6—9,17. Ezra 1 :6 . 2:68,69 . 7:16 . 8:25— 35. Neh. 7:70— 72. Ps. 45:12. Acta 
 2:44,45 . 4:34,35. § Heb. offered, t 2 Cor. 8:12. 9:7. u 34:14— 20. x 1 Chr. 
 9:20.24:4,5. Jer. 29:25,26. Acts 4:1. 5:26. 
 
 of collective bodies, we should endeavour by our examples, 
 prayers, instructions, and the regular use of authority, in 
 domestic, or in public life, to engage as many as wc possibly 
 can to return to God, and walk before him, by trusting his 
 promises and obeying his commandments. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXV. V. 1—3. Note, 2 Kings 
 23:21 — 23. — Taught, &c. (3) The Levites, by courses, 
 served the priests at the sanctuary, as their primary employ- 
 ment : but when at home in their several cities, they were 
 the stated teachers of the people. (Marg. Ref. e. Notes , 
 17:7—9. 30:21,22, r. 22.)— Put, &c.] It is probable, that 
 the most holy place had gone to decay, through neglect ; and 
 that while it was cleansed and repaired, the high-priest had 
 committed the ark to the custody of some Levites of the 
 family of Kohath who had been set apart and sanctified for 
 that service : bpt when it was carried again into its place, 
 they would be at liberty for other services, to the glory of 
 God, and the benefit of bis people. 
 
 V. 4. The regulations formed by David, and established 
 by Solomon, concerning the courses of the priests and 
 Levites, were committed to writing, and preserved for them 
 to refer to continually. (Notes, 8:12 — 15. 1 Chr. 23: — 26:) 
 
 Josiah, in like manner as Hezekiah had done, required the 
 priests and Levites to attend to their several duties, and en- 
 couraged them in so doing: but he neither added, nor altered, 
 nor retrenched any thing; he merely enforced what hail been 
 established in the law, and in the regulations made by David 
 and the contemporary prophets. (10,16.) “The command- 
 ment of the king . . . was by the word of the Lord.” ( Note , 
 31:12.) 
 
 V. 5. The meaning of this verse seems to be, that the 
 Levites should be as exact, in ascertaining to what family, or 
 subdivision of a family, every man belonged, as those of the 
 other tribes were: that each might know and do his proper 
 work, with as much certainty and accuracy, as the others 
 knew what lands belonged to them by inheritance. Some, 
 however, suppose, that only the arrangement of the Levites 
 at this time is intended ; and that they were directed to stand 
 in regular order, according to their families, to receive the 
 paschal lambs, which their brethren of the other tribes would 
 bring, according to their families, one for each household- 
 ( 6 , 10 , 11 .) 
 
 V. 6. Notes, 30:16 — 20. Ex. 12:3—10, v. 6. Lev. 1:5—9. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. The people at this time wore neither very rich, 
 nor very zealous, and l lie ordinances wore expensive. That 
 this therefore might not prevent their attendance on this 
 solemn service, the king provided, at his own expense, an 
 immense quantity of cattle suited to the solemnity; and after 
 his example, tho nobles, and the chief of the priests and 
 Levites, liberally assisted their poorer brethren. — According 
 to the calculation, that not fewer than ten, nor more than 
 twenty persons, wero to join for one lamb or l id, >le» timoi- 
 
C. 623. CHAPTER XXXV. B. C. 610 
 
 bad, chief of the Levites, 'gave unto the Levites 
 for passover-offerings five thousand small cattle, 
 and five hundred oxen. 
 
 1 0 So the service was prepared, and Jthe priests 
 stood in their place, and the Levites in their courses, 
 according to the king’s commandment. 
 
 1 1 And they kille 1 the passover, and Hhe priests 
 sprinkled llie blood from their hands, and the Le- 
 vites "flayed them. 
 
 12 And they remoyed the burnt-offerings, that 
 they might give according to the divisions of the 
 families of the people, to offer unto the Lord, b as 
 it is written in the book of Moses. And so did 
 they with the oxen. 
 
 13 And they c roasted the passover with fire, 
 according to the ordinance : but the other holy 
 offerings d sod they in pots, and in caldrons, and 
 in pans, and ‘divided them speedily among all the 
 people. 
 
 14 And afterwards they made ready for them- 
 selves, and for the priests : 'because the priests 
 the sons of Aaron were busied in offering of burnt- 
 offerings and the fat until night; therefore the 
 Levites prepared for themselves, and for the 
 priests the sons of Aaron. 
 
 15 And the singers the sons of Asaph were in 
 their ‘place, f according to the commandment of 
 David, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun 
 the king’s seer ; and ethe porters wailed at every 
 gate; they might not depart from their service; 
 for their brethren the Levites prepared for them. 
 
 16 So all the service of the Lord was pre- 
 pared the same day, to keep the passover, and to 
 offer burnt-offerings upon the altar of the Lord, 
 according to the commandment of king Josiah. 
 
 17 And the children of Israel that were ^present 
 
 • Heb. offered. Is. 1:10— 15. Jer. 3:10. 7:21—23. Mic. 6:6—8. y 4,5. 30:16. Ezra 
 6:18. 1 29:22 — 24. 30:16. Lev. 1:5,6. Num. 18:3,7. Heb. 9:21,22. a29:34. b Let. 
 3:3,5,9-11,14—16. c Es. 12:8,9. Deul. 16:7. Ps. 22:14. Lam. 1:12,13. (1 Lev. 
 6:28. Num. 6:19. I Sam. 2:19— 15. Ez. 46:20 — 24. J Heb. mrwZe them run. Rom. 
 12:11. e Acts 6:2— 4. f Heb. station. f29:25,26. 1 Chr. 16:41,42. 23:5.25:1-7. 
 Ps. 77: 78: 88: titles, g l Chr. 9:17—19. 26:14—19. § Heb. found, h 30:21—23. 
 Ex. 12:15—20. 18:6,7. 23:15.34:18. Lev. 23:5— 8. Num. 28:16—25. Deut. 16:3, 
 4,8. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. i 30:5. 2 Kings 23:21— 23. k 30:26,27. || Heb. house. 1 2 Kings 
 
 bers given on this occasion, would suffice for above four hun- 
 dred thousand persons, young and old : besides those given 
 for peace-offerings and other sacrifices. (Notes, 30:23—25, 
 o. 24. I Kings 8:63 — 65.) — Rulers of, &c. (8) The heads of 
 the several courses of the priests, or the captains of the 
 temple. (MargrRef. x.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. 4—6. Notes, 29:34. 30:16—20, vv. 1G,17. 
 
 V. 12. The Levites separated, as speedily as they could, 
 the parts of the peace-offerings, which- were to be burnt, 
 from the rest, and added them to the other burnt-offerings ; 
 that the remainder, together with the paschal lambs, might, 
 without delay, be prepared and distributed as the occasion 
 required. (Notes, Lev. 3:) . 
 
 V. 13—17. (Notes, Ex. 12:3—10, v. 8,9. 1 Sam. 2:13—16. 
 
 I Chr. 25:1 — 7. Ez. 46:19 — 24.) The priests were so fully 
 employed, that they could not prepare the passover lambs 
 for themselves ; but the Levites, who were not otherwise en- 
 gaged, prepared for them and for their brethren, who were 
 occupied in other services ; that all might be ready at the 
 appointed hour. — * 1 The singing and music continued till all 
 the sacrifices were offered, that is till night. . . . And their 
 brethren, who were not singers, took care to provide for them 
 their portion, when they had done.’ Bp. Patrick. — Accord- 
 ing to the commandment. Sac. (16) Note, 4. 
 
 V. 18, 19. Hezekiah’s remarkable passover seems to have 
 been celebrated with greater fervency of devotion; but this 
 of Josiah was far more regular, and in more exact conformity 
 to the law ; it was attended by very great multitudes, and 
 the liberality of the king in furnishing the paschal lambs was 
 without example. (Notes, 30:2 — 5,16 — 27.) — Nothing is re- 
 corded on this subject, from the time that Israel obtained 
 possession of the promised land : (Note, Josh. 5:10.) but even 
 this passover, under Josiah, which exceeded all for several 
 centuries, seems to have been very deficient as to genuine 
 devotion. 
 
 V. 20 — 24. Josiah lived thirteen years after the remark- 
 able passover before recorded, and zealously supported the 
 worship of God to the end of his life. (Notes, 1 — 3, v. 3. 34: 
 33. 2 Kings 23:26,27.) But the nation was all the while 
 -ipening for destruction ; and was adjudged unworthy of so 
 pious and excellent a prince. — Josiah’s conduct at the close 
 of his life has been treated with great severity by most com- 
 nentators : and he has been charged with engaging in an 
 unjust war, and disregarding the express command of God ; 
 which may in great measure be ascribed to the groundless 
 censure passed on him by the apocryphal Esdras, ‘ Not 
 regarding the words of the prophet Jeremy, spoken by the 
 mouth of the Loud.’ (1 Esdras 1:28.) But the Scripture 
 
 kept the passover at that time, and h the feast ol 
 unleavened bread seven days. 
 
 18 And ‘there was no passover like to that 
 kept in Israel from the days of Samuel the pro- 
 phet ; k neither did all the kings of Israel keep 
 such a passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, 
 and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel that 
 were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 
 
 19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Jo 
 
 Siah Was this paSSOVer kept. IPractical Otic, ration..] 
 
 20 H After all this, when Josiah had prepared 
 the “temple, ‘Necho king of Egypt came up to 
 fight against m Carchemish by Euphrates: and 
 Josiah went out against him. 
 
 21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, 
 "What have I to do with thee, thou king ol 
 Judah ? I come not against thee this day, but 
 against the ‘‘house wherewith I have war: lor 
 °God commanded me to make haste : pforbear 
 thee from meddling with God, who is with me, 
 that he destroy thee not. 
 
 22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his 
 face from him, ^but disguised himself that he 
 might fight with him, and hearkened not unto 
 the words of Necho from r the mouth of God, and 
 came to fight in the valley of ‘Megiddo. 
 
 23 And ‘the archers shot at king Josiah; and 
 the king said to his servants, Have me away; 
 for I am sore "wounded. 
 
 24 His servants therefore took him out of 
 that chariot, and put him in “the second chariot 
 that he had ; and "they brought him to Jerusalem, 
 and ?he died, and was buried “in one of the sepul- 
 chres of his lathers. And "all Judah and Jerusalem 
 mourned for Josiah. 
 
 25 And "Jeremiah lamented for Josiah : and 
 
 23:29 . Pharaoh-nechoh. Jer. 46:2. m Ts. 10:9. n 2 Sam. 16:10. Matt. 8:29. 
 John 2:4. TT Heb. house of my tear, o 2 Kings 18:25. Is. 36:10. p25:19. q 18* 
 29. 1 Kings 14:2. 22:30. r 21. 18:4— 6. Josh. 9:14. sJudg.5:19. 2 Kings 9:27. 
 23:30. Zech. 12:11. Meziddon. Rev. 16:16. Armageddon, t 18:33. Gen. 49:23. 
 2 Kings 9:24. Lam. 3:12,13. ** Heb. made sick. 1 Kings 22:34. 2 Kings 8:29. 
 u Gen. 41:43. x 2 Kings 23:30. y Pa. 36:6. Ec. 8:14. 9:1,2. ft Or, among the 
 sepulchres. 34:28. z Zech. 12:11. a Jer. 22:10. 
 
 no where condemns him. ( Note y 2 Kings 23:29,30.) 
 
 Pharaoh, in marching his army through Josiah’s territories, 
 against his will, certainly committed an act oP hostility. It is 
 evident that Josiah was in possession of the whole land, and 
 not of Judah only : (34:6.) and probably he held the northern 
 parts of it as a grant from the king of Babylon ; and was not 
 only in alliance with him, but bound to guard his frontiers 
 against hostile invaders. Doubtless the kings of Judah had 
 been in some measure dependent on the kings of Assyria and 
 Babylon, from the time of Manasseh’s captivity and release. 
 Pharaoh declared indeed by his ambassadors, that he did not 
 mean to attack Josiah, but to march against a power with 
 which he was at war. He was, however, in the heart of 
 Josiah’s kingdom before he sent this embassy, and he avowed 
 his intention of attacking his ally : and therefore Josiah may 
 fairly, on both accounts, be justified from the charge of un- 
 justly meddling with a war tlmt did not belong to him ; for no 
 king upon earth would think it unjust to declare war against 
 another prince, who should forcibly march an army into his 
 dominions, in order to attack another prince who was in alliance 
 with him. It is true the ambassadors assured Josiah that 
 M God had commanded Pharaoh to make haste ;” and said, 
 41 Forbear thee from meddling withGod who is with me, that 
 he destroy thee not:” and he is therefore said, 44 not to have 
 hearkened to the words of Necho, from the mouth of God.” 
 But Necho produced no proof, that he was a prophet of 
 Jehovah, and Sennacherib had used similar language to- 
 Hezekiah, who had paid no regard to it. ( Note , 2 Kings 18: 
 25.) The word used by Necho, (dti^n) may signify gods , 
 or idols : and critics have noted, that the expression 44 from 
 the mouth of God,” is nowhere used in the Hebrew Bible,- 
 for a revelation from the true God ; but that it is always 
 44 from the mouth of the Lord.” — It is not indeed at all pro 
 bable, that God had commanded Pharaoh-necho by Jeremiah, 
 or by any other prophet, to undertake this expedition : for in 
 that case Josiah would doubtless have been informed, and 
 have submitted. And if Pharaoh had received any monition 
 in a dream or vision, which he concluded to be from the God 
 of Israel, (and so meant something more, than his own auguries 
 and superstitions ;) Josiah might not give credit to his tes- 
 timony, in matters so closely connected with his own inte- 
 rests. — Josiah, however, seems to have been guilty of preci- 
 pitation, in not inquiring of the Lord when thus warned* 
 before he proceeded to attack so formidable an enemy : hi8 
 premature and violent death might therefore be a rebuke for 
 his rashness ; but it was chiefly a judgment on a hypocritical 
 and wicked generation. Whatever sin Josiah committed, he 
 doubtless repented of it : and the final state of one, who 
 ( 807 ) 
 
B. C. 610 
 
 II. CHRONICLES. 
 
 B. C. 607. 
 
 all the singing men and the singing women 
 spake of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, 
 and made them an ordinance in Israel : and 
 behold, they are written in the Lamentations. 
 
 26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and his 
 ’goodness, according to that which was written 
 in the law of the Lord, 
 
 27 And c his deeds, first and last, behold, they 
 are written in the book of the Kings of Israel and 
 Judah. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Jehoahaz succeeds Josiah , but Necho carries him into Egypt; and makes 
 Je'ioiakim king, 1 — 4. He reigns wickedly and is put in chains by Nebu- 
 chadnezzar, who eateries some of the sacred vessels to Babylon , 5 — 7. Jeho- 
 iachm is made king, who in a short time is carried captive to Babylon , with 
 other of the sacred, vessels ; and Zedekiah succeeds, 8 — '10. He reigns very 
 wickedly , despises the warnings of Jeremiah, and rebels against Nebuchad- 
 nezzar , 11 — 13,. The sins of the priests and people cause the utter destruc- 
 tion of Jerusalem, and the desolation of the land, for seventy years , 14 — 21. 
 Cyrus's proclamation for rebuilding the temple. 22,23. 
 
 T HEN a the people of the land took b Jehoahaz 
 the son of Josiah, and made him king in his 
 father’s stead in Jerusalem. 
 
 2 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old 
 when he began to reign, and he reigned three 
 months in Jerusalem. 
 
 3 And the king of Egypt ’put him down at 
 Jerusalem, and 'condemned the land in a hundred 
 talents of silver and a talent of gold. 
 
 4 And the king of Egypt c made Eliakim his 
 
 b Job 3.8. Ec. 12:5. Jer. 9:17 — 21. Matt. 9:23. * Heb. kindnesses. 31:20 . 32: 
 32. c 20:34. 24:27. 25:26.26:22.32:32.33:19. 2 Kings 10:34. 16:19.20:20 . 21:25. 
 a 26:1. 33:25 . 2 Kings 23:30. b 2 Kings 23:31— 34. 1 Chr. 3:15. Jer. 22.11. 
 Shallum. * Heb . removed him. 2 Kings 23:33. f Heb. mulcted, c 2 Kings 
 23:34,35. 1 Chr. 3:15. d Jer. 22:10— 12. Ez. 19:3,4. e 2 Kings 23:36,37. Jer. 
 22: 13—19. 26:21—23. 36:1,27—32. f 2 Kings 24:1,2,5,6. Ez. 19:5—9. Dan. 1:1, 
 
 bitually lives a life of repentance, faith, and obedience, cannot 
 be affected by the manner in which he is suddenly taken 
 away. — The second chariot seems to have been one that waited 
 for him in case of necessity ; into which he was removed, 
 the other being perhaps covered with blood. 
 
 V. 25 — 27. Though the people would not imitate Josiah’s 
 eminent piety, and disliked his reformation ; yet they highly 
 respected his character, and were sensible that they had sus- 
 tained a very great loss. 4 Whensoever they mentioned any 
 calamity, they mentioned that as the greatest that had be- 
 fallen them.’ Bp. Patrick. — The book of Lamentations of 
 Jeremiah was written on another occasion : ( Preface to La- 
 mentations :) and what that prophet composed on the death 
 of Josiah has not come down to us. But both the prophet and 
 the people took several methods of doing honour to the memory 
 of their prince ; and of perpetuating the lamentations made 
 on the account of his death ; it is probable by an annual com- 
 memoration of that fatal event. (Note, Jer. 22:10 — 12.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 19. Extensive good may be done by persons in 
 authority, who spare no labour or expense, in promoting the 
 honour of God ; and who unite their example and influence 
 with most zealous endeavours, to excite and encourage other 
 members of the community to do their duty. — Even those who 
 teach others, and are 14 holy to the Lord,’’ not only by office, 
 but in their hearts and lives, need to be repeatedly exhorted 
 and charged to serve God and his church, with increasing zeal 
 and persevering diligence ; and when one service is finished, 
 to proceed with alacrity to another. — God alone can effica- 
 ciously sanctify and prepare our hearts for his holy worship ; 
 but the blessing must be sought, for ourselves and others, by 
 .attending to our several duties : and ministers should always 
 sanqtifv themselves, before they attempt to prepare the 
 people for the ordinances of God. In this way revivals of 
 religion are both manifested and forwarded ; and sacred ordi- 
 nances at. once honour the Lord, and become 4 means of 
 grace’ to the souls of men. The support of them, in an orderly 
 and public manner, must always be attended with expense ; 
 and the multitude of the poor will often be unable to defray 
 it. On this account religion will, in some places and at some 
 times, be neglected, to the discouragement of many, and the 
 ruin of far more : it then becomes a noble generosity for 
 kings, princes, rulers, and wealthy persons, to step forward 
 and to communicate liberally to the assistanee of the poor, 
 that they may not want 44 the Bread of life” for their souls ; 
 and God will honour those who thus honour him. None, 
 however, are more bound to liberality in such cases, than the 
 superior clergy , who enjoy large revenues appropriated to 
 the maintenance of religion : for surely they ought willingly 
 to assist their poorer brethren, who commonly do a great 
 proportion of the work, without even a decent provision for 
 themselves and their families ! Were these things duly 
 attended to, the service of God might be prepared, and his 
 ordinances conducted, in harmony and to edification : while 
 mutual love would be cemented ; discouragements and temp- 
 tations to envy, discontent, and revilings, would be obviated ; 
 and the affluent, might expect to enjoy their abundance, in 
 reputation, beloved by their inferiors, with the blessing of 
 God, and to his glory : while the whole would cause numbers 
 ( 808 ) 
 
 brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and 
 turned his name to Jehoiakim. And d Necho took 
 Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt. 
 
 5 II e Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old 
 when he began to reign, and he reigned oJeven 
 years in Jerusalem: and he did that which p. c. 
 was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. *- 607 - 
 
 6 Against him f came up Nebuchadnezzar 
 king of Babylon, and bound him in Tetters, to 
 carry him to Babylon. 
 
 7 Nebuchadnezzar also carried of sthe vessels 
 of the house of the Lord to Babylon, and put 
 them in his temple at Babylon. 
 
 8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and 
 his abominations which he did, and that which 
 was found in him, behold, h they are written in 
 the book of the Kings of Israel and Judah. And 
 ‘Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead. 
 
 9 H Jehoiachin was k eight years old when he 
 began to reign, and he reigned three months and 
 ten days in Jerusalem : and he did that which was 
 evil in the sight of the Lord. 
 
 10 And When the year was expired, p e. 
 'king Nebuchadnezzarsent, and brought him L 589 - 
 to Babylon, with the "goodly vessels of the ho„use 
 of the Lord, and made “Zedekiah his brother 
 king over Judah and Jerusalem. 
 
 2. Hub. 1:5— 10. * Or, chains, g Ezra 1:7— 11. Jer. 27:16— 18. 28:3. Dan. 5i 
 2— i. h 2 Kings 24:5,6. i 1 Chr. 3:16,17. Jeconiah. Jer. 22:24,28. ComaK 
 Matt. 1:11,12. Jechonias. k 2 Kings 24:8,9. § Heb. at the return of the year. 
 12 Kings 24: 10 — 16 . 25:27—30. Jer. 29:2. Ezl:2. II Heh. vessels of desire. 7. 
 Jer. 27:18— 22. Dan. 5:2,23. m 2 Kings 24:17. Matlaniah. 1 Chr. 3:15,16. 
 Jer. 37:1. 
 
 to pray for each other, and 44 to abound in many thanksgivings 
 unto God.” (Notes, 2 Cor. 9:6 — 15.) — Those who are con- 
 tinually so taken up in the work of God and his church, that 
 they cannot attend to their secular interests, ought particu- 
 larly to be provided for by their brethren who have more 
 leisure. In all things indeed we need reciprocal assistance ; 
 and they, who are much employed in the public exercises of 
 religion, should be cautioned not to neglect their own souls, 
 and the private exercise of meditation and communion with 
 God. — Alas ! how are the ordinances of God disregarded, or 
 formally attended on ! The church in its best days has fallen 
 short hitherto of what it ought to be at all times : our most 
 religious hours, in public or private, need forgiveness ; and 
 the mercy of God, through the Saviour’s atonement, must 
 still be our only plea, to the close of our days. — Very great 
 exertions are requisite to produce even an outward attendance 
 to religion : and after all, except we depend entirely on divine 
 grace, the most excellent means and instruments will be inef- 
 fectual, and serve only to demonstrate the strength of man’s 
 depravity, and the justice of God in the sinner’s condemna- 
 tion : and abused mercies will after a time be withdrawn. 
 
 V. 20 — 27. No man suffers or ever will suffer, who has 
 not merited his sufferings ; yet public persons are often laid 
 aside or removed, to punish the wickedness of the commu- 
 nity : and even their indiscretions, contrary to their genera^ 
 character, and tho fatal consequences of them, may be per- 
 mitted as a national judgment. — We are not bound to believe 
 all those who profess to speak by the authority of God : but 
 it is always right to act with caution, to search the Scriptures, 
 to seek the Lord’s direction by prayer, and to consult wise, 
 experienced, and pious friends ; that we may discover as far 
 as possible, what is the truth and will of God concerning us, 
 and that we may not be found in any instance to fight against 
 him. Men seldom prosper in those measures which aro 
 unadvisedly adopted : and those, who are honoured with great 
 usefulness, should be doubly circumspect in their conduct, 
 and careful of their lives ; because so many are interested in 
 them. — Believers, however, even when taken away by a 
 sudden or premature death, aro removed to a better world : 
 and their survivors should honour them, notwithstanding their 
 imperfections ; and will frequently perceive that they have 
 great cause to mourn for them. (Note, Is. 57:1,2.) Yet 
 many join in lamenting the death, and commemorating the 
 goodness, of useful men, who neither regard their admoni- 
 tions, nor imitate their examples. And many mourn over 
 their own calamities, who do not repent, and forsake those 
 sins, which have provoked God to inflict them. Yet this 
 alone can avert still more Tremendous judgments. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. XXXVI. V. 1—7. Notts, 10. 
 2 Kings 23:29—34. 24:1—7. Jtr. 22:10—12. Ez. 19:2—14. 
 Dan. 1:1,2. 
 
 V. 8. Abominations, &c.] Notes, Jer. 22:13 — 19 26:16 
 —24. 36:20—32. 
 
 V. 9. Eight.] Either this is an error of the transcribers, 
 which is most probable ; or Jehoiachin reigned ten years with 
 his father, which is very unlikely; for at his dean he was 
 eighteen years old. (2 Kings 21:8.) 
 
 V. 10. Jehoiakim probably died towards the < .esc of the 
 year : and soon after tho entrance of the new year, Nebu 
 
B. C. 593. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXYI. 
 
 B. C. 583. 
 
 11 IF Zedekiah ivas "one and twenty years 
 old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven 
 years in Jerusalem. 
 
 12 And he did that which was evil in the sight 
 of the Lord his God, and "humbled not himself 
 "before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from 
 *the mouth of the Lord. 
 
 13 And he also "rebelled against king Ne- 
 buchadnezzar, "who had made him swear by 
 God: but ‘he stillened his neck, “and hardened 
 his heart from turning unto the Lord God of 
 Israel. 
 
 14 H Moreover, x all the chief of the priests, and 
 the people, transgressed very much rafter all the 
 abominations of the heathen ; and "polluted the 
 house of the Lord which he had hallowed in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 15 And "the Lord God of their fathers sent to 
 them by 'his messengers, rising up "betimes and 
 sending ; b because he had compassion on his 
 people, and on his dwelling-place : 
 
 16 But they "mocked the messengers of God, 
 and d despised his words, and 'misused his pro- 
 phets, until r the wrath of the Lord arose against 
 his people, still there was no ^remedy. 
 
 17 Therefore h he brought ufjon them 'the king 
 of the Chaldees, Hvho slew their young men with 
 the sword 'in the house of their sanctuary, and 
 had m no compassion upon young man or maiden, 
 old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave 
 them all into his hand. 
 
 n 2 Kinzu 54:18— SO. Jer. 52:1— 3. 0 32:26 . 33:12,19,23. Ex. 10:3. Dan. 5: 
 22,23. Jam: 4:10. 1 Pet. 5:6. p Jer. 21:1, tee. 27:12, &c. 28:1, &c. 31:2, &c. 
 
 37:2, &c. 38:14, &c. q 35:22. r 2 Kings 21:20. Jer. 52:2. Ez. 17:11— 20. 
 sJosh. 9:15,19,20. 2 Sam. 21:2. t 2 Kings 17:14. Neh. 9:16,17. Is. 48:4. u Ex. 8: 
 15,92. 9:17. Neh. 9:29. Rom. 2:4,5. Heb. 3:8,13. x 2 Kings 16:10—16. Ezra 9:7. 
 Jer. 5:5. 37:13— 15. 38:4. Ez. 22 6,26— 28. Dan. 9:6,8. Mic. 3:1— 4,9— 11.7:3. 
 Zeph. 3:3,4. y 28:3. 33:9. z 33:4— 7. Ez. 3:5— 16. a 24:18— 21. 33:10. 2 Kings 
 17:13. Jer. 25:3,4. 26:5. 35:15. 44:4,5. * Heb .the hand of his. t That is, 
 
 continually and care fully . b Judg. 10:16. 2 Kings 13:23. Hos.ll:8. Luke 19: 
 41 _ 44 . c 30:10. Ps. 35:16. Is. 28:22. Jer. 5:12,13. 20:7. Luke 18:32. 22:63,64. 
 23:11,36. Acts 2:13. 17:32. Heb. 11:36. d Prov. 1:25— 30. Luke 16:14. Acts 
 13:41. I Thes. 4:8. e Jer. 32:3. 38:6. Matt. 5:12. 21 :33— 41. 23:34— 37. Acts 
 7:52. fPs. 74:1. 79:1— 5. g Prov. 6:15. 29:1. || Heb. healing, h 33:11 . Deut. 
 28:49. 2 Kings 24:2,3. Jer. 15:8. 32:42. 40:3. Dan. 9:14. i 2 Kings 25:1, &c. 
 
 chadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive, and carried him to 
 Babylon, with many other prisoners, and many of the vessels 
 of the temple. (Notes, 2 Kings 24:8 — 16. 25:27 — 30. Jer. 
 22:24—30. 24:1—7. 28:2—4. 29:2. Ez. 1:1—3.) 
 
 V. 11, 12. (Notes, 2 Kings 24:17—20. 25:1—7. Jer. 21: 
 22:28 — 30. 27:28: 34:37:38:) The people ‘still entertained 
 false prophets, ... who “saw visions of peace” for Jerusa- 
 lem, when there was no peace:’ (Ez. 13:16.) ‘that is, 
 
 made the people believe Jerusalem should not be taken, and 
 so hardened their hearts in their obstinate wickedness. ’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 13. Swear, &c.] Nebuchadnezzar had placed Zede- 
 kiah on the throne, requiring him to swear allegiance to him 
 by the God of Israel. Having received his authority in this 
 manner, and holding it by such a tenure, he could not revolt 
 from the king of Babylon, without perjury, treachery, and 
 injustice: and in his case the impolicy of his conduct was 
 equal to his impiety, and made way for the punishment of it. 
 (Marg. Ref. Notes, Josh. 9:19,20. 2 Sam. 21:1 — 3. Ez. 17: 
 12 — 21. 21:25 — 27.) ‘His wickedness was so great, that 
 God gave him up to commit this further crime of perjury to 
 his own ruin.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 2 Kings 24:20. 25:6,7.) 
 
 V. 14, 15. (Marg. Ref.) The Lord acted towards Ju- 
 dah, as a man would do, who had the welfare of his son 
 much at heart, and would lose no time, but meet him with 
 warnings as soon as he began to turn aside ; missing no oppor- 
 tunity and sparing no pains : for God had compassion on the 
 people; and proceeded, as if reluctantly, to execute ven- 
 geance, and to give up Jerusalem, and the temple, to the 
 rage of heathen conquerors. (Note, Jer. 25:3.) 
 
 V. 16. Notes, Jer. 2:26— 30. 11:18—23. 18:18—23. 20:1— 
 6. 26:10—24. 32:2,3. 36:5. 37:11—21. 38:1—6. 43:3—7. Lam. 
 3:52—57. Matt. 5:10—12. 21:33—39. 23:29—39. Acts 7:51 — 
 53. 1 Thes. 2:13 — 16. — No remedy, &c.] It no longer con- 
 sisted with the honour of God to protect so wicked a people, 
 who professed to be his worshippers, and who encouraged 
 themselves in sin by a presumptuous confidence in him. It 
 was become necessary to display the glory of the divine 
 holiness and justice, in bringing signal miseries upon them : 
 and this he did, by giving them up to their own infatuated 
 counsels, and the imbittered resentment of their cruel in- 
 vaders. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 17. It is probable that numbers of the Jews, when the 
 city was taken, fled into the courts of the temple, as to a 
 sanctuary, or sacred refuge ; but they were slain there by the 
 naughty victors. (Notes, Ez. 9:5 — 11. Luke 13:1 — 3.) 
 
 V. 18—20. Notes, 2 Kings 25: Jer. 39: 52: 
 
 V. 21. The law concerning the sabbatical year seems to 
 have been almost entirely neglected, from the first entrance 
 
 Vol. I.— 102 
 
 18 And "all the vessels of the house of p. o 
 God, great and small, and the treasures of L 59a 
 the house of the Lord, "and the treasures of tlu 
 king, and of his princes; all these he brought to 
 Babylon. 
 
 19 And fthey burnt the house of God, and 
 sbrake down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all 
 the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed ah 
 the goodly vessels thereof. 
 
 20 AndHhem that had escaped from the sword 
 carried he away to Babylon ; where "they were 
 servants to him and his sons “until the reign ol 
 the kingdom of Persia : 
 
 21 To ‘fulfil the word of the Lord by the 
 mouth of Jeremiah, “until the land had enjoyed 
 her sabbaths : for as long as she lay desolates he 
 kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years. 
 
 22 IF Now*in the first year of "Cyrus king p. c. 
 of Persia, "that the word of the Lord spoken L 536 • 
 by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, 
 "the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of 
 Persia, that he made b a proclamation through- 
 out all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, 
 saying, 
 
 23 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, "All the 
 kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of 
 heaven given me ; and d he hath charged me to 
 build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in 
 Judah. 'Who is there among you of all his 
 people ? the Lord his God he with him, and let 
 him go up. 
 
 Jer. 39:1, &c. 52:1, Sc. k Lev. 26:14, &c. Deni. 28:15, 4c. 29:18-28 . 30:18. 
 31:16—18. 32:15—28. Pn. 79:2,3. Jer. 15:9. 18:21. Lam. 2:21,22. 124:21. Lam. 
 2:20. Ez. 9:5— 7. Luke 13:1,2. m Deut. 28:50. Ps. 74:20. n 7,10. 2 KingB 25: 
 13-17. Jer. 27:18-22 . 52:17—23. Dan. 5:3. o 2 Kines 20: 13— 17. Is. 39:6. 
 Zech. 1 .6. p 2 Kings 25:9. Ps. 74:4— 8. 79:1,7. Is. 64:10,11. Jer. 7:4,14 . 52: 
 13. Lam. 4:1. Mic. 3:12. Luke 21:6. q 2 Kings 25:10,11. Jer. 52:14,15. § Heb. 
 the remainder from the sioord. r Deut. 28:47,48. Jer. 27:7. e22. Ezra 1:1, &c. 
 t Jer. 25:9— 1L 26:6,7. 27:12,13. Dan. 9:2. Zech. 1:4— 6. u Lev. 25:4— 6. 26. 
 34,35. Zech. 1:12. x Ezra 1:1— 3. y Dan. 10:1. z21. Jer. 25:12,14 . 29:10. 
 32:42—44. 33:10—14. Heb. 10:23. a 21:16. 1 Sam. 26:19. 1 Kings 11 :14,23. 
 1 Chr. 5:26. Ezra 1:5. 18.13:3—5,17,18. 45:1—5. Hag. 1:14. b 24:9. 30:5, 
 c Ps. 75:5 — 7. Dan. 2:21 ,37. 4:35. 5:18,23. d Is. 44:26— 28. e 1 Chr. 22:16. 29: 
 5. Ezra 7:13. Zech. 2:6,7. Rom. 8:31. 
 
 of Israel into Canaan : so that when the land had rtlany sab- 
 batical years together during the captivity, these bore a near 
 proportion to those in which the law had been violated. Yet 
 this intimated, that it was not to be given to another people, 
 because the Israelites would be reinstated in it. (Notes, Ex. 
 23:10 — 12. Lew. 25:1 — 7. 26:31 — 35.) — The seventy years 
 here mentioned may either be computed from the first cap- 
 tivity in the fourth year of Jehoiakim, to the first year of 
 Cyrus the Persian ; or from the later and more complete 
 desolations of the land, to the finishing of the temple, in the 
 sixth year of king Darius, as the land was gradually deso- 
 lated, and gradually re-peopled. (Notes, 2 Kings 24:1,8 — 16. 
 Dan. 1:1,2.) 
 
 Y. 22, 23. Marg. Ref. Note, Ezra 1:1 — 4. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 16. When the wickedness of nations provokes God 
 to remove wise and pious princes, and to advance others of 
 a contrary character ; avowed impiety and desolating judg- 
 ments may be expected to come in like a flood, and to bear 
 down all before them. Indeed Providence often raises up 
 such wicked rulers, one afler another, to scourge a guilty 
 land ; and then every change proves a step towards more 
 complete destruction. — Infatuated counsels and treacherous 
 measures concur in bringing ruin upon those, who, in proud 
 contempt of God, reject (he warnings of his ministers from 
 his word ; and who thus “ stiffen their neck, and harden their 
 heart from turning unto the Lord.” — Yet he would not 
 punish whole kingdoms for the impiety of their rulers, a d 
 not the people also transgress very much : but when nations, 
 favoured with his word and ordinances, become so corrupt, 
 that nobles, priests, and people imitate, anil even exceed, the 
 abominations of the heathen ; and add the shameless pro- 
 fanation of things most sacred, and the most obstinate con- 
 tempt of his holy word, to all their other crimes; what can 
 be expected but miseries as remarkable as their wickedness? 
 And when the mockery and persecution of his ministers is 
 added to all the rest, the “wrath of the Lord will arise 
 against such a people, till there be no remedy.” He indeed 
 delights in mercy, and is glorified by the repentance of sin- 
 ners, and by pardoning and saving the penitent. The whole 
 plan of redemption, the warnings, invitations, and entreaties 
 of his word, and his long-suffering towards us, prove his rich 
 compassion and love : but these endearing attributes are 
 exercised in exact consistency with his justice, holiness, and 
 truth, and according to the counsel of his infallible wisdom; 
 and when no means, mercies, or warnings are effectua) to 
 bring sinners to repentance, there is no remedy, hut he must 
 vindicate the honour of his despised authority, patience, and 
 mercy, in their condign punishment.— Nothing, except obsti 
 ( 809 4 
 
B. C. 536, 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 536. 
 
 nil a impenitent unbe.ief and iniquity, can ruin our souls; 
 but nothing can save those who persist in rejecting the sal- 
 vation of the gospel : for the honour of the truths and ordi- 
 nances of God demands the destruction of men, who disgrace 
 them while they profess to glory in them. Yet the ministers 
 of the gospel must not yield to despondency or resentment, 
 however disappointed, mocked, or misused : they must copy 
 tile patience and forbearance of the Lord ; and spare no pains, 
 and leave no proper method untried, to bring sinners to re- 
 pentance. 
 
 V. 17 — 23. The instruments of divine vengeance against 
 devoted nations are of themselves disposed for their bloody 
 work ; and the Lord arms them with power, and gives up 
 the objects of his righteous indignation into their hands. 
 
 Then, no age or sex, no sacredness of place or character 
 will move compassion; but all will be involved in one com* 
 mon calamity : and the abused privileges, in which hypociite* 
 confide, will both add to their guilt, and enhance the poig 
 nancy of iheir sufferings. Yet all the miseries of this life 
 are temporal ; but the punishment of the wicked in anotne* 
 world is eternal. — Even the circumstances of severe calami- 
 ties often forebode and make way for their removal. When 
 the executioners of vengeance have cut off the more despe- 
 rate transgressors, and the rest are humbled by means ol 
 their sufferings, and for their sins; the Lord “stirs up the 
 spirit” of some instrument of his mercy, who patronises the 
 afflicted, and becomes their deliverer : and “the gates of heb 
 shall never prevail against his church.” 
 
 THE 
 
 • BOOK OF EZRA. 
 
 Iff is generally agreed that Ezra wrote this book, and also the preceding books of Chronicles. It is likewise recorded by the Jewish 
 writers, that he revised all the preceding parts of Scripture, and published a correct copy of the whole : and indeed this account 
 appears highly probable. He is not called a prophet, in the sacred Scripture : yet there can be no doubt, that he performed these 
 services under the guidance of the Holy Spirit; as no distinction is made in the New Testament between one part and another oi 
 that volume, which was then called “ The Oracles of God,” and as such sanctioned by our Lord and his apostles. The pro- 
 phecies of Haggai and Zechariah confirm the history contained in the former part of this book : and as Ezra alone records the 
 rebuilding of the temple ; whatever in the New Testament relates to the temple, as then standing, is in some sense a sanction to the 
 authenticity of the narrative : though I do not recollect any express references to it except in the genealogies. Neither does the book 
 appear to contain any direct prophecies : but it is written in so pious a strain, and so much in the manner of the other Scriptures, 
 that it has strong internal evidences of divine inspiration. As express mention is made in it of Jeremiah’s prophecies, and plain 
 intimations are given of Isaiah’s extraordinary prediction concerning Cyrus; (1:1 — 4.) it is evident that the writings of these 
 prophets were then extant: and the constant reference to the law of Moses and the preceding histories in this book, and that of 
 Nehemiah, proves the same respecting them. — Ezra was peculiarly had in honour by the ancient Jews, and is so by the modern i 
 and to this we must ascribe the forgery of several other books, under his name, especially the two apocryphal books of Esdras, or 
 Ezra; for forgeries they undoubtedly are, and of a much later date than the authentic record of Ezra. — This history opens with 
 the proclamation of Cyrus, the return of a company of Jews, and their attempts to rebuild the city and temple, and to re-inhabit 
 the land : it proceeds to record the opposition with which they met, the delays this occasioned, and how, after a time, they in part 
 succeeded. At length, about seventy-eight or seventy -nine years afterwards, (concerning the most of wfiich nothing is recorded,) 
 Ezra himself arrived with a commission, and large powers and grants, from Artaxerxes, and with many attendants: and the 
 narrative closes with an account of the sin of the Jews in marrying heathen wives; Ezra’s grief, humble confession, and prayers 
 on that account ; and his pious endeavours to separate his people from idolaters. — In this and the subsequent history, the Jews no 
 longer appear as an independent prosperous nation, governed by kings of their own race : but a small remnant, returned from 
 captivity, by the favour of the Persian kings, and under their protection and dominion; and struggling, olten feebly, v\'ith many 
 difficulties and enemies : yet, in this condition, they were enabled to re-establish the worship of God at the temple in Jerusalem, 
 to which they outwardly adhered till the coming ot Christ; being effectually cured of gross idolatry, though in other respects, 
 exceedingly prone to disobedience. — During the captivity nothing is recorded of the history of Israel, except what may be collected 
 from the’prophecies of Ezekiel and Daniel: and exceedingly little is contained in the Scripture of their condition, during 536 
 years, till the birth of Christ, compared with the regular history given of the nation from the days of Moses to the captivity. "The 
 ild dispensation was about to expire and make way for Christianity ; the Spirit of prophecy was about to be withdrawn for a 
 season ; and the people had so often and so flagrantly violated their national covenant, that they were not honoured and noticed 
 as they had been in former ages. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Ctpncs issues a proclamation, allowing the Jews to go up to Jerusalem mnd 
 build the temple ;a rul exhorting those who stayed behind to assist them , 1 — 4. 
 Many prepare to return, and others contribute to the expense , 5, 6. Cyrus 
 restores the vessels of the temple to Sheshbazzar, 7 — 11. 
 
 N OW “in the first year of Cyrus king of 
 Persia, that the word of the Lord b by the 
 
 a See on 2 Chr. 36:22,23. b Jer. 25:12— 14. 29:10. 33:7-13. c 5:13— 15. 6:22. 
 7:27. Ps. 106:46. Prov.21:l. * Heb. caused a voice to pass. Matt. 3:1— 3. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. I. V. 1—4. (2 Chr. 36:22,23.) Nebu- 
 chadnezzar reigned, after the first captivily of the Jews in 
 the fourth year of Jehoiakim, forty-five years. (Note, 1 Kings 
 24:1.) His son Evil-merodach was slain by Neriglissar, his 
 brother-in-law, after he had reigned two years ; and probably 
 Jehoachin died before him. (Note, 2 Kings 25:27 — 30.) 
 After four years Neriglissar was slain in baltle by Cyrus : 
 after a few months Belshazzar, the son of Evil-merodach, 
 mounted the throne ; and at the end of seventeen years he 
 was slain in Babylon by Cyrus. (Dan. 5:) Then Cyax- 
 ares, or Darius the Mede, the uncle and father-in-law of 
 Cyrus, succeeded to the throne of all these kingdoms ; and 
 alter two years he died, and left the whole of them to Cyrus, 
 who, in the first year after his predecessor’s death, proclaimed 
 liberty to the captive Jews. This is the first computation of 
 Ac seventy years of the Babylonish captivity. (Note, 2 Chr. 
 36:21.) — As Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius the 
 Mede. and of Cyrus the Persian, there can be little doubt, 
 that he was instrumental in procuring this extraordinary pro- 
 clamation in favour of the Jews: and probably he showed 
 that prince the prophecy of Isaiah, which was known to have 
 been long extant, and in which he was predicted by name, 
 and his successes were described; and by which he was 
 appointed to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple: and also 
 those of Jeremiah, which foretold the exact duration of the 
 ( 810 ) 
 
 mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord 
 stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, “that 
 he 'made a proclamation throughout all his king- 
 dom, and put it also in writing, saying, 
 
 2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The d LoRD 
 God of heaven “hath given me all the kingdoms 
 
 John 1:23. d 1 Kinss 8:27. 2 Chr. 2:12. Is. 66:1. Jer. 10:11. Dan. 2:53. 5:23. 
 e Jer. 27:6,7. Dan. 2:37,38. 4:25,32. 5:19—21. 
 
 captivity. (Notes, Is. 13:17. 21:1—5. 41:25. 44:25—28. 45: 
 1—6. Jer. 25:10—13. 27:4—9. 29:10. 50: 51: Dan. 1:17—20. 
 6:25 — 28.) The prophecy of Isaiah was delivered about 120 
 years before the temple was destroyed ; and about the same 
 time before the birth of Cyrus. These predictions, set before 
 Cyrus, by a person of Daniel’s venerable age, and high 
 reputation for wisdom and eminenl station, seem to have 
 produced in the mind of this prudent and humane conqueror, 
 a conviction that the God of Israel was the true God, and 
 that the captive Jews were bis chosen people, and Jerusalem 
 the place where he was especially pleased to be worshipped. 
 Thus “ The Lord stirred up his spirit” to issue a proclama- 
 tion, which was publicly made known in every place, by 
 heralds appointed for that service, . and also committed to 
 writing; that the Jews were now set at liberty, and should 
 be protected, in returning to Jerusalem and rebuilding the 
 temple. — In this proclamation Cyrus called the God of Israel, 
 “Jehovah, the God of Heaven,” and avowed that he was 
 “the God,” in contradistinction to all others that were so 
 called. He acknowledged, that ho had rcceiv< d his dominions 
 from Jehovah, whether acquired by inheritance or conquest. 
 These, being far superior to any other empire then in the 
 world, (as comprising the dominions of the Medes and Per- 
 sians increased by those of the Assyrians, Babylonians, and 
 others,) were called in the customary style, ‘all tb** king- 
 
B. C. 536. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 B. C. 536, 
 
 of the ea th ; and f he hath charged me to build 
 him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 
 
 3 Who is there among you of all his people ? 
 *his God be with him, and let him go up to 
 Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the 
 house of the Lord God of Israel, ( h he is the God,) 
 which is in Jerusalem. 
 
 4 And whosoever remaineth in any place 
 where he sojourneth, 'let the men of his place 
 "help him with silver, and with gold, and with 
 goods, and with beasts, besides Hhe freewill- 
 offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. 
 
 £ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 5 H Then rose up the chief of the fathers of 
 Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the 
 Levites, with all them k whose spirit God had 
 raised to go up to build the house of the Lord 
 which is in Jerusalem. 
 
 6 And all they that were about them f strength- 
 ened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, 
 
 f Is. 41:26— 28. 45:1,12,13. g Josh. 1:9. lChr.28:20. Matt. 28:20. h Dent. 
 32:31. Dan. 2:47. 6:26. Acts 10:36. i 7:16— 18. Acts 24-17. 3 John 6— 8. * Heb. 
 lift him up. Ec. 4:9,10. tlal. 6:2. j 2.68— 70. 1 Chr. 29:3,9,17. It 1. 2 Chr. 36: 
 22. Neh. 2:12. Prov. 16:1. 2 Cor. 8:16. Phil. 2:13. Jam. 1:16,17. t That is, 
 helped them. 7:15,16. 8:25—28,33. 1 4. Ps. 110:3. 2 Cor. 9:7. m 5:14. 6:5. 
 
 doms of the earth.” And he declared that “ the Lord had 
 charged him, to build him a house at Jerusalem.” Some 
 think that this was done in a vision vouchsafed to him ; but 
 probably it was his inference from Isaiah’s prophecies. He 
 also wished the Jews success in the name of the Lord, and in 
 some sense prayed for his powerful and favourable presence 
 with them. And he exhorted others, in every place, to help 
 those who went upon this undertaking, with such things as 
 were needful for their expenses, and for accomplishing their 
 pious intentions. Some interpret this as an order to the 
 rulers of the provinces, to supply them from the public reve- 
 nues: ( Notes , 7:16 — 28.) others suppose that Cyrus allowed 
 the Jews to collect voluntary contributions from his subjects 
 at large ; and some confine it to the Jews, who did not go up 
 to Jerusalem, who were exhorted to assist their brethren that 
 did. Without such assistance, many, that “ remained in any 
 place,” wailing an opportunity of going up to Jerusalem, 
 would have been eventually hindered. — Besides affording as- 
 sistance to the Jews for their journey ; the people in general 
 were allowed, and even reminded, to send oblations for the 
 temple, which was about to be built at Jerusalem. — By this 
 decree the Jews, who had been held in bondage and captivity, 
 were virtually released, provided they chose to engage in this 
 enterprise. Any attempt of this kind would previously have 
 been punishable as rebellion ; but now, the government being 
 favourable, their opposers would be restrained, and many 
 would readily help them on that account alone. — As the kings 
 of Persia still retained the sovereignity of the land, it could 
 be no real impolicy to encourage the people to re-inhabit and 
 cultivate a fertile territory, which had long lain desolate. 
 But this measure was so contrary to the ancient prejudices 
 and superstitions of these kings, that it was probably dictated 
 by conscience, and a sense of duty to the God of heaven: 
 though we find nothing in the subsequent history of this prince 
 to favour a conclusion, that he finally renounced idolatry, 
 and became a true worshipper of Jehovah. The proclama- 
 tion, however, was honourable to God ; and would encourage 
 the Jews to adhere to their religion, and be more .zealous for 
 it ; and perhaps induce many of the Gentiles to respect, and 
 even to embrace it. 
 
 V- 5, G. Some readers may perhaps wonder, that, on this 
 proclamation of Cyrus, the Jews did not assemble in one 
 body, and directly go and take possession of their ancient 
 inherilances : but a little reflection shows the matter in another 
 light. — The city and temple lay a heap of ruins, and it would 
 cost immense labour and expense to rebuild them. The land 
 was either wholly desolate, or occupied by encroaching neigh- 
 bours ; and in eilher case, it would require much time and 
 about* to procure for themselves habitations and provisions. 
 The journey was long, arduous, and perilous, to those who 
 were attended with families and substance: (Note, Gen. 31: 
 23,24.) and many enemies would endeavour to plunder them 
 by the way, as far as they dared and were able. (Notes, 8: 
 21 — 23. Neh. 2:7.) None of the Jews had seen Jerusalem 
 or the temple, except such as were considerably above fifty 
 years of age ; at which period of life the spirit of enterprise 
 commonly begins to decline : and those, who had merely seen 
 it as children, would have little stimulating recollection of it. 
 Few were attached to the temple by true piety : and most of 
 vhem wanted even that attachment, which men naturally feel 
 for the land of their nativity ; having been born in the places, 
 where they were then settled. Some persons of true and 
 eminent piety were so situated, that they did not think it their 
 duty to remove ; as Daniel in the court of Cyrus ; others 
 would be hindered by the infirmities of old age, and the pecu- 
 liar circumstances of their families and connexions. In 
 short, the difficulties, hardship, and peril were manifest ; the 
 success of the attempt would be doubtful to all, but those who 
 were “ strong in faith its temporal advantages were remote 
 
 with goods, and with beasts, and with precious 
 tilings, besides all that was 'willingly offered. 
 
 7 H Also '"Cyrus the king brought forth the 
 vessels of the house of the Lord, which "Nebu- 
 chadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, 
 and had put them in the house of his gods ; 
 
 8 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring 
 forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, 
 and numbered them unto "Sheshbazzar, the prince 
 of Judah. 
 
 9 And this is the number of them : thirty 
 Pchargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, 
 mine and twenty knives, 
 
 10 Thirty basins of gojd, silver basins of a 
 second sort four hundred and ten, and other 
 vessels a thousand. 
 
 11 All "the vessels of gold and of silver were five 
 thousand and four hundred. All these did Shesh- 
 bazzar bring up with them of the ^captivity that 
 were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. 
 
 n 2 Kings 24:13 . 25:13—16 . 2 Chr. 36:7,10,18. Jer. 27:21,22. 28:3— 6 . Dan. 1:2. 
 5:3,23. o 11. 5:14,16. Has. 1:1 ,14. 2:2— 4 . Zech. 4:6— 10. p Num. 7:13,19. 
 1 Kings 7:50. 2 Chr. 4:8, 11, 21, 22. 24:14. Matt. 14:S q Man. 10:29— 31 . rKom 
 9:23. 2 Tim. 2:19— 21. } Heb. transportation. Malt. 1:1 1,12. 
 
 and precarious, and not worth the venture ; especially to 
 such as had obtained comfortable settlements or occupations, 
 in the land of their captivity. Even the spiritual advantages 
 would appear to the pious mind, more intended for posterity 
 than for that generation ; and to engage in it, in this view, 
 would require vigorous faith, lively hope, and an active zeal 
 for the honour of God, and the benefit of his church, and esta- 
 blishment of his worship, in ages to come. — We may con- 
 clude, that in consequence of the captivities, many Israelites, 
 and some of the Jews, were finally incorporated with the 
 heathen, among whom they dwelt : yet these calamities seem 
 to have had a very good effect on considerable numbers. — 
 The chief fathers of Judah and Benjamin, who had the 
 greatest influence intheir tribes, first moved in this undertaking ; 
 and they were joined by the leading men among the priests and 
 Levites, which doubtless rendered the design more honourable : 
 and thus a considerable number were encouraged to attend* 
 them, whilst others both assisted them, and sent valuable obla- 
 tions for the intended temple. — Many more returned, than we 
 read of being carried away captive : (Notes, 2:04 — 67. Jer. 52* 
 28-^30.) but as the land had been utterly desolated, all the sur- 
 viving inhabitants must have been driven into other countries, 
 and most of them into those lands, which had been subject to 
 the kings of Babylon, and which were now fallen under the 
 dominion of the kings of Persia : and doubtless many of the 
 ten tribes accompanied the Jews at this time. It is, how- 
 ever, evident that a great majority even of the latter, chose 
 to continue in the settlements which they had there gained ; 
 some of them afterwards returned, but very many never did ; 
 and immense numbers of Jews were from that time dispersed, 
 in every city and country, over all that part of the world. So 
 that the new settlement, in Judea and at Jerusalem, formed 
 but a small part of that people, as they cont inued to be dis- 
 tinguished from other lations ; for they still increased and 
 multiplied very rapidly, according to the promise of God to 
 their fathers. — It is worthy of observation, that no Jews, who 
 chose to go, were excluded by Cyrus's proclamation : yet the 
 language of the sacred historian implies, that none would 
 actually have gone, if He who “stirred up the spirit of Cyrus,” 
 had not also “ raised the spirit of the people,” to avail them- 
 selves of this permission : the original words are the same in 
 both clauses. This transaction, (as Archbishop Usher has 
 particularly observed,) furnishes a most striking illustration , 
 or, as I would rather say, representation, of the way in which 
 the gospel is proposed to sinners, and embraced by believers. 
 It is in general set before the ruined descendants of Adam ; 
 with the Saviour’s most solemn assurance, that “ him who 
 cometh ... he will in no wise cast out.” Yet “ no man can 
 come unto him, except the Father draw him.” On one pre- 
 tence or other, all who are left to themselves “ negiect so 
 great salvation,” and ar g justly condemned. But God, by his 
 preventing grace, “ stirs up the spirits” of some, who thus 
 thankfully embrace the proffered blessing, and are mercifully 
 saved. 
 
 V. 7 — 11. Some of the vessels of the temple had been cut 
 in pieces by the victors: (2 Kings 24:13.) hut the most 
 valuable had been providentially preserved through all 
 the succeeding revolutions, and were now ordered by Cyrus 
 to be restored to Sheshbazzar ; and so were at last brought 
 back to Jerusalem and again employed in the service of the 
 sanctuary. — It is generally agreed, that the ark was .ost or 
 destroyed, when the temple was burnt: and it is likely, that 
 by the absence of if, and the visible glory, 4 God would sig- 
 nify, he was withdrawing his presence from that house of 
 stone, to dwell in the temple of Christ’s body, who offered 
 himself to God, and thereby put an end to these figurative 
 sacrifices.’ Bp. Patrick. The knives were used for slaying 
 and preparing the sacrifices, as the original word signifies, 
 and the vessels, for receiving the blood, for the meat-offerings, 
 
 ( mi ) 
 
B 536. EZRA. B. C. 536. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The principal persons who returned, from Babylon, 1.2, The number of the 
 several families which accompanied them, 3 — 35. The priests , 36—39. The 
 Levites, 40 — 42. The Nethinitna, -13 — 54. The children of Solomon's ser- 
 vants, 55— 60. The priests who could not show their pedigree, 61— 63. The 
 sum total, with their retinue, 64 — 67. Their oblations towards the temple 
 and its service , GS — 70. 
 
 N OW these are a the children of the province 
 that went up out of the captivity, of those 
 which had been carried away, b whom Nebuchad- 
 nezzar the king of Babylon had carried away 
 unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem 
 and Judah, every one unto his city ; 
 
 2 Which came with 'Zerubbabel: d Jeshua, 
 Nehemiah, "Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, 
 Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number 
 of the men of the people of Israel : 
 
 3 The children of f Parosh, two thousand a 
 hundred seventy and two. 
 
 4 The children of sShephatiah, three hundred 
 seventy and two. 
 
 5 The children of h Arah, seven hundred 
 seventy and five. 
 
 6 The children of 'Pahath-moab, of the chil- 
 
 • 5:8. 6:2. Neh. 7:6. Esth. 1:1. 3:8,11. 8:9. Acts23:31. b 2 Kings 01:14— 16. 
 85:11. 2 Chr. 35: Jer. 39: 52: c 1:11. Sheshbazzar. Nell. 7:7. Hag. 1 : 1,12,14. 2: 
 2,4,21. Zech. 4:6 — 10. Matt. 1:12,13. Zorobabel. d 3:8,9. 4:3. 5:2. Hag. 1: 
 12,14.2:4. Zech. 3: 13,8,9. Joshua, e Neh. 7:7. Azariah. Nahamanr. Haa- 
 tniah. Mispereth. Nekum. f8:3. Pharosh. 10:25. Neh. 7:8. g8:8. Neh. 7:9. 
 
 and other similar purposes. (Marg. Ref .) — The sum total 
 of the vessels here stated far exceeds the particular account 
 given of them : but it is supposed, that many spoons, tongs, 
 and other instruments of service, not before numbered, were 
 included. — Sheshbazzar may signify joy in tribulation ; and it 
 is supposed that this name was given, by the kings of Baby- 
 lon, to the same person whom the Jews called Zerubbabel, 
 which signifies a stranger at Babylon. He was*the grandson 
 of Jehoiachin by Salathiel, and the heir of the house ofDavid : 
 as such he was regarded by the conquerors ; he possessed 
 authority over the captive Jews; and he was authorized, and 
 willingly undertook, to lead those back, who now returned to 
 rebuild the city and temple. (Marg. Ref. o. 2:2. 3:2,8. 5: 
 14 — 16. Note, Jer. 2^:2«— 30.) 
 
 Sheshbazzar. (8) ■rcaw. This name appears to be com- 
 pounded of W,jine /men, and 3X3, in affliction. — The wearing 
 of fine linen and white garments was an expression of rejoic- 
 ing. # 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 4. As the architect progressively executes every 
 part of the plan, which he had delineated for his intended 
 structure, till the whole is completed ; so God in his provi- 
 dence performs in due order all the prophecies of his word : a 
 great proportion of his grand design has already been accom- 
 plished, and revolving ages will hasten the performance of all 
 the rest, in the appointed periods. — Difficulties, which to us 
 appear impossibilities, form no obstruction to Omnipotence. 
 The Lord our God turneth the hearts of kings, as he does 
 the rivers of waters, which way he pleases: (Note, Prov. 
 21:1.) he subverts the deep-laid foundations of mighty empires, 
 and establishes others in their room ; he lays aside the exe- 
 cutioners of his vengeance, when their work is done, to make 
 way for the instruments of his mercy ; he gives, as he sees 
 good, abilities, success, and authority ; and then secretly 
 disposes men’s minds to fulfil his word and do his will, and 
 overrules every thing for the benefit of his church, and of 
 those who trust in him. — When he has work to do, they, 
 whom he has chosen to perform it, find their minds enlarged 
 to entertain noble designs ; and, forgetful of their former 
 habits, maxims, and superstitions, they serve his cause with 
 all the authority which he has conferred on them. Even 
 they, who live and die strangers to the power of true religion, 
 have often received deep convictions of “ his eternal power 
 and Godhead,” and of their obligations and accountableness 
 to 44 the God of heaven :” and under these convictions, they 
 have made public and honourable confessions to him, have 
 shown for a time a regard for his authority, and have done 
 many and great, things for his cause and people ; speaking the 
 language of piety, and being very useful to his worshippers : 
 and yet at last they have relapsed into their former idolatry 
 or ungodliness ! (Notes, 7:11 — 28.) — If such things have here- 
 tofore been done in fulfilling former prophecies ; the Lord is 
 equally able and faithful to provide for the ruin of every anti- 
 christ, the conversion of the Jews, and the calling of all the 
 Gentiles into his church. — In every useful undertaking, all 
 should endeavour to be helpful ; and it bodes well ? when 
 princes and ministers of religion take the lead, and give the 
 example, in arduous and self-denying services. Some may 
 De useful by their labours, some with their substance, and all 
 by their prayers, to the common cause of truth and righteous- 
 ness : and whatever is done willingly , and from love to God 
 %nd his people, will be graciously accepted. 
 
 V. 5 — 11. No time should be lost in setting about those 
 duties which belong to us in our several stations: and in 
 stirring up others to abound in love and good works, we should 
 give them an example. — That which is devoted to the service 
 of the Lord, is intrusted to his protection : and he will espe- 
 ( 812 ) 
 
 dren of Jeshua and k Joab, two thousand eight 
 hundred and twelve. 
 
 7 The children of ‘Elam, a thousand two hun 
 dred fifty and four. 
 
 8 The children of m Zattu, nine hundred forty 
 and five. 
 
 9 The children of "Zaccai, seven huidred and 
 threescore. 
 
 10 The children of °Bani, six hundred forty 
 and two. 
 
 11 The children of vBebai, six hundred twenty 
 and three. 
 
 12 The children of sAzgad, a thousand two 
 hundred twenty and two. 
 
 13 The children of r Adonikam, six hundred 
 sixty and six. 
 
 14 The children of s Bigvai, two thousand 
 fifty and six. 
 
 15 The children of l Adin, four hundred fifty 
 and four. 
 
 16 The children of “Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety 
 and eight. 
 
 h Neh. 6:18. 7:10. [652.1 i 8:4. 10:30. Neh. 7:11. [2818.] 10:14. k 8:9. 18:7. 
 10:26. Neh. 7:12. rn 10:27. Neh. 7:13. [845.] n Neh. 7:14. o 10:34. Neh. 7:15. 
 Rinnui. [618.J [. 8:11. 10:28. Neh. 7:16. [628.] q 8:12. Neh. 7:17. [2322.1 r 8:13. 
 Neh. 7:18. [667.] s8:14. Neh. 7:19. [2067. J 1 8:6. Neh. 7:20. [655.] u Neh. 7:21. 
 
 cially keep and preserve those, whom he has 44 purified unto 
 himself to be a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” 
 Even the very hairs of their head are all numbered ; and 
 whatever tribulations they may pass through, no true 
 believer shall perish ; but they shall all be forthcoming, at that 
 day 44 when the Lord shall make up his jewels.” — Salvation 
 is fully prepared in Jesus Christ ; 44 all power in heaven and 
 earth is given unto him the proclamation of the gospel is 
 general to every creature. But pride, worldly lusts, and 
 unbelief, render us averse to the gracious proposal: and it 
 would be made in vain, did not the Lord raise up the spirits 
 of a remnant, 44 according to the election of grace,” to renounce 
 all for the sake of Christ and his salvation. Those who 
 prefer carnal things to the eternal blessings which he confers, 
 will find, that their pride and love of sin aggravate, and do 
 not excuse, the guilt of their unbelief. Those, who feel a 
 willingness to accept of what they have heretofore neglected, 
 may come with encouragement : for Jesus 44 will in no wise 
 cast them out.” And if we by grace have been enabled to 
 receive this salvation, and to bring forth the fruits of it. ; while 
 we take the comfort of it, we shall give him the glory, and 
 offer our fervent prayers, that others also may 44 be made 
 willing in the day of his power.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. II. V. 1. Province , &c.] (Marg. 
 Ref. a.) This terms seems to denote Judea, as now become 
 a province of the Persian empire. — Some of the same persons 
 returned, who had been carried captive, and the children or 
 descendants of the others. 
 
 V. 2. These were the chief fathers, who were next in 
 authority to Zerubbabel, and assisted him in this expedition. 
 Jeshua, or Joshua, was the high-priest, the grandson ol 
 Seraiah, who was slain by Nebuchadnezzar. (2 Kings 25: 
 18,21. Comp. 1 Chr. 6:14,15. with Note , Hag. 1:1.) — Nehe-' 
 miah and Mordecai were not the same persons of whom we 
 afterwards read, who bore these names ; for they lived many 
 years later. (Neh. 1:1. Esth. 2:5.) — As these persons 
 renounced many advantages, and encountered many hard- 
 ships and dangers, in attempting to rebuild the temple and 
 city, and resume possession of the promised land ; it was 
 proper that their names should be recorded, as a mark of 
 honourable distinction to them and their descendants. ‘Their 
 land and their cities had been laid so desolate, . . . and were 
 infested also by such bad neighbours, that it was a great piece 
 of generosity in these men to return thither: and their names 
 are recorded to the eternal honour of them, and of their pos- 
 terity ; they being the first planters of this country, after it 
 had been laid waste.’ Bp. Patrick. The people of Israel .] 
 
 4 They who were called 44 the children of the province” before, 
 are now called 44 the people of Israel for from Inin they 
 were derived, though most of them were of the tribe of Judah.* 
 Bp. Patrick. (Note, 1:5,6.) 
 
 V. 3 — 29. The Register, in the hook of Nehemiah, 
 
 answers to this here given in so many particulars, that there 
 can bo do doubt that the same is meant in both places. In 
 general, the names and the numbers of each family are nearly 
 the same ; and the sum total is computed in botn exactly alike* 
 Yet there are several considerable variations, in names and 
 numbers, which cannot he readily and satisfactorily accounted 
 for. The most material of these are marked in the margin. — It is 
 probable, that Ezra, when he wrote his history, many years 
 after the return of the Jews to Babylon, copied this register 
 from the public records without alteration. — Some think, that 
 several who had their names inserted in the register, altered 
 their minds, or died before the company arrivec at Jerusalem ; 
 and that others came forward, so as to comp etc the same 
 number in all. (Notts, Nth. 7:6,6,73.) — The word children 
 is sometimes used for the descendants from the several heads 
 
B. C. 536. 
 
 CHAPTER II. B. C. 536. 
 
 17 The children of 'Bezai, three hundred 
 twenty and three. 
 
 18 The children of *Jorah, a hundred and 
 twelve. 
 
 19 The children of 'Hashum, two hundred 
 twenty and three. 
 
 20 The children of “Gibbar, ninety and five. 
 
 21 The b children of Beth-lebem, a hundred 
 twenty and three. 
 
 22 The men of c Netophah, fifty and six. 
 
 23 The men of d Anathoth, a hundred twenty 
 and eight. 
 
 24 The children of e Azmaveth, forty and two. 
 
 25 The children of f Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, 
 and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and 
 three. 
 
 26 The children of sRamah and Gaba, six 
 hundred twenty and one. 
 
 27 The men of h Mic.hmas, a hundred twenty 
 and two. 
 
 28 The men of Beth-el and 'Ai, two hundred 
 twenty and three. 
 
 29 The children of k Nebo, fifty and two. 
 
 30 The children of Magbish, a hundred fifty 
 and six. 
 
 31 The children of the other 'Elam, a thousand 
 two hundred fifty and four. 
 
 32 The children of m Harim, three hundred and 
 twenty. 
 
 33 The children of "Lod, 'Hadid, and Ono, 
 6even hundred twenty and five. 
 
 34 The children of °Jericho, three hundred 
 forty and five. 
 
 35 The children of ySenaah, three thousand 
 and six hundred and thirty. 
 
 36 If The priests : the children of ‘fJedaiah, of 
 the house of r Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and 
 three. 
 
 37 The children of 'Immer, a thousand fifty 
 and two. 
 
 38 The children of ‘Pashur, a thousand two 
 hundred forty and seven. 
 
 39 The children of "Harim, a thousand and 
 seventeen. 
 
 40 IT The Levites : the children of Jeshua and 
 Kadmiel, of the children of *Hodaviah, seventy 
 and four. 
 
 41 11 The singers: the children of ? Asaph, a 
 hundred twenty and eight. 
 
 42 IT The children of Hhe porters : the children 
 of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of 
 Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of 
 Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all a hundred 
 thirty and nine. 
 
 43 If The "Nethinims : the children of Ziha, 
 
 x Neh. 7:23. [324.] y Neh. 7:24. Hnriph. z 10:33. Neh. 7:22. [328.] a Neh. 7: 
 25. Gibeon. b 1 Chr. 2:50—52. c 2 Sam. 23:28. 1 Chr. 2:54. Neh. 7.26. [188.] 
 Jer. 40:8. dJoah. 21:18. Neh. 7:27. Is. 10:30. Jer. 1:1. 11:21. e Neh. 7:23. 
 Belk-azmaveth. f Josh. 9:17. Neh. 7:29. Kirjalhtienrim. g Josh. 18:24,25. 
 Neh. 7:30. h l Sam. 13:5,23. Is. 10:28. MichmasK. Neh. 7:31. i Gen. 12:8. 
 Hai. Josh. 7:2. 8:9,17. Neh. 7:32. [123.1 k Num. 32:3. Deut. 32:49. Neh. 7:33. 
 I*. 15:2. Jer. 48:1, ‘22. 17. Neh. 7:34. m 10:31. Neh. 7:35. n Neh. 6:2. 7:37. 
 11-34,35. * Or, Harid, as in some copies, o 1 Kings 16:34. Neh. 7:36. pNeh. 
 7.38. [3930.] q 1 Chr. 9:10. 24.7. r3:9. Neh. 7:39. s 10:20. lChr.24:14. 
 
 Neh. 7:40. t 10:22. 1 Chr. 9:2. Neh. 7:41. u 10:21. 1 Chr. 24:8. Neh. 7:42. 
 x 3:9. Judaht Neh. 7:43. Hodevah. y 1 Chr. 6:39. 15:17. 25:1,2. Neh. 7:44. 
 
 of families ; at other times for those, whose ancestors be- 
 longed to the cities mentioned in connexion with them. 
 
 V. 30. The children of Magbish are not named in Nehe- 
 miah. 
 
 V. 35. It is uncertain whether Senaah be the name of a 
 person, or a place ; but the greatest number of persons stated 
 in the whole register are called the children ofSenaah. 
 
 V. 36 — 39. Above four thousand priests went up to Jeru- 
 salem on this occasion ; which was a very great number, in 
 proportion to the rest of the company ; yet only four, out of 
 the twenty-four courses instituted by David, seem to have 
 returned : at least only four of the persons, after whom the 
 courses were first named, as here mentioned; namely, Je- 
 daiah, Immer, Harim, and Pashur, who was the son of Mal- 
 chijah- (1 Chr. 9:12. 24:7 — 9,14.) and his name appears to 
 have stood in the public records, as head of his course, 
 instead of his father’s. The priests, however, were after- 
 wards divided into twenty-four courses, under the ancient 
 names, in order to preserve regularity in their ministrations. 
 
 V. 40 — 42. The very small number of Levites, compared 
 with the multitude of priests, who returned from Babylon, is 
 very remarkable. Perhaps during a course of years, having 
 uo employment in their appropriate services, they generally 
 
 the children of ‘‘Hasupha, the children of Tab- 
 baoth, 
 
 44 The children of Keros, the children ot 
 'Siaha, the children of Padon, 
 
 45 The children of d Lebanah, the children of 
 Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 
 
 46 The children of Hagab, the children of 
 tShalmai, the children of Ha nan, 
 
 47 The children of Giddel, the children o. 
 Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 
 
 48 The children of Rezin, the children of 
 Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 
 
 49 The children of Uzza, the children of 
 e Paseah, the children of Besai, 
 
 50 The children of Asnah, the children of 
 'Mehunim, the children of Nephusim, 
 
 51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of 
 Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 
 
 52 The children of g Bazluth, the. children of 
 Mehida, the children of Harsha, 
 
 53 The children of Barkos, the children of 
 Sisera, the" children of h Thamah, 
 
 54 The children of Neziah, the children of 
 Hatipha. 
 
 55 It The children of ‘Solomon’s servants: 
 the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, 
 the children of k Peruda, 
 
 56 The children of 'Jaalah, the children of 
 Darkon, the children of Giddel, 
 
 57 The chiltJren of Shephatiah, the children of 
 Hattil, the children of m Pochereth of Zebaim, the 
 children of “Ami. 
 
 58 All the “Nethinims, and the children of 
 Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety 
 and two. 
 
 59 And these were they which went up from 
 Tel-melah, rTel-harsa, Cherub, Addan, and 
 Immer: but they could not show their father’s 
 house, and their Tseed, whether they were of 
 Israel : 
 
 60 The children 4of Delaiah, the children of 
 Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred 
 fifty and two. 
 
 61 IT And of r the children of the priests: the 
 children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the 
 children of Barzillai : which took a wife of the 
 daughters of ’Barzillai the Gileadite, and was 
 called after their name : 
 
 62 These sought their register among those 
 that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were 
 not found: ‘therefore §were they, as polluted, put 
 from the priesthood. 
 
 63 And the “Tirshatha said unto them, that they 
 "should not eat of the most holy things, till there 
 stood up a priest with x Urim and with Thummim. 
 
 [148.1 z 1 Chr. 26:1, &c. Neh. 7:45. [138.] a 1 Chr. 9:2. Neh. 7:46— ,56. 10:28. 
 b Neh. 7:46. Hashupha. c Neh. 7:47. Sin. d Neh. 7:48. Ltbana. Hagaba . 
 t Or, Shamlai. e Neh. 7:51. P'msenh. f Neh. 7:52. Meunim. Nephishe- 
 shim, g Neh. 7:54. Bazlith. h Neh. 7:55. Trtmah. il Kings 9:21. k Neh. 
 7:57. Perida. 1 Neh. 7:58. Jaala. m Neh. 7:59. Pochercth. n Neh. 7:59. 
 Amon. o 7:7. Josh. 9:23,27. 1 Chr. 9:2. Neh. 7:60. p Neh. 7:61. Tel-hnreehru 
 Addon. J Or , pedigree. qNeh.7:62. |642.] r Neh. 7:63,64. s2Sam. 17:27. 
 19:31—39. 1 Kings 2:7. t Lev. 21 :21— 23. Num. 3: 10. 16:40. 18:7. § Heb. 
 
 they were polluted from the priesthood . Ez. 44:10 — 14. il Or, governor. Neh. 
 7:65.8:9.10:1. u Lev. 2:3,10. 6:17,29. 7:16.10:17,18.22:2,10,15,16. Num. 
 18:9—11,19,32. x Ex. 28:30. Lev. 8:8. Num. 27:21. Dent. 33:8. 1 Sam. 28:6. 
 
 entered on other occupations; and felt little inducement or 
 inclination to leave them, in order to be the assistants of the 
 priests, in the present desolated condition of Judah and Jeru- 
 salem. But it may be supposed, that the priests, having a more 
 sacred and honourable office, were reluctant to be deprived 
 of it, and more ready to resume the exercise of their ministry. 
 
 V. 43—54. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 8:20. 1 Chr. 9:2.) 
 
 V. 55 — 58. These were persons descended from the 
 
 remains of the devoted Canaanites, who had been brought 
 into bondage by Solomon ; (Note, I Kings 9:20 — 22.) and so 
 their posterity were employed in menial services, perhaps 
 about the sanctuary, along with the Nethinims: and though 
 both the Nethinims and “ the children of Solomon’s servants,” 
 were of Gentile extraction, and not admitted to the privileges 
 of Israelites ; yet they seem to have been more ready to 
 return to Jerusalem than the Levites were. 
 
 V. 61 — 63. Either Habaiah, or Koz, being of the sacer- 
 dotal family, had married one of Barzillai’s daughters; and 
 his posterily perhaps thought their clescent from him, more 
 honourable than their priestly character, and so neglected to 
 preserve their genealogy. Yet, on their return from capti- 
 vity, they desired to be admitted to the service of the sanc- 
 tuary : but, not being able to trace their genealogy, they were* 
 ( 813 ) 
 
B. C. 536. EZRA. B. C. 536. 
 
 64 IT The whole congregation together was 
 forty and two thousand three hundred and 
 threescore, 
 
 65 Besides their 'servants and their maids, of 
 whom there were seven thousand three hundred 
 thirty and seven': and there were among them 
 “two hundred singing-men and singing-women. 
 
 66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty 
 and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five: 
 
 67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and 
 five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred 
 and twenty. 
 
 68 And some of the chief of the fathers, 
 when they came to the house of the Lord which 
 is at Jerusalem, b oft’ered freely for the house of 
 God to set it up c in his place : 
 
 69 They gave after their ability unto d the 
 treasure of the work threescore and one thousand 
 
 V 9:8. Neh. 7:66—69. Is. 10:20— 22. Jer. 23:3. z Is. 14:1,2. a Ex. 15:20,21. 
 2 Sam. 19:35. Neh. 7:67. Ps. 66:25. 148:12,13. Ec.2:8. Jer. 9:17,18. Malt. 9: 
 23. b Ex. 35:5. &c. 29. 36:3. Num.7:3, 4c. 1 Chr. 29:5— 17. Neh. 7:70. Ps. 
 110:3. Luke 21:1—4. 2 Cor. 8:3,12. 9:7. c 3:3. 1 Ctrl'. 21:18. 22:1. 2 Chr. 3:1. 
 d 8:25— 34. 1 Kings 7:51. I Chr. 22: 14 . 26:20— 28. Neh. 7:71,72. e 6: 16,17. 
 
 excluded by the Tirshatha, (that is, the governor, or Zerub- 
 babel, Neh. 8:9.) until a high-priestr should arise with Urim 
 and Thummim, who might, by immediate revelation from 
 God, decide upon their case. (Marg. Ref. Note, Ex. 28: 
 30.) But such a high-priest was not vouchsafed under the 
 second temple. ‘ The Jews generally acknowledge, that 
 there was no Urim and Thummim under the second temple; 
 and even they that say there was, (because it was necessary 
 the high-priest should have his garments complete,) yet 
 say, there was no answer from God given by it.’ Bp. Pa- 
 trick. 
 
 V. G4. The number of the several families amounts only 
 to twdnty-nine thousand eight hundred and eighteen ; and 
 those in Nehemiah to thirty-one thousand and eighty-nine ; 
 yet the sum total is in both said to be forty-two thousand 
 three hundred and sixty, besides their servants. (Neh. 7:G6, 
 G7.) The surplus are supposed to have been priests and 
 Levites who could not produce their genealogy, and Israelites 
 from the other tribes, who accompanied their brethren of 
 Judah and Benjamin. ‘ It is remarkable that the two 
 accounts’ (of Ezra and Nehemiah) 1 agree in the total 
 amount ; and the sum of the numbers, as separately detailed, 
 will correspond, if to the 29,818, specified by Ezra, we add 
 the 1765 persons reckoned by Nehemiah, which Ezra has 
 omitted : and on the other hand, to the 31,089 enumerated by 
 Nehemiah, add the 491, which is an overplus in Ezra, not 
 noticed by Nehemiah : both writers including in the sum 
 total 10,777 of the mixed multitude, not particularized in the 
 individual detail. . . . Prideaux attributes the difference to 
 alterations made by Nehemiah, in compliance with changes, 
 that had happened since the departure from Babylon. . . . The 
 accounts unquestionably agreed, when they were received into 
 the canon, except where there might be some cause for 
 variation ; and probably the differences that now exist have 
 originated in the carelessness of the copyists.’ Grey's Key. 
 
 V. 65. Among the servants were *’ two hundred singing- 
 men aod singing-women,” (or two hundred and forty-five, 
 according to Nehemiah,) who probably were employed in 
 families, to assist their mournings, or their thanksgivings. 
 (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 66, 67. How exceedingly reduced and impoverished 
 does Israel appear in this narrative, compared with the con- 
 dition of the nation in the days of David and Solomon ! — The 
 number of asses, compared with that of the horses, shows in 
 how general use asses were at that time ; but horses as 
 belonging to the patriarchs or their descendants, are not men- 
 tioned, till the time of David. 
 
 V. 68 — 70. Under the diyine protection this company 
 arrived safe at Jerusalem, without any memorable occurrence. 
 They found the city and all around it in ruins, and it seems 
 the neighbouring cities totally unoccupied. These they 
 rebuilt as well as they could, and dwelt in them for the pre- 
 sent. (Notes, 1 Chr. 9:2. Neh. 7:73.) But the house of 
 God chiefly occupied their thoughts ; and it seems that their 
 oblations to it were made, before they separated to seek habi- 
 tations or subsistence. The whole amounted to nearly 
 eighty thousand pounds sterling, besides the priests’ garments ; 
 which was a considerable sum for them to contribute in their 
 present poverty : (Note, Neh. 7:70 — 72.) but probably their 
 brethren who stayed behind, contributed part of it ; as the 
 sacrifices and the burning of incense at the temple, were for the 
 benefit of those who worshipped at, or towards, that typical 
 residence of the God of Israel. (Notes, 1 Kings 8:28 — 30. 
 Dan. 6:10,11.) ‘ By this it appears, that the Jews were not 
 
 made such poor slaves in Babylon as wrought for t' cir . .. 
 masters, but had liberty to trade, and get riches for them- 
 selves; some of them being advanced to considerable offices 
 in the king's court..’ Bp. Patrick. — Tho whole history 
 shows, that they were not reduced to personal slavery. — 
 Every thing seems to have been conducted with much har- 
 mony and regularity. ‘ The foundation of this poor common- 
 ( 914 ) 
 
 drams of gold, and five thousand pounds of silver 
 and one hundred priests’ garments. 
 
 70 So 'the priests, and the Levites, and some 
 of the people, and the singers, and the porters, 
 and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all 
 Israel in their cities. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The Jews reassemble atf Jerusalem, build an altar, offer sacrifices, keep the 
 feast of tabernacles, and prepare to rebuild the temple, 1—7. Under the 
 direction of Zerubbabcl and Jeshua the foundation is laid, amidst the r e» 
 joicing of some and the weeping of others , 8 — 13. 
 
 A ND when “the seventh month was come, and 
 the children of Israel were in the cities, the 
 people gathered themselves together b as one man 
 to Jerusalem. 
 
 2 Then stood up 'Jeshua the son of Jozadak, 
 and his brethren the priests, and d Zerubbabel the 
 son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded 
 the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt-offer- 
 
 1 Chr. 11:2. Neh. 7:73. 1 1 :3, ic. a Ex. 23:14— 17. I.er. 16:29. 23:24,27, Sc. 
 Num.29:l, Sc. Neh. 8:2,14. bJudg.20:l. Neh. 8:1. Zeph.3.9. Acts 2:46. 
 4:32. 1 Cor. 1:10. cHag. 1:1,12,14. 2:2— 4. Zech. 3:1,8. 6:11. Joshua the son 
 of Josedeeh. d 2:2. 1 Chr. 3:17,19. Hag. 2:21 ,23. Zech. 4:6— 10. Malt. 1:12, 
 13. Zorobabel, Salalhiel. 
 
 wealth was laid in a marvellous concord. . . . They had one 
 heart and soul like the first Christians, without which unity 
 no people can be preserved. And that it may be cherished, 
 they must avoid those things that destroy it, which are (as 
 Joseph Wolphius nere observes) principally ... self-love, 
 and meddling in other men’s matters.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord will honour those, who renounce their own ease 
 or interest for the sake of his service and glory ; and all, who 
 avail themselves of the proclamation of liberty and salvation 
 sent in the gospel, have their names recorded in the book of 
 life ; whilst others shall be written in the dust of oblivion or 
 disgrace. Those orders of men, which have on one occasion 
 been most zealous in the cause of God, may at another time 
 become most negligent ; and the reverse is often exemplified ; 
 “ for the first shall be last, and the last first.” (36 — 42. 
 2 Chr. 29:34.) — Those who are ashamed of religion, or under- 
 value their external relation to God, in times of reproach, 
 persecution, or distress ; will have no benefit from it, when it 
 becomes honourable and profitable : and they who have no 
 evidence that they are, by regeneration, and adoption, spiri- 
 tual priests unto God through Jesus Christ, have no right to 
 the peculiar comforts and privileges of Christians. But there 
 are many cases of which we cannot judge, but must leave 
 them to be determined at the second coming of our High- 
 Priest, whose illuminations and perfections are unchangeable 
 and eternal. — Those who 44 seek first the kingdom of God,” 
 his favour, and his glory, will have all things else added to 
 them: they will readily offer according to their ability for the 
 house and service of God : and 44 where there is a willing 
 mind it is accepted, according to what a man hath, and not 
 according to what he hath not.” (Notes, 2 Cor. 8:1 — 5,10 — 
 15, v. 12.) — Sin always impoverishes and degrades both indi- 
 viduals and societies ; but that poverty and degradation are 
 often sanctified, and finally promote their true interest and 
 honour. — Our gracious Lord will carry us through those un- 
 dertakings, which are entered on according to his will, with 
 an aim to his glory, and in dependence on his assistance ; 
 and then we shall be made superior to all difficulties, hard- 
 ships, and dangers. Thus they, who at the call of the 
 gospel, renounce sin, and return unto the Lord, shall be 
 guarded and guided through all the perils of the way ; and 
 arrive safe at those mansions, which arc prepared for them in 
 the holy city of our God. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IIT. V. 1. It is probable, that the 
 Jews began their journey in the beginning of the spring : and 
 that they did not reach Jerusalem till three or four months 
 after. (7:9.) They employed a short time in providing ha- 
 bitations and necessaries for their families ; and then they 
 all met together in the seventh month. This was tho season 
 of the first solemnities which occurred after- their arrival. 
 On the first day the feast of trumpets was kept ; the great 
 day of atonement followed on the tenth ; and the feast of 
 tabernacles began on the fifteenth. All these they seem to 
 have observed with great devotion. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Leu. 
 23:24—43.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 1:7—11. 2:2.) The Jews 
 built the altar upon the same foundation, and therefore of the 
 same size, with that of Solomon. Probably it was formed of 
 rough stones, with a large hearth of brass on the lop. (Note, 
 Ex. 20:21 — 25, vv. 24,25.) So large an altar, built all ofbrass, 
 would have cost a sum far beyond their present circum- 
 stances. (Note, 2 Chr. 4:1.) — The fear of the tribes or 
 nations around them, whom the people knew to be their ene- 
 mies, did not induce them to take arms, or to erect fortifica- 
 tions, but to prepare an altar and t r o offer sacrifices : by which 
 they put. themselves under tho immediate protection of the 
 Almighty God. (Notes, Josh. 5:2 — 10.) — They began by 
 offering the daily burnt-offerings, morning and evening, which 
 constituted the principal part of the staled worship icquired 
 by tho law. (Note, Ex. 29:38 — 41.) 
 
B. C. 536. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 536 
 
 ings thereon, 'as it is written in the law of Moses 
 the man of God. 
 
 3 And they set 'the altar upon his bases; 
 «for fear Was upon them, because of the people of 
 those countries : and they offered burnt-offerings 
 thereon unto the Lord, even h burnt-offerings 
 morning and evening. 
 
 4 They kept also 'the feast of tabernacles, as 
 it is written, and offered * the daily burnt-offerings 
 by number, according to the custom, 'as the duty 
 of every day required ; 
 
 5 And afterward offered 'the continual burnt- 
 offering, both of the new moons, and of all the 
 set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and 
 ?>f every one that m willingly offered a freewill- 
 offering unto the Lord. 
 
 6 From the first day of the seventh month 
 began they to offer burnt-offerings unto the 
 Lord. But 'the foundation of the temple of the 
 Lord was not yet laid. 
 
 7 They "gave money also unto the masons, 
 and to the ^carpenters ; and "meat, and drink, 
 and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of 
 Tyre, to bring cedar-trees from Lebanon to the 
 sea of "Joppa, ^according to the grant that they 
 had of Cyrus king of Persia. 
 
 8 H Now in the second year of their coming 
 unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the 
 second month, began 'Zerubbabel the son of 
 Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozpdak, and the 
 
 e F.x. 20:24,25. Dent. 12:5— T 2 Chr. 6:6. Ps. 78:68. f2Uhr. 4:1. g 4:11— 16.8: 
 21,22. Ps. 27:1,2. 56:2—4 * h Ex. 23:38— 42. Num. 28:2— 8. i Ex. 23:16. Lex. 
 23:34—36. Neh. 8:14— 17. Zech. 14:1(3 — 19. John 7:2,37. k N’u.m. 29:12— 38. 
 * Heb. the matter of the day in his day . Ex. 5:13. Jer. 52:34. marg. 1 Ex. 29; 
 3S— 42. Num. 28:3—10,11,19,27. 29:2.8,13. m Lev. 1:3. Dent. 12:6,17. 2 Chr. 
 29:31,32. t Heb. the temple of the LORD was not yet founded, n 2 Kii>gB 
 12:11,12. 22:5,6. 2 Chr. 24: 12,13. J Or, worlcmen. o 1 Kings 5:6,9-11. 2 Chr. 
 2:10—15. Ez. 27:17. Acts 12.20. p 2 Chr. 2 16. Jon. 1:3. Acts 10:5,6. q 6:3— 
 6. r See on 2. s Num. 4:3. 1 Chr. 23:24— 32. t2:40. Hodauiah. Neh. 7:43. 
 
 V. 4. (Notes, Num. 29:12—37. Neh. 8:14—18.) The 
 sacrifices appointed on the several days of the feast of taber- 
 nacles, were numerous ; and the observance of it seems to 
 have been greatly neglected: yet the returned captives 
 strictly complied with the requirements of the law, ‘ which 
 put this poor people to great expenses: but their piety was 
 now such, that they valued nothing so much as the service 
 of God.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 5, 6. Some of the people had come to Jerusalem and 
 had prepared the altar, before the first day of the seventh 
 month. And the rest being assembled as one man, they 
 then began their solemn worship, with the daily sacrifices, 
 those appointed for the new moons, and those for the feast 
 of trumpets, the day of atonement, and the feast of taber- 
 nacles. Besides those sacrifices which were expressly 
 appointed, many “ Willingly offered freewill-offerings unto 
 the Lord.” (Marg. Ref.) — Until the temple was com- 
 pleted, it is likely they had erected a tabernacle near the 
 altar, in which the sacred vessels and treasures were depo- 
 sited and guarded. (Note, 1 Chr. 9:19:21.) 
 
 V. 7. It seems, that the Jews were authorized by Cyrus 
 to cut as much timber in Lebanon, as they wanted : but the 
 Zidonians and Tyrians would expect to be paid for their 
 labour; and they would prefer corn, wine, and oil, to money. 
 — “ According to the grant that they had of Cyrus 4 who 
 commanded, I suppose, those of Tyre and Zidon to assist 
 them.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 4:4 — 6. 6:4.) 
 
 V. 8 — 11. The people did all that they could, during the 
 winter, In making preparations for building the temple ; for 
 immense labour must have been requisite, in clearing the 
 ground for the foundation, as well as in providing materials. 
 In the second month, however, of the second year, or in a 
 little more than a year after they left Babylon, Zerubbabel 
 and Jeshua, having appointed the priests and Levites to 
 attend in their courses, laid the foundation of the temple, 
 with songs of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord. (Notes, 
 Num. 10:2 — 10, v. 10. 1 Chr. 1 6:37— 43. 23:2—6,24—28. 2 Chr. 
 5:11 — 13. 34:8 — 13, v. 12.) — Thus after their long afflictions, 
 they were encouraged again to sing, “ The Lord is good, for 
 his mercy endurelh for ever towards Israel even as the 
 prophet Jeremiah had foretold. (Note, Jer. 33:11.) 
 
 Jeshua, Set'. (9) ‘Not Jeshua the high-priest before men- 
 tioned, but another Jeshua, who was a Levite, mentioned 
 2:40. — “ The sons of Judah,” who is called there Hodaviah.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12, 13. The Jews, who had heard of the temple and 
 its solemn worship, and the blessing and comfort which it had 
 been to their fathers, but had never seen it, were elated with 
 joy that they were once more to have a temple, as the symbol 
 of the Lord’s presence with them, and his favour to them, 
 and expressed their joy and thankfulness, by loud acclama- 
 tions. On the other hand, the old men, who remembered the 
 splendour of the former temple, ( which had now been destroyed 
 about fifty-three years,) were led by the recollection of past 
 
 remnant of their brethren the priests and the 
 Levites, and all they that were come out of the 
 captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the 
 Levites, from "twenty years old and upward, to 
 set forward the work of tire house ol'the Lord. 
 
 9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his 
 brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons ot 
 ‘Judah, ^together, to set forward the workmen 
 in the house of God : the sons of Henadad, with 
 their sons and their brethren the Levites. 
 
 10 And when the builders laid the foundation 
 of the temple of the Lord, they "set the priests in 
 their apparel with “trumpets, and the Levites rthe 
 sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, 
 “alter the ordinance of David king of Israel. 
 
 11 And "they sang together by course in prais- 
 ing and giving thanks unto the Lord ; ^Because 
 he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward 
 Israel. And all the people "shouted with a great 
 shout, when they praised the Lord, •'because the 
 foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 
 
 12 But 'many of the priests and Levites, and 
 chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that 
 had seen the first house, 'when the foundation ol 
 this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a 
 loud voice ; and many shouted aloud for joy ; 
 
 13 So that the people could not discern the 
 noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the 
 weeping of the people : for the people “shouted 
 with a loud shout, and '’the noise was heard afar off. 
 
 Hndevah. $ Heb. as one. u Ex. 28:40— 42. 1 Pam. 22: 18. 1 Chr. 15:27. 
 x Num. 10:1—10. 1 Chr. 15:24. 16:5,6. y 1 Chr. 6:39. 16:37. 2.5:1— 7. 2 Chr. 
 35:15. z 1 Chr. 6:31. 16:4-7. 23:5. 2 Chr. 29:25,26. a Ex. 15:21. Neh. 12- 
 24,40. Ps. 24:7—10. Is. 6:3. b 1 Chr. 16:34,41. 2Chr.7:3. Ps. 103:17. 106:1. 
 107.1. 135:3. 136:1. & c . Jer. 33:11. Luke 1 :50. c Jnsh. 6:5,10,16. Ps. 47:1,5. Ts. 
 12;6. 44:23. Zech. 9:9. d Ps. 102:13,14. e Hag. 2:3. f Job 8:7. Is. 41:14 60:22. 
 Dan. 2:34,35. Zech. 4:10. Matt. 13:31,32. g Neh. 12:43. Ps. 5:11. Jer. 33:11. 
 Zech. 4:7. Luke 19:37— 40. h Ex. 32: 17,18. 1 Sam. 4:5. 1 Kings 1:40,45. Pa. 
 100 : 1 , 2 . 
 
 prosperity, to give vent to their regret in copious tears and 
 loud lamentations. By this they undervalued their present 
 mercies: and it was the more reprehensible, as the priests 
 and Levites, and chief persons, led the way in this unseason- 
 able sorrow, so as to discourage their brethren, and interrupt 
 their fervent praises. ( Marg. Ref. Notes, Zech. 4:8 — 10. ) — 
 The temple itself is supposed to have been rebuilt of the same 
 dimensions as before : but probably it was formed chiefly 
 with the old stones dug out of the ruins, and with inferior 
 workmanship ; and it was not overlaid with gold, as Solo- 
 mon’s temple had been : neither was it, for a long time at 
 least, surrounded with such magnificent out-buildings. More- 
 over, the ark of the covenant, the tables of the law, and the 
 mercy-seat, were irrecoverably lost; and it is uncertain 
 whether any thing was substituted in their stead: no visible 
 glory, it is said, now appeared in the most holy place ; there 
 were no answers by Urim and Thummim ; and no fire from 
 heaven to consume the sacrifices, but common fire was used 
 for that purpose. (Maf£. Ref.) These and other circum- 
 stances seemed to indicate, that the Lord was not with them 
 as in times past: but they really showed, that the types were 
 waxing old, and ready to vanish away, by the coming of the 
 great Antitype. (Notes, Jer. 3:16 — 18. Heb. 8:7 — 13.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 It is true wisdom to prefer the service of God to our most 
 urgent temporal concerns. — The greater difficulties, and the 
 more formidable enemies, we are exposed to, the more evi- 
 dently we need the friendship and assistance of God ; and we 
 should be proportionably earnest and constant in seeking and 
 serving him, according to his word, through the great atone- 
 ment of our heavenly Advocate. — These, who rule over 
 others, should go before them in every good work : and we 
 should worship the Lord in respect of outward things, ac- 
 cording to what our circumstances will permit, though we 
 cannot attain to all that is desirable. That which is ex- 
 pended in obedience to his commandment, will never im 
 poverish us or our families : we should therefore rather save 
 in any thing, than grudge the expense of works of piety and 
 charity, which is like sowing the seed of a future harvest. 
 ( Notes, Prov. 11:24,25. Ec. 11:1,2. Luke 6:37,38. Acts 
 11:27 — 30. P. O. 19—30, latter part. Notes, 2 Cor. 9:6 — 
 15. P. O. 8 — 15.) — Every day brings its peculiar duties: 
 these will not be grievous, but pleasant, to the true and con- 
 sistent servant of the Lord ; and when zeal and love prevail, 
 he will be looking out for opportunities of usefulness, and 
 cheerfully bringing his freewill-offerings. — Unanimity, activ- 
 ity, and promptitude, in contriving and executing good designs, 
 will surmount many difficulties, and perform great things in 
 a little time; especially if all orders in society concur in their 
 proper places. — The trumpet of the gospel not only warns 
 the sinner to flee from the wrath to come, but animates the 
 believer to his “work of faith and labour of love.”- -Every 
 recent token of the loving-kindness of the Lord should remind 
 us to celebrate his former goodness and mercy, and to untie). 
 (815 ) 
 
B. C. 585, 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 521. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The adversaries of the Jews offer to join in building the temple ; and , being 
 rejected , they endeavour to hinder the work, i — 6. They write to Artaxerxes, 
 king of Persia ,7 — 10. A copy of their letter, 11 — 16. The answer of Ar tax- 
 erxes, who decrees that the work shall be stopped , 17 — 22. The Jews are 
 compelled to cease from building , 23 , 24. 
 
 N OW when “the adversaries of Judah and 
 Benjamin heard that the 'children of the 
 captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God 
 af Israel ; 
 
 2 Then they came to b Zerubbabel, and to the 
 chief of the fathers, and said unto them, “Let us 
 build with you : for we seek your God, as ye do; 
 nd 'Hve do sacrifice unto him since the days of 
 Esar-haddon king of 'Assur, which brought us 
 up hither. 
 
 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest 
 of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto 
 them, "Ye have nothing to do with us to build 
 a house unto our God; but we ourselves together 
 will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as h king 
 Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. 
 
 4 Then the people of the land 'weakened the 
 b c.n hands of the people of Judah, and “troubled 
 531 ■ -* them in building, 
 
 5 And ‘hired counsellors against them, to 
 frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus 
 king of Persia, even until the reign of “Darius 
 king of Persia. * 
 
 a 7 — 9. 1 Kings 5:4,5. 1 Chr. 22:9,10. Neh. 4:1— 11. Dan. 9:25. lCor,16:9. 
 • Heb. sonso/' the transportation. 1:11. marg. 6:16,19,20. 10:7,16. Dan.5:13. 
 b 1:5. 2:2. 3:2,12. c Pro.. 26:23-26. 2 Cor. 11:13— 15. Gal. 2:4. 2Tim. 3:8. 
 2 Pet. 2:1,2. (1 2 Kings 17:24,27 — 33,41. e 10. Asnapper. 2 Kings 19:37. f Gen. 
 10:11. Ps. 73:8. Is. 37:37. Assyria. Hus. 14:3. Asshur. g Neh. 2:20. John 4:22, 
 *3. Acts 8:21. Rom. 9:4,5. h 1:1—3. 6:3—5. 2 Chr. 36:22,23. Is. 44:28. 45:1,4. 
 Matt. 10:16. i 3:3. Neh. 6:9. Is. 35:3,4. Jer. 38:4. k Neh. 4:7,8,11. lPs.2:l,2. 
 
 pate future blessings • for, notwithstanding our chastisements 
 and distrustful murmurs, “ the Lord is good, and his mercy 
 endureth for ever towards Israel.” The conviction of this 
 truth, and the consideration of our own unworthincss, should 
 enlarge our hearts with hope and gratitude, at every renewed 
 token of his favour ; and render us joyful at our work, and 
 even amidst our trials. But we are too prone to bemoan lost 
 comforts, disappointments, and scanty possessions ; to give 
 way to discontent, impatience, and distrust ; and thus to mar 
 our own enjoyment of present mercies, to interrupt the joy 
 of others, and to refuse our God the praise and thanksgiving 
 due unto his name. Against this propensity we should con- 
 tinually watch and pray. Even when we compare the pre- 
 sent low state of true piety, and the small success of the gos- 
 pel, with those primitive times when “great grace was upon 
 all” the company of believers, and “ the Lord daily added to 
 the church such as should be saved ;” or when we lament 
 declensions in congregations, churches, or nations ; we should 
 be careful not to undervalue the present goodness of our 
 God ; to “ despise the day of small things or to weaken our 
 own hands, and discourage the hearts of others, in seeking a 
 more signal and effectual blessing. — In this world, however, 
 joys and sorrows will be blended,* for it is a mixed state : 
 hereafter there will be a complete separation ; in one place 
 there will be “ fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore,” in 
 the other there will be eternal weeping, wailing, and gnashing 
 of teeth. May “Jesus deliver us from the wrath to come,” 
 and prepare us for his glorious and eternal felicity ; “ that 
 where he is, there we may be also.” 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. IV. V. 1. (Note, 2,10.) The Cu- 
 theans, or Samaritans, who had been planted in the land of 
 Israel by Esar-haddon, had perhaps encroached upon the 
 countries belonging to the Jews ; and doubtless they were 
 envious of the favour shown them by the king of Persia: and 
 thus they took occasion to become their determined enemies. 
 But they were chiefly influenced by the enmity which “ the 
 seed of the serpent” bears to the true church of God ; arising 
 from contrariety of character, and hatred to the holiness of 
 God, as displayed in his holy law, ordinances, truths, and 
 people. And they might also fear, lest the establishment of 
 the true worship of Jehovah should expose their spurious 
 religion to disgrace. (Notes, 2 Kings 17:24 — 28,41. Neh. 
 13:23—30.) 
 
 V. 2. ‘ This people no doubt were desirous to partake 
 of the privileges, which were granted to the Jews by the 
 king of Persia. . . . Though they worshipped God, yet they 
 joined other feigned gods with him, and therefore could not 
 be admitted into communion with them at the temple.’ Bp 
 Patrick. — The Samaritans professed lo worship the God of 
 Israel : yet they were not guided by his word, but by their 
 own imaginations, devices, or traditions, in the service 
 which they rendered to him ; and they worshipped with him 
 their tutelar deities : so that their religion was a mixture of 
 idolatry, superstition, and ignorance; far worse at this timig 
 than it was when our Lord himself declared that “they know 
 not what they worshipped.” (Notes, John 4:19 — 27.) 
 
 V. 3. The Samaritans were neither Israelites by birth, 
 nor yet true proselytes ; so that the law of God forbad all 
 ( 816 ) 
 
 6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, m the ce 
 ginning of his reign, "wrote they unto him an 
 accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and 
 
 Jerusalem. C Practical Observations.'] 
 
 7 H And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote i-b. g. 
 'Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest L s 22 - 
 of their ^companions unto Artaxerxes king of 
 PeAia ; and the writing of the letter was written 
 in "the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the 
 Syrian tongue. 
 
 8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the 
 “scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Ar- 
 taxerxes the king in this sort : 
 
 9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, anjJ 
 Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their '“com- 
 panions ; Pthe Dinaites, the lApharsa the bites, the 
 Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the 
 Babylonians, "the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and 
 the “Elamites, 
 
 10 And 'the rest of the nations whom the great 
 and noble Asnapper brought over, and set in the 
 cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this 
 side the river, "and "at such a time. 
 
 11 H This is the copy of the letter that they 
 sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; 
 Thy servants, the men on this side the river, 
 and at such a time. 
 
 12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews 
 
 Nah. 1:11. Acta 24:1. m 24. 5:5. &c. 6:1, &c. t Heb. Ahashveroth. n Matt. 
 27:37. Acts 24:5-9, T3. 25:7. Rev. 12:10. } Or, inpeace. § Heb. socie ies, 
 
 9,17. 5:6. o 2 Kings 18:26. Is. 36:11. Dan. 2:4. || Or, secelary. 9. 2 Sam. 8: 
 17 . 20:25. 2 Kings 18:18. IT Chul. societies. • p 2 Kings 17:24,30,31 . q 5:6. 
 6:6. Apharsachitcs. r Esth. 1 :2. 2:3. Dan. 8:2. s- Gen. 10:22. Is. 21:2. Jer. 
 25:25.49:34. Ez. 32:24. Acts2:9. 1 1. 2 Kings 17:24, &c. u 11,17. 7:12. 
 '* Chal. Cheenelh. 
 
 coalition with them : neither were they included in the decree 
 of Cyrus. Probably, the rulers of the Jews perceived, that 
 they only meant to insinuate themselves, in order to obtain 
 pre-eminence, foment dissensions, introduce their idolatries 
 and superstitions, prejudice the minds of the people against 
 their rulers ; and in short to seize the temple, when built, for 
 their own use ; or to retard, injure, and put a stop to the 
 work. It was, however, plain, that they did not mean to 
 unite cordially with them, in the worship of the true God 
 alone, according to his written word ; and therefore nothing 
 but mischief could have resulted from so unnatural an alliance, 
 which they decidedly declined. 
 
 V. 4 — 6. This opposition of the Samaritans is supposed 
 to have begun soon after the foundation of the temple was 
 laid. During the remainder of the reign of Cyrus for almost 
 five years, however, they did not openly oppose a work which 
 that prince had commanded : but they discouraged the people, 
 and perhaps intercepted their materials for building ; and by 
 bribing counsellors to oppose their application to the ministers 
 of Cyrus, for supplies or protection, they greatly obstructed 
 the design. This would be more easily done, as it is proba- 
 ble that Daniel, the powerful friend of the Jews, died about 
 this time. ( Note , Dan. 6:25 — 28.) — Cambyses, the son of 
 Cyrus, called here (as it is probably supposed) Ahasuerus* 
 reigned above seven years ; and was a very impolitic and 
 wicked prince : but regard to his father’s memory, it may be 
 supposed, prevented his attending to the accusations brought 
 by the Samaritans against the Jews. Darius. (5) JVotes, 5: (3c 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Upon the death of Cambyses, Smerdis the 
 Magian usurped the throne ; and as no other king reigned in 
 Persia, after Cambyses, and before Darius Hystaspis, under 
 whom the temple was finished, he must be the Artaxerxes 
 here mentioned : ( Note , 6:13 — 15.) unless, as some thinn, 
 Artaxerxes is only another name for Ahasuerus. To him, 
 however, the rulers of the Samaritans wrote a letter, which 
 Ezra seems to have copied from the records of Persia. 
 (Marg. Ref. o.) It was written at first in Syriac, or 
 Chaldee : but perhaps it. was entered into the records in 
 Persian ; so that Ezra, when he extracted it, again translated 
 it into Syriac : and therefore it stands in the original Scrip- 
 tures in that language, as does all that follows to the end of 
 the sixth chapter. — Bishlam, Mithredath, and Tabeel seem 
 to have been the principal persons who counselled the people 
 to send this letter ; and Rehum and Shimshai, it is probable, 
 drew it up. — The Dinaites , &c. (9) ‘ These nine nations 
 
 came out of Assyria, Persia, Media, Susiana, and other 
 provinces of that, vast empire ; who with one consent joined 
 in this letter, or petition.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref. p — s.) 
 
 V. 10. Asnapper , &c.] Probably Asnapper was the 
 name by which Esar-haddon was known, in the eastern parts 
 of the Assyrian empire: (2. 2 Kings 19:37.) or as some 
 think, he was a great captain, employed by Esar-haddon in 
 this transaction. 
 
 At such a time.] The date of the letter seems to have fob 
 lowed in the records ; but it was omitted by the transcriber, 
 as it were with an ct cfctera. 
 
 V. 12. The rebellious, &c.] (Marg. Ref. v, x.) After 
 God in his righteous judgments had reduced Judah tosubjoo 
 
13. C. 522. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. B. C. 522 
 
 which came up from thee to us, are come unto 
 Jerusalem, building ’the rebellious and the x bad 
 city, and have 'set up the walls thereof, and 
 joined the foundations. 
 
 13 Be it known now unto the king, that hf 
 this city be budded, and the walls set up again, 
 then will they not ’pay ‘toll, tribute, and custom, 
 and so thou shalt endamage the Revenue of the 
 
 kings. 
 
 14 Now because we “have maintenance from 
 the king’s palace, “and it was not meet for us 
 to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we 
 6ent and certified the king ; 
 
 15 That search may be made in the book of 
 the records of thy fathers : so shalt thou find in 
 the book of the records and know that b tbis city 
 is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and 
 provinces, and that they have ’’moved sedition 
 “within the same of old time: c for which cause 
 was this city destroyed. 
 
 16 We certify the king that, if this city be 
 builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by 
 this means d thou shalt have no portion on this 
 side the river. 
 
 17 IT Then sent the king an answer unto 
 Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the 
 scribe, and to the rest of their ’’companions that 
 
 t 15,19. 2 Kings 18:20 . 24:1. 2Chr. 36:13. Jer. 52:3. Ez. 17:11— 19. Luke 23: 
 2—5. Acts 24.5. 1 TlieB. 5:22. I Pet. 2:13— 15. iPs. 48:1,2. Is. 1:21— 23. Luke 
 13:34. * Or , finished. Nell. 1:3. Dan. 9:25. 1 Chal . sowed, together, y Neh. 
 5:4. Ps. 52:2. 119:69. } Chal. z 7.24. Malt. 9:9. 17:25. Rom. 13:6,7. 
 
 § Or, strength. || Chal. are salted with the salt of the palace , 1 Tim. 6:10. 
 a Ez. 33:31. John 12:5,6. 19:12—15. b 12. Neh. 2:19. 6:6. Eslh. 3:5—8. Dan. 
 6:4 — 13. Acts 17:6,7. IT Chal. made. ** Chal. in the midst thereof . cJer.52:3, 
 &c. d 20. 2 Sam. 8:3. 1 Kings 4:24. ff Chal. societies. 7,9. e 5:7. 7:12. 
 
 lion under the kings of Babylon, the Jews certainly showed a 
 very obstinate and treacherous spirit of rebellion ; they cre- 
 ated their new masters a great deal of trouble, and they pro- 
 voked them to their own destruction. But in so doing, they 
 transgressed the commandments of their law, by violating 
 their own solemn oaths and engagements. ( Notes , 13 — 16. 
 2 Kings 24:1,20. 25:6,7. 2 Chr. 36:13. Ez. 17:15 — 21.)— No 
 attempt at this time had been made to rebuild the wnlls of 
 Jerusalem; and the Samaritans were not in reality so much 
 displeased at any thing, as at the building of the temple, though 
 they artfully avoided the mention of it : and the letter also 
 contained a most direct false accusation. 4 When it is said, 
 there was an order from the king, that this city should not be 
 built, and accordingly the work was stopped, it is thus ex- 
 pressed, ver. 24 , 44 then ceased the work of the house of God, 
 which is at Jerusalem.” . . . Thus wicked men compass their 
 ends by lies and fallacies, with which they prepossess men’s 
 minds against the truth.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13 — 16. David and Solomon had reigned over all the. 
 countries from the river Euphrates, to the river of Egypt : 
 but this was long before the commencement of the Babylonish, 
 or Persian monarchies. And after the death of Solomon, 
 their successors had been confined within much narrower 
 limits. The Samaritans, however, aimed to insinuate a jealousy 
 into the mind o’ the king of Persia, that the Jews intended to 
 claim and seize upon all those regions, and hold the whole, as 
 independent on the kings of Persia; than which nothing could 
 be more groundless and absurd. All their offence seems to 
 have been, that they had prepared to defend themselves 
 against their enemies, whilst acting under the authority of 
 Cyrus. The Samaritans cloaked their slander and enmity, 
 under the fair pretence of fidelity and gratitude to the king, of 
 Persia: the ruling persons among them were maintained by 
 revenues from the court of Persia ; and it was not meet for 
 them to see the king’s dishonour, and the loss which would 
 accrue to him, if the Jews were allowed to go on with their 
 undertaking. (Notes, 5:3 — 17.) 
 
 We have maintenance, &c. (14) 44 We are salted with the 
 salt, of the palace.” Marg. — 4 It seems, they received their sti- 
 pend in salt, from whence it was called a salary.' Bp. Patrick. 
 
 Fathers. (15) So they called the kings, who had reigned 
 before Artaxerxes, over those countries. 
 
 V. 17 — 24. The king of Persia found by the records, that 
 Jerusalem had been the seat of government for powerful 
 princes, many ages before ; and that afterwards rebellion and 
 sedition had been made in it : and, as thus much was true in 
 the letter of the Samaritans, full credit was given them for all 
 that they advanced, concerning the progress and intentions of 
 the Jews, and the consequences of their proceedings ; though 
 nothing could be more improbable, false and malicious ! A 
 commission therefore was sent back, in which the temple was 
 not mentioned; for though that created the jealousy in the 
 minds of the Samaritans, it was little regarded by the king 
 of Persia : (Note, 12.) but they were ordered 44 to cause them 
 to cease ;” this was sufficient for their purpose ; and without 
 delay they forcibly put a stop to the work. — The usurpation 
 of Smerdis did not continue a whole year; so that if he be 
 Intended, their commission was soon vacated ; but the Jews, 
 Vol. I.— 103 
 
 dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond tbe 
 river, e Peace, ana ( at such a time. 
 
 18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been 
 plainly read before me. 
 
 19 And HI commanded, and ^search hath beei 
 made, h and it is found that this city of old timv 
 hath §§rnade insurrection against kings, and that 
 rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 
 
 20 There have been 'mighty kings also over 
 Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries 
 “beyond the river: : and toll, tribute, and custom, 
 was paid unto them. 
 
 21 “"Give ye now commandment to cause 
 these men to cease, and that this city be not 
 builded, until another commandment • shall be 
 given from me. 
 
 22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this : 
 m why should damage grow to the hurt <jf the kings ? 
 
 23 U Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ 
 letter was read before "Rehum, and Shimshai the 
 scribe, and their companions, “they tvent up in 
 haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made 
 them to cease by ’’’force and power. 
 
 24 Then ceased the work of the house of God, 
 
 which is at Jerusalem. pSo it ceased unto the 
 second year of the reign of iDarius king of i-b. c. 
 Persia. L 52 °- 
 
 Luke 10.5. Acts23:26. Rom. 1:7. f 10,1 1 . Chal. by me a decree is set. 
 e, 15. 5:17. 6.1,2. Deut. 13:14. Prov.25:2. h2Kings 18:7. 24:20. Ez. 17:13- 
 19. §§ Chal. lifted up itself, i 1 Kiii*s 4:21. 1 Chr. 18:3. Ps. 72.8. k 16. 
 
 Gen. 1518. Josh. 1:4. 1 1 Chr. 18:6,13. 19:19. 2 Chr. 9:14,23,24. 17:11.26:7, 
 
 8. HU Chal. Make a decree. 19. m 13. Esth. 3:8,9. 7:3,4. n 8,9,17. o Prov. 
 4:16. Mic. 2:1. Rom. 3:15. Till Chal. 07771 and power, p Neh. 6:3,9. Job 20: 
 5. 1 Thes. 2:18. q 5:5, 6:1. Hag. 1:15. 
 
 being greatly intimidated, and not so zealous as they had 
 been, the work ceased till the second year of Darius, who, 
 having assisted in killing the usurper, was advanced to the 
 throne in his stead. (Note, 5:1,2.) ‘ It is very observable, 
 
 that in neither of their letters, nor in the king’s answer, there 
 is one word of the command which Cyrus gave ; nor any 
 thing said of the building of the temple, which was the great 
 thing in which they were employed, and the building of which 
 could be no damage to the king.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL observations. 
 
 V. 1 — fi. Every vigorous and successful attempt to revive 
 or promote true religion, will excite the opposition of Satan, 
 and of u the children of disobedience” in whom he works. 
 Indeed all ungodly men despise or hate holiness : yet they, 
 who do not profess much regard to religion, commonly treat 
 pious persons with mere neglect or ridicule; but hypocrites 
 and heretics have always been the most unwearied and cruel 
 enemies of the true church of God. The labours and lives of 
 his servants undermine their reputation, affront their pride, 
 and expose their hypocrisy: and their enmity is thus imbit- 
 tered by envy and resentment. Sometimes indeed they seem 
 desirous of being admitted to the fellowship of believers ; and 
 avow themselves to be of the same sentiments, and to be 
 minding the same things. But they only want to insinuate 
 themselves, that they may gain pre-eminence, and manage 
 every thing for their own purposes. These u false brethren, 
 unawares crept in, bring in privily damnable heresies,” form 
 parties and excite contentions ; introduce their own coalition 
 between the world and religion ; mislead and prejudice some 
 and pervert others; lessen the influence of pious persons,, 
 and render the minds of the people disaffected towards them . 
 and while their lives disgrace the cause, their insinuations 
 M eat as doth a canker,” till an internal decay corrodes the 
 very vitals of piety, in every church where they obtain admis- 
 sion, and preserve their authority or influence. Let then all 
 the friends of truth and holiness beware of such characters, 
 and let them withdraw from them ; u by their fruits ye shall 
 know them ;” and let no plausible pretences, or hopes of sup- 
 port from their superior rank or wealth, bribe Christians to 
 admit them u to build with them,” unless they mean to build 
 a Babel, instead of a temple. It is true, if you will not have 
 their friendship, you must expect their imbittered resentment, 
 which is more dreaded, but is far less dangerous. By insinua- 
 tions, objections, and discouragements, they weaken the hands 
 of the Lord’s people, and induce them to suspect or dislike their 
 faithful ministers, or their lawful rulers ; and by slanders and 
 reproaches, they attempt to prejudice others against them. 
 But it is no wonder, that we cannot enumerate all their 
 practices, when they have the old Serpent for their prompter, 
 and spare neither trouble nor expense, nor crimes of any 
 kind, to accomplish their designs. For the same part is act- 
 ing oyer and over again, from age to age, with only circum- 
 stantial variations ; and the les9 we are aware of it, the more 
 we are in danger of being injured by it. 
 
 V. 7 — 24. The gates of hell, in directly assaulting the 
 church of Christ, often labour to excite rulers to suppress his 
 truths and ordinances, by statutes and penal sanctions. To 
 this end ungodly men bestow' great pains to obtain the sar ot 
 
 ( si7 : 
 
8. C. 519. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 519 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 gerubbabd and Jeehua, excited by Haggai and ZecharicJi , begin again to 
 build the temple, 1,2. Tatnai and Shethar-boznai are not able to hinder 
 them, 3 — 5. A copy of their letter to Darius , 6 — 17. 
 
 T HEN the prophets, “Haggai the prophet, 
 and b Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied 
 into the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem 
 '•in the name of the God of Israel, even unto 
 them. 
 
 2 Then d rose up Zerubbabel the son of 
 Shealtiel, and “Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and 
 began to build the house of God which is at 
 Jerusalem: and with them were 'the prophets 
 of God helping them. 
 
 3 11 At the same time came to them g Tatnai, 
 
 f overnor on this side the river, and Shethar- 
 oznai, and their companions, and said thus unto 
 them, h Wl*o hath commanded you to build this 
 house, and to make up this wall? 
 
 4 Then said we unto them after this manner, 
 ‘What are the names of the men that 'make this 
 building? 
 
 5 But k the eye of their God was upon the 
 elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them 
 to cease, till the matter came to Darius : and 
 ‘then they returned answer by letter concerning 
 this matter. 
 
 6 H The m copy of the letter that Tatnai, 
 governor on this side the river, and Shethar- 
 
 boznai, and his companions the “Apharsachites, 
 which were on this side the river, sent unto 
 Darius the king : 
 
 7 They sent a letter unto him, f wherein was 
 written thus; Unto Darius the king, “all peace. 
 
 8 Be it known unto the king, that we went 
 into f'the province of Judea, to the house of ?the 
 great God, which is builded with tgreat stones, 
 and timber is laid in the walls, and this work 
 goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands. 
 
 9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto 
 them thus*, r Who commanded you to build this 
 house, and to make up these walls ? 
 
 10 We “asked their names also, to certify thee, 
 that we might write the names of the men that 
 were the chief of them. 
 
 11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, 
 ‘We are the servants of the God of heaven and 
 earth, and build the house that was builded these 
 many years ago, "which a great king of Israel 
 builded and set up. 
 
 12 But Softer that our fathers had provoked 
 the God of heaven unto wrath, rhe gave them 
 “into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of 
 Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this 
 house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 
 
 13 But “in the first year of Cyrus the king of 
 Babylon, the same king Cyrus made a decree to 
 build this house of God. 
 
 a Hag. 1:1, &c. b Zech. 1:1, &c. c Mic. 5:4. Hag. 1:2 — 8. Zech. 1:3,4. 4:6 — 
 10. d Hag. 1:12 — 15. e Zech. 6:11. Joshua — Josedech. f6:14. Hag. 2:4— 9, 
 20—23. Zech. 3:4: 2 Cor. 1:24. g 6. 6:6,13. 7:21. Neh. 2:7— 9. li 9. 1:3. 
 Matt. 21:23. Acts 4:7. i 10. * Clial. build, k 7:6,28. 8-22. 2 Chr. 16:9. Ps. 
 
 33:18. 34:15. Phil. 1:28. 1 Pet. 3:12. 16.6—12. m 4:11,23. p 4:9. Apharsath- 
 chites. 6:6. f Chal. in the midst whereof . o4:17. Dan. 3:9. 4: 1 . 6:21 . John 14: 
 27. 2 Thes. 3:16. p 2:1. Neh. 7:6. 11:3. Esth. 1:1,22. q 1:2,3. 6:10. 7:23. Deui. 
 10:17.32:31. Ps. 145:3. Dan. 2:47. 3.26. 4:2,34— 37 . 6:26. J Chal. stones of 
 
 princes. • If they 6nd them disposed to countenance pious 
 Christians, they use deceitful methods to poison their minds 
 with prejudices and suspicions. But when weak and wicked 
 kings succeed to the thrones, which have been filled by wiser 
 men ; these slanderers venture to speak more plainly : and 
 professing great loyalty and attachment, and even pleading 
 the ties of gratitude and conscience, they pour in their false 
 accusations, and petition for leave to persecute. — It is an old 
 slander, that “ Jerusalem is a rebellious and bad city,” and 
 that the prosperity of the church would be injurious to kirfgs 
 and provinces : for 44 the Accuser of the brethren” knows how 
 prevalent such considerations are with the princes of this 
 world. Yet nothing can be more false: for true godliness 
 teaches us to honour and obey the king ; to “submit to every 
 ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake ;” to pay tribute, and 
 44 to render unto Cesar the things that are Cesar’s;” to be 
 upright, peaceable, and blameless ; and even to fulfil the oath 
 or engagement which we have entered into to our own hurt ; 
 it admits of only a single exception ; namely, where the com- 
 mand of God requires one thing, and the law of the land 
 another, we must 44 obey God rather than man,” and patiently 
 submit to the consequences. — But it must be allowed, that 
 ambitious and turbulent men have often disgraced the cause 
 of God, by their usurpations, seditions, rebellions, treacheries, 
 and perjuries : real Christians also have been seduced into 
 inconsistent practices: and “ oppression,” which 44 maketh a 
 wise man mad,” has sometimes excited them to use unwar- 
 ranted weapons. A few instances of this kind, standing on 
 record , while the blameless lives and patient sufferings of 
 thousands are unnoticed and forgotten, serve through revolving 
 ages as a pretext, by which malignant enmity misleads worldly 
 ipolicy. All who love the gospel, should therefore walk cir- 
 cumspectly, avoiding all appearance of evil, especially in this 
 particular, lest the church of God and posterity should suffer 
 through their misconduct : for the whole body will be con- 
 demned without a hearing, if only a few individuals act im- 
 properly. (Note, Rom. 13:1,2.) — Indeed we cannot behave 
 so quietly, and endeavour to serve God and to promote reli- 
 gion so unexceptionably, but our endeavours will be ascribed 
 to ambition or avarice, and we shall be suspected of harbour- 
 ing the basest, intentions. For kings and princes are seldom 
 able to discover the truth, in such causes, even when disposed 
 to inquire after it. Surrounded with flatterers and interested 
 dependents, they must see with other men’s eyes, and receive 
 every information, concerning those whom their courtiers 
 dislike, with a false colouring : and as they are too generally 
 careless about religion, if not prejudiced against it, Satan and 
 his emissaries seldom find much difficulty, in using them as 
 the tools of their persecuting enmity. These considerations 
 should teach us to count our cost ; that we may be prepared 
 for all events, and not bo too easily discouraged or made 
 remiss, as we are apt to be, upon every appearance of opposi- 
 tion : they should excite our gratitude for our peculiar privi- 
 leges in this favoured land, and teach us to place our depend- 
 ence on that God, who has all hearts in his hands, and not 
 on the mutable decrees of princes and senates. Wo should 
 
 ( 813 ) 
 
 rolling. Mark 13:1,2, r3,4. b 4. t Josh. 24:15. Ps. 119:46. Jon. 1:9. Matt. 10: 
 32. Luke 12:8. Acts 27:23. Rom. 1:16. Gal. 6: 14. ul Kings 6: 7: 2 Chr. 3: 4: 5: 
 x 2 Kings 21-12—15. 2 Chr. 34:24,25. 36:16,17. Neh. 9:26,27. Is. 59:1,2. Jer. 5: 
 29. Dan. 9:5. y Deut. 28:15, &c. 29:24—28 . 31:17 . 32.30. Jude. 2: 14. 4:2. 6:1. 
 
 1 Kings 9:6— 9. 2 Chr. 7:19— 22. Ps. 106:40. z 2 Kings 24:10, &c. 25:1, &c. 
 
 2 Chr: 36:6, &c. Jer. 39:1, &c. 52:1,4c. Dan. 1:1,2. a 1:1—4. 6:3—5. Is. 44: 
 28. 45:1. 
 
 also be in haste to seize on every opportunity of doing good ; 
 even as the adversaries of the church do in their mischievous 
 devices ; for, as we revive all from our wise, gracious, and 
 righteous God : it is not meet that we should quietly witness 
 his dishonour, or neglect any method by which we may glo- 
 rify his name, and promote his cause in the world. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1, 2. A great part of the book 
 of Haggai, and the former part of Zechariah, refer to the 
 events here recorded, and the reader will find it. worth while 
 to compare them with the history. — The Jews resumed their 
 work about fourteen years after the first opposition, given to 
 them by the Samaritans ; but within two or three years after 
 they had been compelled to desist entirely from it. In the 
 mean time they had rebuilt their own houses, without being 
 in the least molested. It may be supposed that they had an 
 altar and tabernacle, and kept up their stated worship ; but 
 they were persuaded, that it was not yet time to build the 
 temple. For this neglect the Lord corrected them, and 
 reproved them by the prophets, who came to 44 prophesy even 
 unto them,” or rather 44 against them.” Their remonstrances 
 excited the rulers and the people to resume the work ; and 
 their subsequent encouraging prophecies greatly helped them 
 in accomplishing it. (Notes, Hag. 1:* Zech. 3:1 — 7. 4:4 — 10.) 
 
 V. 3. It is probable, that the governors of Samaria had 
 been changed, on the accession of Darius, for men of greater 
 temper and impartiality. The 44 companions” here men- 
 tioned with the governors, seem to have been some of the 
 chief persons of the nation, who formed the council. Excited, 
 however, by the envy and jealousy of the Samaritans, they 
 interfered, as soon as the Jews resumed the building of the 
 temple. — This wall.] The wall about the temple seems to 
 be meant. ( Notes, Neh. 1:3.2:12 — 16.4:1 — 3. Dan. 9:25 — 27.) 
 
 V. 4. Then, &c.] It is uncertain whether these are the 
 words of the governors of Samaria inquiring of the Jews the 
 names of their rulers, who presided over the work ; (10) or 
 those of the workmen referring the inquirers to Zerubbabel 
 and Jeshua, for information. — Ezra may fairly be supposed to 
 have inserted the words of the record without alteration: so 
 that the. first person plural neither proves that ho was then at 
 Jerusalem ; nor yet that he was not the writer of the history, 
 as some learned men have argued. 
 
 V. 5. (IHarg. Ref.) The Lord so watched over his 
 people, that the Samaritans, though full of enmity, were 
 restrained from using violence to obstruct the work : and he 
 gave them so many encouragements, in bis providence and 
 by his word, that they were not terrified from proceeding; 
 till at length the matter having been referred to Darius, a 
 favourable answer was obtained. (Notes, Hag, 2:3 — 19. 
 Zcch. 1:12—21.) 
 
 V. 6 — 17. It is probable, that, this cpistlo likewise was 
 copied from the public records, and interpreted into the Chal- 
 dee language: but it. forms an entire contrast to the malevo- 
 lent, slanderous, and disingenuous lc‘ter of the foregoing 
 chapter. (Notes, 4:10 — 10.) It fairly stated facts to the 
 king; and the writers merely desired io know his pleasure, 
 after proper search had been made The ingenuous a.' count* 
 
B. C. 519. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 519, 
 
 14 And b the vessels also of gold and silver of 
 the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took 
 out of the temple that wins in Jerusalem, and 
 brought them into the temple of Babylon, those 
 did Cyrus c the king take out of the temple of 
 Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose 
 name was ’’Sheshbazzar, “whom he had made 
 ‘governor ; 
 
 15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, 
 carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, 
 and f let the house of God be builded in his place. 
 
 16 Then came the same eSheshbazzar, and 
 b laid the foundation of the house of God which 
 is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until 
 now hath it been in building, and yet ’it is not 
 finished. 
 
 17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, 
 ‘let there he search made in the king’s treasure- 
 house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be 
 so, that ’a decree was made of Cyrus the king 
 to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let 
 the king send his pleasure to us concerning this 
 matter. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Darius finds the decree of Cyrus , confirms it, allows out of his revenues the 
 erpenses of building the temple, and denounces penalties on all op/osers, 
 
 1 — 12. The temple is finished and de Heated, and the passover is celebrated 
 with great joy, 13 — 22. 
 
 T HEN Darius the king made a decree, "and 
 search was mAde in the house of the ‘rolls, 
 where the treasures were 'laid up in Babylon. 
 
 2 And there was found : at Achmetha, in the 
 palace that is in the province of the Medes, a 
 roll, and therein was a record thus written : 
 
 3 In b the first year of Cyrus the king, the same 
 Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the 
 house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be 
 builded, “the place where they offered sacrifices, 
 
 b 1:7—10. 6:5. 2 Chr. 36:7,18. Dan. 5:2,3. c7:27. Prov.21:l. d 16. 1:11. e Hag. 
 1:1,14.2:2,21. * Or, deputy. Acts 13:7,8,12. 11:2.3:3.6:3. g 14. 1:2.3:8,10. 
 Hag. 1:12—14. 2:1S. Zech.4:10. i 6:15. k 4:15,16. 6:1.2. Prov. 25:2. 16:3-5. 
 a 4:15,19. 5:17. Job 29:16. Pros. 25:2. • Chal. books. Ps. 40:7. Jar. 36:2— 4, 
 20 — 23,29,32. Ez. 2:9. 3:1. Rev. 5:1. f Chal.ma/e to descend. }Or, at Ec- 
 batana, or, in a coffer, b 1 : 1 — 4. 5:13 — 15. 2 Chr. 36:22, 23. c Pent. 12:5,6,11 
 — 14. 2 Chr. 2:6. d 1 Kings 6:2,3. 2 Chr. 3:3,4. Ez. 41 :13— 15. Rev. 21:16. 
 e 1 Kings 6:36. f7:20-23. Ps. 68:29. 72:10. Is. 49:23. 60:6— 10. Lev. 12:16. 
 
 also, which the Jews gave of their nation, and the cause of the 
 calamities that had befallen them, (which Tatnai and his 
 associates faithfully stated to Darius,) is worthy of observa- 
 tion and of imitation. 
 
 Sheshbazzar , &c. (16) Hence it is evident, that Zerub- 
 
 babel and Sheshbazzar are only two names of the same per- 
 son. (Notes, 1:7 — 11. Zech.^A — 10.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The enemies of the church are active, powerful, and mali- 
 cious, and alas, its friends too often dispirited and negligent: 
 yet the Lord will not suffer his cause to be run down, but will 
 raise up instruments to revive and carry on his work. — It 
 especially belongs to the office of the ministers of God to warn, 
 exhort, encourage, and direct all orders in society to attend 
 to their several duties : when this is properly performed, it 
 will be found the most effectual means offorwarding reforma- 
 tion, and the power of godliness : and humble and pious men, 
 in this most exalted stations, will think themselves helped , by 
 the faithful labours and animated remonstrances of those, who 
 really declare to them the word of God. — While professed 
 Christians are satisfied with forms, and attentive mainly to 
 their secular interests and accommodations, opposition may 
 seem to be slain : but when they bestir themselves to do the 
 work and seek the glory of God, it will soon be found that it 
 was not dead, but merely asleep. Nothing, however, can 
 harm those whom the Lord protects, or cause the work of 
 those to cease whom he employs. He finds other employ- 
 ment for some opposers, he restrains others by the modera- 
 tion ci their superiors : some are removed by death, or by 
 revolutions in governments ; and others are softened or chan- 
 ged ; as it seems good to him, u who worketh all things after 
 the counsel of his own will.” — There are men who have no 
 true religion, yet are possessed of equity, candour, and genero- 
 sity : and these qualities entitle them to our respect, though 
 they will not justify them in the sight of God. — A fair state- 
 ment of facts forms the honest man’s best method of pleading 
 a good cause. — The servants of the God of Heaven need not, 
 and must not, be ashamed of so great and good a Master ; 
 and it seems at first sight strange, that they should ever be 
 tempted to so preposterous a crime. — Those religious pecu- 
 liarities, which ignorant slanderers deem novel or singular, 
 may boast an antiquity beyond all other sentiments or obser- 
 vances in the world; and have been maintained by the wisest, 
 greatest, and most excellent men who ever lived upon 
 earth. — While we continue in this world, we shall always 
 X&ve to confess, that our sins have provoked the God of hea- 
 
 and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid ; 
 d the height thereof threescore cubits, and the 
 breadth thereof threescore cubits; 
 
 4 With 'three rows of great stones, and a row 
 of new timber : and let f the expenses be given out 
 of the king’s house : 
 
 5 And also let nhe golden and silver vessels 
 of the house of God, ’’which Nebuchadnezzar 
 took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusa- 
 lem, and brought unto Babylon, he restored, and 
 ^brought again unto the temple which is at 
 Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place 
 them in the house of God. 
 
 6 Now therefore, ‘Tatnai, governor beyond 
 the river, Shethar-boznai, and "your companions 
 the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, 
 k be ye far from thence : 
 
 7 Let the work of this house of God alone ; 
 let the governor of the Jews, and the elders of 
 the Jews, build this house of God in his place. 
 
 8 Moreover, H make a decree what ye shall 
 do to the elders of these Jews for the building of 
 this house of God : that of ’the king’s goods, 
 even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith 
 expenses be given unto these men, that they be 
 not “hindered. 
 
 9 And that which they have need of, both 
 m young bullocks, and rams, and “lambs, for the 
 burnt-offerings of the God of heaven, “wheat, 
 r-salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment 
 of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it he 
 given them day by day without fail : 
 
 10 That they may offer sacrifices of t'stveel 
 savours unto the God of heaven, and spray for the 
 life of the king, and of his sons. 
 
 11 Also I have made a deerfee,- that “whosoever 
 shall alter this word, let “timber be pulled down 
 
 K 1:7,8. 5:14, Jer. 27:16,18— 22. Dan. 1:2. 5:2. h 2 Kings 24:13, 25:14,15. 
 2 Chr. 36:6,7,10,18. Jer. 52:19. §Chal.£ 0 . i 5:3. || Chnl. their socielits. 
 
 5:6. k Gen. 32:23. 43:14. Neb. 1:11. Ps. 76:10. Prov. 21:1,30. 13.27:8. Acts 4: 
 26 — 28. Rom. 8:31. TI Chal. by me a decree is made. 14.4:16,20. 7:15 — 22. 
 Ps. 68:29— II. Hag. 2:8. ** Chal. made to cease. 4:21 ,23. 5:5. m Lev. 1:3 — 5, 
 10. 9.2. Ps. 50:9 — 13. n Ex. 29:38-42. Norn. 28: 29: o Lev. 2:1, &c. Num. 
 15:4, &c. 1 Chr. 9:29. p Lev. 2:13. Murk 9:49. t+ Chal. rest. Gen. 8:21 . Lev. 
 1:9,13,17. Eph. 5:2. q 7:23. Jer. 29:7. 1 Tim. 2:1,2. r 7:26. sEsth.5:14 7:10. 
 
 ven unto wrath; and that all our sufferings spring from this 
 source, and all our comforts from his unmerited mercy. — We 
 ought fully to acknowledge the favours which we have received 
 from man : but should generally be silent as to the ill-treat- 
 ment that we have met with. Even when we are exposed to 
 censure , whilst the blame belongs to others : except the ho- 
 nour of God and the gospel requires it, it is seldom useful to 
 vindicate ourselves. — The faithful worshippers of God are 
 generally traduced, before they are persecuted: yet their cause 
 demands nothing more than an impartial hearing to obtain a 
 favourable decision; and many princes have persecuted more 
 from misinformation and slanderous misrepresentation, “ than 
 from malice. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VI. V. 1, 2. The decree of Cyrus 
 in favour of the Jews had been a matter of great notoriety, 
 and not more than sixteen years had elapsed since it had been 
 granted : but in the changes which had taken place, and the 
 multiplicity of affairs which occurred continually in the govern- 
 ment of so vast an empire, it is probable that its purport had 
 been forgotten. When, however, it could not be found at Ba- 
 bylon,- Darius, unwilling to decide in this cause, without clear 
 evidence, ordered it to be searched for at Achmetha, after- 
 wards called Ecbatana, the chief city of Media ; and there it 
 was at length found, having probably been laid up in that city 
 by Cyrus’s orders. 
 
 V. 3. ( Marg . Ref.) Some suppose that Cyrus did not 
 
 allow ihe Jews to build the porch of the temple more than sixty 
 cubits high, lest they should fortify it as a citadel; and that 
 the sixty cubits in breadth included the chambers on each side 
 the temple. Perhaps he permitted them to build the temple 
 itself sixty cubits high and sixty wide, as well as sixty long; 
 but they chose to build it of the same dimensions as their for- 
 mer temple : for it is generally agreed , that thus it was at 
 last builded; and it is clearly proved, that the porch was 
 raised to the same height. (Notes, 1 Kings 6:3,4. 2 Chr. 
 3:3,4.) 
 
 V. 4. Expenses , &c.] It is likely that the Jews had been 
 deprived of this advantage, by the counsellors who were 
 hired against them. (Notes, 3:7. 4:4 — 6.) 
 
 V. 5. Marg. Ref. Notes , 1:1 — 4,7 — 11. 
 
 V. 6 — 12. Darius, in order to ingratiate himself with his 
 subjects, showed respect to the memory of Cyrus in every 
 thing ; and this might induce him to be more favourable to 
 the Jews, when the decree of Cyrus was produced. But he 
 seems to have been deeply convinced, that the God of the 
 Jews was the God of heaven, who ought to bo worshipped 
 ( 819 'l 
 
B. C. 5} 9. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 515. 
 
 from his house, and being set up, let him be 
 ‘hanged thereon ; and let ‘his house be made a 
 dunghill for this. 
 
 12 And the God that hath “caused his name 
 to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that 
 shall put to their hand to alter ana, to destroy 
 this house of God which is at Jerusalem. ?! 
 Darius have made a decree ; let it be done with 
 
 *Speed. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 13 H Then "Tatnai, governor on this side the 
 river, Shethar-boznai, anil their companions, 
 according to that .which Darius the king had 
 sent, b so they did speedily. 
 
 14 And Hhe elders ot the Jews budded, and 
 they' prospered ‘‘through the prophesying of 
 Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of 
 Iddo. And they budded, and 'finished it , ‘accord- 
 ing to the commandment of the God of Israel, 
 and according to the ‘commandment of 'Cyrus, 
 and Darius, and b Artaxerxes king of Persia. 
 
 b. (■.] 15 And this house was finished on the 
 
 5I5 - J third day of thejnonth 'Adar, which was in 
 the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 
 
 16 H And k the children of Israel, the priests, 
 and the Levites, and the rest of the ^children of 
 the captivity, kept 'the dedication of this house 
 of God “with joy, 
 
 * Chal. destroyed. t 2 King9 9:37. 10:27. Dan. 2:5. 3:29. u Ex. 20:24. 
 DtfUt. 12:5,11. 16:2. 1 Kings 9:3. 2Chr.7:16. Ps. 132:13,14. x Ps. 5:10. 21 :8 
 —10. Is. 60:12. Zech. 12:2-4. Acts 5:38,39. 9:5. Rev. 19:14— 21. y Esth. 3: 
 14,15.8:14. z 13. Ec. 9:10. a 4:9,23. 5:6. bEslh.6:ll. Job 5:12,13. Prov. 
 29:26. c 3:8. 4:3. d 5:1,2. Hag. 1:12— 14. 2:2, &c. Zech. 2: 3: 4: 6: e Zech. 
 4:9. f Is. 44:28. Hag. 1:8. t Chal. decree. g 3. 1:1—4. 4:24.5:13. h 7: 1 . 
 i Esth. 3:7,13. 8:12. 9:1,15,17,19,21. k 1 Chr. 9:2. Neh. 7:73. J Chal. sons of 
 the transportation. Seeon\\\. 1 1 Kings 8:63. 2 Chr. 7:9. John 10:22. m3: 
 11,12. Deut. 12:7. 1 Chr. 15:28. 2 Chr. 7:10. 30:23,26. Phil. 4:4. n8:35. Num. 
 
 according to the law of Moses. His steady intention that 
 sacrifices should be offered, at his expense, at Jerusalem, “of 
 sweet savours to the God of heaven that the people of God 
 44 might pray for him and his sons ;” and the expression, 44 the 
 God, that hath caused his name to dwell there,” (12) show, 
 that he had been instructed in several important truths of ge- 
 nuine religion, and had a conviction of his dependence upon 
 God, and entertained high and honourable thoughts of him, and 
 that he regarded the prayers of his worshippers, as efficaci- 
 ous. ( Marg . Ref.) The account indeed given of this trans- 
 action by the apocryphal Esdras is absurd, and inconsistent 
 with facts; for Zerubbabel had been long at Jerusalem, be- 
 fore Darius granted this decree. (1 Esdras 4:13 — 63. 5:) 
 But probably some pious Jews had access to the king, who 
 had so explained the matter, as to give him these favourable 
 sentiments, and to dispose him to the" service assigned him by 
 Providence. He thought that the continuance of his life and 
 the prosperity of his family, might be secured by the prayers 
 of the Jews: hut he seems not to have considered his future 
 and unspeakably more important interests ; and it does not 
 appear, that his convictions had any abiding effect upon his 
 own mind or conduct. — Knowing also the envy and malice of 
 the*adversaries of the Jews, Darius denounced a most dread- 
 ful punishment against those who should any more molest 
 them : and he concluded his decree, with a most remarkable, 
 and almost prophetical, execration against all kings and peo- 
 ple, who should attempt to alter or destroy the temple, after 
 it was built. (Marg. Ref. x. Note, Zech. 14:1 — 3.) Thus 
 the Samaritans, by opposing the Jews, most effectually served 
 their interests ; their governors, perceiving the king’s incli- 
 nations, zealously concurred ; and so the work was speedily 
 completed. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. If we allow a year for the message of Tatnai 
 to the court of Darius, the search made among the records, 
 and all delays and obstructions : for the granting of the decree, 
 and its publication in Judea; it will appear, that it was pub- 
 lished just seventy years after the destruction of the temple 
 by the Chaldeans. — Zechariah, who prophecied at this time, 
 mentions, that the people had kept annual fasts for the ruin 
 of the city and temple, during seventy years ; (Notes, Zech. 
 7:1 — 7.) and this absolutely fixes these events to the time of 
 Darius Hystaspes ; for no other Darius reigned in Persia till 
 many years afterwards.— The historian inserts the name of 
 Artaxerxes with those of Cyrus and Darius, as concurring in 
 this work: (14) for though the temple was built before Ar- 
 taxerxcs came to the throne ; yet probably it received great 
 accessions of splendour and convenience, under the govern- 
 ment of Ezra and Nehemiah, whom he patronised. (Notes, 
 7:1 — 5. Neh. 1:1.) — The temple was finished in rather more 
 fnan four years afier the Jews returned to the work, when 
 excited to it by Haggai and Zechariah; (Note, 5:1,2.) in 
 something more than two years after the decree of Darius 
 had been published ; and in about twenty years after the 
 Jew's returned from captivity. Cyrus reigned seven years ; 
 Cambyses, or Ahasuerus, seven; Artaxerxes, or Smerdis, 
 one; and it was finished in the sixth of Darius. (Notes, 3: 
 8—11. 4:4 -6,17 — 24.) * 
 
 17 And "offered at the dedication of this house 
 of God a hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, 
 four hundred lambs ; and for a "sin-offering' for a?. 
 Israel, twelve he-goats, I'according to the numbei 
 of the tribes of Israel. 
 
 18 And they set Hhe priests in iheir divisions, 
 and the Levites in their courses, for the service 
 of God, which is at Jerusalem ; §as it is written in 
 the book of Moses. 
 
 19 And r the children of the captivity 'kept 
 the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first 
 month. 
 
 20 For the priests and the Levites were 
 ‘purified together, all of them were pure, and 
 “killed the passover for all the children of the 
 captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and 
 for themselves. 
 
 21 And the children of Israel, which were come 
 again out of captivity, and “all such as had 
 separated themselves unto them from the filthi- 
 ness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Loud 
 God of Israel, -'did eat, 
 
 22 And kept Hhe feast of unleavened bread 
 seven days with joy : for the Lord had made 
 them joyful, and “turned the heart of b the king ol 
 Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in 
 the work of the house of God, the God of Israel 
 
 7:2, Sc. 1 Kings 8:63,61. 1 Chr. 16:1—3. 2 Chr. 7:5. 23:31—35. o I.cr. 4.3,13, 
 14,22,23,28 . 2 1 hr. 29:21— 23. p 1 Kings 18:31. Luke 22:30. Rc*. 7:4— 8. 21: 
 12. qlChr.23: — 26: 2 Chr. 35:4,5. § Chal. according to the writing. Num. 
 3:6. 8.9, &c. r 16. s Ex. 12:6, &c. Josh. 5:10. 2 Chr. 30 : 35: t 2 Chr. 29: 
 
 34.30:1.5-17. u Ex. 12:21 . 2 Chr. 35: 1 1 . Heb. 7:27. x 9:11. Num. 9:6,7,10— 
 I4.ls.52.il. Ez. 36:25. 2 Cor. 6:17. 7.1. y Ex. 12:47— 49. I s. 93:5. z Ex. 
 12.15—20. 13 6,7. 2 Chr. 30:21. 35:17. Matt. 26:17. 1 Cor. 5:7,8. a 7:27. Pro*. 
 16:7.21:1. John 19:11. b 2 Kings 23:29. 2 Chr. 33:11. Zech. 10:10,11. 
 
 Through the prophesying, &c. (14) ‘“Haggai the pro- 
 phet* and Zechariah”. . . directed and encouraged them in 
 their work; representing to them, it is likely, the wonderful 
 goodness of God, who had inclined the heart of the king ot 
 Persia to be so highly favourable to them.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 16, 17. (Notes, Num 7:1 — 14. 1 Kings 8:63 — 66.) 
 The tribes of Judah and Benjamin, with the priests and 
 Levites, which had constituted the kingdom of Judah, formed 
 also the bulk of the people after the captivity. But numbers 
 from the other tribes had been incorporated with them in the 
 reign ofRchoboam, and afterwards; and many returned with 
 them from Babylon, probably some of all the other tribes. 
 As the nation sprang from the twelve sons of Jacob, and 
 some of the descendants of each remained ; they were still 
 considered as consisting of twelve tribes, and called “the 
 children of Israel,” and a sin-offering was offered up for each 
 of them. Doubtless the same reference to the twelve tribes 
 took place in respect of the show-bread, and the writing of 
 their names on the high-priest’s garments and breastplate, 
 as when they had been united under one government. (Marg. 
 Ref. n, o.) 
 
 V. 18. Moses had given laws, concerning the ministry ot 
 the priests and Levites, with reference to the place which 
 God would choose to place his name there ; and subsequent 
 events had proved Jerusalem to be that chosen place ; but 
 the courses of the priests and Levites were appointed by 
 David. (Marg. Ref. Note, 3:8—11.) 
 
 V. 19—21. It is probable, that the Jews who returned 
 from their captivity had observed the passover, before the 
 temple was finished : but not in so regular and solemn a 
 manner, as at this time. (Notes, 2 Chr. 30: 35:1 — Separated . 
 (21) Including such as had been fully proselyted to their 
 religion. 
 
 V. 22. Of Assyria, &c.] Darius, reigning over the 
 country of Assyria, is here called “the king of Assyria;” 
 though the Persian monarchy had succeeded to the mo- 
 narchies both of Assyria and Babylon. — The pious acknow- 
 ledgment of God in all these transactions, as influencing the 
 king to be kind to the Jews, and as thus making them joyful, 
 is highly rational: though it has now almost sunk into disuse, 
 even among professed Christians! (Notes, 7:27,28. 2 Kings 
 5:1. Prov. 21:1.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. Nothing but impartial and diligent investigation 
 can give truth and innocence a decided advantage again^ 
 lies, malice, and perjury: and much injustice may be com- 
 mitted merely through the indolence and inattention ofmagis 
 trates. — Enmity or rapacity often intercepts the favours which 
 were intended for the people of God: but when his plan re- 
 quires the interposition of princes, he can easily dispose them 
 to use all diligence, to exert their authority, and to expend 
 their treasures, in supporting his cause; and, for a time, 
 these things have often been done by those who would not 
 give him their hearts, and never became his true worship 
 pers! (Note, 2 Cor. 8:1 — 5.)— Did lungs know their true 
 interests, even in this world, they would support the worship 
 of God, and give liberty and protection to his people , thuf 
 
 ( 820 ) 
 
B. C. 458. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 B. C. 457. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Ezra's genealogy from Aaron , I — 5. He goes up to Jerusalem , 6 — 10. A copy 
 of Artaxerxes's favourable commission to him, II — 26. He blesses Oodfor 
 putting this into the king's heart, 27, 28. _ # 
 
 N OW after these things, in the reign of 
 “Artaxerxes king of Persia, b Ezra the son 
 of 'Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of 
 ‘Hilkiah, 
 
 2 The son of Shallum, the son of 'Zadok, the 
 son of Ahitub, 
 
 3 The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the 
 6on of Meraioth, 
 
 4 The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the 
 son of Bukki, 
 
 5 The son of Abishua, the son of ‘Phinehas, 
 the son of eEleazar, the son of Aaron die h chief 
 priest : 
 
 6 This Ezra went up from Babylon ; and he 
 was ‘a ready k scribe in ‘the law of Moses, which 
 the Lord God of Israel had given : and the king 
 “■granted him all his request, “according to the 
 hand of the Lord his God upon him. 
 
 7 And there went up some of “the children of 
 Israel, and of the priests, and Hhe Levites, and 
 the isingers, and r the porters, and the “Nethinims, 
 unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of ‘Artaxerxes 
 the king. 
 
 « 12,21. 6:14. Neh. 2:1. b 10. 8: 9: 10: Neh. 8:2— 9. c 2 Kings 25:18. 1 Chr. 
 6:4-14.9:11. Neh. 11:11. Jer. 52:24— 21. d 2 Kings 22:4, 8. 2Chr. 34:9,15. 
 e 2Sam. 8:17. 1 Kings 2:35. fEx.6:25. Num. 25:7— 13. 31:6. Josh. 22:13,31 . 
 Judg. 20:28. 1 Chr. 6:4,50-52. Ps. 106:30,31. g Lev. 10:6,12,16. Num. 3:32. 
 20:25—28 27:2 . 31:31,54. Josh. 14:1. 24:33. 1 Chr. 24:1— 6. h2Chr. 19:11. 
 26:20. i 11,12,21. Ps. 45:1. Mall. 13:52. It Neh. 8:4,9,13. 12:26,36. Jer. 8:8. 
 
 1 Cor. 1:20. I Dent. 4:5. 28:1. Matt. 28:20. 1 Cor. 15:1. 1 TJhes. 4:1,2. mil 
 —26. n 9,28. 6:22 . 8:18,22,31. Gen. 32:28. Neh. 1:10,11. 2:8,12,18. 4:15. Is. 
 50:2. 59:1. o8:l— 14. p 2:40,41. 8:15— 20. q 1 Chr. 6:31, &c. 25:1— 8. r2: 
 42. 1 Chr. 9:17, Sc. Neh. 7:45. s 24. 2:43, &c. 8:20. Neh. 7:46, Jtc. 10:28. 
 
 acceptable services might be rendered to his name through- 
 out their dominions, and that fhany prayers might be daily 
 offered up for them. We ought indeed to “pray forkings, 
 and all in authority,” whatever be their character and con- 
 duct ; yet we are very apt to be remiss and formal in this 
 service, till encouragement enlivens our desires and expecta- 
 tions: bu#when princes decidedly favour the cause of truth 
 and righteousness, the hearts of pious Christians are enlarged 
 with hopes, and they pray for them with greater earnestness. 
 Their lives are then looked upon as a public advantage ; and 
 their persons, families, and undertakings, as well as their 
 immortal souls, are daily recommended to the favour and 
 blessing of the Almighty, by those “ effectual fervent prayers 
 of righteous men which avail much.” — Such as interrupt and 
 injure the worshippers of God, when protected by the civil 
 government, are desperate rebels both against God and the 
 king : and even tolerating laws will be insufficient for the 
 protection of the harmless servants of God, if the execu- 
 tive power do not vigorously interpose, to punish such as 
 illegally assault them. But the protqjflion of God can alone 
 be entirely depended on ; and he will atlength awfully destroy 
 those persecutors who attempt to destroy his people, how- 
 ever powerful or numerous they may be. 
 
 V. 13 — 22. When the Lord turns the hearts of princes, 
 to strengthen the hands of his servants in their work ; invete- 
 rate enemies will be over-awed; indifferent persons will be- 
 come helpers ; the commandment of the king will be regu- 
 lated by the commandment of God ; and good designs, which 
 had been long interrupted, will be speedily completed. — The 
 revival of public ordinances, where they had been obstructed, 
 should excite our rejoicing, because honour is thus ascribed 
 to the Lord, and benefit accrues to the souls of men. Nor 
 can the consideration of former sorrow, or of present mean- 
 ness and poverty, mar the believer’s joy in communion with 
 his gracious God and Father. — When sinners are redeemed 
 from the "bondage of Satan, and separate themselves from 
 the filthiness of their wicked connexions and practices ; when 
 they humbly seek the Lord, depending by faith on the atone- 
 ment of the great Redeemer, attending on hisordinances, and 
 observing his commandments, according to the duty of their 
 place ; they are children of captivity, who are set at liberty : 
 and they shall be made joyful by his salvation ; they shall be 
 feasted at his table, and enjoy the light of his countenance, 
 and he will be glorified in them, and rejoice over them to do 
 them good for ever. — As nothing contributes more to the con- 
 version of sinners, and to the purity and prosperity of the 
 church, than the holiness and faithfulness of ministers ; let us 
 all unite in daily prayers to the Giver of every good and per- 
 fect gift, that all those who bear that sacred character may 
 live and preach ‘ according to his holy word, and rightly and 
 luly administer his holy sacraments.’ 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1- — 5. Artaxerxes, here men- 
 tioned, was evidently a different person from Darius. (6:14.) 
 Xerxes, the son and successor of Darius, cannot be intended ; 
 for he reigned only twenty-one years; but Nehemiah, who 
 was contemporary with Ezra, mentions the thirty-second 
 year of Artaxerxes. (Neh. 5:14.) Artaxerxes Longimanus, 
 die son and successor of Xerxes, must therefore be meant. 
 
 8 And he came to Jerusalem in the filth 
 month, which was in the seventh year of the 
 king. 
 
 9 For upon the first day of the first month 
 "began hA to go up from Babylon, and on the first 
 day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, 
 “according to the good hand of his God upon 
 him. 
 
 10 For Ezra had 'prepared his heart to seek 
 >the law of the Lord, and Ho do it, “and to 
 teach in Israel statutes and judgments. 
 
 [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 11 If Now this is b the copy of the letter that 
 the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, 
 the scribe, even c a scribe of the words of the 
 commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes 
 to Israel. 
 
 12 Artaxerxes, d king of kings, unto Ezra the 
 priest, +a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, 
 perfect peace, “and at such a time. 
 
 13 f I make a decree, that all they of the people 
 of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my 
 realm, which are Hninded of their own freewill 
 to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee. 
 
 14 Forasmuch as thou art sent tof the king, 
 and of his h seven counsellors, to inquire concern- 
 
 t 11,12. 6:14. 8:1. Neh. 2:1. * Heb. was the foundation of the going up. u 6. 
 Neh. 2:8,18. x l Sam. 7:3. 1 Chr. 29:18. 2 Chr. 12:14. 19:3. Job 11:13. Ps. 10: 
 17. 57:7. y 6. Ps. 1:2. 19:7. 119:96—100. z Matt. 5: 19. 7:24. John 13:17. Rev. 
 22:14. a Dent. 33:10. 2 Chr. 17:8,9. 30:22. Neh. 8:1— 9. Mai. 2:7. Acts 1:1. 
 1 Tim. 3:2. 2 Tim. 4:2. b 4:11. 5:6. c6. Matt. 23:2,13. Mark 7:1— 13. 
 
 dl Kings 4:24. 20:1. Is. 10:8. Ez. 26:7. Dan. 2:37,47. 1 Tim. 6:15. Rev. 17:14. 
 19:16. f Or , a perfect scribe of the law of the God of heaven, peace, &c. e 4: 
 10,11,17. f 5:13. 6:1. 2 Chr. 30:5. Eslh. 3:15. 9:14. Ps. 148:6. g 1:3. Ps. 110: 
 3. Phil. 2:13. Rev. 22:17. J Chal . from before. h Eslh. 1:14. 
 
 and the* seventh year of his reign was no less than seventy- 
 nine years after the proclamation of Cyrus. The temple had 
 been finished, and its worship restored within about twenty 
 years : and nothing very memorable occurred during the sub- 
 sequent fifty-nine or sixty years. — In all probability Zerubba- 
 bel, Jeshua, Haggai, and Zechariah were dead before this 
 time : and the civil and ecclesiastical state of the Jews re- 
 mained very unsettled, until this commission was granted to 
 Ezra. (Note, Dan. 9:25 — 27.) Ezra, was the son , that is, 
 the descendant of Seraiah, who had been dead above one 
 hundred and thirty years. (2 Kings 25:18,21.) Many other 
 persons are omitted in this abbreviated genealogy. ( Marg . 
 Ref. Note , 1 Chr. 6:4—15.) 
 
 V. 6 — 10. Ezra had no doubt been educated to sacred learn- 
 ing, and had made great proficiency in it. Having, therefore, 
 laid aside other employments and studies, and taking great 
 delight in the Scriptures ; and having an ardent zeal for 
 the honour of God, and an earnest desire of being useful 
 to his people : he applied himself with great assiduity to 
 obtain the suitable qualifications. He “ gave himself wholly 
 thereunto,” and was careful to do, as well as to teach others, - 
 the statutes and judgments of God. (Notes, Deut. 33:10. 
 2 Chr. 17:7—9. 30:21,22, v. 22. Neh. 8:1—8. Mai. 2:4—9.) 
 Thus he became very eminent, and waited for an opportu- 
 nity of rendering important service to his people ; employing 
 himself, probably, in the mean time, in instructing the Jews 
 at Babylon, as circumstances allowed : and, being a man ot 
 learning, ingenuity, and reputation, the king became ac- 
 quainted with him ; so that Ezra requested and obtained 
 from him a commission to go up to Jerusalem, that he might 
 regulate all things which related to the worship of the God 
 of heaven. — The language used on this subject is well deserv- 
 ing of our most serious attention. Every thing is ascribed to 
 God, for his is u the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
 for ever yet the agency of instruments and second causes 
 is properly noticed. ‘God was so favourable to him, as to 
 incline the king to give a gracious answer to his petition. 
 Bp. Patrick. (Note, 27,28.) — The word scribe here used, 
 does not merely signify one who wrote out copies of the law , 
 but rather an interpreter of the law. The Scribes mentioned 
 in the New Testament, professed to be interpreters of the 
 law; but they in general “made it void by their traditions.” 
 (Notes, Jer. 8:8,9. Matt. 13:51,52. 15:1 — 14.) — Many learned 
 men are of opinion, and indeed with good reason, that Ar- 
 taxerxes was the Ahasuerus, who soon after this married 
 Esther; and that this commission, as well as that of Nehe- 
 miah, was obtained through her influence. (Note, Neh. 2:5, 
 6.) — Of the priests, &c. (7) Notes, 8:1 — 20. — He came to 
 Jerusalem, &c. (8) Note, 8:2 1 — 23. 
 
 V. 11, 12. Marg. Ref ‘.—\King of kings. (12) The kings 
 of Persia had many kings tributary to them ; but this title 
 seems to savour of ostentation, as if they had authority over 
 all other kings. (Notes, 1 Kings 20:1 . Is. 10:8—11 . Dan. 2:37.) 
 The original letter is here inserted in the Cnaldee language. 
 
 V. 13. The Jews, who nad not taken the benefit of the 
 proclamation of Cyrus, sejm a r tervard to have been -e* 
 strained from going to Jei jsalen , till this decree of Ar u 
 erxes again allowed them that libt rty. (Note, :l —4.) 
 
 / 821 ) 
 
B. C 457. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 457. 
 
 ing Judah and Jerusalen, 'according to the law 
 of k thy Goo which is in thy hand ; 
 
 15 And to carry 'the silver and gold, which 
 the king and his counsellors have freely offered 
 unto the God of Israel, m wl.ose habitation is in 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 16 And "all the silver and gold that thou canst 
 find in all the province of Babylon, with the free- 
 will-otfering of the people, and of the priests, 
 "offering willingly for the house of their God 
 which is in Jerusalem : 
 
 17 That thou mayest Pbuy speedily with this 
 money bullocks, rams, lambs, with Uheir meat- 
 offerings and their drink-offerings, and "offer them 
 upon the altar of the house of your God which is 
 in Jerusalem. 
 
 18 And 'whatsoever shall seem good to thee, 
 
 and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the 
 silver and the gold, that do 'after the will of your 
 God. ’ 
 
 19 “The vessels also that are given thee for 
 the service of the house of thy God, those de- 
 liver thou before x the God of Jerusalem. 
 
 20 And whatsoever more shall be needful for 
 the house of thy God, which thou shalt have 
 occasion to bestow, ^bestow it out of the king’s 
 treasure-house. 
 
 21 And I, even I “Artaxerxes the king, do make 
 a decree to all the treasurers which are “beyond 
 the river, that whatsoever "Ezra the priest, the 
 scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall 
 require of you, it be done speedily, 
 
 22 Unto a hundred talents of silver, and to a 
 
 i 25,26. Deut. 17:18,19. Is. 8:2(1. k 1:3. 5,8.6:12 Don. 2:47. 6:20,26. 16:4,8-10. 
 Pi. 68:29, 30. 72:10. Is. 60:6— 9. Rev. 21 :24— 24. m 6:12. 2Chr. 2:6. 6:2,6. Ps. 76. 
 2.135:21. n 8.25 — 28. o 1:4,6. 1 Chr. 29:6,9,17. 2Cor.8:12. 9:7. p See on 
 6:9,10. Deut. 14:24 — 26. Matt. 21:12,13. John 2:14. q Num. 15:4 — 13. rDeut. 
 12:5—11. s 2 Kings 12:15. 22:7. t 23. u 8:27— 30,33,34. x 2 Chr. 32: 19. Jer. 
 3:17. y 6:4, 8, &c. z 12,13. a 4: 16,20. 6:6. b 6,10,1 1 . * Chal. cors. Luke 16: 
 7. marg. cEz. 45:14. Luke 16:6. marg. <1 Lev. 2:13. 1 Chal. Whatsoever 
 is of the decree. 13. e 6:10 — 12. Zech. 12:3. t‘7. 2:36 — 55. g 14. 1 Kings 3: 
 
 V. 14. Seven , &c.J Seven princes of Pefsia having 
 conspired against and slain the usurper Smerdis, and thus 
 made way for the family of Darius which afterwards filled 
 the throne ; the Persian kings ever after had seven chief 
 
 f irinces as their counsellors, who possessed peculiar privi- 
 egcs, and joined with them in all public transactions. (Note, 
 Esth. 1:13,14.) ‘By this commission he gave him authority 
 to make inquisition in Judea, whether every thing there was 
 done conformably to the law of Moses. That is, he granted 
 to the Jewish nation ... a liberty to live by their own laws, 
 and to judge all causes according to them.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 15, 16. (Marg. Ref .) The king and his counsellors 
 set the example to the people, of giving gold and silver on 
 this occasion. — Canst find, &c. (16) That is, all the money, 
 which Ezra could obtain by the voluntary contributions of 
 the people, whether Jews or Babylonians. (1:4 — 6.) 
 
 V. 17, 18. (Marg. Ref.) It is remarkable, that a heathen 
 prince should lay no other restriction on Ezra and his bre- 
 thren, in disposing of the treasures which they collect ed, except 
 that they should be employed, “after the will of their God.” 
 The. whole commission implied a chartered right to the Jews 
 of living according to their own laws. 
 
 V. 19 — 22. (Note, 6:6 — 12.) ‘This was a wonderful 
 large concession, that he should ha 'e whatsoever he desired : 
 and that they should not make him attend upon them, and 
 wait long for it, but furnish him immediately.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 — Salt. (22) As salt was offered with every sacrifice, Ar- 
 taxerxes did not limit the quantity to be supplied, lest any of 
 the stated sacrifices should be omitted. 
 
 V. 23. ‘Here Jacobus Cappellus cries out in a kind of 
 rapture, ‘O! words to be written upon the palaces of kings in 
 golden letters, and engraven on the minds of all the faithful 
 with a pon of aadamnt ! For they express an exceeding 
 great sense of God, and of his supreme authority, and the 
 regard that is due from the greatest kings and potentates, to 
 his most sacred commands.’ The like is not easy to be found 
 any where.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 24 — 26. The king likewise exempted all employed 
 about the worship of God, from paying any kind of tax ; and 
 as the Jews were far from affluent at that time, this was a 
 very seasonable encouragement. He also authorized Ezra, 
 as governor over the Jews who lived west of the Euphrates, 
 to constitute magistrates under him, as he saw good. He 
 allowed him to provide for the instruction of the people in the 
 law of God, and even to proselyte the Gentiles ; and he em- 
 powered him to puqish all who proved refractory, according 
 to their crimes. — David, Jchoshaphat, or Hezekiah could 
 scarcely have done more for the Jews, than this hoathen 
 prince did : except as their examples, exhortations, and 
 prayors would have concurred, to render these external helps 
 and regulations effectual. 
 
 ( 822 ) 
 
 hundred ‘measures of wheat, and to a hundred 
 "baths of wine, and to a hundred baths of oil, and 
 d salt without prescribing how much. 
 
 23 'Whatsoever is commanded by the God of 
 heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of 
 the God of heaven: for 'why should there be 
 wrath against the realm of the king and his sons ? 
 
 24 Also we certify you, that f touching an) 
 of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Ne- 
 thinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shal 
 not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, 
 upon them. 
 
 25. And thou, Ezra, after ethe wisdom of thy 
 God, that is in thy hand, h set magistrates and 
 judges, which may judge all the people that are 
 'beyond the river, all such as know the laws of 
 thy God; and k teach ye them that know them 
 not. 
 
 26 And 'whosoever will not do m the law of th) 
 God, and the law of the king, let judgment be 
 executed speedily upon him, “whether it be unto 
 death, or to 'banishment, or to confiscation o 
 goods, or to imprisonment. 
 
 27 it “Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, 
 which hath Pput. such a thing as this “>in the 
 king’s heart, r to beautify the house of the Lord 
 which is in Jerusalem : 
 
 28 And hath “extended mercy unto me before 
 the king, and ‘his counsellors, and before all the 
 king’s mighty princes. And 1 was strengthened 
 “as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, 
 and I gathered together out of Israel chief men 
 to go up with me. 
 
 28, 1 Chr. 22:12. Ps. 19:7. 119:98— 160. Prov. 2:6. 6:23. Jam. 1 :5. 3:17,18. 
 h Ex. 18:21—25. Deut. 16:18. 1 Chr. 23:4. 2 ( hr. 19:8—10. i 6:6. k 10. 2< hr. 
 17:7-9. Nell. 8:1— 3,7,8. 9:3. 13:1— 3.*Ial. 2:7. Matt. ’.3:52. Mark 6:34. 16: 
 11. Dan. 3:28,29. 6:26. m 2 Chr. 30:12. n Ex. 21: 22: I,er.2u Deut. 13: 
 } Chal. rooting out. Ps. 52:5. o6:22. 1 Chr. 29:10, ic. Phil. 4:10. p6 22. 
 Neh. 2:12. 7:5.' 2 Cor. 8:16. Heb. 8:10. 10:16. Jam. 1:17. Rev. 17:17. q Neh. 2: 
 8. Prov. 21:1. r Is. 60:13. s 3:8. Gen. 32:28 . 43:14. Neh. 1:11. t 11. Jon. 3:7. 
 u 6,9. 5:5. 8:18. Neh. 2:8. 2 Tim. 4:17,18. 
 
 V. 27, 28. This pious scribe, instead of expatiamig in the 
 praises of his patron, or boasting of his own services, took 
 occasion to bless God for “putting such a thing in the king’s 
 heart:” (Marg. Ref. p, q.) and for all the assistance and 
 favour shown him, by the king and his counsellors ! (Note, 6: 
 22.) — Whatever external decorations might be at this time 
 added to the temple ; the provision made for the orderly con- 
 ducting of its sacred worship tended most effectually “ to 
 beautify it.” 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 10. When the Lord removes some useful instru- 
 ments, he raises up others to fill their places. — Those, who 
 desire to be “ scribes well instructed for the kingdom of God," 
 must lay aside all incofcistent pursuits and studies, and have 
 their hearts purified from sinful passions, weaned from earthly 
 affections, and filled with zeal for the glory of God, and lovo 
 to the -souls of men. They must “ prepare their hearts” to 
 seek the word of the Lord ; that they may first understand it, 
 then practise it, and afterwards teach it to others. In these 
 sacred studies they should be diligent and unwearied ; and 
 meditation, prayer, and a spiritual mind will render them de- 
 lightful. Thus they will become “ able ministers of the New 
 Testament,” “ men of God, thoroughly furnished for eve ry 
 good work,” ready scribes, apt to teach, bringing forth out of 
 their treasures things new and old: and, beginning with 
 faithfulness and diligence in a narrow circle, they may in duo 
 time expect, “ according to the good hand of God upon 
 them,” to be favoured with more extensive opportunities of 
 usefulness. — But knowledge, even of the sacred Scriptures, 
 except it be reduced to practice, and communicated to others, 
 will become useless and worthless. 
 
 V. 11 — 28. The servants of God cannot vary from their 
 rules at the instance of the greatest princes, or “ teach for 
 doctrines the commandments of men:” but they may want 
 the countenance and external assistance of rulers, in order 
 that they may employ their gifts, and perforin their duty, 
 without molestation and to greater advantage. And when 
 kings will grant them protection, intrust them with authority, 
 and bear the expenses of their useful designs ; and then 
 leave them to conduct every thing by the rule of the word ot 
 God, and according to his will, as it appears to them and thoir 
 brethren ; they may without hesitation avail themselves of 
 such assistance : nay, they may properly petition for it, when 
 there appears a prospect of success. (Note, 2 Chr. 30:12.) 
 But in whatever way great and effectual doors are opened to 
 them, they should regard men only as instruments ; and as- 
 cribe it to the power and goodness of God, if princes grant 
 their requests ; bless his name for putting such a thing in their 
 hearts ; and receive a commission from man merely as an 
 external opportunity of executing a higher commission flom 
 God, according to his instructions, and under his protection.- 
 
B. C. 457 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 B C. 457. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Tht narnts oj those tono joined Ezra , token he tons about to go up to Jerusa- 
 lem, I — 14. Finding no Levites, he sends to Iddo, at Casiphia, and obtains 
 some, 15—20. They observe a solemn fast, to $6ek of God a prosperous 
 journey ,21 — 23. Ezra intrusts the sacred treasures to the priests, 21 — 30. 
 They arrive in safety at Jerusalem, 31, 32. The treasures, by toeight, ai e 
 delivered up ; arid sacrifices oJfcrTi 33—35. The king's commission is pro- 
 duced, 36. 
 
 T HESE are now "the chief of their fathers, 
 and this is the b genealogy of “them that 
 went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of 
 Artaxerxes the king. 
 
 2 Of the sons of d Phinehas; Gershom : of the 
 sons of Ithamar; Daniel-: of the sons of “David; 
 Hattush. 
 
 3 Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of 
 fPharosh; Zechariah : and with him were reckon- 
 ed by genealogy of the males a hundred and 
 fifty. 
 
 4 Of the sons of ePahath-moab ; Elihoenai 
 the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred 
 males. 
 
 5 Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of 
 Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males. 
 
 6 Of the sons also of h Adin ; Ebed the son of 
 Jonathan, and with him fifty males. 
 
 7 And of the sons of ‘Elam ; Jeshaiah the son 
 of Athaliah ; and with him seventy males. 
 
 8 And ot the sons of k Shephatiah; Zebadiah 
 the son of Michael, and with him fourscore 
 males. 
 
 9 Of the sons of 'Joab; Obadiah the son of 
 Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen 
 males. 
 
 10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of 
 Josiphiah, and with him a hundred and three- 
 score males. 
 
 a 1:5. 1 Chr. 9:34 . 24:31. 25:32. 2 Chr. 26:12. Nell. 7:70,71. b2:62. 1 Chr. 4: 
 33.9:1. c 7:7.13. tl 1 Chr. 6:3,4, &c. 24:1—6. e 1 Chr. 3:1,22. f 2:3. Neh. 
 7:8. 10:14. Paros/i. g2:6. Neh. 7,11. 10:14. h2;15. Neh. 7:20. 10:16. i 2: 
 7,31. Neh. 7:12,34. k 2:4. Neh. 7:9. 11 :4. 12:6. Neh. 7:11. m2:ll, 10:28. 
 Neh. 7:16. n2:12. Neh. 7:17. * Or, the youngest son. o2:13. Neh. 7:18. 
 
 p2; 14. Neh. 7:19. t Or, Zaccur, as some read. (Neh. 10:12.) q Pa. 137:1. 
 Ez. 1:1. 3:15. Acts 16:13. r21,3l. X Or, pitched. b2. 7:7,24. 1 13. 10:21. 
 
 The liberality of heathen kings, in beautifying the house of 
 God, and supporting the expense of his worship, reproached 
 the conduct of many kings of Judah, and of all that reigned 
 in Israel ; and it will rise up in judgment, and condemn the 
 avarice of many nominal Christians, who refuse to employ 
 their superfluous treasures in supporting the worship of God, 
 and propagating the gospel in the world. — Unconverted men 
 may perceive, that “ whatsoever is commanded by the God 
 of heaven,” should be diligently done; and that the neglect 
 of his worship will bring wrath upon kingdoms, and upon 
 the persons and families of princes. But divine faith alone, 
 as working by love and gratitude, is capable of producing un- 
 reserved, persevering, and delightful obedience. — The exor- 
 bitant and pernicious exemptions, which ambitious ecclesias- 
 tics once claimed, have rendered magistrates reasonably jea- 
 lous in this matter: but when ministers are poor and diligent, 
 there would be a great propriety in favouring them with such 
 exemptions, as consist with the welfare of society, and leave 
 them to attend upon their work without embarrassing cares 
 and distresses. — The wisdom, which God communicates 
 through his word, is peculiarly useful in the choice of magi- 
 strates : that they may be indeed “ a terror to evil-doers, 
 and a protection to those who do well.” It belongs to civil 
 governors to enact laws, and to proportion punishments to 
 offences for the welfare of the community, the suppression of 
 immorality, and the encouragement of those who endeavour 
 to obey God and the king. And when wise and just laws are 
 enacted, and impartially executed, it should animate us to 
 proceed in our proper work with redoubled diligence and ala- 
 crity, in full confidence that “ the good hand of our God will 
 be upon us,” and prosper our attempts. But the weapons of 
 our warfare, as Christian ministers, are not carnal : faithful 
 preaching, holy lives, fervent prayers, and patient suffering, 
 are the means we must use, to teach the ways of God to 
 those who know them not, and to bring increasing numbers 
 into subjection to the obedience of Jesus Christ. (Notes, 
 2 Cor. 10:1—6.). 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 1 — 14. Doubtless Ezra took 
 proper methods of making his commission known to his bre- 
 thren, throughout their dispersions : but, though extraordinary 
 favours were granted, and the city, temple, and land were now 
 prepared for their reception, very few were willing to under- 
 take the journey. Most of the Jews, who remained in those 
 countries, were either settled to their minds, or were averse 
 to labour and peril. They probably had synagogues, where 
 they met for public worship and instructions; and they were 
 sinfully indifferent about the temple and its service. (Note, 
 1:5,6.) But God, on this occasion also, raised up the spirits 
 of a remnant to accompanj his servant Ezra. — They are 
 
 11 And of the sons of m Bebai; Zechariah the 
 son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight 
 males. 
 
 12 And of the sons of "Azgad ; Johanan 'the 
 son of Hakkatan, and with him a hundred and 
 ten males. 
 
 13 And of the last sons of “Adonikam, whos» 
 names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, 
 and with them threescore males. 
 
 14 Of the sons also of rBigvai; Uthai, anc. 
 'Zabbud, and with them seventy males. 
 
 15 11 And I gathered them together to ’the 
 river that runneth to r Ahava ; and there tabode 
 we in tents three days : and I viewed the people, 
 and the priests, 'and found there none of the 
 sons of Levi. 
 
 16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for 
 ‘Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and 
 for Elnathan, and for “Nathan, and for “Zechariah, 
 and for Meshullam, ?chief men ; also for Joiarib, 
 and for Elnathan, “men of understanding. 
 
 17 And I sent them with commandment unto 
 Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and H told 
 them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his 
 brethren “the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, 
 that they should bring unto us b ministers tor the 
 house of our God. 
 
 18 Arid c by the good hand of our God upon us 
 they brought us d a man of understanding, of the 
 sons of e Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel ; 
 and ( Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, 
 eighteen ; 
 
 19 And eHashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of 
 the sons of b Merari, his brethren and their sons, 
 twenty ; 
 
 u 10:39. ill. yl. z 18. 1 Kings 3:11. 1 Chr. 12:32. 26:14 . 2 Chr. 2:12. Prow 
 2:6. Dan. 2:21. 2 Tim. 2:7. 1 John 5:20. § Heb . I put words in their mouth , 
 Ex. 4:15. Deut. 18:18. 2 Sam. 14:3,19. Jer. 1:9. 15:19. a 2:43,58. 7:7. b Num. 
 8:22—26. 18:6. 1 Chr. 23:3— 6,26— 32. c22. 7:28. Neh. 2:8. Prov. 3:6. d See 
 on 16. Prov. 24:3. Jer. 3J5. Dan. 1:20. 1 Cor. 14:20. e Num. 3:20. 1 Chr. 6; 
 19. f 24. Neh. 8:7. 9:4,5. 10:12.12:24. g Neh. 3: 17. 10:11. hi Chr. 6:1, 
 16,19. 
 
 here numbered according to the chief of the fathers, to whose 
 families they belonged. Some of the names of these families 
 were mentioned before ; as the descendants of those who 
 stayed behind, seem to have taken this opportunity of follow- 
 ing their brethren. (2:2 — 42.) Thus we read of “the last 
 sons of Adonikam, ” as no more of that family remained in 
 the land of their captivity. (Marg. Ref. o.) The males only 
 are mentioned ; so that the number including the women, was 
 double, at least, what is here mentioned. 
 
 V. 15. Ahava seems to have been the name both of a 
 town, and of a rivulet which ran into the Euphrates, near the 
 town. The whole company must have lodged in tents, dur- 
 ing the journey, as well as before they entered on it. — No 
 Levites, who were not also priests, were found among them: 
 for Ezra himself was a priest, and we read of two other 
 priests who had joined them. (2) A considerable treasure 
 had been given to the temple at Jerusalem, by a Gentile king 
 and his nobles ; and yet no Levites offered themselves to tako 
 the charge of it! (7:14 — 19.) 
 
 V. 16, 17. (Marg. Ref.) It is uncertain where Casiphia 
 lay, or who Iddo the chief was. The Nethinims are called 
 his brethren : and, if he were one of that company, no doubt 
 he had been advanced, on account of his extraordinary quali- 
 fications or services. Some, however, suppose the word ren- 
 dered “his brethren” to be a proper name ; and that, trans- 
 lated Nethinims , to signify appointed. They therefore ren- 
 der the passage thus ; “ I told them what they should say to 
 Iddo and Achio, who were constituted in the place Casi- 
 phia.” — It may be supposed there was at Casiphia a semi- 
 nary for the education of priests, Levites, and Nethinims, 
 over which Iddo presided : where they had the free exercise 
 of their religion, and had so comfortable a support, that they 
 were not inclined to remove. 1 It is very probable they had 
 their synagogues, (as they had afterward in their dispersion,) 
 or other places, where they met for religious worship. For 
 we find the people resorting to Ezekiel in their captivity, and 
 him preaching to them the word of God, in many places of 
 his book. ( Ez . 33:30, &c.) And Ezra in all likelihood was 
 an instructer among them, as Joiarib and Elnathan also were* 
 and Iddo to whom these were sent.’ Bp. Patrick. — Iddo, by 
 reason of his age, oj his employment, was not desired to go, 
 but to send proper persons for this service, which the men ol 
 understanding would duly explain to him. (16) It seems, 
 Ezra knew that subordinate ministers especially were wanted 
 for the service of the house of God, and was therefore the 
 more earnest in this matter. 
 
 V. 18. ‘God inclined their hearts to comply with his de- 
 sire.’ Bp. Patrick. Sherebiah, no doubt, was “ the mail ot: 
 understanding” here meant ; and the passage should be read* 
 
 ( 823 ) 
 
B. C. 457. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 457. 
 
 20 Also of the 'Nethinims, whom David and 
 the princes had appointed for the service of the 
 Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all 
 of them were expressed by name. 
 
 21 H Then k I proclaimed a fast there, at the 
 river of Ahava, that we might 'afflict ourselves 
 before our God, m to seek of him a right way for 
 us, and "for our little ones, and for all our sub- 
 stance. 
 
 22 For °I was ashamed to require of the king 
 a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against 
 the enemy in the way : because we had spoken 
 unto the king, saying, rThe hand of our God is 
 upon all them for good that seek him ; but fois 
 power and his wrath is against all them that 
 forsake him. 
 
 23 So r we fasted and “besought our God for 
 this : ‘and he was entreated of us. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 24 II Then I separated twelve of the chief of 
 the priests, "Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of 
 their brethren with them, 
 
 25 And ^weighed unto them The silver, and 
 the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the 
 house of our God, which the king, and his coun- 
 sellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, 
 had offered : 
 
 26 I even weighed unto their hand six hundred 
 and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels a 
 hundred talents, and of gold a hundred talents; 
 
 27 Also twenty basins of gold, of a thousand 
 drams; and two vessels of 'fine copper, 'precious 
 as gold. 
 
 28 And I said unto them, z Ye are holy unto 
 the Lord ; “the vessels are holy also ; and the 
 silver and the Igold are a freewill-offering unto 
 the Lord God of your fathers. 
 
 117.2:43.7:7. I Chr. 9:2. k Judg. 20:26. 1 Sam. 7:6. 2 Chr.20:3. Joel 1: 
 14.2:12—18. Jon. 3:5— 10. 1 Lev. 16:29,31. 23:29. Is. 58:5. Jer. 31 :8,9. 50: 
 4,5. m Ps. 5:8. 107:2— 8. 143:8— 10. Prov. 3:6. la. 30:21. 35:8. 42:16.49:10. 
 Jer. 10:23. n Num. 14:3,31 . Mark 10: 13— 16. Acts 2:39. o 1 Cor. 9:15. 2 Cor. 
 7:14. p 7:6,9,28. 1 Chr. 28:9. 2 Chr. 16:9. Ps. 33:18,19 . 34 : 15,22. Is. 3:10,11. 
 Rom. 8:28. 1 Pet. 3:12. q Joalt. 23:16. 2 Chr. 15:2. Ps. 21:8,9. 90:11. Zeph. 1: 
 2-6. 1 Pel. 3:12. r Neh. 9:1. Eath.4-16. Pan. 9:3. Luke 2:37. Acts 10:30. 
 s Jer.29:l2,13. 33:3. 50:4,5. t 31. Deut.4:29. lChr.5:20. 2 Chr. 33:12,13. 
 Jer. 29:12,13. Matt. 7:7,8. u 18,19. x 33:34. 1 :8. 2 Cor. 8:20,21 . Phil. 4:8. 
 
 “A man of understanding ... even Sherebiah.” ( Marg . 
 Ref.) 
 
 V. 20. The Gibeonites were appointed to the service of 
 the Levites in the time of Joshua: (Note, Josh. 9:27.) and 
 some think that others (perhaps a remnant of the devoted 
 Canaanites, or of those who were vowed to the Lord by 
 themselves or their parents, Note, Lev. 27:2 — 8.) were 
 added to them, or placed in rather a superior station, by 
 David and his princes, and afterwards by Solomon ; and that 
 these were, strictly speaking, the Nethinim. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Ezra had collected his company at Ahava, in 
 order to enter upon ajourney of several hundred miles, which 
 they were nearly four months in completing. (Notes, 31. 7:6 
 — 10, v. 9.) Tt lay chiefly through the desert : and, as they 
 were incumbered with families and possessions, they could 
 make but slow progress, and a feeble defence in case of an 
 assault. They carried large treasures with them, which 
 would invite the attempts of the Arabian freebooters, and 
 others who infested that neighbourhood. (Note, 26,27. ) In 
 ordinary cases it would have been very proper to require of 
 the king a band of soldiers and horsemen for their defence, 
 which no doubt would have been readily granted: but Ezra, 
 in order to impress Artaxerxes with a proper sense of the 
 power and perfections of Jehovah, had confidently declared 
 to him, “ that the hand of their God was upon all them for 
 good that seek him, and that his power and wrath were against 
 all them that forsook him.” Being therefore afraid lest the 
 king should not at once understand the distinction between 
 using means, and confiding in them ; and lest he should be 
 led to question the power, faithfulness, and goodness of Is- 
 rael’s God, or the sincerity of Ezra’s dependence on him ; he 
 determined to travel without a guard, except that of the 
 Almighty, being ashamed to ask any other, after his former 
 avowed confidence in him* Yet, test former sins should pro- 
 voke God to leave them unprotected ; and in order the more 
 solemnly and publicly to put the whole company tinder his 
 gracious protection ; he proclaimed and observed a fast, that 
 they might “afflict themselves before Grid,” in deep repent- 
 ance and self-abasement. Thus humbling themselves before 
 the Lord, and seeking his merciful forgiveness, they besought 
 him to be the Guide and Guard of them, their families, their 
 substance, and also of the consecrated treasures. Accord- 
 ingly he was entreated of them, their enemies were re- 
 strained or disabled, and thoy arrived unmolested at Jeru- 
 salem. 
 
 29 "Watch ye, anrl keep them, ‘until ye weigh 
 
 them, before the chief of the priests and the 
 Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at 
 Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the 
 Lord. . 
 
 30 So took the priests and the Levites the 
 weight of the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, 
 to bring them to Jerusalem unto d the house jf out 
 God. 
 
 31 II Then we departed from e the river of 
 Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to 
 go unto Jerusalem: and fthe hand of our God 
 was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand 
 of the enemy, and of such as lay in wail by tlve 
 way. 
 
 32 And g we came to Jerusalem, and abode 
 there three days. 
 
 33 H Nowon the fourth day was the silver and 
 the gold and the vessels "weighed in the house of 
 our God, by the hand of ‘Meremoth the son of 
 k Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar 
 the son of Phinehas; and with them u-as 'Jozabad 
 the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son ol 
 m Binnui, Levites; 
 
 34 By number and by weight of every one : 
 and all the weight was written at that time. 
 
 35 Also the children of those that had been 
 carried away, which were come out of the cap- 
 tivity, "offered burnt-offerings unto the God of 
 Israel, "twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six 
 rams, seventy and seven lambs, twelve he-goats 
 for a sin-offering: all this teas a burnt-offering 
 unto the Lord. 
 
 36 H And they delivered i’the king’s commissions 
 unto the king’s ^lieutenants, and to the governors 
 on this side the river : and "they furthered the 
 people, and the house of God. 
 
 y 7:15,16. * Heb. yellow, or , shining brass . t Heb. desirable. Lam. 4:2. 
 
 i Lev. 21:6— 8. Dent. 33:8. Is. 52:11. a 1:7— 11. Num. 4:4— 15,19,20. 7: 13,84 
 —88. 1 Kings 7:48— 51. 1 Chr. 23:28. 2 Chr. 24:14. b 1 Chr. 26:20— 26. Mark 
 13:34,35. Acts 20:31. 2 Tim. 4:5. c 33,34. d 1 Chr. 29:2,3. Ps. 122:9. Is. 60: 
 13. e 15.21. f 22. 7:9, '28. Job5:l&-24. Ps. 91:9— 14. Is. 41:10— 14. Acts 25'3. 
 26:22. g 7:8,9.. Neh. 2:11. h2G:30. 1 Chr. 28:14— 18. 2 Cor. 8:20,21. i Neh. 
 10.5. kNeh.3:4. Urijah. 1 Nell. 8:7. mNeb.l0:9. nLev.l:&c. 2 Chr. 
 
 29:31,32. Ps. 66:10— 15. 116:12 — 19. Luke 1:74.75. o6:17. Num. 7.27. p 7.21 
 —24. q 4:7, &c. 5:6, &c. r 6:13. Is. 56:6,7. Acts 18:27. Rev. 12:16. 
 
 V. 24. Sherebiah and Hashabiah, before-mentioned, (18, 
 19.) were descendants of Merari, the son of Levi, and not of 
 Kohath, Aaron’s progenitor ; and consequently they were not 
 priests. Either, therefore, the persons specified in this verse 
 were priests who bore the same names ; or they weie the 
 above-mentioned eminent Levites, who on this occasion were 
 joined in trust with ten priests in the care of the sacred trea- 
 sures. (30) 
 
 V. 20, 27. These treasures are computed to have been at 
 least worth a hundred thousand pounds sterling, besides the 
 sacred vessels, which were very valuable. The far greater 
 part of this was offered by a pagan king, with his princes and 
 nobles ! 
 
 V. 28— 30. Marg. Ref. Notes, 1:7—11. 1 Chr. 9:27— 
 
 29. Is. 52:7— 1 1. 2 Cor. 8:16—24. 
 
 V. 31. As Ezra departed from Babylon on the first day 
 of the first month, (7:9.) and having sent to Casiphia to pro- 
 cure Levites and Nethinim, the company set off from Ahava 
 on the twelfth day of the same month ; it is evident that 
 Casiphia was not far from Ahava. — It seems Ezra was aware 
 that there were enemies who lay in wait by the way* to 
 assault., plunder, or destroy him and his company : yet ho 
 trusted in God to protect them, and they were accordingly 
 delivered. 
 
 V. 32— 36. Marg. Ref. Notes, 2:68 — ' 70. 6:6— 12. Jer. 
 31:8,9. 50:4—6. Zcrh. 2:6—9. Acts 1 1:27— 30.— Eleazar the 
 son of Phinehas. (33) 1 Tho names of Eleazar and Phine- 
 
 has continued through many generations among the priests, 
 because they were two very eminent persons in Aaron’s 
 family.’ Bp. Patrick. — The children, &c. (35) The com- 
 pany that came up with Ezra from Babylon offered these 
 sacrifices, as expressing humiliation for sin, faith in the in ?rey 
 of God through the typical atonement, and gratitude fo his 
 late mercies: this they did, not only for themselves, bul for 
 their brethren of all the twelve tribes of Israel. — They fur- 
 thered. (36) The kings, lieutenants, and the governors, hav- 
 ing received th e king's commission, (Notes, 7:11 — 26.) fur* 
 thcred Ezra and the Jews in their undertakings ; yielding 
 prompt obedience to the orders of Artaxerxes. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 23. While love of the world, and fear of the cioss, 
 induce most men to neglect the salvation of the gospel ; they 
 who obey the gracious call stand recorded 'n the hoi k of 
 life, and will he honoured by God himself. — When some of a 
 family embrace the gospel, those who linger bu»ind may pro- 
 
 ( 824 ) 
 
D. C. 457. 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 B. C. 457. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Srn, learning that many of the priests and people had married heathen wives, 
 espressos great sorrmo and consternation, 1 — 4. He prays , and makes con- 
 fession of sin unto God, 5 — 15. 
 
 N OW when these things were done, “the 
 princes came to me, saying, The people of 
 Israel, and the priests, ana the Levites, b have not 
 separated themselves from the people of the lands, 
 “doing' according to their abominations, even d of 
 the Canaanit.es, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the 
 Jebusites, “the Ammonites, the f Moabites, the 
 Egyptians, and the Amorites. 
 
 2 For they have staken of their daughters for 
 themselves, and for their sons : so that h the holy 
 
 a 10:3. Jer. 20:10,16. I- 6:22. 10:10,11. Ex. 33:16. Num.23:9. Nell. 9:2. 13:3. 
 Is. Will. 2 Cur. 6:14 — 18. cT,e». 18:3,21— 30. Hem. 12:31. 18:9. 2 Clir. 33:2. 
 Ps. 1116:35. cl lien. 15:16,19-21. Ex. 23:23. Dent. 20 17,18. e Dcul. 23:3-5. 
 
 1 Kings 11:1 ,5 — 7. Nell. 4:3,7. 13:1—3. fNura. 25:1-3. g 10:18-44. Ex. 34: 
 16. Deni. 7 1 — 4. Nell. 13:23,24. Mai. 2:11. h Ex. 19:6. 22:31. Deut.7:6. 14: 
 
 bably follow ; till sometimes, in answer to fervent prayers, 
 and by means of zealous, affectionate, persevering endea- 
 vours, the very last are brought in. — Alas ! that professed 
 ministers of religion, who ought to take the lead in every good 
 work, are generally so backward to labour, or venture, or 
 suffer in the cause of God ; and need to be stirred up by the 
 example and exhortations even of their lay-brethren ! But 
 such as address them on these occasions should be chief men, 
 or men of understanding and established character ; lest They 
 should be irritated instead of being persuaded. They must 
 not, however, be left to their negligence : and their superior 
 brethren, having given them a good example, may send or 
 speak to them with more authority and effect than others can, 
 and often those who were before inattentive, will profit by 
 meek and faithful admonitions. — When ministers for “ the 
 work of the house of our God” are raised up, who are men of 
 piety and understanding, we should acknowledge “ the good 
 hand of our God upon us,” and give him the praise ; as we 
 ought at all times to lift up our prayers for this blessing to his 
 church. — It is an invariable rule, that u the hand of our God 
 is upon all them for good that seek him ; but his power and 
 wrath is against all them that forsake him and we ought to 
 live in the habitual firm belief of this, and should not be 
 ashamed, if called to it, to avow our confidence before the 
 greatest monarchs upon earth : but we should be ashamed to 
 act inconsistently with these professions, or even to appear 
 distrustful of the Lord in the path of duty. On some occa- 
 sions we ought to omit those precautions for personal safety, 
 and refuse to make that provision for our families, which in 
 other circumstances are very lawful ; lest opr weaker bre- 
 thren, or inquirers, should be stumbled, and so our God should 
 be dishonoured. We have therefore great need to ask wis- 
 dom from him, that we may know how to use, or to refuse, 
 lawful things, as expedient, or otherwise: and we shall be no 
 losers by venturing, renouncing, or suffering for his sake ; as 
 w it is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in 
 princes,” or in armed hosts. — We should “ acknowledge him 
 m all our ways but we may especially confide ourselves 
 and our works into his hands, when we arc simply endeavour- 
 ing to serve the cause of true religion. Instead of anxiously 
 seeking help from an arm of flesh, (to which we are all 
 shamefully prone,) when unexpected difficulties or dangers 
 obstruct our path, we should more earnestly and explicitly 
 commit our way unto the Lord. In such circumstances, sea- 
 sons appropriated to secret or social fasting and prayer, form 
 the most effectual method that we can take : because they 
 best prepare our own souls properly to receive the blessing, 
 and most immediately lead us to seek the forgiveness and 
 mortification of our sins ; which are more formidable hin- 
 derances to our success than mountains, rivers, seas, or armies 
 of hostile invaders or assailants. Indeed few enterprises, 
 good in themselves , finally fail of success, which are begun 
 and conducted in this way. And when we thus humbly be-, 
 seech fche Lord, he will be entreated of us; and by his good 
 hand upon us, we shall bring all our undertakings in due sea- 
 son to a happy termination. 
 
 V. 24 — 36. They should be holy persons, who have the 
 charge of holy things. Ministers are stewards of the most 
 precious mysteries of God; and watch for the souls of men, 
 every one of which is more valuable than all the world : and 
 if any are wanting through their default, they will be required 
 at their hands. The meanest of them, therefore, needs at 
 least as much wisdom, vigilance, integrity, fidelity, and zeal, 
 as the chief of those who carried the vessels of the Lord. 
 And if any of us are intrusted with the gold and silver of ihe 
 freewill-offerings of our brethren; or of the princes and afflu- 
 ent persons of this world, for pious or charitable uses; we 
 should “ provide for things honest, not only in the sight of 
 God, but also in the sight of men :” that we may be able, 
 when required, to give a punctual account of the whole to 
 hose, by whom, or for whom, we have been employed. A 
 clear conscience, and an evidently upright conduct, are both 
 •oinfortable and reputable: yet our whole dependence for the 
 acceptance of our persons and of all our services, must be 
 ested on the merits and sacrifice of our great Surety : through 
 'urn we must devote ourselves, and consecrate our services, 
 Yoi.. I. — 104 
 
 seed have ’mingled themselves with the people of 
 those lands: yea, k the hand of the princes and 
 rulers hath been chief in this trespass. 
 
 3 And when I heard this thing, I ’rent my 
 garment and my mantle, and m plucked off the 
 hair of my head and of my beard, and n sat down 
 astonished. 
 
 4 Then were assembled unto me every one 
 that °trernbled at the words of the God of Israel, 
 because of the transgression of those that had 
 been carried away; and I sat astonished Puntil 
 the evening-sacrifice. 
 
 5 H And at the evening-sacrifice I arose up 
 from my 'heaviness ; and having rent my gar- 
 
 2. Is. 6:13. Mai. 2; 15. 1 Cor. 7:14. i Gen. 6:2. Neh. 13:3,23,24. k 10:18-44. 
 Neh. 13:4,17,28. 1 Josh. 7:6. 2 Kings 18:37. 19:1. Job 1:20. Jerg36:24. m Lev. 
 21:5. Neh. 13:25. Is. 15:2. Jer. 7:29. 48:37,38. Ez. 7:18. Mic. m6. nNeh. 1: 
 4. Job 2:12,13. Ps. 143:4. E/..3.15. Pan. 4: 19. 8.27. o 10:3. 2 Clir. 34:27. Is. 
 66:2. Ez. 9:4. p Ex. 29:39. Dan. 9:21. Acts3:l. * Or ,aJliclion. 
 
 to our reconciled God, and then walk before him in his com- 
 mandments and ordinances, as we have opportunity and 
 ability. — “When our ways please the Lord, he maketh 
 even our enemies to be at peace with us:” and if he disposes 
 a few of the great ones of the earth to favour his cause ; num- 
 bers will afford their external assistance, not to please God, 
 but the prince. — If preservation in peace and safety during 
 our journeys on earth demand our tribute of grateful praise : 
 what acclamations of gratitude' shall we raise, when the Lord 
 has conducted us safe through the perilous and wearisome 
 pilgrimage of life, and through the gloomy vale of death, out 
 of the reach of all our enemies, into the regions of eternal 
 felicity ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1, 2. After it was known 
 that Ezra was come to Jerusalem, commissioned by the king 
 of Persia, to be ruler over those countries, and especially to 
 reform the state of religion among the Jews; some of the 
 princes informed him concerning the gross misconduct of their 
 brethren, which they had not been able to prevent. It seems 
 there was still a remnant of the old inhabitants dwelling in 
 the borders of the land: (Marg. Ref.) and the Jews being 
 poor and exposed, opened an intercourse with them, and with 
 other neighbouring nations ; and intermarried with them, in 
 violation of the law. This had always proved an introduction 
 to idolatry : and their sin was the more aggravated, and threat- 
 ened the worst consequences, because the priests, whose 
 marriages had been carefully regulated by the law, ( Notes, 
 Lev. 21:7 — 15.) and the princes, to whom it belonged to en- 
 force obedience to it, were ringleaders in the transgression ; 
 and thus, both encouraged others by their example, and 
 deterred such as wished to enforce the law against the crimi- 
 nals. ( Notes, 10:18—44. Ex. 34:11—17. Neh. 13:1 — 4,23 — 
 3 1 . Mai. 2:10 — 12. 2 Cor. G: 14 — 18.) They had not indeed 
 yet proceeded to direct idolatry ; but they were in the direct 
 way to it, and already chargeable with doing in some respects 
 “ according to the abomination of the Gentiles.” 
 
 Holy seed , &c. (2) Notes , Ex. 19:6. Is. 6:13. Mai. 2:13 — 
 16. 1 Cor. 7:10 — 14. — ‘They are called a “holy seed,” 
 
 because of the covenant of God with them, which made them 
 a peculiar people, separated from all other nations. It is 
 likely those princes, who informed Ezra of this enormous 
 practice, had endeavoured to reform them, but could not, 
 because they were opposed by as great men as themselves. 
 But we must not cast a\yay all hope, though we cannot pre- 
 sently reform men’s lives: the time may come, when it may 
 be done.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 3, 4. When Ezra first arrived at Jerusalem, and was 
 received with professed cordiality ; when he saw the temple 
 prepared, and the worship regularly conducted, with apparent 
 piety ; we may suppose, that he was joyful and thankful. 
 But having been informed of these forbidden marriages, which 
 threatened a speedy repetition of former crimes and judg 
 ments, he was affected with deep consternation and sorrow; 
 and he expressed his concern for the honour of God and the 
 interests of Israel, by the customary tokens, and even by 
 such as were u^ed to denote the greatest indignation, terror, 
 or distress. {Marg. Rtf. 2 Kings 22:19. Note , Josh. 7:6 — 
 9.) This seems to hav<- been done publicly in some place 
 of resort ; and the matter being reported, many others be- 
 came suitably affected, and trembled at the words of God, 
 because of the transgression of Israel ; {Note, Is. 66:1,2.) 
 and were prepared to join in humiliation before him, and in 
 effecting a reformation. — The Jews are here called, “ Those 
 that had been carried away ;” which might remind them of the 
 captivity from which they were lately returned, and which had 
 been brought upon them by similar transgressions. — It is pro- 
 bable, that Ezra observed a profound silence for some time, 
 which indicated that the confusion and distress of his mind 
 were too big for utterance. (Notes, Neh. 1:4. Job 2:11 — 13.) 
 
 V. 5. (Marg. Ref. q, r.) It is probable that Ezra 
 chose the time of the .evening-sacrifice, to go from the place 
 where he first showed his alarm and sorrow ; and that he 
 went up to the house of God, (10:1.) because the priests at 
 that hour, whilst the sacrifice was offering, burnt incense in 
 the temple, and the people met together in the coprts of it 
 to praj\ (Note, Luke 1:8 — 10.) 
 
 ( 825 ) 
 
B. C. 457. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 457 
 
 ment and m-r mantle, fell upon my knees, and 
 r spread out my hands unto the Lord my God. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 6 And said, 0 my God, “I am ashamed and 
 Dlush to lift, up my face to thee, my God : for 
 “our iniquities are increased over our head, and 
 bur ‘trespass is “grown up unto the heavens. 
 
 7 I Since the days of our fathers have we been 
 in a great trespass unto this day; and ffor our 
 iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, 
 been delivered 'into the hand of the kings of the 
 lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, 
 and Ho confusion of face, b as it is this day. 
 
 8 And now for a 'little space 'grace hath been 
 showed from, the Lord our God, to leave us d a 
 remnant to escape, and to give us 'a nail e in his 
 holy place 1 , that our God may flighten our eyes, 
 and give us a little ^reviving in our bondage. 
 
 9 For h we were bondmen ; 'yet our God hath 
 not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended 
 mercy unto us k in the sight of the kings of Persia, 
 to give us a reviving, 'to set up the house of our 
 God, and to ^repair the desolations thereof, and 
 to give us m a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. 
 
 10 And now, O our God, "what shall we say 
 after this ? for we have forsaken thy command- 
 ments, 
 
 q QChr. 6:13. Ps. 95:6. Luke 22:41. Acts 21:5. Eph. 3:14. r Ex. 9:23,33. 1 Kings 
 8:22, 33. 51. Fs. 141:2. 143:6. Is. 4:15. (Job 40:4. 42:6. Jer. 3:3,24,25. 6:15. 3: 
 12. 31:19. E*. 16:63. Dan. 9:7,8. Rom. 6:21. tGen. 13:13. Ps. 38 4. Is. 1:18. 
 53:12. ■ Or, guiltiness. u2Chr.28:9. Rev. 18:5. x Nnm. 32: 14. 2 Chr. 29:6. 
 3117. Nell. 9:32-34. Ps. 106:6,7. Lam. 5:7. Dan. 9:5—8. Zed:. 1:4,5. Matt. 
 23 30—33. Acts 7:51,52. v Lev. 23:14, &c. Dent. 4-25— 28. 28:15, 4tc. 29:22- 
 28 . 30:17—19.31:20—22. 32:15—28. 1 Sam. 12:15. I Kings 9:6-9. Nell. 9:30. 
 
 1 2 Kings 17:5-8. 13:9— 12. 25:1— 4. 2 Chr. 36:16— 19. Neh. 9:35,37. Dan. 9: 
 II— 14." a Dan. 9:7,8. b Neh. 9:32. Jer. 23:18. 44:22. t Heb. moment, c 9. 
 Nell. 1:11. 9:31. Hall. 3:2. J 14. 2 Kings 19:4,30,31 . Is. 19. Jer. 42 2. 44:14. 
 Ez. 6:8,9. 14:22. Zecli. 8.6,12. Rcim. 9:27. 11:5,6. ;Or,apin,\.e.ncon- 
 
 tlant anti sure <ib ide. Ec. 12:11. Is. 22.23 — 25. Zech. 10:4. e Is. 56:5. Rev. 3: 
 12. fl Sam. 11.27,29. Job 33:30. Ps. 13:3. 34:5. gPs.85:6. 138:7. Is. 57:15. 
 Ez. 37:11— 14. Hos. 6:2. h Neh. 9:36,37. i Ps. 106:45,46. 136:23,24. JrLI— 
 
 V. 6. Ezra was not personally guilty in this matter: but 
 he spake and acted, as the representative and the mouth of 
 the whole people ; being a member, and in some respects the 
 head, of that body which had thus violated the covenant of 
 God. (Notes, Dan. 9:3 — 20.) He came to establish the 
 civil and ecclesiastical state of the nation, “according to the 
 good hand of his God upon him and he was ashamed and 
 blushed, when he considered the rebellious and ungrateful 
 conduct of that people, whose cause he had to plead conti- 
 nually before the Lord. Indeed the former crimes of Isra'el 
 were like an inundation, which being swelled by their present 
 transgressions, would flow even over their heads, and entirely 
 overwhelm them : or they formed an enormous pile, which, 
 increasing by continual accessions of presumptuous rebellion, 
 reached even to the heavens, to call down the vengeance of 
 God upon them. The people it may be supposed, persuaded 
 themselves, that as they were free from idolatry, and adhered 
 to the worship at the temple, all was very well and commend- 
 able among them ; that their deviations as to these marriages 
 were excusable, if not justifiable by necessity or policy ; and 
 that on the whole they might expect the favour and protec- 
 tion of God. (Note, Rnm. 7:9 — 12 ( .) But the vehement 
 anguage of this eminent man was well suited lo give them 
 a very different view of the case ; and to convince them that 
 . they were abominable in the sight of God, and in danger off 
 his severest vengeance: and it loudly called on them all, 
 especially the criminals, to humble themselves before God in 
 deep repentance. — Grown up unto the heavens.] ‘This sig- 
 nifies. . .the high presumption and insolence of their wicked- 
 ness.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 7. ( Mar g. Ref.) As it is, &c.] Jerusalem and the 
 
 temple had been rebuilt, and a remnant had returned front 
 captivity : but the nation in general was in a dependent, im- 
 poverished, and abject slate ; in comparison with that pros- 
 perity which their fathers had enjoyed in the times of David 
 and Solomon, and which they had forfeited by their sins: 
 (Note, Neh. 9:30,37.) and the bulk of it yet remained in a 
 stale of captivity and dispersion. 
 
 V. 8. A remnant of the Jews had now occupied Jerusa- 
 lem and Judea for nearly eighty years ; having thus had a 
 revival for a comparatively little space from the state of na- 
 tional death, as it were, which had continued during tho cap- 
 tivity : (Notes, Ez. 37:11 — 14.) and it might have been sup- 
 posed, that the miseries of their ancestors would have effec- 
 tually deterred them from imitating their crimes: yet in so 
 short a time, they had made considerable progress in the very 
 same path : and in case they proceeded in that way, a speedy 
 period would jc put to this reviving of their prosperity. 
 (Note, Ps. 85:1 — 8.) — “A nail given them in the Lord’s 
 noty place.” seems to signify, that the rebuilding of the tem- 
 ple formed a sure ground of confidence in the Lord, whilst 
 they adhered to his service, and rested all their hopes and 
 dependence on him. (Marg. Ref. Note, Is. 22:20 — 25.) 
 
 V. 9. Notes, 7:1 1 — 28. — A wall, &c.] Tho temple, being 
 
 ( 826 ) 
 
 11 Which thou hast commanded “by thy 
 servants the prophets, saying, “The land unto 
 which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land wit! 
 ■’the filthiness of the people of the lands, with theii 
 abominations,, which have filled it from ’’one ciia 
 to another with their uncleanness. 
 
 12 Now therefore igive not your daughters 
 unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto 
 your sons, r nor seek their peace or their wealth 
 for ever: "that ye may be strong, ‘and eat the 
 good of the land, “and leaver it for an inheritance 
 to your children for ever. 
 
 13 And “after all that is come upon us for our 
 evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that 
 thou our God "hast punished us rless than our 
 iniquities deserve, and 'hast given us such deliver- 
 ance as this ; 
 
 14 Should a we again break thy command- 
 ments, and “join in affinity with the people of 
 these abominations? 'wouldest not thou be angry 
 with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there 
 should be d no remnant nor escaping? 
 
 15 O Lord God of Israel, Hhou art righteous: 
 for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: 
 behold, we are before thee f in our trespasses ; 
 for swe cannot stand before thee because of 
 this. 
 
 4,7—11.6:1—12.7:6,11—28. 16:14.15. Hag. 1:9. Zech. 4:6— 10. § Heb. rat 
 up. m Is. 5:5. Dan. 9:25. Zech. 2:5. n Gen. 44:16. Josh. 7:3. Lam. 3:22. 
 Dan. 9:4— 16. Rom. 3:19. || Heb. by the band of. o 1 Lev. 18.24— 30. Dent. 
 12:31. 18:12. 2 Chr. 33:2. p 6:21. Ez. 36:25 — 27. 2 Cor. 7:1. IT Heb. mouth lo 
 mouth. 2 Kings 21:16. mars, q Ex. 31:16. Deut. 7:3. Josh. 23: 12,13. r Deut. 
 23:6. 2 Chr. 19-2. 2 John 10:1 1 . s Deut. 6:1, 2. Josh. 1.6—9. t Is. 1:19. 
 
 u Gen. 18:18,19. Pi. 112.1,2. Prov. 13:22. 20:7. x Neji. 9:32. Ez. 24:13,14. 
 Gal. 3:4. ** Heb. hast withheld beneath our iniquities, y Ps. 103:10. Lam. 3: 
 22,39,40. Hab. 3:2. z Ps. 106:45,46. a John 5:14. Rom. 6:1. 2 Pet. 2:20.21. 
 b Ex. 23:32,33. Judg. 2:2. Neh. 13:23—27. c Ex. 32: 10. Num. 16:21 ,45. Dent. 
 9:8,14. d 8. Deut. 32:26,27. Is. 1:9. Jer. 46:28. Ez. 6.8. e Neh. 9:33,34. Dan. 
 9:7-11. Rom. 10:3. fls. 64:6,7. Ez. 33:10. Zech. 3:3,4. 1 Cor. 15:17. gJob 
 9:2,3. Ps. 130:3. 143:2. Rom. 3:19— 22. 
 
 the pledge of God’s presence among them, was as a wall, by 
 which the Jews were effectually secured from their enemies ; 
 unless they provoked him to desert them. Jerusalem was not 
 at this time surrounded with a wall. (Notes, Neh. 1:3. 2:12 
 — 1G. 3:4:1 — 3. Dan. 9:24 — 27.) ‘The Hebrew word (*nj) . . . 
 doth not properly signify a wall , but o, hedge or fence, such as 
 were made for the folds of sheep. Whereby Ezra expresses, 
 (as Huetius well notes,) the singular care of God of them ; 
 who being “the Shepherd of Israel,” had . . . brought them 
 back into their ancient folds, wherein he preserved them safe, 
 even when they had no wall to defend them, under the 
 powerful protection of the king of Persia.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 10 — 12. (Marg. Ref.) — ‘What shall any one say for 
 such a wretched people as this, . . . who had no regard to 
 their prophets, nor to Moses himself, who had charged them 
 to have nothing to do with the people of Canaan? ... Can 
 we expect less than utter destruction of this small remnant, 
 when, after all the punishments he hath inflicted upon us for 
 our sins, and his ceasing to punish us, and rescuing us in this 
 manner from our captivity, we return to those sins which are 
 so odious to him, because so expressly against his command- 
 ments?’ Bp. Patrick. — Nor seek their peace, & c. (12) The 
 Israelites might seek the conversion of the heathen, or do 
 them acts of common humanity : hut they must not unite in- 
 terests with them, nor seek their peace or prosperily in the 
 land of Canaan, whilst they continued idolaters. (Notc,Josfu 
 23:11—13, t>. 13.) 
 
 V. 13, 14. Both the judgments and mercies, experienced 
 by the people, aggravated the guilt of their transgressions , 
 which would now speedily fill up their measure of iniquit}*, 
 and bring final and total ruin upon them, except they took 
 warnkig in time. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 15. Though the Jews had endured many and heavy 
 sufferings, yet they had been punished less than they de- 
 served ; for they had broken their covenant, and merited utter 
 ruin. (13. Note, Lam. 3:21 — 23.) Whatever therefore 
 
 should hereafter befall them, the Lord would be righteous in 
 his dealing with them : and if they were yet spared, it would 
 be entirely the effect of his mercy. — Thus Ezra closed his ad- 
 dress, without adding one petition to his humble confessions. 
 He knew not what to say, to ask, or to do. He could say 
 nothing to excuse his people; he was sure they could not 
 stand in judgment before God. He dreaded the conse- 
 quences ; yet he had not given up all hopes, llis own mind 
 was affected, and his manner could scarcely fail to affect 
 others : and by this abrupt conclusion, us one who was as- 
 sured that the righteous Lord would do what was right, ho 
 referred the whole matter to him, to do what was good in his 
 sight. (Notes, 10:1,2. Josh. 7:0 — 0. 2 Sam. 24:12 — 14.) 
 
 PRACTICA I. OBSEltV ATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 5. Where a profession of godliness is made by 
 great numbers, in a way which appears satisfactory to those 
 who behold it as at a distance ; the eye of God often per- 
 ceives, and careful investigation may frequently detect, very 
 
B. C. 457 . 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 B. C. 457 
 
 CHAPTER A. 
 
 fTl- people veep with Ezra , 1. Shechaniah proposes that the people should 
 divorce, their 'leathen wives, arul encourages Ezra to attempt this ; who re- 
 quires the priests, awl others, to engage by oath so to do, 2—6. By procla- 
 mation he assembles the people , who promise to comply, 6 — 14. The measure 
 ts regularly carried into execution, 15—17. The names of those who put 
 away their strange wives, 18 — 14. 
 
 N OW “when Ezra had prayed, and b when he 
 had confessed, c weepin" and casting himself 
 down d bt fore the house of God, there assembled 
 unto him out of Israel e a very great congregation 
 of men and women and children : for the people 
 wept "very sore. 
 
 2 And 1 Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of 
 the sons of eElain, answered and said unto Ezra, 
 
 a Dan. 9 3,4.10. Acts 10:30. b Lev. 26:40,41. Ps. 32:5. Hos. 14:2. 1 John 1:8 
 — 10. c Ps. llH: 126. Jer. 9:1. 13:17. Zech. 12:10. Luke 19:41. Rom. 9:2. 
 d l Kings 8:3J. 9:3. 2 Chr. 20:9. e Deut.31:12. 2Chr. 20:13. Neh. 10:28. Joel 
 2:16— 13. Acts 21:. 1. * Heb. a great weeping. Jud". 2:4,5. Neh. 8:9. t' 26. 
 Neh. 3:29. g 2:7,31. Neh. 7:12,31. h Ex. 34:12. Neb. 13:27. i Ex. 34:6,7. 
 
 shameful practices: and those useful designs, which are un- 
 dertaken with great pleasure and sanguine hopes, will seldom 
 be completed without many anxious and painful sensations. 
 Those who deal in frivolous, slanderous, and malicious infor- 
 malionSjarc justly the objects of public execration : but when 
 a pious regard to the honour of God, and a disinterested 
 concern for the benefit of the community, induce men to give 
 information of gross and flagrant abuses, to those who are 
 authorized to repress them ; they perform a most useful and 
 honourable service : and even princes may glory in such an 
 employment, though the criminals will generally hate and re- 
 vile them for it. (Notc y Gen. 37:2.) Men, who pride them- 
 selves in being free from gross iniquities, often venture into 
 die very path which leads to the commission of them : and 
 even the miseries of sinners in the ways of vice fail to deter 
 the spectators from copying their examples. — If we would, as 
 the servants of God, “ a holy seed,” devoted to him by so- 
 lemn covenant, be preserved from the abominations of the 
 wicked, we must separate from their society, and break off 
 all connexions with them : and intermarriages, between his 
 people and ungodly persons, have in all ages been a success- 
 ful device of Satan, to prevail against the cause of truth and 
 righteousness, and .to produce apostacies, superstitions, ido- 
 latry, or impiety. — Too often, through the artifice of the 
 enemy, they, who should warn or restrain others, sanction 
 transgression by their own example, and by protecting the 
 criminals from censure or punishment. Indeed formalists of 
 every description make light of alliances or intimacies with 
 those who are ungodly, and explain away the exhortation to 
 u come out from among them and be separate:” but those 
 who are best acquainted with the word of God, with the 
 human heart, and with the history of the church, and who have 
 the most affectionate regard for the souls of men, view the 
 subject in another manner. They mourn over such transac- 
 tions, arid forebode the worst of consequences from them ; 
 and are constrained most solemnly to express their concern 
 and consternation. But alas! the evils, which are allowed 
 and pleaded for, by many who profess to be 44 the holy seed,” 
 may well excite our astonishment as well as deep regret : and 
 we ought to show our abhorrence of their abominations in the 
 most earnest and decided manner. When this is done hv 
 those who are had in reputation for piety or wisdom, it will 
 excite the attention of others, and cause them to tremble at 
 the words of God, because of the transgression of the people : 
 and this will produce greater watchfulness, lead to self-exa- 
 mination and humiliation, and subserve the purposes of re- 
 formation. — Silent grief and astonishment sometimes form 
 the most expressive protestation against enormous crimes : 
 and when men speak on such occasions, it may be more ef- 
 fectual to address themselves to God, than to the offenders. 
 
 V. 6 — 15. Whatever may afflict our hearts, we must not 
 yield to iliac live despondency, but arise from our heaviness, 
 to spread our sorrows before the Lord, with humble and re- 
 verent devotion. — In confessing the sins of churches, or na- 
 tions, all who form a part of them should bear a share : for 
 every individual has, one way or other, added his transgres- 
 sions to the aggregate of guilt : and all arc interested in the 
 event, and stand related to such as have committed those 
 crimes, from which they have been preserved. — We should 
 endeavour to affect ourselves and others with the greatness 
 and heinousness of our sins : for often, when we think little 
 of our transgressions, they have grown up even to the hea- 
 vens, and are ready to overwhelm us with the vengeance of 
 the Almighty.— National guilt accumulates from age to age, 
 whilst children copy the iniquities of their fathers. Hence 
 spring all our miseries : yet the Lord u punishes us less than 
 our iniquities deserve and no past or present sufferings will 
 exempt us from greater in future, unless 41 we repent and turn 
 to God, and do works meet for repentance.” — Every respite, 
 and every degree of former mercies and privileges, should be 
 thankfully received : but they all say to us, 44 Sin no more, 
 lest a worse thing come unto thee.'’ Even the gospel and 
 the ordinances of God, which are 44 a nail in his holy place,” 
 on which to suspend all our hopes and interests ; and which 
 are given us to lighte l our eyes, and to deliver us from our 
 bondage, and to he a reviving to our souls, will only aggra- 
 vate the doom of those who rest in them, and go on in their 
 
 h We have trespassed against our God, and have 
 taken strange wives of the people of the land: 
 'yet now there is hope : n Israel concerning this 
 thing. 
 
 3 Wow therefore Met us make a covenant with 
 our God to tpiit. away all the wives, and such as 
 are born of them, ‘according to the counsel of my 
 lord, and m of those that tremble “at the com- 
 mandment of our God; and Met it be done 
 according to the law. 
 
 4 rAnse ; tfbr this matter bclongeth unto thee : 
 r we also will be with thee : “he of good courage, 
 and do it. 
 
 I.. 55:6,7. Jer. 3:12,13. I John !:7— 9. k 2 Kings 11:17. 2 Chr. 29:10. 34:31,32. 
 Neli. 9:33. 10:29, &c. T Heb. bring forth. 1 2 Chr. 30:12. rn9:4. 2 Chr. 34: 
 21,27. Ps. 119:59,120. 18.66:2. Ez. 9:4. n Deut. 7:2,3. Josh. 23:12,13. o Neh. 
 8:14. 13:1— 3. Is. 8:20. p Josh. 7:10, Ac. 1 Chr. 22:16.19. Kc.9:l0. a Mark 
 13:34. r Josh. 1:16—18. 1 Chr. 23:10,21. s Is. 35:3,4. Heb. 10:24. 12:12,13. 
 
 sins. — In this world God afflicts sinners, yet spares them, that 
 his goodness may lead them to repentance : he corrects, but 
 he does not utterly forsake, his people : he extends mercy to 
 them, by disposing others to be kind to them : yet his favour 
 forms their best security and comfort. But “ what shall we 
 say,” when judgments, mercies, warnings, and respites leave 
 sinners hardened in impenitence? The case is dreadful, and 
 it may be expected that the Lord will be. angry with them, 
 until they are consumed without remnant or escaping. — In- 
 deed every penitent, reflecting upon his own conduct, and 
 comparing it with his mercies, will be “ ashamed and blush 
 before God his mouth will be stopped, and he will not 
 know what to say. The law is holy, just, and good : obedi- 
 ence would have been reasonable and profitable ; his guilt is 
 undeniable and inexcusable : the wrath of God is dreaded 
 and deserved ; he feels himself in the Lord’s hands, without 
 plea, or power to escape. “ It is of his mercies that he is not 
 consumed,” and if he perish the Lord will be righteous: his 
 only hope arises from a belief of abounding grace, and he 
 casts himself before the Lord with this only plea, “God be 
 merciful to me a sinner.”— Even the believer, though he ha- 
 bitually “ walks in newness of life,” often breaks God’s com- 
 mandments, exposes himself to rebukes and chastisements ; 
 and must come ashamed, and. confounded, and blushing be- 
 fore God, on account of his foolish and ungrateful conduct, 
 and again adopting the publican’s prayer. Indeed every 
 individual in the whole church, has cause to wonder, that his 
 ingratitude, perverseness, and folly have not wearied out the 
 patience of God, and brought utter destruction upon him. 
 What then must be the case of the ungodly world around us ? 
 However, though the true penitent has nothing to plead in his 
 own behalf, the heavenly Advocate pleads most powerfully 
 for him ; and prevails in behalf of all those who unfeignedly 
 condemn themselves, and cast themselves wholly upon the 
 mercy of God, through his atoning blood. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1. The exceedingly deep sor- 
 row and consternation of so eminent a person as Ezra, who 
 had come to Jerusalem, with so ample and favourable a com- 
 mission from the king of Persia, and with such pious and be- 
 neficent purposes ; with his prayer, and most humble confes- 
 sion of deep criminality, were no doubt speedily reported all 
 over the city; and the high esteem generally entertained ol 
 his piety and wisdom, induced the people seriously to reflect 
 upon their conduct, and its consequences: so that numbers, 
 of their own accord, gathered arpuna the governor, and 
 united with him in lamentations and humiliation before God. 
 And, the alarm becoming general, even the women and chil- 
 dren joined the assembly in the court of the temple; pro- 
 bably fearing lest the wrath of God should immediately be 
 poured out upon them. 
 
 V. 2. Shechaniah is not mentioned among those who 
 were guilty : but his father and several of his relations arc. 
 ( Note , 20—43, v. 2G.) He spoke, however, as one cf the 
 offending community, though not personally criminal ; and 
 he would not be deterred from decisive measures by regard 
 to his nearest relatives. — Probably he observed that Ezra 
 was too desponding, and ready to conclude that reformation 
 would be impracticable, where so many of the chief persons 
 were concerned. (A Totes, Num. 25:4 — 15.) But he perceived 
 very favourable symptoms in the case. The people were 
 generally convinced of their guilt and danger, and the most 
 daring criminals would not venture to oppose the general 
 opinion of the governor and the congregation. There “was 
 therefore hope in Israel concerning 'his thing ;” an effectual 
 reform might be made; and then the Lord. would turn from 
 his fierce wrath against them, as “he delighted in mercy.” 
 
 V. 3. (Marg. Kef.) — To put away, &c.] This is not 
 any where expressly commanded in the law ; yet the spirit 
 of the precept seemed to require it. (JVoles, 9:1 — 4. Ex. 
 34:11—17. Josh. 23:11—13, v. 13. Neh. 13:23—30.) The 
 prohibition of marriages with idolaters was given to prevent 
 temptations to idolatry : and retaining an idolatrous wife 
 formed a continual temptation. Divorces were permitted to 
 the Israelites, by the judicial law, to prevent worse conse- 
 quences ; but the seducing of a man to idolatry was I he 
 worst conseqnei ce imaginable. This measure would also 
 tend to prevent the contracting of such marriages in future 
 
 a ( 827 ) 
 
B. C. 457. 
 
 EZRA. 
 
 B. C. 457, 
 
 5 H Then 'arose Ezra, and "made the chief 
 priests, the Levites, arid all Israel, to swear that 
 they should do according to this word. And 
 they sware. 
 
 6 IF Then Ezra rose up from before the house 
 of God, and went into *tne chamber of Jjohanan 
 the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, 
 ‘he did eat no bread, non drink water: for a he 
 mourned because of the transgression of them 
 that had been carried away. 
 
 7 And b they made proclamation throughout 
 Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the 
 captivity, that they should gather themselves 
 together unto Jerusalem ; 
 
 8 And ‘that whosoever would not come within 
 three days, according to the counsel of the 
 
 rinces and the elders, all his substance should 
 e "forfeited, and ''himself separated from the con- 
 gregation of those that had been carried away. 
 
 [Practical Observations .] 
 
 9 IF Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin 
 gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem 
 within three days. It was e the ninth month, and 
 the twentieth day of the month ; and all the 
 people sat in the street of the house of God, 
 t trembling because of this matter, and for the 
 'great rain. 
 
 10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said 
 unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have 
 ‘taken strange wives "to increase the trespass of 
 Israel. 
 
 11 Now therefore h make confession unto the 
 
 tPro*. 1:5. 9:9. 15:23. 25:11,12 . 27-9. u 3. Neh. 5:12. 10:29. 13:25. Mult. 26: 
 63. i Neh. 13:5. v Neh. 3:1,20. 12:10,22.13:28. zDeul.9:18. Job23:12. 
 
 John 4:31 — 31. a 9:4. Is. 22:12. Dan. 9:3. b 1:1 . 2Chr.30:5. c7:26. Juris. 
 21:5. 1 Sam. 11:7. • Heb. devoted. Lev. 27:28. Josh. 6:19. d Neh. 13:3. 
 
 Matt. 18:17. John 9:22,34. 1G:2. lCor.5:13. e 7:8,9. Esth.2:l6. flSam. 
 12:17,18. Jer. 10:10,13. f Heb. showers. % Heb. caused to dwell, or brought 
 back, g 9:6. Num. 32:14. Josh. 22:17,18. 2 Chr. 28:13. Mutt. 23:32. h Lev. 
 26:40—42. Josh. 7:19. Ps. 32:5. Prov. 28:13. Jer. 3:13. 1 John 1:7—9. i Is. 1: 
 
 ‘ That which was done contrary to the law of God, was 
 looked upon as null, and therefore these were accounted no 
 marriages; and their children . . . were not to be a part of 
 the family, but to be put away with their mothers. . . . Being 
 educated in superstition, they might corrupt other children.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. It is probable, however, that none were put 
 away, but such as continued idolaters ; and that they were 
 provided for out of the estates of those who divorced them. 
 It does not appear, whether the children were generally sent 
 away with their mothers, or not : but doubtless such were 
 provided for, as were not admitted into the congregation of 
 the Lord. ( Note , 10,11.) Under the New Testament, the 
 marriages of believers with ungodly persons are evidently 
 sinful, and of very bad consequence : yet when contracted 
 they must not be dissolved. The partition- wall between Jews 
 and Gentiles is broken down ; such matters are determined 
 by the municipal laws of every country ; and divorces, ex- 
 cept for adultery, are expressly disallowed. ( Notes , Malt. 
 5:31,32. 19:3—9. Mark. 10:2—12. 1 Cor. 7:10—16.) 
 
 V. 4, 5. Shechaniah’s mind being more composed than 
 Ezra’s, perceived that it was a favourable crisis for action: 
 so that he exhorted him, instead of indulging grief and 
 yielding to heartless dejection, to arise and exercise his au- 
 thority, according to the commission of Artaxerxes; and 
 assured him of the hearty assistance of himself and others in 
 the arduous attempt. ( Note, Josh. 7:10 — 12.) Thus en- 
 couraged, Ezra entertertained hopes of remedying the evil, 
 and immediately engaged all present, by a solemn oath, to 
 concur in this design. — 4 The commission given to Ezra, 
 supposing a full leave to the people to live according to 
 the law, enabled him to govern them by it, yea, to swear 
 them to observe it; for he might do whatsoever he found 
 necessary to keep them in obedience.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 6. He did eat , &c.] Some render the words u Until 
 he came thither, he had neither eaten bread, nor drunk 
 water.” He had no heart to take food, till the prospect of 
 reformation opened to him ; but spent his time in fasting, 
 weeping, and prayer. 
 
 V. 7, 8. Marg. Ref. — All his substance , &c. (8) That 
 is, his estate should be confiscated, and put among the 
 sacred treasures, and he should be treated as a heathen, 
 and denied the privileges of a Jew. (Marg. Notes, Lev. 
 27:28,29. Josh. 6:17 — 19.) 4 In the Hebrew devoted; which 
 
 signifies, that his goods were to be so forfeited, as to become 
 sacred to God ; and so incapabable to be restored to the for- 
 mer owner, being put into the treasury of God’s house.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. — Doubtless, reasonable excuses would be ad- 
 mitted : and the punishment was only inflicted on the refrac- 
 tory, and those who showed a determination to oppose the 
 measure. Ezra was authorized to punish such persons more 
 severely; (7:26.) but he was not disposed to put anyone 
 «o death, if it could be avoided. 
 
 I 828 > 
 
 Lord God of your fathers, and 'do his pleasure : 
 and ^separate yourselves lrom the people of the 
 land, 'and from the strange wives. 
 
 12 Then all the congregation answered and 
 said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, m so 
 must we do. 
 
 13 But “the people are man) , and it is a time 
 of much rain, and we are not able to stand 
 without, neither is this a work of one day or 
 two: for §we are many that have transgressed in 
 this thing. 
 
 14 Let now °our rulers of all the congregation 
 stand, and let all them which have taken strange 
 wives in our cities come at appointed times, and 
 with them the elders of every city, and the judges 
 thereof, until nhe fierce wrath of our God "for 
 this matter be turned from us. 
 
 15 IF Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and 
 Jahaziah the son of Tikvah "were employed 
 about this matter: and sMeshullam and r Shab- 
 bethai the Levite helped them. 
 
 16 And the children of the captivity did so. 
 And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the 
 fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of 
 them by their names, were separated, and sat. 
 down in the first day of the tenth month s to 
 examine the matter. 
 
 17 And they made an end with all the men 
 
 that had taken strange wives by the first r B . c. 
 day of the first month. L ise. 
 
 18 IF And among ‘the sons of the priests there 
 were found that had taken strange wives : namely, 
 
 16—18.56:4. Rom. 12:2. Col. 1:10. Heb. 13:21. k 9:1 . Neh. 13:3. 2 Cor. 
 6:17. 1 Deut. 7:3,4. I Cor. 2:12— H. m 3,4. Neh. 13:23. Ps. 78:37,57. n 18— 
 44. Matt. 7:13,14. § Or, toe have greatly offended, o Deut. 17:9,18,19. 2 Clir. 
 19:5—7. p Num. 25:4. Deut. 13.17. Josh. 7:26. 2Chr.29:lU. Ps. 78:38. Is. 12< 
 1. II Or, be turned f>om us till this matter be despatched. V, Heb.sfootL 
 q Neh. 3:6. 10:20. 12':33. r Neh. 11:16. s Deut. 13: 14. Job 29:16. t9:l. Le?. 
 21:7,13—15. 1 Sara. 2:22-24. Neh. 13:28. Jer. 23:11,14. Ez. 44:22. Mai. 2:8,9. 
 1 Tim. 3:11. 
 
 V. 9. For the greed ram.] The periodical rains, common 
 at that season, seem to have been more abundant than usual, 
 and as no building could be large enough to contain the 
 whole multitude ; this providential circumstance added to 
 their distress, and seemed an indication of the divine dis- 
 pleasure. (Note, Jer. 3:2,3.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. (Marg. Ref.) As Ezra mentions only the 
 strange wives, and not their children, some think that the 
 children were retained, and brought up in the Jewish reli- 
 gion. — ‘Though Shecaniah propounded the putting away 
 the children also; (3) yet it maybe thought that Ezra, to 
 whom the matter was referred, mitigated the severity of it ; 
 because we do not read any thing of them, but only of the 
 wives, when he came to order what should be done. ’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 12 — 14. The congregation at once declared their 
 readiness to divorce their heathen wives, in all cases where 
 it was determined to be their duty: but the difficulties of the 
 business would require more consideration than could be 
 given them, in their present situation, and by a popular as- 
 sembly. They therefore proposed, that the principal counsel 
 or senate should convene at Jerusalem, who might summon 
 before them the parties concerned, from every city, together 
 with the judges and elders of their cities ; and so deliberately 
 investigate and decide upon every case ; that the business 
 might be settled effectually, and in an unexceptionable man- 
 ner. — It would be needful to determine, whether the women 
 had been proselyted, either before or after marriage ; w bo- 
 ther they had relapsed into idolatry, or shown a propensity 
 to do so; or whether they had given satisfactory evidences, 
 that they had sincerely embraced the Jewish religion. These 
 and many other similar questions must be resolved, before 
 sentence was denounced; and this would take up much time. 
 The proposal was therefore very reasonable : Ezra readily 
 acceded to it, and thus the busi: css was peaceably and 
 happily terminated. 
 
 V. 15. Ezra and the chief persons in the nation, as 
 forming a council, decided on the several cases brought be* 
 fore them : and on this ground some think, that the four per- 
 sons here mentioned, and no more, opposed the measure. 
 The words indeed may bear that sense: yet the more gereraj 
 opinion is, that these four men were appointed by the council, 
 to bring the business before them in due form. 
 
 V. 16, 17. The cases, brought before the council, were 
 either so man}', or so complicated; that though they sepa- 
 rated themselves from other employments, to attend on his 
 exclusively, they were three months in finishing it. 7 ms 
 took place just a year after Ezra left Babylon. 
 
 V. 18, 19. No doubt Jcshua died many years before tms 
 transaction: (Note, 7:1 — 5.) but his' descendants bad set a 
 very pernicious example to the people. They, however, 
 were the first to confess and forsake then lin, and also to 
 
 * 
 
B. C. 456. 
 
 CHAPTER X. B. C. 456 
 
 of the sons of 'Joshua, the son of Jozadak, and 
 his brethren : ^Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, 
 and Gedalian. 
 
 19 And they 'gave their hands that they would 
 put away their wives ; and being guilty, .they 
 offered »a ram of the flock for their trespass. 
 
 20 And of the sons of b Immer ; Hanani, and 
 Zebadiah. 
 
 21 And of the sons of "Harim ; Maaseiah, and 
 Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah. 
 
 22 And of the sons of d Pashur ; Elioenai, 
 Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nathaneel, Jozabad, and 
 Elasah. 
 
 23 Also of the Levites; 'Jozabad, and Shemei, 
 and Kelaiah, (the same is ' Kelita,) Pethahiah, 
 Judah, and Eliezer. 
 
 24 Of the singers also ; Eliashib : and of the 
 porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri. 
 
 25 Moreover of Israel : of the sons of eParosh; 
 Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, 
 and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah. 
 
 26 And of the sons of h Elam ; Mattaniah, Ze- 
 chariah, and ‘Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, 
 and Eliah. 
 
 27 And of the sons of k Zattu ; Elioenai, 
 Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, 
 an^ Aziza. 
 
 i See on 2:2. 3:2. 5:2. 1 Chr. 6:14,15. Neh. 12:10. Hag. 1:1. Zech. 
 
 31. Joshua. yNeh. 8:4,7. i 2 Kings 10:15. IChr. 29:24. 2 Chr. 30:8. 
 Mar^. 1 .am. 5.6. Gal. 2:9. a Lev. 5.16. 6:6. 1,2:37. 1 Chr. 24:14. Neh. 7:40. 
 c2 39. 1 Chr. 24:8. Neh.7:42. d 2:38. 1 Chr. 9:12. Neh. 7:41. e8:33. Neh. 
 11:16. fN'eh. 10:10. g 2:3. Neh. 7:8. h 2. 2:7,31. 8:7. Neh. 7:12, 34. i2. 
 
 present a trespass-offering on that account ; ‘ which some 
 think all the rest made after their example.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 ( Marg. Ref. ) 
 
 V. 20 — 43. Marg. Ref. — Jehiel. (2G) Note, 2. ‘This 
 was Shechaniah’s father ; though his father and kindred were 
 guilty of this crime, which Ezra bewailed, he did not slick to 
 speak his mind how it ought to be punished. An admirable 
 example of zealous integrity.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 Y. 44. Providence had so ordered it, that not many of the 
 people had children by their heathen wives. Thus the sepa- 
 ration was more easily effected : and at the same time it was 
 a token of the divine disapprobation of such marriages. — 
 Perhaps these were the principal persons who were criminal ; 
 for all circumstances combine to induce an opinion, that a far 
 greater number were concerned than those here expressed 
 by name. — Ezra continued nearly twelve years after this in 
 authority at Jerusalem, no doubt zealously labouring to pro- 
 mote a revival of true religion. And in many ways he esta- 
 blished the ecclesiastical state of the Jews : though he seems 
 not to have been so well qualified as his successor Nehemiah, 
 to attend to the civil government, to defend the city and state 
 against enemies and invaders, and to effect outward reforma- 
 tion by the authority of the magistrate. Accordingly he is 
 introduced in the ensuing book, as well employed in his pro- 
 per line, though superseded by Nehemiah in his civil autho- 
 rity. {Notes, 1 Sam. 12;23. Neh. 8:1 — 8.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. Genuine humiliation before God, and sorrow for 
 sin, always produce “ works meet for repentance.” Yet they 
 who are greatly affected with the view of the evil and aggra- 
 vation of their own sins, or those of the community to which 
 they belong, are in danger of being “ swallowed up by over- 
 much sorrow,” and so discouraged from present duty. In 
 this case the grounds of hope should be pointed out to them ; 
 and so rich is the mercy of God through the great Redeemer, 
 that there is always encouragement for those who are willing 
 to accept of his salvation : and when the most atrocious cri- 
 minals humbly mourn on account of their sins, and tremble 
 at his word, there is good reason to expect that they will obey 
 his commands. — In order to affect others with godly sorrow 
 and hatred of sin, or holy love and gratitude, we must our- 
 selves be greatly affected : for evident earnestness in these 
 important concerns is far more impressive upon the mind, by 
 a kind of holy sympathy, than the most laboured eloquence or 
 reasoning. Indeed the effect of such earnestness frequently 
 bsars a proportion to the rank, reputation, piety, or wisdom 
 of him who is thus affected : so that the silent grief and con- 
 sternation, or the humblo prayers and confessions of one 
 eminent person may, by the blessing of God, excite serious 
 tlanns and inquiries among great multitudes. These are 
 critical seasons, and call for decision in proposing and ex- 
 ecuting measures of extensive and durable usefulness. Yet 
 vehement passions in those to whom great concerns belong, 
 
 28 Of the sons also of Behai ; Jeholianan, 
 Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai. 
 
 29 And of the sons of "'Bani ; Me.*, lllam, "Mai 
 luch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and ftheal, and Ramotb. 
 
 30 And of the sons of °Paliath-moab; Adna. 
 and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Be- 
 zaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh. 
 
 31 And of the sons of pH a rim; Eliezer, Ishijah, 
 sMalchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 
 
 32 Benjamin, Maluch, and Shemariah. 
 
 33 Of the sons of "Hashum; Mattenai, Mat- 
 tatliah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, 
 and Shimei. 
 
 34 Of the sons of s Bani ; Maadai, Amram, 
 and Uel, 
 
 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh, 
 
 36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, 
 
 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau, 
 
 38 And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei, 
 
 39 And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, 
 
 40 'Machnadebai, Shashai, Sbarai, 
 
 41 Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah, 
 
 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph. 
 
 43 Of the sons of ‘Nebo ; Jeiel, Mattithiah, 
 Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah. • 
 
 44 All these had taken "strange wives: and some 
 of them had wives by whom they had children. 
 
 k 2:8. Neh. 7:13, 12:11. 3:11. Neh. 7:16. m2:10. Neh. 7:15. Itirmii. nNeh. 
 10:4. o 2:6. 8:4 . Neh. 7:11. p 2:32. Neh. 7:35. q Neh. 3:11. Malchijah. 
 r2:I9. Neh. 7:22. s 29. * Or, Mabnadebai, according to some copies. I 2; 
 
 29. Neh. 7:33. uProv.2:16. 5:3,20. 
 
 are attended bv considerable disadvantages ; and far inferior 
 persons may give seasonable advice, suggest suitable en- 
 couragement, or propose adequate assistance. — We cannot 
 too solemnly engage ourselves and each other, to renounce 
 all interests, connexions, or indulgences, which are contrary 
 to the law of God. And when leading men set the example, 
 and then propose the same things to owners, many may be 
 prevailed on by conviction, fear, or shame : and thus opposi- 
 tion will be prevented, or rendered ineffectual. — Excessive 
 sorrow, terror, and self-abasement ; and a great engagement 
 of heart about the things of God and the eternal world, indis- 
 pose us to animal recreation : so that fasting then becomes a 
 natural expression of our feelings, as well as a suitable con- 
 comitant of our prayers and supplications.— Fervent affec- 
 tions should not be allowed to subside, till our most beloved 
 sins have been renounced ; and we should 11 know no man 
 after the flesh,” when a revival of pure religion is attempted. 
 (Note, 2 Cor. 5:16.) 
 
 V. 9 — 44. That which must be done, should be set about 
 without delay : they are not worthy of the privileges of God’s 
 people, who will not concur in promoting obedience to his 
 commandments : and those deserve severe punishment from 
 the civil magistrate, who oppose his authority, especially 
 when he is doing his duty according to the oracles of God. — 
 When the frowns of Providence unite with the terrors of an 
 awakened conscience, to* distress the trembling sinner, he 
 becomes an object of deep compassion : and though no favour 
 must be shown to his sins, much tenderness should be exer- 
 cised to his person.— The most effectual divorce from lucra- 
 tive or beloved sms, is generally preceded by examination and 
 deliberation : for that which is hastily resolved, seldom proves 
 durable. — Cases, at first sight similar, upon mature investi- 
 gation appear very different : and in correcting abuses, cau- 
 tion and compassion should unite with impartiality and deci- 
 sion ; that there may be no subsequent cause for reasonable 
 complaint. — When sin is repented of and forsaken, God will 
 mercifully forgive : but the blood of Christ, ouf. Sin-offering, 
 is the only atonement which takes* away the guilt of it. — No 
 apparent repentance, amendment, or restitution, will benefit 
 those who reject this propitiation ; for their self-dependence 
 proves them still unhumbled. — It is peculiarly afflicting to a 
 pious mind, (though, alas ! exceedingly common,) to see 
 those who fill up the most important, stations in society, or 
 the most sacred offices in the church, and who are related to 
 the most excellent persons, leading the way, and setting the 
 example, in the most evident violation of the divine law ! But 
 when they confess and forsake their sins, avowing publicly 
 their dependence on the atoning blood of the Saviour ; their 
 pattern in these respects may in some measure counter- 
 balance the effects of their former misconduct: and all the 
 names which are written in the book of life, are those o. 
 penitent believing sinners ; not of the self-righteous who think 
 that they have no need of repentance. 
 
 ( 829 ) 
 
THE 
 
 v 
 
 BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. 
 
 1 ais bonk resumes the history of the Jews, about twelve years after the close of the book of Ezra ; anil contains the latest canonical 
 records of the nation till the days of Christ ; reaching down to about a hundred and ten years alter the captivity. I' was evidently 
 written by Nehemiah himself, who throughout speaks in the first person : and probably it was received among the canonical 
 Scriptures by Ezra and his assistants or successors. — Nehemiah, a Jew, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes king of Pei da, hearing ol 
 the distressed slate of his countrymen ; in great affliction petitions him for leave to go up to Jerusalem as governor, with a commis- 
 sion to rebuild the walls, and to’ provide for the security anil the prosperity of his people. Having obtained his request, he executes 
 his commission lor twelve years with great success. After which he returtis to Artaxerxes, but at length comes back to Jeru- 
 salem ; and employs various measures to promote the prosperity of the Jews, and the reformation of abuses.— The frequent devout 
 ejaculations with which the narrative is interrupted, are peculiar to this pious writer: and his zeal, activity, and disinterestedness 
 are well worthy of imitation ; especially by those employed in arduous undertakings, for the good of the church or the commu- 
 nity. — This book has many internal proofs of divine inspiration, and always has been considered by the Jews as a part of their 
 sacred Scriptures, arid indeed as a continuation of the book of Ezra : it does not, however, seem to contain any prophecies, nor is 
 it explicitly referred to in the New Testament. 
 
 B. C. 446. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Nehemiah , being informed of the afflicted state of the Jews, mourns , fasts and 
 prays, 1 — 4. His prayer, 5 — 11. 
 
 T HE' words of a Nehemiah the son of Ha- 
 chaliah. And it came to pass b in the month 
 Chisleu, c in the twentieth year, as I was d in 
 Shushan the palace, 
 
 2 That e Hanani, one of my brethren, came, 
 he and certain men of Judah; and ( I asked them 
 concerning the Jews ?that had escaped, which were 
 left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 
 
 3 And they said unto me, The remnant that 
 are left of the captivity there in h the province 
 are 'in great affliction and k reproach : 'the wall of 
 Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates 
 thereof are burned with fire. 
 
 4 11 And it 'came to pass, when I heard these 
 words, that ra I sat down and wept, and mourned 
 certain days, and fasted, and prayed before "the 
 
 God of heaven, [ Practical Observations.] 
 
 5 And said, I beseech thee, 0 Lord God of 
 heaven, “the great and terrible God, that Pkeepeth 
 covenant and mercy for them that love him and 
 observe his commandments : 
 
 6 Let sthine ear now be attentive, and thine 
 eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prater of 
 thy servant, which I pray before thee now, r day 
 
 a 10: 1 . b Ezra 10:9. Zech.7:l. c Ezra 7:7. d Esth. 1:2. 3:15. Dan. 8:2. e 7: 
 2. fPs. 122:6—9. 137:5,6. g Ezra 9:8,9,14. Jer. 44:14. Kz. 6:9. 7:16.24:26,27. 
 h7:6. 11:3. Ezra 2: 1 . 5:8. Esth. 1:1. i 9:36,37. Ps. 44:11— 14. Is. 32:9— 14. 
 k 1 Kings 9:7. Ps. 79:4. Is. 43:28. Jer. 24:9. 29:18. 42: 18. 44:8-12. 12:17. 
 
 2 Kings 25:10. Is. 5:5. Jer. 5:10. 39.8. 52:14. in 1 Sam. 4:17— 22. Ezra 10:1. 
 Ps. 69:9,10. 102:13,14. 137:1. Dan. 9:3. Zeph.3:18. Rom. 12:15. n2:4. Ezra 
 5:11,12. I -an. 2:18. Jon. 1:9. o4:14. Dent. 7:21. I ( hr. 17:21. Ps. 47:2. Dan. 
 9:4. p Ex. 20:6. Dent. 7:9. 1 Kings 8:23. Heb. 6: 13— 18. q 1 Kings 8:28,29. 
 2 Chr. 6:40. Ps. 34:15. 130:2. Dan. 9:17,18. r 1 Sam. 15:11. Ps. 55. 17. 88: 1 . 
 Luke 2 37. 18:7. 1 Tim. 5.5. 2 Tim. 1:3. s Ezra 9:6,7. 10:1 1 . Is. 64:6,7. Lam. 
 3:39—42. Dan. 9:4,20. t 2 Chr. 28:10. 29:6. Ps. 106:6. Is. 6:5. Lam. 5:7. Eph. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1. This book is here called, 
 44 The words” (or, as it may be rendered, 44 The actions”) of 
 44 Nehemiah,” that is, the history of the services which he 
 performed to the Jewish church and state. — It is uncertain to 
 what tribe or family Nehemiah belonged, though tradition 
 records that he was of the tribe of Judah. — His father Hacha- 
 liah seems to have obtained a settlement in the city of Shu- 
 shan, or Susa, the capital of Persia, where the kings had a 
 royal palace ; and thus his son Nehemiah became cup- 
 bearer to Artaxerxes. This was a place of great trust, honour, 
 and emolument ; and it was peculiarly desired by those who 
 sought preferment, because it gave access to the king at those 
 seasons of hilarity, when men are most disposed to grant 
 favours. — Nehemiah was cupbearer to the same Artax- 
 erxes who before commissioned Ezra. (Note, Ezra 7:1 — 
 5.) — The month Chisleu coincides with part of our Novem- 
 ber and part of December.— Twentieth year.\ 2:1. Ezra 7:8. 
 
 V. 2. It is supposed, that Hanani, the brother of Nehe- 
 niiah, and some other Jews, came to Shushan, in order to so- 
 lvit help from the king against^their enemies. (Note, 7:2,3.) 
 — Nehemiah’s slation in the Persian court had hitherto pre- 
 vented his going to Jerusalem : but he was an eminently godly 
 man, and deeply concerned about the city and temple of God, 
 and the condition of his brethren in Judea. 
 
 V. 3. Ezra’s commission, and his attention, had chiefly 
 respected the state of religion, and the re-establishment of 
 the affairs of the Jewish church : and he was not empowered 
 or enabled to fortify the city, or to repel the hostile attempts 
 of the enemies of his people. It is supposed, that the Sama- 
 < 830 ) 
 
 B. C. 446 
 
 and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, 
 and ‘confess the sins of the children of Israel, 
 which we have sinned against thee : ‘both I ana 
 my father’s house have sinned. 
 
 7 We have 'dealt very “corruptly against thee, 
 and have not kept rthe commandments, nor the 
 statutes, nor the judgments, which ‘thou com- 
 mandest thy servant Moses. 
 
 8 “Remember,' I beseech thee, the word that 
 thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, 
 b If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among 
 the na lions : 
 
 9 But c if ye turn unto me, and keep my com- 
 mandments, and do them ; though there were of 
 you cast out unto the uttermost part of the 
 heaven, yet d will I gather them from thence, and 
 ‘will bring them unto rthe place that I have 
 chosen to set my name there. 
 
 10 Now --'these are thy servants and thy people, 
 h whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, 
 and by thy -strong hand. 
 
 11 O Lord, I beseech thee, k let now thine eai 
 be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to 
 the prayer of thy servants, 'who desire to fear thy 
 name : and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this 
 day, and -"grant him mercy in the sight of this 
 man. For "I was the king’s cupbearer. 
 
 2:3. u 9:29— 35. Dan. 9:5,6. x 2 Chr. 27:2. Hos. 9:9. Zepli. 3:7. Rev. 19:2. 
 jr Lev. 27:34. Deut. 4:1 . 5:1. 6:1. 1 King. 2:3. Pa. 19.8,9. 1 19:5— 8. z Dent 
 4:5. 2Chr. 25:4. Ezra 7:6. Dan. 9:1 1 ,13.' Mai. 4:4 . ah. 119:49. Luke 1:12. 
 b Lev. 26.33. Dent. 4:25— 27. 28:64 , 32:26— 28. 1 Kings 9:6.7. c Lev. 26:40— 
 42. Deut. 4:29— 31. 30:2— 5. Jer. 29:11— 14. d 1 Chr. 16:35. Pa. 106:47. Jer. 
 31:10 . 32:37. Matt. 24:31. e Jer. 3:14. Ez. 35:24. f Deut. 12:5,21. 1 King! 9: 
 3. Ezra 6:12. g Ex. 32:11. lleut. 9:29. Is. 63:16-19. 64:9. h Ex. 15:13. Dent. 
 15:1.5. Ps. 74 2. i Ex . 6:1 . 13:9. Ps. 136: 12. Dan. 9: 15. It See on 6. Ps. 130: 
 2. I Prov. 1:29. Is. 26:8,9. Heli. 13:18. m 2:8. Gen. 32:11,28. 43:14 Ezral:l. 
 7:6,27,28. Prov.21:l. n 2:1. Gen. 40:2,9— 13,21,23. 41:9. 
 
 ritans, and other adversaries, not only hated the true religion, 
 but were provoked at being dispossessed, by the return of the 
 Jews, from the lands which they had seized upon: and as 
 these returned Jews were but a remnant, compared with the 
 whole nation, and in an unsettled situation, they were unable 
 to defend themselves. The seat of government was verj 
 distant ; the king’s lieutenants were in general unfavourable . 
 and probable the king never heard a full account of the lnju 
 rics done them. — Either the walls had not been at all built 
 after the captivity ; or their enemies had thrown them down 
 again, and burnt, the gates with fire : and being thus defence- 
 less and exposed, they were also insulted and reproached for 
 their confidence in God. — 4 Jerusalem lay without any walls 
 or gates to defend it from injuries. ... It was burnt by Nebu- 
 chadnezzar, and the walls beaten down ; therefore their 
 meaning is, that the walls and gates lay as the Chaldeans left, 
 them, after that devastation, and were not repaired, though 
 the temple was built again.’ ) Ip. Patrick. 
 
 V. 4. Nehemiah seems, immediately on hearing the 
 afflicted state of his brethren, to have conceived the design of 
 going to their relief, if he could obtain permission and resist- 
 ance from the king his patron. But his first application was 
 to that God, in whose hand are the hearts of kings. He 
 therefore spent some days in mourning over the affliction of 
 his people, and in humbling himself before God by fasting and 
 prayer, in order to find mercy from him, and success in his 
 undertaking. (Notes, Ezra 9:3,4. I)an. 0:2,3.) 
 
 V. 5 — 11. In the prayer here recorded, which probablf 
 formed the substance of Nehemiah’s constant &u>plication# 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER II B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 A rtaxerxes, of. sending Nehemiah end before him, neks the cause , 1, 2. Nchc- 
 minh is afraid, assigns the reason, prays , petitions the king, and ob'.nins 
 authority to itbuild the wall .if Jerusalem, 3 — 8. He delivers the king's 
 letti-rs to the governors beyond the river ; the enemies of the Jews arc touch 
 grieved ; ana he arrives cj Jei usalem, Q — II. He examines the state of the 
 trails secretly by night, 1*2 — 16. lie encourages the Jews tc build, 17, 18. The 
 scorn and menaces of their enemies, and his answer . 19. 20. 
 
 A ND it came to pass in the month a Nisan, 
 in b the twentieth year of Artaxerxes 
 the king*, that wine was before him : and C I 
 took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. 
 Now I had not been beforetime sad in his pre- 
 sence. 
 
 a E3i.li. 3:7. b 1:1. Ezru 7:7. c 1:11. Gen. 40:11,21. d Gen. 40:7. e Prov. 
 15:13. flKlnga 1:31. Dan. 2:4. 3:9. 5:10. 6:21. g 1:3, P*. 102:14. 137:6. 
 
 day and night, he adored the greatness and terribleness of 
 God, and his covenanted mercy .to his people ; ( Notes , 
 
 1 Kings 8:23,24. Dan. 9:1. Luke 1:67 — 75. Heb. 6:13—15.) 
 thus acknowledging that if they had not provoked him 1o 
 anger, by their numerous and heinous crimes ; their enemies, 
 instead of triumphing over them, would have experienced his 
 terrible power fighting for them. But alas ! Nehemiah was 
 constrained to confess, that both the people in general, and he 
 himself, and his father’s house, were deeply guilty, and by 
 dealing very corruptly , (that is, perversely, ungratefully, and 
 deceitfully,) had given the Lord just cause to leave them in 
 the hands of their adversaries. Yet, while he justified God 
 in the miseries of his people, he expressed a confidence in his 
 mercies. The nation of Israel alone professed to worship 
 and serve the God of heaven : he had forewarned them, that 
 if they transgressed, he would scatter them abroad among the 
 nations ; but he had also repeatedly and expressly promised, 
 that if they returned to him, and obeyed his commandments, 
 he would gather them again to their own land, and to his 
 chosen city. (Notes, Lev. 26:31 — 45. Dtul. 4:25 — 31. Dan. 
 9:5 — 16.) Now many of l hose, who had gone up to Jerusalem, 
 were turned to the Lord, and w desired to fear his name 
 ■ind it might be hoped that numbers even of those, who re- 
 named in other countries, were truly penitent and uprightly 
 >hedient; among whom Nehemiah was conscious he was 
 one. And as God had already done great things, both in 
 ormer ages, and lately, in redeeming and delivering his people 
 from their enemies ; he trusted that he would compassionately 
 hear his prayer, and the prayers of all those who were plead- 
 ing with him in that behalf. (Notes, 1 Chr. 16:34 — 36. Ezra 
 9:5—15. Ps. 74:20. 79:6—13. Is. 63:15— 19. 64:6—12. Dan. 
 9:17 — 19.) — The particular request which he made on this 
 decision, is remarkable : he prayed that God “ would grant 
 him mercy in the sight of this man.” The mighty monarch 
 of the Persian empire would be addressed by his flatterers, as 
 if he were more than man; yet Nehemiah knew, that in the 
 sight of God, he was upon a level with his meanest subjects. 
 (Note, 2:4.) — * 1 A deep sense of our own unworthiness is a 
 good qualification for the mercy we beg of God. This Nehe- 
 miah expresses very sensibly.’ Bp. Patrick . 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 4. Eminent men of God may sometimes be found in 
 situations, where they might be least expected : his grace will be 
 sufficient for them, wherever his providence has cast their lot : 
 and it is seldom adviseahle to leave the place, where he has 
 blessed us, without an evident call, or a substantial reason ; 
 even though we might remove into situations, apparently 
 more favourable to our growth in grace. — The church militant 
 is like the bush, which burned, but was not consumed, because 
 the Lord was there : (Note, Ex. 3:2. P. O. 7 — 12.) afflictions 
 and reproaches are its portion in this evil world ; its enemies 
 often presumptuously expect finally to prevail ; and its friends 
 through unbelief are sometimes ready to fear that they will. 
 Bur. in the crisis, some unexpected help is afforded, and again 
 it revives and flourishes. — No prosperity can render the real 
 believer inattentive to the cause and people of God. (Note, 
 Ps. 137:1 — 6, v. 6.) The prevalence of iniquity, the decay of 
 piety, and the ravages of persecution, whilst infidels or idola- 
 ters insult and reproach, are like a sword in his bones.” 
 (Ps. 42:10.) As a member of the suffering body of Christ, he 
 will sympathize in its affliction : but this must not suffice. 
 (Notes, 1 Cor. 12:12 — 26.) He will be inquiring, what, ser- 
 vice he can render to the common cause, by improving his 
 talents and the advantages of his situation. If he have no 
 more in his power, he may lift up his prayer without ceasing 
 for the remnant that is left: and fasting joined with supplica- 
 tion may well express the believer’s penitent sorrow for sin, 
 sympa'hy with his afflicted brethren, distress to see the cause 
 of God run down, and earnestness in seeking help from him : 
 so that he has no relish for common comforts and enjoyments. 
 Such fervent, humble prayers have always been honoured 
 with signal prevalence and success. And these seasons of 
 humiliation are peculiarly suitable, when we are entering upon 
 arduous or perilous undertakings for the benefit of the church. 
 — As the people of God all over t'he earth form one body ; rt 
 is good to inquire how our brethren fare in the most remote 
 regions, that we may at least know in what manner we may 
 direct our prayers and praises in their behalf, in the most ap- 
 propriate manner. 
 
 V. 5 — 11. In all our addresses to the God of heaven we 
 nust remembef his greatness and terrible majesty ; that we 
 
 2 Wherefore the king: said unto me, ‘'Why is 
 thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? 
 this is nothing else but “sorrow of heart. Then 
 I was very sore afraid, 
 
 3 And said unto the king, f Let the king live 
 for ever: why should not my countenance he sad, 
 when Hhe city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, 
 lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumer 
 with fire ? 
 
 4 Then the king said unto me, !l For \v*hat dost 
 thou make request? 'So I prayed to the God of 
 heaven. 
 
 I .am. 2:9. h 1 Kings 3:5. Eslh. 5:3,6. 7:2. Mark 10:51. 11:4,11. 2Sam. 13: 
 31. Prov. 3:6. 
 
 may worship “ with reverence and godly fear,” and in deep 
 humiliation before him. His infinite holiness, justice, truth, 
 and power are terrible to all the workers of iniquity : and 
 they would be so to us all as fallen creatures, were he not 
 also infinitely merciful ; and did he not deal with such as re- 
 pent and believe the gospel, according to a new and gracious 
 covenant. For all have broken his perfect law, in numberless 
 instances : and indeed all are disposed to reject, oppose, or 
 pervert his gospel. And if, by his grace, we are now true 
 believers ; we have, even since we became so, u dealt very 
 corruptly, in not keeping the commandments ol God.” He 
 therefore is righteous in our sufferings, and merciful in all our 
 comforts. We must, still come before him as sinners, plead- 
 ing his gracious promises, and craving to be gathered into his 
 church, and finally into heaven, the place where he displays 
 those glories, which here by faith we feebly apprehend, love, and 
 adore. In this humble, supplicating manner, we may expect all 
 desirable success. May he then grant unto us a spirit of simple 
 dependence on his mercy and grace, united with zeal foi#his 
 glory, and affection to his people. May we endeavour to 
 improve every talent, as those who are waiting for his coming 
 and never tarnish or defeat the success of our endeavours, by 
 pride and self-confidence. And rtiay our gracious God stir up 
 those, to whom he has committed many talents, thus humbly 
 and zealously to serve his cause, with faith and prayer ; with 
 self-denial, promptitude, and diligence ; and with simple de- 
 pendence on him and devotedness to him ! — When worldly men 
 would solicit any favours from kings or nobles, they spare no 
 pains to obtain the interposition of those distinguished persons 
 who have influence with them : but the children of God rr:ust 
 seek to their Father, who could at once secure to them the 
 assistance of all the kings upon earth, if good for them ; and 
 though other means may be used, yet “ the effectual fervent 
 prayer of a righteous man availeth” most of all : and, u Grant 
 me mercy in the sight of this man,” offered in faith to that God, 
 in whose hand are the hearts of all men, will do more to 
 ensure success, in any good cause, than all our applications 
 to nobles and princes, to support our petitions. (Notes, 2:4. 
 Gen. 32:28,29. Ezra 7:27,28. Prov. 21:1 .) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 1, 2. About four months 
 passed from the time when Nehemiah made his inquiry, 
 before h-e presented his petition to the king: for Nisan 
 answers to part of March and part of April. (Note, 1:1.) It 
 is probable, that his turn of waiting on the king did not arrive 
 before this : and he could not come into his presence un- 
 called, except at the hazard of his life; (Note, Esth. 4:11.) 
 but he could approach the King of heaven at any time . and 
 doubtless all the while continued instant in prayer. Yet, 
 when at length he attended on his office, his inward concern 
 was visible in his countenance, which no doubt had always 
 before been very open and cheerful : so that the king observed 
 it; and, not perceiving that he was ill, seemed ready to im- 
 pute his melancholy to discontent or disaffection. Indeed ihe 
 words rendered u sad,” and “sorrow of heart,” might be 
 rendered evil, and wickedness of heart. This excited great 
 alarm in Nehemiah : and in fact these arbitrary monarchs 
 were generally suspicious, in proportion to their tyranny. 
 Lest poison should be mixed with ^heir wine, they required 
 the cup bearers to drink before them out. of the same cup : 
 and some conjecture that Nehemiah, being oppressed with 
 grief, had forgotten to observe this custom. Had the least 
 suspicion, however, been exciled of criminal designs, the 
 immediate torture or execution of Nehemiah might have 
 been the consequence: for the Persian monarchs frequency, 
 with little ceremony, thus treated those who had before been 
 their chief favourites. He might also fear that he should fail 
 of his purpose, as the king seemed displeased, and no favour- 
 able opportunity for his request was yet afforded. 
 
 V. 3. Nehemiah iri answering the king, testified his cor- 
 dial and loj'al affection, by \uishing the long continuance of 
 his life and prosperity, in the customary manner. He per 
 haps meant, the words likewise as a prayer for his salvation ; 
 but they were not generally understood in that sense. Thus 
 ‘God save the king,’ as generally used, means no more than, 
 ‘ Let the king live and prosper:’ but the words, when duly 
 attended to, contain a solemn prayer toGod,for his temporal 
 preservation, and his eternal salvation. (Marg. Ref.) — 
 Nehemiah said nothing to Artaxerxes concerning the religion 
 of the Jews : perhaps, he saw that he was more regardless in 
 that respect than formerly; (Noies, Ezra 7:6 — 28.) or he 
 nn Jit suppose that the king would not attend to that subject 
 
 * S31 } 
 
B. C 445. NEI1EMIAH. B. C. 445. 
 
 5 And I said unto the kin^, k If it please the 
 King, and 'if thy servant have found favour in thy 
 sight, that thou vvouldest send me unto Judah, 
 unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I 
 may build it. 
 
 6 And the king said unto me, (the ’queen also 
 stuing by him,) For how long shall thy journey 
 be ? and when wilt thou return ? ™So it pleased 
 the king to send me ; and "I set him a time. 
 
 7 Moreover, 1 said unto the king, If it please 
 the king, "let letters be given me to the governors 
 beyond the river, I’that they may convey me over 
 till I come into Judah ; 
 
 8 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the 
 king’s forest, that he may give me timber, to make 
 beams for the gates of the palace which apper- 
 tained to the house, and ifor the wall of the city, 
 and r for the house that I shall enter into. And 
 ■the king granted me, according to the good hand 
 
 of my God upon me. [ Practical Observations.'} 
 
 9 *ii Then I came ‘to the governors beyond the 
 river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now 
 “the king had sent captains of the army and 
 horsemen with me. 
 
 10 When ‘Sanballat the >Horonite, and To- 
 biah ‘the servant, a the Ammonite, heard of it, b it 
 grieved them exceedingly that ‘there was come 
 a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel. 
 
 c Ezra 5:17. Esth. 1:19. 5:8. 7:3. 8:5. 1 Ruth 2:13. 2Sam. 14;22. Prov. 
 
 3:4. -Heb .wife. m 4. 1:11. Is. 58:12. 61:4. 65:24. d 5:14. 13:6. o 9. 
 Ezra 6.6. 7:21. p Ezra 8:22. q 17. 3.1,4c. r 3:7. 7:2. s 18. Gen. 32:28. 
 ETra 5:5 . 6:22. 7:6,9,27,28. Prov. 21:1. Is. 66:14. Han. 1:9. Acts 7:10. 26: 
 22. 2 Cor. 8:16. 17. u Ezra 8:2-2. x 19. 4:1— 3,7. 6:11. y Is. 15:5. Jev. 48:5, 
 34. zProv. 30:22. Ec. 10:7. al3:l. b Num." 22:3,4. Ps. 112:10. 122.6— 9. 
 Prov. 27:4. Ez. 25:6— 8. Mic. 7:9,10,16,17. Acts4:2. 5:24. 19:26,27. c Ezra 4: 
 
 so candidly, from a young courtier, as he had done from an 
 aged priest and learned scribe of the law of God : and some 
 think that he was induced to wave it, because the company 
 present were unfavourable. He therefore represented the 
 afflicted, defenceless state of that city, where his ancestors 
 lay interred ; and how could he but be grieved that their se- 
 pulchres should be so disgraced, or how avoid sympathizing 
 with his distressed countrymen ? — Arguments of this kind 
 the men of the world well understand ; but alas ! they little 
 feel the force of those which are infinitely more important. 
 Some infer from the expression “ my fathers’ sepulchres,” 
 that Nehemiah was of the tribe of Judah; but his ancestors 
 might have been buried in Jerusalem, if he were of the tribe 
 ofBenjamin, or of Simeon. 
 
 V. 4. Nehemiah could not, in this emergency, retire for 
 prayer ; but he lifted up his heart in a silent ejaculation to 
 *‘the God of heaven,” to prosper him, according to the tenor 
 of those prayers which he had for a long time been presenting 
 before him, and perhaps the concluding part of the prayer 
 contained in the preceding chapter was secretly offered at 
 tills time. — “ Prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and 
 grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” ‘In his mind he 
 silently beseeched Gotl- to guide his tongue, and to bow the 
 king’s heart to grant his request.’ Bp. Patrick. 11 The God 
 of heaven” seems to have become the usual style, so to 
 speak, in addressing the Lord, among the returned captives; 
 perhaps as contrasting him with the idols of the regions in 
 which they had sojourned. (20.1:4,5. Ezra 5:11,12. Note, 
 Jcr. 10:11.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. It is probable, that Esther was the queen who 
 was present at this time, and that she seconded Nehemiah’s 
 request. Perhaps he had been preferred through her interest, 
 and that of Mordecai : and her presence seems to be men- 
 tioned, as a favourable and not a common circumstance, and 
 as an answer to his prayers. — For Mordecai’s advancement 
 preceded the commission granted to Nehemiah several 
 years. (1:1. Esth. 1:3. 10:3.) — The king was not willing to 
 be long deprived of the service of one, who possessed his 
 confidence and affection: and we may suppose, that Nehe- 
 miah obtained leave of absence for a shorter time than he 
 actually continued at Jerusalem : but he either returned to 
 obtain a new commission, or had it renewed in his absence 
 by the special favour of the king. 
 
 V. 7. (Note, Ezra 8:21 — 23.) Ezra went, as a priest 
 
 and a scribe, though armed with civil authority ; and in con- 
 sistency with his character and professions, he would not 
 require a guard. But Nehemiah went to rebuild the walls of 
 Jerusalem, and to defend the Jews against their enemies : 
 and it was very consistent with his avowed design, to petition 
 the king, that the governors should be ordered to escort him 
 with proper military attendants, which would afford him pro- 
 tection, and add dignity to his undertaking.— The king likewise 
 ordered him a guard, till he had crossed the Euphrates, (9) for 
 Susa was beyond that river, further to the east than Babylon. 
 
 V. 8. ‘I suppose he means the forest of Lebanon, from 
 whence he might be furnished with materials for his building.’ 
 B,>. Patrick. The word (D'ns) is used only in two other 
 places, (Z?b. 2:5. Cant. 4:13.) where it is rendered orchard, 
 ( 832 ) 
 
 11 So d I came to Jerusaem, and was there 
 three days. 
 
 12 H And e I arose in the night, I and some 
 few men with me ; < neither told I any man what 
 smy God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem : 
 neither was there any beast with me, save the 
 beast that I rode upon. 
 
 13 And I went out by night by h the gate ot 
 the valley, even before the dragon-well, and to 
 ‘the dung-port, and viewed k the walls of Je- 
 rusalem, which were broken down, and the gates 
 thereof were consumed with fire. 
 
 14 Then I went on to 'the gate of the fountain, 
 and to the king’s pool : but there was no place for 
 the beast that was under me to pass. 
 
 15 Then went I up in the night by ""the brook, 
 and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered 
 by "the gate of the valley, and so returned. 
 
 16 And “the rulers knew not whither I went, 
 or what I did ; neither had I as yet told it to 
 the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, 
 nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the 
 work. 
 
 17 U Then said I unto them, rYe see the distress 
 that we are in, how Jerusalem lietli waste, and 
 the gates thereof are burned with fire : ‘icome, 
 and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that 
 we be no more r a reproach. 
 
 4, &c. d Ezra 8:32. e Gen. 32:22— 24. Josh. 10:9. Judg. 6:27. 9:32. Mint. 2: 
 14. fEc.3:7. Am. 5:13. Mic. 7:5. Matt. 10:16. g Ezra 7:27. Jer. 31 :33. 32: 
 40. 2 Cor. 8:16. Jam. 1:16,17. Rev. 17:17. h 15. 3:13. 2Clir.26:9. i 3:13,14. 
 12:31. k 3,17. 1:3. Jer. 5-10. 1 3:15. 2 Kings 18:17. *0:20. 2 Clir. 32:30. m2 
 Sam. 15:23. Jer. 31:40. John 18:1. u 13. o 12. u Lam. 3:51. q Ezra 5:1 .2. 
 10:2— 4. Is. 35:3,4. r 1:3. 1 Sum. 11:2. Ps. 44 : 13. 79:4. 89:50,51. Lam. 3:45, 
 46. Ez. 5:14,15. 22:4,5. 
 
 and the word rrapaSeiaos, or paradise, seems to have been de- 
 rived from it, yet here it must signify a forest of timber trees. 
 The palace here mentioned seems to mean the temple, or 
 some of those buildings which surrounded it, or ‘the gates of 
 the temple for though the temple was rebuilt, much might 
 be wanting in respect of the surrounding walls and gates. 
 Nehemiah proposed to build a house also for the governor, and 
 to do all other things, which might place his people in a more 
 secure and respectable situation. ( Marg . Ref.) Hie good 
 hand of my God. (8) Marg. Ref. s. Note, Ezra 7:6 — 10, v. 9. 
 
 V. 10. (Marg. Ref.) Sanballat is supposed to have been 
 a Moabite, of Horonaim, a city of Moab. (Is. 15:5.) Tobiah 
 was an Ammonite, and had been a skive. Moab and Ammon 
 were subjugated and carried captive by the kings of Babylon : 
 but it appears 1 that they had been restored, according to the 
 predictions of Jeremiah. (Notes, Jer. 48:47 . 49:6.) Audit 
 is likely that Sanballat and Tobiah (as well as Geshem the 
 Arabian afterwards mentioned) were placed by the king of 
 Persia in authority over their own people, and over the 
 Samaritans, or other tribes in that neighbourhood, who were 
 generally enemies to the Jews. — Sanballat and Tobiah, how- 
 ever, were full of malice against them ; and exceedingly 
 grieved and displeased to find that one was come from the 
 king of Persia to protect them from further injuries; ‘with 
 such authority from the king, and in such favour with him ; 
 as appeared by the letters brought with him, and the guard 
 that attended him, and the diligence of the several governors, 
 through whose provinces he passed, to serve him.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. (Notes, 19,20. 4:1 — 3. 6: Ezra 4:) 
 
 V. 11. It would doubtless soon be known, that Nehemiah 
 was come with a commission from Artaxerxes: but he did 
 not disclose the nature of his business, fill he had made pre- 
 vious observations, and consulted with a few select friends, 
 in whom he could place the most entire confidence. 
 
 V. 12 — 16. Nehemiah seems to have used every precau- 
 tion to conceal his intentions, till he had obtained the unani- 
 mous consent of the people, and they were actually employed 
 in the work ; knowing that their enemies would attempt to 
 divide or discourage them. — We may suppose' that the moon 
 shone, when he made his observations, and that he had pro- 
 vided skilful guides to accompany him in this survey. Yet 
 even they, who afterwards presided and did the work, were 
 not at this time consulted. — The account here given is well 
 suited to show us the ruinous and defenceless state of the 
 city, nearly a hundred years after the return of the Jews from 
 captivity: and Nefecmiah’s personal survey formed a suitable 
 preparation to his address to the people, and would enable 
 him to obviate any objections, and prevent any misrepre- 
 sentations, which might be made. — Nothing more is known of 
 the several places mentioned, than what may he collected 
 from the marginal references. — My God had put, Sic. (12) 
 Marg. Ref. g. Note, Ezra 7:27,28. 
 
 V. 17, 18. The reader will note the piety of the language 
 used by Nehemiah on this as well as on every other occasion, 
 which resembled that of Ezra. (Mag. Ref. s. in v. 8.) 
 When ho exhorted the Jews to arise and exert themselves in 
 rebuilding the wall of the city: he showed them that the kint^ 
 ness of the Persian king to him, w as the effect of the powei- 
 
B. C. 4 15. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 B. C. 445 
 
 18 Then I told them of 'the hand of my God 
 which was good upon me ; as also the king’s 
 words that he had spoken unto me. And they 
 said, Let us rise up and build. l So they strength- 
 ened their hands for this good work. 
 
 19 But when “SanbaTlat the Horonite, and 
 Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and *Geshem 
 the Arabian, heard it, fthey laughed us to scorn, 
 and despised us, and said, What is this thing 
 that ye do ? 'will ye rebel against the king? 
 
 20 Then answered I them, and said unto 
 them, “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; 
 therefore we his servants will arise and build : 
 but b ye have no portion, nor right, nor 'memorial, 
 in Jerusalem. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 TVie names and order of those who built the walls of Jerusalem , 1 — 32. 
 
 T HEN* n Eliashib the hig*h-priest rose up with 
 his brethren the priests, and they builded b the 
 
 • See on 8. t2Sam.2:7. 1 Chr. 11:10. 19:13. 2Chr. 32:5. Hag. 1:13,14. 
 
 Eph. 6: 10. Phil. 2:13. u 10.6:1,2. x 6:6. Gashmu. j Job 30:1. Ps. 44:13, 
 14. Jer. 20:8. Mark 5:40. Heb. 11:36. z 6:6. Ezra 4:15.16. Luke 23:2. 
 Johnl9: 12. Acts 24:5. a 4. 2 Chr. 26:5. Ps. 20:5. 35:27. 122:6. bEzra4.3. 
 Acta 8:21. c Ex. 28:29. Lev. 2:2. 24:7. Num. 10:10. Zech.6:14. Acts 10:4,31. 
 
 ful interposition of God in their behalf. Thus they were 
 animated and emboldened to undertake the work. 
 
 V. 19, 20. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, as deter- 
 mined enemies to the Jewish nation, soon got intelligence of 
 Neheiniah’s designs, notwithstanding his precautions ; (Note, 
 6:17 — 19.) and they derided the efforts of the Jews, as if the 
 work were impracticable : nay, they represented the under- 
 taking, as an act of rebellion against the king ; though they 
 could not but know that Nehemiah acted by his commission ! 
 They intended if possible, to frighten, to disunite, and to dis- 
 nearten the people, that they might abandon the undertaking. 
 But Nehemiah only answered, that the God of heaven would 
 prosper his servants: but as to their adversaries, they had 
 no portion in him, no right to interfere ; nor any memorial in 
 Jerusalem, to prove, that either by birth, or by being prose- 
 lyted, they were Israelites, as the Samaritans pretended to 
 be. He therefore, very prudently, avoided all further com- 
 munication. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 10. Ezra 4:3.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. Unavoidable delays, when employed in fervent 
 persevering prayer, often forward the success of pious under- 
 takings. — Cheerfulness is in general an ornament to religion; 
 but there are seasons for mourning, when grief cannot be con- 
 cealed.— “ The children of this world” understand the pro- 
 priety of our grieving, when we are sick and in pain : when 
 impoverished, bereaved, or disappointed in our temporal pur- 
 suits : but they cannot cor :eive, why the heart should be 
 heavy, or the countenance sad, if no outward calamity has 
 befallen us. Yet conscious guilt, the fear or sense of the 
 divine displeasure, the afflictions of God’s people, the preva- 
 lence of impiety, and the decays of religion, are far more 
 reasonable and important causes of grief: under which no 
 confluence of earthly delights can afford comfort. We must, 
 however, expect that worldly men will ascribe such sorrows 
 to melancholy, discontent, moroseness, or even some more 
 criminal cause: and those, who are strangers to the believer’s 
 consolations, are apt to infer from his complaints, that religion 
 is uncomfortable, and unfits men for social life. We should 
 therefore in general conceal our grief, or disclose it only to 
 the Lord and to his people. — The very persons, from whose 
 favour many advantages may be expected, are also greatly 
 to be dreaded. Inconstancy is connected with all the par- 
 tialities and affections of absolute princes ; and suspicions 
 are multiplied in proportion as power is abused. They can- 
 not confide in those, who do not, as they think, serve them 
 from affection : but so many causes may induce courtiers to 
 feign attachment, that they cannot but distrust at times even 
 their favourites. Hence often arises the speedy ruin or dis- 
 grace of those, on whom honours and emoluments have been 
 most lavished ; without any cause, but caprice or groundless 
 jealousy. “It is therefore better to trust in the Lore, than 
 to put any confidence in princes.” (Note, Ps. 118:8,9.) — A 
 meek and modest explanation best tends to banish groundless 
 suspicions. Yet we should study consistency with our cha- 
 acter, professions, and relative situations, and consider those 
 of the person we speak to : if we would behave “ with wisdom 
 towards them that are without,” avoid giving any needless 
 disgust, and do important good to the church of God by their 
 means. — We must not speak fal-ehood : but we are not 
 bound always to speak all that we think, when a part of it 
 will best answer every useful purpose. — Ejaculatory petitions 
 may be presented to the Lord in any place or company, and 
 should be intermixed with every transaction in which a 
 Christian is engaged. They neither supersede, nor are ren- 
 dered unnecessary by our more stated devotions: and the 
 habit of thus keeping up an intercouse with Heaven, is of 
 peculiar importance and advantage. Indeed we ought never to 
 engage in any pursuit, in which it would be improper thus to 
 expect and seek the divine direction, assistance, and blessing. 
 The Lord so orders every circumstance as may best answer 
 Vol. I.— 105 
 
 sheep-gate; they 'sanctified it, and set up the 
 doors of it ; even unto the d lower of Mealt they 
 sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel. 
 
 2 And "next unto him builded 'the men of 
 Jericho. And next to them builded 'Zaccur the 
 son oflmri. 
 
 3 But ethe fish-gate did the sons of Hassenaah 
 build, who also laid h 1.he beams thereof, and set 
 up hhe doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the 
 bars thereof. 
 
 4 And next unto them repaired k Meremoth 
 the son of ‘Urijah, the son of Koz. And next 
 unto them repaired m Meshullam the son of Bere 
 chiah, the son of Meshezabcel. And next unto 
 them repaired Zadok the son of Baana. 
 
 5 And next unto them “the Tekoites repaired , 
 but “their nobles rput not their necks to the work 
 of their lord. 
 
 6 Moreover, 4the old gate repaired Jehoiada 
 
 a 12:10. 13:28. b 12 39. John 5:2. c 12:30. Dent. 20:5. Ps. 30: title. Prov. 3: 
 6,9. d 12:39. Jer. 31:38. Zech. 14:10. • Heb. al hishand. e 7:36. Ezra 2:34. 
 f 10:12. g 12:39. 2 Chr. 33:14. Zeph. 1:10. h 6. 2:8. i 6:1. 7:1 . k2I. 10:5. 
 1 Ezra 8:33. Uriah, m 10:7, n 27. 2 Sam. 14:2. Am. 1:1. o Judge 5:23. Jer. 
 5:5. 1 Cor. 1:26. p Jer. 27:2,8,12. 30:8,9. Matt. 11:29. Acts 15:10. q 12:39. 
 
 the prayers of his people. He turns their most distressing 
 fears into grateful praises ; he exceeds their largest hopes ; 
 and even those, who know him not, will be inclined to favour his 
 servants, 14 according to the good hand of their God upon them.'* 
 
 V. 9 — 20. The enemies of the Lord must grieve, in pro- 
 portion as his servants rejoice, when those in authority, and 
 endowed with suitable qualifications, are raised up to pro- 
 mote the cause of truth and holiness, and the welfare of his 
 church : for the enmity of the serpent’s seed against the cause 
 of Christ is confined to no age or nation ; it springs from 
 hatred of God himself, and is irritated in proportion as he is 
 glorified. But we ought steadily to proceed with our proper 
 work, possessing our souls in patience, and uniting in our 
 conduct, wisdom, and zeal, vigilance and courage, self-denial 
 and activity. If we even attempt any thing good, in a proper 
 manner, 44 God hath put it into our hearts.” But we should 
 first carefully consider what is most necessary to be done, 
 both in the concerns of our own souls, and in those of the 
 church: and investigation will generally discover a great deal 
 which needs to be rectified. — When matters are fairly pro- 
 posed, and men in authority or reputation take the lead, and 
 animate others also, the most timid and indolent may be 
 roused and encouraged to action. But favourable opportu- 
 nities should be seized: and those who would accomplish any 
 useful design, to rescue the church of God from just occasion 
 of reproach, must be strengthened to endure contempt, revil- 
 ing, and menaces, as well as labour and hardship. 44 The 
 God of heaven” will prosper his people, and clear their cha- 
 racters from aspersions, as well as deliver them from afflic- 
 tion : but wretched are they, who have no portion, nor right, 
 nor memorial in the new Jerusalem, the city of our God ! 
 However, we should always be ready to give a meek and 
 reasonable answer to objectors : and, blessed be God, even 
 despisers and revilers, while they are warned of their danger, 
 may be invited to cease from their opposition, and to be 
 reconciled to God: that, after all, they may have their lot 
 among his people, and not among his enemies. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. 1. It is supposed that 44 the 
 sheep-gate” immediately communicated with the temple: and 
 that the cattle for sacrifices were usually brought in that way, 
 and the priests undertook this part, as most properly belong- 
 ing to them. ( Note , John 5:2 — 4.) Eliashib, the grandson 
 of Jeshua, (12:10.) was the high-priest at this time, and he, 
 with his brethren, either his near relations or the chief priests, 
 the heads of their several courses, rebuilt this part of the w all 
 at their own expense ; and perhaps some of them on this 
 emergency laboured at it with their own hands. Along with 
 the gate, they builded a part of the wall on each side. (Marg. 
 Ref. d.) This was the case, it may be supposed, in other 
 instances where the gates alone are mentioned. — Of this 
 part alone it is said, that 4i they sanctified it which may 
 mean, that they began the work with prayer and concluded 
 it with praise, and thus consecrated their service to the Lord, 
 for the security of his temple and worshippers. ( Notes y 12: 
 27—43.) 
 
 V. 2 — 4. (Marg. Ref.) After all the pains, which some 
 learned men have bestowed on the subject, which is indeed 
 not very interesting to us, little satisfactory information can be 
 obtained on the situation of the places mentioned in this chap- 
 ter, beyond what may be collected from the marginal refer- 
 ences. 
 
 V. 5. Their iioblcs y &c.] It seems the chief persons ot 
 Tekoah refused to give any assistance, either by their labour, 
 their substance, or their servants. Disregarding the autho- 
 rity of God himself, whose work it was, no wonder that they 
 would not submit to the commands of Nehemiah, their go- 
 vernor, who seems to be meant by the expression 41 their lord :” 
 and for this they are branded with disgrace in the word of 
 God. (Note, 1 Sam. 8:6 — 9.) — But the inferior citizens, 
 instead of following their example, undertook a second part, 
 • v 833 ) 
 
B C 445. NEIiEMIAH. B. C. 445. 
 
 the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of 
 Besodeiah they laid the beams thereof, and set 
 up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and 
 the bars thereof 
 
 7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah r the 
 Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men 
 of Gibeon, and of "Mizpah, unto ‘the throne of 
 the governor on this side the river. 
 
 8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of 
 Harhaiah, of "the goldsmiths. Next unto him 
 also rapaired Hananiah, the son of one r of the 
 apothecaries, and they ’fortified Jerusalem unto 
 the broad v wall. 
 
 9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the 
 son of Hur, Hhe ruler of the half part of Je- 
 rusalem. 
 
 I j And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the 
 son of Harumaph, even "over against his house. 
 And next unto him repaired b Hattush the son of 
 Hashabniah. 
 
 II Malchijah the son of c Harim, and Hashub 
 the son of d Pahath-moab, repaired the tother 
 piece, and e the tower of the furnaces. 
 
 12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the 
 son of Halohesh, < the ruler of the half part of 
 Jerusalem, she and his daughters. 
 
 13 b The valley-gate repaired Hanun, and the 
 inhabitants of ‘Zanoah; they built it, and set up 
 the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars 
 thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto 
 the dung-gate. 
 
 14 But k the dung-gate repaired Malchiah the 
 son of Rechab, 'the ruler of part of m Beth- 
 haccerem ; he built it, and set up the doors 
 thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. 
 
 15 But D the gate of the fountain repaired 
 Shallum the son of Col-hozeh, °the ruler of part 
 of rMizpah ; he built it, and covered it, and set 
 up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the 
 bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of sSiloah 
 by the king’s garden, and unto r the stairs that go 
 down from the city of David. 
 
 16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of 
 Azbuk, ‘the ruler of the half part of ‘Beth-zur, 
 unto the place over against u the sepulchres of 
 David, and to x the pool that was made, and unto 
 rthe house of the mighty. 
 
 17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum 
 the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hasha- 
 biah, Hhe ruler of the half part of "Keilah, in his 
 part. 
 
 18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai 
 
 r Josh. 9:3. (kc. 2 Sam. 21:2. s 19. 2 Chr. !S:G. t2:8. u 31,32. Is. 46:6. x Gen. 
 59:2. Ex. 311:25. Ec. 10:1. ‘Or, left, y 12:38. z 12:17. a 23:28— 30. b 10: 
 4. c 10:5. d 7:11. 10:14. Ezra 2:6. 8:4. t Heb. second measure. e 12:38. 
 f 9,14,15,16,17,18. g Ex. 35:25. Acts 21:8,9. Phil. 4:3. h 2:13. i 11:30. Josh. 
 15:34. k 2.13. 1*2:31. 19:12,15,16,17,18. inJer.6:l. n 2: 14. 12:37. 2 Chr. 
 32:30. o9,12,14. p 7. Judg. 20:1,3. Mizpeh. Jer. 40:6. q Is. 8.6. Shitoah. 
 Luke 13. 4. John 9:7. Silonm. r2 Sam. 5:6,7. 6 9:12,14. t Josh. 15:58. 2 Chr. 
 11:7. u2Chr. 16:14. Acts2:29. x 2 Kings 20:20. Is. 22:11. y 1 Kings 14:27, 
 28. 2 Chr. 12:10,11. Cant. 3:7. z 16. 1 Chr. 23:4. a Josh. 15:44. 1 Sam. 23:1, 
 
 when they had completed that which was first allotted them. 
 (27) — The expression “put not their necks,” renders it pro- 
 bable, that those who were earnest in the cause, of whatever 
 rank, assisted by their personal labours. 4 Well-disposed per- 
 sons, though ever so great, “ put their necks,” that is, laboured ■ 
 hard, not refusing fo carry burdens, &e.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 6, 7. Marg. Ref. — The throne, &c. (7) This seems 
 to have been some judgment-hall, to which t lie governors of 
 the kings of Persia, over the country west of the Euphrates, 
 came, from time to time, to administer justice. Probably, 
 Nehemiah now occupied it; for his particular commission 
 superseded their more general authority. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. ( Mar g. Ref.) Several persons are mentioned 
 
 who built, or repaired, the wall which was over against their 
 own houses, or chambers. (Marg. Ref. a.) — They lived 
 near the wall ; so that this arrangement was most convenient 
 for them : and thus at the same time they provided for their 
 own security, and the common benefit of the city. Perhaps, 
 where any part of the old wall remained, the persons men- 
 tioned “repaired:” where none, they “ built.” 
 
 V. 11. It is not known what the expression “the other 
 piece,” or, the second measure , {marg.) refers to. 
 
 V. 12. Several rulers of half parts of cities are mentioned. 
 {Marg. Ref. f.) It is probable that two superior magistrates 
 were placed over the principal cities, with equal authority, to 
 reside in different parts of them. — Shallum seems to have had 
 oo sons ; and his daughters, as heiresses, contributed with him 
 to the cxnense of the work. Perhaps they were widows. 
 
 ( 831 ' 
 
 the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of 
 Keilah. 
 
 19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of 
 b Jeshua, the ruler of ‘Mizpah, another piece over 
 against the going up to the armory, at d the turn- 
 ing of the wall. 
 
 20 After him Baruch the son of ‘Zabbai, 
 ‘earnestly repaired the other piece, from the 
 turning of the wall unto the door of the house of 
 ' Eliashab the high-priest. 
 
 21 Alter him repaired eMeremoth the son ot 
 Urijah, the son of h Koz, another piece, from the 
 door of the house of Eliashib even to the end ol 
 the house of Eliashib. 
 
 22 And after him repaired the priests, 'the 
 men of the plain. 
 
 23 After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub 
 k over against their house. After him repaired 
 'Azariah the son of m Maaseiah, the son of 
 Ananiah, by his house. 
 
 24 After him repaired "Binnui the son of 
 Hanadad, “another piece, from the house of 
 Azariah unto rthe turning of the wall, even unto 
 the corner. 
 
 25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the 
 turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth 
 out from Hhe king’s high house, that was r by the 
 court of the prison. After him, ‘Pedaiah the son 
 of ‘Parosh. 
 
 26 Moreover, the "Nethinims $dwelt in 'Ophel, 
 unto the place over against Hhe water-gate 
 toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. 
 
 27 After them rthe Tekoites repaired another 
 piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, 
 even unto ‘the wall of Ophel. 
 
 28 From above "the horse-gate repaired the 
 priests, b every one over against his house. 
 
 29 After them repaired Zadok Hhe son of 
 Immer, over against his house. After him repaired 
 also Shemaiah the son of d Shechaniah, the keeper 
 of Hhe east gate. 
 
 30 After him repaired Hananiah the son ot 
 Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, 
 f another piece. After him repaired g Meshullam 
 the son ofBerechiah, over against his chamber. 
 
 31 After him repaired Malchiah ''the gold- 
 smith’s son, unto the place of the Nethinims, 
 and of the merchants, over against the gate 
 Miphkad, and to the ’’going up of the corner. 
 
 32 And between the going up of the corner 
 unto 'the sheep-gate repaired k the goldsmiths 
 and the merchants. 
 
 2. b 10:9. 12:8. c 15. d 2 Chr. 26:9. } Or, Znccai. cF,c. 9:10. Rom. 12: 
 
 11. f 1,21. 12:22,23.13:4,28. g4. h7.63. Ezra 2:61. 16:3.12:28. k 10, 
 
 29,30. 110:2. m 8:4,7. » 10:9. o 11,19,27. p20. q Jer. 22: 14. 39:8. r 12: 
 39. Jer. 32:2. 33:1. 37:21. 39:15. s8:4. t7.:8. Ezra 2:3. u 7:46-56. 10:28. 
 
 1 Chr. 9:2. Ezra 2:43 — 58. $ Or, which dwei in Ophel , repaired unto. II 0-, 
 
 the lower. 27. 11:21. 2 Chr. 27:3. 33:14. x 8: 1 ,3. 12:37. v 5. *26. a 2 King* 
 11:16. 2 Chr. 23:15. Jer. 3140. b 10:23. c7:40. Ezra 2:37. d Ezra 10:2. 
 
 e Jer. 19:2. f 21 . g4. h 8:32. !) Or, comer chamber, i 1. 12:39. John 5:2. 
 k 8:31. 
 
 V. 13 — 15. Marg. Ref. — Stairs. (15) It is probable, 
 these stairs formed a communication between the city of 
 David, and the other parts of Jerusalem. (2 Sam. 5:0,7.) 
 
 V. 16. {Marg. Ref.) “The house of the mighty” is 
 thought to have been a guard-chamber, where the most va- 
 liant soldiers kept guard, %o defend the palace of the kings of 
 Judah. 
 
 V. 17 — 20. Marg. Ref. — Earnestly , &c. (20) Baruch, 
 being more assiduous than others, probably stirred them lip 
 to greater diligence. 
 
 V. 21 — 25. (Marg. Ref.) “ The king’s high house” (25) 
 was, perhaps, some lofty building, from whicli the watchmen 
 might make their observations. 
 
 V. 26 — 31 . Marg. Ref. — The Nethinims , &c. (26) “ The 
 Nethinim, which dwelt in Ophel, repaired unto the place ove» 
 against the water-gate, &c. Marg. 4 The water-gate, it is 
 likely, was that at which these lower ministers brought, in 
 water for the use of the temple.’ Rp. Patrick. — The Tekoites. 
 (27) Note, 5. — Miphhad (31) signifies judgment, visitation , 
 or correction; and it is thought a prison was situated near this 
 gate. 
 
 V. 32. Sheep-gate.] Thus the whole city was surrounded 
 with a wall: for Eliashib began at the sheep-go < (1) 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The ministers of God should always be ready to labour and 
 venture for the good of their brethren ; and those, who have 
 the precedency in rank, ought to take the lead, in setting 
 that good example which give?p wergy to iheir instructions. 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Vanballat and his comprint/ arc very wroth , and mock the Jews : but Nehemiah. 
 prayt, and builds the wall , 1 — 6. He discovers that they secretly arc plot- 
 ting against him, and sets a watch, 7 — 1*2. He aims the builders , and gives 
 them suitable * *rs and directions, 13 — 23. 
 
 B UT it came to pass, that when "Sanballat 
 heard that we builded the wall, he was 
 wroth, and took great indignation, and b mocked 
 the Jews. 
 
 2 And he spake before his brethren, and 'the 
 army of Samaria, and said, What do these d feeble 
 Jews ? will they 'fortify themselves ? 'will they 
 sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will 
 they i revive the stones out of the heaps of the 
 rubbish which are burned? 
 
 3 Now sTobiah the Ammonite was by him, 
 and he said, Even that which they build, if a 
 fox go up, he shall even break down their stone 
 wall. 
 
 4 h Hear, O our God; for we are 'despised : 
 and 'turn their reproach upon their own head, 
 and give them for a prey in the land of captivity : 
 5 And k cover not their iniquity, and let not 
 
 A 2: 10,19. Rzra4:l— 5. Acts5:17. b Ps. 35:15,16. 44:13,14. Mall. 27:29. Heb. 
 11:36. c Ezra 4:9.10. d 1 Sam. 14: 11 ,12. 17:43,44. Zech. 12:8. 1 Cor. 1:27. 
 • Web. leave to themselves, e 12:27,43. f 10. Ez. 37:3 — 13. (lab. 3:2. g2:10, 
 19. 6:1. 1 Kings 20:10,13. 2 Kings 18:23. h Ps. 123:3,4. t Heb. despite. 
 i l Sam. 17:26. Ps. 79:12. Prov. 3:31. Hos. 12:14. k Ps. 59 :5— 13. 69:27,28. 
 109:14,15. Jer. 18:23. 2 Tim. 4:14. IPs. 51:1,9. Is. 43:25. 44:22. mis. 36:11, 
 12. n 6:15. 1 Chr. 29:3,14,17,18. 2Chr.29:36. Ps. 110:3. 2 Cor. 8:16,17. Phil. 
 2:13. Heb. 13:21. ol. 2:10,19. p Judg. 1U:7, &c. 11:12, &c. 1 Sam. 11:2. 
 
 but especially they should teach the people, how to sanctify 
 their secular employments, by beginning, conducting, and 
 completing them, with prayer and thanksgiving, according to 
 the word of God, and to his glory. — The security and prospe- 
 rity of the church, in every part of the world, is the common 
 cause of all Christians, wherever they reside : and all order's 
 of men should assist in promoting them. No age, sex, or sta- 
 tion of life, can free any person from this obligation: every 
 one, in some way or other, may contribute towards it ; and 
 where 44 much is given, much will be required.” But alas, the 
 ricli and noble generally count it their privilege to be idle, or 
 useless; which they cannot be, without setting an example, 
 mischievous in proportion to their influence : and no wonder 
 that they disregard the proclamations of the prince, which 
 call them to attend the service of God, when they disdain the 
 yoke of the almighty Lord himself. But before him they are 
 upon a level with the meanest of their inferiors ; except that 
 a more dreadful punishment, and deeper disgrace, await their 
 impenitent and ungrateful rebellion. Frequently the zeal and 
 activity in the cause of God, of those in the inferior orders, 
 expose and condemn the pride, sloth, and self-indulgence, or 
 impiety, of those who are intrusted with more talents ; and 
 thus they whom men despise, obtain and engross that 44 honour 
 which cometh from God.” — If in times of prevalent ungodli- 
 ness, numbers, in different stations would agree, first to look 
 to themselves, and to reform their families as far as they 
 could ; and then to use all their influence to promote the 
 general work of reformation, we might expect that much good 
 would speedily he done : and though most men still neglect 
 this duty ; let those who lament the triumphs of iniquity and 
 the desolations of piety, every one 44 repair opposite to his own 
 house” or 44 chamber and let all endeavour to do what they 
 can, by their prayers, their example, the education of their 
 children, and pious conversation, to promote and recommend 
 that cause which they have espoused. And when such at- 
 tempts are directed by men of vigour, prudence, and piety, and 
 conducted with entire harmony, remote from envy, conten- 
 tion, or divisions : and when everj' one, beside doing his pro- 
 per work earnestly, is ready to assist, those who are over-bur- 
 dened ; there is no reason to doubt of success : u for the fruit of 
 righteousness is sown in pea^e of them that make peace.” — 
 Maj' the Lord stir up the hearts of all his people, to lay 
 aside their disnutes, and to disregard their worldly interests, in 
 comparison oi u building the walls of Jerusalem,” and defend- 
 ing the cause of evangelical truth, and vital godliness, against 
 the assaults of avowed enemies. May those offences cease, 
 which weaken the common cause, and expose it to reproach : 
 and may the church of Christ thiw fortified, as 44 a city that 
 is at unity in itself,” and adorned by the beauties of holiness, 
 attract the attention, the admiration, and the love of behold- 
 ers : silence the reproaches of calumniators, and dismay the 
 heart, or repel the assaults, of every hostile invader! Amen. 
 
 NOTES— Chap. IV. V. 1—3. (Notes, 2:9,10,19,20.) 
 Sanballat, and the other enemies of the Jews, though enraged 
 t them foi; undertaking to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, 
 were restrained from openly opposing them, partly because 
 they despised their feeble attempts. They concluded, either 
 that they would not venture to undertake such a work ; or if 
 they did, that they would make little progress, however car- 
 west they might be. But when they heard that all hands were 
 diligently employed, they became very angry ; yet they effect- 
 ed to treat the undertaking with the utmost disdain. San- 
 ballat uttered his sarcasms before his brethren, (or the prin- 
 cipal commanders in that neighbourhood J and the army of 
 
 'their sin be blotted out from before (bee: foi 
 they have provoked thee to anger m before the 
 builders. 
 
 6 So built we the wall ; and all the wall was 
 joined together unto the half thereof: for the 
 people "had a mind to work. 
 
 7 IT But it came to pass, that when “Sanballat, 
 and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and ('the Am- 
 monites, and ^the Ashdodites, 'heard that the 
 walls of Jerusalem twere made up, and that the 
 breaches began to be stopped, “then they were 
 very wroth, 
 
 8 And ‘conspired all of them together to 
 come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to 
 ^hinder it. 
 
 9 Nevertheless "we made our prayer unto our 
 God, and "set a watch against them day and 
 night, because of them. 
 
 10 And Judah said, ^The strength of the 
 ‘bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much 
 rubbish; so that we are not able to build the 
 wall. 
 
 2SHm. 10:1— 5. 2 Kings 24:2. 2Chr. 50:1. Ez. 25:3-7. Am. 1:13. q 13:23,24. 
 1 Sam. 5:1,2. 2Chr. 26:6— 8. Jer. 25.20. .4m. 1:8. 3:9. Zech. 9:5,6. r Ezra 4: 
 4—16.5:8. J Heb. ascended. sGen.3;!5. Acts 4:17,18. 5:33. Rev. 12:12,13, 
 17. tPs.2:l — 3.83:4 — 11. Is.89,lU. Acts 23: 12,13. § Heb. make an error to 
 it. u 1:11. Gen. 32:9— 42,28. 2 Kings 19:14— 19. Ps. 50:15. 55:16— 18. Luke 6: 
 11,12. Acts 4:24—30. x Matt. 26:41. Luke21:36. 1 Pet. 5:8. y Num. 13:31. 
 32:9. Ps. 11:1,2. Hag. 1:2. z2Chr.2:18. Ez.29:18. 
 
 Samaria ; whom he knew to be more inveterate against the 
 Jews, than any other of the tribes under his command: but 
 he supposed what he said would soon be reported at Jerusa- 
 lem, and tend to discourage the builders. With a mixture of 
 scorn and indignation, he inquired “ what the feeble Jews 
 were doing.” Could they think of fortifying so large a city? 
 Did they intend to complete such a work in a day, and to se- 
 cure themselves from interruption, while they spent the next 
 in sacrificing? And what would they do for materials? The 
 stones formerly used in this work were broken in pieces, or 
 decayed, by lying so long under the rubbish; the builders 
 could not “revive” them, or make them new again, nor could 
 they procure any others. With equal disdain Tobiah replied, 
 that a wall built by them, in such haste, and of such mate- 
 rials, would be no security at all ; for the weight of a fox run- 
 ning over it would break it down ! But this contempt and 
 ridicule induced them to lose the opportunity of attempting 
 more effectual opposition. 
 
 V. 4, 5. The Jews were at this time the church of God: 
 they were actually employed in his service : their enemies, 
 without the smallest ground of complaint against them, de- 
 spised and haled them for his sake; if they succeeded in their 
 designs they would subvert true religion ; and their condign 
 punishment would form a salutary example to all other adver- 
 saries, and be subservient to the cause of truth and righ- 
 etousness. So that, zeal for the honour of God, and love to his 
 people, induced Nehemiah to pray, that these scorners might 
 be exposed to that reproach which they cast on the Jews, and 
 become “a prey to their enemies in the land of captivity;” 
 and that their sins might not be covered, or blotted out, by 
 the merciful forgiveness of God : seeing they had endeavoured 
 to discourage the builders, and render them disaffected to 
 their work; ( Marg . Ref. i — 1.) — Such scriptural requests are 
 prophetical, or declaratory of the judgments of God against 
 persecutors: and the subsequent doom of these nations was 
 an answer to this prayer. (Notes, Ps. 69:21 — 28. 109:6 — 
 
 20.) ‘This prayer .. . was confirmed by the destruction of 
 these nations by the Maccabees and their successors.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 6. The half, &c.] The whole circuit of the wall was 
 completed to half of the intended height. — Hacl a mind to 
 work.] They ‘ were very much set upon it, and went about 
 it cheerfully, notwithstanding their jeers and contempt. 
 Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Rtf. n.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. Ail these nations, (except perhaps the Arabians,) 
 were subjects of the kings of Persia ; and were induced by 
 Sanballat to unite against Nehemiah and the Jews, when 
 acting by the king’s commission ; so that their attempt was a 
 conspiracy in the most criminal sense. Dreading either the 
 resentment of the king, or the valour of the Jews; they had 
 not hitherto dared to attack them openly, notwithstanding 
 the greatness of their malice. (Notes, Matt. 26:3 — 5. Acts 
 23:12 — 22.) ‘ The last words in the Hebrew are to make an 
 
 error in it ; that is, to put them by the work, or to make them 
 not know which way to turn themselves.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 9. The connexion, here marked, between the greatest 
 simplicity and piety, in trusting God alone and seeking help 
 from him by prayer, and the most vigilant and diligent acti 
 vity in the use of all proper means, is well worthy of notice 
 
 V. 10. Some of the principal persons among tho Jews 
 while the work was in hand, represented to Nehemiah, that 
 the people were so worn down, and the remaining labour 
 (especially in removing the rubbish to get materials) was so 
 great, that their design was impracticable, and must be aban- 
 ( 835 ) 
 
B. C. 415. NEHEMIAIL B. C. 445. 
 
 1 1 And our dvei '.tries said, “They shall not 
 know, neither see, t,h we come in the midst 
 among them, and slay them, and cause the work 
 to cease. 
 
 12 And it came to pass, that when the Jews 
 which dwelt by them came, they said unto us 
 '’ten times, 'From all places whence ye shall 
 return unto us they will be upon you. 
 
 [ Practical Observations. - ] 
 
 13 11 Therefore c set I in Uhe lower places behind 
 the wall, and on the higher places, I even set 
 the people after their families with d their swords, 
 their spears, and their bows. 
 
 14 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto 
 the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of 
 the people, e Be not ye afraid of them : ' remember 
 me Lord, which is sgreat and terrible, and h fight 
 for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, 
 your wives, and your houses. 
 
 15 And it came to pass, when our enemies 
 heard that it was known unto us, and ‘God had 
 brought their counsel to naught, that we returned 
 all of us to the wall, k every one unto his work. 
 
 16 And it came to pass from that time forth, 
 that the half of 'my servants wrought in the 
 work, and the other half of them held both the 
 spears, the shields, and the bows, and the haber- 
 
 a*udg.20:29, Sic. Ps. 56:6. Is. 47:11. lThes.5:2. b Gen. 31:7,41. Num. 
 14:22. Job 19:3. * Or, That from all places ye must return to us. c Gen. 32: 
 13—20. 2Chr. 32:2— 8. Ps. 112:5. Matt. 10:16. 1 Cor. 14:20. f Heb .from the 
 lower parts of the place, d 17,18. Cant. 3:7,8. Eph.6:ll— 20. e Num. 14:9. 
 Dent. 1:21. 20:3,4. Josh. 1:9. 2 Chr. 20:15— 17. 32:7. Ps. 27:1. 46:11. Is. 41: 
 10—14. Heb. 13:6. f Pa. 20:7. 77:10—20. 143:5. Is. 51:12,13. 63:11—13. gl:5. 
 Deut. 10:17. Job 37:22. Ps. 65:5. 66:3. Is. 64:1—3. Nah. 1:2-7. Heb. 12:20, 
 
 doned at least for the present. This must have been a great 
 discouragement to him, in conjunction with all his other diffi- 
 culties and dangers. (Notes, Ps. 11:1 — 3. Hag. 1:2,4.) 
 
 V. 11. Some think, that certain of the princes reported 
 these sayings of the adversaries, in order to intimidate the 
 builders : being themselves weary of the labour, and not cor- 
 dially affected to the cause. It was not however likely, that 
 Sanballat could introduce into the city so large a number of 
 soldiers, as would suffice to overpower and destroy all the 
 Jews, and stop the work ; without being discovered, till he 
 and his troops were in the midst of the builders. Indeed the 
 conduct of those, who reported such a design, was more suited 
 to intimidate the inconsiderate, than to convince wise men 
 that they really expected it would be carried into execution. 
 
 V. 12. This verse is of difficult construction; which seems 
 to have been the effect of the abrupt manner, in which the 
 persons intended expressed their excessive terror. They lived 
 near the hostile nations ? and some of them were continually 
 coming to Jerusalem with information, that the enemy was 
 preparing to attack the builders from every quarter ; and 
 would certainly fall upon them, whether they continued at 
 their work, or attempted to return home. Probably , they 
 meant to put their brethren upon their guard: but such alarm- 
 ing rumours tended to intimidate them and drive them from 
 the work. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 13 — 15. (Marg. Ref.) “ All was at stake, therefore he 
 exhorts them to be valiant, trusting in God, who was stronger 
 than all their enemies.’ Bp. Patrick. After all the prepara- 
 tions which Nehcmiah and the Jews had made, the conspira- 
 tors did not venture to attack them: and, neither being able 
 to surprise them, nor fright them from their design, they for 
 the present desisted ; and so the Jews returned to their work. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. The builders could not possibly have made any 
 progress, if they had literally held a weapon in one of their 
 hands. Indeed it is evident, that they wore their swords by 
 their sides. But the expression is figurative, implying that 
 every man was both a builder, and a soldier. — They worked, 
 and bare arms, by turns: they wore swords at their labour, 
 and those behind them had other arms ready, when the alarm 
 should be given. — Nehemiah, being earnest in the undertak- 
 ing, employed all his attendants in one way or other about it. 
 
 V. 19, 20. The priests were directed to blow the sacred 
 trumpets; (Note, Num. 10:2 — 10.) and no doubt some of 
 them constantly attended, one at least, in the different sta- 
 tions, which were selected for the purpose, to sound the alarm 
 when needful : and this was a token that the Lord would fight 
 for his people against their enemies. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 22. Those who lived in the adjacent cities and villages, 
 were required to lodge, with one or more servants, in Jerusa- 
 lem, to guard the work, and be ready for it in the morning ; 
 for this was to be attended to in preference even to their own 
 families, as being more exposed to the assaults of their ene- 
 mies. (Note, 11:1,2.) 
 
 V. 23. Nehemiah and his attendants, in order that they 
 might always be prepared against any alarm, took necessary 
 rest oy turns, in their clothes and armour : never undressing 
 themselves, except for cleanliness, or ceremonial purification. 
 Or as the margin renders the words, “Every one went with 
 his weapon for water.” 
 
 geons ; and the rulers were berui»J all the house 
 of Judah. 
 
 17 They which builded on the wall, and they 
 that ""bare burdens, with those that laded, every 
 one "with one of his hands wrought in the woA, 
 and with the other hand held a weapon. 
 
 18 For the builders, every one had his sword 
 girded iby his side, and so builded. And "he that 
 sounded the trumpet was by me. 
 
 19 U And I said unto the nobles, and to the 
 rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is 
 great and large, and we are separated upon the 
 wall, one far from another. 
 
 20 In what place therefore ye hear the soun t 
 of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us : four 
 God shall fight for us. 
 
 21 So %e laboured in the work : and half ol 
 them held the spears from the rising of the morn- 
 ing, till the stars appeared. 
 
 22 Likewise at the same time said I unto the 
 people, Let "every one with his servant lodge 
 within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a 
 guard to us, and labour on the day. 
 
 23 So neither *1, nor my brethren, nor my ser- 
 vants, nor the men of the guard which followed 
 me, none of us put off our clothes, 5 saving that 
 every one put them off for washing. 
 
 21,28,29. h2Sam. 10:12. i 2 Sara. 15:31. 17:14. Job 5:12.13. Pa. 33:10,11. 
 Pror. 21:30. Is. 8:10. 44:25. Lam . 3:37. 1 Cor. 3: 19,20. k Mark 13:34. Rom. 
 12:11. 1 Thes. 4:11. I 23. 5: 15,16. Ps. 101 :6. m 10. n Dan. 9:25. 1 Cor. 9:26. 
 16:13. 2 Cor. 6:7. Eph. 6:11, &c. 2 Tim. 2:3. 4:7. J Heb. on his loins, o Num. 
 10:9. 2 Chr. 13:12— 17. p Ex. 14:14,25. Deut. 1:30 . 3:22 . 20:4. Josh. 23:10. 
 q 1 Cor. 15:10,58. Gal. 6:9. Col. 1:29. r 11:1,2. s 5:16,17. 7:2. Judg. 9:48. 
 § Or, every one went with his weapon for water. Judg. 5:11. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. The pious labours of thos_e who endeavour to 
 promote true religion, must always excite the indignation of 
 such as are “haters of God,” and of his truth and holiness: 
 nay, in this case, the wisest and most excellent behaviour 
 will be reproached and derided, as madness and folly. — The 
 most sacred things may easily be represented in so ridiculous 
 a light, as to excite profane laughter : a small measure of wit, 
 united with competent malice, impiety, and impudence, will 
 suffice for these pernicious and profane scoffings ; and such 
 presumptuous jesters whet one another's ingenuity, and em- 
 bolden each other to the most daring blasphemies. Con- 
 tempt and derision are indeed very painful to us : but they 
 frequently prove the Christian’s protection, and give him lei- 
 sure to effect his designs, without more formidable opposition. 
 —The means which he uses appear feeble to proud despisers ; 
 but, by the power and blessing of God, they produce durable 
 and extensive effects : and all the efforts of man, seconded 
 by the power and policy of hell, have failed, and ever will" 
 fail, to subvert the cause, which infidels have dreamed would 
 fall of itself, or on the first assault. Ere long the church on 
 earth will triumph over every adversary: and all believers 
 will soon offer the sacrifice of praise, for complete and eter- 
 nal victory and salvation ; notwithstanding the scoffs and 
 rage of their enemies. — When insulted or injured, let ns then 
 give up ourselves to prayer : and the supplications ofbeliovers. 
 throughout the world, fot the prosperity of the church, and 
 the success of the gospel, will eventually be answered in the 
 reproach and merited punishment of all impenitent opposers. 
 So long as they reject the atonement, their sins cannot be co- 
 vered ; and their endeavours to hinder the progress of the gos- 
 pel will provoke the Lord above all their other sins. — Those, 
 who disagree in almost every other thing, will oflen unite* in 
 persecution: (Note, Matt. 22:15— 22.) and that enmity, which 
 at one time dictates contempt and derision, will at another 
 suggest more violent and cruel measures ; especially when 
 the servants of God are active, united, and successful. So 
 that proud scorners are not fit to be trusted with power ; 
 whatever professions of candour they may make, or however 
 they may plead for toleration. — When we engage in impor- 
 tant and useful undertakings, we should expect discourage- 
 ment from every quarter. For we shall be tried, not only by 
 the anger, contempt, treachery and cruelty of enemies, hut 
 also by the inconstancy ami lukewarmness of friends and 
 helpers : and many who wish well to us will weaken our 
 hands, by regarding and reporting the menaces, or slanders, 
 or boastings of our adversaries. 
 
 V. 13 — 23. No opposition will prove any real hindcraneo 
 to us in our endeavours to do good, it we he led by it to a 
 more simple confidence in God, and to the more diligent use 
 of proper means for obtaining success. A believing remem- 
 brance of his power, truth, and love, will prove a sufficient 
 support in every danger; for “if God he for us, who can ho 
 against us?” and, however craftily the plots of opposers nro 
 laid, he is able ti. delect thorn, and to bring to naught all their 
 counsels. — If our enemies eannot fright us from our duty, or 
 deceive us into sin, or find us unwatchful, they cannot hurl 
 us. When ministers of religion or other aclite instruments, 
 add the example of diligence, courage, self-d mini, and ua- 
 
 ( 836 ) 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Jfiepnor Jews complain of the debt* which they had unavoidably contracted , 
 aivl which compelled them to mortgage their landt, and even sell their chil- 
 dren, 1 — 5. Nehemiah rebukct the rich usurers , who oppress their brethren ; 
 and obliges them to engage by oath to make full restitution , 6 — 13. He re- 
 fuses the governor's customary allowances , and maintains great hospitality 
 at hie own charge, 14—19. 
 
 A ND there was “a great cry of the people and 
 of their wives against b their brethren the 
 Jews. 
 
 2 For there were that said, 'We, our sons, and 
 our daughters, are many : therefore d we take up 
 corn for them, that we may eat, and live. 
 
 3 Some also there were that said, 'We have 
 mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that 
 we might buy corn, f because of the dearth. 
 
 4 There were also that said, We have borrow- 
 ed money for ethe king’s tribute, and that upon 
 our lands and vineyards. 
 
 5 Yet now h our flesh is as the flesh of our 
 brethren, our children as their children*: and lo, 
 ‘we bring into bondage our sons and our daugh- 
 ters to be servants, and some of our daughters are 
 brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our 
 power to redeem them; for other men have our 
 lands and vineyards. 
 
 6 IT And k I was very angry when I heard their 
 cry and these words. 
 
 7 H Then ‘I consulted with myself, and 'I re- 
 buked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto 
 
 them, m Ye exact usury, every one of his brother 
 And n I set a great assembly against them ; 
 
 8 And I said unto them, We, “after our ability 
 have '’redeemed our brethren the Jews, which 
 were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even 
 ''sell your brethren ? dr r shall they be sold unto us f 
 Then 'held they their peace, and found nothing to 
 ans wet . 
 
 9 Also I said, ‘It is not good that ye do : ough 
 ye not “to walk in the fear of our God because o. 
 x the reproach of the heathen our enemies ? 
 
 10 >1 likewise, and my brethren, and my ser 
 vants, might exact of them money and corn : ’] 
 pray you, let us 'leave off this usury. 
 
 11 b Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, 
 “their lands, their vineyards, their olive-yards, and 
 their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, 
 and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye 
 exact of them. 
 
 12 Then said they, d We will restore them, and 
 will require nothing of them ; so will we do as 
 thou sayest. Then e I called the priests, and took 
 an oath of them, that they should do according to 
 this promise. 
 
 13 Also f I shook my lap, and said, eSo God 
 shake out every man from his house, and from his 
 labour, that performeth not this promise, even 
 thus be he shaken out, and ‘emptied. And all the 
 
 a Er. 3:7. 37:25- 27. Job 31:38,39. 34:28. Is. 5:7. Luke 18:7. Jam. 5:4. b Lev. 
 25:35— 37. Deut. 15:7— 11. Acts 7:26. 1 Cor. 6:6— 8. c Ps. 127:3-5. 128:2- 4. 
 Mai. 2:2. d lien . 41 :57. 42:2. 43:8. e Uen. 47:15— 25. fMal. 3:8— 11. g9: 
 37. Deut. 28:47,48. Josh. 16:10. I Kings 9:21. Ezra 4:13,20. h Gen. 37:27. Is. 
 58:7. Jam. 2:5,6. i Ex. 21:1-11. Lev. 25:39— 43. 2 Kines4:l. Mall. 18:25. 
 k 13:8,25. Ex. 11:8. Num. 16:15. Mark 3:5. Eph. 4:26. * Heb. my heart con- 
 trilled in me. Ps. 4:4. 27:8. 1 Lev. 19:15. 2 Chr. 19:6,7. Ps. 82:1— 4. Prov. 
 
 27:5. 2 Cor. 5:16. Gal. 2:11. 1 Tim. 5:20. Tit. 2:15. m Ex. 22:25. Lev. 25:36. 
 Deut. 15:2,3. 23:19,20. 24:10—13. Ez. 22:12. 45:9. n 2 Chr. 28:9— 13. Matt. 
 18:17. o Malt. 25:15,29. 2 Cor. 8:12. Gal. 6:10. p Lev. 25:47— 49. qEx.21: 
 
 tience, to their exhortations ; others will be stirred up, who 
 were before drawn or driven from their work. — Every true 
 Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one 
 hand and lighting with the other, and called by the sound of 
 the gospel, alternately to his work and to the conflict. We 
 are widely dispersed in our several employments: but we all 
 form one army, and must prepare to unite against the com- 
 mon enemy, in whatever place the assault is made. In this 
 important cause personal and relative interests must be com- 
 paratively disregarded : or rather they are most wisely at- 
 tended to, when we commit them to the Lord, and labour for 
 the benefit of his church. While we stand armed and watch- 
 ing, as for the battle, we shall have the best security for 
 peace ; for Satan fears assaulting the vigilant Christian : or 
 rf we are attacked, “ our God will fight for us.” Thus must 
 we wait to the close of life, never putting off our armour, till 
 our work and warfare be ended ; and then we shall be crowned 
 as conquerors, and welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1 — 5. It seems, that the atten- 
 tion of Nehemiah was interrupted, before the wall was com- 
 pletid, by the affair recorded in this chapter. (Note, 6:15, 
 16.) Amidst the depredations to which the Jews were ex- 
 posed, and their attention to self defence, it is likely that 
 tillage was in some degree neglected, and that a scarcity of 
 corn ensued. It is also supposed by learned men, that these 
 events occurred in the sabbatical year ; which if indeed it 
 were so, would increase the difficulties of the poor, as well as 
 aggravate the guilt of those, who thence took occasion to op- 
 , press their brethren. The nation seems also to have been 
 visited with scarcity for their sins. Such persons, therefore, 
 as were in low circumstances, and had large families, were 
 unable to buy necessary food, except upon credit, and probably 
 at an exorbitant price ; and they were compelled to raise 
 money, hy borrowing on interest, for the tribute imposed by 
 the king of Persia. (Note, 9:36,37.) Of these difficulties the 
 monied men took advantage, and, obtaining mortgages of their 
 lands, got them into their possession : taking usury also for 
 the money, of one hundredth part every monlh, or twelve per 
 cent, a year, as it is generally supposed ; which soon reduced 
 the debtors to deep poverty; and at length to the necessity 
 of selling into slavery their sons, and even their daughters'; 
 who would be peculiarly exposed in that situation : while 
 there appeared no prospect of redress, no hope of redeeming 
 either their lands or their children, no period to their accu- 
 nulating distresses, except in entire and perpetual bondage. 
 Yet they were not only of the same nature, but of the same 
 chosen seed, the children of the covenant, equally with the 
 more prosperous Jews. They had the same affection for 
 ^teir children, and accounted a numerous family a blessing, 
 as long as they could provide for it. They had not reduced 
 themselves to this distress by extravagance ; but were ne- 
 eessitated to contract debts, through hard times and heavy 
 taxes, and for necessary provisions : and the conduct of their 
 oppressors was contrary to the letter and the spirit of the 
 whole law (Marg. Ref. Notes, Gen. 47:13 — 26. Ex. 22: 
 
 16. Deut. 24:7. rRom. 14:15. !Cor.8:lI. 8 Job 29:10 . 32:15,16. Matt. X.- 
 12. Rom. 3:19. t 1 Sam. 2:24. Prov. 16:29. 17:26. 18:5. 19:2. 24:23. u 15. 
 Gen. 20:11. 42:18. Acts 9:31. x Gen. 13:7,8. 2 Sam. 12:14. Ez. 36:20. Rom. 2: 
 24. I Tim. 5:14. Tit. 2:5. IPel.2:12. jrMic.2:l. Luke3:13,14. 1 Cor. 9:12— 
 18. z 2 Cor. 5:11,20. 6:1. i'hilem. 8,9. a 7. Ex. 22:25— 27. Ps. 15:5. Ez. 
 18:8,13. b Lev. 6:4,5. I Sam. 12:3. 2 Sam. 12:6. Is. 58:6. Luke 3:8. c3,4. d 2 Chr. 
 28:14,15. Ezra 10:12. Matt. 19:21 ,22. Luke 19:8. e 10:29. 13:25. 2 Chr. 6:22, 
 23. 15:13,14. Ezra 10:5. Jer. 34:8— 10. Matt. 26:63. f Matt. 10:14. Acts 13:51. 
 18:6. gl Sam. 15:28. 1 Kings 11:29 — 31. Zech. 5:3,4. f Heb. empty, or void. 
 
 25—27. Lev. 25:35—37. Deut. 15:2— 10. 24:10—13.2 Kings 
 4:1. Ez. 22:12,13.) In this extremity they appealed to Ne- 
 hemiah, and he immediately determined to do them justice. 
 
 V. 6, 7. Nehemiah appears to have possessed a far more 
 bold and eager spirit, than his contemporary Ezra. For, in 
 a situation something similar, Ezra fasted, prayed, wept, and 
 almost desponded: ( Notes , Ezra 9:) but Nehemiah, fired 
 with a holy indignation, united by sympathy with the poor 
 sufferers, proceeded immediately, with all his authority and 
 influence, to redress the grievances of his oppressed brethren; 
 neither fearing the resentment of their powerful oppressors, 
 nor doubting but he should be able to effect his purpose. 
 (Notes, Job 29:12—17. 31:33,34. Ps. 82:2—4. Prov. 31:8, 
 9.) He did not, however, act without consideration: but, 
 having formed his plan after mature deliberation, he first 
 sharply rebuked the nobles and rulers, who, instead of pu- 
 nishing other criminals, were themselves the most notorious 
 usurers and extortioners. And, as he feared lest they should 
 prove refractory, he convened an assembly of the people ; 
 that perceiving how generally their conduct was disapproved, 
 they might be shamed into proper concessions, without the 
 necessity of direct compulsion. 
 
 V. 8. Nehemiah and Ezra, and other pious persons, had 
 not only, with great zeal and earnestness, endeavoured to 
 establish the security and prosperity of the nation ; but they 
 had redeemed from slavery several of the poor Jews who 
 had been sold among the heathen. (Note, Lev. 26:47 — 55.) 
 What a contrast then was the conduct of these usurers, to 
 their disinterested and liberal love to their countrymen ! Did 
 the one company redeem their enslaved brethren, that the 
 other might sell them again for slaves, in direct violation of 
 the divine law ? Or did they expect to sell their enslaved 
 brethren to Nehemiah and his friends, even as the Gentiles 
 took their money for such as they redeemed ? — It was indeed 
 impossible to reply to this animated and reasonable expostu- 
 lation. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 9. When Nehemiah said, M It is not good that ye do,” 
 his words imply that they had acted very wickedly. 4 A soft 
 form of speech, used when they mean it is very bad. Prov. 
 16:29.’ Bp. Patrick. (Marg. Ref. t.) — The exposed and 
 distressed condition to which sin had reduced the nation, and 
 the recent mercies which they had received, combined to en- 
 force it upon them, to u walk in the fear of God,” lest he 
 snould give them up as a reproach to their enemies : or rather, 
 lest the heathen, who were full of malice, should reproach 
 them, as they justly might, for their avar*ce and cruelty; 
 and thence take occasion to revile their religion, and blas- 
 pheme the name of God himself. (Marg. Ref. u, x.) 
 
 V. 10 — 13. Had Nehemiah, and his brethren and servants 
 acted towards the people as these oppressoi-9 did : the autho- 
 rity of the Persian king would have enabled them to exact 
 large contributions, from the rich especially But as they, 
 instead of such exactions, did not so much ais take what was 
 justly their due; (Note, 14:15.) surelv the r» h ought to b© 
 ashamed of extorting from the poor *.„&t th(^ co” £ have *..c 
 ( 837 ) 
 
B. C. 435 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 B. C. 435. 
 
 congregati .11 sa J. 11 Amen, and 'praised the Lord. 
 And k the peopii. did according to this promise. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 b c.i 14 H Moreover, from the time that I was 
 4J4 J appointed to be their governor in the land 
 of Judah, 'from the twentieth year, even unto the 
 two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, 
 that is, twelve years, ra I and my brethren have not 
 eaten "the bread of the governor. 
 
 15 But the former governors, that had been be- 
 fore me were chargeable unto the people, and had 
 taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels 
 of silver ; yea, “even their servants bare rule over 
 the people : but pso did not I, ^because of the fear 
 of God. 
 
 h Num. 5.22. Deut. 27:14— 26. i 1 Chr. 16:36. lc2King«23:3. Ps. 50:14. 76: 
 
 U. 119:106. Ec. 5:5. 12:1. m 1 Cor. 9:4— 15,18. 2 Thes. 3:8,9. n Ezra 4:13, 
 14. Rom. 13:6,7. o 1 Sam. 2:15— 17. 8:15. Prov. 29:12. pMatt.5:47 2 Cor. 
 11:9. 12:13. q 9. Job 31:23. P«. 112:1. 147:11. Pro*. 16:6. Ec. 12:13,14. Is. 50: 
 1U. Luke 18:2— 4. r Luke 8:15. Rom. 2:7. 1 Cor. 15:58. Gal. 6:9. sNum. 16: 
 
 shadow of a right to ! Nehemiah therefore urged them volun- 
 tarily to leave off their usury, and to restore the lands of their 
 poor brethren, and the increase of money and provisions, 
 which they* had exacted from them ; to lend them without 
 pledge or usury , in this time of distress ; and to wait for pay- 
 ment till better times. This seems the immediate purport of 
 his proposal : though probably he required the free remission 
 of former debts, and the liberating of the children which were 
 in bondage, as in the year of release. — His remonstrance had 
 its desired effect, and the guilty persons promised to do so: 
 but less they should delay, or go back from their word, he 
 called the priests as witnesses, and bound the persons con- 
 cerned with a solemn oath to perform their promise ; and 
 then with a significant action, he denounced the vengeance 
 of heaven against every one who failed of this engagement. 
 To this the congregation solemnly assented, and praised the 
 Lord for sending them so just and merciful a ruler. ( Notes , 
 Jer. 34:8 — 22.) — Thus this matter was in one assembly ami- 
 cably settled, by motives and arguments taken from true 
 religion, and the law of God : yet one of a similar kind dis- 
 tracted the Roman state for ages, and the oppression was 
 never effectually prevented ! ( Notes , 2 Chr. 28:9 — 15. 1 Tim. 
 6:1—5.) 
 
 V. 14 — 18. This passage must have been added by Nehe- 
 iniah several years after the date of the transaction before 
 recorded : for that occurred soon after he came to Jerusalem. 
 — The former governors had received from the people an in- 
 come of about five pounds a day, (as it is generally inter- 
 preted;) besides a proportion of bread and wine for their 
 households; while their attendants (as it is too commonly 
 the case) lorded it over the people, and increased their bur- 
 dens. It is not said who these governors were. Perhaps 
 Ezra, who seems not to have been rich, was necessitated to 
 take sufficient for the expenses of his station ; but we may 
 be sure that he allowed of no oppression. It is probable, 
 however, that the Persian governors west of the Euphrates 
 were meant : for they seem to have had authority over the 
 Jews in all civil concerns, until Nehemiah’s commission was 
 granted. But he, acting in the fear of God and from the 
 pure motives of religion, and perceiving the poverty of the 
 people, and the burdens in other respects laid upon them, 
 would not receive this customary emolument ; and, being very 
 rich and liberal, he supported his dignity with great hospita- 
 lity at his own expense, all the time he filled that exalted 
 station: setting his rich countrymen an example of receding 
 from legal claims for the public good. At the same time he 
 spared neither trouble nor expense in forwarding the fortifica- 
 tions of the city ; and required his attendants to assist also : 
 and would neither himself take, nor allow them to take, any 
 advantage of the poverty of the Jews, by purchasing estates 
 at a low price, as they might easily have done. — In reading 
 tltis account which he gave of himself, we should remember 
 that he wrote under the guidance of the Holy Spirit: and it 
 was proper that, his magnanimous, disinterested, and liberal 
 conduct should stand upon record for an example to all others, 
 what use to make of great riches ; how to render authority a 
 public blessing ; and how to induce mankind to acts of justice 
 and every good work, by taking the lead in them. ( Notes , 
 1 Cor. 9:13— 18. 2 Cor. 11:7 — 12,16— 20. 12:1 1—15.) — ‘ He 
 loved religion better than riches, and took not his own due, 
 that the people might serve God more cheerfully. . . . They’ 
 (his servants) 4 were constantly employed also in the same 
 work, and received no pay for their labour, though it could 
 not be done without neglect of bis private business. . . . 
 There is no reason to think that ho speaks too much of him- 
 self and his own worthy acts; for it was no more than . . . 
 St. Paul was constrained to speak of himself in his epistle 
 to the Corinthians; of whom he would take nothing, that he 
 might stop the mouths of false apostles and covetous people.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 19. Nehemiah had shown great kindness to his bre- 
 thren, to which they had not in strict justice any claim : and 
 he lifted up his heart to God, when recording it, entreating 
 him to show like kindness to him, and to remember him for 
 good. Ills conduct in these circumstances evidenced that 
 ( 83S ) 
 
 16 Yea, also r I continued in the work of thn 
 wall, “neither bought we any land : and l all my 
 servants were gathered thither unto the work. 
 
 17 Moreover, there were u at my table x a him 
 dred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those 
 that came unto us from among* the heathen that 
 are about us. 
 
 18 Now that ywhich was prepared for me daily 
 was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were 
 prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all 
 sorts of wine : yet for all this ^required not I the 
 bread of the governor, because the bondage was 
 heavy upon this people. 
 
 19 “Think upon me, my God, for good, Accord- 
 ing' to all that I have done for this people. 
 
 15. Acts 20:33 — 35. 1 Thes. 2:5,6. t 2 por. 12:16— 18. Phil. 2:20,21 . u2Sam. 
 9:7,13. 1 King* 18:19. x Is. 32:8. Rom. 12:13. 1 Pet. 4:9,10. yl Kings 4:22, 
 23. z 14,15. a 13:14.22,31. Gen. 40:14. Ps. 2i :6,7. 106:4. Jer. 29:11. . b Pa. 
 18:23—25. Matt. 10:42. 25:34—40. 
 
 he was a true believer: he desired no recompense from man, 
 but confidently expected one from a merciful God : he evi- 
 dently spoke and acted as one that knew himself to be a sin- 
 ner ; and he did not expect a recompense as of debt ; but in 
 the manner that the Lord rewards a cup of cold water given 
 to a disciple for his sake. ( Notes. 13:14. Matt. 10:40 — 42. 
 Heb. 6:9,10.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 13. Every domestic or relative comfort may become 
 to us an occasion of increasing anguish : we should not then be 
 discontented in the want of children, or anxious about temporal 
 things ; but seek our whole happiness from God alone. — It is 
 the peculiar duty and privilege of the poor to trust the pro- 
 mise and providence of God, to supply their families with 
 food and raiment, and to be content with necessaries ; and of 
 the rich, and of those who have no children, to contribute 
 liberally to the support of their indigent brethren. But alas! 
 too many take advantage of the necessities to which others 
 are reduced, in order to exact of them ; that they may in- 
 crease their own useless abundance, or support their luxu- 
 rious and extravagant expenses ! They wilfully forget that 
 the poor are of the same nature with themselves ; and that 
 they have the same wants, inclinations, natural affections, 
 and feelings of pain and suffering. Instead of 44 doing to 
 others as they would that others should do to them ;” they 
 grow careless of the welfare, and callous to the miseries of 
 their fellow-creatures ; and usurp authority over them as 
 bondslaves, in proportion as wealth, power, and prosperity 
 increase. Every gratification is deemed requisite for the 
 lordly oppressors ; but the meanest morsel is good enough for 
 the poor and enslaved, though far better characters than 
 themselves. Thus men prey upon their own species, and, by 
 44 despising the poor, reproach their Maker and aggravate, 
 instead of relieving, those distresses which are always enti- 
 tled to compassion and assistance ; and especially when they 
 are not the effect of extravagance or sloth ; but of hard times, 
 heavy taxes, large families, and debts,, contracted for bare 
 necessaries. {Notes, Prov. 14:31. 17:5. *P. O. 1 — 15, latter 
 part.) Such conduct disgraces even human nature ; but who 
 can express sufficient abhorrence of it when adopted by pro- 
 fessed Christians ? It exposes our holy religion to the re- 
 proach, scorn, and abomination of heathens, and gives occa- 
 sion to our enemies to blaspheme that worthy name, by which 
 these selfish wretches are improperly distinguished. Thus, 
 in all the four quarters of the globe, millions of Mohamme- 
 dans and Pagans abhor Christianity, through the avarice, 
 treachery, and cruelty of men called Christians ! — Well then 
 may the report of such crimes, and the cry of the oppressed, 
 kindle an honest indignation in the breast of every friend of 
 mankind, of his country, and of the gospel. Those in autho- 
 rity should consult with themselves, and w ith each other, how 
 to redress these scandalous abuses : and if fair means will 
 not do, rough and decisive measures should be employed, 
 notwithstanding the clamours of interested oppressors ; if 
 princes would have the blessing of God upon their dominions. 
 Too often nobles and rulers aro the chief in such exactions ; 
 and their power and atliuence seem to defy investigation, 
 and frequently prevent or intimidate those who ought to pro- 
 mote the execution of justice : yet neither rank nor authority 
 should screen them; nay, they should he first punished for 
 an example to others: and if they disregard the rebuke of an 
 individual, the great assemblies of nations should he convened 
 against them. If, however, they can he shamed or per- 
 suaded into a proper conduct, harsher measures are ineligi- 
 ble: and when earnestness, affection, wisdom, piety, huma- 
 nity, a decided example, and cogent reasonings, concur, they 
 will sometimes produce effect beyond expectation. — In ex- 
 postulating with selfish people, it is good to contrast, their 
 conduct with that of others, who aro remarkably liberal and 
 benevolent: but it is best to point out to them the example ot 
 him, who 44 though he was rich, yet for our sakes became 
 poor, that wo through his poverty might he rich.” When tnis 
 is compared with the conduct of those who do not care h-»w 
 many they reduce to the most, abject penury or slavery, to 
 enrich themselves ; the contrast between the Master and hfe 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 445 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Sanballat and his party practise against Nehtmiah, by insidious attempts , 
 false rumours, and the hired counsel of pretended prophets,! — 14. The 
 wall is finished, and the enemies are disheartened, 16, 16. The nobles of 
 Judah traitorously correspond with Tobiah, 17 — 19; 
 
 N OW it came to pass, “when Sanballat, and 
 Tobiah, and b Geshem the Arabian, and the 
 rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the 
 wall, and that there was c no breach left therein ; 
 (though d at that time I had not set up the doors 
 upon the gates ;) 
 
 2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, 
 6aying, e Come, let us meet together in some one 
 of the villages in the plain of f Ono. But e tliey 
 thought to do me mischief. 
 
 3 And h I sent messengers unto them, saying, 
 I 'am doing a great work, so that I cannot come 
 down : why should the work cease, whilst I leave 
 it, and come down to you ? 
 
 4 Yet they sent unto me Tour times after this 
 sort ; and I answered them after the same man- 
 ner. 
 
 a 3. TO, 19. 4:1,7. b 6. Gashmu. c4:6,7. Dan. 9:25. d3:3,6. e2Sam.3:27. 
 
 2U:9. Ps. 37: 12. Prov. 26:24-26. Ec. 4:4. f 11:35. lChr.8.12. g Ps. 12:2. 
 37:12,32. Jer. 41:2. Kr.. 33:31. Mic. 7:4,5. Luke 20:19-21. hProv. 14:15. 
 Matt. 10:16. i Ec. 9:10. Luke 14:30. John 9:4. 1 Tim. 4:15,16. k Jude. 16:6, 
 10,15-20. Prov. 7:21. Luke 18:5. 1 ( or. 15:58. Gal. 2:5. 1 2 Kines 18:26— 28. 
 2 Cor. 2:11. 11:13—15. Eph.6:ll. 2Thes.2:IO. m Jer. 9.3— 6. 20:10. Matt. 5: 
 11. Rom. 3:8. 2 Cor. 6:8. 1 Pet. 2:12,13. 3:16. n 1:2. Geshem. o2:19. Ezra 
 
 professed disciples, is so striking that it implies an argument 
 which is silencing, and unanswerable on any scriptural prin- 
 ciples. It may further be inquired, whether such oppression 
 is good in itself, or consistent with the fear of God, regard to 
 his authority, and his command to love our neighbours as 
 ourselves : whether men can deny that the enemies of our 
 holy religion do reproach us, because of such practices, and 
 are prejudiced to their irreparable damage: and how they 
 would approve it, if their superiors tyrannized over them, and 
 extorted from them as they do from their inferiors ; and what 
 will become of them if God show them no more mercy than 
 they show their poor brethren. (Note, Jam. 2:9 — 13, v. 13.) 
 If our oppressors and slave-dealers were not, by habits long 
 persisted in, more callous than these Jews, we might be en- 
 couraged to entreat and beseech them to leave off their ex- 
 tortion ; to make restitution to the injured, and to show mercy 
 to the poor. But alas ! these methods are seldom success- 
 ful ! and more conclusive reasons alone prevail. This re- 
 mains for the magistrate ; and here the preacher must, leave 
 them. If arguments, expostulations, warnings, and persua- 
 sions will not induce them “ to repent, and to do works meet 
 for repentance :” we must “ shake otf the dust of our feet as 
 a .estimony against them;” assuring them that God will soon 
 shake them out from their ill-gotten treasures, and cast them 
 down into destruction; (Note, Jam. 5:1 — G.) if they continue 
 to neglect the salvation of Christ, or refuse to imitate his ex- 
 ample of loving-kindness and mercy : and when the righteous 
 Judge shall denounce this tremendous sentence against them, 
 all the multitudes of the redeemed will cry, “ Amen, and will 
 praise the Lord.” — We may further observe, that wise and 
 good men may be of very different tempers, and consequently 
 go about the same thing in a different manner. But they 
 should not censure each other, nor should others censure 
 them : let them serve God according to that ability which he 
 has given them; and let it never be supposed that one mere 
 man is a perfect model for ail others to follow. 
 
 V. 14 — 19. We must not do our works to be seen of men, 
 and it is seldom expedient to speak of them ourselves. Yet 
 we should “let our light shine before men, that they may see 
 our good works, and glorify God :” (Notes, Matt. 5:14 — 1G. 
 6:1 — 4.) and sometimes a good man may be called upon, as 
 in his presence, and with an appeal to the consciences of 
 many witnesses, to declare his own disinterested and upright 
 conduct, and the motives of it, for a reproof, an instruction, 
 and an example, to mankind. But it is always necessary for 
 those to seta decidedly good example, who are bold reprovers 
 and active reformers of others, and who speak and act with 
 decision and sharpness against their crimes. In this case a 
 man should give up his right, neglect opportunities of gain, 
 be willing to labour and endure hardship without recompense, 
 and to expend his substance in the support of a good cause. 
 And it is not enough for public characters themselves to avoid 
 evil, and the appearance of it: their servants and dependants 
 riust be restrained also. But the fear and love of God, and 
 genuine love of the brethren, will influence a man to do this 
 and much more; and will constrain him to abound in hospi- 
 tality and every good work, according to the ability that God 
 ha£ given him. These are proper evidences and expressions 
 iff living faith ; and our reconciled God will look for good, on 
 t ich as abound in these fruits of righteousness, according to 
 all that they have done to his people. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1 — 4. Sanballat and his con- 
 federates, not daring openly to attack the Jews, yet earnestly 
 desiring to prevent the completion of the fortifications, which 
 were daily carried on ; formed a stratagem to draw Nehe- 
 miah from his station, and to slay or imprison him, when they 
 
 5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me tr 
 like manner the fifth time with ‘an open letter i». 
 his hand ; 
 
 6 Wherein was written, m It is reported amon 
 the heathen, and "Gashmu saith it,°that thou and 
 the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou 
 buildest the wall, ‘That thou rnayest be their 
 king, according to these words. 
 
 7 And thou hast also “lappointed prophets to 
 preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is 
 r a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported 
 to the king according to these words. “Conn 
 now therefore, and let us take counsel together. 
 
 8 Then I sent unto him, saying, ‘There are no 
 such things done as thou sayest, but "thou feignest 
 them out of thine own heart. 
 
 9 For x they all made us afraid, saying, rTheir 
 hands shall be weakened from the work, that it 
 be not done. z Now therefore, O God, strengthen 
 
 my hands. [Practical Observations .] 
 
 10 Afterward I came unto the house of a She- 
 
 4:12,15. p Luke 23:2. John 19:13. q 12,13. r2 Sam. 15: 10— 12. 1 Kings 1:7, 
 18,25,34. 3 Prov. 26:24—26. Acts 23:15. t Acts 24: 12,13. 25:7,10. u Job 13:4, 
 Ps. 36:3. 38:12 . 32:2. Is. 59:4. Dan. 11:27. Matt. 12:34. John 8:44. x 14. 4:10— 
 14. 2Chr. 32:18. y2Chr. 15:7. Ezra 4:1— 24. Is. 35:3,4. Jer. 38:4. Heb. 12:12. 
 r Ps. 56:3. 68:35. 134:3. Is. 41:10. Zech. 10:12. 2Cor.l2:9. Eph. 3: 16. 6:10. 
 Phil. 4:13. 1 Pet. 5:10. a 12. Ezra 8:16. 10:31. Prov. 11:9. Matt. 7:15, 
 
 had him in their power. They therefore, on some plausible 
 pretence, invited him to an interview: but he was aware o! 
 their intentions ; and on that account would not have gone il 
 he had not been so fully engaged. He, however, only an- 
 swered, that, being fully employed in a most important work, 
 his presence at Jerusalem was absolutely necessary ; and 
 that the work would stop if he left it : why then should he 
 come down, in such circumstances? This was true, and a 
 sufficient reason : and their subsequent importunity could not 
 induce him either to comply, or to enter into any altercation 
 with them ; as indeed it was well calculated to confirm his 
 suspicions. (Notes, Judg. 16:6 — 16.) ‘They thought, I 
 
 suppose, that if they did not take this opportunity to over- 
 throw what he had done, before he set up the doors upon the 
 gates, they should never be able to enter the city afterwards. 
 He still persisted constantly to give no other answer ; where- 
 by they might understand he was resolved to finish the work.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 5 — 9. When these most inveterate enemies had been 
 baffled in their design, they devised a more dangerous strata- 
 gem. — Sanballat sent, under a pretence of friendship, to 
 inform Nehemiah of a report in circulation, that the Jews 
 were preparing to revolt from the king of Persia, and place 
 him on the throne ; and that he employed prophets, who 
 should preach this to them, as the will of God. This Gashmu, 
 or Geshem , (2) attested to be fact, and was prepared to prove: 
 and, being circulated in the surrounding nations, it was likely 
 soon to come to the ears of Artaxerxes, and to bring upon 
 the Jews the whole weight of his indignation. — If such re- 
 ports had indeed been circulated and credited, there would 
 have been cause for alarm : for those despotic kings, upon 
 the least suspicion, often drove their lieutenants into rebel- 
 lion, as their only hope of self-preservation. But it was en- 
 tirely a fiction invented to frighten Nehemiah, or render him 
 incapable of proceeding. The letter was sent open ; thatthS 
 contents, being known to the people, might excite them tc 
 mutiny, or |o forsake the work 'for fear of the Persians: 
 (Notes, 2 ICings 18:26 — 35.) and the proposal of taking 
 counsel with him, as if Sanballat and his friends were desi- 
 rous of concerting measures for the common safety, was an 
 artful device made in order to get him into their hands, that 
 they might do him mischief. But Nehemiah, being conscious 
 of his innocency, and satisfied that no such reports were cir- 
 culated, simply denied the charge, and let them know, that 
 he was aware that the whole was their own fiction: and, as 
 they intended to weaken his hands from his work, he toon 
 occasion to beg of God to “strengthen his hands.” The 
 words, O God, tjrc not in the original ; and some interpret 
 the sentence, as Nehemiah’s resolution to proceed with 
 increasing earnestness ; but they seem rather to be an ejacu- 
 lation ; and the omission of the address implies the holy, yet 
 reverend familiarity, with which this pious man communed 
 with his condescending Father and Friend, and shows that 
 his heart was habitually employed in thinking of his God. 
 (Note, John 20:11 — 17.) 
 
 V. 10 — 14. Sanballat and his party being once more 
 baffled, employed a still more subtle and dangerous expe- 
 dient, suborning persons, who were reputed to be prophets, 
 to give Nehemiah evil counsel in the name of God. The 
 principal person concerned was Shemaiah, of whom Nehe- 
 miah seems previously to have had a good opinion. He was 
 “ shut up” in some chamber adjoining the sanctuary, proba- 
 bly as a token of his own fear, and a sign to Nehemiah ot 
 what he ought to do; who, perhaps being sent to, went to 
 confer with him, as a friend and a prophet. The environs 
 of the temple were secured by wails and gates, w-hL-a ste 
 ( 839 ) 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 B. C. 445. 
 
 maiah the son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabeel, 
 who was b shut up; and he said, c Let us meet 
 together in d the house of God, within the temple, 
 and 'let us shut the doors of the temple: for they 
 will come to slay thee ; yea, f in the night will they 
 come to £lay thee. 
 
 11 And I said, ^Should such a man as I flee? 
 and who is there , that, being as I am , h would 
 go into the temple to save his life? I will not 
 go in. 
 
 12 And lo, 'I perceived that k God had not 
 sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy 
 against me : for Tobiah and Sanballat had ‘hired 
 him. 
 
 13 Therefore was he hired, m that I should be 
 afraid, and do so, and sin, and n that they might 
 have matter for an evil report, °that they might 
 reproach me. 
 
 14 pMy God, ^ think thou upon Tobiah and 
 Sanballat, according to these their works, and r on 
 
 b 2 Kings 9:8. Jer. 36:5. Ez. 3:24. c Pe. 12:2. 37:12. 120:2,3. d 1 Kings 6:5. 
 2 Kings 11:3. e 2 Chr. 28:24. 29:3,7. Mai. 1:10. Acts 21:30. f Job 24: 13— 17. 
 John 3:20. g 3. 1 Sam. 19:5. Job 4:3— 6. Ps. 11:1,2. Prov. 28:1. Is. 10:18. 
 Luke 13:31— 33. Acts 8:1. 20:24. 21:13. Heb. 11:27. h 9. Nura. 32:7— 9. Ec. 
 10:1. Phil. 2:17,30. i Ez. 13:22. 1 Cor. 2:15. 12:10. k Jer. 14:14. 23:16,25. 28: 
 15. Ez. 13:7. 1 John 4:1. 1 Is. 56:11. Ez. 13:19. Mic. 3:11. Acts20:33. 1 Tim. 
 8:3. Tit. 1:7. 1 Pet. 5:2. 2 Pet. 2:3. Rev. 18:13. m Prov. 29:5. Is. 51:7,12,13. 
 67:11. Jer. 1:17. Ez.2:6. Malt. 10:28. 2 Tim. 1:7. Rev. 21:8. n 6. Prov. 22:1. 
 Ec. 7:1. o Jer. 18:18. 20:10. Dan. 6:4,5. Matt. 22:15. 26:59. Acts 6:13. 2Cor. 
 
 gates of the city were not set up. Shemaiah therefore pro- 
 fessed great concern for Nehemiah’s safety ; and counselled 
 him to take refuge in the temple with him, lest his enemies 
 should come and murder him by night ; or that very night , 
 as his words seem to imply. If Nehemiah had followed this 
 advice, he would have lost his reputation for courage and 
 confidence in God ; and have appeared weak and contempti- 
 ble: the people would have taken the alarm, deserted the 
 work, and sought their own safety : the accusations of his 
 enemies would have gained credit, even in the Persian court ; 
 and he would have appeared conscious of bad intentions. In 
 short, it would have overturned his whole design, and given 
 his enemies their desired advantage. (Notes, Matt. 4:1 — 
 11.) But Nehemiah soon saw through this project likewise. 
 From the nature of the counsel, and by proper investigation, 
 he perceived that Shemaiah was not delivering a message 
 from God ; but that he pronounced this prophecy against 
 him, intending his ruin ; having been hired by Tobiah and 
 Sanballat, that Nehemiah might contract guilt, and expose 
 himself to reproach. — When the rank of Nehemiah, and his 
 authority, were considered, with his conscious integrity and 
 professed confidence in God, and the importance of his work, 
 it appeared very inconsistent for him to flee and hide himself. 
 In such circumstances, even the preservation of life formed 
 but a subordinate consideration : the support of the public 
 cause, by an example of intrepidity, firmness, and consistency 
 ought to be first considered. Any brave commander w< uld 
 venture his life, when the event of a decisive battle, and the 
 fate of his country were at stake, and would scorn to flee at 
 the appearance of danger : how much more then should Ne- 
 hemiah venture his, for the glory of God and the benefit of 
 his church ! To take refuge in the temple in such a case, 
 would be to prefer a disgraceful short lived safety, to the 
 most important of all causes. (Note, Acts 8:1.) Nehemiah, 
 therefore, not only with decided firmness rejected this counsel, 
 as inconsistent with the mpst evident scriptural principles: 
 but, as Shemaiah, and Noadiah the prophetess, and the other 
 pretended prophets, had most basely sold their services to 
 the enemies of God and religion : he subjoins his prayers for 
 their confusion and disappointment. (Note, 2 Tim. 4:14,15.) 
 
 V. 15, lfi. This important and difficult work was completed 
 in so very short a time, and under so many disadvantages, 
 that even the adversaries of the Jews were convinced that 
 God had prospered them. He had given them health, 
 strength, courage, and unity ; he had restrained their op- 
 osers and kept off interruptions ; and he succeeded the whole 
 y his blessing: so that “the work was wrought of their 
 God.” This dejected their enemies, and made them fore- 
 node the future prevalence of the Jews ; but it did not allure 
 hem to desire a portion among that favoured people. (Notes, 
 1 Sam. 24:16 — 22. Esth. 6:13.) — Elul. (15) Answering to 
 part of August and part, of September, as it is supposed : for 
 it is not elsewhere mentioned. 
 
 V. 17 — 19. While the wall was building, and afterwards, 
 several of the nobles of Judah were in the interest of Tobiah, 
 and held a traitorous correspondence with him: some of them, 
 having joined affinity with him, had engaged others to swear 
 to serve him, as they had opportunity. Nay, they had the 
 confidence, or rather insolence, to report the good deeds, or 
 supposed excellent endowments, of this bitter enemy of God 
 and his people, to Nehemiah ; either intimating to him that 
 he ought to imitate them, or to form an alliance with so 
 worthy a character! And at tho same time they betrayed 
 Nehemiah’s measures to hitn. But his pious and excellent 
 man, who had so strenuously pleaded the cause of the op- 
 pressed poor, would not, in his present circumstances, exer- 
 
 ( 840 ) 
 
 the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the pro 
 phets, that would have put me in fear. 
 
 15 II So 'the wall was finished in the twenty 
 and fifth day of the month Elul, 'in fifty and two 
 days. 
 
 16 And it came to pass, that "when all our ene- 
 mies heard thereof \ and all the heathen that were 
 about us saw these things, they were much cast 
 down in their own eyes : "for they perceived that 
 tlus work was wrought of our God. 
 
 17 H Moreover, in those days nhe nobles o. 
 Judah 'sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the 
 letters of Tobiah came unto them. 
 
 18 For there were many in Judah sworn unto 
 him, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah 
 the son of "Arab ; and his son Johanan had taken 
 the daughter of “Meshullam the son o Berechiah. 
 
 19 Also b they reported his good deeds before 
 me, and uttered my f words to him. And Tobiah 
 sent letters c to put me in fear. 
 
 11:12. 1 Tim. 5:14. Tit. 2:8. p5:19. Ps. 22:1 . 63:1. q 4:4,5. 13:29. Ps. 140:5 
 —11. Jer. 11:20—23. 18:20—23. 2 Tim. 4:14,15.. 1 John 5:10. rl Kings 22:22— 
 24. Is. 9:14,15. Jer. 14:15,16. 28:1,10,15. Kz 13: 16,17. Ma tt. 7:15. 24: 11 ,21. 
 2 Tim. 3:8. Rev. 19:20. s Ezra 6:15. Ps. 1:3. Dan. 9:25. t 4:1,2. u 2:10. 4: 
 1,7. 6:1,2. x Ex. 14:25. Num. 23:23. Josh. 5:1. Ps. 126:2. ▼ 3:5. 5:7. 13:28. 
 Mic. 7:3 — 6. Malt. 24:10 — 12. * Heb . multiplied their letters passing lo To- 
 biah. z7:10. Ezra2:5. a3:4,30. bProv.28:4. John 7:7. 15:19. 1 John 4:5. 
 t Or, matters, c 9,13. Is. 37:10 — 14. Acts 4: 18 — 21. 
 
 cise the authority, with which he was invested, against his 
 own enemies in Judah, however basely they acted towards 
 him ; but persevered in serving his people, notwithstanding 
 their treachery and ingratitude ! 
 
 PRACTICAL 6BSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. The whole power and policy of Satan and his 
 servants have always been directed against those, who 
 zealously seek the welfare of the church of God ; and though 
 often baffled, they are unwearied in their projects. — The 
 rage of persecutors, though terrible, is not so dangerous as the 
 professed friendship of concealed enemies: so that except 
 there is good evidence that men, who have opposed the 
 cause of God, have truly repented, and been reconciled to 
 him, they cannot safely be trusted, when they court the 
 favour of his people, hut should rather be suspected of some 
 mischievous design. (Notes and P. O. Ezra 4:1 — 6. Notes 
 Acts 9:10 — 16,23 — 30.) If we received no other damage 
 
 from their insincere friendship, we should be taken off from 
 our work to no purpose : we should not then suffer ourselves 
 to be overcome by importunity ; for we had better offend 
 man by a refusal, than sin against God by compliance. — 
 Even our common lawful business ought to have a decided 
 preference to all matters of mere compliment : how much 
 more then our peculiar duties as Christians, magistrates, or 
 ministers of religion, in proportion to their importance and 
 difficulty ! — It is desirable to be constantly engaged in some 
 useful employ ; among other reasons, that we may have an 
 answer ready for those invitations and proposals, which we 
 cannot profitably accept, and scarcely know how to refuse. 
 The active servant of God, may, on any such occasion, 
 say, “ I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down ; 
 why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down 
 to you ?” And this is enough, as a reason for avoiding those 
 circles, where no good can he got or done ; and which inter- 
 fere with the duties of the closet and the family, and pre- 
 vent the redeeming of our time and the improvement of our 
 talents. — The deceitful smiles of the world frequently form 
 our first temptation in the path of duly. But if we steadfastly 
 withstand them, and will not be diverted from our work, we 
 must prepare for reproaches, slanders, and menaces, from 
 the same quarter. Our firmness will he called obstinacy ; 
 our zeal , rashness; and our activity , ambition : nay, we shall 
 be warned, that we are about to affront all our friends, and 
 turn them into enemies ; and to bring ourselves into dangers 
 and difficulties, from w-hich we cannot extricate ourselves, 
 unless we follow other counsels, and act more circumspectly. 
 The zealous servants of God have also, in every age arid 
 place, been unjustly traduced, as rebellious to the ruling 
 powers: and their malicious enemies have oflen represented 
 their own slanders, as the general sentiments of mankind. 
 (Notes, Ezra\'.\\ — 24. P. O.l — 24.) These misrepresen- 
 tations tend to weaken the hands of the courageous; and they 
 prejudice, alarm, and draw off such as were helpful to their 
 pious designs. But a clear conscience, a lively faith, an 
 assured persuasion that we are doing our duty, and a zeal for 
 the honour of God, will carry us above all discouragements: 
 and, being satisfied with denying the charges brought against 
 us, it is bft>t to persevero in our proper employment, without 
 wasting time in altercations or self-vindication ; only lifting 
 up our prayer to God, to “strengthen our hands,” and en- 
 courage our hearts. 
 
 V. 10 — 19. A thousand slanders will die aw ny, one aftei 
 another ; while the malice of their authors viP he exposed: 
 but one real crime sometimes leaves an incclil/M stain upon 
 a mans character, and obstructs his futiue usefulness: let 
 us then fear the least sin far more than a : calu any. But 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Nshemiah, having finished the wall, and regulated the attendance of the Lc- 
 vile*, commits the charge of the city to Hanani anti Hananiah, 1 — 4. He 
 finds a register of those who first came from Babylon, 5 — 7. The register is 
 inserted, 6 — 69. The oblations made to the temple, 70 — 73. 
 
 N OW it came to pass, when "the wall was built, 
 and ’’I had set up the doors, and "the por- 
 ters, and the singers, and the Levites were ap- 
 pointed, 
 
 2 That I gave d my brother Hanani, and 'Ha- 
 naniah f the ruler of the palace, charge over Jeru- 
 salem : for he was ea faithful man, and ’’feared 
 God above many. 
 
 3 And I said unto them, ’Let not the gates of 
 Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot ; and 
 while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and 
 bar them : and appoint watches of the inhabitants 
 of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and Jevery 
 one to be over against his house. 
 
 4 Now the city was ‘large and great : but the 
 
 a3:l,&c. 6:15. b3:3.6:l. c 10:39. 11:3. 12:111. 1 Clir. 23:25. 96: 2Clir.31: 
 2. Ezra 3:8. d 1:2. c 10:23. f 2:8. gNum. 12:7. Ps. 101:6. Dan. 6:4. Mall. 
 24:45. 25 21. Luke 16:10-12. 1 Cor. 4:2. 2 Tim. 2:2. Ii 5:15. Gen. 42:18. F.x. 
 18:21. 2 Sam. 23:3. 1 Kings 18:3,12. Job 1:1. Is. 33:5,6. i 13:19. Ps. 127:1. 
 Matt. 10:16. j 3:23,28 — 30. * Heb. broad in spaces. k Ts. 58:12. Hag. 1:4— 
 6. Matt. 6:33. 15:19.6:14. m Ezra 7:27. 1 Cor. 15:10. 2 Cor. 3:5.8:16. Phil. 
 
 those temptations are the most dangerous, which come from 
 professed servants of God, and our own friends. When per- 
 sons of this description, with apparent piety and affection, 
 counsel the zealous to be more moderate and cautious, the 
 diligent 44 to spare himself,” and the bold to take care of him- 
 self: the insinuation has great effect. Our appeal, however, 
 in this case, must be to the word of God. ( Notes , 1 Kings 
 22:13,14. Matt. 16:21—23.) That cannot be from him, let 
 who will speak it, which contradicts his plain precept or 
 truth ; or which would induce us to neglect our duty, or 
 prefer our own ease, emolument, credit, liberty, or life, to 
 his glory and the welfare of his church , or which would per- 
 suade us to shrink from the cross, or refuse self-denial. 
 Manj' such counsellors are in the pay of the enemy : for, 
 being induced to timeserving in their own case, from inter- 
 ested motives, they consider the conduct of the more zealous 
 as a reproach, and want to be kept in countenance by their 
 example : and if we knew from what motives grave advice 
 is sometimes given, we should understand from what quarter 
 it came, without further information. We need not always, 
 however, judge the adviser , but we ought in all cases, to try 
 and prove the advice , and without scruple to reject all that 
 is contrary to the word of God. Every man should also 
 study consistency with his profession, former character, sta- 
 tion, and engagements. That which is allowable in one 
 man, may be very improper in another ; and we ought to 
 venture any thing in a good cause, trusting in the Lord, and 
 committing ourselves to his protection. It is therefore useful 
 frequently to inquire, ‘Should such a man as I do so and so? 
 Should I, who am a Christian, a saint, a child of God, a 
 member of Christ, a temple of the Holy Spirit, a ransomed 
 sinner, an heir of heaven ; one set up to be 44 a light in the 
 world,” and 44 the salt pf the earth,” a preacher of righteous- 
 ness, and 44 a steward of the mysteries of God ;” should I 
 even appear to be covetous, or sensual, or proud, or en- 
 vious ? Should I yield to impatience, discontent, or anger ? 
 Should I be slothful, unbelieving, or unmerciful and unkind ? 
 What effects will such conduct in me have upon others? 
 
 Will not some be grieved, many misled and prejudiced ; 
 others emboldened in ungodliness and enmity to the truth ? 
 Will not this prevent the effect of my exhortation or persua- 
 sions, in my family, among my connexions, or from the 
 pulpit? 5 Thus, all that God has done for us, or by us, may 
 become an argument for watchfulness, diligence, self-denial, 
 and perseverance. — It is also peculiarly instructive to con- 
 
 sider, how. others in similar circumstances would act. 
 
 4 Would Peter or Paul have done so, to save their money, 
 to indulge their sloth or pride, to escape a cross, a prison, 
 or death? Do even the men of the world suffer themselves 
 so easily to be diverted from their object, by every appear- 
 ance of difficulty or peril.’ — In all cases indeed they, who 
 would lead others in arduous services, must share the danger 
 and the hardship : and this is the reason, why the enemy of 
 souls employs so many instruments, and forms so many pro- 
 jects, to discourage, or bring a reproach on, the active ser- 
 vants of God. If the shepherd can be frighted away, the 
 flock will be scattered. — Every success of the gospel dis- 
 courages the enemies of God : and they sometimes peiceive 
 that it is his work, and yet hate it the more on that very ac- 
 :ount : but false brethren are the severest trial to the faithful 
 ervants of God. 44 They who forsake the law praise the 
 wicked ( Note , Prov. 28:4.) and those who form marriages 
 
 with the avowed opposers of the gospel, will probably soon 
 K>in their party, notwithstanding their present pretensions. 
 Many leading men, yea, preachers and prophets in the visi- 
 ble church of God, will be found 44 workers of iniquity.” But 
 under every discouragement, we should “consider Jesus, 
 who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself 
 Vol. I.— 106 
 
 people were few therein, and k the houses were 
 not huilded. 
 
 5 H And ’my God ’"put into my heart to gather 
 together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, 
 "that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And 
 I found a register oi" the genealogy of them which 
 came up at the first, and found written therein, 
 
 6 These are °the children of the province, p. c. 
 that went up out of the captivity, of those L 55S - 
 that had been carried away, Pvvhom Nebuchad- 
 nezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, 
 and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every 
 one unto his city ; 
 
 7 Who came with ‘'Zerubbabel, "Jeshua, Nehe- 
 miah, "Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, 
 Bilshan, ‘Mispereth, Bigvai, "Nehum, Baanah. 
 The number, i say, of the men of the people o! 
 Israel was this ; 
 
 8 The children of "Parosh, two thousand a 
 hundred and seventy and two. 
 
 2:12,13. Col. 1:29. Jam. 1:16,17. n 64. lChr.9:l. Ezra2:62. oEzra2:L 
 
 Sc. 5:8. 6:2. p 2 Kings 24:14— 16. 25:11. 2 Chr. 36: Jer. 39 : 52: q 12:1,7,10. 
 Ez. 1:11. Sheshbazzrtr . 2:2. Hag. 1:1. Matt. 1:12,13. Zorobabtl. r Ezra 3:8, 
 9. 5:2. Zech. 3:1 — 3. Joshua, s Ezra 2:2. Seeraiah, Reelaiah. t Ezra 2:2. 
 Mizpar. u 12:3. Ezra 2:2. Rehum. x 10:14. Ezra2:3. 8:3. Pharosh. 10:25. 
 
 lest we be weary, and faint in our mind and who 44 laid 
 down his life for his sheep;” that after his example we may 
 persevere in our duty, amidst every danger and opposition; 
 not being overcome by the treachery, ingratitude, or per- 
 verseness of those around us, but still endeavouring to 
 “overcome evil with good:” and 44 in due season we shall 
 reap, if we faint not.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VII. V. 1. The singers, &c.] This 
 either refers to some regulations made by Nehemiah con- 
 cerning the ministrations of the Levites at the temple ; or to 
 his preparations for solemnly dedicating the wall. ( Marg. 
 Ref. Notes , 12:27—43.) 
 
 V. 2, 3. It has been supposed by some learned men that 
 Nehemiah having finished the wall, and made other needful 
 regulatious, returned to the Persian court ; but that he not 
 long after came again to Jerusalem with a new commission: 
 and that on this occasion he placed his brother Hanani, and 
 Hananiah over the city, and gave them instructions how to 
 manage in his absence. The charge, however, here given, 
 and the service required, would be necessary even when Ne- 
 hemiah resided at .Terusalen: for he could not superintend the 
 gates and the watchmen, without being taken off from other 
 important and numerous engagements. Doubtless Hanani 
 was a proper person, or else Nehemiah would not have pre- 
 ferred him to this important trust ; and his journey to Shu- 
 shan, if it indeed took place, may be supposed to have been 
 undertaken out of a zealous regard to his people and his reli- 
 gion : (Note, 1:2.) but of Hananiah it is expressly said, that 
 “he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.’ 
 (Notes, 5:14—18. 1 Kings 18:3,12—16. Ps. 101:6.)— ‘At 
 night he charges them to stand by, and see the gates shut and 
 barred in their presence. 5 Bp. Patrick. — Ruler of the palace. 
 (2) * * * 4 So the house where Nehemiah dwelt is called, because 
 
 he was governor for the king, and a kind of Viceroy, who did 
 all the king’s business, and here gave audience to the people, 
 as the king was wont to do in his palace. 5 Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, 2:8.) 
 
 V. 4. The walls had been built upon their old foundations, 
 in confidence that God in due time would replenish the city: 
 but there were only a small number of inhabitants, compared 
 with those of former ages ; so that large spaces remained 
 unoccupied. This would render it the more requisite that a 
 strict watch should he kept, lest their enemies should scale 
 the walls unobserved : and on the same account it was abso- 
 lutely necessary that proper measures should be adopted for 
 replenishing the city with inhabitants. 
 
 V. 5, 6. This account was taken of the people, in order 
 to bring the tenth part of them to reside in Jerusalem, (Notey 
 11:1,2.) and as it proved an useful measure, Nehemiah piously 
 and reasonably ascribed the first thought of it to God, who 
 44 put it into his heart.” (Marg. Ref. Note, Jam. 1:16 — 18.) 
 In conducting this business he found the register of those who 
 came up with Zerubbabel ; which is here inserted nearly as 
 we had it before. (Notes, Ezra 2:1 — 67.) ‘Nehemiah 
 
 found that list of those who came up in the first of Cyrus, as 
 it was taken then : and ... he called over the names of the 
 families as they lay in order there : . . . but he took the num- 
 ber of them as they were now when he numbered them. 
 Some families were now more m number than they were 
 when that first was made, some were less ; and some thal 
 were in that list were not to be found now. . . . Some . . . 
 had come from Babel ; some . . . were now gone back.' 
 IJghtfoot , as quoted by Bp. Patrick. — As, however, the 
 greatest part of the families consist of exactly the same num- 
 ber in both places ; and the sum total in each, with several 
 other particulars, entirely coincides ; it can hardly be con- 
 ceived that almost a hundred years should have made no 
 greater changes. — Should any, however, conjecture, that 
 ( 841 ) 
 
B. C. 445 NEHEMIAH. B. C. 445 
 
 9 The chil Iren of ?Shephatiah, three hundred 
 seventy and two. 
 
 10 The children of 'Arab, six hundred fifty and 
 two. 
 
 11 The children of “Pahath-moab, of the chil- 
 dren of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight 
 hundred and eighteen. 
 
 12 The children of b Elam, a thousand two hun- 
 dred fifty and four. 
 
 13 The children of 'Zattu, eight hundred forty 
 and five. 
 
 11 The children of d Zaccai, seven hundred and 
 threescore. 
 
 15 The children of 'Binnui, six hundred forty 
 and eight. 
 
 16 The children of fBebai, six hundred twenty 
 and eight. 
 
 17 The children of eAzgad, two thousand three 
 hundred twenty and two. 
 
 18 The children of h Adonikam, six hundred 
 threescore and seven. 
 
 19 The children of ‘Bigvai, two thousand three- 
 score and seven. 
 
 20 The children of k Adin, six hundred fifty and 
 five. 
 
 21 The children of ‘Ater of Hezekiah, ninety 
 and eight. 
 
 22 The children of m Hashum, three hundred 
 twenty and eight. 
 
 23 The children of"Bezai, three hundred twenty 
 and four. 
 
 24 The children of “Hariph, a hundred and 
 twelve. 
 
 25 The children of rGibeon, ninety and five. 
 
 26 The men of ^Beth-lehem and Netophah, a 
 hundred fourscore and eight. 
 
 27 The men of r Anathoth, a hundred twenty 
 and eight. 
 
 28 The men of “Beth-azmaveth, forty and 
 uvo. 
 
 29 The men of ‘Kirjath-jearim, Chephirath, 
 and Beerolh, seven hundred forty and three. 
 
 30 The men of “Ramah and Gaba, six hundred 
 twenty and one. 
 
 31 The men of *Michmas, a hundred and 
 twenty and two. 
 
 32 The men of tBeth-el and Ai, a hundred 
 twenty and three. 
 
 33 The men of the other z Nebo, fifty and two. 
 
 34 The children of “the other Elam, a thou- 
 sand two hundred fifty and four. 
 
 35 The children of b Harim, three hundred and 
 twenty. 
 
 36 The children of 'Jericho, three hundred 
 forty and five. 
 
 37 The children of d Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 
 seven hundred twenty and one. 
 
 38 The children of c Senaah, three thousand 
 nine hundred and thirty. 
 
 39 It The priests: the children of fJedaiah, of 
 the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and 
 three. 
 
 40 The children of simmer, a thousand fitly 
 and two. 
 
 41 The children of h Pashur, a thousand two 
 hundred forty and seven. 
 
 42 The children of 'Harim, a thousand and 
 seventeen. 
 
 43 H The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of 
 
 * E,ra *2:4. 8:8. 7. 6:18. Kira 2-5. [775.1 a 10:14. Earn 2:6. [2812.] 8:4. b Kara 
 8:7. 8:7. 10:26. c Ezra 2:8. f 945-3 <1 Ezra 2:9. e Ezra 2:10. Bani. [642.] f Ezra 
 
 11. [623.1 c Ezra 2:12.[1222. I li Ezra 2:13. [666.] i Ezra 2: 14. [ 2056.] k Ezra 
 
 15. T454.1 1 Ezra 216. m Ezra 2:19. [223.1 n Ezra 2:17. [323.] o Ezra2:18. 
 orah. p Ezra 2:20. Gihbah.q Ezra 2:21 ,2-2. [179.’ r Ezra 2:23. Is. 10:30. Jer.1T. 
 1:21. • Ezra 2:24. Azmaveth. I Josh. 9: 17. Ezra 2:25. Kirjath-arim. u Josh. 
 18:24.25. Ezra 2:26. x 1 Sam. 13:5,23. Ezra 2:27. Is. i0:28. Michmtuh. 
 y Josh. 8:9,17. Ezra 2:28. [223.] z Ezra 2:29. a 12. Ezra 2.31. h Ezra 2:32. 10: 
 $1. c Ezra 2:34. A 6.2. 11:34,35. 1 Chr. 8:12. Ezra 2:33. [725. 1 e Ezra 2.35. 
 3630.] fl Chr. 24:7. Ezra 2:36. gl ( hr. 24:14. Ezrji2:37. h 1 Chr. 9:12. 24: 
 
 Ezra 2:38. 10:22. I 1 Chr. 24:8. Ezra 2:39. 10:31. k Ezra 2:40. Hodaviah. 
 
 some ancient copyist had inserted the wrong register, and 
 that his mistake had been generally followed ; the very con- 
 clusion would show, that such alterations are almost, always 
 liable to detection ; and no reasonable man would think it 
 tho least objection to the divine inspiration of the sacred 
 Scriptures. 
 
 t 843 ) 
 
 Kadmiel, and of the children of Ulodevah, seventy 
 and four. 
 
 44 11 ‘The singers : the children of Asaph, a 
 hundred forty and eight. 
 
 45 If m The porters : the children of Shallum 
 the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, tin 
 children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the 
 children of Shobai, a hundred thirty and eight 
 
 46 H The “Nethinims : the children of Ziha, 
 the children of °Hashupha, the children of Tab- 
 baoth, 
 
 47 The children of Keros, the children ofrSia, 
 the children of Padon, 
 
 48 The children of Lebana, the children of 
 nHagaba, the children of 'Shalmai, 
 
 49 The children of Hanan, the children of 
 Giddel, the children of Gahar, 
 
 50 The children of Reaiah, the children of 
 Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 
 
 51 The children of Gazzam, the children of 
 Uzza, the children of ’Phaseah, 
 
 52 The children of Bcsai, the children rf 
 Meunim, the children of ‘Nephishesim, 
 
 53 The children of Bakbuk, the children of 
 Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 
 
 54 The children of u Bazlith, the children of 
 Mehida, the children of Harsha, 
 
 55 The children of Barkos, the children of 
 Sisera, the children of v Tamah, 
 
 56 The children of Neziah, the children of 
 Hatipha. 
 
 57 If The children of x Solomon’s servants: 
 the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, 
 the children of ^Perida, 
 
 58 The children of 'Jaala, the children of 
 Darkon, the children of Giddel, 
 
 59 The children of Shephatiah, the children 
 of Hattil, the children of rochereth of Zebaim, 
 the children of a Amon. 
 
 60 All b the Nethinims, and the children of SoDo- 
 mon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and 
 two. 
 
 61 And these were they which went up also 
 from Tel-melah, 'Tel-haresha, Cherub, Addon, 
 and Immer : but they could not show their 
 father’s house, nor their ’seed, whether they were 
 of Israel. 
 
 62 The children of Delaiah, the children of 
 Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, d six hundred 
 forty and two. 
 
 63 If And e of the priests: the children of 
 Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of 
 Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of 
 ‘Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called 
 after their name. 
 
 64 These sought their register among ethose 
 that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not 
 found : therefore were they, as polluted, put from 
 the priesthood. 
 
 65 And f the Tirshatha, said unto them, h thnt 
 they should not eat of the most holv things, 
 ‘till there stood up a priest with Urim and 
 Thummim. 
 
 66 If The k whole congregation together was 
 forty and two thousand three hundred and three- 
 score ; 
 
 67 Besides ’their man-servants, and their maid- 
 servants, of whom there were seven thousand 
 three hundred thirty and seven : and they had 
 
 3:9. Julnh. 1 I Chr. 25:2. Run 2:41 . [1 28.] mtfhr.26: Kirs 2:42. [139.] 
 n Lev. 27:2—8. Josh. 9:23-27. I Chr. 9:2 o Krrn 2:43. Hnsujihn. p Rr.r» 2: 
 44. Sia'ia. q Ezra 2. 45 46. Hngabnh , or, Ilagnh. r Ezra 2:46. Shamlai. 
 s Ezra 2:49. Bcisrah . I Ezra 2:50. Ncphmim. u Ezra 2:52. Bmhit'i. v Ezra 
 2:53. Thamah. xll:3. y Ezra 2:55. I'cnida. t Eirn 2:56. Jtia/oA. a Ezra 
 2:57. Ami. bEzra2:58. c Ezra 2:59. Tnl/mren. Adrian. *0 r,})*digr«a. 
 
 d Ezra 2:60. [652 ] e Ezra 2:61— 63. f 2 Sam. 17:27. 19:31— 39. IKing«2:7. 
 g 5. 1 Chr. 9:1. t Or, the governor. 8:9. 10:1. Ezra 2:63. h l.cv. 2:3,10. 6:17. 
 10:17,18.21:21—23. i Ex. 28:80. Num. 27:21. DdUl. 33:8. kE:ru2:64. 1 la. 
 
 45:1,2. Jer. 27.7. 
 
 V. 7 — G9. JMarg. Rtf. Note , 5,6 . — The Tirshatha , &c. 
 (65) NotCy Ezra 2:61 — 63 . — The wholcy &c. (66) Note , 
 Ezra 2:64. 
 
 V. 70 — 72. This seems to have been a distinct oblation 
 from that recorded in Ezra: ( Note , Ezra 2:68 — 70.) and 
 was probably made after thtf people were registered by 
 
B. 0. 4 14 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 B. C. 445. 
 
 “two hund ed fort> and five singing men and 
 singing woi len. 
 
 68 "Their horses, seven hundred thirty and 
 six : their mules, two hundred forty and five : 
 
 69 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five : 
 six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses. 
 
 70 H And 'some of "the chief of the fathers 
 gave unto the work. rThe Tirshatha gave to 
 the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty 
 ‘‘basins, five hundred and thirty priests’ garments. 
 
 71 And some of the "chief of the fathers gave 
 to the treasure of the work twenty thousand 
 drams of "old, and two thousand and two hun- 
 dred pounds of silver. 
 
 72 And that which the rest of the people 
 gave was twenty thousand drams of gold and 
 two thousand pounds of silver, and threescore 
 and seven priests’ garments. 
 
 73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the 
 porters, and the singers, and some of the people, 
 and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their 
 cities ; and ’when the seventh month came, the 
 children of Israel were in their cities. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 ‘i'tie -people being assembled, Ezra , with solemn worship , reads and expounds 
 the law, 1 — 8. The people are greatly affected : but Nehemiah, Ezra , and 
 the Levites, exhort them to joy in God, to cheerful feasting, and to liberality 
 towards the poor, 9 — 12. Being instructed from the law concerning the 
 f east of tabernacles , they keep it with great solemnity, 13 — 18. 
 
 A ND ’all the people gathered themselves 
 together b as one man into the street that 
 
 m Ezra 2:65. [200.] n Ezra 2:66,67. * Heb .part. Ezra 2:68 — 70. o Num. 7:2 — 
 86. 1 Chr. 29:3-9. p 8:9 10:1. q Ex. 12:22. 24:6. 1 Kings 7:45. 1 Chr. 28:17. 
 2 Chr. 4:8,11. Jer. 52:19. r Job 34:19. f.uke 21 :1— 4. 2 Cor. 8:12. s Ezra 2:70. 3: 
 1. a Ezra 3:1. b Judg. 20:1,8. c 16. 3:26. 12:37. d 4—9. Ezra 7:6,1 1 . Jer. 8:8.9. 
 Matt. 13:52. 23:2,13,34. e 2 Chr. 34: 15. Is. 8:20. Mai. 4:4. fDeut. 17:18. 31: 
 £,10. Mai. 2:7. g Dettl. 31:11 — 13. 2 Chr. 17:7 — S. * Heb. understood in hear- 
 ins'. Is. 28:9. h Lev. 23:24. Num. 29:1— 6. i Luke 4:16— 20. Acts 13:15,27. 
 15:21. + Heb. light. Acts 20:7,11. 28:23. k Malt. 7:28,29. Mark 12:37. Luke 
 8:18. 19:48. Acts 16:14. 171:11. lThes.2:13. Heb. 2:1— 3. Rev. 2:29. 3:22. 
 
 Nehemiah, who was the Tirshatha or governor at this time, 
 as Zerubbabel had been at the first return of the Jews from 
 captivity. The principal persons also concurred with him 
 liberally, according to their ability. 
 
 V. 73. This verse so accords with the last verse of the 
 second of Ezra, and the first of the third, that it is doubtful 
 whether it should be understood of the Jews who returned 
 under Zerubbabel; or of what followed after Nehemiah had 
 registered them. If it be taken in the latter sense ; and if 
 the events next recorded took place in the same year with the 
 building of the wall, as probably they did : there could be no 
 time for Nehemiah to go to Babylon : (Note, 2,3.) for the wall 
 was not finished till the twenty-fifth day of Elul, or the sixth 
 month. (6:15.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The active servants of God, and of his church, will never 
 want employment ; for the completion of one design will 
 make way for the commencement of another. — The fear of 
 God powerfully possessing the heart, produces proportionable 
 fidelity and conscientiousness in a man’s whole character and 
 conduct : and it is happy for the community when men of this 
 character have the charge of public affairs. — 44 Except the 
 Lord keep the city,” the walls are built, and 44 the watchmen 
 wake, in vain:” yet in this and all other concerns, God is to 
 be trusted in the use of prudent and proper means, and not to 
 be tempted by the neglect of them. (Note, Ps. 127:1. P. O. 
 Matt. 4:5 — 7.) — Magistrates and ministers have more exten- 
 sive charges than others: but every man ought to watch over 
 tis own heart, and his own house, that sin, the worst enemy, 
 may be kept at a distance as much as possible. — Provision is 
 made in the gospel, and in the city of our God, for immensely 
 greater numbers than have yet been enrolled citizens: we 
 should therefore be devising means for replenishing it with 
 inhabitants, as well as for building its walls. — 4 All holy de- 
 sires, all good counsels, and all just works are from God :’ to 
 him belongs the praise: when good thoughts are suggested ; 
 we should be careful not to 4 . 4 quench the Spirit,” by rejecting 
 them; (Note, 1 Thes. 5:16 — 22, v. 19.) and we ought con- 
 tinually to pray that our God would put more and more of 
 them into our hearts, and enable us to bring them to good 
 effect ; and that he would do the same for increasing numbers. 
 Then we might hope that many would concur in designs, as 
 yet scarcely thought of, for propagating the gospel and pro- 
 moting the salvalion of souls. — The Lord delights to honour 
 those who willingly face danger, and endure hardship for his 
 sake : and he knows the names of all his people, and will 
 produce the register at last. But wo be to those who turn 
 back from him, loving this present world: and happy they 
 who willingly come to dedicate themselves, and consecrate 
 their substance to his service and glory ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VIII. V. 1, 2. The feast of trumpets 
 was observed on the first day of the seventh month ; and the 
 people assembled to celebrate it, though not explicitly re- 
 quireo. (Note, Ijev. 23:24,25.) — It is probable that Nehe- 
 
 was "before the water-gate; and they spake unto 
 d Ezra the scribe to 'bring the book of the law ol 
 Moses, which the Loud had commanded to Israel. 
 
 2 And Ezra ‘the priest brought the law before 
 sthe congregation, both of men and women, and 
 all that 'could hear with understanding, upon ‘‘the 
 first day of the seventh month. 
 
 3 And ‘he read therein before the street that 
 was before the water-gate from the 'morning 
 until mid-day, before the men and the women, 
 and those that could understand ; and k the ears 
 of all the people were attentive unto the book of 
 the law. 
 
 4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a tpulpit of 
 wood, which they had made tor the purpose ; and 
 beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shcma, and 
 Anaiah, and Urijali, and Hilkiah, and 'Maaseiah, 
 on his right hand ; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, 
 and Mishael, and ‘"Malchiah, and "Hashum, and 
 Hashbadana, Zechariah, and “Meshullam. 
 
 5 And Ezra ‘■opened the book in the ^sight of 
 all the people ; (for he was above all the people ;) 
 and when he opened it, all the people ‘‘stood up: 
 
 6 And Ezra "blessed the Lord, the great God. 
 And all the people answered, ’Amen, Amen, ‘with 
 lifting up their hands: and they “bowed their 
 heads, and worshipped the Lord “with their faces 
 to the ground. 
 
 7 Also rJeshua, and z Bani, and ’Sherebi" | h 
 Jamin, b Akkub, Shabbethai, "Hodijah, ‘'Maaseiah, 
 
 JHeb. lower. 110:25.11:5. ml0:3. n 10:18. Ezra 10:33. o 10:7,20. 11:7. 
 12:13. Ezra 10:29. pLuke4:17. § Hcl>. eyes, q JikIv. 3:20. lKi.igs8:14. 
 rl Chr. 29:20. 2 Cllr. 6:4. Pa. 4 1 : 1 3. 12: 18,19. Eph. 1:3, 1 Pel. 1 :3. s5:13. 
 Jer. 23:6. Mall. 6:13. 1 Cor. 14:16. t Gen. 14:22. Ps. 28:2 . 63-4. 134:2. 141:2, 
 Lam. 3:41. lTim.2:8. nGen. 24:26. Ex. 4:31. 12:27. 2 Chr. 20:18. 29:30. 
 x Lev. 9:24. Mall. 26:39. Rev. 7:11. y 3:19. 9:4. 10:9. 12:24. ?. 3:17. 9:4. 10:13. 
 a9:4, 10:12. 12:24. Ezra8:18. 8 11:16,19.12:25. c 10:10,18. d 4. 3:23. 12i 
 41,42. Ezra 10:22. 
 
 miah having formed a plan for their instruction from the law, 
 called on them by this early attendance to concur in iL 
 Doubtless the appointed sacrifices were offered ; (Note, 
 Num. 29:1 — 6.) but the courts of the temple not being so 
 spacious or convenient, the congregation assembled in a broad 
 street of the city to hear the law read and expounded : and 
 not only the women, but even the children who were capa- 
 ble of understanding, attended. Accordingly Ezra the priest, 
 being a learned and ready scribe, having long been bestowing 
 much pains on the sacred Scriptures, and preparing correct 
 copies of them, was called upon to take the lead in this ser- 
 vice : and, though it does not appear that the measure origi- 
 nated with him, yet he most cordially concurred in it. (Note, 
 Ezra 7:6 — 10.) Some conjecture that Ezra had been at 
 Babylon during the preceding events, in which he is not men- 
 tioned ; and that he had lately returned : but perhaps he had 
 been privately occupied in his own line for the good of the 
 people, and was well satisfied to leave public affairs entirely 
 to Nehemiah. (Note, 1 Sam. 12:23.) 
 
 V. 3. The reading and expounding continued about six 
 hours from 44 the light,” (marg.) till noon ; and as most of the 
 people must have stood in the open air during a great part of 
 the time, it appears that they were not soon wearied. (Notes, 
 9:3. Acts 20:7 — 12. 28’23 — 29.) Indeed 44 the ears of all the 
 people were unto the book of the law ;” or hearkening to it 
 with profound attention. (Notes, Ijuke 19:45 — 48, v. 48. 
 Heb. 2:1 — 4.) 
 
 V. 4. 44 Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit, of wnorl, 5 * 
 
 4 to raise him higher than the people, that he might be the 
 better seen and heard by them al! : whence in the Hebrew, 
 it is called a tower of wood ; but was not like our pulpits, . . . 
 but large and long, that many persons might stand in it, as 
 appears by what follows.’ Bp. Patrick. Beside, &e.] Some 
 suppose that these persons, being priests or Levites under 
 Ezra’s directions, assisted by turns in the service, to prevent 
 his being worn down with it : but others think that they were 
 principal persons who thus showed their concurrence, by 
 standing on his right hand and on his left; or that they were 
 priests or Levites preparing for the same service on future 
 occasions. (Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 5, 6. Ezra having reverently opened the sacred volume ; 
 before he began to read first 44 blessed the Lord, the great 
 God he gave him thanks for the good gift of his holy law, 
 and for all his mercies ; he adored his great and glorious 
 Majesty; and he implored his blessing on the service before 
 him. To this the people gave a cordial and repeated assent ; 
 and, prostrating themselves on the ground, added their most 
 solemn worship. This was an excellent preparation for a due 
 regard to the sacred Scriptures ; and the example should be 
 imitated by those who preach and expound, or read and hear 
 the word of God. 
 
 V. 7. The persons mentioned in this verse must not bo 
 confounded with those who stood by Ezra in his pulpit or 
 tower : for only one of the same name occurs in both places; 
 ( 843 ; 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 NEHEMIAH, 
 
 B. C. 445. 
 
 ‘Kelita, 'Azariah, BJozahad, h Hanan, 'Pelaiah, 
 and the Levites, k caused the people to understand 
 the law: and the people stood in their place. 
 
 8 So they read in the book in the law of God 
 distinctly, 'and gave the sense, and caused them 
 to understand the reading. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 9 And '"Nehemiah, which is the 'Tirshatha, 
 and "Ezra the priest the scribe, and “the Levites 
 that taught the people, said unto all the people, 
 PThis day is holy unto the Lord your God ; 
 i mo urn not, nor weep. For r all the people wept, 
 when they heard the words of the law. 
 
 10 Then he said unto them, ‘Go your way, 
 eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and ‘send 
 portions unto them for whom nothing is pre- 
 pared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: 
 neither be ye sorry; for “the joy of the Lord is 
 your strength. 
 
 11 So the Levites “stilled all the people, saying, 
 Hold your peace, lor the day is holy ; neither be 
 ye grieved. 
 
 12 And all the people went their way to eat, 
 and to drink, and to send portions, and to make 
 great mirth, ^because they had understood the 
 words that were declared unto them. 
 
 t 10:10. Ezra 10:23. f 3:23. 10:2. 12:33. g Ezra 10:22,23. h 10:10. 110: 
 
 10. k Lei. 10:11. 1 Hab. 2:2. Matt. 5:21,22,27,28. Luke 24:27,32. AcU8: 
 30 — 35. 17:2,3. 28:23. m 7:65,70. 10:1. * Or , governor, n Ezra 7:11. o 7, 
 
 8. 2 Chr. 15:3. 30:22. 35:3. Iios. 4:6. p 2. Lev. 23:24. Num. 29:1-6. 
 
 q Deut. 12:7,12. 16:11,14,15. 26:14. Ec. 3:4. Mai. 2:13. r 2 Kings 22:11,19. 
 Rom. 3:20. 2 Cor. 7:9— II. b Ec. 2:24, 3:13. 5:18. 9:7. 1 Tim. 6:17,18. t Deut. 
 26:11—13. Esth. 9:19,22. Job 31:16— 18. Ec. 11:2. Luke 19*41. Rev. 11:10. 
 u Ps. 28:7,8. Prov. 17:22. Is. 6:7,8. 12:1—2. 35:1—4. 2 Cor. 8.2. 12:8,9. 
 x Num. 13:30. y 7,8. Job 23:12. Ps. 19:8— 11. 119:14,16,72,97,103,104,111,127, 
 128,130,471,174. Prov. 2:10,11 . 24:13,14. Jer. 15:16. Luke 24:32. z2 Chr. 30:23. 
 
 and, no doubt, in that instance, different men of the same 
 name were meant. The persons here mentioned were most 
 of them, if not all, priests and Levites : (Marg. Ref.) and as 
 they “ caused the people to understand the law,” and were 
 not in the pulpit with Ezra ; and as it can hardly be supposed 
 that he merely read, and that they expouuded what he read: 
 it is not unlikely that they had separate audiences in different 
 places, where they read and expounded the law, as Ezra did 
 in the station assigned him : for one man’s voice could not 
 reach so great a multitude. {Note, Acts 2:14 — 21, v. 14.) 
 Perhaps different orders and descriptions of persons formed 
 separate circles : and therefore it is added, that “the people 
 stood in their place,” as it had been appointed to each of 
 them. “ Tho people stood in their place,” ‘listening both to 
 what was read, and what was delivered as the explication of 
 it.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 8. It is here said, “So they read, &c.” which con- 
 firms the preceding supposition, there being evidently more 
 than one reader. — The persons engaged in this service read 
 the text distinctly, and then gave the interpretation: thus the 
 meaning was declared to the people, with all plainness, and 
 application to their present circumstances and conduct, for 
 their conviction and instruction. This seems the obvious 
 meaning of the passage. Some learned men, however, sup- 
 pose, that the Jews had forgotten the Hebrew, during the 
 captivity ; and that the expositors merely rendered what was 
 read into Chaldee. ‘But if this were true, why did the pro- 
 phets write in Hebrew after their return from captivity ? and 
 this very book shows the contrary, (13:23,24.) where the 
 Jews’ language appears to have been spoken by the people.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. The opinion indeed is grounded chiefly on 
 Jewish traditions, and customs introduced in later ages, and 
 has no support in the Scriptures themselves. 
 
 V. 9. The people, when the law of God was read and 
 explained to them, were convinced of their guilt and danger; 
 and, with tender consciences and broken hearts, mourned for 
 their transgressions. (Notes, 2 Kings 22:8 — 11, v. 11. Rom. 
 3:19,20. 7:9—12. Gal. 2:17—21, v. 19.) This was indeed a 
 proper and highly beneficial effect of that service: but as it 
 was a holy festival, which the Lord would have kept with 
 joy and gladness, they were instructed by their teachers to 
 repress their grief, and to turn their thoughts to the mercy of 
 Hod, and to hope and rejoice in him. — “ The Levites, 5 ’ as 
 rvell as Ezra, “taught the people.” {Notes, 2 Chr. 17:7 — 9. 
 50:21,22. v. 22. 35:1—3, w. 3.) 
 
 V. 10, 11. After the former part of the day had been 
 spent in the ordinances of religion, the people were allowed, 
 and even required, (probably by a public notice from Nehe- 
 miah, enforced by the priests and Levites,) to spend the 
 remainder in cheerful feasting, as a representation of the 
 believer’s joy in the service of his gracious God. (Notes, 
 Duct. 12:5 — 7. Ec. 3:1 — 11.) It is probable that peace- 
 fferings had been offered, and they were now called to feast 
 together on them ; and might lawfully drink tho sweet or rich 
 v/mes, which their vineyards produced, in as liberal a manner 
 as consisted with temperance. But then they must remember 
 .o send portions to those for whom nothing had been prepared ; 
 do the poor, tho stranger, the fatherless, and tho widow. 
 ( 844 ) 
 
 13 H And on “the second day were gathered 
 together the chief of the fathers of all the people, 
 the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, 
 even Uo understand the words of the law. 
 
 14 And they found written in the law which 
 the Lord had commanded thy Moses, that the 
 children of Israel should “dwell in b booths in the 
 feast of the seventh month : 
 
 15 And ‘that they should publish and proclaim 
 in all their cities, and d in Jerusalem, saying, Go 
 forth unto “the mount, and 'fetch eolive-branches, 
 and ’pine-branches, and myrtle-branches, and 
 h palm-branches, and branches of thick trees, to 
 make booths, as it is written. 
 
 16 K So the people went forth, and brought 
 them, and made themselves booths, every one 
 upon ‘the roof of his house, and in their courts, 
 and in k the courts of the house of God, and in 
 'the street of the water-gate, 3nd m in the street of 
 the gate of Ephraim. 
 
 17 And all the congregation of them that 
 were come again out of the captivity made 
 booths, and "sat under the booths ; for since the 
 days of “Jeshua the son of Nun unto that lay 
 chad not the children of Israel idone so. And 
 r there was very great gladness. 
 
 Pro».2:l— 6. 8:33,34. 12:1. Mark 6:33,34. Luke 19:47,48. Art,4:l 13:42. 
 ^ Or , that they might iristruct in. 1 Luke 24:32. 2 Tim. 2.24,25. 1 Heb by 
 
 the hand of. a Lev. 23:34,40— 43. Deut. 16:13— 15. Zech. 14:16— 19. John 7:2. 
 b Gen. 33: 17. c Lev. 23:4. d Deut. 16:16. e Judg. 9:48,49. Matt. 21:1. f Lev. 
 23:40. g Gen. 8:11. h John 12:13. Rev. 7:9. i Deut. 22.8. 2 Satn. 1 1 :2. Jer. 
 19:13.32:29. k 2 Chr. 20:5. 33:5. 13.3:26.12:37. m 12:39. 2Kingsl4:lR. 
 n John 1:14. Heb. 11:9,13. o Josh. 1:1. Joshua. Heb. 4:8. Jesus, p 2 Chr. 7:8 
 — 10. 8:13.,Ezra3:4. q 2 Chr. 30:26. 35:18. r 1 Chr. 29:22 . 2 Chr. 7:10. 30; 
 21—23. 
 
 (Deut. 12:12,18,19. P. O.) For this would distinguish their 
 religious feasting from the sensual indulgence of carnal men, 
 and complete the due solemnization of the holy day. They 
 w efe also again reminded, not to indulge grief, on the present 
 festival; (Note, 1,2.) “for the joy of the Lord was their 
 strength.” A grateful, adoring recollection of his late mer- 
 cies, and his ancient distinguished favours to the nation, and 
 powerful interposition in their behalf; with cheerful medita- 
 tion on his promises and perfections, inspiring confidence, 
 love, and zeal, and leading them to abound in joyful praises 
 and thanksgivings ; would fortify their souls to meet the 
 dangers, encounter the difficulties, resist the temptations, and 
 perform the duties, which still lay before them. Whereas, 
 indulged sorrow would induce desponding fear, enfeeble their 
 resolutions, and unfit them for labours, trihls, and conflicts. 
 (Notes, Ps. 28:6— 8. Prov. 15:13. Is. 12:1—3. 35:3,4. 2 Cor. 
 2:5 — 11. Phil. 4:4 — 7.) ‘What Nehemiah had said to as 
 many as could hear him, the Levites said to the rest of the 
 people ; going about, and persuading them to lay aside their 
 heaviness, and make it a good day.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 12. The people in general had not only understood from 
 the law, the will of God and their own sinfulness, but they 
 had learned, in some degree, the grounds of holy rejoicing in 
 the Lord : and having begun by sowing in tears, they soon 
 were enabled to reap in joy. (Note, Ps. 126:5,6'.) ‘This 
 was an extraordinary reason for their mirth, that they were 
 illuminated in divine knowledge, and understood the will of 
 God better than they did before.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13. This was no festival ; but, having profited from the 
 word the day before, the people were desirous to be further 
 instructed: and the chief of the fathers, priests, and Levites 
 were the most forward to request Ezra to favour them with 
 an exposition of some other part of the law, being convinced 
 of his superior knowledge in it. Hence it appears, that he 
 instructed even those who assisted in. teaching the peopie. 
 
 V. 14—16. (Notes, Lev. 23:34—43. Num. 29:12—38. 
 Zech. 14:16 — 19. John 7:2,14 — 17,37 — 39.) It may be sup- 
 posed, that Ezra selected those portions of the law, which 
 prescribed solemnities to be observed in the seventh month* 
 especially the feast of tabernacles, as it had not in genera, 
 been duly observed, and the season was approaching for it. 
 (Note, Jam. 1:22—25.) 
 
 V. 17. It is evident that this and the other solemn feasts 
 were totally neglected, at some times, and for a long while 
 together: yet a few instances occur of the feast of tabernacles 
 being kept; and these words must therefore bo understood 
 of the exactness, unanimity, and joyfulness, with which it was 
 at this time celebrated. (Notes, 1 Kings 8:63 — 65. Ezro 
 3:4.) ‘ They rejoiced in the days of Joshua, that they had got 
 possession of Canaan ; and now they rejoiced that they were 
 restored to it, and quietly settled in it.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 
 1 Kings 8:66. 2 Chr. 30:26,27.) 
 
 V. 18. The reading of the law every seventh year at tho 
 feast of tabernacles had been enjoined by Moses , but it 
 seems not in general to have been duly attended to at this 
 time, however, it formed a part of the daily au vi< e, through 
 tho whole continuance of the feast. {Note, licit. 31. 
 10-13.) 
 
B. C. 445. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C 445. 
 
 18 Also "day by day, from the. first day unto 
 the last day, he read in .the book of the law of 
 God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on 
 the eighth day was 'a solemn assembly, ‘according 
 unto the manner. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 A solemn fast is observtd, 1—3. The Levitet, os leading the worship of the 
 
 S eople, piously acknowledge the manifold goodness of God to Israel , and 
 umbly confess the sins of the nation, as the cause of their miseries, 4 — 37. 
 The people solemnly covenant with God, 38. 
 
 N OW in the “twenty and fourth day b of this 
 month the “children of Israel were assembled 
 
 with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth 
 upon them. 
 
 2 And 'the seed of Israel separated themselves 
 from all "strangers, and stood and f confessed theii 
 sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. 
 
 3 And E they stood up in their place, and read 
 in the book of the law of the Lord their Goo 
 h one fourth part of the day ; and another fourtl 
 part they confessed, and worshipped the LoRr 
 their God. 
 
 4 H Then stood up upon the “stairs, of the 
 
 • Deut. 31:10 — 13. * Heb. a restraint, t Lev. 23:36. Nnm. 29:35. John 7:37. 
 a Lev. 23:34.39. 2 Chr.7:IO. h 8:2. c Judg. 20:26. 2Chr.20:3. Ezra 8:23. 
 Eath. 4:3,16. Is. 22:12. Joel 1:13,14. 2:15— 17. Jon. 3:5— 8. Acta 13:2,3. d Josh. 
 7:6. 1 Sam. 4:12. 2 Sam. 1:2. Job 2: 12. e 13:3,30. Ezra 9:2. 10:11. • Heb 
 
 strange children. Ps. 144:7,11. Is. 2:6. Hos. 5:7. f 1 :6. Lev. 26:39,40. Ezra 9r 
 6,17,5. Ps. 106:6,7. Dan. 9:3—10,20. 1 John 1 :7— 9. g 8:4, 7, 8 . h 8:3. } Or. 
 scaffold. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 8. Pious men of different dispositions may serve 
 the church in their several ways. The studious may, as it 
 were, prepare materials with which the active may work : 
 and the active may make way for the studious, to bring forth 
 their treasures for public use. They ought therefore recipro- 
 cally to assist each other ; and to welcome such assistance, 
 without envy, competition, or prejudice. — The public reading, 
 expounding, and preaching of God’s word has, in all ages, 
 been the grand method of promoting true religion: they, 
 therefore, who are eminently capable of this service, should 
 be called forth from obscurity and retirement, and excited 
 and encouraged to abound in it ; all, of every age, sex, or 
 rank, who are capable of understanding, should assemble to 
 attend, and all ought to “give earnest heed to the things 
 which they hear.” ( Note, 2 Chr. 17:7 — 9. P. O. 7 — 19.) 
 Those who are in reputation should set an example of dili- 
 gence in this respect, and even teachers should be “swift to 
 hear” other ministers, especially younger ministers their 
 approved seniors, as they have opportunity, that they may 
 1 ecome more competent for the service. — When the value of 
 the Scriptures, and of the immortal soul, is properly under- 
 stood ; and when we are earnestly engaged, and in a spiritual 
 frame of mind; we shall not soon be weary of divine ordi- 
 nances. Short sermons, therefore, or tired hearers, prove a 
 very low state of religion : for facts demonstrate, that where 
 the word of God is precious, even inconvenient situations 
 and uneasy postures will be patiently endured: and when 
 ministers, who are themselves in earnest, perceive the peo- 
 ple thirsting for instruction, and drinking it in, they will be 
 encouraged to proceed, and to preach as much and as often 
 as required, so long as God gives them health for the work. — 
 Reading and preaching should be attended with solemn wor- 
 ship : the perfections of our God are worthy of all adoration ; 
 his mercies call for our most grateful acknowledgment; 
 and a sense of our own wants and unworthiness, love to his 
 people, compassion for sinners, and regard to all orders of 
 mankind, where they prevail, will dictate many prayers and 
 supplications. In these services one person must speak, but 
 all should join in their hearts, and express their solemn and 
 cordial assent. — We cannot too humbly or reverently wor- 
 ship “ the Lord, the great God :” yet, blessed be his name, 
 we may call him Father in filial confidence and hope. — When- 
 ever we open the sacred volume, we should bless the Lord 
 for that precious gift, and proceed to peruse it, with entire 
 submission to his teaching and authority. — Ministers should 
 endeavour to make it evident to every one, that they preach 
 according to these sacred oracles ; producing clear scriptural 
 warrant for all their doctrine ; reading the word distinctly, 
 diligently causing the people to understand it, by familiar ex- 
 planations and illustrations ; and applying it in the most plain 
 and simple manner to their hearts and consciences. 
 
 V. 9 — 18. The divine law, when faithfully unfolded, in its 
 extensive demands and righteous sanction, is generally made 
 successful by the Holy Spirit, in bringing the stout, hard, and 
 proud hearts of sinners to tremble, to melt into godly sorrow, 
 and to become abased before God. For it pierces the con- 
 science, fills the soul with dismay, and thus prepares for the 
 sweet consolations of the gospel, by which is “ the knowledge 
 of salvation, through the remission of sins.” Thus the broken 
 heart is bound up, and the sinner learns to rejoice in God 
 our Saviour. — Both godly sorrow and holy joy are profitable, 
 and beautiful in their season : and it is peculiarly desirable 
 to have all our passions regulated according to the will of 
 God, and the duty of the present occasion. Those who 
 mourn for sin should be comforted, instructed and directed to 
 rejoice in the Lord. This they have abundant reason to do, 
 nowever many their sins have been, when they humbly come 
 
 o trust in his mercy. His salvation is perfectly free ; the 
 provisions of his grace are plenteous ; “ his righteousness is 
 for ver his “ ways are pleasantness his protection sure ; 
 his consolations strong ; and “hope” in his mercy and of his 
 glory “maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed 
 abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost.” (Note, Rom. 5:3 — 
 5.) Joy in God, if genuine, adds strength and courage to the 
 soul for every duty and for every trial ; it inspires resolution 
 for service, and vigour in resisting temptation ; it satisfies, 
 and sanctifies, and enlarges the heart in cheerful obedience, 
 and in love to our brethren. Indeed, that joy is a mere 
 eounterfeit, which has not these effects: and they are ene- 
 
 mies to their own sanctification, who always indulge sorrow, 
 even for sin, and put from them those consolations, which are 
 tendered to them by the word and Spirit of God. — It is con- 
 sistent with godliness, cheerfully and moderately to use the 
 comforts of Providence ; when they are received with thanks- 
 giving, and “ sanctified by the word of God and prayers,” and 
 by liberally communicating to the poor and needy. But 
 those who “ eat the fat and drink the sweet and send no 
 portion, or only scanty pittances, to those for whom nothing 
 is prepared : have not this sanctified enjoyment of their abun- 
 dance. This especially distinguishes a Christian feast, from 
 the revellings and banquetings which are ranked by the 
 apostles with abominable idolatries. (Note, 1 Pet. 4:3 — 5.) — 
 Whatever causes a believer to rejoice, should excite him to 
 abound in thanksgivings to God, and liberality to the poor. 
 But his joy will not so much arise from worldly prosperity 
 or indulgence, as from having understood the words of God, 
 and from perceiving that sinners may hope in his mercy, and 
 exult in the prospect of eternal glory. — Those, who have 
 profited by the word of God, will be glad of an opportunity 
 of hearing it on any day, as far as consistent with other 
 duties: and when the people are so disposed, the minister is 
 called to be “ instant in season and out of season.” — Some 
 portions of Scripture are more suitable to the circumstances 
 of our congregations than others would be, especially when 
 they remind them of present duty. For even true Christians 
 neglect many things, through ignorance and forgetfulness, and 
 for want of particular instructions. But it is admirable, when 
 they no sooner hear the command of God, than they prepare 
 for obedience ; when attending on the word excites an in- 
 creasing appetite for it ; and when the ordinances afford great 
 gladness to their souls. — Yet, alas, how little have the com- 
 mandments and institutions of our God been hitherto observed 
 even among his professed worshippers ! So that when indi- 
 viduals or collective bodies, come near the standard of his 
 word, in the power of godliness, they become “ men won- 
 dered at.” But though none, from age to age, or through 
 whole nations of professed Christians, have ever served God, 
 as some small company may aim to do ; yet if these be evi- 
 dently obeying the plain meaning of Scripture, they ought not 
 to be censured as singular, precise, or affected ; but to be 
 commended and imitated. — True religion will make us 
 strangers and pilgrims upon earth : and those who refuse 
 conformity to the world, and have theii conversation in heaven, 
 and their joy in the Lord, must appear strange and uncouth 
 in the eyes of the servants of that other master, who “ work- 
 eth in all the children of disobedience.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1. No doubt the day of 
 atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month, had been 
 duly observed : the feast of tabernacles lasted from the 
 fifteenth to the twenty-second day of it; ,( Notes, Lev. 1G:29 
 — 31. 23:26 — 43.) and then, only one day having intervened, 
 the people kept a solemn fast, with every customary expres- 
 sion of godly sorrow and humiliation. This seems to have 
 been done, not only by the authority of the governor, but by 
 the general approbation of the people ; who, by hearing the 
 law read and expounded, had discovered their own numerous 
 and heinous transgressions, with those of their fathers, and 
 of the nation in preceding ages: (Notes, 8:9 — 13.) and it was 
 intended as an introduction to their solemn covenanting with 
 God, as afterwards recorded. (Notes, 38. 10:1.) It is pro- 
 bable that Nehemiah had formed the plan of this from the 
 beginning of these solemnities, and had consulted with Ezra, 
 and other principal persons, about the best method of accom- 
 plishing his purpose; which he accordingly did with their 
 hearty concurrence. 
 
 V. 2. Before the appointed fast began, the Israelites 
 carefully separated from among them those strangers, or 
 Gentiles, who either by marriage or amity were intermingled 
 with them. This was intended as a preparation for the 
 solemn observance: for it seems that the people had again 
 intermarried with the surrounding nations, after Ezra had 
 separated them from their heathen wives. (Notes, Ezra 10:) 
 
 V. 3. The persons afterwards mentioned, (4,5.) stood 
 up to perform the services of the day ; and they spent “ one 
 fourth” of it in reading the law, (probably expounding it also, 
 as in the former instances, Notes , 8:1 — 8.) and “one fourth” 
 in confessing then sins, and in other acts of solemn worship. 
 — Some think that six hours, (a fourth part of the twenty 
 four,) were at once spent in each of these sacred duties* 
 ( 845 ) 
 
B. C. 444. 
 
 nehemiah. 
 
 B. C. 444. 
 
 Levitcs, '.Jeshua, and Bam, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, 
 Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and "cried 
 with a loud voice unto the Lord their God. 
 
 5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, 
 Bani, Hashahniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, She- 
 baniah, and Pethahiah, said, 'Stand up and m bless 
 the Lord your God tor ever and ever: and blessed 
 be “thy glorious name, which is “exalted above all 
 blessing and praise. 
 
 6 Thou, feven thou, art Lord alone; Thou 
 hast made heaven, r the heaven of heavens, with 
 all their host, the earth, and all things that are 
 therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou 
 •preservest them all ; and the ‘host of heaven 
 
 thee. [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 art the Lord the God, who didst 
 “choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of 
 ‘Ur of the Chaldees, and ^gavest him the name 
 of Abraham ; 
 
 8 And Toundest his heart faithful before thee, 
 and “madest a covenant with him to give the 
 land of b the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amo- 
 rites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and 
 the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, c and 
 hast performed thy words ; for thou art d righteous : 
 
 9 And “didst see the affliction of our fathers in 
 Egypt, and f heardest their cry by the Red Sea ; 
 
 10 And sshowedst signs and wonders upon 
 
 I 5. See on 8:7. 10:9—13. 12:8. k2Chr.20:19. Ps. 77:1. 130:1. Lam. 3: 
 
 B. John 11 :43. Acts 7:60. 1 1 Kings 8:14,22. 2 Chr. 20:13,19. Ps. 134: 130: 
 
 2,3. m 1 Chr. 29:20. Ezra 3:11. Ps. 103:1 ,2. 1 17: 145:2. 146:2. .ter. 33:10, 
 11. Malt. 11:25. Bph. 3:20,21. 1 Pel. 1:3. n Ex. 15:6,11. Deut. 28:58. 1 C hr. 
 29:13. Ps. 72: 18,19. 145:5,1 1 ,12 . 2 Cor. 4 :6. n 1 Kings 8:27. lChr.29:ll. Ps. 
 106:2. p Deul. 6:4. 2Kings 19:15,19. Ps. 86:10. Is. 43:10. 44:6,8. Mark 12:29, 
 30. John 10:30. q Gen. 1:1. 2:1. Ex. 20:11. Fs.33:6. 136:5—9. 146:6. Jer. 10: 
 11,12. Col. 1:15,16. Rex. 4:11. 14:7. r Deut. 10:14. 1 Kings 8:27. sPs.36:6. 
 Col. 1:17. Hell. 1:3. tGen. 2:1. 32:2. I Kings 22:19. Ps. 103:21. 148:2-4. Is. 
 6:2,3. Ileb. 1:6. Rev. 5: 13. u Gen. 12:1,2. Deut. 10:15. Josh. 24:2,3. Is. 41:8, 
 9.51:2. x Gen. 11:31. 15:7. Acts 7:2 — 4. y Gen. 17:5. z Gen . 12:1— 3. 15:6. 
 2B:12. Acts 13.22. 1 Tim. 1:12,13. Heb. 11:17. Jam. 2:21— 23. aGen,12:7. 17: 
 7,8. 22:16—18. Dent. 7:8.9. 9:5. Ps. 105:8,9. Luke 1:72,73. b Gen. 15:18— 21. 
 Ex. 3:8,17. Deut. 7:1. Josh. '9:1. 11:3. cDeut.26:3. Josh. 11:23. 21.43—45. 
 23:14. Ps. 105:43,44. tl Num. 23:19. Ps, 92:14,15. Tit. 1:2. Heb. 6:18. 1 John 
 1:9. e Ex. 2:25. 3:7,9,16. Acts 7:34. f Ex. 14:1 0— 12. g Ex. 7:— 10: 12:29, 
 30. 14:15—31. Deut. 4:34. 21 :3, 4. Ps. 78:10,13,43— 53. 105:27—37. 106:7—11. 
 
 Others suppose, that ‘ they read the law, and confessed, (that 
 is, praised God, 5.) interchangeably. For in one fourth part 
 of the day, from the first hour to the third, they did the one; 
 and from thence to the sixth hour, (that is, till twelve o’clock,) 
 they did the other. Then they began the former again, till 
 the ninth hour ; and from thence to the evening they spent 
 their time in ihe other.’ Bp. Patrick. — Perhaps the three 
 hours previous to the offering of the morning-sacrifice, were 
 assigned for the people to prepare themselves and their 
 families for the public solemnity ; and the three hours after the 
 evening- sacrifice for their consenting to the covenant and 
 sealing it, and the improvement of what they had heard, by 
 meditation, pious converse, and devotion: for on solemn fasts 
 it was customary for the Jews to take no food till after sun- 
 set. The public services of the day, however, continued at 
 least six hours without intermission. 
 
 V. 4. It is probable, that these Levites were, placed at 
 proper distances, (so as not to interfere with each other, 
 when they “ cried with a loud voice unto the Lord their 
 God,”) upon pulpits, or scaffolds, erected for that purpose, 
 with distinct auditories around them. (Notes, 8:4,7. Acts 2: 
 14—21, v. 14.) 
 
 Y. 5. Eight Levites are mentioned both in this verse and 
 the preceding, and five of the names are the same : it may 
 therefore be supposed, that the same persons are intended, 
 of whom some were known by different names, though some 
 think that another company is spoken of. — Perhaps the peo- 
 ple were prostrate on the ground, or kneeling, while they 
 humbly confessed their sins, and craved mercy from God, 
 each for himself, and for his people : but they were called 
 upon to “ stand up,” when the public adorations began ; and 
 to bless and “praise the Lord their God for ever and ever;” 
 or as long as they had any being ; or, to bless him, as “ their 
 God for ever and ever.” He indeed is “exalted above all 
 olessing and praise.” His essential glory is incomprehen- 
 sible and infinite ; so that the most sublime adorations of the 
 highest created beings must fall unspeakably below his 
 majesty and excellency. (Notes, 1 Chr. 29:10 — 19. Ps. 
 106:2.) Yet he accepts their adorations and thanksgivings, 
 when they worship him according to their capacities. Nay, 
 he delights in the feeble praises and blessings of sinners, 
 when they come before him in humble faith and cordial 
 grateful love ; and counts himself glorified by them, though 
 the best of them are not only defective, but defiled ! (Notes, 
 Ps. 50:22,23, v. 23. Heb. 13:15,16. I Pet. 2:1—6.) 
 
 V. G. Marg. Kef. 1 Kings 8:27. Jer. 10:9—11. Rev. 
 :9 — 1 1 • 
 
 V. 7. ‘ Here follows a compendious history of the affairs 
 
 ol the Hebrew nation, in this confession of God’s benefits and 
 thiir ingratitude; which Nehemiah and Ezra, it is likely, 
 
 ( 846 ) 
 
 Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the 
 people of his land : for thou knewest that They 
 dealt proudly against them. So 'didst thou get 
 thee a name, as it is this day. 
 
 11 And thou didst "divide the sea before them, 
 so that they went through the midst of the sea on 
 the dry land ; and 'their persecutors thou threwest 
 into the deeps, m as a stone into the mighty waters. 
 
 12 Moreover, "thou leddest them in the day 
 by a cloudy pillar: and in the night by a pillar of 
 fire, to give them light “in the way wherein they 
 shouldgo. 
 
 13 Thou Pcamest down also upon mount Sinai, 
 and “ispakest with them from heaven, and r ga'vest 
 them right judgments, and 'true laws, good 
 statutes, and commandments; 
 
 14 And ‘madest known unto them thy holy 
 sabbath, and ‘commandedst them precepts, sta- 
 tutes, and laws, by the hand of “Moses thy 
 servant: 
 
 15 And ‘gravest them bread 'from heaven for 
 their hunger, and tbroughtest forth water for 
 them out of the rock for their thirst, and pro- 
 misedst them that they should ‘go in to possess the 
 land which thou hadst 'sworn to give them. 
 
 16 But they and our fathers “dealt proudly, 
 and b hardened their necks, and “hearKened not 
 to thy commandments, 
 
 135:8,9.136:10—15. Acts 7:36. h Ex. 5:2,7, 8. 9:17. 10:3. 18:1 1 . Job 40:11, 
 12. Dan. 4:37. 5:23. 1 Pet. 5:5. i Ex. 9:16. Josh. 2: 10,1 1 . Ps. 83:18. Is. 63:12, 
 11. Jer.32:20. Ez.20:9. Don. 9:15. Rom. 9.17. k Ex. 14:21,22,27,28. Ps. 66: 
 6. 78:13. 114:3 — 5. 136:13—11. Is. 63:11— 13. lEx. 15:1—21. Ps. 106:9— 11. 
 Heb. 11:29. m Ex. 15:10. Rev. 18:21. n 19. Ex. 13:21 ,22. 14:19,20. Ps.78: 
 14.105:39. oPs. 107-7. 143:8. p Ex. 19:11,16— 20. Deut. 33:2. Is. 64:1,3. 
 Hob. 3:3. q Ex. 20:1,22. Dent. 4.10— 13,33 . 5:4,22—26. Heb. 12:18— 26: 
 r Deut. 4:8. 10:12,13. Ps. 19:7- 1 1. 1 19:127,128. Ez. 2011— 13. Rom. 7:12— 
 — 14,16. * Heb . laws of truth. Ps. 119:160. s Gen. 2:3. Ex. 16:29. 20:8 — 11. 
 Ez. 20:12,20. tEx.21:— 23: Lev. 27:31. Deul. 4:5,45. 5:31. u 1:8. John 1: 
 17. x Ex. 16: 1,14,15. Deut. 8:3,10. Ps. 78:24,25. 105:40. John 6:31— 33. 1 Cor. 
 10:3. y 20. Ex. 17:6. Num. 20:9-11. Deut. 8:15. 1 s. 77:1.5— 20. 105:41. 114t 
 8. 1 Cor. 10:4. z Deut. 1:8. Josh. 1:2 — 4. t Heb. lift up thine hand. Gets. 
 14:22. Num. 14:30. Ez. 20:15. a See on 10,29. Ex. 32:9. Deut. 9:6, 1 3,23,24, 
 27.32:15. Ps. 78:8. 106:6. Is. 63:10. Jer. 2:31. Acts7:51. b Deut. 31:27. 
 2 Kings 17:14. 2 Chr. 30:8. 36:13. Ps. 95:8— 10. Prov. 29:1. Is. 48:4. Jer. 19:15. 
 Rom. 2:5. Heb. 3:13,15. cEx. 15:26. Deut. 5:29. Ps. 81 :S,11— 14. Is. 48:18. 
 
 composed in the form of a prayer, and delivered it to the 
 Levites, whom they ordered to speak it distinctly before the 
 whole congregation, from their several scaffolds, which were 
 conveniently placed in several parts of the assembly, that 
 they might be heard.’ Bp. Patrick. — As at least, three hours 
 were employed in this part of the service, far more must have 
 been spoketi than is here written ; which seems to have been 
 a kind of compendium, or directory, to those who officiated, 
 that all might be evidently of one mind ; on the several parts 
 of which, it is probable, each of them enlarged according to 
 his ability. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Deut. 7:6 — 8. Josh. 24:2. 
 7s. 41:8,9. Acts 7:1 — 8.) 
 
 V. 8. The Lord tried the faith of Abraham on many occa- 
 sions ; especially when he commanded him to offer up Isaac, 
 and “he found his heart faithful." Abraham stood every 
 trial, and was fully approved. God also showed himself righ- 
 teous towards Abraham and his posterity ; both in faithfully 
 performing his covenant engagements, and in justly punishing 
 their cruel and haughty oppressors. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 
 1 Tim. 1:12 — 14. Heb. 11:8 — 1 9. Jam. 2:21 — 24. 1 John 1:8—10.) 
 
 V. 9— 12. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 3:7. 13:21,22. 14:15: 
 Heb. 11-27—29. 
 
 V. 13. God spake ihe law of ten commandments “ from 
 heaven” in respect of its original, as distinguished from the 
 stalujes of earthly lawgivers. Or the word heaven may mean 
 the higher regions of the air. — The moral law is right, true, 
 and good : grounded upon eternal truth, resulting from the 
 nature of God and man, and our relations to him ami to each 
 other ; and forming the standard of excellency and the rule ol 
 felicity. (Notes, Ex. 20:1. Deut. 4:6 — 8. 32:2 — 4. A’:. 20:1 1. 
 Rom. 7:7 — 12.) The judgments (or judicial law, the rule ol 
 the magistrate) given to Israel, were more consistent with 
 the true difference between right and wrong, and the relative 
 proportion of crimes and punishments, than the municipal 
 laws of any other country, in any age, hitherto have been: 
 (Note, Ex. 21:1.) and the ritual law prefigured the true way 
 of a sinner’s justification, sanctification, and obtaining eternal 
 life. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 21: — 24:) 
 
 V. 14. By the observance of the Sabbath, the Israelites 
 were distinguished, as the worshippers of the great Creator 
 who had also been their Deliverer from Egyptian bondage: 
 and on this holy day they enjoyed a most important means o. 
 promoting true religion, in their own hearts, and in their fami- 
 lies. (Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 16:28 — 30. 20:8 — 11. 31:13 
 —17. Ez. 20:12.) 
 
 V. 15— 17. Marg. Ref. Notes, Ex. 16: 17:1- -7. 34:5 
 7. Num. 13: 14: Ps. 78:32,33. 106:24— 27.— Appointed a 
 captain. Sic. (17) ‘It seems they came to ‘.h.s resolution, 
 that they agreed upon a captain, to lead them hack to Egypt. 
 Or their resolving to do it, was the same with tee aclna’ np- 
 
 worshippeth 
 7 Thou 
 
B. C. 444. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 444. 
 
 17 And ''refused to obey, neither were 'mindful 
 of thy wonders that thou didst among them; 
 but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion 
 f appointed a captain to return to their bondage : 
 hut thou art «a God ‘ready to pardon, h gracious 
 and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, 
 and ‘forsookest them not. 
 
 18 Yea, k when they had made them a molten 
 calf, and said, This is thy god that brought thee 
 up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provo- 
 cations : 
 
 10 Yet thou ’in thy manifold mercies for- 
 sookest them not in the wilderness : m the pillar of 
 the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead 
 them in the way ; neither the pillar of fire by 
 night, to show them light, and the 0 way wherein 
 they should go. 
 
 20 Thou "gavest also thy “good Spirit to 
 instruct them, and rwithheldest not thy manna 
 from their mouth, and <fgavest them water for 
 their thirst. 
 
 21 Yea, 'forty years didst thou sustain them 
 in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing: 
 •their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled 
 not. 
 
 22 Moreover, ‘thou gavest them kingdoms and 
 nations, and didst “divide them into corners: so 
 they possessed x the land of Sihon, and the land of 
 the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of 
 Bashan. 
 
 23 Their children also ?multip!iedst thou, as 
 the stars of heaven, and “broughtest them into 
 tide land, concerning which “thou hadst promised 
 to their fathers, that they should go in to pos- 
 sess it. 
 
 24 So the children went in and possessed the 
 land, and b thou subduedst before them the in- 
 habitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest 
 them into their hands, with their kings, and the 
 people of the land, that they might do with them 
 ‘as they would. 
 
 25 And they took “strong cities, and d a fat 
 
 i Nnm. 14:3,4,11,41. 16:14. Pa. 106:24,25. Prov. 1:24. Heb. 12:25. e Ps. 78: 
 11,42,43. 106:7,13. Matt. 16:9— 11. 2 Pet. 1 : 12— 15. fNum. 14:4. Acts 7:39. 
 e Mum. 14: 18,19. Ps. 86:5,15. 130:4. Mic. 7:18,19. * Heb. of pardons, h Ex. 
 B4:6,7. Ps. 78:38. 103:8—18. 145 8, 9. Is. 55:7—9. Joel 2:13. Rom. 9:15. Eph 
 1:6,7. i 1 Kings 6:13. 8:57. Ps. 106:43 — 46. lc Ex. 32:4— 8,31 ,32. Deut. 9:12— 
 16. Ps. 106:19-23. Ez. 20:7, &c. 1 Ps. 106:7,8,45. Lam. 3:22. Ex. 20: 14,22. 
 
 Dan. 9:9,18. Mai. 3:6. m See on 12. Ex. 40:38. Num. 9:15— 22. Is. 4:5,6. 
 1 Cor: 10:1,2. n 30. Num. 1 1 17,25-29. Is. 63:1 1 ,14. o Ps. 143:10. Rom. 15: 
 3C. Gal. 5:22,23. Eph. 5:9. 2 Pet. 1:21. p Ex. 16:35. Josh. 5: 12. q Ps. 105:41. 
 Is. 4*1:17, 18. 48,21. 49:10. John 4:10,14. 7:37—39. r Ex. 16:35. Num. 14:33, 
 84. Deul.2:7. 8:2. Am. 5:25. Acts 13:18. s Dent. 8:4, 29:5. Ps. 34:10. t Josh. 
 10: 11: Ps. 78:55. 105:44. u Dent. 32:26. Josh. 11:23. x Num. 21:21 — 35. 
 Dent. 2:25-36. 3:1—17. Ps. 135:10—12. 136:17—22. yGen. 15:5. 22:17. 1 Chr. 
 27:23. i Josh. 1 : 3: &c. a Gen. 12:7. 13:15— 17. 15:18. 17:8. 26:3. b Josh. 18: 
 1. 1 Chr. 22:18. Ps. 44:2,3. t Heb. according in their will. 2 Tim. 2:26. 
 c Num. 13-27,28. Deut. 3:5. 6:10—12. 9:1—3. d 35. Dent. 8:7—10. 32:13. Ez. 
 20:6. J Or, cisternt. § Heb. tree of food, e Dent. 32.15. Ps. 65: 11 . Is. 6:10. 
 Jcr. 5:27,28. Hob. 13:6. fl Kings 8:66. Jer. 31 : 14. Hos. 3:5. Rom. 2:4. gJudg. 
 
 pointment of a captain, as it was in the case of Abraham’s 
 offering his son.’ Bp. Patrick. ( Note , Num. 14:2 — 4.) 
 
 V. 18, 19. (Marg. Ref. Notes , Ex. 32: — 34: Ps. 106:19 — 
 23,40—45. Is. 63:7—14. Ez. 20:11—26. 
 
 V. 20. The Spirit of prophecy, in Moses, Joshua, the 
 seventy elders, and the subsequent prophets, both instructed 
 the Israelites by their ministry, and, testified against them 
 when rebellious. (30) The example, conversation, and 
 exertions of those who partook of his sanctifying influences, 
 tended to reform the nation : and no doubt, the Spirit of God, 
 by his conviction®, powerfully excited, in the consciences of 
 the unconverted, a sense of guilt and dread of punishment ; 
 and in other ways strove with them. But in all these respects 
 u they resisted the Holy Ghost.” (Marg. Ref. n, o. Notes , 
 Is. 63:10. Acts 7:51—53. 1 Thes. 5:16—22, v. 19. Heb. 10:28 
 — 31, v. 29.) — The unspeakable condescension and compas- 
 sion of the blessed Spirit of God, in his operations upon the 
 polluted souls of sinful men, as well as the beneficent ten- 
 dency of those operations, are strongly marked in the words 
 
 4 thy good Spirit.” (Note, Ps. 143:10.) 
 
 V. 21, 22. Marg. Ref. Notes, Deut. 8:2—5. 29:5,6.— Into 
 corners. (22) That is, into all the corners of the promised 
 land, from which the old inhabitants had been driven. Some 
 expositors think, that the situation of Canaan, as favourable 
 to Israel's separation from other nations, being divided by 
 seas, mountains, and deserts, from the most flourishing king- 
 doms in the world, was denoted by this expression. And 
 indeed it is observable, that Jerusalem, which God chose for 
 the metropolis of his people, was situated at a distance from 
 the sea, and from all navigable rivers ; and therefore could 
 not become a place of extensive commerce. — Others, how- 
 ever, suppose, that the dispossessed nations are meant, who 
 were driven into corners. — Heshbon being the city of Sihon, 
 
 land, and possessed houses full of all goods, Jwells 
 digged, vineyards and olive-yards, and Truit- 
 trees in abundance: so they “did eat, and were 
 filled, and became fat, and ‘ delighted themselves 
 in thy great goodness. 
 
 26 Nevertheless, sthey were disobedient, and 
 
 rebelled against thee, and h cast thy law behind 
 their backs, and 'slew thy prophets which testified 
 against them to turn them to thee, and k they 
 wrought great provocations. * 
 
 27 Therefore 'thou deliveredst them into the 
 hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and 
 m in the time of their trouble, when they cried 
 unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven ; and 
 according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest 
 them "saviours, who saved them out of the hand 
 of their enemies. 
 
 28 But after they had rest, they "did evil again 
 belbre thee: therefore leftest thou them in the 
 hand of their enemies, so that they had the 
 dominion over them : yet when they returned 
 and cried unto thee, thou “heardest them from 
 heaven, and "many times didst thou deliver them; 
 according to thy mercies ; 
 
 29 And ‘‘testifiedst against them, that thou 
 mightest bring them again unto thy law: “yet 
 they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy 
 commandments, but sinned against thy judg- 
 ments, ("which if a man do, he shall live in them ;) 
 and "withdrew the shoulder, ‘and hardened their 
 neck, and would not hear. 
 
 30 Yet “many years didst thou “.forbear them, 
 and testifiedst against, them x by thy Spirit in '*thy 
 prophets: yet would they not give ear: ^therefore 
 gavest thou them into the hand of the people of 
 the lands. 
 
 31 Nevertheless, “for thy great mercies’ sake 
 thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake 
 them ; for thou art a "gracious and merciful 
 
 God. C Practical Observations.] 
 
 32 Now therefore, b our God, the great, the 
 mighty, and the terrible God, who “keepest cove- 
 
 2:11,12. 3:6,7. 10:6,13,14. Ps. 78:56,57. 106:34—40. Ez. 16:15, Sc. 20:21. 23:4, 
 Sc. h 1 Kings 14:9. Ps. 50:17. Ez.33:3— 5. i 1 Kings 18:4,1 1. 19:10. 2 Cljr. 
 24:20,21.36:16. Jer. 26:20— 23. Matt. 21:35. 23:34— 37. Acts 7:52. I< 18. 2 Kings 
 21:11. Ez. 22:2.5— 31. 1 Dent. 31:16— 18. Judg. 2:14,15. 3:8, Sc. 2 Chr. 36:17. 
 Ps. 106:41,42. Dan. 9:10—14. m Deut. 4:29-31. Judg. 3:15. 6:6— 10. 10:15, 
 
 16. Ps. 106:43—45. n Judg. 2:18. 3:9,15. I Sam. 12:10,11. 2 Kings 13:5. 14:27. 
 00.21. || Heb. returned to do evil. Jndg. 3:11,12,30. 4:1. 5:31. 6:1. ol King. 
 8:33,34,39. Is. 63:15. p Ps. 106:43-45. q26. Dent. 4:26. 31:21. 2Kingsl7:13 
 2 Chr. 24:19. 36:15. Jer. 25:3— 7. Hos. 6:5. r 10,16. Ex. 10:3. Jer. 13:15 — 17 
 43:2. 44:10,16,17. Dan. 5:20. Jam. 4:6—10. s Lev. 18:5. Ez. 20:11. Luke 10:28 
 Rom. 10:5. Gal. 3:12. TT Heb. gave a withdrawing shoulder. Zech. 7: 1 1 ,12. t Set 
 on Jer. 7:26. 17:23.19.15. u Pa. 86:15. Rom. 2:4. 2 Pet. 3:9. * * fieb. 'protract 
 overthem. x 20. Is. 63:10- Acts 7:51. 28:25. 1 Pet. 1:11. 2 Pet. 1:21. D Heb. 
 the hand of thyprophets. y Is. 5:5,6. 42:24. Jer. 40:2,3. 44:22. Lam. 2:17. 
 Zech. 7:13. z Jer. 4:27. 5:10,18. Lam. 3:22. Ez. 14:22,23. Dan. 9:9. a See on 
 
 17. Ex. 34:6,7. 2 Kings 13:23. 2 Chr. 30:9. Ps. 103:8,9. 145:8.9. 1. 1 :5. Dent. 
 7:21. Ps. 47:2. 66:3,5. c Deut. 7:9. 1 Kings 8:23. Dan. 9:4. Mic. 7:18—20. 
 
 the word should be rendered, u even the land of the king of 
 Heshbon.” (Notes, Num. 21:21 — 34.) 
 
 V. 23, 24. Notes, Josh. 3:— 11: Ps. 105:42—45. 7s. 63: 
 
 11—14. 
 
 V. 25. (Marg. Ref. Deut. 6:10 — 12.) * * * 4 They were 
 
 enriched with the estates of the people whom they destroyed, 
 having houses ready built, and well furnished, together with 
 all sorts of trees planted to their hands.’ Bp. Patrick. — Dc~ 
 lighted themselves, &c.] 4 Their highest pleasure indeed 
 
 ought to have been, in their thoughts, how good God was 
 unto them. But the meaning of these words is no more than 
 this : — That God had bestowed so many blessings upon them, 
 that they took great pleasure in the enjoyment of them.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 26—30. Notes, 2 Chr. 36:14—16. Ps. 106:34—46. Jer. 
 3:26—30. Ez. 16: 20:28—39. 23: Matt. 21:33—39. 23:34—39. 
 Acts 5:51 — 53. — And testifiedst, &c. (26,29,30.) The pro- 
 phets were sent from God to explain to the people his judg- 
 ments and mercies : and to testify against them, that their 
 miseries were deserved by their sins, and that far worse would 
 come upon them unless they turned to God with true repent- 
 ance. (Notes, Jer. 26:12 — 15.44:2 — 6. Zech . 1:5,6. 7:4 — 13. 
 Acts 20:18 — 21, v. 21.) — Saviours. & c. (27) The deliverers, 
 which God immediately raised up for his people, as the 
 judges, and king David, by whom they were rescued from 
 the miseries into which their sins had plunged them, were all 
 types of the great Saviour, who delivers us from wrath, and 
 from our enemies, that we may become the servants of that 
 God whom we have offended . — If a man , & c. (29) Note, Lei . 
 18:5. — Thy Spirit, &c. (30) Marg. Ref. Notes, 20. 2 Pet. 
 1:19—21. 
 
 V. 31—35. Marg. Ref. Notes , 1:5—11. Ezra 9:7— r!5. 
 Dan. 9:4 — 20. — 4 They acknowledge the justice of God 'n all 
 ( 847 ) 
 
B. C . 445. 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 B. C. 445. 
 
 aant and mercy, let not all the ‘trouble seem d lit- 
 .e before thee, that hath f come upon us, e on our 
 kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on 
 our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy 
 people, f since the time of the kings of Assyria 
 unto this day. 
 
 33 Howbeit, «thou art just in all that is brought 
 upon us; for thou hast done right, but h we have 
 done wickedly : 
 
 34 -Neither have our kings, our princes, our 
 priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened 
 unto thy commandments and ‘thy testimonies, 
 wherewith thou didst testify against them. 
 
 35 For k they have not served thee in their 
 kingdom, and in 'thy great goodness that thou 
 
 • Heb. weariness, d Lev. 26:18,21,24,28. Ezra 9:13. t Heb. found us. 
 e 2 Kings 23 29,33,34. 25:7,18—21,25,26. 2 Chr. 36: Jer. 8:1—3. 22:18,19. 34:19 
 —22. 39: 52: Dan. 9:6,8. f2 Kings 15:19,29. 17:3. Is. 7:17,18. 8:7,8. 10:5-7. 
 36 : 37: g Gen. 18:25. Job 34:23. Ps. 119:137. Jer. 12:1. Lam. 1: 18. Dan. 9:7, 
 14. h Lev. 26:40,41. Job 33:27. Ps. 106:6. Dan. 9:5— 10. i 30. 2 Kings 17:15. 
 
 the punishments he had inflicted upon them, though heavy, 
 and of long continuance. For, from the highest to the lowest, 
 they had all done wickedly, and would not be reclaimed.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. They acknowledge also the mercy of God, in 
 that they had not been entirely consumed. (31. Notes , Ps. 
 106:40—46. Lam. 3:21—23.) 
 
 V. 36, 37. The situation of Israel was very different, at 
 this time, from what it had been under their own kings, and 
 in the days of their prosperity. God had for their sins set 
 over them the kings of Persia, who exacted from them heavy 
 taxes ; and who had their property, liberty, and lives entirely 
 in their power. ( Note , John 8:30 — 36.) It was very dis- 
 tressing for the worshippers of God, to be in slavery to the 
 worshippers of dumb idols : and though they had no intention 
 of revolting from the kings of Persia, who allowed them to 
 live according to their own laws, and in many respects showed 
 them much favour; yet they hoped, that, upon their deep 
 repentance, and more entire return to»God, he would more 
 effectually deliver them from captivity and bondage, and re- 
 store them in du season to their former liberty, independ- 
 ence, and prosperity. (Note, 5:1 — 5. Ps.85:l — 8. 106:46 — 48.) 
 
 V. 38. ‘ In consideration of which, they resolved to renew 
 
 their covenant with God, of better obedience, which they 
 promised under their hands and seals, as the only remedy to 
 procure perfect deliverance. And to make it more effectual, 
 they . . . declare this in the presehce of God, at the conclu- 
 sion of the foregoing confession and prayer.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Note, 10:jl.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. The diligent study of God’s word will more and 
 more show us both our own sinfulness, and the plenteousness 
 of his salvation ; and thus alternately call us to mourn for 
 sin, and to rejoice in him. — Seasons of comfort should remind 
 us of his condescending goodness, and so lead us to deeper 
 self-abasement on account of our crimes against him : and 
 thus joyful feasts and solemn fasts may properly succeed, 
 and preffere our hearts for each other. — Our sorrow and 
 humiliation for sin must be evidenced to be genuine by sepa- 
 ration from it, and from every occasion or temptation to it. — 
 Every discovery of the truth and will of God should endear 
 to us his sacred word, and render us more unwearied in our 
 attendance on it, and on his worship. A few hours, or even 
 occasionally a whole day, cannot be too long to spend in those 
 exercises and meditations, which are preparations for heaven, 
 and anticipations of its sacred joys: yet alas, we are most of 
 us sooner weary in the courts of the Lord, than the trifler is 
 at his diversions, or even the labourer at his work ! — Our God 
 knoweth our thoughts before we speak, and mental prayer 
 may suit our secret intercourse with him : but those who ad- 
 dress him in public, should speak audibly and with animation ; 
 that the people may hear and be affected : and if, on some 
 occasions, u they cry with a loud voice unto the Lord their 
 God,” or be more copious than usual, they cannot be censured, 
 without involving those who are commended in the sacred 
 Scriptures. — Whether we feast and rejoice, or fast and mourn 
 for sin, we should be ready to bless and praise the Lord our 
 God for his eternal excellences ; for his goodness to us as our 
 Creator, and the sole Author of all our temporal comforts; 
 and above all, “ as the God of salvation,” for the wonders 
 which he has done for his church of redeemed sinners from 
 the beginning hitherto. 
 
 V. 7 — 31. In reviewing this abstract of the Lord’s con- 
 duct toward Israel, as a people^ from the choice and call of 
 Abraham to the days of Nehemiah : we perceive a continued 
 display of his power, wisdom, truth, and love, requited by 
 persevering ingratitude, and perverse disobedience. All their 
 distinguishing advantages originated from the Lord’s choice 
 of them ; and accorded to his gracious promises, which he 
 most faithfully performed. But while surrounded with the 
 riches of his bounty, and the demonstrations of his power 
 and presence ; while his holy law yet sounded in their ears, 
 Sinai’s fiery top was before their eyes, and they were guided, 
 guarded, sustained, and instructed by miracles ; they rebelled 
 against God, set up idols, attempted to return to Egypt, and 
 rushed vehemently into the most daring provocations ! Yet 
 ( 848 ^ 
 
 gavest them, and in the large and m fat land which 
 thou gavest before them, neither turned they from 
 their wicked works. 
 
 36 Behold, "we are servants this day, and/or 
 the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat 
 the fruit thereof, and the good thereof, behold, we 
 are servants in it : 
 
 37 And °it yieldeth much increase unto the 
 kings whom thou hast set over us because of 
 our sins: also they have Pdominion over our 
 bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and 
 we are in great distress. 
 
 38 And because of all this ^we make a sure 
 covenant, and write it ; and our princes, Levites, 
 and priests, tseal unto it. 
 
 k Deut. 28:47. Jer. 5:19. Rom. 3:4,5. 125. m Pent. 8:7— 10. 32:12-15. u Deul. 
 28:48. 2 Chr. 12:8. Ezra 9:9. o Devil. 28:39,51. Ezra 4:13. 5:8. 7:24. p 5:8. 
 I.e». 26:17. Devil. 28:48. John8:33. q 10:29. 2 Kings 23:3. 2 Chr. 15: 12,13. 23: 
 16.29:10.34:31. Ezra 10:3. } Heb. are at the sealing, or, sealed. 10:1. 
 
 he did not destroy them, he withdrew not his mercies from 
 them, he was ever ready to hear their prayers, to pardon their 
 sins, and to do them good; though they still relapsed into 
 murmurings and provocations ! The dealings of the Lord 
 towards them, as a nation, in their warnings, corrections, 
 and deliverances, throughout the whole history ; and their 
 ingratitude, perverseness, neglect of his worship, contempt 
 and persecution of his prophets, relapses into idolatry and 
 other enormities ; tended to show the riches of his goodness, 
 forbearance, and long-suffering, and the hardness of their 
 impenitent hearts. And even when at length justice de- 
 manded, that they should be given up into the hands of their 
 enemies, and their temple, city, and country desolated ; his 
 tender mercy prevented him from utterly casting them off! 
 their miseries were great and terrible ; but the Lord was just 
 in all that he had done : yea, it was of his mercies that they 
 were not consumed, and that a remnant had been brought 
 back to their own land ; who soon began to show the same 
 spirit of unthankful and perverse disobedience. — And is not 
 their conduct a specimen of human nature ? Our land, for 
 instance, has for ages been favoured with deliverances^ 
 opportunities, and benefits, little, if at all, inferior to those 
 vouchsafed to Israel: and have we not copied Israel’s in- 
 gratitude, rebellion, and iniquity ? Oh, may a general 
 reformation, while yet we are spared, prevent our being 
 given up into the hands of foreign conquerors, or domestic 
 oppressors! (P. O. Deut. 32:15 — 35. Ps. 78:12 — 54. 106: 
 
 28—48. Ez. 16: 20:10— 19.) 
 
 But especially we should each of us study our own history. 
 Let us look back to the time when we received our being, 
 as rational creatures, from the goodness and power of the 
 Lord ; let us recollect the distinguishing advantages of our 
 infancy and childhood : then let us ask ourselves, what were 
 our first returns to our kind Friend and Benefactor ? what 
 were our first thoughts, words, and works ? — As our faculties 
 began to unfold, revolving years brought with them recent 
 comforts and advantages : and did they not witness increas- 
 ing perverseness, ingratitude, and ungodliness ? Let us 
 divide our lives past into distinct periods, and carefully in- 
 vestigate the mercies and the transgressions of each, until 
 we have brought down the inquiry to the present hour: pray- 
 ing all the while, that the Holy Spirit may assist our recollec- 
 tion, and enable us to form a proper estimate of the Lord’s 
 dealings with us, and our behaviour towards him ; and to 
 deduce proper conclusions from the whole, with suitable 
 affections. And if prejudice, ignorance, or self-flattery do 
 not blind our minds, we shall certainly see abundant cause 
 for deep humiliation and for admiring gratitude ; and to ac- 
 knowledge, that all our sufferings have been justly merited, 
 all our comforts mercifully bestowed. — Besides the temporal 
 provision which we have from the Lord’s bounty, (though 
 not by miracle;) we are favoured with means and opportu- 
 nities of becoming wise unto salvation, even beyond what 
 Israel enjoyed in their most favoured times. Wo have the 
 sacred oracles, now completed and ever at hand, to give us 
 light, and to s u ow us the way in which we should go. We 
 have the Gospel preached among us, and the holy sabbaths 
 and ordinances of our God : but have we never neglected, 
 profaned, and despised them? We have not been without 
 salutary chastisements, and merciful deliverances perhaps in 
 answer to prayer: but have we not requited them by return- 
 ing unto sin ? We have had, not, only the testimony of God’s 
 servants, but the strivings of his good Spirit : but have wo 
 never hated or despised the one, and quenched the other? 
 nay, we are especially u under the ministration of the Spirit:” 
 yet perhaps have neglected to pray for his gracious influences, 
 and derided those who did ! And have not we proudly cast 
 off the authority 6f God’s law ; and as |>roudly endeavoured 
 to justify ourselves before him? This I say, was the ease 
 with us once, perhaps is so still with some who read these 
 observations. Yet, whilst others have been rut off. we are 
 spared ! May this review of the Lord’s mercies, and of our 
 sms, bring us to truo repentance, and induce us to condemn 
 ourselves, as having imitated and vindicated all the trans- 
 gressors who have gone before us : may it bring us to submit 
 
B. C. 441. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The names of those who scaled the covenant, 1— *27. The rest of the people bind 
 themselves to observe it, 28, '2 >. Some particulars to which they bound them 
 selves, 30 — 39. 
 
 N OW 'those that sealed were, "Nehcmiah the 
 ’Tirshatha, the '’son of Hachaliah, and Zid- 
 kijah, 
 
 2 "Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 
 
 3 d Pashur, "Amariah, ’Malchijah, 
 
 4 sHattusn, h Shebaniah, ‘Malluch, 
 
 5 k Harim, ‘Meremoth, Obadiah, 
 
 6 Daniel, m Ginnethon, "Baruch, 
 
 7 "Mcshullam, t’Abijah, ‘iMijamin, 
 
 • 8 Maaziah, ’Bilgai, 'Shemaia : these were the 
 priests. 
 
 9 And the Levites : both ‘Jeshua the son of 
 Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of “Henadad, Kad- 
 miel ; 
 
 10 And their brethren, *Shebaniah, Hodijah, 
 Kelita. Pelaiah, Hanan, 
 
 11 Micha, Rehob, >Hashabiah, 
 
 12 Zaccur, ’Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 
 
 13 Hodijah, Bani, Beninu. 
 
 • Heb. at the sealings. 9:38. a 8:9. t Or, governor. 7:701 Ezra 2:63. b 1 : l . 
 e3:23. 11:11. 12:1,33,34. d 11:12. e 12.2,13. 13:11. 8:4. Mutekiak. gS:10. 
 h 12:14. i 12:2. k 3:11. 13:1,21.123. m 12:1. Gmnetko. •) 3:20. o3:6. 
 
 8:1.11:11.12:13,25—33. p 12:4. q 12:5. Mitmin. 17,11. Minmmin. r 12: 
 5. Bilgah. s 3:29. 12:6,18,42. Ezra 10:21. 13:19.7:13.8:7.9:4. u3:18,21. 
 12:8,21. x 8:7. 9:1,5. Ezra 10:23. y 11:15,22. 12:21. Ezra 8:19,2k z 8:7. 9:4. 
 
 to the Lord’s righteousness, to accept of his salvation, and to 
 set our seal to his new covenant of mercy and grace : that 
 “being delivered from all our enemies, we may serve him in 
 righteousness before him” the remainder of our da^s. (P. O. 
 Deut. 9:32:1—14. Ps. 106:1— 27. Ez. 20:1— 9.) 
 
 Even, if by the Lord’s choice of us, and his grace given to 
 us, we have on the whole been made and found faithful to 
 him ; and if his covenant have been ratified to us with all its 
 rf cious promises ; we shall not only have cause to adore 
 im for these inestimable mercies, and for his Son Jesus 
 Christ, and redemption by his atoning blood, as the Founda- 
 tion of them all ; but we shall, upon every review, see cause 
 to admire his present patience and gentleness, and to lament 
 our ingratitude and disobedience. We have been delivered 
 from a far worse oppression than that of the Egyptian ty- 
 rant, and by a far more wonderful exertion of almighty power 
 and love. We are guided by a superior light, sheltered by a 
 more glorious protection, and favoured with stronger conso- 
 lations, than Israel of old. We feed upon “ the Bread of life, 
 which came down from heaven, to give life unto the world 
 we drink the Waters which flow from “ the Rock of ages” 
 who was. smitten for us ; we are clothed with the robe of 
 righteousness and salvation; our “feet are shod with the 
 preparation of the gospel of peace and the good Spirit of 
 God, is not only our condescending Instructer and Sanctifier, 
 but our Comforter also, who deigns to make our hearts his 
 temple ! and we possess the hope and earnests of everlasting 
 glory. But, while we rejoice'in the Lord's great goodness to 
 us, what requital do we make? We are, perhaps, kept from 
 habitual and gross disobedience : but we are conscious how 
 often we are setting up our idols, and in heart returning to 
 our bondage; how often we forget him, “grieve his Holy 
 Spirit,” and neglect his service ; and how often we are kept 
 from still greater revolts by no higher motives than the terror 
 of his judgments, and the anguish of his salutary chastise- 
 ments, which yet we soon forget, when he has mercifully 
 removed them. Were he not slow to anger and ready to 
 pardon, he would have cast us off long ago. But our heavenly 
 Advocate still pleads, and we are spared ; and his mercies 
 and our privileges are continued to us ! 
 
 V. 32 — 38. On every review of our past conduct we shall 
 find cause to lie down ashamed before God, praising his great 
 goodness, and confessing our great unworthiness. Let us 
 then thank him for his merciful corrections, as well as his con- 
 solations : let us renew our acceptance of his salvation, and 
 ratification of his covenant ; let us beg of him to deliver us 
 from all other lords, that we may serve him more entirely. 
 And let us frequently meditate on these subjects, that we 
 may be preserved humble, thankful, and watchful ; as well 
 as be prepared for communion with him in every sacred 
 ordinance. — It behooves all men to reflect seriously and fre- 
 quently on the greatness, justice, and goodness of the Lord ; 
 to consider the terrible power of his indignation, and the 
 infinite ttalue of his favour. And they should remember that 
 pride, -obstinacy, and impenitence are the sins which ruin the 
 , Jil ; and that no former crimes can ruin the penitent be- 
 liever. Let then the sinner trust in the mercy of him, who 
 Is a God of pardons, and “ ready to forgive ;” let the back- 
 slider repent and return to him ; let the believer walk humbly 
 with him : let the prosperous fear abusing the Lord’s good- 
 ness : let the afflicted be warned to seek deliverance from the 
 wrath to come. Let us ever remember that all our miseries 
 are the effect of sin, and that they are all less than we 
 Reserve, though hard for us to bear: let us then pray to be 
 delivered from * the bitter pains of eternal death ;’ and not 
 Vol. 1—107 
 
 B. C. 445 
 
 14 The chief of the people: *Pa \)sh, Puhath- 
 moab, Elan), Zatthu, •’Bani, 
 
 * 15 Bunni, c Azgad, Bebai, 
 
 16 Adonijah, d Bigvai, Adin, 
 
 17 Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur, 
 
 18 Hodijah, 'Hashum, Bczai, 
 
 19 Hariph, Anathoth. Nebai, 
 
 20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, 
 
 21 Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua, 
 
 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 
 
 23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub, 
 
 24 Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek, 
 
 ,25 f Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 
 
 26 And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan, 
 
 27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah. 
 
 28 U And sthe rest of the people, the priests, 
 the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethin- 
 ims, and h all they that had separated themselves 
 from the people of the lands unto the law of God, 
 their wives, their sons, and their daughters, 'every 
 one having knowledge, and having understanding ; 
 
 29 They Jclave to their brethren, their nobles, 
 and k entered into a curse, and into an oath, 'to 
 
 12:8. a 3:11. 7:8,11 — 13. Zattu. b 7:15. Binnui. Ezra 2:10. c 7:16,17. Ezra 
 2:11,12. 8:11,12. 10:28. d 7:19 — 21 . Ezra 2:14— 16. 8:14. e7:22,&c. Ezi»2: 
 
 17, &c. 13:17, 4c. g 7:72,73. Ezra 2:70. h 9:2. 13:3. Ezra 9: 1,2. 10:11— 17. 
 2Cor. 6:14— 17. i 8:2. Ec. 5:2. Jer. 4:2. j Is. 14:1. Acts 11:23. 17:34. Rom. 
 12:9. k 5:12,13. 13:25. Deut. 27:15, &c. 29:12-14. 2 Cbr. 15:13,14. Ps. 119: 
 106. Acts 23:12—15,21. 1 2 Kings 10:31. 23:3. 2 Chr. 6:16. 32:31. Jer. 26:4. 
 
 forget to entreat the Lord to deliver his church from the 
 oppression of every enemy, and to establish it in the beauty 
 of holiness. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1. We have several times 
 read of the rulers, priests, and people solemnly covenanting 
 before God, to renounce their transgressions and to adhere 
 to his service. Such transactions were sometimes ratified 
 with sacrifices, solemn oaths, and other expressions of the 
 most entire consent to them : but this is the only instance 
 met with of a covenant drawn up in writing, and ratified by 
 the names and seals of the persons who consented to it. 
 (Notes, 29. Ex. 24:3—11. Deut. 26:17—19. 29:10—15. 
 Josh. 8:30—35. 24:14—27. 2 Kings 11:17—20. 23:3. 2 Chr. 
 15:12—15. Is. 44:3—5. P. O. 1—5.) No doubt this was 
 devised, to render the transaction more affecting ; and that 
 the deed might remain as a durable testimony, under their 
 own hands and seals, against those who violated it : the ex- 
 plicit ratification thus given would render the persons con- 
 cerned more sensible of their obligations, and more afraid of 
 transgression; it would fortify them against temptation, pre- 
 serve them from forgetfulness, and to be a constant argument 
 for them to insist upon in cautioning, exhorting, or reproving 
 each other. — The same uses may be made of those profes- 
 sions, and of that consent to the new covenant, which are 
 virtually made in baptism, whether personal or that of our 
 children ; and in the Lord’s supper ; when those ordinances 
 are duly explained and understood, administered and attended 
 on. (Nates and P. O. Matt. 19:13 — 15. Note, 26:26 — 28. 
 P. O. 26 — 35.) — To this covenant the chief persons alone 
 set their names and seals ; and Nehcmiah the governor first. 
 Perhaps Zidkijah was one of the princes ; but no other name 
 is explicitly mentioned of that order. 
 
 V. 2 — 8. All the persons named in these verses were 
 priests, and no doubt chief persons of that order. — It is ob- 
 servable that Eliashib, the high-priest, is not found among 
 those who sealed the covenant. And it is probable, that 
 neither he nor his sons favoured the measure. (Notes, 13:4,. 
 23 — 30.) — But it is more surprising, that the name of Ezra is 
 wanting. There is no reason to think that he was absent ; 
 for he was at Jerusalem both before and after this transac- 
 tion : (8:1 — 6. 12:36.) perhaps he was confined by sickness 
 or infirmity ; or the measure so entirely originated with him, 
 and he had bestowed so much pains in drawing up the cove- 
 nant, and inducing others to consent to it, that his further 
 ratification of it was deemed superfluous. (Note, Dan. 3:8-— 
 12 .) 
 
 V. 9 — 17. Most, if not all, of the Levites, who led tl o 
 public devoUons, set their seal to the covenant ; which may 
 be admitted as a probable indication that they were ear- 
 nestly and zealously engaged in that service. (Marg. Ref. 
 Notes, 9:4,5.) 
 
 V. 18 — 27. (Marg. Ref.) Many of the names, here men- 
 tioned, are found among those who returned with Zerubbabe 
 about ninety years before: so that, either the same names 
 were preserved in the several families ; or the principal de- 
 scendants of these persons, when in general favourable to tile 
 measure, subscribed their family name ; that is, the name 
 of that ancestor, by relation to whom they were commonly 
 distinguished. (Luke 1:61.) 
 
 V. 28. (Marg. Ref.) ‘All that did not subscribe and 
 seal, because they were too many, jet gave their consent to 
 what the forenamed persons did : and not only the men, but 
 their wives and their children, who were arrived at years of 
 discretion, engaged themselves.’ Bp. Patrick. All they 
 that had separated , &c.] It is probable, that these were 
 ( 849 ) 
 
B. C. 444. 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 B. C. 444. 
 
 walk in God’s law, vhich was m given ‘by Moses 
 the servant of God, and “to observe and do all the 
 commandments of»°the Lord our Lord, and his 
 
 judgments and his statutes; [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 30 And f’that we would not give our daugh- 
 ters unto the people of the land, nor take their 
 daughters for our sons : 
 
 31 And if The people of the land bring ware, 
 or any victuals on the sabbath-day to sell, that 
 we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or 
 r on the holy day : “and that we would leave the 
 seventh year, and ‘the exaction of every idebt. 
 
 32 Also we made ordinances for us, “to charge 
 ourselves yearly with “the third part of a shekel, 
 for the service of the house of our God ; 
 
 33 For The show-bread, and for the continual 
 meat-offering, and for ‘the continual burnt-offer- 
 ing, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set 
 feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin- 
 offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and/or 
 ‘all the work of the house of our God. 
 
 34 And we b cast the lots among the priests, the 
 Levites, and the people, for ‘the wood-offering, to 
 bring it into the house of our God, after the houses 
 of our fathers, at times appointed, year by year, 
 to burn upon the altar of the Lord our God, d as 
 it is written in the law: 
 
 m Dent. 33:4. Mai. 4.4. John 1 : 17. 7:19. * Heb. by the hand of. n Deut. 5:1, 
 32. Ps. 105:45. Ez. 36:27. John 15:14. Tit. 2:11—14. oPs. 8:1,9. p Ex. 34:16. 
 Deut. 7:3. Ezra 9:1,3,12—14. 10:10— 12. q 13:15— 22. Ex. 20: 10. Lev. 23:3. 
 Deut. 5:12— 14. Jer. 17:21,22. r Ex. 12:16. Lev. 16:29. 23:21 ,35,36. Col. 2:16. 
 6 Ex. 23:10,11. Lev. 25:4— 7. 2Chr.36:21. t 5:7,12. Deut. 15:1— 3,7— 9. Matt. 
 6:12. 18:27 — 35. Jam. 2:13. + Heb. band. Is. 58:6. u Gen. 28:22. Prov. 3:9, 
 
 10. x Ex. 30:11— 16. Malt. 17:24— 27. 2 Cor. 8:12. y Lev. 24:5— 9. 2 Chr. 2: 
 4. z Nura. 23: 29: a 2 Chr. 24:5— 14. b 1 Chr. 24:5,7. 25:8,9. Prov. 18:18. 
 
 the proselytes, who, having been circumcised, separated 
 from their idolatrous connexions, and kept the law of Moses, 
 and thus were numbered among the native Jews 
 
 V. 29. By the nobles, in this place, the superior persons, 
 priests, or Levites, are evidently meant. The body of the 
 people, who were old enough to be capable of knowing what 
 was intended, assembled together, and signified, by some 
 appointed token, their consent to the covenant, as in the 
 presence of God, and under the solemn obligations of an oath, 
 and to an awful curse, which was denounced against such as 
 violated these obligations. {Notes, 5:10 — 13. Deut. 27:15 — 
 26.) They engaged in general to obey the whole law of 
 Moses: and some instances were specified, in which they 
 had been remarkably guilty, or which were peculiarly en- 
 snaring. 
 
 V. 30, 31. (Notes, Ezra 9: 10:) — It seems, that Nehemiah 
 would not venture, in the present unsettled state of the Jews, 
 to exercise his authority, to prevent their heathen neighbours 
 from vending provisions at Jerusalem, or in the cities of 
 Judah, on the sabbath: and he supposed, that by engaging 
 the people, in this solemn manner, not to buy of them, they 
 would be discouraged from coming. But he soon found that 
 many evaded or violated the engagement, without regard to 
 consequences ; and he was afterwards constrained to em- 
 ploy coercive measures. (Notes. 13:15 — 22.) — It may be 
 concluded from this narrative, that none of the Jews at- 
 tempted to carry on trade on the sabbath ; though some of 
 them would buy of the Gentiles. This gave the latter an 
 undue advantage, and proportionably injured the Jews. And 
 certainly, carrying on trade is as contrary to the law of 
 hallowing the sabbath, as any kind of labour whatever. 
 
 The exaction, &c. (31) Notes, 5:6 — 13. Lev. 25:1 — 7. 
 Deut. 15:2,3. Matt. 18:23—35. 
 
 V. 32, 33. A half shekel apiece had been collected for 
 erecting the tabernacle in the wilderness ; and that sum is 
 supposed to have been paid from time to time, for the pur- 
 chase of sacrifices, and other expenses of the stated worship. 
 (Notes, Ex. 30:11—16. 2 Kings 12:4,5. Matt. 17:24—27.) 
 But it was now computed, that one third of a shekel apiece, 
 or something less than a shilling of our money, annually, 
 would suffice for these expenses. During prosperous times, 
 the treasury of the temple, replenished by voluntary obla- 
 tions, it is probable, supplied what was wanted : and on 
 some occasions the liberality of kings and nobles rendered 
 such contributions unnecessary : but the circumstances of 
 the nation now required them. 
 
 V. 34. It is probable, that the wood for fuel had hitherto 
 been provided for, out of the same fund with the sacrifices : 
 but, on this occasion it was deemed expedient to bear the 
 expenses of it in another manner. — It seems each family en- 
 gaged to send in a regular supply at an appointed time every 
 year ; and that the order was determined by lot. 
 
 V. 35 — 39. (Marg. Ref.) The priests had a tithe out of 
 (he tithe given to the Levites ; and one of them was at this 
 time appointed to see that it was regularly paid. (Notes, 
 Num. 18:25—32. 2 Chr. 31:5—10. Mai. 3:7—12.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V 1 — 29. As the creatures and subjects of the Lord, we 
 
 ( 850 ) 
 
 35 And to bring 'the first-fruits of our ground, 
 and the first-fruits of all fruit of all trees, year by 
 year, unto the house of the Lord : 
 
 36 Also ‘the first-born of our sons, and of our 
 cattle, as it is written in the law, and the" firstlings 
 of our herds, and of our flocks, to '.ring to the 
 house of our God, Tinto the priests that minister 
 in the house of our God : 
 
 37 And that we should bring h the first fruits 
 of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit 
 of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto 
 the priests, ‘to the chambers of the house of our 
 God ; and k the tithes of our ground unto the 
 Levites, that the same Levites might have the 
 tithes in all the cities of our tillage. 
 
 38 And the priest the son of Aaron shall be 
 with the Levites ‘when the Levites take tithes : 
 and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the 
 tithes unto the house of our God, to the cham- 
 bers, into “the treasure-house. 
 
 39 For “the children of Israel and “the children 
 of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of 
 the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, 
 where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the 
 priests that minister, and the porters, and the 
 singers : and p we will not forsake the house of 
 our God. 
 
 c 13:31. Lev. 6:12. Josh. 9:21. Is. 40:16. d Lev. 6:12,13. e Ex. 23:19 . 34:26. 
 Lev. 19:23- 26. Num. 18:12. Deul. 26:2. 2 Chr. 31 :3— 10. Prov. 3:9,10. Mai 
 3:8—12. fEx. 13:2,12—15. 34:19. Lev. 21:26,27. Num. 18:15,16. Deut. 12:6. 
 K Num. 18:9— 19. 1 Cor. 9:6— 14. Gal. 6:6. h Lev. 23:17. Num. 15: 19— 21. 
 18:12,13. Deut. 18:4. 26:2. i 13:5,9. 1 Kings 6:5— 10. 2 Chr. 31 :11 ,12. k Lev. 
 27:30-33. Nirtn. 18:21.24— 32. 2Chr.31:6. I Num 18:26— 28. m 13:12,13. 
 
 1 Chr. 9:26. S Chr. 31:11,12. n Deut. 12:6— 11 ,17 14:23—27. 2Cbr.31:I2. 
 o Num. 18:30. p 13:10,11. Ps. 122:9. Heb. 10:25. 
 
 are bound by his authority to obey all his commandments, and 
 are exposed to a tremendous curse for violating them. But 
 our offended Sovereign, in his infinite mercy, has provided a 
 better covenant, according to which believers are delivered 
 from this curse, and are taught and enabled to perform a new, 
 sincere, and acceptable obedience through Jesus Christ. 
 The word of God calls us to consent to this covenant, and to 
 partake of its inestimable benefits. And when we humble 
 ourselves in godly sorrow and penitent confessions of sin ; 
 when we receive the atonement and reconciliation, which 
 the Mediator of this covenant has made by his precious 
 blood, and seek for mercy through his intercession by fervent 
 prayers ; and when in our purposes of renewed obedience, 
 we rely on his gracious assistance : — when these transactions 
 have indeed taken place in secret, between God and our 
 souls ; our public sealing and ratifying the covenant at the 
 Lord’s table, or in any other solemn way, will be honourable 
 to God, edifying to his people, and encouraging to ourselves; 
 and we may trust in him to enable us to fulfil the engage 
 ments with acceptance. But where this preparation of heart 
 is wanting, such public engagements are mere hypocrisy. 
 (P. O. Deut. 29:1—17. 2 Chr. 30:13—27.) This detestable 
 evil will intrude in all great revivals of religion, after every 
 possible precaution ; and the hypocrites must be left to the 
 judgment of a heart-searching God. But men should be 
 warned, that those, who in baptism, or at the Lord’s table, or 
 when admitted into the ministry, or in any other way, engage 
 for what they do not intend, or afterwards do not take care to 
 perform, bring themselves under an additional and most awful 
 curse : as do all, who trifle with solemn oaths, vows, or sacra- 
 mental engagements of any kind ; and all who despise, oppose, 
 or pervert -the salvation of the gospel. — Every one, capable of 
 understanding, is alike required to obey the law of God ; all 
 need the mercy and grace of the gospel ; all therefore should 
 be exhorted and commanded, to set their seals to the new 
 covenant; but those who have the pre-eminence in society, 
 or take the lead in religious exercises, ought to set the exam- 
 ple ; and they, who are remarkably zealous to reform others, 
 should be as remarkably zealous in every good work. — The 
 influence and example of the great will always have a power- 
 ful effect upon their inferiors : their distinction is truly honour- 
 able, when, in following and cleaving to them, others follow 
 and cleave to the Lord: and the Christian equality of the 
 common people, as brethren to believing nobles and rulers, 
 will influence them to render the more heartily u honour to 
 whom honour is due.” (Note, 1 Tim. 6:1 — 5.) 
 
 V. 30 — 39. We arc not sincere in covenanting with God, 
 except we aim to obey all his commandments : for if\vc allow 
 ourselves in violating one of them habitually, it is evident that 
 we have not truly repented of our former transgressions in that 
 particular; that we have never sought forgiveness of them in 
 a due manner ; that, we do not desire the sanctifying Spirit of 
 Christ, to mortify that peculiar sinful propensity : and conse- 
 quently that we are not born of God, nor interested in the 
 righteousness and atonement of Christ. But real believers, 
 at. least all who by a consistent conduct give satisfactory evi- 
 dence that they are such, place the strongest guard where 
 there there is the greatest danger; and ”*ee ever) means of 
 
B. C. 443. 
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 B. C. 445 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 77te rulers , toith tvery tenth hum taken by lot , and those who offered volunta- 
 rily, dwell a: Jerusalem, 1,2. Their names, 3 — 19. The rest dwell in the 
 other cities, 20—36. 
 
 NI) "the rulers of the people dwelt at Je- 
 rusalem : the rest of the people also b cast 
 lots, to bring c one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem 
 ‘the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other 
 tities. 
 
 2 And the people "blessed all the. men that 
 willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem. 
 
 3 51 Now these are ethe chief of the province 
 that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of 
 Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their 
 cities, to wit, ''Israel, the priests, and the Levites, 
 and the Nethiniins, and ‘the children of Solomon’s 
 servants. 
 
 4 And at Jerusalem k dwelt certain of the 
 children of Judah, and of the children of Ben- 
 jamin. Of the children of Judah ; Athaiah the 
 son of U/.ziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of 
 Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son Ma- 
 halaleel, of the children of ‘Perez ; 
 
 5 And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of 
 "Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of 
 Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah 
 the son of "Shiloni. 
 
 6 All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem 
 were four hundred threescore and eight valiant 
 men. 
 
 7 And these are "the sons of Benjamin ; 
 Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the 
 
 t 7:4,5. Deut. 17:8,9. Pj. 122:5. b 10:34. Josh. 18:10. 1 Chr. 26:13. Pro.. 16:33. 
 Acts 1:24. c Juilg. 20:9,10. d 18. Is. 48:2. 52:1. Matt. 4:5. 27:53. e Deut. 24: 
 13. Job 29:13 . 31.:20. fjudg.5:9. 2 Cor. 8: 16,17. g 7.6. Ezra 2: 1. h 7:73. 
 1 Chr. 9:1,2. Ezra 2:70. i 7:57— 60. Ezra 2:55— 53. k 1 Chr. 9:3,4. 1 Gen. 38: 
 ». Ruth 4:18. Pharez. Mott. 1:3. Luke 3:33. Pharet. m3:15. n Gen. 38:5. 
 
 avoiding and subduing those sins, which have the most foiled 
 and ensnared them. Separation from intimate connexions 
 with ungodly persons, and the conscientious hallowing of the 
 Lord’s day, are peculiarly attended to by them. They do 
 not infringe upon the sacred rest, and they show a marked 
 disapprobation of those who do : they carefully remove occa- 
 sions of transgression, and previously so arrange every thing, 
 as may best promote the strict observance of that holy day. 
 Their attention to the ordinances of God is connected with 
 justice to all men, and mercy to those who need it. They 
 do not exact from their brethren, when it would distress 
 them ; but they trust the Lord to repay what they thus lose 
 or expend. Though they be poor or burdened, they will find 
 a little to spare for pious or charitable uses ; that little 
 will be accepted ; and, coming from great numbers, will form 
 large funds for useful purposes. — As the ordinances of God 
 are the appointed means of sustenance to our souls, the be- 
 liever should not grudge the expense of them. Even the 
 poor will part with their money for bread : yet most men 
 leave their souls to starve ! But the covenanted servant of 
 God u honours him with his substance and with the first-fruits 
 o all his increase,” and that brings a blessing upon the rest: 
 (Note, Prov. 3:9,10.) nor will he defraud or withhold from the 
 ministers, who labour in the word and doctrine, their propor- 
 tion of a suitable maintenance. — In short, we must render to 
 God, to the king, to magistrates, superiors, equals, inferiors, 
 relatives, the poor, and all men, that which is due unto them, 
 according to the precepts of Scripture ; if we would evidence 
 ourselves to be the true disciples of Christ, and 44 adorn the 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour and in these things we 
 must persevere, exhorting one another, 44 not to forsake the 
 house of our God,” but to 44 walk before him in all his ordi- 
 nances and commandments blameless.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XI. Y. 1,2. Jerusalem at this time was 
 not a place of trade, by which men could acquire wealth; the 
 houses in general were not built ; the adversaries of the jews 
 were peculiarly hostile to that city, both as the capital of the 
 people whose returning prosperity they envied, and the place 
 of the holy worship which they hated ; so that the cities of 
 Judah, and other situations in the country, afforded a fairer 
 prospect of living in peace, and of growing rich. It was there- 
 fore deemed a necessary policy, to replenish Jerusalem, for 
 the re-establishment of the Jews as a distinct nation; and 
 for the honour of the temple, and the protection of the priests 
 and worshippers from the invasion of their enemies. It was 
 44 the holy city,” as chosen, separated, and sanctified of God, 
 for his immediate presence and instituted worship ; as a type 
 of Christ and even of heaven ; and as the place, where the 
 greatest advantages of becoming holy were enjoyed : yet the 
 Jews, in general, had not sufficient zeal or desire after spiritual 
 improvement, to venture the consequences of removing thither. 
 Some indeed willingly offered themselves to dwell there ; 
 whom their brethren commended, thanked, and prayed for ; 
 though few would imitate them. The rulers fixed their resi- 
 Jence there, that the courts of justice, and the business con- 
 ected with public affairs, might draw others : and, in addition 
 
 son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah. the son tn 
 Maaseiah, the son oflthiel, the son or Jesaiah. 
 
 8 And alter him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred 
 twenty and eight. 
 
 9 And Joel the son of Zichri was their over 
 seer : and ’’Judah the son of Senuah was secono 
 over the city. 
 
 10 Of the priests: iJedaiah the son of ‘Joiarib, 
 Jachin. 
 
 11 "Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of 
 Meshullam, the son ofZadok, the son of Meraioth, 
 the son of Ahitub, was ‘the ruler of the house of 
 God. 
 
 12 And their brethren that did the work of 
 the house were eight hundred twenty and two: 
 and “Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of 
 Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, 
 the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah, 
 
 13 And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two 
 hundred forty and two : and Amashai the son ot 
 Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Me- 
 shillemoth, the son oflmmer, 
 
 14 And their brethren, mighty men of valour, 
 a hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer 
 was Zabdiel, the son *of one of the great men. 
 
 15 Also of the Levites: T Shemaiah the son 
 Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hasha- 
 biah, the son of Bunni ; 
 
 16 And “Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief 
 of the Levites, Jiad the oversight of the outward 
 business of the house of God. 
 
 Shelah. Num. 26:20. Shelnniles. 1 Chr. 4:21. 9:5. o 1 Chr. 9:7—9. p 1 Cbr. 
 9:7 .Hodaviah — Hasenuah. q 7:39. 12:19. 1 Chr. 9:10. and Jehoianb. Ezra 
 2:36. 8:16. r 12:6. s 1 Chr. 6:7 — 14. 9:11. Azariah. Ezra 7:1 — 5. t Num. 3: 
 32. 1 Chr. 9:1. 2 Chr. 19:11. 31:13. Acts 5:24. u 1 Chr. 9:12,13. * Or, of 
 
 Haggedolim. v 1 Chr. 9:14 — 19. x 8:7. f Heb. were over. 1 Chr. 26:20. 
 
 to these inhabitants, one family in ten was expressly required 
 to remove to Jerusalem ; the selection of which was by lot 
 referred to the determination of God. 4 They cast lots, that 
 among ten men, it might be known whom God chose to come 
 thither : and the lot falling by divine appointment upon such 
 a person rather than another ; no doubt, he removed the more 
 contentedly to this city.’ Bp. Patrick. ( Notes , Lev. 16:8 — 
 10. Prov. 16:33. Acts 1:23 — 26.) 
 
 V. 3. Israel , in this verse, seems to mean those of the ten 
 tribes, who went up with the Jews. These were not required 
 to dwell at Jerusalem, but inhabited the cities and villages 
 allotted to them. The priests, Levites, Nethinims, and the 
 children of Solomon’s servants likewise, were left at liberty 
 when not attending at the temple. ( Notes , 1 Chr. 9:2. Ezra 
 2:55—58. 7:24—26.) 
 
 V. 4 — 6. 44 Shiloni” (6) is supposed by some to mean 
 Shelah , Judah’s youngest, but only surviving son, by Shuah, 
 the Canaanitess. (Marg. Ref. n.) If this supposition be 
 well-grounded, his descendants seem to have been included in 
 the four hundred threescore and eight valiant men of Perez, 
 or Pharez ; that being the principal branch of the tribe of 
 Judah. — Many or most of these men of Judah seem to have 
 offered themselves willingly to dwell at Jerusalem, in order to 
 defend it : and probably they were, in general, heads of fami- 
 lies : yet the number from this principal tribe, appears to have 
 been comparatively small. — In Chronicles a larger number is 
 stated : but it may be supposed, that the descendants of 
 Zerah, (Judah’s other son,) are also included, of whom nc 
 more than one is mentioned in this chapter. (24. Note, 
 1 Chr. 9:3—9.) 
 
 V. 7 — 9. The greatest part of Jerusalem was situated 
 within the lot of Benjamin ; and, it is probable, the men of 
 that tribe were most desirous of having it fully replenished. — 
 Nearly twice as many of this tribe, (we may suppose, with 
 their families,) dwelt there, as of Judah. (Note, 4 — 6.) 
 The number does not exactly agree with that in the ninth of 
 the first of Chronicles ; though there can be no reasonable 
 doubt that the same events are intended: but at this distance 
 of time it cannot be supposed that such trivial variations can 
 in all cases be accounted for ; though the reason of them 
 might be very evident to contemporaries. — From this time 
 Jerusalem was progressively repeopled ; so that it soon be- 
 came very populous, and continued to be so, till destroyed by 
 the Romans. — Joel was the principal commander of the Ben- 
 jamites in Jerusalem : and Judah, or Hodaviah, (Marg. Rtf 
 p.) was his deputy, or the next in authority under him. 
 
 V. 10 — 15. (Notes, 12:10 — 21. 1 Chr. 6:4—15.) Eliashib 
 was high-priest at this time, under whom it is probable Seraiah 
 had the oversight of all the temple-service. (11) Some think 
 the captain of the temple held the same office. The priests, 
 mentioned in these verses, seem to have constantly resided 
 at Jerusalem, by their own choice ; besides those who attended 
 by rotation. (Note, 3.) 
 
 V. 16. The outward business , &c.1 (Note, 1 Chr. 26:29.) 
 These persons seem to have nad tne cnarge of providing tne 
 sacrifices and making all the other outward preparations for 
 ( S51 ) 
 
fl C. 443. 
 
 NEHEMIAH. B. C. 490 
 
 17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son 
 of yZabdi,*the son of Asaph, was the principal 
 ‘to beg'in the "thanksgiving in prayer: and b Bak- 
 bukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda 
 the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of 
 Jeduthun. 
 
 18 All the Levites in "the holy city were two 
 hundred fourscore and four. 
 
 19 Moreover, the porters, d Akkub, Talmon, 
 and their brethren that kept 'the gales, were a 
 hundred seventy and two. 
 
 20 H And the residue of Israel, of the priests, 
 and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, 
 every one in his inheritance. 
 
 21 But "the Nethiniins dwelt in t Ophel: and 
 Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims. 
 
 22 The f overseer also of the Levites at Je- 
 rusalem was eUzzi the son of ''Bani, the son of 
 'Hashabiah, the son of k Mattaniah, the son of 
 Micha. ] Of the sons of Asaph, the singers 
 m were over the business of the house of God. 
 
 23 For it was "the king’s commandment con- 
 cerning them, that *a certain portion should be 
 for the singers, due for every day. 
 
 24 And Pethahiah the son of "Meshezabeel, 
 of the children of rZerah the son of Judah, was 
 nat the king’s hand in all matters concerning the 
 people. 
 
 25 And for the villages, with their fields, some 
 of the children of Judah dwelt at r Kirjath-arba, 
 and in the villages thereof, and at “Dibon, and 
 in the villages thereof, and a't ‘Jekabzeel, and in 
 the villages thereof, 
 
 y 1 Chr .S:\S.Zichri. z 12:8,31. 1 Chr. 16:4,41. 25:1— 6. a Phil. 4:6. 1 Thes. 
 6:17,18. b 12.9,2.5. c 1. 1 Kinjs 11:13. Dan. 9:24. Mall. 24: 15. 27:53. Rev. 11:2. 
 21:2. (1 7:45.12:25. 1 Chr. .9:17 — 22. • Heb. at the gales, e 3:26,31. 2 Chr. 
 27:3. 1 Or, the tower, f 9,14. 12:42. Acts 20:28. g 12:42. h 3:17. 8:7. 9:4,5. 
 10:13. 110:11.12:24. E*ra$:19. k 17. 12:25,35. 13:13. 1 Chr. 9:15. 117. 
 12:46. 1 Chr. 25:1— 6. mil, 16. 1 Chr. 9:26— 32. n 1 Chr. 9:33. Erra6:8,9. 
 7:20 — 24. X Or, a sure ordinance, o 10:21. p Gen. 38:30. Zarah. Num.26: 
 20. Matt. 1:3. Zara, q 1 Chr. 18:17. 23:28. margins, r Josh. 14:15. sJosh. 
 15:22. Dimonah. t Josh. 15:21. Kabzeel. u Josh. 15:26. 19:2. x Josh. 15:27. 
 Beth-palel. y Josh. 15:28. 19:3. zGen. 21:31. 26:33. Judg. 20:1 . a Josh. 15: 
 31. 1 Sam. 27:6. b Josh. 15:32. Rimmon. c Josh. 15:33. Zoreah. 19:41. Judg. 
 13:25 . Zrjrah. d Josh. 15:35. e3:13. Josh. 15:34. f Josh. 12:15. Mic. 1:15. 
 
 the worship which the priests performed in the courts and 
 in the sanctuary. 
 
 V. 17. (Note, 1 Chr. 9:12 — 18.) The time of the morn- 
 ing and evening sacrifices were the principal hours of prayer 
 to the Jews, who then resorted to the courts of the temple 
 for their devotions. — These were, it seems, preceded by the 
 solemn praises and thanksgivings, which the Levites rendered 
 to the Lord with music and singing. Over this sacred service, 
 Mattaniah, as precentor, statedly presided; while the others 
 acted under his direction. Mattaniah was descended from 
 Asaph ; and the others were descendants of Jeduthun, chief 
 singers in David’s time. (Notes, 22,23. 1 Chr. 16:37 — 43. 
 25:1—7. 2 Chr. 5:12,13. 29:25—30.) 
 
 V. 19. The children ofAkkub and Talmon are numbered 
 with the porters which came up with Zerubbabel, at least 
 ninety years before the events here recorded. In this and a 
 few other instances of the same kind, it must be supposed, 
 either that the children were called by the names of their fa- 
 thers ; or that, having distinct names of their own, they were 
 also honoured in their public characters, by the names of their 
 more illustrious ancestors. (Note, 10:18 — 27.) 
 
 V. 22, 23. (Note, 17.) The descendants of Asaph, pre- 
 sided over some business relative to the temple and its repairs 
 at those times when not employed in psalmody. And they 
 were appointed to this service, because, it seems, the king 
 of Persia allowed those employed in singing the praises of 
 God a daily stipend, besides their maintenance as Levites. 
 (Notes, 1 Chr. 9:31 — 33, v. 33. Ezra 7:24 — 26.) 
 
 V. 24. ( Note i 4 — 6.) Pethahiah, a descendant of Judah 
 
 by Zerah, probably was the king’s commissioner, who received 
 the tribute, made all payments from it, and managed all such 
 matters, according to orders from the king. It was an 
 advantage to the Jews to have one of their own nation in this 
 office: and it maybe supposed he was preferred to it, through 
 Nehemiah’s recommendation. 
 
 V. 25 — 36. No account is given of those who dwelt in the 
 cities and villages; but merely of the places which they inha- 
 bited. ( Marg . Ref.) ‘Some of these great towns, orcities 
 without walls, had little villages about thorn ; but others had 
 only fields, and no villages in them, the country being as yet 
 but thinly peopled. . . . The rest of the Levites, who were 
 not settled at Jerusalem, were distributed among the people 
 of Judah and Benjamin, who dwelt in the forenamed towns, 
 whom they taught and instructed in religion and good man- 
 ners.’ Bp. Patrick. (36) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 Tt has in all ages been justly lamented, that men prefer 
 their own ease and emolument to the public good; that oven 
 
 ( 852 ) 
 
 26 And at Jeshua, and at "Moladah, and at 
 ‘Beth-plielet, 
 
 27 And at ^Hazar-shual and at ‘Becr-sheba, 
 and in the villages thereof, 
 
 28 And at "Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and it 
 the villages thereof, 
 
 29 And at b En-rimmon, and at ‘Zareah, and a. 
 d Jarmuth, 
 
 30 ‘Zanoah, f Adullam, and in their villages, 
 at sLachish, and the fields thereof, at h Azekah, 
 and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from 
 Beer-sheba unto 'the valley ofHinnom. 
 
 31 The children also of Benjamin Trom k Geba 
 dwelt “at ‘Michmash, and m Aija, and “Beth-el, ana 
 in their villages, 
 
 32 And at "Anathoth, i’Nob, Ananiah, 
 
 33 Hazor, iRamah, r Gittaini, 
 
 34 Hadid, "Zeboim, Neballat, 
 
 35 l Lod, and Ono, “the valley of craftsmen. 
 
 36 And *of the Levites were ^divisions in 
 Judah, and in Benjamin. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 The priests and Levites who came up with Zerubbabel , 1 — 9. The succession 
 
 of high-priests after the captivity , 10, 11. The names of some chief priests 
 
 12 — 21; and of some eminent Levitts, 22 — 26. The solemnity of dedicating 
 
 the wall , 27—43. The offices and portions of the priests and Levites, 
 
 44—47. 
 
 N OW these are "the priests and the Levites 
 that went up with b Zerubbabel the son of 
 Shealtiel, and c Jeshna : d Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 
 2 Amariah, "Malluch, Hattush, 
 
 3 'Shechaniah, *Rehum, ‘‘Meremoth, 
 
 4 Iddo, ‘Ginnetho, Abijah, 
 
 5 k Miamin, ‘Miediah, Bilgah, 
 
 s Josh. 10:3. 15:39. Is. 37:8. h Josh. 15:35. i Josh. 18:16. Jer. 7:31,32. 19:2,6 
 $ Or, of. k 7:30. Gaba. Josh. 18:24. || Or, to. 1 7:31. Michmus. 1 Sam. 13: 
 11,23. Is. 10:28. m 7:32. Ai. Gen. 12:8. Hai. Josh. 8:9. Ai. n .Gen. 28: 19. 
 Josh. 18:13. o 7:27. Is. 10:30. Jer. 1:1. p 1 Sam. 21 : 1 . 22:19. Is. 10:32. q Josh. 
 18:25. 1 Sam. 7:17. Matt. 2:18. Rama.. r2Sam.4:3. s l Sam. 13:18. t 7:37. 
 1 Chr. 8:12. ul Chr. 4:14. x Josh. 21: 1 Chr. 6:54— 81. y Gen. 49:7. a 7: 
 7. Ezra 2:1. b 1 Chr. 3: 17— 19. Ezra 3:8. 4:2. 5:2. Hag. 1:1,12,14. 2:2, 21 — 
 23. Zech. 4:6 — 10. Matt. 1:12,13. Zorobabel. Salathiel. c 10. Zech.3:l — 9. 
 6:11. Joshua, d 12 — 21. 10:2. Ezra2:2. e 14. Melicu. f 14. Shebaniah. 
 g 15. Harim. h 15. Meraiolh. i 16. Ginnelhon. k 17. Miniamin. 1 17. Menu 
 diah. 
 
 professed Christians too commonly “seek their own, and not 
 the things of Jesus Christ;” and that but few have such an 
 attachment to holy places and holy things, as to renounce 
 their secular pleasures or advantages for the sake of them. 
 Yet surely, where opportunities of spiritual improvement most 
 abound, and where Jesus, the Ruler of our holy city, espfr* 
 qially resides, there we should delight to dwell; in preference 
 to all interests and connexions, and notwithstanding perse- 
 cutions, tribulations, perils, and losses. Otherwise, where is 
 our “ meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light?” and 
 how shall we be willing to depart hence, and be “absent from 
 the body, that we may be present with the Lord ?” For, io 
 the carnally minded, the perfect holiness of heaven, of its 
 inhabitants, its employments, and its pleasures, and especi- 
 ally of that God who there unveils his glory, would be propur- 
 tionably more intolerable, than the feeble beginnings of holi- 
 ness in his church on earth, which excite their disgust, their 
 weariness, and aversion. — The remnant who now willingly 
 offer themselves to self-denying and perilous services, from 
 love to the church, and zeal for the glory of God, shall in the 
 event be distinguished with peculiar honour, and are now 
 entitled to it from their brethren : indeed many will, commend 
 and wish them well, who, alas ! have not courage to imitate 
 them. — Our habitations are allotted us by the Lord himself; 
 and we should not be hasty in changing them, though they be 
 in some respects incommodious, especially if convenient for 
 attendance on divine ordinances, and giving us opportunities 
 of doing good. — In every station in life we should “ study to 
 be quiet, and to do our own business” with diligence ; and, 
 
 all times, to cast our cares on God, and make our requests 
 known unto him, by prayer with thanksgiving. W e cannot be 
 so afflicted, as not to have cause for gratitude ; nor so prosper 
 ous, as to have no need of prayer: these duties should there 
 fore be always united. (Notes, Phil. 4:5 — 7. 1 Then. 5<16— 
 22, v. 17,18.) And to this the ministers ought to stir up the 
 people, not only by their exhortations, but by their exumple 
 likewise. — As far as the Lord sees good, he makes even stran- 
 gers to protect and provide for his servants. Lot us then seek 
 first his favour and his glory; let us study contentment, pa- 
 tience, and usefulness in our several stations ; and wait in 
 cheerful hope for an admission into the holy city of our God 
 above. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XII. V. 1 — 6 It is evident tnat 
 
 Ezra here mentioned, was not Ezra the scribe, but a priest 
 of the same name, who ramo up to Jerusalem long btlora 
 with Zerubbabel. Several of the names are the same with 
 those of the priests who sealed tin Covenant : (Marg. Rtf.) 
 but different persons must be intenued ; find it is ovidci t the 
 
B. C. 350. 
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 B. C. 445 
 
 6 Shemaiah, and m Joiarib, Jedaiah, 
 
 7 '“Sal lu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These 
 were the chief of the priests and of their brethren 
 in the days °of Jesliua. 
 
 8 Moreover the Levites: pJeshua, Binnui, 
 
 Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and iMattaniah, 
 which was over 'the thanksgiving, he and his 
 brethren. 
 
 9 x\lso Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, 
 were ’over against them in the watches. 
 
 10 It And 'Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also 
 begat Eliashib, and 'Eliashib begat Joiada, 
 
 11 And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan 
 begat Jaddua. 
 
 d. c."| 12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, 
 
 830 • -* "the chief of the fathers : of "Seraiah, Me- 
 raiah ; of Jeremiah, Hananiah : 
 
 13 Of Ezra, Meshullam ; of Amariah, Jeho- 
 hanan- 
 
 14 Of yMelicu, Jonathan; of 'Shebaniah, Jo- 
 seph ; 
 
 15 Of “Harim, Adna ; of b Meraioth, Helkai; 
 
 16 Of c Iddo, Zecbariah ; of d Ginnethon, 
 
 Meshullam; 
 
 17 Of Abijah, Zichri; of “Miniamin, of'Moa- 
 diah, Piltai : 
 
 18 Of Biigah, Shammua ; of Shemaiah, Jeho- 
 nathan ; 
 
 19 And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, 
 U zzi ; 
 
 20 Of h Sallai, Kallai ; of Amok, Eber ; 
 
 21 Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah ; of Jedaiah, Ne- 
 thaneel. 
 
 22 It The Levites in the days of ‘Eliashib, 
 Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were "recorded 
 chief of the fathers : also the priests, to the reign 
 of Darius the Persian. 
 
 23 The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, 
 were written in ‘the book of the Chronicles, even 
 until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib. 
 
 24 And the chief of the Levites : m Hashabiah, 
 Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with 
 their brethren over against them, to praise and to 
 
 B 've thanks, “according to the commandment of 
 avid "the man of God, nvard over against 
 ward. 
 
 25 <iMattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, 
 
 Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters r keep 
 ing the ward at the 'thresholds of the gates. 
 
 26 These were in the days of "Joiakim the son 
 of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days 
 of ‘Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the 
 priest, the scribe. 
 
 27 H And at "the dedication of the wall of i-b. < 
 Jerusalem, they sought the Levites “out of l 444 
 all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, U 
 keep the dedication ?with gladness, both with 
 'thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, 
 psalteries, and with harps. 
 
 28 And the sons of the singers gathered them- 
 selves together, both out of “the piain country 
 round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of 
 b Netophathi ; 
 
 29 Also from "the house of Gilgal, and out 
 of the fields of d Geba and “Azmaveth: for the 
 singers had builded them villages round about 
 Jerusalem. 
 
 30 And the priests and the Levites f purified 
 themselves, and purified the people, and the 
 gates, and the wall. 
 
 31 Then I brought up sthe princes of Judah 
 upon the wall, and appointed h two great compa- 
 nies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went 
 on the right hand upon the wall toward the ‘dung- 
 gate : 
 
 32 And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of 
 the princes of Judah, 
 
 33 And "Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, 
 
 34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and 
 Jeremiah, 
 
 35 And certain of the priests’ sons 'with trum- 
 pets ; namely , m Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the 
 son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of 
 Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph : 
 
 36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Az-arael, 
 Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, 
 Hanani, with the “musical instruments of David 
 the man of God, and “Ezra the scribe before 
 them. 
 
 37 And at rthe fountain-gate, which was over 
 against them, they went up by ''the stairs of the 
 city of David, at the going up of the wall, above 
 the house of David, even unto the "water-gate 
 eastward. 
 
 « 11:10. 1 Chr. 9:10. Jehoiarib. n 28. Sallai. o 1. Ezra 3:2. Zech v 3: 
 . p 7:43. 9:4. 10:9 — 13. q 11:17,22. ’ That is, the psalms of thanksgiving. 
 
 24. I Chr. 9:33. rPs. 134:1— 3. s 26. 1 Chr. 6:3— 15. 13:1.13.4,7,28. u 22. 
 1 Chr. 9:33,34. 15:12. 24:6— 31. x 1. y 2. Malluch. z 3. Shechardah. a 3. 
 Rehum. b 3. Meremoth. c 4. d 4. Ginnetho. e 5. Miamin. f5. Mnadiah. 
 p 6. h7. Sallu. i 10,11. k 12,13. 1 1 Chr. 9:14, &c m8. 8:7. 9:4. 1U:9— 
 
 13. n 1 Chr. 23 : 25 : 26: oDeut.33:l. Josh. 14:6. 1 Kings 17:24. 2 Chr. 8: 
 
 14. I Tim. 6:11. 2 Tim. 3:17. p 9. Ezra 3:10,11. q 8:9. 11 -.17—19. 1 Chr. 9: 
 14 — 17. r 1 Chr. 23:32. 26:12. Is. 21:8. t Or, treasuries , or, assemblies. s 10. 
 t 8:9. Ezra 7:6,11. u Deut. 20:5. Ps. 30: title, x 11:20. 1 Chr. 15:4,12,13. 26: 
 
 31,32. 2 Chr. 29:4— 11., 30. Ezra 8:15—20. y 8:17. Deut. 16:11. 2Sam.6:12 
 2 Chr. 29:22. Ezra 6:16. Ps. 98:4— 6. 100:1,2. Pl.il. 4:4. z l Chr. 13.8. 15:16 
 28. 16:5,42. 23:5. 25:1—6. Ezra 3:10,11. Ps. 81:1-4. 92:1 — 3. 149:3. 150:2—5 
 Rev. 5:8. a 6:2. b 1 Chr. 2:54. 9:16. c Deut. 11 :30. Josh. 5:9. 10:43. dll 
 31 . Josh. 21 : 17. 1 Chr. 6:60. eEzra2:24. fGeu.35:2. Ex. 19:10,15. Num. 
 19:2— 20. 2 Chr. 29:5,34. Ezra 6:21 . Job 1:5. g 1 Chr. 13: 1. 28:1. 2Chr.5:2. 
 h 38. i 2:13. 3:13,14. k 10:2— 7. 1 Num. 10:2— 10. Josh. 6:4. 2 Chr. 5:15 
 
 13:12. m 11:17. 1 Chr. 6:39— 43 . 25:2. 26:10,11. n24. 1 Chr. 23:5. 2 Chr. 8 
 14. Amos 6:5. o Ezra 7:1. 8:1. p 2: 14. 3:15. q 3:15. 2Sam. 5:7— 9. r 3:26 
 8:1,3,16. 
 
 same names were sometimes preserved in their families. 
 (Notes, 10:18—27. 11:19.) 
 
 V. 7. “ The chief of the priests” seem to have been the 
 heads of the courses established by David ; with the next in 
 succession to the high-priesthood, and the ruler or captain 
 of the temple. Perhaps the twenty-four courses were not yet 
 fully re-established. (Notes, 1 Chr. 24:6 — 10. Ezra 2:36 — 
 39.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. Note, 11:17. — Jeshua. (8) Marg. Ref. p. — In 
 the watches. (9) It is probable that some of the Levites, in 
 succession, sang the praises of God in the sanctuary during 
 the watches of the night. (Note, Ps. 134:) 
 
 V. 10, 1 1 . J addua is, by most expositors, supposed to have 
 been high-priest in the time of Alexander the great, and to 
 have met that haughty conqueror in his pontifical habit ; in 
 consequence of which Alexander greatly favoured the Jews. 
 (Note, Dan. 8:5 — 7.) It is, however, evident that he was 
 high-priest long after the events which are mentioned at the 
 close of this book ; for Joiada then filled that office: (13:28.) 
 and as “ Darius the Persian,” (22 ) is supposed to mean the 
 last king of Persia, who was subdued by Alexander about a 
 hundred years after the principal transactions recorded in 
 this book ; this verse, and the twenty-second, must have 
 been added by another hand after the death of Nehemiah. 
 ( 26 ) 
 
 V. 12 — 21. These verses contain a catalogue of the next 
 race of chief priests, as descended from those who came up 
 from Babylon with Zerubbabel. (Note, 1 — 6.) — The mar- 
 ginal references show the variations which oecur in respect of 
 .heir names. 
 
 V. 22 — 26. It is not easy or perhaps possible to deter- 
 mine, why these few names of the Levites were here in- 
 serted : but probably they were persons who greatly distin- 
 
 guished themselves, and were highly honoured and trusted by 
 their contemporaries. (Marg. Ref.) — Darius the Persian 
 (22) ‘ This is thought to be that Darius whom Alexander 
 
 conquered.’ Bp. Patrick. — David the man of God. (24) 
 36. Notes, Deut. 33:1. 2 Chr. 8:14. 1 Tim. 6:11,12.— 
 Ward over against ward.] Notes, 8,9. 1 Chr. 25:8. — ‘ In 
 their turns, one coining on when another went out, to attend 
 in their courses, which are called wards' Bp Patrick. (13: 
 30. Notes, 1 Chr. 9:23. 26:6—12, v. 12,13.)— These, &c. (26) 
 Note, 10,11. 
 
 V. 27, 28. Jerusalem was the holy city, and the wall was 
 built under the immediate superintendence and blessing of 
 Jehovah : it was therefore proper that it should be dedicated 
 to that God who was there worshipped by solemn praises, 
 thanksgivings, prayers, and sacrifices; and thus committed 
 to his gracious protection. (Marg. Ref. Notes , Deut. 20:5 
 —9. Ezra 6:13 — 18. Dan. 9:24— 27.) 
 
 V. 29. Builded, &c.] The singers had builded villages 
 for their residence about Jerusalem ; that they might be near 
 at hand when wanted; and attend more conveniently and 
 regularly at the temple. 
 
 V. 30. When the priests and Levites had prepared them- 
 selves by the appointed purifications, they proceeded to purify 
 the people, the gates, and the wall ; probably by sprit. kling 
 the water of purification, with suitable prayers and supplica- 
 tions. (Marg. Ref. Note, Lev. 16:15,16. P. O. I — 19. 
 Notes, Num. 19:) 
 
 V. 31 — 43. The princes and priests were divided into two 
 companies on the wall, Ezra going before the one, and Nehi— 
 miah after the other. (36,38.) Thus they marched in a row 
 opposite ways in the circuit of the wall, the priests sound’rtg 
 the sacred trumpets, the Levites playing tpon instrument 
 and singing the praises of God, and the peojleat tompanyyg 
 ( 853 ) 
 
B. C. 44 S 
 
 NEHEMIAH. 
 
 B. C. 441 
 
 38 And "Lie liner company of them that gave 
 thanks went >v-r igainst them, and I after them, 
 and the hall of t'ie people upon the wall, from 
 beyond ‘the t ower of the furnaces even unto "the 
 broad wall: 
 
 39 And from above “the gate of Ephraim, and 
 above nhe old gate, and above ‘the fish-gate, and 
 “the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, 
 even unto b ihe sheep-gate : and they stood still in 
 'the prison-gate. 
 
 40 So stood d the two companies of them that 
 gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the 
 half of the rulers with me : 
 
 41 And i he priests ; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Minia- 
 min, Michaia, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hana- 
 niah, “with trumpets; 
 
 42 And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, 
 and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and 
 Elam, and Ezer. And the singers ‘sang loud, 
 with Jezrahiah their 'overseer. 
 
 43 Also that day they ^offered great sacrifices, 
 and rejoiced : for b God had made them rejoice 
 with great joy : 'the wives also and the children 
 rejoiced : so that k the joy of Jerusalem was heard 
 even afar off. 
 
 44 H And at that time were 'some appointed 
 over "'the chambers for the treasures, for the offer- 
 ings, for the first-fruits, and for the tithes, to gather 
 into them out of the fields of the cities, ,the por- 
 tions 'of the law for the priests and Levites : for 
 tJudah rejoiced for the priests and for "the Levites 
 that Waited. 
 
 s 31. 1 3:11. u 3:8. x 8:16. 2 Kings 14:13. v 3:6. 7.3:3. Zeph. 1:10. 
 a 3:1. Jer. 31:38. b 3:32. John 5:2. c3:25,3l. Heb. Jer. 32 2. d31.32.P8. 
 42:4 . 47:6 — 9.134: e 35. * Heb. made their voice to be heard. Ps. 81:1. 95: 
 
 l. 98:4— 9. 100:1,2. Ts. 12:5,6. f 11:14. g Num. 10:10. Deut. 12:1 1,12. 1 Chr. 
 29:21,22. 2 Chr. 7:5— 7,10. 29:35,36. Ps.27:6. h2Chr.20:27. Job 34:29. Ps. 
 28:7. 30:11,12. 92:4. Is. 61:3. 66:10—14. Jer. 33:11. John 16:22. i Ex. 15:20, 
 21. 2Chr. 20:13. Ps. 148:11 — 13. Jer. 31:13. Matt. 21:9,15. Eph.5:19. Jam. 5: 
 13. kl Sam. 4:5. Ezra 3:13. 110:37—39. 13:5,12,13. 2 Chr. 31:11— 13. 
 
 m 1 Chr. 9:26 . 26:21 — 26. t That is, appointed, by the law. } Heb. the joy of 
 Judah rejoiced, n Num. 3:10. 8:24, 2o. 1 Chr. 23:23. 2 Chr. 5:11 ,12. Prov.8: 
 
 them on each side, part of them on the wall, and part, it may 
 be supposed, by the side of it. (Marg. Ref.) When they 
 met on the opposite side of the city, they marched in a body 
 to the temple, and offered sacrifices and thank-offerings, with 
 rejoicings : for God, by enabling them to rebuild and fortify 
 the city, had made them to rejoice with great joy : so that the 
 praises and acclamations of so large a multitude were heard 
 at a great distance. ( Notes , Ezra 3:12,13. Jer. 31:10 — 14. 
 Matt. 21:8 — 11.) — Zechariah (35) being descended from 
 Asaph, of the line of Gershom, was no priest ; and the word 
 “ namely ” is improperly added. (Marg. Ref. m.) — Man of 
 God. (36) Note , 22—26, u. 24. 
 
 V. 44 — 47. The attendance and behaviour of the priests 
 
 and Levites on this solemn occasion, seem to have greatly 
 rejoiced the pious Jews. 4 They were so glad to see such a 
 great concourse of them, (27, &c.) and that they performed 
 their duty upon this occasion to the general satisfaction of all 
 that were present ; that their hearts were enlarged in love to 
 them.’ Bp. Patrick. They were therefore zealous to pro- 
 vide for them, that their incomes might be properly paid, and 
 regularly and impartially distributed by persons appointed for 
 that purpose. Thus matters were settled, as they had been 
 in the days of David and Solomon. (Marg. Ref.) Similar 
 regulations had been made in the days of Zerubbabel ; but they 
 were completed, and put upon a durable footing, in the time 
 of Nehemiah. (Notes, 13:5 — 14. 2 Chr. 31:5 — 19. Mai. 
 3:7 — 12.) — The tithes were paid to the Levites, as sanctified 
 to their use ; and the tithe of them was, by the Levites, sanc- 
 tified to the use of the priests. (Notes, 10:35 — 39. Num. 
 18:25 — 32.) — ‘The porters “kept the ward of purification ;” 
 (45) that is, duly observed the orders about purification, m 
 not suffering any unclean person or unclean thing to come into 
 the house of God.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The Lord raises up a succession of worshippers from age 
 to age, who honour him by their “ sacrifices of praise and 
 thanksgiving;” (Note^ Heb. 13:15,16.) and who derive in- 
 struction and encouragement from the examples and actions 
 of those who have long before entered into their rest. — The 
 believer should undertake nothing which he cannot, and does 
 not, dedicate to God, by seeking his direction and assistance 
 in it and his blessing upon it ; by designing his glory, and by 
 giving praise for success in all things : and whatever he pos- 
 sesses he should commit to the Lord’s keeping and disposal, 
 and use it according to his will. (Note, Ps. 30: title. P. O. 
 Note, Col. 3:16,17, v. 17.) — But. all that we sinners do must 
 be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the 
 Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable unto God : and the 
 whole church of God, which is “ the lot of his inheritance,” 
 and the object of his choice and delight, being descended from 
 fallen Adam, must be thus purified and rendered holy unto 
 
 ( 854 ) 
 
 45 And both "the singers and the porters kept 
 the ward of their God, and I’the ward of the pun 
 fication, according- to the commandment of David, 
 and of Solomon his son. 
 
 46 For in the days of David land Asaph of old 
 there were chief of the singers, and songs of praist 
 and thanksgiving unto God. 
 
 47 And all Israel in the days of 'Zerubbabel, 
 and in the days of Nehemiah, “gave the portions 
 of the singers and the porters, every day his por 
 tion: and ‘they “sanctified holy things unto the 
 Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the 
 children of Aaron. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 On reading the law, Israel separates from themixed multitude, I — 3. Eliashib 
 having , during Nehemiah' a absence, prepared a chamber at the temple for 
 Tobiah, Nehemiah on his return, being grieved and indignant, causes the 
 chambers to be cleansed, 4 — 9. He i eforms abuses concerning tithes and 
 offerings, 10 — 14. He prevents the profanation of the sabbath, 15 — 22. He 
 opposes those who had married strange wives, and drives away the grandson 
 of Eliashib, 23 — 28. His other services and prayers, 29 — 31 . 
 
 O N that day 'they read in the book of Moses 
 in the taudience of the people; and therein 
 was found written, that “the Ammonite and the 
 b Moabite should not come into the congregation 
 of God for ever ; > 
 
 2 Because they met not the children of Israe 
 with bread and with water, but 'hired Balaam 
 against them, that he should curse them : howbeit 
 d our God turned the curse into a blessing. 
 
 3 Now it came to pass, 'when they had heard 
 the law, 'that they separated from Israel all Hhe 
 mixed multitude. 
 
 31. Is. 40:31. Rom. 12:1. 5 Heb. stood, o 1 Chr. 25: 26: p 1 Chr. 23:28. 2 Chr. 
 23:6. q 1 Chr. 25:1, Sc. 2 Chr. 29:30. Ps. 73:— 83: titles, r 1,12,36. s 10:35 
 —39.13:10—12. 2 Chr. 31:5,6. Mai. 3:8— 10. Gal. 6:6. t Num. 18:21— 29. 
 II That is, set apart. * Heb. there was read. 8:3—8. 9:3. Deut. 31:11,12 
 2 Kings 23:2. Is. 34:16. Luke 4:16— 19. 10:26. Acts 13:15,27. 15:21. t Heb. 
 ears. a 23. Deut. 23:3 — 5. Is. 15: 16: Jer. 48: Ez.25:l — 11. Am. 2:1 — 3 
 b 2:10,19. 4:3. Ps. 83:7—9. Jer. 49:1— 6. Am. 1 :13— 15. c Num. 22:3— 6. Josh. 
 24:9,10. d Num. 23:8—11,18—24. 24:5— 9. Ps. 109:28. Mic. 6:5. e Ps. 19:7 
 — 11.119:9,11. Prov. 6:23. Rom. 3:20. f 9:2. 10:28. Ezra 10:11. Jam. 1:27. 
 g Ex. 12:38. Num. 11:4 . 
 
 the Lord. — Those who would be instrumental in the conver- 
 sion of sinners, and the sanctification of believers, must begin 
 with themselves: and when we “ acknowledge God in all our 
 ways,” he will so prosper and comfort us as often to cause us 
 to rejoice with great joy. — If our families be trained up to 
 join in the solemn worship of God, and in attendance on his 
 word, we may hope that they will share our joys and privi- 
 leges ; and the prosperity of the church gladdens the hearts 
 of all true believers : and in all cases where the ministers of 
 religion generally come forward in support of pious and bene- 
 volent measures, with zeal and alacrity, to the satisfaction of 
 all concerned ; they take the most effectual method not only 
 of doing much good, but of securing the liberal and cheerful 
 payment or contribution for the supply of themselves and 
 families. When their affections are thus lively, they will bo 
 disposed to love and rejoice in those ministers who are in- 
 strumental to their comfort ; and to care for their suitable 
 provision. They ought, however, to attend to their several 
 duties, and not to be anxious about their interests; and then 
 God will stir up the hearts of the people to supply them in a 
 comfortable and creditable manner. This they may receive 
 with songs of praise and thanksgiving, and need not fear 
 sanctifying a portion even of their portion, to the more im- 
 mediate service of God and the support of his cause. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. XIII. V. 1 — 3. Some expositors think 
 that the events recorded in these verses took place several 
 years after those related in the former chapter, and that, 
 during a great part of the time, Nehemiah had been absent 
 at the Persian court. But the introductory language seems 
 rather to imply, that they occurred immediately: though the 
 words “ on that day” may be understood with some latitude, 
 and may mean, about that time. Indeed, it can hardly be 
 supposed, that when the gross abuses stated in the sequel of 
 the chapter prevailed, the public reading of the law at the 
 temple was regularly kept up, and the people zealous to re- 
 duce it to practice. It is therefore more probable that, before 
 Nehemiah left Jerusalem, or when he was first gone, the law 
 was publicly read and expounded to the congregation. (Notes, 
 8:1 — 8,13 — 18. 9:3,4.) At that time the passage here referred 
 to, coming in course, excited peculiar attention ; and the 
 people of their own accord, without compulsion, but with tho 
 concurrence of the magistrates, resolved to separate from the 
 intimate society of tho mixed multitude, especially of Am- 
 monites and Moabites, according to the meaning of the law. 
 (Marg. Ref. a, b. Notes, Deut. 23:3 — 6.) Whether inter- 
 marriages with any of those nations, even when fully prose- 
 lyted, or with their descendants, was, or was not, intended m 
 tho law, many instances would doubtless occur, in which a 
 separation would bo required ; for probably few, in com- 
 parison of those with whom alliances had been formed, were 
 fully proselyted. — It is supposed, that from the days of 
 
B. C. 428. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. B. C. 428 
 
 4 H And before this, ''Eliashib the priest, "having 
 the oversight of the chamber of the house of our 
 God, was ‘allied unto Tobiah : 
 
 5 And he had prepared for him k a great cham- 
 ber, where aforetime they laid the meat-offerings, 
 the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of 
 the corn, the new wine, and the oil, (Hvhich was 
 commanded to be given to the Levites, and the 
 singers, and the porters,) and the offerings of the 
 priests. 
 
 6 But 'in all this time was not I at Jerusalem : 
 B.c.-i lor in m the two and thirtieth year of Artaxer- 
 433 -* xes king of Babylon, came I unto the king, 
 and taffer certain days ^obtained I leave of the 
 king : 
 
 7 And I came to Jerusalem, and "understood of 
 the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, °in preparing 
 him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.' 
 
 8 And Pit grieved me sore : therefore 9l cast 
 forth all the household-stuff of Tobiah out of the 
 chamber. 
 
 9 Then I commanded, and r they cleansed the 
 chambers : and thither brought I again the vessels 
 of the house of God, with the meat-offering and 
 the frankincense. 
 
 10 H And I perceived that ’the portions of the 
 Levites had not been given them: for the Levites 
 
 h 7. 12:10. • Heb. bein’ set over. 12:44. i 36. 6: 17,18. It 10:38,39. 12:0. I Heb. 
 the commandment of ike Lev ii. 4 . Num. 18:21 — 24. 1 Ex. 32:1. 2 Chr. 24:17, 
 18. Matt. 13:25. in 2: 1.5:14. + Heb. at the end of days. 2:5,6. § Or. I ear. 
 nestly requested. n Ezra 9:1. k Cor. 1:11. o 1,5. Lam. 1:10. Matt. 21:12,13. 
 Act* 21:28,29. p Ezra 9:3,4. 10:1. Ps. 69:9. q Mark 11:15—17. John 2:13— 17. 
 r 12:45. 2 Chr. 29:5,15— 19. * 10:37.12:47. Mai. 1:6— 14. 1 Tim. 5:17,18. 
 
 t Num. 35:2. u 17,25. 5:6— 13. Job 31:34. Prov. 28:4. x 10:39. lSam.2:17. 
 Mai. 3:8— 11. II Heb. standing . y 10:37—39. Lev. 27:30. Num. 18:20-26. 
 Deut. 14:22. IT Or, storehouse*, z 12:44. 2 Chr. 31:12 — 15. a 3:30. b 8:4. 
 
 and Nehemiah, synagogues were built in every part of the 
 land where God was publicly worshipped, and his word read, 
 expounded, or preached ; which produced very salutary ef- 
 fects. {Notes, 2 Kings 4:23. 2 Chr. 17:7—9.) A copy of 
 the Scriptures then extant, was placed in every synagogue ; 
 and the whole was divided into portions or lessons for the 
 several days when they were accustomed to assemble for that 
 purpose ; and probably the same became the general usage 
 tn the court of the temple. {Luke 4:16 — 22. Acts 13:13 — 
 15. 15:21.) 
 
 V. 4. Eliashib had before this formed an alliance with 
 Tobiah the Ammonite, but perhaps secretly to escape cen- 
 sure. {Notes, 2:9,10,19,20. 4: 6:17 — 19.) It does not appear, 
 that the high-priest was, or that his sons were, married to 
 any of Tobiah’s family : but he was confederated with him, 
 and related to those who were ; and his authority over the 
 temple and all its buildings, enabled him to commit that scan- 
 dalous profanation which is next related. — The word rendered 
 “ chamber,” seems to mean the out-buildings of the temple in 
 general. 
 
 V. 5, G. Nehemiah was first commissioned by Artaxerxes 
 in the twentieth year of his reign ; and this journey to court 
 took place in his thirty-second year ; so that twelve years 
 had elapsed, concerning which we have little account : and 
 the following events occurred after the end of those years. — 
 When Nehemiah was gone from Jerusalem, Eliashib seems 
 to have invited Tobiah thither: and though all Moabites and 
 Ammonites had been publicly excluded from the congregation, 
 according to the law of God ; yet the high-priest admitted 
 this unproselyted Ammonite, who was as bitter an enemy to 
 Israel as Balak or Balaam had been, even into the chambers 
 of the temple ; casting out thence the consecrated oblations 
 to make room for him; (2 Chr. 31:11 — 13, v. 12. Notes, 
 10:35—39. 12:44—47. 1 Kings 6:5,6. 1 Chr. 28:11—13.) 
 
 and probably forming him a sumptuous apartment, by throw- 
 ing many of them into one!— This was as great contempt of 
 the divine law, profanation of the temple, and disgrace of the 
 priesthood, as could well he imagined. 
 
 King of Babylon. (6) The kings of Persia reigned over 
 Babylon, and all the regions which had been before subject 
 to the kings of Babylon : but their general residence was at 
 Shushan, or Susa. (1:1) This was much more distant from 
 Jerusalem than Babylon : but Nehemiah, most probably, 
 journeyed thither on this occasion. 
 
 V. 7 — 9. Nehemiah is generally supposed to have been 
 absent from Jerusalem only one year: but the great abuses 
 which prevailed at his return favour the opinion of those who 
 think that about five years intervened ; and there is nothing 
 in the text that militates against it : for the words rendered 
 “ after certain days,” or, at the end of days, (6. marg.) do 
 not necessarily signify after one year, but may denote a longer 
 time. {Dan. 12:13. Heb.) At his return, however, he was 
 greatly afflicted and displeased at what had taken place, and 
 le soon exercised his authority in the most decided manner, 
 o clear the temple from such a profanation, and to purify the 
 chambers in the appointed and accustomed manner, that they 
 night be restored to their proper use. (Notes, 5:6,7. Ezra 
 9:3 — 15. 10:2.) — It is probable that Eliashib was dead before 
 
 and the singers, that did the work, were fled every 
 one l to his field. 
 
 11 Then "contended I with the rulers, ano said 
 x Why is the house of God forsaken? And * 
 gathered them together, and set them in the. 
 "place. 
 
 12 Then ^brought all Judah the tithe of the 
 corn, and the new wine, and the oil unto tht 
 ■“treasuries. 
 
 13 And Z I made treasurers over ihe treasuries. 
 "Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe ; and 
 of the Levites, Tedaiah : and "next to them war 
 Hanan the son of "Zaccur, the son of d Mattaniah • 
 for they were 'counted faithful; and “their office 
 was ‘ to distribute unto their brethren. 
 
 [ Practical Observations .] 
 
 14 ^Remember me, O my God, concerning this, 
 and wipe norout my itgood deeds that I have done 
 h for the house of my God, and for the ^offices 
 thereof. 
 
 15 H In those days saw I in Judah some ‘tread- 
 ing wine-presses on the sabbath, and bringing in 
 sheaves, and lading asses ; as also wine, grapes, 
 and figs, and all manner o/’ k burdens, which they 
 brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath-day : and 
 ‘I testified against them, in the day wherein they 
 sold victuals. 
 
 •* Heb. at l/ieir hrrnd. cl0:12. d 11:22. 12:35. e 7:2. 2 Kings 12:15. 22:7. 
 Luke 12:42. 16:10—12. Acts 6:3. 1 Cor. 4:2. 1 Tim. 1:12. ft Heb. it was upon 
 them. f Acts4:35. 6:1. g 22,31. 5:19. Heb. 6:10. Rev. 3:5. }} Heb. kindnesses 
 h 1 Chr. 29:3. 2 Chr. 24:16. 31:20,21. Ezra 7:20,24,27. Ps. 122:6—9. §§ Or, 
 
 observations, i Ex. 20:8—11. 34:21. 35:2. Is. 58:13. Ez. 20:13. k 10:31. Num. 
 15:32— 36. Jer. 17:21,22,24,27. 121.9:29. Deut. 8:19. 2 Chr. 24 : 19. P*. 50.7 
 Jer. 42:19. Mic. 6:3. Acts 2:40. 20:21. Gal. 5:3. Eph.4:17. lThes.4:6. Rev 
 22:18,19. 
 
 Nehemiah returned ; and that Tobiah did not choose to aj> 
 pear at Jerusalem to see after his furniture. 
 
 V. 1(> — 13. As the high*priest had ventured profanely to 
 appropriate the chambers of the temple for the entertain- 
 ment of an Ammonite ; perhaps he had also sacrilegiously 
 intercepted the revenues of the Levites for similar purposes 
 or the people were reluctant to pay their tithes, when so 
 bad a use was made of them, or so little care was taken of 
 them. (Note, 12:44 — 47.) Thus the Levites were driven 
 from their office, to get their living by cultivating the land, 
 or by other secular employments ; and the temple service, 
 especially the psalmody, was interrupted. — The rulers, who 
 had been left in trust, ought to have exerted their authority 
 to prevent such mismanagement ; but probably they had 
 concurred in it, out of regard to their secular interests ; and 
 therefore Nehemiah called them to account for this misconduct. 
 Malachi is supposed to have prophesied about this time, and 
 he seems repeatedly to refer to these abuses. (Notes, Mai. 
 1:9 — 14. 3:7 — 12.) ‘It is a great artifice of the devil, by his 
 instruments to defraud the ministers of religion of their ne- 
 cessary maintenance, that he may thereby abolish religion 
 itself.’ JVolphius, in Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 1 Cor. 9:7 — 18.) 
 Nehemiah, however, not only recalled the Levites, but 
 having, it seems, without difficulty, induced the people to 
 bring their tithes, he placed the distribution of them in the 
 hands of faithful men, in whom all parties reposed confi- 
 dence. (Notes, 2 Chr. 31:15 — 19. Acts, 6:1 — 6.) 
 
 V. 14. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) It is evident Nehe- 
 miah expected that the Lord would remember his good deeds, 
 and vouchsafe them a gracious recompense, notwithstanding 
 defects in them, and sin in him; after the same manner, as 
 even the apostle Paul assures the Hebrews, that the Lord 
 would “ not forget their work and labour of love not as 
 claiming “ a reward of debt.” (Notes, 20 — 22, v. 22. Rom . 
 4:4,5. Heb. 6:9,10.) But it is also worthy of notice, that 
 these “ good deeds,” or kindnesses, 44 which he had done for 
 the house of God,” consisted in using his authority to protect 
 the ministers of religion, from those who defrauded them of 
 their maintenance. There have been times, when enriching 
 the clergy beyond all bounds, and without requiring them to 
 attend on their ministry, was thought the height of piety: but 
 it may be questioned whether rulers may not at present, as 
 well as for some past ages, have run into the contrary ex- 
 treme ; and Nehemiah’s firm and prudent conduct in this 
 respect, might be imitated with good effect by Christian 
 princes and rulers. (Note, 2 Chr. 31:5 — 7. P. O. 1 — 10.) 
 
 V. 15 — 18. It can hardly be supposed, that in the course 
 of one year of Nehemiah’s absence, such gross and open pro- 
 fanation of the sabbath should have been introduced and 
 become general. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 10:30,31. Num. 15- 
 30 — 36. Jer. 17:19 — 27. John 5:10 — 16.) — The Tyrians, as 
 heathens, not regarding the sabbath, tempted the Jews to 
 break it by trading with them. The magistrates must, have 
 been shamefully negligent, in conniving at these abuses, till 
 they were become so notorious : and, the nation seemed to 
 be proceeding, in many respects, as their fathers had done, m 
 provoking the wrath of God against them. — Fish. (16) How. 
 far the concessions made by our laws, ui respect o 
 ( 855 ) 
 
B C. 428. 
 
 NEHEMIAH. R. C. 428. 
 
 J 6 There dwelt m men of Tyre also therein, 
 which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and 
 sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, 
 and ; n Jerusalem. 
 
 17 Then "I contended with the nobles of Ju- 
 dah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this 
 that ye do, and profane the sabbath-day ? 
 
 18 “Did not your fathers thus, and did not our 
 God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this 
 city ? yet rye bring more wrath upon Israel by 
 profaning the sabbath. 
 
 19 And it came to pass, that, when the gates of 
 Jerusalem, ibegan to be dark before the sabbath, 
 r I commanded that the gates should be shut, and 
 charged that they should not be opened till after 
 the sabbath : and some of my servants set I at the 
 gates, that there should no burden be brought in 
 on the sabbath-day. 
 
 20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind 
 of warp lodged without Jerusalem once or 
 twice. 
 
 21 Then B I testified against them, and said unto 
 them, Why lodge ye 'about the wall? if ye do so 
 again, * l * * * I will lay hands on you. From that time 
 forth came they no more on the sabbath. 
 
 22 And U I commanded the Levites, that they 
 should x cleanse themselves, and that they should 
 come and keep the gates, to ^sanctify the sabbath- 
 day. “Remember me, O my God, concerning' 
 this also, and a spare me according to the tgreat- 
 ness of thy mercy. 
 
 23 H In those days alsc^saw I Jews b tliat had 
 
 in Ex. 23. 12. Deut. 5:14. n 11,25. 5:7. Ps. 62:1,2. Is. 1:10. Jer. 5:5. 13: 
 18. 22:2, Sc. Mic. 3:1,9. o Ezra 9:13-15. Jer. 17:23,27. 41:9,22. Ez. 23: 
 8,26. Zech. 1 :4-6. p Lev. 26:18,28. Num. 32:14. Josh. 22:17,13. qLev.23: 
 32. r7:3. Ex. 31:14— 17. Jer. 17:19— 22. s See on 15. • Heb. before, t Ezra 
 7:26. Horn. 13:3,4. lPet.2:14. u 7:64,65. 2 Kings23:4. 1 Chr. 15:12 — 14. 
 2 Chr. 29.4,5,24.27,30. Is. 49:23. x 12:10. y Dent. 5:12. z 14,31. 5:19. Ps. 
 132:1 — 5. Is. 38:3. 2 Cor. 1:12. 2 Tim. 4:7, 8, nPs.25:6,7. 51:1. 130:3,4,7. 
 
 143:1,2. t Or, multitude. Ps. 5:7. Is. 55:7. b 10:30. Ezra 9:2,11,12. 10:10,44. 
 2 Cor. 6:14. } Heb. made to dwell with them. cl Sam. 5:1. d See on 1—3. 
 
 selling some fish on the Lord’s day, agree with this, or con- 
 sist with hallowing the sabbath, may fairly be questioned. 
 
 V. 19. Some of my servants, &c.] ( Notes , 4:16,18 — 23. 
 
 5:14 — 18.) Nehemiah could place more dependence in this 
 case on his own attendants, than on the porters appointed 
 by the nobles and rulers of Judah; who probably counte- 
 nanced this profanation, in order to indulge their luxury or 
 avarice. 
 
 V. 20 — 22. The merchants and dealers, from Tyre and 
 other places, still hoped to find some opportunity of trading 
 on the sabbath, either with the citizens or countrymen ; but, 
 as they were endeavouring to induce the Jews to break the 
 law of God, and also that of the rulers of Judah ; Nehemiah 
 solemnly assured them, that if they did not desist, he would 
 proceed to inflict punishment on them. — He also appointed 
 the Levites to watch the gates, perhaps supposing they 
 would be more regarded than his servants ; and also, because 
 he would have the watch continued, even if he should leave 
 Jerusalem. — This reformation seems to have produced very 
 durable effects; for in the after ages of the Jewish church, 
 they became exact even to superstition in observing the sab- 
 bath. Probably, his other regulations were at last equally 
 effectual; but we have no more canonical history concerning 
 them. 
 
 Remember , &c. (22) ‘Nehemiah had besought God to 
 “remember his good deeds;” (14) but to show that he did 
 not think there was any proper merit or worthiness in them, 
 which required a reward as a debt, in justice due to them, 
 he here explains himself; and desires to be rewarded, or 
 rattier pardoned, our. of God’s free goodness, according to the 
 greatness or the multitude , of his mercies.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 (Notes, 31. Ps. 106:4,5. 119:132. Luke 23:39 — 43.) 
 
 V. 23 — 30. Some time must have elapsed q/ter Nche- 
 miah’s departure from Jerusalem, before the children of these 
 marriages could betray their origin by their speech : for 
 though the Ashdodites lived near the Jews, their language 
 was, it seems, materially different from theirs: yet probably 
 they were not contracted before that event, and the reform 
 seems to have been made very soon after his return. This 
 separation also evidently was diverse from that recorded be- 
 fore : (Note, 1 — 3.) for that was the effect of reading the 
 law, and by voluntary consent ; this by more vehement and 
 coercive measures. — When this zealous reformer found 
 these undeniable proofs of the people’s guilt, he began with- 
 out delay to put a stop to the evil. He contended, or vehe- 
 mently argued, the matter, with those who were concerned; 
 proving the criminality and the fatal effects of such mar- 
 riages from the Scriptures, in an unanswerable manner. 
 (Notes, 1 Kings 11:1 — 13.) He then denounced the awful 
 curse of God upon such as persist ed in disobedience, and per- 
 haps, excluded them from the congregation: he punished such 
 
 were refractory, with immediate scourging; and put others 
 
 ( S56 ) 
 
 f married wives of "Ashdod, of d Ammon, and of 
 Moab : 
 
 24 And their children spake ■‘lalf in the speech ol 
 Ashdod,and §could notspeak in the Jews’ language, 
 but according to the language of “each people. 
 
 25 And e I contended with them, f and ’’cursed 
 them, and esmote certain of them, and h plucked off 
 their hair, and 'made them swear by God, saying, 
 k Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, 
 nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for 
 yourselves. 
 
 26 ’Did not Solomon l ng of Israel sin by these 
 things? m yet among many nations was there no 
 king like him, who was Deloved of his God, and 
 God made him king over all Israel : nevertheless 
 even him did outlandish women canse to sin. 
 
 27 "Shall we then hearken unto you to do nil 
 this great evil, to transgress against our God in 
 marrying strange. wives? 
 
 28 And one of the sons of "Joiada, the son of 
 pEliashib the high-priest, was son-in-law to 
 r Sanballat the Horonite : therefore S I chased him 
 from me. 
 
 29 'Remember them, O my God, "because they 
 have defiled the priesthood, and “the covenant of 
 the priesthood, and of the Levites. 
 
 30 Thus x cleansed I them from all strangers, 
 and ^appointed the wards of the priests and the 
 Levites, every one in his business ; 
 
 31 And for “the wood-offering, at times ap- 
 pointed, and for the first-fruits. “Remember me, 
 
 0 my God, for good. 
 
 § Heb. they discerned not to speak. I! Heb. people and people. Zeph. 3:9. e 11 
 17. Pro*. 28:4 f 5:13. Dent. 27: 14— 20. IT Or, reviled. Luke 1 1 :45,46. e Deut. 
 25:2,3. Ezra 7:26. h Is. 50:6. i 10:29,30. Deut. 6:13. 2 Chr. 15:12— 15. Ezra 
 10:5. kEx. 34:16. Deut. 7:3. I 1 Kings 11:1-8. Ec. 7:26. m2 Sam. 12:24, 
 25. 1 Kings 3:13. 2 Chr. t:12. n I Sum. 30:24. ol2:l0,22. p3:l. q_4,5. 6, 
 17—19. r 2 19. s 25. Ps. 101:8. Prov. 20:8,26. Horn. 13:3,4. t 6:14. Ps. 50:6 
 — 13. 2Tim. 4: 14. *• Heb. for the dealings of. Lev. 21:1 — 7. u Num. 16:9 
 10. 25:12,13. 1 Sam. 2:30. Mai. 2:4— 8,11, 12. x 10:30. y 12:2-26. 1 Chr. 23 
 —26: z 10:34. a 14,22. Ps.25:7. 106:4. Luke 23:42. 
 
 of them under a disgraceful stigma, by plucking off their 
 hair; (Note, Is. 50:5,6.) and made them all solemnly swear 
 to separate from their heathen wives. (Notes, 5:10 — 13 
 10:29 — 31. Ezra 9: 10: Mai. 2:1 — 16.) — Among the other 
 examples of his impartial severity, he banished the grandson 
 of Eliashib, who had married the daughter of Sanballat. 
 (Notes, Lev. 21:7 — 15.) Josephus relates that this young 
 man was named Manasseh, and that at his instance San- 
 ballat and the Samaritans built their temple upon mount 
 Gerizim, in opposition to that at Jerusalem ; at which he 
 officiated, in some measure, according to the ritual appoint- 
 ments of Moses. Hence schism, emulation, and rancorous 
 enmity between the two nations, were perpetuated to future 
 ages. The authority, which Nehemiah exercised over the 
 priests, even the chief of them, and in requiring the ministers 
 of religion to attend to their several duties ; as well as over 
 the people, requiring them to render the priests and Levites 
 their dues ; is no where expressly enjoined on governors, or 
 kings, in the Mosaic law : yet as this exercise of authority 
 was entirely limited to the things which God had commanded, 
 he performed a good and acceptable service, and properly 
 improved his talents. (Notes, 2 Chr. 29:3 — 5. 30:12.) 
 
 Remember them, &c. (29) By visiting with some evident 
 token of his holy indignation the principal offenders in these 
 things, the Lord would both display his own glory, and give 
 a salutary warning to others, tending to repress such gross 
 violations of his law ; and even to bring the offenders to re- 
 pentance. (Notes, Lev. 10:1 — 3. 21:7 — 15. Num. 25:11 — 13. 
 
 1 Cor. 5:1 — 5, v. 5.) 
 
 V. 31. ‘It becomes all men, especially those who are 
 
 employed in divine things, if they have done any thing that is 
 good, to remember it was by God’s help and assistance, not 
 by their own power: beseeching the Father of mercies, by 
 his only begotten Son, to make it serviceable to his church, 
 and his own good.’ IVolphius, in Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. The public reading of the whole word of God, 
 as far as it relates to our faith and practice, is of immense 
 advantage to true religion. Though we have heard many 
 sermons, and have the Bible in our hands, few of us arc 
 acquainted with every part of it ; and many live in violation 
 of its injunctions, through ignorance or *nattention. But 
 when those who are well disposed hear the word of God con- 
 demn any part of their conduct, they are reminded to repent 
 and seek forgiveness, and to break otf the sin, and attend to 
 the neglected duty. — They who are unkind to the people of 
 God, who attempt to afflict them, or who wish them evil, 
 will be punished as his enemies ; ami he will turn their curses 
 and malicious deeds into blessings to those who teust and 
 obey him. — Alas, how prone is human nature to evil! When 
 the restraints of influence or authority ate withdrawn, men 
 break out into those excesses of whirl, ti c> see tied incapa- 
 
B. C. 460. 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 B. C. 460 
 
 bio ; whilst tho eyo ami authority of God are treated with 
 almost atheistical disregard. — They who have enjoyed the 
 Highest dignities in the visible church, by divine right, have 
 sometimes been equally distinguished by sacrilegious impiety ; 
 and have openly committed those crimes, which the most 
 profane of tho laity would not have ventured on without hesi- 
 tation and dismay 1 But if sacredness of character will not 
 restrain men from setting a pernicious example, it should 
 not shelter them from censure, or condign punishment by the 
 magistrate. (Note, 1 Kings 2:26,27.) — As nobles have too 
 generally, in every ago and country, deemed themselves 
 privileged to disregard the divine’ law and many human insti- 
 tutions obligatory on others ; magistrates and reformers need 
 courage and resolution, as well as impartiality and integrity. 
 — Our grief, for the sins which we witness, should stimulate 
 us to oppose them strenuously, according to the duty of our 
 station, and not induce us to yield to unmanly despondency. 
 — It is not expedient, that magistrates or ministers should 
 be long absent from their respective charges : for “ one sinner” 
 will often take advantage of their absence, to “ destroy much 
 good and by example, insinuation, and influence, to sub- 
 vert their most useful regulations, and to render their designs 
 abortive. — Few ministers are willing, during any length of 
 time, to labour in their ministry, under the pressure or the 
 prospect of indigence ; but most of them will turn to more 
 profitable occupations : so that depriving the clergy of a 
 suitable maintenance forms one of Satan’s projects, for 
 causing the house and ordinances of God to be forsaken. 
 Pious magistrates should peculiarly attend to this : they 
 should take care that the ministers of the gospel be en- 
 couraged to labour in their proper places, and that a compe- 
 tent provision be made for them : nor are any, except men 
 of approved fidelity, to be trusted in such concerns. 
 
 V. 15 — 31. The due observance of the Lord’s day forms 
 an important object for the attention of those who would 
 promote true godliness : and the Christian magistrate ought 
 to take proper measures, to prevent that sacred season from 
 being profaned by labour, mer handise, or those occupations 
 which subserve the luxury and pride of life. As nobles too 
 commonly set the example both of breaking God’s command- 
 ments, and of disregarding royal edicts, in this particular ; 
 they must first be contended with, and vigorously urged to do 
 their duty. Persons in the higher orders of society, in gene- 
 ral, little consider the extensive effects of their misconduct: 
 if they violate the holy day of God, others will assuredly 
 imitate their impiety ; and thus the floodgates of ungodliness 
 and wickedness will be thrown open, which must bring the 
 wrath of God on guilty nations. Indeed tho present state of 
 
 unprincipled profligacy in these kingdoms, may be shown in 
 great measure to originate from the relaxed sentiments 
 which some time after the reformation began to prevail 
 concerning the spending’ of the sabbath. And as these have 
 gained ground, that holy day has gradually become more and 
 more the time when the lower orders are let loose to cor- 
 rupt one another. — It is also necessary to repeat the obser- 
 vation, that improper marriages have ensnared the wisest 
 men, have always led to apostacies, and tended to the ruin ol 
 succeeding generations. The children readily imbibe the 
 principles of the infidel or ungodly parent, and soon forget the 
 very language and appearance of piety ; or substitute a cor- 
 rupt religion, in the stead of that which comes from God, and 
 leads to him. — Mothers likewise have a very important part 
 allotted them in forming the manners of mankind : as the care 
 of children in their tender years is almost wholly committed 
 to them. It is therefore of great consequence to society 
 that females should be educated with a view to this most 
 momentous employment, and qualified for the discharge ol 
 their duty in it. Every wise man, in contracting marriage, 
 should consider whether the object of his choice would be a 
 proper person to intrust with his children’s tuition : and every 
 mother should consider, that this is the most important part 
 of her charge, and most of all calls for assiduity, prudence, 
 and circumspection. (Note, 2 Tim. 1:3 — 5. P. O. 3:10 — 
 17.) — In opposing fashionable and reputable vices; conclu- 
 sive arguments, vehement expostulations, apposite examples, 
 awful declarations of the wrath of God, and solemn engage- 
 ments, may have the proper effect upon some : but the 
 magistrate must often use more vigorous measures. He 
 must disgrace, punish, and chase away the ringleaders in 
 iniquity, without respect of pe^ons or families : and severity 
 to a few will prove mercy to many. But in every thing the 
 word of God must be our rule : the love and fear of God, our 
 principle ; and his glory, in the prosperity of his cause and 
 the welfare of his people, our great object. Whilst we labour 
 in this manner, we must expect the enmity and opposition of 
 a wicked world: but we may go on with confidence in the 
 spirit of faith and prayer. We may humbly hope, that the 
 Lord will “remember us,” and “not wipe out our services;” 
 that he will “ spare us according to the greatness of his 
 mercy,” accept both our persons and our defective endea- 
 vours to glorify him: and if he “remember us for good,” that 
 will be a sufficient recompense and happiness for ever : while 
 those who impenitently sm against him, and especially such 
 as disgrace a sacred character and office, will be remembered 
 for evil, to their everlasting shame, confusion, and destruc- 
 tion, except timely and deep repentance intervene. 
 
 BOOK 
 
 THE 
 
 OF ESTHER. 
 
 This book, which takes its name from the principal character introduced in it, was most probably written by Mordecai, and inserted 
 in the canon of Scripture by Ezra and his assistants, or by their successors : but there are various opinions among learned men on 
 this subject. The Jews have always held the book of Esther in great veneration ; and as the feast of Purim (9:26 — 32.) is observed 
 by them to this day, no reasonable doubt can be entertained concerning the authenticity of the narrative. It contains no prophecies, 
 and it is not referred to in the New Testament. — It is also very remarkable, that there is no clear mention in it of any of the names, 
 by which the God of Israel is distinguished in the sacred oracles : yet it is most evidently intended, as well as admirably calculated, 
 to illustrate the doctrine of Providence ; and the methods and instruments by which the great Ruler of the world accomplishes his 
 purposes, both of mercy and of judgment. Perhaps this omission of the names of God was designed. Facts, well known, con 
 ' cerning the worshippers of Jehovah, the plot formed for their extirpation, and the wonderful deliverance vouchsafed them, were 
 thus simply stated ; in order that every reader might judge for himself, whether these facts did not demonstrate, that the God ol 
 the Jews was the great Ruler of the universe. Had this conclusion been urged on the Gentiles by a despised Jew, their prejudices 
 might have been excited : let the simple narrative then speak for itself. — Several additional chapters are found in the Apocrypha, 
 but they never were in the Hebrew text, and the Jews never received them: they principally contain repetitions, or additions, 
 intended to decorate the history ; but which in fact destroy its simple unity and beauty : and some things in them cannot be 
 reconciled with the times to which the history must relate. — The preceding books form a specimen of the Lord’s care of his 
 church in Judea: this shows his favour to the nation in general. A large proportion of those, who continued in remote 
 countries, were very blameable in so doing : yet he would not leave the nation in the hand of their enemies, or deprive them 
 of his mercy and grace on that account. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Ahasuerus, king of Persia , makes a royal feast , 1—9. He sends for Vashti 
 hisoueen, who refuses to come, 10 — 12. By the advice of his counsellors, 
 he divorces her , and asserts, by a jjublic decree, the authority of men over 
 their wives, 13—22. 
 
 N OW it came to pass in the days of a Aha- 
 suerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned 
 
 Ezra 4:6. Dan. 9:1T b 8:9. Is. 18: l . 37:9. c Dan. 6:1. d2Sam.7:l. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. I. V. 1, 2. It is evident, that the 
 events recorded in this book, took place after the complete 
 establishment of the Persian empire ; for Shushan was the 
 t>yal city of Persia. (Note, Neh. 1:1. Dan. 8:2.) 
 various have been the opinions of learned men concerning 
 
 Vol. J. — 108 
 
 b from India even unto Ethiopia, over c a hundred 
 and seven and twenty provinces :) 
 
 2 That in those days, when the king- Ahasuerus 
 ‘'sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was ill 
 'Shushan the palace, 
 
 1 King* 1 :46. Dan. 4:4. e 2:3. 3:15. 4:16. 9:12— 15. Neh. 1:1 Dan. 3:2. 
 
 the Persian king, who is here called Ahasuerus. I am, 
 however, fully satisfied with the arguments of Dean Prideauxs 
 and consequently suppose Ahasuerus to have been Artax- 
 erxes Longimanus, who commissioned both Ezra and Ne- 
 hemiah. The extent of his dominions, his liberality, and his 
 ( 857 ) 
 
B, C. 463. ESTHER. B. C. 460 
 
 3 In tl.e third year of his reign, f he made a 
 feast unto a.> his princes, and his servants ; 
 the power eof Persia and Media. h the nobles 
 and princes of the provinces, being before him: 
 
 4 When 'he showed Ulie riches of his glorious 
 kingdom and the honour of his k excellent majesty 
 many days, even a hundred and fourscore days. 
 
 5 And when these days were expired, the 
 king made a feast unto all the people that were 
 'present in Shushan the palace, both unto great 
 and small, ‘seven days, in the court of the garden 
 of the king’s palace; 
 
 6 Where were m white, green, and 'blue hang- 
 ings , fastened with cords of fine linen and purple 
 to silver rings and pillars of marble : "the beds 
 were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of *red, 
 and biue, and white, and black marble. 
 
 7 And they gave them drink in "vessels of 
 gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) 
 and sroyal wine in abundance, according to the 
 “state of the king. 
 
 j And the drinking was according to the law ; 
 Pnone did compel: for so the king had appointed 
 to all sthe officers of his house, that they should 
 do according to every man’s pleasure. 
 
 9 A.so Vasliti r the queen made a feast for the 
 women in the royal hquse which belonged to 
 king Ahasuerus. 
 
 10 H On the seventh day, when “the heart of 
 the king was merry with wine, he commanded 
 Mehuman, Biztha, 'Harbona, Bigtha, and Abag- 
 tha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven "chamberlains, 
 that served in the - presence of Ahasuerus the 
 king, 
 
 11 To bring "Vashti the queen before the king 
 with the crown royal, to show the people and 
 
 f2:18. Gen. 40-20. 1 Kings 3:15. Dan. 5:1. Mark 6:21. g 14. Ezra 1:2. Is. 21:2. 
 Jer. 51:11. Dan. 5.28. 8:20. h Dan. 3:2,3. 6:1, 6.7. i Is. 39:2. Ez. 28:5. Dan. 4:30. 
 
 I Pa. 76:1— 4.145:5,12,13. Dan. 2:37— 44. 7:9— 14. Matt. 4:8. 6: 13. Rom. 9:23. 
 Eph. 1:18. Col. 1:27. Rev. 4:11. k 1 Chr.29:ll,12,25. Job 40:10. Ps. 21 :5. 45:3. 
 83.1. Dan. 4:36. 518. 2 Pet. 1:16,17. - Heb .found. 1 2 Chr. 7:8,9. 30:21— 25. 
 m Ex. 26: 1,31 ,32,36,37. f Or, violet, n 7:8. Ez. 23:41. Am. 2:8. 6:4. t Or, 
 Of porphi/re, and marble , and alabaster , and stone of blue colour. o 1 Kings 
 10:21. 2 Chr. 9:20. Dan. 5:2 — 4. § Heb. wine of the kingdom. II Heb. hand . 
 
 f Jer. 35:8. 51:7. Hab. 2:15,16. q John 2:8. r 5:4,8. a Gen. 43:34. Jndg. 
 6:25. 1 Sam. 25:36,37. 2 Sam. 13:28. Prov.20:l. Ec. 7:2— 4. 10:19. Eph. 5:18, 
 
 kindness to the Jews, favour the supposition. (Notes, Ezra 
 7:1 — 5,11—26. Nell. i:l. 2:5, 6, v, 6.) The Septuagint trans- 
 lation calls him Avtaxerxes, and Josephus calls him Artax- 
 crxes Longimanus. See Prideauxs Connection, printed 
 1749, v. i. p. 361 — 364. 
 
 V. 3 — 5. It is probable that the princes and nobles from 
 the several parts of Ahasuerus’s immense dominions, were 
 entertained in rotation, during six months, with the most stu- 
 died and ostentatious display of magnificence, of wealth, and 
 liberality, which could be conceived : and that afterwards all 
 the citizens of Shushan, without distinction, were feasted for 
 seven days in like manner. (Marg. Ref. Note, Matt. 14: 
 15—21.) 
 
 V. 6. Marg. and Marg. Ref. — The ierfs.] On these 
 the guests sat, or reclined, at table. (Note, Am. 6:3—8.) 
 
 V. 7, 8. (Marg. Ref. o.) The absurd practice of urging 
 people to drink more strong liquor than they are of themselves 
 inclined to, has prevailed in all ages ; though it is a most gross 
 violation of common sense, freedom, and civility, as well as 
 of morality and religion. It seems to have been devised and 
 supported by drunkards, that the more sober part of mankind 
 might be drawn in to keep them in countenance, by a reluc- 
 tant intoxication. — The regulation enjoined by the king was 
 very necessary in the midst of so many incentives to intem- 
 perance ; and his mind, being thus made known, doubtless 
 prevented many disorders which otherwise would have been 
 committed. 
 
 V. 9. It seems, that the women were feasted by the queen 
 in a more retired situation than the nobles and people, and 
 were kept separate from the men by express appointment ; 
 which made the subsequent order of the king appear the more 
 unreasonable. (Note, 10 — 12.) 
 
 V. 10 — 12. When the customs of the Persians relative 
 to their women, especially the wives of their kings, are 
 considered, this injunction of Ahasuerus must appear highly 
 improper and inconsistent. He sent seven of his chamber- 
 lains, (which so far was honourable to his queen ;) command- 
 ing her to appear in her royal attire, in order that a number 
 of princes and nobles, who were heated with wine, might be 
 gratified by a sight, of her singular beauty! A reluctance 
 therefore to an exhibition, so contrary to the decorum observed 
 by her sex, became her rank and modesty : but as the king 
 was peremptory, and every one must have known that she 
 came at his command j it was highly imprudent in her to 
 persist in a refusal, which could terminate only in ail open 
 contest and the most fatal effects. His anger * was the more 
 ( 858 ) 
 
 the princes her beauty : for she was "fair tc 
 look on. 
 
 12 But the queen Vashti ^refused to come at 
 the king’s commandment “by his chamberlains : 
 therefore nvas the king very wroth, and his 
 anger ‘burned in him. iPmcticai observation'.-] 
 
 13 H Then the king said to “the wise men, which 
 b knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner 
 toward all that knew law and judgment: 
 
 14 And the next unto him was Cavshena, 
 Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, 
 and Memucan, c the seven princes of Persia ann 
 Media, which d saw the king’s lace, and which 
 sat the first in the kingdom ;) 
 
 15 i*What shall we do unto the queen Vashti 
 according to law, because she halh not performed 
 the commandment of the king Ahasuerus, by the 
 chamberlains ? 
 
 16 And Memucan answered before the king 
 and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not “dont 
 wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, 
 and to all the people that are in all the provinces 
 of the king Ahasuerus. 
 
 17 For this deed of the queen shall come 
 abroad unto all women, so that they shall ‘despise 
 their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be 
 reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti 
 the queen to be brought in before him, but she 
 came not. 
 
 18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and 
 Media say this day unto all the king’s princeSj 
 which have heard of the deed of the queen. 
 Thus shall there arise too much contempt and 
 wrath. 
 
 19 If §§it please the king, let, there go a royal 
 commandment “"from him, and let it be written 
 
 19. t 7:9. Harbonah. IT Or, eunuchs. Dan. 1:3 — 5,18,19. u Prov. 16:9. 23i 
 
 29 — 33. Mark6:21,22. ** Heb. good of countenance . 2Sam. 14:25. Pro v. 31: 
 30. x Gen. 3:16. Eph. 5:22,24. 1 Pet. 3:1. ft Heb. which was by the hand of 
 his eunuchs, v Prov. 19:12.20:2. Dan. 2:12. 3:13,19. Nah. 1:6. Rev. 6:16,17. 
 7 Ex. 32:19,22. Deut. 29:20. Ps. 74:1 . 79:5. a Jer. 10.7. Dan. 2 2,12,27. 4:6,7. 
 5:7. b 1 Chr. 12:32. Matt. 16:3. c Ezra 7:14. d 2 Kings 25:19. Matt. 18:10. 
 Rev. 22:4. Heb. What to do 7 6:6. e Acts IS: 14 .25: 10. 1 Cor. 6-7,8. 
 
 f 2 Sam. 6:16. Eph. 5:3,3. §§ Heb. it be good with the king. 21. 3:9. 8:5. |||| Heb. 
 from before him. 
 
 immoderate, because his blood was heated with wine, which 
 made his passion too strong for his reason.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 13, 14. These wise men, being acquainted with the 
 records of the kingdom, might be able to bring precedents, 
 how former kings had acted under circumstances in any 
 respect similar, according to the laws and customs of the 
 kingdom ; as well as to understand in general what was proper 
 to be done in the present emergency. (1 Chr. 12:32.) And 
 it was the king’s manner, in all such matters, to confer with 
 those who knew law and judgment. — The seven counsellors 
 here mentioned had free access to the king, and were the 
 first subjects in the kingdom. ( Note , Ezra 7:14.) 
 
 V. 15. Some suppose, that Ahasuerus was inclined to 
 forgive Vashti, if it might stand with the honour of his govern- 
 ment, and the laws of the realm. But others think, that he 
 was disposed to divorce her, or otherwise punish her ; but 
 wished to proceed against her under colour of law and justice. 
 
 V. 16 — 18. Memucan is mentioned last of the seven coun- 
 sellors : and it is supposed he was the youngest, or last in 
 order on some account ; and that he was required to give his 
 opinion first, that he might not previously he biassed by the 
 sentiments of his seniors or superiors. — It is uncertain, whe- 
 ther Memucun really deemed the queen’s disobedience a dan- 
 gerous precedent, while it remained unpunished ; or whether 
 he paid court to the king, by counselling him to follow his own 
 humour, and by suggesting a plausible reason for so doing. 
 ( Notes , 2 Sam. 14:6 — 22. P. O. 1 — 20.) He, however, 
 
 argued that the queen’s rank, and the notoriety and pertina- 
 city of her disobedience, would encourage other women to 
 despise the persons and authority of their husbands ; which 
 contempt in the women would excite the wrath of the men, 
 and thus destroy domestic subordination and peace. — Yet if 
 husbands had been careful not to act contemptibly , or to give 
 foolish and improper commands, they might have ruled by 
 reason and affection, without either such fatal consequences, 
 or violent measures. But despotism in civil government leads 
 to despotism in domestic life : men imagine, that there is no 
 way to rule, but by force and terror; and thus the superior 
 relations become tyrants, and the inferior, slaves, submitting 
 by constraint, without cither conviction or affection. 
 
 V. 19 — 22. By this irrecoverable edict, which was pul>- 
 lished in the various languages spoken through the immense 
 empire of the Persians, that all might understand it, Ahasuo- 
 rus’s example was virtually proposed for tyrern 1 imitation 
 so that every husband was allowed to divorce his wifi*, i 
 she disobeyed his command, oven when evidently foolish uni 
 
CHAPTER II, 
 
 B. C. 45? 
 
 B. C. 460 
 
 among the. law?, of the Persians and the Medes, 
 that ‘it be not altered, that Vashti come no more 
 before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her 
 royal estate unto ‘another *that is better than she. 
 
 20 Ami when the king’s decree which he shall 
 make shall be published ‘'throughout all his em- 
 pire, (for it is great,) ‘all the wives shall give to 
 their husbands honour, both to great and small. 
 
 21 And the saying tpleased the king and the 
 princes; and the king did according to the word 
 ofMemucan: 
 
 22 For he sent letters into all the king’s pro- 
 vinces, Jinto every province according to the 
 writing thereof, and to every people after their 
 language, k that every man should bear rule in his 
 
 • Heb. it pass not away. 8:8. Dan. 6:8,12,15,17. f Heb. her companion, 
 t 1 Sam. 15:28. 1 Kings 5:32. h Deul. 17:13. 21:21. i Eph. 5:33. Col. 3:18. 
 1 Pet. 3:1 — 7. J Heb. was good, in the eyes of the king. 19. 2:4. Gen. 41:37. 
 1 3:12.8:9. Dan. 3:29. 4:1. k 1 Tim. 2:12. Tit. 2:4,5. § Heb. one should pub- 
 
 unreasonable ! But whether pride, resentment, policy, or lust, 
 predominated in the counsels of Ahasuerus, may remain un- 
 certain : but the Lord was thus making preparation for de- 
 feating Haman’s diabolical project, long before it ever entered 
 into his heart, and before he arrived at the height of his 
 power and prosperity. (Notes, 3:G — 15. 8:8. Ps. 75:10. Ez. 
 38:10.) 
 
 It should be published, & c. (22) Marg. — 1 The decree runs 
 in the Hebrew, “ That every man should bear rule in his 
 own house, and speak in the language of his people :” . . . that 
 is, he should give his commands in his own language, which 
 every one was bound to learn.’ Bp. Patrick. It is, however, 
 evident, that great care was taken in all these decrees, that 
 they should be circulated in each province in the language of 
 that province, that all might understand them. (3:17.8:9.) How 
 important then is it, that the word of God should be translated 
 into every language, and circulated in that language which is 
 best understood in every land ! and that all, without exception, 
 should be offered them in the vulgar tongue, in every country. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 12. No extent of possessions or dominion can sa- 
 tisfy the human heart, and give contentment or felicity even 
 n’this present life. Cares, fears, and temptations are aug- 
 mented by every accession ; the power of doing good or harm 
 >s enlarged, and alas ! the latter is generally chosen. But 
 ' to whom much is given, of him will much be required” by 
 die great Proprietor, who is continually saying to monarchs, 
 as well as to subjects, “Give an account of thy stewardship : 
 for thou mayest be no longer steward.” — Ostentatious gene- 
 icsity and magnificence, for a man’s own honour and glory, 
 that his wealth, bounty, and taste may be admired and ap- 
 plauded, is a common idolatry of the great and noble : and, 
 except grace prevail in the heart, self-exaltation and self-in- 
 dulgence, in some form or other, will be the ruling principles. 
 But indeed the honour of every endowment, possession, or 
 achievement, of created beings, belongs solely to the unde- 
 rived, unchangeable Creator : his glory, in our own true feli- 
 city and that of our fellow-creatures, should be our great end 
 in every action ; and all other considerations ought to be 
 subordinated to it, and regulated by it. — But if the feast of an 
 earthly monarch, when he would “ show the riches of his 
 glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty,” 
 was so magnificent ; what will be that feast, which the King 
 of kings has prepared, to “ show the riches of his glorious 
 kingdom, and the honour of his excellent majesty,” “ to the 
 praise of the glory of his grace,” in heaven, for ever and ever 1 
 There will be unfading splendour, inexhaustible abundance, 
 and unalloyed pleasures, without interruption or satiety ; and 
 without danger or fear of excess : nor will there arise the least 
 discord to mar enjoyment, through all the ages of eternity. 
 “ All things are ready” for this feast ; sinners without excep- 
 tion are invited : may we accept the gracious invitation ; 
 seek and find the wedding-garment ; and sit down at the 
 marriage-supper of the Lamb ! — But in all other feasts, the 
 pleasure is greatly alloyed, and soon palls ; and too generally 
 they prove unfavourable, not only to wisdom and piety, but 
 even to present comfort and advantage. Seldom do any 
 frequent them, without being led into some degree of excess, 
 injurious to their strength of body and vigour of mind. They 
 are scenes of temptation, suited to excite man’s various evil 
 propensities. The enemy of souls will be sure to avail him- 
 self of the unguarded moments, especially of such as are in 
 reputation for wisdom and piety; and he has artfully prevailed 
 to render it creditable, Jar men to become tempters of each 
 other to intemperance so that few public entertainments, 
 even among professed Christians, are conducted by such 
 good rules as this heathen feast. But real Christians must 
 not only shun such scenes, and separate from those who fre- 
 quent them ; but likewise, by warnings and exhortations, 
 endeavour to preserve their brethren from sin : and if, by this 
 conduct at their own tables, they incur the censure of being 
 penurious ; “ the poor, whom they always have with them,” 
 afford them a fair occasion of refuting the slander. Indeed, 
 that will go very far in hospitality to the indigent, which is 
 quickly wasted by pampering the luxury of the affluent. 
 { Note, Luke 14:12 — 14. P. O. 12 — 24.) — Seasons of peculiar 
 
 own house ; and that Ht should be publisheo 
 ‘according to the language of every people. 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 By advice of his servants, Ahasuerus causes fair virgins to be nought out in 
 every province of his kingdom, that he may choose a tfuecn, 1 — 4. Esther 
 ha' I been brought uv by Mordccai, 5—7. She obtains favour with the keeper 
 of the women; pleases the king ; and is made queen, having vbseived Mor- 
 decai's directions, 8 — 20. Mordecai discovers a plot against the king ; the 
 criminals are punished ; and his service is registered in the chronicles of 
 the kingdom , 21 — 23. 
 
 A FTER these things, when the wrath of king 
 Ahasuerus was appeased, “he remembered 
 Vashti, and b what she had done, and what was 
 decreed against her. 
 
 2 Then said the c king’s servants that minis- 
 tered unto him, ‘‘Let there be fair young virgins 
 sought for the king : 
 
 fish it according to the language of his people. 3:12. I T.-.ike 16:8. Acts 2:5 — II. 
 1 Cor. 14:! 9,20. a Dan. 6:14— 18. b 1:13— 21. c 1:10,14. 6:14. d Gen. 1*. 
 14,15. 1 Kings 1:2,3. 
 
 festivity often terminate in vexation. Wine and jovial com- 
 pany elate the mind, add strength to the passions, and stun 
 the voice of reason and conscience. On such occasions 
 caprice generally dictates the conduct ; unreasonable claims 
 are started, or projects formed ; and the eagerness of men’s 
 spirits ill brooks contradiction or affront, while it disposes to 
 give them. Thus anger is excited and exasperated ; ant. 
 discords, revenge, duels, and murders, are the frequent con- 
 sequences of pleasurable meetings ! Propriety and decorum 
 are also often disregarded ; the respect and attention due to 
 relatives are forgotten ; improper requisitions are made, by 
 which contempt afid imprudent opposition are excited ; affec- 
 tion is suspended, during the reign of haughty resentment ; 
 and all parties forget their reciprocal interests and duties, till 
 their reputation and peace receive such wounds, as can seldom 
 admit of a complete cure. — Let it also be specially noted, 
 that superiors, in all cases and circumstances, should be care- 
 ful not to command what may reasonably be disobeyed ; for 
 this must weaken their authority, and prove a temptation to 
 those over whom they rule : yet inferiors ought never to per- 
 sist in a refusal, except when it is really a point of conscience 
 towards God. ( Notes , Rom. 13:1 — 7.) 
 
 V. 13 — 22. There would be safety in the multitude ot 
 counsellors, if men did but welcome plaindealing; and if the 
 counsellors of princes did not generally consult ‘their inc.l- 
 nations, rather than their interests. — Domestic subordination 
 doubtless ought to be preserved ; and the wife ought to 
 honour and obey her own husband: yet surely this may be 
 effected by other means, beside severe laws, divorces, and 
 measures more pernicious than the evil which they are 
 intended to remedy! Regard to mutual interest, comfort, 
 and reputation, serves to keep the world in tolerable order : 
 the prudence and affection of the husband will do great things, 
 where properly exercised: the general regard, which the 
 more decent members of the community have to the precepts 
 and authority of God, has considerable effect: true grace 
 radically cures that evil, from which domestic discord arises: 
 and in deplorable cases where the peace of society is mate- 
 rially violated, the magistrate may properly interpose. All 
 other evils arising from this source may better he tolerated, 
 than to attempt a remedy, by making the men tyrants, and 
 the women slaves : while it is evident that the former fail as 
 much, and commonly far more, in the duty of their relation, 
 than the latter. Nor should even the interests of kingdoms 
 be promoted, were it possible, by evident injustice. — The 
 example of the gr.eat has a very extensive effect, and they 
 are the more deeply concerned, not to exhibit a pernicious 
 pattern to their inferiors : but human policy sometimes over- 
 shoots its mark ; and to prevent, the effect of one injurious 
 precedent, forms another of still more fatal tendency* Let 
 us then keep to the rule of God’s word, and it. will guide the 
 humble, obedient believer through all these labyrinths; and 
 be “ a lantern to his feet, and a light unto his paths.” Let 
 us be upon our guard against every incentive to our passions; 
 watching and praying against wrath, pride, and self-will, as 
 well as sensual indulgence. Let us learn to bridle our tem- 
 pers ; to conquer by yielding; and to “leave off contention 
 before it be meddled with.” And let us rejoice that the Lord 
 reigns, and willover rule all the madness and folly of man- 
 kind, for the purposes of his own glory, and the safety and 
 felicity of his believing, obedienl people. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. II. V. 1. When the vehemency of 
 the king’s anger subsided, his affection for Vashti revived ; 
 and probably he was sensible, that he had acted with pre- 
 cipitation and severity, and had done her injustice. But w ith 
 all his power and authority, he could not again receive her 
 into favour, without violating a fundamental constitution of 
 the Persian government; which required that no edict, which 
 the king had once established, should he reversed. The fatal 
 effects of this absurd policy will be sufficiently illustrated, in 
 the sequel of this narrative. Under colour of ascribing infalli- 
 bility to the sovereign, and thus flattering his pride; this 
 restriction perpetually exposed him, in his ungua* ded hours, 
 to be deluded into the most pernicious measures ; and would 
 not so much as allow him to remedy the injustice, or impolicy, 
 into which he had been betrayed, when reflection and exp©- 
 < 859 ) 
 
B C. 458. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 B. C. 456 
 
 ') And let the king appoint officers e in all the I 
 pr mnces of his kingdom, that they may gather I 
 together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan [ 
 the palace, to the house of the women, unto ’the j 
 custody of 'Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper i 
 of the women ; and let stheir things for purifica- 
 tion bo. given them : 
 
 4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king 
 be queen instead of Vashti. And h the thing 
 pleased the king; and he did so. 
 
 5 If Now in 'Shushan the palace there was a 
 “certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son 
 of Jair, 'the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a 
 Benjarnite ; 
 
 6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem, 
 with the captivity which had been carried away 
 with “Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchad- 
 nezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 
 
 7 And he'brought up n Hadassah,(thaUs, Esther,) 
 °his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father 
 nor mother, and the maid was tfair and beautiful ; 
 whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were 
 dead, Hook for his own* daughter. 
 
 8 if So it came to pass, when the king’s com- 
 mandment and his decree was heard, and when 
 many maidens were gathered together unto Shu- 
 shan the palace, to the custody of ‘•Hegai, that 
 Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to 
 the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 
 
 9 And the maiden pleased him, and r she obtained 
 kindness of him; and he speedily gave her "her 
 things for purification, with $such things as be- 
 longed to her, and seven maidens which were meet 
 to be given her, out of the king’s house : and he 
 “preferred her and her maids unto the best place 
 of the house of the women. • 
 
 10 Esther ‘had not showed her people nor her 
 kindred: “for Mordecai had charged her that she 
 should not show it. 
 
 11 And Mordecai “walked every day before the 
 court of the women’s house, to know-how Esther 
 did, and what should become of her. 
 
 . 1:1,2. • Heb. the hand, f 8. Hegai. g 12 — 14. Is. 3:18— 23. h 1:21. 
 
 5:9,10. 2 Sam. 13:1 — 6. 16:21 — 23. 17:4. Malt. 14:6. i 3. 1:2. 5:1. It 3:2— 
 6. 10:3. 1 1 Sam. 9:1. 2Sam.l6:S. m 2 Kings 24: 14,15. 2 Chr. 36:9,10. Jeho- 
 tachin. Jer. 22:24,28. Coniah. 24:1. t Heb. nourished. Eph.6:4. n Dan. 1: 
 6,7. o 15. Jer. 32:7 — 12. * Heb. fair of form and good of countenance. 1:11. 
 p Gen. 48:5. 2 Cor. 6: 18. 1 John 3:1. q 3. Hege. r Gen. 39:21 . 1 Kings 8:50. 
 Ezra 7:6. Neh. 2:8. Ps. 106:46. Prov. 16:7. Dan. 1:9. Acts 7:10. s 3,12. 
 § Heb. her portions. II Heb. changed her. t 3:8. 4:13,14. 7:4. Matt. 10:16. 
 
 rience had made him sensible of his errors. (Notes, 8:3 — 13. 
 9:1 — 16. Dan. 6:12 — 17.) And this was the more absurd 
 and dangerous in its nature and effects, if they may be 
 depended on, who inform us, that the Persian monarchs, and 
 their counsellors, commonly framed their edicts at feasts, and 
 when they were drinking. (Note, 3:12 — 15.) 
 
 V. 2 — 4. (8 — 14. Note, 1 Kings 1:1 — 4.) It is uncertain 
 whether this was the project of the seven counsellors before 
 mentioned; (Note, 1:16 — 18.) or of some other servants, who 
 more immediately ministered to the king’s pleasures. It 
 seems, however, to have been devised, in order to prevent 
 him from thinking any more of Vashti, whose restoration to 
 favour must be guarded against, for the safety of those who 
 had counselled the king to exercise so great severity against 
 ner: for, if he had been greatly desirous of Vashti’s com- 
 any, the law of the Medes and Persians would scarcely 
 ave prevented him from recalling her. This will appear by 
 the following instance : — Cambyses, king of Persia, having 
 conceived a violent passion for his own sister, inquired of his 
 counsellors whether it was lawful for him to marry her? 
 and they, dreading the effects of his resentment if they 
 m opposed his will, answered, that there was no law in Persia, 
 by which a man was allowed to marry his sister, but that it 
 was lawful for the king of Persia to do what he pleased. — It 
 must also be noted, that though the king could not legally 
 reverse the decree which he had signed and sealed ; yet he 
 might put to death the counsellors, who induced him to ratify 
 it. (Notes, 7:7—10. 8:8. Dan. 6:24.) 
 
 V. 5 — 7. Mordecai, though a Benjarnite, is repeatedly 
 called the Jew: for the whole nation was now called after 
 Judah. (Notes, Gen. 49:8 — 10. 2 Kmgs 16:6.) — Some of 
 Mordecai’s ancestors, (probably Kish,) had been carried to 
 Babylon with Jeconiah; (Note, 2 Kings 24:8 — 16.) and the 
 family afterwards settled at Shushan. But it seems that 
 they were diminished in number, or impoverished : so that 
 Mordecai’s own cousin had been left an orphan ; and he, 
 being older than she was, had brought her tip, and in all 
 respects behaved as a father to her. Her Jewish name was 
 Hadassah, but the Persians called her Esther. — The con- 
 jectures of several learned men concerning her, taken from 
 ( 860 ) 
 
 12 H Now when every maid’s turn was come *to 
 go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been 
 twelve months, according .o 0 e manner of the 
 women, (for so were the jays of their purifica 
 tions accomplished, to wit, “six months with oil 
 of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, 
 and With other things for the purifying of the 
 women :) 
 
 13 Then thus came every maiden unto the 
 king; whatsoever she desired was given her to 
 go with her out of the house of the women unto 
 the king’s house. 
 
 14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow 
 she returned into the second house of the women, 
 to the custody ofShaashgaz, the king’s chamber- 
 lain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto 
 the king no more, except the king “delighted in 
 her, and that b she were called by name. 
 
 [ Practical Observations.'] 
 
 15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daugh- 
 ter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, “who had 
 taken her for his daughter, was come to go in un- 
 to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai 
 the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, 
 appointed. And d Esther obtained favour in the 
 sight of all them that looked upon her. 
 
 16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus 
 into his house-royal in “the tenth month, which is 
 the month Tebeth, in ‘the seventh year of his 
 reign. 
 
 17 And the king loved Esther above all the 
 women, and she obtained grace and "favour "in 
 his sight more than all the virgins ; ?so that he 
 set the royal crown upon her head, and made her 
 queen instead of Vashti. 
 
 18 Then the king h made a great feast unto all 
 his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; 
 and he made a "release to the provinces, and 
 ‘gave gifts, according to the state of the king. 
 
 19 And when k the virgins were gathered toge- 
 ther the second time, then Mordecai 'sat in the 
 king’s gate. 
 
 u 7,20. Eph.6:l. x 13,14. IT Heb. the peace of Esther. Gen. 37:14. 1 Sam 
 17:18. Act* 15:36. y 1 The*. 4:4,5. z Prov. 7: 17. Cant. 3:6. Is. 57:9. Lube 
 7:37,38. a 4:11. Qten. 34:19. Is. 62:4,5. bis. 45:4. c 7. d Cant. 6:9. Acts 
 7:10. e 8:9. f 1:3. Ezra 7:8. '* Or, kindness, tt Heb. before him. g 4:14. 
 
 1 Sam. 2:8. Ps. 75:6,7. 113:7,8. Ez. 17:24. Luke 1:48—52. h 1:3—5. Gen. 29 
 22. Judg. 14:10-17. Cant. 3:11. 5:1. Matt. 22:2. Luke 14:8. Rev. 19:9. Heb 
 rest, i 9:22. 1 Sam. 25:8. Neh. 8:12. Rev. 11:10. k 3,4. 121.3:2,3.5:13 
 
 rather a slight similarity of names between her and the wives 
 of some of the Persian kings, mentioned in Pagan historians* 
 seem entirely groundless : as the dissimilarity of character, 
 and indeed all other circumstances, vastly preponderate 
 against them. 
 
 V. 8 — 10. As Mordecai was so scrupulous in respect ol 
 Haman, (Notes, 3:2 — 5.) it has been wondered, how be could 
 consent to Esther’s becoming the wife, or concubine, ol a 
 heathen prince, contrary to the law of Moses. But it does 
 not seem to have been left to the choice, either of Mordecai 
 or of Esther. By a public edict, the most beautiful virgii.s 
 were selected from all parts of Abasuerus’s dominions ; and 
 it would have been unavailing, as well as dangerous, to have 
 opposed the persons employed in this business. 4 Thfe worn 
 we translate 44 was brought,” may be rendered was taken ; 
 and that bv force, as the word sometimes signifies; and as 
 the former Targum here explains if, She was brought by vio 
 Icnce.' * 1 Bp. Patrick. — If Esther had made known her nation 
 it might have interfered with her advancement to the rank ol 
 queen, as the Jews were generally despised ; but she could 
 not have avoided becoming one of Ahasucrus’s concubines 
 Poligamy was connived at by the Mosaic law ; so that the 
 situation of a concubine was not deemed dishonourable, or 
 unlawful : and in her peculiar circumstances, the ritual law 
 of not giving their daughters to those of another nation, might 
 not he thought obligatory. — The conduct of Providence, 
 however, should be chiefly noticed ; though it does not nppear 
 that either Mordecai or Esther could have acted otherwise, 
 if they had been inclined. 
 
 V. 11—14. Marg. Ref. P. O. 1—14. 
 
 V. 15 — 17. About four years were snent before another 
 queen was chosen instead of Vashti : (1:3) so long a time had 
 been employed in collecting the virgins from all parts of 
 Ahasuerus’s dominions, and in other preparations which were 
 thought requisite. — Ezra obtained his commission in tho 
 former part of this same year, if Arfaxerxes were the samo 
 as Ahasuerus : (Note, Ezra 7:6 — 10.) and they who think 
 that Artaxerxcs granted the desire of Ezra, through hV.her’s 
 influence, suppose that Esther had been the favoured • onru- 
 bine of the king, rosiding in his palace a considerable iu:e 
 
B. C. 456. 
 
 CHAPTER III, 
 
 B. C. 452- 
 
 20 Esthc- m had not yet showed her kindred, 
 por her people, as Mordecai had charged her : 
 for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, 
 like as when she was brought up with him. 
 
 21 H In those days, while Mordecai sat in the 
 king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, "Big- 
 than and Teresh, of those which kept the "door, 
 were wroth, °and sought to lay hand on the king 
 Ahasuerus. 
 
 22 And rthe thing was known to Mordecai, 
 who told it unto Esther the queen ; and ^Esther 
 certified the king thereof in r Mordecai’s name. 
 
 23 And when inquisition was made of the mat- 
 
 in 10. n 6.2. Bigthana. * Heb .threshold, o 2 Sam. 4:5,6. 16:11. 1 Kings 
 15:25—27. 16:9. 2 'King* 9:22— 24. 12:20.21:23. Ps. 14-1:10. p Ec. 10:20. Acts 
 23:12—22. q 6:2. Rom. 11:33. r Phil. 2:4. s 5:14.7:10. Gen. 40:19,22. 
 
 before she was publicly made and crowned queen, which was 
 in the tenth month of the seventh year of his reign. 
 
 V. 18. Marg. Ref. Note , 1 — 3. 
 
 V. 19, 20. It is probable that a number of virgins had been 
 collected before Vashti was made queen ; in relation to which 
 it is here said, “ When the virgins were gathered together 
 the second time." — About this time Mordecai seems to have 
 been appointed to some station in the service of the king: 
 and the historian appears merely to have intended to connect 
 the account of Mordecai’s discovery of the treason, (21 — 
 23.) with Esther’s advancement to be queen, as introductory 
 to the subsequent uarrative. — Esther, after her high prefer- 
 ment, still continued as attentive to Mordecai’s command as 
 she had been before ; out of gratitude for his kindness, and 
 confidence in his wisdom, piety, and affection. ‘A rare ex- 
 ample of virtue, that she should be so observant of him 
 when she was a queen: for most forget what they were when 
 they are unexpectedly grown very great.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 21 — 23. Many conjectures have been formed of the 
 cause of this conspiracy, and the manner in which it was dis- 
 covered ; but curiosity alone is concerned in such inquiries, 
 which after all end in uncertainty. It suffices for us to know, 
 that a conspiracy was formed ; that Mordecai detected it, and, 
 by informing Esther, conveyed the intelligence to the king, 
 that the criminals were convicted and executed ; and that the 
 account of it was written in the records of the kingdom. The 
 transaction itself was nowise uncommon ; but the event 
 showed the hand of God in it, in a most remarkable manner, 
 and for the most important purposes. (Notes, 6:) ‘Here 
 we may see the infelicity and the danger of the most potent 
 persons. The life of a great king depending on the fidelity of 
 one single person, whose service was neglected by the 
 court, though a memorial was made of it.’ Pellicanus in Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 14. Resolutions formed in an^er, and executed 
 without deliberation, make work for bitter recollection and 
 repentance. A wise man, therefore, will not proceed even 
 to punish the guilty, till passion has subsided and reason 
 resumed her sway. — The depravity of our nature, and the 
 fallibility of our judgment, render it indispensable to our in- 
 terest and happiness, that we should be allowed to change 
 our sentiments and conduct, and correct our mistakes. Our 
 gracious God has mercifully placed us under a dispensation 
 which admits of this : and though many painful effects must 
 follow from transgression, we shall not be ruined by it, if we 
 avail ourselves of this provision. ( Ez . 18:30.) But while 
 pride and obstinacy seem to arrogate infallibility, and to aspire 
 to a dignity incompatible with fallen nature ; they forfeit the 
 real advantages of our situation, and leave a man without 
 redress, exposed to all the fatal consequences of every false 
 step. No one, however, should be too proud to confess that 
 he has been mistaken : and as this would preclude the absur- 
 dity of human laws, which must never be repealed or reversed ; 
 so it wou.d strike at the root of that self-justifying, pertina- 
 cious temper, which induces sinners to neglect the gospel, and 
 go on in sin. But even when men are in some measure made 
 sensible of their folly and iniquity, new projects, amusements, 
 and gratifications are devised, to silence conscience, and to 
 carry them forward without uneasiness in the broad road of 
 ungodliness. — The servants of mighty monarchs, though them- 
 selves princes and nobles, have often stooped to be pimps and 
 parasites, in order to support their present authority, to pur- 
 chase impunity for past crimes, or to procure future and still 
 greater preferment! (P. O. Gen. 12:10 — 20, latter part.) 
 But how degrading is it to our rational nature, that numbers 
 of able men of superior rank, as well as of inferior station, 
 should exert all their ingenuity and assiduity in enabling an 
 individual more devotedly to pamper those “ fleshly lusts 
 which war against the soul !” Even reason, (not to say reli- 
 gion,) if her voice could be heard, would command men to 
 moderate and restrain their passions, «nd to teach them sub- 
 mission by habituating them to brook denial. But the higher 
 human beings are advanced in authority, the lower they too 
 get erally sink into the most abject slavery to their sensual 
 app< ‘ites : as if their superiority were intended merely as a 
 medium for the more unrestrained licentiousness, and to 
 enable them to be avowed in those excesses which inferior 
 libertines indulge with a more decent reserve ! — How low is 
 
 ter, il was found out ; therefore they were both 
 ■hanged on a tree : and it was written in ‘the book 
 of the Chronicles before the king. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Hnmnn is advanced by the king, who commands hie servants to bow down to 
 but Mordecai refuses to do it, 1 ,2. Laman being informed, in revenge, pur* 
 •poses to destroy the whole Jewish nation, 3 — 6. He chooses a day, by cast- 
 ing lots, for executing his purpose, 7. liy calumniating the Jews, he obixins 
 a decree from the king to extirpate the nation, and publishes it through all 
 the provinces, 1 — 55. 
 
 A FTER these things did king Ahasuerus "pro- 
 mote Haman the son of Hammedatha the 
 Airagite, and advanced him, and set his seat 
 "above all the princes that were with him. 
 
 Deul. 121:22,23. Josh. 8:59. 16:1,2. Mai. 3:16. a7:6. Pa. 12:8. Prov.2S:2. 
 b Num. 21:7. 1 Sam. 15:8. c 1:14. Gen. 41.-40.55. Ezra 7:M. Dan. 6:2. 
 
 our nature sunk when these are the leading pursuits, and the 
 highest felicity of many millions of rational creatures! when 
 every consideration of decency, equity, and conscience ; 
 when domestic comfort, relative duties, and the natural rights 
 of mankind ; when even reputation, interest, and health ; 
 when life, and the immortal soul itself, are habitually sacri- 
 ficed to such a base and hateful idol ! Yet after a prosti- 
 tuted ingenuity has done its utmost, disappointment, vexation, 
 and loathing must ensue : and that man most wisely consults 
 even the enjoyment of this present life, who most exactly 
 obeys the precepts of the divine law. — We ought also to be 
 thankful for revelation, which is needful to teach us how to 
 act in the common affairs of life. But without the super- 
 natural teaching, inclining, and assisting influence of the Holy 
 Spirit, men will not pay a due regard to that revelation : for, 
 with the Bible in their hands, numbers deviate at least as 
 widely from reason and Scripture, as even the Persian mo- 
 narchs did ; except, as the want of power, and the laws oi 
 the land restrain their licentiousness. For these laws indeed, 
 and .for many other advantages, we have great cause to be 
 thankful: and especially, that the children of Britons are not 
 liable to be forced into the Seraglio of any licentious ruler. 
 Yet, alas! after all, who can bear steadily to contemplate 
 the corrupt state of our favoured nation, in this respect, 
 without a mixture of shame, indignant regret, and conster- 
 nation ? 
 
 V. 15 — 23. It is peculiarly useful to consider the provi- 
 dential conduct of God fulfilling his wise, faithful, righteous, 
 and merciful purposes in the midst of the extravagances occa- 
 sioned by the mad passions of wicked men. Pic “careth for 
 his people,” and he is “ the Father of the fatherless :” orphans 
 are often peculiarly favoured in his providence, to encourage 
 us to intrust our children to his care while we live, and when 
 wc are about to die and leave them. — It is our duty, in some 
 cases, if we are able to provide for the orphan children o, 
 our near relations ; and by so doing, men often provide for 
 their own comfort and safety, and for their families also. — 
 The Lord not only confers personal and mental endowments, 
 and enriches the soul with wisdom and grace ; but he gives 
 favour likewise : and, notwithstanding prejudices, and general 
 contempt, he can, when he pleases, secure to his people the 
 most endeared affection of those who know him not. If 
 wealth or kingdoms were good for them, they would certainly 
 have them ; but prosperity too generally feeds the distempers 
 of corrupt nature, and poverty and obscurity are more advan- 
 tageous. Even those high stations which some few believers 
 occupy for the good of their brethren, will be their cross, if 
 not their snare; and their comforts must flow from the same 
 source, and be of the same nature, with those of the poorest 
 Christian; and are generally in more scanty measure. — We 
 ou^ht, however, to be passive in the Lord’s hands ; and only 
 be careful to avoid sin, and to perform our duty, in whatever 
 station we are placed. — Our profession of. religion, and many 
 things relating to it, must often be regulated and timed accord- 
 ing to circumstances; so that we not only need to regard the 
 advice of wise and experienced Christians, but daily to ask 
 for that wisdom which is from above, or we shall be liable to 
 perpetual mistakes. — It is a singular proof that men have ob- 
 tained a good measure of that wisdom, when unexpected 
 prosperity and favour leave them humble, and teachable, at- 
 tentive to every relative duty, grateful to benefactors, and 
 disposed to listen to prudent and pious counsellors. — No men 
 are exposed to so great danger from treachery, resentment, 
 and ambition as absolute monarchs : and their servants, when 
 really attached, often confer obligations upon them which 
 they never can adequately compensate. But the servant of 
 God must be faithful to every trust, and watchful for tie 
 safety and interest of those who employ him : and though he 
 seem at present neglected, he may be remembered hereafter- 
 However, his conscientious and upright conduct is registered 
 in heaven, and will be graciously rewarded by his God, when 
 all his enemies shall be driven into utter destruction. (Note, 
 Ec. 9:13 — 18. P. O. 11— 18.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. III. V. I. Hainan is supposed to 
 have been an Amalekite, descended from the stock of the 
 ancient kings of that people, many of whom were named 
 Agag. (Num. 24:7. I Sam. 15:8.) — If his descent was gene- 
 rally known, his advancement, to be the king’s chief minister 
 and favourite, would be peculiarly displeasing and alarming 
 ( 861 ) 
 
B. t*. 452. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 B. C. <51 
 
 2 And all d the king’s servants that were in the 
 king’s gate 'bowed, and reverenced Haman ; for 
 the king had so commanded concerning him. But 
 Mordecai < bowed not, nor did him reverence. 
 
 3 Then the king’s servants which were in the 
 king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, ?Why transgress- 
 est thou the king’s commandment? 
 
 4 Now it came to pass, h when they spake daily 
 unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, 'that 
 they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s mat- 
 ters would stand : for k he had told them that he 
 was a Jew. 
 
 5 And when Haman saw 'that Mordecai bowed 
 not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman ro full 
 of wrath. 
 
 6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Morde- 
 cai alone; for they had showed him the people of 
 
 <12:19,21. e Gen. 41:43. Phil. 2:10. fl. Ei. 17:14,16. Deut. 25:19. 1 Sara. 
 15:3. Ps. 15:1. g Ex. 1:17. Matt. 15:2,3. h Gen. 39:10. i Dan. 3:8,9. 6:13. 
 k Ezra 1:3. Dan. 3:12,16— 18,23- 31. 6:20— 23.26— 28. Jon. 1:9. 12. 5:9. ml: 
 12. Job 5:2. Prov. 12.16. 19:19. 21:21. 27:3,4. Dan. 83:19. n Pe. 83:4. Rev. 
 12:12—17. o Neh. 2:1. p 1:3. 2:16. q 9:24— 26. Prov. 16:33. Ez. 21:21,22. 
 
 to the Jews ; as they were expressly commanded to extir- 
 pate the Amalekites. (Notes, Ex. 17:14 — 16. Deut. 25:17 — 
 19. 1 Sam. 15:1—3.) 
 
 V. 2. It has been much disputed, why Mordecai so per- 
 tinaciously and absolutely refused to bow before Haman, 
 when commanded by his prince : and many, supposing that 
 nothing more was meant than civil obeisance, such as 
 Joseph’s brethren and the Egyptians rendered to him, and 
 such as they suppose Ezra, and Nehemiah, and even 
 Daniel, must have paid to the Persian kings, have ascribed 
 Mordecai’s refusal to his contempt of Haman’s character, or 
 his dislike to him as an Amalekite. But these reasons are 
 not sufficient to justify his conduct, when the fate of the 
 whole nation was at stake: yet he evidently acted conscien- 
 tiously, and was accepted by the Lord. We must not 
 therefore ascribe his behaviour to pride, moroseness, resent- 
 ment, or envy. It is well known that the Persian monarchs 
 required an obeisance, which even the Greeks often refused 
 or evaded, as express adoration : and it is not at all unlikely, 
 that Ahasuerus required a similar act of adoration to be 
 offered to his favourite. ‘ To bow the knee or the body, to 
 all great persons, was a common respect ; for which there 
 needed not a particular command, . . . with respect of Haman. 
 . . . There was therefore some kind of divine honour intended, 
 such as was paid to the Persian kings themselves, to whom 
 the Greeks would not pay this sort of respect, because it was 
 accounted divine. And the word reverence imports some- 
 thing beyond bowing ; which was falling flat on their faces to 
 the ground.’ Bp. Patrick. — The original words may be ren- 
 dered, “ They kneeled, down and fell prostrate before Haman,” 
 or, they worshipped him: and perhaps the two expressions 
 are never united, except when adoration is expressly meant, 
 and they are in this narrative uniformly united. (Matt. 4:9. 
 Acts 10:25,26. Rev. 22:8,9.)— In the apocryphal addition to 
 this book, Mordecai is introduced as thus appealing to God : 
 1 Thou knowest, Lord, that it was neither in contempt, nor 
 pride, nor for any desire of glory, that I did not bow down to 
 proud Haman : for I could have been content, with good will, 
 for the salvation of Israel, to kiss the soles of his feet : but I 
 did this, that I might not prefer the glory of man above the 
 glory of God, neither will I worship any but thee.’ (Esther 
 13:12 — 14.) Indeed it is most probable that the homage 
 required by Haman was idolatrous; and we may reasonably 
 conclude, that the king himself dispensed with the custonjary 
 ceremonies, out of regard to the conscientious scruples of 
 those few Jews, who were admitted into his presence, and 
 whom he peculiarly favoured ; but that Haman, despising 
 Mordecai and hating his people, was not so condescending. 
 And though we do not read that other Jews refused Haman 
 this honour ; yet numbers might be of the same opinion, who 
 were not put to the trial, not being employed in any places of 
 honour or profit about the king : and indeed it does not ap- 
 pear that Mordecai was blamed by any of them, even amidst 
 the most imminent danger to which the whole nation was 
 exposed. (Note, Dan. 3:1 — 7.) 
 
 V. 3 — 5. Haman seems not to have noticed Mordecai’s 
 singularity, (amidst the homage which he received from all 
 others,) till it was pointed out to him by the other servants of 
 Ahasuerus. These first remonstrated with Mordecai for 
 his disobedience to the king : but when he disregarded them, 
 they desired to know whether “ his matters would stand : for 
 he had told them that he was a Jew.” ‘He acquaints them 
 plainly of what religion and nation ho was ; who might not 
 . . . worship any but God alone.’ Bp. Patrick. This proves, 
 that he vindicated himelf on the ground of his religion : and it 
 implies, that he expected Ahasuerus would admit of this plea ; 
 which favours the supposition, that the kings of Persia had 
 been used to excuse their Jewish servants from such obei- 
 sance as they could not conscientiously render. — It is proba- 
 ble, however, that these informers thought this a good oppor- 
 tunity of paying court to the favourite ; or of obtaining 
 M'rdecaih post for some of them, or their dependants: and 
 ( 862 ) 
 
 Mordecai: wherefore Haman "sought to destroy 
 all the Jews that were throughout the whole king 
 dom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai. 
 
 [ Practical Observation * ».] 
 
 7 H In “the first month, (that is, the month Nisan,) 
 fin the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, sthey cast 
 Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to 
 day, and from month to month, to the twelfth 
 month, that is, the month r Adar. 
 
 8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There 
 is a certain people 'scattered abroad and dispersed 
 among the people in all the provinces of thy king 
 dom; and ‘their laws are diverse from all people; 
 neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is 
 not "for the king’s profit to suffer them. 
 
 9 If it please the king, let it be written 'thai 
 they may be destroyed : and I will tpay "ten 
 
 Matt. 27:35. r 9:1 ,5: 17 — 19,21. Ezra 6:15. a Lev. 26:33. Deut. 4:27. 30 3. 
 32 26. Neh. 1:8. Jer. 50:17. Ez.6:8. 11:16. Zcch.7:14. Juhn7:35. Jam. 1:1. 
 1 Pet 1:1. t Ezra 4:12- 15. Acts 16:20,21. 17:6.7 . 24.5 . 28:22. • Heh. meet, or 
 equal, for the king to, Sfc. t Heb./o destroy them. + Heb. weigh. Gen. 23:16. 
 uMatt. 18:24. 
 
 they did not approve of his singularity, by which he seemed 
 to reproach their compliance. 
 
 •V. 6. A wise man would have treated this information 
 with neglect : and, had he even thought that Mordecai’s con- 
 duct was the effect of pique, pride, malice, or insolence, he 
 would have left him to his humour. But Haman was a man 
 of a weak and vainglorious mind, and intoxicated with pros- 
 perity, as the whole history shows. Being therefore fired 
 with indignation, that these honours were refused him by one 
 so greatly his inferior, and having understood that the refusal 
 was dictated by principles, which were common to all the 
 Jews; he considered the whole nation as his enemies, and 
 determined, if possible, to involve them all in one common 
 destruction. (Note, Ps. 83:1 — 4.) — The ancient enmity of 
 an Amalekite seems also to have revived ; and perhaps he 
 meant to revenge the quarrel of his nation, as well as the 
 affront which he had received from Mordecai. His rank 
 and authority, and his unbounded influence over Ahasuerus, 
 emboldened him to expect success in the daring attempt. 
 His self-importance made him think it a mean revenge to 
 crush an individual who had offended him: and his pre- 
 eminence seemed only to suggest the idea of being able to do 
 more mischief, and diffuse more extensive misery, than an 
 inferior could have done. — His diabolical ambition and 
 cruelty thirsted for the extirpation of the whole people of the 
 Jews at one blow ; at least all of them who dwelt in the im- 
 mense kingdom of Persia, including those in Judea, wh’ch 
 was a province of that kingdom. (Note, Ezra 2:1.) It 
 may therefore fairly be concluded that the device was not 
 his own ; but was suggested by that ambitious spirit, who 
 aspires to be M the god of this world,” who has been “a mur- 
 derer from the beginning,” and whose enmity to the 14 Seed 
 of the woman,” to Christ and his church, is communicated to 
 all his children. In this view, it was a plan worthy of the 
 vast capacity, enmity, malice, ambition, and desperation of 
 that arch rebel, against his Maker. (Notes, Gen. 3:14,15. 
 Matt. 4:1,2. John 8:41—47, v. 44.) 
 
 V. 7. Esther had now been queen five years ; yet het 
 nation and kindred had not become publicly known : for 
 Haman did not suspect that the queen was a Jewess, or that 
 Mordecai was her near relation. (Note, 7:6.) Had Mordecai 
 been ambitious of preferment, no doubt he would have coun 
 selled Esther to make known her kindred, when she was first 
 in high favour : but he seems to have foreseen, that she was 
 advanced for some future service to her people, for which 
 she ought to reserve herself. (Note, 4:13,14.) — The word 
 44 Pur” signifies the lot. Haman, having formed his project, 
 inquired of his idols, according to his own superstition, by 
 casting lots what, day would be most propitious to its execu- 
 tion : for he made himself sure of the king’s concurrence! 
 and it pleased God so to order if, that the day which had the 
 favourable token, was above eleven months distant. Haman’s 
 superstition was such, that he did not venture to execute his 
 design till that time came : though it can hardly he supposed, 
 but he must have perceived that many things might occur to 
 prevent the execution of his intentions. The king might 
 change his mind, or might die ; or the Jews might take refuge 
 in other countries, or make such preparations for their own 
 defence, as to render the attempt most perilous, and the 
 success of it very hazardous. — The event showed the vanity 
 of his oracles or auguries ; and illustrated the doctrine of a 
 particular providence over all the affairs of men, and the care 
 of God over his church. 4 This whole business was go- 
 verned by a wonderful providence of God, by whom these lots 
 were directed, and not by the Persian gods, to fall in the last 
 month of the year,; whereby almost a whole year intervened 
 between the design and its execution: and gave time foi 
 Mordecai to acquaint Esther with it, and for her to intercede 
 with the king, for the revoking or suspending his decree, and 
 disappointing the conspiracy.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, Prov 
 16:33.) 
 
 V. 8, 9. Hainan docs not seem even to have momionw 
 
B. C. 451. 
 
 CHAPTER III. B. C. 451. 
 
 thousand ta.ents of silver to the hands of those 
 that have the charge of the business, to bring it 
 into the king’s treasuries. 
 
 10 And the king “took his ring from his hand, 
 and gave it unto Human the son of Hammedatha 
 the Agagite, the Jews’ 'enemy. 
 
 11 Ami the king said unto Human, The silver 
 is ;*iven to thee, the people also, Ho do with them 
 as it seemeth good to thee. 
 
 12 Then were the king’s tscribes called on the 
 thirteenth day of the first month, and there was 
 written according to all that Haman had com- 
 manded unto the king’s iieutenants, and to the 
 governors that were over every province, and to 
 Bie rulers of every people of every province, 'ac- 
 cording to .the writing thereof, and to every people 
 after their language ; “in the name of king Ahasu- 
 
 x 8:2,8. Gen. 41:42. * Or, oppressor. 7:6. yPs.73:7. Jer. 26:14. 40:4. Luke 
 23:25. t Or, secretaries. 7.1:22.8:9.9:27. a 1 Kinga 21 :S. Dan. 6:8,12,15. 
 U 8:2,8. c S: 10,14. 2Chr.30:6. Job 9:25. Jer.51:31. Rom. 3:15. d 1 Sam. 
 
 to Ahasuerus the name of the people, whom he purposed to 
 extirpate ; supposing that they would be sufficiently known 
 from his description of them. He probably acted as prime 
 minister under the king, who, like most of those eastern 
 monarchs, giving himself up to his pleasures, left the manage- 
 ment of his affairs almost entirely to him. Indeed the 
 ascendency of Haman was so absolute, that none of the other 
 counsellors seem to have been advised with in this most 
 important matter ; and probably the proposal was made and 
 consented to, while the king was heated with wine. (Note, 
 2:1.) — The laws and customs of the people of God were 
 indeed diverse from those of any other nation : but there is 
 no proof, that they refused obedience to the laws />f Persia, 
 except as Mordecai refused to worship Haman ; for we do 
 not find that the kings of Persia required them to worship 
 idols, or even forbad them to observe their sabbaths, festivals, 
 and ceremonial institutions. — It does not appear from the 
 narrative, that the horrible cruelty and injustice of the pro- 
 posal at all startled the king ! Indeed Haman seems to have 
 been more apprehensive, that he would object to the impolicy 
 of diminishing the revenue, by decreasing the number of his 
 subjects. He therefore offered the king ten thousand talents 
 of silver, (about four millions sterling, if reckoned according 
 to the talent of the Jews’ Tables,) by way of compensation 
 for the loss. But it seems, that he meant to indemnify him- 
 self out of the property of the massacred Jews: and he 
 would engage to raise the sum at once from the execution of 
 his project which would, as he pretended, be more than 
 equivalent to all present or subsequent disadvantages. ‘ He 
 intended not to pay one farthing of it himself, it being easy to 
 raise it out of the spoil of the Jews’ goods.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 Those who were employed in executing the bloody decree, 
 were required “to take the spoil of them for a prey;” (13) 
 out of which he would require them to pay a certain propor- 
 tion to “ those who had the charge of the business” of col- 
 lecting the revenue, “ to bring it into the king’s treasuries.” 
 
 V. 10, 11. Without considerable knowledge of the human 
 heart, and the history of mankind, we shall find a difficulty in 
 conceiving, how any prince could be induced to consent to so 
 horrid and pernicious a proposal without objection or hesita- 
 tion. It would be absurd to assign a reason for so infatuated 
 a measure. But when an arbitrary monarch has become the 
 dupe of a wicked favourite ; it has always been observed, 
 that the first object of his life, the chief, and almost the only 
 use, which he makes of his power, is to gratify and aggrandize 
 him: and the lives of subjects, or the interests of empires, 
 have, on such occasions, often been wantonly sacrificed to 
 the avarice, the ambition, the revenge, or the caprice, of a 
 worthless minion ! — 1 So loath are men that love their pleasure, 
 to take any pains to distinguish between truth and falsehood.’ 
 Bp. Patrick. — As a token that the request was granted, 
 Ahasuerus gave the ring, with his royal signet, from his own 
 hand, to the enemy and oppressor of the Jews ; and he also 
 granted to him all the spoil, without making any payment 
 into the treasury: thus Haman seemed about to obtain the 
 most complete gratification of his revenge, ambition, and 
 avarice. (Notes, Ex. 15:9,10. Is. 10:13 — 15. Luke 12: 
 15—21.) 
 
 V. 12 — 15. Haman hasted to form the grant of the king 
 into a decree, and to publish it throughout the empire: that 
 the sentence might be looked upon as irreversible ; and that 
 all the subjects might prepare to carry it into execution, as 
 they valued the favour of the king, and of his minister. Thus 
 be expected, that the hope of ingratiating themselves at court, 
 and the enmity borne the Jews, would unite the inhabitants 
 cf every city and prov^ice, in this bloody massacre : doubt- 
 ess he intended to stir them up, and lead them to the attack, 
 9y his emissaries; and, further to encourage them, it seems 
 probable, that they were allowed to take the whole spoil of the 
 Jews to themselves as a prey. That his meaning might not 
 <*e mistaken, he caused the edict to be drawn up with a re- 
 markable repetition, and almost in the style of modern law ; 
 and the inhabitants of every province were expressly com- 
 atanded, “ to destroy, kill, and cause to perish,” all the Jews, 
 
 erus was it written, and b sealed with the king’s 
 ring. 
 
 13 And the letters were sent c by posts into ah 
 the king’s provinces, tc destroy, to kill, and to 
 cause to perish, all Jews, ‘'both young and old, 
 little children and women, e in one day, even upon 
 the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is 
 the month Adar, and to take f the spoil of them 
 for a prey. 
 
 14 The g copy of the writing for a commandment 
 to be given in every province was published untoall 
 people, that they should be ready against that day. 
 
 15 The posts went out, being h hastened by the 
 king’s commandment, and the decree was given 
 in Shushan the palace. And the kin^ and Haman 
 ‘sat down to drink ; but k the city Shushan was 
 perplexed. 
 
 15:3. 22:19. e 8:12— 14. Jam. 2:13. f 8:11. 9:10. Is. 10:6. e 8:13,14. h Prt.v 
 1:16.4:16. i Hos. 7:5. Am. 6:6. John 16:30. Rev. 11:10. k 4:16. 8:15. Prov 
 2S:3. 
 
 even old men, and women, and children, in one day. — When 
 this strange and most horrid decree was published, it caused 
 much perplexity and consternation, not only to the Jews, but 
 to all considerate men, especially at Shushan : for they could 
 not but tremble for themselves, when they perceived what a 
 bloody tyrant had possession of authority : and they must 
 foresee, that terrible effects would follow from such a mad 
 and rash attempt, which would render an immense number 
 of people desperate, and drive them to the most furious 
 courage in their own defence. ‘Perhaps some of them were 
 related to the Jews, or had made friendship with them ; and 
 therefore were much concerned at this horrid decree.’ — Bp. 
 Patrick. But Haman was insensible to every thing, except 
 the gratification of his revenge: and in order to keep such 
 reflections and reports at a distance from the king, he en- 
 gaged him in pleasure and indulgence ; and they sat down 
 to drink, as perfectly unconcerned in the event! — Eleven 
 months intervened, between the publishing of the decree, and 
 the day appointed for carrying it into execution. ‘This was 
 not wisely projected, to let his design be known so long 
 before it was to take effect: for the king’s mind might alter, 
 or the Jews might find some way to deliver themselves, or 
 might steal out of the kingdom.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 . PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 6. The favourites of earthly princes have too often 
 been distinguished by their folly, pride, and profligacy : but 
 those of the King of heaven are endowed with wisdom, and 
 grace, and prepared for usefulness in their several situations. 
 — The vanity and comparative worthlessness of earthly dig- 
 nities and possessions are shown, by their being so commonly 
 lavished upon the basest of the human species ; “God having 
 provided better things” for the objects of his special love. — 
 The poison of the old serpent, infused by his first temptation, 
 “Ye shall be as gods,” still rankles in the human heart; 
 and when the pride of man is emboldened by great prosperity, 
 it is capable of openly affecting the honour and worship, 
 which belong to God alone! (Notes, Gen. 3:4,5. Ez. 28: 
 2—5. P. O. 1—10. Notes , Dan. G:G — 9. Acts 12.20—23.) 
 We are all by nature idolatrous, and self is the most favour- 
 ite of our idols : and whilst we admire and glory in our own 
 supposed excellences, we delight that others should join the 
 incense of their adulation ; we are pleased to be treated, as 
 if every thing were at our disposal, and within the reach o! 
 our capacity, and that all around should submit to us and bow 
 before us. And when this vast ambition occupies a narrow 
 mind, and the possessor climbs the pinnacle of earthly 
 grandeur, he forgets that he is a man: and acts as if the 
 world were made for him, and were to be governed by him ; 
 and as if all its inhabitants were created to be his slaves, and 
 to worship at his shrine ! — The desire of the favour of mo- 
 narchs, and the fear of their wrath, influence most men to 
 allow of these arrogant claims, and to conform to this strange 
 idolatry: and those princes, who have literally demanded 
 altars, sacrifices, and incense to their own deity, have gene- 
 rally met with a ready and zealous compliance from most ot 
 their subjects. But the true believer can neither obey such 
 edicts and conform to such fashions, nor be induced, by any 
 persuasions or menaces, to violate the law of God, or the 
 dictates of his own conscience. He must “obey God rather, 
 than men,” and leave the consequences to him ; and whether 
 “his matters will stand,” and his religion excuse his disobe- 
 dience to unlawful commands, in human courts of justice, or 
 not, he will certainly be justified in so doing before the tribu- 
 nal of God. — Who can know the desperate wickedness of the 
 human heart, or prescribe any bounds to its devices ! When 
 a man possesses the dangerous privilege of doing as he 
 pleases, without control, and with present impunity ; when 
 pride and ambition meet with an unexpected repulse, and 
 when indignation and revenge occupy the heart; the most 
 horrible and diabolical designs will be considered as the evi- 
 dences of a noble and daring mind. In such circumstances, 
 the infuriated wretch will think scorn of the petty rapines and 
 assassinations of inferior villains, and become ambitxous of 
 being as much distinguished by a vast revenge, as Dythe 
 
 (863) 
 
B. C. 451. 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 B. C. 451 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Af-’-ttecai and the Jews fuel, an l mourn exceedingly , 1 — 3. Esther , sending to 
 . mt'wre of Mordecai i‘ie reason , is informed of the decree , and required to 
 $i»'ition the king for her people 4 — 9, She e reuses herself by alleging the 
 teril of the attem/it : but hem i shown the consequences , she appoints a fast 
 •3] three days, and consents to ap /.roach the king, though at the hazard oj her 
 life, 10—17. 
 
 VT^HEN Mordecai perceived “all that was done, 
 VV Mordecai b rent his clothes, and put on sack- 
 cloth 'with ashes, and went out into the midst of 
 the city, and '‘cried with a loud and a bitter cry ; 
 
 2 And came even before the king’s gate: for 
 none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with 
 sackcloth. 
 
 3 And 'in every province whithersoever the 
 king’s commandment and his decree came, there 
 was 'great mourning among the Jews, and fast- 
 ing, and sweeping, and wailing ; and ‘many lay in 
 sackcloth and ashes. 
 
 4 H So Esther’s maids and her ^chamberlains 
 came and told it her. Then was the queen exceed- 
 ingly grieved ; and she sent raiment to clothe Mor- 
 decai, and to take away his sackcloth from him : 
 h but he received it not. 
 
 5 Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the 
 
 a 3:8 — 13. b2Sam. 1:11. Job 1:20. Jon. 3:4— 9. Acts 14:14. c3. Josh. 7:6. 
 
 2 Sam. 13:19. Job 2:8. 42:6. Is. 58:5. Ez. 27:30. Dan. 9:3. Matt. 11:21. tl Gen. 
 27:34. Is. 15.4. 22:4. Ez.21:6. 27:31. Mlc. 1:8. Zc|ih. 1:14. Res. 18:17—19. 
 e 1:1. 3:12. fl Sara. 4:13,14. 11:4. Is. 22:4,5,12. 37:1,3. e Matt. 13:42. 22. 
 13. 25:30. * Heb. sackcloth and ashes were laid under many. Is. 58:5. Dan. 
 
 eminence of his rank: and what massacres and crimes will 
 
 not in that case be perpetrated without remose, and even 
 with pride and pleasure ; while immense numbers both fall 
 victims to his fury, and are involved with him in the guilt of 
 murder and other enormities ! What cause then have we to 
 be thankful for external restraints to our headstrong passions; 
 and how ought we to watch and pray against pride, anger, 
 malice, and every sinful propensity! for if left under the 
 power of them, we cannot conceive how far they would hurry 
 us. — Let us also remember to be thankful for a limited, mild, 
 and equitable government ; and to beg of God to extend the 
 same blessing to all other nations; with all the blessings of 
 our holy religion, and that liberty with which Christ makes 
 his people free. 
 
 V. 7 — 15. The world, as lying in wickedness, must hate 
 the people of God, who bear his image and do his will : but 
 they will be peculiarly obnoxious to tyrants; as. they must 
 refuse unreserved compliance with their mandates and hu- 
 mours ; being the subjects of another kingdom, and governed 
 by laws diverse from, nay opposite to, their favourite maxims 
 and pursuits. They are indeed, and ought to he, u a pecu- 
 liar” and singular u pgople,” “ not conformed to this world,” 
 while they are dispersed in the various parts of it: and they 
 should be willing to be treated rs precise, conceited, and 
 unpliant. But those who persuade princes, that it is not for 
 their profit to tolerate them, and that they had better perse- 
 cute, destroy, or banish them, are as much enemies to the 
 state as to the church of God. Whatever mere professors 
 may be, true Christians are the best subjects under every 
 government: not only because they are more peaceable, 
 honest, and industrious than their neighbours ; and conscien- 
 tiously pay tribute, and render obedience in all things lawful ; 
 hut because their examples and conversation edify many, and 
 their prayers bring down a blessing upon the land in which 
 they live in peace. No acquisitions of wealth therefore could 
 compensate the loss of them, even in a political view; and 
 without bringing into the account the enormous load of national 
 guilt, which persecution rapidly accumulates. — The ungodly 
 are often lavish in expenses on their lusts ; and thus shame 
 those Christians who are penurious in promoting the cause 
 of God : they, however, frequently find means by one of their 
 crimes to bear the expenses of the rest; and it is through 
 defect of ingenuity or of power, if they do not always accom- 
 plish this. — Inconsiderate princes, who are the slaves of 
 pleasure and dupes to their favourites, may, though humane 
 in their own dispositions, become as mischievous as the most 
 bloody tyrants; by consenting, through false accusations, to 
 that injustice and cruelty which they would have abhorred, 
 if they had taken the pains properly to investigate the busi- 
 ness. Thus the most important interests of millions are 
 • sacrificed to the humour, emolument, or revenge of some 
 worthless wretch; who regards the honour of his patron no 
 more than he does the happiness of the people, and is as 
 insensible to gratitude, as to compassion. But we may 
 cease to wonder that such things have been done, when we 
 consider how individuals, in every station of life, sacrifice 
 their credit, interest, health, and connexions, and even 
 shorten their lives, as well as ruin their souls, for the sake 
 of the most contemptible gratifications : and though sensible 
 of their danger, they have no power to resist the importunity 
 of an inordinate, unreasonable inclination ! When this be- 
 comes the case of one in authority, and unites with his other 
 passions and partialities ; intoxication and excess extinguish 
 every remaining spark of humanity, and s'upify conscience 
 and reflection ; and he and his companions will he revelling 
 ( 864 ) 
 
 king’s chamberlains, whom he had ^appointed t» 
 attend upon her, and gave him a comniandmen 
 to Mordecai, ‘to know what it was, and why it 
 was. 
 
 6 So Hatach went forth to Mordecai, unto the 
 street of the city, which was before the king’s 
 gate. 
 
 7 And Mordecai told him of fall that had hap- 
 pened unto him, and of the sum of the money 
 that Human had promised to pay to the king’s 
 treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. 
 
 8 Also he gave him k the copy of the writing of 
 the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy 
 them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it 
 unto her, and ‘to charge her that she should go in 
 unto the king, m to make supplication unto him, and 
 “to make. request before him for her people. 
 
 9 And Hatach came and told Esther the words 
 
 of Mordecai. [Practical Observations.'] 
 
 10 H Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave 
 him commandment unto Mordecai ; 
 
 11 All the king’s servants, and the people of 
 the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, 
 
 9:3. t Heb. eunuchs. 1:12. 1 Sam. 8:15. marg. 2 Kings S:32. Is. 56:3. Acts 8: 
 27. h Gen. 37:35. Ps. 72:2. Jer. 31:15. } Heb. set before her. 1 : 10,12. i Rom. 
 12:15. 1 Cor. 12:26, Phil. 2:4. Heb. 4: 15. j 3:2— 15. k 3:14,15. 1 2:20. 1 Tim. 
 6:13,17. m Job 9.15. Prov. 16:14,16. £c. 10:4. Acts 12:20. n 7:3,4. 8:6. Neb. 
 2:3—5. Prov. 21:1. 
 
 with unfeeling and most unseasonable mirth, while thousands 
 are deploring the fatal effects of their pernicious counsels. — 
 But the Lord bounds the effects of man’s malice, as he does 
 the raging waves of the ocean : even superstition, though 
 baneful in itself, may sometimes operate as a useful restraint 
 on those who are free from every other ; and it has often so 
 dismayed unprincipled men, in the full career of prosperous 
 wickedness, that they have postponed their designs, till oppor- 
 tunity has been given to render them abortive. Thus “ the 
 counsel of the Lord shall stand, and he will do all his 
 pleasure:” and “they that trust in him shall never be con- 
 founded.” 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IV. V. 1. ( Marg . Ref.) Mordecai, 
 besides giving vent to his own sorrows, by his open lamenta- 
 tions, and by the habit of a penitent mourner, doubtless 
 intended to excite the attention of his people to the extent 
 and imminence of their danger, and to the proper method of 
 seeking deliverance. Probably, he was one of the most con- 
 siderable Jews in Shushan, and immediately struck at by the 
 decree : therefore he thus avowed his relation to the Jews, 
 and called upon them to unite in seeking protection from God. 
 
 V. 2. Nothing was allowed to enter within the palace, 
 which did not bear the aspect of joy and pleasure, or which 
 could remind the king of misery or mortality. (Note., Gen. 
 50:4.) Thus, whatever oppressions were committed upon 
 the subjects, all complaints were discouraged, and care was 
 taken to prevent the king from being troubled with the report 
 of them. Mordecai, therefore, when expressing his grief by 
 the customary tokens, might not enter to his usual place of 
 attendance : but he walked as near it as he could, that being 
 noticed, Esther might hear of him ; through whom he doubtless 
 entertained hopes of deliverance. (Notes, 13,14. 2:21 — 23.) 
 
 V. 3. It cannot be reasonably doubted, that the fastings 
 and weepings of the Jews were attended by constant prayers 
 and supplications : yet all mention of them, and of the glo- 
 rious God whom they worshipped, seems to have been carefully 
 and purposely avoided, both here and elsewherh. (Preface.) 
 
 V. 4. Some of the queen’s attendants were, it seems, 
 acquainted with her relation to Mordecai; and his excessive 
 grief being noticed, she soon heard of it. As a token of her 
 sincere and deep sympathy with him in his sorrow, and her 
 unabated affection for so kind a benefactor, she sent him 
 change of raiment, according to the custom of the times ; in 
 order perhaps, that he might resume his place : but she seems 
 not to have known the causa of his affliction ; and Ins refusal 
 to be comforted would lead her to conclude, that it was for 
 some very great and terrible calamity. (Mari;. Ref.) 
 
 V. 5. The wives and concubines of the Persian kings 
 were watched with such jealous strictness, that the queen 
 herself had not liberty to go out of the precincts of the palace, 
 to confer in person with so near a relative ; nor might he have 
 access to her, especially in mourning ! So that she could 
 only inquire the cause of his excessive sorrow, by the inter- 
 position of one of the chamberlains, whom the king had 
 appointed to attend on her. (Marg. Rif.) 
 
 V. G — 9. (Marg. Ref. Notes, 3:2 — 15.) Mordecai told 
 Hatach, in what manner Hainan's revenge was excited, and 
 of the proposal which he had made In the king of paying ten 
 thousand talents into the treasury, if a decree might he 
 passed for destroying all the Jews; and (lint such a decree 
 had been ratified, of which ho sent a copy to Esther ; and he 
 charged her to intercede with the king in behalf of her nation. 
 
 V. 11. It may he supposed, that this law was framed, 
 under the pretext of securing the person of the king from the 
 assaults of conspirators, and of maintaining Ins dignity ; that 
 
B C. 451. 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 B. C. 45 
 
 whether man or woman, shall come unto the kin^ 
 
 , into “the inner court, who is not called, there is 
 Pone law of his to put him to death, except such to 
 whom ithe king shall hold out the golden sceptre,' 
 that he may live : r but I have not been called to 
 come in unto the king these thirty days. 
 
 12 And they told to Mordecai Esther’s words. 
 
 13 Then Mordecai commanded to answer 
 Esther, "Think not with thyself that thou shalt 
 escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews. 
 
 14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at 
 this time, ‘then shall there 'enlargement and deli- 
 verance arise to the Jews from another place ; but 
 
 0 5:1. p Dan. 2:9. g 5:2. M. r 1:19. 2:14. 1 Pet. 3:7. sPtot. 24:10— 
 12. Matt. 16:24,25. John 12:25. Phil. 2:30. Heb. 12:3. I Gen. 22: 14. Nura. 
 23 22—24. Dent. 32:26,27,35. 1 Sam. 12:22. Is. 54:17. Jer. 30:1 1. 33:24— 
 26. 46:23. Am. 9 3,9. Matt. 16:18. 24:22. * Heh. respiration. Ezra 9:9. Job 9: 
 18. u 2:7,15. Judg. 14:15— IS. 15:6. xGen.45:4— 8. Is. 45:1— 5. 49:23. Acts 7: 
 
 being seldom seen, he might be considered as a kind of deity : 
 but it would serve also to protect his ministers and favourites 
 from detection, in their oppressions or pernicious measures. 
 For in general the king must see with their eyes, and hear 
 with their ears, and receive their reports : and if any one 
 would venture to present to him a complaint, petition, appeal, 
 or information, he must do it at the hazard of his life ; as the 
 king would seldom call for any person, in opposition to the 
 advice of his counsellors and ministers. By this method the 
 king also was excluded from liberal society and converse : so 
 that his palace in the city, and his pavilions in the camp, 
 became a kind of prison : and no wonder, that princes who 
 were so immured, became morose and capricious, and pre- 
 pared for every kind of tyranny and cruelty. (Notes, Neh. 
 2:1,2. Dan. 6:6 — 9. ) — As the law extended to the women 
 likewise, we may suppose that this was intended to free the 
 monarch from molestation, when his affections had been 
 transferred from former objects to more successful rivals: for 
 if the queen went into his presence uncalled, immediate death 
 was the inevitable consequence, should he be displeased at 
 her intrusion. And as Esther had not been called for during 
 a whole month, she had some reason lo fear that she had lost 
 the king’s favour; and that she should also lose her life, if 
 she presumed to enter uncalled into his presence. — Probably, 
 Hainan had occupied the king’s mind with every species of 
 licentious pleasure, that he might think no further of the edict, 
 which he had confirmed and published. 
 
 V. 13, 14. Mordecai represented to Esther, that in case 
 the decree against her people should be executed, she would 
 certainly be known to be a Jewess, and would be slain even 
 in the king’s palace, by some of the envious and malicious 
 enemies of that nation. But, being “ strong in faith,” he was 
 assured, that God would by some means deliver his people ; 
 and that, if she refused to venture her life in the cause, their 
 enlargement would he attended by some remarkable judgment 
 upon her, and all her remaining relations. (Marg. Ref. 
 Notes, Prov. 24:11,12. Matt. 16:24 — 28.) He also suggested 
 to her, that most probably she had been advanced to her 
 present dignity, on purpose to be the deliverer of her nation 
 m this perilous crisis, and in this case, her attempt would be 
 both safe and honourable. — It is remarkable that sentiments, 
 so replete with faith and piety, are conveyed to us, without 
 the mention of God, or Providence. This seems to have 
 been done intentionally. (Preface.) 
 
 V. 15 — 17. (Marg. Ref.) Some think that the Jews were 
 only required to abstain from all delicacies, and to fast each 
 day till after sunset : but perhaps on this extraordinary 
 occasion, all, who had no hihderance that rendered it impracti- 
 cable, (in which situation many must needs be found,) fasted 
 from the morning of the first, uniil some time on the third 
 day, without eating any thing. (Notes, Dan. 10:2,3. Joel*l : 
 13 — 15. 2:15 — 17. Jon. 3:5 — 10.) The queen herself, how- 
 ever, conformed to the same rule which she prescribed to 
 others : and she had obtained some attendants, who were 
 willing to unite with her in these exercises of devotion, though 
 it is not probable that they were Jewesses. And when pre- 
 paration had been made, by solemn humiliation before God, 
 no doubt accompanied by fervent, united, and persevering 
 prayer, she determined, by an heroic act of faith and love, to 
 venture her life in the cause of her people: and if it were the 
 will of the Lord, that she should be put to death, she was 
 ready to acquiesce in his appointment. ‘ This is not a speech 
 of despondence, but of courage and resolution ; being as much 
 as to say, I am content to perish in so good a cause : and if 
 
 1 perish for it in this world, (as the Taj-gum glosses,) I shall 
 have my portion in the world to come.’ Bp. Patrick. (Notes, 
 Neh. 610 — 14. Acts 20:22—24. Phil. 2:24—30. 1 John 
 316,17.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 9. Public calamities, especially those which oppress 
 the church of God, should more affect our hearts than any 
 private affliction : and it is peculiarly distressing to a gene- 
 rous mind, to be even the occasion of suffering to others. — 
 Vain is the attempt of man to banish misery from his heart, 
 by any of those varied devices which he tries for that purpose. 
 A refuge from the wrath to come is indeed provided ; and an 
 effectual support under temporal afflictions, and victory over 
 Voi . I. — 109 
 
 “thou ant) thy father’s house shall be destroyed 
 and who knoweth, x whcther thou art come to th» 
 kingdom Tor such a time as this ? 
 
 15 HThen Esther bade them return Mordecai 
 this answer, 
 
 16 Go, gather together all the Jews that at 
 'prese.it in Shushan, and “fast ye for me, an. 
 neither “eat nor drink three days night or day: 
 also and my maidens will fast likewise : and si 
 will I go in unto the king, which is not according 
 to the law ; and “if I perish, I perish. 
 
 17 So Mordecai iwent his way, and did accord 
 ing to all that Esther had commanded him. 
 
 20-25. y 1 Sam. 17:29. 2 Kings 19:3. Neh. 6:11. t Heb. found. j2Ctir.20 
 3. I>. 22:12. Joel 1:14,15. 2:12— 17. Jon. 3:4— 6. a 5:1. Malt. 12:40. Acts 9.9 
 27:33. b Gen. 18:19. Josh. 24:15. Acts 10:7. c Gen. 43:14. 1 Sam. 19^. 2 Sam, 
 10:12. Luke 9:24. Acts 20:24 . 21:13. Rom. 16:4. Phil. 2:30. } Heb .pass'd 
 
 death itself: but most men content themselves with striving 
 to forget their misery, instead of seeking and securing happi- 
 ness. Yet the approach of death, as well as its consequences, 
 must be formidable, in proportion as it is unexpected ana 
 unprepared for. — Exalted stations, and envied distinctions, in 
 many respects, greatly abridge the liberty of the possessors, 
 and preclude them from the most agreeable and profilable 
 society. Pride, envy, suspicion, and other unreasonable 
 passions, render them slaves to cumbrous forms ; and to pre- 
 serve their dignity, or from fear of giving offence, they often 
 have less opportunity of enjoyment or improvement, that? 
 their inferiors, and become the ignorant dupes of designing 
 men in matters of the greatest importance. Too often laws 
 also are framed in subserviency to men’s lustsc and unde* 
 every government, the more cause is given for complaint, the 
 less liberty is allowed to complain. — But let us rejoice tha. 
 the righteous Lord reigns, and upon a mercy-seat. To him 
 we have access at all times : his golden sceptre is ever held 
 forth to encourage our approach: we cannot come uncalled 
 into his presence, when we plead the Saviour’s name; our 
 danger consists in keeping at too great a distance, not in 
 drawing too near: if he have taken’ us for the objects of his 
 peculiar love, he will never cast us off ; and it is our own 
 fault if we have not daily access to him and communion witk 
 him. We never have any good reason to complain of hi? 
 dispensations ; though we have frequently cause to bemoan 
 our afflictions, to deprecate the miseries to which we are 
 exposed, and to appeal to him against our oppressors, perse- 
 cutors, and tempters : and we are charged to present our daily 
 petitions at his throne of grace, for the whole church of Goa 
 and all the members of it, according to their several difficulties, 
 trials, and services ; as well as for the conversion and salvation 
 of our fellow-sinners. For this purpose, we should inquire con 
 cerning the state of our brethren, how they fare, and of the 
 cause of God, how it prospers ; that we may be directed j» 
 our prayers, and in our endeayours to serve the common 
 cause by the due improvement of our talents. And if we be 
 thus disposed, we shall seldom want opportunities of comfort- 
 ing the mourners, protecting the oppressed, or succouring 
 those who are in tribulation or necessity. 
 
 V. 10 — 17. As the enemies of the church are instigated 
 by malice to be unwearied in mischief, surely we should ba 
 constrained by love to be as unwearied in doing good. Bu, 
 we are prone to shrink from perilous and self-denying ser 
 vices : and to think ourselves sufficiently excused for neglect, 
 ing an opportunity of important usefulness, if we can truly 
 say, that it would have been embraced at the hazard of 
 liberty or life. Yet, as the disciples of him who laid down his 
 life for us, we ought also, if properly called to it, “ to lay down 
 our lives for the brethren :” and no labour, loss, or suffering 
 in the way, will justify us in neglecting the duty of our station. 
 If then Christians, who are placed in exalted situations, show 
 a disposition to consult their own ease and safety rather than 
 the public good, they should be plainly remonstrated with 
 and reminded that their interest and that of God’s people are 
 inseparable ; that their enemies are the same ; that he, who 
 rinfully determines “ to save his life, shall lose it;” that 
 mlargement and deliverance will arise to the church of Goi 
 from some quarter; that if they, from selfish motives, refuse 
 the privilege of being his instruments, the honour will be given , 
 to others, and disgrace or ruin will come upon them and 
 theirs, for deserting the cause when the emergency called for 
 their interposition ; that Providence has raised them to then 
 high stations, that they may serve God, and do good to man- 
 kind, and will they then neglect the opportunity which is pre- 
 sented to them ? that, perhaps, this was the very service foi 
 which they were raised up; and it is preposterous to fear 
 man in doing the evident will of God. Such remonstrances, 
 when urged by men of consistent character, have a powerfii 
 effect, in exciting the timorous and reluctant to venture in a 
 good cause.— Those, however, who are called to stand forth 
 boldly in perilous services, have a right to demand the united 
 prayers of all their brethren. And, in great emergencies and 
 adversities especially, solemn seasons of fasting, humiliation 
 and prayer are peculiarly useful, to prepare the mind for 
 expecting an receiving deliverance from the mercy of God, 
 in a proper manner. — Believers may have feilowsRip with 
 ( 865 ) 
 
B. C. 451. ESTHER. B. C. 451 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Bstfler , venturing unit .'led before the king, is graciously received ; and, being 
 encouraged to make her request, she invites the king and /daman to a ban - 
 que‘,i — 5. Being again asked tohat u>ae her request, she invitee them to 
 another banquet the next day, 6 — 8. / Inman, proud of this distinction, and 
 
 elated by prosperity , is yet disquieted by MordecaV s neglect, and amidst hie 
 vainglorying complains of it to his Jricnds and his wife, 9 — 13. by their 
 advice he erects a gallows for MordecaV s execution the next morning, 14. 
 
 N OW it came to pass 'on the third day, that 
 Esther put on her '’royal apparel , and stood 
 'in the inner court of the king’s house, over 
 against the king’s house: and the king d sat upon 
 his royal throne in the royal house, over against 
 the gate of the house. 
 
 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther 
 the queen standing in the court, that 'she 
 obtained favour in his sight : and the king held 
 out to^Esther fthe golden sceptre that was in his 
 hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the 
 top of the sceptre. 
 
 3 Then said the king unto her, eWhat wilt 
 thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? 
 it shall be even given thee h to the half of the 
 kingdom. 
 
 4 And Esther answered, ‘If it seem good unto 
 the king, let the king and Haman come this 
 day unto k the banquet that I have prepared for 
 him. 
 
 5 Then the king said, 'Cause Haman to make 
 haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So 
 the king and Haman came to the banquet that 
 Esther had prepared. 
 
 6 II And^ m the kin" said unto Esther at the 
 banquet of wine, What is thy petition ? and it 
 shall be granted thee : and what is thy request ? 
 even to the half of the kingdom it shall be per- 
 formed. 
 
 a 4:16. Matt. 27:64. b 1:11.8:16. Matt. 10:1 6. 11:8. I Pet. 3:3— 5. c 4:11. 
 6:4. d 1 Kings 10:18-20. Luke 22:30. Rev. 3:21. e Gen. 32:28. Nah. 1:11. 
 P». 116:1. Pi-ov. 21:1. Acts 7: 10. 10:4. f 4:11.8:4. t; 6. 7:2. 9:12. 1 Kings 2: 
 20.3:5. Matt. 20:20— 22. Luke 18:41. h 6. Mark6:23. i 8. Proa. 29:11. 
 
 k 8. 3:15. G-n. 27:25. 32:20. Ps. 112:5. 1 Cor. 14:20. 16:14. m3. 7:2.9:12. 
 • Heb .do. n 6:1, &c. Prov. 16:9. o Job 20:6. Am. 6:12,13. Luke 6:25. John 
 16:20. Jam. 4:9. p 3:2. Pa. 15:4. Malt. 10:28. q 3:5. 1 King* * "21:4. Job 31:31. 
 Ps. 27:3. Dan. 3:13,19. Matt. 2:16. Acta 7:54. r Gen. 43:30,31. 45:1. 2 Sam. 
 13:22,23. Ec. 7:9. t Heb. caused his friends to come. s 6:13. t 1:4. Gen. 
 
 each other in the same duties, when not able to meet in the 
 same place. — Those who stir up others to self-denial should 
 set the example of it : and a winning deportment, a pious con- 
 versation, and a holy life, will generally induce others to join 
 us in seeking the Lord, wherever we are placed. (Note, 
 Acts 10:3 — 8, v. 7.) Having solemnly commended our souls 
 and our cause to God, we n\ay venture under his protection 
 upon any service, without distressing fear : we are perfectly 
 safe, if he please to preserve us ; and should we lose our 
 lives in doing his will, that loss would be our greatest gain. — 
 Indeed all dangers are trivial, compared to the danger of 
 losing our souls. When this is apprehended, the trembling 
 sinner is often as much afraid of casting himself, without 
 reserve, upon the Lord’s free mercy, as Esther was of coming 
 before the king. But let him venturers she did, with earnest 
 prayers and supplications, saying, “ If I perish, I perish,” 
 and he shall certainly succeed in the event. And as the cause 
 of God will at last be triumphant, it is our highest interest 
 cordially to adhere to it, whatever cross we may be required 
 to endure. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. V. V. 1 — 3. Esther, having intrusted 
 herself to the protection of God, and put on her royal appa- 
 rel, ventured into the presence of the k> ig ; most probably 
 before the conclusion of the solemn fast and while the Jews 
 were still engaged in prayer. Her conduct was contrary to 
 the law of the Persians : but the king, by holding firth the 
 golden sceptre, granted her a pardon ; and by his subsequent 
 inquiry and promise, relieved her anxiety and raised her ex- 
 pectations. (JMarg. Ref. Notes , Gen. 32:(i — 8,24 — 28. 33: 
 4. Neh. 1:5—11. Prov. 21:1. Ads 9:3—6. 12:5— 11.)— The 
 apocryphal addition to this book, says, that at first the king 
 'rnwned, and Esther fainted ; and that God then put it into 
 ftic heart to behave kindly towards her. 
 
 V. 4. It appears probable, that Esthor intended U make 
 a previous trial of the king’s disposition, before she presented 
 her important petition, which could scarcely be granted with- 
 out the immediate ruin of his principal favourite. It might 
 also be improper to make her requost before the king’s attend- 
 ants ; and she meant to do it in the presence of Haman. The 
 delay likewise expressed her respect for the king, whom she 
 reluctantly troubled, because the matter was urgent : and 
 probably she well knew that blandishments, and the exhilara- 
 tion of wine and feasting, disposed him to grant such petitions 
 as he would otherwise have rejected. 
 
 V. 5—8. (Marg. Ref.) Whether Esther’s courage 
 failed her, or whether she had some good reason for this 
 delay ; the providential wisdom of GW was wonderfully ma- 
 nifcsted’by it, as the event sufficiently shows. * There was 
 ( 866 ) 
 
 7 Then answered Esther, and said, My peti- 
 tion and my request is : 
 
 8 If I have found favour in the sight of the 
 king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, 
 and to ’perform my request, let the king and 
 Haman come to the banquet that 1 shall prepare 
 for them, and I will do "to-morrow as the king 
 hath said. 
 
 9 U Then went Haman forth that day "joyfu 
 and with a glad heart: hut when Haman saw 
 Mordecai in the king’s gate, that Phe stood not 
 up, nor moved for him, she was full of indig- 
 nation against Mordecai. 
 
 10 Nevertheless, Haman 'refrained himself: 
 and when he came home, he sen^ and 'called (or 
 his friends, and "Zeresh his wife. 
 
 11 And Haman told them of ‘the glory of his 
 riches, and “the multitude of his children, and all 
 the things wherein the king had promoted him, 
 and “how he had advanced him above the princes 
 and servants of the king. 
 
 12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the 
 queen did let no man come in with the king unto 
 the banquet that she had prepared but myself; 
 and Ho-morrow am I invited unto her also with 
 the kin". 
 
 13 Yet 'all this availelh me nothing, so long as 
 I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate, 
 
 14 K Then “said Zeresh his wife and all his 
 friends unto him, b Let a fallows be made of fifty 
 cubits high, and to-morrow 'speak thou unto the 
 king that Mordecai maybe hanged thereon : then 
 d go thou in merrily with the king unto the ban- 
 quet. And 'the thing pleased Haman ; and < he 
 caused the gallows to be made. 
 
 31:1. Job 31:24,25. P«. 49:6,16,17. Is. 10:8. Jcr. 9:23.21. Dan. 4:30. Mark 10: 
 24. Luke 12:19,20. 1 Tim. 6:17. u 9:7— 10. Job 27: 1 4 .15. Hos. 9:13,11. a 3( 
 1. y Job - : 12, 13. 20:5—8. Ps. 37:35,56. Prov 7:22,23. 27:1. I.iikj 21 34 ,35. 
 1 Tlies. 5:3. z 1 Kings 21:4— 6. Job 18:4. Ec. 1:2,14. Phil. 4:11,12. a 2 Sam. 
 13:3-5. 1 Kings 21:7,25. 2 Chr. 22:3,4. Mark 6:19— 24. b 7:9. J Heb. tree. 
 c 3;8, &c. 6:4. d 3:15. 1 Kings 21:7. Am. 6:4— 6. Rev. 11:10. e2Sam,16: 
 
 21—23. 171-4. Mark 14:10,11. Acts 23:14,16. Rom. 1:32. f 7:10. Ps. 7:13 — 
 16. 9:15. Prov. 1:18. 4:16. Rom. 3:15. 
 
 also a singular providence of God in this matter, which so 
 disposed her mind, that the high honour the king bestowed on 
 Mordecai the next day, might fall out between this and that, 
 and make way for her petition. . . . The Israelites were in 
 great expectation of the issue of this feasting, and hoped to 
 s«e Haman suddenly cut off; but she was resolved to turn 
 their thoughts the righ< way, that is, from her unto God, 
 looking for mercy from their heavenly Father.’ Bp. Patrick 
 and Tar gum quoted by him. (Notes, 6:) 
 
 V. 9, 10. Mordecai had before refused Haman the exor- 
 bitant honours which he claimed : hut now he u stood not lip, 
 nor moved for him,” which probably he had before done ; for 
 Haman’s prodigious wickedness rendered him unworthy even 
 of common respect. Mordecai would also show this base 
 man, that, so far from abject submission from dread of hi* 
 cruel revenge, he had trusted his cause with God, and did nf* 
 u fear what flesh could do to him.” But Haman, though fut 
 of indignant wrath, refrained himself for the present. — I* 
 seems that at the close of the solemn fast, Mordecai had 
 hasted to put off his sackcloth, and to be found in his place 
 (Notes, 1—3. 2:21 — 23. 4:1,2.) 
 
 *V. 11, 12. Haman’s wife and friends mtl^t have before 
 known all the particulars of his prosperity : hut he loved, it 
 seems, to be talking on these subjects ; and the queen’s invi- 
 tation, which he supposed to spring from peculiar esteem 
 and respect, was a recent distinction which greatly flattertsj 
 his pride. 
 
 V. 13. The neglect of Mordecai, by Hainan's own con- 
 fession, more than counterbalanced all his singiuar prosperity, 
 and marred all his enjoj'mcnt. His proud heart rankled with 
 malice and impatience, because this Jew still lived, kept hi* 
 place, and refused to bow unto him. The destruction of the 
 nation was determined on at a distant day ; but he thirsted 
 for Mordecai’s blood, as an anticipation of that more complete 
 revenge. — 1 How small a matter will spod all the satisfaction 
 of those, who are arrived at the top of human felicity ! 
 Immense riches, gloiy, and honour, gave not Hainan so 
 much pleasure, as he felt pain from one man's disrespect. 
 Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 14. Zeresh and Hainan’s friends supposed, that oeing 
 so deeply chagrined, he could not enjoy the royal banquet, if 
 he did not previously gratify his malice by the death of Mor- 
 decai. They were confiden*, that at the first word the kin# 
 would consent to Mordecai’s execution ; and they advised the 
 immediate erection of a gibbet for that purpose, that no time 
 might be lost : and, m order that all men might witness the 
 death of him, who refused honour to the king’s favourite, it 
 must be more than twenty-five yards high This cruel and 
 
B. C. 451 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 B. C. 45 
 
 CHAPTER * 7 I. 
 
 7TU king, unable’, c sleep, o iere the records of the kingdom to be read, 1 ; 
 and diecovering that Mot lecai's service had not been rewarded, he cone • 
 dsre how to honour him , 2 3. Haman, coming early to request that Morde- 
 cai might be hanged, is himself appointed to confer the highest honours 
 upon him, 4—1 1. tie is extremely cast down, anti dietrtssed ; his friends 
 dntl wife predict his ruin ; and in (hie state of mind he is called to atle/ul 
 Esther's oanquet, 12 — 14. 
 
 O N nliat night ‘could not the king sleep, and he 
 commanded to bring b the book of records of 
 the Chronicles ; and they were read before the 
 king. 
 
 2 And it was found written, that Mordecai had 
 told of 'Bigtliana and Teresh, two of the king’s 
 chamberlains, the keepers of the ’door, who sought 
 to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. 
 
 3 And the king said, d YVhat honour and dignity 
 hath been done to Mordecai for this ? Then said 
 the king’s servants that mihistered unto him, 
 'There (s nothing done for him. 
 
 4 And the king said, ' Who is in the court? 
 (Now Haman was come into *the outward court 
 of the king’s house, h to speak unto the king to 
 hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had pre- 
 pared for him.) 
 
 a 5:3. Gel,. 22 : 14 . 1 Sam. 23:26,27. 1». 41:17. Rom. 11:33. • Heb. the king’, 
 
 Sleep fled away . Dan. 2: 1 . 6: 18. b 2:23. Mai. 3:16. c2:2l. Bigttian. t Heb. 
 threshold. d Juda. 1:12,13. 1 Sam. 17:25,26. 1 Chr. 11:6. Dan. 6:7,16,29. 
 Act»23:8— 10. e Gen. 40:23. Ps. 118:8,9. Ec. 9:15. f Prov. 3:27,28. Ec.9:10. 
 g 4:11. 5.1. h 3:8— 11. 5:14. 7:9. Job5:13. Ps. 2:4. 33. 10. J Heb. m whore 
 So, cur the king delighteth. Ps. 35:27. Is. 42:1. 62:4,5. Jer. 32:41. Matt.3:17 
 
 foolish counsel was calculated to please Haman ; and though 
 night was approaching, the gallows was immediately prepared: 
 hut little did he dream for whopi it was erected. (Notes 7: 
 9,10.9:13,14.) 1 The Jews were extremely troubled at the 
 
 sight of these gallows, and all cried to Goa in the words of 
 the Psalmist, 123:2, “ Behold, as the eyes of servants look 
 unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden 
 unto the hand of her mistress ; so our eyes wait upon the 
 Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.” ’ Tar- 
 eum in Bp. Patrick. The text selected is apposite ; but the 
 rest is the mere imagination of the writer. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 In those things which must be done, and which require 
 great courage, needless delays should be avoided : and it is 
 best to proceed when our affections are lively, and our faith 
 in exercise. — Costly or royal apparel is not the Christian’s 
 ornament , and is utterly worthless when compared with 
 wisdom and grace ; yet, on some occasions and in some 
 stations, it may and ought to be worn. ( Notes, 1 Tim. 2:8 — 
 10. 1 Pet. 3:1 — 4.) But it is a most deplorable evil that 
 inferior pofsons will ape the fashions, and emulate the ex- 
 
 f iense, of their superiors : and thus they often injure their 
 amilies and creditors, or lavish that which belongs to the 
 poor ; and at the same time expose their own weakness and 
 folly. — The best method of prevailing with men, is first to 
 revail with God by earnest prayer ; for he can dispose the 
 eart of any prince or persecutor, to favour his people, as 
 far as he pleases. Yet while we trust in his omnipotent 
 protection, we should be wise as well as courageous : and he 
 will generally teach those who consult him, to conciliate 
 men’s affections by attention and respect, and to watch for 
 favourable opportunities before they propose important mat- 
 ters. But, however largely men may profess or promise, it 
 is best not to ask or expect too much from them. — A slight 
 affront, which a humble man would scarcely notice, will 
 torment a proud man even to madness, destroy all his com- 
 forts, and sometimes fill him with diabolical rage and misery. 
 Vainglorious men delight in boasting of the commendations, 
 honours, and favours conferred on themt; each new distinction 
 gives a momentary gratification to their vanity , and they 
 receive every attention, as a tribute to their merit, or as 
 homage paid to their superior talents. They invite, and even 
 hire men, to listen to their praises ; and often glory most in 
 those things which tend to their immediate disgrace and 
 ruin. For “vanity and vexation” are at last the inventory of 
 all sublunary things. All “ availeth them nothing,” while 
 this is wanted, or the other wrong ; a beloved child or friend 
 is dead, or an enemy lives and prospers ; while some are 
 mounted higher than themselves, and others refuse to render 
 them the most servile flattery, and comply with their capricious 
 and unreasonable demands. (Notes, and P. O. 1 Kings 21: 
 I — 7.) Prosperity increases insolence and arrogance, which 
 stir up envy and enmity, and provoke affronts and opposition, 
 and thus the most envenomed resentments and tormenting 
 passions are excited, and the fair edifice of fancied felicity 
 vanishes, like the enchanted castles of romantic poets. May 
 we then seek happiness in the favour of God, in peace of 
 conscience, and dominion over our own spirits ; and in cul- 
 tivating that love, which “suffereth long and is kind, . . . 
 envieth no*, vaunteth net itself, is not puffed up, doth not 
 behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own : is not easily 
 provoked, thinketh no evil ; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but re- 
 joiceth in the truth ; beareth all things, believeth all things, 
 nopeth ail things, endureth all things ; and which never 
 
 5 And the king’s servants said unto him, Be 
 hold, Haman stundeth in the court. And the king 
 said, Let him come in. 
 
 6 So Haman came in. And the king said unto 
 him, What shall be done unto the man twhom 
 the king delighteth to honour? (Now Haman 
 thought in his heart, ‘To whom would the king 
 delight to do honour more than to myself?) 
 
 7 And Haman answered the king, For the mar. 
 Swhom the king delighteth to honour, 
 
 8 "Let the royal apparel be brought, which the 
 king useth to wear, and k the horse that ihe king 
 rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon 
 his head : 
 
 9 And let tliis apparel and horse be delivered 
 to the hand of one of the king’s most noble 
 princes, that they may array the man withal whom 
 the king delighteth to honour, and ’’bring him on 
 horseback through the street of the city, and 
 'proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the 
 man whom the king delighteth to honour. 
 
 10 Then the king said to Haman, "’Make haste, 
 and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast 
 
 John 5:23. i 3:2,3. 5:11 . Prov. 1:32. 15:18. 18:12. 30:13. Ob. 3. § Heh. in 
 
 whose honour the king delighteth. !l Heb. Let them bring the royal apparel , 
 wherewith the king clotheth himself. I Sam. 18:4. Luke 15:22. kl King* l: 
 S3. 17 Ileb. cause him to ride. 1 Geo. 41:43. Zech. 9:9. m Dan. 4:37. Luka 
 14:11. Rev. 18:7. 
 
 faileth,” but shall be perfected in the eternal felicity of heaven ! 
 (Note, 1 Cor. 13:5—7.) 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. VI. V. 1, 2. No reason is assigned 
 why Ahasuerus was not able to sleep : but the Lord so 
 ordered it, that sleep fled from him : (marg.) and instead of 
 calling for the ministers of his pleasure to entertain him, he 
 was disposed to examine the records of his kingdom! It does 
 not appear, that he had any express intention, in having re- 
 course to this extraordinary way of employing his sleepless 
 hours, during the night : hut the only wise God so appointed 
 it. And he likewise so ordered it, that the reader opened 
 the records in that part, in which Moudecai’s important ser- 
 vice was written ! (Note, 2:21 — 23.) Had not this circum- 
 stance intervened, Haman no doubt would have prevailed in 
 his request against Mordecai ; and this would have been ex- 
 tremely unfavourable to the success of Esther’s petition for 
 her people, and against Haman. ( Note, 5:14.) 
 
 V. 3. Instead of a reward, Mordecai, and all his people 
 for his sake, were actually condemned to die ! probably som* 
 recompense had been intended: but so unassuming a person 
 who would not cringe and flatter, and who presented no re- 
 quests for preferment, was soon forgotten by a mighty prince, 
 surrounded by his courtiers and pleasures, and engrossed by 
 a multiplicity of affairs. (Notes, Gen. 40:23. 1 Sam. 17:55 — 
 58. 2 'Sam. 9:1. Ec. 9:13—18. Luke 17:1 1—19.)— 4 But 
 there was a special Providence in it, that he went without a 
 reward then, which procured it for him most opportunely at 
 this time. It is not improbable, that, as Josephus saith, the 
 history of some of his ancestors was read before they came to 
 his reign ; wherein was set down what services men had 
 done, and what preferment or gifts had been bestowed upon 
 them ; which moved the king to ask, when they came to this 
 story of Mordecai, what had been done for him.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. 
 
 V. 4, 5. 4 Haman came early to court, that he might 
 gratify his revenge, and go with more pleasure to the banquet. 
 This was another part of God’s providence, to bring him so 
 soon to court, when the king was thus disposed.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. — Even Haman might not enter the inner court till 
 called for. (Note, 4:11.) 
 
 V. 6 — 11, We may suppose, that Haman was much 
 
 leased to be so speedily called into the king’s chamber: 6 at 
 
 is request was prevented, by his advice being asked on a 
 very different business. Probably, the king was considering 
 what good preferment was vacant, which might suit Morde- 
 cai, whom he should delight to honour and reward, as the 
 preserver of his life: hut he did not name the person; and 
 Haman s thoughts were so engrossed about himself, that he 
 could not think the king would honour any one above him % 
 or would delight to honour any one beside him. — His exces 
 sive vanity, ambition, presumption, and ostentation, as wen 
 as the emptiness of his worthless mind, are fully illustrated 
 by the honours which he chose, supposing them intended for 
 himself. He must, forsooth, have the use of the king’s own 
 royal robe, and horse, and crown : one of the most noble 
 princes must be his page, and his herald : and by proclama- 
 tion it was to be made known, what delight the king had in 
 honouring him ! Perhaps Ahasuerus understood his meaning 
 and was disgusted at his exorbitant pretensions: and while 
 he peremptorily commanded him to do all this to 44 Mordecai 
 the Jew ,” he could scarcely help remembering the edict, which 
 Haman had obtained against that people. Haman, however, 
 did not venture to object or demur ; his request for leave to 
 hang Mordecai was adjourned sine die ; and he was eon- 
 ( 867 ) 
 
B. C. 451. ESTHER. B. C. 451 
 
 said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that 
 sitteth at the king’s gate : ‘let nothing fail of all 
 that thou hast spoken 
 
 11 Then "took Ilaman the apparel and the 
 horse, "and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him 
 on horseback through the street of the city, and 
 proclaimed before him, Thus shall it be done unto 
 the man whom the king delighteth to honour. 
 
 12 IT And Mordecai Pcame again to the king’s 
 gate. But Hainan ^hasted to his house mourning, 
 and "having bis head covered. 
 
 13 And Haman told “Zeresh his wife, and all 
 his friends every thing that had befallen him. 
 Then ‘said his wise men and Zeresh his wife 
 unto him, "If Mordecai be of the seed of the Jews, 
 belbre whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt 
 not prevail against him, *but shalt surely fall 
 befobe him. 
 
 14 And while they were yet talking with him, 
 
 • Heb. suffer not a whit, to fall. 2 Kings 10:10. n Ezra 6:13. Is. 60:14. Luke 
 1:52. Rev. 3:9. o 8:15. 9:3. p2:19. 1 Sam. 3:15. Pa. 131:1,2. q 2 Sam. 17: 
 23. 1 Kings 20:43. 21:4. 2 Chr. 26:20. Job 20:5. r 7:8. 2 Sam. 15:30. Job 9:24. 
 Jer. 14:3,4. s 5:10 — 14. t Gen. 41:8. Dan. 2 12. u Gen. 40:19. 1 Sam. 28:19, 
 
 strained to become page to a man, comparatively obscure, 
 whom he hated and contemned above all other men on earth, 
 while this extraordinary honour was conferred on him! Ima- 
 gination itself cannot devise a more painful mortification. 
 It cannot indeed be supposed, that Mordecai was greatly 
 pleased with this unmeaning pageantry considered in itself, 
 which would confer no solid advantage, but expose him to 
 great envy : yet he probably considered it as a favourable 
 presage of Esther’s success, and of the deliverance of his 
 people from their malicious enemies. — Some learned men 
 think, that 44 the crown-royal” denotes an ornament by which 
 the king’s horse was distinguished ; and not the crown which 
 the king himself wore. 
 
 V. 12. Mordecai, not elated with the honour which he 
 had received, returned to his place anu duty as if nothing 
 had happened. (Notes, 1 Sam. 3:15. Prov. 27:20.) But 
 Haman went home as a condemned criminal, dreading the 
 consequences of this unexpected disaster If Mordecai had 
 been a person beforS unknown to Haman, it would have 
 been no real degradation, to be employed in honouring him 
 in this manner, as the preserver of the king’s life ; though his 
 pride would have been mortified : but, as he was the man 
 whom he mortally hated, and one of that nation whose de- 
 struction he had sought and confidently expected ; he must 
 conclude that this favour indicated the determined purpose 
 of the king to prefer Mordecai; and consequently foreboded 
 his own ruin. For in such a contest there could be no 
 alternative between victory and destruction. (Note, Prov. 
 25:8 — 10.) The contrast also, between the object of his so 
 early coming to the king, to request permission to hang Mor- 
 decai, and the honour which he was in consequence com- 
 pelled to do him, was in itself most dismaying. Having his 
 head covered .] Marg. Ref. r. Note , 7:8. 
 
 V. 13. “ Haman told Zeresh his wife, and his friends,’ 
 
 4 who were waiting to hear what was become of Mordecai, 
 whom they advised to get hanged on the gallows, . . . how 
 cross every thing had fallen out to him that morning.’ Bp. 
 Patrick. — The 44 wise men,” here mentioned, seem to h;u «* 
 been astrologers or magicians, whom he consulted on this 
 occasion ; and were probably the same persons whom he 
 had before consulted: (Marg. Ref. Note , 3:7.) and per- 
 haps thejr pretended to found their judgment on the princi- 
 ples of their art, or to consult their oracles. Yet what had 
 been observed of the contest, between Haman and Mordecai, 
 and the sudden and rapid falls of court favourites in absolute 
 aaonarchies ; as well as what they must have heard of the 
 wonderful works of Jehovah in behalf of his people ; were 
 sufficient to convince them, that this unexpected turn was the 
 forerunner of more fatal consequences. But they deduced 
 no salutary counsel from these apprehensions : and indeed 
 their conclusions were entirely calculated to drive Haman to 
 despair. (Notes, l Sam. 28:12 — 19.) His wife also con- 
 curred with them in opinion, that these were fatal omens ; 
 which was calculated still more to overwhelm him. 
 
 V. 14. Hainan, in the anguish of his heart, seems to have 
 neglected his appointment ; and doubtless he would willingly 
 nave been excused from the banquet, to which he had ex- 
 pected to go so cheerfully: (Note, 5:14.) but there was no 
 alternative ; he must attend, to hear his accusation, and the 
 udgment in consequence awarded against him. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 We are in every thing entirely dependent upon God ; nor 
 ✓ an the whole world purchase an hour’s refreshing sleep, if he 
 ee good to withhold it: from him therefore we should seek 
 this sdace to our cares, and thank him for it when we have 
 enjoyed it. But when, by any means he withholds sleep from 
 us, ^t is of great importance to employ usefully our waking 
 hours. The cares and duties of our station in society may 
 properly occupy our reflection, to the exclusion of those 
 thoughts that are vain and injurious : but it is best, when wo 
 can meditate upon God, and his works, his truths, his pre- 
 ( 868 ) 
 
 came the king’s chamberlains, and ^hasted to 
 bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had 
 prepared. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Esther, at the banquet, petitions the king far her oton life , and the lives of her 
 people; and accuses Haman as their enemy, 1 — 6. The king, in wrath aru* 
 Jealousy condemns Haman , who is hanged on the gallows prepared for 
 Mordecai , 7—10. 
 
 S O the king and Haman cime to ‘banquet with 
 Esther the queen. 
 
 2 And “the king said again to Esther on the 
 second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy 
 petition, queen Esther r and it shall be granted 
 thee : and what is thy request? and it shall be 
 performed, eveti to the half of the kingdom. 
 
 3 Then Esther the queen answered and said. 
 If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and 
 if it please the king, b let my life be given me at 
 my petition, and c my people at my request: 
 
 20. Dan. 5:26—28. Zech. 12:2,3. i Job 16:2. y 5:14. Deut. 32:35,36. * Htb. 
 drink. 3: 15. 5:8. n See on 5:6. John 16:24. b 7. 1 Kings 20:31. 2 King. 1 : 13. 
 Job 2:4. Jer. 38:26. c 4:8. Ps. 122:6-9. 
 
 cepts, and promises ; and when we can bless him for his 
 mercies, and pour out our hearts before him in prayer. ( Notes , 
 Ps. 77:2 — 12.) — The providence of God superintends the 
 most minute concerns of men. Those actions which are the 
 result of caprice, and appear unaccountable, fall in with his 
 wise and gracious purposes, and 44 not a sparrow falls to the 
 ground without him.” — Gratitude even to man, though com- 
 mended by all, is practised by very few indeed ; and com- 
 monly least by those who have most in their power. Pride o! 
 rank and birth, a variety of pleasures and occupations, a id 
 the presence of agreeable flatterers, combine to induce neglect 
 and forgetfulness of those, who have most faithfully and 
 effectually served them ; especially if obscure, modest, and 
 unassuming. Yet thus they not only become guilty of the 
 odious sin of ingratitude ; but actually yield the superiority to 
 the very man whom they affect to despise : for he that con- 
 fers, is always superior to him who receives , an unmerited 
 and unrequited favour. — Those qualifications which demand 
 esteem, and those actions which merit a reward, generally 
 meet with neglect, if they do not expose the possessors to ill 
 treatment, in the circles of the great, and in the courts of 
 kings. — The instruments of pleasure and amusement, who 
 help them to forget their misery, and to waste their fleeting 
 moments ; the forward, the subtle, and the artful ; and those 
 who can sacrifice conscience, honour, and honesty, to wit, 
 ingenuity, and politeness, have hitherto always met with most 
 favour from the great. Let us then learn to serve a Master, 
 who will not let the least well-meant service lose;* reward. — 
 And if any reader should recollect, that nothing has been done 
 to requite some benefactor who aided him many years ago, 
 let him not think that the obligation is out of date ; but rather 
 let him study how he may, effectually and without further 
 delay, do that which should have beed done long since ; and 
 delight to honour his benefactors, if he can render them no 
 other recompense. — Pride, envy, and ambition are insatiable 
 and every sinful passion grows more exorbitant by indul- 
 gence. When a man heartily idolizes his important self, he 
 readily fancies that others equally admire him, and are dis- 
 posed to do him all the honour which he foolishly longs after 
 If any one open his lips in commendation, doubtless he must 
 be the object ! if a favour be mentioned, it must be intended 
 for him ! if a preferment bo vacant, who but he can be thought 
 of to fill it, provided it be not beneath his acceptance ! — But 
 u before honour is humility, and a haughty spirit before a 
 fall :” both God and man delight in renderin': the mortifica- 
 tion of prom! worms proportioned to their ambition : and men 
 of this character meet with many presages on earth of that 
 everlasting contempt and misery which await them in another 
 world, if not rescued from this diabolical vice. (Notes, Dan. 
 4:34 — 37. 5:18 — 28.) They who have flattered them in pros- 
 perity, will prove 44 miserable comforters” in the time of their 
 distress : worldly pleasures will soon become tasteless, and 
 even nauseous, to those who have a conscience burdened 
 with guilt or appalled with terror ; and even the wise men of 
 this world have often foreseen the ruin of those, who en- 
 gage in the unequal contest with the church of God. — But 
 the depth of the believer’s distress is the seedtime of his joys, 
 and every victory and comfort is to him an earnest of his final 
 triumph and felicity. The honour, which the Father delights to 
 confer upon his beloved Son, is a pledge of the security and 
 salvation of all whom he represents, and who commit their 
 cause into his hand. Their bitterest enemies shall promote, 
 and be constrained to witness their exaltation , and to know 
 u what shall be done to the men whom the Lord delightetn 
 to honour and how much their 44 eternal weight of glory” 
 exceeds the worthless, transient honours of the wor.d : while 
 the sight shall increase the anguish and despair * f those, who 
 expected to bo gratified in effecting their misery and destruc- 
 tion. 
 
 NOTES.— Chap. VII. V. 2—4. While the king re- 
 peatedly urged Esther to make her request and, in language 
 
B. C. 451. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 B. C. 45 
 
 4 For J vve are sold. I and my people, ‘to be 
 destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. e But if we 
 had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, 1 
 had held my tongue, although " the enemy could 
 not countervail the king’s damage. 
 
 5 11 Then the king Ahasuerus answered and 
 said unto Esther the queen, e\Vho is he, and where 
 is he, 'that durst presume in his heart to do so ? 
 
 6 And Esther said, * *The adversary and enemy 
 is h this wicked Hainan. Then Haman 'was afraid 
 'before the king and the queen. 
 
 7 U And the king, arising from the banquet of 
 wine Hn his wrath went into the palace-garden : 
 and k Haman stood up to make request lor his lile 
 to Esther the queen ; 'for he saw that there was 
 evil determined against him by the king. 
 
 d 3:9. 4:7,8. Dent. 28:68. 1 Sain. 22:23. * Heb . that they should destroy , 
 
 and kill, and cause to perish. 3:13. 8:11. Ps. 44:22,23. e Gen. 37:26 — 28. Deut. 
 28:68. Josh. 9:23. Neh. 5:5. Joel 3:6. Am. 2:6. f 6. 3:9. e Gen. 27:33. Job 
 9:24. t Heb. whose heart hath filled him. Acts 5:3. } Heb. The man adversa- 
 nj. >■ 1 Sam. 24:13. Ps. 27:2. 139:19— 22. Prov. 24:24,25. Ec. 5:8. 1 Cor. 5: 
 13. 2 Thes. 2:8. i Neh. 6:16. Job 15:21,22. 18:5—12. Pa. 73:5— 9,17— 20. Is. 21: 
 
 more expressive than before, promised to grant it, though it 
 were to the value of half his kingdom; (5:3,6.) she, with the 
 greatest modesty and respect, and in the most simple and 
 affecting manner, besought him, that her own life might be 
 spared, and the lives of her people, which were all involved 
 in one common danger. Without complaining of his conduct 
 ir. any degree, she stated, that she and her people had been 
 sold as sheep for the slaughter ; alluding to the money which 
 Haman had offered to pay into the treasury for their destruc- 
 tion : she quoted the words of the unrighteous decree, “ to be 
 destroyed, to be slain, and to perish,” as proving that her life, 
 as wel' as those of the other Jews, was certainly in danger : 
 (3:13.; and she added, that if they had been only sold for 
 slaves, she would not have interposed ; though the enemy 
 could never have made up the loss, which the king would have 
 sustained by thus oppressing his peaceable and industrious 
 subjects. Some interpret the last clause to mean, that if the 
 sufferings of the enslaved Jews, though extreme and unde- 
 served, had not been likewise detrimental to the king’s interest, 
 Esther would have held her peace. The whole speech, how- 
 ever, was replete with natural eloquence, and suited to affect 
 and persuade the king. 
 
 V. 5. Perhaps Ahasuerus at first scarcely recollected his 
 edict against the Jews, or was not aware of its consequences ; 
 or he did not immediately perceive that Esther referred to it : 
 and therefore he could not conceive that any one could be so 
 daring, as to attempt the life of his queen, as well as the de- 
 struction of hjs subjects. The language is peculiarly expres- 
 sive of astonishment and indignation. ‘ In the Hebrew the 
 words are, “ Who is he, whose heart hath filled him to do 
 so ?” A speech like that in the New Testament, ( Acts 5:3.) 
 “ Why hath Satan filled thy heart ?” Made thee so 
 daring and presumptuous.’ Bp. Patrick. (Note, Acts 5:1 — 
 11, v. 3.) 
 
 V. 6. The events, and presages, of the morning no doubt 
 tended to increase Haman’s terror on this occasion. He had 
 found, that the king “ delighted to honour” Mordecai the 
 Jew ; he now discovered that the queen was a Jewess, and 
 strongly attached to her people ; he had heard the king re- 
 peatedly promise to “ grant her request to the half of his 
 kingdom ;’’ and he could not but be aware that his own ruin 
 was impending. 
 
 V. 7. We may suppose, that at the moment when Esther 
 mentioned “ this wicked Haman,” as the enemy of her and of 
 ber people, the whole transaction of the edict rushed into the 
 King’s mind, and appeared to him in its true colours ; and that 
 ne was filled with rage, when he reflected how his worthless 
 favourite had seduced him into a measure, calculated to ruin 
 his kingdom, to take away the life of his beloved queen, and 
 exceedingly to tarnish his own reputation ; and that he walked 
 about in agitation of mind, not knowing what could be done 
 
 *1 such an emergency. 
 
 V. 8. Haman had prostrated himself against the couch, 
 on which Esther reclined at the bpnquet. His only design 
 was to deprecate, with the most abject submission, her dis- 
 leasure, and to entreat her to intercede for his life. But the 
 ing, regarding him as one capable of any villany, and grow- 
 ing more enraged by reflecting upon his former machinations; 
 suspected him, or professed to suspect him, of having designs 
 against the queen’s honour also. — This word sufficiently in- 
 ormed the attendants of the king’s determination ; and they 
 directly treated Haman as a condemned criminal, who was 
 never more to see the face of the king, or even the light of the 
 jun, but to be hurried away to immediate death. 
 
 V. 9. Harbonah, probably when he went to call Haman 
 to the banquet, had seen the gallows, and discovered for 
 what purpose it was prepared. Haman had doubtless been 
 greatly envied for his prosperity, and hated for his insolence, 
 in the midst of all the homage which was paid him. But now 
 that the king’s mind was evidently alienated from him, the 
 courtiers were glad to please him and the queen, by concur- 
 ring in Haman’s dcwnfal. 
 
 V. 10 It is immaterial to us, whether Haman died by 
 
 8 Then the king returned out of the palace- 
 garden into the place of the banquet of wine ; 
 and Haman was fallen upon “the bed whereon 
 Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force 
 the queen also "before me in the house? As the 
 word went out of the king’s mouth, they "covered 
 Haman’s lace. 
 
 9 And "Harbonah, Pone of the chamberlains, 
 said before the king, tBehold also the "gallows 
 fifty cubits high, which Haman had made lor 
 Mordecai, "who had spoken good for the king, 
 standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king 
 said, "Hang him thereon. 
 
 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that 
 he had prepared for Mordecai. ‘Then was the 
 king’s wrath pacified. 
 
 4. Dan. 5:5,6. § Or, at the presence of . ) 1:12. k Prov. 14:19. Is. 60:14. 
 
 Rev. 3:9. 1 1 Sam 20:7,9. 25:17. is. 1 12:10. Prov. 19: 12. Dan. 3:19. ml. 
 
 6. Is. 49:23. || Heb. with me. n 6:12. Job 9:24. Is. 22:17. o 1:10. Harbona. 
 p 6:14. 2 Kings 9:32,33. q 5:14. Job 27:20— 23. U Hub. tree, r 2:21—23. 6:2. 
 8 9:25. 1 Sum. 17:51. Pe. 7:15,16 . 9:15,16 . 35:8 . 37:35,36 . 73:19. Prov. 11:5,6. 
 Dan. 6:7,24. t Judg. 15:7. Ex. 5: 13. Zech.6:8. 
 
 crucifixion, or was strangled, or put to death in some other 
 way, before he was suspended on the gibbet. (Notes, Deut. 
 21:22,23. Josh. 8:29. 2 Sam. 17:23. 18:9. 21:9—14, v. 9. 
 Matt.'ll'.'i — 5. Gal. 3:10 — 14.) Crucifixion however seems 
 to have been a Roman punishment ; at least not to have 
 been in use at this early period. (Note, Ps. 22:16 — 18, 
 v. 16.) It is enough to know, that he suffered the punishment 
 which he had devised for Mordecai. Nec lex est cequior ulla, 
 quam necis artifices arte perire sua. ‘ There is no law more 
 equitable, than that the devisers of death should perish by 
 their own art.’ — Thus “ the righteous is delivered out of 
 trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead.” (Note, Prov. 
 11:8.) — ‘In this wonderful deliverance of the Jewish nation, 
 there was no extraordinary manifestation of God’s power, no 
 particular cause or agent, that was in its working advanced 
 above the ordinary pitch of nature ; and yet the contrivance, 
 or suiting of those ordinary agents appointed by God, is more 
 admirable than if the same end had been effected by means 
 truly miraculous.’ Dr. Jackson in Bp. Patrick. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The repeated promises, even of weak, mutable, and selfish 
 men, encourage us to make our requests to them with great 
 expectation of success : much more then should the exceed- 
 ingly great and precious promises of the unchangeable God, 
 embolden us to present many and large petitions to him, in 
 behalf of ourselves and others, and with the full assurance of 
 receiving far more than we ask. — If the love of life inspire 
 such earnest and pathetic pleadings, with those “ who can only 
 kill the body;” how fervent and importunate should our con- 
 tinual prayers be to “ Him, who is able to destroy both body 
 and soul in hell !” And how affectionately should we pray 
 for the eternal salvation of our relatives, friends, and neigh- 
 bours, and all around us ! — In supplicating the great men of 
 this world, we must be very cautious not to withhold proper 
 respect, or to give needless offence ; even just complaints 
 must be suppressed, and that asked as a great favour, which 
 might equitably be demanded as a debt. But when we 
 approach the King of kings, provided we come with humble 
 reverence and uprightness of heart, we cannot ask or expect 
 too much : for though nothing but wrath is our due, he is able 
 and willing to “ do exceeding abundantly above all that we 
 ask or think.” — Persecution is as impolitic as it is unjust: 
 nor would the wealth of both the Indies compensate the 
 temporal loss, which must arise to every prince, who puts 
 to death his conscientious, industrious subjects, immures 
 them in prisons, drives them out of his dominions, harasses 
 them with oppressions, and tempts them to hypocrisy. — Men 
 often commit crimes without remorse, which, when described 
 in their nature and consequences by proper language, or 
 pointed out to them in the conduct of others, appear most 
 horrible and atrocious : and when they find upon reflection, 
 the nature and effects of their own heedless conduct, they 
 are filled with anguish and remorse. (Notes, 2 Sam. 12:1 — 
 14. Ps. 51:1 — 6.) Yet alas! their indignation frequently 
 falls exclusively upon their tempters or accomplices, instead 
 of producing unreserved self-condemnation and abhorrence. 
 But when such convictions are excited in those in authority, 
 though they do not terminate in true repentance, they may 
 yet produce many salutary effects, by inducing them to 
 punish atrocious criminals, to protect the innocent, and to 
 rectify grievous abuses. — Those who are most insolent in 
 prosperity, are commonly tho most abject in adversity : and 
 the enemies of God shall all be brought down before his 
 people, and made to know his love towards them. (Ex. 11:8. 
 Is. 60:14. Rev. 3:9.) — When men have proved themselves 
 capable of the most daring and horrid crimes ; they have no 
 reason to expect any other, but to be suspected where they 
 are not guilty, and to have the worst constructions put upon 
 their most innocent actions. — The favour of men is deceitful 
 and precarious : the higher wicked ambition climbs, the more 
 rapid and terrible will be its fall. When haughty favourites, 
 either of mighty princes, or of fickle multitudes, begin to 
 totter upon their slippery eminence, all hands join to \unj 
 ( 869 ) 
 
B C. 45 ESTHER B. C. 451. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 Uaman’s esta < t is given to Esther ; and Mordecai, a$ her near relation , is 
 preferred in Human' s stead , 1, 2. Esther , with tears, entreats the king to 
 reverse the decree against the Jews, 3 — 6. The king authorizes the Jews to 
 defend themselves, and sends letters to that effect , throughout the provinces, 
 7 — 14. The honours conferred on Mordecai, and the joy of the Jews, 
 15— 17. 
 
 O N that day did the king Ahasuerus “give 
 the house of Hainan, the Jews’ enemy, unto 
 Esther the queen. And Mordecai b eame before 
 the king ; for Esther had told what he was unto 
 her. 
 
 2 And the king took off c his ring which he had 
 taken from Hanian, and gave it unto Mordecai. 
 And d Esther set Mordecai over the house of 
 Haman. 
 
 3 II And Esther spake yet again before the 
 king, and 'fell down at his feet, and ‘besought 
 bim with tears to put away rthe mischief of 
 Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had 
 devised against the Jews. 
 
 4 Then the king eheld out the golden sceptre 
 towards Esther. So Esther arose, and stood 
 before the king, 
 
 5 And said, If it please the king, h and if I have 
 found favour in his sight, and the thing seem 
 right before the king, and 'I be pleasing in his 
 eyes, let it be written to reverse the betters 
 devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the 
 Agagite, : which he wrote to destroy the Jews 
 which are in all the king’s provinces: 
 
 6 For k how can I ^endure to see 'the evil that 
 
 • Job 21:16,17. P«.39:6. 49:6—13. Pro*. 13:22. 28:8. Ec. 2:18,19. Luke 12:20. 
 b 1:14. 2:7,15. c 3:10. (Jen. 41:42. Is. 22.19— 22. Luke 15:22. d2Sam.9:7— 
 10. Ec. 2:18,19— 26. 5:13,14. e I Sura. 25:24 . 2 Kings 4:27. • Heb. she me), l 
 uni besought Mm. Is. 38:3. Hot. 12:4. Heb. 5:7. f3:8 — 15. 7:4. g 4:11. 5:2. 
 b 7.3. Ex. 33:13,16. 1 Sam. 20.29. i 2:4,17. | Heb. device. 3:12,13. } Or, 
 i ehowrote. kGen. 44:34. Jer. 4:19. 9:1. Luke 19:41,42. Rom. 9:2,3. 10: 1 . 
 
 ihem down, either out of envy, revenge, hatred, or similar 
 ambition : and even they, who have most caressed and 
 delighted to honour them, will often as much delight in their 
 misery and ruin. Thus 44 the fear of the wicked cometh upon 
 him,” and that suddenly : he is 44 tak*»n in his own net, and 
 entangled in his own devices andf when he perishes there 
 is shouting.” (Notes, Prov. 10:24. V :1 0,1 1 . ) — At the day of 
 final retribution, when the whole wicKedness of the ungodly 
 shall be discovered, and the justice of God displayed in their 
 everlasting punishment ; all the righteous shall joyfully 
 exclaim, 44 So let all thine enemies perish, O Lord !” (Notes, 
 P 3:20. 19:1 — 6.) but those who love him 44 shall shine 
 forth as <he sun, in the kingdom of their Father.” 
 
 NOTES.' — Chap. VIII. V. 1, 2. Some of Esther’s 
 attendants were acquainted with Mordecai’s relation to her ; 
 ( Note , 4:4.) and the king knew that he was of Jewish extrac- 
 tion : (6:10.) but he did not know that Mordecai was Esther’s 
 own cousin, and had been as a father to her, till cm this occa- 
 sion she disclosed it to him. Mordecai in consequence was 
 introduced to Ahasuerus, and preferred by him : and as he 
 had been so kind a friend to the queen when she was in 
 destitute circumstances, and had also preserved the king’s 
 life, none could have fairer pretensions. The ring with the 
 royal signet seems to have continued with Haman, as de- 
 noting the high offices which he bore under the king, till he 
 was deposed and condemned ; when, being taken from him, 
 it was given to Mordecai as his successor. (Notes, 3:10,11. 
 Gen. 41:41 — 43. Is. 22:20—25. Jer. 22:24—27.) Haman’s 
 large estate also, being confiscated for his crimes, was given 
 to Esther, and managed for her by Mordecai : ( Notes . Job 
 >7:13 — 23, vv. 16,17. Prov. 13:22. 28:8. Ec. 2:24—26.) and 
 if that haughty man could have foreseen these events, the 
 prospect would have imbittered his life, and even augmented 
 the anguish of his death. 
 
 V. 3 — 6. Haman was dead, Mordecai was advanced, and 
 the queen’s person was protected : but the edict against the 
 Jews remained in force, and their numerous enemies, in 
 every province, would certainly endeavour to carry it into 
 execution ; so that Esther had not yet obtained the deliverance 
 of her people, and that lay nearest to her heart. Pro- 
 bably, she was sometimes called for by the king : but to 
 show that she was interested in the concerns of her nation, 
 even more than in her own safety, she again ventured un- 
 called into his presence to plead for them. She seems to 
 have been peculiarly earnest, on this occasion ; for she fell at 
 his feet, and besought him with tears to grant, her request. 
 It may be supposed, that Ahasuerus hesitated in this per- 
 plexing case ; as not. knowing how to extricate himself with 
 credit from so great a difficulty, and as reluctant to proclaim 
 to all the world the folly into which he had been seduced. 
 But Esther, with great discretion, avoided every intimation 
 tnat the king himself had issued the decree, and expressed 
 herself as if it had been not only Haman’s device, but alto- 
 gether his work, even as if the edict had been forged by him. 
 r-'teed it had originated in his pride and revenge; his artful 
 Insinuations had decoyed the king to give an inconsiderate 
 
 ( S70 ) • 
 
 shall come unto my people ? or how can I endure 
 to see the destruction of’ my kindred ? 
 
 [ Practical Observations . ] 
 
 7 U Then the king Ahasuerus said unto Esther 
 the queen, and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I 
 have given Esther the house of Haman, and "him 
 they have hanged upon the gallows, because be 
 laid his hand upon the .Jews. 
 
 8 Write ye also lor the Jews, as it liketh you, 
 “in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s 
 ring : for the writing which is written in the 
 king’s name, and sealed with the king’s ring, 
 Pmay no man reverse. 
 
 9 Then were ‘‘the king’s scribes called at that 
 time in the third month, that is, the month 
 Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; 
 and it was written, according to all that Mordecai 
 commanded, unto the Jews, r and to the lieute- 
 nants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces, 
 which are from India unto Ethiopia, a hundred 
 twenty and seven provinces, unto every province 
 according to the writing thereof, and unto every 
 people after their language, and to the Jews 
 according to their writing, 'and according to their 
 language. 
 
 10 And he wrote ‘in the king Ahasuerus’s name, 
 and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters 
 "by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, 
 camels, and x young dromedaries, 
 
 11 Wherein the king granted the Jews which were 
 
 § Heb. 6c ablethat I may see. 1 7:4. Neh.2.3. m 1. Prov. 13:22. n7.10. Gal 
 3:13. o 3.12. 1 Kings 21:8. p 5. 1:19. Dan. 6:8,12— 15. 2 Tim. 2:19. Heb. 
 6:17,18. q 3: 12. r 1:1,22. 3:12,13. Dan. 6:1. a 1:22. 3:12. 2 Kings 18:26 
 Dan. 4:1. 1 Cor. 14:9 — 11. t I Kings 21:8. Ec.8:4. Dan. 4:1. u 1:13,15. 
 2 Chr. 30.6. Job 9;25. Jer. 61:21. x Is. 60:6. 66:20. Jer. 2:23. 
 
 assent to it ; and he had framed it in his own words, and to 
 answer his own purposes. (Notes, 3:6 — 15.) — 4 If she her- 
 self were spared, she represents to him that it would break 
 her heart to see all her kindred, nay her whole nation, de- 
 stroyed.’ Bp. Patrick. Her plea, and the expressions used 
 in urging it, are peculiarly pathetic and emphatical, and 
 suited to excite the deepest and most tender sympathy ; as 
 well as to show her fervent affection for her people, as the 
 people of God. 
 
 V. 8. The decree against the Jews was irrevocable : but 
 another edict might counteract its operation, and that would 
 also become irreversible : and Esther and Mordecai were 
 allowed to frame one for the purpose, as explicit as they 
 pleased : and to ratify it in the same manner. Thus, that 
 most absurd law, or constitution, made it necessary to au- 
 thorize a civil war throughout this vast empire ; both parties 
 acting by and against the king’s authority, at the same time . 
 — The maxim in our government, that 4 no act can be so 
 framed, but that the same authority which enacted it may 
 repeal it,’ is immensely more suited to the state of human 
 nature : for no human wisdom can foresee all the effects o» 
 any regulation, till experience has evinced them. While the 
 king had legal authority to put the evil counsellor to death, 
 to confiscate his estate, and to prefer his most hated enemy 
 to his high offices, so that no objection seems to have been 
 advanced b" his nobles and counsellors; he had not the legal 
 power to revev o the obnoxious decree! (Notes, 2:1. 3:10, 
 11.) — 4 Thus he chose to fill his realm with blood, rather 
 than revoke a rash decree.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 9. (Notes, 1,2. 3:12 — 15.) More than two months 
 had past, since Haman’s decree was framed. (3:7.) Proba- 
 bly Ethiopia or the south of Egypt is intended. 
 
 V. 10. These letters were sent by runners, ( Note , 2 Chi 
 30:6 — 9, v. 6.) or by horsemen. The words for the other 
 animals, on which some of the messengers rode, are unusual, 
 and learned men are by no means agreed about the meaning 
 of them. Probably they were derived from the Persian lan- 
 guage, or from that of some of the eastern nations. But the 
 greatest speed was needful in this emergency, and every 
 method was taken to secure it. (Marg. Ref.) 4 He sent men 
 on horseback, . . . <and upon other creatures as swift as horses, 
 and upon mules both young and old, according as the places 
 were nearer or further off. So he ordered the letters to be 
 sent with great speed by ihe post, which carried them from 
 stage to stage, till they came to the place whither they were 
 directed.’ Bp. Patrick. 
 
 V. 11 — 13. This last decree evidently showed the king’s 
 intentions, though the former edict remained in force: sotha* 
 they who assaulted the Jews, were, in reality, though not for* 
 molly rebelling against his authority. The Jews were not 
 allowed to assault their enemies : hut they might legally 
 assemble and combine in defending themselves, and slay any 
 number of those who attacked them. As the children and 
 women were included in Haman’s decree, they were also men- 
 tioned in this: but the Jews did not avail tin mselves of the 
 clause ; neither did they take any spoil. (3:13. Note, 9:ft 
 
B. C. 451. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 451 
 
 in every city ?to gather themselves together, and 
 to stand for their life, to dest'.oy, to slay, and to 
 cause to perish, all the power of the people and 
 province that would assault them, both little ones 
 and women, ‘and to take the spoil of them for a 
 prey, TT 
 
 12 u pon “one day in all the provinces of king 
 Ahasuerus, namely, b upon the thirteenth day of 
 
 he twelfth month, which is the mouth Adar. 
 
 13 The copy of the writing, for Tt command- 
 ment to be given in every province, i vas 'published « 
 unto all people, and that, the Jews should be ready 
 against that day to c avenge themselves on their 
 enemies. 
 
 14 So the posts that rode upon mules and 
 camels went out, d being hastened and pressed on 
 by the king’s commandment. And the decree 
 was given at 'Shushan the palace. 
 
 15 H And Mordecai went out from the presence 
 of the king in f roya. apparel of ’blue and white, 
 and with a great crown of gold, and with a gar- 
 ment of fine linen' and purple: and sthe city of 
 Shushan rejoiced, and was glad : 
 
 16 The h Jews had 'light, and gladness, and joy, 
 and honour. 
 
 y9:2— 16 z 3:13. 9:10,15,16. Is. 10:6. a 9:1 . Ei. 15:9,10. Judg. 1:6,7. b 3: 
 13—15. • Heb. revenlei. c Judg. 16:28. Pa. 37: 14,15. 68:23. 92:10,11. 149:6— 
 9. Luke 18.7. Re*. 6:10. 19:2. dlSain.21:B. Ec. 9:10. e 1:2. 2:3. 3:15. 
 Neh. 1:1. Den. 8:2. 15:1.6:8,11. Gen. 41 :42. Ma:l. 6:29. 11 :S. Luke 16:19. 
 t Or, violet. 1:6. g3:!5. Pro*. 29:2. h 4:1— 3,10. Pa. 30:5— 11. i 9:17. Pa. 
 
 10.) Haitian aimed at extermination, they only at self- 
 defence. If this edict had not been granted, the Jews would 
 have been punishable for taking previous measures in order 
 to defend themselves: so that they could not have engaged, 
 with concert or prospect of success, in any measure for that 
 purpose : and even if any had escaped the massacre they 
 would have been exposed as criminals to the sword of the 
 •magistrate, for resisting the execution of the law. They 
 might, and doubtless would, when rendered desperate, have 
 sold their lives as dear as possible ; but they could have had 
 little hopes of escaping, when overwhelmed by numbers, who 
 were countenanced by the governors in every province. But 
 now the advantage was entirely on their side : as none who 
 valued the king's favour would injure them; and they might 
 prepare with union and concert to repel the assault of others, 
 and to inflict deserved punishment on their inveterate ene- 
 mies. ( Marg . Ref. e.) 
 
 V. 14. ( Note , 10.) Though this decree was ratified 
 
 above eight months before the appointed day ; yet there 
 would be time little enough to publish it throughout all the 
 provinces of this immense empire, considering the great dis- 
 tance of many of them from Shushan ; and to give the Jews 
 opportunity to prepare arms, and take proper measures for 
 their own preservation. The king himself therefore hastened 
 the messengers, as dreading the consequences of the former 
 edict. 
 
 Y. 15. Mordecai, being now publicly recognised as the 
 chief minister and favourite of the king, went from the palace, 
 arrayed according to his rank, in conformity to the customs 
 of the country. (Marg. Ref. f.) It seems that the people 
 of Shushan in general, having a better opinion of his inte- 
 grity and capacity than of Haman’s, were greatly pleased with 
 the change: (Notes, Prov. 11:10,11. 28:12,28. 29:2.) though 
 the sequel shows, that there was a strong party of rancorous 
 enemies to the Jews residing there. — A great croum, &c.] 
 ‘Not like that of the kings, but such a coronet as was worn 
 oy the peers of the realm.’ Bp. Patrick. Perhaps it was one 
 of the insignia of the chief minister under the king. 
 
 V. 1G. Had light, &c.] That is, prosperity and hope. 
 The dark cloud which had long hung over the nation of the 
 Jews was dispelled, and the returning favour of the king, in 
 answer to their prayers, was a token of the Lord’s care of 
 them. So that their hopes revived, and they began, as it 
 were, to walk in the sunshine, and were filled with gladness, 
 and treated with respect by those who had despised them; 
 being evidently in favour both with God and man. (Notes, 
 Ps. 30:9—12. 97:11. Prov. 4:18,19.) 
 
 V. 17. (Marg. Ref.) When the people saw the inter- 
 positions of Providence in behalf of the Jews, many were 
 convinced that God was with them, and that they would cer- 
 tainly prevail in the contest : being therefore afraid of perish- 
 ing among their enemies, and desirous of sharing the rising 
 irosperity of his people, they embraced their religion, and 
 united interests with them. We may suppose that some were 
 tiue converts, and others only formal professors, as it com- 
 monly happens in such cases. Haman’s plot, however, to 
 destroy the Jews, was overruled to increase their num- 
 bers. (Notes, Ztch. 8:20—23. Acts 12:1—4,24.) 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — G. Many of those, who most prosper in the world, 
 would have little alacrity in their pursuits, or joy in their 
 possessions, if they could foresee to whom their riches would 
 devolve, and what use would be made of them. It is, how- 
 
 17 And in every province, and in every city, 
 whithersoever the king’s commandment and his 
 decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, 
 feast and a good day. And 'many of the people 
 of the land became Jews ; m for the fear of the 
 Jews fell upon them. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 On the day appointed, the Jews, aided by the rulers, slay their enemies ; ani 
 among the rest Jive hundred men in Shushan, and Homan's ten sons, 1— lOl 
 The king hearing this, at Esther's request, allows the Jews in Shushan t . 
 stand against their enemies on the day following, when three hundred mor 
 are slain ; and he causes Homan's sons to be hanged on the gallows ereclM 
 by Human, 11 — 15. The Jews throughout the provinces slay seventy-Jivt 
 thousand men, 16. They rejoice with feasting on the two following days , l 
 — 19. These days are appointed by Esther and Mordecai as an annual fes- 
 tival, in commemoration of this deliverance, and called the feast of Pur Ur 
 20—32. 
 
 N OW “in the twelfth month, that is, the moriu 
 Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, 
 when the king’s aommandment and his decree 
 drew near to he put in execution, in the day tha 
 the enemies of the Jews b hoped to have powe. 
 over them, ("though it was turned to the con 
 trary, that the Jews had rule over them that 
 hated them;) 
 
 2 The Jews '’gathered themselves together i.- 
 their cities throughout all the provinces of th« 
 king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such e as sougl, 
 
 18:28,97:11, Prov. 4:18,19. Is. 30:29. 35:10. k 9:17,19,22. ISem. 25:8, 
 Neh. 8:10. IPs. 18:43. Zech. 8:20— 23. mGeti.35:5. Ex. 15:16. Deul. 2:25. 
 11:25. a 3:7,13. 8:12. bAclsl2:ll. c Deut. 32:36 . 2 Sam. 22.41 . Ps. 30:11 
 Is. 14:1,2. 60:14— 16. Re*. 11:18. d 10. 8:11. e Deut. 2:30. Josh. 11:20. U 
 8:9. 
 
 ever, a good thing when, consistently with justice, that wea ith, 
 which has pampered pride and luxury, and increased insolence 
 and oppression, is transferred to those who will improve it 
 to the glory of God and the benefit of mankind. — No advance- 
 ment should render us forgetful of our indigent relatives, or 
 indifferent about the public good, and the peace and pros- 
 perity of the church. These especially should be dearer t<j 
 us than life itself: and when we have obtained our requests 
 for ourselves ; we should be the more fervent in prayer for oui 
 brethren, and in using our influence and venturing all conse- 
 quences for their good. — If we would affect others, we shmild 
 study to get our own hearts suitably impressed ; and in nSny 
 cases, we may be more importunate in asking favours for ouf 
 friends and brethren, and for the poor, than we ought to be for 
 ourselves. — It is a good and cogent plea, when we are praying 
 for the conversion of our children or relatives, to say, “How 
 can I endure to see the evil that shall come upon them ? How 
 can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?” And it 
 forms an argument equally forcible, to induce us to use every 
 means for their good, with assiduity and perseverance. — Baa 
 examples, unjust laws, rash projects, and wicked books, often 
 prove* an extensive and durable curse to the world, when the 
 authors of them are removed: no wisdom suffices to prevent 
 their fatal tendency ; and, as we must all be answerable for 
 the consequences of our misconduct, this should render us 
 very circumspect, lest our guilt should accumulate even after 
 our death. ( Note , Luke 16:27 — 31.) 
 
 V. 7 — 17. Every regulation in society, however appa- 
 rently reasonable and beneficial, which does not advert to the 
 fallen nature of man, will on trial be found unsuitable to his 
 real condition, and inconsistent with his best interests: and 
 all provisions, made to humour the ambition and passions o! 
 princes, will eventually embarrass and ensnare them. We 
 are, however, indispensably bound to adopt every method ot 
 preventing the fatal effects of our past mistakes, or crimes 
 even though we should be constrained to proclaim our own 
 folly to the world: and much expedition should be used, 
 when the lives of men are in danger, or their minds distracted 
 with terrors. — If it was proper, that the decree of Ahasuerus 
 should be communicated to every nation in its own language ; 
 how reasonable and necessary is it, that the holy law and 
 gracious gospel of our God should be put into every one’s 
 hands in his own tongue! — Those who sow in tears and 
 prayers, may expect speedily to reap with joy. — External 
 decorations are insignificant in the judgment of the wise and 
 pious: yet they may properly distinguish those in authority; 
 and, while they procure them respect from the multitudes, 
 who look no further, they should remind them of the duties 
 to which their dignities call them. The preferment of wise 
 and pious men ought to be matter of rejoicing to all: but the 
 people of God have the most cause for gladness. They may 
 expect to be delivered frdVn the darkness of oppression, to 
 enjoy the light of peace and prosperity ; and to meet with 
 honour, in some measure proportioned to the contempt which 
 they before endured/ And when believers “have rest, and 
 walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy 
 Ghost, they will be multiplied.” Indeed, the attempts of 
 Satan and his agents, to destroy the church by cruel persecu 
 tions, have uniformly tended to the increase -of true Chris 
 tians. May the Lord speedily “ destroy every enemy who 
 hath done evil in his sanctuary :” may the princes of the 
 earth become nursing fathers to his church: may his peopie 
 have “ light, and joy, and honour, a feast and a good day” eg 
 
 ( 871 ) 
 
0. C. 451 
 
 ESTHER. 
 
 B. C. 451 
 
 their hurt: and no man could withstand them ; 
 for r the fear of them fell upon all people. 
 
 3 And all Mhe rulers of the provinces, and the 
 lieutenants, and the deputies, and ’officers of the 
 king, helped the Jews ; because h the (ear of Mor- 
 decai fell upon them. 
 
 4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, 
 and 'his fame went out throughout all the pro- 
 vinces : for this man Mordecai k waxed greater 
 and greater. 
 
 5 Thus the Jews 'smote all their enemies with 
 “the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and 
 destruction, and did 'what they would unto those 
 that hated them. 
 
 6 And in “Shushan the palace the Jews slew 
 and destroyed five hundred men. 
 
 7 And Parshandatha, and Dalphon, and 
 Aspatha, 
 
 8 And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha, 
 
 9 And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and 
 Vajezatha, 
 
 10 The s ten sons of Haman the son of Ham- 
 medatha, the Penemy of the Jews, slew they; 
 but son the spoil laid they not their hand. 
 
 11 On that day, the number of those that 
 were slain in Shushan the palace Hvas brought 
 before the king. 
 
 12 11 And the king said unto Esther the queen, 
 The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred 
 men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of 
 Haman ; what have they done in the rest of the 
 king’s provinces ? now r what is thy petition? and 
 it shall be granted thee : or what is thy request 
 further ? and it shall be done. 
 
 13 Then said Esther, If it please the king, let 
 
 f 8: 1 7 . Ex. 23:27. Josh. 2:9. g 3:12. 8:9. Exr* 8:36. Dan. 3:2. 6:1,2. * Heb. those 
 which did he business that belonged to the king, h 3:2— 6. 8:15. i Josh. 6:27. 
 
 1 Sam. 2:30. 1 Chr. 14:17. Zeph.'3:19. Malt. 4:24. k2 Sam. 3:1. 1 Chr. 11:9. 
 Ps. 1:3. Prov. 4:18. Is. 9:7. 1 Ps. 18:34-40,47,48. 20:7,8. 149:6— 9. 2 Thes. 1: 
 G. m Jer. 18:21. t Heb. according to their will, n See on 3:15. o 5:11. Ex. 
 20^Job 13:18,19. 27:13— 15. Ps. 21:10. 109:12,13. p 3:1. 7:4,6. Ex. 17:16. 
 
 earth, anticipating the joy and gladness of heaven : and may 
 Jesus himself reign, by the power of his grace, wherever the 
 sun diffuses his beams ; and may he fill the earth with truth 
 and righteousness ! Amen. 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. IX. V. 1, 2. ( Marg . Ref. Notes , 
 Is. 14:1 — 6. Rev. 11:7 — 12.) — As the Jews were not charged 
 with exceeding the limits, assigned them in the king’s edict, 
 it may be concluded that ihey assaulted none, except such 
 as appeared in arms against them : but when they were 
 attacked, they vigorously pursued their advantage. Neither 
 the fear of God, nor that of the king, could overcome the 
 desperate enmity of numbers against the Jews, whom they 
 had hoped to extirpate ; so that, perhaps urged on by the 
 enraged friends of Hainan, and all his paity, they a* f acked 
 them on the day appointed, in every part of the empire: yet 
 they were every where speedily intimidated, and yielded the 
 Jews an easy and decisive victory. 
 
 V. 3, 4. The late decree, and the report which accom- 
 panied it of Mordecai’s increasing greatness, rendered all the 
 governors afraid of offending him, lest they should fall under 
 the king's displeasure: so that they generally assisted the 
 Jews, which gave them a decided advantage in the bloody 
 contest.' [Marg. Ref.) 
 
 V. 5 — 10. The sons of Haman seem to have combined 
 against the Jews, by way of revenging their father’s death; 
 as the king and Mordecai were out of their reach. At the 
 head of their retainers, probably, they led on the attack in 
 the royal city of Shushan, but they were all slain, wi'h five 
 hundred of their party. — As the Jews professed only to defend 
 their own lives, when they u did what they would unto those 
 that hated them they would not take their spoil, or any i 
 part of it: and there is no intimation, that they injured their I 
 families, or any individual, who was not found in arms against 
 them. (Notes, 3:12—15. 8:11—13.) 
 
 V. 13. As it cannot be supposed that Esther was actu- 
 ated by revenge in this request: it is probable she had lear- 
 ned from Mordecai, that Hainan’s retainers still formed a 
 faction, not only dangerous to the Jews, but to the state: and 
 were prepared to reflew the attack on the next day. She 
 therefore desired, that the Jews might defend themselves, and 
 pursue their assailants, in order that the party might be 
 crushed or finally intimidated: and also, that the bodies of 
 Hainan’s sons might be suspended on trie gallows, prepared 
 by their father ; to show all persons concerned, that by assault- 
 ing the Jews, they would expose themselves to tho indig- 
 nation of the king. (Note, 7:10.) 
 
 V. 15. ‘Some that appeared against them, perhaps 
 escaped their hands, whom they might meet withal the next 
 day.’... They ‘in the conflict escaped by flight, and were 
 • >w found out and killed.' Bp. Patrick. — It does not however 
 < S72 ) 
 
 it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan 
 to do to-morrow also according unto this day s 
 decree, and Met Hainan’s ten sons be hanged 
 upon the gallows. 
 
 14 And the king commanded it so to be done : 
 and the decree was given at Shushan ; and they 
 hanged Hainan’s ten sons. 
 
 15 For the Jews that were in Shushan, 
 ‘gathered themselves together, on the fourteenth 
 day also of the month Adar, and slew three hun- 
 dred men at Shushan ; "but on the prey they laid 
 not their hand. 
 
 16 But the other Jews that were in the king’s 
 provinces gathered themselves together, and 
 "stood for their lives, and had rest from their 
 enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five 
 thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey, 
 
 [Practical Observations."] 
 
 17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; 
 and on the fourteenth day "of the same rested 
 they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 
 
 18 But the Jews that were at Shushan assem 
 bled together ?on the thirteenth day thereof, and 
 on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day 
 of the same they rested, and made it a day of 
 feasting and gladness. 
 
 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that 
 dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the iourteenth 
 day of the month Adar a day of ‘gladness and 
 feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions 
 one to another. 
 
 20 H And Mordecai “wrote these things, and 
 sent letters unto all the Jews that were b in all the 
 provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and 
 far, 
 
 q 15,16. 8:11. Gen. 14:23. Rom. 12:17. Phil. 4:8. } Heb. come, r5:6. 7:2 
 ■ 8:11. § Heb. let men hangHaman's tensons. 2 Sam. 21:6,9. Gal. 3:13. l2 
 8:11. Pa. 118:7-12. u 10,16. 1 Thes. 5.22. Heh. 13:5. x8:ll. Lev. 26.7,8. 
 II Heb. in iL v 1,11,13 z 22. 8:17. Deut. 16:11,14. Nell. 8.10— 12. Ps 118:11 
 —16. Luke 11:41. Rev. 11:10. a Ex. 17:14. Deut. 31:19—2-2. 1 Chr. 16:12. Pa. 
 124:1—3. 145:4—12. 2 Cor. 1:10,11. b 1:1,22. 3:12. 8.9. 
 
 appear, that they were authorized by the new decree, to slay 
 any but those who assaulted them, or that they actually did 
 so. Some think, that many of those slain in Shushan, and 
 in other parts of the empire, were Amalekites, and that thus 
 the prediction, concerning the utter destruction of Amalek, 
 was exactly accomplished. (Notes, 3:1. Ex. 17:14 — 16.) 
 
 V. 16. Seventy-five thousand, &c.] All this large number 
 lost their lives, through the pride and ievenge of one wicked 
 man, but by their own malice and enmity to the worshippers 
 of Jehovah. Thus the power and spirits of the enemies of 
 the Jews were broken, and peace and rest were prepared for 
 them. It is not recorded that any Jews were slain on this 
 occasion ; and probably their preservation was as remarkable 
 as the destruction of their assailants. — They were indeed 
 placed in the most extraordinary circumstances: but as they 
 were sanctioned in what they did by the king’s authority, and 
 stood in defence of their own lives; as they slew none but 
 those who attacked them, and universally declined availing 
 themselves of the king’s permission to enrich themselves wi’h 
 the spoil ; they must be allowed to have acted in an unexcep- 
 tionable manner ; and were no more chargeable with the 
 blood shed by them, than if they had been engaged in the 
 most necessary defensive war: and indeed it was one of the 
 most necessary defensive wars, that ever any people or nation 
 engaged in. — ‘Thereby we may judge what a great number 
 of Jews still remained in other countries, and did not return 
 to their own.... It is likely, Mordecai by his letters, had 
 charged them not to make use of the liberty the king had given 
 them to take the spoil; (8:11.) because they universally 
 avoided it.’ Bp. Patrick . — It may he supposed, that the ene- 
 mies of the Jews, in the vicinity of Judea, did not venture to 
 assauti them. 
 
 V. 17— 19. Note, 21—32. 
 
 V. 20. “Mordecai wrote these things,” or the history 
 contained in this book, as the words most obviously imply ; 
 and not merely the letters afterwards mentioned, as many 
 understand it. It is most probable, that he wrote an account 
 of these interesting transactions, and sent it with his letters 
 into all the provinces of the empire. This, no doubt, included 
 Judea and Jerusalem ; the inhabitants of which were as much 
 aimed at in Hainan’s decree, as the Jews dispersed in other 
 countries were. — The contrast between his style and that of 
 Nehcmiah, is very remarkable. The latter is interspersed 
 with ejaculations and pious reflections; (Notes, Nch. 2:1. 
 4:4,5. 5:19. 6:5—9. 13:14,20 — 22, v. 22, 31.) the former treats 
 of divine things, without any explicit mention of God anri 
 religion. (Note, 4:13,14.) The different situation in which 
 the two writers were placed, and the objects which they aimed 
 at in writing, might have as much influence in ctusing this 
 difference, as their different dispositions. Nehemia fs mantxv 
 
B. C. 450. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 B. C. 450. 
 
 21 To establish this among them, that they 
 should keep the fourteenth day of the month 
 Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly, 
 
 22 As 'the days wherein the Jews rested from 
 their enemies, and the month which was turned 
 unto them ‘'from sorrow to joy, and from mourning' 
 : oto a good day : that they should make them 
 days of feasting and joy, and of 'sending portions 
 one to another, and gilts to the poor. 
 
 23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had 
 begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them : 
 
 24 Because Haman the son of Hammedatha, 
 the Agagite, f the enemy of all the Jews, had 
 devised against the Jews to destroy them, and 
 had cast sPur, that is, the lot, to 'consume them, 
 and to destroy them ; 
 
 25 But 'when Esther came before t}ie king, he 
 commanded by letters that his wicked device 
 which he devised against the Jews, should h return 
 upon his own head, and that he and his sons 
 should be hanged on the gallows. 
 
 26 Wherefore ‘they called these days Purim, 
 after the name of *Pur. Therefore for all the 
 words of this fietter, and of that which they had 
 seen concerning this matter, and which had come 
 unto them, 
 
 27 The Jews ordained and took upon them, 
 
 4 3:12,13. Ex. 10:3— 8. Ps. 103:2. I». 12:1,2. 14:3. d Ps. 30:11. Matt. 5:4. 
 John 18:20-22. e 19. Neh. 8,10,12. Luke 11:41. Acls 2:44-48. Gal. 2:10. 
 f 10. 3:5—13. g 3:7. * Heb. crush. t Heb. when she came. 13:14. 7:5 — 10. 
 3:1:14. h Ps. 7:16. 109:17,18. 140:9. 141:10. Matt. 21:44. i Num. 16:40. Ez. 
 39:11. | That is, Lot. j20. k Deut. 5:3. 29:14,15. Josh. 9:15. 1 Sam. 30:25. 
 
 is in general most worthy of imitation: yet in some circum- 
 stances men are not to be censured, if they deem it expedient 
 to imitate Mordecai. (Preface.) 
 
 V. 21 — 32. These verses contain the institution of the 
 feast of Purim, which the Jews observe to this day. When 
 the second decree of Ahasuerus was published, they had in 
 every place “joy, and gladness, a feast, and a good day.” 
 (Notes, 8:16,17.) And when they prevailed in the contest 
 in all parts of the empire, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth 
 month, they with one common impulse observed the fourteenth 
 as a festival, with joy and gladness. But the Jews at Shu- 
 shan were, on that day likewise, engaged in conflict, and the 
 fifteenth of the month was their day of rest and joy and festi- 
 vity. (17 — 19.) Mordecai therefore wrote lo his people in 
 every place, proposing the observance of both these days 
 annually, in commemoration of their deliverance, by Jews 
 and proselytes, throughout their dispersions, and to all future 
 generations. And upon the receipt of these letters, the Jews 
 everywhere consented to the proposal. Yet it seems, that 
 they afterwards grew negligent : and therefore a second letter 
 was written, with all authority, bv Esther and Mordecai, 
 enjoining the observance ; which was accompanied “ with 
 words of peace and truth;” (30) that is, with affectionate 
 good wishes, prayers, and congratulations ; and with whole- 
 some counsels and instructions. The festival therefore was 
 appointed by authority and by royal proclamation, yet under 
 the direction and according to the mind of the Spirit of God. 
 It was evidently proper to perpetuate the memory of so extra- 
 ordinary a deliverance: and no doubt Esther and Mordecai 
 did right in requiring the Jews on this great occasion, thus to 
 Keep it in remembrance, and transmit the memorial of it to 
 their posterity. It was appointed that these days should be 
 spent in feasting and joy, in hospitality and liberality to the 
 poor. But, as the prayers, which without doubt attenjed the 
 fasting of the Jews in Shushan, are not mentioned; (Note, 
 4:13,14.) it cannot reasonably be questioned but that praises 
 and thanksgivings to God at first attended their feasting and 
 rejoicing, though not recorded. Even to this day the Jews 
 are used to assemble, at the time appointed, in their syna- 
 gogues, to read over this book of Esther, and to perform some 
 acts of religious worship: but the feast has long since degene- 
 rated into a season of riot and excess. — The word Purim 
 signifies the lots, (being the plural of the word Pur,) in remem- 
 brance of the lots cast by Haman, by which the day was 
 deferred till time was allowed for defeating the whole design, 
 and all his tokens were frustrated. (Note, 3:7.) Thefastings, 
 lamentations, and prayers, which preceded the deliverance, 
 were to be remembered with peculiar joy and gratitude. (31 ) 
 Some think it was intended, that the thirteenth day should 
 be observed as a day of fasting and prayer, as an introduction 
 to the festival ; and the Jews at present profess to observe it 
 «s such: but the decree does not admit of this construction. 
 Finally, the decree was added to this book ofEsther, in which 
 the history of these transactions was recorded, that the insti- 
 tution might never be forgotten. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 V. 1 — 16. The obstinate enemies and persecutors of the 
 ihurch are often left to act in the most infatuated manner ; 
 »eing urged on by malice, in opposition to the most evident 
 sictates of prudence. (Notes, Ex. 14:5 — 9,21 — 23.) For the 
 Vol. I.— 110 
 
 k and upon their seed, and upon 'all such as joined 
 themselves unto them, so as it should not Tail, 
 that they would keep these two days according 
 to their writing, and according to their appointed 
 time every year ; 
 
 28 And that these days should be “remembered 
 and kept throughout every generation, every 
 family, every province, and every city ; and that 
 these days of Purim should not "fail from among 
 the Jews, nor "the memorial of them "perish 
 from their seed. 
 
 29 Then Esther the queen, °the daughter oi 
 Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all 
 "authority, to Pconfirm this second letter of 
 Purim. 
 
 30 And lie sent the letters unto all the Jews, 
 to ^the hundred twenty and seven provinces of 
 the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with 'words of peace 
 and truth, 
 
 31 To confirm these days of Purim in their 
 times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew 
 and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as 
 they had decreed for "themselves “and for their 
 seed, the matters of ‘the fastings and their cry. 
 
 32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these 
 matters of Purim ; and it was written in the 
 book. 
 
 2 Sam. 21:1 ,2. 1 8:17. Is. 56-3,6. Zech.2:ll.*8:23. § Heb.pass. mEx.12: 
 17. Ps. 78:5— 7 103:2. II Heb. pass. n Ex. 13:8,9. Josh. 4:7. Zech. 6:14. 
 TJ Heb. be ended, o 2:15. *• Heb. strength. p2Q.8:10. q 1:1. 8:9. r Is. 39: 
 8. 'Zech. 8:19. tt Heb. their souls, b 27. t 4:3,16. Jon. 3:2— 9. 
 
 records of history show, that when the enemies of God's 
 people have “ hoped to have power over them,” it has gene- 
 rally been “ turned to the contrary,” and they have gained the 
 advantage “over them that hated them.” Yet, neither obser- 
 vation, nor experience, nor demonstration, can subdue the 
 enmity of the carnal mind, which seizes every opportunity of 
 exerting itself: and even the protection of the ruling powers, 
 if not very decisive, has generally been found insufficient to 
 repress the spirit of persecution ; though men commonly fear 
 the displeasure of a king, or of powerful courtiers, far more 
 than the wrath of almighty God. — The aggressor is answer- 
 able fbr all the blood shed in unjust war ; provided the advan 
 tages gained by those, who stand in their own defunce in a 
 good cause, be not pushed on with revenge and cruelty : and 
 when whole nations are attacked on account of religion, they 
 have as good a right to defend themselves, as when the assault 
 is made on any other unrighteous pretext. — But in every case 
 the servants of God should manifest a disposition to humanity 
 and disinterestedness : and frequently they ought to decline 
 advantages, which might legally be obtained. — Prosperous 
 sinners often bequeath their vices and enmities to their pos- 
 terity; the effects of which remain, when their ill-gotten or 
 abused affluence is dissipated : but children will never be 
 ruined by the crimes oftheir parents, unless they imitate them. 
 (Notes, Ex. 20:5. Ez. 18:2 — 4,14 — 17.) — The pertinacity of 
 some offenders renders it necessary for the most merciful rulers 
 to use severity : and the enmity and obstinacy of wicked men 
 will display the justice of God in their final and eternal 
 destruction, when the whole world will know all their crimes 
 But what dire effects to thousands may result from one mali- 
 cious, or even incautious action! (Notes, 3:8 — 11.) 
 
 V. 17 — 32. When the sense of recent mercies is lively in 
 our hearts, we should hasten to pour out our praises to the 
 Lord. Gratitude to him, when united with temperance and 
 liberal kindness to the poor, will sanctify our rejoicing, and 
 render a day of feasting a good day to our own souls, and to 
 our brethren. (Notes, Neh. 8:9 — 12. P. O. 9—18.) — In 
 reviewing our mercies, we should advert to our previous fears 
 and distressed: we should consider, how our “sorrow hath 
 been turned into joy;” what imminent danger of death or 
 destruction we have escaped ; what cries, prayers, confes- 
 sions, and vows we have made; and with what remarkable 
 circumstancts our deliverances have been attended, our ene- 
 mies disappointed, and our comforts renewed. When our 
 mercies are personal, we should he careful that we do not by 
 forgetfulness lose the comfort of them, and withhold from our 
 God the glory due unto his name. When they are very 
 public and remarkable, rulers in church or state should unite 
 authority, with admonitions and “words of peace and truth,” 
 to prevent the memorial of them from perishing; and that all, 
 who shall eventually share the advantages, may j lin in ren- 
 dering praise tinto the Lord. But alas! the best institutions 
 are liable to be perverted by human depravity : and to dege- 
 nerate, not only into a form, but into an occasion of sin . Hoi 
 joy in God is supplanted by sensual indulgence and carnal 
 mirth: under pretence of celebrating great deliverances, or 
 even of commemorating the mysteries of redemption, professed 
 Christians often behave, as if they were the devotees c-1 
 Bacchus or of Momus; and, instead of “a good day” and a 
 feast unto the Lord, they imitate the worshippers of the golder 
 ( S73 ) 
 
B. C 44'5, 
 
 ESTHER, 
 
 B. C. 446. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The peatneat of Ahasuerue, and the advancement and use fulness of 
 Mordecai, 1 — 3. 
 
 A ND the king Ahasuerus “laid a tribute upon 
 the land, and upon b the isles of the sea. 
 
 2 And “all the acts of his power, and of his 
 might, and the declaration of the greatness of 
 
 a 1 : 1 . 8 9. Luke 2: 1 . b Gen. 10:5. P6. 72:10. Is 24:15. Dan. 11:18. c 1 Kings 
 11:41.22:39. * Heb. made him great. 8: 15. 9:4. Ps. 18:35. d 2.23. 6:1. 1 Kings 
 
 calf, and “,sit down to eat and drink, and rise up to play !’’ 
 {Note, Ex. 32:1. P. O. 1 — 14.) Nothing more deeply dis- 
 graces religion, o r more injuriously stupilies the conscience, 
 than such abuser. May the Lord then teach us to rejoice 
 with that holy joy, which anticipates and prepares for the 
 felicity of heaven ! 
 
 NOTES. — Chap. X. V. 1 — 3. These verses close the 
 narrative, as it stands in the original Hebrew ; and are very 
 improperly detached from the preceding chapter. As, how- 
 ever, they here stand, they begin another chapter, which is 
 continued in the apocryphal supplement to this book, and opens 
 with the fourth verse of the tenth chapter. The nature of 
 Ahasuerus’s tribute, and the acts of his power, are not de- 
 clared in the sacred Scripture ; but the preferment of Mor- 
 decai proved no diminution of the king’s greatness, or detri- 
 ment to his subjects at large ; and it was peculiarly advanta- 
 geous to the Jews. (Marg. Ref. f, g.) Mordecai neither 
 concealed his religion, nor grew shy of his people, though they 
 were generally poor and despised. His authority seems to 
 have been durable; and he was greatly honoured by all his 
 jretnren : for he used his power to protect them and promote 
 their welfare ; and he behaved towards them with all conde- 
 scension and affection. — This book is placed in our Bibles the 
 last of the historical records of the Jews ; though the events 
 recorded by Nehemiah seem to have occurred subsequent to 
 most, if not all, in this book. (Note, Neh. 2:6.) — However, 
 for above four hundred years, that is, till the coming of the 
 Messiah, the scriptural narrative of that favoured nation is 
 suspended. — A compendious view of the most material events 
 wnich are transmitted to us by other writers, is added, at the 
 dose of this book, in order to connect the Old Testament 
 with the New. — It has been observed, that no pagan writer 
 mentions any of the events recorded in the book of Esther ; 
 jut in fact, little comparatively is known concerning the Per- 
 sian kings, or the Medo-Persian empire, except as connected 
 ith the history of Greece, and as recorded by Grecian histo- 
 
 Mordecai, whereunto the king "advanced him, 
 are they not written d in the book of the Chroni- 
 cles of the kings of Media and Persia ? 
 
 3 For Mordecai the Jewicas'next unto king Aha- 
 suerus, and great among the Jews, and r accepted of 
 the multitude of his brethren, ^seeking the wealth 
 of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed. 
 
 11:19. e Gen. 41:10. 1 Sam. 23:17. 2Chr. 28:7. f3.2. Rom. 14:18. g Neh. * 
 10. P«. 122:8,9. Rom. 9:2,3. 10:1. 
 
 rians : and it cannot be supposed, that the concerns of the 
 Jews, as dispersed through the vast empire of Persia, would 
 at all attract tl e attention of >hat proud people, who con- 
 sidered all na ions, except themselves, as barbarians ; and 
 who peculiarly despised the J-w's, as a bigoted and narrow- 
 minded race ; because they would not conform to any of their 
 varied idolatri is, or embrace any of their systems of skeptical 
 philosophy. 
 
 PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS. 
 
 The conoirns of the despised worshippers of God are 
 deemed more important by "he Spirit of inspiration, than the 
 greatest exploits of the mort illustrious monarch upon earth. 
 — Those who enjoy the benefits of civil government, are 
 reasonably required to contribute to the expense of it ; but it 
 is happy for the people when taxes are imposed with justice 
 and equality ; and the advancement of wise and good men 
 forms the most honourable part of the conduct of powerful 
 princes. — Rulers should consult the advantage of all their 
 peaceable subjects : but they are peculiarly required to seek 
 the welfare of the church, by protecting it from oppression, 
 and encouraging the worship and ordinances of God. — That 
 greatness is truly honourable which is usefully employed: and 
 when those fill exalted stations, who behave with humility 
 and condescension, and who manifest a due regard to religion, 
 and affection for their inferiors ; they will be most likely to 
 escape envy, and to be honoured and accepted by the mul- 
 titude of their brethren. — Contentment, diligence, and fidelity 
 in lower employments, form a hopeful presage of good conduct 
 in more important and exalted situations : and though men o. 
 superior talents and excellency may for a season appear to 
 be buried in obscurity ; yet, if the Lord have work for them 
 to do, he will bring them forth to more extensive usefulness. 
 We should be thankful for equitable and peaceful rulers and 
 temporal privileges ; but all earthly grandeur is passing away : 
 — may we then seek those riches and that glory, which shall 
 endure to all eternity ! 
 
 » 
 
EPITOME 
 
 OF 
 
 THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 SURROUNDING NATIONS AS FAR AS CONNECTED WITH THE JEWS. 
 
 FROM THE CLOSE OF THE SACRED CANON OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, UNTIL 
 THE TIMES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. 
 
 Soon after the events, recorded by Nehemiah and in the book of Esther, or perhaps before tee 
 close of them, Artaxerxes Longimanus died, and was succeeded by Darius Nothus. (B. C. 423.) 
 He dying, was succeeded by Artaxerxes Mnemon ; (B. C. 405 ;) in whose time Johanan, the htgh- 
 priest, murdered his brother Joshua in the temple, and the nation was fined by the Persians. 
 After some other successions, of little consequence to the narrative, in our present view of it, 
 Darius Codomannus, the last king of the Medo-Persian empire, ascended the throne. (B. C. 336.) 
 During all these years the Jews were entirely a province of the Medo-Persian empire. 
 
 Xerxes, the father of Artaxerxes Longimanus, had before this unsuccessfully attempted to 
 subjugate Greece. (Note, Dan. 11:2 — 4.) This so exasperated the Greeks, that they long medi 
 tated a design of subverting the Persian empire. — Various events, not material in this epitome, 
 made way for Alexander the great, king of Macedon, to be appointed commander of a Grecian 
 army, which was raised for the purpose of invading the Persian dominions. With about thirty 
 thousand select troops, be passed over into Asia ; (B. C. 334 ;) and with a celerity, unexampled 
 in history, having vanquished the immense armies of Darius, in three pitched battles, the last of 
 which was followed by the murder of Darius by his own servants, he terminated the Medo-Persian 
 empire, and assumed the dominion over all the nations contained in it. (B. C. 830.) (Notes, Dan. 
 2:39. 7:6. 8:5 — 7. 11:2 — 4.) In a short time Alexander, having still more enlarged his dominions, 
 died at Babylon ; and after many severe and bloody contests, his empire was divided into four 
 kingdoms, Macedonia, Thrace, Syria, and Egypt. (B. C. 323.) (Notes, Dan. 7:6. 8:8.) — The 
 Jews, however, had little concern, for some ages, with any of these, except the kings of Syria, and 
 of Egypt, called by Daniel, the king of the north, and the king of the south. (Notes, Dan. 11:2 — 
 6.) Judea lay between the dominions of the successive rulers of these kingdoms; and was, for a 
 long time, under the power of one or the other of them ; (Notes, Dan. 1 1 :5 — 20.) and exposed to 
 the ravages of the armies which marched through the land. At first they formed a part of the 
 kingdom of Egypt, under Ptolemy Soter: after his death, Ptolemy Philadelphus, his son and suc- 
 cessor, showed them much favour; and during his reign, the Hebrew Scriptures began to be 
 translated into Greek, for the benefit of the Jews, who lived in Egypt and other places, where the 
 Greek was known. — This translation is called the Septuagint; and by means of it, many of the 
 learned Gentiles acquired considerable acquaintance with the Old Testament. 
 
 The Jews, having been cruelly oppressed by Ptolemy Philopater, (who, attempting to enter into 
 the holy of holies, was opposed and hindered by the priests and rulers, which he indignantly 
 resented,) revolted from him, and submitted to Antiochus the great, king of Syria. But Antiochus, 
 having rashly engaged in war with the Romans, was vanquished, and reduced to make an inglo- 
 rious peace ; which gave the Romans, the fourth kingdom, their first entrance into the dominions 
 of the Grecian empire, or the third kingdom. (Notes, Dan. 2:39 — 43. 7:7,8 11:17 — 19,31.) 
 
 ( 875 ) 
 
EPITOME OF THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS. 
 
 After the death of Antiochus the great, and the inglorious reign of his son, Selfeucus Pliilopater , 
 (Notes, Dan. 1 1:20 ;) Antiochus Epiphanes, called by Daniel “ a vile person,” succeeded, and most 
 cruelly oppressed and persecuted the Jews, causing all the worship at the temple to cease, and even 
 dedicating it to his own idol. (Notes, Dan. 8:9 — 12. 11:21 — 30.) But Mattathias, a priest, and 
 his sons called the Maccabees, opposed him ; and being wonderfully assisted and prospered, in 
 many bloody contests, under Judas Maccabaeus, the power of Antiochus was overthrown, his 
 persecution terminated, the temple was recovered and its service restored ; and Antiochus soon 
 came to a miserable end. These events are recorded in the books of Maccabees, the first of 
 which especially is allowed to contain authentic history. (Notes, Dan. 11:31 — 35.) From about 
 this time, (B. C. 153,) the Jews, taking advantage of the enfeebled state of the contending king- 
 doms, (Syria and Egypt,) became independent under the government of the Maccabees, who 
 united in general the high-priesthood with the sovereign authority ; but without the name of king, 
 till the time of Aristobulus, son of Hyrcanus. (B. C. 107.) This epitome must exclude the notice 
 of the intestine contests of the different parties, among the Jews ; which were many, fierce, and 
 often bloody. 
 
 At length, however, the Romans greatly extending their conquests, the kingdom of Syria was 
 •■educed into the form of a Roman province, by Pompey the great. He not long after besieged 
 Jerusalem ; and having taken it, he entered into the holy of holies ; (B. C. 63 ;) but after that, he 
 never prospered. (Note, Dan. 11:31, conclusion .) — From this time, the Jews became dependent 
 on the Romans. — At length Antipater, the father of Herod the great, an Edomite, by the favour 
 of Julius Cesar, (who had prevailed against Pompey, and obtained dominion at Rome,) was made 
 ruler in Judea. (B. C. 47.) After Antipater’s death, Herod his son, called by Matthew, “ Herod 
 the king,” by the favour of the Romans, and by force of arms, obtained possession of Jerusalem, 
 and was established in regal authority; being by birth an Edomite, but proselyted to Judaism ; 
 which authority was at length confirmed by Augustus Cesar. (B. C. 30.) This dignity he 
 maintained with great ability, but most atrocious cruelties, in his own family, as well as among others, 
 till the birth of Christ. In this interim, he had built many cities, and almost rebuilt the temple. 
 (Notes, Hag. 2:6 — 9. Matt. 16:13 — 16. John 2:18 — 22. Acts 22:35.) His atrociously cruel 
 attempt to murder the infant Saviour, is recorded by the evangelist; and soon after he died most 
 miserably. (Notes, Matt. 2:) After some years, in which the dominions of Herod were divided 
 into four Tetrarchies under the sons of Herod, (Note, Matt. 14:1,2.) Judea became a Roman 
 province; the sceptre departed from Judah, for Shiloh was come; (Notes, Gen. 49:9,10.) and 
 under Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, in the reign of Tiberius. Cesar, the successor 
 of Augustus, the Lord Jesus was crucified. — Galilee, however, still remained under the govern- 
 ment of Herod the Tetrarch, son of Herod the king, who beheaded John Baptist : but after 
 some otn r changes, at length the whole Jewish state was subverted under Titus the son of 
 Vespasian. (A. D. 79.) 
 
 END OF VOL. L 
 

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